Macedonian Press Agency News In English (96/11/01)

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, November 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] PREMIER MEETS WITH DEFENSE MINISTER TO DISCUSS ARMS DEAL

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis met with Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos today and discussed Greece's five-year arms deal, according to government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos stated in Parliament that the arms deal is going to cost trillions of drachmas, while deputy Defense Minister Dimitris Apostolakis has assessed the cost at one trillion.

Mr. Simitis stated that part of the arms deal could be funded through foreign borrowing. The final decision on the matter is expected to be taken during November.

[02] PM TO MODERNIZE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis announced today that the Government will proceed to undertake a series of long-term and short-term measures aimed at modernizing public administration and the structure of local government.

Following a meeting with the Minister of the Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Alekos Papadopoulos, Mr. Simitis, announced that these measures include plans to spread the country's decision-making centers from Athens to the rest of the country, through a draft resolution to be presented in Parliament next week.

Also along the lines of modernization, the Premier announced that a code of professionalism will be established for public servants, along with measures aimed at upgrading services offered to the public.

"We need to shuffle the papers from office to office, not the people," the Premier said characteristically.

[03] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT HAS A CLEAR AND UNEQUIVOCAL POLICY, STATED THE GREEK GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN

Greek government spokesman, Dimitris Reppas stressed, commenting on the proposal made by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Christos Rozakis on a moratorium concerning the Aegean, that the government has a clear and unequivocal policy, adding that the foreign policy is only one, that of the greek government, which is being followed by everyone.

Mr.Reppas said that mr.Rozakis' views are within the framework of the greek government's foreign policy, adding that the problem in the Aegean is not the military exercises held but Turkey's disorderly military activity which creates tensions.

The greek government spokesman underlined that the problem is Turkey's aggressive behaviour toward Greece.

[04] FORMER GREEK PRIME MINISTER MITSOTAKIS' INTERVIEW TO THE TURKISH NEWSPAPER "ZAMAN"

Former greek Prime Minister and honorary President of the main opposition party New Democracy, Konstantinos Mitsotakis in an interview to the turkish newspaper "Zaman" supports the greek- turkish dialogue under the pre-condition that territorial integrity, international law and international agreements will be respected.

Mr.Mitsotakis, described by the turkish newspaper as an experienced politician who stayed away from prejudice, stressed in the interview that dialogue with Turkey has to be based on certain pre-conditions.

[05] THE GREEK MINISTRY OF LABOUR ESTIMATES THAT THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN THE COUNTRY ARE ABOUT 400 THOUSAND

Greece is the country where the largest number of illegal immigrants from the Balkans end up, as it was announced by Labour and Social Security Minister Miltiadis Papaioannou in the first meeting of the Committee for the legalization of illegal immigrants.

According to mr.Papaioannou, the number of illegal immigrants in Greece is estimated at about 400 thousand. The Minister stressed that their legalization will put an end to racism and xenophobia and will cover the labour market demands while it will stop the over-exploitation of immigrants.

The Committee is made up of specialists from the Ministries of Labour, Public Order and Foreign Affairs as well as union and employers' representatives and is expected to complete its task within four months when it will present a draft Presidential decree to the government.

According to the proposed draft, the illegal immigrants will have to be supplied with two cards, a residence card and a temporary work permit card, both of which will be renewed.

Nevertheless, problems continue to exist concerning both the handling of immigrants who will not be included in the legalization process and the issue of border checks.

[06] THE GREEK MINISTER OF CULTURE MET IN ROME WITH HIS COUNTERPART AND ITALIAN GOVERNMENT VICE-PRESIDENT

Greek Minister of Culture Evangelos Venizelos met in Rome today with his counterpart and italian government vice-President mr.Veltroni.

The two men discussed bilateral cooperation on cultural issues and the organizing of greek-italian cultural events.

As it was agreed, a tribute to italian cinema will be held in Thessaloniki next year when the city will be the Cultural Capital of Europe while a Symposium of italian and european intellectuals will also be organized.

[07] MR.PETSALNIKOS FOUND THAT THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN MELBOURNE IS INTERESTED IN INCREASING THE TRADE TRANSACTIONS WITH NORTHERN GREECE

In the meeting Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos had in Melbourne today with greek-australian Parliament deputies and Senators in the state of Victoria, was stressed that there is great potential in the development of trade cooperation between Greece and Australia.

