Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 96-11-28

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, November 28, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] TURKISH DEPUTY REVEALS: "GREY WOLVES" ARE BEHIND ARSON FIRES IN GREECE

A turkish deputy from Tansu Ciller's True Path Party (DYP) yesterday revealed that Turkish paramilitary organizations are responsible for arson fires in Greece's islands while, at the same time, an article published in the pro-government turkish daily "Yeni Safak" provocatively boasted in its title "We Burned Rhodes".

According to the DYP deputy Sedat Bucak, the perpetrator of these fires was Abdullah Chatli, the leader of the extremist group "Grey Wolves". Chatli was recently killed in a notorious car accident in Turkey which brought to light the relations between Turkish mafia and the government.

These revelations came to confirm reports the Greek authorities already had in their hands, according to which, the fires that have devastated the greek islands every summer were an act of arson performed by specially-trained forces of Turkish agents.

Greece's alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou stated that the Turkish deputy's statements are "especially worrisome and show that various sabotage raids have been committed in our country with turkish instigation."

Moreover, Mr. Papandreou pointed out that these disclosures by themselves constitute a criminal act which, in conjuction with Ms. Ciller's statements -"it is an honor for those who shoot for Turkey"-, should trouble the international community.

Before proceeding to the necessary actions, the Greek Government awaits the immediate probe and reaction on behalf of the Turkish government, which, according to Mr. Papandreou, bears the essential responsibility.

[02] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT EXAMINES THE ACCUSATIONS ON THE INVOLVEMENT OF TURKS IN THE ARSON ATTACKS TARGETING FORESTS ON GREEK ISLANDS

The greek government examines carefully the accusations on the involvement of Turks in arsons targeting forests on greek islands, according to statements made this morning by greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas.

Mr.Reppas pointed out that at this time a lot are being done and said in Turkey for domestic consumption purposes, adding that for this reason the greek government beginning today will start a probe on the issue through the diplomatic route and will react when it decides that it is advisable to do so.

[03] GREEK EURODEPUTY ASKS EU ON ITS INTENT TO PRESSURE TURKEY OVER ARSONS

Greek eurodeputy Alekos Alavanos,Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) tabled a question in the European Union's Ministerial Council today, regarding the recent reports that Turkish paramilitary organizations are responsible for the arson fires that devastate forests in Greece's islands every summer.

In his address, Mr. Alavanos pointed out that the Turkish deputy from Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller's True Path Party (DYP), Sedat Bucak, blatantly stated in a televised interview that the perpetrator of these fires was Abdullah Catli, the leader of the extremist group "Grey Wolves". Chatli was recently killed in a notorious car accident in Turkey which brought to light the relations between Turkish mafia and the government.

Mr. Alavanos continued that these revelations were made immediately after Ms. Ciller had exhaulted the "Grey Wolves" members as heroes. As such, the Greek eurodeputy asked the Council if it intends to demand that the turkish government condemn such acts and if the EU intends to ask Ankara for information regarding the "Grey Wolves" activities, in relation to cases of arson, terrorism and drugs in member-states of the EU.

[04] WAVE OF STRIKES THREATENS TO CRIPPLE GREECE, WIDE PROTESTS OVER BUDGET

The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), with three million members, and the Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) have embarked on a 24-hour, country-wide strike protesting the Government's economic measures and the 1997 budget.

Participating in the strike are also the country's farmers who will conduct marches and plan roadblocks on the national highway.

Also, Greece's kindergarten and primary school teachers are continuing their strike for the second day, while courthouse employees have embarked on a 48-hour strike as well.

Tax offices, banks, ministries and public service organizations, will remain closed today.

[05] PREMIER TO ATTEND OSCE SUMMIT MEETING IN LISBON ON SUNDAY

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis will travel to Lisbon, Portugal, on Sunday in order to attend the Summit Meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

Mr. Simitis will be accompanied by Press and Mass Media Minister Dimitris Reppas and the alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

The Plenary Sesion will be held on Monday, December 2, and in turn the Premier of Portugal will host a banquet in honor of the leaders of OSCE's member-countries.

[06] ALTERNATE FOREIGN MINISTER TO ATTEND EU'S COUNCIL OF GENERAL AFFAIRS

Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou will depart for London on December 4 in order to participate at an international conference addressing the Bosnia-Herzegovina issue.

Between December 5-7, Mr. Papandreou will be in Brussels in order to attend the European Union's Council of General Affairs.

[07] MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER OUSTS HON. CHAIRMAN FROM N.D. POLITICAL COUNCIL

The long-fermenting row in Greece's main opposition party, New Democracy, entered a new phase last night when its leader Miltiades Evert ousted the party's honorary president and former Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis from N.D.'s Political Council.

Mr. Evert was reportedly infuriated with the statements made by Mr. Mitsotakis regarding the party's founder Konstantinos Karamanlis, who has also formerly served as Premier and President.

Mr. Mitsotakis stated that he attended the Political Council to aid in finding a solution to the party's leadership problem and added that he intends to participate at the P.C. after the party's upcoming congress.

