MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (96-10-10)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, October 10, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREEK MIRAGE 2000 CRASHES NEAR ANDROS ISLAND, PILOT SAVED

A greek Mirage 2000 crashed shortly after 11 a.m. in the sea near the island of Andros this morning during a flight exercise. Its pilot was located and saved by greek forces.

According to Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, the fighter jet's fall was caused by technical failure. The pilot, officer Lakides, was transfered to Athens' General Hospital and is undergoing tests.

[02] PRIME MINISTER PRESENTS GOVERNMENT PROGRAM TO PARLIAMENT

The Prime Minister and ruling PASOK party President Kostas Simitis presented his government's program for the next four years in the Parliament's Plenary session this evening and outlined his policies all across the board, ranging from foreign affairs to internal development and reform.

The basic axes of his concise governmental policy outline were that Greece's foreign and social policies must be strengthened, the national economy needs to be stabilized and its main task will be fulfilling the European Union's economic covergence criteria.

On national matters, the Premier emphasized that Greece will maintain its policy on Turkey, that is, no dialogue, while regarding FYROM, Greece will insist on upholding the interim agreement it has drawn with the neighboring country regarding the name issue.

Moreover, the Premier stated that a gigantic effort will be exerted to modernize the everyday functioning of the state apparatus and government services on all aspects, namely administration, environment, social services, state pension funds and public enterprises.

Greece's foreign policy, Mr. Simitis stated, will be one that expands its opportunities in the Balkans and the southeastern Mediterranean, while concurrently having to face turkish expansionism in the Aegean Sea and Cyprus. In regards to Turkey, the Premier stated that Greece's national sovereignty and territorial integrity are not subject to questioning or negotiation.

"If Turkey believes there are differences to be settled, the door to the International Justice Court at The Hague is open," he stated.

The Cyprus issue, he stated, is a foremost priority for the government, which applies a cohesive strategy for the Balkans, through which Greece will emerge as a factor of peace, stability, development and wefare in the greater region.

Regarding FYROM, the Premier pointed out that the relations between the two countries have been settled by the signing of the interim agreement, through which FYROM was bound, anong other matters, to accept that the issue of the name is subject to negotiation.

Taking the podium tomorrow will be the opposition parties and the process will be completed on Saturday around midnight when the Parliament will be asked to grant a vote of confidence to the Government.

[03] MAIN OPPOSITION COMMENTS ON PREMIER'S PROGRAM PRESENTATION

Konstantinos Mitsotakis, the honorary president of Greece's main opposition party New Democracy, commented on the Premier's program presentation in Parliament tonight by stating that while Mr. Simitis clearly presented Greece's danger of being left marginal in the ongoing European developments, he failed to name the nation's specific problems or provide solutions.

"That's too bad," Mr. Mitsotakis said, "I expected something better."

[04] THE GREEK CABINET DISCUSSED THE BASIC AXES AND THE FINAL FORM OF THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY STATEMENTS

The greek cabinet in its meeting today discussed the basic axes and the final form of the government's policy statements that will be presented in Parliament this afternoon.

The creation of a strong Greece within the framework of the foreign policy, the stabilization of the economy, economic growth, institutional reorganization and reforms, welfare and big public works' projects are expected to be the policy statements' guidelines.

The government ministers presented their proposals certain of which will be taken under consideration in the final document of the government's programme.

This afternoon, after the presentation of the government's policy statements in Parliament, the Prime Minister will underline that Greece has entered a new polical circle with distinct characteristics and will reiterate that the country has to meet its targets concerning the convergence programme.

[05] THE GREEK FOREIGN MINISTRY REACTED STRONGLY TO THE TURKISH STATEMENTS THAT CHARACTERIZED THE MILITARY EXERCISE "NIKIFOROS" AS AGGRESSIVE ACTION

The greek Foreign Ministry reacted strongly to yesterday's statements made by turkish assistant Foreign Ministry spokesman, Sermet Atanzali, who characterized as an act of aggression the joint Greek-Cypriot military exercises held within the framework of the Joint Defence Doctrine between Greece and Cyprus, stressing at the same time that his country will respond in a similar manner.

Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman, Kostas Bikas stressed that for over 20 years Turkey displays a provocative and unlawful behaviour in Cyprus where it occupies part of an independent state violating international treaties and blocking this way the stability in south-eastern Mediterranean.

Mr.Bikas also stressed that the reconnaissance and interception of the turkish fighter jet, that crashed west of the Aegean island of Chios, took place in the greek air space, rejecting the turkish allegations that the incident occured in international air space.

[06] THE GREEK PRESIDENT BECAME HONORARY CITIZEN OF THE CITY OF KUOPIO IN FINLAND

Greek President, Kostis Stephanopoulos, who is wrapping up today his formal visit to Finland, became honorary citizen of the city of Kuopio. The formal ceremony was held this morning at the City Hall in the presence of the Finn President.

In his speech the mayor of Kuopio underlined Greece's contribution to western civilization and said that the visit of the greek President to the city is a great honour for its citizens.

Mr.Stephanopoulos expressed his joy for being in Kuopio, describing it as one of the most beautiful cities in Finland and referred to the ties linking the greeks with this country.

Later, mr.Stephanopoulos visited Archbishop of Karelia and All of Finland, Ioannis who pointed out that in spite of the distance separating the two countries their relations are very close. He also underlined that the visit by mr.Stephanopoulos strengthens the old ties between the two countries and builds new bridges between the Greeks and the Finns, between the Greeks and the philhellenes.

Responding mr.Stephanopoulos said that he is very happy to visit the seat of the Orthodox Church in Finland. Stressing that it is a Church with a bright future and a distinct position in the Christian Orthodox world.

Mr.Stephanopoulos said that Archbishop Ioannis is not only a great bishop who serves his Church and his nation with consistency but also, he is a great friend of Greece with deep knowledge of the greek language and cultural heritage. The greek President stressed that Archbishop Ioannis is an able spiritual leader who truly contributes to the further strengthening of the relations between Greece and Finland.

[07] PRESIDENT OF GREECE TO VISIT POLAND ON OCTOBER 21-23

Having completed today his visit to Finland, President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will also travel to Poland on October 21-23.

During his formal visit to Warsaw, President Stephanopoulos will meet with Polish President Mr. Kwasnievski and other political leaders.

[08] HUNGARIAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT GREECE ON MONDAY

Hungary's Foreign Minister Laszlo Kovac will be in Athens on Monday where he will have successive meetings with the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and President of Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis.

According to a spokesperson from the Hungarian Foreign Ministry, aside from matters of bilateral relations, Mr. Kovac is expected to discuss the efforts currently being made by Hungary to join European and Atlanic institutions.

Following Athens, Mr. Kovac will also visit Cyprus where he will meet with Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and President of the Parliament Spyros Kyprianou in Nicosia.

While there, Mr. Kovac will also meet with Hungarian soldiers participating in the Austrian detachment of the United Nations peacekeeping forces.

[09] THE GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER WILL VISIT ZAGREB AND SARAJEVO ON OCTOBER 16-18

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos will make a two-day visit to Zagreb and Sarajevo on October 16-18.

The visit has a special interest for Greece within the framework of its contribution to the reconstruction of Bosnia and its presence in the international peace-keeping force.

Earlier, on October 14 the greek Foreign Minister will visit Hungary.

[10] MINISTER OF MACEDONIAN THRACE PHILIPPOS PETSALNIKOS TO VISIT AUSTRALIA

The Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos will visit Australia at the end of October in order to participate at the "Dimitria" annual festival, organized by the Victorian Pan- Macedonian Union.

Mr. Petsalnikos will arrive in Sydney on October 30 and, during his two-day visit will travel to Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

[11] EUROPARLIAMENT DELEGATION VISITS THESSALONIKI'S CEDEFOP HEADQUARTERS

A delegation of deputies from the European Parliament's Committee of Social Affairs and Occupation met with CEDEFOP officials in Thessaloniki today and the two groups addressed the negative climate created some months ago when Europarliament deputies had questioned the necessity of CEDEFOP, the European Center of Professional Formation.

The meeting which will be held over until tomorrow afternoon, will address CEDEFOP's transfer from Berlin, its previous base, to Thessaloniki, as well as examine its 1997 employment program and look into its collaboration with the European Parliament and the European Commission.

