Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 03-01-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] THE GREEK PLAN ON THE WAR SCENARIOS

[02] LIMITED INCIDENTS IN THE PROTESTS IN NAFPLIO

[03] REPPAS: THE EU LABOR MINISTERS MEETING WAS IMPRESSIVELY PRODUCTIVE

[04] IVANOV: NO TIME SHOULD BE WASTED IN CYPRUS

[05] KONSTANTOPOULOS: A GREAT HOPE IS BORN IN BRAZIL

[01] THE GREEK PLAN ON THE WAR SCENARIOS

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou stated to the governing Socialist Party of PASOK Parliament deputies that the Greek participation in a war in Iraq will depend on whether there will be a UN decision on a military intervention in the country.

He said that Greece will have a greater participation in case of a UN decision for a military intervention but under no circumstances its participation will be a military one. However, if there is no UN decision Greece's participation will be even more limited.

Mr. Papandreou stated that Greece will offer its airspace and also, there will be a transit center in the Base of Souda in Crete but there will be no other involvement of the Greek side.

The Foreign Minister stated that Greece, under the authority of the EU President, has to hold a balancing position among the 15 but at the same time, it leads the efforts to avoid the war. He said that the goal of the Greek EU Presidency is to reach a common EU position and if possible avert the war or at least avert a war that will not be legitimate.

[02] LIMITED INCIDENTS IN THE PROTESTS IN NAFPLIO

The informal Meeting of the EU Labor Ministers ended in Nafplio yesterday with limited incidents in the protests held by demonstrators.

During the two protest marches held in the center of the city by social organizations under strict security measures, damages were caused in the local offices of Greek governing Socialist Party of PASOK, while shop windows were smashed. Police used teargas to limit the incidents.

In statements after the meeting, Greek Labor Minister Dimitris Reppas underlined that the Informal Summit was productive and there was agreement regarding goals and priorities. He stressed that the Greek EU Presidency promotes the axes of full-time employment and social cohesion.

Referring to the protesters, who were estimated to be more than 10.000, he pointed out that their participation was notable.

According to European Commissioner Mrs. Anna Diamantopoulou, the EU Labor Ministers were surprised by the police officers' protest, while referring to the informal meeting she said that there was consensus in the discussion on employment. Mrs. Diamantopoulou stated that the convergence of views of the EU Labor Ministers was admirable given the difficulty of the problems under discussion.

[03] REPPAS: THE EU LABOR MINISTERS MEETING WAS IMPRESSIVELY PRODUCTIVE

Greek Labor Minister Dimitris Reppas characterized as impressively productive the discussion on major issues concerning employment and social protection policy held in the Informal Meeting of the EU Labor Ministers in Nafplio yesterday.

He said that three are the major goals of the revised European strategy on employment. Full-time employment, more and better job positions and the creation and operation of a job market that will promote social integration.

Mr. Reppas stated that enterpreneurship should be strengthened especially, the small and medium sized and family businesses, while the active integration of immigrants should be promoted.

On the pensions issue, he stated that efforts will be made to implement the principles of adequacy, viability and adaptability in social security systems.

[04] IVANOV: NO TIME SHOULD BE WASTED IN CYPRUS

Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov stated that the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides should reach an agreement based on the UN Secretary General proposal.

In statements after the dinner of the EU Troika in Athens, Mr. Ivanov expressed the belief that this phase is decisive and no time should be wasted.

He said that only a couple of weeks have been left and this is a decisive moment for an agreement to be reached that will benefit both sides.

[05] KONSTANTOPOULOS: A GREAT HOPE IS BORN IN BRAZIL

Brazilian Senator Aloizio Mercantante, a close associate of President Luiz Inacio Lula, met yesterday with Coalition of the Left President Nikos Konstantopoulos and decided to launch a meaningful cooperation between the Brazilian Workers' Party (PT) and Coalition of the Left.

They decided to exchange experience in the unionist struggle, local administration, social movements, and party organization and promotion.

Also, they decided that a cooperation should get underway between the political research and social skepticism institutes of "CAJAMAR" in Brazil and "Nikos Poulantsas" in Greece.

According to information, a PT delegation is likely to visit Greece and participate in the political events that will take place during the Greek EU Presidency.

The Brazilian Senator stated that his government's work is difficult and complex, adding that it is a challenge for the development of a new social and political model.

Mr. Konstantopoulos stated that a great hope for political change is being born in Brazil and this hope needs international solidarity and support.

Mr. Konstantopoulos also had a meeting with Venezuelan Parliament deputy and Andean Countries Parliament President (Venezuela, Colombia, Equador, Peru, and Bolivia) Mrs. Janet Madriz.

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