Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2001-05-03
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, May 3, 2001
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
TITLES
[Á] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] BOMB-CARRYING BRITISH WOMAN KILLED IN ATHENS
[02] TURKISH AIRFORCE INFRINGES AGAIN ATHENS FIR
[03] RESPONSIBILITY CLAIMED OVER BOMB AT MP's OFFICE
[04] ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH VARTHOLOMEOS IN THRACE
[05] CYPRUS PRESIDENT GLAFCOS CLERIDES VISITS GREECE
[06] ECONOMY MINISTER MEETS WITH US COUNTERPART
[07] GREECE IN RUSH MODE FOR POPE'S IMMINENT ARRIVAL
[08] IOC VP SATISFIED WITH PROGRESS OVER 2004 GAMES
[09] LABRAKIS MURDER: HERO & VILLAIN DIE DAYS APART
[10] GREECE AND CYPRUS CALL FOR THE RESUMPTION OF THE PROXIMITY
TALKS
[11] BIG LOSSES IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
[12] THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE REACTIONS AGAINST THE
POPE'S VISIT
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[13] THE POPE'S REPRESENTATIVE ON THE PONTIFF'S VISIT TO ATHENS
[14] UNEMPLOYMENT DROPPED TO 8.4% IN THE EURO-ZONE IN MARCH
[15] THE 2ND ASIA-AFRICA SAE YOUTH CONFERENCE OPENS TOMORROW
[16] THE GREEK ANTIQUITIES MUSEUM IN MELBOURNE HAS CLOSED
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] BOMB-CARRYING BRITISH WOMAN KILLED IN ATHENS
Under a shroud of mystery regarding circumstances and intent,
Greek police are investigating the death of a British woman who
was killed in Athens yesterday when a homemade bomb she was
carrying in her car exploded.
The 49-year-old woman, identified as Mary-Susan Aristidi or
Ari, was found in her BMW, after the explosion that occurred
shortly after midnight.
According to the police, the victim was wearing black gloves
and had cotton balls in her ears. The remains of the bomb were
discovered next to the handbrake between the two front seats of
the car, which bore British license plates, while the detonator
was found in a purse in the backseat. The woman's dog was also
killed in the explosion.
While the police have not ruled out the possibility of
homicide or suicide, investigating possible links between the
woman and organized crime, the anti-terrorism squad officers
are also taking part in the investigation.
[02] TURKISH AIRFORCE INFRINGES AGAIN ATHENS FIR
The Turkish airforce made new infringements of air traffic
rules in the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) yesterday,
which developed into violations of national airspace.
Thirteen Turkish F-16 warplanes made five infringements of
air traffic rules in the Athens FIR which developed into five
violations of national airspace south of the island of Limnos and
in the region of Kastelorizo.
In all cases, the Turkish aircraft were recognised and
intercepted by Greek warplanes.
[03] RESPONSIBILITY CLAIMED OVER BOMB AT MP's OFFICE
A group self-dubbed "Children of November" has claimed
responsibility for yesterday's firebomb explosion outside the
offices of a main opposition New Democracy (ND) deputy Dimitris
Sioufas.
The blast, which caused extensive property damages but no
injuries, occurred at Mr. Sioufas' empty offices, while the
explosive device comprised three camping gas canisters.
The group, which claimed responsibility through a phone call
to the Athens daily "Eleftherotypia", has in the past targeted a
parliament deputy's office, as well as the parliament president's
political office.
Government spokesperson Dimitris Reppas condemned the attack,
which he characterized as "an indication of the anti-democratic
and inhumane mentality of the perpetrators".
[04] ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH VARTHOLOMEOS IN THRACE
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos is presently on a five-day
tour of northern Greece, visiting the Bishopries of Xanthi, Serres
and Nigrita, which fall under the patriarchate's jurisdiction.
The municipality of Sapes was the Patriarch's first stop
where he received a warm welcoming by local authorities and
residents.
Mr. Vartholomeos was proclaimed an honorary citizen of Sapes
and was given the Gold Key to the city.
"We shall keep this Gold Key in memory of our visit to the
municipality and of the residents who have love, a peaceful
disposition and a conciliatory stance towards all," the Patriarch
said.
The Ecumenical Patriarch also visited the municipality of
Aigeiros where he was also proclaimed an honorary citizen and
given the Gold Key of the city.
The next stops in his tour will be Xanthi and Serres, while
his visit will conclude on May 7 in the city of Komotene and the
Dadia Monastery.
