Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-06-17

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CONTENTS

[01] Albania, important partner for question of Kosova - Fischer

[02] Press Review

[03] Albania an important point of stability in region - President

[04] President Meidani meets with Cardinal of Bavaria

[05] Tirane city-hall identified Albanian families displaced from Northern border zones

[06] Albania has won great sympathy in Europe and world - Stoiber

[07] Prime Minister Majko visits Macedonia

[08] Milosevic in power, a threat to escalation of problems in the Balkans - Majko

[09] Our stands on Kosova issues are similar - Milo-Martonji

[10] Exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies

[11] About 20 000 Kosovars have returned to their homes

[12] PM Majko meets with Japanese Ambassador in Vienna

[13] Albanian-Japanese relations towards further progress

[14] Martonji says Albania merits NATO, and international community special assistance

[15] Hungary interested to participate in privatization process in Albania

[16] Albania merits a greater support; Johnson

[17] Meidani: Cooperation between Albania and Japan should be intensified

[18] Parliament's Speaker says NATO presence is a guarantee for regional stability

[19] Turkey will continue to assist Albanian military

[20] Financial support on water provision projects

[21] Agreement on 4,2 million dollars is assigned

[22] Summer schools for Kosove children almost closed in Kukes

[23] Meidani says plan for Kosovars'return should be studied

[24] Albania-Bullgaria: Eight Corridor and gas pipeline main connection's points

[25] GTZ to support in partnership accomplishment

[26] Poci says government engaged in war against crime

[27] Over 26 000 refugees returning to Kosova over past 48 hours

[28] Let us continue to forge a Euro-Atlantic community of peace and prosperity - Clinton

[29] Hajdaraga says cooperation with Turkey is very significant

[30] Wherever there are Albanians, there are joint interests for cooperation - Majko

[31] Thaci in Prishtine, first step in building democratic institutions in Kosova - Majko

[01] Albania, important partner for question of Kosova - Fischer

After the meeting held behind doors, Meidani and Fischer appeared before reporters. Voicing the pleasure that with the end of war, people may return to Kosova, Mr Fischer stressed that "our hope is that peace and democracy be established there.

Albania should become a member of the EU, Albania is for us an important partner for the question of Kosova, but not only this. We will assist it in its integration in European institutions," said the German deputy chancellor.

President Meidani stressed that the approval of the Pact of Stability recently created a new hope in Southeastern Europe for a vigorous democratic and economic development.

"First of all we, peoples and political forces must make efforts to construct a democratic community serving as a good example for other zones in the world. The first steps were those with the peace accord (in Kosova) for which Mr Fischer also has played a special role, and we express to him our thanks," added President Meidani. /dast/xh/

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[02] Press Review

KOHA JONE, independent daily.

- "Within 24 hours forces of Bukoshi must leave - Government." The armed forces of former premier Bujar Bukoshi, FARK, must be disarmed and leave Albania. - "Polemics for National Council of Radiotelevision." First five candidacies for the Parliamentary Commission of Public Information Means voted. - "Shame for socialists who do not speak to each other." Interview with SP presidency member, Luan Rama.

GAZETA SHQIPTARE, independent daily.

- "Dritan Lelaj, free kidnapper of the Greek hostage." Name of the kidnapper of the son of a Greek businessman in Sarande uncovered. - "Braho: Majko must close FARK." Deputy Spartak Braho demanded from PM Pandeli Majko to put under control the bases and men of Bukoshi. - "Rakipi: There are two ways of narcotics." Attorney General Arben Rakipi responded yesterday questions of deputies in an interpellation in the Parliament.

SHEKULLI, independent daily

- "Majko to disarm Bukoshi." PM Pandeli Majko has demanded the isolation of parallel groups of FARK. - "Skopje recognizes Thaci." Macedonian Prime Minister met yesterday with the Kosova Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, while Albanian PM Majko will go to Macedonia today. - "Do you want to have no crimes? Create jobs." Attorney General Arben Rakipi said yesterday that the creation of jobs would reduce crime considerably.

RILINDJA, independent information daily.

- "Return of refugees to Kosove continues." - "Every inch of Kosova will be under NATO control." - "Over 10 000 Kosovars have been returned."

ALBANIA, independent daily. - "NATO: This is how refugees will return." - "Why are soldiers of Bukoshi attacked?

