Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-01-23

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, January 23, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GOVERNMENT PROMISES TO MEET WORKERS' DEMANDS IN 1998

The Undersecretary of Economics George Drys met with representatives from the General Confederation of Greek Workers, the country's largest labor union, and promised them that in 1998 the government will proceed to index the tax bracket and raise the ceiling on tax-exempt income.

The striking high school teachers are expected to decide on Saturday if they will proceed to another five-day strike, while their union representatives may meet once again with Education Minister Gerasimos Arsenis. A.F.

[02] STRIKE REPORT: SEAMEN TO OPEN PORTS, BUT LOCAL FARMERS WILL CLOSE ROADS

The Greek seamen and dockworkers have called-off their strike, after a decision taken early this morning, as a response to the improved proposals submitted to them by the Minister of Merchant Marine Stavros Soumakis.

Specifically, the proposals foresee for an 8% income tax for the seamen in 1997, to rise to 9% to 1998, while the lower ranks will be taxed with 4% in 1997 and 6% in 1998.

Farmers from Macedonia and Thrace have decided to proceed to roadblocks on February 3, as well as barricade the entrance of Thessaloniki's International Fairgrounds, where the Agrotica 13 exhibition of agricultural machinery will be held.

When the Minister of Press and Media Dimitris Reppas was asked if the government will arrest the farmers as they proceed to the roadblocks, he replied that he does not wish to comment on what the law enforcement department will do.

Meanwhile, the country's high school teachers appear determined to continue their indefinite strike, following last night's marathon meeting with the Minister of Education Gerasimos Arsenis and the Undersecretary of Finance Nikos Christodoulakis.

The teachers demand improved wages and benefits, but Mr. Arsenis has said that their demand of a GRD70,000 pay increase is beyond the government's ability. A.F.

[03] PREMIER RECEIVES U.S. AMBASSADOR THOMAS NILES TODAY

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis received the United States Ambassador Thomas Niles in Athens today.

The two men discussed the State Department's initiative on Cyprus, but they did not make any comments on the content of their talks after the meeting.

Also Mr. Simitis met with Romanian Freign Minister Andrei Severin today, who is currently conducting a formal visit to Greece. A.F.

[04] FOREIGN MINISTER: MORATORIUM CAN'T BE ENFORCED UNDER THESE CONDITIONS

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos stated today that the State Department's proposal of a flight moratorium over Cyprus does not solve the Cyprus issue.

"Can the United States guarantee that they will attack Turkish planes if it's needed?" Mr. Pangalos asked, adding that "at this time, the moratorium has no legal meaning and cannot be enforced under the current conditions."

Moreover, he added that Greece is ready for any whatsoever development that could defuse the tension in the Aegean.

On other matters, referring to the ongoing strike of the Foreign Ministry's diplomats, which has already been ruled illegal, Mr. Pangalos said that "the prosecutor will not enter the Ministry." A.F.

[05] THE GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER MET WITH HIS ROMANIAN COUNTERPART

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos met today with his Romanian counterpart Andrei Severin, who is on an formal visit to Athens.

The two ministers discussed bilateral issues as well as, issues concerning security and stability in the Balkans.

Mr.Pangalos assured the Romanian Foreign Minister that Greece will back the efforts made by Romania to become a member of the European Union and NATO. Also, he presented Greece's views regarding the Greek-Turkish relations. Mr.Severin later met with Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.

[06] GREECE TO RATIFY FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION ACCORD WITH ALBANIA

Greece's ambassador to Tirana, Konstantinos Prevedourakis stated today that the bilateral relations between Athens and Tirana have realistically improved.

During a tour he conducted in southern Albania, Mr. Prevedourakis stated that Greece is committed to and supports Albania's approach to Europe and added that Athens promotes the application of specific EU programs to Albania.

Moreover, the Greek Ambassador stated that Greece will soon proceed to ratify a Friendship and Cooperation Accord with Albania, as well as an agreement on seasonal employment. A.F.

[07] THE GREEK-GERMAN ECONOMIC RELATIONS

The construction of the new airport of Athens by a consortium of German companies is the programme occupying the first place in the list of programmes that began materializing abroad in 1996 with the guarantee of the German state. This was stated by the Federal Ministry of Finance during the presentation concerning the German exports.

According to the data provided, the exports covered by the German state with "Hermes" guarantees have increased by 6% in 1996.

Based on the total value of the exports guaranteed by the German state in 1996, the first place belongs to China with 3,6 billion marks, the second place goes to Indonesia with 2,7 billion and the third to Turkey with 2,4 billion marks.

