Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-12-03

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, 3 December 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] AHEPA CONCERNED OVER BOMBING AT ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE

The Greek-American group AHEPA expressed today its deep concern over the bombing at the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in Istanbul.

“We deplore this action against the Patriarchate,” said AHEPA president Steve Manta “and given that this is the third such attack in three years, we insist that the Turkish government take action to insure the safety of the institution of the Patriarch and its personnel.”

Moreover, Mr. Manta, who is currently in Thessaloniki attending the SAE convention, stated that “the Ecumenical Patriarch is the spiritual leader of hundreds of millions of Orthodox around the globe and has direct authority over the two million Greek Orthodox in the United States. This bombing is an attack on the religious freedom of every Greek American.” A.F.

[02] DEFENSE MINISTER EXPRESSES SATISFACTION OVER NATO’S NEW STRUCTURE

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is being transformed from a simple defense organization into a vast institution of security, stability as well as defense capability, stated the Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos, referring to the Alliance’s newly-modified structure.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stressed that this is the first time that Greece’s role in NATO is upgraded, since, after a 20-year period, “we fully and equally participate in its operation, through the creation of a ramified, sub-regional and allied command in Larissa (Greece) which will be equal in rank with those under construction in Madrid (Spain), Verona (Italy) and Izmir (Turkey).

Responding to questions, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos explained that the holding of NATO military exercises over the Aegean Sea and outside Greece’s air space, which will be mainly air exercises and will be jointly conducted by Greece and Turkey, will be mutually planned and coordinated by the participating and directly involved countries-members of the Alliance’s military committee where decisions are drawn unanimously.

“If we ascertain that, through these exercises, there is any whatsoever attempt by Turkey to threaten Greece’s sovereign rights, we reserve the right to veto and cancel the exercise,” Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated.

Furthermore, he added that the same is true for the daily routine flights of Turkish aircraft over the Aegean.

“In other words, Greece can, if it deems it necessary, cancel these flights or block them through a relevant decision drawn by the NATO headquarters in Napoli,” the Greek defense minister added, concluding that Greece has drawn all the measures to protect its sovereign rights. A.F.

[03] DEFENSE MINISTER ON OPPOSITION’S NAGGING OVER NATO NEW STRUCTURE

Greece is not conceding its sovereign rights, stated the Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos in response to the criticism voiced by the country’s opposition parties in regards to NATO’s approved new structure.

The chiefs of the two countries’ general staff agreed to establish two NATO headquarters in Larissa (Greece) and Izmir (Turkey) both of which will be staffed by Greek and Turkish officers. Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stressed that the agreement contains “safety valves”, such as the right to veto, which fully safeguard the country’s sovereign rights. A.F.

[04] REGIONAL SAE CHAPTERS HAMMER OUT ACTION PLANS AND CANDIDACIES

The four regional offices of the Council of Greeks Abroad (SAE), America, Europe, Australia and Asia-Africa, continued their meeting in Thessaloniki today, giving emphasis on their future action plans and focusing on issues concerning the structure and operation of their organizations.

All of the speakers commonly held the view that there is a need to develop a specific strategy for strengthening their Chapters in order to ably support the World Council of Greeks Abroad.

During the course of today’s meeting various resolutions are to be adopted concerning national issues, education of Greeks abroad, youth programs, maintenance and promotion of Greek culture in the countries where the Greek-origin individuals reside, a greater link with the mother land, as well as issues concerning the military draft, taxation and pension.

In turn, the four Chapters will undergo the process of submitting candidacies to the electorate committee for the seats of the Regional presidents and vice-presidents of the World SAE’ Presidium.

Following today’s session. The alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou is to host a formal dinner in honor of the delegates, while the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos is also expected to attend the function. A.F.

[05] MACEDONIA-ORIGIN GREEKS LIVING ABROAD UNITE THROUGH LOCAL PROGRAM

The session of the First Regular Conference of the Council of Greeks Abroad is continuing in Thessaloniki today.

The operation of a new institution that will unite all of the Greeks from Macedonia who have immigrated to other countries was decided upon during the course of the general assembly of the “Macedonian Amphictyony” organization last evening.

The president of the organization Grigoris Hatzisavvas stressed that this program is not to replace any already existing one, but rather will aim at closing the gap that exists in this sector and will aid the local administration in linking the Macedonia-origin Greeks who live abroad with the local community.

