Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-05-07

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] EU's informal foreign ministers council examines enlargement process and developments in FYROM

[02] PM travels to Berlin to attend European Socialist Party's conference

[03] Archbishop Christodoulos begins visit to Russia

[04] Pope blesses Greeks at the end of historical visit to Greece

[05] Papandreou: Pope's visit built bridge between Orthodox, Catholic Churches

[06] Ecumenical Patriarch expresses support for unity of Churches

[07] ND leader proposes dynamic development plan for eastern Macedonia and Thrace

[08] Merchant marine minister says PASOK should not lose contact with 'social forces and world of labor'

[09] Athens mayor inaugurates 7th conference of Federation of Cypriot Organizations of Greece

[10] Gov't wants Rhodopi to take part in eastern Macedonia-Thrace region's growth, Vasso Papandreou says

[11] Ceremony at former Mauthausen Nazi concentration camp on 56th anniversary of liberation

[12] Athenians march for breast cancer awareness

[13] Australian WW2 veterans to make pilgrimage to Greece

[14] FM to deliver 'Olympic Truce' statue to UN secretary general

[15] Athens 2004 Organizing Committee President Daskalaki to meet New York Governor George Pataki

[16] March protesting Olympic rowing center at Schinias

[01] EU's informal foreign ministers council examines enlargement process and developments in FYROM

NYKOPING, 07/05/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

The council, during its weekend session, also examined the EU's enlargement process, with the participation of Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

Papandreou called for his colleagues' attention on the need for certain time limits to be determined on the outcome of consultations in FYROM, adding that the Albanians' terrorist and extremist actions should come to an end.

The EU's concern over developments in FYROM is clearly indicated also by the fact that EU High Commissioner Javier Solana was due to arrive in the country later on Sunday for talks with its leaders. In addition, NATO Secretary General George Robertson will arrive in FYROM on Monday, followed by Swedish Foreign Minister and council chairwoman Anna Lindh, who will also be visiting Tirana and Sarajevo.

The EU also did not appear to share the intention of FYROM's government to call on the country's Parliament to declare the country in a "state of war", but without disagreeing outright.

Both Papandreou and his French counterpart Hubert Vedrine said Solana will have the possibility of ascertaining on-the-spot what measures are necessary and to subsequently brief the EU.

Solana said he doubts whether FYROM's government will succeed in achieving the necessary two-thirds majority in Parliament to have the country declared in a "state of war."

Moreover, a spokesman for the Swedish EU presidency said the "15" disagree with the FYROM government's initiative, saying that "what is needed is not a state of war but a state of peace."

Apart from developments in FYROM, the foreign ministers also examined the issue of enlargement and had lunch at noon on Sunday with their counterparts from the 13 candidate countries, which brought Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem together for the first time at the same table.

Referring to the issue of enlargement, Papandreou expressed Greece's particular interest in proceeding at a speedy rate, but also noted the need for all candidate countries to honor human rights and the principle of relations of good neighborliness with bordering countries.

On his part, Cem said that on the issue of respect for human rights, the organization handling the issue exclusively is the Council of Europe and not the EU. His view, according to diplomatic sources, "did not create enthusiasm among his European counterparts."

Focusing on the issue of enlargement, ministers expressed their views freely and raised such issues as future funding by the structural funds, which they had avoided doing so far.

The issue of continuing the EU's structural policies after enlargement was recently raised by Spain with a relevant memorandum. Spain wants some "strong political commitment" by the "15", possibly at the Goteburg summit in June, clarifying that the EU's support for the economically weaker regions of southern Europe will also continue after enlargement for the economically weaker countries of central and eastern Europe. Spain indirectly mentions in the memorandum that if this does not happen, it will not consent to the EU's enlargement.

Spain's views are shared by Greece, as Papandreou said, as well as by the rest of the countries in the EU's south.

The council meeting reached no decisions due to its informal nature, but the session was the first to raise the question "how much does enlargement cost and how will the cost be met", while many diplomats predicted in the backstage that enlargement will be delayed and the accession of new member-states will occur around 2005.

FM Papandreou says EU enlargement very close: Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Saturday said European Union enlargement is now very close since many candidate countries, with Cyprus first of all, are expected to close all the chapters on accession negotiations in the next year.

