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Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2001-09-17
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, September 17, 2001
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
TITLES
[Á] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] KONSTANTOPOULOS WARNING ON MISTAKEN REACTIONS TO TERRORISM
STRIKES
[02] EV. VENIZELOS: GREECE IS MOVING IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE EU
[03] COMMEMORATIVE PRAYER IN THESSALONIKI FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE
US TERRORIST ATTACKS
[04] PAVLOPOULOS: COOPERATION OF PEOPLE FOR ERADICATION OF
TERRORISM
[05] G. PAPANDREOU: "AGREEMENT ON AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL FOR THE
CONFRONTATION OF TERRORISM"
[06] SIMITIS-TSOHATZOPOULOS MEETING THIS AFTERNOON
[07] M. CHRYSOCHOIDIS: SAFE ORGANIZATION OF THE OLYMPICS
[08] NAMES OF GREEKS LIVING ABROAD IN NEW YORK HOSPITALS
[09] TWO-HOUR PAUSE IN THE ASE TRANSACTIONS
[10] INCREASE OF 11.93% IN THE GREEK-GERMAN TRADE TRANSACTIONS IN
2000
[11] PAPANTONIOU: NO SPECIAL MEASURES BECAUSE OF THE CRISIS
[12] OVER 1.200 ALBANIAN REBELS' WEAPONS IN ATHENS
[13] THE OA FLIGHTS TO MONTREAL, TORONTO AND NEW YORK RESUME
TOMORROW
[14] REPPAS COMMENTED ON THE ASE
[15] ND CALLS FOR A MEETING OF THE POLITICAL PARTY LEADERS
[16] TSOCHATZOPOULOS ON TERRORISM
[17] THOUSANDS OF VISITORS IN THESSALONIKI'S 66TH ITF
[18] THE LOSSES IN THE ASE WERE LIMITED
[19] PAPANDREOU WILL MEET WITH THE POLITICAL PARTY LEADERS
[20] SECURITY IS THE FIRST PRIORITY
[21] MOU SIGNED WITH THE ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
[22] OLYMPIC PRODUCTS IN THE US MARKET
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[23] 7 NAMES OF GREEKS LIVING ABROAD CONFIRMED
[24] AUSTRALIAN MEMORIAL FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE TERRORIST ATTACK
[25] THE PARTHENON MARBLES IN THE COMMONWEALTH SUMMIT MEETING
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] KONSTANTOPOULOS WARNING ON MISTAKEN REACTIONS TO TERRORISM
STRIKES
Cool analysis, positive action and initiative in the great
changes that have taken place in the last few days, after the
terrorist strike in the US, proposed the President of the
Coalition, Nikos Konstantopoulos, in a speech at the Coalition
Youth Festival, which took place in Protomaya Square on the Pedion
tou Areos. Mr. Konstantopoulos underlined the need for the 21st
century to have a human face with democratic, social and
ecological priorities.
Referring to the terrorist attack of September 11, he
stressed that it made everyone come to terms with reality, in a
period during which the greatest accumulation of goods and wealth
is taking place, where the international system does not produce
balance, security, justice, and equality with peace. In relation
to the retaliation for this attack, he stressed that those really
responsible must be punished, irrelevant of any concepts of
international revenge, or the demonizaton of a holy war.
Mr. Konstantopoulos warned of the nightmarish consequences of
a mistaken reaction. As far as Greece is concerned, he suggested
the activation of our country in the framework of the European
Union so that a serious strategy through an honest discussion
between the parties, which will support the concept of
international law and the role of the UN.
In relation to the dimensions the punishment of the parties
responsible for the tragedy may take, the President of the
Coalition pointed out that the identity of the perpetrators must
not lead to the assumption that all of the Arab-Muslim world is
guilty, and, he underlined, we must not move to concepts of entire
countries being at fault, to retaliation at the cost of innocent
lives, to the abolition of democratic freedoms.
