Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-08-29
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, August 29, 2000
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NEWS HEADLINES
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] FALCON CRASH REPORT: SEAT BELTS WERE CRUCIAL
[02] DEA OFFICIALS IN ATHENS FOR COCAINE BUST INQUIRY
[03] CYPRIOT FM ARRIVES IN ATHENS TODAY FOR TALKS
[04] C/TEE ON REVISING CONSTITUTION MEETS TOMORROW
[05] PRESIDENT TO TOUR PELOPONNESE TOMORROW
[06] PM IN N.Y. NEXT WEEK FOR UN MILLENNIUM SUMMIT
[07] FUEL PRICES TO RISE AS OF TOMORROW AT MIDNIGHT
[08] MILLIONS OF CONTRABAND CIGARETTE PACKS SEIZED
[09] MACEDONIA-THRACE MINISTER ON N. GREECE'S ROLE
[10] THESSALONIKI INTERNATIONAL FAIR OPENS THIS FRIDAY
[11] THE DAMAGES FROM THE FIRES IN CORFU AND IOANNINA ARE BEING
ASSESSED
[12] THE ILLEGAL ARMS TRADE IS HARD TO CONTROL IN GREECE
[13] NIKOS KAKLAMANAKIS WILL BE THE FLAG-BEARER OF THE GREEK
OLYMPIC TEAM IN SYDNEY
[14] KLT LTD WILL OPEN FOUR SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES IN THE BALKANS
[15] AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WAS KILLED IN A MINEFIELD
[16] VARTHOLOMEOS: THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE IS THE MOTHER
CHURCH
[17] NEW LOSSES IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
[18] MEASURES AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AT THE PORT OF PATRAS
[19] SIMITIS: THESSALONIKI'S INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR IS THE
BAROMETER OF THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMIC AND SPIRITUAL PROGRESS
[20] THE SEVEN BUSINESSMEN ARRESTED ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE GREEK
SHIPOWNERS ASSOCIATION
[21] PAPANDREOU-KASOULIDES MEETING IN ATHENS
[22] 150 LEADERS AT THE US SUMMIT OF THE CENTURY
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[23] GREEK EUROMINISTER ASKS EC FOR AIRCRAFT SAFETY
[24] SEMINAR ON PARTHENON HELD IN SYDNEY
[25] KARAMANLIS VISITS GDANSK
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] FALCON CRASH REPORT: SEAT BELTS WERE CRUCIAL
A series of mechanical failures, pilot errors and the fact
that the victims were not wearing their seat belts were to blame
for the deaths of Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannos Kranidiotis,
his son Nikos and five other people in a plane accident over
Bucharest on September 14, 1999, according to a report submitted
to the Foreign Ministry Flight Accident Investigation Council.
According to the Council, which comprised experts from
France, the United States, Germany and Great Britain, the Falcon
900 jet was approaching Bucharest airport, flying at approximately
5,000 meters, when it suddenly plunged precipitously. In 24
seconds, the plane had ten vertical oscillations, the Council
found.
When the plane started to plunge, the pilot's immediate
reaction, according to the report, was to suddenly shift the
rudder in order to regain height, without first switching off the
automatic pilot.
That sudden move, plus their subsequent switching off of the
automatic pilot five seconds too late, sent the plane into a spin.
[02] DEA OFFICIALS IN ATHENS FOR COCAINE BUST INQUIRY
A delegation of officials from the U.S. Drug Enforcement
Agency is due in Athens today, in order to assist Greek police in
their ongoing investigation concerning the recent drug bust in
Venezuela that involved seven Greeks.
The Greek suspects, among them shipowners and businessmen,
will appear before an Athens prosecutor today. An inquiry has been
ordered over the involvement of an Athens airport policeman, who
is suspected of being the gang's informant by providing crucial
information he derived from within the police computers.
The Greeks have been identified as shipowner Philippos
Makris, 42, businessmen Ioannis Lemos, 52, and Angelos Kanakis,
52, shipping agents Theodoros Fatsis and Nikos Mavridoglou, 54,
and merchant marine captain Constantine Athanasios. Shipowner
Ilias Lemos, 53, was also arrested and detained in France.
The eight-month-long international operation, which resulted
in the seizing of a record ten tons of cocaine, resulted in 16
arrests in Venezuela, France, Italy and Greece.
The operation began as separate investigations by the U.S.
Drug Enforcement Administration office in Athens, Greece, the
Customs office in Houston and other agencies. The investigations
were eventually united and coordinated by the U.S. Justice
Department.
