Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 98-09-15
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, September 15, 1998
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NEWS HEADLINES
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] PRESIDENT OF FINLAND MEETS WITH GREEK PRESIDENT AND PREMIER
[02] GREEK FORCES ON STAND BY AT THE BORDER STATIONS
[03] ECONOMY AND FINANCE MINISTRY OFFICIALS CONVENE TODAY
[04] CYPRIOT INTERIOR MINISTER IN ATHENS FOR TALKS
[05] THESSALONIKI'S 63RD INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR COMES TO A CLOSE
TODAY
[06] STATEMENTS BY TSOCHATZOPOULOS ON THE SITUATION IN ALBANIA
[07] THE GREEK FORCES ALONG THE BORDERS WITH ALBANIA ARE IN HIGH
ALERT
[08] REPPAS: THE GREEK GOVERNMENT DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH THE
DEVELOPMENTS IN ALBANIA
[09] KAKLAMANIS: THE CRISIS IN ALBANIA IS AN UNPLEASANT FACT
[10] THE SITUATION IN ALBANIA IS FLUID AND DANGEROUS ACCORDING TO
GREEK HISTORIANS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SPECIALISTS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[11] TIRANA UNDER POLICE CONTROL, BUT FEARS ABOUND FOR NEW
EPISODES
[12] ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT TO BERISHA: LEAVE COUNTRY OR BE ARRESTED
[13] CALM RESTORED IN TIRANA, POLICE HAS CONTROL OF SITUATION
[14] US STATE DEPARTMENT COMMENTS ON ALBANIAN CRISIS
[15] ICON RETURNED TO CYPRIOT CHURCH, VENIZELOS, KRANIDIOTIS AT
CEREMONY
[16] RUSSIA: HUNGER STRIKERS TAKE HOSTAGE NUCLEAR PLANT MANAGERS
[17] MEIDANI CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL INTERVENTION
[18] TSEKA CALLS FOR THE RESIGNATION OF NANO
[19] TENSION REMAINS HIGH IN ALBANIA
[20] THE ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER'S TELEVISED ADDRESS TO HIS PEOPLE
[21] NEW ULTIMATUM FOR BERISHA
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] PRESIDENT OF FINLAND MEETS WITH GREEK PRESIDENT AND PREMIER
Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, currently on a three-day
official visit to Athens, was received yesterday by the President
of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minster
Kostas Simitis.
Following his meeting with his Greek counterpart, President
Ahtisaari stated that Greece and Finland share the same concerns
about the tension in the troubled Yugoslav province of Kosovo.
He added that the UN Security Council should have the final
word on the issue and that partners had to cooperate to deal with
the difficulties facing the European Union. The two presidents
discussed European and international issues, including the crisis
in Russia.
Finland will be taking up the Union's rotating presidency in
the second half of 1999.
Before leaving Greece, the Finnish official will pay a short
visit to Crete, from where he will depart for Helsinki.
[02] GREEK FORCES ON STAND BY AT THE BORDER STATIONS
Greek military forces are presently on stand-by at the
Albanian borders, while the country's military leadership at the
Pentagon is studying plans of ways to address a potential massive
in-flow of illegal immigrants.
Public Order Minster George Romeos has ordered the
fortification of the Kakavia and Krystallopigi border stations,
while the Minster of National Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos stated
that the necessary measures have been taken at the border and
everything is under control.
[03] ECONOMY AND FINANCE MINISTRY OFFICIALS CONVENE TODAY
In its effort to discover ways to curb inflation, within the
framework of drawing next year's budget, the Ministry of National
Economy and Finance is to convene in session today.
According to reports, the government may lower taxes in 1999
in order to reduce inflation and thus facilitate the country's
entry into the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).
"The possibility of lowering taxes is being examined. If
there is room for a reduction in 1999 this will happen so that
inflation may fall and the country enter EMU," National Economy
and Finance Minster Yiannos Papantoniou stated. The government
has set January 1, 2001 as the latest entry date into the European
Union's single currency.
