Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-11-03

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From: The Macedonian Press Agency at http://www.mpa.gr and http://www.hri.org/MPA.

Last Update: 23:23 GMT+2

SECTIONS

[A] GREECE

[B] BALKANS

NEWS HEADLINES

[A] GREECE

[B] BALKANS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] GREECE

[01] GREEK PREMIER OPENS BALKAN LEADERS SUMMIT CONFERENCE IN CRETE

Web Posted: 14:04 GMT+2

Heraklion, November 3 (MPA)

Mr. Simitis also stressed that the leaders of the Balkan states should strive for closer contact so that they may exchange views on various matters and discover common ground and solutions to the problems or hurdles that may arise.

Moreover, the Greek Premier stated that common principles should be adopted, such as international laws and accords in order to bypass conflict among the countries, while he also stated that stability, peace and security in the Balkans should constitute a platform upon which Balkan political and economic cooperation will be built.

Mr. Simitis said that the present Summit Conference marks the beginning of a new era and "turns a new page". He also stressed that this summit is superior to any whatsoever bilateral contacts that have already taken place or will occur in the future.

Within this framework, Mr. Simitis stressed Greece's leading role, being the only Balkan country that is also a member of the European Union, the Western European Union and the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development. In his effort to stress his hopes for cooperation in the Balkans, the Greek leader also referred to Greece's historic figure Regas Fereos who was the first to envision cooperation among the Balkan peoples.

The Greek Premier also referred to the region's multicultural character and stated that "this is precisely the reason why there's been juxtaposition in the region." He also referred to the area's various religions and stressed that these differences among the area's peoples provided the impetus to promote regional unity.

Lastly, Mr. Simitis said that modern day needs necessitate the grounding of democracy.

"The Balkans are a region where all of its countries need to learn to operate by protecting their individuality peacefully and through the rules of international law," the Prime Minister said.

A.F.

[02] ATTACKS ON THE DRACHMA EVAPORATE BUT CRITICAL WEEK STILL AHEAD

Web Posted: 14:04 GMT+2

Athens, November 3 (MPA)

The Greek government characterizes the following days as critical both for the course of the country's currency, as well as the overall side-effects on the economy, but it does remain confident that it will be able to close the gap through cuts in state expenses and not through increasing taxation.

Meanwhile, the Asian markets are on a recovery course. Floor trading on Hong Kong's stock exchange closed today with an increase of 5.43%, while similar boosts were noted in the markets of Singapore, S. Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines.

A.F.

[03] SIMITIS ISSUED AN INVITATION OF COOPERATION IN THE NEW ERA

Web Posted: 18:44 GMT+2

Iraklion, Crete 3 November (MPA)

Mr.Simitis assured that Greece wants to contribute to the creation of a new reality in the Balkans, which can and should be based on the principles of International Law, solidarity and the principle of many-faceted cooperation among the peoples. He also referred to the new facts that resulted from the market's globalization, the need to transcend the mentality of vital spaces and spheres of influence as well as, the need to consolidate peace and stability in the region.

Also, mr.Simitis made a proposal for the establishment of a special Center in Athens that will help the Balkan states to adjust their legislation to the European Union regulations, while he stated that the responsible Balkan ministers on trade and investment should meet annually to examine the progress achieved in those sectors.

[04] PANGALOS: THE INTER-BALKAN COOPERATION IS A FACT

Web Posted: 18:44 GMT+2

Iraklion 3 November (MPA)

Mr.Pangalos stated that the Inter-Balkan cooperation is now a fact, stressing that the climate in the Inter-Balkan Summit's morning session was very positive and constructive and that was held under an overall spirit of unanimity for the continuation and the strengthening of cooperation among the south-eastern European countries.

He also revealed that it has been decided that the next Inter-Balkan Summit meeting will be held in Antalya, Turkey in October 1998, while the Foreign Ministers will meet next June also in Turkey.

Commenting on the same issue, the Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman stressed that the Inter-Balkan Summit meeting in Crete is the first but not the last, adding that the next one will be held in Turkey, while he also stressed that every one agrees that this cooperation should not stop here.

