Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 02-07-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] XIROS TESTIFIES BEFORE PROSECUTOR DIOTIS

[02] THE FINANCIAL STATE HAS WORSENED FOR 43% OF THE HOUSEHOLDS

[03] THE LOSSES CONTINUE IN THE ASE

[04] THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC ORDER BRIEFED THE CABINET ON THE DEVELOPMENTS IN

[05] THE PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT IS IN BELGRADE

[06] BEGLITIS ON THE DEVELOPMENTS IN TURKEY

[07] MR. ANNAN'S ROLE IN CYPRUS IS POSITIVE

[08] BEGLITIS: NO AGREEMENT BETWEEN GREECE AND FYROM ON THE NAME ISSUE

[09] THE TRIAL OF PASSARIS WAS POSTPONED

[01] XIROS TESTIFIES BEFORE PROSECUTOR DIOTIS

Forty-year-old Savvas Xiros testifies before the responsible prosecutor Ioannis Diotis, who has taken over the case of the terrorist organization 17 November. Xiros is still hospitalized under heavy guard in Evangelismos Hospital in Athens. For the record, Xiros was seriously injured on Saturday, June 29 when a time-bomb exploded in his hands in the port of Piraeus.

Meanwhile, in a written statement issued by the Greek Police Headquarters it is mentioned that the search continues in the 17 November hideouts.

In the police statement it is also underlined that the investigation brought to light a large number of findings and it is necessary to be examined in a systematic and thorough way. The statement stresses that briefings will be made on the outcome of the investigation whenever it is feasible and if the course of the investigation is not affected.

Early in the afternoon, Xiros' priest father, and his Spanish girlfriend were allowed to visit him for a few minutes and they were briefed on the state of his health.

Also, according to information, an unidentified man was arrested last night when he attempted to enter Evangelismos Hospital without being noticed. As it was made known, the man was questioned by police.

[02] THE FINANCIAL STATE HAS WORSENED FOR 43% OF THE HOUSEHOLDS

A 43% of the Greek households watched their financial state deteriorate in 2001, according to an opinion poll conducted by ICAP, while just 13% of those questioned stated that they saw better days in their family finances.

Similar is the picture for those who were asked about their expectations in 2002 as 43% of them expect further worsening of their economic situation and only 14% look forward to an improvement.

Inflation is regarded as a major problem for the family income by the majority of the Greek households in spite of the fact that the cost-of-living index has dropped considerably compared to the recent future.

[03] THE LOSSES CONTINUE IN THE ASE

The losses continue in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index dropped to -0.88% at 2.143,21 points, while the volume of transactions was at 61.1 million Euro or 20.8 billion drachmas.

Of the stocks trading today, the overwhelming majority of 245 recorded losses and 62 had gains, while the value of 66 stocks remained unchanged.

[04] THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC ORDER BRIEFED THE CABINET ON THE DEVELOPMENTS IN TERRORISM

The issue of terrorism dominated in the cabinet meeting held today under the presidency of Prime Minister Kostas Simitis. Minister of Public Order Michalis Chrisochoidis briefed the cabinet on the developments.

According to information, the Prime Minister pointed out that the investigation is in progress and stressed that the gathering of evidence is necessary in order to have positive results and break up the 17 November terrorist organization. He said that careful steps are being made, adding that the issue will have absolute publicity.

From his side, Mr. Chrisochoidis pointed out that the Greek authorities will break up the terrorist organization and will rid the country of terrorism.

[05] THE PARLIAMENT PRESIDENT IS IN BELGRADE

Greek Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis is on a two-day visit to Belgrade.

Later in the afternoon, he will inaugurate two new halls in the Yugoslav Federal Parliament Building which were built with US$800.000 donated by the Greek Parliament. The halls will be named Democracy and State.

Mr. Kaklamanis will meet in Belgrade with Federal Republic of Yugoslavia President Voiclav Kostunica and Federal government Prime Minister Dragisa Pesic.

[06] BEGLITIS ON THE DEVELOPMENTS IN TURKEY

Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis avoided to make any comments on the resignation of Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, pointing out that it is an internal problem for Turkey.

However, he pointed out that the communication between Greece and Turkey, observed at all levels, is based on political principles and Greece believes that they cannot be affected by such developments.

Mr. Beglitis wished for a quick solution to the crisis.

[07] MR. ANNAN'S ROLE IN CYPRUS IS POSITIVE

Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said that the statement made by the UN Council President regarding the completion of the direct talks on Cyprus is positive.

The statement is positive as it reflects reality namely, that the negotiations were completed without progress because of the Turkish Cypriot side, while it is recorded that the stance of the Turkish Cypriot side is not constructive in the development of the talks, said Mr. Beglitis.

Mr. Beglitis also stated that the role of Mr. Kofi Annan, through his representative Alvaro de Soto, is positive adding that the Greek side expects that this role will be further strengthened in the talks that will continue shortly. Mr. Beglitis concluded that the UN intervention and contribution to the efforts to find a solution in Cyprus will be positive.

[08] BEGLITIS: NO AGREEMENT BETWEEN GREECE AND FYROM ON THE NAME ISSUE

Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis categorically denied the existence of an agreement between Athens and Skopje on the issue of the FYROM name.

Commenting on the relevant statements made by the FYROM Foreign Minister, Mr. Beglitis stated characteristically that he cannot understand why he made those statements and added that the talks on the issue of the name continue within the framework of the United Nations.

Mr. Beglitis added that with the visible developments in the domestic procedures and the completion of the election procedure on September 15, we will be in a position to move ahead with the effort to find a mutually acceptable solution.

[09] THE TRIAL OF PASSARIS WAS POSTPONED

The trial of Kostas Passaris was postponed to take place on July 30, according to a decision by a Bucharest court.

The prosecutor accepted the request made by Passaris' lawyer to have the indictment translated into Greek and postponed the trial to have the time to study it.

The security measures were very tough in the courthouse and Passaris appeared chained and guarded by 10 police officers. Also, his lawyer Julia Iliescu requested that her client be transferred to another jail because the treatment he has in Djilava Prison is inhumane and she cannot visit him when she wants to.

Passaris also asked for another interpreter because he was not satisfied with the one he had but his request was rejected.

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