Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 98-10-26
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, October 26, 1998
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NEWS HEADLINES
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] FESTIVITIES HONOR THESSALONIKI'S PATRON SAINT DIMITRIUS
[02] PREMIER AT MT. ATHOS, TO MEET WITH ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH
[03] ADDRESS OF PATRIARCH VARTHOLOMEOS AT MT. ATHOS
[04] PRESIDENT STEPHANOPOULOS AT MT. ATHOS
[05] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER STERNLY WARNS TURKEY
[06] INT/L BUSINESS CONFERENCE ENDS IN NORTHERN GREECE
[07] ST. DIMITRIUS UNITES THESSALONIKI WITH SERB CITY
[08] THE THREE-DAY FESTIVITIES IN THESSALONIKI ARE UNDERWAY
[09] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE
[10] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN COMMENTED ON THE STATE OF THE
GREEK POLICE
[11] THE PARENTS OF THE SERB STUDENT KILLED LAST FRIDAY ARE IN
THESSALONIKI
[12] THE GREEK MINISTER OF CULTURE WILL VISIT AUSTRALIA IN EARLY
NOVEMBER
[13] VENIZELOS: THE CONCEALMENT OF THE ARCHIMEDES MANUSCRIPT IS A
CRIME
[14] REPPAS ON THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE PERMANENT PRESENCE OF GREEK
AIR FORCE PLANES IN CYPRUS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[15] NATO'S ULTIMATUM TO YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT EXPIRES TOMORROW
[16] GREEK PREMIER STRESSES SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP AT EU SUMMIT
[17] GREEK PREMIER SPEAKS ON EU SUMMIT IN PRESS CONFERENCE
[18] DINGHY CARRYING 25 ALBANIANS SINKS IN THE ADRIATIC
[19] INCREASED RADIATION LEAKS IN KOZLODUI
[20] THREE BULGARIANS STRUCK BY CANCER EVERY HOUR, SAYS WHO
[21] AUSTRALIA'S POLITICAL LEADERS WARMLY SALUTE "DIMITRIA"
[22] THE SECOND ROUND OF ELECTIONS IN FYROM WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY
[23] ALAVANOS: MEDITERRANEAN PRODUCTS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE
FOOD AID TO RUSSIA
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] FESTIVITIES HONOR THESSALONIKI'S PATRON SAINT DIMITRIUS
Three-day festivities are beginning in Thessaloniki today
which is honoring its patron saint Dimitrius, as well as the
city's liberation from the Turkish yoke 86 years ago, (October 28)
which is the same day the country gave a resounding "NO" to
Italian occupation forces during World War II 58 years ago. .
The President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos
is presently in Thessaloniki, while the Prime Minister Kostas
Simitis is being represented by the Minister of National Defense
Akis Tsochatzopoulos. Also present in the city are the Ministers
of Culture and Macedonia-Thrace, Evangelos Venizelos and Philippos
Petsalnikos, respectively, as well as the leader of the main
opposition party Kostas Karamanlis.
Speaking on arrival at the Macedonia Airport, President
Stephanopoulos referred to the state's interest in the city of
Thessaloniki and the greater region of Macedonia.
This morning's liturgy at the city's St. Dimitrius church will be
officiated by the Archbishop of Athens and All of Greece
Christodoulos.
[02] PREMIER AT MT. ATHOS, TO MEET WITH ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH
Prime Minister Kostas Simitis will be at Mount Athos today,
where he will meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos. The
monastic community is celebrating the 1,000th year anniversary
since the founding of the monastery of Xenophon.
Festivities held yesterday were attended by the President of
the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, the leader of the
country's main opposition party Kostas Karamanlis, the President
of Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis, a score of ministers and
government officials, as well as the archbishop of Athens and All
of Greece Christodoulos.
[03] ADDRESS OF PATRIARCH VARTHOLOMEOS AT MT. ATHOS
The Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, the spiritual leader
of the world's 300 million Orthodox Christians, gave an address at
Mt. Athos during the celebrations of the monastic community's
celebration of the 1,0000th-year anniversary since the founding of
the Xenophon monastery.
