Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-03-26

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, March 26, 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 IS THE JUNCTION BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH

Greece's Prime Minister Kostas Simitis stated that his government wishes to establish Greece as a junction between the East and the West, the North and the South, emphasizing the vast significance granted by Greece to communication and transportation pro jects.

Mr. Simitis visited the Ministry of Transportation and Communication and expressed his satisfaction over the Ministry's work, especially on issues related to international cooperation and initiatives. The Greek Prime Minister also announced that a Nation al Council of Road Security will be formed soon. A.F.

[02] GREECE'S ALTERNATE FM ON KARADAYI: WE WAIT TO SEE WORDS IN ACTION

Greece's alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou appeared guarded in regards to the recent proposal of friendship made by Turkey's Chief of the Armed Forces Ismael Karadayi.

Speaking to an Athens radio station, Mr. Papandreou stated that Greece will wait to see actions from Turkey, emphasizing that he personally is not that optimistic given that the neighboring country's behavior is unpredictable.

Meanwhile, referring to Greece's veto over the "unfreezing" of European Union funds to Turkey, Mr. Papandreou said that there are two prerequisites that must be met before Greece agrees to release these funds to Turkey: first, Ankara must publicly state that it has no territorial claims against Greece and, second, resort to the International Court of Justice at The Hague if it has any claims. A.F.

[03] STATEMENTS HAVE A POSITIVE VALUE

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said that the statements made by a Turkish general have a positive value but added that words must become deeds. The comment was made by mr.Reppas today responding to questions by reporters concerning the statem ents of Turkish General Army Staff Chief Ismail Karadayi, who visited the Greek Embassy in Ankara yesterday on the occasion of the Greek national holiday of March 25 that commemorates the 1821 revolt of the Greeks against the Turks.

Mr.Karadayi had stressed the need for the solution of the Greek-Turkish issues so that the new generations will not be burdened with the load of such problems, underlining the ease with which the Greeks and Turks become friends at a social level.

[04] GREEK OPPOSITION PARTY LEADER TO BE IN FYROM TOMORROW FOR 2-DAY VISIT

The leader of Greece's Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) opposition party Nikos Konstantopoulos will embark on a formal two-day visit to FYROM tomorrow.

Mr. Konstantopoulos will be in Skopje where he will be received by FYROM's President Kiro Gligorov, Premier Branko Cervenkovski, the Foreign Minister and the President of the Parliament.

He will also have meetings with FYROM's opposition party leaders. A.F.

[05] DESCARTES COMMEMORATED BY "THESSALONIKI CULTURAL CAPITAL OF EUROPE 97"

A two-day symposium commemorating the 400th year anniversary of philosopher Rene Descartes, the founder of the European enlightement, will begin in Thessaloniki on Friday, March 28, within the framework of events organized by the Organization of Cultural Capital of Europe, "Thessaloniki '97".

The symposium will examine Descartes' influence on the development of philosophy, mathematics and modern thought.

The event is jointly organized by the Hellenic Mathematics Society, University of Macedonia, Aristotelean University of Thessaloniki and the Institute Francais. A.F.

[06] MEMBERS OF A GREEK ALL-PARTY PARLIAMENTARY COMITTEE VISITED WASHINGTON

Members of Greece's permanent all-party Parliamentary Committee, responsible for issues concerning the Greeks living abroad, visited Washington accompanied by the World Council of Hellenes Abroad, SAE, President mr.Andrew Athens and by North America SAE President, mr.Christos Tomaras.

The Committee members met with the US State Department's South Europe director mr.Cavanaugh and visited the White House where they met with government officials.

The all-party Parliamentary Committee members also attended the doxology for the March 25 anniversary at the St.Sofia Cathedral in Washington, while later at the formal reception that was given in the Greek Embassy they met with Senator Paul Sarbanis.

[07] THE GREEK NATIONAL HOLIDAY OF MARCH 25 WAS CELEBRATED IN BELGRADE

The Greek National Holiday of March 25 was celebrated in Belgrade with a doxology, while Greek Ambassador to Yugoslavia Panagiotis Vlassopoulos attended a wreath laying ceremony at the statue of Rigas Fereos. The ceremony was held in the presence of Belg rade's deputy mayor Milan Bozic, while also present were representatives of veterans' associations and of Greeks living in Serbia.

A congratulatory telegram on the occasion of the Greek National Holiday was sent to Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos by Federal Republic of Yugoslavia President Zoran Lilic, while a similar telegram was sent to Greek Prime Minister Simitis by FRY Pr ime Minister Kontic.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[08] TURKISH PREMIER'S STATEMENTS PROVOKE GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER'S IRE

German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel is currently in Ankara, although his formal visit was preceded by an episode that almost provoked the German diplomat to cancel his trip, after statements made by Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan.

Addressing the Turkish Welfare Party's parliamentary group yesterday, Turkey's Premier Necmettin Erbakan referred to Mr. Kinkel's imminent visit and to the European Union's stance towards Ankara by stating that "since they are deluding Turkey, simply all owing for the customs union, while not allowing for the free movement of the workers, then, from now on, when they converse with Turkey, they must do so with their heads lowered."

