Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-12-20

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From: The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) Home Page at <http://www.telpress.it/ata>

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CONTENTS

[01] During 1999, some 39 million lek are invested on education in Malesi e Madhe

[02] Echange rates of Lek with foreign currencies in Tirana

[03] Control of food markets in Tirana increases

[04] Tax income from games of chance at minimal levels

[05] Heat power station in Korce to resume working soon

[06] Tax incomes from excises at minimal levels in November

[07] Small business incomes amount to 1,099 billion lek in 11 months

[08] Rinas remains main port for entry-exits in Albania

[09] Reconstruction of Appeal court building in Shkoder ends

[10] 90,4 million leks invested on education in Elbasan in 1999

[11] More projects in 2000 from Albanian Fund of Development

[12] Trade Union supports Government in combating corruption

[13] Serb organization undertakes explosion in Mitrovica

[14] Rehabilitation of Qelez-Puke road

[15] UNMIK interrupts cooperation with Mitrovica hospital

[16] World Bank offers 14 million dollars on road rehabilitation in Albania

[17] UNMIK, KFOR intensify security measures in Prishtina

[18] Serb court in Leskovec punishes 14 Albanians of Kosova

[19] 40% of the forests to be possessed by villages in next three years

[20] Commune Joint Administrative Councils formed in Kosova,

[21] Italian Consulate to open next week in Vlora

[22] Albanians can count on our help

[23] Restored dyke of Tirana lake inaugurated

[24] Serbs enter Albanian villages, expel inhabitants and burn ARP headquarters in Mitrovica

[01] During 1999, some 39 million lek are invested on education in Malesi e Madhe

He said that with 18 million lek are constructed three new eight form schools in the villages Vermosh, Pjetroshan and in Koplik i Siperm, and 8 existing schools have been rehabilitated in villages Dedaj, Linaj, Kurtaj, etc.

In the mean time, rehabilitation of four other schools is continuing in villages Termal, Gashaj, Gruemire and Demiraj. The fund of 21 million lek for the rehabilitation of these schools has been granted by the non- governmental association Kafod and Italian Caritas. The work is forecast to be completed within the first quarter of 2000.

According to Ymeraj, during this year the investment made in the sector of education is four times greater than that made the last 6 months taken together. lh/xh/

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[02] Echange rates of Lek with foreign currencies in Tirana

Exchange rates on Monday in Tirana market:

Foreign currency Bought Sold

USD 134,5 135

DM 69,5 70

LIT (1000) 70 70,2

GRD (100) 40,8 41,2 /xh/

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[03] Control of food markets in Tirana increases

Since the beginning of December until now, about 98 quintals of food articles have been blocked by the food control structures, because their expiry date had surpassed or they were being traded without accompanied with the respective analysis.

According to sources from this department, 122 controls at various levels have been made in the productive and wholesale trading subjects, blocking the selling for the commodities which have proved not to be conformed to the standards and demands of the law "On Food". /xh/

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[04] Tax income from games of chance at minimal levels

According to final data from the General Taxes Department, during this month some 15,498 million lek have been encased, from 34 million lek that was the plan, or 45,6 per cent.

Despite continuous actions by tax police, still the tax from these games remains most problematic to be collected. /xh/

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[05] Heat power station in Korce to resume working soon

He said that during the recent days, the general rehabilitation of the heat power station has been over and beginning with Monday, tests to see the efficiency of this energy sources will be made. For this purpose, 200 tons of coal have been ensured from the mines of Drenova and Gora, and all controls have been made for a good process of the work in TEC.

According to Blushi, with the putting into operation of the TEC of Korca, sufficient electricity will be generated for a normal water supply of the city and to meet the shortages of energy from the main system.

Along with TEC, the hydro power of Gjanc will also be commissioned for the winter period. /lh/xh/

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[06] Tax incomes from excises at minimal levels in November

According to sources from the General Taxation Department, during the 11 months of this year, 2,986 billion lek or 84.2 per cent of the plan have been encased in the state budget, registering, on national level, a high deficit of tax collection in the amount of 558,697 million lek. The plan made by this department for the period January-November has been 3,545 billion lek.

During November, the incomes from excises in the state budget have been at the lowest levels in 1999. In the mean time, in the previous months, although this index was not completely realised, still the results registered were at higher levels than the other years, at 80-90 per cent. /lh/xh/

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[07] Small business incomes amount to 1,099 billion lek in 11 months

According to sources from the General Taxes Department, only during November the taxes from the small business are worth 56,6 million lek or 51, 5 per cent of the monthly plan. The deficit created by the failure to collect all the taxes this month was 53,3 million lek.

