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Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2001-09-09
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, September 9, 2001
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NEWS HEADLINES
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] JOSPEN: GREECE'S KNOWLEDGE ON THE BALKAN REGION IS
IRREPLACEABLE
[02] OVER 2.498 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE ARRESTED IN GREECE THIS
YEAR
[03] EU STUDY PRESENTATION ON THE BLACK SEA ZONE TOMORROW
[04] THE PRIME MINISTER'S PRESS CONFERENCE IN THESSALONIKI
[05] A GREEK BANK WILL BE FOUNDED IN S.RUSSIA
[06] KOSTAS KARAMANLIS WILL VISIT THE UNITED STATES
[07] DEFENSE MINISTER ON SIMITIS' SPEECH ON SOCIAL POLICY
[08] MERCEDES SOSA TONIGHT AT "THEATRO GHS"
[09] MIKIS THEODORAKIS: "WE DREAMERS HAVE SOWN"
[10] GOLD MEDAL FOR GREECE IN THE BEACH VOLLEY EUROPEAN
CHAMPIONSHIP
[11] HEAVY SENTENCES FOR THE TURKISH SLAVERS OF MANTOUDI
[12] FOUR GREEK TELEVISION STATIONS IN AUSTALIA
[13] GREEK LIVING ABROAD BUSINESSMEN IN CYBERSPACE
[14] ROUSOPOULOS: PRIME MINISTER OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE
[15] KARAMANLIS: ALL LIES HAVE AN END
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[16] KOSTUNICA-CHRISTODOULOS MEETING TOMORROW
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] JOSPEN: GREECE'S KNOWLEDGE ON THE BALKAN REGION IS
IRREPLACEABLE
Greece's role in the developments in the Balkans and FYROM
and its irreplaceable knowledge on the Balkan region and its
people, were underlined by French prime minister Lionel Jospen in
an interview with the Athens newspaper "Sunday Vima" today. Mr.
Jospen reiterated France's position on the Cyprus issue backing a
settlement of the problem based on the UN Security Council
resolutions. He also pointed out the excellent level of the Greek-
French relations, stressing that Greece and France share the same
vision on Europe's future. Mr. Jospen also stated that he shares
the concerns expressed on the consequences of globalization,
stressing that it needs not to be blocked but to be controlled and
regulated.
Mr. Jospen expressed concern over the crisis in FYROM,
stressing that its solution has to be political, adding that
political agreements must be implemented under the auspices of the
European Union. He reiterated that the EU strongly rejects any
change of the internationally recognized existing borders in the
Balkans and the creation of "ethnically clean" states.
On bilateral relations, Mr. Jospen stated that Greece is a
significant partner and a traditional friend of France.
Regarding the Cyprus issue, he said that it must be resolved
based on the UN Security Council decisions, adding that France
supports the efforts of the UN secretary-general.
On Turkey's European prospect, the French prime minister
stated that the "15" decided in Helsinki to accept its candidature
for EU membership and underlined that it is up to Ankara to move
ahead with the reforms it has to make to harmonize with the
political and social values that are in effect in Europe.
Referring to globalization, Mr. Jospen stressed that its
negative consequences are real and alarming and in order to stop
them globalization does not have to be blocked but to be
controlled and regulated.
[02] OVER 2.498 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE ARRESTED IN GREECE THIS
YEAR
Over 2.498 illegal immigrants and 67 slave-traders were
arrested in Greece this year, while the trafficking of illegal
immigrants coming to Greece from the Turkish coasts has become an
everyday phenomenon.
Merchant marine minister Christos Papoutsis requested from
Turkey to strengthen its security measures to break up the illegal
immigrants' trafficking networks which have become rather
professional in the way they operate.
For the record, a total of 508 illegal immigrants were
arrested during the summer in the southeastern Aegean island of
Kos alone.
[03] EU STUDY PRESENTATION ON THE BLACK SEA ZONE TOMORROW
The conclusions of the latest European Union study on the
economic prospects of the Black Sea Zone will be presented in
Thessaloniki tomorrow within the framework of the one-day
conference organized by the Black Sea Commerce and Development
Bank.
Based on the positive scenario of the study, according to
which 75% of the capital flow to the Black Sea Zone as well as 42%
of the trade transactions come from the EU, the GDP of the states
in the region will have an annual growth rate of 4% by 2010.
In the same period, the EU-Black Sea trade is expected to
double and if this positive scenario comes true then a Euro-Black
Sea region could be created in the future in which the Danube
Basin will play the role of the main transportation corridor
between the EU and Black Sea Zone.
