Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-06-24

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, June 24, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] THESSALONIKI HOSTS MEETING ON SOCIAL DIALOGUE PROGRESS IN EUROPE

The first International Meeting for the Development of Social Dialogue in the countries of Central and south-eastern Europe will begin in Thessaloniki this evening.

The Meeting's primary aim is to institutionalise cooperation among the southeastern European social allies and to establish a permanent observatory that will provide two-way information between the European Union and the region's countries.

The initiative for the event was taken by the Greek Economic and Social Committee (OKE) which hopes to cover the cooperation gaps left by the various political and business-related conferences frequently held lately.

Specifically, the organizers would like to form a mechanism that will expedite the process towards an institutional modernization and promote the updating of the various governments' institutional framework as a necessary pre-condition for harmonizing the southeastern European countries' economies with the demands of the European Union. The participants will also look into promoting the process of a permanent social and economic dialogue among the southeastern European countries on issues concerning development, employment and immigration.

Participating in the meeting will be 30 institutes from eight countries: 15 trade unions from Romania, Albania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Croatia, FYROM and Slovenia and 11 employment associations from Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Croatia, Slovenia and Turkey.

Greece will be represented by 26 delegates from the Greek Labourers' Union GSEE, the Association of Greek industries, the Confederation of Greek Trade and others.

The Meeting will be saluted by the Minister of Macedonia- Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos, the undersectretary to the Prime Minister George Paschalides, and the Secretaries-General of the Ministries of National Economy and Labor, Apostolos Fotiades and V. Brakatsulas respectively, as well as the Mayor of Thessaloniki Konstantinos Kosmopoulos. A.F.

[02] GREECE'S YOUTH PARLIAMENT CLOSES ITS SESSION TODAY

The annually-held "Parliament of Youth" which convened at Greece's Parliament, concluded today when the students submitted their proposals to the plenary session, before a score of political leaders.

The President of the Greek Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis hailed the young "parliamentarians" for their points of view and their proposals and added that "this is a good lesson for the politicians and for the mass media: do not judge and you shall not be judged, and when you do pass judgement, do so in a way that is more constructive than that which you question."

The President of the main opposition party News Democracy's Kostas Karamanlis stated that the criticism and the concerns of the youth always give an impetus for improvement.

"We must actively display our trust to the young people," Mr. Karamanlis said.

All together, the participants were 350 teen "parliamentarians", of whom 300 were high-school students from Greece, 25 from Cyprus and 25 were Greek-origin students from high schools throughout the world. A.F.

[03] GREEK PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION IS CURRENTLY IN CUBA

A nine-member parliamentary delegation is currently on a seven-day official visit to Cuba, led by Greece's former Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias.

The delegates, representatives of the parliamentary committee of National Defense and Foreign Affairs, met yesterday with their Cuban counterparts with whom they discussed bilateral matters, with special emphasis given to Greece's national issues, as well as to the European Union's ties with Cuba and the United States.

Mr. Papoulias relayed the Greek government's gratitude for Cuba's unreserved and continuous support in regards to the Cyprus issue,as well as on other matters of national interest.

During their stay in Havana, the Greek parliamentarians will meet with the Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Robaina, Foreign Investments and Economic Cooperation Mr. Ferradaz and Foreign Trade Mr. Cabrisas. A.F.

[04] REPPAS COMMENTED ON THE CONTINUING TURKISH MILITARY ACTIVITIES IN CYPRUS

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas expressed the position that the international institutions must take under consideration the continuing Turkish military actitivities in Cyprus, referring to the violations of the Cypriot air space by Turkish fighter jets.

The Greek government spokesman stressed that those moves are indicative of Turkey's disposition as it prepares for the direct talks in New York.

Responding to questions concerning the statements made by US presidential envoy to Cyprus Richard Holbrooke, who characterized as viable solution the establishment of a sovereign state with a two-zone system and free movement throughout the island, mr.Reppas stressed that it is too early to judge those statements as the facts constantly change and are expected to change even more due to the direct talks in New York and the elections in Cyprus.

[05] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT EXPRESSED SATISFACTION FOR THE AGREEMENT SIGNED IN ROME BY THREE ALBANIAN POLITICAL PARTIES

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas expressed the satisfaction of the Greek government for the fair elections agreement signed in Rome yesterday by three Albanian political parties.

Mr.Reppas speculated that the normalization of the situation in the country is up to the Albanian political parties and the Greek initiative is based on this spirit.

