Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-04-26

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

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

CONTENTS

[01] Aid from Denmark for Kosovars displaced to Albania

[02] 2 100 people from Kosove arrive in Puke

[03] Serb forces attempt to go deep in the Albanian territory fail

[04] Evacuation of Kosova refugees from Kukes continues

[05] Currency exchange rates in Tirane market

[06] Terror continuing in city of Gjakove - Kosovapress

[07] Kosovars coming from European countries join KLA

[08] Identity cards for war refugees of Kosove

[09] Spaces for NATO at Durres port

[10] Week in capital's bookshops

[11] President of Albania Rexhep Meidani meets with British Blair

[12] KLA says it is making resistance to Serb attacks on some villages of commune of Podujeve

[13] A post-conflict strategy for reconstruction or an economic plan- indispensable for entire region - Meidani (By Mimoza Backa)

[14] Cooperation between leaders of Tirane and Prishtine universities established

[15] Most preferred musical albums of outgoing week

[16] First hunger victims registered in commune of Malisheve

[17] Most sold video films of last week

[18] Prosecutor's Office appeals on Tirana court's decision against Myrteza Caushi

[19] Hundreds of testimonies from displaced Kosovars handed over to Hague lawyers

[20] Equipment of food control lab to come in Durres

[21] European Council to support emergence situation and state budget

[22] Coordinated plan of Orthodox Church for displaced Kosovars.

[23] Nearly 740 Kosovars enter Albania through Hani Hotit

[24] Loss risks increase companies' requests to be insured at Albanian Guaranty Agency

[25] Started negotiations on Albanian membership in World Trade Organization

[26] Facilities in International transport for Southern European Countries Initiatives (SECI)

[27] Continue price stability in Tirana market

[28] Parliament presidency defines weekly timetable

[29] Democratic party hails Washingon summit

[01] Aid from Denmark for Kosovars displaced to Albania

For the first time, the state and private television cooperated for this program which was attended by hundreds of political, social personalities, renowned artists and singers of Denmark. Also present was the Queen of Denmark, Margaret II and Prince Joakim.

During the activity which continued for three hours, 13 000 dollars were gathered, which, through the Danish Red Cross and other non-governmental organizations, also in cooperation with Albanian authorities, will be used to assist the Kosovars sheltered in Albania.

The Queen made her contribution through the composition of a poster to help Albania and Kosova, and which had been distributed to all bookshops of Denmark, and the money from them will be used to assist Albania.

It is the first time since 1957 that the Danish public collects a great amount of money. /xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[02] 2 100 people from Kosove arrive in Puke

UNHCR and local government structures are taking care to supply with food and clothing the Kosovars in reception centres. Work is going on to improve the conditions for the displaced Kosovars such as the installation of showers, the canteen, etc. A problem not yet solved is the supply with foodstuff of the Kosovars living in Puka families since three weeks now and all expenses for them are being covered by the host families. /a.ke/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[03] Serb forces attempt to go deep in the Albanian territory fail

According to the spokesman of the district police commissariat of Has, at about 10.30 p.m. on Sunday, a group of Serb soldiers entered some meters in the Albanian territory with the aim of mining the border in Qafe Prush zone, but they have met with the resistance of the border forces.

Albanian border forces, said the spokesman, have responded with fire not allowing further advance of Serb forces into the Albanian territory. During the fire exchange with the Serb military forces, heavy weapons such as canons, mortars, etc were used.

The armed confrontation continued for a long time and the border forces demanded assistance from military units of the Second Infantry Division.

Actually, the situation in Qafe Prush is normal, while the Albanian forces continue to follow the situation closely. /s.s./xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[04] Evacuation of Kosova refugees from Kukes continues

Hence, if only five Kosovars arrived on Sunday, some 2.876 refugees have been sent to other districts, the spokesman of the prefecture, Emri Peca, told ATA.

Some 230 731 Kosovars have left for other districts and only 98 000 have remained in Kukes. It is for the first time after nearly one month that the number of Kosova refugees continuing to live in Kukes decreases under 100 000.

