Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-06-11

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CONTENTS

[01] Cologne Conference approves document of Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe

[02] Italian President Ciampi arrives in Albania

[03] Majko says Milosevic and his supporters should be subject to new Nuremberg for the Balkans

[04] Press review

[05] Pogaj and Letaj again under Serb artillery shelling

[06] A new day dawning for the entire Albanian nation - Meidani

[07] 140 Kosovars come back to Kukes

[08] Meidani and Ciampi discuss roads of cooperation between Albania and Italy

[09] Demirel to Meidani: We will help Kosova Albanians

[10] Deputy PM meets with military delegation of Saudi Arabia

[11] EC will continue assisting Kosove refugees

[12] Some 1000 hectares with sown crops destroyed due to Serb shells

[13] USA will support projects on railway commands and signals

[14] Majko:" Mafia structures in custom offices should be immediately eliminated"

[15] INSIG: New General Director is presented

[16] Meidani and Ciampi discuss roads of cooperation between Albania and Italy

[17] Union for Democracy hailed resolution of United Nation Organization

[18] Prime Minister Pandeli Majko inaugurated "EDIL CENTRO" brick's factory

[19] Ciampi said we will continue to help displaced Kosovars return to their soils

[20] Two first challenges of Albanian economy

[21] Dislocation of American marines towards Macedonia continues Uorges says "Task Force Hawk" kernel will remain in Albania

[22] Italian government accords aid for Albanian army

[23] Businessmen ask for greater support by State

[24] Ciampi visits Italian military members in Durres

[25] Korca: Cathedral Saint Maria in Voskopoja is damaged

[01] Cologne Conference approves document of Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe

Attending the conference were the Foreign Ministers of the EU nations, those of the region, the U.S., Canada, Japan, senior representatives of international organisations and others, according to the Foreign Ministry Press office.

The Albanian delegation at this conference was headed by Foreign Minister Paskal Milo.

The conference appreciated Albania's great contribution in coping with the humanitarian crisis and the difficult situation the region is facing.

In his speech Milo, after congratulating Germany, which holds the current presidency of the EU and G8, the U.S., and all others which have contributed to the realisation of this pact, stressed that "the historic moment that has gathered us today is a unique chance to reiterate that the success of this difficult and complicated process depends on the fulfilment of the basic conditions for a free and safe return of the refugees to Kosova".

Milo expressed the conviction that NATO will play a key role in the future for stability and security, the democratic development and economic prosperity of Southeastern Europe.

After stressing Albania's role during the crisis, the weight it bore and the difficulties it is facing, Milo asked from the International Community to support Albania's demands for a quick integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures and the economic projects that would contribute to the regional integration.

At the end, the conference approved the document of the Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe. /dast/lm/

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[02] Italian President Ciampi arrives in Albania

Upon his arrival at the airport Ciampi headed for the Palace of Brigades where he is holding talks with President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani, Prime Minister Pandeli Majko, Parliament's Speaker Skender Gjinushi,

The Italian President will also tour the camp of the displaced Kosovars in the districts of Kavaje and Vlore and will meet with the Italian personnel of "Arcobaleno mission" and the command of the "Italfor Albania" contingent in Durres.

This has been the first formal visit of the Italian President abroad since his election as President of the Italian Republic on May 13 this year. /dast/lm/

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[03] Majko says Milosevic and his supporters should be subject to new Nuremberg for the Balkans

"The Albanian government expresses deep reserves and the conviction that the peace process would be very complicated, or, to be more precise, impossible for as long as the Belgrade regime is headed by Milosevic, widely acknowledged as the cause of the conflict in Kosova and other conflicts in the region, considered as inspirer of the ethnic cleansing strategy and generator of wars, massacres and crimes around the Balkans.

Milosevic and Serb ultra-nationalism are a bomb without safety and now it is clear to all that he should be deactivated for the sake of peace and stability in the Balkans. More over, Milosevic and his followers denounced of war crimes should be subject to a real Nuremberg without compromise, to a Nuremberg which, besides the justice according to the principle "crime is always punishable", offers a new morale in the Balkans and an example not to be followed by anyone.

