Macedonian Press Agency: Brief News in English, 98-03-04

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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, March 4, 1998

TITLES

[01] GREECE CALLS FOR SOLUTION TO KOSSOVO THROUGH DIALOGUE

[02] FOREIGN UNDERSECRETARY KRANIDIOTIS MEETS WITH VAN DEN BROEK

[03] GOVERNMENT DELEGATION FROM FYROM IN ATHENS TOMORROW

[04] AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL COMMEMORATES DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

[05] THESSALONIKI TO HOST GREEK MEDICAL SOCIETY ON OBESITY

[06] SITUATION IN KOSSOVO REMAINS TENSE

[07] LOCAL COMMUNITY’S D.A. OFFICE TO MEET OVER RADAR INSTALLATION

[08] PRESIDENT OF ALBANIA TO VISIT GREECE NEXT WEEK

[09] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER TO ATTEND EUROPEAN SOCIALIST PARTY MEETING

[10] ARCHBISHOP SERAPHIM’S STATE OF HEALTH IS MARKED BY IMPROVEMENT

[11] GREEK PREMIER TO RECEIVE PRESIDENT OF CYPRUS NEXT WEEK

[12] PRESIDENT OF PARLIAMENT RECEIVES ALGERIAN AMBASSADOR

[13] PRESIDENT OF PARLIAMENT RECEIVES TURKISH AMBASSADOR

[14] GREENGROCER ARRESTED FOR SMUGGLING 70 ASIAN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

[15] KYSEA RE-APPOINTS TOP MILITARY LEADERS

[16] DEPUTY FM MEETS WITH US AMBASSADOR TO ATHENS

[17] OVER TWO TONNES OF HASHISH SEIZED AT GREEK-ALBANIAN BORDER

[18] GREEK SHARES RISE BY 1.32% IN STOCK MARKET

[19] INFLATION DROPPED TO 4.2% IN FEBRUARY, ACCORDING TO ASSESSMENTS

[20] US CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE CRITICAL OF TURKEY’S HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD

[21] GENERAL ELECTIONS TO TAKE PLACE IN BOSNIA ON SEPTEMBER 12 AND 13

[22] PRESIDENT OF EU’S MINISTERIAL COUNCIL TRAVELS TO BELGRADE

NEWS IN DETAIL

[01] GREECE CALLS FOR SOLUTION TO KOSSOVO THROUGH DIALOGUE

Athens, March 4 (MPA)

Mr. Reppas added that Greece was ready to offer its good services.

[02] FOREIGN UNDERSECRETARY KRANIDIOTIS MEETS WITH VAN DEN BROEK

Brussels, March 4 (MPA)

Mr. Van den Broek, who is to arrive in Cyprus today, stated that the refusal of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to see him was “regrettable” and expressed the hope he will change his position soon.

Mesgrs. van den Broek and Kranidiotis also discussed the issue of the Turkish-0cyrpiots’ participation in the delegation that is to appear before the EU during Cyprus’s accession talks which are scheduled for March 31.

In turn, Mr. Kranidiotis stated that briefed Mr. van den Broek on the Greek government’s positions and on his recent visit to Cyprus.

[03] GOVERNMENT DELEGATION FROM FYROM IN ATHENS TOMORROW

Athens, March 4 (MPA)

The delegation, headed by Foreign Under-secretary Ognuen Malevski, is visiting Athens after a similar visit conducted by Greek officials to Skopje last year in February.

[04] AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL COMMEMORATES DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Athens, March 4 (MPA)

The event, held at the presidential mansion was also attended by the Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, main opposition New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and other political leaders.

In his address, the President said the existence of democratic rights was not a guarantee of human rights.

"There are states which are not democratic, and there are states which despite having secured an electoral process as a means for the expression of popular sovereignty have no respect for human rights whatsoever.

"There are also states which are really democratic, which are only interested in human rights domestically, and are indifferent to what goes on around them. They may be interested more in the free flow of oil or other serious matters," Mr. President stated.

