Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-12-21

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Senior Italian militaries visit Italian troops of COMMZ(W)

[02] Press review

[03] Fir-tree forests in danger on the eve of new year

[04] High school education according to up-to-date standards

[05] Exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies in Tirana

[06] Bank computers ready for normal activity in 2000

[07] Council of Europe to continue projects in Albania

[08] Construction of two new health centres in district of Kolonje ends

[09] Realisation of investments in education sector in Kukes

[10] Premier Meta to leave for an official visit to Greece on Wednesday

[11] Albania-Italy: Assignment of the convention on avoiding double tax

[12] Nearly 148,4 million leks cashed by solidarity tax in November

[13] Flow increasing in Komani hydro power station

[14] Albanian President meets with Head of French Foreign Ministry

[15] Assignment of Letter of Intent on monetary and financial policies between Albania and IMF

[16] Programme to repair damages caused by Kosova crisis

[17]

[18] Talks on purchase of cement factory in Fushe-Kruje

[19] Albanian Parliament discussed economic project laws

[20] Customs tariffs fall from 20 to 18%

[21] CoE rejects DP decision to replace reformers in international organisations

[01] Senior Italian militaries visit Italian troops of COMMZ(W)

The two senior militarymen were received by the Commander of this Force in Albania, General Luiggi Chiavarelli. They have visited the Italian soldiers in Durres and have appreciated their work. Later, a press conference was held in the centre in which the composition and the tasks of the multinational contingent were presented. /led/xh/

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[02] Press review

KOHA JONE, independent daily

-"Meta-Rakipi-Klosi start arrests". An investigator and an advocate are arrested by police forces on Monday, while the General Prosecution has started 'crucifixion' in justice. -Meta: We are in the epoch of the Balkans without borders" Interview of Albanian Premier Ilir Meta given to the journalist of Greek paper "TA NEA", Kostas Papapetrou. -"DP deputies give the last stroke to the reformers". The decision of DP National Council on exclusion of reformers Pollo, Xhaferri Demi and Vejsiu from the international representations was adopted on Monday.

GAZETA SHQIPTARE, daily independent

-"Lushaj testify, we will hide you in Europe". The latest attempt of a foreign institution on taking the citizen Sali Lushaj as an eyewitness of the scene where Azem Hajdari was killed has failed. -"Rakipi: Meta no minister under investigation". No minister of Meta-led governemnt is under investigation for corruption. According to Premier Ilir Meta this was the response the head-prosecutor Arben Rakipi addressed to him on Monday. -"DP: the convention?" It's not worth dealing with Nano ideas". The Democratic Party rejected on Monday the Convention of National Moral Values proposed by SP chairman Fatos Nano.

SHEKULLI, independent daily

-"Meidani speaks about the Chinese days". Albania's President Rexhep Meidani reveals during an exclusive interview his experience in China. - "Meta: We are a clean government". This is what Premier Meta declared on Monday. -"Law courts 'worked up'; another life in jail".

ALBANIA, daily national

-"How Hajdari file was sold". -"DP announces the exclusion of reformers". -"About a debate in Italian consulate".

ZERI I POPULLIT, daily paper of Albanian Socialist Party

-"A prosecutor and an advocate arrested". -"The construction mafia the biggest mafia in Albania". -"Meta: justice will be applied on law violators".

RILINDJA DEMOKRATIKE, daily paper of Albanian Democratic Party.

-"Our pact with Albania and the West". -"Godo: State control should pass to DP".

REPUBLIKA, daily paper of Albanian Republican Party

-"The festival of the end of the millennium: music, spectacle, emotion and sharp polemics". -"Advocate who falsified the documents arrested".

/A.A/

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[03] Fir-tree forests in danger on the eve of new year

And the 'symbol of life' with a very cheap price and which can be afforded by the families has turned into a profitable commodity for the both sides.

On the one hand the traders are pleased with the profit and the indifference of the forest police for their commodity, while on the other hand, the people thank God for giving them the chance to buy the symbol of celebrations 10 times cheaper.

If an artificial Christmas tree costs 2000 lek, a natural fir tree of the same size costs 200 lek.

"Last year, the selling of artificial Christmas trees has been high, because the forest police has stopped the selling of natural sales, while this year the sale of this commodity has fallen, said on Tuesday Vildan Hysa, one of the city merchants.

The cutting of trees without criteria will lead soon to an ecological catastrophe, and if the forests of fir-trees will be sold cheap in the market, for the third millennium we have to form artificial forests. /lh/xh/

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[04] High school education according to up-to-date standards

Among these projects we can mention "The government of students", "Semep" and others, said the Director of high education close to the Ministry of Education and Science Rexhep Çupo.

According to him despite the obstacles faced improvements are realized as well in the subjects of foreign languages, literature, history, mathematics, technology, computer science and the like.

