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

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, June 6, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[01] GREEK PREMIER TO ADDRESS EUROPEAN SOCIALIST PARTY CONFERENCE

Greece's Premier Kostas Simitis is to address the European Socialist Party's Conference this evening in Malmoe, Sweden.

Mr. Simitis is expected to point out that the Socialist governments can agree in promoting significant changes in the Maastricht Treaty, during the Intergovernmental Conference to be held in Amsterdam on June 16.

The participants in the European Socialist Party are tackling issues concerning the Intergovernmental Conference and the course of the European Union's member-states towards the revision of the Maastricht Treaty.

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.

[02] PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS MET WITH THE FORMER EU COMMISSION PRESIDENT

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis met in Malmoe, Sweden this morning with former European Commission President Jacques Delors and later this afternoon is scheduled to address the 3rd International Conference of the European Socialist Party.

Their talks focused on the policies for the creation of new jobs and mr.Simitis suggested that mr.Delors' positions should be included in the conference's final text.

Mr.Delors will visit Athens by the end of June to attend an international meeting of Socialists in which will also be present new French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.

Late last night, the Greek Prime Minister had separate meetings with the newly elected Prime Ministers of Britain and France Toni Blair and Lionel Jospin, who in the European Socialists Conference emphasized the social dimension of Europe, while they also spoke of a historical chance for the region.

Earlier, mr.Simitis had presided over a meeting of the Greek delegation during which he speculated that a more flexible interpretation of the Maastricht criteria is not ruled out.

[03] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER: EUROPEAN SOCIALISTS CONFERENCE MARKS A NEW PATH

Greece's Minister of National Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos expressed his certainty today that the Conference of the European Socialist Parties is marking a new path that will carry out a determinative role in the new European developments.

Addressing a round-table discussion in Malmoe, where the Conference is being held, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos added that this new path is to provide answers to issues concerning economic policy, security, stability and cooperation.

Lastly, the Greek Defense Minister emphasized the importance of adopting a specific program of strategic development which should serve as the basis of the European Union's economic policy. A.F.

[04] THESSALONIKI BECOMES EPICENTER OF DEVELOPMENTS

Three of the most significant meetings for the Balkan region will be held in Thessaloniki during the following days.

The Conference of Balkan Foreign Ministers will be held on Monday and Tuesday while at the same time a forum of leading Balkan businessmen who will discuss the region's privatization process will take place.

The initiative for the forum, 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).

Tomorrow, mayors from cities throughout the Balkan countries will attend a Thessaloniki-held seminar which will examine the role of local administration in establishing stability in the region. A.F.

[05] 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 seminar is is essense an extension of the Balkan countries' cooperation, and constitutes an initiative of the Greek local government organization.

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.

Aside from Greece, among the countries that will be represented in tomorrow's event wil be Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, FYROM and Romania.

The Greek side will be represented by the Ministers of Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Alekos Papadopoulos, Transportation Haris Kastanides, Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos, Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos and Culture, Evangelos Venizelos. A.F.

[06] THE MINISTER OF THE AEGEAN ARRIVES IN NEW YORK TODAY

Minister of Aegean ms.Elizabeth Papazoi left for New York today where she will stay until June 10 at the invitation of the Aegean Islands Federation of America and Canada.

Her visit is aimed at the better acquaintance and exchange of views with the Greek-American community, while she will also meet with US business world representatives.

Ms.Papazoi will meet with Archbishop of America, Spyridon on Monday while she will also visit Washington for contacts with Greek-American politicians mr.Bilirakis and mr.Sarbanis as well as with House Representative ms.Maloney. On June 10, she will meet in the US State Department with assistant deputy Secretary of State mr.Adair.

[07] MITSOTAKIS MET WITH TURKISH OPPOSITION LEADER MESUT YILMAZ

Honorary President of Greek main ¦pposition party of New Democracy mr.Konstantinos Mitsotakis met in Ankara with Turkish opposition leader Mesut Yilmaz while later in the afternoon he will meet with Turkish President Suleiman Demirel.

