The Project Developing of Human Resources for Social Insurance was signed between the Social Insurance Institute and UNDP on June 12^th. In order to assist the improvement of services offered by the institute, the project will provide training for employees nationwide, technical advice to support the decentralization of the social insurance system, and will support a public information campaign to expand the number of subscribers and contributions.

The second stage of the UNDP Electoral Assistance Programme was initiated in June in all communes and municipalities of Albania. It consists of a process of "door to door" voter enumeration. In the light of continuous efforts to increase financial support to this programme, the Government of Germany has recently forwarded its contribution of 116, 600 US$ toward modernization of Albania’s electoral system using the most updated equipment in computer technology.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between UNDP and the National Environmental Agency for the implementation of the project Conservation of the Wetlands and Coastal Ecosystem in the Mediterranean in the district of Vlora. In this context, a workshop was organized on June 26th in Tirana, to present the project’s objectives and activities.

The Executive Directors’ Board of the World Bank and IMF have approved the preliminary Poverty Reduction Strategy Programme for Albania.

The Joint Commission of the EU and the Albanian Government held talks on the bilateral relations and recent country developments on June 6^th, in Tirana. Despite macroeconomic achievements as shown by development indicators, Albania is urged to further strengthen public order and law enforcement, and to speed up the reforms in the financial sector and in privatization.

An Albanian delegation led by the Minister of Economic Cooperation and Trade, Ermelinda Meksi, attended the Regional Round Table on the Stability Pact in Thessaloniki (Greece) on June 7^th. This meeting aimed to analyze the progress of the Stability Pact and emphases the need to start the implementation of approved projects.

Albanian Foreign Minister, Pakal Milo, attended the Forum of Fribourg (Switzerland), organized by UNOCHA (Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Aid), which aimed for better coordination in response to humanitarian emergencies.

The President of Croatia, Mr. Stjepan Mesic, met with Albanian President, Prime Minister and the Speaker of the Parliament during his two day visit in Albania. As stated in the respective meetings, the satisfactory level of relations between the two countries should lead to a wider bilateral cooperation, exploiting all opportunities in both economic and commercial fields.

In the framework of Partnership for Peace, the NATO troops started a two week exercise "Cooperative Dragon 2000" in Albania, intending to provide training to troops in coordinating efforts in emergency situations and in humanitarian assistance.

The UNMIK authorities did not allow the leader of the Albanian Democratic Party, Mr. Sali Berisha, to enter Kosovo. The UNMIK decision was made because of security concerns and his visit in Kosovo will take place at a later stage, conditions allowing.

In light of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Italian company, Montedison, and the Albanian Government in November ‘99, a strategy for mid and long-term development of the Albanian energy sector (totaling 2, 500 billion ITL) was introduced. During a period of 10-15 years the strategy would support the strengthening of the power systems and possible construction of a gas pipeline from Italy.

One of the Tirana's main boulevards was renamed "Zog I" in recognition of the Albanian King Zog I (who ruled from 1924 to 1939). This was the original name of the boulevard at the time of its inauguration some 70 years ago. A special ceremony was held on the occasion.