The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank is closer to the
decision-making center of the European Union as it gradually gains
access to Brussels and plans to claim part of the management of
the EU sums allocated for the development of the Black Sea
countries.
Greek Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou, will be present in
the conference as well as other officials, while it is the first
time that the EU chooses Greece to present one of its studies on
regional development. The study will be presented by Mr. Dreve of
the European Commission REGIO general directorate.
[04] THE PRIME MINISTER'S PRESS CONFERENCE IN THESSALONIKI
The economic development, the new social state, the
strengthening of the country's international position, and the
true social convergence are the main targets of the government's
policy for a new era. The above were reiterated by prime minister
Kostas Simitis in the press conference he gave today within the
framework of Thessaloniki's 66th International Trade Fair. He said
that a three-year program has been processed for the distribution
of resources, adding that this program provides for more resources
to be allocated to social policy than predicted in the commitments
undertaken by Greece before the European Union.
On the role of Thessaloniki, he stated that here the change
in Greece's international role is obvious and reminded that
through the EU summit meeting in Thessaloniki in 2003 the city's
international significance and prestige will be confirmed.
The prime minister reiterated that the issue of the identity
cards has closed and pointed out that the government is open to a
dialogue with the Church but not on that specific issue.
When asked to comment on yesterday's demonstrations in
Thessaloniki, he stated that the freedom of expression has no
limitations and people can demonstrate if they respect the freedom
of the others. On the course of the big projects in Thessaloniki
and northern Greece, he said that the local officials who are
displeased, have no exact knowledge of the problems and the
efforts that are being made toward their solution and stressed
that each project needs many years, detailed studies and good
planning before it can materialize.
The prime minister made it clear that he will be leading
PASOK in the 2004 parliamentary elections and stressed that in his
party's congress he will ask for a clear mandate to complete his
work.
Mr. Simitis called on New Democracy parliament deputy
Miltiadis Evert to reveal how he got hold of a prosecutor's office
document that was addressed to the parliament president concerning
the pre-election transactions of a state-run company in the Athens
Stock Exchange. Mr. Simitis accused New Democracy of bringing the
issue back to the spotlight having as a goal to hurt the stock
market.
On the Greek-Turkish relations and the course of the efforts
for the solution on the Cyprus problem, the prime minister
stressed that the mandatory framework decided in Helsinki on
Turkey's accession course to the EU remains untouched and
underlined that the government's strategy is to force Turkey,
given the fact that it wants to become an EU member, to follow a
course in compliance with the rules that are in effect in the EU,
implement international law and contribute to the solution of the
Cyprus problem.
On the issue of the FYROM name, he stated that the government
is interested in settling it and insists in this in spite of the
difficulties that arise because of the situation in the
neighboring country.
On the issue of the individuals that got the Greek
nationality illegally, Mr. Simitis clarified that after
investigations in the Greek embassy in Moscow it was established
that irregularities were made and the case is now in the hands of
the Greek justice. The prime minister also accused right-wing main
opposition party of New Democracy of using the issue as an alibi
for its defeat in the last parliamentary elections.
[05] A GREEK BANK WILL BE FOUNDED IN S.RUSSIA
The creation of a Greek commercial bank is in progress in the
Kurban region in south Russia as the deal for its establishment is
expected to be completed in a few months, according to the
conclusions reached in a discussion held today by undersecretary
of foreign affairs Grigoris Niotis, Russian ambassador to Athens
Michael Potsarnikov and Adygheya autonomous region president
Zarimov Aslan.
According to Mr. Niotis, the specific agreement will be very
important given the fact that Russian president Vladimir Putin
will be on a formal visit to Greece in December.
In the meeting that was held today, within the framework of
Thessaloniki's 66th International Trade Fair, were also discussed
ways in which the Greek businesses can become active in the region
of south Russia through joint ventures.
[06] KOSTAS KARAMANLIS WILL VISIT THE UNITED STATES
Right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy leader
Kostas Karamanlis will be in the United States today for the
inauguration tomorrow of the "Konstantinos Karamanlis" Greek and
Southeastern European Studies Department in Tufts University
Flecher School of Diplomacy in Boston.
It is the first university department on Greek Issues that is
being created with money raised among the Greeks in Greece and the
United States. The goal of its establishment is the study of the
historical influence on the present political and economic
developments in Greece, the relations with its neighbors and the
role of the wider region in international issues.
Mr. Karamanlis will meet with Tufts University president
Lawrence Bascow and will deliver a speech on The New Network of
Hope in the Balkans.
[07] DEFENSE MINISTER ON SIMITIS' SPEECH ON SOCIAL POLICY
The references of Prime Minister Kostas Simitis to social
policy were commented on by the Minister of Defense, Akis
Tsohatzopoulos, who talked of the need for a new social contract.
