Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 00-07-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] MEETING IN THE PREFECTURE OF EVROS ON THE FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

[02] TURKEY CANCELED THE INTERNATIONAL TENDER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE

[03] REPPAS: THE FINAL FINDINGS OF THE FALCON FREAK ACCIDENT WILL BE OUT IN

[04] PAPANDREOU-DRASKOVIC MEETING

[05] PASCHALIDIS: THESSALONIKI IS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE EU AND THE BALKANS

[06] LOSSES OF 1.33% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

[07] THE DEAL FOR THE BUYOUT OF AMC BY COSMOTE-TELENOR IS SIGNED TODAY

[08] STEPHANOPOULOS: WE CAN LOOK TO THE FUTURE WITH OPTIMISM

[09] GREEK COMMUNIST PARTY OFFERS MESSAGE FOR RETURN OF DEMOCRACY TO GREECE

[10] THE SMUGGLERS OF WORKS OF ART PASS THROUGH THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES IN

[11] NEW CASE OF CULTURAL HERITAGE DESTRUCTION BROUGHT TO LIGHT BY THE

[12] DENKTASH DOES NOT RULE OUT THE LIKELIHOOD TO RESIGN

[13] KYPRIANOY SENDS MESSAGE TO KAKLAMANIS FOR RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY

[14] DELEGATION FROM SAPES VISITS TURKEY

[15] THE EUROPEANS WANT COMMON CONSTITUTION

[01] MEETING IN THE PREFECTURE OF EVROS ON THE FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

A broad meeting with the participation of specialists from the permanent European Committee will be held in the prefecture of Evros, north-eastern Greece tomorrow, within the framework of the measures taken against the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.

Efforts are being made for a similar meeting to be held in Andrianoupolis, Turkey on Thursday in order for the disease to be handled jointly by the interested regions in Greece and Turkey.

The mass killings of animals in the wider region of Feres in Evros continue and already about 4.000 farm animals have been destroyed.

[02] TURKEY CANCELED THE INTERNATIONAL TENDER FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NUCLEAR PLANT IN AKKUYU

The Turkish government decided to cancel the international tender for the construction of the first nuclear plant in Turkey, according to a statement made by Turkish prime minister Bulent Ecevit.

Citing figures provided by the Turkish Atomic Energy Committee, Mr. Ecevit stated that Turkey's turn toward the nuclear energy is not necessary and is likely to be catastrophic for the country's economy at this time. He said that the specific plan could have a negative effect on the economic stability program and left open the likelihood to use nuclear energy in the future.

Today's announcement did not come as a surprise as the Turkish prime minister had left open the likelihood of such a development in statements he made yesterday. Mr. Ecevit had stated that his government is strongly concerned over the fact that more and more countries turn toward alternative energy sources.

[03] REPPAS: THE FINAL FINDINGS OF THE FALCON FREAK ACCIDENT WILL BE OUT IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS

The final findings of the prosecutor investigation on the causes of the Falcon plane freak accident will be out within the next few days and possibly by the end of the week, stated Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas.

The findings by the Greek prosecutor's office have already been completed and according to press publications, they mention 18 mistakes, three of which were deadly namely, the excessive speed while the plane was in a descending course approaching the Bucharest Airport, the violent movement of the wheel toward the opposite direction and finally, the fact that certain of the passengers were standing up and others were seated without having their seat-belts fastened.

Mr. Reppas stated that the findings of the specialists is part of the legal documents that will be completed when the findings of the Romanian specialists are received.

The freak accident of the Falcon plane, that was usually used by the prime minister, happened on September 14, 1999 and among the dead were deputy foreign minister Yiannos Kranidiotis and his son.

[04] PAPANDREOU-DRASKOVIC MEETING

The constitutional changes that have taken place in Yugoslavia without the legal participation of Montenegro undermine its cohesion. We are witnessing a crisis. This causes skepticism in Greece which has a strong interest in Yugoslavia not just because it is very close to it and the developments have an effect on the Balkan region but because the Greek and the Yugoslav people share a traditional relation.

The above were stated by Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou in the meeting he had with the Serb Democratic Renewal Party leader Vuk Draskovic. The meeting, that lasted over 1,5 hour, was held at the request of the Serb opposition leader who is in Greece on vacation.

The two men discussed the developments in the Balkans and especially in Yugoslavia. Mr. Papandreou promised to Mr. Draskovic that Greece will play a coordinating role for diplomatic action to be undertaken in the European Union and the international organizations in order to overcome the crisis through the adoption of specific measures.

The Greek foreign minister stated that there is constant vigilance regarding Serbia and specific measures are being proposed. He revealed that he had a telephone conversation today with his German counterpart Joshka Fischer and such contacts will be repeated in order to evaluate the situation and examine ways in which it can be handled.