His Eminence stressed the need for the unification of
Hellenism, stressing the many divisions it has suffered in the
past. He lauded the church's role in promoting Hellenism and
Orthodoxy in Greek communities abroad.
Mr. Vartholomeos planted a cypress tree in the monastery's
ground, in a symbolic gesture.
[04] PRESIDENT STEPHANOPOULOS AT MT. ATHOS
The President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos
was at the monastic community of Mt. Athos yesterday where he
attended the festivities held at the monastery of Xenophon in
commemoration of its 1,000-year anniversary.
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos gave President
Stephanopoulos the Grand Cross commemorating the anniversary.
Mr. Stephanopoulos said that Turkey would do well to claim
some of the kudos enjoyed by the Patriarchate worldwide, thus
eliminating the need for international treaties to secure its
continued existence in Istanbul.
He also praised the Church and the monastic community of Mt.
Athos for promoting the spirit Orthodoxy in the world.
[05] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER STERNLY WARNS TURKEY
"Turkey is undertaking a tremendous responsibility and is
called on to realize that with such aggressive behavior in the
Aegean it will be held solely liable for any future accidents. It
takes full responsibility. Greece will not tolerate any further
Turkish aircraft maneuvers that endanger the security of other
aircraft, their crew, as well as the safety of civil aviation,"
stated the Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos during his
stay in Evros, referring to the repeated violations of Greek and
Cypriot air space by Turkish planes during the joint Greek-Cypriot
military exercise "Nikiforos-Toxotis".
"Turkish aircraft even harassed commuter planes, in fact,
commuter planes belonging to third countries. We have not spoken
during the holding of the exercise because we wanted it to be
completed, making it clear that whatever means they (Turkish
military) use, they are not in a position to prevent the
implementation of the joint defense doctrine between Greece and
Cyprus," Mr. Tsochatzopoulos further said.
"Turkey should definitely and clearly realize that, contrary
to other countries where its threats yield results, this is not
the case either with Greece or Cyprus. The sooner they realize
this, the brighter their future in the European Union will
be...Turkey will either learn to behave in a European fashion or
it will be definitely left out of Europe," he said.
Mr. Tsochatzopoulos expressed his satisfaction over the
successful conclusion of the joint military exercise which ended
yesterday.
[06] INT/L BUSINESS CONFERENCE ENDS IN NORTHERN GREECE
The 3rd International Conference on Mediterranean Cooperation
and Development, which was held at the northern Greek city of
Alexandroupolis, came to a successful close yesterday as it
outlined the ways to secure viable prospects of the new economic
Region after the year 2000.
The four-day conference was attended by delegates from 35
countries, as well as observers from another 45, ministers,
undersecretaries, ambassadors and representatives of the business
world and scientific fields, focused on issues
concerning peace, security, cooperation, transport networks,
telecoms, small and-medium-sized enterprises, trade, etc.
The participants confirmed Greece's role as a key country
that constitutes the crossroads of the East and the West.
Following a proposal submitted by the Council of Europe's
first vice-president Jan Pierre Massue to the Serb Republic of
Bosnia-Herzegovina, to accept the request for accession to the C
of E's EUROPA agreement, which concerns the prevention, facing
and containment of natural and man-made risks and disasters.
The Ministry of the Interior announced the formation of a
bureau of European Organizations which will promote cross-regional
cooperation among the EU member-states and the Balkans.
Moreover, the majority of the delegation that took party at the
conference approved the proposal; submitted by the Foundation of
Mediterranean Cooperation for the creation of local bureaus which
will develop networks for cooperation in the social, economic and
cultural sectors.
The event was organized by the Foundation for Mediterranean
Cooperation, backed by the European Parliament, the European
Investment Bank, the Foundation for Mediterranean Studies and
local authorities in the north.
[07] ST. DIMITRIUS UNITES THESSALONIKI WITH SERB CITY
St. Dimitrius unites Thessaloniki with the Serb city Sremska
Mitrovica, according to Yugoslav press reports.
Today's celebrations honoring Thessaloniki's patron saint are
also held in the Serb city where, according to the "Politica"
Yugoslav newspaper, a special ceremony will be held in the
beginning of November dedicated to the deacon Dimitrius of
Sirmius.
