Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 99-11-22

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

MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, November 22, 1999

SECTIONS

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS HEADLINES

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEWS IN DETAIL

[A] NATIONAL NEWS

[01] CYPRIOT PRESIDENT IN ATHENS, MEETS TODAY WITH PREMIER

Mr. Simitis will also brief President Clerides on his talks with US President Bill Clinton. President Clerides, who flew to Athens from Istanbul where he attended the OSCE summit, is accompanied by Foreign Minister Yannis Kasoulides.

[02] ECONOMY MINISTER SEES BOOST IN VENTURES AFTER CLINTON'S VISIT

In an interview with an Athens daily, Mr. Papantoniou stated that establishing conditions of stability and development encourages the US firms to enter the Balkan region in collaboration with Greek ventures. Moreover, the Minster stated that the remarkable improvement noted in the course of Greece's economy, which was also commended by Mr. Clinton, certainly attracts significant foreign investments.

[03] CEDEFOP'S NEW BUILDING INAUGURATED TODAY IN THESSALONIKI

Ninety people from all EU countries, plus Iceland and Norway, currently work in the center whose function is to provide the European Commission, the member states, and the social partners - employers and unions - with basic information on developments in vocational training.

CEDEFOP publishes numerous periodicals and publications in several languages, notably a first-ever report of its kind called Key Data on Vocational Training in the European Union. It manages several projects, including study visits funded by the Leonardo da Vinci program for vocational training specialists.

[04] THESSALONIKI HOSTS SEXUAL HARASSMENT FORUM TODAY

The event will be held at 6 p.m. in the Macedonia Palace Hotel and will feature the participation of European Parliament deputy Ioannis Koskiadis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki associate professor Nikolaos Intzesiloglou and Nicotex president Elli Nikolaidou.

[05] GREEK, BRITISH AMPHIBIAN EXERCISE UNDERWAY IN IONIAN SEA

Greece is taking part with the frigate Limnos, the torpedo boat Deyannis, the tank carrier Samos, a unit of frogmen, a troop of marines and air force planes.

The British navy is taking part with the helicopter carrier HMS Queen, the frigate HMS Cumberland and six other vessels.

[06] ATHENS RIOTERS TO APPEAR BEFORE MAGISTRATE TODAY

They have been charged with arson, possession of explosive devices, vandalism and resisting arrest, as well as disregarding a police ban on the protest march.

[07] GENOMICS, BIOINFORMATICS WORKSHOP HELD IN THESSALONIKI

According to the course's director, Dr. A. Tsaftaris, professor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the bioinformatics revolution has become reality, while the oncoming century will make leaps and bounds in biological and genetic advancements.

The biotechnology workshop, titled Genome Sequence and Comparative Analysis, will cover: 1) Genome mapping. The new genetics: from gene to genome analysis. 2) Evolution of sequencing techniques and sequencing the prokaryotic genomes. 3) Yeast and other eukaryotic genomes. 4) Bioinformatics and analysis of sequencing data. 5) Comparative gene and genome analysis in silico. 6) From gene structure to function, including proteomics.

The Workshop is intended to raise the awareness and competence of young scientists from EU Member States, particularly those from smaller countries, on the strategic importance of genomics, expose them to the new hybrid field of bioinformatics and make them more competent to this new and fast evolving technology.

[08] TURKISH ENTREPRENEURS MEET WITH GREEK COUNTERPARTS

The Turkish businessmen are also expected to meet with Greece's Minister of National Economy and Finance.

[09] GOVERNMENT PLEASED WITH RESULTS OF PRESIDENT CLINTON'S VISIT

Noting the impressive course of Greece's economy, Mr. Clinton stated that if there were gold medals to be given for economic recovery, Greece would certainly be entitled to one.

Referring to Thessaloniki, the US President said that the northern city is the center of the Balkans and announced that the United States will establish a local bureau that will assist in the Balkan reconstruction process.

On the other hand, opposition parties were generally in agreement that the US President's visit to Greece was a "missed opportunity", since it bore no specific results.

The main opposition party New Democracy said the talks lacked substance, while the Communist Party of Greece accused Mr. Clinton of "hypocrisy", while the leader of the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) Nikos Konstantopoulos said that during his stay in Greece, the US president fulfilled his public relations role without moving from standing US positions.

[10] GREEK EX-FM: INTERNAL THE REASONS FOR TURKEY'S EU CANDIDACY

In an address given at the Thessaloniki Trade and Industry Chamber, Mr. Pangalos stated that the first reason is the government's need to show the Turkish people that it follows a prudent policy and the second being that it desires an "a la carte Europe", i.e. pick and choose only that which benefits it.

"There is no ‘a la carte' Europe," Mr. Pangalos said, and called on the Greek government not to agree to Turkey's EU candidacy if it fails to meet all the criteria imposed on the other countries .

