MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (16/05/1996)

From: Macedonian Press Agency <mpa@philippos.mpa.gr>

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki May 16, 1996

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] TURKISH PATROL BOAT VIOLATED GREEK TERRITORIAL WATERS IN IMIA AGAIN

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas issued a strong warning to Turkey immediately after the new turkish provocation in the Aegean was made known, by saying that Greece will show great resolution and will not be a neutral observer of the developments.

As it was announced, a turkish patrol boat violated the greek territorial waters 1 mile east of Imia and collided with a greek Coastguard boat, that was making its usual patrol rounds in the region, when the latter attempted to stop the turkish boat's course. After the collision, from which the greek boat was not seriously damaged, the turkish patrol boat was forced to return to the Asia Minor coasts.

Meanwhile, greek Ambassador to Ankara, Christos Nezeritis will deliver a protest to the turkish Foreign Ministry in response to yesterday's warning by Turkey which threatened to take measures in case the 25 european journalists, who were invited by the greek Ministry of Press for meetings with the Prime Minister and government members, visit the region of Imia on a greek Navy frigate.

The neighbouring country has an inalienable right to invite on its territory anyone it wants for as long as Greece's sovereign rights are not blocked, stated the greek government spokesman commenting on the decision by Ankara to hold a similar event at the coasts of Asia Minor.

[02] PRESIDENT WRAPS UP UNITED STATES VISIT, RETURNS TO GREECE

President of Greece Kostis Stephanopoulos returned to Greece this afternoon, after a nine-day, official state visit to the United States.

President Stephanopoulos met with President Bill Clinton at the White House in Washington, and with leaders of the greek- american communities in Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and Chicago.

Government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas characterized the President's US visit as "completely positive and successful."

"Greece was repressented in the best possible manner," Mr. Reppas said.

[03] PRESIDENT STEPHANOPOULOS SATISFIED BY VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES

Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos has stated that he is quite satisfied by his nine-day, official state visit to the United States, where he made stopovers in Washington, Atlanta, San Franscisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Chicago.

The alternate Foreign Minister -responsible for issues of Greeks abroad- George Romeos, also expressed his satisfaction at meeting with leaders of the greek-american community in the US and stated that in the first part of June the regional conference of the Council of Greeks Abroad (SAE) will be held in Thessaloniki, while in mid-July the second meeting of the SAE Presidium will be held in Thessaloniki, in order to organize its long-term action plan.

Participating at the Presidium's conference will be those members of the greeks-abroad organizations who are not members of SAE.

Both the President and Mr. Romeos emphasized their satisfaction of SAE's efforts which Mr. Stephanopoulos characterized as being "on the right path." He expressed the hope that through SAE the greek government can find solutions to those problems the overseas hellenism is faced with.

[04] GREEK PRESIDENT: IF TURKEY ABIDES BY INTERNATIONAL RULES AND LAWS, WE WILL COOPERATE

If Turkey abides by international rules and laws and abandons its threats or the use of force, we will cooperate with her, stated the Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos in a speech he gave in Chicago.

Mr. Stephanopoulos pointed out that Ankara has embarked on a crazed military arms race, aiming at securing control of half the Aegean Sea.

Meanwhile, the greek government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas left open the possibility of a new meeting taking place on May 30 between the foreign ministers of Greece and Turkey, on the occasion of the Bildenburg Association conference that will be held in Toronto, Canada.

[05] UNITED STATES RETRACT TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR HELLENIKON AIRPORT

The United States government has withdrawn the travel advisory it had issued in March for the Athens airport "Hellinikon".

The US State Department announced yesterday that, according to the latest checks, the greek airport's security facilities are currently in top shape and functioning excellently, and, as such, has concluded that the travel advisory is no longer necessary.

[06] GOVERNMENT SATISFIED BY LIFT OF US TRAVEL ADVISORY

The Greek government is satisfied by the United States government's decision to retract its travel advisory it had issued in March for the Hellenikon airport in Athens.

