Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 96-11-13

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, November 13, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] STOCK EXCHANGE OPERATES TODAY, GOVERNMENT AND BROKERS AGREE

Trading resumed at the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE) today, following an agreement achieved between the Government and the country's stockbrokers association.

Operation was allowed only to those companies that have emerged clean from the audits performed by the National Economy Ministry's inspectors, while the firms that did not meet their obligations were barred from trading.

The brokers accepted the proposal of National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou to settle all trading until tomorrow morning and to cover the 2.6 billion drachmas black hole -created by Delta Securities- with funds from the Joint Surety and the Titles Depository.

Yesterday, Mr. Papantoniou announced that international auditing firms, along with Economy Ministry officials, will conduct special audits in all of ASE's brokerage firms.

Meanwhile, the President of ASE, Manolis Xanthakis has been summoned to appear before a Supreme Court prosecutor and will give a deposition in regards to the ASE activity and the Delta Securities scandal.

Also, the Public Prosecutor has filed additional charges of fraud and negligence against stock exchange officials.

[02] GREECE'S NEW ARMAMENTS PROGRAMME WILL COST 4 TRILLION DRACHMAS AS IT WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE PRIME MINISTER

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis announced today after the meeting of the Governmental Council of Foreign Affairs and Defence that Greece's new armaments programme will cost 4 trillion drachmas. Half of the money will be spent by the year 2000, while mr.Simitis stressed that everyone will have to make sucrifices and therefore, there should be no waste of money in the armed forces.

The Prime Minister referring to the greek-turkish relations reiterated the greek government's firm doctrine that the country neither claims nor gives away anything stressing that due to the existing turkish provocativeness Greece must have a strong and modern deterrent force.

Mr.Simitis announced that among others will be purchased 60 new fighter jets, the existing F-4 Phandoms will be modernized, new armored vehicles will also be purchased, while the old ones will be modernized, new transport helicopters and new submarines will be acquired as well as, modern amunition. He also said that 3 new torpedo crafts, 2 corvettes and 4 gunboats will be built and will be acquired high-speed boats, while the existing ships will be modernized. The greek Prime Minister also announced that new air defence positions will be created, while new anti-aircraft systems, transport and training aircraft will be bought.

Minister of Defence Akis Tsohatzopoulos stated that the decisions made open a new era for the greek armed forces and called all the state owned and private production forces to cooperate in order to have the national economy's contribution to the new armaments programme.

[03] GREECE WON'T SUSPEND ITS MILITARY EXERCISES IN AEGEAN, SAYS PANGALOS

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos stated today that Greece will not consider a suspension of its military exercises in the Aegean Sea, beyond the moratorium of the tourist season, which is enforced during the months of July and August.

Fielding a question in Parliament this evening, Mr. Pangalos clarified that there has been indeed a proposal to extend the moratorium to beyond its current two-month duration but a recent statement made by Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Christos Rozakis on extending the military manoeuvres' cessation period in actuality was misinterpreted by the press and, in all, there is no disagreement among the Foreign Ministry's officials.

"The Foreign Ministry's leadership works cohesively and in a manner that is absolutely harmonious," Mr. Pangalos concluded.

[04] CYPRIOTS GO ON HUNGER STRIKE NEAR THESSALONIKI'S TURKISH CONSULATE

Fifteeen Cypriots, all of whom are college students, plan to start a hunger strike this evening across the street from Thessaloniki's Turkish Consulate, in a sign of protest to their country's occupation by the Rauf Denktash regime.

The students plan to continue their strike until Friday evening, when they willl participate in a protest march in front of Thessaloniki's Aristotle University, an event organized by cypriot groups.

The strikers will lodge outdoors throughout the night, surrounded by giant photographs of the two Greek-Cypriot civilians Tasos Isaak and Solomos Solomou who were murdered in cold blood last summer by Turkish occupation troops in Cyprus.

The Solidarity Committee for Kurdistan and the Center of Studies of Greeks from Pontus have expressed their support to the students.

[05] EXPLOSION AT POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY IN ATHENS, NO VICTIMS

A time-regulated bomb exploded this afternoon at Athens' Polutechnic School, causing damages but no injuries since the building had been vacated after warning calls were made to local media by the unknown culprits.