“This will be achieved through hosting children of Macedonia- origin Greeks living abroad in Greece during the summer months and will feature Greek-language lessons and tours through archaeological sites,” Mr. Hatzisavvas stated.

Another aim of the Macedonian Amphictyony is to create a “Macedonian Village”, which will host only Macedonia-origin Greeks from abroad. The site of this yet-to-be-built village has not been located yet, but Mr. Hatzisavvas stated that it will have to be a location that can be inhabited throughout the year. A.F.

[06] GREEKS FROM ABROAD CAN NOW ENLIST IN GREECE’S MILITARY ACADEMIES

Greeks who live abroad, as well as children of Greeks who are assigned to posts abroad, will now be able to enlist at Greece’s military and police academies, according to an amendment submitted by the Ministries of National Economy, Education, Defense and Public Order and which was ratified by the Greek Parliament yesterday evening.

Specifically, the percentage of the enlists from abroad will reach the 3% mark of the overall number of new enlists and the selection process will be the same as that applied in the university entrance procedures. A.F.

[07] THESSALONIKI PRESENTS SOPHOCLES’ TRAGEDY “AJAX” IN SKOPJE TONIGHT

Within the context of the “1st Greek Companies’ Exhibition” organized in FYROM by the Thessaloniki-based HELEXPO - International Trade Fair, the National Northern Greece Theater will present Sophocles’ tragedy “Ajax”, tonight at Skopje’s Cedar Theater.

“Ajax” is one of the plays rarely presented in Greece probably due to its unusual structure.

In the middle of the play, the hero commits suicide bearing the cost of his actions upon himself whereas in the second part the conflict between Teucros and Menelaus and Ulysses’ reconciliatory intervention takes place, regarding the deceased man’s burial. Although the time and place of the story are not specified, there are, concurrently, explicit references to the recent history of Greece. As such, emphasis is laid on the transition from the archaic hero and his world to the democracy of Athens in the classic antiquity..

The first version of this “evolving representation” was performed in the ancient theater of Epidavros and in the Forest Theatre of Thessaloniki in the summer of 1996.The comments were intense and contradictory. The new version of the play was specially adapted for a closed area.

The translation of the play is by N. Golemis, direction by B. Papathanasiou, stage-design and costumes by G. Zialas, music by D. Kamarotos. The actors taking part are: Th. Gonis, N. Karathanos, D. Kolovos, D. Martinopoulou, and others. P.D.

[08] UNIVERSITY OF MACEDONIA TO HOLD SEMINAR ON GREEKS OF SOUTH ITALY

Thessaloniki’s University of Macedonia is organizing a seminar titled “The Greek Speaking People of South Italy and Ayvalik”, in cooperation with the cultural association “Makednos”, to be held on Sunday evening at the amphitheater of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki’s Polytechnic School.

The seminar will feature Greek-speaking residents of Saledia and Callabria, and documentaries will also be presented, along with the book of D. Alexandros “The Greeks of Magna Grecia.”

Also, the Turkish journalist Tanjuu Isbeck will speak on the maintenance of the Greek language at Ayvalik.

[09] THE 1998 STATE BUDGET WILL BE DISCUSSED IN PARLIAMENT ON DECEMBER 18

The discussion on the 1998 state budget will open in Parliament on December 18.

Meanwhile, International Monetary Fund specialists are expected to arrive in Athens in the following days and their visit is placed within the framework of the pressures exerted on Greece for the strict implementation of the fiscal policy.

As it was made known, the average inflation in Greece is expected to be 3,7% in 1998.

[10] REPRESENTATION IN SAE IS DOWNGRADED ACCORDING TO GREEK JOURNALISTS FROM ABROAD

The Greek journalists from abroad, who attend the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) assembly meeting in Thessaloniki, issued a resolution in which they protest against the downgraded representation of the Greek mass media operating abroad and the limited attention that was given to the problems they face.

They also express bitterness and disappointment and call for their representation in the conference to be increased and the issues concerning communications and mass media to be discussed in detail in every SAE assembly meeting.

In the same resolution, the members of the Greek mass media abroad request the presence of professional journalists in the communication committees of the regional SAE.

[11] VASO APOSTOLOPOULOU: I AM VERY PROUD FOR BEING HONORED BY SAE

Vaso Apostolopoulou, the young scientist from Australia who a few months ago discovered the vaccine against the breast cancer, stated to MPA that she is very proud for being honored by SAE and stressed that the Greeks living abroad are very far away from home but their hearts beat for Greece.

