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Macedonian Press Agency News In English (96/11/06)

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, November 6, 1996


NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS


TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

  • [01] PREMIER OPTIMISTIC ON ECONOMY'S PATH
  • [02] NEW DEMOCRACY LEADER SENDS CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO CLINTON
  • [03] GREECE-FYROM TALKS ON NAME ISSUE HELD TODAY IN NEW YORK
  • [04] EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON BALKANS TO BE HELD IN ATHENS TOMORROW
  • [05] GOVERNMENT TO DRAW FINAL DECISIONS ON STATE'S 1997 BUDGET TODAY
  • [06] MAIN OPPOSITION NEW DEMOCRACY TO HOLD POLITICAL COUNCIL TOMORROW
  • [07] GREECE-FYROM TALKS ON NAME ISSUE TO BE HELD TODAY IN NEW YORK
  • [08] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT REACTED STRONGLY TO THE REPORT ON THE MINORITIES IN THE BALKANS DRAWN UP BY FORMER BELGIAN PRIME MINISTER LEO TINDEMANNS
  • [09] THE GREEK PRIME MINISTER WILL VISIT A NUMBER OF EUROPEAN CAPITAL CITIES
  • [10] INFLATION IN GREECE WAS 8,3% IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
  • [11] THE GREEK MILITARY EXERCISE "PARMENION 96" ENDED TODAY
  • [12] TURKISH FIGHTER JETS VIOLATED AGAIN THE GREEK AIR SPACE
  • [13] THE GREEK PRESIDENT SENT A CONGRATULATORY TELEGRAM TO US PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON ON HIS RE-ELECTION
  • [14] GREECE IS GETTING CLOSE TO THE TARGETS OF THE CONVERGENCE PROGRAMME ACCORDING TO THE EU COMMISSION
  • [15] GREEK-BULGARIAN MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE NORTHERN GREEK CITY OF KOMOTINI FOR THE OPENING OF A NEW BORDER CROSSING

  • [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

  • [16] DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENT BILL CLINTON RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT OF UNITED STATES
  • [17] YUGOSLAV PREMIER SUPPORTS M.P.A.'S BALKAN DATA BANK AND DIAVLOS
  • [18] ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE VARTHOLOMEOS TOURS HONG-KONG AND AUSTRALIA
  • [19] EUROPEAN UNION: CURRENT STATUS OF CYPRUS IS UNACCEPTABLE
  • [20] YUGOSLAVIA: ELECTION FINAL RESULTS OUT, MILOSEVIC'S LEFT COALITION WINS
  • [21] ROMANIA: ILIESCU LEADS IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS, OPPOSITION IN PARLIAMENT
  • [22] ALBANIA: OFFICIAL RESULTS IN LOCAL ELECTIONS OUT, DEMOCRATIC PARTY WINS
  • [23] EU COMMISSION NOT INFORMED ON "INCOMPLETE PEACE" REPORT
  • [24] TURKEY PREPARES TO VIOLATE CYPRUS' FIR, IN RETALIATION TO "NIKIFOROS" DRILL
  • [25] RUSSIA: BORIS YELTSIN UNDERGOES FIVE-FOLD BYPASS, CONDITION IS GOOD
  • [26] MANY UN MEMBERS, AMONG THEM GREECE, CALL FOR DRASTIC CUTS IN MILITARY SPENDING
  • [27] THE CYPRIOT PRESIDENT CALLED ON PRESIDENT CLINTON TO UNDERTAKE THE INITIATIVES ON CYPRUS HE HAD PROMISED DURING THE PRE-ELECTION PERIOD
  • [28] THE CYPRIOT PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT DID NOT RULE OUT A US INITIATIVE FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS PROBLEM PATTERNED ON THE DAYTON MODEL
  • [29] HUNGARY SUPPORTS CYPRUS' TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY AND THE NON RECOGNITION OF THE PSEUDOSTATE IN THE TURKISH OCCUPIED PART OF THE COUNTRY
  • [30] THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE FOREIGN MINISTERS IS HELD IN STRASBURG TODAY
  • [31] 200 INMATES IN TURKISH PRISONS ARE ON A HUNGER STRIKE FOR THE PAST 40 DAYS
  • [32] BOSNIAN PRESIDENCY TO MEET IN SARAJEVO NEXT WEEK

  • NEWS IN DETAIL

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

    [01] PREMIER OPTIMISTIC ON ECONOMY'S PATH

    Prime Minister Kostas Simitis appeared optimistic on the country's economic path, speaking in Parliament this evening during the re-opening of a "The Premier's Hour" session held in the House.