"It is required even of the US to understand that the way in
which they interfere always and selectively, politically and ready
to do war, creates reactions, which are historically justified",
he stressed.
[02] EV. VENIZELOS: GREECE IS MOVING IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE EU
"Greece is moving in the safe framework of common European
policy", stated Cultural Minister Evaggelos Venizelos, when asked
about our country's involvement in US movements, in retaliation to
the terrorist strikes in New York and Washington. Answering
questions during the events for the national memory of Asia Minor
Hellenism, which was organized in the Historic Center of
Thessaloniki, Mr. Venizelos stressed that Greece has the great
advantage of being a member country of the European Union and NATO
and added that our country is protecting its national interests by
following the united European position in relation to the large
international policy problems.
"We must not forget we are a European country, but
geographically set in the Balkans and we are the organizers of the
2004 Olympics. So, we have to protect vital national interests and
the only method is this: our participation in a common European
position", he said characteristically.
When asked about the interview of the US Ambassador to
Athens, Tom Miller, with the "Vima" newspaper and of his
mentioning that the war which the US has declared on terrorism
also concerns "November 17", Mr. Venizelos stressed there is a
united large front against every terrorist organization and every
possibility if terrorism. The Minister underlined that almost all
the countries in the world are part of this front and paid special
attention to the need for reliable international institutions,
which will guarantee the protection of democracy and human rights,
but also respect international legality, to exist.
In relation to possible worries on security issues in view of
the 2004 Olympics, the Minister of Culture assured that the 2004
Olympics will be completely safe, because, as he said, Greece has
processed a extended and completely modern security plan for the
Olympic Games which is in development and is based on multilateral
international cooperation.
On the day of memory for the genocide of Hellenism in Asia
Minor, Mr. Venizelos commented that September 14 is a day of
memory and based on the relative legislature and the relative
Presidential Enactment which had been issued with the initiative
of the Ministries of the Interior and Culture. "September 14 is a
day of honor towards refugees, towards the refugee element to
which Greece owes its real and deep modernization, already from
the 20s and 30s. Without the refugees, Greece's image would be
different", he added.
[03] COMMEMORATIVE PRAYER IN THESSALONIKI FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE
US TERRORIST ATTACKS
A commemorative prayer for the victims of the terrorist
strike in the US was joined in yesterday morning in the Church of
St. Dimitrios in Thessaloniki.
In his sermon, Metropolite of Thessaloniki, Panteleimon II
appeared enraged by the terrorist strike on the US, he made
mention of the loss of many Orthodox Greeks living abroad and
expressed his appreciation that the criminals will soon answer for
what they have done. Also, that we Greeks take courage from our
Lord, Jesus Christ, and that with his power we will meet the
demands of our times.
[04] PAVLOPOULOS: COOPERATION OF PEOPLE FOR ERADICATION OF
TERRORISM
The cooperation of states and people in order to deal with
the phenomenon of terrorism, through a procedure which will move
in the framework of international law, is proposed by the
parliamentary spokesperson of New Democracy, Prokopis Pavlopoulos,
in an interview to "Macedonia" newspaper.
In whatever concerns the position of Greece, the
parliamentary spokesperson of N.D., believes that it has moved
correctly thus far in the framework of applying relative
regulations of NATO for solidarity towards the US government and
the American people, while it must consent to the application of
article 5 of the Atlantic Alliance, once the prerequisites are
there, the necessary evidence. "In the bipolar of solidarity and
applying international law, we must be supporters without any
qualms, with no conditions", he mentioned characteristically.
Also, Mr. Pavlopoulos stressed the need for the need to
enforce international law, in a united and consistent manner and
not selective, so that no countries are favored over others, under
the weight of ulterior motive, as there is no leeway to lose our
great target of fighting terrorism.
