Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 96-12-02

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, December 2, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] SEVERE FLOODS STRIKE PROVINCE OF XANTHI IN NORTHEASTERN GREECE

Three persons drowned yesterday, among them a father and his 14-year-old daughter, in the torrential floods that were brought about by severe rain in Xanthi, a city in northeastern Greece.

The heavy rain caused severe losses to the region's crops, while many houses and stores have been devastated by damages. Hundreds of families from the surrounding villages have been rendered homeless. The province of Xanthi was declared a "state of emergency" yesterday and the Government enforced its "Xenocrates" contingency plan in the stricken area.

Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos, who has been at the stricken premises since yesterday, told the Macedonian Press Agency that, as soon as damage estimates are drawn, the Government will proceed to relief measures for the support of flood-stricken victims, including a grant of GRD200,00 to each of the flood's victims (about $810).

The Minister of Environment, Planning and Public Works Kostas Laliotis is currently heading a government delegation on a visit to Xanthi and will preside over a conference with local authorities.

[02] PROTESTING GREEK FARMERS BLOCK ALL NORTH-SOUTH TRANSPORTATION ROUTES

Greece's disgruntled farmers have mounted their protests by blocking the country's motor, air and railway routes with their tractors today, the third successive day of their rallies.

The farmers denounce the Government's economic policy and demand from the State to clear their debts and offer them "carte blanche" subsidies.

Aside from the anomalies created in cross-country transportation, fresh food deliveries are also greatly affected as the goods are being held up at the production site and deliveries cannot proceed to out-of-town markets.

Already, the Association of Northern Greece's Exporters has announced that it is greatly concerned over these road blockades and warns that Greece's exporting industry is threatened with inestimable damages.

Ironically, these delays in food deliveries could lead to an increase in market prices, thereby causing an inflation spurt which inevitably will damage the farmers themselves as well.

[03] THE GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER VISITED JAPAN AND CHINA

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos discussed Greece's relations with Japan and China during his formal visit to Tokyo and Peking.

In the japanese capital he briefed his counterpart mr.Ikenta on the situation in the Balkans, the Cyprus problem and the greek- turkish relations as well as on Greece's intention to be a candidate for the position of a non permanent member in the UN Security Council in 1999.

The japanese Foreign Minister assured mr.Pangalos that his country will work toward the solution of the Cyprus problem starting next year, while he stated that a japanese consulate should open in Thessaloniki where a considerable number of japanese nationals live. The japanese diplomat also briefed mr.Pangalos on Japan's regional policy especially concerning China and the Korean Peninsula.

The two ministers described the climate in bilateral relations as very good, while next year special events will be held marking the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Mr.Pangalos invited mr.Ikenta to visit Greece while he also delivered the greek President's invitation to the japanese Emperor.

In Peking, mr.Pangalos had discussions with the 1st vice- president of the chinese government. The chinese high ranking government official expressed his country's interest in increasing the imports of greek products and stated that efforts are being made for the establishment of a framework which will attract greek businessmen to the developing chinese market.

Mr.Pangalos also met with the chinese assistant Foreign Minister because the country's Foreign Minister was attending the Economic Cooperation Asia-Pacific Summit meeting. In the meeting mr.Pangalos had with the chinese diplomat, were discussed ways for the strengthening of political and economic relations between the two countries while the chinese side expressed its support to a fair and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.

[04] GREEK FARMERS CONTINUE TO BLOCK MAJOR NATIONAL ROADS

The national highway linking Athens with Thessaloniki remains closed for the third successive day by protesting farmers who are continuing their rallies against the Government's economic policy.

The Thessaly Coordinating Committee of Farmers has turned down the Agriculture Minister's (Stefanos Tzoumakas) proposal to meet with the presidiums of the largest agricultural unions in Athens.

Following Thessaly, the farmers of northern Greece and the Peloponnese also joined the rallies.

[05] STATEMENTS BY THE ACTING GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ON THE FARMERS' BLOCKADES

Acting government spokesman Yiannis Nikolaou stated referring to the farmers' protests that the government believes that their problems can be solved through dialogue and good faith from all sides.

