Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 98-07-07
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, July 7, 1998
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NEWS HEADLINES
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] ALL FIRES UNDER CONTROL, ARSON SUSPECTED, STATE RUSHES TO AID
[02] GREECE AND RUSSIA SUPPORT THE UN's EFFORTS OVER CYPRUS ISSUE
[03] NORTHERN GREECE'S RAILWAY WORKERS TO STRIKE ON THURSDAY
[04] GREEK EXPORTS TO THE BALKANS ON THE RISE, 29.2% INCREASE LAST
YEAR
[05] REPPAS: ANKARA'S DEMANDS FOR THE DEMILITARIZATION OF GREEK
ISLANDS ARE UNACCEPTABLE
[06] THE SALE OF THE IONIAN BANK IS FINALIZED
[07] THE REGIONAL ND PARTY LEADERS MEET TODAY
[08] THE CHARTER FLIGHTS TO THESSALONIKI INCREASED BY 25.14%
[09] NOTABLE GROWTH IN THE GREEK TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKET
[10] GREECE OCCUPIES THE SECOND PLACE AMONG FOREIGN INVESTORS IN
ALBANIA
[11] GREEK PREMIER MET WITH PORTUGUESE COUNTERPART
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[12] GREEK PREMIER IN PORTUGAL
[13] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER MEETS US COUNTERPART
[14] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER ON BALKAN, MEDITERRANEAN SECURITY
POLICY
[15] CYPRIOT DEFENSE MINISTER ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO MOSCOW
[16] UN SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR FACE-TO-FACE TALKS IN CYPRUS
"ASAP"
[17] UN SECRETARY GENERAL WARNS OF DETERIORATING SITUATION IN
KOSSOVO
[18] TIRANA PRESS HAILS GREECE'S MEDICAL CARE FOR ALBANIANS
[19] MUNDIAL: BRAZIL PLAYS AGAINST HOLLAND
[20] NANO VISITED THE ALBANIAN CITY OF SARANTE
[21] ALBANIAN NEWSPAPER PRAISES THE GREEK POLICY IN KOSSOVO
[22] HAIDARANGA DOES NOT RULE OUT A WAR BETWEEN ALBANIA AND
YUGOSLAVIA
[23] FOUR OF THE FIVE INJURED TRAVELLING WITH YILMAZ OUT OF DANGER
[24] MOSCOW EXERTS PRESSURE ON KOSOVO ALBANIANS
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] ALL FIRES UNDER CONTROL, ARSON SUSPECTED, STATE RUSHES TO AID
The forest fires that raged around the country throughout the
weekend have been put out or are under control, although thousands
of acres of forest land have turned to ash.
Locals whose houses and properties were burned down are
crying out arson, while the Government spokesperson Dimitris
Reppas also stated that suspicious activity could have been behind
many of these fires.
The government is to compensate fire victims with 200,000
drachmas (approximately $700) and this amount will be given by the
end of next week.
Those whose houses were totally ravaged by the fires will
be given two million drachmas, while a specially-formed committee
is to register the damages in order to enable state-owned banks to
grant 15-year loans, 40% of which is to be given free of interest
and the remaining subsidized.
[02] GREECE AND RUSSIA SUPPORT THE UN's EFFORTS OVER CYPRUS ISSUE
Greece's Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and
Foreign Undersecretary Yiannos Kranidiotis met with Russian envoy
for Cyprus Vladimir Tchizhov in Athens yesterday and agreed to
undertake initiatives for the promotion of a military dialogue on
Cyprus aiming at the island's ultimate demilitarization.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, "The two sides agreed that the two texts provide a good
basis for the assumption of initiatives to promote a military
dialogue and a reduction of the presence of military forces on the
island, aiming at its ultimate demilitarization. "
[03] NORTHERN GREECE'S RAILWAY WORKERS TO STRIKE ON THURSDAY
Only three trains are to run on the railway tracks of
Macedonia and Thrace this Thursday, after the 24-hour strike
declared by the sector's workers in the region.
In Athens and the Peloponnese , the scheduled routes will
proceed as scheduled, expect from those whose destination is in
Macedonia and Thrace.
For more information on the schedule changes, travelers can
contact the local railway stations or their travel agencies.
[04] GREEK EXPORTS TO THE BALKANS ON THE RISE, 29.2% INCREASE LAST
YEAR
The overall volume of Greek exports presented a marked
increase of 6.5% last year, reaching the ECU9.4 billion.
