Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2001-01-24
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, January 24, 2001
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
TITLES
[01] GREEK COMMUNIST PARTY SG TO MEET WITH MILOSEVIC
[02] GREEK PRESIDENT MEETS WITH ITALIAN COUNTERPART
[03] GREEK PRESIDENT SPEAKS TO CORRIERE DE LA SERRA
[04] PM: "TURKEY CAN'T ENTER EU THROUGH BACK DOOR"
[05] GREEK FM ON ELECTION OF JERUSALEM PATRIARCH
[06] GREEK PRESIDENT TO BE RECEIVED BY THE POPE
[07] FM: GREECE IS PRO-ECOLOGY, NOT LIABLE FOR DU USE
[08] GREECE AMONG BULGARIA'S TOP FOREIGN INVESTORS
[09] JUSTICE MINISTER OKs DNA TESTS FOR SERIOUS CRIMES
[10] SEVEN BANKS OFFER A 70 BILLION DRACHMAS LOAN TO OLYMPIC
AIRWAYS
[11] YOUNG PEOPLE OF GREEK ORIGIN FROM THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE ARE
IN THESSALONIKI
[12] OTE-OKTA-INTERAMERICAN ARE INTERESTED IN THE 2ND GSM LICENSE
IN FYROM
[13] NEW LOSSES IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
[14] NATO'S MILITARY COMMANDER IN EUROPE IS VISITING ATHENS
[15] REPPAS' STATEMENTS ON THE NANO-KOSTUNICA MEETING IN ATHENS
[16] SEAN CONNERY AND HIS WIFE VISITED THE ANCIENT THEATER OF
DIONYSOS
[17] THE GREEK ECONOMY FOLLOWS AN UPWARD COURSE
[18] DIMOCRITOS RESEARCH CENTER: NORMAL RADIATION LEVELS IN GREECE
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[19] EXHIBITION IN STRASBOURG ON THE HOLOCAUST OF THE GREEK JEWS
[20] SPAIN BACKS THE SOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS PROBLEM
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] GREEK COMMUNIST PARTY SG TO MEET WITH MILOSEVIC
The Secretary-General of the Greek Communist party (KKE)
Aleka Paparega is to meet with the former president of Yugoslavia
Slobodan Milosevic today, the first day of her official, four-day
visit to F.R.Y.
Heading a KKE delegation, Ms. Paparega will meet with
officials from the Serb Socialist Party, the Yugoslav Left Party
and the New Communist Party of Yugoslavia to discuss ways of
developing the "action of the Balkan anti-NATO center" and events
in March 2001 marking the second anniversary of the NATO campaign
in Yugoslavia.
The KKE officials will also participate in rallies held at
Belgrade and Novi Sad, while they will also and visit hospitals as
well as refugees from Kosovo and the towns of Pancevo and Novi Sad
in northern Serbia.
According to a KKE announcement, the purpose of the visit is
to "convey the undiminished solidarity" of Greek communists to the
Yugoslav people and their struggle for "national independence, a
Balkans of peace and cooperation, without NATO and nuclear arms."
[02] GREEK PRESIDENT MEETS WITH ITALIAN COUNTERPART
The President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos
is presently on an official visit to Italy, the first conducted
by a Greek president during the past 18 years, at the invitation
of his Italian counterpart Carlo Ciampi.
Heading a delegation that includes Deputy Foreign Minister
Grigoris Niotis and Deputy Economy Minister Yiannis Zafeiropoulos,
President Stephanopoulos was received by his Italian counterpart
with whom he discussed bilateral relations, the situation in the
Balkan region, Greek-Italian collaboration in combating terrorism
and cultural cooperation.
During their talks, which reaffirmed the bond of friendship
and cooperation between the two countries, the Italian leader
pointed out the common ground and aims of the two Mediterranean
European Union member-states, regarding the Balkans and the Middle
East.
Specifically, President Ciampi urged the strengthening of
bilateral cooperation in the Balkans' inclusion to Europe, which
he termed as a "historical responsibility".
