Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-10-28

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, 28 October 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS .

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREECE CELEBRATES NATIONAL HOLIDAY, “NO” DAY OF OCTOBER 28, 1940

Greece is celebrating its national holiday today, “No” Day, commemorating the day in 1940 when Greece refused the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini’s ultimatum to surrender or be invaded. The country’s political leaders have all issued messages saluting the unity of Greeks.

In his message, Prime Minister Kostas Simitis stated that the epic of 1940 is one of passion for freedom and national independence.

Mr. Simitis stated that “the Greece of today, the Greece that feverishly is preparing for the 21st century, celebrates and honors the Greeks’ “No”, honors the epic of 1940. Honors the national resistance to fascism and nazism. It honors those who dedicated their lives for national independence and the country’s territorial integrity.

“Today it is the new Greece,” the Premier continued, “ which in a unison voice and international authority towards all directions, and especially to its Balkan neighbors, the message of peace, friendship and collaboration.”

The leader of the main opposition party, New Democracy’s Kostas Karamanlis stated that “we are to honor those Greeks, anonymous and known fighters, who fought a struggle of freedom and integrity and created the epic of 1940.”

Mr. Karamanlis added that today’s provocation and challenges of our country’s sovereign rights are not unknown. Similar provocations and demands were tabled then. Then Greece alone gave its own answer. It counted on the quality and brevity of the Greeks, as well as their passion for freedom.”

The secretary-general of the Communist Party of Greece Aleka Paparega said in a message that only the overturn of the overall government policy could pave the way for radical changes, adding that the present-day dilemma is between a clash with imperialism or subjugation to imperialism and monopolies.

The Coalition of the Left and Progress said that the country needs to recover from the crisis and stagnation, adding that the confrontation on national issues requires a well-thought-out strategy, a stable line and a minimum of national cooperation through the establishment of a national council for foreign policy.

The Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI)’s President Dimitris Tsovolas stated that this year’s anniversary of the national holiday has a two-fold meaning: it is a “no” to the plans and “solutions” of the strong centers of the West which aim at shriveling Greece and Hellenism, and the people’s ‘No” to neo- liberal “modernizing raid to wretchedness and debasement. A.F.

[02] THESSALONIKI HOSTS MILITARY PARADE HONORING THE NATIONAL HOLIDAY

Greece’s armed forces paraded in Thessaloniki today, honoring the national holiday of “No” Day, October 28, 1940, before the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and the Minister of National Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos who is standing in for the Prime Minster.

In a speech given yesterday evening. Mr. Stephanopoulos stressed the need to strengthen the country’s defense in order to face the Turkish threat. A.F.

[03] GENERAL PRICE INDEX MARKED BY DOWNWARD TURN IN ALL STOCK MARKETS

A significant drop of 15.45% was noted in the general price index of shares at Hong Kong’s stock exchange, a crisis that quickly spread in stock markets throughout the world.

The situation was tense at the Athens Stock Exchange yesterday., where the general price index was marked by a drop of 2.4%. Greek economists are advising investors to adopt a wait-and- see approach. A.F.

[04] TSOCHATZOPOULOS: THE KARADAYI LETTER CONFIRMS TURKEY’S GUILT

The letter of the Chief of the Turkish General Army Staff general Ismail Hakki Karadayi confirms Turkey’s guilt for the tension in the region, stressed Greek Minister of Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos commenting on its content.

According to a front page article of the Turkish newspaper “Sabah”, General Karadayi with a letter addressed to the NATO chief and all his counterparts in the NATO member-states, except Greece, calls for measures against the Greek “provocation” in the Aegean and the Greek-Russian alliance.

Commenting on the letter, mr.Tsochatzopoulos stressed that the fact that such an initiative comes from Turkey reveals, first of all, its guilt for the tension and the crisis in the region.

[05] MILITARY PARADE WAS HELD IN THESSALONIKI

The celebrations for the anniversary of the Greek national holiday of October 28th culminated in Thessaloniki with a glorious military parade that was held in the presence of President Kostis Stephanopoulos, Minister of Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos representing the Prime Minister and leader of main opposition party of New Democracy Kostas Karamanlis.

In spite of the rain, thousands of people gathered along the parade route to watch the civilian and army units that took part as well as, the new weapons acquired by the country’s armed forces. F-16 fighter jets, Mirages and Apachi military helicopters were flying over the parade grounds in different formations.

The parade expressed the people’s patriotic sentiments in the best possible way, stated Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos, who called on the younger generations to learn all about the national epic of the war in Albania in 1940 and to feel the enthusiasm with which the Greek people fulfilled their duty toward their country.

