Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-09-29
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, September 29, 2000
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
TITLES
[01] SAMINA CAPTAIN ACCUSED OF FELONY
[02] GREEK OLYMPIC ATHLETES TO RETURN ON TUESDAY
[03] KARAMANLIS TO VISIT CYPRUS TOMORROW
[04] "SAMINA" CAPTAIN ADMITS HE WAS ASLEEP AT TIME OF ACCIDENT
[05] TALKS HELD FOR GREEK-SWISS COOPERATION
[06] ND SENDS CONGRATULATIONS TO KELESIDOU
[07] THE "SAMINA" TRAGEDY DEATH TOLL HAS RISEN TO 72
[08] GAINS OF 0.87% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
[09] THE PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT OPENED THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE 5TH
WORLD CONFERENCE OF THRACIANS
[10] KOSTUNICA REJECTS A PAPANDREOU APPEAL TO TAKE PART IN THE
RUNOFF ELECTIONS
[11] OMISSIONS IN THE PASSENGER AND CREW LIST OF "SAMINA"
[12] FUEL SHORTAGES IN GREECE
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[13] US ARCHIBISHOP PASSES ON CONDOLENCES TO VICTIMS FAMILIES
[14] ROGGE CONFIDENT ABOUT "ATHENS 2004"
[15] ANGELOPOULOU DISCUSSES "ATHENS 2004" ON CNN
[16] THE GREEK ATHLETES WILL COMPETE FOR MORE MEDALS TOMORROW
[17] THE FOREIGN SPORTS PRESS BOWS TO KOSTAS KENTERIS
[18] GREECE AND ITALY ARE ALBANIA'S MAIN TRADE PARTNERS
[19] PAPANDREOU ON THE ELECTIONS IN YUGOSLAVIA AND THE 2004
OLYMPICS
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] SAMINA CAPTAIN ACCUSED OF FELONY
Prosecutors on the island of Syros have accused the captain
of the "Samina Express" ferry, Vasilis Yiannakakis and his crew of
felony, following the tragic shipwreck that took place this week.
The captain confirmed that the ship's steering wheel was not
faulty and claimed full responsibility for the shipwreck, adding
that he had been in his cabin during the time of the incident.
Mr Yiannakakis' deputy, Anastasios Psichogios, stated that he
tried to turn the steering wheel to the left, but strong waves
threw the ship onto the rocks.
[02] GREEK OLYMPIC ATHLETES TO RETURN ON TUESDAY
Greek political leaders are due to welcome home the country's
flag-bearing Olympic athletes on Tuesday, October 3rd. The welcome
ceremony will be confined to the airport in Athens, out of respect
for the several lives lost aboard the tragic shipwreck of the
"Samina Express". The Olympic athletes will be honoured during a
special celebration, due to be held at a later date.
According to Greek Sports undersecretary, George Florides,
"it was not possible to ignore the Greek Olympic athletes who took
part in the Sydney Games and the return of the country's flag.
However, it will be a simple ceremony, out of respect for the
shipwreck's victims".
Mr Florides also referred to the numerous Greek successes in
Sydney: "The success achieved by our athletes in Sydney proves
that the success achieved in Atlanta was not a matter of luck. On
the contrary, it has been proved that the level of Greek athletes
is rising constantly. We will need a special training program to
prepare our athletes for the 2004 Olympic Games here in Athens".
[03] KARAMANLIS TO VISIT CYPRUS TOMORROW
The leader of the Greek New Democracy opposition party,
Costas Karamanlis, will leave for a two day visit to Cyprus
tomorrow, together with shadow Foreign and Defence secretary, Dora
Bakoyianni and other members of his party.
During his visit to the island, Mr Karamanlis will attend
celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Cypriot independence and
will hold meetings with the country's president, Glafkos Clerides,
as well as with other political leaders.
[04] "SAMINA" CAPTAIN ADMITS HE WAS ASLEEP AT TIME OF ACCIDENT
The captain of the "Samina Express" ferry admitted today that
he was asleep in his cabin when the vessel crashed into the islet
off the island of Paros, causing the tragic shipwreck. Vasilis
Yiannakis, claimed he was not feeling well and left his deputy in
charge. In turn, the deputy abandoned his duties at the wheel to
attend to personal matters in the passenger lounge, leaving a
younger and less experienced crew member, George Patilas, in
charge of the ship.
