Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-01-16

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, January 16, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] FARMERS PREPARE FOR NEW STRIKES IN CENTRAL GREECE

Farmers in Greece's central region of Thessaly are preparing for new mobilizations that will, once again, slice the country in two.

During yesterday's conference of the Pan-Thessaly Coordinating Committee, the farmers decided to begin their strikes on January 28 and to start blocking the national highways, roads and the railways on February 4.

However, the president of the agricultural cooperative union SYDASE, Yiannis Pitas, expressed his opposition with yesterday's decision and with the imminent road blocks. A.F.

[02] ROMANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ON FORMAL VISIT TO GREECE NEXT WEEK

Romania's Foreign Minister Adrian Severin will be on an official visit to Greece next week, over January 22-23, on the invitation of his Greek counterpart Theodoros Pangalos.

The Romanian official will be received by President Kostis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, as well as other officials from the Foreign Ministry.

Among the matters discussed will be issues concerning bilateral, regional and international interests.

According to an announcement issued by the Romanian Foreign Ministry, Budapest's relations with Athens hold an important place in Romania's foreign policy strategy, "both from the angle of the efforts for integration with the European and Euro-Atlantic economic and security structures, and within the objective of developing closer ties with the states in the zone in view." A.F.

[03] GENERAL CONFEDERATION OF GREEK WORKERS MEETS U.S. COUNTERPARTS

A delegation from the General Confederation of Greece's Workers (GSEE) wrapped up its ten-day visit to the United States, where the participants met with their American counterparts, as well as with officials from the Clinton Adminstration.

During their stay in Washington, the GSEE members met with leading representatives from the American Federation of Labor- Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and with officials from the Labor and State Departments.

The two countries' labor groups exchanged views on an array of issues, foremostly the plight of unemployment and the new order brought on by the international economy and its impact on jobs. A.F.

[04] SAE PRESIDENT ASKS EXPERTS IN CHICAGO TO AID IN GREECE'S FLOOD CONTROL

The President of the World Council of Hellenes (SAE) in the United States, Christos Tomaras has turned to a group of irrigation experts from Chigaco's local government, asking them to provide their expertise in the recent disaster that was brought on by the torrential rains in Corinth and Fthiotis.

Mr. Tomaras forwarded a letter of support to the flood victims wherein he stated that "we hope that we will be able to provide our support in light of the poblems that usuually follow such disasters.

"Although cases of such magnitude demand costly and lengthy solutions, please be aware that SAE will be at your disposal for any help that you think that we may offer now or in the future," Mr. Tomaras added. A.F.

[05] STOLEN PIECE OF ACROPOLIS MARBLE SENT TO GREEK EMBASSY IN BONN

A small, yet heavy, parcel arrived at the Greek Embassy in Bonn yesterday, containing a small fragment of marble, said to be from the Acropolis.

The package, which was sent from the German city of Main, was accompanied by a type-written note which revealed that the valuable marble was taken from Greece either by a German tourist or even perhaps by a German soldier who was stationed in Athens during the occupation period (1940-45).

"This rock belongs to Greece," the note read. "Many years ago I lifted it off the ground from the Acropolis in Athens and I took it with me. I am now returning it since, because of my old age, it is unlikely that I will go to Athens again. I ask that you please restore this piece again near the Temple of Athena at the Parthenon."

The Greek embassy intends to publicly thank the sender through an announcement to be published in German dailies, with the hope that others will follow his example. A.F.

[06] THE BRITISH, IRISH AND PORTUGUESE PRESS REFERRED TO THE DISCOVERY OF ARISTOTLE'S ANCIENT SCHOOL IN ATHENS

The British press referred to the discovery of Aristotle's ancient school in Athens where great philosophers like Aristotle and Socrates had taught laying the foundations of western civilization and thought.

The ancient lyceum was unearthed during construction works for the building of the Modern Art Museum and is regarded as one of the most important archaeological discoveries.

The Portuguese press gave extensive coverage to the discovery and the newspaper "Publico" publishes statements made by Minister of Culture Evangelos Venizelos according to which, there is a great likelihood that the ancient school has been located under a parking space in the center of Athens, 2 kilometers away from the Acropolis.

Department of Antiquities Director mr.Tzedakis stated to Reuters news agency that this is one of the most important excavations of the last years.

The Irish newspaper "The Irish Times" also refers to the archaelogical findings in Athens and specifically to the lyceum of the great Greek philosopher.

[07] LUXURY CATALOGUE WITH THE TROJAN TREASURES WAS PUBLISHED IN SEVEN COUNTRIES SIMULTANEOUSLY

The publication in seven countries simultaneously of a high quality catalogue presenting the treasures of King Priamos of Troy, is regarded as an international event of great importance. In the catalogue, published on the occasion of the treasures' exhibition in Moscow's Pushkin Museum which opened last April, are presented priceless ancient jewellery, diadems (crowns), cups and axes made of jade.

