Antenna: News in English (AM), 97-03-19

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From: Antenna Radio <http://www.antenna.gr> - email: antenna@compulink.gr

News in English, 19/03/97

TITLES

• The authorities move to fill the chaotic void in Albania.
• The Greek foreign minister says Turkey must choose between democracy and militarism.
• And, Miltiades Evert says voters want politicians to deal with the nation's problems.

ALBANIA

Antenna's correspondents report that while the insurgency may be over, the problems of the country remain.

Life in Tirane and in many other Albanian cities, towns, and villages seems to returning to normal, after weeks of upheaval which appeared to habe the country on the brink of civil war.

And with the authorities restoring order in the capital, the big issue now is getting badly needed food and other supplies into Triane. The airport has reopened, but the presence of armed bands makes it yet unsafe for planes to approach it at low altitude.

At least 26 people have been killed in Tirane over the past week; hundreds more have been wounded.

There are scenes of comparative calm at the port of Durres too. On Monday, there were still thousands of people jammed on the waterfront, waiting for a boat - any boat - to take them to Italy and a new life of safety and economic prospects.

But on Tuesday, the agitation had been replaced by resignation. There were not boats coming into the harbour, and thousands of people boarded buses back to where they had come from, back to the many impasses of life in their native land.

The crisis in Albania was sparked by the collapse of shady high-interest investment schemes over two months ago. Nearly every Albanian family lost money in the scandal, and the outraged citizenry blamed the government for taking money for letting the banks operate. On Tuesday, dozens of people checked the list of names outside the Vefas Bank, the only investment house that hasn't gone out of business, hoping that they may get at least some of their money back.

In the southern city of Argyrokastro, marauders robbed a bank - for the third time since the rebellion began. This time, they cleaned out a safe. Residents say they've grabbed the last money in the city.

Despite the instances of looting and robbery, around the nation, the spontaneous tide of rebellion seems to ebbing.

The police control the roads, and check all motorists for weapons. Many people are handing over their Kalashnikov rifles.

Police have set up a characteristic block outside the city of Kavaya. In the town, people once again walk about the central square without fear.

It's a similar scene in Lousnia, where it's business as usual again for residents.

Antenna's Nikolas Vafiades spotted a scene outside Rougozina which may symbolise as well as any other the state of the insurgency.

Children now play in two tanks the rebels have abandoned.

The hopes of a political solution have been placed in the country's new prime minister, Baskim Fino. This socialist from Argyrokastro, in the heart of the rebellious south, has started touring cities, urging people to continue handing in their weapons. It is no coincidence that Fino began his mission in his native Argyrokastro, of which he was once mayor, and where he is popular.

KRANID/ARGYRO

Crossing the Greek-Albanian border, Kranidiotis was warmly welcomed by ethnic Greeks in Dervitsani. The minister assured them of his government's concern for their welfare.

In the city of Argyrokastro, a rebel stronghold, Kranidiotis met with rebel leaders from all the insurgent cities of southern Albania.

It was the first meeting between a member of the Greek govenrment and the rebel leaders.

Under tight security, Kranidiotis listened to the rebels. Afterwards, he said that the rebels want Berisha to step down now, but they also support the newly-formed national unity government that will take the country to elections in June.

PANGALOS/ALB/PAPANTONIOU

New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert says his party agrees with the way the Pasok government has dealt with the Albania crisis.

Evert, who toured southern Albania Sunday, met with prime minister Kostas Simitis Monday.

More on the Greek reaction to the Albania crisis from Tom Alexopoulos.

TURKISH VIOLATIONS

But, Theodoros Pangalos says Turkey must first change its ways.

In Thessaloniki, Pangalos said Turkey must choose between two roads: one leads to Europe, and means democracy, social justice, and respect for international law. The other road leads away from Europe, and means militarism and more of the threats Turkey makes against Greece.

Greece wants Turkey to either acknowledge Greece's internationally- recognised territorial rights in the Aegean, or take any claims against it to the International Court.

But even as Pangalos spoke, Turkish jets violated Greek airspace over the islands of Chios, Lesvos, and Lymnos.

Sources say 20 Turkish fighters carried out the incursions.

EVERT ANT1

In an interview he conducted with the main opposition leader, Antenna's Iannis Papoutsanis asked Evert why he was so critical of Pasok over its handling of the Imia crisis, but not over Albania.

Evert repeated that the government has made the right moves over Albania. He added that he had waited until the Imia crisis was over before criticising Pasok.

Even though the New Democracy congress that will elect a new party leader is just three days away, Evert has preferred to focus exclusively on important national issues.

He says the Greek people want the country's politicians to deal with the nation's problems, and NOT with their party-political problems.

Evert said what he calls the introspection of the country's political parties has cost them their credibility in people's eyes.

The leadership debate and discussion of the party's problems at the congress will be extensive, continued Evert.

Candidate Giorgos Souflias, MP, is getting ready for a speech to the party's youth organisation Wednesday.

Another leadership hopeful, MP Kostas Karamanlis is getting ready for a tour of Crete. On Monday, he told delegates in the Athens area that he's confident he'll be made leader, because quote the popular will has the power to overturn the old ways, unquote.

In a newspaper interview, Souflias backer Dora Bakoyianni, MP, took what appeared to be a shot at Kostas Karamanlis, nephew of the party founder of the same name. Bakoyianni said SHE wants to be judged for her politics and ideas. Bakoyianni says the only way to keep the party toghether is to respond to people's needs and aspirations.

In another interview, Evert opponent and MP Stephanos Manos hints that he may quit the party if the congress doesn't pass resolutions making it more democratic.

ND

BASKETBALL

In Greek first-division play, Panathinaikos whipped visiting Iraklis 74-49 Tuesday evening. That victory helps Pao consolidate its hold on third place in the pro ranks, as the playoffs draw near.

© ANT1 Radio 1997

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