Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2001-09-18
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, September 18, 2001
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
TITLES
[Á] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] REACTIONS IN GREECE TO TERRORIST ATTACK
[02] MOBILIZATION IN GOVERNMENT-OPPOSITION ON TERRORISM
[03] NAVY GATHERS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
[04] V. RAPANOS: PLAN OF ACTION IN CASE OF ECONOMIC CRISIS
[05] "BIG BROTHER" ON TRIAL ON NOVEMBER 5TH
[06] NAZI VICTIMS' APPEAL TO THE SUPREME COURT
[07] PRESIDENT STEPHANOPOULOS MET WITH HIS COUNTERPART FROM
ICELAND
[08] AUSTRIAN AIRLINES: 35 YEARS IN NORTHERN GREECE
[09] APOSTOLAKIS: THERE IS NOTHING NEW ON THE BASE IN SOUDA
[10] MITSOTAKIS: THE OLYMPIC GAMES WILL NOT BE HELD IN ATHENS IF
THE TERRORISM PROBLEM IS NOT SOLVED
[11] REPPAS' RESPONSE TO MITSOTAKIS' STATEMENTS
[12] SIMITIS: THE GOVERNMENT WILL DO ITS BEST TO HOST SUCCESSFUL
OLYMPIC GAMES
[13] REPPAS: NO US REQUEST FOR GREEK PARTICIPATION IN THE ATTACKS
IT WILL LAUNCH
[14] MARGINAL LOSSES IN THE ASE
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] REACTIONS IN GREECE TO TERRORIST ATTACK
Peace and stability in broader regions of the planet will be
endangered by the military staff plan of the US, according to the
appreciation of the Greek Communist Party.
"Sympathy for the suffering American people cannot and must
not turn into sympathy and tolerance of US state policy, which
organizes state and parastate terrorism, creates and trains
terrorist groups and armed mercenary death squads", stressed the
Central Committee of the Party, which had an emergency meeting on
the US tragedy.
It is pointed out in the announcement that "the leadership of
the US has no interest in the truth shining, but to let doubt
against opposing states and people reign, so that its new attacks
and crimes can be excused".
The Greek Communist Party made mention of an attempt for
"total conquest of all oil routes", since US targets are mainly
located in areas of strategic importance, such as Afghanistan,
Iraq and other Arabian countries, it advised "self-control and
vigilance", while it condemned the "psychosis" at the expense of
Muslim people, as well as discrimination according to culture and
religion.
The Movement of Free Citizens (KEP), on the other hand, is
completely supportive of the EU and NATO in the attempt of the US
to fight terrorism, stressed the President of the party, Dimitris
Avramopoulos.
"We must support the democratic, as well as the cultural
achievements of Europe and the western world and of course the
protection of human rights", he pointed out.
"We express our undivided support to the American people, and
consider punishment of the responsible parties is demanded. Yet,
there is need self-control and wisdom because the endurance of
democracy is being tested", said the President of KEP,
characteristically stressing that "we must not reach the point of
demonizing people, states and religions".
Their condemnation for the terrorist attack on the US was
expressed on Monday, by the Ministers of Public Administration of
Greece and France, Vaso Papandreou and Michel Chapen.
During a common press conference, Mrs. Papandreou pointed
out, that at this point "we must not find ourselves doubting human
rights and measures that would lead to cultural confrontation".
The French Minister stressed that he totally condemns such
acts of terrorism, but he stressed that the answers which will be
given must be fair, meaning that the right target should be hit,
at the right position so there are no more injustices done to the
people.
As far as the part the EU and the western world must play,
Mrs. Papandreou said that Europe must find ways with which to
eradicate or decrease such phenomena. "The part of the EU is
important", stressed the Minister, pointing out at the same time
that the cooperation of member-countries will be needed on this
issue.
[02] MOBILIZATION IN GOVERNMENT-OPPOSITION ON TERRORISM
The issue of dealing with terrorism, with the new data which
was gathered after the terrorist attack on the US, has occupied
both the government and the opposition.
Prime Minister Kostas Simitis will meet with the President of
"Athens 2004" Gianna Aggelopoulou, and at noon the
Interministerial Committee for the 2004 Olympics will meet, and
will examine the proposition of additional security measures for
their safe carrying out.
Foreign Secretary Giorgos Papandreou has meetings with the
Secretary General of the Greek Communist Party, Aleka Papariga,
and the President of the Coalition, Nikos Konstantopoulos, today.
Tomorrow he will meet the President of Parliament, Apostolos
Kaklamanis, while he will be informed by the members of the
Committee of Foreign Affairs and Defense of the Parliament.
On Thursday the Governmental Council of Foreign Affairs and
Defense (KYSEA), at which new developments will be discussed, the
armament policies of the armed forces and their contribution to
the confrontation of terrorism.
New Democracy asked for convocation of all political figures,
presided over by the President of the Republic, Kostis
Stefanopoulos. At 12 noon, Kostas Karamanlis will meet with the
coordinators of the party, while the issue of terrorism will also
occupy the meeting of New Democracy's Political Council meeting.