Invited to take part in the ceremony is a delegation from
Thessaloniki, as part of the effort to establish relations among
the two cities, a moment awaited by the Serbs , as the paper
writes, for 17 centuries now.
According to Yugoslav archaeologist Petar Milosevic, there
have been numerous attempts to prove that these two cities have
the same patron saint, although science has yet to clarify this
point.
Moreover, Mr. Milosevic stated that during a Thessaloniki-
held symposium, it was supported that St. Dimitrius was one and
the same with the Saint of Sirmius, albeit this was not proven. On
the other hand, he pointed out, neither was it proven that the two
saints are different entities.
"The only thing proven by science was that someone named
Leontius, prior to constructing the St. Dimitrius church at
Sirmius, built the St. Dimitrius church in Thessaloniki," the
archaeologist stated.
The residents of Mitrovica will request from the visiting
delegation to give them either a part of the Saint's relics or a
section of his clothing for worship.
[08] THE THREE-DAY FESTIVITIES IN THESSALONIKI ARE UNDERWAY
The festivities on the occasion of Thessaloniki's patron
saint day feast culminate today with Byzantine grandeur. The city
celebrates for Saint Dimitrios, its patron saint, its liberation
anniversary as well as, for the anniversary of Greece's
participation in WWII.
A holy liturgy was held this morning at the church of St.
Dimitrios in the presence of Greek president Kostis
Stephanopoulos, minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos, who was
representing the prime minister, many government ministers, right-
wing main opposition party leader of New Democracy Kostas
Karamanlis and Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All of
Greece.
After the holy liturgy, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that the
message sent out is the certainty and belief that Greece is on the
right path for peace and stability in the region.
Minister of culture Evangelos Venizelos stated that Greece
must fully realize its potential and be optimistic and creative.
[09] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, greeting prime minister
Kostas Simitis in the Monastery of Xenophontos in Mount Athos,
referred to the need for the cooperation of the Ecumenical
Patriarchate with the monastic community of Mount Athos and the
Greek government.
In his response the prime minister stated that the government
supports the Ecumenical Patriarchate and recognizes the
international appeal of its initiatives for peace, the unity of
Orthodoxy, the cooperation of Churches and the protection of the
environment. He also stressed that the Greek government will
continue to support and back Mount Athos and the Patriarchate and
that it wants to promote creative cooperation.
The prime minister was honored with the Grant Holy Cross of
the 1000 years since the founding of the Monastery of Xenophontos.
The Ecumenical Patriarch and the prime minister had a 45
minute meeting in the Monastery of Xenophontos and discussed
different issues concerning the relations of the Patriarchate with
Greece as well as, the activities of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
and its role.
The meeting took place in a very good atmosphere and as it
was made known, the Patriarch will visit Greece next spring. The
issue was discussed with Mr. Simitis and the date of the visit
will be determined through the diplomatic route.
[10] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN COMMENTED ON THE STATE OF THE
GREEK POLICE
Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas commented on the
state of the Greek police and stressed that the same situation
exists across Europe and in the rest of the world as well.
The Greek police tries to be effective and it would be unfair
to disregard its successes, said Mr. Reppas, adding however that
the overhaul of the Greek police force is necessary, while its
officers should be better trained.
When asked to comment if the Greek government will take over
the expenses for the funeral of the 17yearold Serb Marko
Bulatovic, Mr. Reppas expressed his regret over the incident once
again and stated that the responsible agencies have consulted with
the Yugoslav authorities and the Greek government will take over
the expenses of the funeral if this is feasible.
[11] THE PARENTS OF THE SERB STUDENT KILLED LAST FRIDAY ARE IN
THESSALONIKI
The parents of the Serb student Marko Bulatovic, who was
killed last Friday by the bullet of a police officer at the center
of the city during a police operation for the arrest of a handbag
thief, have arrived in Thessaloniki.
According to the Yugoslav consulate in Thessaloniki, the
victim's parents will receive the body of the 17yearold and they
will depart for Belgrade on board a C-130 military plane offered
by the Greek ministry of defense.
