Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 00-10-09

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From: The Macedonian Press Agency at http://www.mpa.gr and http://www.hri.org/MPA.

CONTENTS

[01] THE RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER WILL BE IN ATHENS ON WEDNESDAY

[02] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN APPEALED FOR SELF-RESTRAINT IN THE

[03] REPPAS: MILOSEVIC IS NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER GREECE

[04] THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AT THE CENTER OF THE COHEN-CAKMAKOGLU MEETING

[05] THE COUNTRIES OF SE EUROPE SUPPORT YUGOSLAVIA

[06] LOSSES OF 1.74% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

[07] MEETING OF THE PUBLIC ORDER MINISTERS FROM GREECE, ITALY AND ALBANIA

[08] COHEN SALUTES GREECES LEADING ROLE IN BALKANS

[09] BOGAN: THAT'S HOW I BROKE THE OIL EMBARGO ON YUGOSLAVIA

[10] GREECE TO SHOW RECORD SURPLUS BY END OF YEAR

[11] THE EU DECIDED THE PARTIAL LIFTING OF THE SANCTIONS ON YUGOSLAVIA

[12] THE EU DECIDED THE PARTIAL LIFTING OF THE SANCTIONS ON YUGOSLAVIA

[13] PAPANDREOU IS CERTAIN ABOUT THE PARTIAL LIFTING OF THE SANCTIONS ON

[01] THE RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER WILL BE IN ATHENS ON WEDNESDAY

Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov will be in Athens on Wednesday for talks with his Greek counterpart Giorgos Papandreou, according to a statement by Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas.

Mr. Ivanov will be received by prime minister Kostas Simitis on Wednesday evening, while earlier on that day will meet the governmental committee on foreign policy issues.

[02] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN APPEALED FOR SELF-RESTRAINT IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas appealed to all the powers in the Middle East to display self-restraint and sit at the negotiating table.

Mr. Reppas called on all powers in the Middle East to display self-restraint and avoid engaging in actions that could make things worse in the region.

[03] REPPAS: MILOSEVIC IS NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER GREECE

The entry-exit embargo on former leader of Yugoslavia, Slobodan Milosevic is in effect for Greece as well, as it is for every European Union country, stated Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas responding to a question on the likelihood for Milosevic to come to Greece.

The Greek government spokesman stated that this issue must be dealt with by the political forces in Yugoslavia and underlined that it is a domestic issue of the neighboring country, stressing that from the beginning Greece had adopted a different position from those who were speaking about criminal courts.

He also added that the entry-exit embargo is in effect for all the names included in the relevant list and expressed the belief that the issue will be dealt with by the new leadership of Yugoslavia.

[04] THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AT THE CENTER OF THE COHEN-CAKMAKOGLU MEETING

Turkey's minister of defense Sabahadin Cakmakoglu, in a meeting he had in Thessaloniki at noon today with his US counterpart William Cohen, expressed his government's protest against the approval of a resolution on the Armenian genocide by the US Congress.

Mr. Cakmakoglu threatened with measures against the United States and even disputed the historical facts referring to the Armenian genocide, which has already been recognized by many state parliaments. He maintained that Turkey had always showed tolerance to religions, cultures and languages of other peoples.

The meeting lasted about an hour with the participation of the aides of the two ministers. Mr. Cohen stated to reporters after the meeting that he informed Mr. Cakmakoglu that US president Clinton, US secretary of state Madeleine Albright and himself have expressed publicly their opposition to the resolution and they have contacted the US House of Representatives, where it will be discussed soon, calling for it to be voted against.

Mr. Cohen stated that the US-Turkish relations are very strong and added that the US regards Turkey as an important partner within NATO and a factor of security in the region, stressing that the US intends to strengthen those relations further.

From his side, Mr. Cakmakoglu stated that he expressed his strong concern on the likely approval of the Armenian genocide resolution, stressing that this resolution does not reflect historical facts and it would be sad to be voted through. In case this happens, stated Mr. Cakmakoglu, we agreed that the US-Turkish relations will not be affected given the fact that this resolution was issued simply to satisfy the wishes of the local voters. The allegations on the Armenian genocide are completely groundless, said Mr. Cakmakoglu, adding that Turkey has always showed tolerance to religions, cultures and languages. He also stated that it would be sad such a resolution to be discussed in the US House of Representatives.

Regarding the Greek-Turkish relations and the latest developments in the rapprochement effort between the two countries, the Turkish minister of defense stated that a positive environment has been created but the real issues concerning the relations between them have not started to be discussed yet. There has been a good beginning and we are looking forward to a promising continuation, stated Mr. Cakmakoglu.

[05] THE COUNTRIES OF SE EUROPE SUPPORT YUGOSLAVIA

The decision of their countries to back in every way the democratization, reconstruction and rebuilding efforts in Yugoslavia is included in the joint statement issued by the defense ministers of South-Eastern European countries immediately after their meeting in the Hyatt Hotel in Thessaloniki today.

