Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 00-09-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] THE DEFENSE UNDERSECRETARY OF ISRAEL WILL VISIT GREECE IN OCTOBER

[02] FYROM NAME ISSUE COULD BE SOLVED BY END OF 2000

[03] REPPAS: TURKEY MUST MAKE STEPS FOR A RAPPROCHEMENT

[04] LOSSES OF 1.38% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

[05] THE PALESTINIAN ISSUE IS CLOSE TO BE RESOLVED, ACCORDING TO ISRAEL'S

[06] ROMANIAN WEIGHTLIFTERS THREATEN HUNGER STRIKE

[07] ATHENS TO HOST FIRST G/T SYMPOSIUM THIS MONTH

[08] YOUNG GREEK SWIMMER BREAKS NATIONAL RECORD

[09] LINE UP OF GREEK ATHLETES IN DAY FOUR OF GAMES

[10] THESSALONIKIS OWN WINS MIDDLEWEIGHT ROUND

[11] ITALY WON THE GOLD IN THE MEN'S 73KG CATEGORY IN JUDO

[12] MEXICAN JIMENEZ WON THE GOLD IN THE 58KG CATEGORY IN WEIGHTLIFTING

[13] FERNANDEZ OF SPAIN WINS THE GOLD IN THE WOMEN'S 57KG CATEGORY IN JUDO

[14] THE ITALIAN MEN'S TEAM WON THE GOLD MEDAL IN FENCING

[15] THE GREEK SPORTS UNDERSECRETARY CALLED FOR THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE

[16] THESSALONIKIS OWN ENTERS MIDDLEWEIGHT ROUND

[01] THE DEFENSE UNDERSECRETARY OF ISRAEL WILL VISIT GREECE IN OCTOBER

Israel's undersecretary of defense Ephraim Sneh will visit Greece in October heading a large delegation on the occasion of Israel's dynamic participation in the defense supply exhibition "Defendory". Israel's ambassador to Athens Ran Curiel stated to MPA that Mr. Sneh will have contacts with the leadership of the Greek ministry of defense.

Greece and Israel are at a very good path regarding their bilateral relations, said Mr. Curiel, who added that they can become even better. He also said that a bilateral agreement in telecommunications will be signed this week.

Mr. Curiel stated that there are prospects for further cooperation between Greece and Israel in the defense sector and confirmed that the Israeli company "Elisra" is interested in taking over the self-protection systems of the new F-16 fighter jets with which Greece will be supplied. He also said that there can be better cooperation between the Air Force, the Navy etc of the two countries for peace purposes.

The Israeli ambassador regards as bright the future of the Greek-Israeli trade relations and characterized the 2004 Olympics as a golden opportunity for the further strengthening of bilateral cooperation. For example, he said that Israel could assist in the transportation of visitors by providing the necessary busses, while it could also assist in catering and irrigation as it has the technology of the Olympic Village, while it could help in the security sector and high tech regarding the access smart cards.

He said that there is an increased interest on behalf of Israeli investors in Greece regarding the Olympic Games projects and investments in hotels and trade centers.

Mr. Curiel stressed that Greece has infiltrated the Balkans, which are a new market for the Israeli companies, adding that cooperation will not be limited to bilateral level in sectors such as, high tech and services but it can be tripartite with the participation of countries from the Balkans, the eastern Mediterranean and the Arab world. He said that the Greek-Israeli trade relations are on a good basis stating that Israel is the leading market for the Greek exports in the Middle East, while Greece occupies a fairly important place among the 15 EU member-states regarding the Israeli exports to the EU ranking 8th after big countries such as Britain, Germany, France.

[02] FYROM NAME ISSUE COULD BE SOLVED BY END OF 2000

The name issue pending between Athens and Skopje, where both sides are involved in discussions over a permanent name for FYROM, could be resolved by the end of the year, according to United Nations mediator Matthew Nimetz.

In an interview with the Skopje daily "Nova Macedonia", Mr. Nimetz expressed the conviction that a solution would soon be found to satisfy both sides.

"I believe the time has come to find the golden means that will put full closure on the name issue.

