Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-01-09

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, January 9, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREECE'S STRENGTHS: ITS COOL-HEADEDNESS AND ADHERENCE ON INTR/NAL LAW

"Our strengths are our cool-headedness and our adherence on international law and international accords," stated the Prime Minister Kostas Simitis following today's conference with Foreign Ministry officials.

Mr. Simitis also added that the country will continue with the policy it has adopted for some time now, as well as with the strengthening of its armed forces, in order to form a strong and vast defense mechanism against any aggressive act.

Referring to Turkey's aggression, the Premier stated that it isn't something new, nor direct, but instead is being expressed for some time now.

"We, Greece, would play the Turks' game if every time (the Turkish agression is expressed) we were to display concern and fear and maximized these challenges."

On other matters discussed during today's meeting, Mr. Simitis stated that the conference examined the initiatives that have already been taken -or will be taken- by international organizations, and forecast that 1997 will be the year of developments, both for the European Union and for Greece's national issues.

The Premier also announced that the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Glafkos Clerides, will visit Greece within January. A.F.

[02] GREECE TAKES INITIATIVE TO EASE OFF CRISIS IN BELGRADE

Greece will undertake a mediator role in the crisis noted in Belgrade, according to Macedonian Press Agency reports.

Reliable sources have confirmed that Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos will visit Belgrade during the weekend where he will have contacts with Serb President Slobodan Milosevic and Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic, as well as with opposition leaders and Archbishop of Serbia Pavlos.

The MPA's corresponding office in Belgrade has reported that France, as well, intends to dispatch an envoy to the Federal Yugoslav Republic. According to the radio station "Free Europe", France will send a high-ranking diplomat who is responsible for his country's relations with other European countries. A.F.

[03] FOREIGN MINISTRY OFFICIALS TO CONFER WITH PREMIER OVER NATIONAL ISSUES

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis chairs a conference attended by foreign ministry officials today which will address greek-turkish relations and the Cyprus issue. Another conference will be held on Monday with the participation of the Defence Ministry's leadership.

A Turkish aeronautical exercise is climaxing today in the sea region surrounding the islands of Lesvos and Hios.

United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, addressing the Senate's Committee of Foreign Affairs, stated that "the success of any whatsover american involvement will depend on the will of the parties involved, as well as their determination to achieve a peaceful resolution of their differences."

Athens and Nicosia are embarking on a worldwide campaign in order to inform public opinion that Greece and Cyprus are factors of stability and security in the region, against Ankara's expansionist designs.

Meanwhile, Washington has announced that by the end of this week the Director of the Office of Southeastern European Affairs at the U.S. State Department Carey Cavanaugh will visit The Hague, Nicosia, Athens and Ankara.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Nikolai Afanasevski will visit Nicosia at the end of the month. A.F.

[04] GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON EMPHASIZES GREECE'S DEFENSE CAPABILITY

Government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas stated today that Greece has drawn all the necessary measures, and is continuously on guard, so that its defense capability is at an optimal level in order to face any aggressive act.

Referring to the recent developments in Cyprus, Mr. Reppas added that the statements expressed by Turkish officials are indeed taken into consideration, but are seen as being part of the climate that Turkey wants to develop in its relations with Greece.

As such, Mr. Reppas added, "we must not give these statements and positions a dimension which they may no longer have." A.F.

[05] NATIONAL ECONOMY AND FINANCE MINISTER TO DISCUSS GREECE'S COURSE

A conference regarding the course of Greece's economy and the government's exchange and monetary policy for 1997 is held today at the Ministry of National Economy, chaired by Minister of National Economy and Finance Yiannos Papantoniou.

The conference will examine the recent developments following the recent drops in inflation and the opportunities for further lowering interest rates. A.F

[06] GREECE-FYROM RAILWAY AUTHORITES REACH TRANSPORT AGREEMENT

The meeting between representatives of Greece's and FYROM's railway authorities, held in Thessaloniki last week, resulted in a consensus on increasing railway traffic between both countries, according to FYROM's state-owned radio.