Regarding the issues that were discussed in the morning session of the Inter-Balkan Summit, mr.Pangalos stated that a proposal was made for regular meetings of the south-eastern European Ministers of Trade, Finance, Land Planning, Transport and Communications, aimed at the expansion of new networks of communication in the Balkans. The coordination of the activities of non governmental organizations was also suggested.

Mr.Pangalos stated that a proposal was made for the immediate establishment of Balkan economies' coordination centers that may concern trade activities and tendencies, as well as, the cooperation of small-medium sized businesses and the signing of agreements by technological and higher education institutions.

The Greek Foreign Minister stated that Greece shows great interest in the good neighborly relations with Turkey. He avoided to predict the outcome of the Simitis-Yilmaz meeting, but he reiterated the firm Greek position on the Imia islets, pointing out that problems should be solved based on International Law and treaties and in case differences persist appeals should be made before the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

The Greek Foreign Minister also stated that the promotion of a solution for the Greek-Turkish differences based on the UN Charter, that was suggested by his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem, is consistent with Greece's expectations, and added that the acceptance of The Hague's jurisdiction is a pre-condition for any country that wants closer relations with the EU.

[05] THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 3,53%

Web Posted: 18:44 GMT+2

Athens 3 November (MPA)

The government is concerned over the budget which is burdened with an additional 10 billion drachmas, while it is being examined the cutting down of all spending in the budget by 1%.

Undersecretary mr.Dris stressed that no decision has been made regarding the budget's revenues.

[06] GREEK MILITARY EXERCISE IS BEING HELD IN THRACE AND THE EASTERN AEGEAN ISLANDS

Web Posted: 18:44 GMT+2

Thessaloniki 3 November (MPA)

Meanwhile, the Cypriot National Guard is in a state of high preparedness as the Turkish military exercises "Toros '97" and "Determination '97" are underway in the occupied northern Cyprus.

Fourteen air traffic violations and two violations of the Athens FIR were made today by Turkish fighter jets that were intercepted by Greek fighter planes. The Turkish moves are being watched by a Greek Navy squadron. The violations were made during the Turkish exercise "Determination '97", near the eastern Aegean islands of Samos, Chios, Lesvos and Limnos.

Yesterday, Greek "Mirages" intercepted again Turkish fighter jets that violated the Greek air space.

[07] GREEK PREMIER CLOSES SUMMIT'S EVENING SESSION

Web Posted: 23:23 GMT+2

Heraklion, November 3 (MPA)

According to Mr. Simitis, today's session ascertained the common desire maintained by all Balkan leaders to establish peace, stability, security and cooperation in the region.

Moreover the Greek Premier stated that the leaders agreed on intensifying the cooperation among the Balkan states with the European Union and referred to the proposal submitted by Turkish Premier Mesut Yilmaz, who suggested that leading officials from the Balkan countries should meet on a quarterly basis under the leadership of the given country that will have been assigned the rotating presidency of the Balkan Cooperation.

Lastly, the Balkan leaders saw eye to eye on maters concerning ways to combat crime, drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

A.F.

[08] TWO ARRESTED FOR EPISODES IN THESSALONIKI, GET 4-MONTH SENTENCE

Web Posted: 23:23 GMT+2

Thessaloniki, November 3 (MPA)

Dimitris Kanakis, a 24-year-old medical student, was tried on charges of having thrown coins against the conference's delegates, while the other, 23- year-old Nikos Gavrieliedes, was tried on counts of causing harm to another person.

In his testimony, Kanakis said that he had no affiliation whatsoever with any political or subversive group stressed that he was standing nearby out of curiosity. Gavrielides said that he did not hit anyone and his defense attorney motioned the court to order the police to provide the name of the purported victim. Both men filed an appeal and were released.

About 300 unidentified persons caused minor episodes, tension and traffic congestion in the center of Thessaloniki on Friday when they gathered before the Trade and Industry Chamber shouting slogans and throwing coins and eggs at the organizers and attendees of the "Thessaloniki, Venizelos, Ataturk" conference. Thessaloniki's policemen contained the episodes but the conference's delegates were transported to the "Macedonia Palace" hotel where the event was finally held.

A.F.