To the question of whether the Prime Minister's references to
social policy questions satisfy him, the Minister answered:
"Workers fight justly, after the commitments the government
made during the pre-electoral period, but especially after the
developments and the participation in the struggle from the
elections until today, for the reward of their efforts. They ask
that economic and social development are secured through their
total commitment and participation. In fact the Prime Minister
stressed that apart from a strong society we need a strong Greece.
This is positive because the character of the attempt for total
participation is traced, complete and total participation of all
in the results of development which are not just economic, but
social, qualitative and environmental. I think it is the beginning
of a new course with different characteristics. But, it must be
formed through discussion, a social contract between workers,
bodies, businesses and the state. This is the period where
understanding and agreement between social partners will build the
foundation for tomorrow's course. Moreover think we need to
realize that we are all at the starting point of a new convergence
of social powers, workspace, production, employees, the social
area which is in the margin, the unemployed, the poor and blocked
out, are elements of society we cannot leave out, we want them in
the total struggle for development. This is the only way in which
we differ from the logic of neoliberalism and conservatism, which
support economic development first, and justice, cohesion,
solidarity of society later. I think this is the message."
[08] MERCEDES SOSA TONIGHT AT "THEATRO GHS"
One of the world's greatest singers, Mercedes Sosa, the
mythical voice of Latin America, is appearing tonight at the
"Theatro Ghs" theater. Passion for human dignity, political
freedom, love and peace, have been expressed through the songs of
Mercedes Sosa, the renowned "Negra", from the beginning of her
carrier as a singer, at the age of 15.
She was the motivating power of the musical and literary
movement of nueva cancion which began in Argentina in the 60s.
Five years later she recorded her first album, titled Canciones
con Fundamento. Her songs always in the service of the oppressed
people of her homeland, became a threat to the military regime,
resulting in her exile for three years. From 1982 until today,
Mercedes Sosa has been breaking through the borders that divide
genres and generations, records many albums and unites folk music
with ballads, with rock, with city music.
[09] MIKIS THEODORAKIS: "WE DREAMERS HAVE SOWN"
"We dreamers and fighters have sown, so that the down-to-
earth and realists to reap", said the great man of Greek music,
Mikis Theodorakis, in an exclusive interview with the Macedonian
Press Agency, on occasion of the concerts of his works, "Axion
Esti" and "Pnevmatiko Emvatirio", which will take place on Tuesday
September 11 at the "Theatro Gis" theater. Observing that people's
souls can only be nourished and made happy dreams, especially with
those that never come true.
Referring to his work, Mikis Theodorakis expressed
satisfaction that his pieces, like "Axion Esti" and "Pnevmatiko
Emvatirio", which he calls pieces-symbols of his struggle for the
universal conquering of the artistic, they move even the younger
generations, while when making an assessment of his course through
the world of art, he observes that he should have had twice as
long a life to complete all the things he wanted to do in the area
of Art.
Also, our great composer expressed bitter feelings, that
visions such as Peace, Friendship, Cooperation with neighboring
people etc., after half a century of struggles and attempts, are
moving away instead of being conquered.
To the questions of the General Director of the Macedonian
Press Agency, Sp. Kouzinopoulos, Mikis Theodorakis mentioned:
-Qestion: It has been 34 years from the first performance of
"Axion Esti" and 30 years from the composing of "Pnevmatiko
Emvatirio". What, in your opinion are the elements that make these
and other works so popular, especially to young people, who did
not live through those times?
-Mikis Theodorakis: The passage from "folk" to "learned" and
from "popular" to "artistic" have always been a characteristic of
social superiority of one class towards another. It occurs in
these days, in economically developed countries that this chasm
still exists between the higher classes and the rest of the social
classes, no matter what levels of life those classes have
conquered.
Mr. Thodorakis continued to say that no matter what the upper
classes may be willing to give the rest of the members of the
social hierarchy, they would still hold back anything "learned"
and "artistic", a social wall which he wanted to tear down from
the very beginning. He searched for the "learned" and the
"artistic" in lyrics so that he could give everyone the chance to
appreciate them, and only time and the people will tell if he has
succeeded in his goals.
[10] GOLD MEDAL FOR GREECE IN THE BEACH VOLLEY EUROPEAN
CHAMPIONSHIP
The gold medal in the European Beach Volley Championship was
won by he Efi Sfyri and Vasso Karadassiou yesterday, achieving the
greatest distinction of Greek beach volley. The two athletes won
the finals with 2-0 sets, against the Swiss Benua and Koun.
