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Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 00-04-12

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

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


CONTENTS

  • [01] BASKETBALL: GREECES AEK WINS SAPORTA CUP
  • [02] PREMIER TO ANNOUNCE NEW GOVERNMENT SOON
  • [03] GOVERNMENT OF EXPERIENCE AND RENEWAL
  • [04] NEW DEMOCRACY CONSIDERS THE OPPOSITION TACTIC IT WILL FOLLOW
  • [05] EVENTS IN HONOR OF HAROLD PINTER IN THESSALONIKI
  • [06] LOSSES OF 0.78% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
  • [07] BUSINESS MISSION TO PRUSA, TURKEY
  • [08] BURNS: THE GREEK-US RELATIONS ARE STRONG
  • [09] ELEVEN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GREEK ECONOMY
  • [10] NATO TROOPS COMPLETE DEPARTURE FROM LITOCHORO
  • [11] CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE EXPERTS VISIT GREECE
  • [12] ALEXANDROS MALLIAS: RELATIONS WITH ALBANIA ARE AT A VERY GOOD LEVEL
  • [13] TURKEYS PM CONGRATULATES GREEK COUNTERPART
  • [14] GREEK-AMERICAN HISTORIAN COMMENDED BY CLINTON
  • [15] GREEK PIANIST SGOUROS TO PERFORM IN CARNEGIE HALL

  • [01] BASKETBALL: GREECES AEK WINS SAPORTA CUP

    Thessaloniki, 12 April 2000 (11:31 UTC+2)

    Thirty-two years after winning the European Cupholders Cup in Athens, Greece's AEK returned to seize the same title, now known as Saporta.

    AEK beat Kinder Bologna 83-76 in Lauzanne last night, the second victory in ten days after winning the Greek Cup in Thessaloniki.

    A.F.

    [02] PREMIER TO ANNOUNCE NEW GOVERNMENT SOON

    Athens, 12 April 2000 (12:40 UTC+2)

    Following successive rounds of contacts with PASOK party officials, Prime Minister-elect Costas Simitis is expected to announce the new government's composition either today or tomorrow.

    Mr. Simitis met with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and ex-interior minister Vasso Papandreou.

    After a one-hour meeting with the Premier yesterday, Mr. Papantoniou stated that they discussed the course of negotiations for Greece's inclusion into the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

    A.F.

    [03] GOVERNMENT OF EXPERIENCE AND RENEWAL

    Athens, 12 April 2000 (21:00 UTC+2)

    Prime Minister-elect Costas Simitis has just announced the members of his new cabinet, one of "experience and renewal" as he characterized it.

    As acting Press Minister Argyris Fatouros stated, the new cabinet will contain many new faces, although the ministries of the Interior, National Defense, Foreign Affairs and National Economy will continue to be headed by Vaso Papandreou, Akis Tsochatzopoulos, George Papandreou and Yiannos Papantoniou.

    The new Cabinet, as formed by Prime Minister-elect Costas Simitis includes new

    ministers and undersecretaries, while some portfolios merely changed hands.

    George Papandreou has retained the Foreign Affairs Ministry, while Akis

    Tsohatzopoulos and Vasso Papandreou remained at the Ministries of National

    Defense and Development, respectively.

    According to the announcement, PASOK will support Apostolos Kaklamanis for a fresh four-year term as Parliament President. The new cabinet is to be

    sworn-in tomorrow morning before the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis

    Stephanopoulos.