Athens police are highly concerned that today's terrorist act may be a precursor to this Sunday's commemoration of the Polytechnic School's uprising of November 17, 1973.

[06] GREEK JUSTICE MINISTER MEETS WITH CYPRIOT PRESIDENT IN NICOSIA

Greek Minister of Justice Evangelos Yiannopoulos met this morning with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides in Nicosia where he has travelled to attend today's anti- occupation events denouncing the illegal regime of Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash on the island's northern territory.

Following his meeting with President Clerides, Mr. Yiannopoulos stated that his visit to Cyprus is a matter of "duty" and added that he relayed the regards of Greek Premier Kostas Simitis to the Cypriot President.

Mr. Yiannopoulos also stated that the Joint Defense Doctrine between Greece and Cyprus must be protected like "the apple of our eye."

When asked if the United States are promoting a package solution for the Cypriot issue and the Aegean, the Justice Minister refused to comment, merely stating that "the only issue Greece has to discuss with Turkey is the continental shelf", adding that the firm Greek position is that the matter can be brought before the International Court of Justice at The Hague, something that the Turkish government has not accepted.

[07] THE US ENVOY FOR CYPRUS MET TODAY WITH THE GREEK UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

US envoy responsible for Cyprus mr.Cavanaugh characterized the talks he had today in Athens with Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Christos Rozakis as fruitful, constructive and useful.

Mr.Cavanaugh linked the US initiative with the contacts he will have with the two communities in Cyprus and stated that he is satified with the talks he had with the greek side, stressing that the common target of both sides is peace and stability in Cyprus.

[08] EARTHQUAKE MEASURING 4,5 ON THE RICHTER SCALE SHOOK THE IONIAN ISLAND OF ZAKYNTHOS

An earthquake measuring 4,5 on the Richter scale shook the Ionian Sea island of Zakynthos at 11:30am this morning and its epicenter was located at the sea region west of the island.

According to local authorities there were no reports of injuries or damages.

[09] THE SALES OF FURS ARE UP, ACCORDING TO THE FURRIERS IN NORTH- WESTERN GREECE

According to data provided by the Furriers Association in Kastoria concerning this year's transactions, the sales of furs are up, while consumers are turning to less expensive items.

The Association's President Panagiotis Pavlou stated to MPA that a significant boost to the fur market was given by the increased number of russian visitors observed this year compared to 1995. Based on data provided by the Furriers Association in Kastoria, about 5.000 russians have visited the city since August, when the fur sales period begins, compared to 2.000 during the same period last year.

The overwhelming majority of the russian visitors continue to follow the method of the "suitcase", preferring the individual purchases and not the organized trade transactions. Also, it is mentioned that a large number of greek furs find their way to the russian consumers through Germany and Austria.

[10] ATHENS TO HOST ANTI-OCCUPATION OF CYPRUS EVENT

Athens will hold a three-day anti-occupation event, beginning this Friday, denouncing the illegal regime of Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash on Cyprus' northern territory.

The commemorative event, which this year is dedicated to the memories of Tasos Isaak and Solomos Solomou -the two Greek-Cypriot civilians who were murdered in cold blood this summer by turkish occupation forces-, is organized by the University of Athens in cooperation with the Panhellenic Coordinating Committee for the Cypriot Struggle.

On Saturday a protest march and a memorial service will be dedicated to those killed by the turkish occupation forces.

[11] LUFTHANSA TO CLOSE ITS OFFICES IN THESSALONIKI

The German airline Lufthansa will close the doors of its Thessaloniki office, one measure of its expenses cutback program, to be followed by the permanent cancellation of the Thessaloniki- Frankfurt route.

Beginning on Monday, November 18, Lufthansa customers will be served at Thessaloniki's Macedonia Airport, from where the direct flight to Munich will continue as scheduled. According to Lufthansa's local employees, the airline has assured them that there will be no lay-offs.

An adviser to the Halkidiki Hoteliers Association told the Macedonian Press Agency that the elimination of the Frankfurt route is expected to bear serious consequences to local industry, as that city is located in the heart of Germany, much like Thesssaloniki is the center of Northern Greece, thereby providing a link between the two countries.

