Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 02-10-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] GREEK&CYPRIOT REACTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL FOR CYPRUS ACCESSION

[02] THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION DECISION IS A SIGNIFICANT STEP IN CYPRUS' EU

[03] GAINS IN THE ASE

[04] SIMITIS: THE GOAL IS THE SAFETY OF THE PEOPLE

[05] WOMEN EURO-DEPUTIES IN AFGHANISTAN

[06] PAPANDREOU-GUREL TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION

[07] DNA RESULTS TAKEN TO SPECIAL EXAMINER ZERVOBEAKOS

[08] CANDIDATE AUDIT CAUSES UPROAR

[09] A. ATHENS HONORED BY WHITE HOUSE

[01] GREEK&CYPRIOT REACTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL FOR CYPRUS ACCESSION

The EU's official proposal that Cyprus be incorporated to the EU in the first wave of the enlargement in 2004, was characterized as an event of historical importance by Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou in statements to Flash Radio.

Mr. Papandreou stressed that the UN will intensify its efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue and will submit a solution plan by the Copenhagen Summit.

Commenting on his Turkish counterpart's reaction, who threatened with the final division of Cyprus, Mr. Papandreou observed that spasmodic reactions from Ankara will hinder Turkey's European prospects.

In fact, Minister of Development Akis Tsochatzopoulos, expressed the hope that the Copenhagen Summit will recognize Turkey as an EU candidate, when he was asked about the European Commission's report on candidate countries.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos expressed his satisfaction with the EC's report in Cyprus' accession to the EU, pointing out that it is a recognition of the constant Greek and Cypriot efforts.

Press Spokesperson for New Democracy Thodoris Roussopoulos characterized the Commission's report as a significant development and a reward for the Cypriot Republic's effort, while stressing the need for national unity and consolidation for the stable progress towards the European family.

Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kassoulidis expressed his complete satisfaction with the EC decision, which recommends Cyprus' accession to the European Council and does not differentiate it from the other 9 countries.

The proposals of the EC, which were presented at the European Parliament yesterday, will officially seal the fact that Cyprus has always belonged to Europe, politically, geographically, and culturally, stated the Head of the Commission's delegation in Cyprus, Adrian van der Meer.

[02] THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION DECISION IS A SIGNIFICANT STEP IN CYPRUS' EU ACCESSION COURSE

Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas stated that yesterday's decision by the European Commission is an important step in Cyprus' EU accession course. However, he stressed that Cyprus' EU accession course and the solution of the Cyprus problem are two separate issues.

Responding to questions by reporters, he said that there is still a long way to go and we have to be determined and united on Cyprus' side. He said that it is likely that obstacles will be raised but the determined stance, the international presence and our work can guarantee the final positive result toward Cyprus' EU accession.

On Turkey's European course, he reiterated that Greece wants, wishes and is willing to contribute to Turkey's course to Europe but Turkey must move within the framework of the Helsinki decisions if it wants to continue its European course.

When asked to comment on the information according to which, UN Secretary-general Kofi Annan will submit a draft plan for the solution of the Cyprus problem, he responded that this is likely to happen. He added that we want to believe that Mr. Annan's proposal will be within the framework of the UN decisions and will contribute to the efforts aimed at reaching a solution.

[03] GAINS IN THE ASE

The Athens Stock Exchange closed on the positive side today after many ups and downs. The role of the catalyst in the final picture was played by the banking sector. However, there was no dynamic reaction because of the nervousness in the rest European markets and mainly, because of the pressures exerted on the telecommunications stocks in the ASE resulting to relatively limited gains.

The general index rose to +0.51% at 1.735,87 points, while the volume of transactions was at 80.1 million Euro.

Of the stocks trading today, 235 recorded gains and 73 had losses, while the value of 67 stocks remained unchanged.

[04] SIMITIS: THE GOAL IS THE SAFETY OF THE PEOPLE

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis expressed satisfaction for the successes of the Ministry of Public Order in the past 2 years. The Prime Minister made the statements during his visit to the Public Order Ministry building where a meeting was held.

The government's goal is the safety of the people regardless of where they live or how old they are, stated the Prime Minister and referred to the results of the efforts against terrorism, and crime.

The meeting lasted about an hour-and-a-half and was held with the participation of Public Order Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis, Undersecretary Evangelos Malesios, Ministry General Secretary Dimitris Efstathiadis, Greek Police Chief Fotis Nasiakos, National Information Service Director Pavlos Apostolidis and Fire Department Chief Panagiotis Fourlas.

[05] WOMEN EURO-DEPUTIES IN AFGHANISTAN

Greek governing Socialist Party of PASOK Euro-deputy Ms. Anna Karamanou will be in the capital of Afghanistan on Sunday, heading an 8member delegation of European Socialist Party women Euro-deputies.

