Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2001-04-04

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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, April 4, 2001

SECTIONS

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS TITLES

[Á] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] NEW TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE TO BEGIN IN ATHENS

[02] GREEK-BULGARIAN EXERCISE GETS UNDERWAY TODAY

[03] ISRAELI FM IN ATHENS TODAY FOR CONFERENCE

[04] VATICAN, GREEK CHURCH OFFICIALS MEET OVER POPE

[05] FORMER US PRESIDENT BUSH FEELS SAFE IN ATHENS

[06] EU HIGH COMMISSIONER SOLANA, GREEK FM MEET

[07] GREEK FM RECEIVES ALBANIAN PM META IN ATHENS

[08] MEMORIAL PLAQUE FOR SAUNDERS AT UK EMBASSY

[09] EU-CYPRUS TALKS CHIEF MEETS WITH GREEK FM

[10] GREEK FM MEETS WITH SERB PM DJINDJIC IN ATHENS

[11] GREEK DM MEETS WITH EU HIGH COMMISSIONER

[12] ZIZIC: MILOSEVIC IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

[13] ISRAELI FM, PALESTINIAN MINISTER, MEET IN ATHENS

[14] 18 BOOKS ON AVERAGE PUBLISHED IN GREECE DAILY

[15] THE PERES-SAATH MEETING WAS HELD IN A GOOD CLIMATE IN ATHENS

[16] TSOCHATZOPOULOS WILL BE IN SKOPJE TOMORROW

[17] PAPANTONIOU: DEFENSE SPENDING CORRESPONDS TO 5-5.5% OF THE GDP

[18] MARGINAL GAINS IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

[19] PEDRO SOLBES WILL BE IN ATHENS ON FRIDAY

[20] THE GREEK STATE WILL HAVE A 36% PARTICIPATION IN OTE

[21] REPPAS COMMENTED ON THE ANKARA GREEK EMBASSY REPORT

[22] SIMITIS: GREECE IS PRESENT IN THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[23] KARAMANLIS WILL BE IN SOFIA TOMORROW FOR THE EPP SUMMIT

[24] THE GREEK-BELGIAN RELATIONS WILL BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED

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NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] NEW TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE TO BEGIN IN ATHENS

The aim of the conference is help in the professional orientation of consultants for technology transfer in Europe and Greece and thus promote professionalism.

Currently, European Union countries are significantly behind both Japan and the US in this sector, while Greece is even more behind in relation to the EU.

[02] GREEK-BULGARIAN EXERCISE GETS UNDERWAY TODAY

National Defense General Staff Chief Manoussos Paragioudakis, who will be accompanied by Army General Staff Chief George Antonakopoulos, will watch the exercise.

[03] ISRAELI FM IN ATHENS TODAY FOR CONFERENCE

Mr. Peres will also have talks with the Greek government leadership, with whom he will discuss the latest developments in the Middle East, as well as Greek-Israeli relations.

The Israeli FM will be received by the President of the Hellenic Republic Costis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, his Greek counterpart George Papandreou and Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos.

[04] VATICAN, GREEK CHURCH OFFICIALS MEET OVER POPE

The Vatican has officially announced that Pope John Paul II will visit Greece on May 4, at the start of a five-day pilgrimage to retrace the steps of Apostle Paul.

The pontiff is arriving in Greece specially in order to worship at the site where the Apostle Paul preached to the Athenians on Pnyx Hill.

The 80-year-old Pope will depart for Syria on May 5 and plans to travel on to Malta on May 8 before returning to Rome on May 9.

The visit is the first-ever by a pontiff to the modern Greek state and the first by a Roman Catholic pope in Greece proper for more than 1,200 years. The President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos had invited the Pope to the country during his recent visit to the Vatican.

Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, the head of the Greek Church, has said he will not be among the welcoming committee that meets the Pope on his arrival.

[05] FORMER US PRESIDENT BUSH FEELS SAFE IN ATHENS

Mr. Bush, accompanied by his wife Barbara during his unofficial visit to Athens yesterday, had a series of high-profile meetings with Greek leadership, as he was received yesterday afternoon by the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

The former US president arrived in Athens to address a reception held on the sidelines of the three-day "The Economist" magazine-sponsored roundtable conference that has brought numerous political, business and financial leaders of the region to Athens.

