Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-03-31

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, March 31, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER: OUR ARMED FORCES CAN FACE ANY CHALLENGE

In a speech given during his stay in Thessaloniki, Greece's Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos stated that the country's armed forces are ready to face any whatsoever challenge.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos pointed out that the country's military outfitting program must continue and be completed as planned, so that readiness can be secured from all of its sectors.

Referring to the assignment of a Greek batallion to the multi- national force in Albania, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos said that the officers who will participate will be appointed by the General Army Staff.

Regarding Greece's participation to the multi-national force and the various criticisms that have been voiced, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos said that the government has chosen to express its solidarity to Albania, "as neighbors, as Balkan people, and, of course, as a people who have Greeks living in Albania as a minority. To what degree this mission will be easy or difficult, that is another issue. We are going there to support the secure transport of humanitarian aid and to ensure the security of the European Uion's missions which are to support the restructuring projects."

Referring to the fact that Italy holds primacy in the mission to Albania, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated this does not pose a problem for Greece.

"There are seven or eight countries that will participate, there isn't a primacy under this spectrum. We all decide together and discuss all aspects in order to assign responsibilities so that we know how we will function," the Greek Defense Minister said.

The Metropolite of Thessaloniki Penteleeimon the B' bestowed upon the Greek Defense Minister the gold medal of St. Gregory of Palama and gave him a check for seven million GRD for the Armed Forces. A.F.

[02] AN EU OFFICIAL MAP PLACES GREEK ISLANDS INSIDE THE TURKISH TERRITORY

The European Union published an official map that places Greek islands inside the Turkish territory.

The map presents all the regions participating in EU energy programmes, while the islands of Samos, Chios and Mitilini have the same colour with that used for the Turkish territory.

Greek EU Commissioner Christos Papoutsis stressed that this is clearly a technical issue and added that the Greek government has repeatedly contacted the responsible agencies in Luxemburg.

[03] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT EXPRESSED REGRET OVER THE TRADEDY IN THE ADRIATIC

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas expressed the government's regret over last Friday's tragedy in the Adriatic, when an Albanian boat carrying refugees to Italy collided with an Italian Navy corvette, and stressed that there should be an investigation for the exact causes of the tragedy.

Mr.Reppas pointed out the need for emergency aid to the families of the victims and added that this tragic event must not be an obstacle to the efforts for the deescalation of the crisis in Albania.

Referring to Greece's participation in the international mission to the neighbouring country, he announced that the Greek battalion will be made up of 600 to 700 men. Also, he said that they will stay in Albania for three months adding that there is a possibility of an extension. Their task will be to protect the distribution of humanitarian aid and to keep open the roads linking Tirana with the south of the country.

Meanwhile, a day of national mourning was declared in Albania for the 83 victims of the tragedy in the Adriatic, 30 of which are children.

Prime Minister Baskim Fino's Socialist Party has expressed support to the dialogue with the committees of the insurgents in the south, causing the reaction of the other political parties.

[04] THE GREEK MINISTER OF DEFENCE ISSUED A STRONG WARNING TO TURKEY IN CASE OF AN ATTACK ON A GREEK ISLAND

Turkey should know that any attack on a Greek island will be met with two, three or more instantaneous attacks stated Greek Minister of Defence Akis Tsochatzopoulos speaking in Thessaloniki's Macedonia University.

Turkish general Karadayi is trying to open a military dialogue on an issue that is clearly a political one, stated mr.Tsochatzopoulos, who defended the Joint Defence Doctrine between Greece and Cyprus by saying that with its implementation in the past 2,5 years "has broken", for the first time, the "hostage" situation created by the Turkish armed forces.

The minister stressed that for Greece to help in the development of Turkey's relations with the EU three preconditions are necessary to be met by Turkey, namely to have no territorial claims in the Aegean, to stop seeking the change of the status quo in the region and to assist in the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Commenting on the Karadayi proposal, mr.Tsochatzopoulos said that the Turkish general wanted to show to the political leadership of his country that he does not support the conflict and also, to present the military as having a more upgraded role compared to the politicians. The Greek minister also pointed out that Turkey's leaders are very much aware that the country can not become an EU member soon, due to its economic and other problems, because it will face the risk of collapse.

The Greek Defence Minister reiterated his concern that there will be more Albanian-style situations in the Balkans if the EU and the international community do not offer economic, political and institutional support to the changes taking place as a result of the implementation of the free market economy system in certain countries. In FYROM, he said, there is strong concern, Bulgaria is in a state of collapse, while there are problems in Romania too.

