In the line with the national public awareness campaign on weapon collection, the UNDP project "Weapons in Exchange for Development" organized a conference in the northern town of Shkoder. The town is known for its high weapon-related criminality rate. The project has been successfully implemented in district of Gramsh, and is under development in Elbasan and Dibra.

On the occasion of the World Population Day (11 July), the UNFPA office and Ministry of Culture organized the construction of the symbolic wall of barriers and slogans in the support of prevention of the gender inequality, violence, drugs, STD/AIDS, lack of education etc. in the main boulevard of Tirana. The theme of the year was "Saving Women’s Lives". Among a large number of participants, the Albanian First Lady and the Minister of Health also attended.

UNOPS is implementing a number of pilot projects in Albania supporting decentralization of the local government, improving the health and education sectors, and environmental conditions. The amount of $US 20 million is to be allocated for the implementation of these projects in the prefectures of Shkoder, Durres and Vlore.

The workshop of GEF/Small Grants Programme with participation of stakeholders was held in Shkodra in July 21^st, aiming to prepare a draft strategy for Biodiversity in lake of Shkodra. This strategy would designate the area as a National Park, as well as Montenegro part.

The regional meeting of Foreign Ministers of South Eastern Europe was held in July in Ohrid, Macedonia, aiming to discuss about regional cooperation and the European integration in light of implementation of the Stability Pact. Ministers of Albania, Macedonia, Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece and the Romanian State Secretary approved a declaration on attitudes of the respective countries for regional cooperation.

Italian Prime Minister, Giuliano Amato, arrived on Friday, July 28^th, on a day visit to Albania. During his visit, the Italian Premier stated that the relations between Albania and Italy should not be overshadowed by criminality and trafficking. Both Prime Ministers reached an agreement to establish a joint Italian-Albanian commission to monitor the trafficking. Premier Meta also proposed to set up a regional center to prevent trafficking within the Stability Pact framework. Italy will increase its presence in Albania in order to join its efforts to combat trafficking, stated Amato.

After the authorization given by the American Congress, the US president has signed the decree under the Law for Trade and Development 2000 which grants Albania most favored nation trade status with USA. This decision follows the bilateral agreement between the two countries (signed last year) and the Albania’s membership in the World Trade Organization.

The European Socialist Party and European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity held a meeting in Tirana, with left-wing parties from Greece, Italy, Germany, Sweden, England, Hungary, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Yugoslavia, Montenegro and Kosovo. The meeting aimed to discuss democratic reforms in the region and the role of parties in civil society.

The Yugoslav Army Forces stopped the movement of people from Albania to Montenegro on Monday, July 24^th. The border crossing point, Hani Hotit, was opened four months ago, shortly after the agreement between the two governments was signed. The directors of the police departments in Shkodra and Podgorica completed a meeting to ensure security and free movement of people on both sides.

Macedonia and Albania signed an agreement of cooperation in the field of public order. Ministers of Public Order of both countries signed this agreement in Ohrid (Macedonia). It includes an improved cooperation in the border crossing checks and prevention of illegal immigration.

Proposed by the Prime Minister, there were decreed by the President of Republic the new ministers: Mr. Ilir Gjoni, Minister of Defense, Mr. Arben Imami, Minister of Justice, Mr. Ilir Zela, Minister of Public Affairs, and Mr. Ndre Legisi, Minister of State. The government changes are intended to create more responsible and qualitative governing, said Albanian Premier.

Based on the Albanian Constitution, the President has decreed the date of elections for the local government. They will be held on Sunday, October 1^st, 2000 and a second round will take place on October 15^th in case the candidates will not win the majority of the votes in the first round.

The Albanian Government decided to increase wages in the state sector by 10%, while pensions will get an increase of 10-15%. Nearly 85% of pensioners will benefit a pension increase of 15%. In particular, the wages of the health sector employees will increase by 15%.

According to the survey issued by the National Institute of Statistics, the present unemployment rate for Albania is 18,4%. The majority of unemployed people (nearly 50%) are former employees of the closed down industries, about 21% of them live in rural areas and only 18.2% are youngsters without job opportunities.