Mr.Petsalnikos arrived in Melbourne this morning within the framework of his 8day formal visit to Australia on the invitation of the greek community and government officials in New South Walles and Victoria.

The greek-australian politicians stated that there are prospects for great cooperation between Australia and Northern Greece having as a target the promotion of australian investments in the Balkans and also, the promotion of greek products in the market of south-eastern Asia.

[08] THE GOVERNMENT'S ECONOMIC MEASURES WILL BE ANNOUNCED TOGETHER WITH THE STATE BUDGET AT THE END OF THE MONTH, STATED MR.PAPANTONIOU

Minister of National Economy and Finance, Yiannos Papantoniou responding to a question made in Parliament by New Democracy leader Miltiadis Evert stated today that the government's economic measures will be announced at the end of the month together with the state budget.

The Minister pointed out that the economic policy can not be announced in parts and stressed that based on the Constitution and the usual practice the government's economic policy is always announced at the end of the month of November together with the state budget.

[09] MINISTRY OF THE AEGEAN TO BOOST TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN ISLANDS

Minister of the Aegean Elizabeth Papazoi announced today that her Ministry will mobilize to transform the Aegean into a cultural and environmental pole for the Mediterranean and all of Europe.

Ms. Papazoi, speaking during the opening of the Thessaloniki- held 12th International Tourism Exhibit "Philoxenia", stated that the Ministry's main target is to upgrade the quality of tourism and promote the further development of tourism in the Aegean islands.

[10] GREENPEACE EMBARKS ON A MISSION TO "STOP OIL, GO SOLAR" IN CRETE

Protesting Greece's energy policies, Greenpeace activists hanged a huge banner yesterday on a giant power plant in Heraklion, Crete, with the message to "Stop Oil, Go Solar" in an effort to convince the public of the advantages of solar energy.

About a dozen activists sneaked inhto the Public Power Corporation (DEH) plant during the early morning hours yesterday and climbed onto the plant's 80-meter high chimneys, escaping detection from the plant's security.

The noxious gases produced by burning fossil fuels, such as oil, include carbon dioxide which is the greenhouse gas that damages the earth's climate.

The activists chose the Heraklion plant as the embarking point of an international campaign to promote solar energy. Greenpeace has proposed building solar power plants which will store energy by using a hydraulic system, supplemented by wind- powered plants.

On the other end of the spectrum, Greek government authorities stated that the activists' protests merely aim to impress the public and rejected the Greenpeace proposals as being unrealistic.

According to the Government, Crete's energy needs rise about eight per cent per year, a figure twice the national average, and the island's energy demands are not sufficiently covered by the other two existing power plants, which sometimes leads to black outs.

[11] DEVELOPMENT MINISTER EXPRESSES CONTAINED OPTIMISM FOR GREECE'S TOURISM

Development Minister Vasso Papandreou expressed her contained optimism for the future of Greece's tourism.

Ms. Papandreou, inaugurating the formal opening of the Thessaloniki-held 12th International Tourism Exhibit "Philoxenia" last evening, stated that despite the negative forecasts expressed in the spring for last summer's tourism season, the actual drop in tourism activity was maintained at a rate below ten per cent, while the exchange inflow presented a slight increase.

Regarding the upcoming tourism season, Ms. Papandreou stated that she is "guardedly optimistic", forecasting that any change in tourism activity will be quite slight.

Nevertheless, the Minister stated that the target ought not to be the quantitative increase of tourism, but rather qualitative improvement.

[12] GREEK COMMISSIONER WILL PRESENT ENERGY PROPOSALS TO ALBANIA- FYROM

The European Commissioner holding the portfolios of tourism, energy and small-to-medium enterprises Christos Papoutsis is eagerly awaited to arrive in Skopje tomorrow, the second part of his tour of Albania and FYROM, where he will table proposals on these countries' cooperation with the European Union in the energy sector.

The press in FYROM has given emphasis to the Greek Commissioner's visit, focusing on Mr. Papoutsis' proposals to link FYROM with the regional energy center of the Black Sea countries, as well as his suggestion to construct a Skopje-Thessaloniki oil pipeline in order to transport fuel directly from the port of Thessaloniki to the refineries of Skopje.

While in Skopje, Mr. Papoutsis will meet with FYROM President Kiro Gligorov, Premier Branco Cervenkovski and FYROM's Ministers of Economics and Foreign Affairs. Mr. Papoutsis' visit to FYROM marks the second time an EU Commissioner visits the country, following Mr. Hans Van den Broek's visit in the summer of 1995.

