Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-03-29
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, March 29, 2000
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NEWS HEADLINES
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] GREEK FM MEETS WITH ALBANIA'S SOCIALIST LEADER
[02] MACEDONIA-THRACE MINISTER SPEAKS TO MPA
[03] ALBANIAN SOCIALIST PARTY LEADER IN GREECE
[04] MPA TO BROADCAST DEBATE LIVE ON THE INTERNET
[05] MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER ON PARTY'S ECONOMIC POLICY
[06] PREMIER: GREECE HAS AN ACTIVE ROLE IN BALKANS
[07] SIMITIS: WE GAVE A VOICE AND PRESTIGE TO GREECE
[08] GAINS OF 1.94% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
[09] THE NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE WILL INVEST IN SMALL AND MEDIUM
SIZE COMPANIES IN W.EUROPE
[10] GREECE'S SAD LEAD IN DEADLY DISEASES
[11] PAPANDREOU: WE SEEK A CLIMATE OF STABILITY IN THE BALKANS
[12] GERMAN EMBASSY CARS TORCHED IN PROTEST TO KILLING
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[13] EU TO REVIEW TURKEY'S "PERSONAE NON GRATAE" LIST
[14] KPN-OTE MAKES FINAL OFFER TO BTC: $600 MILLION IN CASH
[15] TURKISH JOURNALIST IMPRESSED BY GREEK PM
[16] GREEK-TURKISH COOPERATION ON TOURISM
[17] COOPERATION BETWEEN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF ATHENS AND
WASHINGTON
[18] THE FIRST GREEK WOMAN TO BECOME A MAYOR IN AUSTRALIA
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] GREEK FM MEETS WITH ALBANIA'S SOCIALIST LEADER
Foreign Minister George Papandreou met with Albania's
Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano, in Athens yesterday evening.
Messrs. Papandreou and Nano, who has also served as his
country's prime minister, discussed the present situation in
Kosovo and stressed their will to mutually address the problems
plaguing the Balkan region.
The Greek FM stated that Greece would like to see the
enforcement of United Nations resolutions pertaining to Kosovo,
while Mr. Nano noted that there has been progress - albeit slow-
achieved in the province, however adding that there are still
radical elements active in the area.
Lastly, Mr. Papandreou stated that he and Mr. Nano discussed
cooperation not only at a governmental level, but at a partisan
one as well.
Mr. Nano was in Greece on the Invitation of the Andreas
Papandreou Foundation.
The Albanian Socialist Party leader met earlier in the day
with Greece's Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos, where the
latter stated that the relations between the two countries have to
be strengthened in order to secure peace and regional security.
[02] MACEDONIA-THRACE MINISTER SPEAKS TO MPA
In an interview with the Macedonian Press Agency, the
Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Yiannis Magriotis, who is also
running on the ruling PASOK party's ballot in Thessaloniki's First
District, expressed his confidence that the city's residents will
provide PASOK with a wide and clear victory during the
parliamentary elections of April 9.
Mr. Magriotis referred extensively to Thessaloniki, stating
that a bright future awaits the northern port city, while he
blasted the main opposition party of New Democracy, accusing it of
verbose-yet-unsupported promises.
Specifically, the Minister stated that Greece is entering a
period of economic and social growth, strengthening its position
in the international arena.
"An innovative program of development projects and
infrastructures is being enforced throughout the country, set to
change the image of prefectures and regions," Mr. Magriotis
stated, stressing that Thessaloniki plays a leading role by
utilizing its geopolitical position and emerging as an
international and European economic center, for example through
the operation of the Balkan cooperation and stability
institutions, such as the Organization for Balkan Reconstruction,
through the development of economic and business collaboration,
the operation of the Council of Greeks Abroad.
The Minister stated that projects in Northern Greece, such as
the Egnatia Route, the renovation of the city's port and airport
and the creation of the city's metro, all serve the region's
growth prospects.
Lastly, Mr. Magriotis stated that his participation in
politics was a result of his desire to serve his city and his
country.
"These reasons still stand," he said, adding "regardless of
the position I may hold after the elections, I will continue to
fight for the same principles, for a modern Greece, with
Thessaloniki the capital of the new era."
