Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 98-04-01

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, April 1, 1998

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] REPPAS CRITICIZES BURNS FOR HIS REMARKS IN THESSALONIKI

Government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas criticized the United States Ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns for the latter's statements concerning Greek labor laws and bureaucracy as well as remarks that implied the Greek government was dormant in regards to terrorism .

In his address at the forum on business and economic development in the Balkan region, titled "Thessaloniki Forum: Greece and the Balkans: An Emerging Market in South-eastern Europe", Mr. Burns said that bureaucracy, labor laws and bomb attacks against foreign firms are factors that discourage American investments in Greece.

In response, Mr. Reppas advised the US diplomat to keep his views on labor relations in Greece to himself.

"The legislative framework which governs these relations is in the interests of Greek society and the state," the government spokesperson stated and, referring to the ambassador's comments on terrorism, stressed that terrorism is a worldwide phenomenon, "the combating of which requires the cooperation of all".

Mr. Reppas also emphasized that terrorism is not "flourishing" in Greece, adding that Mr. Burns is "the last person" who could refer to the issue.

[02] UNIVERSITY STUDENT BODY ELECTIONS UNDERWAY

University and college students throughout Greece are called to the polls today in order to cast their vote for their schools' student bodies.

A recent-years phenomenon, the abstention rate is expected to be high. The voting process began this morning at 9 am and will wrap up at 8 p.m.

[03] PASOK DEPUTIES DIFFER WITH STATE'S STANCE ON NATIONAL AIRLINE

Seventeen parliamentarians from the country's ruling PASOK party have forwarded a letter to the Speaker of the House Apostolos Kaklamanis in which they state their opposition with the Transportation and Communications Minister's draftbill on the revitalization of Olympic Airways.

Meanwhile, the O.A. employees insist that the draftbill be withdrawn and that talks continue in order to find a compromise- solution.

According to the submitted bill, -which will voted upon tomorrow- all employees who do not wish to continue with the airline under the new conditions will have to resign with compensation.

[04] GREEK PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION IN TIRANA

A Greek Parliamentary delegation, of the Foreign and Defense Affairs Committee, wrapped up an official, three-day visit to Tirana, invited by the corresponding Albanian committee.

Headed by former Foreign Minister Karolos Papoulias, the six- member delegation was briefed on the current political situation in Albania, the Kossovo crisis, and the course of Greek-Albanian relations.

The delegation met with Archbishop of Tirana and all of Albania Anastasios, as well as with Albanian President Rejep Mejdani, Prime Minister Fatos Nano and former Albanian president and Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha.

The delegates also visited the Greek military force in Albania, and held talks with their Albanian counterparts and representatives of the Greek minority.

The visit was within the framework of contacts between the parliaments of the two countries and will coincide with the tabling of a bill in the Albanian parliament for a six-month extension of the Greek military forces' stay in the neighboring country aimed at contributing in the efforts to restructure the Albanian military.

[05] NATIONAL ECONOMY AND FINANCE MINISTER ADDRESSES BUSINESS FORUM

The Minister of National Economy and Finance Yiannos Papantoniou addressed yesterday the Thessaloniki-held business forum titled " Thessaloniki Forum: Greece and the Balkans: An Emerging Market in South-eastern Europe".

In his address, the Minister stressed the need for restructuring labor relations and the social security system, as well as promoting privatization.

The minister also pointed out that Greece was lagging behind in the issue of issue of labor relations and stressed that the deregulation of the system would greatly benefit employees and facilitate the adjustment of the labor force to the new requirements.

At the same time, a demonstration was held outside the forum's premises by public utility employees who protest the government's privatization plans.

[06] FOUNDATION OF GREEKS ABROAD TO OPERATE IN TWO MONTHS

The President of the Greek Parliament's cross-party Committee for Greek abroad Grigoris Niotis stated that the operation of the Foundation of Greeks Abroad is to be announced formally within the next two months and its headquarters will be in Thessaloniki.

Speaking from New York, where the committee had traveled for an official visit with Greek-American officials and Archbishop Spyridon, Mr. Niotis added that the Foundation of Greeks Abroad will enjoy benefits such as tax exemption for the donations it will receive.

Referring to his meeting with the Archbishop, Mr. Niotis stated that a series of pilot program concerning the teaching of the Greek language abroad is currently under works, whose funding will be derived from the European Union, amounting to 1.8 billion drachmas.

[07] EMPLOYEES' REACTIONS TO THE OLYMPIC AIRWAYS DRAFT BILL

The Olympic Airways employees responded positively to the decision to postpone the voting in Parliament on the draft bill for the reform of the state airline until next Thursday.

The employees marched to Parliament, the ministry of transportation building and the Olympic Airways offices and expressed their opposition to the bill, while they made an appeal to Parliament deputies to vote against it and requested the appointment of mediators for the continuation of dialogue with the company's management.

The proposed bill will be discussed today and tomorrow in the responsible parliamentary committee, while next week will be presented in Parliament for a three-day discussion.

Meanwhile, 17 Parliament deputies of the governing party of PASOK have signed a letter that was addressed to Parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis warning him that they will abstain from the vote if the proposed bill is passed as extremely urgent.

