MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (03/05/1996)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki May 3, 1996

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] PRIME MINISTER SPEAKS OF A STRONGER GREECE IN THRACE

"If there is not a strong Greece which is economically united and socially cohesive, from one end of the country to the other, there cannot be a strong border region," the Premier emphasized yesterday evening, chairing a conference at the Democritus University of Thrace.

"The stronger Greece's position is, that much stronger its border regions become," stated Mr. Simitis, reminding also that another aspect of the country's strategy is the defense of its national independence and integrity.

Making an indirect reference to Ankara, the Premier stated that "our positions on Thrace, as they are for the Aegean Sea as well, are inscribed in unshakeable national agreements that fully secure our sovereign rights. Turkey must understand this clearly. As a matter of fact, it would be to its (Turkey's) benefit to understand this soon, since it has taken a futile direction in sterile roads."

The Premier reminded that for a whole era following WWII, no serious effort was made to develop Thrace's region neither economically nor socially and referred to the efforts made by Turkey to foster minority issues, aiming at creating a climate of distrust among the religious groups and an overall spirit of separatism.

"Thrace cannot wait," Mr. Simitis stated.

"The state knows that Thrace wants to and can become a decisive center of welfare and development, not only locally but for the country as well," he added, stating that the development of the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region constitutes a crucial national priority.

Regarding the development of Thrace, the government will aim at filling the existing gap between the region and the remainder of the national and european areas, as well as promoting the economic and social development at a dynamic pace.

There are currently 300 projects under the auspice of the European Union's funding. Specifically, regarding the energy sector, vast projects are being constructed in order to relieve Thrace from its current total dependence on energy.

The under-construction hydroelectric plant will use the water facilities of the river Nestos, while of great importance for Thrace's economy, as well as the national, is Komotini's natural gas energy plant.

Moreover, the Premier referred to the Egnatia Road project and well as Thrace's other road projects, the upgrading of Kavala and Alexandroupolis airports and ports facilities, and a massive dam project to support irrigation works in Drama and Xanthi.

The Premier granted emphasis to the government's constant watch over Thrace's security and social cohesion as well as the inclusion of all population groups into a united prospect of development.

"The Greek state will secure the participation of all, Christians and Muslims in the region's development process," Mr. Simitis stated.

"In this process, Thrace will exemplify equality before the law, multi-faceted cultural activities, religious freedom and participation in the common welfare," the Premier said.

"The local community can only co-exist and progress peacefully, with repsect to the various cultural and religious models and traditions," the Premier added.

This is how the Prime Minister responded to a memorandum he received prior to his speech from 24 Muslim elected leaders of the Rodopi prefecture, who touched upon issues of minority training, Muftis and the management of monastery property.

The minority representatives, who welcomed the Premier "with hope and joy" as they stated, noted that a basic prerequisite for the development of the Rodopi prefecture, the most underdeveloped prefecture as they claimed, is the upgrading of the minority's conditions, a group which makes up the most underdeveloped sector of the Rodopi population.

Tomorrow morning, Mr. Simitis will visit the prefecture of Drama and in the afternoon will travel by helicopter to the Ormenios area in Evros, on the Greek- Bulgarian border, where he will give a speech on the regional prospects being created in the Balkan and Black Sea markets.

In his tour, Mr. Simitis is 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] PREMIER VISITS EGNATIA ROAD PROJECT, APPLAUDS ITS PURPOSE

"By building the first sections, and concurrently moving forward with the studies," Mr. Simitis stated, "and by setting the year 2000 as a horizon, the total project will be planned, funded and proceed to a point where soon thereafter it will be completed.

"Northern Greece's outlook will change," the Premier stated.

[03] THE PRIME MINISTER'S SPEECH IN THE 4TH ARMY CORPS OFFICERS' CLUB IN THE CITY OF XANTHI

Mr.Simitis referred extensively to the threat from Turkey, stressing that it is a real threat as Turkey interprets in a wrong way the characteristics of the new situation and intensifies the policy of coercive claims against Greece. He said that Turkey escalates the tension in the relations between the two countries and does not dispute only Greece's sovereign rights in the air-space, the sea and the island region, but it also escalates and territorial claims.

