MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (02/09/1996)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, September 2, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

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[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREEK PREMIER LAYS OUT PASOK'S PLANS FROM LESVOS

Prime Minister and PASOK President Kostas Simitis, currently in the Aegean island of Lesvos, has embarked on his pre-election campaign tour for the September 22 elections with a series of speeches that mark his certainty as a victor.

Referring to the main opposition party New Democracy's pre- election campaign, Mr. Simitis stated that "New Democracy is misleading the Greek people through negative advertising" and accused the opposition of following outdated tactics from the 60s decade.

He further announced a package of specific measures to be followed for the development of Aegean Sea islands, regarding medical coverage, education, tourism, energy, transportation, modernizing airport facilities and communication.

Moreover, Mr. Simitis stated that PASOK will grant pension increases to retirees and, up until the year 2000, answers will be given on the question of social security funds.

[02] PREMIER EMBARKS ON PRE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN, OPPOSITION FOLLOWS SUIT

"Greece is strong and through its powerful armed forces can avert any imposition," stated Prime Minister and PASOK President Kostas Simitis from the island of Chios, where he began his pre- election campaign tour today.

The Premier emphasized that the Aegean Sea constitutes the backbone that links Thrace and Cyprus, the bastions of hellenism.

Expected to present his party's program for the development of the Aegean Sea, Mr. Simitis will met with the mayor of Chios and various local officials and in the evening will depart for the island of Lesvos.

Main opposition party New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert, speaking from Evros during his pre-election campaign tour, stated yesterday that if his party were brought to power, it would reduce by half all of indirect taxation, give tax incentives to farmers and increase farmer's pensions from 25,000 GRD to 35,000 GRD.

Minor opposition leader Political Spring's Antonis Samaras, who is touring Euboia and Lamia, asked the governing PASOK and the main opposition if the day following the election they would do away with the policy of austerity and if they would continue to defend national interests.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary-General Aleka Paparega has accused PASOK and ND of withholding the truth about the economy from the Greek people. She is to visit the Athens General Hospital this afternoon.

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Konstantopoulos also accused the governing party and the main opposition of trying to mislead the Greek people. Mr. Konstantopoulos will speak in Pireaus this evening.

President of the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) Dimitris Tsovolas has cancelled his scheduled-for-today press conference, during which he was to present his partys proposals, in protest to the decision drawn by the state-owned television station ERT not to provide live coverage.

[03] PREMIER ANNOUNCES 92-BILLION-DRACHMA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR NORTH AEGEAN

Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis during his visit to the island of Chios, held within the framework of his pre-election campaign tour, announced a 92 billion drachmas development programme for north Aegean.

Mr.Simitis said that "without a strong economy we can not have strong islands" emphasizing the need for strong armed forces in the Aegean which he described as the country's backbone.

Referring to the greek-turkish relations, mr.Simitis stressed that "we are entering a new phase as Turkey becomes much more aggressive", adding that this time Greece has responded with a diplomatic campaign against Turkey that has been launched in Europe and had as a result for that country to lose the support it had enjoyed there for years.

Mr.Simitis commenting on the latest pre-election appearances by New Democracy leader, Miltiadis Evert described his party's economic policy as "pre-election promises" stressing that is damaging for the country, while he also added that New Democracy with its in-party conflicts can not guarantee political stability in the country.

[04] THE SECOND PART OF PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS INTERVIEW TO THE ATHENS DAILY "ELEFTHEROTYPIA" WAS PUBLISHED TODAY

Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis in the second part of his interview to the Athens daily "Eleftherotypia" that was published today, mentions responding to the question on possible alliances after the elections that there are many personalities outside PASOK who must offer their cooperation in order for the PASOK government to do its job.

The Prime Minister also expresses the belief that PASOK will win the elections while he stresses that the future belongs to the center-left and appeals to the conservative voters not to give their support to the torn up leadership of New Democracy.

Mr.Simitis referred extensively to the issues of national importance, while he made a special referrence to the greek- turkish relations and said that the US government is possible to make certain moves for solutions in the region. He expresses scepticism regarding the problem with Skopje but at the same time he is optimistic that finally the problem will be resolved in a way that will justify the greek positions.

On the issue of the relations with Turkey, he explained how Greece will avert a "hot Winter" with the neighbouring country and reiterated that there can be no dialogue on Greece's sovereign rights. Mr.Simitis clarified that the Cyprus problem remains a priority and that there can be no normalizaton of the greek- turkish relations if no solution is reached on the Cyprus problem.