According to the statistical exports register for the past
five-year period, issued by the Institute of Exports Research and
Studies, emerging as the most profitable markets for the Greek
exports are eastern Europe and the Balkans, where exports jumped
to 23.8% and 29.2% respectively. Exports to the United States
showed an increase on 19.6%.
Nevertheless, European Union member-states continue to be the
most significant markets for Greek products.
[05] REPPAS: ANKARA'S DEMANDS FOR THE DEMILITARIZATION OF GREEK
ISLANDS ARE UNACCEPTABLE
The Greek ministry of foreign affairs will respond to the
formal representation made by Ankara to the Greek government
requesting the demilitarization of Aegean islands.
The above were stated by Greek government spokesman Dimitris
Reppas confirming the press report published in the Athens
newspaper "Eleftherotipia" according to which, the Turkish
government delivered a representation to Greek ambassador to
Ankara Mr. Nezeritis.
Mr. Reppas characterized as unacceptable Turkey's demands
which are being made without a reason or cause. He said that they
are allegations historically unacceptable and pointed out that
with this move Ankara undermines the relations between the two
countries and does not contribute to the preservation of peace and
stability in the region, while he also added that Greece can not
remain indifferent and not organize its defense.
[06] THE SALE OF THE IONIAN BANK IS FINALIZED
The terms for the sale of the Ionian Bank will be finalized
today in a meeting of the minister of national economy and finance
with the management of the Commercial Bank. It is believed that
among the terms is included one safeguarding the job positions of
the bank employees.
Meanwhile, the reform programme for the Postal Service and
the Greek Railway Organization is expected to materialize by the
end of July, while by the end of August the City Buses
Organization reform programme will also materialize.
[07] THE REGIONAL ND PARTY LEADERS MEET TODAY
The regional New Democracy party leaders meet today under the
chairmanship of party leader Kostas Karamanlis. The meeting will
focus on the issues with which New Democracy will deal during the
summer.
At the same time, Mr. Karamanlis will present an action
programme to be followed by the party officials during the summer
months in view of the local elections in the fall.
[08] THE CHARTER FLIGHTS TO THESSALONIKI INCREASED BY 25.14%
An impressive increase of 25.14% was recorded in the charter
flights to Macedonia Airport of Thessaloniki in the first six
months of 1998. A total of 1.309 flights landed at the airport
with 153.119 passengers, compared to 1.046 charter flights with
133.763 passengers recorded the same time last year.
Most charter flights (705) came from Germany like last year
with 86.784 passengers, followed by Britain with 181 flights and
29.792 passengers, while the flights from Russia were 91 with
7.804 passengers.
[09] NOTABLE GROWTH IN THE GREEK TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKET
"Stet Hellas", among the largest telecommunications companies
in Greece, showed the highest rates of growth regarding the
increase of its revenues and its overall profit in 1997. The
increase in the company's revenues reached about 70%, while its
profit showed an increase of 30.2%.
The Greek telecommunications market shows a notable growth
according to a reliable research and in 1997 it reached 1.16
trillion drachmas showing an increase of 29.3% compared to 1996,
while this percentage is expected to increase further.
[10] GREECE OCCUPIES THE SECOND PLACE AMONG FOREIGN INVESTORS IN
ALBANIA
Greece, with a percentage of 20%, occupies the second place
among foreign investors in Albania with main field of action the
sectors of clothing-footwear and agriculture.
The first place is occupied by Italy with 53%, followed by
Germany with 6% and the United States with 3%. Also, notable is
the presence of Austria, Croatia and Kossovo as well as, Kuwait
and other Arab countries.
Based on data provided by the Albanian Center for the
Promotion of Foreign Investments, the value of private direct
investments in Albania in the six-year period 1991-1996 reached
261 million dollars.
[11] GREEK PREMIER MET WITH PORTUGUESE COUNTERPART
Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis was received today by his
Portuguese counterpart, Antonio Goutierres, in Lisbon, where he is
on an official visit. The talks, the two premiers had, focused on
issues concerning the EU, Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus
problem.
Ms Simitis, also, inaugurated the Greek stand of EXPO '98,
which takes place in the Portuguese capital. Mr Simitis' presence
at this fair aims at the development of the solidarity and
cooperation principles between the two countries as well as at
strengthening the role of Greece in this procedure.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[12] GREEK PREMIER IN PORTUGAL
Prime Minister Kostas Simitis is to be received by his
Portuguese counterpart in Lisbon today, where he traveled in order
to inaugurate the Greek stand of EXPO '98.