Referring to the Imia incident, mr.Simitis stressed that this is a proof of the escalation observed in the turkish aggressiveness adding that the solution to this issue was a successful handling through which Greece avoided to be forced in negotiations.

Mr.Simitis repeated that Greece is not claiming and is not giving up anything, adding that it will never give up or negotiate its sovereign rights which are based on historical truth, have been consolidated with the blood of generations of greeks and are recognized by indisputable international treaties.

The greek Prime Minister said that the turkish provocativeness will be confronted with a strong Greece and the unreasonable turkish claims and wishes will be confronted with International Law and International Agreements.

Referring to the support offered to Greece against the turkish expansionism, the greek Prime Minister said that Greece has no illusions that its european partners will automatically adopt its positions adding that there is a belief that Greece's right can become a part of their planning and interests.

Mr.Simitis accused Turkey of leading the sensitive region of the Balkans and eastern Mediterranean in an unsafe orbit adding that as a result of Turkey's unreasonable aspirations there is the danger of distabilization in the region from the Caucasus to the Middle East.

The Prime Minister also stressed that for a strong Greece weapons are not enough, as development, economic and social progress are also needed. He also referred to the meaning of patriotism, stressing that patriotism today is the country's overall strengthening and modernization.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Simitis said that peace is our strength and the power of preserving peace is found in a strong Greece.

[04] THE PRIME MINISTER MET IN THRACE WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MUSLIM MINORITY

After the end of the meetings, the Prime Minister stated that he had a very interesting discussion with local authorities adding that inspite of the existing problems a programme for the region's development is in progress and soon the positive results will be obvious. Mr.Simitis also stated that Thrace very soon will be one of the regions from where hellenism will set off to establish new relations with the regions surrounding Greece.

Referring to the contacts he had with representatives of the muslim minority, the greek Prime Minister stressed that the contacts with the minority were good, adding that some of its members expressed views with which the greek government does not agree. Prime Minister Simitis stated that the greek government supported its position and gave the necessary information, stressing that the principle which must be implemented is equality before the law. He said that the state has an obligation to implement it and the greek citizens belonging to the religious minority they too have the obligation to work for equality before the law.

[05] ORGANIZATIONAL ISSUES AND US ELECTIONS DISCUSSED AT IDU-EDU

Awaited with interest is tomorrow's convention of the EDU Administrative Committee which will address issues of security and cooperation in Europe, as well as the Balkan situation where Turkey will participate since Mr. Yilmaz's party is a Committee member.

According to the IDU Secretary of International Relations, New Democracy parliamentarian Marietta- Yiannakou-Koutsikou, the end of the Conference will be followed by a resolution that includes the central idea of all the items brought for discussion, as well as the views of the participants for the further progress of the EDU.

Ms. Koutsikou stated that during the meeting of leaders of political parties that are included in the EDU, held two months ago in Paris, it was firmly established that EDU primarily supports the observance and respect of international accords and the international law.

"I believe that these principles express the Greek positions as a whole," Mrs. Koutsikou said, adding "that is why we are speaking of a referral to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, since Turkey, or any other country for that matter, has complaints or does not agree with the status of the international accords. Up to date, the Court has proven that it bases its decisions on these principles."

[06] INTERBALKAN COOPERATION SHOULD BE BASED ON GREEK INITIATIVE, SAYS EU SPECIAL ENVOY FOR BOSNIA CARL BILDT

Following the meeting, Mr. Bildt stated that Mr. Evert's proposal for a border recognition agreement would be "especially good."

Mr. Bildt stated that he considers the resolving of minority issues and human rights to be a significant prerequisite for achieving stability in the region, while pointing out that Greece plays an important role in the area.

