Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 01-09-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] SECURITY UNITES EUROPE

[02] GEORGIEVSKI-PAPANDREOU MET

[03] EXTREME SECURITY MEASURES IN "MACEDONIA" AIRPORT

[04] BIG LOSSES IN THE ASE

[05] HITIRIS: THE COUNTRY'S INTERESTS INVOLVE INTERNATIONAL AND ALLIANCE

[06] INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON CULTURE

[07] PAPAZOI: GREECE-CYPRUS IN THE INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS AGAINST TERRORISM

[08] GREECE RANKS 6TH ON UEFA'S LIST

[09] MILITARY EXERCISE "PARMENION 2001"

[10] OECD DELEGATION IN ATHENS IN OCTOBER

[11] ARCHBISHOP VISITS CIA

[12] SAE CONDEMNS ATTACK

[13] NIOTIS STATEMENTS TO MPA

[14] COOPERATION MEMORANDUM BY GREECE, CYPRUS AND BULGARIA

[15] BUSH - ARCHBISHOP OF AMERICA MEETING

[16] MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR VICTIMS IN ASTORIA

[01] SECURITY UNITES EUROPE

To an initial political agreement with the European arrest warrant and the simplifying of extradition procedures in the EU, came the Ministers of Justice, the Interior, and Public Order, who held an emergency meeting today in Brussels, on the coordination of their actions against terrorism after the attacks on the US.

Greece was represented at the Conference by the Ministers of Justice, Michalis Stathopoulos, and of Public Order, Michalis Chrysochoidis, who stressed that the smallest common denominator in national legislature for the institutional harmonization and the systematization of operational measures in combination, always, with the need to protect the justice state, human rights and personal data.

The Minister of Justice, Michalis Stathopoulos, underlined that one of the objects, which the Ministers of Interior and Justice are going to examine in the coming weeks and months, is the fixing of the term criminal terrorism and the promotion of a new institution, the European arrest warrant, which will replace the time consuming process of extradition.

Pointing out that the fixing of the meaning of terrorism is difficult, he mentioned, that if it is finally achieved it will be part of a series of special actions and a series of requirements, which must concur, actions such as the overturning of basic social political and economic structures.

Both of these measures will be based on the principles of Tabere, which all we Ministers of Justice and Interior have memorized over and over, which foresees that Europe must become a region of freedom, justice and security, he pointed out.

Security is one of the three goods, apart from justice and freedom and personal rights. In the text of today's conclusions, there is constant reference to the principles of Tabere, and to the need to combine conditions of protecting citizens from terrorism, which, at the same time, will not restrict human rights and the principles of the justice state, he said.

Let us not work under the effect of sentiments, which are logical after the tragic events of last week. There is enough composure, for the procedure of cooperation between the member States of the EU on the confrontation of terrorism not to prove to be at the expense of human rights, he stressed.

The Minister of Justice underlined that the Greek position was clear today and will be in the future: no measures are to be taken, which will be at the expense of human rights,

Any measures foreseen in decisions in the framework of the EU, will not demand any changes in our interior justice system, because they will be already covered by our own legislature.

The Minister of Public Order, Michalis Chrysochoidis, appeared reassuring.

We shouldn't worry. There is the decision of the Internal Affairs Committee of the European Union, as of the Committee for General Affairs to decisively fight the phenomenon of terrorism after the recent tragic events. On the other hand however, it is our strong decision to express our will in any way possible, so that we may retain our democratic conquests, personal rights and human rights and freedoms. This is our decision and our will.

Referring to the systematization of operational measures, Mr. Chrysochoidis made mention of sending officers from all the EU countries to Europol, where they will deal exclusively with terrorism, as well as with the strengthening of the coordination of action with the USA.

[02] GEORGIEVSKI-PAPANDREOU MET

The consequences of the terrorist strike on the US in the Balkans and internal developments in FYROM were the topics of discussion in the one and a half-hour meeting the Foreign Secretary of Greece, Giorgos Papandreou, and the Prime Minister of FRYOM, Liouptso Georgiefski, had in Thessaloniki.

