Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-10-15

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CONTENTS

[01] Meidani holds talks with Thaci on situation in Kosova

[02] Party of Democratic Progress of Kosova formed

[03] Press review

[04] Albanian railways to be more secure and comfortable for movement of trains

[05] Exchange rates of lek with foreign currencies in Tirane

[06] Vlora celebrates 55th anniversary of its liberation

[07] 482.873 employed in Albania

[08] Police block fake banknotes in Tirane

[09] Economic and income growths in 2000 to be respectively 8% and 16%

[10] The Turkish president Demirel visits Prizren and Prishtine

[11] March of Albanians in northern Mitrovice halted

[12] Albania awarded International prize in World Festival

[13] More than 500 thousand farmers without retirement pension

[14] Regional solution is long-term solution for Balkan, says Hombach

[15] Italy and Greece main partners in trade, according to INSTAT

[16] More than 35% of shares to strategic investiture and 24% offered to Albanians - National Bank

[17] Serbia pledges stability in the Balkans

[18] Bari meeting paves way for economic development in region

[19] Priorities in macro-economic field to be defined next week

[20] Credit insurance law brings economic increase

[21] Chiavarelli takes command of COMMZ(W) in Albania

[22] Four billion leks to be profit from privatization till the end of 1999

[23] Free elections, obligation for Kosovars - Thaci

[24] Eighteen Kurd nationals and their guide halted

[25] Major thanks Meidani for supporting UNESCO projects

[26] Kosova Protection Corps, reliable source for all ethnic groups

[27] Albanian police officers certificated

[28] Cooperation between Greek, Albanian lobbies in U.S. benefits Albania

[01] Meidani holds talks with Thaci on situation in Kosova

During the meeting, they discussed the process for the construction of the buildings ruined in Kosova and the meetings held with various representatives of the international community, in which they have treated actual and perspective problems of Kosova.

Mr Thaci briefed the President of Albania with the course of the process to transform the Kosova Liberation Army, an act which has had a positive impact on the population of Kosova and the international factor.

President Meidani took interest in the latest developments for the increase of the role of Albanian factors in the administration of Kosova, through a new structure.

He told Thaci of the preparations for the establishment in Kosova of a permanent mission of Albania with specialists of different fields. /dast/xh/

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[02] Party of Democratic Progress of Kosova formed

The party has on its basis the Kosova Liberation Army and it will be joined by the Democratic Union Party and the Student and Intellectual Union of Kosova.

PPDK has expressed, through its provisional presidency, the readiness to cooperate with all other political and intellectual forces of Kosova.

Its presidency consists of 21 members. Chairman of PPDK is Hashim Thaci, his deputies are Bardhyl Mahmuti and Hajredin Kuqi, while Secretary General of the party presidency is Jakup Krasniqi. /dast/xh/

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[03] Press review

Koha Jone, independent daily

- "Government vote of confidence, Parliament split." Minister of Culture Edi Rama demanded yesterday a vote of confidence for the Government in the Parliament. - "NATO: Berisha, danger of the Balkans." North Atlantic Alliance has considered as a threat the possibility of the advent to power of the chief of the opposition, Sali Berisha. - "Nano-Meta, peace through war." For nearly 90 minutes, the chief of the Socialist Party had a tete-a- tete talk with the FRESSH leader, Ilir Meta.

Gazeta Shqiptare, daily independent

- "How captain of north was killed." A round of Kalashnikov shoots took the life of former director of police in Kukes, Jonuz Hyka and his uncle, Mysli Coka, a day before. - "Nano-Meta, armistice, not compromise." Newly-elected SP chairman Fatos Nano had a tete-a-tete talk yesterday for 90 min. with the leader of euro-sosilists and also deputy premier, Ilir Meta. - "Thaci to Meidani with a new party." President of Albania Rexhep Meidani met yesterday with the Premier of Kosova, Hashim Thaci, while the latter is expected to meet today with the SP chairman, Fatos Nano.

