MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (96/10/03)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, October 3, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] PREMIER BACK IN ATHENS, EMBARKED ON MEETINGS WITH CABINET MEMBERS

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis held successive meetings with Cabinet members today.

Earlier this morning, the Premier met with the President of Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis who, as it is already known, will be proposed to head Parliament's next term as well.

This afternoon, Mr. Simitis met with the deputy Minister of Athletics and also met with the Minister of Environment, City Planning and Public Works in order to discuss the progress of Athens' metro project.

[02] FEVERISH NEGOTIATIONS AT MAIN OPPOSITION FOR ELECTION OF NEW LEADER

Negotiations are continuing at a feverish rate in Greece's main opposition party New Democracy in light of tomorrow's election, but inter-party polarization is still intensifying.

Seventy-six electors will vote tomorrow, along with the 117 party deputies, and will appoint the conservative opposition's president.

The two contenders for the seat are previous party leader Miltiades Evert, who resigned after his defeat in last month's general elections, and former minister George Souflias who is backed by Dora Bakoyiani and Stephanos Manos, both high-ranking party members.

Meanwhile, N.D. Vice-President Yiannis Varvitsiotis has sided with Mr. Evert, whereas N.D.'s honorary president and former premier Konstantinos Mitsotakis has allied himself with Mr. Souflias, along with former minister Michalis Papakonstantinou who annonced his suport to Souflias from Washington.

New Democracy's former President and ex-Premier George Rallis issued a written statement today, noting that "the electors must choose the candidate who is approved by the majority of the party's two-and-a-half million voters. This is the only way to close the gap that has been created, in order to restore N.D. with the unity of older times and allow the party to succesfully carry out its national mission."

[03] GREECE AND CYPRUS SIDE BY SIDE, GREEK PREMIER EMBRACED BY CYPRIOTS

Greek Prime Minister returned to Athens from Nicosia last night, wrapping up a two-day official visit to Cyprus that coincided with the island's 36th anniversary of its Independence Day.

During their meetings, the Greek Premier and the Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides discussed the diplomatic initiative expected to be taken on Cyprus, either by the United States or the European Union, or from both.

In summary, Mr. Simitis reiterated the need to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem by shifting Ankara's intransigent positions and by pushing the international community to pressure Turkey in conforming with international laws.

Moreover, Greece and Cyprus will seek to strengthen the joint defense agreement aimed at deterring threats from Turkey, according to Mr. Simitis, who stated that "the close cooperation among all those involved is needed in order to achieve the desired solutions."

In turn, the Cypriot President bid farewell to the Greek Premier and stated that today's discussions among the greek and cypriot governmental delegations proved that there is bilateral understanding concerning the future moves to be made in solving the cypriot issue and characterized Mr. Simitis' visit to Cyprus as "especially constructive."

[04] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN COMMENTED ON THE CONCLUSIONS REACHED DURING PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS' VISIT TO CYPRUS

Greek government spokesman, Dimitris Reppas stated that during Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis' visit to Cyprus, agreement between the two governments concerning the handling of the current phase in the Cyprus problem was affirmed, while it was agreed that the two governments should encourage the international community to undertake initiatives for its solution.

Also, it was affirmed that a fair and viable solution should be found within the framework of the UN and was agreed that Cyprus' EU accesion course should continue, while the efforts toward this objective should intensify in order to have the desired result as soon as possible.

The two sides also affirmed that the joint defence doctrine between Greece and Cyprus is the cornerstone of both countries' defence policy and was decided that it should be further enriched and developed. The cypriot side will follow closely the issues concerning the encircled greek-cypriots still living the turkish occupied territories and those still missing since the turkish invasion, while it will continue to protest in international organizations.

Finally, it was also affirmed that the Cyprus problem is a top priority issue for the greek foreign policy.

The greek government spokesman commenting on the likelihood of an initiative on Cyprus to be undertaken by the United States and also by France, Britain and Germany, stated that initiatives are welcomed if they can lead to a fair and viable solution of the Cyprus problem.

Mr.Reppas stated that in the EU Summit meeting that will be held in Dublin on Saturday, will be discussed issues concerning the course of the Inter-Governmental Conference, the developments in Russia and eastern European countries, while the "15" will also be briefed on the overall activities of the Irish EU Presidency.

Regarding the Economic and Monetary Union of the EU member- states, mr.Reppas stated that Greece is interested in participating in the first nucleus of the Economic and Monetary Union.

[05] GREEK WAR PLANES WILL TAKE PART IN THE MILITARY EXERCISE "NIKIFOROS '96" IN CYPRUS

Greek Minister of Defence, Akis Tsohatzopoulos will have talks with his cypriot counterpart, Kostas Eliadis in Athens.

The two men will discuss the next steps of the joint defence doctrine between Greece and Cyprus, as well as, details concerning the military exercise "Nikiforos - Toxotis" in which will take part the Cypriot National Guard and the greek armed forces.

The scenario of the military exercise "Nikiforos '96" provides for the participation of greek war planes, which will use real amunition. In the exercise will participate about 8.500 army reserves.

