Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-03-06

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, March 6, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] THE GREEK COMMITTEE OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE WAS BRIEFED ON THE SITUATION IN ALBANIA

Greece will seek the establishment of a contact group on a lasting basis made up of five EU member-states which will follow closely the situation in Albania. This contact group will be made up of the EU troika (Ireland - Holland - Luxemburg) as well as, Greece and Italy which are directly interested parties.

The above were mentioned by Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis, who briefed the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence on the developments in Albania. The committee will meet again next Wednesday, March 12 in the presence of Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

Mr.Kranidiotis pointed out that under discussion is also a Greek proposal for economic aid to the Albanian people through the European Bank of Investments and a special stability fund.

The Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs will leave for Tirana on Saturday morning and will seek among others, to meet with the jailed Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano.

[02] GREECE TAKES INITIATIVES ON EASING OFF CRISIS IN ALBANIA

The Greek government has intensified its diplomatic initiatives in order to resolve the crisis in Albania and protect the Greek ethnic minority.

This evening the Greek Premier Kostas Simitis will meet with the Dutch President of the EU Ministerial Council to discuss the crisis in the neighboring country.

In Washington today, Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos will discuss the Albanian crisis with U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, while Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis will travel to Tirana on Saturday. A.F.

[03] GREECE'S SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO CONTINUE STRIKE FOR 8TH WEEK

Greece's secondary school teachers have decided to continue their strike for an eighth consecutive week.

"The government must be sympathetic to our problems so that we may arrive at solutions through mutual concessions," said a spokesperson of the teachers' national union OLME.

Meanwhile, worried parents throughout the country are making appeals to both sides that they resolve their differences so that the students can return to classes and put an end to lost academic hours. A.F.

[04] NEW DEMOCRACY: CONFUSION OVER YESTERDAY'S ELECTION RESULTS

Greece's main opposition party New Democracy held elections yesterday in order to appoint the 1,300 delegates who are to participate in the party's fourth congress, but three out of the party's four contenders for the leadership support that the results are in their favor.

Specifically, N.D.'s current president Miltiades Evert, George Souflias and Kostas Karamanlis all said that the votes are in their favor, although only Mr. Souflias' office in Thessaloniki provided analytical reports on the outcome, according to which, 32% of the delegates are in his favor, 60% in Mr. Karamanlis' favor and the remaining eight percent are with President Evert.

Mr. Evert's and Mr. Karamanlis' colleagues did not comment on the outcome. A.F.

[05] THE FIRST MEETING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF JOINT CHAMBERS IN THE BLACK SEA COUNTRIES WILL BE HELD IN RUSSIA IN APRIL

The Greek Ministry of Agriculture will possibly be the fifth member in the founding accord of the Center for the Study and Development of the Greek Culture in the Black Sea.

Undersecretary of Agriculture Vasilios Geranidis conveyed the interest of the ministry's leadership to participate in this accord on the cultural, economic and social support and development of the Greek community in the Black Sea.

For the achievement of the Center's goals is necessary the establishment and the operation of joint Chambers that will record the business activities and potential. The first of the special meetings with Russian businessmen will be held in Russia in April to discuss the likelihood of forming a temporary committee that will coordinate the establishment of a Chamber in the region. Similar meetings will follow in the rest Black Sea countries that will be completed by the end of summer.

[06] THREE YEARS HAVE GONE BY WITHOUT MELINA

Today marks the three-year anniversary since Melina Mercouri's death and Thessaloniki, a town that she had a special fondness for, will honor her memory through a series of events.

1997 is the year that Thessalniki holds the title of "Cultural Capital of Europe," an institution whose founder was the beloved actress, activist and former culture minister Melina herself.

"I adore Thessaloniki, I adore its people," she had exclaimed in 1976, when she performed the role of Medea in town. A.F.

[07] THESSALONIKI CELEBRATES MARDI GRAS, HOSTS CARNIVAL FROM VENICE

Thessaloniki embarks today on five-day-long festivities celebrating Mardi Gras in a most colorful and splendid way.

Over 3,500 carnival performers from various regions of northern Greece, Venice and other Italian cities will meet in the streets of the city where they will dance and perform to contagious rhythms. A.F.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[08] REPPAS ON ALBANIA CRISIS: THERE SHOULD BE A GOVERNMENT OF WIDE ACCEPTANCE

Greek government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas stated today that Albania needs a government that will enjoy wide acceptance and the trust of the Albanian people.

When asked about NATO's role, Mr. Reppas responded that the Alliance will play a role only in the case of war.

"What we must do is, in a calm manner, to contribute in such a way so that all of the Albanian sides will sit at a table and search for a solution to their country's problem," Mr. Reppas said. A.F.

