Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-02-20

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, February 20, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] ELEMENTARY, KINDERGARTEN SCHOOL TEACHERS RETURN TO CLASSROOMS

Greece's elementary and kindergarten school teachers have returned to the classrooms, having called off their strike, while secondary education teachers have decided to extend their strike for a sixth consecutive week.

Education Minister Gerasimos Arsenis told the teachers' national union OLME that he is willing to participate in a dialogue with them, but the topics of the discussion will only be limited to institutional matters.

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis said yesterday that the teachers have enjoyed a favorable salary adjustment in comparison with other job sectors. A.F.

[02] PREMIER: COUNTRY'S LARGEST PROJECTS WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE YEAR 2000

Greece will undergo an impressive face lift during the next four-to-five years, as, according to Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, the country's largest projects are scheduled for completion within this time period.

Specifically, the Premier stated that funds have been secured for these various projects, and all of northern Greece's cities will gain access to the Balkan region. "The projects that have been planned, as well as those which are currently in progress, will breath new air into Greece," the Premier said during a conference held today at the Ministry of City Planning, Environment and Public Works. A.F.

[03] PREMIER: SAE IS MEDIATOR BETWEEN COUNTRY AND GREEKS LIVING ABROAD

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis emphasized today the importance of strengthening the Council of Greeks Abroad (SAE), so that the organization can accomplish its task as a mediator between the motherland and those Greeks who live abroad.

Addressing a working luncheon organized in his honor by SAE's Presidium, Mr. Premier said that the country must work together with the Greeks living abroad so that they may carry out a role in the developments that regard Greece.

The President of SAE, Andrew Athens, addressed the Premier and stated in his short speech that "independence and autonomy mean economic self-reliance."

[04] GAP BETWEEN HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WIDENS

The country's elementary and kindergarten schools came to life again today, after the primary education teachers decided to call off their 16-days long strike and begin classes. But not so for the high schools, whose teachers appear determined to press on with their protest of the state's economic policy.

The government insists that all opportunities for dialogue on economic matters have been exhausted and can only discuss institutional matters. The teachers, on the other hand, have firmly said that they're not about to step foot in the classrooms unless their economic demands are met.

Government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas stated that there are still opportunities for the educators to take the appropriate steps so that high schools can start classes again. A.F.

[05] GREECE'S ALTERNATE FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT BULGARIA TOMORROW

Greece's Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou will visit Bulgaria tomorrow where he will have contacts with government officials over the initiatives taken by the Greek government in the Balkans and the humanitarian aid missions forwarded to the neighboring country which is undergoing a formidable economic crisis.

At the European Union's Council of General Affairs, to be held on February 24, the Greek government is to table Bulgaria's request for more direct aid from the EU in order to face the formidable economic crisis. Greece is expected to file similar requests for other Balkan countries which face similar plights. A.F.

[06] THESSALONIKI MAYOR: D.A. IS WELCOME TO "CULTURAL CAPITAL ORGANIZATION"

The Mayor of Thessaloniki Konstantinos Kosmopoulos stated yesterday evening that the District Attorney is welcomed to come and investigate all allegations of financial mishaps at the "Thessaloniki, Cultural Capital of Europe '97" Organization.

The District Attorney, currently conducting the said investigation, has also requested to examine all the employment contracts of those working for the Organization, as well as their resumes which attest to their qualifications. A.F.

[07] GREEKS ABROAD GET THEIR OWN SERVER ON THE INTERNET

Valuable information related to Greeks living abroad can be found at the Internet server of the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad, whcih was inaugurated today in a ceremony attended by Foreign Ministry officials.

Specifically, Greeks living abroad will gain access to information on cultural and education matters, as well as any other relevant issues.

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos characterised the server as a "leap into the future" while alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou said that today marks a turning point in the relations between the mother country and those who live abroad.

Stavros Labrinides, the Secretary-General of Greeks Abroad, emphasized that this feat's priority aim is to provide direct information to and communication among the Greeks living abroad anywhere in the world. A.F.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[08] UN CHIEF AIMS FOR DIRECT TALKS BETWEEN CLERIDES-DENKTASH IN 1997

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan aims for direct talks between Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and Turkish- Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, within the year, according to the Chief's alternate special envoy to Cyprus Gustav Feishel.

Mr. Feishel, who met with Mr. Annan in New York, examined the situation in Cyprus as it now stands following the recent visit made to the island by the UN Secretary-General's special envoy to Cyprus Han Sung Ju. A.F.

