MPA NEWS IN ENGISH (06/09/1996)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

‹ACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, September 6 (M.P.A.)

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[C] EUROPEAN NEWS

TITLES

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[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[C] EUROPEAN NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] NORTHERN GREECE IS A POLE OF DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE, SAYS PREMIER

At the formal inauguration of Thessaloniki's 61st International Trade Fair this evening, Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis hailed Greece as "a leader of peace and security in the Balkans" and designated the country's northern region as a "pole of development and welfare."

In a cogent and analytical speech, the Premier focused on Greece's role in the Balkans stating that, being the only country- member of the European Union that borders with the other Balkan countries, Greece will embark on an exploratory, bilateral and multilateral, dialogue with the other neighboring countries in the region in order to examine the potential of creating a more cohesive economic cooperation in the Balkans which will work closely with the EU.

According to the Premier, various initiatives will be drawn within this framework in order to achieve multilateral cooperation, especially in the area of infrastructures.

"To begin with, the energy sector must become an example of systematic and lengthy cooperation," Mr. Simitis stated, adding that there are issues to be faced first, such as "protecting natural resources and operational security.

"In the long term, we must promote coordination in producing energy and linking electricity networks."

Mr. Simitis further elaborated on the country's communication and transportation sector, by pointing out that Greece is already moving in the direction of upgrading the Greek telecommunications network and its link with the international network of optical cables, while transportation networks will create new avenues for mobility, given, for example, the Egnatia Road Network, a public work of national importance which is slowly becoming a reality, while stable progress is being observed in other public works currently under construction in the ports of Igumenitsa, Thessaloniki, Volos, Kavala and Alexandroupolis, as well as in the 8 vertical road axes connecting Epirus, Macedonia and Thrace with the Balkan countries, which will accelerate the development rate in northern Greece.

However, the Premier considers the area of investments to be the weighest factor in achieving economic development.

"Economic restructure and demand increases, coupled by a privatization trend in the Balkans, are all factors that will surely attract foreign investors, especially in the areas of telecommunications, energy, as well as medicine, tourism and banking," said Mr. Simitis, while he added that Greece has the nencessary advantages for foreign investments in the greater region, "which is the primary task to be completed by the recently- founded Hellenic Center of Investments."

Giving leading importance to northern Greece, Mr. Simitis itemized the progress noted in the region's largest projects, beginning with the Egnatia Road Network, funding for which, as he stated, has been secured for two-thirds of its construction.

The Premier reminded that funding for the remaining construction of this public work will be sought through a bidding process.

Referring to the "Macedonia" airport, Mr. Simitis listed the interim solution of a sub-marine runway and the extension of the already-existing facilties. Moreover, the Premier pointed out that Thessaloniki's port is already undergoing a process of securing additional funding for upgrade-expansion projects whose cost, so far, has been assessed at 16 billion GDR.

Regarding Thessaloniki's rapid transit system, a project still on drawing paper, final decision-making has been postponed until after the elections, although 50 billion GRD have already been secured in project funds.

Lastly, the Prime Minister referred to technology, stressing the decision for the creation of a technological "Via Egnatia" wherein he reminded that presidential decrees have already been signed for the founding of four institutes in Northern Greece: information and telematics in Thessaloniki, cultural and training technology in Xanthi, biological research in Ioannina and technological textile-manufacturing company of Northern Greece in Thessaloniki.

[02] PREMIER IS CONFIDENT OF PASOK'S TRIUMPH IN UPCOMING ELECTIONS

Prime Minister Kostas Simtis, who is also President of ruling party PASOK, expressed his undaunted confidence that the Socialist Movement will win in the country's general elections of September 22.

Upon his arrival at Thessaloniki's "Macedonia" airport this evening, prior to formally inaugurating the city's 61st International Trade Fair, Mr. Simitis stated tha PASOK is "the party with the plans and programs, the able leaders and the social power of progress and work.

"That's why we will win. Victory is ours," stated Mr. Simitis.

[03] ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE SALUTES THESSALONIKI'S 61ST INT'NAL TRADE FAIR

Ecumenical Patriarchate Vartholomeos has forwarded his salute to Thessaloniki's 61st International Trade Fair in a message filled with wishes and optimism.

"The 61st International Trade Fair exemplifies the road to noble emulation and boosts our hopes that cooperation among the peoples is possible on all levels of peaceful activity, not only in the trade sector," Mr. Vartholomeos wrote.

