Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 98-04-03

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, April 3, 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 TRAVELS TO LONDON FOR EU-ASIA SUMMIT

Greece's Prime Minister Kostas Simitis is currently in London, heading a ministerial delegation where he will represent Greece at the European Union-Asian countries summit.

The 10 Southeast Asian countries which are to meet with the EU include Japan, China and South Korea. The meeting will be chaired by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, while it will also be attended by European Commission President Jacques Santer.

[02] PRESIDENT OF HELLENIC REPUBLIC TO VISIT HUNGARY THIS MONTH

The President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will embark on an official three-day visit to Hungary at the invitation of his Hungarian counterpart Arpad Goncz, from April 22 to 24. President Stephanopoulos will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

[03] ARCHBISHOP OF AMERICA SPYRIDON TO VISIT THESSALONIKI

The Archbishop of America Spyridon is to visit Thessaloniki on the invitation o the city's mayor Konstantinos Kosmopoulos.

The two men met yesterday at the archbishopry's headquarters and discussed the recent developments on the FYROM name issue.

They also referred to the widely acclaimed exhibition of the Mount Athos Treasures and the "Dimitria" festivities that are organized on annual basis in Thessaloniki.

[04] OLYMPIC AIRWAYS BOARD MEETS WITH WORKERS UNION MEMBERS

The administrators of the national carrier Olympic Airways is to meet with the company's unionists today, amidst the crisis that erupted over the relevant draftbill submitted to Parliament.

Meanwhile, flight delays and route mergers have become a daily occurrence, while, today alone, six flights were canceled and a number of others were rerouted.

The Federation of Civil Aviation Unions announced a 24-hour strike for Tuesday while stewardesses will strike both Tuesday and Wednesday. As if this wasn't enough, technical crew have announced their intent to hold repeated strikes.

[05] WESTERN EUROPEAN UNION MILITARY LEADERS IN GREECE ON TUESDAY

The general staff chiefs from the 18 countries-members of the Western European Union (WEU) are to meet in Athens on Tuesday, in order to hold a session concerning the WEU's present operation and future planning.

As Greece presently holds the WEU's rotating six-month presidency, the session will be chaired by Greek National Defense General Staff Chief Gen. Athanasios Tzoganis and will be attended by the WEU's secretary-general, the 18 WEU national general staff chiefs, militaryrepresentatives of the 10 full members, the three associate members, the seven observer states as well as the WEU's planning department director and satellite center director.

[06] THE EURO-ASIAN CONFERENCE GETS UNDER WAY IN LONDON

Greece's Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, currently in London for the Euro-Asian Conference, is to have a series of contacts with European and Asian officials, within the framework of utilizing and promoting Greece's advantages, namely, its strategic location which represents the link between Europe and the Balkan markets.

The conference is mainly addressing the recent crisis in Asian markets and its worldwide repercussions, as well as other issues such as the environment, drug trafficking and the protection of the dignity of women and children.

Mr. Simitis is expected to meet with his Chinese and Japanese counterparts, Zhu Rongji and Ruitaro Hashimoto, respectively. The Premier will remain in London until Tuesday in order to attend the conference of his European socialist counterparts.

[07] NEW MEETING OF THE OA MANAGEMENT WITH THE EMPLOYEES' UNION

The management of Olympic Airways met again today with the representatives of the state airline employees' unions, while later it will have contacts with the board of directors of the Air and Ground Employees' Union.

Meanwhile, travelers continue to have a hard time in all the country's airports as a result of the delays and cancellations in Olympic Airways flights.

[08] THE EURO-PARLIAMENT CALLS FOR THE RETURN OF THE PARTHENON MARBLES

The Euro-Parliament discussed the issue of the Parthenon marbles' return to Greece, almost 200 years after Lord Elgin lifted them from the Acropolis' main temple and transported them to London.

Euro-deputies from various political groupings and member- states tabled 10 questions on the issue, focusing on the need for cooperation between the EU and international organisations, such as UNESCO, which supports the return of the classical friezes.

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) Euro-deputy Alekos Alavanos, who was responsible for initiating the discussion, said that not even one Eurodeputy supported the British stance of not repatriating the friezes.

He added that a British Labor party Euro-deputy requested the cancellation of the discussion, but was overruled by the Euro- Parliament president. Mr. Alavanos noted that not even the British minister on European affairs supported the position of the British government.