Referring to Albania, he pointed out that the collapse of the illegal investment schemes occasioned the revolt of the people. Mr.Tsochatzopoulos stated that the real cause behind the revolt is the fact that the political system implemeted in the country since 1990 was proved to be completely "unreliable" on issues of democratization, human rights etc and also, "incapable" to lead the country to economic development.

[05] KONSTANTOPOULOS: DIRECT DIALOGUE BETWEEN GREECE AND FYROM CAN SOLVE THE ISSUE OF THE NAME

Greek opposition Coalition of the Left party leader Nikos Konstantopoulos stated in an interview to the Skopje newspaper "Dnevnik" that only the constructive approach through direct dialogue between the two sides can lead to the solution of the issue of the name.

Mr.Konstantopoulos expressed satisfaction over the contacts he had with FYROM's political leadership during his two-day visit to Skopje. He stressed that the level of bilateral relations today has changed and within the framework of the destabilizing situation that has been created in the Balkans, the two countries can become strategic partners for the safeguarding of stability and development.

The Coalition of the Left party leader pointed out that it is gradually realized that there are many issues which can be discussed by the two countries, underlining that the two sides must cooperate on joint programmes in the sectors of infrastructure, investments, transportation, trade, cross-border cooperation, culture, environment, energy and tourism as well as, on joint programmes against organized crime, drug trafficking, illegal weapons trade and political corruption.

He said that Greece takes the situation in the Balkans under serious consideration but it has lost the opportunity it had to play a constructive and creative role in the stability and development of the economic and political institutions during the transitional period the Balkan states are going through.

To a question on the issue of the non-existent "macedonian ethnic minority" in Greece, mr.Konstantopoulos responded that according to the Interim Accord the only open issue is that of the name. He said that the accord constitutes a stable framework within which the relations of the two countries should develop, namely through the respect of borders, mutual recognition and the protection of human rights and minority rights. He also added that the cooperation framework for the two countries can be found and in the basic principles of the OSCE.

[06] ZORBA THE GREEK, A SYMBOL OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN GREECE, FYROM, SERBIA

Fifty-five years after his death, Zorbas the Greek has become a bridge of friendship between Greece, FYROM and Serbia, in light of the perfomance of the like-named musical, orchestrated by Greece's renowned composer Mikis Theodorakis, to be held in Skopje on April 12.

The Greek legendary man became internationally known by the world-famous Greek author Nios Kazantzakis who wrote the book on Zorbas' life.

Zorbas died in 1943, at the age of 74. According to Kazantzakis' notes, Zorbas travelled to Skopje in the beginning of the 30s, where he fell upon a field rich in magnesite. With his famous dynamic character, Zorbas recruited workers, opened galleries, blew up massive rocks, paved streets, brought water, built a house, got married with a merry widow named Ljuba and had a child with her.

With the German occupation, his mine and its magnesite production were taken over by the Nazis, something that upset especially upset George Zorbas, his real name as opposed to "Alexandros", the name Kazantakis wrote in his book.

The author also wrote Zorbas' last words before he died: "I did and did and did in my life, but still it was too little. People like me should live for a thousand years. Good night." A.F.

[07] MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY TO PUBLISH A SPECIAL REPORT IN RUSSIAN

A special report in the Russian language has been published by the Macedonian Press Agency, in order to bring news from Greece to the Black Sea countries.

The four-page report features a brief account of the most significant articles published in MPA's monthly publication "Elliniki Diaspora", as well as various analyses of national interest matters.

The publication is the result of a joint effort between MPA and the "Culture Center of the Black Sea" of Thessaloniki's Prefecture. A.F.

[08] THE BALANCE OF TRADE WITH FYROM IS POSITIVE FOR GREECE

The Greek exports to FYROM in 1996 were over 75 million US dollars and the balance of trade between the two countries was positive for Greece.

According to data provided to MPA by the Greek Liaison Office in Skopje, the Greek exports reached 75.364.000 US dollars in the period of January-November 1996 while during the same time, the imports to Greece reached 58.368.000 US dollars.

FYROM's balance of trade showed a deficit and the most serious problem of the country is unemployment. In October 1996, were recorded 239.300 unemployed corresponding to 30% of the country's active population.

