Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-02-09
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, February 9, 2000
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NEWS HEADLINES
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] PRESIDENT RE-ELECTED TO SECOND CONSECUTIVE TERM
[02] PM: STEPHANOPOULOS IS A SYMBOL OF UNITY, CONSENSUS
[03] PRESIDENT-ELECT VOWS TO UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC VALUES
[04] NEW DEMOCRACY TO HOLD CONFERENCE ON BALKANS
[05] FMs OF GREECE, TURKEY, BULGARIA TO MEET IN THRACE
[06] ASIA FORUM, A SUBSTANTIAL STEP IN EURASIAN VENTURES
[07] POLL PACES POLITICIANS' POPULARITY
[08] GREEK INVESTMENTS IN GEORGIA ON THE RISE
[09] THE GREEK UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO UKRAINE
[10] THE MAYOR OF ATHENS ANNOUNCES THIS EVENING IF HE WILL RUN IN
THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS
[11] GAINS OF 0.79% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
[12] REPPAS ON THE RE-ELECTION OF STEPHANOPOULOS TO THE PRESIDENCY
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[13] PREFECTS OF ALBANIA, W. MACEDONIA MEET IN KORCA
[14] SAE IS ONE OF GREECE'S BEST INVESTMENTS
[15] GREEK BUSINESS DELEGATION ON MISSION TO SYDNEY
[16] THE VOLUME OF GOODS TRANSPORTED BY TRAIN ACROSS THE GREEK-
FYROM BORDERS HAS INCREASED
[17] BRITISH "NO" TO THE UN TREATY ON THE RETURN OF WORKS OF ART
[18] GREEK-EGYPTIAN JOINT VENTURE
[19] CLERIDES RETURNS TO CYPRUS FROM GENEVA TODAY
[20] THE EU WELCOMES THE FREEZING OF THE DEATH PENALTY IN THE US
STATE OF ILLINOIS
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] PRESIDENT RE-ELECTED TO SECOND CONSECUTIVE TERM
The President of the Hellenic Republic Costis Stephanopoulos
was easily re-elected to a second consecutive five-year term by
Parliament yesterday evening, with 269 deputies voting in his
favor.
One hundred and sixty-one ruling PASOK and 101 main
opposition New Democracy (ND) deputies cast their ballot for the
incumbent President in the roll-call vote, while seven independent
deputies also voted in his favor.
Ten deputies from the minor opposition Coalition of the Left
and Progress voted for leftist politician Leonidas Kyrkos, while
11 Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and eight Democratic Social
Movement (DHKKI) deputies simply declared themselves present. Two
ND deputies were absent.
Mr. Stephanopoulos's election marks the first time a head of
state has been re-elected to a second consecutive term since the
restoration of Greece's democracy in 1974, as well as another
Parliamentary first: nomination by both major parties in the 300-
member Parliament.
[02] PM: STEPHANOPOULOS IS A SYMBOL OF UNITY, CONSENSUS
Saluting the incumbent President Costis Stephanopoulos' re-
election to a second consecutive term, Prime Minister Costas
Simitis stated that the event reflects the maturity of the
country's political system, given this unprecedented feat since
the restoration of democracy in Greece in 1974.
"I feel proud," Mr. Simitis stated, "because through our
political choice we contributed to the essential and symbolic
establishment of consensus, as well as to the improved operation
of our political system. By having supported the incumbent
President of the Republic since his first term, and having
undertaken the initiative for his nomination, we are especially
pleased to salute his re-election."
Moreover, the Premier pointed out that Mr. Stephanopoulos has
achieved precisely what the constitution calls for, that is, to
function as a symbol and representative of unity among the Greeks.
[03] PRESIDENT-ELECT VOWS TO UPHOLD DEMOCRATIC VALUES
Upon receiving the news of his re-election to a second
consecutive term as head of state from the President of the
Hellenic Parliament, as custom calls for, incumbent President of
the Hellenic Republic Costis Stephanopoulos thanked the Parliament
and vowed to exert every possible effort so as to fulfill the
Greek people's expectations.
Moreover, the temperate President-elect referred to the
significance of the Greek Parliament's unprecedented
accomplishment to re-elect a head of state to a second,
consecutive term in office.
In an account of his previous term in office, Mr.
Stephanopoulos stated that he tried to respect the people's
democratic sentiments and represent its democratic conviction.
"I tried to express national unity which is found in the
people's will and is expressed on a daily basis, through the
behavior of all of the country's political forces, unhindered by
political juxtaposition."
