Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-01-03

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, January 3, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] FOREIGN POLICY IS CLEAR AND SOUND, SAYS GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON

All the rumors over supposed disagreements in the Foreign Ministry's circles concerning the country's foreign policy, strain the boundaries of imagination, stated today the government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas, referring to the opposition's reaction over the deputy Foreign Minister Christos Rozakis' resignation.

Following today's Inner Cabinet meeting, Mr. Reppas stated that Mr. Rozakis' input to the country's foreign policy was extensively ackowledged.

"Various ministers also referred to this issue and pointed out that we are firm on our policies," Mr. Reppas said. A.F.

[02] INNER CABINET DISCUSSES GREEK GOVERNMENT'S POLICY PRIORITIES FOR 1997

The Greek government's policy priorities in 1997 were discussed today in this year's first inner cabinet meeting. It is regarded as certain that in the meeting was also discussed the resignation of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Christos Rozakis as well as, the preparation for next Thursday's cabinet conference on the Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem in which are expected developments, according to the Prime Minister's message for the New Year.

The inner cabinet also discussed the positions that will be presented by Prime Minister Simitis in the first meeting of the Argicultural Policy National Council that will be held on January 10. It should be noted that mr.Simitis will visit in early February the four prefectures in Thessaly, central Greece, that were at the center of the recent mobilizations of farmers.

Among the topics discussed were also the organizing of a dialogue with the "social chapter partners" on issues of social security and unemployment.

On the issue of mr.Rozakis resignation, honorary President of the main opposition party of New Democracy, Konstantinos Mitsotakis stated that the action of the Undersecretary shows that there is no unity in the government's foreign policy planning. The former Greek Prime Minister said that it will be unfortunate for the country if populism and demagogy dominate in the Greek foreign policy.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kostas Simitis will undergo a scheduled operation for the removal of a gallstone. He will stay in hospital until Sunday.

[03] PRIME MINISTER KOSTAS SIMITIS CHAIRS INNER CABINET MEETING

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis is currently chairing an Inner Cabinet meeting to examine the classification of issues the Government is to address this year.

Today, the Premier will meet with the PASOK party Central Committee Secretary Kostas Skandalides.

On January 9, a governmental conference will be held with the participation of Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, deputy Foreign Minister Christos Rozakis and alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou. The Foreign Ministry officials will address the Rozakis-Kranidiotis memorandum on the Cyprus issue.

Mr. Rozakis, who subimmted his resignation yesterday citing health reasons, will remain in his post until January 15 in order ro participate at the various conferences that have already been agendaed.

Yesterday, Mr. Rozakis responded to the reactions expressed by the opposition parties regarding his resignation and stated that their comments are "unfair". He requested that he be judged by his actions and clarified that "the scientific word that expresses -by its nature- doubt, differs from the practice of politics." A.F.

[04] NAVAL CADET SAVED FROM CAPSIZED SHIP TO TESTIFY AGAIN TODAY

Naval cadet Christos Anagnostou who jumped off from the Distos ship before it capsized, is called to appear before the port authorities in order to give an additional testimony today.

Yesterday, deputies from the Communist Party of Greece tabled a question in Parliament asking if the Ministry of Merchant Marine believes that its officials are responsible for the sea tragedy.

Meanwhile, coastguard divers continue the search for the remaining three missing seamen, a task performed with increased difficulty as the ship sunk yesterday 32 meters deep. A.F.

[05] MACEDONIA AIRPORT: HEAVY FOG ROLLS IN, PLANES CAN'T ROLL OUT

"Macedonia" airport remains inoperable since the early morning hours today due to the heavy fog that blankets the area.

According to Minister of Transport and Communications Haris Kastanides, this problem can be dealt with only by extending the airport's runway 3,500 meters into the sea, from the current 2,500,

During a press conference held at the airport yesterday, Mr. Kastanides stated that, aside from the purchase of the fog assistance system ILS, there will be vast improvement if the runway is extended since "such addition would keep with the security standards imposed by international aviation regulations for take-off space needed for the airplanes."

The Transport and Communications Minister also stated that a joint committee is currently conducting a study on the runway's extension and the purchase of the necessary technology. The committee's findings are expected to be submitted to the Ministry in mid-February.

