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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-01-20

Albanian Telegraphic Agency Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

  • [01] CoE condemns Recak massacre, asks FRY to stop ignoring international community
  • [02] Albanian minister, CoE secretary general discuss Kosova issue
  • [03] CoE hopes Albania does not apply death penalty
  • [04] Albania, France define cooperation on information institutions
  • [05] Socialist leader presents his resignation
  • [06] Premier says NATO military intervention to prevent regional war
  • [07] Communication bridge placed between Lazarati people, government
  • [08] Gold medal for Albanian chess-player in Greece.
  • [09] LDK says massacre of Albanians serves ethnic cleansing
  • [10] Albanians to hold protest rally in Paris
  • [11] "Boom" of linguistic, literary studies
  • [12] Kosova parliamentary speaker to visit Tirana
  • [13] Unidentified persons place TNT explosive to leader doorway
  • [14] Some 6 dinghies with smuggling clandestines returned in Vlore
  • [15] Tirana currency rate
  • [16] Seven districts included in economic development project
  • [17] Intensification of political contacts between Albania and Greece should influence more in bilateral cooperation - Meidani
  • [18] Albpetrol will be divided in three smaller companies
  • [19] "Literary language and our society" in a pan-national conference
  • [20] Czech Republic strongly condemns Serb massacre in Recak
  • [21] WB approves a credit worth $9 million for Albania
  • [22] We are resolute to govern until the end of the mandate people have given us - Majko
  • [23] Policy of advertisements in Radio, Television based on rules
  • [24] Auction for Treasury Bills by Bank of Albania on Jan.21
  • [25] Slovenia condemns Serb massacre in Recak
  • [26] National Theater sets conditions before its resumes its activity
  • [27] Nano demands conduct of SP extraordinary congress
  • [28] "Onufri" to publish within January full poetical work of Lasgush Poradeci
  • [29] SP Leading Committee to decide about future congress in next meeting
  • [30] Vedrine and Milo talk on crisis in Kosove
  • [31] Albania-Greece relations are registering higher levels - Majko
  • [32] U.N. must denounce Serb aggressive and barbarous acts against people of Kosove - Malaysian Premier

  • [01] CoE condemns Recak massacre, asks FRY to stop ignoring international community

    TIRANE, Jan. 19 (ATA) - By I.Luto: The Secretary General of the Council of Europe (CoE), Daniel Tarchys, has condemned the massacre of Recaku and has asked the Federal Republic of Yugosllavia (FRY) to interrupt ignoring the International Community.

    Daniel Tarchus has condemned on Tuesday the masaccre committed to 45 Albanians of Kosova in the village of Recak , is said in a press release issued by the Council of Europe. "The massacre presents an open violation of fondamental values upon which the European Council is set up," Tarchys said.

    In a meeting hold with the Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo, the Secretary General of the CoE, said that the persons responsible are to be judget in the tribunal. He appealed to the FRY not to prevent the Investigator of the International Lawcourt for the Crimes in ex-Yugosllavia, Luize Arbour, and to withdraw the decision for expelling of the Leader of the Kosova Verifing Mission, William Woker.

    Tarchys and Milo urged the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to interrupt immediately the force against the Kosovars. They said that they wanted all the parts to stay away from violence and revenge.

    The Albanian Foreign Minister was in Strasbourg to take part in a meeting for the reform of the legal and judical system in Albania. /pas/A.A/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [02] Albanian minister, CoE secretary general discuss Kosova issue

    TIRANA, Jan 19 (ATA) - Latest political development in Albania, relations between Albania and Council of Europe (CoE) and the Kosova issue were the topics of discussion between Albanian Foreign Minister Paskal Milo and CoE Secretary General Daniel Tarchys on Tuesday.

    The talks were held on the margin of the visit of Albanian Foreign Minister to Strasbourg who attended a CoE conference on Albanian juridiciary reform, according to press directorate at the Foreign Ministry.

    Speaking on the latest political developments in Albania, Minister Milo focused on the meeting between the prime minister Majko and the Democratic leader Sali Berisha.

    Tarchys hailed the initiative taken on a critical moment, an initiative which could pave way for perspectives in the future.

    Discussing the relations between Albania and the CoE, Milo and Tarchys dealt with a series of problems which were related to the role of the CoE in strengthening institutions in Albania, setting of cooperation in judiciary, human rights, order and others.

    Tarchys denounced the latest Serb massacre against Albanians underlining the fact that political commission of the CoE parliamentary Assembly had proposed an urgent consideration of the situation in Kosova by the assembly next week.

