Macedonian Press Agency: Brief News in English, 97-12-04

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From: The Macedonian Press Agency at http://www.mpa.gr and http://www.hri.org/MPA.

BRIEF GREEK NEWS BULLETIN BY THE MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY

Thessaloniki, December 4, 1997

TITLES

[01] PRESIDENT OF GREECE OFFICIALLY OPENS SAE SESSION IN THESSALONIKI

[02] PRESIDENT OF PARLIAMENT, OTHER OFFICIALS SALUTE SAE IN THESSALONIKI

[03] GREEK PREMIER SALUTES SAE AND FORWARDS MESSAGE TO TURKEY

[04] GREEK PREMIER: NO TO POLICIES OF NATIONAL ISOLATION, WE WANT A VOICE

[05] PRESIDENT OF CYPRUS IN THESSALONIKI, SALUTES SAE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

[06] ALTERNATE FM HONORS GREECE’S PRESIDENT AT SAE DINNER LAST NIGHT

[07] GREECE TO ESTABLISH TRADE OFFICE AT SKOPJE IN START OF 1998

[08] GREECE-FYROM HOLD SEMINAR AT SKOPJE ON BUSINESS COOPERATION

[09] EUROPEAN COUNCIL TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 12-13 IN LUXEMBOURG

[10] TURKEY’S FM CEM TO MEET WITH US SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT TODAY

[11] TURKISH PREMIER YILMAZ IN BULGARIA TODAY, TO MEET WITH IVAN KOSTOV

[12] BULGARIAN PREMIER: GREEK COUNTERPART WILL SOON VISIT BULGARIA

NEWS IN DETAIL

[01] PRESIDENT OF GREECE OFFICIALLY OPENS SAE SESSION IN THESSALONIKI

Thessaloniki, December 4 (MPA)

“Greece is proud of her children, the Greeks living abroad. Greece cannot bear the loss of even one of them,” the President stated and issued an appeal to the Greek communities living abroad that they unite and consolidate in order to achieve the aims that have been mutually drawn by SAE and the Greek state and as such enable SAE to achieve an even greater degree of credibility from what it already possesses.

“Mr. Athens (the President of SAE) had said two years ago that he doesn’t speak Greek well, but this does not mean that he is not Greek, because Greek is he who has Greek sentiments and has placed the motherland in his soul,” President Stephanopoulos stated.

In turn, he stressed that there is a need to strengthen and fortify the ties between Greece and the Greek communities abroad, while he granted heightened emphasis to the sector of cultural “interjections” by the Greek state for the sake of promoting and safeguarding the country’s cultural heritage.

“Greeks abroad are not only the Greek shipowners and the politicians; Hellenism also represents the poor workers in Germany, Ukraine, those who are Greek in their soul,” he characteristically stated,.

Moreover, the President stressed the need to promote the teaching of the Greek language, and emphasized that the role of the Church is quite important and significant.

“Greece is proud for each and every one of you individually,” Mr. Stephanopoulos said. A.F.

[02] PRESIDENT OF PARLIAMENT, OTHER OFFICIALS SALUTE SAE IN THESSALONIKI

Thessaloniki, December 4 (MPA)

In his speech, Mr. Kaklamanis stated that both the present and the future of the Greek nation can be glorious, but it is a belief that needs to be shared by all.

“We need to understand that we have to cooperate, united and free from the vices that hamper us for ages. We need to believe that we are able to and can create a better tomorrow for the generations to come,” the House Speaker stated.

Also, a message was forwarded by the Ecumenical Patriarchate Bartholomew who stressed that the Patriarchate embraces all the Greeks of the world. Moreover, His All Holiness thanked all those who expressed their support towards the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the recent bombing.

Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou stated that the Greek community from abroad is honoring its roots here in Thessaloniki, “a city united by Hellenism.”

Moreover, Mr. Papandreou added that Hellenism’s ecumenical character is reflected through the Greeks living abroad as well as through the adoption of values.

“Throughout the world, Hellenism distinguishes us as the leaders of the most noble values humanity possesses. These values coincide with our goals of today, for a strong Greece, as well as with the struggles of many other peoples for these values, that is humanity, freedom, democracy, human rights,” Mr. Papandreou stated.

The President of Greece’s main opposition party New Democracy’s Kostas Karamanlis stressed that the community of Greeks abroad reflects the living proof of Hellenism’s universal character.

The President of the World SAE Andrew Athens stressed that the Council’s main target is to achieve and maintain unity in SAE.

“We’re all one family and disagreement is necessary for a constructive dialogue,” he said.

