MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (02/05/1996)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki May 2, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] PREMIER EMBARKS TODAY ON TOUR OF EASTERN MACEDONIA, THRACE

Mr. Simitis will expound on the development of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, emphasizing that it is an issue of utmost national priority for the government and will underline that the region's present and future, its viability and progress, cannot only be addressed with a defensive armouring. We must realize, the Premier will state, that the region's future will depend on its economic, social and cultural development.

Specifically, the Premier will refer to the new model of development for the region which is "not based on the traditional logic of provisions and promises that serve as compensation for their incompletion, but rather on the creation of structures, the improvement of living conditions and the training of the human factor, in order to attract investments."

Moreover, Mr. Simitis is expected to speak on the issue of minorities, as "the government believes that the inclusion of minorities in the process of economic and social development constitutes the most reliable path for the achievement of the economic, social and cultural cohesion in the region."

Tomorrow, the Premier will visit the municipalities of Xanthi and Kavala, and will participate in meetings with the local administration's representatives.

On Saturday morning, Mr. Simitis will visit Drama and in the afternoon will travel by helicopter to the greek-bulgarian borders region in Evros, where he will give a speech on the trade opportunities that exist in the Balkan and Black Sea countries.

Mr. Simitis will be accompanied by the Ministers of: National Economy, Gerasimos Arsenis; Development, Vasso Papandreou; Environment, Planning and Public Works, Kostas Laliotis; Health and Welfare, Anastasios Peponis; Public Order, Kostas Geitonas; Macedonia-Thrace, Philippos Petsalnikos; and the Under-Ministers of Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Labros Papadimas; National Economy, Christos Pachtas; Education George Pashalides; Athletics Andreas Fouras; and Agriculture Apostolos Fotiades.

[02] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER ARRIVES IN CYPRUS FOR TWO-DAY VISIT

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos arrived in Nicosia this morning, embarking on a two-day official visit on the invitation of his Cypriot counterpart Alekos Mihaelides.

Upon his arrival, Mr. Pangalos stated that "as long as the turkish occupation and the presence of turkish armed forces on Cyprus continue, there cannot be a climate of trust between Greece and Turkey."

Responding to questions, Mr. Pangalos referred to his recent meeting in Bucharest with his Turk counterpart Emre Gionensay and stated that the Cypriot issue was not part of their discussion since they held an "acquaintance meeting" during which negotiations or a dialogue did not take place.

"The discussion specifically addressed Turkey's territorial claims over the Imia islets," Mr. Pangalos stated.

However, The Foreign Minister stated that when the issue of demilitarizing the islands was brought up, he mentioned to Mr. Gionensay that "the establishment of Greek military forces on the islands is a result of the crisis that was created in 1974. Therefore, their withdrawal means the resolution, or the start of a resolution of all the greek-turkish issues, and the resolution of the Cypriot issue."

Mr. Pangalos also referred to his meeting with the United States Assistant Secretary of State John Kornblum, whom he asked to which turkish proposal or ideas he attributes his optimism.

According to Mr. Pangalos, Mr. Kornblum answered that he has the impression of an overall positive climate and the Greek Foreign Minister countered that Turkey quite often creates a fabricated climate of optimism and good impressions and pointed out to Mr. Kornblum that he should look for substance, specific steps and suggestions.

Mr. Pangalos added that Greece and Cyprus welcome every effort to internationalize the cypriot issue and any attempt to solve it.

"If President Clinton, as he states in his letter, intends to do this, it is something which we will view positively. However, we'll wait to see what the initiative includes in order to take a position on its content," Mr. Pangalos stated.

Mr. Pangalos will meet with Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides at Cyprus' Foreign Ministry where they will discuss the developments on the cypriot issue in light of Mr. Kornblum's recent tour, as well as the progress of Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

Tomorrow, Mr. Pangalos will meet with Cypriot political leaders and with Archbishop Chrysostomos.