[03] ALBANIAN SOCIALIST PARTY LEADER IN GREECE
Optimistic that the turbulent Kosovo region will eventually
be transformed into a full-fledged, multi-ethnic democracy,
Albania's Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano attributed the clashes
in Motrovica and the Presevo valley to extremist groups active in
the regions, characterizing these isolated episodes as "emotional
reactions".
In an interview with Athens radio station "Flash", Mr. Nato
stated that Kosovo is no longer in war and added that the area has
been freed from (Yugoslav President) Milosevic's rule. Moreover,
the former premier added that the region's ethnic Albanians are
cooperating closely with international organizations that aim at
the establishment of stability.
Concerning Greek-Albanian relations, Mr. Nano stated that "on
a long-term range, Greece and Albania are destined to live
together and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Lastly, referred to the influx of Albanians who smuggle into
Greece and stated that he is confident the Greek state will take
additional measures after the elections to curb the flow of
illegal immigrants.
[04] MPA TO BROADCAST DEBATE LIVE ON THE INTERNET
Tomorrow night's debate between Premier Costas Simitis and
main opposition leader (New Democracy) Costas Karamanlis is to be
broadcast live at 9.p. on the Macedonian Press Agency's Internet
server at www.mpa.gr
The debate, whose rules of order are to be consistent with
those of 1996, will be moderated by journalist Nikos
Hatzinikolaou, while 12 questions are to be submitted in all by
journalists Elli Stai, Manolis Kapsis and Thodoris Rousopoulos.
With the Premier answering first, Messrs. Simitis and
Karamanlis will direct their answers to the representatives of the
media instead of each other.
The journalists will have a maximum of 30 seconds in which to
ask a question, and the two leaders will have to provide an answer
within two minutes. A warning signal will be given ten seconds
before time runs out, and if either of the speakers exceeds his
time limit, the moderator is expected to interrupt them.
The MPA, which was the first Greek medium to enter
cyberspace in 1993, will also have a minute-by-minute account on
April 9's election day, featuring newscasts and ballot percentages
in each district and nationwide.
[05] MAIN OPPOSITION LEADER ON PARTY'S ECONOMIC POLICY
The leader of the main opposition party of New Democracy
Costas Karamanlis stated that in the event he wins in April 9's
parliamentary elections, he does not intend to waste time as he
already has an economic plan in the works that will be immediately
enforced.
In an interview with the financial daily "Naftemporiki", Mr.
Karamanlis spoke of his plans to shuffle the administrations of
Greece's National and Commercial banks, with the new board members
to be elected by the financial institutions' general assemblies,
and not appointed by the minister of national economy. The
governor of the Bank of Greece, Lukas Papademos, will remain at
his post, Mr. Karamanlis stated.
Moreover, the main opposition leader vowed to proceed with
reforms on the Third Community Support Framework, by strengthening
control mechanisms, and said that his party will expedite the
privatization process.
Among other measures, Mr. Karamanlis stated that foreign
workers are to be included in the social security system, aiming
at the inflow of GRD 200 billion in revenue.
[06] PREMIER: GREECE HAS AN ACTIVE ROLE IN BALKANS
Prime Minister Costas Simitis outlined Greece's active role
in the Balkan region, especially Kosovo, during a press interview
on foreign policy given in Athens this afternoon.
Mr. Simitis stated that the country's role in Kosovo was
justified, stressing that Greece's foreign policy emanates from
the respect of borders and territorial integrity of all countries
and aims at the unwavering defense of its sovereign rights.
"Greece worked hard for peace in Kosovo," Mr. Simitis stated,
"Mr. Papandreou (Foreign Minister) traveled to all the Balkan
capitals in order to achieve a solution.
"As such, we illustrate our role and thus balance the any
given geo-strategic advantage another holds," he stated.
Moreover, the Premier stated that Greece supports the
prospects of European Union accession of Balkan countries and
pointed out that the country's effect on Bulgaria, Romania and
Albania does not stem from the older policies of strategic power
but, instead, is based on Greece's membership in the EU, its
imminent accession to the Economic and Monetary Union and to its
contribution to the economic reconstruction of Southeastern
Europe.
Lastly, the Premier stated that Greece has provided $600
million for the Stability Pact and added that Athens welcomes the
plan to reconstruct the second bridge at the Danube River, which,
he stated, will also serve Greek transports to central Europe.
