Macedonian Press Agency: News in Engilish, 97-03-07

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, March 7, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] REPPAS: THE GOVERNMENT SPECULATES THAT THE CRISIS IN ALBANIA HAS BEEN OVERCOMED

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas expressed the government's position that the crisis in Albania has been overcomed and speculated that the visits in Tirana by Dutch Foreign Minister Van Mierlo, who is currently the President of the EU Council of Ministers and Greek Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis will bring results.

Mr.Reppas characterized as effective the Greek government's intervention and underlined that it will respond directly and effectivelly to any demand for humanitarian aid.

On Turkey, mr.Reppas stated that Greece wants the rapprochement and the normalizing of the relations with this country, stressing that Ankara first will have to respect the European culture and the European principles. He reiterated that there is no question of negotiation especially, on issues concerning borders and territorial integrity and stated that the political dialogue not accepted by Turkey concerns issues of illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

[02] PRESIDENT STEHANOPOULOS ATTENDED THE FESTIVITIES FOR THE UNION OF THE DODECANESE ISLANDS WITH GREECE

Greek Republic President Kostis Stephanopoulos attended the festivities held in the south-eastern Aegean island of Rhodes for the anniversary of the union of the Dodecanese islands with Greece.

Mr.Stephanopoulos underlined that all the regions in the Aegean are Greek and will continue to be Greek, while he characterized as funny Turkey's allegation that the small distance separating its coasts from the small islands in the Aegean create an issue of dispute of the Greek sovereignty.

The Greek President stated that there comes a time when history vindicates and takes revenge and reminded the treaties of Lausanne and the Union of the Dodecanese islands with Greece.

Referring to the situation in Albania, mr.Stephanopoulos expressed the position that the only risk the Greek minority faces is that which is created in a period of relative anarchy, while he pointed out that it will be foolishness for any government in the neighbouring country to turn against the Greek minority.

[03] GREECE SALUTES INT/NL OLYMPIC CM/TEE FOR PLACING ATHENS IN TOP 5

The Greek government today saluted the International Olympic Committee for placing Athens among the top five cities-finalists bidding to host the 2004 Olympic Games.

Government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas stated that the government is confident that this victory will only be followed by Athens' success in hosting the Games.

"The first Olympic Games of the new millennium will reconfirm the Olympic Spirit and its ideals, while it will mark a new start for athletics and modern culture," Mr. Reppas said.

Aside from Athens, the other cities that made the top-five list are Rome, Stockholm, Buenos Aires and Cape Town. The final decision on which of these five cities will host the 2004 Olympic Games will be announced in September. A.F.

[04] MINISTER OF MACEDONIA-THRACE COMMENTS ON ALBANIA, BULGARIA

The Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos told the Macedonian Press Agency that the Greek government's initiatives regarding the current crisis in Albania have began to bear positive results.

Also, in regards to Bulgaria's economic plights, Mr. Petsalnikos stated that the humanitarian aid which has been amassed from various sectors of northern Greece and is being sent to Bulgaria, is developing at satisfactory rates. A.F.

[05] THE ASSOCIATION OF GREEK COMPUTER COMPANIES WILL PLACE A GREEK OBSERVER IN SOFIA ON APRIL 1

The Association of Greek Computer Companies will place a Greek observer in Sofia starting on April 1. This way, all the Greek businessmen who want to be active in the neighbouring country will have access to reliable and well-founded information on the posibilities opened in the computer sector.

The Association's President Theodoros Fessas stated to MPA that the Greek businessmen will have the opportunity to get all the necessary information concerning business opportunities in Bulgaria.

Mr.Fessas returned yesterday from a two-day visit to Sofia aimed at examining the business cooperation potential opened for the Association members in the Balkan and eastern Mediterranean states.

[06] UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO MEET WITH BERISHA IN TIRANA TOMORROW

Greece's Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis will travel to Tirana tomorrow where he will meet with Albanian President SalI Berisha and opposition leaders. Mr. Kranidiotis will also try to meet with jailed opposition leader Fatos Nano.

