MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (15/05/1996)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki May 15, 1996

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREECE IS IN THE RIGHT, DOESN'T NEED TO SEEK LEGAL OPINIONS, SAYS PRESIDENT STEPHANOPOULOS

[02] GREECE'S MOVE TO BRING THE MEDA PROGRAMME TO EURO-PARLIAMENT IS POSITIVE AND WELCOMED, STATED THE FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER

[03] EUROPEAN COMMISSION FORESEES UPWARD SWING FOR GREEK ECONOMY

[04] INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WOMEN TO BE HELD IN THESSALONIKI

[05] NO MEETING BETWEEN PANGALOS AND GONENSAY IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE IN TORONTO, CANADA

[06] PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT YASSER ARAFAT WILL ARRIVE IN ATHENS ON MONDAY FOR A TWO-DAY FORMAL VISIT

[07] GREECE HAS THE CLEANEST BEACHES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

[08] GEORGIA-GREECE TRADE RELATIONS CAN GROW, SAYS GEORGIAN AMBASSADOR

[09] THE SPRING SESSION OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY WILL BE HELD IN THESSALONIKI ON MAY 27-29

[10] EARTHQUAKES MEASURING 6 ON THE RICHTER SCALE ARE LIKELY TO HIT GREECE IN THE NEXT TWO DECADES ACCORDING TO SCIENTIFIC DATA

[11] GREECE TO PARTICIPATE AT BUCHAREST'S TIBCO '96 FAIR

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[12] BOMB THREATS LED TO THE EVACUATION OF TWO LARGE GREEK MINORITY SCHOOLS IN CONSTANTINOPLE

[13] HOLBROOK COMPARES BOSNIA WITH CYPRUS FOR THE SECOND TIME

[14] CYPRUS TO OPEN AN EMBASSY IN HAGUE BY SEPTEMBER

[15] CYPRIOT GOVERNMENT SATISFIED BY OUTCOME OF EU-CYPRUS ASSOCIATION COUNCIL

[16] THE ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES OF A BRITISH CONSERVATIVE MP IN THE TURKISH OCCUPIED TERRITORIES IN CYPRUS ARE BEING INVESTIGATED

[17] ANOTHER IMPORTANT AND POSITIVE STEP HAS BEEN MADE FOR CYPRUS' ACCESSION INTO THE EU, STATED MR.KASOULIDIS

[18] THE UNEMPLOYED IN THE EU STATES WERE 18,3 MILLION IN MARCH

[19] SERBIAN OPPOSITION FORESEES SOCIAL REBELLION

[20] RUSSIAN MILITARY DELEGATION VISITS FYROM

[21] MEETING ON SFRY GOLD RESERVES

[22] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE REPORT

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREECE IS IN THE RIGHT, DOESN'T NEED TO SEEK LEGAL OPINIONS, SAYS PRESIDENT STEPHANOPOULOS

In Chicago, his last stop of this official state visit to the United States, the Greek President attended a formal dinner given in his honor by the Presidents of the World and Regional Councils of Greeks Abroad (SAE), Mr. Athens and Mr. Tomaras respectively, and during his speech he reiterated that "Greece is not begging anyone, not even the United States," indicating that he came to the US in order to express his points of view.

In his address, Mr. Stephanopoulos thanked US President Bill Clinton, with whom he met at the White House on May 9, for "his guarrantees on the upkeep of international accords, the security of territorial sovereignty and the inviolability of borders."

President Stephanopoulos stated that the Balkan-region problems have almost eclipsed, with the only remaining issue being that of greek-turkish relations.

"It is not difficult, I believe, for Mr. Clinton to understand what is happening even though in a letter he sent some time ago (to a leading member of the greek community) he had stated that the greek-turkish differences are complex. Mr. Clinton knows these problems better than I do, but he is not able to publicize this knowledge.

"Without question, the greek side is in the right," President Stephanopoulos stated, adding that "the US President should turn his words into actions and maintain them."

President Stephanopoulos was addressed by Chicago Mayor Richard Galey before a large audience that included the alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos, the Greek Ambassador to the US Lukas Tsilas, the Greek Consul-General in Chicago, the SAE Presidents and many leading members of the greek-american community.

In his speech, the President made extensive references to the founding meeting of SAE, held in Thessaloniki, to which he was present.

"SAE is not an agency of greek special interests, but, rather, a means of communication between Greeks living at home and those Greeks living abroad, a means that will allow maintaining the ties between the Greeks abroad and Greece. If it was up to me, I would say that SAE has one and only aim and that is language, language, language."

