Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-09-28

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Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Ismail Kadare comes to Tirana

[02] Food aid for low income families in Skrapar

[03] Press review

[04] Financing of Berat hospital reconstruction interrupted

[05] Grave automobilistic accident in Librazhd

[06] Military training "Caravan of Friendship '99" begins

[07] Albanian footballer Altin Haxhi to play in Celta Vigo league of Spain again

[08] First modern library constructed in Tirana

[09] "Days of Art from Albania" to be held in Kosove

[10] Dollar at 135,3 leks

[11] Two European Council Conventions ratified by Albania

[12] Over 25 passengers' carriages for AR within October

[13] VEVE again winner of two gold medals

[14] Albanian President highlights activity of Italian Ambassador in Albania

[15] Political parties of Kosova meet with U.N. administrator Kouchner

[16] Domestic products replace imported ones

[17] Thaçi says Turkish minority in Kosove will have full rights

[18] Government and Academy of Science increase the cooperation

[19] Serbs in Fushe-Kosove pelt Albanian pedestrians with stones

[20] Hajdaraga asks for cooperation with KFOR troops

[21] United Arab Emirates main donors in Kuksi

[22] Albania ratifies CE convention on minorities

[23] Talbot promises Majko U.S. support in fighting crime

[24] U.S. has not changed stand toward Kosova issue

[25] Democratic opposition asks for changes in the policy followed by Democratic Party

[26] America to support Albanian membership in WTO

[27] Three killed and 30 injured in explosion in Fushe-Kosova

[28] Guardia di Finanza turns back 12 speedboats

[29] Banking system would prevent foreign currency from flowing out of Kosova

[30] Majko and Poci demand U.S. aid in public order and justice

[31] FBI to assist Albanian police

[01] Ismail Kadare comes to Tirana

The candidate of the Nobel Prize comes to Albania to receive the title "Tirana's citizen of honor" as well as to follow the premier of "The dream of a winter night" drama based on his novel "Who brought Doruntina".

Kadare, 63, is a high personality of the Albanian and European culture. Kadare's novels have been published for the first time in France in 1966. Nowadays his novels are published in 30 languages and 20 world countries, among which France, USA, Korea, Spain, Germany, Turkey, Bulgaria.

Kadare, in France, continues to work for the Albanian literature and culture.

Ismail Kadare, actually is a member of the French Academy among 12 foreing associate-members such as Leopold Sedar Senior, the King Huan Carlos, Ronald Regan, Prince Charles, Vaclav Havel and Havier Perez de Kueliar. /lh/so/

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[02] Food aid for low income families in Skrapar

Some 900 families in the countryside and in the two towns of this district were been given packages with various food items, said to ATA Aishe Ismaili, secretary of the Red Cross branch in the district.

In the past two weeks, about 150 families from villages Buzuq and Spathare have received aid while in the town of Corovoda aid has been delivered to 750 families with invalids, handicapped or without incomes. /a.ke/xh/

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[03] Press review

Koha Jone, independent daily.

- "Fists and manipulations in SP conferences." SP conference in Gjirokaster held on Monday, was accompanied by physical violence among participants in the hall. While in the conference of Kruja, the votes of delegates have been rigged. - "Nano beat socialists - Ulqini." Interview with the Minister of Information, Musa Ulqini, who explains the incident in the conference of Gjirokaster. - "Presidency, first uprising against Berisha." Yesterday's meeting of the DP presidency which lasted by midnight, turned into a battle of accusations and offences.

Gazeta Shqiptare, independent daily paper.

- "Fier, vendetta kills four people." Tension and revenge have occupied the village Cakran in Fier, in which a ten-year old boy was massacred two days ago, while a day later, the boy's father killed two uncles of the 14-year old killer. - "Nano in South, fists in the hall." During the SP conference in Gjirokaster, the bodyguards of former chairman of SP, Fatos Nano, beat a native from Lazarat who was in the hall. - "DP, here are those who will direct Assembly." The participants in the marathon meeting of the DP presidency elected the commission of Discipline and that of Mandate last night.

Shekulli, independent daily newspaper.

