Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 98-03-06

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, March 6, 1998

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREEK PREMIER TO RECEIVE PRESIDENT OF CYPRUS NEXT WEEK

The President of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides is to be received by the Prime Minister of Greece Kostas Simitis and other political leaders during his official visit to Athens between the 9-11 of March.

President Clerides is to discuss the latest developments on the Cyprus issue with the Greek political leaders.

On March 12, the Cypriot President will travel to London in order to participate at the European conference which will feature the participation of the European Union’s 15 member-states and the countries which are candidates for accession to the Community.

[02] N.D.’S HONORARY PRESIDENT WILL TAKE PART IN SESSION, BUT UNDER TERMS

The honorary president of the country’s main opposition party, New Democracy’s Konstantinos Mitsotakis has set forth terms for his participation in the party’s parliamentary group session on Monday, and those are the discussion of the recently-expelled deputies and the party’s course into the future. However, the session’s agenda only lists the party’s line for the municipal elections.

[03] SAE EMBARKS ON INITIATIVE TO RE-OPEN CHALKI THEOLOGY SCHOOL

The Council of Greeks Abroad (SAE) is to embark on a world- wide campaign aimed at having the Chalki School of Theology reopened, to be officially inaugurated on March 12 in Washington during a ceremony that will be attended by a score of US officials and international dignitaries.

The President of SAE Andrew Athens, who visited Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos in February, told the Patriarch that all SAE bodies will participate in the international campaign, while he also pledged that SAE will do everything in its power to assist the Patriarchate in achieving economic independence. The historic school was shut down in 1973 after a Turkish government decision.

[04] ATHENS IS OPPOSED TO US MILITARY INTERVENTION IN KOSSOVO

The Greek government’s spokesperson Dimitris Reppas stated yesterday that Kossovo belongs to Yugoslavia and any intervention motivated by the domestic affairs of another country should not be conceivable.

The spokesperson made the statement when asked by reporters about the possibility of US military intervention in the strife- torn Kossovo.

[05] NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER DEPARTED FOR GEORGIA YESTERDAY EVENING

Greece’s National Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos departed for Georgia last night, where he will officially hand over the search and rescue vessel "Lindos" to the Georgian navy.

The vessel is a gift from Greece within the framework of a bilateral military accord signed last year in Tbilisi.

The ceremony will take place in the port of Poti today, where the Lindos is to arrive accompanied by the tank landing craft "Samos" with a cargo of humanitarian aid.

[06] GREEK FOREIGN UNDERSECRETARY AT LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS

Addressing the conference held at the London School of Economics on the issue of "The Contribution of Changing Greece Towards the European Union", Greece’s Foreign Undersecretary Yiannos Kranidiotis stated yesterday that the future of Kossovo lies in the respect of human rights for its entire population.

On other matters, Mr. Kranidiotis emphasized the important role played by Greece in the Balkans and the Middle East and pointed out that Athens has influenced the shaping of the EU's policy in these two regions with relevant political and diplomatic initiatives it has undertaken over the past years.

Mr. Kranidiotis stated that Greece's role in the Balkans and the Middle East is a significant factor of stabilization and peaceful cooperation.

He also referred to Turkey’s position in the Community, saying that Greece strongly supports Turkey's European orientation and would like to see Turkey participate in the forthcoming European Conference, albeit with one clear precondition, that is Turkey accept the criteria and principles set out for candidate countries by the Luxembourg Summit.

[07] ARCHBISHOP SERAPHIM’S STATE OF HEALTH FURTHER IMPROVES

Archbishop of Athens and All of Greece, Seraphim, is in an even better state of health, according to his treating physicians at Athens’ Laiko Hospital, where he is being treated since last Tuesday.

Hospital officials stated that the Archbishop will remain in the hospital until his therapy has been completed and until it is ascertained that his improvement will continue in the next few days.

The Archbishop was hospitalized with a viral infection and respiratory problems, was marking a "slow but steady improvement" and was "responding to treatment.”

A long-time kidney sufferer, Archbishop Serapheim underwent dialysis treatment yesterday.

