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Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-09-07

Macedonian Press Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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


MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, September 7, 2000

SECTIONS

  • [A] NATIONAL NEWS
  • [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

  • NEWS HEADLINES

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

  • [01] INTERNATIONAL FORUM FOR PEACE BEGINS IN RHODES
  • [02] PM IN NY FOR UN SUMMIT, HOLDS SERIES OF CONTACTS
  • [03] GREEK PM ADDRESSES UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY TODAY
  • [04] PRESIDENT CALLS FOR OBSERVANCE OF OLYMPIC TRUCE
  • [05] DIPLOMATIC VEHICLES TARGETED BY ARSONISTS
  • [06] OA SPLIT IN TWO: ONE COVERS DEBTS, OTHER OPERATES
  • [07] INTERPOL ISSUES WARRANT FOR MILOSEVIC'S ARREST
  • [08] GREECE, US SIGN ANTI-TERRORISM MEMORANDUM
  • [09] EU AGENCY: FUNDS FOR RECONSTRUCTION SECURED
  • [10] S.E.EUROPE'S CULTURE MINISTERS TO MEET IN 2001
  • [11] GREEK FM IN BELGRADE WITH JOVANOVIC, MILUTINOVIC
  • [12] OTE WILL TAKE OVER THE MANAGEMENT ROM-TELECOM
  • [13] THE PRIVATIZATION OF OTE, THE GREEK POSTAL SERVICE AND THE FOOTBALL GAMES SCORE PREDICTION ORGANIZATION IS CLOSE
  • [14] THE ATHENS MEDICAL: THE FIRST GREEK COMPANY IN DOW JONES SUBSTANTIAL
  • [15] PAPAZACHOS: THE EARTHQUAKE PREDICTION SHOULD INCREASE THE INSPECTIONS OF BUILDINGS
  • [16] THE CLEANING-UP OPERATION CONTINUES AT THE COASTS POLLUTED BY AN OIL-SLICK
  • [17] INFLATION WAS 3% IN AUGUST
  • [18] GAINS OF 3.17% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
  • [19] THE GOLD METALLURGY IN CHALKIDIKI WILL BE IN FULL OPERATION IN 2003
  • [20] EU COMMISSIONER DIAMANTOPOULOU ON UNEMPLOYMENT IN GREECE
  • [21] HITIRIS ON PAPANDREOU'S TRIP TO BELGRADE
  • [22] DEUTCHE BANK REP TALKS ON GREEK ECONOMY
  • [23] GREEK BANK BRANCHES OUT IN ROMANIA
  • [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

  • [24] CEM: POLITICIANS ARE THE OBSTACLE IN G/T RELATIONS
  • [25] TWO GREEK EXHIBITIONS IN BELGRADE
  • [26] FOREIGN MINISTER PAPANDREOU MET WITH THE YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT
  • [27] PAPANDREOU-MILOSEVIC MEETING IN DETAIL
  • [28] GREEK PM SPEAKS AT UN MILLENNIUM SUMMIT
  • [29] US DISAPPROVES OF PAPANDREOU-MILOSEVIC MEETING

  • NEWS IN DETAIL

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

    [01] INTERNATIONAL FORUM FOR PEACE BEGINS IN RHODES

    The 1st International Forum for Peace gets underway at the island of Rhodes today, organized by the Rhodes municipality and Dodecannese regional government under the auspices of UNESCO and with the participation of Femme-Art-Mediterranee (FAM).

    The Forum's honorary president will be Nicole Fontaine, the European Parliament speaker, while the acting president will be Ingeborg Breines, director of the UNESCO programmed "Woman and a Culture of Peace."

    The three-day event will also feature an exhibition of work of women from 25 Mediterranean countries (ranging from the visual and plastic arts to film and literature) as well as numerous round- table discussions and workshops where speakers from the world of the arts, politics, science and journalism will examine the ways in which women can contribute to a culture of peace.

