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Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 98-09-30

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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


MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, September 30, 1998

SECTIONS

  • [A] NATIONAL NEWS
  • [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

  • NEWS HEADLINES

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

  • [01] STATE TRIES TO REDUCE INFLATION, PRICES TO DROP ON 250 CONSUMER GOODS
  • [02] ALTERNATE FM: CYPRUS'S EU ACCESSION IS OPPORTUNITY TO RESOLVE ISSUE
  • [03] PM TO OPEN CONFERENCE ON "THE EU AFTER THE AMSTERDAM TREATY"
  • [04] TANKER TRUCK DRIVERS CALL OFF STRIKE, CARS IN LINE TO FILL UP WITH GAS
  • [05] GREEK GOVERNMENT ISSUES CONVERTIBLE BONDS AS OF TODAY
  • [06] CONFERENCE ON THE EURO BEGINS IN THRACE TOMORROW
  • [07] THE GAS STATIONS ARE BEING RE-SUPPLIED WITH LIQUID FUEL
  • [08] NEW AIR TRANSPORTATION COMPANY IS LAUNCHED IN GREECE
  • [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

  • [09] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT SATISFIED BY WORLD'S REACTION TO DENKTASH PROPOSALS
  • [10] CENTRAL SERBIA ROCKED BY QUAKE MEASURING 5.7 RICHTER
  • [11] GREECE'S UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS CONTINUES CONTACTS IN N.Y.
  • [12] GREEK DEFENSE MINSTER IN CYPRUS TODAY FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY
  • [13] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT SAYS "YES" TO PADELI MAJKO'S APPOINTMENT AS PREMIER
  • [14] ONE DEAD, 17 INJURED IN EARTHQUAKE THAT ROCKED CENTRAL SERBIA
  • [15] EUROPEAN COMMISSION: GREEK ECONOMY IS ON A GOOD COURSE
  • [16] MAJKO BEGAN CONSULTATIONS TO FORM A NEW GOVERNMENT IN ALBANIA
  • [17] THE US PENTAGON ON THE JOINT EXERCISE OF THE US, TURKEY AND ISRAEL
  • [18] SCHRODER HAD LIKENED CILLER TO HITLER
  • [19] THE GREEK ECONOMY IS ON THE RIGHT PATH, ACCORDING TO THE EU COMMISSION
  • [20] GROSSMAN REJECTS THE DEMIREL STATEMENTS
  • [21] 29 GERMAN ORGANIZATIONS CALL ON THE US AND EUROPE TO ASSUME THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE KURDISH ISSUE
  • [22] THE EU MONETARY COMMITTEE DISCUSSED THE GREEK ECONOMY'S NEW CONVERGENCE PROGRAM
  • [23] THE REINFORCEMENT OF CYPRUS'S DEFENSE WILL CONTINUE

  • NEWS IN DETAIL

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

    [01] STATE TRIES TO REDUCE INFLATION, PRICES TO DROP ON 250 CONSUMER GOODS

    The prices of over 250 items of wide consumption are to be reduced by 3-33%, part of the government's effort to reduce inflation. The agreement was reached yesterday between the Ministry of development and the country's industry sector.

    The new prices are to be enforced as of October 15 and this measure is to be applied for three to six months.

    [02] ALTERNATE FM: CYPRUS'S EU ACCESSION IS OPPORTUNITY TO RESOLVE ISSUE

    Greece's alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou stated that Cyprus's accession course to the European Union constitutes an excellent opportunity to resolve the problem of the island's Turkish occupation.

    Mr. Papandreou also reiterated that the Turkish occupation forces are still stationed in the island's northern part and he blamed Ankara for setting obstacles to the island-republic's accession to the EU.

    [03] PM TO OPEN CONFERENCE ON "THE EU AFTER THE AMSTERDAM TREATY"

    Prime Minister Kostas Simitis is to open the conference of "The European Union after the Amsterdam Treaty", to be held in Athens tomorrow.

