Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-03-17

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, March 17, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] MEETING OF THE PRIME MINISTER WITH THE MINISTERS OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND NATIONAL DEFENCE

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis chaired a meeting this morning in Athens in which participated the leaderships of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and National Defence and their discussions focused on the better coordination of the Greek government moves regarding the handling of the problems in Albania.

After the meeting, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos stated that this afternoon the Crisis Handling Coordinating Body will meet in the Foreign Ministry and will examine ways to support Albania through political, military and police means based on a decision already made by the European Union.

Meanwhile, mr.Pangalos characterized as positive the statement made by Albanian President Sali Berisha that he will resign after the elections, if the Socialist Party is the winner. To the question if the Greek government intends to ask for his resignation, mr.Pangalos responded that the Greek government does not get involved in other countries' internal affairs.

Minister of National Defence Akis Tsochatzopoulos also stressed that Greece is ready for every decision on Albania made by the Western European Union or the OSCE.

Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis will visit the city of Argyrokastro tomorrow where he will meet with representatives of the Greek minority and with leaders of the insurgents.

[02] GREECE'S GOAL REGARDING THE ALBANIAN CRISIS IS TO SAFEGUARD CALM IN THE NEIGHBOURING COUNTRY

The goal of Greece's initiatives, at an international and bilateral level regarding the crisis in Albania, is to safeguard the calm in the neighbouring country as well as the material support of the Albanian people and the holding of free and fair elections, stated Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, who stressed that if the right pre-conditions exist Greece will play a leading role in the effort to safeguard free and fair elections.

The Greek government spokesman pointed out that a common target is the restoration of democracy and the functioning of institutions and added that the government in the neighbouring country must be backed in every way. He also clarified that if the resignation of President Berisha will help toward this direction then Albania will have to face it.

[03] REPPAS: GREECE DOES NOT NEGOTIATE ITS NATIONAL INTERESTS

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas reiterated today that Greece does not negotiate its national interests, responding to a question concerning the meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers in Holland during which was raised and the issue of Turkey's customs union with the EU.

The Greek government spokesman stressed that the EU must advise and urge Turkey to respect the EU principles and added that for Ankara to be a member of the European structures first must accept the July 15 decision on the terms set for the customs union.

[04] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER FEARS THAT CRISIS MAY SPILL OVER TO OTHER REGIONS

Greece's Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos stated that the current crisis in Albania may spread over to other regions and expressed his concern that a wider crisis will erupt in the Balkans if the necessary measures are not drawn timely enough by the international community.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos also pointed out the significant role that Greece must carry out in the region. A.F.

[05] HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS RETURN TO CLASSROOMS AFTER 55-DAY STRIKE

Greece's high school teachers returned to the classrooms today, after 55 days of a consecutive strike they held in protest to the state's economic policy.

The teachers are now to find ways to recover the lost teaching hours.

Their national union OLME plans to hold a three-hour work stoppage on Wednesday and asks that Easter break will not be shortened and the school year will not be extended.

OLME filed an appeal with an Athens court today, contesting the recent judicial ruling that found the teachers' strike as being extortionate and illegal. The lawsuit had been filed by the parents of four high school students. A.F.

[06] PREMIER TO RECEIVE 40 JOURNALISTS OF GREEK ORIGIN FROM 12 COUNTRIES

Forty journalists, all of whom have Greek origin, from 12 different countries and three continents are to meet with the Prime Minister Kostas Simitis today.

The journalists' visits aim at strengthening their ties with the motherland, and at further solidifying the conviction that Greece is a factor of stability in the Balkan region. Moreover, another aim of their visit is to expand Greece's ability to strengthen its positions abroad.

The journalists, men and women, are to be hosted in Greece by the Ministry of Press and Media until March 23.

[07] MACEDONIA-THRACE MINISTER ON BUSINESS COOPERATION IN S.E. EUROPE

The Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos stated today that the government tries to apply an overall policy for the Balkan region and the Black Sea countries, during his address at the Thessaloniki-held conference titled "Greece and the Balkans: Business Cooperation in Southeastern Europe".

The conference will conclude tomorrow with an address to be given by Prime Minister Kostas Simitis. The session was opened by Thessaloniki's Mayor Konstantinos Kosmopoulos who stated that "our relations with the neighboring countries could develop from simple good neighborly ties to relations of equitable, progressive, European states. A.F.

