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Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-08-29

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, August 29, 2000

SECTIONS

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

  • NEWS HEADLINES

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

  • [01] FALCON CRASH REPORT: SEAT BELTS WERE CRUCIAL
  • [02] DEA OFFICIALS IN ATHENS FOR COCAINE BUST INQUIRY
  • [03] CYPRIOT FM ARRIVES IN ATHENS TODAY FOR TALKS
  • [04] C/TEE ON REVISING CONSTITUTION MEETS TOMORROW
  • [05] PRESIDENT TO TOUR PELOPONNESE TOMORROW
  • [06] PM IN N.Y. NEXT WEEK FOR UN MILLENNIUM SUMMIT
  • [07] FUEL PRICES TO RISE AS OF TOMORROW AT MIDNIGHT
  • [08] MILLIONS OF CONTRABAND CIGARETTE PACKS SEIZED
  • [09] MACEDONIA-THRACE MINISTER ON N. GREECE'S ROLE
  • [10] THESSALONIKI INTERNATIONAL FAIR OPENS THIS FRIDAY
  • [11] THE DAMAGES FROM THE FIRES IN CORFU AND IOANNINA ARE BEING ASSESSED
  • [12] THE ILLEGAL ARMS TRADE IS HARD TO CONTROL IN GREECE
  • [13] NIKOS KAKLAMANAKIS WILL BE THE FLAG-BEARER OF THE GREEK OLYMPIC TEAM IN SYDNEY
  • [14] KLT LTD WILL OPEN FOUR SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES IN THE BALKANS
  • [15] AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WAS KILLED IN A MINEFIELD
  • [16] VARTHOLOMEOS: THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE IS THE MOTHER CHURCH
  • [17] NEW LOSSES IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
  • [18] MEASURES AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AT THE PORT OF PATRAS
  • [19] SIMITIS: THESSALONIKI'S INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR IS THE BAROMETER OF THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMIC AND SPIRITUAL PROGRESS
  • [20] THE SEVEN BUSINESSMEN ARRESTED ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE GREEK SHIPOWNERS ASSOCIATION
  • [21] PAPANDREOU-KASOULIDES MEETING IN ATHENS
  • [22] 150 LEADERS AT THE US SUMMIT OF THE CENTURY
  • [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

  • [23] GREEK EUROMINISTER ASKS EC FOR AIRCRAFT SAFETY
  • [24] SEMINAR ON PARTHENON HELD IN SYDNEY
  • [25] KARAMANLIS VISITS GDANSK

  • NEWS IN DETAIL

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

    [01] FALCON CRASH REPORT: SEAT BELTS WERE CRUCIAL

    A series of mechanical failures, pilot errors and the fact that the victims were not wearing their seat belts were to blame for the deaths of Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis, his son Nikos and five other people in a plane accident over Bucharest on September 14, 1999, according to a report submitted to the Foreign Ministry Flight Accident Investigation Council.

    According to the Council, which comprised experts from France, the United States, Germany and Great Britain, the Falcon 900 jet was approaching Bucharest airport, flying at approximately 5,000 meters, when it suddenly plunged precipitously. In 24 seconds, the plane had ten vertical oscillations, the Council found.

    When the plane started to plunge, the pilot's immediate reaction, according to the report, was to suddenly shift the rudder in order to regain height, without first switching off the automatic pilot.

    That sudden move, plus their subsequent switching off of the automatic pilot five seconds too late, sent the plane into a spin.

    [02] DEA OFFICIALS IN ATHENS FOR COCAINE BUST INQUIRY

    A delegation of officials from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is due in Athens today, in order to assist Greek police in their ongoing investigation concerning the recent drug bust in Venezuela that involved seven Greeks.

    The Greek suspects, among them shipowners and businessmen, will appear before an Athens prosecutor today. An inquiry has been ordered over the involvement of an Athens airport policeman, who is suspected of being the gang's informant by providing crucial information he derived from within the police computers.

    The Greeks have been identified as shipowner Philippos Makris, 42, businessmen Ioannis Lemos, 52, and Angelos Kanakis, 52, shipping agents Theodoros Fatsis and Nikos Mavridoglou, 54, and merchant marine captain Constantine Athanasios. Shipowner Ilias Lemos, 53, was also arrested and detained in France.

    The eight-month-long international operation, which resulted in the seizing of a record ten tons of cocaine, resulted in 16 arrests in Venezuela, France, Italy and Greece.