This has also created the possibility for a better control of the situation also as regards the distribution of the humanitarian aid arriving in Kukes daily for the Kosova refugees. /a.ke/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[05] Currency exchange rates in Tirane market

Kind of currency Buying Selling

USD 145 145,5

DM 79,6 79,8

LIT(1000) 80,1 80,3

GRD(100) 47,2 47,4

/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[06] Terror continuing in city of Gjakove - Kosovapress

The agency said that the entire city and its outskirts had been engulfed in a campaign of terror recently, followed by torching and looting of Albanians' homes. Numerous Serbian military forces have been installed in the bus station and the whole zone round it is declared prohibited. There are doubts that about 120 Albanians of Gjakove are being held in the gymnasium Shani Nushi, said Kosovapres.

The same source said that there is no report of the fate of 12 people arrested three weeks ago. Kosovapress gives the list with their names and those of nine other Albanians killed in their homes on Sadik Staveleci road. /p.ta/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[07] Kosovars coming from European countries join KLA

Some 250 Kosovars, mainly young ones, who had arrived in Durres port several days ago, left on Sunday to joint the ranks of the KLA to defend the territories from which the Serb occupiers have violently deported children, mothers, sisters and their wives.

Young girls and over-aged men, who express their conviction of the victory against Serbian violence, are also among them.

Over the last months, the Durres port has received some thousands of Kosova Albanians, who have long since been living and working in various countries of Europe, in America and even in Australia, and have now responded to the appeal of the KLA General Staff for the defence of their lands. /a.ke/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[08] Identity cards for war refugees of Kosove

According to the head of the Kosova refugee department in that ministry, Islam Kurtaj, the document is necessary for those Kosovars who want to join their family members in other countries.

Kurtaj said that in cooperation with UNHCR with it headquarters in Geneve, a program is being drafted for all the people from Kosove, whose number in Albania has reached as far as nearly 360 000 people. Besides personal information, the program carries the modalities of the ownerships they have left behind in Kosove.

Nearly 95 per cent of the Kosovars deported to Albania has no document of identity and the new card of identity for them must be recognised by all international organizations. /pas/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[09] Spaces for NATO at Durres port

The director of this port, Leonidha Gjermeni, told ATA that, at a meeting with senior NATO officials, the latter officially asked spaces for parking in the port and an office.

An area of 1 000 square metres, which will serve for parking containers and various vehicles brought by navy ships in the port, was agreed upon to be put at their disposal.

The NATO officers, now based in Rinas, will also have an office in Durres as a coordination centre between Durres and Tirane. /pas/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[10] Week in capital's bookshops

According to a survey carried out in several of these bookshops, the readers' attention has been mainly attracted by philosophical, historical and political books.

"The History of the Balkans" by Georges Castellan, is published by the "Cabej" Publishing House, and this week it has been one of the best sellers. The book translated by scholars Arben Puto and Luan Omari, describes the history of the Balkans in the past six centuries.

"The contemporary political philosophy" by Hanos Kis, is a philosophical- political study, translated by Arben Kallamata. The book is published by "Onufri" Publishing House.

"The life and work of outstanding German writer Goethe", written by Herman Grimm, is translated by Injac Saraci. The book is published by the "Toena" Publishing House.

"Confucius and his philosophy", is published by "Phoneix" Publishing House, and ranks among last week's best sellers. It is part of the work "Changes", by Chinese philosopher Confucius and is translated by Hysni Bregu.

"Nostradamus" by Juri Kasawhore, published by the "O.M.S.C.A" Publishing House, has largely attracted the leaders this week. The book is devoted to the predictions of French seer of the 16th century, Michel Nostradamus, and is translated by Jetmir Shehu. /led/lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[11] President of Albania Rexhep Meidani meets with British Blair

Blair expressed the his thanks for the assistance and extraordinary role Albania has been playing to ease the crisis of the massively displaced ethnic Albanians of Kosove. He stated that Britain will assist Albania in the context of the concrete plans and projects for the long-term stabilization of the Balkans. Blair added that NATO and its allied countries will step up military operations in order to defeat Milosevic.

Mr Meidani explained the humanitarian situation in Kosove and Albania, spoke of the measures that the Albanian Government has adopted to cope with 360 thousand dislodged Kosovars and voiced his thanks for the humanitarian aid delivered from Britain and the European Union. He called for more determination in the present military campaign against Belgrade.

