Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 98-03-04

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, 4 March, 1998

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL COMMEMORATES DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

The President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos has inaugurated an Amnesty International campaign in Greece commemorating the 50th anniversary of the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The event, held at the presidential mansion was also attended by the Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, main opposition New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and other political leaders.

In his address, the President said the existence of democratic rights was not a guarantee of human rights.

"There are states which are not democratic, and there are states which despite having secured an electoral process as a means for the expression of popular sovereignty have no respect for human rights whatsoever.

"There are also states which are really democratic, which are only interested in human rights domestically, and are indifferent to what goes on around them. They may be interested more in the free flow of oil or other serious matters," Mr. President stated.

Mr. Stephanopoulos expressed his satisfaction over the fact that "in Greece, we can be easily compared to any other civilised nation in Europe with respect to human rights, without this meaning that we have reached ideal situations".

[02] THESSALONIKI TO HOST GREEK MEDICAL SOCIETY ON OBESITY

The Greek Medical Society on Obesity is to hold a conference in Thessaloniki next week where the participants will be briefed on the latest developments and statistics on the subject.

According to the latest studies, one in four Greeks is considered to be overweight and up to 40 percent Greeks want to lose weight. Experts have stated that obesity is an illness which increases morbidity and decreases the life span and is rarely treated as a whole, leading sufferers open to exploitation.

Fad diets and short-term miracle weight-loss programs without the appropriate psychological support, they state, exacerbate problems and side-effects such as heart disease, respiratory difficulties and psychological problems.

The Thessaloniki conference will be open to the public.

[03] LOCAL COMMUNITY’S D.A. OFFICE TO MEET OVER RADAR INSTALLATION

Local officials from the communities of Perea, Trilofo, Plagiari, Nei Epivates and Agia Triada are to meet with civil aviation authority representatives at the office of Thessaloniki’s district Attorney where they will discuss the issue of installing a radar system at Thessaloniki’s “Macedonia” airport.

Yesterday, Perea residents blocked the installation of the radar. The residents are citing concerns over the possible effects of radiation emitted by the radar equipment and have already appealed to the Council of State, proposing an alternative radio- link between the airport’s control tower and the Hortiati military radar station, adding that the municipality would meet the costs.

The Civil Aviation Service, however, has refused to discuss any alternative. Its deputy director George Souladakis has stressed that the installation of the radar must go ahead at all costs.

Meanwhile, Greek euro-deputy Alekos Alavanos has tabled a question with the European Parliament wherein he points out that Greece is the only member-state of the community that does not participate in the EU committee for the security of flights from third countries.

[04] ARCHBISHOP SERAPHIM’S STATE OF HEALTH IS MARKED BY IMPROVEMENT

Archbishop of Athens and All of Greece, Seraphim, is in a better state of health, according to his treating physicians at Athens’ Laiko Hospital, where he is being treated since last Tuesday.

According to the medical reports, the Archbishop is to remain in the hospital until his therapy is completed. His physicians have also stated that his brain and liver are responding well to the chemotherapy he is undergoing. The Archbishop was hospitalised with a viral infection and respiratory problems, was marking a "slow but steady improvement" and was "responding to treatment.”

The Archbishop, a long-time kidney sufferer, will undergo scheduled dialysis treatment today.

[05] PRESIDENT OF PARLIAMENT RECEIVES ALGERIAN AMBASSADOR

The President of the Hellenic Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis received Algerian ambassador to Athens Kamel Houhou yesterday.

Mr. Kaklamanis expressed Greece's concern for the return of order and peace to the North African country and told Mr. Houhou that the sooner Algeria exits the current turmoil it faces, allowing democracy to function without the fear of religious 'fundamentalism,' the sooner Europe will change its attitude" toward the country.

In turn, Mr. Houhou said that the decision of his government and the Algerian people is to end terrorism within the framework of law and democratic procedures.

[06] PRESIDENT OF PARLIAMENT RECEIVES TURKISH AMBASSADOR

The President of the Hellenic Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis received the Turkish Ambassador to Athens Ali Tuygan today.

In statements he made after his meeting with the Turkish diplomat, Mr. Kaklamanis said that he pointed out the tension maintained by the Turkish side, which upkeeps the climate of aggression and threat.

Meanwhile, the European Commission published today a report which calls for the provision of funds to Turkey, sans conditions.

[07] GREENGROCER ARRESTED FOR SMUGGLING 70 ASIAN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

A 39-year-old Greek greengrocer has been arrested for attempting to smuggle 70 Asian illegal immigrants into the country.

Evangelos Patsiouras was located in the early morning hours at the border region of Evros where border police discovered 70 persons who were crammed in his truck. According to the suspect, he was to receive a million-drachma bounty for transporting the illegal immigrants.

