Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 02-06-21

Macedonian Press Agency: Brief News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] KARAMANLIS-AZNAR DISCUSS EUROARMY

[02] CHILDREN TRY DRUGS BEFORE TURNING 14

[03] THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO ORDER THE DECK WORKERS BACK TO THEIR POSTS

[04] DECK WORKERS IN GREECE DECIDED TO CONTINUE THEIR STRIKE

[05] LUNCH IN HONOR OF NELSON MANDELA

[06] GAINS IN THE ASE

[07] THE MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT ON THE MINORITIES IN THE BALKANS

[08] ROMTELECOM-OTEGLOBE COOPERATION

[09] THE GREEK PRESIDENT WILL VISIT KAZAKHSTAN

[10] EURO-MEDITERRANEAN PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

[11] MR. STEFANOPOULOS IN KAZAKSTAN

[12] EUROARMY AND IMMIGRATION AT EU SUMMIT

[13] THE US SENATE BACKS CYPRUS' EU ACCESSION COURSE

[14] TURKEY REJECTS THE EU LEADERS' STANCE ON THE EURO-ARMY

[15] TOUGH CONSULTATIONS ON THE EURO-ARMY ISSUE

[16] NEED FOR A EUROPEAN POLICY ON IMMIGRATION

[01] KARAMANLIS-AZNAR DISCUSS EUROARMY

The President of New Democracy Kostas Karamanlis expressed his surprise during his meeting with the Spanish Prime Minister, Jose Maria Aznar, concerning proposals submitted by Greece for the amendment of the Ankara text on the Euroarmy.

I was surprised to learn from Mr. Aznar that the Greek Government has submitted proposals for the amendment of the Ankara text, and despite his commitment to me in writing, Mr. Simitis did not notify us. For obvious reasons I do not want to say more at this moment. We will talk about it in Athens though, stated Mr. Karamanlis.

The President of New Democracy stressed that he had a very useful conversation with the Prime Minister of Spain, on issues of mutual European interest, mainly concentrated on the Euroarmy.

For us, the Euroarmy issue is timely and of vital importance, firstly because we wish and support the need to create a joint European defense he stressed, explaining to Mr. Aznar the reasons for which the Ankara text cannot be accepted by Greece as is, and asked for its amendment.

Specifically, he mentioned that the major points that must be changed are article 2, that foresees that the Euroarmy will at no time and in no crisis turn against Turkey, leaving Greece with no cover in case of an attack from Turkey, and article 12, that foresees that Turkey a country that is not yet a member of the EU will have substantial say in even in autonomous actions of the Euroarmy in regions such as Cyprus and the Aegean.

In other words, we're letting the wolf look after the sheep, he said characteristically, stressing that he pointed out to Mr. Aznar that Greece is the only country in the EU that is confronted with an existing threat, and that with its form today, the Ankara text leaves Greece exposed in its major issue of security.

We at New Democracy, place national interest over all else. In fact, it is known that that the Euroarmy issue was first raised by us, long before the government decided to pay it the attention it deserved.

[02] CHILDREN TRY DRUGS BEFORE TURNING 14

Drug addicts first try drugs at an age younger than 14, both for boys and girls, while the first taste of heroin comes four years later, to end up seeking help to kick their addiction at the age of 24. This evidence was published by the Center for the Treatment of Addicted Individuals, the consultation centers of which helped more than 5,000 users in 2001, a figure increased by 7% since 2000.

The increase of unemployed women among the addicted individuals is also striking (70%), and women also go through the overuse stage to the addiction stage at a younger age.

[03] THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO ORDER THE DECK WORKERS BACK TO THEIR POSTS

The decision of the Greek deck workers to continue their strike for another 48 hours led the government to decide to order them back to their posts. The strikers will be called back through special marching orders delivered to them by the Merchant Marine Ministry, according to a statement by acting government spokesman Tilemachos Hitiris.

Mr. Hitiris stated that the government was open for dialogue and in essence met the demands of the strikers. He said that unfortunately, the Greek Deck Workers Federation chose to continue the strike that hurts the country's economy, tourism, trade and the people's freedom of movement.

[04] DECK WORKERS IN GREECE DECIDED TO CONTINUE THEIR STRIKE

The Greek Deck Workers Federation decided to continue their strike action for another 48 hours.

When asked to comment on the likelihood for the government to force the strikers to return to their posts, the federation's secretary Yiannis Halas stressed that the deck workers believe that such a decision is illegal. He also said that his colleagues will see it as an act of disdain toward both their struggle and the stance they had adopted so far.

Earlier, acting government spokesman Tilemachos Hitiris had stated that the government had approached the deck workers' demands in a positive way. He pointed out that if their union decides to continue the strike then the government will do its duty and protect the interests of the community.

