Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 98-04-15

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, April 15, 1998

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] FORMER PRESIDENT KARAMANLIS REMAINS IN CRITICAL CONDITION

Greece’s former President Konstantinos Karamanlis continues to be in a critical condition, suffering a heart attack early Sunday morning.

He continues to be supported by an artificial respirator and his physicians stated that there could be another attempt to remove the respirator from Mr. Karamanlis.

The 91-year-old statesman, who was hospitalized on Tuesday with bronchial pneumonia, went into cardiac arrest at 2.25 am Sunday, and doctors at the YGEIA hospital acted immediately to restore the heart's function, and 20 minutes later moved him to the intensive care unit for better monitoring of his condition.

[02] CANCELLATIONS, DELAYS CONTINUE AT OLYMPIC AIRWAYS FLIGHTS

Olympic Airways (OA) flight services continue to suffer serious disruption today due to a shortage of personnel which is leading OA management to consider hiring aircraft with foreign crews to serve passenger needs. Fourteen flights are canceled today, both domestic and abroad.

The problem has been compounded by a shortage also of technicians which has resulted in five OA aircraft remaining grounded following extensive maintenance work, while a further five are expected to gradually re-enter service by June.

[03] INTER-MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE CONVENES OVER AGENDA 2000

The state’s inter-ministerial committee held a meeting at the foreign ministry on the "Agenda 2000" program yesterday, in order to examine issues concerning the absorption of funds from the Delors II package, as well as agricultural issues.

Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tzoumakas expressed his views on the prospects of agriculture in relation to the course of negotiations at the OECD and World Trade Organization (WTO) level.

The meeting was chaired by Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and was also attended by Foreign Undersecretary Yiannos Kranidiotis and National Economy Undersecretary Christos Pachtas.

[04] HOURS OF AGONY FOR K. KARAMANLIS

The state of health of former president Konstantinos Karamanlis is stable but serious, according to the medical bulletin that was issued this morning.

His doctors stated that the infection in his respiratory system is under control and that the patient has no fever, while there is no problem with his vital functions for the time being.

The doctors of the Higia Hospital will decide when he will be taken away from the respirator based on the course of his health.

[05] EMERGENCY MEASURES FOR THE EASTER HOLIDAYS WERE TAKEN BY TRAFFIC POLICE

The traffic police has taken emergency measures to facilitate the holiday makers, who are expected to leave the big cities in great numbers.

Specifically, throughout the national road network there will be traffic police crews to offer information to the public.

Meanwhile, the demand for bus, train, ship and airplane tickets has increased.

[06] THE POLICE MEASURES AGAINST CRIME WERE PRESENTED IN A PRESS CONFERENCE

The measures taken by the police have brought results to a certain degree stated today in a press conference minister of public order Giorgos Romeos.

Mr. Romeos stated that the situation has improved but measures continue to be taken.

The minister stated that the results of the measures are extremely positive in the region of Athens where the number of break-ins has dropped from 150 to 60-70 per day.

On the issue of the work permits, Mr. Romeos stated that 250.000 foreigners have already filed applications and the green cards will be ready no later that May 31st.

[07] CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION BETWEEN GREECE AND BULGARIA

The municipality of Alexandroupolis in north-eastern Greece considers hammering out a report on the exploitation of natural and mineral resources in this border region in cooperation with the neighboring Bulgarian municipalities.

Within the framework of the cross-border cooperation for the protection of the environment and the better exploitation of the region’s resources, the mayor of Alexandroupolis and his colleagues in the neighboring Bulgarian municipalities of Svilengrad, Ljubimec, Harmanli and Edirne will meet in Svilengrad on May 7-8.

According to the mayor of Orestiada, in north-eastern Greece, the report’s budget is estimated at 1,2 billion drachmas and will be funded by the Interreg II European Union.

[08] THE “KONSTANTINOS KARAMANLIS” FOUNDATION SHEDS LIGHT ON THE POLITICAL EVENTS THAT MARKED THE PAST 50 YEARS

The “Konstantinos Karamanlis” Foundation has a rich archive as well as, audio-visual material and a large library with over 30.000 books on the personality and work of former president Konstantinos Karamanlis. The Foundation was established 15 years ago and its main goal is to shed light on the historic events of the past 50 years in combination with the systematic study and research on the work of this great Greek politician.

