Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 04-03-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS - PAT COX MEETING

[02] ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS MET WITH THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY AMBASSADOR

[03] THE DISCUSSION ON THE GOVERNMENT'S OBJECTIVES CONTINUES IN PARLIAMENT

[04] BIG LOSSES IN THE ASE

[05] ESMAT SABRI: YES TO PEACE WITHOUT BORDERS - NO TO BARBARITY WITHOUT

[06] KARAMANLIS-COX MEETING

[01] ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS - PAT COX MEETING

The new European Constitution was the main issue under discussion in the meeting Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All of Greece had in Athens today with European Parliament President Pat Cox.

Mr. Cox briefed the Archbishop on the developments in the European Constitution and pointed out that the issue concerning the reference to the Christian Faith, as the foundation of the European civilization, at the preamble of the European Constitution has not been placed at the negotiating table again and therefore, it remains open.

Mr. Cox underlined the significance of the draft Constitution's clause in article 51 which safeguards the legal status of the Churches and religious associations, recognizes the institutional dialogue between the EU bodies and representatives of the Churches, and safeguards more effectively the special status of the monastic community of Mount Athos, in Chalkidiki northern Greece.

Mr. Cox briefed the Archbishop, as he did with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos in Istanbul three weeks ago, on the progress in the EU-Turkey relations and commented that decisions on the issue will be reached within a year at the latest.

At the same time, he expressed the hope that a solution will be reached in Cyprus, while he appeared concerned with the recent incidents in Kosovo and the continuation of the circle of violence in the Middle East.

On his part, Archbishop Christodoulos stated that the reference on Christianity at the European Constitution preamble is an issue of historical justice, continuation and consistency, as well as an issue that concerns the European identity and the authenticity of its civilization. He also made a special reference to the final wording that had been suggested by the President of the Constitutional Assembly on the Future of Europe.

On the progress in the EU-Turkey relations, he pointed out that it depends on whether Turkey will become a European country, respect human rights and the democratic practices that are in effect in the united Europe and adjust to the European standards.

On Cyprus, he commented that any solution in order to be viable and functional it will have to have a strong basis, be fair and move within the framework of the UN Security Council decisions.

Archbishop Christodoulos expressed strong concern over the incidents in Kosovo and regret both for the loss of the lives of innocent people and the destruction of Orthodox Christian churches and Muslim mosques. He also wished for peace and reconciliation in the region.

[02] ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS MET WITH THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY AMBASSADOR

Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All of Greece met in Athens today with Palestinian Authority ambassador Abdullah Abdullah.

Mr. Abdullah, who leaves Greece to assume a government post with the Palestinian Authority, expressed his personal gratitude to the Church of Greece, the government and the Greek people for their support to the demands of the Palestinian people.

[03] THE DISCUSSION ON THE GOVERNMENT'S OBJECTIVES CONTINUES IN PARLIAMENT

Clarifications on NATO's assistance in the security of the Olympic Games in Athens were given by Minister of Public Order Giorgos Voulgarakis speaking in Parliament today.

NATO's assistance will not include land forces and no units in uniform, stated Mr. Voulgarakis during the discussion on the government objectives, which is in progress in Parliament, denying relevant newspaper reports.

Minister of Health Nikitas Kaklamanis referred to the issue of health sector measures adopted in view on the Olympic Games and announced that a total of 300 ambulance drivers will be appointed immediately, while a draft law is being promoted concerning hospital supplies.

Later in the afternoon, Minister of Finance Giorgos Alogoskoufis and Minister of Interior Prokopis Pavlopoulos are scheduled to address the Parliament and the procedure will be completed with the Prime Minister's speech and vote of confidence at midnight.

[04] BIG LOSSES IN THE ASE

Big losses were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index dropped to -3.77% at 2276.32 points, while the volume of transactions was at 171.2 million euros.

According to ASE analysts, today's freefall was due to the developments in the Middle East, which in combination with the terrorist attack in Madrid last week led to the further deterioration of the already bad investment climate.

Of the stocks trading today, only 6 had gains, while the overwhelming majority of 343 had losses and the value of 48 stocks remained unchanged.

[05] ESMAT SABRI: YES TO PEACE WITHOUT BORDERS - NO TO BARBARITY WITHOUT BOUNDARIES

The assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin is a tangible proof of the bankrupt policy followed by Ariel Sharon, who wants to keep his country in a state of war in order to stay in power. The above were stated by Palestinian Embassy attaché in Athens Esmat Sabri, who assured that the Palestinian organizations are not going to resort to retaliations outside the occupied territories and Israel.

Speaking in the state-run television channel NET, he said that there is no reason for the Palestinian side to even consider acts of retaliation outside the occupied territories and Israel.

Responding to the news on the situation in Palestine, which is characterized as being out of control after the assassination of Hamas' spiritual leader Sheikh Yassin, Mr. Sabri stated that the Palestinian people are very disciplined and conscious. They know what this action means and also know very well how to get organized and deal with this policy, he said.

He also underlined that all people in the world are on the side of the just Palestinian struggle and it is now time for the civilized politicians in the world to choose peace and justice without borders instead of barbarity without boundaries.

[06] KARAMANLIS-COX MEETING

The European developments, the Cyprus issue, the unrest in Kosovo and the bloody terrorist attack in Madrid were discussed in the meeting Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis had with European Parliament President Pat Cox in Athens today.

Mr. Karamanlis backed the efforts made by the Irish EU Presidency aimed at reaching an agreement on the European Constitution by the Euro-elections in June and pointed out that the EU actions against terrorism need a better coordination.

Mr. Cox appeared satisfied with the participation of the Prime Ministers of Greece and Turkey in the negotiations on Cyprus and stressed that there can be no shelters for terrorists in Europe.

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