Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-01-07

From: Macedonian Press Agency <mpa@philippos.mpa.gr>

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, January 7, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] CABINET TO CONFER ON THURSDAY OVER NATIONAL ISSUES

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis will chair a Cabinet conference on Thursday which will determine the government's policy over national issues.

Participating in the conference will be Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos who will be accompanied by alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and the deputy Foreign Minister Christos Rozakis, who recently submitted his resignation. Also present will be PASOK eurodeputy Yiannos Kranidiotis who is thought to be the sole contender for Mr. Rozakis' post which will vacated on January 15.

Three issues will be at center-stage of Thursday's discussion. The first will be the Cyprus issue and the policy Greece is to follow henceforth, given the imminent american initiative over the island.

The Premier and the Foreign Ministry leaders will determine the national stance to be adopted, both for a potential inter- community dialogue between Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots. as well as for a dialogue concerning Cyprus' accession to the European Union -talks for which will begin in 1998, six months after the integovernmental conference.

The second major national issue to be discussed will be Greek- Turkish relations and the policy the State is to follow over Ankara's designs in the Aegean.

Thirdly, the Cabinet will finalize the plan to be followed for a renewed Balkan policy so that Greece can carry out a significant role in the region. A.F.

[02] REPPAS: TURKEY'S MOVES ARE AGGRESSIVE

Turkey's actions lead to the conclusion that Ankara seeks to overturn the balance of power in the region, stressed Greek government spokesman Dimitiris Reppas, commenting on the Turkish threats on the occasion of the purchase of the Russian anti- aircraft missile system S-300 by the Cypriot government.

Mr.Reppas described as aggressive Turkey's recent moves and reiterated that the Greek government's positions are known and safeguard the Greek interests and sovereign rights. He also made known that the government through the diplomatic route and with a relevant memo will inform the international community that the Greek and the Cypriot governments function through their choices as factors of peace and security in the region.

To the question if the Russian missiles purchase can complicate the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem, the Greek government spokesman responded that the Cypriot government has the freedom of choice. He said that Cyprus has chosen to strengthen its defence due to the special conditions on the island adding that those who are interested in finding a solution to the Cyprus problem must pressure Turkey into accepting the immediate demilitarization of the island.

Meanwhile, Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos instructed Greece's ambassadors to inform the western governments on Ankara's new provocations on the occasion of the installation of the anti-aircraft system in Cyprus.

In an interview Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos accused Ankara that since 1995 seeks to change the borders in the Aegean and for this reason it is preparing militarily. Mr.Tsohatzopoulos stressed that threats coming from an invasion and occupation force in Cyprus, on behalf of Turkey, mark Turkey's destabilizing and expansionist role in the region and issued a harsh warning to Ankara that any dispute of the Greek sovereignty will not be accepted.

[03] NEW DEMOCRACY LEADER AND CONTENDERS REACH AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE

An agreement in principle was reached today in the meeting held between New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert, the party's leadership contender George Souflias and N.D.'s vice-president Ioannis Varvitsiotis, on the terms of the party's upcoming congress.

Mr. Evert agreed that George Rallis, ex-premier, will serve as the president of the congress' organizing commitee and that the congress' regional members will be elected from the local committees. A.F.

[04] NEW DEMOCRACY LEADER TO BRING FORTH TERMS OF UPCOMING CONGRESS

New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert will meet today with the party's leadership contender George Souflias and with Ioannis Varvitsiotis -the party's vice-president- in order to discuss the terms of N.D.'s upcoming congress.

According to party members, the meeting is bound to be a failure given the intense juxtaposition noted at inner-party circles. A.F.

[05] GREEK JUSTICE MINISTER VISITS GREEK COMMUNITY IN GERMANY'S HATTERSHEIM

Greece's Justice Minister Evangelos Yiannopoulos met with the Greek community in the German city of Hattersheim, where he responded to his audience's questions regarding the voting rights of the European Union's citizens who emigrate to other member- states.

The German press made extensive references to Mr. Yiannopoulos' visit, and wrtote that he spoke clearly on a variety of issues.

