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Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 99-09-30

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

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


MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, September 30, 1999

SECTIONS

  • [A] NATIONAL NEWS
  • [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

  • NEWS HEADLINES

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

  • [01] UNDERGROUND ARMS DEPOT FROM WWII DISCOVERED IN N. GREECE
  • [02] ATHENS 2004 OLYMPICS GAMES EMBLEM TO BE PRESENTED TODAY
  • [03] GREECE TO RECEIVE GRD 17 TRILLION FROM 3RD CSF, PLAN SUBMITTED
  • [04] CIVIL WORKERS UNIONS FROM BALKANS TO MEET IN THESSALONIKI
  • [05] TEACHERS TO EMBARK ON MOBILIZATIONS IN OCTOBER
  • [06] MACEDONIA-THRACE MINISTER INAUGURATES KIPI BORDER STATION
  • [07] MINISTRY OF ECONOMY ORGANIZES BUSINESS MISSION TO SLOVENIA
  • [08] GOVERNMENT MEETING ON THE GREEK POSITIONS IN FINLAND'S SUMMIT MEETING
  • [09] THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE IS AGAIN ON THE RISE
  • [10] INVESTIGATION ON THE 30 BUILDINGS THAT COLLAPSED BECAUSE OF THE EARTHQUAKE IN ATHENS
  • [11] ON OCTOBER 2-5 THE CONFERENCE OF YOUNG PARLIAMENTARIANS FROM SOUTH-EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
  • [12] HYSTERIA IN ATHENS BECAUSE OF THE IRRESPONSIBLE RUMORS OVER A NEW EARTHQUAKE
  • [13] THE OA AIRPLANE THAT PRESENTED PROBLEMS IN ITS LANDING GEAR RETURNED SAFELY TO ATHENS
  • [14] WHEELCHAIR DANCERS - THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP IN ATHENS
  • [15] PAPANDREOU EXPRESSED SATISFACTION OVER THE CONTACTS HE HAD IN NEW YORK
  • [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

  • [16] CARCINOGENS, SUCH AS VARNISH, FOUND IN EUROPEAN FOOD CANS
  • [17] ECEVIT STILL INTRANSIGENT OVER CYPRUS, DENKTASH IS SATISFIED
  • [18] ECONOMY MINISTER TO MEET WITH ARCHBISHOP OF AMERICA TODAY
  • [19] BELGRADE-THESSALONIKI RAILWAY ROUTE OPERATES AGAIN
  • [20] MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER ADDRESSES EUROPEAN PEOPLE'S PARTY
  • [21] EC PRESIDENT PRODI OPTIMISTIC FOR GREECE, BUT NOT FOR TURKEY
  • [22] THE READINESS OF 30 COUNTRIES TO FACE THE SO-CALLED "MILLENNIUM BAG" IS BEING DISPUTED - - - - - - - - - - - - -

  • NEWS IN DETAIL

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

    [01] UNDERGROUND ARMS DEPOT FROM WWII DISCOVERED IN N. GREECE

    An arms-laden underground arms depot which appears to have been dug during World War II, was discovered at an inaccessible, mountainous area near the Greek-Bulgarian borders.

    The arsenal, a wooden warehouse covered with mounts of dirt, was discovered by chance during the course of excavations at the city of Parastini, close to Drama. After workers removed the warehouse's weather-beaten exterior walls, they stumbled upon an impressive stash of artillery, such as German- and Italian-made submachine guns, German machine guns, riffles, rounds of ammunition and other weapons.

    The weapons will be collected by the Greek Army's bomb squad since fears abound that the underground arsenal could be rigged with booby traps left over from the days of Resistance and the Civil War that ensued.

    A similar arms depot was discovered about nine years ago in the prefecture of Kozani. Upon discovering that it was brimming with hand grenades and mines, the military bomb squad blasted the depot, stock included.

    [02] ATHENS 2004 OLYMPICS GAMES EMBLEM TO BE PRESENTED TODAY

    The President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis and visiting International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch will attend the presentation of the new Athens 2004 Games emblem this evening.

    The Olympic Games organizing committee will meet with IOC on Sunday in order to outline the progress to date. The vice-president of the Athens Games Organizing Committee Niki Tzavela said that all bureaucratic procedures have been ironed out and there is no cause for concern over the course of the projects.