Mr.Nikolaou stated that the nature of the mobilizations does not correspond with the farmers' demands and concluded by saying that it is self-evident that the roads can not remain closed.

[06] GREEK EURODEPUTY SUBMITS RESOLUTION IN EUROPARLIAMENT ON XANTHI FLOOD

A resolution concerning the torrential rains that flooded northeastern Greece yesterday was submitted to the European Parliament today by Greek eurodeputy Alekos Alavanos, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos).

In his resolution, Mr. Alavanos requests that the European Union cooperate with Greece in providing immediate relief measures to the flood victims, and provide them with emegency stipends.

Three persons drowned -among them a father and his 14-year- old daughter- in yesterday's flood, which struck mostly the city of Xanthi and hundreds of families from the surrounding villages have been rendered homeless.

The heavy rains brought on severe losses to the region's crops, while many houses and stores have been devastated by extensive damages. The province of Xanthi was declared a "state of emergency" yesterday and the Government enforced its "Xenocrates" contingency plan in the stricken area.

[07] PRISON EMPLOYEES BEGAN A 24-HOUR STRIKE TODAY

Correctional officers in Greece began a 24-hour strike today demanding wage increases. Their mobilization is expected to continue until December 9 with a new strike while the contacts with the responsible ministry will continue aimed at reaching an agreement with the government.

Inspite of the fact that the internal operation of prisons continues without problems and emergencies are being handled immediately, the visits to the inmates by relatives and lawyers are not allowed, as well as, the transport of inmates to the court buildings where their cases are being tried.

The strikers also demand to continue to receive danger pay.

[08] GREECE WILL SUPPORT TURKEY'S ACCESION TO THE EU IF THE PROBLEMS IN THE GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS ARE RESOLVED, STATED MR.PAPANDREOU

In an interview to turkish newspaper "Hurriyet", greek alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou stated that Greece will offer its support to Turkey's accesion to the EU if the problems in the greek-turkish relations are resolved. Mr.Papandreou also stressed that the belief according to which, Greece does not want Turkey in the EU, is wrong pointing out that the two countries have common interests.

He said that their economic interests are common, adding that if there is cooperation stability in the region will be secured, while the appropriate climate will be created for the solution of other regional problems, stressing that in order for all that to happen the problems between the two countries must be resolved.

Responding to the question on Greece's efforts to block Turkey's relations with the EU, mr.Papandreou stated that this is wrong as the EU member states each day increase their criticism against Turkey. He said that Ankara continues to have military forces in Cyprus, while it does not keep its promises on the issue of human rights and therefore, Greece is not the one who is blocking Turkey's relations with the EU.

Mr.Papandreou said that a necessary pre-condition for the development of relations between the two countries is the respect of International Law and agreements. He said that Turkey has territorial claims against Greece, adding that the greek territory will never be under discussion. Mr.Papandreou underlined that if the turkish side has a problem it should go to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

The greek alternate Foreign Minister stated in his interview that Greece will not make any concessions and that the only problem between the two countries is that of the continental shelf.

To the question if he believes that the problems can be resolved while today's turkish government is in power, mr.Papandreou responded that he does not want to be involved in Turkey's internal affairs but added that there is curiosity over the policies that will be followed by this government.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[09] OSCE SUMMIT CONFERENCE BEGINS IN LISBON TODAY

The Summit Conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) began today in the Portuguese capital, with the participation of 55 formal delegations headed by state leaders from Europe, the United States and Canada.

Heading the Greek delegation is Prime Minister Kostas Simitis who is scheduled to address the Summit tomorrow morning. The Premier is accompanied by Minister of Press and Mass Media Dimitris Reppas, alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou and various advisors.

The Summit's Plenary session was held until noon, local time, and was followed by a luncheon hosted by the Portuguese Premier. The Plenary session will reconvene later in the afternoon.

In the evening, the President of Portugal will host a formal dinner in honor of the 55 state leaders at the Palacio de Yuta.

