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Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-07-10

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, July 10, 2000

SECTIONS

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

  • NEWS HEADLINES

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

  • [01] THERE IS NO END TO THE NIGHTMARE OF FIRE IN GREECE
  • [02] MARGINAL GAINS OF 0.06% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
  • [03] PAPANDREOU: SOLUTION FOR THE CONTINENTAL SHELF WITHOUT HURTING THE AEGEAN
  • [04] THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION OF HELLENISM MEETING IS HELD IN ATHENS
  • [05] THE JAWBONE OF A PRE-HISTORIC ELEPHANT WAS UNEARTHED IN GREVENA, NORTH-WESTERN GREECE
  • [06] THE EUROPEAN BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP FOR CHILDREN WILL BE HELD IN ATHENS
  • [07] REPPAS: STROVILIA HUMILIATES THE UNITED NATIONS
  • [08] GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGN AGAINST TERRORISM
  • [09] WATER SUPPLY PROBLEMS IN GREECE
  • [10] THE OA PRESIDENT MET WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE AUSTRALIAN STATE OF VICTORIA
  • [11] GREEK-FYROM MILITARY AGREEMENT SIGNED
  • [12] PASCHALIDES: PROPOSALS FOR MEDITERRANEAN-BALKAN FIREFIGHTING NETWORK
  • [13] BAKOYIANNI: GOVERNMENT REACTION TO CYPRUS ISSUE "UNCOORDINATED & AWKWARD"
  • [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

  • [14] STRONG GREEK REACTION TO THE ALTERATION OF THE NAME OF FYROM IN THE OSCE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY MEETING
  • [15] GREEK HUMANITARIAN AID FOR THE CHILDREN OF SERBIA
  • [16] DETECTIVE NOVEL ON THE PARTHENON MARBLES
  • [17] THE PAN-MACEDONIAN ASSOCIATION OF US-CANADA ELECTED A WOMAN PRESIDENT
  • [18] INTERVENTION BY MS. PAPAZOI IN THE EU GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL

  • NEWS IN DETAIL

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

    [01] THERE IS NO END TO THE NIGHTMARE OF FIRE IN GREECE

    Hundreds of fires are in progress across Greece as the strong winds fan the flames, while the high temperatures and the drought favor the spread of the fire to many regions.

    The big fire in the Aegean island of Samos continues its catastrophic work, while according to interior ministry general secretary Panagiotis Vasiliou, priority has been given to fires in Fthiotida, central Greece and Samos, adding that 110 fires are in progress across the country today 25 of which are in Fthiotida

    The dramatic situation that has been formed with the hundreds of fire fronts in the country was examined in an emergency meeting under minister of interior Vaso Papandreou that was held in Athens yesterday. It was decided that the people who suffered damages by the fire will be compensated and the army will patrol across the country in order to prevent fires and guard the evacuated villages.

    Meanwhile, the three Albanians arrested for the fire in Gramatiko, near Athens were charged with arson, while a pensioner, who was arrested for the fire in the Ionian island of Kefalonia last week, was taken to the Patras prison.

    Minister of public order Michalis Chrisochoidis stated in an interview with the Athens radio station "Flash" that this summer will be an ugly one with very difficult conditions, while he attributed the large number of fires raging across the country to the extreme weather conditions, the heat, drought and the strong winds.

    Mr. Chrisochoidis stated that 153 fires were burning in Greece last night and of them only 6 are raging out of control today. According to public order general secretary, about 25 thousands of hectars of forest and farm land and tens of houses have been destroyed in Samos.

    Meanwhile, the temperature will be tolerable in the country today and tomorrow but on Wednesday the heatwave will return and temperatures will reach 42 and 43 degrees Celsius.

    [02] MARGINAL GAINS OF 0.06% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

    Marginal gains of 0.06% were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today and the general index was at 3.916,42 points, creating a climate of guarded optimism among investors after Friday's plunge.

    However, the volume of transactions was very low, at 66 billion drachmas, and was the result of the lack of purchasing interest.

    Of the stocks trading today, 236 recorded gains, 94 had losses and 34 remained unchanged.

    [03] PAPANDREOU: SOLUTION FOR THE CONTINENTAL SHELF WITHOUT HURTING THE AEGEAN

    The issue of the state-issued identity cards is nothing compared to the big issue that concerns the State-Church relations, stated foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou in an interview with the Athens newspaper "TA NEA".

    Referring to the Greek-Turkish relations and the issue of the continental shelf he said that Greece is preparing for the moment when those issues will be discussed and specialists are examining the legal aspects of the issue as well as the political aspects of the negotiations.

