Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-09-13
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, September 13, 2000
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NEWS HEADLINES
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] TURKEY'S ARMED FORCES CHIEF IN THESSALONIKI
[02] NATO CONVENTION SHOWCASES GOOD G/T RELATIONS
[03] CONFERENCE ON CYPRUS IN MEMORY OF KRANIDIOTIS
[04] PM TO CHAIR CABINET MEETING TOMORROW
[05] GREEK FM IN NY, MEETS WITH US SECRETARY OF STATE
[06] GIFTED STUDENTS IN/TL CONGRESS IN THESSALONIKI
[07] HEALTH MINISTER CONDUCTS VISIT TO ALBANIA
[08] GREEK TRIPLE JUMPER DETAINED IN SYDNEY
[09] TURKISH ARMED FORCES CHIEF IN THESSALONIKI
[10] PHONE COMPANY STAFF AGAINST PRIVATIZATION
[11] OIL PRICES SOARING, ECONOMIC CRISIS LOOMING
[12] THREE BRITISH NATIONALS ARE BEING QUESTIONED OVER THE DEATH
OF A 26YEAROLD WOMAN
[13] FRENCH HIGH DISTINCTION AWARDED TO GREEK AUTHOR SAMARAKIS
[14] TAXI DRIVERS EXPRESS INDIGNATION OVER THE FUEL PRICE
INCREASES
[15] SIMITIS: THE GREEK ECONOMY IS STRONG
[16] PART OF COSMOTE WILL BE SOLD TO PRIVATE INVESTORS
[17] WOMEN ARTISTS FROM THE TWO SEAS WILL BE IN THESSALONIKI
[18] IMPORTANT MACEDONIAN TOMBS WERE DISCOVERED IN THESSALY
[19[ LOSSES OF 1.00% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
[20] REPPAS COMMENTED ON THE KOFI ANNAN STATEMENTS ON CYPRUS
[21] FORMAL CEREMONY FOR THE RECEPTION OF THE HOLY CROSS IN ATHENS
[22] REPPAS ON THE CANCELLATION OF MR. PANGALOS' TRIP TO SYDNEY
[23] WORLD CONFERENCE ON FUR ANIMAL BREEDING IN KASTORIA
[24] NATO MILITARY CHIEFS VISIT MOUNT ATHOS
[25] CHITIRIS: ATHENS 2004 WAGES MUST BE DISCUSSED
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[26] CONGRESSWOMAN SEES CASTRO, DENKTASH PARALLELS
[27] GREECE RANKS 34TH IN A WEF REPORT ON THE ECONOMIC GROWTH
RATES
[28] CYPRUS IRKED BY ANNAN STATEMENT
[29] GREEK FM MEETS WITH FYROM COUNTERPART
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] TURKEY'S ARMED FORCES CHIEF IN THESSALONIKI
Turkish Armed Forces Chief General Hussein Kivrikoglu, who
was among the 19 NATO military chiefs attending the Athens-held
Military Committee's 139th session, is presently in Thessaloniki
where he will visit Kemal Ataturk's home and will also meet with
the city's Turkish consul-general.
On a slightly different itinerary, Gen. Kivrikoblu's 18
counterparts will visit Vergina's archaeological sites and Mount
Athos today, prior to departing for Istanbul where the second part
of NATO's session will be held.
During their session in Athens, the chiefs reviewed the
Alliance's command structure, exchanged views on the current
Balkan situation and were briefed about the current situation and
future development of the Greek and Turkish armed forces. They
also discussed the creation of a second southeastern European
rapid reaction force.
The convention began in an Athens resort on Sunday and will
continue in Istanbul until Saturday.
All 19 NATO member-states participated via their National
Defense General Staff Chiefs, while the Supreme Alliance Commander
Europe and the Supreme Alliance Commander Atlantic represented the
high command of the Alliance.
[02] NATO CONVENTION SHOWCASES GOOD G/T RELATIONS
The good climate between Greece and Turkey is a reality,
stated the Chairman of the Military Committee Italian Admiral
Guido Venturoni following annual rotating Convention of NATO's
Military Committee, held in an Athens resort and attended by 19
chiefs of armed forces general staff of the Alliance's member-
states.
