Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 00-08-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] THESSALONIKI HOSTS S.E. EUROPES DEFENSE MINISTERS

[02] THESSALONIKIS "DIMITRIA" EXPECTED TO BE GRAND

[03] 2004 OLYMPIC FLAME TO PASS THROUGH BALKANS

[04] 7 GREEKS NABBED IN VENEZUELAS HUGE RUG BUST

[05] C/TEE ON REVISING CONSTITUTION MEETS THIS WEEK

[06] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER ADDRESSES ESP PRESIDIUM

[07] FUEL PRICES EXPECTED TO RISE THIS WEEK

[08] PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC TO TOUR PELOPONNESE

[09] US CULTURE, ART, LIFESTYLE SHOWCASED AT TIF 2000

[10] GREEK PARLIAMENT SPEAKER IN N.Y. FOR UN SUMMIT

[01] THESSALONIKI HOSTS S.E. EUROPES DEFENSE MINISTERS

Defense ministers from countries of the southeastern European region are to hold their fourth annual meeting in Thessaloniki on October 9, in a conference to be presided by Greece's Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos.

Preparations are presently underway for the conference which will tackle issues pertaining to the operational readiness of the multinational brigade of southeastern Europe and its imminent exercises, such as Bulgaria's Seven Star 2000 and Albania's Cornerstone 2001.

The countries participating in this multinational force are Albania, Bulgaria, FYROM, Greece, Italy, Romania and Turkey, while Slovenia and the United States hold observer status.

A.F.

[02] THESSALONIKIS "DIMITRIA" EXPECTED TO BE GRAND

Thessaloniki's annual Dimitria festival, to be formally inaugurated on September 13, is expected to be a spectacular event that will feature the participation of world-renowned Greek and foreign artists.

The Municipality's Symphonic Orchestra is to formally open the festival, while Sophocles Oedipus Rex will be performed at the forest Theater on September 6 and 7.

Other events include concerts by Greece's George Dalaras, Spain's Paco Pena and dance performances by Esthonia Ballet and the University Ballet.

A.F.

[03] 2004 OLYMPIC FLAME TO PASS THROUGH BALKANS

A memorandum calling for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games flame passage through the neighboring Balkan countries was signed today by the Ministers of Culture and Athletics of Albania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, FYROM and Greece, within the framework of the Prespes 2000 festival in Florina.

Macedonia and Thrace Minister George Paschalidis officially opened the events on the island of Agios Achileios, where Environment, City Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis recently inaugurated a pedestrian bridge connecting the Koula checkpoint to the island of Agios Achilleios.

Culture Minister and Deputy Sports Minister Theodoros Pangalos and Giorgos Floridis, respectively, held separate meetings with their counterparts from Balkan states today, while, later int he day, Mr. Pangalos inaugurated the "Prespa Library" at Agios Germanos.

Mr.Pangalos stated that this marks a significant moment for the region's peoples, those who fervently wish for peace and cooperation. He further stated that the memorandum for the Olympic flame represents this very spirit.

Moreover, the Balkan Culture ministers agreed to meet one year from now, very likely in northern Greece.

The Prespes festival featured concerts by Socratis Malamas, Dimitris Mitropanos, Maria Farantouri, Elli Paspalia, Savina Giannatou, the Florina-born tenor Sotos Papoulkas and gypsy Ferush Mustamov, and a Bulgarian poetry night held tomorrow.

A.F.

[04] 7 GREEKS NABBED IN VENEZUELAS HUGE RUG BUST

Seven Greeks, among them shipowners and businessmen, have been arrested in connection with a Venezuelan drug bust, the largest in the South American nation's history, all of whom will appear before an Athens prosecutor tomorrow.

The Greeks have been identified as shipowner Philippos Makris, 42, businessmen Ioannis Lemos, 52, and Angelos Kanakis, 52, shipping agents Theodoros Fatsis and Nikos Mavridoglou, 54, and merchant marine captain Constantine Athanasios. Shipowner Ilias Lemos, 53, was arrested and detained in France.

Six of the Greek suspects were employees or associates of the Kalisti Maritime shipping company based in the port of Piraeus.

The eight-months-long international operation, which resulted in the seizing of a record ten tons of cocaine, resulted in 16 arrests in Venezuela, France, Italy and Greece.

The operation began as separate investigations by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration office in Athens, Greece, the Customs office in Houston and other agencies. The investigations were eventually united and coordinated by the U.S. Justice Department.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration helped finance the raids, and Colombia, France, Britain, Italy, Greece and Panama also collaborated.

A.F.

[05] C/TEE ON REVISING CONSTITUTION MEETS THIS WEEK

A cross-parliamentary committee on revising the Constitution will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, August 30, while the committee's chair and party spokespeople will first discuss the issues related to the revision process and its progress.

By the final deadline of October 15, the committee will present its conclusions to the Plenary, which will devote the rest of the parliamentary session - if necessary - at least until Easter or even later in 2001, to complete the process of revising the Constitution, according to Parliament speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis.

