Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2001-09-11
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, September 11, 2001
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
TITLES
[Á] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] GOVERNMENTAL THREE YEAR PLAN OF ACTION
[02] CHRISTODOULAKIS: EVERT IS TRYING TO ATTACK INSTITUTIONS-
MARKETS
[03] TSOVOLAS: BIG BROTHER AN INSULT TO HUMAN DIGNITY – FEEDING
OFF THE VOYEURISTIC CURIOSITY OF THE AUDIENCE
[04] THE PRESIDENT OF ISLAND IN ATHENS TOMORROW
[05] KARAMANLIS SPEECH AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE "KARAMANLIS"
CHAIR FOR GREEK AND SOUTHEASTERN EUOPEAN STUDIES AT TUFTS
UNIVERSITY
[06] ANCIENT ARTIFACTS STOLEN FROM VERGINA
[07] SEPTEMBER 22: CAR FREE DAY
[08] GAINS OF +0.75% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
[09] SEA ACCIDENT INVOLVING CZECH TOURISTS
[10] KAZANTZIDIS' HEALTH HAS DETERIORATED
[11] TERRORISM IN THE UNITED STATES
[12] THE GREEK PRIME MINISTER'S STATEMENT
[13] THE US DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN GREECE ARE UNDER POLICE
PROTECTION
[14] THE NEW DEMOCRACY LEADER CONDEMNS THE TERRORIST ATTACKS IN
THE US
[15] THE GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER'S STATEMENTS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[16] MEDAL TO CHRISTODOULOS FROM KOSTOUNITSA
[17] EXCEPTION OF THE SUPREME COURT PRESIDENT ON THE GERMAN
REIMBURSeMENT ISSUE
[18] NEW TURKISH PROVOCATION IN CYPRUS
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] GOVERNMENTAL THREE YEAR PLAN OF ACTION
The targets of the Greek government for the next three years
are described in the brief plan of action, which was made public
yesterday.
The plan refers to sectors for each Ministry separately and
with countable goals for each.
The government's plan, which has 2004 as its horizon, is
based on the triptych of "development, new social state, and
overall strengthening of the international position of the
country".
The agreement for the creation of a powerful Greece, to which
the Prime Minister referred to during his presentation at the TIF,
is analyzed in each Ministry with specific actions and policies.
The plan presented by the government yesterday, as the Press
Ministry pointed out in an announcement, constitutes a framework
of commitments, trust and perspective for the coming years, while
in the course to 2004 new perspectives and actions will develop.
More specifically, in the area of employment special measures
against unemployment will be taken. The government will invest 2,1
trillion drs. in human resources for employment, training,
education and the promotion of equal chances for women.
It will intervene in 7 critical areas with increased
unemployment rates, the prefectures of Fthiotida, Ioannina,
Grevena, Larissa, Thesprotia, Preveza and Arta.
It will boost the income in 140.000 homes of mountain and
disadvantaged areas, it will subside about 35.000 people aged 45-
65 that have been steadily unemployed for a long period of time.
It will grant a school subsidy of 100.000 per year for
children up to the age of 16, in families with an income of less
than 1.000.000 drs.
It will restructure the Organization for the Employment of
Human Resources (OAED) with new centers for the promotion of
employment, which will total in 80 by 2003.
Special attention will be paid by the government to the
creation of a complete social safety net. That is why professional
administrators will be appointed to hospitals, who will be
committed by a contract of productivity. Also, a personal family
doctor will be appointed for all Greek citizens, a new network of
social services will be created, human resources will be
reinforced, infrastructure will be broadened, and the function of
Health services of the National Health System will be improved.
In the insurance sector a new viable and just system is being
sought after through discussion. The public and social character
of the system in the framework of the tripartite funding will be
ensured. The government will fund the system with additional
funds, and guarantees today's minimal pensions to all members of
the workforce. It consolidates mature pension rights, and unifies
the Funds.
In public administration the target is respect for citizen's
dignity. This is why the following will be promoted:
- application of quality and effectiveness criteria which will
bind administrations
- a new payroll which connects the productivity of the
employees with their wages
- the creation of over 1000 Centers for Information and Service
of citizens.
With public works with 2004 as their horizon the government
aspires to change the quality of life in Greece. With 80% of the
3rd Communal Support Framework, among others, the Bridge of Rio-
Antirio, Egnatia Road, parts of the west national road system will
be completed, while new harbors and airports will begin
functioning.