    He said that there was no question of including the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) in the Council of Europe as long as the Yugoslav side would continue to apply such a policy against the civil population in Kosova.

    Milo asked for a greater and concrete role of the international community in facing the situation and solution to the crisis underlining the idea for a greater pressure of the CoE on Belgrade authorities. /pas/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [03] CoE hopes Albania does not apply death penalty

    TIRANA, Jan 19 (ATA) - Council of Europe (CoE) hoped Albania did not apply death penalty, Daniel Tarchys, CoE Secretary General said to a journalist, according to the Tirana-based CoE office.

    When Albania became member of the Council of Europe was engaged as any other country to lift death penalty within a short time and carry out a moratorium on executions until the death penalty was abrogated.

    This commitment was a serious concern for CoE organisations, particularly for the parliamentary assembly. /pas/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [04] Albania, France define cooperation on information institutions

    TIRANA, Jan 19 (ATA) - Albania Minister of Information Musa Ulqini, who was on a working visit to France, on the invitation of Est Libertes Institution, held talks on Monday with Bernard Candiard, director of the Information service for the French government.

    Officials of the information service acquainted Ulqini with the way how the institution functioned and the importance the French government devoted to informing media and public on its activity.

    They dealt with relations and cooperation between both government institutions of information and defined priority fields of cooperation for 1999.

    Albanian minister acquainted the host, Est Liberte institution, with the ministry he ran and the president of the institution Ives Michalon told him on his initiative that the institute might play a role of interlocutor in organising a wide program of aid for the Ministry of Information, a program worked out intensively.

    A meeting in the UNESCO headquarters was of interest with chief of the section on politics and operation projects and specialist of projects on Albania in Science section, discussed with minister Ulqini projects underway such as the project on assisting Albanian Radio Television worth US$ 85 thousand and other projects.

    Minister Ulqini held talks on Tuesday afternoon with Michel Fouche, assistant to French Foreign minister Hubert Vedrine, to discuss latest developments in Kosova and the attitude of the French government which was playing a greater role at the frame work of the Contact Group. /s.sh/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [05] Socialist leader presents his resignation

    TIRANA, Jan 20 (ATA) - By I. Luto: Leader of the Socialist party of Albania Fatos Nano presented his resignation from his post on Wednesday.

    Nano told today's meeting of the General Steering Committee of the Socialist party that he would resign until an extraordinary party congress expected on March.

    Contrary to his resignation from the post of prime minister, today's action was irrevocable. ake/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [06] Premier says NATO military intervention to prevent regional war

    TIRANA, Jan 19 (ATA) - Albania prime minister Pandeli Majko sent a letter on Tuesday to U.S. president Bill Clinton, according to a spokesman of the Council of Ministers.

    Prime minister Majko acquainted president Clinton with the attitude of the Albanian government as regards a solution to the crisis in Kosova and expressed the conviction on behalf of the Albanian government that only "... firm NATO military intervention can prevent a regional war ..."

    "I wish to express my personal and my government's deep gratitude and highest consideration for the support you have been offering to the Albanian question in these hard days," Majko said in his letter.

    "As you know, by now Belgrade has intensified its repression on the Albanian population of Kosova, thus provoking the explosion of a wide scale Balkan conflict. The massacre of Recak of January 15th, which you and the whole international community requested to be placed under independent inquiry, so that those responsible for the slaughter of innocent Albanian civilians should be properly punished, had radicalized the sentiments of all Albanians in Kosova, Albania and those living in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The result is that instead of taking steps towards a political solution, these events have greatly damaged our common efforts," the letter said.

    "My government has called upon all political and military groups in Kosova to enter into negotiations and institutional coexistence as envisaged by the American plan for Kosova.

    "During this period of time we have re-established the process of dialogue with the opposition, one of the essential conditions for the reconstruction of our own institutions and for facing up to the great democratic and national challenges. All Albanian political forces have emerged from this dialogue with the common belief that only a firm NATO military intervention could prevent a regional war, while affirming the fact that Albania will support the attempts of those political groups, who with the aid of the international community will seek a negotiated and peaceful solution to the Kosova crisis," the letter said. /s.sh/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [07] Communication bridge placed between Lazarati people, government

    TIRANE, Jan. 20 (ATA) - By S.Spahiu - The inhabitants of the village of Lazarat, Gjirokaster district, the name of which is frequently mentioned during the last months, settled a communication bridge with the government.

