Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-04-07

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, April 7, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] PRESIDENT OF GREECE'S PARLIAMENT TO RECEIVE TURKISH COUNTERPART

The President of Greece's Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis will meet with the President of the Turkish Parliament Mustafa Kalemli in Athens today, within the framework of the conference of Presidents of Parliaments of Mediterranean countries.

The Conference will look into strengthening the cooperation among the region's parliaments, within the framework of the Barcelona Resolution, as well as the parliament's role in the course torwards Euro-Mediterranean cooperation. A.F.

[02] US AMBASSADOR TO GREECE: STATE DEPARTMENT WILL INTERVENE TO STOP A WARM EPISODE BETWEEN GREECE-TURKEY, IF IT SHOULD HAPPEN

United States Ambassador to Athens Thomas Niles has stated that the State Department will dynamically intervene in order to halt a warm episode from erupting between Greece and Turkey.

The American diplomat also expressed his contained optimism that the recent positions adopted by Greek and Turkish officials show that the threat of such episode is dimming. A.F.

[03] GREECE'S FOREIGN MINISTER IN BRATISLAVA TODAY

Greece's Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos is currently in Bratislava, having embarked on a series of visits to the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Armenia, Georgia and Ajerbaijan.

Mr. Pangalos will meet today with the President of Slovakia, as well as the country's Premier and Foreign Minister.

Tomorrow, Mr. Pangalos will travel to Armenia's Erevan where he will meet with political leaders and the Patriarchate of Armenia.

On Wednesday, the Greek Foreign Minister will depart for Georgia where he will sign seven agreements with the country's political leaders. The last stop of Mr. Pangalos' tour will be Baku, Ajerbaijan. A.F.

[04] GREEK ALTERNATE FOREIGN MINISTER PROPOSES REFERENDUMS WITHIN THE EU

Greece's alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou proposed today that pan-European referendums be held within the European Union when consensus is not reached by the Community's members in regards to European matters.

Mr. Papandreou tabled his proposal during the second-day session of the Extraordinary meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, held in the Netherlands today.

He stated that this proposal can lead to a democratic process which will surpass national borders and will reflect precisely the European people's intentions and needs.

Mr. Papandreou also met with his Italian counterpart Pierre Fascino today and, according to reports, the Italian official was open to Greece's request to asssign combined military departments in various regions of Albania and promised to relay Greece's positions to his government.

The Greek Alternate Foreign Minister also met with Germany's Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel who pointed out Turkey's need to adopt a European orientation. However, Mr. Kinkel noted that any progress in Turkey's accession to the EU will be made only if Ankara takes significant steps in alleviating problems in Greek- Turkish relations and in resolving the Cyprus issue. A.F.

[05] GREECE-FYROM TALKS HELD TODAY IN NEW YORK

Talks regarding the name issue pending between Greece and FYROM will be held today in New York, under the auspice of UN mediator Cyrus Vance.

Greece insists on its firm positions, while no shift in FYROM's stance has been noted either.

Reports stemming from the United Nations say that a solution could be reached, based on a triple name. A.F.

[06] GREECE'S CULTURE MINISTER IN THE NETHERLANDS TODAY

Greece's Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos is in the Netherlands today in order to participate at the European Union's two-day informal Culture Ministers Council.

According to the meeting's agenda, the EU Ministers will discuss matters concerning cultural policies and cooperation, uniform book prices in European Committee's proposal for the Cultural Capital of Europe beyond the year 2000. A.F.

[07] GREEK UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON ALBANIAN CRISIS

Greece's Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis stated that Greece's handling of the latest crisis in Albania proved once more that Greece is a credible international factor.

Speaking to the Macedonian Press Agency, Mr. Kranidiotis also stated that the presence of Greek forces in the neighboring country aims at promoting stability and peace and at aiding the Albanian people and their leaders in overcoming the crisis.

Mr. Kranidiotis also referred to the name issue pending between Greece and FYROM and he characterized the matter as "unfortunate". The Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the name issue must not become subject to political manipulation. A.F.

[08] KASTANIDES: GREECE'S POSITION ON THE DISPUTE WITH FYROM HAS NOT CHANGED

Absolutely nothing has been changed in the position adopted by the government and most of the Greek political world, regarding the dispute on the issue of the name that will be used by FYROM and therefore, Greece continues to defend the same position in all the international fora and organizations.