The catalogue was published simultaneously in Greece, Russia, the United States, France, Britain, Italy and Germany.

[08] TURKEY'S STATEMENTS AIM AT CREATING CRISIS CONDITIONS

The unceasing statements made by the Turkish political and military leadership aim at creating crisis conditions after Nicosia's decision to purchase the Russian S-300 missile system. The above were stated today by Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Kostas Bikas, who added that Greece has made it clear that it will not follow the same path with Turkey which, after all, does not serve the true interests of the Turkish people.

He also stressed that the Greek positions have been expressed and reiterated with firmness and determination without nationalist and emotional high tones.

Mr.Bikas commented on yesterday's statements made by the Dutch Foreign Minister in the Euro-Parliament according to which, if the Cyprus problem is not resolved before the negotiations and Cyprus' accession into the EU, then a problem will be created and the eastward expansion of the EU and NATO will be in danger. Specifically, mr.Bikas responded that Greece believes the EU has the capability of contributing to the solution of the Cyprus problem and added that under no circumstances Cyprus' accession into the EU can be used as an object for blackmail by Turkey.

[09] THE CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE S-300 MISSILES BY CYPRUS WILL BE CARRIED OUT AS AGREED

The contract for the purchase of the Russian S-300 missiles by Cyprus will be carried out as agreed and their deployment in Cyprus will take place 16 months after its ratification by the Cypriot Parliament in the next few days as provided by the contract itself.

This assurance was given by Cypriot government spokesman Yiannakis Kasoulides, who stressed that Cyprus seeks a fair and mutually acceptable solution which will be approved by the Cypriot people in a referendum.

Referring to the visit by Cypriot President Clerides to Athens, he underlined that the main topic of the talks will be the evaluation of different scenarios which are expected to be suggested for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

[10] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT WELCOMES THE AGREEMENT ON HEBRON

The Greek government welcomes the agreement reached yesterday by the Israelies and Palestinians on the city of Hebron, through which a very significant obstacle was overcomed for the unhintered continuation of the peace process.

The above were stressed by Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Kostas Bikas who expressed the hope that the road for the solution of other significant issues has now been opened allowing the implementation of a fair and lasting peace in the region.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[11] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT TO MEET WITH THE PRIME MINISTER IN ATHENS TOMORROW

The President of the Republic of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides will be in Athens tomorrow where he will be received by Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.

The two leaders will discuss Cyprus' purchase of the Russian- made surface-to-air S-300 missiles, the United States' proposal for a flight moratorium over Cyprus, as well as issues concerning the military dialogue.

President Clerides has not sided with the U.S. official Carey Cavanaugh who claimed yesterday that the missiles will not be deployed in Cyprus since, 16 months from now, when the missiles will be in Cyprus, there will be no need for them.

Cypriot Government spokesperson Yiannakis Kasoulides stated that "the missile order was made to be carried through, not to play with."

Moreover, Mr. Kasoulides added that Nicosia is looking into the possibility of accepting the U.S. initiated moratorium of Greek aircraft flights over Cyprus up until August maximum, "but only if an initiative to resolve the Cyprus issue is in progress." A.F.

[12] CAVANAUGH: BOTH SIDES MUST APPLY TRUST-BUILDING MEASURES IN CYPRUS

The Director of the Office of Southeastern European Affairs at the U.S. State Department, Carey Cavanaugh, currently in Ankara, stated today that in order to improve the situation in Cyprus, both of the island's communities must apply the trust- building measures.

In a press conference given this morning in Ankara, the last stop of his tour which included stops at The Hague, Nicosia and Athens, Mr. Cavanaugh characterized his contacts in Turkey as especially fruitful and reiterated that the U.S. are opposed to Cyprus' purchase of Russian-made missiles.

He did point out that during his contacts in Greece, Cyprus and Turkey, he did not try to dictate the policy these countries should follow.

Mr. Cavanaugh stated that while the tension in Cyprus was reduced by the time these contacts were completed, the problem remains unsolved.

The U.S. diplomat said that his country and the international community, along with Turkey, must proceed to diplomatic actions and emphasized the importance of both sides being able to sit at the negotiations round table. A.F.

[13] RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY FROWNS UPON TURKEY'S THREATS AGAINST CYPRUS

The Russian Foreign Ministry's spokesperson Genadi Tarasov has characterized the recent threats issued by Turkish officials against Cyprus as "unacceptable and irresponsible" and added that the agreement signed between Nicosia and Moscow over the sale of Russian-made S-300 missiles to Cyprus will not change.

Mr. Tarasov also called on Turkey to adopt the proposal for complete demilitarization "if it really is interested in bringing peace to Cyprus."

Moreover, the Russian official opined that the reasons that lie behind the State Department's reactions over the S-300 sale is the fact that Moscow is gradualy strenghtening its position in world-wide arms sales.