[07] SIMITIS: WE GAVE A VOICE AND PRESTIGE TO GREECE
Prime minister Kostas Simitis in a press conference he gave
in the Zappion Building in Athens today on foreign policy issues
made a review of the governmental work in the sector of the
foreign policy and presented the 10 targets set by the governing
socialist party of PASOK for the next four-years.
The strengthening of the position and the role of Greece in the
European Union.
The normalization of the Greek-Turkish relations. Greece does not
claim anything neither gives away anything.
The promotion of Cyprus' EU accession as soon as possible.
The strengthening of Greece's regional role in the Balkans and its
stabilizing role in south-eastern Europe.
The expansion of the role and presence of Greece in international
organizations and institutions starting with the 2004 Olympic
Games.
The strengthening of the ties with the Greeks living abroad.
The strengthening of the country's defense capability.
The promotion of the economic and cultural diplomacy.
The exploitation of the society of citizens and the activation of
humanitarian organizations.
The modernization of foreign policy institutions, with more
capabilities and funds by the foreign ministry, for a more
effective operation.
Responding to a question by a reporter on the Greek-Turkish
relations he responded that things will not change in one day,
while he also said that there is room for the signing of bilateral
cooperation agreements in other sectors as well and underlined
that Greece can only benefit if Turkey follows the European
prospect respecting the international law and treaties. He said
that Greece recognizes only one bilateral difference which
concerns the Aegean continental shelf and all the rest are
Ankara's claims.
Mr. Simitis praised the stance followed by Greece on Kosovo,
while on Yugoslavia today he stated that the only solution is to
have free and democratic elections. On the scenarios concerning a
possible new conflict in Kosovo, he expressed the belief that they
will not be confirmed soon.
He accused the right-wing main opposition party of New
Democracy of keeping a negative stance on foreign policy issues
and of being afraid to open up and touch issues it regards as
dangerous. He said that New Democracy has not showed that it is a
political party that wants the country to undertake international
initiatives and criticized it for its positions on the issue of
Kosovo, the Clinton visit to Greece and other issues.
[08] GAINS OF 1.94% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
Impressive gains of 1.94% were recorded in the Athens Stock
Exchange today and the main index closed at 4.762,98 points, while
the volume of transactions was still small just over 130 billion
drachmas.
The purchase interest focused on stocks of small and medium
capitalization and as a result the secondary indexes showed
impressive increases.
Of the stocks trading today, 329 recorded gains, 11 had
losses and 24 remained unchanged.
[09] THE NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE WILL INVEST IN SMALL AND MEDIUM
SIZE COMPANIES IN W.EUROPE
The National Bank of Greece through its international banking
arm NGBI is setting up a European private equity arm, NBG Private
Equity, to invest development capital and back the buyout of small
and medium size companies in Britain and the western Europe.
The private equity fund will focus on small and medium size
enterprises which constitute a high yield sector in this business.
The fund will be managed from London. Howard Jennings,
formerly a partner at Apex Partners and Mark Owen, formerly a
director of Granville Private Equity Managers have joined the team
which will be further strengthened. Initially, the team will
manage Euros 100 million and will look to build its funds under
management both organically and with outside fundraising within
the next 18 to 24 months. The aim of establishing this operation
will be to enable NBG to take advantage of the fast growing market
for private equity in Europe.
[10] GREECE'S SAD LEAD IN DEADLY DISEASES
The Greeks have a sad lead in deadly diseases, according to a
study by the World Health Organization published by the Athens
newspaper "Ethnos". Based on the report, the Greeks come first in
the consumption of fat and occupy the second place regarding the
number of deaths from cancer and heart diseases.
The report under the title "Neighbors in the Balkans" was
drawn up by the organization's European department head Anna
Ritsatakis with the assistance of professors Jeffrey Levet and
Yiannis Kirtopoulos of the National School of Public Health.
In spite of the fact that public health in Greece is at a
better state compared to the rest of the Balkan states it is
disappointing if it is compared to the rest European countries.
According to the report, the Greeks consume more fat than any
other Balkan people at an increased rate. Specifically, the animal
fat calorie percentage that was consumed by the Greeks in 1981 was
at 32.7% of the total calorie consumption to reach 37% in 1995.