[04] CYPRIOT INTERIOR MINISTER IN ATHENS FOR TALKS
Cyprus's Interior Minister Dinos Michaelides is presently in
Athens where he will meet with his Greek counterpart Alekos
Papadopoulos to discuss a range of issues, including European
Union matters and local administration.
Mr. Michaelides will also have talks with government
spokesperson Dimitris Reppas, with whom he will discuss the
possibility of adding Cypriot programs to Greece's state-owned
channel ERT for broadcasting to Greeks who reside abroad.
From Athens, Mr. Michaelides will travel to Bonn where he
will attend a meeting between European Union interior ministers
and their counterparts from EU candidate countries. They will
discuss passport control within the EU and the adoption of a
common policy on the control of the external boundaries.
While in Bonn, the Cypriot Interior Minister will meet with
his German counterpart Manfred Kanther.
[05] THESSALONIKI'S 63RD INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR COMES TO A CLOSE
TODAY
This year's run of Thessaloniki's International Trade Fair
was a resounding success having reached reached a record number of
visitors who were triple in numbers when compared to past years.
The Fair served as a meeting point for the Balkan business
world, as well as for businesspersons from southeast Europe, and
illustrated Thessaloniki's leadership role in the region.
Specifically, over 1,245 trade visitors attended the 63rd
Fair, as opposed to last year's 396, representing 30 countries
from the Balkans, Europe, Black Sea region and the Middle East, as
well as the United States, Canada and Africa.
Several exhibitors were awarded for organizing successful
pavilions, among them car manufacturers Chrysler and Citroen, as
well as the enterprises "ATTICO METRO", "HELLENIC PETROLEUM",
ERGOSE", CENTURY-CENTRO, MURATI BROS." "INTRACOM", "LEAD" and
"MINOS".
Commendations of good participation were also given to
"NATURAL GAS", "ERT", "OTE", the "Athens Stock Exchange",
"BOSCH", "FORD", "ÅRRICSON", "PANAFON", "UNIFON" and "Theocharakis
S.A."
Special awards were granted to Thessaloniki's Water Company,
Greek Railways, National Bank, European Parliament, General
Secretariat of the New generation, Athens Airport, "EGNATIA Road",
"HYATT" (who was also a sponsor of the event), and PYRKAL.
[06] STATEMENTS BY TSOCHATZOPOULOS ON THE SITUATION IN ALBANIA
The Greek force in Albania is not only safe but it safeguards
stability and security for the foreign delegations and
international organizations represented in the country, stated
minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos, who attributed the
crisis to nationalistic circles in Albania and linked it to the
unrest in Kosovo.
Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated from north-eastern Greece, where
he inaugurated an army camp at the village of Provatonas, that
there were moments of anarchy and chaos and that the nationalist
forces that are responsible for the conflict in Kosovo have
invented terms such as "democratic violence", adding that it is
now obvious that there are common goals set all over the Balkans.
The Greek minister of defense also pointed out that the
effort made by the international community in the past year for
the restoration of democracy in the country is at risk.
[07] THE GREEK FORCES ALONG THE BORDERS WITH ALBANIA ARE IN HIGH
ALERT
Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos stated to
MPA that the Greek forces along the borders with Albania are in a
state of high alert. He clarified that the presence of military
forces at the borders was already reinforced to deal with the
illegal immigrants problem and there was no need for additional
measures except from an extra vigilance due to the developments in
the country.
Mr. Petsalnikos, who is on a tour of Kastoria and Grevena in
north-western Greece, stated that the movement of Albanians toward
Greece through the border crossing of Kristalopigi is at normal
levels and expressed the wish that the bloodshed in Albania will
end for the country to continue its course toward securing
conditions of stability and security.
[08] REPPAS: THE GREEK GOVERNMENT DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH THE
DEVELOPMENTS IN ALBANIA
The situation in Albania is better today stated Greek
government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, who called on all sides in
Albania to behave responsibly and lead the country to normality
and progress.
