Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-09-02

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

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, September 2, 2000

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[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS HEADLINES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] PRIME MINISTER AT TIF: GREECE HAS COME ALONG WAY

Deviating from his standard oratory, Mr. Simitis addressed the audience in the first person in describing how he envisions Greece's future, stressing that the country has come a long way from the fall of the dictatorship in 1974 to the present full functioning of democratic institutions and economic stability.

"EMU is not the end of the road but a milestone from which we start to break new ground," he stated, albeit adding that a lot more remains to be done, as the country needs a more competitive economy.

Specifically, he stressed, "Greece needs to upgrade its infrastructure in order to meet modern requirements, but, above all, bringing down unemployment and promoting efficiency, quality of services and procedures friendly to the citizen, in education and health."

So far, the reforms have led to considerable modernization of our economy and society, the Premier stressed, adding that these changes aim at "the creation of a modern and viable social state in combating unemployment, upgrading education, healthcare, public administration and life in rural areas and the city."

Referring to the Athens Olympic Games of 2004, Mr. Simitis said the challenge is not merely technical, but demands the impeccable organization of a global event and the development of modern Greece before the eyes of the world.

[02] GREECE DOES NOT NEGOTIATE ITS SOVEREIGN RIGHTS

Mr. Papandreou, who is presently in France's Evian to attend an informal European Union Foreign Ministers' meeting, said that Greece always supports dialogue and the political resolution of differences through peaceful means as prescribed by the United Nations Charter.

The Foreign Minister added that the only difference pending between Greece and Turkey is the continental shelf issue.

[03] THESSALONIKI'S "DIMITRIA" EXPECTED TO BE GRAND

The Municipality's Symphonic Orchestra is to formally open the festival, while Sophocles Oedipus Rex will be performed at the forest Theater on September 6 and 7.

Other events include concerts by Greece's George Dalaras, Spain's Paco Pena and dance performances by Esthonia Ballet and the "University Ballet".

[04] RHODES TO HOST FORUM ON WOMEN IN PEACE CULTURE

The Forum's honorary president will be Nicole Fontaine, the European Parliament speaker, while the acting president will be Ingeborg Breines, director of the UNESCO programmed "Woman and a Culture of Peace."

The event will also feature an exhibition of work of women from 25 Mediterranean countries (ranging from the visual and plastic arts to film and literature) as well as numerous round- table discussions and workshops where speakers from the world of the arts, politics, science and journalism will examine the ways in which women can contribute to a culture of peace.

Among those who have offered to contribute to this effort are Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou, Equality General Secretary Efi Bekou, Professor Eleni Glykatzi-Ahrweiler, dean of the European University, the president of the Arab Women's Center Soukaina Bouraoui and the president of the Royal Society of Fine Arts in Jordan, Dr Wijdan Ali.

[05] DIAMANTOPOULOU FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Ms. Diamantopoulou's proposals will address non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and are expected to stress the rights of people with special needs to contribute to society creatively and not as passive recipients of policy.

She is expected to emphasize the importance of education, vocational training and employment in social integration.

[06] ICAO PRESIDENT ARRIVES IN ATHENS TODAY

During his stay, Mr. Kotaite will meet with President of the Hellenic Republic Costis Stephanopoulos, Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Transport and Telecommunications Minister Christos Verelis.

Among the subjects to be discussed are safety in international civil aviation, environmental concerns linked to noise pollution and aircraft exhaust fumes, and Greece's legal position on statutes and structures of aviation law.

[07] GREECE BUYS ANTI-SHIP MISSILES FROM FRANCE

The said agreement is part of the armed forces' five-year modernization program, expected to cost the country more than four trillion drachmas ($11 billion).

According to press reports, Greece will receive Exocet MM40 block 2 missiles to be fitted on some of its missile boats. Deliveries are to begin on December 21 and end in the spring of 2004. Signed by Greek deputy armaments chief Andonis Skandas and Matra European export director Philippe Chartiel, the deal includes offsets worth 160 percent of the agreement. They include six free missiles, subcontracting work to Greek companies and technology transfers.

It was the second missile deal Greece has signed this month. On August 21, the government signed an agreement with Matra British Aerospace Dynamics for 200 Mica air-to-air missiles and 56 Scalp missiles.

[08] GREEK AMBASSADOR AWARDED BY SERB PATRIARCH

The Patriarch underlined that the Greek people supported the Serbian people during a difficult period in their history and thanked the Greek ambassador for his contribution towards strengthening the ties between the two peoples.

