Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-02-17

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, February 17, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] LAST-MINUTE EFFORT FOR THE LIFTING OF THE DEADLOCK IN EDUCATION

[02] STRIKING TEACHERS CONDUCT MASSIVE RALLY IN THESSALONIKI TODAY

For the fifth consecutive week, the country's secondary education teachers will continue their strikes and most high schools throughout the country will remain closed, while primary school teachers and kindergarten staff will convene on Wednesday to decide if they will continue their strikes.

The local striking teachers have embarked on a massive rally in Thessaloniki today, in front of the White Tower. Education Minister Gerasimos Arsenis' scheduled visit to Thessaloniki has been cancelled due to unforeseeable engagements, namely the PASOK party's Executive Bureau meeting.

The local chapter of the teachers' national union OLME convened today and announced that the strike could very well move into a sixth week if the government does not satisfy their demands. The union members again called on the government to engage in a dialogue with the striking teachers. A.F.

[03] DEFENSE MINISTER EMBARKS ON TWO-DAY VISIT TO GERMANY TODAY

Minister of National Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos embarked today on a two-day, formal visit to Germany.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos will meet his German counterpart Faulker Rue with whom he will discuss the Greek-Turkish issues, the Cyprus issue, the developments in the Balkan region and the Alliance's eastward expansion.

According to the BBC, Msgrs. Tsochatzopoulos and Rue will discuss Germany's participation in the Greek Armed Forces' outfitting program. According to the broadcast, a German official has emphasized that Bonn is particularly concerned over the existing tensions between Ankara and Athens.

The Greek Defense Minister will also meet with leading members of Germany's Greek community.

Also in Germany today is the United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, in a visit that falls within the framework of her contacts over NATO's expansion.

Ms. Albright is meeting with German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel and the two are expected to discuss the Greek-Turkish relations, the Cyprus issue and the Alliance's eastward expansion.

Also, an international conference for the European security and defense policy is currently held in Bonn, featuring the participation of European Union Ministers and high-ranking officials from the Western European Union and NATO. A.F.

[04] DEFENSE MINISTRY STAFF OBSERVE FOUR-HOUR WORK STOPPAGE TODAY

Employees of the Ministry of National Defense conducted a four-hour work stoppage today, followed by a protest rally in Thessaloniki's Third Army Corps.

The Ministry's staff in Athens blocked the roads surrounding the Pentagon today, in a symbolic act. They are demanding additional benefits in the form of danger- and insanitary-pay, as afforded to those employed at the Local Administration offices.

Also, the workers have stated that they will conduct a 24- hour strike the following Wednesday, a move that will up the ante of their mobilizations. A.F.

[05] REACTIONS CONTINUE REGARDING THE SOCIAL SECURITY FUNDS' RESERVES

[06] THE TRADITIONAL PADDLE BOATS FOUND IN KASTORIA ARE UNIQUE IN THE WORLD

The paddle boats, known as "plaves", which are used in the lake of the northern Greek city of Kastoria, are unique in the world because of their peculiar shape. Those boats are used for hundreds of years in the region for fishing and the transport of goods and passagers.

They are built based on the local ship-building traditions and are not found anywhere else in the world.

Their edges are elevated, contrary to other boats used in lakes, while their paddles are so strong and built in such a clever way that one oarsman is more than enough.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[07] THE CYPRIOT PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT CONFIRMED THE EXISTENCE OF A US INITIATIVE ON CYPRUS

Cypriot Parliament President Spiros Kyprianou confirmed the existence of a US initiative for the promotion of the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Mr.Kyprianou maintained that it appears there will be a US initiative, as soon as US Secretary of State Madleen Albright forms a group of officials to deal with the Cyprus problem expected after British envoy Sir David Hanney's visit to Cyprus in March.

[08] FAMAGUSTA CITY COUNCIL TO ADDRESS DENKTASH'S THREATS OF SETTLERS

Famagusta's City Council is to meet at Deryneia's roadblock today in order to address the current situation that has arisen from the threats of Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash who said last week that the city is to undergo cleaning in preparations of settlements.

Participants at today's meeting are to also approve a protest resolution to be issued to the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, to be given to an UNFICYP official.

According to Famagusta's mayor Andreas Pougiouros, the resolution is to include a demand that UN resolution no. 550 be enforced, which favors the return of legal residents to Famagusta. The UN Security Council's said resolution, prohibits anyone from settling in the city, except its legal residents. A.F.

[09] CYPRUS ISSUE, TURKEY'S TIES WITH EUROPE TO BE ADDRESSED IN SPECIAL MEETING

The Cyprus issue and Turkey's relations with Europe will be addressed by a Special Meeting which is to be convened on March 16 by the European Union's Dutch Presidency, according to Greece's Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Yiannos Kranidiotis.

Mr. Kranidiotis stated that if Turkey would contribute to the resolution of the Cyprus issue and the island's accession to the EU, then negotiations will gradually proceed in accordance to the strategy drawn by Greece, that is, for granting Turkey a special- relation status within the EU.