The ship was travelling at a speed of 18 nautical miles, two
nautical miles away from Paros. Strong winds made the task of the
young crew member left in charge even harder and he reported
losing control of the ship.
The Samina, once Mr Patilas lost control of the steering
wheel, veered towards the rocky islet. In his statement, Mr
Yiannakis claimed that once he reached the deck, he "called the
ship's mechanic, but the vessel started tipping over, so I set off
the emergency signal. I ordered the mechanic to stop the engines
completely when he told me the right hand side of the ship had
cracked, but it was too late".
"Passengers on the deck were in a state of panic and the ship
tipped over in a matter of minutes, yet continued to travel at a
speed of 8 miles per hour. In its panic, the crew did not have
time to reduce the speed and the ship started sinking. We managed
to throw four life boats into the sea and these were immediately
filled by desperate passengers. Some emergency measures failed to
operate. At 10.30pm the ship disappeared into the turbulent
waves".
[05] TALKS HELD FOR GREEK-SWISS COOPERATION
The Cyprus issue, the development of bilateral economic
relations between Greece and Switzerland and future cooperation in
the Balkans, were all on the agenda at talks held between Greek
deputy Foreign minister, Elizavet Papazoi and her Swiss
counterpart Von Daeniken.
Mr Daeniken stressed the active interest and constant support
of his country in the Cyprus issue and referred to the need for a
solution based on decisions made by the UN, for a unified and
sovereign Cypriot Republic. The two ministers estimated the
results of the Greek-Swiss collaboration in providing humanitarian
aid to Kosovo and examined the possibilities maintaining this
collaboration in matters of common interest as far as Yugoslavia
is concerned.
They also discussed the further development of Swiss
investments in Greece and the ratification of the free access
agreement. Mr Von Daeniken officially invited Ms Papazoi to visit
Switzerland.
[06] ND SENDS CONGRATULATIONS TO KELESIDOU
Greek silver medal winner Anastasia Kelesidou from
Thessaloniki received a congratulatory telegraph from the New
Democracy party headquarters in the country's second capital, for
her Olympic performance in the discus throwing competition.
The telegraph expresses its happiness and pride towards the
athlete and wished her all the best for more success in the
future.
[07] THE "SAMINA" TRAGEDY DEATH TOLL HAS RISEN TO 72
The merchant marine ministry announced that the number of
people who lost their lives in the "Samina" tragedy has risen to
72. Divers managed to approach the sunken ship and located 6
bodies inside it. They belong to 5 women and a man. Earlier, the
rescue teams had located other 4 bodies near the area where the
tragedy took place.
The ship is 38 meters under the sea, 1 nautical mile away
from the impact point. According to the results of the
investigation so far, there is no oil leak. However, there is
gasoline leak that comes from the fuel reservoirs of the cars and
trucks in the ship's garage.
The divers found the bodies of the five women and a man, all
wearing life-jackets, at the ship's "airplane seats" area. Based
on official figures, there are 7 people still missing but
according to statements made by rescued passengers and relatives
they could be as many as 15.
[08] GAINS OF 0.87% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
Gains of 0.87% were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange
today and the general index was at 4.178,96 points. The volume of
transactions was 104,5 billion drachmas and reflects the purchase
interest that was displayed before the end of the session. The
messages coming from the transactions value front are very
encouraging, according to stock exchange circles.
Of the stocks trading today 231 recorded gains, 106 had
losses and 37 remained unchanged.
[09] THE PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT OPENED THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE 5TH
WORLD CONFERENCE OF THRACIANS
Greek parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis formally
opened the proceedings of the 5th World Conference of Thracians in
the city of Xanthi in north-eastern Greece.
In his opening speech today Mr. Kaklamanis expressed his
regret for the "Samina" tragedy and referring to the people from
the region of Thrace in north-eastern Greece stated that they were
the pioneers of the Greek vision to create a world culture and
make hellenism ecumenical. He called on all the political, social
and spiritual forces to work together showing respect to the
democratic institutions and staying firm toward the national goals
in order for hellenism to be able to face the modern challenges.
Mr. Kaklamanis also said that there is a need for all the
Greeks to contribute to the joint European effort.