Following his meeting yesterday with Portuguese President
George Sabaio, Mr. Simitis stated he ascertained a meeting of the
minds in regards to establishing peace in the Balkans and applying
international law in the Aegean Sea and Cyprus.
[13] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER MEETS US COUNTERPART
National Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos is currently
on an official tour to the United States, where he will meet with
his US Defense Secretary William Cohen and the chief of the
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) George Tennet in Washington
today.
Also, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos is to meet with the Senatorial
committees on foreign affairs and defense. Yesterday, the Greek
Defense Minister stated that Turkish policy challenges
international accords.
Tomorrow, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos will be received at the
Pentagon and will attend a reception in his honor at the US State
Department.
[14] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER ON BALKAN, MEDITERRANEAN SECURITY
POLICY
Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos, currently on an
official visit to the United States, has expressed Athens'
support for NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana's efforts to
promote measures decreasing tension between Greece and Turkey.
Speaking at an event organized in his honor by the Council on
Foreign Relations and focusing on the issue of "Security Policy in
the Balkans and Mediterranean", Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that
Turkey's revisionist policy has challenged international treaties
governing the status quo of borders in the region, adding that
Ankara has made overt territorial claims over more than 100 Greek
islands and islets in the Aegean.
He also reiterated Greece's support for the immediate
implementation of confidence-building measures (CBMs) between the
two countries, as anticipated by the 1988 Papoulias-Yilmaz
communique.
[15] CYPRIOT DEFENSE MINISTER ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO MOSCOW
Cypriot Defense minister Yiannakis Omirou leaves for Moscow
today on a four-day official visit where he will hold talks with
his Russian counterpart Igor Sergeyev. However, according to the
CNA, the much-talked about S-300 missiles will not be on the
meeting agenda.
The announcement of Mr. Omirou's visit came just days after
Russian Ambassador to Cyprus, Georgi Muradof, had given an
interview to a Turkish-Cypriot daily Kibris, in which he said no
Turkish-Cypriot, Turk, or property belonging to them would be
harmed by the S-300 missile system, as it was purely defensive in
nature.
The S-300s would be used exclusively to defend Cyprus from an
air attack Mr. Muradof also pointed out that while Turkey objected
to co-operation between Cyprus and Russia, the Cypriot government
had voiced no objections to joint projects by Turkey and Russia.
Neither the Cypriots, nor Greece, nor Turkey want a war to
erupt, Muradof concluded, adding that he "did not believe" Turkey
would strike at the missiles once they had been deployed.
[16] UN SECURITY COUNCIL CALLS FOR FACE-TO-FACE TALKS IN CYPRUS
"ASAP"
Members of the Security Council on Monday called for the
resumption of face- to-face talks between the leaders of the two
communities in Cyprus as soon as possible.
Speaking on behalf of Council members following a briefing by
the Secretary- General's Special Adviser for Cyprus, Council
President Ambassador Sergey Lavrov of the Russian Federation
called for the face- to-face talks between Cypriot President
Glafcos Clerides and Rauf Denktash, the leader of the Turkish
Cypriot community.
"The members of the Council reaffirmed their full support for
the mission of good offices of the Secretary-General and of the
efforts of his Special Advisor, Diego Cordovez," Ambassador Lavrov
told reporters.
Mr. Cordovez just returned from Cyprus, where he met
separately with both Mr. Clerides and Mr. Denktash to discuss the
possible substance of future face-to-face talks. According to
Ambassador Lavrov, Mr. Cordovez plans to return to Cyprus later in
the summer. "He is hoping there might be some movement by that
time," Ambassador Lavrov said.
[17] UN SECRETARY GENERAL WARNS OF DETERIORATING SITUATION IN
KOSSOVO
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has reported that
the deteriorating situation in Kossovo could potentially
destabilize the entire Balkan region.
In a new report to the Security Council, the Secretary-
General stated that a new outbreak of violence in Kossovo caused
some 6,900 refugees to flee to Albania by the end of June. In
addition, over 10,000 people have been internally displaced within
the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, while approximately 45,000
have been displaced within Kossovo. The United Nations High
Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) does not have access to the
internally displaced persons.
"The international community is appalled by the situation in
Kossovo," the Secretary-General writes. He calls on the parties
concerned to demonstrate restraint and resume negotiations to find
a peaceful solution to the conflict. "I am increasingly concerned
that, unless hostilities in Kossovo are stopped, tensions could
spill across borders and destabilize the entire region."
