MPA NEWS IN ENGLISH (07/08/1996)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, August 7, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[C] EUROPEAN NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[C] EUROPEAN NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] MILOSEVIC-TUDJMAN MEETING CROWNED WITH SUCCESS, LEADERS SEE EYE TO EYE

The Greece-initiated meeting held between Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic and his Croatian counterpart, Franjo Tudjman in Athens today,, has been crowned with success as it is viewed as a significant step of the peacemaking process in the former Yugoslavia.

It was the first meeting between the two men since the Dayton peace accord which was signed in November 1995 and the first ever face-to-face meeting after the croatian indepedence from rump- Yugoslavia five years ago

The two leaders have agreed in principle to restore diplomatic relations between their countries, stated after the meeting the Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, who noted that "it is curious, but diplomatic relations between them did not exist until today.And since the diplomatic relations will be restored, then the overall relation will be one of improved cooperation and friendship."

Mr. Milosevic and Mr. Tudjman also agreed to orchestrate a meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Serbia and Croatia, to be held in Belgrade at the end of August.

Mr. Simitis underlined the important role Greece has played in today's meeting. He stated that Greece will proceed toward this direction, for establishing peace and stability in the Balkans, and will continue to undertake such initiatives, underlining that the diplomatic services offered by Greece will aim at a Foreign Ministers level Balkan meeting to be held next year in Athens.

The joint communique issued after the meeting, also states that the two countries are ready to decide on the free and safe return of the expatriated persons to their homes, or anywhere else they choose to go, and to cooperate in the efforts to locate missing persons.

Moreover, the joint communique expresses the two leaders' willingness to resolve the territorial dispute on the Trevlaka Peninsula and reiterates their support of the regulations concerning eastern Slovenia.

[02] CROATIAN AND SERBIAN PRESIDENTS HOLD TETE-A-TETE MEETING IN ATHENS

A tete-a-tete meeting between the President of Croatia Franjo Tudjman and Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic, their first one since the Dayton peace accord's signing, is being held in Athens today, in a contact viewed as an effort to promote the peacekeeing process in the former Yugoslavia and to achieve mutual recognition between the two states.

Held at a hotel in the capital's seaside resort of Vouliagmeni, the meeting was initiated by Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, with whom both Mr. Tudjman and Mr. Milosevic held talks prior to their meeting.

Before the taks were set to start between the Craotian and Serbian Presidents, Mr. Simitis stated that the aim of the meeting is to provide an opportunity to the two leaders to discuss the issues concerning their countries.

"Greece is always willing to participate in talks of this nature since it believes that everyone's aim should be peace, stabilty in the Balkans and friendship among the peoples," the Premier stated, adding "I wish for success in today's meeting and for results that will promote the better cooperation among all our peoples."

[03] MILOSEVIC-TUDJMAN MEETING IN ATHENS ON THE INITIATIVE OF THE GREEK PRIME MINISTER

The problems between their countries are discussing since this morning in Athens the Presidents of Serbia and Croatia, Slobodan Milosevic and Franjo Tudzman.

The meeting is being held on the initiative of greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis who met this morning with the two leaders and expressed the hope that their meeting will be successful in order to have an outcome which, as he pointed out, "will contribute to the better cooperation among all peoples".

Mr.Simitis stated that Greece is willing to contribute to such talks based on the belief that the common goal for everyone must be peace, stability in the Balkans and friendship among the peoples.

Among the issues that are being discussed is the mutual recognition of Serbia and Croatia, the issue of former Yugoslavia's successor state and the return of the Krajina Serb refugees to their homes.

The meeting of the two leaders will be completed late in the afternoon.

[04] TODAY'S MEETING IN ATHENS BETWEEN THE PRESIDENTS OF SERBIA AND CROATIA IS EXTENSIVELY COVERED BY THE YUGOSLAV PRESS

Today's meeting in Athens between Serb President, Slobodan Milosevic and his croatian counterpart, Franjo Tudzman held on the invitation of greek Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis is extensively covered by the yugoslav press.

