Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 00-09-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] "SAMINA" CAPTAIN ADMITS HE WAS ASLEEP AT TIME OF ACCIDENT

[02] KARAMANLIS TO VISIT CYPRUS TOMORROW

[03] GREEK OLYMPIC ATHLETES TO RETURN ON TUESDAY

[04] FUEL SHORTAGES IN GREECE

[05] OMISSIONS IN THE PASSENGER AND CREW LIST OF "SAMINA"

[06] KOSTUNICA REJECTS A PAPANDREOU APPEAL TO TAKE PART IN THE RUNOFF

[07] THE PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT OPENED THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE 5TH WORLD

[08] GAINS OF 0.87% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

[09] THE "SAMINA" TRAGEDY DEATH TOLL HAS RISEN TO 72

[10] ND SENDS CONGRATULATIONS TO KELESIDOU

[11] TALKS HELD FOR GREEK-SWISS COOPERATION

[12] GREECE AND ITALY ARE ALBANIA'S MAIN TRADE PARTNERS

[13] PAPANDREOU ON THE ELECTIONS IN YUGOSLAVIA AND THE 2004 OLYMPICS

[14] THE FOREIGN SPORTS PRESS BOWS TO KOSTAS KENTERIS

[15] THE GREEK ATHLETES WILL COMPETE FOR MORE MEDALS TOMORROW

[16] ANGELOPOULOU DISCUSSES "ATHENS 2004" ON CNN

[17] ROGGE CONFIDENT ABOUT "ATHENS 2004"

[18] US ARCHIBISHOP PASSES ON CONDOLENCES TO VICTIMS FAMILIES

[01] "SAMINA" CAPTAIN ADMITS HE WAS ASLEEP AT TIME OF ACCIDENT

The captain of the "Samina Express" ferry admitted today that he was asleep in his cabin when the vessel crashed into the islet off the island of Paros, causing the tragic shipwreck. Vasilis Yiannakis, claimed he was not feeling well and left his deputy in charge. In turn, the deputy abandoned his duties at the wheel to attend to personal matters in the passenger lounge, leaving a younger and less experienced crew member, George Patilas, in charge of the ship.

The ship was travelling at a speed of 18 nautical miles, two nautical miles away from Paros. Strong winds made the task of the young crew member left in charge even harder and he reported losing control of the ship.

The Samina, once Mr Patilas lost control of the steering wheel, veered towards the rocky islet. In his statement, Mr Yiannakis claimed that once he reached the deck, he "called the ship's mechanic, but the vessel started tipping over, so I set off the emergency signal. I ordered the mechanic to stop the engines completely when he told me the right hand side of the ship had cracked, but it was too late".

"Passengers on the deck were in a state of panic and the ship tipped over in a matter of minutes, yet continued to travel at a speed of 8 miles per hour. In its panic, the crew did not have time to reduce the speed and the ship started sinking. We managed to throw four life boats into the sea and these were immediately filled by desperate passengers. Some emergency measures failed to operate. At 10.30pm the ship disappeared into the turbulent waves".

[02] KARAMANLIS TO VISIT CYPRUS TOMORROW

The leader of the Greek New Democracy opposition party, Costas Karamanlis, will leave for a two day visit to Cyprus tomorrow, together with shadow Foreign and Defence secretary, Dora Bakoyianni and other members of his party.

During his visit to the island, Mr Karamanlis will attend celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Cypriot independence and will hold meetings with the country's president, Glafkos Clerides, as well as with other political leaders.

[03] GREEK OLYMPIC ATHLETES TO RETURN ON TUESDAY

Greek political leaders are due to welcome home the country's flag-bearing Olympic athletes on Tuesday, October 3rd. The welcome ceremony will be confined to the airport in Athens, out of respect for the several lives lost aboard the tragic shipwreck of the "Samina Express". The Olympic athletes will be honoured during a special celebration, due to be held at a later date.