[03] CYPRIOT FM ARRIVES IN ATHENS TODAY FOR TALKS
The Foreign Ministers of Greece and Cyprus, George Papandreou
and Ioannis Kasoulides respectively, will meet in Athens today, in
order to coordinate efforts so that the UN-led talks for a
settlement in Cyprus will go into the substance of the problem.
During the meeting, the two ministers will also discuss
issues relating to Turkey's European Union accession partnership,
expected to be decided in November, as well as relations between
Greece and Turkey.
[04] C/TEE ON REVISING CONSTITUTION MEETS TOMORROW
A cross-parliamentary committee on revising the Constitution
will hold its first meeting tomorrow, August 30, while the
committee's chair and party spokespeople will first discuss the
issues related to the revision process and its progress.
By the final deadline of October 15, the committee will
present its conclusions to the Plenary, which will devote the rest
of the parliamentary session - if necessary - at least until
Easter or even later in 2001, to complete the process of revising
the Constitution, according to Parliament speaker Apostolos
Kaklamanis.
[05] PRESIDENT TO TOUR PELOPONNESE TOMORROW
The President of the Hellenic Republic Costis Stephanopoulos
is scheduled to visit the towns of Astros and Leonidio in the
Peloponnese prefecture of Arcadia tomorrow, 30 where he will
attend ceremonies held in his honor. During his stay, President
Stephanopoulos is to be proclaimed an "honorary citizen".
He is also scheduled to visit the town of Gythio in the
Peloponnese prefecture of Laconia.
[06] PM IN N.Y. NEXT WEEK FOR UN MILLENNIUM SUMMIT
Prime Minister Costas Simitis will travel to New York on
September 5-9, at the invitation of U.S. President Bill Clinton,
where he will attend the UN General Assembly Millennium Summit and
will participate in the "Progressive Government" leaders meeting.
Mr. Simitis will depart Greece on September 5, following the
inauguration of Thessaloniki's International Fair. While in New
York, the Premier is expected to hold a series of meetings with
other state leaders.
The Greek Premier will be accompanied by Foreign Minister
George Papandreou who will be meeting with his Turkish counterpart
Ismael Cem.
[07] FUEL PRICES TO RISE AS OF TOMORROW AT MIDNIGHT
Fuel prices are to rise effective on Thursday, in line with
indicative retail prices released by the development ministry.
According to the ministry, petrol will rise by seven drachmas
per liter, and diesel by three drachmas per liter due to changes
in world crude oil prices.
As petrol prices continue their upward course, having climbed
as high as $30 per barrel, international markets are concerned
over the emergence of a new oil crisis.
[08] MILLIONS OF CONTRABAND CIGARETTE PACKS SEIZED
Port authorities in Crete have seized over six million of
contraband cigarette packs, stashed inside thousands of boxes on
board a Latvia-bound, Cambodia-flagged cargo ship.
According to the police report, the discovery of six million
and 925 thousand packs of smokes constitutes the largest amount of
contraband cigarettes to have been seized in recent years.
Police have arrested the ship's Greek captain and eight
foreign crew members.
[09] MACEDONIA-THRACE MINISTER ON N. GREECE'S ROLE
Northern Greece is on the verge of undertaking a never-before-
experienced leading role in the southeastern European region, a
role of massive proportions, the Minister of Macedonia-Thrace
George Paschalides stated in an interview with the Macedonian
Press Agency, where he referred extensively to the content of
Prime Minister's (Costas Simitis) keynote speech at the
inauguration of Thessaloniki's International Fair on September 1.
"The Premier and the government, following the country's
accession to the Economic and Monetary Union, are working towards
solidifying the country's ability to partake in supra-national
units.
"It concerns Northern Greece's new role in the wider
southeastern European region, a leading role at that," he stated.
In his address at TIF's inauguration, the Prime Minister is
expected to outline how he envisions Greece in the 21st century,
while, one day later at the official dinner, Mr. Simitis is
expected to extensively refer to projects pertaining to the region
of Thessaloniki and Northern Greece.
As Mr. Paschalides stressed, the Premier plans to meet with
representatives of all the local sectors in order to gain their
feedback.
The Minister added that various ministers will also be
present at these meetings in order to provide on-the-spot answers.
[10] THESSALONIKI INTERNATIONAL FAIR OPENS THIS FRIDAY
Thessaloniki's 65th International Fair, Greece's largest
trade exhibition held annually in early September, opens its gates
on Friday, September 1, with the United States being this year's
featured country.
Covering an expanse of 49,000 square meters, this year's TIF
will feature the official presence of 17 countries, with Turkey
participating for the first time, as well as hundreds of private
industries and enterprises from the world over.
