Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 01-09-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] [02] EV. VENIZELOS: STRIKE ON THE US, FORM OF WAR

[03] TSOHATZOPOULOS: A STRIKE WITH EVIDENCE

[04] 5,2 RICHTER EARTHQUAKE IN KALAMATA

[05] MITSOTAKIS: ANTIAMERICAN SENTIMENT IS DAMAGING

[06] G. PAPANDREOU WORRIED OF REFUGEE WAVE

[07] THE GREEK SUSPECT HAD REPORTED A STOLEN PASSPORT

[08] PAGALOS: US PRESSURES ANNOYING

[09] MILLER SPEAKS ABOUT THE WAR TO «BIMA»

[10] HELEXPOS LEADING ROLE IN THE MARKET

[11] MESSAGE TO THE MIDDLE EAST DELIVERED BY G. PAPAPNDREOU

[12] IRINEOS I ENTHRONED PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM

[01]

[02] EV. VENIZELOS: STRIKE ON THE US, FORM OF WAR

The terrorist strikes against the US were characterized as another form of war, which questions international legality, exceeds the tolerance of human society and affects international behavior, international correlation and ideologies, by the Minister of Culture, Evaggelos Venizelos, in an interview with "Macedonia" newspaper.

Referring to the way the international community must react to this terrorist attack, Mr. Venizelos stressed that it must be beaten by democracy, a fact that dictates a decisive and calm answer.

In reference to the position of American media, Mr. Venizelos judges that there was respect of human suffering to a very high degree, and a limitation of emotional charging, contributing to a cooler dealing with of the situation.

[03] TSOHATZOPOULOS: A STRIKE WITH EVIDENCE

His judgment that the US will attempt the first reaction to the terrorist strike on their own, was expressed by Minister of Defense, Akis Tsohatzopoulos, in an interview with "Ethnos" newspaper.

To a question on the eventuality of a US strike on Afghanistan, the Minister answered: "For a strike on Afghanistan to take place, there must be evidence that Afghanistan was related to and supported those who acted. Blind attacks must be avoided as a policy off total retaliation". As far as NATO is concerned, he supports that discussion and decision procedures must take place between and by all the allies.

On the subject of government reformation, he stressed that he cannot conceive that when such priorities exist - a world crisis after the terrorist strike on the US - there would be discussions of reform in the government.

The Minister expressed his belief that the US will pressure on the resolving of the Cyprus and the Middle East issues

[04] 5,2 RICHTER EARTHQUAKE IN KALAMATA

A powerful seismic vibration of 5,2 points on the Richter scale, was recorded at 5:01 with its epicenter 30 klms north of Kalamata, in the area of Meligala. The vibration affected the areas of Ichalia, Meropi and Loutro, intensely.

The Director of the Geodynamic Institute of Athens, G. Stavrakis, noted that "it is too early to determine if this earthquake is the main earthquake. However, that is what all the indications point to, since many aftershocks have been recorded since that time, which are growing less".

The Prefect of Messinia, Dimitris Drakos, said that damages have been caused by the vibrations, to old houses most of which were uninhabited, while there were no injuries. He added that by the afternoon there will be an assessment of damages.

[05] MITSOTAKIS: ANTIAMERICAN SENTIMENT IS DAMAGING

The first page title of the French newspaper "Le monde", "We are all Americans", was adopted by former Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis, who noted that we are entering a new era, after the terrorist strike on the US and that September 11, 2001 will be a landmark.

"If the French owe their liberty to America once, we Greeks owe it twice. Because we were in danger of falling behind the curtain and were saved twice", stressed Mr. Mitsotakis in an interview with the "Typos tis Kyriakis" newspaper, and added: "Consequentially, it is unacceptable to show this foolish anti-American sentiment, and, if you want me to be more practical, it is very damaging. Americans, whose ego is wounded at this hour - their country was struck at its most sensitive spots, its economy, its military power - is an injured giant, who is awakening, and who at this hour - they are not hiding it in fact - is counting his friends, the countries and even the individuals, if you like. It is very foolish and damaging at this moment to show blurred anti-American sentiment, which in some cases, and in fact on some channels, in some windows, are deprived of all logic".

The honorary leader of New Democracy expressed his opinion that America will not move to blind strikes. It will move based on a carefully organized plan, which will have as its goal, a strike at terrorism at its root, and this is necessary. He noted that it would be a terrible mistake to enter into another "holy war", he stated opposed to holy wars, stressing that there are some extremist, fanatic Muslims, but Islam is not behind terrorism either as a religion or as an ideology. He also expressed his worries on the holding of the 2004 Olympics in Athens, and underlined that the issue of terrorism must be resolved as soon as possible in our country.

[06] G. PAPANDREOU WORRIED OF REFUGEE WAVE

"Americans will start a long term discussion internally, as well as with the International Community, on the reform of policy as we have known it so far", stated Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou to the "Ethnos tis Kyriakis" newspaper and noted: "The greater objective worldwide is in the framework of reforming standing policies and views, better and more effective checks which will reinforce the feeling of security of civilians, but also to protect human rights which are triumphs for the whole world".

The Foreign Secretary appeared troubled by the enormous pressure Greece will undergo from the wave of thousands of illegal immigrants that want to enter Europe and is prepared to ask for Turkey's assistance which is under pressure on its border from tens of thousands of Afghans.

[07] THE GREEK SUSPECT HAD REPORTED A STOLEN PASSPORT

A man carrying a passport with the name Nikolaos Makrakis was arrested yesterday in the Newark airport, New Jersey. But Mr. Nikolaos Makrakis himself is in Athens and reported that the person arrested had false documents, as he had reported his passport stolen on July 13.

