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Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-02-10Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Macedonian Press Agency at http://www.mpa.gr and http://www.hri.org/MPA.Last Update: 22:04 GMT+2SECTIONS
NEWS HEADLINES[A] GREECE[B] BALKANS[C] EUROPE[D] WORLDNEWS IN DETAIL[A] GREECE[01] FARMERS CALL OFF MOBILIZATIONS FOR NOW, PROMISE COMEBACK IN MARCHWeb Posted: 16:08 GMT+2Athens, February 10 (MPA)Greek farmers have called off their mobilizations which they had embarked upon since last December in the country's central valley, Thessaly, but they promised to meet again at Kileler in the beginning of March. They have withdrawn they tractors from the region of Microthives.A score of PASOk deputies and ministers conducted tours throughout the agricultural regions where they met with local farmers, an outing which Development Minister Vasso Papandreou characterized as especially useful. Ms. Papandreou also said that the mobilizations came to a halt because the organizers realized that only a small minority of farmers was actually willing to participate in the protests. Prime Minister Kostas Simitis will conduct a three-day tour in Thessaly beginning on February 28. [02] CRISIS IN EDUCATION EXTENDED, TEACHERS CONTINUE STRIKE FOR 16TH DAYWeb Posted: 16:08 GMT+2Athens, February 10 (MPA)Greece's secondary school teachers will extend their protest into this week, today marking the 16th day of their strike. A rally is planned today outside the Education Ministry. Ministry officials are looking into ways to make up for lost teaching hours, and one method considered is to extend the school year.The elementary school teachers and kindergarten teaching staff have decided to extend their strike at least until Wednesday when their union representatives will decide whether or not they will further their strike. [03] "HELLENISM IN THE 21ST CENTURY", CONGRESS IN MELBOURNE IN AUGUSTWeb Posted: 16:08 GMT+2Melbourne, February 10 (MPA)The second International Congress, organized by the Association of Greek Studies, will present "Hellenism in the 21st Century" in Melbourne between August 1-3 and will examine the worldwide role of Hellenism and its opportunities on the cusp of the next millenium.Participating at the Congress will be distinguished professionals throughout the world, among them professors from the universities of Athens, Oxford and Sorbonne, as well as from Sacramento's Vryonis Center. According to a spokesperson from the Association of Greek Studies, the Congress aims to contribute to a systematic approach on the issues concerning Hellenism, during a time that the size and complexity of the problems, and the intensity with which they are presented, demands creative thinking and action. A second aim is to sensitize Australia's second and third generations of Greeks to issues concerning Hellenism. [04] THE UN SECRETARY GENERAL SPECIAL ENVOY IS VISITING ATHENSWeb Posted: 17:57 GMT+2Athens 10 February (MPA)UN Secretary General special envoy Han Sung Ju, who already visited Turkey and Cyprus, met this morning in Athens with Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis.His visit is viewed positively by the Greek government which continues to maintain that the Cyprus problem is a problem of invasion and military occupation underlining that for progress to be achieved Turkey has to change its stance. In statements after today's meeting mr.Kranidiotis stressed that Greece supports the solution of the Cyprus problem based on the UN resolutions and also supports the island's demilitarization and the deployment of a multi national force in its terrtory. [B] BALKANS[05] UN OFFICIAL HAN SUNG JU IN ATHENS TODAYWeb Posted: 16:08 GMT+2Athens, February 10 (MPA)United Nations special envoy for the Cyprus issue Han Sung Ju arrived in Athens from Ankara today and was received by the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis.Mr. Kranidiotis stated that Greece supports a solution to the Cyprus issue based on the UN resolutions, and added that he favors the island's demilitarization. Also, Mr. Kranidiotis stated that a multi-national force should be established on the island and that direct talks should begin with the prerequisite that common ground will be reached. Lastly, the Undersecretary emphasized the need to take into consideration the fact that the Cyprus issue is not one concerning the island's two communities, but rather an issue concerning the Turkish invasion and occupation of the island. Also, as part of the new round of contacts regarding the Cyprus issue, NATO Secretary-General Xavier Solana is to visit Greece by the end of this