MAK-NEWS 12/01/96 (M.I.C.)

From: "M.I.C." <[email protected]>

Macedonian Information Centre Directory

CONTENTS

SKOPJE, JANUARY 12, 1996 (MIC)

[01] INDEPENDENT UNPREDEP MISSION

Considering the determination of the international community to support the stability of this country and the region, the possibility of continuing the mandate can not be ruled out, Under Secretary Annan said, emphasizing once again that the unanimous decision of the Security Council to continue the mandate is a sign that the UN believe in the efforts the Macedonian Government is making.

In his statement for the press, Annan accented his commitment to induce the leaders of the international community to exert pressure on the states in this region for mutual recognition, without any prerequisites, and as equal and independent sovereign states, with a view to normalizing the mutual relations. As to the to-date activities of UNPREDEP, Kofi Annan emphasized that this first preventive diplomatic mission presents a success for the UN.

In response to a journalist's question as to how it is possible for the Republic of Macedonia to be an equal member of the UN, and not to be recognized under its constitutional name, Mr. Annan said that the primary issue was for Macedonia to be a full member of the UN and to take part in all the activities of the organization, while it is not responsible for the tension surrounding the actual name. "The only thing that can be done at this moment," he said, "is to hope that these obstacles will be overcome as soon as possible, as it did not present an obstacle to the 60 countries that have already recognized Macedonia under its constitutional name."

[02] KOFI ANNAN FOR "PULS": THERE WILL BE NO EARLY WITHDRAWAL

In answering the question as to whether he believes UNPREDEP's mandate should be extended in the coming period, and whether there are even minimal chances of a threat to the Macedonia's security, Annan stated: "I believe that the UN peacekeeping forces are playing a big role, which has proven to be successful so far. I am convinced the member-states will not withdraw their troops before time, and it is also possible that the mandate might be extended after the present six months."

In reference to the various estimates as to UNPREDEP's remaining in Macedonia and whether those estimates reflect the interests of some of the great powers, Annan says: "I wouldn't say that is connected with the politics of the great powers. I believe it was a question of an evaluation of the friendly governments of what has been achieved, and whether the mandate should be extended. I believe that it was not brought under the influence of the great powers, and they are also reviewing the question of sending greater forces as a contribution to the continuation of the mandate, in a much wider context."

[03] MALJAS TAKING OVER DUTIES

In the talks that followed, the two sides emphasized the significance they are giving to the consistent realization of the practical measures for the implementation of the Interim Accord. In this context, an emphasis was placed on the place and role of the liaisons offices of the two countries, in Athens and Skopje, for the strengthening of relations and cooperation in all spheres of mutual interest.

Maljas made a statement for Radio Skopje yesterday: "I must say that I am honored and very pleased to be in Skopje. We will work with our team on improving the mutual relations. During the meeting, we stressed that the functioning of the liaisons offices in Athens and Skopje will contribute to the strengthening of the positive atmosphere that has been achieved with the signing of the Interim Accord in New York and the agreements on its practical implementation. In future, we will work together not merely with an aim to strengthen the mutual relations, but to also find a correct approach to the regional problems, as the last stage of rapprochement with Europe," Maljas stated.

[04] GREEK PRESS ANNOUNCING TALKS AT UN FOR TODAY

The newspaper assesses that Athens and Skopje are keeping the question of the name alive, since it serves to various political purposes of the government and diplomatic factors.

The conservative "Katimerini" promoted the name "New Macedonia" yesterday. The same newspaper claims that the Greek ambassador to the UN Hristos Zaharakis has strict instructions not to accept any name containing the word "Macedonia," adding that, on the other hand, talks on criteria acceptable to both sides are possible.

[05] ANTI-TERRORIST CENTER IN MACEDONIA

He suggested new forms of intensification of the cooperation between the Alliance and the member-states of the Partnership, and gave a proposal for the institutionalization of the cooperation on the field of intelligence service and the fight against transnational terrorism. In relation to this, Handziski proposed the formation of common centers to battle such activities, and the first one would be in the Republic of Macedonia.

On Wednesday, minister Handziski had a meeting with U.S. Defence Secretary William Perry. The official talks were held during the afternoon meetings, and focused on the bilateral relations and the cooperation within "Partnership for peace" and the program "A bridge to America."

[06] MRTV OPENS NEW STUDIO FOR ETHNIC PROGRAMS

The expansion of the program is due to start some time in February. The program in Albanian language will last three hours per day, in Turkish - 1.30 hours, while the programs in Rhoman, Vlach and Serbian language will be broadcast twice a week, each lasting 30 minutes.

This formal act was attended by representatives of the Macedonian Government, the Swiss and Danish governments, as well as the coordinator of the entire project, Gerd Arens, head of the working group on ethnic minorities with the Conference on former Yugoslavia.

[07] 70 REQUESTS FOR NEW MUNICIPALITIES

MACEDONIAN PRESS REVIEW:

[08] "NOVA MAKEDONIJA": "DISMISSALS OR RESIGNATIONS"

We have learned that the Social Democratic Alliance of Macedonia will wait for the prime minister, the president of the party, to return from his trip to France, in order to open the theme in the party organs. It is generally agreed that the personnel changes in the Government are strictly under the prime minister's jurisdiction, however, it is also clear that this most powerful party in the ruling coalition will not allow matters to get out of control, due to which, of course, a strategy will have to be prepared. Even its possible directions can be sensed, and therefore, it is quite likely that the changes in the Government will be made in a different form. The Macedonian Constitution gives the prime minister the right to suggest the dismissal of a member of Government, however, then the Macedonian Parliament makes a final decision on this proposal. This could be extremely uncertain turf, especially if several ministers are in question. Therefore, it will not be surprising if what we learned to be just a theory in SDAM comes true - that the members of Government who eventually find themselves on the "black list" immediately submit their resignations. Hence, there will be no reason for Parliament to discuss the reasons and omissions, but the prime minister will simply inform about the changes he had decided to make. The SDAM is expected to add these questions to the daily agenda at the start of next week.

According to speculations in the public, many are convinced that due to the friction between the Social Democrats and the Liberals, mainly the ministers - members of LP will be encompassed with the eventual personnel changes. This is supported by the announcement that today and tomorrow, the highest bodies of this party will be discussing the pertinent interviews, remarks and comments in the public, which the part regards as very serious. As we have learned, this would be a part of the debate on the overall political situation in the country. The members of LP should adopt appropriate conclusions at these meetings, which, as they say, will be announced to the public, and which could be decisive for the future development of events, in the sense of speeding up or slowing down some processes in the functioning of the coalition.

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