Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 01-12-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] STATEMENTS ON THE SURVEY

[02] THERE'S EXACTLY 10,939,605 OF US

[03] NEW SAE PRESIDENCY ELECTED TODAY

[04] ALCOHOL-DRUGS-CIGARETTES ARE SCHOOL PROBLEMS

[05] PROTOPAPAS ON THE VIOLATIONS OF THE GREEK AIRSPACE BY TURKISH AIRCRAFT

[06] THE 14 SPY SUSPECTS WERE RELEASED

[07] SIGNIFICANT LOSSES IN THE ASE

[08] MOST OF THE WOMEN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS ARE FOREIGNERS

[09] BUSH-SIMITIS MEETING IN JANUARY

[10] GR. NIOTIS: NATIONAL HELLENISM ABROAD FUND IS A CHALLENGE

[11] GREEKS LIVING ABROAD STAND BY "OMONIA"

[12] EVENT FOR THE 11/9 VICTIMS

[13] MILLER ANSWER ON WIFE'S STATEMENTS

[14] KARAMANLIS: THE STABILITY IN THE REGION DEPENDS ON KOSOVO'S PRESENT AND

[15] APPEAL BY KARAMANLIS TO THE EU TO HELP YUGOSLAVIA

[16] KARAMANLIS-KOSTUNICA MEETING IN BELGRADE

[17] PAPANTONIOU-MAIKO SATISFIED WITH GREEK-ALBANIAN RELATIONS

[18] QUESTION BY ZACHARAKIS ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE TURKISH JAILS

[19] VIOLENCE TARGETING THE ETHNIC GREEK MINORITY IN ALBANIA

[01] STATEMENTS ON THE SURVEY

One more survey recording a course of improvement and increasing, stated Minister of the Press and Media, and government spokesperson Christos Protopapas, referring to the MRB survey.

Mr. Protopapas stressed that the trust of the people in Prime Minister Simitis is confirmed.

It is clear. The Greek people expect results from us. With political initiative and our work, we will respond to this challenge. That is what we will be judged by, he underlined.

In statements made to Flash Radio, Mrs. Bakoyanni pointed out: Although PASOK increased its consolidation - by about 8 units since June the factor that stabilizes and encourages New Democracy, is the analogy by which voters moved from one party to the other. An analogy of 7 to 1, meaning that 7 voters of PASOK turned to New Democracy, while only one voter of New Democracy turned to PASOK.

The Secretary of PASOK, Kostas Laliotis, expressed his great satisfaction for the results of MRB's survey.

Mr. Laliotis stressed that the survey showed Kostas Simitis' superiority against Kostas Karamanlis, on the matter of who is more appropriate to be Prime Minister, the overall recovery of PASOK, in combination with the improvement of the government's image, the significant decrease in percentage difference between ND and PASOK in vote intent and the victory expectance, and the noteworthy, as he characterized it, consolidation of PASOK voters.

[02] THERE'S EXACTLY 10,939,605 OF US

The National Statistic Agency published the temporary results of the census that took place on March 18.The total population of Greece is 10,939,605, increased by 6.7% in relation to the 1991 census.

There are still more women than men (5,515,516 women- 5,424,089 men), however during the 1991-2001 period, male population increased by 7.4%, while female population by 6%.

One out of three Greeks lives in Athens (3,756,607 residents), Epiros has the fewest residents, while there has been a population explosion on Mt. Athos.

The greatest increase in population was recorded in Mt. Athos (48.2%) followed by eastern Attica with 37%, the Evritania Prefecture with 31.8% and western Attica with 20.7%.

[03] NEW SAE PRESIDENCY ELECTED TODAY

The works of the 4th World SAE we be completed today, with the election of a new SAE Presidency.

The presentation of the resolutions by the elected Committee of the Congress, it taking place at this time. According to the schedule, the elections will take place between 13:00 and 16:00 (Athens time).

With the end of the electoral procedures, the presentation of the Church Relics and Monuments of Hellenism Abroad Adoption Programme, and a video projection on hospitality programmes for 2001.

At 18:30 the results of the elections will take place, and the presentation of the new SAE Presidency will take place.

At 21:00 the participants are invited to "Ulysses, Please Come Back", a play by Iakovos Kampanelis, directed by Andreas Voutsinas. The performance is supported by the State Theater of Northern Greece.

