MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (07/06/1996)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, June 7, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREECE'S FUTURE LIES IN THE NORTH, SAYS PRIME MINISTER

A program of developing Thessaloniki and Northern Greece's greater region was presented this morning by Prime Minister Kostas Simtis, who emphatically stated that the country's future lies in the north.

Mr. Simitis spoke at Thessaloniki's Helexpo Conference Center where the Ministers of Environment, City Planning and Public Works, Kostas Laliotis, and Communications and Transportation Haris Kastanides presented a development program for the city and announced the promotion of infrastructure projects in the region.

Referring to Thessaloniki's role as the epicenter of the Inter-balkan Cooperation, the Premier pointed out the need for a decision-making center that will serve as the impetus for the promotion of such cooperation.

Also touching upon the government's aims to strengthen the country's currency, the Premier stated that a devaluation policy is a means that may be reassuring, yet it is misleading and does not promote business competitiveness. He added that there must be greater sensitivity displayed regarding inflation.

"The final battle will be won through improved organizations, better products and upped availability," Mr. Simitis concluded.

Last evening, the Premier presented the government's basic axes of a program to develop Thessaloniki and Northern Greece, and he singled out the region's significance by noting that Thrace, Macedonia and Epirus constitute the natural economic arena in which business opportunities are constantly being created and investments are pouring in.

Specifically, on the Egnatia Road project the Premier pointed out that 254 kilometers are currently under construction while the government is set to complete the remaining 135 until the year 2000.

Regarding the "Macedonia" airport, Mr. Simitis proposed that the best option would be upgrading its current facilities to international airport status.

Regarding the issue of the metro, the government is viewing it as a basic element of its cohesive transportation strategy and has already secured Community funds that amount to 50 billion drachmas.

The Premier also referred to the creation of an Inter-balkan Center of Technological Cooperation in Thessaloniki, in collaboration with the United States, which will aim at modernizing production in the Balkan countries.

[02] GOVERNMENT IS FIRM ON STABILIZING ECONOMY, SAYS PREMIER

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis speaking today in Thessaloniki's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that the government is firm in its policy for the stabilization of the economy and expressed optimism that inspite of the difficulties "the country will enter the avenue of development".

Speaking in front of representatives of the city's production and business community, the Prime Minister characterized the policy for the stabilization of the economy as "dire need" and stressed that there will be a framework within which deviations will be made, if they are necessary, in order to face the social implications from its implementation.

Mr.Simitis underlined the need to overcome the difficulties and to limit the public deficits and inflation in order to create the necessary convergence conditions in accordance with the Maastricht Treaty. The Prime Minister stressed that the worst thing that can happen is for Greece to be left behind to the second and third phase of the european unification together with Hungary and other countries.

Mr.Simitis stated that everybody should realize that this is a crusial era, adding that in the next 4 to 5 years there will be more funds for the construction of projects, while he also expressed optimism stressing that effort, perseverence, consistency and mutual trust are needed for the achievement of the goals set.

[03] GREEK DEFENCE MINISTER SETS FORTH PRIORITIES OF ARMED FORCES

Greek Defence Minister Gerasimos Arsenis in a press conference set forth the priorities of the greek armed forces.

Commenting on a "World Street Journal" publication, according to which the Aegean will be the next powder-keg, mr.Arsenis stated that there is no cause for concern but things should not be taken lightly.

He said that the Governmental Council on Foreign Affairs and Defence in its meeting on Monday will evaluate the reasons leading to the increase of the turkish provocativeness and will take preventive measures.

Mr.Arsenis characterized as effective the way in which the greek government handled the latest turkish provocativeness and stated that the Governmental Council on Foreign Affairs and Defence will examine if further moves or activities are necessary. He clarified that the Council will deal with the political and not the military aspect of the way the issue is handled. Already, the Foreign Ministry has made the necessary moves on the issue of Gavdos, on bilateral and multilateral level, while similar action will be undertaken by the Minister of Defence on the sidelines of the NATO Defence Ministers summit that will be held in Brussels next week.