[09] TSOCHATZOPOULOS' STATEMENTS ON THE GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS

Greek minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos, in his speech delivered before the end of the conference on the EU policy in eastern Mediterranean that was held in Athens, proposed the establishment of a permanent conference based in Greece for the solution of security problems in the region.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that Greece has the political will to proceed with an in depth rapprochement with Turkey and expressed the hope that Ankara will adopt the right stance dictated by the present situation in order to build the Greek- Turkish relations of the 21st century based on the stable foundations of the international border status quo, the international law and the mutual security and cooperation.

[10] GREEK DEPUTIES WILL VISIT NAMIBIA

A four-member Greek Parliament delegation left for Namibia today to participate in the 99th Inter-Parliamentary Union Conference that will be held in this African country on April 6- 11.

Among the issues that will be examined in the conference will be the developments in the Cyprus problem, while the conference participants will also discuss issues concerning the international political, economic and social situation, the prevention of armed conflicts, the restoration of peace and the coordination of the efforts against the AIDS epidemic.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[11] US ENVOY FOR CYPRUS TO MEET WITH PRESIDENT CLERIDES TODAY

The United States Presidential envoy for Cyprus Richard Holbrooke is currently in Cyprus where he will meet with Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and the leader of the Turkish-Cypriots Rauf Denktash.

The Special coordinator for the Cyprus issue Thomas Miller, following his meeting with President Clerides stated that the efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue have reached a critical point.

[12] MILOSEVIC PROPOSES REFERENDUM FOR FOREIGN MEDIATION IN KOSSOVO

The President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Slobodan Milosevic proposed to the Serb authorities that they hold a referendum in order to decide on whether or not they will accept foreign mediation in the matter of Kossovo.

Up until now, Belgrade is resistant to any mediation from the international community by arguing that the Kossovo issue concerns an internal affair of the country.

[13] ROMANIA'S NEW PREMIER IS RADU VASILE

Romanian President Emil Constantinescu has appointed the Secretary-general of the National Agricultural Christian-Democrat Party Radu Vasile to the premier's post.

According to Romania's constitution, the new Premier has ten days to form a cabinet and to develop a governing plan, after which he will be subject to a confidence vote in Parliament.

[14] SERB PARLIAMENT TO CONVENE ON MONDAY OVER REFERENDUM

The Serb Parliament is to hold an extraordinary session on Monday in order to examine President Slobodan Milosevic' proposal to hold a referendum over foreign mediation on the Kossovo issue.

Mr. Milosevic's proposal is expected to gain the House's approval as both his Socialist Party and Voislav Seseli's nationalist faction, which participates in the government coalition, have already expressed their approval of a referendum.

Yesterday, Yugoslavia rejected the imposition of a new United Nations arms embargo as "unfounded" and unacceptable interference in its affairs.

"The resolution is completely unfounded and sets a precedent in the sense that the internal affairs of a country were debated without that country's consent," a Foreign Ministry statement said.

The UN Security Council voted on Tuesday, 14-0, with China abstaining, for the embargo.

The Yugoslav Foreign Ministry said "the problems in Kossovo arise from separatism and terrorism, not from any attempt to curb rights and freedoms of national minorities.

"That means the pressure brought to bear on the Serbian government and Yugoslavia is unfounded and unacceptable, and can only encourage those who harbor unreal and dangerous illusions and aims."

Diplomatic sources in Belgrade did not expect the embargo to have any immediate impact on the Kossovo crisis.

[15] PRESIDENT CLINTON'S BI-MONTHLY REPORT ON CYPRUS

United States President Bill Clinton has remarked that there are negative developments in the efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, this being the first time he has made such assessment, in his bi-monthly report to Congress.

The report, which spans the time period between December 97- January 98, President Clinton wrote that there were developments in Cyprus, the most important of which was the Turkish-Cypriot side's decision to call off the inter-communal talks.

Moreover, the U.S. President sees the National Guard's decision to control the Paphos air force base as another negative development, since, "it was upgraded and is now used as a military aircraft base".

Regarding the installation of the Russian made anti-aircraft S-300 missiles in Cyprus, President Clinton stresses in the report that the State Department repeatedly expressed to the Greek- Cypriot side its concerns in regards to the missiles purchase, while he also added that "it is a serious hurdle in the achievement of a solution based on a bi-zonal, two-community federation."

