Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 01-02-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] PAPANDREOU ON THE SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM CONCERNING FYROM'S NAME

[02] PAPANDREOU: CLEAR AND TO THE POINT THE COLIN POWELL STATEMENT

[03] LALIOTIS: THE SPATA AIRPORT WILL OPEN IN MARCH

[04] POWELL: THE GREEK AUTHORITIES WILL BE ABLE TO HOST SAFE OLYMPIC GAMES

[05] THE GREEK STABILITY PLAN WILL BE APPROVED ON MONDAY

[01] PAPANDREOU ON THE SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM CONCERNING FYROM'S NAME

The solution of the problem concerning the name that will be used by FYROM will open new prospects, stated Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou from Thessaloniki, stressing that recently the relations with FYROM are developing.

Responding to questions by reporters, Mr. Papandreou stated that all this time an effort is being made to develop bilateral relations, while at the same time an effort is being made at the UN for the solution of the last remaining problem, that of the name that will be used by FYROM.

He said that when the two countries share the same interests then they share the same views on how peace and cooperation can be consolidated in the Balkans.

To the question concerning the names "Nova Makedonija" and "Dolna Makedonija" that are being proposed for FYROM, Mr. Papandreou responded that many names have been heard and there is not an issue of a name but whether there will be the necessary political will for the two sides to make a step forward.

[02] PAPANDREOU: CLEAR AND TO THE POINT THE COLIN POWELL STATEMENT

Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou characterized as clear and to the point the statement made by US Secretary of State Colin Powell according to which, the Greek authorities will do everything possible in order to host safe Olympic Games in 2004.

Responding to a question by reporters in Thessaloniki on whether the statements made yesterday by Mr. Powell are warming up Greece's relations with the United States, Mr. Papandreou stated that either way bilateral relations were always relations of cooperation and mutual support in big problems such as that of terrorism.

Mr. Papandreou stated that Mr. Powell with his statement displayed this cooperation and confidence toward Greece on behalf of himself personally and the US government.

[03] LALIOTIS: THE SPATA AIRPORT WILL OPEN IN MARCH

The International Association of Airline Companies called for the postponement of the opening of the "Eleftherios Venizelos" Airport in Spata, near Athens maintaining that the necessary infrastructure projects have not been completed namely, those concerning aircraft maintenance, goods transport and catering services. The association also mentions that the main access road and the secondary routes to the airport have not been completed.

From its side, the Civil Aviation Agency believes that a decisive factor for the operation of the airport is the PALAS system installation and according to information, everything will be ready by the end of March.

Minister of environment, public works and land planning Kostas Laliotis launched an attack against the airline companies in an interview with the Athens newspaper "Ethnos" and spoke of economic interests. Mr. Laliotis also reiterated that the airport of Spata will be in operation in March.

[04] POWELL: THE GREEK AUTHORITIES WILL BE ABLE TO HOST SAFE OLYMPIC GAMES

US Secretary of State Colin Powell expressed confidence in the Greek authorities that will be able to host safe Olympic Games in 2004.

Mr. Powell stated in an interview that he is certain that the Greek authorities will be able to host safe Olympic Games, adding that the United States will offer its assistance if it is requested. He also stated that he is certain about the ability of the Greek authorities.

[05] THE GREEK STABILITY PLAN WILL BE APPROVED ON MONDAY

The EU Council of National Economy and Finance Ministers (ECOFIN) that will meet in Brussels on Monday will give the "green light" to Greece's stability and development program.

However, the ECOFIN ministers will express a number of recommendations on the content of the economic policy Greece will follow in the next years.

The number one recommendation will be to promote the necessary structural changes including privatization, the improvement of public finances, spending cuts and the adoption of a flexible stance in the job market.

The EU national economy ministers will also prepare the agenda with the issues that will be discussed in the European Council Summit meeting in Stockholm on March 22-23.

In the Council meeting in March will be discussed among others, issues concerning unemployment and the smooth transition to the single European currency as well as the protection from counterfeiters and the briefing of special population groups on the Euro.

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