Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 00-01-06

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Press Review

[02] Serb court of Prokuple sentences seven Albanians of Rahovec

[03] "Albpetrol" drafts study to secure a supplement of 300 thousand tonne supplementary oil

[04] Exchange-rate in Tirane

[05] Cold, ice slows down movement across Morine customs point

[06] Abaz Hado participant in International Show of painting in Saudi Arabia

[07] Albania to participate in Agrotika International fair

[08] Urban Studies on Korce tourist areas

[09] Germany provides DP three million for health care

[10] "Development of human sciences in Albania" helps university system

[11] Ministry of Finance defines priorities for the year 2000

[12] Money Gram system increases clients number in Elbasan

[13] Reuters provides technical aid for ATA

[14] More than 200 thousand ha land improved through draining works

[15] Ice continues to make traffic difficult on several roads of Albania

[16] Increasing of excise incomes for the year 1999

[17] Greek police blocks movement of vehicles in Kapshtice customs

[18] Busy traffic in Tirane roads

[19] Republican Party asks for united opposition on local elections

[20] Day of Holy Water celebrated in Orthodox Church in Tirane

[21] History of Kurd illegals resumes in Kakavija crossing point

[22] Miss Globe 2000 sensitizes international opinion to help children

[23] Albanian Public Order Ministry makes analysis of work for 1999

[24] Weather forecast for Friday

[25] Railway incomes of 1998 realized within 11 month period of 1999

[01] Press Review

Koha Jone, independent daily,

"Kryemadhi at the head of FRESSH". The chairman of Tirane Euro-Socialists, Monika Kryemadhi, is a shoo-in to replace the current head of the Albanian Youth Euro-Socialist Forum Ilir Meta. "Berisha ruins chanses of compromise, reformers hope now in EDU". DP chairman Sali Berisha yesterday reacted harshly against a message by his opponents inside the party for peace. "If China vetos Kosova, we should reconsider again our relations". Inteview with the chairman of the Foreign Commission, Sabri Godo.

Gazeta Shqiptare, independent daily,

"Dolores was discharged because of Zani". President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani on Wednesday signed the dismissal of Tirana's Prosecutor Dolores Velaj. "Meta sets up commission on EU conditions". Premier Ilir Meta yesterday decided to set up an inter-ministerial commission for Euro- Atlantic integration. "Berisha: In elections without Pollo". DP chairman Sali Berisha will not cooperate with Genc Pollo and his supporters to lead the united Democratic Party to local government elections.

Shekulli, independent daily,

"Chief investigator Velaj discharged". President of the Republic Rexhep Meidani yesterday signed the proposal of the Prosecutor General to discharge Tirane Chief Prosecutor and she will be replaced by Thoma Jano. "Local elections, quarrel breaks out". All political parties in fevers ahead of local elections. In the meantime, the head of the Republicans, Fatmir Mediu, has accepted the invitation of Democrat leader erisha for cooperation. "Some 15 000 people with flu".

Albania, national independent,

"Money reimbursement begins". "Velaj: This is why Meidani fired me". "Confusion in the market, prices vary by hours".

Zeri i Popullit, daily of the Albanian Socialist Party,

"Meidani fires four prosecutors, they favoured the assassins". "Berisha shares the same opinion with Pali, boycott to local elections". "SP- objective, clear victory in local elections".

Rilindja Demokratike, daily of the Albanian Democratic Party,

"Mediu: There is no reason to be fragmentized"

Republika, daily of the Albanian Republican Party,

"Local elections unite oppositon" "Meta begins elections campaign" /so/lm/

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[02] Serb court of Prokuple sentences seven Albanians of Rahovec

The office, which refers to newspaper Rilindja on Wednesday, the sentenced Albanians were abducted by Serb forces in September 1998.

Serbia continues the series of trials against 7000 Albanians who are held in its prisons. /led/lm/

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[03] "Albpetrol" drafts study to secure a supplement of 300 thousand tonne supplementary oil

Nearly 300 thousand tonne of supplement oil can be obtained during a five-year period, through an investment worth US$ 6,7 million in the existing oil wells in Albania. This was the conclusion of a study carried out by specialists of the Albanian company of oil research-production "Albpetrol" ltd and "APC" corporation.

Specialists envisage that the amount worth US$ 6,7 million will be invested in ordinary operations in the existing wells, such as supplying with equipment the closed wells, the increase of the exploitation coefficient and improvements in infrastructure and technology.

Currently, "Albpetrol" ltd exploits seven oil resources, three natural gas resources and two of gas production, after the resources extension. Also, a separate unit operates in oil transport.