    Among those who will contribute to this effort are Cutlure Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou, Equality General Secretary Efi Bekou, Professor Eleni Glykatzi- Ahrweiler, dean of the European University, the president of the Arab Women's Center Soukaina Bouraoui and the president of the Royal Society of Fine Arts in Jordan, Dr Wijdan Ali.

    [02] PM IN NY FOR UN SUMMIT, HOLDS SERIES OF CONTACTS

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis, presently in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly Millennium Summit, held talks with the President of the Palestinian Authority Yasser Arafat, Albanian President Rexhep Mejdani, FYROM President Trajkovski and Jordanian King Abdullah yesterday, on the Summit's sidelines.

    According to Press and Media Minister Dimitris Reppas, who is accompanying Mr. Simitis in New York, Mr. Simitis relayed Greece's interest in the Middle East problem during his talks with Mr. Arafat and expressed his understanding over the efforts made so far by the Palestinian leader on difficulties he is encountering.

    However, he encouraged him to proceed even further with bolder steps to contribute to the finding of a solution and not to allow the opportunity to be lost.

    As Mr. Reppas stated, Mr. Simitis will also meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak today.

    [03] GREEK PM ADDRESSES UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY TODAY

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis, presently in the United States, is to address the United Nations General Assembly Millennium Summit today, while he will also participate in roundtable discussions to be chaired by Secretary General Kofi Annan today and tomorrow.

    In his address, the Premier is expected to refer to the new global environment, the new setting of international and inter- state relations and the evolving supranational organizations, while he will also stress the necessity for strengthening the UN's role in the consolidation of peace and cooperation.

    Mr. Simitis attended last night's working dinner hosted by U.S. President Bill Clinton for the 14 heads of state and government who participated in the Berlin conference on progressive governance earlier this year.

    Among the issues discussed were the reform of the welfare state, the evolution of health service systems, the fight against crime, respect for human rights, sustainable development, and the role of technology in the battle against social isolation.

    [04] PRESIDENT CALLS FOR OBSERVANCE OF OLYMPIC TRUCE

    The President of the Hellenic Republic Costis Stephanopoulos has issued a world-wide appeal for observance of an Olympic Truce for the duration of the 27th Olympic Games in Sydney, in the tradition of ancient Greece.

    According to Foreign Minister George Papandreou, more than 180 nations have already signed the Greek proposal for truce during the Olympic Games.

    Greece, which is to host the 2004 Olympics in Athens, envisions the modern Truce as an effort and opportunity to resolve international conflicts.

    The tradition of the Olympic truce ("ekecheria") was established in the 9th century BC when three kings signed a peace treaty that led to the widely-recognized immunity of the sanctuary at Olympia and was meant to allow athletes and travelers to go to the Games in ancient Olympia and return to their homes safely.

    [05] DIPLOMATIC VEHICLES TARGETED BY ARSONISTS

    Arsonists targeted two vehicles belonging to the Albanian and Iranian embassies in Athens early this morning, causing extensive material damages.

    A group self-dubbed "Black Star" claimed responsibility for the attack in phone calls made to Athens daily "Eleftherotypia" and Athens radio station "Flash".

    The latest incident was the fourth such attack during the past two weeks; the same group targeted a Polish Embassy vehicle on August 31, while another group calling itself "Anarchist Struggle" torched the vehicle of the Yugoslav embassy's military attache in Athens on August 25. Yet another faction, "Anarchist Group for Subversion", set fire to a parked vehicle belonging to the Egyptian Embassy in Athens on August 23.

    [06] OA SPLIT IN TWO: ONE COVERS DEBTS, OTHER OPERATES

    Greece's beleaguered air carrier Olympic Airways is to be split into two separate companies in order to facilitate its privatization, as Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis confirmed during his meeting with OA officials.

    Under the Minister's plan, two companies will be set up, with one covering OA's debts and the other operating the airline. The separate operations are deemed necessary in view of the company's mounting debts, currently estimated at some 40 billion drachmas.

    The operator company will subsequently be sold off, with funds raised from the sale to be used for debt payments.