    A mission of this village met Tuesday in Tirane with the Premier Pandeli Majko and with the Public Order Minister, Petro Koçi, aiming to settle a welunderstanding and communication climate with the central government for the replacing of order and return of normality in this region.

    The lack of communication between the authorities of the village and the central government structures, had caused the continuation of the same situation in the village, where for a period of time several armed teenagers were a serious threatening for the passengers traveling in the national road and in total for the order in the Gjirokaster village, the President's aide, Sotiraq Hroni, mediator of these meetings, told ATA on Wednesday.

    Hroni said that during the meetings with the Premier Majko and with the Minister of the Public Order, Petro Koçi, was ettled a welunderstanding bridge amid the central authorities and the representatives of the village. In the name of the 4000 inhabitants of the village, the mission of the village invited President Meidani, Premier Majko, and the Public Order Minister Koçi, to visit Lazarat.

    The Albanian Premier Majko stressed the necessity of law implementation according to the regulations, and without compromise against the wrongdoers and at the same time he promised his engagement in finding the possibilities for the road and aqueduct reconstruction of Lazarat.

    The necessity of setting up of a police station in the vicinity of Lazarat, was one of the issues discussed with the Public Order Minister Petro Koçi. The local authorities expressed their readiness to collaborate with the police forces to beat the crime and return the normality in this region.

    Lazarati, situated 5 kilometers south of the Gjirokaster village, has been one of the most isolated and backward villages during the communist regime. After the terrible events of the Spring '97, when the army depots were opened and arms were robbed, a group of teenagers from this village were made a serious threatening for the passengers passing in the national road, near the village. According to the police statistics, some 200 lootings of passengers and goods are registered in this village for 1998. During a tentative of police forces to catch a group of wrongdoers from this village, were wounded 7 members of the mobile forces during the last autumn. These things as well as the apathy of the local government made Lazarati be considered as "looting village", after being considered previously by the communist regime as "Ballist (supporters of the National Front) village" /pas/A.A/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [08] Gold medal for Albanian chess-player in Greece.

    ELBASAN, Jan. 19 (ATA) - By P.Zekthi: The chess-player Anesti Bitri, from Elbasani city, was awarded the golden medal in an international meeting organized in Greece last week.

    Some 225 chess-palyers from 20 different countries all over the world took place in this activity.

    The winner of the Golden medal told ATA that he took part privately in this activity.

    Bitri aims to take part in the same way even in the World Championship of Chess, which is to be organized in Krete of Greece in October of this year.

    The Gold Medal awarded to Bitri in Greece, is the first of this kind awarded to an Albanian chessplayer in activities organized abroad. /pas/A.A/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [09] LDK says massacre of Albanians serves ethnic cleansing

    PRISHTINE, Jan 20 (ATA) - Collective execution of Albanians by Serb forces serve the ethnic cleansing and like the massacres in Likoshan, Cirez, Prekaz, Poklek, Rahovec and other places, the massacre of Recak is a revenge against the resistance and rejection on the part of Albanians to subdue, a statement of the Kosova Democratic League (LDK) said.

    The execution and exposure of massacred bodies to be seen by Albanians aimed at frightening them and forcing Albanians to abandon Kosova, the statement said.

    The fact that the massacre was committed when the government of Serbia was in Kosova and granting access to OSCE diplomats to report on it showed that the Serb regime ignored the international community and possible guarantees that NATO would not intervene in Kosova, the statement said.

    It urged the international community to defend the Albanians in Kosova.

    The statement said that LDK backed the OSCE mission in Kosova and stressed that Kosova was defenceless and that is why they urged an immediate deployment of NATO troops in Kosova to defend and pave way for a solution to the Kosova issue through political means, the LDK statement said. /pta/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [10] Albanians to hold protest rally in Paris

    TIRANA, Jan 20 (ATA) - France-based association of Albanians informed on Wednesday that it had planed a protest rally on January 23 in Trocadero square in Paris against the massacres and barbarous actions of Serbs in Kosova.

    The association issued an appeal to all Albanians and French public saying that "the massacres and monstrous executions in Recak village are another evidence which shows that Serbia aims at eliminating Albanians and make Kosova a colony again." pta/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [11] "Boom" of linguistic, literary studies

    TIRANE, Jan. 20 (ATA) - By P.Shuteriqi: A considerable number of activities in the linguistic and literary science characterized 1998, the Director of the Institute of the Linguistic Studies and History of Literature, Jorgo Bulo, told ATA on Wednesday.

