Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-03-18

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From: The Macedonian Press Agency at http://www.mpa.gr and http://www.hri.org/MPA.

Last Update: 22:43 GMT+2

SECTIONS

[A] GREECE

[B] BALKANS

[C] EUROPE

[D] WORLD

NEWS HEADLINES

[A] GREECE

[B] BALKANS

[C] EUROPE

[D] WORLD

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] GREECE

[01] PREMIER TO ADDRESS THESSALONIKI'S GREECE-BALKANS BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Web Posted: 16:04 GMT+2

Thessaloniki, March 18 (MPA)

The Premier is expected to refer to the latest developments in Albania and the greater Balkan region. Addressing the conference this morning were the Greek and Cypriot Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Msgrs. Theodoros Pangalos and Alekos Michaelides respectively.

A.F.

[02] PREMIER MEETS WITH MAIN OPOSITION PARTY LEADER, DISCUSSES ALBANIAN CRISIS

Web Posted: 16:04 GMT+2

Athens, March 18 (MPA)

The two men discussed the Albanian crisis and agreed on the ways that Greece should deal with the neighboring country's problems.

Following the half-hour meeting, Mr. Evert stated that he and the Premier exchanged views on the next moves Greece is to make.

"There was a coincidence of views on the ways that Greece should face the crisis in Albania, within the framework of the European Union and the international community, from here on," Mr. Evert stated.

A.F.

[03] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER ADDRESSES THESSALONIKI'S CONFERENCE

Web Posted: 16:04 GMT+2

Thessaloniki, March 18 (MPA)

Addressing the Thessaloniki-held business conference of joint ventures in southeastern Europe, Mr. Pangalos further stated that such dialogue will lead to a worsening turn in the relationsd of the two countries.

Referring to Turkey, Mr. Pangalos stressed that this country should resort to the International Court of Justice at The Hague if it deems that the international accords are not applied properly.

Moreover, Mr. Pangalos stated that all those who maintain that Turkey does not have the cultural standards to enter the European Union are wrong.

"We cannot become allienated because of the political conjuncture, but we must try to live with Turkey," the Foreign Minister said.

Turkey, Mr. Pangalos said, has to choose among two paths: "One is the European opportunity and the other is that of domination. There is no room for domination in Europe and if Turkey handles correctly the necessary prerequisites for the European opportunity, then the Greek-Turkish differences will be automatically resolved."

As for Cyprus, Mr. Pagnalos said that if the experiment of a federated country with a Turkish minority proves successful it will be the only in the world that will feature the co-existence of Islam and Europe.

Referring to Albania, Mr. Pangalos expressed his concern and pointed out that nothing rules out the possibility of similar developments in other Balkan countries.

In closing, though, the Greek Foreign Minister expressed his optimism that the current problems in the Balkans will be overcome and said that the Balkan opportunity for Greece is equal to the European one for the next decade.

A.F.

[04] NATIONAL ECONOMY MINISTER ADDRESSES THESSALONIKI'S CONFERENCE

Web Posted: 16:04 GMT+2

Thessaloniki, March 18 (MPA)

Moreover, the Minister stated that the Greek government will try to place this initiative within the framework of a wider European or international financial assistance plan.

"Establishing conditions of steady progress in the Balkans requires a long- term strategy that aims at strengthening a mutual-benefit cooperation," stated Mr. Papantoniou.

Prior to his address, the Greek Minister told journalists that the Balkan structure will not collapse, albeit he added that there is indeed a significant crisis which must be addressed through carefull planning.

"Beyond the short-term hurdles, we must look at the Greek venture presence on a long-term basis and make some significant choices in regards to the presence of Greece's public agencies, such as the State Electricity Company, the State Telecommunications Company, etc.," Mr. Papantoniou said.

Lastly, Mr. Papantoniou stated that if Albania's banking system is not reformed and its currency is not granted a basic value, then the country will not be salvaged.

A.F.

[05] GREECE'S FOREIGN MINISTER ADDRESSES THESSALONIKI'S CONFERENCE

Web Posted: 19:48 GMT+2

Thessaloniki, March 18 (MPA)

Addressing the Thessaloniki-held business conference of joint ventures in southeastern Europe, Mr. Pangalos further stated that such dialogue will lead to a worsening turn in the relations of the two countries.

Referring to Turkey, Mr. Pangalos stressed that this country should resort to the International Court of Justice at The Hague if it deems that the international accords are not applied properly.

Moreover, Mr. Pangalos stated that all those who maintain that Turkey does not have the cultural standards to enter the European Union are wrong.

"We cannot become allienated because of the political conjuncture, but we must try to live with Turkey," the Foreign Minister said.