    Olympic Airways, which has over the past twenty years accumulated debt worth 40 billion drachmas, has been seeking an international airline partner since last June, when British Airways abandoned plans to purchase a stake in the Greek carrier. The state now intends to sell up to 65% of Olympic by December.

    Mr. Verelis is to meet with the EU Transportations Commissioner by the end of the month in order to brief her on the developments.

    [07] INTERPOL ISSUES WARRANT FOR MILOSEVIC'S ARREST

    A warrant for the arrest and extradition of Slobodan Milosevic, the President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, has been forwarded to the national police forces of Interpol's 178 members, including Greece.

    According to the Athens daily "Ta Nea", the warrant, which includes Serb President Milar Miludinovic and three high-ranking Yugoslav officials, was issued in 1999 by the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

    Each Interpol member-country establishes a National Central Bureau (NCB) to serve as the point of contact between its police and the police of other INTERPOL member-countries. All Interpol members are required to enforce these warrants as long as they do not run counter to national civil procedure regulations.

    Quoting officials at Greece's Public Order Ministry, "Ta Nea" reports that since Mr. Milosevic had been declared "persona non grata" by NATO and the European Union, his entry was prohibited to these organizations' member-states, including Greece.

    While Yugoslavia was among the list of Interpol's 178 recipients, the classified request never reached Belgrade, "Ta Nea" reported.

    [08] GREECE, US SIGN ANTI-TERRORISM MEMORANDUM

    A key memorandum of police cooperation - particularly in the field of counter-terrorism - between Greece and the United States will be signed in Washington tomorrow by Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysochoides and U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.

    Mr. Chrysochoides, who is presently in the United States, will have a series of contacts with senior State Department officials, among them Undersecretary of State Thomas Pickering, U.S. coordinator for counter-terrorism issues Michael Sheehan and FBI director Louis Freeh, as well as with leading members of the Greek-American community.

    Heading a delegation of Greek police officials, Mr. Chrysochoides will also meet with CIA's director George Tenet tomorrow.

    According to the Public Order Minister, this memorandum of cooperation is an important step forward in the cooperation between the two countries in combating crime and terrorism.

    "This memorandum, is the expressed political will of both countries toward law enforcement cooperation in a series of issues. The contents of the memorandum are in total agreement with the Greek Constitution, the protection of human rights and the general interests of the country, while it does not create binding legal obligations," he stated, adding that the signing of this memorandum will lift a climate of mistrust between the two countries and will allow for better cooperation between Greek and US law enforcement agencies.

    [09] EU AGENCY: FUNDS FOR RECONSTRUCTION SECURED

    The majority of projects and activities planned by the European Agency for the Reconstruction of Southeast Europe will have been thoroughly completed by the end of 2001, while EU funds amounting to 175 million euros have already been appropriated for this purpose.

    In an interview with the Macedonian Press Agency, the European Agency Secretary General Andreas Zobel stated that the agency is responsible for 175 million euros in operational funds of the European Union's overall assistance to Kosovo this year, which amounts to approximately 320 million euro.

    "All the operational funds are already committed, and nearly 70 percent (were) contracted within the first six months of the Agency's existence," Mr. Zobel said, adding that contracts for the remaining 30 percent are to be finalized shortly with implementing organizations.

    "The completion of projects will vary, depending on the activities concerned. Some are due to be completed by the end of this year, other will continue to be implemented throughout next year. Most activities funded from the 2000 program should be implemented by the end of 2001," he stated.

    According to Mr. Zobel, the 2000 program for Kosovo comprises four main "building blocks", namely energy, housing, water and transport. Projects in the sector of health are expected to start within the next few weeks, while activities in the areas of agriculture and enterprise development (secondary programs) are well underway.

    Concurrently, he pointed out that the budget's "lion's share" will be granted to the sectors of energy and housing. Specifically, 55 million euros will be allocated to three major energy projects, while an additional 55 million euros are allocated for the reconstruction of 8,000 houses in 14 municipalities of Kosovo.