    Amid the main studies in the literary field, Prof. Dr. Bulo stressed the concentration of work mainly in the history of literature of Renaissance period and in the period between the two world wars, in the study of several authors whose works were not studied because of different nonliterary reasons, such as Gjergj Fishta, Zef Skiroi, Ernest Koliqi and others.

    "Important realizations are the publishings of several works as well as the approval of some monographies form the linguistic and literature field. Amid them is also the "Vocabulary for the purity of Albanian language", Bulo said. He went on saying that last year was published the book entitled "The historic development of the diphthongs of the Albanian languages" , written by Prof. Kolec Topalli, and a summary with studies on literature. "The antonimous vocabulary", written by Prof. Miço Samara, "The vocabulary of pseudonyms" of Palok Taka, "The vocabulary of Geographical names" as well as the vocabulary on the terms of domestic commerce are to be published within a short period of time.

    Prof. Bulo, cited as important the publishing of two numbers of the magazine "Philologic Studies". /pas/A.A/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [12] Kosova parliamentary speaker to visit Tirana

    PRISHTINE, Jan 20 - ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reported that the speaker of the Kosova parliament Idriz Ajeti said in an interview with the ATA correspondent on Tuesday that he would visit Albania next week on the invitation of the Albanian parliamentary speaker.

    "I am pleased with the invitation and next week I will be in Tirana," Ajeti said hailing the promotion of official contacts between Albania and Kosova and Albanian commitments for a solution to the Kosova issue.

    He said that close cooperation would be established between two parliaments and hailed the latest statement of the Albanian parliament on Kosova.

    "The statement of the parliament of the Republic of Albania is a good omen welcomed by the whole Albanian political specter and Albanian people on both sides of the border," Ajeti said.

    "Today, the Albanian people are aware of the malicious aim of the Serb policy against the Albanian issue in general and that of Albanians in the remained Yugoslavia in particular, elimination of our people who live for centuries in this area of the South Balkan. This plan aims at eliminating the physical and biological existence of Albanians," Ajeti said, denouncing the Serb genocide and massacres in Kosova.

    Kosova parliamentary speaker praised the fact that "Albania parliament is engaged in supporting all legitimate rights of Albanians for self-rule in Kosova." /pas/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [13] Unidentified persons place TNT explosive to leader doorway

    SHKODER, Jan 20 (ATA) - By M. Malja: A quantity of TNT explosive substance was placed on Tuesday evening at the doorway of the apartment of the local leader of the Socialist party in Shkodra Dashmir Dini.

    Some 200 grams of TNT were placed at 22.00 p.m. at the doorway of the apartment but Dini, himself, managed to defuse it.

    Police forces rushed to the scene and were investigating on the case.

    This is the sixth case when explosive substances have been placed at the apartments of local leaders in the city. /s.s/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [14] Some 6 dinghies with smuggling clandestines returned in Vlore

    DURRES, Jan. 20 (ATA) - By Gezim Kabashi: 6 dinghies with 160 smuggling clandestines on board are expatriated on late Tuesday by the forces of Guardia di Finanzia.

    According to the spokesman of this mission dislocated in Durres port, two patrolling speedboats, from 18.00 during up to Tuesday midnight, have expatriated 6 dinghies with clandestines which parted for Italy.

    According to the same source, Guardia di Finanzia signaled the authorities of Coastal and Financial Guards of the neighboring country for 8 other dinghies going towards Italy. /A.Ke/A.A/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [15] Tirana currency rate

    TIRANA, Jan 20 (ATA) - By L. Thanasi: Following are the buying and selling rates of foreign currencies against the Lek in the Bank of Tirana.
    US$ 1.00	142.00
    German mark	 83.60
    Italian lire	 84.05
    Greek Drachmas	 49.50
    EURO		161.00
    
    /ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [16] Seven districts included in economic development project

    TIRANA, Jan 20 (ATA) - By E. Xhajanka: Prefectures of Shkodra, Vlora, Durres, Elbasan, Korce, Gjirokaster and Fier will be included in a project on stable economic development,

    sources of the national agency of environment said to ATA.

    Project foresees construction of industrial complexes, block of flats, functional infrastructure which are going to be carried out bearing in mind the environment protection.

    Coordinating these projects in every city would help make evident possible damages to the environment.