The British Prime Minister stressed that "we are examining all options" voicing hope that as the weather improves and the military ability strengthens "we will have immediate and evident results." Prime Minister Blair considered as valuable the role that Albania has been playing in its military support for the Alliance troops. /xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[12] KLA says it is making resistance to Serb attacks on some villages of commune of Podujeve

The agency said that "KLA units are putting up a strong resistance and Serb troops have not been able to penetrate in those villages, while fighting is continuing."

The same source also said that reinforcements of troops have been sent to Kacanik these days, and are stationed in village Bob. Only in Kacanik, there are as many as over 700 Serb troops, while the city, with over 10 000 inhabitants, has been emptied almost completely of its population, says Kosovapress. /p.ta/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[13] A post-conflict strategy for reconstruction or an economic plan- indispensable for entire region - Meidani (By Mimoza Backa)

Meidani stressed the fact that the Albanian people in Kosova are threatened by genocide and reconfirmed Albania's support for the idea that the Kosova refugees should stay in the region, near the Kosova borders, with the hope that the efforts of the international community will be successful and say "No" to the Holocaust prepared by Milosevic.

"Currently, the Republic of Albania is closely cooperating with NATO and is ready to positively respond to any demand to help the Alliance bring the best solution for Kosova."

Meidani regarded a NATO-led presence of international ground troops as the sole instrument for the creation of a security environment for the return of the deported Kosovars.

"Kosova needs the presence of security components, civilian and humanitarian, for the restoration and reorganisation of institutions and life there".

Meidani expressed himself in favour of a post-conflict strategy for reconstruction or an economic plan for Albania so that a standing development of the future in the region is guaranteed, with the multiethnic democracies inspiring building up confidence, cooperation, trade, contacts, communication, exchange of cultural and educational heritage.

"The U.S., NATO and its partners are manifesting their commitment to help the Balkan countries overcome the current crisis, destroy Milosevic's mentality and practices of ethnic cleansing of the Kosova Albanians, to help a democratic transition of the Serb Society, help Kosova build institutions and a multiethnic civil society and help open up the perspective for peace throughout the region," Meidani said in conclusion. /lm/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[14] Cooperation between leaders of Tirane and Prishtine universities established

The project of the Ministry and the universities of Tirane aims at creating a joint centre near the polytechnic university in which all teachers of the Prishtine University may continue their work.

Hafizi stressed that joint projects are being drafted between the Ministry and the representative office of the Republic of Kosove in Tirane, creating possibilities of Kosove students to attend classes in Albania's universities, according to the districts were they are accommodated.

It considered the enrollment of the students to resume the didactic process for 1998-1999 as impossible because the universities in Albania are about to complete the academic year. Hafizi added that in the mean time, Kosove students may attend lectures in many faculties of Tirane.

Such an initiative has been also taken by teachers of the Tetove university. In the contact centre which has just been established in that university, Kosove teachers and students sheltered in Macedonia, are being integrated. /led/xh/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[15] Most preferred musical albums of outgoing week

Venga boys group with its album "Up and Down" is listed the second in the qualification list of the most preferred musical album. This songs of this group have attracted the attention of the Albanian youth.

The distinguished Italian singer Laura Pauzini with her album "La risposta" is in the third place.

The following is the qualification list of the most preferred musical albums of the last week.

10- Britney Spears Baby one more time 9- Five Five

8- Offspring Americana 7- Cher Believe

6- Emilia Big big world 5- Prodigy The cast Breeder 4- Metallica Garage Inc 3- Laura Pauzini La risposta 2- Venga Boys Open down the party album 1- Musical album Top Albania Radio /f.n/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[16] First hunger victims registered in commune of Malisheve

Referring to its own sources in the mountains of Turkajes, the agency said that seven persons died over the last two days, including an 8-month old baby, all from Malisheve.

The population of this commune has been almost displaced and since the beginning of the Serb offensive, they are living in mountains in the conditions of a complete humanitarian blockade, like in the entire Kosova. /led/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[17] Most sold video films of last week

The results of a survey made in the video-shops of the capital on the most preferred video films of the week, are as follows:

1- The comical film "Flubber", with the main protagonist the distinguished actor Robin Wiliams. It is liked by all group-ages.