    Mr. Papandreou stated that the final normalization of bilateral relations will come after the solution of the Cyprus problem. Mr. Papandreou said that Turkey must assume its responsibilities on the Cyprus issue and mainly on Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's provocative stance in the region of Strovilia. He also said that a failure in the efforts for the solution of the problem will have direct consequences on Turkey's course toward the European Union.

    On the issue of FYROM's name he said that a solution should be found as soon as possible.

    Regarding the relations with Albania, he said that Greece will work for the stability in the country but Tirana must show responsibility and respect toward Greece and the rest Balkan countries.

    Mr. Papandreou appears ready to play the role of the mediator between the international community and Belgrade saying that Athens briefs its partners on Belgrade's stance and at the same time brief's Belgrade on the developments in the international community.

    [04] THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION OF HELLENISM MEETING IS HELD IN ATHENS

    The World Inter-Parliamentary Association of Hellenism presiding board meeting opened in Athens today and will be completed on Wednesday, July 12. The Greek parliament attends the meeting through its vice-president Panagiotis Sgouridis.

    The World Inter-Parliamentary Association of Hellenism was formed at the initiative of the Greek government in December 1996 and its goal is the cooperation of the Greek origin parliament deputies around the world aimed at their briefing on issues of mutual interest and the development of joint strategies.

    It numbers about 100 members and its plenary session has met twice in Athens in 1996 and in 1998.

    [05] THE JAWBONE OF A PRE-HISTORIC ELEPHANT WAS UNEARTHED IN GREVENA, NORTH-WESTERN GREECE

    The excavations in the region of Milia, in Grevena, north- western Greece unearthed the most complete jawbone of a pre- historic elephant ever discovered in Europe. The findings are estimated to be 3 million years old, while the scientists also found the elephant's 4.5meter long tusks.

    According to paleontologists, this specific elephant was 4 meters high and its weight was estimated at 12 tons. Paleontology lecturer in Thessaloniki's Aristotle University Ms. Evangelia Tsoukala stated to MPA that their gigantic size was the reason that led these creatures to extinction.

    The excavations in Milia, Grevena started in 1996 and the tusks were unearthed on that year, while they are exhibited to the public in Milia since 1997. According to Ms. Tsoukala, similar findings have been discovered only in China.

    Ms. Tsoukala's group is scheduled to conduct excavations in the regions of Sidirokastro, Serres in northern Greece and in Zagliveri, near Thessaloniki where the findings unearthed in the past date back 5-7 million years.

    [06] THE EUROPEAN BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP FOR CHILDREN WILL BE HELD IN ATHENS

    The 5th European Boxing Championship for Children will be held in Athens on July 12-17 and it is expected to attract the interest of many fans of the sport as they will have the opportunity to watch tomorrow's great European boxers.

    In the European Boxing Championship for Children will take part 27 countries with 187 athletes, while FYROM is likely to also take part with one boxer. The teams from 8 countries namely, Slovenia, Armenia, Israel, Germany, Moldavia, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Ukraine have already arrived in Athens, while the rest of the teams representing Russia, Croatia, Finland, Belarus, Georgia, Portugal, Poland, Sweden, Italy, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Yugoslavia, Ireland, Slovakia and Romania will arrive tomorrow. Greece will be represented in all 13 categories with an equal number of athletes.

    [07] REPPAS: STROVILIA HUMILIATES THE UNITED NATIONS

    Turkey and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash showed that they are not ready to contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem, stated Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, responding to a question by a reporter on the occasion of Mr. Denktash's article on the US newspaper "Washington Times" that speaks of the establishment of two countries and two sovereign entities.

    Mr. Reppas stated that Turkey's intentions were revealed and stressed that the United Nations must attribute responsibilities regarding the stance of the Turkish Cypriot leadership. The Greek government spokesman stated characteristically that Mr. Denktash's proposals can not become a point of reference or the basis for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

    Regarding the provocative stance of the Turks in the region of Strovilia near Famagusta, the Greek government spokesman reiterated that this issue humiliates the international organization which appears unable to react.

    [08] GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGN AGAINST TERRORISM

    An information campaign aimed at the sensitization of the people on the issue of terrorism will be launched by the government next Wednesday, according to government spokesman Dimitris Reppas. The campaign will start with television and radio spots.

    At noon on Wednesday there will be one minute of silence in the Greek parliament and all the public agencies in memory of the victims of terrorist attacks.

