MPA NEWS IN BRIEF (11/07/1996)

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, July 11, 1996

TITLES

NEWS IN DETAIL

[01] GREECE-FYROM TALKS RESUME IN NEW YORK TODAY

The talks on the name issue between Greece and FYROM will be held today in New York, as provided by the interim agreement between the two countries signed last year.

Meanwhile yesterday FYROM's Foreign Minister Ljubomir Frckovski spoke in an exclusive interview to the Macedonian Press Agency, and expressed his pessimism over finding a solution to the stalemate.

While stating that his country favors dialogue between the two sides, Mr. Frckovski insisted that FYROM will not accept a name change, since "such change would mean a return to old historical issues, and would provoke FYROM's neighboring countries into wondering what people live in this region of Macedonia, bringing about a situation that could potentially de-stabilize the Balkans."

However, Mr. Frckovski stated that FYROM could allow room for a compromise with Athens such as "Greece can call us whatever she wants, although this would have no relation to the international use of our name."

[02] GREECE MAY BE PLACED ON QUARANTINE OVER FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

Agriculture Ministry officials will travel to Brussels today in light of the European Union's Permanent Agricultural Committee expected session tomorrow wherein it will be decided if the banning of exportation of livestock and animal products from Greece will be enforced, in light of the recent outbreak of foot and mouth disease noted in the Evros region.

Undersecretary of Agriculture Apostolos Fotiades stated that very strict measures have been taken to contain the disease and added that it would be unfair if the EU draws measures against Greece when the same handling was not afforded on Germany when more than 30,000 animals had been stricken with the smallpox disease.

According to the EU Committee's spokesperson Fr. Fishler, the EU may decide to grant restitution to the Greek animal breeders, perhaps in amounts that would cover 50 per cent of the damages.

The spokesperson also clarified that the foot and mouth disease cases have only been noted in two small villages in Evros which lie on the Turkish borders and, so far, tens of flocks of sheep have been slaughtered.

According to Mr. Fishler, the disease has hit Albania and FYROM severely, leading to a quarantine imposed on both countries.

The Greek government supports that the outbreak of the disease stems from Turkey and Greece has taken the necessary steps to controlling the spread of the disease.

[03] ASSOCIATION COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN UNION-TURKEY TO BE SHELVED

The Association Council between the European Union and Turkey will not take place on Monday under the EU General Affairs Session as scheduled, stated today the Greek Foreign Miistry's spokesperson Konstantinos Bikas.

Meanwhile, arriving in Athens tomorrow will be the Irish Foreign Minister Dick Spring in order to have contacts with the Greek government regarding the issued of Athens' veto on the MEDA financing program for 12 Mediterranean countries.

According to Mr. Bikas, the Irish government, currently holding the EU rotating presidency, will attempt to find a solution in the community funding of Turkey.

[04] US AMBASSADOR TO THE UN WILL PRESENT AMERICAN INITIATIVES ON CYPRUS

The United States permanent representative to the United Nations Madleine Albright will present the two American initiatives for solving the Cyprus issue to both sides of the divided island during her upcoming visit next week.

Ms. Albright will visit Greece, Cyprus and Turkey next week, accompanied by the US special emissary for Cyprus Richard Beatty.

Ms. Albright's first stop will be Athens where on July 16 and 17 she will have contacts with Greek government officials and, aside from the Cyprus issue, she intends to discuss Bosnia and other regional issues.

On July 17, the US ambassador will travel to Nicosia in order to examine the "effectiveness of the UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus" and discuss potential opportunities for a comprehensive agreement.

Following Nicosia, Ms. Albright will travel to Ankara on July 18 and 19 where she will meet with officials of the newly- formed Turkish government and, aside from bilateral issues, she will discuss Cyprus and Iraq.

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/