Mr. Stephanopoulos referred to the greek church by pointing out that "there is also Orthodoxy, but this (area) has very able representatives" and added that "hellenism constitutes the center of Orthodoxy" and emphasized that "Patriarch Vartholomeos represents Orthodoxy while having common aims with Greece."

The President made extensive references to the Greeks living abroad and the role they can carry out in promoting greek national issues. He characterized Chicago's greek-american community as a "valuable piece of hellenism" and outlined that their relation with the mother country is a "relation of blood, heart and humanity."

"You are Greeks away from Greece, therefore you are two times Greeks. Greece has the joy, and the misfortune, to have her children scattered throughout the world. Let the greek voice and the greek name be heard throughout," the President said.

The President will meet with the governor of Illinois today and will attend a ceremony for the opening of Chicago's Greek Center. He is scheduled to depart the United States today and arrive in Greece tomorrow.

President Stephanopoulos' visit to the United States holds special significance since it marks the first time a Greek leader has officially travelled to the US in the past 43 years. During his nine- day stay, the President visited Washington, Atlanta, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento and Chicago, all of which are cities with a pronounced Greek population.

[02] GREECE'S MOVE TO BRING THE MEDA PROGRAMME TO EURO-PARLIAMENT IS POSITIVE AND WELCOMED, STATED THE FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER

Nevertheless, greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos stressed that Athens is unlikely to approve EU funding to Turkey before Ankara agrees to appeal to international arbitration over the issue of the status on Imia.

This move by Greece, according to the newspaper "Financial Times", will allow talks on the community programme MEDA to continue but, at the same time, Athens will maintain the right to block the EU funding to Turkey for as long as, the territorial issues between those two countries remain unresolved.

According to Foreign Minister mr.Pangalos, Greece's future position will depend partly on the next meeting he will have with his turkish counterpart on the sidelines of NATO's Foreign Ministers meeting to be held in Berlin next month.

[03] EUROPEAN COMMISSION FORESEES UPWARD SWING FOR GREEK ECONOMY

According to the European Commission, a relevant report is expected to be approved today and, in turn, will be submitted in June to the EU Summit, scheduled to be held in Florence.

The report foresees that the developments of the greek economy's macroeconomic sizes will not be affected negatively by the recession noted in other european countries, mostly due to the german economy's recent negative performance.

In the report, the Commission emphasizes that "during the recent years, Athens has applied wise economic policy, but it must continue its efforts in limiting public deficit, giving weight to limiting public expenses and in the prudent application of the privatisation plan."

Moreover, the European Commission praises as "noteworthy" the greek government's investment program, but outlines that the effort to correct the macroeconomic sizes must continue in order for the greek government's convergence program to succeed.

According to data provided by the Commission, Greece's GNP increase rate is expected to reach 2% this year and nudge up to 2.5% in 1997. Inflationary pressure is currently estimated at approximately 7.5%, while it is expected to be reduced to 7% in 1997.

In contrast, the country's unemployment rate is expected to move upwards to 9.8% and will be reduced in 1997 to 9.6%.

Regarding the rest of the EU member-states, the report is disappointing. According to the Commission, economic recession has plagued all the countries, while the report foresees that in 1999, when the common EU currency will go into effect, according to the Maastricht Treaty, no EU member, Germany and France included, will be able to meet the Treaty's preconditions. It should be noted, that the french and german governments are currently exerting pressure on the Commission to make -even at the last minute- changes to the report and change the data it provides.

[04] INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON WOMEN TO BE HELD IN THESSALONIKI

The conference will be held for three days in Thessaloniki, with the initiative of renowed singer and New Democracy Euro-deputy Nana Mouskouri, under the auspice of Thessaloniki Municipality and with the support of Thessaloniki European Cultural Capital 1997.

The conference participants will examine issues concerning the promotion of equal opportunities for both sexes in Greece, the challenges and prospects and the quality of life in Greece today, the possibilities offered in Europe for the strengthening of the position of women in the mediterranean countries, the economic conditions for the working women and the reponsibilities of women in the protection of the environment.

Among the speakers are included, ms.Fr.Mulfinger, member of the European Commission General Directorate V equal opportunity department, ms.L.Castellina and ms.M.Banotti president and vice- president of the European Parliament Culture, Youth, Education and Mass Media Committee, ms.Fr.Bennasar Tours Euro-Deputy and vice- president of the European Parliament Committee on the Women's Rights and vice-president of the same committee ms.A.Fouque, greek Parliament deputies Marietta Koutsikou-Yiannakou and Fanny Petralia President of the Inter-Balkan Women's Association and also President of UNESCO for women and Thessaloniki's Aristotle University professors ms.Mika Haritou-Fatourou and ms.Anna Panagiotarea.