During the past 11 months, the incomes from taxes were 25,3 billion lek or 95,7 per cent of the plan, envisaged to be worth 26,5 billion lek. The incomes for November alone were 2,429 billion lek or 94 per cent of the plan.

According to sources from the General Taxes Department, until the end of 1999, it is envisaged that the number of the physical people or the small business amount to 24 thousand firms, while in 1998, this number was 22.300. /lh/xh/

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[08] Rinas remains main port for entry-exits in Albania

The airline companies, which make flights to Albania, during the first half of 1999 have realised 5729 flights transporting 139 960 passengers, of whom 67 093 have come to Albania and 72,877 have left Albania.

Today Albania has only one international civil airport, that of Rinas, in the suburbs of Tirana, constructed after the Second World War, with a capacity of about 250 thousands passengers a year. Some investment has been made in this airport by the German company Siemens to improve the runway and the terminal of the planes.

Discussion is underway for the construction of a new passengers' terminal, which will help increase the capacity with up to 600 thousand people per year. The value of the construction of the terminal is envisaged to be around 30 million USD.

The airline companies such as Alitalia, Swissair, Austrian Airlines, Albanian Airlines, Ada Air, Olympic, Malev, etc., offer the passengers the possibility to travel throughout the world. In October last year, two Albanian airline companies, Albanian Airlines and Ada Air started Tirana- Prishtina flights as well.

During 2000, the extension and modernisation of the passengers terminal is expected to be realised in the Rinas airport. In the mean time, several projects are being prepared to put into operation the small airfields in some of the main cities of Albania, for the internal air transport. Such an airfield was built in the town of Kukes, northeast Albania during the Kosova crisis in June, which is envisaged to be also used for internal airlines for the transport of passengers and goods. /xh/

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[09] Reconstruction of Appeal court building in Shkoder ends

He added that with a fund of 55 thousand dollars by the Albanian Development Fund was realised the complete rehabilitation of the building. The halls in the court are now contemporary and equipped with all the necessary material basis.

This court started functioning by the end of 1997 and covers seven northern and northeastern districts of Albania. lh/xh/

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[10] 90,4 million leks invested on education in Elbasan in 1999

The Director of District Education Directorate Kozma Hakani said on Monday that 13 million leks are accorded from the state budget and 5 million of them are used on equipment for high professional school "Ali Myftiu", three million on reconstruction of Kindergarten No.10 and five million on rehabilitation of the school building in Grekan village, Dumrea area.

While the non-governmental organizations invested 77,4 million leks, where 19,4 million leks are offered by French NGO "Triangell", 22 million leks are offered by World Vision NGO on total rehabilitation of the campus of high pedagogical school and the high school "Sali Ceka" and 20 million leks are allocated by CRS on total reconstruction of the school "Naim Frasheri".

At the moment, it is working on rehabilitation of the buildings of the secondary schools "Sul Miziri" and "Xhaferr Kongoli", where CRS is investing other 16 million leks. /lh/linda/

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[11] More projects in 2000 from Albanian Fund of Development

The regional inspector of this fund for the prefecture Stavri Collaku told on Monday that this fund will implement two projects in each municipality and communes of this prefecture next year.

According to him the municipalities and communes some 35 projects are drafted, which will follow the approval procedures.

Albanian Fund of Development in this district implemented 31 projects in infrastructure, such as road laying and rehabilitation, financed by World Bank with some 1,8 million dollars. /lh/linda/

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[12] Trade Union supports Government in combating corruption

Mrs.Ceco stressed the desire of the government for an open dialog with the social partners and stressed the need for institutionalizing the dialogue to consolidate the institutions.

The representatives of Trade Union pledged for cooperation and constructive dialog with the government aiming at mutual understanding and development of the country.

A special point of the discussions was the effective function of the National Labor Council, improving of the labor legislation, and others.

In respond to the interest of the Trade Union members on training of the miners Mrs.Ceco expressed the readiness to treat with responsibility this issue by taking into consideration the possibilities of Albanian state. led/linda/

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[13] Serb organization undertakes explosion in Mitrovica

This great explosion wounded two Albanians and caused many damages.