The President will be sworn in office on March 11.
[04] NEW DEMOCRACY TO HOLD CONFERENCE ON BALKANS
In cooperation with the European People's Party, Greece main
opposition New Democracy is to hold a conference in Thessaloniki
this month over matters pertaining to democracy, stability and
cooperation in Southeastern Europe.
The two-day event, to be held on February 25-26, will be
addressed by N.D. leader Costas Karamanlis who will speak on "A
New Strategy of Cooperation and Development in the Balkans".
[05] FMs OF GREECE, TURKEY, BULGARIA TO MEET IN THRACE
The foreign ministers of Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria are
to meet in Thrace - the region where the three countries share
borders - on February 19, according to government spokesman
Dimitris Reppas.
Mr. Reppas called the tripartite meeting "hopeful", adding
that it ushers in a new mode of communication between the three
neighbors.
[06] ASIA FORUM, A SUBSTANTIAL STEP IN EURASIAN VENTURES
The two-day "Asia Forum 2000" came to an end in Thessaloniki
yesterday with three important decisions being taken on the
forum's initiation, the creation of four Eurasian business centers
and the finding of a location to establish the Asia Forum on its
own premises in Thessaloniki.
A second meeting will be held in Thessaloniki again on May 23-
28, featuring six workshops.
The forum was attended by 71 politicians and business
representatives from 36 countries in Asia, the Balkans, the
European Union, eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Black Sea
and the Middle East.
The President of Asia Forum Marios Nikolinakos stated that
the road to Eurasian ventures has finally opened, while the
participants had the opportunity to become acquainted with the
markets of the countries represented.
Moreover, they noted that they focused on the requirements,
forms and opportunities of economic collaboration among the
participating countries.
The two-day forum was held under the auspices of the
Ministries of Foreign Affairs, National Economy and Finance,
Development, Merchant Marine, Macedonia-Thrace and Transportation-
Communication.
[07] POLL PACES POLITICIANS' POPULARITY
The Mayor of Athens Dimitris Avramopoulos, Foreign Minister
George Papandreou and main opposition deputy Dora Bakoyanni (New
Democracy) are the most popular political figures in Greece,
according to a poll published by the Athens daily "To Ethnos".
The poll, conducted by "ALKO", shows Mr. Avramopoulos as
leading the popularity race, having amassed 54.3% of the votes
which spanned all political parties.
While the Athens Mayor ranked first in the overall ballots,
having garnered favorable opinions from 86.5% of the respondents,
he ranked second among New Democracy's voters, chosen by 74.4%. He
was edged from the list's apex by the main opposition party's
deputy Dora Bakoyanni who was voted most popular by 74.5% of New
Democracy's supporters.
However, the ruling PASOK party's supporters apparently hold
the mayor in high esteem, with 48.9% having voted for Mr.
Avramopoulos.
Foreign Minister George Papandreou - who has always enjoyed
high rates of popularity - also amassed a high percentage of the
respondents' votes, while independent deputy George Souflias also
enjoyed a high rate from respondents belonging to both political
factions. Mr. Souflias, a former ND deputy, ranked fifth in the
overall order, 11th among PASOK's candidates and tenth among his
former peers.
[08] GREEK INVESTMENTS IN GEORGIA ON THE RISE
The Thessaloniki-held Asia Forum served as a "springboard"
for the initiation and development of economic ties between
central Asia and Europe, according to Georgia's undersecretary of
Foreign Affairs Valeri Cecelasvili who attended the two-day
conference.
Speaking to the Macedonian Press Agency, Mr. Cecelasvili
analyzed his country's priorities in terms of economic relations
with Greece, a country which he characterized as one of Georgia's
"most credible" allies.
According to the Undersecretary, trade volume between Greece
and Georgia has increased significantly, a growth that boosts
bilateral relations and creates a climate of optimism for the
future.
Specifically, he noted that Greek-Georgian economic ties are
marked by the establishment of investments and the creation of
joint ventures.
Mr. Cecelasvili expressed his satisfaction over the Asia
Forum which, as he stated, granted the participants with the
opportunity to examine collaboration opportunities and propose
solutions to the various hurdles.
Regarding the role Georgia is called on to carry out
internationally, Mr. Cecelasvili stated that his country' strategy
is to strengthen existing joint ventures and examine opportunities
in new markets. He added that Georgia aspires to become the "key"
for the promotion of cooperation between the countries of central
Asia and Europe.
