Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-12-16

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, 16 December 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] PREMIER BRIEFS THE COUNTRY’S POLITICAL PARTY LEADERS TODAY

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis is to have successive meetings with the country’s political party leaders, in order to brief them on the outcomes of the recently-held European Union Summit at Luxembourg.

Mr. Simitis is to first meet with the president of the main opposition party, New Democracy’s Kostas Karamanlis and thereafter will meet with the secretary-general of the Communist Party of Greece Aleka Paparega, the leader of the Coalition of Left and Progress Nikos Konstantopoulos, and the leader of the Democratic Social Movement Dimitris Tsovolas.

On Thursday Mr. Simitis will be received by the President Kostis Stephanopoulos following the latter’s return from the Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the European Commission, through its President Jacques Santer called on Turkey yesterday to re-examine its negative stance after it was re-buffed by the European Union, while stressing at the same time that the Community is not to cancel its negotiations with Cyprus for the island’s accession to the EU.

US State Department officials, without being directly critical of the EU, distanced themselves from the “15”’s decision to not include Turkey in the 11 countries that have been invited to start EU membership talks, and stated that the United States would like to see Turkey participate in the Community in the strongest possible capacity. A.F.

[02] MAIN OPPOSITION PARTY LEADER MEETS WITH PM, COMMENTS ON EU SUMMIT

Following a meeting with the Premier today, the leader of Greece’s main opposition party New Democracy’s Kostas Karamanlis characterized the European Union’s decision to exclude Turkey from the 11 countries with which it will embark on accession talks as “positive”, while the secretary-general of Greece’s Communist Party Aleka Paparega expressed her reservations as to what degree this decision constitutes an achievement of the Greek government.

Mr. Karamanlis stressed that Greece has to be ready to defend its national interests and noted that such meetings with the Premier would be more useful if they took place not only when successes are achieved, but also during moments of crisis or when developments in the national issues occur.

Ms. Paparega, on the other hand, stated that it was quite clear during the Summit at Luxembourg that a distinction was made between those member-states that will accede the Economic and Monetary Union and those which will be excluded. A.F.

[03] ANNEXATION OF CYPRUS’ OCCUPIED PART? DISASTROUS FOR TURKEY

Greece’s Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos stated that if Turkey were to annex Cyprus’ occupied part it would be “disastrous”, during an address he gave in Thessaloniki last evening at an event organized by the Democratic Movement of Cypriot students.

In his address, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos outlined the significance of the European Union’s decision to embark on accession negotiations with Cyprus in March of 1998.

The president of Cyprus’ Socialist Party Vasos Lyssarides was also a speaker at the same event, who stated that it would have a “boomerang” effect if Turkey dared to act on its threat to annex the island’s occupied part.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministers of the Alliance’s member- states are to ratify NATO’s new structure in Brussels today. A.F.

[04] ENVIRONMENT MINISTER: EGNATIA ROUTE WILL BE READY BY THE YEAR 2000

The Minister of Environment, Public Works and City Planning Kostas Laliotis has vowed that the country’s major public work Egnatia route is to be ready by the year 2000, stressing that the funds for the completion of this project have been secured, while additional monies are necessary only for 60 kilometers out of the route’s 687 total.

Mr. Laliotis stated that the funds are to be derived by revenue secured from increased toll prices, additional Community funds and loans from the European Union. A.F.

[05] OECD REPORT: GREECE’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE TO RISE, BUT SO WILL GNP

Greece’s unemployment rate is expected to present a slight increase in 1998 from the current 10.6% to 10.7%, according to the semi-annual report issued by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

According to OECD, this increase is influenced by the country’s modernization and business structure process, while, at the same time, it advises that the rate of new hires in comparison with layoffs should be maintained at one-to-five.

Moreover, the report is less optimistic for the country’s economic cohesion course, when compared to other studies performed by European organizations, deeming that the main hurdle for the Greek government will be the limited increases in collective bargaining and the enforcement of a more stringent budget.

