Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-01-15

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, January 15, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] SIMITIS: WE WILL NOT BE TRAPPED BY TURKEY'S WARLIKE CRIES

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis accused Turkey that with its provocativeness and claims has become a main destabilizing factor in the wider region.

Mr.Simitis called on Ankara to abide by International Law and treaties and reiterated that Greece will not play the turkish game of provocations neither will be trapped in a climate of crisis.

Addressing the Parliament deputies of the governing PASOK party, mr.Simitis stressed that 1997 will be a year of great choices and opportunities for Greece. The government's basic goal, he added, is to put Greece in the right course toward the EU convergence to be able in the following years to prepare the ground for progress and prosperity.

[02] RAGING STORMS AND TORRENTIAL RAINS LEAVE BEHIND BIBLICAL DISASTER

The recent storms and torrential rains that raged through many areas of the country have left behind a disaster of biblical dimensions.

In the municipality of Fthiotis alone, damages to the road and irrigation networks are estimated to be as high as GRD 14 billion. More than 50,000 acres of cultivated land have been completely covered with mud, while tens of villages remain isolated.

According to officials from the State Railway Organization (OSE) the Peloponnese train routes will have been restored by Friday. Currently, the Athens-Thessaloniki routes is being conducted, albeit with a series of interruptions.

Minister of Environment, Planning and Public Works Kostas Laliotis will chair a mayoral conference this evening in order to address the problems in the Kifissos region.

The leader of the main opposition party New Democracy Miltiades Evert visited the Sperchios area this afternoon. A.F.

[03] PASOK PARLIAMENTARY GROUP CONVENES TODAY

PASOK's Parliamentary Group will examine the government's priority tasks in a conference to be held this afternoon.

As for the Premier's itinerary, Mr. Kostas Simitis will participate at the Socialist International Session beginning January 20, while between January 31 - February 1, Mr. Premier will be in Thessaloniki where he will partake at the city's formal inauguration as "Cultural Capital of Europe, 1997." A.F.

[04] FOURTH EXHIBIT OF GREEK PRODUCTS HELD IN CYPRUS

The Fourth Exhibit of Greek Products in Cyprus began today in Nicosia and was formally inaugurated by an array of dignitaries, among them the Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos.

The exhibit is jointly organized every two years by HELEXPO, Thessaloniki's International Fair, in Nicosia, and the Cypriot Authority of State Exhibits, inThessaloniki.

HELEXPO President Antonis Kourtis, also present at the ceremony, stated that the exhibit has a dual meaning since it serves the two organizations' common aim which is, as the theme says, "Greece and Cyprus even closer."

"Our hearts beat at the same rate in Nicosia and Thessaloniki," Mr. Kourtis said, adding that "we want and we can turn this beat into the pulse and rhythm of our common historical path." A.F.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[05] STATE DEPARTMENT HAILS CAVANAUGH'S VISIT TO CYPRUS AS A POSITIVE STEP

U.S. State Department spokesperson Nicholas Burns has characterized the recent visit to Cyprus by the agency's Director of the Office of Southeastern European Affairs Carey Cavanaugh as a "positive step" towards the direction of de-escalating the tension in the region.

Despite the guarded statements expressed by both Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and the leader of the Turkish occupation regime in northern Cyprus Rauf Denktash, Mr. Burns stated that Mr. Cavanaugh received assurances that the initiatives which aim to prevent episodes, such as those which occurred at the demarcation line the past summer, will be fully embraced by both sides.

Moreover, Mr. Burns stated that United Nations officials in Cyprus will meet with representatives from both communities at the island in order to discuss trust-building measures. A.F.

[06] BELGIUM, NETHERLANDS CALL OFF TALKS WITH TURKEY FOR SURPLUS MISSILES SALE

Belgium and the Netherlands have called off their negotiations with Turkey over the sale of U.S.-made surface-to-air missile system type "Hawk".

According to the French Press Agnecy (AFP), Brussels has asked to review the planned agreement for providing Ankara with surplus arms, while a spokesperson from the Dutch Ministry of Defense stated that the sale of eight Hawk-type surface-to-air missiles to Turkey whould be "inconceivable" under the present conditions.

Nevertheless, AFP also reported that the same official did not rule out the possibility of the Netherlands signing an arms deal with Turkey in the future. A.F.

[07] CYPRIOT DEFENSE MINISTER NOTES THAT ATHENS-NICOSIA COINCIDE ON VIEWS

Cyprus' Minister of National Defense Kostas Heliades commented today that Nicosia and Athens share the same views of matters on defense, following his talks held in Athens yesterday.