[12] SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE'S ECONOMICS SCHOOLS TO MEET IN THESSALONIKI

A convention of representatives from the departments of economics of universities located in southeastern Europe will be hosted in Thessaloniki on November 15-16, aiming to establish an "Association of Economics Universities of Southeastern Europe."

According to University of Macedonia officials, the Thessaloniki-based school that organizes the convention, the target of this association will be the promotion of the interests held by the economics departments in the region, especially in regards to cooperation, exchange of informations and experiences, improvement of the educational levels and conditions, as well as the professional and research cooperation in the economic sciences.

[13] THESSALONIKI HOSTS SEMINAR ON GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS

An invitation to the Greek leftist parties to unite their forces with the Turkish ones and jointly attempt to fight nationalism and the "expansionist policy", was issued yesterday by the Turkish "Freedom-Solidarity" Party leader Ertugrul Kiurkcu, during his address at a Thessaloniki-held seminar organized by the Network of Movements for the Defense of Civil and Social Rights.

Mr. Kiurkcu spoke of the noted tension between Greece and Turkey and pointed out the need to change the way the two countries are governed, stating that "this problem cannot be solved by anyone as long as we maintain the same position" adding that whichever party comes to power in Turkey is forced to deal with the greek-turkish issues and the Cyprus problem.

"Ever since the day we were born, we saw this hostility between Greece and Turkey," he said, adding that "ever since Turkey began thinking that it could carry out an imperalist role, it began thinking that it could solve its problems with Greece without resorting to peaceful solutions."

Turkish nationalism brought with it an anti-greek sentiment, Mr. Kiurkcu said, and added that the Turkish socialists want to do away with the spirit of ultra-nationalism and establish good relations between the two countries.

Yet, he added, the fact that Greece is a member of the European Union and Turkey wishes to become an EU member, is not a guaranteeing factor of peace.

In closing his address, Mr. Kiurkcu stated that "before it's too late, we want to offer a plan to our peoples for peace, solidarity and cooperation."

The Greek party Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) representative Nikos Voutsis in turn stated that there is a need to create a political front that will dynamically promote the issue of peace and cooperation among the two countries, in order to avert any potential military confrontation.

"Some people are playing with fire," Mr. Voutsis stated and added that he is against "package-solutions" when it comes to greek-turkish issues since this could very well lead to either mediation by third parties or war.

The Synaspismos representative stated that a step-by-step dialogue emerging from the characteristics of each problem, could contribute to the reduction of tension between Greece and Turkey.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[14] CYPRIOT FOREIGN MINISTER IN ATHENS TODAY

Cypriot Foreign Minister Alekos Michaelides arrived in Athens today where he will be received by his Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos and alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

Yesterday, Mr. Michaelides met with the European Union's Ministerial Council President Dick Spring and discussed the process of Cyprus' accession to the EU as well as the cypriot issue's current phase.

The meeting between the two officials was held within the parameters of the Economic Summit for the Middle East and North Africa.

[15] THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH WILL BE IN MELBOURNE UNTIL MONDAY

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos after completing his visit to Camberra arrived in Melbourne today, where he is scheduled to stay until Monday.

During his visit to the australian capital the Ecumenical Patriarch met with federal Prime Minister John Howard. In a formal dinner given in the Ecumenical Patriarch's honour the australian Prime Minister praised his role as the spiritual leader of 250 million Orthodox Christians all over the world.

Representing the opposition, greek-australian Parliament deputy Andreas Theophanous reminded that one in every 19 australians is an Orthodox Christian and stressed the Orthodox Church's contribution to the promotion of the country's cultural diversity through schools and other institutions operating under its auspices.

In his speech Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos referred to issues concerning ecumenical love and cultural diversity, while referring to mr.Howard he said that he is not just the Prime Minister of a country but the only one in the world who is the Prime Minister of a continent.

[16] THE HUMANITARIAN ORGANIZATION "MEDICINES SANS FRONTIERS" IS CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF ACTION - 120 GREEK VOLUNTEERS HAVE PARTICIPATED IN ITS MISSIONS

The 25th anniversary of the founding of the humanitarian organization "Medicines Sans Frontiers" which offers valuable services to populations in a state of emergency will be celebrated with music and cinema nights and with interesting painting, photography, poster and book exhibitions in Thessaloniki and Athens on November 20-30.