A joint press conference will be held by deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Giannis Magriotis, and Secretary General of SAE Dimitris Dollis, during which they will present the conclusions of the 4th World SAE.

[04] ALCOHOL-DRUGS-CIGARETTES ARE SCHOOL PROBLEMS

Violence, insecurity, alcohol and drugs are the problems Greek schools are faced with, according to the survey executed by the Pedagogical Institute and published in the Nea newspaper.

About 1 billion drs. are spent each year on school repairs, while there is an increase alcohol use, even in elementary school. There are many students who smoke and do drugs, while the phenomenon of violence in schools is taking on disturbing dimensions, as 1 out of 3 students does not feel safe.

The results of survey, which are included in a special publication of the Pedagogical Institute titled Challenges in the School Community, 6% of grade school students often consume whiskey, while 5,5% of the same students drink wine very often, while 12% of junior high school students and 20% of high school students, prefer beer.

The same survey mentions that 5.3% of junior high students use soft drugs often, 2.6% smoke regularly and 6% smoke now and then.

The largest percentages of students to use drugs and smoke are in high school. 2.4% do hard drugs, 11% do soft drugs, while 18% (almost 2 out of 10 students) smoke regularly.

Also, according to research of the University Research Institute of Psychological Health, the results of which are included in the same publication, 34% of 11-year-old students and 39% of 13-year-old students stated that they have fallen victim to some form of in-school violence, while 1 out of three students stated they do not like school.

[05] PROTOPAPAS ON THE VIOLATIONS OF THE GREEK AIRSPACE BY TURKISH AIRCRAFT

Many violations of the Greek airspace by Turkish aircraft were recorded lately but the Greek Air Force did its job very well and all the Turkish fighter jets were intercepted. The above were stated by Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas responding to a relevant question, adding that Greece has taken all diplomatic steps.

The government spokesman also referred to the developments in the issue of Cyprus' EU accession characterizing them as very positive and pointed out that Turkey, as a result of these developments, was forced to form new terms on the issue of Cyprus, adding that Ankara's honesty will be judged in practice.

He also said that in the Laaken Summit meeting will be raised issues of joint EU foreign policy and security which he characterized as crucial.

[06] THE 14 SPY SUSPECTS WERE RELEASED

The 12 British and the 2 Dutch nationals, who were arrested on November 8, while taking pictures of the Kalamata military airport in southern Greece, were freed on a 5 million drachmas bond.

A court changed the spy accusations faced by the 14 into a misdemeanor.

[07] SIGNIFICANT LOSSES IN THE ASE

Significant losses were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index dropped to -1.52% at 2.605,30 points, while the volume of transactions was 381 million Euro or 130 billion drachmas.

Of the stocks trading today, 23 recorded gains and 323 had losses, while the value of 9 stocks remained unchanged.

[08] MOST OF THE WOMEN TRAFFICKING VICTIMS ARE FOREIGNERS

Most of the women trafficking victims (60%) are foreigners without a residence permit and often are young women 12-15 years old. During the past year, 300.000 women from eastern and central Europe were led to prostitution in western Europe.

The above were stated by Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Giorgos Paschalidis in a meeting-discussion on the Illegal Trafficking and Trade of Women that was held by the Ministry of Macedonia-Thrace in cooperation with the US Consulate in Thessaloniki and the Center for Democracy in the Balkans, with the participation of European Parliament representatives and non governmental organizations from Pristina and Skopje.

Mr. Paschalidis stated that the problem needs to be faced at an international level, while a coordination is necessary at police and legislation level.

The US consul general in Thessaloniki stated that it is a global problem and needs the same mobilization that was necessary to deal with the illegal trafficking of weapons and drugs.

[09] BUSH-SIMITIS MEETING IN JANUARY

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis is expected to travel to the United States in early January to meet with US President George Bush at the White House.

The US side suggested the visit to take place on January 9-10 but the Greek government has not responded yet.

Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas stated that the date of Mr. Simitis' visit has not been finalized yet and it will be decided via the diplomatic route. He said that the agenda of the meeting will be decided via the diplomatic route as well, adding that it will cover all issues and mainly will be discussed issues that concern the international community and bilateral relations.