Moreover, Mr. Athens referred to the Council’s ties with the Greek government and clarified that “the fact that we enjoy good relationship with the government does not mean that we are not doing any work. Good relationships and mutual respect constitute basic prerequisites for positive results,” he stressed.

The Patriarch of Alexandria Petros also addressed SAE today and spoke on the various concerns and issues that burden the Greeks in Africa, mostly the safeguarding of Orthodoxy and the Greek language.

“Without knowledge of the language, Orthodoxy cannot be safeguarded,” he stated.

In closing, Patriarch Petros stated that the Patriarchate of Alexandria does not want to rest on the theory of the problems, but wants to provide solutions to the modern concerns of the Orthodox who live in the African continent. A.F.

[03] GREEK PREMIER SALUTES SAE AND FORWARDS MESSAGE TO TURKEY

Thessaloniki, December 4 (MPA)

“Whoever in the region imagines changes in the borders, changes in the status quo, is essentially imagining instability and war. Greece of the year 2000, Greece of Europe, as well as the 700,000 Greeks living abroad, are united and form an obstacle to any plans of this sort,” the Premier said.

He further added that “differences in a civilized world are resolved today by seeking recourse with the International Court of Justice at The Hague, not through resorting to war or the threat of war. No civilized country that has visions of entering the European Union has the right to obstruct the similar course of other countries. And no civilized country should violate human rights, both on its soil and abroad, as Turkey continues to do with its occupation force in Cyprus. Respecting International Law and international accords is the only premise for viable and fair solutions.”

Referring to the Council of Greeks Abroad, Mr. Simitis stated that through the initiative taken by the Greek state, the merger of the Greek forces at home, abroad and in Cyprus is now a fact.

“During the 1995-97 two-year period, a period of action for SAE, you proved that the vast community of Greeks who live abroad is never far. That its forces are at the disposal of a common affair: one which promotes and diffuses throughout the world the universal values of ancient and modern Greece, of peace, freedom, democracy, justice, a Greece whose progress is supported by these principles,” the Premier added.

“The Greek people, the Greek government and its political forces,” he further said, “with our presence at this conference and through the support given to SAE, are sending the message that this institution constitutes a body of vital significance for Hellenism and represents the real channel of Greece’s communication and contact with the Greeks living abroad. Unite your forces, raise your voices, make Greece stronger. We can all together reform the face of a new Greece for the year 2000.” A.F.

[04] GREEK PREMIER: NO TO POLICIES OF NATIONAL ISOLATION, WE WANT A VOICE

Thessaloniki, December 4 (MPA)

Following his speech delivered this morning in Thessaloniki at the Council of Greeks Abroad First Regular Assembly, Mr. Simitis responded to a journalist’s question as to how he views criticisms exchanged between ministers in his cabinet and stated that “Mr. Tsochatzopoulos (Defense Minister ) spoke in accordance with the decisions and directions of the Government Council for Defense (KYSEA). By law, KYSEA is the organization responsible for these decisions, and the decisions that have been drawn are in line with the orders that have been given. I would like to generally note that there are certain individuals who advocate a policy of national isolation, Greece’s withdrawal, something that would result in Turkey gaining all of the powers.

“We want a Greece that is strong, a Greece with a voice, with a presence, a Greece that determines the developments. This can be done only through initiatives and new policies.” A.F.

[05] PRESIDENT OF CYPRUS IN THESSALONIKI, SALUTES SAE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Thessaloniki, December 4 (MPA)

President Clerides referred to SAE’s contribution and in turn accused Turkey for the tactics it has adopted.

“The Turkish side, which our policy has left internationally exposed, understands that the time of truth is indeed close. This is why it resorts to blackmail by hurling threats. But it does realize that its blackmail is not successful thanks to our decisiveness and the firm position adopted by the international arena in promoting Cyprus’ accession to the European Union and in exerting its influence in order to arrive soon at a solution to the Cyprus problem.”

Moreover, the Cypriot President stated that “the key to the Cyprus issue lies with Ankara, and with satisfaction I realize that there is greater mobility towards Ankara, mainly on behalf of the Security Council’s permanent members and the European Union.” A.F.

[06] ALTERNATE FM HONORS GREECE’S PRESIDENT AT SAE DINNER LAST NIGHT

Thessaloniki, December 4 (MPA)

In his brief address, President Stephanopoulos stated that the convention, which officially opened today, is of national significance since it gives the opportunity to the representatives of the Greek communities from abroad to meet and coordinate their actions.

