Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-10-31

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, 31 October 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] ALL POLITICAL LEADERS DENOUNCE PROTESTS OVER GREEK-TURKISH EVENT

The Greek government and opposition parties have denounced in unison the protests conducted yesterday by about 300 unidentified persons who gathered before the Trade and Industry Chamber shouting slogans and throwing coins and eggs at the Greek and Turkish organizers and attendees of the “Thessaloniki, Venizelos, Ataturk” conference.

Government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas characterized the episodes as “an irresponsible event” and attributed them to “a small group of bigoted individuals with suspect intentions that harm the country.”

Mr. Reppas also added that “the country’s interests are secured by the government’s prudent and decisive policy, while the irresponsible stance adopted by individuals of a fascist mentality and behavior jeopardize them.”

The Minster of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos intensely condemned these actions which, as he stated, were conducted by irresponsible protesters.

The main opposition party’s spokesperson, New Democracy’s Aris Spiliotopoulos said that these episodes are to be condemned and added that “the approach and peaceful coexistence between the Greek and Turkish peoples is Greece’s firm goal through the absolute respect of international law, territorial integrity and sovereign rights of each country.

Local press reports also disavowed the episodes which earned front-page coverage.

The daily “New Macedonia” wrote “the protests were unjustified”, while “Aggelioforos” wrote “Warm Episode on Tsimiski St.”

The front page of “Avriani of Macedonia-Thrace” featured the title “rocks, eggs, tomatoes and beatings for Ataturk”, while its sub-head stated “The people of Thessaloniki denounced the creators of the symposium with an unexpectedly violent manner.”

About 300 unidentified persons caused minor episodes, tension and traffic congestion in the center of Thessaloniki yesterday when they gathered before the Trade and Industry Chamber shouting slogans and throwing coins and eggs at the organizers and attendees of the “Thessaloniki, Venizelos, Ataturk” conference.

Thessaloniki’s policemen contained the episodes but the conference’s delegates were transported to the “Macedonia Palace” hotel where the event was finally held. A.F.

[02] GREECE’S PHARMACISTS GO ON STRIKE, FEW DRUGSTORES ARE OPEN

Pharmacies throughout the country remain closed today, while this afternoon the national pharmaceutical association’s board of directors is to convene in order to draw the final decisions on the course of the protest.

Minister of Health Kostas Geitonas announced the abolishment of withholdings that amount to 16% and burden the cost of the medicines, while he also announced that the pharmacists’ profit margin will remain at 24%. A.F.

[03] UNDESECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE IN LUXEMBOURG

Greece’s Undersecretary of Agriculture Vasilis Geranides represented the country at the European Union’s Council of Ministers of Fishery, held yesterday in Luxembourg.

Among the topics discussed at the session were the technical measures of maintenance and protection of fishery in the Atlantic, as well as fishing-related accords between the EU and third countries. A.F.

[04] GREEK-AMERICAN COUNCIL CONCERNED OVER SAE’S COURSE

The president of the Greek-American National Council Theodoros Spyropoulos has expressed his concerns over whether or not the continued operation of the Council of Greeks Abroad (SAE) is feasible.

In light of SAE’s second plenary session which is to be held at Thessaloniki in December, Mr. Spyropoulos conducted a tour throughout the United States during which he voiced the concern that SAE is not operating as an advisory body, as a presidential decree mandates, and has said that this has resulted in factions created within the halls of SAE.

Mr. Spyropoulos is to run for SAE’s top seat once again, after having been defeated by its current president Andrew Athens in December 1995’s elections. A.F.

[05] THE GREEK CABINET DISCUSSED ECONOMIC ISSUES

The abolition or merger of services in the wider public sector and the course of Greece toward the single currency, was the subject of the cabinet meeting that was held in Athens today, chaired by Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.

The recent developments in the drachma front were also discussed. Prime Minister Simitis characterized the crisis in the Stock Exchange as a strong “earthquake”, adding that its repercussions are now being felt, while he did not rule out a new attack on the drachma by speculators.

Minister of National Economy and Finance Yiannos Papantoniou stated that the crisis in the Stock Exchange is temporary and stressed that it will be overcome with the same determination and success observed in the crisis of 1994.

[06] PROBLEMS IN THE STOCK EXCHANGE

The good course of the economy and the cooperation of the government with the Bank of Greece will be the response to the attack launched by speculators, stated Labor Minister mr.Papaioannou.

