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Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA), 99-05-26

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] Press Review
  • [02] World Bank and UNHCR provide US$1 000 000 for Kosova pupils' texts
  • [03] Dutch Premier Wim Kok arrives in Albania
  • [04] G24 Conference for financial aid to Albania starts proceedings
  • [05] Albanian army responds to Serbian army fire
  • [06] LDK urges meeting with Rugova and examines alternatives of further activity
  • [07] We are convinced we will win battle against military machine of Milosevic - Dornan
  • [08] Dutch Premier Wim Kok visits Kosovar refugee camp
  • [09] Tirana's exchange rate for Wednesday
  • [10] Serb provocations on northern Albania
  • [11] 30 illegal Kurds detained by police
  • [12] Tirana: Continues price stability
  • [13] IMF: "AMC should be privatized this year"
  • [14] Foreign finances to ease crisis effects
  • [15] Albania backs up Alliance terms for solution of the crisis - Meidani
  • [16] Implementation of Stability Pact for Region starts - PM Majko
  • [17] Donors Conference accords financial packet asked by Albanian Government
  • [18] Construction Police continues kiosks demolishing
  • [19] Agricultural production continues to suffer by spontaneity
  • [20] Agreement on investments' encouraging and protection with Belgian Luxembourg Economic Union
  • [21] A group of Spanish parliamentarians visits camp of Hamallaj
  • [22] Our essential aid for Albania will be especially after settlement of Kosova crisis - Dutch PM
  • [23] PM of Kosove Thaci meets with leaders of Democratic Alliance Party
  • [24] Influx of Kosova deportees through Morine continues

  • [01] Press Review

    TIRANE, May 26 (ATA)-Follow some of the main headlines of Wednesday's press:

    Koha Jone, independent daily,

    "Albania will never be made a protectorate". Interview with Prec Zogaj, political advisor to the President of the Republic. "Prime Minister does not agree with the constitution". The Foreign Policy Parliamentary Commission is considering Prime Minister's order on association with the EU, which assigns Secretary of State for Euro-Atlantic Integration to deal with all the procedures for Albania's association with the European Union. "We are joining parliament, the others will follow us". A group of DP deputies have decided to join Parliament after some days. "Majko treated in Brussels". The EU Foreign Affairs commissioner, Hans van den Broek, after his meeting with Albania's Prime Minister Pandeli Majko stated that the EU is providing Albania with EURO 62 million for its state budget and that the first 20 millions of this amount will be released very soon.

    Gazeta Shqiptare, independent daily,

    "Majko: Clark our national hero". This is how Albania's Prime Minister has considered NATO Supreme Commander General, Wesley Clark, at a meeting at NATO's headquarters in Brussels yesterday. "The DP deputies without mandate tomorrow". Deputy Spartak Braho explains the law, which says that "the mandate expires for the deputies who have been absent from parliament for six months without reason". "Talks between parties and the NGO fail". The talks of Albania's parliamentary parties, initiated by NGOs of Kosova, Albania and Diaspora, have failed.

    Shekulli, independent daily,

    "Thaci says "Yes" to the Security Council". Kosova's Prime Minister Hashim Thaci has said "yes" to the idea on the Security Council, at his meeting yesterday with Albania's Foreign Minister Paskal Milo. "Majko: This is what we have thought of Rugova". Albania's Prime Minister met in Brussels yesterday with NATO Secretary General Javier Solana and NATO Supreme Commander General Wesley Clark. "The Hague: Kosova our challenge". An official of the Hague Court has declared that the number of people on the ground gathering testimony from refugees will increase.

    Rilindja, independent daily,

    "Thousands of refugees are waiting in Bllace (Macedonia)". "Proposal for the creation of the Kosova Security Council supported". Prime Minister of the Kosova Interim Government Hashim Thaci met yesterday with Albania's Foreign Minister Paskal Milo. "Thousands of news arrivals in Macedonia and Albania".

