Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-05-19

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, May 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] FIRST DEBATE BETWEEN PREMIER AND MAIN OPPOSITION PARTY LEADER TODAY

The Greek Parliament is examining the course of the state's economy and the current year's first results during its session this evening, where the first parliamentary debate is held between Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and the leader of the main opposition party, New Democracy's Kostas Karamanlis.

The Prime Minister is illustrating the economy's positive trend, especially the drop in inflation and reduction of the public deficit, in essense two of the most critical points that will determine Greece's entrance into the Eonomic Monetary Union.

Mr. Karamanlis is to present his party's positions on the economy, while heightened attention is to be given to the need to increase productivity. A.F.

[02] GREEK FM MEETS WITH YASSER ARAFAT AND SIMON PERES

Greece's Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos was received by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat at the Gaza strip today, a meeting held within the framework of his two-day visit to Israel and Gaza.

Following the talks with Mr. Arafat, Mr. Pangalos clearly stated that Greece has undertaken a mediator role in an effort to alleviate the deadlock reached in Israeli-Palestinian relations.

Mr. Arafat saluted Greece's support, a country which, as he characteristically stated, has always stood by the Palestinian people during difficult times.

Mr. Pangalos also met with Simon Peres, who favors the formation of an independent Palestinian state.

According to the visit's outline, tomorrow Mr. Pangalos will be received by Israeli President Ezer Weizman, Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu and his Israeli counterpart David Levy. A.F.

[03] PASOK HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE PUBLIC OPINION FOR THE PREMIERSHIP AND THE HANDLING OF NATIONAL ISSUES

According to an opinion poll published today by an Athens newspaper, the socialist governing party of PASOK enjoys the support of the citizens on issues concerning the premiership and the handling of issues of great national importance.

Specifically, the opinion poll conducted by the polling firm VPRC, shows that 32,4% of those asked believe that PASOK handles best issues concerning Greece's european prospects, compared to opposition party of New Democracy that got 22%. On the handling of inflation PASOK got 38,7% and ND 15,7%, while on the Greek-Turkish affairs PASOK got 28,4% and ND 19,7%.

On the issue of the premiership, 46% of those asked responded that they believe Kostas Simitis is the most suitable for the position, while 31,7% supported ND leader Kostas Karamanlis.

[04] GREEK PARLIAMENT TO EXAMINE COURSE OF STATE'S ECONOMY

The Greek Parliament will examine the course of the state's economy and the current year's first results during its session today, where the first debate will be held between government and main opposition leaders.

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis is expected to illustrate the economy's positive trend, especially the drop in inflation and reduction of the public deficit, in essense two of the most critical points that will determine Greece's entrance into the Eonomic Monetary Union.

Meanwhile, recently-conducted polls show that the governing party PASOK is the citizen's first choice when it comes to handling national matters, while Premier Simitis enjoys the favorable opinion of the majority. A.F.

[05] GREEK PREMIER RECEIVES IMF'S REPORT ON STATE'S ECONOMY

Greece's Prime Minister Kostas Simitis was given today the report compiled by the International Monetary Fund's experts on the Greek state's economy.

The report, which is to be published today or tomorrow, includes overall assessments on the course of the country's economy.

The findings over Greece's basic economic course are said to be positive, although the IMF experts do point out the national economy's hurdles in the public sector.

Also, the report points out the difficulty faced by the Greek banking institutions in adapting to the competitive European market and suggests that they instead extend into the Balkan and Black Sea regions. A.F.

[06] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER TO MEET WITH YASSER ARAFAT TODAY

Greece's Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos is to be received by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat at the Gaza strip today, a meeting held within the framework of his two-day visit to Israel and Gaza.

According to the visit's outline, tomorrow Mr. Pangalos will be received by Israeli President Ezer Weizman, Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu and his Israeli counterpart David Levy. A.F.

[07] PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT SALUTES INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS DAY

The President of Greece's Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis saluted today the International Red Cross Day and the 120th anniversary of its Greek chapter.

In his message, Mr. Kaklamanis wished upon the volunteer organization to further develop its tasks so that "the following generation may be able to celebrate additional aniversaries that display the ideals of peace and philanthropy among the peoples." A.F.

[08] REPPAS COMMENTED ON THE DIRECT TALKS BETWEEN CLERIDES AND DENKTASH

The Cypriot government enters the direct talks in New York between Clerides and Denktash, that will be held under the auspices of the UN Secretary General, with a sense of responsibility and duty, stated Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas.

Responding to the question if there is a likelihood for this effort to be led to a deadlock, mr.Reppas pointed out that this would be the responsibility of the Turkish-Cypriots and all those preparing the meeting.

