Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-11-24

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, 24 November 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] MPA’S CONFERENCE ON EUROPEAN CULTURAL HERITAGE OPENS TODAY

The European Conference “Europe and the Mass Media: Our Cultural Heritage” is organized by the MPA in cooperation with the Organization Cultural Capital of Europe ’97, officially started this morning in Thessaloniki, declared open by the Minister of Press and Mass Media Dimitris Reppas, while messages where delivered by the Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos and the Mayor of Thessaloniki Konstantinos Kosmopoulos, who is also the president of the Cultural Capital of Europe Organization. Meanwhile, messages for the conference are to be delivered by the most important international organizations from all over Europe. European Union Commissioner Marcelino Oreja, responsible for mass media, sent a letter apologizing for not being able to attend the MPA conference due to the culture ministers summit that is being held at the same time in Brussels. He also underlines that the EU will attend with great interest the conference through the representatives of Directorate X and will take under serious consideration its conclusions. A similar message was sent by Greek EU Commissioner Christos Papoutsis. Also, UNESCO’s general director on issues of communications and information Mr.Henrikas Yushkiavitshus, requests in a telegram that the conclusions and the minutes taken in the conference be sent to the international organization.

[02] GREECE’S MINISTER OF PRESS AND MEDIA ADDRESSES MPA’S CONFERENCE

Greece’s Minister of Press and Media Dimitris Reppas declared open the Macedonian Press Agency’s conference titled “ Europe and Media: Our Cultural Heritage”, co-organized by the “Thessaloniki, Cultural Capital of Europe ‘97”, in Thessaloniki today. Mr. Reppas stated that the mass media constitute in our era the main vehicle of cultural development and are a particular technological as well as cultural phenomenon. “Today, the rapid technological and economic evolution in the field of the information media, the incredible speed of the transmission of messages and the infinite multiplicity of their sources give the impression that we are entering a new era with as yet indefinable consequences for the way that we perceive culture itself,” Mr. Reppas said. The Press Minster stressed the technological impact borne onto communication, especially cultural, since it is mediated by an electronic screen or print-out. We are all constantly exposed, particularly young people, to an unprecedented variety of cultural stimuli but also to cultural pressures, conscious or otherwise, which leave indelible marks on us,” Mr. Reppas stated, adding that, “within this variety, our cultural identity appears to be just one particularity among many. A city child may thus know the details of the rites of some exotic tribe but be completely ignorant of the dances and customs of the village where its parents were born.”

He further pointed out that the recent tendencies towards uniformity conceal real dangers since “this cultural homogeneity does indeed accompany the evident tendency towards globalization in cultural communication. But this is not a one-way street, nor is it an essential element of globalization.” In his address, Mr. Reppas referred to Article 128 of the Treaty of the European Union which declares its intention “to contribute to the development of European states and to respect their national and regional diversity, while concurrently promoting the common cultural heritage”.

This intention, in so far as it promotes the cultural heritage of the European states via television, is being implemented by the Television Without Frontiers Directive which is known to all of us, the Greek Minster added, stating specifically that within the provisions of this Directive, the defence of European audio-visual production is attempted by obliging European television channels to devote the larger part of their programmes to European works and to contribute part of their budgets to the financing of independent European productions. This attempt to reinforce European and specifically the Mediterranean regional cultural production is reinforced by Community institutions such as the MEDIA funding programme and the Audio-visual Production Guarantee Fund which is now being negotiated.

According to Mr. Reppas, the Greek state itself shows, furthermore, a particular interest in local cultural production and the promotion of culture through the media. The most recent practical proof of this interest is the call for tenders for licenses for national, regional and local television channels. What is required from the applicants, among other things, is the submission of a binding plan regarding: n the promotion through appropriate programming of the particular cultural physiognomy of the prefecture or region in which they will transmit. n co-operation with local cultural organisations n the provision of programming which will promote the possible linguistic specificity of the region.

