Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 01-05-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] MASS ACTION STRIKES A BLOW AT STATE'S REFORMS

[02] SCORCHING DAYS COMING, HOT AND HEAVY WEATHER

[03] G/T COOPERATION "TO ECONOMICALLY BENEFIT BOTH"

[04] PATRIARCH PETROS OF ALEXANDRIA MET WITH THE GREEK PRESIDENT

[05] DENMARK'S NATIONAL RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WILL PERFORM IN

[06] COMMENTS BY REPPAS ON THE PAPANDREOU STATEMENTS AND THE GREEK-TURKISH

[07] CONGRATULATORY TELEGRAM FROM SIMITIS TO BERLUSCONI

[08] BEGLITIS: TURKEY HAS STILL A LOT TO DO ON HUMAN RIGHTS

[09] BIG GAINS IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

[10] POSITIVE COMMENTS BY ASOIF ON THE OLYMPIC GAMES PREPARATIONS

[11] SPECIAL PRESENTATION OF THE BATTLE OF CRETE BY MPA

[12] COOPERATION PROTOCOL BETWEEN THE BLACK SEA CENTER AND THE INTER-BALKAN

[13] MILLER RUMORED FOR US EMBASSY POST IN ATHENS

[14] ECEVIT CALLS FOR DIALOGUE ON SENSITIVE G/T ISSUES

[15] VENIZELOS-MATVIENKO MEETING

[16] PASOK EURO-DEPUTY MS. KARAMANOU ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN TURKEY

[01] MASS ACTION STRIKES A BLOW AT STATE'S REFORMS

A rearguard action called by the country's largest union groups against the state's proposed reforms to social security and pensions, yesterday's nationwide strike brought Greece at a standstill.

Transport, industry, the public sector, banks and many shops remained closed during the day, which was also marked by a news black out as journalists also responded to the call by Greece's two largest trade union umbrella groups.

The unions, the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the Supreme Administrative Council of Civil Servants (ADEDY), demand that the state's social security system be funded trilaterally by employees, employers and the state. The unions also call for the discovery of new funding sources that would prevent potential deficits in pension funds.

The labor unions also demand the government guarantee the publicly funded and operated character of the social security system, the organizational and operational restructuring of the system and a maximum of 35 years of employment to pension.

GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos stated that the government has gotten the message and stressed that the ministry has to explicitly state how much funding it plans to grant to the overburdened social security system.

A.F.

[02] SCORCHING DAYS COMING, HOT AND HEAVY WEATHER

Breaking an al-time record for this time of year, temperatures are to climb to the mid-thirty degrees centigrade this weekend, brought on by masses of hot air coming in from northern Africa.

According to the National Meteorological Service (EMY), the temperature is expected to climb to 36 degrees in some parts of the country this weekend, rising eight-to-nine degrees higher than normal. The heat wave is expected to subside on Tuesday.

A.F.

[03] G/T COOPERATION "TO ECONOMICALLY BENEFIT BOTH"

Strengthened cooperation between Turkey and Greece will provide economic benefits to both countries, according to Selim Egeli, the deputy chairman of the Greek-Turkish Business Council.

As the Turkish news agency Anadolu reported, Mr. Egeli addressed a panel discussion on Turkish-Greek Commercial, Economic, Industrial Cooperation and Possibilities in the European Union Process and stressed that political stability achieved in G/T ties resulted in increased bilateral trade.

Moreover, he pointed out that the annual foreign trade and tourism between the two countries has risen to 2.5 billion dollars and is expected to further increase, eventually amounting to $20-25 billion through continuous cooperation.

Mr. Egeli proposed that entrepreneurs from both countries proceed to forming joint investments, since boosted cooperation results in new business opportunities.

A.F.

[04] PATRIARCH PETROS OF ALEXANDRIA MET WITH THE GREEK PRESIDENT

Patriarch Petros of Alexandria, who is on a formal visit to Athens since yesterday, was received by Greek president Kostis Stephanopoulos at noon today.

Earlier, Patriarch Petros was honored by the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece in a special ceremony.

Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All of Greece honored the Patriarch with the Grand Cross of Apostle Paul.

In statements they made the Patriarch and the Archbishop backed the unity of the Orthodox Churches and stressed the importance of the synodical system.

[05] DENMARK'S NATIONAL RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WILL PERFORM IN THESSALONIKI

One of the older radio orchestra's in the world, Denmark's National Radio Symphony Orchestra will perform in Thessaloniki's Music Hall on May 22.

