Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 96-12-27

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, December 27, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] SNOWFALL CONTINUES WITH ICE-COLD TEMPERATURES IN NORTHERN GREECE

[02] WHITE CHRISTMAS FOR NORTHERN GREECE AS SNOW FALLS HEAVILY

A sudden change of weather in northern Greece has caught everyone by surprise as, one day after a sun-filled Christmas, heavy snow covered Thessaloniki.

The snowfall, at times accompanied by weather temperatures below zero, has necessitated the use of tire chains in national and provincial roads of central and western Macedonia.

Also, tempestuous seas have been reported in the Aegean, with winds travelling up to nine Beaufort. A.F.

[03] 22 PERSONS KILLED IN CAR ACCIDENTS DURING CHRISTMAS EXODUS

This year's Christmas exodus claimed the lives of 22 persons who were killed in 98 traffic accidents that occured during the past three days in various parts of the country's national and provincial roads.

Aside from the high death toll, another 140 persons were injured in these accidents. On the Athens-Lamia national highway junction, five persons were killed when their two cars collided. A.F.

[04] CITIBANK BRANCH IN ATHENS HIT BY BOMB, CAUSES PANIC BUT NO INJURIES

A Citibank branch in Athens's central district Kypseli was damaged yesterday afternoon when a makeshift bomb made of camping gas cannisters exploded in the bank's ATM, causing panic but no injuries.

Claiming responsibility for the attack was the anarchist group "Revolutionary Nuclei of Violence".

This is the second time a Citibank branch has been hit this month. On December 19 a time-regulated bomb destroyed Citibank's branch in Chalandri, a suburb in northern Athens, but, again, caused no injuries.

The explosive mechanism contained at least three kilos of dynamite and had been placed in the bank's ATM. A.F.

[05] DRAFT LAW ON THE OMBUDSMAN INSTITUTION WILL BE PRESENTED IN PARLIAMENT IN JANUARY

The Greek government is expected to introduce next month in Parliament a draft law on the enactment of the institution of the ombudsman, through which the citizens will be able to lodge complaints against mismanagement instances in their transactions with the public sector agencies.

This institution originated from the northern European states. The term ombudsman was used for the first time by the Swedish Parliament in 1809 and with slight differencies, regarding its authority, the institution was adopted worldwide. Denmark enacted it in 1953, New Zealand in 1963 and Norway in 1964.

It should be noted that by the end of 1995 there were Administration Commissioners or ombudsmen in 75 countries of which 27 are European. The institution has been consolidated in the EU member-states. Ten states have National Administration Commissioner Agencies while in Greece the process for the establishment of an Administration Commissioner Agency or ombudsman is at an advanced stage.

The European Parliament had proposed the idea for the establishment of an EU ombudsman since 1979 and in 1995 the European Parliament elected former Finn Administration Commissioner Jacob Sodermann as the first European Union ombudsman.

[06] ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE VARTHOLOMEW TO TRAVEL TO US IN OCTOBER

The Ecumenical Patriarchate Vartholomew will conduct his first official visit to the United States between October 20 and November 9, 1997.

The formal announcement was made today by the Archbishop of America Spyridon who stated that the Ecumenical Patriarchate will tour New York, Washington, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles and other cities. A.F.

[07] EFFORTS MADE TO OPEN AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE IN THESSALONIKI

[08] A GATE MADE UP OF 400 PORTRAITS AND AN ELECTRONIC SAINT WILL WELCOME THE VISITORS TO THE 1997 CULTURAL CAPITAL OF EUROPE

A four-meter high gate made up of 400 portraits painted by 20 Thessalonian artists will be used as the entrance to the "Great celebration in the city" organized by the Cultural Capital of Europe Organization to take place on New Year's Eve in the area around the White Tower at Thessaloniki's sea-front.

At the same time, a huge "Saint", 5,5 meters tall and 8,5 meters wide, equipt with a screen for art video projections from 13 European countries will be placed at the sea-front to remind the visitors of Thessaloniki's Byzantine past.

In front of the "Saint" will be placed a colourful chessboard with plastic art creations, instead of chess pieces, and in the space between them will be held dance performances.

It should be reminded, that the stage especially designed for the concert of rock star Bob Geldof, that will take place near the Alexander the Great statue, is impressively large and was custom made in Italy.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[09] SANTA CLAUS WORE A TURBAN, ACCORDING TO SOME YANKEES...

The man known as Saint Basil to all Greeks, or more popularly as Santa Claus to children around the world, was recently presented in a turkish documentary as being of Turkish origin, but instead of being dressed in an inalienable red-white outfit and a black belt to match his boots, dons a turban.