    [03] GREECE TO RECEIVE GRD 17 TRILLION FROM 3RD CSF, PLAN SUBMITTED

    Greece is to receive 17 trillion drachmas in funding through the Third Community Support Framework (CSF), whose duration is 2000-2006, the deputy National Economy Minister Christos Pahtas announced yesterday.

    The government submitted its regional development plan to the European Union at the beginning of the week for funding under the 3rd CSF. Mr. Pahtas stated that Greece was the first member- state to hand in its plan.

    [04] CIVIL WORKERS UNIONS FROM BALKANS TO MEET IN THESSALONIKI

    Representatives from civil workers union organizations in Balkan countries are to meet in Thessaloniki tomorrow, within the framework of a conference organized by ADEDY and EDOTH.

    The participants will examine issues concerning the existing political, economic and labor situation in the Balkans, the problems that emerged after the war as well as the unions' role in the establishment of peace.

    [05] TEACHERS TO EMBARK ON MOBILIZATIONS IN OCTOBER

    School teachers, professors and other employees in the academic sector will embark on a series of mobilizations next month, demanding the abolishment of the educational reform law, examinations in the junior year of high school and brand new school buildings in Attica.

    The sector's representatives are to decide today whether a nation-wide rally will be held on October 21, but a rally will definitely be held in Thessaloniki, Larisa, Athens and Corfu on October 6.

    Employees from all sectors of Greece's labor force will join the teachers in a rally to be held in downtown Athens on October 12.

    [06] MACEDONIA-THRACE MINISTER INAUGURATES KIPI BORDER STATION

    The Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Yiannis Magriotis inaugurated the border station at Kipi yesterday, an 80-million drachma project which was funded in large part by the Ministry's border areas program and the remaining part by the local administration of the Evros prefecture.

    In his address, Mr. Magriotis stated that "Thrace is not the forgotten Greece. It is not the other Greece. Thrace can earn its historic role, (i.e.) the cross-roads of three continents and two seas."

    The Minister outlined the region's infrastructure projects, funded by both municipal and state investments, while he also referred to Greek-Turkish relations, lamenting that a great deal of resources has been wasted through many decades of conflicts and juxtapositions, and encouraged the promotion of cooperation between the two neighbors.

    [07] MINISTRY OF ECONOMY ORGANIZES BUSINESS MISSION TO SLOVENIA

    The Ministry of National Economy and Finance is organizing a business delegation to Slovenia, accompanying the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on his official visit to be conducted on November 7-11.

    The participating delegates will have the opportunity to examine opportunities for economic and trade co-operation.

    Members of the Trade and Industry Chamber of Thessaloniki can obtain additional information at 275-983.

    [08] GOVERNMENT MEETING ON THE GREEK POSITIONS IN FINLAND'S SUMMIT MEETING

    The Greek positions in the extraordinary EU summit meeting that will be held in Finland on October 15 were discussed in the government meeting that was held today chaired by prime minister Kostas Simitis with the participation of the ministers of interior, foreign affairs and public order.

    In statements made after the government meeting minister of public order Michalis Chrisochoidis underlined the need to increase the efforts for the better guarding of the borders, while he backed an open democratic immigration policy that will protect the social and economic rights of the immigrants.

    In Finland's EU summit meeting will be discussed issues concerning the security of the citizens, immigration and common legislation.

    Foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou when asked about the statements made by Turkish prime minister Bulent Ecevit after the meeting he had with US president Bill Clinton in Washington stated that those statements were expected and pointed out that they do not surprise the Greek government.

    [09] THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE IS AGAIN ON THE RISE

    The Athens Stock Exchange was on the rise again today. The general index closed at 5.667,60 increased by 1.26%. The volume of transactions reached 346.6 billion drachmas. The upward trends prevailed throughout the transactions.

    The purchase interest returned gradually today even for certain shares that had received very strong pressures last week. The banks presented a drop of 0.75%, leasing +4.50%, securities +2.28%, investments +3.41%, industrial +1.40%, while the construction index showed an impressive increase of 6.01%, holding +2.81% and parallel market +6.59%.

    [10] INVESTIGATION ON THE 30 BUILDINGS THAT COLLAPSED BECAUSE OF THE EARTHQUAKE IN ATHENS

    The ministry of environment, land planning and public works has started an investigation on the causes that led to the collapse of 30 buildings as a result of the earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale that hit Athens on September 7.

