Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-05-14

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, May 14, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] M.P.A. WILL BE MAJOR SOURCE OF GREEK NEWS FOR YUGOSLAVIA'S MEDIA

Yugoslav media is to increase the rate with which it publishes Greece-related news stories, the majority of which are to be derived and re-printed from the Macedonian Press Agency, following two trilateral agreements signed between the Yugoslav news agency Tanjug, Belgrade's daily "Politika" and MPA.

Tanjug was one the five largest news agencies in the world prior to the break-up of Yugoslavia and is still continuing strong to this day.

"Politika" is one of the Balkan region's oldest newspapers, with a daily circulation of 300,000. The paper is part of a conglomerate that houses radio and television stations and also publishes about ten magazines.

During his stay in Belgrade, the M.P.A.'s General Director Spyros Kouzinopoulos was received by Serbia's Minister of Information Radmila Milediyevic whom he briefed on the Association of Balkan News Agencies, whose presidency will be taken over by MPA on July 1, and the Balkan News Bank, to be established in Thessaloniki by MPA and which will feature the participation of all of the Balkan countries' national news agencies. A.F.

[02] REPPAS: GREECE DOES NOT WANT DIRECT TALKS BETWEEN THE COMMITTEES OF EXPERTS SET UP BY ATHENS AND ANKARA

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas reiterated today referring to the current developments in the Greek-Turkish relations, that Greece does not want direct talks between the committees of experts set up by Athens and Ankara.

Mr.Reppas also stated that Greece wants the procedure to be put down in writing to secure the clarity of the positions expressed.

[03] STEPHANOPOULOS: THE FREEDOM OF GREECE IS GUARANTEED BY THRACE

Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos, who is in the north- eastern city of Alexandroupolis within the framework of his tour in Thrace, stated that Greece has repeatedly proved that it respects the religious peculiarities of its citizens. Speaking in an event organized in Sapes, mr.Stephanopoulos stated that the city is a characteristic example of harmonic co-existence of Christians and Muslims.

The Greek President stated that it is very important that those people make up different groups which nevertheless, are linked together with so many ties that the existing differences are not even noticed. He also said that this co-existence should set an example for imitation.

Mr.Stephanopoulos, who is in the region to attend the celebrations for its liberation anniversary, stated characteristically that Greece's freedom is guaranteed by Thrace.

[04] THE GREEK ALTERNATE FOREIGN MINISTER MET WITH THE DUTCH AMBASSADOR

Greek alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou met with the Dutch Ambassador to Athens and discussed the developments concerning the Dutch EU Presidency initiative for the establishment of committees of experts by Greece and Turkey.

According to information, mr.Papandreou briefed the Dutch Ambassador on the Greek positions and now the Dutch EU Presidency's proposal is expected concerning the next steps that will be made after Greek Foreign Minister Pangalos' rejection of the proposal for direct talks between the committees.

[05] GREEK-TURKISH EXPERTS COMMITTEES WILL NOT MEET WITH EACH OTHER

Greece's Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos has turned down the EU Dutch-held Presidency's proposal that the two experts committees formed by Greece and Turkey should meet with each other. Mr. Pangalos said that the two groups should not meet unless common ground is ascertained first.

Regarding the meeting with his Turkish counterpart Tansu Ciller, held yesterday within the framework of the Western European Union Foreign and Defense Ministers meeting in Paris, Mr. Pangalos said that it was limited to "social talk." A.F.

[06] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER: TURKISH AGGRESSION IS MAIN THREAT TO GREECE

The biggest threat faced by Greece is to be drawn into a dialogue with Turkey, one which will bear damaging and undesirable results for our country, stated Greece's Minister of National Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos during his address today at the Aristotelean University of Thessaloniki.

While no one is objecting to a dialogue, one should know what is to be negotiated, what is to be requested, what is to be suggested and how far one can progress, the Minister stated, clarifying that a dialogue can be held over the Aegean's continental shelf, but not on granting Turkey's aircraft with air corridors above the Aegean.

"Turkey should enforce, at last, that which stands for all countries. Just as the Greek planes have to submit flight plans when they intend to enter Ankara's FIR, then the Turkish aricraft should abide with the enforcement of these rules as well," Mr. Tsochatzopoulos said.