    Mr. Simitis stated that emphasis will be given to limiting expenses, abolishing many of the existing tax exemptions and reaching a balance between the inflation reducing measures and social policy.

    The Government's aim, Mr. Simitis stated, is to achieve Greece's equitable status in comparison to the other European Union countries.

    The abolished tax exemptions are said to include life insurance premiums, private school fees, legal fees, medical expenses etc.

    Main opposition leader New Democracy's Miltiades Evert accused the Premier of vagueness and pointed out that the rumors surrounding the government's imminent taxation measures, recently cost the country $500 million in suspended trade in one single day.

    [02] NEW DEMOCRACY LEADER SENDS CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO CLINTON

    The President of Greece's main opposition party, New Democracy's Miltiades Evert, has sent a congratulatory telegraph to the freshly re-elected President of the United States Bill Clinton for his triumphant victory.

    In his message, Mr. Evert expresses his certainty that the lengthy and historic ties of friendship with which the two peoples are bound, will become strengthened in his new term and will promote the further collaboration among the two countries.

    [03] GREECE-FYROM TALKS ON NAME ISSUE HELD TODAY IN NEW YORK

    A new round of talks on the name issue between Greece and FYROM was held in New York today, where Greece's Ambassador Christos Zacharakis and FYROM's representative Ivan Tosevski met under the auspices of United Nations Secretary General's mediator Cyrus Vance.

    During a break, Mr. Vance responded to questions and stated that "there is obviously progress made in the talks, since we are exchanging views" but added that the talks will continue further through the day.

    [04] EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON BALKANS TO BE HELD IN ATHENS TOMORROW

    A three-day European Conference on Peace, Democracy and Cooperation in the Balkans will begin n Athens tomorrow, under the auspice of the Council of Europe and organized by the Federation of Balkan Non-Governmental Organizations (FEBANGO).

    Over 150 non-governmental experts will participate, along with politicians, diplomats, academics and businessmen from Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Yugoslavia and Greece, all of which are founding members, joined by Croatia, Bosnia, FYROM, Turkey and various european countries.

    Tomorrow's conference will examine ways to more productively establish and maintain peace in the Balkans and create bridges between the citizens and their governments.

    Scheduled to address the conference are the Greek Minister of National Defense Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Christos Rozakis.

    [05] GOVERNMENT TO DRAW FINAL DECISIONS ON STATE'S 1997 BUDGET TODAY

    The Government is expected to draw its final decisions today on the 1997 state budget, after it is reviewed and approved by the Governmental Committee and the Ministerial Council. The final draft must be submitted to Parliament by the end of this month.

    Yesterday, Prime Minister Kostas Simitis met with his economic avisors who presented the final touches on the draft budget and the basic directions of the country's economic policies for the upcoming year.

    Present at the meeting were the Minister of National Economy and Finance Yiannos Papantoniou, Vice Ministers Nikos Christodoulakis, George Drys, Christos Pachtas, and the Governor of the Bank of Greece Lukas Papademos.

    [06] MAIN OPPOSITION NEW DEMOCRACY TO HOLD POLITICAL COUNCIL TOMORROW

    The main opposition party leader, New Democracy's Miltiades Evert has summoned the N.D. honorary president Konstantinos Mitsotakis and party deputy George Souflias to another Political Council to be held tomorrow.

    During yesterday's Political Council, the members decided to expedite the procedures for the party's congress, opting to hold it in May as opposed to June, while ruling out the possibility of undergoing interparty changes.

