Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 01-11-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] CEM VISIT TO ATHENS COMPLETE

[02] A GREEK YOUTH FIRST: NO 1 IN XENOPHOBIA

[03] HARSH PENALTIES ON THE ZACHYNTHOS TRAFFICKERS

[04] ANASTASIOS MEETS WITH PARTY LEADERS

[05] KARAMANLIS: ORTHODOXY MUST BE A BEACON OF FREEDOM

[06] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT AGREES WITH THE PLASKOVITIS STATEMENTS

[07] PROTOPAPAS: THE INCIDENT TARGETING MR. CEM WAS UNFORTUNATE

[08] SMALL GAINS IN THE ASE

[09] TENSION IN A KURD REFUGEE CAMP

[10] INFLATION IN OCTOBER AT 2.8%

[11] 42ND THESSALONIKI FILM FESTIVAL OPENS TONIGHT

[12] SVEE MEETS WITH TURKISH MINISTER OF SHIPPING

[13] DENKTASH INVITED CLERIDES TO TALKS

[01] CEM VISIT TO ATHENS COMPLETE

Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishmael Cem completed his two-day visit to Greece, with the signing of bilateral agreements, the most important of which was on the issue of illegal immigration, which clearly foresees their repatriation to Turkey, if within 14 days it is indeed proven that they came from the neighboring country.

Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs G. Papandreou and his Turrkish counterpart came to an agreement on three more measures of trust, since they concern cooperation for the environmental development of Evros, the observation of large scale military operations by officers of the two countries, as well as the establishing of meetings between the Army Staff Chiefs, in the margin of international military conferences.

A declaration for the support of the Olympic cease-fire was also signed, as well as a protocol on the cooperation between Greek and Turkish Academies.

[02] A GREEK YOUTH FIRST: NO 1 IN XENOPHOBIA

A first in xenophobia, among countries of the European Union, is held by the youth of Greece. According to a survey, which took place from April-May 2001, one out of two young people (age 15-24), believe that there are too many foreigners in Greece.

Specifically, 44% of Greek youths believe that the number of foreigners in Greece is too high, while the average for the EU on the specific issue is 29,1%. Also, 46,1% of young people in Greece expressed their annoyance at the fact that the foreigners come from poorer countries, while only 6,3% believe that their presence will have a positive effect on Greece. Also, one out of every 4 Greek youths asked for their deportation.

On the rest of the survey, 40% of Greek youths believe that the circulation of the euro on January 1, is the most important event of the decade.

[03] HARSH PENALTIES ON THE ZACHYNTHOS TRAFFICKERS

Harsh penalties were imposed by the three-member, all-day magistrates' court for flagrant crimes of Zachynthos, on the captain and the 6 members of the Erenler trafficking ship, who all confessed their actions.

As announced by the Ministry of Commercial Shipping, the court sentenced the traffickers to 716 years imprisonment with a serving time of 10 years and a fine of 718.000.000 million drs. each.

The captain of the Erenler is Achmet Kurtgilman, 39, and the crew members are Ali Sinatli, 26, Mehmet Svtitli, 22, Erol Arbibas, 30, Al-Natsi Ausar, 42, Kava Muharem, 35, Ibraem Tuamba, 40.

The 714 refugees that arrived on the traffickers boat, and have been welcomed by the residents of Zachynthos, came from 10 countries of Africa and Asia. Specifically, 482 are Turks, 108 are Iraqis, 36 Afghans, 28 Palestinians, 13 Indians, 12 Iranians, 8 are from Sri Lanka, 7 from Ethiopia, 1 is Pakistani and 19 come from Eritrea.

[04] ANASTASIOS MEETS WITH PARTY LEADERS

The Archbishop of Tirana and all Albania, Anastasios, will have consecutive meetings this morning with all the party leaders of the Opposition.

Yesterday, the Archbishop spoke at a special meeting of the Athens Academy. He mentioned the difficult steps taken by the Orthodox Church of Albania, and the crucial international juncture and the power of religion to change the way events develop.

At noon, the head of the Albanian Church will leave from the Ekeftherios Venizelos airport for Tirana, completing his official visit to Greece.

[05] KARAMANLIS: ORTHODOXY MUST BE A BEACON OF FREEDOM

In the modern world, Orthodoxy can and must be a beacon of freedom, love, and solidarity for all people. Mainly, for those who are in need regardless of origin, religion, race or color, stated right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis after the meeting he had with Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres and All of Albania.

Mr. Karamanlis praised the role of the Archbishop by saying that through his overall stance, characterized by the promotion of inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, becomes a bright example that shows the way the governments and the peoples of the wider region should follow.

He stated that only dialogue, cooperation, and the spirit of understanding can safeguard peace, stability, and the development of all peoples in the Balkan region.