    The operation began as separate investigations by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration office in Athens, Greece, the Customs office in Houston and other agencies. The investigations were eventually united and coordinated by the U.S. Justice Department.

    [03] CYPRIOT FM ARRIVES IN ATHENS TODAY FOR TALKS

    The Foreign Ministers of Greece and Cyprus, George Papandreou and Ioannis Kasoulides respectively, will meet in Athens today, in order to coordinate efforts so that the UN-led talks for a settlement in Cyprus will go into the substance of the problem.

    During the meeting, the two ministers will also discuss issues relating to Turkey's European Union accession partnership, expected to be decided in November, as well as relations between Greece and Turkey.

    [04] C/TEE ON REVISING CONSTITUTION MEETS TOMORROW

    A cross-parliamentary committee on revising the Constitution will hold its first meeting tomorrow, August 30, while the committee's chair and party spokespeople will first discuss the issues related to the revision process and its progress.

    By the final deadline of October 15, the committee will present its conclusions to the Plenary, which will devote the rest of the parliamentary session - if necessary - at least until Easter or even later in 2001, to complete the process of revising the Constitution, according to Parliament speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis.

    [05] PRESIDENT TO TOUR PELOPONNESE TOMORROW

    The President of the Hellenic Republic Costis Stephanopoulos is scheduled to visit the towns of Astros and Leonidio in the Peloponnese prefecture of Arcadia tomorrow, 30 where he will attend ceremonies held in his honor. During his stay, President Stephanopoulos is to be proclaimed an "honorary citizen".

    He is also scheduled to visit the town of Gythio in the Peloponnese prefecture of Laconia.

    [06] PM IN N.Y. NEXT WEEK FOR UN MILLENNIUM SUMMIT

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis will travel to New York on September 5-9, at the invitation of U.S. President Bill Clinton, where he will attend the UN General Assembly Millennium Summit and will participate in the "Progressive Government" leaders meeting.

    Mr. Simitis will depart Greece on September 5, following the inauguration of Thessaloniki's International Fair. While in New York, the Premier is expected to hold a series of meetings with other state leaders.

    The Greek Premier will be accompanied by Foreign Minister George Papandreou who will be meeting with his Turkish counterpart Ismael Cem.

    [07] FUEL PRICES TO RISE AS OF TOMORROW AT MIDNIGHT

    Fuel prices are to rise effective on Thursday, in line with indicative retail prices released by the development ministry.

    According to the ministry, petrol will rise by seven drachmas per liter, and diesel by three drachmas per liter due to changes in world crude oil prices.

    As petrol prices continue their upward course, having climbed as high as $30 per barrel, international markets are concerned over the emergence of a new oil crisis.

    [08] MILLIONS OF CONTRABAND CIGARETTE PACKS SEIZED

    Port authorities in Crete have seized over six million of contraband cigarette packs, stashed inside thousands of boxes on board a Latvia-bound, Cambodia-flagged cargo ship.

    According to the police report, the discovery of six million and 925 thousand packs of smokes constitutes the largest amount of contraband cigarettes to have been seized in recent years.

    Police have arrested the ship's Greek captain and eight foreign crew members.

    [09] MACEDONIA-THRACE MINISTER ON N. GREECE'S ROLE

    Northern Greece is on the verge of undertaking a never-before- experienced leading role in the southeastern European region, a role of massive proportions, the Minister of Macedonia-Thrace George Paschalides stated in an interview with the Macedonian Press Agency, where he referred extensively to the content of Prime Minister's (Costas Simitis) keynote speech at the inauguration of Thessaloniki's International Fair on September 1.

    "The Premier and the government, following the country's accession to the Economic and Monetary Union, are working towards solidifying the country's ability to partake in supra-national units.

    "It concerns Northern Greece's new role in the wider southeastern European region, a leading role at that," he stated.

    In his address at TIF's inauguration, the Prime Minister is expected to outline how he envisions Greece in the 21st century, while, one day later at the official dinner, Mr. Simitis is expected to extensively refer to projects pertaining to the region of Thessaloniki and Northern Greece.

    As Mr. Paschalides stressed, the Premier plans to meet with representatives of all the local sectors in order to gain their feedback.

    The Minister added that various ministers will also be present at these meetings in order to provide on-the-spot answers.

    [10] THESSALONIKI INTERNATIONAL FAIR OPENS THIS FRIDAY

    Thessaloniki's 65th International Fair, Greece's largest trade exhibition held annually in early September, opens its gates on Friday, September 1, with the United States being this year's featured country.

