Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2001-05-31
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, May 31, 2001
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
TITLES
[Á] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] OECD REPORT: ACCELERATE STRUCTURAL REFORMS
[02] SWEDISH PREMIER ARRIVES IN ATHENS TODAY
[03] EXTREMIST UCK CLAIMS DUE TO "SICK IMAGINATION"
[04] SOBRIETY PRODUCES BEST RESULTS, GREEK FM FINDS
[05] IMPOSSIBLE FOR ALBANIAN "ARMY" TO ACT IN GREECE
[06] DEADLINE FOR OA BIDS EXTENDED TO JUNE 18
[07] PM ASSURES INDUSTRY SECTOR OF FUTURE GROWTH
[08] PROSECUTOR REVIEWS INTERAMERICAN ACQUISITION
[09] SLOVENIAN BUSINESS DELEGATION IN THESSALONIKI
[10] MEDITERRANEAN AGRICULTURE MINISTERS IN ATHENS
[11] DNA TESTING FOR ALL ORGANIZED CRIME SUSPECTS
[12] THE GREEK FOREIGN MINISTRY HANDLED THE "PIRI REIS" ISSUE
RESPONSIBLY
[13] BAJEVIC WILL COACH PAOK FOR ANOTHER SEASON
[14] LOSSES IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
[15] GREECE'S COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCES A BIRMINGHAM MOTORWAY
[16] "NOT EVEN MY NAME" - THEA HALO'S BOOK IN GREEK
[17] REPPAS: THE UCK ALLEGATIONS ARE OF NO IMPORTANCE
[18] THE CABINET DISCUSSED THE GREEK EU PRESIDENCY
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[19] CONFERENCE ON THE CHALLENGES OF MODERN TIMES IN SANTORINI
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] OECD REPORT: ACCELERATE STRUCTURAL REFORMS
The Greek government has to accelerate its planned reforms in
the public sector and improve coordination among its of public
services, according to a report released yesterday by the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Unveiled yesterday by Interior and Public Administration
Minister Vasso Papandreou and OECD Deputy Secretary-General Sally
Shelton-Colby during a joint press conference in Athens, the
report assesses the course of the Greek economy as "positive", but
does stress that the state needs to clamp down on bureaucracy and
simplify public administration procedures.
Ms. Papandreou outlined new public administration framework,
which will be marked by quality checks and monitoring in the
state's wide-ranging regulatory responsibilities, while also
certifying the constitutionality and legality of actions.
In turn, Ms. Shelton-Colby stressed that the implementation
of a well-designed public sector reform program is an "effective
tool" in any government's attempts to improve its citizens'
quality of life.
[02] SWEDISH PREMIER ARRIVES IN ATHENS TODAY
Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson, whose country presently
holds the European Union's rotating presidency, is to arrive in
Athens today, where he will hold talks with the Greek government.
Mr. Persson visit to Athens is part of a tour of European
capitals ahead of the EU summit in Gothenburg on June 15-16.
Meanwhile, Sweden's Ambassador to Athens Bjorn Elmer met with
the leader of the minor opposition party of Coalition of the Left
and Progress (Synaspismos) Nikos Constantopoulos yesterday, with
whom he discussed the issue of human rights violations in Turkish
prisons.
Following their talks, Mr. Constantopoulos stated that, in
its course toward Europe, Turkey has to realize that there are no
margins for such flagrant, brutal provocations in issues of
culture, democracy and freedom.
[03] EXTREMIST UCK CLAIMS DUE TO "SICK IMAGINATION"
The international community must thoroughly condemn extremist
Albanian claims made yesterday against Greece by a self-styled
representative of Albanians who announced the establishment of a
"Tsamouria Liberation Army" in Greece, Foreign Ministry spokesman
Panos Beglitis stated.
Mr. Beglitis stressed that "the sick imagination of certain
terrorist elements, who attempt to present non-existent issues,
seems to have no bounds. Reaction against them by the
international community should be equally without bounds.
"The UCK forces with their terrorist activities in FYROM and
Kosovo, continue to be a destabilizing factor in the Balkans. For
this reason they should be condemned and isolated by all
countries," the spokesman said.
The issue erupted when a self-styled representative of the so-
called "National Liberation Army" (aka UCK) active in FYROM, spoke
to an Australian radio broadcast and announced the establishment
and activation of an Albanian terrorist organization with the name
"Tsamouria Liberation Army" on Greek soil.