    As Mr. Zobel stressed, the Agency's work will continue in the years to come, aided by the 2001 budget, which is expected to be ratified at the end of the year.

    The amount of available funds for the year 2001 will be determined by the European Union‘s budgetary authorities at the end of the year, he said, on the basis of a Commission proposal.

    When asked to comment on the various scenarios that the European Agency in Thessaloniki is an institution with no substantive powers, he responded "I do not know who says so.

    "The fact is that the well-coordinated assistance of the European Union and its member-states has significantly improved the living conditions of the people in Kosovo within a very short period of time. The implementation of the reconstruction program lies with the agency."

    [10] S.E.EUROPE'S CULTURE MINISTERS TO MEET IN 2001

    Culture and Athletics Ministers of Southeast European countries and Cyprus are to meet again in November 2001, according to Greece's Culture Minister Theodoros Pangalos.

    A memorandum calling for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games flame passage through the neighboring Balkan countries was signed late last month by the Ministers of Culture and Athletics of Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, FYROM and Greece, within the framework of the Prespes 2000 festival held in Florina.

    [11] GREEK FM IN BELGRADE WITH JOVANOVIC, MILUTINOVIC

    Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who embarked on a three- day tour of the FYROM, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo yesterday, is presently in Belgrade where he met with his Yugoslav counterpart Zivadin Jovanovic, in light of the presidential elections on September 24.

    In a press conference following the talks with Mr. Jovanovic, Mr. Papandreou said that Serbia and Yugoslavia "must be a part of Europe and must participate in European affairs, but the Serbian people must also make moves that would render their society an open one and enable their country to enter European institutions."

    Furthermore, Mr. Papandreou stressed that, within this framework, the forthcoming elections have to be carried out through a free and democratic process.

    In turn, Mr. Jovanovic stated that the elections concern Yugoslavia, adding that his country is not willing to accept interference from other countries on domestic maters.

    Mr. Papandreou is to have successive meetings later today with F.R.Y. President Slobodan Milosevic and main opposition candidate Vojislav Kostunica

    Tomorrow, Mr. Papandreou will visit Kosovo (where local elections will be held on October 28) and Montenegro.

    [12] OTE WILL TAKE OVER THE MANAGEMENT ROM-TELECOM

    The Greek Telecommunications Organization, OTE, announced that its cooperation with the US company GTE in the management of the Romanian Telecommunication Organization, ROM Telecom, has ended.

    According to OTE senior executives, the decision to end the contract with GTE was reached when it was established that there was no reason to continue the cooperation as the course of the investment was very positive in spite of the negative predictions and also because OTE wanted to change the management in the Romanian company for an even better performance.

    Since October 1998 OTE owns 35% of the Rom Telecom through its 100% affiliate OTEROM.

    Based on the Rom Telecom plan of operations for the period 2000-2003, the before taxes profits will be over US$ 700 million, 73% of the phone network will become digital compared to 48% in 1999, investments will be at US$ 2.3 million, while the subscribers of the COSMOROM mobile phone company will be over 1.5 million.

    [13] THE PRIVATIZATION OF OTE, THE GREEK POSTAL SERVICE AND THE FOOTBALL GAMES SCORE PREDICTION ORGANIZATION IS CLOSE

    The amendments that define the privatization of the Greek Telecommunications Organization, OTE, the Greek Postal Service and the Football Games Score Prediction Organization as well as the way of operation for the newly created Fund on the New Economy were submitted to parliament last night.

    However, based on the statements made repeatedly by the minister of national economy the state will keep OTE's control and management, while it is pointed out that in the current phase a buyer is wanted for 10-15% of the company.

    On the Football Games Score Prediction Organization it is provided that 49% will be given to a strategic investor, while the same percentage will also be given to a strategic investor in the case of the Greek Postal Service.

    [14] THE ATHENS MEDICAL: THE FIRST GREEK COMPANY IN DOW JONES SUBSTANTIAL

    The Athens Medical of the Apostolopoulos Group belongs to the Dow Jones Substantial 200 index securing the title of the first Greek company participating in the specific index.