As such, parties transporting over 10,000 tonnes per annum will benefit from a 16 percent discount rate.

According to the bilateral agrement, when lesser amounts are transported, the discount rate will be eight percent. A.F.

[07] INFLATION TO DROP AT 6% DURING 1997, ACCORDING TO GOVERNMENT

The steady downward trend in the State's inflation evolution has Government officials optimistically expect that the rate will drop to 6% percent during 1997.

The country's mean inflation rate is in accordance with the Maastricht Treaty's criteria, according to a report published by the European Monetary Institute, which also points outs that the country should neither worry, nor rest on its laurels. A.F.

[08] ANCIENT AND BYZANTINE SECULAR MUSIC IN FIRST WORLDWIDE PERFORMANCE

Ancient and Byzantine secular music never performed before, will be heard in Thessaloniki during the beginning of February, as part of nine concerts organized by the city's Museum of Ancient, Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Musical Instruments.

The concerts will be performed at the Museum's auditorium by an 11-member orchestra of Fine Instruments of Ancient and Byzantine Repertory.

The program includes secular music of the Byzantine and post- Byzantine eras, from the 9th AD century to the 17th AD century. A.F.

[09] ARCHBISHOP OF AMERICA SPYRIDON: "THE TIME FOR DECISIONS HAS COME"

In an interview given to United States daily "St. Petersburg Times", the Archbishop of America Spyridon stated that "the time for decisions has come."

The Archbishop granted the interview in an effort to give the American public the opportunity to become acquainted with the Orthodox Church.

In another interview granted to Florida's "Tampa Tribune", the Archbishop states that "the Greek-Americans are wonderful people who combine the Greek heritage with the fine ways of American culture." A.F.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[10] MOSCOW REPUDIATES TURKEY'S THREATS AGAINST CYPRUS

The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Yevgeni Primakov received today in Moscow the Secretary-General of Cypriot Communist Party (AKEL), Dimitris Christophias.

Russia has drawn the political decision to become more actively involved as a permanent member of the Security Council in resolving the Cyprus issue, based on the resolutions of the United Nations and Summit agreements.

Also, Mr. Primakov characterized as "exaggerated" and "unjustified" the Turkish threats against Cyprus over the Nicosia- Moscow missile sale. A.F.

[11] CYPRUS REACTS TO STATEMENTS OF TURKISH DEFENSE MINISTER

The provocative statements made yesterday by the Turkish Defense Minister, who said that "Turkey will not hesitate to attack Cyprus if it needs to protect the Turkish-Cypriots as in 1974" have sparked a reaction among political circles in Cyprus.

The British daily "The Independent" in an article published today, does not rule out the possibility of a Greek-Turkish confrontation during 1997. A.F.

[12] TURKEY CONTINUES WITH THREATS, CYPRUS INSISTS ON ITS MISSILE DEAL

Despite numerous negative reactions to the Nicosia-Moscow S- 300 missile deal, Cyprus defends its recent purchase and shrugs off Ankara's numerous threats which keep multiplying lately in the Turkish press.

Cypriot Government spokesperson Yiannakis Kasoulides stated today that Nicosia does not view Turkey's threats as something new. Mr. Kasoulides also stated that before the surface-to-air missile system is grounded, intense efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue will be exerted.

Moreover, referring to the imminent visit to Cyprus of Carey Cavanaugh, Director of the Office of Southeastern European Affairs at the U.S. State Department, Mr. Kasoulides stated that "the (Cypriot) Government is ready to discuss any issue, especially the american involvement on the issue of the island's defense."

Mr. Kasoulides also referred to the recent comments made by U.S. Secretary of State-designate Madeleine Albright, who, during her Senate confirmation hearing, said that "the success of any whatsover American involvement will depend on the will of the parties involved, as well as their determination to achieve a peaceful resolution of their differences."

He stated that Ms. Albright's references to the Cyprus issue were not vague, but were instead quite specific.

