Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-10-19

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Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Press review

[02] Exchange rates

[03] International Book Fair in Frankfurt ends

[04] Tirana University integrated in PHARE Program

[05] Albanian adolescents, generation which falls easily 'prey' of crime

[06] Anti-contraband: in 9 months 152,4 million leks fines and sequestrations

[07] Austria accords 85 million shillings for rehabilitation of hydro-power stations in Drini river

[08] IMF mission due to Tirane on Wednesday

[09] Italian Under Secretary of State arrives in Tirane

[10] PM Majko demands steps to be made in Albanian-Italian relations

[11] An Albanian film to be shown in Prishtine

[12] Meta estimates Albanian-Italian relations as very positive

[13] German Defence Minister Scharping arrives in Albania

[14] There is no need for reconvention of Socialist Party, says Ruci

[15] APC fulfills 9.015 billion leks incomes in nine months period

[16] Italian Institute of Foreign Trade headquarter to be inaugurated tomorrow

[17] Public Health Institute controls vaccination in Albania

[18] Hajdaraga praises military relations with Germany

[19] Italy increases economic contacts with Albania

[20] Meidani asks greater German economic presence in Albania

[21] Hajdaraga praises military relations with Germany

[22] Albania should preserve stability - Scharping

[23] Compromise should be found within governing majority - Ranieri

[24] Cooperation with Albania to be sensible in future - Scharping

[01] Press review

Koha Jone, independent daily

- "Fight in SP starts, petition against Nano." Late last night, PM Pandeli Majko, Deputy Premier Ilir Meta, Public Order Minister Spartak Poci and a great number of ministers have signed a declaration against the announcement by SP chairman Fatos Nano to reconvene the SP congress in a single session. The session will elect 36 other members of the General Leading Committee, who have not received the necessary quota of votes. - "Nano is fighting to occupy the Party - Dokle." Interview with deputy Parliament Speaker, Namik Dokle. - "Pollo wins battle with Berisha." Parliamentary bureau has recognized yesterday as chairman of the DP Parliamentary Group, former DP chairman, Genc Pollo.

Gazeta Shqiptare, independent daily

- "Why Majko hesitates for the Congress." After the SP chairman asked that that the congress must convene in a single session to elect KDP members who couldn't take the necessary votes, different reactions were noticed in the ranks of this party. Some 40 KPD members have demanded urgent meeting of this committee. - "Meidani: I don't want to meddle in SP affairs." President of Albania, Rexhep Meidani has taken the role of the arbiter in the conflict between Nano and Majko but taking the side of none. - DP Group splits, "Different opinion" formed. "Yesterday's meeting of the DP parliamentary group has divided it definitely in two parts.

Shekulli, independent daily.

- "Forty against Nano." Some 40 members of the General Leading Committee of the Socialist Party asked from SP chairman Fatos Nano the urgent meeting of KPD. - "Nano to convene SP Congress." SP chairman Nano has declared yesterday he wanted to convene the congress of the party in a single session. - "Threatening letter to investigator of Vehbiu." Only one and half an hour after the former president of Vefa Holding Behbi Alimucaj arrived in the Court yesterday, his investigator Abaz Gjeta has received a threatening letter.

Albania, national daily

- "Nano: Congress to remove Majko." - "Moderates want to take reins of DP group." - "Penal prosecution for 100 customs staff members."

Zeri i Popullit, daily paper of the Socialist Party of Albania.

- "Congress to convene on Friday." - "40 KPD members: we shall convene Committee urgently." - "Nano annuls second meeting with PM."

Rilindja Demokratike, daily of Democratic Party of Albania.

- "SP splits in two." - "Protests until crisis is solved."

Republika, daily of Republican Party of Albania.

