Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-06-05

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, June 5, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[01] SIMITIS PARTICIPATES IN THE EUROPEAN SOCIALIST PARTY CONFERENCE

The European Socialist Party Conference opens in Malmoe, Sweden today to deal with the EU Summit meeting in Amsterdam and with problems concerning the European economic and monetary union.

In the conference participates Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis who yesterday met with his Swedish counterpart and presented to him Greece's firm positions regarding the Aegean and the Cyprus issue.

[02] THE TWO-DAY MEETING OF THE BALKAN FOREIGN MINISTERS IN THESSALONIKI IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE

Political analysts see the two-day Balkan Foreign Ministers' meeting that will be opened in Thessaloniki next Monday, as an event of great importance for peace and security in south-eastern Europe.

In the meeting will participate, apart from the Foreign Ministers of the seven Balkan countries, delegations from at least 20 states and international organizations. The Greek delegation will be headed by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

[03] GREECE SEES HOLBROOKE APPOINTMENT TO CYPRUS IN A POSITIVE LIGHT

Greek government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas referred today to the appointment of Richard Holbrooke as the United States special envoy to Cyprus and stated that Greece welcomes the appointment since the specific official "has greater political weight" that any other envoy who had dealt with the Cyprus issue.

Mr. Holbrooke, the US State Department's former Undersecretary of State for European Affairs, s the "architect" of the Bosnian peace deal.

"Mr. Holbrooke's appointment clearly indicates the strong interest expressed by the United States in undertaking an initiative on the Cyprus problem, which the former Undersecretary of State can discuss in an effective manner." A.F.

[04] ECUMENICAL HELLENISM PROGRAM TO BE PRESENTED MONDAY IN THESSALONIKI

The program "Ecumenical Hellenism" will begin on Monday in Thessaloniki, under the initiative of the Greek National Line and the foundation of National and Religious Concern which aim at promoting and presenting the country's naitonal issues and history throughout the world.

According to the president of the Greek National Line Stavros Panousopoulos, the program consists of two axes: First, to distribute, free of charge, the book "Macedonia" in the English language throughout foreign universities and institutes, to the US Congress and House of Representatives and museums and libraries in the United States, Canada and Britain.

Second, to organize a series of events and seminars whose topic will be the Greek culture, orthodoxy and traditional Greek music.

The "Ecumenical Hellenism" program is to also be performed in New York, Boston, Washington, Philadelphia, Detroit, Montreal, Toronto, Chicago and London.

The program is held under the auspice of the President of the Hellenic Republic and is supported by the Municipalities of Athens, Thessaloniki and Kalamaria, as well as various other authorities. A.F.

[05] A GREEK PARLIAMENT DELEGATION IS VISITING ALGERIA

A Greek Parliament delegation, headed by governing party of PASOK deputy and President of the Parliamentary Group for the Greek-Arab friendship mr.Giorgos Kirkos, is in the capital Algiers to observe the Parliamentary elections that are being held in Algeria today.

The delegation will visit polling stations and will observe the vote counting process.

[06] MAIN OPPOSITION PARTY LEADER'S FIRST APPEARANCE BEFORE EUROPEAN FORUM

Greece's main opposition party New Democracy is determined to support the country's efforts in fulfiling the Maastricht's criteria, stated New Democracy's President Kostas Karamanlis during his address before the Parliamentary Group of the European People's Party in Brussels.

Mr. Karamanlis, this being his first speech outside of Greece as party leader, asked the European Union to safeguard Greece's borders and added that Greece has a unisom voice throughout the world. A.F.

[07] BALKAN BUSINESSMEN TO MEET IN THESSALONIKI, WILL DISCUSS PRIVATIZATION

Leading businessmen from the Balkan countries will discuss the region's privatization process during a meeting to be held in Thessaloniki next week on the sidelines of the Balkan Foreign Ministers Conference.

The initiative for the discussion, where the sectors of energy, telecommunications, transportation, banking and industry will be represented, has been taken by the Greek Foreign Ministry, with the organizational support of the Association of Northern Greece's Industries (SVVE). A.F.

[08] THESSALONIKI TO HOST SEMINAR ON BALKAN REGION'S LOCAL ADMINISTRATION

The role of local administration as a factor of stability in the greater Balkan region will be the topic of a seminar to be held in Thessaloniki this Saturday, June 7.

The various issues will range from developing cooperation among the European Union's various sectors and the Balkans as a way to further strengthen cooperation between European committees and the Balkan countries, as well as the cultural exchanges between the local administration organizations of the Balkans. A.F.

[09] WEU APPROVES GREECE'S PARTICIPATION IN EUROFOR AND EUROMAFOR

The Western European Union has approved Greece's bid for participating in the multinational land forces (Eurofor) and the naval forces (Euromafor), formed by the European Union's southern European member-states.

The WEU's plenary session has passed an amendment wherein it allows Greece to participate, along with Italy, France, Portugal and Spain, in the programs which aim at creating emergency task forces for situations that are beyond NATO's scope. A.F.

