Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 99-05-11

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Macedonian Press Agency at http://www.mpa.gr and http://www.hri.org/MPA.

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, May 11, 1999

SECTIONS

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS HEADLINES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] PM MEETS WITH PORTUGUESE, FYROM, ALBANIAN COUNTERPARTS

The meetings are being held on the sidelines of the two-day, sixth annual Economic Forum. Mr. Simitis and the Portuguese Premier are to grant a joint press conference this morning. He and Mr. Guterres traveled to the monastic community of Mt. Athos yesterday, where they visited various monasteries.

[02] GREEK FM: PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL OF SERB TROOPS IS A FIRST STEP

Addressing the Sixth Balkan Business Forum, presently held in Thessaloniki, Mr. Papandreou said that there a ray of light has emerged, but there's still a long way ahead before a final solution is reached, adding that Greece will exert every effort in order to achieve a political resolution.

The Foreign Minister also announced that a conference will be held in Thessaloniki next month which will examine the humanitarian issues of the Yugoslav crisis. Greece, in cooperation with the United Nations, has undertaken the task of evaluating the humanitarian cases that have arisen both from the bombings in Yugoslavia and from the Kosovo refugee exodus.

Mr. Papandreou presented Greece's plan of restructuring the Balkans after the war and stated that the country's interests will be better served in a climate of cooperation and development.

"Our aim is to eradicate the conflict-breeding grounds, hatred and religious wars, (transform) the welter of nationalities and minorities from being an obstacle and a source of fear, into a foundation of dynamism and creativity in the Balkans," he said.

Mr. Papandreou outlined Greece's targets as follows:

*Support the development and stabilization of the Balkan economies.

*Ensure the transit transport of Greek products through the Balkan countries to central, Western and Eastern Europe.

*Provide the appropriate road infrastructure for the transport of Greek products through the Balkan countries.

*Create and strengthen the necessary economic and political conditions for the promotion of Greek ventures.

*Promote alternate linking routes with central Europe, both for securing the necessary trade routes, and as an additional means of attracting tourism.

[03] GREECE TO TAKE PART IN BALKAN RESTRUCTURING COMMITTEES

Greece will participate in the special experts committee which will prepare a report listing losses, capital necessary for restoration and the sources of the capital, as well as in the political committee which will undertake the directions and supervision of the planning's implementation.

Mr. Papantoniou also pointed out to the Council that Greece is the sole EU country having economic repercussions from the crisis in Yugoslavia in specific sectors, such as tourism and exports, "which might not be huge but do exist and could lead, according to the extent of operations, to a revision of the 3.5 per cent growth rate predicted to 3 per cent."

[04] SIXTH FORUM CONTINUES IN THESSALONIKI

Among today's keynote speakers will be Greece's Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Foreign Minister George Papandreou and National Economy Yiannos Papantoniou, FYROM's Premier Liupcko Georgievski, as well as U.S. Ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns. The event is co-organized by the Macedonia-Thrace Bank and the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce.

[05] US INVITES GREECE TO JOIN ITS "VISA WAIVER PILOT PROGRAM"

The said program allows citizens of 30 other countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa. The US State Department will announce the exact date on which visa-free travel may begin.

In the case of Greece, the embassy release noted that there are some issues to be resolved, related to the Schengen Accord and passport services.

[06] ALBANIAN PM: SERB WITHDRAWAL OFFER IS AN ATTEMPT TO IMPRESS

Mr. Majko, who is presently in Thessaloniki for the Sixth Balkan Business Forum, said that the Serbs know well how to manipulate the media by creating a juxtaposition with the Albanian side and added that NATO must continue to raid Yugoslavia, since his country is paying the conflict's highest toll.

Referring to the Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK), the Albanian Premier said that it was founded as a result of the oppression and massacre taking place in Kosovo and added that it is closely tied to human values, while resisting genocide.

[07] ALBANIAN FM CHALLENGES SINCERITY OF SERB WITHDRAWAL OFFER

Speaking to the Macedonian Press Agency, Mr. Milo challenged Belgrade's sincerity by stating that, following the persecution of Albanians from Kosovo, the Serbs no longer need such a great number of troops in order to control the region.

Concerning the Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK), Mr. Milo said that it could be disarmed under terms, i.e. on the condition that an agreement will have been signed and enforced by all parties involved in the conflict, that Serb troops would fully withdraw from Kosovo and that NATO forces would be deployed in the region.

[08] SIMITIS-GUTTERES: THE POLITICAL ENLARGEMENT OF THE EU IS A NECESSITY

The two prime ministers referred to the successful cooperation of the their countries on European Union issues, mentioning characteristically the Agenda 2000 discussion the results of which were characterized as absolutely satisfactory for both countries. They agreed that consultations between the two countries should intensify especially within the framework of the preparations for Portugal's EU presidency in the first six months of the year 2000. They also agreed on the need for Europe's stronger political union as well as on the need for a common security policy and foreign policy as it was proven by the Kossovo crisis.

