Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 97-12-04

From: Macedonian Press Agency <[email protected]>

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH

Thessaloniki, 4 December 1997

NEWS IN ENGLISH

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TITLES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] PRESIDENT OF GREECE OFFICIALLY OPENS SAE SESSION IN THESSALONIKI

The President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos officially declared open the session of the First Regular Assembly of the Council of Greeks Abroad (SAE) in Thessaloniki this morning, amidst a jubilant atmosphere.

�Greece is proud of her children, the Greeks living abroad. Greece cannot bear the loss of even one of them,� the President stated and issued an appeal to the Greek communities living abroad that they unite and consolidate in order to achieve the aims that have been mutually drawn by SAE and the Greek state and as such enable SAE to achieve an even greater degree of credibility from what it already possesses.

�Mr. Athens (the President of SAE) had said two years ago that he doesn�t speak Greek well, but this does not mean that he is not Greek, because Greek is he who has Greek sentiments and has placed the motherland in his soul,� President Stephanopoulos stated.

In turn, he stressed that there is a need to strengthen and fortify the ties between Greece and the Greek communities abroad, while he granted heightened emphasis to the sector of cultural �interjections� by the Greek state for the sake of promoting and safeguarding the country�s cultural heritage.

�Greeks abroad are not only the Greek shipowners and the politicians; Hellenism also represents the poor workers in Germany, Ukraine, those who are Greek in their soul,� he characteristically stated,.

Moreover, the President stressed the need to promote the teaching of the Greek language, and emphasized that the role of the Church is quite important and significant.

�Greece is proud for each and every one of you individually,� Mr. Stephanopoulos said. A.F.

[02] PRESIDENT OF PARLIAMENT, OTHER OFFICIALS SALUTE SAE IN THESSALONIKI

The President of the Hellenic Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis addressed the Thessaloniki-held First Regular Assembly of the Council of Greeks Abroad this morning.

In his speech, Mr. Kaklamanis stated that both the present and the future of the Greek nation can be glorious, but it is a belief that needs to be shared by all.

�We need to understand that we have to cooperate, united and free from the vices that hamper us for ages. We need to believe that we are able to and can create a better tomorrow for the generations to come,� the House Speaker stated.

Also, a message was forwarded by the Ecumenical Patriarchate Bartholomew who stressed that the Patriarchate embraces all the Greeks of the world. Moreover, His All Holiness thanked all those who expressed their support towards the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the recent bombing.

Alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou stated that the Greek community from abroad is honoring its roots here in Thessaloniki, �a city united by Hellenism.�

Moreover, Mr. Papandreou added that Hellenism�s ecumenical character is reflected through the Greeks living abroad as well as through the adoption of values.

�Throughout the world, Hellenism distinguishes us as the leaders of the most noble values humanity possesses. These values coincide with our goals of today, for a strong Greece, as well as with the struggles of many other peoples for these values, that is humanity, freedom, democracy, human rights,� Mr. Papandreou stated.

The President of Greece�s main opposition party New Democracy�s Kostas Karamanlis stressed that the community of Greeks abroad reflects the living proof of Hellenism�s universal character.

The President of the World SAE Andrew Athens stressed that the Council�s main target is to achieve and maintain unity in SAE.

�We�re all one family and disagreement is necessary for a constructive dialogue,� he said.

Moreover, Mr. Athens referred to the Council�s ties with the Greek government and clarified that �the fact that we enjoy good relationship with the government does not mean that we are not doing any work. Good relationships and mutual respect constitute basic prerequisites for positive results,� he stressed.

The Patriarch of Alexandria Petros also addressed SAE today and spoke on the various concerns and issues that burden the Greeks in Africa, mostly the safeguarding of Orthodoxy and the Greek language.

�Without knowledge of the language, Orthodoxy cannot be safeguarded,� he stated.

In closing, Patriarch Petros stated that the Patriarchate of Alexandria does not want to rest on the theory of the problems, but wants to provide solutions to the modern concerns of the Orthodox who live in the African continent. A.F.

[03] GREEK PREMIER SALUTES SAE AND FORWARDS MESSAGE TO TURKEY

Greece�s Prime Minister Kostas Simitis issued an unveiled message to Turkey from the podium of the Council of Greeks Abroad (SAE) General Assembly held in Thessaloniki today, where he delivered a speech.

