Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-06-05
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, June 5, 2000
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NEWS HEADLINES
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] GREECE EXPECTS ECOFIN'S "GO AHEAD" FOR EMU
[02] DYNAMIC MIX WRAPPING UP TODAY IN THESSALONIKI
[03] US TERRORISM C/TEE CALLS FOR SANCTIONS ON GREECE
[04] KOSOVAR BUSINESSMEN IN THESSALONIKI TODAY
[05] CREDIT AGRICOLE: COMMERCIAL BANK OFFER IN 2 DAYS
[06] AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS TO BE TRIED ON YAK CRASH
[07] GREEK-TURKISH PARTENARIAT CONSIDERED BY EVETH
[08] DEFENSE MINISTRY TO REDUCE LENGTH OF SERVICE
[09] GREEKS LIVE LONG, HEALTHY LIVES, SAYS WHO
[10] EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON PEACE
[11] PANGALOS: OLYMPIC AIRWAYS MUST BE SOLD TO A PRIVATE INVESTOR
[12] LOSSES OF 0.87% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
[13] MESSAGE BY THE GREEK MERCHANT MARINE MINISTER ON THE WORLD
DAY OF THE ENVIRONMENT
[14] THE "DYNAMIC MIX" EXERCISE IN THE VILLAGE OF PROFITIS NEAR
THESSALONIKI WAS SUCCESSFUL
[15] REPPAS' COMMENTS ON THE US CONGRESS REPORT ON TERRORISM
[16] GREEK AND KOSOVAR BUSINESSMEN MEETING
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[17] GREEK FM SHOWN THE MARBLES AT BRITISH MUSEUM
[18] FOUR ANCIENT GREEK CITIES AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA OFF THE
COASTS OF ALEXANDRIA
[19] THE FRENCH MINISTER OF FINANCE SUGGESTED THAT GREECE ENTER
THE EURO-ZONE SOONER
[20] A BOOK BY GREEK AUTHOR VIZIINOS WILL BE MADE A GREEK-TURKISH
MOVIE
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] GREECE EXPECTS ECOFIN'S "GO AHEAD" FOR EMU
The European Union's Economy and Finance Ministerial Council
(ECOFIN) is convening in Luxembourg today where it is expected to
approve Greece's entry into the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).
The final decision for Greece's entry into the euro-zone will
be taken during the European Union's summit in Feira, Portugal, on
June 19.
Greek Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou will
be taking part in Monday's meeting.
In line with the European Commisison's recommendations, the
National Economy Ministry will present a specific timetable for
structural changes over the next two years. Policy changes are
also being worked out in health, transport and employment.Σφάλμα!
Το αρχείο προέλευσης της αναφοράς δεν βρέθηκε.
The timetable of structural changes, contains the following
points: deregulation of the power and telecommunications markets;
privatization, within the next 8 months, of 15 state-owned
enterprises, including the Commercial Bank, which is already
holding negotiations with a foreign partner; freeing the market
from an array of complications stemming from the intricate system
of licenses required for starting any business activity; Finally,
the social security system is to be reformed by the middle of next
year.
The European Commission's report is viewed as a "two-sided"
coin, as it, on the one hand. Proposes stringent measures for the
country's economy, while, on the other, it lauds Greeceor its
economic achievements.
[02] DYNAMIC MIX WRAPPING UP TODAY IN THESSALONIKI
NATO's largest ever military exercise "Dynamic Mix" is being
wrapped up today in the outskirts of Thessaloniki, featuring the
participation of Greek, U.S., German and Hungarian forces.
According to today's scenario, Greece has been "attacked" by
three countries, two of which belong to the wider Balkan region
and one in North Africa.
The participating forces have organized their defense and a
"counterattack" will follow. Today's exercise, which involves live
ammunition, comprises more than 3,000 land soldiers, as well as
dozens of fighter jets and helicopters.
[03] US TERRORISM C/TEE CALLS FOR SANCTIONS ON GREECE
The United States National Commission on Terrorism has issued
a report, to be released today, calling for severe sanctions
against Greece, although the State Department's reaction to the
committee's recommendations is, at best, lukewarm.
The commission, which comprises a 10-member panel,
recommends that U.S. President Clinton consider imposing limited
diplomatic and military sanctions on Greece and Pakistan, for "not
cooperating fully on counter-terrorism."
Furthermore, the panel argues that Greece has been
"disturbingly passive" in its response to terrorism activities. In
its 64-page report, the panel writes that Greek authorities have
been unable to solve "terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens or
interests in Greece".