In the meeting mr.Mitsotakis had with the Motherland Party leader was examined the situation in Turkey and the developments in the Cyprus problem after the appointment of Richard Holbrooke to the position of the US special mediator to Cyprus.

Mr.Mitsotakis characterized the move as significant and added that the US official has the capability to promote the talks if Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash does not choose to delay the process.

Regarding the Greek-Turkish relations, mr.Mitsotakis described the committees of experts as a very good start and stressed that the non aggression pact needs time before it is signed.

Mr.Yilmaz pointed out that at this moment the signing of the pact is not advisable as the political instability in Turkey does not allow for decisive decisions.

[08] THE ND PRESIDENT MET WITH EU OFFICIALS IN BRUSSELS

Main Greek opposition party New Democracy President Kostas Karamanlis met with EU officials and members of the European Popular Party in Brussels, while this evening he is scheduled to meet with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg in view of the fact that this country will soon take over the EU Presidency.

Mr.Karamanlis reiterated Greece's pro-european orientation and raised issues concerning the Greek economy's convergence with the economies of the rest EU countries.

In his meetings with the EU Commissioners, mr.Karamanlis raised all the issues of direct Greek interest giving priority to the institutional balance and equality in the Inter- Governmental Conference, the political solidarity clause, the protection of Greece's territorial integrity and the prospects concerning the support of the farmers' income.

[09]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 yesterday.

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.

Mr. Karamanlis is to address today the European People's Party Parliamentary Group plenary session. A.F.

[10] OECD: GREEK ECONOMY IS ON RIGHT TRACK, WILL BE READY FOR EMU IN 2001

The Greek economy is on the right track and could be ready to enter the Economic and Monetary Unon in the year 2000 or 2001, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The OECD's report is expected to be published in early August and the head of the relevant committee stated that "indeed, Greece has drawn restructing measures for its economy."

At a recent discussion held at the OECD headquarters, and attended by a Greek delegation, the international organization's officials stressed that OECD is "especially pleased with the course of Greece's economy." A.F.

[11] THE BRITISH NEWSPAPER "EUROPEAN" PRAISES GREECE'S STATE TELE-COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY

The reliable British newspaper "European" in a correspondence from Athens uses the best possible comments regarding the state Tele-communications Company, OTE, and sees as certain the successful sale of the second package of its shares through London and New York.

The article's writer mr.Paul Anastasi mentions that OTE has made notable steps toward improvement and modernization soon after mr.Petros Lambrou took over as the company's new General Director.

The article makes very favourable comments on the Balkan steps made by OTE mentioning the telecommunications projects underway outside Greece in countries such as Bulgaria, FYROM and Albania as well as in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia, Iran, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

The newspaper also stresses the significance of the underwater fiber optics technology link up of 32 countries from the Black Sea to the Indian Ocean and cites a statement made by mr.Lambrou according to which, OTE aspires to become an international tele-communications center that will link eastern with western Europe as well as the Middle East with north Africa.

[12] GREEK COMPANIES WILL PARTICIPATE IN A TRADE EXHIBITION IN ZAGREB

Greek companies will participate in the consumer goods exhibition "Zagreb International Autumn Fair" that will be held in the Croatian capital on September 15-21.

According to the Greek Organization of Foreign Trade, Greece's presence in the exhibition is imperative both because of last year's successful presence and positive results and because of the success of the recent business and investment mission in Croatia last April.

Croatia's tariff system is gradually harmonized with that of the EU countries and starting in January of 1998 the process is expected to be completed. At the same time, the country's banking system offers the necessary safeguards to local and foreign investors and no distinctions are made regarding taxation.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[13] ROMANIA AND FYROM FMs SPEAK TO MPA ON BALKAN COOPERATION

Speaking to the Macedonian Press Agency in light of the Thessaloniki-held Foreign Ministers Conference, Romania's and FYROM's Foreign Ministers, Messrs. Andrei Severin and Blagoj Handziski respectively, stated that the Meeting should produce the adoption of a plan of action which will aim at securing peace and expediting cooperation among the Balkan countries.

