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Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-12-06

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, December 6, 2000

SECTIONS

  • [A] NATIONAL NEWS
  • [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS TITLES
  • [01] GREEK NAVY CELEBRATES ITS PATRON SAINT NICHOLAS
  • [02] NATIONWIDE WORK STOPPAGE TOMORROW
  • [03] MINISTER: BOURSE TRANSACTION TAX TO BE SLASHED
  • [04] GREECE'S EU COMMISSIONER AT TROOKA MEETING
  • [05] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER AT NATO's WINTER SESSION
  • [06] EU LIFTS IMPORT RESTRICTIONS ON FRENCH BEEF
  • [07] AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER TESTIFIES IN YAK-42 TRIAL
  • [08] THESSALONIKI-PLOVDIV CONFERENCE OPENS TONIGHT
  • [09] PM PLEDGES LOWER TAXES, REAL CONVERGENCE
  • [10] GREEK, EGYPTIAN FOREIGN MINISTRIES HOLD TALKS
  • [11] DINNER WITH MARBLES LEAVES BITTER AFTERTASTE
  • [12] TSOCHATZOPOULOS: OLD ATTITUDES IN NATO MUST CHANGE
  • [13] NEW IMPRESSIVE GAINS IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
  • [14] COOPERATION MEMORANDUM OF GREEK AND UKRAINIAN SCIENTISTS
  • [15] HITIRIS: TURKEY'S MODERNIZATION PASSES THROUGH ITS RELATION WITH THE EU
  • [16] PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS IS IN NICE, FRANCE FOR THE EU SUMMIT MEETING
  • [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
  • [17] CELEBRATIONS FOR THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREEK COMMUNITIES FEDERATION IN HOLLAND
  • [18] TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PAPANDREOU AND KERIM
  • [19] THE GREEK NATIONAL DEFENSE GENERAL STAFF CHIEF IS SATISFIED WITH HIS US CONTACTS
  • [20] STOYANOV: THE SOFIA-ATHENS RELATIONS ARE FRIENDLY AND OPEN

  • NEWS IN DETAIL

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

    [01] GREEK NAVY CELEBRATES ITS PATRON SAINT NICHOLAS

    The Greek Navy is to observe the day of St. Nicholas today, patron saint of the seamen - as well as the anniversary of the victorious naval battles of the Balkan Wars.

    The events will be celebrated by the General Navy Staff at a special event in the Navy Cadets Academy in Piraeus.

    The President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, government officials, the armed forces' leadership and representatives of political parties and local authorities will be attending the celebrations.

    [02] NATIONWIDE WORK STOPPAGE TOMORROW

    The country will come to a standstill tomorrow, as the Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), Greece's largest union, has declared a nationwide work stoppage in protest to labor reforms planned by the state.

    The Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY) is also participating in the action, which will commence at 11 a.m. until the end of the shift. Both ADEDY and GSEE call on all workers to give a strong presence at all the rallies organized on that day.

    GSEE is demanding the withdrawal of the state's bill on employment and labor relations, which includes the regulation concerning the retirement after 35 years of work.

    [03] MINISTER: BOURSE TRANSACTION TAX TO BE SLASHED

    The Minister of National Economy and Finance Yiannos Papantoniou has announced that the tax on the stock exchange transactions will be reduced by half, as of next year.

    Addressing an economic conference of the Hellenic-American Chamber in Athens yesterday, Mr. Papantoniou stated that the said tax will be reduced from 0.6 percent to 0.3 percent, in an effort to boost liquidity in the Athens Stock Exchange.

    Furthermore, Mr. Papantoniou stated that the government was planning 10 more privatizations slated for the first six months of 200k, namely the Piraeus Port Organization, Helexpo, and Olympic Airways.

    Referring to the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, the Minister said that the state's telecommunications organization is undertaking significant administration restructuring steps, while seeking a strategic partner to enhance further its position in the European telecommunications market.

    Moreover, Mr. Papantoniou said that the country's energy market will be deregulated by February 17, 2001 and noted that the private sector could produce up to 30 percent of the country's energy production.

    [04] GREECE'S EU COMMISSIONER AT TROOKA MEETING

    Greece's European Union Commissioner for Employment and Social Affairs, Anna Diamantopoulou represented the European Commission at a Troïka meeting chaired by French President Jacques Chirac at the Elyse Palace in Paris yesterday.

