Macedonian Press Agency: Brief News in English, 98-07-28

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

Last Update: 15:02 GMT+2

SECTIONS

[A] GREECE

[B] BALKANS

[C] WORLD

NEWS HEADLINES

[A] GREECE

[B] BALKANS

[C] WORLD

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] GREECE

[01] TENS OF FIRES ARE IN PROGRESS ACROSS GREECE

Web Posted: 15:00 GMT+2

The fires in the region of Kastanousa in Serres, northern Greece and in Mikrolimni in Florina, north-western Greece are under control, while the fires in Korinth, Mesinia, Evia, Mani and mount Taigetos burn uncontrollably.

Meanwhile, minister of agriculture Stephanos Tzoumakas lashed out at the forest department saying that the forest rangers have formed a parastate and operate like a power network.

[02] NEW HEAT WAVE IN GREECE

Web Posted: 15:00 GMT+2

According to the predictions of the National Weather Bureau, temperature today will reach 40 degrees Celsius and tomorrow will touch the 41 degrees mark. In Thessaloniki the temperature will be over 38 degrees Celsius.

[03] MEETING ON THE GREEK-US RELATIONS UNDER PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS

Web Posted: 15:00 GMT+2

Meanwhile, US State Department spokesman James Rubin launched a direct attack against Mr. Pangalos characterizing his statements as unsuitable. However, he added that the Greek-US relations are so good and deep that they can not be shaken by the comments made by one individual.

Tough criticism on Washington's stance was launched yesterday by Mr. Tsochatzopoulos. The Greek minister of defense pointed out that all those who want to play the role of the mediator in Cyprus should not turn a blind eye and ignore the historic reality. He also added that if the Russian S- 300 anti-aircraft missiles are not installed in Cyprus it will correspond to a unilateral disarmament of the island.

The Greek Parliament president characterized as arrogant the stance of the United States. Mr. Kaklamanis pointed out that the United States disappoint all those who believe in the principles of international law.

"We are in a difficult phase but I believe that we will overcome it", stated right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy honorary president Konstantinos Mitsotakis.

[B] BALKANS

[04] THE CLASHES IN KOSOVO CONTINUE

Web Posted: 15:00 GMT+2

According to foreign press correspondents, the Serb forces have surrounded the village of Zunik near the Albanian borders where refugees have taken shelter as well as separatist rebels of the Kosovo Liberation Army.

A group of European Union officials will visit Belgrade today for talks with Federal Republic of Yugoslavia foreign minister Zivadin Jovanovic. Meanwhile, the Serb security forces maintain that they have regained the control of most central regions of Kosovo after three-day battles with ethnic Albanian rebels.

[C] WORLD

[05] THE US-HELLENIC INSTITUTE PROTESTED TO PRESIDENT CLINTON

Web Posted: 15:02 GMT+2

Mr. Rosidis mentions the UN resolutions on Cyprus and calls on the United States to deal with the problem in its right dimensions namely, as a problem of international law implementation, while he also calls on Washington to take measures against Turkey.

[06] RUBIN'S COMMENTS ON THE STATEMENTS OF PANGALOS

Web Posted: 15:00 GMT+2

The US State Department spokesman stated that when friends are in disagreement they should express their concerns privately and not through public criticism. He added that the United States believe that they should do everything possible in cooperation with Greece and other parties to support the efforts for the solution of the problems between Greece and Turkey and the Cyprus issue. "This is what we do and what we will continue to do", he added, "regardless of the statements made by one individual".

Mr. Rubin underlined that the United States and Greece have a wide and deep relation built during a period of many years. He said that there are many close ties between the two peoples, countries and governments independent of political parties and alliances. Mr. Rubin concluded that due to the nature and the depth of the relations between Greece and the United States it is very hard to be damaged by the comments of a specific individual, adding however, that Mr. Pangalos is trying hard toward this direction.

When asked to comment on the recent threats made by Turkish president Suleiman Demirel and the other Turkish political leaders against Cyprus on the occasion of the installation of the Russian S-300 anti-aircraft missiles, he underlined that the United States do not dispute Cyprus's right to make decisions on its defense needs. However, he reiterated the firm stance of the Clinton government that the agreement on the missiles is an obstacle to the US efforts for the resumption of the negotiating process and will increase the tension in the region. He said that the United States are opposed to any threats for the use of military means against the installation of the S-300 missiles and that they will continue to call on the Turkish government to solve the issue through diplomatic means, concluded the US State Department spokesman.

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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