    [07] GREECE-FYROM TALKS ON NAME ISSUE TO BE HELD TODAY IN NEW YORK

    A new round of talks on the name issue between Greece and FYROM will be held in New York today.

    Greece's Ambassador Christos Zacharakis and FYROM's representative Ivan Tosevski will meet under the auspices of United Nations Secretary General's mediator Cyrus Vance.

    [08] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT REACTED STRONGLY TO THE REPORT ON THE MINORITIES IN THE BALKANS DRAWN UP BY FORMER BELGIAN PRIME MINISTER LEO TINDEMANNS

    Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas expressed the government's strong reaction to the report on the minorities in the Balkans drawn up by EU Commission official, former belgian Prime Minister Leo Tindemanns.

    Mr.Reppas stressed that in this report is mentioned, in a way that is unacceptable, a state under the name "Macedonia", while it is known that within the UN framework the neighbouring state's name is FYROM and this had to be acknowledged. Mr.Reppas stated that this fact shows bad faith and prejudice.

    The greek government spokesman added that the report also speaks about a turkish minority when the minority is muslim, while there is no mentioning of the gypsy and pomac populations.

    On the issue of Cyprus, the greek government spokesman stressed that while in the report are mentioned the "damaging implications" of the greek government decision to introduce the joint defence doctrine, the fact that for the past 22 years there are turkish occupation forces on Cyprus is being totally ignored.

    The greek government spokesman also pointed out that those who prepared the report did not take under consideration the briefing they had by the greek government and he expressed the position that the EU Commission has not adopted all the points of view included in the report.

    [09] THE GREEK PRIME MINISTER WILL VISIT A NUMBER OF EUROPEAN CAPITAL CITIES

    Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis will visit a number of european capital cities in a tour that is scheduled to begin in the following weeks.

    According to greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, the prime Minister will visit Rome on November 20 while on December 2 and 3 will attend the OSCE summit meeting in Lisbon. On December 12 he will be on a working visit in The Hague and on December 13 and 14 will attend the EU Summit meeting in Dublin.

    Meanwhile, the ukrainian President is expected in Athens on November 12 and 13, while the irish Prime Minister, currently holding the European Council Presidency, will visit the greek capital on November 14.

    [10] INFLATION IN GREECE WAS 8,3% IN THE MONTH OF OCTOBER

    Inflation in Greece in the month of October dropped to 8,3% from 8,5% in September, according to data provided by the National Statistics Agency.

    Also, the cost-of-living index showed an increase of 0,9% which is attributed to the increase of the prices in winter clothing and footwear and also, to the increases in meat prices, fruit, vegetables, furniture and household items.

    [11] THE GREEK MILITARY EXERCISE "PARMENION 96" ENDED TODAY

    The final phase of the greek military exercise "Parmenion 96" in which live ammunition was used and was held with the participation of air, sea and land forces was completed today in Samos in the presence of President Kostis Stephanopoulos and Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

    Referring to the accident that happened two days ago, the President expressed his deep sorrow for the tragic incident. Also, mr.Stephanopoulos said that the military exercise was held in a satisfactory manner and proved the greek armed forces' high level of training.

    The Minister of Defence expressed his sorrow for the accident and pointed out that the military exercise proved that the greek armed forces are well-trained and effective.

    Meanwhile, the search continues for the location of the four petty officers from the missile boat "Kostakos" who are still missing since their boat was sunk two days ago near the island of Samos after being rammed by the ferry boat "Samaina".

    A preliminary inquiry is underway to determine the causes of the accident, while legal proceedings have started against the captain of "Samaina" who said in his testimony that he saw the missile boat when it was very close to his ship and at that time collision was unavoidable.

    [12] TURKISH FIGHTER JETS VIOLATED AGAIN THE GREEK AIR SPACE

    New violations of the greek air space by turkish fighter jets participating in the military exercise "Toros" were recorded yesterday and today.

    In total, were recorded 52 violations of the Athens FIR and of the greek air space over the region between the islands of Chios and Lesvos and south-east of Rhodes. The turkish fighter jets were intercepted by greek fighter jets that participated in the greek military exercise "Parmenion 96".