[03] INTERNATIONAL, EUROPEAN DEMOCRATIC UNION CONFERENCE BEGAN

An International Democratic Union (IDU) and European Democratic Union (EDU) Conference is being held in Thessaloniki with the participation of both organizations' presidents, Carl Bildt and Alois Mock, respectively, as well as main opposition New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert.

Today's discussion centered around the international developments on the Yugoslav issue, the Central and Eastern Europe region, the rise of islamic fundamentalism, the efforts that must be exerted in order to support democracy in Africa, especially North Africa, and, in general, looked into ways to better organize the Union's work for the next two years.

The Conference will last four days and discussions are expected to center on issues addressing the European organizational development and the international conservative and liberal parties.

The three presidents will give a joint press conference tomorrow.

[04] NEW DEMOCRACY LEADER: TURKEY MUST CONFORM TO EUROPEAN IDEAS

"It is Turkey's duty to have interest in and a presence at the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, regarding the Muslim republics of the former Soviet Union and the Black Sea, however it is a historical mistake on her part to try and affect the developments," stated Miltiades Evert, the leader of the main opposition partty New Democracy, during today's session of the International Democratic Union and the European Democratic Union held in Thessaloniki.

Mr. Evert added that Greece is willing to aid Turkey in the framework of a united Europe, but clarified that "Turkey must conform to the European ideals and international laws and help in finding a fair and viable solution to the Cypriot issue."

[05] PRESIDENT OF EUROPEAN PEOPLE'S PARTY SUPPORTS THAT GREEK BORDERS ARE EUROPEAN AS WELL

The President of the European People's Party Mr. Martins reiterated his position today that Greece's borders are Europe's borders as well and foresaw that the Maastricht Treaty will be amended in such a way as to allow the intervention of the European allies in case of a threat against Greece, within the framework of a common defense policy.

Moreover, referring to the recent developments in greek-turkish relations, Mr. Martins stated that the greek government displayed patience and a good disposition towards Ankara and added that Turkey's Customs Union with the EU should depend on that country's willingness to respect international rules and accords.

Mr. Martins spoke at a joint press interview with Miltiades Evert, the leader of Greece's main opposition party New Democracy. The two men spoke on the European Union's common foreign and defense policies.

[06] GREECE PARTICIPATES IN EFFORTS TO RESTORE PEACE IN BOSNIA

"Greece participates in all the efforts to restore peace and stability in Bosnia, both through the OECD (Organization for Cooperation and Development) processes and through the collection of capital for the reconstruction of the region," stated the alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos during his meeting with the European mediator for the Bosnian issue Carl Bildt.

During their meeting, Mr. Bildt and Mr. Romeos examined the course of the Dayton Agreement's enforcement in Bosnia and the Greek alternate Minister stated that the Agreement's enforcement in Bosnia is currently undergoing its most difficult phase due to Yugoslavia's imminent elections.

Mr. Bildt, having thanked Greece for its contribution, stated that after four months following the signing of the Dayton Agreement, the materialization phase is starting now.

The European Union's mediator also characterized the issue of rehabilitating the refugees as extremely difficult and expressed his worry for the developments in Kossovo.

[07] TYRKEY'S TRUE PATH WANTS INCLUSION IN EUROPEAN DEMOCRATIC UNION

A representative of the turkish party True Path (DYP), led by former Premier Tansu Ciller, will travel to Thessaloniki in order to request that his party be included in the European Democratic Union (EDU), according to Greek main opposition party parliamentarian Marietta Yiannakou-Koutsikou, on the occassion of today's session of the International Democratic Union (IDU) and the EDU held in Thessaloniki.

Ms. Koutsikou stated that during the meeting of leaders of political parties that are included in the EDU, held two months ago in Paris, the decision and the final voting were based on the premise that EDU primarily supports the observance and respect of international accords and the international law.

[08] THESSALONIKI BAR ASSOCIATION, GERMAN CONSUL DISCUSS RESTITUTION ISSUE

In a meeting held today between the President of Thessaloniki's Bar Association George Ignatiades and the German Consul General in Thessaloniki Mark von Schweinitz, the issue of of German restitution being paid to Greek victims and, more specifically, the return to Greece of those cases that were filed by citizens without being tried in court at the appropriate courts, was the center of an acquaintance discussion.