The German government has taken measures for the modernization of the export trade guarantees system and the percentage of damage the state will undertake to cover in 1997, in case of inability to pay the foreign importer, will reach 85%.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[08] U.S.: PROGRESS ON CYPRIOT ISSUE DETERMINED BY NICOSIA, ATHENS, ANKARA

State Department spokesperson Nicholas Burns stated today that any progress to be noted on the Cyprus issue depends solely upon Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and the leaders of Greece and Turkey.

Mr. Burns reiterated that the U.S. adminstration views the recent tour to Nicosia, Athens and Ankara conducted by U.S. envoy Carey Cavanaugh as successful since it managed to reduce the tension.

Also, Mr. Burns stated that achieving an agrement over the moratorium of military flights over Cyprus is a matter concerning the involved parties, while speaking on the matter of Cyprus' purchase of the Russian-made S-300 missiles he said that it is not a good idea and it will strain the island's political climate.

Nevertheless, the State Department spokesperson repeated once again that "Turkey must not direct threats of using force against Cyprus" and said that President Clerides' decision not to deploy the missiles until 16 months from now is a very good one. A.F.

[09] BRITAIN'S SHADOW FOREIGN MINISTER RECEIVED BY CYPRIOT PRESIDENT CLERIDES

Britain's Shadow Foreign Minister Robert Cooke was received by the President of the Republic of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides in Nicosia today, wherein the British official stated that a Labour Party cabinet in his country will be very willing to aid in finding a solution to the Cyprus issue, one that would be fair and would secure trust among the two communities.

When asked on his plans to promote the Cyprus issue on the international agenda, Mr. Cooke stated that Britain will hold the European Union's rotating presidency during the first six months of 1998, a time when negotiations will start for the EU's expansion.

Mr. Cooke stated that Britain's Labor Party believes that Cyprus should become an EU member and added that "we believe that Cyprus has a great priority as an EU candidate-member."

Moreover, he added that when Britain will hold the EU presidency, "the opportunity will be provided, within the framework of the expansion negotiations, to see to what degree we can reach a solution which will resolve the differences on the island, and will give, both to Europe and to Cyprus, a greater degree of trust in regards to the accession." A.F.

[10] KASOULIDES: THE COURSE OF THE MILITARY DIALOGUE WILL BECOME CLEAR IN FEBRUARY

The course of the military dialogue held by the United Nations with the Cypriot National Guard and the Turkish occupation forces will become clear in February, according to speculations made by Cypriot government spokesman Yiannakis Kasoulides, who also mentioned that the Cypriot side is ready to hold talks twice a week with UNFICYP representatives.

Mr.Kasoulides added that Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides will soon meet on the issue with Defence Minister Kostas Eliades and National Guard Chief Nikolaos Vorvolakos in the precence of Foreign Minister Alekos Michaelides.

[11] A MAJOR ISSUE WAS CREATED BY THE GERMAN COURT ACCUSATIONS ON TURKISH GOVERNMENT LINKS WITH DRUG-LORDS

A major political issue with international dimensions has been created after the public accusations made by a German court according to which, the Turkish government and specifically Vice- President and Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller has close relations with Istanbul drug-lords bringing large quantities of heroin to Europe. The news was reported around the world and as the international public opinion was informed of ms.Ciller's new scandals, Ankara was quick to respond to those accusations without being able to convince anyone that this is just a slander campaign.

As soon as the accusations made by a Frankfurt court during the trial of three Turkish drug dealers became known, the reaction was immediate. The Turkish Ambassador to Bonn requested to meet with the German Foreign Minister, while the German Ambassador to Ankara was summoned to the Foreign Ministry where he received a protest note.

Germany's response, through alternate Foreign Ministry spokesman, to Turkey's reactions was clear. The German spokesman stated that the German justice is independent, adding that the Turkish government has expressed its discontent and asked for the exact rationale of the ruling.

Meanwhile, ms.Ciller's scandals have taken the form of an avalanche, as just recently she was accused of irregularities, of having relations with the underworld and of involvement in the decision to send members of the Turkish extremist organization "Grey Wolves" to Cyprus, who participated in the bloody incidents of last August that resulted in the killing of two Greek-Cypriots.

[12] CONFLICT ERUPTS BETWEEN GERMANY AND TURKEY OVER FRANKFURT COURT'S RULING

The recent ruling issued by a Frankfurt court, wherein Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller is said to be providing protection to drug dealers, has provoked a vocal conflict between the two countries.