Among the highlighted participants are the European
Commission, the International Fair of Skopje and the Japanese
Export Trade Organization (JETRO).
The 11 US-related event programs include:
· "Figment: The life and Work of Andy Warhol"
An exhibition of works by the well-known pop artist organized by
the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh in cooperation with the
Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art and the municipality of
Thessaloniki. Until September 19.
· The "Baseball and Softball Experience"
A daily baseball demonstration that will introduce children and
young people to America's favorite pastime, and a new Olympic
sport. At TIF's YMCA gate, September 2-10.
· Warner Bros. Characters
Well-known animated Warner Bros. Characters (Tweety, Bugs Bunny,
Daffy Duck and the Tasmanian Devil) "jump to life" in
Thessaloniki's streets and on TIF's fairgrounds.
· Celebration of American Cuisine
Festival of American Regional Cuisine at the Hyatt Regency Hotel,
prepared by a leading US chef every night during the fair.
September 2-10.
· "Modern Odysseys: Greek-American Artists of the 20th Century"
An exhibition of works by several noted American artists.
Organized under the auspices of the Greek culture ministry and the
State Museum of Contemporary Art, in cooperation with the World
Council of Hellenes Abroad, the Queens Museum of Art and the I.F.
Kostopoulos Foundation. Lazariston Monastery, Stavroupoli
municipality of Thessaloniki, September 3 through December 2000.
· Dixieland Band
Popular southern jazz performed by the 11-member Dixieland Band
from Corinth. On TIF's grounds in front of the indoor sports
arena, September 5-6 after 9 p.m.
· American Line and Square Dancing
Traditional line and square dancing by American Farm School
students. On TIF's grounds in front of the indoor sports arena,
September 5-6 after 9 p.m.
· Concerts with performer Yvette Jarvis
Soul, disco, Latin, and gospel hits with Greece-based performer
Yvette Jarvis and the nine-member band "Grupo Candela". In front
of the indoor sports arena, September 8-10 after 9 p.m.
· "20th Century American Film: Milestones of a Legendary Dream"
Fifteen classic American films screened in cooperation with the
Thessaloniki Film Festival at the Olympion movie theater on
Aristotelous square, September 8-21. Screenings start at 8:30 p.m.
and 11 p.m. daily. Admission to opening night is by invitation
only.
· The Sixth Fleet Band
The 25-member band of the Sixth Fleet will bring its "Big Band"
sound on Sept. 8-9 in front of the indoor sports arena at 7 p.m.
· The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band
The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band from New York City will perform at the
Thessaloniki Concert Hall on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 9 p.m.
[11] THE DAMAGES FROM THE FIRES IN CORFU AND IOANNINA ARE BEING
ASSESSED
The fire that broke out a few days ago in the Ionian Sea
island of Corfu and destroyed a large area has been put under
control and the local authorities assess the damages caused.
Meanwhile, in the region of Ioannina in north-western Greece
the damages from the fires there took tragic dimensions. Based on
formal figures provided by the prefecture of Ioannina, seven
people lost their lives and 58 houses were totally destroyed in
five villages. In addition, 35 warehouses and 26 stables were also
burned to the ground, not mentioning the ecological damage caused
which is unprecedented as thousands of acres of forest land were
turned into ashes.
Meanwhile, a big fire has broken out in FYROM and has already
reached the region of Gevgeli, near the borders with Greece, as
even though foreign fire-fighting assistance has been sent the
FYROM authorities state that they are unable to deal with the
disaster.
The fire broke out eight days ago and destroyed thousands of
acres of forest land. The FYROM authorities requested fire-
fighting assistance from Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey. Greece
responded to the calls but it was forced to interrupt its
assistance because of the large number of fires on Greek land.
Reports on the FYROM press refer to the risk for the fires to
spread on Greek territory.
[12] THE ILLEGAL ARMS TRADE IS HARD TO CONTROL IN GREECE
The illegal arms trade has taken up uncontrollable dimensions
in Greece as it is estimated that about 50 thousand guns have been
traded illegally in the past 4 years. If it is taken into account
that thousands of people own hunting rifles and other guns
legally, then the total number of guns in Greece is close to 1
million namely, one gun per ten Greeks.
In a report published on the Athens newspaper
"Eleftherotipia" it is mentioned that the alarming fact is that
the police mechanisms for the control of illegal arms trade are
poor.
It is also mentioned that the requirements for the issuing of
gun permits are very strict in Greece and as a result many people
turn to illegal arms traders in order to purchase a gun.