    [13] THE GREEK PRESIDENT SENT A CONGRATULATORY TELEGRAM TO US PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON ON HIS RE-ELECTION

    Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos sent a congratulatory telegram to US President Bill Clinton on his re-election to the Presidency.

    Mr.Stephanopoulos underlines the close ties between the two countries and expresses the belief that they will continue to be strengthened and developed for the benefit of both peoples.

    Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas also congratulated mr.Clinton for his re-election and stated that as far as Greece is concerned his work will be judged by the course of the greek national issues.

    [14] GREECE IS GETTING CLOSE TO THE TARGETS OF THE CONVERGENCE PROGRAMME ACCORDING TO THE EU COMMISSION

    Greece shows an improvement in its macro-economic indexes getting closer to the targets of the EU convergence programme, according to an EU Commission draft report on the convergence course of Greece, Ireland, Spain and Portugal which is expected to be adopted during the EU Commission's meeting today.

    The target for 1996 concerning Greece's state deficits has been set to 7,6% of its GDP and according to the EU Commission, it will show an increase of 3/10 of a percentage point. Based on those facts, the EU Commission has no reason to suspend Greece's financing from the convergence fund.

    Nevertheless, in the report is mentioned that the EU Commission has serious reasons for concern based on which, Greece might not be able to meet this target and according to information, is expected that in today's meeting will be proposed the sending of a letter to the greek authorities recommending that measures should be taken aimed at winning the convergence objective.

    According to the EU Commission, the worst record in meeting the convergence criteria belongs to Spain, while the best improvement in the macro-economic indexes is found in Ireland.

    [15] GREEK-BULGARIAN MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE NORTHERN GREEK CITY OF KOMOTINI FOR THE OPENING OF A NEW BORDER CROSSIN

    A greek-bulgarian meeting will be held in the northern greek city of Komotini on November 20 in order to be decided what will be the exact location of the new border crossing of Gotse Deltsev- Drama, according to statements made by the bulgarian Transportations Minister.

    Based on a report published by the bulgarian newspaper "Trud", in the meeting is also expected to be discussed and the issue of the exploitation of the waters of Nestos River.


    [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

    [16] DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENT BILL CLINTON RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT OF UNITED STATES

    United States Democratic incumbent Bill Clinton was re- elected President of the United States in yesterday's elections, garnering 50 per cent of the electoral votes against his opponent Bob Dole who earned 42 per cent.

    President Clinton is the first democrat to be re-elected since Franklin Roosevelt in the 1940s. Clinton's running mate is vice-president Al Gore.

    The voter turnout in these elections was 49 per cent of the electorate body, the lowest in the country's election history, according to television network CNN.

    [17] YUGOSLAV PREMIER SUPPORTS M.P.A.'S BALKAN DATA BANK AND DIAVLOS

    Prime Minister of Federal Yugoslavia Radoye Kondic, expressed his support of the programs founded by the Macedonian Press Agency, Balkan Data Bank and Diavlos, during his meeting with the news agencies' Directors-General and Technical Directors who are members of the Association of Balkan News Agencies, during a meeting held recently in Belgrade.

    Mr. Kondic stated that stabilizing his country's trade and economic relations with international organizations will serve as the premise for F.R.Y.'s further development.

    F.R.Y.'s Vice Premier Jovan Zebic, hosted a formal reception in honor of ABNA's officials, attended by the ambassadors of Bulgaria, Greece, Romania and Turkey to F.R.Y.

    Mr. Zebic expressed his joy at the fact that the first international cofnerence that took place in his country, following the lift of sanctions imposed by the United Nations, was this meeting of the Balkan News Agencies.

    [18] ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE VARTHOLOMEOS TOURS HONG-KONG AND AUSTRALIA

    The Ecumenical Patriarchate Vartholomeos recently conducted a two-day visit to Hong-Kong where he met with representatives from the Greek and Serb communities.

    A formal reception given in honor of the Patriarchate was attended by the Greek and Turkish Consul-Generals to Hong Kong.