According to the National Guard General Staff Chief, brigadier Dimitris Fassaris there will be cooperation with the greek armed forces' exercise "Toxotis" which begins on October 6.

[06] NO EXACT DATE HAS BEEN SET FOR THE RESUMPTION OF THE GREEK- SKOPJAN NEGOTIATIONS ON THE ISSUE OF THE NAME

According to information no date has been set for the resumption of the greek-skopjan negotiations in New York on the issue of the name that will be used by FYROM.

Nevertheless, the greek side estimates that the talks will resume again during this month. According to reliable information, the greek government is not satisfied with the greek-skopjan negotiations so far, as it finds that no progress has been made in the main issue concerning the name that will be used by FYROM.

[07] GREECE'S FISHERMEN CALL OFF STRIKE, PORTS HAVE OPENED AGAIN

Thessaloniki's protesting fishermen called off their strike this evening, after being told by their Athenian counterparts that negotiations with government officials have led to satisfactory results, although the locals remained sceptical and adopted a "wait and see" attitude.

Fishermen blocked the country's main passenger port in Pireaus yesterday, with Thessaloniki following suit, and stopped all ships from leaving or entering.

They protested to the lifting of previous tax exemptions for fuel prices and the enforcement of regulations that forbade them to fish at a distance less than three miles from the shore.

[08] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTRY ON THE MIDDLE EAST SITUATION

The Greek Government views the Washington-held meeting between Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu with the Palestinian leader President Yasser Arafat as a positive first step, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Konstantinos Bikas.

Greece believes that additional substantive actions must follow "in order to set into motion the Middle East peace process," Mr. Bikas added.

[09] GREECE APPLAUDS EUROPARLIAMENTARIAN INITIATIVE ON PARTHENON MARBLES

The Greek Government values the initiative taken by the 252 eurodeputies who have signed in favor of the return of the Parthenon marbles to Greece, stated today the Press and Media Minister Dimitris Reppas.

Also, Mr. Reppas stated, the Culture Ministry has undertaken a systematic approach to achieve the return of these monuments to Greece, largely continuing the effort that was carved by the unforgettable Melina Mercouri.

The Press Minister noted that internationally there is a sympathetic climate towards Greece's efforts regarding the marbles, "especially sensed from Great Britain."

[10] HIGH LEVEL MEETING ON GREECE'S CANDIDATURE FOR THE HOSTING OF THE 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES

A meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, was held in order to be discussed Greece's candidature for the hosting of the Olympic Games that will take place in the year 2004. In the meeting participated deputy Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou, Sports Undersecretary Andreas Fouras and President of the responsible Committee, ms.Yianna Daskalaki-Angelopoulou.

The meeting was held in view of the October 24 visit to Greece by representatives of the International Olympic Committee in order to study the country's candidature.

Sports Undersecretary, mr.Fouras expressed optimism that the outcome will be positive and added that mr.Simitis has announced that the sub-ministry will receive 10 billion drachmas as special state subsidy.

Ms.Angelopoulou stressed that the Prime Minister has put his own mark on Greece's candidature through the decision to put the whole effort under his auspices, while the role of the coordinator will be undertaken by mr.Papandreou.

[11] THE GREEK PRIME MINISTER WILL BECOME PROFESSOR EMERITUS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF MARBURG LAW SCHOOL

Greek Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis will visit Germany on a date that has not been set yet in order to attend the special ceremony during which he will become professor emeritus in the University of Marburg Law School.

Mr.Simitis has accepted the invitation issued after a unanimous decision made by the University Senate based on the greek Prime Minister's contribution to Law science.

Greek Prime Minister and PASOK's president, Kostas Simitis studied in the University of Marburg Law School in the period of 1954-55 and in 1959 he completed his doctoral thesis. Mr.Simitis lived in Germany during the greek junta and in that period taught in different Universities.

[12] GREEK GOVERNMENT IS SATISFIED BY COURSE OF GREECE-ALBANIA RELATIONS

The Greek Government is satisfied by the course of Greek- Albanian relations, viewing the opening of three greek schools in the neighboring country as a step in the right direction.

Elementary-school first grades have been holding classes in Albania since September 16, with 31 students in Argyrocastro and 29 in Aghii Saranta. Twenty more students have been attending a greek school in Devlino since September 28.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[13] MINISTER OF PRESS AND MEDIA COMMENTS ON UPCOMING SUMMIT MEETING

Saturday's Extraordinary Summit of the European Parliament, to be held in Dublin, Ireland, will address the course of the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), the developments in Russia and the countries of the former eastern bloc, as well as the overall activities of the Ireland-held European Union Presidency, according to Press and Media Minister Dimitris Reppas.

According to reports, the purpose of the EU member-states meeting is to provide them with an added political "push" in light of the IGC.

[14] GREEK MINISTER OF INTERIOR TO REPRESENT GREECE AT LUKANOV'S FUNERAL

The Greek Minister of Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Alekos Papadopoulos will attend the funeral of Bulgaria's former Premier Andrei Lukanov, to be held in Sofia tomorrow.