The Summit's agenda will mostly concentrate on European security issues and the course towards the 21st century, as the delegates consider the topic of cooperation for added security in Europe to be a key point and agree for the removal of nuclear warheads from countries such as the Ukraine and Kazakstan. Moreover, the delegates condemn policies of national cleansing and mass exiles.

Nevertheless, it became apparent to all that the draft resolution worked on by the delegations last night became the source of debate on numerous points.

During the Summit, the President of FYROM Kiro Gligorov is expected to raise the issue of ethnic minorities, a subject that also concerns Greece. It is reminded that at the Summit for Security and Cooperation in Europe (SSCE), held in Copenhagen during June of 1990, it was resolved that the members of ethnic minorities must not be subjected to discrimination and that their religious, ethnic, cultural and linguistic identity must be protected. This excerpt has been internationally characterized as a form of "European Constitution", especially in regards to human rights.

Mr. Simitis will have a series of contacts in Lisbon, which began this morning with a meeting with Romanian President Emil Constantinescu. The Greek Premier is expected to promote the positions for a peaceful resolution of the greek-turkish differences and the resort of the Imia islets issue and the continental shelf matter to the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

Among the other state leaders participating in the Summit are Victor Cernomyrdin, Helmut Kohl, John Major and Romano Prodi. Representing the United States is Vice-President Al Gore.

[10] THE OSCE SUMMIT IN LISBON CONTINUES

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis met in Lisbon this morning with Romanian President Constantinescu, Albanian President Berisha and WEU Secretary General Coutilieiro, while he had short discussions with the Prime Ministers of Italy, Ireland and Norway. Also, he briefly met with Secretary General of NATO mr.Solana and EU Commissioner Hans Van Den Broek. In the afternoon the greek Prime Minister had scheduled meetings with the portuguese and spanish Prime Ministers.

Regarding the likelihood of a meeting between mr.Simitis and the turkish President or FYROM's President greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stated that nothing has been decided, clarifying that no such request was made by any side, while he did not rule out the possibility of a handshake which, as he said, will be the result of coincidence.

In the meeting mr.Simitis had with mr.Berisha were discussed bilateral relations as well as Balkan issues, such as Kosovo. After the meeting that lasted half an hour, mr.Simitis said that the two countries have developed their relations and that this meeting contributed to their further improvement.

Alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou, who was present during the meeting, stated to reporters that the climate was very positive. He said that were discussed bilateral issues such as the illegal immigrants from Albania and the operation of greek schools in the country.

In the meeting between the Prime Minister and the WEU Secretary General the greek side raised the point according to which, the WEU members should commit themselves that there won't be any changes in the status quo existing between them and the organization's associate members. Mr.Papandreou stated that it appears that in principle the WEU Secretary General is not in disagreement with this position.

The greek alternate Foreign Minister met with Cypriot Foreign Minister Alekos Michailidis and with Bulgarian alternate Foreign Minister ms.Bukova. Mr.Papandreou stated that in the meeting with his bulgarian counterpart were discussed bilateral relations and issues concerning the Inter-Balkan Cooperation.

[11] THE NEXT CONFERENCE OF CIRCOM MEMBERS WILL BE HELD IN THESSALONIKI IN 1998 WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF 400 TELEVISION EXECUTIVES

The next Conference of European Association of Regional Television, CIRCOM, will be held in Thessaloniki in 1998 with the participation of over 400 television executives representing 360 television stations. Some of the delegations will give television coverage to the event promoting Thessaloniki to their large audiences.

Meanwhile, the European Association of Regional Television meeting, in which participated executives representing 39 CIRCOM member-states, ended in Thessaloniki.

It should be noted that for the first time a greek film director will participate in the committee of judges that each year evaluates the quality of television programmes broadcast by 360 television stations in countries which are members of the Association.

During the meeting was also discussed the holding of the european music event "Euromusica" and the Festival of Wide Screen Documentaries in Thessaloniki in November 1997. The events will be held in cooperation with the Organization Cultural Capital of Europe "Thessaloniki 1997".

[12] EARTHQUAKE MEASURING 5,1 RICHTER SHAKES CYPRUS

A strong earthquake measuring 5,1 on the Richter scale occured this morning in Cyprus at 6:09 a.m. and its tremor was felt throughout the island.

