Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-02-19

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, February 19, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] RED PHONE LINES TO CONNECT DEFENSE MINISTRIES OF ATHENS AND ANKARA

NATO's Secretary-General Javier Solana announced yesterday that two red phone lines will link the Alliance's central office with the Defense Ministries of Greece and Turkey.

Greece's Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos, characterized the measure as a "small aspirin of a weak range" in light of the problematic Greek-Turkish relations, while he stated that any decision must be drawn at a political level.

Speaking in Bonn yesterday, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos called on the West to pressure Turkey into recognizing the International Law, if it truly is interested in establishing security in the southeastern Mediterranean.

[02] THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS DECIDED TO CALL OFF THEIR STRIKE

The elementary school teachers' union decided today to call off their strike.

Meanwhile, the secondary school teachers union organized a rally to be held this afternoon in front of the Parliament building in Athens to coincide with the discussion on education issues.

The meeting of the Presidents of the local secondary school teachers unions continues since this morning demanding dialogue with the government on all issues both economic and institutional. Already, the secondary school teachers local unions have overwhelmingly voted in support of the continuation of the strike, while the students, who are backing their teachers, called a rally to be held in Athens tomorrow.

[03] GREEK TEACHERS TO DECIDE TODAY IF THEY'LL CONTINUE THEIR STRIKES

The Greek teachers' national union plenary session is expected to ratify today the continuance, for a sixth week, of the secondary school teachers' strike, while primary school teaching staff and kindergarten school teachers are to also decide today if they'll continue their strike.

Another massive rally will be held outside the Parliament this evening while the House members will be discussing matters concerning education.

[04] DEFENSE MINISTRY STAFF ON 24-HOUR STRIKE, CULTURE MINISTRY'S CONTINUE THEIRS

Civil employees of the Ministry of National Defense are on a 24-hour strike today, demanding additional benefits in the form of danger- and insanitary-pay, as afforded to those employed at the Local Administration offices.

Culture Ministry employees are also on a strike, demanding the stay of wage benefits. Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos stated that he will attempt a meeting with the employees federation and the Undersecretary of Finance, probably on Friday.

The workers' demands do not concern salary increases but, instead, they ask that certain bonuses already granted will not be abolished.

[05] GREECE'S ALTERNATE FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT BULGARIA ON FRIDAY

Greece's Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou will visit Bulgaria on Friday where he will have contacts with government officials over the initiatives taken by the Greek government in the Balkans and the humanitarian aid missions forwarded to the neighboring country.

At the European Union's Council of General Affairs, to be held on February 24, the Greek government is to table Bulgaria's request for more direct aid from the EU in order to face the formidable economic crisis. Greece is expected to file similar requests for other Balkan countries which face similar plights.

[06] THE MINISTER OF NATIONAL ECONOMY ANNOUNCED CHANGES IN THE AMENDMENT ON THE SOCIAL SECURITY FUNDS

Changes in the controversial amendment concerning the social security funds were announced in Parliament last night by National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou.

According to the announced amendments, the liquid assets of the Social Security Funds and Public Entities will be voluntarily deposited to the Bank of Greece if they have not been invested anywhere else, while they will constitute mutual funds which will compete on equal terms with the Market Capital.

These mutual funds will be managed by the Bank of Greece and not by the Minister of the Economy as provided by the initial amendment.

[07] CHANGE OF SETTING IN THE MAIN GREEK OPPOSITION PARTY

The setting in the main opposition party of New Democracy is changing after the decision by Parliament deputy Konstantinos Karamanlis, who is elected in Thessaloniki, to accept the proposal made to him by 29 of his colleagues to be a candidate for the party's Presidency in the party Congress that will be held in March.

Until now there was no reaction on behalf of the party Presidency basic contestors mr.Miltiades Evert and mr.Giorgos Souflias.

[08] GREEK INVESTMENT IN ROMANIA PRESENTS UPWARD TREND

Greek investment activity in Romania has presented an upward trend, earning Greece the 12th rank among the countries that invest in this Balkan country, a two-point compared to one year ago.