“You represent in the best possible manner our brothers who live abroad,” the President stated, adding that “we the Greeks of the Motherland feel a great sense of pride for you, a pride that surpasses our love since it bears the name of Greece throughout the world.”

Mr. Papandreou stated that the Assembly illustrates the unity of Hellenism and the significant role it plays throughout the world, by contributing to the promotion of Greek culture and the important issues faced by Greece and Cyprus. A.F.

[07] GREECE TO ESTABLISH TRADE OFFICE AT SKOPJE IN START OF 1998

Skopje, December 4 (MPA)

In declaring open the Fair, which will be held until December 6, Mr. Baltas stressed that initiatives such as the one taken by HELEXPO fall within the framework of the overall Balkan policy drawn and applied by the Greek government.

Moreover, Mr. Baltas stressed the weight granted by the Greek government to the development of economic ties with FYROM, in its effort to establish an improved political climate.

“In our era, economic development and stability in economic and trade relations constitute the framework for the peaceful and harmonious co-existence,” Mr. Baltas stated, adding that Greek businessmen have already taken the first steps for the current and future business cooperation.

Referring to the up-to-date course of trade ties between the two neighboring countries, the undersecretary stated that Greece ranks third in the line of FYROM’s most significant trade allies, while the overall volume of trade marked between the two countries surpassed the DM167 million mark during the first nine months of 1997.

The President of HELEXPO -ITF Antonis Kourtis addressed the proceedings and stated that trade, business and economic ties do function with a self-propelled power, but they are in need of the appropriate political and legislative environment.

Among those present at the ceremony were the Vice President of FYROM Zlatka Popovska, the undersecretary of National Economy Boris Rikalovski, the president and vice-president of FYROM’s Economic Chamber Mgrs. Petrovski and Horvard respectively, and the general director of Skopje’s Exhibition Center Tomi Dalevski. A.F.

[08] GREECE-FYROM HOLD SEMINAR AT SKOPJE ON BUSINESS COOPERATION

Skopje, December 4 (MPA)

The Greek business delegation will be briefed on the neighboring country’s financial situation, its legislation, its privatization process and other economy-related issues.

The event, to feature the participation of leading businessmen from both countries, is coinciding with the First Exhibition of Greek Businesses which is organized in FYROM by the International Trade Fair of Thessaloniki -HELEXPO.

Among those to present salutations at the seminar will be the leader of the Greece-FYROM Liaison Office Alexandros Mallias and the President of DIPEK and HELEXPO Antonis Kourtis. A.F.

[09] EUROPEAN COUNCIL TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 12-13 IN LUXEMBOURG

Luxembourg, December 4 (MPA)

According to Mr. Van Den Broek, the Council should create a positive climate for the start of negotiations regarding Cyprus’s accession to the EU, while it will also have to concurrently find ways to achieve the Turkish-Cypriot community’s participation in these talks. A.F.

[10] TURKEY’S FM CEM TO MEET WITH US SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT TODAY

Washington, December 4 (MPA)

During the course of the meeting, Mr. Cem is expected to refer to Turkey’s participation at the European Summit, as well as to issues concerning human rights, Cyprus, Greek-Turkish relations and the economy.

According to the Turkish daily “Milliyet”, December is a crucial month for Turkey’s foreign policy, since during this time period a decision will be drawn that will determine the future of the EU-Turkey relations and the agreement concerning the country’s economic program with the IMF will be looked into.

Meanwhile, the President of Turkey Suleiman Demirel is currently on a two-week tour to Oman and the United Arab Emirates, accompanied by the state ministers Metin Giurdere and Mehmet Batali.

The Turkish Premier Mesut Yilmaz is to meet with President Clinton at the White House on December 19. A.F.

[11] TURKISH PREMIER YILMAZ IN BULGARIA TODAY, TO MEET WITH IVAN KOSTOV

Sofia, December 4 (MPA)

Accompanied by a delegation of Turkish businessmen, Mr. Yilmaz is to sign agreements concerning the sectors of culture, education and sciences. A.F.

[12] BULGARIAN PREMIER: GREEK COUNTERPART WILL SOON VISIT BULGARIA

Sofia, December 4 (MPA)

In an address given before the residents of the Goce Delcev region, Mr. Kostov said that “Mr. Simitis will soon be here and we will discuss the ways to enable the visa issuance procedures for Bulgarian citizens who want to visit Greece. A.F.

Complete archives of the Macedonian Press Agency bulletins are available on the MPA Home Page at http://www.mpa.gr/ and on the U.S. mirror at http://www.hri.org/MPA/

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