[09] THE GREEK ALTERNATE FOREIGN MINISTER WISHED FOR NO VIOLENCE DURING THE CONTROVERSIAL CONCERT IN NICOSIA

Greek alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou expressed the wish for no violent incidents during the music concert that will be given this evening in the green line in Nicosia by young Greek singer Sakis Rouvas and his Turkish colleague Burat Kut.

Mr.Papandreou stressed that it was a Cypriot government decision to back the holding of the concert based on the reasoning that it would be positive for the youth of both sides to meet and be together. He also pointed out that recently there were meetings held in Cyprus between non governmental institutions that had brought good results to the contacts of members of the two communities.

[10] THE CRIMES COMMITTED IN THE GENOCIDE OF THE GREEKS IN PONTOS CAN NOT BE WRITTEN OFF

The crimes of the genocide of the Greeks of Pontos by the Turks can not be written off and 10 Federations and Associations in Greece and abroad issued a resolution on the occasion of its 75th anniversary, calling on the international community to condemn the brutalities committed by the Turkish governments in the period of 1916-1923.

The resolution, that will be delivered this evening to the Turkish Consulate in Thessaloniki, asks the Turkish government to recognize the genocide committed by the pashas, the Young Turks and Mustafa Kemal against the 353.000 Greeks in Pontos.

[11] EU FISHERY COMMITTEE VISITS GREEK ISLANDS OF KOS AND KALYMNOS

The European Parliament's eight-member Fishery Committee is currently at the Greek islands of Kos and Kalymnos where they will examine issues concerning small and inshore fishing, fish farming and the Greek tradition of sponge-diving.

The delegation, which is headed by the Committee's vice- chairman Mr. Kindermann, (European Socialist Party - Germany) has been invited by the Greek Euro-deputy Yiannis Roubatis (PASOK) and will also meet with the local authorities from Greece's Ministries of Agriculture and Merchant Marine, local administrators and representatives of fishermen's organizations. A.F.

[12] THESSALONIKI'S DETROP OPENS WAY FOR INCREASED EXPORTS

Greek exports are to slowly and steadily gallop upwards in both traditional and new markets, according to the results of the Thessaloniki-held DETROP '97, the annual exhibit of food and beverages.

The exhibit was visited by sector-affiliated representatives from over 31 countries, while the largest tade mission was forwarded by Romania whose delegation numbered 23 representatives. A.F.

[13] GREEK TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SIGNS CONTRACT WITH GEORGIA

The Greek Telecommunications Organization (OTE), in alliance with the construction company HELLASCOM, has signed a 14-million- dollar contract with Georgia's Fortnet, which foresees the installment and operation of fibre optics networks in the former Soviet Republic.

This collaboration will link the biggest cities in the country and will be part of the inter-continental fibre optics network Trans Asia-Europe.

The project is to be fully funded by OTE through a 10-year repayment period, while Hellascom has undertaken the construction of the project.

This project is one of Georgia's largest telecommunication investments ever. A.F.

[14] MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC WORKS, CITY PLANNING ON EGNATIA ROAD

Greece's Minister of Environment, City Planning and Public Works Kostas Laliotis has stated that the mammoth-project Egnatia Road will be completed by the year 2000, along with other projects which -all together- are to reach the 80-million-drachmas mark.

During his visit to Thessaloniki yesterday, Mr. Laliotis pointed out that the state will secure the necessary funds for the completion of these projects through gradual toll increases, a loan from the European Bank and other sources. A.F.

[15] SIXTH INTERNATIONAL TRACK MEET TO BE HELD IN ATHENS DURING AUGUST

The Sixth International Track Meet, the athletic event second only to the Olympic Games, is to be held in Athens during the first part of August, featuring top athletes from over 200 countries.

Greece's under-Secretary of Athletics and President of the Central Organizing Committee "Athens '97" Andreas Fouras stated that the Meet is to largely determine whrether or not Greece will be chosen as the site of the 2004 Olympic Games.

Mr. Fouras added that the city has provided for all the necessary structures to host the Meet, as well as facilitate the athletes. A.F.

[16] GREECE'S NATIONAL VOLLEY TEAM TO FACE OFF WITH ROMANIA TOMORROW

Greece's national men's volleyball team is to play Romania tomorrow in Orestiada, a critical face off as it will advance the winner forward into the preliminaries of the European Cup to be held in Holland in September.

Greece is currently first in the line-up, having earned nine points in five meets, followed by Romania with seven points in four meets, while Belgium and FYROM follow behind in the fourth and fifth positons, with six points in four meets and five points in five meets respectively. A.F.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[17] THE ASSISTANT OF THE UN SECRETARY GENERAL ON CYPRUS MET WITH GREEK ALTERNATE FOREIGN MINISTER

Greek alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou met with the assistant of the UN Secretary General on Cyprus and they discussed the Greek-Turkish affairs, Ankara's relations with Europe, the Cyprus issue and Cyprus' accession course into the European Union.