Belgrade's information bulletin V.I.P., citing sources close to the yugoslav government mentioned that mr.Milosevic wants the speeding up of the procedure for the normalization of relations between the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Croatia in order to deal afterwards with the problems in the implementation of the peace process in Bosnia, the tense situation in Kosovo and the political developments in Serbia in view of the Parliamentary elections.

The same sources mention that Milosevic will ask Tudzman to upgrade their countries' diplomatic relations at ambassadors level and to open embassies in Belgrade and Zagreb. Also, Milosevic will persist in the full normalization of their relations in the economic, transport and telecommunications sectors.

[05] THE GOVERNMENT AND THE POLITICAL PARTIES IN GREECE REACTED STRONGLY TO THE TURKISH ARMED FORCES REPORT ON THE AEGEAN

The government and the political parties in Greece reacted strongly to the report issued by the turkish armed forces which disputes the status of about 100 greek islands and rocky islets in eastern Aegean.

Greek government spokesman, Dimitris Reppas called the turkish government to deny the relative publications proving this way that they are not legitimate. He stressed that in a different case Athens will react through the diplomatic route while he characterized this development as an escalation of the turkish provocativeness and added that Greece will be prepared for all eventualities.

Mr.Reppas said that Greece's so-called allies all over the world must realize that the problems between Greece and Turkey are generated by the turkish provocativeness and that they must take a position on the issue in case the text is genuine.

Meanwhile, New Democracy party leader, Miltiadis Evert stated that the greek government must realize the danger and call a meeting of the political party leaders chaired by the President of the Republic, as soon as possible, in order to deal on a national level with the intensified turkish provocativeness.

Turkish newspaper "Cumhuriyet" in a front-page article, under the headline "Turkey was not able to protect its rights" and with the sub-heading "In the report on the Aegean by the War Academies Headquarters was stressed that all the islands inside the 6 mile zone belong to Turkey", writes that the turkish armed forces maintain that Turkey did not protect as much as it should have its rights in the Aegean.

[06] GREEK PARLIAMENT HONORS OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS WITH CELEBRATORY EVENT

The Parliament of Greece honored the country's Olympic champions today, in a celebratory event attended by all political and military leaders.

Speaker of Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis opened the ceremony with a speech in which he stated that the medalists surpassed even their own expectations and honored their country.

In turn, Prime Minister Kostas Simitis thanked the athletes for their contribution and stated that "all of Greece is mirrored in your medals."

Speeches followed by main opposition party president Miltiades Evert and all the other minor party leaders.

[07] THESSALONIKI GIVES HEROES' WELCOME TO ITS MEDALISTS

With its Byzantine castles adorned with lights from end to end, Thessaloniki celebrated the arrival of its champions, gold medalist Ioannis Melissanides and silver medalist Valerios Leonides this evening with the appropriate grandeur.

The medalists, as well as all of the other local athletes who finished above the eighth position in the Atlanta held Olympic Games, were greeted at the Macedonia airport by Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos, Mayor of Thessaloniki Konstantinos Kosmopoulos, Prefect Kostas Papadopoulos and other local dignitaries.

"All of Thessaloniki, all of Greece is here today, overflowing with pride and national dignity, to salute and lovingly embrace her children," stated Mr. Kospopoulos.

Minister Petsalnikos stated that the Ministry of Macedonia- Thrace will announced its decisions on the honors it plans to bestow upon the medalists during the formal event to be held in September.

A victory procession followed, which ran through the city's major arteries and led to the White Tower where the Municipality is hosting an open-to-the-public event. The Olympians were greeted by the sounds of marches played by the Municipality's Philharmonic Orchestra, while the Olympic Anthem will be recited by local theater actor Dimitris Karellis.

[08] OPPOSITION PARTY LEADER TO TOUR EVROS REGION TOMORROW

The leader of the country's main opposition party, New Democracy's Miltiades Evert will embark on a tour of Northern Greece's Evros region tomorrow in order to be updated on the recent developments regarding the area's foot and mouth disease outbreak.

