Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 01-12-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] THE NATIONAL INFORMATION AGENCY WILL BE REORGANIZED

[02] IMPROVED WEATHER IN GREECE

[03] PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS MET WITH SAE PRESIDENT ATHENS

[04] THE GREEK-ROMANIAN TRADE QUADRUPLED IN THE PERIOD 1993-2000

[05] THE STATE BUDGET WAS APPROVED IN PARLIAMENT

[01] THE NATIONAL INFORMATION AGENCY WILL BE REORGANIZED

Public Order Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis referring to the action taken against domestic terrorism, stated that the action against it is taken within the framework of the democratic legality, the state of law principles and the respect of legal procedures.

On the security in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, he said that Greece will meet the timetables, while the operational planning and the measures taken have the full approval of the International Olympic Committee. He also stated that 25 working teams have been set up to deal with security issues during the Greek EU presidency in 2003.

The Public Order Minister also stated that a draft bill on the reorganization of the National Information Agency will be tabled to parliament soon, as the agency has been placed under the authority of the Ministry of Public Order.

[02] IMPROVED WEATHER IN GREECE

The weather in Greece appeared improved today as the extreme weather phenomena were limited only to eastern Aegean.

However, the freezing temperatures continue in many regions of northern Greece.

Thessaloniki's Macedonia Airport opened at 11am today as since the early morning hours there were problems in departures due to the fog.

The airport was closed to incoming flights, while two flights from Athens were canceled and many delays were recorded in many scheduled flights.

[03] PRIME MINISTER SIMITIS MET WITH SAE PRESIDENT ATHENS

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis met with World Council for the Greeks Abroad, SAE, president Andrew Athens on December 20.

Mr. Athens referred to the goals set by SAE for the new period and pointed out that SAE enters a new phase. He also briefed the Prime Minister on SAE's Medical Aid Program and the new initiatives undertaken within its framework.

The Prime Minister assured SAE's president that the Greek state and government will continue to support SAE's work.

[04] THE GREEK-ROMANIAN TRADE QUADRUPLED IN THE PERIOD 1993-2000

The volume of the trade transactions between Greece and Romania quadrupled in the period 1993-2000 and reached US$695.9 million.

The value of the Greek products exported to Romania last year was at US$371.8 million showing an increase of 89.9%, while the Romanian exports to Greece were US$324.1 million increased by 49%.

Based on the November 2000 figures, Greece had the 6th place among foreign investors in Romania with an invested capital of US$500 million.

[05] THE STATE BUDGET WAS APPROVED IN PARLIAMENT

The 2002 state budget was voted for in parliament last night, with 155 votes in favor and 143 against.

The state budget was approved by all the governing socialist party of PASOK deputies. Against the state budget voted all the opposition parliament deputies, except from independent deputy Vasilis Kedikoglou, who voted in favor of the defense budget.

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