MPA NEWS IN BRIEF (01/04/1996)

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 April 1, 1996

CONTENTS

[01] TURKS CONTINUE PROVOCATIONS AT IMIA ISLETS AREA

[02] CENTER FOR DEMOCRACY IN THE BALKANS TO BE CREATED IN THESSALONIKI

The Conference, which was rounded up yesterday afternoon, was organized by the Association for Democracy in the Balkans and featured participants from Greece, Turkey, Federal Yugoslav Republic, Bosnia, Bulgaria, FYROM, Croatia, Moldavia and Romania, while Albanian representatives did not attend due to technical difficulties.

The first step to establishing the Center will be the creation of a task force, to be composed of one member from each Balkan country.

According to the Resolution signed by the Association, the Conference exemplified "a remarkable meeting of minds, which demonstrated that we share a common understanding of the necessity for the furtherance both of democracy anf of civil society in our region."

The Association also intends to begin publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, prepared by an editorial committee composed of the journalists who participated in the Conference.

The Association supports that any progress in the Balkans depends on peace and stability being maintained in the whole region, and particularly in the former Yugoslavia.

"We believe it is crucial that progress be made in recreating a multi-communal society in Bosnia, and that the present arrangements need to be considerably improved with this end in view," the Association's resolution stated.

[03] EU AGRICULTURE MINISTERS HOLD EXTRAORDINARY MEETING IN BRUSSELS

The British Agriculture Minister Douglas Hogue who arrived in Luxemburg this morning for talks with the EU Commissioner responsible for agricultural issues Frans Fishler, stated that he is not very optimistic that the ministerial meeting will produce a solution to the crisis.

"I do not want to create any expectations," Mr. Hogue stated, although he will attempt to lift the ban of british meat exports.

Minister of Agriculture Stavros Tzoumakas stated yesterday that Britain is expected to receive EU financial aid of approximately 300 billion drachmas in order to face the crisis created in its livestock industry by the disease.

Meanwhile, last weekend in Britain beef sales were markedly increased, as consumers defied the warnings and stocked up on meat that was sold at very low prices.

The Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) is commonly known as "mad cow disease" and has been linked with the deadly Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease found in humans.

Up to date, 49 tons of Britain-imported beef have been confiscated in Greece.

[04] GREEK PARADE HELD IN NEW YORK'S FIFTH AVENUE

The spectators warmly welcomed the floats representing the Dodecanese islands and the Cypriot organizations, as well as the presence of noted greek dignitaries, such as President of Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanisand honorary President of oppostion party New Democracy Konstantinos Mitsotakis.

A moment of silence was observed in honor of the officers who lost their lives during the recent Imia islets crisis.

Alternate Foreign Minister George Romeos, who travelled to New York to be present at the parade, stated that "today (the festivity of) has a dual meaning. On one hand, to honor all those who undertook the important task of freeing our country fro, turkish rule and, on the other hand, to empower our will, our unity in order to maintain the national independence and sovereignty of our country. This year, the festivity has an even greater meaning as it follows threats and claims made by Turkey."

[05] GREEK-CANADIANS PARADE IN MONTREAL FOR NATIONAL HOLIDAY

The doxology, sung in Montreal's Annunciation Holy Church and led by Canadian bishop Mr. Soteriou, was followed by the parade marched to the sounds of the Kalamaria Philharmonic and the participation of a force of evzones from the Hellenic Presidential Guard.

Present at the parade were the Under-Minister of Health and Welfare Theodoros Kotsonis, the Canadian Minister of Constitutional Affairs Stefan Dion, Montreal's Mayor Pierre Bourke, Greek-Canadian parliamentarians and others.

In a message conveyed on behalf of the Greek Premier Kostas Simitis, Mr. Kotsonis emphasized the need for Greek-Canadians to rally together in the struggle for our national rights.

[06] PRIME MINISTER UNEASY OVER THE RISING INFLATION RATE