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Sunday, 22 December 2024
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MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (19/04/1996)From: Macedonian Press Agency <mpa@philippos.mpa.gr>Macedonian Press Agency News in English DirectoryMACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISHThessaloniki April 19, 1996[A] NATIONAL NEWS[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWSTITLES[A] NATIONAL NEWS[01] NO ORGANIZATION HAS CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ATTACK YET[02] ANONYMOUS CALLER TELLS GREEK RADIO THAT ISLAMISTS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE[03] INITIAL SHOCK SUBSIDES, NOW IS TIME TO MOURN[04] EGYPTIAN EMBASSY IN ATHENS OFFERS SUPPORT TO VICTIMS' RELATIVES[05] NAMES OF THOSE KILLED IN CAIRO MASSACRE RELEASED, BODIES BROUGHT BACK TO GREECE[06] FIVE GREEK TOURISTS ARE STILL HOSPITALIZED IN CAIRO[07] ARCHBISHOP IAKOVOS EXPRESSES HIS SORROW OVER CAIRO MASSACRE[08] MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCES BY SCALFARO AND MAJOR[09] THE UNITED STATES CONDEMNED THE TERRORIST ATTACK AGAINST GREEK TOURISTS IN CAIRO[10] AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL DENOUNCES TERRORIST ATTACK[11] THE SECURITY IS INADEQUATE IN EGYPT'S HOTELS, SAYS LOCAL PRESS[12] FYROM INTRANSIGENCE ON NAME ISSUE CONTINUES[13] THE US HOUSE AND SENATE JOINT COMMITTEE WILL HAVE A DISCUSSION OVER THRACE, ACCORDING TO MR.SAMARAS[14] THE GREEK PRIME MINISTER STATED THAT THE ECONOMIC POLICY WILL NOT CHANGE[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS[15] EMERGENCY SECURITY MEASURES IN CYPRUS FOR FEAR OF TERRORIST ATTACK[16] GREEK ALTERNATE FOREIGN MINISTER SPEAKS TO CYPRIOT PRESIDENT[17] STATEMENTS BY THE CYPRIOT FOREIGN MINISTER ON THE EFFORTS FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS PROBLEM[18] THE CYPRIOT PARLIAMENT DISSOLVED ITSELF AHEAD OF THE MAY PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS[19] THE RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR TO NICOSIA STRESSED THAT HIS COUNTRY SUPPORTS THE DEMILITARIZATION OF CYPRUS[20] AGREEMENT ON TRADE SIGNED BETWEEN FYROM-TURKEY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE[21] ROMANIA AND TURKEY RELATION TO LINK EUROPE, NEAR EAST AND CENTRAL ASIA[22] ROMANIA'S TURKISH ETHNIC MINORITY THE MOST IMPORTANT PILLAR OF THE TWO COUNTRIES FRIENDSHIP[23] ROMANIAN AND GERMANY SIGNED A CONTRACT ON CARGO SHIPS BUILDING[24] IFOR ESTIMATED THREE MILLION LAND MINES ACROSS BOSNIA[25] ENVER HOXHA'S SON WAS RELEASED[26] YUGOSLAVIA'S CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR WARNS OF RAPID INFLATION[27] INVESTIGATION INTO MONEY LAUNDERING IN HUNGARY[28] BULGARIAN TSAR ALLOWED TO VISIT HIS COUNTRY[29] BULGARIA TO COOPERATE WITH THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDAVIANEWS IN DETAIL[A] NATIONAL NEWS[01] NO ORGANIZATION HAS CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ATTACK YETNo organizaiton has claimed responsibility for yesterday's massacre in Cairo where 18 greek tourists were killed and 16 otheres were wounded when three gunmen and a woman opened fire . Egyptian police authorities continue their investigations altought he Egyprian Ministry of Interior has not issued any statements.According to Reuters, three armed men, who the police believe belong to a fanatic islamist ortganization, shot and killed a car driver yestreday evening.The egyptian poice believe that the gunmen who fled with the stolen car are connected with yesterday morning's massacre. [02] ANONYMOUS CALLER TELLS GREEK RADIO THAT ISLAMISTS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLEAn anonymous caller claiming he represents the islamic organization "Kama Al Islamiya" phoned the greek radio station SKY this morning shortly after 10 am and said that the organization has no involvement or responsibility in yesterday's attack that killed 18 greek tourists and injured 17 others. According to the radio station, the anonymous caller, who spoke english with a heavy accent, stated that the organization has no involvement in the attack and accused the Israeli authorities of provocation. The man said that his organization will provide additional information later.