Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-08-07

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, August 7, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREECE'S ALTERNATE FM SLAMS ANKARA'S AGREEMENT WITH DENKTASH'S REGIME

Greece's alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou stated that the agreement signed yesterday between Turkey and the Turkish- Cypriot regime on Cyprus' occupied part constitutes a deadlock, especially in the midst of direct talks held between Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and the Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

"Right now, the international community, under the auspices of the United Nations, are trying for a fair and viable solution to the Cyprus issue and moves like this do not contribute towards this direction."

Mr. Papandreou also reminded that the European Union's recent report "Agenda 2000" does state that resolving the Cyprus issue is a prerequisite for Turkey's European course.

"this behavior as well as the fact that turkey is far from being a state governed by justice and a western-type democracy, create, on the basis of the EU's July 15 common position an its 'Agenda 2000' report, serious obstacles in its European orientation and in normal cooperation with it. A.F.

[02] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER DENOUNCES ANKARA'S PARTIAL INTEGRATION PACT

Greece's Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos stated that the partial integration agreement signed between Turkey and the illegal Turkish-Cypriot regime in the occupied part of Cyprus is "sheer blackmail by Ankara against the European Union."

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that this agreement constitutes a part of Turkey's effort to impede Cyprus's accession process to the EU.

The agreement was signed yesterday by Turkey's foreign minister Ismail Cem and a Turkish-Cypriot "official". It provides for an association council to work towards a partial economic and defense integration of Turkey with the Turkish-Cypriot regime , and this just five days after the start of the second round of talks between the President of the Republic of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides and the leaders of the Turkish-Cypriots Rauf Denktash.

"This effort on behalf on Turkey illustrates its inability to adapt to the principles of international laws and the values which govern the EU," the Greek Defense Minister stated, adding that the Greek government is calmly and steadily implementing its policy which is based on international law and international treaties and conventions. A.F.

[03] NIKI XANTHOU QUALIFIED FOR THE LONG JUMP FINALS

The successes of the Greek athletes continue in the 6th IAAF World Championships taking place in the Olympic Stadium in Athens.

Niki Xanthou with a jump of 6.62 and Mariela Maniani-Tzelili with a throw of 63.50 qualified for the women's long jump and javelin final respectively. Giorgos Panagiotopoulos and Katerina Koffa will run this afternoon in the 200m semifinals, while Stella Tsikouna competes in the discus final.

[04] THE GREEK ARMED FORCES' NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM IS THE WORLD CHAMPION

The Greek Armed Forces' National Soccer Team is the new world champion after beating Italy in the Teheran finals with a score of 1-0. The goal was scored with a penalty hit by Nikos Limberopoulos.

Minister of Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos has sent a congratulatory telegram to the coach and the players.

[05] GREECE'S PANAGIOTOPOULOS MAKES TO THE MEN'S 200M FINALS

Greece's George Panagiotopoulos has entered the finals of 200 meters men's run, scoring a time of 20.43, during today's races at the World Athletic Championships in Athens. In the women's 200m run, Katerina Koffa did not make it the finals, while Stella Tsikouna earned the seventh place in the discus-throwing competition. AF.

[06] THE NEW AMBASSADOR OF GREECE TO CYPRUS PRESENTED HIS CREDENTIALS

Greece's new Ambassador to Cyprus Kyriakos Rodosakis presented his credentials to Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides today.

Mr.Rodosakis stated that any text concerning the solution of the Cyprus problem should not cover just the constitutional side of the matter but all its aspects, while it also must satisfy Cyprus' legitimate expectations. He said that Greece follows the developments closely, cooperates with the Cypriot Republic and supports the diplomatic efforts taking place under the UN auspices.

