Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 02-02-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] US AMBASSADOR ASKS FOR TERRORIST ARRESTS

[02] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER VISITED BULGARIA

[03] BRITISH-GERMANS FLIRTING WITH GREECE

[04] INTERNATIONAL CARDIOLOGY CONFERENCE IN THESSALONIKI

[05] DORA BAKOYIANNI IS THE MOST LIKELY ND CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR OF ATHENS

[06] VENIZELOS AND CHRISTODOULAKIS ON THE SO-CALLED ROYAL PROPERTY

[07] GAINS IN THE ASE

[08] THE AEGEAN MINISTER WILL VISIT JOHANNESBURG

[09] THE INFORMATION ON MILOSEVIC'S BANK ACCOUNTS IN GREECE WILL BE SENT TO

[10] MEDIA CONFLICT OWNERSHIP

[11] SIMITIS-STEFANOPOULOS MEETING

[12] PIANIST BERNARD RINGEISSEN IN THESSALONIKI

[13] KOSTUNICA SIGNS FOR OLYMPIC TRUCE

[14] PAPANTONIOU VISIT TO BULGARIA

[01] US AMBASSADOR ASKS FOR TERRORIST ARRESTS

US Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller, asked for terrorist suspect arrests, at a meal held in honor of the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents.

Mr. Miller expressed the US government's appreciation for the help offered by Athens in the international struggle, stressing that to get results in the battle against terrorism there must be arrests and prosecutions.

Mr. Miller praised the good level of bilateral relations, while he referred to Greek-American relations of the recent past.

Regarding the Olympics, he stressed that his county's role in them will only be supportive.

Mr. Miller mentioned the Cyprus issue developments, he characterized the direct discussions between Mr. Cleridis and Mr. Denktash as useful and positive, but he avoided making any predictions as to what the ending will be.

On Greek Turkish relations he stated that the atmosphere that has been created between the two countries is much healthier, and the creation of communication channels is very encouraging.

[02] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER VISITED BULGARIA

Greek National Defense Minister Giorgos Papantoniou's visited the staff of the Multinational Peacekeeping Powers of Southeastern Europe in Plovdiv, in the end of his two-day official visit to the Bulgaria.

Mr. Papantoniou was informed of the Balkan brigade's mission by the heads of staff. Beginning in September, a Greek brigadier will take over command.

The Minister expressed his satisfaction at the excellent training and the high readiness of the multinational Brigade, which is ready to take humanitarian action if the need arises.

"I believe we have should support them and that is exactly what I told the commander and the officers here, that they will have my full support in both material and other goods, so that they may be able to complete their difficult, and quite delicate mission", he noted.

[03] BRITISH-GERMANS FLIRTING WITH GREECE

Greece is the second most preferable vacation destination of the two most important sources of tourism in Europe, England and Germany.

Data from the World Tourism Organization, processed by Arthur Andersen for SETE (Association of Greek Tourist Enterprises), showed that in the year 2000, Greece attracted 2.45 million German tourists and 2.43 million British tourists, while it holds the same position in the Austrian market, after attracting 501,000 Austrians.

The first most preferred tourist destination of most countries is Spain, followed by Portugal, Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt.

Part of the main data showed that the Russia has also entered the tourist market, showing great interest in Turkey and Cyprus.

It should be noted that the Arthur Andersen study is expected to be presented on February 28, at a special meeting on "Tourism & Development: A Strategic Approach".

[04] INTERNATIONAL CARDIOLOGY CONFERENCE IN THESSALONIKI

The latest achievement in medicine and specifically in the area of cardiology will be presented in the New Trends in Cardiology International Conference that will be held in Thessaloniki on March 1 and 2.

The conference will be held in cooperation with leading European cardiology centers and with the participation of 57 speakers from Greece, Britain, France, the United States, Germany, Holland, Italy, Switzerland and Yugoslavia.