[B] BALKANS

[09] TURKEY'S MILITARY EXERCISE "TAURUS" BEGINS AT CYPRUS' OCCUPIED PART

Web Posted: 14:04 GMT+2

Nicosia, November 3 (MPA)

The Turkish exercises are being observed by a Greek Navy squadron. Yesterday. Turkish fighter jets invaded Greece's FIR and were intercepted by Greek Mirage jets.

Meanwhile, the United States Presidential envoy for the Cyprus issue Richard Holbrooke, speaking to the Turkish press, stated that "in reality there is no crisis between Greece and Turkey" and stressed that the current situation will not develop into armed conflict.

A.F.

[10] "RED ROSE" PROTEST HELD IN FRONT OF GREEK CONSULATE IN ISTANBUL

Web Posted: 14:04 GMT+2

Istanbul, November 3 (MPA)

The protesters held Turkish flags and the flag of the Turkish-Cypriot pseudo-state, shouting "Turkey is greater".

According to Turkish press reports, the protesters continued their rally in front of the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the Phanar. Ahmet Celik, who organized the rally, told the Turkish daily "Milliyet" that the protesters are not affiliated with any political party and that they are protesting the incident in Thessaloniki as well as "the border violation in Cyprus."

A.F.

[11] TURKISH PRESS ON INTERBALKAN STATE LEADERS SUMMIT CONFERENCE

Web Posted: 14:04 GMT+2

Ankara, November 3 (MPA)

"The Greek premier takes a giant leap in conquesting the Balkans," is one among the many related headlines of Turkish dailies, which also point out that the Crete-held Summit is to remind Turkey once more that the order of things is shifting in the Balkans and Greece is distinguished as a factor capable of great influence in the region.

The press is also reporting on the negative sentiment emanating from certain political circles in Ankara which are peeved over the Greek initiative to hold this Summit since it overshadows Turkey's aspirations to also play a leading role in the Balkans.

According to the BBC's radio program, certain diplomats are skeptical of the possibility that Greek Premier Kostas Simitis and his Turkish counterpart Mesut Yilmaz will issue a common statement which is expected to recognize the principles favored by Greece in regards to addressing Greek- Turkish differences. The same diplomatic circles also assess that the Turkish delegation will not accept such statement.

According to the Turkish daily "Hurriyet", these diplomats believe that if Ankara were to accept the drafted statement then it would indirectly accept Greece's right to extend its territorial waters to 12 miles, while it would also accept the present-day borders which, according to the European Union, certify that the Imia islets fall within Greek territory.

A.F.

[12] ALBANIAN PRESS REPORTS ON CRETE'S BALKAN SUMMIT

Web Posted: 14:04 GMT+2

Tirana, November 3 (MPA)

Tirana daily "Koja Jon", writes that the Summit's participants are declaring their contained optimism for the Summit's results, while, referring to the statements of Albanian Foreign Minister Paschal Milo, it writers that "everything will be discussed on the basis of principle."

A.F.

[13] FYROM'S PRESS REPORTS ON INTER-BALKAN SUMMIT CONFERENCE

Web Posted: 14:04 GMT+2

Skopje, November 3 (MPA)

Today's issue of "Nova Macedonia" features the title "encouraging steps in the development of inter-state relations" and reports from Crete that "regardless of the reservations that are voiced in regards to the outcome of the Summit, the fact that for the first time the leaders of Balkan states are sitting at the same table to discuss the issues that concern them with the presence of third parties, constitutes a success.

According to another daily "Dnevik", the three meetings awaited with interest are today's between the Greek and Turkish Premiers, Kostas Simitis and Mesut Yilmaz respectively, and the ones between F.R.Y's President Slobodan Milosevic and Albania's Premier Fatos Nano, and Simitis with the President of FYROM Kiro Gligorov.

A.F.

[14] GREEK-CYPRIOTS READY TO EXCHANGE DATA ON THE MISSING

Web Posted: 14:04 GMT+2

Nicosia, November 3 (MPA)

The UN secretary-general's alternate special envoy Gustav Feishel, who met today with President Clerides, also stated that the Turkish side has also displayed its willingness to provide the information, albeit it was running late in completing the files.

