Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 01-01-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] SEX ED FINALLY ENTERS HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

[02] GREEK FM: U.S. POLICY ON GREECE TO REMAIN AS IS

[03] N. GREECE A POLE OF ATTRACTION FOR US INVESTORS

[04] GREEK NAVY ACQUIRES RUSSIAN-MADE HOVERCRAFT

[05] STOLEN ANCIENT ARTIFACTS RETURNED TO GREECE

[06] GREEK PARLIAMENTARIANS ATTEND CoE ASSEMBLY

[07] COLIN POWELL THANKS GREEK FM FOR WISHES

[08] JORDANS MILITARY CHIEF ARRIVES IN GREECE TODAY

[09] GREECES ARCHBISHOP VISITS TROOPS IN KOSOVO

[10] GREEK PRESIDENT TO VISIT ITALY AND THE VATICAN

[01] SEX ED FINALLY ENTERS HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

A course expected to be welcomed with a sense of relief for parents who can't "break the ice" with their teens, Sex-Ed will become part of the high school curricula as of next year.

The illustrated course book will feature comprehensive and often humorous articles on various aspects of human sexuality which will aim at educating the student on issues such as puberty, adolescence, pregnancy, family planning, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, etc.

A handbook will also be available for the teachers and educators, providing a step by step outline to sexuality education programs.

A.F.

[02] GREEK FM: U.S. POLICY ON GREECE TO REMAIN AS IS

The United States have a constant policy of pursuing stability and security in the Mediterranean region and this is not expected to change with the newly-elected Bush Administration, according to Greece's Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

In a recent interview with the Athens daily "Imerisia", Mr. Papandreou stated that "the U.S. foreign policy is characterized by certain basic constants and priorities, regardless of the administration or the president that assumes power. There is continuity in ensuring American national interests and the hegemonic position of the USA in the world. That doesn't mean that one cannot discern a different style in the conduct of foreign policy, but that does not constitute a shift in orientation or a change in goals".

Moreover, Mr. Papandreou expressed his confidence that the satisfactory level of US-Greece relations will continue under the new administration.

"We have built up a very good level of bilateral relations over the last few years, based on mutual interests and respect for the interests of each country. We are a long way past the relationship that that developed in the past, a relationship of dependency and intervention in our internal affairs," he said.

As for the Cyprus issue, Mr. Papandreou stated that he expects the Bush administration to retain the outgoing administration's keen interest in promoting a solution through dialogue.

"There will be continuity because incoming Secretary of State [Colin] Powell has already said as much to Congress recently. What is more important is that we should attempt to make the Cyprus problem an important international issue that effects peace and stability in the sensitive southeastern Mediterranean region.

We must make clear that a just solution of the Cyprus problem is in the broader interests of the Alliance and the US," he said.

A.F.

[03] N. GREECE A POLE OF ATTRACTION FOR US INVESTORS

American investors are strongly interested in ventures at the region of Northern Greece, at a time when US investment sin Greece amount to 2.2 billion dollars, United States Ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns stated on Friday in Thessaloniki, where he inaugurated a seminar on "Reconstruction: From Theory to Practice-Investment Initiatives in Southeastern Europe."

The seminar, jointly organized by the US Embassy, the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace and the Inter Balkan and Black Sea Business Center (DIPEK), aimed at familiarizing N. Greece's business community with support for private sector investment available from US agencies involved in Balkan reconstruction and other institutions.

According to the Ambassador, the interest of American businessmen is primarily focused on regions in Serres, Komotini and Kavala, as well as Thessaloniki.

Referring to developing Greek-US economic relations, Mr. Burns stated that bilateral trade is showing an increase in the region of 20 percent.

As for Thessaloniki's role in the Balkans, Mr. Burns stated that "it can become the springboard for American businesses interested in investments in the region of southeastern Europe, which is a market of 85 million people."

A.F.

[04] GREEK NAVY ACQUIRES RUSSIAN-MADE HOVERCRAFT

The Greek Navy is to officially acquire its first-ever hovercraft, a Russian-made vessel, tomorrow, during a ceremony at the Salamina naval station.

The vessel, which was thoroughly modernized prior to its transfer and will be re-christened the "Cephallonia", was built in 1993 in St. Petersburg.

The large hovercraft can rapidly transport 500 troops or 150 tones of material, as well as serve as a minelayer. It is fitted with two 30mm canons and two 140.3mm multiple rocket launchers.

