MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (27/09/1996)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, September 27, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] THE STATEMENT MADE BY THE GREEK PRIME MINISTER AFTER PASOK'S EXECUTIVE BUREAU MEETING

Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis stated after PASOK's Executive Bureau meeting, the first one held after the elections, that September 22 marked the beginning of a new phase in Greece's political life. He said that this new phase has as basic characteristic PASOK's victory in the elections, which gives to the party the opportunity to bring many changes in the country while it also makes obvious the need for a big effort in order to meet the needs of the greek people.

Prime Minister Simitis stressed that boldness and determination are needed in order to make the necessary decisions for the solution of the problems of the new era.

Mr.Simitis also said that in order for all these to happen is necessary the systematic implementation of the decisions already made concerning PASOK's renewal and reorganization that will make its operation more effective.

Responding to questions by reporters, the Prime Minister stressed the need for a broad dialogue with society in order to form the image of the new Left. He said that the greek society and the Left need this dialogue and nobody can stop it.

To the question on the developments in the main opposition party of New Democracy, mr.Simitis stated that this is a matter concerning that party and refused to make further comments.

[02] THE GREEK PRIME MINISTER WILL ARRIVE IN CYPRUS ON TUESDAY FOR A TWO-DAY VISIT

Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis will arrive in Cyprus on Tuesday for a two-day visit during which he will watch the Cypriot Independence Day military parade and will receive a high distinction by cypriot President, Glafkos Kliridis.

Mr.Simitis is expected to make statements upon his arrival at Larnaca Airport.

[03] GREECE HAS A DEMOCRATIC REGIME AND ABSOLUTELY NO RESTRICTION IS BEING IMPOSED, STATED THE GREEK GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN

Greek government spokesman, Dimitris Reppas stated that Greece has a democratic regime and absolutely no restriction is being imposed. The statement was made in response to the European Court of Human Rights decision according to which, the greek state will have to pay legal costs of 4 million drachmas to 4 Jehovah's witnesses for failing to give them permission to open a place of prayer.

Mr.Reppas added that the free conditions existing in Greece are not found in all countries and ruled out the possibility of amending the relative legislation.

[04] GREEK PREMIER SPEAKS ON GREECE AND CYPRUS IN INTERVIEW WITH "SELIDES"

Greek Prime Minister and PASOK President Kostas Simitis emphasized the importance of the joint defense doctrine between Greece and Cyprus, in an interview with the cypriot maganize "Selides".

In the interview, Mr. Simitis points out that during his upcoming visit to Cyprus -October 1- he intends to promote measures for the strenghtening of not only the military cooperation between the two countries but also of trade and economic ties.

Moreover, Mr. Simitis stated that Greece will try to promote a solution to Cyprus through peaceful and diplomatic means. He emphasized that any invasion of turkish forces into Cyprus will constitute a cause of war between Greece and Turkey.

The Premier also noted that the fact that he chose Cyprus to conduct his first formal visit to another country, during his current term in office, constitutes an active expression of Greece's solidarity and support to the struggle of the Cypriot hellenism.

"The solid Athens-Nicosia front is a must for the promotion of our national interests," Mr. Simitis said.

[05] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER ADDRESSES UNITED NATIONS 51ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos addressed the United Naitons 51st General Assembly in New York this afternoon where he spoke at length on Greece's efforts and initiatives in establishing peace and cooperation in the Balkans,

Greece's policy in the Balkans, Mr. Pangalos stated, is guided by the principles of maintenance of stability, peace and security, the inviolabilty of the internationally recognized borders and the full respect of human rights, including those relating to national minorities, in accordance with the relevant U.N. and O.S.C.E. principles.

"Our systematic cooperation with the countries of the Balkan peninsula contributed to the achievement of their long-term goals of economic and political rapprochement with the European Union and its instituions," Mr. Pangalos said and added that "we fully support and actively promote the European orientation of these countries."

The Foreign Minister stressed that Greece has been one of the founding members of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and recently became a member of the organization's Parliamentary Assembly.