    The agency, representatives of UNDP, World Bank and local government had discussed a project on meeting the economic need now and in the future but with the aim of protecting the environment, Drita Dade, agency specialist. /pas/ak/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [17] Intensification of political contacts between Albania and Greece should influence more in bilateral cooperation - Meidani

    TIRANE, Jan. 20 (ata) - President of Albania Rexhep Meidani met Wednesday with the Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister of Greece, Aleksander Papadhopoulos, the press and information office of the President of Albania reports.

    "Now we have entered the road of consolidation of bilateral relations but despite the positive steps made there are still great possibilities especially in the extension of the cooperation, the contacts of business and economic exchanges," said President Meidani.

    President Meidani stressed some of the most concrete priorities of the assistance of the neighbouring country of public administration and the necessary logistic for its modernization.

    "Intensification of the political contacts between the two countries, " stressed President Meidani, must influence more on the bilateral cooperation."

    The Greek Interior Ministry, Papadhopoullos, considered as very important the support that the Albanian Head of State gives to the consolidation of the bilateral relations and stressed the authority of President Meidani in the public opinion of his country. Stressing the opinion of his government as well, he added that the present stage of this cooperation is the most reliable and highest in the history of the bilateral relations.

    Papadhopoullos noted that Albania must exploit maximally also in the European aspect the superiority stemming from the cooperation with two of its nearest neighbours (Greece and Italy.)

    Taking part in the meeting was also the Ambassador of Greece in Tirane, Prevendurakis. /pas/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [18] Albpetrol will be divided in three smaller companies

    FIER, Jan.20 (ata) - By Harilla Koci: Albpetroli will be divided in three smaller companies, said to ATA the director of the department of marketing in the Albanian oil corporation, Piro Liko. Liko explained that the project, still unfinished, envisages the division of it into the company of Investments, that of Production (Extraction) and Marketing Elaboration.

    Liko said that this division is part of the restructuring of this corporation adding that the division into smaller units of the Albpetrol will create the premise for a higher level of responsibility in some links.

    Once named as Oil and Gas General Department, the system of oil assumed the proportions of a company at the beginning of 90s. For this it took the name Albpetrol Oil Corporation, whose perspective was privatization, according to a strategy which has never been made clear.

    Today, the oil corporation has about 15 affiliates and nearly 12 000 workers. /pas/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [19] "Literary language and our society" in a pan-national conference

    TIRANA, Jan. 20 (ATA) - By P. Shuteriqi: The first pan-national scientific conference "The literary language and our society," is expected to be organized during the first six months of this year, the director of the Institute of Linguistics and Literature, Jorgo Bulo, told ATA.

    The efforts to protect the purity of the Albanian language and its culture remain the main strategic objectives of the scientific activity of this institute, which has constant relations of cooperation with respective institutions of the language and literature in diaspora, Kosova, Macedonia, with Arberesh of Italy and scholars from the respective department in the University of Saint-Petersburg.

    The conference is expected to be organized in cooperation with other respective institutions, with the University of Tirana, the Faculty of History and Philology and others.

    Bulo pointed out the necessity of functioning of a "linguistic police, " and creation of efficacious mechanisms to defend the Albanian language from violation. He urged the restoration of the linguistic editor service and added that a draft-law will be prepared soon which will define the mechanisms and the necessary legal framework for the protection of the Albanian language. Bulo considered as "major achievement" the constitutional article that expresses the care of the society for the protection of the Albanian language. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [20] Czech Republic strongly condemns Serb massacre in Recak

    TIRANA, Jan. 20 (ATA) - By A. Haxhiu: The Foreign Ministry of the Czech Republic strongly condemned the massacre of 46 Albanians close to the village of Recak in southern Kosova.

    Through a statement, this ministry urged immediate and complete investigation of this crime, accompanied with the legal consequences by also including the punishments of responsible persons. "The international war crime tribunal in former Yugoslavia should take part in this investigation, " says the statement.

    This crime implies the alarming escalation of the conflict between the Serb authorities and their agents on one hand, and the supporters of the Albanian political movement in Kosova on the other one. In this framework, the Czech Foreign Ministry thinks that the only effective solution is a constant pressure of the international community, by also including the United Nations, NATO, OSCE and the European Union, in order to halt the armed Serb forces and UÇK from the further acts of violence and finding of a compromise in the table of talks.