According to Minister of Transports and Communications, Haris Kastanides, this is a "positive outcome that is taking place shortly before the height of tourist season" and emphasized that it was a result of the greek government's efforts, as well as the assessments made by the US specialists during their latest security checks at the airport.

[07] TURKEY PREPARES ITS OWN CRUISE OF FOREIGN JOURNALISTS IN THE AEGEAN

Turkey's Foreign Ministry is offering a " short field trip" through the Aegean to foreign press correspondents based in Ankara, scheduled to set sail from the port of Alikarnassos on Saturday.

According to the turkish Foreign Ministry's itinerary, the guests will arrive by plane to Alikarnassos on Friday (May 17) at 6pm and, after an overnight stay in town, will set sail on Saturday, most likely with a warship, on a "brief field trip." The invitation does not mention tour of the Imia islets.

According to reports, the invitation issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry has puzzled some correspondents to as if they should accept the offering. Many of the foreign journalists have forwarded the invite to their head offices.

This "short cruise" is considered to be Turkey's reaction to Greece's scheduled tour of the Imia islets, where foreign correspondents will travel in the Aegean Sea on May 17 and 18.

[08] TURKEY OBJECTS TO EUROPEAN JOURNALISTS FIELD TRIP THROUGH IMIA

Reactions are mounting in Turkey after a greek government's decision to organize a tour through the Imia islets for 22 european newspapers correspondents on May 18-19.

Turk Underminister of Foreign Affairs Inal Batu characterized the sea tour of the foreign journalists as a "provocation" and emphasized that this visit will not change the status quo in the region.

The tour, on a greek navy frigade, will begin on Saturday, embarking from the island of Kos and will continue on to the island of Kalymnos as well as to other islands in the region.

[09] ANKARA'S REACTIONS TO UPCOMING CRUISE OF FOREIGN JOURNALISTS TO EASTERN AEGEAN ISLANDS ARE UNJUSTIFIED, SAYS GREEK FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN

Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman mr.Kostas Bikas characterized as unjustified Ankara's reactions concerning the upcoming cruise of foreign journalists to Eastern Aegean islands and to the Imia islets.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman characterized the cruise as "common" and clarified that is organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Press.

When called to comment on today's report in the greek newspaper "Adesmeftos Typos", which mentions that the greek Foreign Ministry did not allow members of the North-Atlantic Assembly, meeting in Athens today, to visit Imia, mr.Bikas said that "we are not restricting anyone's movement". He also said that every time foreign officials are visiting Greece there is a specific programme which is being followed.

[10] NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL ARRIVES IN ATHENS ON MONDAY

NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana will artrive in Athens on Monday in order to participate at the Parliamentary Session of the Northatlantic Treaty.

Mr. Solana will meet with Prime Minister Kostas Simitis on Monday afternoon.

[11] CANADIAN CONSUL-GENERAL TO GREECE VISITS TVX HELLAS SITE

Canadian Consul-General to Greece, Konstantinos Yiakoumis, visited today the sites of the gold-production company in Halkidiki TVX-Hellas S.A.

The company's managing advisor Mr. Daniel Trivelli briefed Mr. Yiakoumis on the 65 billion drachma project's gold- production process, and in turn the Consul-General was given a tour of the area.

Mr. Yiakoumis, following the visit, stated that the gold investment project will continue as planned.

[12] THESSALONIKI'S MAYOR MEETS WITH EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT

Thessaloniki Mayor Konstantinos Kosmopoulos met with the President of the European Youth Parliament yesterday, at the premises of the city's Cultural Capital Organization.

Mr. Kosmopoulos expressed the Municipality's total support to the institution of the European Youth Parliament, which was founded in 1987 in France's Fontainbleau.

[13] PASOK EURODEPUTIES ATTEND EUROPEAN SOCIALIST PARTY MEETING

Foreign Policy and the Security Policy in the framework of the European Union will be the basic issues that will be addressed during a special meeting for the Intergovernmental Conference, organized today and tomorrow in Brussels by the European Socialist Party.

PASOK eurodeputies participating in the meeting are Mr. Kranidiotis and Mr.Katiforis.