The above were stated by Greek Transport Minister Charis Kastanides when he was called to comment on information according to which, a UN agreement on the name of FYROM is close. Mr.Kastanides commented that foreign policy and especially the protection of national issues can not be based on rumours.

On the controversy between Greece and Italy concerning the places where the Greek military force will be deployed in Albania, he said that there may be certain problems at military Chiefs of Staff level but there is no problem at the political cooperation level, adding that the right solution will be found within the framework of political consultations.

Regarding the rapprochement moves displayed by Turkish officials, mr.Kastanides stated that if Turkey accepts that only the International Law and the international law and order can lead to solutions, it will be a very good development for the country itself and for peace in the region.

Mr.Kastanides also referred to the transport networks and stressed that a financing plan for the construction of the Florina- Pogradec railway line will be completed soon, while he stated that in the first half of June the Greek state airliner "Olympic Airways" will inaugurate new flights to cities of central and eastern Europe.

[09] EARTHQUAKE MEASURING 4 ON THE RICHTER SCALE SHOOK SOUTHERN GREECE

An earthquake measuring 4 on the Richter scale shook the prefecture of Arkadia in southern Greece at 7:32 this morning.

According to a statement issued by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Geophysics Laboratory, the earthquake's epicenter was located in the region between Megalopolis and Dimitsana. Police mentioned that no damages were reported.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[10] MULTINATIONAL FORCE TO BE IN ALBANIA ON APRIL 14

The multi-national force to be assigned to Albania will begin its mission on April 14. Meanwhile, the Greek government has expressed its disagreement with Italy in regards to the place where the Greek troops will be assigned.

Greece would like its forces to be assigned in Vlore and Gjirocaster, not in the city of Lexa which is located 90 km north of Tirana, as Rome has suggested.

Greece's alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou met with his Italian counterpart Pierre Fascino today and, according to reports, the Italian official was open to Greece's request to asssign combined military departments in various regions of Albania and promised to relay Greece's positions to his government. A.F.

[11] THE MEDITERRANEAN PARLIAMENT PRESIDENTS DECIDED ON THE ENACTMENT OF A PERMANENT PARLIAMENTARY FORUM

The Parliament Presidents of 17 Mediterranean countries, participating in the conference in Athens which was completed today, agreed on the enactment of a Permanent Parliamentary Forum.

The main topic of the conference, held on the initiative of Greek Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, was the strengthening of cooperation among the Mediterranean Parliaments within the framework of the 1995 Barcelona Declaration as well as, the strengthening of the role of the National Parliaments.

[12] SPECIAL FORCES FROM THE US AND FYROM PARTICIPATE IN A JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE

A special army force from the state of Colorado in the United States and a special army force from FYROM participate in a joint military exercise that began yesterday and will last until April 20 in Mavrovo, south-east of FYROM's capital Skopje.

According to FYROM's state television it is the third joint military exercise between American and FYROM army units that is being held in the past 2 years.

[13]ALBANIA'S DEMOCRATIC PARTY ON SHAKY GROUNDS

Twenty parliamentarians from Albania's Democratic Party, among them high-ranking government officials, have distanced themselves from President Sali Berisha and have requested that the Parliament exercise its legislative powers and resist Mr. Berisha's orders.

Specifically, the deputies ask that an extraordinary session of the National Council be held in order to analyse the currrent situation in the country.

Meanwhile, after yesterday's episode when Premier Bashkim Fino was obstructed by masked individuals from visiting the country's northern region, the leader of Albania's Democratic Alliance Neritan Ceca told the Macedonian Press Agency that there are forces in Albania that direct the north-south animosity and are trying to give the impression that the Premier has suppporters only in central and southern Albania. A.F.

[14] WORLD HEALTH DAY CELEBRATED TODAY

World Health Day is celebrated today, dedicated to infectious diseases.

In his mesage, Greece's Health Minister Kostas Geitonas said that the public has to observe hygiene and health regulations, and small children must be inoculated without exception.

The World Health Organization has pointed out that diseases such as polio, tuberculosis and malaria have re-appeared in countries where they had been wiped out in the past. A.F.

[15] ANKE FUCHS: THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT MUST RESIGN

The leader of the Parliamentary Group of the German Social- democrats ms.Anke Fuchs stressed in an interview to the Turkish newspaper "Cumhurriyet" that the Turkish coalition government must resign as soon as possible.

The German Parliament deputy stated that Tansu Ciller does not inspire trust in the international political scene especially after her provocative statements on the finalizing of Turkey's accession into the EU which she made after the EU Council of Ministers meeting in Holland.

