Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-04-11
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, April 11, 2000
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NEWS HEADLINES
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] PREMIER RECEIVES BEST WISHES FROM EU ALLIES
[02] NEW PARLIAMENT TO BE SWORN IN ON APRIL 20
[03] CHEAPER FUEL EXPECTED BY HELLENIC PETROLEUM
[04] 24 KILLED IN 166 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS DURING 3 DAYS
[05] GREEK FM TO MEET TURKISH COUNTERPART TODAY
[06] GREECE'S 2000 GROWTH RATE FASTER THAN EU AVERAGE
[07] 2ND INTERBALKAN INFORMATICS FORUM IN THESSALONIKI
[08] GREEK EXPORTS TO MOLDAVIA DROPPED BY 7.5% IN 1999
[09] THE MARKET AWAITS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MR. SIMITIS'
PRIORITIES
[10] SIMITIS-PAPANTONIOU MEETING
[11] CONGRATULATIONS TO MR. SIMITIS BY META AND NANO
[12] THE MUSLIMS IN THRACE VOTED FOR CHRISTIAN CANDIDATES
[13] MARGINAL LOSSES OF 0.51% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
[14] NEW RECORD WAS BROKEN AT THE MPA SITE ON THE INTERNET
[15] THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE APRIL 9 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[16] US PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES PM ON RE-ELECTION
[17] PRESIDENT OF CYPRUS CONGRATULATES GREEK PM
[18] CLARK SPOKE OF PROGRESS IN THE GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS
[19] THE EU-TURKEY ASSOCIATION COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD TODAY
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] PREMIER RECEIVES BEST WISHES FROM EU ALLIES
European Commission President Romano Prodi has congratulated
Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis on his re-election.
In a message forwarded to the Greek Premier, Mr. Prodi stated
that "we sincerely wish you much success in the continuation of
your work. The European Commission is committed to continuing to
work closely with your government and you personally, and I want
to assure you that you'll have its support and cooperation in the
joint efforts at dealing with the challenges in building Europe."
Mr. Simitis also received telephone calls from his Spanish
and Luxembourg counterparts, Jose Maria Aznar and Jean Claude
Juncker, respectively.
In a telegram from London, British Prime Minister Tony Blair
stated: "Congratulations on PASOKs success in (Sunday's) general
election.
"This is a strong vote of confidence in your management of
Greece's economy; in your success in bringing Greece towards
membership of the Euro and in your foreign policy, in particular
re-building the mutual relationship between Greece and Turkey. I
look forward to carrying forward our shared objectives in Europe
and bilaterally."
On his part, Dutch Premier Wim Kok stressed that Mr. Simitis'
victory as an incumbent premier "comprises a significant political
and popular confirmation," while he praised the re-elected PM's
efforts at preparing the Greek economy for inclusion into the euro-
zone.
[02] NEW PARLIAMENT TO BE SWORN IN ON APRIL 20
Prime minister and PASOK leader Costas Simitis received
yesterday the mandate to form a new government from President of
the Hellenic Republic Costis Stephanopoulos, after winning
Sunday's general elections.
In order to form a government, Mr. Simitis must wait for the
official final results on the composition of the 300-member
parliament, and immediately afterwards present the new government.
The new parliament will be sworn in on April 20, with the
election of the Speaker of the House taking place on the following
day. The Premier will announce the government's program on
April 22 and will receive a vote of confidence on April 24.
[03] CHEAPER FUEL EXPECTED BY HELLENIC PETROLEUM
Hellenic Petroleum is expected to announce lower oil
prices, following OPEC's recent decision to set higher output
limits, thus resulting in lower oil prices, i.e. 20 dollars per
barrel.
Greece's inflation rose to 3.1 percent in March, an increase
attributed to the then-soaring global crude oil prices.
[04] 24 KILLED IN 166 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS DURING 3 DAYS
A total of 24 people were killed and 230 were injured in 166
road accidents throughout the country between Friday afternoon and
Sunday midnight as out-of-town voters flocked to their home towns
to vote in Sunday's general elections.
Although, the highway patrol had taken emergency measures
during the aforementioned time period, including the allocation of
an extra lane on the Athens-Corinth highway, Greece wasn't able to
beat its grim record.
