MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (01/10/1996)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, October 1, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREECE WILL ALWAYS STAND BY ITS CYPRIOT BROTHERS, STATES GREEK PREMIER

"Greece will always stand by the side of its Cypriot brothers with all of its strength," stated the Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis during the formal dinner given in his honor by the President of the Republic of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides.

Mr. Simitis stressed that this support is a commitment bound not only by morals and justice but also by the force created from the common roots that bind the two countries.

Mr. Simitis also emphasized that his presence in Cyprus once more confirms the Greek Government's interest in the fate of a living part of Hellenism.

The times are critical, the Greek Premier stated, since Hellenism is faced once more with turkish expansionism. He added that this primary national issue, the Cypriot, is undergoing an extremely sensitive phase, whose outcome will determine the future of Cyprus and its people.

Mr. Simitis also pointed out that the international community, especially the members who are interested in reaching a solution, have yet to display the necessary political will and have not exerted their influence on the turkish side.

"Facing this sitiuation emands a colossal effort that will aim at mobilization, at least at a diplomatic level, to overturn the factors of the invasion and occupation that for 22 years now have created an unacceptable situation," he stated.

The Greek Premier tabled as Greece's foremost priority the promotion of Cyprus's accession to the European Union through negotiations. This, Mr. Premier stated, needs serious preparations and close cooperation between Greece and Cyprus.

Mr. Simitis said that giving Cyprus a European character will serve as a catalyst to finding a fair solution to the island's division and, as such, "we believe that Europe must undertake its own initiatives in resolving the Cyprus issue."

[02] GREECE, CYPRUS SAY YES TO DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE ISLAND'S TWO SIDES

Taking advantage of the sensitive climate noted currently in the international community, the Greek and Cypriot Governments welcome a dialogue between the island's two sides, but rule out the potential of being driven by Turkey to two-sided negotiations concerning Cyprus on one side and the Aegean Sea on another.

Greek Minister of Press and Media Dimitris Reppas, speaking at a press conference in Nicosia today, stated that the Greek government believes that a discussion between the two sides can be held after preparatory talks have been established in order to secure a base that would ensure that such contacts would be fruitful.

As such, the international community is invited to undertake a role in the cypriot issue in order to establish a premise for dialogue, Mr. Reppas stated, adding that such dialogue should not become a time-consuming alibi for Turk-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

According to Mr. Reppas, today's meeting between the Greek Premier Kostas Simitis and the President of the Republic of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides lasted 20 minutes. The two leaders discussed Mr. Clerides's contacts at the United Nations General Assembly in New York and the interest displayed by other countries in reaching a solution to the Cyprus issue.

[03] CYPRUS IS GREECE'S PRIMARY FOREIGN POLICY CONCERN, SAYS GREEK PREMIER

Greece supports the independent Republic of Cyprus and wishes to help her in every way in its fight for the restoration of its territorial integrity and sovereignty, stated the Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis upon his arrival in Larnaca this morning, having embarked on his two-day official visit to Cyprus.

Mr. Simitis was received by Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides who stated that the Greek Premier's presence in Cyprus on the day commemmorating the island's independence is an additional expression of Greece's solidarity to the Greek-Cypriot people.

Mr. Simitis emphasized that his travel to Cyprus, the second in a matter of few weeks, emphasizes the Greek government's priority to the Cyprus problem.

"Our firm position, which we emphasize towards every direction, is that the cypriot issue is foremostly a problem of foreign occupation in Cyprus and, as such, it remains our unshakeable target to find a peaceful solution through diplomatic efforts, " Mr. Simitis stated.

Moreover, the Greek Premier stated that he is returning to Cyprus with the memory of the two Greek-Cypriot unarmed civilians still fresh on his mind and emphasized that their sacrifice was not in vain but instead served as a reminder to the international community that the cypriot issue remains unsolved and its solution is imperative.

During his stay in Cyprus, Mr. Simitis will meet with Mr. Clerides and Cypriot Government officials as well as Archbishop Chrysostomos. Their discussions are expected to center around the establishment of a common strategy for the cypriot issue.

The Premier is accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Theodoros Pangalos, Press and Media Minister Dimitris Reppas, Eurodeputy Yiannos Kranidiotis and PASOK's Central Committee Secretary Kostas Skandalides.

Celebrating the Greek Premier's arrival, the Greek-Cypriots provided him with a grandiose welcome and, in turn, a military procession paraded through the city's major artery, featuring for the first time, russian fighting chariots T-80.

Tomorrow the Premier will be decorated with a high distinction by the Cypriot President while in the evening, Mr. Simitis will be pronounced honorary citizen of Nicosia and will be granted the city's golden key. The University of Cyprus will also bestow upon the Greek Prime Minister the doctorate title.