Missions in the Sahara desert, Zaire, Ethiopia or Somalia, food programmes, sensitization of the public opinion and medical care for the war and drought victims mark the volunteer action of this non-profit organization which has offices in Greece since 1990.

Uutil now, 120 greek volunteers have participated in missions to about 40 countries and have developed humanitarian programmes in Armenia, Georgia, Malawi, Burundi and Zambia.

The organization's greek branch on the occasion of the 25th anniversary organizes a round table discussion on November 28 under the title "Humanitarian intervention: effectiveness or alibi" in which will participate presenting their views and experience alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou, the greek branch President Odiseas Voudouris and leading foreign members of the international organization.

[17] A COOPERATION AGREEMENT ON LEGAL ISSUES WILL BE SIGNED IN NICOSIA TOMORROW BETWEEN CYPRUS AND POLAND

A cooperation agreement on penal and civil law issues will be signed in Nicosia tomorrow between Cyprus and Poland. The agreement will be signed on behalf of Cyprus by Minister of Justice and Public Order, Alekos Evangelou and on behalf of Poland by Undersecretary of Justice, Gregor Tsitsierski.

The cypriot Minister stressed that this agreement constitutes a sample of the close cooperation and friendship existing between the two countries, while from his part mr.Tsitsierski stressed that he will also have the opportunity to discuss issues concerning tourism and trade relations.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, the polish Undersecretary of Justice pointed out that his country supports its peaceful solution based strictly on the relevant UN resolutions and decisions.

[18] CONFERENCE ON THE LEGAL STATUS OF FOREIGNERS COMING FROM COUNTRIES OUTSIDE THE EU WILL BE HELD IN THESSALONIKI ON NOVEMBER 18-19

The legal status of foreigners coming from countries outside the European Union will be discussed in the 2-day conference that will be held in Thessaloniki on November 18-19.

In the conference will be discussed issues concerning the procedures followed before political asylum is granted and also, the deportation of foreigners who are political refugees and their protection within the framework of the greek law and order. Presentations will be made by university professors and jurists.

[19] THE BULGARIAN PRIME MINISTER ACCEPTED THE RESIGNATION OF THE COUNTRY'S FOREIGN MINISTER

According to reliable sources, bulgarian Prime Minister Jan Videnov accepted the resignation of his Foreign Minister Georgi Pirinski.

The Foreign Minister offered his resignation at noon today underlining this way, the long smouldering crisis within the Socialist party which is virtually split in two, given the fact that the Foreign Minister expresses the social-democratic tendency that has been formed within the party.

Mr.Pirinski's move is interpreted as being the result of his disagreement with the decisions reached during the governing Socialist party Supreme Council and the party Parliament deputies meeting which yesterday gave a vote of confidence to mr.Videnov.

[20] BULGARIA: PIRINSKI RESIGNS, EXPRESSES DISPLEASURE WITH VIDENOV'S ELECTION

Having submitted his resignation today, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georgi Pirinski lashed against Prime Minister Jean Videnov and expressed his displeasure at the vote of confidence given yesterday to the Premier by the governing Socialist Party.

"I think that the Videnov Government no longer has one iota of the Bulgarian people's trust and as such, it is impossible for me to remain part of this Cabinet," Mr. Pirinski stated in a press conference.

Mr. Pirinski's resignation was welcomed as a "manly act" by the leader of the center-right Union of Democratic Forces Party Ivan Kostov, who commented that a government official's name will soon surface as being involved in a corruption scandal, although Mr. Kostov refused to elaborate on who this individual might be.

According to an announcement issued from Mr. Videnov' office, Mr. Pirinski's replacement will be announced by the end of the month.

[21] FYROM TO SIGN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT WITH EFTA IN 1997

A free trade agreement for the upcoming year will be signed between FYROM and the European Union's Free Trade Association (EFTA).

During their recent visit to FYROM, government officials from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein agreed to form a joint committee which will work on a draft agreement.

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/