The Albanian government considers the deployment of the NATO troops in Kosova the first indispensable guarantee in initiating the process of the Kosova war refugees' return to their homes.

On the other hand, appreciating the role played by the Russian diplomacy in resolving the conflict we express our deep reserves that an increased presence of the Russian troops in the region would undermine the refugees' trust in the return guarantee and would seriously create doubts in their hopes to return.

The Albanian government publicly expresses its commitment to building what is called a new Balkans. We are convinced that the entire Albanian factor in the Balkans will demonstrate maturity and self-restraint like it has shown before.

During the span of the conflict it will reflect stability at home and for the neighbours as well as will offer full compliance with the NATO operation, continuing to play the role of a partner in the solution of the problem, being at the same time part of this solution.

On behalf of the Albanian government, I would like to address a warm greeting to all our partners, the NATO nations, especially the U.S. and the Great Britain, which, ranking themselves in this battle against the Milosevic regime, defended those extraordinary values created after the World War Two, which are a precondition for a new world order". /y.pa/lm/

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[04] Press review

"KOHA JONE", indipendent daily. - "Post war, investors ready for the Balkans". The prime minister, Pandeli Majko said yesterday that the end of the conflict in Kosova, will soon eleminate the dilema of the bizness community to invest in the Balkan region, especially in Albania. - "Berisha: I miss the Parlament". In the yesterday's meeting of the DP parlamentary group, the lider of this party, Sali Berisha expressed that he is not against the attendance of the parliament. -"Kukes celebrates with gunshoots". Meanwhile different televizion station transmited the sign of the military deal, people were enthusiastic and gunshoots were heard in Kukes.

"GAZETA SHQIPTARE", indipendent daily.

- "Majko: The Serbs are still at the border". The Prime Minister Majko said yesterday in parliament, that provocations near the albanian border have continued by the serb side. - "The Serbs: shells on Albania, the day of the peace accord." The Serb shelling against Albania has continued along the border, even yesterday, meanwhile there have been no deportees. - "Italy delivers the names of 8700 criminals". About 8700 personal files of albanian criminels have been handed to the albanian criminal police, thus filling the central archive.

"SHEKULLI", indipendent daily. - "USA: The indipendence in 2000". The USA envoy for Albania, Robert Frowik, said yesterday that "USA has not backed the idea of Kosove indipendence, but who knows what the year 2000 has rezerved for Kosova?". -"DP, the rebel ranks are gaining strength". Debates in the DP parlamentary group meeting, in reference with the idea of attending the parliamentary sessions of the deputies of this party. -"Chief policemen in heroin traffic".The open file in Milano for the heroin traffic is enriched with new officialpolice' names in Tirana.

"RILINDJA", indipendent daily informative. -"One more big stone in the foundations of Kosova indipendence." -"The expel of Serbia out of Kosove and the "zero point." - "The agreement - creation of conditions for a complete indipendence of Kosove."

"ALBANIA", indipendent daily.

- "Within three hours, 8 persons killed and two wounded". - "DP: For the parliament we are waiting the government". - "The refugees pleased with the peace agreement".

"EKONOMIA", daily of the Albanian Agency for economic development.

- " The failure in Customs: Angjeli manipulates with IMF permission". - "Majko analyses today the Customs and the deficit". - "The banks do not low down the credict interest under treasure bonus."

"ZERI I POPULLIT", daily indipendent of Socialist Party.

- "Now we have to build the new Balkans". A complete editorial of the prime minister speech, in the albanian parliament, in Jun 10 1999." - " Again Berisha leaves DP out of the parliament." - "UNCHR: We are ready to bring the kosovars back home"

"RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE", daily of Demokratik Party of Albania.

-"Berisha: Thankfulness for USA and NATO" - "For Kosove now or never".

"REPUBLIKA", daily of Republican party of Albania.

-"Tomorrow Nano abandons the celebration of SP" -"Godo: Kosovars should leave aside their quorrels".

/Na/

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[05] Pogaj and Letaj again under Serb artillery shelling

The Serb artillery on Thursday night continued to shell Albanian territory, Has district, although at lower rates.

Sources from the district police commissariat report that, at 19.00 on Thursday, the Serb military forces fired artillery shells on Albanian border villages, an attack which was repeated at around 22.00.

