Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 05-05-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] METROPOLITAN BISHOP OF PETRA WAS ELECTED VICAR

[02] THE BENEFITS FROM RED WINE CONSUMPTION

[03] THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ON THE CYPRUS ISSUE

[04] PRESENTATION OF THE GREEK TOURISM TO UKRAINIAN JOURNALISTS

[05] CHANGE OF SCENERY AFTER THE FRENCH "NO"

[01] METROPOLITAN BISHOP OF PETRA WAS ELECTED VICAR

Metropolitan Bishop Cornelius of Petra was unanimously elected Patriarchal Throne vicar by the Patriarchate of Jerusalem Holy Synod to guarantee the procedure for the election of a new Patriarch of Jerusalem after the Pan-Orthodox Synod decision to remove the name of Patriarch Irenaeus from the Christian Orthodox Church diptychs.

Mr. Cornelius was the vicar in the 2000 elections when Irenaeus was elected Patriarch of Jerusalem.

Athens has issued a new passport for the former Patriarch.

[02] THE BENEFITS FROM RED WINE CONSUMPTION

The moderate consumption of red wine for a long period of time limits considerably heart disease, up to 40%, while cancer-caused deaths may drop as well up to 30%, including cancer-caused deaths among cigarette smokers. Equally impressive is the fact that wine has beneficial effects on the efforts against the AIDS virus.

The above are based on research studies' conclusions published on scientific magazines and were mentioned by oenology professor in Thessaloniki's Aristotle University Agronomics Department Evangelos Soufleros during a two-day conference organized by the Association of Greek Chemists, Thrace branch in Alexandroupolis, northeastern Greece.

[03] THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ON THE CYPRUS ISSUE

Greece wants a fair and viable solution to the Cyprus issue, while the goal is the reunification of the island, stated Greek government spokesman Thodoris Rousopoulos responding to a question on whether the mobility observed over the Cyprus issue, on the occasion of the assistant UN secretary-general visit to Nicosia, Athens and Ankara, could lead to the opening of dialogue.

Mr. Rousopoulos clarified, however, that any initiative undertaken at this period of time must be accompanied by the necessary preparation to ensure the guarantees for a successful outcome in case an effort for the solution of the issue gets underway.

Responding to a question if the result of the French referendum on the Euro-Constitution will affect Turkey's EU accession course, Mr. Rousopoulos reminded the December 17, 2004 decision which referred to the opening of Turkey's EU accession negotiations in the coming October, while regarding the recognition of the Cypriot Republic by Turkey, he said that nothing has changed on that.

Finally, he responded negatively to a question on whether the Greek government will reconsider its stance regarding Turkey's EU accession course by putting the issue up for voter approval through a referendum.

[04] PRESENTATION OF THE GREEK TOURISM TO UKRAINIAN JOURNALISTS

Deputy Minister of Tourist Development Anastasios Liaskos presented to a large delegation of Ukrainian journalists visiting Greece the new situation in the country and the prospects for the further development of Greek tourism in the following years.

In a work lunch today attended by the foreign journalists and Ukrainian ambassador to Athens Victor Kalnic, Mr. Liaskos referred to the new tourist policy and the development potential formed after the Olympic Games in Athens.

[05] CHANGE OF SCENERY AFTER THE FRENCH "NO"

The French No in yesterday's referendum on the European Constitutional Treaty created a new political scenery in the European Union.

Political observers maintain that the supporters of the European unification across the continent headed by French President Chirac will attempt to deliver a strong message immediately saying that the European prospect will not give way after the No vote.

Political shake-up is expected in France that could affect Prime Minister Raffarin.

Indicative of the significance the referendum had for the people is that almost 70% of the electorate came to the polls and 54.5% voted No.

Jean-Marie Le Pen called for elections while the Socialists expressed their regret.

The Dutch will cast their vote in two days while the No supporters appear to be the majority there as well. However, the Dutch Prime Minister stressed that the results in France offer one more reason to the Dutch people to vote Yes.

Meanwhile, the euro recorded losses in the European stock markets as well.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis stated that the result of the French referendum is a puzzling development.

He pointed out that it should not be forgotten that the European integration course was never unhindered. Through conflicts or even crises the EU has managed to move ahead presenting achievements that are unique in history for the benefit of peace, democracy and the prosperity of the peoples. The promotion of European integration is still the objective and the effort does not stop here, said Mr. Karamanlis. He concluded that the European Constitutional Treaty ratification procedures have not been completed yet in the rest EU member states and they should proceed as scheduled.

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