Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 00-09-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] BoG GOVERNOR AFFIRMS DRACHMAS PARITY COURSE

[02] TANK TRUCK OWNERS GO ON INDEFINITE STRIKE

[03] MPA PUBLISHED A GUIDE ON BALKAN, BLACK SEA AND EASTERN EUROPEAN

[04] MARGINAL GAINS OF 0.05% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

[05] GREEK TRUCK DRIVERS CLASHED WITH AN ALBANIAN COLLEAGUE

[06] ASSOCIATION OF BALKAN WATER SUPPLY-DRAINAGE COMPANIES

[07] REPPAS: THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTS THE FINAL ELECTION RESULTS IN YUGOSLAVIA

[08] THE GREEK DEMONSTRATORS WERE NOT STOPPED BY THE CZECH AUTHORITIES

[09] MINISTERS MEET ON CULTURAL POLICY IN SANTORINI

[10] DRAFT BILL SUBMITTED ON REMOVAL OF SHIPWRECKS

[11] DEVELOPMENT MINISTER ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO FYROM

[12] THESSALONIKI, ARMENIAN CITY: FRIENDSHIP ACCORD

[13] F.R.Y. ELECTIONS: HORIZON STILL UNCLEAR OVER WIN

[14] THE GREATNESS OF THE GREEK SPIRIT IS DISPLAYED IN AN EXHIBITION OF

[15] UNDERWATER ANTIQUITIES IN ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT WILL BE OPEN TO VISITORS

[16] THANOS RANKED FOURTH IN THE GRECO-ROMAN WRESTLING

[17] ANGELOPOULOU: JOINT EFFORT IS NEEDED FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE ATHENS

[18] US EMERGENCY RESERVES RELEASED TO CUT OIL PRICE

[01] BoG GOVERNOR AFFIRMS DRACHMAS PARITY COURSE

The governor of the Bank of Greece (BoG) Lukas Papademos has stated that the national currency's (drachma) parity with the central euro zone could be adjusted earlier than December, when it was originally planned. The present variation is a mere .3 percentage points, therefore, any whatsoever adjustment will be trouble-free.

Addressing reporters on the sidelines of an International Monetary Fund and World Bank conference in Prague, Mr. Papademos announced that he is monitoring medium-term price movements in world oil prices to determine the impact of hikes on Greece's economy.

Moreover, he stated that if the price of oil per barrel settles at 25-28 dollars per barrel in the mid-term, then the impact would not be discernible on the economy.

A.F.

[02] TANK TRUCK OWNERS GO ON INDEFINITE STRIKE

An indefinite strike declared yesterday by tanker truck owners has yet to affect supplies to key industries or services, according to Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, although gas station owners have warned that they have fuel only for the next four days.

Joining Europe's wave of strike action sparked by high oil prices, the tank truck owners and the truckers' union demand lower fuel taxes and the reversal of a government decision to deregulate the tanker truck sector, claiming that this will open the gates of competition, which means lower prices and improved services.

The strike could seriously disrupt transport and other services in scenes resembling protests in northern Europe earlier this month.

The president of the truckers' union George Tsamos stated today that the drivers intend to blockade the entrance and exit gates of oil refineries.

Meanwhile, in spite of yesterday's "breather", where oil dropped to 30 dollars per barrel, concerns are mounting over inflationary pressures.

Undersecretary of Development Milena Apostolaki is to meet with sector representatives today in an effort to reach a gentlemen's agreement on containing oil prices.

Moreover, Mr. Christodoulakis is to meet with officials from the country's oil companies and refineries where he is expected to ask that they continue to "freeze" prices for another week, or else he will impose a ceiling.

A.F.

[03] MPA PUBLISHED A GUIDE ON BALKAN, BLACK SEA AND EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

The guide under the title "The Balkans, Black Sea countries, Eastern Europe" published by Macedonian Press Agency will be out in a CD-Rom form next year. The guide's presentation was held in Thessaloniki's "Ianos" bookstore today by minister of Macedonia-Thrace Giorgos Paschalidis, MPA general director Spiros Kouzinopoulos, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Law School professor Pavlos Petridis, Inter-Balkan and Black Sea Business Center representative Pantelis Manis and publisher Nikos Karatzas.

For a second year in a row, "Ianos" publications in cooperation with Macedonian Press Agency have published a condensed yet detailed guide on the not so widely known countries of the Balkan region and the central and eastern Europe. It includes geographic and historic information on each country, as well as information on international conflicts in the region, the political systems, the politicians, their defense situation, their diplomatic representation, information on the state of their economy and telephone numbers of businessmen.

The guide is prefaced by minister Paschalidis, Mr. Kouzinopoulos and Mr. Petridis. The editing was made by historian Vlasis Vlasidis, while the chapters on defense were written by journalist Nikos Hatzis.

Minister Paschalidis stated in the presentation that the guide is very useful, pointing out that all the peoples in the region need more information in order to know their neighbors better and develop a better cooperation. He also stated that the ministry of Macedonia-Thrace has backed this publication which describes the profile of the peoples in the Balkan and the Black Sea zone.