Also, Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos expressed the hope today that the Albanian people will turn in the arms once they are given the guarantee that a caretaker government will be formed and early elections will be declared.

"The efforts to exert presures from all sides appears to lead to results," stated Mr. Tsochatzopoulos, adding that "all the parties agreed and submitted to President Berisha a common proposal."

The Defense Minister also said that the crisis in Albania is an issue that does not only concern a part of the Albanian populace, but also concerns us as neighbors and is, of course, a matter of security, stability and foremost priority for the region.

Also, the Archbishop of Albania Anastasios issued an appeal to all yesterday that they stop the violence. A.F.

[07] THEODORAKIS' "ZORBA" WILL BE PRESENTED IN SKOPJE

The presentation in Skopje of the ballet play "Zorba" with music composed by Mikis Theodorakis, which is based on the famous novel written by Nikos Kazantzakis, is the result of a non governmental initiative that was undertaken in Greece and FYROM.

Their goal is to bridge the gap between the two countries and help toward the development of friendly relations between the two peoples. It should be noted, that Alexis Zorba was born in the village of Katafigi in Kozani, north-western Greece in 1865 and died in a village near Skopje in 1942.

The event is support in Greece by a committee made up of 80 personalities from the intellectual, cultural and political world, while in FYROM the initiative is being supported by the Committee of Citizens for Dialogue and Understanding between the two peoples.

[08] PANGALOS: GREECE HAS A LEADING ROLE IN THE BALKANS

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos speaking in three of the most important international foreign policy centers in Boston, USA referred to the developments in Albania and to the overall situation in the Balkans, to the Greek-Turkish relations, the issue of Cyprus' accession into the EU as well as, to the improvement observed in the Greek economy.

Mr.Pangalos' speeches were made in the Kennedy School of Public Administration, the Fletcher Law School and Diplomatic Studies in Tufts University and the Hellenic Resources Institute.

Referring to the leading constructive role Greece plays in the Balkans, mr.Pangalos spoke about the Greek government's proposal for a meeting of the Albanian political forces and parties in Athens for a solution to found through an agreement between the Albanian government and the opposition that will lead to a transitional government and general elections.

The head of the Greek diplomacy stressed that the situation in Albania would have been catastrophic without the indirect Greek aid referring to the money brought to Albania by the immigrants who worked in Greece legally or illegally.

Responding to a question on what the Greek government intends to do on the issue of the persecutions against the Greek minority in Albania, mr.Pangalos stated that there is a climate of persecutions in the country, clarifying that is not directed only to the Greek minority.

On the issue of Cyprus' accession into the EU, mr.Pangalos said that the British created an obstacle to the preparations for Cyprus' EU accession negotiations presenting a proposal that was supported by Germany which called for the participation of the Turkish-Cypriots in the negotiations.

The Greek Foreign Minister stated that Cyprus can not become an EU member for as long as the West and especially the United States, continue to tolerate the Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus and do not pressure Turkey into making the right decisions and abandon the unreasonable and unlawful expansionist claims and provocations.

Mr.Pangalos stated that the Greek military spending can be reduced if a framework of international guarantees is created because even if there are no more problems with Turkey this country will not reduce its own military forces as it will continue to have problems with the Arab world, Asia and Iran.

Moreover, said mr.Pangalos, the military in Turkey plays a dominant role even in the economic sector. In Turkey, 30% of the industrial production is the result of army activities and for example, the production of Renault cars in the country belongs to a military organization. Mr.Pangalos said that the situation is very unstable and great uncertainty will continue in Turkey, therefore the solution of problems such as the Cyprus problem and the Greek-Turkish relations are the responsibility of the international community, they are international problems.

The Foreign Minister also spoke about the great improvement observed in different sectors of the Greek economy especially in the private sector. He said that the problem of the Greek economy is the public deficit and inflation, while another big problem is the education. He concluded by saying that the problem with Turkey will not be resolved tomorrow but it will be dealt with.

[09] SCHOOL YEAR TO BE EXTENDED FOR HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS

Education Minister Gerasimos Arsenis has announced that the school year for high schools will be extended as a result of the secondary education teachers' seven-week-long strike.