Moscow does not panic, Mr. Tarasov said, when the U.S. supply the Middle East or Latin American countries with vast amounts of armaments. A.F.

[14] UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL ENVOY HAN SUNG JU TO VISIT CYPRUS IN JANUARY

In an effort to promote the peacekeeping process and the beginning of direct negotiations between Cyrpus' two communities, the United Nations Secretary-General's special envoy Han Sung Ju will be in Nicosia by the end of this month.

Mr. Ju's visit was announced by the U.N. Secretary-General's alternate special envoy to Cyprus Gustav Feissel, following his meeting with the President of the Republic of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides.

Mr. Ju will remain in Cyprus until February 5 and in turn will visit Athens and Ankara. A.F.

[15] DANE CITIZEN OF KURDISH ORIGIN WAS TORTURED IN TURKEY, REPORT CONFIRMED

A group of physicians at Copenhagen's Health Rehabilitation Center, delegated by the Council of Europe, has confirmed the recent claim filed by a Dane citizen of Kurdish origin who stated that he had been tortured by Turkish authorities.

This case has been granted international attention, since Denmark and Turkey will soon come face to face at the European Court for Human Rights.

The Danish government filed suit against Turkey for the torturing of Kemal Koch, marking the first time a member-state of the Council of Europe files suit against another member of the organization for damages against an individual. A.F.

[16] F.R.Y: DEFENSE COUNCIL SIDES WITH SERB GOVERNMENT

In an extraordinary session held last night, the Federal Yugoslav Republic's Defense Council unanimously supported the Serb government's efforts to resolve the country's crisis through lawful procedures which are foreseen by the constitution and laws.

The Council comprises the F.R.Y.'s President Zoran Lilic and the Presidents of Serbia and Montenegro, Slobodan Milosevic and Momir Bulatovic, respectively. Also present during yesterday's sesion were the Yugoslav Premier Radoyie Kodic, Defense Minister Paule Bulatovic and the Chief of the Armed Forces Paule Perisic.

The main opposition party, the tri-partite coalition "Zajedno", intends to continue its daily protests through the streets of Belgrade and other Serbian cities, despite the recent decision issued by the Electorate Committee which ratified Zajedno's victory in the capital city and Nis.

One of the coalition's leaders Vuk Drascovic has stated that his party will continue the rallying and the protests until the government recognizes -in its entirety- the report issued by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe which upheld Zajedno's victory in the majority of the municipalities. A.F.

[17] BOMB EXPLODES AT KOSSOVO, CITY'S UNIVERSITY DEAN INJURED

A bomb exploded this evening at the center of Prishtina, wounding the dean of the city's university, Radivoyie Papovic.

The dean is a Socialist Party deputy in Serbia's parliament. The school's administrative council closed the campus today as a protest sign against the terrorist act. A.F.

[18] ZAJEDNO LEADERS IN ROME TO MEET WITH ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER DINI

The Federal Yugoslav Republic's main opposition, the tri- partite coalition Zajedno, continued its rallies through the streets of Belgrade today.

The coalition's three leaders, Vuk Drascovic, Zoran Djindjic and Vessna Pesic, departed for Rome tonight where they will meet with Italian Foreign Minister Laberto Dini.

Djindjic told the Belgrade daily "Democracia" that Greece's Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos conveyed to the opposition the Serb President's (Slobodan Milosevic) proposal for early elections in March, an option which Zajedno turned down.

"Let them first recognize the results of the local elections and we'll see what we'll do in the future. We will not accept a proclamation of early elections," Djindjic was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, in spite of the recent report issued by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) which upheld the opposition's victory in the city of Smederevska Palanka, the courts yesterday granted the city's victory to the Socialist Party. OSCE is currently holding a two-day conference, that examines the Serb authorities' handling of the report. A.F.

[19] TURKEY DOES NOT NEED A "GREEN LIGHT" BY THE US TO CONTINUE THEIR ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL COOPERATION

Turkey does not need a "green light" from the United States to continue their economic and political cooperation stated Turkish Minister to the Prime Minister's Department Fekim Antak, who completed his contacts in Washington. The above statement was made when he was asked to respond to the question on whether he visited the US to secure Washington's "green light" to the Erbakan- Ciller government. Mr.Antak added that Turkey has found understanding and support in the United States.

The Turkish foreign policy has not changed, continued the Turkish minister, adding that his country wants good relations with the East and West. He also pointed out that the contacts he had in Washington were fruitful regarding the future of the Turkish-US relations.

Both the American governmnet and the international organizations had the opportunity to evaluate what Turkey has done in the last 6 months, he added, stressing that during his contacts with the Presidents of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund was suggested the sending of a committee to Turkey.

After completing his contacts in Washington, mr.Antak went to New York for talks with American businessmen while tomorrow he is scheduled to return to Turkey.

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