The Greek government spokesman stated that the political
directors of the EU will meet on Thursday to discuss the situation
in Albania and expressed the view that the political statements of
the EU member-states that recognized the legitimacy of the
Albanian government have contributed to the easing of the crisis.
On the Greek minority, he said that it does not face any
problems and that the Greek government is interested in
maintaining this situation, while the Greek military force in
Tirana which is in high alert to deal with every eventuality, also
faces no problems. Responding to Sali Berisha, who called on
Greece and prime minister Kostas Simitis not to interfere with
Albania's internal affairs, Mr. Reppas stated that the Greek
government and Mr. Simitis do not interfere with the developments
in the neighboring country. As far as the military force is
concerned, Mr. Reppas said that it remains in the country as a
factor of peace in accordance with the decisions reached by
international organizations.
Mr. Reppas stated that based on the facts so far there is no
evidence that a wave of Albanian refugees will enter Greece but he
did not rule out the likelihood for the crisis to spread to
Kosovo.
[09] KAKLAMANIS: THE CRISIS IN ALBANIA IS AN UNPLEASANT FACT
Greek Parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis characterized
the political crisis that erupted in Albania as a very unpleasant
fact for the whole region and especially for Greece which wants
democratic order to rule in the neighboring country.
Mr. Kaklamanis said that the latest information coming from
Albania gives a positive picture regarding the restoration of
order, adding that from Greece's side all measures were taken to
prevent any negative impact either on the Greek minority in
Albania or on the people living along the borders with Albania.
In conclusion, Mr. Kaklamanis stressed that the relations of
the Balkan peoples must be ruled by values and principles that
have nothing to do with racism and nationalism.
[10] THE SITUATION IN ALBANIA IS FLUID AND DANGEROUS ACCORDING TO
GREEK HISTORIANS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SPECIALISTS
Historians and international relations specialists from
Greece characterize the situation in Albania as fluid and
dangerous stating however that it is too early to make final
assessments. The view shared by all is that Democratic Party
leader and former president Sali Berisha can cause serious
problems that can lead to the further spread of the crisis.
International relations specialist professor in
Thessaloniki's Aristotle University Kostas Hatzikonstantinou
stated to MPA that the situation is very dangerous due to the non
existent state structure in Albania and because no one can be sure
that decisions can be implemented.
The situation in Albania can lead to an unrest that will be
hard to control as well as, to the overthrow of the government and
finally to chaos unless a political solution is found, stated
modern history professor in Aristotle University and Balkan
Studies Institute director Vasilis Kontis.
International relations specialist Veniamin Karakostanoglou
stated that last year's events are being repeated and there is a
risk for the crisis to spread and destabilize the neighboring
regions as well.
Historian Stavros Dagios, who comes from Gjirokastre, stated
that in the next 48 hours the whole issue will be settled. He said
that the Albanians detest Berisha and want the economy and
democracy to be restored, while they also want the crimes
committed on the streets on a daily basis to end. Mr. Dagios
stated that the killing of Haidari is unrelated to politics,
stressing that Haidari's behavior was strange and provocative and
made him disliked.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[11] TIRANA UNDER POLICE CONTROL, BUT FEARS ABOUND FOR NEW
EPISODES
Relative order appears to have been restored at the Albanian
capital city of Tirana, where the government has banned an
opposition rally scheduled for today and warned of a tough
response to any resistance from supporters of the former President
- and leader of the opposition Democratic Party- Sali Berisha
after armed clashes Monday between them and security forces.
The Socialist government has regained control of ministry
buildings and the state-run TV network from armed demonstrators
demanding the immediate resignation of the government.
According to the Ministry of Public Order, three persons were
killed and 13 others were wounded during exchange of fire
yesterday.
Nevertheless, fears remain for new episodes erupting during
today's rally where, the Minster of Public Order Perikli Teta
stated, police have been authorized to ``shoot without warning''
against anyone who attempts to create episodes.
``We call on the Democratic Party do distance itself from
those individuals,'' the ministry said, adding ``otherwise, it
will bear responsibility for subsequent developments.''