Meanwhile, Albanian Socialist party leader Fatos Nano in statements he made today accused President Berisha of being responsible for the bloodshed in the country.

Tension has escalated in Albania in the past week and yesterday alone 15 people lost their lives, while 3 were injured.

[06] THE GREEK MINISTER OF DEFENSE IS VISITING THE UNITED STATES

Greek Minister of Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos arrived in the United States yesterday for a 6-day visit within the framework of the Greek Presidency in the inter-atlantic activities of the Western European Union.

Mr.Tsochatzopoulos is scheduled to speak before the WEU and NATO Ministers of Defense, while he will meet with his US counterpart, the assistant Secretary of State and US Senators ms.Snow and mr.Sarbanis.

He will also speak before the US Senate Committee and groups of businessmen on issues concerning the defense and the economy.

On Thursday, mr.Tsochatzopoulos will visit New York and will be received by Archbishop of America Spyridon.

[07] GREECE HAS A VERY LOW CRIME RATE, ACCORDING TO US STATE DEPARTMENT

Greece is a country with a very low crime rate and a stable government, is how the State Department describes the coutnry within the framework of the travel advisories that it provides through the telephone to all those who wish to visit Greece.

While reference is made in the travel advisory to the November 17 terrorist organization, it does point out that the group has never attacked tourists, as its targets are politicians of various nationalities.

A similar report is given by the Los Angeles Times which writes that the tourist areas are quite safe, and also emphasizes the country's strong police presence.

The L.A.Times article also mentions that in an effort to combat smog, the Greek government is reducing working hours and is taking measures to curb traffic in the center of town. A.F.

[08] GREEK DELEGATION PARTICIPATES IN TOMORROW'S EARTH SUMMIT

Greece' environment under-secretary Theodoros Koliopanos is representing Greece at the Earth Summit which is to open tomorrow in New York.

Today's opening session evaluated the results of the Rio de Janeiro Summit's decisions five years ago. A.F.

[09] A GREEK BUSINESSMAN WAS KIDNAPPED IN GJIROKASTER

A Greek businessman was kidnapped in Gjirokaster yesterday. According to information, unidentified persons kidnapped the owner of refrigerator lorries Vasos Memmas, while police has not issued more details.

Meanwhile, unknown masked men entered the social welfare offices in Gjirokaster and stole the unemployment benefits destined for 600 poor families.

[10] GREECE EARNS GOLD IN TENNIS DURING MEDITERRANEAN GAMES HELD IN BARI

Greece has earned the gold medal in tennis during the Bari- held Mediterranean Games, where Christina Zachariadou and Christina Papadaki won in the women's doubles.

In sailing, Greece's Andreas Kosmatopoulos and Kostas Trigonis earned the silver. A.F.

[11] STATE UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS START TOMORROW

Greek high-school students have hit the books and are feverishly studying in light of the state university entrance examinations which are to start tomorrow.

Passing the nation-wide exams is the prerequisite for entering the public university and technical schools.

This year, 170,000 candidates will vie for a chance at a college degree. A.F.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[12] EUROPE'S PROGRESS ON SOCIAL DIALOGUE EXAMINED IN THESSALONIKI

The first international conference for the discussion of promoting social dialogue in Southeast Europe began in Thessaloniki this evening, organised by the European Union.

The EU's Economic and Social Committee (ECOSOC) has invited representatives of social partners and professional groups in south-eastern Europe to participate at the two-day meeting.

The conference's agenda includes promotion of social, political and economic co-operation among countries in the region and with the EU.

The primary aim is to institutionalise co-operation among the south-eastern European social allies and to establish a permanent observatory that will provide two-way information between the European Union and the region's countries.

The initiative for the event was taken by the Greek Economic and Social Committee (OKE) which hopes to cover the co-operation gaps left by the various political and business-related conferences frequently held lately.

Specifically, the organisers would like to form a mechanism that will expedite the process towards an institutional modernisation and promote the updating of the various governments' institutional framework as a necessary pre-condition for harmonising the south-eastern European countries' economies with the demands of the European Union. The participants will also look into promoting the process of a permanent social and economic dialogue among the south-eastern European countries on issues concerning development, employment and immigration.

Participating in the meeting will be 30 institutes from eight countries: 15 trade unions from Romania, Albania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Croatia, FYROM and Slovenia and 11 employment associations from Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Croatia, Slovenia and Turkey.

Greece will be represented by 26 social agencies, including the largest workers' and employers' unions.

