Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-05-24
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, May 24, 2000
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NEWS HEADLINES
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] GREEKS IRED OVER "TIME" ARTICLE ON GREECE
[02] PREMIER BRIEFS PRESIDENT ON NATIONAL ISSUES
[03] FUEL PRICES UP, BUT IT'S A WORLD-WIDE PHENOMENON
[04] CZECH REPUBLIC'S PM ARRIVES IN ATHENS TOMORROW
[05] "DYNAMIC MIX" EXERCISE PROCEEDS SMOOTHLY
[06] PARTHENON MARBLES CONFERENCE HEARS BOTH SIDES
[07] 1ST INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM IN THESSALONIKI
[08] DEFENSE MINISTER ON DYNAMIC MIX: EVERYTHING'S OK
[09] NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE POTENTIAL BUYER OF UBB
[10] THE MAJORITY OF STOCKS IN CERTAIN STATE-RUN COMPANIES WILL BE
SOLD TO INVESTORS
[11] THE EARTHQUAKE IN KALAMATA HAS NOT ALARMED THE SEISMOLOGISTS
[12] LOSSES OF 2.59% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
[13] THE BLACK SEA BANK WILL APPROVE TWO US$5.5 MILLION PROJECTS
[14] ASIA FORUM: VIEWS ON THE COURSE OF THE EUROPEAN MARKETS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[15] NATO FOREIGN MINISTERS HOLD SUMMIT IN ITALY
[16] EU COMMISSIONER DIAMANTOPOULOU IN CYPRUS
[17] C of E COMMITTEE VOWS TO ENFORCE LOIZIDOU RULING
[18] THE PEOPLE OF VLORE WILL BE THE FIRST TO RECEIVE A GREEK
HOUSING LOAN
[19] ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS VISITED IASIO IN ROMANIA
[20] THE AGRICULTURAL BANK OF GREECE WANTS TO BUYOUT THE ROMANIAN
BANCA AGRICOLA
[21] THE NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE IS THE FAVORITE TO BUYOUT THE
UNITED BULGARIAN BANK
[22] RECORD INCREASE IN THE TRADE TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN GREECE AND
ALBANIA IN 1999
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] GREEKS IRED OVER "TIME" ARTICLE ON GREECE
The Greek government has expressed its chagrin and ire over
the article published in "Time" magazine's latest issue which
accuses Greece of having "unlimited ineptitude" and a "lack of
political will" to combat terrorism.
Government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas slammed the article
as "unacceptable" and "provocative".
He stated that the article, in light of the upcoming tourist
period, is directly harming the country's interests and
characterized the US former officials quoted therein as
"monomaniacs, to the point of ridicule".
Mr. Reppas stressed that the Greek citizens are safe. "I wish
that citizens in all the countries of the so-called West were
equally safe," he added.
To drive the point home, Mr. Reppas, who referred to the
article's insinuations over security standards for the Athens-held
Olympics of 2004, made a thinly veiled reference to the Atlanta-
held Games of 1996 where two persons were killed and dozens
injured from a bomb explosion.
"Let's talk about real events, with victims, in previous
Games conducted in other countries, not Greece. Let's not talk
hypothetically, over what could happen at the Games of 2004.
Such comparisons are unacceptable and (as a Greek saying goes) we
don't talk about rope in a hanged man's home."
The article, by-lined by "Time"'s correspondent to Athens
Anthee Karassava, claims that Greece, "the cradle of democracy,
and a key NATO ally, is the home of anti-American terrorism."
It quotes former U.S. Embassy official Wayne Merry, now
with Washington's Atlantic Council, as having stated that "it's
not that
Greece has the world's worst terrorist problem. It's that
Greece has the world's worst counter-terrorism problem."
[02] PREMIER BRIEFS PRESIDENT ON NATIONAL ISSUES
Prime Minister Costas Simitis met with the President of the
Hellenic Republic Costis Stefanopoulos whom he briefed on current
political developments and the economy.
Following the meeting, the Premier expressed the hope that
Turkey would undertake initiatives which would consolidate
regional cooperation.
Referring to the 2004 Olympic Games, Mr. Simitis expressed
the certainty that any problems would be overcome and that the
Athens-held will be optimally organized.
Meanwhile, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas announced
that the vice-president of the "Athens 2004" organizing committee,
Niki Tzavela, has submitted her resignation for family reasons.
[03] FUEL PRICES UP, BUT IT'S A WORLD-WIDE PHENOMENON
Development Undersecretary Milena Apostolaki stated that the
rising fuel prices is a world-wide phenomenon. Referring to
yesterday's agreement for containing market prices, she said that
it is expected to be in enforcement for about a week.