On a more positive note, the OECD’s report notes that efforts to combat tax evasion have improved while the rate of development is characterized as “intense” since it forecasts that the GNP will grow to 3.4% during 1998, as opposed to 2.6% in 1996, a result of funding given by the European Union and increases in real wages. A.F.

[06] MT. ATHOS TREASURES EXHIBITION IN THESSALONIKI EXTENDED TO ARPIL 30

The monumental exhibition of never-released-before treasures and relics from the monastic community of Mt. Athos, currently held at Thessaloniki’s Museum of Byzantine Art, is to be extended until April 30.

The event is held within the framework of events organized by the Organization “Cultural Capital of Europe, Thessaloniki ‘97”. A.F.

[07] THE GREEK EXPORTS TO RUSSIA ARE ON THE INCREASE IN THE PAST 5 YEARS

The Greek exports to Russia show a continuous increase in the past 5 years, in spite of the fact that the trade balance between the two countries continues to be negative for Greece due to the increased imports of Russian oil.

Specifically, the Greek exports to Russia were 360,6 million dollars in 1996 compared to 256,9 million dollars in 1995, 247,1 million dollars in 1994, 185,6 million dollars in 1993 and 87,2 million dollars in 1992.

The presence of the Greek businesses in the Russian Federation is on the rise at all levels, as 7 Greek companies and the University of Pireaus have undertaken a total of 13 projects in the region, in cooperation with other EU companies.

[08] GREECE DOES NOT WANT A CONFRONTATION WITH TURKEY

Greece does not want the confrontation with Turkey to escalate but on the other hand, it is ready to make all the appropriate steps if necessary, stressed prime minister Kostas Simitis immediately after the meetings he had with the Greek political party leaders that were held in order to inform them on the outcome of the EU Summit meeting in Luxembourg.

Mr.Simitis called on all political forces in the country to unite for the promotion of the national interests and the safeguarding of peace in the region.

The prime minister stated that Greece has to remain calm and added that the cooperation with its EU partners is necessary. He also said that everybody should be reminded that Greece wants peace in the region.

Leader of main opposition party of New Democracy Kostas Karamanlis stated after his meeting with the prime minister, that the outcome of the EU Summit meeting was positive, stressing that the EU partners rejected the Turkish intransigence.

Communist Party leader Aleka Papariga stated that no triumph of Greece was achieved, stressing that the EU, through the manoeuvre it made, was able to promote its interests.

Coalition of the Left party leader Nikos Konstantopoulos stated that this is no time for exultation, adding that more vigilance is necessary.

[09] THE GREEK PRESIDENT ADDRESSED THE UKRAINIAN PARLIAMENT

Greek president Kostis Stephanopoulos addressed the Ukrainian Parliament and stressed Greece’s role in the effort to safeguard peace, stability and cooperation, while he underlined Greece’s respect to International Law saying that this fact makes the country especially sensitive toward the continuing occupation of 40% of the Cypriot Republic territory.

President Stephanopoulos also added that Greece’s sensitivity is in sharp contrast to Turkey’s denial to respect the international treaties that rule the status in the Aegean, adding that this practice leads to the dispute of Greece’s sovereign rights and the creation of tension in the region, while it leaves no room for the development of harmonic relations.

On the issue of FYROM’s name, President Stephanopoulos expressed the hope that a solution will be reached in the talks that are being held within the framework of the United Nations.

[10] THE GREEK PRESIDENT’S FLIGHT WAS CANCELED DUE TO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS

The Olympic Airways plane that was scheduled to make the flight from Kiev to Odessa and Mariupol with Greek president Kostis Staphanopoulos on board remained grounded today due to a mechanical problem.

As it was announced to the journalists accompanying President Kostis Staphanopoulos, the airplane’s second engine had a failure possibly due to the extreme cold in Kiev where temperatures have dropped to -25C.

The Greek president will stay in Kiev for the night and if the airplane is repaired he will fly to Odessa and Mariupol tomorrow.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[11] GREECE’S PRESIDENT IN THE UKRAINE, “TIES ARE EXCELLENT”

The President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, currently on an official, three-day visit to the Ukraine, stated that the ties between the two countries are excellent, following a meeting he had last evening with his Ukrainian counterpart Leonid Kucma.