[09] STATE DEPARTMENT CONCERNED OVER SALI BERISHA'S RE-ELECTION AS PRESIDENT

The United States have expressed their concern over the current crisis in Albania, while they also appear bothered by Sali Berisha's re-election in the midst of the volatile situation.

State Department spokesperson Nicholas Burns stated that the US have called on Mr. Berisha to listen to their advice over ways to resolve the crisis, "if Albania wishes to be considered a part of Europe."

White House spokesperson Mike McKerry was equally stern.

"We are bothered by Sali Berisha's re-election from the parliament," Mr. McKery stated, calling on the Albanian leader to respect the citizens' basic rights and avoid violence or any other act that would provoke the people. A.F.

[10] ALBANIA: BERISHA AND OPPOSITION LEADERS AGREE ON 48-HOUR TRUCE

Following a marathon meeting, Albanian President Sali Berisha and the country's opposition party leaders have agreed on a 48-hour truce, during which period all military troops will be inactivated.

At the same time, the armed civilians are called on to turn in their guns and weapons, which they took from police stations, with the promise that they will be granted amnesty.

Meanwhile in Tirana, a spokesperson of the ruling Democratic Party stated that Mr. Berisha will refuse all requests tabled by the opposition to form a national salvation government, arguing that such government would not be able to respond to the severe crisis and would lead the country to chaos. However, according to the same source, Mr. Berisha is said to be ready to accept an agreement for early elections. A.F.

[11] DELVINO RESIDENTS ORGANIZE REBEL SQUADS, CUT OFF ACCESS TO THE CITY

The armed residents of Delvino are proceeding to organize rebel squads, 15 kilometers east of Agii Saranta.

Access to the area is impeded since this morning, as the Macedonian Press Agency already reported, when the rebels blew up a bridge that leads to a road linking Argyrocastro with Agii Saranta, thereby hampering access to the military troops from Argirocastro to the region of Delvino. Throughout the side roads, organized groups of armed rebels have set up roadblocks. A.F.

[12] INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC COMMUNITY MOVES FOR ALBANIA

An international diplomatic campaign is currently in the works, attempting to alleviate the crisis in Albania. Greece is carrying out a leading role and its Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis is to travel to Tirana on Saturday.

Marathon talks are held in Tirana between Albanian President Sali Berisha and leaders of opposition parties in order to reach a compromise. Nevertheless, the military situation remains tense.

The armed rioters have began forming tactical groups in the south in order to face any possible incoming troops. At least seven persons were killed in fights today. A.F.

[13] BERISHA'S ARMY TOOK UP BATTLE POSITIONS IN AGII SARANTA AND VLORA - ROADS ARE BLOCKED BY ARMED CIVILIANS

President Sali Berisha's army and armed civilians took up fighting positions in the city of Agii Saranta in south Albania. The government forces have surrounded the city but until now they have avoided any aggressive move. Last night, it was a quite night in most of south Albania except from a number of attacks and lootings targeting Greek minority stores in the region of Dropolis.

According to information coming from the Greek minority, only sporadic gunfire was heard in the region of Agii Saranta, while the blowing up of a bridge in the Argirokastro-Agii Saranta road created a climate of concern among the local residents.

The situation in Argirokastro is calm, as the city is completely under the control of the government, and military vehicles are patroling the streets but nevertheless, a number of attacks against Greek minority properties continue to be reported.

In an effort to defuse the crisis, President Berisha called for a meeting to take place this morning with the participation of all political party leaders. Albanian Socialist Party Public Relations director Pavli Zeri stated to MPA that it appears that President Berisha does not have the intention to order a military intervention in the cities of Agii Saranta and Vlora in order to put down the unrest.

Meanwhile, the Albanian President refused to accept an OSCE delegation headed by former Austrian Chancellor Frants Vranitski, maintaining that the whole situation in Albania is an internal affair that will be resolved soon.

Dutch Foreign Minister mr.Van Mierlo, who is presiding over the EU Council of Ministers, is in Athens today for talks with Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and Foreign Ministry officials, mainly on the Albanian issue.

[14] UN SECRETARY-GENERAL JAVIER SOLANA TO VISIT FYROM THIS MONTH

United Nations Secretary-General Javier Solana will conduct a one-day visit to FYROM during the last week of March.

According to press reports, Mr. Solana is to meet with FYROM's President Kiro Gligorov, Premier Branco Crvenkovski, Foreign Minister Ljubomir Frtckovski and Defense Minister Blagoi Hangiski. A.F.

[15] THE BRUNNER CASE WILL BE DISCUSSED IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

The case of Nazi war criminal Alois Brunner, who organized the Holocaust of the 50.000 Jews in Thessaloniki, will be discussed next Monday in the European Parliament's plenary session. It is expected that a resolution will be adopted calling the Syrian government to extradite Brunner in order to be brought before justice.

