Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-09-24

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CONTENTS

[01] Albanian Government demands cooperation with private financial banks and institutions in Albania

[02] Albanian Government adopts ratification of agreement between Republic of Albania and NATO regarding its status

[03] Saranda hospital establishes relations with a hospital in Ioannina

[04] Facilities created in road transport towards Southeast European countries

[05] Monitoring of Albanian coastline to start in a few days time

[06] Press review

[07] Exchange rates in Tirana market on Friday

[08] Albanian Prime Minister in Durres to see development of government projects

[09] Postal service tariffs augmented by 30%

[10] New chief of public order in police commissariat of Librazhd appointed

[11] World Bank Resident Representative in Albania ends mission in Albania

[12] Budgetory investments in aqueducts realized 72.6%, foreign ones 82.5%

[13] First meeting of Governmental Commission on water parting with neighbor countries

[14] Government's anti-corruption plan renewed

[15] Carlos Elbirt completes his mission in Albania

[16] Asking for improving of Telecom service

[17] Majko attends the progress of governmental projects in Durres

[18] Albanian Prime Minister Majko invites German business to be present in Albania

[19] Greatest factory of false drinks production confiscated

[20] Combating corruption-priority of Albanian Government

[21] Combating corruption-priority of Albanian Government

[22] Kouchner regards release of prisoners in Kosove as important

[23] Ronaldo to visit Kosova next Monday

[24] Two dinghies blocked in Kavaje

[25] Police seize 30 packages of contraband cigarettes

[26] State institutions are main Telecom debtors

[27] Participants in executive seminar certificated

[28] Correspondent of "Koha Jone" paper in Vlore beaten

[29] Experts of industry, energetic to help Kosove

[30] Some 148 leks deficit in first six months of 1999 - AEC

[01] Albanian Government demands cooperation with private financial banks and institutions in Albania

Taking part in the meeting were the Minister of Finances, Anastas Angjeli, the Minister of Public Economy and Privatization, Ylli Bufi and the Minister of Trade and Economic Cooperation Ermelinda Meksi. These kinds of contacts will be permanent and possibilities will be found for such a table of discussion to be institutionalised so that banks have the proper scope to get informed of various economic priorities of the Albanian Government.

PM Majko asked for comments by bank representatives on special problems, considering them as partners in the process for the construction of the country.

Representatives of banks thanked PM Majko for the invitation made and their comments on a number of problems of various characters, financial, economic and legislative. /lh/xh/

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[02] Albanian Government adopts ratification of agreement between Republic of Albania and NATO regarding its status

Today's meeting of the Government started with the approval of the law "On ratification of agreement between Republic of Albania and NATO with regard to its status and staff."

In addition to the defining of the status of this organization, the law also stipulates the need for the creation of the conditions to support, implement and prepare the participation of NATO in the Republic of Albania, with regard to the establishment of an efficient civil presence and security in Kosova. /lh/xh/

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[03] Saranda hospital establishes relations with a hospital in Ioannina

According to him, the regular ties, joint operations by Albanian and Greek surgeons, the one and two-month courses of specialisation are also some of the fields of the bilateral cooperation in the domain of health.

During the unrest of 1997, scores of wounded from the districts of Saranda and Delvine have been medically treated in Haxhikosta hospital of Ionannina. The regional hospital of Saranda has set sister relations with the Hospital of Makario 2 of Cyprus in 1998. /lh/xh/

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[04] Facilities created in road transport towards Southeast European countries

According to it, the Albanian Government adopted last Thursday the law on the Memorandum of Understanding "On facilities of international road transport of commodities in SECI region."

The Memorandum will considerably increase the cooperation between the Balkan countries and bring about the economic growth of the SECI member countries.

On the basis of the Memorandum, facilities are created for the movement of trucks and other vehicles through the regional countries, by lowering the payments for border crossings and simplifying the customs rules. The memorandum will be efficient for a period of five years.

SECI is an organization of political-economic character and operates under the auspices of the U.S. Government in cooperation with the European Union. /lh/xh/

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[05] Monitoring of Albanian coastline to start in a few days time

The outcome of this job will be the preparation of a quarterly technical file by specialists of Fish Research Institute specialised by experts of the European Union who will give the OK for the beginning of the export of molluscs towards EU countries.