The German Consul General stated that, according to International Law, claims against the state can be brought before the court only by the state itself and not by private individuals.

"I cannot discuss details," the Consul General said, adding that "since professionals are currently examining the issue."

The Bar Association's President reiterated that he also did not wish to delve into the subject in detail, but emphasized that the appropriate courts should look into these cases and decide accordingly.

Mr. von Schweinitz spoke about the moral as well as the economic responsibilty surrounding the issue, underlining that his government has in the past actively displayed its interest into the matter.

[09] ALTERNATE FOREIGN MINISTER IS CURRENTLY IN STRASBURG

Greece's alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos is cuurently in Strasburg where he will participate in the meeting of the Committee of Foreign Ministers of the Council of Europe.

The meeting is expected to center on the issues of stability and the establishment of democracy in Bosnia- Herzegovina as well as the Council of Europe's role in the matter.

Moreover, issues regarding the security of journalists in crisis situations and the continuance of European efforts to combat racism, xenophobia and antisemitism will be discussed.

[10] CEDEFOP PROBLEMS CAN BE OVERCOME, SAYS BRITISH EUROPARLIAMENTARIAN WHO PREVIOUSLY DOUBTED CENTER'S USEFULNESS

"In no way am I against the existence of CEDEFOP since I believe that it plays a valuable role in the promotion of proper training. The European Union suffers from high unemployment rates and we are in need of additional knowledge and specialists," stated the British europarliamentarian of the European People's Party Edward Kellet-Bowman in an interview to the Macedonian Press Agency, after visiting the Center in Thessaloniki today.

Mr. Kellet-Bowman was briefed on the Center's functioning and work by its staff and management and met with the Center's General Director Johan van Rens as well as with PASOK europarliamentarian Nikos Papakyriazis. The british europarliamentarian, responding to a question as to whether the Center's management for the 1994 administration should be relieved, stated that he has not decided yet, although he added that from what he saw today he gained a favorable impression.

It is reminded that Mr. Kellet-Bowman had proposed to the European Parliament that the exemption of the CEDEFOP administration be postponed, regarding the 1994 management, while at the same time he questioned the center's usefulness, which has been based in Thessaloniki since last year.

The postponement of the exemption of the administration for the 1994 budget was proposed by the British MP in order to ascertain that a satisfactory draw of credits provided for the center's function have been secured, the manpower is properly trained and that services provided correspond to the clientele's needs.

The report, was based on a study performed by the independent french company "Quateraire" and was critical of the CEDEFOP management and production, to a point where its usefulness was questioned, since its primary client, the European Commission, hardly uses its services.

Today, Mr. Kellet-Bowman stated that his move was based on the french report.

"I believe that it would not have been professional on my behalf to say that everything is fine as long as such a study existed," he said.

Regarding the Center's functioning, Mr. Kellet- Bowman stated that most problems stem from the fact that the personnel do not speak Greek and added that if the local authorities took measures to make the staff's adjustment to a new place and society smoother, "then things would be much easier."

[11] EDUCATION OF YOUNG GREEKS ABROAD DISCUSSED IN PARLIAMENT

Legislation presented by the Greek Ministry of Education regarding the education of young Greeks abroad is discussed today in the Parliament's plenary session.

The legislation refers to the cultivation and teaching of the greek language and the greek cultural identity which will promote the self-knowledge and self- esteem of the generations of Greeks abroad.

According to the proposed law, the legislation will provide for the creation of a legal body law titled Institute of Education for Greeks Abroad and Intercultural Training as well as for the establishment of an International University of Greek Studies for the Research and Study of the greek language, greek culture as well as the christian orthodox traditions.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[12] AHEPA DELEGATION MEETS WITH CYPRIOT PRESIDENT GLAFKOS CLERIDES

The AHEPA delegation currently visiting Cyprus met today with Cypriot president Glafkos Clerides and was briefed on the developments of the cypriot issue.

