MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (17/09/1996)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, September 17, 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] PREMIER ON CAMPAIGN IN LARISA: "PASOK IS A MAJORITY FORCE"

Prime Minister and PASOK President Kostas Simitis continued his pre-election campaign tour in Larisa this evening, where he told a crowd of supporters that PASOK is a "majority force."

"PASOK is here, united and strong," Mr. Simitis said, adding that "it moves on, towards the big victory, the certain victory."

The PASOK leader assured his audience that the ruling party will rule for another four-year term and more terms to come.

"We are a few days before the end of the pre-election campaign. We have tried throughout this struggle to present policies, arguments and questions to the Greek people for which they must decide on September 22.

The Greek people must decide on what direction the nation must turn to," the Premier continued, adding that the main opposition party, New Democracy, "has not opted for a similar path, a path that would give the people the opportunity of a true and free judgment."

[02] POLITICAL LEADERS CONTINUE RACE, PRE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN FEVER INTENSIFIES

Prime Minister and PASOK President Kostas Simitis continues his pre-election campaign today with an evening tour of Larisa.

In a press conference yesterday, Mr. Simitis accused the main opposition party New Democracy of engaging in black propaganda and emphasized that N.D. does not have the necessary arguments to address the problems faced by the Greek people.

Mr. Simitis referred to the Imia crisis and stated that the issue closed when the armed forces leadership was changed.

New Democracy President Miltiades Evert, who this evening will tour Kalamata, once more striked against the Government for its handling of the Imia crisis.

Mr. Evert also announced that he has opted for a press conference instead of his major pre-election campaign rally scheduled to be held in Athens on Thursday.

Minor opposition party leader, Political Spring's Antonis Samaras will address an open rally this evening in Athens.

Secretary-General of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Aleka Paparega will also speak in Athens this evening, addressing her party's central gathering.

The President of the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) party Nikos Konstantopoulos is visiting the island of Lesvos.

[03] THE PRE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN CONTINUES IN GREECE

Increased activity is observed in all political parties as the pre-election campaign reaches its peak with 5 days left before the elections.

Prime Minister and PASOK leader, Kostas Simitis will speak this afternoon in Larisa. Meanwhile, PASOK's spokesman until the elections, Minister of Environment, Planning and Public Works, Kostas Laliotis characterized New Democracy leader, Miltiadis Evert as "dangerous" for the greek national issues saying that he does not know how to handle well foreign issues.

New Democracy leader, mr.Evert will speak today in an open- air political rally in the southern city of Kalamata and tomorrow will visit the northern city of Serres accompanied by leading party members. On Thursday, mr.Evert will give a press conference in Athens instead of speaking in an open-air political rally in the greek capital. On Friday, will be held his televised press conference that will be broadcast on national television.

New Democracy spokesman, Prokopis Pavlopoulos stated, commenting on the cancellation of the party's central pre-election political rally in Athens, that the greek people can be best informed through dialogue and not by political speeches made from a balcony to a crowd that listens passively.

The central political rally of Political Spring will be held tonight in an Athens suburb square, while yesterday the party's leader, Antonis Samaras called all the disgruntled voters to vote for his party.

The Communist party will hold its central political rally in Athens tonight.

Coalition of the Left leader, Nikos Konstantopoulos in a press conference in Mitilini expressed the belief that his party will be represented in Parliament. He also blamed the leaders of the two main political parties for the situation in the country. Regarding the policy followed on issues of national importance, mr.Konstantopoulos stated that the announcements concerning the Aegean islands should be put into practice, while he underlined the need for development in the sector of agriculture.

Meanwhile, Democratic Social Movement leader, Dimitris Tsovolas intends to sue the newspaper "Avriani" for libel after publications according to which he is the owner of a luxurious villa in an Athens suburb.

[04] PREMIER SAYS THE IMIA ISSUE HAS CLOSED ONCE AND FOR ALL

"The Imia issue has closed with the crises in the leadership of the armed forces and I will not be going back to it," stated the Prime Minister Kostas Simtis, noting that the statement made by the Greek Defense Minister Gerasimos Arsenis represents the Government.

During a televised interview, Mr. Simitis added that the armed forces are well-trained and are able to face any type of threat, pointing out that continuing to make an issue of their handling of the Imia crisis serves no purpose.