Responding to a question by the Macedonian Press Agency on whether there will be Greek initiatives that will aim at achieving stability in the region, Mr. Bildt expressed his hope that there will be such initiatives stemming from Greece.

"There have been many proposals during the recent months from various governments for the establishment of new cooperation networks in the region and I hope that there will be initiatives brought forward from Greee as well," Mr. Bildt stated.

Regarding Kosovo, the special envoy stated that there is a constant simmering crisis in the region, which has heightened during the recent weeks and noted that "it is of great importance that the Belgrade and Tirana authorities, and the Albanian peoples representatives in Prishtina, view this issue as a serious condition and have the intention to address it politically."

Moreover, he expressed the view that the only solution to the problem would be "a form of autonomy" in Kosovo.

"The European Union has a policy that promotes a form of autonomy in Kosovo. This I believe is the only viable solition to the problem," he stated.

Referring to Serb reactions to such a solution, Mr. Bildt stated that "solutions require compromises" and added that "there cannot be a solution when both sides insist on their positions 100 percent."

[07] THE GREEK PRESIDENT WILL MEET WITH HIS US COUNTERPART IN THE WHITE HOUSE ON MAY 9TH

Mr.Stephanopoulos will arrive in Andrews Air Force Base on May 7th and in the evening of the same day he will have an informal working dinner with the greek Ambassador to Washington.

On Wednesday May 8th, the President of the Greek Republic will lay a wreath at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, while he will also visit the grave of President Kennedy and the Challenger astronauts' burial site at Arllington National Cemetery.

In the afternoon of the same day, he will give an exclusive interview to TV channel CNN and he will visit the George Washington University where he will receive the Presidential Medal. In the evening, he will speak in a dinner on the occasion of the opening of the "Conference on the Greek-US Relationship and the Future of South-Eastern Europe".

During his stay in the United States, mr.Stephanopoulos will visit Atlanta, Chicago and California where he will receive the Golden Key of the city of San Francisco. There he will also meet with members of the greek community and will give a speech on the greek-turkish relations.

[08] TRUST BUILDING MEASURES OF 1988 A GOOD BASE FOR GREECE-TURKEY

Mr. Reppas was making a direct reference to a Greek newspaper's recent publication that reported on the existence of a new American plan for trust building measures in the Aegean Sea.

Mr. Reppas emphasized that the specific plan has not been received by the Greek government and, as such, it does not constitute a matter for discussion.

However, he did not rule out the possibility that this document may have come to the attention of other officials.

[09] ARAFAT WILL VISIT ATHENS IN THE LAST TEN DAYS OF MAY

The Palestinian leader in the contacts he will have in Athens will discuss the latest developments in the Middle East and the US initiative for peace in the region.

Mr.Arafat will meet with Prime Minister Simitis and with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos while is likely to meet and with Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos.

[10] THE EU'S APPROVAL OF THE PROGRAMME ON TOURISM IS A VICTORY FOR GREEK EU COMMISSIONER MR.PAPOUTSIS

The newspaper mentions that mr.Papoutsis partly won the battle after he convinced his counterparts in the European Union to upgrade the european tourism. This was achieved after many delays which fed the rumours for internal disagreements.

According to the newspaper, the continuous postponements by the representatives from Holland, Britain and Denmark had caused the greek Commissioner's fury who was even examining the possibility to resign in protest.

[11] PRESS DAY CELEBRATED IN GREECE TODAY

He added that the Greek mass media enjoy a high level of quality and, in relation to other countries, the conditions for the press are quite good.

[12] EDUCATION MINISTER TO PARTICIPATE IN EU EDUCATION CONFERENCE

The meeting will address issues such as the White Bible, the role of Multimedia in Education, Occupational Training, as well as the European Center for Classic Literature, which is an extension of a relevant memorandum submitted by Mr. Papandreou to the Council.