Shekulli, daily independent

- "Nano-Meta, tete-a-tete." SP chairman Fatos Nano met yesterday with the FRESSH chairman, but they couldn't reach a compromise. - "Meta-Malaj, duel for SP Secretary General post." Opposition groups in SP ready for the coming meeting of the SP General Leading Commission, where the candidates for other party posts will be presented. - "Lieutenant-colonel of Tropoja killed." Jonuz Hyka, presently, former director of Kukes police, was killed by unidentified people.

Albania, national daily.

- "Nano, hires Meta (?)" - "Chief of Special Forces 'Brisk' killed." - "Police terrorises Cerrik and Belsh."

Zeri i Popullit, daily independent paper of Socialist Party of Albania

- "Minister Poci threatened to death." - "Nano-Meta meeting." - "No great Albania, but great Europe."

Rilindja Demokratike, daily of the Republican Party of Albania.

- "Police Commissar of North killed" - "Gjana: Crisis demands inner pact."

Republika, daily of the Republican Party of Albania

- "Nano: Government jails my people." - "Majko: Corridor 8, gravel and politics." /xh/

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[04] Albanian railways to be more secure and comfortable for movement of trains

The General Director of AH, Leonard Burnaci, said to ATA on Friday that about 900 square meter of glasses worth nearly 1 million lek, have been put in the windows of the passengers compartments. While in 17 compartments, the system of illumination is rehabilitated for the period of winter.

According to Burnaci, the main priority of AH is the installation of the signalling and communication system to increase the security during the movement of trains, and eliminate eventual accidents.

Actually, there is a network of railway lines of 500 km with nearly 60 trains in service of passengers, most of which are completely amortized.

After the arrival of the first 6 wagons of passengers from Austria, until the end of '99, 39 other wagons are expected to come.

The Italian Government has also donated to Albania 12 wagons which are expected to arrive within some weeks and about 10 wagons of passengers will be bought with a fund of 500 thousand USD by the Albanian government. /dast/xh/

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[05] Exchange rates of lek with foreign currencies in Tirane

Exchange rates of Lek in Tirana market

Kind of currency Bought Sold

USD 132,0 132,2

DM 72,8 73,0

LIT (1000) 73,2 73,5

GRD (100) 43,1 43,2 /xh/

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[06] Vlora celebrates 55th anniversary of its liberation

Attending these activities are the Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Majko, Parliament Speaker, Skender Gjinushi, ministers, the leader of SP, Fatos Nano, and others.

Majko, Gjinushi, Nano and the cabinet members paid homages to the martyrs' graves of Vlora and from there they went to the sport palace to attend a festive concert on occasion of the 55th anniversary of the liberation of Vlora. /dast/xh/

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[07] 482.873 employed in Albania

The figures the ministry of Work possesses do not include the agriculture sector, where people are considered to be self employed. 761.000 people have been employed in this sector, according to the Statics Institute (INSTAT).

Sources reveal 426 foreigners are currently employed in Albania.

Figures of unemployment in Albania, until August 1999, are reckoned to be 16.82% or 238.418 people, referring to the National Employment Service.

Whereas the number of those treated as jobless by the National Employment Service in September 1999 was 24.495 people. /dast/gs/

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[08] Police block fake banknotes in Tirane

Skender Nikolle Pjeternika was caught on Thursday afternoon in a bar near the State Bank building by police forces with 100 banknotes of the value of 1000 lek each.

According to police sources, the amount of the fake money was destined to be put to circulation.

Inspectors of economic and financial anti-crime sector in the police department controlled the house of Pjeternika where they found and sequestered 286 other banknotes of 1000 lek.

About 10 p.m. of the same day, Pjeternika was caught red-handed and was arrested under the charge of the penal act of circulating false money.

It is the fourth case this year when police arrest people circulating fake money. /dast/xh/

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[09] Economic and income growths in 2000 to be respectively 8% and 16%

The forecasts by specialists of the Finance Ministry for the next year's budget are based mainly on the objectives of the mid-term program of the Albanian government and the ESAF 2 agreement, signed with International Monetary Fund.

The deficit of 2000, financed by internal sources is forecast to be less than 26,3 billion lek, or 4,3% of the Gross National Product (GNP) from 5,6% it is planned for 1999.

