Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-06-09

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, June 9, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[01] SIMITIS: THE CONFERENCE IN THESSALONIKI IS A DECISIVE STEP IN THE ONGOING PROCESS OF COOPERATION AMONG THE STATES OF THE REGION

In a message to the Foreign Ministers participating in the Conference on Stability, Security and Cooperation in South-Eastern Europe, Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis underlined that it constitutes a decisive step in the ongoing process of cooperation among the states of the region.

He mentions that this meeting is a concrete proof of the South-Eastern European states' will to inaugurate a new era in their cooperation and determination to work together for a better future for their peoples and the region as a whole.

Mr.Simitis stresses that in the aftermath of dramatic changes that have occured in Europe since 1990, the South-Eastern European countries should actively seek to meet the challenge and take advantage of the new opportunities within the new European space. He mentions that Greece will continue to contribute actively to the joint efforts and promote, as a member of the EU, initiatives to the benefit of the region.

[02] PANGALOS: WE SHOULD LAY THE FOUNDATIONS FOR A BETTER FUTURE TO THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLES IN OUR REGION

The European integration would be incomplete without the participation of the South-Eastern European countries, which should be based on the same principles that contributed to the creation of today's European Union, stressed Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos speaking in the Conference of Foreign Ministers from South-Eastern European countries that opened in Thessaloniki today.

The regional cooperation strengthens and facilitates the European orientation of the region, while it contributes to the efforts for the creation of an enlarged European space, stated mr.Pangalos, while referring to the Conference, he pointed out that it is up to the states of the region to show determination to work toward this direction. Mr.Pangalos stated that in the Conference will be discussed ways and means for the strengthening of cooperation among the states of the region, which can be successful if it is based on the widely acceptable principles of international behaviour. Namely, equality among the states, refraining from the use or the threat for the use of force, the inviolability of the borders, respect of the states' territorial integrity, peaceful settlement of disputes, non intervention in the internal affairs of other states and respect of the human rights and obligations stemming from International Law.

Mr.Pangalos stressed the need for the materialization of all efforts for the implementation of specific programmes aimed at the development of infrastructure in the region and the promotion of trade transactions. He referred to the development of cross-border cooperation, the improvement of transportations, tele- communications and energy-production infrastructure.

Regarding Greece's policy toward this direction, he underlined that it is consistent with the principles mentioned before and that every possible effort is being made on behalf of Greece to offer its assistance whenever it is requested and to help the EU partners understand the region's hopes, ambitions and concerns.

Mr.Pangalos stated that Greece has hammered out a comprehensive approach that covers all aspects aimed at the long- term solution of problems that arise from the transitional phase the states in the region are going through. This proposal was submitted to the EU Council of Ministers on February 24, 1997 and it is hoped that the EU partners will back the efforts made to overcome those problems.

The Greek Foreign Minister, after underlining that the meeting's objective is to bring the region's countries closer to each other and make up for the chances that have been lost in the past, he concluded that now they are presented with a unique opportunity to lay the foundations for a better future to the benefit of the region's peoples as well as, the region itself.

[03] GREEK FM: BALKAN COOPERATION BECOMES AN INSTITUTION IN THESSALONIKI

Thessaloniki, the Metropolis of the Balkans, is to be in the spotlight today and tomorrow, hosting the Foreign Ministers of South-Eastern European Countries Conference.

Greece's FM Theodoros Pangalos stated that Thessaloniki is at the crossroads of the Balkan region, the reason why the city was chosen as the event's site.

Mr. Pangalos is to propose the creation of a common market for the Balkan countries, based on equitable relations, a point of heightened concern for the region's weaker states, while always having in mind peaceful co-existence.

Moreover, the Greek side is expected to propose the creation of a permanent business center and center of technology exchange, with headquarters in Thessaloniki. A.F.

[04] MR.REPPAS REFERRED TO THE NEW CONDITIONS FORMED IN THE CYPRUS ISSUE

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas referred to the new conditions formed in the Cyprus issue with the direct talks between Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in New York and mr.Holbrooke's appointment to the position of the US special envoy to Cyprus.