"Greece participates actively in this initiative that encompasses countries from both the Balkans and the Black Sea area," Mr. Pangalos stated and pointed out that an important achievement of this cooperation is, among others, the establishment in Thessaloniki of the BSEC Bank of Trade and Development, which is expected to start functioning soon and will contribute to the implementation of specific projects in the region.

[06] PANGALOS SPEAKS ON GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS AT UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Pointing out the role of the United Nations as an effective mechanism of collective security, Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos seized the opportunity to speak on Greece-Turkey relations during the U.N. 51st General Assembly held in New York today.

Mr. Pangalos stated that the Greek government sincerely desires the establishment of normal, good-neighbourly relations with Turkey, "based on the principles of International Law and respect for international treaties, which, however, Turkey seems determined to ignore.

"We see that Turkey willfully violates the most basic principles of the international legal order, "Mr. Pangalos continued, "and, far from exhibiting any self-restraint, puts forth even more provocative claims against Greece. My country, on the other hand, not only scrupulously respects international Law and Treaties, but also demonstrates great self-restrain in her relations with Turkey."

Mr. Pangalos refered to the frequent violations of Grece's airspace and pointed out that Greece has chosen not to react forcibly to the constant overflying of Greek territory on the part of Turkish warplanes.

However, he added, "this stance should not be misinterpreted in any way. On the contrary, and despite the absence of any real will on the part of the international community to uphold the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, Greece is absolutely determined to protect her sovereign rights by all legitimate means and the threat of force will not dissuade her from doing so."

[07] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER PRESENTS CYPRUS ISSUE AT UN 51ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos stated today that the time has come to reach a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, during his address at the United Nations 51st General Assembly.

"It is widely admitted that the status quo is unacceptable," Mr. Pangalos stated.

"Nevertheless, no progress has been unfortunatley achieved in the course of the last 22 years.

"Turkey, provocatively defying reslutions of the UN Security Council, is still occupying by force a considerable part of the island. At the same time she is flagrantly violating basic human rights and freedoms of the Cypriot people while proceeding to a systematic plundering of the island's cultural and religious heritage," the Greek Foreign Minister said.

The time has come to reach a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, Mr. Pangalos stated, based on the relevant UN resolutions and providing for a bicommunal-bizonal federation with a single sovereignty and international personality and a single citizenship, while safeguarding the independence and territorial sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.

[08] GREECE BIDS FOR ONE OF THE SEATS ON SECURITY COUNCIL'S WESTERN GROUP

The Greek Government has decided to present its candidature for one of the two non-permanent seats allocated for the Western Group in the Security Council for the period 1999-2000, announced Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos during his address at the United Nations 51st General Assembly in New York this afternoon.

Also, Mr. Pangalos stated that the Conference of Ministers of South-Eastern Europe held this year in Sofia, will meet again in Thessaloniki in June 1997.

[09] 1997 BUDGET "DIFFICULT", TAX AUDITS SHOULD INCREASE, SAYS FINANCE MINISTER

National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou summoned a conference in his office this morning where he and his associates examined the state's budget progress as well as public revenue and debts and concluded that tax audits must be intesified since revenue lagged behind the initial assessment.

Following the meeting, Mr. Papantoniou characterized next year's budget as a "difficult one" although he declined further comment in light of the Premier's programs to be announced in a few days.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[10] CYPRUS' ACCESSION TO EU IS ITS BEST DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY, SAYS SPRING

Irish Foreign Minister Dick Spring stated today that the accession of Cyprus to the European Union will ofer the best opportunity for political economic gains, both for Greek-Cypriots and for Turk-Cypriots.

In a press conference at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Mr. Spring, responding to how the E.U. is dealing with Turkey's refusal to support such accession, Mr. Spring said that the European Union supports the efforts of UN Secretary-General to attain a lasting solution to the Cyprus problem, one that would respect the coutnry's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, all in accordance to th UN resolutions. In reference to the tragic episodes that occured at Deryneia in August, Mr. Spring said that it as a difficult summer although the climate is stabilizing gradually.

Moreover, Mr. Spring characterized the greek-turkish relations as very significant due to the effects they bear on Cyprus and added that the E.U. is currently engaged in talks with Turkey.