[05] G. PAPANDREOU: "AGREEMENT ON AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL FOR THE
CONFRONTATION OF TERRORISM"
Foreign secretary Giorgos Papandreou, in an interview with
the "Ta Nea" newspaper, today, Monday, underlined that to deal
with terrorism, agreement will be needed on an international
level. "Yes" to the US reaction on the terrorist strike they
received, said the Foreign Secretary, and added that any measures
taken by the US should not be restricted to the police and
military field. And this is because "if we don't look at the
causes of the phenomenon of terrorism, it will just keep repeating
itself". In fact, according to Mr. Papandreou, "military and
police measures are just a part of it, maybe not even a major part
of it".
As the Foreign Secretary stated, today's societies are faced
with a dilemma of "how are we going to deal with such phenomena
and, at the same time, protect the institutions of Democracy'.
Mr. Papandreou stressed that "one must recognize the
sensitivity and the charge of a whole people, families, some of
them Greek, and of the USA". We Europeans, added the Foreign
Secretary "recognize the right of this sentiment but want to use a
frame of mind that will overcome today's feelings, so as this
phenomenon of terrorism can be dealt with effectively".
At this point Mr. Papandreou stressed that there is not going
to be any real result in the attempt to deal with terrorism, if
poverty, inequity and conflicts aren't also dealt with.
However, he added that the pursuit of the causes does not
mean that there should not be a reaction now, maybe even a
military one. "Because friends will be counted for the US now. And
this is important – and it is important for Greece itself, that
has to show that it is with the EU, it is with the Alliance, that
we have sensitivity and that we will all take part in a reaction
which we all decide together".
[06] SIMITIS-TSOHATZOPOULOS MEETING THIS AFTERNOON
A discussion on all issues will take place between Prime
Minister Kostas Simitis and Minister of Defense Akis
Tsohatzopoulos on all issues today, in a meeting today at 1 pm at
the Maximos Mansion. The meeting's agenda includes armament
programs of the armed forces, the situation being formed with the
terrorist attack on the US, developments in the Balkans, and a
discussion on the upcoming PASOK congress it is not out of the
question.
[07] M. CHRYSOCHOIDIS: SAFE ORGANIZATION OF THE OLYMPICS
The issue of reforming the security plan of the 2004 Olympics
in Athens was left open by the Minister of Public Order, Michalis
Chrysochiodis. In an interview to "Ethnos" newspaper, the Minister
stressed that the security plan has been formed according to
experience of previous events and has been approved by the
International Olympic Committee (DOE) and at the same time noted
that "any developments, of course, are in any case taken under
consideration, since in the Olympics the "dogma" from which we do
not move is its safe organizations".
To a question on the terrorist organization "November17" he
pointed out that the goal of their eradication is still a steady
one, and that services are working in that direction and it is
known that they aren't taking stabs in the dark, but are utilizing
the valuable knowledge of other country's services. He added that
on the particular issue, "we must be calm in our analyses and
laconic in our words".
In what may concern dealing with terrorism, a point of
reference for policies which the Greek government will apply, are
the ideas and policies which are being formed in the framework of
the European Union.
Drawing on the terrorist attack in the US, the Minister
noted: "Democracy has a debt to punish terrorist activity and even
better, if it can prevent it. The most effective way of defending
human rights is by disarming those who would conspire against it.
The defense of Democracy from its enemies, in this case terrorism,
must in no case lead to the undermining of institutions. There is
no discount on freedoms".
Tomorrow the cabinet will come into session, presided over by
Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, on the safety measures in the 2004
Olympics.