At the Bishopry of Xanthi, the Patriarch will attend events
commemorating Saint Theofanis, while at the Bishopries of Serres
and Nigrita he will inaugurate a new cathedral.
Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos will not be
meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch, due to his scheduled
preparations for the Pope's imminent arrival to Athens.
[05] CYPRUS PRESIDENT GLAFCOS CLERIDES VISITS GREECE
The President of the Republic of Cyprus Glafcos Clerides,
presently on an official visit to Greece, met with his Greek
counterpart Kostis Stephanopoulos with whom he unveiled the statue
of Archbishop Makarios III in Athens yesterday.
The bronze statue, which is the work of sculptor Memos
Makris, was erected in a park at the intersection of Alexandras
and Vassilissis Sophias avenues.
During a formal dinner, hosted in honor of President
Clerides, President Stephanopoulos stressed that Greece's
political leadership will make every effort to contribute to the
struggle for a free and independent Cyprus, "fulfilling its moral,
political and contractual obligations towards the Republic of
Cyprus."
Moreover, the Greek President stated that the joint defense
pact between the two countries constitutes a "top national
priority" for Greece.
President Stephanopoulos stated that Cyprus is presently at the
European Union's doorstep and that the island's accession is a
"strategic goal" for Greece, regardless of a prior solution to its
political problem.
"Greece will continue to seek a solution to the Cyprus
problem which would truly consolidate peace and security in the
region", the President said, adding that "a solution of the
political problem would undoubtedly act as a catalyst which could
create a climate of trust between Greece and Turkey, and between
the EU and Turkey".
In turn, President Clerides expressed hope that the
international community will continue its initiative within the
next few months, albeit adding that "if the states that are in a
position to influence Turkey's foreign policy do not exert their
influence this time either, to the extent necessary, the deadlock
in the Cyprus problem will remain", which would mean that the
Cyprus problem would continue "to adversely affect Turkey's
European prospect and Greco-Turkish relations".
Moreover, the Cypriot President expressed hope that the
conclusion of Cyprus' EU accession course would prove to be a
catalyst on Turkey's refusal to negotiate a solution of the Cyprus
problem within the parameters set out by the UN.
Today, the President of Cyprus will have talks with Prime
Minister Costas Simitis and members of the government, as well as
with the leaders of Greek political parties.
Tomorrow morning, the last day of his visit, Mr. Clerides
will meet successively with Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos
and the honorary president of main opposition New Democracy,
Constantine Mitsotakis.
[06] ECONOMY MINISTER MEETS WITH US COUNTERPART
Minister of National Economy and Finance Yiannos Papantoniou,
presently on an official visit to the United States, met with his
US counterpart Paul O'Neil yesterday with whom he discussed
opprtunities for US-Greek cooperation in investments in the
Balkans and combating money laundering.
Following their talks, Mr. Papantoniou told reporters that
the discussion covered many issues of bilateral, European and
world interest on the course of the economy and its prospects.
"I referred to developments in the Greek economy, the fact
that we have very strong growth in the region of five percent both
this year and in coming years in a framework of stability and low
inflation," he said.
"Our overall contribution to issues concerning international
tax policy, which also concerns money laundering and the control
of various offences taking place on an international scale was
also discussed. On this issue, both countries, and the euro zone
countries in particular, are making considerable efforts to enable
us to avert and deal a blow at such phenomena," he added.
According to Mr. Papantoniou, the US views Greece as a very
strong partner in the southeastern European region "because they
have ascertained that Greece plays a leading role in the Balkans
and in the entire region and exercises a very positive influence
also in relation to developments in Turkey."
[07] GREECE IN RUSH MODE FOR POPE'S IMMINENT ARRIVAL
Feverish preparations are presently underway in Greece, in
light of tomorrow's arrival of Pope John Paul II who will be
visiting at the invitation of the President of the Hellenic
Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.
The Pontiff will not be transported in the well-known glass-
covered "pope mobile", nor will he kiss Greek soil upon his
arrival – a traditional gesture he performs when visiting a new
country – instead, he will be handed an olive branch and flowers
at Athens' airport.
Pope John Paul II will be greeted at the airport by Foreign
Minister George Papandreou, while, immediately afterwards, he will
be meeting with the president, Prime Minister Costas Simitis,
Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis and main opposition New
Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis at the presidential mansion.
The state is to enforce draconian security measures during
the Pope's stay in Athens. In addition to heavy police escort, the
80-year-old Pontiff will be protected by sharpshooters during his
address at Pnyx Hill, a location beneath the Acropolis where the
Apostle Paul preached to the ancient Athenians. Security forces
will also be on guard at the Vatican's embassy.