Regarding the criticism and the comments made by certain Greek scientists on her scientific breakthrough, she said that she was disappointed but she avoided to say more, adding that she did not come to Thessaloniki to speak about her research but in response to the invitation issued by SAE.

Ms.Apostolopoulou expressed the hope that the problems of the Greeks who live abroad will be resolved. She suggested that the teachers, who are without a job in Greece, can be sent to countries with a strong Greek presence where they are greatly needed.

She also said that when she has children of her own she would like them to learn to speak Greek.

[12] THE CANDIDATES FOR THE PRESIDENCIES OF THE FOUR REGIONAL SAE AND THE VICE-PRESIDENCY OF THE WORLD SAE

The returning board, responsible for the procedure that will be followed for the election of the candidates to the positions of the presidents of the four regional Councils of Hellenes Abroad and the vice-presidents of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad, has announced that the candidatures have as follows:

For the SAE in Europe the candidates are: Genndios Tsopozov, Athanasia Siskou and Agathangelos Aslanidis. For the position of the SAE of America president the candidates are: Fotis Kokosoulis, Orestis Varvitsiotis and Christos Tomaras. For the SAE of Australia the candidates are: Konstatinos Vertzagias and Dimitra Egan, while for the position of the SAE of Africa-Asia there is only one candidature, that of Stephanos Tambakis and therefore, he is elected unanimously to the position.

[13] THE GREEK AMERICAN LEADERSHIP REACTED STRONGLY TO THE BOMB ATTACK TARGETING THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE

The Greeks living abroad reacted strongly to the bomb attack against the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul.

In statements they made on the sidelines of the second day of the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) meeting that is being held in Thessaloniki, the presidents of the organizations of Greeks living abroad deplored the terrorist act against the Ecumenical Patriarchate and expressed their support to the Ecumenical Patriarch and the injured priest, who was taken to the American Hospital in Istanbul.

In a resolution issued by the SAE of North and South America is mentioned that the Ecumenical Patriarchate and His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew are making great efforts in support of peace, justice and human rights as well as, for the reconciliation of Greece and Turkey.

In the same resolution it is stressed that this act targeted the greatest religious institution of Orthodoxy and undermined Turkey’s effort to appear as a country that respects equality and the rights of minorities.

SAE president Andrew Athens stated that he will have a telephone communication with the Ecumenical Patriarch and added that actions like the one targeting the Ecumenical Patriarchate can not be tolerated. Mr.Athens also said that his advisers have already had a contact with the White House. He said that responsible for the attack are possibly the Muslim extremists and added that the Greek Americans will appeal to the National Security Council requesting assistance and support for the protection of the Patriarchate. He also stressed that this time, they will call for specific measures to be taken by the US administration for the protection of the Patriarchate.

Responding to a question by MPA, Mr.Athens said that it will be suggested that the new presiding board of SAE should make its first visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate especially after this attack.

To the question if the bomb attack against the Patriarchate is linked with the success of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to the United States, Mr.Athens responded that yesterday it was made known that the Turkish government was probably ready to open the Theology School in Halki and the Muslim extremists are trying to hurt the Patriarchate’s relations with the United States, Greece and Turkey, adding that he expects to hear the position of the Turkish government.

President of SAE of America Christos Tomaras stressed that it was a malicious and ugly act that targets the Christian Orthodox religion and Hellenism. He said that SAE is ready to protest internationally, adding that people should know that such threats will be met with strong reaction.

President of National Greek-American Council Theodoros Spiropoulos deplored the bomb attack and called on the Greek government and the Greek communities abroad to take specific measures for the protection of the Ecumenical Patriarchate which is the symbol of Orthodoxy and Hellenism.

Similar statements were made by many distinguished members of the Greek communities abroad, among them, president of World Coordinating Committee for the Cypriot Struggle Philip Christopher.

[14] PRESIDENT STEPHANOPOULOS WILL OPEN THE SAE PROCEEDINGS

Greek president Kostis Stephanopoulos will open the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) assembly meeting in Thessaloniki tomorrow.

Messages will be sent by prime minister Kostas Simitis and president of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides.

Meanwhile, the discussions on special issues that concern Greeks living abroad continue today. The proceedings of the conference will be completed on Saturday, while the conclusions reached will be presented in a press conference on Sunday.

