Macedonian Press Agency News in English (96-10-15)

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

Macedonian Press Agency News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, October 15, 1996

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] GREEK OFFICIALS ATTEND FUNERAL OF MURDERED GREEK- CYPRIOT, CYPRUS MOURNS

The funeral of Petros Kakoullis, the 58-year-old Greek-Cypriot civilian who was shot at point-blank range by turkish occupation forces in Cyprus on Sunday, was held this afternoon in the village of Avgoros where the victim lived.

Cypriot Finance Minister Christodoulos Christodoulou, reading the funeral oration, made an appeal to all that they participate in Cyprus' struggle. He also stated that Ankara and Turk-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash aim to dissuade the international community from finding a solution to the Cypriot issue and, as such, wish to further the island's division.

Representing the Greek Government at the funeral was the Minister of the Aegean Elizabeth Papazoi. Representing the Greek Parliament and the ruling PASOK party was the Parliament's vice-president Loukas Apostolides, while on the main opposition's behalf present was New Democracy's Panos Kamenos. The President of the Democratic Social Movement (DIKKI) Dimitris Tsovolas was also present, as well as a deputy each from the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos).

Wreaths were also dedicated by Greece's Ambassador to Cyprus Alexandros Sandis on behalf of the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and on behalf of the Greek Premier Kostas Simitis a wreath was placed by Ms. Papazoi.

[02] GREECE LODGES PROTEST WITH SECURITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

Greece's Foreign Ministry lodged a protest to the Athens-based embassies of the countries-members of the United Nations Security Council today, for the cold- blooded murder of the Greek-Cypriot civilian who was killed by turkish occupation troops on Sunday.

Also today, the undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Christos Rozakis briefed the Prime Minister Kostas Simitis on his recent meeting with Britain's special representative on the Cyprus problem Sir David Hannay.

Mr. Rozakis, accompanied by eurodeputy Yiannos Kraniditotis, will conduct a working visit to Cyprus on November 3-5.

[03] GREEK GOVERNMENT REPRESENTED BY DELEGATES AT GREEK- CYPIROT'S FUNERAL

The funeral of greek-cypriot Petros Kakoullis, who was killed in cold blood by the turkish occupation forces was held in his native town of Avgorou in Cyprus this afternoon.

The greek government was represented in the funeral by Minister of the Aegean, ms.Elisavet Papazoi, while the greek Parliament and the governing party of PASOK was represented by Parliament vice-President, Loukas Apostolidis.

Also, present were New Democracy deputy Panos Kammenos, Communist party deputy Stratis Korakas, Coalition of the Left deputy ms.Stella Alfieri and President of the Democratic Social Movement Dimitris Tsovolas.

[04] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER TO TOUR SARAJEVO, BELGRADE, ZAGREB THIS WEEK

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos will travel to the cities of Sarajevo, Belgrade and Zagreb this week, in an effort to display Greece's active involvement in the Balkans and its interest in promoting bilateral relations with Bosnia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Croatia.

Starting with Sarajevo tomorrow, Mr. Pangalos will address issues of bilateral relations between Greece and Bosnia-Herzegovina as well as Greece's participation in Bosnia's reconstruction projects.

In Belgrade, where Mr. Pangalos' visit is awaited eagerly as it marks the first time a high-ranking official is visiting the city after sanctions imposed on FRY where lifted a few days ago, a cooperation agreement will be signed between the Foreign Ministries of the two countries. Before the end of the year, Greece and FRY will also sign bilateral agreements regarding investments and the avoidance of double-taxation.

In Zagreb, Mr. Pangalos will meet with his Croatian counterpart and is also scheduled to meet with Croat President Franjo Tudjman.

The Greek Foreign Minister is expected to stress the importance of these countries' equitable participation at the Interbalkan Conference which will be held in Thessaloniki in June of 1997.

[05] THE GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER LEAVES TOMORROW FOR SARAJEVO, BELGRADE AND ZAGREB

Greek Foreign Minister, Theodoros Pangalos begins tomorrow his three-day visit to Sarajevo, Belgrade and Zagreb where he will have contacts with high ranking officials of the three governments.

The greek Foreign Minister will outline to the governments of Bosnia, FRY and Croatia the greek government's position for the active implementation of the Dayton peace accord. Also, the discussions will focus on the promotion of the economic and cultural cooperation of all the former Yugoslav Republics with Greece.

Another issue for discussion will be the participation of those countries on equal terms to the Inter-Balkan meeting that will be held in Thessaloniki next June.

Finally, will be discussed the relations of the former Yugoslav Republics with the European Union, as well as issues concerning the european defence systems and the world community.

[06] HUNGARY'S FOREIGN MINISTER RECEIVED BY GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER

Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos received today the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Laszlo Kovacs who is on a two-day, formal visit to Greece.