    Following Hong-Kong, Mr. Vartholomeos departed for Australia where he will stay for two weeks, beginning with the city of Perth.

    On November 9, the Ecumenical Patriarch will visit Adelaide. On November 12 he will be in Camberra to meet with Prime Minister John Howard and General Governor Sir William Dean, while he will also visit the embassies of Greece and Turkey.

    On November 13 he will visit Melbourne, while on the 18th he will be in Brisbane. His visit to New Zealand will take place on the 19th and to Sidney on the 22nd of November. In all of the australian states he will visit, the Ecumenical Patriarch will be received with state leader's honours and will have meetings with local Governors and Prime Ministers.

    [19] EUROPEAN UNION: CURRENT STATUS OF CYPRUS IS UNACCEPTABLE

    The current status of Cyprus is unacceptable, according to a report given by the European Union regarding racism and the right to self direction, presented during the United Nations' Third Committee.

    The EU condemned the violent episodes that took place at the island, as well as the murders of the three unarmed Greek-Cypriot civilians, while pointing out that these events illustrate the need to settle the matter under the UN's auspices.

    [20] YUGOSLAVIA: ELECTION FINAL RESULTS OUT, MILOSEVIC'S LEFT COALITION WINS

    The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia's leftist coalition - Milosevic's ruling Socialist Party of Serbia (SPS) in alliance with the Yugoslav Left (JUL) led by Milosevic's wife Mira Markovic and the New Democracy party (ND)- has earned 45.41 per cent of the votes cast in the country's federal parliamentary elections, according to official results published by the Central Returning Board.

    Milosevic's coalition secured 64 seats - out of 138 total- in the Parliament's Lower House. Lagging far behing is the centrist coalition Together (Zayiendo) which garnered 23.22 per cent of the votes with 22 seats, followed by the Serb Radical Party (SRS) with 18.78 per cent and 16 seats.

    Seat allocation is of utmost significance in the Lower House since the Serb and Montenegran Socialists hold the absolute majority, 84 seats, but fall short of meeting the two-thirds ceiling (93 seats) needed for constitutional reform.

    It is apparent that such reform is imperative for Milosevic, who closely eyes the presidency, as he aims to extend his duties as President of Yugoslavia to beyond those of decorative nature. The term of Yugoslavia's current President Zoran Lilic ends in December of 1997.

    These are the country's first elections following the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the lift of the embargo imposed on Belgrade from the international community, with a voter turn-out reaching 60.70 per cent of the electorate body. It should be noted that voting is not mandatory in FRY.

    [21] ROMANIA: ILIESCU LEADS IN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS, OPPOSITION IN PARLIAMENT

    Romanians were called to the polling stations last Sunday to elect the members of their parliament's two chambers and the country's new president.

    Incumbent President Ion Iliescu, supported by the Party of Social Democracy in Romania (PDSR), has earned 32.31 per cent of the votes, as opposed to the other major contender, opposition party's Democratic Coalition of Romania (CDR) Emil Constantinescu with 28.07 per cent.

    In the presidential battle, the two opponents will seek to secure the lion's share of the 20.55 per cent of the votes cast in favor of the former Premier Petre Roman, President of the United Social-Democrats (USD).

    Roman had withdrawn from the premiership under an initiative taken by Iliescu, yet his supporters seem to lean towards the incumbent, as opposed to the center-right candidate.

    CDR is the main party in both chambers of the Parliament, with approximately 30 per cent, while PDSR, a stronghold in Parliament ever since the overthrow of the communist regime in December 1989, garnered 23.1 per cent in the Senate and 21.6 in the House of Representatives.

    The elections took place at a difficult time for Romania, a country traversing a process of transition to the market economy, a telling factor of the people's living standrard.

    [22] ALBANIA: OFFICIAL RESULTS IN LOCAL ELECTIONS OUT, DEMOCRATIC PARTY WINS

    Albania's incumbent Democratic Party has prevailed in the local election run-offs held on Sunday, gathering majority votes in 58 out of the 64 municipalities that re-held the elections, according to the Central Returning Board.

