MAK-NEWS 25/05/95 (M.I.L.S.)

From: "Demetrios E. Paneras" <dep@bu.edu>

CONTENTS

  • [01] GLIGOROV MEETS SCALFARO IN ROME

  • [02] ST. CYRIL DAY CELEBRATED IN SKOPJE

  • [03] WORLD BANK DELEGATION VISITING MACEDONIA

  • [04] PAPANDREOU LASHES GLIGOROV

  • [05] EUROPEAN COURT TO ANNOUNCE DECISION ON JUNE 9?

  • [06] MACEDONIAN POLICE HANDICAPPED, INTERIOR MINISTER SAYS

  • [07] WORKS ON BITOLA-SKOPJE LONG-DISTANCE POWER LINE BEGUN

  • [08] RENEWED FRENCH FINANCES FOR "VARDAR VALLEY" PROJECT

  • [09] CONSTITUTIONAL COURT HOLDS SESSION

  • [10] MACEDONIAN TEACHERS GATHER IN OHRID

  • [11] SDSM REFUTES ACCUSATIONS BY LIBERALS

  • [12] ALIMI SENTENCED TO 8 MONTHS

    •

    MILS NEWS

    Skopje, 25 May 1995

    [01] GLIGOROV MEETS SCALFARO IN ROME

    Macedonian President Gligorov, currently leading a delegation to the "Macedonian Honoring St. Cyril" manifestation in Italy, met yesterday with his Italian counterpart Oscar Luigi Scalfaro. They conferred on the situation in the Balkans, agreeing on a need for an end to the Bosnian crisis and mutual recognition of all former Yugoslav republics. Scalfaro stated readiness on part of his country to continue the cooperation with Macedonia, primarily in the economy. Italy is the second largest and most important economic partner of Macedonia in Europe, and the economic exchange this year is expected to amount to one billion dollars in both directions. Scalfaro said Italy will also use its influence to help Macedonia become included in international organizations and institutions. In general, Macedonian Television reports, the meeting and talks are seen as a new and favorable opportunity to intensify the mutual cooperation. The Italian president was glad to accept the invitation of Gligorov to visit Macedonia.

    Macedonian Minister of Culture Eshtref Aliu yesterday made the first contacts in the Italian Ministry of Culture. Today, A1 television reports, he is to meet officials of the Department of Cultural Affairs of the Italian Foreign Ministry, to determine new possibilities of a cultural cooperation between the two nations.

    As part of a cultural program, the Macedonian string quartet "Gajdov" performed for the Italian audience, and an exhibition of icons from Macedonia is to be opened today.

    President Gligorov, along with the Macedonian church delegation, paid respects to the tomb of St. Cyril in Rome. Then, Head of the Macedonian Orthodox Church Father Mikhail, accompanied by metropolitan Cyril and bishop Joakim Herbut, held a sermon.

    The Macedonian church delegation was received by the Pope John Paul II in Vatican. The Pope inquired about the spiritual, cultural and social situation in Macedonia and activities of the Macedonian church in spreading the Christian religion. Father Mikhail expressed satisfaction with the meeting, inviting the Pope to pay a visit to Macedonia.

    [02] ST. CYRIL DAY CELEBRATED IN SKOPJE

    The University "St. Cyril and Methodius" of Skopje yesterday organized several manifestations celebrating the Day of the Macedonian educators. As a recognition of their contribution to the teaching and scientific process in Macedonia, 36 university pensioners were awarded tributes, along with the best students in the school year of 1993-94. A delegation of the university paid respect to the monument St. Cyril and Methodius, and the Rector's Office organized a cocktail for senior politicians, foreign diplomats, university professors and students. A ceremonial academy took place at the Skopje Army Center in the evening.

    [03] WORLD BANK DELEGATION VISITING MACEDONIA

    A delegation of World Bank executives arrived yesterday in a several-day visit to Macedonia. They will meet Prime Minister Branko Crvenkovski, several ministers and National bank Governor Borko Stanoevski. They will also meet with representatives of non-governmental organizations and some companies. The aim of the visit is to explore possibilities of an aid by the World Bank for the development of the agriculture and renewal of the industrial production.

    [04] PAPANDREOU LASHES GLIGOROV

    Athens News Agency says Greek Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou restated criticism against Kiro Gligorov, President of the Former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia, accusing him of continued intransigence.

    "Mr. Gligorov continues to remain intransigent despite efforts made for the commencement of negotiations (to resolve a dispute between Greece and FYROM)," Papandreou said.

    He made the statement after being briefed by Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias on latest development in foreign policy issues.

    Greece has imposed a trade embargo against FYROM since February 1994 in a bid to force it to change its flag and constitution. Athens also wants the country to drop the name "Macedonia", saying it implies territorial ambitions against Greece's northern Macedonian region.

    United Nations envoy and former US Secretary of State Cyrus Vance is leading mediation efforts to resolve the pending row between Athens and Skopje.

    Athens blames Skopje for stalling the negotiations. "Greece desires Mr. Gligorov to make the necessary steps that will lead him to the table of negotiations," Papoulias said.

