BRIEF GREEK NEWS BULLETIN (23/02/1996)

From: Macedonian Press Agency <mpa@uranus.ee.auth.gr>

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

BRIEF GREEK NEWS BULLETIN BY MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY

February 23, 1996

TITLES

NEWS IN DETAIL

[01] GREEK PRIME MINISTER MEETS WITH FRENCH PRESIDENT THIS AFTERNOON

After an intervention by Greece, Turkey's EU financing within the framework of the customs union agreement appears to be led to postponement.

Meanwhile, Ankara recalled its ambassador from Athens for consultations, while turkish Foreign Minister Deniz Baikal launched an open threat against Athens saying that Greece will pay the price of any hostile action against Turkey within the framework of the European Union. Greek Prime Minister Simitis stated that the reasons for the recall of the turkish ambassador is an issue concerning Ankara.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, with whom the greek Prime Minister met in Bonn yesterday, stated that the borders of the European Union are not in dispute and is inconceivable to have the issue of the borders discussed all over again.

[02] BULGARIAN-GREEK POLICE COOPERATION PROTOCOL SIGNED IN SOFIA

Mr.Geitonas pointed out that the signing of the cooperation protocol by the bulgarian Interior Ministry and the greek Ministry of Public Order constitutes a step closer to the European Union for Bulgaria while mr.Videnov stressed that the cooperation of the two countries is especially important both for the prevention of crime and for Bulgaria's preparation for its accession into the European Organizations.

Greek Public Order Minister Kostas Geitonas said that the police cooperation protocol he signed with his Bulgarian counterpart mr.Natsev in Sofia is a big step that will contribute to the improvement of the security conditions for both peoples. The signed protocol is a follow up of the 1991 cooperation agreement signed by the two countries.

The protocol includes practical measures of cooperation between the two countries for the stamping out of organized and common crime, terrorism, illegal trafficking of drugs, weapons and radio active materials, car theft, falsification of travel documents, etc. Among the measures of mutual updating provided by the protocol are the accrediting of police liaisons to the embassies of the two countries, which was characterized as a "hot line" between the two ministries.

Mr.Geitonas also proposed the participation of bulgarian police officers in special seminars organized in Greece within the framework of the European Union aiming at training the police in stamping out the illegal drug trafficking and the falsification of travel documents.

Responding to the question if the Bulgarian immigrants in Greece create problems, mr.Geitonas said that there are no big problems caused by the bulgarians in Greece adding that the problems come from other countries. He also said that Greece has an obligation to take measures at its borders against the illegal movement of people.

Meanwhile, mr.Natsev responding to the question if the bulgarian authorities have evidence concerning the terrorist organization "17 November", said that the relatively recent reports on the bulgarian press were simply operational, unconfirmed information which was not verified.

[03] COUNCIL OF OVERSEAS HELLENISM TO PRESS CYPRUS ISSUE UPON US

Mr.Athens said that after the meeting he had in Nicosia with cypriot Foreign Minister Alekos Michailidis stressed that is the responsibility of the greeks living abroad to help as much as they can toward the promotion and the solution of the Cyprus problem and of all the national issues.

[04] BALKANS AND MIDDLE EAST PEACE CONFERENCE HELD IN GREECE

In the Conference Greeks, Arabs and Israelis, members of the Institute, will join their efforts again and will combine their experience in order to promote peace and understanding in the region together with the Balkan academicians and diplomats.

It was stressed that the conference aims at the better coordination and backing of the existing initiatives undertaken by the Institute (education and cultural exchanges, promotion of environmental issues and training seminars) with new ideas projecting the Institute's academic initiatives in order to be an example for the regions of increased tensions, like the Balkans.

At the same time, new ways and means are being examined for the promotion of the academic cooperation in the region and the development of the Institute into a strong instrument for peace and understanding.

In the Conference participate among others Palestinian and Israeli diplomats, Kuwaities, Turks, Egyptians, etc and also University professors from Greece, the Balkan and Arab countries etc.