The personal archive of Konstantinos Karamanlis, which is the nucleus of the Foundation’s archive collections, covers the period 1955-1995 and on this archive was based the 12-volume book under the title: “Konstantinos Karamanlis: Archive, events and texts” that was published last year after a long research.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[09] US SECRETARY OF DEFENSE TO ARRIVE IN ATHENS ON APRIL 21

The United States Secretary of Defense William Cohen is to arrive in Athens next Tuesday where he will hold talks with his Greek counterpart Akis Tsochatzopoulos.

Mr. Cohen’s four-hour visit to Athens is part of his five-day regional tour which starts this Friday, and includes Turkey, Jordan, Egypt and Israel. Mr. Cohen is also expected to be received by the President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister Kostas Simitis. He will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens.

US Pentagon officials stated that the American secretary will discuss NATO's structural changes and will reiterate his country’s support for confidence-building measures in the Aegean, promoted by NATO's Secretary General Javier Solana. The defense secretary will discuss with Greece the possible sale of U.S.-made F-15s and F-16s -- something that concerns Turkey because it doesn't want Athens to gain military strength. Greece will be Cohen's last stop before returning home April 21.

Prior to his arrival in Athens, Mr. Cohen's first stop will be at Ankara, where he will meet with Turkish President Suleyman Demirel and other Turkish leaders. He will discuss the continued use of air bases by the US and Greek-Turkish relations, among others.

Mr. Cohen will hold talks with Middle East leaders on the peace process and bilateral military ties of those countries with Washington as well as the situation with Iraq.

During this trip he will also meet with Jordan's King Hussein, Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Israeli Prime Minister Benjanim Netanyahu.

[10] RUSSIA’S STATE DUMA TO VOTE ON PREMIER ON FRIDAY

Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma, will hold a new vote on nominating Sergei Kiriyenko as prime minister on Friday.

"We decided to vote on Friday and hope it will not take more than two hours, said the head of the chambers Foreign Affairs Committee, Vladimir Lukin, after attending a meeting of the Duma's managing council.

The Duma, which rejected Kiriyenko last week in a first vote, will be automatically dissolved if it opposes him twice.

President Boris Yeltsin, stood firm on Monday over his choice of Kyriyenko as Prime Minister but hinted he was ready to compromise on other members of the government "There will be no other candidate. I proposed Kiriyenko and I will stand by him to the end," said Yeltsin

[11] BALKAN MILITARY EXPERTS MEET IN BUCHAREST TODAY

Balkan military experts are participating in a two-day conference in Bucharest today where they will discuss the creation of a rapid deployment deterrence force by countries in the region.

Representatives from Albania, Bulgaria, FYROM, Romania, Slovenia and Turkey will attend, while Greece will be represented by an officer with the rank of colonel, and the United States and Italy will send observers .

Greece had proposed Thessaloniki as the force's headquarters; Bulgaria has proposed Plovdiv and Turkey is promoting Edirne.

Greece had proposed that final decisions be reached during a planned meeting of the above countries' defense undersecretaries and general staff deputy chiefs, during an upcoming meeting in Tirana.

[12] BULGARIAN PRESIDENT: SIMITIS’S VISIT IS SIGNFICANT, BENEFICIAL

Bulgaria’s President Petar Stoyanov hailed the Greek Prime Minister’s (Kostas Simitis) visit to Sofia as “the highest point in the reciprocal political dialogue of bilateral relations."

President Stoyanov stated that they had discussed the crisis in the Yugoslav province of Kosovo and agreed that it affected the "image" of the Balkan peninsula.

Moreover, he added that there was a consensus that all the countries of the region should work towards broad cooperation in the Balkans and spoke of the need "to establish a new pro-European picture for the region".

In turn, the Greek premier described his talks with Mr. Stoyanov as “very cordial” and added that "we are at the beginning of a new era for the Balkans and eastern Europe, not only because the dividing lines have been eliminated, but above all due to the European perspective opening up".

Mr. Simitis also met with Bulgarian Parliament Speaker Ivan Sokolov, who underlined the desire of both sides to further develop bilateral relations.

[13] AUSTRIAN VICE-CHANCELLOR ON TWO-DAY VISIT TO CYPRUS

Austria’s vice-chancellor and Foreign Minister Wolfgang Schuessel embarked today on a two-day visit to Cyprus and will visit the Austrian military unit that is currently serving in UNFICYP, near the occupied region of Famagusta.

Tomorrow Mr. Schuessel will meet with Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides, the Speaker of the House Spyros Kyprianou and with Foreign Minister Yiannakis Kasoulides and Finance Minister Christodoulos Christodoulou.

The Austrian official’s visit to Cyprus is directly related to his country’s term as the European Union’s term President as of July 1, 1998.