As such, the schools will close for summer on June 6 and Spring Break will be shortened by three days in order to make up for lost teaching hours.

Alternatively, the Education Minister proposed that the teachers could hold classes on Saturday or add one more teaching hour daily. A.F.

[10] GREECE IS AMONG THE FIVE CITIES BIDING TO HOLD THE 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES

Greece is among the five candidate cities biding to hold the 2004 Olympic Games, as it was announced today in Lausanne by Swiss President of the Committee Mark Holden.

In the list of the five candidates are also included Rome, Stockholm, Buenos Aires and Cape Town.

In the ceremony, Greece was represented by Greek delegation President Anna Daskalaki, who earlier had received a honorary diploma by International Olympic Committee President, Juan Antonio Samaranch.

The candidatures that were not approved were those of the cities of Lille, Seville, San Juan, Istanbul and Rio de Janeiro. The final decision on which of the five cities will be the host of the 2004 Olympic Games will be announced in September.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[11] ALBANIA STILL UNSTABLE: GOVERNMENT, PROTESTERS UNYIELDING

Neither the Albanian authorities, nor the armed civilians, appear to be willing to budge from their positions, fading all hopes for an end to the crisis after yesterday's meeting between president Berisha and the opposition leaders.

The Albanian president Sali Berisha is categorically against the demand of early elections, while the protesters demand that Berisha resign and the Parliament be disolved. The government's deadline to the protesters for turning in their guns is to end on Sunday morning, when a truce will be effected.

However, there are some hopes that today's visit of Dutch Foreign Minister Hans Van Mierlo to Tirana, as well as tomorrow's visit of Greek Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis, may prompt Berisha to reconsider his stance. A special envoy from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Austria's former chancellor Franz Vranitski, is to meet with Mr. Berisha as well. A.F.

[12] OSCE REPRESENTATIVE ON MINORITY ISSUES VISITS SKOPJE TODAY

Meetings with FYROM's political leadership and political party leaders will have OSCE representative on minority issues mr.Max Van der Stouhl, who is expected to arrive in Skopje today.

According to the state radio station, mr.Van der Stouhl will be briefed on the issue of the continuing demonstrations by the Slav students, who are opposing the implementation of the law that allows the use of the Albanian language in the Education Department of the Skopje University, as well as on possible reactions in FYROM related with the situation in Albania.

Foreign Minister Ljubomir Frtskofski in statements published in the weekly magazine "Pools" underlined that FYROM will not allow on its territory immigrants from Albania, adding that his government's position will be formally announced to the Albanian Ambassador to Skopje.

[13] ARMED PROTESTERS IN ALBANIA DEMAND THAT SALI BERISHA RESIGN

Albania's armed protesters are insisting that President Sali Berisha resign, thereby refusing to abide by the 48-hour deadline to turn in their guns, as was agreed upon yesterday between the President and the country's opposition.

Today, the Dutch President of the European Union's Ministerial Council Hans Van Mierlo will meet with Mr. Berisha and opposition leaders in an attempt to find a solution to the political crisis.

Meanwhile, a shortage of food is noted in the areas that are controlled by army troops. Greece's armed forces, police and health services are on stand by so that they may provide humanitarian aid and medicine shoould the Albanian people need it. A.F.

[14] THE CYPRIOT PRESIDENT WILL ATTEND THE INSTALLATION OF THE NEW PATRIARCH OF ALEXANDRIA AND ALL OF AFRICA, PETROS

According to an announcement by Cypriot government spokesman Yiannakis Kasoulides, Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides will attend the ceremony for the installation of the new Patriarch of Alexandria and All of Africa, Petros that will be held on Sunday.

Patriarch Petros comes from Dikomos in Cyprus and is a relative of General Secretary of the Cypriot Communist Party, AKEL, Dimitris Christofias. The ceremony will be held in Alexandria, Egypt.

[15] THE RUSSIAN PARLIAMENT APPROVED A LAW THAT MAKES THE WWII BOOTY A PROPERTY OF THE RUSSIAN STATE

The Russian Federation Council approved a law that regulates a dispute between Moscow and Bonn. With the new law, that caused strong reactions in Germany, the works of art seized by the Russian Red Army during WWII, mainly from German territory, are being declared Russian state property.