[08] ALTERNATE FM MEETS WITH FYROM’S FOREIGN UNDERSECRETARY IN ATHENS

Greece’s alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou received the Foreign Undersecretary of FYROM Ognuen Malefski in Athens yesterday, where the two men discussed the ways Greece can facilitate FYROM’s increased ties with the European Union.

Following the meeting, Mr. Papandreou stated that cooperation between Greece and FYROM has developed considerably in the economic, political and cultural fields.

The delegation of officials from FYROM, headed by Mr. Malevski, visited Athens after a similar visit conducted by Greek officials to Skopje last year in February.

The discussions included developments in the Balkans, particularly the situation Kossovo. Mr. Malefski said FYROM valued Greece's mediatory efforts towards a resolution of the crisis.

"We encourage Greece in every way to continue its bilateral and multilateral initiatives for finding a peaceful solution to the problem," he said.

Mr. Papandreou said that the only outstanding issue remaining between the two countries, that of the name of FYROM, was not discussed in depth, as this is being dealt with in the framework of United Nations talks.

[09] GREECE’S POSITION ON THE NAME OF FYROM IS THE SAME, NO ‘MACEDONIA’

The Greek government’s spokesperson Dimitris Reppas stated yesterday that its position on the name of FYROM continues to be the same, that is, "Greece will not discuss a solution which in any way includes the word 'Macedonia' in the name of the neighboring country.

Mr. Reppas also added that Athens wants the interim agreement signed by the two countries to be adhered to, and called on Skopje to contribute to efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution.

[10] ALBANIA’S FORMER PRESIDENT RAMIZ ALIA SPEAKS TO THE MPA

Former Albanian president Ramiz Alia, who returns home today after his recovery from quadruple by-pass surgery performed last month at Thessaloniki's Papanikolaou Hospital, granted an exclusive interview to the Macedonian Press Agency prior to his departure and spoke at length on subjects ranging from the current crisis erupting in Kossovo, to the developing ties between Greece and Albania.

When asked to assess his country’s current government, Mr. Alia said that “there is no doubt that the present government is faced with great difficulties, however, we have to admit that these problems did not surface today.

“This government deserves to be supported in order to be able to meet the demands of the people.”

When asked to comment on what he deems would be the best solution to the Kossovo issue, Mr. Alia responded that Europe was always late when it came to Balkan-related issues.

“The Great Powers created Yugoslavia at the start of the century, right after World War I, not on the basis of the principles of the people’s interests and wishes, but based on the interests these countries had vested in the region,” he stated, adding that “I think that the same tactic, the safeguarding of their interests and not the peoples, was what they tried to apply during 1990-91 when we witnessed the incidents in Slovenia and Croatia.”

“They forgot that the people were no longer at the beginning of the century. The war in Bosnia got started, taking the lives of 250,000. And in the events taking place in Kossovo, Europe is late in responding, just like it was in Bosnia. As far as the discussions are concerned, they are centered around scenaria that are favorable and appealing to Russia, Germany, Britain, Serbia, etc., and not on how to resolve -in a fair manner- the problem faced by the Albanians who constitute 90% of Kossovo’s population.

“Kossovo was one of eight components of the former Yugoslavia. The others were granted independence, albeit they were smaller in size, such as in the case of Montenegro or Skopje. Why not Kossovo?”

The former President stressed that his country’s government is on the side of the Albanian people who live in Kossovo, wanting to respect and observe their will to be free and independent:

“Albanians are not in favor of war, do not want violence, since we are well aware of the suffering caused by war, violence, terrorism. And this is why we are striving for a democratic solution,” he stressed.

When asked to comment on Greek-Albanian relations, Mr. Alia stated that the two peoples have an ancient tradition of friendship.

“The points of friction between the two countries, which in actuality were not created by them, musty be forgotten and ruled out. In the eons of years of ties between them, I am not aware of cases of war between the two countries,” he added, stressing that he has long been an admirer of Greek history, culture, arts and science.

“Today, the Greek people are supportive of the Albanians. Thousands of Albanian immigrants are currently in Greece and provide enormous help to Albania. This is direct assistance Greece is granting to Albania. I believe that the Albanian government and the Albanian people are especially appreciative of this fact .”

