Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 00-05-21

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From: The Macedonian Press Agency at http://www.mpa.gr and http://www.hri.org/MPA.

CONTENTS

[01] S.E. EUROPES ECONOMIC UNIVERSITIES ASSOCIATION TO MEET

[02] ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH VARTHOLOMEOS TO VISIT IZMIR

[03] OLYMPIC FLAME HANDED OVER TO SYDNEY GAMES ORGANIZERS

[04] PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT ATTENDS EURO-MED CONFERENCE IN EGYPT

[05] DEFENSE MINISTER ON GENOCIDE OF BLACK SEA GREEKS, ARMENIANS

[06] CELEBRATIONS FOR BATTLE OF CRETE ANNIVERSARY END

[07] DYNAMIC MIX GETS UNDERWAY IN GREECE

[08] MPA AT "HERMES EXPO" IN CHICAGO

[01] S.E. EUROPES ECONOMIC UNIVERSITIES ASSOCIATION TO MEET

Thessaloniki's Macedonia University is to host the 1st International Conference of the Asseciation of Economic Universities (ASECU) of the countries of Southeast Europe, where economists and academics will discuss the recent economic developments and the problems faced by economies in transition, particularly those of the former Eastern Bloc.

The four-day conference, which begins on May 24, will also offer discussions on the economic development of the region's countries, trade relations and economic development, economic relations and the EU, the labour market, economic stabilisation policies, and institutional changes and privatisations.

According to ASECU president and chairman of the conference's organising committee Professor Yannis Tsekouras, a former dean of Macedonia University, representatives from 40 universities in SE Europe and eminent economists from major international organisations throughout the world are to participate.

Guest speakers include Harvard University professor Jeffrey Sachs, considered the financial guru of many SE European countries, deputy director of the Moscow-based Institute of Economies in Transition's international affairs department Leonid Todorov, and Chinese economist Qing Gong Yang.

Professor Sachs' address will be broadcast live to the conference by satellite from his office at Harvard.

A.F.

[02] ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH VARTHOLOMEOS TO VISIT IZMIR

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos is to visit Izmir on Tuesday, where he will take part in a symposium themed after religion-associated tourism.

The symposium is organized by Turkey's Tourism Agents Association, the Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Municipalities of the Aegean Region.

Among those invited to attend are the former president of Turkey Suleiman Demirel and the ministers of tourism and culture. Greece will be represented by the Izmir consul-general Christina Alexopoulou.

A.F.

[03] OLYMPIC FLAME HANDED OVER TO SYDNEY GAMES ORGANIZERS

In a glorious ceremony held at Athens' Panathenian Stadium last night, the Olympic flame was handed over to the Organising Committee of the Sydney Olympic Games, while it will be transported to Australia on a special flight today.

Last night's ceremony was performed in the presence of the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

A.F.

[04] PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT ATTENDS EURO-MED CONFERENCE IN EGYPT

The President of the Hellenic Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis is departing for Alexandria today, where he will attend the Second Conference of parliament speakers from Euro-Mediterranean countries.

Among the topics to be discussed are peace and security in the wider region, promotion of a "dialogue among civilisations", a liberalisation of trade and technology as well as issues dealing with emigration and its effects on employment.

Mr. Kaklamanis is scheduled to meet with several of his counterparts, as well as religious leaders and other personalities in Egypt.

A.F.

[05] DEFENSE MINISTER ON GENOCIDE OF BLACK SEA GREEKS, ARMENIANS

Defence Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos called on the international community to recognise the genocide of the Black Sea Greeks (Pontians) and Armenians, addressing an event marking the 81st anniversary of the Black Sea Greeks' genocide.

"Recognition at international level of the genocide of the Pontians and Armenians is an obligation to modern democracy and the principles of democracy and humanism because conditions for good neighbourly relations can only be safeguarded in this way.

Common history is what unites and binds, provided it is respected by both sides, he stated.

A.F.

[06] CELEBRATIONS FOR BATTLE OF CRETE ANNIVERSARY END

Celebrations marking the 59th anniversary of the Battle of Crete came to an end today, with speeches and ceremonies at heroes' memorials.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis stated that the Battle of Crete was a continuation of the Greek and allied resistance to the Axis and one of the most splendid and most stunning moments in modern world history.

The passion for freedom and the self-sacrifice of the fighters of the Battle of Crete, and their courage and heroism, sent the message of bravery and resistance for the defense of human dignity, he added.

British Premier Tony Blair said in his message that "the Cretans' support for the Allied cause had a high cost and we remember their sacrifices with gratitude. Since the number of these veterans is constantly decreasing and fewer and fewer are returning to strengthen friendships forged during those difficult days, remembering your sacrifices and bravery, we who belong to the generation of today, is of even greater importance."

In a similar message by the Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Clark stated that "as we are entering the new century it is important, hoping to be rid of such destructive wars, to honor those who lost their lives for the defense of Crete.

A.F.

[07] DYNAMIC MIX GETS UNDERWAY IN GREECE

A NATO exercise code-named "Dynamic Mix", is presently underway in Greece, involving 15,000 men, 65 ships and 293 aircraft from 12 countries, including Turkey. The exercise, led by Greece this year, is the first one featuring the participation of both countries and will be held in the southern part of the Aegean and the Ionian Sea.

In addition to Greece and Turkey, the exercise features the participation of Belgium, Germany, France, Denmark, the United States, Britain, Italy, Spain, Hungary and Portugal.

Greece is participating with four frigates, four missile boats, two submarines, two tank carriers, 64 aircraft, the 2nd mechanized infantry division and the 33rd mechanized brigade.

Turkey will have a company of marines (150 men), four jeeps, two trucks, two frigates, two missile boats, two submarines, an oil tanker and a tank carrier. It will also participate with aircraft.

Twelve Turkish F-16 fighter planes and three transport aircraft landed at a central Greece airbase Friday afternoon. All 15 Turkish planes submitted flight plans with Greek authorities for their stopover at the Aghialos base.

A.F.

[08] MPA AT "HERMES EXPO" IN CHICAGO

The Macedonian Press Agency has been embraced by all the Greeks and its participation in Hermes Expo denotes its closeness to the Diaspora, and our wish is for its further development, stated the Prefect of Thessaloniki Costas Papadopoulos during his visit at the MPA's pavilion in the Greek-American exposition Hermes, presently held in Chicago.

Moreover, he stated that the MPA's headquarters are in Thessaloniki, which is the center of the Greek diaspora, it is the place that can become the metropolis of southeastern Europe, and the MPA can contribute to the achievement of this target.

Greece's consul-general in Chicago Gabriel Kopsides also visited the MPA's pavilion and stated that the MPA's contribution to the Greek community abroad is very significant, as it serves as a bridge of communication with the diaspora.

A.F.

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