- "Nano, blood in Gjirokaster." Scandal in SP conference held in Gjirokaster yesterday. The bodyguards of Nano have beaten one of the participants in the meeting and have also threatened the Minister of Information, Musa Ulqini. - "We, the privileged of Stability Pact." Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pellumb Xhufi, presented yesterday before reporters the projects to be examined in Bari of Italy. - Berisha must not be eternally DP chairman - Meksi." Former premier Aleksander Meksi unfolds his vision for opposition on the eve of the DP congress.

Albania, independent daily

- "Nano: I will be Premier on Oct.11" - "DP, list of delegates, a secret." - "Two days, seven killed, four wounded."

"Ekonomia", daily of the Albanian Agency for Economic Development.

-"New World Telecom up to "auction". -"From '94 - '99 Albanians have paid 91.5 billion leks on taxes". -"From Tirane to Skopje by aircraft now".

"Zeri i Popullit", daily of the Albanian Socialist Party.

- "Leadership: We condemn the disgraceful act of violence in Gjirokaster". - "Control: road traffic and customs offices steal 7.4 billion leks". - "Seven criminals handcuffed in three days".

"Rilindja Demokratike", daily of the Albanian Democratic Party.

- "DP Leadership votes Pollo". - "Ten killed within 24 hours".

"Republika", daily of the Albanian Republican Party.

- "Meksi:Today we proclaim 'Democratic Opposition'". - "Tirana wakes up under curfew". /so/xh/

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[04] Financing of Berat hospital reconstruction interrupted

The quality works of the first phase of reconstruction worth 40 milion leks, convinced the Italian side to invest $350 000 for the second phase. The tender for this phase was conducted on September 4 in Tirane.

The Italian side representatives, members of La Cooperazione Allo Svillupo, to which is entrusted the managing of the Italian government fund, withdrew from the tender. It appears they have been threatened by the representatives of participating firms in tender.

The Italian government, in the framework of the assistence the World Bank earmarked to Albania, in 1997 provided $1 million to reconstruct totally the Berat hospital. This fund was suspended due to that year's tumult, whereas now it is the Italian side that seeks safety for its people. The institution, in contrary, will remain as it was, damaged. /led/gs/

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[05] Grave automobilistic accident in Librazhd

Teki Alla,27, conductor of the vehicle "Saurel" travelling from Librazhd towards Zgosh village, after entering the bridge falls off and consiquently die Fadil Nebi Shpata, 24, Shpresa Metaj, 27, and another unidentified person who died later in hospital.

Acording to the same sources the citizens Rexhep Meta, 34, Teki Alla, Muharrem Alla, 35 and Hasan Balliu, 29, all of them from Zgosh, are in grave conditions. /led/gs/

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[06] Military training "Caravan of Friendship '99" begins

This military demonstration, coded-named "Caravan of Friendship '99", aims at verifying the capacities of COMMZ(W), KFOR Western Communication Zone, to mainten and ensure the communication in Durres-Puke road segments.

During the training, which is a cooperation of COMMZ(W) and the Albanian Ministry of Defence, different military demonstrations will take place. /led/so/

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[07] Albanian footballer Altin Haxhi to play in Celta Vigo league of Spain again

Some days ago, the President of Celta Vigo had stated he was not interested in the Albanian talent, because his team needed no other players. While last Friday, the president Gracev of Liteks Lovec, the Bulgarian sport club where Haxhi is a member, said that very soon, perhaps within December, Haxhi will be transferred in the Spanish football. The destination will be Celta again, which has now changed its mind and wants to have Haxhi in its group as soon as possible.

The talks between the Spanish and Bulgarian sport clubs have started and they are waiting until contract for Haxhi terminates at the beginning of December.

With this transfer, Haxhi will be the first Albanian footballer to play with Primera Category, as the first soccer division is called in Spain. /led/xh/

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[08] First modern library constructed in Tirana

The inaguration ceremony of the contemporary Library, due on October 28, will take place in the wards of the Culture Palace, sources close to "Adrion Co" Distribution Agency, which has undertaken the construction of the library, told ATA on Tuesday.

