Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 02-06-10

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From: The Macedonian Press Agency at http://www.mpa.gr and http://www.hri.org/MPA.

CONTENTS

[01] HEALTH MINISTER RESIGNS

[02] KARAMANLIS 7 DAYS IN THE US AND CANADA

[03] 300,000 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ON THEIR WAY TO GREECE

[04] KOSTAS STEFANIS IS THE NEW HEALTH MINISTER

[05] PROTOPAPAS ON THE EURO-ARMY

[06] ROUSOPOULOS: THE GOVERNMENT IS IN DECAY

[07] INVESTIGATION ON THE INCIDENT OUTSIDE THE PRIME MINISTER'S RESIDENCE

[08] GAINS IN THE ASE

[09] THE SPANISH PRIME MINISTER WILL BE IN ATHENS TOMORROW

[10] BALKAN JOURNALISTS TRAINING CENTER IN THESSALONIKI

[11] THE GDP WAS AT 4.3% IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER OF 2002

[12] MESSAGE OF UNITY TO THE GREEK-CANADIANS BY MR. KARAMANLIS

[13] INFLATION DROPPED TO 3.4% IN MAY

[14] STEFANOPOULOS WITH GREEKS IN SYDNEY

[15] STRONG TIES BETWEEN GREECE AND NEW ZEALAND

[01] HEALTH MINISTER RESIGNS

Minister of Health Alekos Papadopoulos resigned after the Prime Minister requested him to do so, during their meeting today at the Maximos Mansion. The decision was made by the Prime Minister, after Mr. Papadopoulos publicly announced his intentions of retiring from politics before the next Parliamentary elections.

Immediately following his meeting with Mr. Simitis, Alekos Papadopoulos stated: "We had a very substantial and honest discussion with the Prime President. The Prime Minister asked for my resignation and I submitted it. I thanked him for the faith he has shown me by entrusting me with three top Ministries: Finance, initially, continuing from the Andreas Papandreou government, Interior-Public Administration and Decentralization, and Health Care. I will continue to exercise my parliamentary duties untill the end of this Parliament's term, as well as my duties as a PASOK staff member".

Government spokesperson and Minister of Media and Press Christos Protopapas, stated that the name of Mr. Papadopoulos' replacement will be announced during the day. When asked about the reasons that led the Prime Minister to ask for Mr. Papadopoulos' resignation, he stated that a Minister's personal issues also have a political importance, and the way political issues are handled have political consequences.

In fact Mr. Protopapas stated that the Prime Minister was not predisposed to ask Mr. Papadopoulos to resign. The decision was made as a result of their discussion today, but the government spokesperson stated he did not know the details of the meeting.

The Press Minister assured the public that there will not be general changes in the government, and when asked whether there will be announcements on deputy Ministers of Transports, Spyros Vougias, and Sports, Giannis Kourakis, due to their candidacy in the municipal elections, he stated that their replacement will be made later.

[02] KARAMANLIS 7 DAYS IN THE US AND CANADA

The importance of the commitment of Hellenism worldwide for the promotion of Greece's national issues, was underlined by Head of the Opposition and President of New Democracy, Kostas Karamanlis, in a speech he made at a Greek community meeting in Toronto, Canada. Mr. Karamanlis pointed out that it is incomprehensible that there is still a wall of shame dividing Nicosia, and he stressed that it is our debt to do whatever we can to achieve a viable and fair solution to the Cyprus issue.

This speech was made in the framework of Mr. Karamanlis' 7-day visit to the US and Canada, where he attended and will attend meetings with the Greek community, important US government staff members, SAE officials and the Archdiocese of America

Mr. Karamanlis arrived in the US on June 6, and his first stop was in New York, where he had meetings with Greek community, Senate and Congress members.

On Friday, June 7th, the Head of the Opposition visited Ground Zero, where he attended a memorial service for the victims of September 11. Also present at the event were NY Governor, George Patakis and Greeks, relatives of some of the attack's victims.

He pointed out that there is no religious, ideological, or political pretence or excuse for terrorism, it is a strike against human dignity, humanity, freedom, and culture itself.

Mr. Karamanlis also met with Archbishop Dimitrios, and thanked him for the important work of the Archdiocese of North and South America.

The President of New Democracy characterized his discussion with Archbishop Dimitrios as very interesting. The Archdiocese is the connecting link of Hellenism. Its role is important in the development of a religious feeling, the retaining of historical customs, our connection to the homeland and the support of Greek education, he underlined after the meeting.

Kostas Karamanlis spoke at a Greek community meeting in Astoria, New York, on Friday night. Mr. Karamanlis referred to our national issues, the problem of international terrorism and the 2004 Olympics, while he underlined the need to take advantage of the enormous potential of the Greek communities abroad.