Mufti of Xanthi Mehmet Emin Sinikoglu stated in his message
to the delegates that the state offers to the Muslim student the
necessary means for life, adding that more and more Muslims study
in Greek universities and have the opportunity to attend the
European youth programs.
Mr. Sinikoglu expressed satisfaction for the creation of
modern schools and the maintenance works made in the religious
schools of Echinos and Komotini and other schools where the
minority religion and language are being taught.
He also stated that Thrace is no longer the poorest EU
region, adding that Muslims and Christians work together for the
common European course and enjoy the benefits of this important
choice.
[10] KOSTUNICA REJECTS A PAPANDREOU APPEAL TO TAKE PART IN THE
RUNOFF ELECTIONS
Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou issued an appeal to
opposition candidate in the Yugoslav presidential elections
Vojislav Kostunica to reconsider the likelihood to enter the
second round of voting under the precondition that there will be
international observers present.
As it was made known this afternoon, Mr. Kostunica rejected
the Greek foreign minister's appeal, pointing out
characteristically that in spite of the friendly relations with
Greece this appeal constitutes an intervention in domestic
affairs. A representative of the opposition candidate in the
presidential elections stated that Kostunica has received at least
51.5% of the votes and that is final.
[11] OMISSIONS IN THE PASSENGER AND CREW LIST OF "SAMINA"
The death toll in the "Samina Express" tragedy has now risen
to 74 while according to estimates the people still missing could
be as many as 19.
An official statement mentions that serious omissions and
violations have been spotted on the list with the names of
passengers and crew submitted to the ministry of merchant marine
by the Minoan Flying Dolphins shipping company owner of the
"Samina Express".
As soon as this statement was made merchant marine minister
Christos Papoutsis gave an order for the immediate briefing of the
prosecutor on the island of Siros who is in charge of the case.
[12] FUEL SHORTAGES IN GREECE
Significant fuel shortages are recorded in the fuel stations
across Greece and in certain prefectures fuel reserves have been
used up creating serious problems, according to information
provided to MPA by the Greek Association of Gas Station Owners.
The fuel shortage is the result of the tank-truck owners strike
demanding lower fuel tax.
The biggest shortages have been recorded in Egio, southern
Greece, in the Dodecanese Islands, south-eastern Aegean, the
prefecture of Evros in north-eastern Greece, the Ionian Sea island
of Zakynthos and the island of Crete.
In northern Greece shortages have been recorded in Dramas,
Kavala, Kozani and Florina, while in the wider region of
Thessaloniki there are shortages in almost 30% of the fuel
stations. A similar situation is being recorded and in the wider
region of Athens.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[13] US ARCHIBISHOP PASSES ON CONDOLENCES TO VICTIMS FAMILIES
American Archibishop Demetrius passed on his condolences for
those involved in the tragic shipwreck which took place off the
island of Paros, in a letter to Greek Prime Minister Costas
Simitis and to the Greek president of the Republic, Costis
Stephanopoulos.
In his letter, Archibishop Demetrius expressed his remorse on
behalf of Greeks living abroad, for the tragedy involving the
"Express Samina" ferry. He also passed on condolences from his
diocese to the families of both the victims and the survivors of
the shipwreck.
[14] ROGGE CONFIDENT ABOUT "ATHENS 2004"
The decision to award Greece with the honour of hosting the
2004 Olympic Games is irrevocable, according to the speech made by
the vice President of the International Olympics Committee,
Jacques Rogge, which was transmitted on Australian television last
night.
The statement by Mr Rogge came at a time when the
international press has begun to question the ability of Athens to
successfully organise the Games. "The Olympic Games will take
place in Athens in August 2004, without a doubt", Mr Rogge said,
adding that several changes have taken place in the organisation
of the next Olympics. "There have been delays and we issued a
severe warning. Things have changed since then, the Greek Prime
Minister has personal taken responsibility, the government has
offered the organising committee its full support and committee
members have been re-shuffled", the IOC vice President said.
Despite the confidence expressed by Mr Rogge, the conflict
between members of the Athens 2004 committee and certain
government members continues to worry the IOC. The president of
the Greek Organising committee, Yianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki has
begun a marathon press campaign to reinstate international public
opinion of Greece, having appeared in television interviews on
NBC, Tokyo TV and Sky News amongst others.