[03] INITIAL SHOCK SUBSIDES, NOW IS TIME TO MOURNFive of the persons injured in yesterday's massacre have remained in Cairo, following the assessment of egyptian treating physicians and the Greek Ministry of Health, while the remaining ten of those wounded have been brought to Athens via a greek military aircraft C- 130. Another aircraft has flown to Cairo to bring back the bodies of those killed.The patient-transfer process was supervised in Cairo's airport by the UnderMinister of Health F. Papadelllis, the General Consul in Cairo Petros Avgerinos, and the Ambassador in Cairo Dimitrios Vidouris. Representing the egyptian governemnt, present at the airport were the egyptian Minister of Health, the Giza Governor (the area where the attack took place), as well as an array of egyptian physicians and medical staff, after an order was issued by egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The egyptian Minister of Health, who gave out gifts to the injured greek tourists, stated that terrorism leads to nowhere, and added that the relations between the two countries remain friendly. He stated that the egyptian people condemn this attack. It should be noted that Egyptian volunteers have rushed to donate blood to the wounded greek tourists who are hospitalized in Cairo. [04] EGYPTIAN EMBASSY IN ATHENS OFFERS SUPPORT TO VICTIMS' RELATIVESThe Egyptian Embassy in Athens will provide accommodations to the relatives of the massacre victims, following a relevant order issued by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Embassy officials announced this evening that airline roundtrip tickets will be provided to the relatives of the wounded, free of charge. Also, for those hospitalized in Cairo, the embassy's announcement stated that "every possible care will be given, under the supervision of the Egyptian Health Minister. President Mubarak will sent wreaths as condolences to all the families of the greek tourists who were killed.[05] NAMES OF THOSE KILLED IN CAIRO MASSACRE RELEASED, BODIES BROUGHT BACK TO GREECEThe horrible task of sorting through the bodies of those killed in yesterday's massacre in Cairo where three gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists outside a hotel, has began today in greek morgues where relatives of the innocent victims await to identify their beloved. Deceased are: Paraskevi Aggelou, Vassilis Vasiliades, Despina Velikoudi, Stavroula Yiakoumeli, Olga Kamenidou, Georgia Karayiorga, Georgia Kizlaridou, Lytra, Kleoniki Matsinou, Maria Pateli, Nikos Patelis, Nikos Petrou, Fani Polykoniari, Vassilis Tzevelekides, Antonia Tzevelekidou, Nikoleta Tsekoura, Maria Takou and Maria Flamiatou.Injured are: Emmanuel Damaskinos, Gesthemane Beloka, Parthena Heliopoulou, Zafiro Ilianidou,Eleni Kamenidou, Eleni Kostaki, Antonia Labrounidaki, John Manolakakis, Eleni Stapi and Elefteria Margariti. They are hospitalized at the Greek Red Cross and Asklepio Hospital in Athens. Hospitalized in Cairo's military hospital with a gunshot wound in the head is Philomila Apostolaki, while critically injured are Apostolos Aravatzis, Koula Keraklidou and Stylianos Drakoulis who is thought to be the most seriously wounded. Arriving shortly after midnight at Thessaloniki's Macedonia airport and Athens' Ellinikon were the first greek tourists who witnessed the bloody massacre. The Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and the Foreign Minister have sent condolences to their greek counterparts and the attack was also condemned by United States President Bill Clinton. Mr. Mubarak will visit today the five greek tourists who are hospitalized in Cairo. A delegation of greek police officials has departed for Cairo in order to assist in the investigation that will lead to the arrest of the gunmen. [06] FIVE GREEK TOURISTS ARE STILL HOSPITALIZED IN CAIROFive of the 16 greek tourists who survived yesterday's massacre are still hospitalized in Egyptian hospitals.Recovering in Cairo's hospitals are: Apostolos Aravantzis, Koula Geraklidou, Maria Naki, Stelios Drakoulis and Filomila Apostolaki. They have all esdcaped danger, although Drakoulis and Apostolakis are still in critical onditon. According to an egyptian physician, none of the patients will be able to travel back Grece before four days. The greek Minister of Health Anastasios Peponis maintains continuous contact with the greek Embassy in Cairo. [07] ARCHBISHOP IAKOVOS EXPRESSES HIS SORROW OVER CAIRO MASSACREHis deep sorrow and grief for the victims of Cairo's massacre expressed the Archbishop of North and South America Iakovos who noted that the victims were a group of worshipers who had stopped through Cairo during their travel to the Holy Land, a fact that makes the terrorist attack even more abhorrent. The Archbishop called on all governments to undertake the necessary measures against terrorism and stated that yesterday he performed a memorial service for the victims at the Holy Archbishopric Chapel.