"In the Balkans, we have for some time now jointly undertaken
an effort to stabilize the tortured region, both on a European and
an Atlantic level," he stated.
In turn, President Stephanopoulos noted that both countries'
Mediterranean character determined their historical course and
still determines today a basic field of their cooperation.
"This cooperation is a strong element for securing
prosperity, political stability and peace in that region of
Europe," President Stephanopoulos stated, adding that "the
participation of our countries in the European Union and NATO
shows the focus of both peoples on the ideals of democracy,
freedom and the rule of law."
He also added that "the European Union should decide on its
future form in order to serve the international role that befits
its history and culture".
Stressing that integration will facilitate the EU's
enlargement and will render it more effective, the Greek President
added that "Europe will not integrate if we do not succeed in our
efforts for more social justice, confrontation of unemployment and
economic stability. It is also important that we soon achieve a
common foreign, security and defense policy, which will of course
be based on the rule of international law.
"Such principles offer the framework of legality for the
relations between countries and contribute to the resolution of
tensions, international crisis and problems, such as the Cyprus
problem."
Prior to his meeting with President Ciampi, Mr.
Stephanopoulos participated in an economic forum organized by the
Union of Italian Industrialists with the participation of Greek
and Italian businessmen.
[03] GREEK PRESIDENT SPEAKS TO CORRIERE DE LA SERRA
in an article titled "Greece wants a strong joint European
Union foreign policy, so as to stabilize the euro," the Italian
daily Corriere de la Serra features a lengthy interview of Greek
President Kostis Stephanopoulos, in light of his present visit to
Italy.
The article notes that President Stephanopoulos is a very
popular figure in Greece, one who did not hesitate conveying to
former US President Bill Clinton -during the latter's visit to
Athens- the Greeks' sentiment over support provided by the US to
the seven-year junta. The Greek President's poignant remark, the
paper comments, resulted in the US leader's apologies for mistakes
of the past.
During the interview, President Stephanopoulos discussed
Greece's course into the eurozone and referred to his Italian
counterpart Carlo Ciampi whom he hailed as one of Europe's
visionaries.
President Stephanopoulos also discussed Greek-Italian
relations, the course of the European Union and Greece's positions
on that course, Greek-Turkish relations and the possibility of
Pope's visit to Greece.
Referring to the eurozone, the President stated that "the
euro is a currency whose strength will depend on the ability to
continually improve the policies and social structural functions
of the Union. For this reason it is necessary to achieve and
develop a joint foreign and a defense policy, since economic
stability is not secured without the ability to intervene in
international crisis that are important to the Union's interests,"
he said.
Regarding Greek-Turkish relations, President Stephanopoulos
said that Greece has repeatedly expressed its will to have good
neighborly relations with Turkey, based on the principles and
international law that have determined the region's status quo
since the beginning of the 20th century.
As for the Cyprus problem, President Stephanopoulos said that
it has a direct impact on Greek-Turkish relations.
"It is not possible for essential progress to be made, if
conditions in Cyprus remain as is," he stressed.
[04] PM: "TURKEY CAN'T ENTER EU THROUGH BACK DOOR"
"Turkey's accession to the European Union through the back
door is unfathomable", Prime Minister Costas Simitis stated
yesterday, during a parliamentary discussion on EU-related issues.
The Premier stressed that "Turkey, through its associate-
status with the EU, is faced with its responsibilities and is
obliged to respect the principles and criteria existent within the
EU, as is true for all the countries that are candidates for EU
accession. We want Turkey incorporated in the European system, but
no country aspiring to become an EU member can doubt the integrity
of another EU member-state and cannot occupy militarily the
territory of another candidate country. There is no other way to
accession."
Referring to Cyprus' accession course, the Premier said that
Greece steadily supports the EU's enlargement as a factor that
will contribute to stability in the continent, establish democracy
and individual rights, provide prosperity and social progress.
The Premier also referred to decisions taken at the EU Nice
summit, as well as the new treaty, which, he said, pave the way
for the accession of candidate countries to the EU.