EKONOMIA, daily paper of the Albanian Agency for Economic Development. - "New Customs Code. Problems in implementation." Planning of excises at minimum levels costs the budget 6 billion lek. - "Within the current year, 3000 flats for creditors of former pyramid investments schemes." - "Private radio-televisions, none licensed."

ZERI I POPULLIT, daily of the Socialist Party of Albania -

- "Berisha preparing coup d'etat." - "Few hours today with Macedonians and Albanians." - "Peasants and uneducated people, these are people of crime."

RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE, daily paper of the Democratic Party of Albania.

- "Customs houses lose 6 billion lek." - "Miners in hunger strike."

REPUBLIKA, daily of the Republican Party of Albania.

- Majko-Nano challenge ends in hunger strike." - Albanians must return to Kosova- Mediu." /y.pa/xh/

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[03] Albania an important point of stability in region - President

Albanian President treated in the meeting the perspective opened to the region and Albania with the implementation of the Pact of Stability. "But the attention must focus on Albania, because with its geo-political and geo-strategic position, it is an important point of stability and development in the region; it is the port of entry in the region and to go as far as Southeastern Asia, that is the port of Corridor 8," he said.

President Meidani demanded more economic and financial crisis from Bavaria in Albania, beginning with the opening of a branch of the Bank of Munich in Albania.

The State Secretary for European Integration Maqo Lakrori laid the stress on the acceleration of the processes of Albania's integration into EU and NATO.

Mr Bohm said that Albania must exploit in these processes also "indirect" ways such as the intensification of cooperation with NATO as it has been making so far. He pledged the assistance of the Land of Bavaria in the sectors of mass media, education, etc. /pas/xh/

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[04] President Meidani meets with Cardinal of Bavaria

According to the President's press and information office, during the talk they focused on the construction and functioning of the Catholic University for which the German party is rather interested, the aid and contribution of the German Caritas during the exodus of the Kosova deportees to Albania and other questions. /pas/xh/

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[05] Tirane city-hall identified Albanian families displaced from Northern border zones

The chairmen of the communes and the district councils of Has, Tropoje and Kukes, are sending to the Tirane city-hall the lists with the names of the patres-familias whose homes have been ruined by Serb bombing, sources of the city-halls reporters.

These families have been settled mainly in the districts of Tirane, Durres and Tropoje.

As a result of shelling by Serb Army in the direction of the Albanian territory, during the past two months 7 Albanians nationals have been killed and 12 others have been injured. In 16 Albanian villages along the border with Kosova, the houses have been gravely damaged. Half of the houses in 7 border villages in Has district have been completely or partially damaged. /pas/xh/

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[06] Albania has won great sympathy in Europe and world - Stoiber

According to the President's press office, during their meeting they talked on the situation created after NATO ground troops deployment in Kosova, a further development of relations between Albania and the Land of Bavaria in the framework of the Pact of Stability etc.

After the meeting, Meidani and Stoiber told the reporters present there following the end of war in Kosova, the establishment of peace there and the development of the region are to be focused upon. Mr Stoiber expressed his respect for the Albanian people and their efforts to ensure stability in the region.

"Albania," he said, "has now won a great sympathy in Europe and the world, and here is also your merit, Mr President."

Stressing the priorities of Albania in the framework of the Pact of Stability, President Meidani said that "Albania has its position in this Pact, its role and its future. We also think that Bavaria would have its role in it, its interest."

Both, Meidani and Stoiber expressed their good will for a further intensification of cooperation between the two countries. /dast/Na/xh/

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[07] Prime Minister Majko visits Macedonia

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Albania, Pandeli Majko and the delegation accompanying him arrived today in the morning on a visit to Skopje with the invitation of the Prime Minister of Macedonia, Ljupco Georgievski.

After his arrival in Macedonia, Majko went to the headquarters of the Macedonian Government in Skopje where he is having negotiations with the Macedonian Prime Minister.

According to the schedule, PM Majko and PM Georgievski will hold a joint news conference today at about 1.40 p.m. in Skopje. /led/xh/

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[08] Milosevic in power, a threat to escalation of problems in the Balkans - Majko

The spokesman of the Prime Minister reported that PM Majko stated that "Milosevic's remaining still in power proves that problems inthe Balkans may escalate also in the future."

