Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-02-18

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER: WEST MUST PRESSURE TURKEY

Greece's Minister of National Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos, who wrapped up an official visit to Germany this evening, called on the west today to pressure Turkey into recognizing the International Law, if it truly is interested in establishing security in the southeastern Mediterranean.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos also pointed out that the problem with Turkey is not a bilateral one, but rather constitutes a matter which concerns Europe's security as a whole and should be addressed as such.

Moreover, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos emphasized that Turkey continuously challenges peace and the status quo in the region and ferments tensions over issues it creates on its own, something that it practices systematically not only against Greece.

The Greek Defense Minister also pointed out that Turkey opts to resolve its issues through military means of its own accord, such as in the cases of Cyprus, the Kurds and Iraq.

Speaking in a press conterence this evening, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos fielded questions from reporters, among them some Turks, and stated that Turkey has adopted an aggressive stance towards Greece, challenges the borders and the continental shelf and violates the air space on a daily basis. The Minister also stated that the key to solving the Cyprus issue is Turkey.

In regards to Cyprus' purchase of Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos emphasized that they are clearly a defense purchase that Cyprus proceeded to in order to protect its airports. It is unfair, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos said, to make such a fuss over this purchase when the island is being occupied since 1974. A.F.

[02] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER IN BONN, MEETS GERMAN COUNTEPRART

Greek Minister of National Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos, currently on a two-day, formal visit to Bonn, met today with the president of the German-Hellenic Parliamentary Group of the Federal Parliament Ziegried Scarpelis-Sperk and with the president of the Defense Committee of the Federal Parliament Kurt Rosmand.

Yesterday evening, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos met with his German counterpart Faulker Rye and with the parliamentary group president of Germany's Social-Democratic Party, Rudolph Sarping.

In a press conference yesterday evening, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that he and Mr. Rye discussed bilateral relations, examined the opportunities for cooperation in the military sector, and referred to the Alliance's expansion to the East. Moreover, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated, the two ministers examined NATO's role in southern Europe and, more specifically, in the Mediterranean region.

In turn, Mr. Rye stated that the Greek-German relations are developing satisfactorily and the two governments are to sign a memorandum within this year.

Mr. Rye ruled out the possibilities of his country undertaking initiatives over the Cyprus issue and a German military participation in peacekeeping missions for stabilizing situations either in Europe, or elsewhere. A.F.

[03] TEACHERS UNION WANTS TO EXTEND STRIKE INTO A SIXTH WEEK

The Greek teachers national union OLME proposed today that the primary-school teachers extend their five-week-long strike into a sixth week, although any final decisions are to be drawn today.

OLME's secretary-general said that the government must take charge of its responsibilities and act on its promises in order to alleviate the existing deadlock.

Primary school teachers and kindergarten staff are to decide tomorrow whether or not they will continue their strike, while another massive rally will be conducted in Athens. A.F.

[04] GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON: WE AWAIT WITH INTEREST US INITIATIVE ON CYPRUS

Government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas stated today that Greece awaits with interest the United States initiatives in order to set in motion the various forces needed to resolve the Cyprus issue which remains static for the past 22 years.

Commenting on the recent statements made by US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, regarding a cohesive solution to the Cyprus issue, Mr. Reppas emphasized that during her meeting with German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel the US official only discussed the Cyprus issue.

"We believe that because this is an issue of occupation, all sides must take initiatives within the framework of the United Nations resolutions," Mr. Reppas said. A.F.

[05] FOREIGN AFFAIRS UNDERSECRETARY AND EU COMMISSIONER DISCUSS CYPRUS ISSUE

Greece's Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis met with the European Commissioner for Foreign Affairs Hans Van Den Broek in Brussels yesterday and the two discussed the Greek-Turkish relations as well as the Cyprus issue.

Mr. Van Den Broek asked Greece to exert every possible effort in enabling the success of the European Union-Turkey Association Council, which is to be held on April 30.

According to the Commissioner, the Turkish Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Onur Oymen promised to Mr. Van den Broek that Ankara will accept the common statement of the "15", according to which Turkey must not use force or the threat of using force in resolving its differences with Greece, as welll as to resort to the International Court of Justice at the Hague for the Imia islets issue.

Also, according to Mr. Van den Broek, Mr. Oymen promised that Turkey will present the EU with a package of measures it plans to undertake for improving its human rights record.

Mr. Kranidiotis will attend NATO's extraordinary meeting this evening where he is expected to reiterate the Greek government's positions on the Cyprus issue and the Greek-Turkish relations. Specifically, the Foreign Affairs Undersecretary will state that the initiative for resolving the Cyprus issue and for normalizing Greek-Turkish relations which impede the smooth functioning of the Alliance's southeastern sector, must be a combined effort on behalf of the European Union, Greece's and Turkey's allies and, especially from the United States.