It was this last phrase, which was reported verbatim by the German News Agency, that provoked Mr. Kinkel's ire who stated that he will cancel his trip to Ankara.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry immediately issued an announcement wherein it stated that "the German News Agency's telegram does not report the truth" and clarified that Mr. Erbakan simply referred to the European Union's unkept promises.

With a three-hour delay, Mr. Kinkel arrived in Ankara, where he met with the Turkish Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee.

Referring to Mr. Erbakan's comments, Mr. Kinkel said that "neither as Germany's Foreign Minister, nor as a representative of the European Union, do I have the intent and feel the need to lower my head or apologize."

Mr. Kinkel is to meet with Mr. Erbakan, the President of the Turkish parliament Mustafa Kalemli, Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller, the leader of the armed forces Ismael Karadayi and the leader of the Motherland Party Mesut Yilmaz. A.F.

[09] GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO TURKS: BE LESS EMOTIONAL, MORE OBJECTIVE

German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel, currently on a formal visit to Ankara, suggested to Turkey's leaders that they be less emotional and more objective.

Referring to Mr. Erbakan's earlier provocative comments, Mr. Kinkel said that "neither as Germany's Foreign Minister, nor as a representative of the European Union, do I have the intent and feel the need to lower my head or apologize."

The German official also warned Turkey to improve its human rights record, handle the Kurdish issue and improve its relations with Greece prior to entering the EU.

Mr. Kinkel had successive meetings with Mr. Erbakan, the President of the Turkish parliament Mustafa Kalemli, Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller, the leader of the armed forces Ismael Karadayi and the leader of the Motherland Party Mesut Yilmaz. A.F.

[10] TURKISH ARMY LEADER BLAMES HIS COUNTRY FOR LACK OF DIALOGUE WITH GREECE

Turkey's armed forces leader Ismael Karadayi stated that his country's political leaders have displayed a lack of will in starting a dialogue with Greece.

The Turkish General yesterday visited the Greek Embassy in Ankara where he attended the festivities celebrating Greece's national holiday of March 25, which commemorates the 1821 revolt against the Turkish occupation.

Mr. Karadayi said that there is a trust-related crisis between the two countries, adding that it would be unfair to bestow upon the next generations problems that must be resolved.

"Both countries have politicians and military leaders who think logically and will contribute to the resolution of problems," Mr. Karadayi said, adding that Greece and Turkey are like two neighbors who face each other every time they open the window or a ppear at the door.

"I'm now opening the door and I believe that we will have positive developments," the Turkish chief added. A.F.

[11] GREEK-AMERICAN REPRESENTATIVES RECEIVED BY STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL

The Cyprus issue was at the center of a discussion held today between the Director of the Office of Southeastern European Affairs at the U.S. State Department Carey Cavanaugh and a delegation of the Senatorial Committee of Greeks Abroad.

Following the meeting, the Greek representatives assessed that the United States continue to address the Cyprus issue as a high priority matter which they view as a key to reducing the tensions in Greek-Turkish differences.

Also, the Greek-origin representatives stated that the US are overall supportive of Cyprus' accession to the EU. Mr. Cavanaugh also commented on the recent statements made by Greece's Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos regarding Turkey, which he found a s being "positive". A.F.

[12] US PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON MEETS WITH ARCHBISHOP SPYRIDON AT WHITE HOUSE

United States President Bill Clinton has issued a resolution declaring March 25, 1997 as a day of celebration for the Greek and American democracy, to Archbishop of America Spyridon, with whom he met at the White House this evening.

In the resolution, President Clinton hails the Greek contribution to the modern world and adds that Greece's 2,000-year-old ideology continues to guide and lead the United States' path to the future.

"Greece salutes Greece's commitment to democracy, peace and a united and stable Europe", President Clinton wrote in the resolution, which was signed today in a formal ceremony attended by Archbishop Spyridon, Greece's Ambassador to Washington Lukas Tsila s and other leaders of the Greek-American community. A.F.

[13] US-BELLARUSE RELATIONS WORSEN, STATE DEPARTMENT RECALLS ITS AMBASSADOR

Relations between the United States and Bellaruse have taken a turn for the worse, as the State Department has recalled its Ambassador to Minsk and has announced that it will take further measures in protest over the expulsion of an American diplomat.

Specifically, the relations between the two countries worsened when Serge Alexandrov, the First Secretary of the U.S. Embassy, was arrested for participating in a rally organized by the opposition party protesting the government's pro-Russian policy.

A State Department spokesperson denounced Mr. Alexandrov's expulsion. A.F.

[14] GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO MEET WITH BULGARIAN PREMIER TOMORROW

The German-Bulgrisan relaitns and Bulgaria's accession to the European-Atlantic structures, will be at the center s of talks to be held tomorrow bvetwen german FotreignMinstr Klaus Kinkel anf Bulgaira's President and PReier, Petar Stoyanov anfd Stefan So fianski, repsectively, in Plovdiv.