[10] GR. NIOTIS: NATIONAL HELLENISM ABROAD FUND IS A CHALLENGE

The President of the Special Standing Interparty Committee for Greeks Living Abroad of the Greek Parliament, Grigoris Niotis, presented the newly founded National Fund for Hellenism Abroad (ETO), as a challenge to the survival of SAE itself, as an institution of authority, range and productive programmes, responding to the modern image and needs of Hellenism abroad.

During the session on the ETO, in the framework of the 4th World SAE, Mr. Niotis stressed that as a non-profit and non-governmental organization, the ETO is the main lever to ensure the autonomy and financial self-reliance of SAE and the Greek living abroad community worldwide.

He also underlined that there will be support from the state, while when mentioning the "ingredients" that ensure the successful course of the ETO, he stated that these are the mobilization of Hellenism abroad, with their registering as aiding members, the professional presentation, special marketing and special promotion network of the ETO, as well as the ability to attract sponsors in Greece and Cyprus, as well as from abroad.

[11] GREEKS LIVING ABROAD STAND BY "OMONIA"

The speech of the representative of the youth organization Omonia, Eleonora Kokavessi, at the 4th World SAE, was especially touching. With words that touched the hearts of all the participants she referred to the desire in the hearts of Greeks of Northern Ipiros, to salvage and pass on their Greek heritage to their children.

On behalf of Omonia Mrs. Kokavessi appealed to Greeks living abroad to set up a committee and concentrate funds for the support of the suffering, so that they do not abandon their forefathers' lands. She also asked for support of the request to institute an official SAE member, who will represent the Greeks of Albania. At the same time, a SAE association office in Ioannina should be instituted, to deal with issues of the Greek National Minority in Albania, as well as research on the legal aspect of the Ipiros issue, so that proposals can be promoted to International Organizations.

The response of the participants was direct. With the urging of the Coordinator of N&S America, Mr. Christos Tomaras, who has in the past personally supported Hellenism in the neighboring country, by financial means, concentrating $20,000.

[12] EVENT FOR THE 11/9 VICTIMS

His gratitude towards Greece was expressed by US Ambassador Thomas Miller, after the memorial service for the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

We may have our differences sometimes, but we agree on this. We will continue our struggle. With this ceremony today, we are showing people that I do not forget, as well as that we are determined to continue, said Mr. Miller.

Parts of Ground Zero- The Greek Souls, a production of the Foreign Ministry, were shown today for the first time at 11:45am, at the I. Vellidis Conference Center, in the framework of the 4th World SAE.

The film is dedicated to the innocent victims Greeks living in the US, who were lost in the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. Memories of families that lost loved ones that day, were presented in the film, while it expressed the message of solidarity of Hellenism to the Greek-American Community.

[13] MILLER ANSWER ON WIFE'S STATEMENTS

The wife of US Ambassador Thomas Miller, Bony, attributed the tumult caused after her statements yesterday, to the media.

Mrs. Miller, speaking at a meeting of the Citizen's Advocate, hinted at the ineffectuality of the Greek Police in dealing with sexual abuse issues and victims, saying that the Bosnian Police was much more effective than Greek Police.

Today Mr. Miller tried to smooth things over after the impression his wife's statements, on the Greek Police's effectiveness and circuits linked to the trafficking and abuse of women, made yesterday.

In statements she made to NET (New Hellenic Television), she stressed that she wanted to point out and stress the problem there is with trafficking, and not speak about herself. Unfortunately the media did not understand it that way, she stated.

Mrs. Miller stated that the Greek Police and Government are participating in eradicating the problem.

The US Ambassador defended his wife's positions, who expressed his surprise at the dimensions this issue has been given.

Coming from the Conference of the US-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, he stated that the problem had been spotted by the Chief of Greek Police long ago, and asked him to confer his congratulations to Mrs. Miller.

[14] KARAMANLIS: THE STABILITY IN THE REGION DEPENDS ON KOSOVO'S PRESENT AND FUTURE

Right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis visited the "Alexander the Great" army camp in Kosovo, where the Greek Brigade is based, underlining the important role it plays for peace and stability in the region, while at the same time it also upgrades Greece's role.