It was founded in 1925 and is the most famous orchestra in Denmark. In the 76 years since its establishment it has cooperated with many important maestros, among them Fritz Busch, Nikolai Malko, Bruno Walter, Paul Klecki, Vaclav Neumann, Daniel Barenboim and Giuseppe Sinopoli. Since last August famous German head musician Gerd Albrecht holds the post of its maestro.

[06] COMMENTS BY REPPAS ON THE PAPANDREOU STATEMENTS AND THE GREEK-TURKISH RELATIONS

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stated that foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou represents Greece internationally in an excellent way and his presence is very important, while his voice counts in the European Union, adding that his initiatives have led the country to a much better position compared to the one it was a few years ago. The statement was made by Mr. Reppas when he was called to comment on whether the government agrees with the statements on the so-called "white cells" in the Turkish jails, that were made by the Greek foreign minister in Brussels.

The Greek minister of press added that the Greek government has repeatedly condemned the way the Turkish jails operate, while it has also referred to the problems faced by the Turkish people concerning the human rights situation in the country. The Greek government has also pointed out, said Mr. Reppas, that if Turkey wants to become an EU member it must be democratized. He also said that this will benefit Turkey itself, its people, its neighbors and Europe.

[07] CONGRATULATORY TELEGRAM FROM SIMITIS TO BERLUSCONI

Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis sent a congratulatory telegram to new Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stated that the prime minister congratulated Mr. Berlusconi for his election victory and stressed the need for further cooperation between the two countries, while he is looking forward to the positive contribution of the Italian government to the progress of the European integration procedure.

[08] BEGLITIS: TURKEY HAS STILL A LOT TO DO ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Turkey's course in the European Union will be judged by whether it will implement the European Court for Human Rights decision that condemns the Turkish violations in Cyprus.

The above were reiterated today by Greek foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis, who characterized the decision as important. He also referred to the recent intervention made by Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou in the formal dinner of his 15 EU counterparts, stating that he spoke of a serious deficit in the materialization of the Turkish-EU partnership relation as far as human rights and prisons in Turkey are concerned.

Thanks to Mr. Papandreou, stated Mr. Beglitis, it was pointed out that Turkey's moves are toward the right direction after the reforms in the anti-terrorist law that was passed in the Turkish parliament. Mr. Beglitis stated that there are still a lot that must be done in the sectors of the Turkish correctional system and human rights, while there are conflicting messages coming from Ankara as its intransigence in the Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem continues.

[09] BIG GAINS IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

Big gains were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index rose to +3.49% at 3.166,28 points, while the volume of transactions was 79.295 billion drachmas or 232.71 million Euro.

Of the stocks trading today, 206 recorded gains and 126 had losses, while the value of 43 stocks remained stable.

[10] POSITIVE COMMENTS BY ASOIF ON THE OLYMPIC GAMES PREPARATIONS

The general assembly of the Association of Summer Olympics International Federation (ASOIF) made positive comments in Lauzanne yesterday on the preparations made for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

"Athens 2004" adviser Spiros Kapralos thanked the international federations for their meaningful contribution to the creation of a climate of trust and close cooperation during the past year.

He presented in detail the progress made in the sectors of organizing, budget, transportation and hospitality programs. He also presented the basic guidelines followed by the Organizing Committee for the preparations concerning venues and sports facilities, while he also referred to the significant progress that has been made in the sector of communication with the International Sports Federations.

"Athens 2004" general director of sports Makis Asimakopoulos gave a complete picture of the progress made and presented the preliminary program for the Pre-Olympic test events and the Games themselves and analyzed the preparations made for the technical support and presentation of the sports events competition results.

[11] SPECIAL PRESENTATION OF THE BATTLE OF CRETE BY MPA

A special presentation of the historical Battle of Crete on the occasion of its 60th anniversary was created by the Macedonian Press Agency in its site on the Internet (www.mpa.gr).

The presentation includes a chronicle of the events, testimonies by veterans of the WWII resistance in Crete against the Nazis and a very rich photographic archive.

Also, it includes the messages sent on the occasion by Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis, right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis, British prime minister Tony Blair and others.

[12] COOPERATION PROTOCOL BETWEEN THE BLACK SEA CENTER AND THE INTER-BALKAN AND BLACK SEA BUSINESS CENTER

A protocol of cooperation was signed in Thessaloniki today by the Black Sea Greek Civilization Study and Development Center and the Inter-Balkan and Black Sea Business Center.