Mr.Reppas pointed out that the Greek government examines those developments closely and is possible to undertake certain initiatives. He also clarified that the process for Cyprus' accession into the EU does not depend on the completion of the Inter-Governmental Conference in Amsterdam.

[05] THESSALONIKI'S S.E. EUROPEAN CONFERENCE STRONG ON COOPERATION

The Conference on Stability, Security and Cooperation in South-Eastern Europe, currently held in Thessaloniki, is being hailed as a highly significant event for establishing cooperation among the region's countries.

As Greece's FM Theodoros Pangalos stated, "the South-Eastern European countries' decisiveness to work towards the direction of cooperation will determine the future."

Concurrently, the contacts taking place at the Balkan Business Forum, held within the Conference's framework, are noteworthy to say the least.

The major business and financial issues discussed today at the forum are the creation of an oil pipeline to cross through Thessaloniki,Skopje and Belgrade, the developments in the Burgas- Alexandroupolis oil pipeline, the Elsinki -Alexandroupolis motorway and the great bridge of the Danube River. A.F.

[06] GREECE'S ALTERNATE FM SPEAKS ON THE VARIOUS PROPOSALS SUBMITTED TODAY

Grece's alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou stated that the proposal to conduct a South-Eastern European leaders meeting is being discussed at the Conference on Stability, Security and Cooperation in South-Eastern Europe, currently held in Thessaloniki, and, so far, it has been viewed in a positive light.

Speaking to reporters this afternoon, Mr. Papandreou also stated that other proposals are being presented, such as the creation of a Center of Democracy and Pluralism and a Center of Crisis Settlement, both to be headquartered in Thessaloniki. A.F.

[07] INTERBALKAN COOPERATION AND THE PRIVATIZATION PROCESS

Leading businessmen from the Balkan countries discussed the region's privatization process during a Balkan business forum held in Thessaloniki today, on the sidelines of the Balkan Foreign Ministers Conference.

Participating in this forum are the respective countries' ministers and government officials who are responsible for the privatization processes in their states, such as Albania, Bulgaria, FYROM, Romania and Turkey.

According to the Greek Foreign Minister's special advisor Ioannis Papanikolaou, the meeting illustrated that all of the participating countries feature a specialized program of privatization, although they can be divided into two categories:

"Those that already promote a relevant program, such as Albania, FYROM and Turkey, but without having presented a significant political change, and those, such as Bulgaria and Romania which are expediting the process so that their program may be utilized within a short time period," Mr. Papanikolaou said.

Also, these countries differ on their targets and the means they employ in order to achieve their final aims.

"As such, others are focusing their attention on improving their business management, others on reducing state-funding to the bare minimum and others are bent on securing the political credibility of the overall task," stated the secretary-general of international economic affairs of the Greek Ministry of National Economy Nikos Zachariades.

The initiative for the discussion, where the sectors of energy, telecommunications, transportation, banking and industry are represented, has been taken by the Greek Foreign Ministry, with the organizational support of the Association of Northern Greece's Industries (SVVE).

The President of SVVE Vasilis Takas referred to the opportunities presented to the Greek businessmen in the Balkan sector.

Given the restructuring obstacles in the region, such as the market share and the banking system, Mr. Takas insisted that in spite of the hurdles, the Greek investors can benefit from these ventures as long as they proceed cautiously and continue to employ the Greek system for the promotion, protection and security of Greece's investment and exporting activities.

The Greek side is represented by approximately 50 leading businessmen and bankers.

The development of this multi-faceted political and economic cooperation is deemed by the Greek side as necessary, especially during an era that is marked by common actions and ideals among the region's neighbors. A.F.

[08] NATIONAL ECONOMY MINISTRY'S OFFICIAL: BLACK SEA BANK TO OPEN IN JULY

The Black Sea Bank, whose first branch is to be established in Thessaloniki, is to be inaugurated within the month of July, according to the secretary-general of international economic affairs of the Greek Ministry of National Economy Nikos Zachariades.