The first modern library, 75 square meters surface, besides books in Albanian will offer to readers books, magazines and CD-ROM in foreing languages.

Some 15 000 titles will be displayed initially in this library which will be enriched periodically with the latest publications of books in Albanian and Foreing Languages.

The first contemporary Library in Tirana is a project of the Ministry of Culture and European Council. /led/so/

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[09] "Days of Art from Albania" to be held in Kosove

The project drafted by the Ministry of Culture of Albania, will engage for this activity singers and artists from Tirana, along with specialists from the Institute of Monuments, the Archaeological Institute, etc.

A number of events will take place during the activity. The group of artists from Albania will be added with a group of experts on cultural heritage who will see and prepare documentation on the damages caused in the monuments of culture in the territory of Kosova during the conflict there. /led/xh/

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[10] Dollar at 135,3 leks

Exchange rates of currencies

Currency bought sold USD 135 135,3 DM 72,1 72,5 LIT(1000) 72,4 72,8 GRD(100) 42,5 42,8 /gs/

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[11] Two European Council Conventions ratified by Albania

The Albanian ambassador in the European Union, Fotaq Andrea, handed over the texts on the ratifications to the European Council Secretary General, Walter Schwimmer.

The convention on spectator's violence in sports activities, particularly the one in soccer matches, contains several points such as the close cooperation of the sports organs with the police forces, prosecutor's office and the application of various measures on the eve of the soccer season.

This convention, to be applied on November 1 1999, is already being applied in all European countries. Estonia, Ireland, Lithuania and Malta are the last countries to have signed the convention. /led/gs/

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[12] Over 25 passengers' carriages for AR within October

Some 12 passengers' carriages, donation of the Italian Government for AR, will be brought to Albania within October 15, while the International bid, which will define the winning company for the purchase of about 15 other coaches, will be concluded by the end of this week.This purchase is made possible by a fund estimated at US$ 500 000, earmarked by the Albanian government to consolidate the railway transport in general.

Recently, the first 6 Austrian coaches, exchanged through the first quantity of railway scraps, were added to 45 coaches that are in poor conditions. /led/so/

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[13] VEVE again winner of two gold medals

VEVE won the two gold medals in the Annual International Fair of Agrobusiness, 1999, which opened in Skopje of Macedonia on September 27, 1999. Taking part in the contest were productive firms and companies from 30 states, while the jury which judged on the quality and the presentation of the cigarettes consisted of 20 international specialists.

Last year too, Albania Tabak won in the same contest the gold medal for its VEVE cigarette. /led/xh/

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[14] Albanian President highlights activity of Italian Ambassador in Albania

Meidani conveyed to Ambassador Spatafora his own and Albanian state thanks for the realisation of his mission and the further encouragement of the excellent relations between Albania and Italy, conformed to the will of the two peoples.

Ambassador Spatafora expressed the appreciations of the government and institutions of the country he represents for the "great role of equilibrium and stability of President Meidani as a figure which embodies the national unity, especially in the moments of the crisis Albania has passed and his work in favour of friendship and the relations between the peoples and states."

Meidani and Spatafora talked of the local situation, the new developments and the perspective opened for the economic cooperation of Albania and Italy in the context of the Stability Pact. /led/xh/

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[15] Political parties of Kosova meet with U.N. administrator Kouchner

The meeting was held after an announcement on the creation of an executive body of Kosova, in the framework of the Transitional Council, with the participation of all the respective subjects.

A joint forum of political parties of Kosova, which will come out with a unique stand of the Albanian subject before the international community, is also reported to be created. /led/lm/

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[16] Domestic products replace imported ones

Nearly 90% of the food items are imported in the period '90-'96, while at the moment some 80% of these food items consumed in Albania, are produced home.

Home production is due to the strengthening of the aggro-processing sector, building up of new factories of food industry and mainly due to the great production of agricultural products by the part of the farmers. At the moment the farmers fulfill more than 90% of the total food needs through their sources.