Mr. Heliades stated that the Joint Defense Doctrine between Greece and Cyprus is proceeding as planned, emphasizing that it does not merely constitute a response to Turkish threats, but also strengthens the Greek and Cypriot bargaining positions. A.F.

[08] CAVANAUGH: BEFORE CYPRUS ISSUE IS RESOLVED, TENSION MUST BE OBLITERATED

The State Department's Director of the Office of Southeastern European Affairs Carey Cavanaugh stated today that the United States view the Cypriot Government's decision to deploy the Russian-made S-300 missiles in Cyprus as a mistake.

In Ankara today, last stop of a tour which included The Hague, Nicosia and Athens, Mr. Cavanaugh also stated that in order to resolve the Cyprus issue, the tension on the island must be obliterated.

The United States diplomat is to meet with the Turkish Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs and other officials. A.F.

[09] POSTPONING MISSILES DEPLOYMENT IS NOT A GOODWILL ACT, SAYS TURK

Postponing the deployment of the S-300 missiles in Cyprus is neither a positive development nor an act of goodwill, it is merely an announcement of what is already known, stated today the Turkish Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Omer Akbel.

Mr. Akbel added that Turkey will press on with its "decisive" stance, for as long as Cyprus insists on the missiles purchase.

Specifically, the foreign ministry's spokesman said that the Greek-Cypriot side's decision to postpone the deployment does not change anything.

"What the Greek-Cypriot side is doing now is not cancelling the purchase, but, rather, is merely postponing its application. The purchased missiles cannot be deployed before 16 months from now for practical reasons, even if they wanted to. As such, we do not consider this to be a goodwill act, or a subject for negotiation. It is a fabricated solution," Mr. Akbel said. A.F.

[10] PAULINE GREEN PROPOSES THAT EX AND CURRENT EU PRESIDENTS VISIT CYPRUS

The European Parliament's Socialist Group President Pauline Green advocated today that the past and current presidents of the European Union travel to Cyprus in order to search for a solution to the displeasure that stems from Cyprus' purchase of Russian- made missiles.

Meanwhile, at the Council of Europe's ministerial committee session today, the English and French representatives tabled their disagreement over Cyprus' purchase and stated that this act threatens peace in the region.

The issue of Cyprus's missile purchase was featured on the C of E's agenda today. A.F.

[11] ERBAKAN SHOULD CONSIDER SERIOUSLY THE DISARMAMENT PROPOSAL

Cypriot government spokesman Yiannakis Kasoulides commenting on the statements made by the Turkish Prime Minister on the disarmament of Cyprus and the Aegean islands, stated that if Erbakan wants Cyprus to be an island of peace has no other option than to consider seriously the proposal for complete disarmament.

Mr.Kasoulides, referring to the provocative statements made by Turkish Armed Forces Chief of Staff Hakki Karadayi who stated that the Turkish army is the strongest in the region, said that Karadayi's arrogance is faced by the Cypriot government with composure and prudence.

Mr.Kasoulides also stated that President Glafkos Clerides is expected to meet next week with the army leadership to discuss the issue of the military dialogue.

The Cypriot government spokesman avoided to comment on the moratorium to the Greek and Turkish military flights over Cyprus saying that he will do so after the meeting mr.Clerides will have in Athens with Prime Minister Simitis on Friday.

[12] GERMANY'S POSITION ON THE PURCHASE OF THE RUSSIAN MISSILES BY NICOSIA IS REGARDED AS POSITIVE

Germany's stance on Nicosia's decision to purchase the Russian S-300 missiles is regarded as positive toward Greece and Cyprus.

The first clear reaction to the issue on behalf of Germany was expressed in a written statement that was given to publicity yesterday by governing Christian-Democratic party deputy and Vice- President of the German-Greek Committee in the Federal Parliament Dr.Friedbert Pfluger.

Referring to Cyprus' armaments programme, in his capacity as his party's representative in the Federal Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee, mr.Pfluger expressed doubt on whether President Clerides government decision to purchase Russian missiles is right at a time when all sides are working toward finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Nevertheless, the German Parliament deputy stresses that the Turkish reaction should be deplored as excessive and dangerous underlining that the threat of war has no place in today's Europe.

