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Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-11-27

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, November 27, 2000

SECTIONS

  • [A] NATIONAL NEWS
  • [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS TITLES
  • [01] GREEK FM, US SECRETARY OF STATE MEET IN VIENNA
  • [02] WEEK OF PROTESTS, STRIKES AND ACTIONS IN STORE
  • [03] EUROPEAN JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION IN THESSALONIKI
  • [04] GREECE, YUGOSLAVIA TO SIGN MILITARY AGREEMENT
  • [05] ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE HOSTS CONVENTION
  • [06] FED UP WITH MAD COWS, BUTCHERS THREATEN ACTION
  • [07] DEFENSE MINISTER POSTPONES VISIT TO BELGRADE
  • [08] RECORD YEAR FOR GREEK INVESTMENTS IN BULGARIA
  • [09] THE MOBILE PHONE SERVICE IN THE EFFORTS TO LOCATE "17 NOVEMBER" MEMBERS
  • [10] GLIKERIA WILL BE IN TIRANA FOR A CHARITY EVENT
  • [11] MEDIA PLUS WILL BE IN EFFECT IN JANUARY
  • [12] LOSSES OF 0.28% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
  • [13] BEGLITIS: FYROM'S NAME IS THE LAST REMAINING PROBLEM IN THE RELATIONS WITH GREECE
  • [14] REPPAS: HISTORICALLY AND MORALLY UNACCEPTABLE THE DEMANDS OF THE FORMER KING
  • [15] THE BULGARIAN PRESIDENT WILL BE IN GREECE NEXT WEEK
  • [16] REPPAS: NEGATIVE AND PROVOCATIVE THE STANCE ADOPTED BY ANKARA AND THE TURKISH CYPRIOT PSEUDOSTATE
  • [17] SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES BY THE GREEK BRANCH OF THE ASSOCIATION OF EUROPEAN JOURNALISTS
  • [18] ARRESTS OF GREEK MINORITY MEMBERS IN ANO DROPOLIS
  • [19] STATE FUNDING FOR THE COOPERATION PROGRAM BETWEEN THE HOSPITALS OF "PAPANIKOLAOU" AND "CYRILUS AND METHODIUS"
  • [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
  • [20] ECOFIN TO DISCUSS EU STOCK MARKETS UNIFICATION

  • NEWS IN DETAIL

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

    [01] GREEK FM, US SECRETARY OF STATE MEET IN VIENNA

    United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright reiterated her government's support to the United Nations Secretary General's efforts towards the resolution of the Cyprus issue, during a meeting she had with Greece's Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday in Vienna, on the sidelines of the Eighth Conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

    Ms. Albright stated that the Cyprus issue must not "freeze" and stressed that the efforts to resolve the problem have to continue.

    In turn, Mr. Papandreou outlined the Greek positions on the Cyprus issue and analyzed the issues that have arisen in the association ties between the European Union and Turkey, given that Ankara's refusal to include the conclusions reached at the EU Helsinki Summit in the final document concerning Turkey's EU Association.

    OSCE's two-day Eighth session, which gets underway today, will feature the participation of the foreign ministers from the organization's 55 member-states, as well as the attendance of more than 800 senior representatives from associated and cooperating countries and other international organizations to Vienna.

    As a result of the latest OSCE summit, held in Istanbul in November of 1999, structures and institutions have been amended, supplemented and strengthened with new bodies and processes for the prevention, handling and solution of differences in the entire area of OSCE's jurisdiction, which remains a political framework of a unique character.

    [02] WEEK OF PROTESTS, STRIKES AND ACTIONS IN STORE

    Greek farmers' unions are planning industrial action as of tomorrow, November 28, the same day as the civil service union ADEDY, by holding a protest rally in central Greece.

    The head of the Unified Federation of Farming Associations said that tractors and farm vehicles will be brought down to the rally, which has been called to protest against a decision to reduce cotton cultivation by 10 per cent.

    Also, the Thessaloniki Labor Center has announced that it will join the struggle against a labor market regulation bill proposed by the government and opposed by trade unions.