When asked to comment on his country's upcoming presidential
elections, the Undersecretary stated that incumbent president
Eduard Sevardnadze will most likely be re-elected, since, he said,
"we need his wisdom and experience."
[09] THE GREEK UNDERSECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO UKRAINE
Greek undersecretary of foreign affairs Grigoris Niotis,
responsible for issues concerning the Greeks abroad, will be
declared honorary professor of the Human Studies Institute in
Mariupolis on February 11.
The foreign undersecretary will leave for Ukraine tomorrow
accompanied by a foreign ministry officials delegation and in
Mariupolis he will meet with city mayor Giorgos Holtubei, who is
of Greek origin, while he will inaugurate the new building housing
the Federation of the Greek Associations in Ukraine.
Mr. Niotis will also visit the cities of Sartana, Cermalik
and Yalta where he will meet with representatives of the Greek
community to brief them on the new law on the Greeks from the
former Soviet Union that was recently approved by the Greek
parliament.
[10] THE MAYOR OF ATHENS ANNOUNCES THIS EVENING IF HE WILL RUN IN
THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS
Athens mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos will announce this evening
whether he will run in the early parliamentary elections of April
9 as a candidate of the right-wing main opposition party of New
Democracy.
Honorary president of New Democracy Konstantinos Mitsotakis
stated that it would have been best if Avramopoulos decided to run
in the elections but even if he decides otherwise New Democracy
will still move ahead.
Senior member of New Democracy and parliament deputy Ioannis
Varvitsiotis stated that there is no anxiety in the party
concerning the stance that will be adopted by Mr. Avramopoulos,
while leader of the Liberal Party Stefanos Manos expressed the
view that the mayor will not be a candidate with New Democracy.
[11] GAINS OF 0.79% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
The Athens Stock Exchange recorded gains of 0.79% today
losing part of the ground that had initially won when it had gains
of +2.5%.
In spite of the fact that the index lost about 2 percentage
points compared to its initial gains it managed to stay above the
5.500 points mark and closed at 5.594,36. The volume of
transactions was 413.6 billion drachmas.
[12] REPPAS ON THE RE-ELECTION OF STEPHANOPOULOS TO THE PRESIDENCY
The president of the republic is the personification of the
unity of the Greek people, stated Greek government spokesman
Dimitris Reppas, who underlined the faultless way in which the
election of the president was held in accordance with the
constitution.
Mr. Reppas expressed the government's respect toward Leonidas
Kirkos, who had been nominated by the Coalition of the Left to be
a candidate for the Greek presidency, characterizing him as a
leading personality in the country's political life.
On the issue of the revision of constitution clauses, Mr.
Reppas clarified that the present parliament has already decided
which clauses will be revised by the new parliament.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[13] PREFECTS OF ALBANIA, W. MACEDONIA MEET IN KORCA
The Prefects of Albania and western Macedonia are presently
holding a briefing session in Korca, on the initiative of the
Albanian Prefect Bardhi Alickolli.
The discussion will focus on the further development of
bilateral ties, while the Albanian prefects will be given an
outline of the Greek model of administration.
The Secretary General of the Western Macedonia Prefecture
Aris Papadopoulos will also brief the Albanian delegates on the
prefecture's decentralized role on matters related to
administration and development.
[14] SAE IS ONE OF GREECE'S BEST INVESTMENTS
The Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) is one of Greece's best
investments, both in terms of organization and fiscal returns,
having undertaken colossal projects which aim at improving living
conditions for millions of Greeks living abroad.
One telling example of SAE's efficiency is the fact that,
while it received $2.4 million from the Greek state for
operational costs, it managed to amass and allocate over $22.6
million for medical care and services to the Greek communities of
the former Soviet republics.
As its philanthropic task is not limited to countries abroad,
SAE provided medical supplies to the tune of one million dollars
for the victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Athens
on September 7. Moreover, it contributed over $100,000 to the
Northern Epirus communities in Albania.
According to Counterpart International, a non-profit,
international development organization which oversees the
allocation of medical supplies provided by SAE to Georgia and
Ukraine, over $100 million will be contributed in the following
three years to Greeks and their neighbors in the six former Soviet
republics, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Armenia.
SAE President Andrew Athens does not hide his satisfaction
over the organization's success, while he also points out the
massive benefits to be reaped by Greece in regards to
international relations.
