Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-03-28
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, March 28, 2000
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NEWS HEADLINES
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] TURKISH-CYPRIOTS DONATE BLOOD FOR ANDREAS
[02] ASIA FORUM PRESIDENT TRAVEL TO BEIJING
[03] SCHENGEN TREATY FOR OPEN BORDERS IS ENFORCED
[04] BALKAN, BLACK SEA OIL ASSOCIATION MEETS TODAY
[05] INCUMBENT PM, MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER TO DEBATE
[06] NATO VEHICLE TRANSPORT OBSTRUCTED AT PORT
[07] MAIN OPPOSITION PARTY LEADER LASHES OUT AT PASOK
[08] OECD DELEGATION IN ATHENS FOR REVIEWS
[09] PREMIER CONFIDENT OF VICTORY IN IMMINENT ELECTIONS
[10] FIRST GREEK WOMAN FIGHTER PILOT NEXT YEAR
[11] LECTURES ON GREECE'S "FARAWAY" NEIGHBORS
[12] BRITISH MPS MEET WITH GREEK CULTURE MINISTER
[13] INCREASE IN THE BREAST CANCER CASES
[14] PAPANDREOU - PAPAZOI MEETING WITH THE VISITING BRITISH
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
[15] MARGINAL LOSSES IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
[16] ABOUT 25% OF THE RUSSIANS IN GREECE VOTED IN THE RUSSIAN
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[17] MORE FRENCH TOURISTS EXPECTED IN GREECE
[18] NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE STOPANSKA BANKA ISSUE
[19] SAE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE BOSTON GREEK COLLEGE
[20] "THE ECONOMIST": POSITIVE COMMENTS ON THE GREEK ECONOMY
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] TURKISH-CYPRIOTS DONATE BLOOD FOR ANDREAS
More than 300 Turkish-Cypriots, among them their leader's son
Sertar Denktash and the head of Turkey's Republican Party Mehmet
Ali Talat, gathered at the island's green line in order to assist
in the efforts to save a young Greek-Cypriot boy suffering from
leukemia.
Six-year-old Andreas Vasilioy is in need of suitable bone
marrow and doctors have said that he will die within three months
if a transplant is not carried out.
Mr. Denktash stated that he is donating blood in order to
held a young child, while Mr. Talat said that the event is a
Shumanitarian one", adding that "we are always in support of peace
and good relations between the two communities."
Cypriot government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou stated that
the response of Turkish Cypriots indicates that a new dynamic is
being created among citizens, promoting solidarity, which is
considered to be very positive for improving the climate on the
island.
[02] ASIA FORUM PRESIDENT TRAVEL TO BEIJING
The President of Asia Forum, the Thessaloniki-based economic
institution for the development of the Euro-Asian economic
relations, has departed for Beijing following an invitation of the
Chinese government.
Professor Marios Nikolinakos, head of the Institute of Greek
Economy Studies, is to meet with Chinese government officials and
various businessmen with whom he will discuss the opportunities
for economic collaboration between Greek and Chinese firms.
Mr. Nikolinakos' visit falls within the parameters of his
participation in the international conference entitled "China of
2010 - A change of Course Towards the Future", organized by
China's Development and Research Center.
[03] SCHENGEN TREATY FOR OPEN BORDERS IS ENFORCED
The Schengen Treaty has become effective n Greece as of March
26, allowing travellers to visit passport-free the eight
countries-members of the agreement.
The Schengen Traty also applies to visitors from these eight
countries who wish to enter Greece.
[04] BALKAN, BLACK SEA OIL ASSOCIATION MEETS TODAY
The Balkan and Black Sea Petroleum Association is to meet in
Athens today where the participants are to discuss oil and gas
projects in the Balkans and the processes of restructuring and
privatization in the oil and gas sectors.
Participating in the two-day conference are Hellenic
Petroleum, DEPA, Bulgargaz, CONPET, Makpetrol, Gaz de France, Elf
Aquitaine, SNAM, Eni and Ruhrgaz (PLE).
The European Union's executive Commission is to present an
address on energy projects.
[05] INCUMBENT PM, MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER TO DEBATE
Incumbent Prime Minister and ruling PASOK party President
Costas Simitis is to appear with the leader of the main
opposition party of New Democracy Costas Karamanlis, in a
nationally-televised debate on Thursday night.
