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Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 98-05-22

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, May 22, 1998

SECTIONS

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

  • NEWS HEADLINES

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

  • [01] IMF: GREEK ECONOMY IS ON THE RIGHT TRACK
  • [02] MAIN OPPOSITION PARTY LEADER TOURS CENTRAL GREECE
  • [03] COMMUNIST PARTY OF GREECE HOSTS INT/L CONFERENCE IN ATHENS
  • [04] AUSTRIAN ECONOMY MINISTER ARRIVES IN ATHENS TODAY
  • [05] BRITISH ENVOY FOR THE CYPRUS ISSUE IN ATHENS
  • [06] JAPANESE INVESTORS INTERESTED IN TRADE WITH GREECE
  • [07] SIMITIS' SPEECH IN THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATION CONFERENCE
  • [08] MEETING OF COMMUNIST PARTIES IN ATHENS
  • [09] A MEMBER OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT VISITED MPA
  • [10] DIGITAL TELEVISION BILL TO BE TABLED IN GREEK PARLIAMENT IN JUNE
  • [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

  • [11] KOSSOVO'S ALBANIANS TO ATTEND TODAY'S TALKS WITH SERBS
  • [12] PARLIAMENT DELEGATION ATTENDS NATO CONFERENCE
  • [13] NATO DEFENSE UNDERSECRETARIES TO MEET AT TIRANA TODAY
  • [14] ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH VARTHOLOMEOS ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO US, CANADA
  • [15] UN: CYPRUS TALKS ON INTERCOMMUNAL BASIS, NOT "TWO STATES"
  • [16] GREEK SCHOLAR CYRIL TOPALOV THE NEW AMBASSADOR OF BULGARIA TO ATHENS
  • [17] SYMPOSIUM ON KAZANTZAKIS IN TIRANA
  • [18] THE CYPRUS ISSUE AT THE CENTER OF TALKS IN WASHINGTON
  • [19] THE SARAKATSANE IN BULGARIA WANT COMPENSATION FOR THEIR CONFISCATED LIVE STOCK
  • [20] THE "NEW YORK TIMES" ON THE TREASURES OF MOUNT ATHOS
  • [21] KOSOVO: DIALOGUE BETWEEN SERBS-ALBANIANS TO CONTINUE

  • NEWS IN DETAIL

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

    [01] IMF: GREEK ECONOMY IS ON THE RIGHT TRACK

    The International Monetary Fund has found that the Greek economy is on the right track.

    In the IMF's annual report, it is characteristically stated that Greece has earned the market trust which enabled the national currency, the drachma, to enter the Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM). Meanwhile, Ionian Bank employees are continuing their indefinite strike. The General Confederation of Greek Laborers (GSEE) has called a nationwide strike for May 27.

    [02] MAIN OPPOSITION PARTY LEADER TOURS CENTRAL GREECE

    Leader of the main opposition party of New Democracy Kostas Karamanlis has accused the government of leading the country into a shipwreck, over the state's failure to gain Greece's accession into the first round of the Economic and monetary Union.

    Mr. Karamanlis is currently on a four-day tour throughout central Greece, where he is scheduled to meet with farmers' representatives, local chamber members and party supporters. Today he will meet with the Metropolite, the prefect and the mayor of the city of Katerini.

    [03] COMMUNIST PARTY OF GREECE HOSTS INT/L CONFERENCE IN ATHENS

    Marking the eightieth year since its founding and the 150 anniversary since the publication of the Communist Manifesto, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) will organize in Athens an international conference of 60 communist and workers' parties from 50 countries today through Sunday.

    According to an announcement issued by KKE, this meeting will focus on the better coordination and development of common action, aimed at "processing a common strategy against imperialism."

    Orestis Kolozov, a member of KKE's political bureau and the party's chief of international relations committee, stated that a wide exchange of views will take place during the three-day meeting concerning the major contemporary problems faced by the working class.

    The meeting's agenda includes developments in the European Union, the role of the West European Union and NATO and the role played by various organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

    Among the parties to attend the international conference are the Communist Party of the United States, the Communist party of Japan, The Workers Party of Belgium and the South African Communist Party.