[08] NAMES OF GREEKS LIVING ABROAD IN NEW YORK HOSPITALS
The names of the Greeks living abroad that were wounded
during the attack on the World Trade Center and have been
transferred to New York hospitals, are included in the lists given
to the New York Mayor's office by the hospitals for the Emergency
Coordination. The Greek names are the following:
NAMES IN HOSPITALS
Dimitri Alexiou Beth Israel - Kings Div. NY
John Antoniadis SYCMC - St. Vincent's Manhattan, NY
Johnny Antiniadas SYCMC - St. Vincent's Manhattan, NY
Paul Athane Beth Israel Medical Center (Petrie Div.) NY
Theo Athanassiou Chelsea Piers, NY
John Basiliou Chelsea Piers, NY
Evangelina Canellopoulos Mount Sinal Hospital of Queens, NY
John Costalas NYU - Downtown, NY
Dean Coutsouris New York Methodist Hospital
Mark Dephtaraos SVCMC - St. Vincent's Manhattan, NY
Marina Diamantopoulos Staten Island University Hospital, NY
Aris Economopoulos St. Francis Medical Center, NJ
Anton Economos SVCMC - St. Vincent's Manhattan, NY
James Efthimiades SVCMC - St. Vincent's Manhattan, NY
John Fortis Bellevue Hospital, NY
Mark Grilis NYU - Downtown, NY
Gregory Kourtesis The Valley Hospital, NJ
Jennifer Kouzi NYU (Tisch/Rusk), NY
Luis Lemos Possimbly SVCMC - St. John's Queens
Pete Leventis Chelsea Piers, NY
George Liropoulos Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens, NY
William Manas SVCMC - St. Vincent's Manhattan, NY
Joanna Mariti NYU (Tisch/Rusk), NY
John Nakrosis Liberty HealthCare System, Inc. Jersey City Med Ctr.
Athena Nakrosis Liberty HealthCare System, Inc. Jersey City Med
Ctr
Thomas Nakrosis Liberty HealthCare System, Inc. Jersey City Med
Ctr
Lawrence Nakrosis Liberty HealthCare System, Inc. Jersey City Med
Ctr
Peter Papadopoulos Staten Island University Hospital, NY
Ralpb Papadopoulos Staten Island University Hospital, NY
Peter Papaemanuel Hospital for Joint Diseases, NY
Peter Paramathis Staten Island University Hospital, NY
Gregory Patsos Bellevue Hospital, NY
Evgenia Poumpouras Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton,
NY
Rizzos Alex Chelsea Piers, NY
Stephen Savas Chelsea Piers
Lisa Skiptunis Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, NJ
Dennis Valsamedis Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, NY
Aristides Varsos SVCMC - St. John's Queens, NY
Douglas Vlachos SVCMC - St. John's Queens, NY
Gregoria Voulgaris Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens, NY
Xenaris John Chelsea Piers, NY
Spiro Yioras Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens, NY
Gloria Zeros St. Mary's Hospital Passaic.NJ
[09] TWO-HOUR PAUSE IN THE ASE TRANSACTIONS
The transactions in the Athens Stock Exchange were
interrupted for two hours today after a decision by its president
Panagiotis Alexakis following consultations with the responsible
Capital Market Committee officials.
The meting was scheduled to resume at 2.15pm and will end at
5pm as the Greek stock market officials believe that the price
drop in the ASE does not correspond to the international reality.
The temporary interruption was decided to give time to market
officials and investors to evaluate calmly the current
international developments.
At the time of the break, the general index of the ASE
recorded considerable losses of -8.21% dropping to 2.063,81
points.
[10] INCREASE OF 11.93% IN THE GREEK-GERMAN TRADE TRANSACTIONS IN
2000
An increase of 11.93% was recorded in the Greek-German trade
transactions last year reaching DM12.1 billion compared to DM10.8
billion in 1999, according to figures provided by Germany's
Federal Statistics Agency.
At the same period of time, the balance of payments for
Greece continued to be positive with a surplus of 2.448 billion
Euro, while the trade transactions deficit showed a further
increase for Greece and reached 2.959 billion Euro compared to
2.412 billion Euro in 1999.
According to statements made to MPA by Greek-German Chamber
of Commerce northern Greece department director Martin Knapp,
Germany continues to be Greece's main economic partner.
The number of German businesses in Greece or the businesses
with German capital participation that are active in Greece are
145 and offer jobs to 12.000 people the majority of them Greeks.