Mr.Papandreou, referring to Kofi Annan's proposal for direct talks between Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and Turkish- Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in New York, to be held under the auspices of the UN Secretary General, pointed out that the Cypriot government could not possibly turn down a UN Secretary General proposal for direct talks.

He said that Greece's position is positive in principle but expressed reservations over the outcome of those talks. On the Inter-Governmental Conference and the Maastricht Treaty revision, mr.Papandreou presented the Greek positions in view of the extraordinary Summit that will be held on Friday to examine the common foreign policy and defence and speculated that now starts a tougher phase of negotiations.

[18] ROUVAS-KUT POP CONCERT TONIGHT UNDER DRACONEAN SECURITY MEASURES

The United Nations peacekeeping forces have drawn draconean security measures in light of tonight's concert to be given jointly by Greek pop singer Sakis Rouvas and his Turkish counterpart Burak Kut at Cyprus' green line which separates the island's Greek and Turkish communities.

Four hundred troops from UNFICYP will guard the concert, while equally tight security measures will be enforced on the roads that lead to the event.

This is the first such concert to be given at the demarcation line and it will be held at the "Taxim" ("Partition") field.

While the Cypriot government has given its go-ahead for the concert, opposition parties are against it and similar dissent has been voiced by the Turkish-Cypriot side.

The concert's date coincides with the 70th commemoration of the Genocide of Greeks from Pontus and various committees representing refugees have voiced their disapproval of the concert.

Also, one hour prior to the event, the Federation of Motorcyclists from Cyprus will conduct an anti-occupation rally one kilometer away from the concert's premises. A.F.

[19] GREY WOLVES ARE OPPOSED TO POP CONCERT ON GREEN LINE

The Turkish extremist organization "Grey Wolves" has reiterated its opposition to tonight's concert that will be jointly given on Cyprus' green line by the Greek pop idol Sakis Rouvas and his colleague Burak Kut.

According to Turkish-Cypriot press reports, the leader of the Grey Wolves has characterized the concert as a "byzantine ploy".

Meanwhile, upon his arrival in Cyprus, the Turkish singer Mr. Kut said that the concert with his Greek colleague aims at establishing friendship between the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish- Cypriot youths.

Britain's High Commissioner in Cyprus David Madden, who will attend the concert, has expressed his full support for this idea and has congratulated the United Nations for organizing the event, as well as the two singers who, he said, "through their volunteer effort want to show that the two communities can come closer to one another."

According to the Turkish-Cypriot press, about five thousand people are expected to attend the concert which will be broadcast live on Turkish television. A.F.

[20] BRITISH ENVOY SIR DAVID HANNAY TO BE IN CYPRUS IN EARLY JUNE

Prior to the opening of direct negotiations between Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, Britain's special envoy for the Cypriot issue Sir David Hannay is to visit the island in the beginning of June.

Also, according to Britain's High Commissioner in Cyprus David Madden, a meeting is to soon be scheduled between Cyprus' Foreign Minister Yiannakis Kasoulides and his British counterpart Robin Cook.

Mr. Madden emphasized that his country will support the efforts undertaken by the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan so that the talks between President Clerides and Mr. Denktash will be fruitful. A.F.

[21] GERMAN COURT CLOSES "MYKONOS" CASE

Just when the noise began subsiding, the German court has suddenly closed the "Mykonos" case, citing -unrevealed- reasons of public interest.

This complete turnaround occurred right before the German court was to issue sentences against high-ranking Iranian leaders, among them religious leader Khomeini and President Rafsadjani, who were implicated in the 1992 murder that took place at a Greek restaurant in Bonn.

Germany's Federal Prosecutor had pressed charges against Tehran's "Committee for Special Cases", whose members are thought to have given the go-ahead to Iranian secret service agents in the killing of Kurdish subversives. A.F.

[22] AN AUSTRALIAN COMMITTEE IS IN ATHENS FOR THE SELECTION OF ANTIQUITIES TO BE EXHIBITED IN THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN SIDNEY

A four-member committee from Australia visited Athens at the formal invitation of Greek Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos to select the antiquities that will be exhibited in Sidney during the Olympic Games of the year 2000.

During their stay in Greece, the committee members will visit many archeological sites to select the antiquities they want, which will have to be approved by the Greek government before they are taken to Sidney.

[23] 12 UNIVERSITIES IN THE BLACK SEA WILL PARTICIPATE IN A GREEK- LANGUAGE PROGRAMME

Twelve universities in five Black Sea countries have been selected to participate in the ambitious programme of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, named "Jason", that was recently finalized and aims at the establishment and strengthening of Greek Studies Departments.