From his side, Mr. Draskovic stated that the situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia is tragic and very dangerous. He said that the government has changed the constitution in an unconstitutional way without the legal presence of Montenegro and without any consent and soon we will face the consequences, while he called for Greece's help for pressures to be exerted on Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic in order to understand that now is the time for democratic changes.

Without the representation of Montenegro the upcoming elections will be pseudo-elections and they will destroy Serbia and the already tired Serb people, stated Mr. Draskovic. He said that Montenegro could declare its independence and in that case Yugoslavia would lose Kosovo, while he called on the international community not to recognize the elections as valid in case they are held under such conditions.

The Serb opposition leader said that he would be satisfied if the elections were held in the same way with 1997 based on which the previous elections were also held.

[05] PASCHALIDIS: THESSALONIKI IS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE EU AND THE BALKANS

The national economy ministry draft bill, providing for the establishment of an office in the ministry of Macedonia-Thrace that will coordinate the materialization of the Greek plan for the reconstruction of the Balkans, will be tabled in parliament in the following days, stated minister of Macedonia-Thrace Mr. Giorgos Paschalidis.

In a joint press conference given in Thessaloniki today by the minister of Macedonia-Thrace and European Reconstruction Agency director Hugues Mingarelli were discussed issues concerning the operation and the activities of the Reconstruction Organization within the efforts for the reconstruction of the Balkans.

Speaking about the Reconstruction Organization that is based in Thessaloniki, Mr. Paschalidis referred to its role which is to back the programs for the reconstruction of Kosovo and pointed out that the Greek government must gradually widen its geographic action, adding that Thessaloniki is the ideal bridge to link the two worlds.

Mr. Paschalidis referred to the Greek Plan for the Reconstruction of the Balkans pointing out that it has a 5year duration and the available resources will be 180 billion drachmas. He also said that the wish of Mr. Mingarelli and the Greek government is for the Organization to have a more political character.

Mr. Paschalidis referred to the problem of bureaucracy characterizing it as a delay causing factor that concerns both Greece and its neighboring countries and concluded that every EU effort will be meaningless if there is no social cohesion or a common foreign policy, adding that Europe can not be united when it has a Balkan "hole".

From his side, Mr. Mingarelli pointed out that the responsibility of the Reconstruction Organization concerns mainly the reconstruction of Kosovo, adding that the goal is for this responsibility to expand to the rest Balkan countries as well.

Furthermore, the director of the Reconstruction Organization pointed out that 70 million Euros have already been invested in Kosovo, while 175 million Euros are going to be invested in the region. He also said that the new EU budget is expected in January 2001, adding that there are indications that it will be increased.

[06] LOSSES OF 1.33% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

Significant losses of 1.33% were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today and the general index was at 3.988,26 points, while the volume of transactions was 52.6 billion drachmas.

Of the stocks trading today 42 recorded gains, 295 had losses and 33 remained unchanged. Stock Exchange circles underline that the continuing losses cause concern and contribute to the creation of negative investment psychology which has mainly a short-term effect on the developments in the stock market.

[07] THE DEAL FOR THE BUYOUT OF AMC BY COSMOTE-TELENOR IS SIGNED TODAY

The deal between the Greek-Norwegian joint venture Cosmote-Telenor and the Albanian Telecommunications Organization for the purchase of the majority package of the mobile phone company Albanian Mobile Communications (AMC) will be signed in Tirana today.

It should be noted that the Greek side will be represented by undersecretary of national economy Yiannis Zafiropoulos. The Greek-Norwegian joint venture had made an offer of US$ 85.6 million.

[08] STEPHANOPOULOS: WE CAN LOOK TO THE FUTURE WITH OPTIMISM

Kostis Stephanopoulos, President of the Republic, today spoke about the true meaning of today's anniversary celebrating the restoration of democracy to Greece, at the reception held in the Presidential gardens, for the political and state leaders of Greece.

The President of the Republic stated that the Greek nation is prospering and can look to the future optimistically.

"The celebration of our democracy reminds us of the uniqueness of our constitution. It is the only constitution which becomes free people, it is the only constitution which regulates the relations between the state and the people as much as possible", stated Mr Stephanopoulos, adding that:

"It is my belief that the Republic we have achieved deserves a reception such as this. The Greek nation is prospering thanks to its efforts, and is reaching out to other developed countries in Europe. Despite existing difficulties and the delays, I believe that we can look to the future with optimism, that is to say that we can continue to protecting our country against any threat, to carefully maintain our principles, develop our technology, work together conscientiously and protect our unity.

Our thoughts are with Cyprus during this time, which is currently fighting for its redemption. Greece is trying to contribute as much as possible, but it is Turkey's wish to work towards settling the problem that is currently being tested. I hope that an acceptable solution is found".