[08] OPTIMISM FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE INVESTMENT CLIMATE IN SOUTH-EASTERN EUROPE

Greek Minister of Development Vaso Papandreou speaking in a business conference in Thessaloniki expressed optimism for the improvement of the investment climate in south-eastern Europe in spite of the existing difficulties.

Ms.Papandreou stated that pessimism does not lead anywhere and underlined that what is necessary is coolheadedness in assessing the existing conditions, programming, planning and effectiveness as well as, a flexible organization that will coordinate the cooperation between the government and private investors for the success of investment activities in Greece and south-eastern Europe.

Public companies and organizations such as, the State Electricity Company, the state oil company and the telecommunications must plan the expansion of their activities in the Balkans, stated the Minister of Development, adding that Greece can and must play an important role both within the framework of the EU and in the mobilization of business activities in the Balkan.

Concerning the initiatives Greece is willing to undertake in the EU, she said that she will suggest that today's Yugoslavia be included in the planning of the Inter-European networks outside the EU countries, in the sectors of transportation, energy and telecommunications. Also, it will be suggested that in the discussions on public sector prospects after the year 1999 the EU will have to readjust its policy toward the Balkan states and increase funding for the creation of networks and the promotion of all kinds of development activities in the region.

Ms.Papandreou stated that for the immediate future Greece's development activities in the Balkans are moving on two levels. The first, concerns the infrastructures which are being strengthened not only through the Egnatia Road network but through the establishment of an Energy Egnatia as well, with the construction of the natural gas pipe-line project. The second level concerns the cooperation of businessmen and the coordination of different activities with the responsible authorities in the Balkan states.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[09] PRESSURE MOUNTS ON BERISHA TO RESIGN

[10] TIRANA IS CALM, POLICE PRESENCE IS STRONG, BUT PEOPLE ARE HUNGRY

The situation in Tirana is calm, with a strong police presence patroling the city's central square, but the hunger felt by the city's residents is quite evident.

Prime Minister Bashkim Fino has ordered that the capital's public offices be re-opened today, while efforts are underway to re-operate the Tirana airport. Nevertheless, diplomatic circles in Tirana told the Macedonian Press Agency that the food shortage is the biggest thorn faced by Mr. Fino's government.

With the relentless looting of the recent weeks, the state's food reserves have literally dwindled down to zero, a situation exacerbated by the closure of the borders since no aid could be accessed to the capital. The only expection was Greece's humanitarian aid mission which was conducted by sea.

Nevertheless, tension in the country's southern region continues while a number of Albanian former army officers and seamen attempted to cross over to Italy.

Representatives from OSCE and the EU are to travel to Tirana today in order to pave the way for a European peacekeeping mission in Albania. This mission will be limited to sending military and defense advisers who will meet with the caretaker government. A.F.

[11] ALBANIA'S SOCIALIST LEADER FATOS NANO SUPPORTS BASHKIM FINO

Albania's Socialist leader Fatos Nano, who was recently freed after having been incarcerated for four years, expressed his support to his country's new premier Bashkim Fino and stressed that if President Sali Berisha would resign, then the crisis tearing his country apart will be alleviated.

Meanwhile, in spite of the mounting pressures, Berisha refuses to leave his post and says that he would do so only if his Democratic Party would lose in early elections.

Mr. Nano, who was officially pardoned by President Berisha yesterday, stated that all efforts must aim at maintaining peace.

"We all support the ecumenical government. We are ready to cooperate with it," the Socialist leader said. A.F.

[12] ALBANIANS CONTINUE TO FLEE THEIR COUNTRY, SEEK REFUGE IN ITALY, GREECE

[13] GREEK EUROMEP PRESENTS REPORT ON HUMAN HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

The European Parliament's plenary session received today the report of Greek europarliamentarian Antonis Trakatellis regarding the protection of human health and the environment from the use of genetically-altered microorganisms.

During his report presentation, Mr. Trakatellis emphasized that the application of genetically-altered microorganisms must be conducted in restricted areas that are constructed in such a way that will minimize the risk of leakage into the environment. A.F.