Mr. Reppas closed his address as follows: “But what cultural heritage and which cultural identity are we talking about in this forum? National, European, or local heritages? Linguistic or religious identities? Because the elements which define the cultural identity of individuals and of groups are as varied as the ways of living of these individuals and groups themselves. Cultural identities are not things which are characterised by inertia, nor are they unchangeable over time. They are not without divisions or contradictions, as is claimed by those who insist that the only national identity worthy of projection is a museological conception of the Greek, Christian ideals in the form that these ideals are interpreted by them for their own purposes. For contradictions and changes in a cultural identity constitute precisely the unshakeable proof of its vitality.

We should not forget, however, that one of the parameters which defines cultural identity is the medium of its projection and dissemination. So let us not fool ourselves. The characteristics of speed, universality, ubiquity, and interaction which the media carry in themselves, constitute a challenge to search for a renewed cultural identity within the Information Society. And this identity cannot be monosemantic, neither should it be reminiscent of a dusty anthropological museum. It will be multifaceted identity, whose facets will embrace the European perspective of our country, ethnologically, linguistically and through other specificities and of course it will embrace the deep historical bonds with our Balkan neighbours. What will bind these many facets together is a unitary cultural identity, which consists in the acceptance and the recognition of this diversity - in other words in the tolerance, respect and equitable treatment of differences.”

[03] GREEK CULTURE MINISTER FORWARDS MESSAGE TO MPA’S CONFERENCE

The European conference of the mass media, that is organized by MPA, can contribute greatly in the efforts to reach valuable conclusions regarding the operation of mass media and the cultural policy in Europe, underlines Greek culture minister Evangelos Venizelos in a message he sent welcoming the Greek and foreign delegates. In his message the culture minister, who was absent from the conference due to the culture ministers summit in Brussels stresses: “A post-industrial society is foremostly an information society and this fact can have different implications on its self- awareness. Therefore, the manner in which the mass media operate greatly affects the way we understand ourselves and our social reality. However, the reality of the mass media -especially the audio- visual ones- is quite often reduced to a repetition of stereotypes while, in regards to the sector of cultural heritage, references are usually occasional and fragmented and unavoidably they get lost in the host of information. Our experience has, afterall, proven that the large quantity of news and the speed in which they are broadcast often compromise knowledge itself. Therefore, it is the very operation of the mass media that raises issues not only related to transparency and credibility, but also concerning pluralism, quality and priorities. The protection, study and promotion of our cultural heritage is- and must be- one of the utmost priorities of information. Culture is, afterall, a powerful bond that decisively contributes to the communication and cooperation among the peoples, something which United Europe is so in need of. I am glad that the Macedonian Press Agency, having astute awareness of its role, organizes a conference of European dimensions, centered around such a sensitive topic. I am certain that the sharing of experiences can greatly contribute to the arrival of valuable conclusions for the operation of the mass media and for the cultural policy in Europe.” A.F.

[04] MINISTER OF MACEDONIA-THRACE SALUTES MPA’S CONFERENCE

The Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos saluted the European Conference “Europe and the Mass Media: Our Cultural Heritage” that is organized by MPA in cooperation with the Organization Cultural Capital of Europe ’97, which officially started this morning in Thessaloniki.

Mr. Petsalnikos stressed his conviction that the conference will contribute to the development of initiatives both in regards to the course towards a united Europe and for the maintenance of the European cultural heritage. The Minister of Macedonia-Thrace stated that the mass media can carry out a significant role for the maintainance of Europe’s cultural characteristics and the safeguarding thereof. In closing, Mr. Petsalnikos referred to his Ministry’s activities and noted that “cultural cooperation towards the creation of a United Eurppe through the formation of a European conscience and the development and growth of the singular states constitutes a foremost priority that is evident in the policies set out by the European Union and the Council of Europe.” A.F.