    The center has decided to participate in a 24-hour strike called by Greece's main trade union GSEE on the day that the bill is debated in Parliament.

    [03] EUROPEAN JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION IN THESSALONIKI

    The European Journalists Association is to inaugurate its 38th General Assembly and International conference in Thessaloniki today, themed after "The Future of Journalism, Democracy and Culture in the 21st Century".

    Held at the premises of the Thessaloniki International Fair, the conference features the participation of more than 160 journalists from 23 European countries, among them Romania, Poland, Albania, Hungary, FYROM, Yugoslavia, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

    Among the keynote speakers are Commissioner Vivian Redding, responsible for issues pertaining to culture, education and press, and the Council of Europe's commissioner for human rights Alvaro Juan Robles.

    Greece's alternate Foreign Minister Elisabeth Papazoi will also address the delegates, while the Minister of Macedonia and Thrace George Paschalides welcomed the participating journalists yesterday evening

    [04] GREECE, YUGOSLAVIA TO SIGN MILITARY AGREEMENT

    A military cooperation agreement between Greece and Yugoslavia will be signed in Belgrade today, covering bilateral cooperation in the said sector, as well as regional security.

    Greece's Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos will travel to Belgrade today, where he will meet with Yugoslav government officials regarding the development of cooperation between the two countries in the defense sector.

    Mr. Tsochatzopoulos will meet with his Yugoslav counterpart Slobodan Krapovic and the Prime Minister of the Federal government of Yugoslavia Zoran Zizic, among others, according to a press release issued by the Yugoslav defense ministry.

    [05] ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE HOSTS CONVENTION

    The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople is organizing the first-ever convention of Orthodox clerics and laymen, entitled "The Parish as a cell of Church life: Living reality, modern orientations and challenges".

    Starting in Istanbul today and held within the framework of celebrations marking the 2000 yeas since the birth of Christ, the convention will feature the attendance of clergymen throughout the world. The Greek Church will send three metropolitans as observers.

    Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will inaugurate the convention's opening.

    [06] FED UP WITH MAD COWS, BUTCHERS THREATEN ACTION

    Blaming the government for the low public confidence in local beef consumption resulting from the "mad cow" disease scare, Greek butchers are threatening to go on strike and close their shops just in time for the holiday season.

    Following marathon meetings held by the sector's leading representatives last night, the butchers demand that the state provide consumers with informed and responsible data concerning meat consumption, while they are also asking for monetary compensation for damages resulting from loss of profits; beef consumption in Greece has dropped at least 30 percent in recent weeks because of the scare.

    The Greek butchers also demand the banning of pre-packaged meat sold at supermarkets which, they claim, is not subject to any controls.

    Government inspectors have visited hundreds of Greek butcher's shops, abattoirs and farms to check compliance with an EU-wide ban on meat cuts with spinal bone, a number of French beef categories, and most types of animal-based feed for livestock. Penalties include fines of up to 10 million drachmas.

    [07] DEFENSE MINISTER POSTPONES VISIT TO BELGRADE

    Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos has canceled a scheduled visit to Belgrade today, where he were to sign a military cooperation agreement with his Yugoslav counterpart, Slobodan Krapovic, and the visit will instead take place in mid- December.

    Mr. Tsochatzopoulos postponed his trip because Yugoslavia's President Vojislav Kostunica was unable to see him today.

    The agreement between the two countries is to cover bilateral cooperation between their armies, to strengthen regional peace, stability and security.

    [08] RECORD YEAR FOR GREEK INVESTMENTS IN BULGARIA

    A record number of Greek investments, amounting to an unprecedented USD 226.5 million, were poured into Bulgaria between January and October 2000, pumping Greece to the fourth rank of the neighboring country's 26 largest foreign investors.

    Direct Greek investments during 2000 have skyrocketed since 1999, when Greek capital inflows to Bulgaria amounted to a mere USD 14.9 million. According to the Bulgarian Foreign Investment Agency (BFIA), direct Greek investments totaled USD 313.39 between 1992 and October 2000, a noteworthy figure when considering that Bulgarian officials assess this year's overall foreign investment at USD one billion (as opposed to USD 805 million during the first ten-month period of 2000 and 3.829 billion during 1992-2000).