�Whoever in the region imagines changes in the borders, changes in the status quo, is essentially imagining instability and war. Greece of the year 2000, Greece of Europe, as well as the 700,000 Greeks living abroad, are united and form an obstacle to any plans of this sort,� the Premier said.

He further added that �differences in a civilized world are resolved today by seeking recourse with the International Court of Justice at The Hague, not through resorting to war or the threat of war. No civilized country that has visions of entering the European Union has the right to obstruct the similar course of other countries. And no civilized country should violate human rights, both on its soil and abroad, as Turkey continues to do with its occupation force in Cyprus. Respecting International Law and international accords is the only premise for viable and fair solutions.�

Referring to the Council of Greeks Abroad, Mr. Simitis stated that through the initiative taken by the Greek state, the merger of the Greek forces at home, abroad and in Cyprus is now a fact.

�During the 1995-97 two-year period, a period of action for SAE, you proved that the vast community of Greeks who live abroad is never far. That its forces are at the disposal of a common affair: one which promotes and diffuses throughout the world the universal values of ancient and modern Greece, of peace, freedom, democracy, justice, a Greece whose progress is supported by these principles,� the Premier added.

�The Greek people, the Greek government and its political forces,� he further said, �with our presence at this conference and through the support given to SAE, are sending the message that this institution constitutes a body of vital significance for Hellenism and represents the real channel of Greece�s communication and contact with the Greeks living abroad. Unite your forces, raise your voices, make Greece stronger. We can all together reform the face of a new Greece for the year 2000.� A.F.

[04] GREEK PREMIER: NO TO POLICIES OF NATIONAL ISOLATION, WE WANT A VOICE

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis denounced policies that would lead to national isolation, a policy that would result in Greece�s withdrawal, a policy that would lead Turkey into gaining all powers.

Following his speech delivered this morning in Thessaloniki at the Council of Greeks Abroad First Regular Assembly, Mr. Simitis responded to a journalist�s question as to how he views criticisms exchanged between ministers in his cabinet and stated that �Mr. Tsochatzopoulos (Defense Minister ) spoke in accordance with the decisions and directions of the Government Council for Defense (KYSEA). By law, KYSEA is the organization responsible for these decisions, and the decisions that have been drawn are in line with the orders that have been given. I would like to generally note that there are certain individuals who advocate a policy of national isolation, Greece�s withdrawal, something that would result in Turkey gaining all of the powers.

�We want a Greece that is strong, a Greece with a voice, with a presence, a Greece that determines the developments. This can be done only through initiatives and new policies.� A.F.

[05] PRESIDENT OF CYPRUS IN THESSALONIKI, SALUTES SAE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The President of the Republic of Cyprus Glafkos Clerides addressed the Council of Greeks Abroad (SAE) First Regular Meeting at its General Assembly, which opened in Thessaloniki this morning.

President Clerides referred to SAE�s contribution and in turn accused Turkey for the tactics it has adopted.

�The Turkish side, which our policy has left internationally exposed, understands that the time of truth is indeed close. This is why it resorts to blackmail by hurling threats. But it does realize that its blackmail is not successful thanks to our decisiveness and the firm position adopted by the international arena in promoting Cyprus� accession to the European Union and in exerting its influence in order to arrive soon at a solution to the Cyprus problem.�

Moreover, the Cypriot President stated that �the key to the Cyprus issue lies with Ankara, and with satisfaction I realize that there is greater mobility towards Ankara, mainly on behalf of the Security Council�s permanent members and the European Union.� A.F.

[06] ALTERNATE FM HONORS GREECE�S PRESIDENT AT SAE DINNER LAST NIGHT

The President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos made an extensive reference to the significant role carried out by the Greeks who have immigrated to all corners of the world, in his address during the dinner given in his honor last night by the alternate Foreign Minister George Papandreou at the Thessaloniki- held First Regular Meeting of the Council of Greeks Abroad (SAE).

In his brief address, President Stephanopoulos stated that the convention, which officially opened today, is of national significance since it gives the opportunity to the representatives of the Greek communities from abroad to meet and coordinate their actions.