    The main topics to be discussed at the two-day conference will be "Europe as a political vision" and necessary institutional changes, as well as "EMU and employment after the Amsterdam Treaty" and "joint European Union policy and the European citizen."

    The conference is organized by the Tsatsos Foundation in collaboration with PASOK's Eurodeputies group.

    [04] TANKER TRUCK DRIVERS CALL OFF STRIKE, CARS IN LINE TO FILL UP WITH GAS

    Drivers of fuel-carrying tanker trucks have called their strike off until January 31, 1999, calling on the government to meet their demands by then.

    The decision to cancel the protest was taken after a meeting held yesterday between the sector's representatives and officials from the ministries of transportation and development.

    The four-day strike had affected local drivers as more and more gas stations in and around the city wee posting "empty" signs

    [05] GREEK GOVERNMENT ISSUES CONVERTIBLE BONDS AS OF TODAY

    The Greek government issued today its state convertible bonds, to be available until Friday through the banks.

    The bond's sale price has been set at GRD76,370 for a three- year term and will have a return value of GRD,000 upon its expiration. The annual return rate will be 9.4%.

    [06] CONFERENCE ON THE EURO BEGINS IN THRACE TOMORROW

    The Economists Association of Thessaloniki is organizing a three-day event concerning the European Union common currency, the Euro, to be held October 1-3 at the Democritus University of Thrace, in the city of Komotene.

    Taking part in the event will be the European Center of Information - Rodopi, Evros. Among the issues to be discussed by Greek and foreign speakers during the event will be : Globalization and Development, the European Monetary Union, Industrial and Trade Policy in the Countries of Central and Eastern Europe, Deregulation and Globalization, Economic and Financial Markets, Regional Economies and Economic Enlargement, Job Markets and Global Economy, and others.

    [07] THE GAS STATIONS ARE BEING RE-SUPPLIED WITH LIQUID FUEL

    The refueling of the gas stations has started gradually in northern Greece after the decision by the owners of public use liquid fuel tank-trucks to end their strike.

    According to the chairman of their union Mr. Giavridis, initially will be mobilized 25 liquid fuel tank-trucks to cover the immediate needs in the region, while by tomorrow all liquid fuel stations will have their tanks filled.

    [08] NEW AIR TRANSPORTATION COMPANY IS LAUNCHED IN GREECE

    "Hellas Wings Ltd", a new public air transportation company, is being launched in Greece. It is a private air company of Greek interests and its operation will be formally inaugurated at the Athens Airport today.

    The airline will count on the experience and support of its parent company "Athens Aviation Services Ltd" that is being active in the sector of air transportation services since 1974.

    "Hellas Wings" has a modern fleet for air-taxi flights or ad hoc charter flights and can carry patients and small packages. In the immediate plans of the company is the expansion of its fleet with the acquisition of two newly built "Raytheon 1900C" aircraft that can carry up to 19 passengers serving many local destinations.

    [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

    [09] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT SATISFIED BY WORLD'S REACTION TO DENKTASH PROPOSALS

    Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides has expressed his satisfaction over the stance adopted by the international community on the confederation proposal submitted by Turkish- Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

    Nevertheless, President Clerides did add that he is not satisfied with the issue concerning the enforcement of the United Nations resolution for the island-republic.

    [10] CENTRAL SERBIA ROCKED BY QUAKE MEASURING 5.7 RICHTER

    An earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale rocked central Serbia early this morning, shortly after midnight. The quake's epicenter is located 100 kilometers southwest of Belgrade in Valjevo.

    Electrical power was cut off in the region, while a number of buildings underwent damages even in Belgrade.

    According to reports so far, there have been injuries.

    [11] GREECE'S UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS CONTINUES CONTACTS IN N.Y.

    Greece's Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis has embarked on a series of contacts in New York, in light of Greece's candidacy as a non-permanent Security council member for 1999-2000.

    Mr. Kranidiotis has met with his counterparts and higher- ranking officials of United Nations member-states who are presently in New York for the 53rd General Assembly.