- "Pellumbi: Nano prepares for manipulations." - "Majko, resignation quite near." /xh/

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[02] Exchange rates

The exchange rates at the free market

Currency bought sold

USD 131 131,5

DM 72,5 73

LIT(1000) 72,8 73,2

GRD(100) 42,8 43 /led/gs/

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[03] International Book Fair in Frankfurt ends

About 6 600 participants from 113 countries of the world presented their publications in the biggest book exhibition, which this year was visited by about 290 000 visitors.

Taking part in the fair for the sixth successive year is also Albania. This year Albanian publications were presented by about 24 private publishing houses from Albania such as Toena, Onufri, Lilo, Dituria, Omsca; the publishing houses from Albanian territories, Buzuku, Dukagjini, Drita, Agjenci Loro Mac, from Kosova, Logos A and Asdreni from Macedonia.

For the first time the fair was held in 1949, with nearly 10 thousand titles from 205 publishers. /led/xh/

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[04] Tirana University integrated in PHARE Program

According to Rama, "these projects have a mutual relationship, because, as is known, recognition of diplomas goes along with the valuation of the institutions that give these diplomas. Through applying and taking part in them, the aim is that the Albanian diplomas be recognised and accepted by the universities of other countries, in which Albanian specialists will compete in the labour market.

The projects of PHARE Program include 11 countries of Central and East Europe with the same specifications, and with Albania being one of them.

The program will also be applied in some other universities of Albania, like those in Elbasan, Shkoder, etc. /led/xh/

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[05] Albanian adolescents, generation which falls easily 'prey' of crime

Only in 1999, the number of the youths who were not admitted for higher studies was 11 000, while if this figure is added with the number of those who have failed in the past years, the index is so alarming towards which the attention should be greater both by the society and the family unit.

According to the latest reports from UNICEF, the social problems such as the drug-addiction, prostitution and crime among children are on the increase, along with the growth of the number of the street children, beggars or children who sell cigarettes and other small items.

The school departments report that a great number of children emigrate to Greece and Italy, working on streets of the main cities there for different periods of time. While according to UNICEF, Albanian prostitutes in main cities of Europe are sometimes as young as 14 years of age.

Specialists of social problems for children in the Centre stress the fact that the society must create the possibilities for the children to have further qualification. They must aim at their professional and intellectual qualification in order to make them capable to compete again in the fields of life. /led/xh/

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[06] Anti-contraband: in 9 months 152,4 million leks fines and sequestrations

During this period 163 fines more have been put amounting to 72,3 million leks, as against 131 fines in total of 1998.

This directorate executed 145 sequestrations with a value of 81,1 million leks as against 133 sequestrations of 1998.

The Anti-contraband directorate blocked 585 vehicles of various trade subjects during the nine-month period of 1999, of which 163, with a value of 153 million leks, committed violation.

The Anti-contraband sources report that the majority of violation cases have been spotted in the customs branches of Tirane, Vlore, Elbasan, Pogradec , Kapshtice, Kakavije and Morine. /led/gs/

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[07] Austria accords 85 million shillings for rehabilitation of hydro-power stations in Drini river

The agreement on this occasion was signed on Monday by the Albanian Minister of Finances, Anastas Angjeli in the presence of Austrian ambassador to Albania, Arno Reidel. According to this contract some 85 million shillings (equal to 850 million Leks) will be added to the existing fund starting from Oct. 26 of the current year and will be used for the reconstruction of hydro-power station built in Drini river, northern Albania.

Sources from the Austrian embassy accredited to Albania reports that the rehabilitation of hydro-power stations in Drini river is the biggest project financed in Albania by the Austrian government. Other projects carried out in the framework of bilateral cooperation are the supplying with potable water as well as the system of sewages in Shkoder distict, the rehabilitation of Burrel hospital, rehabilitation of several schools in the districts of Tirane, Shkoder, Kurbin, Mirdite, Lushnje and Malesia e Madhe. /a.gj/A.A/

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[08] IMF mission due to Tirane on Wednesday

Official sources from the Albanian Ministry of Finance explain that IMF mission will hold talks on the midterm progress of the ESAF 2 agreement and on the preparation of the draft-budget of the Albanian state for the forthcoming year.