[05] PREFECT OF THESSALONIKI SALUTES MPA’S CONFERENCE

The Prefect of Thessaloniki Kostas Papadopoulos saluted the European Conference “Europe and the Mass Media: Our Cultural Heritage” that is organized by MPA in cooperation with the Organization Cultural Capital of Europe ’97, which officially started this morning in Thessaloniki.

Mr. Papadopoulos referred to the significant role of the Macedonian Press Agency, while also expressing his view that this conference will illustrate the main activities of the mass media that have affected the course of both the print and electronic media. Lastly, the Prefect stressed that the Local Administration is to support such initiatives which, he stated, “aim at the proper operation of your tasks as a benefit for society.” A.F.

[06] THE MAYOR OF THESSALONIKI SALUTES MPA’S CONFERENCE

The Mayor of Thessaloniki Konstantinos Kosmopoulos, saluted the Macedonian Press Agency’s conference titled ““Europe and the Mass Media: Our Cultural Heritage”, organized in cooperation with the Organization Cultural Capital of Europe ’97, which officially started this morning in Thessaloniki.

Mr. Kosmopoulos stated that the mass media, as a kingpin of creation, rediffusion and procession of current affairs, as well as the overall issues that emerge in a daily life that creates more than it has the ability to process, can carry out a significant role in the reproduction and promotion of the fundamental values of solidarity, democracy, respect towards humans, combat of xenophobia and racism. To ensure the citizen’s ability to preserve, create and promote culture, the historic heritage, its functioning elements and its powerful and significant role, when it is disseminated and communicates. Moreover, the Mayor added that the European framework necessitates flexible structures for its international exchange, led by responsible persons and authorities who wish to inaugurate common programs based on the promotion of ideas and cultural values. “Therefore, he stated, “ the role of the media and their input in the course towards a united Europe of the citizens is evident within this framework, based on the preservation and promotion of its rich cultural heritage. For this reason, the Cultural Capital of Europe Organization “Thessaloniki ‘97” and the Macedonian Press Agency, the vibrant and creative component of the modern Thessaloniki, are holding this conference in the city. “This city embodies Greek culture, with a multitude of religions, traditions and habits. Thessaloniki constitutes the key crossroads where the European North finds its ideal balance with the Mediterranean South, where the dreamy East meets the rational West. It is a city of the sea, city of the sun, city of communication and exchanges, a leader in free radio and television, which exerts its efforts to strengthen and promote its already dynamic role and to illustrate, at a pan-European level, its cultural identity and heritage. The cultural mosaic of the united Europe, presents a multiformity whose dimensions, historic, social and quantitative, are quite diverse.

However, the success and stability of the European fulfillment depend precisely on the co-existence, appointment and development of these characteristics. Values, methodologies, achievements which formed, maintained and developed the ethnological cultures of Europe with commensurate linguistic, religious, technological and social diversities, today constitute the various specks that compose a tessellated and very significant image which is the foundation for the establishment of the European nationality. The creation of a multi-cultural Europe, with the promotion and fortification of its cultural characteristics is necessitated by its smooth and stable course towards the future; afterall, it is the core essence of the institution “Cultural Capital of Europe”. A.F.

[07] MPA’S LEADERS ADDRESS CONFERENCE ON CULTURAL HERITAGE

The President of the Macedonian Press Agency’s Board of Directors Prof. Pavlos Petrides addressed the conference titled ““Europe and the Mass Media: Our Cultural Heritage”, organized by the MPA in cooperation with the Organization Cultural Capital of Europe ’97, which officially started this morning in Thessaloniki. Mr. Petrides stated that the MPA has taken a leading role in the Association of Balkan News Agencies (ABNA) and actively promotes the idea of inter-Balkan cooperation and understanding.

The Agency has served and continues to serve institutions and values such as information, cooperation, cultural heritage and peace,” Mr. Petrides stated. The MPA’s General Director Spyros Kouzinopoulos also saluted the Conference and stressed that the news agency would like to believe that it is one of the champions of inter-Balkan cooperation since, in 1995, it carried out a ;leading role in the creation of ABNA and, in turn, the founding of the Balkan News Bank.