Compared to the rest of Europe, the number of Greeks dying
from heart failure and heart diseases is on the increase and this
is attributed among others to the increase of the animal fat
consumption. Namely, in 100.000 people over the age of 64
correspond 340 deaths from cardiovascular diseases when the EU
average is 291. However, compared to the rest of the Balkans
Greece is in a better state.
Regarding cancer, the situation is bad for Greece as the
Greeks come first in the number of cancer deaths in the Balkans
and the picture is worse among the male population.
[11] PAPANDREOU: WE SEEK A CLIMATE OF STABILITY IN THE BALKANS
Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou in an article he
wrote published on the monthly issue of the US review "Western
Policy Center" spoke of a revision of the foreign policy and a
reassessment of the Greek interests, according to a report
published by the Athens newspaper "Eleftherotypia" today.
Mr. Papandreou characterized the Helsinki EU Summit meeting
as a new phase for the Greek foreign policy and stressed that
under the pressuring conditions of internationalization and
pluralism Greece was forced to reconsider its foreign policy,
adding that it would have been inconsistent to threaten Turkey in
the name of stability and cooperation.
Mr. Papandreou wrote that by bringing Turkey closer to Europe
more security and stability will be enjoyed in south-eastern
Europe and a climate of security, economic development,
democratization and fuller cooperation among the regions'
countries will be achieved.
However, he admits that bilateral problems have not
disappeared through magic and that Greece is willing to play a
constructive role for the democratization of Turkey and its
incorporation into Europe.
In conclusion, Mr. Papandreou writes that the road will be
long and often hard and admits that the Turkish violations of the
Greek airspace and the Turkish territorial claims over the Aegean
continental shelf continue to cause concern in Greece.
The Western Policy Center had asked Turkish foreign minister
Ismail Cem to also write an article on the developments in the
region in order to be published next to Mr. Papandreou's article
but he chose not to do so.
[12] GERMAN EMBASSY CARS TORCHED IN PROTEST TO KILLING
A group calling itself "Anarchist Faction" has claimed
responsibility for this morning's torching of three cars
belonging to the German Embassy in Athens, causing seven million
drachmas in damages.
According to reports, the torching was an act of protest to
the death of 18-year -old ethnic Greek from Georgia Nikos Leonides
who was killed by a policeman in Thessaloniki on Saturday. The
policeman, who was charged and released, stated that his handgun
went off accidentally during a struggle with the victim.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[13] EU TO REVIEW TURKEY'S "PERSONAE NON GRATAE" LIST
Following a motion tabled by a Greek eurodeputy, the European
Union's Minister's Council is to review the notorious "blacklist"
published by the Turkish daily Sabah, which contains the names of
56 Europeans deemed as "personae non gratae".
EU parliamentarian Alekos Alavanos (Coalition of the Left and
Progress - Synaspismos) stated that the said list, which has yet
to be refuted by the Turkish government, includes a number of
parliamentarians from Denmark, Italy, Greece, Sweden and Spain,
all EU members, as well as individuals from non-EU members.
Mr. Alavanos deemed the said list as "unacceptable" and
"undemocratic" and called on the Council to look into the matter
and require the Turkish government to immediately rescind it.
[14] KPN-OTE MAKES FINAL OFFER TO BTC: $600 MILLION IN CASH
The Greek-Dutch telecommunications consortium OTE-KPN has
presented its final offer of $600 million - in cash - for the 51
percent acquisition of Bulgaria's BTC and the second GSM license.
Stated as the "final proposal", the said offer represents a
$90 million increase of the bid price.
OTE's chief executive officer George Symeonides stated that
"we are sure that our final offer brings a lot of benefits to the
Bulgarian government and the country and we want to state one more
time our firm commitment to fulfilling all our engagements to BTC,
to dramatically improving services at the same time."
KPN board member Martin Pieters stated that "we consider our
new offer an important part of the final phase of the transaction
and really hope that it will bring the deal to a fast and
successful conclusion", adding that I really hope that our
Bulgarian counterpart realizes the big improvement presented in
the final offer."