Albanian PM said that Albania sides with Hungary in its concern for an eventual escalation of the conflict towards the Hungarians of Voivodina. "Their inclusion in the Pact of Stability of Southeastern Europe and the localization of the pressure on Milosevic are the ways to prevent this escalation," stressed Albanian Premier.

Hungarian Minister Martonji underscored that the period after the conflict in Kosove may bring out problems which may be as sharp as those that emerged during the conflict. He said that his country is against any idea for a partitioning of Kosova and that Hungary demands a united command of the military troops deployed in Kosove. He described a quick and guaranteed return of Kosova refugees of war to their homes as the best proof of a successful NATO campaign. /pas/xh/

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[09] Our stands on Kosova issues are similar - Milo-Martonji

Martonji stressed that his visit has two aims, the increase of cooperation between Albania and Hungary in different fields and a more intensive policy for the integration of the Balkan region into Europe.

The chief of the Hungarian diplomacy stressed that Serbia's democratization will assist in the stability of the region and in this context, the solution of the status of Voivodina would be made possible.

On Wednesday, in the context of a two-day visit to Albania, the Hungarian Minister met with the Prime Minister Majko and his counterpart, Paskal Milo. On Thursday, he will meet with the President of Albania Rexhep Meidani, the Parliament Speaker Skender Gjinushi, and other senior officials in Albania. /pas/xh/

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[10] Exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies

Kind of currency Bought Sold USD 137,5 138 DM 72,5 73 LIT(1000) 73,5 74 GRD(100) 43,5 43,8

/xh/

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[11] About 20 000 Kosovars have returned to their homes

For this reason, the movement of the vehicles, in the Kukės-Prizren road on Wednesday was very difficult. The situation became more difficult with the great number of vehicles moving on Prizren-Kukės itinerary.

On Thursday, from 5.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. some 7 000 people have crossed the border, sources of police told ATA.

During Wednesday, about 3 0000 Kosovars reached Kukės from different parts of Albania, the spokesman for Kukės district, Emri Peca said. After a short break in the town of Kukės, most of them made their way in the direction of Prizren. /pas/Na/xh/

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[12] PM Majko meets with Japanese Ambassador in Vienna

"Albania's stability is important for Japan and we think that your stability is crucial for the whole region. Japan supports the return of all Kosova refugees of war to their homes and will be active in the efforts to find a final solution of the conflict," said Ambassador Takashima.

Takashima confirmed to PM Majko a concrete and present aid for Albania also in the future.

PM Majko expressed the desire that the official relations between the two countries be as well at the same level with the Japanese economic assistance for Albania. /pas/xh/

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[13] Albanian-Japanese relations towards further progress

Milo said that the Albanian-Japanese relations are registering further progress and to this also serves the establishment in the future of an Albanian representation office in Tokio. Referring to the crisis of Kosova, Milo voiced the approach of the Albanian Government against the creation in Kosova of a zone run only by Russians. As for the future of the Balkans, Milo stressed that Albania considers its future integrated in the European community, part of which Kosova is as well.

The Japanese Ambassador Takashima said that with Milosevic in power, the initiated peace process and that of the transition from the status of autonomy to that of the independence for Kosova, will be facing problems. /led/xh/

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[14] Martonji says Albania merits NATO, and international community special assistance

President Meidani highlighted the importance of economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries.

The interlocutors hailed the settlement of international troops in Kosove, saying that the maneuvers of Russian troops out of G8 Group agreement compromise the objective of their presence in Kosove.

They said that the stand of the humanitarian community should not offer economic assistance to Serbia if the later does not fulfil the political conditions.

Janosh Martonji, who is in Albania on a two-day visit, has met the most senior personalities of Albania. /led/A.A/

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[15] Hungary interested to participate in privatization process in Albania

He expressed even the request for the participation of the strong Hungarian companies in this process, but stressed that the political and economic stability in Albania are the essential conditions the Hungarian companies to pay attention to Albania.

Minister Bufi said that the Albanian Government appreciates the Hungarian experience and added that this experience is used even in drafting the legal frame of privatization process in Albania.