“By holding this conference, the Macedonian Press Agency aspires to add its own touch and contribute its bit, so that Thessaloniki, a city which for ages has embodied religions, cultures and traditions in its culture and emerged as a foundation of the Hellenistic world, as one of the headquarters of the Roman Empire and as the sister-capital of the Byzantium, will give birth to the message that the mass media should more fervently promote the culture and heritage of the European peoples. Thereby contributing to not only the preservation and continuance thereof, but also to the creation of role models and ethical values to the young, who need them so very much in our day, Mr. Kouzinopoulos stated.

[08] MPA’S EUROPEAN CONFERENCE OPENED IN THESSALONIKI

The MPA organized European journalists’ conference “Europe and Media: Our Cultural Heritage” opened in Thessaloniki today with the participation of general directors, editing directors and chief editors from international news agencies, European newspapers of international repute and Balkan mass media.

The conference was declared open by minister of press and mass media Dimitris Reppas, while messages were delivered by minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos and mayor of Thessaloniki Konstantinos Kosmopoulos.

[09] KARAMANLIS: THE MASS MEDIA SAFEGUARD THE CULTURAL HERITAGE

The belief that the mass media can play a decisive role in the safeguarding of the European cultural heritage was expressed in a message sent by main opposition party of New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis.

In the message he sent to MPA, on the occasion of the international journalists’ conference, underlined that the mass media have a large responsibility in the protection of the cultural heritage as do the politicians. He added that it is up to the mass media to present a different point of view and avoid uniformity and imitation. In conclusion, Mr.Karamanlis wishes success to the conference and expresses regret for not being able to attend.

[10] M.PEDROSO: GLOBALIZATION IS AN OPPORTUNITY AND NOT A THREAT

President and general director of the Portuguese news agency “LUSA” Manuel Pedroso Marques, who is in Thessaloniki to attend the European journalists’ conference, praised MPA’s initiative to organize the international conference.

Mr.Pedroso Marques is a close associate of former Portuguese president Mario Soares and has followed closely the significant developments that the so-called “carnations’ revolution” of April 25, 1974 signaled for his country. Commenting on the two-day conference, Mr.Pedroso Marques stated that initiatives like the one undertaken by MPA are necessary for cohesion and solidarity among the EU member-states.

He said that the conference was a very good idea because at a time when the EU moves toward enlargement with the acceptance of new members, the EU partners should be interested in more things than the monetary and economic policy, adding that in a period of gradual globalization culture has a leading role, pointing out that globalization should be considered as an opportunity for evolution and not as a threat.

According to the head of “LUSA” news agency, the adoption of common values and responsibilities is the “key” to the successful course of the united Europe toward the year 2000. He said that efforts should be made for closer relations among different peoples, adding that this can be achieved only if common values are adopted and responsibilities are shared. Solidarity and positive behaviour toward economic, political and cultural opportunities can become the means for the solution of common problems in Europe such as unemployment, social exclusion and racial incidents, said Mr.Pedroso.

[11] SAMARAKIS: MPA’S CONFERENCE IS SIGNIFICANT

Famous Greek author Antonis Samarakis in a letter characterized the MPA conference as important and underlined that the mass media are being called to contribute to the creation of a vision for a better life in a world that has become poorer spiritually, emotionally and morally.

Mr.Samarakis also maintains that the mass media can play the cultural role they ought to play if they do not depend on political and economic interests. He also thanked MPA for its invitation to the conference and expressed his deep regret for not being able to attend.

In conclusion, he points out that the Greek people has always expressed its deep gratitude to the mass media for their warm support and valuable help in “the stone years of the dictatorship”.

[12] THE STATE BUDGET WILL BE DISCUSSED IN THE PARLIAMENT COMMITTEE

The discussion of the 1998 state budget will open tomorrow in the responsible Parliament committee.

Parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis stated that the new budget will be presented to the plenary session of the Parliament on December 17 and the deputies will vote for its approval on December 21.