Accompanied by a delegation of New Democracy party officials, Mr. Evert will arrive at the Alexandroupolis airport at 8 a.m. He will visit the cities of Feres, Didimoticho and Orestiada, while at 1:30 pm. he is scheduled to meet with Evros Prefect George Dolios in Alexandroupolis.

Following a meeting with local businessmen at the ALexandroupolis Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Evert will return to Athens at 8 p.m.

[09] MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER MOBILIZES EUROPEAN LEADERS ON AGHIA SOPHIA ISSUE

The President of Greece's main opposition party, New Democracy's Miltiades Evert has embarked on a mobilization campaign aimed at informing European leaders and world organizations of Turkey's intention to convert the Byzantine church Aghia Sophia into a mosque.

In his letter, Mr. Evert wrote that "the publication of Turkey's intention to convert the Aghia Sophia into a mosque has provoked the chagrin and ire of the Greek people.

"I believe, as all Greeks, that Aghia Sophia, which was for centuries the interational symbol of christianity, does not only belong to Hellenism, but remains, above all, an indelible monument of international heritage, a symbol of an era that carved history and the course of humanity.

"Sadly, Turkey is trying to alter this symbol. I believe that all of us, independently of historical and political backgrounds, must make it clear to Turkey that Aghia Sophia constitutes an heirloom of world history, which no one has the right to change. Because, if we allow this to take place, than we ourselves will have willingly doubted the roots of our civilization."

Mr. Evert has forwarded his message to the President of the European Commission Jacques Santer, President of the European People's Party Wilfried Martins, and UNESCO's Secretary-General Mr. Mayor.

[10] EARTHQUAKE MEASURING 4.1 ON RICHTER SCALE SHOOK PATRA THIS MORNING

An earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale shook the city of Patras in the Peloponnese this morning at 2:45 a.m. yet, so far, no damages have been reported.

The tremblor's epicenter was located at the sea region near Rio, while the earthquake was felt in the Achaia and Etoloakarnania prefectures as well.

Meanwhile, aftershocks are feared by Konitsa residents, a town 215 kilometers west of Thessaloniki where an earthquake measuring 5.6-Richter demolished many houses yesterday. There were no victims, although many panic-filled persons were hospitalized for shock.

Earthquake experts are concerned over the seismic activity noted in the region and are closely observing all developments.

[11] EUROPEAN BAR ASSOCIATIONS LED BY THESSALONIKI TO PROTEST TURKEY'S PRISONER TREATMENT

In protest of the blatant human rights violations of the prisoners incarcerated in Turkey, Thessaloniki's Bar Association will forward a resolution to all European Bar Associations denouncing the turkish government's correctional systems practices.

The resolution will be received by the Bar Associations of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Denmark, Dublin, Edinburgh, Spain, Italy, London, Luxemburg, Belfast, Norway, Holland, Portugal, Sweden and Finland.

Moreover, a delegation from Thessaloniki's Bar Association plans to provide a related resolution to the Turkish Consulate, has provoked a reaction from the consulate's secretariaship which announced that it will not receive any delegation.

Commenting on the consulate's reaction, the Bar Association stated that "this move strengthens the reactions and proves the true facade of Turkey's power holders."

[12] PROJECT TO TRANSMIT ERT PROGRAMS TO US ENTERS ITS FINAL STAGES

The Third Program of the Radio Station of Macedonia of ERT 3, highly popular radio program heard by Greeks throughout the world is being celebrated tonight in Thessaloniki, for the third year in a row, under the auspices of Macedonia-Thrace Minister Philippos Petsalnikos.

According to the Program's journalist team leader Dimitiris Karamaounas, tonight's event is an establilshed "get acquainted celebration."

According to the event's organizers,. there are listeners from throughout the world who scheduled their summer vacations accordingly in order to be able to attend tonight's events.

Also present will be the Mayor of Thessaloniki Konstantinos Kosmopoulos.