The armed forces gave the message of determination and they are in a position to offer what Greece needs namely, prosperity, peace and progress underlined Minister of Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos.

Main opposition party leader Kostas Karamanlis pointed out that today’s anniversary reminds us of the fact that with unity and determination all goals can be achieved.

[06] THE HELLENISM IN GJIROKASTRA HONORED THE HEROES OF THE 1940 WAR IN ALBANIA

The hellenism in Gjirokastra honored the memory of the heroes of the 1940 war in Albania.

In spite of the rain, students and residents of the nearby villages, gathered at the cemetery in Vouliarates where Greek soldiers are buried and honored the memory of all the Greeks who gave their lives for their country protecting it from the Italian invaders in WWII.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[07] TURKEY REQUESTS NATO’S AID IN BLOCKING GREECE-RUSSIA COOPERATION

In another provocative move, Turkey’s Chief of Army Staff Gen. Ismael Chaki Karadayi has requested from NATO officials that they draw measures against a Greek-Russian cooperation pact, by claiming that this could threaten his country.

According to Turkish press reports, the Turkish General forwarded a relevant letter to NATO’s allied command in Brussels and all of his counterparts therein, except the Greek one.

In his letter, Mr. Karadayi claims that an important development was noted through Russia‘s sale of S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Cyprus and through the organization of common Greek- Russian maneuvers in the Aegean, which, he said, have turned against his country.

Concurrently, the Turkish military leader stated that Turkey retains the right to self-defense against the Russian ,missiles and asserts that Greece is threatening his country in an unprecedented manner, when it holds that a Turkish interference over the sale of the Russian missiles constitutes a cause of war. A.F.

[08] PAVAROTTI TO FOUND MUSIC ACADEMY IN BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA

Italy’s world-famous tenor Luciano Pavarotti is to shell out five-and-a-half million dollars for the erection of a music academy and therapeutic center in the city of Mostar at Bosnia- Herzegovina.

Among those to attend the opening ceremony, which is scheduled for the beginning of December, are expected to be Paul Mac Cartney and U2’s Bono. A.F.

[09] MONTENEGRO’S PRESIDENT: BELGRADE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS ISOLATION

Montenegro’s newly-elected President Milo Jukanovic holds the Serb government responsible for Yugoslavia’s prolonged isolation from the world’s affairs.

Mr. Jukanovic, speaking to Germany’s “Der Spiegel”, accused Belgrade for failing to promote Kosovo’s democratization, as well as for the policy it adopted in terms of cooperation with the International Court of Justice at The Hague. Concurrently, he stressed that Montenegro does not want to withdraw from the Yugoslav Federation. A.F.

[10] TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER COMPLETES VISIT TO FYROM

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ismael Cem completed his one-day visit to FYROM yesterday, by signing a memorandum of understanding for textile trade and a cooperation protocol.

Mr. Cem was received by his counterpart from FYROM Blagoya Handjinski with whom he discussed bilateral relations, the situation in the Balkans and the imminent Summit Meeting of Balkan States Leaders, which is to be held at the island of Crete in November. A.F.

[11] BULGARIAN PREMIER TO ATTEND CRETE’S SUMMIT CONFERENCE

Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Ivan Kostov will head his country’s delegation that is to participate at the Summit conference of state and government leaders from Southeastern Europe, which is to be held at the island of Crete on November 2-4.

Other leaders who so far have confirmed their participation are the Presidents of Yugoslavia and FYROM, Slobodan Milosevic and Kiro Gligorov respectively, as well as the Premiers of Turkey,. Albania and Romania. A.F.

[12] THREAT OF NUCLEAR & TOXIC WASTE POLLUTION IN TURKEY’S AEGEAN SHORE

The European Commission has reported the existence of environmental pollution issues in Turkey, while the residents of Pergamom have outcried the dumping of toxic and nuclear wastes at an abandoned mine in their area.

Specifically, responding to a question tabled by Greek euro- deputy Nikitas Kaklamanis regarding the threat of pollution in the Aegean Sea from nuclear and toxic waste detected in the shores of Minor Asia, the Commission conceded that there are environmental issues of concern in Turkey , albeit it refrained from mentioning what measures have been drawn for tackling the problem.

However, the European Commissioner Hans Van Den Broek, responsible for issues related to EU-Turkey, has pointed out that there is an absence of environmental impact study reports in Turkey. A.F.

[13] TURKEY PROVOKES AGAIN

Turkey provokes again. Turkish General Ismail Hakki Karadayi called on NATO to take measures against a cooperation between Greece and Russia maintaining that this will be a threat against Turkey.

