Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-09-03

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

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki,September 3, 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] PREPARATIONS FOR THESSALONIKI’S 62ND INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR PEAK

Feverish preparations are underway for Thessaloniki’s 62nd International Trade Fair, scheduled to open on Saturday, which will be inaugurated on Friday evening by Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.

During his stay in Thessaloniki, Mr. Simitis will have a series of contacts with local business leaders. His speech is awaited with interest as the Premier will refer to the economic policy the government is to adopt during 1998.

[02] GREEK TEACHERS TO EMBARK ON NATIONWIDE STRIKE TOMORROW

Greece’s teachers are to embark on a 24-hour strike tomorrow, in protest to the recent draft bill submitted by the Ministry of Education to Parliament.

The local teachers’ associations are expected to approve the proposal of the national teachers union OLME and will conduct a massive rally tomorrow in Athens. Minister of Education Gerasimos Arsenis yesterday reiterated that the government is determined to apply its policy concerning the list of teachers awaiting posts.

[03] STATE BUDGET AIMS TO UP REVENUE BY 10% AND REDUCE EXPENDITURES BY 5%

The State’s new budget is aiming to increase public revenue by 10-11% and concurrently limit expenditures by 5-6%, according to the results of yesterday’s ministerial session held at the Ministry of National Economy.

Among the ways to up state revenue are increasing objective value on property and increasing objective criteria.

Meanwhile, the mister of Development Vasso Papandreou has caused a stir through the statements she made in a recent interview wherein she said that the Greek people have already been subjected to great sacrifices and their ability to pay more taxes has reached exhaustive levels, adding that the government should not opt to impose new taxes as a way to reduce the nation’s deficit.

[04] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER SAYS CONTASTS IN BRITAIN WERE USEFUL

Greece’s Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos has expressed his satisfaction over the contacts he had with his British counterpart George Robertson.

Completing his official visit to London today, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that the talks were useful and substantive, stressing that the two have ascertained a meeting of minds on the need to form an organisation for security and cooperation, following the developments to take place within the Alliance, which is to include all of the European countries.

Moreover, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stressed that both Britain and Greece can carry out a significant role in strengthening stability and peace in their regions, especially within the framework of cooperation that is enjoyed between them, that is, Britain as the EU president and Greece and the President of the Western European Union in the beginning of 1998.

Among the topics discussed between the two officials were the various destabilizing incidents noted in Southeastern Europe.

Mr.Tsochatzopoulos stressed that cooperation is necessary for facing these issues, stating that “cooperation between the countries that participate in these organizations of international security and cooperation, such as NATO and WEU.”

Referring to bilateral military cooperation between Greece and Britain, the Greek Defense Mister stated that the armed forces of the two countries will cooperate on a military training program.

Today, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos will visit the facilities of Britain’s armament industry, specifically Vickers Shipyards at Walney Island and, prior to his departure for Athens, he will present an address at London’s Hellenic Center.

[05] ANKARA’S PROVOCATIVE STATEMENTS DO NOT SURPRISE THE GREEK GOVERNMENT

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, commenting on the new statements made by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismael Cem from Paris according to which, there are two states and two governments in Cyprus, said that Ankara’s provocative statements do not surprise the Greek government.

Mr.Reppas added that the tactic followed by Ankara widens the distance between Turkey and the European Union as their positions do not coincide.

[06] THESSALONIKI INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR WILL BE THE FORUM OF POLITICAL DIALOGUE

Thessaloniki International Trade Fair this year will be again the forum of political dialogue that will open on Saturday, September 6 with the speech of Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, who will present the government’s economic policy for the following months during the formal dinner that will be given in his honor by the HELEXPO management.

In his message for the 62nd International Trade Fair in Thessaloniki Prime Minister Simitis said that it reflects the successful course of the Greek economy and the optimistic prospects for the country’s development and prosperity.

Mr.Simitis mentioned that Greece becomes more and more economically strong and has turned into an economic center in the Balkans at a time of instability and insecurity for the future.

Referring to the results of the government’s economic policy, the Prime Minister underlined that they are already visible and used as an example the steady course of inflation, the creation of new jobs and the drop in the public finance deficit and interest rates.

[07] THE FOUNDING OF THE CEDEFOP BUILDING IN THESSALONIKI WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY

The foundation stone of the new building that will house the European Center for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDEFOP) in Thessaloniki, will be laid by Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos in a formal ceremony next Saturday.

The project will be financed by the European Union and the building is expected to be ready in April 1999.

CEDEFOP’s goal is to offer to the EU Commission the technical and scientific support necessary for the promotion of a European policy in the sector of vocational training.

[08] PASOK CELEBRATES THE 23RD ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING

Today is the 23rd anniversary of the historical September 3, 1974 Declaration. Twenty three years ago today the late Andreas Papandreou presented the founding principles of the Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement, PASOK, in one of the halls of “King Pallas Hotel”.

On the occasion of the anniversary, PASOK’s Executive Bureau will hold a special meeting today under the presidency of Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.

PASOK was born with the September 3rd Declaration and mr.Papandreou worked with leading party members such as, mr.Simitis, mr.Tsochatzopoulos and others, for the drawing up of this founding text.

National independence, the power of the people, social liberation and the democratic process were the key points of the declaration.

[09] GREEK-AMERICANS OFFER THEIR HELP TO THE GREEKS IN THE REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA

The members of the Greek-American community gathered 26 thousand dollars responding to the appeal made by the World Council of Hellenes Abroad, SAE, calling them to offer their help to the Greeks living in the Republic of Georgia in their effort to build the first Medical Diagnostic Center in the Georgian capital of Tblisi.