[14] CYPRIOT TEACHER FOKA ADDRESSES UN HUMAN RIGHTS COM/TEE

Cypriot teacher Eleni Foka addressed the United Nations Human Rights Committee and condemned the behavior of the Turkish occupational forces towards the persons living in Karpas and she also stressed that the inhumane practices of the Turks have no other aim but genocide.

Addressing the 54th Assembly of the Human Rights Committee, Ms. Foka said that only 450 Greek-Cypriots have remained in Karpas, from some 20,000 in 1974.she also added that other teachers are being forced to flee the area, leaving her to be the only teacher since 1976, whose students now number four, whereas in 1976 they were 74.

The Greek-Cypriot teacher also said that 13 of the men who were arrested by the Turks have not returned yet and she also referred to the numerous murders and rapes committed by the Turks against the region’s Greek-Cypriots.

[15] ALBANIA: STATE TO RETURN MONEY LOST FROM ILLICIT BANKS IN JULY

The chief of Albania’s Finance Committee Faroudin Arapi stated today that those who lost their money by investing in the country’s illicit money-making schemes are to be reimbursed by the start of July.

Speaking to the state-owned radio station in Tirana, Mr. Arapi said that relevant legislation is to be submitted to parliament within the following days which will determine the refund process.

According to official data, about 205,000 individuals are registered as clients of these banks and their deposits amount to one billion, 100 million dollars.

Mr. Arapi pointed out that these figures do not reflect the real number of persons who lost their life savings since many of them did not register.

[16] VAN DEN BROEK, ALBRIGHT DISCUSS CYPRUS ISSUE

The European Union’s Commissioner for Foreign Affairs Hans Van den Broek and the Us. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met in Washington where they discussed the Cyprus issue and the Union’s ties with Turkey.

Mr. Van Den Broek stated that the two discussed the island’s European course and expressed the hope that the “Turkish-Cypriots will take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the negotiations.”

Moreover, the Commissioner stated that the EY and the United States will need to cooperate in the interim in order to strengthen the union’s ties with Turkey through the Customs Union.

[17] MR. SIMITIS COMPLETED HIS VISIT TO SOFIA

The formal visit of prime minister Kostas Simitis to Sofia was completed today. Mr. Simitis met again with his Bulgarian counterpart Ivan Kostov this morning and the two prime ministers stated that the climate in which the talks were held was very positive. The issues discussed concerned bilateral relations, the Balkans and the European Union.

Mr. Simitis stated on the construction of the Burgas- Alexandroupolis oil pipe line that it will become a reality if the necessary pre-conditions are present.

[18] SIMITIS: THE BURGAS-ALEXANDROUPOLIS PIPE LINE CAN BECOME A REALITY UNDER CERTAIN PRE-CONDITIONS

Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis, in an press conference after the meeting with his Bulgarian counterpart Ivan Kostov, linked the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipe line to Russia’s stance and stressed that the pipe line can become a reality under certain pre-conditions that concern Moscow’s willingness to undertake specific obligations on the quantity of oil the pipe line will carry and the degree of its participation in the financing of the project’s construction. The Greek prime minister also stated that the contractors will place their bids on May 19.

The two prime ministers discussed the issue of the abolition of the double taxation aimed at improving the trade transactions between the two countries and they settled problems concerning the exploitation of the waters of Nestos river as well as, issues of transportation.

According to the Greek prime minister, the national visa will allow for the easier entry of Bulgarians to Greece after the difficulties that appeared due to the Schengen Accord. From his part, Mr. Kostov referred to the joint construction of road networks that will link the region with central Europe and the pan- European road corridors, while he expressed appreciation for Greece’s support to the construction of a new bridge over the Danube.

The talks on cross-border cooperation did not reach a level of specific programs and Greece expressed the wish for progress in this area through the financing of the EU.

Greece also submitted a proposal for the establishment of a center that will fight crime and drug-trafficking in the Balkans which was accepted by the Bulgarian side.

At a political level, Mr. Simitis referred to the issue of Kosovo and mentioned the need for the adoption of a common Balkan policy on the matter, a position that won the backing of his Bulgarian counterpart.

On the issue of the establishment of a Balkan Rapid Development Force, Mr. Simitis stated that Greece sees the idea positively but it would be untimely to speak about any decision on the issue.

On Bulgaria’s accession into the EU and NATO, Mr. Simitis promised total assistance today and in the future, while Greece did not disagree with Bulgaria’s wish to restore the monastery of Hilandariou in Mount Athos.