According to Adm. Venturoni, the leaders of NATO discussed
the deployment of the alliance's forces in locations to be decided
in 2001, following examination of conditions, capabilities and the
local military forces of the selected locations-regions.
Speaking on Yugoslavia, he said that the committee's first
and foremost concern was securing normalcy and peace especially
during in light of the forthcoming elections of September 24.
Adm. Venturoni added that Greece, France and Italy were
reinforcing their forces in light of the elections in Yugoslavia,
aiming to avert unrest, incidents and development of tension.
On his part, Greek National Defense General Staff Chief
General Manoussos Paragioudakis said that the Greek military force
in Kosovo was at the brigade level, stressing that beyond the
securing of normalcy during elections, the Greek force will be
under KFOR orders regarding other peacemaking related issues.
Both men said that the committee wishes for free elections to
take place in Yugoslavia.
On the sidelines of the convention, the participants watched
a transatlantic military demonstrations exercise in the Saronic
Gulf. The convention will be continued in Istanbul until Saturday.
[03] CONFERENCE ON CYPRUS IN MEMORY OF KRANIDIOTIS
A one-day conference on Cyprus' European course will be
organized today by the Foreign Ministry, in memory of alternate
foreign minister Yiannos Kranidiotis, who was killed on Sept. 14,
1999 in a freak airplane accident over Romania.
The conference, "Cyprus before its accession to the European
Union", is part of cooperative efforts of Greece and Cyprus for
the unhindered accession of the island to the EU and the
resolution of the Cyprus problem in a just and viable manner.
Viewed as the greatest contributor to the Helsinki decisions,
Mr. Kranidiotis envisioned and worked hard for the European
prospect of Cyprus.
Alternate Foreign Minister Elizabeth Papazoi will deliver the
opening remarks of the conference.
[04] PM TO CHAIR CABINET MEETING TOMORROW
Prime Minister Costas Simitis is to chair a Cabinet meeting
tomorrow, where the participants will focus on the 3rd Community
Support Framework.
The Premier will meet with National Economy and Finance
Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and Deputy National Economy Minister
Christos Pachtas today, in order to discuss the 3rd CSF, its
regional aspects and the mechanisms of implementing it.
[05] GREEK FM IN NY, MEETS WITH US SECRETARY OF STATE
Foreign Minister George Papandreou, presently in New York,
to address the United Nations General Assembly, met with the U.S.
Secretary of State Madeleine Albright yesterday, whom he briefed
on his recent Balkan tour.
Following their talks, Mr. Papandreou stressed that the
first and foremost of priorities are the UN-led Cyprus proximity
talks that began yesterday in New York.
"Greece believes that we should enter into substantive
negotiations on the problem, an issue I had the opportunity to
stress to my counterparts of the European Union during our meeting
this morning, and of course, to Mrs. Albright, to whom I stressed
the need for every effort, during the fourth round, to make the
talks substantive," Mr. Papandreou said, adding that "I must say
that everyone has the best intentions and especially the US to do
whatever they can for the two sides to enter into substantive
talks."
Regarding his Balkan tour, Mr. Papandreou said "I had the
opportunity to brief both the "15" (EU ministers) and Mrs.
Albright on my trip to the Balkans (Skopje, Belgrade, Pristina,
Podgorica). A trip, which I believe, was especially successful,
promoting thoughts on overcoming the impasse and at the same time
giving the message for the need of stability and democracy in the
region."
While Mr. Papandreou is expected to meet with his Turkish
counterpart, Ismail Cem on Friday, a joint Greek-Turkish
delegation is to meet on Saturday in order to review the up-to-
date course of bilateral relations and discuss the Confidence-
Building-Measures between the two neighbors.
During his stay in New York, Mr. Papandreou will also meet
with his Balkan counterparts and will address the United Nations
tomorrow.