Moreover, Mr. Kranidiotis is expected to emphasize the significant role Greece can carry out in NATO's expansion to the East. A.F.

[06] THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH VARTHOLOMEOS WANTS TO MEET WITH TURKISH PRIME MINISTER ERBAKAN

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos in an interview to the German newspaper "Suddeutsche Zeitung" expressed interest in a meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Necmetin Erbakan. The head of the Christian Orthodox Church stated that he has no problem in meeting with Erbakan adding that the Turkish Prime Minister himself also wants a meeting.

The Ecumenical Patriarch admitted that the Greek-Orthodox community in Turkey was alarmed when the islamist party took over the Turkish government last summer. He said that in many circles this concern is still evident but as a minority the Greek-Orthodox community will have to admit that since last June there were no additional difficulties.

About 4.000 Greek-Orthodox Christians live in Turkey and most of them in Istanbul, according to data provided by the Patriarchate.

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos also expressed the hope that the Theology School of Chalki, which remains closed since 1970, will be reopened. Last spring, the then Prime Minister of Turkey Mesut Yilmaz had promised that the Theology School will be reopned but two days later his government collapsed. Mr.Yilmaz was the first Turkish Prime Minister, who met with the Ecumenical Patriarch after a long time, while his predecessor Tansu Ciller was steadily refusing to hold such a meeting.

The Ecumenical Patriarch stated that he expects much more from Erbakan stressing that he is a religious man.

[07] THE COALITION OF THE LEFT PARTY PRESIDENT AND THE CULTURE MINISTER ARE LEADING IN POPULARITY

According to a nationwide opinion poll, conducted by the "Metron-Analysis" company from January 30 to February 8 and published in the newspaper "TA NEA", the popularity of Prime Minister Kostas Simitis is 54,7% and it appears that it has decreased slightly compared to the results of a previous opinion poll.

The most popular among the political party leaders is Coalition of the Left party President Nikos Konstantopoulos with 68,1%, followed by President of the Democratic Social Movement Dimitris Tsovolas (59,5%), Political Spring leader Antonis Samaras (27,9%), Communist party Secretary General ms.Aleka Papariga (26,1%) and main opposition party New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert (25,5%).

Among the government ministers, the most popular is Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos with 67,4% followed by Defence Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos (65,4%), while in the third place is Minister of Public Order Giorgos Romeos with 63,5%.

[08] THE BLACK SEA BANK WILL BEGIN OPERATION ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE

Undersecretary of National Economy Alexandros Baltas, who is in Thessaloniki on the occasion of the Black Sea Bank of Commerce and Development 4th preparatory meeting, stated to MPA that the bank will begin operating in the first months of this year.

The Undersecretary stressed that today's meeting is the last one of a number of preparatory meetings and deals with the last details before entering the operation stage that will begin in the first months of this year as scheduled.

Among the basic issues that will be discussed in today's meeting will be the adoption of the bank's Operational Plan and the opening of an account to the European Bank of Reorganization and Development (EBRD). It should be noted that already 7 of the 11 Black Sea Cooperation Pact countries have met all the pre- conditions provided by the Founding Agreement, except depositing their capital share in EBRD.

[09] INJURED GREY SEAL WASHED UP NEAR THESSALONIKI'S SHORE

Members of the Association for the Protection of the Mediterranean Seal arrived in Thessaloniki from Athens today in order to tend to the unjured grey seal that washed up yesterday at the shore of Malgara near Thessaloniki.

The 2.30-meters-long mamal has injuries on the head and left eye, but the causes of the trauma remain unknown. A.F.

[10] THE INJURED SEAL THAT APPEARED IN THE REGION OF MALGARA IS IN NO DANGER

Stress and not injury can kill the seal that appeared yesterday afternoon on the shore, 50 meters away from the sea, in the region of Malgara near Thessaloniki.

The above remark was made by the members of the Society for the Study and Protection of the Mediterranean Seal, who came from Athens to take care of the 2,30-meter long seal. The mammal suffers injuries in the head and left eye but is not bleading.

It should be noted, that the Mediterranean seal is threatened by extinction as it has almost disappeared from the Mediterranean countries. Today, 50% of the species (about 450-500 mammals) live in Greece, while a few of them are found in Africa's northern coasts and in Turkey.

According to biologists, the seal that belongs to the species monachus-monachus, is in no danger. After examining it they concluded that it has just a surface wound in the head, stressing that anxiety and not its injury can be the cause of its death.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[11] TURKISH-CYPRIOTS DISPLAYED A PROVOCATIVE BEHAVIOUR DURING THE SPEECH OF EURO-DEPUTY PAULINE GREEN

Turkish-Cypriots displayed a very provocative behaviour during the speech of Euro-deputy Pauline Green in London, as they interrupted her many times in spite of her appeals.