[05] GREEK FM TO MEET TURKISH COUNTERPART TODAY
Greece's Foreign Minster George Papandreou is to meet with
his Turkish counterpart Ismael Cem today, within the framework of
the EU-Turkey Association Council meeting in Luxembourg today.
The European Union foreign ministers finalized a report on EU-
Turkish relations yesterday, which refers to the decisions drawn
during the EU Helsinki Summit regarding the peaceful resolution of
differences, as well as to the International Court of the Hague as
a medium, and to the support of the UN Secretary General's
efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue.
According to Mr. Papandreou, the report constitutes a
significant development for Greece, as it confirms the targets
achieved during the Helsinki Summit of December ‘99.
[06] GREECE'S 2000 GROWTH RATE FASTER THAN EU AVERAGE
According to the European Commission's spring report, to be
presented in Brussels today, the Greek economy will grow at a rate
of 3.9 percent this year - faster than the European Union's
average - and four percent next year.
However, the report earns of a high rate of unemployment in
Greece, expected to rise to ten percent by the end of the year, an
assessment increased by a one-percentage point from the
Commission's last report in November.
Furthermore, the Commission's report forecasts that inflation
will be 2.3 percent for both 2000-01, with the public debt at 1.3
percent of the GNP this year and 0.6 percent next year.
Investments will increase by 9.1 percent in 2000, as opposed to
the EU average of 7.5 percent.
[07] 2ND INTERBALKAN INFORMATICS FORUM IN THESSALONIKI
The organizing committee of the Second Inter-Balkan
Informatics Forum is to hold its first meeting in Thessaloniki on
April 14.
Organized by the Northern Greece Informatics Companies
Association, the forum aims at strengthening information and know-
how in the sectors of communications and informatics throughout
Southeastern Europe.
The organizing committee is to discuss the establishment of a
Balkan platform for the training of sector professionals, and the
encouragement of joint ventures among the region's countries.
[08] GREEK EXPORTS TO MOLDAVIA DROPPED BY 7.5% IN 1999
Greek exports to Moldavia dropped by 7.5 percent in 1999,
although Moldavian imports marked an impressive increase of 26.1%,
according to the latter country's Statistical Service and Ministry
of Economy and Reforms.
In all, Greece ranked 16th among Moldavia's trade allies in
1999, representing a 1.2 percent share of Moldavian exports and
1.3% of imports.
The products most imported to Greece form Moldavia are live
cattle, food, beverages, tobacco and goods made of natural
materials.
Conversely, Greek exports to Moldavia include machinery,
appliances, electrical devices, metals, food, beverages and
tobacco.
[09] THE MARKET AWAITS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MR. SIMITIS'
PRIORITIES
The county's business world has focused its attention on the
priorities of the new government economic policy which are aimed
at backing the private sector. According to the newspaper
"Express", the business world has reservations on whether the new
government would want to revise its policy on basic sectors such
as, taxation and the operation of the market in order to
consolidate production and services, given the fact that Greece is
in the process of joining the EMU and in addition taking under
consideration the complex problems that will be created in the
overwhelming majority of the Greek businesses due to the increase
in competition.
The small-medium sized business want meaningful changes that
will shield their sector from the liberalization they will find
ahead of them. The production sector called on the new government
to keep the promises it gave during the election campaign
concerning the drastic cut of state spending, the acceleration of
privatization and the reduction in business taxation.
Also, the sector of commerce calls for measures for the
development of business activities, while the small scale
industries want immediate solutions to their chronic problems such
as funding, export incentives and taxation cuts.
[10] SIMITIS-PAPANTONIOU MEETING
Yiannos Papantoniou, who held the ministry of national
economy in the last government, met with prime minister Kostas
Simitis today within the framework of the contacts the prime
minister has with leading PASOK members for the formation of a new
government.
In statements he made immediately afterwards, Mr. Papantoniou
pointed out that he discussed with the prime minister issues
concerning the program of the new government. He also briefed Mr.
Simitis on the course of the negotiations for Greece's accession
into the EMU and the materialization of the big social and
structural policies that will be implemented by the new
government.
When asked to comment on whether he will remain in the
national economy ministry, Mr. Papantoniou responded that the
prime minister will decide on the issue.