Also, the Premier referred to the creation of a European
defense body with a military force of 60,000 soldiers ""o that it
will not be necessary for it to resort to factors outside Europe,
as was the case in the recent past."
Lastly, Mr. Simitis stated that a key target is the combating
of unemployment, stressing that "the central target of the new
strategy is full employment until 2010", as well as expedited
economic growth rates and the development of new technologies.
[05] GREEK FM ON ELECTION OF JERUSALEM PATRIARCH
The Greek Foreign Ministry's policy is one of principles and
not one of individuals, FM George Papandreou stated in reference
to the election process for the New Patriarch of Jerusalem, as the
throne became vacant when Patriarch Diodoros died.
Stressing that the Patriarchate's Greek Orthodox character
must be safeguarded, Mr. Papandreou stated that the Ministry is
closely watching the developments related to the election process.
"Without wanting to interfere with the election process, we
would like to see certain principles being upheld. This election
should secure the Greek Orthodox character of the Patriarchate,
its right to self-government and its autonomy. The new Patriarch
should contribute to strengthening the role of the Patriarchate in
the region, especially during this period of important
developments."
[06] GREEK PRESIDENT TO BE RECEIVED BY THE POPE
The President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos,
presently on an official, four-day visit to Italy, will be
received by Pope John Paul II at the Vatican this afternoon, the
first visit ever to be made to the Vatican by a Greek president.
This morning, President Stephanopoulos will visit the Italian
Senate and later will lay a wreath at the Monument of the Unknown
Soldier.
In the afternoon, the President will be received by Italian
Prime Minister Giuliano Amato for talks on bilateral and
international issues, as well as the situation in the Balkans. A
joint press conference will follow.
In the evening, President Stephanopoulos will be received by
Pope John Paul II and the Secretary of State of The Holy See
Cardinal Sodano.
[07] FM: GREECE IS PRO-ECOLOGY, NOT LIABLE FOR DU USE
Greece cannot be held accountable for the issue of depleted
uranium (DU) bombs at a time when it was a pioneer in examining
ecological and environmental repercussions, Foreign Minister
stated during his presentation of the Ministry's policies before
the Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee yesterday.
In a marathon, three-hour session, Mr. Papandreou stressed
that Greece was the first to diagnose, indicate and take measures,
adding that while the problem had indeed been detected, its extent
was unknown.
Moreover, the Foreign Minister also attributed
responsibilities to NATO for failing to immediately notify the
United Nations on weapons which had been used during Yugoslavia's
bombing, stressing that Greece did not take part in the raids.
As for the Cyprus issue, Mr. Papandreou stated that Turkey's
lack of will to resolve the problem will have grave repercussions
regarding its accession course towards the European Union. In
response to a deputy's question, the FM stated that a "casus
belli" still stands in the event Turkish forces advance into the
free territory of Cyprus.
Advocating the ideas of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, i.e.
Cyprus as an "undivided and federal" state, Mr. Papandreou ruled
out the solution of a confederation.
Regarding the issue of FYROM's name, Mr. Papandreou said
Greece has not accepted another name, adding that "FYROM knows
that its further development cannot be promoted unless the problem
is resolved."
[08] GREECE AMONG BULGARIA'S TOP FOREIGN INVESTORS
Greece is leading foreign investments in Bulgaria, topping
even those from countries whose economies are stronger, according
to Greek Ambassador to Sofia Mihalis Christides who added that
this fact constitutes resounding proof of the Greek investors'
increased trust in the neighboring country.
During a meeting with publishers and general directors of
Bulgarian media, the Ambassador stated that bilateral trade and
economic cooperation was very productive in 2000, at a time when
Greece is in either first or second place regarding investments in
Bulgaria.
[09] JUSTICE MINISTER OKs DNA TESTS FOR SERIOUS CRIMES
While DNA testing could be a useful criminal investigative
tool in grave crime cases, and be used even without the suspect's
consent, Justice Minister Mihalis Stathopoulos urges caution over
the prospect of using the obtained data for other purposes.