The Greek Navy is also scheduled to acquire and deploy another four new hovercraft, two from Russia and two from the Ukraine, by August this year.

A.F.

[05] STOLEN ANCIENT ARTIFACTS RETURNED TO GREECE

Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos is to inaugurate a ceremony tomorrow, marking the return of ancient artifacts stolen from a Greek museum ten years ago.

The 271 artifacts, stolen from the Archaeological Museum of Corinth on April 12, 1990 during an armed robbery, were discovered at Miami in 1999 and have been handed over by the FBI to Greek authorities.

Working closely with Greek police officials and the Greek Ministry of Culture, the US Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) discovered that several of the stolen artifacts had been consigned for auction at Christie's New York.

According to a US Embassy press release, the authorities recovered approximately 265 of the stolen artifacts in Miami, Florida on September 7, 1999. The announcement also added that Wilma Sabala was identified as having possession of the entire collection of stolen artifacts at the time they were consigned to Christie's. Sabala was arrested by the FBI on June 9, 2000, in Miami and was sentenced to one year in jail.

Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysohoides and US Ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns will also attend tomorrow's ceremony.

A.F.

[06] GREEK PARLIAMENTARIANS ATTEND CoE ASSEMBLY

A delegation of 13 Greek parliamentarians, representing all four of the parties in the House, is to participate in the first part of the Council of Europe's (CoE) 2001 parliamentary assembly in Strasbourg next week.

Issues on the CoE agenda include freedom of the press in Russia and other countries; the observance of commitments on the part of Latvia; the conflict and humanitarian situation in Chechnya; the Stability Pact for SE Europe, as well as the recent developments in Yugoslavia along with the repercussions to the environment in the region.

A photo exhibit focusing on the Parthenon Marbles will be featured on the sidelines of the assembly.

A.F.

[07] COLIN POWELL THANKS GREEK FM FOR WISHES

US Secretary of State-designate Colin Powell has sent a letter of thanks to Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, a follow-up to the congratulations the latter sent the one-time US military leader.

In his letter, Secretary Powell noted that he looks forward to a close and constant cooperation with his Greek counterpart for the further development of the always-strong US-Greek relationship.

A.F.

[08] JORDANS MILITARY CHIEF ARRIVES IN GREECE TODAY

Jordan's military chief is to arrive in Greece today, embarking on an official three-day visit at the invitation of his Greek counterpart.

Lt.-Gen. Mohamed Yussef Al-Maqawi is scheduled to hold talks with Greek armed forces chief Lt.-Gen. Manoussos Paragioudakis on issues related to joint military interests, and will be received by the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

The Jordanian official will tour military installations, training facilities and archaeological sites before departing Greece on January 24.

A.F.

[09] GREECES ARCHBISHOP VISITS TROOPS IN KOSOVO

Heading a Church delegation, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos visited Greek troops stationed in Kosovo on Saturday, where he traveled by bus via Skopje as his flight could not land in Kosovo's airport due to adverse weather.

The 250 Greek troops in Urosevac, welcomed the Archbishop who told them that their mission there was to secure peace.

Referring to fears of uranium caused diseases, Mr. Christodoulos stated that "I would not be here, if I was not certain that I can tell you not to be afraid. And (as you know) I am not a politician, I am not interested in politics."

The Archbishop also visited the monastery of Granica where he and the Church delegation were welcomed by the Patriarch of the Serbs Pavlos.

Addressing the crowd of Serbs who gathered to welcome the delegation, Mr. Christodoulos stated that "we did not come here only to see our troops, but to see you as well. We hold great love for you. We know of your trials and difficulties. Thus the Church and our government from the very beginning stood at your side, as we believe in the ideals of freedom and justice. Remain here in your ancient birthplace. Do not leave. Better days will come."

A.F.

[10] GREEK PRESIDENT TO VISIT ITALY AND THE VATICAN

The President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos is to conduct an official visit to Italy on January 23-26, at the invitation of his Italian counterpart Carlo Ciampi.

In addition to President Ciampi, with whom he will hold talks on Tuesday afternoon, President Stephanopoulos will also meet with Italian Prime Minister Giuliano Amato for talks on bilateral and international issues, as well as the situation in the Balkans.

The President will be received by Pope John Paul at the Vatican on Wednesday afternoon, the first visit ever to be made to the Vatican by a Greek president.

During his stay in Italy, President Stephanopoulos will be visiting Brindisi, Sternatia, Catania, Syracuse and Taormina.

A.F.

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