    Covering an expanse of 49,000 square meters, this year's TIF will feature the official presence of 17 countries, with Turkey participating for the first time, as well as hundreds of private industries and enterprises from the world over.

    Among the highlighted participants are the European Commission, the International Fair of Skopje and the Japanese Export Trade Organization (JETRO).

    The 11 US-related event programs include: · "Figment: The life and Work of Andy Warhol" An exhibition of works by the well-known pop artist organized by the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh in cooperation with the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art and the municipality of Thessaloniki. Until September 19. · The "Baseball and Softball Experience" A daily baseball demonstration that will introduce children and young people to America's favorite pastime, and a new Olympic sport. At TIF's YMCA gate, September 2-10. · Warner Bros. Characters Well-known animated Warner Bros. Characters (Tweety, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and the Tasmanian Devil) "jump to life" in Thessaloniki's streets and on TIF's fairgrounds. · Celebration of American Cuisine Festival of American Regional Cuisine at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, prepared by a leading US chef every night during the fair. September 2-10. · "Modern Odysseys: Greek-American Artists of the 20th Century" An exhibition of works by several noted American artists. Organized under the auspices of the Greek culture ministry and the State Museum of Contemporary Art, in cooperation with the World Council of Hellenes Abroad, the Queens Museum of Art and the I.F. Kostopoulos Foundation. Lazariston Monastery, Stavroupoli municipality of Thessaloniki, September 3 through December 2000. · Dixieland Band Popular southern jazz performed by the 11-member Dixieland Band from Corinth. On TIF's grounds in front of the indoor sports arena, September 5-6 after 9 p.m. · American Line and Square Dancing Traditional line and square dancing by American Farm School students. On TIF's grounds in front of the indoor sports arena, September 5-6 after 9 p.m. · Concerts with performer Yvette Jarvis Soul, disco, Latin, and gospel hits with Greece-based performer Yvette Jarvis and the nine-member band "Grupo Candela". In front of the indoor sports arena, September 8-10 after 9 p.m. · "20th Century American Film: Milestones of a Legendary Dream" Fifteen classic American films screened in cooperation with the Thessaloniki Film Festival at the Olympion movie theater on Aristotelous square, September 8-21. Screenings start at 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily. Admission to opening night is by invitation only. · The Sixth Fleet Band The 25-member band of the Sixth Fleet will bring its "Big Band" sound on Sept. 8-9 in front of the indoor sports arena at 7 p.m. · The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band from New York City will perform at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 9 p.m.

    [11] THE DAMAGES FROM THE FIRES IN CORFU AND IOANNINA ARE BEING ASSESSED

    The fire that broke out a few days ago in the Ionian Sea island of Corfu and destroyed a large area has been put under control and the local authorities assess the damages caused.

    Meanwhile, in the region of Ioannina in north-western Greece the damages from the fires there took tragic dimensions. Based on formal figures provided by the prefecture of Ioannina, seven people lost their lives and 58 houses were totally destroyed in five villages. In addition, 35 warehouses and 26 stables were also burned to the ground, not mentioning the ecological damage caused which is unprecedented as thousands of acres of forest land were turned into ashes.

    Meanwhile, a big fire has broken out in FYROM and has already reached the region of Gevgeli, near the borders with Greece, as even though foreign fire-fighting assistance has been sent the FYROM authorities state that they are unable to deal with the disaster.

    The fire broke out eight days ago and destroyed thousands of acres of forest land. The FYROM authorities requested fire- fighting assistance from Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey. Greece responded to the calls but it was forced to interrupt its assistance because of the large number of fires on Greek land. Reports on the FYROM press refer to the risk for the fires to spread on Greek territory.

    [12] THE ILLEGAL ARMS TRADE IS HARD TO CONTROL IN GREECE

    The illegal arms trade has taken up uncontrollable dimensions in Greece as it is estimated that about 50 thousand guns have been traded illegally in the past 4 years. If it is taken into account that thousands of people own hunting rifles and other guns legally, then the total number of guns in Greece is close to 1 million namely, one gun per ten Greeks.

    In a report published on the Athens newspaper "Eleftherotipia" it is mentioned that the alarming fact is that the police mechanisms for the control of illegal arms trade are poor.

    It is also mentioned that the requirements for the issuing of gun permits are very strict in Greece and as a result many people turn to illegal arms traders in order to purchase a gun.