    Leading the list of Bulgaria's top foreign investors are Germany, Belgium and Italy.

    [09] THE MOBILE PHONE SERVICE IN THE EFFORTS TO LOCATE "17 NOVEMBER" MEMBERS

    The anti-terrorist agency in Greece with the assistance of Britain's Scotland Yard will record the mobile phone calls that were made on the day of the assassination of British military attache in Athens Stephen Saunders, according to the Athens newspaper "To Vima".

    The authorities believe that by comparing the telephone communications that took place at the time of the last four attacks that were launched by the "17 November" terrorist organization it will be possible to come up with a small group of suspects. It is estimated that 4.000-6.000 telephone calls took place at the time of the Saunders assassination.

    [10] GLIKERIA WILL BE IN TIRANA FOR A CHARITY EVENT

    Famous Greek singer Glikeria will give a concert in Tirana on December 12. The concert is organized by the Greek embassy press office in Tirana and will be held within the framework of a charity event.

    The proceeds will be given to the ministry of public order for the economic support of the families of the police officers who lost their lives in the uprising that took place in Albania in 1997.

    [11] MEDIA PLUS WILL BE IN EFFECT IN JANUARY

    The community program Media Plus for the encouragement of film creators, which has an estimated budget of 400 million Euros, is expected to start materializing in January 2001.

    The above were announced by European Commissioner Viviane Redding, responsible for issues of culture and education, within the framework of the 38th Conference of European Journalists Association that is being held in Thessaloniki today.

    Meanwhile, Ms. Redding characterized the year 2001 as the European languages year underlining among others, the need to create networks that will make communication easier. Referring to the digital technology, she stated that it is an opportunity that must be used by the young with caution and stressed that journalists must operate as a "filter" underlining the need to protect Europe's cultural diversity.

    [12] LOSSES OF 0.28% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

    Small losses of 0.28% were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today and the general index was at 3.312,08 points, while the volume of transactions was small at 49.2 billion drachmas.

    Of the stocks trading today 256 recorded losses, 84 had gains and 24 remained unchanged.

    [13] BEGLITIS: FYROM'S NAME IS THE LAST REMAINING PROBLEM IN THE RELATIONS WITH GREECE

    The developments in FYROM concern the country itself and Greece does not want to comment on them or intervene, stated foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis, adding that Greece is interested in the developments but does not believe that they will affect the very good climate between the two countries.

    On the issue of the name, Mr. Beglitis stressed that the negotiations continue within the framework of the UN and referred to the meeting prime minister Simitis and foreign minister Papandreou had in Zagreb with FYROM prime minister Georgievski in which the two sides reaffirmed their will for a mutually acceptable solution.

    He also pointed out that the issue of FYROM's name is the last remaining problem in bilateral relations and its solution will contribute greatly to their further development.

    [14] REPPAS: HISTORICALLY AND MORALLY UNACCEPTABLE THE DEMANDS OF THE FORMER KING

    Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas characterized as unacceptable the demands of the former King, underlining that the government will back its positions firmly until the end and will support strongly the public interest.

    Responding to questions on the issue of the royal property, the Greek government spokesman stated that Greece will not discuss the issue and will not negotiate with powers that are against Greece's interests. Mr. Reppas concluded that the demands expressed by the former King are historically and morally unacceptable.

    [15] THE BULGARIAN PRESIDENT WILL BE IN GREECE NEXT WEEK

    Bulgarian president Petar Stoyanov will be on a two-day visit to Greece next week at the invitation of his counterpart Greek president Kostis Stephanopoulos.

    The visit, scheduled to take place on December 4-5, is regarded as an important step in the consolidation of the present level in bilateral relations.

    The Bulgarian president had planned a formal visit to Greece in July 1997, while in September 1999 he came to Greece for vacation.

    Mr. Stephanopoulos' last visit to Bulgaria was held in May 1999.