Ms. Karamanou, heads the Women's Rights and Equal Opportunities European Parliament Committee, and the goal of the mission in Afghanistan is to have a closer look of the situation there, a year after the collapse of the Taliban regime, to asses the progress made in women's rights issues.

[06] PAPANDREOU-GUREL TELEPHONE COMMUNICATION

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou had a telephone communication with his Turkish counterpart Sukru Sina Gurel on the occasion of the progress report issued by the European Commission concerning Turkey's EU accession prospects.

Mr. Papandreou, who took the initiative for the telephone communication, reiterated to Mr. Gurel that Greece will back Turkey's EU accession prospects. He also gave the assurance that Greece will continue its cooperation with Turkey offering EU know-how and other assistance.

The Greek Foreign Minister avoided to refer to any other issue especially, after Turkey's strong reaction to the European Commission positive report on Cyprus' EU accession course.

Commenting on the latest developments, Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis characterized as very important and positive the European Commission evaluation report on Cyprus' EU accession. Mr. Beglitis pointed out that in spite of the latest positive developments realism and calm must prevail because other very important stages will follow until Cyprus' EU accession.

Regarding Greece's position in the informal Summit meeting in Copenhagen, given the threats launched by Turkey in case Cyprus becomes a member of the EU, Mr. Beglitis stressed that all scenarios will be assessed, emphasizing that the Cyprus issue is a precondition and an integral part of Turkey's EU relations.

[07] DNA RESULTS TAKEN TO SPECIAL EXAMINER ZERVOBEAKOS

The results of the DNA analysis of the blood samples supplied by the November 17 suspects, will be in the hands of Special Examiner Leonidas Zervobeakos.

After thorough examination of thousands of pieces of evidence that were found in the two N17 hideouts, the authorities have in their possession traces of all 17 suspects.

The police have already identified the DNA of four individuals, while analyses are continuing. The results of the comparison of Aggeliki Sotiropoulou's DNA to the traces found on findings belonging to women is also expected.

[08] CANDIDATE AUDIT CAUSES UPROAR

The audit of a business owned by candidate prefect of Thessaloniki Panagiotis Psomiadis just 3 days before local elections has caused an uproar in the political world. Mr. Psomiadis characterized the audit as a dirty attack and political wretchedness, after the auditors left finding no violations.

Secretary of ND's Central Committee Ev. Meimarakis, made mention of a new provocation of the parastate powers against a candidate and further accused the government of extreme practices.

The Secretary of ND's Central Committee asked on what political terms PASOK and the government wish these elections to be carried out, if they will continue using state mechanisms against candidates supported by opposing parties, black propaganda, insults and lies, and dynamiting the political atmosphere and keep on undermining our political culture, just 3 days before the elections?

It is now crystal clear, that authoritarian and extreme practices, in the face of the oncoming defeat, are reaching their climax, stated Mr. Meimarakis.

It is logical for Mr. Psomiadis to want to be seen as a victim, stated Minister of Culture Evaggelos Venizelos.

Mr. Venizelos underlined that the citizens should evaluate Mr. Psomiadis' political word and political ideology. Nothing else is necessary. We should not even be talking about audits, or other issues, he added.

Mr. Venizelos made mentions of candidates who do not respect the fundamental principles and values of political culture. The people are experienced, strict and assertive, they understand and can tell things apart, he underlined.

Local elections are a crucial battle with a local government and institutional content, and their outcome will judge the present and future of the institutions of local government, stressed the Secretary of PASOK's Central Committee, Kostas Laliotis.

Mr. Laliotis repeated that the municipal and prefectural elections are not part of any divine law predicting the outcome of political developments in the upcoming parliamentary elections, and he underlined that the October 13 elections cannot in any case be considered a form of referendum on government policy.

In these elections on October 13 and 20, we are voting for individuals with creative work, a with modern vision, with a progressive program regardless of their political and party reference, regardless of what party they belong to.

Mr. Laliotis also referred to the other sensitive issue that has caused further conflict over the past few days, that of ND supporting ultra right candidates.

We are not saying that ND is an ultra right party. But the choices of its leadership in certain prefectures, certain municipalities, are choices that nominate right extremists and that is dangerous.

[09] A. ATHENS HONORED BY WHITE HOUSE

US President George Bush invited the President of the Council of Hellenism Abroad (SAE), Andrew Athens, to a White House reception on October 11, in honor of people and organizations who have carried out significant humanitarian work.

The President of SAE and President of the United Hellenic American Congress, A. Athens, was invited to a reception in the famous Rose Garden, by President Bush and the American Humanitarian & Reconstruction Effort. Approximately 100 Americans have been invited to this important event, during which Mr. Bush will express his gratitude for their humanitarian work.

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