The law that was approved last month by the Russian Lower House of Parliament, known as Duma, got almost the unanimous approval of the Council and now is up to President Yeltsin to ratify or veto it.

This decision caused Bonn's strong reaction, as Germany demands from Russia the return of the WWII booty, which include 200.000 works of art, such as the Treasures of King Priamos.

[16] CILLER WARNED OF A NEW BERLIN WALL IF TURKEY DOES NOT BECOME AN EU MEMBER

The Turkish government vice-President and Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller reacted strongly to the recent statement by the Christian-Democrat leaders of the EU member states, who categorically ruled out the possibility of Turkey's EU membership.

Ms.Ciller, speaking in the formal dinner given to the honour of the EU Ambassadors to Ankara, warned the European Union against building a new Berlin Wall by refusing Turkey's accession into the EU, stressing that this way Europe will be divided on the basis of cultures.

The Turkish Foreign Minister reminded to the European Ambassadors that Turkish soldiers have lost their lives in the Korean War fighting for democracy, while he said that her country contributed to the solution of the crisis in Bosnia and assisted the international forces during the war in the Persian Golf, adding that her country's contribution is not recognized.

[17] CYPRUS PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO UN ASKS FOR ISLAND'S DEMILITARIZATION

The Cypriot permanent representative to the United Nations Sotiris Zakcheos emphasized the importance of the proposal made by Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides for the island's demilitarization.

Mr. Zakcheos tabled the proposAl within the framework of a discussion that followed the approval of the complete banning of nuclear tests and the promotion of the disarmament process. A.F.

[18] TWENTY STUDENTS FROM UNIVERSITY OF SKOPJE CONTINUE HUNGER STRIKE

Twenty students from the University of Skopje continue their hunger strike for a third day, protesting the government's refusal to listen to their requests regarding the abolishment of the law on the use of the Albanian language in the Education Deparment and the overall address of the problems faced in higher education.

Meanwhile, political observes in Skopje comment that the populous particpation of pensioners in a a march conducted yesterday by students, signifies that perhaps these mobilizations will expand to throughout the country. A.F.

[19] SIR DAVID HANNAY TO TRAVEL TO CYPRUS NEXT WEEK

Britain's envoy for Cyprus Sir David Hannay is to travel to Nicosia next week where he will hold talks spanning all of the Cypriot issue's sides.

Sir Hannay's visit is an extension of his prior contacts aimed at promoting a cohesive settlement of the Cyprus issue. A.F.

[20] INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE WOMAN SALUTED BY UN CHIEF

The United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has forwarded a message to women all over the world, in recognition of tomorrow's celebration of International Day of the Woman.

"Tomorrow is a day when all of the world's women bridge the national, cultural, economic and political differences in order to unite and celebrate their common struggles for equality, development and peace," Mr. Annan states, adding that "although women are absent from peace talks, they contribute in preventive diplomacy and the creation of peacekeeping processes. A.F.

[21] THERE'S A U.S. EFFORT, NOT INITIATIVE, TO RESOLVE CYPRUS ISSUE, SAYS BRILL

United States Ambassador to Nicosia Kenneth Brill denied all reports of a said "American initiative" to resolve the Cyprus issue and clarified, instead, that there is an American effort to solve the problem.

Mr. Brill also added that his country's scope of interest is not limited to the issue of security but, rather, spans all issues.

"We are concerned with all issues, because we can't be providing help in solving one issue at a time. There must be a cohesive solution and we will be active in that direction," the American diplomat said. A.F.

[22] F.R.Y.: UNIVERSITY OF BELGRADE DEAN RESIGNS AND THE STUDENTS CELEBRATE

The Dean of the University of Belgrade Dragudin Velickovic submitted his resignation today, after the school's students refrained from classes for 106 days, demanding that the rector leave the post.

The students had been protesting since the government had refused to recognize the opposition's victory in November 17's local elections. The Dean's resignation was their last demand. A.F.

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