Papandreou was commenting on discussions held on the first day of the EU's informal meeting of foreign ministers, which focused on EU enlargement and the situation in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Referring to the situation in FYROM, Papandreou said the latest developments are a cause for concern, but expressed certainty that all EU countries will condemn terrorist acts in this country.

Papandreou also said that on Sunday the "15" will have the opportunity to exchange views with the foreign ministers of the 13 candidate countries.

On the question of Turkey's presence at the informal meeting, combined with the recent tragic events in Turkish prisons, Papandreou said that all issues are raised for discussion at such meetings and their purpose, among others, is to help candidate countries in their effort to harmonies themselves with established practice in the EU.

[02] PM travels to Berlin to attend European Socialist Party's conference

Athens, 07/05/2001 (ANA)

The conference will be attended by 11 prime ministers and a total of 281 delegates from 20 parties and will focus on "Security in change."

Issues to be discussed are European Union enlargement, modernizing the European social and economic model, the EU's global role on the creation of a fairer world and promoting institutional reforms in the EU in light of the inter-governmental conference and Euro-elections in 2004.

[03] Archbishop Christodoulos begins visit to Russia

MOSCOW, 07/05/2001 (ANA - M. Papoutsaki)

Alexiy was speaking while welcoming Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos who began a nine-day visit to Russia on Saturday.

Archbishop Christodoulos conveyed to Patriarch Alexiy a message of love by Pope John Paul II, who paid an historic visit to Athens last Friday.

Alexiy also reportedly said that the Pope cannot prepare his visit to the Ukraine while the Uniates are planting bombs in Orthodox cathedrals, as had happened in the region recently.

Archbishop Christodoulos arrived at Sheremetyevo airport in Moscow on Saturday night, accompanied by a group of senior clerics. Speaking on arrival at the airport on the Pope's visit to Athens, he said the results were positive and added that "we are expecting the Roman Catholic Church to take steps."

On Sunday morning, the Patriarch and the Archbishop jointly officiated at a cathedral in the Kremlin and Archbishop Christodoulos, addressing the Patriarch, said "the Church is not dead because it is part of the living body of God. The church is not a thing of the past because it is eternal and endless."

Archbishop Christodoulos went on to say "the Church was fought in the past by harsh tyrants and its faithful children were persecuted", adding that "however, it remained upright and alive."

He underlined ties existing between the Greek and Russian people and the importance of his visit for the development of relations between the two Churches. He also referred to the dangers facing present-day man due to globalization "which is threatening our traditions and particularity."

On his part, Alexiy referred to the ties binding the two Churches, which have lasted for centuries, and said that the unity of the two Churches was expressed with the thanksgiving service.

He also impressed his audience in saying "for every Orthodox Russian the land of Greece is holy" and mentioned the need for spiritual and religious identity to be preserved. The two religious leaders exchanged gifts afterwards.

Archbishop Christodoulos later met with the mayor of Moscow at Saint George's Cathedral outside Moscow.

[04] Pope blesses Greeks at the end of historical visit to Greece

Athens, 07/05/2001 (ANA)

Concluding his historical 24-hour visit to Greece, the Pope addressed Catholics from all over the country at the Athens Olympic stadium's indoor basketball facility during a service, in the midst of enthusiastic applause, he spoke in Greek and thanked his hosts for the invitation to visit Greece.

The event came to a close with the congregation singing hymns and the National Anthem, while the faithful received the Pope's blessing and received Holy Communion from clerics positioned in various sections of the stadium.

Security measures inside and outside the stadium were tight with women not being allowed to carry handbags with them inside the stadium, while nobody was permitted to carry bottles of water.

At the end of the service, the Pope left for Eleftherios Venizelos airport, east of Athens, where his visit was concluded with a brief ceremony.

He was accompanied at the airport by Deputy Foreign Minister Grigoris Niotis, on behalf of the government, and by Catholic bishops and clerics who bid farewell to their spiritual leader.

During his stay in Greece, the Pope met with President Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis and main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, as well as with Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos.

According to reports, the Pope indirectly extended an invitation to Archbishop Christodoulos to visit the Vatican, when he expressed the desire for the Church of Greece to be given some of the relics of the Apostle Paul and the Pope reportedly responded by telling him to come to the Vatican and get them.