    Albania, independent daily,

    "DP: Majko should train KLA". "Thaci: I agree to the Security Council". "Accounts by raped women".

    Ekonomia, daily of the Albanian Agency for Economic development.

    "Angjeli to donors: Help us as friends". "Italy donates US$ 3 million worth of telephones for Kosovars".

    Zeri i Popullit, daily of Albanian Socialist Party,

    "NATO's ground intervention under consideration" "Arapi: Names ready". The names of those who will return the money received through pyramid schemes to be disclosed soon.

    Rilindja Demokratike, daily of Albanian Democratic Party.

    "Milo: "Security" to advise Thaci". "Thaci, ready to give up Kosova's independence".

    Republika, daily of Albanian republican Party,

    "Majko, EURO 62 million for Albania" "LDK meets without chairman: Rugova bring the family in Tirane". /lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [02] World Bank and UNHCR provide US$1 000 000 for Kosova pupils' texts

    TIRANE, May 26 (ATA)-By P. Shuteriqi, The World Bank (WB) and UNHCR, two powerful donors, are providing US$1 000 000, as against a 50:50 ratio, for the publication of the texts on the education of the Kosovar pupils in Albania.

    This was declared at a meeting of Albania's Minister of Education Ethem Ruka with the representative of the WB, Lida Kita, and of the UNHCR office to Albania, Yasuko Shimiziu.

    The sum provided by the two international organisations completely cover the expenditure on the school-texts for the Kosovar children. /led/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [03] Dutch Premier Wim Kok arrives in Albania

    RINAS, May 26 (ATA)-By B. Meta,

    The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Wim Kok, arrived at Rinas airport on Wednesday at around 09.10. he was also accompanied by a military delegation of the Dutch Royal General Headquarters.

    Present at Rinas airport to receive Kok were deputy Prime Minister Ilir Meta, Aid Coordinator Kastriot Islami and Minister of Local Government Arben Demeti.

    Right after the meeting and ceremony on the occasion, the Dutch delegation headed by Kok left by helicopter for Shamogjin of Vlore to visit the camp of the Kosova refugees. /led/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [04] G24 Conference for financial aid to Albania starts proceedings

    BRUSSELS, May 26 (ATA)-By ATA special envoy Ylli Pata, The Conference of G24 began its proceedings in Brussels on Wednesday morning and is expected to provide Albania with a US$ 150 million of aid to balance the state budget.

    At the beginning of the conference Albania's Prime Minister Pandeli Majko presented Albania's urgent financial demands to cope with the situation created due to the crisis in Kosova and the arrival in Albania of over 400 000 deported Kosovars.

    Later the floor was taken by representatives of 24 donor nations, of the World Bank and IMF, who have supported Albania's demands for financial aid to cope with and overcome the situation created.

    The agreement to provide Albania with US$ 150 million is expected to be signed this evening, when the proceedings of the conference are over.

    The US$150 million, expected to be provided to the Albanian Government today, will be added EURO 62 million, the European Union has earmarked for Albania and declared yesterday at a news conference by the EU Foreign Affairs Commissioner Hans van den Broek. He said the first tranche of EURO 20 million would arrive in Albania next week.

    This financial aid, which is given in cash serves to balance the state budget.

    Today, May 26, constitutes the economic part of Majko's visit to Brussels. Yesterday he conducted a political tour of the NATO headquarters, where he met with NATO Secretary General Javier Solana, NATO Supreme Commander General Wesley Clark.

    Yesterday, NATO's Council of Ambassadors decided to deploy in Kosova a 50 000 strong peace-keeping force from NATO nations, while the rest from other countries.

    A news conference is due by midday by Albanian Finance Minister Anastas Angjeli, who will explain Albania's needs for financial aid and the fields of its use. /led/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [05] Albanian army responds to Serbian army fire

    -Exchange of fire in Zherke of Tropoje- TROPOJE, Mat 26 (ATA)-By R. Hoxha, Albanian military forces overnight repelled an attempt by Serb forces to enter Albanian territory in the village of Zherke, Tropoje district.

