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Friday, 29 November 2024
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Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 99-01-05Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Macedonian Press Agency at http://www.mpa.gr and http://www.hri.org/MPA.Last Update: 23:27 GMT+2SECTIONS
NEWS HEADLINES[A] GREECE[B] BALKANSNEWS IN DETAIL[A] GREECE[01] NEW MEETING OF THE PILOTS WITH THE OA MANAGEMENTWeb Posted: 17:14 GMT+2Athens, 05/01/1999 (MPA) The management of the state-run Olympic Airways will have a new round of talks with the representatives of the pilots this afternoon after the failed meeting they had yesterday.The pilots demand the signing of a new work contract which will provide for the hiring of new personnel, while a new formula is needed in order for the company to cover the additional taxation by 2.5% imposed on them, given the fact that based on the new reform programme for Olympic Airways the pilots' wages have been frozen. Meanwhile, the passengers are likely to suffer again as the pilots continue to refuse to work overtime. [02] SIMITIS: 1999 IS THE BIG STEP TOWARD THE EMUWeb Posted: 17:14 GMT+2Athens, 05/01/1999 (MPA) The big step of the Greek economy toward the EMU will be made in 1999, underlined prime minister Kostas Simitis in the annual reception of the Commerce and Industry Chamber in Athens. Mr. Simitis stressed that the outcome from the adjustment of the Greek economy is tangible and that the drachma is a strong currency not affected by international crises.Minister of national economy and finance Yiannos Papantoniou maintained that a battle was won but the war continues and therefore caution and discipline are needed. Right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos stressed that the Greek economy is in need of a take off and this can not be guaranteed by the government. Meanwhile, the EURO was the winner in the first battle with the US dollar. [03] US-MADE FIRE ARMS ARE IN THE 18 CONTAINERS AT THE PORT OF THESSALONIKIWeb Posted: 17:14 GMT+2Thessaloniki, 05/01/1999 (MPA) Eighteen containers with US-made weapons destined for FYROM remain at the port of Thessaloniki for an eighth day due to red tape delays even though authorities have conflicting views over the ownership of the weapons.The issue was brought to light by an Athens evening newspaper characterizing as illegal the weapons' cargo and maintaining that in the 18 containers are automatic guns, heavy weapons, anti-tank missiles and rockets which could arm a small army. In the same newspaper article it was mentioned that as soon as the guns were located by harbour-master captain Triantafillos Papaioannou he informed the prosecutor's office which decided the confiscation of the cargo and ordered an investigation on the case. However, a different explanation was given by sublieutenant Alexandros Manzourakis who stated to MPA that the guns were temporarily stopped at the port for red tape reasons because the necessary documents that should have accompanied the cargo were missing. He added that those containers belong to the NATO rapid intervention force which will be deployed in FYROM via Thessaloniki in order to intervene in Kossovo if necessary. A military source gave yet a different explanation responding to a question by MPA and mentioned that in each of the 18 containers are 2 fire arms built in the 60s which are part of the US aid to FYROM and are being sent to Skopje for training purposes. However, this cargo was not accompanied by the documents issued by the ministries of national defense and public order every time weapons pass through Greek territory, even transit, and for this reason the cargo was stopped at the port of Thessaloniki. According to the same source, a permit allowing the guns to be transported to FYROM is expected to be issued within the day as soon as the necessary documents are received by Thessaloniki's port authorities. [04] STATEMENTS BY PANGALOS ON THE S-300Web Posted: 17:14 GMT+2Athens, 05/01/1999 (MPA) Greek foreign minister Theodoros Pangalos characterized as inaccurate and exaggerated the statements made lately both by governing socialist party of PASOK members and Cypriot political parties' representatives concerning the Russian S-300 anti-aircraft missiles and involving himself as well as undersecretary of foreign affairs Yiannos Kranidiotis.The foreign minister said that foreign policy issues should not be used for political party purposes and characterized as a mistake the dispute created over the non installation of the Russian missiles in Cyprus. [B] BALKANS[05] THE TURKISH ARMY WANTS A STABLE GOVERNMENTWeb Posted: 17:16 GMT+2Ankara, 05/01/1999 (MPA) The leadership of the Turkish armed forces issued an announcement calling for a stable government to be formed as soon as possible.Meanwhile, the confusion continues in the country over who will be the members of the new government. Ms. Tansu Ciller announced that she will back the efforts to form a coalition government which will not include the Islamists. Yesterday, prime minister designate Yalim Erez stated that the members of the new cabinet will be announced before the end of the week. 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/Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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