In regards to his meeting with the Cypriot President, Mr. Feishel stated that they discussed the UN Secretary-general Kofi Annan's letter through which he proposes that his special advisor Diego Cordobez pay a visit to Cyprus.

A.F.

[15] YILMAZ: COOPERATION IN THE BALKANS SHOULD CONTINUE BASED ON MUTUAL INTERESTS

Web Posted: 18:44 GMT+2

Iraklio 3 November (MPA)

Mr.Yilmaz speaking in the Summit supported the continuation of cooperation in the Balkans, stressing that nationalism and intolerance constitute a threat. The Turkish Prime Minister stated before all the Balkan leaders that cooperation among them is on the right path and should be continued based on their mutual interests.

Mr.Yilmaz also stressed that all the Balkan states should increase their competitiveness and develop the trade zones in every occasion and every way. He also suggested that there should be regular contacts of specialists at every level for the facilitation of the economy.

The first one to speak after mr.Simitis in the morning session was FYROM's President Kiro Gligorov who stressed that the Balkan states should face the 21st century with new visions and overcome the isolation that existed in the Balkans, adding characteristically, that isolation was always "the stamp of misfortune" for the Balkan region. He also referred to the globalization issue and the EU accession, while he requested the backing of the Dayton peace accord.

Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic stressed in his speech that the Balkan states should work in order to change the EU's view according to which, the Balkans are always a source of tension and conflict, adding that the contacts of the Balkan leaders should continue at any cost. He said that an alliance will be the only way for the Balkan states to meet the challenges ahead and added that Europe should stop the discrimination against them.

The speech of Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano focused on the issues of economy and human rights, stressing that all rules of economy, democracy and human rights must be respected.

Prime Minister of Bulgaria Ivan Kostov presented in an elaborate way the importance of the communication networks and wished that some day the Egnatia road network will reach the Bulgarian city of Varna.

It should be noted, that the spokesman of the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated, speaking to Greek reporters that "we came here, open to the discussion of all issues", adding that he "can not know what the Prime Ministers Simitis and Yilmaz will discuss this evening".

[16] THE BALKAN MASS MEDIA ON THE CRETE SUMMIT

Web Posted: 18:44 GMT+2

Thessaloniki 3 November (MPA)

The largest part of the Turkish press regards it as the most important meeting in recent years, pointing out that it is a confirmation that Greece has undertaken a leading role in the Balkans.

The Summit of Crete is also covered as a major event by the mass media in FYROM and in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

The Yugoslav mass media pointed out that the most important fact is the opening of a dialogue at a state leaders level. The newspaper "Politika" writes that the Crete Summit is a unique opportunity for the Balkans, while the newspaper "Danas" stresses that by itself, the Balkan leaders meeting is a great diplomatic success for Greece.

In Bulgaria, the Inter-Balkan Summit was described by the state radio as Greece's diplomatic success aimed at the consolidation of security, the cooperation in the economic sector and the coordination in the handling of the problems shared by the Balkan countries.

The newspaper "Standard" writes that Simitis promised peace in the Balkans and mentions the statement of the Greek Prime Minister, that the region should become a zone of peace and development through a joint effort. Extensive coverage was given and by the newspapers "Duma", "Demokratsia" and "Trud".

The Turkish state television TRT-1, mentions that the formal dinner given by Prime Minister Simitis was a beginning for the solution of the Greek- Turkish problems. The TRT-1 correspondent stressed that what the two sides want in such a crucial period is a friendly handshake that will become the starting point for the solution of their problems and added that the dances and songs during yesterday's formal dinner proved once again that the similarities between the two countries outnumber their differences.

The Romanian press focused its attention on the meetings of Prime Minister Simitis with his Turkish counterpart and the President of FYROM held within the framework of the Inter-Balkan Summit in Crete.

The newspaper "ROMANIA LIBERA" wonders if the Summit meeting is aimed at the normalization of the Greek-Turkish relations, while the newspaper "COTIDIANUL" mentions, that the meeting is an effort by Greece to undertake a leading role in the Balkans, a likelihood not appealing to Ankara. The newspaper "AZI" appears pessimistic regarding the Summit and writes that the leaders participating are being called to ease the tensions in the Balkans a goal, which is regarded by this Romanian daily, as not feasible.