The two officials are expected to submit relevant proposals on achieving such task. A.F.

[14] FYROM'S FOREIGN MINISTER SALUTES THESSALONIKI'S CONFERENCE

FYROM's Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Blagoj Handziski, to represent his country at the upcoming Balkan Foreign Ministers Conference that will be held in Thessaloniki, told the Macedonian Press Agency that his country is to follow the European road to peace and cooperation and conveyed his government's satisfaction for the fact that the region's countries seem to have overcome their obstacles.

In regards to bilateral relaitons betwen Greece and FYROM, Mr. Handziski noted the improvement following the interim agreement and state that he looks forward to greater progress.

In his statement, the first to the Greek media since he was elected to the post of Foreign Minister last May, Mr. Handziski insists on calling his country "Republic of Macedonia."

"It is well known that, not too long ago, the 50th anniversary of the Marshal Plan, implemented in almost all of the West European countries, was marked," Dr. Handziski states.

"The zone of security created over these countries by NATO, established two years later, is going to be extended over some of the remaining countries, of the Euro-Atlantic area, as early as next month.

"Those are the bases upon which the new Euro-Atlantic security architecture is being constructed, as well as the overall political and economic relations.

"The people of Western Europe that have, for decades and centuries, been warring against each other, or creating tensions and conflicts - instead of good neighborly relations, blockades and obstacles - instead of cooperation, have learnt these lessons some fifty years ago and have, ever since, experienced general progress.

"After the pulling down of the Berlin Wall and the advent of the post bi-polar era, the basic pre-conditions for the development of the new democracies in the other countries of Europe, were created.

"A long time has passed since the first implementation of the Marshal Plan and the establishment of NATO, so that, all these new democracies, that were not included in these programs, could start to learn the basic lessons about what is needed and which is the road that needs to be taken in order to achieve the guarantees for their national interests, for building democratic institutions, protection of the basic human rights and freedoms, the rights of the minorities and for the general economic development and progress.

"They have committed themselves to democratizing their societies, to gaining full membership in the collective security and defense systems, to the European option.

"Along that track they come across many problems and difficulties, but, also, still, across obstacles that they themselves create in their mutual relations, looking more to the past rather than to the future, producing, still, distrust - instead of confidence, tensions and conflicts- instead of peace and lasting stability, and cooperation.

"They belong to the group of most ancient people, that have had great civilization achievements over the past, and they have the right but also the responsibility to do all that is necessary to get themselves together in the new united Europe."

Mr. Handziski stresses that the "Republic of Macedonia" has avoided the turmoil of the war on the former Yugoslav territory, and has all along been producing peace, instead of tensions and conflicts.

"It has commited itself to the European option, to equally good cooperation with all of the neighboring countries, the countries of the region and beyond.

"Therefore, we salute all the initiatives, regardless of which country they come from, that contribute to the good neighborly relations, to confidence building, to cooperation security and the lasting stability in the South-Eastern Europe, in which we live.

"Many such initiatives, have already given results, since, some of the countries, participating in the meeting, have signed agreements for overcoming disputes, for developing confidence building measures, for commencing open and sincere cooperation in all the fields.

"That was the case with the Interim Accord signed between the 'Republic of Macedonia' and the Republic of Greece.

"Though some open issues still remain, after the signing of this Accord our relations with the Republic of Greece have improved practically in all the fields.

"Thessaloniki having become the cultural capital of Europe for '97, visiting the Republic of Greece, for the first time, was our Minister of Culture.

"The first visit of a minister of the Greek Government took place during the short stay of my colleague Mr. Pangalos in our state.

"I feel special pleasure, that participating in this meeting, I am visiting Greece, for the first time, in the capacity of a Minister of Foreign Affairs, expecting that we will proceed with such contacts, at numerous levels.

