MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (10/06/1996)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, June 10, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] PM PRESIDES OVER NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL, WARNS ANKARA

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis addressed the government's National Security Council today, and warned Ankara that its aggressive strategy towards Greece, as well as its disregard for the principles and values that govern the european societies, will inevitably drive Turkey to a deadlock.

The Council examined the recent developments in greek-turkish relations and assessed the situation as it has been shaped by the latest turkish provocations.

The Premier, who presided the Council's session, emphasized that the government considers that Turkey's constant aggression towards Greece stems from the political instability noted in Ankara.

"Turkey systematically subverts the region's stability," stated the Premier, adding that Ankara's tactic to continuously make claims against Greece, in conjuction with the turkish Premier's recent statements, give additional dimensions to the provocations.

"Greece," the Premier underlined, "is determined to object this turkish strategy with every means."

Mr. Simitis added that the necessary diplomatic steps have been taken to inform Greece's allies and the international organizations which uphold the principles of peace and staility in the region and respect the rules of international law.

"The greek government and all of the greek people united with decisiveness and cool-headedness are ready to face the turkish provocations," the Premier concluded.

The National Security Council members adopted the Premier's stance unanimously.

[02] GOV. SPOKESMAN: GREECE NEITHER CLAIMS OR CEDES ANYTHING

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas reiterated that Greece neither claims nor gives away anything, expressing Greece's readiness to face any threat.

He also announced that in the next days the greek government will make all the necessary moves in order to demonstrate to the international community that the turkish positions are wrong.

Mr.Reppas also announced that Prime Minister Kostas Simitis will not attend the formal dinner that will be given within the framework of the European Council that will be held in Florence, Italy on June 21-22.

In statements he made after the meeting of the Governmental Council on Foreign Affairs and Defence, mr.Reppas stressed that Greece is probably the only factor of stability and security in the wider Balkan region and South-Eastern Mediterranean. He also called on the international community to draw its conclusions, especially after Turkey's latest stance toward Greece, clarifying that Turkey is unable to play a stabilizing role in the region.

Mr.Reppas stated that the European Union, NATO and the foreign countries must pay attention to the problems that arise in the region as a result of Turkey's provocative and aggressive stance and to contribute to the efforts aiming at restoring normal relations in the region.

Meanwhile, responding to a question by a reporter on whether serb President Slobodan Milosevic is spending his vacations on the island of Crete, he stated that Greece is a beautiful country and many want to visit it, indirectly confirming the information.

Also, he clarified that mr.Milosevic did not contact mr.Pangalos or any other official neither such a request has been made.

[03] THE GREEK PRESIDENT ARRIVED IN BONN FOR A FORMAL VISIT

Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos arrived in Bonn for an official visit and later today is scheduled to meet with his german counterpart.

The talks will focus on the recent developments in the Balkans and especially, on the greek-turkish relations, while mr.Stephanopoulos will brief the german officials regarding Greece's positions on the issues of national interest.

Tomorrow, mr.Stephanopoulos will meet with german Chancellor Helmut Kohl and Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel.

Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, who is accompanying mr.Stephanopoulos, will have a separate meeting with his german counterpart, Klaus Kinkel tomorrow morning. They are expected to discuss european problems in view of the EU Summit meeting in Florence and issues concerning the Inter- Governmental Conference.

The two ministers will also discuss the greek- turkish relations, given the fact that Germany shows interest in the developments in the region. Mr.Pangalos said that he will look into mr.Kinkel's intentions regarding the mediatory initiative the german Foreign Minister wants to undertake for the easing of the tensions in the greek-turkish relations. Mr.Pangalos stated characteristically to journalists that the germans have interests in the region.

[04] EU FOREIGN MINISTERS COUNCIL ASKED TO OFFER SOLIDARITY TO GREECE

Greece's alternate minister of Foreign Affairs George Romeos asked the members of the European Union's Council of Foreign Ministers to express their solidarity with Greece in light of Turkey's increasing aggression in the Aegean Sea.

During today's Council session, three Mediterranean countries -Italy, France and Spain- tabled the issue of approving the MEDA financing program, whose funding also applies to Turkey and has been vetoed by Greece.