According to the Turkish-Cypriot press, the Euro-deputy met with journalists whom she informed on the European Union issues and the Cyprus problem. Among others she said that Turkey will not become an EU member if it will not fulfil its promises on the Cyprus problem, the Kurdish problem, democratization and human rights in Turkey.

She said that the Cyprus problem will not be solved by her but by the Greek-Cypriots and the Turkish-Cypriots, while she maintained that Cyprus' accession into the EU is possible to take place before the solution of the problem.

Also, ms.Green characterized as unfortunate the statements made by British Foreign Minister Malcolm Rifkind over the likelihood of a Greek-Turkish war.

In her speech, ms.Green referred to Rauf Denktash, as mr.Denktash and the Turkish-Cypriots demanded that he should be referred to as "President". The Euro-deputy responded that the international community recognizes only one government in Cyprus, that of the Cypriot Republic. An angry Turkish-Cypriot approached the podium threatening ms.Green but another one dragged him out of the hall averting possible incidents.

[12] CILLER: THERE CAN BE NO NATO EXPANSION WITHOUT THE EXPANSION OF THE EU AND WEU

Turkish Foreign Minister Tansou Ciller is expected to reiterate in the meeting of the NATO Foreign Ministers held in Brussels today the position that there can be no NATO expansion without the parallel expansion of the European Union and the Western European Union.

In her speech, the Turkish Foreign Minister is expected to clarify that Turkey is not against the principle of NATO's enlargement and wants the EU to adopt a more fair position toward it.

[13] STUDENTS IN ALBANIA ARE THREATENING WITH A HUNGER STRIKE

Albanian President Sali Berisha is visiting the city of Lusnia in an effort to give explanations over the "pyramid" investment schemes scandal and the measures the government intends to take to put the situation under control.

Last Saturday, President Berisha admitted that the government made certain mistakes in handling the issue of the investment schemes and that it did not inform the citizens on the risks of such investments.

Meanwhile, the demonstrations of angry citizens in the southern city of Vlore continue, demanding compensation from the government for the money they have lost in the investment schemes and also the resignation of the government of Prime Minister Meksi. In a meeting held by the political forces in Vlore a joint declaration was approved with which they call for the government's resignation, while they want the demonstrators' demands to be met by February 20.

The Albanian students with a statement they issued warn that they will go on a hunger strike in case the government will not meet the demands for compensation by February 20. It should be reminded that on February 20, 1991 students in Tirana had toppled over the statue of dictator Emver Hotza, who had ruled in Albania for 40 years.

Yesterday, was announced the government's decision to offer loans to those who became homeless because they sold their houses to invest in the get-rich-quick schemes.

[14] THE PRIORITIES OF BULGARIA'S CARETAKER GOVERNMENT

The handling of the fuel and grain crisis, the attraction of foreign investments and the speeding-up of the privatizations' procedures are the priorities set by Bulgaria's caretaker government aimed at bringing stability to the country.

Caretaker Prime Minister Stefan Sofianski stated in an interview shown on Bulgarian television that if in the next few days the increase of the value of the US dollar is held back and the situation is kept under control then Bulgaria can receive an estimated 300-400 million dollars of foreign aid.

He said that the workers' demands for 100 dollar wages can not materialize because as he stressed "Bulgaria has no money" and according to him, money can be raised through privatizations and loans.

The Bulgarian caretaker Prime Minister confirmed that passports of former government officials and members of their families were taken away and they are not allowed to leave the country for a certain period of time. He characteristically said that someone must be responsible for the fact that there are no money, grain and fuel in the country.

[15] BULGARIA'S APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP IN THE EU WILL NOT THREATEN RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA

Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov expressed satisfaction over yesterday's decision by the caretaker government of Prime Minister Sofianski to file a formal application for Bulgaria's membership in the European Union.

In statements made in the city of Plovdev, mr.Stoyanov pointed out that this decision will not have a negative effect on Bulgarian-Russian relations and pledged that he will be the guarantor of that.

According to the Sofia newspaper "Democratsia", with this decision Bulgaria places its relations with Moscow on clear political basis while it is underlined the fact that there is no direct relation in the country's political and the economic orientation.

The same newspaper characterizes as absurd the allegations on the possible cancellation of the construction of the Burgas- Alexandroupolis natural gas pipe-line or the breaking up of the Bulgarian-Russian "Topenergy" natural gas company.

In statements to the newspaper "Democratsia", leading members of the "Union of Democratic Forces", the "Popular Union" and the muslim "Movement of Rights and Freedoms" welcomed yesterday's decision by the caretaker government, while Socialist party spokesman Vladimir Topentsarov expressed the view that the government has overstepped the bounds of its authority.