The selection of the universities was made based on their tradition in the Greek Studies, the demand for such classes in their regions and the existence of a Greek community in their immediate environment.

[24] THE TURKISH MILITARY OPERATION IN NORTHERN IRAQ ENTERED ITS 6TH DAY

The Turkish military operation against the PKK rebels in northern Iraq entered its 6th day in spite of the reactions by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, who asked for the withdrawal of the Turkish troops from the region, while similar reactions came from Egypt, Libya and Baghdad. According to information from the Turkish Army General Staff, during the 6 days of the operations were killed 1.139 PKK rebels.

Baghdad characterized the military operation as an attack against the Iraqui state, while the Arab world expressed strong concern. Egypt described the operation as unacceptable and Libyan leader Ghadafi condemned the Turkish operations against PKK stressing that they will not stop the Kurds from founding their own state.

[25] AN ISLAMIST WELFARE PARTY DEPUTY RESIGNED IN TURKEY

A Parliament deputy of islamist Prime Minister Necmetin Erbakan's Welfare Party resigned today expressing discontent over Erbakan's tactic against the secular state.

The resignation of Mahmut Sonmez, who had been elected in the city of Binyol in southeastern Turkey, sparked new speculations over the likelihood of the fall of the coalition government, while according to information, more Parliament deputies from the same region are expected to leave the Welfare Party and Ciller's True Path Party.

[26] THE JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES OF TURKEY, THE US AND ISRAEL HAVE BEEN POSTPONED

Turkish government Minister Abdullah Gul reiterated yesterday in a speech in Ankara that the joint military exercises of Turkey, the United States and Israel have been postponed.

According to his statements, Prime Minister Erbakan and the leader of the Turkish General Staff, general Ismail Hakki Karadayi agreed to the postponement of the military exercises after taking under consideration the international treaties of the rest muslim states.

[27] THE NEW BULGARIAN GOVERNMENT WILL BE PRESENTED IN PARLIAMENT ON WEDNESDAY

Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov issued a special decree today proposing to the Parliament to vote to the premiership the leader of the Union of Democratic Forces, Ivan Kostov.

Earlier, mr.Kostov had presented to the President the members of the Union of Democratic Forces government and its 4-year programme. The new government, in which are included and members of the Sofianski caretaker government, will be presented in Parliament on Wednesday.

Mr.Kostov is the President of the Union of Democratic Forces since 1994. He served as Minister of Finance in the governments of Dimitar Popov and Filip Dimitrov, while he is elected to Parliament since 1990.

[28] ALBANIA: NEW POLITICAL CRISIS AHEAD, SPARKED BY NEW ELECTION LAW

Albania may be on the brink of a new political crisis, sparked by the recently-voted election law in the country's parliament, as isolated episodes of conflict have erupted between members of the salvation committees and southerners.

Three persons were killed today during armed confilct in Vlore while late last night a strong explosion, the fourth one within a short time period, occurred on a bridge just outside Gjirocaster, cutting off access to the Greek borders and to Kakavia.

Albanian Premier Bashkim Fino's spokesperson said today that the political parties are quite alarmed over the recent developments and are fearing that the latest episodes may be the result of political designs.

Albania's opposition parties continue to react to the new law, which is overwhelmingly in favor of President Sali Berisha's Democratic Party.

The opposition threatens to boycott the elections scheduled for June 29 if the President insists on his stated positions. The Albanian President has already embarked on his pre-election campaign.

At the same time, Greek humanitarian aid totalling 3,700 packages arrived yesterday in Korytsa and Moschopolis. A.F.

[29] ALBANIA: OPPOSITION PARTIES CONTINUE TO THREATEN BOYCOTT OF ELECTIONS

Albania's opposition parties continue to react to the new election law recently voted in their country's parliament, which is overwhelmingly in favor of President Sali Berisha's Democratic Party.

The opposition threatens to boycott the elections scheduled for June 29 if the President insists on his stated positions. The Albanian President has already embarked on his pre-election campaign.

At the same time, Greek humanitarian aid totalling 3,700 packages arrived yesterday in Korytsa and Moschopolis. A.F.

[30] CHE GUEVARA'S DAUGHTER CURRENTLY IN GREECE

Currently in Athens for a ten-day stay, the daughter of the late Argentinian legend, the revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara, Dr. Adelaide Guevara, presented a selection of materials published on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of her father's assassination in Bolivia. The selection includes an eight- videocassette documentary on Che's life and travails and also a CD and a tape with 19 songs on Che from all over the world.

Dr. Guevara also described her father's life and struggles, which, she stated, are not to be monumented, but rather should be a source of vitality.

During her visit to Greece, Dr. Guevara will meet with political leaders, local authorities, women's organizations, students and representatives of the medical and artistic world. She will also visit hospitals and schools. A.F.

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