Regarding islamist Prime Minister Necmetin Erbakan and his statements according to which, German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel should lower his head in shame, ms.Fuchs underlined that Erbakan himself must lower his head in shame for his statements.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Socialist Party in Holland, which according to public opinion polls enjoys the most support among the people at this time, ruled out the possibility of Turkey becoming a member of the EU, maintaining that this country is not possessed by the spirit of Renaissance and Enlightenment.

[16] THE NEW YORK TALKS ON KOSOVO ARE EXPECTED WITH GREAT INTEREST

The international public opinion expects with great interest the outcome of the talks on Kosovo that begin in New York. Even though the talks are informal and are held on the initiative of the organization "Project on Ethnic Relations", they are surrounded with great interest, as Kosovo is being regarded as a potential powder-keg in the Balkans.

The Serb Socialist party decision not to participate in the open dialogue on Kosovo drew wide criticism and according to the organization's President Dr.Allen Kassof, many leading members of the Socialist party stated to him that the boycotting of the talks will further isolate Serbia from the rest of the world and will have a favourable effect on the opposition.

The President of the organization stated that in the talks is represented a wide spectrum of the political views in Serbia. He also stated that in the meeting participate representatives of the biggest parties of the opposition in Kosovo as well as, the parties representing the region's Albanian-speaking population. The meeting will attend high ranking US officials as observers, underlining this way the US government's interest in the solution of the problems in Kosovo. The talks will last until Wednesday and will be followed by a press conference.

[17] THE COUNTERING OF ANTI-SECULAR ISLAMIC FORCES IS THE PRIORITY OF THE TURKISH MILITARY

The countering of the anti-secular islamic forces has become the top priority of the Turkish military and it is even more pressing than the fight against the Kurd separatists, stated deputy commander of Turkey's General Staff general Cevik Bir to the US newspaper "Washington Post".

The statements made by general Bir are interpreted as an indication that the army has no intention of backing down from its confrontation with the islamists heading the Turkish coalition government.

General Bir ruled out the possibility of an armed intervention of the military in Turkey, stating that the country's military is aware that military coups have brought about negative results.

[18] A PERMANENT FORUM OF MEDITERRANEAN PARLIAMENTS WILL BE ESTABLISHED

The Parliament Presidents of 17 countries from the Mediterranean region decided today to enact a Permanent Parliamentary Forum, during the Conference held today in Athens.

Greece's President Kostis Stephanopoulos received the foreign dignitaries, while Greece's Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis stated that the Conference's participants granted heightened emphasis on issues regarding the establishment of democratic principles, respect of human rights, promoting inter- cultural cooperation, combating organized crime and wiping out phenomena of racism. A.F.

[19] ARCHBISHOP OF TIRANA VISITS VLORE

The Archbishop of Tirana Anastasios visited today the city of Vlore where he met with the relatives of last month's naval tragedy in the Adriatic Sea.

The Archbishop also visited the Orphanage of Vlore and he announced that the Orthodox Church will undertake the maintenance of the facility for as long as the situation n Albania remains critical.

Meanwhile, five children and one adult were wounded after being hit by stray bullets fired at the port of Vlore. A.F.

[20] PATRIARCH VARTHOLOMEOS WAS THE TURKISH PRESIDENT'S GUEST IN THE SCREENING OF THE DOCUMENTARY "THE LOOTING OF ANTIQUITIES"

The presence of Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos in the private screening of the documentary "The Looting of Antiquities", on the invitation of Turkish President Suleiman Demirel, got extensive coverage in the Turkish press.

The newspaper "Hurriyet" mentioned that Patriarch Vartholomeos was treated with high honours and pointed out that the screening was not attended by the head of the Directorate of Religious Affairs Mehmet Nuri Yilmaz and by Turkey's Head Rabbi David Aseo even though they were invited to the event.

[21] UN SECRETARY-GENERAL KOFI ANNAN SUPPORTS A TIMELY MISSION TO ALBANIA

The United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has stated that the multi-national force should be assigned to Albania as soon as possible.

The Albanian issue was discussed during yesterday's meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers held in the Netherlands. The final decisions regarding the assignment of each participating-country's force is expected to be drawn within the week.

Tension continued to ferment in Albania's southern region. Yesterday evening, five children and one adult were wounded when they were hit by stray bullets fired at the port of Vlore. A.F.

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