[15] GREEK BUSINESS DELEGATION ON MISSION TO SYDNEY
A delegation of leading Greek investors are to travel to
Sydney this month, in order to view the city's preparations for
the Olympic Games.
The four-day visit will coincide with the convention of the
International Olympic Committee's executive committee, also to be
held in Syndey, which will review the contribution of sponsorships
to this year's Games, as well as to the Athens-held Olympics in
2000. The session will be attended by IOC President Juan Antonio
Samaranch.
The delegates who will arrive in Sydney on February 16
accompanied by journalists, will be received by Australian
businessmen and with officials from Australia's Ministry of
Foreign Trade.
Moreover, meetings are to be held with Australia's Ministers
of Commerce and Athletics, as well as with the mayor of the city
of Sydney.
[16] THE VOLUME OF GOODS TRANSPORTED BY TRAIN ACROSS THE GREEK-
FYROM BORDERS HAS INCREASED
The volume of goods transported by train across the Greek-
FYROM borders increased last month, according to a report
published by the Skopje newspaper Nova Makedonia.
Specifically, 220.000 tons of goods crossed the borders and
140.000 of them ended up in FYROM, 50.000 tons were distributed to
the Greek market, and other 30.000 tons of goods that crossed the
borders on both directions had other countries as their
destination. Last January, 100.000 tons of petrol were imported by
FYROM from Greece.
In February, the volume of goods transported across the Greek-
FYROM borders is expected to increase by 50% given the fact that
the railway link of FYROM with Yugoslavia has been restored.
It should be noted that there was an increase in the number
of people that crossed the Greek-FYROM borders by train and 2.600,
1.500 of them Greeks, traveled on both directions.
[17] BRITISH "NO" TO THE UN TREATY ON THE RETURN OF WORKS OF ART
Britain refused to sign the new UN treaty for the return of
stolen art works and cultural heritage such as, the Parthenon
Marbles maintaining that it is in conflict with the existing
British legislation, according to a statement made by culture
minister Chris Smith.
The newspaper "The Guardian" referring to the British culture
minister decision pointed out that it will result to a dispute
between Britain, the UN and Greece.
The newspaper "The Independent" maintains that the reason
that led the culture minister to this decision is possibly linked
to the dispute concerning the return of the Parthenon Marbles
particularly, after the decision by the special committee, formed
to examine the illegal acquisition of cultural treasures, to
include among them the Parthenon Marbles. The newspaper underlines
that Greece wants the marbles returned by 2004 when it will host
the Olympic Games but both the British government and the British
Museum refuse to return them. According to the newspaper, the UN
treaty that was approved in 1995 gave to Egypt the right to have a
13th century BC treasure returned to it after being illegally
exported from the country a decade ago.
[18] GREEK-EGYPTIAN JOINT VENTURE
The Cairo Chamber of Commerce Greek-Egyptian relations
department will meet next Thursday to discuss its future
activities plan, while the organizing of an Egyptian products week
in Athens will also be discussed aimed at increasing the Egyptian
exports to the Greek market.
The establishment of a joint Greek-Egyptian company for the
promotion of bilateral trade transactions and the obstacles that
need to be overcome in the trade transactions between the two
countries will also be discussed.
Greece occupies the 27th place among foreign investors in
Egypt especially after the withdrawal of the Arab countries from
the Egyptian market which until now had covered more than half of
the foreign investments in the country.
[19] CLERIDES RETURNS TO CYPRUS FROM GENEVA TODAY
Cypriot president Glafkos Clerides returns from Geneva today
after completing the second round of proximity talks on Cyprus.
The talks were completed yesterday and according to UN
secretary-general special adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto the
third round of proximity talks will start in New York on May 23
and according to well-informed sources it will be completed on
June 2.
Based on the same sources, the two sides are expected to
return to the United Nations headquarters by the end of June for
the fourth round of talks.
[20] THE EU WELCOMES THE FREEZING OF THE DEATH PENALTY IN THE US
STATE OF ILLINOIS
The decision of the US state of Illinois to freeze the
execution of all pending death penalties after the revelations
that 13 innocent people had been sentenced to death was welcomed
today by the European Union.
The governor of Illinois made the decision when it was
revealed that 13 innocent people had been sentenced to death. The
13 were finally freed while they were on death row awaiting to be
executed.
The European Union stressed in the statement it has issued
that the risk to sentence innocent people to death is essentially
one of the main principles on which the EU philosophy on the death
penalty is based.
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