[16] CLINTON FOUND NEGATIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CYPRUS ISSUE

US president Bill Clinton, maintains in his bi-monthly report to the US Congress that there are negative developments in the efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

In the report that covers the period of December 1997 to January 1998, Mr. Clinton stresses that there were developments in Cyprus the main of which was the decision of the Turkish Cypriots to break off the talks between the two communities.

[17] GOVERNMENT RESHUFFLE IN ALBANIA

Albanian prime minister Fatos Nano appears close to announcing a government reshuffle, while the new cabinet is expected to be announced in a few days, as it is stressed in almost all the Albanian newspapers.

According to the newspaper "Koha Yone", the prime minister is also expected to announce the implementation of structural changes in the government ministries.

[18] THE BELGIAN SENATE RECOGNIZED THE GENOCIDE OF THE ARMENIANS

The decision of the Belgian Senate to formally recognize the genocide of the Armenians, that was committed by the Turks in 1915, have caused nervousness to the Turkish diplomats and the Turkish foreign ministry leadership.

Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Netzati Utkan expressed his government's disapproval and stressed that this decision will provoke hatred and hostility among the people as well as, terrorist attacks.

[19] THE ALBANIAN DEFENSE MINISTER ACCUSES THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF INGRATITUDE TOWARD GREECE

The Albanian government characterized as inexcusable the stance of the opposition which continues to react negatively to the decision for the extension of the Greek force's term in Albania until November 25.

Minister of defense Sabit Brokai in an interview to the state television in Tirana characterized as ludicrous the accusations of treason made by the opposition Democratic Party and went on to accuse its leader Sali Berisha of being ungrateful toward Greece. He said that it is a shame to adopt such an attitude toward a country like Greece that has helped and continues to help Albania in every way.

Responding to the allegations of the opposition according to which, the presence of the Greek force in Albania is illegal because it does not have a mandate from NATO, Mr. Brokai stated that the Greek soldiers as well as, smaller armed forces from other countries are in Albania within the framework of the NATO "Clearing House" program.

[20] GREEK TECHNICAL SCHOOL AND OPEN UNIVERSITY BRANCHES WILL BE FOUNDED IN ALBANIA

The Inter-Balkan Cooperation Center in Kozani, in north- western Greece, which will be formally inaugurated by undersecretary of foreign affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis on Sunday, prepares three key-activities aimed at the spread of the Greek education to the Balkans and the strengthening of the Balkan education institutions.

Within this framework branches of the Open University in Patras, in southern Greece, will be established in Tirana and Koritsa in Albania, while in cooperation with the technical school in Kozani a Greek technical school will be founded either in Delvino or in Gjirokastra in Albania.

Part of the capital needed for the opening of the Greek technical school, about 400.000 dollars, has already been offered by the Greek community in Australia and Canada, while the financing of the rest of the project will be undertaken by the Technical School in Kozani.

[21] GREEK INTEREST IN THE PURCHASE OF THE BITOLA BREWERY

Negotiations are underway by representatives of the Greek wine-maker "Boutaris", the Australian "Fosters" brewery and the Swiss brewers' group "MTI" for the purchase of the Bitola brewery, as it was revealed by the pro-government Skopje newspaper "Nova Makedonia".

The value of the Bitola brewery is estimated at 3,5 million DM and the Greek wine-maker "Boutaris" appears willing to buy 51% of it, while it will also undertake to pay most of its debts.

In case "Boutaris" takes over 51% of the Bitola brewery it will be committed to keep 120 of its 150 employees and to invest 10,5 million DM in the modernization of its facilities over a period of 2 years.

[22] TORTURES CONTINUE IN TURKISH JAILS ON A REGULAR BASIS

Turkey's parliamentary committee on human rights admits in its report that the inmates held in the country's prisons are being submitted to tortures on a regular basis.

According to the Turkish press, members of the parliamentary committee visited the prisons in Istanbul, Ufra, Diyarbakir, Batman and Mantin where they interviewed inmates and found out that tortures really take place.

According to the Turkish newspaper "Hurriyet, the torture methods used in the Turkish jails are hangings, beatings, electric shocks, water-canons etc. Tools used in tortures were found when the committee members searched the jails.

