MAK-NEWS 10/10/95 (M.I.L.S.)

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Macedonian Information Liaison Service Directory

CONTENTS

MILS NEWS

Skopje, 10 October 1995

[01] INTERIM ACCORD RATIFIED

The Macedonian Parliament yesterday held its 28th session, during which parliamentarians adopted the Law for Ratification of the Interim Accord, signed in New York on September, 13, 1995 102 parliamentarians voted in favor, 1 against, while 2 abstained. According to President Andov, the decision to ratify the Accord is a victory aimed very much at the next century, that is, a victory for the generations to come.

[02] "GREECE HAS RECOGNIZED MACEDONIA"

Macedonian Prime Minister, Branko Crvenkovski, at yesterday's parliamentary session, directly addressed members, and provided an overview of events in which he spoke of the significance of the Interim Accord.

He talked about several issues among which was the rhetorical question, "why the Macedonian people did not succeed in creating their own state at the time when the other Balkan nations did so?". In reply Crvenkovski cited that three factors: internal matters, the neighbouring states and the "Great Powers", "represent historical forces that we have confronted throughout history and which, in greater or smaller measures, have directly influenced resolution of the issue of Macedonian statehood." A harmonious co-relation between these factors, according to the Prime Minister, does not happen every year, and not even every decade. After becoming independent, the aim of the Macedonian nation was to create an independent and internationally recognized state, entry into European integration processes, consistent adherence to policies of peace and maintenance of our national identity. In this sense the Interim Accord is but a small piece of a complex mosaic of an entire political platform which has clearly defined aims and a methodology for their realization. One of the most important issues for us is, Crvenkovski said, the normalization of our relations with the neighbouring states.

"With this Accord, Greece has recognized the independence and territorial integrity of Macedonia... The provisions of this Accord, in a positive sense, reject all speculations that it (the agreement) changes our constitutional name or even the Constitution itself...the Republic of Greece has recognized our country under the temporary description, " Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia". The word "Macedonia" is clearly referred to in the descriptor. With the signing of this Accord and its implementation, the likelihood of further economic embargoes against the Republic of Macedonia - now and in the future - has been removed. No less important is the lifting of the "political embargo", that is, this Accord now enables us entry into international institutions, which hitherto was not possible due to the opposition of our southern neighbor. Our strategic aims have always been inclusion in these structures. We trust that the Republic of Greece will not only agree to, but will also act as a facilitator of such integration." The normalization of our relations with Greece, the Prime Minister said, will also open the way for normalization of relations with FR. Yugoslavia. In conclusion, Mr.Crvenkovski referred to the assassination attempt on President Gligorov. According to him, the perpetrators of this act had underestimated the collective will of the Macedonian people and their maturity.

"Kiro Gligorov is not a President who arbitrarily imposes his own policies, thus contradicting the will of his own nation, but on the contrary, he is a statesman of great calibre who intuitively understands the pulse of his people and the aims of the nation and who knows very well how to synthesize these political aims in appropriate decision- making. In such situations bombs are of little use. It will take many, many bombs to eradicate the will of 2 million people".

[03] NO ALTERNATIVES ON THE FOREIGN POLICY FRONT

Parliament was also addressed by the Macedonian Foreign Minister, Stevo Crvenkovsk, who also explained the significance of the Accord explicitly in the the context of Macedonian foreign policy. At the same time, he stressed that there are no viable alternatives to such policies.

"Alternative policies have been proffered. We are witnesses to such alternatives and their manifestation around us in various parts of the Balkans. We see the results: war, blood, destruction, families divided, thousands of victims and refugees.....we have tried to fashion not only a new type of Macedonian policy, but also a better scenario for the entire Balkans. We have stimulated new thinking about relations in the Balkans. We are not interested in creating any hostility towards our neighbouring states. The Accord with Greece was signed at the earliest possible moment."

Minister Crvenkovski called on the parliamentarians to vote in favor, because that would mean voting for protection of Macedonian interests, for the state's future, for the preservation of it's national identity, and against terror and division in the Balkans.

[04] GREEK - MACEDONIAN TALKS CONTINUE IN SKOPJE

A delegation of the Greek Foreign Ministry, led by the Director of the Balkan Department, Ambassador Dimitros Kiperos, arrived yesterday in Skopje. A two-day session of talks with the Macedonian Foreign Ministry delegation, led by Assistant Foreign Minster Ljupco Arsovski, will ensue.

The meetings are expected to define the measures and other steps to be taken regarding the opening of the liaison offices of both countries, as well as the liberalization of the exchange of people and goods as agreed in the Interim Accord.

Ambassador Kipros, speaking to A1 TV, voiced hopes that "here, as well as in Athens, we trust that a spirit of good will and constructiveness will dominate". The Ambassador again condemned the terrorist act perpetrated on President Gligorov. The Greek Government is of the view that such an act can only lead to destabilization of the region.