    The Troïka, which is a meeting of past, present and future presidencies of the Council together with the Commission, met the social partners at the highest level and discussed the new European social agenda and social aspects of the upcoming IGC, including the European charter of fundamental rights.

    Referring to the upcoming EU Summit Conference in Nice, Ms. Diamantopoulou said that "thanks to the agreement reached last week in the Council on the European social agenda, we expect a strong endorsement from Nice that good social policy means full involvement of the social partners in formulating and implementing social policy."

    [05] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER AT NATO's WINTER SESSION

    Addressing NATO' winter conference in Brussels yesterday, Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos denounced Ankara's stance during the Alliance's Destined Glory military exercise held in October, which turned into a debacle when Turkey undermined Greece's sovereign rights, leading Athens to order the withdrawal of its planes from the exercise.

    Mr. Tsochatzopoulos urged his NATO counterparts to reconsider mentalities of the past.

    The NATO Defense Ministers reviewed plans by the European Union to develop a new European rapid reaction force.

    While the NATO Secretary General George Robertson has welcomed the EU initiative as something that will encourage Europeans to bolster their military capabilities, some NATO members are not exactly pleased. According to press reports, Turkey feels excluded as it wants to participate fully in the EU's decision-making process on security issues, a demand not expected to be met by the EU.

    [06] EU LIFTS IMPORT RESTRICTIONS ON FRENCH BEEF

    The European Union's Council of Agriculture Ministers has agreed that member states should lift the import restrictions they recently placed on French beef and cattle by January 1, 2001.

    At least five EU member-states, among them Greece, imposed full or partial bans on French beef and cattle after French supermarkets disclosed in October that they had unknowingly sold beef from a herd of cattle contaminated by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).

    Still, consumer confidence in Greece is not expected to recover any time soon, given the repeated reports that some meat merchants engage in stamp tampering to change the meat's origin.

    Even Undersecretary of Agriculture Fotis Hatzimichalis said that the present stamping system in insufficient.

    The EU's Scientific Steering Committee is to decide by January 15 whether other cattle organs and by-products, such as the spleen, thymus, spinal column and T-bone will be removed from the food chain.

    More than 80 people have died in Britain and two in France from BSE's fatal human equivalent, the Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease.

    [07] AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER TESTIFIES IN YAK-42 TRIAL

    Even the use of a military radar would not have assisted the ill-fated Yakovlev-42 airplane, carrying 73 passengers and crew, which crashed in the mountains southwest of Thessaloniki in December 1997, an air traffic controller testified in court yesterday.

    Adamandios Fragiadoulis, one of two air traffic controllers who have been charged over the air tragedy, said that even if he and his colleague had asked the air force for assistance, the situation would have only become more complex. He attributed the crash to "blatant violations of international landing procedures."

    When asked by the court as to why he and his colleague Yiannis Yiannakopoulos were not alarmed when the plane's pilot repeatedly requested that he be guided by radar, Mr. Fragiadoulis responded that at some point he saw the plane fly above the air traffic control tower, at an ascending altitude of 110 feet, and he believed that the pilot was steering the aircraft to a waiting area north of Thessaloniki.

    The two defendants face charges of manslaughter and traffic law violations. The hearing is scheduled to resume today.

    [08] THESSALONIKI-PLOVDIV CONFERENCE OPENS TONIGHT

    A conference titled "Thessaloniki and Plovdiv in Parallel Roads -History, Art, Society, 18th-20th Centruries" is to be formally inaugurated this evening by the Minister of Macedonia- Thrace George Paschalides.

    The conference, organized by the Cultural Society of Northern Greece's Entrepreneurs, is to feature the attendance of 50 researchers from Greece and Bulgaria who will examine the two cities' parallel roads and will discuss matters pertaining to religion, communities, culture, education, economy, society, architecture and art.

    A concurrent art exhibition titled "The Balkan Urban Phenomenon - Thessaloniki - Plovdiv similar cities" is to be held in Thessaloniki between December 7-20.

    [09] PM PLEDGES LOWER TAXES, REAL CONVERGENCE

    Undaunted by the market's present pessimism, the Greek government will remain steadfast to its economic agenda, Prime Minister Costas Simitis stated yesterday during his address before the 11th annual conference of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce where he presented the key points of his cabinet's economic policy.

    Referring to Greece's accession to the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), the Premier hailed the feat as the culmination of a seven-year policy marked by perseverance and resolution.