[15] INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR THE RETURN OF THE PARTHENON MARBLES

Next Friday is declared to be World Parthenon Day, a day of action for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.

The idea of the World Parthenon Day is backed by many Greek and philhellenic organizations among which is included the Association of Greek Students’ Societies in Britain and the British Committee for the restoration of the Parthenon Marbles.

The Association of Greek Students’ Societies will organize a number of events such as, marches in central London streets, written appeals addressed to the British Museum and public discussions on the issue. Among the main speakers will be former Greek government minister Stelios Papathemelis and Mr.Stuard a Channel 4 journalist, who is very aware of the issue of the Parthenon Marbles.

It should be noted, that on December 12 a lecture will be given by British author and article writer Christopher Hichens, titled “The Elgin Marbles, from Acropolis to the British Museum”.

On Friday, December 5 the supporters of the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece can send E-mails or fax addressed to the British culture ministry : enquiries@culture.gov.uk and the British Museum: Ravenscroft@british-museum.ac.uk. Those supporters with an access to Internet can send E-mails directly to the Parthenon Marbles web-site.

[16] WIDELY CONDEMNED THE ATTACK AGAINST THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE

The Greeks living abroad reacted strongly to the bomb attack against the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul. In statements they made on the sidelines of the second day of the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) meeting that is being held in Thessaloniki, the presidents of the organizations of Greeks living abroad deplored the terrorist act against the Ecumenical Patriarchate and expressed their support to the Ecumenical Patriarch and the injured priest, who was taken to the American Hospital in Istanbul. E.K.

[17] OUT OF THE GREEK FOOTBALL CUP HALF OF THE TEAMS OF THE FIRST DIVISION

The third phase of the Greek football cup has been completed with surprises. In the 13 out of 16 second - leg games that were held today for the round of the “32”, nine teams of the A national division were excluded, five out of which by opponents from smaller divisions. E.K.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[18] ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE IN ISTANBUL BOMBED, A PRIEST IS INJURED

The new bomb attack against the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in Istanbul, which occurred last night shortly before midnight and resulted in the serious injury of a priest, has provoked the world’s indignation.

Greece’s General Consul to Istanbul Fotis Xydas told the Macedonian Press Agency that the explosion was caused by a makeshift mechanism and not a hand grenade as was at first reported. Deacon Nectarius was injured by the blast and his condition remains serious. He is currently hospitalized at Istanbul’s American hospital. Extensive damage was caused to the premises, specifically at the Church and the Patriarch’s residence.

Mr. Xydas stated that those who rouse the Turkish people with rumors that Greece supposedly harbors PKK activity are responsible for the attack.

The Turkish police, which arrived at the premises about half an hour after the attack, forbade the television crews from entering the premises, stating that the interrogation process was still underway.

Members of the Patriarchate court stated that in spite of the continuous threats issued from time to time against the patriarchate, the Turkish authorities failed to take any security measures. A.F.

[19] THE UNITED STATES TO EXERT PRESSURES ON ANKARA OVER THE IMIA ISLETS

The United States are determined to exert pressure on Turkey into accepting the Greek proposal for seeking recourse through the International court of Justice at the Hague in regards to the Imia islets, diplomatic circles in Washington report.

According to the reports, the Clinton Administration, which fully supports Turkey’s European orientation and pressures the European Union into allowing Ankara to partake at the European Summit, also backs the Greek government’s condition that its neighbor seek recourse with the International Court over the matter of the rock islets that brought Turkey and Greece on the brink of war two years ago.

Given this information, tomorrow’s meting between the US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and the Turkish Foreign Minister Ismael Cem is of utmost significance since the US official is to stress upon the Turkish FM her country’s support of Ankara’s accession to European structures, while she is also expected to prompt him into accepting a formula that will essentially mean that Turkey accepts Greece’s proposal for seeking recourse through the ICJ.

The same diplomatic circles also mention that the Clinton Administration has arrived at this decision in its effort to achieve Turkey’s participation in the European Summit, while at the same time satisfying Greece’s demand, one which is accepted by all of the EU member-states. A.F.

[20] EU COMMISSIONER INAUGURATES EUROPEAN INSTITUTE IN NICOSIA

The European Union’s Commissioner for Foreign Affairs Hans Van Den Broek joined the Foreign Minister of Cyprus Yiannakis Kasoulides at the inauguration of the island’s European Institute yesterday evening.