According to Greek Sports undersecretary, George Florides, "it was not possible to ignore the Greek Olympic athletes who took part in the Sydney Games and the return of the country's flag. However, it will be a simple ceremony, out of respect for the shipwreck's victims".

Mr Florides also referred to the numerous Greek successes in Sydney: "The success achieved by our athletes in Sydney proves that the success achieved in Atlanta was not a matter of luck. On the contrary, it has been proved that the level of Greek athletes is rising constantly. We will need a special training program to prepare our athletes for the 2004 Olympic Games here in Athens".

[04] FUEL SHORTAGES IN GREECE

Significant fuel shortages are recorded in the fuel stations across Greece and in certain prefectures fuel reserves have been used up creating serious problems, according to information provided to MPA by the Greek Association of Gas Station Owners. The fuel shortage is the result of the tank-truck owners strike demanding lower fuel tax.

The biggest shortages have been recorded in Egio, southern Greece, in the Dodecanese Islands, south-eastern Aegean, the prefecture of Evros in north-eastern Greece, the Ionian Sea island of Zakynthos and the island of Crete.

In northern Greece shortages have been recorded in Dramas, Kavala, Kozani and Florina, while in the wider region of Thessaloniki there are shortages in almost 30% of the fuel stations. A similar situation is being recorded and in the wider region of Athens.

[05] OMISSIONS IN THE PASSENGER AND CREW LIST OF "SAMINA"

The death toll in the "Samina Express" tragedy has now risen to 74 while according to estimates the people still missing could be as many as 19.

An official statement mentions that serious omissions and violations have been spotted on the list with the names of passengers and crew submitted to the ministry of merchant marine by the Minoan Flying Dolphins shipping company owner of the "Samina Express".

As soon as this statement was made merchant marine minister Christos Papoutsis gave an order for the immediate briefing of the prosecutor on the island of Siros who is in charge of the case.

[06] KOSTUNICA REJECTS A PAPANDREOU APPEAL TO TAKE PART IN THE RUNOFF ELECTIONS

Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou issued an appeal to opposition candidate in the Yugoslav presidential elections Vojislav Kostunica to reconsider the likelihood to enter the second round of voting under the precondition that there will be international observers present.

As it was made known this afternoon, Mr. Kostunica rejected the Greek foreign minister's appeal, pointing out characteristically that in spite of the friendly relations with Greece this appeal constitutes an intervention in domestic affairs. A representative of the opposition candidate in the presidential elections stated that Kostunica has received at least 51.5% of the votes and that is final.

[07] THE PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT OPENED THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE 5TH WORLD CONFERENCE OF THRACIANS

Greek parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis formally opened the proceedings of the 5th World Conference of Thracians in the city of Xanthi in north-eastern Greece.

In his opening speech today Mr. Kaklamanis expressed his regret for the "Samina" tragedy and referring to the people from the region of Thrace in north-eastern Greece stated that they were the pioneers of the Greek vision to create a world culture and make hellenism ecumenical. He called on all the political, social and spiritual forces to work together showing respect to the democratic institutions and staying firm toward the national goals in order for hellenism to be able to face the modern challenges.

Mr. Kaklamanis also said that there is a need for all the Greeks to contribute to the joint European effort.

Mufti of Xanthi Mehmet Emin Sinikoglu stated in his message to the delegates that the state offers to the Muslim student the necessary means for life, adding that more and more Muslims study in Greek universities and have the opportunity to attend the European youth programs.

Mr. Sinikoglu expressed satisfaction for the creation of modern schools and the maintenance works made in the religious schools of Echinos and Komotini and other schools where the minority religion and language are being taught.

He also stated that Thrace is no longer the poorest EU region, adding that Muslims and Christians work together for the common European course and enjoy the benefits of this important choice.

[08] GAINS OF 0.87% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

Gains of 0.87% were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today and the general index was at 4.178,96 points. The volume of transactions was 104,5 billion drachmas and reflects the purchase interest that was displayed before the end of the session. The messages coming from the transactions value front are very encouraging, according to stock exchange circles.