[10] INFLATION DROPS TO 5.4 IN MAY

The State's inflation dropped to 5.4 percent in May, a .5 frop from the previous month's 5.9 rate, according to the Naitonal Statistics Service.

The consumer price index rose by .4 percent in May, compared to a .8 percent increase from May 1996.

The fall is attributed to seasonal factors such as the removal of heating oil from the index due to the onset of the summer season and also to the price increases of seasonal fruit. A.F.

[11] GREECE'S CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS WILL NOW SERVE A "SOCIAL" DRAFT

The Greek Parliament today approved a law on alternative military service, with 130 votes in favor, 81 against.

The new law, in reality an already-existing article of the National Defense Ministry's resolution on military service, foresees alternative "social" service for the country's conscientious objectors, in other words those who don't want to serve in the military due to their moral or religious beliefs. A.F.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[12] EUROPEAN SOCIALIST PARTY OPENS 3D SESSION TODAY IN SWEDEN

The European Socialist Party opened its Third Session in Malmoe, Sweden this evening, where the participants are to tackle issues concerning the Intergovernmental Conference and the course of the European Union's member-states towards the revision of the Maastricht Treaty.

Greece's Premier Kostas Simitis is participating in the session, with his address to be heard tomorrow evening.

This evening, the Greek Premier was received by the Swedish Monarch Charles Gustav and had successive meetings with Sweden's Federation of Greek Associations and the parliamentarian of the Socialdemocratic Party Nikos Papadopoulos.

Meanwhile, in an effort to assess the situation as it stands prior to the final negotiation of the Maastricht Treaty's revision, the European Parliament's plenary session will convene in Strasbourg on June 11, to be officiated by the Dutch-held EU Presidium and the European Commission.

Shadowed by the overall concerns brought on by the dispute between the German government and the Federal Central Bank of Germany as well as the outcome of France's elections, the Parlianent will examine last year's annual report of the European Monetary Foundation as well as a series of other reports that concern the process of the Economic and Monetary Union. A.F.

[13] EUROPARLIAMENT CONDEMNS TURKEY FOR VIOLATING RIGHTS OF GREEK- CYPRIOTS

The recently-announced resolution on behalf of the European Parliament wherein the House condemns the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot side for violating the rights of the Greek-Cypriots who are living in Cyprus' occupied part was hailed by Greece today.

Greek government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas stated today that "this resolution shows that there are international bodies which are strict and render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's."

Moreover, Mr. Reppas added that the European Parliament proved that is is a body that respects individual rights and freedoms and stated that the Greek government "would like to see stronger intervention on behalf of the European Parliament in the operation of the European Union." A.F.

[14] HOLBROOKE IS GUARDED ON THE POTENTIAL OF RESOLVING CYPRUS ISSUE SOON

Richard Holbrooke, the United States Presidential special envoy for Cyprus appeared guarded today when asked to assess the potential of resolving the Cyprus issue soon.

Speaking to Reuters, Mr. Holbrooke said that he doesn't want to give the impression that the United States are holding the "magic ball".

"Given the political situation in Turkey, I can't see what we can achieve. However, the Turkish have stated that the American involvement is desired and as such we'll put forth our best efforts," Mr. Holbrooke said.

Moreover, the US diplomat will not attend the NewYork-held direct talks between Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and the Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. He will visit Cyprus after the talks. A.F.

[15] CYPRUS SALUTES RICHARD HOLBROOKE'S APPOINTMENT

The government of the Republic of Cyprus saluted today the United States' appointment of Richard Holbrooke as the special envoy to the island.

Government spokesperson Manolis Christofides stated that "taking into consideration the numerous American assurances for an active, substantial and dynamic presence in the direct talks and complete support for the task of the United Nations, we are satisfied with Mr. Holbrooke's appointment."

Moreover, Mr. Christofides added that "we are looking forward to a fair solution for the Cyprus problem, which will be in accordance with the resolutions and the principles that both the UN and the US are committed to serving." A.F.

[16] SECURITY COUNCIL MEMBERS TO ATTEND DIRECT TALKS ON CYPRUS ISSUE

Cypriot government spokesperson Manolis Christofides stated today that all of the Security Council's member-countries will attend the direct talks to be held in New York between Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Moreover, Mr. Christofides emphasized that, aside from the US officials, also present at the negotiation table will be French, Russian and British representatives.

China, a country that has expressed its interest in the Cyprus issue, has yet to announce its representative. A.F.

[17] THE SOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS PROBLEM WILL BE AT THE CENTER OF THE TALKS IN WASHINGTON

The solution of the Cyprus problem will be at the center of the talks Cypriot Foreign Minister Yiannakis Kasoulides will have in Washington with US Secretary of State ms.Albright.

In statements he made to MPA, mr.Kasoulides welcomed the US decision for the appointment of a special envoy to Cyprus.