    The Czech Republic is ready, within the framework of its capacities, to continue its contribution in the efforts of the international factors. In the course of international appeals for a peaceful compromise, the calls of the extremist leaders for confrontations through violence as the only way are unacceptable, says the statement. /a.ke/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [21] WB approves a credit worth $9 million for Albania

    TIRANA, Jan. 20 (ATA) - By Lolita Thanasi: The World Bank will help the Albanian public infrastructure. It has approved a credit worth 9 million dollars, which will be used for the encouragement of the economic development in the local associations, strengthening of local institutions and facilitation of infrastructure obstacles.

    The project is made up of these components: 1- Infrastructure works. Some 258 projects will be implemented in infrastructure, most of them in rural zones and some in urban zones. 2- The local government and construction of capacities of the associations. Technical assistance for the local government and associations will be provided and improvements will be made in the infrastructure, financed by the Albanian Fund of Development. Based on the contracts with the local non government organizations (NGO-s), this component will support training and assistance towards the associations for the protection of the environment and others.

    The total cost of the project is 17.4 million dollars. The credit will be delivered on basis of the standard conditions of IDA (International Development Association) and will be paid in 40 years, 10 years will be remitted. Since Albania became member of IDA, its financial engagements for Albania reach some 365.8 million dollars for 29 projects.

    Plan of financing (million USD)

          | ----------------------------------------
          |  Albanian Government     |      1.1    |
          |  Beneficiary             |      1.5    |
          |  Co-financier            |      3.4    |
          |  Italian Government      |      2.4    |
          |  IDA                     |      9.0    |
          | ----------------------------------------
          |   Total                  |     17.4    |
          ------------------------------------------
    
    /pas/mt/
    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [22] We are resolute to govern until the end of the mandate people have given us - Majko

    TIRANE, Jan.20 (ata) - By Enkeleida Koraqi: Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Majko stated in the meeting the Leading Committee of the Socialist Party (highest forum of this party) held Wednesday that the alternative of the Socialist Party is to govern the country until 2001.

    "The governing of the Alliance for State is now in the half of its mandate while the present government has been directing for about three months," said Majko, pointing out the numerous problems the government has faced during the past three months. Among these problems Majko mentioned those in public order, contraband, illegal traffic and organized crime, social and economic problems, those in the institutional reform, judiciary etc.

    PM Majko spoke with optimism for the realization of the reform in the public order and the improvement of the situation in this sector.

    With regard to the objectives of the cabinet he is directing, with regard to the future the PM said that work with the local government is a priority for this year. "The little democratic tradition, the administrative heritage and the grave political atmosphere have created many problems in this direction," he said, adding that the government is taking concrete steps and legal measures to lift the barrier existing between the central and local government to create efficient relations between them.

    Focusing on the aspects of the policy of National Defence, PM Majko said that the Albanian Army has now entered a stage of full normality and within a short period of time and in close collaboration with NATO, it will take the physiognomy of a reconstructed army conformed to western standards. Majko highlighted the support of NATO and its member countries have given to the Albanian army and the national security of Albania.

    "The crisis in Kosove is the priority of the work of our Government," said PM Majko, stressing that this crisis, caused by Serb chauvinism and the regime of Milosevic, has registered maximal levels these days. "The Albanian Government is committed completely, along with the efforts of the international diplomacy to find a correct solution to this problem. Belgrade must have it clear that the security and peace in the Balkans may be threatened by the events taking place in Kosove today. The Albanian Government supports the right for self-determination of the people of Kosove. It has been and is for dialogue and a peaceful way," said Majko.

    He described as "very positive" the relations with the United States of America which is Albania's greatest partner and determining factor of the present world policy.

    Referring to the main event of the Albanian policy in the past few days, i.e. the dialogue established between the ruling coalition and the opposition parties, the Albanian PM stated that "we do not sit by the negotiating table with DP to create a joint government but with the conviction that cooperation and political peace will generate development in our country." /pas/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [23] Policy of advertisements in Radio, Television based on rules

    TIRANA, Jan. 20 (ATA) - By E. Riza: "The policy of changing the tariffs of advertisements in the Albanian Radio and Television has been made according to the rules of this institution by respecting the law of the market economy on the demand and the offer.

    This has been the statement of the representative of the advertisement board in Television, after the accusation made to the board chairman, Edi Mazi (current director of the Albanian Television) by the Director General of the Radio, Television, Ardian Klosi, for violation in the marketing department. These violations, according to Klosi, "has come due to the reduction of tariffs on advertisements."

    According to the members of the advertisement board in Television, these tariffs were lowered during 1998 upon a decision of this board.