[11] CONGRATULATIONS TO MR. SIMITIS BY META AND NANO
Prime minister of Albania Ilir Meta and Albanian socialist
party leader Fatos Nano sent congratulatory telegrams to Greek
socialist party of PASOK leader and prime minister Kostas Simitis
for the party victory in the parliamentary elections.
In his message the Albanian prime minister congratulated Mr.
Simitis on PASOK's victory, pointing out that the election outcome
is an approval of the correct policy that is being followed and
also an approval of his own role as an able leader that will lead
the country on the road toward continuing progress.
Mr. Meta expressed the belief that Greece's development will
continue and its economic growth will affect the lives of hundreds
of thousands of Albanians working in the country.
Fatos Nano stated in his congratulatory message that the
mandate received by Mr. Simitis was as expression of the fact that
the voters appreciated the determination of the PASOK government
to follow the course toward the further modernization of Greece.
He also expressed the belief that the excellent relations between
the two political parties and the two state governments will
contribute to the strengthening of friendship and cooperation
between Greece and Albania and the two peoples.
[12] THE MUSLIMS IN THRACE VOTED FOR CHRISTIAN CANDIDATES
Christian candidates won the vote of 36.7% of the Muslim
minority in Thrace, north-eastern Greece in the April 9
parliamentary elections breaking a tradition according to which,
the Muslims voted only for other Muslims.
The Muslim minority elected only one candidate in parliament
namely, PASOK's Galip Galip, compared to 1996 when it had elected
3 deputies. The fact that the number of the Muslim parliament
deputies has been reduced shows that the minority this time opted
for the Christian candidates overcoming the bigotry and fanaticism
of the past.
Of the 91.800 registered Muslim voters in the prefectures of
Rodopi and Xanthi, 65.656 exercised their right to vote and 41.554
opted for Muslim candidates, while 24.102 namely, 36.7%, preferred
the Christian candidates.
Specifically, of the 28.656 Muslims, who voted in the
prefecture of Xanthi, 13.095 (45.6%) gave their vote to Muslim
candidates, while 15.561 (54.4%) voted for Christians. In the
prefecture of Rodopi, the Muslim candidates got more votes.
Specifically, of the 37.000 Muslim voters, 28.459 (76.9%) gave
their vote to Muslim candidates and 15.561 (23%) to Christians.
The Muslim candidates with the party of PASOK got a total of
21.991 votes in the prefectures of Rodopi and Xanthi, while the
New Democracy candidates got 13.040 votes.
The Turkish newspaper "Zaman" underlined that 55% of the
Muslim vote in the prefecture of Xanthi went to Christian
candidates, while in the 1996 parliamentary elections 40% of the
Muslims had voted for Christians. Also, the Turkish newspaper
"Sabah", pointed out that the Muslims in Thrace voted for
Christians and underlined that the minority members, who were
supporters of the right, backed PASOK in last Sunday's elections
and contributed to its election victory.
[13] MARGINAL LOSSES OF 0.51% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
The Athens Stock Exchange recorded marginal losses of 0.51%
today and the general index closed at 4.916,25 points.
The volume of transactions was at 102,2 billion drachmas.
[14] NEW RECORD WAS BROKEN AT THE MPA SITE ON THE INTERNET
A new record was broken at the Macedonian Press Agency site
on the Internet in the first hours after the closing of the
polling stations in Greece on April 9 at 7pm, as it received
833.094 calls until 7am on Tuesday, April 11.
Since the time when the exit polls were out and until Sunday
at midnight, MPA received 226.384 calls, while in the early
morning hours and until Monday at midnight they had reached
528.114 and from 1am until 7am on Tuesday their number was 78.596.
Based on the statistical data gathered by the MPA servers,
the busiest time was in the first 36 hours after the announcement
of the election results. At 7pm on election day, there were 65.248
calls per hour on the average, 54.662 calls at 10am the next
morning, an average of 52.979 calls at 6pm and 48.101 calls at
11pm.
Apart from the election results, MPA had broadcast the
political party leaders' speeches live on the cyberspace, while
the televised Simitis-Karamanlis debate on March 30 had received
250.000 calls in the first 12 hours.
At the address of MPA on the Internet (www.mpa.gr) users can
find a number of information on all the post-election developments
as well as, interesting news on Greece, the Balkans, the Greeks
abroad and the world.
