Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-07-29

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, July 29, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

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[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTRY MEETING ON THE GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and Foreign Undersecretary Yiannos Kranidiotis will be in Tirana next Tuesday for contacts with the new Albanian government, according to a decision made this morning in a Foreign Ministry meeting that was presided over by Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.

In the meeting were discussed the Greek-Turkish relations, the Cyprus problem, the issue of FYROM, the Albanian issue and other matters concerning the Balkan region. No statements were made after the meeting but according to information, the main topics discussed were the situation created as a result of Turkey's recent behaviour and the continuous violations of the Greek air space by Turkish warplanes.

Already, the Greek government has issued a demarche to the United States in which it is stressed that Turkey's actions are in conflict with the climate achieved after the signing of the Madrid agreement.

[02] RESCUE EFFORTS CONTINUE FOR THE LOCATION OF THE "MIRAGE-2000" PILOT

The rescue efforts continue for the location of the 28yearold pilot of the Greek Air Force "Mirage-2000" aircraft that crashed yesterday at a sea region between the islands of Skyros and Alonisos in central Aegean.

Greek Minister of Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos stated that the Air Force pays a heavy cost in the continuous effort to deal with the Turkish provocations in the Aegean.

[03] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER TO TRAVEL TO ALBANIA NEXT TUESDAY

Greece's Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis are to travel to Tirana the following Tuesday, August 5, in order to embark on contacts with the newly-elected Albanian government.

The decision was drawn during this morning's Foreign Ministry meeting which was chaired by Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.

Among the items discussed during today's F.M. conference were the Greek-Turkish relations, the Cyprus issue, the FYROM name issue, the situation in Albania and other matters concerning the Balkan region. A.F.

[04] DEFENSE MINISTER MEETS WITH STEPHANOPOULOS, CLINTON'S FORMER CHIEF AIDE

Greece's Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos met with George Stephanopoulos, former chief aide to United States President Bill Clinton, in Athens today.

The two men discussed Greece's national issues, as well as the latest developments in the Cyprus issue.

Following the meeting, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos said that the developments on the Cyprus issue should be awaited from those who play the leading role in the negotiations.

In turn, Mr. Stephanopoulos relayed the State Department's interest in the Cyprus issue and stressed that the Clinton Administration's view is that there is now a window of opportunity for resolving the 23-year-old issue. A.F.

[05] THE FORMER US PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER MET WITH THE GREEK MINISTER OF DEFENSE

Greek-American George Stephanopoulos, former adviser of the US President, met in Athens today with Minister of Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos and their talks focused on the Greek national issues and the Cyprus problem due to the recent developments.

Mr.Tsochatzopoulos stated that the developments on the issue of Cyprus should be expected to come from those who play the leading role in the negotiations.

Mr.Stephanopoulos in his statements expressed the US government's interest in the Cyprus problem and stressed that the American position is that now there is a new chance for its solution.

[06] THE HIGHER EDUCATION ENTRANCE EXAMS RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED TODAY

The lists with the results of the higher education entrance exams will be posted up this afternoon to all high-schools in the country, while since this morning the students' grades are presented in the pages of the Education Ministry on the Internet.

The minimum grade-total for admission to the higher education institutions in Greece will be announced by the end of August and is expected to be at last year's level.

[07] MINISTRY OF NATIONAL ECONOMY AND FINANCE HOLDS SESSION TODAY

The Ministry of National Economy and Finance convened today, headed by the Minister of Economics and Finance Yiannos Papantoniou, in order to discuss the developments in the country's economy, as well as the rise of the US dollar in the international market.

Among those who participated in the meeting was the deputy Minister of Development Michalis Crhysichoides. A.F.

[08] GREEK-AMERICAN GOVERNMENT RELATIONS EXPERT OFFERS INSIGHT ON G/T TIES

The Greek-Turkish "convergence of views", as outined in the communique recently signed by Greek Premier Kostas Simitis and Turkish Premier Suleiman Demirel, represents a hopeful development for security and stability in Europe's critical southeastern region, according to John Sitilides, a government relations specialist of Greek-American origin who heads Sacramento's Western Policy Center.

In a letter published by the US daily "New York Times", Mr. Sitilides saluted US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and her advisors for their attention to the region.

"Ms. Albright's strong and evident interest in resolving potentially explosive issues will help determine whether the US can successfully promote a peaceful and more productive relationship between the two NATO allies," Mr. Sitilides wrote, adding that "now is the time for careful and precise follow- through on important details.

"There is continued Greek-Turkish disagreement regarding the history and intent of various international treaties, and the Turkish Parliament is still authorized to declare war if Greece lawfully exercises its right to extend its territorial waters. Furthermore, recent threats against Cyprus by the new Turkish government are completely inconsistent with the spirit of this agreement.

"Appropriately, we will closely monitor statements and developments as they continue in the weeks and months ahead." A.F.

[09] GREEKS FROM KOZANI LIVING ABROAD TO MEET IN MASSIVE CONFERENCE

Greeks from Kozani who are currently living abroad are to meet in their hometown between August 1-3, during the First Conference of Expatriates from the Municipality of Kozani, an event organized by the local administration and Prefecture of Kozani.