    [12] GREEK DEFENSE MINSTER IN CYPRUS TODAY FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY

    National Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos will depart for Cyprus today for talks with Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides, the speaker of the Cypriot Parliament Spyros Kyprianou, Archbishop Chrysostomos and other political and military officials.

    Mr. Tsohatzopoulos is also expected to attend a military parade tomorrow, celebrating the Cyprus Republic's independence day.

    [13] ALBANIAN PRESIDENT SAYS "YES" TO PADELI MAJKO'S APPOINTMENT AS PREMIER

    Albanian president Rejhep Meidani ratified late last night the Socialist Party's election of Padeli Majko as the country's new premier, replacing Fatos Nano who resigned on Monday evening.

    Mr. Majko, who had served as the ruling party's secretary- general, is expected to form the new cabinet in the next few days, in what is deemed to be a highly critical period for the country.

    The recent crisis led to Mr. Nano's resignation, although he remains at the party's leadership.

    [14] ONE DEAD, 17 INJURED IN EARTHQUAKE THAT ROCKED CENTRAL SERBIA

    One person died after suffering a heart attack and seventeen others were injured during the earthquake that rocked central and northern Serbia early this morning, shortly after midnight.

    The quake measured 5.7 on the Richter scale and its epicenter is located 100 kilometers southwest of Belgrade in Valjevo.

    Electrical power was cut off in the region, while a number of buildings underwent damages even in Belgrade.

    According to reports so far, there have been no injuries in Belgrade.

    [15] EUROPEAN COMMISSION: GREEK ECONOMY IS ON A GOOD COURSE

    The substantial progress noted in the Greek economy, aiming at the convergence program, along with the proposals to the Greek government, that it should press on with its effort in order to improve the state's basic macro-economic sizes in light of Greece's accession to the Economic and Monetary Union, are some of the issues to be discussed in Brussels today at the European Commission's weekly session.

    In its report concerning the Greek economy's convergence, the EC refers to the latest development of the main economic sizes, granting particular attention to the need to curb inflation, public deficit and debt, while stressing that the basic prerequisite is a future discussion of investments in the private sector, but mainly the public one, and to go through the programmed privatizations.

    The EC's report is to be discussed at the following ECOFIN meeting of October 12.

    [16] MAJKO BEGAN CONSULTATIONS TO FORM A NEW GOVERNMENT IN ALBANIA

    Albanian prime minister designate Pandeli Majko starts consultations to form a new government after his appointment yesterday to the post by the governing Socialist Party.

    Mr. Majko, who is 30 years old and the youngest leader ever in Albania, has underlined that his two priorities are to start dialogue with the opposition and find a solution to the crisis in Kosovo.

    [17] THE US PENTAGON ON THE JOINT EXERCISE OF THE US, TURKEY AND ISRAEL

    The US Pentagon assistant spokesman assured that the joint naval exercise held about 8 months ago by Turkey, the United States and Israel in eastern Mediterranean had nothing to do with the anti-aircraft S-300 missiles Cyprus is planning to install in its territory.

    The spokesman, when called to comment on a letter the Greek minister of defense allegedly has sent to the US Pentagon on the possible purchase by Greece of F-15 fighter jets, said that he does not comment on communication between allies and characterized the US fighter jets as the best taking part in the bid, adding that the US hope that Greece will finally choose to purchase US aircraft.

    The US Pentagon spokesman added that Washington strongly supports Greece's decision to modernize its armed forces in order to be able to meet NATO's demands.

    [18] SCHRODER HAD LIKENED CILLER TO HITLER

    The new German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder had likened Tansu Ciller to Hitler in comments he had made a few years ago, while at the same time he had accused Turkey of genocide targeting the Kurds.

    According to the Turkish newspaper "Hurriyet", a strong dispute had erupted in 1994 between the then prime minister of Lower Saxony Gerhard Schroder and Turkish prime minister Tansu Ciller because of the military operations the Turkish armed forces had launched in Sirnak targeting the Kurdish PKK organization.

    Mr. Schroder had likened Ciller to Hitler and Turkey's policy to that which was adopted by the Nazis targeting the Jews, creating a crisis in the Turkish-German relations.