Mr.Pfluger concludes that the backing, by all sides, of the efforts made internationally for the solution of the Cyprus problem is of decisive importance. He said that everything possible should be done to stop the meaningless armaments race in the Aegean, stressing that what is needed is disarmament and not armaments.

[13] THE SALE OF THE S-300 MISSILES TO CYPRUS IS AN EXCUSE FOR RUSSIA TO HAVE ACCESS TO THE MEDITERRANEAN

The present situation in Cyprus was one of the issues discussed by Turkish Minister of Prime Minister's Department Fehim Antak in the contacts he had in Washington.

The Turkish minister maintained that the sale of the S-300 missiles to Cyprus was the excuse needed by the Russians to have access to the Mediterranean, while referring to the US criticism on Turkey, made after the statements of Defence Minister Turhan Tayan on the likelihood of a military intervention to Cyprus, mr.Antak said that they hurt the US-Turkish friendship.

Mr.Antak asked the American officials to recognize the Turkish-Cypriot pseudostate in northern Cyprus, stressing that if Russia is involved the United States will lose more in Cyprus than Turkey will.

The Turkish minister met with US Assistant Secretary of State responsible for economic relations Alan Larson and with John Kornblum's assistant Marshal Antair. Mr.Antak was also scheduled to have meetings with Finance Minister Robert Rubin and asssistant Secretary of State responsible for political affairs Peter Tarnoff.

[14] ENVIRONMENT COOPERATION PROTOCOL SIGNED BY TURKEY AND THE TURKISH-CYPRIOTS

Turkish Environment Minister Ziyatin Tokar is in Nicosia since yesterday for the signing of a cooperation protocol with the Turkish-Cypriot pseudostate on issues concerning the environment.

Meanwhile, a protocol of cooperation in sports was signed in the Turkish capital between Turkey and the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus.

[15] DEMIREL: POVERTY IS GREATER THREAT THAN THE MISSILES

Turkish President Suleiman Demirel believes that the poverty and degradation of the Turkish-Cypriots are a greater threat to the survival of the Turkish-Cypriot pseudostate than the Russian anti-aircraft missiles.

The Turkish President's views are revealed by Turkish journalist Mehmet Ali Birad in an article published in the newspaper "Sabah" under the headline "Bring electricity and water to Cyprus before guns".

The Turkish journalist points out that Demirel is one of few Turkish politicians who are aware of and actively watch developments in the Cyprus problem from 1960 till today. Mr.Birad adds that the way the Turkish President approaches the issue is very interesting, underlining that all those who are familiar with the Cyprus problem agree with him.

According to Birad, the Turkish President warns the Turkish politicians that the Cyprus problem must not become a "domestic consumption issue", stressing that whenever the Cyprus issue was used for domestic consumption purposes the wrong conclusions had been reached.

For the President, writes mr.Birad, economy is the main problem for the survival of the Turkish-Cypriot pseudostate. The Turkish-Cypriots protest against the living conditions as there is no water and no investments, while the private sector and argiculture are close to disappearing. The article continues by mentioning that 80% of the Turkish-Cypriot community lives on Turkish state hand-outs as the majority are public employees and there is a "gigantic army" of pensioners. If they receive money from Turkey then they are able to eat, writes mr.Birad.

The Turkish journalist also mentions which are mr.Demirel's priorities for the reconstruction of the Turkish-Cypriot pseudostate's economy. Specifically, the Turkish President believes that the Turkish occupied northern part of Cyprus should be supplied immediately with electricity and water from Turkey, while Turkish-Cypriot farm products must be purchased by Turkey which should support the farmers with a credit system as it happens with the Turkish farmers.

According to the Turkish President, the real problem is the bad state of the economy and the low morale of the Turkish- Cypriots, stressing that the Greek-Cypriot missiles will not be a problem when the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus is economically developed.

[16] THE EDUCATION PROBLEM IN FYROM MUST BE RESOLVED STATED THE UN SPECIAL ENVOY ON HUMAN RIGHTS

UN special envoy on human rights Elizabeth Renn, who is on a short visit to FYROM, backed the solution of the education problem in the country and the right of the minorities to attend classes taught in their mother tongue.

In a press conference, ms.Renn pointed out that the issue of education in this newly formed Balkan state is still open and expressed disappointment over the fact that ethnic minority students in higher education do not have the right to attend classes in their mother tongue.

The UN special envoy visited yesterday the Albanian University in Tetovo and met with members of its faculty with whom she mainly discussed the problem faced by the University due to the fact that its operation is not recognized by the state authorities.

