Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-04-12
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, April 12, 2000
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NEWS HEADLINES
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] BASKETBALL: GREECE'S AEK WINS SAPORTA CUP
[02] PREMIER TO ANNOUNCE NEW GOVERNMENT SOON
[03] CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE EXPERTS VISIT GREECE
[04] NATO TROOPS COMPLETE DEPARTURE FROM LITOCHORO
[05] ELEVEN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GREEK ECONOMY
[06] BURNS: THE GREEK-US RELATIONS ARE STRONG
[07] BUSINESS MISSION TO PRUSA, TURKEY
[08] LOSSES OF 0.78% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
[09] EVENTS IN HONOR OF HAROLD PINTER IN THESSALONIKI
[10] NEW DEMOCRACY CONSIDERS THE OPPOSITION TACTIC IT WILL FOLLOW
[11] GOVERNMENT OF EXPERIENCE AND RENEWAL
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[12] TURKEY'S PM CONGRATULATES GREEK COUNTERPART
[13] GREEK-AMERICAN HISTORIAN COMMENDED BY CLINTON
[14] GREEK PIANIST SGOUROS TO PERFORM IN CARNEGIE HALL
[15] ALEXANDROS MALLIAS: RELATIONS WITH ALBANIA ARE AT A VERY GOOD
LEVEL
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] BASKETBALL: GREECE'S AEK WINS SAPORTA CUP
Thirty-two years after winning the European Cupholders Cup in
Athens, Greece's AEK returned to seize the same title, now known
as Saporta.
AEK beat Kinder Bologna 83-76 in Lauzanne last night, the
second victory in ten days after winning the Greek Cup in
Thessaloniki.
[02] PREMIER TO ANNOUNCE NEW GOVERNMENT SOON
Following successive rounds of contacts with PASOK party
officials, Prime Minister-elect Costas Simitis is expected to
announce the new government's composition either today or
tomorrow.
Mr. Simitis met with Parliament President Apostolos
Kaklamanis, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and ex-
interior minister Vasso Papandreou.
After a one-hour meeting with the Premier yesterday, Mr.
Papantoniou stated that they discussed the course of negotiations
for Greece's inclusion into the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).
[03] CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE EXPERTS VISIT GREECE
A three-member delegation from the State of California
Seismic Safety Commission, conducted a four-day visit to Greece in
late March, the U.S. Embassy in Athens announced yesterday.
The visit by the three commission members came as a
continuation of California Governor Gray Davis' visit to Greece
last fall, during which he met with earthquake readiness
officials, and visited the seismic lab of the National Technical
University and quake-damaged areas.
The Seismic Safety Commission had an opportunity to work with
Greek officials on points and language that may be included in a
future memorandum of understanding between the state of California
and Greece regarding disaster preparedness.
Each side appears to be able to assist the other in areas
such as structural protection and public education, as well as
earthquake forecasting, response and recovery.
[04] NATO TROOPS COMPLETE DEPARTURE FROM LITOCHORO
The last of a convoy of NATO troops participating in the
"Dynamic Response" military exercise departed from Litochoro,
northern Greece, early this morning, after Communist Party
supporters had tried yesterday to disrupt their transport.
According to NATO sources and officials from the General
Staff of National Defense, over 700 soldiers crossed the Greek-
Yugoslavian borders during the past two days and drove to
Litochoro where they were transported by hovercraft to three
ships waiting offshore.
Meanwhile, one of the demonstrators, Litochoro city
councilman Zaharias Karakitsos, continues to be hospitalized
under guard after he was injured during a scuffle with the police
yesterday. He will be charged with attempted murder and resisting
arrest.
[05] ELEVEN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GREEK ECONOMY
The European Commission has published a report on the course
of Greece's economy, pointing out eleven recommendations that
focus mostly on reducing the state deficit, structurally reforming
the social security system, improving flexibility in the labor
market and expediting the privatization process.
The Commission's 11 recommendations are part of its 2000
economic policy guidelines for its member states. They are as
follows:
1. Expedite reduction of public deficit and tighter fiscal
policy in the event of inflationary pressures next year.
2. Control state expenditure in order to reduce primary deficit.
3. Reform social security system and improve management of the
sector's organizations.
4. Accelerate privatizations.
5. Improve legislation through the inclusion of domestic market
regulations.
6. Accelerate the liberalization process in the telecommunications
and energy sectors.
7. Initiate measures to promote innovative business
8. Initiate measures to promote research and development projects.
9. Focus on the young and adult jobless and reforming the training
and education systems.
10. Enforce resolutions pertaining to part-time employment improve
labor market flexibility.
11. Review wage negotiation systems, in line with productivity.
[06] BURNS: THE GREEK-US RELATIONS ARE STRONG
US ambassador Nicholas Burns characterized as strong the
relations between Greece and the United States in an interview
with the Athens newspaper "Imerisia".
Mr. Burns pointed out that in the past few years the United
States are in cooperation with prime minister Kostas Simitis,
foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou and minister of defense Akis
Tsochatzopoulos.