The EU Commissioner for Foreign Affairs Hans van den Broek appears to side with Mr. Kranidiotis' view, as he is preparing a report for the EU's expansion, containing specific segments for each candidate member. A.F.

[10] NATO'S EXTRAORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD IN BRUSSELS TOMORROW

The extraordinary meeting of the NATO Foreign Ministers will be held in Brussels tomorrow with the participation of US Secretary of State Madleen Albright. Greece will be represented by Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis, who is likely to have a meeting with the US Secretary of State on the sidelines of the meeting.

Mr.Kranidiotis is expected to outline the Greek government's views, according to which, the initiative for the solution of the Cyprus problem and the normalization of the Greek-Turkish relations, two issues that block the smooth operation of NATO's south-eastern wing, must be coordinated and come both from the European Union and the allies of Turkey and Greece, especially the United States.

According to the BBC, the future eastward expansion of NATO in combination with the new proposals made by Washington for the further reduction of conventional armaments in Europe, will be announced in tomorrow's meeting. Also, a special referrence will be made on the financial cost corresponding to NATO's expansion, the reorganization of the Alliance's operation and the distribution of the economic burden among its member-states.

[11] ALBANIA: PROTESTS AGAINST SALI BERISHA CONTINUE

Thousands of Albanians continued to protest and rally yesterday, with massive gatherings held in most cities.

The protesters, many of whom have fallen victim to the illicit money-making scheme known as "pyramid", yelled slogans against the President Sali Berisha.

Mr. Berisha admitted that his regime does bear some responsibility in the money-making scandal, which folded just as when most of the "investors" had turned in their savings. Nevertheless, he refused to promise that the victims will be reimbursed of their lost money. A.F.

[12] NEW ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD IN THE YEAR 2000, SAID BERISHA

[13] THE ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT CALLED THE COUNTRY'S POLITICAL PARTIES TO PARTICIPATE IN A DIALOGUE

The Albanian government called the political parties in the country to participate in a dialogue in an effort to face the crisis that was created in Albania after the chain collapse of the illegal "pyramid" investment schemes.

According to the state radio in Tirana, governing Democratic party President Tritan Sehou is scheduled to meet today with the Socialist party General Secretary. The Socialists' intentions are not known as the party has refused to participate in a discussion on the collapse of the get-rich-quick illegal investment companies.

The state radio station mentioned that the sums of money invested to the "pyramid" investment schemes by the Greek minority in Albania are impressive. Only in the village of Dervisani is estimated that the local residents have invested over 450 million drachmas.

[14] LIQUID FUEL PRICES IN BULGARIA INCREASED BY 300%

Liquid fuel prices in Bulgaria increased by 300% and Prime Minister Stefan Sofianski expressed the hope that with the increases the crisis in the fuel sector will be partially faced.

It should be reminded that liquid fuel exports were banned in Bulgaria on February 14.

[15] BULGARIA WILL APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP IN NATO

Bulgaria's caretaker government received the green light to submit an application for the country's membership in NATO by getting the cabinet's approval.

Bulgaria's application will be made in view of NATO's upcoming important decisions for the alliance's expansion eastwards and confirms the country's european orientation and its willingness to implement a policy of cooperation, stability and security in the Balkans and Europe, according to an announcement made by the government.

Foreign Minister Stoyan Stalev stated that Bulgaria can not be isolated from the Balkans and Europe and its clear intention to become a NATO member will encourage foreign investments in the country.

[16] THE BULGARIAN POLITICAL PARTIES BEGAN PREPARING FOR ELECTIONS

The Bulgarian political parties began preparations for the early general elections in the country. The 9th National Conference of the Democratic Forces Union was held last weekend and was reaffirmed that in the elections will run as a unified political party under the leadership of Ivan Kostov.

During the conference was stressed the need for the party's pre-election campaign to focus on the slogan "The Democratic Forces Union can govern well and can take the country out of the crisis".

The party's president stressed that private initiative, property, competition, social justice and environmental protection will be the main axes of the economic policy that will be followed by the Democratic Forces Union if it assumes power.

[17] THE CYPRIOT MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT MET WITH THE RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR

Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment Kostas Petrides met with Russian Ambassador Georgi Muratov and discussed issues concerning bilateral cooperation in the sectors of argiculture and environment.

Mr.Muratov stated that the two countries can have a great cooperation in those sectors, while mr.Petrides stressed that during the meeting was discussed the potential of reaching an agriculture agreement.

[18] AIR POLLUTION IN ISTANBUL'S ASIATIC COAST INCREASED 8 TIMES AFTER THE FIRE ON THE OIL TANKER

Air pollution in Istanbul's asiatic coast increased eight times after the fire on an oil tanker in the city's Tuzla shipyard, while the crude oil that leaked to the sea is half a meter deep.