"You are aware," Mr. Pangalos continued, "that there was a lively discussion held in Holland recently concerning Turkey. The statement issued by the Christian-Democrat leaders and the statements that followed implied that Turkey does not feature the cultural standards necessary to enter the EU.

"We consider this statement as being wholly unacceptable. The co-existence of Greeks and Turks during a long period in history, even in a ruler- servant relationship, shaped mutual cultural references, a common lifestyle. Even today we must find a way to work together and cooperate.

"If somenone starts distinguishing what is European and what isn't, then Europe cannot get ahead. If one adopts the view that the Moslems are not Europeans, there will be others who will support that the Orthodox are not European, the Jews are not European, the leftists, the rightists are not European. That's Fascism. The mentality of alienation does not benefit neither me, nor the political formation to which I belong," the Greek Foreign Minister said.

Turkey, Mr. Pangalos said, has to choose among two paths: "One is the European opportunity and the other is that of domination. There is no room for domination in Europe and if Turkey handles correctly the necessary prerequisites for the European opportunity, then the Greek-Turkish differences will be automatically resolved."

Responding to a question posed by a Turkish businessman, who asked why Greece does not agree to a dialogue over the Greek-Turkish differences, Mr. Pangalos stated that there must be certain prerequisites for such a dialogue, which today are non-existent given Ankara's territorial claims, and called on Ankara to resort to the International Court of Justice at the Hague if it insists that it is right.

As for Cyprus, Mr. Pangalos said that if the experiment of a federated country with a Turkish minority proves successful it will be the only in the world that will feature the co-existence of Islam and Europe.

Referring to Albania, Mr. Pangalos expressed his concern and pointed out that nothing rules out the possibility of similar developments in other Balkan countries.

In closing, though, the Greek Foreign Minister expressed his optimism that the current problems in the Balkans will be overcome and said that the Balkan opportunity for Greece is equal to the European one for the next decade.

A.F.

[06] GREECE'S POLICY IS TO HANDLE THE CRISIS THROUGH POLITICAL AND PEACEFUL MEANS

Web Posted: 20:52 GMT+2

Athens 18 March (MPA)

The Prime Minister stated that this is the most effective way to protect the Greek minority and added that Greece has decided a specific policy in relation to Albania namely, to handle the crisis through political and peaceful means in cooperation with the Albanian government and the political forces in the country as well as, through international initiatives within the framework of the EU and the OSCE.

In conclusion, mr.Simitis stated that toward this direction should turn, too, the contacts made by all the Greek political parties.

[07] THE ISRAELI AMBASSADOR TO ATHENS SUPPORTS THE EXTRADITION OF WAR CRIMINALS AND BELIEVES THAT ALOIS BRUNNER WILL BE EXTRADITED

Web Posted: 20:52 GMT+2

Thessaloniki 18 March (MPA)

The Israeli Ambassador met with the Minister of Macedonia-Thrace and the mayor of Thessaloniki as well as with the President of the Jewish community in Thessaloniki and among others they discussed the issue of the new Holocaust Memorial which will be inaugurated in the following months and the formal ceremony will be attended by the Israeli Prime Minister.

[08] PREMIER ADDRESSES THESSALONIKI'S BUSINESS CONFERENCE

Web Posted: 22:43 GMT+2

Thessaloniki, March 18 (MPA)

Mr. Simitis referred to the recent developments occuring in Albania as well as the greater Balkan region, stating that these events displayed the need for a more substantive and inclusive policy on behalf of the European organization for the Balkans. The Premier also outlined Greece's initiatives drawn in the region, both in the economic and the military sectors, for the long-range address of problems faced by the Balkan countries.

"Heightened mobilization is being developed at all fronts in relations with Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and Slovenia, all within the framework of accords, which are developing satisfactorily," Mr. Premier stated, adding that the situations in Albania, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Bosnia- Herzegovina and FYROM necessitate the further development of ties.

The Greek Premier stressed that the mutually-held European orientation by the region's countries and their business cooperation constitute the most productive ways to achieve a process of development and market economy.

Lastly, Mr. Simitis illustrated the comparable advantages Greece provides to foreign investors, given its stable institutional and social frameworks, its open market, strong economy and its membership to the European Union.

[B] BALKANS

[09] SOUTH ALBANIA'S LEADERS ASK BERISHA TO RESIGN WITHIN THREE DAYS

Web Posted: 16:04 GMT+2

Tirana, March 18 (MPA)

If Mr. Berisha does not resign until then, they warn that southern Albania's armed civilians will advance towards Tirana and will attack the presidential mansion.