Mr. Stephanopoulos expressed his satisfaction over the fact that "in Greece, we can be easily compared to any other civilised nation in Europe with respect to human rights, without this meaning that we have reached ideal situations".

[05] THESSALONIKI TO HOST GREEK MEDICAL SOCIETY ON OBESITY

Thessaloniki, March 4 (MPA)

According to the latest studies, one in four Greeks is considered to be overweight and up to 40 percent Greeks want to lose weight. Experts have stated that obesity is an illness which increases morbidity and decreases the life span and is rarely treated as a whole, leading sufferers open to exploitation.

Fad diets and short-term miracle weight-loss programs without the appropriate psychological support, they state, exacerbate problems and side-effects such as heart disease, respiratory difficulties and psychological problems.

The Thessaloniki conference will be open to the public.

[06] SITUATION IN KOSSOVO REMAINS TENSE

Belgrade, March 4 (MPA)

Great Britain’s Foreign Minister Robin Cook is to travel to Belgrade today, while the Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos will meet with Serb President Slobodan Milosevic to whom he will relay the Greek government’s proposal for an inter-Balkan meeting among all those involved in the Kossovo crisis.

Meanwhile, the Yugoslav government continues to hold a hard stance in regards to everything that took place over the weekend.

[07] LOCAL COMMUNITY’S D.A. OFFICE TO MEET OVER RADAR INSTALLATION

Thessaloniki, March 4 (MPA)

Yesterday, Perea residents blocked the installation of the radar. The residents are citing concerns over the possible effects of radiation emitted by the radar equipment and have already appealed to the Council of State, proposing an alternative radio- link between the airport’s control tower and the Hortiati military radar station, adding that the municipality would meet the costs.

The Civil Aviation Service, however, has refused to discuss any alternative. Its deputy director George Souladakis has stressed that the installation of the radar must go ahead at all costs.

Meanwhile, Greek euro-deputy Alekos Alavanos has tabled a question with the European Parliament wherein he points out that Greece is the only member-state of the community that does not participate in the EU committee for the security of flights from third countries.

[08] PRESIDENT OF ALBANIA TO VISIT GREECE NEXT WEEK

Tirana, March 4 (MPA)

President Meidani on Sunday visited villages in southern Albania where Greek ethnic minorities reside, accompanied by deputy premier Bashkim Fino, interior minister Neritan Ceka and transport and public works minister Gaqo Apostoli

Referring to Greece's role in the Albanian south, the Albanian President called on the Greek government, "through the General Consulate in Gjirokaster, to contribute to the economic upgrading of the region".

He also called for foreign investments in Albania, adding that "political guarantees" existed for foreign investors active in the country.

[09] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER TO ATTEND EUROPEAN SOCIALIST PARTY MEETING

Brussels, March 4 (MPA)

The meeting’s agenda includes preparations for the party's conference in early 1999, the drafting of its platform for the European Parliament elections in June 1999 and its positions regarding the enlargement of the European Union.

[10] ARCHBISHOP SERAPHIM’S STATE OF HEALTH IS MARKED BY IMPROVEMENT

Athens, March 4 (MPA)

According to the medical reports, the Archbishop is to remain in the hospital until his therapy is completed. His physicians have also stated that his brain and liver are responding well to the chemotherapy he is undergoing. The Archbishop was hospitalised with a viral infection and respiratory problems, was marking a "slow but steady improvement" and was "responding to treatment.”

The Archbishop, a long-time kidney sufferer, will undergo scheduled dialysis treatment today.

[11] GREEK PREMIER TO RECEIVE PRESIDENT OF CYPRUS NEXT WEEK

Nicosia, March 4 (MPA)

President Clerides is to discuss the latest developments on the Cyprus issue with the Greek political leaders.

On March 12, the Cypriot President will travel to London in order to participate at the European conference which will feature the participation of the European Union’s 15 member-states and the countries which are candidates for accession to the Community.

[12] PRESIDENT OF PARLIAMENT RECEIVES ALGERIAN AMBASSADOR

Athens, March 4 (MPA)

Mr. Kaklamanis expressed Greece's concern for the return of order and peace to the North African country and told Mr. Houhou that the sooner Algeria exits the current turmoil it faces, allowing democracy to function without the fear of religious 'fundamentalism,' the sooner Europe will change its attitude" toward the country.