Commenting on the recent climate formed between the two countries and the frequent meetings held between the Greek and Turkish foreign ministers, Mr. Pangalos stated that the issue is not to overcome the psychological and historical problems that plague the two neighbors.

"The issue is the problems that have arisen due to Turkey's behavior following 1974," he stated.

Speaking on a variety of issues, Mr. Pangalos also referred to the riots that broke out Saturday night in Athens in protest to US President Bill Clinton's visit, and said that these acts (which he openly attributed to the Communist Party of Greece) managed to destroy Greece's image abroad in a matter of seconds.

Lastly, the former minister referred to the developments in the Balkan region and was especially critical of Serb President Slobodan Milosevic. He said that Serbia has no prospects with Mr. Milosevic in power since public opinion has condemned him and included him among the world's greatest criminal figures.

[11] SIMITIS-CLERIDES: THE TALKS IN NEW YORK MUST BE SUBSTANTIAL

In their two-page statement they mentioned that the Clinton statements are on the right direction but there must be specific results from the US policy, pointing out that the governments of Greece and Cyprus handle the developments in consultation with each other. The Simitis-Clerides meeting focused on the developments in the Cyprus problem in view of the New York talks on December 3 and the EU summit meeting in Helsinki. Prime minister Simitis briefed the Cypriot president on the talks he had with Turkish prime minister Bulent Ecevit and US president Bill Clinton. Earlier, president Clerides had a meeting with right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy leader Kostas Karamanlis.

Meanwhile, UN secretary general Kofi Annan, who met in Ankara with Turkish prime minister Ecevit, stated that no impressive results are expected from the talks on Cyprus which are scheduled to take place in New York next week.

[12] REPPAS: PRESIDENT CLINTON'S VISIT WAS SUCCESSFUL - MR. STEPHANOPOULOS WILL CONTINUE TO BE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC FOR MANY YEARS

On the stance of the opposition, he commented that the government exercises its policy based on the national interests, while the stance of the opposition parties is incomprehensible as they are possessed by a blind anti-government passion. The political parties must bring themselves above the small world they are in, said the government spokesman, adding that they prove that the priority for them is to undermine the government.

Responding to the question on the contents of the Greek president's speech in Friday's formal dinner that was given in honor of the US president, he said that Kostis Stephanopoulos expressed the country's positions and this is not the first time he does that neither the last one because Mr. Stephanopoulos will continue to be the president of the republic for many years. All Greeks are completely satisfied, said Mr. Reppas, adding that Mr. Stephanopoulos is the best advocate for the Greek positions both inside the country and abroad.

Regarding the Cyprus problem, he pointed out that what is important is that the talks will be underway and that they must continue until they give results, adding that the Cypriot government is ready and again the success of the talks depends on Rauf Denktash.

The Greek government spokesman also condemned the arson attacks and the other incidents that were recorded in the center of Athens during Mr. Clinton's visit. Regarding the store owners who suffered damages, Mr. Reppas said that they will be registered and they will receive state assistance.

[13] MITSOTAKIS: PRESIDENT CLINTON'S VISIT WAS A SIGNIFICANT EVENT - THE INCIDENTS EXPOSED GREECE INTERNATIONALLY

Mr. Mitsotakis accused the government of inability and indecisiveness regarding the preparations for the Clinton visit and said that Greece has suffered irreversible damage. The biggest national damage, said Mr. Mitsotakis, is that Greece was presented both across the world and mainly in the United States as the most anti- American country and this is what will be remembered from the visit of the US president.

[14] SMALL LOSSES IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

Specifically, the general index closed at 5.603,09 and the volume of transactions reached 464 billion drachmas.

[15] THE INTERIM REPORT ON THE 1999 MONETARY POLICY WAS PRESENTED IN PARLIAMENT TODAY

Presenting the main points of the report, Mr. Papadimos stressed that the coincidental rise of inflation that was recorded in October does not cause concern as the harmonized consumer price index follows a downward trend and in March is expected to be at 2%.

When asked to comment on the likelihood to cut interest rates, he underlined that the Monetary Policy Council will examine all eventualities in early December and will reach its decisions.

On the likelihood to change the parity of the drachma, Mr. Papadimos stated that there is no such an issue.

[16] THE CEDEFOP BUILDING WAS INAUGURATED TODAY BY THE MINISTER OF LABOR AND THE EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER ON EDUCATION AND CULTURE

The project's cost was 2.2 billion drachmas and it was materialized with funds that came solely from the European Union budget.

Mr. Papaioannou stated that the opening of the new facilities coincides with a period which is characterized by the upgrading of the European strategy on employment. He also stated that the presence of CEDEFOP in Thessaloniki offers a significant opportunity to exploit know- how.