Meanwhile, 18yearold Slobodan Masinovic, a fellow student of
the victim, was formally accused of theft by Thessaloniki's
prosecutor. A date for his trial has already been set and he was
allowed to leave for his country with the rest of his group last
Saturday.
[12] THE GREEK MINISTER OF CULTURE WILL VISIT AUSTRALIA IN EARLY
NOVEMBER
Greek minister of culture Evangelos Venizelos will visit
Australia in early November. His first stop will be Sydney where
he will discuss with state government officials issues concerning
the exhibition of Greek antiquities which will be held within the
framework of the Olympic Games of the year 2000.
Mr. Venizelos is scheduled to visit Melbourne on November 7
for the official opening of the Greek Archaeological Museum. The
inauguration will be made by Mr. Venizelos and the prime minister
of the state of Victoria.
[13] VENIZELOS: THE CONCEALMENT OF THE ARCHIMEDES MANUSCRIPT IS A
CRIME
Greek minister of culture Evangelos Venizelos characterized
as a crime as well
as, a legal, ethical and historical issue the concealment of the
manuscript of Archimedes, stolen from the Patriarchate of
Jerusalem Holy Grave monastery dependency, which is scheduled to
be sold by the Christie's auction house in New York.
Mr. Venizelos stated that the Greek ministry of culture backs
the efforts of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem for the return of the
manuscript, adding that Christie's prestige and tradition will
contribute to the restoration of this historical problem.
The minister of culture stated that a considerable sum of
money has been raised with the help of generous sponsors in order
to participate in the auction and at the same time, an
investigation was held on the manuscript's ownership and legal
status through which it was determined that it had been stolen,
therefore, it is up to the US courts to issue a decision on the
dispute.
[14] REPPAS ON THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE PERMANENT PRESENCE OF GREEK
AIR FORCE PLANES IN CYPRUS
Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas referred to the
likelihood of the permanent presence of Greek Air Force planes in
Paphos, Cyprus and stated that the Greek fighter jets are being
based on Greek territory. Mr. Reppas added that within the
framework of the joint defense doctrine Greece contributes to the
reinforcement of Cyprus's defense.
When called to comment on Greek parliament president
Apostolos Kaklamanis view on the likelihood of an armed conflict
between Greece and Turkey, Mr. Reppas stated that the policy
followed by Greece is the policy of peace and friendship and added
that the tension preserved by Turkey is a negative factor.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[15] NATO'S ULTIMATUM TO YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT EXPIRES TOMORROW
NATO's general commander in Europe, Wesley Clark has returned
to Brussels along with other officials, after a meeting held in
Belgrade with Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic.
While no statements were made, reports abound that the NATO
officials asked Mr. Milosevic to immediately withdraw all of the
Serb military forces from Kossovo.
[16] GREEK PREMIER STRESSES SOCIAL PARTNERSHIP AT EU SUMMIT
Greece's Prime Minister Kostas Simitis took part in the
European Union's informal summit, held in Portschach, Austria
yesterday and delivered a seven-point memorandum wherein he
stressed the need to revive the "European plan" and to give a new
vision to the European Union's citizens.
The Premier's seven-point text centered on the question
"After EMU What?", attempting to provide answers to developments
after the adoption of the euro, according to the press office.
The seven points are as follows:
A. The need for a common vision on the future of the EU.
B. The need for speeding up the political unification of the EU
C. The need for fighting unemployment
D. The need for the EU to come closer to citizens
E. The need for promoting an effective common foreign and security
policy.
F. The need for strengthening the society of citizens
G. The need for creating a Union which will be responsive to the
demands of European societies.
Before departing from Austria the premier called on Greek
social partners to join the government in its fight against
inflation and contribute to the goal of entering the European
Monetary Union.
On the summit's sidelines the premier met new German
Chancellor Gerhard Shroeder, new Italian Prime Minister Massimo
D'Alema and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat.
The leaders of the European Union's member states discussed
the future of Europe, the EU's enlargement, the Economic and
Monetary Union, the desired political fulfillment and the social
continent.
[17] GREEK PREMIER SPEAKS ON EU SUMMIT IN PRESS CONFERENCE
Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis hailed the Austria-held
European Union's informal summit as positive because it
reconfirmed the need for the "15" to adopt a common stance on
international economic developments.