[05] NO MEETING BETWEEN PANGALOS AND GONENSAY IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE IN TORONTO, CANADA

Nevertheless, mr.Reppas did not rule out the possibility of a meeting between the two Foreign Ministers if mr.Gonensay is finally invited.

Responding to another question, mr.Reppas said that the meeting of the representatives of the two Foreign Ministers has not been set yet, but he clarified that it will take place before the Pangalos- Gonensay meeting in Berlin.

[06] PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT YASSER ARAFAT WILL ARRIVE IN ATHENS ON MONDAY FOR A TWO-DAY FORMAL VISIT

Mr.Arafat will be welcomed at the Athens Airport by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos who will accompany him to Megaron Maximou where he will meet with Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.

Mr.Arafat, who heads a large palestinian delegation, will also meet with President Kostis Stephanopoulos, who will host a working lunch in his honour at the Presidential Building.

Early in the afternoon, mr.Arafat will have separate talks with mr.Pangalos and in the evening, Prime Minister Simitis will host a formal dinner in his honour.

According to palestinian diplomatic sources, mr.Arafat will brief the greek leadership on the latest developments concerning the peace process in the Middle East and will ask Greece's assistance, within the framework of the European Union, for the economic and political backing of the palestinian authority.

Also, according to the same sources, the members of the palestinian delegation, headed by mr.Arafat, will meet on the initiative of Development Minister ms.Vaso Papandreou, with 70 greek businessmen who are interested in making investments in the palestinian self-ruled territories.

On Tuesday, the palestinian leader will go to the southern city of Patras where he will be honoured by the city's University for his peace efforts in the Middle East.

[07] GREECE HAS THE CLEANEST BEACHES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

The televised program referred specifically to a report published by the European Commission for 1995 regarding the cleanliness of the Mediterranean beaches. According to the Commission's report, Portugal ranks last on the list with the dirtiest beaches, France's shores are cleaner than Portugal's, Spain has relatively clean swimming waters, while 600 beaches in Italy, especially those around the ports, do not even meet the Commission's cleanliness standards.

On the same topic, the British paper "The Daily Telegraph" states that more than 50 british beachers, out of a total of 464, were considered unsafe to swim in, following inspections performed by the European Commission. The article considers Sweden to be the country with the best beaches, while its assessment of Greece's shores is quite good, as a mere 1.6% of the samples were considered negative.

[08] GEORGIA-GREECE TRADE RELATIONS CAN GROW, SAYS GEORGIAN AMBASSADOR

The Ambassador pointed to the fact that his embassy has been operating in Athens since February of 1996 to show Georgia's willingness for cooperation with Greece.

"Our countries are very near to one another, in the Black Sea region. The Georgians and their country always appreciated their Greek brothers and their friendly sentiments. I believe that there is no need to talk about friendship between Georgians and Greeks, a friendship that has been put through the test of time, and our traditions that have very old roots. Our nations are also united by Orthodoxy," Ambassador said.

He emphasized his country's will for political, economic and cultural cooperation with Greece, however, he added that Greece is not showing great interest for the Georgian market, albeit stating that Georgia lacks the necessary legislation that secures investors' rights.

"I bellieve that the cooperation between the two countries will begin soon and will bring good results," the Ambasador said.

A Cooperation agreement will be signed in June between Georgia and Greece's Bank of Commerce, under the European Union's framework for economic development.

[09] THE SPRING SESSION OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY WILL BE HELD IN THESSALONIKI ON MAY 27-29

In the Session will participate about 300 Parliament representatives from the 39 Council of Europe member-states and within its framework 5 Committees will meet, the Permanent Committee, the Political Committee, the Committee on the Environment, the Culture-Education Committee and the Presiding Board of the Council's Parliamentary Assembly. The Session's proceedings will be attended by the Council's Parliamentary Assembly President, the Council of Europe Secretary-General and the Presidents of the committees.

In a joint press conference today, Minister of Macedonia-Thrace, Philippos Petsalnikos and New Democracy Parliament deputy mr.Aristotelis Pavlidis, full member of the greek delegation in the Council of Europe and permanent member of the Council's Permanent and Political Committees, stated that the Political Committee meeting is expected with great interest because under discussion will be issues concerning the wider Mediterranean region while issues of greek interest will also be mentioned.

Greek Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis in his speech during the Council of Europe Political Committee meeting, that will be held on May 29th, will refer to national and other issues of great importance for Greece.

Also, among the main speakers in the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session will be Agriculture Minister Stephanos Tsoumakas. It should be noted, that in this Session, will participate for the first time and two new members of the Council of Europe, Albania and FYROM.