Mr. Zachariades stated that the delays in making shares available in the Bank's capital stock were due to the inability of the members of the Economic Cooperation of Black Sea Countries to submit their dues.

"At least 51% of the capital stock must be provided by six countries and we believe that up until July Armenia and Moldavia will have submitted their share, as Greece, Turkey Russia and Romania have already done so," the Greek official stated. A.F.

[09] MINISTER OF AEGEAN IN UNITED STATES, MEETS WITH ARCHBISHOP SPYRIDON

The Minister of the Aegean Elizabeth Papazoi is currently in Washington, part of her official visit to the United States at the invitation of the Aegean Islands Federation of America and Canada.

Her visit aims at achieving the better acquaintance and exchange of views with the Greek-American community, while she will also meet with US business world representatives.

Ms. Papazoi will meet with Archbishop of America, Spyridon today, prior to departing for Washington for contacts with Greek- American politicians Mr. Bilirakis and Mr. Sarbanis as well as with House Representative Ms. Maloney.

Tomorrow the Greek Minister will meet in the US State Department with assistant deputy Secretary of State Mr. Adair. A.F.

[10] MUNICIPALITY OF POLICHNI SENDS HUMANITARIAN AID TO BULGARIA

The Municipality of Polichni, located on the outskirts of Thessaloniki's center, is to forward humanitarian aid to Bulgaria's municipality of Anagennisis (Renaissance), through food supplies and medicine that has been offered by the local residents and officials.

The aid will be directly transported to the Bulgarian municipality's nursing home and orphanage.

According to vice-mayor of Polichni Panayiotis Tsopelas, the small municipality proceeded to this initiative believing that it is contributing to the promotion of friendship and cooperation among the Balkan peoples. A.F.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

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

The Foreign Ministers Conference on Security, Stability and Cooperation in South-Eastern Europe began in Thessaloniki this afternoon, an event that is hailed as having exceptional significance for the overall security and establishment of peace in the region.

Opening the first day session, the Minister of Macedonia- Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos hailed the city of Thessaloniki as a town that has always been a meeting place for the Balkan peoples, open to the various cultures and to the ideals of cooperation.

The two-day meeting features the participation of FMs from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, FYROM, Greece, Romania, Turkey and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, while participating as observers are the United States, Russia, Britain, France and Germany.

Also, over twenty countries and international organizations are represented at the Conference, among them Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Moldova, Ukraine, Sweden, the United Nations, Council of Europe, European Commission, World Bank and CEDEFOP.

Heading the Greek delegation is Greek FM Theodoros Pangalos, as well as undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis and alternate FM George Papandreou.

The Foreign Ministers leading the remaining Balkan countries' delegations are as follows: F.R.Y.: Milan Milutinovic; Bulgaria: newly-appointed FM Nadejda Michailova; Romania: Andrei Severin; Russia: alternate FM Nicolai Afanasievski; Turkey: assistant undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Ali Tugan; Albania: Adrian Starova; FYROM: Blagoj Handiski, this being the first time an FM from FYROM officially visits Greece.

The Balkan FMs are to discuss issues such as furthering political cooperation, building security and trust measures in the region, developing economic cooperation, establishing specific plans of action for environmental protection, promoting humanitarian, social and cultural collaboration and coordinating the efforts to combat organized crime, terrorism, drug and arms smuggling. A.F.

[12] HADJINSKI: FYROM WILL WORK FOR THE COOPERATION IN THE BALKANS

FYROM's Foreign Minister Blagoi Hadjinski declared his country's firm orientation toward the consolidation of cooperation, good neighbourly relations and the country's foreign policy profile, speaking in the Conference of Foreign Ministers from South-Eastern European countries held in Thessaloniki.

Mr.Hadjinski underlined the efforts made by his government for its participation in international economic and financial organizations at a time when a new system of Euro-Atlantic security and economic cooperation is underway. He pointed out that the facts mentioned above make imperative FYROM's participation in the EU and NATO, seeking at the same time the consolidation of peace and cooperation in the wider Balkan region.