[05] DORA BAKOYIANNI IS THE MOST LIKELY ND CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR OF ATHENS

According to press information, parliament deputy Dora Bakoyianni is the most likely right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy candidate for mayor of Athens but party leader Kostas Karamanlis has not decided yet on the time he will make the formal announcement.

New Democracy press representative Theodoros Rousopoulos stated that no decision has been made yet and there is no reason to hurry. However, party officials maintain that the candidature of Ms. Bakoyianni should be regarded as certain.

[06] VENIZELOS AND CHRISTODOULAKIS ON THE SO-CALLED ROYAL PROPERTY

The issue of the so-called royal property cannot be dealt with by using simple juridical criteria, stated Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos after the cabinet meeting held under the presidency of Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.

During the meeting, Minister of Finance Nikos Christodoulakis briefed the cabinet on the legal procedure concerning the so-called royal property. After the meeting, Mr. Christodoulakis said that the former King seeks to win a European Court ruling which in effect will be against the Greek tax payers.

[07] GAINS IN THE ASE

Marginal gains were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index rose to +0.01% at 2.494,01 points, while the volume of transactions was at 86 million Euro.

Of the stocks trading today, 172 recorded gains and 107 had losses, while the value of 92 stocks remained unchanged.

[08] THE AEGEAN MINISTER WILL VISIT JOHANNESBURG

Aegean Minister Nikos Sifounakis will visit Johannesburg, South Africa tomorrow accompanied by parliament deputy Franglinos Papadelis. Their visit will last until February 19.

The trip is placed within the framework of the materialization of the Aegean Ministry action plan aimed at strengthening Greece's relations with the Greeks living in South Africa.

During his stay in Johannesburg, Mr. Sifounakis will have formal meetings with local administration representatives, the Christian Orthodox Church and Greek community associations.

[09] THE INFORMATION ON MILOSEVIC'S BANK ACCOUNTS IN GREECE WILL BE SENT TO THE HAGUE

The Greek Foreign Ministry very soon will send to the War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague, via the diplomatic route, the information concerning the bank accounts of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.

Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis clarified that the information gathered has not been evaluated as The Hague Tribunal has the specific authority.

Meanwhile, the members of the committee made up of PASOK, Communist Party and Coalition of the Left parliament deputies will visit the UN delegation offices in Athens tomorrow in view of their imminent visit to the former Yugoslav President who is held in The Hague prisons.

[10] MEDIA CONFLICT OWNERSHIP

The law on mass media was discussed in today's Cabinet Meeting, presided over by the Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis. The government's proposal on the issue of the "major stockholder" in the media, foresees that any individual holding more than 5% of the stock in any form of media is considered a major stockholder.

In presenting the government's policy on the media, the Prime Minister pointed out that it is based on the "transparency, legality and quality" triptych, and he added that all forms of media must regard their service with freedom and responsibility.

On the other hand, New Democracy continues to support the full nomination of stocks of the participating mass media, public works and provisions companies, and the incompatibility between them. This would forbid mass media owners or major stockholders from holding positions, which they could then promote through that form of media.

New Democracy spokesperson Th. Roussopoulos, commented on the accusations of the government spokesperson, that New Democracy refused to participate in the discussion on the media. Th. Roussopoulos admitted that Mr. Protopapas sent a relating letter - inviting the President of New Democracy in the beginning of December, for a discussion on the Constitution Article regarding the "major stockholder" and the media. He stressed, however, that on the same day they had answered that "ND had disagreed with the Constitution paragraph in question and the adopting of the unacceptable concept of the "major stockholder". We disagreed because we do not believe it secures transparency and it leaves institutional loop holes open. Thus, it is obvious that any discussions on the preparation of such an executive law cannot meet ND's basic position on the institutional armament of the state, and the upgrading of the substance and quality of Democracy in Greece"

[11] SIMITIS-STEFANOPOULOS MEETING

Developments on Cyprus issue, and other interior and foreign policy affairs were discussed by Prime Minister Simitis and President of the Republic Kostis Stefanopoulos, during their meeting this morning.