The German government has rejected the demarches issued by Ankara, while Turkey threatens to recall its ambassador in Bonn.

Meanwhile, the matter will be addressed by the European Union's Ministerial Council following a question tabled by Greek eurodeputy Alekos Alavanos (Coalition of the Left and Progress Party).

Mr. Alavanos asks the Council to take direct action towards the Turkish government, based on the articles of the EU's accord, which foresee for the cooperation of the "15" on matters concerning drug trafficking. A.F.

[13] TURKISH OPPOSITION PARTY V.P. NOT BOTHERED BY MISSILES IN CYPRUS

The Vice-President of Turkey's Motherland Party Yilmaz Karakoyiunglu stated today that he does not think the deployment of the Russian-made S-300 missiles in Cyrpus will affect his country in any way.

Mr. Karakoyiunglu, who is currently in Thessaloniki where he observed the trial over the car accident where Moslem former deputy Sadik Ahmet was killed, told the Macedonian Press Agency that no shift has been noted in his country's policy in regards to the Cyprus issue since 1974. Moreover, the Turkish politician said that various mistakes have been made in his government's foreign policy during the recent years.

Regarding the trial, Zisis Arabatzis, the driver of the tractor which on July 24, 1995 collided with Sadik's car, received a jail sentence of 17 months, on the counts of manslaughter and of causing bodily harm.

A six-member Turkish National Assembly delegation, headed by the Turkish Parliament's Human Rights Committee President Demir Berberoglu, attended the hearing and, after the sentence was heard, announced that the trial was fair and unbiased. A.F.

[14] GERMAN SOCIAL-DEMOCRAT EURO-MPS REACTED TO THE STATEMENTS MADE BY KINKEL ON CYPRUS' ACCESSION INTO THE EU

The Euro-MPs of Germany's Social-Democratic party (SPD) reacted strongly to the statements made by German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel in Brussels regarding the EU's policy for the accession of new members. Mr.Kinkel stated that the EU will not withstand the weight of the new members if they bring with them additional problems, stressing that this position applies mainly to the case of Cyprus.

In a statement the Social-Democrat Euro-MPs condemn mr.Kinkel's statements, while President of the Committee on Cyprus in the European Parliament, ms.Rote underlined that the German Foreign Minister must re-examine his statement because the pre- condition he puts would mean for the Cypriot Republic that its accession to the EU will never take place.

In the statement it is stressed that mr.Kinkel knows well that the external threat against Cyprus, which comes from Turkey, can be faced only through negotiations, pointing out that the statements made by the German minister do not contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem. According to the statement, instead of bitterly attacking the Cypriot Republic mr.Kinkel should pressure Ankara to redeploy its armed forces from the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus opening the way for a peaceful solution.

Ms.Rote reminded that Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides has repeatedly suggested the complete demilitarization of the island and stressed that the statement made by mr.Kinkel equals to a double punishment imposed to the Cypriot Republic which is recquired to live under Turkish occupation and abandon the efforts for its accession into the EU.

[15] BRITISH DEPUTIES PARTICIPATE IN CYPRIOT PROTEST OUTSIDE TURKISH EMBASSY

British parliamentarians partook in a protest march organized by London's Greek-Cypriot community outside the Turkish embassy today.

Four deputies, two of whom are with the conservative Party, another from the Labor Party and the fourth from the House of Commons, stood outside the Turkish Embassy in London for approximately six hours, whereupon they were replaced by four other parliamentarians all of whom are with the Labor Party. A.F.

[16] BULGARIA: PRESIDENT STOYANOV TO GIVE MANDATE TO DEMOCRATIC LEFT

Bulgaria's President-elect Petar Stoyanov is to give a mandate to form a government to the assigned Premier Nikolai Dobrev.

According to Bulgaria's state-owned radio, the opposition parties remain firm on their insistence to hold early elections, as per the statements made by the leader of the "Union of Democratic Forces" Ivan Kostov, who also said that the Democratic Left does not enjoy a wide national consensus or social support. A.F.

[17] BULGARIA'S OUTGOING CABINET APPROVES LONG-TERM INTERBALKAN COOPERATION PROGRAM WITH GREECE

A long-term program titled "Inter-Balkan Cooperation Between Greece and Bulgaria" as well as an economic memorandum for cooperation and the enforcement of the PHARE program during 1994- 1999, was approved today by Bulgaria's outgoing government.

The long-term program for the time period between 1995-1999, provides MECU 23 annually, for the funding of structures- improvement projects and the transport network in border areas that lie between the two countries. A.F.

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