In Tirana today, the Greek Commissioner is scheduled to meet with Albanian President Sali Berisha, Prime Minister Alexander Mecsi and high-ranking officials of the Albanian government with whom he will discuss Albania's cooperation with the EU in the energy sector.

While in Tirana, Mr. Papoutsis will inaugurate the city's energy center which has been funded by the European Commission.

[13] GREEK CONSTRUCTORS-BUILDERS TO LOOK INTO BUSINESS VENTURES IN FYROM

A delegation of Greek businessmen in the construction and building sector will visit FYROM on November 3-4 in order to examine the opportunities for collaboration with comparable companies in Skopje.

The delegation, which will be headed by the Foreign Ministry's director of the Greece-FYROM Economic Cooperation Department Dimitris Platis, will meet with FYROM's Premier Branco Cervenkovski and FYROM's Minister's of City Planning, Reconstruction and Transport, Georgi Shudovski and Dimitar Buzlevski, respectively.

The 13-member Greek delegation and the officials from FYROM will also examine the potential of joint ventures between Greece- FYROM in third countries.

[14] THE GREEK UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS WILL VIST CYPRUS NEXT WEEK

Greek Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Christos Rozakis will visit Cyprus next week heading a Foreign Ministry delegation.

Mr.Rozakis is expected to discuss the issue of Cyprus' accession to the European Union and the british alternative proposals for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Mr.Rozakis stated that during his visit to Cyprus he will have talks with all the political parties in the country in order to have a total view of the developments concerning the course of the Cyprus problem.

[15] THE GREEK PARLIAMENT WILL OFFER 50 MILLION DRACHMAS TO THE FAMILY OF GREEK-CYPRIOT PETROS KAKOULLIS

The greek Parliament unanimously decided to offer 50 million drachmas to the family of greek-cypriot Petros Kakoullis, who was killed by the turkish occupation forces, in order to be used for the purchase of a house.

As it was stressed by Parliament President, Apostolos Kaklamanis the decision was made when it was found out that the housing conditions of Kakoullis' family were not good.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[16] THE PRESIDENT OF THE CZECH PARLIAMENT WANTS THE RELATIONS WITH GREECE TO BE DEVELOPED

Czech Republic Parliament President, Milos Zelman in an exclusive interview to MPA stated that Greece, as a country with an economic structure and geographic size similar to his own country could have displayed greater solidarity to the Czech Republic than the super-powers in its effort to become an EU and a NATO member, clarifying that many times the super-powers do not understand the problems of the small states completely.

Mr.Zelman after pointing out that the Czech Republic already has filed an application for EU membership while it also wants to become a NATO member, stressed that his country will accept with pleasure the help of any EU member-state in this effort, clarifying that EU accession negotiations will begin after the Inter-Governmental Conference.

Regarding the further improvement of the relations between the greek and czech Parliaments, mr.Zelman underlined that he regards as useful the exchange of visits by parliamentary groups and the cooperation of specilized parliamentary committees not only on issues of foreign policy but on economic issues as well.

Mr.Milos Zelman was born in the city of Kolin in 1944 and studied Economics in the University of Prague, while in 1968 he became a member of the Communist party. In the revolution of 1989 was an active member of the Forum of Citizens and in 1990 was elected Federal Parliament deputy and President of the Budget and Planning Committees. Mr.Zelman was elected President of the Czech Republic Parliament in February of 1993, a position he continues to hold until today.

Responding to the question on the possibilities for further improvement of the traditionally good relations between the two countries, mr.Zelman said that this can be achieved through their greater cooperation in the tourist sector and also through the exploitation of their economic potential.

Referring to the domestic political situation he pointed out that it is strange how the problems of the past affect political behaviour and also how this past affects developments in the Czech Republic, stating that certain government members are still unable to break away from the stereotypes of the Bolshevik thinking.

Forecasting on the results of the Czech Senate elections, the Parliament President of the Czech Republic referred to the determining factor of voter turn-out in the elections and to the possibility of a serious political crisis, as the Senate could block the laws passed in Parliament.

Finally, mr.Zelman responding to a question on the stability in the Balkans and the Mediterranean as being the necessary factor for the uneventful development of Europe, underlined that the Czech Republic has sent a military unit to Bosnia fulfiling its peace-keeping and humanitarian mission aimed at stopping the continuation of the civil war in the region.