However, the Albanian President is determined to hold on to his post, at least until June's elections. Yesterday he met with European Union offcials to whom he issued an appeal that they send humanitarian aid to his country.

The recently-released Socialist leader Fatos Nano also asked Greece to provide help to Albania and pled the Albanian people not to leave the country.

A.F.

[10] GREEK UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS IN ARGYROCASTRO TODAY

Web Posted: 16:04 GMT+2

Athens, March 18 (MPA)

This morning, Mr. Kraniditis met at the Pentagon with Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos and the two men discussed the crisis in Albania and NATO's expansion.

Following the meeting, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos confirmed that Albania's Defense Minister has requested aid from Greece and Italy in order to reconstruct the Albanian army once order is restored in his country.

Moreover, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stressed that Greece is ready to participate in the multinational force to be assigned in Albania, whichever force this may be.

A.F.

[11] FYROM IN TURMOIL OVER "TAT" BANK

Web Posted: 16:04 GMT+2

Skopje, March 18 (MPA)

Residents in the city of Monastery who had deposited their money in the bank that obviously used the pyramidal scheme of savings, held a protest rally demanding that their money is returned to them and that the government resign.

"TAT''s Bank officaos are charged with embezzlement.

A.F.

[12] GREECE IS STUDING THE ALBANIAN REQUEST TO UNDERTAKE THE ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTRY'S ARMY

Web Posted: 20:52 GMT+2

Athens 18 March (MPA)

The above were stated by Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, who also stressed, that Greece will make a formal move on the issue if the Albanian government makes its request in writing and the existing conditions are examined.

[13] THE SITUATION IS CALM AT THE FYROM-ALBANIAN BORDERS

Web Posted: 20:52 GMT+2

Skopje 18 March (MPA)

According to FYROM's border authorities, no movement of Albanian citizens is being observed around the border check-points since yesterday, while the situation is calm along the border line and no incidents of illegal border crossings by Albanians

[14] FYROM'S MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT: WE HAVE A RIGHT TO USE OUR CONSTITUTIONAL NAME "REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA"

Web Posted: 20:52 GMT+2

Thessaloniki 18 March (MPA)

FYROM's minister, who is in Thessaloniki for the conference "Greece and the Balkans - Business Cooperation in south-eastern Europe" stresssed that he sees no quick settlement to the problem of the name and added that the issue will be resolved only through international mediation.

The promotion of political relations, according to mr.Bedzeti, will depend on the strengthening of the economic relations between the two countries and the increase of investments and for this reason, Greece and FYROM must improve their economic relations to recah the level observed in 1989.

Referring to his country's economic situation and especially to the scandal of the collapse of TAT, the largest private bank in the country, the minister stressed that FYROM's government managed to achieve the inflation rate's stabilization and the increase of production, adding that under no circumstances will allow the collapse of this private bank to bring the country back to 1993 when inflation was at a record high, reaching 1923%.

He attributed the TAT's collapse to bad management and stressed that the scandal that led to its collapse can not be compared with the scandal created by the illegal investment schemes in Albania.

Commenting on the unsettled situation in Albania and the likelihood of the crisis to spread in Kosovo and FYROM, mr.Bedzeti underlined that the unrest in Albania stems from the people's discontent toward the economic programme followed by President Berisha and therefore, it can not be expected that this discontent will spread, specifically to Kosovo, where the problem is limited to ethnic relations.

[15] RUSSIAN SPECIALISTS WILL VISIT CYPRUS TO EXAMINE ISSUES OF ECONOMIC COOPERATION

Web Posted: 20:52 GMT+2

Nicosia 18 March (MPA)

Mr.Roskov stated that with mr.Clerides they discussed issues concerning the very good economic relations between the two countries and referred to the rapid development of Moscow, while he called on Cyprus' businessmen to invest in the Russian market.

[16] A GREEK EURO-DEPUTY ASKED THE EU TO SEND HUMANITARIAN AID TO SOUTH ALBANIA

Web Posted: 20:52 GMT+2

Brussels 18 March (MPA)

In her letter, ms.Lambraki mentions that there is total shortage of food and medicine in the south Albanian cities and assures the EU Commissioner that if the humanitarian aid is decided, the necessary safety conditions will be created in order for the aid to reach its destination.

[17] EVIDENCE PROVING VIDENOV'S GUILT WAS PRESENTED TO BULGARIA'S ATTORNEY GENERAL

Web Posted: 20:52 GMT+2

Sofia 18 March (MPA)

The government accuses the Socialists of allowing mass exports of grain that resulted in the serious shortage of bread faced by the country today.