    Specifically, 13 parties from western Europe will attend, along with 12 from the Far and Near East, 12 from the former Soviet Republic, eight from eastern Europe and the Balkans, seven from Asia and Australia, four from Africa, three from north America and one from Latin America.

    [04] AUSTRIAN ECONOMY MINISTER ARRIVES IN ATHENS TODAY

    Austria's Minister of National Economy Johannes Farnleitner is due in Athens today, in light of his country's imminent role as the president of the European Union.

    Mr. Farnleitner will be received by his Greek counterpart Yiannos Papantoniou, the Minister of Development Vasso Papandreou, Labor and Social Services Minister Miltiades Papaioannou and Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Kostas Laliotis.

    During his talks, Mr. Farnleitner will brief the Greek officials on his country's EU-presidency initiatives, which are reportedly the promotion of the Economic and Monetary Union, employment and energy issues.

    [05] BRITISH ENVOY FOR THE CYPRUS ISSUE IN ATHENS

    The British envoy for the Cyprus problem, Sir David Hannay, is to arrive in Athens today for talks with senior foreign ministry officials.

    According to reports, Sir David will brief Greek government officials on the visit of British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook to Ankara conducted earlier this week.

    The British diplomat is also expected to discuss issues related to the EU- Turkey Association Council, a meeting that has been reported as canceled by Ankara.

    [06] JAPANESE INVESTORS INTERESTED IN TRADE WITH GREECE

    Japanese investors have turned their attention to Greece, with their efforts being aided by the foundation of a Greek- Japanese chamber in Athens.

    The first Greek-Japanese Business Forum, which was held within the framework of Hermes by the Association of Greek Industries and the Union of Greek Banks, aimed at facilitating Japanese-Greek business trade, focusing on the opportunities for Greek products exports to Japan.

    The Hermes plan constitutes a pilot action program drawn by the secretariat general of International Economic Relations of the Ministry of National Economy.

    It aims at upgrading Greece's presence in Japan and at further developing ties of friendship and economic cooperation between the two countries.

    [07] SIMITIS' SPEECH IN THE LOCAL ADMINISTRATION CONFERENCE

    The enactment of central independent resources, the completion of the procedures for the hiring of 1.000 scientists and the transfer of authority to the prefectures, were announced by prime minister Kostas Simitis in his speech at the local administration conference.

    Mr. Simitis stressed that the measures will materialize within the framework of the capabilities of the Greek economy but expressed the willingness of the government to promote decentralization through the strengthening of local administration at prefecture level.

    [08] MEETING OF COMMUNIST PARTIES IN ATHENS

    An international meeting of communist and labor parties from 50 countries opened in Athens today at the initiative of the Greek Communist Party.

    The basic aim of the international meeting is the exchange of experience and views on the problems faced by the working class around the world and the joined action in the effort to deal with them.

    The conference proceedings opened with a speech of Greek Communist Party general secretary Ms. Aleka Papariga.

    [09] A MEMBER OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT VISITED MPA

    British Labor Party Parliament member, Andrew Dismore, a close associate of prime minister Tony Blair, stated during his visit to the MPA offices in Thessaloniki that Turkey can not become a member of the European Union unless it meets certain criteria concerning human rights. He also pointed out that there have been no concessions from the Turkish side for the settlement of the Greek-Turkish issues and the Cyprus problem.

    Mr. Dismore visited the MPA offices on his way to Mount Athos and was briefed on the Balkan News Bank that is being created in Thessaloniki.

    He stated that he backs the return of the Elgin Marbles to Greece and expressed optimism that certain Parliament members want to see the marbles returned to the Parthenon in Athens. Mr. Dismore stated that the new culture minister Chris Smith gave a negative response to a question made on the issue shortly after his election, because he and the government did not have the time to think about the issue seriously. He also added that there is a fear of creating a precedent with the return of the Greek marbles as there are many exhibits in the British museums that come from many different countries, stressing that the Elgin Marbles have a great historical and philosophical meaning for the Greek nation.

    Mr. Dismore stated that the marbles will return to Greece sooner or later and added that his personal opinion is that they should be back to Greece by the 2004 Olympic Games, stressing that the British Parliament needs some time to reconsider its views.

