Macedonian Press Agency News In English (96/10/25)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, October 25, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01]PRESIDENT OF GREECE IN THESSALONIKI, SALUTES MACEDONIA'S HELLENISM

The President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos arrived in Thessaloniki's "Macedonia" airport tonight, embarking on his three-day stay where he will attend the city's dual celebrations, the first being the celebration of October 26, a day that coincides with the religious holiday of St. Demetrius - Thessaloniki's patron saint- and the day when Thessaloniki was freed in 1912, and the second being the national holiday of October 28 commemmorating Greece's refusal to capitulate to Italy in 1940.

In his salute, President Stephanopoulos spoke at length about Macedonia, indirectly referring to the Greece-FYROM name issue.

"In my point of view, not knowing what the outcome of the diplomatic process will be, I am not worried that the Hellenism of Macedonia's name willl be lost," the President stated.

"Names and national characteristics cannot be taken away, they are granted by history. And history granted this name thousands of years ago to those who are truly entitled to bear it. It (the name) encompasses periods of Greek history, covers Greek territory and Greek populaces, which, no matter what happens, will remain the true and authentic Macedonians. And I am sorry, because those who attempt to adopt that name without being entitled to it, do not understand that they are behaving like those who, instead of showing their face, display a facade.

"What can a facade do for them, it bears no authenticity, it offers nothing more than what their true face could have offered them."

President Stephanopoulos was introduced by the Mayor of Thessaloniki Konstantinos Kosmopoulos, who in his address stated that the residents of Thessaloniki have for long guarded the country's 'Thermopylae'.

"We are undergoing uncertain times and are faced with new challenges in our history," Mr. Kosmopoulos stated, adding that "Thessaloniki is always in the forefront whenever Hellenism is challenged, our city is on a path firmly established on the national ideals."

Accompanying President Stephanopoulos on his visit to Thessaloniki is Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and the Republic's Secretary-General Emmanuel Ghikas.

[02] PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS MET IN MOSCOW WITH HIS RUSSIAN COUNTERPART

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, who is in Moscow to attend the Summit meeting of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation countries, had a half-hour meeting with his russian counterpart Victor Chernomirdin in which they agreed on the speeding-up of the solution of pending bilateral economic issues.

In statements after the meeting, mr.Simitis stressed that he and mr.Chernomirdin had substantive talks concerning all bilateral economic issues, while they also discussed the greek-turkish relations, the situation in the Balkans and the NATO enlargement.

Mr.Simitis stated that with his russian counterpart had a long and substantive discussion on bilateral issues and specifically on the issues concerning the natural gas, the Burgas- Alexandroupolis oil pipe-line, the alumina plant and the economic cooperation between the two countries.

In the meeting the positive relations between the two countries were affirmed and mr.Simitis expressed the hope that the existing good climate will continue. He also announced that the russian Prime Minister will visit Greece soon in order to settle pending issues in bilateral cooperation.

In the closed-doors meeting participated russian Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Nikolai Athanasievski and other russian officials and also, greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, greek ambassador to Moscow mr.Rodousakis and the Prime Minister's Diplomatic Office Director mr.Karataidis.

[03] MR.SIMITIS MET IN MOSCOW WITH THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UKRAINE AND GEORGIA

Greek Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis met with the Presidents of the Ukraine and Georgia Leonid Kudzma and Edvard Shevarnadze on the sidelines of the summit of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation countries held in Moscow.

In the meeting with the ukrainian President was confirmed that he will visit Athens on November 11 for extensive talks on the promotion of the greek-ukrainian relations especially in the economic sector.

Mr.Simitis stated that Greece and the greek people always had a strong presence in the Ukraine and underlined that the existing relations should be further developed, while the ukrainian President stated that the efforts made for the strengthening of relations must be supported.

In the fifteen minute meeting the greek Prime Minister had with mr.Shevarnadze the Georgian President congratulated mr.Simitis on his victory in the parliamentary elections and wished him good luck in his governmental work, while he invited him to Georgia in order for bilateral relations to become more formal with the signing of agreements.

The georgian President also thanked mr.Simitis for the greek support to Georgia regarding its economic development and also for Greece's support on the issue of his country's territorial integrity. He also expressed the hope that the greek Prime Minister's future visit to his country will contribute to the strengthening of the traditional relations that exist between the two peoples.

[04] GREEK PREMIER MEETS BRIEFLY WITH TURKEY'S PRESIDENT SULEIMAN DEMIREL

A brief meeting was held today in Moscow between Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and Turkish President Suleiman Demirel, within the framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) summit conference.