Mr. Kinkel is also to meet with his Bulgarian couterppart Stoyan Stalef with whom he wil, sign an intergovernemntal accord for the devleopment of bilateral cooperaiton in the sector of technology.

The German official has promised to suport Bulgria's effrts to enter NATO and has also expressed hsi support of this coutnry's cession to the European Unin.

"bonn will copntinue ti suyoport the politcial and econjic reforms in Bulgaria through advice and financial aid," Mr.Kinkel has stated.

[15] EU DELEGATION IN TIRANA TO DRAW OUT DETAILS OF ITS HUMANITARIAN AID

A delegation European Union officials is expected in Tirana today in order to examine the local conditions and to draw out the details before it embarks on humanitarian aid missions to Albania.

Both Albanian Premier Bashkim Fino and President Sali Berisha have requested that the EU assign peacekeeping troops as well, although the EU has yet to decide on this matter.

Yesterday, Mr. Fino attended the informal meeting of the EU's 15 Foreign Ministers in Rome where he met with Italian Foreign Minister Laberto Dini.

Mr. Dini stated that a decision is expected to be drawn soon in regards to the size and targets of a European Union peacekeeping force in Albania, although, according to the BBC, Italy's Defense Minister Benjamin Andreata said that Italy will not act on its own and added that other countries must agree to participate in such force.

Meanwhile, the situation in Albania remains critical. During the past 48 hours, at least ten persons were killed in the country's southern region yesterday, after episodes erupted between armed gangs who are trying to control the region. A.F.

[16] BRITAIN WISHES FOR MORE ACTIVE US INVOLVEMENT IN CYPRUS ISSUE

Britain would like to see the United States become more actively involved in the Cyprus issue, according to a letter sent to US Secretary of State Madleine Allbright by British Foreign Minister Malcolm Rifkind.

According to press reports, Britain appears to be disappointed with the US in regards to the efforts to find a common ground and embark on talks between Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Moreover, the British government is said to be displeased over the fact that the US envoy to Cyprus Richard Beatty has been inactive for a long time, in comparison to British envoy Sir David Hannay. A.F.

[17] FYROM PARLIAMENT GIVES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE TO GOVERNMENT

With 83 votes in favor and one sustained, FYROM's Premier Branko Cervenkovski got a confidence vote from his country's parliament yesterday, after a marathon session.

The assembly's discussion focused on the issues that have arisen from the reported involvement of politicians in illicit banking systems.

The only sustained vote came from the Democratic Party, while the liberal Party parliamentarians left the session during the beginning. The deputies of the coalition party of Democratic Prosperity of the Albanians and the People's Democratic Party left the session prior to the voting, according to FYROM's press reports. A.F.

[18] THE FOREIGN INVESTMENT CAPITAL IN ROMANIA HAS INCREASED

The overall foreign investment capital in Romania showed an increase of 37,62% at the end of 1996, compared to the previous year, reaching 2.207 billion dollars. Also, according to data provided by the Romanian Agency of Development, there was a small in crease of 6,17% in the number of businesses operating with the participation of foreign capital.

Based on the report of the commercial and economic attache of the Greek Embassy in Bucharest, that was delivered to MPA by Thessaloniki's Commerce and Industry Chamber, the speedy rate in the increase of the invested capital in relation to the number of businesses, reflects a favourable investment expansion tendency in the country.

[19] 25 KILOS OF GOLD AND DIAMONDS WERE DISCOVERED AT THE HOUSE OF THE DIRECTOR OF FYROM'S ILLEGAL BANK, "TAT"

Twenty five kilos of gold and diamonds were discovered by police in the house of Sonja Nikolofska director of FYROM's illegal bank, "TAT", who on March 7 was detained accused of embezzlement, forgery and abuse of authority.

According to reports published in the newspaper "Vetser", in the house of TAT's director were also found many documents confirming the illegal activities of the investment scheme.

[20] DRUGS AND ALBANIA: EXPANSION OF THE MEDEGIN CARTEL

The Medegin Cartel in Colombia, which floods the United States with huge quantities of drugs has expanded its activities to Albania and Interpol is in a state of alert undertaking to hammer out plans aimed at facing the situation.

Similar information and specific evidence on the attempted transformation of Albania into a "Colombia of Europe" are in the possession of Italian prosecutor, Kataldo Motta, who cooperates closely with Interpol.

Based on testimonies by Italian and Albanian suspects held by the Italian authorities, the Italian mafia began its activities in Albania in 1991 and gradually the Colombians, who are regarded as specialists in the growing of coca plants and marijuana, st arted to play a major role in the region. According to testimonies made by jailed mafiozi, their Latin-American associates believe that Albania's climate is ideal for growing coca and marijuana plants.

According to prosecutor Motta, the organized crime syndicate has already promoted the growing of coca and marijuana at the Greek-Albanian borders.

Complete archives of the Macedonian Press Agency bulletins are available on the MPA Home Page at http://www.mpa.gr/ and on the U.S. mirror at http://www.hri.org/MPA/