Antenna: News in English (PM), 98-07-03

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

Last Updated: Friday, 03-Jul-98 22:58:20

CONTENTS

[01] Solana-Kosovo

[02] Tsochatzopoulos-Kosovo

[03] Cyprus-Faisal

[04] Private companies will produce electricity from 2001

[01] Solana-Kosovo

Nato secretary general Javier Solana said after a trip to the Balkans that the Western alliance is still prepared to take military action if the violence in the Serbian province does not subside.

Nato continues to hope for a peaceful settlement in Kosovo, but stands ready to intervene in the crisis if the international community deems it necessary.

Just hours before talks between Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic and US negotiator Richard Holbrooke, Serbian security forces recaptured Kijevo (re: Ki-evo), fifteen miles west of Pristina, the province capital.

Militant ethnic-Albanian secessionists had been laying siege to the town for two weeks.

Serbian media reports have maintained that the taking of Kijevo and the surrounding area was the last goal of the Serbs during their current crackdown in Kosovo.

Tension is running high throughout the province. Yugoslav fighter planes fly in low over Pristina daily - the ethnic-Albanians say it's an attempt to intimidate them.

Holbrooke expressed the fear recently that the Serbs would use massive force in retaking Kijevo.

But western diplomats said Friday that casualties were low because the Kosovo Liberation Army had retreated in anticipation of the assault.

Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic rejects western assertions that his forces are involved in repression in Kosovo - he says they are combatting KLA terrorism.

Since the recent military action began several weeks ago, thousands of civilians have been made refugees as they've fled the fighting. And over 300 people have been killed since early March.

Milosevic is calling for an immediate start to talks between his government and moderate ethnic- Albanian leader Ibrahim Rugova. Holbrooke wants a ceasefire to proceed negotiations.

But even if talks start, the going will be tough. Milosevic is not willing to concede independence, and Rugova says nothing short of that will do.

[02] Tsochatzopoulos-Kosovo

He said before leaving for the US Friday that there can be no military solution in Kosovo.

Tsochatzopoulos told reporters: "The Greek postion is clear. The solution must be political, peaceful, and diplomatic".

Asked if he anticipates coming under pressure from the Americans over Greece's armaments plans, Tsochatzopoulos answered "no". The US is a hospitable country, he said, "so I don't expect them to try to put any kind of pressure on me".

The defence minister added that in his meetings with the American defence secretary and other officials issues of concern to both countries will be looked at in an attempt to see how the two allies can cooperate to achieve shared goals.

[03] Cyprus-Faisal

At the end of his five-year term of service, Gustav Faisal adds that he believes that can be achieved.

Despite the recent breakdown in talks in Cyprus because of Turkish-Cypriot demands that the process of admitting the Cypriot Republic be shelved, Faisal urges all parties to continue their efforts to solve the problem that is now in its 24th year.

Faisal, who says a give and take approach to talks is the best way forward, believes both Greece and Turkey need to take an active part in the search for a negotiated solution.

He advises both sides in Cyprus to understand that a negotiated settlement is in their best interests.

Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974 and remains in military occupation of the northern part of the island.

Faisal's replacement as alternate special representative of the UN secretary general in Cyprus is New Zealander Ann Margaret Herkous. She arrived on the island Monday.

[04] Private companies will produce electricity from 2001

Development minister Vaso Papandredou discussed Pasok's energy plans during a cabinet meeting Friday.

Afterwards she announced that there will be a three per cent increase in utility rates in mid- July. Keeping rises in rates at a minimum fits in with the government's broader anti-inflation strategy.

(c) ANT1 Radio 1998

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