He also referred to the two interim accords signed with Serbia and Greece stressing that his country respects the internationally recognized borders in the region.

[13] HADJINSKI: THE DISAGREEMENT ON FYROM'S NAME SHOULD NOT ACT AS A BRAKE ON THE RELATIONS WITH GREECE

On the sidelines of the Conference held in Thessaloniki, FYROM's Foreign Minister mr.Blagoi Hadjinski expressed the position that the disagreement on the issue of FYROM's name - which is under negotiation in the talks held under the auspices of Cyrus Vance in New York - should not act as a brake on the relations between Greece and FYROM.

Mr.Hadjinski underlined that the main issue examined in his meeting with Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos was the expansion of the security zone of the region's countries, and characterized as historic the recent visit of mr.Pangalos to Skopje.

FYROM's Foreign Minister also stated that all the Balkan states are determined to harmonize their efforts in order to consolidate lasting peace and stability in the region. Referring to the bilateral relations between Greece and FYROM, he pointed out that after the Interim Accord there is very good cooperation in the sectors of economy and culture.

[14] MICHAILOVA: BULGARIA'S PRIORITIES ARE ITS ACCESSION INTO NATO AND THE EU

Bulgarian Foreign Minister ms.Nadenza Michailova, within the framework of the Conference of Foreign Ministers from South- Eastern European states, which is held in Thessaloniki, presented her country's foreign policy priorities, namely its accession into the European Union and NATO.

Ms.Michailova stated that the Balkans have an image problem and it is time for the international community to start receiving good news from the region, adding that the position of her country is that a permanent stabilization in the Balkans can be achieved only through the European and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Referring to the signing of the cooperation agreement between NATO and Russia, ms.Michailova stressed that it increases Bulgaria's chances to become a member of the alliance which is an issue of high national priority for her country.

Also, the Bulgarian Foreign Minister underlined her country's determination to contribute to the efforts for the prevention of a new isolation of the region from the rest of Europe well as, to its readiness to actively participate in the initiatives for the consolidation of good neighbourly relations, stability and cooperation in South-Eastern Europe.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the Conference in Thessaloniki, the Director of the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry Department on South-Eastern Europe mr.Teodor Rusinov stated that Bulgaria, to which belongs the initiative for the holding of a meeting of Defence Ministers from South-Eastern European countries, will begin consultations to set the date for the meeting and to decide on its agenda.

On the sidelines of the Conference in Thessaloniki, Bulgarian Foreign Minister ms.Michailova had a 45minute meeting with her counterpart from FYROM mr.Hadjinski to discuss bilateral problems as well as, the holding of working meetings in the near future for the solution of those problems.

[15] GENERAL SECRETARY OF TIRANA'S CHAMBER: THE ALBANIAN MARKET WILL PLAY A DYNAMIC ROLE IN A FEW YEARS

General Secretary of Tirana's Trade and Industry Chamber mr.Luga Gafur speculated from Thessaloniki that Albania will soon become a dynamic market that will offer significant opportunities to foreign investors.

In statements he made to MPA, mr.Gafur stressed that the future appears promising for the Albanian market due to the dynamic business community that becomes active in the country and also due to the political changes that are expected to take place soon.

Regarding foreign investors, he said that the situation remains difficult for them but expressed the view that the Albanian market will soon offer many opportunities for investments. He went on to advise the foreign investors to watch developments in his country closely and as soon as the political situation improves to enter the Albanian market in a dynamic way.

According to mr.Gafur, currently the sectors with favourable investment prospects are mainly constructions and technology associated with building projects, while also favourable are the conditions for the establishment of small production units within the framework of the food industry, as raw materials can come from the country's resources.

He stated that in the immediate future mass privatization are expected in Albania, while he reminded that already privatizations have taken place in the trade sector and added that a cooperation through joint Greek-Albanian ventures would be welcomed.