Moreover, Mr. Kastanides stated that while it had been considered to relocate the airport's new international flights extension in Thessaloniki's western region, such move was deemed unattainable since, on one hand, land buyouts carry an expensive price tag and, on the other, the terminal would be farther away from Halkidiki, the region's main tourist attraction.

Fifty-eight flights were cancelled during 1996, in a course of 19 fog-filled days. This was a much higher rate of cancellations in comparison to the past four years. A.F.

[06] THE CULTURAL CAPITAL OF EUROPE ORGANIZATION EARMARKED 400 MILLION DRACHMAS FOR THE PLASTIC ARTS SECTOR

The Organization Cultural Capital of Europe - Thessaloniki 1997 earmarked about 400 million drachmas for the materialization of plastic arts events in the first four months of the year, which will give the opportunity to the public to visit exhibitions with works of artists like, Michelangelo Karavaccio, Max Ernst, Georg Bazelic and Sharkis.

The exhibition of 8 works by naturalist painter Karavaccio and of 7 paintings made by his students, which is one of the most ambitious artistic events in Thessaloniki, will cost 160 million drachmas. The exhibition will open on April 10 and will continue until June.

Another exhibition of 62 sculpture pieces and a large collection of photographs and documents made by one of the most innovative surrealists, Max Ernst, will open on January 7, while on January 22 the public will have the opportunity to participate in an open discussion with German etcher Georg Bazelic as 81 of his works will be exhibited in the Goethe Institute.

One piece of sculpture and an impressive sculpted creation made by famous artist Sharkis will be exhibited in Thessaloniki from January 9 to February 1.

[07] A GREEK JOURNALIST WILL BE HONOURED BY TURKISH COLLEAGUES

The Turkish Association of Radio and Television Journalists will award the Cengiz Polatkan Friendship Prize to Greek journalist Thodoris Roussopoulos, in a ceremony that will be held in Ankara on January 7, in recognition of his peace-loving approach in reporting events.

The Friendship Prize, that was established last year, is awarded to Roussopoulos for his television talk show "7+7" broadcast by Mega Channel.

The Association's vice-President Kenan Matzit stated that the prize aims at contributing to the creation of an international environment of peace and friendship.

[08] A GERMAN NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTS THE EXHIBITION OF MT. ATHOS RELICS

In an extensive report, the German newspaper "Augsburger Allgemeine" highlights the exhibition of treasures from Mount Athos that will be held in Thessaloniki within the framework of the Cultural Capital of Europe festivities this year.

According to the newspaper, apart from the exhibition of the priceless Mount Athos relics, which is expected with great interest, the organizers' attention focuses on the special conducted tours to the ancient city of Pella and the exhibition on the life and works of Alexander the Great.

The report makes a special reference to the Peninsula of Halkidiki, in northern Greece with its inviting beaches and the excellent hotel accomodations. According to the article, one can combine a visit to Thessaloniki with vacations to Halkidiki.

[09] THE GREEK WEIGHT-LIFTING CHAMPION GIORGOS KARIPIDIS DESCRIBED NAIM SULEIMANOGLU'S DECISION TO LEAVE THE SPORT AS A GREAT LOSS

Greek champion, in the weight-lifting category of 64 kilos, Giorgos Karipides described as a great loss the decision by Turkish "pocket-size giant" Naim Suleimanoglu to leave the sport.

Giorgos Karipides commenting to MPA stated that he was proud to compete with Suleimanoglu, whom described as a unique athlete underlining that his decision to abandon weight-lifting is a loss for the sport as he already had three gold medals in the Olympic Games of Seul, Barcelona and Atlanta.

Suleimanoglu himself stated yesterday that his next target could have been the Olympic Games in Sidney but as he said this was not feasible because of the long period of time until then. Suleimanoglu who has won 3 Olympic gold medals, 7 in the World Weight-Lifting Championships, 8 in European Championships and 3 World Cups will continue to be involved in the sport but from now on, only as a coach.

[10] ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE REPORT

The Athens Stock Exchange general index closed today at 965.39 points or 1.14 percent higher than Thursday's 954.54.

Turnover was at GRD 8,333 billion: banks gained 1.52 percent, insurance firms gained 0.79 percent and the investment index closed at plus 1.86.