According to these sources, also attacked were the Maric quarter of Pogaj village as well as Letaj village. The shells fell some hundreds of metres inside Albanian territory but caused no damage.

The Maric quarter, which has recently been the target of Serb artillery, has almost been completely destroyed and the Letaj village has suffered substantial damages.

In the meantime, fierce fighting was reported between the KLA and the Serb army overnight near the state border in the zone of Gorozhupi and Vermice.

The same sources report of a partial withdrawal of Serb military troops from the border belt early today. /dast/lm/

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[06] A new day dawning for the entire Albanian nation - Meidani

In this message Meidani stresses that the U.N. Security Council is voting a very significant resolution, which seals the results of the NATO war in Yugoslavia and paves the way for the solution of the crisis in Kosova.

"My heart feels that a new day is dawning for the whole nation, for our martyr Kosova, for the Kosovar brothers and sisters who this spring lived through one of the most savage violence in history."

Meidani, after considering the Resolution of the Security Council a guarantee for the irreversibly of the process of peace, freedom, justice and self-governing in Kosova and as a victory of diplomacy, on behalf of the Albanian nation, he addresses thanks to the NATO nations with the U.S. at the head, the NATO headquarters, other states and authorities engaged in the diplomatic and humanitarian front.

Meidani also paid homage to the fallen in battle, the killed and the missing in Serb Crematoriums and addressed a special message of honour to the KLA units, their commanders, the general headquarters, political leaders and those of the resistance, all the volunteers of freedom, who decided to give their lives for Kosova's freedom, honour and dignity.

Later President Meidani, mentioning once again NATO's demands, which will enable the realisation of the other goals, stressed that "the NATO troops may enter into Kosova at any moment. This will be the greatest turning point, even more than such, it will be the moment of unblocking the century for Albania and Southeastern Europe."

Under these conditions, he said, the return in safety of the deportees, as one of the main objectives of the International Community, is possible.

Referring to the horrors the Kosovars have experienced during this period, whose calvary will never be forgotten, Meidani said that "the drama of the displaced united our nation more. Milocevic had not thought that by expelling the Kosovars, the imposed borders between Albania and Kosova would be demolished for ever as survival, as the future."

Meidani stressed that the return of the displaced is not only a question of desire, but above all a political obligation to do not what Milosevic has wanted but what NATO has wanted, to make Kosova.

"Peace is near. The huge work for reconstruction begins tomorrow," said the President. /dast/lm/

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[07] 140 Kosovars come back to Kukes

From thursday, it is seen the beginning of a real flux of the kosovars arrivig to Kukes from different cities of Albania, in order to be as near the border as possible.

"On thursday, 18 trucks carrying at least 140 kosovars from different parts of Albania made their way to Kukes."sources from the prefecture of Kukes report. They have passed the first night under open sky profiting by the good weather. The structures of the local power are preparing to cope with a greater flux in the coming days. /dast/Na/

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[08] Meidani and Ciampi discuss roads of cooperation between Albania and Italy

Ongoing cooperation between Albania and Italy and determining the fields of this cooperation for the future was the main topic of the meeting held Friday between Ciampi and the Albanian delegation headed by President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani.

Also attending the meeting were Prime Minister Pandeli Majko and Speaker of Parliament Skender Gjinushi.

President Meidani asked from his Italian counterpart Italy's support for Albania on the international plane. He also asked Italy's support, its presence in rebuilding Kosova, respecting the will of the Albanian people, based on the international charters on human rights, to self-govern, following the transition period in Kosova.

Meanwhile, Ciampi expressed the importance his country devotes to the relations with Albania. He considered the Adriatic sea as a common benefit, whose value will increase in the future, serving as a gate to link Europe with Asia.

The meeting was held behind closed doors.

The Italian president arrived in Albania on Friday for a one-day formal visit.

This has been the first formal visit of the Italian President abroad since his election as President of the Italian Republic on May 13 this year, succeeding in this office former President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro. /dast/lm/

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[09] Demirel to Meidani: We will help Kosova Albanians

Demirel renewed his country's will to contribute to the safe return of the Kosovars to their lands and provide all the necessary aid to rebuild Kosova and bring life to normality.