    The chairman of the district council, Xhevdet Hoxha, stressed that beginning from 24.00 until early on Wednesday, there was a powerful exchange of fire between the Albanian military forces, backed by the border guards and inhabitants of the village, and the Serb military forces, which attempted to take up positions inside Albanian territory.

    But, facing the fierce fire of the Albanian army, the Serb military forces were forced to retreat inside their territory, said Hoxha.

    According to the same source, there have been no casualties on the Albanian side.

    The Zherke village, with over 200 inhabitants, very near the border line, has been the target of the Serb artillery over the last two months. This has caused the women and children to leave the village while the men continue to stay to defend their houses. /s.s/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [06] LDK urges meeting with Rugova and examines alternatives of further activity

    TETOVE, May 26 (ATA)-ATA correspondent Behlul Jashari reports: The Democratic League of Kosova (LDK) has urged a meeting of the leading structures of this party with chairman Rugova. This is the request emerging from a meeting of the members of the LDK Presidency and of the General Council of this party, held at the Tetove Albanian Democratic Party headquarters yesterday.

    After a closed door meeting, the deputy chairman of the LDK, Naim Jerliu, in a statement for ATA , expressed himself in favour of the idea for a joint meeting of the Kosova political and military subjects.

    "We have always declared ourselves in favour of unifying the political and military factor which I hold should meet as soon as possible, " said Jerliu.

    He said that yesterday's meeting of several members of the Presidency and of the LDK General Council was a consultative meeting to examine the ways and alternatives of LDK's further activity.

    As to a statement by the Prime Minister of the Kosova Interim Government, Hashim Thaci, in Kukes that the names of the LDK members in the government would be made public soon, Jerliu did not give any concrete response.

    The LDK presidency and its general council are not aware of any meeting of some LDK leader with Thaci, said Jerliu. /led/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [07] We are convinced we will win battle against military machine of Milosevic - Dornan

    TIRANE, May 26(ATA)-By B. Meta,

    High morale and the conviction that they will win the battle against the military machine of Milosevic prevail among the military forces, Lieutenant Colonel Garrie Dornan, the spokesman of the NATO forces deployed at the military airport of Rinas, called "Hawk Base", told ATA.

    He also said that the Apache helicopters like all forces, are continuing training to enter into operation.

    Asked whether a new order had been given by NATO Supreme Commander General Wesley Clark during his latest visit to Albania, Dornan said that there had been nothing special in that visit, as its was simply an inspection visit. /led/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [08] Dutch Premier Wim Kok visits Kosovar refugee camp

    VLORE, May 26 (ATA)-By H. Koci,

    The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Wim Kok, on Wednesday before noon, visited the Kosova refugee camp in Shamogjin of Vlore district.

    Kok, accompanied by Minister for Local Government Arben Demeti and Government Coordinator for Humanitarian Aid, Kastriot Islami, visited the Kosova refugee camp for 40 minutes and showed interest in their living and food conditions.

    He met with many of the deported Kosovars and learned, from their accounts, about the violence exercised by the Milosevic regime against civilian population.

    Visiting the Shamogjin camp, the Dutch Prime Minister familiarised himself with the performance of the Dutch and Belgian Red Cross members to complete the camp as soon as possible.

    He also visited the tent, where the family of Skender Kajtazi from the commune of Skenderaj has been sheltered and talked to them for several minutes.

    Members of the Dutch and Belgian Red Cross are working to set up the camp. About 260 tents have been erected in this camp so far which have been partly exploited to accommodate 354 Kosova refugees. The camp can hold 3000 refugees. /led/lm/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [09] Tirana's exchange rate for Wednesday

    TIRANE, May 26 (ata) - By D.Koça: - In the Savings bank of Tirane one dollar

    was bought today with 139,6 lek and sold at 142,5 lek.