In a letter to the Bulgarian government, OTE-KPN calls for a
clear reply to its offer, as soon as possible, leaving no room for
doubt. Bulgarian Premier Ivan Kostov met with Messrs.
Symeonides and Pieters earlier this month, with both sides
agreeing that they entered the final phase of the transaction.
OTE and KPN established the consortium more than a year ago,
being the sole bidder for a 51 percent stake of BTC and the second
GSM operator in the country. The Consortium signed a preliminary
agreement with Bulgaria last June, calling for the acquisition of
both the BTC shares and the GSM operator, at a price of $510
million. The agreement was later re-negotiated after a government
reshuffle in December.
[15] TURKISH JOURNALIST IMPRESSED BY GREEK PM
A Turkish journalist accompanying Greek Premier Costas
Simitis on his flight to a pre-election campaign rally in Rhodes,
marking the first time Turkey's press was invited to attend such
an event, came away with the best impression of the state leader,
characterizing him as a "warm, friendly and low-key individual."
Ertugrul Ozkiok, the general director of the Turkish daily
"Hurriyet" reported that Mr. Simitis gave very positive messages
regarding Greek-Turkish relations.
In a conversation he had with the Greek state leader, Mr.
Ozkiok said that Mr. Simitis stressed the Greek people's support
of peace with Turkey.
According to the Greek Premier, Greece showed its support
for Turkey's European prospects through the decision adopted in
Helsinki, while, he added, Turkey declared that it accepts the
framework drawn by the European Union and has announced its intent
to respect it.
"I want to believe that Turkey will take advantage of these
opportunities that were established in Helsinki, since peace and
cooperation is to the benefit of both peoples," Mr. Simitis
reportedly told Mr. Ozkiok.
Nevertheless, Mr. Simitis added that problems still exist
between the two neighbors and referred to the "blacklist" that
bars the entry of 56 individuals to Turkey.
"This blacklist is unacceptable," Mr. Simitis stated, adding
that it can only exist is countries that are not democratic.
However, "Hurriyet" adds, the Greek Premier expressed his
conviction that Turkey will change, albeit slowly.
The Turkish journalist also noted that the Greek Premier
traveled with the national air carrier Olympic Airlines, did not
fly first class and was not accompanied by a large delegation of
party officials.
[16] GREEK-TURKISH COOPERATION ON TOURISM
A plan for the attraction of tourists from the United States
and the Far East is being promoted by Greek and Turkish
businessmen active in the tourist sector. According to statements
made by Turkish Tourist Investors Association chairman Tavit
Kioletavitoglu to the newspaper "Milliyet" it has been decided
that the big tourist trips to eastern Mediterranean will include
one- week stays in Greece and Turkey.
Mr. Kioletavitoglu also stated that the association has
formed a four-member work group with the Greek Tourist Business
Association to consider the capabilities for a Greek-Turkish
cooperation in the specific sector. The issues up for discussion
have already been determined and the group will meet in the
Turkish city of Bodrum at the Aegean coast in the following days.
According to Mr. Kioletavitoglu, the Thessaloniki based Black Sea
Trade and Development Bank is ready to finance the joint programs.
[17] COOPERATION BETWEEN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF ATHENS AND
WASHINGTON
A protocol of friendship and cooperation between Athens and
Washington was signed in the US capital by the mayors of the two
cities Dimitris Avramopoulos and Anthony Williams respectively.
The agreement covers a wide spectrum of activities concerning
the structure of operation of the municipal authorities, the
protection of the environment, the organizing of cultural and
sports events and the backing of business initiatives.
Mr. Avramopoulos stressed that Athens and Washington are two
great cities in the world scene and considering the new strong
role of the cities in the new globalized society it is evident how
important, useful and beneficial this cooperation will be.
[18] THE FIRST GREEK WOMAN TO BECOME A MAYOR IN AUSTRALIA
The formal ceremony for the election of Ms. Stella
Kariofillidis to the post of the mayor of Morland in Melbourne,
Australia and the taking over of her duties as the first Greek
woman mayor in the country was held in the Moreland City Hall last
Sunday.
The Greeks in Morland constitute the second largest community
after the Italians in a municipality where over 142 different
languages are being spoken.
Ms. Kariofillidis was born in the city of Veria in northern
Greece and followed her parents to Australia at a very young age.
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