Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 03-11-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] ATHENS CONDEMNS ATTACKS - GREEKS SAFE

[02] ISRAEL NOT RELATED TO TRAVEL DIRECTION

[03] SIMITIS SPEECH AT PASOK CENTRAL COMMITTEE

[04] THE 44TH THESSALONIKI FILM FESTIVAL OPENS TODAY

[05] KARAMANLIS' LETTER OF CONDOLENCES TO BLAIR

[06] PAPANTONIOU: THE ARMED FORCES ARE ABLE TO FACE ANY THREAT

[07] GAINS IN THE ASE

[08] KARAMANLIS CRITICIZES GOVERNMENT

[09] CHECKING ATHENS TUBE

[01] ATHENS CONDEMNS ATTACKS - GREEKS SAFE

Their support to the families of the victims of the attacks in Istanbul was expressed by Prime Minister Simitis, who condemned the attacks. Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou is constantly being briefed by Greek diplomatic authorities in Istanbul, while a group of the Greek Rescue Team is on full standby. We are vigilant, stated Government Spokesperson Christos Protopapas yesterday. The students of the Zografou school and the employees of the Greek Consulate are safe.

[02] ISRAEL NOT RELATED TO TRAVEL DIRECTION

The Israeli embassy announced today that the travel direction of the Wiesental Center on Greece, which warned Jews wishing to visit Greece, was carried out without having come to an understanding with the Israeli government.

The embassy announcement mentioned that the Wiesental Center' is a private organization and does not represent the Israeli government. It also stressed that the Israeli government had nothing to do with the alleged travel direction, and underlined that Greece is a country with which it retains excellent friendly relations.

[03] SIMITIS SPEECH AT PASOK CENTRAL COMMITTEE

Prime Minister Costas Simitis appeared certain of his victory in the upcoming elections. Speaking at the party's Central Committee meeting, Mr. Simitis presented the government's work, noting that this is the guarantee that we can and will realize many remaining works. He added that the PASOK government's work has made this one of the most productive tenures since the political changeover.

He called all progressive citizens to consolidate, regardless of what parties they come from, and was very critical of New Democracy, underlining that the Opposition avoids making commitments. The Greek people knows even objective ND voters know that this New Democracy especially cannot govern Greece, he mentioned characteristically.

[04] THE 44TH THESSALONIKI FILM FESTIVAL OPENS TODAY

The 44th Thessaloniki Film Festival opens today and will last until November 30. Over 200 Greek and foreign films, new and old productions, will be screened within the framework of the festival, as well as five rare films from the archives of the French Film Library.

The opening ceremony will take place with the screening of the film Blind Samurai by Takesi Kitano. Most of the foreign films competing for a prize concern women or have been directed by women.

The official program of the festival includes 57 films.

The 44th Film Festival will end on November 29 with the screening of the film In America by Jim Sheridan.

The films that will be distinguished in the international division will receive the Gold and Silver Alexander Prize accompanied by money awards of 37.000 and 22.000 euro respectively.

[05] KARAMANLIS' LETTER OF CONDOLENCES TO BLAIR

Greek right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis extended his condolences to British Prime Minister Tony Blair for the British victims in the bomb attacks in Istanbul yesterday.

Mr. Karamanlis stated, among others, that terrorism must disappear from the face of the earth and no army of hatred can give answers even to one of the challenges faced by the people in this new century.

[06] PAPANTONIOU: THE ARMED FORCES ARE ABLE TO FACE ANY THREAT

Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou referred to the huge program of reform and reorganization materialized by the armed forces speaking on the occasion of the Greek Armed Forces Day. He pointed out that this program makes the armed forces absolutely capable of dealing with any threat.

He also said that their social contribution is essential when dealing with natural disasters and other problems faced by society. He added that the Greek people have unlimited love and trust toward the armed forces and are proud of them.

Responding to the question if the Greek Defense Ministry fears that a terrorist attack could target Greece during the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, Mr. Papantoniou responded that there is no special indication that this is likely.

In any case, stated Mr. Papantoniou, the Defense Ministry and the Ministry of Public Order are ready for any eventuality. He added that there should be no doubt that Greece is ready to host the safest Olympic Games ever.

[07] GAINS IN THE ASE

Gains were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index rose to +0.54% at 2.117,39 points, while the volume of transactions was at 102,9 million euros.

Of the stocks trading today, 178 had gains and 105 recorded losses, while the value of 100 stocks remained unchanged.

[08] KARAMANLIS CRITICIZES GOVERNMENT

An appeal to the government for it respect the basic principles of Democracy and abort all attempts of regime expression, was addressed by President of New Democracy Costas Karamanlis, during his speech at the meeting on primary local government, held in the I. Vellidis conference center in the Thessaloniki International Fair.

The government has gone over every limit, said Mr. Karamanlis, and he added: We call it, even at this final our at which it is leaving, to respect the basic principles of democracy. We will not accept discrimination and separation against Greeks.

[09] CHECKING ATHENS TUBE

Special equipment for the detection of explosive and chemical substances will carry out checks in the Athens tube, in the framework of the security measures that have been enforced since yesterday's terrorist attacks in Istanbul.

In the framework of the increased security measures, the heads of the Athens tube put the detection device for explosives and chemicals into its pilot use. According to the statements of Attico Metro Security and Control Function Director Dimosthenis Giannisopoulos, the company will procure another 19 such detectors for all the stations.

Meanwhile, the number of policemen guarding the tube has doubled, even at night when it remains closed.

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