[14] EUROPEAN YOUTH PARLIAMENT SESSION TO BE HELD IN THESSALONIKI

The 24th Session of the European Youth Parliament (EYP) will be held in Thessaloniki next year, with more than 300 students aged 16 to 26 years of age participating from Europe, the Balkans and Cyprus.

The EYP will convene on May 7-16 1997, under the auspices of the Organization of European Cultural Capital, a title that Thessaloniki will hold during 1997.

President of EYP, Bettina Carr-Allinson, emphasized that there are also historic reasons for holding next year's session in Thessaloniki, as in 1989, with the fall of the Berlin Wall, "the Session was also held in Thessaloniki and enjoyed great success."

[15] PROMOTION OF GREEK PRODUCTS IN PARIS

Greek products will be promoted in the next ten days in Paris on the initiative of the greek Embassy Economic and Trade Affairs Office in cooperation with "Promodes" business group in which company "Continent Hellas" belongs.

About 230 greek products, 190 of which are being promoted in the french market for the first time, will be presented in all 14 "Continent" supermarkets in the city of Paris, covering a space of 2.800 square meters. Among the greek products that are being promoted are dairy products, cooked pork meats, olives and olive oil, raisins, ready-to-wear clothes etc.

[16] IPSILANTI HOUSE EARMARKED AS AN ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY MONUMENT IN KIEV, MONEY NEEDED FOR ITS RESTORATION

The house of the Ipsilanti Family in Kiev, Ukraine, has been proposed to become a monument of architectural history, although funds for its needed restoration must first be secured, according to an already-approved resolution by the Presidium of the Third Panhellenic Congress of National Self-Knowledge and the Veria Association of Greeks from Pontos.

"Since utmost cultural and historical reasons make necessary the complete restoration of this building, which represents the country and the area where the Society of Friends of Greece was founded prior to the 1821 Revolution, we call upon the greek government, especially the Ministries of Culture and Foreign Affairs, to contribute financially to the completion of the project and, through the proper diplomatic handling, to grant the use of the building to the greek government," the resolution states.

The Ipsilanti House, which is a symbolic landmark of friendship between the peoples of Greece and the Ukraine, is being proposed as a center for greek diplomatic services. Also, the historic building will be used as a national, cultural, historical and business trade center at the heart of the Ukraine.

The resolution has already been forwarded to the greek Foreign and Culture Ministries, the President of Greece, the President of Parliament and to the leaders of the various political parties.

[17] GREEK-GERMAN DEPARTMENT WILL OPEN IN BERLIN'S STATE EUROPEAN SCHOOL

Greek Undersecretary of Education mr.Giorgos Paschalidis and Berlin's federated state Education Minister ms.Ingrid Stahmer agreed to start efforts for the establishment of a Greek-German Department in Berlin's State European School.

This "pilot" department will be applied in different european countries and its operation will start in August 1996. Greek and German students will be taught the greek language 10 hours a week. Initially, will operate 2 kindergarden classes and two elementary school classes for a total of 80 children (40 greek and 40 german students).

Undersecretary of Education mr.Paschalidis also visited greek schools in Dusseldorf where he met with students, parents and teachers and discussed issues concerning the education of greek children abroad.

[18] GREEK WEDDING GOWN MARKET HIT BY LEAP YEAR, LOW BIRTH RATES

Greece's low birth rates, and the fact that during this leap year most Greeks avoid marriage, have hit hard the country's wedding gown market, according to reports given during the 3rd Annual Wedding Gown Exhibit, currently being held in Thessaloniki.

According to Emmanuela Bakatsidou, a market specialist, the economy's ominous path, coupled with reductions in family incomes, have caused a tremendous drop in wedding gown sales, especially during this leap year.

Ms.Batsakidou also stated that the greek wedding gowns, known for their quality and craftsmanship, is a market area that can attract foreign buyers, especially in the Balkan countries.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[19] US AMBASSADOR TO NICOSIA CALLS ON BOTH SIDES TO PARTAKE IN DIALOGUE

United States Ambassador to Nicosia, Richard Bowcher, who recently stated that the island's impasse means that neither side seeks peace, asked today that both of the island's communities disclose their intentions on the cypriot issue.