[04] SOBRIETY PRODUCES BEST RESULTS, GREEK FM FINDS
Stressing the prudence of sobriety and calmness, after the
flurry of press reports concerning the activities of Turkish
exploratory vessel Piri Reis, Greek Foreign Minister George
Papandreou stated yesterday that the establishment of
communication channels between the two countries has prevented
tension in their relations.
Mr. Papandreou was referring to the clarification forwarded
by the Turkish government, which dismissed as "absolutely
inaccurate" Greek press reports that the said vessel would be
searching for oil deposits in the Aegean.
"I believe that this latest incident provides us with a
useful experience and we can arrive at a significant conclusion,"
Mr. Papandreou stated, adding that "Greece and Turkey may have
important issues to resolve - such as the Cyprus problem -
meanwhile, however, through dialogue, through systematic contact,
the establishment of channels of cooperation and information
exchange we can clarify issues immediately and avert - where
necessary- tension, escalation and conflict".
"This is exactly what happened" Mr. Papandreou added, "we
received an immediate clarification for this incident, so as
something that in the past could have created escalation and
tension ... now is - I believe - proof of a serious effort by both
sides to avoid tension. I hope that we will continue in this
manner," he said.
Moreover, the Foreign Minister stressed that "we do all this
while securing our national interests, our territorial integrity,
the sovereign rights of our country. All the while, we do this
with special calmness and I believe that this is also an important
conclusion - calmness and sobriety along with decisiveness is the
best way to confront any incident.
"I believe that to become hostages of our own panic or
insecurity would be a mistake. I believe that a well-documented,
decisive and prudent, as well as sober confrontation always yields
the best results."
[05] IMPOSSIBLE FOR ALBANIAN "ARMY" TO ACT IN GREECE
Greek authorities are concerned over claims made yesterday by
a self-styled representative of Albanians who announced the
establishment of a "Tsamouria Liberation Army" in northwestern
Greece, but they also add that actual armed activity by these
groups on Greek soil is just impossible.
However, in exclusive statements to the Macedonian Press
Agency, Greek police and border patrol authorities also did not
rule out the possibility that these self-styled organizations
could cause an instigation premeditated by factors who would stand
to benefit from a spill-over of clashes in FYROM into the
remaining Balkan countries.
According to an MPA police source, Greek authorities have
already undertaken the necessary measures to avert such potential
incidents, which could occur under the guise of insulting a police
officer, arms trafficking, pro-UCK graffiti, etc.
According to reports maintained by the Greek police
authorities, the "Tsamouria Liberation Army" is a group comprising
30-40 Albanians who were briefly trained in a paramilitary camp in
Northern Albania. However, according to the same reports, this
movement, which envisions a "Magna Albania", could not sustain any
strength since it was not granted support by the official Albanian
authorities.
Moreover, the Greek authorities find it ludicrous that
Albanian circles would pose claims over the Tsami population, a
small group of Albanians who allied with the fascist Italian and
German forces during World War II. Following the liberation of
Greece from the Axis forces in 1944 this small group of Albanians
(numbering 18,000 during the 1940 census) was drawn out of the
country and moved to Albania.
[06] DEADLINE FOR OA BIDS EXTENDED TO JUNE 18
The four companies that are interested in buying a majority
stake of ailing state air carrier Olympic Airways (OA) now have
until June 18 to submit their bids, following an extension
provided by the government.
The deadline extension provides the fourth bidder, Integrated
Airline Solution, an opportunity to re-enter the tender, since it
had pulled out over its inability to meet the original deadline.
The other three are Axon Airlines SA, Golden Aviation Services
(the Restis shipping group) and Cyprus Airways.
The bid criteria set forth by the government are that OA
should operate mainly as an airline after its privatization and
retain its logo retain its logo for a specified period of time.
Also, the newly-built Athens airport Eleftherios Venizelos should
be used as the main base for OA's aircraft.
Moreover, the privatized firm should have the financial
strength and administrative capacity to post growth as a
financially viable company with long-term prospects, while state
and affiliate-firm risks and commitments should be minimized after
restructuring.
[07] PM ASSURES INDUSTRY SECTOR OF FUTURE GROWTH
The government's policy ensures economic growth and social
stability, Prime Minister Costas Simitis stated yesterday during
his address before the annual general assembly of the Association
of Greek Industries (SEV).
