MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (30/05/1996)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, May 30, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] "WE WANT DIALOGUE ON ALL MATTERS", REITERATES TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY

Ankara's known position favoring negotiations with Greece on all matters and without conditions, a stance that was first expressed by Turkish Premier Mesut Yilmaz on March 24, was reiterated today by Turkey's Foreign Ministry which, in an announcement, expressed its regret at the Greek government's decision to cancel the meeting between the two countries' foreign ministers scheduled for Berlin.

According to the announcement, the Greek and Turkish Foreign Ministers, Theodoros Pangalos and Emre Gonensay respectively, are not scheduled to meet during the Bildenberg Club meeting, scheduled to begin next week in Toronto.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry's announcement promotes Ankara's position which attributes to Athens a "lack of political initiative for improving the relations between the two countries" and includes the claim that "Greece, through its provocative stance, promotes a fait accompli."

[02] GREEK DEFENCE MINISTER MEETS WITH PRESIDENT, DISCUSSES SECURITY, DEFENCE

Greek Minister of Defence, Gerasimos Arsenis briefed President, Kostis Stephanopoulos on issues concerning the country's defence and security.

Mr.Arsenis agreed with the Foreign Ministry's decision to cancel the meeting between Foreign Ministers Pangalos and Gonensay describing it as unanimous and advisible.

Responding to the question if a warm incident is likely after the rejection of the dialogue proposed by Ankara, mr.Arsenis said that he is watching the developments closely, while he added that he does not regard as necessary the undertaking of an initiative by NATO for the de-escalation of the tension in the Aegean.

Meanwhile, greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stated that the government is not examining the possibility of another meeting to be held between the Foreign Ministers of Greece and Turkey on another date. He also underlined that mr.Pangalos and mr.Gonensay will not have talks during the Bildenberg Club meeting that will be held in Toronto on Saturday. Nevertheless, he did not rule out the possibility to meet by chance and to exchange views, adding that this is not included in the itinerary.

[03] HUNGARIAN PRESIDENT ON AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO GREECE

Hungary's President Arpad Goncz visited today the archeological sites of Vergina, within the framework of his formal visit to Greece.

The intellectual President of Hungary, who is especially keen of classical history and literature, did not hide his admiration of Vergina and stated upon his departure that "there is absolutely no doubt that Macedonia is Greek, as well as its cultural heritage."

[04] TRANSPORTS-COMMUNICATIONS MINISTER MEETS HUNGARIAN COUNTERPART

The Budapest-held 80th European Conference of Transportation Ministers, where 43 European-region countries are represented, is wrapping up its last session today.

In his speech, Greek Transportations and Communications Minister Haris Kastanides focused on the importance of a gradual approach to the overall issue of transportation in the European continent, pointing out the differences noted in the traffic conditions between Western and Eastern Europe.

On one hand, Mr. Kastanides stated, there is the problem of traffic congestion and the serious environmental impacts in western european countries, mostly those within the alpine arrow range. On the other hand, there is the problem of the inefficient structure and the pollution created by vehicles of outdated technology in countries of Central and Eastern Europe.

Mr. Kastanides pointed out that today there are acceptable solutions to these problems, such as management measures, the development of an environmental transportation policy which will be based on the user being able to choose his transportation methods, the coordination of structures so that the legally-bound European axes be linked with the politically significant axes of Crete and thereby form a modern and productive network.

Moreover, the Greek Transportations Minister met with his Hungarian counterpart Karoli Lotch, with whom he discussed european and bilateral issues of common interest.

During the talks, which were held in a friendly atmosphere, an agreement was reached on the regulations and improvements of the conditions of road transports through Hungary. Specifically, two issues of utmost greek interest were examined, which are related to the increase in the number of transit permits and to the linking of the two transit categories through taxes. These issues will be further discussed during the permanent joint committee which is scheduled to regulate the technical details.

Mr. Kastanides conveyed to his Hungarian counterpart Greece's support regarding Hungary's future accession to the European Union.

[05] "FINANCIAL TIMES" SUSPECT GREEK ECONOMY IS IN BETTER SHAPE THAN SAID

London's daily "Financial Times" supports the theory that the greek economy might be in better shape than the picture presented by official data.