The two men discussed issues concerning the potential expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), as well as the new regimes of cooperation and security in eastern Europe and the Balkans.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos assessed that both NATO and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will draw the appropriate decisions during their meeting in December regarding matters of extending their cooperation with eastern Europe. He also briefed the Hungarian Minister on the current developments in the eastern Mediterranean and on Turkey's aggression which serves as a factor of instability in the region.

In turn, Mr. Kovacs reiterated his country's request to join NATO and other European and Atlantic institutions.

The Hungarian official also emphasized that it is very sigificant to see an approach between Russia and NATO, but added that Russia should not have a say on which countries will participate in the Alliance's expansion.

[07] THE PRESIDENT OF THE GREEK PARLIAMENT EXPRESSED SATISFACTION OVER HUNGARY'S POSITIVE STANCE TOWARD GREECE'S NATIONAL ISSUES

The greek-hungarian relations were at the center of today's meeting between greek Parliament President, Apostolos Kaklamanis and hungarian Foreign Minister, Laszlo Kovacs.

Mr.Kovacs expressed regret over the recent tragic incidents in Cyprus, stressing that Cyprus' accesion into the European Union will contribute to the solution of the problem.

From his part, mr.Kaklamanis expressed satisfaction for Hungary's positive stance toward the greek national issues.

The two men also discussed the relations between the greek and hungarian Parliaments and mr.Kovacs asked for the continuation of the greek support to Hungary's accesion into the EU and other european organizations.

The greek Parliament President stated that Greece supports the efforts that are being made by Hungary and as it was made known, the hungarian Parliament President is expected to visit Greece soon on mr.Kaklamanis' invitation.

[08] THE CHIEF OF THE RUSSIAN AIR DEFENCE GENERAL STAFF MET WITH THE GREEK UNDERSECRETARY OF NATIONAL DEFENCE

Chief of Russian Air Defence General Staff, Air Marshal Victor Sinitsin met with greek Undersecretary of National Defence, Dimitris Apostolakis.

The russian official is visiting Greece heading a delegation on the invitation of the greek Air Force, within the framework of the exchange of visits between the General Staffs of the two countries.

Discussions focused on security issues, while they also examined the potential for bilateral cooperation in the sector of defence industry.

[09] THRACE'S THREE MUSLIM DEPUTIES DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM TURKEY'S VIEWS

Greece's three Muslim parliamentarians have adopted a distanced position from Ankara's policies and the opinions expressed by Turkish Ambassador to Athens Umit Pamir when the latter visited Komotene yesterday.

The Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) parliamentarian in Rodopi Mustafa Mustafa did not attend this afternoon's meeting with the Turkish Ambassador because, according to reports, he disagreed with the fact that the three Muslim deputies were invited to be at the Turkish Consulate at the same time, although they each represent a different party.

PASOK's deputy in Rodopi, Galip Galip, stated that Thrace's Muslims are Greek citizens, contradicting Mr. Pamir who yesterday stated that the Muslim minority is "turkish."

Birol Akifoglou, New Democracy's deputy from Xanthi, stated that if there are any problems regarding the minority, he discusses them within his party and at the Hellenic Parliament.

Today the Turkish Ambassador clarified that he did not address as "Turks" the three Muslim parliamentarians.

[10] THE MACEDONIANS ARE GREEKS, STATED AMERICAN PROF. L.TRITLE, WHO PARTICIPATES IN THE CONFERENCE ON ANCIENT MACEDONIA

The scientists participating in the Conference on Ancient Macedonia held in Thessaloniki are confirming the region's indisputable greek character.

Prof. L. Tritle, who is teaching ancient and modern greek history in Loyola Univesity in the United States, said to MPA that he is certain the ancient Macedonians were Greeks and that the language they were speaking was a greek dialect. He said that because they were living in the north of the country they were influenced by non greek tribes, such as the Illyrians, but based on things like the language, culture, civilization and national identity it is certain that they were Greeks.

In the Conference that will last until Saturday, prof.Tritle will analyze unknown aspects of the dimensions of the trial of athenian businessman, Leokratis which had shocked ancient Athens.

[11] THE LAW OF THE SEA INTERNATIONAL COURT WILL BE INAUGURATED ON OCTOBER 18 BY THE UN SECRETARY GENERAL

The Law of the Sea International Court, which is expected to deal soon with the dispute between Greece and Turkey over Greece's right to expand its territorial waters in the Aegean to 12 miles, will be inaugurated on October 18 in Hamburg by UN Secretary General, Boutros Ghali.

The newly formed Court is provided by the Law of the Sea Treaty that was signed in Jamaica in 1982 and until now has been ratified by 80 countries, Greece included, while it was put into effect in 1994.