The mission is expected to discuss about the "Letter of Intent" and the implementation of this agreement during the meetings it will have with the Minister of Finances Anastas Angjeli and other members of governmental cabinet.

Albanian officials and IMF mission will discuss as well the New Custom Code. Other issues to be discussed during the two-week visit of IMF mission in Albania will be the privatization procedures of the National Commercial Bank and the achievements in privatization of strategical sectors.

Another theme to be discussed will be the implementation of law "On civil service". /led/A.A/

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[09] Italian Under Secretary of State arrives in Tirane

Ranieri hold talks with the Albanian Premier, Pandeli Majko and with the Alternate Premier and the Minister of Governmental Coordination, Ilir Meta. He is expected to hold talks with the the Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Paskal Milo and with the Minister of Economic Cooperation Ermelinda Meksi.

In the agenda of Ranieri's visit are included as well meetings with the Chairman of Socialist Party Fatos Nano and with the leader of DP Sali Berisha. /led/A.A/

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[10] PM Majko demands steps to be made in Albanian-Italian relations

In the meeting with Italian Deputy Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Umberto Ranieri, Prime Minister Majko said that the end and solution of the conflict in Kosova has created chances for stability in the region, which also is one of the conditions for the intensification of the Albanian-Italian cooperation.

Mr Ranieri said that with the solution of the Kosova crisis, the situation in Albania is recording evident improvement and that Italy is interested in the promotion of the cooperation between the two countries.

Ranieri confirmed the coming visit of Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema in Tirana and the participation in the Fiera del Levante fair, an activity which will encourage Italian entrepreneurs for their investments in Albania and cooperation with Albanian business.

Ranieri also highlighted the efforts made against illegal traffics and said that there are apparent signs that this task is being realised in the right direction, with concrete results, thanks to the very good cooperation and the work made by the Albanian Government. /led/xh/

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[11] An Albanian film to be shown in Prishtine

"The Albanians" appears in Kosovo after being highly appraised by the Albanian critics, in which the history of antiquity of the Albanian nation is originally intertwined with the touching history of Kosovo.

Kokonozi narrates his link to Kosovo which he closely knew during his first stay in Prishtine in 1979, "as an Albanian coming to an Albanian land, unknown and legend", as he is expressed.

The film axis is the idea of the re-knowing of an ancient nation.The Kosovo tragedy in March 1999 is presented in Albania, wherever Kosovars were placed, in Kukes, Shkoder, Elbasan, Sarande. Kokonozi's camera followed them everywhere, artistically Kokonozi,also director of photography - with the screenplay of displaying a rite as ancient as Albanians. /pas/gs/

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[12] Meta estimates Albanian-Italian relations as very positive

Meta highlighted that "we have attended with interest Bari meeting and hope that this does not mark only the continuation of a fruitful cooperation in the projects with common interest in the context of the Pact of Stability".

Ranieri expressed his desire for consolidation of bilateral cooperation in the future and pointed out that Bari meeting highlighted the importance of the 8th Corridor as a cooperation process between the regional countries with each other and with the European countries.

Ranieri revealed that his visit will affect the Italian investments in Albania and cooperation not only with the projects of the Stability Pact but even with those involving the acceleration of Stability Agreement draft and accession of Albania in EU.

The two interlocutors expressed the engagement of their governments on coordination with efficacity the combat against crime and illegal traffics.

The Minister of Economy, Ylli Bufi who was present in the meeting, demanded the aid of Italian experts to assist Albania draft regional and competitive projects in the context of the Pact of Stability. These requests were welcomed by Ranieri.