[11] PAPANTONIOU: NO SPECIAL MEASURES BECAUSE OF THE CRISIS
The behavior of the US consumer in the next 12-14 months
after the worldwide upset caused by the unprecedented terrorist
attacks in New York and Washington will be the key to the long-
term developments in the world economy, according to statements
made by minister of National Economy Yiannos Papantoniou, who
clarified that if the American consumer confidence is not hurt and
they continue to spend as they did in the past, the US economy
will continue to follow the path to gradual recovery.
If the opposite happens, said the minister, it means that
there is a risk for the economic downturn to be extended with
negative consequences both for the European Union and Greece.
Mr. Papantoniou stressed in an interview with the Athens
newspaper "TA NEA", that what is important is both the degree in
which liquidity in the US economy will be increased and the speed
in which the US government will finance the restoration of the
damages.
[12] OVER 1.200 ALBANIAN REBELS' WEAPONS IN ATHENS
The Greek military convoy, bringing over 1.200 weapons from
Krivolak, FYROM that were handed over by the Albanian rebels
within the framework of the disarmament agreement, is expected to
arrive at an Athens military camp today.
The Greek convoy entered Greece from the Greek-FYROM border
crossing of Evzoni, Kilkis this morning and according to
information, the weapons, which have been broken down into pieces,
will be inspected in the Athens military camp and at the end of
the week they will be melted down in a steel plant. An armored
personnel carrier that has been broken down into pieces is also on
its way to the Athens military camp.
These weapons constitute 1/3 of a total of about 3.500
weapons handed over by the Albanian rebels in the first phase of
the disarmament.
[13] THE OA FLIGHTS TO MONTREAL, TORONTO AND NEW YORK RESUME
TOMORROW
Olympic Airways flight 423 for Montreal and Toronto with time
of departure 9.50am as well as, OA flight 411 for New York, time
of departure 12.20pm, will take place as scheduled.
According to Olympic Airways, in the specific flights will
travel only the ticket holders, while passengers will have to be
at the "Eleftherios Venizelos" Athens Airport four hours before
their flight's time of departure.
[14] REPPAS COMMENTED ON THE ASE
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, responding to the
question on whether the government is considering to take measures
after the new plunge in the Athens Stock Exchange, suggested that
comments that can burden the operation of the Athens Stock
Exchange even more must be avoided.
Mr. Reppas called on the mass media to avoid making negative
comments, suggesting calm as the stock markets all over the world
have a negative reaction as a result of last Tuesday's terrorist
attacks.
Mr. Reppas stated that the stock market investors should
weigh things carefully before making their final investment
choices.
[15] ND CALLS FOR A MEETING OF THE POLITICAL PARTY LEADERS
Right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy called for
a meeting of the political party leaders presided over by Greek
president Kostis Stephanopoulos.
The party's foreign affairs committee met today and discussed
the international developments after the terrorist attacks on the
United States.
In the meeting it was pointed out that terrorism has no place
in the civilized world, while it was underlined that there is a
need for Greece to be in line with the rest European Union and
NATO countries and contribute to the efforts aimed at countering
terrorism.
However, it was stressed that any decision on the measures
that will be taken must be made after a discussion in the UN
Security Council.
Meanwhile, the Greek Communist Party stated that it is
against any Greek participation in the NATO military operations.
The issue of terrorism in the light of the attacks on the
United States will be examined after the opening of the
parliament's regular session in October, stated government
spokesman Dimitris Reppas, who did not rule out the likelihood of
a political party leaders' meeting that will be presided over by
president Kostis Stephanopoulos.
[16] TSOCHATZOPOULOS ON TERRORISM
The need to find a way to counter terrorism that will combine
all means of domestic and foreign security and every principle of
democracy, international law and democratic rights, was underlined
by minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos in statements he made
after the meeting he had with prime minister Kostas Simitis in
Athens today. The armed forces disarmament programs, the situation
as it has been formed after the terrorist attacks on the United
States and the developments in the Balkans, were discussed in the
meeting. The prime minister reiterated the need for calm and self-
restraint.