[08] MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCES BY SCALFARO AND MAJORA message of condolences in which is expressed "brotherly solidarity for the victims of the cowardly and barbaric attack in Cairo" was sent by italian President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro to his greek counterpart Kostis Stephanopoulos.In his message mr.Scalfaro expresses the deep regret of the italian people over the tragic incident through which a fruitless effort was made aiming at spreading terror and at blocking the progress of the peace process and cooperation among the peoples of the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Also, British Prime Minister John Major in his message of condolences to greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos, mentions that such terrorist acts can never be tolerated, while he also stated that he was deeply shocked by the killing of so many greeks. [09] THE UNITED STATES CONDEMNED THE TERRORIST ATTACK AGAINST GREEK TOURISTS IN CAIROThe United States condemned the terrorist attack against greek tourists in Cairo and pointed out that it underlined the need for all nations to jointly condemn terrorism and to undertake substantial actions for the definite stamping out of this phenomenon. White House spokesman Michael McCurry, who is accompanying President Clinton in his visit to Russia, stated that the United States categorically condemn this terrorist attack against innocent greek tourists in Egypt. He also added that the US President has sent his condolences to the greek Prime Minister and to the egyptian President.The White House spokesman stated that this is a tragic reminder that there are still individuals who are determined to stop the course toward reconciliation and a better future, while he assured that the United States will continue to be on the side of all those, in every part the world, who are against this terrible plague. [10] AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL DENOUNCES TERRORIST ATTACKThe world-wide human rights organization Amnesty International expressed today its abhorrence for yesterday's massacre in Cairo, where extremists opened fire on a group of greek tourists, killing 18 and wounding 16."We condemn unequivocally the murders of citizens by armed opposition groups. Such executions constitute a violation of human rights and must not in any way be tolerated," the announcement read. "Opposition groups have the same responsibility as the organized state to respect the human rights of unarmed individuals," Amnesty International stated. [11] THE SECURITY IS INADEQUATE IN EGYPT'S HOTELS, SAYS LOCAL PRESSA day after the massacre in Cairo, reports abound that the security measures at the country's hotels are inadequate.The egyptian daily newspaper "Al Ahbar" featured a front-page editorialby its editor in chief, Mr. Douidar, who wrote that "I would feel better if during this episode the security personnel came face to face with the terrorists and killed them or arrested them." According to the same paper, four years ago a "Jihaad" spokesperson was killed at Cairo's Europa hotel, the same where yesterday's attack occured, while in 1993 terrorists threw a bomb at the hotel's entrance. Moreover, the paper does not rule out the possibility that yesterday's massacre may have been executed by a foreign force. The greek tourists, according to reports given to the Egyptian authorities, have stated that during their visit to Israel, prior to their entrance in Egypt, they were asked to provide a detailed description of their itineraries, even the exact time of their departure for Alexandria. This procedure has triggered curiosity by many in Egypt, according the paper's. [12] FYROM INTRANSIGENCE ON NAME ISSUE CONTINUES"The skopjan side presented its positions, that it will not accept any changes to the name while the greek side presented its arguments on why it cannot accept Skopje having the name 'Macedonia'," stated the skopjan representative Ivan Tosevski in a telehone interview he granted to the semi-formal skopjan newspaper "Nova Macedonia."Mr. Tosevski, referring to yesterday's talks held between Greece and FYROM in New York under the United Nations auspices, also stated that the meeting was held in a positive climate and pointed out the continuous progress noted in the relations between the two neighboring countries. The skopjan representative underlined that mediator Cyrus Vance, the Personal Envoy of the UN Secretary-General, did not present an issue of a composite name during the meeting, while, regarding Mr.Vance's mandate to the UN Secretary General, he unequivocally stated that "there is no issue of the mandate's submission (to the UN) on behalf of Mr.Vance." When asked to comment on various reports by the greek and foreign press which present Greece as accepting a composite name for FYROM, and if this could be accepted by the greek government, Mr. Tosevski replied that perhaps the greek government "is not ready to admit that it is ready to accept it." [13] THE US HOUSE AND SENATE JOINT COMMITTEE WILL HAVE A DISCUSSION OVER