The Pope also reportedly called on Archbishop Christodoulos, who was due to leave for Moscow on Saturday on an official visit, to convey his greetings to the Patriarch of All Russia Alexiy, who had refused to satisfy the Pope's wish to visit the Russian Church.

The Pope will be staying in Syria for three days and then he will continue his pilgrimage in Malta, where the Apostle Paul had been involved in a shipwreck and where he will end his 93rd tour.

[05] Papandreou: Pope's visit built bridge between Orthodox, Catholic Churches

NYKOPING, 07/05/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

The 24-hour Papal pilgrimage to Athens on Friday and Saturday had been a "historic visit that sealed the good inter-state relations between the Vatican and Greece", Papandreou said in Nykoping, a small Baltic town south of Stockholm and home of Swedish foreign minister Anna Lindh, where EU foreign ministers and their counterparts from the candidate countries for EU membership are holding an informal weekend meeting.

Papandreou described as "exceptionally significant" the Pope's meetings in Greece with senior government officials and Orthodox Church leaders, adding that the Pope had "made us of this great opportunity to publicly express regret for the wounds of the past".

The minister aid the Papal visit was also a historic event, as it created a bridge between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

At the same time, the visit impressed Greece's importance as a force of peace and culture in the Balkans and the country's and Orthodox Church's great abilities, Papandreou added.

[06] Ecumenical Patriarch expresses support for unity of Churches

Athens, 07/05/2001 (ANA)

Vartholomeos in turn said "the Patriarchate was a leader in the so-called ecumenical movement which aims at rapprochement and cooperation among the, unfortunately, divided Christians."

He further said that "since the last century the Ecumenical Patriarchate had undertaken relevant initiatives, it had issued circulars and had called on Christians for cooperation."

Continuing his tour of Thrace, the Ecumenical Patriarch visited the town of Nigrita, in the prefecture of Serres, on Saturday where local citizens welcomed him warmly in the town's main square. Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, who later left for the city of Komotini to address a party conference, also attended his welcoming.

[07] ND leader proposes dynamic development plan for eastern Macedonia and Thrace

Athens, 07/05/2001 (ANA)

The conference focused on the issue of "Transport and communications infrastructures, precondition for the development of eastern Macedonia and Thrace."

Karamanlis said his party has an integrated strategic development plan, which will provide substantive solutions to longstanding problems, which should have been resolved a long time ago.

"This region has possibilities which could and should have been utilized already for the benefit of not only its citizens but for the entire country as well," he said.

Karamanlis said that, however, eastern Macedonia and Thrace is one of the poorest regions in Europe and criticized the lack of infrastructures in the sectors of industrial development, telecommunications, agriculture and health which result in a decrease in the population.

[08] Merchant marine minister says PASOK should not lose contact with 'social forces and world of labor'

Athens, 07/05/2001 (ANA)

Papoutsis made his statement on the occasion of the government's handling of the social security issue, with which he expresses disagreement.

On the question of the social security system, he said "its public nature should be safeguarded, as well as its tripartite funding", adding that "there can be no decrease in pensions."

Papoutsis also said "some underestimated the possibilities of the mass movement and disregarded the reactions of organized PASOK."

Referring to national issues and Greek-Turkish relations in particular, Papoutsis said "those who are living in the paradise of Greek-Turkish friendship should remember the statements by (Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail) Cem in the occupied territory (of northern Cyprus) that Turkey's reaction will have no limits if Cyprus joins the European Union."

[09] Athens mayor inaugurates 7th conference of Federation of Cypriot Organizations of Greece

Athens, 07/05/2001 (ANA)

The Ambassador of Cyprus to Greece Christodoulos Pasiardis told delegates they are "the embassy's extended hand" in Greece and called on them to remain united to be able to perform their role at the most difficult moment in the long history of Cyprus.

Avramopoulos expressed the hope that after the upcoming elections in Cyprus an internationally coordinated move will come from the UN, EU and US to have the Turkish Cypriot side resume proximity talks. He also said Turkey is using Cyprus as a hostage for its accession to the European Union without having the possibility of meeting European criteria.

[10] Gov't wants Rhodopi to take part in eastern Macedonia-Thrace region's growth, Vasso Papandreou says

Athens, 07/05/2001 (ANA)

She said that in addition to the major projects, 21 billion dr. from national and EU resources had also been spent in recent years for the entire mountainous zone for improvement of the local inhabitants' quality of life. This, she added, had changed the region, which acquired the ability to develop its advantages.

