MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (09/05/1996)

From: Macedonian Press Agency <mpa@philippos.mpa.gr>

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki May 9, 1996

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREEK PRESIDENT WELCOMED AT THE WHITE HOUSE BY US PRESIDENT

In his address, President Clinton stated that "today, we Americans share with Greece the glory of the ancient heritage. Along with friend and ally Greece we raise the flag of democracy throughout the world. For half a century since WWII until the Persian Gulf crisis, our nations have stood together in defense of their common ideals. Today, we are cooperating in building a secure, prosperous and peaceful future. The strengthening of our relations in the recent years has led to a closer cooperation to the benefit of our peoples and the world as a whole.

"In Bosnia, our countries' sodliers serve side by side in order to aid in the achievement of peace. Throughout the Balkans, from Albania to FYROM, America sees Greece as a power of peace and stability. Moreover, our countries must take an undivided position towards the deadly plague of terrorism. Allow me for once more, on behalf of the American people to express my deep condolences to the families and friends of the 17 Greek citizens who were killed in Cairo last month.

"The cooperation between Greece and America is further strengthened by family ties. From this country's one end to another, Americans of Greek origin have provided the enriched tradition with wealth and warmth.

"Mr.President, among the countless gifts that Greece has shared with the world, one of the most significant ones, which fascinates the human heart is the Olympic Games. This year, the US have the honor to host the Games.

"The torch that Hilary had the honor to light in Olympia when she visited your country brings the spirit of the past, the promise of this moment and our common hopes for the future."

In turn, President Stefanopoulos addressed the US President and stated:

"I want to express my sincere joy for this meeting of ours which proves the high level of relations between our countries and is indicative of your friendly sentiments towards Greece, a country which , like the United States, daily displays its dedication to the ideals of Freedom, Democracy and the international legal order.

Greece's relationship with the US dates back in time, inspired by the ideals of classical democracy and the modern parliamentary system, a multifaceted relationship, which goes beyond any conventional and time framework, since it is rooted in a common and lengthy tradition. This relationship is further strengthened by the presence of a significant and prosperous Greek- American community in the US, with a substantial contribution to all aspects of life and achievements of your great country.

The Greek citizens, Mr. President, highly regard your country's achievements in the areas of science and technology, but feel even greater admiration when they realize that the US efforts, wherever they are applied, tend to enforce our important common principles and support truth and international laws, ultimately aiming at the maintenance of Justice and Peace.

Greece today actively participates in the activities developing in the changing region of Southeast Europe and acts peacefully and productively in a framework of equal cooperation with its neighbors, its EU partners and its friends throughout the world. In this effort of hers, it encounters some obstacles which it addresses with its peaceful behavior and its utmost respect for the UN principles and the international accords.

As you know Mr.President, our lengthy and traditional ties were not severed even during difficult times, and I mean the two World Wars. I am certain that the cooperation and common path will continue to proceed -thanks to a common policy of friendship and peace- in a world that will finally proceed in the framework that has been drawn by the UN Map, a world where the countries will abide by international obligations, abstaining from the use of force or the simple threat of use of force and will resolve their differences with the peaceful means that are outlined in the Map.

I am certain that my visit will contribute to the strengthening of mutual understanding between our friends and allies peoples, in the further tightening of our relations and the promotion of cooperation in those areas where we our interests are common."

[02] CLINTON ASSURES GREECE OF HIS HELP IN GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS

President Clinton expressed his concern over the Imia crisis, and stated that Greece and Turkey are allies and resolving their differences will aid the Balkan situation as well.

Mr, Stephanopoulos briefed the US President on Greece's positions regarding its national issues, the Cypriot issue, the greek-turkish relations, the FYROM name issue and the overall Balkan region situation.

Responding to a question if the US would promote a "Camp David" initiative for Greece and Turkey, Mr. Clinton stated that no such initiative exists, however it is not ruled out, provided that both countries agree to it.

In turn, President Stephanopoulos pointed out that under the current conditions a dialogue with Turkey cannot take place and added that the issues of the continental shelf and the Imia islets must be resolved at the Intertnational Justice Court at The Hague.

[03] GREEK PRESIDENT SAYS: CYPRUS IS A KEY ISSUE, US HAS RENEWED INTEREST

The President, speaking at the "Conference on the Greek-US Relationship and the Future of Southeast Europe" -jointly organized by the Institute for Foreign Policy of Law and Diplomacy and the Konstantinos Karamanlis Foundation- stated that Cyprus is called upon to make new significant concessions, which means that Turkey's intransigence is rewarded.