[11] HEAVY SENTENCES FOR THE TURKISH SLAVERS OF MANTOUDI
10 years of incarceration and a fine of 539.200.000 drs was
the sentence of the Halchida Magistrate's Court on each of the
three Turkish slavers who transported 350 illegal immigrants to
Mantoudi on the Imdat cargo ship on Tuesday.
These are the 39-year-old Mohammed Dermeji, captain, 34-year-
old Souleiman Saritak, first mate, and 51-year-old Beli Hisli,
mechanic. The last of the three had in the past been involved in
the transportation of illegal immigrants to our country, as in
June 1992 he had transported 29 illegal immigrants from the
Turkish shores to Mytilini.
[12] FOUR GREEK TELEVISION STATIONS IN AUSTALIA
The exclusive transmission of the television programs of ERT,
Mega Channel, Alpha and ANT1 in Australia, was procured by the
Australian Communications Company TARBS.
According to the owner of the company Mike Boulos, who is
Egyptian in descent, 100 million Australian Dollars have been
invested in facilities in Maroussi for the transmission of the
television signal from Greece, which as he characteristically
said, he considers as the most stable country in Southeastern
Europe.
At the same time he points out that Greeks living abroad have
every reason to celebrate, as the four television channels will
transmit all over Australia.
Apart from the Greek channels, TARBS has come to agreements
with another 39 channels among which the Cypriot RIK and CNN,
while FYROM television has already started broadcasting.
With a monthly subscription of 39 Australian Dollars,
subscribers will also have access to Greek radio, as TARBS has
move to an agreement with ERA.
[13] GREEK LIVING ABROAD BUSINESSMEN IN CYBERSPACE
A new electronic system of registering and searching for
Greek living abroad businessmen, HELLASbiz.com, which has been
online for a week, was presented to SAE at the opening of the 66th
TIF. With cooperation development between Greek and Greek living
abroad businesses as its main objective, SAE presented its new
attempt, as well as the 1st Greek Cultural and Business Fair
which will take place in Chicago on November 5 and 6.
"Our target is cooperation of all Greeks living abroad",
stated Deputy Foreign Secretary, Grigoris Niotis, greeting the
enterprise of SAE.
The need to promote Greece even more, stressed Andreas
Athens, characteristically underlining that "Greece is not
renowned only for its good feta, but also has its business
activities, its economic course, and its culture, and all this
must be done with the cooperation of all Greeks living abroad."
[14] ROUSOPOULOS: PRIME MINISTER OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE
The Prime Minister was accused of attempting to mislead the
Greek people and flagrant intervention in the independent works of
justice, by the press spokesperson of New Democracy, Thodoris
Roussopoulos, commenting on the attack by the Prime Minister on
the former President of New Democracy, Miltiadis Evert, on the
issue of DEKA.
"Mr. Simitis is attempting to mislead the Greek People ,
since, purposely, he ignores the announcement of the Association
of Judges and District Attorneys. He once more scorns in this way
– with the unforgettable "it served them right" – the 1,5 million
Greeks who lost a life's work on the stock market, stated Mr.
Roussopoulos.
"He flagrantly intervenes in the independent work of justice,
acquitting DEKA in advance from any responsibility. This not only
proves his regimistic point of view and his untrustworthiness. He
was the one that referred anyone with any evidence to the District
Attorney. Now that the wheels of justice are in motion, he
slanders the judicial workers to cover for the guilty parties", he
added.
"The cover-up operation of the Government's responsibilities
on the crime at Sofokleous is condemned", he ended.
[15] KARAMANLIS: ALL LIES HAVE AN END
An attack against the Prime Minister, Kostas Simitis, on what
he said during his customary press conference which took place
today at the "I.Vellidis" Conference Center, was made by the
President of New Democracy, Kostas Karamanlis, who said that once
again he has distributed promises but he has not convinced anyone.
At the same time, he said that all lies have an end and this one
is approaching its end.
Mr. Karamanlis supported that the Prime Minister has once
more proven the arrogance and the regimistic mentality of the
government, however, nobody is deceived any longer, since the
citizens will no longer stand for "spurious Agreements".
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[16] KOSTUNICA-CHRISTODOULOS MEETING TOMORROW
Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All of Greece will
meet in Belgrade tomorrow with Yugoslav president Vojslav
Kostunica and Serb prime minister Zoran Djindic within the
framework of his seven-day formal visit to Yugoslavia that started
last Friday at the invitation of the Serb Church.
The head of the Greek Orthodox Church met on Friday with
Patriarch Pavle of Serbia, while he visited churches and
monasteries in Belgrade.
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