Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-04-01

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, April 1, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] KINKEL APOLOGIZES TO PANGALOS, BERISHA WANTS GREEK INPUT IN HIS AFFAIRS

It's April Fool's Day and some of the jokes that appeared in Greek newspapers were so subtle that the tongue-in-cheek reaction came in later, while others were so farfetched that they could only be construed as wishful thinking.

An Athens daily "I Avgi" featured a front-page, boxed article titled "Kinkel Apologizes to Pangalos", making a clear reference to the known juxtaposition between the two officials. As if that was not enough, the article is jumped to page 28, but the newspaper only has 24 pages.

Another daily "Rizospastis" wrote that Albanian President Sali Berisha has requested the Greek Foreign Ministry's aid in forming a committee to promote his projects as President of the neighboring country.

Weddings were also a favorite among the jokers. Among those said to be exchanging vows were the Greek Premier Kostas Simitis's daughter, who "is" to marry the Turkish military chief's son, while New Democracy's newly-elected leader Kostas Karamanlis, a reportedly confirmed bachelor, "is" to marry a young bride soon, very soon. A.F.

[02] GREEK CONSULATE IN GJIROCASTER ATTACKED AGAIN BY ARMED ALBANIANS

Two armed Albanians attacked the Greek Consulate in Gjirocaster late last night when they opened fire at the building, causing damages but luckily no injuries although both the Consul- General Nikos Kanellos and other employees were present.

The two masked men opened fire from a building located directly across from the Consulate. Consulate employees told the Macedonian Press Agency that the attack occured yesterday at 11 pm. Shots were fired back by neighbors and after a short exchange of fire, the two culprits fled the premises.

This is the third attack against the Greek Consulate and speculation abounds that the instigators are persons who either wish to disable the Consulate or create anti-Greek scenaria. Another possibility is that the attacks could be a ploy of the mafia that wants to keep its fake passport business going.

Meanwhile, the Consulate is back to work, issuing visas to about 500 persons daily. A.F.

[03] GREEK BATALLION TO BE SENT TO ALBANIA IN MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE

A Greek army batallion will be ready for its assignment to Albania by the end of this week, participating in the multi- national force that is to be stationed in the neighboring country for policing the humanitarian aid transport and the various restructuring projects.

The honorary chief of the General Staff of National Defense, wing commander Nikos Kouris, stated today that the batallion should only comprise commissioned and non-commissioned officers, as well as a limited number of soldiers. Moreover, Mr. Kouris added that the Government Council for Defense must issue a relevant decision in order for the batallion to be assigned.

The 5,000-strong multi-national force will be made up as follows: 2,000 men from Italy, 900-1000 from France, about 700 from Greece and 500 from Spain. Also expected to participate are Protugal, Turkey, Romania and Hungary.

Meanwhile, Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim Fino will arrive in Athens tomorrow, while a Greek delegation in already in Tirana, headed by the Foreign Ministry's Secretary-General Alexandros Filonas. A.F.

[04] THE GREEK FOREIGN MINISTRY CONDEMNED LAST NIGHT'S ATTACK ON THE RESIDENCE OF THE GREEK CONSUL GENERAL

The Greek Foreign Ministry issued a statement characterizing last night's attack on the residence of the Greek Consul General in Gjirokaster as an unwise, immoral and criminal act through which an attempt is being made to hurt the Greek-Albanian relations and the Consulate's operation.

[05] THE EU MAP PRESENTING CERTAIN GREEK ISLANDS AS PART OF TURKEY WAS AN UNFORTUNATE INSTANCE

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas commenting on the publication of the European Union energy map, which presents certain Greek islands as being part of Turkey, stated that this was an unfortunate instance.

Mr.Reppas stated that in the EU is not possible to exist centers that produce such plans, adding that those who made the mistake by negligence should assume their responsibilities.

[06] THE ARMY LEADERSHIP WILL DECIDE ON THE COMPOSITION OF THE GREEK PEACE-KEEPING FORCE

The Army leadership will decide on the composition of the Greek peace-keeping force that will be sent to Albania. The decision will be based on the outcome of the discussions in Rome and will take under consideration the needs that are being created, stated Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas.

The multi-national force will be under the auspices of the United Nations according to a decision made by the UN Security Council, stated Greek Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis, who clarified that this force will be small in number and will have a specific mandate, concerning mainly the safe distribution of humanitarian aid to the Albanian people.

[07] GREEK FINANCE DEPUTY MINISTER: STATE TO THROW THE BOOK AT TAX EVADERS

Anyone caught committing financial fraud or evading taxes should know that there's a seat in a jail cell waiting for them, stated the Greek Undersecretary of Finance George Drys today, during his stay in Thessaloniki where he met with state tax officials.

Mr. Drys clarified that while there is no law that foresees penalties for tax evaders, there is a Ministerial committee's recent finding which concluded its investigation in the matter yesterday. A.F.