The panel also calls for maintaining the existing regulations
for issuing visas to those Greeks wishing to visit the US, visa-
issuance regulations and barring further armament sales to Greece.
The report apparently failed to sway the White House and
State Department, as US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright
assured yesterday that "the US is not examining the eventuality of
imposing sanctions against Greece." She further added that the
problems which exist in combating terrorism on the part of the
Greek government have been discussed in recent meetings which she
and other US government officials have had with Greek officials.
US Ambassador in Athens Nicholas Burns also stated that the
Clinton Administration is not considering the option of imposing
sanctions on Greece, contrary to what the report recommends. He
further stressed that the committee's report "has no relation with
the State Department and does not reflect the Clinton
Administration's views."
Moreover, the U.S. diplomat stated that the issue of
terrorism has to be dealt without publicity and added that "we are
working towards this direction with the (Greek) Public Order
Minister Michalis Chrysochoides."
In Athens, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stated that
"we have expressed in another case as well the position and the
firm will against terrorism.
"Such demands which do not correspond to the true situation
in our country are not acceptable. We view that such a content has
no relation with the security of the citizens in Greece and with
our country's continuous effort for the elimination of such
activities."
Contacted by the Los Angeles Times, Greek Embassy spokesman
in Washington Achiles Paparsenos, called the report's allegations
"totally unfair."
Athens, he said, is "cooperating fully on terrorism with the
United States and other countries."
[04] KOSOVAR BUSINESSMEN IN THESSALONIKI TODAY
A 46-member delegation of Kosovar businessmen has embarked on
a three-day visit to Thessaloniki as of today, in reciprocity to a
visit of Greek businessmen to Pristina in January, which was
organized by the Association of Northern Greek Industrialists
(SVVE) and the Hellenic- American Chamber of Commerce.
As an official from Thessaloniki's Trade and Industry
Chamber (EVETH) told the Macedonian Press Agency, over 80 Greek
firms have expressed their interest in meeting with the Kosovar
businessmen.
Bilateral contacts are to start with a welcoming address by
the Minister of Macedonia-Thrace George Paschalides, to be
followed by addresses by EVETH's chairman Dimitris Bakatselos,
SVVE's chairman Vasilis Takas and the chairman of the Greek-
American Chamber of Commerce.
Leading the delegation is the chairman of Kosovo's Trade and
Industry Chamber Mustafe Ibrahimi, who will remain in Thessaloniki
until tomorrow.
The delegates are interested in Greek products suitable for
Kosovo's market, as well as in representing Greek firms in the
tenders of international organizations promoting the work of
reconstruction.
The sectors being represented by the Kosovar businessmen are
food and beverages, building supplies, milling and ready to wear
apparel, footwear, chemical products, wood and furniture,
packaging, metallic constructions and telecommunications-
informatics.
Greece's participation in the procurements of such
organizations has increased from two to 20 present since the
January visit.
[05] CREDIT AGRICOLE: COMMERCIAL BANK OFFER IN 2 DAYS
France's Credit Agricole has requested a two-day extension in
submitting its offer to purchase a ten-percent stake of Greece's
Commercial Bank, although the impending agreement could actually
sink as the French bankers are now setting forth three additional
terms, one of them being a generous discount on the purchase price
of 6.5% of the shares, although the remaining 3.5 percent will be
bought at the current market price.
The Commercial Bank's chairman Konstantinos Georgoutsakos
has reportedly told the Minister of National Economy and Finance
Yiannos Papantoniou that the French are displaying a "colony-like
attitude" through the contract.
Moreover, Credit Agricole is also raising the social security
matter, while it is seeking a high amount of compensation should
Commercial be sold by the state or a third party acquire the
majority of its shares.
[06] AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS TO BE TRIED ON YAK CRASH
Two air traffic controllers at Thessaloniki's "Macedonia"
airport are to be tried in a local court on multiple counts of
negligence and obstruction of air traffic that resulted in the
crash of a Ukrainian Aerosweet airliner on December 17, 1997,
killing all 74 persons on board.
Costas Yiannakopoulos and Adamantios-Stavros Fragioudakis
were reportedly on duty at the airport's air traffic control tower
that fateful night, when the Yakovlev 42 airliner flying in from
Kiev disappeared from radar screens just before its second attempt
to land in Thessaloniki's airport at 10 p.m. The plane's wreckage
was found in the Pieria mountain range, northern Greece.