According to the Premier, "the conversation was brief and concerned the BSEC." He added that such meeting should have a more substantial preparation in order to lead to outcomes.

According to reports, prior to the conference's session Mr. Demirel approached Mr. Simitis and, after he congratulated him, wished him success.

[05] PREMIER TO ATTEND EUROPEAN SOCIALIST LEADERS MEETING IN HUNGARY

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and Defense Minister (also European Socialist Party Deputy President) Akis Tsohatzopoulos will represent Greece's ruling PASOK party at the European Socialist Leaders' meeting to be held this weekend in Budapest.

Socialist parties from European Union member-states will meet in Hungary with socialists from eastern European countries for the first time to discuss developments in the EU and the issue of its expansion.

[06] PREMIER SIMITIS: "IT'S QUITE POSSIBLE I COULD MEET WITH SULEIMAN DEMIREL"

An acquaintance meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and Turkey's President Suleiman Demirel is more likely than substantive talks, should the two men meet in Moscow today, under the framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) summit conference.

Upon his arrival in Moscow last evening, Mr. Simitis stated that he will meet all the premiers and leaders of the countries that are to participate at the conference and, as such, "it is quite possible I could meet with Mr. Demirel."

When asked if he plans to hold substantive talks with the Turkish leader, Mr. Simitis responded that "substantive talks cannot be held during a conference. Nevertheless, it is prudent and appropriate that at such an opportunity one meets other people, exchanges points of view and examines what can be done in the future."

In regards to BSEC's potential, the Premier stated that the organization provides an opportunity for improved cooperation among the member-countries.

"It constitutes an outlet for interpersonal commucation and is an effort to exchange information on issues such as the Bank of Commerce and Development of the Black Sea, based in Thessaloniki," Mr. Simitis stated.

Moreover, Mr. Simitis clarified that the BSEC is not like the European Union, but rather is the result of the countries' effort to resolve issues, and it should be continued as such.

[07] PM IN MOSCOW TO ATTEND CONFERENCE OF BLACK SEA COUNTRIES

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis is in Moscow today where he will participate at the summit meeting of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) countries.

The Premier is accompanied by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos and a delegation of officials from the Foreign and National Economy ministries.

Mr. Simitis will meet today his Russian counterpart Victor Cernomyrdin. The two leaders are expected to discuss issues of bilateral interest, and in particular the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline project and the natural gas line currently constructed in Greece.

Present at this summit meeting will be the presidents or premiers of BSEC's 11 countries-members which are Russia, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, the Ukraine, Georgia, Moldavia, Armenia, Albania and Azerbaijan.

The "11" are expected to sign a manifesto which will confirm their intent to deepen cooperation among them, especially in the economic sector.

The two basic issues of concern to BSEC are, first, to what degree must priority be given to cooperation among the countries- members and, second, if and when must SEC be established into an international organization.

Greece supports that the strengthening and intensification of the already-existing economic cooperation within BSEC must be given priority status. Moreover, both for BSEC's expansion and its transformation into an international organization, the greek side proposed that a task group be formed in order to study the relevant consequences prior to undertaking any decision.

Siding with the greek proposals are Bulgaria, the Ukraine and Armenia, which have submitted, along with Greece, a relevant proposal to be discussed in Moscow.

Also, Greece would be willing to consent to BSEC's expansion if Cyprus was included among other countries, a proposal which has met Turkey's opposition.

Two other issues are expected to be tabled in Moscow from the greek side. First, the Bank of Commerce and Development of the Black Sea, based in Thessaloniki, whose first President would be Mr. Volkan, Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller's advisor, and second, the International Center of Studies of the Black Sea which will be permanently established in Athens.

[08] MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER MILTIADES EVERT TO VISIT THESSALONIKI TODAY

Miltiades Evert, the President of the main opposition party New Democracy, arrived in Thessaloniki today in order to attend the festivities celebrating the city's patron Saint Dimitrius, on October 26 and the national holiday of October 28, commemmorating Greece's refusal to capitulate to Italy in 1940.

Upon his arrival, Mr. Evert stated that the resistance of the Greek people to pressures expected to be exerted in regards to national issues should stem from Thessaloniki.

Mr. Evert's visit to Thessaloniki marks Mr. Evert's first travel outside Athens following last month's elections. The opposition leader, who is also a Thessaloniki parliamentarian, will give a speech in town, addressing the over-one-thousand members of New Democracy's local committees.