    Follow the exchange rates of Lek with foreign currencies:

    Kind of currency Buying Selling

    USD 139,6 142,5

    DM 75,3 78,2

    LIT(1000) 76,0 78,9

    GRD(100) 45,3 46,8

    EURO 147,2 152,9

    /xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [10] Serb provocations on northern Albania

    TIRANE, May 26 (ata) - By Urim Bajrami: The situation on the northern border of Albania had various developments on Wednesday afternoon.

    The press office of the Public Order Ministry of Albania told ATA on Wednesday that mortar fire was opened on the crossing point in village Pogaj of Kukes, in the direction of the border post, with no casualties or material damage registered.

    Reports from the crossing point of Morine say that fierce fighting took place on Wednesday at about 10.30 a.m. and great reinforcements of Serb military and police forces have been noticed in the Yugoslav territory.

    Snipers in Serb forces have opened fire in the direction of the border post of village Vlahan, Has district and artillery fire was also opened in the direction of village Moria. There have been no casualties and material damage. Some shells

    have fallen in village Cahan, while reports from that village say there are two people dead, a man named Musa Cahani and his daughter, Merita.

    From the border post of Kamenica Tropoje, there are reports that at 11.15 a.m. within the Albanian territory, three Serb soldiers were in control of border posts C-6 and C-5/4, moving from one post to the other, while in the border point of Padesh, at about 12.20, Serbs opened heavy artillery fire in the direction of the Albania territory. There are no casualties or material damage. /dast/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [11] 30 illegal Kurds detained by police

    VLORE, May 26 (ata) - By Harilla Koci: Some 30 illegal Kurds were detained by Vlore police, the chief of the police Commissariat of Vlore, Arben Zylyftari reports.

    The chief of the commissariat said that the detention was made on the coast of Radhime during an action of police. According to him, the Kurds were waiting on the coast for the speedboat to come and take them on the other side of the sea but the vessel could escape police, although many fast means of Guardia di Finanza were also chasing it.

    In en effort to escape, the pilots of the speedboat opened gunfire as well, said Zylyftari.

    He added that on Wednesday, another vehicle of the type Zetor, used by owners of speedboats for the transportation of speedboats from land to sea, was also caught and blocked by police. /dast/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [12] Tirana: Continues price stability

    Tirana, May 26 (ATA) - By E.Xhajanka - There is fall of oil price in Tirana markets. While the prices of other food items remain at the same levels with the ones marked during the previous days.

    35 ton food are distributed in Tirana today, stressed out sources from the Food Directorate at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

    The Prices marked today are as following:

    Producti I whole sale priceI selling price

    Flour I 60 lek/kg I 70 lek/kg Rise I 80 lek/kg I 85 lek/kg Sugar I 60 '' I 70 "

    Oil I 160 '' I 165 "

    Cheese I I 450 "

    Milk I I 55 lek/litre

    Eggs I I 13 lek/egg

    Domestic I I 650 lek/kg

    beef I I

    Imported I I 630 lek/kg beef

    /linda/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [13] IMF: "AMC should be privatized this year"

    Tirana, May 26 (ATA) - By M.Pupa - "The privatization process in Albania should continue without any interruption and AMC must start the privatization process within June to be privatized this year"- stated IMF representatives in Albania Volker Treichel in the meeting held on Wednesday with Deputy Minister of Public Economy and Privatization Pajtim Bello.

    The privatization process of the strategic sectors was one of the most important issues in today discussions. The representative of International Monetary Fund get acquainted with the developments of privatization process of non strategic sectors.

    Based upon the agreement assigned with this institution nearly 300 enterprises of this sector have to be privatized in the end of April. The current data show that 301 enterprises are privatized which means that the deadlines defined in the agreement assigned between the Government and IMF is quite well respected, inform sources from the Ministry of Economy and Privatization./linda/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [14] Foreign finances to ease crisis effects

    Tirana, May 26 (ATA) - By Elton Metaj - The crisis in Balkan region since two months ago caused financial difficulties even to poor Albania, which is obliged to use its poor budget and to ask immediately for budgetary support.