The article refers to data presented by the European Commission's Statistical Agency, according to which, the size of the economies of Belgium, Portugal and Greece could be even 20 per cent higher than that presented by official data. The difference is partly due to black economy, tax evasion, and the manner in which these countries produce data in order to lessen the deficit and debt rates.

Since the assessment of each country's input to the Commission's budget is based on the size of its economy, now that this data has surfaced these countries may be called upon to dig deeper into their pockets.

This data is not expected to be published within the next two years and, therefore, cannot become a criterion for determining which countries will participate at the monetary union's first phase, since the relevant decision will be drawn at the beginning of 1998.

[06] BALKAN PUBLISHERS, WRITERS AND TRANSLATORS TO MEET IN THESSALONIKI

As part of the efforts to promote a closer cooperation among book publishers, translators and writers from the Balkan countries, the third Interbalkan Meeting of representatives from the publishing industry will be held tomorrow in Thessaloniki.

[07] 17TH PANHELLENIC HISTORICAL CONGRESS BEGINS IN THESSALONIKI TOMORROW

The 17th Panhellenic Historical Congress will begin its sessions tomorrow in Thessaloniki, organized by the Greek Historic Society with the support of the Ministry of Macedonia-Thrace.

Europarliament member Euthymios Christodoulou will give the opening address by speaking on the true meaning of the economic and monetary union.

During the Congress, to be held until June 2, will be held discussions regarding ancient Macedonia, such as the issue of succession and dual monarchy.

Other issues include "the small national communities during the decline of Ottoman Thessaloniki", "the unabridged letters of the Monastery consul Panourgia with Peheona (1885-1888)", "The case of Maceodnia's Muslims 1913-1914" and others.

[08] GREEK COMPANIES PARTICIPATE IN BULGARIA'S PRIVATIZATION PROGRAM

Greek companies will have the opportunity to participate in Bulgaria's privatization programs, stated the President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Industry and Trade, Bozidar Bozinof in an article published in Sofia's "Trud" newspaper.

Meanwhile, within the parameters of the Joint Inter- governmental Committee Meeting, held today at the Ministry of Trade, a joint agreement between Bulgaria and Greece is expected to be signed concerning the avoidance of double taxation, the use of the Nestos River waters, and the ratification of the agreement regarding the establishment of the Black Sea Bank.

[09] GREECE'S COALITION PARTY ORGANIZED EVENT FOR OCCUPIED CYPRUS

President of the Coalition of Left and Progress party Nikos Konstantopoulos emphasized the need to unite the efforts in solving the ancient heritage of Cyprus, during a briefing rally organized by his party in light of the recent reports by the Cypriot government that the occupied territory's antiquities are being pillaged.

Mr. Konstantopoulos stated that the international public opinion must be informed of the size of the damages and the turk-cypriot side's violations of the international accords.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[10] US MILITARY AID TO GREECE AND TURKEY TO BE MAINTAINED AT 7:10 RATIO

The United States will maintain the seven to ten ratio of military aid allocation to Greece and Turkey for 1997, according to a decision drawn by the US Allocations Sub-Committee.

The House of Representatives Sub-Committee's proposal curtails by 50 per cent the military aid provided to Turkey, in relation to 1996, allocating $103.77 million in military aid to Greece and $147.82 million to Turkey.

According to the Sub-Committee's report, these figures are limited to the maintenance of the already existing programs and cannot be used for purchases of new military arms.

Moreover, the Sub-Committee upkeeps its decision for $15 million to be granted in economic aid to Cyprus.

In the beginning of the session, Illinois Senator John Porter (Rep) submitted his proposal asking for the withdrawal of funding to Ankara. Mr. Porter had submitted a similar proposal to the Senate last year, which resulted in a $25 million reduction of economic aid to Turkey.

Referring to the Sub-Committee's decision, President of the Council of Greeks Abroad Andrew Athens stated that it is a result of the reactions caused by the recent turkish threats to Greece and the continuing occupation of Cyprus by Turkey.

[11] MUSIC CONCERT FOR CYPRUS WILL BE HELD IN PARIS

An array of some of Greece's most renowed musicians will perform tomorrow at the Palais des Congres in Paris, in the "Chypre Parmi Nous" concert honoring Cyprus.