Referring to the agricultural figures the aggro-food sector is almost a private one. A considerable improvement has been obvious recently in aggro-food industry, by using modern machineries and equipment imported from the Western countries. /led/linda/

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[17] Thaçi says Turkish minority in Kosove will have full rights

"You will live here and we will build together the free and democratic Kosove", Thaçi told the Turkish citizens in Mamushe expressing his belief that "their sons will join the Protective Troops in Kosove".

"Mamusha is a potential bridge for strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Kosove and Turkey", Thaçi pointed out.

During a meeting with representatives of local government in Prizeren, Thaçi highlighted that "our objective is to establish as soon as possible our mission in UNO and to make Kosove Protective Troops participate in NATO mechanisms in the framework of Peace Partnership". /led/A.A/

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[18] Government and Academy of Science increase the cooperation

"Academy of Science is a very important institution, which can provides thoughts and ideas not only about the strategies of developing the country, but even for the projects, included in defined fields, considered as priority for the development of the country, and in particular in the frame work of the Stability Pact", stressed Meta.

The Head of Academy of Science Prof.Ylli Popa said that some 12 researches and scientific institutes depend on the Science Academy and they can be integrated in the developing of the country by giving their contribution in drafting the projects.

Later on they talked about the problems faced by the Academy of Science. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Governmental Coordination Mr.Meta, in the name of Albanian Government, pledged the maximal involvement in solving these problems as soon as possible. /lh/linda/

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[19] Serbs in Fushe-Kosove pelt Albanian pedestrians with stones

The eyewitnesses declared that the Serb gang attacked and threw stones at the Albanian pedestrians. So the attempts against Albanians have continued, and they (attempts) were followed by Serbs' road block during the last two days.

This is the third day in succession that the Serbs have blocked Pristine-Peje, and Fushe-Kosove road. /led/A.A/

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[20] Hajdaraga asks for cooperation with KFOR troops

According to the spokesman of the Ministry of Defenses, the Minister of Defenses stated the necessity of the cooperation between the Ministry of Defense and KFOR force and in particular with German troops in Kosova. After the meetings held with the German Minister of Defense Mr. Sharping, the ties and cooperation between our Armed Forces and Bundesverit are considerably improved, stressed Minister Hajdaraga.

They talked about the activity of the German troops on security and peace restoring in Kosova, their work on reconstructing the areas destroyed by the war, taking the measures on protecting from mines and dismining the border areas. In this context, other aspects of the work on mutual connection and information between the German forces and Albanian ones of Kuksi Division are pointed out, as well.

Albanian Minister Hajdaraga expressed the readiness for an effective cooperation, fruitful information, greater security in the corridors Albania-Kosova and Macedonia. Through correct ties and cooperation we will give our contribution for peace and stability in Kosova and in the region, as well, stated the Albanian Minister of Defense. /lh/linda/

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[21] United Arab Emirates main donors in Kuksi

According to the spokesman of Kuksi Prefecture Emri Peca, UAE invested in the rehabilitation of the main road of Kuksi and the surroundings where the airport will be set up, marking a total value of some 410 000 dollars.

Another fund of nearly 500 000 dollars is using on building up Lojmes water pipeline, which will make possible the water provision of some 40 000 inhabitants of the town and nearby villages. /lh/linda/

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[22] Albania ratifies CE convention on minorities

The CE press office, through a statement issued on Monday, says that the Albanian ambassador to the CE, Fotaq Andrea, handed over the ratification instruments to Mr. Walter Schwimmer, Secretary General of the organisation.

The CE Convention for the defence of minorities demands among other things from the organisation's member states "to ensure an effective equality between the minorities and the majority, to ensure the necessary conditions for developing culture and preserving the identity of national minorities, their language, religion and tradition".

Also, in the field of language rights the convention envisages "allowed use of language by the minority publicly and privately, also in relation to administrative authorities; recognition of the right to use the name in the minority language; recognition of the right to distribute private public information in the minority language".

The states should make efforts to distribute topographic indications in the language of minorities.

In the field of education the convention demands among other things "the creation of possibilities on teaching the minority language and receiving instructions on this language, recognition and creation of education training centers, encouragement of participation in the cultural and social life, participation in public affairs".