    Albanian Government reckoned the financial cost in treating of 400 000 Kosova comers till the end of 1999 to be nearly 604,4 million dollars, while the total value of budgetary needs is estimated to be 220 million dollars.

    Albanian Government presents the need of budgetary support of 150 million dollars, a sum defined together with the experts of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and other International Agencies.

    The Financial Organizations were ready at once to support Albania in two main directions it needed most, budgetary support and humanitarian aid for Kosova arrivals.

    The credit of World Bank for Albania to cope with the situation reached to 75 million dollars. European Commission will support Albanian Government with a sum of 62 million EURO.

    At the same time 2,7 million dollars by the Finland Government, 3,2 million dollars by Norwegian one and 10 million dollars by the Japanese Government are confirmed to Albanian Government. While USA will put in disposal of the countries affected by the war in Yugoslavia a fund of 50 million dollars.

    Albania will benefit more than 56 million EURO by Phare Program. Paris Club is ready to change the deadline of the foreign debt payment till March 31, 1999./led/linda/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [15] Albania backs up Alliance terms for solution of the crisis - Meidani

    TIRANE, May 26 (ata) - By A Haxhiu: The President of Albania, Rexhep Meidani, met on Wednesday with the Dutch Premier, Wim Kok who is on a working visit to Albania to voice the solidarity of his country in the efforts to cope with the grave humanitarian crisis of the Albanian people of Kosove.

    The President's press and information office reported that Mr Meidani appreciated the visit of the Dutch Prime Minister as an expression of the attention that Holland and the entire international community are showing with regard to their efforts to help cope with the humanitarian catastrophe caused by the regime of Milosevic.

    "Albania and the whole region are placed on the international agenda as a post-conflict priority for their complete economic and democratic recovery," said President Meidani. The Head of Albanian State explained to Mr Kok that Albania supports the Alliance conditions for the solution of this crisis.

    "Installation of an international authority or protectorate in Kosove, with military, civil and humanitarian components is now being backed up also by the political leadership of the Kosova Albanians," said Meidani.

    Mr Meidani and the Dutch Premier voiced the common will for the consolidation of the relations of bilateral cooperation.

    Premier Kok confirmed the support of his country both on the bilateral aspect and in that of the European Union and added that his country would take into consideration any suggestion or project of cooperation of the Albanian Government. "Albania will base its development on the international assistance and investments," said the Dutch PM. /lh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [16] Implementation of Stability Pact for Region starts - PM Majko

    BURRELS, May 26 (ata) - By ATA special envoy Ylli Pata: Albanian Prime Minister Pandeli Majko stated on Wednesday in Brussels that the assistance granted today by the European Union is the prelude of the implementation of what is called "Stability Pact of the Region."

    Speaking in a press conference after the Donors' Conference, PM Majko said that "now Albania is included in the great program started by the international community to guarantee the stability of the Balkan region and to place the pillars for the future."

    The Albanian Government chief thanked all donors and especially the European Union for the granting of this financial aid within a short period of time.

    PM Majko, after a three-day visit to Brussels, will leave for Bonn on May 27 to take part in the Conference for Stability of Southeastern Europe, which is organized by the German Government.

    In this summit too, new support for Albania is expected especially for the period after the war in Kosove. The international community has prepared a real program for the stability and the recovery in all the fields of the countries in the region. /lh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [17] Donors Conference accords financial packet asked by Albanian Government

    Donors Conference accords financial packet asked by Albanian Government

    Brussels, May 26 (ATA) - By Ylli Pata - International Conference on Albania held on Wednesday in Brussels accorded a financial support for Albania, marking the value of 200 million dollars.