Mr.Clerides stated that the Greek-Cypriot side participates in the direct talks with good will and constructive spirit, ready and willing to cooperate in the efforts to reach a viable and lasting solution, while he pointed out that Greece and the Greek communities abroad are Cyprus' main and irreplaceable prop.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[07] EXCAVATIONS AT GREEK-BULGARIAN BORDER REVEAL MAJOR FINDS OF 5000 BC

Excavations conducted by archaeologists working in the ruins of a Neolithic settlement near promachonas, Serres in Northern Greece have revealed parts of walls with wooden frames, ovens, pottery and benches, dating back to 5000 BC>

The excavations are being conducted jointly be Greek and Bulgarian archaeologists.

According to the director of Kavala's Department of Classical and Prehistoric Antiquities, these finds are particularly significant since they reveal a great deal about the cultural relation which developed between the Aegean and the Balkan region. A.F.

[08] HOLBROOKE MEETS WITH CROAT AND MUSLIM LEADERS, STRESSES WILL TO APPLY DAYTON

The United States are determined to apply the Dayton Agreement in Bosnia, according to US former undersecretary of State and "architect" of the Agreement Richard Holbrooke, who met today with Croat Leader Franjo Tudjman and Muslim leader Ilija Ijebegovic.

Also today Mr. Holbrooke is scheduled to meet with Biljana Plavsic in Bosnia, while tomorrow he will be received by Slobodan Milosevic in Belgrade. A.F.

[09] TWELVE PERSONS ARRESTED IN FYROM, CHARGED WITH FLAG VANDALISM

Twelve persons have been arrested in FYROM and charged with having vandalised the country's flag, during last weekend's episode at the city of Krusevo, that celebrated the 53rd anniversary since the declaration of the nationality unity of FYROM.

These 12 are members of the nationalist party VMRO-DPMNE and according tot he press reports, they stomped on he flag during the episodes. A.F.

[10] BULGARIAN SOLDIER HIT AND KILLED BY GREEK TRAIN

A train of the Greek Railways Organisation (OSE) struck and killed a Bulgarian solider today near the border station at Koulata.

According to the reports, the soldier, Kirilof Nazirof, had fallen asleep next to the railway line and when the train passed he woke up startled and fell on the line.

OSE authorities are currently assisting the Bulgarian authorities in their investigation of the accident. A.F.

[11] KOZLODUI'S NUCLEAR REACTOR TO BE INACTIVE UNTIL NOVEMBER

The sixth reactor of the nuclear power plant at Kozlodui will be inactivated today in order to undergo repairs and refuelling.

According to Kozlodui's press office the reactor will be reactivated in the first half in November while reactor number 4 has also been in-activated in order to be refuelled and will be set into operation by the end of the month. the remaining four reactors are currently active. A.F.

[12] MEDALS TABLE AFTER THE FIFTH DAY OF COMPETITION AT WORLD ATHLETICS

The medals table after the fifth day of the World Athletics Championships currently held in Athens is as follows: United States: 3 gold, 3 silver, 4 bronze; Kenya: 2 gold, 2 silver 1 bronze; Germany: 2 gold, 2 bronze; Cuba: 2 gold; Czech Republic: 2 gold; Ukraine: 1 gold, 2 silver 1 bronze; Portugal: 1 gold, 1 silver; South Africa: 1 gold, 1 silver; Australia: 1 gold, 1 bronze; Morocco: 1 gold, 1 bronze; Ethiopia: 1 gold; France: 1 gold; Mexico: 1 gold; Britain: 2 silver; Russia: 1 silver, 2 bronze; Spain: 1 silver, 1 bronze; Canada: 1 silver; Finland: 1 silver; Jamaica 1 silver; Poland: 1 silver; Romania: 1 silver; Uganda: 1 silver; Bahamas: 1 bronze; Belarus: 1 bronze; Greece: 1 bronze; Japan: 1 bronze; Lithuania: 1 bronze; Switzerland: 1 bronze. A.F.

[13] THE UKRAINIAN SHOT PUT CHAMPION HAD TO GIVE UP HIS GOLD MEDAL WHEN TESTS SHOWED HE WAS DOPED

The first case of doping in the 6th IAAF World Championships was revealed today. Tests showed that Ukrainian Alexander Bagac, who won the first place in the shot put with a throw of 21.47, had been using ephedrine and as a result he had to give up his medal.