The stabilization achieved by Greece, which reversed its
economy's downward trend, has created a base for future growth,
Mr. Simitis said and urged his audience to undertake business
initiatives beyond the national borders.
llustrating his point, the Premier stated that in the last
three years Greece had risen to 36th place from 48th place in the
World Economic Forum, while the Institute of Management
Development has ranked Greece 30th from 40th a few years ago,
overtaking other European Union countries including Italy and
Portugal.
[08] PROSECUTOR REVIEWS INTERAMERICAN ACQUISITION
An Athens prosecutor is to examine whether the acquisition of
Greece's Interamerican by Amsterdam-based insurance consortium
Eureko and the company's projected de-listing has harmed small
investors.
Eureko announced earlier this week that it was acquiring a
54.38 percent stake from Interamerican founder and chairman
Dimitris Kontominas, boosting its actual stake to 79.38 percent.
[09] SLOVENIAN BUSINESS DELEGATION IN THESSALONIKI
Investment and trade opportunities in Slovenia are to be
showcased to Northern Greece's investors during an event jointly
organized in Thessaloniki by the city's Chamber of Industry and
Commerce (EVETH) and the corresponding Slovenian chamber.
The meeting, to be held on June 8, will also be attended by
Slovenian ambassador to Athens Borut Mahnic who will give an
address on his country's economic situation.
A delegation of Slovenian entrepreneurs is to also attend the
meeting.
[10] MEDITERRANEAN AGRICULTURE MINISTERS IN ATHENS
The third Conference of Agriculture Ministers from
Mediterranean Countries is presently being held in Athens, where
the 13 national delegations participating are to review
cooperation aimed at sustainable farming and the development of
the Mediterranean diet.
Presided by Greece's Agriculture Minister George Anomeritis,
the conference features the participation of agriculture ministers
from Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Turkey, Yugoslavia, Egypt,
Algiers, Tunisia, Morocco, Malta, Lebanon and Albania.
Prime Minister Costas Simitis is to receive the ministers
this afternoon.
[11] DNA TESTING FOR ALL ORGANIZED CRIME SUSPECTS
DNA testing is to be conducted in all cases concerning
organized crime, according to a modified bill that introduces
tougher measures against organized crime and terrorism.
The said modification was approved by Justice Minster
Michalis Stathopoulos yesterday, the second day of a parliamentary
committee debate.
According to the bill, the DNA testing can be performed
during the interrogation phase, following a court order.
[12] THE GREEK FOREIGN MINISTRY HANDLED THE "PIRI REIS" ISSUE
RESPONSIBLY
Greek Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis backed the
way the foreign ministry handled the issue of the Turkish research
vessel "Piri Reis".
Mr. Beglitis stressed that the issue was handled responsibly
and expressed the belief that "with the clarifications given by
the Turkish side everything agreed in Budapest will be kept". He
said that the steps made were of precautionary nature to avoid
possible research at the continental shelf that could put the
Greek national sovereign interests at risk.
Mr. Beglitis said that the ministry neither concealed the
"Piri Reis" issue nor came to the conclusion that a major issue
was being created. He said that the foreign ministry wanted as a
precaution to avoid any possible complications and pointed out
that the lack of calm in similar cases in the past had led to
crises.
[13] BAJEVIC WILL COACH PAOK FOR ANOTHER SEASON
The coach of Thessaloniki's PAOK football team Dusan Bajevic
confirmed that he will stay with the team for another season in a
press conference he gave today.
The "prince", as he is called, stated that he will stay with
the team under certain preconditions, stressing that he wants to
continue the work he started. He also stated that this year was a
very difficult one, adding that PAOK is a very good team with very
good players. Mr. Bajevic said that PAOK has won the Greek Cup
this year and efforts should continue for an even better
performance in the new season.
Mr. Bajevic also stated that he does not want any of the
players to leave the team and talks will be held this week with
those who wish to transfer to another team.
[14] LOSSES IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
Losses were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The
general index dropped to -0.45% at 3.088,66 points, while the
volume of transactions was very impressive at 806.37 million Euro
or 274.8 billion drachmas.
Of the stocks trading today, 150 recorded gains and 173 had
losses, while the value of 51 stocks remained stable.