Public sector employees will strike tomorrow in protest for the small wage increases and the increased taxation included in the new budget.

[13] THE POPULARITY OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE OPPOSITION HAS DROPPED

The economic measures and the recent monetary crisis are blamed for the government’s and the opposition’s popularity indexes decline, according to an opinion poll conducted by the PRC polling company and published in the Athens daily “TA NEA”. Specifically, the government’s popularity is at 20,3% compared to 25,2% in September, while New Democracy’s is at 10% compared to 16,1%.

Regarding the popularity of the political party leaders, prime minister Kostas Simitis has the backing of 49,5% of those questioned, while 45,5% have a negative opinion about him. For New Democracy leader the corresponding figures are 48,6% and 44,2%.

[14] THE EUROPEAN MASS MEDIA AND THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE SAFEGUARDING OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

The European mass media and their contribution to the safeguarding of cultural heritage was the issue of the first unity in the two-day conference “Europe and Media: Our Cultural Heritage” organized by Macedonian Press Agency in cooperation with the Cultural Capital of Europe Organization Thessaloniki ’97.

The journalists and the owners of mass media have their own responsibility in the protection of cultural heritage, stressed the authorized director of the “Times” Mr.Philip Delvesbroughton, who underlined that mass media today have crossed over national borders and their role has become similar to that of pop music and cinema. Referring to the variety of cultures today, he pointed out that it is so great that it is impossible for a newspaper to include it in its pages.

The mass media ambition to broadcast news made them to cross over their national borders, said director of French daily “Le Monde” Ms.Anne Chaussebourg referring to the role of the mass media in Europe. She also stressed that in the complex and continuously changing Europe no common feeling of a European citizen exists and therefore, there is no European identity, adding that it should be examined what the mass media should and should not do toward this direction.

General director of Portuguese news agency “LUSA” Mr.Manuel Pedroso Marques stated that the development of closer links among the peoples is a factor that can enrich culture, stressing that different cultures should be respected. He also underlined that in the process of globalization there is no equality among cultures and stressed that the hegemony of some of those cultures over others create certain risks.

General secretary of the Daily Newspapers Association of Macedonia-Thrace Mr.Yiannis Mylarakis referred to the Association’s activities, stressing that they include the organizing of international conferences, the establishment of institutions in the Balkans such as, the Balkan Confederation of Journalists, while he also referred to the bilingual magazine “Balkan Review” published by the Balkan Press Center.

Deputy director of Russian news agency ITAR-TASS Mr.Pavel Michalev stated that 1/4 of the agency’s news, about 500, concern cultural issues and gave examples of cultural events in Moscow with a notable Greek presence that were covered by ITAR-TASS.

To the experience she acquired during the filming of a documentary in Thrace referred Ms.Doris Merz, article writer of the German daily “Suddeutsche Zeitung”. She underlined that what attracted her most was the blending of east and west and the Greek mentality. She said that she promoted traditions like the barefoot walk on fire, known as “anastenaria”, the villages of the Pomacs, the tobacco plants, the abandoned railway stations and the difficulties in communications. She also added that she witnessed the harmonic co-existence of man and nature and stressed that the European mass media should show more interest in the modern face of Greece.

General director of Romanian news agency “Rompress” Mr.Konstantin Badea stated that the mass media have turned the world into a global village, stressing that due to this fact his country became Americanized and the Romanians do not know anymore which is their own heritage.

Editor-in-Chief of the Moldova daily “Nezavissimaya Moldova” Mr.Boris Marian expressed a position favouring the state mass media. Speaking on the relation of press and power in Moldova, he pointed out that the state press in his country is constantly under attack by the private media and stressed that a state press is necessary because otherwise, the opposition will become the government’s oppressor. He also added that the state newspapers are not the government’s watchdogs.

To the difficulties in the development of a good model of European culture referred deputy general director of the Dutch daily “De Telegraph” Mr.J.J.L. Werweij, underlining that the mass media should stress the cultural heritage.