The Albanian government is continuously committed to protect the stability of the macro economic index, through budget discipline and accompanied by a control on inflation. dat/gs/xh/

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[10] The Turkish president Demirel visits Prizren and Prishtine

He also visited the KFOR-led Turkish troops in the region of Prizren.

A protest was organized today at 13.00 in Prizren to release 7000 Albanian hostages kept in Serb prisons.

The Turkish president will go to Prishtine in the afternoon to hold talks with Albanian and international authorities. /dast/gs/

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[11] March of Albanians in northern Mitrovice halted

Sources from Kosove told ATA that more than 100 people needed medical treatment. In the bridge over Iber which divides Mitrovice, the French forces of KFOR had installed barbed wire and tanks.

The Albanian Republican Party had invited citizens to match in the Mitrovice roads including even the northern part of the city. Thousands of armed Serbs who provoked conflicts time and again were noticed in the other side of the road. /led/A.A/

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[12] Albania awarded International prize in World Festival

Albania was represented in this annually festival with the agricultural documentary film "Buffalo in Albania, appeal for a disappearing animal", directed by the scenarist and producer Fuat Memeli and the operator Fatos Loli, sources from the agricultural department reported on Friday..

The Albanian movie competed among 100 agricultural documentary films of 22 states.

Last year, directors Fuat Memeli and Fatos Loli won the trophy of the festival with the agricultural documentary film "Return to tradition" and were awarded the prize " Queen of Agriculture" by World Food Programme (FAO). /led/so/

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[13] More than 500 thousand farmers without retirement pension

But according to the sources from this Institute only 46 thousand farmers at the moment are paying the contribution to the Institute of Social Insurance, although the number of people considered as self-employed in agriculture sector is greater than other sectors. According to the sources from ISI, some 500 thousand farmers and other employees of agricultural sector risks to lose their retirement pension due to non paying of the insurance duties.

The law on farmers insurance allows them to pay 1.620 leks per year for the farmers of field areas and 972 leks per year for the ones of mountainous areas. /led/linda/

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[14] Regional solution is long-term solution for Balkan, says Hombach

During the session of the second day of the seminar Ros-Roth "Peace Guarantee in Southeastern Europe", Bodo said that "the Pact itself, which in other words is a stimulator for strengthening of the peace and security in the region, serves in fulfilling of this aim".

The key issue of the Pact, according to Hombach, is the regional cooperation in large integration communities, such as EU or NATO, to pass from traditional approaches toward bilateral relations.

The way, till the creations of a trusting and security clime in the region, is accompanied with a number of necessary steps to be undertaken, such as demilitarization of Southeastern Europe, a shortening of defense plans and expenditures, a transparency in military issues, reduction and control of the weapons.

In these activities the Pact will be supported by NATO, OSCE, EU and other important organizations. /led/linda/

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[15] Italy and Greece main partners in trade, according to INSTAT

According to the data taken from INSTAT, Italy and Greece, together, realized some 66,7% of the total commercial import and nearly 76% of the total export.

An increase of the export with Bulgaria and Greece, and that of the commercial imports from Macedonia, USA and Slovenia is marked in August 1999 compared with the figures of the previous month.

The greater parts in our commercial exchanges continue to be covered by the countries of European Community. Thus, the commercial exports and imports from the countries of European Community marked respectively by 90, 6% and 79,8% of the total value of the commercial exports and imports. /a.gj./linda/

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[16] More than 35% of shares to strategic investiture and 24% offered to Albanians - National Bank

Referring to the project law "About the privatization of the Saving Bank a.c", strategic investiture means a bank or several banks, which will be ready to buy the share-certificates of Albanian Bank.

Meanwhile, not more than 49% of the shares of Saving Bank, the greatest bank of the second level in Albania will be offered for selling to the international financial institutions.

According to the spokesman, 24% of the shares of Saving Bank will be sold with public offer to the physical and juridical subjects only in currency.

Albanian Government passed yesterday the project law "on defining the way and formula of privatization of Saving Bank a.c". The privatization way of Saving Bank will be that of transferring of the property right 100% of its shares through the sale, in conformity with the privatization formula passed in this project law.