[15] GREECE'S COMMERCIAL BANK FINANCES A BIRMINGHAM MOTORWAY
Representatives of 26 banks, among them Greece's Commercial
Bank, signed an agreement in London approving a loan of 685
million British pounds for the financing of the construction of
Birmingham's Northern Auxiliary Motorway. The 43 kilometers-long
motorway will operate with the toll posts system.
Greece's Commercial Bank participates in the financing of the
project with the sum of 14.850.000 British pounds. The Bank of
America and Abbey National Treasury Services plc are heading the
26 bank Group.
[16] "NOT EVEN MY NAME" - THEA HALO'S BOOK IN GREEK
The sensational book "Not even my name" written by author
Thea Halo, who is of Greek origin, has been published in Greek and
a presentation of the book will be held at the War Museum in
Athens today.
The special event will be held in the presence of the book's
91-year-old heroine, Sano Halo, while also present will be her
daughter and the book's author, Thea Halo. Excerpts from the book
will be read by actress Anna Sinodinou.
In her book Thea Halo presents a dramatic part of the
history of the Greeks from Pontos through the soul-stirring
memories of her mother Sano (Efthimia), who was forced by the
Turks to leave Pontos at the age of 10 and was the only one from
her family to survive when she was left with an Armenian family in
Diyarbakir. At the age of 15 and having lost everything she loved
most in life, "even her name", she was introduced to a 45-year-old
Assyrian-American whom she married and went with him to the United
States where she lives until today. The book presents her life as
a married woman, the way she brought up her ten children and her
evolution from an innocent child to a loving mother and a resolute
New York woman. Seventy years after, Sano returns to Turkey with
her daughter Thea looking for her home in the village of Saint
Anton (Agios Antonios).
It should be noted that the book was published by the giant
US publishing house Picador St. Martin Press and received rave
notices from the critics in widely respected US mass media.
The book will also be presented in the northern city of
Kavala on June 5 and in Thessaloniki on June 7.
[17] REPPAS: THE UCK ALLEGATIONS ARE OF NO IMPORTANCE
Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stated that the
allegations of a National Liberation Army (UCK) representative
concerning the creation of a "Chameria Liberation Army" are of no
importance, adding that his statements carry no weight and can not
put Greece in any danger.
Mr. Reppas said that the Albanian government itself has
condemned the actions of the UCK members, adding that Greece is a
country that must deal seriously with everything. He also said
that UCK is an organization with a terrorist action.
[18] THE CABINET DISCUSSED THE GREEK EU PRESIDENCY
Issues concerning the Greek EU presidency in 2003 were
discussed in today's cabinet meeting in Athens.
Prime minister Kostas Simitis stated that the European
Council summit meeting under the Greek presidency will be held in
Thessaloniki on June 19-21, 2003 and stressed that the goal of the
government is to promote Greece's role as a country which actively
contributes to the creation of the modern European reality.
The Greek EU presidency will be called to deal with major
issues such as, the revision of the new treaty, the future of
Europe and enlargement, the Lisbon decisions, the modernization of
the European social model, the promotion of foreign policy, the
creation of a joint defense policy, the gradual creation of a
joint policy on immigration and asylum and the creation of a joint
agricultural policy which is an issue of major importance for
Greece.
The overall cost of the EU presidency is estimated to be 10-
13 billion drachmas.
The "Piri Reis" issue was also discussed in the cabinet
meeting and foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou stated that he has
received assurances that no research will be conducted in the
continental shelf and that the movement of the Turkish research
vessel will cause no problems to bilateral relations.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[19] CONFERENCE ON THE CHALLENGES OF MODERN TIMES IN SANTORINI
The challenges of modern times, the progress of bio-
technology, the society of information, social isolation and the
destruction of the environment, are some of the issues that will
be discussed in the conference on "How our lives will be in the
3rd millennium" that will be held in Santorini on June 4-6 under
the auspices of the Council of Europe parliamentary assembly
environment and agriculture committee.
In three sessions, the 150 conference participants will
analyze issues like the environment as an indicative factor of an
oncoming crisis, the economic and environmental development and
the 21st century values.
The conference will be opened by Greek parliament president
Apostolos Kaklamanis. The participants will be addressed by
Michail Gorbachev as the president of the world organization Green
Cross, while among others will also be present agriculture
minister Giorgos Anomeritis, Francine Cousteau of the Cousteau
Group, Kiril Stepanov of the Vernadsky Institute in Russia and
French author Tomi Ungerer.
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