[16] TURKEY'S ACCESSION INTO THE EU WILL BE TO THE BENEFIT OF GREECE, ACCORDING TO THE REPRESENTATIVE OF TURKISH BUSINESSMEN

Turkish Council of Foreign Economic Relations (DEIK) Regional Coordinator mr.Turan Aydin stated to MPA that Turkey's customs union with the EU and its accession into the European Union will be to the benefit of Greece.

According to mr.Aydin, Turkey is a large market very close to Greece and with its accession into the EU the Greek businessmen very soon will have considerable successes there. He said that according to his opinion, the Greek businessmen, who follow a rationalist approach, begin to realize this and prefer the Turkish market for investments and trade. Similarly, Turkey can have successes in Greece with certain of its products, as it can supply Greece with raw materials, adding that there can be a cooperation between the two countries for the export of the final product to the European Union.

Among the sectors open for investment in Turkey are food industry, tobacco processing, farm products, tourism and sea transportations.

According to mr.Aydin, the Turkish businessmen want to invest in Greece and this is proven by the activities of the Turkish- Greek Business Council that was established 11 years ago, while he added that the obstacles created by political problems are responsible for the fact that until now there were no concrete results within the Business Council's framework of activities.

[17] ALBANIA DEPUTY FM: THIS IS A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR BALKAN COOPERATION

Albania's Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto Rakipi characterized the Conference of Foreign Ministers of South-Eastern European countries as a good opportunity for the discussion and promotion of issues of cooperation and security in the Balkans and the greater region.

Speaking to the Macedonian Press Agency, Mr. Rakipi stressed that the event provides the opportunity "to reasticallly examine issues of security -domestic and external in the greater region- based on the common view for the European fulfilment."

Moreover, the Albanian official stated that his country's delegation is to re-submit, as it had done in the Sofia-held conference, the proposal for the creation of a body that will promote issues related to security and cooperation in South- Eastern Europe.

"In spite of the crisis Albania is currently undergoing, the basic orientation of its foreign policy remains solid. One of the priorities of our foreign policy is the good neighborly ties and cooperation on a regional level and, on a long-term plan, our country's inclusion in the United Europe."

Lastly, Mr. Rakipi added that the Conference will give him the opportunity to thank the European Union and the international community, as well as the countries which are participating in the multi-national force deployed in his country as part of the operation code-named "Alba". A.F.

[18] F.R.Y.'s FOREIGN OFFICE CHIEF SALUTES THESSALONIKI'S CONFERENCE

The director of the Balkan Affairs Department of the Yugoslav Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dragomir Vucicevic told a Belgrade daily that the declaration to be signed at the Thessaloniki-held conference of the Foreign Ministers of Southeastern Europe will allow for the application and enforcement of various types of cooperation among the participating countries.

Moreover, Mr. Vucicevic stressed that the declaration will give emphasis to the region's European orientation since, as he stated, the process of the European fulfilment, would be incomplete without the participation of the Balkan countries.

The Yugoslav official emphasized his country's support for the initiative and stressed that "in order for these initiatives to be fruitful, they must correspond to one another, and all of the region's countries should participate on equal terms."

Overall, Mr. Vucicevic stated that in spite of the numerous differences that exist among the Balkan states, there are specific areas that enjoy a developing and growing sense of cooperation, such as science, economy, culture, sports and said that all these areas contribute to the improved mutual understanding and approach, a factor that is to the benefit of the 100 million people who live in the Balkans. A.F.

[19] BALKAN BUSINESSMEN MEET IN THESSALONIKI, WILL DISCUSS PRIVATIZATION

Leading businessmen from the Balkan countries will discuss the region's privatization process during a meeting to be held in Thessaloniki today, on the sidelines of the Balkan Foreign Ministers Conference.

Also expected to participate in this forum are the respective countries' ministers who are responsible for the privatization processes in their states.

The initiative for the discussion, where the sectors of energy, telecommunications, transportation, banking and industry will be represented, has been taken by the Greek Foreign Ministry, with the organizational support of the Association of Northern Greece's Industries (SVVE).

The Greek side will be represented by approximately 50 leading businessmen and bankers.