The industrial index rose by 0.74 percent, construction firms gained 1.81 percent and participations closed at plus 0.63. The leasing closed at plus 0.66, the Parallel Market at plus 0.03 and the Various Index rose by 0.58 percent. Winners led losers 133 to 67 and 34 shares closed stable. A.F.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[11] RUSSIA KEENLY INTERESTED IN MORE ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT TO CYPRUS ISSUE

Russian Ambassador to Cyprus Georgi Muratov assured Cypriot officials today of his country's heightened interest to become more actively involved in the efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue.

Following a meeting held between Mr. Muratov and the President of the Cypriot Parliament Spyros Kyprianou, the Russian Ambassador stated that his country never ceased its interest in reaching a viable and long-term solution to the Cyprus problem, one which would be based on the maintenance, independence and unity of Cyprus.

When asked to comment on a potential defense agreement between Russia and Cyprus, Mr. Muratov evaded the question which he characterized as "very hypothetical." Mr. Kyprianou, in turn, stated that this potential should be examined. A.F.

[12] THE FOREIGN MINISTERS OF THE 8 DEVELOPING MUSLIM COUNTRIES WILL MEET IN ISTANBUL TOMORROW

The meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Eight Developing Muslim Countries, namely, Egypt, Malaysia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Iraq and Turkey begins in Istanbul tomorrow.

Turkish Prime Minister Necmetin Erbakan regards the meeting as very important that will prepare the way for the holding of a summit meeting and the establishment of the D-8 Group.

[13] TURKEY'S RELATIONS WITH THE EU ARE EXPECTED TO BE IMPROVED DURING THE DUTCH EU PRESIDENCY

Relations between Turkey and the European Union will enter a new phase during the Dutch EU Presidency, writes the Turkish newspaper "Hurriyet".

Within the next 6 months, Turkish Prime Minister Necmetin Erbakan is expected to visit the European capitals having as a goal to overturn the prejudice toward the coalition government the islamist Welfare Party formed with Tansu Ciller's True Path Party. Within this framework, mr.Erbakan will visit France and Germany in early February.

According to the newspaper, the visit made by Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller to Holland last month will play a significant role in the holding of the Turkey-EU Association Council meeting within the next two months.

During the Dutch EU Presidency are expected notable developments in the Cyprus issue as it is believed that the United States and the European Union will make joint efforts for the solution of the problem.

[14] TURKEY & OCCUPYING REGIME IN CYPRUS SIGN ECONOMIC PROTOCOL

An economic cooperation agreement will be signed today in Ankara between Turkey and the occupying regime in northern Cyprus.

A committee of "ministers" from the occupied territory arrived in Ankara yesterday, headed by their "premier" Dervish Eroglou.

The protocol sees for the provision of economic aid to occupied Cyprus in the amount of USD 250 million, aiming at restructuring the economy of the occupied territory, and increases in production and jobs. A.F.

[15] CYPRUS TO SIGN AGREEMENT FOR PURCHASE OF RUSSIAN MISSILES

The Cypriot government is expected to sign an agreement today for the purchase of Russian missiles S300, according to an article in the Cypriot daily "Fileleftheros".

According to the article, the relevant decision was drawn during yesterday's Inner Cabinet session after which no statements were made.

Moreover, according to the "Fileleftheros", Germany and Great Britain appear to side with Russia's position as it was expressed by Russian Ambassador to Cyprus Georgi Muratov yesterday when he presented his credentials to Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides.

Mr. Muratov relayed his government's proposal that the UN Security Council's five permanent members -joined by a European Union delegate- convene in order to discuss in detail the Cyprus issue and map out a joint action plan for its resolvement. Moreover, the Russian Ambassador proposed the formation of a special contact group for Cyprus, within the framework of the Security Council. A.F.

[16] BERISHA AND RUGOVA DON'T SEE EYE TO EYE ON KOSSOVO

The leader of Albanians living in the region of Kossovo, Ibrahim Rugova, expressed his opposition over the stance adopted by Albania President Sali Berisha in regards to Serb President Slobodan Milosevic.

Mr. Rugova included Mr. Berisha in a list of "political activists" who ask the Albanians living in Kossovo to "come out in the streets and support the F.R.Y. opposition's struggle against Milosevic." A.F.

