Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2001-03-05
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, March 5, 2001
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
TITLES
[Á] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] REAL ESTATE OBJECTIVE VALUE UP AS OF TODAY
[02] JIANGSU CHINESE DELEGATION VISITS THESSALONIKI
[03] TOP BRITISH POLICE OFFICIAL IN GREECE TODAY
[04] GREEK FM EMBARKS ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO AUSTRIA
[05] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER IN SYRIA FOR TALKS
[06] GREECE WORRIED OVER TALEBAN'S RUIN OF STATUES
[07] GREEK WINE "BEST OF SHOW" AT IN/L COMPETITION
[08] BURNS FOR MORATORIUM ON TERRORISM STATEMENTS
[09] NATIONAL ECONOMY, FINANCE MINISTER IN LONDON
[10] ATHENS' "ELLINIKON" AIRPORT" TO CLOSE MARCH 28
[11] GREECE TO TAKE INITIATIVES IN EU FOR MIDDLE EAST
[12] SPEAKER RECEIVES YOUNG GYPSIES IN PARLIAMENT
[13] GREECE'S BALKAN RECONSTRUCTION STARTS IN 2001
[14] ARCHBISHOP WANTS TO ISSUE CHRISTIAN ID CARDS
[15] GREEK GOVERNMENT CONCERN FOR THE CLASHES AT THE FYROM-KOSOVO
BORDERS
[16] SMALL GAINS IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
[17] STATEMENTS BY REPPAS ON THE DESTRUCTION OF MONUMENTS IN
AFGHANISTAN
[18] THE GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS THE ACTIONS OF ALBANIANS IN FYROM
[19] OECD REPORT ON THE GREEK ECONOMY
[20] THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT IS IN
ATHENS
[21] REPPAS ON THE FORMER KING'S INTERVIEW TO AN ITALIAN NEWSPAPER
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[22] THE AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE HONORED THE US AMBASSADOR TO
ATHENS
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] REAL ESTATE OBJECTIVE VALUE UP AS OF TODAY
New taxable real estate values -in some cases up to 85
percent higher- will be in force as of today, as part of a state
program to boost revenues.
While the finance ministry plans to offset higher prices on
real estate with tax breaks on real estate transactions such as
ownership transfers, donations and legacies, real estate market
analysts say that the move will affect the sector and the stock
exchange activity as well.
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the increase in the
real estate values on which taxes on transactions, inheritance and
large property are calculated "is no higher than 20 percent for
the largest part of the country."
"The increase is completely reasonable," he added. "The rise
in objective property values is relatively small or non-existent
in certain cases."
[02] JIANGSU CHINESE DELEGATION VISITS THESSALONIKI
A five-member Chinese delegation from the province of Jiangsu
is to embark on a three-day visit to Thessaloniki today, at the
invitation of the local prefecture.
A protocol of cooperation is to be signed today by the
Thessaloniki prefecture officials and the representatives of the
Jiangsu province.
During their visit, the Chinese delegates plan to hold a
series of meetings with local administration officials.
[03] TOP BRITISH POLICE OFFICIAL IN GREECE TODAY
A senior British police official will embark on a two-day
official visit to Athens today, where he will hold talks with the
Greek authorities on security matters regarding the Athens 2004
Olympics and on joint efforts to discover the notorious terrorist
group known as "17 November".
Sir John Stevens, the commissioner of the London Metropolitan
Police - formerly known as Scotland Yard - will meet Public Order
Minister Michalis Chrysochoides, Interior Minister Vasso
Papandreou and Police Chief Ioannis Georgakopoulos.
According to a British embassy statement, Stevens stated that
"over the past few months, we have developed a close and fruitful
cooperation with our Greek colleagues, particularly in the crucial
sector of confronting terrorism."
British police officers have worked together with the Greek
counter-terrorism squad in the months that followed the
assassination last June of the UK military attaché in Athens,
Brigadier Stephen Saunders, by the November 17 group.
"We regard as an honor the fact that, building on that
cooperation, the Greek Ministry of Public Order has sought our
advice - as well as that of several other countries - regarding
preparations for the 2004 Olympic Games," Stevens said.
"Major sports events such as the Olympic Games or
international football championships bring the police forces of
host countries face-to-face with totally unusual demands, and it
is in the interest of all of us to work together on tried and
tested action plans."
[04] GREEK FM EMBARKS ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO AUSTRIA
Foreign Minister George Papandreou is embarking on a three-
day official visit to Vienna today, where he will discuss the
Cyprus issue, Greek-Turkish relations and developments in the
Balkans with the Austrian political leadership.