In the Athens Stock Exchange the price index fell, as the stocks of all sectors are under strong pressures. The Bank of Greece increased the drachma interest rate to the prohibitive 150%, while the interest rates for the state bonds issued today were also increased. The Bank of Greece decided to block the borrowing of drachmas by foreign investors, who seek to sell them, increasing the pressure on the Greek currency.

[07] THE GREEK PUBLIC OPINION SEES POSITIVELY THE SIMITIS-YILMAZ MEETING IN CRETE

Greek undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis underlined today that the Balkan Summit meeting in Crete is not a Greek-Turkish event, but a meeting of Balkan leaders with a great importance for the role Greece wants to play in the region as well as, for stability, peace and cooperation.

The Greek public opinion sees positively the Simitis-Yilmaz meeting in Crete, according to a poll on the Greek-Turkish relations conducted by the “Flash” radio station in Athens.

To the question on which politician serves the national interests better, most of those asked preferred Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, who was followed by Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, opposition party of New Democracy honorary president Konstantinos Mitsotakis, Minister of Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos and New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis.

Regarding the meetings of Greek and Turkish businessmen, 52% responded that such initiatives are positive, 36,4% that they do not play any role, while a 7,4% characterized them as negative.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[08] INTERBALKAN SUMMIT CONFERENCE BEGINS IN CRETE ON MONDAY

The Summit Conference of Balkan leaders, which is to begin at the island of Crete on Monday, is expected to upgrade Greece’s role in the region.

This is the first meeting to be held among Balkan leaders and is expected to promote cooperation, stability and the improved understanding among the region’s peoples.

The point of the imminent Summit Conference of Balkan leaders, which is to be held at the island of Crete, is to promote the overall issues concerning the region, not to discuss bilateral concerns, according to government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas.

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis’ intention is to hold meetings like this on an annual basis in order to maintain regular contact among the Balkan countries which will improve the future of northeastern Europe.

Also, the Greek government would like to see the Summit culminate with the signing of a declaration that will refer to the need to respect borders, uphold International Accords and International Law, respect of the borders and the international accords and which will pave the way for a wider form of cooperation in all sectors, beginning with the economic one.

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis has stated that, as the host of the event, he is to meet with all the leaders with whom he will discuss matters of inter-Balkan cooperation. Greece’s National Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos has stated that a meeting between Mr. Simitis and his Turkish counterpart Mesut Yilmaz could bear positive results although he did not rule out the possibility of a warm episode in the Aegean during the months of February-March.

The Greek government has stressed that the Summit is to focus on Balkan issues, not Greek-Turkish relations. A.F.

[09] RAUF DENKTASH MEETS WITH RICHARD HOLBROOKE IN NEW YORK

The United States Presidential envoy for the Cyprus issue Richard Holbrooke and the leader of the Turkish-Cypriots Rauf Denktash discussed the developments on the Cyprus issue, during a meeting held in New York.

Following the talks, Mr. Denktash stated that no new ideas were voiced, the discussion simply concerned an exchange of views on the matter.

Mr. Denktash is to meet with the United Nations secretary- general Kofi Annan on November 3. A.F.

[10] NEW GREEK-BRITISH FRIENDSHIP GROUP FORMED IN HOUSE OF COMMONS

A new British-Greek friendship group has been formed at Britain’s House of Commons.

Heading the new committee is Labor Party deputy Eddie O’Hara while the committee so far features the participation of 20 parliamentarians, ten of whom are from the Labor Party, nine from the Tories and one from the Liberal Democrats. A.F.

[11] THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE EUROPEAN JEWISH COMMUNITIES COUNCIL OPENS TODAY

One hundred and twenty personalities from 30 countries will participate in the General Assembly meeting of the European Jewish Communities Council that opens in Thessaloniki today and will last until Sunday.

In the meeting will be examined the basic religious, social and other problems that concern the Jews all over Europe.

The formal opening session will be held tomorrow afternoon with the reading of the message sent by President Kostis Stephanopoulos.

[12] VRANITSKI HAD CONTACTS WITH THE ALBANIAN LEADERSHIP

OSCE special envoy to Albania Frants Vranitski made an appeal to the Democratic Party deputies to return to Parliament and expressed the hope that in the near future all parties will be present in its sessions.

Today, mr.Vranitski is scheduled to have contacts with the Albanian leadership.

[13] THE ISSUING OF VISAS BY THE GREEK LIAISON OFFICE IN SKOPJE WILL START TOMORROW

The citizens of FYROM, who want to visit Greece, will be able to get a visa from the Greek liaison office in Skopje, according to FYROM’s state television.

The visa price will be 4,5-82,5 US dollars depending on its type, while businessmen will receive multiple-use visas.

