BRIEF GREEK NEWS BULLETIN (24/01/1996)

From: Macedonian Press Agency <mpa@uranus.ee.auth.gr>

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

BRIEF GREEK NEWS BULLETIN BY MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY

Thessaloniki, January 24, 1996

NEWS IN BRIEF

[01] NEW GOVERNMENT TAKES THE REINS IN PARLIAMENT ON MONDAY

Mr. Simitis is expected to analytically outline his government's policy in this three-day parliamentary debate which will end with a confidence vote from the 300-seat body where PASOK has a comfortable majority of 170 seats.

The Prime Minister, whose pledge is "changes, solutions and serious work," has repeatedly said that in addition to the Parliament sessions, his Cabinet will meet once a week.

[02] PASOK SPOKESPERSON DENIES THERE WAS A "WASHINGTON TIMES" REPORT

Mr. Reppas stated that Mr. Simitis has neither made statements nor had any contact with the american newspaper's reporter.

In addition, regarding the various reports that call for the President of the World Council of Overseas Hellenism Mr. Andrew Athens, as having requested from U.S. President Bill Clinton the appointment of Mr. Richard Holbrookeas the mediator of the Cyprus issue, the greek government spokesperson stated that Greece does not get involved in other countries' interior affairs, although it is supportive of Mr. Athens' efforts.

Also, regarding the issue of rumored relations between the greek company Intracom and the former east German secret service agency Staagi, Mr. Reppas said that the matter has been referred to the appropriate agencies, without clarifying which agencies these are.

[03] THE CONDITION OF PASOK'S LEADER MR.PAPANDREOU REMAINS UNCHANGED

Mr.Papandreou underwent a CAT scan examination and according to the medical bulletin issued today by the Onasion Cardiology Center his condition presented no essential change in the past 24 hours. His respiratory and renal functions are periodically supported by respirator and artificial kidney respectively, while the patient has no fever and the respiratory physiotherapy and kinesitherapy continue.

Also, it was mentioned that the attendant doctors will use the puncture method today in order to remove the fluid that has accumulated in the patient's right lung.

[04] GREEK-AMERICANS CALL ON CLINTON TO KEEP HIS PRE- ELECTION PROMISES

Also, the greek-american community expressed its disappointment regarding the sale of 120 ATAC-MS missiles to Turkey.

Meanwhile, President Clinton's adviser and Press Undersecretary David Johnson stated that Assistant Secretary of State, Richard Holbrooke will not deal with the Cyprus issue after he leaves the US State Department adding that the efforts by Presidential envoy, Richard Beattie will focus on the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Referring to the US initiative for the solution of the Cyprus problem, mr.Johnson did not share mr.Holbrooke's optimism who has said that 1996 will be the year during which significant steps will be made towards the solution of the problem.

World Council of Overseas Hellenism President, mr.Andrew Athens asked US President Clinton to appoint Richard Holbrooke to the position of the US special mediator to Cyprus in an effort to strengthen the expected intense US effort for the solution of the problem in Cyprus.

The written request was delivered to President Clinton's special adviser George Stephanopoulos by mr.Athens who was accompanied by representatives of greek-cypriot organizations in the United States.

[05] BRITAIN NOT AGAINST APPOINTMENT OF AN EU COODINATOR ON CYPRUS

The british diplomat also said that he had the opportunity in Brussels to express the increased international interest for the solution of the Cyprus problem during the contacts he had last week on the issue. The british official said that the two sides in Cyprus must take good advantage of that interest in order to be made decisive steps towards the solution of the problem.

[06] EU GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL WILL BE HELD IN BRUSSELS =88N JANUARY

According to information, the Council will discuss important issues such as the reconstruction of former Yugoslavia, the EU humanitarian aid for former Yugoslavia, the Mediterranean policy, the prospects of relations between the EU and Albania and the situation in the former Soviet Union. Also, is possible the italian EU Presidency to present a report regarding its initiative for the solution of the Cyprus problem undertaken after the visit to Athens by italian Foreign Minister mrs.Suzanna Agnelli and Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs mr.Scamaka.

[07] LAWYER ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF ILLEGALLY OWNING ANCIENT ARTIFACTS

Penelope Kampouraki, 50, said that most of the found items are family heirlooms and that she had bought some of the invaluable gold and silver coins from antiquers, not knowing their true value.

Also, in Athens today a 50-year-old construction worker, George Karkadoulias, was arrested after police discovered old items dating to the 17th and 18th centuries in his possession.

[08] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES REPORT

CURRENCY                   BUY      SELL       FIXING

ECU                     303.3560   302.4460    304.2660
U.S. Dollar             245.0000   244.2650    245.7350
German Mark             165.0000   164.5050    165.4950
English Pound           370.1200   369.0100    371.2300
French Franc             48.1740    48.0290     48.3190
Swedish Crown            35.6560    35.5490     35.7630
Danish Crown             42.6600    42.5320     42.7880
Norwegian Crown          37.7030    37.5900     37.8160
Italian Lira             15.3755    15.3290     15.4220
Swiss Franc             205.2300   204.6140    205.8460
Yen                     229.6800   228.9910    230.3690