MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (21/03/1996)

From: Macedonian Press Agency <mpa@philippos.mpa.gr>

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

TITLES

NEWS IN DETAIL

[01] ANDREAS PAPANDREOU GOES HOME, SAYS "THANKS... WITH LOVE,"

Overcome by emotion, Mr. Papandreou didn't finish his sentence, but instead, with his wife on one side and his doctor on the other, walked to the escalator that led to the car for the drive home at Ekali.

Prior to leaving the Onasion Cardiosurgery Center where he had been confined to a bed for 122 days, the charismatic leader and founder of Greece's ruling party said good bye to all the doctors and medical staff that watched over him throughout his stay by simply saying "come on, it's time to go."

PASOK officials, ministers, deputies and a crowd of people gathered around the Onasion in order to salute the popular political leader who fought a strenuous battle for his life.

Mr. Papandreou's personal physician and former Health Minister Dimitris Kremastinos characterized as "exemplary" the medical treatment provided to Mr. Papandreou by the attendant physicians, noting the "enormous difficulties they faced which are not usual for the medical practice."

Responding to a reporter's question regarding Mr. Papandreou's hospital stay, Mr. Kremastinos stated that "it is preferable that some things are covered by silence instead of being discussed" and added that "it is for the good of all of us to forget these days."

Referring to his patient's health condition, Mr. Kremastinos emphasized that he is constantly improving and is currently at the stage of recovery. However, he added that as the effort to restore his health is not an easy one, many details must be granted attention to."

Currently, Mr. Papandreou's condition is considered to be satisfactory and he is an outpatient, although he will continue to undergo dialysis every two days at his Ekali home.

[02] GREEK PRESIDENT ADDRESSES ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT IN TIRANA TODAY

A salute of friendship to the albanian people and their leaders was the message conveyed today in an address given by Greek president Kostis Stephanopoulos to the albanian parliament, in the framework of his two-day visit to Tirana.

The friendship pact to be signed between the two countries during the President's visit to Albania was characterized by Mr. Stephanopoulos as a "crucial point in the greek-albanian bilateral relations and a starting point for their further establishment." According to the greek President, previous thorns and tensions in the two neighbors' relations "are overcome when there is honest willingness for dialogue and cooperation, trust and good faith, as well as further political and economic opportunities."

In the past, reciprocatory diplomatic expulsions, mass deportations of Albanian workers from Greece and a trial of ethnic Greek leaders in Tirana had brought relations between the two neighboring countries to their lowest ebb last year.

Elaborating Greece's policy-line to Albania, Mr. Stephanopoulos succintly stated that it is a policy of good neighboring, acceptance of territorial statuses and border inviolability, a policy of mutual respect and peaceful collaboration and respect of human rights, including minorities.

"Greece is improving its relations with Albania independently of the governments and parties, and hopes that all the parties will have the same inclinations towards Greece," Mr. Stephanopoulos stated in his address to the albanian Parliament.

"It is a given that regardless of any election results, my country considers the friendship bridge that will have been built to be a stable one."

Referring to the issue of Albanian illegal immigrants living in Greece, Mr. Stephanopoulos stated that "their residence problems are known to the greek authorities who are undetaking every effort to resolve them, taking into consideration all of the issue' s sides, as well as international obligations." He added that Greece is currently exercising a liberal policy towards the Albanian nationals.

The greek President also stressed his satisfaction at the prospect of three greek schools opening in Argyrokastro, Aghii Saranta and Delvino, which will provide primary-grade education to the ethnic greek minoirty living mostly in southern Albania.

Moreover, Mr. Stephanopoulos stressed Greece's commitment to support Albania in its seeking of closer ties with the European Union and concluded his message with a statement addressed in many directions.

"Greece does not pose a threat to anyone and is not unfair. The contrary happens frequently to her," Mr. Stephanopoulos said.

"It solidly opposes the threat of the use of violence as a way to resolve bilateral differences. It decisively rejects the anachronistic cries that hurl threats, reminding us of dark times and eras that we all wish to consider as long gone. Greece denounces the occupation of foreign territory, the attempt of unilateral change of international accords."

[03] STEPHANOPOULOS WARMLY WELCOMED BY SALI BERISHA

Albanian President Sali Berisha greeted his greek counterpart Kostis Stephanopoulos at the Tirana airport today, accompanied by an echelon of Tirana officials headed by Albanian Premier Alexander Meksi and Foreign Minister Alfred Sereki.

Addressing the Greek President, Mr. Berisha stated that his visit to Albania is an important and historical one, emphasizing that it opens "a new, very important chapter in the relations between the two countries."

Following his afternoon address at the albanian parliament, Mr. Stephanopoulos attended a dinner given in his honor by Mr. Berisha, met with Premier Meksi, and in the evening he is scheduled to meet with Archbishop Anastasios. The President of the Hellenic Republic is escorted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Theodoros Pangalos, Finance Minister Alekos Papadopoulos and Education Minister George Papandreou.