The debate, whose rules of order are to be consistent with
those of 1996, will be moderated by journalist Nikos
Hatzinikolaou, while 12 questions are to be submitted in all by
journalists Elli Stai, Manolis Kapsis and Thodoris Rousopoulos.
The questions may not exceed the duration of 30 seconds
each, with each of the speakers having a maximum of two minutes to
respond to the respective reporters.
[06] NATO VEHICLE TRANSPORT OBSTRUCTED AT PORT
Episodes erupted during the early morning hours today when
members of the Communist Party of Greece attempted to obstruct the
exit of NATO vehicles from Thessaloniki's port.
A group of about 100 individuals began chanting slogans and
started spray painting the NATO vehicles as they were being driven
out of the port.
A melee almost broke out when one of the drivers verbally
reacted to the protesters who, in turn, shattered the car's front
windshield.
Seven out of a convoy of 25 NATO vehicles returned to the
port, while the remaining managed to drive through the protesters'
blockade. No arrests were made.
[07] MAIN OPPOSITION PARTY LEADER LASHES OUT AT PASOK
In a campaign tour through central Greece yesterday, the
leader of the main opposition party New Democracy Costas
Karamanlis lashed out against the ruling PASOk party, accusing the
government of having distorted his party's positions in an effort
to "create an atmosphere of manufactured tension, polarization and
fanaticism."
Mr. Karamanlis stated that PASOK has had to resort to
mudslinging and propaganda since "it realizes that it gambled and
lost."
The secretary general of the Communist Party of Greece Aleka
Paparega told a press conference yesterday that the recent EU
Summit held in Lisbon was a "starting point of troubles" for
workers.
The President of the Coalition of the Left and Progress Nikos
Constantopoulos, visiting the Central Union of Municipalities and
Communities of Greece, stated yesterday that a constitutional
clause has to be adopted which will ensure the country's
autnonomous regional development.
The leader of the Democratic and Social Movement Dimitris
Tsovolas, on a tour through Evros yesterday, called on his
supporters to end the self-rule arrogance of both PASOK and New
Democracy.
[08] OECD DELEGATION IN ATHENS FOR REVIEWS
A delegation of officials from the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) is presently in Athens in order
to examine the framework of market regulations.
The reviews are pertaining to the sectors of capital markets,
tele-communications and energy, as well as the conditions of
competitiveness in the Greek economy.
[09] PREMIER CONFIDENT OF VICTORY IN IMMINENT ELECTIONS
Incumbent Prime Minister and ruling party leader Costas
Simitis expressed his confidence that PASOK will emerge victorious
in April 9's parliamentary elections, during a lengthy interview
with the Athens radio station "Flash".
"We shaped Greece up," Mr. Simitis stated, " we rendered it
strong and I am optimistic that the Greek people will once again
give us the fresh mandate to continue with this course in order to
forge ahead with the social state.
"Just as we achieved that stabilization of the economy, we
will also achieve progress in the social state during the
following four years," he stressed.
Referring to pre-election surveys and Gallup polls, Mr.
Simitis stated that they are a good point of reference for
information purposes and stressed that the citizens should not
remain indifferent, urging them to vote, aware of what's at stake.
Asked if he plans to reshuffle the cabinet in the event PASOK
wins the elections, Mr. Simitis responded that there is a need for
renewal, adding that new faces are needed in the cabinet along
with the older, more experienced ones.
The Premier stressed that the following four years will be
marked by a turn towards the social state which will focus on
increasing jobs and curbing unemployment and its related menaces
of social exclusion and poverty.
He specifically stated that there is a national plan calling
for the creation of 300,000 job positions and just as many job-
training opportunities.
As for the stock exchange, Mr. Simitis lashed out against his
arch-rival, main opposition party leader Kostas Karamanlis,
accusing him of attempting to negatively affect the bourse's
course for political gain.
Furthermore, he stated that the market's falling rates are
not an indicator of the economy's course.
"The economy is doing well," he stated and added that when
the economy is doing well the stock market will also benefit both
short- and long-term.
Referring to the government's work, Mr. Simitis stated that
the state was resolute on proceeding with planned reforms, for
example the merging of communities and municipalities whcih was
met with fierce opposition in some regions. He accused Mr.
Karamanlis of "cuddling" the voters by vowing to hold local
referendums, a move which would force the country to take a step
back from Europe.
