Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-03-13

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, March 13, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] PREMIER: GREECE TAKES INITIATIVES TO SOLVE ALBANIAN CRISIS

The Greek government is taking initiatives to secure a political solution in Albania's crisis, so that consequences will not be felt by the Greek ethnic minority living there, as well as by the greater Balkan region, stated the Premier Kostas Simitis during a lengthy televised interview he gave last evening.

The Premier also referred extensively to the Greek-Turkish relations and stated that there has been no shift in the positions adopted by the Greek government, whose policy is based on achieving peace and stability in the region.

Greece's Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos is to travel to Tirana tomorrow with Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis. The two Greek officials will try to meet with representatives of the rioters. A.F.

[02] PREMIER: GREECE TAKES DIPLOMATIC INITIATIVES TO SOLVE ALBANIAN CRISIS

The Greek government is taking initiatives to secure a political solution in Albania's crisis, so that consequences will not felt by the Greek ethnic minority living there, as well as by the greater Balkan region, stated the Premier Kostas Simitis during a lengthy televised interview he gave last evening.

The Premier also referred extensively to the Greek-Turkish relations and stated that there has been no shift in the positions adopted by the Greek government, whose policy is based on achieving peace and stability in the region. A.F.

[03] WEU PRESIDENT TO MEET WITH GREEK PREMIER IN ATHENS TOMORROW

The Greek Premier Kostas Simitis is to receive the President of the Western European Union's Assembly Luis Maria de Puig, in order to discuss the WEU's initiatives to alleviate the crisis in Albania.

Aslo participating in the meeting will be the President of the Hellenic Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis.

Mr. de Puig is to meet with the Minister of National Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos and will also be received by leaders of the opposition parties. A.F.

[04] DEFENSE MINISTER TO INAUGURATE THESSALONIKI'S "BUSINESS IN EASTERN EUROPE"

A two-day meeting called "Business in Eastern Europe" will present investment opportunities in the Balkans, economic collaboration within the European Union and Greece's participation in large development programs, and will be inaugurated in Thesaloniki tomorrow evening by the Minister of National Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos.

Financial advisers from Cyprus, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, France and Germany, as well as distinguished academicians will field questions in regards to investment opportunities in their countries. A.F.

[05] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER COMMENTS ON ALBANIAN CRISIS

Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos said today that the diplomatic initiative mentioned by the Premier is under development, but he did clarify that the Greek government does not get involved in the domestic affairs of the neighboring country but instead is closely watching the developments.

"The Greek government is especially interested in the fate of the Greek minority," Mr. Tsochatzopoulos said.

Meanwhile a European delegation is to arrive in Tirana tomorow, headed by Austria's former chancellor Franz Vranitski. A.F.

[06] GREECE, AUSTRIA TO COOPERATE IN MILITARY VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

Austria and Greece will cooperate in the military vehicle construction sector, following the meeting held yesterday between the President of Greece's Vehicle Industry "ELVO" and Austria's Defense Minister Werner Fasslabend.

ELVO signed a contract with Austria's Stayer, a vehicle construction company, which is to supply Greece with parts that will be used in the construction of 57 armoured vehicles for the Greek armed forces.

Mr. Fasslabend visited ELVO's facilities accompanied by Greece's Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos and stated that he was impressed by the plant's organization. A.F.

[07] A DRAFT LAW ON THE OPERATION OF THE WORLD COUNCIL OF HELLENES ABROAD WILL BE TABLED IN PARLIAMENT SOON

A draft law regulating the operation of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad, SAE, as well as and other issues concerning the Greek communities all over the world and the Foundation of Hellenic Culture, will be tabled in Parliament soon. The announcement was made by alternate Foreign Affairs Minister Giorgos Papandreou, while briefing the members of the Permanent Parliament Committee on Greeks living abroad.

Mr.Papandreou stressed that among the Foreign Ministry top priorities is the preparation of the Greeks living abroad Conference that will be held next November or December in Thessaloniki, while another meeting of SAE's Presiding Board will be held again in Greece in May.

[08] 40 TONS OF HUMANITARIAN AID FROM THESSALONIKI WILL LEAVE FOR BULGARIA IN 10 DAYS

Forty tons of food and medicine will be transported by train to Bulgaria and are expected to leave from Thessaloniki's Railway Station in 10 days.

The economic situation in Bulgaria is very bad, as the average one-day wage in the south-eastern European countries is estimated at 4,5 US dollars, while in Bulgaria the average monthly wage is just 5 US dollars.