In the area of education the basic target, among others, is
the introduction of new technologies in all levels, the evaluation
of educational works, further education for 75.000 teachers in
computers and new technologies, a modern framework for
postgraduate studies and research in universities.
The fight against crime is still an open front for the
government. By the end of 2004, the aim is for every community to
be patrolled on a permanent basis and the completion of guarding
the borders.
The goal for the periphery is the viable development rural
areas, their modernization and the improvement of agricultural
utilization, autonomous development, higher incomes and higher
quality of life.
As far as the Olympics are concerned, the goal is that they
do not become a matter just for Athens, or a matter to be
completed over the summer, but to become a lever of development
for all of Greece. The Cultural Olympics to become a state of
culture with the unification of archeological sites, the National
Museum of Modern Art, and the construction of the new Acropolis
Museum.
A major target of the government is the resolution of the
Cypriot issue, the stabilizing role of Greece in the Balkans, the
deterring ability of the Armed Forces, the negotiations for a
stronger Europe in the national system and more able to respond to
the requests of its societies.
[02] CHRISTODOULAKIS: EVERT IS TRYING TO ATTACK INSTITUTIONS-
MARKETS
"The only thing proven in these supposed exposures, is the
legality of the functioning of DEKA (Public Operation for Tangible
Assets) and the services of the General Accounting Department of
the State", mentioned the Minister of Development, Nikos
Christodoulakis, in a written statement answering the references
made by the former President of New Democracy, Miltiades Evert, in
connection to the activities of DEKA in the Stock Market.
The Minister supported that they also prove "the pleasure
that Mr. Evert seems to exert from his efforts not only to harm
institutions, but even markets, and, in fact, he is attempting to
do so at a very critical juncture for international monetary
markets". He also stresses that the MP of New Democracy tried to
involve his name in the affair twice, avoiding the question of how
he was informed about the District Attorney's documents.
The distribution of these public documents – which have the
signature of the then Deputy Minister of Economy for the billing
and credit of accounts belonging to DEKA and the public sector –
he mentioned that they have already been turned in, in mass, last
November, after a question from an MP of New Democracy, and this
is a known fact to the MPs, press and anyone else interested.
Meanwhile, New Democracy, according to statements made by its
President, asked for the immediate publication of the documents in
question, and them being brought before the Section for stopping
Parliamentary Procedures. This position was expressed by the
Secretary General of the Party, representing them and Mr.
Karamanlis, in a telephone discussion they had yesterday with the
President of the Parliament, Apostolos Kaklamanis, assuring him
that New Democracy will support the relative adjustment of the
Parliament's Regulation.
"New Democracy believes that the information of the people
comes first and the taking of all actions ensuring legality",
stressed Mr. Sioufas in an announcement of his and added that his
party "is interested in the essence of the matter, for the full
solving of the crime committed against public interest, 1,5
million investors and the prestige of the Stock Market.
According to Mr. Sioufas, the cover-up of this "crime" is
nobody's right, while "the criminally responsible must pay, and
the politically responsible must leave".
In answer to the earlier statements of PASOK, made by Mr.
Christodoulakis, the parliamentary representative of New
Democracy, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, accused the Prime Minister and
the government of mud slinging and misinformation.
Mr. Pavlopoulos asked the government to take up their
responsibilities, to let Justice do its duty for the revealing of
the guilty parties and to stop presuming the decisions of justice
or threatening judicial employees, as well as the Prime Minister
to apologize to Mr. Evert for the provocative statements he made
about, so called, misappropriation of judicial documents.
When New Democracy is informed of the content of the
documents it will do its duty, in the framework of the
Constitution and Parliamentary Regulations. The question is
whether the government and the governing majority will do its duty
or try, once more, to cover up the responsible parties, invoking,
supposed, incrimination of political life", stressed Mr.
Pavlopoulos.
[03] TSOVOLAS: BIG BROTHER AN INSULT TO HUMAN DIGNITY – FEEDING
OFF THE VOYEURISTIC CURIOSITY OF THE AUDIENCE
Reactions to the Big Brother show have begun from the very
first day of the show on ANT-1 television, when Konstantinos
Samartzis and his wife went to the court of the first instance
asking for the canceling of the show, supporting that it abolishes
human dignity and liberty and cultivates the voyeuristic curiosity
of the viewers. The case will be discussed on September 17.
The same view is shared by the President of DIKKI, who in
statements in Thessaloniki stressed, "I can't imagine how the
independent administrative authorities and the state do not
undertake any essential and effective action, to stop the showing
of such shows", he underlined.