In turn, Mr. Houhou said that the decision of his government and the Algerian people is to end terrorism within the framework of law and democratic procedures.

[13] PRESIDENT OF PARLIAMENT RECEIVES TURKISH AMBASSADOR

Athens, March 4 (MPA)

In statements he made after his meeting with the Turkish diplomat, Mr. Kaklamanis said that he pointed out the tension maintained by the Turkish side, which upkeeps the climate of aggression and threat.

Meanwhile, the European Commission published today a report which calls for the provision of funds to Turkey, sans conditions.

[14] GREENGROCER ARRESTED FOR SMUGGLING 70 ASIAN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

Thessaloniki, March 4 (MPA)

Evangelos Patsiouras was located in the early morning hours at the border region of Evros where border police discovered 70 persons who were crammed in his truck. According to the suspect, he was to receive a million-drachma bounty for transporting the illegal immigrants.

[15] KYSEA RE-APPOINTS TOP MILITARY LEADERS

Athens, March 4 (MPA)

Rear Adm. Nikolaos Katsaros was appointed fleet commander.

[16] DEPUTY FM MEETS WITH US AMBASSADOR TO ATHENS

Athens, March 4 (MPA)

Mr. Papandreou told reporters that he briefed the American diplomat on the Greek initiatives concerning the situation and the Foreign Minister ‘s imminent visit to Belgrade.

Moreover, Mr. Papandreou stressed the significance granted by Greece to peace and stability on the region, since, as he stated, a negative development could affect the region as a whole.

[17] OVER TWO TONNES OF HASHISH SEIZED AT GREEK-ALBANIAN BORDER

Kastoria, March 4 (MPA)

The drugs were packaged in plastic bags that had been loaded onto donkeys and horses. The Greek border patrolmen seized the hashish.

[18] GREEK SHARES RISE BY 1.32% IN STOCK MARKET

Meanwhile, Athens’ Chamber of Commerce and industry has forwarded a memorandum to the Minister of National Economy and Finance Yiannos Papantoniou wherein it protests the high compound interest rates against the drachma.

The Chamber asks for restructural changes, expedition of the privatization process and support of the small businesses.

[19] INFLATION DROPPED TO 4.2% IN FEBRUARY, ACCORDING TO ASSESSMENTS

Athens, March 4 (MPA)

Meanwhile, Athens’ Chamber of Commerce and industry has forwarded a memorandum to the Minister of National Economy and Finance Yiannos Papantoniou wherein it protests the high compound interest rates against the drachma.

The Chamber asks for restructural changes, expedition of the privatization process and support of the small businesses.

[20] US CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE CRITICAL OF TURKEY’S HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD

Washington, March 4 (MPA)

The letter, dated February 24, and signed by members of the committee who recently visited Turkey, Greece and Cyprus, is highly critical of Turkey for its continued violation of human rights.

[21] GENERAL ELECTIONS TO TAKE PLACE IN BOSNIA ON SEPTEMBER 12 AND 13

Sarajevo, March 4 (MPA)

The elections will renew the terms of the three members of the state’s collective presidium for another four years. Also to be elected will be the parliament, the presidents, and the houses of the two political bodies, that is the Serb Republic and the Croat-Muslim Federation.

[22] PRESIDENT OF EU’S MINISTERIAL COUNCIL TRAVELS TO BELGRADE

Brussels, March 3 (MPA)

Mr. Cook, representing the EU’s presidium, will also visit Bosnia within the framework of the efforts to expedite the process of applying the Dayton peace accord.

The British official will visit Banja Luca, the headquarters of Bosnian-Serbs and the capital, Sarajevo, where he will meet with key government officials, and members of the opposition parties, while he will also address the Parliament of the Serb Republic.

Among the subjects expected to be brought up during his visit are issues concerning the refugees’ return to their homeland and other matters concerning mass media and human rights.

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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