According to reports, the issue is expected to be brought up for discussion during the upcoming EU Summit to be held in Florence next week.

Mr. Romeos emphasized that "the only thing Greece asks for is that the european credibility be strengthened through a display of a stable policy that will be based on the principles of international law, good neighboring and, of course, on the basic solidarity among the 15 member-countries."

Concluding, Mr. Romeos stated that this display of solidarity could be given through a common statement issued by the "15", and added that "until this happens, Greece cannot allow the rewarding of such turkish aggression in the form of community funding."

[05] VISITORS TO THIS YEAR'S "EPIRUS" FAIR INCREASED BY 80 PER CENT

This year's "Epirus" fair, which concluded in Ioannina last night, was marked by an unprecedented 80 per cent increase in trade visitors, some of whom arrived from as far as the United States, Israel and Romania.

More than 120 exhibitors from Greece and other countries displayed products from all sectors of the market, as well as machinery and modern technology.

Also participating where the Greek Telecommunications Organization, the Hellenic Organization of Foreign Trade, the Epirus Region, the Prefecture and Municipality of Ioannina, local authorities and the Cypriot Milk Organization.

[06] LAST OF EUROPE'S ENDANGERED BLACK VULTURES SAVED IN GREECE

A group of greek environmentalists have succeeded in creating a home for vultures and other endangered birds of prey in the forest of Dadia, near the Evros River that separates Greece form Turkey.

The reserve constitutes a sanctuary for these birds by providing them with the quiet, food and space they need. The population of these vultures has increased ten- fold since 1980, when the reserve was founded, and now numbers up to 100.

The most impressive species is the Black Vulture, whose wings measure up to three-meters each. These birds, which nest once a year and usually have only one offspring, have been extensively threatened from poisoned bait intended for wolves and foxes.

Forestry scientist Kostas Poizarides stated that the Dadia forest's reserve is an ideal home for the vultures since it is noted for its diversity of environment and species.

"Of 38 kinds of birds of prey in Europe, 35 can be found here while, altogether, more than 200 species of birds have been recorded in the forest and 40 kinds of reptiles and amphibians, the perfect food for eagles and hawks."

According to Rania Spyropoulou, an official from the Environment Ministry, the reserve is a result of the cooperated efforts between the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Greece's Environment Ministry and local authorities.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[07] GREEK-FYROM TALKS ON NAME ISSUE RESUME IN NEW YORK TODAY

Greece's representative Christos Zacharakis and his counterpart from FYROM Ivan Tosevski will meet at the United Nations headquarters in New York today, in order to continue the negotiations regarding the name that will be used by FYROM.

The meeting is being held under the aegis of UN mediator Cyrus Vance, who will hold successive meetings with both Mr. Zacharakis and Mr. Tosevski.

The international mediator is expected to ask both sides to clarify their positions regarding the name.

United Nations diplomatic circles have noted that no significant outcomes are expected from this round of talks since, as they emphasized, the recently-noted hardening of Skopje's position on the name issue, as well as the increasing tension in greek-turkish relations do not provide the proper conditions for positive expectations in the settlement of the matter.

[08] GERMAN CHRISTIAN-DEMOCRATS SUPPORT GREEK POSITIONS ON AEGEAN

Head of the Christian-Democratic party (CDU) Parliamentary group on foreign policy issues, Karl Lamers and CDU Parliament deputy and vice-president of the joint german-greek group, Friedbert Pflueger in a joint statement they issued on the occasion of the greek President's official visit to Germany, expressed their support to the greek positions regarding the status in the Aegean and the turkish claims.

The two politicians encourage Athens and Ankara to enter a dialogue clarifying explicitly that those talks are not allowed to concern issues of territorial sovereignty. They mention that the existing status in the Aegean, based on International Law, is clear and internationally recognized, adding that anyone presenting claims is not allowed to do so through the use of threats or through force but can appeal to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. They also, underline that Greece must be able to rely on Germany and its european partners.

Within this context, the two politicians, who had visited Athens and had talks with Prime Minister Simitis, Foreign Minister Pangalos and opposition New Democracy leader Evert, believe that Greece should consent to the EU economic aid to Turkey.