The gold medal, Bagac won in the IAAF World Championships in Athens, was the first of his career, while in the Atlanta Olympic Games he had won the bronze. Now, the gold goes to American John Godina.

[14] ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE TURKISH-CYPRIOT REGIME

Greece reacted strongly to the procedure for the Turkish- Cypriot regime's partial accession into Turkey after the agreement signed by the two sides.

In a statement issued by the Greek Foreign Ministry, Ankara's behaviour is being criticized for violating the laws and international rules it has signed.

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos in an interview with the US newspaper "Washington Post" stated that for as long as the Cyprus issue remains unsolved Turkey will stay outside the European Union.

[15] NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CYPRUS MEETING

The National Council of Cyprus meets today to decide on the stance the Greek-Cypriot side will adopt in the new round of direct talks on Cyprus that will be held in Montreaux, Switzerland on August 11-16.

Meanwhile, Cypriot government spokesman Manolis Christofides stated to the Cypriot state radio and television that the talks procedure for the solution of the Cyprus issue must be safeguarded and that the Greek-Cypriot community will continue the talks for a solution in spite of the signing of an agreement between Turkey and the Turkish-Cypriot regime for the partial unification of Turkey with the Turkish occupied northern Cyprus.

Commenting on the signing of the agreement a few days before the opening of the second round of direct talks in Switzerland, mr.Christofides stated that it is the usual policy of Turkey to create problems just before the opening of a new round of talks.

Mr.Christofides characterized as unique Turkey's tactic to provoke, blackmail and threaten Europe, the United Nations and everybody in order to make them fall into line with its theories and positions regarding the Cyprus issue. He also stressed that now is the time for the international community to protect itself from the unacceptable behaviour of Turkey.

[16] CLERIDES: THE ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE TURKISH-CYPRIOT REGIME WAS SIGNED FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES

The signing of the agreement between Ankara and the Turkish- Cypriot regime for the partial unification of the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus with Turkey aims at provoking the Greek-Cypriot side's reaction and its non participation in the second round of the direct talks, stated Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides today.

Mr.Clerides commenting on the signing of the agreement stated that it serves domestic consumption purposes and that is used as an excuse for the decision of the Turkish-Cypriot side to go to Switzerland after all, in spite of its earlier threats.

[17] KYPRIANOU: THE ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT SIGNED BY TURKEY AND THE TURKISH-CYPRIOT REGIME IS A FORM OF BLACKMAIL

Cypriot Parliament President and leader of the Democratic Party Spyros Kyprianou stated that the association agreement signed by Turkey and the Turkish-Cypriot regime is either a blackmail method in view of the direct talks or one more step toward the completion of the agreement that already existed between Ankara and the Turkish occupied northern part of Cyprus.

Mr.Kyprianou also expressed surprise because, as he said, noone is disturbed by Turkey's actions.

[18] ALBRIGHT: THE UNITED STATES BELIEVE THAT THERE CAN BE A SOLUTION TO THE CYPRUS PROBLEM

The United States believe that the Cyprus problem is a long dispute in a region where there can be a solution, especially as Cyprus is moving toward its target, which is its accession into the European Union, stated US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. The statement was made in response to a question by a reporter on whether the US plan to be more activelly involved in the effort to help the two sides in Cyprus to solve their differences.

Ms.Albright reminded the appointment of mr.Halbrooke to the post of the US Presidential envoy for Cyprus and stated that he has an active role in the matter. The US Secretary of State also underlined that this is a significant moment, pointing out that herself in the past and in the present has shown great interest in the negotiations on the Cyprus problem.

[19] BORISLAV YOVIC IS IN CHALKIDIKI

Former Yugoslav Republic President Borislav Yovic and his family are in Chalkidiki, northern Greece where they spend their summer vacations.

Mr.Yovic is possible to visit Mount Athos in the next few days, while there is no information on the contacts he is likely to have during his stay in Greece.

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