Finally, the Athens daily “Eleftheros Typos” editor Giorgos Papathanasopoulos stated that a geographic or religious division of Europe is not acceptable and stressed that peoples can not be judged based on their situation today without taking their heritage under consideration. He also said that there is a risk of a religious attack against Europe due to the increase in the numbers of Muslims who live in the continent and added that in such a case, the common cultural elements in Europe will serve as spiritual dykes.

[15] THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE MASS MEDIA TO THE CREATION OF CULTURAL PRODUCTS

Greek undersecretary of development ms.Anna Diamantopoulou opened the second unity of the two-day European journalists conference organized by MPA and referred to the contribution of the mass media to the creation of cultural products as well as, to the influence they exert on the formation of specific models in society.

According to Ms.Diamantopoulou, the main point is that society creates culture, while the electronic mass media produce it. She stressed that advertising promotes consumer goods, creates consumer habits and affects every-day-life, which is a cultural stereotype and tends to homogenize due to the catalytic effect advertisement has on it.

Greek television “ERT-3” general director Michalis Alexandridis made it clear that there is a need for the peoples in the wider region to work collectively for the creation of social cohesion within the framework of the efforts aimed at the formation of a unified European space.

Referring to the current phase television goes through, he said that it is a phase of adjustment clarifying that society adjusts to the models created by television. Mr.Alexandridis also said that within the framework of the efforts for the creation of a unified European environment, “ERT-3” will proceed with the “EUROMUSICA” program in May of 1998 in which will participate ethnic music groups from European countries.

To the creation of “radio frequency bridges” among the European states in order to be able to share cultural knowledge, referred Alexandru Dorogan general director of “Teleradio Moldova”. He pointed out that those bridges offer to different countries the opportunity for communication on an equal basis, underlining that “we are different but we are equal”, while he added that multiformity and equality should be respected.

Journalist and publisher of the Greek magazine “NEMECIS” Liana Kaneli stated that she can not accept the existence of a unified European culture at a time when the Europeans divide the small countries to even smaller ones. Ms.Kaneli stated that culture and any communications product targets a specific place and field namely, the citizen’s free time, and stressed that in Europe free time becomes more and more limited. She said that the civilized Europe is moved only by statistics, while she gave a special emphasis on a research conducted by the British newspaper “Observer” according to which, television in a few years will be the spiritual bread of the poor and powerless population. In conclusion, she said that she is not very optimistic regarding the future of culture in relation to the electronic mass media.

The role of the mass media in the creation of a common cultural “policy” was characterized as significant by editor-in- chief of “RTS” radio station in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Dusan Vujkvondic. He pointed out that among the activities of his radio station are included the efforts for the promotion of the Monastery of Hilamandriou in the monastic community of Athos which constitutes a historical heritage for Yugoslavia, while he pointed out that during 1998 the monastery will be restored and its holy relics will be presented in exhibitions.

The need for the creation of programs that will meet the expectations of television viewers was underlined by Hungarian radio-television station “MTM” editor-in-chief Giorgi Kakuk, who referred extensively to the competitiveness between the European and the American mass media. He said that the Europeans have an obligation to compete with the Americans in this sector and added that they should be critical of the US soap operas, while he underlined that the Europeans are good in theory but not in action.

The cultural polymorphism is the back-bone of the Swedish radio, pointed out producer and reporter Katerina Tripsiani, pointing out that two out of four of its programs give a special emphasis to cultural issues and minorities. She also pointed out that new authors are being promoted and have the opportunity to express their views.

Vice-president and general director of Czech radio station “CT1-CT-2” Ivo Mate stressed that the European Union gives special attention to programs in which participate radio and television media from 49 countries.

In her brief intervention, editing director of Irish radio station “RTE” Neasa Ni Chinneide suggested that the electronic media should include in their cultural programs and issues concerning minorities.