Since 1980, Albania has been claiming distinction for the production and export of molluscs, drawing a lot of money for the national economy. From the Lake Butrinti alone, Albania has ensured 50 thousand quintals of molluscs per year. /lh/xh/

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[06] Press review

"KOHA JONE" independent daily

-"Europe: Goodbye Berisha, welcome leader Pollo". Doris Pack, European delegation leader for the region hailed new Albanian politicians. -"Abuse of office for Albanian premier and his subordinates," the Constitutional Court chairman Fehmi Abdiu, declared in a press release yesterday. - "Meidani from USA: Hopes for Albania to join EU". The Albanian president, Rexhep Meidani at the moment in USA, pleaded for investments in Albania to the businessmen in New York.

"GAZETA SHQIPTARE", independent daily.

- "Antiterror chairman dismissed". No motivation for the sacking of the Antiterror sector chief in the Ministry of Public Order. -"Vlore people: We want Nano to come". The two rivals for the SP chairmanship, former SP leader Fatos Nano and the Albanian Premier Pandeli Majko may avoid confrontation in the Vlore SP conference. -"Pollo: I want game rules". DP Deputy leader Genc Pollo, candidate for chairman, sought game rules during the contest for DP chairman.

"SHEKULLI", independent daily.

- "Berisha: Pollo like Nano". This is the declaration of the DP chairman, Sali Berisha gave to one of the Shkoder local televisions. - "Meidani: We will join EU". The Albanian president, Rexhep Meidani, in his speech held in the regular session of the UNO Assembly yesterday, sought Albanian participation in EU. - "Abdiu: Justice violates Constitution".

"ALBANIA", independent daily.

- "Why did Zani prosecutor resign?". - "Berisha- Pollo, tomorrow battle for Tirane". - "Guard commander: Perikli Teta drove tanks out".

"EKONOMIA" daily of the Albanian Agency for Economic Development.

- "Albanian Radio Television (RTSH) & ALBA-TV robbed pyramid-shaped building". - "Three of the AMC strategic buyers disqualified". - "Greece outlines Balkans aid scheme".

"ZERI I POPULLIT", Albanian Socialist Party

- "Arapi delays Greek loan". - "Constitutional Court, fight with district courts". - "Positive developments in all fields in Albania". Full text of the speech of the President of the Republic to the 54th UN Session is published.

"RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE", daily of the Albanian Democratic Party.

- "Bode replies Pollo". - "Secret meeting of "The Friends Group".

"REPUBLIKA", daily of the Albanian Republic Party.

- "Battle on the Adriatic". - "Bomb alarm in Prosecutor's office". /gs/xh/

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[07] Exchange rates in Tirana market on Friday

Exchange rates on market on Friday:

Kind of currency Bought Sold

USD 135,3 135,5

DM 72,2 72,5

LIT(1000) 72,7 73

GRD(100) 43,1 43,3 /lh/xh/

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[08] Albanian Prime Minister in Durres to see development of government projects

Accompanied by the Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ingrid Shuli, the Minister of Agriculture, Lufter Xhuveli and the chairman of the Albanian Development Fund, Maksi Mitrojorgji, PM Majko met with local government authorities in Maminas. They briefed him of the various problems they were encountering and the needs of that commune.

Participants in the meeting discussed the construction of an aqueduct, which will ensure drinking water for the zone, improvement of the irrigation system, the construction of a road which will link Maminas with three other nearby villages, projects which are waiting only the funds. /lh/xh/

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[09] Postal service tariffs augmented by 30%

This increase is based on the real medium cost to be dealt with for the accomplishing of this duty. This change of the postal tariffs will make possible too the investment for the service improvement and moderization.

In today's meeting of the executive was approved in principle the agreement between the Republic of Albania and the International Development Association (IDA), as administrator of the japonese grant use, provided to prepare the project "The Social Service Distribution"

The goal of the grant is to assist in the project preparation, which is to support the Albanian government objectives for strengthening of the social services capacity, especially those of the poor citizens. /lh/gs/

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[10] New chief of public order in police commissariat of Librazhd appointed

By order of the Minister of Public Order, Spartak Poci, the chief of public order in that commissariat, major Emin Spaholli and the chief of staff met Bardhoku have been released from their posts.