According to the German daily "Statt Anzeiger", "Mr. Yiannopoulos accused Turkey of violating human rights, characterisized that country as chauvinistic and called on all of the EU's member-states to show their disdain for (Turkey's) democratic shortages."

Also, Mr. Yiannopoulos called on Germany to repay the Nazi- era compulsory loan, "for the sake of political credibility among friends."

Moreover, the Greek Justice Minister emphasized that the Greek language and culture carry out a significant role in Europe and called on Germany's Greek community not to await for the mother-country to grant them provisions, but rather to take initiatives themselves. A.F.

[06] ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

The Athens Stock Exchange general index closed today at 989.98 points, which is 2.55 percent higher than Friday's 965.39.

Turnover was at GRD 8,699 billion; banks gained 3.61 percent. Insurance firms gained 0.75 percent, while the investment index closed at plus 1.80. the industrial index rose by 2.46 percent, construction firms gained 2.90 percent and participations closed at minus 0.66. The leasing closed at plus 0.63, the Parallel Market at minus 0.66 and the Various Index rose by 0.19 percent. Winners led losers 134 to 69 and 24 shares closed stable. A.F.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[07] NICOSIA REJECTED THE WESTERN STATES' DEMARCHES OVER THE PURCHASE OF THE RUSSIAN MISSILES

The Cypriot government through its spokesman Yiannakis Kasoulides rejected the demarches issued by the United States, Britain and other countries over the purchase of the Russian missiles S-300, while at the same time they were strongly criticized because for years now they have not shown the same sensitivity over the continuing turkish occupation of part of Cyprus.

Mr.Kasoulides reiterated the Cypriot government's firm position that it has the right and the freedom to decide on the better organizing of the country's defence to safeguard the security of the Cypriot hellenism.

Special measures are in effect by the Cypriot National Guard in the area where the S-300 missile system will be installed, while it is regarded as certain that on Thursday's foreign policy government meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, will be discussed and decided the date of Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides' visit to Greece.

Meanwhile, as it was made known from diplomatic circles in Moscow, Russian deputy Foreign Minister, on Balkans and Cyprus, Nikolai Afanasefski will visit Cyprus by the end of the month. According to the same sources, the Russian diplomacy gives special significance to this visit as it seeks to send the message to the rest permanent members of the UN Security Council that any effort or initiative on Cyprus should have as an axis collectivity and the cooperation of all sides which can contribute to a possible solution.

It is regarded as certain, that the Russian official will examine during his visit to Cyprus the possibilities for the materialization of the Russian proposal for an immediate meeting of the five UN Security Council permanent members - including an EU representative - to discuss the existing situation in Cyprus.

[08] LYSSARIDES: WE DEMAND THE BASIC RIGHTS DEMANDED BY ALL PEOPLES

Cypriot Socialist party leader Vasos Lyssarides stated to MPA, commenting on the purchase of the Russian S-300 missiles and the international and Turkish reactions, that the message to Turkey is that the Cypriot people do not threaten anyone but demand the basic rights as any other people.

Mr.Lyssarides clarified that this is clearly a defence system, adding that it would have been naive for anyone to think it will bring about a balance of power between the Cypriot and the Turkish military forces, but he stressed that it gives the opportunity to the people under occupation not to be totally left to the disposal of the conqueror. Turkey, stressed mr.Lyssarides, must realize that the creation of a hot incident and fait accompli on which negotiations will be based, as it was attempted in the case of Imia, will not be tolerated.

Finally, mr.Lyssarides criticized the positions adopted by the big powers and wondered why the United States and Britain make such a fuss now while there was no protest made when Turkey was the one upgrading its military presence.

[09] THERE IS NO REASON FOR THE MILITARY COOPERATION BETWEEN CYPRUS AND RUSSIA TO END

The military cooperation between two sovereign states is a right to which none can be opposed to and therefore, there is no reason for the military cooperation between Cyprus and Russia to end. The above are being mentioned in a statement issued by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the agreement for the selling of S-300 missiles to the Cypriot Republic.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman Genadi Tarasov in the statement issued after the signing of the agreement with Cyprus, mentions that it is out of place for defence weapons to be characterized as offensive and stressed that other countries too have made proposals to Cyprus for such a cooperation.