Earlier, he had a working breakfast with Foreign Minister George Papandreou, with whom he discussed developments in the region, particularly the Balkans.

Later, commenting on his talks with Mr. Papandreou, the elder Bush praised the Greek FM for his role and efforts to promote Greek-Turkish rapprochement.

Mr. Bush also met with the leader of the main opposition party of New Democracy Costas Karamanlis to whom he stated that a solution to the protracted Cyprus issue was nearly found during his term, when ND's honorary President Constantine Mitsotakis was Greece's Premier, but was averted at the last minute when the Turkish side retracted.

Accepting the "Golden Key" to the City of Athens, bestowed upon him by the capital's mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, Mr. Bush said that the current US administration plans to build on the same initiatives his own administration began.

[06] EU HIGH COMMISSIONER SOLANA, GREEK FM MEET

Following their talks, Mr. Papandreou stated that the Greek government is in close cooperation and contact with FYROM's government and other political forces, as well as with Mr. Solana, who has an EU mandate to contribute to a settlement of problems there, especially in light of the signing of an association agreement between FYROM and the EU.

Mr. Papandreou expressed the hope that the said agreement will contribute to the overcoming of problems facing FYROM.

Mr. Solana, who had visited Skopje prior to his arrival in Athens yesterday, stated that the discussed all the foregoing issues with the Greek FM, adding that they ascertained a coincidence of views on all issues.

The EU High Commissioner addressed a conference Athens organized by "The Economist" magazine on "Leadership strategy at the Dawn of the 21st Century".

[07] GREEK FM RECEIVES ALBANIAN PM META IN ATHENS

Addressing a press conference after the talks, Mr. Papandreou saluted the Albanian government for the stance it adopted during the crisis, as it contributed to peace and stability in the region.

In turn, Mr. Meta expressed his deep concern over the conditions in the region and reiterated that his country adopted a very clear position discouraging the actions of extremists and supporting all political forces that advocate dialogue.

[08] MEMORIAL PLAQUE FOR SAUNDERS AT UK EMBASSY

The somber ceremony was attended by his two daughters and widow Heather Saunders, as well as the British Ambassador, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysochoides, Deputy Defense Minister Dimitris Apostolakis and the U.S. Ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns.

Main opposition New Democracy deputy Dora Bakoyianni, who also lost her husband to a terrorist attack by 17N, also attended the ceremony.

The plaque was paid for by contributions from friends and colleagues of the Saunders' family within the Greek and British communities.

[09] EU-CYPRUS TALKS CHIEF MEETS WITH GREEK FM

The Cypriot diplomat is in Athens to address an international conference hosted by the magazine "The Economist" on the theme "Leadership Strategy at the Dawn of the 21st Century".

Following their talks, Mr. Vasiliou, who is also a former president of Cyprus, expressed his optimism over a speedy conclusion to accession negotiations with the EU in early 2002, but added that he is pessimistic over the course of finding a solution to the Cyprus issue.

In turn, Mr. Papandreou said that the island's accession course is very positive, adding that he exchanged views with Vassiliou on the Cyprus issue, relations with Turkey, Europe and the Balkans.

Mr. Vassiliou also met with Deputy Foreign Minister Elizabeth Papazoi.

[10] GREEK FM MEETS WITH SERB PM DJINDJIC IN ATHENS

Following their talks, Mr. Papandreou stressed that Greece and Yugoslavia are linked by traditional friendship and substantive relations.

Mr. Djindjic said that a coincidence of views exists on many issues, adding that Yugoslavia needs Greece's support for stability and economic development to be achieved with the ultimate target being the country's accession to international organizations.

Referring to the arrest and arraignment of former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic, Mr. Djindjic said that the issue is now in the hands of justice, adding that many issues concerning the past have to be handled and not only offences perpetrated by Milosevic.

Mr. Djindjic is in Athens to address an international conference hosted by the magazine "The Economist" on the theme "Leadership Strategy at the Dawn of the 21st Century". He will meet with main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis today.

[11] GREEK DM MEETS WITH EU HIGH COMMISSIONER

Messrs. Solana and Tsochatzopoulos discussed the crisis in the FYROM and the efforts being made to resolve the situation.