[09] EU'S "15" TO FINALIZE COMMON STATEMENT ON CYPRUS' ACCESSION MONDAY

The European Union's Foreign Ministers Meeting, to be held on Monday, will finalize the report on their common statement regarding the pre-conditions of Cyprus' accession to the EU, which they will in turn present to the Association Council.

The content of this report was discussed yesterday at a committee where the participants saw that it could not be adopted given Greece's objections to a phrase contained in the report, according to which the Turkish-Cypriots must also take part in the negotations concerning Cyprus' accession to the EU.

According to the BBC, one of the proposed solutions to alleviate this tangle was that the "15" express the hope that the conditions will allow for the participation of all involved, that is, both the Greek-Cypriots and the Turkish-Cypriots, in Cyprus' accession. The situation is still pending given that the Greek side is currently examining if it should accept this aspect, and also given that both Britain and Germany have yet to decide if they will agree with this view. A.F.

[10] US SECRETARY OF STATE DISCUSSES CYPRUS, GREECE-TURKEY WITH FOREIGN OFFICE

United States Secretary of State Madleine Albright and British Prime Minister John Major shared their concerns over the Greek-Turkish relations during their meeting in London, where the US official also met with Britain's Foreign Minister Malcolm Rifkind.

Ms. Albright promised that the State Department will intensify its efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, as well as to reduce the existing tension in the eastern Mediterranean region.

Mr. Rifkind stated that the Cyprus issue is an "international challenge" and added that talks could possibly be held under the auspices of the United Nations, a development, he pointed out, that is desired by both the US and Britain.

Ms. Albright avoided any mention of the much-awaited US initiative over Cyprus, and only expressed her concern over the aggravated situation in eastern Mediterranean.

"We share NATO's fears for the worsening situation and are watching the developments very closely," she stated.

In turn, Mr. Rifkind emphasized that a series of efforts are needed in order to finalize any whatsoever initiative for settling the differences between the island's two communities.

Referring to the reports of a British plan to dispatch a multi-national force of 5,000 troops to Cyprus, the British Foreign Minister responded that "I cannot confirm the reports since I hear them for the first time. Britain is currently participating in UNFICYP and we recognize that in order for a peacekeeping agrement which will allow the island's reunion to exist, new initiatives will be needed, but I'm afraid that we still have a long way to go."

U.S. State Department spokesperson Nicholas Burns also referred to the issue of a U.S. initiative for Cyprus and stated that his country has not drawn a specific plan.

"There is the opportunity to achieve progress in resolving the Cyprus issue within 1997," Mr. Burns said, adding that "we haven't drawn a specific plan but the U.S. and Britain certainly have the political will to proceed and resolve the issue." A.F.

[11] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT: EU ACCESSION TALKS ARE HELD ONLY WITH CYPRUS

Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides stated today that the United States are preparing an initiative over the Cyprus issue, while he also pointed out that the island's accession talks with the European Union are conducted only with the Cypriot government.

Moreover, Mr. Clerides clarified that the US Secretary of State Madleine Albright and the British Premier John Major are not speaking of a crisis in Cyprus per se, but rather are expressing a concern regarding the tension that has been created over the Cypriot government's missiles purchase from Russia.

"They will continue to tell us this, but we will not be swayed," Mr. Clerides stated. "The missiles will arrive, as afforded by the contract, whcih we signed with Russia."

In regards to reports that bring the Turkish-Cypriots becoming involved in the Cyprus-EU accession talks, the Cypriot President responded that only the Cypriot Republic is conducting these talks.

"They cannot be talking with a group or a community which has not enjoyed recognition," he said. A.F.

[12] TALKS BETWEEN GREECE AND FYROM WILL RESUME IN NEW YORK NEXT WEDNESDAY

The talks between Greece and FYROM, on the issue of the name that will be used by the latter, will resume in New York next Wednesday.

In the talks, that are being held under the auspices of Cyrus Vance, Greece will be represented by its permanent Ambassador to the UN Christos Zacharakis while FYROM will be represented by Ambassador Ivan Tosefski.

[13] THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR NEW DEMOCRACY'S PARTY CONGRESS MET TODAY AMIDST MIXED REACTIONS

The Organising Committee for New Democracy's party Congress met today amidst mixed reactions after party deputy Kostas Karamanlis accepted the proposal to be a candidate for the party Presidency in the party Congress that will be held in March.

