Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-03-21

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, March 21, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREECE'S PREMIER MEETS WITH ROMANIAN PRESIDENT IN BUCHAREST

President Constantinescu characterized the talks held between Mr. Simitis and Romania's Premier Victor Corbea as quite productive and thanked Greece for aiding Romania in its efforts to enter the Council of Europe.

Moreover, the Romanian President thanked the Greek government for granting its assistance to Romania's efforts in becoming a European Union member, as well as a member of NATO.

In turn, Mr. Simitis stated that his talks with President Constantinescu confirmed the highly friendly climate that characterized his two-day contacts with the Romanian political leaders.

The Greek Premier stressed that Greece and Romania have common interests and goals and as such, the two countries must closely cooperate on all levels.

Mr. Simitis also stated that he and President Constantinescu agreed that practical political solutions are now necessary, adding that these solutions must be accompanied by specific actions, not merely talk.

Lastly, the Greek Premier stated that the EU's enlargement and the Alliance's expansion, as well as the shaping of a common Balkan policy, will enjoy a commonly- shared treatment by Greece and Romania.

Romanian Premier Victor Corbea stated that he and President Constantinescu will visit Greece in May, as per the invitation of Greece's Premier. A.F.

[02] ND CONVENTION: KARAMANLIS FIRST, SOUFLIAS SECOND, EVERT LAGGING BEHIND

Kostas Karamanlis, the youngest contender among the four men vying for the leadership of Greece's main opposition party New Democracy, is the candidate most likely to win the faction's presidency, according to the results of the first round of votes.

Mr. Karamanlis led the way with 1,408 votes, George Souflias came second with 1,054 ballots cast in his favor, Miltiades Evert -who served as President in the previous term- is third with 876 and Byron Polydoras is last with 118.

The party's 3,609 delegates voted to elect their new leader and the first round of the election started today at 2 pm in 24 ballots. Another round will be held tonight where the two top candidates will cross their swords. A.F.

[03] STATEMENTS BY MR.SIMITIS AND MR.CIORBEA IN BUCHAREST

In a joint press conference with Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ciorbea, Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis stated that he will visit Skopje at the right moment.

Responding to a question by MPA, if there is a likelihood to visit FYROM and what will mean a possible meeting with President Gligorov, mr.Simitis said characteristically that he will visit all the Balkan states after consultations and based on the internal developments taking place in those countries. He said that at the moment there can not be a visit to certain of those countries due to the existing domestic difficulties, such as elections etc. and stated that the right moment to visit Skopje will certainly come.

During the interview, mr.Simitis referred to the prospects opened for the Balkans and to Greece's intention to play a leading role in undertaking initiatives for the Balkans, stressing that for Greece to have a Balkan course and prospect it must deal with all countries following the same rules.

To the question if Greece wants the resignation of President Berisha, mr.Simitis responded that his removal has not been requested and reiterated that Greece supports a political solution to the problem in Albania which will be reached by Berisha, the government and the political forces in the country, adding that Greece does not want any involvement in Albania's internal affairs and wants a peaceful solution.

Mr.Simitis pointed out that Greece does everything possible to stop the crisis from spreading to neighbouring Balkan countries and this was the objecttive of mr.Pangalos' visit to Skopje and Belgrade.

The Prime Minister characterized very satisfactory his cooperation with his Romanian counterpart and said that they share the position that south-eastern Europe must be a region of stability and development in the economic relations. He said that they agreed that a meeting of Foreign Ministers from Greece, Romania and Bulgaria will be held soon and that the Joint Economic Committee must upgraded for cooperation to expand in sectors such as tourism, technology, etc.

He announced that a wider cooperation agreement covering all sectors will be signed, while he stated that the Balkan countries must not be excluded from the EU and that there should be no different levels in the Union, stressing that a United Europe demands the participation of all European countries.

On NATO's expansion and security issues, mr.Simitis expressed optimism that all the countries will participate on equal terms.

Mr.Simitis said that based on the discussions he had it was established that Romania wants the settlement of the Greek-Turkish relations and the solution of the Cyprus problem in accordance with the principles of International Law. Also, it was ascertained that Romania believes that disputes must be resolved through the International Court of Justice in The Hague, while regarding the Cyprus problem, it agrees that it must be resolved through the United Nations.

Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ciorbea expressed satisfaction for mr.Simitis' visit stressing that this is the first visit of a head of government after the latest elections and underlined the excellent level of bilateral relations. Mr.Ciorbea stressed that Greece supported Romania both in the Council of Europe and in the European Parliament and now is making efforts for its membership in the EU and NATO.

He referred to the joint agreement for the expansion of bilateral relations in all sectors, pointing out that a programme of reforms is underway and a legal framework is in effect that will contribute to the increase of Greek investments.