Among the speakers are mr.Abdul Abdullah head of the Palestinian diplomatic mission in Greece, mrs.Dindza Offir Froim First Secretary of the Israeli Embassy in Greece, mr.Ali Saleh Assistant to the Vice-President of Kuwait responsible for issues of programming, and others.

[05] TWO TONS OF GREEK HUMANITARIAN AID ARRIVED IN SERB REPUBLIC

The Athens Association of Greek-Serb Friendship gathered 200 tons of food, clothing and medicine that will be distributed to the people living in the cities of the Serb Republic of Bosnia.

The humanitarian aid was accompanied by a greek delegation led by the Chairman of the Association mr.Konstantinos Christopoulos.

[06] WORK OF GREEK AUTHOR ILIAS VENEZIS TRANSLATED IN SERB LANGUAGE

Yesterday, Belgrade's publishing house "BIGZ" presented the novel "No 31328" of greek author Ilias Venezis that was translated in the serb language.

The book was translated by Milivoje Zagajac who was honoured during the book's presentation by the Greek Institute of Literary Works' Translators.

Meanwhile, Belgrade's National Theater will present the ancient greek tragedy of Euripides "Troades" which will be directed by Irini Konidari.

[07] POLAND'S ALTERNATE DEFENSE MINISTER TO COME TO GREECE IN FEBRUARY

The polish minister will have talks with Undersecretary of Defense mr.Nikos Kouris while he will also have a meeting with Greek Defense Minister Gerasimos Arsenis. The discussions will focus on issues of defense cooperation.

[08] THE US AND ALBANIA BEGAN JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES

The military exercises will be held in Bize, 50 kilometers east of Tirana and will last until March 1st. The soldiers will be also trained in the use of helicopters for personnel transportation.

In the exrcises participate 200 US soldiers based in warships in the Adriatic Sea and equal number of Albanian soldiers.

[09] CANADA'S FOREIGN MINISTER EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER AEGEAN

During his recent meeting with the Hellenic Canadian Congress, Mr. Axworthy stated that "as outlined in Article 2 of the United Nations Charter, the use of force is not a way to settle problems. Canada believes that disputes should be settled amicably and through diplomatic channels."

The Canadian Foreign Minister added that "Canada upholds the rule of law and the inviolability of international treaties."

Morever, he stated that "there must be respect of international boundaries," adding that "these are fundamental principles that Canada has always stood for."

Representatives of the Hellenic Canadian Congress, during their meeting with the Minister, presented him with a Memorandum that outlined the Congress's positions and the history of Turklsh aggression in the Aegean Sea and Cyprus. The Memorandum is one facet of the campaign the Hellenic Canadian Congress has embarked upon in order to inform the Canadian government and shape public opinion in Canada regarding the Imia islets crisis.

The president of the Hellenic-Canadian Congress, Mr. Bill Katsabanis said that he was very pleased with Mr. Axworthy's response to the Memorandum and his overall supportive stance. The Delegation's president also thanked Canadian Parliament Members Ms. Eleni Bakopanos and Mr. John Cannis for bringing the issues to the attention of the Canadian government.

The President of the Hellenic Congress of Quebec, also responding to the Minister, stated that the Greek-origin residents of Quebec will continue to work for Canadian unity in order for Canada to continue to advocate peaceful resolutions in international affairs.

Mr. Konstantinos Georgoulis, President of the Hellenic Community of Montreal, expressed his satisfaction that the unity of Canadians of Greek origin can play an integral part in supporting Hellenism in Canada.

[10] PASOK LEADER'S HEALTH CONTINUES TO IMPROVE

According to the medical report, Mr. Papadnreou continues to undergo kinesiotherapy and thoracic physiotherapy on a daily basis.

The treating physicians estimate that until the end of February they will be able to narrow down to an approximate date of the patient's release from the hospital.