    [09] WATER SUPPLY PROBLEMS IN GREECE

    The problem of water shortage is outside our doors, stated minister of agriculture Giorgos Anomeritis speaking to the Athens radio station "Flash" this morning, while he expressed concern over the fact that water resources have become limited.

    Speaking in the 8th summit of the Farm Policy Council that will discuss the construction of 300 dams across Greece, Mr. Anomeritis expressed concern over the dramatic decline in the water reserves as a result of the limited rainfall during the winter. However, he clarified that for the moment there is no risk of water shortage, adding that the mismanagement of water resources by agriculture plays a significant role in causing water shortage as this sector uses 83% of the country's water supply.

    [10] THE OA PRESIDENT MET WITH THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE AUSTRALIAN STATE OF VICTORIA

    Prime minister of the Australian state of Victoria, Steve Bracks met with the Greek national airline Olympic Airways, OA, president Mr. Kalofonos in Athens to exchange views on the OA development potential in Melbourne.

    The meeting was attended by airline executives and were discussed trade policy issues as well as issues concerning OA's operation in Victoria.

    Mr. Bracks expressed his satisfaction for the improvement of the offered services and the renewal of the OA fleet with AIRBUS A340-300 aircraft, while he pledged the full support of his government if it is needed.

    [11] GREEK-FYROM MILITARY AGREEMENT SIGNED

    A new military agreement was signed today between the Foreign ministers of Athens and Skopje, Akis Tsochatsopoulos and Nikola Kliousef respectively.

    The agreement has been signed with the aim of developing border forces, mainly on the Albanian borders, as well as cooperation between Greece and FYROM within the military industry.

    As far as the name FYROM is concerned, Mr Kliousef expressed his wish to resolve the issue in the near future.

    [12] PASCHALIDES: PROPOSALS FOR MEDITERRANEAN-BALKAN FIREFIGHTING NETWORK

    The minister for Macedonia and Thrace, George Paschalides, has put forward a proposal calling for the creation of a Mediterranean-Balkan network to deal with the fires currently blazing through the region. Mr Paschalides described the saving of lives, personal property and the environment as being the most pressing issue at the moment, adding that the emergency network is necessary as fires are affecting all mediterranean and balkan countries.

    In his proposal, Mr Paschalides also expressed the opinion that "the saving of lives is our main priority, as is the saving of personal property and of the environment. At the same time, it is an issue which affects the whole of the Balkan region and all mediterranean countries, making it necessary to create a support network of solidarity between these countries that can deal with these events. Unfortunately, these are problems that we will always have to face, due to the constant weather changes."

    In addition to this, the minister for Macedonia and Thrace stated that the Greek government is coordinating the extinguishing of the fires, reminding people not to forget that "there were over 100 fires in Greece, meaning that resources were spread very thinly. Firemen and forest firefighters have made an incredible effort and spent several nights at work, in an attempt to help those who are suffering the most".

    [13] BAKOYIANNI: GOVERNMENT REACTION TO CYPRUS ISSUE "UNCOORDINATED & AWKWARD"

    Dora Bakoyianni, the New Democracy's shadow minister of National Defense and Foreign Affairs, today criticized the Greek government for its "uncoordinated, awkward and uninspired" reaction to recent events concerning the Cyprus issue.

    During her statement, Ms Bakoyianni maintained that "the creation of new tensions caused by the Turkish advance into Strovilia, the provocative tactics on the part of Rauf Denktash at the Geneva negotiations and the promotion of the "solutions for a confederation", show that Turkey and the Turkish-Cypriot side have systematically continued to use delaying tactics these last few months."

    "Following the Helsinki agreement, agreements on "non- provocative policies" and the encouragement, on the part of Greece at least, of a warm atmosphere, sharply contrast with Turkey who, on the other hand, instead of proceeding with good natured steps in response to Greece's constructive stance, is going ahead with steps taken with the intention of showing her greater strength", Ms Bakoyianni firmly added, going on to say that "in this way, Turkey is denying both countries the opportunity to take their relationship to a different level as far as fundamental issues are concerned. The Greek government is reacting in an uncoordinated, awkward and uninspired manner in the face of this policy. The New Democracy party unfortunately proved this recently as far as Turkey's questioning of our island formation in the Aegean is concerned. The government, as proved by the response offered by the minister responsible, to the question put forward by the Euro- minister Mr Chatzidakis, failed to inform the European Union of this crucial matter.