The Minister of Defence also said that in the Governmental Council on Foreign Affairs and Defence next Monday, will be discussed practical ways for the handling of the turkish provocativeness, adding that he will make specific proposals toward this direction.

Called to comment on the statements made by White House spokesman Nikolas Burns, who did not want to take a position on the issue of Gavdos, mr.Arsenis underlined that when it is about an outrageous behaviour there is no room for a policy of equal distances. Mr.Arsenis stated that it is expected from the countries that respect International Law and international norms of behaviour to take a position in cases where the International Law and norms of behaviour are being violated.

The Defence Minister added that in the NATO Defence Ministers meeting in Brussels will ask his US counterpart to take a stand on the issue.

Responding to the question if Greece is ready for a new incident, mr.Arsenis said that "we are on the alert and ready to face any provocation".

To the question if the internal developments in Turkey open the way for the improvement of bilateral relations or make the climate in the greek-turkish relations more tense, mr.Arsenis pointed out that Turkey's foreign policy and specifically, its policy toward Greece is not changing and is independent from the change of governments. He also said that the turkish foreign policy will not be greatly affected by the internal political developments in the neighbouring country.

Also, to the question if the turkish provocativeness can be foreseen the greek Defence Minister said that there is only one way "to be prepared for all eventualities".

[04] TURKEY HAS ADOPTED A PROVOCATION POLICY, SAYS GREEK MINISTER

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos briefed President Kostis Stephanopoulos on the latest developments in the greek-turkish relations.

After the meeting, mr.Pangalos stated that the turkish provocations are part of an overall strategy followed by the neighbouring country and underlined that within this framework the instability and the unpleasant situation in Turkey accomodate those who want the export of those problems.

The Foreign Minister warned that anyone who has made this choise, has selected the wrong place for the export of their internal problems. Mr.Pangalos left open the possibility for the Prime Minister to send letters to international personalities informing them on the recent turkish provocations, within the framework of an information campaign that will be launched by the greek government.

This morning the General Director on Greek- Turkish Affairs ambassador Savaidis delivered a verbal note to the turkish charge d' affaires in Athens on yesterday's mass violations of the greek air space in the Aegean.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister briefed the ambassadors of the EU states in Athens, as well as, the ambassadors of the UN Security Council permanent members on the escalation of the turkish provocativeness and on the greek argumentation.

[05] PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT: UPHOLD INTER'NAL LAW IN THE NAME OF PEACE

When a country's regulatory intervention is absent, there is a risk of violating the principles of democracy, stated Greek Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis during a speech he gave today at the Conference of Parliament Presidents of countries- members of the Council of Europe, held in Budapest.

Mr. Kaklamanis underlined the significant relation between democracy and the free market and singled out the importance of creating a system of checks and balances in order to examine the finances of the various political parties and parliament members.

Referring to issues of security and peace in the Balkans, Mr. Kaklamanis stated that peace is endangered when those principles of international law which guarantee territorial sovereignty are not respected and observed.

[06] SIMITIS:THESSALONIKI HAS THE ABILITY TO DISPLAY GREEK HERITAGE

A memorandum outlining the needs of Thessaloniki's mamouth projects was given to Prime Minister Kostas Simitis today during a meeting held with Thessaloniki's Mayor Kosntantinos Kosmopoulos and Prefect Kostas Papadopoulos.

Mr. Simitis was presented with a series of requests regarding the timely progress of the citys projects, such as the metro, Egnatia Road, "Macedonia" airport and the undersea artery which will by-pass the centre of the city.

The Prefect, Mr. Papadopoulos also presented the Premier with his own priority list, which includes protecting the ecological balance of Coroneia Lake. Moreover, the two men discussed legislative issues aimed at strengthening local government.

Mayor Kosmopoulos focused on the creation of the metro project, for which he requested an exact timetable, as well as city irrigation issues and the pollution noted in the Thermaicos gulf. The Mayor also asked that the Central Archaeological Council's decision to block a city parking project in the center of town be reversed.

