MPA NEWS IN BRIEF (07/08/1996)

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, August 7, 1996

TITLES

NEWS IN DETAIL

[01] CROATIAN AND SERBIAN PRESIDENTS HOLD TETE-A-TETE MEETING IN ATHENS

A tete-a-tete meeting between the President of Croatia Franjo Tudjman and Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, their first one since the Dayton peace accord's signing, is being held in Athens today, in a contact viewed as an effort to promote the peacekeeing process in the former Yugoslavia and to achieve mutual recognition between the two states.

Held at a hotel in the capital's seaside resort of Vouliagmeni, the meeting was initiated by Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, with whom both Mr. Tudjman and Mr. Milosevic held talks prior to their meeting.

Before the taks were set to start between the Craotian and Serbian Presidents, Mr. Simitis stated that the aim of the meeting is to provide an opportunity to the two leaders to discuss the issues concerning their countries.

"Greece is always willing to participate in talks of this nature since it believes that everyone's aim should be peace, stabilty in the Balkans and friendship among the peoples," the Premier stated, adding "I wish for success in today's meeting and for results that will promote the better cooperation among all our peoples."

[02] GREEK PARLIAMENT HONORS OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS WITH CELEBRATORY EVENT

The Parliament of Greece honored the country's Olympic champions today, in a celebratory event attended by all political and military leaders.

Speaker of Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis opened the ceremony with a speech in which he stated that the medalists surpassed even their own expectations and honored their country.

In turn, Prime Minister Kostas Simitis thanked the athletes for their contribution and stated that "all of Greece is mirrored in your medals."

Speeches followed by main opposition party president Miltiades Evert and all the other minor party leaders.

[03] THESSALONIKI READY TO GIVE HEROES' WELCOME TO ITS MEDALISTS

With its Byzantine castles adorned in lights from end to end, Thessaloniki is set to celebrate the arrival of its champions, gold medalist Melissanides and silver medalist Valerios Leonides this evening with the appropriate grandeur.

The medalists, as well as all of the other local athletes who paticipated in the Atlanta held Olympic Games, will be greeted at the Macedonia airport by Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos, Mayor of Thessaloniki Konstantinos Kosmopoulos and other local dignitaries.

A victory procession will follow, which will run through the city's major arteries and will lead to the White Tower where the Municipality will host an open-to-the-public event scheduled for 8:30 p.m.

The Olympians will be greeted by the sounds of marches played by the Municipality's Philharmonic Orchestra, while the Olympic Anthem will be recited by local theater actor Dimitris Karellis.

[04] MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER MOBILIZES EUROPEAN LEADERS ON AGHIA SOPHIA ISSUE

The President of Greece's main opposition party, New Democracy's Miltiades Evert has embarked on a mobilization campaign aimed at informing European leaders and world organizations of Turkey's intention to convert the Byzantine church Aghia Sophia into a mosque.

In his letter, Mr. Evert wrote that "the publication of Turkey's intention to convert the Aghia Sophia into a mosque has provoked the chagrin and ire of the Greek people.

"I believe, as all Greeks, that Aghia Sophia, which was for centuries the interational symbol of christianity, does not only belong to Hellenism, but remains, above all, an indelible monument of international heritage, a symbol of an era that carved history and the course of humanity.

"Sadly, Turkey is trying to alter this symbol. I believe that all of us, independently of historical and political backgrounds, must make it clear to Turkey that Aghia Sophia constitutes an heirloom of world history, which no one has the right to change. Because, if we allow this to take place, than we ourselves will have willingly doubted the roots of our civilization."

Mr. Evert has forwarded his message to the President of the European Commission Jacques Santer, President of the European People's Party Wilfried Martins, and UNESCO's Secretary-General Mr. Mayor.

[05] EARTHQUAKE MEASURING 4.1 ON RICHTER SCALE SHOOK PATRA THIS MORNING

An earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale shook the city of Patras in the Peloponnese this morning at 2:45 a.m. yet, so far, no damages have been reported.

The tremblor's epicenter was located at the sea region near Rio, while the earthquake was felt in the Achaia and Etoloakarnania prefectures as well.

Meanwhile, aftershocks are feared by Konitsa residents, a town 215 kilometers west of Thessaloniki where an earthquake measuring 5.6-Richter demolished many houses yesterday. There were no victims, although many panic-filled persons were hospitalized for shock.

Earthquake experts are concerned over the seismic activity noted in the region and are closely observing all developments.

[06] WORK OF GREEK ARTISTS EXHIBITED AT BUDAPEST GALLERY

An art exhibit featuring the works of Greek artists Nikos Kesanlis and Chrysa Romanou was inaugurated yesterday in Budapest by Greek Ambassador John Drakoulakos.

The exhibit, jointly organized by the Foundation of Hellenic Culture annd Budapest Galleria, is one of the many commemmorative events held for the 1,100 years of Hungarian culture.

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