According to the director of police in the prefecture of Elbasan, Colonel Edmond Koseni, police officer Vladimir Duro was named to the post of the public order chief in the commissariat of Librazhd, while the new chief of staff is not yet appointed.

The newly-appointed chief has been officer previously, then commander of police post in the city of Prrenjas. /s.s./xh/

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[11] World Bank Resident Representative in Albania ends mission in Albania

"I would like to publicly thank the authorities of Albania, the political and social institutions, the people at large," said Mr Elbirt in a news conference today.

Elbirt, who considered himself "a friend for life of this country," said that "the challenges ahead are, indeed, formidable, but I am optimistic about the future of Albania and the Balkans."

"The creation of modern institutions will accelerate, I trust. Democracy, human rights and respect for minorities will become a norm in the region," said Mr Elbert. /lh/xh/

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[12] Budgetory investments in aqueducts realized 72.6%, foreign ones 82.5%

Whereas the investment program for the aqueducts is realized 82.5 % of the expected total.

The index of realisation according to the sector principals, even though in Gramsh and in Shkoder there have been some indeces not realized, will be 100 % by the end of the year.

Concerning the sweage, the indeces for the past 8-month period have been realised 74 per cent, with a considerable growth compared to the first half of 1999. Low figures have been registered in the city-hall of Tirane, in which of 13 objects only three have been funded so far. /lh/gs/xh/

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[13] First meeting of Governmental Commission on water parting with neighbor countries

This commission is proposed by the Ministry of Public Affairs and transport and is adapted by the Council of Ministers. It consists of representatives from the Ministry of Public Affairs and Transport, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Order, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Trade, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, The National Environment Agency, Science Academy and Technical Secretariat of National Council of Water.

The duty of this commission is to study and draft projects and agreements, status and instructions with the neighbor countries, by treating in them all the problems of water economy of the Republic of Albania with these countries. While for the solution of the possible specific problems, the commission sets up sub-commissions consisting of respective experts.

The first meeting of this commission is led by vice minister of Public Affairs and Transport Mr. Pellumb Vladi.

The Director of Technical Secretariat of the National Commission of Water, Mr. Franco Sara talked about the water problems with neighbor countries. /lh/linda/

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[14] Government's anti-corruption plan renewed

The Deputy Prime Minister, Ilir Meta, and OSCE Ambassador in Tirana, Gerhard Arens after the meeting issued through a declaration new decisions noting that "The inter-ministerial Commission, charged with the duty of supervising and leading the reviewing process of the anticorruption plan, should be set to work immediately".

A new monitoring group, consisting of top governmental officials, members of the General Prosecutor's office, selected locals authorities, members of the opposition and civil society, will be set up on this purpose. This group will be asked to report regularly to the Council of Ministers the work progress.

A technical work group consisting of Albanian and foreign specialists assigned to review the existing plan will also be founded. After being reviewed the plan will be handed over to the Commission. After accepting the changes the later will present it (the plan) to the Council of Ministers for approval.

Monitoring work groups, consisting of native and foreign experts including partners from the respective fields of responsibility, will be founded to follow the progress of the plan and help in all sectors within the general plan framework.

Arens, on behalf of Albania's Friends revealed that "this initiative drafted to review the Anticorruption plan of the Government and to guarantee a transparent and effective attitude will have real results if applied properly".

"Friends of Albania" latest meeting was conducted on July 22, in Brussels. /led/so/A.A/

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[15] Carlos Elbirt completes his mission in Albania

"I want ot thank openly Albanian authorities, political and social institutions, and all the Albanians", stated in a press conference Mr. Elbirt.

The representative of World Bank considered himself as "forever friend of this country" and said that "the future challenges are really difficult ones, but I am optimist for the future of Albania and Balkan".