"Albpetrol" ltd has two production structures, the wells it administrates itself and the ones it administrates in cooperation with the foreign companies. The company has been licensed also to carry out oil and gas researches in four new resources, in three of which it has reached agreements with foreign companies.

The registered fundamental capital of "Albpetrol" ltd amounts to US$ 44 364 900. /led/so/

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[04] Exchange-rate in Tirane

Dollar again lost ground in its exchange rate versus the Lek on Tirane foreign currency market on Thursday, as against Wednesday.

Foreign currency exchange-rate versus the Lek

Currency Buying Selling

US$ 133,9 134,3

DM 70,5 70,8

ITL (1000) 70,6 70,9

GRD (100) 40,6 40,8 /led/lm/

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[05] Cold, ice slows down movement across Morine customs point

The movement of people and goods in the first days of January has been slower in the Morine customs on the Albania-Kosova border.

"There is little movement on the Morine customs which is the only point on the Albania-Kosova border for the movement of goods and people," the customs director, Binak Halili, told ATA on Thursday.

He said than no more than 100 persons daily have crossed the border in the first days of January and they have been mainly visitors. He said the cause is the cold and ice on the Kukes-Morine main road which has sensibly slowed down movement on this road.

Meanwhile, according to the chief of the district police commissariat, Lieutenant-Colonel Gjet Ndoi, there has been no case of passengers's robbing and the police forces continue to check the Kukes-Morine road.

In the last days of December some 400-450 vehicles crossed the Morine customs daily, while the number of persons was over 1 000, mainly Kosovars returning to their lands from western countries. /led/lm/

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[06] Abaz Hado participant in International Show of painting in Saudi Arabia

In this activity participate some 15 thousand painters from all over the world. Hado, in this activity, will represent the Albanian painting with four works, of which two drawings about Kosova and two graphic works with the topic 'In 2000 without the poor'.

Abaz Hado has participated in 30 World Biennials of graphic art in all the world and his works are currently displayed in several galleries in Spain, Slovenia, Bosnia, Holland, Norway and other countries.

He is member of several graphic international clubs such as that of Portland, U.S., Spain, Slovenia and others.

Hado told ATA that he "will soon open his fifth personal exhibition in Albania and another one in Austria, invited by the Austrian gallery of arts where all his creativeness in graphic works will be included". /led/so/

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[07] Albania to participate in Agrotika International fair

Last year in this fair, beside other activities, was realized a special day for Albania, where joint cooperation domains in the aggro- processing sector between Albania and Greece were discussed and contracts were reached between Greek and Albanian businessmen.

In the meantime Agrotika entrepreneurs, agricultural imputes traders, members of AFADA associations as well as journalists will follow the fair. /led/so/

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[08] Urban Studies on Korce tourist areas

Sources from the Urban Department of this district told ATA on Thursday that the Council for Territory Adjustment approved the tourist zones of Prespa, Dardha, and of the national park of Drenova, which include a tourist area of 6 000 hectares.

Studies forecast infrastructure construction and types of buildings as well as protection of plantations. In the meantime another urban study on the tourist zone of Voskopoja is being completed. These zones with amazing natural beauties offer great opportunities for development of tourism in all the seasons of the year. Dardha and Prespa has also a tourist development tradition. /led/sm/lm/

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[09] Germany provides DP three million for health care

This centre, which is planned to be completed this year is being built according to a contemporary architecture and is also planned to be the leading centre of the city's hospital system.

It will be equipped with contemporary medical apparatuses according to a project to be financed by the European Union through the PHARE Programme worth US$ 3 million. /led/lm/

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[10] "Development of human sciences in Albania" helps university system

The project aims at the improvement of the system of university and post-university scientific study, paying attention to programmes development, qualification and professoriat training, equipment of the respective departments in contemporary levels and others. Partners in the project are the Spanish University of Granada, "Aristotel" University in Thessaloniki, and the University of Siena in Italy.

Some 32 UT professors have been specialized close to the University centers of Belgium, Spain, France, Italy and Greece during a time frame of 161 weeks. /led/so/

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[11] Ministry of Finance defines priorities for the year 2000

According to the above mentioned sources the implementation of financial policy pointed out in the programme of Government through implementation of state budget law for the year 2000 will constitute a priority for Ministry of Finance.

"We are to consolidate Macroeconomic Stability and Public Finance through policy of incomes collection and efficient use of expenditures", said Minister of Finance Anastas Angjeli.