«Our national issues are at a decisive turning point today. Because in the immediate future, crucial decisions that will follow us for years ahead, will be made. Decisions that will designate our homeland's positions in Europe and the world», he pointed out and sent out a message of unity and the defense of our national issues.

«We are living in times of responsibility and national vigilance. We, the party that has always placed the best interest of our home and the Greek people, above all else, support our national positions and fight for the rights of the country. Thanks to us, to our responsible position, to the unity at heart of the Greek people on major national issues is today a standard fact», he stressed.

«We are here to strengthen the voice and positions of Greece. We are here to raise issues concerning all Greeks. To defend our national positions. The security of our country. For Cyprus, that deserves to be accepted in the European family at last, with no blackmails», he underlined.

Referring to Greek Turkish relations, he stressed that «we are aiming at relations of friendship and cooperation and are supporting long term European orientation of our neighboring country». He pointed out, however, that it should be Turkey's priority to act as a European country, i.e. respect human rights and International Law, that does not threaten and does not use violence.

«In simple terms: we want good relations, but not at the expense of our national interests. We want stabilization, but not gained through one sided concessions. In a sense of mutuality, respect of sovereign rights, and International Law», he said.

Mr. Karamanlis stressed the need to eradicate world terrorism and stated that he was ready to cooperate with the international community and all allies, as he underlined, to that effect.

The President of New Democracy underlined that the 2004 Olympics are Greece's great wager, and he expressed Greece's certainty that, along with the support of Greeks abroad, they will be the best organized Olympics ever.

The Head of New Democracy praised the important role of the Archdiocese which has been the strongest link of Hellenism for years.

Finally, he stated that he deeply believed in the endless powers of Hellenism, its creativity, its inventiveness, and its adaptability.

The need for solidarity and unification of the strength of all Greeks due to the crucial developments in Greece's national issues, such as the Greek-Turkish dialogue, the Euroarmy, the Cyprus issue and the Greek Presidency of the EU, was underlined by the President of New Democracy, in a speech he made at a Greek community meeting in Chicago on Saturday. He also called Greeks living abroad to commit themselves to promoting the country's important issues and a Greece of creation to become reality, as he said characteristically.

Drawing on Greece's national issues, the leader of the Opposition pointed out that Greece is the only member-country of the EU whose borders are threatened by neighboring countries, while he asked for the restoration of Law and the application of international treaties. At the same time he underlined the need end the continuing occupation of Cyprus, while pointing out that any solution must agree with UN decisions. Referring to Turkey's unrelenting position, he stressed that in no case can it cancel or delay Cyprus' accession to the EU.

In view of the 2004 Olympics, Mr. Karamanlis called Greeks living abroad to contribute to the effort of organizing the best Olympics ever, as he said. Continuing his address to the Greek community, he thanked them for all they have offered their homeland by saying: We know well of the harsh struggles you have gone through, your progress, your success and that of your families, the promotion of our national positions. That is why, first of all, I would like to convey the gratitude of 10 million of our compatriots for your hard work and your efforts, for all that you have done, and all that you are doing for Greece. At the same time he made a great apology for the numerous times, as he pointed out, that the Greek State and political powers have not done what they should, to strengthen their ties with Greece.

Mr. Karamanlis will travel to Washington today, in order to participate in the Summit Meeting of the International Democratic Union. The Meeting will be opened with a speech by US President George Bush, and will be completed with an official reception for party leaders at the White House.

During his three-day meeting in Washington, the President of New Democracy will meet with Vice President Dick Cheney, and Secretary of State Colin Powell, among others.

On Wednesday, shortly before returning to Athens, Mr. Karamanlis will meet with the Secretary General of the UN, Kofi Annan.

[03] 300,000 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ON THEIR WAY TO GREECE

More than 300,000 illegal immigrants, mainly Afghanis, have gathered in Istanbul and are preparing to depart for Greece, according to an article in Aegeantimes.gr, based in Mytilini.

Specifically, based on substantiated information, more than 70,000 illegal immigrants are already being sent in groups to Kucukuju, NE of Lesvos, Ayvalik, opposite Mytilini, Chesme, opposite Chios, and Bodrum, opposite Rhodes, in order to depart for Greece during the summer.

The article also mentioned Turkish traffickers' action plans in transporting the illegal immigrants during the summer period. Their plans include the acquisition of used or abandoned ships from the Black Sea region (more than 50), from various private individuals, and their transfer to ports in N. Turkey, after each ship was bought for $20-$30,000. Most of them have a capacity of 150-800 individuals in their holds, and are mostly small cargo ships from Romania, Ukraine, and Bulgaria.

Finally, the article mentioned that the decision of the Turkish traffickers to increase the mass transportation of illegal immigrants to Greece this year, with the use of cargo ships, is due to the smaller cost in comparison to their first option, which, so far, was Italy. Italy has taken a harsher position towards ships carrying illegal immigrants, while it has recently repelled some of them quite violently.