    "The Greek economy is facing the perspective of long- term stability," the Premier said, adding "we are now in a new economic and political reality which creates new needs and demands.

    "We are now before a great challenge to utilize all the potentials which are opening. We are at the start of an optimistic and hopeful course for our country, society and the citizens.

    ""Our aim now is to achieve real convergence, to secure social cohesion and stability."

    Outlining the state's strategy of bringing about real convergence, Mr. Simitis stated that the government will aim for a budget surplus equal to 2 percent of gross domestic product in 2004, while public debt is also projected to fall below 90 percent of GDP during the next four years.

    He further added that declining public debt will allow resources to be re-allocated to other vital sectors such as education, health and employment, thus giving all Greeks the chance to enjoy the fruits of stability and growth.

    Referring to the state's tax policy, the Premier stated that there will be a change in tax policy, in line with campaign promises of lower taxes.

    "Taxation after 2002 will be simpler and fairer. It will also lay the foundation for a competitive economy. Tackling the black economy and continuing the crackdown on tax evaders will create opportunities for further corporate and individual tax cuts," he said.

    Moreover, the Premier stressed the government's determination to proceed with its privatization program, this with regard to employees' rights.

    Lastly, he referred to the 2004 Olympic Games, Third Community Support Framework funds and structural reforms, which he called "the linchpin of growth" in the coming years, while he stated that the next challenge is reforming the national health system.

    [10] GREEK, EGYPTIAN FOREIGN MINISTRIES HOLD TALKS

    The foreign ministries of Greece and Egypt are to conduct talks in Cairo today, in an effort to examine opportunities for bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

    In an interview with the Cairo daily Al Ahram, the secretary general of Greece's Foreign Ministry George Savaides referred extensively to relations between the two countries and stressed that Greece, as a European Union member, will exert every effort to assist Egypt in achieving its targets in regards to the European Partnership Accord.

    Furthermore, the Greek diplomat expressed his regret over the episodes in the Palestinian territory and confirmed the imperative need to enforce the United Nations' resolutions for resolving the Middle East and Cyprus crises.

    Mr. Savaides also saluted the Egyptian entrepreneurs for their contribution to Greece's economy.

    He hailed relations between the two countries as "excellent", stating that historic ties bind the two countries, both of which contribute to peace and abide by international law.

    [11] DINNER WITH MARBLES LEAVES BITTER AFTERTASTE

    The British Museum's decision to host a gala dinner in the hall housing the Parthenon Marbles has provoked the displeasure of Greek Ambassador to the United Kingdom Alexandros Sandis -who has refused an invitation to attend the event even though Queen Elisabeth will be among the 600 guests.

    In an unusual move, the Greek Ambassador has forwarded the Museum's officials and Queen Elisabeth a reply explaining the reasons he will not be attending the gala.

    "We are upset and astonished that the British Museum has decided to use the Duveen galleries for this event.

    "We think it is really insensitive of the Museum, coming straight after the revelations about the holding of corporate dinners there and a buffet lunch during a conference on the Parthenon sculptures last year.

    "The Ambassador has decided not to attend either the opening or the dinner, as it would be discourteous to the Queen to arrive but leave before the dinner took place," said the Greek embassy's spokesman.

    [12] TSOCHATZOPOULOS: OLD ATTITUDES IN NATO MUST CHANGE

    Greek minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos referred to the unacceptable tactics adopted by Turkey in the recent military exercise "Destined Glory" speaking in the NATO defense ministers summit meeting.

    Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated to his counterparts, in a discussion on the defense review of the alliance, that the new NATO must change the old attitudes.

    [13] NEW IMPRESSIVE GAINS IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

    Impressive gains of 5.74% were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index was at 3.733,82 points, while the volume of transactions was satisfactory at 126.04 billion drachmas.

    Of the stocks trading today, the overwhelming majority namely, 340 stocks recorded gains, while 17 had losses and 18 remained unchanged.

    [14] COOPERATION MEMORANDUM OF GREEK AND UKRAINIAN SCIENTISTS

    A memorandum for the further development of the cooperation and education relations between Greek and Ukrainian scientists was signed in the Greek Culture Foundation. The memorandum also provides for the establishment of a cultural and education Greek- Ukrainian forum.

    The signing of the memorandum took place within the framework of the visit held by Ukrainian academicians headed by Kiev's National University History professor.