A Romanian business delegation is to visit Thessaloniki's Trade and Industry Chamber tomorrow and will also attend the city's International Trade Fair's Infacoma exhibit where they will discuss opportunities for trade cooperation in the sector of construction.

[09] ALTERNATE FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS WITH PRESIDENT OF SAE, ANDREW ATHENS

Greece's alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou received the President of the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) Andrew Athens today.

The two men discussed issues concerning the Council's activities and ways to better promote its aims.

Also present at the meeting were the Secretary-General of Greeks Abroad Stavros Labrinides and the President of the Greek Parliament's Committee of Greeks Abroad Grigoris Niotis.

[10] INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HELLENISTS TO BE ESTABLISHED IN THESSALONIKI

The Hellenists of Europe, the United States and Australia, are to meet this weekend in Thesaloniki in order to establish the International Association of Hellenists, according to the Minister of Culture Evangelos Venizelos.

According to the Culture Minister, the ministries of education, culture and foreign affairs, are to form an far- reaching network of departments and institutes of Greek studies throughout the world.

[11] PANEPIROTIC UNION'S 30TH SESSION OF US, CANADA, AUSTRALIA BEGINS IN FLORIDA TODAY

The 30th session of the Panepirotic Union of the United States, Canada and Australia was set in motion today in Florida, where the attending delegates examined issues concering the Greek minority's rights in northern Epirus, and the breached agreements between Greece and Albania.

The session is to formally be inaugurated tomorrow morning with a salution given by the Honorable Metropolite of Canada Soterios. Also expected to attend the four-day session are various US senators and congressmen of Greek heritage, as well as Greek- origin deputies of the Albanian parliament.

[12] CHANGE OF SETTING IN GREECE'S MAIN OPPOSITION PARTY

Karamanlis, an ND deputy elected in Thessaloniki, has been proposed by 30 of his comrades, joining now the rank of leadership contenders which includes N.D. president Miltiades Evert, and deputy and former minister George Souflias.

The opposition's next leader will be elected at the party's congress, to be held at the end of March.

[13] EARTHQUAKE MEASURING 4,2 ON THE RICHTER SCALE SHOOK AGRINIO

An earthquake measuring 4,2 on the Richter scale shook at 10:50am this morning the region of Kremaston Lake, 30 kilometers north-east of the town of Agrinio in southern Greece.

The earthquake was recorded by the University of Patras Seismology Laboratory.

[14] THE REMAINS OF GREEK SOLDIERS KILLED IN THE GREEK-ITALIAN WAR WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE GREEK EMBASSY

The military attache of the Greek Embassy in Albania will visit the village of Klisoura to receive the remains of five Greek soldiers killed during the Greek-Italian war. The remains were found a few days ago in a construction site by a villager, who collected the human remains and informed the Greek Embassy.

According to information the Greek and Albanian Ministries of Defence have started a procedure for the building of a monument to honour the Greek soldiers who were killed in the Greek-Italian war.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[15] THE EU DISCUSSES CYPRUS' ACCESSION COURSE ONLY WITH THE CYPRIOT GOVERNMENT

The European Union discusses Cyprus' accession course only with the Cypriot government, stated Cypriot Foreign Minister Alekos Michaelides.

Mr.Michaelides mentioned that mr.Hans van Den Broek during his visit to Nicosia will discuss Cyprus' accession course with the Cypriot government, while he will inform the Turkish-Cypriots on the benefits that will result for them from Cyprus' EU membership.

The Cypriot Foreign Minister stated that the cabinet meeting on European Union issues has been completed. The main topic that was discussed was the issue of the customs union in view of the fact that Cyprus will enter the second phase of the negotiations.

[16] THE GREEK PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT MET WITH THE IRANIAN FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT

Greek Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis underlined Turkey's aggressive position toward Greece and its destabilizing role in the region during his meeting with Iran's first Vice- President Hassan Habibi, who is on a three-day formal visit to Greece.

In their meeting the two men examined bilateral relations while they agreed on strengthening the cooperation of the two Parliaments with the exchange of visits.