�You represent in the best possible manner our brothers who live abroad,� the President stated, adding that �we the Greeks of the Motherland feel a great sense of pride for you, a pride that surpasses our love since it bears the name of Greece throughout the world.�

Mr. Papandreou stated that the Assembly illustrates the unity of Hellenism and the significant role it plays throughout the world, by contributing to the promotion of Greek culture and the important issues faced by Greece and Cyprus. A.F.

[07] GREECE TO ESTABLISH TRADE OFFICE AT SKOPJE IN START OF 1998

National Economy undersecretary Alexandros Baltas announced that Greece will establish a trade office in FYROM�s capital Skopje at the beginning of the following year, during last night�s inauguration of the First Exhibition of Greek Businesses held there by Thessaloniki�s HELEXPO - International Trade Fair (ITF).

In declaring open the Fair, which will be held until December 6, Mr. Baltas stressed that initiatives such as the one taken by HELEXPO fall within the framework of the overall Balkan policy drawn and applied by the Greek government.

Moreover, Mr. Baltas stressed the weight granted by the Greek government to the development of economic ties with FYROM, in its effort to establish an improved political climate.

�In our era, economic development and stability in economic and trade relations constitute the framework for the peaceful and harmonious co-existence,� Mr. Baltas stated, adding that Greek businessmen have already taken the first steps for the current and future business cooperation.

Referring to the up-to-date course of trade ties between the two neighboring countries, the undersecretary stated that Greece ranks third in the line of FYROM�s most significant trade allies, while the overall volume of trade marked between the two countries surpassed the DM167 million mark during the first nine months of 1997.

The President of HELEXPO -ITF Antonis Kourtis addressed the proceedings and stated that trade, business and economic ties do function with a self-propelled power, but they are in need of the appropriate political and legislative environment.

Among those present at the ceremony were the Vice President of FYROM Zlatka Popovska, the undersecretary of National Economy Boris Rikalovski, the president and vice-president of FYROM�s Economic Chamber Mgrs. Petrovski and Horvard respectively, and the general director of Skopje�s Exhibition Center Tomi Dalevski. A.F.

[08] GREECE-FYROM HOLD SEMINAR AT SKOPJE ON BUSINESS COOPERATION

The Thessaloniki-based Inter-Balkan and Black Sea Business Center (DIPEK) is to examine the business opportunities for bilateral cooperation between Greece and FYROM, during a seminar to be held today at Skopje.

The Greek business delegation will be briefed on the neighboring country�s financial situation, its legislation, its privatization process and other economy-related issues.

The event, to feature the participation of leading businessmen from both countries, is coinciding with the First Exhibition of Greek Businesses which is organized in FYROM by the International Trade Fair of Thessaloniki -HELEXPO.

Among those to present salutations at the seminar will be the leader of the Greece-FYROM Liaison Office Alexandros Mallias and the President of DIPEK and HELEXPO Antonis Kourtis. A.F.

[09] SIMITIS BACKED THE GOVERNMENT POLICY ON NATIONAL ISSUES

Prime minister Kostas Simitis backed the government policy on national issues, responding to the strong criticism made by the opposition and members of his government on the handling of the issue of NATO�s reorganization.

Mr.Simitis condemned the policy of national isolationism, pointing out that such a tactic will benefit Turkey.

Minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos added that the position and policy adopted by the government in the international organizations are the result of a collective decision reached by the Governmental Council of National Defense and has the backing of the Greek people.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, commenting on the statements made by education minister Gerasimos Arsenis who dropped hints against Mr.Tsochatzopoulos regarding the agreement between Greece and Turkey that concerns the operational control of the Aegean air space, said that Parliament deputies are judged for their actions first by the people and then by the responsible bodies.

[10] THE OPPOSITION CRITICIZED THE GOVERNMENT FOR ITS HANDLING OF THE ISSUE OF THE NEW STRUCTURE OF NATO

The political parties of the opposition criticized the government for its handling of the issue of the new structure of NATO.

Leader of main opposition party of New Democracy Kostas Karamanlis stated that the policy followed in secret by the government of prime minister Simitis leads to big questions regarding the existing status in the Aegean.

Former ND leader Miltiadis Evert spoke of secrecy on national issues and stressed that the right to veto can not be a permanent policy. He also called for a discussion to be held in Parliament concerning the issue of the NATO sub-commands.