[04] THE GREEK PRIME MINISTER'S STATEMENTS AFTER THE CYPRIOT INDEPENDENCE DAY MILITARY PARADE

Greek Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis in statements he made after the military parade that was held in Nicosia within the framework of the celebrations for the cypriot Independence Day, stressed that the armed forces are well-trained and that their morale is high facing the turkish provocativeness.

Mr.Simitis stated that Cyprus has a deterrent force that can strike the enemy who must think twice before initiating any hostile action. He also reiterated that Greece supports the joint defence doctrine.

Later, mr.Simitis met with cypriot President, Glafkos Kliridis and they discussed the course of the national issues. The greek Prime Minister will also meet with Archbishop Chrisostomos, Greece's Ambassador to Cyprus, the president of the cypriot Parliament and cypriot political party leaders.

[05] THE GREEK AND THE CYPRIOT MINISTERS OF DEFENCE WILL MEET IN ATHENS ON THURSDAY

The course of the joint defence doctrine adopted by Greece and Cyprus will be the main subject for discussion in the meeting of the Greek and Cypriot Ministers of Defence Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Kostas Eliadis that will be held in Athens on Thursday.

According to statements made today by mr.Tsohatzopoulos, the cypriot military exercise "Nikiforos" and the greek military exercise "Toxotis" that will take place in early October will be held as scheduled in the region between the Aegean island of Rhodes and Cyprus.

[06] MAIN OPPOSITION TO ELECT NEW LEADER BY THE END OF THE WEEK

The country's main opposition party New Democracy will elect 70 electors today who in turn will elect the party's new leader by Friday.

According to reports, former minister George Souflias has appointed the president of the party's supervising committee Achilles Karamanlis to be responsible for the election process.

Mr. Souflias is the main condender for the party's leadership, along with Miltiades Evert, N.D.'s previous president who resigned after the party's defeat in the elections of September 22, only to re-submit his candidacy for president one week later.

Meanwhile, N.D.'s Athanasios Tsaldaris, former President of Parliament, has tabled his support to Mr. Evert and has stated that the foremost concern must be the party's unity.

Among Mr. Souflias's cadres are former national economy minister Stephanos Manos and former culture minister Dora Bacoyianni, who had both initially announced their candidacies, only to withdraw them later when they allied themselves with Mr. Souflias.

[07] NEW DEMOCRACY VICE-PRESIDENT CONCERNED OVER PARTY'S INTERNAL WARRING

The Vice-President of the main opposition party New Democracy's Yiannis Varvitsiotis has expressed his concern over the internal warring noted in the party's factions in regards to who will be the next leader.

Mr. Varvitsiotis avoids alllying himself with either Miltiades Evert, the previous N.D. president who resigned after being defeated in the September 22 general elections and who submitted his candidacy for party leadership on Saturday night, or George Souflias, the former N.D. minister who is Mr. Evert major opponent having as his cadres high-ranking party members.

Instead, the N.D. Vice-President sets three prerequisites to all for the sake of the party's future viability. First, to lower the warring tones, second, to commit themselves to accepting the final outcome of Friday's elections, and third, to secure substantive unity with modern identity, ideological purity and with a leadership that will enjoy the party's trust.

[08] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT EXPECTS AN OFFICIAL TURKISH CONDEMNATION OF THE BOMB ATTACK AGAINST THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE

Acting greek government spokesman, Press Ministry General Secretary Yiannis Nikolaou stated today that the greek government expects from the turkish side an official condemnation of the bomb attack against the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Mr.Nikolaou stated that the greek government will make all the necessary diplomatic moves in order to bring the issue to the appropriate bodies and institutions, adding that Turkey has to restore the damages caused because it is responsible for the safety of the Patriarchate.

[09] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT'S ECONOMIC STAFF AIMS AT CREATING ADDITIONAL REVENUES OF 500 BILLION DRACHMAS

The greek government's economic staff is planning moves aimed at creating additional public revenues of 500 billion drachmas in 1997.

The government is studying the promotion of a draft law cutting the tax-exemptions which is expected to create public revenues estimated at 100-150 billion drachmas. Also, tax audits will be increased and a draft law for the drastic cut of public spending will be presented in Parliament.

[10] THE GREEK DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER SUGGESTED CALM APPROACH AND SELF-RESTRAINT IN THE HANDLING OF THE RECENT CRISIS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Greek deputy Foreign Minister, Giorgos Papandreou met with the ambassadors of Palestine and Israel in Athens yesterday and suggested calm approach and self-restraint in the handling of the recent crisis in order for the peace process in the Middle East to be preserved.

According to a greek Foreign Ministry statement, mr.Papandreou in a show of support offered the sum of 30 thousand US dollars to the Palestinian Authority Minister of Health, while a cargo of medicines and supplies will leave for Palestine within the day.

