Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 00-09-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] GREEK RIDER SECOND IN CROSS-COUNTRY COURSE

[02] PREMIER ADDRESSES PASOK EXECUTIVE BUREAU

[03] PARTICIPATION OF THE MUSLIMS IN XANTHI IN THE COLLECTION OF SIGNATURES

[04] THE VIRUS OF THE NILE APPEARED IN FRANCE AFTER 40 YEARS - ITS

[05] MR. PAPANDREOU BRIEFED PRESIDENT STEPHANOPOULOS

[06] STRONG RESPONSE BY BEGLITIS TO THE CYPRUS PRESS REPORTS ON MR.

[07] SIMITIS: MEASURES OF SOCIAL CHARACTER IN RESPONSE TO THE FUEL PRICE

[08] LOSSES OF 1.52% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

[09] DEPUTY SPORTS MINISTER SPEAKS TO MPA IN SYDNEY

[10] O.A. SUBSIDIARY IS 9TH WORLDWIDE IN PERFORMANCE

[11] FM DISCUSSES RESULTS OF U.S. TRIP WITH PREMIER

[12] CEM: ANKARA DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE HELSINKI DECISIONS ON CYPRUS

[13] THANOU, GATSIOUDIS AND MITROU COMPETE TOMORROW

[14] TWO GREEK BOXERS COMPETE TOMORROW

[15] KALIN KREANKA: THINGS WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF I HAD WON THE FIRST SET

[16] HEIDI ANTIKATZIDOU: I WILL MAKE IT IN THE LAST EVENT AS WELL

[01] GREEK RIDER SECOND IN CROSS-COUNTRY COURSE

Greece's Heidi Antikatzidis had a clean round and was left with 37.4 on her horse Michaelmas to stand second in the second round of the individual three-day event cross-country course of the equestrian competition in the Sydney Olympic Games.

This marks the first time Greece make a noteworthy appearance in this sport.

The three-day event combines dressage, cross-country and show-jumping, rewarding the horse that can excel at dressage one day and gallop flat-out cross-country the next.

The medals will be decided by the show-jumping round tomorrow.

A.F.

[02] PREMIER ADDRESSES PASOK EXECUTIVE BUREAU

Chairing a meeting of PASOK's Executive Bureau yesterday, Prime Minister Costas Simitis underlined the government's firm commitment to its policies - even to the point of sidestepping potential dissenters.

Focusing on the economy, under the prism of the global unrest brought on by the soaring fuel prices, Mr. Simitis stressed that the government is to take measures to counter the repercussions of the crisis, such as giving allowances to low pensioners and the low incomes, and reducing the price of oil for agricultural use.

In regards to the ongoing referendum held by the Church, Mr. Simitis described it as prejudiced and non- democratic, albeit adding that the government intends to embark on a dialogue with the society and the Church on the relations between the State and the Church.

Referring to the persistent accusations hurled by the main opposition party of New Democracy (regarding intertwined economic interests), Mr. Simitis stressed that the state's legislative framework safeguards the country from questionable economic deals. Nevertheless, he added that the state should not involve itself in business conflicts that arise, so as to not become a part of the problem.

A.F.

[03] PARTICIPATION OF THE MUSLIMS IN XANTHI IN THE COLLECTION OF SIGNATURES BY THE CHURCH

The mufti of Xanthi, in north-eastern Greece, requested printed forms by Metropolite Panteleimon of Xanthi for the collection of signatures on the issue concerning the listing of the bearer's religion on the state-issued identity cards.

Athens radio station "Flash" reported that the mufti asked for printed forms and stated that Muslims in his region have already put their signatures in favor of the listing of the bearer's religion on the state-issued identity cards. This is attributed, according to the radio station, to the fact that the Muslims have an interest in having their population percentage in the region registered.