Referring to independent agency Beta, the responsibility is undertaken through an anonymous call in "Serb National Council" in Mitrovice. "This is a new organization in our space and asks for more radical undertakings", declared the representative of "Serb National Council" in Mitrovice. /led/linda/

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[14] Rehabilitation of Qelez-Puke road

The project on rehabilitation of this road started three years ago financed by Swiss Government, but referring to the above mentioned sources the operations were suspended due to troubles of March 1997. The rehabilitation of this road improves further on the movement of some 6 thousand inhabitants of Qelza commune in Puka town.

Albanian Fund of Development financed even two other rural projects, on rehabilitation of the roads in Iballe and Gjegjan, to be completed within December. /led/linda/

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[15] UNMIK interrupts cooperation with Mitrovica hospital

"Some 700 Serbian health care workers are operating according to Belgrade recommendations", the U.N. administrator in the region Stefano de Mistura said.

The Serbs have expelled from the hospital of Mitrovica all Albanian doctors and patients. /led/so/

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[16] World Bank offers 14 million dollars on road rehabilitation in Albania

The agreement on this purpose is signed in the headquarter of this bank by Albanian Ambassador in USA, Petrit Bushati.

This loan is offered to Albania as an emergent fund in improving the national road network in most damaged parts of it. Meanwhile, during the visit in the headquarter of World Bank, Albanian Minister of Public Affairs Arben Demeti negociated on the agreement, aiming at improving the infrastructure, water provision in four cities of Albania.

The agreement reaches the value of some 10 million dollars and it is foreseen to be signed in March 2000. The fund will be used in improving the water pipeline network and its management by private companies. /led/linda/

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[17] UNMIK, KFOR intensify security measures in Prishtina

According to this office the city is supervised by helicopters also during the night.

KFOR spokesman Philip Anido declared that control operations will further continue to restore order and security in the country. /led/so/

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[18] Serb court in Leskovec punishes 14 Albanians of Kosova

The sources, referring to Radio-Kosova, report that the defence attorneys have declared that these sentences were given without any evidence to the accused "of participating in KLA".

While 7 000 Albanians continue to be held hostage in Serbian jails, another trial is going on this week in Belgrade against six Albanians, while dozens of others have been so far sentenced to hundreds of years of imprisonment. /led/lm/

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[19] 40% of the forests to be possessed by villages in next three years

According to the specialists of this sector, the aim of letting the forests under the administration of the villages and communes is to protect and increase them, serving at the same time to lifting of secondary incomes and economic strengthening of the farmers themselves, as well.

Nearly 40% of the forest surface in Albania is foreseen to be possessed by the communes and villages in the next three years. A USAID project serving to this aim started to be implemented in 24 districts of the country, where more than 15 thousand ha forests passed from state property to the administration of the communes and villages. /led/linda/

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[20] Commune Joint Administrative Councils formed in Kosova,

At first was formed in Prizren the Joint Council for the Common Temporary Administration of the Commune comprising five members. The council will be led by UNMIK representative, Terhy Makynen, while the members will be one Albanian, Serb, Turkish and one Bosnian.

The U.N. deputy administrator for Prizren region, Mark Baskin, declared that the formation of this council represents the green light for the formation of the joint administrative councils even in other communes of Kosova. /led/so/

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[21] Italian Consulate to open next week in Vlora

Senior officials of the Albanian and Italian states are expected to participate in the inaugurating ceremony. The Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo and his Italian counterpart Lamberto Dini will hold a news conference.

The opening of the Italian consulate in Vlora within 1999, was promised by Italian authorities also during the visit of the Albanian Premier Ilir Meta in Italy, in November.

The Italian consulate that will be opened in the coastal city of Vlora is the second one in Albania, after that of the capital, Tirana. /so/

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[22] Albanians can count on our help

By Frrok Cupi,

ATHENS, Dec 20 (ATA)-The relations between Greece and Albania are very good, said Greek Foreign Minister Andreas Papandreou when asked about the relations between the two countries one day prior to the visit of the Albanian Prime Minister Ilir Meta to Greece.

Papandreou mentioned the fields in which these very good relations are manifested. He specified these relations in two wide domains: in Albania's economic prosperity and in the regional cooperation, especially during the crisis period in Kosova.

"I have visited Albania several times; I would like to have free time to come again, naturally, to work....", said Papandreou.

"We will help Albania and the Albanians should be sure that Greece will help Albanians become part of the European family, he said.

Speaking of Albanian Premier's visit to Athens tomorrow, Papandreou said that it will be "fruitful".

"We have common projects underway," said the minister implying that the steps for good relations are not beginning on this occasion. He also pointed to the very disputable issue on the joint political agenda "legalisation of Albanian emigrants".