Based on the same source, FYROM's GNP in 1996 was 1.356.600.000 US dollars of which 39,7% corresponds to industry, 20% to trade and 16,9% to agriculture while its industrial production increased by 3,0%.

Its foreign debt in April 1996 was 1.250.000.000 US dollars while inflation reached 4,5% and in 1997 is predicted to be around 6,8%.

In March 1997, the average monthly wage was 204 dollars and the parity of exchange between the US dollar and the dinar was 1 to 45.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[09] ALBANIAN PREMIER TO BE IN ATHENS ON WEDNESDAY

Albanian Prime Minister Baskim Fino will be in Athens on Wednesday where he will meet with Greece's Premier Kostas Simitis.

Mr. Fino has welcomed the UN Security Council's decision to approve the deployment of a multi-national military force in Albania.

In a press conference, Mr. Fino added that the request for a military intervention had been expressed by the political parties in Albania, was co-signed by the President and the Prime Minister and later was presented to Parliament for a formal approval, which it gained.

Meanwhile, a military delegation comprising officials from those countries due to participate in the multi-national force assigned to Albania will meet in Rome today. Greece will assign one batallion. A.F.

[10] BRINDIZI'S PROSECUTOR TO FILE CHARGES AGAINST ITALIAN CAPTAIN

Albania is in national mourning, after Friday night's tragedy in the Adriatic Sea that claimed the lives of Albanian refugees when an Italian corvette collided with a small Albanian boat, trying to prevent it from entering Italy's territorial waters.

The Italian local court of Brindezi holds the captain of the Italian corvette responsible for the tragedy. The Italian authorities are defending their captain and arrested the Albanian ship's captain instead, in spite of the intense protests issued from the Albanian government.

Four Albanian refugees drowned while 34 survivors were rescued. According to the survivors, the boat was carrying 120 people.

The press in Tirana reports that the Albanian captain had raised a white flag, signaling that he was transporting reFugees, in addition to having brought all the children on the deck as a sure sign of who his passengers were.

The Vatican has also issued an announcement regarding the tragedy, wherein it indirectly holds the Italian capitan responsible. A.F.

[11] ITALIAN DEFENSE MINISTER SENDS CONDOLENCES TO ALBANIAN COUNTERPART

Italy's Defense Minister Benjamino Andreatta has forwarded his condolences to his Albanian counterpart regarding the recent tragedy in the Adriatic Sea where 79 Albanian refugees drowned after the small boat transporting them to Italy was attacked by an Italian military corvette.

In his message, Mr. Andreatta stated "I was shocked to learn the news of the tragic sea accident," and also conveyed the condolences of the Italian Armed Forces. A.F.

[12] LARGE-SCALE TURKISH MILITARY OPERATION IS UNDERWAY AGAINST THE KURDS

A large-scale Turkish security forces operation against PKK is underway in south-eastern Turkey since Saturday morning.

According to the Turkish newspapers "Hurriyet" and "Milliyet", 40.000 soldiers supported by war planes, helicopters and armoured tanks, have advanced in the region where the military operation is taking place.

Based on press reports, the intense bombardment that took place was followed by paratroopers, who were brought to the region with 8 "Sikorsky" and "UH-1" helicopters, while a large number of soldiers have surrounded about 600 PKK fighters and members of the leftist organization TIKKO hiding in the region.

[13] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT AND PARLIAMENT CHIEF DISCUSS ISSUE OF MISSING PERSONS

The President of the Republic of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides and the President of the Cypriot Parliament Spyros Kyprianou discussed the issue of the missing persons and the further procedures to be taken on the matter.

Following the meeting, Mr. Kyprianou stated that the issue is being intensely analyzed and added that he himself is involved in negotiations with the relevant parliamentary committee and the committees of the relatives of the missing persons. A.F.

[14] US PRESIDENTIAL FOUNDATION OF RESEARCH HAS SECRET REPORT ON TURKISH PM

A classified report which was submitted to United States President Bill Clinton and was published by the US Research Foundation unveils a not-so-favorable view of Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan.

The 90-page report briefs the US President on the current situation in the Middle East, while it characterized Mr. Erbakan as "intransigent" and accuses him of holding an "unfriendly stance".

The Turkish daily "Yeni Yuzil" published the report in an article titled "US report against Erbakan".

According to the artile, the report states that the Turkish Premier holds an anti-West and anti-American stance, in spite of his claims to the contrary, and adds that he is also reacting to NATO and the defense accord Turkey signed with the United States.