But a primer duty remains the depositing of the incomes by General Tax Directorate. For this purpose a detailed plan on incomes for the year 2000, struggle against fiscal evasion, corrupsion, registration of subjects, it asked for.

While, as to the General Directorate for Customs, it is asked a fulfillment of ambitious targets for the year 2000.

According to Angjeli, "customs have to work to complete their strategy in which Stabitlity Pact should take an important place and increase of cooperatiion with CAM Albania and Euro Customs in an institutional way as well".

Ministry of Finance considers as most important for this year the termination of privatisation of National Commercial Bank while Institute of Insuarances should increase its role in the circumstances when insuarance market has other competitors.

The cooperation of Ministry of Finance with International Financial Institutions such as World Bank and International Monetary Fund will continue to cover an important part for the year 2000 as well. /led/sm/linda/

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[12] Money Gram system increases clients number in Elbasan

"After Tirana and Durresi, Elbasani started the implementation of this system four months ago, which makes possible the money transfers within 30 minutes in 120 points in different countries of the world and vice-versa", on Thursday told ATA the head of Money Gram service office Anila Kalashi.

Through a simple procedure the new system help Albanian refugees that send money to their families in Albania.

"Nearly 140 transfers are perfored during the period September- December, which means two transfers per day and their number will go up in the future", said Kalashi. /led/linda/

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[13] Reuters provides technical aid for ATA

The aid consists of 50 computers and is a sign of the increasing cooperation between the two news agencies.

Within a month period of time Reuters broadcasts to its subscribers about 1200 news taken by ATA.

The technical aid for ATA was accorded since October of the outgoing year, time when the Regional Director of Reuters Giuseppe Zaccaria visited the Albanian Telegraphic Agency.

The computers will serve to boost the technical level and to equip the journalists with the necessary working equipment, while a part of them will be used to equip the offices of ATA correspondents in other districts of Albania. /dast/A.A/

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[14] More than 200 thousand ha land improved through draining works

The project is implemented in some main districts of Albania that have as their priority the agriculture development, such as Berat, Pogradec, Sarande, Shkoder, Lezhe, and others, by rehabilitating and systemizing the farmers land risked from the flood.

The partial deepening of Drini river is performed and many draining channels are set up. Great work is performed in Maliqi field through the funds offered by state budget. /led/linda/

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[15] Ice continues to make traffic difficult on several roads of Albania

According to the above mentioned sources the most dangerous roads are those linking Kukes with Korçe and Kolonje, as well as the majority part of rural roads of these districts. The same situation has occurred even in other inner roads of other districts. The situation created needs the adoption of immediate measures, sources from the road police pointed out.

The problems of vehicles' movement has its origin in the first days of 2000. /led/A.A/

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[16] Increasing of excise incomes for the year 1999

Referring to its statistics for the year 1999, some 3 750 million leks are cashed in the state budget against 2 504 million leks cashed in 1998.

The specialists of this directorate explained that the main reason for the increase of the excise revenues is the high clearance performed in 1999 for the excise gods (coffee, cigarettes, fuels, alcoholic drinks).

Albanian Parliament passed last year some changes in the law "On excises in The Republic of Albania".

Excise incomes in million leks

January 255 February 201 March 165 April 324 May 313 June 350 July 498 August 334 September 374 October 289 November 197 December 450 12-months period 3,750 /led/linda/

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[17] Greek police blocks movement of vehicles in Kapshtice customs

According to him, about 70-100 different vehicles, mainly cars, aiming to travel towards Greece were blocked on Thursday by midday in Kapshtice custom, southwestern Albania.

In the meantime the passengers traveling in buses of Korce-Athens and Korce-Selanik lines which were led by Albanian drivers have got off the bus in Kapshtice to continue their travel by casual transport means.

"Skanderbeg" agency with its headquarters in Korce is carrying out the travelers' transport in cooperation with Greek agencies in Korce-Athens and Korçe-Salonika lines. /dast/A.A/

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[18] Busy traffic in Tirane roads

In several roads of Tirane the movement of vehicles was less problematic in comparison with the previous day, sources from the road police reported.

According to these sources actually the roads where the traffic is heavier are Durres, Kavaje, Zhan D'Ark, Bajram Curri, Barrikada, 5 Maji roads and the some road segments close to the Pharmacy number 10, 12 December, Zogu i Zi and the train station. /lh/A.A/

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[19] Republican Party asks for united opposition on local elections

We estimate the request of the group "Union for Democracy" for a common table with other opposition parties for a common attitude on local elections. Albanian opposition should not be divided, stated Mr.Mediu.