Coalition of the Left leader Nikos Konstantopoulos characterized the picture of the government as unacceptable, while leader of the Democratic Social Movement Dimitris Tsovolas spoke of a dependent policy followed by the government. Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras spoke of joint rule by Greece and Turkey in the Aegean.

[11] INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN FOR THE RETURN OF THE PARTHENON MARBLES

Tomorrow will be World Parthenon Day, a day of action for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece.

The idea of the World Parthenon Day is backed by many Greek and philhellenic organizations among which is included the Association of Greek Students� Societies in Britain and the British Committee for the restoration of the Parthenon Marbles.

The Association of Greek Students� Societies will organize a number of events such as, marches in central London streets, written appeals addressed to the British Museum and public discussions on the issue. Among the main speakers will be former Greek government minister Stelios Papathemelis and Mr.Stuard a Channel 4 journalist, who is very aware of the issue of the Parthenon Marbles.

It should be noted, that on December 12 a lecture will be given by British author and article writer Christopher Hichens, titled �The Elgin Marbles, from Acropolis to the British Museum�.

On Friday, December 5 the supporters of the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece can send E-mails or fax addressed to the British culture ministry : [email protected] and the British Museum: [email protected]. Those supporters with an access to Internet can send E-mails directly to the Parthenon Marbles web-site.

[12] POLITICAL PARTY LEADERS CALL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN UNDERSECRETARYSHIP FOR THE GREEKS LIVING ABROAD

The need to form a common strategy for the promotion of Hellenism abroad, as well as for the backing of the Greeks living abroad, was pointed out by minister of Macedonia-Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos in his speech addressed to the delegates, who participate in the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) assembly meeting that is being held in Thessaloniki.

Mr.Petsalnikos pointed out the achievements of the Greeks living abroad and referring to SAE, said that it has managed to coordinate the actions of the Greek communities in order to have a common voice making their efforts more effective.

On the new geo-political reality that is being formed in the region, Mr.Petsalnikos stressed that northern Greece slowly turns into a bridge of communication between peoples. He said that the Greeks living abroad can and should promote the history of their fatherland and its culture and also they can contribute to the promotion of Greece�s national interests. Mr.Petsalnikos said that the Greeks abroad can help in the effort to make the vision of a strong Greece a reality.

For the materialization of this target, said Mr.Petsalnikos, Thessaloniki should become the seat of the Ecumenical Hellenism and the headquarters for the promotion of the Greek identity in the 21st century. Toward this direction initiatives are made for the creation of an Internet web-site at the ministry of Macedonia- Thrace, the backing and the financial support of the Modern Greek Language Departments in Australian and US universities and the promotion of a number of issues that are being faced by the Greeks living abroad.

From his side leader of Coalition of the Left party Nikos Konstantopoulos stressed the need for the strengthening of SAE by the Greeks living abroad for the easier materialization of its decisions and added that it should meet the objectives it has set. He referred to the mistakes of the past and stated that they should not be repeated for the benefit of Hellenism all over the world.

Leader of the Democratic Social Movement Dimitris Tsovolas said that words should become deeds and that union of hearts and national self-confidence are needed in order to have a common national strategy.

He also criticized the abolition of the undersecretaryship for the Greeks Living Abroad saying that this decision had a negative effect on the course of Ecumenical Hellenism and in conclusion, he said that unity and solidarity are necessary to form a strategy that will promote the rights of Hellenism.

In his message Political Spring party leader Antonis Samaras stated that SAE should keep a distance from political expediency, while referring to the Turkish provocative policy, he stressed that the message of the Greeks from all over the world is that when Hellenism is threatened the Greeks unite to protect its national rights. Mr.Samaras suggested the re-establishment of the undersecretaryship for the Greeks living abroad in order for SAE to have a financial independence.

He said that networks of information are necessary to be created as well as Greek language and culture institutes, while the Modern Greek Language Departments should be supported in order to preserve the vision of Ecumenical Hellenism.

The Communist Party representative stressed in the message he read that the Council of Hellenes Abroad is called to play an essential and important role in the promotion of the Greek national rights. He also added that the resolutions that will be adopted after the end of the assembly meeting should become actions and not remain just words.