[09] GREEK COMMUNIST PARTY OFFERS MESSAGE FOR RETURN OF DEMOCRACY TO GREECE

"Pressure, terrorism and secular mobilisation are no longer enforced using tanks, but by diverse - formal and informal - mechanisms of today's hypocritical civil parliamentary democracy", maintains the Greek Communist Party in its message for today's 26th anniversary celebrating the restoration of democracy in Greece.

The message goes on to say that "the quality of democracy is decided by the presence and intimidating policies exercised by NATO, the USA and the EE, in the Balkans and surrounding region, by the removal of worker's achievements, even by the abolition of the most essential democratic freedoms and rights in the work place, the increase of employment and the freezing of salaries and pensions to the point of starvation".

In concluding its message, the Greek Communist Party underlines its need for the "constitution of an anti-imperialistic, anti-monopolistic democratic front, which will pave the way for true people's power and sovereignty, which our country needs urgently".

[10] THE SMUGGLERS OF WORKS OF ART PASS THROUGH THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES IN CYPRUS

The British newspaper "The London Times" writes that the Turkish occupied territories in Cyprus are the favorite passage of the smugglers of works of art. The newspaper mentions that a stolen Koran dated back to the 11th century was about to be taken to London for sale through the Turkish occupied territories in Cyprus.

According to the newspaper report, the gold embroidered manuscript had been stolen from Istanbul's Top Kapi Palace Museum last year and had been taken to the occupied territories in Cyprus from where the smugglers had contacted London's Cristie's Auction House to ask if it was interested in buying the Koran in question.

[11] NEW CASE OF CULTURAL HERITAGE DESTRUCTION BROUGHT TO LIGHT BY THE METROPOLITE OF KERINIA

Metropolite Pavlos of Kerinia, in the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus, in a letter to the representatives of the international community accuses the Denktash regime of a new case of cultural heritage destruction with the transformation of the St. Anastasia Church in Lapithos into a hotel.

According to a statement by the Holy Metropolis of Kirinia, the letter has been addressed to the ambassadors of the five permanent UN Security Council member-states, the secretary-generals of the UN, UNESCO and the Council of Europe and the speakers of the US Senate and House of Representatives.

Metropolite Pavlos points out that the church and the buildings around it have been turned into a hotel because the powerful of the earth have not taken effective measures yet in order to stop Denktash's continuing illegal interventions in the Orthodox Christian monuments that are under occupation.

[12] DENKTASH DOES NOT RULE OUT THE LIKELIHOOD TO RESIGN

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash does not rule out the likelihood to resign in statements he made after yesterday's incidents in the so-called "parliament" in the occupied part of northern Cyprus.

Turkish Cypriot analysts believe however, that yesterday's statements by Mr. Denktash do not constitute an honest intention to leave the leadership of the occupied territories but are an effort to get rid of the government of "prime minister" Dervis Eroglu, who is his main political rival.

[13] KYPRIANOY SENDS MESSAGE TO KAKLAMANIS FOR RESTORATION OF DEMOCRACY ANNIVERSARY

Spyros Kyprianou, President of the Cypriot Parliament conveyed the message sent to his Greek counterpart Apostolos Kaklamanis, that whilst Greece is celebrating the 26th celebration of the restoration of democracy, his country is entering the 26th year since the tragedy that provoked the betrayal of the Athenian junta, without yet having paved a positive road to an acceptable settlement of the Cyprus issue.

As Mr Kyprianou mentions, he believes that the efforts made by all will continue to be relentless and strong, for the restoration of the international currency in Cyprus and of the right of the Cypriot people.

[14] DELEGATION FROM SAPES VISITS TURKEY

The mayor of the Greek town Sapes, Dinos Charitopoulos and members of the municipal board visited the Turkish municipality of Ainos (Enez), for the three day cultural event that was organised in the region, in which representatives of Balkan countries participated.

Mr Charitopoulos and members of the Greek delegation held talks with the Turkish minister of Environment, Fevzi Aytekin and other officials, to discuss common interests and, more specifically, initiatives being made recently for the strengthening of friendship and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.

The Turkish minister expressed his satisfaction with the enactment of the "Municipality Network of Western and Eastern Thrace", further suggesting that it constitutes yet another positive step towards achieving progress in Greek-Turkish relations. Mr Aytekin also committed himself to contributing to the resolution of problems currently facing the development of tourism and the creation of a customs house at Ainos (Enez).

[15] THE EUROPEANS WANT COMMON CONSTITUTION

The overwhelming majority of the Europeans, except from the British, are in favor of the prospect of a European constitution.

According to a Euro-barometer opinion poll conducted in the period April-May 2000, 88% of the Dutch back a common constitution followed by the Italians and the Greeks with 82%. In Greece, 75% of those questioned responded that the country benefited from the EU accession and 69% are in favor of the Euro.

On the foreign policy and the policy of security and defense 76% of the Greeks are in favor, while 53% believe that the priority of the EU is its enlargement.

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