There were even rallies outside the offices of ANT-1 in
Maroussi, protesting the showing of Big Brother, which began at 9.
The protesters, members of the Communist Youth and the
Organization for Greek Women, threw black plastic bags into the
television station and a police force was in the area to stop any
riots from developing.
[04] THE PRESIDENT OF ISLAND IN ATHENS TOMORROW
The President of the Republic of Island will be in Athens
tomorrow, and will arrive in Argolida on Thursday for an official
visit.
[05] KARAMANLIS SPEECH AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE "KARAMANLIS"
CHAIR FOR GREEK AND SOUTHEASTERN EUOPEAN STUDIES AT TUFTS
UNIVERSITY
"The "Konstantinos Karamanlis Chair", for subjects concerning
Greece and Southeast Europe, is the beginning of an ambitious
attempt. We want to honor the memory of a great leader, who,
through difficult times, against the sirens of demagogy,
systematically worked for the upgrading of Greek-American
relationships, the European orientation of Greece and the tracing
of a multidimensional foreign policy, with special attention to
Balkan affairs.
Our goal is to further strengthen the mental ties between
Greece and the Balkans, but also to help the American academic
community, on which TUFTS University has a positive influence, to
better understand the deeper historical and cultural basis and
complexities of the Balkans".
The above was underlined by the President of New Democracy,
Kostas Karamanlis, in his speech at the inauguration ceremony of
the "Kostantinos Karamanlis" Chair for Greek and Southeastern
European Studies at TUFTS University in Boston. The President of
N.D. referred to the developments in the Balkans, the continual
unrest in FYROM and criticized the international community for its
failures and miscalculations which endanger the attempts for
stability in the region. He pointed out that the key for long term
stability in the region is political and social reform.
[06] ANCIENT ARTIFACTS STOLEN FROM VERGINA
Priceless ancient artifacts were stolen from the royal tomb
of Euridiki, mother of King Philippos B' the Macedon, situated at
the archaeological site of Vergina in northern Greece.
Police are investigating the theft and are in a state of
alert for the past two days. Archeologists found out that half of
the statuettes (three depicting women and three Sphinxes) as well
as two more small statues have disappeared from the ancient tomb.
Archaeologists and police are puzzled regarding the way in
which the artifacts were stolen, as the archaeological site is
guarded on a 24hour basis and it is hard for anyone to get in
without being spotted.
The royal tomb of the mother of King Philippos B' was
unearthed by professor Manolis Andronikos after years of
excavations in the area, while the value of the stolen artifacts
cannot be calculated.
Minister of culture Evangelos Venizelos stated that the case
will be solved soon, as the stolen statuettes have been
photographed, and identified and are internationally known,
therefore they cannot be sold in the stolen artifacts market.
Mr. Venizelos stated that the whole incident is curious as
the specific tomb is visited only by dignitaries who are always
accompanied by archaeologists. The last such visit was made on
August 16, while those responsible for the maintenance of the
equipment that keep the micro-climate inside the tomb stable are
allowed to enter only once a month.
[07] SEPTEMBER 22: CAR FREE DAY
The city of Athens, 21 municipalities in the wider Athens
region and tens of others across Greece will enjoy a Car Free Day
on September 22, as Greece will participate in the European "No
Car in the City Day".
On that day, people will be able to use mass transportation
for free, while traffic and municipal police will stop the cars
from entering the cities.
In the event participate a total of 620 European cities,
while in Greece the initiative is supported by the ministry of
environment, land planning and public works, and the
transportation ministry as well as by the local administration,
the Athens City Bus Service and the Attiko Metro company.
[08] GAINS OF +0.75% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
Gains of +0.75% were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange
today. The general index rose to 2.555,94 points, while the volume
of transactions was 143.7 million Euro or 48.9 billion drachmas.
Of the stocks trading today, the majority, 247, recorded
gains, and 72 had losses, while the value of 57 stocks remained
stable.
[09] SEA ACCIDENT INVOLVING CZECH TOURISTS
A sea accident involving 20 Czech tourists happened yesterday
in the small Volimon cave in Rio, near the city of Patras in south
Greece, when their small boat "Lakrota 3" struck on a rock and as
a result two of its passengers were seriously injured.
The injured are Milan Butler, 52, with multiple chest
injuries and internal bleeding, while his wife suffered a neck
injury and both were taken to Rio Hospital.