[04] MACEDONIA-THRACE MINISTER: NORTHERN GREECE IS A COMMUNICATION BRIDGE

Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos exhalted the city of Thessaloniki as being the "most dynamic, economically and culturally, center in the Balkans" during his speech at the formal opening ceremony of Thessaloniki's 61st International Trade Fair.

Minister Petsalnikos empasized the significance of transforming the northern Greek region into a "bridge of communication among peoples and cultures' and added that "the regional development is a national priority matter, as the country's future decisively depends upon the economic, social and cultural development of regions such as Macedonia and Thrace."

Mr. Petsalnikos pointed out that during the past three years there has been rapid progress made in pumping life into a program that draws national resources and funds from the European Union funds, having the singular aim of achieving a quick and multi- faceted development of the region.

"One characteristic," Mr .Petsalnikos stated, "is that between 1994 and the first half of 1996, the development of projects in northern Greece has dramatically increased, reaching in total 387 billion GRD and creating 13,500 jobs in the three regions of Macedonia and Thrace."

In closing, Mr. Petsalnikos expressed his optimism that northern Greece can meet the sizeable challenge of its new role by mobilizing the sum of its production forces and all of its manpower.

[05] HELEXPO PRESIDENT: THE TIME HAS COME FOR WEIGHTY ANSWERS TO BE GIVEN

The time has come for weighty answers to be given, stated the President of Helexpo, the Thessaloniki-based organization that is in charge of the city's International Trade Fair, when he introduced Prime Minister Kostas Simitis at the Fair's inauguration tonight.

Antonis Kourtis stated that it is commonly known that needs and opportunities have always been available, yet they were circumvented by a history of euphimisms, which, according to Mr. Kourtis, was so because "the task of fulfiling the needs and taking advantage of the opportunities could not attain its natural priority when the criteria succumb to cohesive logic, which also carries the plague of inactivity and propagation."

Mr. Kourtis further developed his point by adding that "the resulting consequence of cohesive logic was the accummulation of bitterness and endless disputes which impeded the aim to achieve a total and balanced development. It is imperative that the needs and opportunities of the coutnry's northern region acquire a dynamic and critical new dimension, due to the developments."

Furthermore, the Helexpo President stated that the correspondence between words and deeds will be measured by the degree of achievement noted in the general aim of de- centralization and regional development, that is, economic, social, political and cultural "equal timing", within the gross project of our national progress.

[06] GREECE TO REFRAIN FROM PARTICIPATING IN NATO EXERCISE "DYNAMIC MIX '96"

Greece will not be participating in the upcoming NATO military exercise "Dynamic Mix '96, to be held between September 22-October 10 over the Alliance's southern region, which includes Greece, Italy and Turkey.

According to an announcement issued today by the Greek Ministry of National Defense, the desicion to abstain from the exercise was drawn in accordance to Greece's firm policy (set in 1985) of refraining from all Alliance activities whose terms do not meet the conditions set by Athens.

[07] PREMIER ARRIVES IN THESSALONIKI TO INAUGURATE INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR

Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis arrived late this afternoon in Thessaloniki to inaugurate the city's 61st International Trade Fair.

The Prime Minister arrived at Thessaloniki's Macedonia Airport at 6:45'pm in the afternoon and at 8pm in the evening will formally open the international exhibition. The International Trade Fair will be open to the public starting tomorrow morning, and at 9:30' tomorrow evening the Prime Minister will present an account of the government's work and his government's economic programme, during a formal dinner that will be given in his honour by the management of Thessaloniki's International Trade Fair.

[08] PRE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN OF OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTIES CONTINUES

A New Democracy party delegation will visit the Ministry of Finance in order to analyze the recent announcements made by the party's leader, Miltiadis Evert on the economy and on ways of ensuring the necessary resources for their implementation.

On Saturday, mr.Evert will visit the city of Larisa and on Sunday will speak in an outdoors political rally in the central square of the town of Karditsa.

Meanwhile, New Democracy's honorary President, Konstantinos Mitsotakis began a three-day tour in the Peloponnese, while today he will speak in an outdoors meeting in the town of Argos. On Saturday, he will visit the regions of Tripoli and Sparta and on Sunday will tour the prefectures of Mesinia and Ilia.

Political Spring party leader, Antonis Samaras begins a tour on the island of Crete today.