    The new cabinet is as follows:

    Prime Minister: Costas Simitis

    Interior, Public Administration and Decentralisation Minister: Vasso

    Papandreou

    Undersecretaries:Constantinos Kaiserlis and Leonidas Tzanis

    National Defence Minister: Akis Tsohatzopoulos

    Undersecretary: Dimitris Apostolakis

    Foreign Minister: George Papandreou

    Alternate Foreign Minister: Elizabeth Papazoi

    Undersecretary: Aggeliki Laiou

    National Economy Minister: Yiannos Papantoniou

    Undersecretaries: Christos Pachtas and Yiannis Zafiropoulos

    Finance Minister: Yiannos Papantoniou

    Undersecretaries: George Drys and Apostolos Fotiades

    Development Minister: Nikos Chrstodoulakis

    Undersecretaries: Alexandros Kalafatis and Milena Apostolaki

    Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister: Costas Laliotis

    Undersecretaries: Elias Efthimopoulos and Athanasios Alevras

    Education and Religious Affairs Minister: Petros Efthimiou

    Undersecretary: Philippos Petsalnikos

    Agriculture Minister: George Anomeritis

    Undersecretaries: Evangelos Argyris and Fotis Hatzimihalis

    Labour and Social Security Minister: Anastasios Yianitsis

    Undersecretaries: Christos Protopappas and Nikos Farmakis

    Health and Welfare Minister: Alexandros Papadopoulos

    Undersecretaries: Dimitrios Thanos and Christina Spyraki

    Justice Minister: Michalis Stathopoulos

    Culture Minister: Theodoros Pangalos

    Undersecretary (Sports): George Florides

    Merchant Marine Minister: Christos Papoutsis

    Public Order Minister: Michalis Chrysochoides

    Macedonia-Thrace Minister: George Paschalides

    Aegean Minister: Nikos Sifounakis

    Transport and Communications Minister: Christos Verelis

    Undersecretary: Alexandros Voulgaris

    Press and Media Minister: Dimitris Reppas

    Undersecretary: Tilemachos Hytiris

    State Minister: Miltiades Papaioannou.

    A.F.

    [04] NEW DEMOCRACY CONSIDERS THE OPPOSITION TACTIC IT WILL FOLLOW

    Athens, 12 April 2000 (18:13 UTC+2)

    The leadership of the conservative party of New Democracy considers the direction of the opposition tactic it will follow. Specifically, the issues that will be discussed by its leading members concern organizing matters and the time of the party congress.

    Party leader Kostas Karamanlis met this morning with former party leader Miltiadis Evert and parliament deputies elected for the first time.

    Mr. Evert stated that the opposition that will be exercised by New Democracy will be creative and for the benefit of the Greek people.

    New Democracy spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos stated that the Greek people accepted the political message of New Democracy which is a message of consensus and communication among the political forces and expressed the hope that PASOK will seek a fruitful cooperation with New Democracy in the major issues concerning the country.

    Meanwhile, the Communist Party reconsiders its tactics and the Coalition of Left political secretariat meets today, while tomorrow a meeting will be held by the political secretariat of the Democratic Social Movement to consider the course of the party after its failure to win any seats in the new parliament.

    [05] EVENTS IN HONOR OF HAROLD PINTER IN THESSALONIKI

    Thessaloniki, 12 April 2000 (17:37 UTC+2)

    The events in honor of famous British playwright Harold Pinter will get underway in Thessaloniki tomorrow, while himself will be in the city on April 17 and 18 for the ceremony in which he will be declared honorary professor in Aristotle University of Thessaloniki literature department.

    On the occasion of the ceremony, in which Mr. Pinter will be declared honorary professor, Thessaloniki's Aristotle University in cooperation with the Municipality of Thessaloniki, the State Theater of Northern Greece and Thessaloniki's Film Festival will organize a number of events in his honor.

    [06] LOSSES OF 0.78% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

    Athens, 12 April 2000 (17:37 UTC+2)

    The Athens Stock Exchange recorded losses of 0.78% and closed at 4.877,91 points today, while the volume of transactions was 134 billion drachmas.

    The majority of investors await for the presentation of the program of the new government, while they want to see who will be the members of its economic staff. There are different scenarios on who will make up the new cabinet and according to information, the list with the names of the new ministers will be out later this afternoon.

    [07] BUSINESS MISSION TO PRUSA, TURKEY

    Thessaloniki, 12 April 2000 (17:37 UTC+2)

    A business mission to Prusa, Turkey is organized by Thessaloniki's Trade and Industry Chamber to take place on May 26-June 5.