Finally, chairman of Municipal Television of Thessaloniki Antonis Pantoleon referred to the efforts made by the Municipal Radio and Television in order to break the state monopoly in the field and added that the municipal radio and television try to offer to their audience what the rest of the Greek electronic media can not offer because they adjust their programs to the demands of the advertisers.

[16] THE JOURNALIST’S ROLE IN THE PROMOTION OF CULTURAL VALUES

The Journalist’s role in the promotion of cultural value was the issue of the fourth section of the conference “Europe and Media: Our Cultural Heritage” organized by Macedonian Press Agency in cooperation with the Cultural Capital of Europe Organization Thessaloniki ’97.

Giampiero Gramaglia, the deputy general director of the Italian news agency ‘‘ANSA’’ spoke on “the need for a real European Information and the ANSA test case” and stated that the European culture must maintain its diversity, that is the continent’s countries should maintain their religions, their language, their national teams, regardless of how much Europe is to be united. John Tzanetakos, the general director of the state-owned Greek Radio ‘‘ERA’’ spoke on “the contribution of public radio in promoting Europe’s Cultural Heritage” and stated that the journalist is obliged to respect values and people, culture and the creators of these cultures.

Theodoros Roussopoulos, the political beat’s chief editor at the privately-owned Greek television station MEGA spoke on ‘‘television and cultural values’’ and stressed that a journalist must comprehend the tide of the times and must maintain his objectivity and respect his conscience as well as others’.

Mario Bettencourt Resendes, the director of the Portuguese daily “Diario De Noticias” spoke on “the role of the Mass media in the formation of a European public opinion” where he stressed that journalists must work with the public for the public. Geronikolos Kostas, the director of the Greek daily ‘‘ATHINAIKI’’ spoke on “Press and Reader - secret influence” and stated that sometimes the Press alienates the reader and provides him with messages that certain people want to get across. He added that the US-based media have inundated the European culture.

Svevolod Ragoicha, alternate chief editor of the Bellarus daily ‘‘SVABODA’’ spoke on “why and how independent media should promote European cultural heritages in specific conditions of Belarus” and advocated that the independent media strengthen cultural values.

Seraphim Kotrotsos, chief editor of the Greek daily ‘‘Exousia’’ spoke on ‘‘the domination of the economic view versus the political view for the United Europe in the European Media’’ and stressed that the mass media have a duty to reconnect society with politics and serve as a medium to bring the social problems into focus. A.F.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[17] THE SERB REPUBLIC OF BOSNIA ELECTION RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DECEMBER

The OSCE will announce the official results of the early parliamentary elections in the Serb Republic of Bosnia on December 10. The two-day election procedure was completed yesterday without incidents or irregularities. According to the returning board, the voters’ participation was 50- 55%. In the elections for the 83 seat Parliament run 28 political parties, 3 coalitions and 18 independent candidates.

[18] 150 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED IN ISTANBUL DURING A PROTEST RALLY

About 150 people were arrested yesterday by the Turkish police in Istanbul during a demonstration that was held in protest for the clashes between rightist and leftist students in the city’s university during which 13 people were injured.

According to the French news agency, the arrests were made when the protesters threw stones at the police force that tried to break up the demonstration which was characterized by the authorities as illegal.

[19] ITALIAN MAN SUSPECTED OF TERRORISM IS ARRESTED, HELD IN GREEK JAILS

A 45-year old Italian man, Enrico Bianco, who is suspected of being a member of the international terrorism organisation “Red Brigadiers”, has been arrested and is being held in Athens.

Greek authorities are waiting for the Italian government to issue the necessary documents before he is turned over to them.

Bianco is though to be connected with the murder of Italy’s former Premier Aldo Moro, in 1978. The Italian authorities issued a warrant for Bianco’s arrest in 1993 on charges of robbery and drug-related offences. A.F.

Complete archives of the Macedonian Press Agency bulletins are available on the MPA Home Page at http://www.mpa.gr/ and on the U.S. mirror at http://www.hri.org/MPA/