    The main source of illegal arms trade for the past 3-4 years is Albania as thousands of guns and pieces of ammunition have crossed the borders with Greece and have been sold at very low prices.

    [13] NIKOS KAKLAMANAKIS WILL BE THE FLAG-BEARER OF THE GREEK OLYMPIC TEAM IN SYDNEY

    The Olympic gold medalist in the Atlanta Olympic Games Nikos Kaklamanakis will be the flag-bearer of the Greek mission in the Olympic Games in Sydney.

    The wind-surf champion, who is already in Sydney where he prepares for new records and medals, stated as soon as he was informed of the decision that he never dreamt that he would enter the Olympic Stadium in Sydney with the Greek flag.

    Meanwhile, the first group of the Greek Olympic team made up of the athletes participating in the water events, boxing and tae kwon doe left today for Sydney. All of them appeared optimistic that they will return to Greece with Olympic medals.

    [14] KLT LTD WILL OPEN FOUR SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES IN THE BALKANS

    The Greek KLT Ltd specializing in air-conditioning systems will open four subsidiary companies in the Balkans improving the existing exclusive sales network it has developed in 11 south- eastern European countries.

    The four companies are planned to be opened in FYROM, Romania, Serbia and Croatia. The company begun spreading to the Balkans in 1993 starting from Romania and Bulgaria and later it reached the neighboring countries through a sales network in Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Slovenia.

    [15] AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WAS KILLED IN A MINEFIELD

    An illegal immigrant, possibly a Turkish national, was killed at dawn today when he entered a fenced minefield at the Greek- Turkish borders, near the border crossing of Kipi.

    According to the available information, the man together with another individual tried to cross the Greek borders illegally, they got lost and entered a minefield.

    The incident is being investigated by the Greek police.

    [16] VARTHOLOMEOS: THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE IS THE MOTHER CHURCH

    The tension rises between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Church of Greece on the new state-issued identity cards which will not list the religion of the bearer. The cause for the new tension was the statements made by Metropolite Amvrosios of Kalavrita who characterized the Ecumenical Patriarchate as a stepmother Church.

    The statement issued by the Ecumenical Patriarchate refers to grateful and ungrateful children as a clear response to Metropolite Amvrosios. The Ecumenical Patriarch himself responding to Amvrosios stated that the Ecumenical Patriarchate is the mother Church for all the Greeks and the Orthodox Christians even though certain of them regard it as a stepmother Church.

    [17] NEW LOSSES IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

    Losses of 0.98% were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today and the general index dropped to 3.524,16 points.

    The volume of transactions was small at 64.6 billion drachmas. Of the stocks trading today 100 had gains, 232 recorded losses and 38 remained stable.

    According to economic analysts, the downward course followed by the Athens Stock Exchange since September 1999 will soon end and they anxiously expect the effect the privatization announcements will have on the market.

    [18] MEASURES AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AT THE PORT OF PATRAS

    The prefecture of Achaia in southern Greece decided to close all the gates at the port of Patras, in the Peloponnese during the night in order to limit the phenomenon of illegal immigrants trying to board ships in order to reach the Italian coasts.

    During a local authorities meeting it was also decided to adopt increased police measures in the port area, while the trucks carrying goods for export will have to park in supervised areas.

    [19] SIMITIS: THESSALONIKI'S INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR IS THE BAROMETER OF THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMIC AND SPIRITUAL PROGRESS

    Thessaloniki's International Trade Fair is the barometer measuring the economic and spiritual progress achieved by the country, stressed Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis in a message delivered yesterday.

    He stressed that it will not be an exaggeration to say that this year's Trade Fair will reflect mainly the successful course of the Greek economy and the optimistic prospects for the country's development and prosperity.

    Referring to Greece's accession into the EMU, Mr. Simitis stressed that this success should not bring a relaxation to the efforts made for economic progress.

    [20] THE SEVEN BUSINESSMEN ARRESTED ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE GREEK SHIPOWNERS ASSOCIATION

    The assurance that the seven Greek businessmen, who are allegedly members of an international drug-trafficking ring, are not members of the Greek Shipowners Association was given today by the association itself.

    The Greeks arrested, who are referred to as shipowners, are not members of the association and are not known in the Greek shipping circles, clarified the Greek Shipowners Association. It also condemned every crime activity of that form around the world and stressed that the tough punishment of those involved is necessary.