[03] NAVY GATHERS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
A frigate of the navy will gather 300 Iranian illegal
immigrants, who have remained in a craft which is adrift with no
crew since last night, open of the island of Lefkada.
[04] V. RAPANOS: PLAN OF ACTION IN CASE OF ECONOMIC CRISIS
His judgement that it is still too early to translate the
effects of the US crisis on Greek economy, was expressed by the
President of the Council of Economic Specialists, Vasilis Rapanos.
As he pointed out, none of the International Organizations,
such as the International Monetary Fund and Organization of
Economic Cooperation and Development, nor the European Union, have
moved to any kind of assessment of the consequences, which the
recent economic events in the US may have on European economies.
In reference to the recent lowering of interest rates, a move
made for the support of Wall Street and European markets, Mr.
Rapanos pointed out that it is a positive development for Greece
as well, clarifying that our country is fully incorporated in the
European economic situation.
In case of a serious economic crisis, the President of the
Council of Economic Specialists, pointed out that there is a plan
of action. Specifically, he said that "there is a normal scenario,
which concerns a stable flow of economic developments and there
are also scenarios for worse situations.
On what measures Greece may take, in order to deal with a
possible economic crisis, Mr. Rapanos stressed that, "on Monetary
policies, Greece has its hands tied, as the European Central Bank
makes all decisions on the issue", and added, "Greece may adjust
its tax and fiscal policies according to developments, without,
however, ignoring that there is an enormous fiscal problem".
On whether there is a safety net in this year's budget, he
stressed "there might even be a larger one this year, due to the
circumstances". He also added, that "if it is larger, if there is
a great international crisis, is exclusively a matter of the
government how it shall be allocated".
[05] "BIG BROTHER" ON TRIAL ON NOVEMBER 5TH
The trial date has been set for November 5th for the request
of the two lawyers asking for measures to be taken against Antenna
television station, in order to stop the showing of the Big
Brother show. The trial that was scheduled for yesterday for the
television game was postponed due to the absence of one a witness
from the side of the plaintiffs.
"With the showing of this controversial show, the rights of
the viewer are injured, their personality is insulted and every
sense of morality is humiliated", support lawyers Giorgos
Trantallidis and Kostas Samartzis, who have submitted requests the
discontinuing of the show.
Yesterday the President of the Association of Greek Viewers,
Katerina Karamanoli, who is expected to exert additional
interventions on behalf of the plaintiffs.
[06] NAZI VICTIMS' APPEAL TO THE SUPREME COURT
Relatives of the victims of Distomo are appealing to the
Supreme Court, after the decision of the German court for a
postponement of the auction of property of the German State.
Yesterday, the German Ambassador in Athens Karl-Heinz Kuhna,
stressed that, in a justice state, it is self-evident that the
decision of the political court of appeals of Athens, on the
foreclosure of German real estate as damages for the relatives of
the victims in Distomo, needs the permission of the Justice
Ministry, on occasion of the inauguration of the new facilities of
the Goethe Institute in Thessaloniki.
As pointed out, this decision is in accord with article 923
of the civil code and assures that there cannot be solitary
actions against third countries. "For me as Ambassador of Germany
it is quite difficult to justify the actions committed by Germans
during WWII in Greece. Actions which are of course reprehensible,
but it has been 57 years", he added. At the same time he expressed
his grief for what the Germans did in Greece during WWII, and
added that the shadows of the past can only be erased by close
cooperation between Greece and Germany.
Mr. Kuhna assured everyone that he feels safe in Greece, even
though he was targeted by a terrorist attack. He added that
diplomatic missions are adequately guarded, and that if he
believed Greece wasn't safe, he would have proposed the
postponement the German week, which will take place from September
27 to October 3 in the exhibit area in Athens, something I am not
going to do.
He underlined that Greece can take care of security of the
2004 Olympics, but also that Germany is willing to assist. "A
failure of the Olympics is something that we will also receive",
stressed Mr. Kuhna.
Furthermore, Mr. Kuhna pointed out that we all feel pain and
disgust for what happened in the USA and added that Chancellor
Gerhard Schreder and all his European counterparts, have appealed
for solidarity, but that a war between Christians and Muslims
should not start because of the attacks on the US.
He also stressed that the two Goethe Institutes in Athens and
Thessaloniki are symbols of solidarity between Greece and Germany,
and that they stood by Greek intellectuals during the difficult
period of the junta.
[07] PRESIDENT STEPHANOPOULOS MET WITH HIS COUNTERPART FROM
ICELAND
Strong concern over the international developments after the
terrorist attacks on the United States was expressed today both by
Greek president Kostis Stephanopoulos and his counterpart from
Iceland Olafur Grimson, who is on a visit to Athens.
Mr. Stephanopoulos underlined the need to safeguard world
peace, while Mr. Grimson stressed that all democratic states
should cooperate on issues of security and in the effort to
counter terrorism .