Moreover, the honorary president stated that he wholly supports George Souflias' position for a fair and representative congress with delegates chosen from the party's base. Mr., Souflias is an N.D. deputy who covets the party's presidency. He has served as minister of education.

[08] NEW DEMOCRACY IN UPHEAVAL AS ROW WORSENS BETWEEN MITSOTAKIS, EVERT

The former premier and honorary President of Greece's main opposition party, New Democracy, Konstantinos Mitsotakis, upped the inter-party tensions today by forwarding a letter to N.D. leader Miltiades Evert accusing him of attempting to split the party irrepairably.

The party's long-fermenting row entered a new phase last night when Mr. Evert ousted Mr. Mitsotakis from N.D.'s Political Council.

Mr. Evert was reportedly infuriated with the statements made by Mr. Mitsotakis regarding the party's founder Konstantinos Karamanlis, who has formerly also served as Premier and President.

N.D.'s press office immediately retorted to Mr. Mitsotakis' letter by stating that at a time when the country is faced with quite possibly its largest upheaval over the Government's taxation policies, Mr. Mitsotakis is fixed on inter-party matters.

[09] STATE ISSUES COMMUNIQUE REGARDING STRIKES, DEFENDS ECONOMIC POLICY

The Greek Ministry of Press and Media issued a communique today wherein it defended the Government's economic policy as being one that "serves the country's best interests."

The official statement was prompted by the massive country- wide rallies and protests organized by the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) -with three million members participating- and the Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY), who embarked today on a 24-hour strike protesting the Government's economic measures and the 1997 budget.

The communique stated that "Greece is giving four crucial battles in the economic and social sectors."

These are "the battle to join the European Economic and Monetary Union, the battle of development is order to upgrade the country's economic structure, the battle for a fair allocation of revenue, by strengthening the weaker social strata, and the battle of reducing the state budget's deficit."

Moreover, the communique adds that, in spite of the fact that the Government is forced to exhaust the tight fiscal leeways, the social and welfare benefits are strengthened, the workers' incomes will continue to increase, and the sectors of health and education are allocated a larger piece of the budget's pie.

Meanwhile, the country was driven to almost paralysis today, as Greek farmers joined in the strikes by conducting marches and forming roadblocks on the national highway.

Also, Greece's kindergarten and primary school teachers are continuing their strike for the second day, while courthouse employees have embarked on a 48-hour workstop as well.

Tax offices, banks, ministries and public service organizations, remained closed today.

The public and private sectors workers are protesting what they deem to be unfair taxation, given that 55.2% of state revenue will burden the incomes of public servants, workers, and pensioners.

The President of GSEE Christos Polyzogopoulos met with the Minister of National Economy and Finance Yiannos Papantoniou today and demanded that the Government index the income-tax brackets to inflation, raise tax exemptions to GRD 2 million and tax state securities to finance social policies.

Following the Minister's refusal to meet these demands, Mr. Polyzogopoulos stated that the GSEE Executive Committee will convene again next Wednesday to plan out its next moves.

[10] MOST OF THESSALONIKI'S WORKFORCE ON STRIKE TODAY

Most of Thessaloniki's workfoce partook in tha nation-wide strikes today, with some sectors featuring the astounding 80 per cent rate of participation.

Representatives of local workers unions, who object to the Government's austerity policy, met with the Minister of Macedonia- Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos today who assured them that, while the economic measures are austere, they nevertheless are fairly allocated as to mostly affect those who have and possess.

Also Mr. Petsalnikos met with a delegation of laid-off workers from the local Goodyear plant that closed earlier this year, and promised them that he will bring their matter before the Minister of Labor Miltiades Papaioannou during the latter's visit to Thessaloniki next month.

[11] THE NEGOTIATIONS IN THE INTER-GOVERNMENTAL CONFERENCE WERE DESCRIBED AS COMPLEX AND HARD BY GREEK ALTERNATE FOREIGN MINISTER

The greek government's basic goal regarding the Inter- Governmental Conference is to be included in the new treaty at least the solidarity clause which will refer to the common borders of the European Union, stated alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou in a press conference today, describing the negotiations as complex and hard.

The EU states have different views on the issue of flexibility or increased cooperation. Reservations do not come only from the smaller countries but from the large ones as well, like Britain and Holland. Among the countries that express disagreement are also Sweden, Denmark, Portugal and Greece. Mr.Papandreou pointed out that those countries express their fears for the establishment of directorates and the creation of a two- speed Europe.

The greek minister said that the problem raised according to which, the large number of members will create problems to the smooth operation of the European Union, can be dealt with by establishing a special majority.

Regarding Cyprus' accesion course, mr.Papandreou said that the procedures can not be delayed adding that according to the statements made by EU Commissioner Hans Van Den Broek the procedures for Cyprus' accesion to the EU will move ahead 6 months after the end of the Inter-Governmental Conference.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[12] HOLLAND EVASIVE TOWARDS TURKEY'S REQUEST FOR FULL ACCESSION TO EU

Holland, the country to hold the European Union's rotating Presidency during the first six months of 1997, has avoided giving a promise of support to Turkey's request for full accession to the EU.