What are his sentiments as he leaves Thessaloniki?

“I am leaving Thessaloniki, the Greek soil, Macedonia, with feelings of gratitude, especially towards the medical staff for the successful operation and their friendly stance, as well as towards the Greek authorities who were very friendly to me.

“I am departing with the wish that I return again so that I may see Greece more often, and enjoy its people’s progress and, of course, the friendship between the two countries.”

[11] PANGALOS: GREECE IS NOT THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE US IN THE BALKANS

Greek foreign minister Theodoros Pangalos stated after the meetings he had with Serb president Milan Miludinovic and Yugoslav foreign minister Zivadin Jovanovic that Greece is opposed to the violation of human rights and freedoms, while he characterized as useful the information he got from his Yugoslav colleagues, adding that it will be taken under consideration in the assessment of the situation, as the available information so far had been conflicting.

Mr. Pangalos pointed out that all the moderate elements in Kosovo’s political scene must be encouraged, while he announced that he made no offer for mediation between the Albanian and the Serb side, stressing that talks are being held to find a solution to the crisis.

He said that the EU’s position on the situation focuses on the implementation of the education agreement signed by Yugoslav president Milosevic and moderate Albanian leader Ibrahim Rugova. Mr. Pangalos added that Greece believes that the implementation of the agreement will be a good start for more confidence between the two sides.

When asked to comment on the US government decision to withdraw the economic preferential treatment offered to Yugoslavia, he said that this is an issue between the US and Yugoslavia, adding that they are bilateral measures and a response should be given by the Americans themselves. He added that he is not a representative of the US government and he does not intend to become one.

Referring to the relations between Greece and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and also to the development of their economic cooperation, Mr. Pangalos stressed that the two countries share a long and traditional friendship that it is especially developed at the economic field. Mr. Pangalos stated that trade progresses very well, adding that significant investments are being made with the participation of Greek and Yugoslav companies, adding that last year’s tourist arrivals from Yugoslavia were 200.000 and their number is expected to be further increased this year.

On the Yugoslav nationals living in Greece, who are officially estimated to be about 20.000, Mr. Pangalos stated that they will receive a permanent residence and work permit.

The Greek foreign minister also stressed that Greece maintains that Yugoslavia must be included in international life, adding that Greece also believes that FRY must have a place in the OSCE, the Council of Europe and the United Nations.

[12] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS THE ESCALATION OF VIOLENCE IN KOSOVO

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, responding to questions concerning the critical situation in Kosovo, stated that the Greek government condemns the escalation of violence in the region and any terrorist tendency, adding that Greece is ready to offer its good services in order to contribute to the efforts to defuse the crisis.

Mr. Reppas issued an appeal to all sides for self-restraint and caution and reiterated that such incidents should be dealt with through dialogue and understanding and therefore, it is necessary to create the pre-conditions for a constructive dialogue.

[13] GREECE IS READY TO ASSIST IN EVERY WAY TO THE SOLUTION OF THE CRISIS IN KOSOVO

Greek foreign minister Theodoros Pangalos expressed Greece’s readiness to offer its assistance to every direction in order to help the interested parties reach a solution on Kosovo, after yesterday’s bloody clashes during which 22 people were killed. The statement was made by Mr. Pangalos after the meeting he had with Yugoslav foreign minister Mr. Jovanovic.

Later, Mr. Pangalos had talks with Serb president Milan Miludinovic and pointed out that initiatives should be taken that will not encourage secessionist tendencies and will promote a peaceful solution to the crisis. He also expressed his opposition to terrorism and supported the respect of human rights and the protection of the existing borders.

Mr. Pangalos stated that the education agreement signed in 1996 should be implemented and that the extreme tendencies expressed lately should be dealt with. This evening, the Greek foreign minister will be in Montenegro.

Meanwhile, according to information, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey and Romania are hammering out a joint plan that will include an appeal for the return of international observers to Kosovo. It will also provide for the expressed respect of the borders in the region, while it will also include an appeal to Yugoslav president Milosevic to accept and implement the education agreement of 1996 as well as, an appeal to Albania to avert secessionist ideas.