[14] THE GREEK-CYPRIOT HELD BY THE OCCUPATION REGIME HAS BEEN RELEASED

Greek-Cypriot Savvas Siderenos from the region of Sotira in Cyprus, who was illegally held by the occupation regime of Rauf Denktash since February 21, has been released. Siderenos was arrested in the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus when he drove his car to the region of Achna by mistake.

The Greek-Cypriot, looking visibly tired, did not make any statements and later gave a testimony to the police.

His parents expressed joy for his release and his mother stated that she was able to visit him 15 days and did not see any signs of abuse on him.

[15] CYPRUS' EU ACCESSION NEGOTIATIONS WILL BE MADE WITH ITS LEGAL GOVERNMENT

Cypriot government spokesman Yiannakis Kasoulides characterized as positive the confirmation given by the Council of EU Foreign Ministers that Cyprus' EU accession negotiations will start six months after the Inter-Governmental Conference and that the negotiations will be made with the legal government of the Cypriot Republic.

Mr.Kasoulides stated that Foreign Minister Alekos Michaelides met with his German counterpart Klaus Kinkel and exchanged views on bilateral relations regarding the island's EU accession course.

Responding to a question made by a reporter, the Cypriot government spokesman stated that the proposal made for the participation of the Turkish-Cypriots in the Cypriot Republic delegation is still valid and the government is ready to examine in what way this will be feasible.

[16] THOMAS NILES: BERISHA MUST MAKE HIS DECISIONS NOW

US Ambassador Thomas Niles, who is in Thessaloniki on the occassion of the Conference "Greece and Balkans, Business Cooperation in South-Eastern Europe", stated to MPA that Albanian President Sali Berisha has to make a decision as to whether he will remain in office, adding that he can find a way to play a positive role for the country to overcome the crisis and return to order. He also said that it is up to him to decide how he can best serve the future of Albania by restoring order and overcoming the current crisis.

Referring to the role the international community can play toward this direction, he appeared optimistic and said that it can offer political and then economic assistance. He said that the Albanians first must be encouraged to settle their political problems and restore order and then they can be offered economic and technical support. He said that this is possible even though it is very difficult as hundreds of thousands of Albanians are armed.

To the question if the Albanian crisis affects FYROM, mr.Niles said that the issue is a very sensitive one as FYROM is a neighbouring country with an Albanian-speaking population of 22%. He stressed that for the moment there is calm in the country and expressed the hope that the situation will not worsen.

Finally, comparing the crisis in Albania and Bulgaria he explained that there are quite different. Mr.Niles stated that in Bulgaria there are serious economic difficulties and political changes which are taking place as a result of those economic problems, adding that there is no collapse of public order. He said that in fact, there is a democratic political process going on with the selection of a new President and new elections coming up.

Mr.Niles said that in Albania the public order has collapsed and that in general the situation is close to anarchy. He underlined that in both cases, although quite different, Greece obviously has a big interest as do the United States and other friendly countries, adding that they must work together to help the two Balkan countries.

[17] KINKEL COMMENTS ON ALBANIA AND TURKEY

German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel stated in Bonn that a military intervention would not be a solution to the problem of Albania, under the present circumstances, stressing that first an effort should be made to reach political solutions.

Mr.Kinkel stated that all the EU partners agree that peace in the country must come from the inside, pointing out that the temporary government must make a new political begining.

He said that the OSCE and the EU can help the Albanian people stating that this is already being done, while the EU must be ready to send food to Albania as soon as the airport of Tirana is reopened.

Referring to Turkey, mr.Kinkel reiterated Germany's known position according to which, at this time there is no issue of Turkey becoming an EU member, stating that for the moment the necessary pre-conditions do not exist. He said that Turkey's accession stumbles at its human rights record, the Kurdish issue and its strained relations with Greece, mainly due to the Cyprus issue.

[18] COMMON POLICIES AND INITIATIVES BY GREECE AND TURKEY CAN BECOME AN ELEMENT OF STABILITY IN THE BALKANS

Turkish businessman Osman Kavala stated to MPA that the common political positions and the intiatives undertaken by Greece and Turkey toward the direction of solving the existing problems in the Balkans can become an element of stability in the region.

He said that instability in the Balkans can increase if Turkey and Greece follow different and conflicting policies. Mr.Kavala said that businessmen in Turkey try to convince the Turkish politicians to find common grounds with Greece regarding the Balkan policy and also to hold a dialogue. He said that the Balkan policy followed by the two countries can not be identical, stressing that it is natural for each country to protect its interests but in serious crisis there must be common positions shared by them.