    The goal of the mission is to have contacts with Turkish businessmen from different sectors and in general to contribute to the expansion of the Turkish market, as well as to trace and exploit investment opportunities.

    [08] BURNS: THE GREEK-US RELATIONS ARE STRONG

    Athens, 12 April 2000 (17:28 UTC+2)

    US ambassador Nicholas Burns characterized as strong the relations between Greece and the United States in an interview with the Athens newspaper "Imerisia".

    Mr. Burns pointed out that in the past few years the United States are in cooperation with prime minister Kostas Simitis, foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou and minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos.

    Speaking on the issue of the Balkans, Mr. Burns underlined that 10 years ago the two countries had different views concerning the development of the region but today they share the same views on the issue and they cooperate at a political and economic level, pointing out that this is very positive as the US belief is that Greece will play a significant role in the Balkans.

    Meanwhile, the course of the Greek economy was also a basic factor that contributed to the improvement of relations between the two countries. Mr. Burns stated that through the reforms that took place in the Greek economy in the past 4-5 years and through the efforts made by the government, Greece is now able to attract US businesses that will see the country as an investment opportunity.

    He also said that positive developments toward the direction of trade cooperation will be created by the low inflation, the privatization process and Greece's participation in the EMU.

    Referring to US president Clinton's visit to Greece, Mr. Burns stated that in spite of the protests and the tough criticism exerted on the US president and the United States the visit was positive and successful as US president Clinton had meaningful talks with Mr. Simitis.

    [09] ELEVEN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GREEK ECONOMY

    Thessaloniki, 12 April 2000 (13:32 UTC+2)

    The European Commission has published a report on the course of Greece's economy, pointing out eleven recommendations that focus mostly on reducing the state deficit, structurally reforming the social security system, improving flexibility in the labor market and expediting the privatization process.

    The Commission's 11 recommendations are part of its 2000 economic policy guidelines for its member states. They are as follows:

    1. Expedite reduction of public deficit and tighter fiscal policy in the event of inflationary pressures next year.

    2. Control state expenditure in order to reduce primary deficit.

    3. Reform social security system and improve management of the sector's organizations.

    4. Accelerate privatizations.

    5. Improve legislation through the inclusion of domestic market regulations.

    6. Accelerate the liberalization process in the telecommunications and energy sectors.

    7. Initiate measures to promote innovative business

    8. Initiate measures to promote research and development projects.

    9. Focus on the young and adult jobless and reforming the training and education systems.

    10. Enforce resolutions pertaining to part-time employment improve labor market flexibility.

    11. Review wage negotiation systems, in line with productivity.

    A.F.

    [10] NATO TROOPS COMPLETE DEPARTURE FROM LITOCHORO

    Thessaloniki, 12 April 2000 (13:32 UTC+2)

    The last of a convoy of NATO troops participating in the "Dynamic Response" military exercise departed from Litochoro, northern Greece, early this morning, after Communist Party supporters had tried yesterday to disrupt their transport.

    According to NATO sources and officials from the General Staff of National Defense, over 700 soldiers crossed the Greek-Yugoslavian borders during the past two days and drove to Litochoro where they were transported by hovercraft to three ships waiting offshore.

    Meanwhile, one of the demonstrators, Litochoro city councilman Zaharias Karakitsos, continues to be hospitalized under guard after he was injured during a scuffle with the police yesterday. He will be charged with attempted murder and resisting arrest.

    A.F.

    [11] CALIFORNIA EARTHQUAKE EXPERTS VISIT GREECE

    Athens, 12 April 2000 (13:08 UTC+2)

    A three-member delegation from the State of California Seismic Safety Commission, conducted a four-day visit to Greece in late March, the U.S. Embassy in Athens announced yesterday.

    The visit by the three commission members came as a continuation of California Governor Gray Davis' visit to Greece last fall, during which he met with earthquake readiness officials, and visited the seismic lab of the National Technical University and quake-damaged areas.

    The Seismic Safety Commission had an opportunity to work with Greek officials on points and language that may be included in a future memorandum of understanding between the state of California and Greece regarding disaster preparedness.