[06] GIFTED STUDENTS IN/TL CONGRESS IN THESSALONIKI
Gifted high-school students from throughout the world are to
meet in Thessaloniki next week, as the city's Municipality is
organizing the last round of the International Gifted Student
Conference 2000.
The event, to be held between September 18-25, will be
attended by 200 students who communicate amongst them via the
Internet. The countries to be represented are Australia, Africa,
China, Cyprus, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Malaysia, Norway,
Philippines, Singapore and South Africa. Greece will be
represented by 14 high schools from throughout the country.
The conference will tackle specific topics as genetic
engineering, sports opportunities, development and heredity,
social issues, etc.
[07] HEALTH MINISTER CONDUCTS VISIT TO ALBANIA
Health and Welfare Minister Alekos Papadopoulos embarked
today on a two-day, official visit to Albania, where he will be
received by his Albanian counterpart and Prime Minister Ilir Meta.
\Mr. Papadopoulos will visit Gjirocaster tomorrow in order to
attend the awards ceremony of medical equipment donated to a local
hospital by the Ministry.
The Minister will also meet with the Archbishop of Tirana,
Durres and All of Albania Anastasios.
[08] GREEK TRIPLE JUMPER DETAINED IN SYDNEY
Greece's triple-jump champion Stamatis Lenis was detained by
Australian authorities yesterday when they discovered prohibited
substances in his luggage upon his arrival at the airport.
While Olympic Games organizers - who believe that the
confiscated material is an anabolic substance - have embarked on
expulsion procedures, the Greek team's officials insist that the
substance is a natural-made one and approved by the International
Olympic Committee.
[09] TURKISH ARMED FORCES CHIEF IN THESSALONIKI
Turkish Armed Forces Chief General Hussein Kivrikoglu, who
was among the 19 NATO military chiefs attending the Athens-held
Military Committee's 139th session, visited Kemal Ataturk's home
in Thessaloniki today and also met with the city's Turkish consul-
general.
After his brief tour of the monument, Gen. Kivrikoglu stated
that he had a resurgence of they same sentiments he felt in 1972,
when he first visited Kemal Ataturk's house.
He also added that the house is very well taken care of,
better than it was in the past.
Following a one-hour meeting with the Turkish Consul-General,
Gen. Kivrikoglu boarded a military aircraft for Istanbul where he
would welcome his NATO counterparts who will continue the
Alliance's convention until Saturday.
A scheduled protest by the Federation of Pontiac Associations
from Northern Greece (which had declared the Turkish general
persona non grata) was canceled.
[10] PHONE COMPANY STAFF AGAINST PRIVATIZATION
Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) staff are
presently conducting a series of 24-hour strikes, protesting to
the state's plan to abandon its majority state in OTE.
Addressing the Parliament yesterday, National Economy and
Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said that the state would
keep at least a third of the shares in OTE and control over the
company's management.
Today, postal workers will also hold a 24-hour strike, also
against plans to sell off over 15 percent of the Greek Post Office
(ELTA).
[11] OIL PRICES SOARING, ECONOMIC CRISIS LOOMING
Soaring oil prices, coupled with the dollar's vertical rise,
have brought the European Union on the verge of a looming
economic crisis, with repercussions spilling over into the social
sector.
With thousands already protesting in Belgium, Spain, Germany
and Ireland, Greece will join in the discord on September 29 when
truck drivers have scheduled mobilizations.
According to Greek minor party deputy Panayotis Lafazanis
(Coalition of the Left and Progress), world fuel prices have
increased by 50 percent in the past year, while petroleum
companies have been purchasing petrol at a cost increased by
250%.
While Petrol Station Union president Dimitris Makrivelios
said that if the government lowered the taxation of petrol, fuel
prices would subsequently go down, National Economy Minister
Yiannos Papantoniou stated that Greece already had the lowest tax
on petrol compared to other EU member states, and that no cuts
would be made.