Moreover, the report mentions that Turkey's Welfare Party has subjected the country to a withdrawal from the secular status quo which, the report states, "was working perfectly for 70 years". Also, the report hails the Turkish armed forces and characterizes them as a "guard of the Turkish Republic's secular character." A.F.

[15] FYROM PRESIDENT IN "LE MONDE": SATISFIED WITH OUR RELATIONS WITH GREECE

FYROM's President Kiro Gligorov has expressed his satisfaction with the course of his country's relations with Greece, during a recently-published interview with France's "Le Monde".

Mr. Gligorov stated that the trade and economic relations between Greece-FYROM have been upgraded, emphasizing that "Greeks have already invested DM 20 million which illustrates their interest in our government's privatization programs.

Also, Mr. Gligorov expressed his optimism at the further development of relations witrh Greece, giving extensive emphasis to the Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos' recent visit to Skopje.

Referring to the Albanian minority, Mr. Gligorov spoke of the restructuring processes that are currently into effect, especially in the sector of education.

The President of FYROM differentiated between his country's Albanian population and the Albanians from Kossovo and Sadjak whom he characterized as more intransigent, having in mind the creation of a greater Albania, as he stated. A.F.

[16] FYROM: MINISTERS RESIGN IN THE MIDST OF BANKING SCANDAL INVESTIGATION

The scandal that erupted in FYROM from the uncovering of the illicit banking practices of the finance institution "TAT" has taken a new turn, as a number of ministers have submitted their resignation in the midst of the investigation that looks into the involvement of government officials in the matter.

According to reports, FYROM's Health Minister is expected to resign today, following rumors that he is involved in a scandal concerning imported medicines that were close to expiring and were sold at price hike up of about 20%. A.F.

[17] A TURK WILL BE TRIED FOR SPYING AGAINST THE CYPRIOT REPUBLIC

Limassol's Regional Court ruled that the Turk Necip Sari Cicekli should to be tried in a criminal court for spying against the Cypriot Republic.

The date for his trial in a criminal court has been set on June 6, 1997 and until then he will be remanded in custody.

It should be reminded, that Cicekli is facing accusations concerning the gathering of information on the military equipment of the Cypriot National Guard on behalf of Turkey, while he is also accused of a bomb attack against the building in Limassol where the Kurdish Cultural Center is being housed.

[18] CONFERENCE OF THE EUROPEAN SOCIALIST PARTY ON THE BALKANS

A Conference of the European Socialist Party on the Balkans will be held in Thessaloniki on April 4-5.

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis will address the conference on Friday, April 4 and it is expected that in the meeting will participate Socialist leaders from European countries as well as, high ranking members of Balkan Socialist Parties.

The topics under discussion will be issues concerning regional security and internal stability, institutional and social pre-conditions for economic and institutional development and democratization.

[19] TURKEY'S MILITARY CHIEFS GIVE PREMIER ERBAKAN 30-DAYS

Turkey's Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan has been given a 30- day "deadline" by the country's military chiefs during today's National Security Council conference.

Political circles in Ankara assess that the key decisions that were drawn by the Security Council on February 28 were not discussed due to President Suleiman Demirel's desire to calm the tense political climate and to avert any potential divisions in the governmental coalition. A.F.

[20] UN CHIEF TO MEET WITH TURKISH-CYPRIOT LEADER IN GENEVA NEXT WEEK

The United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan will receive the Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in Geneva on April 9.

The two men will discuss the process of negotiations regarding Cyprus and, according to press reports from the Turkish news agency "Anadolu", Mr. Denktash is to meet with the Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides in New York during July.

In order to achieve this meeting, various efforts are currently underway on behalf of British envoy for the Cyprus issue Sir David Hannay and other officials from the United States. A.F.

[21] MOSCOW STILL RESISTING NATO'S EASTWARD EXPANSION

Russia is still insisting on its opposition to the Alliance's eastward expansion, following statements made in Bonn by Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeni Primakov who met with his German counterpart Klaus Kinkel.

Mr. Primakov stated that such expansion would be one of the grandest mistakes following the end of the Cold War, albeit adding that the map currently being charted regarding Russia's relations with NATO would indeed alleviate part of the negative impact that would be brought on by such enlargement.

In turn, Mr. Kinkel stated that Germany views this issue as being still under negotiation and, after these talks are completed in May, the matter will be tabled for discussion during the Alliance's imminent Ministerial Council. A.F.

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