Mr.Papandreou is in Luxemburg today and during the General Affairs Council he will support the greek positions for the defusing of the tension and the continuation of the peace process.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[11] THE US STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED THE UNDERTAKING OF AN AMERICAN INITIATIVE FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS PROBLEM

US State Department spokesman, Nikolas Burns announced the undertaking of an american initiative for the solution of the Cyprus problem. He also commented on the recent statements made by greek Foreign Minister, Theodoros Pangalos concerning his meeting with US Secretary of State, Warren Christopher.

Mr.Burns spoke about a five-sided involvement of the United States, Greece, Turkey, the two communities in Cyprus and the Cypriot government.

He also characterized as excellent the meeting between mr.Pangalos and mr.Christopher that was held in New York last week, and stressed that during the meeting there was agreement on the emphasis that should be given to the efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[12] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT SHOULD APPEAL TO THE RESPONSIBLE EU BODIES ON THE ISSUE OF THE PROPERTY RIGHTS OF THE GREEKS WHO WERE FORCED OUT OF TURKEY, ACCORDING TO GREEK EURO-DEPUTY MR.ALAVANOS

Greek Euro-deputy from the party Coalition of the Left, mr.Alekos Alavanos suggested to the greek government that it should appeal to the responsible EU bodies in order to win the lifting of the legislative restrictions imposed by the turkish government that do not recognize property rights to the greek citizens who were forced out of Turkey.

Mr.Alavanos stated that the turkish Foreign Ministry with a document that was distributed to all the turkish courts orders them not to recognize to greek citizens the right to inherit the property of greeks who were forced out of Turkey.

[13] A CONFERENCE ON THE GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS WILL BE COMPLETED IN WASHINGTON TODAY

The two-day conference on the greek-turkish relations that began yesterday in Washington will focus today on the presentation of the problems in the greek-turkish relations and on the procedures that can contribute to the rapprochement of the two countries.

The conference, organized by the Carnegie Institute for International Relations, is not open to mass media and among the participants are included politicians and academics from Greece and Turkey such as, former Foreign Ministers of Greece Karolos Papoulias and Michalis Papakonstantinou and former turkish Foreign Ministers Emre Gonensay and Hikmet Cetin as well as, american officials.

A special emphasis is expected to be given on the mediatory role the United States will play within the framework of the imminent initiative that they are expected to undertake in the next months.

[14] GREECE, ARMENIA AND IRAN MET FOR THE PROMOTION OF ECONOMIC COOPERATION

Representatives from Greece, Armenia and Iran met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in order to promote the economic cooperation in the sectors of Commerce, Telecommunications, Transportations and Energy.

In the meeting participated the Foreign Affairs Ministers of Armenia and Iran and the general secretary of the greek Foreign Ministry.

As it was agreed, the coordinating committee of the tripartite cooperation will meet in Teheran in November to examine specific proposals submitted by the greek side in view of the ministerial level meeting scheduled to take place on the second half of December.

[15] THOUSANDS OF POLITICAL ASSASSINATIONS WERE COMMITED IN TURKEY, ACCORDING TO AN AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT

An Amnesty International report that was published today strongly criticizes Turkey for its human rights record.

The situation in the country is characterized as very distressing, while it is mentioned that thousands of political assassinations were commited in Turkey from 1991 until today. The report stresses that this period is also characterized by significant restrictions in personal freedoms and in the rights of the kurdish minority.

Amnesty International also condemns the fact that the international community ignores the gross violation of human rights in Turkey for strategic and economic reasons.

Meanwhile, 450 inmates, members of the kurdish party PKK, who are held in the prison of the city of Konia began a 5-day hunger strike in a show of protest against the bloody incidents that took place in Diyarbakir Prison a week ago.

[16] THE ALBANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER REFERRED EXTENSIVELY TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE GREEK-ALBANIAN RELATIONS IN HIS SPEECH TO THE UN

Albanian Foreign Minister, Tritan Sehou in his speech to the UN General Assembly referred extensively to the continuing improvement of the greek-albanian relations and pointed out that both sides want their further strengthening.

Mr.Sehou also expressed the gratitude of the albanian people to the greek government for the help it has offered during this difficult transitional period his country is going through.

The albanian Foreign Minister made a special referrence to the issue of the minorities underlining that the good relations between Athens and Tirana are an indication that the existence of minorities in neighbouring countries can serve as a bridge of friendship between them.

[17] ARCHBISHOP OF AMERICA SPYRIDON AND SAE DENOUNCE BOMBING AT PHANAR

The Archbishop of America Spyridon has called on the Turkish government for the immediate and exemplary punishment of those responsible of the bombing attack against the Ecumenical Patriarchate, while the President of the Council of Greeks Abroad of America Christos Tomaras has characterized the attack as cowardly and provocative.