He agreed with mr.Simitis that trade transactions in 1997 must worth over 500 million dollars and revealed that the Joint Greek-Romanian Economic Committee will meet in Bucharest in April, while he said that it was agreed that the two Foreign Ministers must meet more often.

[04] MAIN OPPOSITION PARTY NEW DEMOCRACY BEGINS CONGRESS

Greece's main opposition party New Democracy embarked on its marathon congress today where the party's 3,609 delegates are voting to elect their new leader.

The four contenders for the top seat, President Miltiades Evert, Kostas Karamanlis, Byron Polydoras and George Souflias gave extensive and inspiring speeches. The first round of voting started today at 2 pm in 24 ballots. If the voting results in a tie, another round will be held this evening at 8:30.

As protocol calls for it, the party's leader, Mr. Evert, submitted his resignation and then the president of the party's organizing committee and former premier George Rallis submitted his proposal for increasing the number of delegates.

Mr. Evert took the podium first and issued an appeal to the other candidates that whoever is elected in the president's seat will be supported by all. He personally will guarantee unity, he added, asking the faction's members to put an end to juxtapositions, put aside their differences and lead the party to a new era of collectivity through which New Democracy will win the elections.

Mr. Karamanlis, the youngest of the four candidates, stated that this congress is actually a celebration of New Democracy and took his audience back to 23 years ago through his extensive references to the party's founder Konstantinos Karamanlis.

"The time has come for us to turn a new page," Mr. Karamanlis stated, emphasizing the need to provide the country with fresh political initiatives.

Mr. Polydoras requested the grace of God and told the delegates that he managed to overcome a series of hurdles before arriving at his current place.

Commending on the congress itself, Mr. Polydoras said that he rejects the western models of management and espouses the ideals of Pericles, Alexander the Great and Konstantine Paleologos.

Lastly, but not least, Mr. Souflias stated that the party will emerge victorious at the next parliamentary elections, but in order to do so, it must invest in responsibility and prudency.

He stated that New Democracy does have a future, as long as it can respond to four basic challenges: substantive unity, meritocracy, victory at the elections and the formation of a productive government. A.F.

[05] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER: TURKEY MUST ABANDON ITS TERRITORIAL CLAIMS

"Turkey must abandon its policy of territorial claims, a policy it followed throughout last year, stated Greece's Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos in an interview published today in a Turkish daily.

Referring to the Aegean Sea, Mr. Pangalos emphasized that Ankara is constantly employing the threat of war as diplomatic tool against Greece.

He added that "there are specific problems, such as the continental shelf, for which we will perhaps, after lengthy talks, resort to a third side and ask him to distinguish between what's fair and what's unfair."

Mr. Pangalos also stated that the Turkish claims in the Aegean are an imperialist dream that emerged from Ankara.

"Initially, there were claims over the Imia islets," the Greek Foreign Minister stated, making a historical reference to Turkey's claims in the Aegean Sea.

"Another island followed and finally there was talk about 'grey zones.' Now, Tansu Ciller (Turkey's Foreign Minister) in a letter to my European allies, speaks of inadequate borders. It concerns a mistaken stance which questions Greece's territorial sovereignty and the borders in the Aegean."

Moreover, Mr. Pangalos stated that the issue can definitely be discussed if Turkey wishes to say that it wants to discuss a certain position. "But things are different when you say that there are no borders in the Aegean," he added. A.F.

[06] GREEK MERCHANT MARINE MINISTER TO OPEN GREEK PRODUCT EXHIBIT IN ODESSA

Greece's Minister of Merchant Marine Stavros Soumakis is to inaugurate the Second Exhibit of Greek Products in Odessa, Ukraine, this evening, where almost a hundred of Greece's largest industries will be represented.

The four-day exhibit, which is organized by Thessaloniki's HELEXPO and the Athens-based Greek- Ukranian Association, will feature a wide range of produce from Greece, along with an extensive list of consumer goods.

Accompanying the Minister to Odessa is a delegation of Greek political leaders and businessmen. A.F.

[07] AN ULOF PALME CENTER WILL BE INAUGURATED ON MARCH 26

A Center for the consolidation of freedom and human rights, named after the Swedish leader Ulof Palme, will be inaugurated on March 26 in Thessaloniki ten years after the assassination of this great pacifist and philhellene.

The center's inauguration will attend President of the Ulof Palme International Center mr.Sten Anderson, who is also former Foreign Minister of Sweden and General Secretary of the Social-Democratic party, and Stockholm's deputy mayor mr.Larson.

In the event will also be present Defence Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos, alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou and other government officials.

[08] THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC ORDER WILL REPRESENT THE GREEK GOVERNMENT IN THE MARCH 25 PARADE IN NEW YORK

Minister of Public Order Giorgos Romeos left for New York to represent the Greek government in the March 25 Greek national holiday celebrations and also, in the traditional parade of the Greek-American community that will be held in Manhattan, New York on March 23.