Speaking in a press conference after the Summit, Mr. Simitis
also stated that the summit was useful, but did point out that no
decisions can be taken at an informal summit.
Concerning the EU's Common Foreign Policy and Security
Policy, Mr. Simitis said that all members agree that the decisions
to be taken must be realized in order to enable Europe to have a
role and a presence.
The Premier referred extensively to the issue of employment
and the European social model, saying that all agree that it
constitutes a main issue for Europe and that defining new policies
to decrease unemployment are necessary. He also noted that
following a change in government in Germany and Italy a different
disposition appears to exist for more determination on these
issues but, as he said, the disposition was merely expressed at
this time.
Apart from the economic policy issues, the questions of
internal security and the handling of crime were also discussed.
Mr. Simitis said that there is a joint conviction that better
cooperation and common policies for handling these problems are
necessary.
Mr. Simitis said that crime emanating from economic
immigration concerns all countries and all must contribute to its
tackling. In any case, he added, Italian Prime Minister Massimo
D'Alema said that his country cannot handle the problem alone and
it must be examined by all at a European level.
Mr. Simitis said that the majority of EU leaders appeared not
to share the view of French President Jacques Chirac for the need
to enact a common tax policy since each country has its
individualities although, as he said, many believe that that there
must be no competition differences due to different tax
settlements in each country.
On the occasion of the discussion held between the "15" on
the prospect of decreasing interest rates at a European-wide level
in the effort to handle the international crisis, a speedup in
development and combating unemployment, Mr. Simitis observed that
there is an acceptance by the majority of citizens in Greece for
accession to EMU but, as he said, apart from acceptance of the
target acceptance of measures is also necessary to enable them to
produce results.
"When we will achieve accession to EMU then the interest
rates will fall very quickly to approach the lower interest rates
of EU countries, resulting in more investments and more jobs," he
said.
Mr. Simitis said that it is a common conviction that this is
the sole course to combat unemployment and for stability, while
there will also be more funds for other policies, such as health
and education, as a result of this development.
Mr. Simitis said that a drastic decrease in inflation is
necessary in Greece and the role played by interest rates is
different since there can be no correlation between the situation
in Greece and that in the EU.
[18] DINGHY CARRYING 25 ALBANIANS SINKS IN THE ADRIATIC
A dinghy carrying 25 Albanians who sought illegal entry to
Italy caught fire and sank after colliding with another Albanian
small boat, off of the Albanian coast.
The dinghy had set sail from Vlore and eight miles from the
shore, near the Sazani island, collided with another which was
coming home after having smuggled another group of Albanian
refugees to Italy.
Four bodies have been recovered and identified so far,
including that of a baby, his 23-year-old mother, a 24-year-old
woman and the dinghy's owner.
Six of the survivors were rescued by passing boats and are
hospitalized at the Vlore hospital.
Albania's Minister of Public Order Petro Koci arrived at the
hospital while the Ministry's announcement states that "the
Albanian criminal organizations in cooperation with Italian ones,
continue in the most inhumane manner to smuggle illegal immigrants
and causing new tragedies.
The smuggling of immigrants is an indirect aid to national
cleansing, performed by the Serbs in Kossovo."
[19] INCREASED RADIATION LEAKS IN KOZLODUI
The radiation leak from Kozlodui's nuclear power plant has
been increased, although the rise is reportedly not dangerous,
according to the Sofia daily "24 Hours".
According to the same sources, there has been a 100% increase
to radio-active waste in the atmosphere after repairs performed on
the plant's fourth nuclear reactor.
Plant officials also claim that the said increase does not
pose any threat since it concerns an amount that does not bear any
effect either on the plant's workers or on the environment
overall.
Moreover, the officials clarified that the admissible levels
of radioactive waste at Kozlodui's plant are 1400 Megabeckerels on
a 24-hour basis.
According to experts, at every refueling and during the
course of repairs performed in the reactor, the radiation limits
are slightly upped, but such increase not does surpass the
allowable levels.