The dictatorial will of Miloshevic can not pledge the European integration of the Balkan region, because every country should be integrated on the bases of democratic values it realizes, said Meta at the end of the meeting. /led/A.A/

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[13] German Defence Minister Scharping arrives in Albania

At Rinas airport Scharping was received by his Albanian counterpart Luan Hajdaraga. During his one-day visit, Scharping will meet with the highest authorities of Albania, President Rexhep Meidani, Premier Pandeli Majko, Foreing Minister Paskal Milo and Defence Minister Luan Hajdaraga.

This is the second visit German Defence Minister Rudolf Scharping has paid to Albania. He first visited Albania in May 1999. /led/so/lm/

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[14] There is no need for reconvention of Socialist Party, says Ruci

After the meeting, the Head of Parliamentary Group of Socialist Party Gramoz Ruci said that there is no need for Congress reconvention.

"Already the Socialist Party has its institutions, represented by legitimate members of the General Governing Council (GGC), its chairman and the congress delegates", stated Ruci.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Governmental Coordination Ilir Meta was expressed for a compromise by the legitimate part of General Governing Council, which consists of 2/3 of the members to be legitimized and 36 illegitimate members.

On Monday Nano asked for reconvention of SP Congress to decide the fate of 36 members of the General Governing Council, that received more votes than the others in October 10, but do not posses more 50% of the Congress votes, which is against the criteria defined in the status of Socialist Party.

The deputies discussed upon the issue that who has the right to reconvention the Congress and if its meeting will bring other precedents. After the discussions they reached to the conclusion that the head of the congress cannot call for gathering of the congress, based upon the status of the party, but this can make possible only 1/3 of the General Governing Council. /lh/dast/linda/

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[15] APC fulfills 9.015 billion leks incomes in nine months period

Out of the total sum the petroleum company Albpetrol fulfilled 2.789 billion leks, and 5.810 billion leks by ARMO company. The service association SERVCOM fulfilled only 68% of the incomes plan or 416 million leks.

A considerable part of the incomes covers the expenditures, which mark some 9.087 million leks or 87% of the plan.

During this period Albpetrol company marked a profit of nearly 39 million leks, while ARMO benefit was some 40 million leks. /lh/linda/

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[16] Italian Institute of Foreign Trade headquarter to be inaugurated tomorrow

Fiera del Levante, Assindustria and Regional Center for Pulja foreign trade will have their seats in this center, located close to the Palace of Culture. /a.gj/linda/

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[17] Public Health Institute controls vaccination in Albania

Eduart Harshova, Director of Public Health, said that this question will be answered by a control which is expected to begin soon in all the districts of the country.

This control, which will be exercised by the Public Health Institute in Tirane, has been proposed by UNICEF and will be financially backed by the ECO programme and other programmes interested in knowing this problem.

The Institute will be a technical partner while UNICEF will activate renowned specialists from the Centre for Transmission Disease Control of Atlanta as well as from the World Health Organisation. /lh/so/lm/

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[18] Hajdaraga praises military relations with Germany

"The relations between our two countries, especially in military, have reached the highest level as result of the cooperation between the two countries' ministries and armies, especially during the conflict in Kosova, when the two sides cooperated seriously," said Hajdaraga.

"Cooperation between the governments, armies and armed forces is very good and it will continue to be so in the future as well. We have successfully coped with many challenges," said Scharping.

At this meeting Scharping confirmed the continuation of necessary aid and assistance for the Albanian Army.

"We have planned to provide aid consisting of 58 trucks, portable radios and other equipment, which will be delivered very soon, as well as 35 scholarships for training Albanian officers in German military schools," he said.

Scharping highly evaluated the cooperation with the Italian troops in the NATO mission in Albania COMMZ(W) in safeguarding the Durres-Prishtine road.

This has been the second visit of German Defence Minister Rudolf Scharping to Albania this year. /lh/lm/

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[19] Italy increases economic contacts with Albania

The peak of these contacts will be the opening, by the Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema and Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Majko, of the second edition of "Fiera del Levante" in Albania.