    The selection of the Athens Medical as one of the 200 biggest companies in the world was made by the Dow Jones Organization.

    [15] PAPAZACHOS: THE EARTHQUAKE PREDICTION SHOULD INCREASE THE INSPECTIONS OF BUILDINGS

    A year after the catastrophic earthquake that hit Athens seismologists are closer to the medium-term earthquake prediction while at the same time they point out that the results of their research must be used in a constructive way.

    Thessaloniki's Aristotle University professor emeritus in seismology Vasilis Papazachos, points out that the earthquake prediction must motivate the state to take precautionary measures and inspect the buildings that will be hit by an earthquake in the future.

    Mr. Papazachos speaking to MPA stated that the Athens earthquake which was not that strong to cause so many victims was an additional motivation for the intensification of the research concerning the earthquake prediction. Mr. Papazachos also stated that in a few months it will be possible to say if a medium-term earthquake prediction is possible. He said that he is optimistic that the prediction of earthquakes 2 years before they occur, their magnitude and their epicenter with a proximity of 60 kilometers will be possible.

    [16] THE CLEANING-UP OPERATION CONTINUES AT THE COASTS POLLUTED BY AN OIL-SLICK

    The cleaning-up efforts of the sea region and the coasts polluted by the oil-slick caused after the sinking of a cargo ship off the coasts of Halkida in the island of Evia, central Greece continue.

    So far the cleaning-up operation was effective, while merchant marine minister Christos Papoutsis patrols the coasts and is being constantly briefed on the course of the efforts made by the special cleaning-up crews.

    The biggest part of the oil-slick has been removed, while the fuel from the ship tanks is being pumped out. Mr. Papoutsis has stated that the ship will be moved away from the region as soon as the fuel tanks are emptied.

    [17] INFLATION WAS 3% IN AUGUST

    The inflation rate in the month of August was 3% in Greece compared to 2.7% in July, according to figures provided by the National Statistics Agency.

    The increase is attributed to fuel and fruit and vegetables price hikes as well as to the increase in the hotel services prices due to the summer season.

    [18] GAINS OF 3.17% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

    Gains of 3.17% were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today and the general index was at 4.060,20 points, while the volume of transactions was impressive at 184.4 billion drachmas.

    Very crucial is tomorrow's session as the sudden increase in the Athens Stock Exchange index can lead to a correction. Nevertheless, the climate in the Athens Stock Exchange has changed and the psychology of the investors is improving. Of the stocks trading today 328 recorded gains, 17 remained unchanged while 28 had losses.

    [19] THE GOLD METALLURGY IN CHALKIDIKI WILL BE IN FULL OPERATION IN 2003

    The TVX-Hellas Gold Metallurgy in Olympiada Chalkidiki, in northern Greece is expected to be in full operation in 2003, according to statements made to MPA by Mr. Stelios Samaras in charge of the company's public relations.

    Meanwhile, the final approval of the Environmental Effects Study is expected on September 15 through which the state will determine the terms on the founding and the operation of the plant.

    The overall deposits are estimated at 4.1 million ounces of gold and 51 million ounces of silver, while the cost for the construction of the plant is expected to be at US$ 248 million.

    It should be reminded that in the past members of environmental organizations and local residents had caused violent incidents reacting to the activities of the company in Chalkidiki maintaining that its plant would cause environmental disaster in a region with many summer resorts.

    [20] EU COMMISSIONER DIAMANTOPOULOU ON UNEMPLOYMENT IN GREECE

    European Commissioner Ms. Anna Diamantopoulou admitted that there is a lack of reliable statistical data on unemployment in Greece.

    Ms. Diamantopoulou responding to questions made by right-wing opposition party of New Democracy Euro-deputy Kostis Hatzidakis and Coalition of the Left Euro-deputy Michalis Papayiannakis stated that there is no reliable statistical data on unemployment in Greece which was estimated at 10.4% in 1998 and at 10.7% in 1999 compared to the 9.7% average in the rest European Union countries.