Mr. Simitis also met with the president and members of the Organization "Thessaloniki 97 Cultural Capital of Europe" and stated that the city is currently at a take-off position, ready to prove that Thessaloniki has the potential and ability to grantly display the greek heritage, customs and culture.

[07] THESSALONIKI TO GET MACEDONIA-THRACE COORDINATING COUNCIL

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis announced today the establishment of the offices of four ministries In Thessaloniki, as part of the government's decentralization efforts.

Concurrently, the Premier announced the creation of a Coordinating Council of Macedonia- Thrace in Thessaloniki, which will function under the presidency of Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos and the participation of the secretaries-general from the region's three districts.

According to Mr. Simitis, this de- centralization effort will bring to Thessaloniki the central agencies of the Ministries of Agriculture, Education, Sports and an office of International Economic Relations and thereby will provide relief for the various buraeucratic tangles.

The Premier met this morning with the Ministers of Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos and Secretary-General Chrysa Manola, Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Justice, Evangelos Venizelos and Education under-Secretary George Paschalides

Also accompanying Mr. Simitis on his two-day visit to Thessaloniki are Ministers of National Economy Yiannos Papantoniou, Environment, City Planning and Public Works Kostas Laliotis, Agriculture Stefanos Tzoumakas, Health and Welfare Anastasios Peponis, Culture, Stavros Benos, Transportations and Communications Haris Kastanides and the under-Secretaries of National Economy Christos Pachtas, Development Michalis Chrysochoides and Health, Franklinos Papadelis.

[08] FOUNDING OF BALKAN MINISTERS OF EDUCATION COUNCIL PROPOSED

In an effort to provide educational links among all balkan-region countries, the creation of a Balkan Ministers of Education Council was proposed today by under-Secretary of Education George Paschalides in Thessaloniki.

Mr. Paschalides suggested that the Ministers' first meeting be held in Thesslaloniki next year, coinciding with the various events that will be taking place within the framework of "Thessaloniki - European Cultural Capital 1997."

According to the Education under-Secretary, "the Council will promote the collaboration between the ministries of Education and Culture, in order to promote peace, friendship and cooperation among the Balkan peoples."

The ultimate aim is to provide all with historical accuracy, in order to avoid the ever- increasing waves of propaganda that may lead to nationalism, according to Mr. Paschalides.

[09] EDUCATION UNDER-SECRETARY: THUMBS UP FOR GREEK LANGUAGE CENTER

The under-secretary of Education George Paschalides has expressed his satisfaction at the progress of the Center of Greek Language, promising further support.

Mr. Paschalides stated that supporting the Center is based on various axes, such as beefing up its finances and upgrading its role. Moreover, the Center will be linked with the Council of Greeks Overseas (SAE) and with the Institute for Education of Greeks Abroad and Intercultural Training.

The Center's purpose is to promote and spread the greek language outside the country's borders.

[10] NATIONAL ECONOMY MINISTER OPTIMISTIC OVER GREECE'S COURSE

Greek National Economy Minister, Yiannos Papantoniou appeared optimistic regarding the course of the greek economy in statements he made after the meeting he had with Minister of Finance, Alekos Papadopoulos and Development Minister, Vasso Papandreou with the participation of Bank of Greece Governor, Loukas Papadimou.

Mr.Papantoniou stated that based on the discussions he had with his collegues, the developments in the greek economy, production, real income and investments are positive.

He also pointed out that the slowing down of the growth rate in the rest of Europe does not have an effect on the 2,5% growth rate expected for the greek economy in 1996, while the investment rate this year will be at 10%.

[11] DEVELOPMENT MINISTRY TO ESTABLISH A NATIONAL TOURIST COUNCIL

The Ministry of Development announced the establishment of a National Tourist Council for the better coordination of the greek tourist policy and also, in order to be better served the interests of greek tourism.

The 50-member Council will consist of representatives from the tourist sector, ministries related to tourism and local administration, while will also participate and personalities from the cultural sector.