According to New York's greek daily "Proini", an american broadcasting network -"History Channel"- recently promoted this documentary with the line "He was born in Turkey 1,775 years ago..."

The Greek Saint Basil (330-379 A.C.) was born in Ceasaria of the Cappadocia region of what is known as Turkey today. As it is known, the Turkish nation not only had not been founded then, but the Mongolian races (the Turks' ancestors) had not even began their descent to the East.

Meanwhile, in a recent report from Istanbul, the "New York Times" wrote that the Turkish society has been subjected to a variety of western-world influences, among them the tradition of decorated Christmas trees, adding that "Santa Claus was born in Turkey" albeit failing to mention that Turkey did not exist then as a country.

Moreover, "Proini" commented, it is quite characteristic how the "N.Y. Times" article failed to make any references to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Constantinople (Instabul), an institution inseparable from the city's history and character.

"Since the (N.Y.Times) article was about Christians in Constantinople, should it not at least be referred to, being the center of Orthodoxy, in whose jurisdiction the Church of St. Basil from Ceasaria belongs?" wonders "Proini". A.F.

[10] F.R.Y.: OSCE UPHOLDS OPPOSITION'S VICTORY IN LAST MONTH'S LOCAL ELECTIONS

Today's rallying in the streets of Belgrade maintained its almost month-long unfaltering spirit, although this time joyous cries were heard by the Federal Yugoslav Republic's tri-partite main opposition coalition "Zajedno" whose victory in last month's local elections was recognized officially by the Europeans as well.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) had recently sent a delegation to Belgrade to investigate the annulled outcomes of November 17's local elections in those municipalities where "Zajedno" had prevailed. The delegation, headed by Spain's former Premier Felipe Gonzalez, released its findings to OSCE's President and Swiss Foreign Minister Flavio Cotti in Geneva today.

According to the investigation's outcome the opposition prevailed in 13 large municipalities in Serbia, among them Belgrade and Nis and nine others of the capital's greater region.

The first official reactions from Slobodan Milosevic's government were mixed. Yugoslav Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic characterised the finding as "balanced and constructive, which must be taken into consideration by the proper authorities", although he did express some doubt over the finding's objectivity, by noting that "perhaps there was some confusion."

Moreover, Mr. Milutinovic added that OSCE's finding confirms the governing coalition's victory in the majority of Serbia's municipalities.

Naturally, "Zajedno" leaders have saluted the investigation's outcome. Vuk Drascovic, one of the coalition's three leaders, stated that OSCE's finding was "expected" while his counterpart Zoran Djindjic warned that if Milosevic dismisses this outcome, then he will subject the country to alienation from the international community. A.F.

[11] FAMILIES OF MURDERED GREEK-CYPRIOTS RESORT TO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

The families of the three Greek-Cypriot civilians who were killed by Turkish occupation forces will soon resort to the Council of Europe's Commission for Human Rights where Turkey will be condemned for continuous violation of the European Accord for human rights and Ankara will be called to respond on the accusations of the killings.

Relatives of Tasos Isaac, Solomos Solomou and Petros Kakoullis will file the claims during the first two weeks of January 1997.

If the Commission rules against Turkey, then the Cypriot Government will be able to file an interstate resort asking for Turkey's condemnation at the International Court of Justice at the Hague. A.F.

[12] BRITISH ENVOY SIR DAVID HANNAY TO VISIT CYPRUS IN JANUARY

British envoy Sir David Hannay will conduct a visit to Nicosia in January, within the framework of the new international initiative to resolve the Cyprus issue.

Following Sir Hannay's arrival, the special envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General Han Sung Ju will visit Cyprus, as well as the United States President's representative for Cyprus Keiser Heaslip. A.F.

[13] F.R.Y.: ZAJEDNO SUPPORTERS RALLY PEACEFULLY AS POLICE BLOCK ROADS

Followers of the Federal Yugoslav Republic's main opposition coalition "Zajedno" are determined to continue their daily protests, despite the Serb government's ruling to ban the rallies claiming that they obstruct traffic.

Twenty thousand policemen blocked off the central plaza of Belgrade, in an effort to prevent the protesters from rallying.

The marchers managed to get to the square and left after listening to the addresses given by the tri-partite opposition's leaders.

Meanwhile, both Germany and the United States have asked Serb leader Slobodan Milosevic not to obstruct the marches.

German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel warned Milosevic that the international community will not tolerate violence against the peaceful marchers.

"Milosevic must first think of his actions, in light of the Federal Yugoslav Republic's coveted return to Europe," Kinkel stated.