    She also stated that there are no figures or even estimates on the percentage of the Greek unemployed who find a job through European Union activities and programs.

    [21] HITIRIS ON PAPANDREOU'S TRIP TO BELGRADE

    Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou is on a tour that proves Greece's prestige in the Balkans, stated Greek acting government spokesman Tilemachos Hitiris avoiding to comment on the delay on behalf of the Yugoslav authorities to give a landing permission to the aircraft bringing the Greek foreign minister to Belgrade.

    Mr. Hitiris stated that Greece wants economic growth, peace and cooperation with the neighboring countries, while referring to the warrant for the arrest of Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic issued by the Interpol, that has been sent to Greece as well, stated that Greece respects and will continue to respect its international obligations.

    [22] DEUTCHE BANK REP TALKS ON GREEK ECONOMY

    Privatisation, reforms in the work market and changes in the social security system are all areas in which the Greek government will have to focus on, according to the head of the German Deutsche Bank Board of Directors, Rolf Breuer.

    Mr Breuer encouraged reforms in these areas and described them as being an absolute priority that Greece should move quickly to deal with.

    He expressed confidence that Greece has a positive future within the eurozone, that the Greek economy has met convergence criteria and that it has proved its ability to maintain its achievements.

    Mr Breuer did also referred to the changes which he believes are necessary for the European Union to remain competition for the US, especially as far as the current social security system is concerned.

    [23] GREEK BANK BRANCHES OUT IN ROMANIA

    The managing director of the Greek Egnatia Bank, Vasilis Keltsopoulos has returned from his two day trip to Romania, where he completed the final stage of the 100% shares buy out of BNP- Dresdner Bank (Romania) S.A.

    Mr Keltsopoulos met with the manager and the vice-manager of the Central Bank of Romania, Emil Ghizari and Mihai Bogza respectively and discussed the business proposals due to be made by Egnatia in Romania.

    The Greek bank aims to expand its activity in the bank it has now bought out, particularly in the retail and consumer banking sectors, but also in electronic banking.

    Although BNP-Dresdner Bank (Romania) S.A holds a universal bank operational status, it has operated mainly in the fields of Corporate and Private banking and in the Treasury, until today. The bank is house in a neoclassical building located in the heart of Bucharest.

    [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

    [24] CEM: POLITICIANS ARE THE OBSTACLE IN G/T RELATIONS

    Politicians are the main obstacle in Greek-Turkish relations, according to Turkey's Foreign Minister Ismael Cem, who addressed last night's dinner hosted in his honor at New York by the Foreign Policy Association.

    According to the Turkish news agency Anadolu, Mr. Cem stated that "if we politicians didn't raise difficulties, the Turkish and Greek nations could already solved their problems."

    In regards to the development of G/T relations, Mr. Cem stated that there are many common commercial enterprises founded between the two neighbors, especially in the sector of tourism.

    "The artificial problems raised by the politicians constitute the main obstacle that stands in front of the development of the relations between the two countries," he stated, adding that "after a certain period of time, we will not be able to hinder this positive development."

    [25] TWO GREEK EXHIBITIONS IN BELGRADE

    Two very important Greek exhibitions on architecture and the unification of archaeological sites were inaugurated in Belgrade two days ago and will be open until September 26. The exhibitions were organized in cooperation with Serbia's International Institute of Scientific, Education, Cultural and Technical Cooperation.

    The exhibitions are Modernization Landscapes: the Greek architecture 1960 and 1990 and the Unification of Archaeological sites in Athens.

    The first exhibition was organized at the initiative of the ministry of press and was jointly funded by the ministry of culture and the ministry of environment, public works and land planning and has already visited Rotterdam, Barcelona and Helsinki, while after Belgrade it will open in Italy and Britain. The second exhibition concerns the plan for the upgrading of the historical center in Athens and the creation of a archaeological park.

    [26] FOREIGN MINISTER PAPANDREOU MET WITH THE YUGOSLAV PRESIDENT

    Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou met in Belgrade today with Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic within the framework of his Balkan tour.

