MPA NEWS IN BRIEF (16/04/1996)

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 April 16, 1996

CONTENTS

[01] UNITED STATES FAVOR THE HAGUE VENUE FOR SETTLING THE IMIA ISSUE

In the letter, dated April 10, the U.S. President states that his government is in favor of referring this "difficult and complicated -due to the challenge of the interpretation and even the validity of certain documents- issue of the Imia islet's sovereignty, to the International Court of Justice at The Hague or to another International Forum." Mr. Clinton also mentions that the greek government has accepted that this issue be referred to the International Court.

In the letter, Mr. Clinton also writes:

"The United States did not adopt a position regarding the sovereignty issue of the Imia-Kardak islet. The issue of the islet's sovereignty is complicated, as it includes a number of documents and agreements, some of which date back decades and refer to convoluted negotiations between Italy and Turkey. The interpretation -even the validity of certain documents- are challenged by the parties. The greek government has urged that all of the territorial differences in the Aegean be solved with out the use of force or the threat of use of force. We are in total agreement with this position. Along with the European Union, we are now working with Greece and with Turkey in finding a mutually acceptable formula regarding the sovereignty of Imia, and the other current differences in the Aegean between these two significant NATO allies."

Mr. Clinton also emphasizes that the U.S. intend to undertake an initiative in solving the cypriot problem and expresses the hope that this initiative will lead "finally to a peaceful solution", noting that resolving the lengthy cypriot problem will help reduce the tension and will pave the way for reconciliation between Greece and Turkey.

Concluding his letter, the American President emphasized that "I have been firmly committed to helping Greece in the efforts it puts forth on finding a peaceful settlement for its differences with Turkey."

[02] NEW ROUND OF GREECE-FYROM TALKS BEGINS TOMORROW IN NEW YORK

The talks will take place under the United Nations auspices, with Mr. Cyrus Vance acting as mediator. Representing Greece is Greek Ambassador to the UN Christos Zacharakis, while his Skopjan counterpart is Ivan Toshevski.

Regarding the talks, Prime Minister Kostas Simitis reiterated upon his return from the United States that "our country's positions on the issue are known."

Meanwhile, in FYROM little attention has been granted by the media to tomorrow's negotiations. Yesterday, the state-owned radio station in Skopje referred to the talks and noted that it will be the fourth time that Athens and Skopje will sit at the negotiations table, following the New York-signed interim agreement of September 1995.

[03] TURKISH TOURIST BOAT RUNS AGROUND IN THE ISLAND OF KOS

The turkish-flag "Orient" boat, took a 46-degree tilt and was towed by a greek boat.

Two men and one woman, all of whom are turk citizens, had set sail with the "Orient" from Constantinople on April 11 to the Fetiye port in South Turkey.

[04] BRITISH DOCUMENTARY ON PARTHENON MARBLES FAVORS THEIR RETURN TO GREECE

The documentary will present the history of the Marbles' removal from the Parthenon, the way they were acquired by the British Museum and the public debate surrounding Lord Elgin's efforts to bring the Marbles to England.

The film will also present an interview of the Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos who will analyse the significance the Parthenon Marbles and the Caryatis pillar have for the Greek nation. The documentary's host and producer, William Stewart, is clearly in favor of returning the Marbles to Athens the year 2001, thereby commemmorating the bi-centennial anniversary of their removal from the Parthenon, provided that Greece picks up the tab of their transportation costs and allows replicas of the Marbles to remain at the British Museum.

Also featured in the documentary will be the British Shadow Minister of Arts Mark Fisher, who will suggest that constructive talks be held with the Greek government, as well as the British Under-minister of National Heritage Lord Englewood, who will reiterate his government's known position on the matter.

The documentary's producer also mentions that his request for an interview with a representative from the British Museum was turned down.

Immediately following the documentary's broadcast, viewers will be able to cast their votes by telephone on whether or not they are in favor of the Parthenon Marbles' return to Greece.

[05] BRITISH FARMERS THREATEN WITH LAWSUIT OVER MEAT BAN

The NFU announced that it is looking into this possibillity following the recent statement made by the EU Commissioner responsible for agricultural matters Frants Fishler, who said that, according to his personal opinion, british beef is harmless, but the ban was necessary in order to avoid the total collapse of European beef-selling market.

Meanwhile, Britain is expected to announce today details of the plan to slaughter approximately four million cows in the course of the following four years.

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