On the Balkan region and Greece's position, mr.Simitis stressed that developments in the neighbouring countries demand a new approach strategy.

He said that already Greece's Balkan policy gave results as it was made obvious by the recent meeting between Milosevic and Tudjman in Athens. Mr.Simitis also said that Greece normalized the relations with Albania and succeeded in opening greek schools in the cities of Argyrokastro, Delvino and Agii Saranta, adding that the greek-bulgarian relations were also developed and underlined that agreements were signed concerning the waters of Nestos River and the opening of three new border crossings that will contribute to the development of northern Greece.

[05] FOREIGN MINISTER PANGALOS LEAVES OPEN THE POSSIBILITY OF A POST-ELECTION COOPERATION BETWEEN PASOK AND THE COALITION OF THE LEFT PARTY

Foreign Minister, Theodoros Pangalos left open, without any reservation, the possibility of a cooperation on a governmental level between PASOK and the Coalition of the Left party after the elections, while a cooperation with the Democratic Social Movement of mr.Tsovolas is possible after discussions. The above were stated by Foreign Minister Pangalos in an interview to an Athens daily.

Also, mr.Pangalos speculated that an election defeat would mean for New Democracy automatic change of its leadership.

[06] PREMIER ANNOUNCES 92-BILLION-DRACHMA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR NORTH AEGEAN

Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis during his visit to the island of Chios, held within the framework of his pre-election campaign tour, announced a 92 billion drachmas development programme for north Aegean.

Mr.Simitis said that "without a strong economy we can not have strong islands" emphasizing the need for strong armed forces in the Aegean which he described as the country's backbone.

Referring to the greek-turkish relations, mr.Simitis stressed that "we are entering a new phase as Turkey becomes much more aggressive", adding that this time Greece has responded with a diplomatic campaign against Turkey that has been launched in Europe and had as a result for that country to lose the support it had enjoyed there for years.

Mr.Simitis commenting on the latest pre-election appearances by New Democracy leader, Miltiadis Evert described his party's economic policy as "pre-election promises" stressing that is damaging for the country, while he also added that New Democracy with its in-party conflicts can not guarantee political stability in the country.

[07] THE SECOND PART OF PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS INTERVIEW TO THE ATHENS DAILY "ELEFTHEROTYPIA" WAS PUBLISHED TODAY

Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis in the second part of his interview to the Athens daily "Eleftherotypia" that was published today, mentions responding to the question on possible alliances after the elections that there are many personalities outside PASOK who must offer their cooperation in order for the PASOK government to do its job.

The Prime Minister also expresses the belief that PASOK will win the elections while he stresses that the future belongs to the center-left and appeals to the conservative voters not to give their support to the torn up leadership of New Democracy.

Mr.Simitis referred extensively to the issues of national importance, while he made a special referrence to the greek- turkish relations and said that the US government is possible to make certain moves for solutions in the region. He expresses scepticism regarding the problem with Skopje but at the same time he is optimistic that finally the problem will be resolved in a way that will justify the greek positions.

On the issue of the relations with Turkey, he explained how Greece will avert a "hot Winter" with the neighbouring country and reiterated that there can be no dialogue on Greece's sovereign rights. Mr.Simitis clarified that the Cyprus problem remains a priority and that there can be no normalizaton of the greek- turkish relations if no solution is reached on the Cyprus problem.

On the Balkan region and Greece's position, mr.Simitis stressed that developments in the neighbouring countries demand a new approach strategy.

He said that already Greece's Balkan policy gave results as it was made obvious by the recent meeting between Milosevic and Tudjman in Athens. Mr.Simitis also said that Greece normalized the relations with Albania and succeeded in opening greek schools in the cities of Argyrokastro, Delvino and Agii Saranta, adding that the greek-bulgarian relations were also developed and underlined that agreements were signed concerning the waters of Nestos River and the opening of three new border crossings that will contribute to the development of northern Greece.

[08] FOREIGN MINISTER PANGALOS LEAVES OPEN THE POSSIBILITY OF A POST-ELECTION COOPERATION BETWEEN PASOK AND THE COALITION OF THE LEFT PARTY

Foreign Minister, Theodoros Pangalos left open, without any reservation, the possibility of a cooperation on a governmental level between PASOK and the Coalition of the Left party after the elections, while a cooperation with the Democratic Social Movement of mr.Tsovolas is possible after discussions. The above were stated by Foreign Minister Pangalos in an interview to an Athens daily.