[15] THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE APRIL 9 PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS
The final results of the parliamentary elections in Greece
were announced today. The registered voters were 9.373.439 and of
them 7.027.007 exercised their right to vote (74.97%) in 18.959
polling stations across the country. The valid ballot papers were
6.868.484, the spoilt ballot papers were 111.389 (1.59%) and the
blank ballot papers were 47.134 (0.67%).
Specifically, the socialist party of PASOK got 43.79% of the
vote (3.007.947 votes) and 158 seats in parliament, right-wing New
Democracy 42.73% (2.935.242 votes) and 125 seats, the Communist
Party 5.53% (379.517 votes) and 11 seats, the Coalition of the
Left 3.20% (219.918 votes) and 6 seats, while the Democratic
Social Movement got 2.69% (184.586 votes) and no seat in
parliament.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[16] US PRESIDENT CONGRATULATES PM ON RE-ELECTION
Following the PASOK party's victory in Sunday's general
elections, re-elected Prime Minister Costas Simitis received a
lengthy congratulatory message from the President of the United
States Bill Clinton.
In a telegram to Mr. Simitis, President Clinton stressed that
he considers the strengthening of the historical ties connecting
Greece and the United States as very significant.
"When I was in Athens last autumn I emphasized that Greece
and the United States have a long and close friendship.
"We must continue our struggle for the deepening of our ties
as friends and allies. The renewal of our cooperation is in the
interests of both our countries, as well as heightened cooperation
for the strengthening of trade and political ties," President
Clinton stated.
"Greece, as the only member-state of NATO and the European
Union in SE Europe, has a major role to play in the Balkans," the
US President wrote, adding that "in the previous year you and your
government showed great fortitude in your effort to overcome
historical differences between Greece and Turkey by offering a
hand of friendship.
Furthermore, Mr. Clinton expressed his hope that both Athens
and Ankara will continue efforts over the next few months to
continue the nascent Greek-Turkish rapprochement.
Referring to Cyprus, Mr. Clinton mentioned his
administration's desire to assist efforts to lessen differences on
the divided island of Cyprus and help both of the island's
communities reach a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.
The United States Embassy in Athens also issued a press
release echoing President Clinton's message.
"We look forward to continued strong co-operation between the
governments of the United States and Greece," the press release
read, adding that US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright was
scheduled to convey her congratulations to her counterpart George
Papandreou.
[17] PRESIDENT OF CYPRUS CONGRATULATES GREEK PM
The President of the Republic of Cyprus Glafcos Clerides
expressed his congratulations to Prime Minister and PASOK leader
Costas Simitis for his party's victory in Sunday's general
elections and his re-election to the post.
President Clerides, who is in London for a meeting with
British Prime Minister Tony Blair, telephoned Simitis earlier
today to congratulate him.
As he told reporters, the two pledged to continue cooperating
as they have done so far in their pursue of a Cyprus settlement
and intend to meet soon in order to discuss ways of promoting this
objective.
[18] CLARK SPOKE OF PROGRESS IN THE GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS
A big progress has been recorded lately in the relations
between Greek and Turkish military officials who cooperate within
the framework of the obligations of the two countries in NATO,
stated NATO allied forces supreme commander in Europe Wesley
Clark.
Speaking in his farewell visit to Ankara the US general added
that the efforts made must continue for a greater rapprochement
between the two sides.
From his side, the Turkish defense minister expressed
satisfaction for the improvement of the Greek-Turkish relations
and added that the tendency for the further development of those
relations will continue as the Greek government has not changed
after the April 9 parliamentary elections.
[19] THE EU-TURKEY ASSOCIATION COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD TODAY
The Turkey-EU association council takes place in Luxembourg
today and Greece is represented by foreign minister Giorgos
Papandreou.
The EU foreign ministers yesterday approved a common position
on the issue of the EU-Turkey association which includes all the
controversial points of the Helsinki EU Summit among them, the
solution of inter-border disputes through the International Court
of Justice in The Hague, the solution of the Cyprus issue and the
partnership relation with Turkey.
Mr. Papandreou appeared especially satisfied with this
development as according to his statements, a positive procedure,
which started in Helsinki and raises the issues that must be
resolved in Turkey's course toward the European Union, has been
confirmed.
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