Responding to a relevant question, Mr. Simitis stated that the Imia islet is not a "grey zone."

"It is a Greek island and its use is the same it has been for years now," the PASOK President stated, adding that the question tabled by the main opposition New Democracy's president Miltiades Evert on whether or not the Greek army can actually go onto the Imia islet, does not stand snce there are many other islets in the Aegean Sea on which there is no Greek army, without this bearing any significance.

"If the Government were to send its armed forces on the Imia it would mean that there is doubt over (the islet's) sovereignty," he explained.

Mr. Simitis criticised N.D. by stating that the main opposition party engages in black propaganda against PASOK and is personally attacking him in a slanderous manner.

Moreover, he characterized as "comical" the claims made by N.D. that Turkey's provocativeness is due to the Greek Government's compliance.

[05] UNDERSECRETARY OF HEALTH UNDERGOES SURGERY, CONDITION IS STILL CRITICAL

Critical remains the condition of Greek Undersecretary of Health Franklinos Papadellis who suffered a stroke on Sunday night while he was campaigning in the island of Limnos.

Mr. Papadellis underwent a successful neurosurgical operation where a haematoma was removed. While the following two days are thought to be critical, the chief of the treating phycisians has expressed his hope for a positive outcome.

[06] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER GOES ON A ONE-DAY FORMAL VISIT TO SYRIA TODAY

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos departed this morning for a one-day visit to Syria.

During his formal visit, Mr. Pangalos is scheduled to meet in Damascus with the Syrian political leadership as well as with his counterpart Faruk Al Sarah, with whom he will discuss bilateral issues, the recent developments in northern Iraq and issues regarding the Middle East.

The Greek and Syrian governments recently signed a defense agreement.

[07] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER TO BRIEFLY VISIT BULGARIA ON THURSDAY

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos will make a brief, one-day visit to Bulgaria on Thursday.

As a Foreign Ministry official told the Macedonian Press Agency, Mr. Pangalos will meet with his Bulgarian counterpart Georgi Pirisnki with whom he will exchange the ratification documents of the bilateral agreements concerning the three new border entrances between Greece and Bulgaria and the Nestos River waters.

According to the same source, the meeting between the two Ministers will take place near the Greek-Bulgarian border while the Bulgarian media have reported that the meeting will take place in the bulgarian city of Smolian, near the Greek city of Xanthi.

[08] 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 by the Greek Ministry of National Defense, the decision to abstain from the exercise was drawn in accordance to Greece's firm policy (established et in 1985) of refraining from all Alliance activities whose terms do not meet the conditions set by Athens.

[09] PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT: NATIONAL ISSUES MUSTN'T BE SUBJECTED TO DEMAGOGY

President of the Hellenic Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis, who is also an mp candidate in Athens' B' district, epmhasized the need to refrain from demagogic tactics, during his election campaign this evening.

Mr. Kaklamanis also asked the main opposition party New Democracy to refrain from turning the country's national issues into subjects of futile juxtaposing and series of arguments created for merely pre-election campaign purposes, while he called upon all of the political parties to unite their strengths in order to solidify Greece's resistance towards the turkish provocations.

[10] GREEK AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH PRESIDENT OF ALBANIAN PARLIAMENT

Greek Ambassador to Albania Konstantinos Prevedouakis met today with the President of the Albanian Parliament Pieter Arbnori and discussed bilateral relations between the two countries, cooperation, and the mutual efforts toward stability and peace in the region.

On his behalf, Mr. Arbnori pointed out that without exception Albania's political parties wish for good relations with Greece and referred to the significance of exchanges between the two countries' parliaments.

In turn, Mr. Prevedourakis stated that the relations between the two countries are developing positively and noted that to further the cooperation between the two countries will aid in securing stability not onlly in the Balkans, but in the wider region as well.

[11] THE OPENING OF GREEK CLASSES IN ALBANIAN SCHOOLS IS A POSITIVE FACT, STATED THE GREEK CARETAKER MINISTER OF PRESS

The opening of greek classes in albanian schools operating in areas outside the "minority zones" is welcomed by the greek government as a positive fact, stated greek caretaker Minister of Press, Dimitris Konstas.