According to reports, Mr. Evert will also refer extensively to the reasons that drove him to resign the night of the elections, hours after his defeat was clear, as well as his decision to claim the party's leadership back one week later.

[09] COMMENTS MADE BY MR.REPPAS ON THE TURKISH STATEMENT CONCERNING CYPRUS' ACCESSION TO THE EU

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas commenting on the statement issued by Turkey which links Cyprus' accession to the European Union with Turkey's customs union, stated that this country is in the habit of issuing statements for domestic consumption purposes.

Mr.Reppas added that the European Union has undertaken an obligation regarding Cyprus' accession.

[10] SPECIAL CEREMONY WAS HELD IN ATHENS THIS MORNING FOR THE FORMAL WELCOMING OF THE IOC EVALUATION COMMISSION MEMBERS

A special ceremony was held this morning in Zappion Building in Athens for the formal welcoming of the 19 members of the International Olympic Committee Evaluation Commission who are on a 5day visit to Greece.

The IOC Evaluation Commission will examine the course of the infrastructure projects underway in the country and will have talks with the members of the Greek Bidding Committee, responsible for promoting Greece's candidature for becoming the host of the Olympic Games of the year 2004.

The IOC Evaluation Commission members were received today by greek President Kostis Stephanopulos who assured them that the greek government and the greek state will do everything possible to bring the first Olympic Games of the next century to Greece.

In the afternoon the members of the Commission will visit the facilities of the Olympic Stadium in Athens.

The IOC Evaluation Commission members will visit 4 other cities and on March 7, 1997 will be announced five or more cities which will be the candidates for the hosting of the Olympic Games of 2004. The final decision will be announced on September 5, 1997.

[11] 45 GREEK BLUE-HELMETS RETURNED TO THESSALONIKI FROM BOSNIA

Fourty-five of the greek blue-helmets, who participated in the international peace-keeping force, returned to Thessaloniki today from Bosnia and 60 others already left for the former Yugoslav Republic to replace them.

The greek volunteers stated that the situation in Bosnia has normalized and stressed that they were satisfied with the living conditions there.

[12] THE EXCAVATIONS IN THE OASIS OF SIWA WILL NOT BE SUSPENDED, INSISTS GREEK ARCHEOLOGIST MS.SOUVALTZI

Greek archeologist, Liana Souvaltzi stated that the excavations in the tomb of Alexander the Great in the oasis of Siwa in Egypt will begin in early December, stressing that the egyptian Ministry of Culture has issued a permit since last July.

Ms.Souvaltzi characterized as lies the information reported by international news agencies according to which, the egyptian authorities have suspended the excavations with a decision that was included in the general plan of the new director of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, Ali Hassan.

[13] CLOCKS IN GREECE WILL BE PUT ONE HOUR BACK ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 27

Clocks in Greece will be put one hour back on October 27, and instead of 4am will show 3am.

This year the change of time was delayed by one month, as in the past it was taking place on the last Sunday of September.

The decision for the delay was made by the European Union in order to go along with Britain and the United States, where clocks are put back at the end of October and March. Winter time will be in effect until March 30.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[14] BULGARIA'S CENTRIST-PARTY PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE STOYANOV SPEAKS TO MPA

Bulgaria's presidential nominees are rolling up their sleeves for a neck-to-neck race during Sunday's elections that will determine the country's second president following the country's democratic change of 1989.

The two major contenders coveting the presidential seat are Peter Stoyanov, Deputy Chairman of the centrist United Democratic Forces (UDF) and Minister of Culture Ivan Marazov, a nominee of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP).

The up-to-date polls give a clear lead to the 44-year-old Stoyanov and, although he represents the right-wing tandem, social welfare is the core of his canvassing.

Speaking to the Macedonian Press Agency, Mr. Stoyanov, criticized the ruling Socialist Party headed by Premier Jean Videnov of driving the country to catastrophe and expressed his certainty that his tandem looks forward to an avalanche victory, confident of garnering over 50% of the votes.

Yet, many Sofia-based analysts assess that the race will enter a critical stage during run-offs, given the fact that aside from these two candidates, 11 others eye the presidential seat, of whom three or four are expected to gather impressive rates.

"The President is strong when he has political strength and social support," Mr. Stoyanov states in his pre-election campaign leaflets.