As per the agreement reached between the refineries and oil
trade companies yesterday, the refineries will absorb 3.3 drachmas
and the companies 1 drachma.
Therefore, the retail price for gasoline will rise 9 to 10
drachmas per liter and 3 to 3.5 drachmas for diesel.
[04] CZECH REPUBLIC'S PM ARRIVES IN ATHENS TOMORROW
The Prime Minister of the Czech Republic, Milos Zeman, will
arrive in Athens tomorrow, embarking on a three-day, official
visit.
Mr. Zeman will hold talks with the President of the
Hellenic Republic Costis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas
Simitis, Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos and political party
leaders.
Messrs. Zeman and Simitis are expected to sign a series of
bilateral agreements.
The Czech Premier will also tour archaeological sites in
Athens and Crete, where he will arrive on Friday.
[05] "DYNAMIC MIX" EXERCISE PROCEEDS SMOOTHLY
The major NATO exercise "Dynamic Mix" is presently underway
in various regions of Greece, without major problems, albeit an
incident occurred yesterday when two Turkish fighter jets flew
near Leros and were intercepted by the Greek air force.
During "Dynamic Mix", NATO's land, air and naval forces will
come together under the Alliance's new structure for the first
time.
In addition to Greece and Turkey, the exercise features the
participation of Belgium, Germany, France, Denmark, the United
States, Britain, Italy, Spain, Hungary and Portugal.
[06] PARTHENON MARBLES CONFERENCE HEARS BOTH SIDES
Legal experts and archaeologists from the world over have
gathered in Athens to attend a conference titled "The claiming of
the Parthenon Marbles and the EU - an historical, cultural and
legal approach".
While the majority of the participants favor the return of
the ancient sculptures to the Parthenon, a Dutch academic upset
the Greek audience when he stated that gratitude should be given
to the British for having removed the works.
"Instead of depicting the British as robbers, they should be
thanked," Professor Anton van Hoof said, adding that "in London,
the Marbles had a lot more impact on European culture than had
they been in Athens."
The honorary president of the conference committee, film
director Jules Dassin, who was also the husband of the late Melina
Mercouri, took exception to Professor Van Hoof's argument and
also criticized other speakers for not being critical enough of
Lord Elgin - and the British Museum.
Among the most fervent supporters of the Sculptures' return
to the Parthenon are British historian William St. Clair and
Madrid University Professors, A. Martinez Dias and Jese Luis
Navarro, all of whom addressed the event.
"The Parthenon is Greece, Europe, western civilization,"
Professor Martinez-Diaz stated, while his colleague, professor
Navaro paraphrased the words of Greece's renowned poet Yannis
Ritsos when he poignantly said "These Marbles are yours and mine,
and no one can take them away."
The two-day conference is organized by the Center of European
Research and Studies Ioannis Kapodistrias and is held under the
auspices of the ministries of culture and press.
[07] 1ST INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM IN THESSALONIKI
Proposals for the Southeastern European countries' smooth
transition into a market economy are to be tabled during the First
International Economic Conference which gets underway in
Thessaloniki today at the University of Macedonia.
The four-day conference, organized by the Association of
Economic Universities (ASECU) of the countries of Southeast
Europe, will feature the participation of economists and academics
who discuss the recent economic developments and the problems
faced by economies in transition, particularly those of the former
East Bloc.
The event will also offer discussions on the economic
development of the region's countries, trade relations and
economic development, economic relations and the EU, the labor
market, economic stabilization policies, and institutional changes
and privatizations.
According to ASECU president and chairman of the conference's
organizing committee Professor Yannis Tsekouras, a former dean of
Macedonia University, representatives from 40 universities in SE
Europe and eminent economists from major international
organizations throughout the world are to participate.
Guest speakers include Harvard University professor Jeffrey
Sachs, considered the financial guru of many SE European
countries, deputy director of the Moscow-based Institute of
Economies in Transition's international affairs department Leonid
Todorov, and Chinese economist Qing Gong Yang.
Professor Sachs' address will be broadcast live to the
conference by satellite from his office at Harvard.
The conference is held under the auspices of the President of
the Hellenic Republic Costis Stephanopoulos and will feature the
participation of distinguished academics from forty Southeast
European universities, as well as representatives from the central
banks of Turkey and Hungary.
[08] DEFENSE MINISTER ON DYNAMIC MIX: EVERYTHING'S OK
NATO's massive land and sea exercise, code-named "Dynamic
Mix" is proceeding as planned at all levels, according to Greece's
Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos, who added that the
country's sovereign rights are ensured.
Following a meeting with the Prime Minister Costas Simitis
today, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that there is excellent
cooperation between the Greek and Turkish armed forces.