According to Minister Bufi the aim of Albanian Government is the completion of privatization process of the small and medium enterprises within September this year. After September the privatization of strategic sectors will go on. /pas/linda/

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[16] Albania merits a greater support; Johnson

The press and information department close to the presidency quoted Mr. Johnson as saying that " for these, Albania merits not only the greates admiration but it merits also the greatest support".

The President of the Parliamentary Assembly, informs Meidani through his letter on the session about Kosove which will be organized soon in Strasbourg, where participating will also be Ibrahim Rugova, Hasim Thaēi, and Rexhep Qosja. /led/A.A/

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[17] Meidani: Cooperation between Albania and Japan should be intensified

"This will be concrete by opening Albanian Diplomatic Corps in Tokio", said Meidani.

According to the press and information office at the President, he thanked the Japanese representatives about the important humanitarian and economic assistance of Japan given to Albania and the region during the emergent period.

Ambassador Takashima said that Japan is so sensible toward the tragedy of the Albanian Population of Kosova and stressed out that his country will assist economically only e democratic Serbia. /dast/linda/

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[18] Parliament's Speaker says NATO presence is a guarantee for regional stability

Stopping in the recent developments on Kosove, Gjinushi said that "NATO presence and EU engagement are a guarantee not only for the political and economical reconstruction of Kosove, but they are a guarantee for a long-term stability in the region".

Regarding the presence of Russian military troops in Kosove, Gjinushi pointed out that Russian troops should operate only under KFOR command.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister, Janosh Martonji, pointing out the necessity of democratization process in Serbia, and said that Vojvodine development could be reached only when this democratization is achieved. /dast/A.A/

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[19] Turkey will continue to assist Albanian military

This visit is held in the frame work of the bilateral cooperation between the two Armies and its aim the further cooperation.

During this visit the Turkish Delegation headed by the General Director of Logistics General Major Dursun Bak will meet senior officials of the Ministry of Defense and will visit military units in Pasha Liman, Marine Academy in Vlora, military units in Gramshi, Elbasani and Policani.

A perspective document of the bilateral cooperation agreement will be assigned by the two teams of the experts, a day before their departure. Concrete assistance project in logistics are included in this document. /dast/linda/

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[20] Financial support on water provision projects

The projects of the German Bank for Development is focused in several Municipalities of Albania. They are Kruja, Kavaja, Rrogozhina and Korca Municipalities.

According to the representative of this Bank Joerg Hartmann these study planes will be supported financially by this bank./lh/linda/

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[21] Agreement on 4,2 million dollars is assigned

This agreement is about a project, which marks a granted sum of 4,2 million dollars, through which Japan will support Albania in the sector of agricultural mechanics and distribution of pesticides, as well.

Agricultural mechanics to be provided through this project will be sold to the Albanian farmers in a soft loan. According to the specialists a soft loan will be applied in their purchase.

The same procedure will be followed even for the pesticides, which will cover nearly 50% of the needs of the farmers all over the country. /lh/linda/

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[22] Summer schools for Kosove children almost closed in Kukes

"The removal of Kosove families has caused the reduction in number of Kosove children attending the summer schools", the Director of Education Directory of Kukes Prefecture, Islam Gjana, told ATA on Thursday.

The number of people leaving Kukes on Thursday was estimated to be 20 000, and the majority part of the people leaving for Kosove were children.

The doors of summer schools were opened on June 7, for Kosove children. /led/A.A/

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[23] Meidani says plan for Kosovars'return should be studied

"Despite the rates of the return, which should be studied and based on the reception capacities in Kosova, we should be prepared for that part of the deportees who may remain here for the winter time," said Mediani.

Expressing Ms. Ogata's thanks for the extraordinary example the Albanian government and people have set in facing the humanitarian crisis, Pedersen said now we are "at a critical turning point and Albania's authorities should call on the displaced not to hurry to return without being convinced that they find a safe environment". /dast/lm/

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[24] Albania-Bullgaria: Eight Corridor and gas pipeline main connection's points

"The attention to be shown by EC for the Balkan countries, especially for Albania, will make possible further cooperation between our countries", stressed Bregasi.

Bulgarian Ambassador in Tirana Bebev proposed the organization of a fair in Tirana on the occasion of the National Feast of Bulgaria in the coming March.