The Meeting was saluted by the Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos, the under-secretary to the Prime Minister George Paschalides, and the secretaries-general of the Ministries of National Economy and Labour, Apostolos Fotiades and V. Brakatsulas respectively, as well as the Mayor of Thessaloniki Konstantinos Kosmopoulos. A.F.

[13] PRESIDENT OF NORWEGIAN PARLIAMENT ARRIVES IN ATHENS TOMORROW

The President of the Norwegian Parliament Christi Grodahl is to embark on a four-day visit to Athens tomorrow, following an invitation issued by her Greek counterpart Apostolos Kaklamanis.

Ms. Grodahl will be received by the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos , while she will also meet with Mr. Kaklamanis, the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis and the members of the parliamentary group Greek- Scandinavian Friendship.

Moreover, Ms. Grodahl will meet with the leader of the main oppposition party, New Democracy's Kostas Karamanlis and the Mayor of Athens Dimitris Avramopoulos. A.F.

[14] PRESIDENT OF GREEK PARLIAMENT TO RECEIVE YUGOSLAV PREMIER TOMORROW

The President of the Greek Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis is to receive the Prime Minister of Yugoslavia Radoye Kodic tomorrow morning.

Later, Mr. Kaklamanis will meet with the President of the European Audit Department Mr. Friedman. A.F.

[15] GREEK, SERB BUSINESSMEN TO COOPERATE IN TRADE AND JOINT VENTURES

A series of significant opportunities for the economic trade between Greece and Serbia are emerging through the sectors of trade and joint ventures.

The Serbian Vice-President Dragoljub Mirianic received the members of the Greek delegation from the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce in Banja Luca who briefed the Serb leader on the plans currently under way to promote cooperation between the regional chambers of commerce.

Mr. Mirianic stressed that "we must not forget the aid given to us by the Greek people during the course of the recent war and during the sanctions period.

"Now, at a time of peace, the Serbian political leadership encourages the Greek economy to find its niche in our country, more so because Greece has the economic system that we would like to establish."

Similar contacts will continue in the upcoming fall, when a Serb business delegation will visit Greece in September. A.F.

[16] SCHENGEN'S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETS IN LISBON

The executive committee of the Schengen accord is currently in session in Lisbon, Spain, examining issues concerning the accord's application at a European level.

The Greek side is represented by the Foreign Ministry's Secretary-General for European Affairs, Stelios Perakis. He is to request Holland's and France's immediate approval of Greece's inclusion to the accord.

Greece will request that the Accord be enforced in Greece at the same time it will be activated in Austria, that is October 26, although a small waiting period may be enacted. A.F.

[17] BRITAIN REJECTS TURKEY'S DEMARCHE REGARDING CYPRUS' ACCESSION TO THE EU

The British government has rejected a demarche filed by Turkey to the Commission wherein the Turkish government links Cyprus' accession to the European Union with that of Turkey's.

Ankara, referring to the 1960 accord which prohibits its union with any other country, claims that Cyprus cannot accede to the EU and warns that the imminent accession talks will bear negative effects on the resolution of the Cypriot issue.

However, the Turkish undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Onur Oymen who signed the demarche, according to the BBC, states that the beginning of accession talks betwen Cyprus and the EU would be acceptable if the talks on Turkey's accession to the EU were to also start simultaneously.

Britain's response to the Turkish government was that "Cyprus accession to the EU does not mean its union with another country but, rather, its participation to an international organization." A.F.

[18] "OMONIA" LEADERS CALL ON COMPATRIOTS TO VOTE IN ALBANIA'S ELECTIONS

In a gathering held in Thessaloniki yesterday evening, the President of the Albania-based organization "Omonia" which comprises Greeks from northern Epirus living in Albania, George Labovitiades, appealled to his compatriots that they vote in Albania's general eletions on June 29.

Mr. Labovitiades stated that Omonia's dynamic presence in the Albanian parliament will provide the necessary prerequisites for addressing the rights of the Greek minority living in Albania. A.F.

[19] MARLON BRANDO, HARD CORE ENVIRONMENTALIST, GIVES SPEECH IN ATHENS

The legendary actor Marlon Brando showed his tough stance towards industries and politicians whom he considers responsible for the pollution of the environment, during a speech he gave in Athens last night.

Mr. Brando, who is currently on a private visit to Athens, stressed that the only way to save the environment is to keep hoping, while he also made extensive reference to the world's minority races for whom no one cares, especially for the American Indians. A.F.