General secretary of Greeks living abroad Stavros Lambrinidis pointed out that SAE hopes that together with the Greek state will promote the solution of the problems that appear.

Finally, the representative of the Patriarch of Jerusalem expressed the position that there is unanimity regarding which are the basic problems faced by the Greeks living abroad, namely the preservation of the Greek language and the prevention of the assimilation threatening the �weak� Greek communities.

[13] STEPHANOPOULOS: GREECE IS PROUD OF ITS PEOPLE WHO LIVE ABROAD

�Greece is proud of its children, the Greeks living abroad. Greece can not stand to lose not even one of them�, underlined Greek president Kostis Stephanopoulos in the formal opening of the Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) assembly meeting that is being held in Thessaloniki.

He also made an appeal to them for unity and solidarity to achieve the objectives set jointly with the Greek state and in order for SAE to gain greater prestige than it already has.

[14] KAKLAMANIS: THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE OF THE GREEK NATION CAN BE BRIGHT

The present and the future of the Greek state can be bright, stressed Greek Parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis in his speech delivered in the SAE assembly meeting. He stressed that �all of us should believe that. We should realize that we should work united, away from the known passions that plague us for centuries�.

Leader of main opposition party of New Democracy Kostas Karamanlis underlined that the Greeks living abroad are the living proof of Hellenism�s universality which lays beyond present state forms.

[15] SIMITIS: THE UNION OF HELLENISM IS A FACT

The union of the forces of Hellenism, namely, the Greeks and the Greek Cypriots living abroad, is now a fact at the initiative of the Greek state, said prime minister Kostas Simitis speaking in the general assembly meeting of SAE.

Mr.Simitis stressed that SAE, the umbrella organization under which the Greek communities all over the world become active, is now a reality.

[16] INFLATION WAS 5,1% IN NOVEMBER

Inflation in Greece was 5,1% in November, according to the National Statistics Agency. The main economic indexes will be examined in the discussion that will be held in Parliament on Tuesday at the initiative of the government.

The discussion of the new state budget will open on December 17 in the Parliament�s plenary session and the voting will be held at midnight on December 21.

[17] THE EAST OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT

The civilizations Alexander the Great met in his expedition to the countries of the East as well as, the way and the degree in which he influenced those civilizations are reflected in the exhibition �Alexandros and the East� that will be inaugurated today by prime minister Kostas Simitis in the presence of culture minister Evangelos Venizelos.

The exhibition is organized by the Cultural Capital of Europe Organization in cooperation with Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

Among the exhibits are 80 objects such as statues, manuscripts, earthen pots, gold and silver utensils, rings and coins that come from 20 museums from all over the world, as well as, two manuscripts on Alexander the Great that were kept in the Monastery of Iviron in Mount Athos.

Those objects are of great value and have been insured for up to 3 million dollars each.

One exceptional finding is the Lion of Babylon that was carved on the walls surrounding the city, and it is the same one that Alexander the Great saw when he entered the city victorious, after his triumph in the battle of Gavgamila.

[18] THE HEADQUARTERS OF NATO IN THE GREEK PARLIAMENT

The agreement for the new structure of NATO in its South-East division, which was signed by the government two days ago, was found today in the focus of the discussions of the deputies both of the leading party and of the main opposition party, during the session of the committee of External Affairs and Defense of the Greek Parliament. The Minister of External Affairs, Theodoros Pangalos, was called in front of the committee in charge in order to brief its members about the law draft concerning the new organization of his Ministry.

However, the deputy and ex-president of the main opposition party, Miltiadis Evert, in the beginning of the session, brought up the issue of the new headquarters asking the government to brief the Parliament about the exact content of the text that has been signed.

Meanwhile, two deputies of the leading party, Giannis Kapsis and Stelios Papathemelis, in a commonly signed letter, stressed that the Minister of Defense must brief the Committee and that all the documents of the agreement must be presented. Similar requests were expressed by the deputy of the main opposition party, Mr. Spilios Spiliotopoulos and the deputy of the minor opposition party, D.I.K.K.I., Mr. Giorgos Rokkos.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Theodoros Pangalos, stressed that the text was a memorandum of understanding and that its final confirmation will be made on the 16th of December in the Session of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the organization. Mr. Pangalos, added that this issue may be discussed the coming Tuesday during a discussion that is scheduled to take place at presidential level in the Parliament. E.K.