    On Turkey, Mr. Dismore said that the British government and the Labor Party believe that the country has to meet certain criteria in order to become an EU member and stressed that human rights are violated in Turkey, its democracy is fragile, while Britain is very concerned over the issue of Cyprus as there are many Greek voters mainly in north London, a constituency he comes from.

    He also said that the co-existence of two communities in Cyprus is feasible and that the problem is created by the Turkish side and Rauf Denktash, who persist in their views. He said that the Greek side has made many concessions for the settlement of this crucial issue but it is not the same with the Turkish side which refuses to compromise and added that the British government will exert pressures on Turkey for the peaceful solution of the issue.

    [10] DIGITAL TELEVISION BILL TO BE TABLED IN GREEK PARLIAMENT IN JUNE

    The principles and rules of the satellite digital television operation were finalized today, during the session of the government committee and the Political Secretariat of the governing party of PASOK, which was chaired by prime minister Kostas Simitis.

    According to the government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, the bill concerning digital television will be introduced in Parliament, in June, preceded by talks with political parties and all interested sides. Mr Reppas, also, noted that Greece will, probably, be the first country to have a complete, juridical framework for the operation of digital television.

    [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

    [11] KOSSOVO'S ALBANIANS TO ATTEND TODAY'S TALKS WITH SERBS

    Albanians in Kossovo will attend today's first round of talks with Serbian government representatives, party officials said, as NATO reviewed military options to prevent violence spilling out into the region.

    The talks, which are to be held weekly, were agreed during a meeting last week between Rugova and Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic, itself brokered by the United States.

    The talks will take place in Pristina, the province's main town.

    [12] PARLIAMENT DELEGATION ATTENDS NATO CONFERENCE

    A nine-member Greek parliamentary delegation departs for Barcelona today in order to attend NATO's four-day spring session.

    The delegates will tackle a variety of issues such as the Alliance's expansion through the accession of Eastern European countries, security in the greater Middle East region and the role of the mass media in war situations.

    [13] NATO DEFENSE UNDERSECRETARIES TO MEET AT TIRANA TODAY

    The defense undersecretaries of the states-members of NATO are to meet at the Albanian capital, Tirana, today.

    The undersecretaries of defense from Greece, Albania, Italy, FYROM, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey and the Unites States will attend the session, along with officials from the alliance and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

    [14] ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH VARTHOLOMEOS ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO US, CANADA

    The Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos embarks today on an official visit to the United States and Canada.

    While in the United States, the Patriarch will visit Yale University which will bestow upon him an honorary doctorate degree.

    Upon arrival at Ottawa, the Patriarch will be received by Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien. Mr. Vartholomeos will also visit the cities of Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg. This is the first time an Ecumenical Patriarch visits Canada.

    [15] UN: CYPRUS TALKS ON INTERCOMMUNAL BASIS, NOT "TWO STATES"

    The United Nations Security Council has reaffirmed that the efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue should continue through intercommunal talks, not on the basis of acknowledging the existence of two separate states as the Turkish Cypriots want, according to international press sources.

    This view was made clear in a brief reply sent by the SC president Njuguna Mahugu of Kenya, to the UN secretary-general Kofi Annan to a letter written by the latter wherein he outlined the results of a visit that his special adviser on Cyprus, Diego Cordovez, paid to the island from March 17 to 22.

    According to Mr. Annan, the Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash told Mr. Cordovez that the picture had changed since Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides embarked on accession talks with the European Union.

    Mr. Denktash argued that any further talks must be based on acknowledging the existence of two separate states in Cyprus - one Greek Cypriot and the other Turkish Cypriot.

    However, SC President Mahugu, in his reply to Mr. Annan, stated that Security Council members "reiterate their strong support for your mission of good offices for Cyprus and for the efforts of your special adviser on Cyprus, Mr. Diego Cordovez, on the basis of the relevant Security Council resolutions."

    All such resolutions call for negotiations on reuniting the divided island to be conducted on an inter-communal basis, and do not recognize the existence of a Turkish Cypriot state.

    [16] GREEK SCHOLAR CYRIL TOPALOV THE NEW AMBASSADOR OF BULGARIA TO ATHENS

    The Greek scholar Cyril Topalov is the new ambassador of Bulgaria to Athens. Member of the world Greek academy "Arcadia" with post graduate studies at the Greek Literature Department of the University of Athens, Mr. Topalov served as assistance professor of literature in the University of Sofia and was appointed director of Bulgaria's National Library.