However, the Russian Foreign Minister stated that any attempt to interfere in Serb interior affairs is unacceptable.

In Vienna today, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is expected to release the findings from its recent investigations of the November 17 local elections. A.F.

[14] EFFORTS FOR THE OPENING OF AN AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE IN THESSALONIKI

Labour Party leader in South Australia Michael Runn issued an appeal to the Greek community in Australia to back his effort to collect enough signatures to persuade the Australian government to open a Consulate and Commercial Office in Thessaloniki.

Mr.Runn and his coleague Labour Party deputy Tom Koutsantonis started the signature collection campaign last November. In statements he made, mr.Runn stressed that already have arrived letters with thousands of signatures from Greek-Australians but thousands more will be needed to persuade the Howard government to open a Consulate and a Commercial Office in Thessaloniki.

The opening of the Consulate will also be a symbolic gesture on behalf of the Australian government, stressing the importance of its relations with the undoubtedly Greek Macedonia and its people, mr.Runn said.

In concluding, mr.Runn praised the economic and commercial development of Thessaloniki which he characterized as the center of economic activity in the Balkans.

[15] THE ALTERING OF THE DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTER OF THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES CONSTITUTES INTERNATIONAL LAW VIOLATION

The efforts made by the Turkish-Cypriots to alter the demographic identity of the occupied territories with settlers who have no relation with Cyprus and its population were described as unprecedented by Cypriot government spokesman Yiannakis Kasoulidis.

Commenting on Turkish-Cypriot press publications over the recent population census in the pseudostate according to which, the population increased by 90% since 1960, mr.Kasoulidis stressed that if it is taken under consideration that thousands of Turkish- Cypriots migrate abroad it is obvious that the settlers outnumber the native Turkish-Cypriots.

Mr.Kasoulidis pointed out that such a systematic effort to alter the demographic character constitutes a gross violation of international law and specific UN provisions and stressed that the Cypriot government will think hard over its further actions.

Based on today's Turkish-Cypriot press publications, the population of the occupied territories reached about 199.000 people in spite of the fact that hundreds of Turkish-Cypriots migrate each year abroad to avoid the unacceptable living conditions imposed by the occupation forces.

[16] A TURKISH SLAVE-TRADER AND 48 IRAQUI ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE ARRESTED IN SIMI

A 30-yearold Turkish slave-trader and 48 illegal immigrants from Iraq were arrested in the early morning hours today in the south-eastern Aegean island of Simi after a chase by the Greek coastguard and were brought before a prosecutor in the island of Rhodes.

The slave-trader had tried to reach the Turkish coasts but failed and his boat crashed on rocks. Greek coastguard officers arrested him and was taken to Rhodes.

As it was made known, the illegal immigrants from Iraq had gone ashore at the region of Agios Emilianos in the island of Simi.

[17] FOUR BIG POLITICAL PARTIES IN TURKEY CALL FOR THE LIFTING OF PARLIAMENTARY IMMUNITY

The Turkish political parties of "True Path", "Motherland", "Democratic Left" and "Popular Republican" reached a compromise, in spite of the objections raised by the "Welfare" party, concerning changes in the Constitution over the lifting of parliamentary immunity in response to the scandal over the links between the state and the organized crime.

Meanwhile, "Motherland" Party leader Mesut Yilmaz testified yesterday in Istanbul's State Security Court but it is unknown if he handed in any of the documents concerning the Susurluk case he claims he has in his possession.

From her part, "True Path" Party leader and Turkish government vice-President Tansu Ciller stated that the promotion of unfounded speculations over links between the state and the organized crime hurts the state's defence mechanism which in the longterm will benefit the Kurdish PKK Party.

[18] PRESSURES ARE EXPECTED TO BE EXERTED ON TURKEY FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS PROBLEM, ACCORDING TO "MILLIYET"

In 1997 the United States, the European Union and the United Nations will drive Turkey into a corner on the issue of Cyprus and will exert pressures for Cyprus' accession into the EU, according to the Turkish newspaper "Milliyet" which adds that if this happens Turkey's right to be a guarantor power in Cyprus will cease to exist.

The newspaper writes that it is a misfortune for Turkey to have a Foreign Minister who has lost the West's trust and a Prime Minister who aligns with the East at a time when the country should have the best possible relations with the West.

The above speculations were included as an introduction to an interview by Turkish-Cypriot Rauf Denktash who mentions that Northern Cyprus, as the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus is called, and Turkey are in the last phase of economic union. Mr.Denktash added that in a few days a number of measures will be announced by the Turkish government covering issues such as the abolition of customs checks and the issuing of Turkish passports to the Turkish- Cypriots.

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