    G24 and the financial organizations decided to approve the request of the Albanian Government for a financial packet to be used mainly in state budget in facing the crisis.

    Albanian Government is represented in this meeting by a delegation headed by the Prime Minister Pandeli Majko, followed by the Minister of Finances Anastas Angjeli, Minister of Economic Cooperation and Trade Ermelinda Meksi and the State Secretary on European Integration Maqo Lakrori.

    The representative of European Union Commission Frederico Bardosa stated in a press conference that "already European Union decided to accelerate the steps of assigning the Association Agreement between Albania and European Union".

    The representative of World Bank Mrs. Hartman said that Albania, beside this sum, will be supported with investments mainly in infrastructures sectors to be affected by the emergency of Kosova expelled.

    The value of 200 million dollars will be split up into two parts: 150 million dollars as assistance for the state budget, and 50 million to be used on paying back the inherit debt of Albania./lh/linda/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [18] Construction Police continues kiosks demolishing

    Tirana, May 26 (ATA) - By M.Pupa - The construction police in Tirana started on Wednesday the kiosks' destruction near the Parliament building.

    At the beginning of this process only one floor kiosk will be demolished, while for the fate of the other kiosks a decision of the Council of Territory Adjustment of Tirana municipality is expected, inform sources from the Ministry of Public Affairs and Transport.After this decision the construction police will act at once to demolish them.

    The action on demolishing the kiosks near Parliament building follows the destruction of all non permitted objects around "Scanderbeg" Square and in some main Tirana streets./linda/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [19] Agricultural production continues to suffer by spontaneity

    Tirana, May 26 (ATA) - By E.Xhajanka - The agricultural production in Albania continues to be mainly spontaneous and the farmers are oriented by the profits of the moment.Even this year the Albanian farmers are oriented in growing products one kind, which affects negatively in production sale.

    According to the observation the lack of collective and commercial centers increases considerably the cost of agricultural products.

    Many problems concerning the agricultural production and management aiming at increasing the financial incomes of the farmers are discussed in a national meeting of Albanian farmers held on Wednesday.

    The farmers in this meeting asked for financial support by different organizations, such as VOKA, IFDC, ORT mainly for imputes and agricultural mechanics./linda/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [20] Agreement on investments' encouraging and protection with Belgian Luxembourg Economic Union

    Tirana, May 26 (ATA) - By D.Koça - Albanian Parliamentary Commission of Economy, Finance and Privatization is analyzing the agreement between the Albanian Government and Belgian-Luxembourg Economic Union on encouraging and respective protection of the investments.Later on the agreement will be ratified by Parliament.

    Both parts are engaged in protecting and encouraging the investments according to their legislation and it predicts the investments treatment according the principle of favored nation and the national one.

    The agreement foresees even the transfers related with the investments. These transfers will be fulfilled without delays and in easily converted currency.

    The solution of the misunderstandings between the two parts or between one part and an investiture of the other part will be performed through diplomatic communication, by respecting the legislation of each part./linda/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [21] A group of Spanish parliamentarians visits camp of Hamallaj

    TIRANE, May 26 (ata) - By Enkelejda Koraqi: A group of Spanish parliamentarians visited on Wednesday the camp of Hamallaj, Durres district, set up by Spanish military for Kosova deportees.

    "We have come to see closely the conditions of accommodation for the Kosova deported people," said to ATA Henrike Vithenetes, leader of the group consisting of eight parliamentarians. "I think that our interest for them is one of the forms of human rights defence, rights which have been violated by Serb army and Milosevic. We wish they return to their territories as soon as possible."

    The camp, with a capacity for 5 thousand people, has sheltered about 1 000 Kosovars.

    The Spanish contingent which has set up the camp is part of the humanitarian mission "The Allied Harbour" of the NATO forces. /lh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [22] Our essential aid for Albania will be especially after settlement of Kosova crisis - Dutch PM

    TIRANE, May 26 (ata) - The Dutch Prime Minister, Wim Kok and the delegation accompanying him, had talks during his visit to Tirane with the Albanian deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Government Coordination Ilir Meta on Wednesday afternoon.