2- "Hong Kong, colpo su colpo" is another preferred film. It is produced by Quentin Tarantino, and is one of the newest film of the distinguished actor Zhan Klode Van Dame.

3- "Double team", with the main protagonist Van Damme, Mickey Rourke and Denis Rodman is listed the third in the qualification list.

4- The film "The patriot" with the distinguished actor Steven Seagel treats the patriotism of an American doctor who endangers his life to struggle an epidemic.

5- "Lethal weapon" with the actors Mel Gibson, Donny Glover, Rene Russo is positioned the fifth in the list of the most preferred video film of outgoing week. /led/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[18] Prosecutor's Office appeals on Tirana court's decision against Myrteza Caushi

The Appeal's Court has decided to examine the appeal of the Prosecutor's Office on 5 May 1999.

The Tirana Court declared guilty on 22 March Myrteza Caushi, known as Zani, only under the charge of illegal possession of arms and sentenced him with the detention terms. The Court ordered the release of the five members in the courtroom.

With regard to this case, the Court declared guilty and sentenced with 5-15 years in jail the other eight defendants.

The trial against Zani and his collaborators started on 12 October 1998 and all the trial sessions have been held in open doors. The accusation of the prosecutor's office was "creation of armed gangs and crimes, illegal possession of arms, kidnapping," and others.

Only a few witnesses showed up in the court's hall, and most of them testified the opposite of those declared during the investigation sessions. Thus, the prosecutor of the case, Xhevat Hanaj, declared Zani and his accomplices guilty only for illegal possession of weapons. /led/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[19] Hundreds of testimonies from displaced Kosovars handed over to Hague lawyers

He said that several cassettes, photos, and testimonies signed by the Kosovars actually systemized in the districts of Kukes, Peshkopi, Tirane, Vlore, Fier and Elbasan, were handed over to Hague Tribunal lawyers.

This process is in continuation, and the investigation of crimes by Hague Tribunal lawyers is easier because they are in Albania to collect testimonies and facts on the crimes against humanity committed in Yugoslavia. Only the most important testimonies which could be used as proofs in the Hague-run Tribunal will be selected from the inquiry-forms, added Visha. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[20] Equipment of food control lab to come in Durres

"The increase of the international humanitarian aid in food for the Kosova comers, through Durresi port accelerates the procedures of setting up and equipment of the food control lab," told ATA the Director of Control and Quality in the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Nazmi Haxhiu.

The construction of this lab costed to the Albanian Government 150 000 lek, while the World Bank invested a fund of 150 000 dollars.

According to the specialists of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture the lab will be in use in the beginning of the month with its full analytical capacity, to do the check of all foods to enter in Albanian through Durresi port within 24 hours./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[21] European Council to support emergence situation and state budget

The Ambassador of the European Council expressed the full political will of this institution to support the budget of the Albanian Government and guarantee the cooperation of the European Council as a real and effective cooperation to facilitate as mush as possible the emergence, and the draft of the bilateral short terms and long terms program aiming at continuation of the economic reforms in Albania./lh/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[22] Coordinated plan of Orthodox Church for displaced Kosovars.

The immediat delivery of the aids as a direct response against the appeal given by the Albanian government and local bodies, is the first aspect of the aid. More than 220 tons of food are delivered for the refugee outflows in Kukes, Pogradec, Korçe, Tirane, Mullet and other areas.

The same source says that the second aspect of the aid program is the erection of new makeshift camps for dislocated Kosovars. The preparation for the setting up of new camps are being carried out.

The third aspect of the aid will be the support of Albanian families which have sheltered the displaced Kosovars. The priority objective is the support of 6.000 families and about 36.000 people in six different prefectures of Albania.

The church is cooperating with the ACT Network (Action by Churches Together) to secure an emergency aid in a wide scale for the driven Kosova population. The appeal of ACT will secure a fund of $ 10 million for a six months period from April 1 - September 30 of the current year. /lh/A.A/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[23] Nearly 740 Kosovars enter Albania through Hani Hotit

The newcomers were sent by busses towards Shkoder. The secretary of the town hall, Bardhyl Shaqiri, said that the Kosovars were immediately accommodated in the reception centers in the former tobacco factory where their number has reached in 4200 persons.

