Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 02-07-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] SIMITIS-CERVENKOVSKI MEETING

[02] THE IRISH PRESIDENT MET WITH THE GREEK PRIME MINISTER

[03] THE INVESTIGATIONS ON TERRORISM CONTINUE BASED ON THE CONSTITUTION

[04] LOSSES AGAIN IN THE ASE

[05] PAPANDREOU-SOLANA MEETING IN SAMOS

[06] NEW DEMOCRACY SUPPORTS THE EFFORTS AGAINST TERRORISM

[07] THE IRISH PRESIDENT DISCUSSED ISSUES OF EUROPEAN INTEREST

[08] THE INVESTIGATION ON "17 NOVEMBER" CONTINUES

[09] STEPHANOPOULOS MET WITH HIS IRISH COUNTERPART

[10] SIMITIS AND BERLUSCONI INAUGURATE AN ELECTRICITY NETWORK LINK

[01] SIMITIS-CERVENKOVSKI MEETING

Bilateral relations and FYROM's elections in September were the main issues discussed in the meeting Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis had in Athens with Branko Cervenkovski, leader of the Social-democrats in FYROM.

The two men discussed developments in the Balkans and especially, the prospects for the stabilization of the situation in FYROM considering that the EU has taken over the leadership of the peacekeeping force deployed in the country, while elections are scheduled to take place in September.

[02] THE IRISH PRESIDENT MET WITH THE GREEK PRIME MINISTER

Irish President Mary McAleese stated after the meeting she had with Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, that her visit to Athens will contribute greatly to the further strengthening of the Greek-Irish relations.

Ms. McAleese pointed out that it is an obligation for the two countries to make every effort in order to use every opportunity offered by their partnership relation within the European Union for the benefit of the two peoples.

The Irish President stated that cultural relations help the people respect each other more, while trade relations create job positions and contribute to prosperity and stability. She stressed that it is important to guide the two peoples to a relation that will safeguard the future of the next generations.

[03] THE INVESTIGATIONS ON TERRORISM CONTINUE BASED ON THE CONSTITUTION

The investigations procedure on terrorism is held in accordance with the constitution and the state laws, reiterated Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas, adding that no arrests have been made and authorities do their job unaffected by the pressing conditions.

The investigation continues and sometimes people have to be summoned for questioning but all these are part of the investigation and concern the responsible authorities stated Mr. Protopapas, adding that in the case of any arrests the public will be briefed by the responsible authorities.

Responding to a question according to which, the 11yearold son of Savvas Xiros is being questioned by the police, Mr. Protopapas stated that the child was not summoned neither was questioned.

[04] LOSSES AGAIN IN THE ASE

Losses were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index dropped to -0.74% at 2.185,44 points, while the volume of transactions was small at 55.6 million Euro or 18.9 billion drachmas.

Of the stocks trading today, 114 recorded gains and 184 had losses, while the value of 78 stocks remained unchanged.

[05] PAPANDREOU-SOLANA MEETING IN SAMOS

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou and Javier Solana, responsible for common EU foreign policy and policy of defense issues discussed the political developments in Turkey and the effects expected to have on the issue of the Euro-army. The two men met in the Aegean island of Samos on the sidelines of the 5th annual symposium organized by the Andreas Papandreou Institute.

In the meeting there was concern on the situation in Turkey and Mr. Solana pointed out that it is too early for conclusions to be drawn concerning the solution of the Euro-army issue. Mr. Solana will brief Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem on the talks he had with Mr. Papandreou on the issue of the Euro-army.

Among the delegates participating in the symposium was former US President Bill Clinton and yesterday he departed for Istanbul.

[06] NEW DEMOCRACY SUPPORTS THE EFFORTS AGAINST TERRORISM

The need to exploit with a sense of seriousness and responsibility all evidence gathered to solve the 17 November terrorist organization crimes, was underlined by right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy spokesman Thodoris Rousopoulos. He made the statements after the party meeting on terrorism that was presided over by party leader Kostas Karamanlis.