Yesterday, the Ministry of the Interior announced that a preliminary examination has been ordered to determine if there is responsibility among the members of the former Socialist government. Among those who will be called to testify will be former Prime Minister Jan Videnov and as it was announced, he is not allowed to leave the country for as long as the inquiry lasts.

The Minister of the Interior accused Videnov of "criminal inaction" stating that he ignored the proposals made by the Ministry of Agriculture to ban the grain exports because he wanted to favour companies belonging to friends of his.

[18] 500 GREEK AND ITALIAN POLICEMEN ASSIGNED TO ALBANIA

Web Posted: 22:43 GMT+2

Athens, March 18 (MPA)

Moreover, the Albanian government requested Greece's assistance in re- organizing its army. While peace and order are slowly being restored in Tirana and the rest of northern Albania, the armed civilians in the country's southern section are insistant on their demand that President Sali Berisha resign within the next two days.

[19] THE EU IS SUPPORTIVE OF BULGARIA'S REFORM PROCESS

Web Posted: 22:43 GMT+2

Sofia, March 18 (MPA)

[20] U.S. AMBASSADOR: US, EU HAVE ERRED AT TIMES, REGARDING S.E. EUROPE

Web Posted: 22:43 GMT+2

Thessaloniki, March 18 (MPA)

Mr. Niles stated that both his country and the European Union failed to support as much as they should have the Southeastern European countries.

"We could not have foreseen the developments in Albania, but we certainly could have forecast the economic crisis in Bulgaria," Mr. Niles conceded.

Moreover, the U.S. diplomat stated that state funds do not suffice for the reformation of the former Eastern-bloc countries, and something analogous to the Marshal Plan cannot be enforced in this region where the private industry sector is called to carry the weight.

[21] GREEK FIRMS SUBMIT BIDS FOR BULGARIA'S OIL AND NATURAL GAS PIPELINES

Web Posted: 22:43 GMT+2

Sofia, March 18 (MPA)

According to a Sofia daily, the Ministry's program for the projects is to be unveiled during the following ten days, along with the bidding contest's terms.

[22] EU'S DUTCH OFFICIAL: CYPRUS ACCESSION TO EU WILL PROMOTE SOLUTION

Web Posted: 22:43 GMT+2

Nicosia, March 18 (MPA)

The EU official added that the community's role should be based on Cyprus' accession and serves as a catalyst to solving the Cyprus issue.

However, the EU official added, the Community is concerned over the stability maintained by the countries that wish to gain accession. As such, he added, "the EU has a legitimate interest in regards to the form of the solution sought for the Cyprus issue, given that such solution must fall within the boundaries of its vested interests."

[23] CONFERENCE "BUSINESSS COOPERATION IN SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE" CONTINUES

Web Posted: 22:43 GMT+2

Thessaloniki, March 18 (MPA)

Divided into themes, the conference tackled issues such as the accession of the Balkan-region's countries to the European Union, the region's productivity in the sectors of tourism, transportation and environment as well as the mammoth-size chapter of investments.

The deputy Director-General of the European Commission's General Administration IA Vaso Ramos addressed the audience and emphasized that the southeastern European countries should first provide help to one another and then the EU will give them its support. However, the Commission's official emphasized that each country-candidate shall be dealt with differently, "depending on whether or not the specific country was involved in the Bosnian crisis."

Also addressing today's conference was the Greek Parliament's second vice- president Panayotis Sgourides who challenged the EU to overcome its domestic hurdles while paving the way for its accession to the neighboring eastern region.

[C] EUROPE

[24] CYPRUS' EU ACCESSION TO BE DISCUSSED AT JOINT PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE

Web Posted: 16:04 GMT+2

Nicosia, March 18 (MPA)

The committee will also address the living conditions of those who are in the occupied territory while a European Parliament officials delegation will visit the occupied territory.

A.F.

[25] MICHAELIDES: THE ROLE OF THE EU CAN NOT BE WASTED IN WATCHING THE PROBLEMS OF THE WIDER REGION FROM A DISTANCE

Web Posted: 20:52 GMT+2

Thessaloniki 18 March (MPA)

The Cypriot Foreign Minister underlined the need to intensify the efforts that must be made by the EU for the safeguarding of political stability and security. According to mr.Michaelides, the EU in view of its enlargement, gives a great importance to economic issues not accompanied by a a respective interest toward the political issues.

Mr.Michaelides referred to the emphasis given lately to the upgrading of the EU's relations with Turkey. He said that this is the inalienable right of the EU member-states, stating that past experience must be evaluated before strategic decisions are made.