month. Moreover, the EU Commissioner for International Relations, Hans Van Den Broek, will visit Cyprus from February 26 - 28. According to the BBC, Mr. Van Den Broek is expected to meet with Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. This will be Mr. Broek's first meeting with Mr. Denktash. [06] ALBANIA: PROTESTS CONTINUE, POLICE KILL ONE, INJURE 40 MOREWeb Posted: 16:08 GMT+2Tirana, February 10 (MPA)Tension is mounting in Albania, where angry crowds are protesting the Sali Berisha regime and the issue of the collapsed money-making operations known as "pyramid".In Avlona, one person died and another forty persons were injured when police opened fire against the crowd of protesters who were throwing rocks at the city's police station. [07] BULGARIA'S GREEK COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL HOLIDAY FOR FIRST TIMEWeb Posted: 16:08 GMT+2Thessaloniki, February 10 (MPA)In light of Greece's national holiday of March 25, Greek-origin residents of Bulgaria's Varna have undertaken the task of learning the Greek language as well as reaching it to their children, thereby illustrating their earnest desire to have a closer contact with Greece.The Greek-Bulgarian community are preparing for the first time to celebrate the Greek national holiday and have asked the Greek state to contribute to their planned festivities. "We are trying to bring a dance group from Thessaloniki, but this costs money. We also want to present a Week of Greek Cinema, with emphasis given to light comedies, since the country is undergoing a crisis and people want to forget their problems," wrote Dimitri Kovacev, the vice-president of the Greek-Bulgarian Association of Varna, in a letter addressed to Greece's Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos. [08] FYROM'S FOREIGN MINISTER MET WITH CYRUS VANCEWeb Posted: 17:57 GMT+2Skopje 10 February (MPA)The talks with Greece on the issue of the name that will be used by FYROM should under no circumstances affect the country's stability which is an important factor for the stability of the Balkans in general, stated FYROM's Foreign Minister Liubomir Frckovski.According to Skopje's private television station "A-1", the statement was made by FYROM's Foreign Minister during his meeting with UN mediator Cyrus Vance in New York. [09] PREPARATIONS FOR ELECTIONS IN BULGARIAWeb Posted: 17:57 GMT+2Sofia 10 February (MPA)The political forces in Bulgaria, where the economic and political crisis worsens, prepare for early Parliamentary elections which are scheduled to take place in mid April.Political analysts in Sofia speculate that the center-right Union of Democratic Forces coalition, which played a leading role in last month's mobilizations in Bulgaria, is the favourite to win an overwhelming majority in the country's next Parliament. Based on recent opinion polls, the center- right coalition is likely to win even 2/3 of the Parliamentary seats. Socialist party leader Georgi Parvanov expressed pesimism over developments in Bulgaria and in an interview published in a Bulgarian newspaper stated that for a long time elections in Bulgaria will be held every two years. [10] SRI LANKAN HELICOPTERS HIT CYPRIOT SHIP BY ACCIDENTWeb Posted: 22:04 GMT+2Nicosia, February 10 (MPA)Sri Lankan military helicopters opend fire against the "Caribbean Queen", a ship under Cypriot flag, this morning, when they mistakenly thought that the fregate transported illegal arms and ammunition.According to foreign press reports, aboard the ship were guerrillas belonging to the "Tamil" organization, who tried to escape by jumping on a smaller boat, which was hit by Sri Lankan gunships and exploded. It is not yet known how many persons were on board the smaller boat. According to the Cypriot Merchant Marine, the Cypriot ship's Cuban crew was not harmed. Following searches, it was ascertained that there was no amount of arms on the ship which was towed to Sri Lanka's port of Tringomali for repairs. [11] OPPOSITION IN SERBIA GUARDED ON LAW UPHOLDING ITS VICTORYWeb Posted: 22:04 GMT+2Belgrade, February 10 (MPA)The political parties of Serbia's opposition Zajedno appear guarded in regards to the Parliament's imminent ratification of the law that upholds its victory in last November 17's local elections.Serb President Slobodan Milosevic's proposal to uphold Zajedno's victory will be heard in Parliament tomorrow although Zajedno's deputies will not participate in the session. Meanwhile, students and opposition supporters in Belgrade continued their mobilizations today. Vuc Drascovic, one of the tripartite coalition's leaders, stated that his party will continue its mobilizations until tomorrow and plans