[12] THREE BRITISH NATIONALS ARE BEING QUESTIONED OVER THE DEATH
OF A 26YEAROLD WOMAN
A man and two women, all of them British nationals, are being
questioned by the Rhodes island police in south-eastern Aegean as
suspects for the strangulation death of 26yearold British woman
Wendy Sallivan at Kalithea beach.
According to the forensic surgeon, who examined the body, it
was a sex crime with more than one perpetrator.
[13] FRENCH HIGH DISTINCTION AWARDED TO GREEK AUTHOR SAMARAKIS
The Gold Cross of the Order of Arts and Literature is awarded
to Greek author Antonis Samarakis by the French Republic.
The announcement was made the French culture and
communications minister who pointed out that this distinction is
awarded to honor personalities that became famous for their work
in the arts or literary world or for their contribution in the
effort to spread culture in France and the whole world.
[14] TAXI DRIVERS EXPRESS INDIGNATION OVER THE FUEL PRICE
INCREASES
Taxi Owners Association president Mr. Paris Kisas stated to
MPA that the continuous rise of fuel prices has developed into a
major problem.
Mr. Kisas stated that it is absolutely necessary for the
government to take certain measures that will cut the unbearable
operational cost of taxis. He stated that the Taxi Owners
Federation has entered a dialogue with ministry of finance
officials requesting the increase of taxi fares, the removal of
taxis from the list with the criteria determining the consumer
prices index and the adoption of a special consumer tax on fuel.
Mr. Kisas also said that the taxi owners will decide on the
likelihood of a strike action in the federation's board of
directors meeting on September 20.
[15] SIMITIS: THE GREEK ECONOMY IS STRONG
Prime minister Kostas Simitis met today with president of the
republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and briefed him on the course of
domestic and foreign issues. Mr. Simitis referred specifically to
the outcome of his contacts in New York during the UN millennium
conference.
The prime minister stated that the situation created as a
result of the increase in the petrol and US dollar prices is
difficult but the Greek economy is strong. He also said that the
situation must normalize as quickly as possible because it can
become even harder. Mr. Simitis stated that the course of the
economy is good and the government's intention is to make Greece
an even stronger country.
On the UN summit, the prime minister stressed that it
confirmed Greece's important role for peace and cooperation in the
Balkan region.
[16] PART OF COSMOTE WILL BE SOLD TO PRIVATE INVESTORS
The management of Cosmote, the mobile phone division of the
Greek Telecommunications Organization, OTE, announced at noon
today that 15% of the company will be sold to private investors.
Subscription will open in the Athens and London stock markets
on October 2-6.
[17] WOMEN ARTISTS FROM THE TWO SEAS WILL BE IN THESSALONIKI
Over 500 women artists from 30 countries will participate in
the cultural events that will take place in Thessaloniki on
September 22-27, within the framework of the 2nd Festival entitled
"Women of the Two Seas", which is organized by the UNESCO Center
for Women and Peace in the Balkans.
The festival is dedicated this year to the spirit of peace.
It is a recognized event that takes place every three years and it
is included among UNESCO's most significant events for the
celebration of the new millennium.
The goal of the event is to promote the cultural diversity of
the two seas namely, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, through
the common language of creation.
[18] IMPORTANT MACEDONIAN TOMBS WERE DISCOVERED IN THESSALY
Important archaeological findings were unearthed in the
excavations taking place in the region of Gomfi near Trikala, in
Thessaly central Greece, among them two ancient Macedonian tombs
with findings dated back to the 3rd and 4th centuries BC.
According to the Athens newspaper "Ethnos", the first tomb
was discovered on September 6 and it was pillaged, while a few
days later the second tomb was unearth and this one was untouched
by grave robbers.
Inside the second tomb archaeologists found two box-shaped
urns with the bones of two men as well as, a metal statuette
depicting a dog, a one-meter long sword and its case and a
instrument called stregida that was used by athletes in antiquity.
According to the archaeologists, who are in charge of the
excavations, the two tombs are situated at the imaginary perimeter
of a main tomb where a senior officer of the Macedonian army is
thought to be buried.