[09] GREECE PARTICIPATES IN NATO EXERCISE IN BLACK SEA

The manoeuvres will involve approximately 40 aircraft and 600 service people from Greece, France, Hungary, Turkey, Poland and the United States and from NATO "Partners for Peace" nations Austria, Bulgaria, FYROM, Moldova, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland.

[10] GRAND OPENING OF THESSALONIKI INTERNATIONAL FAIR

Covering an expanse of 49,000 square meters, TIF will feature the presence of 38 countries, with Turkey participating for the first time after 25 years and the United States being this year's "featured" guest.

Turkey is being represented by 84 firms, a last-minute increase from the 75 exhibitors who had originally registered, while the American participation numbers 40 exhibitors.

Visitors can also enjoy a number of cultural events on the sidelines of TIF, such as a concert by Alkistis Protopsalti tomorrow night at the Palais de Sport, followed three days later by Nikos Papacostas and Franco Simone on September 6.

Singer Maria Farandouri will present the same show as the one she performed at the EXPO 2000 fair in Hanover, for a triumphal close to the 65th TIF.

[11] US CULTURE, ART, LIFESTYLE SHOWCASED AT TIF 2000

The 11 US-related event programs include:

"Figment: The life and Work of Andy Warhol" An exhibition of works by the well-known pop artist organized by the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh in cooperation with the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art and the municipality of Thessaloniki. Until September 19.

The "Baseball and Softball Experience" A daily baseball demonstration that will introduce children and young people to America's favorite pastime, and a new Olympic sport. At TIF's YMCA gate, Until September 10.

Warner Bros. Characters Well-known animated Warner Bros. Characters (Tweety, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and the Tasmanian Devil) "jump to life" in Thessaloniki's streets and on TIF's fairgrounds.

Celebration of American Cuisine Festival of American Regional Cuisine at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, prepared by a leading US chef every night during the fair. Until September 10.

"Modern Odysseys: Greek-American Artists of the 20th Century" An exhibition of works by several noted American artists. Organized under the auspices of the Greek culture ministry and the State Museum of Contemporary Art, in cooperation with the World Council of Hellenes Abroad, the Queens Museum of Art and the I.F. Kostopoulos Foundation. Lazariston Monastery, Stavroupoli municipality of Thessaloniki, September 3 through December 2000.

Dixieland Band Popular southern jazz performed by the 11-member Dixieland Band from Corinth. On TIF's grounds in front of the indoor sports arena, September 5-6 after 9 p.m.

American Line and Square Dancing Traditional line and square dancing by American Farm School students. On TIF's grounds in front of the indoor sports arena, September 5-6 after 9 p.m.

Concerts with performer Yvette Jarvis Soul, disco, Latin, and gospel hits with Greece-based performer Yvette Jarvis and the nine-member band "Grupo Candela". In front of the indoor sports arena, September 8-10 after 9 p.m.

"20th Century American Film: Milestones of a Legendary Dream" Fifteen classic American films screened in cooperation with the Thessaloniki Film Festival at the Olympion movie theater on Aristotelous square, September 8-21. Screenings include "On the Waterfront" and "Apocalypse Now". Shows will start at 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily. Admission to opening night is by invitation only.

The Sixth Fleet Band The 25-member band of the Sixth Fleet will bring its "Big Band" sound on September 8-9 in front of the indoor sports arena at 7 p.m.

· The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band from New York City will perform at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall on Sunday, September 10 at 9 p.m. A.F.

[12] MACEDONIA-THRACE MINISTER ON THESSALONIKI'S ROLE

Referring to the Balkan Reconstruction plan, as a number of related initiatives are taking place in Thessaloniki, the Minister stressed that "it is not the West's crusade in the beleaguered Balkans", but, rather, "it constitutes a daily struggle for peace, democracy, stability and cooperation".

"All of us who live and work in this city are taking part in an unprecedented experience, we are living the rebirth of a city, a metropolis.

"If the 22nd century rightfully belongs to the capital city of Athens, the 21st belongs to the metropolis of Thessaloniki," he said.

[13] SAE'S BRAND NEW OFFICES INAUGURATED TONIGHT

Speaking to the Macedonian Press Agency, the vice-president of SAE's North and South America regional chapter Christos Tomaras stressed that the national issues remain a priority for the Greek communities abroad, albeit he added that while the Greek lobby is active, it remains ineffective.

Mr. Tomaras added that as matters related to education and culture are also among the priorities of the Greek-American community, it is promoting an ambitious plan for the establishment of a cultural center.