Transportation minister Tasos Mantelis maintained that the draft bill for the reform of Olympic Airways will not annul the collective work contracts, while he also added that Olympic Airways will remain under the control of the Greek state.

[08] THE OPPOSITION REACTS STRONGLY TO THE GOVERNMENT POLICY ON OLYMPIC AIRWAYS

The political parties of the opposition continue to react strongly to the proposed bill for the reform of Olympic Airways.

Right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy called for the withdrawal of the bill, while statements on the issue were made by ND Parliament deputy Dora Bakoyianni, who said that Olympic Airways must move toward strategic collaborations with other airlines and also toward privatization which is the only way for its survival. Former prime minister Georgios Rallis blamed both New Democracy and PASOK for the problems faced today by the state airline and spoke of mismanagement that created huge liabilities to the company.

Independent Parliament deputy and former ND member Giorgos Souflias stated that he will not attempt to stop the approval of the bill because it moves toward the right direction.

The Communist party accused the government of selling-out the state airline, while Coalition of the Left president Nikos Konstantopoulos stated that even Margaret Thatcher would have been jealous of the proposed bill. Finally, the Democratic Social Movement of Dimitris Tsovolas stated that the government uses fascist methods.

[09] SIMITIS MET WITH PANGALOS AND PAPANTONIOU

Prime minister Kostas Simitis met with foreign minister Theodoros Pangalos, deputy foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou and undersecretary of foreign affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis within the framework of the preparations for his trip to London in view of the Euro-Asian Conference that will be held tomorrow.

Mr. Papandreou characterized the conference as very important and stressed that Greece has a great role to play in the effort for the strengthening of relations.

The prime minister also met with minister of national economy and finance Yiannos Papantoniou with whom he discussed the developments in Olympic Airways. Mr. Simitis gave orders not to bring the proposed bill to Parliament for a vote using the procedure followed in extremely urgent cases. Based on information, the Parliament deputies of the governing party of PASOK will be directed to vote according to party lines.

[10] FOUNDATION FOR THE GREEKS ABROAD WILL BE BASED IN THESSALONIKI

The formal announcement for the operation of the Foundation for the Greeks living abroad, that will be based in Thessaloniki, will be made within the next two months, stated the responsible parliamentary committee president.

Mr. Niotis added that the Foundation for the Greeks Living Abroad will be among the few institutions that have a favorable treatment by the state and will enjoy the benefit of tax exemption for the donations it will receive.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[11] RUSSIA WILL DELIVER S-300 MISSILES TO CYPRUS,YELTSIN CONFIRMS

Greek minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos, who is on three-day visit to Moscow, met with Russian president Boris Yeltsin who has confirmed that his country will proceed as planned with the delivery of the anti-aircraft S-300 missiles to Cyprus.

The two also discussed the crisis in Kossovo and Iraq and exchanged points of view on security issues in Balkan region.

[12] UNITED NATIONS VOTES TO IMPOSE ARMS EMBARGO ON YUGOSLAVIA

The United Nations Security Council voted 14-0 in favor of imposing an arms embargo on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia yesterday, with China casting the only abstention.

The embargo was enforced in the effort to reach a peaceful resolution to the Kossovo crisis. The Council's resolution also calls on authorities in Belgrade and the leadership of Kossovo's Albanian community to open a meaningful dialogue.

Yugoslavia's ambassador to the UN rejected the council's involvement in what he says are purely internal affairs..

[13] GREEK-BULGARIAN COOPERATION IN THE SECTOR OF HEALTH

The Bulgarian government wants the establishment of a Greek- Bulgarian Health School in northern Greece.

According to the Sofia newspaper "Standart", the Bulgarian cabinet in its last session approved a cooperation plan with Greece in the sector of health which if implemented will culminate with the foundation and operation of a joint school.

[14] THE RIOTING SPREAD TO OTHER 5 TURKISH PRISONS

The rioting of inmates in the prison of Bursa, who are protesting against the sordid living conditions in the Turkish correctional institutions, has spread to other 5 jails.

Two of the 50 hostages kept in a total of 6 prisons in the country were released at noon today.

[15] THE GREEK AID TO ALBANIA IS MULTI-FACETED

Greek Euro-deputy Yiannis Roubatis in an interview with "Radio France International" stressed Greece's friendly position toward the Albanian state and the material, technical and financial aid it has offered to the Albanian people which is the largest compared to the assistance offered by other countries.

Reminding that Greece is the second largest source of revenue for the Albanian economy, due to the large number of immigrants working in Greece, Mr. Roubatis underlined that Greece is probably the first country that offers such an extensive legal protection framework concerning insurance and health care for foreign workers and especially for the Albanians.

Referring to the isolated incidents of xenophobia that were observed in Greece, Mr. Roubatis pointed out that they were condemned both by the government and the Greek public opinion. He also pointed out that the French must show an understanding given the fact that 15% of the French people vote for racist parties that support fascism and xenophobia.