Turkey has played a significant role in resolving the conflict in Kosova. As a NATO member it has expressed its readiness to take part in the peacekeeping force to be deployed in Kosova.

It has also provided considerable aid in coping with the humanitarian crisis in Albania due to the arrival of some 500 000 forcibly displaced Kosovars. /dast/lm/

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[10] Deputy PM meets with military delegation of Saudi Arabia

On behalf of the Albanian government, Meta thanked the Government and people of the United Arab Emirates for the aid they have provided to cope with the humanitarian emergency in Albania, according to the Ministry of Information.

Colonel Ohaid Al Ketbi expressed the readiness of his country to be side by side Albania in coping with the humanitarian emergency until the Kosova war refugees safely return to their homes.

"I would like to express my admiration for the Albanian government, which is facing this situation, as well as for the hospitality of the Albanian people," said Ketbi, who informed Meta that Saudi Arabia has undertaken to complete the Kukes airport, build the aqueduct for the Kukes town which will be completed in 45 days, build several roads in the town and other projects. /dast/lm/

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[11] EC will continue assisting Kosove refugees

The main concern of the EC countries remain the safe return as soon as possible of Kosove refugees to their soils, is said in a press release.

All the EC countries are trying to help cope with the difficult situation created. The European Community and the countries participating in it have voiced thier engagement to help Albanian as well as the deported Kosova refugees. They are resolute to continue their attempts for multidimensional aid as long as the refugees are in Albania.

EC countries will assist Albania not only through the projects undertaken by the state institutions and non-governmental organizations but also through the contribute of international bodies. The sum accorded by the EC countries to assist the Kosova refugees is worth more than 1 billion Euro.

EC and its member countries have set up refugee camps and have reconstructed public buildings where can be sheltered more than 200 000 refugees.

All these attempts can be considered a temporary aid until a final solution to the crises is reached, is said in a declaration. As soon as the political union of Kosove is reached, the governments of EC countries are resolute to give aid to the Southeastern European countries, giving possibilities to this region for development of the foreseen democracy and prosperity in EC pact stability. /dast/A.A/

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[12] Some 1000 hectares with sown crops destroyed due to Serb shells

Agricultural and Food Inspector close to Kukes prefecture, Bukurosh Onuzi, told ATA on Friday that according to a preliminary verification more damaged are the farmers of the border villages of Has district, where are ruined 394 hectares with sown crops, and the villages of Tropoje where are destroyed 400 hectares.

The continuous bombardments of Serb artillery towards the Albanian border villages have caused severe damages even in the heads of cattle. The economic situation of inhabitants of these villages is grave. /pas/A.A/

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[13] USA will support projects on railway commands and signals

Representatives of road, rail, marine transport from Bulgaria, Albania and Macedonia held the 13th meeting in the frame work of the Southern Balkan Development Initiatives (SBDI).

General Director of Railways Leonard Burnaci told ATA that during the two days of the meeting the full support of the three countries, the common request for the continuation of the 8th corridor in the road and rail transport is reconfirmed.

The Runners of the railways in three countries assigned a Letter of Intent concerning the support USA is going to give, in response of the request of the representatives of Development Agency TDA, in railway commands and signals.

According to the same source the 14th meeting of SBDI countries will be held in the coming September in Tirana. This organization and the idea for 8th corridor is given by the American President Bill Clinton. Its construction will make possible a wide economic development of the countries included in this project.

The construction for this corridor in Albania started in March 1998 and it is foreseen to be completed in 2000./dast/linda/

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[14] Majko:" Mafia structures in custom offices should be immediately eliminated"

According to the latest information declared by the Minister of Finances Anastas Angjeli the custom offices during the first five months did not realize the plan by some 2,5 million lek.

"From the information received by NATO ans some NGO-s in Durresi custom office there are mafia structure, which should be eliminated", said Majko.

Concerning the implementing the New Custom Code the Prime Minister said that" even if the code was the perfect, the mafia structures that exist in Albanian customs, again it will not be implemented".

Majko said to Minister Angjeli the support of the Government in order the customs to cash in state budget 60% of the incomes in total.