Ms.Renn also met with FYROM's Foreign Minister Frtskofski, Interior Minister Tsokrefski and Education Minister Sofia Tontorova.

[17] UNEMPLOYMENT IS THE GREATEST PROBLEM FOR GERMANY

Chancellor Helmut Kohl's Christian-Democrats made an appeal to all sides in the country for talks aimed at cuting unemloyment in half by the year 2000, as Germany has entered the worst period of its history concerning employment.

The problem of unemployment in Germany has taken dramatic dimensions and all political parties undertake initiatives to solve the crisis which, combined with the anti-popular measures recently adopted by the Federal government in its effort to meet the Maastricht Treaty criteria, can lead to a social explosion.

Based on official data provided by the Federal Institution of Labour in Nurenberg, the number of the unemployed in Germany reached 4.150.000 showing an increase of 205.900 people in the month of December compared to November of 1996. Those figures mean that the unemployment rate has increased from 10,3% to 10,8%.

Referring to the situation that has been created, Institute analysts speculate that the expected economic recovery will not have a favourable effect to the job market and called on the political and economic world in the country to jointly promote measures for the handling of the massive unemployment.

[18] BULGARIA: STOYANOV INTERVENES TO EASE OFF THE CRISIS

Bulgaria's newly-elected President Peter Stoyanov held successive meetings with officials from the governing Socialist Party and the opposition Union of Democratic Forces yesterday, in an effort to bring the two factions closer to one another so that the recent political crisis in his country can be overcome.

According to the Bulgarian Press Agency, Mr. Stoyanov said that these talks aim at relaying to the political leaders the dissatisfaction that permeates most Bulgarian citizens.

Meanwhile, the opposition party has opted to refrain from today's parliamentary session, insisting on early elections.

Yesterday, over 20,000 protesters rallied through the streets of Sofia, angered over income cuts, high unemployment rates and the sky-rocketing inflation. A.F.

[19] BULGARIA: ZHELEV REFUSES TO GIVE ORDER FOR NEW CABINET

Bulgaria's newly-elected President Peter Stoyanov received today the leader of the country's Socialist Party Georgi Parvanov, in an effort to relieve the tension that stems from the current political crisis in the country.

Mr. Parvanov proposed that the elections be held at the end of the year and asked the outgoing president Zelyu Zhelev to assign Nikolai Dobrev with the formation of a cabinet.

However, Mr. Zhelev stated today, through his adviser Virginia Velceva, that he does not intend to give an order to the Democratic Left for a cabinet formation and announced that he is preparing for a second round of talks in order to achieve cooperation between the two parliamentary factions. A.F.

[20] BULGARIA: STOYANOV DECLARES HIS READINESS TO FORM CABINET

Bulgaria's new President Peter Stoyanov today declared his readiness to form a new cabinet in case the outgoing President Zelyu Zhelev is unable to do so.

During a press conference today, Mr. Stoyanov ruled out the possibility that a state of emergency will be imposed on his country, despite its profound economic crisis, and promised that during his term Bulgaria will overcome these hurdles.

"I'm a realist, that's why I believe in miracles," he said, quoting a popular Bulgarian verse. A.F.

[21] F.R.Y.: OPPOSITION PRESSES ON WITH RALLIES TIRELESSLY

The Federal Yugoslav Republic's main opposition party, the tri-partite coalition "Zajedno" continues its daily protests through the streets of Belgrade and other Serbian cities.

One of the coalition's leaders Vuk Drascovic commented today on the decision announced yesterday by the Electorate Committee to uphold Zajedno's victory in Belgrade and Nis and stated that this change was merely a time-gaining move on behalf of Serb President Slobodan Milosevic.

Mr. Drascovic stated that his party will continue the rallying and the protests until the government recognizes -in its entirety- the report issued by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe which upheld Zajedno's victory in the majority of the municipalities. A.F.

[23] F.R.Y.: BELGRADE'S EXITING MAYOR EXPELLED FROM SOCIALIST PARTY

The Serb Socialist Party's Central Committee expelled Belgrade's outgoing mayor Nebisa Tsovic and the local socialist leader in the city of Nis Mile Ilic, both of whom are high-ranking party members.

At the same time, the president of the Prefectural Committee of Belgrade's socialists Branislav Ivkovic has been removed from his post because during the pre-election period he had quarreled with Tsovic, an incident which the party thinks had a negative impact on the voters and contributed to the party's defeat in Belgrade during November 17's local elections. A.F.

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/