Also, mr.Pangalos speculated that an election defeat would mean for New Democracy automatic change of its leadership.

[09] THE ROAD TO DEVELOPMENT PASSES THROUGH TOURISM, STATED NEW DEMOCRACY LEADER, MILTIADIS EVERT

The road to development passes through tourism, stated New Democracy leader Miltiadis Evert, who met with representatives of Hotel Owners and Hotel Employees Associations. Mr.Evert pledged that as soon as New Democracy is elected to power he will invite them to his office to listen to suggestions on who should be appointed General Secretary of Tourism. He also added that Greece has to and can be the main tourist country in Europe.

Mr.Evert said that the target is to have the number of foreign tourists increased to 20 million by the year 2.000, stressing that this is a feasible objective.

The New Democracy leader will give a press conference tomorrow to announce the second part of his party's economic programme, while also tomorrow will be announced the names of the candidates on its ticket.

[10] COMMENTS BY THE LEADER OF THE COALITION OF THE LEFT AND BY THE COMMUNIST PARTY GENERAL SECRETARY

Coalition of the Left party leader, Nikos Konstantopoulos stated that PASOK's government policy which is being declared that will be followed and after the elections does not leave room for a coalition government.

Mr.Konstantopoulos said that PASOK's persistence in claiming that it wants to win the majority of votes and to implement the policy it implemented up till now, shows its true intentions.

Meanwhile, Comunist party General Secretary, ms.Aleka Paparga pointed out that the implementation of a national foreign policy is impossible and unthinkable if it is held within the framework of the orders issued by the United States and NATO.

[11] THE TERMS FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE POLITICAL PARTIES ON STATE AND PRIVATE MASS MEDIA WERE SET

The terms, the pre-conditions and the air-time allocated to each political party, represented in the state and european Parliament, for its promotion on state and private mass media during the pre-election period, were set after a joint decision by the Ministers of Interior, Public Administration and Press.

Specifically, the State Radio and Television, ERT, is bound to broadcast a 60 minute interview of each political party leader on radio and television network and to allow live broadcast of their interviews. Also, it will have to broadcast one, live or taped press conference of each political party leader and to cover one pre-election political rally of each political party.

Also, both ERT and the private radio-television stations are bound to organize at least four round-table discussions with political party representatives and to offer each week one free of charge 10-minute spot to every political party for the promotion of their programmes.

They will have to include in their news bulletins interviews on the positions and the activities of the political parties and to secure proportionate participaton of political party representatives, while in the last 10 days before the elections they are not allowed to broadcast any national or local public opinion poll on political tendencies, views and preferences of the public concerning the political parties, their positions and their candidates.

[12] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER ADDRESSES INTERNATIONAL CYPRIOT ORGANIZATIONS

Greek Defense Minister Gerasimos Arsenis, speaking at the Central Council of the International Federation of Cypriots Abroad and the Worldwide Coordinating Committee of the Cypriot Struggle, emphasized the need to coordinate and rally the Greeks and Cypriots living abroad in the effort to promote hellenism's national matters.

Cypriot Foreign Minister Alekos Mihailides, who opened the session, stated that the activities and mobilizations of Greeks and Cypriots living abroad have brought about significant progress in the Cyprus problem.

President of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides stated that the time has come for the international factors to move decisively in order to achieve a cohesive solution to the Cyprus issue and added that the international community is convinced that "a necessary prerequisite for holding direct talks is the existence of a common ground on the cypriot problem's basic issues."

Moreover, the Cypriot President emphasized that whatever difficulties his government may encounter, it will not accept a solution that would endanger the survival of Cypriot-Greeks. Mr. Clerides added that Greece and Cyprus will continue to struggle united for achieving a solution that will deliver the island from the presence of the turkish occupying forces.

[13] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER SPEAKS ON GREECE-CYPRUS JOINT DEFENSE DOCTRINE

The joint defense doctrine between Greece and Cyprus is progressing at a rapid rate, stated Greek Minister of Defense Gerasimos Arsenis during his visit to Cyprus.

During yesterday's meeting between Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and Mr. Arsenis, it was agreed upon that the military outfitting programs of the two countries will continue without endangering the Maastricht Treaty convergence programs.

Mr. Arsenis visited this morning the National Guard's General Staff where he was briefed by Cypriot Defense Minister Kostas Heliades on all issues regarding the island's defense.