[14] THE GREEK FESTIVAL IN SIDNEY CELEBRATES THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREEK COMMUNITY

The 16th Greek Festival will open in Sidney next Sunday with a spectacular event and will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Greek community presence in this Australian city.

Among the events scheduled to take place are exhibitions, lectures and theater performances on the contribution of Hellenism in Australia.

[15] GREECE HAS NO OBJECTION TO TURKEY’S FULL EU MEMBERSHIP

Greece has no objection to Turkey’s full EU membership provided that it acts based on international law and agreements, stated Greek undersecretary of foreign affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis.

In an interview with the Greek-speaking radio station in London, Mr. Kranidiotis stated that with a democratic Turkey that will respect international law and treaties, Greece will be able to solve the problem in the Aegean as well as, the Cyprus problem.

Regarding the participation of the Turkish Cypriots in the Cypriot Republic’s delegation that will hold the EU accession negotiations, Mr. Kranidiotis referred to the Luxembourg conclusions according to which, the Cypriot government will issue an invitation to the Turkish Cypriots asking them to participate in the negotiations.

[16] THE UNDERGARMENT SALES IN GREECE REACHED 90 BILLION DRACHMAS IN 1996

The undergarment sales in Greece for 1996 reached 90 billion drachmas showing a notable increase compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, the net profit of businesses dropped due to the continuous increase of imports.

According to official data, most of the imports come from EU countries that export a total of 3 million ECU but a big share in the Greek market belongs to undergarments that come from countries with low production cost.

[17] GREECE SUPPORTS ROMANIA’S EFFORTS FOR ITS ACCESSION INTO THE EUROPEAN INSTITUTIONS

Greek Parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis, during his meeting with Romanian ambassador to Athens Tan Retulescu, gave the assurance that Greece supports Romania’s efforts for its accession into the European institutions.

The two men also stressed the long friendship existing between Greece and Romania and also the will for the further improvement of bilateral relations in every sector.

They also stressed the significance of the role of the national Parliaments and the exchange of visits by delegations as well as, the importance of their cooperation in international organizations.

[18] SUCCESSIVE MEETINGS OF GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER IN BELGRADE

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos met today with Presidents of Yugoslavia Slobodan Milosevic and Serbia Milan Milutinovic as well as with his Yugoslav counterpart Zivadin Yovanovic, within the framework of his visit in Belgrade.

Mr Pangalos reiterated the Greek position against violations of human rights and freedoms and responding to an MPA question about which would be the ideal solution for Kosovo, he noted that borders were sacred and therefore they should not be violated.

Mr Pangalos added that Greece supported the respect of human rights and believed in the multiformity and freedom of every community to develop its own identity and that on the base of those two principles everyone with good will should cooperate.

[19] CONFERENCE ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF VIABLE CITIES AND HOUSES

The potential of developing viable cities and houses will be discussed in the conference with the subject “Habitat Agenda” that takes place in Thessaloniki.

The mayor of Kalamaria and vice-president of the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece Thrasivoulos Lazaridis who described Municipalities as the main pivot of the development of viable houses on a local level, said that the 50% of the world’s population live in cities and in Europe this rate is about 80%.

The mayor of Athens and president of the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece Dimitris Avramopoulos underlined that no action could have results if it was fragmentary and declared for the cooperation of all factors.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[20] SITUATION IN KOSSOVO INTENSIFIES, 20 ALBANIANS, TWO SERBS KILLED

The already-alarming situation in Kossovo is intensifying following yesterday’s clashes when Serb forces opened fire in the region of Drenica, killing 20 Albanian-speaking persons and two Serb soldiers, according to the official reports.

Albanian Foreign Minister has appealed for the intervention of the international community. However, Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic is turning down offers for the international community’s mediation, thus rendering yesterday’s visit of British Foreign Minister Robin cook to Belgrade as an unsuccessful one.

Greece’s Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos is to travel to Belgrade today.

[21] PRESIDENT OF ALBANIA TO VISIT GREECE ON MONDAY

The President of Albania Rejep Meidani is to embark on a three-day visit to Athens on Monday, on the invitation of his Greek counterpart Kostis Stephanopoulos, where his talks are expected to focus on the situation in Kossovo and the reduction of tension existing today in the relations between Tirana and Belgrade.