[09] THESSALONIKI WAS A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR HEINER MULLER

An unpublished poem written by the late Heiner Muller in Thessaloniki in 1986 and inspired by the city, will be presented for the first time during a symposium dedicated to the German author that is organised by the Cultural Capital of Europe Organization - Thessaloniki '97.

In the symposium will participate distinguished foreign personalities like Spanish author and Mediterranean Theater International Institute Director Jose Monleon, German dramatist Inga-Paul Lehmann and Heiner Muller's widow, Briggite.

[10] GREEK BASKETBALL TEAM ENTERS KORAC CUP FINALS

Greece's Aris has entered the final rounds of the Korac Cup. After a close-call game in Italy's Trevizo, Thessaloniki's team lost to Benetton 87-86 but made it to the finals since during the first game it had won with a four-point difference.

In the finals Aris is to face Turkey's Tofas Brusa in two games. A.F.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[11] COMPLETE CHAOS IN ALBANIA, RUMORS ABOUND THAT BERISHA WILL LEAVE THE COUNTRY FOR UNITED STATES

The chaotic situation that has been prevalent in southern Albania for days now has reached the country's capital Tirana.

Meanwhile, according to Albania's governmental circles, President Sali Berisha has filed a request for a visa in order to enter the United States.

This evening the state-owned television in Albania ceased its broadcast, while reports mention that the prison of Tirana has been opened and about 600 inmates escaped, among them Socialist leader Fatos Nano.

A Greek journalist was injured today in Koritsa when dynamite exploded nearby. Fotis Petalides was transported to the hostial of Kozani in Greece. A.F.

[12] ALBANIAN CARETAKER GOVERNMENT SWORN IN TODAY

Albania's caretaker 15-member government was sworn in today, in the presence of President Sali Berisha.

Mr. Berisha called on his country's political powers to support the government's task and called on the Albanian people to display self-restrain and cool-headedness during these difficult times the country is undergoing.

Moreover, the Albanian President said that the government should not be chalenged since it represents all of the country's political forces.

Premier Bascim Fino stated that the government's priority is to conduct dialogues with the rioters in order to alleviate the crisis. A.F.

[13] ALBANIA'S NEW PREMIER SAYS HIS COUNTRY IS ON THE VERGE OF CIVIL WAR

Albania's new Premier Bascim Fino told the BBC that his country is on the verge of civil war and asked the European Union to provide assistance. The armed civilians have seized the city of Fieri and as such are now controlling all of southern Albania, while the airport of Tirana remains closed.

Meanwhile, the efforts to form a government of national reconciliation are problematic, as the party of "Democratic Alliance" withdrew from the negotiations.

The looting of army storehouses has extended to the country's northern section while five persons were killed and another forty were injured last night during an attack in military storehouses in Skodra.

The city of Koritsa has fallen into the hands of rioters, although the city had been fortified by police forces who were aware that the rioters were planning to enter the city. A.F.

[14] BRITISH SPECIAL ENVOY FOR CYPRUS TO MEET WITH CLERIDES, DENKTASH TODAY

Britain's special envoy for the Cyprus issue Sir David Hannay is to meet once again with Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides in Nicosia today, as well as with Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

According to reports, Sir Hannay is to relay specific ideas for the Cyprus issue's various aspects and his aim will be to discuss all of the matter's issues.

Following his contacts in Nicosia yesterday, Sir Hannay stated that all those who are involved in the Cyprus issue are realizing that the solution to the problem is near. A.F.

[15] F.R.Y. TO CLOSE ITS BORDERS WITH ALBANIA

The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia has decided to close its borders with Albania, given the worsening turn of events noted in the neighboring country, according to Yugoslav press reports.

Yugoslavia is linked with Albania through three border stations, two of which are in Kossovo and the third is in Montenegro.

Military sources have said that the Yugoslav authorities have fortified the Albania-Montenegro borders, fearing an incoming wave of immigrants. A.F.

[16] BERISHA "HIRES" SUPPORTERS FROM BOSNIA, KOSSOVO, SAYS OMONIA PRESIDENT

Albanian President Sali Berisha is said to be bringing in supporters from Kossovo and Bosnia, according to the leader of the Greek minority organization in Albania "Omonia", George Labovitiades.

Speaking to the Macedonian Press Agency, Mr. Labovitiades said that this Mr. Berisha's frantic attempt to stay in power.

Also, the president of Omonia said that shots are heard in Tirana sporadically throughout the day, a fact which may mean that the rioters have reached the capital.