Of the stocks trading today 231 recorded gains, 106 had losses and 37 remained unchanged.

[09] THE "SAMINA" TRAGEDY DEATH TOLL HAS RISEN TO 72

The merchant marine ministry announced that the number of people who lost their lives in the "Samina" tragedy has risen to 72. Divers managed to approach the sunken ship and located 6 bodies inside it. They belong to 5 women and a man. Earlier, the rescue teams had located other 4 bodies near the area where the tragedy took place.

The ship is 38 meters under the sea, 1 nautical mile away from the impact point. According to the results of the investigation so far, there is no oil leak. However, there is gasoline leak that comes from the fuel reservoirs of the cars and trucks in the ship's garage.

The divers found the bodies of the five women and a man, all wearing life-jackets, at the ship's "airplane seats" area. Based on official figures, there are 7 people still missing but according to statements made by rescued passengers and relatives they could be as many as 15.

[10] ND SENDS CONGRATULATIONS TO KELESIDOU

Greek silver medal winner Anastasia Kelesidou from Thessaloniki received a congratulatory telegraph from the New Democracy party headquarters in the country's second capital, for her Olympic performance in the discus throwing competition.

The telegraph expresses its happiness and pride towards the athlete and wished her all the best for more success in the future.

[11] TALKS HELD FOR GREEK-SWISS COOPERATION

The Cyprus issue, the development of bilateral economic relations between Greece and Switzerland and future cooperation between the two countries in the Balkans, were all on the agenda at talks held between Greek deputy Foreign minister, Elizavet Papazoi and her Swiss counterpart Von Daeniken.

Mr Daeniken stressed the active interest and constant support of his country in the Cyprus issue and referred to the need for a solution based on decisions made by the UN, for a unified and sovereign Cypriot Republic. The two ministers estimated the results of the Greek-Swiss collaboration in providing humanitarian aid to Kosovo and examined the possibilities of maintaining this collaboration in matters of common interest as far as Yugoslavia is concerned.

They also discussed the further development of Swiss investments in Greece and the ratification of the free access agreement. Mr Von Daeniken officially invited Ms Papazoi to visit Switzerland.

[12] GREECE AND ITALY ARE ALBANIA'S MAIN TRADE PARTNERS

Greece and Italy continue to occupy the two first places among Albania's trade partners.

According to figures provided by the Albanian Statistics Agency published by the newspaper "Gazeta Skiptare", 39.3% of Albania's imports and 68.1% of its exports corresponded to transactions with Italy in the first half of the year 2000.

The second place is occupied by Greece, with 30.6% and 68.1% of Albania's imports and exports respectively.

[13] PAPANDREOU ON THE ELECTIONS IN YUGOSLAVIA AND THE 2004 OLYMPICS

A "Sydney Morning Herald" report by Geoff Kitney, who interviewed Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou referred to the crisis in Yugoslavia and the relevant statements made by Mr. Papandreou.

In the interview Mr. Papandreou referred to the dynamic mediating role played by Greece especially in south-eastern Europe, while he analyzed the political aspects of the Yugoslav problem and the continuing contribution by Greece to the easing of the recent crisis in Serbia.

Mr. Papandreou has stated that Athens is in contact with president Milosevic and the opposition candidate Kostunica to back the demand for a new vote count. He said that the election results have showed that there is a will for democratic change in Yugoslavia, adding that it is important that any future development will be democratic and peaceful.

According to the report, the Greek foreign minister confirmed that Athens will be ready to host the next Olympic Games and expressed concern over the effect the use of banned performance enhancing substances by the athletes will have on the credibility of the Olympic Games. Mr. Papandreou issued an appeal to the international sports community for the creation of a new ethos regarding the Olympic Games sports events before the Athens Olympics in 2004.

Mr. Papandreou also stated that many Australians will surely feel anger over the fact that the banned substances were such a big issue in the Sydney Olympics. He said that the Games in Sydney were excellent and everybody is impressed with the way they were organized, adding that Athens will be ready too to host a very good Olympiad.