[08] ROOF GARDENS IN A THESSALONIKI MUNICIPALITY, THANKS TO A PILOT PROGRAM

An innovative, for Greek standards, program is currently underway in one of Thessaloniki's municipalities which is creating gardens at the roof tops of apartment buildings.

The program is titled "Gardens at the roof top -Green Balconies" and is solely financed by the municipality of Kordelio.

The majority of this densely-populated community's residents is in favor of this program, which will result in a prettier town and a reduction of atmospheric pollution, not to say the most important of all, small oases just a few stairs above. A.F.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[09] ITALIAN PM ORDERS PROBE INTO CAUSES OF ALBANIAN SHIP'S DOWNING

Italy's Prime Minister Romano Prodi has ordered an nvestigation for the causes of Friday's tragedy in the Adriatic Sea, when an Albanian ship full of refugees was downed by an Italian Navy corvette.

Mr. Prodi stated that he wishes for a full probe into the causes of the shipwreck and emphasized that this tragic incident will not bear a negative effect on the relations between Italy and Albania and the mission of the multi-national force which is to be forwarded to Albanian this week.

"Although some doubt if and to what degree we are able to organize a complex mission to Albania, I believe that the shipwreck will not have a negative impact on our decisiveness to resolve the problem in Albania," Mr. Prodi stated, adding that "many countries are willing to participate at the mission and have already requested that Italy coordinate the efforts to form this force."

Mr. Prodi is scheduled to meet in Rome today with Albania's Defense Minister. The Albanian government has stated that the tragedy, even though it was not due to Italy's policy on illegal immigration, could have been avoided.

Four bodies have been recovered from the waters, although the number of victims is estimated at 83. A.F.

[10] EUROPEAN SOCIALIST PARTY TO MEET IN THESSALONIKI ON APRIL 4-5

A Conference of the European Socialist Party will be held in Thessaloniki this Friday and Saturday, to be inaugurated with a speech given by Greece's Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.

Expected to participate in the meeting are European Socialist leaders and leaders of Socialist parties from the Balkan region.

The conference will tackle Balkans-related issues such as regional security and internal stability, the necessary pre- conditions for economic and institutional development and the process of democratization.

Mr. Simitis' speech will be preceded by a press conference given by the vice-president of the European Socialist Party, Akis Tsochatzopoulos and Hains Fisher.

Representing Greece will be the Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis, EU Commissioner Christos Papoutsis and PASOK euro-deputies.

Among those present at the conference will be the President of the European Socialist Party Rudolf Scharping, the party's Secretary-General Mr. Valen, the President of the European Parliament's Socialist Group Pauline Green, the President of Cyprus' Socialist Party Vassos Lyssarides, the leader of Albania's Socialist Party Fatos Nano, Bulgaria's former Foreign Minister Geroki Pirinski, and other officials of Socialist parties from Turkey, FYROM, Serbia, Bosnia, Hungary and Ireland. A.F.

[11] THE PRESIDENT OF UZBEKISTAN IS ON A VISIT TO ATHENS

Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos received his Uzbek counterpart Islam Karimov, who is on a formal visit to Greece.

Mr.Karimov invited mr.Stephanopoulos to visit Tashkend and the invitation was accepted by the Greek President. During the meeting, they pointed out the need for the further strengthening of bilateral trade relations.

At noon, mr.Karimov met with Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and signed a bilateral friendship and cooperation agreement as well as, a number of other agreements.

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis stated that the friendship and cooperation agreement signed today includes clear references to the respect of international law, the non use of force between the countries, the need for the protection of human rights, the respect of territorial integrity and the peaceful solution of differences.

Mr.Simitis said that Greece must have trade, economic, education, cultural and tourist relations with the countries of central Asia in order to be able to be at the center of the networks linking the East with the West.

[12] THE ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER ARRIVES IN ATHENS TOMORROW

Albanian Prime Minister Baskim Fino is expected in Athens tomorrow for contacts with the Greek political leadership on the issue of the Greek participation in the multi-national force that will be deployed in Albania.

Minister of Public Order, Giorgos Romeos will meet with mr.Fino and the Albanian Undersecretary of the Interior to discuss issues concerning security and order.

Two high-ranking Greek police officers are already in Albania to cooperate with the country's authorities for the reorganization of the Albanian police.

[13] BERISHA VETOED THE LAW ON GENERAL AMNESTY VOTED BY THE ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT

Albanian President Sali Berisha vetoed the law granting general amnesty which was voted through by the Albanian Parliament. Berisha maintained that individuals who have comitted crimes against humanity or the leaders of the former communist regime should not be cleared of the charges against them.

Meanwhile, Greek Undersecretary of Defence Dimitris Apostolakis mentioned that the framework of responsibilities for the peace-keeping force and the way in which the multi-national forces will be deployed on the Albanian territory will be determined during a special meeting in Rome tomorrow.