Mr. Spyridon asked the United States President Bill Clinton to condemn the attack and asked the American political and religious leaders to also voice their indignation and to undertake action in protecting the Patriarchate from the continuous threats.

Mr. Tomaras stated that the event has provoked the ire of all Greeks living abroad, as well as to all of the Christian Orthodox community, and stated that the bombing is a serious illustration of inadequate security measures provided for the Patriarchate.

"The American SAE unequivocally condemns this latest and unprovoked act of violence and calls on the turkish state to protect the spiritual leadership of the world's over 300 million Orthodox," he stated and added that "the greek community will stand by the Patriarchate's side as always, pressuring the turkish side, as well as Greece's allies for its protection."

The organization Great Eastern Islamic Raiders Front (IBDA-C) has claimed responsibility for Sunday night's explosion.

According to the turkish news agency Anadolu, the IBDA-C is an armed islamist organization that has claimed responsibility in the past for other church bombings and explosions in restaurants that serve alchoholic beverages.

[18] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT CLERIDES COMMENTS ON HIS CONTACTS IN NEW YORK

Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides stated that efforts must be exerted to achieve a calm political climate in Cyprus in order to conduct negotiations during 1997.

Upon his return from New York, where he attended the United Nations 51st General Assembly, Mr. Clerides also stated that during his contacts there he realized that the murders of the two Greek-Cypriot unarmed civilians at Deryneia in August have provoked indignation and concern and as such, he added, it is imperative that the process to find a solution to the cypriot issue must be expedited.

Mr. Clerides also stated that all initiatives for the cypriot issue must be drawn under the auspice and coordination of the UN, adding that it has not yet been decided to what degree the United States Ambassador to the UN Madeleine Albright will play a role in the issue.

Moreover, the Cypriot President stated that during his contacts in New York no pressure was exerted to confine Cypru's military outfitting and concurrently stated that the National Guards' military exercise "Nikiforos" will be conducted as planned, with Greece's participation.

[19] CYPRIOT PARTIES ISSUE DECLARATIONS ON ISLAND'S INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION

Commemmorating Cyprus' 36th anniversary of its Independence Day, the island's political parties have issued celebratory declarations, filled with wishes and optimism.

Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides stated that, until the road is opened for a solution, Cyprus will contine to strengthen its defense and will complete the application of the Greece-Cyprus Joint Defense Dogma.

The Democratic Rally party stated in its declaration that national unity, in conjunction with prudent action, are the Cypriot people's great weapons in securing their aims.

AKEL states that it approaches the Independence Day anniversary with feelings of agony for the future and calls on the Cypriot people to fight with all their strength in order to make reality the aim of a free and peaceful Cyprus.

The Socialist Party EDEK states that the presence of Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis in Cyprus emphasizes Greece's involvement in the Greek-Cypriots' struggle to overturn the occupying regime and to apply the international law.

The Free Democrats Movement (KED) also speaks highly of Mr. Simitis' presence in Cyrpus and states that the bwest service to the island will be the struggle for its re-unification.

The Liberals Party expresses its conviction that "our side has exhausted all the limits of good will and concessions and is in need of untity in order to secure our national being."

[20] SECURITY COUNCIL CHARACTERIZES CYPRUS SITUATION AS "UNACCEPTABLE"

The status quo in Cyprus is unacceptable, according to the Foreign Ministers of the Security Council's five permanent member- countries, which are China, Russia, France, Britain and the United States.

In a formal announcement through the Security Council, the five foreign officials suggest to both sides of Cyprus that they conduct an effort to achieve a cohesive political settlement and express their concern over the recent tensions noted on the island.

[21] GREECE AND FYROM AGREE ON UNIVERSITY COLLABORATION

The Chief of the Greek Liaison Office in Skopje Alexandros Malias was received yesterday by FYROM's Education and Physical Culture Minister Sofia Todorova and discussed the prospects of academic cooperation between the two countries.

Mr. Malias relayed to Ms. Todorova the Greek Government's proposal to organize a meeting of the Faculties of Economy and Law from both countries in order to form an impetus for research projects that would inevitably strengthen cooperation between Greece and FYROM.

[22] INTERNATIONAL EXHIBIT OF UNDERWEAR-SWIMWEAR HELD IN THESSALONIKI

Over 130 Greek and international manufacturers of underwear and swimwear will participate in Thessaloniki's "Lace" exhibit to be held at Helexpo between October 5 and 7.

Representatives will arrive from France, Italy, the United States, Britain, Germany, Spain and Israel and will display samples of their designs to the visiting crowd. It is not known if the exhibit will feature live modeling.

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