Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 03-08-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] SIMITIS ON THE 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES

[02] ANESTIS PAPANASTASIOU TO BE RELEASED FROM JAIL

[03] INVESTIGATION ON THE CAUSES OF THE AIR CRASH IN LESVOS

[04] LOSSES IN THE ASE

[05] THE GOV'T SPOKESMAN ON THE NEW PRESS REPORTS ON THE 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES

[06] BRITISH POLICE OFFICERS IN RHODES

[01] SIMITIS ON THE 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES

The ministerial committee on issues concerning the Olympic Games preparations, made a detailed assessment of the test events that took place in the month of August. The committee met under Prime Minister Kostas Simitis for the first time since July 11. The Prime Minister appeared satisfied but, at the same time, he pointed out that not one minute should be wasted, stressing that we are doing well, but we can do better.

The Organizing Committee conclusions on the test events were presented by Athens 2004 President Mrs. Yianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki.

Mrs. Angelopoulos-Daskalaki mentioned that after the unfavorable picture of the first days, the overall picture is positive as well as the organizing dimension of the test events. She also stressed that the difficulties pointed out should be faced and added that there are still 33 test events left and for this reason continuous preparation and vigilance are necessary.

[02] ANESTIS PAPANASTASIOU TO BE RELEASED FROM JAIL

The Council of Court of Appeals Judges decided to release from jail the 19th defendant in the 17 November terrorist group trial, Anestis Papanastasiou.

Papanastasiou was the last to be arrested in connection to the 17N case in early January 2003, much later compared to the arrests of the rest of the defendants.

The extension that was given to his temporary detention was issued not based on a ruling but after an order issued by Court of Appeals prosecutor Giorgos Sanidas, who decided that the temporary detention should continue without further court procedures given the fact that the trial was in progress. Anestis Papanastasiou's release is due to take place sometime today.

The 17N trial will continue tomorrow with the testimony of defendant Thomas Serifis.

[03] INVESTIGATION ON THE CAUSES OF THE AIR CRASH IN LESVOS

The causes of the air crash in the northeastern Aegean island of Lesvos yesterday afternoon are under investigation. A single-engine fire fighting aircraft crashed in the region of Ahladeli in Lesvos and its 42yearold pilot was killed.

The aircraft was participating in a fire fighting mission in the effort to put out a forest fire and because it was flying at a low altitude it hit on a tall tree and crashed.

[04] LOSSES IN THE ASE

Losses were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index dropped to -1.80% at 2.251,48 points, while the volume of transactions was at 189.6 million euros.

Of the stocks trading today, 88 recorded gains and 240 had losses, while the value of 53 stocks remained unchanged.

[05] THE GOV'T SPOKESMAN ON THE NEW PRESS REPORTS ON THE 2004 OLYMPIC GAMES

The spiteful attitude displayed by part of the Australian press serves certain interests, said Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas commenting on the new critical press reports on the organizing of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

These press reports, he added, are characteristic including ridiculous superstitions, while they are also ignorant of history and confuse the Greek with the Roman games which are a totally different thing.

Mr. Protopapas concluded by saying that the Olympic Games will be successful. He also said that the messages that will be sent out will underline the strong faith in men and the Olympic ideas.

[06] BRITISH POLICE OFFICERS IN RHODES

A team of three British police officers will visit the southeastern Aegean island of Rhodes on August 29-31 to exchange views and experiences with their Greek colleagues on ways to deal with problems caused mainly by individuals of a young age, who have consumed large quantities of alcohol.

The visit takes place after the meetings the British General Consul had in Rhodes with representatives of local authorities regarding the incidents at the tourist region of Faliraki caused by young British tourists under the influence of alcohol.

A relevant request was made earlier to the Greek Police Headquarters by the British authorities and it was accepted.

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