In the events will participate and the joint band of the Greek Police Force and Fire Department.

[09] A STRONG EARTHQUAKE MEASURING 4,9 ON THE RICHTER SCALE HIT THE SEA REGION OF NORTH SPORADES

A strong earthquake measuring 4,9 on the Richter scale hit this morning the sea region of north Sporades, 165 kilometers south-east of Thessaloniki.

The earthquake was felt in Athens, Volos, Larisa and in the Sporades islands. The tremor was followed by many small aftershocks and according to local authorities, no damages were reported.

Seismology professor in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Vasilis Papazachos stated to MPA that the tremor was recorded in a region with high seismic activity and therefore, there is no serious reason for concern among the local residents.

[10] AN EXHIBITION ON THE FLUXUS MOVEMENT WILL BE HELD IN THESSALONIKI

An exhibition dedicated to the international artistic movement Fluxus and its main representative, the leading post-war German artist Joseph Beuys will be held for the first time in Greece within the framework of the cultural events of the Organization Cultural Capital of Europe - Thessaloniki '97.

The exhibition of works by Joseph Beuys will be inaugurated on March 26 in the Macedonian Museum of Modern Art, while on April 8 will open the second unit of the exhibition with 9 works of important representatives of the movement.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[11] S.E. EUROPE'S FOREIGN MINISTERS TO MEET IN THESSALONIKI IN JUNE

Thessaloniki will be at the center of Europe's interest when the Summit meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Southeastern European countries will convene here on June 9 and 10.

Greece's Premier Kostas Simitis referred to the meeting during his address in Bucharest today. He stated also that the convention will constitute a milestone for the strengthening of relations among the Balkan peoples.

Today, Mr. Simitis met with Romanian President Emil Constantinescu, and will also be received by the leader of the main opposition party Ion Iliescu, the Patriarch of Romania Theoktistos and other political leaders.

The Premier is to return to Athens this evening. A.F.

[12] STATE DEPARTMENT: SITUATION IN ALBANIA IS STILL TENSE

State Department spokesperson Nicholas Burns stated that the United States still view the situation in Albania as being tense and unstable.

"We continue to cooperate with the European Union and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in order to see if we can have some influence on the Albanian leaders so that they can hold talks with the southern region's rebels and, as a result, increase the government's control throughout the country," Mr. Burns stated.

The State Department official also contested a recent article published in "The Washington Post" according to which the US failed to foresee the change of currents in Albania. Mr. Burns pointed out that the Clinton Administration was quite critical of the way elections were held in Albania last May and had expressed its concern over the increasing despotism in the country by asking for improvements on its human and civil rights records.

"In personal contacts with (Albanian) President Berisha," Mr. Burns said, "we asked that the system be reviewed. An example of this message is the United States' decision not to proceed with the training program of Albanian policemen and to severely limit military aid to Albania." A.F.

[13] SITUATION IN ALBANIA STILL CRITICAL, REBELS TO MEET AND DECIDE ON NEXT MOVES

The leaders of South Albania's rebels are to meet in Tepeleni today in order to decide on their next moves as their deadline for President Sali Berisha's resignation expired at midnight yesteday. Premier Bashkim Fino is preparing for his visit to Rome tomorrow while Socialist leader Fatos Nano is currently visiting his childen who reside in Thessaloniki.

Gunshots were heard throughout the night in Tirana where military vehicles appeared again in the streets surrounding the presidential mansion and public offices. A.F.

[14] ALBANIAN PREMIER IN ROME NEXT WEEK

Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim Fino stated today that his country would not have issued the demarche to the Greek government if Greece had opted to inform his country through the diplomatic venues of the Greek Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs visit to Tirana.

Speaking to the BBC, Mr. Fino stated that indeed, Mr. Yiannos Kranidiotis (Greece's deputy FM) had informed him of his imminent visit during the two men's meeting with OSCE's representative Franz Vranitski on an Italian fregate in Durres.

Mr. Fino will be in Rome next week where he is to meet with European Union Foreign Ministers.

Meanwhile, the leader of Albania's Democratic Alliance Neritan Ceka and Greek Eurodeputy Alekos Alavanos (Coalition of the Left and Progress) gave a joint press conference today wherein they asked for the resignation of Albanian President Sali Berisha.

Mr.Ceka said that Mr. Berisha still controls the country's secret service agencies as well as the state's mechanism to a great degree. Mr. Alavanos said that Greece must help in alleviating the Albanian crisis through the EU's avenues.

Albanian Socialist leader and former premier Fatos Nano, who was recently released after having been incarcerated for four years by the Albanian government, arrived in Thessaloniki this evening on a private visit to see his two children who are currently here. Mr. Nano was received by the Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos who also stressed to reporters that the Albanian leader's visit in strictly personal. A.F.