The Athens visit will fulfil the Pope's dream to retrace the
steps of Pope Apostle Paul. He will be the first pontiff to visit
Greece since the Great Schism of 1056, when Christianity was
divided into Eastern and Western branches.
According to the itinerary, the Pope will arrive in Athens at
11:30 tomorrow morning, on board an Alitalia airliner, and a small
welcoming reception will be held at the airport.
Later, he will be visiting the Presidential Mansion where the
official welcoming will be taking place, as well as the
Archdiocese, before arriving at the residence of his
representative in Athens where he will be staying.
He will dine with Catholic clergymen there and rest before
going to Agios Dionysios Catholic Cathedral for a meeting with
clergymen and monks of the Catholic Church.
At 8 a.m. on Saturday, the Pope will be visiting the indoor
basketball stadium at the installations of the Athens Olympic
stadium where a church service will be held in Greek and Latin.
The Pope's address to the faithful is to be read in Greek.
Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos will be
present alongside the visiting pontiff on three occasions – the
first during John Paul's visit to the Athens Archbishopric,
followed by their joint appearance at the foot of the Acropolis.
Finally, Mr. Christodoulos will visit the Pope at the residence of
the Vatican's representative in Athens the same evening, May 4.
After his departure from Athens, the Pope will visit Damascus
and Malta.
[08] IOC VP SATISFIED WITH PROGRESS OVER 2004 GAMES
Visiting International Olympics Committee vice-president
Jacques Rogge expressed his satisfaction over progress made in
Greece's preparations for the 2004 Games in Athens.
Following his talks with the Minister of Environment, City
Planning and Public Works Costas Laliotis, Mr. Rogge said he was
"very happy" with the progress in infrastructure works and Games
projects in the time elapsing since his previous visit.
Moreover, he stated that he is certain the deadlines and
initial plans on the infrastructure works and five sports venues
would be met, adding that no problems should arise if the ministry
continued at the same pace.
In turn, Mr. Laliotis said that the timetables agreed with
the IOC were being "strictly adhered to" and everything would be
in place in January 2004.
[09] LABRAKIS MURDER: HERO & VILLAIN DIE DAYS APART
The "hero" and the "villain" of one of Greece's most
notorious political murders died within hours of each other this
week in Thessaloniki, the city where the crime took place in May
of ‘63.
Emmanuel Hatziapostolou (aka "Tiger"), whose heroic act led
to the arrest of those who killed left-wing deputy Grigoris
Labrakis on May 22, 1963, died of cancer at the age of 72 on
Tuesday, May 2, in Thessaloniki.
A short time later, the man who had been apprehended by
"Tiger" for killing Labrakis, Emmanuel Emmanuelides, also passed
away at a Thessaloniki hospital from a heart attack. He was 75
years old.
As a deputy with the United Democratic Left (EDA), Labrakis
was attacked after addressing a peace rally in Thessaloniki on May
22, 1963, even though he had been warned that an attempt was to be
made on his life.
Labrakis, a champion at the Balkan Games several times, as
well as a doctor and professor at Athens University, was run down
in the middle of the rally by a tricycle and fatally wounded by
Emmanuelides' truncheon blow.
Emmanuelides, who was immediately captured by "Tiger", an
eyewitness to the scene, was sentenced to 8.5 years in prison for
his part in the killing, but gained early release under the 1967-
74 dictatorship. His co-perpetrator Spyros Godzamanis, who had
been driving the tricycle, was also released early after being
sentenced to 11 years' imprisonment.
In the ensuing years since his conviction, Emmanuelides
persistently stated that it was not he who hit Labrakis, claiming
that the deputy was already on the ground by the time he
approached with the tricycle.
Labrakis' death on May 27, 1963, caused the Greek public
consternation and despair; Half a million people accompanied
Lambrakis in Athens to his grave, crying: "Lambrakis lives!"
(Lambrakis zi! = "Z").
The assassination was the subject of Costas Gavras' film
"Z," whose music score was written by noted composer Mikis
Theodorakis and featured Yves Montand in the part of Labrakis.
[10] GREECE AND CYPRUS CALL FOR THE RESUMPTION OF THE PROXIMITY
TALKS
The need for the continuation of the proximity talks on
Cyprus, interrupted in November as a result of the intransigence
displayed by the Turkish side, was underlined by Greek prime
minister Kostas Simitis in statements he made after the meeting he
had in Athens today with Cypriot president Glafkos Clerides.