    Mr. Papandreou and Mr. Milosevic referred to the close ties shared by the two countries and Mr. Papandreou pointed out that the smooth elections will probably lead to an opening of the European Union to Yugoslavia, while Slobodan Milosevic stressed that he will guarantee the holding of democratic elections and he will respect the result.

    Earlier, Mr. Papandreou had separate meetings with Yugoslav foreign minister Mr. Jovanovic and Serb president Miludinovic.

    [27] PAPANDREOU-MILOSEVIC MEETING IN DETAIL

    Greek Foreign minister George Papandreou met with Yugoslavian President, Slobodan Milosevic, in Belgrade today, as part of his three day Balkan trip.

    Several matters were discussed during their meeting, including the development of relations and cooperation between both sides, according to an announcement released by the Yugoslav President's office.

    Mr Milosevic stressed that Yugoslavia currently upholds a peaceful policy and represents the values of safety and independence in the Balkans.

    President Milosevic went on to say that the people of both countries are connected by a history of friendship, solidarity and mutual trust, which are all basic factors for achieving mutual aims such as peace and stability in the region.

    He went on to say that the political pressure exerted against Yugoslavia is wrong and will not "shake the people of Yugoslavia in their defense of the county's vital interests.

    The Yugoslav President also maintained that his people resisted heroically in the face of last year's NATO bombing attacks and that he was especially comforted and encouraged by the solidarity shown by the Greek nation.

    Mr Milosevic attacked the international community for its weakness in applying UN resolution 1244 for Kosovo and underlined that the erratic and unreliable policies exerted by the great powers in the region are the main problem as far as its safety and stability is concerned. The Greek Foreign minister and the Yugoslav President emphasised the promotion of mutual cooperation on an equal basis and whilst keeping in mind the interests of both countries.

    Also discussed at the meeting was the issue of the forthcoming elections in Yugoslavia, according to journalist's reports. Mr Milosevic was told that the fair and democratic holding of elections would lead to an "opening" for Yugoslavia as far as the European Union is concerned, regardless of the election results. Mr Milosevic replied that he would guarantee democratic elections and would respect the results.

    Several misunderstandings created in bilateral relations over the last few days were also resolved at today's meeting.

    [28] GREEK PM SPEAKS AT UN MILLENNIUM SUMMIT

    Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis discussed the achievements and problems faced by the international community, during his speech at the UN Millennium Summit currently being held in New York.

    At the same time, he asked for the consolidation of the UN and the complete reform of the Security Council, to deal with existing problems and to secure peace.

    Another concern of the UN, in Mr Simitis opinion, should be ensuring stable conditions in a wonderful and complex world. The speech made by the Greek Prime Minister was received with a huge round of applause.

    Mr Simitis also attended the reception held by Senegal's President of the Republic, in honour of the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and met with the Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Barak.

    As part of his trip to the United States, the Greek Prime Minister and PASOK leader then participated in the UN Security Council meeting, which focused on the upholding of international peace and the question of safety in Africa. He also attended the reception held by north African President Tambo Beki.

    A meeting between Mr Simitis and the American Archibishop Demetrius was also held in New York. The Greek Prime Minister attended the UN Millennium Summit and the reception held by US President Clinton at the metropolitan museum of New York, in honour of country leaders and Prime Ministers.

    [29] US DISAPPROVES OF PAPANDREOU-MILOSEVIC MEETING

    The United States has reacted strongly to the decision taken by Greek Foreign minister George Papandreou to meet with Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic.

    The reaction came in the form of an announcement made by a State Department representative. "We realise that Mr Papandreou is visiting Serbia and Montenegro with the aim of consulting with the democratic opposition before the elections. The Foreign ministers of the European Union expressed their support of this visit and we agree with their stance", the representative said.

    "We support a visit based on fulfilling the above aims, ie to offer the democratic opposition in Yugoslavia support, but any meeting between a European figure of Mr Papandreou's stature and persons indicted for war crimes is unfortunate", he concluded.


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