A.F.

[06] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER ADDRESSES ESP PRESIDIUM

Greece's Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos addressed the European Socialist Party's (ESP) plenary session in Dublin yesterday, where he delivered a speech on Europe's security structure.

The session addressed issues such as the European Union's common foreign policy, its expansion and the developments in the Balkan region.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that the eastern Mediterranean region is becoming one of the increasingly important barometers in international politics, and there is a clear shift in the center of gravity of European external policy from central to southeastern Europe.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos said that the top challenges faced by Europe during this decade will be the European Union's enlargement eastwards and whether a strong relation with Moscow could substitute for the need for U.S. support in providing a balance with Russia.

A.F.

[07] FUEL PRICES EXPECTED TO RISE THIS WEEK

Fuel prices are to rise this week, effective on Thursday, in line with indicative retail prices released by the development ministry.

The ministry of development said on Wednesday that petrol would rise by 0.5 drachmas per liter, diesel by 5 drachmas per liter and heating oil by 2.6 drachmas per liter, due to changes in world crude oil prices.

Retail prices for unleaded petrol will be around 248.9 drachmas per liter, and for super petrol about 265.5 drachmas per liter.

A.F.

[08] PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC TO TOUR PELOPONNESE

The President of the Hellenic Republic Costis Stephanopoulos is scheduled to visit the towns of Astros and Leonidio in the Peloponnese prefecture of Arcadia on August 30 where he will attend ceremonies held in his honor.

During his stay, President Stephanopoulos is to be proclaimed an honorary citizen. He is also scheduled to visit the town of Gythio in the Peloponnese prefecture of Laconia.

A.F.

[09] US CULTURE, ART, LIFESTYLE SHOWCASED AT TIF 2000

The United States will be the honored country at this year's Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), which opens next week, through a series of art exhibitions, musical events and lectures.

The 11 US-related event programs include:

· Figment: The life and Work of Andy Warhol

An exhibition of works by the well-known pop artist organized by the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh in cooperation with the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art and the municipality of Thessaloniki. Aug. 22 through Sept. 19.

· The "Baseball and Softball Experience"

A daily baseball demonstration that will introduce children and young people to America's favorite pastime, and a new Olympic sport. At Helexpo's YMCA gate, Sept. 2-10.

· Warner Bros. Characters

Well-known animated Warner Bros. Characters (Tweety, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and the Tasmanian Devil) "jump to life" on Thessaloniki's streets and on TIF's fairgrounds.

· Celebration of American Cuisine

Festival of American Regional Cuisine at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, prepared by a leading US chef every night during the fair. Sept. 2-10.

· "Modern Odysseys: Greek-American Artists of the 20th Century"

An exhibition of works by several noted American artists. Organized under the auspices of the Greek culture ministry and the State Museum of Contemporary Art, in cooperation with the World Council of Hellenes Abroad, the Queens Museum of Art and the I.F. Kostopoulos Foundation. Lazariston Monastery, Stavroupoli municipality of Thessaloniki, Sept. 3 through December 2000.

· Dixieland Band

Popular southern jazz performed by the 11-member Dixieland Band from Corinth. On the Helexpo's grounds in front of the indoor sports arena, Sept. 5-6 after 9 p.m.

· American Line and Square Dancing

Traditional line and square dancing by American Farm School students. On the Helexpo's grounds in front of the indoor sports arena, Sept. 5-6 after 9 p.m.

· Concerts with performer Yvette Jarvis

Soul, disco, Latin, and gospel hits with Greece-based performer Yvette Jarvis and the nine-member band "Grupo Candela". On the Helexpo's grounds in front of the indoor sports arena, Sept. 8-10 after 9 p.m.

· "20th Century American Film: Milestones of a Legendary Dream"

Fifteen classic American films screened in cooperation with the Thessaloniki Film Festival at the Olympion movie theatre on Aristotelous square, Sept. 8-21. Screenings start at 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily. Admission to opening night is by invitation only.

· The Sixth Fleet Band

The 25-member band of the Sixth Fleet will bring its "Big Band" sound to Thessaloniki on Sept. 8-9. On the Helexpo's grounds in front of the indoor sports arena at 7 p.m.

· The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band

The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band from New York City will perform at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 9 p.m.

A.F.

[10] GREEK PARLIAMENT SPEAKER IN N.Y. FOR UN SUMMIT

The Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis will depart for New York tomorrow in order to attend the first world summit of Parliament presidents, which will be held in New York from 30 August through September 1.

The summit will be themed as the Parliamentary Vision for World-Wide Cooperation at the Dawn of the Third Millennium.

UN Secretary General Koffi Annan and various Parliament presidents will address the worldwide conference, which is held under the auspices of the Inter-Parliamentary Association.

In his address, Mr. Kaklamanis is expected to refer to issues pertaining to world peace, security, democracy and respect for human rights.

This is the first time a conference for parliamentary presidents has been held on a global level.

A.F.

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