[14] THE FOREIGN SPORTS PRESS BOWS TO KOSTAS KENTERIS

The world sports press bowed to the extraordinary victory of Kostas Kenteris in the men's 200m finals with extensive reports on the athlete who won the first gold medal for Greece since 1912 in a track and field event.

In an extensive report Sydney's Morning Herald mentions that the Greek champion overturned all predictions and offered an unforgettable race to spectators, while it underlines that having the title of the favorite before a sports event does not guarantee the gold medal.

The US television network NBC also referred to Kenteris' triumph reporting that the Greek athlete wrote history because he is the first Greek male athlete who won a gold medal in a sprint race.

[15] THE GREEK ATHLETES WILL COMPETE FOR MORE MEDALS TOMORROW

Greece will compete for two medals in Sydney tomorrow. One in the women's javelin with Mirela Tzelili and the second in gymnastics in the women's group competition.

Mirela Tzelili qualified for the finals easily when she broke the 61m minimum limit with her first throw that was 63.34m. The Greek champion proved that she is in a very good condition and appears determined to win a medal.

The Greek team in the women's group exercise in gymnastics will compete tomorrow in the finals and will try to win the gold. Today, they qualified for the finals winning the first place and proving that they are the gold favorite in the finals.

Also, Amiran Kardanov will compete tomorrow in the 54kg wrestling qualifiers, while Alexandros Nikolaidis will compete in the 80kg category in tae kwon do.

[16] ANGELOPOULOU DISCUSSES "ATHENS 2004" ON CNN

"The perfectly organised Olympic Games in Athens are a shining example for Athens", said the president of the Greek Olympics Organising Committee, Yianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki, during an interview on CNN.

Ms Angelopoulou stressed that Athens will try to meet, if not exceed, the high standard achieved in Sydney.

In response to a question posed by an Ámerican journalist concerning articles published in both Greek and foreign press about the delay in Greek Olympics projects, the Greek Olympics Organising Committee president stated that "after the deadline issued to us by the IOC and the efforts made by the Greek government, Athens will soon be ready. Most of the projects, including the new airport at Spata, will be ready by March, whilst other projects have already been completed".

When asked how Greeks perceive the fact that the 28th Olympics will be held in their country, Ms Angelopoulou replied that they were "filled with enthusiasm", referring to the interest shown by the 60.000 volunteers that have offered to take part until now.

[17] ROGGE CONFIDENT ABOUT "ATHENS 2004"

The decision to award Greece with the honour of hosting the 2004 Olympic Games is irrevocable, according to the speech made by the vice President of the International Olympics Committee, Jacques Rogge, which was transmitted on Australian television last night.

The statement by Mr Rogge came at a time when the international press has begun to question the ability of Athens to successfully organise the Games. "The Olympic Games will take place in Athens in August 2004, without a doubt", Mr Rogge said, adding that several changes have taken place in the organisation of the next Olympics. "There have been delays and we issued a severe warning. Things have changed since then, the Greek Prime Minister has personal taken responsibility, the government has offered the organising committee its full support and committee members have been re-shuffled", the IOC vice President said.

Despite the confidence expressed by Mr Rogge, the conflict between members of the Athens 2004 committee and certain government members continues to worry the IOC. The president of the Greek Organising committee, Yianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki has begun a marathon press campaign to reinstate international public opinion of Greece, having appeared in television interviews on NBC, Tokyo TV and Sky News amongst others.

[18] US ARCHIBISHOP PASSES ON CONDOLENCES TO VICTIMS FAMILIES

American Archibishop Demetrius passed on his condolences for those involved in the tragic shipwreck which took place off the island of Paros, in a letter to Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and to the Greek president of the Republic, Costis Stephanopoulos.

In his letter, Archibishop Demetrius expressed his remorse on behalf of Greeks living abroad, for the tragedy involving the "Express Samina" ferry. He also passed on condolences from his diocese to the families of both the victims and the survivors of the shipwreck.

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