Mr. Simitis expressed the view that the continuation of the
dialogue can lead to the solution of the Cyprus problem and called
on the Turkish Cypriot side to contribute to the solution of the
Cyprus problem based on the UN decisions. He also reiterated that
the Cyprus issue is a national priority for Greece.
From his side, Mr. Clerides expressed satisfaction for
Greece's support to the efforts for the solution of the Cyprus
problem and Cyprus' accession into the European Union, while he
thanked the Greek government because it regards the Cyprus problem
as a top national problem.
[11] BIG LOSSES IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
Big losses were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today.
The general index dropped to -1.19% at 3.228,30 points, while the
volume of transactions was very small at 49.13 billion drachmas or
144.20 million Euro.
Of the stocks trading today, 267 recorded losses and 66 had
gains, while 45 stocks remained stable.
[12] THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE REACTIONS AGAINST THE
POPE'S VISIT
The government respects the different points of view but it
does not understand the reactions against the Pope's visit, stated
Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas.
Mr. Reppas added that the Pontiff is the official guest of
the Greek state, adding that the Greek state and the Greek people
will welcome him and host him with great joy. He also said that he
will be honored as the leader of hundreds of millions of Catholics
around the world. Mr. Reppas expressed the belief that the picture
of Greece will be the picture of a modern country with a tradition
in hospitality that respects the individuals with international
status, adding that such visits are an advantage for Greece.
When he was asked to comment if the government wants a
reference on the Cyprus problem to be included in the joint
statement issued by the Pope and Archbishop Christodoulos of
Athens and All of Greece, he responded that this is an issue that
does not concern the government, adding that the content of the
talks between the two Churches does not concern the government.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[13] THE POPE'S REPRESENTATIVE ON THE PONTIFF'S VISIT TO ATHENS
The opening of a dialogue for the settlement of the
differences between the Greek Orthodox Church and the Catholics
will be one of the main goals of tomorrow's visit to Greece by
Pope John-Paul B', according to his representative Joaquin Navarro-
Valls in an interview with the Greek service on the BBC.
On the dispute that has erupted because of the Greek Orthodox
Church's wish for a reference to Cyprus' EU accession course to be
included in the joint declaration by the Pope and Archbishop
Christodoulos of Athens and All of Greece, he said that no
reference should be made to political issues unless they have a
religious dimension.
[14] UNEMPLOYMENT DROPPED TO 8.4% IN THE EURO-ZONE IN MARCH
Unemployment dropped by one percentage point to 8.4% in the
Euro-zone in March compared to the same period last year,
according to the European statistics agency "Eurostat".
Unemployment in the Euro-zone in the month of March was also
down by 1% compared to February of the current year but it is
almost two times higher compared to the unemployment rate in the
United States which is at 4.3%.
Based on the "Eurostat" figures, the highest unemployment
rates were recorded in Spain (13.5%), Finland (9%) and France
(8.6%), while the lowest were recorded in Luxembourg (2.3%) and
Holland (2.5%).
The European Union statistics agency estimates the unemployed
in the Euro-zone in the month of March at 11.5 million people,
while in the whole of the EU they are about 13.4 million.
[15] THE 2ND ASIA-AFRICA SAE YOUTH CONFERENCE OPENS TOMORROW
The 2nd Asia-Africa World Council for Greeks Abroad (SAE)
Youth Conference opens tomorrow and will last until
May 6. The conference will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa,
with the largest concentration of Greeks in the region.
The conference will deal with issues concerning education,
environment, culture and volunteerism.
Also, there will be a presentation of the volunteers' program
by the "Athens 2004" Organization and elections will be held for
the new Asia-Africa Youth Coordinating Committee.
[16] THE GREEK ANTIQUITIES MUSEUM IN MELBOURNE HAS CLOSED
The Greek Antiquities Museum, housed in Melbourne's
Immigration Museum, has closed according to a statement made in
the state parliament yesterday by multi-cultural affairs shadow
minister Helen Shardey.
According to the Greek-Australian newspaper "Neos Kosmos",
Ms. Shardey characterized the closing down of the museum as a big
failure of the Bracks government and Steve Bracks' himself, who
had discussed the issue during his visit to Greece last year.
The newspaper attributes the shutting down of the museum to
disagreements between its management and Greek culture ministry
officials concerning the number of exhibitions it will host during
the year, their preparation and promotion.
The museum was inaugurated on November 9, 1998 by the then
Victoria prime minister Jeff Kennett and Greek culture minister
Evangelos Venizelos.
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