Mr. Rousopoulos expressed the support of New Democracy to the efforts made to discover, arrest and prosecute the culprits, the masterminds and their associates.

[07] THE IRISH PRESIDENT DISCUSSED ISSUES OF EUROPEAN INTEREST

Irish President Mary McAleese discussed issues of European interest and Cyprus' EU accession course in the meeting she had today with Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, political party leaders and the Parliament President.

In statements he made after the meeting, Mr. Simitis characterized Ireland as a country with big development prospects as its growth rate is the highest in the European Union. He also referred to the country's progress in the information society, the promotion of investments and business activity.

After the meeting with the Irish President, Greek Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis expressed his gratitude for the position adopted by Ireland regarding Cyprus' EU accession and the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis stated that the Irish President realized that in case there is no political solution to the Cyprus problem as a result of the Turkish intransigence, Cyprus EU accession must be backed.

Coalition of the Left leader Nikos Konstantopoulos referred to issues that interest Greece and Ireland after the meeting he had with the Irish President. He said that those issues concern the peaceful coexistence of the peoples, the common future as parts of Europe, the fair solution of the Cyprus problem and the settlement of the issue of the Euro-army.

[08] THE INVESTIGATION ON "17 NOVEMBER" CONTINUES

The Greek police authorities continue the investigation on the terrorist organization 17 November.

The bank accounts of suspects are being examined to establish if there is any link with major robberies. Police are trying to find out where did the money used by 17 November come from .

Savvas Xiros, the terrorist who was seriously injured when a time-bomb exploded in his hands a week ago, is still at the intensive care unit of Evangelismos Hospital as the high fever he presented in the past few hours did not allow for his transfer to a high security room.

Meanwhile, based on the DNA test results 40yearold Savvas Xiros was involved in the terrorist attack on the residence of the German ambassador to Athens in 1999. Xiros' DNA matched with the DNA of the blood stains found on the scene of the attack. The Greek state-run television channel NET broadcast the news pointing out that police will make new statements on the case.

Also, according to information, police have located the person who rented the second 17 November hideout at Damareos Street and it is believed that it is an individual known to the anti-terrorist agency.

Greece's ambassador to UNESCO and author, Vasilis Vasilikos reacted angrily to the scenarios attempting to implicate him in terrorism and terrorist organization 17 November. He denied all scenarios attempting to implicate him in terrorism and stated that he intends to appeal to justice to protect his reputation and work.

[09] STEPHANOPOULOS MET WITH HIS IRISH COUNTERPART

Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos met yesterday with his Irish counterpart Mary McAleese at the Presidential Building in Athens.

In their meeting the two presidents confirmed the excellent bilateral relations. The further improvement of relations in the sector of trade and culture was discussed in the meeting of the Greek and Irish delegations that followed.

Mr. Stephanopoulos thanked his Irish counterpart for the support of her country to the Cyprus issue and praised the close bilateral cooperation within the framework of the European Union.

The Greek President underlined that Greece appreciates Ireland's presence in the EU, stressing that it is an example of a rapidly developing country and Greece has a lot to gain from it.

In the formal dinner that was given in her honor, Mr. Stephanopoulos pointed out that the simultaneous promotion of the political and economic union is an important goal for the Greek EU presidency.

During her visit to Greece, the Irish President will meet with the Prime Minister and the political party leaders and she will visit the Acropolis.

[10] SIMITIS AND BERLUSCONI INAUGURATE AN ELECTRICITY NETWORK LINK

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simtis and his Italian counterpart Silvio Berlusconi will inaugurate the link of the Italian and Greek electricity networks this afternoon. The inauguration will take place via teleconference.

The cable begins from the region of Caladina, Italy and ends up to Arachthos River. Minister of Development Akis Tsochatzopoulos and the management of the Greek Electricity Company will be at Arachthos River during the inauguration, while similar events will take place in Italy in the region of Caladina.

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