Following the meeting, AHEPA Chairman Spyros Makris stated that Greek-Americans are not in a position to secure a commitment on the cypriot issue by US President Bill Clinton, however they will not be limited to verbal statements.

Moreover, Mr. Makris added that Turkey is a significant country for the US foreign policy. As a result, there is not much that Greek-Americans can do to reverse the situation.

The delegation had met earlier with the Cypriot Foreign Minister Alekos Mihaelides, the President of Parliament Alexis Galanos and with Archbishop Chrysostomos.

[13] US PRESIDENT TO DRAW INITIATIVE ON CYPRUS ISSUE THIS YEAR

United States President Bill Clinton has reiterated his intention to undertake an initiative for the cypriot issue before the end of the year.

In a letter sent to Congress along with his bi- monthly report on Cyprus, the US President states that if both communities have the political will to proceed to the mutual concessions necessary for reaching an agreement, then a fair and balanced solution may be achieved.

President Clinton states that in order to achieve this goal, Greece's and Turkey's active involvement is necessary and adds that although "certain unforeseen events have obstructed the american initiative for Cyprus, preparations are already under way."

Despite the problems, the US President expresses the hope that "the initiative to solve the cypriot problem will start within this year" and adds that his meeting with the Turk President Suleiman Demirel, held in March, was "useful" as Mr. Demirel "expresses his government's intention to help find a solution."

[14] UN SPECIAL ENVOY FOR CYPRUS TO TOUR ATHENS, ANKARA, NICOSIA

The new Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for the cypriot issue Han Sung Ju, will conduct his first tour in Athens, Ankara and Nicosia after the parliamentary elections in Cyprus.

Mr. Ju, who is the Former Foreign Minister of South Korea, met yesterday in New York with the alternate Secretary-General Marik Goulding and, according to reports, the decision to delay his tour was based on the american intention to maintain a wait and see stance until the greek-turkish relations improve.

Nevertheless, Mr. Ju will proceed this month with his contacts in european capitals and the European Union headquarters.

[15] CONFERENCE ON MILITARY TRAINING IN TIRANA

Military officials from Greece, United States, Italy, FYROM, Romania, Turkey and Slovenia gathered in Tirana to review the details of the multinational training, code named "Peaceful Eagle 96", which is part of the Partnership For Peace Program. The conference, which will end tomorrow, May 3, is attended by NATO experts. The military training is scheduled to be held soon in central Albania.

[16] SERBIA OBSTRUCTS ETHNIC ALBANIANS FROM ENTERING THE COUNTRY

The Helsinki Committee on Human Rights in Serbia forwarded a protest to Belgrade authorities, accusing the government of refusing the legal entry of ethnic Albanians holding Yugoslav passports. A group of 11 Yugoslav citizens of Albanian origin were re-directed from the Prishtina airport to Belgrade's airport, but they were refused legal entry. Such cases have been reported since December 1995.

An official from the Helsinki group said, referring to the Albanians who had been forbidden to enter Serbia, they were "just ordinary people who have nothing to do with any political party and they wanted to enter their own country for whatever reason."

The Helsinki Committee warned that such actions were against the law and discriminatory.

The protest coincided with the recent tensions in Kosovo between Albanians and Serbs. The Kosovar Shadow State Prime Minister Bujar Bukoshi warns in a letter to EU President Susanna Agnelli that the increasing violence in the region may force ethnic Albanians to "take additional measures" to defend themselves.

[17] EUROPEAN OFFICIALS ON A BALKAN TOUR

The current Chairman of the European Union Susanna Agnelli and the President of the European Commission Jacques Santers are expected to make official visits of highest state level in Croatia, Bosnia, FR Yugoslavia, FYROM and Albania on May 16 and 17.

Precipitated by the Union's regional approach, the importance of the regional cooperation among these countries is the main issue that European officials want to focus on during their meetings, a Commission's spokesman said.