In his address, Mr. Van Den Broek stated that this event is taking place at a crucial time in the EU’s relations with Cyprus , given the imminent start of the accession talks.

The Commissioner stressed that the Institute has a singular and strategic mission to achieve in the following months, “in contributing to the preparation of the Cypriot society in light of its accession to the EU.” Moreover, Mr. Van Den Broek stated that the Institute, for which the EU has granted ECU 1.3 million, will service both of the island’s communities and its structure will include distinguished figures from the Turkish-Cypriot community.

In turn, Mr. Kasoulides stressed that the Institute constitutes an achievement for Cyprus, since it falls within its effort to become an active member of the European Community. A.F.

[21] UNESCO’S INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT IN THESSALONIKI

An international conference themed after “The Environment and Society: Education on and Public Awareness for Sustainability” will be organized by UNESCO in Thessaloniki between the 8-12 of December, in cooperation with the Greek government.

The aim of the conference is to emphasize the crucial role of information in achieving sustainability, and to examine the contribution of environmental-issues education, as well as to provide data for the further development of the United Nations’ project committee for the development of sustainability. Among those present at the opening session of the conference will be UNESCO’s General director Federico Major and Greece’s Ministers of Environment, City Planning and Public Works, Kostas Laliotis; Education, Gerasimos Arsenis; and Culture, Evangelos Venizelos.

The Conference is held under the auspices of the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and is supported by the Organization Cultural Capital of Europe Thessaloniki’97, the above-mentioned ministries, and the national committee of UNESCO. A.F.

[22] SIXTY-SEVEN BODIES DISCOVERED IN SIBERIA’S COAL MINE EXPLOSION

The number of victims in the Siberian coal mine explosion has risen to 67, according to the Russian news agency Itar-Tass.

Rescue workers have already drawn 65 bodies while the remaining two are expected to be reached today.

The methane gas blast occurred late Monday night at a pit in the Kemerovo region of central Russia, near the city of Novokuznyetsk .

According to Itar Tass, compensation payments to the families of the victims, along with the cost of the rescue operation, is expected to amount to $1.9 million. A.F.

[23] TURKEY SLAMMED BY AMNESTY INTERN/NAL FOR DIRE HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD

A report recently published by the human rights organization Amnesty International slams Turkey for its human rights violations, which reportedly include executions, torturing of children and illegal incarceration.

The report contains a lengthy reference to the murders of the Greek-Cypriots Tasos Isaac, Solomos Solomou and Petros Kakoulis, as well as of the Turkish-Cypriot journalist Kutlu Adali.

Amnesty International stresses in its report that the practice of torturing children continues in 1997, along with restrictions on freedom of expression which have resulted in the incarceration of 184 intellectuals, unionists and college students.

According to the data provided in the report, during the course of 1997, 25 persons were killed during their hail confinement, while 23 others are missing after their arrest.

Specifically, in Istanbul’s’ Umraniuye prison four persons were killed during police raids, while in the Diyarbair prison ten lost their lives after getting beaten by the prison wardens.

Moreover, the report stated that 2,500 persons were killed during conflict that erupted between Kurdistan’s Labor Party rebels and Turkey’s armed forces, while 32 others remain missing after their arrest.

Also, nine Kurdish-origin soldiers enlisted in the Turkish armed forces have been killed since 1996 during the course of their military service. A.F.

[24] ROMANIA: PREMIER VICTOR CORBEA PROCEEDS TO CABINET RESHUFFLE

Romania’s Prime Minister Victor Corbea proceeded to reshuffle his government cabinet yesterday evening, in an effort to renew the process of economic and social reform in his country.

Heading the ministries of finance and reform at two of Romania’s most distinguished economists, Daniel Dianou and Ilies Serbanescu, while the former Finance Minster Mircea Ciumara was assigned to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Also Mr. Corbea proceeded to the establishment of a Ministry of Privatization which will expedite the process of privatizing the country’s largest industries.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Adrian Severin, who had recently accused opposition party leaders and publishers of espionage, albeit without providing sufficient proof for his allegations, kept his post but under the Premier’s warning that should Mr. Severin make similar unbacked allegations in the future he will be relieved of his duties. A.F.

