MPA NEWS IN BRIEF (01/03/1996)

From: Macedonian Press Agency <[email protected]>

Macedonian Press Agency Brief News in English Directory

BRIEF GREEK NEWS BULLETIN BY MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY

Thessaloniki February 29, 1996

TITLES

NEWS IN DETAIL

[01] MISSING CYPRIOTS HAVE BEEN MURDERED, REVEALS DENKTASH

In this unprecedented disclosure, given yesterday in an interview to the cypriot television station Sigma, the self- proclaimed president stated that the executions were performed in the absence of the turkish military's knowledge.

Denktash grimly said that the massacre was a result of militant overzealously and added that the paramilitary's method of operation was not in coordination with the turkish troops.

"As the turkish troops advanced through and arrested the greek-cypriots, they, unfortunately, turned them over to militants," Denktash said.

"Instead of transfering the prisoners to the local police stations or placing them in concentration camps, they killed them," he said, adding that "when the turkish military forces understood what was happening, they sent the prisoners to Turkey and, according to the Red Cross archives, all the prisoners who were transferred to Turkey have returned."

The occupied territory's intransigent leader rejected any possibility that the refugees may return to their homes, saying that this issue must be handled differently.

Denktash said that the Cyprus problem is "a psychological one" and suggested that a joint commission be created that would review all the history books taught in the schools of both communities.

[02] CRISIS IS GREECE'S FAULT, SAYS TURKEY'S FOREIGN MINISTRY

Mr.Akbel accused Greece of maintaining a belligerent stance against Turkey and defended his government's foreign policy as one that "has always been a policy of good neighboring, friendship and cooperation."

Moreover, the Turk ForeignMinistry spokesperson stated that Turkey always extended "an arm of frienship and aid" to its neighbor, while Greece has "chosen to waive our gesture of frienship and to instead adopt a hostile policy."

Mr. Akbel also said that the lack of dialogue between the two countries is "a choice made by the greek government."

Regarding Greece's status as a European Union country-member and its intention to impede Turkey's EU funding, which stems from the Customs Union Accord, Mr. Akbel stated that this issue should not be entangled in the exisiting greek-turkish differences.

"We are asking the EU to fulfil its obligations to Turkey as provided for by the Customs Union.

"The Customs Union concerns us and the EU," stated Mr. Akbel. "On the other hand, the actions that Greece is engaging in (attempts to block the funding) is a problem that concerns the EU members and we know that Greece did not gain the support of its allies during the Foreign Ministers Council in Brussels."

[03] US AMBASSADOR TO CYPRUS:AMERICAN INITIATIVE IS ALWAYS HERE

In his address to the Rotary Club, Mr. Bowcher stated that"we are now addressing issues such as power portioning into various governing levels, how these powers will be allocated, as well as creating a representative system which will cater to both communities."

The Ambassador added that the american initiative is always present and in active in many different forms and various time plans.

Lastly, he confirmed the upcoming US meeting between cypriot President Glafkos Clerides and US President Bill Clinton.