[05] ANDOV RECEIVES DELEGATION OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE

A delegation of the Sub-Committee for Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe was received yesterday by the Macedonian Parliamentary President, Stojan Andov. The delegation also held a meeting with the Council for Ethnic Relations. Andov informed the guests about the assassination attempt on President Gligorov and added that despite the clear motives of the terrorists, the situation in Macedonia remains stable, with appropriate constitutional procedures being followed, which merely reinforces the peaceful and democratic policies of our country.

With members of the Council for Ethnic Relations, the delegation spoke about the role of this body in the realization of the rights of minorities in Makedonija.

[06] SOKALSKI AND ANGSTROM

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the UN, a press conference was held yesterday in Skopje by the Chief of the UNPREDEP mission in Macedonia Henryk Sokalsky and the Commander of the Peace Corps in Macedonia, General Juha Angstrom. According to Sokalsky UNPREDEP is one of the most successful UN missions. He stressed that he expects continuation of the UNPREDEP mandate in Macedonia, as well as separation from the Regional Command in Zagreb, Croatia.

He did not confirm speculations about the possible replacement of the peace corps with USA and German corps. Mr. Angstrom said that in contrast to last year when the soldiers of the peace corps intervened in 30 instances of "honest mistakes" resulting in military forces crossing over Macedonia's northern border with the FR Yugoslavia, this year that number has decreased to only four. He voiced hope that the Border Commissions of both countries will begin resolving the dispute relating to about 20% of the common border territory, particularly given the recent visit of President Gligorov to Serbia.

In honour of the jubilee year of the UN, a celebratory concert in the Army Hall in Skopje, will be held on October 14.

[07] SUCCESSFUL REHABILITATION CONTINUES

President's Gligorov condition continues to be stable, in respect of his vital bodily functions, his supervising team of specialists reported yesterday. Tests have returned normal results. Treatment of the right eye continues.

Rehabilitation therapy has been intensified and the President is now "feeling well".

The German Embassy in Skopje, announced yesterday that a special aircraft of the German army in Skopje will be used to import a special computer-screen, which is the latest technological product of the German firm "Siemens".

The President continues to receive telegrams which strongly condemn the assassination attempt and voice hope for a speedy recovery.

[08] GREEN LIGHT FOR PRIVATIZATION OF SEVEN ENTERPRISES

According to the decision of the Government Commission for Transformation of Public Enterprises, which have considered the reports of the process to date of transformation of 13 ( of 25) low-producing enterprises, seven such firms received the go-ahead for privatization. These are as follows: "Mikron" from Prilep, "Makedonka" from Stip, "Frotirka" from Delcevo, "Biljana" from Prilep, "Karpos" from Kriva Palanka, "Sniteks" from Sveti Nikole, "Prespateks" from Resen and 15 service department of MZT "TITO" from Skopje.

[09] PARLIAMENTARY COOPERATION AGAINST CORRUPTION

A delegation of the Macedonian Parliamentary Group in the Interparliamentarian Union will attend at the 94th Union Conference to be held in Bucharest , between October 9-14.

The Macedonian delegation which includes Ismet Ramadani and Vladimir Sokolovki will take an active part in the debate of the agenda items which refer to action in the fight against corruption and the need for international cooperation.

[10] THE ACCORD - DEFINITE DIVISION OF MACEDONIA

MAAK- Movement for All Macedonian Action considers that the ratification of the Interim Accord by the Macedonian Parliament it tantamount to treason which will merely confirm the division of ethnic Macedonia, which was perpetrated by the First and Second Balkan Wars. MAAK considers that only early elections for the Macedonian Parliament will save Macedonia from this shameful act.

[11] MOC ASSEMBLY

The Macedonian Olympic Committee (MOC) held its annual assembly yesterday. At the outset, the assassination attempt on President Gligorov was condemned, and it was confirmed that the President is a great sports admirer and patron of several significant international sports events which are held in this country. On behalf of all sportspeople, the MOC Assembly resolved to send best wishes to the President for a speedy recovery. At the session the annual report of MOC for the year 1994-95 was accepted. The most discussed issue is the proposal to issue a law regulating sporting activity, and it was agreed that MOC will assume the responsibilities of coordinating of all national sports associations, while the associations themselves will remain completely independent in their activities. Macedonia has identified 5 sportspersons, together with 12 potential others, for participation in the next Olympiad in Atlanta.

[12] ''BEFORE THE RAIN" IN GREECE

The film by Milco Mancevski, "Before the Rain" will feature in the Film Festival in Thessaloniki, Greece, between November 3-12.

[13] INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR IN FRANKFURT

Macedonian book publishers will participate in the 47th International Book Fair, which is to be held in Frankfurt, between October 11-16. This is the third time that Macedonia will participate in this fair, which is considered the largest book fair in the world. The Macedonian stand will feature 800 titles by some 30 publishers. The fair has a commercial character. Publishing rights are bought and sold the rights. On October 14th, a special 'Macedonia Day" will be arranged, at which several exclusive publications will be presented.

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mils-news 10 October'95

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