Moreover, the Minister continued, the Turkish aggression constitutes the main threat for Greece, regardless if this (aggression) subsides at times. He added that Greece must remain firm on the preconditions it has set forth in regards to the Greek- Turkish dialogue and to continue asking from Turkey that it actively display that it accepts these terms.

On other matters, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos also referred to Greece's need to face the new millenium's challenges posed in the European Union and the Balkan region, as well as secure social cohesion and development in order to successfully address its national issues.

"We must arrive at a national plan of a social course that will lead Greece into coordination with the European societies," Mr. Tsochatzopoulos said. In regards to the Western European Union's meeting, the Greek Defense Minister said that the WEU should develop into the European Union's defense mechanism. A.F.

[07] SOCIAL DIALOGUE STARTS TODAY, OPPOSITION'S UNIONISTS ABSTAIN

The opening of the government's social dialogue on changes in the job market was declared this afternoon by Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.

The talks are being held between government officials, employers and unionists, but union representatives who belong to the opposition parties are not attending the dialogue.

The Premier opened the session by stating "we must face the future aggressively, not defensively." He also added that the social dialogue's targets are based on the triptych of employment, social cohesion and higher social standards. Mr. Simitis emphasized that the government aims to not only improve the incomes of those who are already employed, but to also create accesses to jobs.

Referring to the rally held at that time outside the State's Auditing Building by the country's pensioners, Mr. Simitis said that the organizers should take into consideration the fact that, aside from the fact that dialogue is necessary for the society's progress, the majority of the Greek people are in favor of the dialogue, want a creative debate of views and to face the problems faced by the Greek society.

"We have a duty against the Greek people to proceed with this discussion," Mr. Premier stated.

The Minister of Labor Miltiades Papaioannou accused the abstaining unionists of displaying small-party behavior.

In the dialogue, we must all consider the fact that theyre is an empty chair next to us, and this chair belongs to the jobless and the socially barred, because there, in the social dialogue, the jobless have no representation. This must be seriously considered above all by us, the government, as well as the employed and the employers," Mr. Papaioannou said.

"The government is inviting us to a dialogue without promising that it will include matters tabled by the Greek Confederation of Workers (GSEE), such as insurance and taxation," stated a GSEE official. A.F.

[08] FORMER PRESIDENT'S ARCHIVES UNVEILED TODAY, REPPAS COMMENTS

The 12th and last volume of the archives of Greece's former President and founder of New Democracy Konstantinos Karamanlis was unveiled in Athens this evening, setting off a new round of charges against PASOK's founder, the late Andreas Papandreou, whom Mr. Karamanlis characterizes in his memoirs as "a common criminal" for having chosen -during one term- Christos Sartzetakis for the President's post at the last minute, in spite of his repeated assurances to Mr. Karamanlis.

Government spokesperson Dimtirs Reppas stated that "it would be a shame to even comment on such characterizations" and added that Andreas Papandreou was honored like no other in the political arena and was elected to the premiership thrice by the Greek people. He was present at all the struggles and his political travails were honored and recognized by the Greek people."

The Prime Minister Kostas Simitis was absent from the event since he was to be the main speaker at the one-year anniversary of Mr. Panadreou's death. A.F.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[09] MOBILE HOSPITAL TO SERVE THREE GREEK AND TWO BULGARIAN CITIES

A mobile hospital is to provide medical services to three Greek and two Bulgarian cities, according to the Mayor of Zlatograd, a city in southern Bulgaria.

The necessary funds for this operation are to be secured by the Greek side through the European Union's Interreg-II program.

The mobile hospital will serve Northern Greece's cities of Chrysoupolis, whose mayor is the founder of the idea, Xanthi and Kavala, and Bulgaria's Zlatograd and Smolian. A.F.

[10] CANADIAN ENVOY FOR CYPRUS ISSUE ASKS CLERIDES, DENKTASH TO COMPROMISE

The Canadian envoy for the Cyprus issue Michael Bell advocates that a compromise be reached between Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

After his meeting with President Clerides, Mr. Bell stated that "our wish is to reach a solution that will resolve this lengthy problem."