"They were specific and referred to the States' decision to work towards resolving the Cyrpus issue," he said. A.F.

[13] CYPRIOT COMMUNIST PARTY OFFICIAL RECEIVED BY RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

The Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Evgeni Primakov received today in Moscow the Secretary-General of Cypriot Communist Party (AKEL), Dimitris Christophias.

Following the meeting, Mr. Christophias stated that the most significant factor emerging from these meetings "is that Russia has drawn the political decision to become more actively involved as a permanent member of the Security Council in resolving the Cyprus issue, based on the resolutions of the United Nations and Summit agreements."

Moreover, Mr. Christophias added that the Russian factor serves as a guarantee and a stabilizer towards resolving the Cyprus issue.

He clarified that Cyprus must not expect Russia to impose its views on Great Britain or the United States through the use of force or power.

According to Mr. Christophias, Mr. Primakov has characterized as unfounded and exaggerated the Turkish threats against Cyprus over the island's purchase of a Russian missile system.

Moreover, Mr. Primakov is said to have characterized as "exaggerated" the American reactions to Cyprus' recent purchase when compared to the threats Cyprus' security is subjected to. A.F.

[14] THE GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER JUSTIFIES TURKEY'S BEHAVIOUR

In spite of the international outcry against it, Turkey has found in German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel a strong ally and advocate on three major issues. Namely, the violations of human rights, the continuing military operations against the Kurds and Prime Minister Necmetin Erbakan's initiatives for the creation of an "islamic lobby" with other 7 muslim countries, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Malaysia and Egypt.

In statements over the foreign policy that will be followed by Germany in 1997, mr.Kinkel justified Ankara's actions and even blamed Greece for leading Turkey to certain of those actions.

In justifying Turkey's decision to create an islamic group of countries mr.Kinkel maintained that Ankara was led to this action because it was disappointed with Europe's behaviour and with the EU's indecision to accept it in its ranks.

He also pointed out that Turkey will play more the "islamism card" in the future and that the West must stop regarding those countries only as being responsible for human rights violations.

The German minister added that in spite of the fact that the agreement for Turkey's customs union with the EU is in effect since January 1, 1996 Ankara has not received any economic aid due to Greece's objections which, as he said, takes advantage of the unanimity principle followed in decision-making.

Nevertheless, Kinkel himself does not regard Turkey as being "mature" enough to become an EU member.

[15] BRITISH DAILY "THE INDEPENDENT" IS NOT RULING OUT THE LIKELIHOOD OF GREEK-TURKISH ARMED CONFLICT IN 1997

In an article published today in the British newspaper "The Independent" is mentioned that the steady deterioration of the Greek-Turkish relations worries the western governments, which fear that 1997 could be the year of a war in Eastern Mediterranean.

According to the article's writter Tony Barber, the resignation of Greek Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Christos Rozakis will not contribute to the improvement of the situation, adding that he had openly supported dialogue with Turkey and his position led to a conflict with Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos. Prime Minister Kostas Simitis appeared to abandon hopes for a new beginning in the Greek-Turkish relations, while at the same time, Turkish Prime Minister Necmetin Erbakan has intentionally distanced his country from its traditional ally, the West.

The newspaper writes that in the next few days there will be meetings between American officials and their European allies to discuss not only the change in Turkey's stance but the gravity of the risks for a new big crisis in southern Europe.

The Greek Minister of Defence, stresses "The Independent", has openly accused Turkey of planning a war in the Aegean since 1995, and at this point explains Greece's views over Turkey's territorial claims in the Aegean.

"The Independent" also refers to the fact that Ankara accuses Athens of trying to change the balance of power in Eastern Mediterranean by mentioning the joint defence doctrine, the big programme for the modernization of its armed forces and the encouragement it has offered to the Greek-Cypriots on the issue of the purchase of Russian surface-to-air missiles.

The article concludes by mentioning the visit to Cyprus that will be made during the weekend by US State Department high- ranking official mr.Cavanaugh, who will call the two sides on the island to reduce the size of the military forces they deploy along the green line, while he will ask Greece and Turkey to limit the military flights over Cyprus.