Referring to the project, which will be sent for final approval in the Albanian Parliament, Council of Ministers will define the criteria and the ways of selecting the strategic investiture and the way of transferring and shares price.

Albanian Minister Anastas Angjeli invited the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to take part in the privatization of Saving Bank, the greatest bank of the second level in Albania.

There are 12 banks of the second level that perform their activities in Albania, and Saving Bank is the only one with 100% state capital. /a.gj./linda/

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[17] Serbia pledges stability in the Balkans

The special coordinator of Stability Pact held a report in the second day of Rose-Roth seminar entitled "The guarantee of peace in southeastern Europe", where he highlighted that stability and progress in the region will not be restored without the democratization of Serbia due to its geo- strategic and economical-political position.

The transitory period established with the installation of UMNIK in Kosove demands, according to him, the immediate beginning of work for finding out a final solution for Kosove.

Hombach informed that a workshop will be held in Pristine with Kouchner administration within October, where a special place will be occupied by the issue of inclusion of Kosove in the regional development. /led/A.A/

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[18] Bari meeting paves way for economic development in region

Stability Pact Special Coordinator Bodo Hombach said in Tirane on Friday that the Bari conference had come out with very positive developments which have paved the way for developing a full strategy for the economic development of the region.

In his report during the proceedings of Rose-Roth seminar "Guaranteeing Peace in Southeastern Europe", Bodo said that following the results of the first concrete conference on the Pact, the World Bank has announced a respective plan, the EBRD has undertaken an action plan for the development of private sector, while the European Investment Bank has undertaken projects on infrastructure.

Hombach said that through cooperation with the U.S. and the participants of the Stability Pact, under the direction of Great Britain, the Charter of Investments, which will make evident the obstacles to investments in the countries of the region, will be drafted by the end of 1999.

The Rose-Roth seminar, which is being held in Tirane from October 14 to 16, has been initiated by the NATO parliamentary Assembly in cooperation with Albanian Parliament. /led/so/lm/

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[19] Priorities in macro-economic field to be defined next week

The mission of International Monetary Fund will discuss about ESAF mid-term agreement and about the preparation on drafting the project budget of Albanian state for 2000.

The main interest of IMF mission will be the New Custom Code and the problems that came out due to its implementation and the transparency of the expenditures in facing Kosova crisis.

Albanian officials and International Monetary Fund will discuss even about the procedures of the privatization of National Commercial Bank, Saving Bank and enforcement of the law "On civil service". /led/linda/

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[20] Credit insurance law brings economic increase

"Without a profitable legal structure, capital providers will be reserved in offering loans or credits, excluding the cases when the borrower is a trustworthy one" said Prof.Ronald C.C.Cuming of Saskatchewan University (Canada) during the first National Conference on Albania law about the finance insurance.

"Finance system insured in Albania foresees to permit the investors to make decision to offer credits without thinking about losing their rights in the future", stressed the IRIS Director in Albania, that organized this conference, financed by USAID.

He added that the new financing system avoids the risks of offering the credits. /led/linda/

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[21] Chiavarelli takes command of COMMZ(W) in Albania

During the ceremony, conducted in the military airport of Rinas, Alpin Brigade "Taurinense", leaded for 6 months by the General Pietro Frisone was replaced by "Friuli" Brigade commanded by General Chiaravelli.

COMMZ(W) Commandant in Macedonia, Robert Roth on behalf of KFOR Commandant in Kosova, German General Klaus Reinhard, expressed his best appraisals to NATO's forces, active in Albania, and assured him for the necessary support to keep peace and stability in the Balkans.

The continuative mission of AFOR in Albania under the coded name COMMZ(W) with almost 1 500 troops, is composed of Italian militaries from "San Marko" and "Friuli" Brigades as well as Greek, Turkish, Czech troops."Friuli" Brigade, which replaced the "Taurinense", has been operating earlier in Albania in 1997 during "Alba" mission in Vlore, as well as in Bosnia during 1998 where it has undertaken important duties in Sarejevo. /led/so/

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[22] Four billion leks to be profit from privatization till the end of 1999

Some 1 billion leks are collected already from the privatization of the small and medium enterprises, while the rest is foreseen to be cashed from the privatization of strategic sectors.