Meanwhile, Archbishopric circles responded today to the statement made yesterday by the prime minister according to which, the Church's undertaking is undemocratic in inspiration and planning, discriminatory and one-sided and therefore, insolvent. The Archbishopric circles pointed out that the Church is not holding a referendum but it collects signatures for a referendum.

[04] THE VIRUS OF THE NILE APPEARED IN FRANCE AFTER 40 YEARS - ITS REAPPEARANCE IN GREECE IS NOT RULED OUT

The virus of western Nile that had disappeared for 40 years reappeared in south France and the likelihood to be traced in Greece too is not ruled out. The symptoms of the virus, which last year caused the deaths of 7 people in New York, range from fever and headaches to encephalitis, myocarditis and difficulty in breathing, while it can also cause death to elderly individuals. The incubation period lasts from 3 to 6 days and the disease itself lasts another 3 to 6 days. The virus is spread by mosquitoes.

In a press conference in Thessaloniki today on the occasion of the 3rd General Assembly meeting of the EU public institutions for the management of the natural environment (EdEn) it was mentioned that responsible for the fact that the virus appeared in France are the migrating birds that came from Egypt carrying the virus, were then stung by mosquitoes which in turn gave it to humans.

According to EdEn director Michel Babineau the likelihood for the virus to be brought to Greece by birds coming from Egypt is not ruled out. He stressed that the virus in France has infected only horses and not humans, while referring to its reappearance after 40 years he stated that this is due to the fact that after a long period of time the immunity to the specific disease weakens.

Society of environment, public health and eco-development representative Spiros Mourelatos stated that in Greece, at least for the time being, there is no concern over the spread of infectious diseases by mosquitoes as extensive and organized programs against the insects are in effect since 1997 but he did not rule out the likelihood for an infectious disease to be brought to Greece from the countries where it is endemic such as, Turkey and Albania either by the mosquitoes or the immigrants. Mr. Mourelatos also said that Greece has a problem at its borders with Turkey as the neighboring country has about 30.000 hectars of rice-fields where the mosquitoes live.

[05] MR. PAPANDREOU BRIEFED PRESIDENT STEPHANOPOULOS

Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou briefed president Kostis Stephanopoulos on the course of the foreign policy issues.

Mr. Papandreou referred to the criticism on him expressed by circles in Cyprus which blame him for the unfavorable, as they characterize it, course of the New York talks on Cyprus calling him to resign.

The foreign minister stated that the government handles a national tragedy, adding that the far-right fascist government of the junta made a grave mistake in 1974 and the same circles in Cyprus are trying now to create a problem between Greece and Cyprus. He said that those are the circles that have the historic responsibility for the stalemate in the Cyprus issue observed in the past 25 years because they are responsible for trying to overthrow Archbishop Makarios.

Mr. Papandreou stated that of course now Turkey is responsible for keeping under its occupation part of Cyprus for 25 years but those circles in Cyprus have the initial responsibility and they have no right to have a say over the Cyprus issue.

[06] STRONG RESPONSE BY BEGLITIS TO THE CYPRUS PRESS REPORTS ON MR. PAPANDREOU

Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou is very annoyed by the Cypriot press publications holding him responsible for the unfavorable, as they characterize it, course of the New York talks on Cyprus calling him to resign.

In a strong statement Greek foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis stressed that such press publications are curious as they appear in a very difficult period for the developments in the Cyprus issue. He suggested calm and called for objective information by the mass media.

He said that neither the foreign minister nor the government will apologize for their foreign policy, especially over the Cyprus issue which remains a priority for Greece, adding that the policy positions are clear. He also stated characteristically that no apology will be given to the press reports and the cries that come from circles which in the past did not hesitate to offer ideological cover to anti-democratic diversions.

Mr. Beglitis also said that such press publications do not help in the effort made by Athens and Nicosia on the Cyprus issue.

On Yugoslavia, he said that all the EU countries are concerned over the day after the Yugoslav elections regardless of the result, while he reiterated that the Greek government is ready to accept the election result that will come from democratic procedures.