    [16] REPPAS: NEGATIVE AND PROVOCATIVE THE STANCE ADOPTED BY ANKARA AND THE TURKISH CYPRIOT PSEUDOSTATE

    Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas characterized as negative and provocative the stance adopted by Ankara and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash referring to their decision to withdraw from the fifth round of the talks for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

    Mr. Reppas expressed the hope that they will change their stance and underlined that the international community must take under consideration Ankara's and Rauf Denktash's stance.

    With their decision, stated Mr. Reppas, they show that they are not interested in the progress of the procedure for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

    [17] SIGNIFICANT ACTIVITIES BY THE GREEK BRANCH OF THE ASSOCIATION OF EUROPEAN JOURNALISTS

    The activities of the Greek branch of the Association of European Journalists were significant in the period 1999-2000, according to its annual report.

    Specifically, in the period of September 1999-September 2000 the Greek branch gave the Kalliga awards to David Haworth, Irene Nikolopoulou and Nikos Kiriazidis. Also, in the same period of time, the Citizens of Europe program materialized. The program was financed by the EU by 50% and the rest 50% was covered by its own funds.

    At the same time, a research study was issued on the job opportunities opened in the regions of Athens and northern Greece. The specific study was conducted by the European program More Color in the Media.

    Finally, the two seminars that were organized in the central Greek city of Lamia and the Aegean island of Chios on the adoption of the Euro by the Greek economy were characterized as very successful.

    [18] ARRESTS OF GREEK MINORITY MEMBERS IN ANO DROPOLIS

    Police forces in Ghirokastra yesterday attempted to forcefully place an Albanian from Lazarati as the owner of the private pasture land that belongs to Greek minority members in the Zervatio community of Ano Dropolis in Albania.

    The specific individual, who claims to be the owner of the land, is facing legal procedures accused of having forged the title-deeds he presents. After a strong protest by the community residents, police arrested the village elder and three other members of the Greek minority, who were later released.

    Greek minority "Omonia" organization president Vangelis Dule stated to MPA that these incidents come to confirm once again that a strong attempt is being made to snatch the property of the Greek minority with the direct involvement of the state structures.

    Mr. Dule stressed that taking under consideration the recent incidents in Himara and the international community outcry for the violation of the Greek minority rights, the latest incident strengthens the view that there is a well-orchestrated plan to shrink the Greek minority in Albania both politically and in terms of land ownership.

    [19] STATE FUNDING FOR THE COOPERATION PROGRAM BETWEEN THE HOSPITALS OF "PAPANIKOLAOU" AND "CYRILUS AND METHODIUS"

    Favorable are the prospects for the materialization of the cooperation program between the "Papanikolaou" Hospital Hematological Clinic in Thessaloniki and the "Cyrilus and Methodius" Hospital in Skopje after the pledge made by the government to partially finance it.

    Undersecretary of foreign affairs Grigoris Niotis pledged to submit a 253 million drachmas proposal and according to the 2001 cooperation program, 10 patients from FYROM will undergo a bone marrow transplant by Greek doctors in "Papanikolaou" Hospital, while 3-5 doctors from the neighboring country will be trained in the bone marrow transplants.

    Already, 4 doctors and 3 nurses have been trained in Greece, while the first 2 bone marrow transplants in the history of FYROM have become a reality.

    [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

    [20] ECOFIN TO DISCUSS EU STOCK MARKETS UNIFICATION

    An interim report on the unification of European stock markets is to be reviewed during a European Union Finance Ministers' Council (ECOFIN) session in Brussels today, to be attended by Greece's National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and the chairman of the government's economic think tank, Vasilis Rapanos.

    The meeting's agenda also includes a presentation of the Commission's annual progress report on the action plan for the financial sector, a discussion of medium-term fiscal stability in candidate member-states, and a review of progress in the introduction of VAT in e-commerce as well as a presentation of the Court of Auditors' annual report for 1999, discussion of the French presidency's proposals regarding taxation on non-residents' bank deposits, a code of ethics for businesses and interest payments and the rights of affiliate companies.


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