[16] EU COMMISSION PRESIDENT MEETS WITH U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE

European Commission President Jacques Santer and Commissioner for Foreign Affairs Hans Van Den Broek met with the United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albight in Brussels today.

The three officials discussed the Cyprus issue, where Ms. Albright stated that following a troublesome year, 1997 is an opportunity to achieve progress in resolving the issue. Concurrently, Ms. Albright said that the U.S do not want to see Turkey turn into a secular state. A.F.

[17] SECOND MISSION OF HUMANITARIAN AID TO BULGARIA LEAVES EVROS TOMORROW

A second mission of humanitarian aid to Bulgaria is to be sent from Greece's Evros region tomorrow.

The aid, to be sent to Bulgaria's city of Haskovo, contains 300 tons of corn which is to be transported by 12 trucks. The aid will be distributed to agrarian families living in regions near the Greek-Bulgarian borders.

Greece's humanitarian aid mission to Bulgaria began last week when seven hundred tons of corn were sent, along with 700 tons of flour which were distributed to children's institutions and military camps. A.F.

[18] ISRAELI AIR FORCE'S FORMER PILOT SENDS HUMANITARIAN AID TO BULGARIA

A retired pilot in Israel's Air Force, who after years in the military has dedicated his life to philantropic missions, has donated $20,000, one hundred tons of flour and half a ton of baby food to Bulgaria.

"As a fighter pilot, I've caused the deaths of many people," Aby Nathan said, adding "that's why after my discharge I decided to dedicated the rest of my life to distributing humanitarian aid to those who suffer."

In accordance to the donor's wishes, the flour will be aallocated in equal portions to the Bulgarian Red Cross, the country's Jewish communities, the foundation "Future for Bulgaria" and to the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. A.F.

[19] BULGARIA: SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS SHUT DOWN DUE TO LACK OF HEATING OIL

With the inflation rate soaring at 100 percent and the economy on the verge of collapse, schools and hospitals in Bulgaria are to shut down, unable to pay for heating oil.

One litre of heating fuel sells for 1,000 leva, while the lowest montly wage stands at 11,000 leva. Todays going rate for one US dollar is 3,000 leva. A.F.

[20] WOMAN WHO WON TURKEY IN EU COURT VOTED "PERSON OF THE YEAR"

The Greek Cypriot woman who last year won her unprecedented claim against Turkey in the Council of Europe's Court of Human Rights, has been voted as "Person of the Year" in Cyprus.

Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides bestowed upon Ms. Titina Loizidou the honorable distinction and orated a poem for the young men who were murdered by Turkish-Cypriots last summer in Deryneia.

On December 18, 1996, the C of E's Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of Ms. Loizidou's claim over the illegal occupation of her land by Turkish occupation forces, while also announcing in its decision that the matter concerns a "continuous violation of human rights."

Loizidou sought recourse to the European Court when the Turkish government refused to allow her access to the occupied northern Cyprus territory where she has a vacation home. A.F.

[21] F.R.Y.: ZAJEDNO NOW ASKS FOR DIALOGUE WITH RULING PARTY

The Federal Yugoslav Republic's main opposition "Zajedno" is ready now to participate in a dialogue with the country's government, stated today's one of the tripartite coalition's leaders Vuc Drascovic, althought he pointed out that such initiative must be taken by the state.

Meanwhile, college students continued their mobilizations in Belgrade today, this time against the university's dean. The innovative students circulated mock petitions asking for signatures in favor of the dean's stay, but no one appeared willing to sign.

During today's massive rally in Belgrade, which for the past 88 days suffers daily bottlenecks, an exasperated driver ran into a crowd of students, lightly injuring two. A.F.

[22] ZAJEDNO'S DRASCOVIC ASKS FYROM TO UNITE WITH SERBIA

Vuc Drascovic, one of the three leaders of the Serbian main opposition "Zajedno", has invited the neighboring coutnry FYROM to unite with Serbia.

In an interview given to Skopje's daily "Nova Macedonia", Mr. Drascovic spoke lavishly of FYROM, referring to the country as "Macedonia of Bardar" while clarifying that there are, according to him, three regions of "Macedonia": the Pirin, the Aegean and the Bardar.

Mr. Drascovic also stated that following the break up of the former Yugoslavia, many saw an opportunity to divide "Macedonia".

"The strongest guarrantor of the 'Macedonian' state's territorial sovereignty is its unification with Serbia," Mr. Drascovic said, adding that "we are related peoples. I want to see as soon as possible the restoration of an economic union between Serbia, Montenegro and 'Macedonia', and possibly Bosnia. Then, the name 'Macedonia' will not be a thorn for some, since it will signify that it refers to the 'Macedonia' that was part of the former Yugoslavia." A.F.

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