Mr. Solana, in Athens to attend an international conference on "Leadership Strategy At The Dawn Of the 21st Century" being organized by "The Economist" magazine, reiterated the EU's rejection of the use of force as a means of resolving differences and again voiced support for the territorial integrity of FYROM.

The Greek Defense Minister will attend a meeting of defense ministers from the Southeast Europe Multinational Brigade countries tomorrow in Skopje, which will also be attended by defense ministers of bordering countries.

The 3,500-strong Balkan brigade comprises troops from Albania, Bulgaria, FYROM, Greece, Romania and Turkey as well as from Italy.

[12] ZIZIC: MILOSEVIC IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY

Mr. Zizic, addressing reporters in a Thessaloniki press conference yesterday, also stated that justice should not be subject to terms and conditions and noted that his country wants to develop cooperation with the International Court of Justice at The Hague and will soon table a relevant draft bill in Parliament.

When asked to comment on the referendum proposed by Montenegro's leadership, calling for the republic's independence from F.R.Y., Mr. Zizic responded that the present legislation does not allow for such move, which, he added would provoke negative repercussions in Montenegro and Yugoslavia and could bring on a domino effect in the wider region. He also stated that even if the required 2/3 majority vote were to be achieved, then F.R.Y. would have no option but to honor the decision.

Mr. Zizic is in Athens today where he will have meetings with Prime Minister Costas Simitis and the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos.

[13] ISRAELI FM, PALESTINIAN MINISTER, MEET IN ATHENS

Yesterday, shortly prior to his departure for Athens, Mr. Shaath had stated that the EU should undertake a more active role in the Middle East.

"Europe has to mobilize in order to bring some results in the future," he stated, while, referring to Washington's position in the Middle East peace process, he added that it reminds him of its stance towards the former Soviet Union during the Cold War era.

Today's talks between Messrs. Peres and Shaath were held a few hours after the former stated that Israel prefers the US from Europe in carrying out the role of mediator to the Middle East peace process.

Mr. Solana, who is Europe's foreign policy and defense chief, was not present during the talks.

[14] 18 BOOKS ON AVERAGE PUBLISHED IN GREECE DAILY

According to the book industry's trends study group Biblionet, 6,453 editions were released during 1999, a 7.7% increase from 1998's 6,009 publications. While data has yet to be completed for 2000, it is estimated that over 6,500 new books hit the stands last year, with 5,485 of them having already been registered by the firm.

While literature encompasses 41.7 percent of the new titles released between 1998-2000, general interest publications hold the lion's share of the new releases, with social science, history and geography leading the list.

Biblionet also found that the majority of fiction (64.2%) published in Greece is translated from the English language.

[15] THE PERES-SAATH MEETING WAS HELD IN A GOOD CLIMATE IN ATHENS

The two sides announced that negotiations will be launched at a military level late this evening or tomorrow morning aimed at a ceasefire in the sensitive region of the Middle East.

The two high ranking officials met on the sidelines of the conference that is organized in Athens by The Economist magazine and it should be noted that it is the first meeting on such level held by the two sides since the new government, under Ariel Sharon, took over power in Israel.

A mediating role in the meeting was played by head of the EU Common Foreign Policy and Policy of Defense, Javier Solana.

Mr. Peres referred to the need for an agreement to be reached between the two sides for the consolidation of security in the Middle East, while Mr. Saath called on the EU to undertake an active role in the peace process in the region. Head of the Palestinian negotiating team in the contacts with the Israelis, Saeb Erakat characterized the talks very sincere and stressed that Israel must respect the terms in the agreements it has already signed with the Palestinian side.

Before the Peres-Saath meeting, Mr. Solana had separate meetings with the two officials. After the meeting he had with the Israeli foreign minister, Mr. Solana said that they looked for ways to close the circle of violence in the Middle East, adding that the goal is to consider ways to improve security and the economic situation in the hope that the road to negotiations will open again.

[16] TSOCHATZOPOULOS WILL BE IN SKOPJE TOMORROW

In the meeting have been invited to participate the ministers of defense from the United States, Sweden, FYROM, Greece, Turkey, Albania, Italy, Bulgaria, Croatia, Yugoslavia, Romania, Slovenia and Ukraine.