He also stated that the Greek minority is continuously victimized by looters, although they are not participating in the riots. Mr. Labovitiades also issued an appeal to all the Albanians currently working in Greece to return home and defend their country. A.F.

[17] THE POLISH PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT CONTINUES HIS VISIT TO GREECE

The Polish Parliament President, who is on a formal visit to Greece, met with alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou.

In statements on the crisis in Albania, mr.Papandreou pointed out that Greece, through the position it has adopted, wants to contribute in every way to the democratic solution of the problems in the neighbouring country.

Mr.Papandreou stated that the government has not adopted a stance for or against individuals but has supported specific procedures that will lead to a solution.

[18] A GREEK-ALBANIAN AGREEMENT PROVIDES FOR COMPENSATIONS TO BE PAID IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY

Undersecretary of National Economy Christos Pachtas stated in Parliament that there is an agreement between Greece and Albania which, among others, provides for possible compensation in case of an emergency, revolution, war, etc.

Mr.Pachtas stated that the current situation in Albania can be placed within the framework of the Greek-Albanian agreement and clarified that any measures the Albanian government takes for the Albanian businesses will automatically be into effect for the Greek businesses on Albanian territory as well.

[19] ISMAEL KANTARE MADE AN APPEAL TO END THE WAVE OF VIOLENCE IN ALBANIA

The famous Albanian author Ismael Kantare issued an appeal to his fellow countrymen to put an end to the wave of violence in Albania.

Mr.Kantare stressed that the violent incidents taking place in the country are exposing Albania and its people to the international public opinion in a negative way and called his fellow countrymen to contribute to the efforts made to end the wave of violence and anarchy. He also said that solutions should be found through peaceful dialogue in order for the country to recover from the crisis.

[20] THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL DECISIONS WILL BE EXAMINED TODAY BY THE TURKISH CABINET

The Turkish cabinet meets today to examine the National Security Council plan for the protection of the state's secular character.

Priority will be given to three issues concerning the religious schools, the intensive lessons on the Koran and the adoption of a compulsory 8-year education. The National Security Council had characterized those issues as out-of-date and wants reforms to be adopted.

[21] IMMIGRANTS IN GERMANY FROM THE NORTHERN GREEK CITY OF DRAMA WILL INVEST IN THEIR CITY

Investments that will contribute to the increase of the production of industries and medium-sized businesses are expected to be made soon in the city of Drama in northern Greece. Thirty thousand immigrants from Drama, who currently live and work in Germany, have expressed the wish to use a large part of their bank accounts for the development of investment programmes in the city.

An "Industrial Change" Office that will offer valuable information on the existing incentives and the pre-conditions necessary for the development of business activities in the region is scheduled to open in Drama in May in cooperation with the Ministry of Development. A branch of this office is possible to open in the German city of Stuttgard.

[22] THE US ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE MET WITH THE ARCHBISHOP OF AMERICA

US Assistant Secretary of State John Kornblum met in New York with Archbishop of America, Spyridon and their talks focused on the situation in Albania, the Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue.

Mr.Kornblum expressed the US government's concern over the developments in Albania and characterized the situation as very serious.

The Archbishop expressed the belief that the United States will make every possible effort to defuse the tension.

[23] ILLICIT BANKING SCANDAL ROCKS FYROM, OPPOSITION ACCUSES GOVERNMENT

Before the noise could subside in the recent financial scandal involving FYROM's largest private banking institution "TAT", another banking institution in the country is on the verge of bankruptcy.

According to press reports, the scandal was exposed after customers realized that the bank's manager did not pay interest on their accounts and instead withheld the funds to invest in his own business.

The manager is said to have defrauded 15 to 18 million German marks in order to establish a private business. A.F.

[24] FYROM: THREE STUDENTS ON HUNGER STRIKE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL

Three of the 20 Education Department students, who are on a hunger strike at the University of Skopje, have been hospitalized with severe health problems as they continue their protest for a tenth day opposing the law which allows the teaching of the Albanian language in higher education.

The hunger strikers, as well as the Slav Students Association in the Education Department of the University of Skopje, stated that they will be firm in their position until they are vindicated. A.F.

[25] CLINTON ADMINISTRATION'S SPECIAL ENVOY IN SOFIA NEXT MONDAY

Bulgaria's accession to NATO is to be at the center of talks to be held between a United States White House representative and Bulgarian government officials next Monday in Sofia.

According to a Bulgarian daily, Mr. Walter Slocam is to meet with Bulgaria's President Petar Stoyanov, the caretaker Premier Stefan Sofianski and with the Bulgaria Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense. A.F.

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