MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (18/06/1996)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, June 18, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] US TAKE POSITION ON GAVDOS ISSUE, RECOGNIZE THAT ISLAND IS GREEK

The US State Department adopted -for the first time- a clear position on the Gavdos island issue yesterday when White House spokesperson Nicholas Burns stated that the island is Greek and is inhabited by Greeks.

However, Mr. Burns added that the tension stemming from Ankara was in regards to technical matters, and not the island's sovereignty.

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos characterized the State Department's stance as positive and undoubtedly useful.

However, following his meeting with his counterpart from Armenia Bahan Papazian, Mr. Pangalos expressed his reservations regarding Mr. Burns' statements, and said that the issue is not resolved by a mere statement from the US, which is a third party and which statement arrives after a long waiting period on behalf of the State Department, which apparently awaited to see a turkish stance on the Gavdos issue and the return of things to order.

Turkey, Mr. Pangalos stated, must return the issues to their proper positions and to state unequivocally that there is no issue regarding the greek sovereignty of Gavdos.

[02] GREEK GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED BY US STATEMENTS ON GAVDOS

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas expressed the greek government's satisfaction over the statements made by US State Department spokesman Nikolas Burns according to which, the island of Gavdos is greek and is inhabited by greeks. Mr.Reppas said that this is a positive development and constitutes an additional factor for peace and security in the region.

Referring to today's meeting of the Governmental Council on Foreign Affairs and Defence he stressed that no decisions were made but a discussion was held in preparation of tomorrow's cabinet meeting on foreign policy issues.

[03] GREECE TO INSIST ON ITS VETO TO MEDA FUNDING FOR TURKEY

Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos reiterated Greece's position to uphold its veto on the European Union's MEDA funding program for Turkey, speaking at yesterday's Conference of EU Foreign Ministers in Rome.

Mr. Romeos added that Greece will consider lifting its veto for the other countries, but not for Turkey.

It has not been announced whether or not the MEDA funding issue will be brought up for discussion at the upcoming EU Summit, to be held in Florence on June 21-22.

[04] GEORGE BUSH VISITS GAVDOS, SAYS "IT'S AN HONOR TO BE HERE"

United States former President George Bush visited the Greek island of Gavdos today, accompanied by his wife Barbara and US former Chief of Armed Forces General Colin Powell.

"We are honored that we are in this place, the greek islands," Mr. Bush stated when asked about the significance of his visit to Gavdos, and pointed out that his visit had been planned since January.

Mr. Bush stayed on Gavdos for two hours and met with the local president Theofilos Tsirintakis and Hania Prefect Aleka Markoyiannaki, who bestowed on him traditional Cretan embroidery.

All in all, the former US President avoided making any other statements, making it clear that his visit does not hold any political meaning, but is rather a leisure trip for him and his family.

Mr. Bush referred to his friendly relations with former Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis and former Turkish President Turgut Ozal, both of whom, Mr. Bush said, supported him during the Persian Gulf war.

In turn, General Powell confirmed that he will seek the US presidential seat, but clarified that he will not run for president during the next elections.

Referring to the Gavdos issue, General Powell stated that he hopes these problems can be resolved through diplomatic means, without conflict that could lead to collission.

This afternoon Mr. Bush departed for Germany where he will attend an honorary reception for Chancellor Helmut Khol, and will return to Rhodes tomorrow in order to continue his cruise on the Greek isles.

[05] HALKIDIKI GOLD MINES PRESENTS ITS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

In an effort to save Greece's largest single private investment in 20 years from the wrath of local residents, the Halkidiki-based "TVX Hellas" gold mining project presented favorable testimony from a number of distinguished environmentalists and professors during today's conference on the project's environmental impact.

Reactions by communities in Halkidiki to the creation of a gold plant where Kassandra Mines are operating are threatening the cancellation of one of the country's biggest and worthiest investments, as the local residents have objected to the project by blockading access roads and disrupting the work process.

The President of the Halkidiki Development Organization L. Xydopoulos stated that "the 63-billion-drachma investment constitutes a national need" and added that the objectors' arguments lack substance.

"The only thing they will achieve is to close the mines, resulting in dreadful economic consequences not only for the region, but for the whole country as well," he added.

Currently, TVX Hellas is in the process of training staff, restoring disused mines, keeping water at a treatment plant clean and assessing the environment.

According to the environemntal impact report (EIR) released jointly by the company and the Greek government, modern technology will be used to release fine gold contained in quartz and pyrite reserves at the mines. The arsenic content in ore will be stabilized to avoid leaching and effluent that would pollute the environment, while stockpiles will also be treated.

The EIR could serve as the saving grace in the project's future, as TVX Gold, the company that wholly owns TVX Hellas had threatened to invoke a force majeure since it had been spending more than $1 million a month in salaries without any actual work being carried out since the workers had no access to the plant.