Mr.Tarasov also added that Russia continues to support a solution to the Cyprus problem that will be reached within the framework of the UN resolutions.

[10] TURKISH PLAN IN REACTION TO THE PURCHASE OF RUSSIAN S-300 MISSILES BY CYPRUS

Turkey is about to implement its own plan in Cyprus after the agreement signed between the Cypriot Republic and the Russian Federation for the purchase of the S-300 missile systems. According to a report published in the Turkish newspaper "Hurriyet", the Turkish plan will be implemented in three stages for the restoration of the balance of power on the island that was overturned with the purchase of the Russian missiles.

Initially, within the framework of this plan, defence in the occupied part of Cyprus will be strengthened with modern Turkish weapons while the military exercises held with the support of the Air Force will be increased. In a second stage, a diplomatic campaign will be launched in the countries capable of selling arms to the Greek-Cypriots in order to stop those transactions and the main target of this campaign will be mainly eastern European countries.

In the third and final stage, there will be an intense diplomatic effort to persuade Russia that the selling of arms will create problems in its relations with Turkey.

[11] ANKARA AND WASHINGTON PROTESTED TO MOSCOW AGAINST THE SELLING OF MISSILES S-300 TO NICOSIA

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Omer Akbel stated yesterday to foreign journalists, commenting on the issue of the Russian S-300 missiles purchased by Cyprus, that if the armaments efforts of the Greek-Cypriots target the Turkish-Cypriots then they are excessive but if they target Turkey then they are very limited. Mr.Akbel added that taking under consideration the reality and what has taken place in the past, the Greek-Cypriot side has to sit in the negotiating table with the Turkish-Cypriots to reach a solution.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that Turkey has issued a demarche to the Russian Federation on the selling of the anti-aircraft missiles. He stressed that the efforts focus on the Russian Federation because the source of the weapons is Moscow but at the same time, all sides are being informed on the risks stemming from the Greek-Cypriot armaments.

According to a report in the Turkish newspaper "Milliyet", Turkish Minister of Defence Turhan Tayan has stated that the Greek- Cypriots with the purchase of the Russian missiles, have turned to their advantage the weapons balance in the region. He also said that the Greek-Cypriots are involved in a futile armaments race which is disproportionate to the region's security needs and takes dangerous dimensions. Mr.Tayan mentions in his statement that Turkey's calmness on the matter should not be misinterpreted into weakness.

Meanwhile, the United States reacted to the signing of the agreement for the purchase of the Russian defence missiles by Cyprus with a harsh statement issued by the State Department. In the statement, the Cypriot government's decision is described as a distabilization element for the island and the region in general that constitutes a step toward the wrong direction. As it is mentioned, Cyprus is already one of the most armed regions in the world, while Turkey keeps a very large military force on the island and both sides are heavily armed.

US State Department spokesman Nikolas Burns stated that it is unacceptable for Russia to sell arms to Cyprus in violation of the UN resolutions, while the efforts for a viable and fair solution to the Cyprus problem continue. Also, he stressed that the United States watch with concern such developments which can take the form of an armaments race.

Responding to a question concerning the US State Department statement, mr.Burns mentioned that the United States have expressed their discontent through the US ambassador to Cyprus in the meeting he had with Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides during the weekend. According to information, President Clerides described the US protest as meaningless.

Mr.Burns avoided to directly respond to the question on the US position regarding mr.Clerides proposal on the demilitarization of Cyprus and on the lack of US pressure on Turkey to accept that proposal, stating that the United States traditionally support the cutting down of armaments in both sides.

[12] THE TURKISH-CYPRIOT PRESS ON THE PURCHASE OF THE RUSSIAN MISSILES BY CYPRUS

Reactions continue from Turkey and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash over the purchase of the Russian S-300 missiles by Cyprus, while the issue was covered extensively by the Turkish- Cypriot press.