President Meidani will arrive on Monday morning and will be formally welcomed by the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos. The two leaders will have a private meeting which will be followed by a meeting between the Greek and Albanian delegations which will proceed to the signing of agreements concerning the developments of Greek-Albanian co-operation.

Thereafter, Mr. Meidani will meet with the Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and will also see the leaders of the country’s political parties.

In an exclusive interview granted recently to the Director of the Macedonian Press Agency Spyros Kouzinopoulos, and before the violent incidents erupted in Kossovo, President Meidani had expressed his concern over the situation in the region, which he had characterised as “dangerous”. He noted that any delay in the situation’s stabilisation, harbours dangers for the wider region, while he stressed the need for continuous international pressures and the assignment of United Nations observers in Prishtina in order to avoid conflict.

Referring the co-operation between Greece and Albania, President Meidani stated that it is on a positive course.

“Following the visits of various delegations, including that of the Greek Premier, my visit will constitute the culmination of this cooperation that has moved into the right direction and is developing positively for the benefit of both peoples and countries.

“Aside from this multifaceted and productive cooperation, I also note a convergence in regards to foreign policy in the Balkans, whose substance has been expressed through simple words full of meaning: Europeanization of the Balkans, not Balkanization of Europe,” President Meidani stated.

[22] GREEK, BULGARIAN, ROMANIAN PUBLIC ORDER MINISTERS TO MEET SATURDAY

A meeting of the Public Order ministers of Greece, Romania and Bulgaria is due to take place in Thessaloniki on Saturday during which issues concerning drug, arms and nuclear material smuggling, car thefts and any other illegal activity of international criminal gangs in Greece will be discussed.

Head of the Greek delegation in the trilateral meeting will be the minister of Public Order Giorgos Romeos while the ministers of Internal Affairs Bogogmil Bonev of Bulgaria and Gavril Dejeu of Romania will represent their countries.

[23] ALBANIA’S FORMER PRESIDENT IS WELL, TO RETURN HOME TOMORROW

Former Albanian president Ramiz Alia is to return home at the end of this week after his recovery from quadruple by-pass surgery performed last month at Thessaloniki's Papanikolaou Hospital.

Mr. Alia, who was recently discharged from a three-week stay in the hospital, told the Macedonian Press Agency that he is leaving thessaloniki, “the Greek soil, Macedonia, with feelings of gratitude, especially towards the medical staff for the suyccessful operation and their friendly stance, as well as towrs the Greek authorities who werre exspecially freidnlty toward me.

“I am departing with the wish that i return again,. So that I may see Greece more often, and enjoy iuts people’s progress and, of course, the freindship betweent he two cuotmnries.”

Mr. Alia suffered his first heart attack six years ago while serving an eight-year prison sentence for abuse of power and violation of the people's rights after assuming power following the death of dictator Enver Hoxha in 1985.

He was later freed after an appeals court ruling only to be rearrested and charged with killing or ordering the deportation of dissidents who tried to flee the country illegally. He escaped from jail along with hundreds of others during an armed uprising in March last year and was finally cleared of all charges in October.

[24] NATO’S LARGEST EXERCISE THIS YEAR TO START MONDAY IN NORTH ATLANTIC

NATO's largest exercise of the year, "Strong Resolve '98", is to take place in the North Atlantic and the Iberian Peninsula between March 9-21. The exercise is aimed at testing NATO's ability to concurrently tackle two crises developing in two different geographic regions.

Greece will participate in the exercise in the Iberian Peninsula with the frigate "Spetsai", four F-16 aircraft, as well as with a number of officers for the staff of the joint combined force.

All NATO member-states will participate in this massive military exercise, while seven countries observing NATO's Partnership for Peace (PfP) initiative will also take part for the first time, including Austria, Bulgaria, FYROM, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Sweden.

[25] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER ARRIVES IN BELGRADE

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos arrived in Belgrade for a one-day visit this morning, within the framework of the efforts to defuse the current crisis in Kossovo.