President Stephanopoulos also referred to Turkey's demand that the cypriot issue is resolved prior to Cyprus' EU accession, stating that Ankara does not have the right to make such a demand. He added that resolving the Cyprus issue is impossible as long as Turkey insists on its intransigence policy.

Specifically, the President characterized Turkey's attempt to impede Cyprus' EU accession, while at the same time promoting its own, as a "double extortion."

[04] FOREIGN MINISTER: LINKING THE ISSUES OF CYPRUS' EU ACCESSION WITH TURKEY'S CUSTOMS UNION WOULD CAUSE A MAJOR CRISIS IN THE COMMUNITY

Speaking of 1,000 landing craft that are in a ready position at the turkish shores, Mr. Pangalos issued a stern warning to the European Union member-states, aimed specifically towards Germany and France, not to link the issues of Cyprus' accession to the EU with Turkey's Customs Union during the upcoming Monday's EU Foreign Ministers Council, because, he stated, the EU will face the biggest crisis in its history.

Speaking to Greek reporters covering the President's US visit, Mr. Pangalos referred to the EU Foreign Ministers Council and stated that "unfortunately, certain representatives at the meeting wanted to link Cyprus' EU accession to Greece's veto on Turkey's funding. I have already warned that this would lead to a major crisis for the Community in its entirety and for its operation."

Mr. Pangalos also stated that Greek ambassadors stationed in all EU member-states are taking diplomatic steps toward this direction and added that all of the EU ambassadors to Athens have been summoned by the Secretary-General Mr. Perakis who has told them that if there is any such attempt (to link the issues) "Greece will consider as self-evident the blocking of the EU- Malta Association Council."

"Malta and Cyprus go together," the Foreign Minister stated.

"If there is no Cyprus, there will be no Malta. That will be the first step," Mr. Pangalos said, adding that the second step will be Greece's systematic obstructions to all of the Community's foreign relations, without exception.

In other words, "whenever there is a unanimous decision, Greece will exercise its veto power," Mr. Pangalos said, adding that "the attempt to link Turkey's expansionist aspirations with Cyprus' legal relations with Europe, is completely irational from a political point of view and wholly unethical."

Mr. Pangalos emphasized that Greece will exercise its rights as they are outlined by the european institutions and accords, and characterized as inconceivable Turkey's EU funding "as long as this country extorts and threatens Greece and maintains territorial claims against us."

The Foreign Minister insisted that Greece will maintain these positions and called upon the EU allies to adopt them, otherwise, he foresaw, "we will enter into a crisis situation in the Union as a whole, which, I believe, will be unprecedented."

"We are not a big EU member-state, but Europe does not belong to some, it belongs to all and it belongs to us, too, and we demand that our rights are accepted equally," Mr. Pangalos stated.

Concluding, he noted that "it is ridiculous to speak of an Inter-Governmental Conference, common foreign policy and common defense policy when this group of nations is not in a position to display basic solidarity on such a clear issue."

Mr. Pangalos did not hesitate to state that Germany and France created the problem with the tolerance of the Italian EU presidency.

He characterized as "outrageous" that Greece finds understanding and sensitivity towards the greek positions from the US, and not from its European Union partners.

[05] GREECE RESPECTS THE INTERNATIONAL TREATIES AND ITS INTERNAL LAW AND ORDER, STATED THE GREEK FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN

Mr.Bikas added that according to the 1991 law, which is still in effect, muftis are selected by a committee consisting solely of muslims and their choice is submitted for approval to the Minister of Education and Religion. This procedure, said the greek Foreign Ministry spokesman, is followed all over the world and in Turkey too where the muftis are appointed and not elected.

Moreover, the muftis in Greece have also judicial competence stemming from the holy islamic texts.

He clarified that in the Lauzanne text, which defines the protection of the greek Orthodox minority in Turkey and the muslim minority in Greece, there is absolutely no reference made on the election of muftis.

Mr.Bikas lashing out against the unfounded turkish protests he reminded that Ankara must keep in mind its obligations toward the greeks in Constantinople, Imvros and Tenedos, which are not being met.

Mr.Bikas concluded that the shrinking of the greek population in Turkey is a proof of that.

[06] GREEK PRESIDENT AND DELEGATION HAVE A FULL SCHEDULE TODAY

Also present at this meeting, from the US side, will be Vice- President Al Gore, National Security Advisor Anthony Lake, and - possibly- Secretary of State Warren Christopher.

A second, and longer, session will follow, where the Greek team will be joined by Education Minister George Papandreou, the first General Director of the Foreign Ministry Mr. Filon, the Director of Bilateral Relations Mr. Ladopoulos, the Director of the Foreign Ministry's Diplomatic Office Mr. Zografos and his counterpart from the Office of the Hellenic Republic Mr. Kaklikis.