[08] KYSEA RE-APPOINTS TOP MILITARY LEADERS

The Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA) has re-appointed Gen. Athanasios Tzoganis as the National Defence General Staff Chief; Lt. Gen. Manousos Paragioudakis as Army General Staff Chief; Rear Adm. Georgios Ioannidis as Navy General Staff Chief and Lt. Gen. Georgios Antonetsis Air Force General Staff Chief.

Rear Adm. Nikolaos Katsaros was appointed fleet commander.

[09] DEPUTY FM MEETS WITH US AMBASSADOR TO ATHENS

The situation in Kossovo was at the center of talks held today between the deputy Foreign Affairs Minister George Papandreou and the united States Ambassador in Athens Nicholas Burns.

Mr. Papandreou told reporters that he briefed the American diplomat on the Greek initiatives concerning the situation and the Foreign Minister ‘s imminent visit to Belgrade.

Moreover, Mr. Papandreou stressed the significance granted by Greece to peace and stability on the region, since, as he stated, a negative development could affect the region as a whole.

[10] OVER TWO TONNES OF HASHISH SEIZED AT GREEK-ALBANIAN BORDER

A group of armed Albanians attempted to smuggle two tonnes and 170 kilos of hashish into Greece, which they abandoned as soon as they detected the Greek border patrol.

The drugs were packaged in plastic bags that had been loaded onto donkeys and horses. The Greek border patrolmen seized the hashish.

[11] GREEK SHARES RISE BY 1.32% IN STOCK MARKET

The General Price Index presented an increase of 1.32% at the Athens Stock Exchange today.

Meanwhile, Athens’ Chamber of Commerce and industry has forwarded a memorandum to the Minister of National Economy and Finance Yiannos Papantoniou wherein it protests the high compound interest rates against the drachma.

The Chamber asks for restructural changes, expedition of the privatization process and support of the small businesses.

[12] INFLATION DROPPED TO 4.2% IN FEBRUARY, ACCORDING TO ASSESSMENTS

The inflation rate is expected to show a drop to 4.2% when last’s months data are out, a slight decrease when compared to January’s 4.4 percent, according to assessments made by banking officials.

Meanwhile, Athens’ Chamber of Commerce and industry has forwarded a memorandum to the Minister of National Economy and Finance Yiannos Papantoniou wherein it protests the high compound interest rates against the drachma.

The Chamber asks for restructural changes, expedition of the privatization process and support of the small businesses.

[13] D. REPPAS: GREEK-FYROM RELATIONS ARE GOOD

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, responding to the question whether the government is considering to adopt a more flexible position concerning the Skopje issue so as to be able to cope with the eventuality of a deterioration of the situation in Kosovo, expressed his belief that FYROM can not deny forever to contribute to a solution regarding the issue of the name of this country.

Mr Reppas stressed that the fact that current relations with FYROM were good was a sign of the flexible and wise policy Greece followed.

[14] THE FOOTBALL CLUB OWNERS’ LEAGUE THREATENS TO STOP THE CHAMPIONSHIP

The Football Club Owners’ League administration threatens to stop the Football Championship if their requests about a 50% (from 8% to 12%) raise of their commission of the sports lottery and their participation in football bets are rejected.

The board of trustees decided in a plenary session to ask to meet with the Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and the Minister of Culture Evangelos Venizelos.

However in case the government turns the dialogue down, the Football Club Owners will proceed to a temporary pause of the championship.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[15] GREECE CALLS FOR SOLUTION TO KOSSOVO THROUGH DIALOGUE

The Greek government has expressed its concern over the current situation in Kossovo, reiterating the need to find a solution to the problem through dialogue. Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stated yesterday that Prime Minister Kostas Simitis had telephone conversations with his Albanian counterpart Fatos Nano on the issue, while Foreign Under- secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis had a meeting yesterday with the Yugoslav embassy's charge d'affaires. Moreover, Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos is to visit Belgrade at the end of this week.

Mr. Reppas added that Greece was ready to offer its good services.

[16] FOREIGN UNDERSECRETARY KRANIDIOTIS MEETS WITH VAN DEN BROEK

Greece’s Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis met with the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Commissioner Hans van den Broek in Brussels yesterday evening, where the two men discussed matters related to Cyprus and the island’s accession to the community.

Mr. Van den Broek, who is to arrive in Cyprus today, stated that the refusal of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to see him was “regrettable” and expressed the hope he will change his position soon.

Mesgrs. van den Broek and Kranidiotis also discussed the issue of the Turkish-0cyrpiots’ participation in the delegation that is to appear before the EU during Cyprus’s accession talks which are scheduled for March 31.

In turn, Mr. Kranidiotis stated that briefed Mr. van den Broek on the Greek government’s positions and on his recent visit to Cyprus.