PASOK eurodeputy Nikos Papakyriazis, who is the committee's permanent representative on CEDEFOP-related matters, told the Macedonian Press Agency that the criticism which had been voiced regarding the Center was concerning CEDEFOP's transfer to Thessaloniki and had been expressed mostly by the Center's european employees.

[12] EUROPEAN INSURANCE AGENTS HOLD CONFERENCE IN THESSALONIKI

European insurance firms embarked today on a three-day conference held in Thessaloniki with representatives participating from throughout Europe.

The Comute Des Assurances (CEA) is the Federation of Insurance Unions from 25 european countries and is expert in matters regarding private insurance in the European Union.

Over 150 European insurance agents will brainstorm on the rapidly developing insurance sector, and emphasis will be given on the consequences expected to be born by the projected single currency on private insurance. Organizing the event is Greece's Union of Insurance Companies.

[13] LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS OPENS NEW GREEK STUDIES CENTER

A new center of Greek studies will be inaugurated at the London School of Economics today by foreign Undersecretary George Papandreou.

The center, titled "Greek Observatory for the Study of Modern Greece" will serve as a research facility for educators, historians and students.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Mr. Papandreou stated that the Greek Government's aim is to optimally contribute to the establishment of greek studies centers at foreign universities.

Mr. Papandreou referred to recent legislation that foresees the creation of a committee comprising representatives from the ministries of Education, Foreign Affairs and Culture, as well as the Foundation of Education of the Greeks Living Abroad, which will oversee the priorities of these tasks and provide funding for the establishment of greek sections in various universities abroad. Among the set targets is the establishment of a Greek studies center in Eastern Europe and Russia.

[14] LOCAL LABORERS PROTEST GOLD MINING IN HALKIDIKI, TO HOLD 24- HOUR STRIKE

The gold production project in the Halkidiki peninsula operated by canadian company TVX Gold, has provoked a 24-hour strike by the local laborers association who, along with a large portion of the area's residents, are opposed to the project fearing that it will result in immeasurable environmental pollution.

The planned strike will take place on Monday, October 14, while a protest march will also be held in front of the TVX premises in Olympiada.

The project, operated by TVX-Gold Hellas, an affiliate of the Canadian mining company TVX Gold Inc., will cost the greek government 63 billion drachmas, approximately 262 million USD, and is scheduled to be completed by next year.

TVX Gold foresees that the project will triple the area's gold output to 1.2 million ounces by 1998.

According to environmental impact reports published by TVX Gold, the project is environmentally sound as it will employ modern technology to release fine gold contained in quartz and pyrite reserves at the mines.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[15] TENS OF AFTERSHOCKS WERE RECORDED IN CYPRUS AFTER YESTERDAY'S STRONG EARTHQUAKE MEASURING 6,4 ON THE RICHTER SCALE

Tens of aftershocks were recorded in Cyprus after yesterday's strong earthquake measuring 6,4 on the Richter scale that was also felt in the south-eastern Aegean island of Rhodes, Lebanon, Cairo and Tel Aviv.

An elderly man in Cyprus died from heart attack in yesterday's earthquake and over 50 people were injured, while buildings were damaged in the cities of Limmasol, Paphos and Nicosia.

An aftershock measuring 5,5 on the Richter scale was recorded last night, while this morning Cyprus was hit again by a new strong aftershock of 5,6 on the Richter scale.

Meanwhile, another tremor measuring 4,9 on the Richter scale was recorded today at 1.42pm in southern Greece and its epicenter was located in the sea region, 53 kilometers west of Pilos in the Peloponnese.

[16] US SPECIAL COORDˆNATOR IN CYPRUS TO LEAVE POST, REPLACEMENT UNKNOWN

United States Ambassador to Cyprus James Williams will depart from his position as the State Department's special coordinator for Cyprus, although this move does not represent a demotion of the Cyprus matter, according to White House spokesman Nicholas Burns.

Mr. Burns stated that Mr. Williams' departure should not be construed as a reduction in the U.S.'s efforts to promote a solution to the cypriot issue.

"This change is in no way signifying any lessening of the administration's resolve to be helpful to the parties of Greece, Cyprus and Turkey," Mr. Burns stated, adding that it is a normal rotation in Mr. Williams' duties. The White House offcial did not say who will replace Mr. Williams.

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