"Both sides want to resolve this matter and, for the first time, I can say that I honestly believe a solution will be found this year."

Mr. Nimetz also said that he has submitted his own proposals during the UN-mediated talks between the two countries. Nevertheless, he added, "the best way to resolve an issue pending between two peoples is to allow the two sides involved to work out their differences on their own, as an imposition by a third side could result in displeasure.

Furthermore, the UN mediator stated that five years after the Greece-FYROM interim accord signed in New York, the two countries have made great strides in the political sector, as well as in the areas of trade and immigration.

"We have to remember where we were five years ago, and where we are at now," he said.

A.F.

[03] REPPAS: TURKEY MUST MAKE STEPS FOR A RAPPROCHEMENT

The meeting of Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou with his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem in New York included positive elements for a constructive rapprochement between Greece and Turkey, commented Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas.

He stated that Turkey must make steps for a rapprochement and it has not responded yet but this does not mean that the communication channels must be closed.

On Turkish prime minister Bulent Ecevit's statement for direct talks between Athens and Ankara on the differences between the two countries, Mr. Reppas stated that the only problem between them is that of the continental shelf and the Helsinki decision refers the issue to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. Therefore, said Mr. Reppas, this statement by Mr. Ecevit has no receiver, while all those issues have been clarified.

Regarding the Cyprus problem and the provocative actions by the Turkish occupation forces he said that Greece is not next to Cyprus but with Cyprus. The Cyprus problem must be resolved based on the UN resolutions and the international organization's credibility is judged by its effectiveness, said Mr. Reppas.

[04] LOSSES OF 1.38% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

The week opened for the Athens Stock Exchange with losses of 1.38% and the general index was at 4.146,38 points, while the volume of transactions was small at 73.576 billion drachmas.

Analysts attribute the small turnover to the fact that the purchase and sale orders were notably fewer compared to the last sessions.

The construction companies' stocks had a leading role in today's session as they attracted the interest of investors and their index recorded gains of 1.75%.

Of the stocks trading today, 288 had losses, 62 recorded gains and 34 remained unchanged.

[05] THE PALESTINIAN ISSUE IS CLOSE TO BE RESOLVED, ACCORDING TO ISRAEL'S AMBASSADOR TO ATHENS

Israel's ambassador to Athens, Ran Curiel appeared optimistic regarding the Palestinian issue and in an interview with MPA expressed the belief that the next four weeks will be crucial. At the same time, he underlined the role Greece could play as an EU member after the signing of a peace agreement namely, in its implementation and the consolidation of peace in the Middle East.

He said that it is a historic crossroads and this is not an exaggeration, adding that the Camp David talks, even though there was no agreement reached, they showed that both sides are very close to a peace deal. Responding to a question on the prospects for the solution of the Palestinian issue, Mr. Curiel stated that after Camp David the Palestinians are very close to fulfilling most of their dreams.

The Israeli ambassador stated that the Israeli government and prime minister Barak did the best they could to achieve an agreement "even by risking their own political life". He said that the talks must be held now and the next four weeks will be crucial, adding that there is an understanding at an international level that Israel did a lot to compromise and reach a deal. Now it is up to Mr. Arafat to prove his leading role and make himself certain decisions, said Mr. Curiel, adding that the decision to postpone the unilateral declaration of an independent Palestinian state was a decision made to the right direction.

On the issue of Jerusalem, which is a "thorn" in the negotiations, he stated categorically that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and it was never the capital city of another country, adding that in any solution the ties the different religions have with Jerusalem must be taken under consideration. He said that in a peace agreement the situation must improve. The status quo in the city regarding the different religions must be preserved, while the situation for all its residents and all the religions there must be improved. If all sides take under consideration the sensitivities of the others there can be an agreement.

Responding to the question if Greece could undertake an initiative on the Middle East by hosting a meeting between Barak and Arafat, Mr. Curiel stated that Greece can do much more than being just a place where a meeting of the two men will be held.