[13] BELGIUM'S FORMER PREMIER TO BECOME NAFPLIO'S HONORARY CITIZEN

[14] ECONOMIC COOPERATION PROMOTED BETWEEN GREECE, SLOVENIA

Already, an official visit to Greece by a delegation from the Slovenian Banks Association has been scheduled for this summer, aiming at closing deals with Greek banks.

It is noted that the Greek-Slovenian Trade and Industry Association holds a significant role in the promotion of relations between the two countries. The Association was created in 1995 with the support of the Greek Organization for Exports Promotion and the Slovenian Economic Chamber.

[15] NATIONAL HOUSING BANK ANNOUNCES FULL-YEAR RESULTS

The bank's net reached GRD 1,963 million, versus 1994's GRD 1,026 million.

National Housing Bank's pretax profits reached GRD 2,821 million. It posted net dividend for the same period GRD 1,107 million, against GRD 688 million, and will pay dividend 450 drachmas per share for fiscal 1995 against 280 drachmas for fiscal 1994. The total debt provision of NHB reached GRD 243 million against GRD 225 million in 1994 while its retained reserves reached GRD 2,437 million against GRD 1,586 million in 1994.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[16] FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS WITH CYPRIOT PRESIDENT

The talks were continued during a luncheon hosted by the Cypriot President in honor of the Greek Foreign Minister. Earlier, Mr. Pangalos had met with Archbishop Chrysostomos, the President of the Cypriot Parliament and leaders of Cyprus' political parties.

[17] VAN DEN BROEK: WE CAN ACHIEVE PROGRESS IN CYPRUS DURING THE FOLLOWING MONTHS

Mr. van den Broek stated that he bases his optimism on the increased interest to arrive at a solution.

The Commissioner stated that it is not a favorable situation for Turkey to maintain 35,000 soldiers in Cyrpus while it shoulders the financial assistance of the Turk-Cypriots and at the same time to be faced with insistent questioning regarding the lack of progress on the Cypriot issue.

Moreover, he stated that it his personal feeling that a number of changes have occured during the past year regarding Cyprus, thereby creating new opportunities for finding a solution.

"I would like to bring forward a feeling of optimism since, in light of the expansion and the full accession of Cyrpus to the EU, the Cypriot issue can and must be resolved," Mr. van den Broek stated.

In Washington, the EU Commissioner met with the US President Bill Clinton's advisor for security issues Anthony Lake and various officials from Congress and the State Department.

[18] GROUP ASSUMES RESPONSIBILITY FOR KOSOVO VIOLENCE

The armed conflict in Kosovo and the Balkans will continue for as long as there is "support for the Serb aggressor and disrespect for the requests of the oppressed Albanian people, KLA warns in a letter it sent to the Albanian-language service of the BBC.

This group made its first appearance in February when it assumed responsibility for the attacks on Serbian refugees' homes. The Kosovo Liberation Army sustains in his message that "the armed conflict in Kosovo is a war of liberation" and not a terrorist, interethnic or religious confrontation. All of the KLA attacks have been condemned by the Kosovar shadow state government.

[19] LACK OF BASIC TREATY IS A KEY PROBLEM IN ROMANIA- RUSSIA RELATIONS

According to Rador, Demurin expressed the opinion that the whole treaty has been agreed upon with the Romanian side. However, he specified that Bucharest had proposed a document, acceptable to Moscow, in which the reference to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact would not be included, as Romania previously had asked for. In exchange, the signing of the treaty would involve the simultaneous signing of a separate declaration on that issue.

"As the elections are scheduled this year in each of the two countries, it is not advisable to hasten the signing of the treaty," the Romanian President's spokesman said.

On the other hand, Adrian Nastase, the executive leader of the ruling Party of Social Democracy in Romania (PDSR), said that Romanians still reveal themselves to have ideological inertia in dealing with foreign relations, and the Russians do not know how to establish new relationships with the former communist countries.