The main source of illegal arms trade for the past 3-4 years
is Albania as thousands of guns and pieces of ammunition have
crossed the borders with Greece and have been sold at very low
prices.
[13] NIKOS KAKLAMANAKIS WILL BE THE FLAG-BEARER OF THE GREEK
OLYMPIC TEAM IN SYDNEY
The Olympic gold medalist in the Atlanta Olympic Games Nikos
Kaklamanakis will be the flag-bearer of the Greek mission in the
Olympic Games in Sydney.
The wind-surf champion, who is already in Sydney where he
prepares for new records and medals, stated as soon as he was
informed of the decision that he never dreamt that he would enter
the Olympic Stadium in Sydney with the Greek flag.
Meanwhile, the first group of the Greek Olympic team made up
of the athletes participating in the water events, boxing and tae
kwon doe left today for Sydney. All of them appeared optimistic
that they will return to Greece with Olympic medals.
[14] KLT LTD WILL OPEN FOUR SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES IN THE BALKANS
The Greek KLT Ltd specializing in air-conditioning systems
will open four subsidiary companies in the Balkans improving the
existing exclusive sales network it has developed in 11 south-
eastern European countries.
The four companies are planned to be opened in FYROM,
Romania, Serbia and Croatia. The company begun spreading to the
Balkans in 1993 starting from Romania and Bulgaria and later it
reached the neighboring countries through a sales network in
Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Slovenia.
[15] AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WAS KILLED IN A MINEFIELD
An illegal immigrant, possibly a Turkish national, was killed
at dawn today when he entered a fenced minefield at the Greek-
Turkish borders, near the border crossing of Kipi.
According to the available information, the man together with
another individual tried to cross the Greek borders illegally,
they got lost and entered a minefield.
The incident is being investigated by the Greek police.
[16] VARTHOLOMEOS: THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE IS THE MOTHER
CHURCH
The tension rises between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the
Church of Greece on the new state-issued identity cards which will
not list the religion of the bearer. The cause for the new tension
was the statements made by Metropolite Amvrosios of Kalavrita who
characterized the Ecumenical Patriarchate as a stepmother Church.
The statement issued by the Ecumenical Patriarchate refers to
grateful and ungrateful children as a clear response to
Metropolite Amvrosios. The Ecumenical Patriarch himself responding
to Amvrosios stated that the Ecumenical Patriarchate is the mother
Church for all the Greeks and the Orthodox Christians even though
certain of them regard it as a stepmother Church.
[17] NEW LOSSES IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
Losses of 0.98% were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange
today and the general index dropped to 3.524,16 points.
The volume of transactions was small at 64.6 billion
drachmas. Of the stocks trading today 100 had gains, 232 recorded
losses and 38 remained stable.
According to economic analysts, the downward course followed
by the Athens Stock Exchange since September 1999 will soon end
and they anxiously expect the effect the privatization
announcements will have on the market.
[18] MEASURES AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION AT THE PORT OF PATRAS
The prefecture of Achaia in southern Greece decided to close
all the gates at the port of Patras, in the Peloponnese during the
night in order to limit the phenomenon of illegal immigrants
trying to board ships in order to reach the Italian coasts.
During a local authorities meeting it was also decided to
adopt increased police measures in the port area, while the trucks
carrying goods for export will have to park in supervised areas.
[19] SIMITIS: THESSALONIKI'S INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR IS THE
BAROMETER OF THE COUNTRY'S ECONOMIC AND SPIRITUAL PROGRESS
Thessaloniki's International Trade Fair is the barometer
measuring the economic and spiritual progress achieved by the
country, stressed Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis in a message
delivered yesterday.
He stressed that it will not be an exaggeration to say that
this year's Trade Fair will reflect mainly the successful course
of the Greek economy and the optimistic prospects for the
country's development and prosperity.
Referring to Greece's accession into the EMU, Mr. Simitis
stressed that this success should not bring a relaxation to the
efforts made for economic progress.
[20] THE SEVEN BUSINESSMEN ARRESTED ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE GREEK
SHIPOWNERS ASSOCIATION
The assurance that the seven Greek businessmen, who are
allegedly members of an international drug-trafficking ring, are
not members of the Greek Shipowners Association was given today by
the association itself.
The Greeks arrested, who are referred to as shipowners, are
not members of the association and are not known in the Greek
shipping circles, clarified the Greek Shipowners Association. It
also condemned every crime activity of that form around the world
and stressed that the tough punishment of those involved is
necessary.