[06] GREECE AND ARMENIA SIGN COOPERATION AGREEMENTS

Greece and Armenia signed a defence cooperation agreement and according to statements by armenian Minister of Defence Vargen Sargisian, his country will be a reliable ally for Greece.

Greek Defence Minister Gerasimos Arsenis stated after the meeting with his armenian counterpart, that they exchanged views on the developments in the wider region, from the Caucasus to the Balkans.

Greece is among the first countries that appointed a military attache to its embassy in Armenia, while as it was announced, the defence cooperation agreement signed provides for the exchange of views and information in the field of defence, the training of army officers and the exchange of views concening armaments.

The greek Minister of Defence stated that Greece is also promoting defence cooperation with Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, Egypt, Syria and Israel.

Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministers of Greece and Armenia signed three important agreements concerning the sectors of transportation, health and public order.

After the meeting with armenian Foreign Minister Vahan Papazian, greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos stated that Greece will back Armenia's application for membership to the Council of Europe. The two ministers also discussed the defence cooperation between Greece and Armenia and examined the potential for cooperation in the defence industry.

Mr.Pangalos and mr.Papazian had talks on an nucleus of cooperation consisting of Greece, Iran and Armenia while efforts are being made to persuade former soviet republic of Georgia to also participate. The greek Foreign Minister stressed that the cooperation concerns the respect of borders, the national identity and the need for peaceful cooperation.

[07] ARMENIAN PRESIDENT TO ARRIVE IN THESSALONIKI TOMORROW

President of the Armenian Republic Levon Ter-Petrossian, will be in Thessaloniki tomorrow within the framework of his formal visit to Greece.

Mr. Petrossian will be greeted at the "Macedonia" airport by the Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos at 11:30 am, and, after being given a tour of the city's Archaeological Museum, will meet with leaders of the local Armenian community.

[08] TURKISH EXERCISE IS NO CAUSE FOR CONCERN, SAYS DEFENSE MINISTER

Greek Minister of Defence Gerasimos Arsenis responding to a question on the flights made yesterday by greek Air Force jets over the free part of Cyprus and also on the fact that the greek frigate "ELLI" has arrived in the region, stated that Greece does not play the game of sensationalism but moves based on its own programme. He said that developments are being followed closely and Greece will act accordingly.

Referring to the turkish air and sea exercise, code named "Sea Dog", that is being held in Eastern Mediterranean, the greek Minister of Defence said that there is no cause for concern.

[09] GREEK FRIGATE "ELLI" IN PAPHOS, MONITORING TURKISH EXERCISE

The greek Navy frigate "ELLI" is off the coasts of Cyprus in order to monitor the movements of the turkish fleet participating in the turkish air and sea exercise "Sea Dog".

The frigate anchored for two hours yesterday afternoon at a small distance from the coasts of Paphos and will remain in the region until the turkish exercise is completed.

[10] COUNCIL ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE DISCUSSES NATIONAL ISSUES

The greek Governmental Council on Foreign Affairs and Defence met at noon today and discussed the course of the national issues and especially, the latest developments in the greek-turkish relations after the statements made by US State Department spokesman Nikolas Burns according to which, Gavdos is greek and is inhabited by greeks.

During the meeting were also discussed foreign policy issues which will be raised in the cabinet meeting tomorrow. No concrete decisions were made as the national issues were discussed only in principle.

[11] "HEARTS, NOT WALLS, JOIN PEOPLE" THEME OF BALKAN CULTURAL CENTER

In an effort to bring the Balkan peoples one step closer to one another, the Greek "Billis Foundation" has undertaken the initiative to organize the "Inter-balkan Cultural Network" whose first-day session began today in Sofia.

Several well-known intellectuals and artists from Greece, Bulgaria and five other balkan countries, are discussing and brainstorming over ideas and proposals that will strengthen the bonds among their mother countries.

"Hearts, not walls, join people" stated Emmanuel Billis, the president of the Foundation.

Following Sofia, a series of meetings are scheduled to be held in Belgrade, Bucharest and other Balkan cities.

[12] GREEK MUSIC CONCERT TO HONOR OLYMPIC GAMES IN ATLANTA

The two Greek cultural events at this summer's Olympic Games in Atlanta will be a concert by the National Orchestra of Greece three days before the opening of the Games and the exhibition "Spirit and Body" which recently departed for the centennial anniversary of the modern Olympics.

The concert is scheduled to be held at Atlanta's Symphony Hall with singer mezzo soprano Agnes Baltsa as the lead vocalist and noted composer Stavros Xarhakos directing. Works from Greece's most famous composers will be performed, among which will be pieces written by Mikis Theodorakis, Vassilis Tsitsanis, Manos Hatzidakis and Xarhakos.