When asked about the issue of repatriating illegal immigrants from Greece back to Turkey, a Turkish government spokesperson stated that the Greek and Turkish authorities are cooperating harmoniously in order to deal with the phenomenon of illegal immigration, which is of mutual interest.

[04] KOSTAS STEFANIS IS THE NEW HEALTH MINISTER

The new Health Minister is Kostas Stefanis, an academician and governing Socialist Party of PASOK former parliament deputy. Mr. Stefanis was appointed to the post by Prime Minister Kostas Simitis replacing Alekos Papadopoulos.

According to government spokesman Christos Protopapas, the new minister will be sworn-in as soon as President Kostis Stephanopoulos returns to Greece from New Zealand.

[05] PROTOPAPAS ON THE EURO-ARMY

No specific proposals have been formally submitted by the Spanish EU Presidency on the issue of the Euro-army, stated Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas responding to a relevant question on the occasion of tomorrow's visit to Athens by Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar.

Mr. Protopapas stated that many initiatives have been undertaken by the Spanish side but no official proposal has been made. He concluded that it is positive that ideas and thoughts are being developed, adding that we still have a long way to go before an agreement is reached.

[06] ROUSOPOULOS: THE GOVERNMENT IS IN DECAY

Right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy spokesman Thodoris Rousopoulos spoke about a weakness of coordination and decay referring to the government of the Socialist Party of PASOK. He made the statement commenting on the resignation of Health Minister Alekos Papadopoulos, stressing that the country needs a composed policy.

The resignation-removal of the Health Minister reflects the dead end faced by the government and the Prime Minister's weakness to coordinate it. The government is in total decay, stated Mr. Rousopoulos.

[07] INVESTIGATION ON THE INCIDENT OUTSIDE THE PRIME MINISTER'S RESIDENCE

An in depth investigation is underway on the incident that took place outside the Prime Minister's residence last Saturday, while an inquiry is being held at the order of the Minister of Public Order to establish if there is responsibility on behalf of the police.

According to Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas, this negative incident should not cancel the important work made by Greece in the battle against crime, adding that Greece has the smaller crime rate compared to the rest EU countries.

Commenting on the statements made by New Democracy leading members, the government spokesman stressed that they attempt to create a climate of insecurity and fear.

When asked to comment on the responsibility of Public Order Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis he responded that we should not look for political responsibility every time a fortuitous event is taking place and added that Mr. Chrisochoidis is being judged by his work which is rich and important.

[08] GAINS IN THE ASE

Small gains were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index rose to +0.43% at 2.305,85 points, while the volume of transactions was at 66 million Euro.

Of the stocks trading today, 166 recorded gains and 121 had losses, while the value of 89 stocks remained unchanged.

[09] THE SPANISH PRIME MINISTER WILL BE IN ATHENS TOMORROW

Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar will be on a one-day working visit to Greece tomorrow.

The Spanish Prime Minister will arrive in Athens tomorrow afternoon and half an hour later he will meet with Prime Minister Kostas Simitis.

Afterwards, Mr. Aznar will speak to reporters and he will depart later in the evening.

[10] BALKAN JOURNALISTS TRAINING CENTER IN THESSALONIKI

The directors, editors-in-chief and senior executives from 70 southeastern European mass media, who participated in the 7th Inter-Balkan Journalist Conference organized by MPA on June 7,8 and 9, decided to propose the establishment of a Balkan Journalists Training and Education Center in Thessaloniki.

As it was announced, Balkan journalists will be trained on new technologies and issues that are related with the European ideal, the journalist ethics, pluralism and democracy. A large part of the lessons will be offered through tele-education (e-learning).

[11] THE GDP WAS AT 4.3% IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER OF 2002

Greece's GDP had a growth rate of 4.3% in Greece in the first trimester of 2002, according to preliminary statistics figures that were given to publicity by the National Statistics Agency.

At a three-month basis the GDP increased by 1.9%, while in real terms the growth rates were at 3.6% for the final consumption, 11.3% for investments, 5.4% for exports and 6% for imports.

Meanwhile, according to the National Statistics Agency, retail sales in Greece increased by 11.1% in March on an annual basis, while in the first trimester of 2002 had reached 9.6% also on an annual basis.

[12] MESSAGE OF UNITY TO THE GREEK-CANADIANS BY MR. KARAMANLIS

The significant role the unity of the Greeks living abroad can play in the promotion of issues of national interest was underlined by right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis in a speech to members of the Greek community in Toronto, Canada yesterday.

Mr. Karamanlis stated that it is inconceivable for a wall of shame to continue to exist in Cyprus dividing its capital Nicosia and stressed that everything in our power should be done for a fair and viable solution to the Cyprus issue.