While dozens of the victim's relatives have gathered outside
the Courthouse, attorneys for defendant Yiannakopoulos filed for
an extension of the hearing, stating that their client is
presently hospitalized at a local neurological clinic and is not
fit to attend the trial.
[07] GREEK-TURKISH PARTENARIAT CONSIDERED BY EVETH
The Trade and Industry Chamber of Thessaloniki (EVETH) is
reportedly considering the organization of a Greek-Turkish
partenariat, while it is also expected to start a twinning process
with Istanbul's Chamber of Trade.
The proposal of a partenariat with Turkish firms is the
brainchild of EVETH chairman Dimitris Bakatselos, who tabled the
idea during EVETH's recent visit to Bursa and Istanbul.
"We are to hold a partenariat in Thessaloniki in November.
One hundred firms, both Greek and Balkan, are to receive firms
from 80 countries, mostly Europe," Mr. Bakatselos stated. He
further added that "as this was an EU program, it did not call for
Turkey's participation. However, we will be especially pleased if
members of the Bursa and Istanbul Chambers' boards participated so
that we may soon co-organize a similar partenariat," he added.
[08] DEFENSE MINISTRY TO REDUCE LENGTH OF SERVICE
Greece's mandatory military service is to be six months
shorter by 2003, according to the Minister of National Defense
Akis Tsochatzopoulos who unveiled a new program that will
gradually be completed in three years and be combined with the
hiring of 15,000 professional soldiers.
According to Mr. Tsochatzopoulos, the program calls for an
annual two-month cut in all branches of the military. Namely, the
length of service in 2001 will be 16 months for the army
(presently 18), 18 for the air force (presently 20) and 19 for
the navy (presently 21).
Two-month cuts will also be implemented in the years 2002 and
2003, until the overall military term is six months shorter. It
has not been clarified if the new terms are applicable to those
already enlisted.
[09] GREEKS LIVE LONG, HEALTHY LIVES, SAYS WHO
Ranking fourth in Europe and seventh world-wide, Greeks live
a long a healthy life with an average expectancy of 72.5 years,
according to a list of 191 countries just released by the World
Health Organization in Geneva.
While Greece is led by the French (who rank first in Europe),
Spanish (72.8) and Italians (72.7), the Japanese top the worldwide
list at 74.5 years and are followed by the Australians.
Japan's top listing is attributed to the country's low heart
disease rate due to the Japanese low-fat diet, although this could
change in the years to come as the Japanese are reported to be
smoking more and consuming greater amounts of red meat.
The United States ranked 23h on the list with an average
life expectancy of 70.4 years.
Sierra Leone comes at the bottom of the list with an
expectancy of 25.9 years. All 10 states at the bottom of the list
are in sub-Saharan Africa where HIV/AIDS is prevalent.
[10] EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON PEACE
The 3rd European Conference on Peace, Democracy and
Cooperation in the Balkans will be held in Athens on June 9-12.
The conference is organized by the Federation of Balkan non
governmental organizations and it is aimed at contributing to the
constructive progress of the Stability Pact in south-eastern
Europe.
The conference will be opened by minister of defense Akis
Tsochatzopoulos. It will be attended by large delegations of non
governmental organizations from the Balkans and Europe, government
representatives, Euro-deputies, representatives of state
parliaments as well as representatives of state and international
organizations and distinguished personalities such as Council of
Europe General Directorate adviser on political affairs, Max
Gilbert and UN secretary-general special representative in Kosovo,
Bernard Kushner.
[11] PANGALOS: OLYMPIC AIRWAYS MUST BE SOLD TO A PRIVATE INVESTOR
Minister of culture Theodoros Pangalos suggested in an
interview with the Athens newspaper "Apogevmatini" that the sale
of Olympic Airways to a private investor with the right to fire
personnel is the only solution for the survival of the Greek
national airline.
Mr. Pangalos stated regarding the construction of a mosque in
Athens that there are extreme right, intolerant and racist
parliament deputies, while he admitted that certain projects will
not be ready by 2004 when the Olympic Games will be held in
Athens. He also praised the abilities of Ms. Yianna Daskalaki-
Angelopoulou, who was recently appointed chairwoman of the "Athens
2004" organization.
In the same interview, Mr. Pangalos stated that the policy of
foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou on the Greek-Turkish relations
is characterized by a total deadlock and attributed the reaction
to the new identity cards to the insecurity of the leadership of
the Church of Greece. At the same time, he announced significant
cuts in the culture ministry subsidies.