Is statements made after the meeting, Mr. Papandreou repeated that the Greek government unequivocally condemns the terrorist attack on the USA, it shows its undivided solidarity towards the American people and the American government and will cooperate in every way against the plague of terrorism.

In any case, he characterized the bilateral relations between Greece and FYROM as excellent and pointed out that Greece wants to contribute as much as possible to the stability and the development of the neighboring country, as well as in its course in Europe.

In relation to the name of FYROM he stressed that the position of the Greek government is that this very important procedure should continue in the framework of the UN in order for the issue to be resolved in good will on both sides.

Furthermore, he stressed that he will transfer Mr. Georgiefski's opinions on the situation of his country to the other Foreign Secretaries and leaders of EU countries which will participate in today's Summit Meeting.

In relation to the position of the EU on the possibility of a referendum, he underlined that the European Union wants to move to the ratification of the agreement-framework and would not want to see it stop.

On his side, the Prime Minister of FYROM agrees with Mr. Papandreou that the relations of the two countries are on a good track and getting better and he expressed his belief that this course will continue. He stressed that the government of FYROM had no information that Osama bin Laden was active in the Balkan, but he had proof that Mujahedin had taken active part in battles in FYROM. He added, however, that he did not know if the Mujahedin were under the control of Osama bin Laden or if they were acting independently.

In addition he expressed his belief that Islamic Fundamentalism is active in Northern FYROM and added that the Albanian extremists had logistic support from Kossovo.

The Prime Minister of FYROM expressed his optimism that the agreement framework will be ratified successfully, however he added, we should all say not our public opinion, but that of the entire world, that it is an unprecedented event where after terrorist pressures, a political goal is gained.

[03] EXTREME SECURITY MEASURES IN "MACEDONIA" AIRPORT

The security measures at Macedonia Airport are extreme, for the prevention and confrontation of any possible terrorist attacks.

More specifically, the measures were taken from the night of Black Tuesday, identity verification, passenger luggage at check ins, and check outs, luggage identification. At the same time, and depending on the policy of each airline, only a certain number of luggage is allowed. Also, police patrols around the facilities of the airport have been increased, while extensive checks are performed on pedestrians and cars are being made.

As the airport Director of Macedonia , Ioannis Kavanakis, speaking to the Macedonian Press Agency, security measures are being applied normally and without problems so far. Mr. Kanavakis reminded the passengers in all cases to travel either with their ID cards or passports, observing that there are many, especially the elderly, who do not carry proof of their identity with them.

[04] BIG LOSSES IN THE ASE

Big losses were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index dropped to -1.31% at 2.105,56 points, while the volume of transactions was at 235,8 million Euro.

Of the stocks trading today, only 49 recorded gains and 302 had losses, while the value of 28 stocks remained stable.

[05] HITIRIS: THE COUNTRY'S INTERESTS INVOLVE INTERNATIONAL AND ALLIANCE OBLIGATIONS

The country's interests involve international and alliance obligations which Greece will observe, stressed acting government spokesman Tilemachos Hitiris responding to questions by reporters on the occasion of the Greek General Army Staff decision regarding the compulsory participation of the Greek forces in peacekeeping or other missions abroad.

Mr. Hitiris stated that this decision concerns the permanent army staff.

[06] INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON CULTURE

The International Symposium on culture, organized by the Greek ministry of culture to take place in Athens and ancient Olympia in southern Greece until September 24, opened today with the participation of European Commissioner Viviane Reding, responsible on issues of culture and education, and many international personalities from the literary and artistic world. The symposium is held within the framework of the Cultural Olympiad.

Ms. Reding will refer to the recent agreement with the International Olympic Committee concerning the spread of Olympism in schools, the doping issue and the EU position, and the new program on the participation of young volunteers from all over Europe in the 2004 Olympics. She will also refer to the proposals to declare 2004 education and sports year, while a special reference will be made on the good cooperation she had with the Greek authorities and the "Athens 2004" Organizing Committee.

Opening the symposium proceedings prime minister Kostas Simitis stated that culture is not expressed with violence but presupposes that dividing lines between religion, policies and mentalities will be abandoned. He said that culture can ease the fears, help people deal with their concerns and bring auspicious prospects for an open society.