Mr. Simitis stressed that a common conclusion was that the EU has made big steps in the issue of employment, adding that those steps must continue and there should be a more effective policy. Mr. Gutteres stated that the monetary union is not enough and that an economic union is necessary, while there should be coordination and the necessary bodies should be established that will safeguard development and employment in Europe.

Regarding the EU enlargement process, they agreed that Bulgaria and Romania must be backed more in their effort to become members of the European structure. Mr. Simitis stated that Greece backs the accession of as many European countries as possible into the EU and especially the participation of Bulgaria and Romania in the European architecture. Mr. Gutteres stated that there should be no discrimination and that it should be allowed both to Bulgaria and Romania to participate in the enlargement negotiations as candidate states.

In their meetings the two prime ministers also discussed national issues, the Greek-Turkish relations and the problem of Cyprus. On the issue of East Timor that was raised by Mr. Gutteres, the Greek prime minister maintained that the principle of self-determination must be into effect and that the UN resolutions must be implemented adding that the people should decide on the future of the region based on the results of a referendum

[09] GREECE-PORTUGAL: THESSALONIKI, THE CENTER OF RECONSTRUCTION

Every move that contributes to peace is a positive move. The withdrawal of troops is a positive move, as a positive move will be the end of the bombings which, however, has to be combined with additional moves, stated Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis.

Referring to the G8 agreement for peace in the region, Mr. Simitis expressed the belief that it constitutes a good basis for the final solution of the problem and that procedures for the completion of the agreement need to start as soon as possible.

On the role of Greece, Mr. Simitis stressed that after the end of the hostilities there should be a joint effort for reconstruction. The region has suffered a big destruction and serious consequences and it can not overcome those problems on its own. Both Mr. Simitis and his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Gutteres agreed that if a center for the reconstruction of the Balkans is established after the end of the hostilities it has to be based in Thessaloniki.

Mr. Gutteres expressed his support to the Greek positions in the Kosovo crisis underlining that Greece plays a key-role in the Balkans and agreed completely with Mr. Simitis' positions that after a peaceful solution is reached for Kosovo there should be a conference on stability and development in the Balkans and within this framework the European Union must undertake an initiative for the establishment of a reconstruction center based in Thessaloniki not only because of the city's geographic position but for the role it can play in the whole Balkan region as well.

Called to comment on NATO's stance after the announcement that the Yugoslav forces began withdrawing from Kosovo and on China's position that it will not discuss a peace plan if the NATO bombings do not end, Mr. Simitis stated that a negotiation is underway among all the participants and one of the participants is China due to the recent tragic incident involving the Chinese embassy in Belgrade. He said that it would be out of place to make any comments on those developments.

Responding to the question if Greece and Portugal will participate in the multinational peace-keeping force that will be sent to Kosovo based on the decisions of the G8, the Portuguese prime minister stressed that his government is ready to examine the issue if this can contribute to the solution of the problem, while Mr. Simitis clarified that the form and the size of the Greek participation will be decided when the agreement is finalized. Mr. Simitis reminded that there are examples of Greek participation in the peace-keeping forces in Bosnia and Albania which is a decisive criterion.

To the question by MPA regarding the protests of the governments of Albania and FYROM for inadequate humanitarian aid for the Kosovo refugees, Mr. Gutteres pledged that Portugal will increase the aid it offers, while to the question on the progress of the peace process the Portuguese prime minister emphasized that any solution should respect the existing borders. Mr Simitis also agreed with this position. Mr. Gutteres stated that this is not a time to reshape the Balkans and this could create huge problems.

Regarding the continuing "mistakes" of the NATO air strikes on Yugoslavia, the Greek prime minister reminded that the Greek government has repeatedly expressed its regret for the victims of all sides as well as its indignation for actions that lead to death, destruction and misery adding that the Greek government has stressed the need for immediate measures that will lead to peace.

Finally, responding to a question by the Portuguese television on the role of Slobodan Milosevic in the crisis, Mr. Simitis stated that the crisis in Kosovo is the outcome of a series of actions that took place a long time ago and especially, it is the result of the abolition of the autonomy of the ethnic Albanians in Kosovo, pointing out that the political leadership of Yugoslavia has its own responsibility for all that happened.

[10] BURNS: THE GREEK-US RELATIONS WERE NEVER BETTER

Speaking in the forum, US ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns stated that the Greek-US relations were never better. The US ambassador stressed that Washington backs Greece's leading role in the region and added that if the bombing of Yugoslavia stops today the only winner will be Milosevic. He said that NATO will continue its operations for as long as the Serbs continue the rape of Kossovo. He said that if NATO ends the bombings it will be against the interests of the people in the region because Milosevic's army will remain in Kossovo and one million ethnic Albanian refugees will never return to their homes.