a mass rally in Belgrade tonight. [12] BULGARIA: POLITICAL PARTIES ISSUE COMMON DECLARATION OVER CRISISWeb Posted: 22:04 GMT+2Sofia, February 10 (MPA)Bulgaria's political parties voted a common declaration in Parliament today, which spells out the basic principles that will guanrantee the country's exit from the formidable crisis.The parties have decided to support President Petar Stoyanov's proposals on the actions to be taken by the caretaker government, as well as a series of methods concerning political and economic restructuring. The resolution emphasizes that the crisis is general and is characterized by a lack of trust to the institutions. In regards to the restructuring proposals, the Bulgarian political parties are in favor of privatization, foreign investment and economic stability. [13] NICOSIA UNHAPPY OVER UN CHIEF'S LETTER ON CYPRUS ISSUEWeb Posted: 22:04 GMT+2Nicosia, February 10 (MPA)The letter addressed to Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides by the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has been met with the displeasure of the Cypriot government, as the President of Parliament Spyros Kyprianou stated today that a more positive stance on the issue was awaited, and continues to be awaited by Mr. Annan.Specifically, Mr. Kyprianou stated that the letter presents Turkey as a country which can help in solving the Cyprus issue, whereas, in reality, it is the country that constitutes the problem itself. According to Mr. Kyprianou, the Security Council's decisions refer to a dialogue between the island's two communities, but the truth cannot be ignored when repeated UN resolutions, speak of a withdrawal of Turkish troops and restoration of human rights. [14] TURKISH-CYPRIOTS SHOPPING FOR CYPRIOT PASSPORTS IN LONDONWeb Posted: 22:04 GMT+2Nicosia, February 10 (MPA)Recent Turkish press reports have brought to light a series cases where distinguished Turkish-Cypriot politicians and businessmen use passport that bear the insignia of the Republic of Cyprus.According to the daily "Vatan", two lawyers, a Greek-Cypriot and a Turkish- Cypriot, both London residents, had set up a covert business where they provided Cypriot passports to Turkish-Cypriot customers, against a hefty fee. According to the report, the problem is of concern to Turkish political and military circles, who are currently looking into the possibility of conducting a parliamentary investigation into the matter. [15] ALBANIA: VIOLENT CLASHES BETWEEN POLICE-CIVILIANS CONTINUE, THREE DEADWeb Posted: 22:04 GMT+2Tirana, February 10 (MPA)Clashes between police and protesting civilians continued throughout this evening in Avlona, where the death toll has risen to three.According to the BBC, the strong police forces lined up outside the city's police station are encircled by an angry crowd of people who demand that the government return to them their money lost in the get-rich-quick schemes known as the "puramid". The city's streets are littered with scattered stones and bricks thrown by the irate Albanians against the police. [C] EUROPE[16] THE PROPOSAL FOR AID TO THE SUFFERING BULGARIA WILL BE DISCUSSED IN EURO-PARLIAMENT ON FEBRUARY 19Web Posted: 17:57 GMT+2Brussels 10 February (MPA)Greek Euro-deputy Nikos Papakyriazis, President of the Joint EU-Bulgaria Parliamentary Committee made an appeal for humanitarian aid to be sent to the suffering Bulgarians, while he prepares to bring for discussion to the Euro-Parliament's plenary session a draft decision in support of the bulgarian people.In a statement to MPA, mr.Papakyriazis referred to the importance of the humanitarian aid to Bulgaria and stated that the European Parliament follows with great interest the political developments in Bulgaria which are the result of the big economic crisis and social unrest. Mr.Papakyriazis said that as the President of the Joint EU-Bulgaria Parliamentary Committee he promotes the discussion of a draft decision on February 19 declaring the EU support to the Bulgarian people who are struggling to face the economic crisis and continue the efforts for closer relations with the EU. He also stated that very important is the support and assistance offered by the EU member-states themselves through initiatives undertaken by social and local institutions and organizations aimed at meeting the immediate and everyday needs of the suffering people in Bulgaria. Mr.Papakyriazis also said that of special importance is the aid from Greece which already has begun. [D] WORLD[17] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT GLAFKOS CLERIDES ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO INDIAWeb Posted: 16:08 GMT+2New Delhi, February 