Papandreou expressed himself in favour of "permanent residence and citizenship" of Albanian emigrants in Greece.

Albanians will feel themselves here more secure, said Papandreou. On this occasion he expressed himself on the values of their work to the benefit of the Greek and Albanian economy.

Once again a senior Greek official expresses himself on "the aid the state will provide for the Albanian emigrants to help their families and country with the money they gain."

Papandreou said that "cultural exchanges between the two peoples are also necessary. And not only exchanges on the traditional culture, by today's Albanian artists should be recognised by the Greek citizens as well".

The Greek $200 million worth of aid for Albania has already become known in Albania.

"Now we are seeing how efficiently this aid has been used. The Greek investments will increase but this needs a climate of security," said the Greek minister, adding that "for this, too, we will work together."

While the Albanian Premier arrives in Athens for a visit tomorrow, Albanian Public Order Minister Spartak Poci is negotiating today with his Greek counterpart joint projects to combat crime and mafia.

"Turkey", this has been a very debated matter in Greece and around it because recently Greece used its authority in the Helsinki Committee in favour of Turkey as a EU candidate. The question is whether enmity between these two countries is over.

Papandreou will visit Ankara in January 2000; He has been prudent in his recent interviews with the press.

"We did this for the Turks, for ourselves and for the Balkans," Papandreou told ATA. He said that "We should serve the stability in the Balkans which," according to Papandreou, "needs as many Balkan states in the European structures as possible".

"Let us end conflicts and work together," said Papandreou, "all in a Balkan family; and even with Yugoslavia, sooner or later."

-How do you think of the diplomatic and political face of the international community towards the Balkan issues, tired or satisfied?

-I might say that I see it very tired, but interested in working together with us - Papandreou responded. He spoke of the need of a "unified voice" of the Balkan people, who can resolve some problems themselves. He added that he considers indispensable the presence of the International Community in the Balkans, especially in "financial aid of infrastructures".

"The Balkans is not divided in 'pro and anti American'", said Papandreou; this is an illusion. But we "should not consider the third," he said, adding that "first of all stand the relations among neighbours". He regarded President Clinton's visit to Greece as "very fruitful" for Greece, especially "for resolving the Cyprus issue".

Papandreou considered the Greek minority in Albania a "force of relation between each other". This week Papandreou has planned a meeting with representatives of "Omonia", organisation of Albania's Greeks, a meeting which is part of the visit of Albanian Prime Minister. He did not object to speak with the minorities to be "more worthy in the human sense as regards the relations between neighbours".

Referring to Kosova, Papandreou said that "several projects are underway" concerning the recovery of economy and education. The Greek government has earmarked over $70 million in aid of Kosova. He hailed the initiative of Kosova administrator Bernard Kouchner for the creation of the Executive Committee with Albanian leaders and said that "we have close relations with Albanian leaders".

"We will be here forever, therefore we should live in peace and understanding with one another, with all ethnic groups," said Papandreou, speaking of the current situation in Kosova.

The visit of the Albanian Prime Minister to Athens is "well prepared" said the diplomats in Greece.

Papandreou said that he is "happy to meet with Meta". The new generation of Albanian politicians to which the Premier also belongs, is welcome by the Greek politics, said Papandreou, who has closely followed the past developments which left a bitter taste to the international community monitors. The young leadership of Albania symbolises the "new generation of hope. We will help and cooperate closely," Papandreou told ATA. /lm/

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[23] Restored dyke of Tirana lake inaugurated

A fund worth 140 million leks, aid of the Pakistani government for Albania, made possible the realization of this project, the deputy mayor of Tirana's town hall Ramiz Balla said.

The Minister of Public Works and Transport, in February of 1999 gave the alarm for the risk of the dyke's demolition, which would have had catastrophic results inundating the surrounding areas.

With the concluding phase of operations are opened gates that supply the lake with water, returning its level to optimal quotes, Balla pointed out.

The Artificial lake of Tirana was constructed in the 50's by the youth of the Capital. The road over the dyke that borders the lake from the Northwestern part, in which the passage of vehicles is not permitted, serves as a picturesque street very frequented by the inhabitants of the capital. /so/

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[24] Serbs enter Albanian villages, expel inhabitants and burn ARP headquarters in Mitrovica

The deportees have taken to the mountains. While in the Northern side of the divided city of Mitrovica, Serbian gangs on Monday burnt the Albanian Republican Party (ARP) headquarters, which they tended to blow up a week ago. Two Albanians were injured due to this act. /led/so/

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