[13] LOADS OF FUN IN 1997 WHEN THESSALONIKI WILL REIGN EUROPE

The final artistic programme for 1997, when Thessaloniki will be the Cultural Capital of Europe, includes 250 cultural events, according to artistic director Panos Theodoridis, who also mentioned that the participation is 65% greek and 35% foreign.

Among the main events is the exhibition of 580 sacred relics from 17 monasteries in Mount Athos which will be held in the Museum of Byzantine Civilization.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[14] TURKISH WARSHIPS COME TO FAMAGUSTA'S OCCUPIED PORT IN EXERCISE

Two turkish warships arrived today at the occupied port of Famagusta, taking part in the aeronautical exercise "Thalassolykos '96", marking with their presence in the occupied territory the increasing provocations issued by Turkey.

Yesterday evening turkish fighter jets violated Nicosia's FIR twice, flying over Cyprus' northeastern region.

[15] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT CLERIDES MET WITH US PRESIDENT CLINTON

Following yesterday's meeting held between United States President Bill Clinton and Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides, it became apparent that the governmental instability noted in Ankara does not bode well for greek-turkish relations, or for resolving the Cyprus problem according to the American President, who expressed anew his concern over the tension in the region.

Mr. Clinton re-affirmed his conviction to promote the conditions that will pave the way for a peaceful solution to the Cypriot problem. According to a White House announcement, President Clinton told Mr. Clerides that the US intend to continue their efforts for further negotiations in order to reduce the differences that divide the two communities on the island, something that would lead to a cohesive solution.

In July Mr. Clinton's special envoy to Cyprus Richard Beattie will begin contacts for talks on key issues, granting special attention to security, an effort that, according to the White House press release, has been saluted by President Clerides.

[16] UN SECURITY COUNCIL AMENDS REPORT ON KILLED CYPRIOT GUARDSMAN

A new, amended version of the UN Security Council's report was issued today with a change in UN Secretary-General Butros Ghali's report regarding the extension of the peacekeeping forces' stay in Cyprus.

The paragraph that referred to the murder of the 19-year-old Greek-Cypriot National Guardsman Stellios Panagis has been omitted, following pressures exerted by Turkey, although the amended report mentions that men of the peacekeeping forces were obstructed for about 25 minutes from approaching the wounded guardsman by Turk-Cypriot soldiers who kept firing at them.

[17] MISSING PERSONS REPORT IS PROGRESSING, FILING PROCESS BEGAN

The process of filing the cases on the missing persons and their classification in various categories is proceeding smoothly, per the condition issued by the United Nations Secretary-General Butros Ghali, in order to proceed to the appointment of a third party to the Investigative Committee.

According to reports, this condition will be met by the end of the month, when Mr. Ghali's deadline expires. The state agencies are said to have filed the cases in five categories, according to the place, date and conditions under which the persons disappeared.

[18] SETTLERS FROM ANATOLIA STILL ARRIVING IN TURKISH-OCCUPIED CYPRUS

Cypriot Interior Minister Dinos Michailidis addressing the 6th European Conference of Ministers responsible for immigration, which ended in Warsaw, referred to the turkish occupation of northern Cyprus that continues for 22 years.

Mr.Michailidis stressed that Turkey continues to bring settlers from Anatolia to the occupied part of Cyprus illegally in order to alter the demographic character of Cyprus.

The cypriot Minister said that the illegal settlers from Turkey are about 85.000 while the turkish occupation forces are estimated at 35.000 men. He said that due to the existing situation in the occupied northern Cyprus, which is characterized by high unemployment, economic break-down, high crime rate and social unrest, the turkish-cypriots are forced to emigrate abroad looking for a better future.

Also, he underlined that 40.000 of the 120.000 turkish- cypriots became immigrants and the 80.000 remaining in the turkish occupied northern Cyprus constitute the minority of the population living in the region today.

[19] ALBANIAN INTELLECTUALS WARN OF DICTATORSHIP DANGER IN TIRANA

A group of albanian intellectuals submitted a memorandum to the US State Department, the European Union and the diplomatic delegations of the Council of Europe member states in Tirana, in which they express concern over the possible post-election developments in Albania.

The memorandum, signed by scientists, journalists, authors and artists, was broadcasted by the Tirana state radio and includes the warning that the albanian regime can be transformed into a dictatorship. It is stressed that the unrestricted and uncontrolled power of President Berisha which openly violates the OSCE decisions and the commitments undertaken for their implementation will not hesitate to violate its promises concerning the international and regional policy.

In the memorandum is underlined that a dictatorial Albania would be a hot spot of riots in the region, while it is also stressed, that there is a danger for the country to become an international crime center, like the dictatorships in Latin America.

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