"I believe that building up of modern institutions will take place with quick steps", said Mr. Elbirt by adding that "the democracy, the humanity rights and respect to the minorities will becomea rule in all the region". lh/linda/

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[16] Asking for improving of Telecom service

At the moment there are 52 thousand clients, which can reach to 54 thousand. Some 40 thousand phone number might be added to Tirana by taking of the system no.2 by Alcatel.

The exploitation of this system will start during the first three months of 2000. /led/linda/

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[17] Majko attends the progress of governmental projects in Durres

After paying a short visit in Maminas commune, where he was interested for different problems, and in the Manxe police post, Majko inaugurated the beginning of proceedings on the asphalting of Shkafane-Draç road, which is a part of the rural road project financed by the World Bank. August of 2000 is set to be mark the end of asphalting process.

Premier Majko inaugurated as well the beginning of proceedings of the touring camp in Gjiri i Lalzit, scheduled to be constructed by the Arabic company "Mak Albania". /led/A.A/

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[18] Albanian Prime Minister Majko invites German business to be present in Albania

"The privatization process of greatest Albanian bank will start soon and such a thing offers possibilities to invest ", said Albanian Prime Minister, who asked for investments in a number of fields, such as in the industry of textile, mines, agriculture and in particular in infrastructure.

He spoke about the importance of the quick construction of Corridor 8, North-South one and the road Durres-Kukes-Pristine, mainly for Albania.

Mr. Nigel, vice/President of the German-Albanian Businessmen Association and deputy of German Bundestag offered the cooperation and possibilities to invest in mineral and wood industry, in import-export and expressed the readiness for serious investments in infrastructure.

The meeting between the Albanian Prime Minister and representatives of this association is held a day after the completion of two days visit in Albania of the German Chancellor Gernard Schroeder.

German Chancellor Schroeder pledged to Albania the German cooperation and support in all the fields. /led/linda/

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[19] Greatest factory of false drinks production confiscated

After the stores of the factory were checked, it came out that pirate refreshing drinks were produced there falsifying the stamps of popular companies such as Rico Fresh, Perla, Zagori, Coca Cola and others. Production machineries of some 400 000 different drinks' bottles and other materials which amount to 200 million leks (approximately US$ 120 000) were also confiscated. /led/so/

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[20] Combating corruption-priority of Albanian Government

Mr. Meta presented three concrete proposals on reviewing "Anti- corruption Plan", the restructure of "Anti-Corruption Monitoring Group" and establishing of "Sectoral Monitoring Group".

Speaking about the reviewing of "Anti-corruption Plan", Mr. Meta stated that "reviewing of current plan, including new measures, will mark the entrance in more advanced phase of this process of midterm and long- term targets".

Mr. Meta proposed even the change of the concept "Anti-corruption Monitoring Group", which means the change even in composition, in status, nominating of a person by the Council of Minister on supervising the plan implementation, etc.

On behalf of Albanian Government Mr. Meta suggested also the establishing of "Sectoral Monitoring Groups", which will be led by Anti- Corruption Monitoring Group. /led/linda/

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[21] Combating corruption-priority of Albanian Government

Mr. Meta presented three concrete proposals on reviewing "Anti- corruption Plan", the restructure of "Anti-Corruption Monitoring Group" and establishing of "Sectoral Monitoring Group".

Speaking about the reviewing of "Anti-corruption Plan", Mr. Meta stated that "reviewing of current plan, including new measures, will mark the entrance in more advanced phase of this process of midterm and long- term targets".

Mr. Meta proposed even the change of the concept "Anti-corruption Monitoring Group", which means the change even in composition, in status, nominating of a person by the Council of Minister on supervising the plan implementation, etc.

On behalf of Albanian Government Mr. Meta suggested also the establishing of "Sectoral Monitoring Groups", which will be led by Anti- Corruption Monitoring Group. /led/linda/

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[22] Kouchner regards release of prisoners in Kosove as important

The commission is made up of persons appointed by members of Kosove Transitory Council, representatives of non-governmental bodies for human rights, lawyers and members of people deprived of liberty.

Given the fact that some 7 000 Albanian are taken hostage in Serb prisons, Kouchner regarded as very important the work and devotion of the newly-created commission.