"Customs need to be "cleaned" continually, based upon the law to supervise the work of this administrate", stressed out Majko, who added "that I asked General Attorney Office and SHIK to perform this task"./dast/linda/

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[15] INSIG: New General Director is presented

Bardhyl Minxhozi is coming in this term after being the Coordinator of the Media Programs at "Soros" Foundation.

INSIG will have as the objects of its activity the performing of insurance activity for the damages and life insurance, and other insurances according to the law "On the insurance ans reinsurance activities".

INSIG head staff is the share holders' Assemble, which represented by the Minister of Finances, as long as the association will be 100% state possessions, the Supervising Council and the Directorate.

Bardhyl Minxhozi substitutes the INSIG General Director Tonin Kola, who has been nominated in this position in September 1998. /led/linda/

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[16] Meidani and Ciampi discuss roads of cooperation between Albania and Italy

Ongoing cooperation between Albania and Italy and determining the fields of this cooperation for the future was the main topic of the meeting held Friday between Ciampi and the Albanian delegation headed by President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani.

Also attending the meeting were Prime Minister Pandeli Majko and Speaker of Parliament Skender Gjinushi.

President Meidani asked from his Italian counterpart Italy's support for Albania on the international plane. He also asked Italy's support, its presence in rebuilding Kosova, respecting the will of the Albanian people, based on the international charters on human rights, to self-govern, following the transition period in Kosova.

Meanwhile, Ciampi expressed the importance his country devotes to the relations with Albania. He considered the Adriatic sea as a common benefit, whose value will increase in the future, serving as a gate to link Europe with Asia.

According to a release of the press and information department close to the presidency, President Meidani, asked Ciampi Italy's support to affect the international bodies give Albania the place it merits as a doorway of Europe in the region, in the context of the development plan for its quick development and reconstruction. President Meidani asked Italy's help even for integration of Albania in the European and Euro-Atlantic institutions. "A quick integration of the region, and especially the quick integration of Albania, even without fulfilling all the criteria, would minimize the huge differences of development between the region and the EC countries, differences which can postpone or render impossible this integration", said Meidani.

Speaking on Kosove, President Meidani thanked Italy for the stands it maintained within NATO, in favor of solution of Kosove crises. "We hope that after a midterm period Italy will support the free will of Kosove people, in accordance with the international charters on its final status", said Meidani.

Italian President, Ciampi, on his side said that the desire to visit Albania today is not connected with the peace developments favoring peace in Kosove and wider in the region. It is connected with the importance, that according to him, the relationship between the two countries divided and joined by Adriatic sea have, "the common interests over the sea will be transformed in a broad sea highway which will connect Europe with Asia", said the Italian President. According to him the cooperation between the two countries will be strengthened if it was helped by the Albanian part with ready made projects, which would be available, and operative, because according to Ciampi "the finding of financial sources either from the bilateral cooperation or from the European Union or World Bank is not a serious problem".

Speaking on Kosove issue, Mr Ciampi protected the Italian stand in favor of NATO military actions, which was the only way out to fight "a terrific thing as the ethnic cleansing in the heart of Europe". He expressed the readiness of his country to support Albania in the international bodies.

President Ciampi invited Meidani to visit Italy and to meet each- other more often to review amid the other things "the objectives we should impose to ourselves, with a collaboration between the two countries, a cooperation which is a mutual sincere desire of our two people"

The meeting was held behind closed doors.

The Italian president arrived in Albania on Friday for a one-day formal visit.

This has been the first formal visit of the Italian President abroad since his election as President of the Italian Republic on May 13 this year, succeeding in this office former President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro. /pas/l.m/A.A/

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[17] Union for Democracy hailed resolution of United Nation Organization

"This is on eof the most important vistory of NATO and International Community against Miloshevic dictatorial regime", it is stated in the statement of this union.

Union for Democracy insists on sending Miloshevic in front of Tribunal of the Hague for the crimes done toward the Albanian population of Kosova.

"Sitting in a table of Rugova, Thaci and Qosja increase the security that the Western victory in Kosova belongs to Albanians, if the Albanian factors will know to be united in organizing the institutions to make possible free and democratic elections in Kosova" stressed out the statement of the Union for Democracy. /led/linda/

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[18] Prime Minister Pandeli Majko inaugurated "EDIL CENTRO" brick's factory

Edil Centro is Albanian -Italian joint venture, which started its production in September 1998, while the selling process of its products started in October 1998.