Rauf Denktash reiterated his known position that if the Greek- Cypriots continue the same course on the Cyprus problem there will be no solution and at the same time, he said that the Turkish- Cypriot side will make new concessions only if the Greek-Cypriots recognize the rights of the Turkish-Cypriots.

Mr.Denktash stressed that Turkey will not abandon the Turkish- Cypriots and expressed optimism over the signing of the economic cooperation "protocol" between Turkey and the Turkish-Cypriot pseudostate, expected to take place in the next few days, because as he said it constitutes a moving force for positive developments.

Meanwhile, the Turkish-Cypriot press underlines that the purchase of the Russian missiles heightens the tension in Cyprus and speculates that it can lead the island to new trouble.

According to the newspaper "Kipris", Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller has stated that the safety of the Turkish-Cypriots is an affair of honour for Turkey and that the Greek-Cypriot armaments can hurt only the Greek-Cypriots.

The newspaper "Ortam" publishes the statement made by Turkish Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Inal Batu according to which, the Greek-Cypriot side does not constitute a risk for Turkey and is not even considered seriously.

[13] US UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE RECEIVES CYPRIOT AMBASSADOR IN WASHINGTON

United States Undersecretary of State John Kornblum yesterday received the Cypriot Ambassador in Washington, Andros Nikolaides, where the two men discussed Cyprus' purchase of a Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile system.

During his meeting with Mr. Kornblum, who is the State Department's Director of the Office of European and Canadian Affairs, Mr. Nikolaides emphasized Cyprus' rightfulness to defend itself, given the presence of Turkish occupation forces on the island. A.F.

[14] ZIMBAMBWE'S PRESIDENT SUPPORTS CYPRUS IN ITS PLIGHT

The President of Zimbambwe, Robert Mugabe who is currently on an official visit to Cyprus, travelled to the island's demarcation line where he signed the visitors book by writing that "I firmly support the Cypriot people's struggle."

Mr. Mugabe, accompanied by a large delegation, also noted that "the division among the peoples is turned into hate. Let the people of Cypurs decide for themselves what road they want to follow."

The Zimbambwan President is to meet with Archbishop Chrysostomos and the President of the Cypriot Parliament Spyros Kyprianou. He will also meet with political party leaders. A.F.

[15] DENMARK'S FOREIGN MINISTER SUES TURKEY FOR TORTURE OF A KURDISH-DANE

Denmark's Foreign Minister Niels Petersen is to file a lawsuit with the European Court of Human Rights against Turkey over the torture of a Danish citizen who is of Kurdish origin.

According to turkish daily "Milliyet", Mr. Petersen's lawsuit -to be filed tomorrow- is an unprecedented act since it marks the first time one country sues another over an individual.

Mr. Petersen stated that "the trial, which is an unusual legal step, should not obstruct the furtherance of economic and political relations between Turkey and Denmark", albeit he added that "if Turjey decides to hinder (these relations) that is a matter of her concern." A.F.

[16] BULGARIA: SOCIALIST PARTY PROPOSES INTERIOR MINISTER DOBREV FOR PREMIER

Bulgaria's Minister of the Interior, Nikolai Dobrev is the most likely contender to replace the recently-resigned Premier Zhan Videnov, following the Socialist Party's consensus vote to support his candidature.

According to the Socialist Party's new President, Georgi Parvanov, the Party's Highest Council will not hold an extraordinary meeting on the matter and the Executive Buraeu is to present Dobrev's nomination to the allies of the current sociallist coalition.

As such, the Executive Bureau has bypassed the obstacles it would have met at the Highest Council whose majority members are Videnov's supporters. A.F.

[17] RUSSIAN CONSUL-GENERAL IN THESSALONIKI SPEAKS ON CYPRUS ISSUE

Russia's first Consul-General to Thessaloniki Oleg Voronkov stated today that Cyprus is an independent state and Russia will continue to support, as it has in the past, the island's territorial integrity.

Mr. Voronkov met with Thessaloniki's Mayor Konstantinos Kosmopoulos today and the two men discussed Cyprus' recent purchase of a Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile system.