The development of this multi-faceted political and economic cooperation is deemed by the Greek side as necessary, especially during an era that is marked by common actions and ideals among the region's neighbors. A.F.

[20] EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT'S PLENARY SESSION HELD IN STRASBOURG TODAY

In an effort to assess the situation as it stands prior to the final negotiation of the Maastricht Treaty's revision, the European Parliament's plenary session is held in Strasbourg today, officiated by the Dutch-held EU Presidium and the European Commission.

Shadowed by the overall concerns brought on by the dispute between the German government and the Federal Central Bank of Germany as well as the outcome of France's and Britain's elections, the Parliament will examine last year's annual report of the European Monetary Foundation as well as a series of other reports that concern the process of the Economic and Monetary Union. A.F.

[21] ONE-FIFTH OF SERB TELECOMMUNICATIONS SHARES BOUGHT BY GREECE'S OTE

Forty-nine percent of the Serb Telecommunications Organization's shares will be owned by the Greek Telecommunications Organization (OTE) and Italy's private telecommunications industry STET, as per an agreement signed today in Belgrade among the three countries.

The agreement, signed in the presence of Serb Premier Mirko Mirianovic, foresees that STET will own 29% of the shares, at a cost of $526 million, while 20% will be owned by OTE, purchased with $399 million. A.F.

[22] HOLBROOKE: RESOLVING CYPRUS ISSUE WILL PAVE GROUND FOR ATHENS, ANKARA

The United States Presidential emissary to Cyprus Richard Holbrooke stated that resolving the Cyprus issue will pave the ground for an Athens and Ankara reconciliation of historical significance.

In an interview to British daily "Financial Times", Mr. Holbrooke made it clear that he sees his mission in Cyprus as more significant that his previous one in Yugoslavia.

"At any given moment, a new conflict in Cyprus could lead to a head-on collission between two NATO allies, Greece and Turkey," the architect of the Dayton Agreement said, adding that "as such, the benefits of succeeding in the Cyprus issue will be vast." A.F.

[23] BRITISH ENVOY SIR DAVID HANNAY SEES COMMON GROUND IN CYPRUS ISSUE

In spite of the stated problems, British envoy for the Cyprus issue Sir David Hannay does see common ground between the island's two sides, in light of his imminent contacts with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides, with whom he will meet today, and the Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Following his visit with Mr. Denktash tomorrow, Sir Hannay will depart for Athens and Ankara.

According to Cyprus' state-owned radio, the direct talks between Messrs. Clerides and Denktash are to begin on July 9 in New York. A.F.

[24] ALBANIA: VRANITSKI IN TIRANA, ASKS POLITICAL PARTIES TO SIGN AGREEMENT

Austria's former chancellor and current representative of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Franz Vranitski, is currently in Tirana where he has met with President Sali Berisha and Premier Bashkim Fino, as well as other political party leaders.

Mr. Vranitski has called on the country's ten political parties to undertake tangible measures in order to stop the repeated episodes that threaten the upcoming elections.

Meanwhile, in spite of the opposition's request to lift the country's emergency status, President Berisha insists that the added protection measures remain in place and refuses to order them lifted, although OSCE is pressuring him to do so.

According to BBC radio reports, Mr. Vranitski is trying to reach a compromise solution and has proposed that these measures be lifted for even just one day, preferably on June 29 when the early elections are to be held. A.F.

[25] ALL SIDES EXPRESS SATISFACTION FOR THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF 49% OF SERBIA'S PTT BY OTE AND STET

The three parties participating in the signing of the agreement for the purchase of 49% of the shares of Serbia's Tele- communications Organization, PTT, by the Greek State Tele- communications Company, OTE, and the italian STET, expressed satisfaction and the belief that it will contribute decisively to the development of the region.

OTE's President mr.Dimitris Papoulias stated that for his organization the agreement constitutes a great investment abroad which is placed within its plans for the undertaking of initiatives and business activities in the Balkans and the former Eastern Block countries. He added that the agreement will offer significant assistance in the development of tele-communications in Serbia while at the same time, it will contribute to the promotion of the relations between Greece and Serbia.