[05] LUNCH IN HONOR OF NELSON MANDELA

A formal lunch in honor of former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, who has also received the Nobel Peace Prize, was given at noon today by Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos at the Presidential Building in Athens.

It should be noted that due to Mr. Mandela's ill health the scheduled for this afternoon sea cruise of the Greek islands was canceled for precautionary reasons.

[06] GAINS IN THE ASE

Gains were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index rose to +0.87% at 2.198,55 points, while the volume of transactions was at 105 million Euro or 35.7 billion drachmas.

Of the stocks trading today, the overwhelming majority of 201 recorded gains and 97 had losses, while the value of 75 stocks remained unchanged.

[07] THE MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT ON THE MINORITIES IN THE BALKANS

The importance of the economic development of the Balkan countries and the settlement of minority problems in the region, was underlined by Greek Minister of Development Akis Tsochatzopoulos speaking in the 2nd Euro-Mediterranean Conference on the Rights of Minorities.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos pointed out that the Balkan countries are a part of Europe that is being reconstructed and wishes to become a member of the European Union.

He also appeared optimistic regarding the materialization of the big step of the EU enlargement in 2003.

[08] ROMTELECOM-OTEGLOBE COOPERATION

The telecommunications companies ROMTELECOM and OTEGlobe announced their agreement to cooperate at a technological and trade level. Their cooperation is expected to contribute to the modernization of telecommunications in Romania.

The OTEGlobe, a member of the Greek Telecommunications Organization, OTE, Group offers telecommunications solutions both to big companies and to telecommunications companies in the Greek and international market through the international platform Data/IP which is in effect in 22 strategic points internationally.

[09] THE GREEK PRESIDENT WILL VISIT KAZAKHSTAN

Issues of bilateral cooperation, the development of trade and economic relations between Greece and Kazakhstan as well as, the ties with the Greeks living in this Asian country are expected to be promoted in the first formal visit of Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos to the country on June 25-27, 2002. President Stephanopoulos will visit Kazakhstan accompanied by Undersecretaries of Foreign Affairs Yiannis Magriotis and Andreas Loverdos.

The Greek President will meet with his Kazakh counterpart on June 26 and they will sign bilateral agreements. Also, Mr. Stephanopoulos will open a business forum held with the participation of the Greek businessmen who accompany him in the mission.

[10] EURO-MEDITERRANEAN PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY

The Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Forum will soon convene as Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly. The 4th Conference of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Forum took place in Bari, Italy on June 17-18 with the participation of 90 parliament deputies and Greece was represented by parliament deputies Phivos Ioannidis and Elsa Papadimitriou.

Among the issues discussed in the meeting were illegal immigration, the situation in the Middle East, the Cyprus issue and cooperation in the sectors of culture and education. The proposal of the Greek parliament deputies to hold the next meeting in Athens in the first half of 2003 was accepted.

[11] MR. STEFANOPOULOS IN KAZAKSTAN

President of the Republic Kostis Stefanopoulos will make an official three-day visit to Kazakstan on Tuesday June 25. He will be accompanied by deputy Foreign Ministers Andreas Loverdos and Giannis Magriotis.

[12] EUROARMY AND IMMIGRATION AT EU SUMMIT

The Euroarmy and illegal immigration are expected to be the main issues of discussion at today's works of the EU Summit Meeting in Seville, which will begin this afternoon instead of this morning, because many European leaders decided to watch the football match between England and Brazil, in which Brazil won 2-1.

In the last few hours, Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou and other members of the Greek delegation said the odds for an acceptable formula to be found on the Euroarmy issue, are increasing, while Minister of the Press Christos Protopapas left all possibilities open.

[13] THE US SENATE BACKS CYPRUS' EU ACCESSION COURSE

The proceedings of the 13th Annual Conference of the Cypriot Associations were completed in the US capital yesterday with the contacts the delegates had with members of the US Senate.

Many US Senators, who met with the delegates, expressed their support to a solution to the Cyprus problem within the framework of a two-zone and two-community federation based on the UN resolutions. They also expressed their support to Cyprus' European Union accession course.

[14] TURKEY REJECTS THE EU LEADERS' STANCE ON THE EURO-ARMY

Greece's stance on the Euro-army issue, with which has agreed the Spanish EU Presidency and the rest EU member-states, was met with Turkey's rejection which is a NATO member. The above were stated by Prime Minister Kostas Simitis this afternoon after the lunch of the EU leaders in the Seville Summit meeting where the issue of the Euro-army was raised.