    Meanwhile, the Earthquake Risk Assessment Committee underlines that the aftershock activity is normal. The deadline for the 200.000drachma benefit for the earthquake victims expires today but the initial inspection of the buildings which is a necessary precondition for the issuing of the special benefit has not been completed yet. The Greek government spokesman has confirmed that the benefit will be given to all the earthquake victims that fulfill the necessary criteria.

    [11] ON OCTOBER 2-5 THE CONFERENCE OF YOUNG PARLIAMENTARIANS FROM SOUTH-EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN

    The 2nd conference of Young Parliamentarians from south-eastern Mediterranean will be held in the south-eastern Aegean island of Rhodes on October 2-5.

    The conference is organized by the Council of Europe International Institute of Democracy and will be attended by representatives from Greece, Malta, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey and Palestine. The issues that will be discussed will concern economic and cultural cooperation, the protection of the environment and the cooperation in dealing with natural disasters. The conference proceedings will be formally opened by Greek parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis.

    [12] HYSTERIA IN ATHENS BECAUSE OF THE IRRESPONSIBLE RUMORS OVER A NEW EARTHQUAKE

    The unfounded predictions for a new strong earthquake that have been made public by the so- called VAN Group of seismologists have caused hysteria to most of the residents of Athens and many have already left the city while the exodus will be bigger tomorrow and on Saturday.

    The rumors have panicked the people in Athens in spite of the assurances given by other seismologists that a new strong earthquake is not possible, stressing that the aftershock activity is normal.

    The predictions of professor Varotsos for a new earthquake have caused the strong reaction of the Earthquake Risk Assessment Committee which underlines that the aftershock activity develops as expected.

    The internationally renown American seismologist Robert Geler stated to Athens radio station "Flash" that the people should ignore the VAN Group predictions saying characteristically that they do not increase the likelihood of a new earthquake.

    Seismology professor Eftaxias, a member of the VAN Group, has stated to the scientific committee that if no earthquake is recorded by the weekend then the assessments made by the VAN Group will proven to be wrong. It should be noted that no earthquake over 3.5 on the Richter scale has been recorded in the region of Athens in the past 48 hours.

    [13] THE OA AIRPLANE THAT PRESENTED PROBLEMS IN ITS LANDING GEAR RETURNED SAFELY TO ATHENS

    The Boeing 737-200 Olympic Airways passenger plane that had presented problems in its wheels immediately after its departure from Athens has landed safely back in the airport of the Greek capital..

    The OA flight 384 for Budapest returned back to Athens after emptying its fuel and its 71 passengers are all reported well.

    [14] WHEELCHAIR DANCERS - THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP IN ATHENS

    One hundred distinguished athletes, the best in the world, will show off their ability in dance in spite of the fact that they are pinned on their wheelchairs. The European Championship of Dance Competition with Wheelchairs is scheduled to take place in Athens today and tomorrow under the auspices of the Sports ministry, within the framework of the program for the support of sports events for people with special needs.

    The athletes in the wheelchair will dance with able-bodied partners and the performance of the couple will be judged based on the rhythm, the movement, the expressiveness, the choreography etc.

    [15] PAPANDREOU EXPRESSED SATISFACTION OVER THE CONTACTS HE HAD IN NEW YORK

    Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou appeared satisfied with the contacts he had in New York with US secretary of state Madeleine Albright and Turkish foreign minister Ismail Cem.

    The foreign ministers of Greece and Turkey assessed the two rounds of talks that were held in Athens and Ankara with the participation of foreign ministry officials from both countries. They concluded that there is a need to find ways in order to widen the Greek-Turkish dialogue, while they agreed that there should be cooperation in the sectors of energy, science and technology and in the handling of natural disasters. Also, it was decided that the discussions in the two committees should include issues such as the Balkans, the Stability Pact, the developments in the region, the issue of the Middle East, while the undertaking of joint initiatives is not ruled out.

    The two ministers also agreed that Greece and Turkey must follow a dialogue at social level with the participation of dignitaries and scientists, calling it a "culture of peace" that will strengthen the good climate. Regarding the Cyprus problem and the Greek-Turkish relations, each side backed its known positions.

    It should be noted that after a proposal made by US secretary of state Madeleine Albright the two foreign ministers agreed to proceed with a mutual cut in the military exercises held in the Aegean and already they have decided to cut them by 25%.

    According to information, Mr. Papandreou also discussed the issue of terrorism in the meetings he had with US officials. The US side expressed satisfaction for the very good cooperation between the public order ministries of the two countries and on the Euro-Turkish issues the United States reiterated the position that Turkey's European prospect must be strengthened.

