Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 98-03-23

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, March 23, 1998

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] OLYMPIC AIRWAYS STAFF EMBARK ON STRIKES, PROTEST REVITALIZATION

The government’s plans to subject the national air carrier, Olympic Airways, to a revitalization process in an effort to reduce the company’s annual operational costs by 50 billion drachmas, through a reduction on overtime, a freeze on new hires, a more flexible working schedule, an increase in working hours and an end to free tickets for the staff, is being met with stiff resistance by the O.A. staff who are to conduct a three-hour work stoppage today between noon and 3 p.m.

The President of the Federation of Civil Aviation Association, Michalis Peros announced today that the workers not only do not accept the cutback measures, but are not even open to discussing them. However, he stressed, they will attend Tuesday’s talks in order to submit their proposals.

[02] YUGOSLAV DEFENSE MINISTER IN ATHENS ON OFFICIAL VISIT

The Defense Minister of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Pavle Bulatovic has embarked on a three-day official visit to Athens, following the invitation of his Greek counterpart Akis Tsochatzopoulos.

The two ministers are expected to continue the talks embarked on last May in Belgrade regarding the development of military, economic, scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries in the sector of defense. Also, the two are to focus on matters related to security in the region and strengthening g cooperation and trust between the two countries and their peoples.

Mr. Bulatovic is to be received by the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and the Speaker of the House Apostolos Kaklamanis. Tomorrow he will visit Thessaloniki and will also travel to Mount Athos.

[03] INT’NL POLICY ON EU POLICY IN EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN TO BE HELD IN ATHENS

Greece’s Foreign Ministry is to host a roundtable conference on "EU policy in the eastern Mediterranean - Is the Barcelona Process working?" in Athens between April 2-3.

The European Union's economic and strategic role in the Eastern Mediterranean basin as a major player in its development and political stability will be debated at the conference which is organized jointly by the Lambrakis Research Foundation, the Hellenic Foundation for Europe and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) and the Philip Morris Institute.

[04] MR. SIMITIS COMMENTED ON THE ECONOMY AND THE GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS

Prime minister Kostas Simitis referred to the developments in Greece’s economy, the Greek-Turkish relations and Cyprus’ EU accession course during the meeting he had in Athens today with Greek journalists working abroad.

On the course of the drachma, Mr. Simitis pointed out that Greece has set its main targets and one of them is the country’s entry into the European economic and monetary union, adding that this is a significant step that shows the qualitative difference that exists compared to the previous condition of the economy.

Earlier, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas had stated to the visiting journalists that Greece has a leading role and the government wants the country to become an example for the neighboring counties because its economic level is higher and its democratic institutions more mature.

Also, Mr. Reppas stated that Greece is trying to exploit its leading role by preserving peace and stability in the region.

[05] PANGALOS’ MEETING WITH US STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS

Greek foreign minister Theodoros Pangalos, who is currently in the United States, will meet in Washington today with US State Department and Pentagon officials. At the center of the talks will be the developments in Kosovo, the Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem.

In Athens, former leader of the right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy Mr. Miltiadis Evert launched an attack on Pangalos, pointing out that the Greek foreign minister with his statements is binding Cyprus on issues concerning its defense and its foreign policy.

[06] KRANIDIOTIS-CORDOVEZ MEETING IN ATHENS

UN secretary-general special adviser on Cyprus Diego Cordovez, who completed his visit to Nicosia, met in Athens today with undersecretary of foreign affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis.

In statements he made, Mr. Cordovez admitted that Rauf Denktash’s persistence to have the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state recognized blocks the efforts for the resumption of talks and the UN Security Council will have to be called to give directions on the next steps that will have to be made.

Mr. Kranidiotis pointed out that the Greek side will not discuss any other option than a two-zone, two-community solution. He said that this is a crucial turning point because of the Turkish intransigence and the terms set by the Turkish side in order to enter negotiations, adding that those terms can not be accepted as the Turkish side has an obligation to enter a dialogue.

Mr. Cordovez will be in Ankara tomorrow and on March 26 he will be in Geneva to brief British government special envoy to Cyprus Sir David Hanney, the US envoy Thomas Miller, as well as other foreign mediators on Cyprus, on the outcome of the talks he had in the three capitals.

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stated that there can be no progress toward the solution of the Cyprus problem for as long as Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash refuses to participate in the talks for Cyprus’ accession into the European Union. However, Mr. Reppas expressed the hope that the Turkish Cypriots will reconsider their position.

[07] GREEK-POLISH BUSINESS CONFERENCE IN ATHENS

Polish president Alexander Kwasniewski will open the Greek- Polish business conference that will be held in Athens on April 6- 7 with the participation of the leadership of the national economy ministries as well as, leading businessmen from the two countries.

A working meeting with the participation of leading businessmen from both countries will also be held within the framework of the conference that will be organized by the Polish embassy in Athens.