[09] MAYOR OF MONTREAL VISITS THESSALONIKI TODAY

The Mayor of Montreal Mr. Pierre Bourke visited Thessaloniki today, where he met with Mayor Konstantinos Kosmopoulos and the artistic director of the "Thessaloniki: Cultural Capital of Europe 1997" Panos Theodorides.

Mr.Bourke,accompanied by a delegation of Canadian businessmen, discussed the possibilities of Montreal's participation at the 1997 events, both at a cultural level and through technological applications.

[10] TUNESIA AND GREECE TO STRENGTHEN COMMERCE RELATIONS

The economic relations between Greece and Tunesia, as well as the opportunities for bilateral cooperation in the areas of industry, tourism and trade, will be the topic of a discussion organized by the Greek Chamber of Trade and Industry.

The event will be held on June 13, in conjuction with the Tunesian Trade Minister's visit to Athens.

[11] HERAKLION, CRETE:MAYOR MEETS WITH FINNISH AMBASSADOR

The Mayor of Heraklion Mr. Aslanis met this afternoon with Finland's Ambassador to Athens Antti Lassilo and the two men discussed the opportunities for contacts between the city of Heraklion and finnish local government.

The Finnish ambassador returned the gesture to Mr. Aslanis by inviting him to Finland and meet with the Finnish Association of Municipalities.

[12] THE NEW GREEK AMBASSADOR ARRIVED IN BELGRADE TODAY

Greece's new ambassador to New Yugoslavia, mr.Panagiotis Vlassopoulos arrived in Belgrade today.

Upon his arrival at Belgrade Airport he said that he will try to contribute to the further development and strengthening of bilateral relations. He also mentioned that Yugoslavia plays a significant and constructive role in the implementation of the Dayton agreement, adding that this stance will contribute to the efforts for peace and stability in the Balkans.

Mr.Vlassopoulos stated that Greece supports Yugoslavia's accesion into the international community and underlined that Greece and Yugoslavia always had friendly relations and there were never problems between them. Greece downgraded its diplomatic relations at charge d' affaires level in May 1992 following an EU decision due to the sanctions imposed on New Yugoslavia.

The last greek ambassador to Belgrade was mr.Eleftherios Karayiannis and from May 1992 until today, head of the greek Embassy was charge d' affaires, mr.Michalis Spinellis.

After Yugoslavia's decision to recognize Skopje on April 8, all the european countries upgraded their diplomatic relations with Belgrade at ambassadors level and most of them had appointed their charge d' affaires as ambassadors.

[13] PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA TO OFFICIALLY VISIT GREECE ON JUNE 17-18

Armenian Republic President mr.Levon Ter- Petrossian will be on an official visit to Greece on June 17-18 after an invitation by greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos.

Also, as it was made known, the armenian President and his wife will make a private visit to Thessaloniki on June 19.

[14] ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH: HONORARY MEMBER OF ATHENS ACADEMY

Ecumenical Patriarch, Vartholomeos was unanimously elected today honorary member of the Athens Academy, as it was announced by the Fanar in Constantinople.

This honorary title is rarely awarded to personalities who are not Athens residents. Until now, the title of honorary member has been awarded to former greek President Konstantinos Karamanlis, to former german President Von Weizecker and to former french President Giscard D' Estaing.

According to the announcement, the formal ceremony will be held at an appropriate time.

[15] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT EMBARKS ON SERIES OF HIGH CALIBER CONTACTS

Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides announced today that no significant developments are expected on the Cyprus issue in the immediate future, given the political instability noted in Turkey. Mr. Clerides assured that there should not be any concern that a worsened situation might erupt in either Cyprus or the Aegean, at least for the following months.

The Cypriot President will embark tomorrow on a 15-day tour of Europe and the United States, beginning with a meeting he will have tomorrow with United Nations Secretary-General Butros Ghali in Geneva.

After his one-day stop in Switzerland, Mr. Clerides will travel to New York where he will meet with the representatives from the five permanent members of the Security Council as well as with United States special envoy to Cyprus, Richard Beatty.

