The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-03-03

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Seeking Consensus

Exiting Maximos Mansions, Giannis Papathanasiou said, "We are running into unexpected and unpleasant developments regarding the unprecedented financial crisis that has influenced world's economies."

He then went on to add, "Our plan's goal is to ease the crisis' impact on the low-income earners. Our plan aims to trim public deficits and promote growth, creating new jobs. However, we are on alert to cement the nation's economy."

Statements by Dora Bakoyannis

Commenting on the global financial crisis, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis argued, "New evidence is constantly being added, puzzling Europe. Our objective is to achieve coordination, cooperation and solidarity to address the crisis."

Shifting her attention to the incidents against Greek travelers in FYROM, she said that the Greek Foreign Ministry issued an advice to travelers. "The sad incidents demonstrated that Gruevski's pre-election rhetoric yielded results," stressed Bakoyannis.

News item: 19604

[02] Greek FM Issues Travel Advisory for FYROM

Foreign Ministry spokesman Mr. G. Koumoutsakos has issued the following announcement:

"The Foreign Ministry informs Greek citizens who wish to travel to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia - whether for a stay or in transit, for professional or personal reasons - that they may experience problems. Reasons for this include the following:

A. The negative climate that has been created with regard to our country during the past year has provoked the abuse of persons - usually drivers - and attacks on and damage to cars with Greek license plates.

B. Local legislation and procedural regulations, including those regarding: ⢠customs, ⢠taxation, ⢠transit hauling, ⢠leaving the country with over â¬2,000 in foreign currency, unless the currency was declared on entry into the country, and ⢠traffic regulations,

are very strictly enforced by the authorities in FYROM with regard to Greek citizens, in blatant abuse of authority and with disproportionate consequences.

It should also be borne in mind that FYROM legislation changes constantly and without any previous notification of the public or interested professional groups.

The competent Greek authorities have observed cases of the above, particularly in recent months.

Greek citizens are encouraged to familiarize themselves in a timely manner regarding the regulations in effect in FYROM, to comply with them carefully and, mainly, to exercise caution and prudence regarding their safety and that of their property during their stay in, or journey through, FYROM.

The Greek diplomatic and consular missions in the country are at the disposal of Greek citizens to provide clarifications or assistance in the case of an unpleasant incident."

Source: Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs

News item: 19600

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