The Treaty consolidates the right of all countries to expand their territorial waters up to 12 miles and also provides for the establishment of an International Court responsible for deciding on the disputes that arise between countries.

[12] US EMBASSY IN GREECE PROMOTES TRADE BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES

The trade office of the United States Embassy in Athens invites Greek businessmen and various organizations from Greece's private and public sectors to visit some of the largest trade exhibits that are to take place in the US during the following two months.

According to the Embassy's trade attache Patrick Santillo, the trade office's primary task is to promote bilateral trade.

The group outings to the US trade fairs will be held in November and December and concern information systems, energy production, the automotive industry, medical supplies, and other products.

US exports to Greece, including the defense sector, reached $1.5 billion in 1995, while Greece's exports to the US amount to $400 million.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[13] MURDER OF GREEK-CYPRIOT WAS EXECUTION-STYLE, NEW EVIDENCE REVEALS

New evidence further establishes the widely-held belief that the 58-year-old Greek-Cypriot civilian Petros Kakoullis was executed at point-blank range by Turkish soldiers who followed orders issued by their commanding officers.

According to the reports, yesterday's autopsy and the testimony of the two eyewitnesses to the murder, Kakoullis' son-in-law Panikos Hatziathanasiou and George Misie, a by-standing farmer, attest that the Turks pointed their guns at the victim for at least fifteen minutes before the order to shoot was given.

Also, the autopsy showed that the victim would have survived the first two shots, had the Turks not shot him a final time, because the first shot wounded Kakoullis in the neck and the second wounded him on his left side, neither of which traumas would have been fatal, according to the medical examiner's report.

All three shots were fired from the front, while the victim had his arms raised, but the final blow was fired after he had fallen to the ground.

Moreover, according to RIK, the Cypriot authorities stated that United Nations officials reported that the Turks did not allow the peacekeeping forces' coroner to participate in yesterday's autopsy which was performed on the occupied territory.

After performing their autopsy, the Turks turned the body over to the UN staff who in turn brought it to the Cypriot authorities.

An autopsy was then performed at the Hospital of Larnaca by an independent coroner.

[14] CYPRUS MOURNS LATEST VICTIM OF TURKISH ATROCITY, FUNERAL HELD TODAY

The funeral of Petros Kakoullis, the 58-year-old Greek-Cypriot civilian who was shot at point-blank range by turkish occupation forces in Cyprus on Sunday, will be held this afternoon at state expense in the village of Avgoros where the victim lived. Representing the Greek Government at the funeral will be the Minister of the Aegean Elizabeth Papazoi. Representing the Greek Parliament and the ruling PASOK party will be the Parliament's vice-president Loukas Apostolides, while on the main opposition's behalf present will be New Democracy's Panos Kamenos. The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) will also send a deputy each, joined by the President of the Democratic Social Movement (DIKKI) Dimitris Tsovolas.

The autopsy performed yesterday evening in Cyprus showed that the tragic man had been killed execution- style, shot at close range in the chest.

The outcry to the cold-blooded murder is resounding in Cyprus and Greece, although the international community's reaction has so far been lukewarm.

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos has accused the international community of displaying a "peculiar tolerance" on the matter and stated that this behavior indirectly encourages Ankara.

In Cyprus, Ambassador Nikos Agathocleous, the Cypriot Permanent Representative to the United Nations will lodge protests to the Assistant Secretary-General of the UN and to the President of the Security Council whose members are expected to hold a series of informal meetings on the matter throughout the day.

From New York, Silvana Foa, the representative of the UN Secretary-General, has relayed Butros Ghali's regret for the episode.

UN peacekeepers in Cyprus have also protested to the turkish forces for the cowardly murder. According to the statement issued, UNFICYP is deeply concerned that once again an innocent life was lost as the result of the deplorable and unnecessary use of lethal force.

UNFICYP's commanding officer has, in the strongest possible terms, requested from the commander of the turkish forces to instruct the soldiers under his command not to shoot unless their own lives are threatened.

Turkey's opposition parties are also reacting to the murder of the Greek-Cypriot unarmed civilian. Opposition members ask that the turkish soldiers become better trained and have stated that the Greek-Cypriots who enter the occupied territory should be arrested but not punished.

The Greek Pentagon is observing closely the turkish military exercise "Tavros" which is taking place today in the occupied territory of Cyprus.

Currently, approximately 200 students have gathered steps away from the demarcation line in Nicosia outside a hotel, along with a strong police force that aims at averting any episodes from taking place or barring the students from entering the buffer zone and into the occupied territory.

One hundred meters away, a group of Turks has also gathered, all dressed in civilian clothing.

Today, the European Investment Bank approved a 130 MECU loan to Turkey for funding of energy and environmental protection programs.

[15] CYPRUS: SIR DAVID HANNAY MEETS WITH RAUF DENKTASH

Britain's special representative on the Cyprus problem Sir David Hannay met with Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash today on the occupied territory of Cyprus.

