Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 02-06-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] F-4 FIGHTER AIRCRAFT MISSING

[02] JOINT EU POLICY ON IMMIGRATION NECESSARY

[03] MINISTERIAL "EUREKA" CONFERENCE IN THESSALONIKI

[04] MEASURES AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

[05] "FETA" VICTORY FOR GREECE

[06] OSWALD IS SATISFIED WITH THE COURSE OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES PREPARATIONS

[07] GREECE IS TOTALLY SATISFIED WITH DEVELOPMENTS ON THE EURO-ARMY

[08] SIGNIFICANT GAINS IN THE ASE

[09] SIGNIFICANT PERSONALITIES IN THE KONSTANTINOS KARAMANLIS DEMOCRACY

[10] THE GREEKS FEEL HEALTHY

[11] SIMITIS AND OSWALD DISCUSSED THE OLYMPIC GAMES PREPARATIONS

[12] CHRISTODOULAKIS: INFLATION AT 3.3% IN 2002

[13] KARAMANLIS-MILLER MEETING

[14] MAGRIOTIS MET WITH THE KAZAKH MINISTER OF EDUCATION

[15] DEVELOPMENT OF KAZAKHSTAN-GREECE RELATIONS

[16] NATIONAL CONTRIBUTION OF MACEDONIANS WORLDWIDE

[01] F-4 FIGHTER AIRCRAFT MISSING

The Air Force has lost one of its aircraft, as an F-4 Phantom fighter disappeared from radar at 08:40, somewhere between Skyros and Evia.

The aircraft was on a training flight, while the efforts of the operations center and the rescue means of the Air Force for finding it, are fully underway.

This is the second aircraft lost in 2002, while it is unknown if the crew were able to activate the ejection system.

[02] JOINT EU POLICY ON IMMIGRATION NECESSARY

The joint confrontation of illegal immigration phenomena towards EU countries, the guarding of exterior borders by a special police force and the incorporation of immigration policy into EU relations with third countries in the form of reintroduction agreements with the countries through or from which the illegal immigrants came, were characterized as urgent needs by Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Giorgos Paschalidis.

Mr. Paschalidis visited Komotini leading a government delegation including the Secretary-Generals of the Ministries of Public Order, Dimitris Efstathiadis, Health, Charalambos Sophianos, the Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization, Giorgos Nikitiadis, as well as the Secretary General of the Eastern District of Macedonia-Thrace, Aris Papadopoulos.

Entering a meeting on illegal immigration held at the offices of the Eastern Macedonia-Thrace District, he stated that the latest incidents of mass entry of illegal immigration through Evros and the sea borders confirm the conclusions of the Seville Summit and the Greek positions that contributed to its direction.

Mr. Paschalidis stressed that sharing the weight and costs between parties, so that the cost does not only burden the countries on the first line of accepting illegal immigrants, is important, and noted that the Seville Council led to decisions that will have to be evaluated in Copenhagen and at the European Council in Thessaloniki.

As far as Greece's problems are concerned, he pointed out that it is absolutely necessary for Turkey to take up its conventional obligations in the repatriation of illegal immigrants, that it is necessary for agreements to be signed between the EU and the countries of origin and of transition on the repatriation of illegal immigrants.

He underlined that illegal immigration due to poverty of certain countries and the encouragement of illegal immigrant trafficking are two completely different issues.

Along with illegal immigration control measures, we ought to intensify our social incorporation measures for legal financial refugees in our country, he said, adding that Greek society has a specific endurance borderline which is related to the rate at which legal financial refugees are incorporated.

Finally he stressed that the necessary infrastructure must be formed in order to secure necessary hygiene in welcoming areas, increasing the sense of security in local societies.

We are obliged to find a measure here as well. To respect human rights and reinforce the feeling of citizen's security. Besides, security is a human right, he ended.

[03] MINISTERIAL "EUREKA" CONFERENCE IN THESSALONIKI

Presided over by Minister of Development Akis Tsochatzopoulos, the 20th Ministerial EUREKA Conference will take place tomorrow, in a central Thessaloniki hotel.

Ministers and high officials of the 32 EUREKA member-states have been invited to participate, in order to discuss future initiative prospects and the efforts made by Greece during its Presidency (July 2001-June 2002).

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos will refer to proceedings of the Greek EUREKA Presidency, enumerating all actions taken during the past 12 months for the upgrading of initiative and its contribution to the founding of a European research space.

In the meanwhile, during a special event to take place tonight at the Thessaloniki Megaron Music Hall at 7pm, the Minister of Development will present the EUREKA awards to companies that significantly contributed to the protection of the environment, as well as to those that showed an important increase in yearly income, through their involvement in initiative projects.