[11] U.S. INITIATIVES ON GREECE-TURKEY AND CYPRUS AFTER NOVEMBER'S ELECTIONS

The United States appear ready to undertake initiatives in regards to the greek-turkish relations and the Cypriot issue, following November's presidential elections, according to White House sources.

Anthony Lake, White House Security Advisor and George Stephanopoulos a close associate of the U.S. President, addressed a gathering of greek community leaders in Washington yesterday and stressed the United States' interest in restoring stability in the Eastern Mediterranean region.

"Mr. Clinton considers the resolution to be an utmost interest of the american government to resolve the Cypriot issue and to de-escalate the tension between Greece and Turkey," stated Mr. Lake and added that the U.S. had waited to see the political developments in Turkey and Greece since last spring.

In regards to the Imia islets, Mr. Lake emphasized that the U.S. insist that recourse shoud be sought through the International Justice Court at The Hague. In reference to Turkey's challenge on Greece's sovereignty over the greek island Gavdos, Mr. Lake pointed out that his government gave a clear message to the Turkish government which resulted in Turkey abandoning its claim.

Mr. Stephanopoulos also emphasized that President Clinton is keenly interested in the eastern mediterranean region's issues and that he has assigned the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Madleine Albright, Mr. Anthony Lake and the U.S. former Undersecretary of State Richard Holbrooke to address the Cyprus problem and the Aegean Sea isues.

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller, in Washington yesterday, once again refused Greece's proposal - adopted by Washington- to refer the Imia issue to The Hague, and supported that all the issues concerning the Aegean Sea should be subjected to international mediation as a "package."

[12]THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT IN KARLSRUHE WILL REACH A FINAL AND COMPREHENSIVE DECISION ON THE GREEK LAWSUITS FILED AGAINST GERMANY

The Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe will reach a final and comprehensive ruling on the thousands of lawsuits filed by greek citizens against the german state for damages they suffered during the nazi occupation.

Certain regional courts in Germany had ruled on those lawsuits characterizing them as unacceptable and have returned them to the greek consulates. Specifically, the Court of the First Instance in Bonn had returned almost all the lawsuits filed to the Greek General Consulate in Kolon.

According to statements made by Giorgos Zarkadas, a senior official in the greek Consulate in Kolon, over 1.500 lawsuits filed by greek citizens have been returned. He also said that a decision on their return back to Greece or on whether new lawsuits will be filed will be made after consultations with the Foreign Ministry in Athens.

The lawsuits demand reparations for war victims and damages caused to greek properties during the nazi occupation. The total amount of reparations is estimated to be in the area of tens of millions of DM.

According to information, the Constitutional Court in Karlsruhe, competent of issuing a comprehensive ruling on the case, has already discussed the greek lawsuits and its decision is expected to be announced soon.

[13] A GREEK EURO-DEPUTY ASKED THE EU COUNCIL OF MINISTERS' AND THE COMMISSION'S IMMEDIATE REACTION TO THE STATEMENTS MADE BY MR.BURNS

Greek Euro-deputy, Yiannis Roubatis demanded the EU Council of Ministers' and the European Commission's immediate and effective reaction to the statements made by US State Department spokesman, Nikolas Burns concerning the resolutions adopted by the Euro-Parliament condemning Turkey.

According to mr.Roubatis, those statements constitute an unacceptable intervention of the US government in the European Union foreign policy.

Mr.Roubatis stated that the statement made by mr.Burns is not only on the same line with the statements of turkish Foreign Minister, Tansu Ciller, but at the same time constitute direct involvement in the EU foreign policy.

[14] THREE GREEK CLASSICS TRANSLATED IN ALBANIAN LANGUAGE

Three Greek books translated in the albanian language were formally unveiled at the Greek Embassy in Tirana yesterday.

The books, Nikos Kazantzakis' "Life and Adventures of Alexis Zorbas", Melina Mercouri's "I was Born Greek" and George Seferis' "Poems", were introduced by poets and translators who briefly spoke on the lives of the authors.

[15] THE BRITISH PETROLEUM COMPANY, BP, IS ACCUSED OF SUPER TAX- EVASION

British Petroleum company, BP, failed to include in its tax returns the amount of 15 billion drachmas, which corresponds to its earnings for the period 1991-1993 and now is called to pay fines of over 7,5 billion drachmas.

