Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 00-04-17

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From: The Macedonian Press Agency at http://www.mpa.gr and http://www.hri.org/MPA.

CONTENTS

[01] "THESSALONIKI-SKOPJE: TWO HOURS TOGETHER" FROM ERT3 AND MRTV

[02] THE CONSUMPTION OF BOTTLED WATER IS ON THE RISE

[03] THE CONSTRUCTION WORK AT THESSALONIKI'S WATERFRONT WILL LAST TWO MONTHS

[04] OPPORTUNITIES STEMMING FROM THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN THE BALKANS

[05] FREE FALL OF 9.17% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

[06] PAPANDREOU-PERES MEETING

[07] KASTORIA FUR TRADE SHOW DEEMED A SUCCESS

[08] GREEK FM WELCOMES DENKTASHS DESIRE TO MEET

[09] GREEK-TURKISH LOW POLICY TALKS BEGIN IN ATHENS

[10] GREEK, TURKISH MAYORS NETWORK TO BE FORMED

[11] ANKARA: A PREFECT ATTEMPTED TO CREATE AN INCIDENT WITH GREECE

[12] AGREEMENT ON THE GOTSE DELTSEV-DRAMAS BORDER CROSSING

[13] CYPRUS DIKO PARTY PRESIDENT WONT RUN AGAIN

[14] ILLEGAL TRADE OF WORKS OF ART IN BRITAIN

[15] GERMANY IS CONCERNED OVER THE GREEK SUPREME COURT DECISION ON THE NAZI

[16] INDIA WANTS BRITAIN TO RETURN THE DIAMOND THAT DECORATES THE CROWN OF

[01] "THESSALONIKI-SKOPJE: TWO HOURS TOGETHER" FROM ERT3 AND MRTV

"Thessaloniki-Skopje: Two hours together" was the title of the joint television show produced by Greece and FYROM that was aired after a cooperation between the Greek state television ERT3 and the Skopje MRTV state television.

The show was broadcast simultaneously by the two state television stations last night and its producers attempted to record the artistic life in Thessaloniki and Skopje

MRTV general director Ljupco Yakimovski stated that once again it was proved that television as a modern technological means offers the opportunity for communication and cooperation.

From his side, ERT3 general director Michalis Alexandridis underlined the crucial and decisive role of television within the framework of the consolidation of friendship between Greece and FYROM. He said that there can be no cooperation if there is no communication which is the precondition for the development of understanding and tolerance which are also preconditions for cooperation.

Mr. Alexandridis emphasized the production and broadcast of television news bulletins in the Albanian and the Russian languages which are directed to the economic immigrants living in Greece, while he also referred to the cooperation of ERT3 with other Balkan televisions within the framework of the "Balkan TV Magazine".

He also said that ERT3 is the most technologically updated television station in Greece, while its radio stations have the most modern digital equipment in the Balkans.

[02] THE CONSUMPTION OF BOTTLED WATER IS ON THE RISE

The Greek market of bottled drinking water is on the course of development overcoming the temporary decline observed in the 1994-1996 period. Indicative of the trend is that in the period of 1996-99 the quantity of bottled water that was consumed in Greece presented an annual increase of 11.05%.

In 1999, the consumption of bottled water reached 477 million liters or 45 liters per person, compared to just 13 liters per capita in 1998, according to a new study by the Industrial Organization Unit.

Based on the study, 65-70% of the bottled water is consumed in Greece in the period from April to September and 40% of it in the hot summer months.

[03] THE CONSTRUCTION WORK AT THESSALONIKI'S WATERFRONT WILL LAST TWO MONTHS

Thessaloniki's waterfront is slowly sinking in the sea as a result of the erosion suffered by the subsoil.

Thessaloniki's Port Authority divers located four large underground caves that were created by old pipe lines. The divers concluded that those caves and the extensive pollution of Thermaikos Bay by industry wastes are responsible for the fact that the waterfront appears sinking.

The construction works for the restoration of the damages are estimated to last two months, while according to specialists, there is no danger whatsoever for the apartment buildings near the waterfront and the White Tower, as the subsoil is very firm.

[04] OPPORTUNITIES STEMMING FROM THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN THE BALKANS

The gradual recovery of the Balkan and the Black Sea economies will create significant opportunities for the development of new business activities on behalf of Greek businesses as it was stressed in the one-day conference on the Black Sea Business Day that was held in Athens within the framework of the annual meeting of the governors of the Black Sea Commerce and Development Bank.