    [05] EUROPEAN COURT TO ANNOUNCE DECISION ON JUNE 9?

    Radio Thessaloniki says the final decision of the European Court of Justice in the case of the Greek-imposed embargo on Macedonia, will be announced on June 9. The press in Greece, however, writes that the decision will probably be made public sometime in Fall.

    Meantime, Greek Foreign Minister Papoulias rejected a proposal by former Prime Minister Mitsotakis to have negotiations with Macedonia based on a so-called "larger package" to include the name issue. Following a meeting with opposition leader Miltiades Evert, Papoulias said there were other ways to resolve the dispute without giving up Greek basic demands.

    [06] MACEDONIAN POLICE HANDICAPPED, INTERIOR MINISTER SAYS

    Speaking of the recent robbery of 1.285,000 German marks from the Stopanska Banka branch at the border-crossing of Bogorodica, Macedonian Minister of the Interior Ljubomir Frckovski said the main problem is to catch the robbers. This, however, he said, is very difficult to do, as the use of certain operational means is limited "by an unfortunate constitutional provision", which is "strictly and literally interpreted by the Constitutional Court". He was referring to the police methods of tabbing telephones and providing secret photographs necessary for the investigation, which is allowed only upon a court approval. Such means, Frckovski said, are used by and large in western countries in resolving crimes including drugs, terrorism, serial killings, arms smuggling and serious robberies. As this is not the case in Macedonia, he said, the police here is considerably handicapped in its work.

    Meantime, the police brought charges against an employee of the robbed bank branch, on grounds of irresponsible working. What this means, Macedonian Radio comments, is that the police knows neither who the robbers are nor where the stolen money is. Circles close to the police say chances are the money will hardly be found, as too long a period of time passed and the money are probably already deposited in a foreign bank.

    [07] WORKS ON BITOLA-SKOPJE LONG-DISTANCE POWER LINE BEGUN

    The corner-stone of a 400 kW long-distance power line between Bitola and Skopje was laid down yesterday. 85 per cent ($22 million) of the finances needed for the project have been provided by the bank of Europe for Reconstruction and Development. The project is aimed at making the Macedonian energy system more independent, as well as to increase the efficiency of the 3 power plants in Bitola. The largest part of the equipment to be built in is of domestic production, and the entire project is to be completed in 18 months.

    [08] RENEWED FRENCH FINANCES FOR "VARDAR VALLEY" PROJECT

    Last week, the Government of France approved of an additional half a million of francs to support a feasibility study for protection of the river Vardar, A1 Television reports. The study is only an initial stage in the preparation of a national ecology program for environmental protection. The program will enable Macedonia to become included into the international program for protection of the Mediterranean Sea.

    [09] CONSTITUTIONAL COURT HOLDS SESSION

    At a session yesterday, the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Macedonia considered an initiative for re- examination of the constitutionality of the Law on Restructuring Loss-Producing Companies in the country. In the opinion of the Court, the Law does not limit or take away ownership rights, but temporarily puts these rights in a state of rest, in order to protect the possessions of companies in debt and enable creditors to turn their claims into founding assets.

    [10] MACEDONIAN TEACHERS GATHER IN OHRID

    The 23rd gathering of teachers in Macedonia began in Ohrid yesterday. Aco Jankulovski, chairman of the Council of the summit said the education system in the country may become included in European and world educational systems only by an intensified development, but this calls for reforms.

    Parliament vice-president Tito Petkovski said the dream of many generations of Macedonian for their own state has been accomplished. At this moment, he said, Macedonia has diplomatic ties with 80 countries, 26 of which have recognized Macedonia under its constitutional name.

    Macedonia will continue with its policy of equidistance, but Greece's unprecedented behavior - unpunished by the international community - is worrying. As for relations with the US, there is a big discrepancy between the military and the cooperation in the fields of economy and politics. At the end, he said Macedonia will not accept to have Albania interfere in its internal affairs, and all educational demands of Albanians in Macedonia can be resolved only within the legal framework.

    [11] SDSM REFUTES ACCUSATIONS BY LIBERALS

    The Social-Democratic Alliance of Macedonia (SDSM) issued a public statement yesterday to refute accusations by the Liberal Party of illegal obtaining finances set aside for covering election campaign expenses of political parties. The event, SDSM says, justifiably raises suspicion in the publicly stated readiness of the Liberals to participate in preparing a common platform for future activities of the government and parliamentary coalition.

    [12] ALIMI SENTENCED TO 8 MONTHS

    The Tetovo District Court sentenced Musli Alimi, former professor at the Prishtina university, to 8 months in prison, on grounds of participation in crowds and preventing police officers from exercising their duty during the February events in Mala Recica.

    Meantime, the defender of Fadil Suleimani said the required bail of 200,000 German marks is too high and would suit murderers and drug-traffickers, and not a man who is struggling for science with legal means. In a statement for Voice of America, he said the amount was determined as it was so that Suleimani is kept in jail. Nevertheless, he said, we will do everything in our power to enable Suleimani to defend himself from freedom.

    (end)

    mils-news 25 may '95

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