    Second emerged the Socialist Party, having won in four municipalities, while the Party of the Union of Human Rights came in third during last Sunday's local elections where 72 per cent of the registered voters turned out to cast their ballot.

    [23] EU COMMISSION NOT INFORMED ON "INCOMPLETE PEACE" REPORT

    Dutch EU Commissioner Hans Van Den Broek appeared to adopt a report on the Balkans titled "Incomplete Peace" wherein Greece is criticized for its performance on minority rights issues and the term "Macedonia" is widely used in reference to FYROM.

    Mr. Van Den Broek presented the report during a conference with the International Committee for the Balkans, which has been sponsored by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Aspen Institute of Berlin, and stated that he himself adopts on general terms the analysis of the situation and the suggestions offered by the Committee.

    Greek Commissioner Christos Papoutsis reacted strongly to the report and to Mr. Van Dern Broek's statements and issued a formal response wherein he stated that the European Commission has not been informed of the report and asked that acute attention and responsibility be given to these matters.

    [24] TURKEY PREPARES TO VIOLATE CYPRUS' FIR, IN RETALIATION TO "NIKIFOROS" DRILL

    Turkey is preparing to violate Cyprus' FIR, and is working on a seven-day military flights operation, in retaliation to the Cypriot National Guard's recently-held military exercise "Nikiforos '96."

    Ankara has informed the Greek authorities of its intention to conduct military flights, but not the cypriot authorities, although, based on the flight plan that has been communicated to Greece, turkish fighter jets will fly into Nicosia's FIR between 7- 14 of November.

    Meanwhile, according to reports, during the turkish military exercise "Tavros" which began yesterday in the eastern Mediterranean and extends into the occupied territory of Cyprus, turkish fighter jets are expected to conduct massive violations of Cyprus' FIR.

    [25] RUSSIA: BORIS YELTSIN UNDERGOES FIVE-FOLD BYPASS, CONDITION IS GOOD

    Russia's President Boris Yeltsin underwent a five-fold bypass in an open heart operation that lasted over seven hours.

    United States heart surgeon Michael Dibekey stated that the Russian President's condition is good, there were no complications in the surgery, but the recovery period wil last from six weeks to two months.

    The surgeon also stated that had the 65-year-old Yeltsin not undergone this operation, he would not have been able to continue with his presidential duties.

    "His heart is now functioning at 100 per cent of its capability, whereas prior to the surgery it functioned at only 20 per cent," the treating physician said.

    Following the operation, Mr. Yeltsin met with Russian Prime Minister Victor Cernomyrdin and reclaimed the presidential duties which he had assigned to the Premier while he was in surgery.

    [26] MANY UN MEMBERS, AMONG THEM GREECE, CALL FOR DRASTIC CUTS IN MILITARY SPENDING

    Greece together with other western countries tabled a draft resolution to the UN General Assembly calling for a decision on drastic cuts in military spending.

    In the draft resolution is suggested that UN Secretary General Boutros Ghali should brief all the UN member states on this initiative.

    The countries participating in it also call for objective information on military issues while they maintain that every country should inform the rest on its military spending.

    [27] THE CYPRIOT PRESIDENT CALLED ON PRESIDENT CLINTON TO UNDERTAKE THE INITIATIVES ON CYPRUS HE HAD PROMISED DURING THE PRE-ELECTION PERIOD

    Cypriot President Glafkos Kliridis stated that US President Bill Clinton now that he is re-elected should undertake the initiatives he had promised during the pre-election period, stressing that the United States should play a positive role for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

    Referring to his meeting with greek Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Christos Rozakis the cypriot President stated that they discussed Cyprus' course toward its accession to the European Union. He also said that the strategy, that will be jointly followed by Cyprus and Greece in view of the initiative expected to be undertaken in February or March, must be determined in advance before the end of the year.

    Meanwhile, cypriot Foreign Minister Alekos Michailidis and greek Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Christos Rozakis characterized as successful and fruitful the talks they had on the Cyprus issue.