    [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

    [16] CARCINOGENS, SUCH AS VARNISH, FOUND IN EUROPEAN FOOD CANS

    Carcinogenic substances, such as tarnish- preventing varnish, has been discovered in food cans made in Europe, according to the Association of Belgian Consumers which reported that at least two types of cancer-causing materials were found in a sampled variety of 290 cans.

    The substances had permeated the containers' content, thereby posing a serious health risk to consumers. The tested cans originate from Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal and are exported mostly to other European Union member-states, including Greece.

    [17] ECEVIT STILL INTRANSIGENT OVER CYPRUS, DENKTASH IS SATISFIED

    Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit maintained his intransigent stance over the Cyprus issue, during two addresses he gave in Washington following his meeting with the President of the United States Bill Clinton.

    Nevertheless, Mr. Ecevit stated that the good climate that has emerged in Greek-Turkish relations could allow for the resolution of issues concerning the Aegean Sea.

    The Cypriot government spokesperson expressed his disappointment over the deadlock, while the leader of the Turkish-Cypriot community Rauf Denktash expressed his satisfaction.

    [18] ECONOMY MINISTER TO MEET WITH ARCHBISHOP OF AMERICA TODAY

    National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, presently in Washington, will be received by the Archbishop of America Demetrios today.

    Mr. Papantoniou addressed the delegates at the first-ever meeting between the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank yesterday.

    [19] BELGRADE-THESSALONIKI RAILWAY ROUTE OPERATES AGAIN

    The "Hellas Express" railway route connecting Belgrade with Thessaloniki is to begin operating again as of today, following an agreement signed between the railway organizations of Greece and Yugoslavia.

    According to press reports, a meeting of Greek and Yugoslav railway officials is to be held in Athens next week, in order to review bilateral cooperation and ways to expand it.

    The directors of Balkan railway organizations, as well as S.E. Europe's railway officials, are to meet in Belgrade on October 14- 15.

    [20] MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER ADDRESSES EUROPEAN PEOPLE'S PARTY

    The leader of Greece's main opposition party, New Democracy's Kostas Karamanlis, addressed the European People's Party session in Brussels yesterday, where he also met with European Commission President Romano Prodi.

    In his address, as well as in his talks with Mr. Prodi, Mr. Karamanlis underlined national issues, such as Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue, and the European ideals.

    He stated that Cyprus, which fulfils all the EU accession preconditions, cannot be a victim of blackmailing by Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

    He said he considered it "paradoxical" that Turkey should be accepted as a candidate for EU membership in violation of its common decisions and without self-evident preconditions for Europe applying at the level of human rights and a state of law.

    [21] EC PRESIDENT PRODI OPTIMISTIC FOR GREECE, BUT NOT FOR TURKEY

    European Commission President Romano Prodi is optimistic over Greece's prospects of joining the Economic and Monetary Union, but not so over Turkey's bid as an EU candidate country.

    Following a meeting with Greece's main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis in Brussels yesterday, Mr. Prodi said that "I will be pleased on the day that Greece, fulfilling criteria, will be come a member of the Economic and Monetary Union."

    Regarding Turkey, Mr. Prodi did not conceal his scepticism as to how ready the said country is to become an EU candidate-member, given the vast "distance" that separates it from the European countries in terms of its democratic institutions.

    [22] THE READINESS OF 30 COUNTRIES TO FACE THE SO-CALLED "MILLENNIUM BAG" IS BEING DISPUTED

    The readiness of 30 countries in different parts of the world to deal with the so-called "millennium bag" is being disputed and this fact increases the likelihood of unpleasant effects on the air transportation sector. These 30 countries have avoided so far to respond to a relevant research conducted by the UN's International Organization of Civil Aviation, ICAO, in spite of the fact that the deadline for this has expired on July 1.

    Therefore, just 3 months before the year 2000 there is a climate of insecurity regarding the safety of air transportation at midnight of December 31, 1999, the date on which the "millennium bag" is expected to strike the computers all over the world.

    Among the countries that have not responded to the ICAO research are included, according to the Reuters news agency, Albania, Bosnia- Herzegovina, Iraq, Libya and Mozambique as well as Vietnam. Apart from the countries that gave no response whatsoever, there are those which have submitted insufficient evidence and can not certify beyond any doubt their ability to face any possible problems that may arise.

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