[15] ANGELOPOULOU DISCUSSES "ATHENS 2004" ON CNN
"The perfectly organised Olympic Games in Athens are a
shining example for Athens", said president of the Greek Olympics
Organising Committee, Yianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, during an
interview on CNN.
Ms Angelopoulou stressed that Athens will try to meet, if not
exceed, the high standard achieved in Sydney.
In response to a question posed by an American journalist
concerning articles published in both Greek and foreign press
about the delay in Greek Olympics projects, the Greek Olympics
Organising Committee president stated that "after the deadline
issued to us by the IOC and the efforts made by the Greek
government, Athens will soon be ready. Most of the projects,
including the new airport at Spata, will be ready by March, whilst
other projects have already been completed".
When asked how Greeks perceive the fact that the 28th
Olympics will be held in their country, Ms Angelopoulou replied
that they were "filled with enthusiasm", referring to the interest
shown by the 60.000 volunteers that have offered to take part
until now.
[16] THE GREEK ATHLETES WILL COMPETE FOR MORE MEDALS TOMORROW
Greece will compete for two medals in Sydney tomorrow. One in
the women's javelin with Mirela Tzelili and the second in
gymnastics in the women's group competition.
Mirela Tzelili qualified for the finals easily when she broke
the 61m minimum limit with her first throw that was 63.34m. The
Greek champion proved that she is in a very good condition and
appears determined to win a medal.
The Greek team in the women's group exercise in gymnastics
will compete tomorrow in the finals and will try to win the gold.
Today, they qualified for the finals winning the first place and
proving that they are the gold favorite in the finals.
Also, Amiran Kardanov will compete tomorrow in the 54kg
wrestling qualifiers, while Alexandros Nikolaidis will compete in
the 80kg category in tae kwon do.
[17] THE FOREIGN SPORTS PRESS BOWS TO KOSTAS KENTERIS
The world sports press bowed to the extraordinary victory of
Kostas Kenteris in the men's 200m finals with extensive reports on
the athlete who won the first gold medal for Greece since 1912 in
a track and field event.
In an extensive report Sydney's Morning Herald mentions that
the Greek champion overturned all predictions and offered an
unforgettable race to spectators, while it underlines that having
the title of the favorite before a sports event does not guarantee
the gold medal.
The US television network NBC also referred to Kenteris'
triumph reporting that the Greek athlete wrote history because he
is the first Greek male athlete who won a gold medal in a sprint
race.
[18] GREECE AND ITALY ARE ALBANIA'S MAIN TRADE PARTNERS
Greece and Italy continue to occupy the two first places
among Albania's trade partners.
According to figures provided by the Albanian Statistics
Agency published by the newspaper "Gazeta Skiptare", 39.3% of
Albania's imports and 68.1% of its exports corresponded to
transactions with Italy in the first half of the year 2000.
The second place is occupied by Greece, with 30.6% and 68.1%
of Albania's imports and exports respectively.
[19] PAPANDREOU ON THE ELECTIONS IN YUGOSLAVIA AND THE 2004
OLYMPICS
A "Sydney Morning Herald" report by Geoff Kitney, who
interviewed Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou referred to
the crisis in Yugoslavia and the relevant statements made by Mr.
Papandreou.
In the interview Mr. Papandreou referred to the dynamic
mediating role played by Greece especially in south-eastern
Europe, while he analyzed the political aspects of the Yugoslav
problem and the continuing contribution by Greece to the easing of
the recent crisis in Serbia.
Mr. Papandreou has stated that Athens is in contact with
president Milosevic and the opposition candidate Kostunica to back
the demand for a new vote count. He said that the election results
have showed that there is a will for democratic change in
Yugoslavia, adding that it is important that any future
development will be democratic and peaceful.
According to the report, the Greek foreign minister confirmed
that Athens will be ready to host the next Olympic Games and
expressed concern over the effect the use of banned performance
enhancing substances by the athletes will have on the credibility
of the Olympic Games. Mr. Papandreou issued an appeal to the
international sports community for the creation of a new ethos
regarding the Olympic Games sports events before the Athens
Olympics in 2004.
Mr. Papandreou also stated that many Australians will surely
feel anger over the fact that the banned substances were such a
big issue in the Sydney Olympics. He said that the Games in Sydney
were excellent and everybody is impressed with the way they were
organized, adding that Athens will be ready too to host a very
good Olympiad.
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