It should be reminded that the fire that broke out on the ship "TPAO Istanbul" in Tuzla shipyard was extinguished in one night but a few hours later it was rekindled and continues to burn today without taking alarming dimensions. Officials have mentioned that there is no danger of explosions and further spread of the fire.

[19] 71% OF THE TURKS BACK THE CLEAN SOCIETY PROTEST CAMPAIGN BY TURNING OFF THE LIGHTS EVERY NIGHT AT 9 O' CLOCK

According to the outcome of a research, the protest campaign that began on February 1 with the turning off of the lights for one minute every night at 9 o'clock is backed by 71% of the Turks. Millions of Turks turn off the lights each night within the framework of the campaign for a clean society.

Based on a report in the Turkish newspaper "Hurriyet", a reseach that was conducted last Friday showed that 71% of the Turks support the campaign, while 50% of those asked participate activelly in it.

[20] NICOSIA-LONDON TALKS: MULTINATIONAL FORCE MAY BE ESTABLISHED IN CYPRUS

The Cypriot and British governments have discussed the possibility of establishing a multi-national force in Cyprus, although the talks never actually narrowed in on a specific plan, according to Cypriot government spokesperson Yiannakis Kasoulides.

Moreover, Mr. Kasoulides stated that this matter was also tabled during the recent visit paid to Cyprus by British Foreign Minister Malcolm Rifkind. The size of the force is to number approximately 5,000 troops according to the government spokesperson, who also clarified that the British participation was not brought up during the talks.

Any such establishment of foreign troops onto the island would have to be in accordance with the Security Council's mandate. Mr. Kassoulides said that Cyprus is ready to receive detachments from Greece and Cyprus. The person to head such force would have to be from a third country, Mr. Kasoulides also added, which means that this individual can neither be Greek, nor Turkish. A.F.

[21] YASSER ARAFAT TO VISIT TURKEY

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat is expected to conduct a formal visit to Turkey after his stopover in Moscow, according to Turkish press reports.

During his stay in Ankara, Mr. Arafat is to be received by Turkish President Suleiman Demirel and the two men are to examine the Middle East peace initiatives and further developments in the region.

Meanwhile, following an agreement reached between the Israeli government with the Palestinians, 15 Turkish soldiers are to participate in the 130-men international force to police the withdrawal of Israeli troops stationed in Hevron.

This force comprises troops from Denmark, Norway, Italy Switzerland and Sweden. A.F.

[22] BULGARIA TO ALLIGN ITS LABOR LAWS WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION

In an effort to open the doors that lead to NATO, Bulgaria's caretaker government announced today that the Bulgarian labor laws are to be alligned with those of the European Union.

Bulgaria's Labor and Social Security Minister, Ivan Neikov also stated that the caretaker government will form a task force that will brief the United Nations on Bulgaria's humanitarian aid needs.

"No one abroad knows of Bulgaria's needs, " Mr. Neikov stated. "The Videnov government had not forwarded even one appeal for foreign aid missions to Bulgaria." A.F.

[23] GERMANY'S INFLATION TAKES A RAPID UPWARD TURN

Germany's annual inflation rate noted a sharp upward turn in January according to data provided by the Bundesbank, which show that consumer prices during the past six months actually rose much higher than originally assessed.

Inflation throughout the country rose by 1,8 percent in January, mostly fuelled by price increases in winter-related commodities such as higher demand for heating oil and shortened supplies of fresh fruit. The January rate followed a 1,4 percent pace in December, according to the Federal Statistics Office. A.F.

[24] GREEK COMMISSIONER: RUSSIA'S INPUT IN ENERGY CHARTER TREATY IS A MUST

The European Union's Energy Commissioner Christos Papoutsis stated today that Russia's ratification of the Energy Charter Treaty is of utmost importance.

Addressing a seminar on the Energy Charter Treaty organized in Moscow for the members of the Russian Federal Assembly, Mr. Papoutsis stated that the Treaty is "a model for East-West cooperation based on the principles of market economy, non- discrimination and mutual assistance."

Without the active participation of the Russian Federation, Mr. Papoutsis emphasized, the Energy Charter would be a meaningless instrument." A.F.

[25] DEFENSE MINISTER IN BONN, MEETS GERMAN COUNTEPRART

Minister of National Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos is currently on a two-day, formal visit to Bonn, Germany, where he met with his German counterpart Faulker Rue.

This evening the two men discussed the Greek-Turkish issues, the Cyprus issue, the developments in the Balkan region and the Alliance's expansion to the East.

Earlier, Mr.Tsochatzopoulos met with the president of the Parliamentary Group of Germany's Social-Democratic Party Rudolph Sarping, and wit the president of the German-Hellenic Parliamentary Group of the Federal Parliament Ziegried Scarpelis- Sperk.

Tomorrow, the Greek Defense Minister is to meet with the president of the Defense Committee of the Federal Parliament Kurt Rozmand and will grant a press conference in the afternoon.

He will return to Athens on Wednesday.

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