10 (MPA)The President of Cyprus, Glafkos Clerides arrived in India today, embarking on a six-day formal visit.During a ceremony held in his honor at New Delhi's Presidential Mansion, President Clerides stated that the Cypriot and Indian peoples have common and excellent relations. President Clerides met with Indian Prime Minister Deve Goda and is scheduled to meet with President Sanker Dayal Sarma India's Minister of Industry Anthraka Srimati Canti Sikh, has expressed her country's desire to strengthen its ties with Cyprus on all sectors, political and economic. A bilateral agreememt on shipping will be signed between the two countries. Mr. Clerides is accompanied by Cypriot Foreign Minister Alekos Michaelides and government spokesperson Yiannakis Kasoulides. The Cypriot President will return to Nicosia on Sunday, February 16th. [18] GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER'S RIPOSTE TO TURKEY'S OBJECTIONS: "THINK IT WELL"Web Posted: 16:08 GMT+2Bonn, February 10 (MPA)German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel stated that Turkey must "think it well" before it creates obstacles in NATO's eastward expansion.Speaking to German daily "Welt am Zondac", Mr. Kinkel issued this response to his Turkish counterpart Tansu Ciller who recently stated that the Alliance's planned expansion to include the former socialist countries must be linked with Turkey's accession to the European Union, a position that was construed as blunt blackmail. Mr. Kinkel also stated in his interview that Turkey is a significant NATO ally and constitutes a bridge between Europe, the Islam and Asia. [19] US CONGRESS REPORT ON THE ISSUE OF DRUGS IN TURKEYWeb Posted: 17:57 GMT+2Ankara 10 February (MPA)The Foreign Affairs Committee of the US Congress drew up a report on "Gangsin Turkey" that also refers to the issue of drugs, according to the Turkish newspaper "Radical". The report is expected to be discussed tomorrow with US Secretary of State Madleen Albright and is likely to affect the United States' policy on the issue. The Turkish newspaper "Milliyet" in a correspondence from New York under the title "The US agents are coming", refers to FBI's decision to open an office in Turkey aimed at fighting illegal drug-trafficking more effectively. The office, according to the news report, will be answerable to the US Attorney General while similar offices will be opened in Brazil, Nigeria, South Korea, Uzbekistan, Kazakstan, the Czech Republic and Denmark. [20] THE US BASE OF PIRINTSLIK IN TURKEY WILL BE CLOSEDWeb Posted: 17:57 GMT+2Ankara 10 February (MPA)According to a correspondence of the english-speaking newspaper "Turkish Daily News" from Washington, the US Air Base of Pirintslik in Turkey will be closed after a a US Pentagon decision.The Air Base of Pirintslik is known for the electronic surveillance installations that cover the regions of the Middle East, Caucasus and Russia. A US Pentagon representative stated that the procedures for the closing of the base and the return of the installations to Turkey are scheduled to begin in September 1997. [21] BYZANTINE ICONS DATING BACK TO 13TH CENTURY ARE EXHIBITED IN HOUSTON, TEXAS IN A REPLICA OF A GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCHWeb Posted: 17:57 GMT+2Houston 10 February (MPA)A number of 13th century byzantine icons, which until recently were in danger of being destroyed in the hands of Turkish illicit dealers of antiquities, are exhibited in Houston, Texas in a replica of a Greek Orthodox Church built for this purpose.The Greek-American newspaper "Ethnikos Kirix", writes that for those relics to be collected has been paid the sum of 1 million US dollars. The icons come from a small church in the Turkish occupied Lisi in Cyprus. [22] THE GREEK LANGUAGE WILL BE HEARD AGAIN IN BROADWAY AFTER 21 YEARSWeb Posted: 17:57 GMT+2Thessaloniki 10 February (MPA)The Greek language will be heard again in a Broadway theater stage after an absence of 21 years, through young Greek actress Alexandra Lazaridou.The Greek actress will play the role of the lonely woman in Jean Cocteau's "Human Voice" directed by Russian born Yevgeni Lanskoy and choreographed by Lucinda Childs. The sum of 1 million US dollars has already been raised for this reason by the association "Thesis" with the support of the Organization of Cultural Capital of Europe -Thessaloniki '97. The association was founded in New York in 1988 with the participation of many distinguished Greek theater actors, directors and others. 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/Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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