The seven Greeks are testifying on the case in Athens. It
should be reminded that they were arrested during a police
operation aimed at breaking up the ring. The police operation
lasted 2 years and took place with the cooperation of 12
countries. A total of 45 people were arrested, while a Greek
police officer serving in the passport department of the Athens
Airport is also involved in the international drug-trafficking
ring case.
[21] PAPANDREOU-KASOULIDES MEETING IN ATHENS
The new round of talks on Cyprus, the Greek-Turkish relations
and Cyprus' EU accession course were the main topics discussed in
Athens today in the meeting of Greek foreign minister Giorgos
Papandreou with his Cypriot counterpart Yiannakis Kasoulides.
The two ministers stressed that the Greek side comes to the
talks with the political will to reach a solution to the problem,
underlining that Turkey should display a similar attitude.
Regarding Turkey's EU accession course, Mr. Kasoulides
stressed that Ankara should meet the obligations it has undertaken
in the Helsinki summit meeting as well as the Copenhagen criteria.
Mr. Papandreou characterized the current phase of the Cyprus
issue as crucial and added that the policy followed by the Greek
side has Turkey's European course as its basic goal.
[22] 150 LEADERS AT THE US SUMMIT OF THE CENTURY
Around 150 government and state leaders will arrive in the US
on September 6th to discuss issues that must be dealt with during
the next few decades.
The Summit of the Century will be the largest gathering of
global leaders ever held and will examine a series of issues under
the title "The US during the 21st Century". Amongst the major
issues due to be presented are that of poverty, the expansion of
UN peace missions and the most effective methods of dealing with
worldwide environmental problems.
UN General Secretary Kofi Annan has asked world leaders to
commit themselves to the realisation of various aims, such as the
reduction by half of the number of people living in complete
poverty and the prevention of AIDS from spreading.
These aims are described in the General Secretary's report
for the new century, presented last April as part of the
preparations for the Summit.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[23] GREEK EUROMINISTER ASKS EC FOR AIRCRAFT SAFETY
PASOK eurominister Meni Malliori asked the European
Commission to take action in order to ensure the health protection
of all passengers and crew on board aircraft, in the light of a
recent spate of air accidents.
The request made by Ms Malliori came after a statement made
by the Australian Senate claiming that the passenger section of
certain types of aircraft is polluted by the ventilation system,
which releases dangerous toxins, thus putting the health of
thousands of passengers and crew members in danger. Statistical
information gathered by Dr Jean Balouet of the International Union
of Aviation Medicine is included in the report in question, also
claiming that the presence of toxins causes vision deficiency,
lack of balance, speech impediments and memory loss.
Ms Malliori asked the EC to undertake a series of control
checks to ascertain whether or not this information is valid and
to take all measures necessary to protect the health and safety of
all those on board aircraft.
[24] SEMINAR ON PARTHENON HELD IN SYDNEY
"The Acropolis, the Parthenon, Elgin and the Marbles" was the
title of the special seminar held in the Sydney Powerhouse Museum,
home to the famous exhibition "1000 years of Olympic Races,
Treasures of Ancient Greece". The seminar aims to sensitise
Australians and international public opinion in general to the
importance of the return of the Marbles to Greece.
The seminar portrayed the history of the Parthenon Marbles,
their removal from Athens by Lord Elgin in 1801 and their sale to
the British government in 1816, as well as modern perceptions of
museums and the return of cultural heritage to its rightful owner.
Important Australian figures attended the seminar, such as
former Prime Minister G. Whitlam, who spoke about "Pericles and
the Parthenon". David Hill, member of the Australian committee for
the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece gave a talk on Lord
Elgin and the story of the Marbles.
[25] KARAMANLIS VISITS GDANSK
New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis currently visiting
Poland to take part in a summit held by the European People's
Party, arrived in Gdansk for the ceremony held at the port's
shipyard in celebration of 20 years since the Polish worker's
revolt and the founding of the Independent Solidarity Syndicate.
During his visit to the historic Polish shipyard, Mr
Karamanlis referred to the rebellion, which began 20 years ago and
succeeded in dramatically changing the political map of Europe.
The request for solidarity continues to be a current issue and
concerns the completion of Europe, as there is a need for European
common and protected borders.
The ND leader held talks with former Polish President, Leh
Valesa and referred to the enlargement of the European Union and
to the countries asking to enter the European "family", adding
that Cyprus has met all the criteria required.
During his visit, Mr Karamanlis also held talks with the
Prime Ministers of Poland, Yierzi Buzek, Spain, Jose Maria Aznar,
Bulgaria, Ivan Kostov and Malta, Edouard Andami.
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