[04] THE GREEK PRIME MINISTER IS ON A FORMAL VISIT TO ITALY

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis is on a formal visit to Italy within the framework of Greece's diplomatic campaign aiming at making the greek positions on the national issues known in view of the EU-Turkey Association Council meeting.

Mr.Simitis will be received by italian President Scalfaro and will have talks with Prime Minister Lamberto Dini. The greek Prime Minister's visit to Rome is taking place one week before the Inter- Governmental Conference in Torino and a month before the italian Parliamentary elections that will be held on April 21st.

The talks will focus on the greek-turkish relations, the skopjan issue and the Inter-Governmental Conference while it is expected that Greece will request the postponement of the EU- Turkey Association Council meeting.

[05] THE TURKISH VIOLATIONS OF THE GREEK AIR AND SEA SPACE DO NOT CONTRIBUTE TO THE CREATION OF A GOOD CLIMATE, STATED MR.BIKAS

The turkish violations of the greek air space and territorial waters do not contribute to the creation of a good climate between Greece and Turkey. The above were stated by greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Kostas Bikas commenting on the latest repeated provocative actions by the turks, who are violating the greek air space and territorial waters. Mr.Bikas also added that the greek Airforce always responds in the appropriate way.

Regarding the issue of the greek veto on the EU funds for Turkey and whether Greece will remain firm on this position, mr.Bikas reiterated the statements made yesterday by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos. He also underlined that this is an issue that will be discussed today by Prime Minister Kostas Simitis during his meeting with his italian counterpart Lamberto Dini and with italian Foreign Minister Suzanna Agnielli, who is presiding over the Council of EU Foreign Ministers.

Mr.Bikas also added that at this time an effort is being undertaken by the European Union in order to find a way through the turkish intransigence.

Regarding the meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Greece and Skopje mr.Bikas stated that the exact date has not been finalized yet but the meeting is expected to take place by the end of March or in early April.

[06] TIME'S NOT RIGHT YET FOR MPS TO DISCUSS NAME ISSUE, SAYS GREEK PREMIER

Addressing the PASOK's Parliamentary Group presidium, Prime Minister Kostas Simitis stated yesterday evening that the time for parliamentary discussion of the FYROM name issue has not come yet.

The greek Premier was responding to a relevant request issued by 20 PASOK deputies who have signed a declaration stating their opposition to the prospect of Greece recognizing Skopje under a name containing the word 'Macedonia.'

The 20 deputies requested that before the greek government proceeds to any decision-taking on the name, the matter be discussed by the Parliamentary Group and the Central Committee.

The Group's presidium leader Dimitris Beis agreed with the Prime Minister's assessment.

[07] PROTECT EU BORDERS FROM ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, SAYS GREEK PUBLIC ORDER MINISTER

The greek Public Order Minister Kostas Geitonas has called for improved security of the European Union's external borders in order to better guard against illegal immigration.

Participating in a conference of EU internal security and public order ministers, held yesterday in Brussels and focusing on the issue of passport-free travel for Community citizens, Mr. Geitonas asked for greater funding to be granted in the area of EU external border security.

According to the Public Order Minister, this issue is of particular interest to Greece due to its Balkan and East Mediterranean extensive borders, which, according to Mr. Geitonas, are also EU's borders.

[08] GREECE SHOULD BE FIRM WITH VETO, SAYS GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos insists that Greece should be firm on its veto exercised to Turkey's economic funding by the European Union, since, as he stated, "Ankara has maintained an unacceptable stance in its contacts with the EU's Presidency and claims greek territories in the Dodekanese."

Speaking to reporters upon his return from his two-day formal visit to Moscow, Mr. Pangalos also commented on the recent declaration signed by 20 PASOK deputies, with which they refuse the option of FYROM's name containing the word 'Macedonia', by acquiescing that their request is understandable.

The Foreign Minister stated that "each one must assume his responsibilities before the people."

[09] ITALIAN PLAN FOR ADRIATIC CORRIDOR CATCHES GREECE'S INTEREST

An italian initiative to create an adriatic corridor which will facilitate sea and land transport, as well as link the alpine- arch countries with those of the Middle East, has caught the interest of Greece and government officials have asked that funding be granted for the plan's study.

According to the greek Minister of Transport and Communications Haris Kastanides, the italian initiative is viewed with great interest by Greece as it is considered to be a project of colossal dimensions.

The Transport Minister stated that "there is a very interesting policy on behalf of Greece in the inter-european networks regarding transport," and added that "Greece participates in the 14 primary inter-european networks with two national projects. We are determined to utilize the european policy and our national capabilities."

