Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 00-09-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] PRESIDENT CALLS FOR OBSERVANCE OF OLYMPIC TRUCE

[02] GREEK PM ADDRESSES UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY TODAY

[03] GREECE, US SIGN ANTI-TERRORISM MEMORANDUM

[04] INTERPOL ISSUES WARRANT FOR MILOSEVICS ARREST

[05] HITIRIS ON PAPANDREOU'S TRIP TO BELGRADE

[06] EU COMMISSIONER DIAMANTOPOULOU ON UNEMPLOYMENT IN GREECE

[07] THE GOLD METALLURGY IN CHALKIDIKI WILL BE IN FULL OPERATION IN 2003

[08] GAINS OF 3.17% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

[09] INFLATION WAS 3% IN AUGUST

[10] THE CLEANING-UP OPERATION CONTINUES AT THE COASTS POLLUTED BY AN

[11] PAPAZACHOS: THE EARTHQUAKE PREDICTION SHOULD INCREASE THE INSPECTIONS

[12] THE ATHENS MEDICAL: THE FIRST GREEK COMPANY IN THE DOW JONES

[13] THE PRIVATIZATION OF OTE, THE GREEK POSTAL SERVICE AND THE FOOTBALL

[14] OTE WILL TAKE OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF ROM-TELECOM

[15] FOREIGN MINISTER PAPANDREOU MET WITH THE YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT

[16] TWO GREEK EXHIBITIONS IN BELGRADE

[17] GREEK PM ARRIVES IN BELGRADE

[18] CEM: POLITICIANS ARE THE OBSTACLE IN G/T RELATIONS

[19] SIMITIS TO HOLD VARIOUS MEETINGS IN US

[01] PRESIDENT CALLS FOR OBSERVANCE OF OLYMPIC TRUCE

The President of the Hellenic Republic Costis Stephanopoulos has issued a world-wide appeal for observance of an Olympic Truce for the duration of the 27th Olympic Games in Sydney, in the tradition of ancient Greece.

According to Foreign Minister George Papandreou, more than 180 nations have already signed the Greek proposal for truce during the Olympic Games.

Greece, which is to host the 2004 Olympics in Athens, envisions the modern Truce as an effort and opportunity to resolve international conflicts.

The tradition of the Olympic truce ("ekecheria") was established in the 9th century BC when three kings signed a peace treaty that led to the widely-recognized immunity of the sanctuary at Olympia and was meant to allow athletes and travelers to go to the Games in ancient Olympia and return to their homes safely.

A.F.

[02] GREEK PM ADDRESSES UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY TODAY

Prime Minister Costas Simitis, presently in the United States, is to address the United Nations General Assembly Millennium Summit today, while he will also participate in roundtable discussions to be chaired by Secretary General Kofi Annan today and tomorrow.

In his address, the Premier is expected to refer to the new global environment, the new setting of international and inter-state relations and the evolving supranational organizations, while he will also stress the necessity for strengthening the UN's role in the consolidation of peace and cooperation.

Mr. Simitis attended last night's working dinner hosted by U.S. President Bill Clinton for the 14 heads of state and government who participated in the Berlin conference on progressive governance earlier this year.

Among the issues discussed were the reform of the welfare state, the evolution of health service systems, the fight against crime, respect for human rights, sustainable development, and the role of technology in the battle against social isolation.

A.F.

[03] GREECE, US SIGN ANTI-TERRORISM MEMORANDUM

A key memorandum of police cooperation - particularly in the field of counter-terrorism - between Greece and the United States will be signed in Washington tomorrow by Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysochoides and U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.

Mr. Chrysochoides, who is presently in the United States, will have a series of contacts with senior State Department officials, among them Undersecretary of State Thomas Pickering, U.S. coordinator for counter-terrorism issues Michael Sheehan and FBI director Louis Freeh, as well as with leading members of the Greek-American community.

Heading a delegation of Greek police officials, Mr. Chrysochoides will also meet with CIA's director George Tenet tomorrow.

According to the Public Order Minister, this memorandum of cooperation is an important step forward in the cooperation between the two countries in combating crime and terrorism.