[19] SIMITIS SENDS A MESSAGE TO TURKEY

�Whoever in the region visualizes changes of the borders, changes of the status quo, actually visualizes instability and war. Greece of 2.000, Greece of Europe, but also the 700.000 Greeks who live abroad, we stand together as a barrier for such plans�. This message has been sent to Turkey by the Greek Premier, Kostas Simitis, from the stand of the conference of the Hellenes Abroad, S.A.E., who added : � The differences in the civilized world are solved today through appeals to the International Court of the Hague, not with appeals to war or to the threat of war. No civilized country is allowed to violate the human rights both inside the boarders and abroad, as Turkey continues having occupied in Cyprus. The respect for the International Law, in the international agreements is the only basis for viable and fair solutions�. E.K.

[20] G. PAPANDREOU : �WE WANT S.A.E. WITOUT INTERVENTIONS�

�Our role, the role of the government, is subservient. We want to make S.A.E. without interventions�, stressed the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Papandreou, talking this afternoon in the A� Regular Assembly of the Council Of the Hellens Living Abroad (S.A.E.) in Thessaloniki. Mr. G. Papandreou, talked about autonomy of S.A.E., while he noted that the paradox, its particularity, is that it started as a desire of the Greeks living all over the world, but its foundation was made by the Greek state. E.K.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[21] EUROPEAN COUNCIL TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 12-13 IN LUXEMBOURG

The European Council meeting to be held at Luxembourg on December 12-13,.was discussed by the European Union Commissioner Hans Van Den Broek during the European Parliament�s plenary session in talks concerning the Community�s expansion.

According to Mr. Van Den Broek, the Council should create a positive climate for the start of negotiations regarding Cyprus�s accession to the EU, while it will also have to concurrently find ways to achieve the Turkish-Cypriot community�s participation in these talks. A.F.

[22] TURKEY�S FM CEM TO MEET WITH US SECRETARY OF STATE ALBRIGHT TODAY

Turkey�s Foreign Minister Ismael Cem is to meet with the United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in Washington today, one day before the US President Bill Clinton�s meeting with the leadership of the European Union.

During the course of the meeting, Mr. Cem is expected to refer to Turkey�s participation at the European Summit, as well as to issues concerning human rights, Cyprus, Greek-Turkish relations and the economy.

According to the Turkish daily �Milliyet�, December is a crucial month for Turkey�s foreign policy, since during this time period a decision will be drawn that will determine the future of the EU-Turkey relations and the agreement concerning the country�s economic program with the IMF will be looked into.

Meanwhile, the President of Turkey Suleiman Demirel is currently on a two-week tour to Oman and the United Arab Emirates, accompanied by the state ministers Metin Giurdere and Mehmet Batali.

The Turkish Premier Mesut Yilmaz is to meet with President Clinton at the White House on December 19. A.F.

[23] TURKISH PREMIER YILMAZ IN BULGARIA TODAY, TO MEET WITH IVAN KOSTOV

Turkey�s Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz is to conduct a visit to Bulgaria this evening where he will meet with his Bulgarian counterpart Ivan Kostov.

Accompanied by a delegation of Turkish businessmen, Mr. Yilmaz is to sign agreements concerning the sectors of culture, education and sciences. A.F.

[24] BULGARIAN PREMIER: GREEK COUNTERPART WILL SOON VISIT BULGARIA

Bulgaria�s Prime Minister Ivan Kostov announced that Greece�s Premier Kostas Simitis is to soon visit Bulgaria.

In an address given before the residents of the Goce Delcev region, Mr. Kostov said that �Mr. Simitis will soon be here and we will discuss the ways to enable the visa issuance procedures for Bulgarian citizens who want to visit Greece. A.F.

[25] GREECE PROTESTED FORMALLY TO THE TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY

A protest demarche regarding the bomb attack on the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul will be delivered today to the Turkish foreign ministry by Greek Ambassador to Ankara.

The bomb attack was deplored by the Greek government, all the Greek political parties, representatives of the Church of Greece, the Turkish government and Washington.

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