In regards to the country's health sector, the Premier said
that the services provided are satisfactory and urged the citizens
to opt for public hospitals, as he did when he underwent a minor
operation.
Mr. Simitis referred to the existence of "blacklist" in
Turkey which bars a number of prominent Europeans and Greeks from
entering the country.
Acknowledging that it is an old list, Mr. Simitis stated that he
believes Turkey will rescind it without much ado.
As for Greek-Turkish relations, the Premier reminded that the
Turkish government's mentality should not be expected to change
immediately, stressing that the neighboring country is indeed
obliged to adjust to European norms, but this is a slow process
that requires patience.
Criticizing the main opposition party, Mr. Simitis said that
New Democracy's leadership is offering worthless pre-election
promises.
[10] FIRST GREEK WOMAN FIGHTER PILOT NEXT YEAR
The Greek Air Force is to have a woman join its fighter pilot
ranks as of next year, according to the Minister of National
Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos who addressed a Thessaloniki-held
conference entitled "Youth, Defense and Remote Greece".
In his address, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos also reiterated that by
boosting the country's professional army to 15,000-strong in a
course of three years, the mandatory military service term
(presently 18 months) will be gradually reduced.
Beginning with this year, mandatory service will be reduced
two months per annum, reaching 12 months in three years.
[11] LECTURES ON GREECE'S "FARAWAY" NEIGHBORS
The University of Macedonia's department of Balkan, Slavic
and Eastern Studies is to hold a series of lectures entitled "Our
‘Faraway' Neighbors: Economic, Social and Cutural Aproaches"
The lectures are to span themes pertaining to the cultures,
societies, economies and political systems of the Balkan peoples,
and of Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the Near East.
Among the featured speakers will be University of Belgrade
Professor Radmila Popovic who will speak this evening on
"Language and national stereotypes: the case of Serbian".
[12] BRITISH MPS MEET WITH GREEK CULTURE MINISTER
A delegation of eight British parliamentarians who are
members of the committee responsible for issues of cultural
heritage, mass media and sports is to meet with the Ministers of
Foreign Affairs and Culture, George Papandreou and Elisabeth
Papazoi, respectively, in Athens today.
The meeting is widely viewed as the start of a dialogue for
the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece from the British
Museum, since this is the first time British parliamentarians are
officially conducting talks with Greece's Culture Ministry.
The committee members visited the royal tombs and the
archeological sites of Vergina yesterday, accompanied by the
British Ambassador and the director of the British School of
Athens, while, in a visit to Thessaloniki, the British delegates
met with the curator of the city's Archeological Museum and
discussed the combat of illegal trade of antiquities.
[13] INCREASE IN THE BREAST CANCER CASES
The increase in the number of breast cancer cases in Greece
is a cause of alarm as it is the most common type of the disease
in females and the main cause of death in the 39-44 age group. The
number of annual cases in 1990 were 1.500 and now they have
reached 2.000. In the previous 20-year period 1 out of 16 Greek
women were hit by breast cancer annually, while now the disease
appears in 1 out of 11 women.
The above were stressed by Thessaloniki's Aristotle
University surgery professor Konstantinos Katsochis in a press
conference on the occasion of the oncology conference that will be
held in Thessaloniki on March 30-April 2.
[14] PAPANDREOU - PAPAZOI MEETING WITH THE VISITING BRITISH
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The Greek ministers of foreign affairs and culture Giorgos
Papandreou and Elisavet Papazoi met in Athens with the visiting
members of the British parliament culture, mass media and sports
committee and conveyed the Greek government positions on the
return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece as they are presented in
a memorandum drawn up recently by the government.
The meeting lasted for about an hour and a half and the Greek
ministers pointed out the significance of the return of the
Parthenon Marbles to their natural place for Greece and the whole
world.
In statements he made afterwards, Mr. Papandreou underlined
the excellent relations, as he characterized them, between Greece
and Britain in all sectors and referred to the contribution of
Britain to the Helsinki decisions for peace in the region and the
normalization of the Greek-Turkish relations. He also expressed
the belief that the issue of the Parthenon Marbles is an
opportunity for the further development of bilateral relations.
Minister of culture Ms. Papazoi stressed that it is the first
time that a meaningful dialogue is underway with the British
committee for the return of the Parthenon Marbles and
characterized it as a good sign.
The committee chairman underlined that the issue will be
examined in depth, while he avoided to adopt a clear stance,
pointing out that he is still being informed on the matter.