THRACE, ACCORDING TO MR.SAMARASThe greek government has nothing to fear, stated today mr.Nikos Athanasakis, who is acting as government spokesman, commenting on the forum of US Senators and House Representatives which will have a discussion over the greek province of Thrace.Mr.Athanasakis stressed that in this forum Greece will have the opportunity to promote its positions and added that Turkey should ponder over the situation of Hellenism in Imvros, Tenedos and Constantinople. Mr.Athanasakis gave the above response after the leader of the greek opposition party of Political Spring mr.Antonis Samaras, announced today that according to information he has at his disposal, the US House and Senate Joint Committee, responsible for issues of security and cooperation in Europe, has scheduled a meeting to take place on April 25th during which will have a discussion on the greek province of Thrace, in north-eastern Greece, where a muslim minority lives. Mr.Samaras stated that this unprecedented american action against Greece, a few days after the Prime Minister's visit to the United States, speaks by itself. The Political Spring leader also called Prime Minister Simitis to demand the immediate cancellation of this discussion. [14] THE GREEK PRIME MINISTER STATED THAT THE ECONOMIC POLICY WILL NOT CHANGEGreek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis announced today that the government's economic policy will not change. The announcement was made after the Prime Minister presided over a meeting that was held with the participation of National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Finance Minister Alekos Papadopoulos, Development Minister Vasso Papandreou and Bank of Greece Governor Loukas Papadimas.Mr.Simitis stressed that the government's effort for the drop of inflation in order to consolidate favourable conditions for the attraction of investments, the creation of new jobs and the improvement of the social cohesion, will continue. The Prime Minister also stated that this policy will be the work of the whole government and will be realized through coordination and collective effort. [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS[15] EMERGENCY SECURITY MEASURES IN CYPRUS FOR FEAR OF TERRORIST ATTACKThe emergency security measures in Cyprus are still in effect after Interpol informed the cypriot authorities that the country is likely to be the target of a terrorist attack. The above were stated by cypriot government spokesman Yiannakis Kasoulidis and as it was made known the security measures taken are the most strict ever enforced in Cyprus.[16] GREEK ALTERNATE FOREIGN MINISTER SPEAKS TO CYPRIOT PRESIDENTAlternate Foreign Minister George Romeos, who since yesterday is on a three-day visit to Cyprus, met with Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and held a discussion scoping the cypriot issue. Mr. Romeos briefed the Cypriot President on the Greek Premier Kostas Simitis' s recent meetings with the United States President Bill Clinton in Washington and United Nations Secretary- General Butros Butros Ghali in New York. The Minister stated that he discussed with Mr. Clerides many aspects of the cypriot issue and reffered to the forthcoming May visit to Athens, Nicosia and Ankara by the new US Assistant Secretary of State John Cornbloom."We have some days ahead of us to discuss the new american initiative, for which we have very limited information," the Minister said, adding that "we will have to be ready for all possibilities ahead of us." When asked if he considers the appointment of the former Foreign Minister of South Korea Han Sung Ju (replacing Joe Clark) as a Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the cypriot issue to be a negative development, Mr. Romeos responded that "the individual holding the position has a role, but not the most significant one. More important are his intentions." Tomorrow Mr. Romeos will meet with the Cypriot Foreign Minister Alekos Mihaelides. [17] STATEMENTS BY THE CYPRIOT FOREIGN MINISTER ON THE EFFORTS FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS PROBLEMCypriot Foreign Minister Alekos Michailidis pointed out the strong interest showed by the United States, the European Union and by individual EU member-states for the solution of the Cyprus problem, but at the same time insinuated that the role of UN Secretary General has been downgraded. Mr.Michailidis stressed that any impression of downgrading does not come from the cypriot side but is due to the UN Security Council's unwillingness to move toward the adoption of decisive measures for the materialization of the resolutions concerning Cyprus. He categorically denied the allegations coming from political leaders over the existence of secret diplomacy for the