Communist party General Secretary, Aleka Papariga speaking to National Bank of Greece employees wondered how can the big political parties speak about a pro-people development policy in their programmes, at a time when they have as their guide the european convergence programme. Ms.Papariga also reiterated the Communist party proposal for the holding of a referendum on the Maastricht Treaty.

Coalition of the Left party leader, Nikos Konstantopoulos, who is on a tour in the city of Volos stated that the policies followed until now are policies that are not justified by the greek society, the greek people or the existing situation.

Mr.Konstantopoulos later will visit the cities of Karditsa and Larisa and assured his party's supporters that the party will honour the percentage of votes it will get in the elections and will fight in order to bring a change in the existing setting and policies.

Democratic Social Movement President, Dimitris Tsovolas is going to speak today in an outdoor political rally in the city of Kalamata.

[09] MR. SIMITIS' INTERVIEW TO THE NEWSPAPER "ANGELIOFOROS"

Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis in his interview to Thessaloniki daily "ANGELIOFOROS", stated that the radical changes that took place in the past 6 years in the Balkans have made Northern Greece and Thessaloniki the right place for the development of a new greek policy in the Balkans.

Mr.Simitis pointed out that Northern Greece with the city of Thessaloniki, is a region with great potential that needs the construction of public works projects in order to become the metropolitan center of a wider region embracing all the neighbouring Balkan states.

Mr.Simitis stated that the development of Thessaloniki is a top priority in PASOK's complete plan for a strong Greece.

The Prime Minister also said that in the period of 1993-1996, PASOK governed the country with firmness, responsibility and consistency, while 150 thousand new jobs were created without causing the over-expansion of the public sector. Also, mr.Simitis said that the government of PASOK has established new infrastructures and new institutions that support the middle-sized businesses.

[10] FOREIGN MINISTER PANGALOS TO MAKE A ONE-DAY FORMAL VISIT TO PORTUGAL

Foreign Minister, Theodoros Pangalos left today for a one-day visit to Portugal and afterwards will go to Dublin to participate in the Informal Council of EU Foreign Ministers.

Mr.Pangalos will brief the european partners on the latest developments in the greek-turkish relations, as well as on the recent events in Cyprus. He will also emphasize that Ankara has not given yet a response to the common position expressed by the EU partners during the last Council of Foreign Ministers regarding the terms and the pre-conditions for the normalization of the Euro- Turkish relations and the release of EU funds for Turkey.

[11] GREECE PERSISTS IN RESPECTING IRAQ'S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY, KURDS PROTECTION

The greek government persists in the respect of Iraq's territorial integrity and the protection of the kurds living in the country, stated greek government spokesman, Dimitris Konstas, who announced that the greek government intends to take action in international organizations toward this direction.

The caretaker Minister of Press expressed the hope that during the imminent meeting of the European Union Foreign Ministers there will be a common position adopted regarding this issue.

Responding to the question on a possible turkish military intervention in northern Iraq, mr.Konstas pointed out that the greek government condemns any violation of international law principles, balance and peace in the Middle East.

[12] SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER PLEDGES SUPPORT TO GREECE

South Australia's main opposition Labor Party leader Mike Ryan pledged today his support to Greece's position regarding the FYROM name issue and the Cyprus problem.

Mr. Ryan, currently in Thessaloniki where he met with Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos, stated that the international community, especially the United States, must adopt a tougher policy towards Turkey.

"My position is that since Turkey is moving towards islamic fundamendalism, thetime has come for the U.S. to adopt a must tougher policy in regards to this country," stated Mr. Ryan, whose philhellenic sentiments are well-known, to the Maceodnian Press Agency.

Referring to Cyprus, the Labor Party leader stated that Nicosia remains the only divided capital in the world, "the Mediterranean Berlin" as he characterised it.

Mr. Ryan's position on the FYROM name issue was similarly supporting of Greece as he stated that "no country can steal the symbol, name or history of another country.

"In the past I've used the analogy of the case of Indonesia where during WWII the Japanese issued fake checks with Australian synmbols, like a kangaroo," Mr. Ryan said.

"This was an affront to the Australian people. That's why it's very important, for those of us who support justice and freedom, to support out friends, the Greek government. I believe that Greece is very well represented by the current government and the Minister of Macedonia-Thrace and they certainly have very good friends in Australia," he continued.

"FYROM's lobby in Australia has dubbed me 'Greece's whore.' I am proud to be a friend of Greece and especially of this Minister to whom I wish all the success in his work."