MPA general director Mr. Kouzinopoulos pointed out that MPA started dealing with the developments in the Balkans when it came to the conclusion that there is a lack of information material on peoples and situations that have a direct effect on Greece's course and the Greek businesses. Mr. Kouzinopoulos added that the guide is published at a time coinciding with the elections in FYROM and Yugoslavia and it will help the reader to be better informed.

Inter-Balkan and Black Sea Business Center representative Mr. Manis stated that the guide does not include only political data but economic information as well and it is complementary to similar publications issued by the center. He concluded by saying that it is a necessary guide for economic diplomacy and the diplomatic sector in general.

[04] MARGINAL GAINS OF 0.05% IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

Stabilizing tendencies prevailed in the Athens Stock Exchange today and as a result the general index showed marginal gains of 0.05% reaching 4.153,54 points, while the volume of transactions was low under the 90 billion drachmas mark confirming the continuing caution displayed by the investors in spite of the fact that the catastrophic scenarios over the future of the Athens Stock Exchange have been overcome.

Of the stocks trading today 123 recorded gains, 221 had losses and 30 remained unchanged.

[05] GREEK TRUCK DRIVERS CLASHED WITH AN ALBANIAN COLLEAGUE

Greek truck drivers clashed with an Albanian colleague a few kilometers outside Thessaloniki where blockades had been raised by protesters expressing their opposition to the high fuel prices.

The incident happened when an Albanian driver attempted to break the blockade. When he was unable to move his truck he took out an iron bar and attempted to hit the Greek drivers. In the clash that followed the Albanian was slightly injured.

Blockades have been raised in many parts of the Greek national road network by truck drivers demanding lower fuel prices.

[06] ASSOCIATION OF BALKAN WATER SUPPLY-DRAINAGE COMPANIES

The formal founding charter for the establishment of the Association of Balkan Water Supply-Drainage Companies will be signed in Thessaloniki tomorrow.

The signing ceremony will be attended by minister of Macedonia-Thrace Giogos Paschalidis as well as by representatives of the water supply-drainage companies, and the consulate authorities of FYROM, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria.

The goal of the association is the protection and the rational management of water resources in the participating countries. The association will be a Thessaloniki-based non governmental non profit organization and its members will be the organizations that deal with water supply and drainage issues in Greece and other Balkan countries.

[07] REPPAS: THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTS THE FINAL ELECTION RESULTS IN YUGOSLAVIA

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas called on all sides in Yugoslavia to display caution and calm during the counting of the votes.

He stated that the Greek government can not make any comments because the final results are not out yet in Yugoslavia, adding that Athens will wait for the results that will be announced by the central electoral committee.

He also expressed the wish for Yugoslavia to get out of the crisis, adding that what counts is the opinion of the Yugoslav people.

[08] THE GREEK DEMONSTRATORS WERE NOT STOPPED BY THE CZECH AUTHORITIES

The information reported by a private television station that the Czech authorities will stop at the borders the Greek demonstrators, who are on their way to Prague where the World Bank and International Monetary Fund hold their meetings, is groundless.

Thousands of demonstrators from across Europe gather in Prague to express their opposition to the effects of globalization and the Czech police has banned the protest rally scheduled for tomorrow.

It is feared that the strong presence of the Czech police in combination with the protesters' determination and militancy will lead to serious incidents.

[09] MINISTERS MEET ON CULTURAL POLICY IN SANTORINI

The third conference of the International Network of Ministers for Cultural Policy is to get underway at the island of Santorini tomorrow, which will be presided over by Greece and will feature the participation of 24 countries.

The participants will discuss issues pertaining to "Cultural heritage as a dynamic factor for cultural continuance," "Cultural identity and diversity as key factors in cultural globalization" and "Applications of cultural policies at a national level".

The International Network of Ministers for Cultural Policy functions as an informal forum for the exchange and process of ideas pertaining to the aforementioned cultural issues.

A.F.

[10] DRAFT BILL SUBMITTED ON REMOVAL OF SHIPWRECKS

The Minister of Merchant Marine Christos Papoutsis has submitted a draft bill in Parliament concerning the removal of abandoned shipwrecks that litter Greek harbors, canals and straits and obstruct the passage of ships.

According to the ministry, approximately 260 shipwrecks are rusting away, fully or partially submerged in water, polluting the sea with fuel and toxic chemicals. In the country's largest port of Piraeus alone, there are over fifty wrecks abandoned for years by shipowners. In most cases, the cost of raising or removing the wrecks could be much higher than the actual value of the vessels.

According to the draft bill, state authorities will be able to act on behalf of shipowners who refuse to pay for the removal of their wrecks. Furthermore, shipping firms will be obliged to insure their vessels against the cost of being raised in case of shipwreck, as well as the cost of any damage that results from the abandoned wrecks.

A.F.

[11] DEVELOPMENT MINISTER ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO FYROM

Greece's Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis embarked on an official visit to Skopje today, where he will discuss bilateral cooperation in the energy sector with the neighboring country's Prime Minister Liuptco Georgievski and Economy Minister Borco Adreev,

A meeting between Mr. Christodoulakis and the President of FYROM Boris Trikovski has not been ruled out, while, according to unconfirmed reports, the Greek Minister will also partake in a pricing-policy meeting held by Skopje's refinery OKTA, a majority stake of which was purchased by Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE) last year.

