After several months of preparations by the national experts, supported by UNDP, the National Human Development Report 2000 is under printing. It is expected to be launched shortly, and it pictures the country's development up to spring 2000. The last report was launched in October 1998, while it has been difficult to produce the report in 1999 due to the emergency caused by the Kosovo crisis, which required the entire attention of Government.

In mid November, Mrs. Soknan Han Jung, Deputy Chief Division I, RBEC, UNDP, visited Albania. During her visit Mrs. Han Jung met with Albanian Minister of Economic Cooperation and Trade, Mrs. Ermelinda Meksi, to discuss issues related to the implementation of UNDP projects, the Country Cooperation Framework and GLOC. Mrs. Han Jung meeting with World Bank Resident Representative was focused on the partnership for the Poverty Reduction Strategy for Albania.

In the light of world-wide campaign against AIDS, the UN Theme Group on HIV/AIDS in collaboration with Albanian national institutions, led the efforts to sensitize and inform the public, and in particular, the youth. On the occasion of the World AIDS Day, the UN Group held a press conference to launch the Global AIDS Campaign "Men make a difference", using the role of media to increase the public awareness on HIV/AIDS infection. A number of activities organised by UN agencies and other local partners were introduced to be organised at this event.

A joint preparatory assistance project of UNHCHR and UNDP on the capacity building for human rights reporting by the Government of Albania under the 6^th Major Human Rights Instrument was started. The purpose of the project is to raise awareness of the public about the legal obligations on promotion and protection of human rights, to begin a review on the Albanian legislation in order to determine its compatibility, and to organize workshops with inter-ministerial structures and civil society.

In her visit to Albania Mrs. Thoraia Obaid, designated UNFPA Executive Director, met with Albanian President and members of Albanian Government in her current capacity as Director for the Division of Arab States and Europe. During the mission, Mrs. Obaid confirmed the continuation and improvement of the UNFPA programme in the support of Albania's transition process, with a particular focus on the reproductive health.

The national campaign for vaccination (measles and rubeola) of children, aged 1-15 years old was completed. UNICEF has provided assistance to such campaign with equipment, training and vaccines for approximately 900,000 children. This operation was led by a national-wide public information campaign.

The Seventh Session of the South East European Delegation to European Parliament was focused on Albania's efforts on the reforms in the judicial system and public administration, as well as security issues, including cooperation with international organisations to fight internationally organised crime The Delegation of European Parliament has recommended to the European Union to start negotiations on the stabilisation and association agreement with Albania, during the first half of 2001.

The Albanian Degation, led by the President, Mr. Meidani, Premier, Mr. Meta and Foreign Minister, Mr. Milo attended the EU Summit in Zagreb. The fifteen leaders of EU were joined in this meeting by leaders of Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia and Yugoslavia. In return to a clear commitment to a sustainable reform, regional cooperation and respect for democratic standards, the EU is offering to these countries a road to Europe as potential candidates for membership. Mr. Meidani underlined the Albania's contribution during the Kosovo crisis, as well as the reforms undertaken by Albanian Government to meet democratic standards. A high rank official commission of EU-Albania will prepare a report on current reforms and situation in the country, which will open negotiations for stability-association agreement with EU in the first part of 2001.

Following the local government elections in October, the Democratic Party (DP) has opposed the results declared by the Central Election Commission. In order to demonstrate their accusations for irregularities and manipulations during the election process, DP has called for public rallies in all parts of the country to contest the election results and to oblige the Government to sign. However, even though the permission was not awarded, daily rallies have been held in the main square of capital Tirana, as well as in other towns. There are several cases where protesters have shown extensive aggression towards public buildings, like throwing objects, breaking windows and burning cars, as well as using violence against police forces and even, photoreporters. A number of participants in these rallies, including DP leaders and members have been arrested throughout the month.

Tropoja, Albanian northern district, was witness of violence by the end of November. Following a DP call for daily rallies, a crowd of people in Bajram Curri (center of Tropoja) used violence against the Police District Commissariat and District Court buildings. In the efforts of police forces to protect public buildings from armed attack, three people were injured and one was killed. The injured protestors were sent to the Tirana hospital for further treatment. The public order has now been restored.

Albanian Parliament approved the law on the Albania's adherence to the Treaty Rights Convention. It is an expression of meeting obligations as a UN member country, and it will help to improve the legislation.

Japanese Governmentsigned the economic cooperation agreement with Albanian Government. It includes the encouragement of Japanese investments in Albania, bilateral economic and commercial cooperation, as well as the agreement for payment of the Albanian debt to Japan. The Japanese government allocated a grant of USD 7.1 million for the Albanian food processing industry. Following successful experiences in Tirane and Fier, the grant will be used to build factories in the district of Berat, Vlore and Saranda. Additional assistance of 400 million Yen is provided by Government of Japan for the rehabilitation of Pediatric Hospital in Tirana.

The biggest trade fair for Albania, "Klik Expo Klik 2000", was opened. About 300 companies have participated in the exhibition, out of which 35% were local business. Foreign participation included businesses from Greece, Croatia, Macedonia, France, England, Argentina and other countries.