[08] OPINION POLL ON THE PROBLEMS IN THE OPPOSITION PARTY OF NEW DEMOCRACY

The problems that have been created within the right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy with the expulsion of Parliament deputies and the dispute between party leader Kostas Karamanlis and honorary party president Konstantinos Mitsotakis, are clearly outlined through an opinion poll that was conducted on the occasion of the 1st anniversary of the election of Mr. Karamanlis to the party leadership.

According to the opinion poll, 39,3% of the New Democracy voters believe that the party’s chances for an electoral victory are small, 39,8% that the chances for an election win have increased, while 20,9% did not respond. Also, 55,8% believe that Mr. Karamanlis’ decision to expel party members hurts ND, while 24,9% has responded that the party will benefit from the decision. The idea for the creation of a new political party has the support of 29%, while 60,3% say “No” and 49,1% believe that the party has moved further to the right.

Also, 32,8% are not satisfied with the leadership of Mr. Karamanlis, 25,3% have responded that they are “rather not” satisfied, 23,4% said that they are more or less satisfied, while only 11% responded that they are “definitely” satisfied.

[09] PACHTAS: THE GREEKS ABROAD SHOULD MAKE INVESTMENTS IN GREECE

In an interview to the Greek-American newspaper “Ethnikos Kirix” Greek undersecretary of national economy Christos Pachtas issued an invitation to the Greeks living abroad to make investments in Greece now that the economic climate develops positively.

Mr. Pachtas stated that Greece looks straight ahead at its entry into the European economic and monetary union and pointed out that a big step forward has been made with the entry of the drachma into the European exchange rate mechanism.

[10] THE NUMBER OF TOURISTS IN THASOS AND KAVALA WILL BE INCREASED BY 11%

According to the bookings made until now, the number of foreign tourists, who will visit the sea resorts of Kavala in north-eastern Greece, will be increased by 10-11%.

A notable increase in the number of tourist arrivals is expected in the island of Thasos, in northern Aegean and according to data provided by the local Tourist Committee, the main volume of foreign tourists will come from Germany and England, while many tourists will also come from Austria, Holland, Poland, the Czech Republic and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

[11] SIMITIS DEMANDS IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION OF MEASURES AGAINST CRIME

Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis called on the Ministry of Public Order today to implement all measures decided, so as to combat crime and ensure the security of Greek citizens.

The measures already announced by the Public Order minister Giorgos Romeos include patrols, special dragnets, inspections of certain sensitive areas and deportation of all refugees who arrive in Greece without the necessary documents, permanent occupation and residence.

Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos announced that within the next few weeks a bill concerning the formation of a special force which will guard the northern Greek borders would be introduced in the plenary session of the parliament.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[12] GREECE’S PRESIDENCY AT THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE

The secretary general of the Council of Europe Daniel Tarcshys has stated that Greece is to undertake the presidency of Cof E, in May, during the most significant period of developments in the European arena.

Speaking to the Macedonian Press Agency, in light of his visit to Athens on Wednesday, Mr. Tarschys stated that the CofE’s interest being focused in the Balkan region now more than ever, since the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia has submitted an accession request to the European organization, while at the same time, the Parliamentary assembly has decided to embark on Bosnia’s accession process. As such, the Greek-held presidium is to tackle these two issues which are to reform the policy of CofE.

The Greek positions and its targets are to be announced on May 5, the day when the Greek Premier Kostas Simitis while present an address before the Foreign mister of the 40 countries-members of the CofE.

Moreover, the secretary general saluted the Macedonian Press Agency’s initiative program “Diavlos” which foresees the association and cooperation of the national news agencies of the Balkan region and southeast Europe. Mr.Taschys stated that this is an innovative and pioneering idea and stressed that the council of Europe is in support of such initiatives.

Mr. Tarcshys is to be received by the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, the Premier Kostas Simitis, the Speaker of the House Apostolos Kaklamanis and the alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

[13] ALBANIAN DEFENSE MINISTER TO VISIT GREECE ON MARCH 28

Albania’s Defense Minister Sabit Brokaj is scheduled to visit the northwestern city of Ioannina on March 28 for talks with his Greek counterpart Akis Tsochatzopoulos, according to press reports.

The two officials are to discuss the creation of a Balkan peace force, which is being promoted by Greece and Bulgaria.

[14] UN’s CORDOVEZ: RESTARTING TALKS ON CYPRUS IS IMPOSSIBLE

The special envoy of the United Nations secretary-general Diego Cordovez has stated that restarting talks for resolving the Cyprus issue is not possible, following a meeting he had yesterday with the self-called leader of the Turkish-Cypriots Rauf Denktash, who insists that his enclave be recognized as a “state” before restarting talks between the two communities.

Mr. Cordovez stated that following his talks with the President of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides and Mr. Rauf Denktash, the issue is now up to the Security Council.

The UN official is expected to arrive in Athens today where he will be received by Greek’s undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis before he departs for Ankara.