    The seven Greeks are testifying on the case in Athens. It should be reminded that they were arrested during a police operation aimed at breaking up the ring. The police operation lasted 2 years and took place with the cooperation of 12 countries. A total of 45 people were arrested, while a Greek police officer serving in the passport department of the Athens Airport is also involved in the international drug-trafficking ring case.

    [21] PAPANDREOU-KASOULIDES MEETING IN ATHENS

    The new round of talks on Cyprus, the Greek-Turkish relations and Cyprus' EU accession course were the main topics discussed in Athens today in the meeting of Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou with his Cypriot counterpart Yiannakis Kasoulides.

    The two ministers stressed that the Greek side comes to the talks with the political will to reach a solution to the problem, underlining that Turkey should display a similar attitude.

    Regarding Turkey's EU accession course, Mr. Kasoulides stressed that Ankara should meet the obligations it has undertaken in the Helsinki summit meeting as well as the Copenhagen criteria.

    Mr. Papandreou characterized the current phase of the Cyprus issue as crucial and added that the policy followed by the Greek side has Turkey's European course as its basic goal.

    [22] 150 LEADERS AT THE US SUMMIT OF THE CENTURY

    Around 150 government and state leaders will arrive in the US on September 6th to discuss issues that must be dealt with during the next few decades.

    The Summit of the Century will be the largest gathering of global leaders ever held and will examine a series of issues under the title "The US during the 21st Century". Amongst the major issues due to be presented are that of poverty, the expansion of UN peace missions and the most effective methods of dealing with worldwide environmental problems.

    UN General Secretary Kofi Annan has asked world leaders to commit themselves to the realisation of various aims, such as the reduction by half of the number of people living in complete poverty and the prevention of AIDS from spreading.

    These aims are described in the General Secretary's report for the new century, presented last April as part of the preparations for the Summit.

    [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

    [23] GREEK EUROMINISTER ASKS EC FOR AIRCRAFT SAFETY

    PASOK eurominister Meni Malliori asked the European Commission to take action in order to ensure the health protection of all passengers and crew on board aircraft, in the light of a recent spate of air accidents.

    The request made by Ms Malliori came after a statement made by the Australian Senate claiming that the passenger section of certain types of aircraft is polluted by the ventilation system, which releases dangerous toxins, thus putting the health of thousands of passengers and crew members in danger. Statistical information gathered by Dr Jean Balouet of the International Union of Aviation Medicine is included in the report in question, also claiming that the presence of toxins causes vision deficiency, lack of balance, speech impediments and memory loss.

    Ms Malliori asked the EC to undertake a series of control checks to ascertain whether or not this information is valid and to take all measures necessary to protect the health and safety of all those on board aircraft.

    [24] SEMINAR ON PARTHENON HELD IN SYDNEY

    "The Acropolis, the Parthenon, Elgin and the Marbles" was the title of the special seminar held in the Sydney Powerhouse Museum, home to the famous exhibition "1000 years of Olympic Races, Treasures of Ancient Greece". The seminar aims to sensitise Australians and international public opinion in general to the importance of the return of the Marbles to Greece.

    The seminar portrayed the history of the Parthenon Marbles, their removal from Athens by Lord Elgin in 1801 and their sale to the British government in 1816, as well as modern perceptions of museums and the return of cultural heritage to its rightful owner.

    Important Australian figures attended the seminar, such as former Prime Minister G. Whitlam, who spoke about "Pericles and the Parthenon". David Hill, member of the Australian committee for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece gave a talk on Lord Elgin and the story of the Marbles.

    [25] KARAMANLIS VISITS GDANSK

    New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis currently visiting Poland to take part in a summit held by the European People's Party, arrived in Gdansk for the ceremony held at the port's shipyard in celebration of 20 years since the Polish worker's revolt and the founding of the Independent Solidarity Syndicate.

    During his visit to the historic Polish shipyard, Mr Karamanlis referred to the rebellion, which began 20 years ago and succeeded in dramatically changing the political map of Europe. The request for solidarity continues to be a current issue and concerns the completion of Europe, as there is a need for European common and protected borders.

    The ND leader held talks with former Polish President, Leh Valesa and referred to the enlargement of the European Union and to the countries asking to enter the European "family", adding that Cyprus has met all the criteria required.

    During his visit, Mr Karamanlis also held talks with the Prime Ministers of Poland, Yierzi Buzek, Spain, Jose Maria Aznar, Bulgaria, Ivan Kostov and Malta, Edouard Andami.


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