Among the topics that are to be discussed during the three- day conference are "Sociological assessments of the immigration flow in the municipality of Kozani", "Mass media and immigrants", etc. A.F.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[10] CLERIDES AND DENKTASH DISCUSSED HUMANITARIAN ISSUES

Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash discussed humanitarian issues in their Nicosia meeting yesterday that was held in the residence of UN Secretary General special envoy to Cyprus, Gustav Feisel.

Speaking after the meeting, mr.Feisel stressed that the discussion of humanitarian issues can affect considerably the whole climate over the Cyprus problem and assist in the efforts for a solution. Mr.Clerides and mr.Denktash agreed to meet again next Thursday.

[11] THE BULGARIAN PRESIDENT IS VISITING TURKEY

Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov is on a three-day visit to Turkey, where he is scheduled to meet with his Turkish counterpart Suleiman Demirel and Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz.

Mr.Stoyanov stated that Bulgaria wants Turkey's support in its efforts to become a NATO member.

[12] TURKISH PRESS REPORTS ON THE DRUG-TRAFFICKING ACCUSATIONS AGAINST CILLER'S HUSBAND

The issue created after the publication of a report in the British newspaper "The Observer", in which Tansu Ciller's husband, Ozer, is presented as having close ties with the illegal drug trade has taken up great dimensions in Turkey. Almost all the Turkish newspapers refer to the British publication and stress that Turkey's image abroad has been damaged.

The Turkish newspaper "Gumhurriyet" gives emphasis to the parts of "The Observer" report according to which, Ciller's farmhouse in Kusantasi is used as a smuggling base, while most of the illegal drug trade in Britain is controlled by Turks.

The newspaper also points out, citing bank sources, that the Central Bank of Britain is investigating the activities of a bank in the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus. According to "The Observer", there is suspicion that banks in the occupied part of Cyprus are being used for the laundering of money that comes from drug trafficking.

[13] PROTEST DEMONSTRATION AGAINST THE 8YEAR EDUCATION IN TURKEY

Police arrested 55 people this morning during a protest demonstration in Ankara against the compulsory 8year education.

The decision on the implementation of the 8year compulsory education caused the reaction of islamist circles because after the relevent legislation is voted through the high-school classes of the islamist schools "imam hatip", attended by those who want to become imams, will have to close.

[14] NANO: THE GOVERNMENT'S MAIN CONCERN IS TO GET ALBANIA OUT OF THE CRISIS

Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano stated in Parliament that the immediate concern of his government is to get the country out of the crisis and bring about the rebirth of Albania.

Mr.Nano stated that efforts will be made to counter crime and corruption and to restore order, peace and security in the country. He said that measures will be taken against the armed gungs and the citizens, who have weapons in their possession, will be asked to hand them over to the authorities.

The new Prime Minister stated that the modernization of the armed forces will have to be accelerated and added that the Parliament will vote for a new Constitution that will be approved by the people through a referendum.

On the economic sector, mr.Nano said that the government will try to cut inflation and create the preconditions for economic growth through short-term and long-term measures, stressing that inflation in 1999 will be one-digit, compared to the 20% it is today. Mr.Nano also said that the government will proceed with the privatization of banks that will take place with the help of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

On the country's foreign policy, the Albanian Prime Minister stressed that it will be based on the safeguarding of national interests and will have as a goal to make Albania a member of the EU and the Euro-Atlantic organizations.

[15] FISHERMAN FOUND GUILTY IN CYPRUS OF TRANSMITTING AIDS TO HIS GIRLFRIEND

A court in Cyprus ruled against a Cypriot fisherman who was charged with knowingly transmitting his girlfriend with the AIDS virus.

According to the court, the forty-year-old Pavlos Georgiou was fully aware that he was an active carrier of the AIDS virus and took no measure whatsoever to protect his British girlfriend Jannet Pin nor did he inform her of his health condition.

Georgiou's sentencing will be heard on Thursday. A.F.

[16] TURKEY AND BULGARIA PROCEED TO MILITARY COOPERATION AGREEMENT

The President of Bulgaria Petar Stoyanov is currently on a three-day official visit to Ankara, where he met with Turkish President Suleiman Demirel and Premier Mesut Yilmaz.

Mr. Stoyanov stated that his government faces its ties with Turkey not only as relations of friendship and good neighborhood, but also looks to Turkey as a supporter of Bulgaria's aim to enter the Alliance and its course of accession to the European Union. A.F.

[17] MORE ALBANIANS FROM KOSSOVO TRIED IN PRISHTINA ON TERRORISM CHARGES

Prishtina's circuit court ruled against 21 Albanians from Kossovo who are being tried on charges of terrorism.

According to the court records, the 21 are said to have participated in the terrorist organisation "Liberation Army of Kossovo" between 1992-1997, and conducted criminal acts that aimed at separating Kossovo from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and annexing it to Albania.

Of the 21 who are being charged, 18 have been arrested while the remaining three are on the run.

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