During the talks of the two prime ministers was also confirmed the wish of both countries for bilateral and inter- Balkan cooperation in order for the Balkans to become a power of peace, cooperation and stability and play an important role at European and international level.

[19] THE GREEK TRAGEDY “MEDEA” WILL BE PRESENTED IN THE US BY THE GREEK NATIONAL THEATER

The Greek tragedy “Medea” will be presented by the Greek National Theater in the United States and Canada within the framework of its tour this fall.

In a press conference in New York it was announced that performances will start in Boston on September 18 and 19.

The event will be organized by the World Council of Hellenes Abroad which has declared New York as the Cultural Capital of the Greeks Living Abroad for 1998.

[20] NEW TURKISH ARMY ATTACK ON THE KURDS

The Turkish armed forces launched an attack this morning on the Kurds in south-eastern Turkey.

There are no formal figures on the exact number of casualties but unconfirmed information mentions that at least 60 Kurds and 20 Turkish soldiers have been killed and hundreds were injured.

It should be noted, that the Turkish military operation, that had the backing of Turkish fighter jets, was limited in Turkish territory.

[21] 80% OF THE HEROIN CONFISCATED IN BRITAIN CAME FROM TURKEY.

According to data that was given to publicity by the responsible British government agency, 80% of the heroin that was confiscated in 1997 by the British authorities came from Turkey, while the production and processing of the drug takes place in Afghanistan or Pakistan.

Turkey’s ambassador to London Ozer Sanberg commenting on the statements made by special coordinator on drugs Keath Helewell according to which, most of the heroin comes from Turkey, condemned the fact that his country is linked directly to illegal drug-trafficking.

The Turkish diplomat stressed that the drugs are not produced in Turkey and that his country is one of the corridors used by international drug-traffickers.

[22] SIMITIS-KOSTOV MEETING IN SOFIA

Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis, is continuing his two- day formal visit to Bulgaria. Mr. Simitis met in Sofia with his Bulgarian counterpart Ivan Kostov yesterday and their discussion covered issues concerning bilateral relations, regional cooperation, the European Union and NATO. The Greek prime minister also met with Bulgarian Parliament president Mr. Sokolov and early in the afternoon had a meeting with Bulgarian president Petar Stoyanov. He also met with political party leaders. Among the issues for discussion was the proposal made by Greek minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos for the establishment of a regional military force that will be based in Thessaloniki.

[23] RESTRUCTURING IN THE ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT

The atmosphere in the Albanian parliament was particularly tense today due to the introduction for approval of the bill concerning the government restructuring.

The deputies of Sali Berisha’s “Democratic Party” as well as the deputies who belong to the party coalition “Union for Democracy” expressed their strong objection and insisted that the discussion over the bill should not take place today but within three days. The bill provides that the number of ministries will be reduced from 22 to 18. The post of minister of state is to be abolished from every ministry apart from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where it will be maintained as that of the minister for European Integration.

[24] KOSTOV: SIMITIS' VISIT TO BULGARIA OF GREAT IMPORTANCE

Bulgarian prime minister Ivan Kostov in the speech he addressed to his Greek counterpart Kostas Simitis, who is on a two- day official visit to Sofia, during the formal dinner he held in his honour, described this visit as very useful and important.

Mr Kostov stressed that he considered mr Simitis' visit to be a great contribution to mutual bids for strenghtening Greek- Bulgarian relations and stabilizing peace and security in Northeastern Europe as there is a climate of dangerous tension near the Bulgarian borders and noted that Greece and Bulgaria were willing to try their best in order to prevent a dangerous development in the Balkans.

The Bulgarian premier undrelined that the main priority of his country's foreign policy was the EU and NATO membership and expressed his deep appreciation for the support that Greece offered to Bulgaria in this field.

In response, mr Simitis praised his Bulgarian counterpart for his contribution to the establishment of a "democratic Bulgaria" and the improvement of bilateral relations and pledged to back Bulgaria's bid to enter the EU and NATO.

The Greek premier stressed the need for bilateral economic cooperation and expressed his satisfaction for the encouraging-as he said-progress of the bulgarian economy saying it would have a positive impact on all neighbouring states.

Mr Simitis also reiterated that the cooperation between the two countries in the fields of transport, telecommunications and energy were and would continue to be very important aspects of their bilateral relations.

Regarding stability in the Balkans, mr Simitis pointed out that Greece and Bulgaria had reached an agreement over the need for a peaceful settlement of the crisis in Kossovo as well as of all the conflicts in the Balkan area through dialogue and based on International Law.

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/