    [19] THE GREEK ECONOMY IS ON THE RIGHT PATH, ACCORDING TO THE EU COMMISSION

    The progress made by the Greek economy within the framework of the convergence plan, together with the recommendations made to the Greek government to continue its efforts for the improvement of the macro-economic figures in view of Greece's participation in the EMU, will be discussed in Brussels today in the weekly meeting of the European Commission.

    The text of the European Commission report to the EU ministers of national economy and finance will be discussed and approved in the next ECOFIN meeting that will be held in October 12.

    According to the European Commission report, part of which was broadcast on the BBC radio, a number of suggestions are being made for the improvement of the secondary figures of the Greek economy, starting with the basic pre-condition that investments in the private and mainly the public sector should increase, while the scheduled privatizations must be completed.

    Also, the report mentions that the government must be very firm in its efforts which are aimed at cutting deficits and especially, interest rates.

    It is also stressed that there is a need for deep structural changes in order to meet the targets of the convergence plan especially in the job market, the taxation system and the stabilization of wages.

    [20] GROSSMAN REJECTS THE DEMIREL STATEMENTS

    Assistant US Secretary of State, responsible for European affairs, Mr. Mark Grossman responded to the president of the Greek National Coordinating Effort, Mr. Manatos, who had called on the US State Department since September 8 to react to the public statements made by Turkish president Suleiman Demirel according to which, many islets in the Aegean are Turkish territory.

    The US official in his response pointed out that such public statements do not help and that the unilateral allegations of sovereignty do not promote the likelihood for a peaceful solution to the existing differences. He also underlined that the United States continue to stress both to Turkey and to Greece that a procedure should start for the peaceful solution of disputes through mechanisms such as, the International Court of Justice in The Hague or other international fora.

    [21] 29 GERMAN ORGANIZATIONS CALL ON THE US AND EUROPE TO ASSUME THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE KURDISH ISSUE

    Fifty thousand dead, about 3.000 destroyed villages and 3 million refugees is the toll of the war launched by Turkey against the Kurds of the PKK in the past 15 years. The above are being stressed in a recent statement issued by 29 German humanitarian organizations.

    According to the statement, this is a destabilizing war not only for the region where it takes place but for Turkey's economic and social web as well, stressing that it blocks the country's democratization and is opposed to the economic and political interests of Europe and the United States.

    In the statement it is stressed that Ankara has rejected the recent peace proposal by the Kurdish rebels, while it is also mentioned that the opportunity presented by the PKK leader proposal, Abdulah Otsalan, for a truce and an end to self-rule intentions should not be missed.

    The joint statement underlines that the friendly governments toward Turkey should rise to the occasion and stop the sale of arms to Ankara.

    [22] THE EU MONETARY COMMITTEE DISCUSSED THE GREEK ECONOMY'S NEW CONVERGENCE PROGRAM

    The European Union Monetary Committee discussed the new convergence program for Greece's participation in the EMU in the year 2001. According to the EU Commission, the program mirrors the Greek government's will to achieve the figures necessary for the economic and monetary unification.

    The economic growth plan set to meet the necessary criteria is characterized as ambitious and feasible, while it is pointed out that the Greek government has met its goals for 1998. The European Commission predicts that if Greece remains firm in its convergence program and economic growth goals, it will be part of the EURO zone in the year 2001.

    [23] THE REINFORCEMENT OF CYPRUS'S DEFENSE WILL CONTINUE

    Greek minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos, who is on a visit to Cyprus on the occasion of the anniversary of the Cypriot independence, stated that the reinforcement of Cyprus's defense will continue.

    Mr. Tsochatzopoulos was received at the Larnaca Airport by his Cypriot counterpart Yiannakis Omirou and later the two had talks in the ministry of defense.

    Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stressed that the expansionist policy and the threats coming from Turkey are being faced through the firm policy and the determined stance adopted on issues concerning the protection of the national sovereignty as well as, through the defense adequacy of Cyprus and Greece.


    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/


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