Messrs. Simitis and Tsochatzopoulos reportedly discussed the
state's priorities for the country's security and defense.
When asked to comment on the statements made by Turkey's
former chief of staff Adm. Erga, who spoke of demilitarizing the
Aegean islands, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos responded that "Greece's
position is clear. Accession to the European Union constitutes a
singular opportunity which, I think, Turkey will want to take
advantage of."
[09] NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE POTENTIAL BUYER OF UBB
The National Bank of Greece has been selected as a potential
buyer of the United Bulgarian Bank, according to Reuters.
As the wire service reported, the National Bank made the best
offer by far for the purchase of a majority stake in Bulgaria's
United Bank, and, according to banking circles, the deal could be
finalized by the end of the month.
While UBB has yet to confirm these reports, it does have 99
percent of its shares up for sale, a purchase also coveted by
Italy's Unicredito and Greece's Piraeus Bank.
United Bulgarian Bank is the country's first privatized
banking institution and the third largest.
[10] THE MAJORITY OF STOCKS IN CERTAIN STATE-RUN COMPANIES WILL BE
SOLD TO INVESTORS
Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis left open the likelihood
to sell to investors the majority of stocks of certain state-run
companies, while the state will maintain its control over them.
Mr. Simitis excluded the state-run electricity company where
the state will keep its control over the absolute majority of the
stocks. The prime minister stressed that there will be no new
taxes and all commitments regarding tax exemptions will be
respected. He also issued a strong recommendation to all
government ministries to keep all expenses within the limits of
their budget.
He pointed out that there is no problem in meeting the
criteria for the EMU accession and gave the assurance that the
good course of the economy, characterized by low inflation,
deficit and debt, will continue.
[11] THE EARTHQUAKE IN KALAMATA HAS NOT ALARMED THE SEISMOLOGISTS
Seismologists in Thessaloniki's Aristotle University
expressed the view that even with an earthquake bigger than 6 on
the Richter scale in the sea region south of Lakonia in the
Peloponese there will be no disaster in populated areas.
Geophysics Laboratory seismologist Vasilis Karakostas
commenting on the earthquake measuring 6 on the Richter scale that
was recorded at 8:40am today, 120 kilometers south of the city of
Kalamata, stated to Macedonian Press Agency that the earthquake's
epicenter is at the so-called "Greek Arc" and characterized it as
a usual phenomenon for an area with so high seismic activity.
The earthquake's epicenter is a long distance away from
populated areas, said Mr. Karakostas, adding that in October 1997
another earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale had occurred
in the same region without causing any damages in populated areas.
[12] LOSSES OF 2.59% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
Losses of 2.59% were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange
today and the general index was at 4.551,12 points.
The volume of transactions was at 191.2 billion drachmas. Of
the stocks trading today 314 recorded losses and 20 had gains.
[13] THE BLACK SEA BANK WILL APPROVE TWO US$5.5 MILLION PROJECTS
The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) board of
directors will approve two new US$5.5 million projects in the next
few weeks, stated to MPA its vice-president Daniela Bobeva on the
sidelines of the second day of the ASIA FORUM 2000 taking place in
Thessaloniki.
The first project with a budget of US$1.5 million is expected
to be signed with the Bank of Georgia and concerns pre-export
funding, while the second project with a budget of US$4 million
concerns the economic backing of medium sized businesses in three
Balkan states namely, Bulgaria, Romania and Albania.
The two new projects will be added to the 7 investment
projects that have already been approved by the BSTDB.
Furthermore, Ms. Bobeva reminded that the bank gives a
special emphasis to the funding of trade programs as with the
exception of Russia and up to a degree Azerbaidjan, most of the
Black Sea member-states have presented big deficits in the trade
transaction balance.
[14] ASIA FORUM: VIEWS ON THE COURSE OF THE EUROPEAN MARKETS
The view that the European markets will know a new blooming
period in the years to come, was expressed within the framework of
the ASIA FORUM 2000 by DE NEDERLANDSCHE BANK markets' department
deputy director Mr. Eloy W.Lindeijer. However, he stressed that
during this new period significant changes will be needed in the
structure of the stock markets which will enter a intensively
competitive environment as a result of the creation of the Euro-
zone.
Referring to the prospect of the unification of the European
stock markets that gradually becomes a reality with the
establishment of the EURONEXT and the preparations for the
creation of the INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE, Mr. Lindeijer stressed
that it is not clear yet which markets will dominate in Europe in
the future while at the same time, he clarified that probably they
will be the ones that offer the biggest liquidation and the lowest
transactions' cost.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[15] NATO FOREIGN MINISTERS HOLD SUMMIT IN ITALY
NATO's relations with the European Union and Russia, as well
as issues concerning the Balkans, Kosovo and Yugoslavia in
general, will be included in the daily agenda of the two-day
summit of the NATO foreign ministers which opens in Florence,
Italy today.