[17] THE CONDITION OF POPULAR GREEK SINGER STAMATIS KOKKOTAS IS STABLE

Mr. Kokkotas was rushed to the Evangelismos Hospital in Athens last Saturday, suffering from strong chest pains and he developed a heart attack while he was undergoing heart tests.

[18] SEKAP LTD IS CLOSE TO AN AGREEMENT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CUBAN CIGARS

National Tobacco Organization chairman Dimitris Tseronis stated to MPA that the recent contacts toward this end were held in a positive climate as the two sides expect significant gains if a deal is reached.

An agreement is expected to be reached in the next two months for the production in Greece of cigars weighing up to 3 grams that will be made from tobacco that will initially be imported from Cuba. Later, certain Cuban varieties of tobacco will be grown in Greece after the necessary scientific research will be completed concerning the adaptation of those specific tobacco brands to the domestic production conditions.

[19] THE BANK OF GREECE GOVERNOR STATEMENTS ON CONVERGENCE

The Bank of Greece governor also predicted that US president Clinton's praises for the Greek economy will have a positive effect on the stock market.

[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

[20] US PRESIDENT IN BULGARIA, TO MEET WITH KOSTOV, STOYANOV

Mr. Clinton, who arrived at the Bulgarian capital last night, is to visit the Bulgarian Parliament and will have successive meetings with political party leaders. This evening, the US President will address an event whose theme is "Ten Years since the Commencement of Democratic Reform in Bulgaria".

[21] CLINTON'S SUPPORT FOR RETURN OF MARBLES SPARKS DEBATE IN UK

The chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Heritage Group, Sir Patrick Cormack, said that Mr. Clinton should stay out of the dispute.

"This is quite extraordinary. The ownership and custody of the Elgin Marbles is no business of the president of the United States of America," he added.

On the other hand, author Christopher Hitchens, a fervent supporter of the Marbles' return to the Parthenon, stated that "the British are now given an unprecedented opportunity to take part in the restoration of a priceless monument. Anyone who would turn down such an opportunity, would be truly barbarian."

The Marbles consist of 17 figures and part of a 160-yard frieze that decorated the 2,500- year-old Parthenon. The marbles were torn from the Parthenon in the early 19th century by Lord Elgin, the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire.

[22] CYPRIOT ACTING PRESIDENT HOSPITALIZED FOR BRONCHIAL ASTHMA

The head of Nicosia's general hospital cardiology unit Dr. Costas Zambartas stated that Mr. Kyprianou's overall condition is very good and is not any cause for concern.

[23] ANNAN WARNS AGAINST UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS IN CYPRUS

"The (Cyprus problem) is very difficult and we have been working on it for a long time. We should not have expectations that would be unrealistic," he stated, adding "we will be bringing the parties together to reach a meaningful and comprehensive result. I hope there is progress in the December talks."

[24] US PRESIDENT IN SOFIA, EXPRESSES GRATITUDE, PLEDGES SUPPORT

"I am very grateful for the support the allies received during the conflict in Kosovo, and for the direction taken by Bulgaria under this president and this government," he said.

Moreover, Mr. Clinton pledged his Administration's support, by stating that "we are very committed to supporting Bulgaria over the long run economically, politically (and) militarily."

Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov stated that he hoped Bulgaria could be an "example of stability" in the region.

"It is important that through the eyes of the American president the American people will realize that the Bulgarian people have embarked upon a new road, and chosen a new policy, that of democracy, of respect for human rights," he said.

[25] US PRESIDENT CLINTON'S CONTACTS WITH THE BULGARIAN LEADERSHIP

Mr. Clinton's security adviser Sandy Berger stressed that among the issues included in the agenda of the talks between the US president and the Bulgarian leadership was the Balkan Stability Pact.

[26] THE UN SECRETARY GENERAL HELD TALKS ON CYPRUS IN ANKARA

Mr. Annan first was scheduled to have a meeting with Turkish prime minister Buelent Ecevit and then he was going to have a working lunch with Turkish president Suleiman Demirel.

The UN secretary general will play the role of the mediator in the talks between the two communities in Cyprus which will be held again two years after the last round of the communal talks was interrupted by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

The Turkish Cypriots and Turkey maintain that there can be direct talks on Cyprus only if the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus is recognized as an independent state, while the Cypriot government calls for unconditional direct talks for the solution of the problem.

[27] PRESIDENT CLINTON BACKS THE CHOICES OF THE BULGARIAN GOVERNMENT

Mr. Clinton thanked Bulgaria for its stance during the crisis in Kosovo and expressed Washington's support to the policy of reforms adopted by the Kostov government.

Also, Mr. Clinton thanked Bulgaria for its policy of tolerance toward all the ethnic minorities living in the country.

The US president also had a meeting with his Bulgarian counterpart Petar Stoyanov who stated afterwards that he told Mr. Clinton that Bulgaria is on the one-way street to democratic reforms, the establishment of democratic institutions, the respect of law and the implementation of a market economy system.

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