The President of the Greek Parliament briefed mr.Habibi on the intensity of the Turkish threats in the Aegean, as well as on the continuing Turkish occupation of 40% of the Cypriot territory, stressing the need for the respect of International Law.

From his side, the Iranian official after referring to the agreements expected to be signed during his visit, stressed that he regards Greece as an important friend who understands the problems of his country and also as a bridge for the communication with Europe.

Both mr.Kaklamanis and mr.Habibi underlined the common historical and political course of the two countries in the wider Middle Eastern region.

[17] BRITAIN WANTS THE 1960 GUARANTEES ACCORD TO BE MAINTAINED

Britain wants the 1960 Guarantees Accord to be maintained without any changes, stated High Commissioner David Manten after the meeting he had with Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides.

Referring to the meetings of special envoy sir David Hanney, mr.Manten stated they were aimed at keeping contact with the main partners of Britain and its allies.

Mr.Manten stated that the issue of security constitutes an important part of the solution of the Cyprus problem and is one of the essential issues that need to be addressed, stressing that on the issue of security there is continuous dialogue.

[18] STOYANOV: BULGARIA'S CHOISE OF NATO IS A SERIOUS GUARANTEE FOR THE COUNTRY'S SECURITY

Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov in his message to the Bulgarian people expressed the belief that the country's NATO membership is not just a political act but will have as a result the army's modernization, while it will increase the prestige and the dignity of the Bulgarian soldiers.

Bulgaria chooses NATO, the only serious guarantee for security and calm needed by the country, said characteristically mr.Stoyanov. He also said that the Bulgarian government's decision to apply for NATO membership is made in response to the will of the Bulgarian people.

Specifically, the Bulgarian President mentioned that his country can respond positivelly to independent foreign policy, the national security guarantees, the peace and security in the Balkans as well as the equal and mutually beneficial relations with Russia.

[19] THE AMBASSADORS OF THE 15 EU MEMBER-STATES MEET IN BRUSSELS TODAY

The Ambassadors of the 15 EU member-states meet in Brussels today, while pressures are being exerted on Greece by the Dutch EU Presidency and Germany for the approval of the participation of Turkish-Cypriots in the EU-Cyprus Association Council meeting.

This proposal is categorically denied by Greece pointing out that if it is not withdrawn it will not allow for a common position to be adopted in the Association Council meeting that will be held on February 25.

[20] ARAFAT IS EXPECTED IN ANKARA THIS EVENING

Palestinian President Yasser Arafat is expected to arrive in Ankara this evening. Mr.Arafat's visit to the Turkish capital is held after an official invitation by Turkish President Suleiman Demirel.

The Palestinian leader will begin his contacts tomorrow morning by meeting with President Demirel and later with Prime Minister Necmetin Erbakan and Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller, also he will meet with members of the Turkish National Assembly. Mr.Arafat will leave the Turkish capital tomorrow evening.

[21] CILLER: THERE CAN BE NO NATO EXPANSION WITHOUT THE EXPANSION OF THE EU AND WEU

Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller reiterated the position that there can be no NATO expansion without the parallel and harmonious expansion of the European Union and the Western European Union, in the meeting of the NATO Foreign Ministers held in Brussels yesterday.

The Turkish Foreign Minister stated that in order for harmony to exist, "all candidate-countries must be assessed with the same standards and measures during the expansion process."

Moreover, Ms. Ciller clarified that Turkey is not against the principle of NATO's eastward expansion since Turkey is the only NATO member that borders with Russia.

[22] RUSSIA WILL STAY FIRM ON ITS DECISION TO SELL S-300 MISSILES TO CYPRUS

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vladimir Adreyev stated yesterday that his country is determined to uphold its agreement to sell S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Cyprus.

"The Russian Foreign Ministry deems it necessary to reiterate that it has not changed its stance on the missiles issue," emphasized the Russian official and added that the missiles will be given to Russia within the time schedule foreseen by the agreement.