Additionally, the two sides will discuss ways that could lead
to a further improvement of Athens-Vienna relations in various
sectors as well as the expansion and institutional reforms of the
European Union following the European meeting in Nice and finally
the two countries' cooperation in International organizations.
Mr. Papandreou will also have the chance to meet with members
of the Greek community living in Vienna at a reception organized
for his honor.
Tomorrow, he is going to visit the historic Greek-orthodox
Metropolis of Vienna and the Metropolitan of Austria and Exarch of
Hungary Michael.
[05] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER IN SYRIA FOR TALKS
Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos was received by Syrian
president Bashar al-Asad whom he briefed on Greece's policy on
security and defense on a European and national basis, stressing
at the same time the importance Athens gave to peace and security
in the wider region.
During his stay in Damascus, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos was also
received by Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa Miro, and also had
contacts with Patriarch Ignatios and leading members of Syria's
Greek community.
The Defense Minister had traveled to Tunisia last Friday,
where he signed military cooperation accords with his Tunisian
counterpart, involving joint military maneuvers.
[06] GREECE WORRIED OVER TALEBAN'S RUIN OF STATUES
The Greek government has called on Afghanistan's Taleban
government to reconsider its decision to destroy all Buddhist-era
statues and monuments located in the area, many of which bear
characteristics of the Hellenistic period.
According to the foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis,
"Athens, together with its European Union partners and the other
members of the international community, is watching the latest
developments in Afghanistan with great concern, following the
decision taken by the Talebans' spiritual leader Mulah Omar to
have all statues and monuments dating back from the Buddhist
period located in Afghanistan to be destroyed."
Mr. Beglitis added that "given that they are priceless relics
of the common cultural heritage of mankind, and not of Afghanistan
alone, the Taleban government is called on to reconsider its
decision because a possible carrying out of the threat to destroy
these relics will also irreparably harm the very interests of the
Afghan people.
"The Greek government, steadfastly bent on the principles and
values of culture, is considering the possibility of buying and
transporting these statues to Greece."
[07] GREEK WINE "BEST OF SHOW" AT IN/L COMPETITION
Greek wines garnered worldwide accolades during the second
International Wine Competition that was held in Thessaloniki last
week on the sidelines of DETROP, the international food and
beverage fair.
The highest appointed prize of all entries ("Best of Show")
was granted to "Samos Glykys - Anthemis ‘95", while the Tsantalis
vneyard was awarded four gold medals for its "Nemea Tsantali
Reserve Choice '96", "Naousa Choice '96", "Rapsani Choice'92" and
"Rapsani Choice ‘95".
Gold medals were also awarded to "K. Lazarides Winery" for
its "Amethystos Cava ‘97", "Chateau Julia Merlot ‘99" and "Chateau
Julia Assyrtiko 2000".
With 600 entries from 15 participating countries, 176 out of
a total 600 entries received medals, with 28 gold, 48 silver and
100 bronze.
Wine lovers had the opportunity to flavor the award winners
during a wine tasting session that followed the ceremony.
The event was organized by the Ambelonas Vinters Union and
held under the auspices of Office International de la Vigne et du
Vin and several Greek wine agencies.
The judges committee comprised Greek and foreign wine
experts, producers and journalists.
[08] BURNS FOR MORATORIUM ON TERRORISM STATEMENTS
US ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns called for a
moratorium on statements regarding terrorism in Greece, addressing
an event hosted by the American Hellenic Institute in Washington.
Noting that a series of efforts have been made over the past
year to counter the problem, Mr. Burns also stated that
international cooperation is necessary to address the issue.
Also, the U.S. Ambassador praised the efforts undertaken by
Greece's Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysochoides, as well as
the latter's cooperation with the relevant U.S. agencies.
Referring to Greek-US relations, Mr. Burns said that their
best years were seen during the 1950s decade, while he also
stressed that the US government is supportive of a solution to the
Cyprus issue that would be based on the United Nations' relevant
resolutions.
[09] NATIONAL ECONOMY, FINANCE MINISTER IN LONDON
Minister of National Economy and Finance Yiannos Papantoniou
is presently in London, where he will give a speech on the
prospects of the Greek economy in the Eurozone.
The minister is also expected to give a lecture at the London
School of Economics, and to meet with publishers and diplomats.
During his stay in London, Mr. Papantoniou will also meet
with his British counterpart Gordon Brown.