In an interview with the Athens daily "Eleftherotypia", Mr.
Stathopoulos stated that phone conversations can be wiretapped,
but only under a prosecutor's order. However, the Justice Minister
categorically ruled out the possibility of the said order being
issued by a policeman.
Moreover, the Minister stressed that there is impending
legislation aimed at combating organized crime, which will be
effective without violating the core of basic personal rights,
which are safeguarded by the constitution.
[10] SEVEN BANKS OFFER A 70 BILLION DRACHMAS LOAN TO OLYMPIC
AIRWAYS
The Greek airline Olympic Airways will have to choose among
seven bank offers concerning the 70 billion drachmas loan it wants
in order to cover its needs concerning its relocation to the new
"Eleftherios Venizelos" Airport at Spata.
The loan issue is being handled by a three-member committee
made up of two national economy ministry officials and the
airline's economic management general director.
The Greek state will be the guarantor for the loan after a
permission given to the Greek government by the European
Commission. Offers have been placed by BNP, Deutche Bank, ABN AMRO
BANK, Bayerische Vereinsbank, Credit Suisse, UBS and a Greek joint
venture made up of three banks. The evaluation of the offers will
be completed in the following days.
[11] YOUNG PEOPLE OF GREEK ORIGIN FROM THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE ARE
IN THESSALONIKI
Ninety six young people of Greek origin coming from
Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil and
South Africa arrived in Thessaloniki today as guests of the
general secretariat for the Greeks Living Abroad.
Young people, 18-25 years old, arrived in Athens on January 8
within the framework of the worldwide students' exchange program
organized by the general secretariat for the Greeks Living Abroad
in cooperation with Greek universities. The goal of this program
is to bring the Greeks living abroad in contact with the modern
Greek culture, help them learn more about tradition in Greece and
strengthen the relations among the young Greeks around the world.
[12] OTE-OKTA-INTERAMERICAN ARE INTERESTED IN THE 2ND GSM LICENSE
IN FYROM
Three businesses of Greek interests intend to claim the
second mobile phone service provider license in FYROM. According
to information, they are the Greek state Telecommunications
Organization, OTE, the OKTA oil refineries controlled by the
Hellenic Petroleum company and Interamerican.
Also, interested in the license are Hungary's MATAV,
MAKPETROL, the local telecommunications company PIKON and FYROM's
state-run Electricity Company. The list with the interested
companies is expected to become longer as the license will be
given by the end of 2001 putting an end to Mobimak's monopoly.
[13] NEW LOSSES IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
More losses were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today.
The general index was down by 0.99% at 3.032,85 points, while the
volume of transactions was small at 105.77 million Euro or 36.04
billion drachmas.
Of the stocks trading today, 146 recorded gains and 174 had
losses, while the value of 55 remained unchanged.
[14] NATO'S MILITARY COMMANDER IN EUROPE IS VISITING ATHENS
NATO's military commander in Europe Air Force general Joseph
Ralston promised a detailed briefing on the issue of the effects
from the use of depleted uranium during his meeting in Athens with
Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou. The American commander
of NATO, who is on a ceremonial visit to Greece, expressed the
view that the depleted uranium shells used in Kosovo will not put
at risk the health of the KFOR soldiers and the local population.
Mr. Ralston left open the likelihood for future use of such
shells for the protection of the NATO forces from enemy tanks. He
also stressed that there will be no decision on the withdrawal of
the US forces from Kosovo without prior consultations with the US
allies. NATO's military commander in Europe discussed with Mr.
Papandreou other issues as well such as the enlargement of NATO
and the holding of military exercises.
Earlier, Mr. Ralston, accompanied by US ambassador Nicholas
Burns, had met with defense minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos and
National Defense General Chief of Staff lieutenant general
Manousos Paragioudakis.