Currently, the United Nations has no political presence in
Kossovo. The Secretary-General notes that a monitoring mission in
the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia made up of foreign diplomats
and accredited organizations is reportedly being set up. He says
such a mission would improve the international community's ability
to directly asses the situation on the ground.
[18] TIRANA PRESS HAILS GREECE'S MEDICAL CARE FOR ALBANIANS
Tirana's independent daily "Koha Jon", has reported on
Greece's contribution to providing medical care for thousands of
Albanians.
According to official data provided in the article, 64,000
Albanians were hospitalized in the two hospitals of the city of
Ioannina. The Greek state paid approximately 5.5 billion for their
care.
Also, according to the article, 40-50% of the patients in the
two hospitals of Ioannina are Albanians.
[19] MUNDIAL: BRAZIL PLAYS AGAINST HOLLAND
The semifinals of the World Football Cup in France open
tonight with the Brazil versus Holland match.
Tonight's winner will face the winner of tomorrow's match
between France and Croatia on Sunday's final. Tonight's opponents
had played against each other two times in the past, in 1974 when
Holand won and in 1994 when the winner was Brazil.
[20] NANO VISITED THE ALBANIAN CITY OF SARANTE
Albanian prime minister Fatos Nano, who visited the city of
Sarante in south Albania, stated that the co-existence of the
Greek minority with the rest Albanians in the southern part of the
country is positive.
In a meeting he had with representatives of the local
administration, he referred to the good relations with Greece and
the traditionally positive co-existence of the Greek minority with
the rest Albanians. Mr. Nano also referred to the improvement of
the Sarante-Kasnipolis road network and the opening of a new
border crossing, two projects with a total cost of 16 million
dollars.
[21] ALBANIAN NEWSPAPER PRAISES THE GREEK POLICY IN KOSSOVO
Tirana's independent newspaper "Koha Yione" referred to the
important initiatives and efforts made by Greece for the peaceful
solution of the crisis in Kossovo.
According to the newspaper, even before the crisis in
Kossovo, Greece had tried to play an essential role in the efforts
to find a common language between Belgrade and Pristina. The
result of this effort was the Nano - Milosevic meeting in Crete,
mentions the newspaper, adding that as soon as the crisis erupted
the Greek foreign minister suggested to Belgrade measures for its
solution, but Milosevic rejected them with the excuse that it was
an internal affair of Yugoslavia.
[22] HAIDARANGA DOES NOT RULE OUT A WAR BETWEEN ALBANIA AND
YUGOSLAVIA
Albanian minister of defense Luan Haidaranga did not rule out
the likelihood of a military confrontation with Serbia in case the
ethnic cleansing attempted in Kossovo continues and the efforts of
the international community for the solution of the problem prove
to be fruitless.
In an interview published in the Italian newspaper "Corriere
della Sera", the Albanian minister points out that his country
does not want war but the likelihood of a military confrontation
can be a reality if the efforts for the solution of the problem do
not bring results. Mr. Haidaranga also has allegedly stated that
this will not be a war between two armies but a war between two
peoples.
[23] FOUR OF THE FIVE INJURED TRAVELLING WITH YILMAZ OUT OF DANGER
Four of the five people accompanying the Turkish prime
minister Mesut Yilmaz on an official visit to FYROM, who were
injured today in a road accident, are out of danger.
The journalist of the Turkish newspaper "Milliyet", Fikret
Bila, who remains in a serious condition, underwent a second
surgery.
The prime minister of FYROM, Branko Crvenkovski, in
statements he made, expressed his deep sorrow for the accident and
wished the injured people a quick recovery.
[24] MOSCOW EXERTS PRESSURE ON KOSOVO ALBANIANS
Russian Foreign minister Gevgeni Primakov expressed his
conviction that threats by the international community concerning
a NATO military intervention in Kosovo are counterproductive and
that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia should be supported during
the meeting of the Contact Group, due to take place tomorrow in
Bonn.
Mr Primakov pointed out that the Kosovo Albanian leadership
does not seem ready to resume the dialogue or ensure ceasefire
guarantees by the Kosovo Liberation Army.
Mr Primakov, also, stressed that the Yugoslavian and Serbian
authorities abide by the Moscow accords reached by the presidents
of Yugoslavia, Slobodan Milosevic, and Russia, Boris Yeltsin and
underlined the progress made in the course of their
implementation.
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