He said that from time to time, a gesture is made toward Turkey but the commitments undertaken by this country are forgoten because they were not clear. Regardless of how Cyprus sees the problem it should be examined in what way the specific tactic has helped toward the solution of wider problems and Turkey itself, said mr.Michaelides. The Cypriot Foreign Minister stated that the tactic that is being underway and is aimed at helping Turkey, is wrong. He said that if the EU wants to help it must adopt two-way programmes based on which Turkey will have to give something in return for what it gets.

On the issue of Cyprus' accession into the EU, mr.Michaelides stated that the government does everything necessary so that when Cyprus becomes a member-state will be absolutely equal with the rest of its partners. He said that already the country's economy is close to the Maastricht criteria to a satisfactory degree, adding that Cyprus has the ambition to become EU's bridge to the Middle East.

Mr.Michaelides stated that the Cypriot government is satisfied with the interest shown by the international community toward the solution of the problem but added that more decisiveness is needed, as the interest is good but not enough.

The Cypriot government appears to agree with the establishment of a federal government and according to mr.Michaelides, there is no specific obstacle to this procedure that could be based to the fact that there Muslims and Christians on the island. He said that this is confirmed by the fact that the two villages in the region of Paphos where Turkish-Cypriots live continue to be named Agios Georgios and Agios Yiannis inspite of the fact that their residents many times had the opportunity to change them.

Mr.Michaelides concluded that the residents of the other side of the island are not less Cypriots than himself and as he said, themselves too have paid the last 23 years with great hardships.

[26] THE SECI'S NEXT GOAL IS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL THAT WILL FUNCTION AS A BALKAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Web Posted: 20:52 GMT+2

Thessaloniki 18 March (MPA)

The Council will be under private leadership and its task will be to offer advice concerning the handling of problems faced by the private business sector in the under development Balkan states and to suggest the best possible solutions.

The above were mentioned by Richard Schifter of the US National Security Council, and special assistant to the US President, who is in Thessaloniki to attend the business conference taking place in the city. He also expressed the hope that this Council, in combination with the gradual improvement of the climate in the private sector of those countries, will encourage more businesses to invest in the region.

Regarding the SECI initiative, the US adviser stressed that is not a programme offering support to the countries favoured by its implementation but rather it is an opportunity offered to those countries to help themselves. Mr.Schifter stated that the SECI leaves the details and the decisions concerning the implementation of the programme to the countries of the region and at the same time, offers them technical advice and assistance.

[27] SOONER OR LATER THE GREEK-CYPRIOT SIDE WILL HAVE DIRECT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE EU

Web Posted: 20:52 GMT+2

Nicosia 18 March (MPA)

Commenting on the statement made by EU representative to Cyprus Kester Hislip according to which, the UN Secretary-General is determined to start direct negotiations before the end of June, mr.Kasoulides expressed the hope that this kind of negotiations will prepare the ground for a direct negotiation between President Clerides and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Referring to the moratorium on military flights over Cyprus, he stated that in the near future no military exercises have been planned to take place with the participation of the Greek Air Force.

Responding to the question if the Cypriot government is aware of a US initiative in the region, mr.Kasoulides stated that the United States will be involved in the efforts but he does not know when this will happen.

[28] CYPRUS' ACCESSION NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE EU WILL BEGIN AS SCHEDULED

Web Posted: 20:52 GMT+2

Nicosia 18 March (MPA)

He added that it would had been more preferable if there was progress in the Cyprus issue before the opening of the accession negotiations and added that the concern expressed by the Turkish-Cypriots regarding Cyprus' accession into the EU is totally groundless.

Referring to the face-to-face talks, characterized them as exploratory and stressed that if they are successful will open the way for direct talks before the end of June.

[29] THE EU WILL SUPPORT BULGARIA IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ECONOMIC REFORMS

Web Posted: 20:52 GMT+2

Sofia 18 March (MPA)

Mr.Van Den Broek stressed that the European Commission has undertaken the task to mobilize international financial and credit organizations as well as, EU countries to back the reforms and to lessen the economic burden felt mainly by the economically weak classes of society. He also gave the assurance that a significant part of this support will come from the European Union itself.

[D] WORLD

[30] GREEK PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT RECEIVES UKRANIAN DELEGATION

Web Posted: 22:43 GMT+2

Athens, March 18 (MPA)

Mr. Kaklamanis assured his hosts that the Greek government's policy is focused on peace, stability and development of good ties among the region's countries.

On behalf of the delegation, Mr. Gennadity Vasylyev stressed his country's concerns over international conflicts and especially the Albanian crisis and emphasized his country's positive stance on the Cyprus issue and its will to contribute to the efforts to resolve the problem.

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