Also, the leader of the Liberal Party 1993 (PL'93) Dinu Zamfirescu said the draft treaty with Russia was not touching upon some important issues, such as Ribbentrop- Molotov Pact, the presence of the 14th Russian army on a non-Russian territory and Romania's treasure.

In 1940, under the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact, Romania lost some territories to the USSR. Bucharest has no territorial claims, but requests the denouncing of the Pact as a moral compensation.

[20] SECOND STAGE OF ROMANIA'S MASS PRIVATIZATION PROCESS HAS ENDED

"A total of 90% of the privatization coupons have been subscribed and at least 50% of the 4,000 companies enlisted for privatization are expected to complete that process by the end of the year," Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Vacaroiu said. He also expressed the hope that the private sector's share, which till now was accounted for some 45% of the GDP, would become majority in the GDP by this year's end.

[21] OSCE SUPPORTS THE IDEA OF A RIVER CHANNEL RHIN-MAIN- DANUBE

Such a project is very important for the development oportunities offered by the links it can create between different regions of Europe. Mr. Wimmer reportedly suggested to Romanian President Ion Iliescu that he give emphasis to these attributes during his next visit to Germany.

[22] ROMANIA INTERNATIONALLY LAUNCHES NEW OIL OFFER

Oil firms may negotiate exclusive drillings rights for up to 30 years, including five years for exploration. Till the end of October, oil companies have to turn in their offers. By the end of April 1997 the NAMR have to announce the winning companies, which will be free to start exploring next June.

At the first licensing round, held in Bucharest over April 23-26, NAMR presented its latest plan, which puts 15 blocks of land up for concession. Eight blocks of land are situated in the Carpathian Mountains, two in Transylvania, four in isolated corners of the country and a stretch of the Black Sea off Constantza.

[23] SOLANA: ROMANIA A SERIOUS CANDIDATE FOR NATO AND EU MEMBERSHIP

"Romania is a serious candidate to NATO and EU full membership," Mr. Solana stated in an interview with Romanian public radio correspondent in Brussels. He added that the countries which will be invited to join the Alliance must have a strong democracy and stability.

Besides its substantial progress on the economical and political fields, Romania should make more efforts in the issue of the minorities' rights, Mr Solana said.

[24] NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL IN SOFIA, MEETS WITH PRESIDENT

Mr. Solana arrived yesterday in the Bulgarian capital and met with Bulgarian President Zhelyu Zhelev, Prime Minister Zhan Videnov, Foreign Minister Georgi Pirinski and Defense Minister Dimitar Pavlov.

Bulgaria's membership would made its transition to democracy irreversible and Bulgaria's "special contribution" to NATO would be its strategic location in the Balkans, President Zhelev said.

In his statement, Mr. Solana said he agreed with Bulgarian President Zhelyu Zhelev that "it is clear there is no consensus in the country about NATO membership."

On May 6, the Bulgarian government will state its position on NATO membership, Bulgarian Premier Zhan Videnov said.

NATO's Secretary-General was given by the Bulgarian Union of Democratic Forces a memorandum, in which the opposition's pro-NATO stand is reaffirmed, along with a request for consultation between the North-Atlantic Alliance and the Bulgarian opposition.

[25] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE REPORT

CURRENCY         BUY        SELL        FIXING
ECU              299.0420   298.1450    299.9390
U.S. Dollar      243.3800   242.6500    244.1100
Deutsche Mark    159.3320   158.8540    159.8100
UK Sterling      366.0700   364.9720    367.1680
French Franc      47.1020    46.9610     47.2430
Swedish Crown     35.5960    35.9430     35.7030
Danish Kroner     41.3330    41.2090     41.4570
Norwegian Crown   37.0540    36.9430     37.1650
Italian Lira      15.5630    15.5160     15.6100
Swiss Franc      195.6240   195.0370    196.2110
Spanish Peseta     1.9108     1.9051      1.9165
Finnish Mark      50.6370    50.4850     50.7890
Yen              233.3500   232.6500    234.0500

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