Following ELPE's strategic investment in OKTA and the commencement of the Thessaloniki-Skopje oil pipeline construction, Greece's Kopelouzos-Kontomenas groups have also recently announced a joint venture in FYROM's energy sector.

Specifically, the Kopelouzos-Kontomenas groups have entered into an agreement with FYROM's Toplifikacija Ad-Skopje concerning the construction, proprietorship and operation of a heating and electricity unit operated by natural gas.

The Greek Minister is accompanied by the Greek Utilities Company (DEH) executive director Stergios Nezis and other officials.

A.F.

[12] THESSALONIKI, ARMENIAN CITY: FRIENDSHIP ACCORD

A friendship and cooperation accord will be signed between the Municipality of Thessaloniki and Armenia's second largest city of Kiubri next month, the result of a meting held yesterday between the city's vice-mayor Th. Athanasaros and Armenian Ambassador to Athens Armen Perousian.

Following their talks, Mr. Athanasaros stated that the bond of friendship between the two countries is very strong and referred to the Armenian community's robust social and cultural activity in Thessaloniki

A.F.

[13] F.R.Y. ELECTIONS: HORIZON STILL UNCLEAR OVER WIN

Pressures to reveal the result of Sunday's presidential elections are mounting on the Yugoslav authorities, while several Western governments are persistently asking incumbent president Slobodan Milosevic to admit defeat.

No official announcement has been issued by the federal electoral commission since the polling stations closed on Sunday night, while both Milosevic officials and the main contender for the seat (Vojislav Kostunica) are claiming victory, each side presenting its own interpretation of the poll.

A.F.

[14] THE GREATNESS OF THE GREEK SPIRIT IS DISPLAYED IN AN EXHIBITION OF OLYMPIC STAMPS IN MELBOURNE

The grandeur of the Greek spirit is being displayed through the exhibition of Olympic stamps under the title "Olympia Olympia" held in the Master Gallery Hall of Melbourne's Postal Service Offices.

The exhibition offers a historical retrospection in the development and the course of the Olympic stamps from the first Olympic Games in 1896 until today.

Among the exhibits are 19th century photographs as well as information material on the Olympic Games while, at the same time, the exhibition is an opportunity to celebrate the joint issuing of a stamp by the Postal Services of Greece and Australia aimed at underlining the handing over of the Olympic flag to Athens after the end of the Olympic Games in Sydney.

[15] UNDERWATER ANTIQUITIES IN ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT WILL BE OPEN TO VISITORS

Tourists will be able to visit underwater ancient monuments that were brought to light by the archaeological excavations in Alexandria, Egypt starting next month.

Archaeologists, who are focusing their research on Alexandria's past history aspire to create the first underwater museum. For the moment, divers can visit the ruins of the Lighthouse of Alexandria that was discovered by French archaeologist Jean Yves Eberer.

According to scientists, the divers will also be able to approach the ruins of a building which is believed to be the palace of Cleopatra.

[16] THANOS RANKED FOURTH IN THE GRECO-ROMAN WRESTLING

Greek Greco-Roman wrestling champion in the 97kg category Kostas Thanos fought like a lion but luck was not on his side. He lost 3-1 defeated by Karet Logney from the United States after an exciting match.

The bronze medal is a dream that did not come true for Thanos but the fourth place is indisputably a big success, given the fact that the Greek champion competed in spite of his two broken ribs.

[17] ANGELOPOULOU: JOINT EFFORT IS NEEDED FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE ATHENS OLYMPICS

"Athens 2004" organizing committee president Yianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki in a meeting she had in Sydney with Greek journalists stressed that she is impressed by the security measures in Australia, the fact that there are no traffic jams and also by the passion and enthusiasm displayed by the volunteers working for the success of the Olympic Games.

It is truly amazing to watch so many people working with passion for the success of the Games and not for personal gain, said Ms Angelopoulou-Daskalaki adding that the big challenge for Greece is exactly this, namely the institution of volunteerism. For the moment, about 60.000 people have offered to work as volunteers but the issue is to be adequately trained in order to be able to make a significant contribution from the post they will have.

Ms. Angelopoulou-Daskalaki then sent a message directed mainly to those who had disagreed with her in the past. She stated that in order for the Athens Olympic Games to succeed a joint effort and coordination are needed.

[18] US EMERGENCY RESERVES RELEASED TO CUT OIL PRICE

The United States, Japan and the European Central Bank have intervened to buy billions of euros in an effort to pull the European currency out of the record lows to which it had recently dropped, a move that could decrease the inflationary pressures in Greece.

The Bank of Greece has announced that the current account deficit for the first half of this year ballooned to 4.6 billion euros, as opposed to 2.4 billion in the same period last year, of which 1.6 billion euros went to fuel costs.

Washington's decision to release part of the U.S. emergency national reserves to slash the price of oil is expected to lead to a possible stabilization of the euro at around 90 U.S. cents and a lowering of the price of oil to 30 dollars per barrel.

A.F.

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