He said that the increase of trade relations will affect policy, stressing that in the case of Albania the discontent of the people, cheated by illegal investment schemes, led to a political crisis and the economic affairs took the shape of a regime crisis. From this point of view, he said, the economic activities will help toward maintaining stability. According to mr.Kavala the crisis in Albania is temporary and will not last a long time, while in Romania and Bulgaria there is no risk for foreign investors.

The Turkish businessman characterized as limited and not adequate the economic relations between Greece and Turkey and added that the two countries, that are the most developed in the Balkans, can achieve a lot if there is a will.

[19] THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR SUGGESTED THE SIGNING OF A FREE TRADE AGREEMENT IN THE BALKANS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BALKAN BANK

Turkish Ambassador Umit Pamir, who is in Thessaloniki to attend the international business conference "Greece and Balkans", suggested the signing of a multilateral free trade agreement which will prepare the Balkan states for their EU membership.

The Turkish diplomat also suggested the establishment of a Balkan Bank which will back the businesses that are active in the Balkan Peninsula. He also added that a large number of projects are ready for construction and will operate as a decisive factor for the creation of strong ties among the Balkan states.

Referring to the crisis in Albania, mr.Pamir stated that the Albanian people must find solidarity in the Balkans, adding that the situation in this country puts the Balkan solidarity to the test and that Turkey is willing to offer every help.

The Turkish Ambassador also referred to the issue of the minorities stating that they should be regarded as "bridges of friendship and cooperation" and that instead of dealing with minorities as being factors of division, they should be regarded as factors of reconciliation that are beyond national borders. He said that in general, Balkan cooperation must not be limited by geographip borders because unity means strength and "we need one another".

The Ambassador of Turkey sent a message of reconciliation and unity that concluded "we should not allow Balkan history to become an achive of crimes and unfortunate moments, because the price will be high and it will be paid very soon".

[20] OSCE WILL NOT ALLOW ALBANIA'S CONFLICT TO SPILL OVER TO FYROM

The Council President of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Neils Helvek Petersen stated that his organization will not allow the Albanian conflict to spill over to FYROM.

Speaking to Australian television, Mr. Petersen stated that if such conflict were to erupt into FYROM then there is a danger of an overall crisis in the Balkans were other countries of the region will become involved.

[21] EURODEPUTY PAULINE GREEN WANTS CYPRUS' UNCONDITIONAL ACCESSION TO EU

Britain's Labour Party eurodeputy Pauline Green arrived in Nicosia today where she reiterated that her party supports Cyprus' unconditional accession to the European Union.

Ms. Green is to participate at the conference of the joint parliamentary committee of Cyprus-EU.

The British Euro-parliamentarian characterized her country's imminent elections as critical and pointed out that their outcome will affect the course of her country's initiatives in regards to the Cyprus issue. A.F.

[22] BULGARIA: FORMER PREMIER JEAN VIDENOV BLAMED FOR WHEAT SHORTAGE

An interrogation process is currently under way in Bulgaria, where officials are trying to discover if the former socialist government is responsible for the vast shortages in their country's wheat reserves.

Among those who are called to give a deposition is Bulgaria's former premier Jean Videnov, who has been forbidden to exit the country for as long as the interrogation period lasts.

The government is accusing the socialists of allowing mass exports of wheat, resulting in today's severe food shortage.

Minister of the Interior Boyomil Bonev accused Mr. Videnov of "criminal inertia". Mr. Videnov denied the blame and characterized it as "cheap sensationalism". A.F.

[23] STUDENTS FROM UNIVERSITY OF SKOPJE CONTINUE HUNGER STRIKE FOR 14TH DAY

The Slav students of the University of Skopje in FYROM continue their hunger strike for a 14th day today, protesting the law that allows for the teaching of the Albanian language in the Education Department of their university.

Since last Friday, the striking students cut off all contact with the outside world and have even refused doctors visits, while other Slav students continue to rally in front of the Parliament without provoking episodes.

The constitutionality of the law that allows for the use of the Albanian language is to be discussed next week in court, following a request filed by the Democratic Party, VMRO-DPMNE and FYROM's Student Association. A.F.

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/