    Each side appears to be able to assist the other in areas such as structural protection and public education, as well as earthquake forecasting, response and recovery.

    A.F.

    [12] ALEXANDROS MALLIAS: RELATIONS WITH ALBANIA ARE AT A VERY GOOD LEVEL

    Tirana, 12 April 2000 (17:37 UTC+2)

    The Greek-Albanian relations are at a very good level, a fact that is confirmed by the regular meetings of Greek prime minister Kostas Simitis with Albanian prime minister Ilir Meta and foreign ministers Giorgos Papandreou and Paskal Milo, underlined Greek ambassador Alexandros Mallias in an interview with the Albanian state television.

    Mr. Mallias pointed out that Greece in the Brussels conference on the Stability Pact backed the Albanian delegation regarding the promotion of the road axis No8 in spite of the fact that it does not passes through Greece. All the European road axis are complementary and not antagonistic and they will create better conditions for the future of south-eastern Europe, stated Mr. Mallias.

    The Greek ambassador referred to Greece's decision to put into effect the bilateral agreement on seasonal employment which will assist in the systematic employment of the Albanian work force, while he also referred to the recent increased interest by Greek businessmen to invest in Albania.

    [13] TURKEYS PM CONGRATULATES GREEK COUNTERPART

    Ankara, 12 April 2000 (12:40 UTC+2)

    Turkey's Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit congratulated Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis yesterday on his re-election, stressing that Turkey was ready to work to further improve ties with Greece.

    "I want to present my sincere congratulations for your re-appointment as the Greek Prime Minister and for the success your party has shown in the general elections," Mr. Ecevit said in his message, adding that "I want to confirm that the Turkish government is ready to take further steps through joint efforts in order to put relations between our countries on a better level."

    Turkey's outgoing President Suleyman Demirel sent a similar message to the Greek Premier.

    A.F.

    [14] GREEK-AMERICAN HISTORIAN COMMENDED BY CLINTON

    New York, 12 April 2000 (14:02 UTC+2)

    A Greek American historian's (Constantinos Hatzidimitriou, PhD) contribution to the book "Founded on Freedom and Virtue: Documents Illustrating Support for Greek War of Independence, 1821-1829" has earned him the personal congratulations of United States President Bill Clinton who stated that he had a chance to review the work prior to his visit to Greece in November.

    In his letter to Dr. Hatzidimitriou, President Clinton stated that the said book was of great help to him and added that he quoted certain sections in two of his speeches.

    Most importantly, the US President wrote that the reading piqued his interest and he now wants to learn more about the historical ties that bind Greece and the US.

    A 440-page publication, the book is an anthology of documents dating between 1821-1829 (period of the Greek War of Independence) and illustrates the supportive stance of the United States towards Greece at that time. As the book attests, the majority of the US Presidents contributed to the Greek people's struggle for their freedom.

    Namely, presidents Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809), James Madison (1809-1817), James Monroe (1817-1825), John Quincy Adams (1825-1829), along with political leaders Daniel Webster, Henry Clay and Sam Houston, made statements supporting the Greek Revolution, while simple Americans supported the Greek struggle with every means, even by fighting on their side.

    The book is to be published in mid-May and, according to US Senator Paul Sarbanes, it is expected to become a point of reference on the ideological proximity between Greece and the United States. A.F.

    [15] GREEK PIANIST SGOUROS TO PERFORM IN CARNEGIE HALL

    New York, 12 April 2000 (13:55 UTC+2)

    World renowned Greek pianist Dimitris Sgouros will perform a recital in Carnegie Hall, New York, on April 14.

    The famous pianist returns to Carnegie Hall twelve years after his debut there, at the side of Matislav Rostopivic and the National Symphony Orchestra of the United States.

    Mr. Sgouros will perform works by Shubert (Impromptu in B-flat major, Op. 142, No.3), Schumann (Fantasie in C major, Op. 17) and Brahms (Sonata in F minor, Op. 5, No. 3).

    A.F.


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