The convention also includes the mechanism of monitoring the implementation of this convention by the CE member states.

Along with the convention for the defence of minorities, on Tuesday Albania also ratified a convention against violence in sports events, the CE press office reports. /y.pa/lm/

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[23] Talbot promises Majko U.S. support in fighting crime

"Crime is a threat for both parts and we need to cooperate closely in the struggle against it. Greeting you once more for what you are doing, I want to point out that American aid will be multidimensional", said Talbot.

Albanian Ministry of Information reported on Tuesday that Premier Majko evaluated the struggle against crime in Albania and its division from politics in a difficult phase which is not yet over.

After expressing the concern of American administration for the security situation in the region, Talbot said that all the regional countries should observe what to do for building the economy and strengthening the democratic institutions.

Participating in this meeting held in the grounds of American State Department were even Spartak Poçi, Albanian Minister of Public Order, Anastas Angjeli, Finance Minister and American ambassador accredited to US, Petrit Bushati.

Albanian delegation leaded by Premier, Pandeli Majko, is in Washington at the invitation of World Bank and International Monetary Fund to participate in the annual meeting of Governors' Board of WB and IMF Group. /lh/A.A/

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[24] U.S. has not changed stand toward Kosova issue

Responding to Talbott's interest in the developments in Kosova, Majko stressed that the situation in Kosova is a process whose end is early to tell.

"Albania has always respected the solution offered by the international community and at the same time it has been interested in and has defended the legitimate rights of the Kosova people. The Kosovars have the right to speak of and decide on their future, like the Serbs and Montenegrins, he said.

Further on, Majko made known Albania's policy on developing relations with neighbouring states, with the aim to expand the fields of cooperation.

"The Albanian factor in the region is a factor of stability and this was best seen in its stand during the war in Kosova. The pretension that Albania intends Greater Albania is groundless," said Majko.

Talbott hailed Albania's approach in the regional context.

"The people of Kosova have the right to lead their own life. We are now doing this together," said Talbott. /lh/lm/

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[25] Democratic opposition asks for changes in the policy followed by Democratic Party

"Democratic Party will shrink more if it goes on like this", said Meksi in a press conference, where he presented himself as representative of the group within Democratic Party, named Democratic Opposition.

According to Meksi this group will ask at the Congress for a review of an alternative drafted by this group, which will be sent even to the Board of Democratic Party.

Former Prime Minister Meksi requests the freedom of expression within the Democratic Party. "We cannot be free to express our own opinion as long as in the status of Democratic Party it is written that a member of Democratic Party can be expelled if his opinion is not in conformity with the status. Such a thing does not serve to the internal democracy of the party at all", said he.

Meksi said that none of former cooperator of Security Forces has to be nominated in the Board of Democratic Party.

He asked even for establishing of a commission to verify the leaders of the party, to make public the property of this party, to strengthen the ties with other parties, etc. /linda/

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[26] America to support Albanian membership in WTO

According to Albanian Information Ministry, Aaron hailed the work done so far by the Albanian government on adherence of Albania in WTO and added that the work group is intensively working to make possible the membership of Albania in this organization as soon as possible.

"The situation in Albania after the Kosove conflict is rapidly improving, while the Pact of Stability encourages us to increase the cooperation with other regional countries", revealed Majko who was expressed for a cooperation with WB and IMF in the fight against crime, corruption and illegal traffics.

Afterwards Aaron informed that the aim of his visit in the region was to find out the ways to vitalize the economy of regional countries through American investments. "You are undertaking important steps in this direction such as the restoration of order and settling of macro-economic stability, which create favorable conditions for serious investments", said Aaron.

Present in the meeting were as well the Albanian Minister of Finance, Anastas Angjeli and the Minister of Trade and Economic Cooperation, Ermelinda Meksi. /lh/A.A/

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[27] Three killed and 30 injured in explosion in Fushe-Kosova

Fushe-Kosova "has been encircled with the aim to prevent other skirmishes, while the injured have been sent to hospital," The KFOR Press Centre in Prishtine says in its report.