    Concretely, for the company "Anonime Kakavije," on which Klosi said that the tariffs of advertisements were too low, the board decided upon a decision to lower the tariffs during September-October 1998, because in a year the amount of incomes from its advertisements has reached 30% of the total incomes of advertisements.

    The advertisements board has rejected the "illegal" control made in the marketing sector, because this was carried out by persons who were not in charge of doing it.

    Two months ago, representatives from the State Control carried out a state control and the marketing department is still waiting for the results of this control. /pas/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [24] Auction for Treasury Bills by Bank of Albania on Jan.21

    TIRANE, Jan.20 (ata) - By Lolita Thanasi: According to sources in the Bank of Albania, the regular auction for the sale of treasury bonds will be held on January 21.

    The Ministry of Finance will offer in this auction three-month maturity bills, 6-month and 12 month maturity bills totalling 9.4 billion lek.

    For the bills of a three-month maturity the amount to be offered for sale is 2 billion 350 million lek, for 6-month maturity bills the amount will be 2 billion 350 million lek and for those of a 12-month maturity the amount to be offered is 4 billion 700 million lek. /xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [25] Slovenia condemns Serb massacre in Recak

    TIRANA, Jan. 20 (ATA) - Slovenia condemned the massacre of more than 40 civil Albanians in the village of Recak in Kosova, says a release of the Slovenian Foreign Ministry.

    The Albanian Foreign Ministry reported that "The Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Slovenia has continuously attracted the attention for the necessity of calming down the situation in Kosova, and as it is seen, the international community is still facing the continuity of violence in this region."

    After expressing the support for all international bodies, especially for OSCE, NATO and international mediators which are trying to calm the situation down and create the conditions for a direct political dialogue between the parties, the statement continues: "The Foreign Ministry of Slovenia joins with the demands of the international community for the complete realization of the decisions of the UN Security Council Resolution and for the respect of the agreements to stop fighting in Kosova."

    The statement also backs the efforts of the War Crime Tribunal in former Yugoslavia to carry out as soon as possible the investigation into the crimes committed in Recak village. It also expresses the concern for the obstacles put to the staff of the international monitoring mission during their work in field. /lh/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [26] National Theater sets conditions before its resumes its activity

    TIRANE, Jan. 20 (ata) - Enkeleida Riza: The National Theater troupe of Albania set unanimously Wednesday preliminary conditions for the Ministry of Culture to be met before it resumes performances.

    These conditions were decided right after the meeting of a group of artists of this Theater with Prime Minister Pandeli Majko.

    The actors demanded from the Premier to name a new director in the national Theater, the 90 per cent of the money made from the sale of tickets and the reconstruction of the theater building.

    According to the actors, "the sooner these conditions are met, the quicker the performances in that theater will start." /lh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [27] Nano demands conduct of SP extraordinary congress

    TIRANA, Jan. 20 (ATA) - By I. Luto: The chairman of the Albanian Socialist Party, Fatos Nano, presented Wednesday to the SP general Leading Committee his resignation from the post of the chairman until the conduct of the extraordinary congress of this party, which Nano asked to be held in March of this year.

    At the beginning of the meeting, the SP General Leading Committee kept a minute silence to honor the victims of the Serb regime in Kosova.

    In the long speech, Fatos Nano presented the work done by him in heading the Albanian socialists since the establishment of the party until now.

    "With my resignation, my political philosophy of changing and the project for the European governing of Albania has not failed, these ideas will be promoted by sound minds and clean hands to be implemented till the end," said Nano.

    "I quit to create more transparent conditions of communication with the party, electorate and the public opinion, so that the current leaders of the party, coalition government and the "Alliance for State," which have adopted the incompatible course with my philosophy, take full responsibilities upon themselves and not play with the abilities in favour or against Nano," he continued.

    "I propose the conduct of the extraordinary congress of the Socialist Party within March of this year to maintain the necessary stands regarding the created situation and to cope with the challenges," said Nano.

    In his speech, Nano did not mention the term "irrevocable resignation, " which means not final parting from the Socialist Party. /lh/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [28] "Onufri" to publish within January full poetical work of Lasgush Poradeci

    TIRANE, Jan.20 (ata) - By Ornela Kadaifciu: The Onufri Publishing House will publish within January the complete poetical work of Lasgush Poradeci.

    According to Bujar Hudhri, president of Onufri which has the exclusivity for the publication of the works of the "lake" poet, "the complete poetical work of Poradeci will be published during this year which is the centenary of his birth as well."