[20] THREE BULGARIANS STRUCK BY CANCER EVERY HOUR, SAYS WHO
Three Bulgarians are struck by cancer every hour, which means
that by the year 2005 the country will hold first place in cancer
incidence rate in all of Europe, according to World Health
Organization data presented at the Bulgarian oncologists
conference.
According to the statistics presented at the conference,
whose theme was "Oncologists and the Mass Media", smoking is
deemed as the main cause for 50% of cancer cases.
The numbers are grim. One out of every three families in
Bulgaria has a member who suffers from cancer, while over 180,000
individuals in Bulgaria are cancer victims. Over 26,000
Bulgarians die from cancer every year, the majority of whom are of
a productive age.
[21] AUSTRALIA'S POLITICAL LEADERS WARMLY SALUTE "DIMITRIA"
Warm political messages continue to pour in from Australia's
political leaders to the Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne-
Victoria on the occasion of the "Dimitria ‘98" festivities
currently being held in this Australian city which is home to
about 300,000 Greeks.
Australian Premier John Howard forwarded a message to the
chairman of the Association Dimitris Minas, wherein he stresses
that for many years the Greek community enriched the Australian
society with its vast cultural heritage, the ancient Greek
traditions, the arts and literature that are among humanity's
greatest achievements.
Mr. Howard also lauds the "Dimitria" as an exceptional
opportunity for the members of the Greek community and its
supporters to get together and celebrate this cultural heritage.
Moreover, the Australian Premier notes that his government is
committed to upholding the foundation of a free, multi-cultural
society in the country, and that all Australian citizens,
regardless of their nationality, religion or origin, enjoy the
right of fully participating in the society and having equal
opportunity for any position.
The Greeks of Australia, Mr. Howard stated, "constitute one
of the most fascinating stories of successful immigration, having
greatly contributed to the historic, cultural and societal
development of Australia, having built a bright future for their
children and grandchildren."
Another philhellene Australian politician, Victoria's Premier
Jeff Kennett forwarded a message where he mentions that he had the
opportunity to visit Thessaloniki "a beautiful city full of
history and traditions."
Mr. Kennett added that "Thessaloniki is not only one of the
most significant fortresses of Hellenism, but also constitutes a
significant unification gate for Greece and the Balkans." He also
added that it is no surprise Melbourne has become a sister city
with Thessaloniki.
The Greek leaders who forwarded messages to the "Dimitria
Q98", an event organized by the Pan-Macedonian Association of
Melbourne and Victoria, are the President of the Hellenic Republic
Kostis Stephanopoulos, the president of Greece's main opposition
party, New Democracy's Kostas Karamanlis, the Minster of Macedonia-
Thrace Philippos Petsalnikos, the Greek Ambassador to Australia I.
Beveratos, the Greek Consul-General in Melbourne G. Veis, the
Secretary-General of the Greeks Abroad S. Labrinides, the chairman
of the Association of Macedonian Studies K. Vavouskos, the General
Director of the Macedonian Press Agency Spyros Kouzinopoulos and
the director of the Center of Macedonians Abroad Kostas Pyrzas.
[22] THE SECOND ROUND OF ELECTIONS IN FYROM WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY
The second round of the parliamentary elections in FYROM will
be held on Sunday.
In the elections will participate the VMRO-DPMNE party, the
Democratic Alternative party and the governing party of the Social-
democratic Union, based on the results of the first round.
The second round of voting will be held in 62 of the 85
election districts in the country.
[23] ALAVANOS: MEDITERRANEAN PRODUCTS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE
FOOD AID TO RUSSIA
Greek Euro-deputy Alekos Alavanos requested from the European
Commission to be included Mediterranean products as well in the
European Union food aid that will be sent to Russia.
The Greek Euro-deputy points out that the food aid scheduled
to be sent to Russia consists almost exclusively of products
coming from the northern EU member-states such as meat, milk and
cereal, while no provision is made for Mediterranean products like
citrus fruits, vegetables and olive oil in spite of the fact that
they are regarded as necessary for a balanced diet.
In addition, the Mediterranean farm products already face
serious problems of distribution and low prices as the economic
crisis have "closed" a large part of the Russian market.
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