Parliamentary committee president Sema Piskinosut, who interviewed about 1.000 inmates, stated according to the Turkish newspaper "Milliyet", that tortures take place on a regular basis and that the problem exists across Turkey. However, she stressed that the situation is somehow better compared to the past and pointed out that the conclusions of the investigation will contribute to the solution of the problem.

[23] "ECONOMIST" MAGAZINE TO HOLD ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION IN GREECE

The London-based "Economist" magazine will organize its second roundtable discussion with the Greek government on April 8- 9, titled "Welcoming a New Business Era" and will feature an address by the European Commission President Jacques Santer.

The conference is to focus on issues concerning the Greek economy in light of the economic and monetary union, the role of the euro in the global economy and the contribution of the Olympic Games towards the overall development of Greece. Issues regarding NATO enlargement and its repercussions onto Greece will also be examined.

The Economist's conference will also be addressed by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Juan Antonio Samaranch, former US Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger, main opposition New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis, other party leaders, ministers, bank governors, members of the diplomatic corps and businessmen.

[24] PRESIDENT OF EUROPEAN COMMISSION TO VISIT ATHENS NEXT WEEK

The President of the European Commission Jacques Santer is to conduct an official visit to Greece between April 9-13.

During his stay in Athens, Mr. Santer will meet with state and government leaders and will also be the keynote speaker at an international conference on "Greeting a new Business Age", to be held in Athens by "The Economist" magazine on April 9.

Mr. Santer will also visit the island of Crete, where he will meet with representatives of local authorities and producers. This will be Mr. Santer's third official visit to Greece since assuming the top seat of the Commission in January 1995.

[25] PRESIDENT OF POLAND TO VISIT GREECE ON MONDAY

The President of Poland Aleksander Kwasniewski is to embark on an official, three-day visit to Athens on April 6 where he will hold talks with the Greek government and state leadership.

Mr. Kwasniewski is to be received by the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister Kostas Simitis on Wednesday. He will also attend a Greek-Polish Business Conference on ways of expanding economic relations between the two countries to be held in Athens between April 5 and 7.

The conference is sponsored by the Hellenic Organization for Small and Medium Size Enterprises and Handicrafts (EOMMEH) and prominent Greek and Polish companies and discussions will focus on possible cooperation in the sectors of energy, telecommunications, defense, agriculture and foodstuffs, metals, clothing, tourism etc.

National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and his Polish counterpart Janus Steinhof will also attend.

[26] THE EU AGAIN SUGGESTS TIGHT ECONOMIC POLICY FOR GREECE

The European Commission suggested again that Greece should follow a tight economic policy in order to enter the European monetary union.

In the latest monetary commission directive is mentioned that there is a need for structural changes to be implemented without a delay and pointed out the risk of inflation increase.

According to information, prime minister Kostas Simitis is not willing to undermine the country's course toward EMU.

[27] QUESTION ON THE NEW TURKISH VANDALISM AS TABLED IN THE EURO- PARLIAMENT

Greek Euro-deputy of the Political Spring party Ms. Katerina Daskalaki requested from the Euro-Parliament to make specific demarches to Turkey regarding the past and recent vandalism targeting Christian monuments.

Ms. Daskalaki referred to the new "barbaric" attack, as she characterized it, against the Orthodox Christian cemetery in Istanbul where 51 graves were destroyed. She also reminded the recent attack against Agios Therapontas and the savage murder of the chapel's sexton as well as, the repeated attacks against the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Ms. Daskalaki underlined that not a single arrest has ever been made by the Turkish authorities.

[28] THE US SENATE APPROVED THE ABOLITION OF THE VISA REQUIREMENT FOR GREEKS

The US-based National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (NCEH) yesterday announced that the US Senate voted on Wednesday to waive the visa requirement for the Greek citizens.

NCEH President Andrew E. Manatos said that "late last night the US Senate took a final Congressional action, which will allow Greek citizens to visit the US without a visa, beginning in a few weeks or months."

He added that "in doing so, the Senate overturned its previous position which would have required Greece to continue its visa program for two more years. This bill will now be sent to the President for his signature and implementation."

Mr. Manatos said that this development was realized by the timely work of Senators Ted Kennedy (D-Massachusetts), Spencer Abraham (R-Michigan), and US ambassador in Athens Nicholas Burns.

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