[12] LOSSES OF 0.87% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
Losses of 0.87% were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange
today and the general index was at 4.494,99 points, while the
volume of transactions was at 116,54 billion drachmas.
According to market circles, the losses recorded today are
attributed partly to the negative developments regarding Olympic
Airways and the scenarios on similar negative developments
regarding the Bank of Commerce.
[13] MESSAGE BY THE GREEK MERCHANT MARINE MINISTER ON THE WORLD
DAY OF THE ENVIRONMENT
The protection of the environment and especially the sea and
coasts are among the first priorities in our time, is mentioned in
the message by merchant marine minister Christos Papoutsis on the
occasion of the World Day on the Environment.
Mr. Papoutsis underlined that the merchant marine ministry
participates actively in the efforts for the protection of the sea
environment and for keeping the coasts clean, stressing that the
protection of the environment today is the best investment for the
future.
He also stated that joint effort and individual
responsibility are necessary for the protection of the environment
and the natural beauties of Greece.
[14] THE "DYNAMIC MIX" EXERCISE IN THE VILLAGE OF PROFITIS NEAR
THESSALONIKI WAS SUCCESSFUL
The main phase of the land operations within the framework of
the "Dynamic Mix" NATO exercise was held successfully near the
villages of Profitis and Askos in Thessaloniki and according to a
statement made by Greek minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos
the exercise confirmed the cooperation of the 14 countries that
took part.
The main phase was held in the presence of Mr.
Tsochatzopoulos, undersecretary of defense Dimitris Apostolakis,
NATO forces commander general Ralston, NATO commander in the
Mediterranean admiral Elis, national defense general chief of
staff general Manousos Paragioudakis, and leaders of land, air and
sea forces, parliament deputies and local administration
representatives.
In the final attack, according to the scenario of the
exercise, took part 550 men from Greece, the United States and
Hungary though the 33rd mechanized brigade, the 2nd US marine
brigade and a multi-national battalion made up of men from all
three countries. The role of the "enemy" was played by the Greek
mechanized infantry battalion and the scenario of the exercise
included an attack to regain the control of a territory occupied
by enemy forces.
In the exercise was used live ammunition by almost all the
weapons used by the land and air forces. Also participated Mirage
2000, F16 and Harrier jets from Greece, the United States and
Turkey as well as Apatci and Cobra combat helicopters from the
United States.
Admiral Elis stated after the end of this phase of the
exercise that he is satisfied with the success, congratulated all
those who took part and thanked Greece for the hospitality,
pointing out that the goal of the exercise was to train the
participating forces in crisis management.
National Defense General Chief of Staff general Paragioudakis
pointed out that the excellent planning, the accuracy in the
performance and the use of forces from many NATO countries proved
that the forces of the alliance can perform effectively the roles
and the missions stemming from the new strategic conception of
NATO.
Minister of defense Mr. Tsochatzopoulos pointed out that it
is the first large scale NATO exercise on the basis on the new
doctrine and the participating countries acquired valuable
experience in the cooperation that is aimed at securing peace and
stability for the countries in the region. He also underlined that
there are no more enemies with their classic form and for this
reason cooperation must be strengthened aimed at dealing with
crises in different parts of the world.
The "Dynamic Mix" exercise was launched on May 20 and will be
completed on June 10, while certain command units will leave
Greece on June 20. In the exercise participate 15.000 men, 293
aircraft and helicopters, 65 warships, Patriot, Hawk and Roland
anti-aircraft systems and a large number of vehicles and auxiliary
means.
[15] REPPAS' COMMENTS ON THE US CONGRESS REPORT ON TERRORISM
The US Congress Committee report based on which Greece is
characterized as a country that does not assist the efforts made
to tackle terrorism, was described as an anti-Greek fabrication by
Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas.
Mr. Reppas stated that this report has no relation whatsoever
to reality and those who maintain such things see the situation
through anti-Greek glasses. He also pointed out that the
government has already protested to the responsible US
administration bodies, while he also added that the US ambassador
to Athens has stated that the American government does not adopt
the report in question.
Responding to the question if the issue of terrorism was
discussed in the meeting of Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis
with US president Bill Clinton, he said that the issue was not
discussed by the two leaders.
Finally, on the signing of the cooperation memorandum between
Greek and US police officers, the Greek government spokesman
stated that the memorandum has been drawn up but it has not been
determined when it will be signed.