Mr. Bell will also visit Athens and Ankara prior to returning to Canada where he will brief his country's Secretary of State on the Cyprus issue. A.F.

[11] GREEK-BULGARIAN BUSINESS FORUM AMASSES $80,000 IN HUMANITARIAN AID

The leaders of the "Greek-Bulgarian Busienss Forum" have amassed $80,000 which will be spent on the purchace of medicines and baby food for Bulgaria's institutions "Future for Bulgaria" and "Medicine for Bulgaria".

The Forum's President Ioannis Zounis also hailed the readiness displayed by the Mayor of Athens Dimitris Avramopoulos in organizing this mission. A.F.

[12] FYROM'S PRESIDENT KIRO GLIGOROV OFFICIALLY INVITED TO US BY WHITE HOUSE

United States President Bill Clinton has officially invited FYROM;'s President Kiro Gligov to visit the US on June 17, according to White House officials.

This will be the first working visit Mr. Gligorov will be paying to the United States.

According to the announcement, the two officials will discuss bilateral and regional issues, as well as the overall security situation in southern Europe. A.F.

[13] ALBANIANS TRIED TO SMUGGLE INTO FYROM, GUARDS OPEN FIRE

Two frontier guards in FYROM were seriously injured yesterday when a group of Albanians who illegally crossed the border opened fire, according to FYROM's press reports.

The group of about 80 Albanians, all men of various ages, had advanced quite deeply into FYROM's territory when they were confronted by FYROM's soldiers.

One of the immigrants was killed in the shooting, while, according to the latest reports, the guards are in good condition. A.F.

[14] ANKARA: TURKISH-ISRAELI RELATIONS HAVE NO DESIGNS ON THIRD COUNTRIES

Turkey's Ambassador to London Ozdem Sanberk participated in a televised program in London today wherein he fielded viewers' questions on his country's internal and external policies, especially focusing on Turkey's relations with Israel and the Arab world.

According to Anadolu, Mr. Sanberk was asked if Turkey's relations with Israel will negativelly affect its relations with its Arab neighbors, and he responded that Turkish-Israeli relations have no objectives towards a third country, adding that no country of that region should feel uneasy over these relations.

Regarding his country's domestic affairs, Mr. Sanberk ruled out the possibility of any military intervention in Turkey and added that the Turkish Armed Forces are faithful to democracy, religion, and freedom of belief. A.F.

[15] TURKISH SECURITY FORCES KILL 30 AND CAPTURE 32 IN BORDER OPERATIONS

Turkish Security Forces killed 30 and captured 32 others last Wednesday during separate missions launched in southeastern provinces, according to Turkish news agency Anadolu.

Turkey's Emergency Rule Regional Governor's office stated that this operations were a "bid top eradicate separatist terrorist organizations."

According to the statement, 20 "terrorists" were killed in Dugun mountain near the border region of Sirnk to northern Iraq, eight were killed in the township of Eruh in the Siirt province and one was killed in the town of Bilopi in the Bitlis province.

Moreover, Anadolu reports, two "terrorists" wre captured and six more surrendered to security forces, while the operations are still underway in the region. A.F.

[16] UN CHIEF TO INVITE CLERIDES, DENKTASH FOR MEETING IN END OF MAY

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan is expected to issue an invitation to the President of the Republic of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides and to the Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash by the end of this month, according to the UN Chief's alternate special representative Gustav Feishel.

Mr. Feisher, who met today with President Clerides, said that the issue of direct talks between President Clerides and Mr. Denktash will be tackled by Mr. Annan's deputy Sir Kiran Pedergast, who is to arrive this evening in Cyprus.

Moreover, Mr. Feishel stated that Mr. Pedergast wil visit Athens and Ankara, after Nicosia, prior to returning to New York. A.F.

[17] TURKISH-CYPRIOT REGIME TO SELL HOTELS THAT BELONG TO GREEK- CYPRIOTS

The Cypriot government has requested from the United Nations that they obstruct the Turkish-Cypriot occupation regime from proceeding to the sale of two hotels that belong to Greek- Cypriots, specifically the "Dome" in Keryneia and "Salamis Bay" in Famagusta.