New Democracy spokesman Prokopis Pavlopoulos stated that at this time, whoever presents himself as expressing positions and views of ND party founder Konstantinos Karamanlis, can not say that he continues the tradition he started, while he also stressed that if the ND founder wants to say something he will say it.

New Democracy party leader Miltiades Evert, who is in the northern city of Ioannina, made no statements on the issue.

At noon, mr.Giorgos Souflias, who is one of the candidates for the party Presidency, met with leading party member mr.Stefanos Manos and later with ms.Dora Bakoyianni.

Meanwhile, mr.Viron Polidoras, who also has announced that he will be a candidate for the party Presidency, stressed that mr.Karamanlis' candidature is a step backwards.

[14] THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF THESSALONIKI CULTURAL CAPITAL OF EUROPE '97 WILL VISIT SKOPJE TOMORROW

Artistic Director of the Organization Thessaloniki Cultural Capital of Europe '97 mr.Panos Theodorides will visit Skopje tomorrow after an official invitation by FYROM's Culture Minister Slobodan Unkofski.

Mr.Theodorides stated to MPA, that he will visit Skopje to exchange views with FYROM's Culture Minister and artists on the official participation of the country in the Cultural Capital of Europe '97 events. He also said that the prospects for the promotion of cultural cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the Cultural Capital of Europe Organization, will also be discussed aimed at promoting the Organization's Balkan profile.

The visit to Skopje is part of the contacts scheduled by mr.Theodorides with the countries that will participate officially in the Organization's artistic programme. Already he has visted Istanbul and Bulgaria while a delegation from the artistic director's office met with culture officials from Romania and Serbia.

[15] ABDULLAH GUL: THE TWO COMMUNITIES IN CYPRUS IS IMPOSSIBLE TO CO- EXIST

The two communities in Cyprus is impossible to be united, stated Turkish Minister to the Prime Minister's Department Abdullah Gul responding to questions made by reporters in Washington. He expressed the wish for the two communities to be able to co-exist but he underlined the deep differences between the two communities by saying that there are no mixed marriages.

Mr.Gul also said that no one wants to see a new Bosnia in the region and the two communities must be equally recognized.

Referring to the natural gas deal signed by Turkey and Iran he said that it must be dealt with understanding, as the country faces an energy problem, while responding to the question according to which, Turkey's islamist Prime Minister visits only muslim countries he said that this is wrong, as the Turkish Prime Minister may also visit the United States.

To the question concerning the recent parade of armoured tanks in the municipality of Sintzan, held after a religious event that caused the reaction of the military leadership, he responded that is known to all that a military training camp is located in that region of Ankara.

[16] THE US SECRETARY OF STATE IS IN MOSCOW FOR CONTACTS WITH RUSSIAN OFFICIALS

US Secretary of State Madleen Albright is in Moscow today within the framework of her tour aimed at discussing NATO's eastward expansion. Ms.Albright's contacts with Russian officials are regarded as decisive due to the fact that the main reactions to the Alliance's enlargement come from the Russian side.

In statements she made yesterday, ms.Albright said that she will present to Russian Prime Minister Victor Tsernomirdin NATO's proposal for the reduction of conventional arms as well as a more detailed proposal for an agreement between the Alliance and Russia for the creation of a joint force. Tomorrow, the US Secretary of State will meet with Russian President Boris Yeltsin.

Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated its firm position that it will keep the agreement with Cyprus concerning the Russian S-300 missile system.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has made known its intention to discuss the Cyprus problem in the upcoming talks with ms.Albright and her British counterpart mr.Malcolm Rifkind.

[17] VAN DEN BROEK WILL MEET WITH PRESIDENT CLERIDES NEXT THURSDAY

EU Commissioner Hans Van Den Broek, who will be on a three- day visit to Cyprus, will meet with Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides, Parliament President Spiros Kyprianou and Foreign Minister Alekos Michaelides next Thursday.

Mr.Van Den Broek, who is accompanied by Dutch EU Presidency representative for Cyprus Irish Ambassador Kester Hislip, will also have contacts with political party leaders.

He is also scheduled to visit the Turkish occupied territories to meet Turkish-Cypriot Rauf Denktash.

The EU Commissioner is also expected to meet with Gustav Feissel, alternate special envoy of the UN Secretary General.

[18] CHINA MOURNS DEATH OF DENG XIAOPING

Flags are at half mast throughout China, signifying the nation's mourning for the death of its longtime leader Deng Xiaoping.