FYROM’s state television also reported that officials at the three border crossings to Greece have not been informed yet on how visas will be issued for the Greek citizens who want to enter FYROM.

[14] CONFERENCE OF BALKAN AND EUROPEAN SPORTS EDITORS

The effects the 2004 Olympic Games will have on the different regions, the development of Balkan sports and the sports as the basis for cooperation in the Balkans, are a few of the issues that will be discussed in the sports editors’ conference “Greece- Balkans-Europe” that will be held in Thessaloniki on November 12- 15.The event is organized by the Greek Association of Sports Press.

The 16th Conference of Greek and Cypriot Sports Editors will be held on November 12.

The European forum “Mass Media, marketing and sports” will be held on November 13 within the framework of the conference and the key speaker will be the International Olympic Committee marketing director.

The 1st Balkan Conference of Sports Editors will be held on November 14 during which, many veteran Balkan athletes will be honored. This event will be attended by representatives of 20 European countries.

[15] BULGARIA SPEEDS UP THE PRIVATIZATIONS

The government of Prime Minister Ivan Kostov considers taking measures aimed at the final privatization of 73% of the Bulgarian public sector assets by the year 2000. It should be noted that until today privatizations have been completed by 18%.

The privatization concerns the sectors of defense industry, refineries and electricity production and distribution, while the privatization of the Bulgarian banking sector is among the government priorities.

[16] EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DELEGATION MET WITH YASSER ARAFAT

The need for the immediate lifting of the deadlock in the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, for the promotion of the peace process in the Middle East, is a one-way street. This conclusion was reached after the meetings a three-member delegation of the European Parliament had in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The delegation, within the framework of its three-day visit to Jerusalem, Gaza, Ramallah in the West Bank and Tel Aviv, met with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, Israeli Foreign Minister David Levi and other high ranking Israeli and Palestinian officials.

[17] TURKEY’S PRESIDENT COMMENTS ON EPISODES IN THESSALONIKI

The Prime Minster of Turkey Mesut Yilmaz has expressed his satisfaction over the manner with which the Greek government handled the episodes that occurred yesterday in Thessaloniki when a group of fanatics threw tomatoes and eggs against the organizers and attendees of the “Thessaloniki, Venizelos, Ataturk” conference.

Mr. Yilmaz stated that it was an unfortunate incident, however adding that there are certain fanatics in every country who do not wish for peace, while he did also stress that this isolated event shall not bear any influence on his meeting with the Greek Premier Kostas Simitis during the InterBalkan leaders Conference, to begin at the island of Crete on Monday.

However, the Turkish Foreign Ministry’s response over the incident was quite stern.

In an announcement, the directorate of Information of the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that “the events in Thessaloniki are a new result of the sentiments that are, for years now, being poured in the Greek society, the schools and their daily life.” Moreover, the announcement read that “this is a living example of the reason why the efforts that Turkey exerts to create relations of good neighborliness among the two countries have borne no result.”

Moreover, the announcement asserts that members of the PKK were among the 250-300 rioters who blocked the city’s central street, shouted slogans and threw eggs and tomatoes against the Greek and Turkish delegates of the conference.

The Greek government’s spokesperson Dimitris Reppas has stated that Greece has proceeded to condemn these episodes and stressed that the government does not agree with unlawful activities of bigots. A.F.

[18] BONN REFUSES GREEK COURT’S ORDER FOR RESTITUTION TO NAZI VICTIMS

Germany is not planning to abide by a Greek court’s ruling that has found that the German government is liable for restitution payment amounting to $32 billion to the residents of the small Greek city of Distomo whose family members and ascendants fell victim to Nazi atrocities.

According to the German government’s spokesperson Alexander Alad, Bonn characterizes these lawsuits against Germany as illegal and unfounded and he added that isolated claims filed with Greek courts against Germany, at least those concerning World War II, are not in accordance with international law.

Moreover, Mr. Alad pointed out that his government has already paid 21 billion drachmas in restitution for war crimes to Greece. A.F.

[19] TURKEY’S VP MEETS WITH EU’S VAN DER BROEK

The vice-president of the Turkish government Bulent Ecevit said that the terms set forth by the European Union for Turkey’s relations with Greece and the Cyprus issue are “political”, following his meeting with European Commissioner Hans Van Der Broek.

In turn, Mr. Van Der Broek expressed his optimism that progress will be achieved in Turkey’s effort to gain accession to the EU, while he added that the focus of his talks with Mr. Ecevit was the human rights issue, as well as reaching a solution to the Cyprus problem. A.F.

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