[15] MARGINAL LOSSES IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
Marginal losses of 0.25% have been recorded in the Athens
Stock Exchange and the main index was at 4.664,01, while the
transactions were at 188.5 billion drachmas.
For the most part, the session was held in a negative
atmosphere and at one point the main index recorded losses of 3%.
The insurance and bank stocks led to the improvement of the
climate, while the picture remained very negative for the parallel
market.
[16] ABOUT 25% OF THE RUSSIANS IN GREECE VOTED IN THE RUSSIAN
PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
About 25% of the 10.000 Russian nationals living in Greece
permanently or temporarily, namely 2.500, voted in the Russian
presidential elections of last Sunday and cast their ballots in
the polling stations set up in the Russian embassy in Athens and
the consulate in Thessaloniki.
According to statements made to MPA by consul general in
Thessaloniki Victor Bojko, elections were held smoothly with a
notable participation of the Greek citizens, who kept their
Russian nationality, while certain Russians who live and work in
Greece temporarily also voted in the elections.
According to official results in Thessaloniki the newly
elected Russian president Vladimir Putin got 814 votes, Genady
Zuganov 422 and Vladimir Yavlinski 62, while in Athens Putin got
684 votes, Zuganov 184 and Yavlinski 85.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[17] MORE FRENCH TOURISTS EXPECTED IN GREECE
A ten percent increase of French tourists visiting Greece is
expected this year, according to the Hellenic Tourism Organization
bureau in Paris, a boost attributed to an upgraded advertising
campaign.
According to the Paris-bureau's director Anna Iliokratidou,
more than 530,000 French are expected in Greece this summer, the
majority destined for resorts in the Cyclades, Crete, Attica and
the Peloponnese.
One of the factors rendering Greece a top choice among
holidayers is the low prices, rivaled only by Tunisia, but which
is not an EU member.
[18] NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE STOPANSKA BANKA ISSUE
The responsible reform agency in FYROM is expected to
purchase 85% of the Stopanska Banka stocks through the Skopje
Stock Exchange today or on Thursday at the latest. Then a package
of stocks with a total value of DM93.96 million will be
transferred to the National Bank of Greece, the EBRD and the IFC
namely, the buyers of the largest bank in FYROM.
The above were mentioned in today's issue of FYROM's "Vetser"
newspaper according to which, the buyout of the package of stocks
by the responsible FYROM agency and its transfer to the three
investors is a purely procedural issue. It should be reminded that
the formal part of the agreement for the purchase of 65% of the
Stopanska Banka will be completed by early April.
[19] SAE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE BOSTON GREEK COLLEGE
The World Council of Hellenes Abroad, SAE, offers
scholarships for the Boston Greek College in an effort to promote
the university education of the Greek-American students.
The scholarships are being offered to students who meet the
necessary preconditions and cover all tuition expenses except from
food and board expenses. The college offers 4year studies and a
Bachelor of Arts diploma in Classical Studies, Elementary
Education, Human Development and Religious Studies.
The Boston Greek College diplomas are equal to all the rest
universities and are recognized by the education authorities of
the United States and Greece.
[20] "THE ECONOMIST": POSITIVE COMMENTS ON THE GREEK ECONOMY
The economic review "The Economist" made positive comments on
the course of Greece toward the EMU. In a comparative study of the
magazine between Greece and other three countries namely, Sweden,
Denmark and Norway, which are considering to join the EMU, Greece
is ahead and it is believed that it will be the first from a group
of countries that will enter the Euro-zone, while the Greek
government's asset, according to "The Economist", is the backing
it enjoys from the wider population as over 2/3 of the Greeks want
their country to join the EMU and they are determined to work
toward this purpose.
Based on the economic magazine's report, parts of which have
been broadcast by the BBC radio, problems are being observed in
the three countries namely, Sweden, Denmark and Norway which have
expressed their wish to join the EMU.
On Greece, "The Economist" mentions that significant steps
have been made in the past few years to approach its EU partners,
tax collection has been made more effective, the stock market
enters a mature stage and the spending toward the GDP is stable
resulting to impressive cuts in inflation, public debt and the
budget deficits. It also added that the economic indexes are at
good levels for Europe and overall the prospects for the Greek
economy are optimistic.
According to "The Economist", the sectors that need to be
improved are energy, shipping and telecommunications.
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