[15] IBRAHIM RUGOVA REELECTED AS “PRESIDENT” OF KOSSOVO’S ALBANIANS

Ibrahim Rugova, the leader of Kossovo’s ethnic Albanians, has been re-elected as “President” during yesterday’s unofficial elections where he was the only candidate.

According to the first unofficial results, Mr. Rugova’s party, the “Democratic alliance of Kossovo” gathered the majopr9ity of parliament seats, 130 in all. These elections are not recognized by the Yugoslav government or nay other government in the world.

[16] ELECTIONS HELD IN KOSSOVO YESTERDAY WITHOUT EPISODES

Presidential and parliamentary elections were held yesterday in Kossovo by the region’s ethnic Albanians, without episodes and fanfare, although they are not recognized by the Yugoslav government.

According to the central electorate committee, 85% of the Albanian-speaking voters turned up at the election centers.

Meanwhile the “contact group” is to convene today in order to review the developments in the region. The participants are expected to proceed to decisions concerning the imposition of sanctions on the Yugoslav government.

[17] SIX AMERICAN PEACE WORKERS ARE JAILED IN KOSSOVO

Six American nationals, members of the non-government organization “Peace workers, remain incarcerated after having been arrested on Saturday and sentenced to a 10-day jail term on the grounds of not having informed the Pristina authorities of their stay in Kossovo.

A US embassy spokesperson in Belgrade, who visited the six on Sunday, stated that the US administration will set forth the matter before the contact group’s imminent meeting, to be held on Wednesday in Bonn.

Meanwhile, a 15-member delegation of United States officials, headed by three congressmen, was denied access to Kossovo where the members were to meet with Albanian leaders and overview yesterday’s unofficial elections in the region. According to press reports, the Serb authorities refused to grant them a visa.

[18] BORIS YELTSIN FIRES HIS CABINET, THE PREMIER INCLUDED

Russian President Boris Yeltsin has decided to fire all of his cabinet members, the Prime Minister Victor Cernomirdin included, according to the Russian news agency Interfax. Mr. Yeltsin is said to have asked the ministers to continue with their ministerial tasks until a new cabinet is formed, and also announced that, in the interim, he himself will act as Premier.

The sudden news brought on a sharp decline in the country’s stock market and the vice president of Russia Boris Nemfcov stated that it was Mr. Yeltsin’s personal decision to fire everyone.

[19] BULATOVIC’S CONTACTS IN ATHENS

Federal Republic of Yugoslavia minister of defense Mr. Bulatovic had a meeting in Athens today with his Greek counterpart Akis Tsochatzopoulos, within the framework of his three-day formal visit to Greece.

Their talks focused on the developments in Kosovo and Mr. Tsochatzopoulos announced a Greek government initiative for a meeting of the Balkan ministers of defense. Mr. Tsochatzopoulos also underlined that the Greek government condemns terrorism as a means toward winning minority rights and supports the immediate opening of negotiations for the settlement of the crisis.

From his side, Mr. Bulatovic stressed that the Serb leadership is ready for an open dialogue with the ethnic Albanians and called on the international community to condemn the use of terrorism.

The Yugoslav minister of defense will also be received by Greek president Mr. Stephanopoulos and Parliament president Mr. Kaklamanis.

Tomorrow, he will be in Thessaloniki to visit the 3rd Army Corps headquarters and to lay a wreath at the allied forces’ cemetery, while he will also visit the monastic community in Mount Athos.

[20] THE EDUCATION AGREEMENT FOR KOSOVO IS BEING SIGNED TODAY

The first step toward the defusing of the crisis in Kosovo is being made today with the signing of the agreement on the normalization of the region’s education system.

The agreement will be signed in the regional capital Pristina by representatives of the “group 3 plus 3” (three representatives of the ethnic Albanians in Kosovo and three representatives of the Serb government). The agreement provides for the return of the Albanian-speaking students and pupils to the Kosovo schools.

It should be noted, that the agreement had been initialed in August 1996 by the then Serb president Slobodan Milosevic and leader of the ethnic Albanians in Kosovo Imrahim Rugova but it was never implemented.

[21] SIX APPEALS AGAINST TURKEY FOR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS

The need for concrete democratic reforms in Turkey, the protection of the freedom of expression and the basic independence of the courts of justice from the military are underlined by the European Committee on Human Rights decision to bring before the European Court of Justice six appeals that were made against the Turkish government by individuals, who were sentenced to prison terms because they had published articles or made statements opposed to the “spirit” and “philosophy” of the Turkish Republic.

In their appeals, the Turkish citizens stress the lack of independence and objectivity in the Turkish state security courts.

The appeals are being accompanied by an EU Commission report according to which article 8 of the so-called anti-terrorist law, the abolition of which has been requested by every international organization, the EU member-states and the Council of Europe, continues to be used as a basis for prosecution.

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