    For Onufri, 1999 is the year of Lasgush, therefore Onufri, with the publication of the work of Poradeci, and along with other activities aims at making a full evidence of the values of this great poet of love and nature.

    A preview of the publication of his poetical work was presented in the stands of Onufri during the days of the first Albanian Book Fair held in Tirane from 16-20 December 1998, in the International Cultural Centre.

    The work is accompanied with a preface by the great Albanian writer Ismail Kadare, one of the main collaborators of the Publishing House, Onufri. /lh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [29] SP Leading Committee to decide about future congress in next meeting

    TIRANA, Jan. 20 (ATA) - The General Leading Committee of the Socialist Party decided on Wednesday that the next meeting of this committee will decide when the congress of this party will be held. The organization of the congress was also demanded by the chairman of this party, Fatos Nano, who decided to resign from the post of the chairman.

    A statement, which was approved by the members of the SP Leading Committee, also examined the situation created in the country and in Kosova, as well as the objectives of governing and of the Socialist Party for this year.

    The Committee positively estimated the main directions of the government's work done towards strengthening of the rule of law, approval of the Constitution, establishment of partnership relations with the international institutions, creation of scopes of dialogue between the political forces in the country and the Albanian ones outside Albania, restoration of public order, national security and others.

    The SP Leading Committee considers of priority the solution of the Kosova crisis.

    In regard with the statement of Fatos Nano for his resignation for the moment, the General Leading Committee stressed in its statement that it considers the withdrawal of Nano as a civil act. /lh/mt/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [30] Vedrine and Milo talk on crisis in Kosove

    TIRANE, Jan.20 (ata) - The crisis in Kosove and the possibilities of a reaction by the international community to put an end to the conflict were in the centre of the talk that the French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine and the Albanian Foreign Minister, Paskal Milo had in Paris on Wednesday.

    In the meeting held in the French Foreign Ministry, Vedrine said that France and other Contact Group countries are examining the options and formula which would introduce new elements for the solution to the crisis, the press department of the Albanian Foreign Ministry reports.

    "So far, our objective was to impose a compromise between the parties, " said Vedrine.

    Speaking of the situation created in Kosove, Vedrine said that despite the extremely negative developments there, it is the right time for a political initiative to be taken parallel with the consideration of other means as well. In this aspect, Vedrine declared that so far, the international community has exerted an insufficient pressure on Belgrade to accept a political settlement of the question.

    During the meeting, Minister Vedrine showed interest of and highlighted the latest diplomatic initiative of Albania to gather all Albanian factors in Kosove round a single option.

    Vedrine declared that France has demanded an urgent meeting of the Contact Group at the level of foreign ministers for a greater mobilisation of the main international partners to find a fast and efficient solution. The two ministers agreed to keep continuous contacts in a near future. /lh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [31] Albania-Greece relations are registering higher levels - Majko

    TIRANE, Jan.20 (ata) - Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Majko accompanied by ministers Angjeli and Ulqini, had talks in Tirane on Wednesday with Mr.Aleksandros Papadhopoulos, Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister of Greece and other members of his delegation.

    The Albanian Ministry of Information informed ATA that Mr Papadhopoullos conveyed to PM Majko the greetings of the Prime Minister of Greece, Costas Simitis and voiced the support of the Greek Government for the Albanian Government.

    The relations between Albania and Greece are now registering their highest level, said Albanian PM.

    Then the talk focused on the tense situation in Kosove. Mr Majko explained the present stance of the Albanian Government on the crisis in Kosove and demanded a greater commitment of the international factor not to allow further escalation of the conflict and the genocide of the military machine of Milosevic.

    They also discussed the program of the Greek technical assistance in the field of public administration and local government of Albania, for which a protocol of cooperation will be signed soon between the two governments. /a.ke/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [32] U.N. must denounce Serb aggressive and barbarous acts against people of Kosove - Malaysian Premier

    TIRANE, Jan.20 (ata) - Malaysian Prime Minister, Dato Serl Mahatir Mohammed spoke on a TV interview about the situation in Kosove, the Albanian Foreign Ministry press department reports. He said that Malaysia calls on the U.N. to undertake immediate acts to condemn the Serb aggressive and barbarous acts against the people of Kosove.

    The Malaysian PM said that the presence of the international community observers in Kosove is simply to show the people of Kosove that we are supporting you, but in fact, they are not able to solve the present problems of Kosove. They will leave Kosove as soon as the war will begin. /s.sh/xh/


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


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