Culture minister Evangelos Venizelos speaking in the symposium referred to the need for an ecumenical culture policy and stated characteristically that this ecumenical culture policy will raise the desire for the creation of a culture of cultures against the theories on the clash of civilizations.

Referring to the recent tragic terrorist acts in the United States, Mr. Venizelos stressed that they bring the people face to face with the hard core of concern regarding the future of civilization.

[07] PAPAZOI: GREECE-CYPRUS IN THE INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS AGAINST TERRORISM

Greece and Cyprus participate in the international struggle against terrorism and express solidarity to their partners and the United States in the effort to create a global front against the terrorists.

The above were stated by deputy foreign minister Elisavet Papazoi in the annual lecture in memory of Yiannos Kranidiotis, who was killed in a freak plane accident in 1999. The lecture had as a topic Cyprus' EU accession, while just before the opening of the proceedings a moment of silence was observed for the victims of the terrorist attacks on Washington and New York.

Ms. Papazoi stressed that after September 11 and the indiscriminate terrorist attack against the United States the terms of security have changed in the world scene and nothing is the same anymore.

When called by reporters to comment on statements by US officials that Cyprus harbors terrorists, she stressed that there are no formal evidence or charges and added that it is clear that Cyprus is a very democratic country.

From his side former Cypriot president Giorgos Vasiliou, appeared optimistic over Cyprus' EU accession and added that this optimism is justified because steady steps are being made and Cyprus is on the right path.

[08] GREECE RANKS 6TH ON UEFA'S LIST

Greece climbed to the 6th place on UEFA's list after the successes recorded by the Greek football teams.

It has 28.366 points just a few points ahead of Holland. Spain is at the top of the list with 56.752 points, followed by Italy with 48.239 points.

The first ten countries on UEFA's list are 1) Spain 56.752, 2) Italy 48.239, 3) Britain 45.888, 4) Germany 41.847, 5) France 36.852, 6) Greece 28.366, 7) Holland 26.332, 8) Russia 26.291, 9) Turkey 25.975, 10) Ukraine 24.708.

[09] MILITARY EXERCISE "PARMENION 2001"

The final phase of the military exercise "Parmenion 2001", that will take place in Evros, northeastern Greece on September 26-October 2, will be held in the presence of president Kostis Stephanopoulos on October 2.

In the military exercise will participate units of the 16th mechanized infantry division and a large number of army reserves.

[10] OECD DELEGATION IN ATHENS IN OCTOBER

A delegation of the Organization for the Economic Cooperation and Development, OECD, will be in Athens on October 9-11 to discuss the course of the Greek economy.

Already, the responsible Greek agencies have received a questionnaire on a number of indexes and policies followed by the government.

Specifically, explanations will be requested for certain delays on issues of structural policy and market liberalization, while issues of competitiveness will also be discussed.

[11] ARCHBISHOP VISITS CIA

The Archbishop of America met with the Greek American director of the Central Intelligence Agency, George Tenet, after the meeting he had in the White House with the President of the US, George Bush.

Mr. Tenet welcomed his Reverence warm-heartedly at the entrance of the CIA building and a warm informative meeting then took place in his office.

[12] SAE CONDEMNS ATTACK

The SAE presidency unanimously approved the vote on the September 11 tragedy in the US.

The full text is as follows:

On behalf of 7 million Greeks living abroad, all over the world, we, the Presidency of Council of Greeks Living Abroad, unequivocally condemn the heinous terrorist acts of September 11, 2001, against the American people and our brothers and sisters in the US, but also against the whole of humanity.

We ask of all the people of the world, to urge the governments of their countries to cooperate with the worldwide efforts to eradicate the plague of terrorism.

[13] NIOTIS STATEMENTS TO MPA

The last meeting of the SAE Presidency was characterized as important by Deputy Foreign Secretary Grigoris Niotis, in statements to the Macedonian Press Agency, and he pointed out that the fact that SAE unanimously expressed its union of heart in condemning the recent terrorist acts against the USA with a vote as very important, in which it calls Greeks living abroad to keep a unified, cohesive and solid position.