Mr. Teta stressed that emergency security measures have been
taken and issued an appeal to the Albanian people to refrain from
participating in today's anti-government rally, which he
characterized as illegal.
. Meanwhile, the state-run television station in Tirana refuted
a report according to which the Nano government gave Berisha a
deadline to leave the country.
The Albanian television station, quoting a telegram from the
Italian news agency, reported that Premier Fatos Nano's
spokesperson Ben Bliusi said there is no deadline, but added that
"it would be best if he (Berisha) left the country on his own free
will."
Meanwhile, the Albanian government appears determined to
proceed to a reshuffle, but will not resign.
Vice-president Kastriot Islami told the Macedonian Press
Agency that the solution to the crisis will be given by the
present coalition government.
"Changes in the government's formation will be made, but
(they will be made) at the base of the coalition. This proposal is
supported by the international community," he stressed.
Meanwhile, Mr. Berisha has stressed that he will continue to
fight until the government resigns.
He reiterated that the Nano cabinet should resign and
proposed that a new government of technocrats should be formed,
which will restore public order, locate the assassins of
opposition deputy Azem Hidari, revise the constitution and hold
early elections.
[12] ALBANIAN GOVERNMENT TO BERISHA: LEAVE COUNTRY OR BE ARRESTED
The Albanian government yesterday ordered the main opposition
leader, Democratic Party's Sali Berisha, to either leave the
country by 5 am Tuesday, or face an arrest.
Speaking to the French news agency AFP, Mr. Berisha responded
that "in no case will leave from the country."
[13] CALM RESTORED IN TIRANA, POLICE HAS CONTROL OF SITUATION
A climate of calm has been restored in the Albanian capital
of Tirana, after police managed to regain control of the
situation. Nevertheless, fear of new episodes erupted does exist,
since the leader of the main opposition party Sali Berisha, is
reportedly planning to organize a new rally in the city's center
today.
The Nano government announced that it averted an attempted
coup d'etat and has restored order in the capital city.
Four persons died from the violent incidents. Foreign
Minister Paskal Milo blamed Mr. Berisha for the episodes.
[14] US STATE DEPARTMENT COMMENTS ON ALBANIAN CRISIS
US State Department spokesperson James Rubin stated that
Washington strongly condemns the use of violence for political
ends in Albania, adding that the political leadership in the
government and the opposition will be held responsible for
resolving the current crisis. Members of all parties must work
together toward a peaceful solution that respects the democratic
process.
"The United States will not recognize or work with a
government that comes to power through violent means, Mr.Rubin
stated during yesterday's State Department briefing.
" We call on the political leadership of Albania to
cooperate with the president in working on constructive proposals
that will end the current upheaval. The leaders of all political
parties in Albania must take responsibility for the behavior of
their followers. Those that do not play a constructive role must
bear the consequences."
[15] ICON RETURNED TO CYPRIOT CHURCH, VENIZELOS, KRANIDIOTIS AT
CEREMONY
An icon, stolen from a church in the Turkish occupied areas
of Cyprus, was returned to the Orthodox Church in Cyprus
yesterday, in a ceremony attended by Greek Culture Minister,
Evangelos Venizelos and Foreign Under-Secretary, Yiannos
Kranidiotis.
The icon, depicting Virgin Mary, was stolen from the 12th
century church of Antifonitis in Agios Ambrosios village in the
Turkish occupied Kyrenia district.
According to the CNA, it was sold by Turks in the
international black market and was bought by a Greek selector. The
icon remained in the Byzantine Museum of Athens and was
repatriated this afternoon by the Greek government.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Primate of the Orthodox Church
in Cyprus, Archbishop Chrysostomos, said the return of the "august
icon strengthens our faith and expectation that soon we shall take
back our occupied holy churches".
The Archbishop reiterated the hope that the Turkish occupied
areas will be freed, and that the "human rights of Greek Cypriots
and Turkish Cypriots will be restored".
Mr. Venizelos said Cyprus is a "cradle of culture", noting
that the return of the icon was an immensely symbolic gesture.