This memorandum, is the expressed political will of both countries toward law enforcement cooperation in a series of issues. The contents of the memorandum are in total agreement with the Greek Constitution, the protection of human rights and the general interests of the country, while it does not create binding legal obligations, he stated, adding that the signing of this memorandum will lift a climate of mistrust between the two countries and will allow for better cooperation between Greek and US law enforcement agencies.

A.F.

[04] INTERPOL ISSUES WARRANT FOR MILOSEVICS ARREST

A warrant for the arrest and extradition of Slobodan Milosevic, the President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, has been forwarded to the national police forces of Interpol's 178 members, including Greece.

According to the Athens daily "Ta Nea", the warrant, which includes Serb President Milar Miludinovic and three high-ranking Yugoslav officials, was issued in 1999 by the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

Each Interpol member-country establishes a National Central Bureau (NCB) to serve as the point of contact between its police and the police of other INTERPOL member-countries. All Interpol members are required to enforce these warrants as long as they do not run counter to national civil procedure regulations.

Quoting officials at Greece's Public Order Ministry, "Ta Nea" reports that since Mr. Milosevic had been declared "persona non grata" by NATO and the European Union, his entry was prohibited to these organizations' member-states, including Greece.

While Yugoslavia was among the list of Interpol's 178 recipients, the classified request never reached Belgrade, "Ta Nea" reported.

A.F.

[05] HITIRIS ON PAPANDREOU'S TRIP TO BELGRADE

Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou is on a tour that demonstrates Greece's prestige in the Balkans, stated Greek acting government spokesman Tilemachos Hitiris avoiding to comment on the delay on behalf of the Yugoslav authorities to give a landing permission to the aircraft bringing the Greek foreign minister to Belgrade.

Mr. Hitiris stated that Greece wants economic growth, peace and cooperation with the neighboring countries, while referring to the warrant for the arrest of Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic issued by the Interpol, that has been sent to Greece as well, stated that Greece respects and will continue to respect its international obligations.

[06] EU COMMISSIONER DIAMANTOPOULOU ON UNEMPLOYMENT IN GREECE

European Commissioner Ms. Anna Diamantopoulou admitted that there is a lack of reliable statistical data on unemployment in Greece.

Ms. Diamantopoulou responding to questions made by right-wing opposition party of New Democracy Euro-deputy Kostis Hatzidakis and Coalition of the Left Euro-deputy Michalis Papayiannakis stated that there is no reliable statistical data on unemployment in Greece which was estimated at 10.4% in 1998 and at 10.7% in 1999 compared to the 9.7% average in the rest European Union countries.

She also stated that there are no figures or even estimates on the percentage of the Greek unemployed who find a job through European Union activities and programs.

[07] THE GOLD METALLURGY IN CHALKIDIKI WILL BE IN FULL OPERATION IN 2003

The TVX-Hellas Gold Metallurgy in Olympiada Chalkidiki, in northern Greece is expected to be in full operation in 2003, according to statements made to MPA by Mr. Stelios Samaras in charge of the company's public relations.

Meanwhile, the final approval of the Environmental Effects Study is expected on September 15 through which the state will determine the terms on the founding and the operation of the plant.

The overall deposits are estimated at 4.1 million ounces of gold and 51 million ounces of silver, while the cost for the construction of the plant is expected to be at US$ 248 million.

It should be reminded that in the past members of environmental organizations and local residents had caused violent incidents reacting to the activities of the company in Chalkidiki maintaining that its plant would cause environmental disaster in a region with many summer resorts.

[08] GAINS OF 3.17% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

Gains of 3.17% were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today and the general index was at 4.060,20 points, while the volume of transactions was impressive at 184.4 billion drachmas.

Very crucial is tomorrow's session as the sudden increase in the Athens Stock Exchange index can lead to a correction. Nevertheless, the climate in the Athens Stock Exchange has changed and the psychology of the investors is improving. Of the stocks trading today 328 recorded gains, 17 remained unchanged while 28 had losses.

[09] INFLATION WAS 3% IN AUGUST

The inflation rate in the month of August was 3% in Greece compared to 2.7% in July, according to figures provided by the National Statistics Agency.

The increase is attributed to fuel and fruit and vegetables price hikes as well as to the increase in the hotel services prices due to the summer season.