[20] 50.000 TICKETS FOR THE U2 CONCERT IN THESSALONIKI WILL BE PRINTED IN BRITAIN

Fifty thousand tickets for the U2 concert that will be held in Thessaloniki on September 26 are being printed in Britain to avoid the issuing of fake ones, according to the General Director of the Cultural Capital of Europe Organization-Thessaloniki '97 mr.Panos Theodoridis.

The formal announcement concerning the concert of the famous rock group will be made in a press conference on Thursday and as it was made known, the U2 will receive the sum of 650.000 US dollars. Mr.Theodoridis said that the technical backing for a second concert is available but such an issue has not been discussed yet.

[21] ELECTIONS IN ALBANIA ARE THE MAIN ISSUE IN THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY MEETING

The situation in Albania and the conditions that exist in that country a few days before the voting of June 29, are among the main issues included in the daily agenda of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Summer Session held in Strasburg with the participation of 40 Parliaments and member-states representatives.

Parliamentary Assembly President, German Christian-Democrat party deputy Leni Fischer stressed in a press conference that in spite of the fact that the necessary preconditions set by the Council of Europe for the holding of elections do not exist, nevertheless, voting in the country should go ahead as scheduled.

Ms.Fischer announced that the Parliamentary Assembly will send 40 deputies to Albania, while there will be a total of 250 international observers who will oversee the election process. She also said that the observers with the protection of military forces will cover the 15 largest cities in the country which represent 84% of the electorate.

[22] INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE UNION FOR DEMOCRACY IN THE BALKANS

The international conference on "Culture and Reconciliation in South-Eastern Europe" will be held in a sea resort near Thessaloniki on June 26-29.

In the conference will be examined all the parameters that form the cultural atmosphere of South-Eastern Europe. Among the issues that will be discussed are education, the Ottoman heritage, the significance of the economy, the motives of the big powers and their effect on South-Eastern Europe, religion, as well as, cultural and ethnic minorities.

The Union for Democracy in the Balkans was founded in 1995. It is a non profit society that aims at helping in the development of democratic institutions and the society of citizens in the Balkan and the Black Sea countries.

[23] YILMAZ SECURED THE SUPPORT OF ETSEVIT AND BAYKAL

Motherland Party leader Mesut Yilmaz, who has received the mandate to form the 55th Turkish government secured the support of Democratic Left leader Bulent Etsevit and Republican Popular party leader Deniz Baykal, while True Path Party leader Tansu Ciller has rejected mr.Yilmaz's proposals.

Ms.Ciller in a press conference that was held after her meeting with Yilmaz, stated that he should return the mandate back to the President and reiterated that the mandate he received is a blow against democracy.

[24] THE UN SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPECTS A NEW ROUND OF TALKS FOR CYPRUS

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan speculated that there will be a second round of talks between Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

In a letter sent to the UN Security Council President, Russian permanent representative Sergei Lavrov, the UN Secretary- General informs him on the talks that will be held on July 9-13 and mentions that they will only be the beginning of a process, which must continue for as long is necessary to achieve an agreement for a comprehensive solution.

The UN Secretary-General speculates that the next meeting between the two leaders will be held in August and if it is deemed necessary a third meeting will be held at a date that will be set later in the future.

[25] PRESIDENT OF FYROM'S PARLIAMENT RECEIVES EURO-PARLIAMENT'S VICE-PRESIDENT

According to the Skopje-based radio station, Mr. Anastasopoulos assured Mr. Petrovski that the EU supports FYROM's development and added that Greece also holds an interest towards this direction.

In turn, Mr. Petrovski asked the EU to ratify its trade agreement with FYROM and to support his country by financing various projects. A.F.

[26] THE "ZAJEDNO" THREE-PARTY COALITION HAS DISSOLVED

The "Zajedno" three-party coalition has dissolved, after yesterday's statements by the leaders of the Democratic party and the Serb Citizens Union, Zoran Djinjic and Vesna Pesic respectivelly according to which, they cease any cooperation with Vuk Draskovic's Serb Renewal Movement.

Those three political parties had formed the "Zajedno" coalition that became widely known last winter during the three- month demostrations organized daily in Belgrade.

Mr.Djinjic and ms.Pesic also stated that their parties will continue to cooperate and will try to attract other parties and institutions that are closer to their positions.

Disagreements in the coalition erupted a few months ago when Vuk Draskovic declared himself "Zajedno's" candidate in the Serb presidential elections that will be held in autumn possibly at the same time with the parliamentary elections.

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