Mr. Karamanlis underlined that stability in the region depends on Kosovo's present and future, stressing that prudence and moderation must prevail.

The New Democracy leader reiterated that there must be no changes in the borders, adding that living conditions must be at a satisfactory level for every citizen, while he stressed that the human and minority rights must be respected. He also said that the moderate presence of Mr. Rugova will be a catalyst toward this direction.

[15] APPEAL BY KARAMANLIS TO THE EU TO HELP YUGOSLAVIA

Right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis, after the meeting he had with Federal Republic of Yugoslavia President Vojslav Kostunica in Belgrade, issued an appeal to the European Union to assist Yugoslavia, while he called on the Greek government to undertake a more active policy in the Balkans.

Mr. Karamanlis stated that in his meeting with Mr. Kostunica they agreed on the basic principles that promote peace and stability in the region namely, no border changes, no new states, and respect of human and minority rights.

He said that it is clear that the reconstruction of the Balkans and the consolidation of stability in the region cannot take place without Yugoslavia.

[16] KARAMANLIS-KOSTUNICA MEETING IN BELGRADE

A meeting took place in Belgrade between the President of New Democracy, Kostas Karamanlis, and the President of Yugoslavia, Voislav Kostunica, in the framework of the European People's Party initiative for the democratization of the western Balkans which Mr. Karamanlis heads.

The leader of the Opposition will go to Kossovo where he will meet with Ibraim Rugova and the Head of UNMIK, Hans Heceroup, as well as representatives of the Serb community. Mr. Karamanlis, will also visit the Greek Brigade in stationed in Kossovo Polie.

Yesterday, Mr. Karamanlis visited Skopje, where he had consecutive meetings with the President of FYROM, Boris Trajkovski, and the Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski, the President of the Democratic Party of Albania (DPA), Arben Jaferi, and the leader of the Socialdemocrat Union (SDSM), Branco Chervenovski.

Tomorrow Mr. Karamanlis will go to Brussels to participate in the enlarged summit meeting of the EPP, where he will inform the participants on the results of his meeting.

[17] PAPANTONIOU-MAIKO SATISFIED WITH GREEK-ALBANIAN RELATIONS

A bilateral military agreement, of a mainly technical character, was signed by Ministers of Defense of Albania and Greece, Panteli Maiko and Giannos Papantoniou, during the Greek Minister's visit to Tirana.

The agreement foresees, among other things, the organization of seminars, the provision of military materials and the coordination of technical issues for the reconstruction of the military base of Durresi with funding from the Ministry of National Defense.

The agreement also foresees the healthcare of a larger number of patients in Greek military hospitals, which will reach 30 people a year.

Mr. Papantoniou met with the Prime Minister, Ilir Meta, and the President of Albania, Rejep Mejdani.

In a joint press conference, the two Ministers expresses their satisfaction with the good point Greek-Albanian relations have reached.

[18] QUESTION BY ZACHARAKIS ON THE CONDITIONS IN THE TURKISH JAILS

The assurance that the European Union will continue to pressure Turkey to respect its obligations stemming from the European Treaty on Human Rights and the international agreements against torture, was given by the European Council in response to a question by Greek Euro-deputy Christos Zacharakis, elected with the right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy.

The Euro-deputy pointed out that 49 inmates have already died in the Turkish jails in spite of the fact that in January 2001 the European Parliament had adopted a resolution requesting from the Turkish authorities to take immediately the necessary legal and administrative measures to end the tragedy.

He also called on the European Council to outline the measures it intends to take to make it clear to Turkey that the respect of human rights and the state of law are a precondition for any cooperation relation between Turkey and the European Union.

[19] VIOLENCE TARGETING THE ETHNIC GREEK MINORITY IN ALBANIA

Greek Euro-deputy Christos Zacharakis, elected with the right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy, accused the Albanian authorities of violent behavior targeting the ethnic Greek minority in Himara referring to the demolition of "unlicensed" houses that belonged to members of the minority.

Mr. Zacharakis stressed that the actions against the ethnic Greek minority were ordered by the Albanian mayor of Himara, adding that his election was not recognized as legal by the observers of the Council of Europe. He called on the Euro-Parliament to take under consideration these events in view of the preparations for the negotiations aimed at the signing of a Stability and Cooperation Pact between the EU and Albania.

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