Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 00-06-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] NATO MILITARY EXERCISE BEGINS IN ALBANIA

[02] PRODI:GREECE HAS NOTHING TO FEAR

[03] COMMUNIST PARTY MEETING CONTINUES

[04] DEFENSE UNDERSECRETARY IN KOREA

[05] STEPHANOPOULOS TO VISIT MOSCOW TOMORROW

[06] EMBASSY SECURITY GUARD OUT OF DANGER

[01] NATO MILITARY EXERCISE BEGINS IN ALBANIA

The "Comparative Dragon" military exercise began in Albania's capital today, following an official commencement ceremony held in the country's Military Academy.

Rejep Meidani, Albania's President, Ilir Meta, Prime Minister, representatives of the Albanian government, political party leaders and Tamer Ak Bas, manager of NATO's North East European land force, were all present at the ceremony.

During his speech, the Albanian President stated that the military exercise constitutes the most important event of the year for the country's army, pointing out that it has offered Albania the opportunity to swap experiences with the other countries participating in the event. Mr Meidani added that he sees the exercise as "a chance for mutual cooperation as a unified team."

General Ak Bas commended Albania for her support in organizing the "Comparative Dragon 2000" event, adding that is has provided yet another opportunity for Albania to strengthen her relations with other countries.

14 country-members of NATO and of the "Cooperating for Peace" program are taking part in the event.

[02] PRODI:GREECE HAS NOTHING TO FEAR

Romani Prodi, EU Chief, yesterday assured his audience at the University of Athens that Greece has nothing to fear as far as the strengthened cooperation within the EU is concerned.

During his speech, the EU President made proposals concerning salary increases, the promotion of structural changes and further emphasized the need to restructure the social security system. He also reiterated the view that European countries are not in danger of losing their national identity by becoming members of the EU.

[03] COMMUNIST PARTY MEETING CONTINUES

The meeting of 62 communist parties currently being held in Athens is continuing today. The Greek Communist Party's General Secretary, Aleka Papariga, reiterated the already expressed decision to fight against monopolization, imperialism and capitalism.

Ms Papariga admitted that a pan-Hellenic alliance upholding these aims cannot have political depth initially as it will include mixed social and political forces and would therefore need constant supervision.

[04] DEFENSE UNDERSECRETARY IN KOREA

Dimitris Apostolakis, Undersecretary of Defense, is currently in Korea for the events being held in honour of the Korean War's 50th anniversary.

Mr Apostolakis is due to meet with his Korean counterpart Yong Ok Park and will visit defense industrial sites and military bases.

Military relations between Greece and Korea are considerably low key and an advance in the technology being made by the latter has refueled efforts to strengthen relations between the two.

[05] STEPHANOPOULOS TO VISIT MOSCOW TOMORROW

Kostis Stephanopoulos, President of the Hellenic Republic, is due to depart on a four day trip to Moscow tomorrow.

The Greek President will meet with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin before meeting the country's political leaders, the Mayors of Moscow and St Petersburg and Russia's military officals.

Mr Stephanopoulos will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs George Papandreou, who is expected to have talks with Igor Ivanof, his Russian counterpart.

[06] EMBASSY SECURITY GUARD OUT OF DANGER

Anthony Dayford, the 61 year old British Embassy security guard who unsuccessfully attempted to commit suicide is today recovering in a hospital in Athens and is out of danger.

In a letter containing his "last words", Mr Dayford stated that he could not bear to live with the knowledge that he might have saved Brigadier Stephen Saunders who was murdered by the 17th November terrorist group.

Mr Dayford had previously made a statement claiming he had seen two suspicious looking men following the late Mr Saunders on a motorcycle a few days before he was killed.

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