[06] THE GREEK GOVERNMENT AGREES WITH THE PLASKOVITIS STATEMENTS

The Greek government agrees with the statement made by Foreign Ministry general secretary Mr. Plaskovitis on a new composite name for FYROM, according to statements made by Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas.

Mr. Protopapas stated that it is time to settle the last pending issue in bilateral relations with FYROM through the acceptance of a composite name that will satisfy both sides. When he was asked what name is under discussion, he said that negotiations should be left to continue and reiterated that any agreement that will be reached should satisfy the Greek side as well.

[07] PROTOPAPAS: THE INCIDENT TARGETING MR. CEM WAS UNFORTUNATE

The "invasion" of Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem exhibition of photography by a Kurd was characterized as an "unfortunate incident" by government spokesman Christos Protopapas.

He expressed his regret over the incident and stated that the Greeks are very sensitive on issues of hospitality. Mr. Protopapas stated that this unfortunate incident should not downgrade the very successful results of Mr. Cem's visit which will have positive effects on good neighborly relations and the easing of tension.

Mr. Protopapas also stated that those who enjoy political asylum in Greece should respect the country that has offered them hospitality and avoid actions that downgrade the country's international image.

Mr. Protopapas also stated that the Turkish side has made no protest demarche.

[08] SMALL GAINS IN THE ASE

Small gains were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index rose to +0.76% at 2.654,83 points, while the volume of transactions was 212 million Euro or 72 billion drachmas.

Of the stocks trading today, 199 recorded gains and 113 had losses, while the value of 49 stocks remained unchanged.

[09] TENSION IN A KURD REFUGEE CAMP

Tension is being recorded since this morning at a Kurd refugee camp in Lavrio, near Athens. Red Cross representatives and police attempted to move about 150 Kurds to another refugee camp but the rest of the refugees objected to that and set mattresses and tires on fire.

Red Cross officials are in negotiations with the Kurds for calm to return to the refugee camp.

[10] INFLATION IN OCTOBER AT 2.8%

Inflation in Greece in the month of October was at 2.8% compared to 3.6% in September, according to the National Statistics Agency.

The harmonized inflation dropped to 3.2% in October from 4% in the previous month.

For the record, analysts had expressed the view that inflation was going to be at 2.8-2.9%.

[11] 42ND THESSALONIKI FILM FESTIVAL OPENS TONIGHT

The 42nd Thessaloniki Film Festival opens tonight with the screening of La Savoir-Who Knows, by Jacques Rivette. The ceremony will take on a new radiance in the presence of famous actress Faye Dunaway, who will receive the Golden Alexander award tomorrow, for her contribution to the 7th art.

During this year's Festival, 154 feature films and 47 short films will be shown. In the International Competition part of the Festival, which has its ten year anniversary this year, 14 films will be shown, with directors from all around the world, of which 2 are Greek. The films are on the issue of racism, social exclusion, and personal relationships, with an approach which is at times dramatically intense and at other humorous. In the Greek Competition part of the Festival, 33 films will be shown, contesting for state awards of quality. The films cover most genres, while many of them have been chosen by important international festivals. The state awards of quality will be awarded on March 19 at the Thessaloniki Megaron Music Hall.

[12] SVEE MEETS WITH TURKISH MINISTER OF SHIPPING

This afternoon a meeting will take place in Thessaloniki, between the administration of the Association of Industries of Northern Greece (SVVE) and the Turkish Minister of Commercial Shipping, Ramazan Mirzaoglou, who will be accompanied by MPs, party spokespersons, high level ministry staff members and businessmen of the neighboring country.

During the meeting which will start at 6:30pm, in the event room of the Stock Exchange Center of Thessaloniki, the President of SVVE Dimitris Simeonidis will present the economic profile of Northern Greece to the Turkish officials.

At the same time, he will inform the Turkish Minister of Commercial Shipping of the infrastructure and activities developed by the Association of Industries of Northern Greece, which could contribute to the entrepreneurial development of Southeastern Europe.

[13] DENKTASH INVITED CLERIDES TO TALKS

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash invited Cypriot president Glafkos Clerides to "talks from the heart" to avert a crisis that will concern the future of the island.

Mr. Denktash, who rejected an invitation by the UN secretary-general last September to return to the talks on Cyprus maintaining that he is not treated as an equal partner, invited the Cypriot president to direct talks for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Cypriot President Glafkos Clerides will gladly have a face-to-face meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader in Nicosia as soon as Mr. Denktash accepts an invitation by UN secretary-general Kofi Annan to return to the talks procedure under the auspices of the international organization. The statement was made by Cypriot government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou commenting on the Denktash proposal-invitation, adding that the purpose of such a meeting will be to facilitate the UN procedure on the Cyprus problem.

Mr. Clerides is in New York and this afternoon will have a meeting with UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, while on Sunday he is scheduled to address the UN general assembly.

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