Cyprus problem, ponting out that the government has continuous contacts with foreign officials either when they are visiting Cyprus or when cypriot government members are abroad.Regarding the possibility of a change in the turkish position on the issue of Cyprus under the new turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, the cypriot Foreign Minister expressed reservations stating that the up to now experience shows that the governments in Turkey change but their policy on the Cyprus problem remains the same. He said that the aim of the turkish policy continues to be the consolidation of the occupation of northern Cyprus and the legalization of the accomplished facts. On the situation that is being formed today regarding the Cyprus problem, mr.Michailidis mentioned that the US initiative will begin possibly next June adding that no spectacular results should be expected. In conclusion, he pointed out that in any initiative there should be coordination otherwise it can not be effective. [18] THE CYPRIOT PARLIAMENT DISSOLVED ITSELF AHEAD OF THE MAY PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONSThe Cypriot Parliament dissolved itself last night and officially declared the holding of Parliamentary elections on May 26th.Also, it was decided that the new Parliament will have its first session on June 6th. [19] THE RUSSIAN AMBASSADOR TO NICOSIA STRESSED THAT HIS COUNTRY SUPPORTS THE DEMILITARIZATION OF CYPRUSRussian Ambassador to Nicosia Boris Zenkov stressed that his country supports the demilitarization of Cyprus and reiterated that Moscow recognizes only the Cypriot Republic.In an interview to newpaper "Birlic", the first he gave to a turkish-cypriot newspaper, mr.Zenkov reiterated Russia's interest in finding a solution to the Cyprus problem and supported the two-community, two-zone federation that will be established by two politically equivalent communities. He also mentioned that this federation will have a single sovereignty and a single international identity, while its independence and territorial integrity will be safeguarded. To the question regarding the sale of russian arms to the National Guard he responded that his country supports demilitarization. [20] AGREEMENT ON TRADE SIGNED BETWEEN FYROM-TURKEY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCEAn Agreement of Trade and Economic Cooperation has been signed between the Skopje and Constantinople Chambers of Commerce yesterday, during a three-day visit by a delegation of turkish entrepreneurs to FYROM.The Agreement aims to stimulate economic relations and cooperation between the two countries. During the meeting held between the presidents of the respective chambers of FYROM and Turkey, it was pointed out that the volume of export trade between the two countries has reached $72 million since 1995, whereas targets have now been set to reach $500 million per year in the future. [21] ROMANIA AND TURKEY RELATION TO LINK EUROPE, NEAR EAST AND CENTRAL ASIATurkey's participation in the highway Bucharest- Giurgiu construction, mutual cooperation in former Yugoslav war territories' reconstruction and the preparation of the forthcoming business-meeting in Bucharest were the main subjects of yesterday's meeting in Neptun-Constantza between the Romanian President Ion Iliescu and his Turk counterpart Suleyman Demirel.The Turk President has been informed regarding the Romanian intention to inaugurate a ferry-boat line between the Contsantza port and Georgian port of Poti, which might become an extension of the currently line Constantza-Samsun, Romanian News Agency Rador reported. "In this way Romanian-Turk relation may become a bridge between Europe, the Near East and Central Asia", Romanian President Ion Iliescu stressed. [22] ROMANIA'S TURKISH ETHNIC MINORITY THE MOST IMPORTANT PILLAR OF THE TWO COUNTRIES FRIENDSHIPPresident Suleyman Demirel and his host, Romanian President Ion Iliescu visited yesterday the Constantza's shipyard and attendend the inauguration ceremony of the "Kemal Ataturk" theological secondary school in Medgidia. Before leaving Turkey, President Demirel underlined the Turkish ethnic minority in Romania was one of the most important pillars of the friendship between the two countries, Romanian News Agency Rador reported.[23] ROMANIAN AND GERMANY SIGNED A CONTRACT ON CARGO SHIPS BUILDINGThe German industrial trust MAN became the customer of the shipyard in Constantza, port on the Romanian Black- Sea coast. The Romanian and German sides signed a contract worth 120 million German marks, on the building of four cargo ships, Romanian News Agency Rador reported. The same contract foresees the German industrial trust to export high performance naval equipment to Romania.