Reports by committees of specialists on the protection of copyright, the rights of journalists working as freelancers, as well as the working rights of state-run radio and television journalists will be presented tomorrow. The general assembly proceeding s will be completed tomorrow with the election of the new presiding board of the federation.

Outgoing chairman of the European Federation of Journalists Gustl Glattfelber addressing the general assembly referred to the problems faced by journalists today, stressing that the biggest of all is the mass media gigantism and their concentration in th e hands of a few who create "empires" in the sector of press and seek to keep cost at low levels.

The gigantism of the mass media kills the traditional newspapers, added Mr. Glattfelber, underlining that the only way to protect journalists is to safeguard social security.

NATO's contribution to the safety of the Olympic Games will dominate in the agenda of the talks.

During his visit he will have meetings in the US Pentagon and talks with Gen. Richard B. Myers, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff on issues of mutual military interest. They will discuss issues concerning the efforts against terrorism, the contribution of the Greek armed forces to the security of the Olympic Games and the peacekeeping missions in the Balkans.

General Antonakopoulos will also have meetings with leading members of the Greek-American community among them, US Senator Paul Sarbanes.

The Deputy Foreign Minister gave a special emphasis to the points of major interest and significance for the Greek Cypriot public opinion, which is very cautious toward the Annan Plan.

Mr. Stilianidis stressed the importance of the meeting organized by European Commissioner Gunter Verheugen, responsible for EU enlargement issues and assured that Greece will contribute to the efforts of the international community for the implementation

of the plan if it is approved.

He also stated that the Greek government studies very carefully the economic aspects of a future settlement in Cyprus.

Of the stocks trading today, 213 had gains and 86 had losses, while the value of 100 stocks remained unchanged.

Called to comment on the London Times article on the security in the Olympic Games in Athens, he stated that he is not worrying and pointed out that the government works very hard on all these issues, adding that it is a lot more productive to focus on t he work ahead and not comment on every new scenario.

Responding to the question if the US will send armed police for the protection of the US Olympic team, the US ambassador stated that the responsibility for security belongs to the Greeks and cooperation with the US is close. Mr. Miller also said that, "t his is Greece's Olympics. We have had our Olympics before, and we have every confidence that the Greek authorities have their focus and their interest on making this a safe and secure Olympics."

According to the British newspaper, the British specialists are not convinced with the security guarantees the Greek authorities offer and are thinking of using select sharpshooters in the Olympic Village for the protection of the British athletes.

The presence of armed foreign security agents for the protection of athletes is strictly prohibited, pointed out Ministry of Public Order spokesman Eleftherios Economou who made it clear that no armed foreign police officers will be allowed to enter the country.

On its part, "Athens 2004" Organizing Committee issued a statement in which it is pointed out that the Greek government has given a complete and categorical answer to the Olympic Games security issue, adding that everything mentioned in the article creat e a negative climate and have no relation whatsoever with reality.

people.

President Papadopoulos stated yesterday afternoon that the respect and the active and total support Greece has expressed toward the decisions of the Cypriot people, as it was categorically stated after the Political Party Leaders Council meeting, is espe cially important to Cyprus.

The Cypriot President pointed out that the Cypriot people freely and democratically will reach a decision on April 24 when the referendum on the Annan Plan will take place. He also reiterated the statement made by Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis t hat the final responsibility lays with the Cypriot people and their decision will be fully respected and supported, while the common effort will not end with the referendum regardless of its outcome.

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article