The discussion in the Euro-Parliament will be made after a question tabled by Greek Euro-deputy Nikos Papakiriazis that followed MPA's presentation of the Brunner case in INTERNET.

Brunner is wanted by Interpol and the German government offers 500.000 DM for information leading to his arrest, while a French court has sentenced him to death twice for his activities in the Dransy Camp near Paris, where 25.000 French Jews, among them 200 children, were killed.

[16] BULGARIA'S EFFORTS TO BECOME A MEMBER OF NATO AND THE EU

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Stoyan Stalev briefed the EU Ambassadors to Sofia on the efforts made by his country to become a member of the European Union and NATO, while he referred to the 3rd meeting of the EU-Bulgaria Association Council that was held in Brussels.

Mr.Stalev also referred to the main points of Bulgaria's positions on NATO, Russia and the Balkan states.

[17] THE GERMAN MINISTER OF DEFENCE WILL VISIT SKOPJE IN APRIL

The German Minister of Defence will be on a formal visit to Skopje on April 8 accepting an invitation by his counterpart in FYROM.

During his stay, the German Minister of Defence will visit FYROM's military installations as well as, the Military Academy in Skopje.

[18] THE TURKISH SECURITY FORCES USED KURDISH VILLAGERS IN MINE DETECTING OPERATIONS

The Turkish Parliament's Human Rights Committee is investigating the accusations made by a deputy of the governing Welfare Party according to which, Kurdish villagers have been used by the Security Forces in mine detecting operations.

According to the British newspaper "Daily Telegraph", the findings of the committee will be presented to the Turkish Parliament next week.

The newspaper published a correspondence from the mountain village of Tekevler in the region of Batman in south-eastern Turkey, citing testimonies of local residents who were used in the mine scouting operations. The villagers maintain that members of the Turkish security forces made them walk on a minefield. According to their testimonies, they were forced to form a line and walk toward the field and when they refused to do so the Turkish soldiers started beating them.

According to the "Daily Telegraph", the Welfare Party deputy, who is elected in that region and started the investigation procedure, stated that the villagers walked on the field for hours and by a miracle no one was injured.

The newspaper comments that the investigation procedure is held within the framework of the campaign launched by the Turkish authorities aimed at winning the confidence of the Kurds. The campaign includes, among others, plans for the creation of thousands of jobs in south-eastern Turkey and the housing of thousands of people who lost their homes during the 13 year conflict in the region.

[19] VLORE, AGII SARANTA AND DELVINO REMAIN UNDER PROTESTERS' CONTROL

The situation in southern Albania remains critical as armed rioters continue to have control of Vlore, Agii Saranta and Delvino while President Sali Berisha's forces are said to be ready for action.

The Albanian President has refused to allow a delegation of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to visit Tirana.

The Albanian opposition has asked the European Union and the United States to exert pressure on the Berisha regime in order to reach a solution. A.F.

[20] BRITAIN: NO TO DENKTASH'S REGIME, YES TO TURKISH-CYPRIOTS IN ACCESSION TALKS

Britain insists that Turkish-Cypriots become involved in Cyprus' negotiations with the European Union concerning the island's accession to the community, according to British Foreign Minister Malcolm Rifkind, who also added that his country will not recognize the Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's self-called state.

Referring to the EU-Cyprus accession talks, Mr. Rifkind emphasized that these negotiations will be held with the Cypriot government but added that "we must take into consideration all the expectations and interests of all of Cyprus' citizens."

The British official added that the negotiations will not be brief, rather they will last months. A.F.

[21] CYPRIOT FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS WITH FRENCH MINISTER OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Cypriot Foreign Minister Alekos Michaelides met with France's Minister on European Affairs Michel Barniet in Paris where the two men discuss the efforts to ressolve the Cyprus issue, the possibility of conducting talks between the two communities on the island and the beginning of negotiations following the end of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) concerning Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

Following the meeting, Mr. Michaelides stated that the efforts exerted by the US and the EU concerning a solution to the island's division must be coordinated.

"We salute France's interest and all those who have expressed their interest in Cyprus," Mr. Michaelides stated.

He added that it would be best if a solution is found prior to the beginning of the IGC "so that both sides could emerge as winners." A.F.

[22] GREEK-CYPRIOT TEACHER ELENI FOKA WANTS JUCTICE IN OCCUPIED REGION

There has been no improvement in the living conditions of those who live in Cyprus' occupied territory, according to the teacher from Karpacia Eleni Foka who has issued an appeal to the Cypriot government and the international community to undertake action in order for justice to prevail.

The occupying regime has forbidden Ms. Foka to go from the occupied territory to the island's free region and has kept her hostage for seven months because she has refused to accept the regime's identity. A.F.

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