According to the newspaper “Sabah”, the Turkish General sent a relevant letter to NATO’s high command and to all his counterparts except the Greek.

[14] THE COMMONWEALTH LEADERS EXPRESSED THEIR SUPPORT TO CYPRUS’ DEMILITARIZATION

The leaders of the Commonwealth expressed concern for the recent Turkish threats against Cyprus and supported Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides’ proposal for the demilitarization of the island.

In the final declaration that was approved yesterday, the Commonwealth reiterates its firm positions for the solution of the Cyprus problem and the implementation of the UN resolutions.

The leaders of the Commonwealth expressed concern for the Turkish side’s stance in the talks for Cyprus and the conditions it laid down, while they welcomed the appointment of a Commonwealth observer for Cyprus.

In their declaration they expressed regret over the fact that the talks for the solution of the Cyprus problem are in a deadlock for long time and reiterated their support to the process for direct talks under the good services of the UN Secretary-General.

At the same time, they expressed concern over the recent threats made by Turkey for the use of force and the annexation of the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus and reiterated their support to the proposal of President Clerides for demilitarization.

The leaders of the Commonwealth also made an appeal for the return of the refugees to their homes, the restoration and respect of the human rights of all Cypriots and the continuation of the investigations for the fate of those still missing since the invasion of Cyprus.

[15] BRITAIN WILL INTENSIFY THE EFFORTS FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS PROBLEM

Britain will intensify its efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem, stated British Prime Minister Tony Blair in a press conference in Edinburg on the occasion of the completion of the Summit of the Commonwealth leaders.

When asked by the Cypriot News Agency to comment on the “special role” of Britain in Cyprus, which is mentioned in the final declaration of the Commonwealth Summit, mr.Blair stated that it is clear that the efforts for a solution will continue, adding that his country wants the solution of the problem.

[16] UNEVENTFUL BUT NOT EASY CYPRUS’ COURSE TOWARD THE EU

Cyprus’ course toward the European Union will be uneventful but not easy, stated Greek Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis, who is on a visit to Cyprus.

According to mr.Kranidiotis, there will be problems and difficulties in the efforts for Cyprus’ EU accession but they will be faced with the right programming within the framework of the correct strategy followed for years by the governments of Greece and Cyprus.

The negotiations for Cyprus’ accession into the EU will start without terms and preconditions on March or April of 1998, said mr.Kranidiotis.

[17] NO REASONS FOR THE ANNULMENT OF THE ELECTION RESULTS IN MONTENEGRO

US charge d’affaires in Belgrade Richard Miles backed the validity of the presidential elections in Montenegro and stated in Potgorica yesterday that there are no reasons for the annulment of the election results.

According to the Serb news agency BETA, mr.Miles maintained that the international observers recognized the election results and therefore, there is no question regarding their validity.

Mr.Miles also stated to reporters that the tension in Montenegro has increased and expressed fears that it can lead to conflict, underlining that if the escalation of the tension is allowed the tragedy for Montenegro and its people will be unavoidable.

[18] GREECE SELECTED 1ST OUT OF 34 BY UNESCO’S CULTURAL HERITAGE COM/TE

Greece has been selected first out of 34 candidate countries during yesterday’s election process for the appointment of a seven- member committee for UNESCO’s International Cultural Heritage.

This was Greece’s first victory after a ten-year absence, in spite of the fact that it had submitted its candidacy for partaking in the committee during all this time.

[19] TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER COMPLETES VISIT TO ALBANIA

Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ismael Cem completed his official visit to Albania today, where he met with his Albanian counterpart Paschal Milo.

Mr. Cem stressed his country’s interest in Albania and stressed that “economic ties between the two countries need to be upgraded to the level of their exemplary political and military relations.”

Mr. Milo in turn stressed the significance of the imminent Summit conference of state and government leaders from Southeastern Europe, which is to be held at the island of Crete on November 2-4. The Albanian official stressed that all sides which are to attend the Conference should express their good will for cooperation so that the meeting can constitute the first positive step towards the Balkan cooperation.

[20] ALBANIA AND ITALY SIGN COOPERATION PACT TO COMBAT ORGANISED CRIME

Albania’s Minister of the Interior Neritan Ceka met with Italy’s Attorney General Pier Luigi Vina today and the two men discussed the various ways their countries can cooperate in combating organized crime, especially methods which Tirana can adopt from Rome.

According to AFP, Mr. Ceka requested Italy’s aid especially in training and the law enforcement sector.

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