[18] RICHARD HOLBROOKE IS THE US ENVOY TO CYPRUS

US State Department spokesman Nicolas Burns announced the appointment of Richard Holbrooke to the position of the US President special envoy to Cyprus.

Mr.Burns stated that mr.Holbrooke's appointment shows the interest of the United States and President Clinton in the efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem and also that Washington fully supports the efforts made by UN Secretary General to reach a solution to the problem.

[19] ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AGAINST BERISHA IS VIEWED SCEPTICALLY

Last night's assassination attempt against Albanian President Sali Berisha, during one of his pre-election campaign rallies, has raised many question marks amid political circles in Tirana, a mere three weeks before the country's elections.

President Berisha was addressing a crowd of supporters when a young man threw a grenade at him. The culprit was arrested by the President's bodyguards but now some are analyzing the event as being -perhaps- a provocation that aims at increasing the President's appeal. A.F.

[20] ITALY APPOINTS NEW AMBASSADOR, THE THIRD ONE, TO TIRANA

Italy has appointed a new ambassador to Albania, the 56-year- old Marcello Spatafora, who up to now had served as Ambassador to Australia.

Rome has yet to anounce if Mr.Spatafora will be assigned to his post prior to or after Albania's June 29 elections, although, according to reports, the Italian government would like the assignment to be expeditious.

Mr. Spatasfora is succeeding Paolo Foresti who was re- assigned to the post after having been replaced by Alfrenzo di Camerana. Mr. di Camerana submitted his resignation last Sunday. A.F.

[21] ALBANIA: SOCIALISTS, SOCIAL DEMOCRATS AGREE TO COOPERATE IN ELECTIONS

Albania's Socialists and Social Democrats have signed an agreement to cooperate during the pre-election period of June 29's early elections.

The two party leaders stated that the agreement was necessitated by the "political, economic and social crisis which has been brought on to the country by the government of the Democratic Party, the amassing and mismanagement of power by Sali Berisha as well as the violation of the basic freedoms and human rights in Albania."

Through this cooperaiton, the two parties are aiming at presenting an alternative option for the counTry's future. A.F.

[22] RAUF DENKASH WANTS CYPRIOT PRESIDENT TO GO TO NEW YORK ALONE

Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash stated today that there would be no meaning if he and Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides travelled to New York for the direct talks if Mr. Clerides is accompanied by political party leaders and journalists.

Mr. Denktash said that the talks will be of an advisory nature and, as such, it is his view that political party leaders should not attend. A.F.

[23] EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT TO MEET FIVE DAYS PRIOR TO IGC

In order to assess the situation as it stands prior to the final negotiation of the Masstricht Treaty's revision, the European Parliament's plenary session will convene on June 11, to be officiated by the Dutch-held EU Presidium and the European Commission.

Shadowed by the overall concerns brought on by the dispute between the German government and the Federal Central Bank of Germany as well as the outcome of France's elections, the Parlianent will examine the annual report of the European Monetary Foundation for 1996 as well as a series of other reports that concern the process of the Economic and Monetary Union.

The Session is to be held in Strasbourg on June 11. A.F.

[24] BULGARIA ON THE BRINK OF PRIVATIZATION, BALKAN AIRLINES TO BE SOLD FOR $1

Bulgaria's government is to announce within the following days the privatizations that it will proceed to by the end of the year, according to government reports.

As a matter of fact, the country's national airline "Balkan" is also subject to privatization, having already amassed 15 bids, while the Ministry of Transportaiton today announced the company's clean-up process.

Yesterday, Finance Minister Alexander Bozkov did not rule out the possibility that the airline may be sold for one dollar. A.F.

[25] BULGARIAN DELEGATION TO BE PRESENT AT THESSALONIKI'S FM CONFERENCE

Bulgaria's delegation that will participate in Monday's Balkan Foreign Ministers Conference is to be composed of Foreign Minister Nadezda Mihailova who will be accompanied by the director of the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry's department of Southeastern Europe Teodor Rusinov.

Mr. Rusinov will arrive in Thessaloniki on Saturday in order to represent Bulgaria at the meeting of the political directors of the ministries which is to draw the final touches for the meeting.

Also participating in the Bulgarian delegation will be personnel from Thessaloniki's Bulgarian General Consulate. A.F.

[26] ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AGAINST BERISHA

An assassination attempt against Albanian President Sali Berisha was made last night in the town of Rashbuli near Durres during a pre-election campaign rally.

According to the state television, the attack occured while President Berisha was speaking to a crowd of his supporters when an individual threw a grenade against him. The attacker was unsuccessful in his attempt and was arrested by the President's personal guard.

[27] THE NEW FRENCH GOVERNMENT IS SWORN-IN TODAY

The new French government will be sworn-in today. The names of the cabinet members were announced yesterday by Socialist Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.

As it was expected, the communists got two government ministries while the Greens got the Ministry of the Environment. The new government is small in size and flexible and among its members are many women.

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