More funds would be channeled to the region in the new period through the Regional Operational Program (PEP) and the EU's Interreg and Leader programs.

Papandreou said that with the steps taken by the government in recent years regarding infrastructure in the minority municipalities and communities, education, institutional issues and the everyday problems of the citizens, "we have helped resolve problems that had been frozen for many decades".

She said a total of 5 billion dr. had been spent in the period 1995-99 for road works in minority municipalities and communities, while the overall budget for projects to improve the quality of life and the environment reached 2.3 billion dr.

In the education sector, 1.5 million dr. were spent on programs to improve minority schools so as to make them more functional and render them friendly and acceptable to the pupils attending them, Papandreou said, announcing the extension of the program by a further 500 million dr. to cover outstanding needs.

She said that, in recent years, substantial infrastructure work had been carried out in mountainous Rhodopi such as schools, water supply networks, rural medical facilities, and sports facilities, leading the area out of its isolation, and more projects would follow so that the program for the area would be completed.

[11] Ceremony at former Mauthausen Nazi concentration camp on 56th anniversary of liberation

VIENNA, 07/05/2001 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

Austrian Parliament President Heinz Fischer, the principal speaker at the event, stressed the need for much to be learnt from history and the crimes of Nazism.

Austrian Interior Minister Ernst Strasse also warned of the danger of nationalism still existing in Europe, as well as of the exploitation of xenophobia and prejudices for petty political aims.

[12] Athenians march for breast cancer awareness

Athens, 07/05/2001 (ANA)

The march, organized by the Susan Comen Greek Alliance for Combatting Breast Cancer and held under the aegis of the ministry of health, was headed by Olympic gold medallist Nikos Kaklamanis.

The marchers said the purpose of the event was to declare their belief that breast cancer can be beaten, and the central slogan of the march was "knowledge and awareness are the most effective weapons against the modern-day plague of breast cancer".

Addressing the event, alliance chairperson Lydia Ioannidou Mouzaka said that awareness could save more than 1000 Greek women annually from breast cancer.

The event ended with the presentation of awards to women who had had to fight the disease at some point in their lives.

[13] Australian WW2 veterans to make pilgrimage to Greece

MELBOURNE,07/05/2001 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

The group includes former officers and ordinary soldiers currently aged between 78-85, who represent the Australian infantry, the air force and the navy. Three widows of war veterans will also be among them.

All the participants had fought in Greece and will be visiting it on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Crete to attend relevant celebrations.

[14] FM to deliver 'Olympic Truce' statue to UN secretary general

UNITED NATIONS, 07/05/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

The statue, the work of Spanish artist Rosa Serra, is an offer by former UN Olympic Committee member Irwin Belk who attended the General Assembly's works on the Olympic Truce in 1999 as a member of the US delegation.

Since only UN member-states are able to offer gifts to the international organization, the IOTC's secretary Kidane called on the Greek foreign minister and IOTC vice president to deliver the statue to Annan on its behalf.

[15] Athens 2004 Organizing Committee President Daskalaki to meet New York Governor George Pataki

NEW YORK, 07/05/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

[16] March protesting Olympic rowing center at Schinias

Athens, 07/05/2001 (ANA)

The demonstrators, belonging to the "Citizens of the World for peace, the environment, rights and solidarity" organization, gathered Sunday morning at the northern suburb of Aghia Paraskevi, on the initiative of the Coalition of the Left and Progress (SYN) party, where a short message was delivered by SYN leader Nikos Constantopoulos, before embarking on the march through Pallini, Pikermi, Rafina, and Nea Makri to Marathon, and then on to Schinias in the afternoon.

Objections to use of the Schinias site as the venue for Olympic rowing and canoeing events have been put forward by the Academy of Athens, the Archaeological Society -- on the grounds that the site is historically significant because of its link with the ancient battlefield of Marathon, where the Athenians drove back a Persian invasion in the 5th century B.C. -- and by environmental groups, including WWF-Hellas, which claim it will cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem of the Schinias wetland, on the outer rim of the Marathon district, and one of the last remaining such habitats in Attica.

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