Sponsoring the event are the Cypriot government, the Greek Ministry of Press and Mass Media, the Foundation for Hellenic Culture, the Greek state television ET, the Cypriot Airlines, Olympic Airways, and others.

Among the performers participating will be George Dalaras, Elli Paspala, Georges Moustaki, Eleni Tsaligopoulou, Manolis Christodoulides and the "Diastasis" band.

Yesterday, the concert's central organizing committee gave a press conference in Paris where the members, (director Kostas Gavras, Cypriot Ambassador in Paris Andreas Pirisis and the singers George Dalaras and Georges Moustaki) spoke of the cypriot people's right to remind the free world of the tragedy they suffered by the turkish invasion and the continuous occupation of the island's northern part.

Ambassador Pirisis, speaking on behalf of the cypriot government, stated that "the silencing of the cypriot problem and the turkish provocation constitute a sense of guilt and shame for today's world."

[12] HUMAN RIGHTS PARTY GAINED SEATS IN ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT

Four days after the voting process ended in Tirana, the Albanian Central Returning Board issued an announcement on the final results of the parliamentary elections first round.

According to the announcement, 89 per cent of those eligible to vote turned up at the polls, where, among 2,204,002 registered voters, 1,963,344 cast their votes.

The Democratic Party gathered a 67.8 per cent rate with 95 parliament members, the Socialist party garnered five seats while the Human Rights Party gathered two seats, one from the Argyrokastro prefecture where Vangelis Dulles was elected with a 51.9 per cent rate while in the Aghii Saranta region Thomas Metsos was elected with 62.1 per cent.

In spite of the various reports by international observers that irregularities were noted during the elections, the Central Returning Eutrning Board decided to repeat the voting process in three areas only.

According to an announcement, the Socialist Party, which had walked out of the elections by accusing the Democratic Party and Albanian President Sali Berisha of tampering with the results, will not participate in the second round of the elections. As such, taking their place will be other parties that follow in a sucessive rate order.

[13] THE OSCE PERMANENT COUNCIL MEETS TODAY TO DISCUSS THE INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS' FINDINGS CONCERNING THE ALBANIAN ELECTIONS

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Permanent Council meets today to discuss the international observers' findings on the albanian elections.

According to greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Kostas Bikas, the findings will be sent on to the governments of the organization's member-states and Greece's reaction will be based on their content. He also added that the greek government will adopt the stance that will be decided by the OSCE Council.

Mr.Bikas also said that the issue is possible to be discussed and in the European Union Political Committee meeting which is being held in Rome. Greece is represented in the meeting by ambassador Alexandros Filon.

Commenting on the issue of the elections in Bosnia, which is being discussed in the Political Committee, mr.Bikas said that the greek government believes that every possible effort should be made for the holding of the elections in Mostar, even if they are delayed for a short period of time.

[14] SECOND ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION BETWEEN FYROM AND THE EU HAS BEEN COMPLETED

The second round of consultations for economic and trade cooperation between FYROM and the European Union ended sucessfully in Brussels yesterday.

According to the skopjan state television, the vice-president of FYROM's government, who was leading the country's delegation in the talks with the EU, has stated that the two sides managed to settle the problem of FYROM's regional cooperation with the countries of the wider Balkan region, which was the main pre-condition set for the further development of cooperation between FYROM and the EU.

Based on the amended text of the agreement, the development of cooperation with the EU will depend not only on FYROM's cooperation with the Balkan states, but on the political and economic developments that will take place in the country as well.

Regarding the issue of the trading of skopjan products in the european markets, the European Commission issued a permission for the export of skopjan tobacco to the EU member-states.

[15] BOSNIAN SERB LEADERS MET WITH SERBIAN PRESIDENT

Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic and Gen. Ratko Mladic - indicted war criminals - held in Belgrade on May 28 secret talks with Slobodan Milosevic, international media reported.

According to BBC, while no details of the discussions are known, topping the agenda was the issue of the two Bosnianserb leaders continuing political influence in Serb Republic (RS), despite intensifying demands from the international community for them to stand trial for war crimes. On May 21, Gen. Ratko Mladic attended the funeral of his colleague Gen. Djordje Djukic, also an accused war criminal, but Belgrade authorities did not proceed to arrest him.