Speaking in the one-day conference newly appointed undersecretary of national economy, Yiannis Zafiropoulos underlined the interest of the Greek government in the region's development and stated that the investments of Greek capital in the countries of the wider region place Greece among the five biggest investment partners. He said that the sectors of telecommunications, advanced services, money and credit services, constructions, food and beverages, constitute important business opportunities.

He also underlined the importance of the commitment of all the countries in the region to the principles of stability, border preservation and the respect of democratic institutions, adding that in a different case it will be impossible to attract investments that will contribute positively to a coordinated reconstruction effort.

The conference was attended by ministers of the Black Sea Commerce and Development Bank countries, business executives, bank governors, presidents of organizations and university professors.

[05] FREE FALL OF 9.17% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

The Athens Stock Exchange closed with extensive losses of 9.17% at 4.064,85 points, while the volume of transactions was at 144.3 billion drachmas.

Investors have focused their attention on the Wall Street opening in New York, pointing out that a new decline could provoke the so-called "Domino effect", sweeping along with it all the stock markets in the world.

The free fall in the Athens Stock Exchange has caused headaches to the economic staff of the Greek government which looks for a way out of the crisis through measures of institutional nature.

Referring to the losses recorded today in the Athens Stock Exchange, Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stressed that there is a crisis in the international stock market and the Athens Stock Exchange is impossible to be unaffected, adding that the firm position of the government is to shield the stock market and undertake specific initiatives.

[06] PAPANDREOU-PERES MEETING

Former prime minister of Israel and currently minister of regional cooperation Simon Peres met with Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou in Athens.

Mr. Peres, who is on a two-day visit to Greece, discussed with Mr. Papandreou the course of the peace process in the Middle East and bilateral relations issues. From his side, the Greek foreign minister briefed the Israeli official on the developments in the Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem.

During his stay in Greece, Mr. Simon Peres will be the main speaker in a conference on the development of south-eastern Europe and eastern Mediterranean.

[07] KASTORIA FUR TRADE SHOW DEEMED A SUCCESS

Defying all naysayers, this year's 25th International Fur Exhibition in Kastoria was deemed a success, featuring over one thousand exhibitors who sold plenty of the luxurious overcoats to the visiting public.

With upgraded quality and panache-marked designs, this year's collection will covet its rightful notch in an ever-increasing international market.

The Chairman of the Kastoria Furriers Association Lazaros Fotiades stated that the support pledged to the sector by the state is significant, although it remains to be enforced.

The President of the Hellenic Republic Costis Stephanopoulos visited the exhibition and met with various furriers, along with the Undersecretary of Education Philippos Petsalnikos who is from Kastoria.

Canada's Ambassador to Greece David Hutton also visited the Fur Exhibition and later met with the city's mayor Dimitris Papoulides who briefed the former on the city's culture and tradition in fur production.

A.F.

[08] GREEK FM WELCOMES DENKTASHS DESIRE TO MEET

Greece's Foreign Minister George Papandreou has welcomed the Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's recently-expressed desire to meet with him.

Mr. Papandreou stated that "I will gladly meet with Mr. Denktash when we -as European citizens- will be able to cross Cyprus from end to end, without technical or other obstacles."

A.F.

[09] GREEK-TURKISH LOW POLICY TALKS BEGIN IN ATHENS

Low policy talks between Greek and Turkey got underway in Athens today, where delegations from both countries are focusing on bilateral cooperation in European Union programs.

To conclude tomorrow, the meeting is also to review European developments, the Inter-governmental Conference and issues related to the EU's expansion.

The Turkish delegation is to arrive in Thessaloniki tomorrow where it will visit the Center of International European Economic Law.

A.F.

[10] GREEK, TURKISH MAYORS NETWORK TO BE FORMED

A network comprising Greek and Turkish mayors in Thrace is to soon be established, while the two sides are to meet in Sapes where they will draw initiatives for the plan.

The recently-formed task group of Greek and Turkish mayors met in Ipsala last week and reviewed the respective countries' legislative and regulatory parameters pertaining to their action plan.

A.F.

[11] ANKARA: A PREFECT ATTEMPTED TO CREATE AN INCIDENT WITH GREECE

Ankara's prefect Yahia Gur attempted to turn into a diplomatic incident the Greek embassy's justified refusal to issue him a visa based on the fact that the Greek city of Komotini, where he was born, was referred to on his passport under the name Gumultzine. A Turkish foreign ministry official admitted that Turkey too has a similar stance in such cases namely, if the birthplace of a person is Istanbul and on his passport is mentioned as Constantinople the Turkish authorities refuse to issue him a visa.