In turn, Mr. Kosmopoulos stated that Cyprus is located at a critical gegraphical area and pointed out that countries are free to discover ways to defend their territorial integrity. Moreover, the Mayor added that Cyprus' purchase from Russia foresees the maintenance of the island's territorial integrity and the protection of peace.

Regarding the establishment of a Russian Consulate in Thessaloniki, Mr. Voronkov stated that it is excellent that the Russian diplomatic mission is established in Thessaloniki and he emphasized that he will exert every effort to further promote relations between the two peoples on all areas. A.F.

[18] MONTENEGRO THREATENS WITH DEPARTURE FROM F.R.Y'S PARLIAMENT

The President of Montenegro's Parliament, Svetozar Marovic, stated today that his state will withdraw its depuries from the federal Yugoslav Republic's Parliament, if the currently-brewing political crisis is not immediately resolved through a legal and democratic means.

In a radio interview, Mr.Marovic stated that the crisis in Serbia has catastrophic dimensions since the country is increasingly alienated from the international community and this will bear direct consequences upon Montenegro.

Moreover, Mr. Marovic stated that Serb President Slobodan Milosevic bears responsibility for the crisis, "as well as the ghost-organization of his wife, who indiscreetly interjects in the country's political arena."

Lastly, Mr. Marovic issued an appeal to the Serb authorities that they must accept the recent findings reached by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe regarding the results of November 17's local elections where the opposition had prevailed. He said that for as long as this recognition is delayed, the country will further roll downwards, both politically and economically. A.F.

[19] ALBANIA: SALI BERISHA TO REDUCE FATOS NANO'S SENTENCE

Albanian President Sali Berisha will reduce the sentence imposed on the Socialist Party's imprisoned leader Fatos Nano.

In additon to Mr.Nano, whose remaining sentence stands at 18 months, Mr. Berisha granted a pardon to two Albanians who had been sentenced to jail for attempting to re-establish a communist party in Albania.

The Albanian President also reduced the sentence of the Labor Party's political buraeu former member Lenka Kouko to five years from fifteen. A.F.

[20] RALLIES AGAINST MILOSEVIC CONTINUE AT F.R.Y.

Supporters of the Federal Yugoslav Republic's main opposition, the tri-partite coalition "Zajedno", will proceed undaunted with their rallies in the streets of Belgrade today, as a sign of protest to the government's decision to annul the results of the November 17 local elections in those municipalities where the opposition had prevailed.

"Zajedno" will distribute thousands of leaflets to the protesters, listing the telephone numbers of Serbia's ministries and public service offices, inviting them to flood the phone lines.

Yesterday, representatives of university student bodies met with the F.R.Y.'s minister of the interior wherein they asked him to withdraw the police forces from the central streets of Belgrade which obstruct the students from conducting their rallies.

The minister responded that it is the state's duty to guard and police public order and rejected the university students request. A.F.

[21] KOZLODUI'S NUCLEAR REACTOR TO OPERATE AGAIN IN MID-JANUARY

The first reactor of Bulgaria's nuclear power station in Kozlodui is set to operate again on January 15.

The reactor will have a capacity of 440 megawatt. Experts from the International Organization for Atomic Energy are currently at the plant's site in order to supervise the reactor's power supply. A.F.

[22] FYROM CHEMICAL PLANT SUBJECT TO SANCTIONS FOR POLLUTING AXIOS RIVER

A chemical waste plant in FYROM's city of Velles, "MXK- Zletovo" is to be subjected to severe sanctions by the Ministry of Urban Planning and Environment, for causing extensive ecological pollution to the Axios River. The pollution was brought about by leakage of sulphuric acid. Thousands of poisoned fish were washed ashore on the river on Christmas eve. A.F.

[23] F.R.Y. : COURTS TO ISSUE RULINGS ON LOCAL ELECTIONS RESULTS

The Federal Yugoslav Republic's regional Electorate Committee is expected to issue its final ruling tomorrow regarding the ratification of the November 17 local elections in those municipalities where the opposition had prevailed.

This ruling follows the relevant desicion issued by the Serbian Highest Court which accepted the country's tri-partite main opposition coalition "Zajedno" and grants the opposition 36 seats against the ruling party's 34.

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