In a press conference, Greek minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos pointed out the need to open the doors of the SEMD meeting and other organizations and institutions in the region to Yugoslavia after the political change that took place in the country.

US secretary of defense William Cohen wondered how can Yugoslavia enter the international structures when wanted war criminals like Milosevic are free. He said that the first task for Kostunica is to stabilize the new situation, the democratization and the democratic reforms adding that Milosevic will not be forgotten and in the future he will be brought before the International Court of Justice in The Hague to answer for the crimes he has committed.

Mr. Cohen expressed his opposition to the likelihood of Kosovo's independence and supported a wide autonomy for the region within Yugoslavia.

Albanian minister of defense Ilir Goni stated that his country welcomes the changes in Yugoslavia but at the same time he observed that a number of measures must be taken for the country to become a member of the international community and those measures must be taken immediately. To a question on the reactions of the Albanians in Kosovo he responded that he can not speak on their behalf.

FYROM minister of defense Luben Paunoski expressed his country's great satisfaction for the changes that took place in Yugoslavia and stated that Skopje will back the international efforts for Yugoslavia's accession into the international structures.

[06] LOSSES OF 1.74% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

The week opened for the Athens Stock Exchange with losses of 1.74% and the general index closed at 3.956,87 points.

The volume of transactions was small at 77.28 billion drachmas increasing the concern of investors and analysts. Of the stocks trading today, only 27 recorded gains and 321 had losses.

However, the praises received by Greece on its role in the change of the scenery in Yugoslavia are expected to have a positive effect on the stock market, while the good news from the inflation front in Greece create optimism.

[07] MEETING OF THE PUBLIC ORDER MINISTERS FROM GREECE, ITALY AND ALBANIA

The ministers of public order from Greece, Italy and Albania will meet at the Ionian Sea island of Corfu tomorrow.

Among the issues that will be discussed will be the signing of a cooperation agreement by the three countries aimed at tackling economic crime and illegal immigration.

[08] COHEN SALUTES GREECES LEADING ROLE IN BALKANS

U.S. Secretary of Defense William Cohen, who is presently in Thessaloniki for the annual meeting of South-Eastern Europe's Defense Ministers, saluted Greece's leading role in the Balkan region -stressing that the country played a key in the change of leadership in Yugoslavia- and applauded Greece's participation in the KFOR peacekeeping force assigned to Kosovo.

Secretary Cohen visited the island of Mykonos briefly yesterday, where he held talks with Greece's Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos.

In a press conference that ensued, the U.S. official stated that ousted Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic should be brought before the International Court of Justice at the Hague and be tried as a war criminal.

Mr. Cohen stated that the Clinton Administration will lift the sanctions imposed on the Yugoslav people, but will remain firm on the limitations related to Mr. Milosevic and his regime's supporters.

In regards to the Cyprus issue, Mr. Cohen stressed that US President Bill Clinton exerted a great amount of effort on the matter and stated that another round of indirect talks are to be held next month between the divided island' two sides.

Lastly, the US Defense Secretary referred to the armament systems provided to Greece by the United States, expressing his pleasure that his country holds a favorable position as Greece's defense systems supplier.

A.F.

[09] BOGAN: THAT'S HOW I BROKE THE OIL EMBARGO ON YUGOSLAVIA

Greece was helping Yugoslavia to keep its people warm by facilitating its supply with petrol during the oil embargo, stated one of the middlemen, 40yearold controversial businessman Vladimir Bogan, who was murdered in Athens in the early morning hours last Saturday.

His nickname was "Vanja" and a few hours before he was killed he had been interviewed by Athens newspaper "Eleftherotipia" reporter Takis Michas and had revealed the ways in which he was violating the oil embargo on Yugoslavia, while at the same time, he denied that he had close relations with the Milosevic family.

He said that in 1995 he had bought a ship and used it to send oil from Greece to Bar in Montenegro. From there the fuel ended up in Serbia. He said that the Greek authorities made things easier for him as they did not ask for delivery documents listing the cargo's country of destination, adding that the Greek authorities and the Greek people realized how unfair was the embargo imposed on the Serb people.

One of the most profitable activities for him was the contraband cigarettes trade. He said that he was supplied with legal US cigarettes in Rotterdam that would supposedly end up in Romania. However, the cigarettes ended up in Montenegro where they were sold to Italians who channeled them to Italy and a part of the cargo ended up in Belgrade.

Bogan invested the money earned from his activities in Yugoslavia and if he was still alive he would have been one of the economic leaders in his country. He owned the "Stampa" company to which belong over 700 news-stands in Belgrade, while he also owned a shipyard in Novi Sad and a real estate company as well as shares in the Bor mine and fertilizers plants near the borders with Romania.