The prefect of Ankara had requested a visa from the Greek embassy to attend the opening of the exhibitions organized by the Chambers of Commerce of Ankara and Athens to take place in the Greek capital on April 19-21. The embassy responded that a visa will be issued only if the prefect's place of birth is referred to as Komotini and not as Gumultzine. According to the Turkish newspaper "Hurriyet", Mr. Gur categorically refused to change the name of the city and decided not to go to Athens.

"Hurriyet" writes that the Turkish and the Greek foreign ministries work toward finding a solution to the crisis that was created by the incident and points out that the visa crisis will be resolved via diplomatic moves made through the telephone.

[12] AGREEMENT ON THE GOTSE DELTSEV-DRAMAS BORDER CROSSING

The agreement among Bulgaria, Greece and the European Union on the construction of the new border crossing of Gotse Deltsev-Dramas is expected to be signed next Wednesday.

The announcement was made by Bulgarian minister of regional development and land planning Evgeni Tsatsev from the southern Bulgarian city of Smolian and the new border crossing is expected to be ready in two years.

The opening of three new border crossings at the Bulgarian-Greek borders will be discussed in a Greek-Bulgarian meeting that will be held in Thessaloniki in May.

[13] CYPRUS DIKO PARTY PRESIDENT WONT RUN AGAIN

The President and founder of center right Democratic Party (DIKO), Spyros Kyprianou, announced today his intention not to re-run for the presidency of the party or the Republic, but to continue in his post as President of the House of Representatives until the conclusion of his term in office.

Mr. Kyprianou said he always believed in the need for renewal in the party and pledged to assist in every way he can the new leadership of the party he founded 24 years ago.

He explained he reached his decision not to re-run for DIKO presidency long ago and that it had nothing to do with his recent health problems, adding that "conditions are now suitable to make my decision final".

Referring to the presidency of the Republic, Kyprianou said he does not intend to stand as a candidate, but noted the next candidate for the presidency should come from DIKO and expressed hope that the party would manage to secure the necessary support from other ranks as well.

A.F.

[14] ILLEGAL TRADE OF WORKS OF ART IN BRITAIN

A group of specialists that will examine the illegal trade of works of art and antiquities, which is currently blooming in Britain, is expected to be formed next week, according to the London newspaper "Sunday Times".

Among the specialists that will make up the team will be culture undersecretary Alan Howarth and Cambridge University professor Lord Renfrew.

The newspaper report under the headline "London at the center of world trade of stolen antiquities", presents the views of specialists according to which, the illegal trade of stolen antiquities is on the rise in the British capital.

[15] GERMANY IS CONCERNED OVER THE GREEK SUPREME COURT DECISION ON THE NAZI VICTIMS REPARATIONS

The recent decision issued by the plenary session of the Greek Supreme Court, ratifying the jurisdiction of the Greek courts to try Nazi victim cases in Greece, has caused the concern of the German government.

The Greek Supreme Court ratified an earlier decision issued by a court in the Greek city of Livadia on October 1997 based on which, the German government will have to pay the sum of 56.5 million DM as compensation to the survivors and relatives of the victims of the Nazi atrocities.

The German newspaper "Frankfurter Rundschau" writes that Graf Lambsdorff, head of the German team negotiating with the US side on the controversial issue of the war reparations, stated that the Greek Supreme Court decision in favor of the victims of the massacre committed by Wehrmacht at the village of Distomo will not play any direct role. However, he stressed that it could provoke a discussion that could hurt the German interests in the long run.

The newspaper points out that officials close to Lambsdorff believe that there is a risk for other countries such as, Italy and Yugoslavia, to be encouraged as well and raise similar demands.

According to the newspaper, the German government intends to examine the Greek Supreme Court decision and the grounds on which it was reached, while it also expects to hear the position of the Greek government on the issue.

[16] INDIA WANTS BRITAIN TO RETURN THE DIAMOND THAT DECORATES THE CROWN OF THE QUEEN MOTHER

India has submitted a request to the British government asking for the return of an ancient treasure, the famous Koh-i-noor diamond, decorating the crown of the Queen Mother.

According to the British newspaper "Sunday Telegraph", India also demands back other archaeological treasures as well.

The newspaper points out that after the news that a special British parliament committee is likely to examine the demand for the return of foreign antiquities to their countries of origin such as, Greece's Parthenon Marbles, India's demand got a new boost.

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