[16] GREEK AND KOSOVAR BUSINESSMEN MEETING
The sum of 360 million Euro has been secured by the
Organization for the Reconstruction of the Balkans and it is
expected to be activated within the next few months for the
funding of programs in the region of Kosovo, according to
Association of Industries in northern Greece president Vasilis
Takas, who made the statement within the framework of the visit by
a business delegation from Kosovo to Thessaloniki's Commerce and
Industry Chamber.
The programs refer to the economic and social development of
the region and as it was pointed out by Mr. Takas they concern the
sectors of energy, transportation, environment and housing. Mr.
Takas also called on the Kosovar businessmen to submit proposals
for the better use of the funds.
In addition, Mr. Takas referred to the Greek action plan for
the reconstruction of the Balkan region and pointed out that the
sum of 180 billion drachmas will be offered over a 5 year period
and it will concern the sectors of social infrastructure and
production.
The Greek action plan is directed to the Kosovo, Romania,
Bulgaria, Albania, FYROM and Yugoslavia only after the
international sanctions are lifted.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[17] GREEK FM SHOWN THE MARBLES AT BRITISH MUSEUM
Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday visited
the British Museum's new hall which houses the Parthenon Marbles,
the first such visit ever conducted by a Greek minister at the
invitation of the British Museum.
Mr. Papandreou, who is set to appear before a House of
Commons culture committee today, called the invitation "the
beginning of a constructive bilateral dialogue on the issue of the
Parthenon Marbles.
"I want to underline the emotion felt by every Greek who
visits the Parthenon Marbles... I hope that this would be the
beginning of a constructive dialogue, I would say an official
dialogue, between the British Museum and Greek authorities on this
particular issue," he added.
Mr. Papandreou is accompanied by Culture Ministry Secretary-
General Lina Mendoni and Jules Dassin, who is also to address the
committee on behalf of the Melina Mercouri Foundation, which is
named after his late wife who campaigned for the Marbles' return.
[18] FOUR ANCIENT GREEK CITIES AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA OFF THE
COASTS OF ALEXANDRIA
French and Egyptian archaeologists announced in Alexandria,
Egypt that they have located four ancient Greek cities 2.000-2.500
years old at the bottom of the sea off the coasts of Abu Kir. It
is the most significant archaeological discovery of the past few
years and it could bring to light important information on the
civilization of the Pharaohs in Egypt in the middle of the 1st
century BC.
In a press conference that was given in Alexandria's
Palestine Hotel yesterday archaeologists announced to journalists
that two of those cities namely, Minotis and Iraklion, were
covered by the sea more than 1.000 years ago and now their ruins
are in an excellent condition 15-30 meters under the sea, off the
coasts of Abu Kir, 6 kilometers from Alexandria.
According to the French director of the Paris based European
Institute of Underwater Archaeology, who heads the joint French-
Egyptian excavation team under the name "Return to Light", the
most likely cause of the sinking of the cities could be a strong
earthquake with simultaneous rise in the sea level because of
climate changes.
Minotis and Iraklion were covered by the sea in the 8th
century AD after hundreds of years of life. It is believed that
they were founded between the 7th and 6th century BC and were
known for their wealth and artistic presence in the Mediterranean.
The surprising fact is the extremely good condition of their
houses, temples and huge sculptures.
The other two cities that have been identified but have not
been explored yet by archaeologists are Kanopis and Thonis.
[19] THE FRENCH MINISTER OF FINANCE SUGGESTED THAT GREECE ENTER
THE EURO-ZONE SOONER
Indicative of the climate in today's European Union finance
ministers council, that meets in Luxembourg to give the "green
light" to Greece's accession into the Euro-zone on January 1,
2001, was the proposal made by French finance minister Loran
Fabius, who suggested that informally Greece's accession into the
Euro-zone should take place earlier than January 1, 2001.
According to the proposal, Greek minister of national economy
Yiannos Papantoniou should participate in the meetings of the Euro-
zone countries immediately after the final decision on Greece's
EMU accession in the summit meeting that will take place in
Portugal.
[20] A BOOK BY GREEK AUTHOR VIZIINOS WILL BE MADE A GREEK-TURKISH
MOVIE
An agreement was reached recently for the first Greek-Turkish
co-production of a motion picture based on the book written by
Georgios Viziinos under the title "The only trip in my life". The
shooting of the first scenes will start in Istanbul by the end of
June and will continue in Athens and in Vizius, the home village
of the author in Thrace.
The leading roles in the film will be played by Greek and
Turkish actors and it will be directed by Lakis Papastathis.
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