Speaking on the issue of the Balkans, Mr. Burns underlined
that 10 years ago the two countries had different views concerning
the development of the region but today they share the same views
on the issue and they cooperate at a political and economic level,
pointing out that this is very positive as the US belief is that
Greece will play a significant role in the Balkans.
Meanwhile, the course of the Greek economy was also a basic
factor that contributed to the improvement of relations between
the two countries. Mr. Burns stated that through the reforms that
took place in the Greek economy in the past 4-5 years and through
the efforts made by the government, Greece is now able to attract
US businesses that will see the country as an investment
opportunity.
He also said that positive developments toward the direction
of trade cooperation will be created by the low inflation, the
privatization process and Greece's participation in the EMU.
Referring to US president Clinton's visit to Greece, Mr.
Burns stated that in spite of the protests and the tough criticism
exerted on the US president and the United States the visit was
positive and successful as US president Clinton had meaningful
talks with Mr. Simitis.
[07] BUSINESS MISSION TO PRUSA, TURKEY
A business mission to Prusa, Turkey is organized by
Thessaloniki's Trade and Industry Chamber to take place on May 26-
June 5.
The goal of the mission is to have contacts with Turkish
businessmen from different sectors and in general to contribute to
the expansion of the Turkish market, as well as to trace and
exploit investment opportunities.
[08] LOSSES OF 0.78% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
The Athens Stock Exchange recorded losses of 0.78% and closed
at 4.877,91 points today, while the volume of transactions was 134
billion drachmas.
The majority of investors await for the presentation of the
program of the new government, while they want to see who will be
the members of its economic staff. There are different scenarios
on who will make up the new cabinet and according to information,
the list with the names of the new ministers will be out later
this afternoon.
[09] EVENTS IN HONOR OF HAROLD PINTER IN THESSALONIKI
The events in honor of famous British playwright Harold
Pinter will get underway in Thessaloniki tomorrow, while himself
will be in the city on April 17 and 18 for the ceremony in which
he will be declared honorary professor in Aristotle University of
Thessaloniki literature department.
On the occasion of the ceremony, in which Mr. Pinter will be
declared honorary professor, Thessaloniki's Aristotle University
in cooperation with the Municipality of Thessaloniki, the State
Theater of Northern Greece and Thessaloniki's Film Festival will
organize a number of events in his honor.
[10] NEW DEMOCRACY CONSIDERS THE OPPOSITION TACTIC IT WILL FOLLOW
The leadership of the conservative party of New Democracy
considers the direction of the opposition tactic it will follow.
Specifically, the issues that will be discussed by its leading
members concern organizing matters and the time of the party
congress.
Party leader Kostas Karamanlis met this morning with former
party leader Miltiadis Evert and parliament deputies elected for
the first time.
Mr. Evert stated that the opposition that will be exercised
by New Democracy will be creative and for the benefit of the Greek
people.
New Democracy spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos stated that the
Greek people accepted the political message of New Democracy which
is a message of consensus and communication among the political
forces and expressed the hope that PASOK will seek a fruitful
cooperation with New Democracy in the major issues concerning the
country.
Meanwhile, the Communist Party reconsiders its tactics and
the Coalition of Left political secretariat meets today, while
tomorrow a meeting will be held by the political secretariat of
the Democratic Social Movement to consider the course of the party
after its failure to win any seats in the new parliament.
[11] GOVERNMENT OF EXPERIENCE AND RENEWAL
Prime Minister-elect Costas Simitis has just announced the
members of his new cabinet, one of "experience and renewal" as he
characterized it.
As acting Press Minister Argyris Fatouros stated, the new
cabinet will contain many new faces, although the ministries of
the Interior, National Defense, Foreign Affairs and National
Economy will continue to be headed by Vaso Papandreou, Akis
Tsochatzopoulos, George Papandreou and Yiannos Papantoniou.
The new Cabinet, as formed by Prime Minister-elect Costas
Simitis includes new
ministers and undersecretaries, while some portfolios merely
changed hands.
George Papandreou has retained the Foreign Affairs Ministry,
while Akis
Tsohatzopoulos and Vasso Papandreou remained at the Ministries of
National
Defense and Development, respectively.
According to the announcement, PASOK will support Apostolos
Kaklamanis for a fresh four-year term as Parliament President. The
new cabinet is to be
sworn-in tomorrow morning before the President of the Hellenic
Republic Kostis
Stephanopoulos.