More than 26 000 Kosovars have entered Albania through this border point over the last 17 days. A part of them were sent to other districts of Albania. /lh/mt/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[24] Loss risks increase companies' requests to be insured at Albanian Guaranty Agency

Albanian Guaranty Agency started its work in June 30, 1998 by a credit of 10 million dollars provided by the International Association for Development IDA (World Bank) in the frame work of the project on the Support of the Private Sector.

The risks to be guaranteed by AGA are as following:Civil war, civil troubles (like that of March 1997), actions of the Albanian Government, which hinder an Albanian unit or guaranty benefited to transfer foreign currencies, etc.

Transactions to be guaranteed are : Goods selling, Financial leasing, Operational leasing, import of the equipment capital to be used by Guaranty benefited in implementing its business, the import of the goods on sale, import of the goods to be used for elaboration and export, Banks' loans given to the Albanian enterprises.

The minimal accepted sum of the credit for a guaranty is 25.000 dollars, while the maximal one is 1.500.000 dollars. The total value of the guaranties cannot be more than the value of the credit of 10 million provided by IDA.

The guaranty fees will be reckoned as an annual sum over the investment sum to be guaranteed. The rate varied from 0.35% to 2% per year.

The maximal period of the guaranty is three years./lh/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[25] Started negotiations on Albanian membership in World Trade Organization

These negotiations will continue till May 1,1999 and the Albanian negotiator group in this meeting is led by the Minister of Economy Cooperation and Trade Ermelinda Meksi.

Albania made its request to become a member of World Trade Organization in 1992, the time when it took the observer status.

Till 1996 Albania tried to fulfill the procedures, but the crisis of 1997 interrupts them.

In 1998 the engagement of the Albanian Government was in its top, because the Permanent Secretariat concerning the relationship with World Trade Organization is established.

This Secretariat undertook the responsibilities and the involvement to follow and fulfill the criteria according to the requests of the other countries member in this organization and the leading structures of World Trade Organization.

The WTO membership will play a special role in the integration of the Albanian economy in the international structures and especially to ensure and encourage the foreign investments./lh/linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[26] Facilities in International transport for Southern European Countries Initiatives (SECI)

The Minister of Public Affairs and Transport Ingrid Shuli moved today toward Athens to participate in the meeting of the Ministers of the Transport of SECI initiative.

In this initiative are included 12 countries such as Albania, Croacia, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Hercegovina, Greece, Hungary, Moldavi, Romania, Slovenia, Macedonia and Turkey./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[27] Continue price stability in Tirana market

"Nevertheless the coming of the thousands Kosovars, the increase of the food assistance and relatively of the imports, and the provision of Tirana market, especially with wheat flour, kept the normal level of the prices in the market" - told ATA the inspector Gjergj Kiri.

The following are the prices marked on Monday in Tirana market:

Product I wholesale price I selling price --------------------------- --------------------------- Flour I 60 lekë/kg I 70 lekë/kg - ----------------------------------------------------- Rise I 80 lekë/kg I 85 lekë/kg -------------------------------------------------- ---- Sugar I 60 '' I 65 " ----------------------------- ------------------------- Oil I 170 '' I 180 " ------- ----------------------------------------------- The prices of meat, chicken and dairy-products remain the same with the ones marked last week. While the price of the vegetables and fruit marked a slight increase, especially for the ones at the end of season./linda/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[28] Parliament presidency defines weekly timetable

Today's session defined respective draftlaws to be considered by parliamentary commissions and groups and later by the parliament.

Three queries and sessions on laws to be passed were expected to be held during the week.

Today's session decided that the ministers of justice and public order are going to held parliamentary queries. /lh/ak/

Albanian Telegraphic Agency

[29] Democratic party hails Washingon summit

The DP secretary general Ridvan Bode, speaking for his party, hailed the Albanian families, which had housed Kosova brothers.

"The Democratic Party hailed the summit of Washington and the arrival of NATO forces in Albania. At the same time we are convinced that the alliance forces through their air raids against former Yugoslavia will manage to defeat Milosevic," Bode told today's news conference.

The Democrat leader said that his party was and is for a unity among political and military forces in Kosova.

"Only a coordination among these factors would enable a quick achievement of aspirations of Kosova people for independence," DP secretary General Ridvan Bode said. /lh/ak/

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