"At the Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of South-Eastern Europe, from all the participants, regardlless of their capacity, and regardlless of which organizations and groups they come from, but above all, from the ministers of foreign affairs, we expect to clearly and decisively underscore their countries' commitment to jointly contribute to achieving these shared strategic goals as soon as possible, which will enable further democratization of our countries, more rapid economic development, open and sincere cooperation, and an open road towards united Europe.

"The Thessaloniki Declaration, that will be adopted at the meeting clearly defines all of these joint efforts.

"But it must not remain only at that declarative level. Rather, it should, as soon as possible, be valorized through practical steps, that will resolve all the outstanding issues that burden us and prevent us to pass that road as quickly as possible, and without major difficulties and obstacles.

"We salute also the holding of the Business Forum, and we believe that the meetings of the business people will prove that, as early as at this meeting, we are starting with the practical steps for the achievement of the basic aims of the Declaration." A.F.

[15] HOLBROOKE RELUCTANT ON THE POTENTIAL OF RESOLVING CYPRUS ISSUE SOON

Richard Holbrooke, the United States Presidential emissary to Cyprus, appears reluctant 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 New York-held direct talks between Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and the Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. He will visit Cyprus after the talks. A.F.

[16] CYPRIOT FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS WITH US CONGRESSMEN, REPRESENTATIVES

Cyprus' Foreign Minister, currently in Washington, has been received by leading members of the US House of Representatives Committee for International Relations and the US Congress' Committee for Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Kasoulides characterized his contacts as very useful and stated that he briefed the US congressmen and representatives on the Cyprus issue.

Today, he is to be received by the assistant Undersecretary of State on policy issues Jan Lodal at the Pentagon. A.F.

[17] BURNS: US DON'T ADVOCATE SOLUTION THAT WILL LEAD TO CYPRUS DIVISION

US State Department spokesperson Nicholas Burns stated today that the Clinton Administration does not support a solution that would lead to Cyprus' division.

"The island has been divided for 23 years and we believe that it should be reunited under a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation," Mr. Burns stated.

Referring to the meeting held yesterday evening between Cypriot Foreign Minister Yiannakis Kassoulides and the US Secretary of State, Mr. Burns said that Madeleine Albright believes that the US can carry out an active role through the appointment of Richard Holbrooke as the US presidential emissary to Cyprus.

Moreover, Mr. Burns added that the Cyprus issue is a convoluted and complex one but he did point out that President Clinton believes that the island's reunion is necessary, while its division is unacceptable.

"The United States are now before an opportunity, especially with the government of Greek Premier Kostas Simitis who is very cooperative, and with the government in Turkey, as well as the positive stance adopted by the island, to carry out a more 'aggressive' role," Mr. Burns emphasized. A.F.

[18] BRITISH ALTERNATE FM: CYPRUS ISSUE IS AMONG OUR GOVERNMENT'S PRIORITIES

Britain's alternate Foreign Minister Doug Henderson has stated that the Cyprus issue is among the priorities of the Labour Party's cabinet, which is supporting the United Nations' efforts for the direct talks which constitute, as he stated, the only avenue for achieving real progress.

The Cyprus issue was discussed during the newly-elected government's first parliamentary assembly. Among other points of view, it was stressed that the island's accession to the European Union should be achieved independently of the problem's resolution while it was pointed out that the EU's trade opportunities will significantly be strengthened through the entrance of the Cypriot fleet since, combined with the Greek fleet, it would become the second largest in the world. A.F.

[19] F.R.Y.: SLOBODAN MILOSEVIC SUBMITS CANDIDACY FOR PRESIDENTIAL POST

Serbia's Socialist Party has offically declared Slobodan Milosevic as its candidate for the presidential post in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

The term of the current President Zoran Lilic is to expire on June 25 and, according to the Yugoslav Constitution, the presidential term is five years.

In order for Milosevic to be elected president of F.R.Y., he must gain the support of the Democratic Party of Socialists, since his Socialist Party, along with the Yugoslav Left, of his wife's Mira Markovic, and the New Democracy Party of Dusan Michailovic does not hold the necessary majority in the Parliament's two houses. A.F.