"The solution of this issue is of course vital for the families, the members of which are deprived of liberty or are disappeared, and is important as well for Kosove future", Kouchner pointed out. /E.Lu/A.A/

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[23] Ronaldo to visit Kosova next Monday

The campaign " Teams to end off poverty" is initiated by UNDP ( United Nations Development Programme), sources from the UN mission in Prishtine reported.

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[24] Two dinghies blocked in Kavaje

According to the spokesman of Tirane police Directory, two dinghies were found during an operation of police forces on Thursday in Kavaje at about 20.00-23.00 in vicinity of Bogove castle.

The spokesman reports that police arrested the citizens Xhevdet Hamdi Çuruni and Rezart Hasan Çuruni, guards of blocked dinghies. Rezart Çuruni had a pistol with him, while an automatic rifle was found on the spot. /lh/A.A/

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[25] Police seize 30 packages of contraband cigarettes

The same sources added that police detained two people, Petrit Rustem Çollaku and Arjan Reiz Avdillari.

Çollaku, 27, and Avdillari, 35, were detained a day ago in the village of Lin, Pogradec, with a vehicle transporting 30 packages of cigarettes. They had entered the Albanian territory in an illegal way though Pogradeci lake, the same sources explained.

According to the police documents attesting that the cigarettes was property of the citizen Patrit Çollaku were found during the control exercised in the vehicle.

The investigations go on. /lh/A.A/

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[26] State institutions are main Telecom debtors

The total value to be paid by the debtors till the end of the first six months of 1999 was nearly 1 billion leks. Minister Bufi asked Meleqi that "all state institution, Telecom debtors, to cut the phoning line, if they do not pay their duties".

Ministry of Foreign Affairs is one the institutional debtors that had some 30 million leks to pay to Telecom, and it is followed by Ministry of Finances, etc. Telecom debtors are also several embassies, such as Italian and Swiss one, which pretend not to pay VAT.

The total value of the debtors on phoning service in reached to 863 million leks, while in June 30, 1999, it marked 1.087 billion leks. /led/linda/

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[27] Participants in executive seminar certificated

This activity organized by the Institute of Defence for Legal International Studies was conducted in the framework of the Extensive International Programme for Education and US Military Training (IMET).

Military and civil legal issues and legal obligations that reestablish relations between the state and army were the main topics of the seminar held from September 20 to 24.

The seminar was part of the third training phase on military and civil legitimacy issues.

Participating in this ceremony, beside the Ministry of Defence top military men, was the US Ambassador in Tirana, Joseph Limprecht. /lh/so/

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[28] Correspondent of "Koha Jone" paper in Vlore beaten

Luka is hit by the 60 year-old H.Basha, because she had written a chronicle in "Koha Jone" about a person detained by police forces for illegal possession of arms (the son of Basha).

Basha did not wait for explanations of Luka, who managed to say that she referred to the police sources on that event.

The violent act against Vlore correspondent of "Koha Jone", Zenepe Luka, follows other previous cases when she is maltreated due to the reflection of reality in the city of Vlore. Explosive was planted at her house in Spring 1998, time when the life of her family was endangered. /led/A.A/

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[29] Experts of industry, energetic to help Kosove

Main issues discussed in the meeting were the great cooperation possibilities between the two counterpart institutions, the exchange of experience for functioning of parallel structures and their legal base. Other matters discusses were the projects connected with the Stability Pact.

The participants from the ministry of Public economy and Privatization and its structures agreed to offer their help and cooperate with their counterpart structures in Kosove. /A.A/

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[30] Some 148 leks deficit in first six months of 1999 - AEC

Paloka, has bitterly reacted against the interventions of tax-offices affiliations in AEC bank accounts and branches. According to him, "the arbitrarily obtainment of the duties over the profit, at the time when AEC has resulted with a deficit for two years consecutively (1997-1998) has brought about great financial difficulties for this corporation as well as the failure of the foreseen investments".

"This can be considered as a law violation, because companies resulting with a considerable deficit should not pay duties over the profit. That's why taxes organs should stop blocking banks' accounts of branches and AEC" Paloka said. /led/so/

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