According to the spokesperson of Turkey's Foreign Ministry Omer Akbel, Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller did not secure a relevant commitment from the Dutch officials during a meeting held in Hague.

In her contacts, Ms. Ciller reportedly focused on the issue of human rights in Turkey and attempted to dispel the negative impressions widely held by the Europeans in regards to her country's human rights record.

Ms. Ciller claimed that there is an issue of security plaguing her country, from terrorism imported by neighboring countries.

"My country," Ms. Ciller stated on dutch television, "is fighting terrorism and, as such, a foremost priority is (Turkey's) security. At the same time, though, it tries to improve the situation in the area of human rights."

Mr. Akbel referred to the measures his government plans to undertake for protecting human rights, announcing a reduction in the time suspects are kept in custody and the presence of a lawyer during police interrogation.

[13] THE NEW 5-YEAR ARMAMENTS PLAN FOR THE CYPRIOT NATIONAL GUARD WILL COST OVER 1 BILLION POUNDS

The 5-year armaments plan for the cypriot National Guard will cost over 1 billion pounds and includes an anti-aircraft missile system, new armoured tanks and other modern weapons systems.

The armaments programme, which was approved yesterday by the cypriot cabinet, gives a special emphasis to air-defence and air coverage while large sums will be spent for the construction of infrastructure projects.

Parliament Finance and Defence Committees will deal with the economic aspects of the plan in a joint meeting.

[14] THE MEETING OF THE CYPRIOT PRESIDENT WITH THE EU REPRESENTATIVE ON THE CYPRUS ISSUE WAS CHARACTERIZED AS USEFUL

Cypriot government spokesman Yiannakis Kasoulidis characterized as useful the meeting between President Glafkos Kliridis and the Irish EU Presidency representative on the Cyprus issue.

According to mr.Kasoulidis, were discussed issues concerning the Cyprus problem and the military dialogue between the two sides on the island.

[15] RESOLUTION ON CYPRUS CALLING THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO ACT FOR THE PROMOTION OF DIALOGUE

A resolution on the Cyprus problem, calling the australian government and the international community to act immediately for the promotion of dialogue aimed at finding a viable solution and the turkish government to allow the free movement from and to the occupied territories, was tabled in the state Parliament of New South Walles in Australia by Labour party deputy, George Thompson.

The proposals included in the resolution are the result of cross-party consultations and are expected to be voted through soon during the next session of the New South Walles Parliament.

The same proposals is expected to be tabled in the Senate in the next few days by Liberal party Senator, Jim Samios.

[16] F.R.Y.: POLARIZATION WIDENS, OPPOSITION DISGRUNTLED, RALLIES CONTINUE

Thousands of disgruntled followers of the Federal Yugoslav Republic's three-member coalition opposition Zajedno (Together) ) continued to rally in the streets of Belgrade today, backed by the city's college students who demanded that the dean of Belgrade University Dragoudin Belickovic submit his resignation for not having taken a clear stand over the annullment of the second round results of the local elections.

The third round of the local elections was held yesterday under a shadow of the strongest polarization the country has known during the past five years.

The local authorities decided to annul the second round's results in most of the cities where "Zajedno" prevailed, claiming that various shortcomings, irregularities and violations of law were noted during the voting procedure.

Opposition officials asked the voters not to participate in yesterday's voting, which they dubbed as "a process of theft and distortion of the second round's election results where 'Zajendno' was elected the winner in 15 out of Yugoslavia's 18 largest cities."

The Belgrade Electoral Commission warned Zajedno and the opposition press that an infringement of silence would cast a doubt over the regularity of the third round as well.

[17] GREEK COMMISSIONER OPTIMISTIC OVER UPCOMING EUROPARTENARIAT IN PIREAUS

Greek Commissioner Christos Papoutsis, holding the portfolios of energy, tourism and small-to-middle size enterprises, announced today that when the Europartenariat will be held in Pireaus, Greece in June of 1997, the central focus will be the new entrepreneurs.

Inaugurating the Europartenariat 1996 in Genova today, Mr. Papoutsis stated that the small-to-middle size enterprises are the "steam engines" of the european economy.

Moreover, the Greek Commissioner referred extensively to the significance of the new generation of businessmen, emphasizing that entrepreneurship must especially be supported in the information-systems sector, as well as in the sector of these systems' users.

[18] THE MOST "TIGHT" BUDGET OF THE PAST 20 YEARS IS BEING DISCUSSED IN GERMANY UNDER STRONG REACTIONS

The 1997 budget, the most "tight" of the past 20 years, is being discussed in the german Federal Parliament under the weight of social protests to a series of anti-popular economic measures.

The new budget is fully harmonized with the austerity measures recently voted through in Parliament which among others provide for tax reforms and big spending cuts in the sectors of health and services.

With the new budget Chancellor Helmut Kohl's conservative government aims at reducing public deficit in order for Germany to be able to meet the Maastricht Treaty criteria for the european monetary union.

Political analysts point out that the persistence in the criteria set by the Maastricht Treaty will lead to more spending cuts affecting a wider range of social classes increasing this way the likelihood of a social unrest, similar to that already observed in other EU member states, such as France.

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