    [28] THE CYPRIOT PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT DID NOT RULE OUT A US INITIATIVE FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS PROBLEM PATTERNED ON THE DAYTON MODEL

    The Cyprus problem and the course of the implementation of the joint defence doctrine adopted by Greece and Cyprus were the main topics of discussion in the meeting held this morning between greek Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis and cypriot Parliament President Spyros Kyprianou, who continues his formal visit to Athens.

    Later, mr.Kyprianou in a joint press conference with greek Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis stressed that he does not rule out a US initiative for the solution of the Cyprus problem that will include a solution patterned on the Dayton model.

    He also did not rule out the likelihood of blackmail for the solution of the Cyprus problem based on the fact that the country is on an EU accession course.

    The cypriot Parliament President also pointed out that initiatives are not rejected if they are undertaken within the framework of the UN Security Council resolutions and have as an objective the just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem.

    [29] HUNGARY SUPPORTS CYPRUS' TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY AND THE NON RECOGNITION OF THE PSEUDOSTATE IN THE TURKISH OCCUPIED PART OF THE COUNTRY

    Hungary supports the UN resolutions on Cyprus concerning the country's territorial integrity and the non recognition of the pseudostate in the turkish occupied part of the country, according to a reply letter sent by the hungarian Prime Minister to the hungarian Labour party President.

    Hungarian Labour party President, Thermer Gula made representations to his country's Prime Minister after being informed on the incidents in Derinia by Dimitris Christofias, General Secretary of the cypriot political party of AKEL.

    The Hungarian Prime Minister stresses in his letter that both his government and the public opinion in his country were shocked by the scenes of horror shown on television from the brutal beating and the shooting of unarmed civilians in Derinia that resulted in the deaths of two greek-cypriots and the injuring of tens of others.

    The hungarian Prime Minister also expressed strong concern over the lives of the hungarian peace-keepers in Cyprus "who are there to serve peace", as he characteristically mentioned.

    [30] THE MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE FOREIGN MINISTERS IS HELD IN STRASBURG TODAY

    The Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly meeting began today with a formal ceremony for Croatia's accession to the international organization, while the Council of Europe Foreign Ministers meeting is also being held to discuss issues concerning security and cooperation. Greece is represented by alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou.

    The Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights will also meet to discuss among others issues concerning the obligations and commitments undertaken by Albania, the Czech Republic, Romania, Russia, Slovakia and Turkey.

    [31] 200 INMATES IN TURKISH PRISONS ARE ON A HUNGER STRIKE FOR THE PAST 40 DAYS

    Two hundred inmates in turkish prisons, members of the kurdish PKK party, are on a hunger strike for the past 40 days, according to information published today by the Human Rights Association.

    Already, 3 of the 85 hunger strikers in the Aidin Prison have been taken to hospital but two of them refused treatment and returned to jail. It should be noted that 84 prisoners are on a hunger strike in the Konia Prison and 48 in the Prison of Amasia.

    The hunger strikers demand the improvement of living conditions in their prisons while they call on the Justice Ministry to keep the promises it gave last summer in order to stop the mass hunger strikes that resulted in the deaths of 12 inmates.

    [32] BOSNIAN PRESIDENCY TO MEET IN SARAJEVO NEXT WEEK

    The three-member Presidency of the Union of Bosnia- Herzegovina will meet next Tuesday in a Serb suburb of Sarajevo, Tanjug reported.

    This will be the fifth working Session, the second in Serb territory, focusing on the Constitution of joint institutions.

    Presidency members Alija Izetbegovic, (Muslim President), Momcilo Krajisnik (Serb) and Kresimir Zubak (Croat) are expected to reach an agreement on the composition of the Council of Ministers, comprised by five ministers and a president. According to Tanjug's sources, the Prime Minister's portfolio is to be assigned to a Serb, while the Foreign Ministry portfolio to a Croat.

    The agenda will include other issues such as the Presidency's activities in preparing international conferences on Bosnia, to be held in Paris during November and in London during December.


    Complete archives of the Macedonian Press Agency bulletins are available on the MPA Home Page at http://www.mpa.gr/ and on the U.S. mirror at http://www.hri.org/MPA/

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