    In an interview to the Bulgarian newspaper "Demokratsia", just before he assumed his duties as an ambassador, he stressed that in politics and in history there are certain problems that divide the peoples of the region, while in the area of culture is just the opposite. This, according to Mr. Topalov, can become the basis for the creation of a new united community. He also pointed out that his country clearly has more in common with Greece than with any other country.

    [17] SYMPOSIUM ON KAZANTZAKIS IN TIRANA

    A scientific symposium dedicated to the work of the great Greek author Nikos Kazantzakis, who wrote such books as "Askitiki" and "Zorba", opens in Tirana today.

    The symposium, that is being held at the National Library in the Albanian capital, is organized by the "Friends of the Greek Book" Association in cooperation with the International Association of Nikos Kazantzakis' Friends.

    [18] THE CYPRUS ISSUE AT THE CENTER OF TALKS IN WASHINGTON

    The Cyprus issue and the intransigence displayed by the Turkish and the Turkish Cypriot side were at the center of the talks held by Cypriot foreign minister Yiannakis Kasoulides in Washington within the framework of his visit to the United States that is being completed today.

    Mr. Kasoulides met in the US Congress with International Relations Committee chairman Ben Gilman, the Democrats leader Lee Hamilton and other 12 US House Representatives, who were briefed on the developments in the Cyprus issue and the negative stance of Ankara and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

    Responding to a question on the Russian S-300 missiles, Mr. Kasoulides outlined the firm position of the Cypriot government on the necessity of this defense system, underlining the proposal made by Cypriot president Glafkos Clerides on the demilitarization of the island.

    Mr. Kasoulides also met with members of the US Senate International Relations Committee which was presided over by US Senator Paul Sarbanis, while he exchanged views on the Cyprus issue with assistant US Secretary of State Straub Talbott.

    [19] THE SARAKATSANE IN BULGARIA WANT COMPENSATION FOR THEIR CONFISCATED LIVE STOCK

    The Sarakatsane in Bulgaria demand compensation from the state government for 1 million sheep confiscated by the Bulgarian state in 1958, according to an article published in the Bulgarian newspaper "24 Hours".

    According to the article, the demand of the Sarakatsane was examined yesterday in the National Council meeting that was presided over by government vice-president Mr. Metodiev and was held to consider ethnic and demographic problems.

    Recently, the Federation of Cultural and Education Associations of Sarakatsane in Bulgaria in a letter to the vice- president expressed discontent for the policy followed by the state governments since 1989 regarding the problems faced by the Sarakatsane. Also, it protested to the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences because in the latest issue of the dictionary of foreign words included in the Bulgarian language it is mentioned that the Sarakatsane are Muslims. Based on the same press publication, 5.144 people were registered as Sarakatsane in the 1992 population census in Bulgaria but according to unofficial data they are over 20.000.

    [20] THE "NEW YORK TIMES" ON THE TREASURES OF MOUNT ATHOS

    The "New York Times" gave an extensive coverage to the Internet presentations on the monastic community of Mount Athos in Chalkidiki, northern Greece, on the occasion of the exhibition of Mount Athos' Treasures that ended recently in Thessaloniki, making a special reference to the Mount Athos presentation by Macedonian Press Agency.

    According to the "New York Times", MPA's presentation outlines the scenery for those who want to see something different, offering essential information on the place Mount Athos has in history, the natural environment, its architecture, the life of the monks, the worship rituals and the treasures exhibited in the museum.

    [21] KOSOVO: DIALOGUE BETWEEN SERBS-ALBANIANS TO CONTINUE

    The meeting between the Serb and ethnic Albanian delegations, which aimed at the settlement of the Kosovo problem, ended without any positive results.

    The meeting lasted nearly 4 hours and, as soon as it was completed, the Albanian delegation spokesman, Blemir Zajia, noted that the two sides talked about confidence-building measures as well as about the political future of Kosovo.

    He, also, added that, irrespective of the divergence of views, both sides expressed their willingness to reach a solution to the Kosovo conflict through dialogue.


    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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