Commercial Adviser of the Embassy Vasil Kostov stressed the need of establishing Albanian-Bulgarian Business Council, and for this thing he asked for the support of the Trade and Commerce Chamber in Tirana. /lh/linda/

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[25] GTZ to support in partnership accomplishment

GTZ will support mainly in accomplishing the partnership with the Trade Chamber of Keln, Germany and together with this Chamber a project on training the employees of the Tirana Chamber is planned.

Karaxho told GTZ Coordinator the current needs of Tirana businessmen about the commercial information,which according to him will facilitate the contacts of the private companies and small and medium enterprises with strong partners in different countries. /dast/linda/

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[26] Poci says government engaged in war against crime

Sources from this ministry told ATA that during the meeting, the chief of the MAPE mission, Colonel Alain Labrot, after familiarising Minister Poci with the main directions of the activity of the mission he runs, stressed that "the new strategy of the Public Order Ministry, which will be applied next month, requires the general engagement of the Albanian police, because everything offered is not only a chance for the police but also for Albania, whose main link remains security and stability".

Poci thanked the leaders of the MAPE mission for their performance and asked promotion of cooperation in treating the Albanian police. Poci guaranteed his maximum support for the realisation of the set programmes and stressed that "engaged in the war against crime and maintenance of security are not only the police structures but the whole Albanian government". /dast/lm/

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[27] Over 26 000 refugees returning to Kosova over past 48 hours

The influx of refugees at the border point of Morine continued on Thursday morning, the same source added.

UNICEF sources report that until Wednesday, some 20 incidents have taken place during the refugees' return to Kosova because of landmine explosions on the border which have killed at least two people.

UNHCR has warned especially the refugees against returning through the non-official crossing of Qafe Prushi, which is reported to have been heavily mined. /dast/lm/

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[28] Let us continue to forge a Euro-Atlantic community of peace and prosperity - Clinton

"I believe we took important steps in Washington that will contribute to long-term stability in Southeastern Europe and advance the region's integration into the European and transatlantic communities. With determination and strength of purpose, we can build together a Southeastern Europe whose peoples live in security," says Clinton in the letter addressed to Meidani.

The Washington meeting, says Clinton, served the promotion of a concrete cooperation between the partner nations and the Alliance.

"Let us continue to forge a Euro-Atlantic community of peace and prosperity where human rights and fundamental freedoms are upheld".

According to the President's Press and Information office, Meidani has also received a letter from U.S. State Secretary Madeleine Albright, who considers Meidani's visit to the U.S. a concrete contribution to strengthening cooperation and friendly relations between the two governments.

Albright highlights Meidani's commitment to contribute to a solution of the regional crisis, which allows the return of the refugees to their homes in Kosova, under an atmosphere of confidence and safety. /dast/lm/

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[29] Hajdaraga says cooperation with Turkey is very significant

According to sources from the Defence Ministry, the military delegation was received at a separate meeting by the chief of the Albanian Army General Staff, Brigade General Aleks Andoni.

The two discussed the significant aid provided by the Turkish Armed Forces for the Albanian army and the possibilities of further developing cooperation.

In the meantime, at the meeting with Defence Minister Luan Hajdaraga, the participants reiterated that the cooperation between the two countries, now institutionalised at NATO and bilateral levels, will continue to be extended to industry, education and other fields.

Hajdaraga said that "we want to be integrated into NATO and, in this context, cooperation with Turkey is very necessary". /dast/lm/

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[30] Wherever there are Albanians, there are joint interests for cooperation - Majko

The two premiers shared opinions regarding the aid needed for Kosova for the construction of a new administration and democratic institutions, the spokesman of the prime minister told ATA.

Majko and his Macedonian counterpart expressed their support for the Thaci government.

They pointed to the importance of cooperation between Macedonia and Albania.

"Our two countries are working for the future of the region," said Georgievski.

He concentrated on the importance of stability in the region, safe return of the displaced Kosovars as well as on the participation of the two countries in the Stability Pact initiative. /lh/lm/

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[31] Thaci in Prishtine, first step in building democratic institutions in Kosova - Majko

"Thaci's return to Prishtine tomorrow is the first step of building democratic institutions in Kosova," said Majko.

The spokesman of the Prime Minister said Thaci has evaluated the role played by the Albanian government during the crisis period in Kosova, the support it has given to the Thaci government and everything this government is doing for the safe return of all the displaced people from Kosova. /lh/lm/

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