SAE's plenary session, with Andrew Athens presiding, is presently underway in Thessaloniki, with the discussion having centered around issues such as a program for medical care in the former Soviet republics, training programs for young ethnic Greeks and forums for youth, women, culture etc.

Mr. Athens presented the Council's Medical Relief Program for ethnic Greeks in the newly independent states of the Former Soviet Union, Albania and Africa. The said program has been recommended for the American Medical Association's "Outstanding World Initiative for Health".

The Medical Relief Program is a $100 million, three-year project to establish medical clinics in the Independent States.

Also sitting in on the meetings is the chairman of the parliamentary committee for overseas Greeks, Grigoris Niotis, a number of MPs, Overseas Greeks General Secretary Dimitris Dolis and others.

Tonight's formal reception will honor benefactor Thomas Makrides for having donated the office premises to SAE. Covering an area of approximately 500 sq. m., the new offices are located near the city's Music Mansion and take up two levels of the building formerly housing the Makrides Cultural Center. In addition to offices, SAE's brand new premises feature a vast exhibition center and a conference hall.

SAE speaks for seven million Greeks represented by 3,700 associations worldwide.

[14] TWO DISTINGUISHED GREEKS ARE NOBEL CANDIDATES

While their niches are quite distinct, both Mr. Anastasios and Mr. Theodorakis were selected as candidates for their magnanimous efforts at establishing regional peace; the first for his contribution to suppressing conflict in the multi-ethnic Balkan region and the latter for his political and cultural efforts aiming at achieving rapprochement between the Greek and Turkish peoples.

[15] MAJORITY OF GREEKS ARE PLEASED WITH RULING PARTY

Performed on a sample of 800 respondents, the survey also found that 36.4 percent of those polled expressed their displeasure with PASOK's performance, while 8.6% refrained from commenting.

The survey also examined the party's various eras, with 51.4% voting the 1981-85 Andreas Papandreou as being the best period for the faction.

According to "Ethnos", this preference could be attributed to the fact that this was the period when the National Resistance Movement was recognized, the National Health System was established, the role of local administration was upgraded, while salary increases were handed out the lower working classes.

The period led by incumbent Premier Costas Simitis (1996 to present) was voted as the second best, garnering 13.1 percent.

As for historical events best recalled by the Greeks, the era following the fall of the dictatorship ranks first with 19.4%, while the seven-year junta period follows second with 16.1 percent.

Trailing behind in memory lane are the period of National Resistance and the civil war (third), the Imia crisis (fourth) and the Polytechnic School uprising (fifth).

[16] THE MAIN AXES OF THE PRIME MINISTER'S SPEECH IN THESSALONIKI THIS EVENING

Mr. Simitis will refer to the reform of the Greek social security system and he will stress that the postponement of the solution of its problems will simply increase the concerns of the people and the cost of their social security.

He will also say that economic growth is the main goal of the government as it will lead to more new jobs and increased wages, stressing that economic growth and employment are two interrelated terms. The creation of more job positions wipes out social inequalities and exclusion, while it secures social cohesion which in turn contributes to the development process, will say the prime minister.

Mr. Simitis will also stress that the external conditions are favorable for the creation of new job positions and he will say that the Greek economy is at a stage of a developmental take off with increased growth rates of 5%. He will underline that a dialogue is underway with the social partners on the policy axes that create new job positions. The prime minister will refer to the education system, the social policy and the national health system. He will point out that the new millennium finds Greece to have achieved economic, social and political stability. He will stress that Greece participates in the European institutions on an equal basis and contributes creatively to the efforts made to build the Europe of tomorrow. Mr. Simitis will refer to the EMU and he will say that the Greeks now have the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of the efforts they made in the past few years. He will say that the 3rd Community Framework of Support is the backbone of the Greek investment strategy for the next 6year period and that funds of 17.5 trillion drachmas have already been secured. On the farm policy, he will say that funds of 11 trillion drachmas have been secured for the Greek farmers for the period of 2000- 2006. The prime minister will refer to northern Greece and he will say that it plays a leading role in south-eastern Europe and that the Stability Pact and the Organization for the Reconstruction of the Balkans have made Thessaloniki a decision-making center for the wider region. He will say that the goal is to safeguard the social, productive and environment cohesion of northern Greece. For the materialization of this goal, the government has planned a complete network of interventions concerning the infrastructures and the further development of the inter-Balkan and inter-European networks of transportation, communications, energy and technology as well as, the improvement of the banking activities.