[10] THE CLEANING-UP OPERATION CONTINUES AT THE COASTS POLLUTED BY AN OIL-SLICK

The cleaning-up efforts of the sea region and the coasts polluted by the oil-slick caused after the sinking of a cargo ship off the coasts of Halkida in the island of Evia, central Greece continue.

So far the cleaning-up operation was effective, while merchant marine minister Christos Papoutsis patrols the coasts and is being constantly briefed on the course of the efforts made by the special cleaning-up crews.

The biggest part of the oil-slick has been removed, while the fuel from the ship tanks is being pumped out. Mr. Papoutsis has stated that the ship will be moved away from the region as soon as the fuel tanks are emptied.

[11] PAPAZACHOS: THE EARTHQUAKE PREDICTION SHOULD INCREASE THE INSPECTIONS OF BUILDINGS

A year after the catastrophic earthquake that hit Athens seismologists are closer to the medium-term earthquake prediction while at the same time they point out that the results of their research must be used in a constructive way.

Thessaloniki's Aristotle University professor emeritus in seismology Vasilis Papazachos points out that the earthquake prediction must motivate the state to take precautionary measures and inspect the buildings that will be hit by an earthquake in the future.

Mr. Papazachos speaking to MPA stated that the Athens earthquake which was not that strong to cause so many victims was an additional motivation for the intensification of the research concerning the earthquake prediction. Mr. Papazachos also stated that in a few months it will be possible to say if a medium-term earthquake prediction is possible. He said that he is optimistic that the prediction of earthquakes 2 years before they occur, their magnitude and their epicenter with a proximity of 60 kilometers will be possible.

[12] THE ATHENS MEDICAL: THE FIRST GREEK COMPANY IN THE DOW JONES SUBSTANTIAL

The Athens Medical of the Apostolopoulos Group belongs to the Dow Jones Substantial 200 index securing the title of the first Greek company participating in the specific index.

The selection of the Athens Medical as one of the 200 biggest companies in the world was made by the Dow Jones Organization.

[13] THE PRIVATIZATION OF OTE, THE GREEK POSTAL SERVICE AND THE FOOTBALL GAMES SCORE PREDICTION ORGANIZATION IS CLOSE

The amendments that define the privatization of the Greek Telecommunications Organization, OTE, the Greek Postal Service and the Football Games Score Prediction Organization as well as the way of operation for the newly created Fund on the New Economy were submitted to parliament last night.

However, based on the statements made repeatedly by the minister of national economy the state will keep OTE's control and management, while it is pointed out that in the current phase a buyer is wanted for 10-15% of the company.

On the Football Games Score Prediction Organization it is provided that 49% will be given to a strategic investor, while the same percentage will also be given to a strategic investor in the case of the Greek Postal Service.

[14] OTE WILL TAKE OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF ROM-TELECOM

The Greek Telecommunications Organization, OTE, announced that its cooperation with the US company GTE in the management of the Romanian Telecommunication Organization, ROM Telecom, has ended.

According to OTE senior executives, the decision to end the contract with GTE was reached when it was established that there was no reason to continue the cooperation as the course of the investment was very positive in spite of the negative predictions and also because OTE wanted to change the management in the Romanian company for an even better performance.

Since October 1998 OTE owns 35% of the Rom Telecom through its 100% affiliate OTEROM.

Based on the Rom Telecom plan of operations for the period 2000-2003, the before taxes profits will be over US$ 700 million, 73% of the phone network will become digital compared to 48% in 1999, investments will be at US$ 2.3 million, while the subscribers of the COSMOROM mobile phone company will be over 1.5 million.

[15] FOREIGN MINISTER PAPANDREOU MET WITH THE YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT

Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou met in Belgrade today with Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic within the framework of his Balkan tour.

Mr. Papandreou and Mr. Milosevic referred to the close ties shared by the two countries and Mr. Papandreou pointed out that the smooth elections will probably lead to an opening of the European Union to Yugoslavia, while Slobodan Milosevic stressed that he will guarantee the holding of democratic elections and he will respect the result.

Earlier, Mr. Papandreou had separate meetings with Yugoslav foreign minister Mr. Jovanovic and Serb president Miludinovic.