Foreign Minister George Papandreou will have a separate
meeting with his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem, within the
framework of the meeting.
[16] EU COMMISSIONER DIAMANTOPOULOU IN CYPRUS
The European Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs,
Anna Diamantopoulou, met with the President of the Parliament of
Cyprus Spyros Kyprianou, during her visit to Cyprus yesterday.
Following their meeting, Ms. Diamantopoulou expressed her
conviction that all necessary changes will have been made by 2002,
to bring Cyprus in line with European standards, in the social
sector, to ensure there were no obstacles for the island's
European Union accession.
In turn, Mr. Kyprianou expressed his optimism over the
island's accession course to the European Union.
[17] C of E COMMITTEE VOWS TO ENFORCE LOIZIDOU RULING
The execution of Court orders is very important and the
Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Parliamentary
Assembly of the Council of Europe has a responsibility to
implement Court rulings as well, Committee president Janson Gunnar
has said.
According to the Cyprus News Agency, the Finnish
deputy, in Cyprus attending a Committee meeting, said the
Committee maintains consistent pressure on the Committee of
Ministers of the C o E to ensure execution of judgments, and
warned against any waiving such executions, a move that would
jeopardize the credibility of the Council's legal system.
[18] THE PEOPLE OF VLORE WILL BE THE FIRST TO RECEIVE A GREEK
HOUSING LOAN
The people of Vlore in Albania will be the first to take
advantage of the Greek 5 billion drachmas loan allocated for the
housing of families that lost their houses when they invested in
the so-called "pyramid" banking schemes, stated regional governor
of Vlore Tare Hamo.
According to Mr. Hamo, at least 750 houses will be built in
the city of Vlore while the Greek loan will be used soon.
[19] ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS VISITED IASIO IN ROMANIA
Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All of Greece visited
Iasio within the framework of his visit to Romania. The mayor of
Iasio offered him the key of the city and the local university
declared him a honorary professor.
He also met with Metropolite Daniel of Moldavia and visited
the monasteries in the region where 90% of the population are
Orthodox Christians.
[20] THE AGRICULTURAL BANK OF GREECE WANTS TO BUYOUT THE ROMANIAN
BANCA AGRICOLA
The Agricultural Bank of Greece wants to take part in the
privatization of the Romanian Banca Agricola either by itself or
in cooperation with the American National Group and the Dutch
Rabobank, according to the Romanian newspaper "Adevarul".
The newspaper, citing reliable sources, mentions that the
Agricultural Bank of Greece has expressed its intention to buyout
30% of the share package of the Banca Agricola.
According to "Aderavul", a 56% of the package will be sold in
case in the privatization of Banca Agricola participate jointly
the Agricultural Bank of Greece Group and the US-Dutch banking
group.
[21] THE NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE IS THE FAVORITE TO BUYOUT THE
UNITED BULGARIAN BANK
The National Bank of Greece was chosen to be a prospective
buyer of the majority package of shares of the United Bulgarian
Bank, according to the news agency Reuters.
Based on the sources cited by the news agency, the National
Bank of Greece made the best offer and banking circles estimate
that the final agreement can be reached by the end of May.
However, the information was not formally confirmed by the United
Bulgarian Bank.
The bank offers for sale 99% of its shares and other
prospective buyers are the Italian Unicredito Bank and the Greek
Bank of Piraeus.
Recently, Unicredito Bank director Vittorio Boreli had stated
that his bank was going to withdraw its bid for the buyout of the
United Bulgarian Bank in case it won a bid for the buyout of the
biggest state Bulgarian bank, the "Bulbank". On May 10, the joint
venture of the Italian Unicredito and the German "Alianz" was
selected as a prospective buyer of the big Bulgarian bank.
[22] RECORD INCREASE IN THE TRADE TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN GREECE AND
ALBANIA IN 1999
The trade activity between Greece and Albania shows an upward
trend based on the latest figures provided by the Bank of Albania
according to which, the trade transactions between the two
countries are on the rise and Greece gets closer to Italy in
becoming Albania's main trade partner.
Based on the same figures, the total value of the trade
transactions between the two countries was over US$305 million in
1999, compared to 1998 when the Greek exports to Albania were
US$265 million and the imports were US$40 million.
Meanwhile, Athens and Tirana have signed a 3-year protocol of
cooperation in the sector of small and medium sized businesses
aimed at developing further the economic cooperation and the trade
ties between Greece and Albania.
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