[17] THE TURKISH DEFENSE MINISTER WILL VISIT THE OCCUPIED PART OF CYPRUS

Web Posted: 18:44 GMT+2

Nicosia 3 November (MPA)

According to the Turkish Cypriot press, mr.Sezgin maintained that Turkey will turn the Aegean Sea into a lake of peace and not a lake of blood, while he also stressed that responsible for the crisis in the region are the Greeks.

Referring to the Inter-Balkan Summit meeting that opened in Iraklion, Crete today, he stated that "there, the cards will be open. Dialogue will be held in an atmosphere of peace and friendship. We are optimistic that the problems will be resolved."

[18] THE MILITARY EXERCISES DIVIDE THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT

Web Posted: 18:44 GMT+2

Ankara 3 November (MPA)

According to the newspaper "Cumhurriyet", the differences in views regarding Turkey's reaction methods, were observed in the latest meeting of the Turkish National Council.

The military, the vice-president of the government Bulent Ecevit and Minister without portfolio Ismail Gurel believe that Ankara must respond to every move made by Greece, while on the other hand, Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem support the easing of the military tensions.

Nevertheless, both sides agree that Turkey has been diplomatically isolated and that Greece has won significant diplomatic backing against the Turkish policy, while it appears that the Greek positions are being supported by the United States and the European Union.

[19] THE TURKISH CYPRIOT LEADER WILL MEET WITH UN SECRETARY-GENERAL

Web Posted: 18:44 GMT+2

New York 3 November (MPA)

Mr.Denktash is expected to inform the UN Secretary-General that he regards the visit of special envoy Diego Cordovez to Cyprus, scheduled to take place this month, as untimely.

[20] SIMITIS AND YILMAZ MEET AT SUMMIT, TALKS CONTINUE PAST SCHEDULED TIME

Web Posted: 23:23 GMT+2

Heraklion, November 3 (MPA)

According to diplomatic sources, the two leaders are expected to discuss the matter of the imia islets, seeking recourse with the International Court of Justice at The Hague, as weel as trust-buildin-measures between Greece and Turkey.

While no one expects to see tangible results from these talks, most agree that the tete-a-tete meeting between Mgrs. Simits and Yilmaz constitutes a positive step in the right direction.

Also today, the Greek Premier has had successive meetings with the President of FYROM Kiro Gligorov, the Bulgarian Premier Ivan Kostov and the Romanian Prime Minister Victor Corbea. Throughout the talks, Mr. Simitis stated that progress has been achieved in bilateral relations, although the need remains to expand and further develop cooperation.

A.F.

[21] F.R.Y. PRESIDENT MILOSEVIC:BALKANS SHOULD NOT WAIT IN EU'S ANTEROOM

Web Posted: 23:23 GMT+2

Heraklion, November 3 (MPA)

Mr. Milosevic also stressed that for the sake of the prosperity and stability of the region, none of its parts should be marginalised.

"The Europe of bloc divisions should not be succeeded by the Europe of new partitions and discriminations," the Yugoslav leader stated, adding that "this is why it is essential to reduce the existing economic differences which characterize the European continent and especially the economic gap between its North and South.

"I believe that the countries of our region should not individually wait in the anteroom of the European integration mainstream, but rather they should give their own contribution to this process through successful regional integration," he stated.

In summary, the Yugoslav head of state concluded that the efforts towards these goals should focus on strengthening and promoting political cooperation, ensuring a free flow of commodities, capital and services and promoting cooperation in the field of transport and telecommunications.

A.F.

[22] BOSNIAN POLICE OPEN FIRE IN ANTI-IMMIGRATION SWEEP

Web Posted: 23:23 GMT+2

Sarajevo, November 3 (MPA)

UN spokesman Liam Mc Dowall said that most of these people are Egyptians and are being detained by Sarajevo police.

According to McDowall, the police were acting to break-up what appeared to be an organized operation to use Bosnia as a staging post for immigrants from Third World countries.

The UN police monitor police activity in post-war Bosnia as part of the international effort to improve policing methods and combat human rights abuse.

A.F.

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