    Ms Bakoyianni also pointed to the fact the government obviously had not outlined a strategy to constantly pressurize Turkey over the Cyprus issue, in order to force the country to abide by the commitments it promised to fulfil upon accepting the decision made at Helsinki

    The assigning of responsibility to certain government members to deal with the need for dialogue with Turkey, with the aim of changing the Turkish stance to the issue was also given emphasis by Ms Bakoyianni during her statement.

    Following recent developments in the Cyprus issue, Ms Bakoyianni stated that the New Democracy party is inviting the government to demand that all conditions agreed upon by those present at Helsinki be fulfilled and more specifically the gradual and constant adapting of its neighbor to these conditions, the effective creation of a controlling body for Turkey, as well as the prioritization of finding a fair and viable solution to the Cyprus issue in accordance with UN decisions. She further maintained that these measures are necessary for the effective improving of Greek-Turkish relations and for the acceptance of Turkey as a member of the European Union.

    [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

    [14] STRONG GREEK REACTION TO THE ALTERATION OF THE NAME OF FYROM IN THE OSCE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY MEETING

    The Greek delegation in the 9th OSCE parliamentary assembly meeting reacted strongly to the FYROM delegation move to alter the formal sign with its country's name.

    Covering part of the sign that wrote "Former Yugoslav" the FYROM delegation left uncovered the part that wrote "Republic of Macedonia" leading the members of the Greek delegation to deliver a protest letter to the assembly president asking that all necessary measures be taken for the restoration of the order.

    The OSCE parliamentary assembly president called on FYROM to respect the rules and order and pointed out that the specific action is a violation of the organization's principles for as long as the issue of FYROM's name is pending within the framework of the United Nations.

    [15] GREEK HUMANITARIAN AID FOR THE CHILDREN OF SERBIA

    A delegation of the humanitarian organization "Greek Solidarity Caravan" will be in Serbia tomorrow and will deliver the humanitarian aid collected for the needs of the children who were left orphan or suffered irreparable bodily harm during the NATO bombings of Yugoslavia.

    In the next few days, the representatives of the "Greek Solidarity Caravan" will travel to Serb cities and will distribute aid worth DM 25.000 to 500 children victims of the war.

    [16] DETECTIVE NOVEL ON THE PARTHENON MARBLES

    The Parthenon Marbles was the inspiration for a detective story that promises to be a success. British author Reg Gadney in his latest novel under the title "Strange Police" tells the story of a group of very rich Greeks who attempt to steal the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum in order to bring them to Greece, while in the case is involved even the "17 November" terrorist organization.

    The book that was published in Britain by the publishing house Faber & Faber has all the ingredients of a best seller namely, manhunts, prison escapes, torture and sudden deaths.

    [17] THE PAN-MACEDONIAN ASSOCIATION OF US-CANADA ELECTED A WOMAN PRESIDENT

    The proceedings of the 54th annual conference of the Pan- Macedonian Association of US-Canada held for the election of a new supreme presiding board were concluded in New York late last Saturday afternoon.

    The role of women in the new presiding board is notable as four of the six positions have been occupied by women.

    Pan-Macedonian Association president was elected its former vice-president Ms. Nina Peropoulou from Texas, vice-president is Sotiris Proios from New York, secretary is Alexandra Avgitidou from New Jersey and treasurer is Varvara Papigioti from New York. Babis Moutidis was elected vice-president of the association for Canada, while Eleftheria Achtaridi was elected vice-president for the association's youth. The supreme council is also made up of the 16 governors of the different departments of the Pan- Macedonian Association in Canada and the United States many of whom are young and take over the post of the governor for the first time.

    [18] INTERVENTION BY MS. PAPAZOI IN THE EU GENERAL AFFAIRS COUNCIL

    The need for the European Union to play a decisive role in the handling of basic problems that affect peace and stability in its neighbors, was pointed out in an intervention made by Greek deputy foreign minister Ms. Elisavet Papazoi in the EU General Affairs Council meeting in Brussels.

    Ms. Papazoi called on the Turkish Cypriot side to put an end to its intransigence and provocation in order to find a fair and viable solution to the Cyprus problem.

    She also expressed the hope that Cyprus' unhindered EU course and the fact that Turkey is a candidate state for EU accession based on the Helsinki decisions will create a network of relations in the region that will be based on the respect of international law.

    Referring to the situation in the Balkans, she underlined that the restoration of democratic procedures is necessary and that UN Security Council resolution 1244 on Kosovo must be implemented safeguarding Yugoslavia's territorial integrity and offering wide autonomy to Kosovo.

    Also, Ms. Papazoi reiterated Greece's opposition to the implementation of sanctions on Serbia.


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