Meanwhile, Greek foreign affairs and defense parliamentary committee chairman Karolos Papoulias will go to Belgrade on Saturday for contacts with Yugoslav government officials and opposition representatives.

[07] SIMITIS: MEASURES OF SOCIAL CHARACTER IN RESPONSE TO THE FUEL PRICE INCREASES

The Greek government examines the likelihood to take measures of social character in order to support the financially weaker classes in case the oil and the dollar continue their upward trend. Those measures will be taken within the framework of the state budget in case it is established that the price rally continues.

The above were announced by prime minister Kostas Simitis in the cabinet meeting that was held today. He also issued a warning to every direction that tough measures will be taken in case of profiteering incidents.

He also reminded that the oil taxes in Greece are at the lowest allowed level in the European Union and stressed that the Greek economy displays resistance as its EMU accession protected it from the turbulence it experienced in the first and the second oil crises.

The prime minister also stated that it is too early for any predictions on what will happen in the next few months. In any case, he said that we should be neither relaxed nor react in an exaggerated manner under the pressure of events.

[08] LOSSES OF 1.52% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

Significant losses of 1.52% were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today and the general index dropped to 4.040,61 points as a result of the strong pressures exerted on the bank shares. The volume of transactions was 103.4 billion drachmas.

Of the stocks trading today 80 recorded gains, 264 had losses and 39 remained unchanged.

[09] DEPUTY SPORTS MINISTER SPEAKS TO MPA IN SYDNEY

The 2004 Olympic Games in Athens will have to be organized in an excellent manner, according to deputy Minister of Sports George Florides, presently in Sydney- along with a team of officials of the 2004 organizing committee - gaining a first-hand account of the way things are run.

Speaking to the Macedonian Press Agency, Mr. Florides stated that "we're getting ideas for Athens 2004. We've ascertained a few weaknesses and we'll take care so that they are not repeated in Athens. The biggest problem is transportation."

Regarding the Greek athletes' performance so far, the deputy minister expressed his satisfaction and stressed that "the important thing is that (our athletes) have earned one of the top eight positions, and we're expecting similar successes to come.

"Greece is competing with 198 other countries in many sports and, so far, it's doing great."

A.F.

[10] O.A. SUBSIDIARY IS 9TH WORLDWIDE IN PERFORMANCE

Greece's Macedonian Airlines S.A., a subsidiary of the national air carrier Olympic Airways, ranks ninth in a global lineup of airlines, in terms of performance and output, according to an article in the latest issue of Flight International.

Experiencing economic growth, the charter company's 1999 profits surpassed the one-billion-drachma mark (GRD 1.027 billion), and are expected to reach 1.5 billion drachmas by the end of the fiscal year.

Macedonian Airlines was founded in 1992 as an Olympic Airways charter flight subsidiary. Its fleet of aircraft consists of four Boeing 737-400.

A.F.

[11] FM DISCUSSES RESULTS OF U.S. TRIP WITH PREMIER

Foreign Minister George Papandreou met with Prime Minister Costas Simitis this morning, in order to brief him on the results of his trip to the US and his contacts on the sidelines of the UN Millennium Summit.

Following the talks, Mr. Papandreou addressed the media and stressed the sense of coordinated action between the Greek and Cypriot governments, as well as with the minority parties of Cyprus.

Mr. Papandreou reiterated that Greece's position, advocating a federated, bi-zonal, bi-communal solution to the Cyprus issue in accordance with the UN Security Council's resolutions, remains unchanged.

According to the Foreign Minister, who met with US Ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns last night, he inquired as to the degree the US could exert pressure on the Turkish-Cypriot side in upholding the UN resolutions and abandoning proposals for a confederation on the island.

Messrs. Simitis and Papandreou also discussed the agreement reached between Greece and Turkey on holding talks over Confidence -Building -Measures.