The Greek Defense Minister stated that the doctrine's path was overviewed and assessed that during the elapsed time, significant developments have been noted in the progress of the joint defense doctrine.

[14] DOUKAKIS, GREEK-ORIGIN POLITICIANS FROM AROUND THE WORLD ARE IN GREECE

Thirty-one ploliticians from around the world, among whom is former US Presidential candidate and former Massachussets governor Michael Doukakis, are currently in Greece, following the invitation issued by Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos who, being responsible for affairs concerning overseas hellenism, aims to create a communication network with Greeks living abroad.

The foreign politicians will meet with Mr. Romeos this evening and tomorrow will be briefed on Greek national and foreign policy matters by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and Defense Minister Gerasimos Arsenis. On Wednesday they will be received by the Speaker of Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis while Mr. Doukakis will meet with Mr. Kaklamanis at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow.

In the days to follow, the delegation will have successive meetings with President Kostis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.

The ministers, deputies, senators and congressmen will also attend the opening ceremony of Thessaloniki's 61st International Trade Fair this Saturday and plan to visit Mt. Athos in Chalkidiki.

The government officials represent over 15 countries, among which are Africa, Sweden, Cameroon and Australia. American representatives are not included in the delegation, due to the presidential election campaign period in the US.

[15] 1997 WILL BE THE YEAR THAT PRESIDENT CLINTON WILL UNDERTAKE GREAT INITIATIVES FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS PROBLEM, SAID MR.DUKAKIS

Michael Dukakis, Political Science University professor and former Governor of the State of Massachussets was received today by President of the Republic, Kostis Stephanopoulos.

In a press conference he gave at the Hellenic-American Association, mr.Dukakis expressed the certainty that 1997 will be the year of great initiatives for the solution of the Cyprus problem undertaken by US President, Bill Clinton. He also described as bad political choice by the United States the unlimited allocation of military aid to Ankara.

Mr.Dukakis, who is visiting Greece on the invitation of the Hellenic-American Association and the Association of US Universities' Graduates, will have contacts with government and party officials and tomorrow will meet with Parliament President, Apostolos Kaklamanis.

[16] THE TURKISH TOURIST ORGANIZATION INCLUDES THE GREEK ANTIQUITIES IN THE COASTS OF ASIA MINOR IN ITS ADVERTISING PROMOTION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN AUSTRALIA

The greek antiquities of Pergamos and Ephesos, the ancient city of Troy, Ismir, Constantinople and the Church of St.Sofia are at the center of the advertising promotion campaign launched in the australian magazines by the Turkish Tourist Organization. The advertising campaign aims at getting through to the australian public that they do not need to go to Greece in order to visit archaelogical sites.

In the full-page ads, published in the australian daily press, the Turkish Tourist Organization does not mention anywhere that the antiquities it promotes are greek and of course there is no mentioning of the efforts made by Turkey in the past to destroy them.

[17] A DELEGATION OF THE CULTURAL CAPITAL OF EUROPE ORGANIZATION IS VISITING MOSCOW

A delegation of the Cultural Capital of Europe Organization - Thessaloniki 1997, headed by its vice-president, mr.Salpistis arrived in Moscow yesterday in order to promote the Mt.Athos Relics Exhibition that will be one of the most important events organized in Thessaloniki within the framework of the Cultural Capital of Europe.

The delegation will be in Moscow until September 8 and will have meetings with Patriarch Alexios, the russian Undersecretary of Culture and the mayor of Moscow representative on cultural issues, while it will also have contacts with Museum Directors, University Deans and representatives of the arts.

On Thursday, the delegation will give a press conference in the Moscow Association of Journalists Hall, where it will be announced the holding of the exhibition of priceless relics that leave the monastic community of Mt.Athos for the first time.

[18] GREEK INTEREST RATES DROP, PUSH CAPITAL OUTWARDS

Greece's largest private and state-owned banks lowered their interest rates last week by half to one percentage units, in an initiative backed by the National Bank of Greece, the Commercial Bank and Ionian Bank, all in the state-controlled sector, as well as the Alpha Credit Bank and the Ergo Bank in the private sector.

This was a well-orchestrated move as these institutions represent more than 90 percent of the total banking system. However, reactions were noted in the money market which is subjected to pressures from abroad and cannot be controlled by Greek financial institutions alone. The Athens money market recorded an outflow of over $500 million in less than five hours during the Friday session, a sum that surpasses by three-to-five times the regular daily drachma outflow to foreign currency.

