MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (14/06/1996)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, June 14, 1996

TITLES

NEWS IN DETAIL

[01] PREMIER UNVEILS GOVERNMENT'S COMPLETE PROGRAMS FOR CRETE

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis presented today the government's completed program for Crete during his three-day visit to the island.

Mr. Simitis emphasized Greece's role in the geographical position it holds, stating that the country will promote and strengthen its presence both towards the south and to the southeast.

Referring to his visit to Crete, the Premier stated that Crete has the abilities and potential to become a metropolis of economic, educational and cultural significance.

[02] TEENAGE PARLIAMENTARIANS TO HOLD FIRST SESSION ON SUNDAY

With all the due respect and formality afforded in the real version, albeit without the yawns and wryness, a one-of-a- kind parliament session will be held in the legislature's arena this Sunday, during the first "Teenage Parliament"

The cream of the crop from the country's high school students will be addressed and instructed by Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis on the how-to of turning debate into law.

The three hundred high schoolers will be divided into six committees prior to holding a plenary session on June 19, when they will present their impressions and findings.

[03] FORMER US PRESIDENT BUSH VACATIONS IN GREEECE, BASKS IN SUNLIGHT

United States former President George Bush embarked on his vacation to the Greek islands today, with first stop on his itinerary being his favorite -Corfu in the Ionian Sea.

Accompanied by his wife Barbara, members of his family and by the US army general Colin Powell, Mr. Bush is a guest of greek shipowner Yiannis Latsis.

According to reports, Albanian President Sali Berisha may visit the yacht hosting the US former President, during his visit to the Albanian shores tomorrow.

[04] TURKISH PRESS FROWNS AT ANKARA'S POLICY OVER GAVDOS ISLAND

A plethora of editorials and opinion pieces abounds on the turkish press' pages, regarding the recently arisen issue ofthe Gavdos island, many of which are not favorable to the stance adopted by Ankara lately. "Sabah" columnist Mehmet Ali Birand suypports that Anara is not justified when it comes to Gavdos, and considers Greece's fears over the turkish territorial claims to be "understandable."

Birand contends that the issue of Gavdos constitutes "an illustration of our carelessness" and nores that "we suddenly realized that we're talking about a greek island, which is inhabited by 300 Greeks and has a Mayor."

[05] CYPRUS PROBLEM IS EYROPE'S NUMBER ONE DANGER, SAYS HOLBROOKE

United States former under-Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke has indicated that he considers the Cypriot issue to constitute "the most significant danger for Europe's security."

In comments published by the "Washington Times" and the "Christian Science Monitor", Mr. Holbrooke is said to have stated that "if the Aegean Sea's islets can drive to an eruption, imagine what a large island can do."

According to the articles, Mr. Holbrooke stated that the European Union constitutes the only solution to the Cyprus problem at this time.

Complete archives of the Macedonian Press Agency bulletins are available on the MPA Home Page at http://www.mpa.gr/ and on the U.S. mirror at http://www.hri.org/MPA/