Cyprus' permanent representative to the UN Nikos Agathocleous has forwarded a letter to the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan wherein he points out that the sale of these hotels would constitute a breach of the European Court for Human Rights ruling in the case of Titina Loizidou. A.F.

[18] ALBANIA: GOVERNMENT COALITION MAY COLLAPSE AFTER BERISHA'S NEW LAW

Albania's governmental coalition may be on the brink of collapse, after the country's parliament adopted yesterday an election law tabled by President Sali Berisha's Democratic Party, which failed to first negotiate the matter with the other parties and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

The country's general elections have been planned for June 29 but eight opposition parties have already announced that they plan to refrain from the process and that they will re-examine their participation in Prime Minister Bashkim Fino's government of national reconciliation.

OSCE's special envoy Franz Vranitski asKed the Democratic Party to review its decision and to try to "find a common ground" with the remaining parties.

"The Democratic Party failed to keep the agreement it had drawn with the opposition parties," Mr. Vranitski said.

"It tabled an amendment to Parliament without prior having asked for the opinion of the other parties and OSCE. It will be a great disappointment for the Albanian people and the international community if the Albanian parties fail to abide by their agreement."

Albania's Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano said that his new law is a replica of the election law of 1996 which led to the rigging of May 26's elections.

Mr. Berisha defended the new law and countered the Social Party's threat of boycotting the elections by saying "if the Socialists threaten to boycott the elections in spite of the significant changes the election system has undergone, then this shows that they have no intention of participating in the elections."

US State Department spokesperson Nicholas Burns said that the Albanian Parliament's decision is wholly contrary to the process that would lead Albania away from the crisis.

The Albanian Parliament discussed and approved the law while the country's Premier Bashkim Fino was on a formal visit to Washington where he was received by US Secretary of State Madleine Albright. A.F.

[19] NEW MINISTERS OF HEALTH AND INDUSTRY WERE APPOINTED IN TURKEY

True Path Party Parliament deputies Ismail Karakuyu and Ali Riza Gionul were appointed to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Industry and Trade respectively. The two Ministries were "headless" since the recent resignation of Gildirim Aktuna and Yelim Erez.

The appointment of the new Ministers was announced last night after the meeting of Prime Minister Necmetin Erbakan with President Suleiman Demirel.

[20] THE DIRECTOR OF MPA MADE A TWO-DAY VISIT TO BELGRADE

Macedonian Press Agency Director Spyros Kouzinopoulos made a two-day visit to Belgrade on May 12-13 at the invitation of Serbia's Information Minister ms.Radmila Miledijevic.

Mr.Kouzinopoulos met on Monday with Tanjug's Director mr.Zoran Jevtzovic, while yesterday had meetings with the Minister of Information, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs mr.Vucicevic and Director of "Politika" mr.Hadji-Dragan Andic.

In the meetings, mr.Kouzinopoulos presented MPA's activities within the framework of the cooperation with the Balkan news agencies that make up the Association of Balkan News Agencies, ABNA, and stressed the significance of the Data Bank that is under creation and will be based in Thessaloniki, as well as the importance of the future satellite link of the Balkan national news agencies provided by the DIAVLOS programme. Also, were stressed the prospects for the Balkan news agencies' presence in the Internet.

The Information Minister of Serbia stated that MPA's contribution to the effort for the development of the network that will link the Balkan news agencies is significant and expressed the Serb government's support toward this direction.

Ms.Miledijevic gave a formal dinner in the city of Smederevo yesterday in honour of mr.Kouzinopoulos, which was attended by Greek Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia mr.Panagiotis Vlassopoulos, Serbia's Undersecretary of Information ms.Vesna Jovanovic and Smederevo's mayor mr.Bojan Ilic.

[21] INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE CHRISTIAN ORTHODOX THEOLOGY WILL BE HELD IN THESSALONIKI ON MAY 21-25

"Thessaloniki, as the center of Christian Orthodox Theology - Prospects in today's Europe", will be the theme of the International Scientific Conference organized by the Theology Department of Aristotle University to take place on May 21-25 within the framework of the programme "Aristotle" sponsored by the Cultural Capital of Europe Organization -Thessaloniki 1997.