[24] IFOR ESTIMATED THREE MILLION LAND MINES ACROSS BOSNIAA shipment of mine detectors is sheduled to arrive in Bosnia on April 22 to help deal with the estimated three million land mines across the country, IFOR officials said. The deadline for all armies to demobilize their reserves, move their regular forces into barracks and store their heavy weapons came into force today. One NATO officer said that is one of the biggest demobilization projects in recent history. IFOR officials told the BBC that they do not expect complete compliance immediately, but feel that all sides are showing good will.[25] ENVER HOXHA'S SON WAS RELEASEDEnver Hoxha's son, Ilir, was released from prison on April 17, local and international media reported. After his release he claimed he wanted to protect his father's memory, who ruled Albania from 1945 to 1985.A "pack of vandals" and "dark forces" Ilir Hoxha said in an interview with the newspaper "Modeste" speaking about the current Albanian leadership. He has been charged in June 1995 for "inciting national hatred and endangering public peace." Enver Hoxha's wife, Nexhmije, was sentenced to imprisonment for abuse of power. On the other side, another ten Socialist candidates in the upcoming elections on 26 May have been banned by a governmental commision for their communist past, "Gazeta Shqiptare" reported yesterday. The total number of candidates exluded following the "verification law" and the " genocide law" is now 63. The ruling Democratic Party argues that both laws are designed to prevent former high communist officials and former secret police spies from getting public office, but the opposition sustains they are designed to weaken the parliamentary opposition. [26] YUGOSLAVIA'S CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR WARNS OF RAPID INFLATIONFederal Republic of Yugoslavia might face again rapid inflation unless the government signs an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Governor of the Yugoslav Central Bank Dragoslav Avramovic warned. He added that if it is to survive until next year, the country urgently needs a $300 million loan, which the IMF was ready to grant. Avramovic said the country's hard currency reserves were dwindling at a rate of $1 million a day to cover the trade deficit and they fell to some $300 million. The negotiation with the IMF broke down because the Yugoslav delegation rejected the IMF' offer to provide credits on the same terms as to other former Yugoslav republics. Avramovic, dismissing the governmental decision, warned that the Central Bank will cut off the credits. He requested an urgent meeting with the presidents of Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montenegro.[27] INVESTIGATION INTO MONEY LAUNDERING IN HUNGARYAn investigation into suspected money laundering activities in Hungary has been ordered by the National Police Headquarters, local media reported."About $100,000 have been recently transferred through U.S., Russian, Latvian and Hungarian banks, by unindentified persons, most probably in order to lose the origin of the sum," colonel Erno Kiss, head of the economic affairs division, told the newspaper "Nepszabadsag". Colombian drug manufacturers recently transferred sums from Columbia to European banks, including two in Hungary. [28] BULGARIAN TSAR ALLOWED TO VISIT HIS COUNTRYFormer Bulgarian Tsar Simeon II will be allowed to visit his country, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry announced. The official communique requested Simeon II to pledge that he "respects the Bulgarian constitution and the results of the 1946 referendum" which abolished the monarchy. "The Government sees Simeon as an unwelcome guest," the Prime Minister Zhan Videnov said. The government has repeatedly called on Simeon to renounce any idea of reclaiming the throne or restoring the monarchy. Simeon has been living in Spain ever since he was forced by the communist leaders to leave the country in 1946, but he has retained his Bulgarian citizenship. He is planning to make a two-week visit in Bulgaria beginning on May 25.[29] BULGARIA TO COOPERATE WITH THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDAVIAThe Premier of Moldavia Andrei Sangheli and a governmental delegation was on a one-day official visit in Sofia on April 17, local media reported. He and his Bulgarian counterpart Zhan Videnov signed on April 17 a consular convention, an agreement on air communications, agreements in tourism and on mutual protection and encouragement of investments.The two prime ministers identified the priorities of the short-term economic relations and discussed about the cooperation in transport, transiting energy and energy sources. 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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