On the US behalf at this meeting, aside from President Clinton, Mr. Gore, Mr. Lake and Mr. Christopher, will be the White House Personnel Director Leon Panetta, the US Ambassador to Athens Thomas Niles, the US Assistant Secretary of State John Kornblum, and the Presidential Aide and Director of European Affairs of the National Security Council Mr. Vershbow.

Following the meeting, the two Presidents will give a joint press conference.

In turn, President Stephanopoulos will go to the State Department, where he will attend a luncheon hosted in his honor by Vice-President Al Gore.

In the evening, President Clinton and his wife Hillary, will host a formal reception dinner at the White House grounds to honor the Greek head of state.

[07] THERE WILL BE NO COUNTERMEASURES FROM THE EU REGARDING CYPRUS' ACCESSION COURSE, STATED THE GREEK PRIME MINISTER

Mr.Simitis added that the negotiations will be held as planned and the General Affairs Council for the association of Cyprus and Malta with the EU will take place in Brussels on Tuesday as scheduled.

Also, the greek Prime Minister stressed that Greece will not approve the EU funding to Turkey, as it has repeatedly stated, if first the problem created by the turkish side over the Imia islet in the Aegean is not resolved.

Mr.Simitis briefed mr.Kliridis on the contacts he had during his visits to the United States and the European Union members stressing that he expects from the United States to undertake actions inspite of the turkish reactions which he characterized as unjustified.

The Cypriot President characterized the discussion as constructive and stated that Greece and Cyprus share the same stance in the solution of problems.

Regarding the outcome of his upcoming meeting with US President Clinton in Washington, mr.Kliridis stated that he will brief the greek Prime Minister in the EU Summit meeting to be held in Florence, Italy.

[08] GREEK AMERICAN COMMUNITY LEADERS DISCUSS CYPRIOT ISSUE WITH US UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KORNBLUM

According to reports, the State Department officials who are dealing with the Cypriot issue, said that the US positions regarding an imminent US initiative to solve the Cyprus issue will be announced within the next two months and will have been completed by the time Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides visits Washington.

The president of the Justice for Cyprus Commission Savas Tsivikos characterized the meeting's outcomes as positive and stated that the Americans have realized that Turkey must proceed to some action.

Also participating in the meeting were the assistant Under- secretary of State Marshal Anter, the special coordinator for Cyprus Jim Williams and the State Department's South Europe Director Kerry Kavano.

[09] GREECE AND TURKEY SIGN TOURISM COOPERATION PROTOCOL

The protocol, which was set into effect yesterday, also aims at exerting pressure towards both governments in order to avoid new episodes between the countries, according to the President of HATTA.

Moreover, the protocol will aim at creating cooperated efforts to attract tourists, do away with the visa requirement for Turk tourists entering Greece, as well as creating businesses of a general interest in both countries.

[10] THE TURKISH TRAINING EXERCISE IN THE AEGEAN WILL END ON MAY 14TH

According to an announcement by the turkish General Staff the exercise began on Tuesday morning.

[11] ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH VARTHOLOMEOS WILL VISIT AUSTRALIA

The Patriarch will visit Sidney, Cambera, Adelaide and Melbourne where he will stay for 4 days from November 14th to the 18th.

The Orthodox Christians in Australia are estimated at 700 thousand.

[12] OLYMPIC AIRWAYS HAS THE BEST SECURITY FACTOR, SAY GREEK EURO MP

Mr. Roubatis emphasized that OA has the best security factor, the best technical structure and it is one of the best organized airlines in the world.

Responding to a question if there are American interests hidden behind the recent mudslinging towards OA, the euro-MP stated that he considers unacceptable and unfounded the US position, emphasizing that the airports in the US, with the exception of three or four international ones, are much worse than the Greek ones.

Mr. Roubatis further added that the european air transport companies are currently undergoing a crisis since they are literally under attack from the american conglomerates in the industry.

[13] FAMOUS POETS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD WILL PARTICIPATE IN EVENT ON PEACE AND POETRY TO BE HELD IN KAVALA

The event, organized by the Association of Friends of Literature and Arts, will address issues such as Digeniz Akrita's relations with the Arabian Epics, the Arabian erotic poetry, the modern tendencies in French poetry and the poetry of the muslim minority, the modern Greek culture and others.

Participating in the event will be poets from various European countries and Cyprus, Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Maroco and Tunisia.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[14] TURKEY: CILLER UNDER FIRE IN TURKISH PARLIAMENT

Turk Premier Mesut Yilmaz has already given the go ahead to his parliamentarians that they cast a vote according to their conscience , and not think of the coalition government's future. It is expected that the mps of the ruling Motherland Party will support the Welfare Party's motion to investigate Ciller.