The Council's first meeting will be held on Tuesday and, as it was made known, will focus its attention on institutional issues, on the promotion of Greece abroad, on the overall marketing for the greek tourism and on the renewal of the tourist product with alternative forms of tourism.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[12] US HAVE POINT OF VIEW ON GAVDOS, BUT KEEP IT TO THEMSELVES

The US State department has taken a position regarding the Gavdos island issue and, although it has been conveyed to Athens and Ankara, it does not intent to present this view publicly as this would not aid the existing situation, according to US government spokesperson Nicholas Burns.

Mr. Burns stated that it would not be prodoctive to give details regarding the specific island and added that the US will privately proceed on this issue and will "of course inform the governments of Greece and Turkey."

"If we can be useful in resolving the dispute we will do it," Burns added.

Also, commenting on a recently published editorial in the "Wall Street Journal", where the author assesses that there is a danger of war erupting in Cyprus, Mr. Burns categorically stated that the American government does not share that point of view.

He linearly contradicted the article by stating that "the US will benefit from the existance of peace in Cyprus" and added that his government does not believe that there is potential for war erupting on the island, not even a realistic possibility."

[13] A TURKISH SOLDIER THREATENED A GREEK-CYPRIOT WITH HIS GUN

A turkish soldier threatened greek-cypriot Nikos Vasilas, a resident of Achna, with his gun, while the latter was in his garden across a turkish outpost.

The greek-cypriot informed the police in the Base of Dekelia which has jurisdiction over the region where his garden is and police officers accompanied him back to his garden in order to get his car that he had abandoned there after the threats made by the turkish soldier.

[14] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT MEETS WITH GREEK NAVY OFFICIALS IN NICOSIA

Greek Navy officials of the "Ares" ship, which currently docked in Cyprus, were received today by Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides.

President Clerides expressed his satisfaction for the naval officers' visit to the island, since the training of the midshipmen includes the sea of Cyprus within the framework of the joint defense doctrine.

[15] BULGARIAN ARMY OFFICERS VISIT NORTHERN GREECE'S MILITARY BASES

The commander of the 3rd bulgarian mechanized infantry division accompanied by staff officers visited the military installations of the 10th Army Division in the city of Serres, in northern Greece.

Also, the bulgarian officers met with local authorities and were updated on economic and cultural issues.

Earlier this year, greek army officers had also visited military installations in the neighbouring country.

[16] THE MAYOR OF MONTREAL WILL BE IN THESSALONIKI NEXT WEEK

Montreal Mayor Pierre Bourke will arrive in Thessaloniki on Monday, June 12, where he will meet with the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Konstantinos Kosmopoulos.

[17] ALBANIA: SEVEN POLICE OFFICERS FIRED AFTER BLOODY CLASHES

Seven high ranking police officers were fired today accused of being responsible for the bloody clashes between the albanian police forces and opposition demonstrators that took place in the center of Tirana on May 28.

The opposition has accused the government as responsible for the clashes and called for the resignation of the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Interior.

A large number of people, among them leading members of the opposition, had been brutally beaten by the police during the demonstration, that was organised in protest against the irregularities observed in the Parliamentary elections held two days earlier.

Meanwhile, today the Socialist party of the albanian opposition called for the repetition of the elections in at least 107 polling districts, out of a total of 115, while the governing Democratic party suggested that a repetition of the elections could only be held in 4 of them.

[18] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE REPORT

CURRENCY          FIXING       BUY          SELL
U.S. Dollar      241.4600   240.7360    242.184
Deutsche Mark    157.8580   157.3840    0
French Franc     46.5840    46.4440     158.332
UK Sterling      373.6800   372.5590    0
Swiss Franc      191.6300   191.0550    46.7240
Italian Lira     15.6025    15.5560     374.801
Danish Kroner    40.9010    40.7780     0
Swedish Crown    35.8350    35.7270     192.205
Norwegian Crown  36.9260    36.8150     0
Yen              221.7100   221.0450    15.6490
Spanish Peseta   1.8690     1.8634      41.0240
Finnish Mark     51.3870    51.2330     35.9430
ECU              298.4700   297.5750    37.0370
                                        222.375
                                        0
                                        1.8746
                                        51.5410
                                        299.365
                                        0

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