[10] EARTHQUAKES MEASURING 6 ON THE RICHTER SCALE ARE LIKELY TO HIT GREECE IN THE NEXT TWO DECADES ACCORDING TO SCIENTIFIC DATA

Prof. Papazachos stated that from historical sources and statistics come very useful data for long term earthquake prognosis, adding that this way the local authorities will be able to be in a state of preparedness.

In his speech to Aristotle University's Polytechnic School on seismological research in Greece, historical development and practical applications, prof.Papazachos stressed that seismic activity in Greece remains stable since ancient times, namely since the 6th century BC, with a frequency of 80 earthquakes measuring 6,5 on the Richter scale per century. The most devastating earthquake in Greece hit the region north-west of the island of Crete in the year 365 and measured 8,3 on the Richter scale.

Also, Prof. Papazachos for the first time presented specific evidence which prove that the ancient Greeks had developed pre- seismic and anti-seismic policy since the times of the Minoan Civilization.

[11] GREECE TO PARTICIPATE AT BUCHAREST'S TIBCO '96 FAIR

Greece, Egypt, France, Germany, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Pakistan, the Republic of Moldova, Turkey, Lebanon and Kenya are some of more than 30 countries to attend the exhibition.

According to the general manager of ROMEXPO George Cojocaru, during this event, the products will be sold directly from the stalls to the consumers for the first time.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[12] BOMB THREATS LED TO THE EVACUATION OF TWO LARGE GREEK MINORITY SCHOOLS IN CONSTANTINOPLE

In both schools, located in the Beyoglu (Pera) region, classes were interrupted and the buildings were evacuated after a decision by their directors when leaflets were found in the region threatening with bomb blasts if the flag of Alpaslan Turkes' ultra-nationalist MHP party was not hung up immediately in the schools.

According to professors and parents of the students, the evacuation decision was made for security reasons, while it is clear that the "threats" made by the "grey wolves" did not cause great concern or panic.

[13] HOLBROOK COMPARES BOSNIA WITH CYPRUS FOR THE SECOND TIME

In an editorial published in "TIME" magazine, Mr. Holbrooke, who is a State Department specialist on european affairs, criticizes the Serbs for, as he writes, maintaining in political leadership roles "the indicted war criminals" Radovan Karadzic and Radko Mladic, who "prevent the realization of the (Dayton) accord's political aspects."

In his report, Mr. Holbrooke writes that "other divided lands - Korea and Cyprus, for example- bear witness to temporary cease-fire lines that turn into permanent dividing lines."

This is the second time that Mr.Holbrooke compares Bosnia to Cyprus. Last month, in an interview to the italian "Panorama" magazine, he had stated that the two communities inCyprus are separated by iron borders.

[14] CYPRUS TO OPEN AN EMBASSY IN HAGUE BY SEPTEMBER

Up to now, diplomatic relations between the Republic of Cyprus and Holland were carried on through Brussels. The two cypriot consulates in Hague and Rotterdam will coninue to operate normally.

[15] CYPRIOT GOVERNMENT SATISFIED BY OUTCOME OF EU-CYPRUS ASSOCIATION COUNCIL

Speaking from Brussels, Mr. Mihaelides stated that it is at last a european conviction that Cyprus, along with Malta, will be the first of the candidate-countries to be included in the next expansion of the EU.

"Everyone assesses that Cyprus is ready in all areas for accession (to the EU) and the only concern is the cypriot issue which must be resolved as soon as possible," the Cypriot Foreign Minister stated.

Mr. Mihaelides added that the need for EU participation in the efforts to solve the Cyprus issue, along with the United Nations, is beginning to be understood. He added that these efforts are centered around the initiative being promoted by the United States.

[16] THE ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES OF A BRITISH CONSERVATIVE MP IN THE TURKISH OCCUPIED TERRITORIES IN CYPRUS ARE BEING INVESTIGATED

Cypriot government spokesman Yiannakis Kasoulidis commenting on a press publication, according to which, the british MP is behind the efforts for the sale of the Panagia Chrisotrimithiotissa church, said that Sir Dougleys Smith was involved in illegal activities concerning the greek-cypriot properties in the turkish occupied territories and in the past.

Mr.Kasoulidis said that the cypriot government watches this case closely for the past 6 months and the state legal agencies in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry are in the process of gathering evidence, while the possibility to take legal steps against the british Parliament member is not ruled out. He also said that according to testimonies of witnesses, the british MP illegally occupies the house of a greek-cypriot in the region of Kerinia.