I congratulated the presidency of SAE for its initiative to set up a web site through which Greeks living abroad can be better informed on the tragic events and the consequences on other Greeks living abroad, among which we have had victims, said the Deputy Foreign Secretary.

Important and worthy of congratulations is also the initiative to open an international account for mutual aid, through which Greeks living abroad can once more make their sensitivity and solidarity for the victims of this tragedy known.

It is noteworthy that SAE did not neglect to call Greeks living abroad in all countries where they live and grow, to the decision of all countries to fight for the eradication of terrorism.

Mr. Niotis also pointed out the progress which SAE has made in coordinating itself with government bodies, the Foreign Ministry, and the General Secretariat of Greeks living abroad in various programs, noting the impressively good, as he said, presence of SAE in the Thessaloniki International Fair, with a special kiosk devoted to Greek living abroad economy.

On the 1st Greek Trade and Culture Fair of SAE in Chicago, the minister pointed out that it will take place and he expressed his solidarity on the tragic events in the US, but also his belief that life goes on with the confrontation of terrorism as its main axis.

Economy, culture and interstate relations must go on and thus the 1st Greek trade and Culture Fair of Chicago will take place and we have dedicated a part of our works to the good organization and composure of this initiative.

Regarding the hospitality programs, in which 4.200 young Greeks living abroad participated, he expressed everyone's satisfaction and announced that programming is also important, which is opening now, aiming at doubling the hosting.

Greeks living abroad must make this years achievements their own. We must promise that these achievements will be multiplied quantitatively and qualitatively, surmised Mr. Niotis.

[14] COOPERATION MEMORANDUM BY GREECE, CYPRUS AND BULGARIA

Cypriot minister of communication and public works Averof Neofitou and undersecretaries of transportation and communication from Greece and Bulgaria, Alekos Voulgaris and Zdravko Velishkov co-signed a memorandum of cooperation in Nicosia yesterday, in the presence of Vatican representative Pier Vincennzo, concerning satellite orbital position exploitation.

The specific satellite system has 37 frequencies and Greece, Cyprus and Bulgaria each will have 10 frequencies, while the Vatican will have 7. According to the Cypriot minister, the Vatican gave assurances that it will also co-sign the memorandum and thus the agreement will have four parties.

The orbital position, 1.2 degrees west of the three countries and the Vatican, to which the memorandum of cooperation refers, will be given for exploitation to Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus and the Vatican after a decision by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

[15] BUSH - ARCHBISHOP OF AMERICA MEETING

The mass participation and support of the Greek Orthodox community in the tragedy that struck the US, was pointed out by Archbishop of America, Dimitrios, who participated in the meeting of 26 religious leaders of all major religious communities of the US, which took place in the White House with George Bush.

The American President welcomed his Reverence and six other religious leaders in a private meeting, which lasted about 40 minutes, in the presidential Oval office. The President informed them on the basic points and issues which arose after the recent tragic events, and on the measures which will be taken.

We have received a enormous expression of love and honest concern, brotherhood, support and help, which are elements evident in all our communities all over the country, underlined the Archbishop, and mentioned the efforts being made, results so far, and the record amounts being gathered, as indicative elements of care and love. At this point we must focus on everything most positive and humane we have to show he said.

After this private meeting, President Bush and the seven religious leaders moved to the Roosevelt room, where they met with the rest of the religious community representatives. The President of the US heard and exchanged views with all attending. The meeting ended with a prayer performed by Archbishop Dimitrios.

In statements he made exiting the White House, Mr. Dimitrios stressed, among other things, that it was an important meeting and that the President was receptive to ideas and proposals. He also wanted to be sure of the participation and help of religious leaders and communities in the large and extremely difficult task ahead, added the Archbishop.

[16] MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR VICTIMS IN ASTORIA

A short memorial service for the victims of the terrorist attack of September 11, will be performed on Saturday by the Archbishop of America, Dimitrios. The service will take place at 7pm, in the church of St. Catherine in Astoria.

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