[13] GREEK TELEVISION TO SOON BE TRANSMITTED IN NORTH AMERICA

Final arrangements that will allow for transmission of the Greek Television signal to North America were combed through recently during an Athens-held meeting among Press Minister Dimitris Reppas, ERT President Panagiotis Panagiotou and the President of the World Council of Hellenism (SAE) of North and South America Region Chris Tomaras.

Along with ERT's program, the project also includes transmitting a few hours of Cypriot Television programming. A SAE proposal has been accepted that will allow a two-fold distribution of the signal, namely through cable and small-size satellite dish. The monthly fee for the Greek program will be up to $10 for each subscriber.

Also, following a SAE proposal that was accepted by the Greek government, a sizable segment of the program will carry subtitles. Greek-American media will also be able to carry certain segments of ERT's signal during specific periods.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[14] ARTICLE ON THE PREPARATIONS IN THESSALONIKI WHICH IN 1997 WILL BE THE CULTURAL CAPITAL OF EUROPE WAS PUBLISHED IN A DANISH NEWSPAPER

An article in the danish newspaper "Berlingske Tidende" covers extensively the preparations in Thessaloniki, which in 1997 will be the Cultural Capital of Europe. The article also points out that this is the first time that a city, which is not a state capital, becomes a Cultural Capital of Europe.

It underlines that the organizing of the events which will take place in Thessaloniki was inspired by those held in Glaskow and Copenhagen.

In the article are mentioned both the history of the Cultural Capital of Europe institution, which was an initiative by the late Melina Merkouri, and the budget for the cultural events that will be held in Thessaloniki, with a special referrence to the exhibition of the treasures from the monastic community of Mount Athos.

The article also mentions that Thessaloniki has a history of 2.300 years and that it aspires to become the main junction of the Belgrade-Athens axis, while it concludes with a selective presentation of the scheduled events.

[15] MEETING AT THE CYPRUS POLICE HEADQUARTERS WAS HELD TODAY REGARDING THE PROTEST MARCH OF THE MOTORCYCLISTS ON SUNDAY

New meeting on the protest march of motorcyclists, that will be held next Sunday, took place today in the Cyprus Police Headquarters in order to be decided what measures will be taken to avoid possible clashes with those participating in the demonstration.

The motorcyclists participating in the pan-european protest march against the continuing partition of Cyprus appear determined to reach the turkish occupied Derinia if the cypriot authorities allow them to cross the demarcation line.

Meanwhile, Cypriot Federation of Motorcyclists President, Giorgos Hatzikostas stated that those participating in the march are not bound by any agreement and maintained that police has violated an agreement concerning the free passage of the motorcyclists.

Also, Greek Federation of Motorcyclists President, Lakis Mouratidis stated that if the cypriot police or the National Guard do not give their permission to the protestors to cross the demarcation line then the motorcyclists will march along it, but he also stressed that such a decision by the cypriot government will give the impression that it restricts free movement.

Last night, arrived in Thessaloniki 15 foreign motorcyclists who already left for the city of Volos accompanied by 20 cypriot and 40 greek motorcyclists, while other 120 foreign motorcyclists, who crossed the greek-bulgarian borders yesterday morning, are also on their way to Volos. On Friday, they will leave the city for Cyprus on board a ferry-boat.

[16] THE TWO GREEKS ARRESTED BY THE TURKISH OCCUPATION FORCES IN A SEA REGION NEAR PAPHOS WILL BE TRIED TODAY

The two greeks arrested last Thursday by the turkish occupation forces in the sea region of Kokkinon near Paphos will be brought today before a court in the turkish occupied northern Cyprus.

They are, 48yearold Athanasios Tsiklikas and 35yearold Athanasios Gotsis, who are being illegally held by the Denktash regime for a 7th day.

[17] DOCTORS IN TURKEY DO NOT REPORT THE TORTURE CASES THAT COME TO THEIR NOTICE

The majority of doctors in Turkey usually do not report the torture cases that come to their notice during the examination of political prisoners or common criminals, according to a report that was put together on behalf of the organization Doctors for the Rights of the Individual.