Meanwhile, Cyprus through its permanent representative in the United Nations mr.Nikos Agathokleous denounced the new provocative action of the illegal turkish-cypriot authorities in the turkish occupied northern Cyprus, to offer for sale the Panagia Chrisotrimithiotissa church in the occupied village of Trimithi in Kerinia and called the international organisation to take all the necessary measures to stop this new sacrilege.

Mr.Agathokleous in a letter to UN Secretary-General Boutros Ghali stresses that this new provocative action is another proof that there is a premeditated plan by the illegal turkish-cypriot regime to alter the demographic character of the turkish occupied part of Cyprus by destroying the cultural heritage of the greek population and be bringing in the occupied territories thousands of settlers from Turkey.

In the letter to UN Secretary-General, mr.Agathokleous reminds that since 1974 the cypriot government has protested repeatedly to the UN Secretary-General against the destruction and the vandalisms of churches and monasteries in the turkish occupied part of Cyprus.

[17] ANOTHER IMPORTANT AND POSITIVE STEP HAS BEEN MADE FOR CYPRUS' ACCESSION INTO THE EU, STATED MR.KASOULIDIS

He also said that it would be very positive development if EU Commisioner Hans Van Den Broek was personally involved in the efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Regarding the statements allegedly made by the french Ambassador to Nicosia calling turkish-cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to file a separate application for the accession of his pseudo-state in northern Cyprus into the European Union, mr.Kasoulidis said that there are certain alarming points in those statements, which were published by a turkish-cypriot newspaper.

The cypriot government spokesman stated that the french Ambassador has been summoned to the Foreign Ministry to make the necessary clarifications.

[18] THE UNEMPLOYED IN THE EU STATES WERE 18,3 MILLION IN MARCH

In the announcement is mentioned that unemployment, on a seasonal basis, increased to 11% in March from 10,9% in February.

The smallest unemployment percentage, 3%, was recorded in Luxemburg and the largest in Spain with 22%. During the same period, unemployment in the United States was 5,7% and in Japan 3,5%.

In the announcement is not included information on Austria and Greece.

[19] SERBIAN OPPOSITION FORESEES SOCIAL REBELLION

"There is a starvation in Serbia," Mr. Draskovic said, accusing Slobodan Milosevic that he "does not want to face that pain and suffering." During a meeting on May 12, Serbian opposition leader announced that protests will take place soon and in other towns, besides Nis.

"The whole Serbia is standing up. Even his police brigades could not help Milosevic," Mr. Draskovic pointed out.

According to international press-correspondents, many towns in southern Serbia have been declared to be in a state of emergency, as the local authorities were fearing a possible recurrence and expansion of the tragic events in Nis. The Mayor of Nis stated that a social rebellion in the town could turn into anarchy.

The latest election in Serbia took place in December 1993 and Slobodan Milosevic won by a considerable difference.

[20] RUSSIAN MILITARY DELEGATION VISITS FYROM

Russian delegation met with FYROM's Defense Minister Blagoj Hadjinski and with deputy commander of the Military General Staff, Lieutenant-General Yanakie Manasiefski.

The meetings focused on the development of bilateral collaboration in the military and defense fields, as well as the cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the NATO's programme "Co-operation for Peace".

This is the first meeting of a Russian military delegation with FYROM's Defense Minister and Army officials, daily "Dnevnik" reported.

[21] MEETING ON SFRY GOLD RESERVES

The dispute on foreign currency reserves lasts for several years already and, according to a statement made by the Head of the Croatian Commission on Succession Issues Bozo Marendic, "FYROM, Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, for the time being, have to be satisfied with the dividing of the former SFRY gold reserves in Switzerland."

The foreign currency reserves are estimated by Belgrade at about $44 million and the gold ones at about $780 million, Mr. Marendic said, adding that the military property of SFRY of about $70 billion had been substantially devaluated, as parts of the weapons were taken by Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, but the greatest part is still in Serbia.

[22] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE REPORT

CURRENCY          FIXING       BUY        SELL
ECU              298.4500   297.5550    299.3450
U.S. Dollar      242.7500   242.0220    243.4780
Deutsche Mark    158.6600   158.1840    159.1360
UK Sterling      368.6000   367.4940    369.7060
French Franc      46.8640    46.7260     47.0050
Swedish Crown     35.9850    35.8770     36.0930
Danish Kroner     41.1120    40.9890     41.2350
Norwegian Crown   36.9720    36.8610     37.0830
Italian Lira      15.6490    15.6020     15.6960
Swiss Franc      194.7700   194.1860    195.3540
Spanish Peset      1.9000     1.8943      1.9057
Finnish Mark      51.3260    51.1720     51.4800
Yen              228.9100   228.2230    229.3450

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