[10] SOUTHEAST EUROPE TRANSPORT CONFERENCE HELD IN THESSALONIKI

The First Conference on Combined Transport and Transit Flows of Southeast Europe is currently being held in Thessaloniki, under the auspices of the Aristotle University's Laboratory of Transport Engineering.

The three-day conference, to conclude tomorrow, features discussions on land, air and port infrastructure, as well as studies of the network of road arteries in the Balkan region and their connections to the european networks.

[11] THESSALONIKI-CONSTANTINOPLE TO BE LINKED VIA INTERCITY RAILWAY

The Thessaloniki - Constantinople railway route will be updated in June when a greek Intercity train will link the two cities three times a week, announced today the turkish railway's assistant General Director Yiasar Tungel to the Macedonian Press Agency.

Mr. Tungel, currently in Thessaloniki to attend the 1st Conference of Combined Transport and Transit Flows of Southeast Europe, stated that various meetings held between the general directors of the greek and turkish railways during the past year and a half have resulted in a close, bilateral cooperation. The decision to use the Intercity on the Thessaloniki-Constantinople itinerary was taken during a greek railway general director's visit to Constantinople.

"The Intercity will transport passengers," stated Tungel, adding "but I believe that this could be the start of an increased cooperation in the area of freight transport as well."

According to Tungel, combined transport can play an important role in improving relations between the two countries.

"We, as a state-owned railway are ready to give every effort to cooperate," he stated.

[12] TURKISH PREMIER WISHES FOR A NEW PERIOD IN THE GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS

The wish for the "start of a new period" in the greek-turkish relations was expressed by turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz.

According to an announcement issued by the turkish Prime Minister's office, mr.Yilmaz sent a message of thanks to the greek Prime Minister responding to mr.Simitis' congratulatory message sent to him for becoming the new turkish Prime Minister.

Mr.Yilmaz in his message stresses that the peaceful relations between the two countries will contribute to peace and stability in the region and underlines that the two countries together should examine the possibilities for the beginning of a new period which will be based on mutual trust.

[13] SKOPJAN FOREIGN MINISTER'S VISIT TO ATHENS HAS NOT BEEN SET YET

The date for the visit to Athens by FYROM's Foreign Minister Liubomir Fertsofski has not been set yet.

Mr.Fertsofski has accepted an invitation by greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, according to the Foreign Ministry spokesman, who added that the date for the visit will be determined through the diplomatic channels.

[14] RUSSIA, CYPRUS TO SIGN AGREEMENT ON DEFENSE ISSUES IN MOSCOW

Cypriot Minister of Defense Kostas Iliadis leaves today for a formal visit to Moscow during which will be signed a technical cooperation agreement on issues of defense between Cyprus and Russia.

Mr.Iliadis who is accompanied by National Guard Chief Nikolaos Vorvolakos stated that the cooperation concerns the technical support of weapons systems which Cyprus has already bought or intends to buy.

Press information mentions that Cyprus is interested in russian "T80" armoured tanks and in the medium range air-defense system "S 300".

Also, it was announced that the cypriot delegation will visit an arms manufacturing plant in order to examine on the spot the weapons systems Nicosia is interested in purchasing.

[15] THE TURKISH PRESIDENT WILL MEET WITH CLINTON ON MARCH 29TH

Turkish President Suleiman Demirel will meet with US President Bill Clinton in the White House on March 29th. The two Presidents will discuss issues concerning the US-Turkish relations, as well as, the fight against terrorism, peace in the Middle East, the situation in northern Iraq and the Cyprus problem.

Mr.Demirel will arrive in Washington on March 27th and will meet with representatives of the US Congress, while he will also be awarded the title of the honorary rector in Georgetown University.

[16] SARAJEVO IS FINALLY REUNIFICATED

[17] CROATS AND MUSLIMS IN MOSTAR AGREED ON JOINT PATROLS

[18] ROMANIAN RULING PARTY AND OPPOSITION REACTION ON RUSSIAN DUMA VOTE

[19] BULGARIA RELIES ON JAPANESE INVESTMENTS

A Bulgarian parliamentary delegation in Tokyo had talks at the foreign policy commitee with the House of Councillors of the Japanese Parliament. Stated about the meeting , the bulgarian national Assembly Chairman Blagovest Sendov stressed that his country relies on Japanese investment to overcome the transition period. Also, the bulgarian intent to further extend the existing cooperation with Japan was expressed, as a result of friendly relations between the two countries. On March 19 the bulgarian parliamentary delegation visited the Fujitsu manufacturer of computer equipment, telecomunications systems and semi-conductors which has log-standing contacts with Bulgarian companies.