The law on Central Election Commission should be improved before the holding of the elections, added Mr.Mediu. According to him it depends on President of Republic and Albanian leading parties.

The Head of Democratic Party Sali Berisha stated on Wednesday that "Union for Democracy" has invited the parties of political group "Albanian United Right Wing" to show a common attitude toward the local elections and to discuss other issues to serve to cooperation and coordination between all opposition parties in the country. /lh/linda/

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[20] Day of Holy Water celebrated in Orthodox Church in Tirane

Father Justini, Father Teologu and Father Sotiri who conducted the holy Mass, carried out the rite to bless the holy water in the premises of that church, by accompanying this rite with the respective pray: "Admiring and following the road of Jesus Christ leads to the road of honesty, fraternity, peace, it is a road which brings us closer and closer to the God."

At the end, the present believers took some holy water which they use to hold until January 6 of the next year, to bring them luck and prosper.

The day of the Holy Water coincides, according to the Bible, with evening of a day when scholars saw in the sky of Bethlehem in Jerusalem, the star which warned the birth of the God's Son, Jesus Christ. /led/xh/

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[21] History of Kurd illegals resumes in Kakavija crossing point

According to these sources, among the Kurds were five children and six women, while their guide managed to flee.

According to information of local police, the Kurds in the Albanian land aimed to reach the coast of Vlore and the mouth of River Seman in Fier, to leave later for Italy.

According to police, the possibilities for Kurdish emigrants to enter the Albanian territory are great in the conditions when military posts are not functioning throughout the southern border line.

By the end of the last year, Greek police of Kakavija started for the first time to show more attention to the Kurd issue, after doubting that among them might be terrorist elements and smugglers. /lh/xh/

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[22] Miss Globe 2000 sensitizes international opinion to help children

The Global Miss Valbona Selimllari, aged 28, elected as the international ambassador of benevolence by the "Women in need" foundation will travel throughout the world to sensitize the international opinion to help the abused and humble children.

"Women in need" foundation with its headquarters in Irvine, California, aims at helping the women and children who face the domestic and international violence and humiliation.

Tracy Kemble is quoted saying: "we have marked several achievements during the last century assisting the women and children in difficulties and this problem will continue to be handled by us even in the new century. The assistance of an international personality as Selimllari is an important fact in our work".

The aid program of WIN foundation is implemented even in Albania. In May 1999 the representatives of this foundation traveled to Albania to help the Kosovar children living in refugee camps in Tirane. The ambassadors were eyewitness of the sufferings of Kosove refugees, divided families, ruined houses and the orphans. /led/A.A/

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[23] Albanian Public Order Ministry makes analysis of work for 1999

Present in the meeting was also the Prime Minister Ilir Meta.

Sources from the press office of the Public Order Ministry reported on Thursday that after the opening address by the Police General Director, Veli Myftari, the Minister of Public Order, Spartak Poci read out the main report. Deputy Minister of Public Order Bajram Yzeiri spoke on the tasks and objectives of Albanian police for 2000.

In his address, PM Meta, after thanking the police effectives for their work during 1999, stressed the commitment of the government in support of Albanian police. He stressed the need for further consolidation of the institutions which are faced with the crime and the increase of the level of cooperation among them.

Also present in the meeting were the chairman of the parliamentary commission for Public Order and SHISH, Neritan Ceka, the attorney-general Arben Rakipi, SHISH chairman, Fatos Klosi, the Minister of Justice, Ilir Panda and representatives of MAPE, INTER FORZA missions etc. /lh/xh/

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[24] Weather forecast for Friday

The weather is envisaged to be sunny, with few clouds at noon and in the afternoon. The wind will blow slightly and averagely from northeast.

The lowest and highest temperatures are forecast to be: in mountain areas -9 and 2 grade Celsius, lowland areas -4 and 10 and in coastal zones - 2 and 10 grades Celsius. /lh/xh/

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[25] Railway incomes of 1998 realized within 11 month period of 1999

The above mentioned sources explained that some 183.150 passengers have traveled by train during the last November and the incomes realized during this month were 22.4% higher than the same period of 1998. This outcome has resulted even by the favorable tame-tables of trains as well as the police controls exercised in the non licensed vehicles.

During 1999 approximately 6.310 passengers a day have preferred to travel by trains and their number is increased due to the better travel conditions. After the arrival of 8 coaches, the situation is obviously improved.

In Tirane-Durre and Durres-Tirane lines are added six Austrian coaches while six other very comfortable coaches which have just come from Italy are being used in Pogradec-Tirane line. A similar combination will be settled in the Tirane-Pogradec itinerary. /A.A/

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