Mr. Lukanov was assassinated yesterday morning outside his house in Sofia. He was a leading member of the Bulgarian Socialist Party and had served twice as Prime Minister.

[15] DEPUTY MINISTER OF INTERIOR TO ATTEND MINISTERIAL COUNCIL IN LISBON

Deputy Minister of Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Lambros Papademas will participate at the Council of Ministers of the Interior of the Council of Europe, scheduled to confer in Lisbon.

The Council will address "The Finances of Local Administration and Local Funds."

[16] GREEK COMMISSIONER PAPOUTSIS ON SMALL- TO MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES

The new challenges faced by the small to medium sized businessess in the ever-chaning environment demand a more active approach by the European Union, stated today Commissioner Christos Papoutsis, who is responsible for business policy and small to medium sized businesses, during an international conference held in Bologna, Italy.

Mr. Papoutsis pointed out that there is a tendency of market globalization noted at the Europe-United States-Japan "triangle", which has a profound effect on the european businesses since the "triangle's" largest industries have already established their own production facilities in Europe.

The Greek Commissioner stated that he personally will see that the smaller businesses get the needed aid in order to correspond to the ever-increasing challenges, mostly seen in the technical and administrative sectors.

[17] CYPRIOT DEFENSE MINISTER TO MEET WITH GREEK COUNTERPART IN ATHENS

Cypriot Defense Minister Kostas Heliades departed for Athens today where he will hold talks with his Greek counterpart Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

The two Ministers will discuss the further steps to be taken on the Joint Defense Doctrine between Greece and Cyprus and will look into the details of the military exercises "Nikiforos - Toxotis", to be conducted by the Cypriot National Guard and the Greek Armed Forces.

[18] THE CYPRIOT GOVERNMENT EXPECTS NEW DECISION ON THE ISSUE OF THE MILITARY DIALOGUE, STATED THE CYPRIOT GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN

Cypriot government spokesman, Yiannakis Kasoulidis stated after the cypriot cabinet meeting today that the cypriot government expects a new proposal on the issue of the military dialogue after Rauf Denktash's demand calling for the participation in the dialogue of a turkish-cypriot representative of the so-called "Security Forces".

The above statement was made by mr.Kasoulidis responding to the question if that issue is expected to be raised when the UN General Secretary special envoy, Gustav Feissel returns to Cyprus this month.

[19] MILOSEVIC, IZETBEGOVIC SIGN AGREEMENT, RESTORE THEIR COUNTRIES' RELATIONS

The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Bosnia-Herzegovina restored their diplomatic relations today, which they raised at an ambassadorial level, stated French President Jacques Chirac following the Paris-held meeting between Slobodan Milosevic and Alija Izetbegobic.

The two men signed an agreement which foresees the recognition of the lawful succession of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from Bosnia-Herzegovina, while, on its part, Belgrade's respect of Serbia's integrity.

Moreover, the two presidents agreed to restore the automotive and rail transportation between their countries and to abolish the visa requirement for their citizens. Limitations placed on the trade sector between the two coutnries are also expected to be lifted.

[20] ONE YEAR HAS PASSED SINCE ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AGAINST GLIGOROV

Today marks the one-year anniversary since the assassination attempt made against FYROM's President Kiro Gligorov, who was miraculously saved from the heavy explosives that annihilated his car and killed his driver and a passer-by on the morning of October 3, 1995.

Following the incident, from which Mr. Gligorov escaped almost unscathed since he underwent a series of operations and suffered an eye loss, the Foreign Ministry of FYROM speculated that the culprit behind the assassination attempt could be "an employee of a multi-national, economic group from one of FYROM's neighboring countries which constructed the explosive device that was used in the bombing."

Despite extensive and lenghty investigations, no substantive clues were brought to light.

[21] NEW WAVE OF HUNGER STRIKES IN TURKISH PRISONS

A new wave of hunger strikes begins in the turkish prisons as it is obvious that the government is not keeping the promises it made last summer, aimed at stopping the hunger strikes that killed 12 inmates.

After last night's riot and the hunger strike that began in Tsanakale Prison, other 75 inmates in Erzurum Prison began a hunger strike protesting against the living conditions there.

According to the news agency Anadolu, the inmates in Erzurum Prison demand from the government to materialize the promises it has made last July.

[22] POLISH POETESS VISLAWA ZIMBORSKA AWARDED NOBEL LITERATURE PRIZE

Polish poetess Vislawa Zimborska, 73, has been awarded the 1996 Nobel Prize for Literature.

Ms. Zimborska, "earned the valuable prize for her poetry which brings to light historical and physical aspects of the human reality."

The Nobelist's first poems were published in 1945 and since then she has penned twelve anthologies of poetry, all distinctly characterized by the philosophical quest of the era's moral issues.

[23] COUNCIL OF EUROPE TO OVERSEE ALBANIA'S LOCAL ELECTIONS ON OCTOBER 20

The Council of Europe will oversee Albania's municipal elections, scheduled to be held on October 20, by assigning 35 observers throughout the country.

Twenty of the appointed officials are deputies of mostly conservative factions, while the remaining 15 are technical- process observers.

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