The following week, on June 18, President Clerides will meet with US President Bill Clinton in Washington, a meeting that is considered to be of utmost significance given the imminent american initiative on the Cypriot issue.

Earlier, he will have successive meeetings with US Secretary of State Warren Christopher, the House of Representatives Committee on International Affairs president Ben Gilman and members of the Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee.

On Wednesday, June 19, the President of Cyprus will travel to London where he will meet with British Prime Minister John Major and British Foreign Minister Malcolm Rifkind. On Thursday, June 20, he will move on to Florence, Italy where he will attend the European Union Summit, following an invitation issued by the Italian EU presidency.

[16] UN SEC-GEN'S REPORT ON GUARD'S KILLING TO BE ISSUED TOMORROW

The United Nations Secretary-General's bi- annual report, to be released today or tomorrow, is expected to hold the turk-cypriot side responsible for the murder of the 19-year-old cypriot National Guardsman Stelios Panagis who was killed on June 3 at the island's disengagement area.

Buytros Ghali's report, which concerns the stay renewal of the peacekeeping forces in Cyprus, is also expected to hold the turkish side responsible for obstructing the peacekeeping forces efforts to provide aid to the dying guardsman.

Another report expected to be issued by Mr. Ghali this week, will refer to the lack of progress noted in the cypriot issue and to the appointment of the new Special Envoy of the UN to Cyprus, Han Sung Ju. This report will be published following Mr. Ghali's meeting with Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides in Geneva.

[17] TURKEY'S LIBERAL PARTY OFFERS CONDOLENCES FOR GUARD'S DEATH

Turkey's Liberal Party has forwarded its condolences to the family of the greek-cypriot National Guardsman Stelios Panagis, who was killed on June 3 by the occupation forces near the island's demarcation line.

The condolences were published in the turkish daily "Zaman" where Liberal Party President Besim Tibuk wrote that his party proceeded in issuing its condolences because he believes that it reflects the turkish people's sadness over the incident. Tibuk has also invited the killed guard's family to Turkey.

[18] YELLOW FEVER OUTBREAK NOTED IN ALBANIAN LIVESTOCK

An epidemic of yellow fever, the illness that affects livestock, has been reported by the Tirana government, driving four neighboring countries to ban the importation of all meat and meat products from Albania.

The illness, which mostly affects cattle and smaller animals, can also present complications to humans and 600 cases have already been diagnosed in southeastern Albania.

Greece, Italy, FYROM and Montenegro have issued bans for the importation of Albanian meat, while Tirana officials are scrabbling to allay fears by stating that the outbreak is under control and there is no need to panic.

[19] TURKISH PILOTS TEST A NEW ADVANCED RADAR SYSTEM ON ISRAELI JETS

For the first time, turkish Air Force pilots flew israeli fighter jets, testing a new radar system within the framework of the recent military agreement signed by Turkey and Israel. This agreement caused the reaction of the arab world and was condemned during the three-day meeting of the leaders of Egypt, Syria and Saudi Arabia that was held in Damascus.

The BBC, citing the israeli radio, reported that this advanced radar system will be used in the american made fighter jets that have been sold to Turkey. It is estimated that the implementation of this programme for the modernization of 54 Fantom fighter jets will cost 600 million dollars.

[20] FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATE REPORT

CURRENCY         FIXING        BUY           SELL
U.S. Dollar      242.41      241.6830	   243.1370
Deutsche Mark    157.86	     157.3860	   158.3340
French Franc      46.6160     46.4760	    46.7560
UK Sterling      371.8900    370.7740	   373.0060
Swiss Franc      191.2600    190.6860	   191.8340
Italian Lira      15.6300     15.5830	    15.6770
Danish Kroner     40.9030     40.7800	    41.0260
Swedish Crown     35.9040     35.7960	    36.0120
Norwegian Crown   36.9330     36.8220	    37.0440
Yen              222.0000    221.3340	   222.6660
Spanish Peseta     1.8714      1.8658  	     1.8770
Finnish Mark      51.4460     51.2920 	    51.6000
ECU              298.4820    297.5870	   299.3770

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