Serbia's Prime Minister mr.Mirko Marianovic mentioned that the investment of OTE and STET is one of the biggest in the Balkans today and stressed that Serbia's PTT has the opportunity, through this agreement, to welcome the 21st century equipt with the latest technology in tele-communications. He said that the agreement will give a new boost to the modernization of Serbia's infrastructure, industry and economy as a whole, while it will increase productivity as well as, the living standards in the country.

PTT's General Director mr.Aleksa Jokic stressed that this is a strategic investment which includes favourable terms for Serbia and will contribute to the improvement of the services offered by Serbia's Tele-communications Organization.

The three delegations were received, after the signing of the agreement, by Serb President Slobodan Milosevic.

[26] TURKEY IS COMING ALONG WELL ON ITS PRIVATIZATION PROCESS

Turkey's privatization program dates back to 1986, with an upward trend since then as about 50 ventures have been turned over to private hands, with another 102 to follow suit.

Turkish businessmen, currently in Thessaloniki to participate in a Balkan business forum held on the sidelines of the Balkan Foreign Ministers Conference, stated that revenue resulting from the privatization program in their country reached 4.2 billion dollars during 1985-86, while expenses did not surpass $3.9 billion.

According to the reports, 60 percent of the funds were absorbed by the privatized businesses, through capital increases and loans. A.F.

[27] ALBANIAN PREMIER BASHKIM FINO TO BE IN TURKEY TOMORROW

Albanian Prime Minister Bashkim Fino will embark on a two-day official visit to Turkey tomorrow, following an invitation issued by his Turkish counterpart Necmettin Erbakan.

Mr. Fino will be accompanied by a delegation of government officials, headed by Albania's Public Order Minister Belu Celio.

Messrs. Fino and Erbakan are to discuss issues concerning the recent developments in Albania and bilateral relations.

Moreover, Mr. Celio and his Turkish counterpart are expected to sign a police cooperation bilateral agreement. A.F.

[28] FYROM'S PRESIDENT KIRO GLIGOROV VISITS PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

The President of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Kiro Gligorov is currently on an official visit to the People's Republic of China, heading a government delegation, where he will meet with the Chinese Head of State in Peking.

During his short stay, Mr. Gligorov will sign bilateral agreements on the protection and promotion of investments, abolishment of double taxation and coperation among the two countries' ministries of culture.

Among the delegation's participants are FYROM's vice- president Zlatka Popovska, Culture Minister Slobodan Unkovski, Foreign Undersecretary Ognen Malevski, the president of the Economic Chamber Dusan Petrevski, as well as leaders from the country's business and financial sectors who will meet with their Chinese counterparts to examine the opportunities to develop business trade between the two countries.

According to President Gligorov's itinerary, he is to depart for the United States after completing his visit to China. A.F.

[29] TURKEY: TRUE PATH VP SAYS THE COUNTRY IS ON COURSE TOWARDS ELECTIONS

The Vice President of Turkey's True Path party Mehmet Giolhan stated today during a press conference that the country is currently on the course towards elections, while he also stressed that the opposition's efforts to overthrow the government are merely creating tension among the people.

The Turkish official stated that the present government has fulfiled its course and is now on its last days.

While pointing out that holding elections for the second time in a periof of less than two years is not an easy task, but he emphasized that the best avenue is to seek the people's input. A.F.

[30] EU COMMISSION'S "CALEIDOSCOPE" PROGRAM TO PROMOTE CULTURAL EVENTS

The European Commission is to provide ECU 6,810,610.00 million for the funding of its "Caleidsoscope" program which is aimed at promoting and encouraging artistic and cultural events throughout the European Union.

According to the program's framework, the funding will be allocated for the promotion of cultural knowledge and the experiences of the European peoples, as well as for the materialization of specific events.

Fourteen Greek organizations are participating as co- organizers in the program, while six of the events are to be held by Greece. A.F.

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