It should be noted that EUREKA is an initiative promoting competitiveness in Europe, through technology and innovation, supporting research results aiming at market needs, encouraging cooperation between industries and scientific bodies and the media, and on the whole represents a multitude of successful practices in the world of International Researching and Technological Cooperation.

[04] MEASURES AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

A turn toward a policy that will prevent illegal immigration is made by the Greek government as it was obvious in the governmental committee meeting that was held today. The main topic in the meeting was the adoption of measures against the specific phenomenon.

According to Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas, it was established that Greece has reached its limits after the recent incidents that were recorded in Thrace, in the northeast. He said that in parallel with the procedures for the absorption of the immigrants who are already in Greece the government wants to follow a clear policy aimed at preventing illegal immigration.

Regarding the 3.000 illegal immigrants, who entered Greece in the past few weeks illegally from Evros, in the northeast, Mr. Protopapas stated that the living conditions for them are not the best they could have and the government has decided to take measures for their improvement. He clarified, however, that the measures will be temporary as the goal is to return the illegal immigrants to their countries.

Mr. Protopapas stated that the issue of illegal immigration was discussed in the recent meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Greece and Turkey and Mr. Papandreou had requested that Turkey should observe strictly the bilateral agreement which has already been ratified by the parliaments of the two countries.

The government spokesman stated that Greece intends to bring the issue of the border protection by Turkey to the European Union, pointing out that in case Ankara needs additional EU subsidies for the improvement of its border protection, Greece would support its demand.

[05] "FETA" VICTORY FOR GREECE

The issue of the name of the feta cheese ended with a Greek victory. The European Union Agriculture Ministers' Council decided to put feta on the list of products with a protected name of origin within a period of three months.

According to the decision, the cheese with the name feta can be produced only in certain regions of Greece and in strict observance of the product's specifications.

The producers in other EU member-states, who refuse to comply with the European directives immediately, will have a period of five years to change the name of their product or stop the production of the cheese with the specific name.

[06] OSWALD IS SATISFIED WITH THE COURSE OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES PREPARATIONS

International Olympic Committee, IOC, Coordinating Committee President Dennis Oswald appeared satisfied with the course of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games preparations in a press conference he gave in Athens after the contacts he had on the progress of the Olympic Games projects.

Mr. Oswald stated that there is clear progress and that he received the necessary assurances that the projects will proceed as planned. However, certain IOC delegation members expressed concern on the delays that are being observed in three projects.

[07] GREECE IS TOTALLY SATISFIED WITH DEVELOPMENTS ON THE EURO-ARMY

The Greek side is totally satisfied with developments on the issue of the Euro-army, stated Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Panagiotis Beglitis.

In Seville, a framework was established within which talks will continue, namely, an informal agreement was achieved, stated characteristically and added that the Ankara text will change and a statement will be made by the EU partners that will safeguard the Greek interests in case an agreement is reached.

Mr. Beglitis pointed out that the EU Presidency speaks on behalf of all the partners, stressing that the framework of agreement achieved in Seville has not been adopted formally yet but politically is valid.

Regarding the changes that have been made, Mr. Beglitis pointed out that in paragraph 2 of the Ankara Text an addition was made with the rights and obligations of the member-states participating in the common foreign policy and policy of defense and NATO. An emphasis is given to the respect of international law and the non use of violence.

He also referred to article 12 of the Ankara Text, pointing out that it provides for consultations between the EU partners and the Turkish side and not decisions.

[08] SIGNIFICANT GAINS IN THE ASE

Significant gains were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index rose to +1.12% at 2.229,81 points, while the volume of transactions was at 76.9 million Euro or 26.2 billion drachmas.

Of the stocks trading today, the overwhelming majority of 233 recorded gains and 76 had losses, while the value of 64 stocks remained unchanged.

[09] SIGNIFICANT PERSONALITIES IN THE KONSTANTINOS KARAMANLIS DEMOCRACY INSTITUTE CONFERENCE

Significant personalities from the European center-right like former President of Poland Lech Walesa, former Foreign Minister of Germany Deatrich Gensher, and Britain's former Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd, are expected to attend the three-day conference that will open in Athens tomorrow organized by the Konstantinos Karamanlis Democracy Institute.

The conference's title is Toward a more Effective Government in the 21st Century and its proceedings will be completed on Sunday.

[10] THE GREEKS FEEL HEALTHY

Greeks in their majority feel healthy and they give to their health a grade of 77 when the highest grade is 100, according to a research conducted by the National School of Public Health in cooperation with the World Health Organization. In the research, that was conducted from December 2000 until May 2001, took part a total of 5.000 individuals in the wider region of Athens.

According to the research, the most frequent visitors of the medical centers are the elderly, and those with low income and little education.

Based on the research, the Greeks are not satisfied with the respect they receive from the health services personnel, while 14% of those questioned do not have social security coverage because they are immigrants or unemployed and 6% does not have hospital care coverage.