The goal of the protocol signed is to promote cooperation and contribute to the planning and materialization of complete actions in the sectors of culture, education and economy.

The activities that will be undertaken will be based on the annual program that will be decided jointly by the two institutions and will determine the secondary actions aimed at achieving cooperation.

[13] MILLER RUMORED FOR US EMBASSY POST IN ATHENS

US Secretary of State Colin Powell is expected to assign career diplomat Thomas Miller to the ambassador's post in Athens, replacing Nicholas Burns.

According to early reports, the appointment of Mr. Miller, presently US Ambassador in Bosnia-Herzegovina, is to be made official as soon as Athens is formally informed and gives the expected go ahead.

Mr. Burns is to be assigned to Brussels, where he will hold the US ambassadorial post in NATO.

A protégé of Richard Holbrooke, who once referred to him as one of his closest colleagues, Mr. Miller is deemed an expert on terrorism issues. He served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Athens from 1994 to 1997, while during an earlier assignment to Greece (1985-87), he also served in the Embassy's political section. Moreover, he served as Special Coordinator for Cyprus (with the rank of Ambassador) from August 1997 until the Bosnia assignment.

A member of the Senior Foreign Service at the rank of Minister Counselor, Mr. Miller joined the State Department in 1976. During most of the 1980s and early 1990s, he concentrated on the Middle East, serving twice on the Israeli Desk (once as Director), heading the Office of Maghreb Affairs, and acting as Director of the Counter-terrorism Office.

A.F.

[14] ECEVIT CALLS FOR DIALOGUE ON SENSITIVE G/T ISSUES

There is no severe conflict of interest between Greece and Turkey and, as such, the sensitive issues pending between the two countries can be resolved through the means of dialogue, Turkey's Premier Bulent Ecevit stated yesterday during a Turkish television broadcast.

In an NTV program, Mr. Ecevit also maintained that there are some Greek politicians who persistently avoid the dialogue, adding that this tactic has been promoted by certain Greek interests for quite some time.

Escaping from dialogue in fact means (that one is) conscious of one's own injustice. We believe that all problems can be solved through dialogue, the Turkish Premier stated.

In reference to the climate of rapprochement noted between the two neighbors, Mr. Ecevit also stated that we now witness that many issues, which were considered taboo in the past.. have started to be discussed for one and a half years.

According to the Turkish Premier, the two nations are now enjoying tranquil relations and view the future with confidence.

A.F.

[15] VENIZELOS-MATVIENKO MEETING

The strategic framework within which the Greek-Russian relations are placed was the main issue of discussion Greek culture minister Evangelos Venizelos had with Russian government vice-president Valentina Matvienko, who has served as Russian ambassador to Athens and is responsible for a large sector of the Russian government that includes culture, the Greek-Russian relations, energy etc.

Mr. Venizelos, who is on a visit to Moscow, and Ms. Matvienko discussed cultural cooperation issues within the framework of the Cultural Olympiad and the new bilateral education program for the period of 2001-2005, as well as the package of agreements that are being prepared in order to be signed formally during Russian president Vladimir Putin's visit to Athens in December. They also discussed issues concerning the Greek-Russian cooperation within the wider framework of Russia's relations with the EU and especially, how Greece can function as one of Russia's communication gates with the EU.

They also discussed issues concerning the Russian presence in southeastern Europe and the situation in the wider region of eastern Mediterranean, which is directly linked with the Cyprus problem that is being watched closely by the Russian government.

[16] PASOK EURO-DEPUTY MS. KARAMANOU ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN TURKEY

The issue of the respect of human rights and democratic freedoms of women in Turkey was raised to the European Commission by Greek governing socialist party of PASOK Euro-deputy Ms. Anna Karamanou.

Her intervention was made on the occasion of the anti-democratic and violent behavior targeting Sema Pinskisut during the recent congress of Turkish prime minister Bulent Ecevit's party on April 29, 2001 aimed at forcing her to withdraw her bid to the party presidency.

Ms. Karamanou also pointed out that there is a significant delay in the change of the Turkish Civil Law aimed at lifting the enacted discrimination against women, while there is also a delay in the adoption of measures to limit unemployment, illiteracy and family violence.

Ms. Karamanou requested the European Commission to brief her on the measures it intends to take within the framework of the pre-accession procedure aimed at forcing Turkey to comply with the European standards and respect human rights and the democratic freedoms of women.

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