[20] YUGOSLAVIA: BACK AGAIN IN THE WORLD MARKET

A priority for Yugoslavia now is to return to the world market and financial and comMercial bodies, Yugoslav Prime Minister Radoje Kontic said in a meeting held in Belgrade with Yugoslav federals officials and officials of its republic of Serbia and Montenergo. Special attention was devoted to preparations for forthcoming talks with IMF and the INRD, a government statement said. The main objective of its current and long-term development policies is to achieve a dynamic development of the economy, especially of its export-oriented segments. According to Yugoslav officials, in order to achieve this, Yugoslavia needs influx of fresh capital, help in the structural adjustment of the local companies and banks and its national debt burden has to be released by the international institution.

[21] THE HAGUE TRIBUNAL GETS COOPERATION WITH BELGRADE AND PALE

The Hague war crimes tribunal for former Yugoslavia would be allowed to open an office in Belgrade in the next few weeks - Asistant Chief Prosecutor Graham Bewit said. He added that the Republika Srpska, too, had given assurance of future cooperation in the investigation of war crimes and criminals.

[22] BOSNIAN WAR CRIMES SUSPECTS ARRESTED

Three persons have been recently arrested in Germany and Austria on suspicion of having committed crimes in Bosnia- Herzegovina. An un-named Serb, who was allegedly a warden in a prisoner-of-war-camp, was arrested by German authorities near Nuremberg. In Munich they arrested a 47-year-old Muslim considered responsible for the brutal murder of about 30 inmates of the camp which held about 250 captive Serbs from the town of Konjic, in Herzegovina, and for raping a large number of Serb women. Austria said it had arrested in Vienna a Croat who was in charge of Muslim-run prisoner camps in Celebic and Konjic in the period of May to November 1992. Yugoslavia also requested the extradition of the Croat suspect while The Hague Tribunal, too, had requested his transfer. Republika Srpska said that it also has in its archives evidence on Muslim captive murders of civilians.

[23] PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE BETWEEN MUSLIMS AND SERB DURING THE WAR

A case of Muslim and Serb peaceful co-existence in the village of Bavljine in the west of the Republika Srpska has been reported in Serb and Czech newspapers.

"We survived the past four years of war tanks to our Serb neighbors" said Samir B., a Muslim from the village Mrkonjic Grad, quoted by the high-circulation daily "Mlada Fronta Dnes." The village mosque was one of the few still intact in the area and the imam (Muslim priest) had held daily prayers during the war. Local Muslims admit they owe the biggest debt of gratitude to Serb Bosko Tesanovic, Director of the Mrkonic Grad hospital, who has treated them free of charge and sided with the Muslims in a number of incidents when they came face to face with local Serb civilian and military authorities.

The article also reported that local Serbs had organized a complex system of collective security for the Muslims, in order to ensure safe passage to the town market where they sell their produce.

This idyllic image was brutally altered by the invading Bosnian Croats army troops and the army of neighboring Croatia in the autumn of 1995 when the Serb population was driven out. According to the Dayton peace agreement, the western part of the Republica Srpska returns to Bosnian Serb rule.

[24] AUSTRALIAN SHADOW MINISTRY OF JUSTICE LED BY GREEK-AUSTRALIAN

Kim Bizley is the new leader of Australia's Labour Party, having been handed -free of rivalry- the leadership of a party that, after 13 years in power, lost the national elections.

Elected to the post of Labour Party Deputy leader is Australia's former Foreign Minsiter Gareth Evans who also took over as shadow Treasurer of the Cabinet.

After the defeat of his party, the former Premier Paul Keating resigned from leadership, while speculations abound that he may resign from his parliamentary post as well.

Meanwhile in Victoria, 13 candidates of greek descent -a quite unprecedented number- are runners-up in the forthcoming state-wide elections in Victoria, scheduled for March 30. Sure bets for re-election are thought to be the Labour Party parliamentarians, Dollis, Theophanous, Andrianopoulos and Pantazopoulos, while Katsabanis of the governmental Liberal Pary is considered to be a likely a candidate.

As polls indicate that the government coalition of Liberals- Nationals with Premier Jeff Kennett will be re-elected, it doesn't seem likely that the remaining greek-australian candidates are left with many chances to appear on the ticket.

[25] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE REPORT

CURRENCY             FIXING      BUY         SELL
ECU                 302.7200    301.8120   301.8120
U.S. Dollar         241.2450    240.5210   241.9690
Deutsche Mark       163.3500    162.8600   163.8400
UK Sterling         370.9000    369.7870   372.0130
French Franc         47.6940     47.5510    47.8370
Swedish Crown        36.3410     36.2320    36.4500
Danish Kroner        42.3000     42.1730    42.4270
Norwegian Crown      37.5900     37.4770    37.7030
Italian Lira (100)   15.5105     15.4640    15.5570
Swiss Franc         201.8460    201.2400   202.4520
Spanish Peseta        1.9436      1.9378     1.9494
Finnish Mark         52.2640     52.1070    52.4210
Yen (100)           226.0900    225.4120   226.7680