Beside the Italian and Albanian companies, the ones from Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Macedonia and Rumania will take part in this fair. The fair will be open till October 25, 1999.

The visit of Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema is preceded by the visit of Under Secretary of State Umberto Ranieri and the visit of Minister of Foreign Affairs Piero Fassino, who will come tomorrow in Tirana. /dast/linda/

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[20] Meidani asks greater German economic presence in Albania

Meidani appreciated the active stand of Mr. Scharping and of the German government in strengthening cooperation between Albania and Germany. He thanked the German government for its contribution in the framework of AFOR 2 in Albania.

Referring to cooperation in defence, Meidani considered important exchanges and technical assistance in qualifications, training and joint exercises.

As to the proceeding of the Stability Pact in the region Meidani said that the Stability Pact is creating the climate for regional cooperation and stressed the need to materialise this Pact so that it is more accessible to our societies.

Scharping expressed himself ready to intensify cooperation not only in defence but in all fields. As regards German presence in AFOR-2, he said that the German troops will provide their contribution to Durres-Kukes road segment. /dast/lm/

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[21] Hajdaraga praises military relations with Germany

"The relations between our two countries, especially in military, have reached the highest level as result of the cooperation between the two countries' ministries and armies, especially during the conflict in Kosova, when the two sides cooperated seriously," said Hajdaraga.

"Cooperation between the governments, armies and armed forces is very good and it will continue to be so in the future as well. We have successfully coped with many challenges," said Scharping.

This has been the second visit of German Defence Minister Rudolf Scharping to Albania this year. /lh/lm/

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[22] Albania should preserve stability - Scharping

"If there is no stability in Albania, there will be no stability in Kosova, Macedonia or Montenegro, either. And I wish and expect that Albania will not get involved in destability," the spokesman of the Prime Minister cited Scharping as saying.

Scharping asked Albania to continue to be a significant and major factor in implementing the Stability Pact, which is on the right track. He said he observes the same positive tendency in the developments in Kosova.

Scharping assessed the cooperation between the armies of the two countries as very good.

Majko shared the same view as Scharping, considering them excellent.

"The Balkans has been a battle field rather than a place to be invested in. For this reason we regard the cooperation and consolidation of relations between our two countries and armies as very important", said Majko.

Germany, he added, plays an important role in regional developments and its presence in the region constitutes one of the conditions and guarantees for the implementation of the Stability Pact.

The Albanian government, he said, will continue to work to strengthen stability at home, a stability which at the same time positively affects the stability of Kosova, Macedonia and Montenegro. /so/lm/

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[23] Compromise should be found within governing majority - Ranieri

"A compromise should be found within the leading force of the governing majority," said Ranieri.

Ranieri and Gjinushi expressed themselves in favour of strengthening and promoting the relations between the two countries, the parliament's press office reports.

Gjinushi voiced the Parliament's stand that the implementation of the Stability Pact will guarantee a long-term stability for the entire region.

"We wish Albania's role be in harmony with the international community and Berisha's declaration in favour of a Balkan confederation is unacceptable,' said Ranieri.

He praised the Albanian government's stand towards the Kosova crisis and stressed that the cooperation between the two countries will be further promoted.

"The Stability Pact offers greater chances for Albania and they should be exploited," said Ranieri. /lh/so/lm/

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[24] Cooperation with Albania to be sensible in future - Scharping

Milo asked German government's assistance also as regards Albania's integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures and in the framework of the Stability Pact, the Foreign Ministry's press and information department reports.

Contribution to Albania serves not only to this country but also to the development, cooperation and stability of the whole region, stressed Scharping, adding that Albania has now become a key point in the region.

Referring to the developments in Kosova, Milo and Scharping stressed that the International Community should make maximum efforts in resolving inter-ethnic problems, economic and social difficulties in Kosova. /lh/so/lm/

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