    The presentation of the Ukrainian Academy of Sciences publication "Greeks in the Ukrainian land" was held during the delegation's visit to Athens. This encyclopedic work is the result of a cooperation between the History Studies National Institute and Ukraine's Central State Archive.

    It is the first encyclopedic publication on the 2.500 years old history of the Greek diaspora in the country. The publication is prefaced by the presidents of Greece and Ukraine.

    [15] HITIRIS: TURKEY'S MODERNIZATION PASSES THROUGH ITS RELATION WITH THE EU

    Turkey's modernization and its economic development pass through its relation with the European Union, stated Greek acting government spokesman Tilemachos Hitiris.

    Mr. Hitiris made the statement responding to a question by a reporter referring to the economic crisis in Turkey.

    [16] PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS IS IN NICE, FRANCE FOR THE EU SUMMIT MEETING

    Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis is in Nice, France to attend the EU Summit meeting that opens tomorrow in which a number of reforms will be examined regarded as necessary for the successful enlargement of the European Union.

    France and Germany disagree on issues such as, the makeup of the European Commission and the number of the European Commissioners as well as issues concerning the votes of the member- states.

    France, which is currently holding the rotating EU presidency, is ready to issue an appeal to the European governments to bridge their differences before the opening of the summit.

    Meanwhile, the French police has adopted strict security measures in Nice in view of the protest demonstrations prepared by labor unions, environmental organizations, organizations for the protection of human rights and others.

    [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

    [17] CELEBRATIONS FOR THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREEK COMMUNITIES FEDERATION IN HOLLAND

    An event on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Greek Communities Federation in Holland will be held in Rotterdam on December 16.

    A book presentation with the participation of Greek dance and music groups will be held within the framework of the event. The presentation of the book "The Greeks in the Low Countries (1600- 2000)" will be held in the presence of Greeks abroad general secretary Mr. Dollis, World Council of Hellenes Abroad, SAE, president Mr. Athens, SAE vice-president Mr. Aslanidis, Greece's ambassador to Holland Mr. Varouxakis and many personalities from Greece, Holland, Belgium and Germany.

    [18] TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PAPANDREOU AND KERIM

    Newly appointed FYROM foreign minister Sergan Kerim had a telephone communication with his Greek counterpart Giorgos Papandreou.

    According to Skopje's newspaper "Dnevnik", Mr. Kerim stated that Mr. Papandreou confirmed Greece's support to FYROM's wish to form association ties with the European Union and reiterated his country's willingness to improve bilateral relations.

    Based on the newspaper report, the two ministers agreed to meet in the immediate future at a border region. The date and the place of the meeting will be determined later.

    [19] THE GREEK NATIONAL DEFENSE GENERAL STAFF CHIEF IS SATISFIED WITH HIS US CONTACTS

    Greek National Defense General Staff Chief general Manousos Paragioudakis stated that he is satisfied with the contacts he had in his five-day visit to the United States.

    The Greek National Defense General Staff Chief had a series of contacts and meetings with his counterpart general Henry Shelton, the Atlantic Forces supreme commander (SECLANT), the Air Combat Command leadership and the US Navy War School.

    General Paragioudakis stated, according to the New York based Greek-American newspaper "Ethnikos Kirix", that the goal of his visit was to exchange views mainly on the command system used in the US armed forces as Greece is in the middle of an effort for dynamic changes in its armed forces.

    [20] STOYANOV: THE SOFIA-ATHENS RELATIONS ARE FRIENDLY AND OPEN

    Bulgarian president Petar Stoyanov stated that the relations between Sofia and Athens are friendly and open in statements he made upon his return to his country last night after his two-day formal visit to Greece held at the invitation of his Greek counterpart Kostis Stephanopoulos.

    Mr. Stoyanov stated that Bulgaria does not forget that Greece is the only one of its neighboring countries that is a member of the European Union and NATO and this fact gives a strategic importance to bilateral relations.

    Regional development and public works minister Evgeni Tsatsev, who accompanied the Bulgarian president in his visit to Athens, stated that the construction of a bridge linking the border stations of Kulata and Promachona at the Greek-Bulgarian borders will be completed by the end of 2001. Also, a new border crossing linking Gotse Delsev with Dramas is scheduled to be opened in 2001, while Athens and Sofia have agreed to speed up the construction works for the opening of other two border crossings in Kirtzali-Komotini and in Ruzodem-Xanthi.


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