[25] YOUNG GREEK WOMEN PHOTOGRAPHERS TO BE AWARDED IN STRASBOURG

Three young Greek women photographers, aged 17 and 18, are to be granted honorary awards today for their pictures that were submitted in a photography of cultural monuments international competition that featured the participation of eight European countries.

Along the three Greeks, awards will also be granted to children from Bosnia and Spain who participated in the competition.

A selection of the selected photographs from the participating countries (Greece, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Great Britain and Bosnia Herzegovina) will be unveiled tomorrow during the inauguration of an exhibit at the premises of the Council of Europe building.

The Greek winning photographs feature the exterior of the Kaisariani Monastery.

[26] THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE IS ALARMED BY THE BOMB ATTACK

The Ecumenical Patriarchate is alarmed by the bomb attack that targeted the St.Georgios church in Istanbul. The Turkish authorities have declared the area off limits for the mass media.

A deacon was seriously injured in the attack and was taken to the American hospital of Istanbul.

Greek Consul General to Istanbul Fotis Xidas has blamed all those who ignite the fanaticism of the Turkish public opinion by spreading rumors that Greece allegedly supports the Kurdish PKK party.

According to the Turkish newspaper “Milliyet”, a Muslim extremist organization claimed responsibility for the new bomb attack on the Ecumenical Patriarchate, while the Turkish authorities have not condemned the incident yet.

[27] THE TURKISH AUTHORITIES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INADEQUATE SECURITY MEASURES

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, strongly condemned the attack against the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul and blamed the Turkish authorities for not taking the necessary security measures for its protection.

Mr.Reppas stressed that the Patriarchate, with the hundreds of millions of Christian Orthodox faithful, should have the appropriate protection in order to fulfill its mission.

[28] THE RE-ORGANIZATION OF NATO WAS RATIFIED BY THE MEMBER- STATES’ MINISTERS OF DEFENSE

The NATO ministers of defense ratified in Brussels the alliance’s re-organization which provides for two strategic commands, one in Europe and one in the Atlantic, certain regional commands and four sub-regional commands in Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey.

According to the Greek side, Turkey will not have the operational control in the Aegean, while there will be no joint rule or sharing of any kind. Nevertheless, the military issues will be discussed in the next meetings.

The ratification of NATO’s re-organization was welcomed by Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis but the parties of the opposition warned of an effort aimed at overturning the existing status in the Aegean.

[29] ITALY BACKS CYPRUS’ ACCESSION INTO THE EU

Italian foreign minister Lamberto Dini supports Cyprus’ accession into the European Union, while he expects from Turkey not to raise obstacles to the accession process.

The statement was made by Mr.Dini just before his meeting with his US counterpart Ms.Madeleine Albright at the US State Department.

Mr.Dini concluded that Cyprus is a candidate for EU membership and expressed the certainty that it will have strong backing from all the other members and therefore, Turkey is expected not to raise any obstacles. Mr.Dini also said that Italy supports Turkey’s participation in the European conference.

[30] MILO-HADJINSKI MEETING

The foreign ministers of Albania Mr.Milo and FYROM Mr.Hadjinski meet today for the first time in the Albanian town of Peshkopi.

FYROM’s minister will visit Tirana tomorrow, where he will sign 6 cooperation agreements. Two of those concern the economic sector, while the rest regulate the movement of people and the transport of goods.

[31] TURKEY IS CLOSE TO A NEW POLITICAL CRISIS

Turkey is likely to face a new political crisis after the decision made by the majority of the members of the Turkish National Assembly to accept the discussion of a censure motion table by the opposition against minister of public works Yassar Topsu.

The Turkish National Assembly with 247 votes for and 226 against decided to discuss the censure motion against the minister, who is accused of corruption by the opposition.

[32] PRESIDENT OF THE SERB REPUBLIC OF BOSNIA, B. PLAVSIC, VISITS SARAJEVO

The President of the Serb Republic of Bosnia, Bliana Plavsic, will visit Sarajevo, tomorrow, for the first time since she has left the capital of Bosnia in 1992, according to an announcement made by her political bureau. Ms. Plavsic is expected to meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, Umbert Ventrin, and of Germany, Claus Kinkel, while during her visit she will not deal with the improvement of cooperation of the Bosnianserbs in the state institutions. It is remarkable that when the Serbian President left the capital of Bosnia, she has stated that she will never step “her foot there again, since there is no Serbian left”. E.K.

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