According to initial estimates, the accident happened when a
wave hit the boat as it was about to enter the cave. The boat's
captain was arrested and an investigation is underway to determine
the exact causes of the accident.
[10] KAZANTZIDIS' HEALTH HAS DETERIORATED
The health of popular Greek singer Stelios Kazantzidis
deteriorated further today. According to the medical report that
was given to publicity by the Medical Center, where he is
hospitalized for 73 days now, the deterioration concerns the
operation of his brain as one of his tumors could bleed at any
moment.
Stelios Kazantzidis is in a coma since this morning and the
next hours are regarded as critical.
[11] TERRORISM IN THE UNITED STATES
America is in a state of shock. An unbelievable tragedy has
struck the United States that became the target of a number of
terrorist attacks. Probably hijacked passenger planes crashed into
the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York, while
another plane crashed into the Pentagon in Washington. Other
information, mention terrorist attacks on major US cities, the
State Department building and the Capitol building in Washington.
Greek foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis strongly
condemned the terrorist attacks on the United States.
Mr. Beglitis underlined that for the moment there is no
information on whether there are Greeks among the victims,
pointing out that the Greek government has taken all necessary
measures for the protection of foreigners in Greece.
He said that Greece is deeply shocked by the tragic events
taking place in the United States after the terrorist attacks on
New York and Washington and prime minister Kostas Simitis sent a
telegram of condolences to US president George Bush, while a
telegram of condolences was sent by foreign minister Giorgos
Papandreou to his American counterpart Colin Powell.
Mr. Beglitis also said that Mr. Papandreou is in continuous
contact with the prime minister and the responsible ministers,
while he is also in contact with his counterparts in the EU to
form a common EU position.
Mr. Beglitis stated that these actions create the conditions
for an effective international coordination to combat terrorism.
[12] THE GREEK PRIME MINISTER'S STATEMENT
Prime minister Kostas Simitis sent a message of condolences
to US president George Bush stressing that he is deeply shocked by
the terrorist hit on the United States and expressed his personal
condolences as well as the condolences of the Greek government and
the Greek people to the families of the victims.
Mr. Simitis stated that Greece categorically condemns these
horrible acts and expressed the wish that those responsible will
be arrested and brought to justice.
[13] THE US DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS IN GREECE ARE UNDER POLICE
PROTECTION
The US diplomatic missions and the buildings housing US
targets in Greece have been placed under police protection after
the wave of terrorist attacks launched against the United States.
The US pavilion in Thessaloniki's 66th International Trade
Fair is open but the visitors are being searched.
[14] THE NEW DEMOCRACY LEADER CONDEMNS THE TERRORIST ATTACKS IN
THE US
Right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy leader
Kostas Karamanlis from Boston, where he inaugurated a Greek
Studies Department in Tufts University, expressed his regret and
indignation over the multiple terrorist hits on the United States
today.
Mr. Karamanlis stressed that those unprecedented acts brought
horror and indignation to the world public opinion and are
condemned by every sensible citizen of the world.
The New Democracy leader sent a telegram of condolences to US
president George Bush expressing his sympathy to the families of
the victims and his solidarity to the American people, who are
going through this tragic ordeal.
[15] THE GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER'S STATEMENTS
Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou in statements he
made on the multiple terrorist attacks in the United States,
pointed out that the international community is strongly concerned
about the issue of security and the wider political consequences
of those unprecedented acts.
He stressed that those actions did not have as a goal just to
cause human loss but their main goal was to undermine the
democratic institutions, the open and free societies. He said that
all necessary measures have been taken and there is no concern
about Greece, adding that the issue is dealt with in a calm and
responsible manner.
Mr. Papandreou stated that the EU foreign ministers will have
an emergency meeting in Brussels tomorrow morning to discuss the
actions they will take within the framework of the European Union.
The Greek foreign minister stated that for the moment there
is no information on whether there were Greeks among the victims,
while there is also no information on the names of the passengers
on board the planes that were used in the terrorist attacks.
He said that the political consequences of those actions will
be wide and the international community will have to deal with
state security issues and issues concerning the safety of the
people, adding that the democratic operation of societies must be
safeguarded.
Mr. Papandreou stated that there is no official or unofficial
information concerning those responsible for the terrorist
attacks.
He confirmed that companies of Greek interests were housed in
the Twin Towers in New York, hit by two planes, but there is no
information on whether their employees were in the buildings at
the time of the attack.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[16] MEDAL TO CHRISTODOULOS FROM KOSTOUNITSA
Archbishop Christodoulos met in Belgrade with the President
of Yugoslavia, Voislav Kostunica, who awarded him a medal for the
help of the Greek Church towards the Serbian people, during the
last decade.