Nikolaos Makrakis, in interviews to television channels, made clear that he had informed the authorities when his passport, along with other documents, were stolen from his car. The last time that Mr. Makrakis ever went to the US was in 1985 for business purposes.

Foreign Secretary Giorgos Papandreou ordered the Greek Diplomatic Authorities in New York, to brief the US services that N. Makrakis is in Athens and that his passport and other documents had been stolen.

[08] PAGALOS: US PRESSURES ANNOYING

The estimation that the US will emerge from the terrorist attack stronger and the hope that they might emerge humbler in relation to the 2004 Olympics, was expressed by former Minister Theodoros Pagalos, in an interview with "Kyriakatiki" newspaper.

He considers the American attempt to pressure our country on the issue of safety for the Olympics annoying and insulting, after the terrorist strike they received, and asked the European Union to take initiative and manage the situation in the Balkan, so that a regime of peaceful cooperation can enforced.

To a question on the leadership aspirations of Giorgos Papandreou, Mr. Pagalos answered: "I do not consider Mr. Papandreou qualified enough to become Prime Minister of Greece. I have worked with him, he has many strong points, but you will allow me to say that I do not consider him to be a suitable person to become Prime Minister, regardless of the fact that he may be in fashion. The basic argument of those promoting Mr. Papandreou is that his name unites. I do not want to be united with anyone else due to a name. I want ideas to unite me, and I want a personality with the consistency to promote those ideas. Mr. Simitis is such a personality. Pardon my disagreeing so much with the fad, but Mr. Papandreou is not".

[09] MILLER SPEAKS ABOUT THE WAR TO «BIMA»

The intention of Washington to build an alliance with as many countries as possible to fight against terrorism, was revealed by the US Ambassador to Greece in Athens, Tom Miller, with his phrase, "this is a war we will fight together", during an interview with the "Bima" newspaper.

Mr. Miller, who has served as head of the counter terrorist service of the State Department and had also served in the Israeli Affairs Department, is especially careful in his appreciation of who is behind the recent terrorist attack, characteristically saying that "it is still too early to be sure of who is responsible for this tragedy".

As far as his mission in Greece is concerned, he pointed out that his main preoccupation, after the latest events, is the quashing of terrorism, the key for which he considers the cooperation of the two countries, and while referring to "November 17" he stressed that its members "should have been worried long before, and continue to be".

On the holding of the Winter Olympics and the Olympic Games of 2004, Mr. Miller categorically stated that they will take place as planned, adding that "the mission for the protection of the Olympics is too great for each individual country and for the US. That is why cooperation of us all is needed".

[10] HELEXPOS LEADING ROLE IN THE MARKET

A small rise is expected in the number of visitors in this year's, the 66th, TIF, as in just the three first days of opening to the public, there was an increase in the area of 16%-20%, in relation to the same days last year.

However, in this year's organization, there is a decrease of 4% in the number of exhibitors, but nonetheless, there was a 100% coverage of the space available (housed and open air).

In an interview with the MPA which was transmitted live over the Internet, the directing consultant of Helexpo - Greek Exhibits SA, Chrysostomos Gerukis, placed emphasis on the preservation of the leading role of Helexpo in the Greek market, stressing that for the attainment of such a target, concentration on three axes is required.

The first Axis is the presence of Helexpo in the broader Athens region market, said Mr. Geroukis, adding: "We need to be where the market is developing".

The second axis "foresees" the exhibit center in Thessaloniki, a source of attraction to the broader area: "Helexpo owes and must attract, on a first level, commercial visitors from neighboring countries, and on a second level, exhibitors", noted Mr. Geroukis, while the third axis on which Helexpo must move is the organization of large events. Amongst which, the Summit Meeting of 2003, where Helexpo and the TIF will play an important role in organizing. Already, Mr. Geroukis mentioned, "we are in contact with the Foreign Office so that we will take the organizing part that we must".

Another important event is the 2007-2008 EXPO and, as Mr. Geroukis noted, the conclusions of a study that is taking place and is expected to be ready by the end November show that Thessaloniki can be host to such an event.

[11] MESSAGE TO THE MIDDLE EAST DELIVERED BY G. PAPAPNDREOU

Foreign Secretary Giorgos Papandreou had a meeting with the Palestinian leader Yaser Arafat this morning on the Gaza strip. Mr. Papandreou delivered a message of the European Union for the need of a de-escalation in violence and immediate commencing of peacemaking procedures in the Middle East. Referring to the terrorist strikes on the US, the Greek Minister condemned strongly, and made mention of a disgusting action.

On his side Yaser Arafat expressed his gratitude for the good relations between Palestinians and Greeks, and condemned terrorist attacks on the US by referring to them as "crimes against humanity".

The Greek Minister is expected to meet with his Israeli counterpart, Simon Perez.

[12] IRINEOS I ENTHRONED PATRIARCH OF JERUSALEM

His assurance that he will work with all his power to guard the rights and what is fair for the Holy Pilgrimages, was expressed by the new Patriarch of Jerusalem, Mr. Irineos the 1st, in a speech at the historic church of the Resurrection at his enthronement ceremony yesterday at noon.

As his Blessedness said, this great and valuable national heritage will be preserved, not as an silent monument of a great past, but as a living testament and preacher of the 2000 years of vitality of the Church and the People in the Holy Lands.

He spoke of the mission he is undertaking, and the difficulties on the way to the Sacrosanct Grave, which leads to Resurrection, on which the Patriarchy of Jerusalem is supported, a seat of life and Resurrection.

At the same time he pointed out that he will try to support his flock and he will struggle for the resolving of any of their problems, by founding churches and educational foundations, youth centers and libraries.

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