In the interview, he denied that he had close relations with the Milosevic family and especially with Slobodan Milosevic's son Marko accusing him of controlling the illegal cigarettes' trade in Yugoslavia.

Referring to the new president of Yugoslavia Voijslav Kostunica he had expressed the belief that with him Yugoslavia would move forward and become a modern European country, while on Milosevic he stated that he did a lot of damage to Yugoslavia.

[10] GREECE TO SHOW RECORD SURPLUS BY END OF YEAR

The state's budget is to show a record surplus of 735 billion drachmas by the end of the year, compensating the allocated expenses of GRD370 billion by approximately 400 billion.

According to state sources, the net surplus of the 2000 budget is considered a shot in the arm for next year's coffers, already shadowed by the oil crisis and the dollar's skyrocketing rise.

A.F.

[11] THE EU DECIDED THE PARTIAL LIFTING OF THE SANCTIONS ON YUGOSLAVIA

The EU general affairs council that met in Luxembourg today decided to partially lift the sanctions on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The EU foreign ministers mention in their statement that the Yugoslav people with their vote opted for democracy and Europe and therefore, the European Union consistent with the last general affairs council meeting decisions moved ahead with the lifting of the sanctions.

Initially, the lifting of the sanctions concerns the oil supplies and the airplane flights ban from and to Belgrade, while the sanctions against Milosevic and his close environment continue to be in effect.

The EU also adopted a number of measures for the economic cooperation of Yugoslavia with the European Union.

The EU foreign ministers decided that the community program for the reconstruction of the Balkans (CARDS) will concern Yugoslavia as well, pointing out that the organization's jurisdiction will expand to that country too.

The EU will continue to implement the humanitarian aid programs for the people of Yugoslavia and will contribute with every available means to the efforts for the restoration of infrastructures and the overall economic reconstruction of Yugoslavia.

On the political rapprochement of Yugoslavia with Europe, the council decided to propose to the Yugoslav side to participate in the stabilization procedure implemented by the EU in the Balkans based on the Cologne summit meeting.

The EU foreign ministers also invited the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to be present in the Zagreb summit meeting that will be held in November.

[12] THE EU DECIDED THE PARTIAL LIFTING OF THE SANCTIONS ON YUGOSLAVIA

The EU general affairs council that met in Luxembourg today decided to partially lift the sanctions on Serbia. The EU foreign ministers mention in their statement that the Serb people with their vote opted for democracy and Europe and therefore, the European Union consistent with the last general affairs council meeting decisions moved ahead with the lifting of the sanctions.

Initially, the lifting of the sanctions concerns the oil supplies and the airplane flights ban from and to Belgrade, while the sanctions against Milosevic and his close environment continue to be in effect.

The EU also adopted a number of measures for the economic cooperation of Yugoslavia with the European Union.

The EU foreign ministers decided that the community program for the reconstruction of the Balkans (CARDS) will concern Yugoslavia as well, pointing out that the organization's jurisdiction will expand to that country as well.

The EU will continue to implement the humanitarian aid programs for the people of Serbia and will contribute with every means to the efforts for the restoration of infrastructures and the overall economic reconstruction of Yugoslavia.

On the political rapprochement of Yugoslavia with Europe, the council decided to propose to the Yugoslav side to participate in the stabilization procedure implemented by the EU in the Balkans based on the Cologne summit meeting.

The EU foreign ministers also invited the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to be present in the Zagreb summit meeting that will be held in November.

[13] PAPANDREOU IS CERTAIN ABOUT THE PARTIAL LIFTING OF THE SANCTIONS ON YUGOSLAVIA

Greece's proposals on the measures the European Union must take to assist in the reconstruction of Yugoslavia, were presented by Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou in the EU foreign ministers council meeting in Luxembourg today. Earlier, Mr. Papandreou appeared certain that the embargo against Serbia will be lifted regarding the oil supplies and the airplane flights ban.

Mr. Papandreou stated to the Athens radio station "Flash" just before entering the meeting that the lifting of the embargo is partial because there are certain sectors, like the weapons market that can not be opened yet. He said that this is logical due to the fact that unrest continues in the region and there can be no consensus in the European Union to lift sanctions on that direction.

When asked to comment on what will happen with Milosevic and if he will be allowed to continue to play a political role in the country, Mr. Papandreou state that Milosevic's Socialist Party has won a significant percentage of the votes and that president Kostunica himself has stated that he wants the country's constitution to be respected.

Mr. Papandreou stated that a chance must be given to the priorities set by Mr. Kostunica namely, the consolidation of the democratic institutions, the economic reconstruction, the rapprochement inside Yugoslavia and the cooperation of Serbia and Montenegro.

On Greece's place in the international scene after the latest developments, Mr. Papandreou stated that its positions have found support in the international community, adding that Greece's credibility in the Balkans and Europe has been strengthened because the Greek proposals and efforts as well as, the way in which Greece dealt with the problem were such that at least for the moment the developments were smooth.

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