MPA NEWS IN BRIEF (28/03/1996)

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

Macedonian Press Agency Brief News in English Directory

BRIEF GREEK NEWS BULLETIN BY MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY

Thessaloniki March 28, 1996

CONTENTS

[01] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT HAS NOT BEEN FORMALLY INFORMED ON THE SOLANA INITIATIVE

Mr.Reppas said that the normalizing of relations with Ankara is within the government's intentions, while referring to the US "warning" on the security in the Athens International Airport he pointed out that the airport has high security standards.

[02] THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH BANNED THE SALE OF COSMETICS MADE FROM BEEF BY-PRODUCTS

According to a statement issued by the National Drug Organization, it is clarified that the banning is temporary and will be in effect until the issue is regulated centrally by a European Union special committee.

This Special Committee is expected to meet in the next few days and until a formal decision is being made it is suggested that cosmetics made from beef by-products should not be used by consumers.

[03] THESSALONIKI WILL BE THE ECONOMIC CAPITAL OF GREECE BASED ON A DRAFT LAW APPROVED BY A PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE

Based on the draft law, the shifting of the country's economic activity to its northern part, due to the developments in the Balkans and in the wider Black Sea region makes Thessaloniki's transformation into Greece's economic capital necessary for a better and more productive development effort.

The draft law includes the establishment of a Domestic and Foreign Investments Center, an Inter-Balkan Commerce and Economic Chamber and also the creation of an Institution that will coordinate the governmental policy in relation with the Balkans and the Black Sea countries.

The proposal after being approved by the Parliamentary Committee, will now be discussed in Parliament where is expected to be voted through.

[04] THE US FIRST LADY WILL VISIT THE FANAR THIS AFTERNOON

Ms.Clinton personally requested to visit the Ecumenical Patriarch and the center of Orthodoxy at the Fanar in Contantinople, within the framework of her visit to south-eastern Europe.

Yesterday, ms.Clinton visited ancient Ephesos and Ankara where she met with turkish President Suleiman Demirel and Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz.

Ms.Clinton is expected to arrive in Athens late this evening.

[05] THE CYPRIOT FOREIGN MINISTER MET WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL

Mr.Michailidis, who made a one-day visit to Israel, also exchanged views with mr.Peres on the Middle East issue and the peace process.

Earlier, mr.Michailidis had met with his israeli counterpart with whom he discussed the Cyprus problem, the course of the Middle East peace process and ways for the further development and upgrading of cooperation between Cyprus and Israel.

The cypriot Foreign Minister laid a wreath at the cemetery where the assassinated Prime Minister Rabin is burried and later he visited a Jerusalem hospital where people injured in the latest bomb attacks are being treated. Mr.Michailidis returned to Cyprus last evening.