The Ukrainian leader characterized Greece as a “sure ally of the Ukraine in the Mediterranean and the Balkans”, adding that “no problem is dividing Greece and the Ukraine in the political and economic sectors.”

When asked to comment on his country’s stance towards NATO and the European Union and how he views these two organizations’ expansion, President Kucma stated that “we see no enemy in NATO”, adding that “they have been telling us this for a period of 70 years.

“Our people know this. NATO is not an enemy and it knows how to exercise the proper policies.”

In turn, the Ukrainian President stated his country believes that Europe must not again be divided in two and expressed his satisfaction that the Ukraine and Russia this year signed cooperation agreements with NATO.

President Stephanopoulos characterized both Greece and the Ukraine as stability factors in the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, the Balkans and Europe’s southern region.

Moreover, the Greek President stated that the economic trade between the two countries has yet to reach the desired levels and added that he is accompanied by a delegation of Greek businessmen who have come to the Ukraine interested in developing economic ties with the local corresponding sector.

President Stephanopoulos is accompanied by the alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou who proceeded to the signing of three accords with his Ukrainian counterpart. The first concerns a protocol of diplomatic ties, the second regards a cooperation agreement in the sectors of science and agriculture, while the third is an aviation protocol. A.F.

[12] TURKISH-CYPRIOTS CUT OFF NEGOTIATIONS WITH UNITED NATIONS

Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash has stated that the European Union’s decision to embark on accession negotiations with only the Greek Cypriot side “kills” negotiations between the island’s two communities and announced that his self-titled government is to interrupt talks with the United Nations over the Cyprus issue.

In a statement issued by Mr. Denktash, the Turkish-Cypriot officials stress that “the Greek-Cypriot side is trying to gain the island’s control ignoring Turkey’s rights.” A.F.

[13] OFFICALS FROM THRACE IN CYPRUS, OUTLINE EU PROGRAMS

A delegation of officials from the Municipality of Thrace met with the Cypriot Minister of Agriculture Andreas Madovanis in Nicosia to whom they outlined the various development programs offered by the European Union.

During their meeting in Nicosia, the officials gave emphasis to forming a development policy for waterways funds, restructuring the overall sector of agriculture and to the various efforts currently exerted for achieving harmonization with the standards of the Community. A.F.

[14] RUSSIAN PM CERNOMYRDIN WRAPS UP VISIT TO TURKEY TODAY

Russia’s Prime Minister Victor Cernomyrdin is to wrap up his two-day visit to Turkey today, having already met with Turkish President Suleiman Demirel.

According to reports, the overall climate of the meeting between the two leaders has been characterized as “positive”, while sources state that Mr. Cernomyrdin relayed to Mr. Demirel his government’s optimism concerning the development of relations with Turkey in the framework of “good neighboring principles.”

A series of bilateral cooperation agreements is expected to be signed today, expected to strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries. In 1996, bilateral economic trade between Turkey and Russia reached four billion dollars, while in the first half of 1997, economic cooperation between the two amounted to $2.1 billion, thus marking an increase of 16% when compared with the first half of 1996. A.F.

[15] UN OFFICIAL ADVISES CALMNESS IN LIGHT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN CYPRUS

The alternate special representative of the United Nations Secretary -General Gustav Feischel has advised calmness in light of the developments, following his meeting today with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Glakfos Clerides, in regards to the situation that has beef formed after the European Union decided to embark on accession negotiations with Cyprus in March of 1998 and exclude Turkey from the countries with which it will hold accession talks.

Mr. Feischel avoided commenting on the statements made by Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, who said that he will cut off all negotiations with the UN, and clarified that it is currently a “resting” period prior to the island’s presidential elections.

“Nothing will take place up until the elections and we are not serving any purpose by analyzing every single thing someone says,” Mr. Feischel stated, adding that the best we can do is to be calm and wait.”

When asked as to how the UN plan to convince Mr. Denktash to return to the negotiations table, Mr. Feischel did admit that the Turkish-Cypriot leader is perturbed, but stressed that “we will have to wait and see what will happen until March.”