SAE president Andrew Athens is in Tblisi since yesterday to deliver the sum to the Greeks of the former Soviet Republic, who live there under very tough conditions. Most of the money came from the contributions made by the Greeks in Chicago, who responded to SAE’s radio appeals.

[10] A HUGE BIRTHDAY CAKE CLAIMS A PLACE IN THE GUINNES BOOK OF RECORDS

Thirty people will work for 6 hours in Thessaloniki’s Aristotelous Square tomorrow to make a six-storey birthday cake for the 10th anniversary of “FM-100” municipal radio station. The cake will weigh 1.600 kilos, it will be 3 meters high and will cover a space of 90 square meters claiming a place in the Guinnes Book of Records.

The owner of the Pastry-Making School that is responsible for the whole effort stated that the baking of the cake began 10 days ago and 7 people have worked for its preparation. The wild cherry- covered chocolate cake is estimate to give 17.000 servings.

[11] OVER 100.000 PEOPLE HAVE VISITED THE EXHIBITION “TREASURES OF MOUNT ATHOS”

The exhibition “Treasures of Mount Athos” that opened in Thessaloniki’s Museum of Byzantine Civilization in July attracts more visitors every day and already it has been visited by 124.256 people, while the daily average number of visitors is 2.300.

From the first day of its opening, the exhibition was visited by heads of states and governments, ambassadors, religious leaders and other dignitaries.

Among them was famous Russian ballet dancer Michail Barisnikov, who expressed the wish to visit the exhibition when he came to Thessaloniki to dance last July within the framework of the Cultural Capital of Europe events. Before leaving the exhibition he signed the book of visitors and wrote the words “Thank you” to show his amazement and gratitude.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[12] TURKISH VP RETRACTS CLAIMS ON DISCOVERED PARTS OF S-300 MISSILES

Turkish Vice President Bulent Ecevit made a complete turnaround yesterday on the issue of the Russian missiles S-300 parts of which were discovered yesterday on an Egyptian ship.

Mr. Ecevit stated that the parts were not destined for Cyprus, as had originally been claimed, but rather were en route to Egypt, as the accompanying documents attested.

Nevertheless, Mr. Ecevit did say that checks will continue to be made on the ships that sail through the Bosporus.

[13] IOC TO ANNOUNCE OLYMPIC GAMES HOST CITY ON FRIDAY

The International Olympics Committee (IOC) is to announce the city that will host the Olympic Games of the year 2000 on Friday, and has already convened in sessions since yesterday evening in Lauzanne.

Meanwhile, accusations abound that officials from the Olympic Committees of Stockholm and Capetown have made attempts to bribe members of the IOC.

According to Reuters, the IOC’s vice-[resident stated that officials from Stockholm and Cape Town have violated procedural regulations be offering an array of gifts to IOC members, such as furniture, free trips and even gifts to their spouses.

Meanwhile, according to various press reports, Athens is among the trop candidates given its vast popular support, the plethora of archaeological sites, environmental protection works and sports infrastructure.

[14] THE US WANTS THE CONTINUATION OF TALKS FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS PROBLEM

The continuation of direct talks for the solution of the Cyprus problem is the basic target of the United States, according to a statement made by US Ambassador Kenneth Brill.

During the meeting he had in Nicosia with Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides, the US Ambassador reiterated the position of his country regarding the purchase of the Russian S-300 missiles, underlining that the US regard their purchase by the Cypriot government as unnecessary.

The two men discussed the details of the visit of US coordinator in Cyprus Thomas Miller, who is expected on the island this month. Mr.Brill also referred to the visit of US presidential envoy to Cyprus Richard Halbrooke, but no exact date was mentioned.

[15] EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE BY THE TURKISH-CYPRIOTS FOR THE SOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS PROBLEM

The European Union expansion to include Cyprus pre-supposes the political settlement of the Cyprus problem before the island’s accession into the EU and toward this direction efforts should be made, especially by the Turkish-Cypriot side, stated alternate Foreign Minister of France Piere Moskovici, responsible for European Affairs, after the meeting he had with Turkish Foreign Minister Ismael Cem.

The French government minister also stressed that Turkey’s and Cyprus’ candidatures for EU membership should be examined separately taking under consideration the peculiarities of each country.

[16] THE FORUM 2000 PROCEEDINGS OPEN IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC TODAY

The “Forum 2000” proceedings open in Prague today with the participation of politicians, intellectuals and Nobel prize winners from all over the world. In the three-day discussions the conference participants will examine the prospects and the challenges after the year 2000.

The conference is organized under the auspices of Czech President Vaclav Havel with the close cooperation of prof.Ilie Wiesel. Among the personalities that will be attending are Dalai Lama, former President of South Africa mr.De Clerk, European Parliament member Jacques Lang, former Israeli Foreign Minister Simon Peres, former President of Bulgaria Zeliu Zelev and Greek philosopher and author Kornelios Kastoriadis.

[17] FYROM PRESIDENT WILL BE IN POLAND IN OCTOBER

FYROM President Kiro Gligorov will be on a formal visit to Poland at the end of October at the invitation of his Polish counterpart Alexander Kwasniewski.

According to FYROM’s press secretariat, the two Presidents will examine issues of bilateral interest and will pay special attention to the development of economic cooperation. Also, they will exchange views on the efforts made by Poland and FYROM to become EU members and on the situation in the Balkans.

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