Macedonian Press Agency: Brief News in English, 96-11-28

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From: The Macedonian Press Agency at http://www.mpa.gr and http://www.hri.org/MPA.

BRIEF GREEK NEWS BULLETIN BY MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY

Thessaloniki, November 28, 1996

TITLES

[01] TURKISH DEPUTY REVEALS: "GREY WOLVES" ARE BEHIND ARSON FIRES IN GREECE

[02] WAVE OF STRIKES THREATENS TO CRIPPLE GREECE, WIDE PROTESTS OVER BUDGET

[03] PREMIER TO ATTEND OSCE SUMMIT MEETING IN LISBON ON SUNDAY

[04] ALTERNATE FOREIGN MINISTER TO ATTEND EU'S COUNCIL OF GENERAL AFFAIRS

[05] MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER OUSTS HON. CHAIRMAN FROM N.D. POLITICAL COUNCIL

[06] HOLLAND EVASIVE TOWARDS TURKEY'S REQUEST FOR FULL ACCESSION TO EU

NEWS IN DETAIL

[01] TURKISH DEPUTY REVEALS: "GREY WOLVES" ARE BEHIND ARSON FIRES IN GREECE

Athens, November 28 (M.P.A.)

According to the DYP deputy Sedat Bucak, the perpetrator of these fires was Abdullah Chatli, the leader of the extremist group "Grey Wolves". Chatli was recently killed in a notorious car accident in Turkey which brought to light the relations between Turkish mafia and the government.

These revelations came to confirm reports the Greek authorities already had in their hands, according to which, the fires that have devastated the greek islands every summer were an act of arson performed by specially-trained forces of Turkish agents.

Greece's alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou stated that the Turkish deputy's statements are "especilally worrisome and show that various sabotage raids have been committed in our country with turkish instigation."

Moreover, Mr. Papandreou pointed out that these disclosures by themselves constitute a criminal act which, in conjuction with Ms. Ciller's statements -"it is an honor for those who shoot for Turkey"-, should trouble the international community.

Before proceeding to the necessary actions, the Greek Government awaits the immediate probe and reaction on behalf of the Turkish government, which, according to Mr. Papandreou, bears the essential responsibility.

[02] WAVE OF STRIKES THREATENS TO CRIPPLE GREECE, WIDE PROTESTS OVER BUDGET

Thessaloniki, November 28 (M.P.A.)

Participating in the strike are also the country's farmers who will conduct marches and plan roadblocks on the national highway.

Also, Greece's kindergarten and primary school teachers are continuing their strike for the second day, while courthouse employees have embarked on a 48-hour strike as well.

Tax offices, banks, ministries and public service organizations, will remain closed today.

[03] PREMIER TO ATTEND OSCE SUMMIT MEETING IN LISBON ON SUNDAY

Athens, November 28 (M.P.A.)

Mr. Simitis will be accompanied by Press and Mass Media Minister Dimitris Reppas and the alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

The Plenary Sesion will be held on Monday, December 2, and in turn the Premier of Portugal will host a banquet in honor of the leaders of OSCE's member-countries.

[04] ALTERNATE FOREIGN MINISTER TO ATTEND EU'S COUNCIL OF GENERAL AFFAIRS

Athens, November 28 (M.P.A.)

Between December 5-7, Mr. Papandreou will be in Brussels in order to attend the European Union's Council of General Affairs.

[05] MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER OUSTS HON. CHAIRMAN FROM N.D. POLITICAL COUNCIL

The long-fermenting row in Greece's main opposition party, New Democracy, entered a new phase last night when its leader Miltiades Evert ousted the party's honorary president and former Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis from N.D.'s Political Council.

Mr. Evert was reportedly infuriated with the statements made by Mr. Mitsotakis regarding the party's founder Konstantinos Karamanlis, who has also formerly served as Premier and President.

Mr. Mitsotakis stated that he attended the Political Council to aid in finding a solution to the party's leadership problem and added that he intends to participate at the P.C. after the party's upcoming congress.

Moreover, the honorary president stated that he wholly supports George Souflias' position for a fair and representative congress with delegates chosen from the party's base. Mr., Souflias is an N.D. deputy who covets the party's presidency. He has served as minister of education.

[06] HOLLAND EVASIVE TOWARDS TURKEY'S REQUEST FOR FULL ACCESSION TO EU

Hague, November 28 (M.P.A.)

According to the spokesperson of Turkey's Foreign Ministry Omer Akbel, Turkish Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller did not secure a relevant commitment from the Dutch officials during a meeting held in Hague.

In her contacts, Ms. Ciller reportedly focused on the issue of human rights in Turkey and attempted to dispel the negative impressions widely held by the Europeans in regards to her country's human rights record.

Ms. Ciller claimed that there is an issue of security plaguing her country, from terrorism imported by neighboring countries.

"My country," Ms. Ciller stated on dutch television, "is fighting terrorism and, as such, a foremost priority is (Turkey's) security. At the same time, though, it tries to improve the situation in the area of human rights."

Mr. Akbel referred to the measures his government plans to undertake for protecting human rights, announcing a reduction in the time suspects are kept in custody and the presence of a lawyer during police interrogation.

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/

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