The Culture Minister said that what takes place in Cyprus
since 1974 is the "rape of international law and the rape of
cultural heritage".
On his part, Mr. Kranidiotis said that the ceremony marks
"the reassurance that Hellenism is fighting to restore" the
island's cultural heritage.
"Among the victims of the Turkish invasion are Cyprus'
antiquities", Mr. Kranidiotis added and said that in its efforts
to save its cultural heritage, Cyprus will always have the support
of Greece.
The Cypriot government thanked the Greek government for the
return of the icon.
[16] RUSSIA: HUNGER STRIKERS TAKE HOSTAGE NUCLEAR PLANT MANAGERS
An unknown number of nuclear plant managers have been taken
hostage by hunger strikers, who are demanding their due pay.
The strikers, who are employed at the nuclear plant in
eastern Russia, have said that as soon as their salaries are paid
the hostages will be freed.
One of the vows made by Russia's new Premier Yevgeni Primakov
is the payment of salaries and pensions.
[17] MEIDANI CALLS FOR INTERNATIONAL INTERVENTION
Albanian president Redzep Meidani called for international
intervention for the solution of the crisis in his country in the
meeting he had just before noon today at the presidential building
with the ambassadors of the United States and the European
countries.
Council of Europe special representative in Albania Andreas
Papakonstantinou, who participated in the meeting, stated to MPA
that a special meeting of the Council of Ministers will be held
today to discuss the situation in Albania.
Prime minister Fatos Nano has made no public appearance yet,
while foreign diplomats pressure Berisha to cancel the rally of
his supporters he has announced that it will be held in Tirana.
[18] TSEKA CALLS FOR THE RESIGNATION OF NANO
Democratic Alliance party leader and former minister of
interior and public order Neritan Tseka called for the resignation
of prime minister Fatos Nano and the establishment of a new
government.
He stated that the new government will be formed by the
political parties participating in the current government
coalition and that the Socialist party will again play a leading
role.
In an interview with MPA, Mr. Tseka underlined that Fatos
Nano should become past history for Albania as he failed to
protect the leading members of the opposition. He also said that
the unsettled situation of the past few days was created because
of Berisha, adding that the coup attempt was a mistake and the
former Albanian president will be brought before justice.
Referring to Albania's future, Mr. Tseka appeared optimistic
and expressed the hope that in the future the Albanian state will
develop into a factor of peace in the Balkans.
[19] TENSION REMAINS HIGH IN ALBANIA
About 1.500 followers of Sali Berisha's Democratic Party
remain at the square in front of the party offices, while strong
police forces have deployed in the wider region and the party
leadership was forced to cancel the protest rally announced
earlier.
Meanwhile, Albanian president Redzep Meidani met with prime
minister Fatos Nano who was in his office since this morning and
assessed the situation.
In statements he made to Macedonian Press Agency, Socialist
Party general secretary Panteli Maiko expressed satisfaction over
the fact that president Meidani characterized as a "coup"
yesterday's incidents, adding that the Socialist Party leadership
supports the changes in the Albanian government.
[20] THE ALBANIAN PRIME MINISTER'S TELEVISED ADDRESS TO HIS PEOPLE
Albanian prime minister Fatos Nano in a televised address to
the Albanian people earlier this afternoon stated that he rejects
any call for his resignation which is expressed in the form of an
ultimatum and through terrorist actions.
Mr. Nano called on the political parties to keep their
distances from the coup organizer Sali Berisha characterizing him
as a terrorist.
[21] NEW ULTIMATUM FOR BERISHA
Albanian minister of public order Perikli Teta issued an
ultimatum to Sali Berisha to hand over the two armoured tanks that
are being occupied by armed followers of his Democratic Party by
8pm local time. Mr. Teta threatened Berisha that in a different
case police forces will intervene for the complete restoration of
order and the disarmament of the gunmen.
Until this hour, 7pm Greek time, prime minister Fatos Nano
had non-stop meetings with the minister of public order and
according to certain information, they drew up a plan for the
disarmament of Berisha's armed supporters in case they do not hand
over their guns.
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/
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