Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 00-07-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN THE EURO-ZONE INCREASED BY 0.8% IN THE MONTH

[02] THE OLYMPIC TRUCE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE WAS INAUGURATED TODAY

[03] A BRITISH FOREIGN OFFICE OFFICIAL WILL VISIT GREECE

[04] LOSSES OF 0.31% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

[05] THE 26TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY IN GREECE

[06] VIOLENT CLASHES BETWEEN ENRAGED PROTESTERS AND POLICE IN THE OCCUPIED

[07] GREEK-TURKISH COOPERATION IN THE SECTOR OF AGRICULTURE

[08] THE GREEK INTERIOR MINISTER IS IN LONDON

[09] THE NEW PHASE OF TALKS ON CYPRUS IS UNDERWAY

[01] INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN THE EURO-ZONE INCREASED BY 0.8% IN THE MONTH OF MAY

Industrial production in the Euro-zone increased by 0.8% in the month of May compared to April, according to the European Union Statistics Agency, Eurostat.

According to the figures given to publicity, the increase in the industrial production in all the EU member-states was at 1%, while compared to May 1999 industrial production in the Euro-zone was increased by 7.2% and in all EU member-states by 6.6%.

An increase was recorded in all the EU states except from Belgium where industrial production remained unchanged and Holland where it dropped by 1.9%.

The biggest increase was recorded in Luxembourg with 7.2%, followed by Germany 3.6%, Italy 2.8%, Denmark 2.4% and Spain 2%.

[02] THE OLYMPIC TRUCE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE WAS INAUGURATED TODAY

The inauguration and formal presentation of the Olympic Truce International Institute took place in Athens at noon today in the presence of president Kostis Stephanopoulos, foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou, International Olympic Committee, IOC, president Juan Antonio Samaranch and other dignitaries.

The goal of the institute, that was founded at the proposal of foreign minister Papandreou, is the temporary halt of armed conflicts in the different war-zones around the world during the Olympic Games.

In his speech, Mr. Papandreou stressed among others that the Olympic Truce International Institute is a unique tool in the hands of the international community. He said that today is a historic day as the IOC in cooperation with Greece inaugurated a non governmental world organization that will be based in Greece.

"Athens 2004" organization president Ms. Yianna Angelopoulou stated that now we have the opportunity to turn a dream into a reality, as during the 17 days of the Olympic Games there can be peace all over the world.

Earlier, IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch accompanied by foreign minister Papandreou and Ms. Angelopoulou had visited prime minister Kostas Simitis and they discussed issues concerning the organizing of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

[03] A BRITISH FOREIGN OFFICE OFFICIAL WILL VISIT GREECE

The British undersecretary of foreign affairs, responsible for European issues, will be in Athens tomorrow for a two-day visit. He will visit Greece for talks on the progress of the investigation on the assassination case of British military attache in Athens brigadier Stephen Saunders.

In view of his visit to Greece the British official stated that the close cooperation between the Greek police and a team of New Scotland Yard officers continues, adding that seven weeks have passed already since the senseless and barbaric assassination of brigadier Saunders. He also said that he expects with great interest to be informed on the progress of the investigation.

[04] LOSSES OF 0.31% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

Losses of 0.31% were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today and the general index was at 4.041,82 points, while the volume of transactions was small at 61.7 billion drachmas.

The session was not satisfactory and it appears that investors have lost their confidence in the stock market. It should be noted that of the stocks trading today 254 recorded losses, 80 had gains and 36 remained stable.

[05] THE 26TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY IN GREECE

The military junta that plunged Greece into misery and hurt its national interests, with the biggest blow the tragedy in Cyprus, fell 26 years ago today.

President of the republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will give in Athens today the formal reception on the restoration of democracy in the country. The interest is focused on the meeting of prime minister Kostas Simitis with Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All of Greece but according to government sources, the meeting will be ceremonial.

Prime minister Kostas Simitis and governing socialist party of PASOK executive bureau in their message on the 26th anniversary of the fall of the dictatorship in Greece characterized the July 24th as a milestone for the Greek democracy, stressing that it brings to mind the ideals of national independence, freedom and democracy, while it is a day that honors the memory of those who gave their life in the struggle against the junta.

[06] VIOLENT CLASHES BETWEEN ENRAGED PROTESTERS AND POLICE IN THE OCCUPIED PART OF CYPRUS

About 3.000 enraged Turkish Cypriots occupied the so-called "parliament" in the Turkish occupied northern Cyprus and held "hostage" the "prime minister" before dispersing after the intervention of the special police forces.

According to the French news agency AFP, the protesters were the victims of a banking scheme.

The Turkish news agency Anadolu reports that police arrested 7 people and a number of police officers were slightly injured during the incidents.

Meanwhile, the AFP correspondent has reported that a crowd of about 3.000 people continues to be outside the "parliament" demanding to receive compensation.

[07] GREEK-TURKISH COOPERATION IN THE SECTOR OF AGRICULTURE

Turkey will use Greece's European experience in its efforts for the harmonization with the EU in the sector of agriculture, according to statements made by Turkish agriculture minister Husnu Yusuf Gokalp.

Within the framework of the Greek-Turkish cooperation in the agriculture sector there will be joint studies on veterinary issues, the production and processing of farm products and agricultural research.

[08] THE GREEK INTERIOR MINISTER IS IN LONDON

Greek interior minister Ms. Vaso Papandreou is in London to be briefed on the infrastructure of the British public administration and the latest measures taken for its modernization as well as on the methods for the promotion and coordination of the governmental work in Britain.

This evening Ms. Papandreou has been invited to the half-hour television show "Question and Answer" on the satellite television channel CNN to respond to questions concerning Greece's domestic and foreign policy.

[09] THE NEW PHASE OF TALKS ON CYPRUS IS UNDERWAY

Cypriot republic president Glafkos Clerides is in Geneva where the new phase of the proximity talks on Cyprus opens today.

Mr. Clerides will call for the respect of the international law principles, the UN Security Council resolutions and the international treaties.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash upon his departure for Geneva reiterated his provocative positions on two sovereignties and a confederation solution.

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