It is worth being mentioned the positive fact of the opening and functioning of bilingual language sector in the foreign language school "Asim Vokshi" in Tirane and in Korçe. A great help was accorded for this aim by the Italian and French embassies accredited to Albania, concluded Çuko. /lh/A.A/

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[05] Exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies in Tirana

Exchange rates on Monday in Tirana market:

Foreign currency Bought Sold

USD 134 134,5

DM 69,7 70

LIT (1000) 70 70,3

GRD (100) 40,8 41,2

/lh/xh/

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[06] Bank computers ready for normal activity in 2000

The Monitoring Council of the Central Bank of Albania has long ago authorised the respective structures to adopt the efficient measures so that the second level banks in the new millennium operate without any obstacle, offering the clients all daily services.

During the last year "the problem of computers of 2000" has become a disputable issue throughout the world for the fact that the changing of years on December 31 may create, according to specialists of computers, problems up to the failure to work of computers with programs using the date with two numbers, creating problems for a normal activity or up to the complete interruption of operation.

In order to solve "the problem of computers for 2000" the Central Bank of Albania, the Savings Bank, the American Bank, Tirana Bank, the National Greek Bank, Fefad Bank, the International Malaysian Bank, Alpha Credit and the First Bank of Investments have taken all measures so that this problem pass without consequences in the Albanian banking system. /lh/xh/

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[07] Council of Europe to continue projects in Albania

As the president's press office reported on Tuesday, Ms Akant expressed her pleasure for the steps made by Albanian institutions during the latest period, singling out the abrogation of the death penalty, the steps for the decentralisation of the government, etc.

Ms Akant briefed President Meidani of the coming projects of this European organisation in the field of elementary and university education, the assistance in the preparation of various laws, etc., and highlighted the maturity manifested by the Albanian people in "establishing automatic equilibriums in all the fields."

Appreciating the work of Ms Akant in Albania, President Meidani expressed the readiness of Albania to further cooperate with CE in such sectors as those of the institutional reform, judiciary, and others. /lh/xh/

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[08] Construction of two new health centres in district of Kolonje ends

According to him, for the construction of these two centres the German Government financed 50 thousand dollars in the context of the project "Care for Mother and Child."

The new health centres, besides the doctor's room and the emergency hall, have also the hall of nurses, that of births and other auxiliary halls. Thomallari said that the German Government will also fund 100 thousand dollars for each of the health centres to be equipped with the necessary medical equipment.

A year ago, this project has also financed the construction and equipment of the new health centres in the villages Clirim and Bardhmash of this district. /lh/xh/

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[09] Realisation of investments in education sector in Kukes

The director of the education and culture office in the prefecture of Kukes, Esat Elezi, said that the investments are mostly being used in 70 schools of the prefecture.

According to Elezi, investments by the state budget, 120 million lek, and the investments accorded by the Albanian Development Fund, worth 38 million lek, have all been used in that prefecture.

During the outgoing year, 35 schools have been rehabilitated in the prefecture of Kukes, 14 schools in the district of Tropoja and 21 schools in the district of Has. /lh/xh/

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[10] Premier Meta to leave for an official visit to Greece on Wednesday

Premier Meta, in this visit, will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Paskal Milo, the Minister of Finance Anasatas Angjeli and the Minister of Public Economy and Privatization Zef Preci.

Meta will meet with Greek senior officials. He will meet Premier Costas Simitis, the President of the Greek Republic Costandinos Stefanopolos and others.

Representatives of the Greek government in Albania by the beginning of December presented the action-plan of Greece for the reconstruction of the Balkans, where Albania ranks second after Kosova according to the amount of the fund it will profit by Greece. Also, the Albanian Premier has recently met with Greek state representatives and businessmen, and he has discussed the intensification of the economic cooperation between the two countries, discussions which will further continue during the visit of the Albanian delegation to Greece. /led/so/

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[11] Albania-Italy: Assignment of the convention on avoiding double tax

The Convention for Albanian part is signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs Paskal Milo and for Italian part Italian Ambassador in Albania Mario Bova.

This convention is an important step in service of the citizens and in particular the business community of Albania and Italy. The Convention will solve the problem of paying twice the same tax in respective states.

The Convention to be enforced in January 1, 2000 will also help the tax control institutions on preventing the fiscal evasion.

At the moment, Italy is the main commercial partner of Albania. /led/linda/

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[12] Nearly 148,4 million leks cashed by solidarity tax in November

Referring to the data taken from General Tax Directorate the total value collected from solidarity tax is nearly 1,746 billion leks or 91,7% of the plan, by creating a deficit of some 158,9 million leks. The figure foreseen by the General Tax Directorate for the period January-November is 1,905 billion leks, but it is not fulfilled.

The monthly solidarity tax for the order and defense is temporary and aims to motivate the police forces in combating the crime, through increasing the salary and modernizing the means they use.

The monthly tax on budgetary and non-budgetary employees is 500 leks. According to the calculation done by the Ministry of Finances, the number of the state and private subjects, small business and Albanian citizens to pay this tax is nearly 267 thousand people. /lh/linda/

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[13] Flow increasing in Komani hydro power station

The rain makes possible the work with full capacity in this hydro power station, although Fierza one is far from required parametres. /led/linda/

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[14] Albanian President meets with Head of French Foreign Ministry

He briefed the French official on Albania's cooperation with the countries of the region within the Stability Pact and on the pragmatic concepts of the Albanian state on economic cooperation.