The US Ambassador has asked both communities to partake in dialogue, "because it is the only way," as he stated, "to achieve a solution on the cypriot issue." Mr.Bowcher emphasized that Turkey remains the US' best friend.

[20] CYRPUS' OCCUPATION REGIME CONSIDERS EU-CYPRUS ASSOCIATION COUNCIL OUTCOME TO BE A HOSTILE ACT

The Prime Minister of the turk-cypriot pseudo-state, Haki Atun, considers the outcome of the European Union-Cyprus Association Council to be a "hostile act" that will lead to the partition of the island.

"The European Union," Atun said, "follows a mistaken path by ignoring the turk-cypriot side and proves that it is unable to carry out a constructive role in seeking a solution."

Moreover, Atun spoke of countermeasures, which, according to him, must be taken. He reiterated that Cyprus' accession will be possible following the settlement of the cypriot issue and once Turkey's rights and obigations -which stem from the agreements of 1960- are taken into consideration.

[21] PREPARATIONS FOR THE SHUTING DOWN OF KOZLODUI'S NO 1 NUCLEAR REACTOR HAVE BEGUN

Preparatory work in the Kozlodui nuclear plant began last night for the shuting down of its No1 nuclear reactor due to insufficient safety measures, as it was announced by Bulgaria's State Electricity Company.

The 440 megawatt nuclear reactor, built in 1974 on soviet construction plans, is going to be closed in two days for a number of checks agreed by the bulgarian government and the European Union in order to be established if it will be in operation again some time in the future. Kozlodui's No 1 nuclear reactor is one of its four oldest ones.

Safety checks in the nuclear reactor will begin in the following weeks by experts of the US company Westinghouse, the german Siemens and the russian Kortsakov Institute.

The European Union covers not only the expenses of the safety checks but the energy production loss as well.

Kozlodui has a total of 6 nuclear reactors and covers about 40% of Bulgaria's energy needs.

[22] EU-CYPRUS ASSOCIATION COUNCIL IS GREECE'S VICTORY, SAYS TURKISH PRESS

The European Union-Cyprus Association Council, held this week in Brussels, is considered to be a greek victory by the turkish press which extensively covered the topic.

In an article published yesterday, turkish paper "Cumhurriet" pointed out that although no clear outcomes resulted from the Council, "diplomatic circles interpret the holding of the Council as being a victory of the greek government."

Moreover, the article emphasizes that Greece's abstention from voting on the MEDA economic aid program in Europarliament is a new diplomatic manoeuvre, whose aim is to "exclude Turkey from the program's funding."

"Cumhurriet" also supports that Greece has "engaged in intense behind-the scenes activity in order to convey the message to europarliament members, where the socialists exert great influence, that Turkey continues to enforce a hostile policy towards an EU member."

Furthermore, the article states that the other EU member- states "continue to apply pressure on Greece to lift its veto and allow Turkey's funding."

Another turkish daily "Yeni Yuzyil" supposes that Greece abstained from voting on the MEDA program because "it was granted the Associaiton Council meeting in exchange." The article states that when Greece's voted against Turkey's funding, the allies made room for the Association Council to be held, which decided that the Cyprus accession negotiations will begin during the second half on 1997.

The large circulation daily "Hyriyet", in an article titled "Greece adopts milder position", states that, despite the negative statements made by Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos in Brussels, "when he faced pressure by the 14 (EU allies), he was forced not to exercise a veto again."

[23] BRITAIN'S HIGH COMMISSIONER TO CYPRUS STATED THAT HIS COUNTRY WILL WORK HARD FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS PROBLEM

Britain's High Commissioner to Cyprus, mr.David Manden stated that his country will work hard for the solution of the Cyprus problem. The statement was made after the 45minute meeting mr.Manden had in Nicosia today with President Glafkos Kliridis .