Leaders and political figures the world over pay their last tribute to the man who unveiled China to the West, mostly through economic reforms. Sentiments among the Chinese people are mixed though. While most do recognize his contribution, many cannot forget that he was the man who ordered the military roundup at Tienanmen Square where hundreds of students were killed. A.F.

[19] MUSLIMS FROM BULGARIA UNWANTED IN TURKEY, MASS DEPORTATION IN WORKS

According to the BBC and Bulgarian press reports, Turkey plans to deport almost half a million of Bulgarian immigrants who are Muslim.

The reports state that Ankara wants the Bulgarian Muslims to stay at home, altough there are rumors that claim Necmettin Erbakan's Islamist Welfare Party is actually behind this mass deportation operation, as the incoming Muslims are said to support "cosmic" ideas, quite opposed to those espoused by Islam.

The deportation sweep is expected to be set into effect on April 1 and, according to Turkish daily "Milliyet", all Bulgarian immigrants who entered Turkey after 1993 and do not possess a permit to stay, will be send back to their home.

Given its pathetic economic situation, Bulgaria is ill- prepared to accept such an enormous incoming wave of individuals, according to Sofia's daily "Standard".

[20] KOZLODUI NUCLEAR POWER STATION IS ABSOLUTELY SAFE, SAYS ITS TOP OFFICIAL

Kozlodui's nuclear power station is "absolute safe" stated the plant's general director Kiril Nikolov today, countering Bulgarian Energy Minsiter Georgi Stoylov who yesterday said that the plant has a "high level of danger, in spite of the numerous improvements performed in the recent years."

Mr. Nikolov said that the recent findings of Bulgarian and foreign nuclear power specialists attest to the plant's safety, while he added that the fact that families live nearby is enough proof.

Moreover, the plant's director said that Bulgaria does not have alternative sources of electrical energy and emphasized that Kozlodui frees the country from the need to become dependant on foreign forces.

[21] U.S. CONGRESSMEN ASK CLINTON TO CALL OFF HELICOPTER SALE TO TURKEY

Eighty-one members of the United States Congress have petitioned a letter addressed to President Bill Clinton, wherein they ask that the State Department call off the sale of four "seahawk" helicopters to Turkey.

Led by senator Carolyn Maloney, who is also the co-president of the House of Representatives' Hellenic Group, the congressmen point out that during the recent weeks Turkey has threatened to attack Cyprus, in spite of repeated American appeals, while they also refer to Ankara's provocative behavior during the summer of 1996.

"If this sale is ratified," Ms. Maloney said, "then once again the U.S. will give Ankara the message that the American people ignore its systematic violations of human rights."

Last year, a similar effort made by the same group resulted in the cancellation of the Super Cobra helicopter sale to Turkey.

[22] FYROM VP: "OUR COUNTRY'S FUTURE LIES IN IMPROVEMENT OF TIES WITH GREECE"

The Vice-President of FYROM, Yiane Milovski stated that his country's future lies in the further improvement of relations with Greece, not in history books.

In an interview with France's "Le Croix", Mr. Milovski also referred to his country's problematic economy since it still feels the aftermath of the break up of the former Yugoslavia and expressed his concern over the strong Serbian presence in his country.

"Take a look around at the kiosks," he said, " and you will find dozens of poorly-written Serbian editions, but not one Greek or Albanian newspaper."

Lastly, Mr. Milovski supported a closer approach to Greece, in spite of the disappointment that is caused by the name issue pending between the two countries.

[23] BUDAPEST'S GYPSY ORCHESTRA TO PERFORM IN THESSALONIKI THIS WEEKEND

Intoxicating melodies emanating from Hungarian gyspy violins will enchant the crowds in Thessaloniki this weekend when the Gypsy Orchestra of Budapest will perform at the cty's Aristotle University.

The orchestra, featuring 12 soloists and composed of 50 string instruments, four clarinets, two flutes and four cymbals, will perform an array of authentic folkloric pieces, but will also include classical music in its repertory.

[24] ANKARA WANTS NICOSIA TO CALL OFF MISSILE SALE TO CYPRUS, OFFERS REWARD

Ankara is offering Moscow an agreement for military outfits in exchange to the cancellation of the Russian S-300 missiles sale to Cyprus.

According to international news agencies, Turkey threatens that if Russia does nto agree to this "exchange of favors" then it will sign comparable agreements with Israel, Belgium, Germany, France or the United States.

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