In regards to the forthcoming elections in Yugoslavia, Mr. Papandreou stated that Greece will accept whatever result Sunday's presidential elections in Yugoslavia produce, provided the polls are conducted according to "democratic procedures".

"I want to stress that Greece recognizes any result that is derived from democratic procedures," he said.

The minister said Athens has proposed that Greek observers - especially parliamentarians - should attend the election process.

"We shall see how Yugoslavia will take that," he noted, adding that the European Union has not pressured Yugoslavs to vote against President Slobodan Milosevic.

"(The EU) is not asking the Serb people to vote for this candidate or the other," he said, referring to a joint statement issued last week by the EU foreign ministers.

Mr. Papandreou also met with former foreign minister Carolos Papoulias, presently the chairman of the Parliament's permanent defense and foreign affairs committee, with whom he reviewed the latest developments in Yugoslavia.

Mr. Papoulias is expected to travel to Belgrade, upon the invitation of FR.Y.'s government, in order to observe the elections.

A.F.

[12] CEM: ANKARA DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE HELSINKI DECISIONS ON CYPRUS

The Turkish government does not recognize the Helsinki Summit meeting decisions on Cyprus except from the reference made to the political problem concerning the backing of the efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem within the framework of the United Nations.

The above were maintained in Brussels yesterday by Turkish foreign minister Ismail Cem who met with the German EU commissioner responsible for enlargement issues.

[13] THANOU, GATSIOUDIS AND MITROU COMPETE TOMORROW

The track and field events start in the Olympiad tomorrow. Greek champion Katerina Thanou competes in the women's 100m preliminaries. Voula Patoulidou will also compete in the same event. Giorgos Theodoridis will compete in the men's 100m, while Angelos Pavlakakis will be absent due to injury.

Kostas Gatsioudis will compete in the javelin, Lambros Papakostas in high jump, Tasos Gousis in 400m, Olga Vasdeki in the triple jump and Chrisoula Iakovou in the women's 5.000m.

In weightlifting, Victoras Mitrou will compete in the 77kg category and will make an attempt to win a medal. In the following days are scheduled to compete Piros Dimas, Christos Spirou and Akakios Kachiasvilli.

In swimming, Spiros Gianniotis will compete in the 1.500m freestyle and Athina Bochori in the 50m freestyle, while Eftichia Papa will compete in diving. Finally, shooting champion Agi Kasoumi will compete in the pistol category.

[14] TWO GREEK BOXERS COMPETE TOMORROW

Two Greek boxers continue their efforts tomorrow in the Sydney Olympic Games. Antonis Giannoulas in the 75kg category will face Cuban world champion Jorje Guiteres, while in the 60kg category Uzlian Tigran will face Said Asgar Ali Sah from Pakistan.

It should be reminded that the third Greek boxer Mikaelian Artur was disqualified in the 54kg category.

[15] KALIN KREANKA: THINGS WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF I HAD WON THE FIRST SET

Greek table tennis champion Kalin Kreanka appeared disappointed because of his disqualification when he was defeated by Taipei's Pang Loung Ziang.

He said that he had the opportunity to be the winner in the first set and if he was able to get that chance things would have been different. He also stated that maybe he was not strong enough or his opponent was better prepared psychologically.

It should be noted that Kalin Kreanka had an injury problem just before the opening of the Olympic Games and this prevented him from ranking higher.

[16] HEIDI ANTIKATZIDOU: I WILL MAKE IT IN THE LAST EVENT AS WELL

A step closer to a medal is Greece's Heidi Antikatzidou, who is ranking 2nd in the equestrian triathlon, while the event will be completed tomorrow. In statements she made she appeared very satisfied and maintained that she will get a medal.

She said that her horse is in a fantastic shape and they had an excellent race. She also said that she is tired but this is common for all the athletes, adding that she and her horse will make it in the last event tomorrow namely, the jumping in the individual three-day event.

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