"We have this support, given that we are backed by the united democratic forces. We managed to unite the Bulgaria opposition. We believe that we will unite the Bulgarian people in order to put an end to the country's decadence," he adds.

According to Stoyanov's campaign manager Ivan Stanev, the UDF slogan "Don't miss" stands on three pivots: that Bulgaria should join NATO and the European Union and that there should be early parliamentary elections.

In regards to Bulgaria's accession to NATO, Mr. Stoyanov believes that Bulgaria is a small nation which needs to provide for its national security.

"In this context, participation in the Alliance is a guarantee for Bulgaria's national security. NATO is not merely a military coalition but it currently constitutes the only power that regulates issues correctly. And this is something that is not easily understood by a section of the Bulgarian populace which has been subjected to brainwashing for over 50 years now, through the previous regime's propaganda that said 'NATO is the tool of imperialism and a threat to national security and social welfare'," according to Mr. Stanev.

In regards to Bulgaria's relations with its Balkan neighbors, as Stoyanov would like to see them, Mr. Stanev elaborated that these ties are of primary importance, especially when it comes to Greece.

"For us Greece is an example of Balkan welfare," stated Mr. Stanev. "Our relations with Greece have special significance since we Bulgarians have a lot to learn from Greece, given that out of all our Balkan neighbors, Greece is the most compact, most democratic and most developed economically, as well as the only country-member of NATO and the EU."

Mr. Stoyanov's way to the presidential nomination was not smooth. He was nominated for President during a United Democratic Forces conference last March by a secret ballot. The Popular Union coalition nominated the incumbent President Zhelyu Zelev for another term in office. In the primaries of June 1, 1996, Mr. Stoyanov garnered 574,636 votes and Mr. Zhelev 295,089. After claiming that Stoyanov's victory was a "big manipulation", Mr. Zhelev stated that he would not be among the candidates on October 27.

[15] GREECE-FYROM NAME TALKS REPORTED TO BE HELD NOVEMBER 6 IN NEW YORK

According to diplomatic sources, the next meeting to be held between Greece and FYROM on the name issue is scheduled for November 6, in New York.

Greece's ambassador Christos Zacharakis and FYROM's Ivan Tosevski are to meet under the auspice of United Nations mediator Cyrus Vance.

[16] FORMER ARCHBISHOP OF NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA, IAKOVOS EXPRESSED DISBELIEF REGARDING THE US INITIATIVES

Former Archibishop of North and South America, Iakovos, who is on a visit to Greece, expressed disbelief to the US initiatives for the solution of the Cyprus problem and the settlement of the greek-turkish disputes.

Mr.Iakovos appeared concerned over the developments in national issues and the attacks made by muslim extremists against the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople. Responding to questions by reporters, the former Archbishop stated that he will not be a candidate for the position of the Patriarch of Alexandria.

[17] THE PRESIDENT OF THE SERB REPUBLIC IN BOSNIA WILL ARRIVE IN THESSALONIKI ON OCTOBER 28 FOR A FOUR-DAY VISIT

President of the Bosnian Serb Republic, Bljana Plavsic will be in Thessaloniki from October 28 to November 1 on the invitation of Kalamaria Mayor, Thrasivoulos Lazaridis.

Ms.Plavsic will attend the formal celebrations that will be held in the city on October 28 on the occasion of the anniversary of Greece's "No" to fascist Italy during World War II.

On Tuesday, October 29 the President of the Serb Republic in Bosnia and mr.Lazaridis will give a joint press conference and on Wednesday morning she will visit the Zeytinlik Cemetary. Later, ms.Plavsic will visit the Archeological Museum and will have contacts with representatives of the Exporters Association in Northern Greece.

In the afternoon of the same day, ms.Plavsic will visit the families in the municipality of Kalamaria who were hosts to 100 children from the war-torn regions in former Yugoslavia for seven months.

[18] DISENGAGEMENT TALKS WILL BEGIN IN NICOSIA ON TUESDAY

Disengagement talks will begin in Nicosia on Tuesday with the participation of cypriot National Guard and turkish occupation forces Chiefs of Staff.

The talks' coordinator will be UN peace-keeping forces Chief of Staff, Richard Talbot. Among the issues to be discussed will be those concerning the disengagement of troops and the buffer zone minefields.

[19] TURKEY AND THE OCCUPATION REGIME ARE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RECENT KILLINGS OF GREEK-CYPRIOTS, ACCORDING TO MR.KLIRIDIS

Cypriot President, Glafkos Kliridis writes in his reply letter to turkish-cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash that Turkey and the occupation regime are directly responsible for the recent killings of greek-cypriots at the demarcation line in Cyprus.