[16] TWO GREEK EXHIBITIONS IN BELGRADE

Two very important Greek exhibitions on architecture and the unification of archaeological sites were inaugurated in Belgrade two days ago and will be open until September 26. The exhibitions were organized in cooperation with Serbia's International Institute of Scientific, Education, Cultural and Technical Cooperation.

The exhibitions are "Modernization Landscapes: the Greek architecture 1960 and 1990" and the "Unification of Archaeological sites in Athens".

The first exhibition was organized at the initiative of the Greek ministry of press and was jointly funded by the ministry of culture and the ministry of environment, public works and land planning and has already visited Rotterdam, Barcelona and Helsinki, while after Belgrade it will open in Italy and Britain. The second exhibition concerns the plan for the upgrading of the historical center in Athens and the creation of a archaeological park.

[17] GREEK PM ARRIVES IN BELGRADE

Greek Foreign minister George Papandreou, arrived in Belgrade today for his three day Balkan tour.

Mr Papandreou travelled to Belgrade from Skopje, where he met with FYROM Prime Minister Ljupco Georgievski, the leader of the opposition party Branko Cervenkovski, the President of the Democratic Albanian Party, Arben Dzaferi and Parliamentary President Savo Klimovski.

Mr Papandreou met with Serbian Patriarch Pavle upon arriving in the Serbian capital, and will have meetings with Zivadin Jovanovic, Serbian President Milan Milutinovic, FRY President Slobodan Milosevic and the Serbian Democratic Opposition party presidential candidate Vojislav Kostunica.

It is the first time that a NATO and EE member Foreign minister is visiting Belgrade, since the end of last year's NATO bombings against Yugoslavia. In his meetings with Mr Milosevic and Mr Milutinovic, the Greek Foreign minister will highlight the need for democratic change in the country, in order for there to be a peaceful future for Serbia and Yugoslavia in Europe and will also mention international action taken by Greece for the lifting of sanctions imposed against Yugoslavia.

Mr Papandreou will also stress the importance of holding fair and democratic elections, in order for the results to be recognised by the international community and by all political forces within the country.

After fulfilling his obligations in Belgrade, Mr Papandreou will leave for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo and will complete his tour with a visit to Montenegro's capital, Podgorica, where he will meet with its President, Filip Vujanovic.

[18] CEM: POLITICIANS ARE THE OBSTACLE IN G/T RELATIONS

Politicians are the main obstacle in Greek-Turkish relations, according to Turkey's Foreign Minister Ismael Cem, who addressed last night's dinner hosted in his honor at New York by the Foreign Policy Association.

According to the Turkish news agency Anadolu, Mr. Cem stated that if we politicians didn't raise difficulties, the Turkish and Greek nations could already solved their problems.

In regards to the development of G/T relations, Mr. Cem stated that there are many common commercial enterprises founded between the two neighbors, especially in the sector of tourism.

The artificial problems raised by the politicians constitute the main obstacle that stands in front of the development of the relations between the two countries, he stated, adding that after a certain period of time, we will not be able to hinder this positive development.

A.F.

[19] SIMITIS TO HOLD VARIOUS MEETINGS IN US

Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis will outline the stance taken by Greece concerning the role of the UN, during his speech at the UN General Assembly being held in New York.

Mr Simitis will attend the formal dinner being held by US President Bill Clinton on the same day, for centre-left leaders, with whom solutions to current problems were discussed in Berlin a few months ago.

Mr Simitis will highlight the pressing need for dealing with the negative effects of globalisation, to evaluate new technology, to create rules for the operating of stock markets and to control power over the economy.

The Greek Prime Minister will also meet with UN General Secretary Kofi Annan during the Millennium Summit, as well as with other state and government leaders.

Today saw the meeting between Mr Simitis and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, during which developments in the Middle East were discussed. The Greek leader will hold a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, tomorrow.

During his visit, Mr Simitis will also meet with Albanian President Recep Meidani and with FYROM President Boris Trajkovski, to discuss bilateral issues and developments in the Balkans as far as the crucial forthcoming elections in Yugoslavia are concerned.

Mr Simitis also met with king Abdullah of Jordan for the first time.

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