The highest medal of the Yugoslav Federation will be awarded
to Mr. Christodoulos from the office of Mr. Kostunica.
The Patriarch of the Serbian Church, Paul, was at the
meeting.
Archbishop Christodoulos will also meet with the Serbian
Prime Minister Zoran Jijic and will arrive in Montenegro tomorrow.
It is the first official visit of the Archbishop to
Yugoslavia since 1998.
Protests against big brother
[17] EXCEPTION OF THE SUPREME COURT PRESIDENT ON THE GERMAN
REIMBURSeMENT ISSUE
The members of the national Council for the Claim of German
Debts to Greece, requested the exception of the President of the
Supreme Court, Stefanos Matthias, from the case of the
reimbursements from the German public sector towards victims of
the nazi occupation in Greece.
Their decision was announced yesterday in a press conference,
who judged that Mr. Matthias is "supporting the German side in a n
unprecedented way", because, as they support, he has moved to the
creation of a special court that will vote against decision
11/2000 of the Plenary Session of the Supreme Court. The request
will be examines on September 17, by the 1st Section of the
Supreme Court.
The German Press is watching the procedure of the auctioning
o German public property in Athens, after the rejection of the
relative appeal of Germany from the Greek judicial authorities, on
occasion of the fact that indemnities were paid for the slaughter
of Distomos by the nazi troops. At the same time there is a
barrage of reactions from well known MPs and legal experts, who
point out the excellent until now relationships of the two
countries, in case of a foreclosure.
"Welt am Sonntag", a Sunday newspaper reports:
Political figures of Germany all find the demands illogical
and are afraid of the consequences a settlement could have on
their country's economy. The Christian-democrat MP, Friedbert
Pfluger, stated: "It defies all logic. It is like returning to the
Hitler regime". But at the same time he is the one that recognizes
oversights on the side of Germany. As he said he had warned the
government about the danger of escalating demands, "but the
consequences of the problem were obviously underestimated".
Understanding towards the Greek side does not even come from
the MP of the Social-democrat party, and President of the Greek-
German group of MPs, Sigrid Skarpelis-Sperk. The MP expects
Germany, however, to make a "symbolic gesture" and proposes the
founding of a scholarship fund, or some work of public benefit as
was done in the Czech Republic.
Along these lines were the messages that came from members of
the European Parliament, such as the President of the Group of
Christian-democrats Hartmu Nassauer, who fears that Greek-German
relationships will be dramatically upset.
The newspaper also added the opinions of German experts on
international issues, such as Karl Doehring, expert in
international affairs, Professor of International Law at the Max
Planck Institute of Haidelberg, who makes mention of "a crime of
the Greek state on International Laws". "Now Germany is covered by
International Law to answer with retaliations", said Mr. Doehring,
who also said that "if the auction of Goethe takes place, then
Greek public property can be auctioned, diplomatic relations may
be cut off and bilateral trade agreements may be frozen". In any
case, Mr. Doehring does not believe it will come to that, instead
he believes that if both countries work out the matter.
The danger of a bad precedent is seen by the International
Law Expert, Ingo von Munh and he warned the German side not to
give in. "If they do, then they will find themselves before an
avalanche of demands", he supported.
As the same newspaper reports, the Prime Minister of Greece,
Kostas Simitis, is interested in keeping Greece at good terms with
NATO and the EU, and is of the opinion that a forced auction
cannot take place without the approval of the Minister of Justice.
"The belated worries of Berlin are justified. The danger of
precedent is visible not only in Greece, where dozens such cases
are waiting to find justice, but in other countries also, such as
Italy, Ukraine and the Czech Republic, where similar demands
translate into billions of Deutchmarks".
It is noted that the Prime Minister, in a speech given at the
66th TIF when asked questions on the German reimbursement issue,
stated that first the matter has to close legally and then the
Greek government will examine how it should promote the issues
which are still open, such as the occupational loan.
[18] NEW TURKISH PROVOCATION IN CYPRUS
The Turks made a new provocation in the early morning hours
yesterday when they started throwing stones against a soldier who
was guarding the National Guard outpost at Tempi Street in
Nicosia, Cyprus.
According to a ministry of defense spokesman, the Cypriot
Republic has protested to the United Nations on the incident and
the international organization launched an investigation.
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