MPA NEWS IN BRIEF (22/03/1996)

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

Macedonian Press Agency Brief News in English Directory

BRIEF GREEK NEWS BULLETIN BY MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY

Thessaloniki March 22, 1996

CONTENTS

[01] GREEK PREMIER RETURNS FROM ITALY, WHERE HE HELD TALKS WITH DINI

In a press conference given after his meeting with his italian counterpart Lamberto Dini, Mr. Simitis stated that they discussed issues concerning the forthcoming Intergovernmental Conference, bilateral relations, and Turkey's claims in the Aegean Sea.

Responding to a question by the Macedonian Press Agency on whether the Italian Presidency is in favor of a multi- speed Europe, Mr. Simitis stressed that "Mr. Dini is opposed to regulations that will block those countries which are not participating in the first phase of the economic and monetary union with the common currency."

Responding to another question by the M.P.A. on whether the issue of Cyprus' accession to the EU was correlated to Turkey's Customs Union with the EU and the current issues troubling the greek-turkish relations, the greek Premier Kostas Simitis stated that "no such correlation was made."

Referring to his discussion with the italian Premier, Mr. Simitis noted that "as far as the issues regarding the Intergovernmental are concerned, I believe that our views coincided on most issues."

During his visit to Italy, Mr. Simitis also met with italian President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro.

[02] GREEK PRESIDENT WARMLY WELCOMED IN ALBANIA

Greek Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, who escorted the President in his visit to Tirana, signed a friendship accord with his albanian counterpart today, an agreement which was characterized by the greek President as a "crucial point in the greek-albanian bilateral relations and a starting point for their further establishment."

[03] TRIPARTITE JUSTICE MINISTERS TO MEET IN THESSALONIKI SOON

The meeting was scheduled on the sidelines of this week's council held in Brussels, following contacts made between the Greek Justice Minister Evangelos Venizelos with his counterparts.

The European Union Justice Ministers meeting focused on forming a decision for unified action against racism and xenophobia, the drafting of plans and agreements for extradition and on addressing the issue of bribery concerning EU employees and civil servants in member-states.

[04] U.S. SENATORS OPPOSE SALE OF ARMS TO TURKEY

The letter mentions Turkey's threatening behavior in the Aegean Sea, its continuing occupation of Northern Cyprus and turkish raids against the Kurdish population.

According to the letter, selling these Super Cobra helicopters could be interpreted as U.S. acceptance of these actions.

[05] SERB PRESIDENT'S VISIT TO SKOPJE POSTPONED FOR NEXT WEEK

While no reason was given for this cancellation, well informed sources in Skopje state that the Serb leader might visit FYROM next week. Milosevic and FYROM President Kiro Gligorov are expected to announce mutual recognition of FYROM and rump Yugoslavia.