[17] GOVERNMENT DELEGATION FROM FYROM IN ATHENS TOMORROW

A government delegation from FYROM is to arrive in Athens tomorrow in order to hold talks with Greek government officials on bilateral and Balkan-related issues.

The delegation, headed by Foreign Under-secretary Ognuen Malevski, is visiting Athens after a similar visit conducted by Greek officials to Skopje last year in February.

[18] SITUATION IN KOSSOVO REMAINS TENSE

The situation in Kossovo remains tense, while the international community is concerned over the developments in the area.

Great Britain’s Foreign Minister Robin Cook is to travel to Belgrade today, while the Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos will meet with Serb President Slobodan Milosevic to whom he will relay the Greek government’s proposal for an inter-Balkan meeting among all those involved in the Kossovo crisis.

Meanwhile, the Yugoslav government continues to hold a hard stance in regards to everything that took place over the weekend.

[19] PRESIDENT OF ALBANIA TO VISIT GREECE NEXT WEEK

The President of Albania Rejep Meidani is to embark on a three-day visit to Athens next Monday, on the invitation of his Greek counterpart Kostis Stephanopoulos.

President Meidani on Sunday visited villages in southern Albania where Greek ethnic minorities reside, accompanied by deputy premier Bashkim Fino, interior minister Neritan Ceka and transport and public works minister Gaqo Apostoli

Referring to Greece's role in the Albanian south, the Albanian President called on the Greek government, "through the General Consulate in Gjirokaster, to contribute to the economic upgrading of the region".

He also called for foreign investments in Albania, adding that "political guarantees" existed for foreign investors active in the country.

[20] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER TO ATTEND EUROPEAN SOCIALIST PARTY MEETING

Greece’s ruling socialist party PASOK is to be represented at the European Socialist Party summit to be held in Brussels today by National Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos, the party's vice-president, and Foreign Under-secretary Yiannos Kranidiotis who is also deputy secretary of PASOK's international relations department.

The meeting’s agenda includes preparations for the party's conference in early 1999, the drafting of its platform for the European Parliament elections in June 1999 and its positions regarding the enlargement of the European Union.

[21] GREEK PREMIER TO RECEIVE PRESIDENT OF CYPRUS NEXT WEEK

The President of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides is to be received by the Prime Minister of Greece Kostas Simitis and other political leaders during his official visit to Athens between the 9-11 of March.

President Clerides is to discuss the latest developments on the Cyprus issue with the Greek political leaders.

On March 12, the Cypriot President will travel to London in order to participate at the European conference which will feature the participation of the European Union’s 15 member-states and the countries which are candidates for accession to the Community.

[22] US CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE CRITICAL OF TURKEY’S HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD

The United States’ Congressional Committee on Security and Co-operation in Europe has forwarded a letter on the subject of human rights to Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, which also contains a request for the reopening of the Theological School of Halki, in the context of commitments undertaken by Turkey towards the Organisation for Security and cooperation in Europe.

The letter, dated February 24, and signed by members of the committee who recently visited Turkey, Greece and Cyprus, is highly critical of Turkey for its continued violation of human rights.

[23] GENERAL ELECTIONS TO TAKE PLACE IN BOSNIA ON SEPTEMBER 12 AND 13

The Highest Representative to Bosnia Charles Westenthorp has announced that general election in Bosnia are to be held on September 12 and 13.

The elections will renew the terms of the three members of the state’s collective presidium for another four years. Also to be elected will be the parliament, the presidents, and the houses of the two political bodies, that is the Serb Republic and the Croat-Muslim Federation.

[24] PRESIDENT OF EU’S MINISTERIAL COUNCIL TRAVELS TO BELGRADE

The crisis that has erupted in Kossovo is to be the subject discussed with the Yugoslav officials in Belgrade by the president of the European Union’s ministerial council Robin Cook.

Mr. Cook, representing the EU’s presidium, will also visit Bosnia within the framework of the efforts to expedite the process of applying the Dayton peace accord.

The British official will visit Banja Luca, the headquarters of Bosnian-Serbs and the capital, Sarajevo, where he will meet with key government officials, and members of the opposition parties, while he will also address the Parliament of the Serb Republic.

Among the subjects expected to be brought up during his visit are issues concerning the refugees’ return to their homeland and other matters concerning mass media and human rights.

[25] GLIGOROV:NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES HAVE “SHARED” FYROM

The President of FYROM Kiro Gligorov reassured that his country would not back off in any issues concerning its national dignity and identity.

Referring to the relations with Greece and the issue of the name of his country, mr Gligorov said that it was very important underlining that all neighbours have already “shared Macedonia” and if necessary they would do the same in the future.

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