Immediately following their meeting, Mr. Simitis madde the following statemetn to the press:

"Our discussion with the President, Mr. Stefanopoulos, as always during our regular meetings, regarded developments in interior and foreign policy, progress related to the economy and the various issues under discussion in Greek society at present.

As far as foreign policy issues are concerned, I would like to point out the developments in the Cyprus issue. Discussions are progressing, but there is no definite answer at this point on whether or not there have been any positive developments.

Nonetheless, Greece, Cyprus, anyone else interested in Cyprus' participation in the European Union and solving the political problem, must prove, throughout this course, that they are steadily aiming at applying the decisions of the United Nations, International Law and have the right on their side.

This issue was discussed at the last Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the European Union, as well as when I visited Brussels. I believe that the atmosphere is positive as far as our strategy is concerned, we must follow the same course of action we have done so far on this issue.

Regarding issues of the interior, I would like to stress that the government is dealing with the major issues and problems of the Greek people decisively, just as it is occupied, concerned, and looks to the everyday problems that trouble our people."

[12] PIANIST BERNARD RINGEISSEN IN THESSALONIKI

Internationally acclaimed French pianist Bernard Ringeissen will be a guest of the Thessaloniki Orchestra(KOTh), at a concert to take place on Friday, February 15, at the Thessaloniki "Megaro" Music Hall. The famous musician will perform Brahms 2nd Concerto for piano and orchestra in si flat major.

The concert's program includes the first performance of Arnold Schoenberg's "Transfigured night".

[13] KOSTUNICA SIGNS FOR OLYMPIC TRUCE

Yugoslav President Voislav Kostunica signed the "Declaration of Distinguished Individuals for the Olympic Truce", which was brought by MP of the Coalition of the Left, Maria Damanaki, during her visit to Belgrade.

"It is important to show the world that the Balkans are not just a source of strife, that they can also be countries cooperating for peace, cooperating for a better future", stated Mrs. Damanaki, after her meeting with the Yugoslavian President.

She also stressed that she found that Yugoslavian's displayed great interest in the Athens Olympics.

The Greek delegation in Skopje and Pristina, cities visited yesterday by Mrs. Damanaki, got a positive answer. The "Distinguished Individuals' Declaration for the Olympic Truce" was signed by the President of FYROM, Boris Trajkofski and Ibraim Rugova.

[14] PAPANTONIOU VISIT TO BULGARIA

Minister of National Defense Giorgos Papantoniou's visit to Bulgaria, during which he met with the Bulgarian Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, will be completed today.

Referring to Bulgaria's accession to NATO, Mr. Papantoniou stated that Greece "supports the accession of Bulgaria, as well as that of Romania, because it believes that this will strengthen the Southeastern Wing of NATO, which Greece is a part of". He also noted that: "The Balkans have many problems and threats in the sector of security. We believe that with Greece and Bulgaria both as members NATO, they will be able to cooperate more effectively in order to deal with these problems".

He also repeated "the willingness of the Greek government to strengthen this cooperation even more, in the framework of further harmonizing the function of the Bulgarian Armed Forces' organization, as well as their equipment, according to NATO". This framework includes the presence of a Greek military advisor in Sofia, who, according to the Bulgarian Minister of Defense "will give advice regarding compatibility, regarding our accession to NATO", while regarding the information made public that 5 Turkish F-16 fighter aircraft will be sent to Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Minister stated that he had no information in that issue.

After Mr. Papantoniou's meeting with Prime Minister Simeon Saxecoburggotski, he stated that "as a member of the EU and NATO, Bulgaria will be able to cooperate more effectively with Greece, both in the sector of Defense, as well as in the financial and political sector". As he mentioned they also discussed the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline, and ascertained a common wish and ambition of seeing this work becoming a reality, since "it is of great interest to both countries to realize this work for financial, as well as broader geopolitical reasons".

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