The Council for Human Rights in Prishtine has just reported that a bomb hurled today on the Fushe-Kosova market killed three citizens and injured 30 others.

Because of the developments in Fushe-Kosova, the Prishtine-Peje road continues to be blocked.

KFOR also reports on tensions in Mitrovice, where ethnic groups are reported to be staging protests. Other KFOR troops are likely to be used there. /lm/

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[28] Guardia di Finanza turns back 12 speedboats

The Vlore police and Guardia di Finanza, in a joint operation against illegal emigrants trafficking, turned back 12 speedboats which had set sail for Italy and took dozens of persons to the police station.

The operation started late on Monday and continued overnight until 05.00 on Tuesday. It covered the area from the former soda factory to the Orikum shore, according to the police spokesman.

The spokesman adds that the police department forces checked several houses suspected of sheltering illegal emigrants. As a result, some tens of persons, mainly from the country's northern districts, were taken to the police station, where the necessary verification procedures were carried out.

Meanwhile, Guardia di Finanza checked the water space of the Vlore bay, and turned back some 12 speedboats which had set sail for Italy from different points of the Vlore shore. /lh/lm/

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[29] Banking system would prevent foreign currency from flowing out of Kosova

Meidani expressed this concern at a meeting he had with OSCE ambassador in Tirane, Gert Ahrens, also stressing the indispensability of "providing the Kosova inhabitants with new identification documents, valid for travel, for voting and for resolving issues of ownership in economy, which would encourage the flow of foreign investment there".

Referring to regional developments, Meidani said that he saw the future of the region in its European integration, in the creation of the new entities in the former Yugoslav territory.

Meidani expressed the readiness of the Albanian state to have normal relations with the Republic of Montenegro.

"Albania needs a window in the north, not only for exchanges with this republic but also to be more farsighted," Meidani is cited as saying in the press office statement.

The two concentrated themselves on the internal developments.

"Stressing the need of promoting administrative and institutional reforms at home, the President expressed the desire of the Albanian state to enhance cooperation with the OSCE and increase its presence in Albania. Identifying the two main concerns of the justice system: the lack of professionalism and the degree of incrimination in it, he suggested support for this international organisation, through a new structure after the MAPE model," the statement says.

"Strengthening the inspectorate close to the High Council of Justice and improving the level of the Magistracy school are two of the directions we have to work in to minimise these problems," said the president. /lm/

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[30] Majko and Poci demand U.S. aid in public order and justice

At a meeting with Janet Reno, Prosecutor General, Poci briefly portrayed the recent developments regarding public order and security in Albania. He explained the two phases of police activity following the crisis in Kosova, when criminal activity increased in Albania.

According to Poci, the first phase has aimed to eliminate and fight to bring to justice all the criminal gangs active in the territory of Albania, while the second phase to realise a police of international standards, motivated and professional.

Reno congratulated Majko and Poci for the prominent achievements of the Albanian Government in fighting criminality.

"We wish to cooperate with you and respond to your demands on time," said Reno.

She evaluated the programme started by the U.S. side for training the Albanian police and expressed herself in favour of continuing and further intensifying such programmes.

Meanwhile Majko considered very significant the bilateral cooperation in the field of justice.

"The reality of crime in Albania, besides elements of corruption, also manifests cases of connection of the politics with the organised crime, " said Majko, who also stressed the indispensability of regional cooperation in the fight against crime. /lh/lm/

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[31] FBI to assist Albanian police

According to the Ministry of Information, Brayant showed interest in the development of bilateral relations and expressed readiness to draft joint programmes.

"The fight against organised crime should be waged without compromise, otherwise organised crime risks to control and dominate at that extent that the state is unable to cope with," underlined Brayant.

Poci portrayed the latest developments in Albania, the actions the government is taking in its fight against crime and the wish to switch onto a new stage of engagement.

Brayant expressed readiness to assist the Albanian police and proposed that the fields of cooperation be discussed in detail in the coming days.

At the end of the meeting Majko stressed the importance of exchanging information and methods of investigation as well as of anything related to increasing the efficiency of the Albanian state in its fight against crime. /lh/lm/

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