[13] ALBANIANS PROTEST AT GREEK CONSULATE IN ARGYROCASTRO, DEMAND VISAS

An irate crowd pushed and shoved its way into the Greek Consulate in Argyrokastro, after waiting for hours to be issued visas for entering Greece.

According to Albanian police, the damages caused to the Consulate are minor as the crowd was dispersed when police intervened.

Greek Consul-General Mr. Kanellos had opened his office every Wednesday to those Albanians who requested a personal meeting with him and to be granted a visa. Albanian daily "Gazdeta Shqiptare" quoted Mr. Kanellos as saying that "the idea to have personal contact with individuals requesting a visa was a good one, but it will not be repeated. We will now try to find a middle road."

[14] EUROPARLIAMENT PRESIDENT RECEIVES HIGH DISTINCTION BY GREEK PRESIDENT

European Parliament President, Klaus Haensch received a high distinction by greek President, Kostis Stephanopoulos in a formal ceremony that was held in the Presidential Building today.

Mr.Stephanopoulos in his statements pointed out that Greece gives special importance to the European Parliament support for the restoration of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Cypriot Republic.

Mr.Haensch later met with alternate Foreign Minister, Giorgos Romeos and stressed that the European Union must display solidarity to each of its member states that is being threatened by a third country and condemned the continuing turkish occupation of northern Cyprus.

Mr.Romeos presented a proposal to mr.Haensch for a joint european initiative in the sector of culture that will respect and promote the national and cultural characteristics of each country.

[15] PREMIER RECEIVES THE 30 VISITING FOREIGN DIGNITARIES OF GREEK- ORIGIN

Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis briefed the visiting 30 foreign government ministers, Senators and Parliament members of greek origin on all the issues of greek national interest and assured them that Greece is ready to meet the challenges of the European Union.

Mr.Simitis stressed that Greece is determined to make use of the opportunities presented today in the European Union, the Balkans and the wider region of eastern Europe and called the representatives of the greek communities abroad to contribute in the efforts for the strengthening of Greece's presence in the international scene.

[16] THESSALONIKI'S INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR TO BE VISITED BY THE LEADERS OF ALL THE MAIN POLITICAL PARTIES

It has been announced that Communist party General Secretary, Aleka Papariga will visit Thessaloniki's 61st International Trade Fair on Monday, September 9th, while Coalition of the Left party leader, Nikos Konstantopoulos' visit will be held on Thursday, September 12th.

On Friday, September 14th the International Trade Fair will be visited by Democratic Socialist Movement leader, Dimitris Tsovolas and on Sunday, September 15th will be visited by New Democracy leader, Miltiadis Evert.

[17] SOUTH AUSTRALIA'S PREMIER VISITS THESSALONIKI'S INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR

Prime Minister of South Australia, Dean Brown, who is on a visit to Thessaloniki on the occasion of the 61st International Trade Fair, expressed his support to the greek-cypriots and to the greek positions on the issue of FYROM in statements he made after the meeting he had this morning with Minister of Macedonia-Thrace, Philippos Petsalnikos.

On the issue of Cyprus, mr.Brown stated that there is a need for international mobilization for the solution of the problem. He said that he was in Cyprus a few days ago and that he had the opportunity to visit the place where the two young greek-cypriots had been killed a month ago.

Regarding the issue with FYROM, stated responding to a question by MPA, that his government has issued a directive according to which, in educational and other activities at a state level, FYROM will not be referred to as "Macedonia", stressing that "we have recognized that Macedonia is greek". Mr.Brown avoided to comment on the foreign policy of Australia's federal government on the issue stating that is not his responsibility to speak on this matter.

The Prime Minister of South Australia stressed that he is in Thessaloniki for the opening of the 61st International Trade Fair describing it as a good opportunity for the development and growth of the trade relations between his state and Thessaloniki and also with the wider Balkan region.

He said that the development potential is significant in the sectors of consumer goods, constructions industry, defence and car manufacturing. Mr.Brown also maintained that there are great opportunities in the development of trade relations in the food and alcoholic drinks sectors, specifically, in the wine sector and also in education and tourism.

Speaking in Thessaloniki's Commerce and Industry Chamber, mr.Brown issued an invitation for cooperation to the greek businesses that want to expand their activities to South-Eastern Asia. Mr.Brown, who is accompanied by a business delegation of South Australia's greek-australian Commerce and Industry Chamber, said that his country is a product distribution center for the region of South-Eastern Asia, as well as an auxiliary production center.