The issues that will be discussed are the actions of the extremists and the developments in FYROM, Kosovo and south Serbia.

[17] PAPANTONIOU: DEFENSE SPENDING CORRESPONDS TO 5-5.5% OF THE GDP

Speaking in the conference this morning, Mr. Papantoniou denied press reports on allegedly obscure debts in the public sector.

Mr. Papantoniou stated that the Greek government will continue to spend 5-5.5% of its GDP on armaments, adding that this percentage is twice as high compared to other NATO countries.

In conclusion, Mr. Papantoniou blamed private companies for the delays in the structural changes in economy.

[18] MARGINAL GAINS IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

Of the stocks trading today, 233 recorded gains and 98 had losses, while the value of 43 stocks remained stable.

[19] PEDRO SOLBES WILL BE IN ATHENS ON FRIDAY

The one-day conference is organized by the Association of Greek Industries within the framework of the information campaign on the single EU currency that takes place with the support of the European Commission and the national economy ministry, with the solidarity of the Commercial Bank of Greece.

Mr. Solbes will meet on Friday morning with national economy minister Yiannos Papantoniou.

[20] THE GREEK STATE WILL HAVE A 36% PARTICIPATION IN OTE

Specifically, the two ministers decided to cut the Greek state participation in the OTE by 15% after adopting specific moves.

[21] REPPAS COMMENTED ON THE ANKARA GREEK EMBASSY REPORT

The Greek government spokesman mentioned that such reports include speculations and proposals, adding that the Greek government has a clear minority policy based on the Treaty of Lausanne. It mentions that there is a religious minority in Thrace and the Greek minority policy is based on that. He said that Greece is making use of its legal rights regarding its defense in accordance with the UN charter and stressed that there is no problem that should be dealt with as all these have already been dealt with.

Regarding the reference made in the report on the constant approaches of Turkish war ships in the region of Imia, the Greek government spokesman stated that the activities in the region are being recorded.

Mr. Reppas stated that Greece must continue its policy in order to coexist in the region having as a goal the mutual interest and based on the respect of international law.

[22] SIMITIS: GREECE IS PRESENT IN THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS

Mr. Simitis responding to a question on the Greek armaments program and the defense spending cuts in favor of more social measures, stressed that Greece's cooperation with Turkey can be based on defense spending cuts as well.

After his meeting with Mr. Solana, the Greek prime minister commented on the agreement reached in Athens today between Israeli foreign minister Simon Peres and Palestinian minister of international cooperation Nabil Saath to open negotiations at military officials level. Mr. Simitis stated that Greece has sent out the message that it is present in the political developments. Mr. Solana expressed the hope that the talks between Israelis and Palestinians will resume.

Mr. Simitis also met with his Albanian counterpart Ilir Meta and the two prime ministers condemned the actions of the Albanian extremists in FYROM.

Mr. Simitis pointed out that on April 9 a stabilization and cooperation pact will be signed by the European Union and FYROM and within the framework of this pact a group can be formed to examine the economic and political reforms that can be made in the neighboring country, while a political dialogue will be launched on human rights and the rights of the minorities.

The Greek prime minister stated that dialogue and understanding are necessary elements and expressed Greece's support to the Skopje government in its effort to put the situation under control, stop the terrorist acts and continue political dialogue.

The issue of Montenegro dominated in the talks Mr. Simitis had with prime minister of Yugoslavia Zoran Zizic and Serbia's Zoran Djidjic. Mr. Simitis stated that the future of the peoples is being determined by the peoples themselves and that developments must guarantee peace and stability in the region.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[23] KARAMANLIS WILL BE IN SOFIA TOMORROW FOR THE EPP SUMMIT

Mr. Karamanlis will be accompanied by the party's international relations and European Union secretary professor Valinakis and party spokesman Mr. Rousopoulos.

[24] THE GREEK-BELGIAN RELATIONS WILL BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED

The Greek ambassador, accompanied by Greek consul general in Brussels Mr. Kotrokois and Greek embassy press spokesman Mr. Vlachakis, had a number of contacts aimed at strengthening Greece's cultural and economic presence in the region of Liege, which is the second largest riverside port in western Europe with a notable Greek community.

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