[17] OSCE TO TACKLE CRISIS IN F.R.Y., SERBIAN CHURCH SIDES WITH OPPOSITION

In a conference held today, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe will address the political crisis brewing in the Federal Yugoslav Republic, following Serb President Slobodan Milosevic's refusal to comply with OSCE's recommendations to recognize the results of November's local elections where the opposition prevailed.

For the first time since the rallies started six weeks ago, the Serbian Church became involved in the juxtaposition between the opposition and the Serb authorities and yesterday the Holy Synod sternly criticised the Milosevic-led government's approach which led to the "forgery", as the Holy Synod called it, in the local elections result.

The Serbian Church's decision to side with the opposition has stirred a sensation internationally and, according to Belgrade's political commentators, is of added significance for the country's internal affairs.

[18] OSCE ASKS MILOSEVIC TO COMPLY WITH ITS FINDINGS OVER LOCAL ELECTIONS

Following an extraordinary conference held today, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe called on the Federal Yugoslav Republic's Serb President Slobodan Milosevic to fully accept OSCE's findings stemming from the investigation of November 17's local elections in Serbia.

According to Yugoslav press, the OSCE also examined the letter addressed by F.R.Y.'s Foreign Minister Milan Milutinovic to OSCE's President and Danish Foreign Minister Niels Petersen wherein he stated that the Serb authorities agree only with part of OSCE's findings.

Mr. Petersen stated that OSCE's Council has wholly supported the findings of the OSCE delegation -headed by Spain's former Premier Felipe Gonzales- that visited Belgrade in December, and called on the Serb authorities to acknowledge the results of the local elections.

In its investigation, the OSCE delegation had found that the F.R.Y.'s main opposition, the tri-partite coalition "Zajedno", had prevailed in 13 out of the country's 18 largest cities and in nine of Belgrade's municipalities. A.F.

[19] SERBIAN WRITERS ACCUSE MILOSEVIC OF USING "STATE TERRORISM"

A prestigious Serbian body, the writers' association, has slammed the Federal Yugoslav Republic's Serb President Slobodan Milosevic in an open letter where they accuse him of using "state terrorism."

In their letter, the writers state: "By senseless vote stealing, your party has hit a blow against the state, the constitution and the law and by your incomprehensible decisions you have led Serbia to the verge of civil war.

"You have deliberately provoked battles in the streets of Belgrade between peaceful demonstrators and people, led astray, whom you brought here (on December 24)." A.F.

[20] AGREEMENT BETWEEN ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS OVER HEBRON POSTPONED

The agreement awaited to be signed between Israelis and Palestinians for extending self-rule to the West Bank town of Hebron has been postponed.

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat stated that there are still issues pending which will necessitate a series of discussions before they are settled.

The meeting expected to take place between Mr. Arafat and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu today was postponed.

Meanwhile, Israelis performed air raids over south Lebanon and rocketed suspected Islamic guerrilla targets in the region controlled by the pro-Iranian "Hizbolah" (Party of God) organization. A.F.

[21] UNITED NATIONS NEW CHIEF KOFI ANNAN READY TO ROLL UP SLEEVES

With a promise to streamline the bureaucracy in the United Nations, the world body's new secretary-general Kofi Annan stepped in office yesterday, succeeding Egypt's Butros Ghali.

The 58-year-old Ghanaian, a career UN official, stated that "the UN member-states have made it clear that they want changes and that they have given their unanimous support."

He also added that he intends to make the changes that are required if the UN is to become as relevant as it ought to be as the world moves into the 21st century.

Mr. Ghali's bid for a second five-year term was reportedly blocked by Washington in a campaign for allegedly not instituting enough UN reforms. A.F.

[22] THE TURKS PERSIST IN TURNING AGIA SOFIA INTO A MOSQUE

According to the Turkish newspaper "Hurriyet", Turkey's Culture Minister Ismael Kahraman has stated that the muslim prayer, the namazi, will be heard in Agia Sofia in 1999.

Speaking in a meeting held in Istanbul the Turkish Culture Minister stressed that the 700th anniversary of the establishment of the Ottoman Empire will be celebrated in 1999 and underlined that "God willing, during those celebrations we will have the namazi in Agia Sofia".

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