Referring to South Australia's industry potential, mr.Brown stressed that the region has the top place in Australia in the sector of constructions and underlined that it has a 40% participation in the defence industry and a 70% participation in the food industry.

Thessaloniki's Commerce and Industry Chamber President, mr.Pantelis Konstantinidis stated that bilateral trade transactions are at a low level due to the long distance between the two countries and underlined the role the greek-australian community can play in reversing the situation, as well as the need for the establishment of greek-australian Chambers.

Mr.Brown will inaugurate the South Australian stand at Thessaloniki's International Trade Fair tomorrow.

[18] PRESIDENT OF GREEK PARLIAMENT TO RECEIVE BELGIAN PARLIAMENT DELEGATION

An 8-member Parliamentary delegation from Belgium will meet tomorrow morning with greek Parliament President, Apostolos Kaklamanis.

The belgian delegation is expected in Athens tomorrow for a seven-day formal visit on the invitation of the greek Parliament.

[19] LAST LIVING RELATIVE OF POET DIONYSIOS SOLOMOS HONORED IN THESSALONIKI

Greece's national poet, Dionysios Solomos, who wrote the Greek national anthem "Hymn to Freedom", was an heir of a Zakynthos family that dates back to 1680 and the son of Earl Nicholas Solomos, a descentant of whose is Marriot Seargeant from England.

Ms. Seargant was honored in Thessaloniki last evening for her efforts in safeguarding the national treasury bestowed upon her by her ancestors.

Speaking to the Macedonian Press Agency, Ms. Seargeant recounted her family's history, up to 1941, when the fascist regime occupying Greece forced the Seargeant family to exile. Ms. Seargeant's relatives travelled north to London, leaving behind their estate and giving their heirlooms to another family.

Today, these heirlooms and artefacts are on exhibit at the Zakynthos museum.

[20] AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER RESPONDS TO COLLEAGUE'S COMMENTS

Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has characterized as "irresponsible and slanderous" the accusations recently hurled against him by Australia's Shadow Justice Minister Nikos Bolkas who claimed that Downer "betrayed the Greek and Cypriot community."

Mr. Downer underlined that the current Australian government maintains exactly the same position as the country's previous Labour Party government in regards to the FYROM name issue, the Cyprus problem and the turkish provocations in the Aegean Sea.

Mr. Bolkas, who is of Greek origin, also recently denounced his country's refusal to adopt a position in favor of Greece on the Aegean Sea issue.

[21] VLACH-SPEAKING ALBANIANS LEARN GREEK HISTORY IN THESSALONIKI

A delegation of Vlach-speaking Albanian professionals is departing for Tirana tomorrow after a 20-day visit to Greece where they attended Greek-language lessons at Thessaloniki's Macedonia University.

Upon finishing the course, the eighteen men and women were given a certificate of completion, testifying that the invited vlach-speaking Albanians were given lessons on Greece's culture, language and history.

[22] CULTURE MINISTRY ENTERS INTERNET NETWORK AS "ALEXANDROS"

Greece's Culture Ministry will inaugurate its "Alexandros" server on the Internet "Ulysses" network, which aims at promoting the ancient and modern Greek culture throughout the world, as well as linking all the sources of cultural activity in the country.

The "Alexandros" server, which will be based at Thessaloniki's Archaeological Museum, can be reacheded at <www.culture.gr> in the Internet.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[23] THE EUROPEAN UNION SHOULD SUPPORT THE POSITIONS OF ITS MEMBER- STATES, STATED THE PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

European Parliament President, Klaus Haensch met with New Democracy leader, Miltiadis Evert and they discussed issues concerning the greek-turkish relations, the recent events in Cyprus and the European Union.

The New Democracy leader characterized mr.Haensch as his personal friend and as Greece's friend and stated that he is one of the first europeans who had stated that the greek borders are european borders and vice versa, while he has asked the European Parliament to condemn the turkish stance in the latest incidents that took place in Cyprus.

Mr.Evert repeated that his party supports a confederate Europe in which every member-state will keep its national identity intact.

The european Parliament President stated that Europe must support the positions of its member-states and can not remain neutral to the problems Greece is facing with Turkey.