Mr. Tsochatzopoulos pointed out that it is the first time
that terrorism has the form of a military operation with a war
character, adding that the simple domestic security methods that
were used in the past now are not enough.
The Greek minister of defense also expressed Greece's
solidarity to the United States in the effort to counter
terrorism.
Meanwhile, according to information Greece will facilitate
the Americans by allowing the US ships and aircraft to pass
through Greek territory.
[17] THOUSANDS OF VISITORS IN THESSALONIKI'S 66TH ITF
The new services for the citizens with the application of
high technology and the single European currency, the Euro, were
the two main characteristics of Thessaloniki's 66th International
Trade Fair that was held in the city on September 8-16.
Thousands of people visited its grounds to be informed on the
achievements of the Greek production and the new technologies. As
it was announced, a total of 295.950 people visited the ITF
compared to 285.561 last year.
In the ITF participated a total of 1.210 exhibitors, 581 of
which were direct exhibitors and 629 were indirect.
[18] THE LOSSES IN THE ASE WERE LIMITED
Today's Athens Stock Exchange session closed with losses of -
1.80% at 2.207,94 points, after a plunge of -8.21% by the general
index.
The losses were limited after a decision by the American
Central Bank to cut its interest rates by 0.5%.
Transactions in the ASE were interrupted for two hours after
a decision by its president Panagiotis Alexakis that was made in
order to give time to market officials and investors to evaluate
the international developments calmly.
The volume of transactions was 232.7 million Euro and of the
stocks trading today, 44 recorded gains, compared to 302 that had
losses, while the value of 32 stocks remained stable.
[19] PAPANDREOU WILL MEET WITH THE POLITICAL PARTY LEADERS
Foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou will open a round of
meetings with the Greek political party leaders starting tomorrow
to brief them on the latest developments after the terrorist
attack on the United States.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stated that Mr.
Papandreou undertook this initiative to reach a common stance and
a common reaction with the Greek political parties in dealing with
the consequences caused by this terrorist attack.
On the future of the Stability Pact, Mr. Reppas stated that
developments are followed closely, adding that Greece will move
within the framework of its obligations and defend the interests
of the Greek economy.
He said that Greece will meet its obligations as an ally
within the framework of NATO and continue its efforts aimed at
promoting the leading political role the EU should play in the
world.
When he was called to comment on the rumors on bin Laden's
activities in the Turkish occupied northern Cyprus, Mr. Reppas
referred to the fact that the US State Department has condemned
the unfounded allegations made by Mr. Whesley Clark and stressed
that the Cypriot government and its services follow the
developments closely and so far no evidence have come up on bin
Laden's alleged activities in Cyprus.
[20] SECURITY IS THE FIRST PRIORITY
ATHENS 2004 will take all measures to ensure secure Games,
stressed the ATHENS 2004 President, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki,
at the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding with the
Athens International Airport.
"It is clear that after this tragic terrorist act the whole
world is joining together to increase its resolve to eradicate
terrorism. We have stated in the past that for the ATHENS 2004
Olympic Games, security is our first priority. To achieve our
goal of safe and secure Games we are working closely with the
Government, specialists from past organising committees and the
IOC. Should additional procedures be required to ensure the safety
of all our guests in 2004, these will be integrated into our
security plan."
[21] MOU SIGNED WITH THE ATHENS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
A Memorandum of Understanding between the ATHENS 2004
Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and the Athens
International Airport (AIA) has been signed by the ATHENS 2004
President, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and the AIA President,
Dr. Matthias Mitscherlich.
The Memorandum refers, among others, to the following
services and actions:
· Provide of working areas for ATHENS 2004 representatives;
· Adapt of the passport control infrastructure, in order to
serve the Olympic Family members;
· Service to travelling officials;
· Study and draft transport plans for the luggage of the
Olympic Family, as well as accommodation, service, transport and
accessibility for persons with a disability;
· Study and adapt the Olympic Family waiting rooms.