The president of Iceland has already met with parliament
president Apostolos Kaklamanis, while later in the afternoon he
will have contacts with the political party leaders. His meeting
with prime minister Kostas Simitis will take place tomorrow.
[08] AUSTRIAN AIRLINES: 35 YEARS IN NORTHERN GREECE
A special event will take place in Thessaloniki tomorrow
organized by Austrian Airlines which celebrates 35 years in
northern Greece.
The event will take place in the presence of Austrian
Airlines vice-president Dr. Rainer Walther, southeastern Europe,
Middle East and Africa regional director Mr. Anton Bily and
general director in Greece Mr. Viktor Ziegler.
[09] APOSTOLAKIS: THERE IS NOTHING NEW ON THE BASE IN SOUDA
For the time being there is nothing new on the Base in Souda,
which is located on the south Aegean island of Crete. The above
were stated by undersecretary of defense Dimitris Apostolakis in
an interview with the Iraklio newspaper "Patris".
Responding to the question on whether there was a request for
the base to be used in the case of a US operation, the
undersecretary stated "we have absolutely nothing about it at this
hour". He also clarified that for the base to be used a request is
necessary rather than a plain briefing, adding that the countries
with such installations on their territory should give their
approval before they are used.
[10] MITSOTAKIS: THE OLYMPIC GAMES WILL NOT BE HELD IN ATHENS IF
THE TERRORISM PROBLEM IS NOT SOLVED
Today's statement by right-wing main opposition party of New
Democracy honorary president Konstantinos Mitsotakis, made in an
interview with the Athens television channel "Mega", has caused a
sensation. Mr. Mitsotakis stated that the 2004 Olympic Games will
not be held in Athens if the problem of terrorism is not solved.
Greece has an obligation to deal seriously with terrorism,
stated characteristically Mr. Mitsotakis, and spoke of a major
problem that is linked with the Greek foreign policy, stressing
that it damages Greece's international relations.
New Democracy honorary president also said that if his party
had stayed in power most likely there would be no "17 November"
terrorist group today.
[11] REPPAS' RESPONSE TO MITSOTAKIS' STATEMENTS
The last thing the country needs at this hour is the word of
a Cassandra. Greece prepares to organize impeccable Olympic Games
in 2004. The statement was made by government spokesman Dimitris
Reppas responding to comments by right-wing main opposition party
of New Democracy honorary president Konstantinos Mitsotakis, made
in a talk-show on the Athens television station "Mega", according
to which the 2004 Olympic Games could not be held in Greece.
Mr. Reppas added that the government, the political parties
and the people in Greece deal with the Olympic Games in such a way
that the country will be fully prepared, adding that the 2004
Olympic Games will be impeccable in every sector and not just in
the sector of security.
He also said that terrorism is an international plague and a
global problem, adding that in order to counter terrorism Greece
will observe its legal framework, while it will be in cooperation
with other countries as well.
[12] SIMITIS: THE GOVERNMENT WILL DO ITS BEST TO HOST SUCCESSFUL
OLYMPIC GAMES
The assurance that the government will do its best for
successful Olympic Games that will be upgraded at all levels, was
given today by prime minister Kostas Simitis in the ministerial
committee meeting that dealt mainly with 2004 Olympic Games
security issues after the latest developments that followed the
terrorist attacks on the United States.
Mr. Simitis stated that Greece works for the safety of the
Olympic Games and stressed that there is a security plan. Mr.
Simitis stated that within this framework Greece is in cooperation
with seven very experienced countries and based on the new
situation, this operational plan will be reexamined and improved
until 2004.
The course of Greece's preparations for the 2004 Olympic
Games was discussed in the ministerial committee meeting as in
eight days Greece will be visited by International Olympic
Committee, IOC, president Jacques Rogge and IOC coordinating
committee for Athens president Dennis Oswald.
Undersecretary of press Tilemachos Hitiris stated that the
government is ready for the visit of the IOC delegation to Athens.
[13] REPPAS: NO US REQUEST FOR GREEK PARTICIPATION IN THE ATTACKS
IT WILL LAUNCH
Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stated that the US has
made no special request to Greece, responding to a question on
whether the US government has a made a specific request for Greek
participation in the attacks it will launch.
Mr. Reppas stated that within the framework of international
cooperation Greece participates in the control procedures,
exchange of information and exploitation of the available data in
order to come to a conclusion. He said that cooperation concerns
the exploitation of data on specific individuals who, according to
the United States, are involved in last Tuesday's terrorist
attack.
Mr. Reppas stated that there is no list of suspects but a
continuous flow of information and data that do not concern
individuals with Greek nationality.
He said that every political party in Greece agrees that
terrorism is a plague that has to be countered and everybody knows
what is the country's international position, its contractual
obligations and the legal basis in compliance with which decisions
will be reached.
[14] MARGINAL LOSSES IN THE ASE
Marginal losses were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange
today. The general index dropped to -0.08% at 2.206,24 points,
while the volume of transactions was at 138.6 million Euro.
Of the stocks trading today, 292 recorded gains and 50 had
losses, while the value of 36 stocks remained stable.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
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