Mr. Curiel stated that the Greek foreign ministry, at the very successful initiative of Yiannos Kranidiotis, had hosted certain meetings between Palestinian and Israeli parliamentarians in the past. He said that this is the end of a phase for the completion of the peace process, adding that there are certain phases in the peace process namely, the signing of agreements, their implementation and the consolidation of peace. The Israeli ambassador to Athens said that Greece is the only country in the Eastern Mediterranean region which is an EU member and after a peace agreement is achieved there could be certain regional initiatives for the consolidation of peace in sectors such as tourism, transportation, environment etc. He also stated that Greece can be a real partner in the region and can contribute significantly in those issues.

Mr. Curiel said that it is clear that at this phase of mediation aimed at reaching an agreement the United States play a leading role but in the next two phases namely, the implementation and the consolidation of peace, the EU and through it Greece, can play a bigger role.

[06] ROMANIAN WEIGHTLIFTERS THREATEN HUNGER STRIKE

Two of Romania's banned weightlifters who had been suspended from the Games after testing positive in a doping test, threaten to go on hunger strike if they were not allowed to have more drug tests.

Traian Ciharean and Andrei Mateias demand that they be tested again after having been suspended under the International Weightlifting Federation's "three strikes and out" rule which sanctions any team recording three positive tests in a calendar year. In addition to the pair who tested positive in Sydney, another lifter failed a test earlier in the year.

The Romanian team's remaining four members were freed to compete in the Games.

A.F.

[07] ATHENS TO HOST FIRST G/T SYMPOSIUM THIS MONTH

A Greek-Turkish symposium, the first of its kind, is to be held in Athens this month, to examine "the Course and Outlook of Greek-Turkish Relations after Helsinki."

To be held at the Zappeio Megaro between September 21-23, the event will be addressed by Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, while Foreign Minister George Papandreou will be the keynote speaker.

Among those also expected to address the symposium are: Turkish Ambassador Ali Tinaz Tuygan, main opposition deputy Marietta Yannakou (New Democracy), European Parliament deputy Michalis Papayannakis (Coalition of the Left and Progress, Greece) minor party leader Stephanos Manos (Liberals), the chairman of Petrola Nikos Grigoriades, and others.

Former foreign minister Michalis Papakonstantinou will chair the symposium, while discussion are expected to center around the opportunities for Greek-Turkish rapprochement and collaboration in the business sector, as well as Greece's contribution to Turkey's European course.

A.F.

[08] YOUNG GREEK SWIMMER BREAKS NATIONAL RECORD

Even though he failed to qualify for the finals in the men's 200m butterfly (ending 25th in the overall rank) Greece's 16-year-old Yiannis Drymonakos broke a third consecutive national record with 2.00.75 in the semifinals heat, topping his best of 2:01.13.

Drymonakos had finished third in the third heat, with 2:00.75.

U.S. champion Tom Malchow finished first with 1:56.25, setting a new Olympic record.

A.F.

[09] LINE UP OF GREEK ATHLETES IN DAY FOUR OF GAMES

Greece's rhythmic gymnastics team, swimmers and female weightlifters are to vie for a medal during tomorrow's competitions, the fourth day of the Sydney Olympic Games.

To begin with, the rhythmic gymnastics team, comprising eight female athletes, is confident of a victory in tomorrow's final, by mixing strength and agility with style and grace.

As for tomorrow's swimming trials in the 4x200 meter relay, Greece will be represented by Dimitris Maganas, Sakis Economou, Spyros Yiannotis and Spyros Bitsakis.

Also among the hopeful are Yiannis Kokkodes (200m-individual medley), Zabia Melachrinou (200m-butterfly) and Spyros Bitsakis (100m-individual medley).

In Weightlifitng, Yianna Hatziioannou will compete in the 63kg women's finals, while Maria Tatsi will strive for a medal in the 69kg category.

A.F.

[10] THESSALONIKIS OWN WINS MIDDLEWEIGHT ROUND

Thessaloniki-born Antonis Yiannoulas, beat 17-10 Italy's Ottavio Barone in Round One of the Men's Boxing Middleweight (75kg) competition, and is now ready to go up against Cuba's gold medalist Ariel Hernandez.