[17] SAE PRESIDENT IN CYPRUS, TO MEET WITH PRESIDENT GLAFKOS CLERIDES

The President of the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) Andrew Athens is in Cyprus today where he wil meet with Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and will discuss the initiatives taken by the Greek-American communities in the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem.

Mr. Athens expressed his conviction that President Clinton, following his re-election, will work for this matter in such a way that he will "remain in history", as the SAE President stated characteristically.

[18] CYPRUS: NATIONAL COUNCIL TO CONVENE TODAY

The National Council, will convene today in Cyprus in order to examine the progress made on the Cypriot issue under the prism of the British government's proposals and ideas.

The British interest, as it was displayed during the recent visit to Nicosia by Sir David Hannay, Britain's special emissary for Cyprus, is expected to become more specific during the British Foreign Minister Malcolm Rifkind's visit to Cyprus in December.

Sir David Hannay has already briefed the remaining permanent members of the Security Council on the British ideas while Russia has informed Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides of its positions.

During today's session, President Clerides is expected to brief the Cypriot political parties on the UNFICYP's proposals for disengagement and on the process of the military dialogue.

[19] PRESIDENT OF CYPRIOT PARLIAMENT TO ARRIVE IN ATHENS ON SUNDAY

The Speaker of the Cypriot House of Representatives Spyros Kyprianou will be on a formal visit to Athens between November 3- 6, following an invitation issued by the President of the Greek Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis.

Mr. Kyprianou will be received by the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.

Mr. Kyprianou and Mr. Kaklamanis wil discuss matters of establishing coordination between the two parliaments.

The Cypriot official will also meet with Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and leaders from various political parties.

Mr. Kyprianou will be accompanied by the director of Cyprus's International Relations Services Yiannakis Georgiadis.

[20] TURKEY DISPLEASED BY UNESCO'S "PEACE MEETING IN THE AEGEAN"

The recently-held "Peace Meeting in the Aegean", organized by the Greek chapter of UNESCO, has provoked Turkey's displeasure, according to a report broadcast on Italy's RAI radio.

According to the report, Turkey's displeasure was heightened when a message from the late French Premier's widow Danielle Mitterand was published during the events, wherein she asked for the release of the Kurdish politicians who are imprisoned in Turkey.

[21] SERB REPUBLIC OF BOSNIA: MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT DON'T SEE EYE TO EYE

The gap between the military and political leaderships of the Serb Republic in Bosnia has further widened.

Following the reports on the potential discharge of BosnianSerb army leader Ratko Mladic, the Bosnianserb military authorities have confirmed that such plan is in the wrokd by the President of the Serb Republic Biljana Plavsic.

According to reports, the military leadership has openly lashed against Ms. Plavsic, accusing her of paving the road to remove General Mladic, along with 70 other high-ranking army officials.

[22] YUGOSLAVIA-FYROM TO SOON DO AWAY WITH VISA REQUIREMENT

Residents of Yugoslavia and FYROM will soon be able to travel from one country to another without a visa, as the Yugoslav federal government has announced that the visa requirement will be withdrawn, within the framework of the recent cooperation agreement with FYROM.

[23] AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY LEADER AIMS TO OPEN CONSULATE IN THESSALONIKI

The leader of South Australia's Labor Party Mike Ryan has embarked on a country-wide campaign to establish an Australian consulate in Thessaloniki.

Mr. Ryan has stated that Thessaloniki is developing into an economic and commerce center in the Balkans and the Black Sea region and therefore the founding of such consulate is necessary.

The relevant draft memorandum, drawn by Mr. Ryan and Labor Party nominee Tom Koustantonis, is being circulated for signatures of support and afterwards will be submitted to Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer for approval.

[24] AUSTRALIAN PM JOHN HOWARD HAILS GREEK-AUSTRALIAN BUSINESSMEN

Australian Prime Minister John Howard highly acknowledged his country's Greek immigrants by stating that one cannot talk of Australia's economic development or business activities without thinking of the Greek and Italian immigrants who played a central role in this area.

In a speech given in Brisbane, Mr. Howard saluted all of his country's immigrants and reminded that Australia is a nation founded by immigrants who, together and independently of nationality, contributed greatly to the development of Australia.

In the recent weeks, following the inflammatory comments made by an Australian deputy who is opposed to the Australian society's multi-ethnic make-up, as well as the influx of Asian immigrants and cultural aproach with the Aborigines, an anti-racist climate has been noted in Australia, driving the government and opposition to embark on "fight racism" campaigns.

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