Following the hour-long meeting, Sir Hannay expressed his hope that the leaders of the island's two communities will hold direct talks in 1997 and stated that his actions at this stage aim to establish trust between the two sides and to become better informed on the points of view of the interested parties in regards to reaching a permanent solution.

[16] BRITISH ENVOY TO CYPRUS SIR DAVID HANNAY TO MEET WITH RAUF DENKTASH

Britain's special representative on the Cyprus problem Sir David Hannay will meet with Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash today on the occupied territory.

The two men will discuss, among other topics, the recent murder of the Greek-Cypriot civilian, 58-year-old Petros Kakoullis, who was killed by turkish occupation troops on Sunday morning.

Earlier in the day, Sir Hannay also met with the Cypriot Speaker of the House of Representatives Spyros Kyprianou.

[17] NO DECISION ON CYPRUS' APPEAL TO THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL HAS BEEN MADE YET, STATED THE CYPRIOT GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN

Cypriot government spokesman, Yiannakis Kasoulidis stated that no decision has been made yet on the issue of Cyprus' appeal to the UN Security Council regarding the killing of greek-cypriot, Petros Kakoullis. He said that the cypriot government weighs the pros and cons of an appeal, while the stance of third countries toward the issue is also being examined.

Mr.Kasoulidis also said that cypriot Foreign Minister, Alekos Michailidis is in contact with his greek counterpart, Theodoros Pangalos, while he prepares a memorandum in which he refers to the four recent killings of greek-cypriots by the turkish occupation forces.

Also, the cypriot government will formally protest to the foreign ambassadors accredited to Cyprus condemning the killings and the use of force by Turkey, while the intervention of foreign countries will be requested in order to make Turkey change its provocative stance.

[18] THE CYPRIOT PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT CHARACTERIZED THE STATEMENT MADE BY SIR DAVID HANNEY AS UNACCEPTABLE

Cypriot Parliament President, Spyros Kiprianou characterized as unacceptable the statement made by Sir David Hanney according to which, he will not ask for explanations from turkish-cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash over the killing of greek-cypriot Petros Kakoullis.

Mr.Kiprianou stressed that the British Special Envoy should demand explanations because Britain is a guarantor power.

Mr.Kiprianou added that in his meeting with mr.Hanney he will express his opposition, while he made it clear that all the international fora should be informed on the new turkish atrocity.

The cypriot Parliament President also mentioned that the possibility of sending a parliamentary delegation to the European Parliament on October 21 when the freezing of credits for Turkey will be discussed is under consideration, while he pointed out that he will personally send a message to the international fora describing Turkey's barbaric behaviour.

[19] BOB DOLE SUPPORTS THE DEMILITARIZATION OF CYPRUS AND THE FAIR AND VIABLE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

Republican party nominee for the US Presidency, Senator Bob Dole supports the demilitarization of Cyprus while he assured that in case he is elected to the Presidency of the United States he will mobilize the governments of Greece, Cyprus and Turkey toward reaching a viable solution to the Cyprus problem as soon as possible.

In statements he made concerning the greek issues of national importance and referring to the tension in the greek-turkish relations that resulted from the turkish claims in the Aegean, mr.Dole underlined that his administration will use its influence for the settlement of the crisis in the Aegean. He also underlined that the threat and the use of military force should not be allowed, while he expressed discontent with the slowness that characterized the White House reaction to the issue concerning the crisis over the Aegean islets of Imia.

Mr.Dole clarified that in case he is elected President he will follow concrete steps for the solution of the problem. He said that the United States remain dedicated to the principles of the respect of international law, including international and bilateral treaties and recognized borders.

Also, Senator Dole wants the support toward the Ecumenical Patriachate to be increased, backs the re- opening of the Theology School in Halki and supports the position that the terrorists responsible for the bomb attack against the Patriarchate should be brought to justice.

[20] TURKEY: NECMETTIN ERBAKAN FACED WITH CENSURE VOTE

Turkish Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan is facing a censure vote during tomorrow's parlilamentary debate in Ankara where a no-confidence motion looms over him following the resounding criticism that stemmed from his visit to Libya last week.

Mr. Erbakan came to office less than four months ago and is modern Turkey's first islamist leader as the head of a coalition government with his pro-islamic Welfare Party and the center-right True Path Party (DYP), led by Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller.

[21] BULGARIAN CUSTOMS POLICE SEIZE 450 POUNDS OF HEROINE AT SERBIAN BORDER

Serb customs officers seized 190 kilos (450 pounds) of heroine worth GRD 3.2 billion (approximately $13 million) at the Serb-Bulgarian borders today.

The confiscated heroine was hidden in a Bulgarian truck which had been loaded in Bulgaria.

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