"It was my first appearance in Olympic Games, and my first victory," an exuberant Yiannoulas stated, while he expressed his gratitude to his coach.

The boxing competition is divided into 12 weight classes that range from light flyweight (48 kg) to super heavyweight (over 91 kg).

For the first time, all bouts will consist of four two-minute rounds. For the third consecutive Olympics, matches will be scored by computer. Judges will be required to press a button when punches land. If three of the five judges press a button within the alloted period of time, a point is awarded to the fighter.

This policy was implemented at Barcelona to eliminate the controversial decisions that plagued past Olympic competitions.

Competitors that reach the quarterfinals but lose are listed as tied for fifth place. Defeated semifinalists are both awarded bronze medals, a practice first instituted in 1952 at Helsinki.

A.F.

[11] ITALY WON THE GOLD IN THE MEN'S 73KG CATEGORY IN JUDO

Italian Giuseppe Madaloni is the gold medalist in the men's 73kg category in judo after defeating in the finals Brazilian Tiago Camilo who won the silver.

The bronze went to Latvian Vsevolods Zelonijs after defeating Korean Choi Yong-Sin.

[12] MEXICAN JIMENEZ WON THE GOLD IN THE 58KG CATEGORY IN WEIGHTLIFTING

Soraya Jimenez of Mexico won the gold medal today in the women's 58kg category in weightlifting with 222.5kg.

The silver went to North Korean Ri Song Hui after lifting 220kg, the hot favorite to win the gold, while the bronze was won by Suta Khassaraporn from Thailand who lifted 210kg.

[13] FERNANDEZ OF SPAIN WINS THE GOLD IN THE WOMEN'S 57KG CATEGORY IN JUDO

Isabel Fernandez of Spain won the gold medal in the women's 57kg category in judo. The silver was won by Driulys Gonzales of Cuba, while the bronze was shared by Japanese Kie Kusabe and Australian Maria Pekli.

[14] THE ITALIAN MEN'S TEAM WON THE GOLD MEDAL IN FENCING

The Italian men's team beat France and won the gold medal in fencing. The Italian team with Alfredo Rota and veteran world champion Angelo Mazzoni in its ranks dominated over the French team with a 39-38 score.

The French team was regarded as the favorite to win the gold but it finally compromised with the silver, while the bronze was won by the Cuban team.

[15] THE GREEK SPORTS UNDERSECRETARY CALLED FOR THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE GREEK-AUSTRALIANS IN THE 2004 OLYMPICS

Greek undersecretary of sports Giorgos Floridis appealed to the Greek-Australians to contribute to the organizing of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, speaking in an open reception given in Sydney's University Great Hall in honor of the Greeks living in Australia.

Mr. Floridis praised the progress achieved by the Greeks living in Australia and underlined that their participation in the organizing of the Sydney Olympic Games constitute a very positive fact.

The Greek sports undersecretary said that Greece needs experienced and specialized manpower in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens that will bring with them the necessary know-how for the perfect organizing of the Olympiad.

[16] THESSALONIKIS OWN ENTERS MIDDLEWEIGHT ROUND

Thessaloniki-born Antonis Yiannoulas, beat 17-10 Italy's Ottavio Barone in Round One of the Men's Boxing Middleweight (75kg) competition, and is now ready to go up against Cuba's gold medalist Ariel Hernandez.

"It was my first appearance in Olympic Games, and my first victory," an exuberant Yiannoulas stated, while he expressed his gratitude to his coach.

The boxing competition is divided into 12 weight classes that range from light flyweight (48 kg) to super heavyweight (over 91 kg).

For the first time, all bouts will consist of four two-minute rounds. For the third consecutive Olympics, matches will be scored by computer. Judges will be required to press a button when punches land. If three of the five judges press a button within the alloted period of time, a point is awarded to the fighter.

This policy was implemented at Barcelona to eliminate the controversial decisions that plagued past Olympic competitions.

Competitors that reach the quarterfinals but lose are listed as tied for fifth place. Defeated semifinalists are both awarded bronze medals, a practice first instituted in 1952 at Helsinki.

A.F.

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