Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 02-08-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] KARAMANLIS ΤΟ STRESS DAILY PROBLEMS

[02] EU SUMMIT AND EXPO 2008 PREPARATION

[03] FIRST WITNESSES TESTIFY IN N17 CASE

[01] KARAMANLIS ΤΟ STRESS DAILY PROBLEMS

The daily problems of citizens, specifically consumers, the rise in prices and unemployment, will be stressed by New Democracy during the visit of its President, Kostas Karamanlis, to the 6th Thessaloniki International Fair.

During the meeting held at the party offices on Rigillis st., chaired by Kostas Karamanlis, the priorities of the opposition in view of the upcoming new period were discussed. As far as developments in the terrorism case are concerned, New Democracy's position supporting the authorities was reaffirmed, without incriminating ND MPs asking questions.

Vyron Polydoras, whose statements had caused reactions, answered journalists' questions, pointing out that he does not believe that there is an inconsistency of opinions in New Democracy.

I never said the case was fixed. I said it looked as if it was a fixed case he underlined, and added that Kostas Karamanlis' statement that New Democracy supports the efforts to eradicate terrorism, stands.

[02] EU SUMMIT AND EXPO 2008 PREPARATION

Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Giorgos Paschalidis began his meetings with Thessaloniki body representatives in view of PM Kostas Simitis' visit to the 67th Thessaloniki International Fair.

In statements to the press, he underlined: The goal of these meetings is to form an agenda of issues to be discussed at the two meetings to be held on the afternoon of September 7 with the Prime Minister. The basic idea to evaluate the total government work in Thessaloniki, to shed light on all aspects of major events which will take place or which we want to take place in Thessaloniki, such as the EU Summit Meeting in June 2003, the 2004 events, when Thessaloniki will be an Olympic city, and in 2008 with the contending for the EXPO, which is already underway. The development we learned of lately (the French government's refusal to hold the 2004 EXPO in Paris) concerns the political change in France, the new government. We in Thessaloniki need the EXPO as a vision for the city and we need strategic consent concerning the EXPO more.

The first contacts I had with Thessaloniki bodies today were encouraging concerning their positive participation in major events. We are forming a common strategy for the viable transformation of Thessaloniki into a metropolis. Everybody has a part to play in this project, every body recognizes its own part, and I would say every citizen of this city.

Concerning the Summit Meeting, he stated that the two characteristics of the city will be hospitality and respect. Thessaloniki will hold the Summit according to all security measures in the city, throughout its duration. The Foreign Ministry is carrying out the necessary projects for the TIF, which will provide facilities with the necessary security specifications to hold such an event.

OTHER MAJOR WORKS

The Minister observed that there is mobilization in all major works being planned. There is even a binding time schedule for the tube, which states that the company responsible for carrying out the project must submit its final views on December 31, 2002, so that the government can make its decisions.

But a vision of a Thessaloniki metropolis must be supported, according to Mr. Paschalidis, by higher scale projects, such as the tube, the underwater tunnel, a large number of parking lots, an exterior ring road, the eastern ring road, and up to date infrastructure at the airport and harbor. All these works, said the Minister, have moved forward in the past year, and the Prime Minister's will have the opportunity to evaluate the situation for himself in September. Furthermore, he noted that the government is interested in Thessaloniki every day of the year, not just during the three days of the TIF.

THE PROTESTS

Mr. Paschalidis stated that he would come into contact with the representatives of movements which are planning protests during the opening of the TIF or the protest march towards the Summit Meeting in June 2003. I believe that the paths of communication must remain open he stated, and added: On my side I will be open to have discussions with representatives of movements planning protests both during the TIF and during the 2003 Summit Meeting. I think we all have a say in the major issue of globalization, because that is the main idea of those planning to protest, its negative consequences, and its positive consequences. I agree with many of the slogans that have been heard at times, for example I agree with people over profit. And I appreciate the fact that all parties interested with where this planet is going have every reason to hold civilized discussions with each other.

[03] FIRST WITNESSES TESTIFY IN N17 CASE

The testimonies from victims and eye witnesses of "November 17's" 27 years of activity began today, with the officer Ioannis Papafotis, who was injured along with his colleague Socrates Kostsias, in the Sepolia clash in November 1999.

Mr. Papafotis will continue his testimony to Special Examiner Leonidas Zervobeakos tomorrow, and will submit a civil suit with his colleague Socrates Kotsias against N17.

Former ND MP Lefteris Papadimitriou, who was also a victim of N17, also appeared before Mr. Zervobeakos today. Mr. Papadimitriou asked for a copy of the case brief against the terrorism suspects, as he appeared with two functions, both as a victim and as an attorney representing the two police officers.

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