According to press information, Greece asked for a specific clause to be included in the relevant text. Specifically, the clause requested by Greece mentions that NATO states cannot attack other countries, members of the EU, and therefore, countries participating in the Euro-army. However, Turkey as a member of NATO is opposed to this and wants no change in the already known Euro-army text.

Mr. Simitis stated that Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar will meet this evening with the Turkish President and the Turkish Foreign Minister to discuss the issue with them. The Greek Prime Minister avoided any comments on the outcome of the Greek presence in the Seville Summit by saying that the negotiation is still in progress.

Describing the procedure that was followed on the Euro-army issue, he said that the negotiation was tough and laborious. He added that it was not done through exchanges of texts but through continuous contacts of Greek Foreign Ministry representatives with European Foreign Ministers. He also said that himself had contacts with Mr. Aznar and Mr. Solana and other European leaders.

[15] TOUGH CONSULTATIONS ON THE EURO-ARMY ISSUE

Tough consultations on the issue of the Euro-army took place during the lunch of the European leaders in the Seville Summit meeting today. Greece called for changes in the previous text of the British side causing Turkey's strong reaction. Also, the Greek side suggested supplementary texts and a special reference to be made on the issue in the Summit meeting text of conclusions.

The talks of the European leaders focused on the issue of illegal immigration on which Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi underlined the need for cooperation between Greece and Italy.

[16] NEED FOR A EUROPEAN POLICY ON IMMIGRATION

Turkey is one of the most basic entry routes of illegal immigrants to Greece, and at the same time is a country that has not conformed with the efforts of the European Union to achieve agreements with its neighboring countries in the least, according to the appreciations of Greek EU Commissioner, Anna Diamantopoulou.

Mrs. Diamantopoulou, speaking to the Macedonian Press Agency, underlined that at the moment there is a need of a European policy on immigration and illegal immigration. We have migratory currents moving towards Europe from all its borders. Apart from Greece, we have waves of immigrants in Portugal and Spain, from the Canary Islands and the Sahara, from Africa. In northern countries, such as England and Austria, there are immigrants from Russia and countries of the former Soviet Union. In the Mediterranean in general, there are immigrants moving from the whole of Africa, through N. Africa. Also, the crisis in certain Latin American countries, has created waves of immigrants, mainly towards Portugal and Spain, mentioned Mrs. Diamantopoulou.

On the dimensions the issue has taken, the Greek Commissioner stated to the MPA: The problem is very serious and the situation with illegal immigration is explosive, because illegal immigrants have very serious problems, and while they do not exist as citizens, they create major problems to the societies in which they reside.

As Mrs. Diamantopoulou stressed, Europe being a fortress, is an expression that she agrees with. During a first discussion there are proposals for the use of all means of technology, as well as other means, from boats to special corps to guard borders and support all member-states. However, we are still in the first phase and no specific decisions have been made. European leaders are positive and it is obvious that it is not possible for each country to solve the problem by itself, she added.

To the question of whether unemployment is connected to the supply of the cheap working hands of illegal immigrants, the Commissioner stated: It is very difficult to make an accurate correlation. And that is because illegal immigrants, both in Greece and in the other countries of the EU, usually do the jobs that the citizens of the member-states avoid. They are mainly occupied with agriculture or seasonal and hard labor. We cannot accurately say what the consequence is on unemployment, but there is certainly an important social problem: We have people that are not visible in societies, they have children without having access to services, leading them to wretched situations and creating social problems, as well as security problems.

The issues raised on legal immigration are of a different nature. The European continent has a history in such affairs, but not in all of its countries. As Mrs. Diamantopoulou pointed out, countries such as Germany, G. Britain, Denmark, Belgium, as well as Scandinavian countries, have the structures, the budget and the legislature for the incorporation of immigrants due to their history. In contrast, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Italy have had to accept an immense number of immigrants in a very short time. That is why they have submitted proposals so as to come into harmony with the legislature of all EU countries.

The core of the problem is the infrastructure countries are suddenly in need of. Greater infrastructure is needed in schools, hospitals, public areas and preschool centers, stressed the Greek Commissioner, and added: Studies have shown that each immigrant can, within a certain amount of time, bring an average of 9 people from his homeland, who are all part of his family.

Through the Community Support Framework the possibility to plan such infrastructure is given, especially in our country.

Greece is in a first stage, since it is a new phenomenon for the country. The equal programme, that is part of Mrs. Diamantopoulou's portfolio, has the incorporation of immigrants into the labor market of the country in which they live as its goal. It includes training for four or five months, with priority given to learning the language.

As Mrs. Diamantopoulou explained, Greece's first priority is immigration and illegal immigration. With checks on entrance and security as requirements, immigrants can reinforce labor, contribute to the solving of the country's demographic problem and in general strengthen the country's wealth.

Macedonian Press Agency: Brief News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article