Mr.Konstas added that this way materializes the relative agreement signed by greek Foreign Minister, Theodoros Pangalos and albanian President, Sali Berisha in Tirana. He also, underlined that the firm position of all the greek governments is the education of the members of the greek minority in Albania regardless of their place of residence in that country.

[12] EARTHQUAKE MEASURING 4,5 ON THE RICHTER SCALE SHOOK THE REGION OF LEFKADA IN THE IONIAN SEA

An earthquake measuring 4,5 on the Richter scale was recorded by Aristotle University Geophysics and Seismology Laboratory. Its epicenter was located at a sea region east of the Ionian Sea island of Lefkada, 295 kilometers south-west of Thessaloniki.

Speaking to MPA, seismology professor, Vasilios Papazachos stated that it was a surface tremor and that the region is known for its high seismic activity. According to mr.Papazachos, the phenomenon will fully develop in 48 hours, stressing that there is no cause for alarm.

No material damage was reported to police.

[13] HALKIDIKI'S HOTELS BECOME EUROPE'S PIONEERS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Halkidiki's hotels have undertaken such a pioneering role in the area of environmental protection, that they are soon to serve as a model for the rest of Europe.

According to Nikos Zacharis, a consultant for "EUROCONSULTANTS" a Greece-based company that has often collaborated with the European Committee's XI General Directorate, the region's hoteliers have formed "EMAS", a plan that includes a series of steps necessary in assessing the environmental impacts of industrial development in the region brought about by the hotels.

"Our aim is to improve water, energy and waste management, as well as establish recycling programs," Zacharis said.

The program, which is mostly funded by the Greek Ministry of Environment, City Planning and Public Works, is expected to receive the E.C.'s final approval before the end of the year.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[14] EUROPARLIAMENT'S SOCIALISTS ACCUSE CILLER OF FUNDING "GREY WOLVES"

The European Parliament's Socialist Group President Paukine Green has accused Turkey's Foreign Minister and ex-Premier Tansu Ciller of being the instigator in the recent episodes in Deryneia.

Ms. Green stated that Ms. Ciller funded the ultra-right wing "Grey Wolves" to go on a mission to Cyprus and organize the violent episodes where two unarmed Greek-Cypriots were killed in cold blood.

According to Ms. Green, the whole operation cost 65 milion turkish liras, approximately two billion GRD. The Socialist Group President also condemned the "Grey Wolves" members for their involvement in attacks and murders in Cyprus.

Moreover, Ms. Green characterized as unacceptable the Europarliament's tactic in regards to its imminent talks regarding Cyprus and Turkey. On Thursday, the European Parliament is scheduled to hold a brief discussion (with only a few minutes dedicated to the subject) on the Cyprus issue, a country which has submitted a request of accession to the European Union, while, on the other hand, a whole session will be dedicated to Turkey on Wednesday.

Ms. Green stated that "our relations with Turkey are affected by the fact that it maintains occupying forces in Cyprus."

[15] "TEST TUBE BABY" PIONEERS TO VISIT THESSALONIKI IN REPRODUCTION SEMINAR

The doctor who pioneering the "test tube baby" reproduction method, Belgian Andre Van Steirteguilme, will visit Thessaloniki on September 20-21 where he will speak at the conference of the European Association of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

Dr. Steirteguilme was the first physician who successfully performed in-vitro fertilization. His method, which revolutionized sterility therapies and constitutes a further application of artificial insemination, is mostly used in cases of infertility due to sperm-related problems.

Also present at the conference will be Robert Edwards, a British professor who is the father of the first "test tube baby."

[16] THE SITUATION IN CYPRUS IS CALM AND THERE IS NO VISIBLE DANGER, STATED THE CYPRIOT GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN

Cypriot government spokesman, Yiannakis Kasoulidis stated that the situation in Cyprus is calm and there is no visible danger.

Mr.Kasoulidis clarified that the government is studying the information it has received from a reliable source on the possibility of a hot incident in Cyprus after a turkish act of provocation, but he denied information that foreign diplomatic missions in Cyprus have advised their nationals to leave the island.

Meanwhile, US State Department spokesman, Nicolas Burns stated that consultations are in progress among Cyprus, Greece and Turkey for the easing of tensions on the island.