Mr.Kliridis characterized the killings of the four greek- cypriots as savage, brutal and cowardly, and made a detailed presentation of the facts.

The cypriot President used extensive excerpts from reports submitted by the UN Secretary-General and also from the European Commission consultatory response in explaining why the holding of direct talks is not advisable at this time and why the involvement of the European Union and other powers is useful for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[20] UNESCO TO CELEBRATE ITS 50 YEARS WITH A "PEACE MEETING" IN CALYMNOS

Fifty white doves will be set free in the sky of the Greek island of Calymnos on Sunday, celebrating the 50-year mark since the founding of UNESCO, and the establishment of peace in the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean.

The widow of France's former President Francois Mitterand, Madame Daniele Mitterand, salutes Greece as Europe's "lighthouse of culture", in her message to the Calymnos chapter of UNESCO. Greek author Vasilis Vasilikos, Greece's permanent representative to UNESCO also salutes the festivities and in his letter states that these efforts represent the organization's most profound ideals.

So far, fifteen messages of peace have been forwarded by peace nobelists whose statements will be read on Sunday.

The event is jointly organized by the Dodekanese Chapter of UNESCO.

[21] EUROPARLIAMENT ADOPTS TWO RESOLUTIONS CONDEMNING TURKEY

The European Parliament's plenary session adopted two significant resolutions concerning Turkey's relations with Europe and Cyprus.

According to the first document, which condemns the four "cold blood" murders of Greek-Cypriots and asks that a close investigation be conducted in order to discover the perpetrators and bring them before justice, the European Parliament "re-affirms its decision to freeze funding cooperation with Turkey as well as MEDA-program funds, except those MEDA funds that concern the promotion of democracy."

The first resolution calls on Turkey to respect human rights in Cyprus and asks the "EU member-states to react by exerting continuous and firm pressure on Turkey in order to relieve the island from the presence of all turkish troops, secure the freedom of mobility to all the citizens and to reach a fair and peaceful solution in accordance to the relevant resolution of the United Nations Security Council."

The second resolution condemns the bombing attacks against the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople, asks that measures be taken for restoration of damages at the St. George Cathedral and mainly asks the Turkish government to "differentiate its position in regards to the statements concerning the transformation of the Aghia Sophia Byzantine church into a Muslim mosque and to wholly condemn any form of violation of religous freedoms."

Concurrently, the resolution asks that the Halke Theological School be re-opened and asks UNESCO to undertake initiatives regarding Constantinople's religious monuments, i.d. restoration, maintenance, etc.

[22] EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT APPROVES "PHILOXENIA" TOURISM PROGRAM

The European Parliament's Plenary Session unanimously accepted the first long-term program for european tourism "Philoxenia", which was recently adopted by the European Commission following an introduction by tourism Commissioner Christos Papoutsis.

The Greek Commissioner expressed his pleasure at the decision and stated that he hopes the Ministerial Council will follow suit by also recognizing "Philoxenia"'s contribution to european tourism.

[23] ALBANIA: CENTRAL ELECTION COMMISSION RELEASES FIRST ROUND OF RESULTS

The Albanian Central Election Commission announced today the first round of results of last Sunday's local elections, according to which the country's two major parties, the Democratic and the Socialist, will hold battle again during this Sunday's run-offs.

The outcome, in combination with the positive critiques echoing from the international community to the ruling Democrats regarding the election process, has provoked the chagrin of the socialists and has resulted in inter-party bickering.

[24] THE EURO-PARLIAMENT PASSED A RESOLUTION YESTERDAY FOR THE APPROVAL OF AN AID PROGRAMME FOR BULGARIA

The European Parliament with a resolution that was voted through yesterday in Strasburg calls for the approval of an emergency aid programme for Bulgaria in order to help this country deal effectivelly with the dramatic grain shortage it faces.

The resolution that was submitted by the Socialist Group and was introduced by greek Euro-deputy from the party of PASOK and President of the Joint Parliamentary Committee Nikos Papakiriazis had the backing of all the greek Euro-deputies.

Mr.Papakiriazis underlined the need to send to the bulgarian people and the bulgarian government a positive message with which the European Union will be able to show that it respects the association agreement reached with this country.

He also stated that the European Union must support this country giving a special emphasis to the fact that Bulgaria's relations with the EU are in no danger.

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