[10] ATHENS' "ELLINIKON" AIRPORT" TO CLOSE MARCH 28
Over half a century since it first opened its gates, the
"Ellinikon" airport in Athens is to close its doors and pave the
way for the new "Eleftherios Venizelos" international airport in
Spata, about 25 kilometers (15 miles) northeast of Athens.
The move is to get underway on March 19 and it will take
about a month until it's completed, according to the Athens daily
"Eleftherotypia". The transfer, undertaken by a German firm, will
require 170 trailers, 100 trucks and 200 cars.
The new international airport, a 658-billion-drachma project,
will be fully tried and tested before the first passengers arrive.
[11] GREECE TO TAKE INITIATIVES IN EU FOR MIDDLE EAST
Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos pledged that
Greece would proceed to a series of initiatives within the
European Union in an effort to resolve the Middle East issues,
during his meeting with Syrian president Bashar al-Asad in
Damascus.
During their talks, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stessed the need to
stop the bloodshed in the region. In turn, the Syrian president
referred to the traditional ties of friendship that bind the two
countries, while he also underlined the trust felt by Damascus
towards Athens.
President Bashar al-Asad extended an official invitation to
his Greek counterpart Kostis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister
Costas Simitis.
During his stay in Damascus, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos was also
received by Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa Miro, and also had
contacts with Patriarch Ignatios and leading members of Syria's
Greek community.
[12] SPEAKER RECEIVES YOUNG GYPSIES IN PARLIAMENT
A group of 50 young gypsies were given the "royal treatment"
from their host Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis during their visit to
the Hellenic Parliament yesterday.
Addressing the youngsters, whose ages ranged from 12-15, Mr.
Kaklamanis stated that "in our democratic society, everyone can
maintain his traditions and customs and Thrace is a part of our
country where (these customs) can constitute a center of culture
for all of the wider region's countries".
The young boys and girls, all residing at the Family care
Center of Drosero, Thrace, are presently in Athens through the
Parliament's educational program aimed at children living in
remote areas of Greece.
[13] GREECE'S BALKAN RECONSTRUCTION STARTS IN 2001
The first projects from Greece's Balkan Reconstruction Plan
are to get underway by the end of the present year, deputy
Minister of National Economy Yiannis Zafeiropoulos stated in an
interview with the Sunday edition of "Kathimerini".
According to the deputy minister, Greece will allocate 180
billion drachmas over the period 2001-2005 on infrastructure
projects in health, education, housing, transport, communication
and energy, as well as private investments in industry and trade.
Several committees are presently selecting the projects that will
receive state funding and calls for tenders will follow.
Joint committees composed of Greek officials and
representatives from each of the targeted countries have also been
formed to discuss the recipients' most pressing needs.
To date, over 2,500 Greek firms are active in the Balkan
markets.
[14] ARCHBISHOP WANTS TO ISSUE CHRISTIAN ID CARDS
Apparently not wanting to let old dogs lie, the Archbishop of
Athens and All of Greece Christodoulos expressed his intention to
issue Christian identification cards (which would also serve as a
census of the country's Orthodox), a move in defiance to the
government's decision not to list one's religious affiliation on
state-issued IDs.
In his monthly radio broadcast, Mr. Christodoulos also
referred to the prospect of Pope John Paul II visiting Greece in
the near future, by stating that he is not opposed to the idea as
long as the Pope would arrive as a government guest, i.e. a state
leader, and not a religious figure.
However, and this was a first, the Archbishop also clarified
that should the Pope wish to meet with him at the Archbishopry
then he will be accepted.
"If he comes, I won't close the door on him", he said. "Even
if he was the mufti from Teheran I would meet him."
[15] GREEK GOVERNMENT CONCERN FOR THE CLASHES AT THE FYROM-KOSOVO
BORDERS
The Greek government watches closely the continuing action of
the Albanian terrorists inside the FYROM territory and it is
determined to protect the country's national interests. Already,
Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou is in a constant
communication with the involved parties.
The Greek foreign ministry reacted strongly to the selective
stance and the policy of equal distances adopted by KFOR in the
region and called for the immediate implementation of UN
resolution 1244 which provides for the disarmament of every
paramilitary organization in the region.
Greek foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis stressed that
the international community must deal seriously with the issue
both within the framework of NATO and the European Union and send
a clear message to terrorist organizations that it will not allow
out-of-control situations to create serious problems in the
region.