[19] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER ARSENIS MEETS WITH CYPRIOT PRESIDENT CLERIDES

Greek Minister of National Defense Gerasimos Arsenis held a one-hour meeting today with Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides.

Participating at the session were also Cypriot Defense Minister Kostas Heliades and Greek Ambassador Alexandros Sandes.

[20] NATO CONDUCTS CLASSICA '96, A TEN-DAY MILITARY EXERCISE IN THE BLACK SEA

Within the framework of "Partnership for Peace", NATO is conducting a military exercise named "Classica '96 in the Black Sea region, near Romania's city of Konstanza.

Participating in the exercise, which began last Saturday and will last ten days, are the United States, Greece, Romania, Italy and the Ukraine.

An article published in the Romanian daily "Vocea Romaniei", mentions that "the american participation in the exercise illustrates the US's interest for stability in Eastern Europe."

[21] SOUTH AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER TO VISIT THESSALONIKI'S CHAMBER OF TRADE

A delegation of Australian businessmen, headed by South Australian Prime Minister Dean Brown, will visit Thessaloniki's Chamber of Trade and Industry next Friday at noon.

The delegation, which will be accompanied by Australian government officials, has been organized by the Greek-Australian Trade and Industry Chamber of South Australia.

Mr. Brown will give a speech on "Business opportunities and incentives for investment in South Australia."

[22] INDIAN, BULGARIAN, ROMANIAN, ALBANIAN DELEGATIONS TO VISIT THESSALONIKI TRADE FAIR

Seven foreign business delegations have already confirmed that they will visit Thessaloniki during the city's 61st International Trade Fair, which is to open on Saturday, four of which are from Romania, and three from Bulgaria, Albania and India.

The Bulgarian delegation is expected to surpass 100 members and is organized by the Scientific and Technical Association of Bulgarian Civil Engineers, based in Sofia. They will focus their interests in the constructin material sector of Greece.

Also focusing on construction materials will be the Romanian and Albanian delegations, which are also expected to visit Thessaloniki's Trade and Industry Chamber, while the Indian delegation will include high-ranking businessmen of trade and industry-related companies.

Meanwhile, preparations at the Fair are progressing at a feverish rate so that Thessaloniki's largest annual event will be ready to welcome the more than 3,000 participants, not including the tens of thousands visitors expected in town during the week of the Trade Fair, September 7-16.

[23] EU OBSERVATORY OF TELEMATIC APPLICATIONS IN HEALTH OPENS LOCAL BRANCH

The European Observatory is set to establish a Thessaloniki branch of its health applications in telematics, a program initiated by the European Union through the EHTO? program and whose funding has been undertaken by the non-profit organization Biotrust in Thessaloniki.

The observatory's role will be to follow closely the related projects and their results, assessment of their benefits and the added value that they bear. Moreover, the obervatory will offer a data bank providing information on supply and demand of technological services in the area, as well as regional, national and EU projects.

In the project's second phase, the Observatory will be linked with a main server in Brussels, via satellite. Priority status has been granted to Spain's and Portugal's branches as they will serve as exhibit centers that will display the most recent technological developments in the health sector.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[24] CYPRIOT GOVERNMENT ASKS THAT US INITIATIVE BE CANCELLED

The Cypriot government has requested that the United States initiative for resolving the Cyprus problem be called off, according to Phillip Christopher, president of the World Coordinating Committee of the Cypriot Struggle.

During the recently-held Democratic Party convention in the United States, US President Bill Clinton told Mr. Christopher that the Cypriot government no longer wishes that the US initiative be continued.

Mr. Christopher stated that this change of course is negative, yet, he added, he understands Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides' concerns.

[25] SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S STATE PRIME MINISTER MEETS WITH CYPRIOT PRESIDENT

The United Nations must exert their pressure in order to achieve progress in solving the Cypriot problem, stated today the Prime Minister of South Australia Dean Brown following his meeting with Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides.

Mr. Brown, who is in Cyprus on an official visit since yesterday, also declared his intent to work towards achieving a peaceful and permanent solution to the Cypriot issue, while he called on the involved parties to display good will for attaining this goal.

Moreover, the Australian official reiterated his support to the legitimate Cypriot government, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus. He also expressed his sorrow for the recent murders of the two unarmed Greek-Cyrpiots by turkish military forces.

Yesterday, Mr. Brown visited the island's buffer zone and Deryneia where he saw from afar the occupied city of Famagusta.

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