Mr. Pangalos will meet with his Yugoslav counterpart Zivadin Yovanovic and will later meet with the President of Serbia Slobodan Milosevic, as well as with the leader of the Serb Renewal Movement Vuk Drascovic.

This evening, the Greek Foreign Minister will travel to Podgorica where he will be received by the President of Montenegro Milo Jukanovic.

[26] US, NATO HAVE NO PLANS FOR MILITARY INTERVENTION IN KOSSOVO

The United States and NATO are not making plans to put troops into Kossovo in response to a bloody crackdown on ethnic Albanians by Yugoslav authorities, the Pentagon said Thursday.

"We're concentrating on diplomacy right now," said Pentagon spokesman Kenneth Bacon.

Mr. Bacon said the United States was in active discussion with its allies and with Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, urging restraint.

"We're concentrating on making it very clear to President Milosevic and to the Kossovo forces that we expect a peaceful resolution of their disputes and a diminution in the fighting," he said.

Bacon said the Pentagon was not now considering deploying more troops to neighboring FYROM where 350 US troops are stationed as part of a 700-member UN preventive deployment force, which was designed as tripwire to prevent a spillover of violence.

Asked if the United States or NATO were drawing up contingency plans to put troops into Kossovo, Bacon said, "not to my knowledge."

[27] US SECRETARY OF STATE TO MEET WITH FORMER NEGOTIATORS ON KOSSOVO

US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will meet on Saturday with mediators from an Italian foundation who helped negotiate an education agreement with Serbia for Kossovo and will discuss their role in promoting reconciliation between Serbs and Albanians in the province, State Department deputy spokesman James Foley said.

The United States has repeatedly called on Belgrade to implement the accord reached last year to reopen the schools for the Albanian majority in Kossovo, which was brought under Serbia's direct control in 1989.

[28] ALBANIAN MILITARY AND POLICE FORCES ON GUARD

Albanian’s armed forces and police have taken measures and are currently in a state of readiness, according to the country’s undersecretary of Defense Perikli Teta, in light of the mounting tension in Kossovo.

Speaking before the Parliament, Mr. Teta also stated that the Albanian government’s steady position is to resolve the problem through dialogue, under the auspices of international organizations.

Moreover, Albania’s undersecretary of Foreign Affairs stated that Tirana is in continuous contact with all the neighboring countries.

The parliamentary discussion on the Kossovo crisis was the reason the deputies of Sali Berisha’s Democratic Party, and he, returned to the House, where the former President stated that “we are here in order to prove that we are one nation and to remind Milosevic that he won’t be able to enjoy even an inch f Albanian soil.”

[29] GREEK SOLIDARITY CARAVAN DEPARTS FOR BOSNIA

A Greek humanitarian aid mission departed yesterday for Bosnia-Herzegovina where it will disperse aid to war widows with children on the occasion of International Woman's Day, which is celebrated on March 8.

The Greek Solidarity Caravan will be granting financial assistance from 5,500 Greek donors who have each "adopted" an orphan, and will meet with the president of the Republika Srpska Biljana Plavsic and the Minister for Health and War Victims.

[30] US DEFENSE SECRETARY COHEN TO VISIT GREECE AND TURKEY IN APRIL

The United States Secretary of Defense William Cohen is to visit Greece and Turkey towards the end of April, according to official reports.

Meanwhile, State Department spokesperson Kenneth Bacon opined yesterday that the arrival of the Russian-made S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Cyprus could increase the tension on the island. He also stated that the US are currently exerting efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue through the mediation of US presidential envoy Richard Holbrooke.

When asked to comment on the issue of the US sale of F-15 fighter jets to Turkey, Mr. Bacon responded that there is no such issue.

[31] STOCKHOLM MAYOR: ATHENS EARNED OLYMPICS BID BECAUSE IT IS THE BEST

The Mayor of Stockholm -the city that vied for winning the bid for the 2004 Olympic Games, only to lose to Athens- Mats Hulth, told the Macedonian Press Agency that the Greek capital was awarded the hosting of the Games because it was, simply, the best candidate.

“I later realized that Athens won because it put forward the best candidacy,” Mr. Hulth said, adding that “the race between the two cities was quite a tough one, but it became clear that the Greek candidacy was stronger.”