Dr.Vincent Jacopino mentions in the report, which is published in the American Medical Association Journal, that based on the turkish law all prisoners must undergo medical examinations.

The doctors hired by the government for this purpose are being pressured by police authorities in order to ignore the law by concealing the torture cases and by reporting that there were no indications of torture on the examined prisoners.

The report was put together based on the responses to a relative questionnaire given by 60 turkish doctors who had examined thousands of prisoners in 1995.

According to the data gathered, 96% of the doctors questioned stated that tortures are a major problem in Turkey and 31 of them believe that almost all prisoners held in turkish jails are being tortured.

Forty five of the turkish doctors, who responded to the questionnaire, do not believe that beating up a prisoner constitutes torture, while 34 of them believe that threats and violent treatment during interrogation, in case the prisoner suffers no serious injuries, can not be regarded as torture.

According to information, the most used methods of torture in Turkey are beatings, burnings and electroshocks, while the prisoners are also being left without food and water. Mock executions and threats against the families and friends of the prisoners are also examples of psychological violence used by the turkish police.

[18] WORK OF GREEK ARTISTS EXHIBITED AT BUDAPEST GALLERY

An art exhibit featuring the works of Greek artists Nikos Kesanlis and Chrysa Romanou was inaugurated yesterday in Budapest by Greek Ambassador John Drakoulakos.

The exhibit, jointly organized by the Foundation of Hellenic Culture annd Budapest Galleria, is one of the many commemmorative events held for the 1,100 years of Hungarian culture.

[C] EUROPEAN NEWS

[19] EASTERN GOVERNMENTS TO LIFT BALANCE OF PAYMENT RESTRICTIONS

The moves by some East European governments to lift trade restrictions that have been in place for some years on balance of payments grounds at the end of the summer round of balance of payments consultations within the World Trade Organisation (WTO) were welcomed the European Commission.

The Slovak and the Polish government has agreed to abolish its imports surcharge at the end of 1996 and the Commission has called on other nations such as India and Brazil to ease their restrictions.

[20] COMMISSION TO PROVIDE 17 MILLION ECU TO SME's IN SWEDEN

ECU 17 million from the EU's Structural Funds to strengthen the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the sparsely populated, rural and declining industrial areas in Sweden is going to provide to the country the European Commission The aid comes under the Commission Initiative SME and is matched by funding of ECU 17 million from the Swedish authorities and around ECU 14 million from the private sector to give an estimated total investment of ECU 48 million.

The actions funded are expected to contribute to the creation of some 5,200 new jobs, the training of around 20,000 people employed in SMEs, a sales increase of about 20% for 4,600 companies and access to new markets for another 3,000 companies.

[21] COMMISSION TO SUPPORT CONVERSION OF ARM INDUSTRY REGIONS IN SWEDEN

ECU 3.3 million from the EU's Structural Funds in order to support the economic diversification of regions heavily dependent on the defence industry is to receive Sweden.

The aid comes under the Community Initiative KONVER and it is matched by investments of ECU 3.3 million from the Swedish authorities and investments of ECU 4.7 million from the private sector.

Altogether, the programme contributes to the creation of approximately 350 new jobs, the creation of around 40 now companies and the training of some 300 people.

[22] SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN GERMANY DECLINED

Unemployment in Germany declined by a seasonally adjusted 5,000 in July, the Federal Labor Office reported.

On an unadjusted basis, Germany's jobless rate rose slightly to 10.2% from 9.9%, figures which make the jobs situation look worse than it really is according to Labor Office President Bernhard Jagoda.

The number of Western German jobless rose to 9.0% from 8.7% with the jobless rate in Eastern Germany increasing to 15.4% from 15.0%.

Citing lower hiring due to Germany's traditional summer vacation season, Jagoda said seasonal factors distorted Germany's unadjusted employment figures in July.

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