[15] GREEK PRODUCT EXHIBIT HELD IN FYROM

An exhibit of Greek products has opened in FYROM, titled "Skopje Business Club", featuring the participation of approximately 60 Greek businesses from the furniture making, construction materials and decoration sectors.

Greek Ambassador and head of the Greek liaison office in Skopje Alexandros Mallias was present at the exhibit's inauguration, along with FYROM's Minister of City Planning, Building Activities and Environmental Protection Yiorgo Soudos.

A business forum will also be held tomorrow within the exhibit's framework and is expected to attract about 150 Greek businessmen. The exhibit will be open until Monday, March 24. A.F.

[16] F.R.Y. FORMS ITS NEW FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, KODIC PREMIER

Radoyie Kodic is the Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia's new government following the federal parliamentary elections that were held in the country on November 3, 1996 where Serb President Slobodan Milosevic prevailed.

The new cabinet also includes two deputies from the "Yugoslav Left" (JUL) party whose founder is Mr. Milosevic's wife Miriana Markovic.

The new government has four vice-presidents and 16 ministers, while Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic remained in his post. A.F.

[17] THE MILITARY AID TO GREECE AND TURKEY IS UNDER DISCUSSION IN THE US HOUSE

US Secretary of Defence mr.Cohen submitted to the US House International Relations Committee the authorization of the sum of 46 million dollars for the subsidy of military aid loans to Greece and Turkey for the fiscal year of 1997, worth 122.5 and 175 million dollars respectivelly.

In a text he submitted to the Committee, mr.Cohen mentions that Greece intends to use those sums for the modernization of the US military equipment and for the purchase of materials through the surplus material programme.

[18] MR.GENSCHER SUPPORTS CYPRUS' ACCESSION INTO THE EU

German former Foreign Minister, FDP honorary President and Parliament deputy mr.H.D.Genscher in a interview to the television station, WDR, backed the Greek positions on the issue of Cyprus' accession into the EU.

He said that the opening of negotiations with the Republic of Cyprus would contribute to the deescalation of the dispute with Turkey stressing that in any case the free part of Cyprus should not be made a hostage of the other part's occupation.

Mr.Genscher, who is believed to have a say in the foreign policy followed by Germany today, referred to the case of his country when the then West Germany became an EU member helping in the process the former East Germany to become an EU member too after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

This settlement is the best for Cyprus as well, stated mr.Genscher, because its citizens in the Turkish occupied part will soon realize that it is for their benefit to become an EU member, if they can, like the free part of the island.

He also said that the Republic of Cyprus meets all the requirements needed to become a member, adding that Cyprus' accession will constitute an important step for stability in the region and in the end it could contribute to the island's unification.

[19] THE TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY DENIES THAT TURKEY HAS PLEDGED TO BRING THE ISSUE OF IMIA TO THE HAGUE

The Turkish Foreign Ministry, with a statement it has issued, denies the reports published in Turkish newspapers according to which, Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller had pledged in the recent meeting in Rome with her counterparts from Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain that Turkey will bring the issue of the Imia islets to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

In the statement is stressed that Turkey has repeatedly mentioned that the issue of the rocky islets is only one of the existing issues in the Aegean between Turkey and Greece. Also, it is mentioned that many issues are related to eachother and Turkey is ready to start a dialogue with Greece for their solution. The statement concludes that if the two sides agree to it, the interrelated issues, as a total, can be brought before a third party for solution.

[20] ITALY AND THE EU WANT A SOLUTION TO THE KOSOVO ISSUE WITHOUT A CHANGE IN THE BORDERS OF YUGOSLAVIA

Italy and the European Union are interested in a solution of the issue of Kosovo without a change in the borders of Yugoslavia, according to statements made by Achille Oketo, President of the Foreign Affairs Committee and head of Italy's Parliamentary delegation, during his visit to the region.

In an interview in Belgrade, he maintained that the Serbs and the Albanians are ready for dialogue but there are difficulties stemming from the pre-conditions set.

Meanwhile, the German Ambassador to Yugoslavia and the representative of Karl Bilt met in Pristina with Ibrahim Rugova and the Serb administrator Milos Nesovic to discuss the issues concerning the implementation of the education agreement signed by Rugova and Milosevic.

In statements they made they stressed that Kosovo is an internal issue of Yugoslavia.

[21] SIX TURKISH FIGHTER JETS VIOLATED THE FIR OF NICOSIA

Six Turkish F-16 fighter jets violated the Nicosia FIR during a night-time military exercise held by the Turkish Air Force, north-west of Paphos.

The warplanes had taken off from the Incirlik Air Base.

The authorities in the Republic of Cyprus watched the military exercise closely and a demarche has been issued to the United Nations protesting against the new Turkish provocation.

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