    The Information Ministry said that at the beginning of the meeting, Mr Meta, in the name of the Albanian Government, thanked the Dutch PM for the aid that his country has given to Albania in coping with the humanitarian emergency and the support that the Dutch Government is providing not only in the further intensification of the relations between Albania and EU but also in all processes of Albania's integration.

    Taking the floor in the meeting, PM Kok said that the NATO bombing must continue as the only road to force Milosevic to accept the terms set by the Alliance. "We shall continue our assistance for the treatment and accommodation of Kosova war refugees, along with our further influence in European institutions for a qualitative elevation of the relations with Albania," he said.

    "Despite the high cost we are paying, the Albanian Government is resolute to back up NATO operations as the only road to help destroy the war machine of Milosevic and for the establishment of a lasting peace in the region," said Mr Meta in the meeting. He underscored that "we are interested in promoting the relations with Holland in the field of the economic cooperation especially in drafting joint projects for the development of the infrastructure, the increase of Dutch investments in Albania, etc.

    "I am here to convey not only the message of solidarity with you but also to voice our commitment to granting an essential economic assistance for Albania after the conflict is solved," stressed Mr Kok. Immediately after the settlement of the conflict and the return of Kosovars to their homes, he continued, "our principal task remains the implementation of the Pact of Stability, which will develop the economy and stability in the region and will integrate the Balkans into Europe," said the Dutch Prime Minister, Wim Kok in the meeting with Mr Meta. /s.sh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [23] PM of Kosove Thaci meets with leaders of Democratic Alliance Party

    TIRANE, May 26 (ata) - The premier of the Interim Government of Kosove, Hashim Thaci, met on Wednesday with leaders of the Democratic Alliance Party, Neritan Ceka, Prec Zogaj, Arben Imami and Arben Demeti.

    A report of the press office of that party says that the DAP chairman Neritan Ceka briefed Mr Thaci of the stands of that party with regard to the developments in Kosove. Mr Ceka encouraged the efforts of Mr Thaci to face the situations and for the reunification of Kosova political factors in the spirit of the Rambouillet conference, adding that the idea of PM Pandeli Majko for the creation of a National Security Council which may operate as a senate for the Kosova question, has the support of the Democratic Alliance Party.

    Thaci presented the vision of the government he is leading for the need of all-albanian factors to get closer and unite for a free and democratic Kosova outside Serbia. He said that he was hopeful that his meeting with Rugova soon will help to a quick understanding on any question, thus presenting before the freedom fighters, before the people and the international community the real image for a united Kosove in its fundamental aspirations.

    During the meeting they spoke on the meed for further consolidation of the Kosova Liberation Army as the only Albanian decisive factor, alongside NATO, for the liberation of Kosova from Serb tyranny. /lh/xh/

    Albanian Telegraphic Agency

    [24] Influx of Kosova deportees through Morine continues

    KUKES, May 26 (ata) - By R Hoxha: After 3 p.m. on Wednesday the influx of people from Kosove resumed through the crossing point of Morine, Kukes district.

    Until 5.30 p.m. some 385 people had crossed the border to Albania and the flow of people continues.

    The latest refugees are from the city of Mitrovica, the commune of Prizren, and prisoners from the jail of Smerkonica. They told ATA that Serbs are looting Albanian homes and killing many people especially men. The new arrivals from Mitrovica said that they were bused towards Mitrovice but later Serb forces had changed their direction and headed them to the Albanian border.

    In the mean time, the evacuation of the Kosovars to other districts of Albania has continued during all Wednesday. According to Qemal Perllaku, chief of the commission for the evacuation, said that 2 100 Kosovars have been transported by 150 vehicles deep in the country today. /lh/xh/


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


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