According to the BBC, Mr. Adreyev clearly stated that Moscow continues to play an active part in the efforts to lift the deadlock of the Cyprus issue which is, as he stated, an international problem, reminding the talks recently held by Russian officials in Ankara, Nicosia, Athens, Brussels and London.

Also, according to Russia's news agency ITAR TASS, Russian Foreign Minister Yevgeni Primakov intents to discuss the Cyprus issue during the talks he will have with his counterparts from Great Britain and the United States.

[23] U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE TO DISCUSS CYPRUS ISSUE WITH BRITAIN'S FOREIGN OFFICE TODAY

The United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright will discuss the Cyprus issue with Britain's Foreign Office officials in London today.

Ms. Albright, who is currently conducting a tour through European capitals, will be received by British Prime Minister John Major and Foreign Minister Malcolm Rifkind.

Tomorrow the US diplomat will travel to Moscow where she will hold talks with Russian government officials.

[24] ALBANIA: SALI BERISHA LOOKS FOR WAYS TO FACE THE CRISIS

Albanian President Sali Berisha has proposed the formation of a government committee that would examine the ways to face the crisis that has erupted after the collapse of the money-making schemes known as "pyramid" where thousands of Albanians lost their savings.

Mr. Berisha also expressed the willingness to assist those who have lost their money and emphasized that the residents of Lusnia, the city where he spoke at last night, will not be asked to pay taxes for the following two years.

Meanwhile, the situation in the city of Avlona continues to be tense where the populous protest rallies are continuing. The consequences of the economic collapse are quite visible as there is already a shortage of food and other necessities.

[25] BULGARIA: SOCIALISTS DISPLEASED WITH SOFIANSKI'S CARETAKER GOVERNMENT

The changes and reductions in staff sweeped in by Bulgaria's caretaker government, led by Stefan Sofianski, have prompted the reaction of the country's socialists whose leader Georgi Parvanov met today with President Petar Stoyanov.

Mr.Parvanov stated that these firings are of a political nature and said that his party cannot remain idle at the newly adopted direction towards the country's change of government into a Presidential Republic.

Moreover, Mr. Parvanoc said that the caretaker government has taken advantage of the people's trust and stated that "the first actions of the caretaker government have disappointed us and we must seriously consider our political behavior."

[26] BALKAN FOREIGN MINSTRY OFFICIALS ADOPT RESOLUTION FOR THE EU

A common resolution towards the European Union was adopted today during the two-day meeting held in Sofia by the political directors of the Foreign Ministries of Greece, Bulgaria, Albania, Romania, the Federal Yugoslav Republic, FYROM and Turkey, as well as Croatia who participated as an observer.

The resolution emphasizes the imperative importance of the EU's aid in achieving political and economic stability in the Balkan region. The Greek side promised to present the resolution during the session of the EU's Committee of Common Affairs, to be held in Brussels on February 24.

Also, Greece proposed that the following meeting among the foreign ministries officials be held on June 9-10.

[27] NEW YORK METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART TO HOUSE BYZANTINE ART EXHIBIT

The New York Metropolitan Museum of Art is to host an exhibit of Byzantine art between March 11- July 6, where icons and artifacts dating back to the Byzantine Empire (843-1261) will be unveiled for the first time.

The Greek government will be represented by Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, while Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos is also expected to attend.

The event is organized with the cooperation of the Ministry of Hellenic Culture and is sponsored by Alpha Banking Group, Citibank, Papastratos, the Foundation of Hellenic Culture, Marinopoulos, "Halivourgiki", and many private donors.

[28] CANADA, ALBANIA PARTICIPATE IN "THESSALONIKI CULTURAL CAPITAL OF EUROPE '97" WITH MUSIC GROUPS

The famous jazz group "Nexus" from Canada will perform in Thessaloniki on February 25-26, representing their country's participation in the city's year-long festivities as "Cultural Capital of Europe '97."

Albania will be represented by the violinist Tedi Papavrami, who is to perform in a chamber music concert tomorrow night, accompanied by a pianist.

The internationally hailed violinist will perform works by Mozart, Liszt, Beethoven, St. Saens, Kreisler and di Sarasate.

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