The new cabinet is as follows:
Prime Minister: Costas Simitis
Interior, Public Administration and Decentralisation Minister:
Vasso
Papandreou
Undersecretaries:Constantinos Kaiserlis and Leonidas Tzanis
National Defence Minister: Akis Tsohatzopoulos
Undersecretary: Dimitris Apostolakis
Foreign Minister: George Papandreou
Alternate Foreign Minister: Elizabeth Papazoi
Undersecretary: Aggeliki Laiou
National Economy Minister: Yiannos Papantoniou
Undersecretaries: Christos Pachtas and Yiannis Zafiropoulos
Finance Minister: Yiannos Papantoniou
Undersecretaries: George Drys and Apostolos Fotiades
Development Minister: Nikos Chrstodoulakis
Undersecretaries: Alexandros Kalafatis and Milena Apostolaki
Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister: Costas
Laliotis
Undersecretaries: Elias Efthimopoulos and Athanasios Alevras
Education and Religious Affairs Minister: Petros Efthimiou
Undersecretary: Philippos Petsalnikos
Agriculture Minister: George Anomeritis
Undersecretaries: Evangelos Argyris and Fotis Hatzimihalis
Labour and Social Security Minister: Anastasios Yianitsis
Undersecretaries: Christos Protopappas and Nikos Farmakis
Health and Welfare Minister: Alexandros Papadopoulos
Undersecretaries: Dimitrios Thanos and Christina Spyraki
Justice Minister: Michalis Stathopoulos
Culture Minister: Theodoros Pangalos
Undersecretary (Sports): George Florides
Merchant Marine Minister: Christos Papoutsis
Public Order Minister: Michalis Chrysochoides
Macedonia-Thrace Minister: George Paschalides
Aegean Minister: Nikos Sifounakis
Transport and Communications Minister: Christos Verelis
Undersecretary: Alexandros Voulgaris
Press and Media Minister: Dimitris Reppas
Undersecretary: Tilemachos Hytiris
State Minister: Miltiades Papaioannou.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[12] TURKEY'S PM CONGRATULATES GREEK COUNTERPART
Turkey's Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit congratulated Greek
Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday on his re-election,
stressing that Turkey was ready to work to further improve ties
with Greece.
"I want to present my sincere congratulations for your re-
appointment as the Greek Prime Minister and for the success your
party has shown in the general elections," Mr. Ecevit said in his
message, adding that "I want to confirm that the Turkish
government is ready to take further steps through joint efforts in
order to put relations between our countries on a better level."
Turkey's outgoing President Suleyman Demirel sent a similar
message to the Greek Premier.
[13] GREEK-AMERICAN HISTORIAN COMMENDED BY CLINTON
A Greek American historian's (Constantinos Hatzidimitriou,
PhD) contribution to the book "Founded on Freedom and Virtue:
Documents Illustrating Support for Greek War of Independence, 1821-
1829" has earned him the personal congratulations of United States
President Bill Clinton who stated that he had a chance to review
the work prior to his visit to Greece in November.
In his letter to Dr. Hatzidimitriou, President Clinton
stated that the said book was of great help to him and added that
he quoted certain sections in two of his speeches.
Most importantly, the US President wrote that the reading
piqued his interest and he now wants to learn more about the
historical ties that bind Greece and the US.
A 440-page publication, the book is an anthology of
documents dating between 1821-1829 (period of the Greek War of
Independence) and illustrates the supportive stance of the United
States towards Greece at that time. As the book attests, the
majority of the US Presidents contributed to the Greek people's
struggle for their freedom.
Namely, presidents Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809), James
Madison (1809-1817), James Monroe (1817-1825), John Quincy Adams
(1825-1829), along with political leaders Daniel Webster, Henry
Clay and Sam Houston, made statements supporting the Greek
Revolution, while simple Americans supported the Greek struggle
with every means, even by fighting on their side.
The book is to be published in mid-May and, according to US
Senator Paul Sarbanes, it is expected to become a point of
reference on the ideological proximity between Greece and the
United States.
[14] GREEK PIANIST SGOUROS TO PERFORM IN CARNEGIE HALL
World renowned Greek pianist Dimitris Sgouros will perform a
recital in Carnegie Hall, New York, on April 14.
The famous pianist returns to Carnegie Hall twelve years
after his debut there, at the side of Matislav Rostopivic and the
National Symphony Orchestra of the United States.
Mr. Sgouros will perform works by Shubert (Impromptu in B-
flat major, Op. 142, No.3), Schumann (Fantasie in C major, Op. 17)
and Brahms (Sonata in F minor, Op. 5, No. 3).
[15] ALEXANDROS MALLIAS: RELATIONS WITH ALBANIA ARE AT A VERY GOOD
LEVEL
The Greek-Albanian relations are at a very good level, a fact
that is confirmed by the regular meetings of Greek prime minister
Kostas Simitis with Albanian prime minister Ilir Meta and foreign
ministers Giorgos Papandreou and Paskal Milo, underlined Greek
ambassador Alexandros Mallias in an interview with the Albanian
state television.
Mr. Mallias pointed out that Greece in the Brussels
conference on the Stability Pact backed the Albanian delegation
regarding the promotion of the road axis No8 in spite of the fact
that it does not passes through Greece. All the European road axis
are complementary and not antagonistic and they will create better
conditions for the future of south-eastern Europe, stated Mr.
Mallias.
The Greek ambassador referred to Greece's decision to put
into effect the bilateral agreement on seasonal employment which
will assist in the systematic employment of the Albanian work
force, while he also referred to the recent increased interest by
Greek businessmen to invest in Albania.
|