Mr. Beglitis stated that Greece backs the territorial
integrity of FYROM and announced that the Greek foreign minister,
who is currently in Vienna, is in constant communication both with
the FYROM government and his European counterparts in order to
undertake coordinated action and give a specific answer to the
developments within the following days.
[16] SMALL GAINS IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
Small gains were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today.
The general index rose to 0.56% at 3.172,35 points, while the
volume of transactions was satisfactory at 323.04 million Euro or
110.07 billion drachmas.
Of the stocks trading today, 242 recorded gains and 102 had
losses, while the value of 26 stocks remained stable.
[17] STATEMENTS BY REPPAS ON THE DESTRUCTION OF MONUMENTS IN
AFGHANISTAN
None can be indifferent toward the blind rage of fanatics,
who destroy world cultural heritage monuments, stated Greek
government spokesman Dimitris Reppas, when he was called to
comment on the destruction of Buddhist monuments by the Taliban
regime in Afghanistan.
Mr. Reppas also added that the Greek government has expressed
interest for the purchase of those monuments by Greece because
they have characteristics of the Hellenistic period.
[18] THE GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS THE ACTIONS OF ALBANIANS IN FYROM
Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stated that the
terrorist action of Albanians in the northern part of FYROM is
condemned, pointing out that the Greek government will contribute
in every way to the de-escalation of the crisis that will lead to
the consolidation of peace and stability in the region.
Mr. Reppas stated that the Greek government backs the
inviolability of the borders, adding that it will take action for
this principle to be respected and will contribute to the efforts
for the protection of territorial integrity.
He referred to the contacts made by the foreign ministry,
pointing out that the issue has been raised to the EU rotating
presidency, the Swedish foreign minister, EU common foreign policy
and defense policy representative Javier Solana and NATO secretary-
general George Robertson in order to take part in the
international community actions aimed at facing the situation
through diplomatic and political means.
Responding to the question if the use of force is being
considered, he said that the issue must be discussed and decisions
must be made. He also referred to the contacts of foreign minister
Giorgos Papandreou, underlining that he is in constant
communication with his FYROM counterpart.
[19] OECD REPORT ON THE GREEK ECONOMY
The Organization for the Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD) published a report on the Greek economy.
The report suggests that all obstacles blocking privatization
must be removed, free competition must be allowed even in the
energy sector, while the last remaining state-run banks must be
privatized as well.
At the same time, the international organization expressed
its concern for the strong reactions in Greece that were caused by
the government attempts aimed at the reconstruction of the social
security system and labor relations.
[20] THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT IS IN
ATHENS
Council of Europe parliamentary assembly president Lord
Russell Johnston arrived in Greece yesterday. He is on his first
visit to the country at the invitation of Greek parliament
president Apostolos Kaklamanis.
Lord Johnston had separate meetings with prime minister
Kostas Simitis, parliament president Kaklamanis and deputy foreign
minister Ms. Elisavet Papazoi.
Their talks focused on the developments in the Balkans and
Greece's role in the efforts for peace and stability in the
region.
This evening, Lord Johnston is scheduled to meet with
president Kostis Stephanopoulos.
[21] REPPAS ON THE FORMER KING'S INTERVIEW TO AN ITALIAN NEWSPAPER
The Italian newspaper "Corriere della Sera" published an
interview with former King of Greece Konstantinos in which he
mentions that for 30 years he lives in exile and calls for the
assistance of Europe to be able to return to Greece. He also
states that he recognizes the Greek Constitution and underlines
that he would never try to change it. Regarding the 1994 law
concerning his name, passport and property, he stated that he is
ready to enter negotiations with the Greek government.
Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas reiterated today
Greece's position against the return of the former King to the
country.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[22] THE AMERICAN HELLENIC INSTITUTE HONORED THE US AMBASSADOR TO
ATHENS
Greece's important role in the wider region of southeastern
Europe was pointed out by US ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns,
who was honored by the Washington based American Hellenic
Institute (AHI) together with Greek-Americans Angene Fafterty,
Stephen Yeonnas, Nicholas Bouras and Republican House
Representative Connie Morella, for their contribution to the
American nation and the Greek-American community in the United
States.
Mr. Burns will leave Athens in July and stated that he was
proud because he served for three and a half years in Greece,
adding that he loved the country and its people, who have welcome
him warmly, in spite of certain differences in politics.
Responding to questions by members of the audience, Mr. Burns
stated that the United Stated do not follow a policy of double
standards toward its two allies, Greece and Turkey.
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