[11] SIMITIS AND OSWALD DISCUSSED THE OLYMPIC GAMES PREPARATIONS

The course of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games preparations was discussed by Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and International Olympic Committee, IOC, Coordinating Committee President Dennis Oswald, who is on a visit to Greece heading an IOC delegation.

Present in the meeting were Athens 2004 Organization President Yianna Angelopoulou and Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos. According to information, the Prime Minister assured that all projects will be ready within the framework of the existing timetables and stressed that the Olympic Games preparations will continue in the same pace.

Also, Mr. Venizelos stated that he is satisfied with the preparations in spite of the difficulties in the effort to meet the timetables set.

Meanwhile, Ms. Angelopoulou and Mr. Oswald gave a joint press conference to assess the Athens 2004 Olympic Games preparations made so far.

[12] CHRISTODOULAKIS: INFLATION AT 3.3% IN 2002

The belief that inflation in 2002 will be at 3.3% instead of 3% which was the initial prediction, was expressed by Minister of Finance Nikos Christodoulakis, according to the biannual report on the Greek economy. Also, the initial predictions on the growth rate of the Greek economy in the current year remain unchanged at 3.8%.

Mr. Christodoulakis stated yesterday, speaking before foreign press correspondents, that there are three problems faced by the Greek economy namely, the high deficit in the balance of trade, the inflationary pressures and high unemployment.

The Minister of Finance stated that there is a need for fiscal discipline, while referring to the social security system, he said that the completion of the social security system reform is a big success but there is still a likelihood for more interventions.

[13] KARAMANLIS-MILLER MEETING

US Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller visited right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis at the party's offices in Athens.

In the meeting they discussed issues of mutual interest and the outcome of the contacts Mr. Karamanlis had in the United States during his recent visit to the country.

Present in the meeting was ND International Relations and European Union Secretary, professor Yiannis Valinakis.

[14] MAGRIOTIS MET WITH THE KAZAKH MINISTER OF EDUCATION

Greek Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Yiannis Magriotis met in Astana today with the Kazakh Minister of Education and discussed ways for the immediate materialization of the Education Agreement they signed in Almaty yesterday.

Specifically, they discussed three sectors of cooperation namely, the teaching of the Greek language, the Greek know-how that can be conveyed to Kazakhstan in the sector of European Law, public administration and tourism and finally, the co-organizing of cultural events in view of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

[15] DEVELOPMENT OF KAZAKHSTAN-GREECE RELATIONS

The private meeting of President Stefanopoulos with President Nazarbayef and the expansion of the two delegations' discussions, ended with the signing of three inter-state agreements and cooperation protocol between Greece and Kazakhstan, in the city of Almati this afternoon.

Specifically, deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos signed to agreements with Kazakhstan Foreign Minister Mr. Toakef, for the promotion of mutual protection of investments and in the sector of international road transfer of passengers and goods. Meanwhile, deputy Foreign Minister Giannis Magriotis signed the agreement on education and culture. The protocol concerns exchange of intentions of cooperation on tourism.

At a press conference the two Presidents held, common will for further development of bilateral relations was expressed, as well as establishing common views on international and regional issues as far as challenges and prospects are concerned.

President Nazarbayef, after thanking President Stefanopoulos for his visit as the first Greek President of the Republic in Kazakhstan, expressed his certainty that it will give a new push to the tightening of relations with Greece, one of the rapidly developing countries of the EU, as he characterized it. He specifically mentioned the promotion of bilateral commercial relations, which already touch upon $70 million annually.

He also expressed his satisfaction from the Greek-Kazakh entrepreneur forum, which is being held today in Almati, and the expected promotion of their relations in all sectors, mainly agriculture, energy (petrol and natural gas), tourism, etc. and stated that he is ready to show his support in all sectors.

On his side, President Stefanopoulos firstly thanked Kazakhstan for its hospitality towards Greeks living there as equals, while he stressed the truly honest disposition for the development of bilateral relations, the basis of which was set up last year, during President Nazarbayef's visit to Greece and his satisfaction with the results of the discussions.

At the same time he pointed out the role each of the countries plays in the Balkans and Central Asia respectively, and he assured Kazakhstan of Greek support in becoming a member of the WTO, a fact that could greatly facilitate commercial relations with other countries and Greece.

From a state activity and initiative point of view, Mr. Stefanopoulos pointed out the significant energy sector, as Kazakhstan is a major oil producing country, which is constantly increasing its production, and he expressed his hope that there will soon be a mission of experts from Kazakhstan to Athens, which will have discussions with Greek experts on cooperation potential, including the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline.

To a question of the MPA on Kazakhstan's position on the Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline, President Nazarbayef pointed out that Kazakhstan is becoming a major oil producing country which is already addressing the European market. Some programmes concerning oil transfer from the Black Sea have already been materialized. With the traffic there is in the Vosporos narrows, alternative routes of transfer are needed, and thus they see the Alexandroupoli-Burgas pipeline in a very positive light, just as they see the other existing plans.