Mr.Haensch added that the European Parliament has repeatedly proven with its decisions that it supports peace and is against Cyprus' division, while he promised that the efforts for the improvement of the situation will intensify.

[24] 30 US HOUSE REPRESENTATIVES SENT A LETTER TO PRESIDENT CLINTON CALLING FOR JUSTICE IN THE CASE OF THE KILLING OF THE TWO GREEK-CYPRIOTS

Thirty US House Representatives sent a letter to US President Bill Clinton calling him to persist in bringing to justice those guilty of the killing of the two greek-cypriots.

They characterized the actions of the turkish occupation forces as barbaric and stressed that there should be a reaction.

Also, they strongly criticized the actions and the statements made by turkish Foreign Minister, Tansu Ciller while they stressed that the United States can not look the other way when Turkey kills citizens of US allies.

[25] ALBANIA REFUSES TO RETURN MONUMENT-CHURCHES TO ORTHODOX CHURCH

The Albanian government will not return to the Orthodox Church the churches of historic significance, according to Albanian Culture Minister Theodor Laccio.

Following the Moschopolis episodes where individuals vandalized 23 icons of a 300-year-old church, Archbishop Yiannoulatos asked that all church property be returned to the Church he oversees.

Albanian Minister Laccio, in an interview with the BBC, stated that out of 21 worship artifacts currently under state protection, 18 are orthodox churches. Yet, he supports his government's refusal to return the property, claiming that the Orthodox Church is unable to protect it on its own.

[C] EUROPEAN NEWS

[26] EUROPARLIAMENT PRESIDENT RECEIVES HIGH DISTINCTION BY GREEK PRESIDENT

European Parliament President, Klaus Haensch received a high distinction by greek President, Kostis Stephanopoulos in a formal ceremony that was held in the Presidential Building today.

Mr.Stephanopoulos in his statements pointed out that Greece gives special importance to the European Parliament support for the restoration of the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Cypriot Republic.

Mr.Haensch later met with alternate Foreign Minister, Giorgos Romeos and stressed that the European Union must display solidarity to each of its member states that is being threatened by a third country and condemned the continuing turkish occupation of northern Cyprus.

Mr.Romeos presented a proposal to mr.Haensch for a joint european initiative in the sector of culture that will respect and promote the national and cultural characteristics of each country.

[27] THE E.U. SHOULD SUPPORT ITS MEMBER-STATES POSITIONS, STATED THE PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

European Parliament President, Klaus Haensch met with New Democracy leader, Miltiadis Evert and they discussed issues concerning the greek-turkish relations, the recent events in Cyprus and the European Union.

The New Democracy leader characterized mr.Haensch as his personal friend and as Greece's friend and stated that he is one of the first europeans who had stated that the greek borders are european borders and vice versa, while he has asked the European Parliament to condemn the turkish stance in the latest incidents that took place in Cyprus.

Mr.Evert repeated that his party supports a confederate Europe in which every member-state will keep its national identity intact.

The european Parliament President stated that Europe must support the positions of its member-states and can not remain neutral to the problems Greece is facing with Turkey.

Mr.Haensch added that the European Parliament has repeatedly proven with its decisions that it supports peace and is against Cyprus' division, while he promised that the efforts for the improvement of the situation will intensify.

[28] E.U.: 6 M. ECU FOR NATIONWIDE PROGRAMME IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

As part of its commitments to reconstruction in Bosnia and to its wider campaign against the scourge of anti-personnel mines, the European Commission has today agreed with the governments of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federation and Republika Srpska the implementation of the first country-wide demining programme.

Funding of over ECU 6 million will cover several proposed projects: the first including the purchase of mine clearance equipment for up to 20 mobile teams, along with the salaries of 240 local mine clearers. Their equipment will include over 30 vehicles, and detection, protection, medical, communications and other materials.

The second project will create a rapid-response Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, with ten four-men teams trained for emergency mine and bomb disposal tasks. Again the Commission funding will cover equipment, including ten vehicles, and the salaries of 20 local support staff along with 40 personnel in the EOD teams.

For both projets, 70 percent of resources will be devoted to the Federation, and 30 percent to Republika Srpska.

[29] EU RE„XAMINES BSE ALLEGATIONS

The European Union's scientific and veterinary committees meet today to review allegations that BSE can be passed from cows to their calves. European farmers are more and more disatisfied with the EU's measures so far. Particularly in France where it has emerged that the full extent of BSE in the country may not yet be known.

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