[16] INITIATIVE FOR A SUMMIT MEETING OF CHILDREN FROM GREECE AND TURKEY

The Galata Sarai Rotary Club in Istanbul promotes an initiative for a Summit meeting of children from Greece and Turkey to be held in Istanbul before the end of 1998 in which they will have the opportunity to discuss issues concerning the relations between the two countries.

Representatives of the Club, who visited Thessaloniki within the framework of the 5th International Forum on the emerging markets in south-eastern Europe, had contacts with businessmen in their effort to secure their support in the initiative.

Based on the proposal, four children from Greece and four from Turkey will be invited to Istanbul to express their views freely.

[17] HALBROOKE WILL VISIT THE TURKISH OCCUPIED NORTHERN CYPRUS ON FRIDAY

US presidential envoy to Cyprus Richard Halbrooke will visit the Turkish occupied northern Cyprus on Friday, according to statements made by Turkish officials. Mr. Halbrooke will have talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash while on Saturday he will meet with Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Nekati Utkan.

Mr. Utkan stated that Mr. Halbrooke's visit was expected especially after the decision of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot regime to form an economic union. The US envoy will leave the Turkish occupied northern Cyprus on Saturday.

[18] LARGE PART OF THE BULGARIAN DEFENSE INDUSTRY WILL BE PRIVATIZED

Five main plants of the Bulgarian defense industry will continue to be state property, while the rest smaller plants will be privatized, stated government vice-president Mr. Boskov.

The Sofia newspaper "Trud" mentions that under state control will remain the industrial plants of "Arsenal" in Kazanlak, "BMZ" in Sopot, "Dunarit" in Ruse, "Trema" in Triavna and "Elektron Progres" in Sofia.

The government vice-president stated that this way the country's interests will be safeguarded as the privatization of the small industries is being held within the framework of the process followed for the transformation of the Bulgarian economy into a market economy and also in the effort made for the convergence of its economy with the economies of the EU member states.

[19] GLIGOROV-FYROM POLITICAL PARTIES TO HAVE CRITICAL MEETING

President of FYROM Kiro Gigorov will have a critical meeting tomorrow with the leaders of the political parties of his country.

The main issue to be discussed by the participants will be the relations the government and all state services, in general, have with minorities as well as dealing with any other eventual problems.

According to political analysts, during the meeting, the two main parties, PRD which is a member in the government coalition and the Democratic Party who belongs to the opposition, are expected to raise the question of legalizing the Tetovo University.

[20] BRITISH PM: ACCESSION OF CYPRUS COULD LEAD TO SOLUTION

British Prime Minister Tony Blair stated yesterday that the accession of Cyprus to the European Union could promote a solution to the Cyprus problem.

"I believe the accession process, we are now embarking upon, should promote the prospects for a peaceful Cyprus settlement, which is now being pursued by the UN secretary-general", Mr. Blair wrote in a written reply to Conservative Chipping Barnet MP, Sir Sydney Chapman.

In regards to Turkish-Cypriot participation in the accession negotiations, the British Premier said "if (Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf) Denktash is unwilling to participate at the start, we will continue to encourage both sides to come to a suitable arrangement as the accession negotiations progress".

Furthermore, he stressed that he had a useful meeting with President Clerides on the eve of the European Conference, adding that he made clear to President Clerides that settlement of the Cyprus problem was not a precondition for EU accession.

"President Clerides agreed with me on a desirability of offering the Turkish Cypriot community participation in the accession negotiations, and has made what seemed to us a reasonable offer, which we conveyed to Mr. Denktash on 13 March", Mr. Blair added.

[21] EU WANTS IMPROVED GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS

The Foreign Ministers of the European Union member-states set forth the issue of improving Greek-Turkish relations, on the sidelines of yesterday's talks for Cyprus's accession to the Union.

According to statements made by the Ministers of France, Italy, the Netherlands and Germany, political circles in Brussels asses that the EU intents to exert pressure on Greece to lift its veto over the EU's financial aid to Turkey amounting to MECU375.

German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel stated that the key to EU-Turkey relations lies with the G/T relations.

"Both countries need to resolve their differences. If this fails then everything else will fail,"he stated.

Moreover, the German diplomat called on Greece to take a decisive step in reducing the tension with its neighbor, by freeing the EU's financial assistance to Turkey, while he also called on Ankara to accept the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice at The Hague in regards to its territorial disputes which it claims it has with Greece.

However, the British Foreign secretary Robin Cook, who is also presiding over the Foreign Ministers Council, characterized the discussion as untimely and pointed out that these are matters to be discussed at the forthcoming Foreign mister's council in April

[22] THE GREEK MINISTER OF DEFENSE MET WITH HIS RUSSIAN COUNTERPART

Greek minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos, who is on a formal visit to Russia, met with his Russian counterpart Igor Sergeyev and their talks focused on the issue of bilateral defense cooperation.

In statements he made after the meeting, Mr. Sergeyev pointed out that the strong historical and political foundations on which the Greek-Russian relations are based give a further boost to the military cooperation between the two countries.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos expressed satisfaction for the talks he had with his Russian counterpart and characterized as cordial the climate in which the discussions were held. In the evening, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos was scheduled to meet with Russian foreign minister Gevgeni Primakov.

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