The mission of experts to Athens will investigate the financial and technical potential of cooperation. On the terms of participation of Kazakhstan in the materialization of the plan, Mr. Nazarbayef said that the creation of a company between Greece, Russia and Bulgaria is expected, and what he would be interested in is the possible accession of Kazakhstan, part of the ownership on an equal basis in the framework of the trilateral company, as well as the output of the pipeline, since the materialization course of the plan has shown that it is an attractive project.

Finally, President Nazarbayef mentioned the founding of the joint Greek-Kazakh company, Aktau Shipping, for the transfer of oil with modern tankers through the Caspian Sea. The company's CEO is the President of the Kazakhstan State Oil Company and its Directing Consultant is businessman Mr. K. Keltsekis, who is participating in the Greek mission.

[16] NATIONAL CONTRIBUTION OF MACEDONIANS WORLDWIDE

Macedonians living all over the world are a select part of Hellenism and with their continuous national contribution, they have become an example and a model of patriotism, stressed President of the Republic Kostis Stefanopoulos, in a message he sent from the 56th Panmacedonian Association of America conference, the works of which began today, Thursday June 27, in the Clearwater Hilton in Florida, with the participation of approximately 250 representatives of the 130 Macedonian abroad associations, of Macedonians living and prospering in the US.

As the President of the Republic underlined, the many years of activity of the Panmacedonian Association of the United States, deserves our congratulations, as well as our gratitude.

Greetings were sent to the conference by Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, Archbishop of America Dimitrios, Archbishop of Athens and all of Greece Christodoulos, President of the Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis, Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou, Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Giorgos Paschalidis, deputy Minister of the Press and Media, Tilemachos Chytiris, Senators Bob Graham and Michael Bilirakis, Florida State MP John Karassas, President of SAE Andrew Athens, Mayor of the fair city of Clearwater Bryan Aungst, Mayor of Thessaloniki Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, Vice President of SAE and Coordinator of North and South America SAE Christos Tomaras, President of the American Hellenic Institute Evgenios Rossidis, and others.

President of the Parliament, Apostolos Kaklamanis

The President of the Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis, addressing the conference participants, stressed you Greeks living abroad, children of Macedonia, are one of the most valuable pieces of Hellenism and your contribution to the national affairs of our homeland is known, as is your contribution to the updating and informing of the countries in which you live of the great national heritage that Macedonia and its history is to Hellenism. Furthermore, he pointed out that in its long, grand, but also painful course through history, Hellenism never stood on material wealth, or superiority in numbers. It managed to survive and create thanks to its spirit, its culture, its traditions, its dedication to freedom and democracy. And despite all negative outside influences, despite threats and attempts on its national and cultural identity, it managed to keep the ties of solidarity and unity among its people and the communities they created and are creating all over the world, intact.

Foreign Minister, Giorgos Papandreou

In his message, Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou, referring to the priorities of Greek foreign policy, stressed that with our steady national interests and ideals as a constant rule, the Greek government, the Greek State, the Greek people, is intently listening to the national beat, it is escaping the narrow limits of our geographic region, and is developing initiatives for the resolving of crises and establishing peace in neighboring regions, vital to our geopolitical and geostrategic interests.

You Macedonians of America, this select part of our people, of the Greek diaspora, raise your voice on every occasion which reaches you and is heard. Consolidated around our national goals, to which the 2004 Olympics and the Olympic Cease-fire have been added, we will proceed into the new millenium with our eyes looking forward and up, ended Mr. Papandreou's message.

Minister of Macedonia-Thrace, Giorgos Paschalidis

Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Giorgos Paschalidis sent his warm greetings to the participants of the 56th conference and Macedonians abroad in general, and wished them success in their conference, stressed their rich activity pioneering in the efforts of Greeks living abroad, honoring all Greeks, who are all watching their achievements proudly.

Deputy Minister of the Press and Media, Tilemachos Chytiris

The greeting sent to the conference by deputy Minister of the Press and Media Tilemachos Chytiris was warm.

For us living in Greece, it is a special moment when Greeks living abroad, Macedonians abroad come together and discuss issues, with their thoughts turned to the homeland. Your love and contribution to our national issues, in the conservation of our culture in your communities in the countries in which you reside, is well known. The government recognizes you contribution.

Finally, the deputy Minister of the Press referred to Greece's great goal, the upcoming Olympics, and addressing the Greeks abroad stressed:

We are hoping for your participation in the national effort of the great goal of the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Rest assured that our country will organize the most beautiful games of modern times, standing on the Olympic ideals born in Greece. Your voluntary contribution to the organizing of the games makes us feel your love even more.

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