Mr. Burns stated that NATO looks forward to the efforts made by Russia and the UN as well as to the G8 peace agreement plan and that the door has opened for a solution but Milosevic should respond with total and not partial withdrawal of the Serb forces from Kossovo.

The US ambassador stated that Washington backs completely Greece's policy in the Yugoslav crisis and realizes its special place, stressing that Greece and the United States have never before cooperated so closely as on the issue of Kossovo. He stated that their views may be different but their goals are the same. He said that the US backs Greece's efforts for humanitarian aid to the victims of the war and recognizes that it is the only country that offers help both to the ethnic Albanians and the Serbs.

Albanian foreign minister Paskal Milo characterized yesterday's announcement by Milosevic on the partial withdrawal of the Serb forces from Kosovo as a tactic aimed at NATO's division.

Mr. Milo stated that Milosevic and his regime have to be punished and stressed that the NATO bombings had a positive result as they destroyed Serbia's infrastructure. He also pointed out that NATO's military response was backed by the public opinion and achieved what diplomacy was unable to achieve.

Mr. Milo added that the international community should place Kossovo under international administration after the war and that an armed unit should be formed to safeguard peace. He said that the diplomatic action of the international organizations should be under the supervision of the military forces and pointed out that the refugees must return to their homes.

FYROM's foreign minister Alexandar Dimitrov stressed that the crisis in Kossovo threatens his country underlining that the most appropriate solution would be the autonomy of Kossovo within the borders of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. He said that FYROM wants a solution to be reached as soon as possible because there is a risk of destabilization for the whole region.

Russian ambassador to Athens Michail Botsarnikov expressed Moscow's opposition to the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia stressing that when the International Law is violated the result is a war without rules. He said that his country will continue its diplomatic efforts not as a messenger but as a leading member of the international community. He also pointed out that Russia offers humanitarian aid to the region of Kossovo and that it plans to hold a conference together with Europe for the solution of the problems in south-eastern Europe.

[11] PAPANDREOU ON THE GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS

Mr. Papandreou stated that the war in Yugoslavia has brought the two countries closer and stated that Greece extends a hand of friendship to Ankara, expressing the hope that the neighbouring country will respond for the promotion of peace and cooperation in the region.

[12] PANDELI MAJKO: ALBANIA BACKS NATO'S ACTIONS

Mr. Majko said that this is the third time he visits Greece since he became prime minister and stressed that he regards the present visit as very important due to the fact that Greece and Albania are setting an example of close cooperation at a difficult time for the Balkans.

Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis stated that the opening of the Albanian consulate in Thessaloniki today is a proof of the continuing improvement of bilateral relations.

The discussions held by the two prime ministers focused on the war in Yugoslavia and according to Mr. Simitis, they agreed that the peace efforts must continue and that a peace solution should be reached as soon as possible. Mr. Simitis maintained that the agreement reached by the "8" most developed countries can become a good basis for the solution of the problem.

He added that he discussed with his Albanian counterpart the need for a reconstruction plan for the region as well as the need for the two countries to cooperate for the drawing up of this plan. They also discussed the issue of the distribution of the humanitarian aid offered by Greece to Albania as well as European Union issues.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[13] GREEK PRESIDENT EMBARKS ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO ARMENIA

President Stephanopoulos will hold talks with his Armenian counterpart Robert Kocharyan and the leaders of Armenian political parties.

Tomorrow, the President will visit the memorial to the victims of the 1915 genocide of Armenians, where he will lay a commemorative wreath, and will also meet with representatives of Greek diaspora in Armenia.

On Thursday, a Greek hall will be inaugurated at the Yerevan State University's library, which will contain books on history and sciences presented by Greece.

The University will bestowed upon the Greek President the honorary doctor degree.

Greece and Armenia enjoy bilateral ties that date back centuries and centuries, according to Armenian Ambassador to Greece Arman Kirakosian. The framework of such relations is laid down in the 1996 treaty of friendship and cooperation between Armenia and Greece, followed by agreements which covered the entire spectrum of bilateral cooperation.

During President Stephanopoulos' visit to Armenia, the two countries will sign agreements on double taxation and cooperation.

[14] GEORGIAN PRESIDENT SALUTES ATHENS POSITION ON KOSOVO

Following a signing ceremony of a number of agreements on developing cooperation between the two countries, the two presidents gave a joint press conference where they both noted that the "especially warm" relations established between Georgia and Greece are called upon to ensure further prosperity of the two countries' peoples.