[17] REPPAS COMMENTED ON THE GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS AND THE CYPRUS PROBLEM

Mr. Reppas pointed out that Greece has clarified its policy regarding the Greek-Turkish relations and stressed that communication and dialogue can not concern sovereign rights. He also pointed out that Turkey is unable to meet the framework set in Helsinki, while Greece follows a policy of principles based on international law, the respect of the sovereign rights of the countries and the borders that have been defined by the existing treaties.

Responding to a question on the form the Greek-Turkish relations took in the past year, Mr. Reppas clarified that communication and rapprochement can not lift automatically the differences in the policies followed by the two countries. Mr. Reppas stated that Greece follows a policy of principles, while Turkey often follows a policy with expansionist elements. He said that in the past year there was a climate of non tension between the two countries, characterizing this fact as a marginal improvement. He said that it is worth the while to be bolder and more responsible and undertake initiatives that will lead to a normalization of bilateral relations and even to a friendly cooperation between the two countries. Mr. Reppas said that Turkey must undertake its own initiatives, adding that it has not done this yet and it will be called to give answers on that.

Mr. Reppas characterized as unfavorable the predictions on Cyprus because Turkey has not shown a willingness to contribute in a positive way to the solution of the problem. He said that this fact will affect the Euro-Turkish relations and Turkey must take this under consideration. Furthermore, said Mr. Reppas, the UN, under the auspices of which the talks on Cyprus are being held, should intensify its effort and become more effective in the initiatives it undertakes on Cyprus.

[18] FORTY WOMEN FROM KORCE WILL BE ON VACATION IN GREECE

According to the Albanian newspaper "24 Ore", all vacation expenses will be covered by the municipality of Kalamaria, while within the framework of this cooperation a total of 160 children from Korce have already spent their summer vacations in Greece.

[19] A TURKISH TOURIST WAS KILLED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT

The man was killed when the car, driven by his 24yearold son Timur, overturned.

[20] PAPAS: WE ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE GREEK EDUCATION IN EUROPE

Mr. Papas said that the Greek education for the Greeks living abroad was at a satisfactory level in the past but now the reformation of their education system is necessary as the Greeks live for years in different European countries. He also spoke of a void in the implementation of the law that has been passed for the education of the Greeks living abroad and stated characteristically that "we are not satisfied with the Greek education in Europe".

Mr. Papas referred to the Delphic Games, SAE's international cultural event and stated that the goal is to hold international cultural events on the Greek civilization.

He also referred to the Institute for the Greeks living abroad that is being established by SAE. He said that SAE is one of the top priorities of the Greek government but it can not hire people or settle things that have to do with its space and programs and the Institute for the Greeks living abroad was established for this reason.

[21] PAPANTONIOU: CREDIT WILL BE GRANTED BY THE GREEK RECONSTRUCTION PLAN IN 2001

Minister of national economy, Yiannos Papantoniou stated in Thessaloniki, where he met with the boards of directors of the Greek Industries' Associations, that specific projects have already been planned estimated at 200 billion drachmas that will move ahead as soon as the credit is granted.

Mr. Papantoniou stated that there were no delays on behalf of the Greek side regarding the implementation of the plan and the obstacles came from the counties where the Greek investments will be made.

Referring to the issue of inflation and the scenarios according to which it will increase at 2.8% in the month of August, Mr. Papantoniou stated that inflation is especially affected by external factors, adding that this is a European phenomenon. In any case, stated the national economy minister, any inflation increase in Greece will be much smaller compared to other European countries.

[22] THE "THESSALONIKI METRO LTD" PRESIDENT SPEAKS TO MPA

Mr. Boiraud stated that he is optimistic that the European Bank of Investments response will be positive. He also pointed out that the decision for the construction of the project in question was made in 1993 after a detailed study of its size and viability.

[23] ALBANIAN TRIES TO HOLD WOMAN HOSTAGE IN THESSALONIKI

The woman managed to escape from the clutches of Adrian Chena, currently being held in custody at a local prison.

[24] CLEAN UP OPERATION AT CHALKIDA BEGINS

Divers have already sealed the ship's reservoirs and have installed a floating triple layered net 500 metres away from the shipwreck. Vessels are now in the process of pumping oil from the Eurobalker and the entire operation is being overseen by the port authorities.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[25] THE PARLIAMENT PRESIDENTS' WORLD CONFERENCE HAS ENDED IN NEW YORK

Within the framework of the conference, Mr. Kaklamanis had meetings with UN secretary-general Kofi Annan and his European counterparts aimed at briefing them on the intransigence of Turkey and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in the talks for the solution of the Cyprus problem, in view of the negotiations on Turkey's EU accession.

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