Mr.Apostolakis pointed out that the main goal is to keep the road transportation network open, adding that the Greek force will consist of regular army officers, while he speculated that there is no issue of a Turkish army officers' presence in the region.

The Greek General Army Staff has put three army units in northern Greece in a state of readiness. The decision on which of the three will be sent to Albania will depend on the role the Greek force will be called to play.

Also, the Ministry of Defence is planning to set up two mobile medical units at the Greek-Albanian borders to care for the wounded Albanians. Those units will be set up near the border outposts of Kakavia and Kristalopigi situated inside Greek territory.

[14] ALBANIAN PREMIER MEETS WITH SOUTHERN REGION'S RIOTERS

Albania's Prime Minister Bashkim Fino met with the rioting civilians from his country's southern region, in Gjirocaster today.

Mr. Fino stated that this is his first time in the region since he came to office last month and added that his purpose is to meet "the legal representatives of the local government" which is precisely what he did as the representatives of the rioters were banned from participating in the talks held between the Premier and Gjirocaster's elected local officials.

Meanwhile, Italy's Prime Minister Romano Prodi has asked the Albanian government to participate in an international committee which will be formed for the sole purpose of conducting a probe of last Friday's naval tragedy in the Adriatic Sea. A.F.

[15] IMF DELEGATION IN SKOPJE

An International Monetary Fund delegation is on a three-day visit to Skopje to be informed on the situation created after the recent revelations on the illegal banking scandal in FYROM.

According to FYROM's government vice-President Trpevski, who is responsible for the country's relations with the international financial organizations, the IMF delegation will examine during its visit if FYROM meets the pre-conditions for the approval of the so-called ISAF loan for the financial support of economic reforms.

[16] THE GREEK STUDENTS IN GEORGIA WILL RECEIVE BOOKS AND WRITING MATERIALS BY THE ECUMENICAL HELLENISM AMPHICTIONY

The schools in villages in the Republics of Georgia and Ukraine, where 70-80% of the students are ethnic Greeks, will receive books and writing materials that will be delivered by the Ecumenical Hellenism Amphictiony in May, while the financing of Greek language teachers is also scheduled to begin soon.

Speaking to MPA, the organization's Secretary mr.Nikolaos Molchovos stated that already the Bank of Macedonia and Thrace has offered books for the ethnic Greek students in Georgia and Ukraine.

The Ecumenical Hellenism Amphictiony was founded in 1993 and its goal is to develop and spread the values of the Greek civilization all over the world. The organization has four offices abroad and six in Greece.

Its international activities focus on the founding of Greek schools, cultural centers and institutions that will help to spread the Greek education, promote Orthodoxy and develop peace and friendship among the peoples.

[17] THE ARCHBISHOP OF AMERICA COMPLETED HIS VISIT TO THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE

Archbishop of America, Spyridon visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate accompanied by a group of clerics and pilgrims from the United States and had high-level contacts with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos.

Archbishop Spyridon discussed the imminent visit to the United States by the Ecumenical Patriarch during which he will meet with US President Bill Clinton and the Speakers of the US House and Senate. He will also meet with leading politicians and businessmen. The Ecumenical Patriarch is scheduled to visit the Greek-American communities in New York, Chicago, Boston and California.

The Archbishop of America departs for New York today.

[18] THE WORLD BANK WILL SEND 290 MILLION DOLLARS TO BULGARIA

The World Bank will send an aid of 290 million dollars to Bulgaria by the end of 1997 for the stabilization of the country's banking system, the development of the social welfare sector and also, for imports of grain, medicine and other goods.

The above were announced in the city of Varna by the World Bank representative to Sofia mr.Musalem, who issued a positive valuation of the efforts made by the caretaker government of Prime Minister Sofianski for the restructuring of the Bulgarian economy.

[19] PRESIDENT OF EU MINISTERIAL COUNCIL TO VISIT ANKARA ON THURSDAY

The president of the European Union's Ministerial Council and Dutch Foreign Minister Hans Van Mierlo will visit Ankara on Thursday, within the framework on the EU's efforts to improve Greek-Turkish relations.

Mr. Van Mierlo is expected to discuss with Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller the proposal of the assignment of a committee that will address Greek-Turkish issues.

This proposal was first tabled at the EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Holland by Mr. Van Mierlo.

As the current President of the EU, Mr. Van Mierlo has visited Athens and Ankara three times during the recent months. A.F.

[20] TURKISH BUSINESSMEN WANT ERBACAN-CILLER COALITION BROKEN UP

The Erbakan government may have been given a one-month grace period from the country's military chiefs, but the Turkish industry sectors do not leave him any room as the annual inflation rate is on a upward trend, currently at 80%, and the national deficit is undergoing expansion. A.F.

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