On Cyprus' EU accession course, he said that no one can stop it, stressing that it will move forward regardless of whether the political problem will be resolved on the island. Referring to the relations with Turkey, he said that cooperation and friendship with Ankara will not be safeguarded through unilateral concessions. He called on Turkey to make steps toward the respect of international law, international treaties, and sovereign rights and against violence and the threat for the use of violence.

Today, Mr. Karamanlis is in Washington.

[13] INFLATION DROPPED TO 3.4% IN MAY

Inflation in Greece dropped to 3.4% in May compared to 3.8% in April, according to the National Statistics Agency. A decline was recorded in harmonized inflation as well which was at 3.8% in May compared to 4.1% in the previous month.

The easing of inflationary pressures was the fruit of the drop in the fuel and fresh fruit and vegetable prices, while the strengthening of the Euro to the US dollar also had a favorable effect.

Inflation is expected to drop in the summer months as well. Based on the latest estimates, the cost-of-living index will drop to 3% in the summer, while the average inflation at the end of the year will be over 3% but lower than 3.5% if there are no spectacular changes in the international scene.

[14] STEFANOPOULOS WITH GREEKS IN SYDNEY

The Overseas Passenger Terminal, where many decades ago thousands of Greeks saw the land that was to become their second home for the first time in despair, was where the General Consulate of Sydney organized the open reception for the Greek community in honor of the Greek President of the Republic Kostis Stefanopoulos on Saturday.

This event was organized in the framework of the President's visit to Australia, and the Prime Minister of New South Wales, Bob Carr, the Head of the Opposition and of the Greek Leader of the National Party, G. Souris, the Greek deputy Foreign Minister, Giannis Magriotis, the Secretary General of Hellenism Abroad, D. Dollis, the Secretary General of the Greek Foreign Ministry, M. Stavrakakis, the Greek Ambassador, Mr. Xydas, the Consul General to Sydney, Mr. Damianakis, the Archbishop of Australia, Stylianos, and a large number of Greeks living in Australia, who came to see and hear what the President of their homeland had to tell them were all present. Among them was the Coordinator of the Oceania SAE, Mr. Verjayas, the President of the Sydney Greek Community, as well as many other local Greek community organization representatives.

Former Prime Minister and well known philhellene Gough Whitlam, who is one of the most distinguished Australians fighting for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, was also there.

In his opening speech, Prime Minister of New South Wales Bob Carr, as all Australian officials, not necessarily in the government, with whom Mr. Stefanopoulos met, expressed his appreciation for the special role of the Greek community in the multicultural Australian society, the country in which Greeks proved themselves as worthy citizens, while still retaining their cultural identity. He also spoke of the excellent relations between the two countries and the possibility of improving and broadening them.

Greeting the event, deputy Foreign Minister Giannis Magriotis referred to the love for Greece in Australia, a country that was built with the same values, principles and ideals as ancient Greece, collective and personal dignity and national pride. That is why, as he said, the Australian people accepted our compatriots so warmly, and together they built such a great Australia, a fact that makes us all proud.

The President of the Greek Republic began his speech by thanking Prime Minister Bob Carr, the leader of the Opposition and all the representatives of Australian authorities for their hospitality and care for the Greeks of Australia.

Mr. Stefanopoulos proceeded to praise the Archbishop of Australia, a man who is something more than ours, as he said, because he had the good fortune of meeting him in the past.

Mr. Stefanopoulos then thanked all the Greeks of Australia from the depths of his heart, saying that what we owe these fine and beloved Greeks, cannot be expressed with words.

The President of the Republic did not fail to express his joy to recognize so many familiar faces that he had seen in Thessaloniki at the world SAE meetings, who are, on their side, fighting for Greeks abroad to come even closer to the ones living in Greece.

On the final day of his official visit to Australia, the President of the Republic visited the Olympic facilities in Sydney, and went on a cruise on the Sydney river, organized in his honor by the Greek deputy Chief of Police, M. Kostas. In the afternoon he visited one of the cities museums.

The next morning Mr. Stefanopoulos departed for New Zealand, where he will stay until June 11. He will have meetings with the country's leadership and the Greek community, which will receive an official from Greece for the first time.

[15] STRONG TIES BETWEEN GREECE AND NEW ZEALAND

Issues of bilateral cooperation as well as, environment protection issues were discussed in the meeting of Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark.

In a press conference they gave after the meeting in Wellington, the two sides underlined the strong ties linking the two countries that fought side by side in Callipolis in 1915 and in the Battle of Crete in 1941. Ms. Clark had attended the events on the anniversary of the Battle of Crete and had invited the Greek President to visit her country.

Ms. Clark stated that she is watching the developments in Greece and the Balkan region with great interest and is looking forward to the Greek EU Presidency in 2003. On the Cyprus issue, she said that she backs a viable solution that will be based on the UN Security Council resolutions, pointing out that Cyprus' likely EU accession will serve as a catalyst for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

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