Commenting on the role Britain undertakes in the joint initiative with the United States for the solution of the Cyprus problem, the British High Commissioner said that based on the fact that his country is an EU and a UN Security Council member it has a special responsibility and a special role to play in the efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Referring to the illegal activities in the turkish occupied northern Cyprus by British Conservative member of Parliament Sir Doudley Smith, Britain's High Commissioner said that he is aware of them but they are beyond the High Commission's competence.

He said that everyone interested can make use of the procedures in Britain.

[24] RUSSIA'S INTEREST IN CYPRUS APPRECIATED BY CYPRIOT GOVERNMENT

The letter sent by the Russian Foreign Minister Evgeni Primakov to the United Nations Secretary-General Butros Ghali is positive input in the efforts to solve the Cyprus issue, stated the cypriot government's spokesperson Yiannakis Kasoulides.

Mr. Kasoulides emphasized Russia's "particular interest" in solving the cypriot issue, although he did clarify that he is not aware of the letter's content.

[25] INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY REACTS TO REMOVAL OF KASAJIC

The international community is greatly concerned over yesterday's decision by the Bosnianserb leader Radovan Karadzic to remove the Serb Republic's Premier Raiko Kasajic from his post.

A "silent war" has erupted since yeasterday between the international community and Karadzic, regarding who will stay in the epicenter of the Bosnian-Serb Republic's political arena.

Meanwhile, Mr.Kasajic held successive meetings today in Bagna Luka with international mediator Carl Bildt and NATO Secretary-General Javier Solana.

According to reports, Mr.Kasajic stated that he does not accept Mr. Karadzic's decision for his removal, one that he considers to be unconstitutional, since it was not drawn by the Bosnianserb parliament.

In turn, Mr. Bildt expressed the international community's support to Mr. Kasajic, who, as he stated, is recognized as the official Premier of the Serb Republic.

Also, Mr.Solana emphasized that Mr. Kasajic's removal is illegal and that NATO recognizes only Mr. Kasajic to be the legal spokesperson of the Serb Republic.

[26] RADOVAN KARADZIC ANNOUNCED HIS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY

President of the Serb Republic Radovan Karadzic believes that his leaving from the current post "in this moment would only cause confusion," and made public his candidacy in the forthcoming Bosnian election. According to "Nasa Borba", Karadzic said his popularity among Bosnianserbs and the support of the parliament were justifications for his candidacy.

Mr. Karadzic, recognized as a hard-line nationalist, denied charges that he is a war criminal and said the international community is just wasting its time trying to find moderate Bosnian Serbs. "The Hague Tribunal has no evidence against me," he said.

[27] ANOTHER OPPOSITION'S MOVE REJECTED BY ROMANIAN PARLIAMENT

Romania's Chamber of Deputies rejected on May 13 the motion filed by a group of opposition MPs, on the non-observance of the pledges assumed by the Nicolae Vacaroiu cabinet in the memorandum agreed with International Monetary Fund (IMF) that led this international institution to suspend a standby loan. According to Rador, the so-called IMF motion was refuted with 67 votes in favour, 137 against and 28 abstaints.

During the debates, Premier Vacaroiu stressed the government had actually achieved the main objectives of the memorandum, that is curbing inflation, which dropped from 300% in 1993 to 27.5% in 1995, and improving currency stocks, which have gone up from $996 million to $1.705 million.

In their turn, opposition representatives emphasized that, meanwhile, the living standard in Romania has dramatically dropped.

[28] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE REPORT

CURRENCY         FIXING     BUY         SELL
ECU              298.2300   297.3350    299.1250
U.S. Dollar      243.5050   242.7740    244.2360
Deutsche Mark    158.6360   158.1600    159.1120
UK Sterling      368.4200   367.3150    369.5250
French Franc      46.8560    46.7150     46.9970
Swedish Crown     36.0890    35.9810     36.1970
Danish Kroner     41.1000    40.9770     41.2230
Norwegian Crown   37.0100    36.8990     37.1210
Italian Lira      15.6620    15.6150     15.7090
Swiss Franc      193.4780   192.8980    194.0580
Spanish Peseta     1.8982     1.8925      1.9039
Finnish Mark      51.6260    51.4710     51.7810
Yen              227.9650   227.2810    228.6490

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