[15] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT: ANY TALK ON CYPRUS ISSUE WILL BE A LOSS OF TIME IF THERE IS NOT AN AGREEMENT ON THE ISSUE OF FUTURE SECURITY

In a recent interview, President Clerides prioritized the issue of security and accession to the European Union, followed by the issues of sovereignty, territory and basic freedoms.

"If there is rapprochement on these issues, our side is ready to sit at the negotiations table," Mr. Clerides stated.

He also stated that, following the UN Secretary-General Butros Ghali's findings of an impasse in the cypriot issue, the United States, European Union and Britain have decided to undertake initiatives instead of adopting the UN's alternate proposals.

"Our side hopes that there will be a coordination of these initiatives," Mr. Clerides stated.

"Currently, coordination has begun between Washington and London with deliberations being carried out on determining the role and the manner in which the EU will be represented in the talks," the Cypriot President said, adding that there is no agreement on a five-day summit taking place regarding the Cyprus issue.

Mr. Clerides also assessed that no american initiative is expected to take place prior to the US elections in November.

[16] TURKEY DEMANDED FROM IRELAND NOT TO SEEK THE UPGRADING OF THE ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN COORDINATOR IN CYPRUS

Turkish Foreign Minister Emre Gonensay, in the sidelines of the Western European Union Conference in Birmingham, expressed strong objections to his irish counterpart Dick Spring over the contents of the report submitted by European Coordinator Federico Di Roberto to the Council of Ministers. The turkish Foreign Minister also maintained that the EU relations with Turkey must not be linked with the Cyprus problem.

[17] BERISHA TO GIVE PRIORITY STATUS TO GREEK-ALBANIAN RELATIONS, IF RE-ELECTED

Speaking at the town of Leskoviki, Mr.Berisha stated that "I assure you that friendship with Greece was and will be among the priorities of our foreign policy."

[18] ROMANIAN SENATE PASSED THE BILL ON BLACK SEA TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT BANK

[19] NATO ENLARGEMENT IS A WAY TO DEVELOP THE SECURITY IN THE EURO- ATLANTIC AREA

Mr.Gligorov stated that the Europeanisation of the Balkans should also imply their integration into European collective security structures which would be the best way to surpass the negative experiences in this region, such as disagreements based on religious, ethnic or so-called traditional strategies.

NATO considered that its spreading would not be used to create an influence sphere in the Central and Eastern Europe, but as a way to develop the security in the Euro-Atlantic area, Mr. Craig said, adding that, in this respect, the Alliance is making efforts to persuade Russia and to maintain good cooperative relations with it, based on mutual respect.

[20] EAST-EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ATTEND WESTERN EUROPEAN UNION MEETING

According to Mr. Pirinski, he and his Defense Minister Dimiter Pavlov will attend separate meetings of foreign and defense ministers of the WEU session on the future of the European security.

"The participants in the meetings are expected to exchange views on the ways WEU could help the establishment of pan-European security structures. WEU is believed to offer a wide range of specific helpful opportunities in this respect, thanks to the various types of membership and association with it," Pirinski also said

To confirm the indivisibility of European security and to find the best forms for each individual state are the principal goals which Bulgaria wants to achieve during this meeting, Mr. Pirinski said.

WEU played a positive role in former Yugoslavia, especially in the control of sanctions enforcement, Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimiter Pavlov said.

[21] FYROM AND HUNGARY SIGNED A TRADE AND ECONOMIC AGREEMENT

The Chambers of Commerce of the two countries also signed a cooperation agreement.

The Hungarian representative as well as FYROM's representative emphasized that the cooperation between two countries needs to be increased, especially in the telecommunication and construction fields, through their local companies.

[22] TURKISH COMMANDER VISITS FYROM

The Turk army general will meet with FYROM's Defense Minister Blagoj Hajinski and with the Chief of Staff General Trajche Krstevki, it has been announced.

General Bayar will visit FYROM's Military Academy, 'Iliden' barracks and the towns of Bitola and Ohrid.

[23] THE EXILED MONARCH SIMEON IS FREE TO VISIT BULGARIA

According to Simeon's Press Office chief Galia Dicheva, the exiled monarch and his wife will arrive in Sofia on May 25. The invitation issued by Sofia's Mayor Stephan Sofighianski to the ex- monarch Simeon II to visit the towns' municipality has been accepted, Mrs. Dicheva said.

Half a century ago, when he was only nine years old, Simeon II left Bulgaria, when a referendum in 1946 decided to abolish the monarchy. Since then, Simeon has been living in exile in Spain.

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