[15] REPPAS' STATEMENTS ON THE NANO-KOSTUNICA MEETING IN ATHENS
The meeting of Albanian Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano
with Yugoslav president Voislav Kostunica that took place in
Athens on January 16 was held at the initiative of the two leaders
themselves, stated Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas when
he was asked by reporters if there was a Greek involvement in the
meeting.
Mr. Reppas underlined that the Greek government has the will
to offer its assistance, adding that it has contributed in the
past and has offered all it could toward the direction of greater
communication and understanding among leaders and especially,
among the leaders in the region.
[16] SEAN CONNERY AND HIS WIFE VISITED THE ANCIENT THEATER OF
DIONYSOS
Famous actor Sean Connery and his wife visited the ancient
theater of Dionysos at the foothills of the Acropolis in Athens
this morning. Earlier, they had met with their friend music
composer Vangelis Papathanasiou.
The opening of the painting exhibition with works of Mr.
Connery's wife was held at a Votanikos gallery in Athens
yesterday. The opening of the exhibition was attended by many
personalities representing the arts and politics as well as, the
literary and business world.
[17] THE GREEK ECONOMY FOLLOWS AN UPWARD COURSE
The course of the Greek economy is good and this is
recognized by International Organizations, stated Greek government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas and added that the course followed by
the country's economy is upward and it will continue to be so in
the following years as well.
Referring to the tragic event of the suicide committed by an
investor, who was the director of an Alpha Bank branch in Pirgos,
southern Greece, he expressed his sorrow but suggested to all
those dealing with the stock exchange to follow the rules of the
market.
When asked to comment on the downward course of the Athens
Stock Exchange, the government spokesman reiterated that the
government does not interfere with its operation and suggested to
everybody to avoid such discussions because they offer bad
services. Finally, he admitted that, of course, there are certain
ones who undermine the operation of the stock market because they
think that they gain more, at least for a certain period of time,
when the stock market is on the decline.
[18] DIMOCRITOS RESEARCH CENTER: NORMAL RADIATION LEVELS IN GREECE
The radiation levels in Greece are normal, based on the
radiation counts conducted all over the country by the Dimocritos
Research Center network.
The network's scientists confirmed today that no radiation
increase was recorded, while there were no results of radiation
counts that could cause fear. The scientists also stated that it
is premature to link the leukemia cases with the use of depleted
uranium shells during the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia. It should be
noted that "Dimocritos" measures radiation in the air, water and
land since 1960.
The research center scientists also clarified that the
problem from the depleted uranium shells explosions is of a local
nature and is limited to a small distance from the explosion
points. On the shells that were used by the Greek Navy and are at
the bottom of the Aegean Sea, they stressed that they must be
located and all necessary measures must be taken.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[19] EXHIBITION IN STRASBOURG ON THE HOLOCAUST OF THE GREEK JEWS
An exhibition of photographs, documents and different objects
under the title "The Holocaust of the Greek Jews-Hunted and
Saviors" is organized at the Europe Building in Strasbourg to take
place on February 12-26. The event is organized by the Greek
ministry of press and mass media general secretariat on
information in cooperation with the Jewish Museum in Greece.
The goal of the exhibition is to make the history of the
Holocaust of the Greek Jews known to the European public and place
it within the framework of the long historic course of the Jews in
Greece. Also, among the main goals of the exhibition is to honor
the private individuals and different institutions that
contributed to the rescue of the hunted Jews.
[20] SPAIN BACKS THE SOLUTION OF THE CYPRUS PROBLEM
The Spanish foreign minister expressed his country's support
to the efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem, stressing
that it was created by the invasion of the Turkish forces to
Cyprus.
At the same time, he called on the Turkish Cypriot leader
Rauf Denktash to return to the proximity talks for a solution to
be found on the Cyprus issue based on the UN Security Council
resolutions.
Speaking to reporters in a press conference yesterday with
his Cypriot counterpart Yiannakis Kasoulides after the formal
talks they had in Madrid, the Spanish foreign minister referred to
Cyprus' EU accession prospect and said that it would be good to
complete the EU accession negotiations during the Spanish EU
presidency in the first half of 2002.
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