Lastly, the UN official expressed the hope that by the end of this year the Turkish-Cypriot side is to provide information on the place where the missing Greek-Cypriots are buried. A.F.

[16] ALBANIA: BOMB EXPLODES AT FORMER DICTATOR’S HOME

A strong explosion shook the house of Albania’s former dictator Emver Hoja in Gjirocaster last night, causing extensive material damages but no injuries, according to the French news agency AFP.

The explosion was caused by 30 kilos of dynamite placed at the house which currently serves as a museum commemorating the struggle for the national liberation. Neighboring houses were also damaged, while one person was slightly wounded, according to the police.

No one has claimed responsibility for the bomb attack so far. A.F.

[17] NATO’S NEW COMMAND STRUCTURE WILL BE RATIFIED TODAY

The foreign ministers of NATO are called to ratify the new command structure of the alliance in Brussels today.

Turkish foreign minister Ismail Cem assured that his country will not block the new command structure. He also pointed out that the Greek-Turkish relations will not be affected, while he did not rule out a meeting of the committee of experts.

[18] UNSKILLED WORKERS WILL BE MARGINALIZED ACCORDING TO THE EURO- PARLIAMENT

A resolution adopted by the European Parliament stresses the risk for the creation of a society made up both of an unskilled, unprotected work force and of a highly specialized minority that has constant access to the training on new technologies. The resolution is based on a report prepared by a Euro-deputy that mentions among others that in spite of the fact that over 80% of today’s technology will be changed in the next 10 years, vocational training is not available not even to 7% of the unemployed.

The Euro-Parliament’s resolution requests that attention should be given to vocational training especially, to the sectors of scientific research and technology.

Regarding the part-time employment, it is pointed out that an agreement was reached recently on the issue within the framework of the social dialogue but it does not cover many different forms of employment, while the European Commission is called to submit proposals for social security and protection.

[19] EXHIBITION OF BOOKS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD ON ALEXANDER THE GREAT

More than 650 books on Alexander the Great that come from all over the world, are translated into 18 languages and dated from the 1700’s to the present, will be exhibited in Thessaloniki starting tomorrow. This will be the third exhibition of the special program on “Alexander the Great” that is organized within the framework of the Cultural Capital of Europe events.

The exhibition deals with the multi-faceted personality of Alexander the Great as it was presented in books that cover sectors such as, literature, architecture, children’s literature, archaeology, culture, historic research, social life and traditions, religion, culture, philosophy and education.

[20] SOFIA WILL RECEIVE 80 MILLION DOLLARS FROM THE IMF

The International Monetary Fund decided last night to grant to Bulgaria a 80 million dollars within the framework of a bilateral stand by agreement that was signed last April.

Prime minister of Bulgaria, Ivan Kostov in statements he made today underlined that this constitutes a recognition of his government’s efforts, while the permanent representative of the IMF in Sofia, Piter Stela suggested that the reform implementation pace should be maintained in the country.

The agreement between Bulgaria and the IMF was signed last April and has a 14-month duration, while it provides for a total sum of 680 million dollars.

[21] BULGARIA ABOLISHED THE IMPORT DUTIES ON EUROPEAN CARS

The Kostov government has decided to abolish the customs duties on cars imported to Bulgaria from the European Union and the decision will be in effect starting on January 1, 1998.

According to the Sofia newspaper “Troud”, this means that the price of the European cars will be lower by 5-10%, while the import duties on the Russian cars “Lada” and “Moscovic” remain unchanged at 16%.

[22] APPEAL FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE BELGRADE THEATER

An appeal to the art loving public in Greece to contribute to the restoration of the Yugoslav drama theater that was destroyed by a fire, was issued through a statement to MPA by its director Jovan Tsirilov, one of the leading figures of the Yugoslav literary world.

The fire in the theater building broke out on October 17 and was caused by an electricity short-circuit, while the damages are estimated at 15 million DM (240 million drachmas). The Yugoslav theater will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year and its international contribution is regarded as very significant.

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