Referring to the Kosova issue, Meidani pointed to the existence of a large number of Kosovar prisoners in Serbian jails, the Mitrovica issue and other problems.

"The state policy of Serb genocide and individual cases of violence can never be equaled", said Meidani, adding that the gradual solution of the Mitrovica problem needs a strong will and use of the international police.

He said he saw the future of Kosova as a new unit in the course of European integration, following a certain period of international administration there, creating positive reflexes throughout the region.

Referring to the integration issue, Meidani said that in a wider scope of international developments, maybe it is high time to review the functioning principles of the European space.

This review should favour and accelerate the integration of the Balkan countries, he said. /led/so/lm/

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[15] Assignment of Letter of Intent on monetary and financial policies between Albania and IMF

The agreement for Albanian part is signed by Prime Minister Ilir Meta, Minister of Finances Anastas Angjeli and Governor of Bank of Albania Shkelqim Cani. The Letter of Intent will be signed in January 2000 at IMF headquarter by the part of Directors Board.

The objectives of this agreement are keeping of macroeconomic and fiscal policies in conformity with the inflation level of some 3%, GDP 8%, deficit 4% and keeping and further strengthening of macroeconomic stability.

According to the Letter of Intent, Albanian Government aims to achieve its own fiscal objectives, mainly through the strengthening of tax collection. Special attention is paid to the customs and improving of custom system, and combating the corruption and smuggling, as well.

Priorities in structural reform remain the privatization of two state banks, where the purchase of National Commercial Bank moved forward. The privatization of the banks will be accompanied by a great number of the measures to develop the financial markets and to increase the portofol of successful credits.

Letter of Intent is a part of the agreement ESAF 2, whose deadline is the end of 2000. Meanwhile, International Monetary Fund and World Bank are preparing a new program to substitute ESAF agreement. The new program will support the social policies and will facilitate the development policies. /led/linda/

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[16] Programme to repair damages caused by Kosova crisis

The Italian government has undertaken to implement a programme (PASAF) to repair damages caused by the Kosova crisis in the prefectures of Vlore, Durres and Shkoder.

In order to get acquainted with the details of this programme, the OSCE regional office in Vlore on Tuesday met with representatives of all local government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), acting in this city.

The PASAF programme aims at intervening in several fields which include road infrastructure, drinking water supply network in several zones in the city and its suburbs and that of electric power supply.

The participants at the meeting also stressed that a correct financing and implementing of the projects to be approved "require an effective management of funds and for this purpose all the necessary mechanisms should be defined".

"The programme worth $20 million aims at realising the contemporary parameters in the fields it will be applied," the participants concluded.

The Vlore prefecture has nearly 110 projects realised by specialist groups. /lm/

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[17]

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[18] Talks on purchase of cement factory in Fushe-Kruje

The representatives of these companies informed Albanian Minister on their decision to take part in the international tender to be held on purchase of cement factory in Fushe-Kruja. /led/linda/

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[19] Albanian Parliament discussed economic project laws

Some of them aim at ratification of the agreement between Albania and foreign companies, such as "On harmonized program and integration of the control of European air traffic and implementation of managing measures of air traffic directed by Central Managing Unit of influx directing" between Albania and European Organization on air navigation security.

Another agreement discussed was "The concessions in cooper industry between Ministry of Public Economy and Privatization and American company The Metal Research Group Corp". This project law aims at better exploitation of cooper reserves in Albania based upon the foreign experience.

The approval of these project laws is expected after their discussion. /led/linda/

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[20] Customs tariffs fall from 20 to 18%

The normative act on several changes on the law "State budget for 1999" was discussed during this session as well.

The draft-law "On taxation procedures" was considered as a regulator of the taxation relations between the administration and other structures.

The draft-law "On expropriation of public interest", was discussed by the specialists, who later responded to deputies' questions to explain its components. This draft-law is thought to come into force on March 1 of 2000. /led/so/linda/

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[21] CoE rejects DP decision to replace reformers in international organisations

According to the CoE Parliamentary Assembly, the replacement of members in the national delegations is done only in cases of deaths, or when the deputy is declared guilty of a very grave crime by all courts. In no other case does the assembly admit to examine the credentials of another substitute.

The chairman of the European People's Parties Group in the CoE Assembly, V.D. Linden says in an open letter: "I learned with regret that Berisha has decided to remove Mr. Pollo and other deputies from the delegations to the European Assembly and other International organisations."

"Pollo is a member of my group and I might say that he has presented his county very well and has also defended the Democratic Party. Even if Pollo's removal and the appointment of another person in his place is decided by the DP parliamentary group and the Albanian parliament, this runs counter to the CoE regulation," Linden writes.

Last Sunday, the DP parliamentary group decided to replace deputies Pollo, Xhaferri, Demi and Vejsiu in the international parliamentary delegations. /led/lm/

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