The Swedish mayor also added that Athens’ candidacy was clearly stronger than his city’s since the majority of the necessary infrastructures are ready in the Greek capital, while the facilities that will host the sports events and related festivities have already been constructed.

“Moreover, the splendid track and field world championships held last summer proved that Greece, and especially Athens, has the ability to undertake the organization of a large sports event. In any case, I am especially pleased that Athens, and not Rome, was awarded the Olympic Games of 2004,” he stated.

Referring to Stockholm’s current reign as Cultural Capital of Europe, 1998, the Mayor stated that the contribution of Sweden’s Greek community to the events will be determinative.

“ Greek culture, music and literature are popular in Sweden. We have programmed hundreds of events for 1998, in which the quite active Greek community of Stockholm will definitely have decisive input,” he stated.

Mr. Hulth, who is currently in Thessaloniki in the framework of the international conference for the Habitat Agenda, also expressed his wish for the strengthening of Greek-Swedish cooperation at a local administration level, as a number of Swedish cities have become “sisters” with Greek ones.

[32] BRITISH AUTHOR SAYS RETURN PARTHENON MARBLES TO GREECE IN 2001

The Parthenon marbles should be returned to Greece and the best time for that would be the year 2001 in order to celebrate the next millennium, according to British journalist and author Christopher Hitchens

In his book “The Marbles should return to Greece” just published yesterday, Mr. Hitchens writes that the British people could, through the Parliament, become co-sponsors of the maintenance and rebuilding works on the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

The author supports his argument on historical and legal facts, while he also stresses that the return of the Greek monuments will not create a “domino effect”, where other countries will start requesting the return of their monuments currently on display in Britain, since they constitute an exception.

[33] INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS TO DEFUSE THE CRISIS IN KOSOVO CONTINUE

The international efforts to defuse the crisis in Kosovo continue. After the US mediation, NATO now threatens with an intervention and with the postponement of the easing of the embargo imposed on Serbia.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright is scheduled to meet in Rome with the mediators of an Italian institute that helped in the negotiations for the signing of the education accord between Serbia and the Kosovo Albanians.

[34] THE GREEK STUDENTS ARE WORRIED OVER THE SITUATION IN KOSOVO

The Greek students in the University of Pristina are watching closely the deterioration of the situation in Kosovo that takes place in spite of the international efforts for the easing of the crisis.

The concern of the Greek students increased further after yesterday’s clashes at the village of Doni Prekac in the region of Drenica in which 20 Albanians and two police officers were killed. According to statements made to MPA by Greek Students Association president Mr. Botsis, the number of the dead in both sides is believed to be much higher than reported. Mr. Botsis also stated that it is not the number of the victims that creates fears but the rapid developments in the region.

Mr. Botsis said that in spite of the volatile situation in Kosovo, the operation of the Pristina University continues uninterrupted and life is normal in the city during the day. The police presence in Pristina is not strong compared to the region’s villages that allegedly are the strongholds of Albanian extremists. The situation is different during the night as the people of Pristina remain indoors in fear of more clashes.

[35] THE EU COMMISSION IS SATISFIED WITH THE COURSE OF THE LARGE PROJECTS IN GREECE

The EU Commission appears satisfied both with the course of large projects in Greece and the absorption of funds. A special satisfaction is expressed for the course of the projects in the Patras-Athens-Thessaloniki highway, the Egnatia road network and the natural gas network.

It is also mentioned that the absorption of funds in Greece is more qualitative compared to other recipient countries.

[36] N. MIICHAILOVA FOR THE UNIFICATION OF EFFORTS FOR KOSOVO

The Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nadezda Michailova said today that the incidents and situation in Kosovo was progressing very quickly and unfortunately they did not leave a margin of optimism.

Mrs Michailova stressed that the most important issue was the unification by all the countries of the area, the EU and the Contact Group of their efforts towards the beginning of the dialogue between the two warring sides so as to stabilize the situation in the region and to prevent further bloodshed and war in the Balkans.

Complete archives of the Macedonian Press Agency bulletins are available on the MPA Home Page at http://www.mpa.gr/ and on the U.S. mirror at http://www.hri.org/MPA/