BRIEF GREEK NEWS BULLETIN (28/02/1996)

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 28, 1996

TITLES

NEWS IN DETAIL

[01] THE GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER MET WITH THE EU REPRESENTATIVE TO CYPRUS

Also, mr.Pangalos will brief the National Defense and Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Committees on the Greek-turkish relations and the Cyprus problem.

[02] US SENATOR BOB DOLE IS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE WAY THE US REACTED TO THE RECENT GREEK-TURKISH CRISIS

Mr.Dole calls the United States to support the international accords and the principle of the respect of International Law.

The US Senator also calls the US government to help toward the peaceful solution of the issue in accordance with International Law.

[03] THE TURKISH AMBASSADOR TO GREECE MET TODAY WITH THE TURKISH PRESIDENT

After the meeting the turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that the consultations with the Ambassador will continue for the re-examination of the Greek-Turkish relations.

Meanwhile, tomorrow members of the muslim minority in Thrace, north-eastern Greece will have consultations in Ankara with the turkish President.

[04] THE CHRISTIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF ALBANIA CONDEMNS THE BOMB ATTACK IN TIRANA

Archbishop of Albania, Anastasios with statements that were broadcasted by the albanian state radio condemned the terrorist attack and expressed the Church's condolences to the families of the victims. He also expressed the hope that soon those who want to obstruct the country's course toward democracy and prosperity will be found.

Archbishop of Albania, Anastasios added that the Orthodox Church will continue its efforts aiming at further strengthening democracy, freedom and brotherhood in the country.

[05] DELEGATION OF THE GREEK AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY (EAI) VISITED BELGRADE

Mr.Hatzipetrou referred to the successful cooperation EAI had with yugoslav companies before the implementation of economic sunctions against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia expressing the certainty that this cooperation will continue.

The representatives of the yugoslav bus company "Icarus" expressed interest for cooperation with EAI in the sector of articulated city buses manufacturing.

The bilateral cooperation is expected to be finalized by mid March while EAI and other greek companies will participate in the Automibile Exhibition that will be held in Belgrade in April.

[06] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER DIPLEASED WITH BRITISH STANCE

Upon his return from Brussels, where he had attended the recent Foreign Ministers Council, Mr. Pangalos characterized as unprecedented the UK's retraction, stating that the British Ambassador called off his Minister's decision to support the EU's declaration regarding the recent greek-turkish crisis.

The Greek Foreign Minister clearly stated that Greece will not allow Turkey to proceed with its Customs Union with the EU, unless the turkish stance against Greece changes for the better.

"We cannot imagine a Customs Union progress while turkish troops are attacking greek islands," Mr. Pangalos said.

"That is unfathomable," he stated, adding that "neither at London could they imagine this. Therefore, based on this finding, which none of our allies challenge, we are driven to dispute the Customs Union, as is scheduled for March 6."

Moreover, Mr.Pangalos expressed his satisfaction at the fact that, for the first time, the EU adresses the greek-turkish conflict as its own.

[07] CONTAINED OPTIMISM SURROUNDS NEW ROUND OF GREECE-FYROM TALKS

According to diplomatic sources, yesterday's meeting, mediated by Mr. Vance, did not produce any results on the name issue and instead it was mutually agreed upon to continue the direct talks.

The time extension was deemed necessary as to give both sides the opportunity to review their positions and prepare their final proposals.

Moreover, the same sources attribute the time extension to the recent political instability noted in FYROM which recently re- formed its Cabinet.

[08] UNITED NATIONS LIFT SANCTIONS IMPOSED ON BOSNIA'S SERBS

The Security Council deemed that Bosnia's Serbs have thoroughly abided by the conditions outlined in the cease fire accord signed in Dayton.

[09] CILLER "ON MISSION TO STOP ISLAMISTS", SAYS N.Y. TIMES INTERVIEW

In an interview granted to the paper's Rome correspondent Celestine Bohlen, Ms. Ciller appears to concede into accepting the Motherland Party's leader Mesut Yilmaz taking the premiership reigns.

According to the interview, this is the least painful path for the Turk Premier. Ms. Ciller stated that the Welfare Party took advantage of the sentiment shared by many Turks who feel that Christian countries grant inferior treatment to Turkey, and added that any attempts by Greece to impede Turkey's Customs Union with Europe will reinforce the turkish fear of european prejudice.

According to the article, the Turk acting Premier stated that she has undertaken a "historical mission" to intercept the Welfare Party's run for power.

"The Times" note that Ms. Ciller's diplomatic trip to Rome aimed at gaining Italy's support in intercepting Greece's attempts to block Turkey's european funding of $487 million, following the recent greek-turkish crisis that brought the two countries on the brink of war.