Concerning the Kosovo crisis, President Shevardnadze said Athens had adopted a "wise and correct" stance on the Kosovo problem and underlined Greece's important contribution with regard to humanitarian aid.

President Stephanopoulos told reporters that Greece and Georgia shared the view that the G8 draft agreement was the only way to find a solution "to this problem which is of grave concern to us".

The Greek President expressed the hope that the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia and military operations in Kosovo would stop so that the refugees may return home and a solution can be found to the crisis in the framework of autonomy for Kosovo within Yugoslavia's borders.

[15] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER ADDRESSES WEU MEETING

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the meeting, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos reiterated the need for an end to NATO bombings in the wake of the G8 agreement and following the bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that "it must be made clear that the continuation of the conflict, the continuation of bombings increases tension, creates unjustified problems and renders the smooth development of negotiations difficult," adding that "the tragic events concerning the bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade illustrate in a tragic way how easily such a process can be blown apart."

The WEU, considered the European Union defense appendage within NATO, is expected to become the basis of the European Union's military branch based on the Amsterdam Treaty, which is in effect since May 1.

The WEU's 10 full members are Belgium, France, Britain, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Portugal, while 18 more countries participate in the organization as associate members or as observers.

[16] EU'S TOP ECONOMIC OFFICIALS LAUD GREEK ECONOMY'S COURSE

"The Greek economy is doing very well and this is the common conviction of the '15', again confirmed today," Mr. Eichel said, underlining the special role Greece will be called on to play in efforts for the Balkan region's economic recovery after the end of the crisis.

In turn, Mr. de Silguy, when asked about the possible negative repercussions the Kosovo crisis will have on the EU member-states, said that for the time being there have been no EU evaluations on repercussions.

He said it was certain that, being a neighboring country, Greece was harmed more than the other EU member-states which, as he said, "will be taken into consideration when Greece's application for euro accession is evaluated.

He stressed that the Greek economy is proceeding satisfactorily towards the fulfillment of Maastricht Treaty criteria for accession to the single currency, adding that there is no reason for hasty moves on the issue of Greece's accession to the final phase of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

[17] NATO STRIKES INDUSTRIAL AND CIVIL SITES IN YUGOSLAVIA

Meanwhile, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott is arriving in Moscow today for talks with Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and the Russian president's special envoy on Yugoslavia Viktor Chernomyrdin.

Also today, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder goes on a one- day working visit to China. The visit will center on the situation in and outside Yugoslavia.

[18] NATO MEMBERS BEGIN DEFENDING THEIR POSITIONS AT THE HAGUE

According to the Croatian news agency HINA, representatives of the three countries argued that, since it is not a UN member, FRY could not call upon the statute of the ICJ in filing requests.

Moreover, Yugoslavia has not backed its claim about genocide with even one piece of evidence, the three countries stated.

They added that the granting of temporary protective measures would open a new opportunity for Yugoslavia to avoid its obligation towards reaching a peaceful solution to the Kosovo crisis.

[19] CHERNOMYRDIN HOLDS TALKS IN BEIJING WITH CHINESE LEADERS

Mr. Chernomyrdin visited Beijing yesterday in order to discuss solutions to the Balkan situation with China's President Jiang Zemin, Prime Minister Zhu Rongji and the State Council's Deputy Premier Qian Qichen.

According to the Russian news agency Itar-Tass, Mr. Chernomyrdin's talks with the Chinese leaders had shown that the stances of Russia and China on the Yugoslavia situation "are close or coincident."

Moscow and Beijing think that an immediate prerequisite for settlement of the Kosovo crisis is a stop to NATO's bombardment of Yugoslavia, with successive talks with assistance from the United Nations to be capped by a settlement resolution.

During his meeting with the State Council's Deputy Premier, Mr. Chernomyrdin said that NATO's recent bombardment of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, "confirms that the policy from the position of force that is followed by the Western states, NATO is only impeding the negotiation process and is leading into a deadlock".

He called the air strike on the embassy a "barbaric acts, adding that "now it is difficult to say why this has happened."

[20] SERB AIRCRAFT BOMBED A KLA BASE

A Serb military plane violated the Albanian airspace over the region of Kamenica, 300 kilometers north of Tirana, last night which is known as a base of the Kossovo Liberation Army of the ethnic Albanians.

According to statements made to MPA by official sources from the prefecture of Kukes, the Serb plane launched 6 missiles without causing victims or damages.

[21] CHERNOMYRDIN COMPLETED HIS CONTACTS IN CHINA

German chancellor Gerhard Schroder is expected in the Chinese capital today. The German foreign minister stated that the NATO air strikes will not stop in spite of Milosevic's statement that the withdrawal of the Serb forces from Kosovo has begun.

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article