It should be noted that Cypriot government spokesman Yannakis Kasoulides stated yesterday that mr.Cavanaugh will be warmly welcomed to Cyprus but the feelings of anger will seize only with the political settlement of the Cyprus problem and the demilitarization of the island.

[16] TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN MADE NEW PROVOCATIVE STATEMENTS

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Omer Akbel made new provocative statements on the purchase of the Russian S-300 missiles by Cyprus, stressing that Turkey will not tolerate any development which will put in danger the safety of the Turkish- Cypriots and will take all the necessary measures for the protection of the Turkish-Cypriot community.

Akbel maintained that Turkey has rights and duties in Cyprus based on existing agreements and stated that his country will carry out its duties for the protection of the Turkish-Cypriots.

According to the Turkish news agency "Anadolu", the spokesman of the Turkish Foreign Ministry said that it is not clear if the purchase of the Russian S-300 missiles has been finalized, while he reminded that the issue had been raised during Tansu Ciller's visit to Moscow pointing out that Russia is very much aware of Turkey's stance on the matter.

[17] RUSSIA SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF ITSELF, ACCORDING TO THE TURKISH- CYPRIOT SO-CALLED PRIME MINISTER

The so-called Prime Minister of the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus Dervis Eroglu stated, in a meeting of new businessmen held in Istanbul, that Russia ought to be ashamed of selling missiles to Cyprus at a time when the UN Security Council plans to bring the two sides to the negotiating table.

If Russia, which is a UN Security Council permanent member, wants real peace in Cyprus must know well that this can not happen by arming the Greek-Cypriots, said Eroglu. He added that they have been arming for years now with the armoured vehicles they have bought from the United States, Russia, France and Greece and that the Russian-Cypriot agreement on the S-300 missiles is the last stage of those armaments.

[18] "A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE MILOSEVIC FALLS" ACCORDING TO CHICAGO TRIBUNE

The fall of the Federal Yugoslav Republic's Serb President Slobodan Milosevic is only a matter of time, according to U.S. daily "Chicago Tribune" which, in one of its articles, supports that the international community must give its help to the peaceful rallies of the Serb people, "against Europe's last dictator".

The article, bylined by Ray Moseley, also states that it would not be to Greece's longterm benefit to support Milosevic at a time when he is losing the support of his own people.

Moseley suggests that Russia and Greece should be pressured into distancing themselves from the Serb leader since, according to the author, these two countries are Milosevic's main supporters. A.F.

[19] BULGARIA: PREMIER-ELECT DOBREV TO FORM CABINET OF TRUTH AND ORDER

Nikolai Dobrev, Bulgaria's Prime Minister-elect stated today that he intends to form a Government of truth and order.

Addressing the closed session of the Bulgarian Socialist Party's Highest Council, Mr. Dobrev stated that the new government's priorities will comprise lawfulness and order, as well as stabilization in the economic and banking sectors. Also, the new Premier plans to continue the protection measures drawn for the population's weaker masses. Bulgaria's new Cabinet is expected to be drawn next week.

Dobrev, 48, was born in Gotse Delchev, in southwestern Bulgaria. He is a graduate of Sofia's Institute of Mining and Geology and worked as an engineer at a laboratory for nuclear geophysics and geochemistry.

He is married with two children. He also has aided in his country's prosecutor's office. A.F.

[20] F.R.Y.: POLICE FORCE GROWS AS OPPOSITION'S RALLIES CONTINUE

Tens of thousands of policemen blocked access to Belgrade today, obstructing the rallying protesters from coming to the city to protest Serb President Slobodan Milosevic's tactics.

Earlier today, the Federal Yugoslav Republic's tri-partite main opposition coalition "Zajedno" had announced that it will continue its rallies until its victory in November 17's local elections is recognized by the Serb government.

Yesterday, the Serb authorities conceded that "Zajedno" had gained majority rule in the city of Nis. A.F.

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