The President of the ATHENS 2004 Organising Committee
underlined the importance of the MOU.
"The Airport will certainly hold a key-role in the lead up
and during the 2004 Olympic Games regarding arrival and departure
of several thousands of athletes, officials, journalists and
visitors.
The arrival and departure will be the first and the last
impression about Greece for all those present at the Games.
Today's Memorandum will evolve, in cooperation with the Airport
Administration, into a detailed Functional Plan describing all
actions necessary for the smooth and safe arrival and departure of
all our guests for the Games."
[22] OLYMPIC PRODUCTS IN THE US MARKET
An agreement for licensed ATHENS 2004 merchandise has been
reached in New York between the ATHENS 2004 Organising Committee
for the Olympic Games and the United States Olympic Committee
(USOC), following negotiations between Executive Director, Marton
Simitsek, and Marketing General Manager, George Bolos, with USOC
representatives.
This important agreement foresees:
· ÁTHENS 2004 licensed merchandise will enter the vast US
market;
· Expected revenue, according to moderate estimates, will
amount to 5 million USD;
· ATHENS 2004 products will be available to Greeks of the
Diaspora living in the USA;
· Ôhe agreement is the first step in a series of additional
initiatives taken by ATHENS 2004 in the USA, in order to increase
awareness of the ATHENS 2004 brand and core values associated with
it.
After approval by the IOC, the agreement will be signed
between the ATHENS 2004 President, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki,
and the USOC President, Sandra Baldwin, at a special ceremony in
New York next November.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[23] 7 NAMES OF GREEKS LIVING ABROAD CONFIRMED
The General Consulate of Greece in New York confirmed the
names of 7 Greeks living abroad missing from the terrorist attacks
on the twin towers and possibly another two, whose names appear to
be Greek.
The number of Greeks living abroad wounded that have been
admitted to New York hospitals is 33, a few of which have already
returned to their homes.
From the total 187 victims which have been pulled out from
under the ruins, 115 have been recognized while the number of
missing is 5.097.
For more information the special hotline of the Greek Embassy
in New York is functioning (001 212 988 5500)
[24] AUSTRALIAN MEMORIAL FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE TERRORIST ATTACK
In the presence of a great crowd and several officials, among
whom the shadowy Minister of Multiculturalism, Helen Shardy,
Archbishop of Australia, Mr. Stylianos, assisted by the Bishops
Iezekeil and Joseph and the hieratic superior of St. Nicolaos, in
Yaraville, Father Alexandros Korlos, inaugurated the new spacious
and modern room of the parish of Yaraville.
According to the "New World" in an auction which took place,
many Greeks living abroad offered large sums of money, while the
"gold key" of the room was given to Stavros Kianes, the "silver"
to Giorgos Papadopoulos and the "copper" to Evaggelia Axarli.
Archbishop Stylianos performed a short memorial service for
the victims of the terrorist attacks in the US, while in his
speech he supported that such actions "are not solved with
revenge, but with forgiveness".
[25] THE PARTHENON MARBLES IN THE COMMONWEALTH SUMMIT MEETING
The request concerning the return of the Parthenon marbles to
Greece will be presented by Australian prime minister John Howard
to his British counterpart Tony Blair within the framework of the
Commonwealth Summit meeting that that will be held in Brisbane,
Australia on October 6-9.
According to a news report by the Australian News Agency
(AAP), the movement for the return of the Parthenon Marbles got
strong support by former prime ministers Witlam and Freiser, who
are among the leading members of the "Australians for the Return
of the Parthenon Marbles" committee.
The Australian prime minister agreed to raise the issue to
his British counterpart in the summit meeting after a meeting he
had with the Greek-Australian Council, the members of which
delivered him a memorandum with over 30.000 signatures.
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