These sums will be due to the selling within 1999 the Albanian Mobile Communication AMC and four other great associations, such as Tirana Beer, Drink Factory in Durresi, Profarma and Milk Factory AJKA. /led/linda/

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[23] Free elections, obligation for Kosovars - Thaci

At the seminar "On ensuring peace and stability in Southeastern Europe", which is holding proceedings in Tirane in the context of the Stability Pact, Thaci said that the future of Kosova can be ensured only by the political factors conscious of the risk of Serb hegemony among which he includes the political Kosovar, Albanian and international factors.

He said that Kosova needs the international community in building the legislative and executive system. He closely linked the reconstruction and stability of Kosova with the stability and development of the whole region.

He also stressed that the perspective of other ethnic groups in Kosova "which have not stained their hands in blood" should be ensured as "freedom belongs to all its citizens". /led/lm/

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[24] Eighteen Kurd nationals and their guide halted

The clandestine smugglers who have entered Albania through the Greek border, were detained along the Vlore-Himare automobilistic road. They were accompanied to the police commissariat, and are waiting to fulfil the necessary formalities, and afterwards they will be returned to the Greek authorities.

The latest actions of Vlore police are part of the actions undertaken by this police and by the whole southern police on halting the clandestine traffic which starts from the coasts of this city. /led/A.A/

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[25] Major thanks Meidani for supporting UNESCO projects

According to sources from the Presidency on Friday, in this letter Major highlights Albania's determination to mobilise human and logistic sources in projects on long term administration of natural sources and in the framework of the World Programme on Solar Energy for 1996-2005. /led/lm/

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[26] Kosova Protection Corps, reliable source for all ethnic groups

In his speech at the seminar "Ensuring Peace in Southeastern Europe", being held in Tirane, Ceku explained the KLA role during its transformation into a force to be concerned with civil tasks.

"The Kosova Protection Corps has no political role, as it is a force which acts under civil administration, whatever its compositions," said Ceku.

Later Ceku dwelt on the concerns regarding the part remaining after KLA transformation. "A part of the militaries participating in KLA have been activated in the Kosova Protection Corps while the rest has returned to civil life," he said.

The contributions on the second day of the proceedings of this seminar, organised by NATO Parliamentary Assembly and backed by Albania's Parliament, were concentrated on important issues, such as that of stability and reconstruction of Kosova. /led/lm/

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[27] Albanian police officers certificated

Present at the diploma granting ceremony, organized by the Central Army House, were the U.S Ambassador in Tirana, Joseph Limprecht, deputy minster of Public Order Bajram Yzeiri and other police leaders.

Limprecht stressed that "the certification of Albanian police officers will have an important impact on its professionalization". He also declared the all-round support that will be offered to the Albanian police by the U.S.

The training course was held under ICITAP supervision, (International Criminal Investigations for Technical Assistance Programme), being the fifth of its kind. During this course, the second held in Tirana, there were treated issues such as human dignity, ethics and values, U.N code regarding officers behavior on Law Application, police democratization and other issues.

U.S experts in different fields read out reports and offered their experience during the course which will continue in the future. /led/so/

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[28] Cooperation between Greek, Albanian lobbies in U.S. benefits Albania

"I had long since planned this visit, to decide how we Greeks of the diaspora can help not only our compatriots but also Albanians," said Athens.

He added that in order to do this he had waited for the moment the relations between Albania and Greece reached the current level.

Athens said that the Greek-Americans will first invest in setting up health centers and for this purpose the Albanian Health Ministry is assigned to identify the needs and then determine the zones they will be set up.

Another project is setting up schools which will benefit all Albanians without distinction. The project will begin implementation by the beginning of 2000.

Third, what the Greek-Americans wish to invest is job creation, considering here the small enterprises, said Athens.

"I wished to come to Albania earlier but I chose this time when the Greek-Albanian relations are classified as excellent," said Athens.

"We are ready to help strengthen these very good relations further," he said. /led/lm/

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