The brick factory Edil Centro Ltd has in use modern technology, whose products mark the standards of the countries of European Community. /led/linda/

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[19] Ciampi said we will continue to help displaced Kosovars return to their soils

"Let them give security to turn to their land and let them be convinced that the necessary conditions to realize this thing are created. We will work more to accompany and systemize them", said Ciampi.

Referring to the military members of this mission, he said that he was proud he was the President of Italy.

Mr. Ciampi hailed the strengthening of the cooperation between the two countries and added that the main objective was the economic and civil cooperation of Albania. /led/A.A/

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[20] Two first challenges of Albanian economy

Albanian Government approved the Policy of Telecommunication Development in Albania and upon this document it decided to privatize the only mobile company in Albania, AMC, through offering the majority of the share certificates to a strategic partner, to be selected in an opened international tender.

The construction of the road corridors, especially the Eighth Corridor and in general the transport infrastructure, is considered as another objective of Albanian economy.

Albanian President, at "Fokus 99" fair, estimated the infrastructure as " one of the most important factors of future development of Albania". President Meidani paid great attention to the concrete implementation by the Albanian side to the initiatives of the American President Clinton on Eighth Corridor construction.

The construction of the road corridors and privatization of the telecommunication sector is expected to continue with high intensity. /led/linda/

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[21] Dislocation of American marines towards Macedonia continues Uorges says "Task Force Hawk" kernel will remain in Albania

According to him this movement is being made because the presence of this contingent is more emergent in Macedonia, because the pass of peace keeping mission for Kosove will be made through this territory.

At the end Captain Uorges reiterated that the kernel of "Task Force Hawk" mission will continue to remain in Albania until a new order is issued by the NATO Supreme Command.

In a pronouncement given to ATA, Colonel Dorman, who was in Rinas on Thursday, said that about 15 000 soldiers, part of "Task Force Hawk" will leave for Macedonia to join the peace-keeping forces to be settled in Kosove. /led/A.A/

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[22] Italian government accords aid for Albanian army

Sources from the Italian Expert Delegation informed that the unloading of 18 vehicles and two containers is going on.

The same sources said that 10 containers, and four vehicles with humanitarian aid consisting in clothes, medicaments and the like are unloaded from this ferry. /A.A/

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[23] Businessmen ask for greater support by State

Kokedhima said there are positive signs concerning this issue, but greater efforts should be done to support the Albanian businessmen.

According to him a delegation of the Union of Albanian Business Organizations will meet in the coming days the IMF President Camdesy, where it will present the viewpoints of the businessmen of this association, aiming at the development of the country.

Kokedhima stressed out that his company has drafted the projects and is ready to contribute in infrastructure construction in northern part of the country and Fieri area. /led/linda/

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[24] Ciampi visits Italian military members in Durres

Italian President together with his Albanian counterpart, Rexhep Meidani, visited for two hours the Italian officers of "Taurinense" Brigade, in Durres beach where this contingent is dislocated. Afterwards they payed a visit in the Italian makeshift camp in Mali i Robit, five kilometers northern of Kavaje.

Albanian and Italian Presidents have given a first-hand look to the Kosovars accommodated in this camp, which is set up and is administrated in the context of "Rainbow" mission.

The outgoing Italian President, Oscar Luigi Scalfaro, payed a visit in this camp less than a month ago.

Italian President left for Vlore at 16.30 p.m. /pas/A.A/

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[25] Korca: Cathedral Saint Maria in Voskopoja is damaged

The head of the commune Qirjako Ballta told ATA that the fall of cathedral roof took place due to the indifference shown by the Institute of the Cultural Monuments, institution, which is responsible for the protection of such cultural monuments. On the contrary this Institute did not allow the intervention of other constructions in it.

"Immediate intervention is necessary to save this important masterpiece of Albanian culture and art", said Ballta.

Voskopoja town is locating 20 km west Korca town and has the II century A.D as its beginning. Its establishment records the year 1330. /led/linda/

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