In the conference will participate distinguished academicians, laymen and clerics from all over the world to discuss among other issues, the prospects for the unity of the Christian Churches in view of the third millennium, the stance of the Greek Orthodox Church toward the united Europe and the revival of the East, the role of the Church in culture, as well as the present and the future of Thessaloniki's missionary work.

[22] BARZANI LAUNCHED A MILITARY OPERATION AGAINST PKK WITH THE SUPPORT OF TURKEY

The Democratic Party of Kurdistan led by Masud Barzani launched a military operation against PKK in northern Iraq in the early morning hours today.

According to statements made by assistant Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Sermet Atadzanli, the Turkish armed forces offer limited support to the operation. Based on the statements made by Atadzanli, Turkey's participation in the operation had been requested by Barzani's forces.

The Turkish forces back the operation with aircraft and artillery and they have invaded Zacho and Habur, while security measures are in effect in south-eastern Turkey.

Meanwhile, according to information, 30 Kurds were killed in the past two days during clashes with Turkish armed forces in south-eastern Turkey.

[23] THE DAUGHTER OF CHE GUEVARA WILL BE IN GREECE ON MAY 16-25

The daughter of Ernesto Che Guevara, Dr.Adelaide Guevara, will be in Athens on May 16-25 to present a special collection published on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of her father's assassination in Bolivia. The collection includes an eight video- cassette documentary on Che's life and work and also a CD and a tape with 19 songs on Che from all over the world.

During her visit to Greece, Adelaide Guevara will meet with political leaders, local authorities, women's organizations, students and representatives of the medical and artistic world. She will also visit hospitals and schools.

[24] 25 TONS OF HUMANITARIAN AID WILL BE SENT TO ALBANIA FROM GREECE

The Greek-British initiative to send food and medicine to Albania claims the title of one of the largest humanitarian missions to this country.

As it was made known, a large contribution by the British organization "International Child Care" has been added to the 25 tons of food that was collected by the Greek Caravan of Solidarity in a period of one month.

As a result of this well coordinated effort, the Albanian people will receive 4.000 family-packages and tens of tons of food that will be distributed mainly to the regions of Koritsa and Moschopolis.

The humanitarian aid convoy will leave from Greece on Friday May 16 and the aid will be distributed the following day.

[25] ECONOMIC COOPERATION BETWEEN GREECE AND CUBA IN NINE SECTORS

A very promising agreement for economic and technological cooperation in nine business sectors was the result of Greek Undersecretary of National Economy Alexandros Baltas' visit to Cuba. It should be noted that this was the first formal visit of a Greek government representative to this Latin-American country.

The sectors of cooperation between the two countries are industry, ship-building, agriculture, construction industry, transportations, banking and insurance services, tourism and vocational training.

Also, a decision was reached for the establishment of a joint committee which will meet in Athens and Havana to oversee and coordinate the procedures for the bilateral cooperation.

[26] THE WORK OF SERB POET GADZANSKI WILL BE PRESENTED IN THESSALONIKI

The work of Ivan Gadzanski, one of the most significant Serb poets, will be presented to the public of Thessaloniki on May 20 by the Cultural Capital of Europe Organization - Thessaloniki 1997 Literature Department.

Gadzanski himself will recite certain of his poems with a simultaneous visual translation for the public.

The phihellene poet frequently refers to the Greek culture in his work, while he has close friendships and cooperation with Greek literary figures. His poems have been translated into 20 languages.

[27] KOSTOV RECEIVED A MANDATE TO FORM A NEW GOVERNMENT IN BULGARIA

Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov gave a mandate to the Union of Democratic Forces leader Ivan Kostov to form a new government.

On Monday, mr.Kostov is expected to present to the Bulgarian President his government's programme for the next four years as well as, the members of his cabinet. Mr.Kostov will do the same before the Parliament on Wednesday in the presence of the caretaker government of Prime Minister Sofianski.

Mr.Kostov expressed satisfaction over the fact that most of the members of the caretaker government's economic staff will participate in the new government and also, made positive statements on the work done by the Sofianski government.

Complete archives of the Macedonian Press Agency bulletins are available on the MPA Home Page at http://www.mpa.gr/ and on the U.S. mirror at http://www.hri.org/MPA/