Some reports now say Karadzic, too, may have been present at Djukic's funeral. Daily newspaper "Nasa Borba" reported yesterday that RS acting President Biljana Plavsic and RS parliamentary speaker Momcilo Krajisnik were also in Belgrade for talks with Milosevic but declined to comment on the substance of their meetings.

The UN Security Council deplored Belgrade's continued failure to cooperate with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.

[16] TURKEY AND CROATIA TO SIGN A MILITARY AGREEMENT

Croatian Defense Minister Gojko Susak will pay soon a visit to Ankara to discuss forms of military cooperation between the two countries and to sign an agreement on defense cooperation, which includes troops training.

Turkey is counting on Croatia to help make the Muslim-Croat federation in Bosnia-Herzegovina finally work. Foreign Ministers of Turkey, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, who met at the beginning of this week in Ankara, said they would invest fresh efforts to overcome problems between Muslims and Croats in Bosnia- Herzegovina. They also agreed to hold soon, before the September- elections in Bosnia, a high level meeting between Presidents Suleyman Demirel, Franjo Tudjman and Alija Izetbegovic.

[17] DIPLOMATIC CONFLICT ARISES BETWEEN ROMANIA AND CROATIA

A diplomatic conflict seems to arise between Bucharest and Zagreb, following President's Franjo Tudjman ironic comments on Romania's democracy, Romanian and international media reported.

Croatian President Franjo Tudjman, commenting on the decision adopted by the Council of Europe to delay Croatia's admission, ironically said that such democratic countries as Albania, Romania, Moldova and Russia have already been admitted to the Council.

"Bucharest will not reply to Croatian President Franjo Tudjman criticism concerning democracy in Romania," said Florin Radulescu Botica, head of the Romanian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Mr. Botica also stressed that the Parliamentary Assembly considered the decision justified, recalling the violations of freedom of press and human rights in Croatia.

[18] ROMANIA WANTS TO BECOME JAPAN'S STRATEGIC PARTNER IN CENTRAL EUROPE

"Romania is interested in becoming a strategic partner of Japan in Central Europe and wishes that Japan becomes our strategic partner in the Pacific region," said Romanian Foreign Minister Teodor Melescanu, who on May 28 ended a four-day official visit to Tokyo, Romanian news agency Rador reported.

On May 27 Mr. Melescanu discussed bilateral relations with his Japanese counterpart Yukihiko Ikeda and other senior Japanese officials and was received by Emperor Akihito the next day, whom he handed an official invitation from Romanian President to visit Romania.

"The Japanese government decided to boost economic cooperation with Romania by giving it assistance and expertise," Mr. Melescanu also said, adding that mutual trade and economic cooperation figured high on his talks agenda.

The Japanese side pledged to support the process of privatization and industrial restructuring in Romania through a $50 million Fesal credit that will be used for the upgrading of the metallurgical company in Galati and with another $45 million loan for modernizing the Constanta harbor and several Romanian plants.

Melescanu stressed Romania's interest in an agreement similar to the one with the EU that would remove obstacles for Romanian exports to Japan. Japanese officials, on their part, insisted that Romania must offer better treatment to foreign investors if it is to attract more Japanese investment.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry intends to grant a $465,000 assistance to the National Theater of Bucharest, in order to purchase new sound equipment.

[19] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE REPORT

CURRENCY          FIXING       BUY          SELL
U.S. Dollar      244.3750   243.6420    245.1080
Deutsche Mark    157.9000   157.4260    158.3740
French Franc      46.6630    46.5230     46.8030
UK Sterling      370.5700   369.4580    371.6820
Swiss Franc      191.7100   191.1350    192.2850
Italian Lira      15.6805    15.6330     15.7280
Danish Kroner     40.8800    40.7570     41.0030
Swedish Crown     35.8040    35.267      35.9110
Norwegian Crown   36.9440    36.390      37.0550
Yen              224.4000   223.7270    225.0730
Spanish Peseta     1.8936     1.871       1.8993
Finnish Mark      51.2960    50.527      51.4500
ECU              298.5000   294.918     303.873

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