[20] CONFIDENTIAL EU REPORT LEAVES TURKEY OUTSIDE THE PLANNED ENLARGEMENT

A confidential European Union report leaves Turkey outside the planned enlargement, according to the Turkish newspaper "Gumhurriyet".

The newspaper cites exclusive statements made by a high- ranking official in the EU delegation in Turkey and adds that the report will be submitted to the Council of Foreign Ministers in Brussels just before the EU Summit meeting in Amsterdam.

According to the newspaper, the report even though it stresses that Turkey should eventually become an EU member it does not provide for the establishment of an advisory association mechanism, as in the case of the eastern European countries that are candidates for EU membership.

[21] MEMBERS OF THE "GREY WOLVES" ARE ACCUSED OF THE ATTACK AGAINST BURAK KUT

Fifty eight members and supporters of the Turkish extremist organization "Grey Wolves" will be brought to justice in the Turkish occupied northern Cyprus accused of participating in the attack against Turkish singer Burak Kut that took place as he was travelling from Kerinia to Nicosia before the joint concert with Greek singer Sakis Rouvas.

According to the illegal radio station that operates in the occupied territories, they are accused among others of blocking main road arteries and rioting.

[22] THE TURKISH MAFIA IS BEHIND THE ALBANIAN CRISIS, ACCORDING TO "LA STAMPA"

The Italian newspaper "La Stampa" atributes the uncertainty in Albania partly to the Turkish mafia and to the inability of the state to control mainly the provinces of the south, where armed gungs continue to operate out of control.

The newspaper mentions that the most credible assumption is that concerning the Turkish mafia which in the past two years has managed to enter the country transforming it into a real mediterranean base for the trafficking of drugs coming from Kazakstan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. The upcoming elections caused concern to the Turkish organized crime which fears that it will lose the region's control and therefore is possible that it now plays the distabilisation card to protect its basic interests.

[23] THE D-8 SUMMIT WILL BE HELD IN ISTANBUL ON JUNE 15

The summit meeting of the 8 islamist countries will be held in Istanbul on June 15 with the participation of state leaders and prime ministers.

Turkish President Suleiman Demirel will preside over the summit meeting while the Turkish government will be represented by Prime Minister Erbakan. According to a statement issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the D-8 Foreign Ministers Council will meet one day before the state leaders' meeting and will be presided over by Tansu Ciller.

The D-8 countries are Turkey, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Iran, Malaisia, Egypt, Nigeria and Pakistan.

[24] THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT'S PLENARY SESSION WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 9-13

The situation created just before the opening of the final negotiations concerning the Maastricht Treaty revision will be discussed in the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg on June 9-13.

The Dutch EU Presidency and the European Commission will brief the Euro-Parliament on the Summit meeting in Amsterdam and will be discussed the crucial issues concerning the economic and monetary union after the latest developments and the election results in Britain and France.

[25] ONE-FIFTH OF SERB TELECOMMUNICATIONS SHARES BOUGHT BY GREECE'S OTE

Forty-nine percent of the Serb Telecommunications Organization's shares will be purchased by the Greek Telecommunications Organization (OTE) and Italy's private telecommunications industry STET, as per an agreement to be signed this Sunday among the three countries.

The agreement foresees that STET will purchase 29% of the shares while 20% will be bought by OTE. A.F.

[26] INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BALKAN STABILITY BEGINS IN SOFIA

The situation in the Balkans, as it has been shaped after the signing of the Dayton Agreement, the consequences following the breakup of Yugoslavia, as well as the political and institutional crises that have plagued the Balkan countries, were among the topics discussed today during the opening of the Sofia-held international conference on stability in the Balkans.

Among the organizers are the Council of Europe and the foundation "Free and Democratic Bulgaria" while the participants included various diplomats from the Balkan region and high-ranking officials from Interpol and the Council of Europe. A.F.

[27] CYPRUS WOULD LIKE EU TO BE PRESENT DURING DIRECT TALKS IN NEW YORK

While the Cypriot government is not aware if the European Union has requested to be represented at the direct talks to be held in New York, if Cyprus could have a say in the matter it would wish for such presence, stated today the Cypriot government's spokesperson Manolis Christofides.