This is one of the biggest tax-evasion cases ever recorded against the greek state, and according to information, the Ministry of Finance and the prosecutor's office are dealing with it since May 2.

BP, one of the largest oil companies operating in Greece with a 30% share in the lubricant market and a 20% share in the fuel market, is accused of avoiding to pay taxes on part of its declared earnings and also of smuggling out of the country huge sums of money.

The company has the right to dispute the Ministry of Finance decision and to bring its case to the courts after paying first 20% of its debts.

[16] GREEK EURO-DEPUTY MR.ALAVANOS CALLED FOR THE EU INTERVENTION FOR THE OPENING OF TALKS ON JERUSALEM

Greek Euro-deputy of the party Coalition of the Left, mr.Alekos Alavanos in a question submitted to the Council of Ministers on the dramatic events in Palestine and the future of the peace process called for the European Union intervention for the opening of talks on the issue of Jerusalem.

The greek Euro-deputy asks the Council to regard as pre- conditions for the continuation of the economic cooperation between the EU and Israel the suspension of projects in the muslims' Holy Land and the immediate start of palestinian-israeli talks on the "final status" of Jerusalem. Those talks are long overdue based on the peace agreement according to which, they should be concluded by May 1999.

[17] GREEK EURO-DEPUTY MS. LAMBRAKI CALLED FOR IMMEDIATE MEASURES FOR THE PROTECTION OF KURDS IN DIYARBAKIR

Greek Euro-deputy of the party of PASOK, ms.Irene Lambraki in a question submitted to the Council of Ministers called the international community to take immediate and effective measures against the brutal force used by the turkish army in Diyarbakir.

Ms.Lambraki requested to be informed on the action the EU intends to undertake for the easing of the increased tension in the region and for the protection of the lives of thousands of kurds living in the area.

[18] THE CYPRIOT GOVERNMENT WANTS INTENSIVE CONSULTATIONS ON THE CYPRUS PROBLEM, ACCORDING TO THE CYPRIOT FOREIGN MINISTER

The cypriot government wants intensive consultations on the Cyprus problem and believes that the best period for the negotiations is until mid 1997.

The above were stated by cypriot Foreign Minister, Alekos Michailidis during his meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State, Peter Tarnof held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting.

Mr.Michailidis stated that in the meeting was discussed the handling of the cypriot problem so far and underlined the US interest in entering the process for its solution.

The cypriot Foreign Minister also stated that Cyprus remains firm in its positions and encourages initiatives for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[19] NEW HUNGER STRIKES BEGAN IN TURKISH PRISONS - 182 INMATES IN THE PRISON OF PRUSSA ARE ON AN INDEFINITE HUNGER STRIKE

New hunger strikes began in turkish prisons and according to information, 182 of the 195 inmates in the prison of Prussa are on an indefinite hunger strike.

The mobilization is held in a show of protest against the bloody incidents that took place last Tuesday in the prison of Diyarbakir, where most of the inmates are political prisoners. As it was made known, 11 inmates were killed in clashes with police special forces.

[20] GREEK, ARMENIAN, IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRIES OFFICIALS TO MEET IN SEPTEMBER

The Greek Foreign Ministry's Secretary General K. Georgiou will meet with the Foreign Minister of Armenia Mr. Papanjian and the alternate Foreign Minister of Iran Mr. Vaezi on September 30, in New York.

The three officials will meet within the framework of the tripartite cooperation between Greece, Iran and Armenia.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the three officials will examine plans for development of economic cooperation between the three countries and will prepare the Foreign Ministers' meeting which is to be held in Tehran during November.

[21] FEDERICO GARCIA LORCA'S MANUSCRIPTS, SKETCHES EXHIBITED IN THESSALONIKI

Sketches and manuscripts of Spain's famous poet Federico Garcia Lorca are on exhibit at Thessaloniki's Center of History, commemmorating the 60th anniversary since the tragic poet's death.

Included among the exhibits are photographs from theatrical plays held in the museum "Federico Garcia Lorca" located at the house where the poet was born in Granada.

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