The cemetery is dated back to the 3rd century BC when the
Macedons occupied Gomfi and renamed the city to Filippoupolis
after King Philippos, the father of Alexander the Great.
[19[ LOSSES OF 1.00% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
Stabilizing tendencies dominated in the Athens Stock Exchange
today after the extreme behavior displayed lately by the Greek
stock market moving between skyrocketing gains and violent
corrections.
Losses of 1.00% were recorded today and the general index
dropped to 3.990,72 points, while the volume of transactions was
smaller compared to previous sessions at 96.7 billion drachmas. Of
the stocks trading today 153 recorded gains, 184 had losses and 38
remained unchanged.
[20] REPPAS COMMENTED ON THE KOFI ANNAN STATEMENTS ON CYPRUS
Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, called to comment
on the UN secretary-general Kofi Annan statements on Cyprus, said
that the priority is to open meaningful negotiations for the
solution of the Cyprus problem, stressing that in this front
everybody will be judged
Mr. Reppas responded, when he was asked what is the Greek
government's position regarding the Annan statements, that the
position of the Greek government is reflected by the positions
promoted by the Cypriot government.
The UN secretary-general, in a statement read to Cypriot
president Glafkos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf
Denktash by UN secretary-general special envoy on Cyprus Mr.
Alvaro de Soto, who had separate meetings today with the two men,
points out that the equal status of the two sides in Cyprus must
be clearly recognized.
He also added that Mr. Annan has reached the conclusion
during the course of the proximity talks that both parties share
the wish to achieve a comprehensive settlement for the Cyprus
problem, stressing that Mr. Annan is willing to assume a more
active role in the present phase of the proximity talks aimed at
promoting the procedure acting within the framework of UN
resolution 1250.
[21] FORMAL CEREMONY FOR THE RECEPTION OF THE HOLY CROSS IN ATHENS
A formal ceremony for the reception of the Holy Cross that
came from Jerusalem was held at the Athens Cathedral this
afternoon. The sacred relic will be displayed for the public until
September 25, while the collection of signatures against the new
state-issued identity cards which do not list the religion of the
bearer will start by the Church of Greece tomorrow.
The Metropolites of Theva and Zakynthos expressed their
opposition to the association of the Holy Cross with the
collection of signatures.
Referring to the issue, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas
stated that everybody are free to express their views and each one
is responsible for his or her choices, adding that the end does
not justify the means.
[22] REPPAS ON THE CANCELLATION OF MR. PANGALOS' TRIP TO SYDNEY
Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas referred to the
issue of the cancellation of culture minister Theodoros Pangalos'
trip to Sydney, Australia.
According to information, Mr. Pangalos appears to be annoyed
by the big wages received by the senior officials of the "Athens
2004" organization, responsible for the preparations and the
overall organizing of the 2004 Olympic Games.
Mr. Reppas stressed that Mr. Pangalos contacted the prime
minister and stated the reasons that led him to this decision,
adding that the prime minister agreed with the culture minister.
He also stated that the leadership of "Athens 2004" enjoys the
total confidence of the government.
[23] WORLD CONFERENCE ON FUR ANIMAL BREEDING IN KASTORIA
The proceedings of the 7th World Conference on Fur Animal
Breeding opened in Kastoria, north-western Greece, this morning.
The conference, that will last until Friday, will be attended by
200 delegates from 30 countries.
It is organized by the International Fur Animal Scientific
Association (IFASA) and is a big event not only for the city of
Kastoria but for the whole country, stated Kastoria prefect
Giorgos Kapahtsis.
In the conference will be presented over 120 scientific
announcements and research results conducted in universities and
research centers in Canada, Russia, Japan, China and other parts
of the world.
[24] NATO MILITARY CHIEFS VISIT MOUNT ATHOS
The 19 NATO military chiefs currently in Greece for their
annual convention, today visited Vergina and Mount Athos.
The military representatives had the opportunity to take a
break from their duties and enjoy the archaeological and Byzantine
treasures found in Macedonia, starting with Vergina and finishing
on Mount Athos.