[18] GREAT BRITAIN AGAINST KOSOVO'S SECESSION

"The issue of Kosovo and Metohija (Kosmet) is an internal affair of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the British policy is that Kosmet is an integral part of the FRY," British Ambassador in Belgrade Ivor Roberts said in an interview to The Voice of America. He also said that Great Britain does not support the idea of greater Albania or any unilateral change of borders.

The British Ambassador pointed out that his country was against the seccesion of Kosmet from Serbia and the FRY. Mr. Roberts stated his country is in favor of talks being held between Serbs and Albanians in order to reach a solution and to create a normal life atmosphere, adding that the international community is continuously repeating that there can be no secession of Kosovo or any border change. He also reminded that these demands have also been rejected by the U.N. Charter and the recent Helsinki Agreement.

[19] TWO BOSNIAN MUSLIMS DIED IN A MINE FIELD NEAR DOBOJ

Two Bosnian Muslims died and five were wounded on Monday in a mine field while they were attempting to forcibly enter the Doboj region.

According to local and international media reports, a group of about 250 Muslims, after avoiding an IFOR check-point, had attempted to forcibly enter this region in central part of the Republica Srpska and ran through a mine field. A group of Serbs intercepted a group of Muslims, who were going to Trnovo, 30 km southeast of Sarajevo, and sent them back to Sarajevo. Some other incidents took place the previous day when Muslims tried to travel to grave sites around Bosnia for the Bairam holiday.

The IFOR Command said that unauthorized crossovers of Muslims would not be allowed during the Islamic religious festival of Kurban Bairam. He added that any such attempts will be prevented by force.

[20] BULGARIAN PREMIER SAID RUSSIA SHOULD NOT VETO NATO ENLARGEMENT

Bulgarian Premier Zhan Videnov said Russia cannot be allowed to veto former socialist countries' aspiration to join NATO, international media reported.

Zhan Videnov pointed out that NATO enlargement should be "very well thought-out beforehand" in order to avoid a "deficit in security or new tensions." "No country should veto anything " concerning the NATO enlargement process and the building of a new European security system, Videnov said. He added that Bulgaria does not see Russia as a potential threat to its national security and that there are no prospects of his country to join Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in a process of closer association with Rusia.

[21] NEW PRICES FOR FUEL AND ENERGY IN BULGARIA

Starting from yesterday in Bulgaria new prices increased by 1-13% for petroleum, oil and natural gas have gone into effect. Also, the electricity prices have risen by 41%. These increases were adopted by the Bulgarian government on April 29.

According to "Standard" newspaper, a 15-20% price increase for drinking water is also expected to be announced this week.

The Chairman of the National Commission for Prices Dimitar Grivekov said in an interview with "24 Hours" newspaper that the new fuel prices are in accordance with high crude oil prices on the international market and the strong US dollar.

In a letter sent to Prime Minister Videnov, the Chairman of the Independent Trade Unions Krastyo Petkov blamed the Cabinet for leading Bulgaria into a new financial bankruptcy, newspaper "Trud" reported.

[22] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE REPORT

CURRENCY         FIXING     BUY         SELL
ECU              299.2080   298.3100    300.1060
U.S. Dollar      243.4900   242.7600    244.2200
Deutsche Mark    159.0200   158.5430    159.4970
UK Sterling      367.3400   366.2380    368.4420
French Franc      47.1250    46.9840     47.2660
Swedish Crown     35.8090    35.7020     35.9160
Danish Kroner     41.2720    41.1480     41.3960
Norwegian Crown   37.0500    36.9390     37.1610
Italian Lira      15.5620    15.5150     15.6090
Swiss Franc      197.0800   196.4890    197.6710
Spanish Peseta     1.9196     1.9138      1.9254
Finnish Mark      50.2700    50.1190     50.4210
Yen              228.9750   228.2880    229.6620

Complete archives of the Macedonian Press Agency bulletins are available on the MPA Home Page at http://www.mpa.gr/ and on the U.S. mirror at http://www.hri.org/MPA/