Mr. Christofides also reminded that the third parties that are to be present in the talks between Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and the Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash will be allowed to comment during the discussion.

Moreover, the Cypriot government spokesperosn added that other countries which have expressed their interest in the Cyprus matter are France, Britain and Russia which are to be present during the talks as permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. A.F.

[28] CYPRIOT FM IN WASHINGTON: WE WANT TANGIBLE RESULTS FROM DIRECT TALKS

The Cypriot government would like to see "tangible results" arise from the imminent direct talks that will be held in New York between the President of the Republic of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides and the Turksih-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Specifically, during a press conference held today at Washington's International Press Center, the Cypriot Foreign Minister Yiannakis Kasoulides stressed that "the Cypriot government would like to see tangible results in the negotiation process, as soon as possible."

Referring to a potential failure of these talks, Mr. Kasoulides said that the people's disappointment will be extended, and their faith in the negotiation procedures will give an advantage to the hard-liners from both sides.

Mr. Kasoulides called on Turkey's allies and friends to convince Ankara that resolving the Cyprus issue would be to its benefit. A.F.

[29] GREEK-AMERICAN NATIONAL COUNCIL BEGINS 8TH CONFERENCE IN BOSTON

The Greek-American National Council's Eighth Conference got underway in Boston today, where the participants, among them Greek parliamentarians, will aim to achieve a strengthening of the ties between the Greek federations abroad and their support towards Greece's national issues, as well as the lively maintenance of the Greek language and culture.

Among those who are present are PASOK deputy Dimitris Alabanos, New Democracy deputies Yiannis Tzoanos and Stavros Papadopoulos as well as Greece's Consul-General in Boston.

Mr. Alabanos relayed a salutation on behalf of Greece's Premier Kostas Simitis and stated that "the Greek state always stands on the side of the Greeks abroad, the National Council, the Council of Greeks Abroad and all the organizations that hold together a vast Greece."

The conference features the participation of over 60 delegates and a great number of representatives from American and Canadian Greek federations. A.F.

[30] ALBANIA: STRONG EXPLOSION ERUPTS AT SCHOOL IN DURRES, NO VICTIMS

Explosions, threats and bombings are a daily occurence in Albania lately, a mere three weeks before the opening of early elections. This morning, a strong explosion rocked a school in Durress, 35 kilometers east of Tirana, with -luckily- no victims.

According to an Albanian state radio broadcast, following the recent explosion in the center of Tirana anonymous callers had warned of imminent bombings of schools.

As such, many parents have opted to keep their children at home. A.F.

[31] FYROM: PREMIER CERVENKOVSKI CALLS PARTIES TO DIALOGUE OVER ELECTIONS

The Prime Minister of FYROM Branko Cervenkovski has invited the leaders of his country's political parties to a dialogue which will span issues concerning the early elections.

According to FYROM's press reports, Premier Cervenkovski will officiate a meeting on the following Thursday, June 12, where the participants will attempt to assign a date for the early elections and will also discuss the country's election laws. A.F.

[32] FYROM: GOSTIVAR MAYOR DETERMINED TO KEEP ALBANIAN FLAG ON CITY HALL

The Mayor of Gostivar, a city in FYROM, condemned his country's Constitutional Court's ruling, which has forbidden the raising of the Turkish and Albanian flags in the municipalities of Gostivar and Tetovo, as "ungrounded" and "politically malevolent".

Rufi Osmani said that he is determined to keep the Albanian flag outside the City Hall.

The issue is a sore point between the government of FYROM and these two communities.

On May 5, FYROM's Ministry of the Interior had filed suits against the mayors of Tetovo and Gostivar because they, without prior approval, had raised the aforementioned flags in schools, courts and other public buildings in their regions.

However, according to FYROM's legislation whenever an area's minority population surpasses the 20% mark of the overall population the local admistrative bodies can raise that minority's flag. A.F.

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