"The trip reflects the importance that the alliance places in
the contribution made by Greece to peace and stability in the
Balkans", said the Italian president of NATO's military committee,
Guido Denturoni. In reference to this, Greek National Defense
General Staff leader Manousos Parayioudakis stated that "NATO has
fully realised the contribution made by Greece in the Balkans and
mainly its contribution to the region's stabilisation and
upholding of peace".
[25] CHITIRIS: ATHENS 2004 WAGES MUST BE DISCUSSED
If there is any truth in the rumours currently circulating
about the exorbitant pay cheques handed out to executives of the
Athens 2004 Committee, then the matter should be discussed,
according to the Greek Press undersecretary, Telemachus Chitiris.
He also stated that the roles held by the government and by
the Athens 2004 Committee are perfectly distinguishable and are
determined by the Olympics commitment agreement.
The drawing up of the budget and the handling of funds are
the responsibility of the Committee, Mr Chitiris added and the
Games must be organised by the government.
The head of the Athens 2004 press office, journalist Seraphim
Kotrotsos, maintains that the wages awarded to the Committee are
30% less than those awarded by private organisations for similar
posts and are taxed by 45%. Furthermore, wages have been set
following an agreement with the government and it is only a
temporary work placement for a very important project.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[26] CONGRESSWOMAN SEES CASTRO, DENKTASH PARALLELS
Cuban President Fidel Castro and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf
Denktash have a lot in common, according to U.S. Congresswoman
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (18th district -Florida), who also believes
that the situations in Cuba and Cyprus will improve only when
these two men withdraw from power.
Addressing an event organized in Astoria, New York, by the
Cypriot Federation and the World Coordinating committee for the
Cypriot Struggle (PSEKA), Ms. Ros-Lehtinen, who was born and
raised in Cuba until she was seven years old, referred to the
latest round of proximity talks between the divided island's two
sides and said that the Turkish-Cypriot side appears to be making
concessions, fueled by Turkey's desire to accede to the European
Union.
Regarding the talks, the congresswoman conceded that there
is not a lot of room for optimism as long as Mr. Denktash remains
intransigent.
[27] GREECE RANKS 34TH IN A WEF REPORT ON THE ECONOMIC GROWTH
RATES
Greece was upgraded in the economic research and analysis
institute World Economic Forum annual list of countries that are
expected to achieve the highest economic growth rates in the year
2000.
Specifically, according to the institute's annual report,
Greece is listed 34th compared to the 41st place it occupied last
year, while Singapore tops the list stealing the first place away
from the United States.
Regarding the environmental protection legislation, Greece is
graded with -0.558 points and is placed at the 35th place ahead of
Poland, Russia, China and Bulgaria, while it trails behind the
western European countries.
In the economic creativity list and the technology index,
Greece is graded with -0.01 and -0.04 points respectively. Part of
the report is published by the US newspaper "Los Angeles Times".
[28] CYPRUS IRKED BY ANNAN STATEMENT
The statement written by UN General Secretary Kofi Annan,
which was read out to Mr Klerides and Mr Denktash during the first
day of the fourth round of negotiations on the Cyprus issue,
aroused the concern of mainly the Cypriot side and led to the
meeting of the National Commission of Cyprus, held in the "World
of Astoria" hotel in New York.
The Cypriot delegation was irked by two points of the
statement issued by the UN General Secretary. Firstly, he
expressed confidence that "these talks will be based on the joint
desire to reach a settlement through negotiations, in which each
participant represents his own side, as political equals, in a
total settlement, for a new cooperation, on which a better future
will be based, with peace, security and prosperity on a united
island".
Secondly, Mr Annan went on to say that he has "concluded that
the equal regimes of both sides must reach a joint solution which
will take the negotiation results into consideration".
[29] GREEK FM MEETS WITH FYROM COUNTERPART
Greek Foreign minister George Papandreou met with his FYROM
counterpart, Alexander Dimitrov, during the UN Millennium Summit,
being held in New York.
The two ministers discussed the further development of
bilateral relations and for realizing plans aimed at protecting
Prespes.
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