According to the Cypriot Geological Review Department, today's quake is an aftershock stemming from Pafos' sea region and constitutes part of the stronger quake (6,4 Richter) that struck Cyprus on October 9, 1996.

Cyprus' strongest quake to date occured in 1896 and measured 6,5 degrees on the Richter scale.

[13] F.R.Y.: ANTI-GOVERNMENT DEMONSTRATIONS CONTINUE TO MOUNT

Thousands of disgruntled followers of the Federal Yugoslav Republic's three-member coalition opposition Zajedno (Together) continue to rally in the streets of Yugoslavia's larger cities, calling President Slobodan Milosevic to step down and demanding that the Government resign.

The rallies stem from the Government's decision to annul results of the local elections in those municipalities where Zajedno prevailed.

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

The local authorities annulled the second round's results claiming that various shortcomings, irregularities and violations of law were noted during the voting procedure.

Opposition officials asked the voters not to participate in the 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."

Meanwhile, Government officials have began arresting the protesters and sentencing them to jail.

[14] FYROM: GLIGOROV'S PARTY PREVAILS IN SECOND ROUND OF LOCAL ELECTIONS

The Social-Democratic Union, the party of FYROM's President Kiro Gligorov, appears to prevail in the second round of the country's local elections held yesterday. With 50 per cent of the cast ballots counted, the state-owned television station announced yesterday that the voter turnout rate reached the 60% mark, slightly below that of the first round of the elections.

[15] F.R.Y.: OPPOSITION'S ANTI-GOVERNMENT RALLIES CONTINUE TO MOUNT

Thousands of disgruntled followers of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia's three-member coalition opposition Zajedno (Together) continue to rally in the streets of Yugoslavia's larger cities, calling President Slobodan Milosevic to step down and demanding that the Government resign.

Over 15,000 Zajedno supporters and student leaders participated in a rally held in Belgrade this afternoon protesting the Government's threat to stop tolerating the demonstrations and begin to crack down on the protesters.

One of Zajedno's leaders, Vuk Drascovic, urged Belgrade's locals to proceed undaunted with the rallying and said that if the opposition holds strong today, then Milosevic will be forced to concede tomorrow.

The rallies stem from the Government's decision to annul results of the local elections in those municipalities where Zajedno prevailed.

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

The local authorities annulled the second round's results claiming that various shortcomings, irregularities and violations of law were noted during the voting procedure.

Opposition officials asked the voters not to participate in the 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."

Meanwhile, Government officials have began arresting the protesters and sentencing them to jail.

[16] WEU'S 42ND ANNUAL ASSEMBLY BEGINS SESSION TODAY IN PARIS

The Western European Union's 42nd Annual Assembly began in Paris today.

PASOK deputy Eleftherios Veryvakis was elected Vice-President of the Socialist Group, while Greece's main opposition party (New Democracy) deputy Vasilis Maginas was elected Vice-President of the Christian Democrats and the European Democrats Political Group. Also, another New Democracy deputy was elected President of the Assembly's Regulations Committee.

Tomorrow's regular session will feature the election of the Assembly's president and vice-presidents. A candidate for the vice-presidency seat is the greek delegation's leader Konstantinos Vrettos.

The WEU Annual Assembly will be completed on December 5.

[17] GREEK MILITARY LEADER MEETS WITH BULGARIAN COUNTERPART IN SOFIA

Greece's Chief of the General Staff Athanasios Tzoganis is currently on an official visit to Bulgaria, following an invitation issued by his Bulgarian counterpart Cvetan Totomirov.

Upon his arrival in Sofia, Mr. Tzoganis gave a positive assessment of this year's military cooperation plan between the two countries, while Mr. Totomirov promised an expansion of bilateral contacts within the next year.

The two military officials are expected to sign a milirtary cooperation program for 1997.

During his stay, Mr. Tzoganis will be received by Bulgarian President Zeliu Zelev, Defense Minister Dimitar Pavlov and will visit military camps in Bulgaria.

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