[17] THE INCREASED DEFENCE CAPABILITY OF THE TWO SIDES IN CYPRUS IS VERY ALARMING STATED THE UN SECRETARY GENERAL

The arms race and the increase in defence spending observed in the two sides in Cyprus are very alarming, stated UN Secretary General, Boutros Ghali.

The UN Secretary General in a report to the members of the UN General Assembly mentions that the arms race increases the tensions and makes necessary the progress in the negotiations for a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem.

Mr.Ghali also points out that the negotiations are in a deadlock inspite of the fact that the international community shows an increased interest in the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[18] THE UNITED STATES ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SITUATION IN CYPRUS AFTER THE LATEST INCIDENTS, ACCORDING TO THE US STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN

US State Department spokesman, Nicolas Burns expressed the United States' concern about the situation in Cyprus created after the latest events, while he also revealed the existence of american diplomatic messages addressed to the greek and the turkish governments, as well as to the turkish-cypriot side.

Mr.Burns also added that the US ambassador to Cyprus is trying hard to do everything possible in order for the United States to be able to exercise their positive influence.

[19] GODFATHER OF THE NEWLY BORN DAUGHTER OF GREEK-CYPRIOT TASOS ISAAC WILL BE THE GOVERNMENT THAT WILL BE FORMED AFTER THE ELCTIONS

The political parties in Greece accepted a proposal made by caretaker Minister of Press, Dimitris Konstas to honour the family of greek-cypriot Tasos Isaac who was brutally killed in Derinia.

Mr.Konstas had suggested that the government that will be formed after the September 22 elections should be the godfather of Isaac's newly born daughter.

[20] BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA ELECTION OUTCOMES TO BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW

Approximately 2.9 millions of Bosnia-Herzegovina's electorate body have cast their votes in the country's first post-war free elections, with results expected to be announced tomorrow.

Nevertheless, up to date readings show Bosnia's current President Alijia Izetbegobic, a Muslim, Krezimir Zubac, current President of the Mulsim-Croatian Federation, and Serb Momcilo Krasnik, current President of the Bosnianserb Parliament as being the likely choices to each win a seat of the tripartite, rotating presidium.

According to Vicky Robbins, spokesperson for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), in the Muslim sector, Izetbegovic's SDA (Party of the Democratic Action) has so far gathered 215,835 votes, a 81.8% rate, estimated from ballots counted in 31 out of 70 election precincts, making his main opponent Harry Silaizic's 14.5% rate pale by comparison.

Croat Krezimir Zubac, of HDZ,(Croat Democratic Union) has garnered 87,764 votes, a percentage of 88.71, while Serb Momcilo Krasnik, SDS, (Serb Democratic Party) has a 78.07%, having won 121,391 votes.

The candidate with the most votes will be elected as the first president of the three-member collective presidium, which will be on a rotating, six-month basis.

[21] GREEK-BULGARIAN AGREEMENT CONCERNING THE WATERS OF NESTOS RIVER AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE NEW BORDER CROSSINGS

The construction of three new border crossings at the greek- bulgarian borders and the exploitation of the waters of Nestos River, will begin after the signed ratifying documents of the relative agreements reached by Greece and Bulgaria are exchanged in Smolian, according to the newspaper "Duma".

Bulgarian Undersecretary of Public Works, mr.Grigorov stated that the agreement concerning the waters of Nestos River will be put into effect immediately after the exchange of documents but will be implemented after the construction of the necessary projects on bulgarian territory. Until then, Greece will be able to continue to use 80% of the river's waters.

After the ratifying documents are exchanged will also be put into effect and the agreement for the construction of three new border crossings, namely, of Gotse Deltsev-Drama, Haskovo-Kerdjali- Alexandroupolis and Rudozem-Zlatograd-Xanthi, which will be completed by 1998. For the construction of those border crossings, Greece will be financed by the programme INTERREG-II and Bulgaria by the programme PHARE.

[22] THE TRIPARTITE MEETING ON THE BOURGAS-ALEXANDROUPOLIS OIL PIPE-LINE WAS POSTPONED

The bulgarian Ministry of Public Works announced that the meeting of representatives from Bulgaria, Russia and Greece on the issue of the Bourgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipe-line, scheduled to take place at the end of September, was postponed.

According to the newspaper "Standard", the postponement was due to the September 22 elections in Greece and the bulgarian presidential elections on October 27. As it was made known, the meeting will be held in early November.

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/