Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 01-09-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] REYNDERS: THE RESPECT OF THE STABILITY PACT IS AN ISSUE OF RELIABILITY

[02] THE ARCHBISHOP OF AMERICA MET WITH PRESIDENT BUSH

[03] CAR FREE DAY IN GREECE

[04] PAPANDREOU: TERRORISM MUST BE CRUSHED

[05] THE EUROPEAN LEADERS SHOW SOLIDARITY TO THE US

[06] POWELL THANKED GREECE FOR THE SUPPORT IT OFFERS TO THE US

[01] REYNDERS: THE RESPECT OF THE STABILITY PACT IS AN ISSUE OF RELIABILITY

The belief that there will be no readjustment of the Stability Pact in spite of the latest dramatic developments in the United States and the statements made by certain European countries that they will be unable to meet their fiscal targets, was expressed by Belgium's minister of finance Didier Reynders.

In view of today's ECOFIN meeting, that will be called to make crucial decisions in the next few hours on the terms of the pact, Mr. Reynders stated that the "15" EU finance ministers will reiterate their already expressed intention to leave the pact as it is.

In statements he made to the Athens finance magazine "Economikos Tachidromos", Mr. Reynders underlined that the respect of the Stability Pact is an issue of reliability and responsibility.

Mr. Reynders, who served as EUROGROUP president for a year, responding to a question on whether EUROGROUP should change, stated that the issue of a political counterbalance to the European Central Bank will also be examined within the framework of the next inter-governmental meeting that will be held to discuss the EU candidate states.

Mr. Reynders stated that it is too early to assess the effects the terrorist attack on the United States will have on the world economy and stressed that for the time being he can only confirm his recent prediction for a 2% growth rate in the European Union.

Meanwhile, the course of the international economy was discussed today by the European leaders. The Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt stated that the terrorist attacks on the United States imposed a further slowdown on the European economy but he appeared optimistic that the Euro will prove to be an advantage for the recovery.

[02] THE ARCHBISHOP OF AMERICA MET WITH PRESIDENT BUSH

Archbishop Dimitrios of America, who was among the 26 leaders of different religious communities in the United States invited to the White House for a meeting with president Bush, stressed the support offered by the Orthodox Greeks to the victims of the tragedy that hit the United States.

First, the US president had a separate closed 40-minute meeting with the Archbishop and other 6 religious leaders in the White House Oval Office, and briefed them on the basic points and issues that resulted from the tragic events and the measures that will be taken.

In statements he made after the meeting, the Archbishop stated that president Bush was very receptive to the ideas and proposals made by the religious leaders.

[03] CAR FREE DAY IN GREECE

The city of Thessaloniki, Athens, 21 municipalities in the wider Athens region and tens of others across Greece enjoyed a Car Free Day today, as Greece participated in the European "No Car in the City Day".

People were able to use mass transportation for free, while traffic and municipal police stopped the cars from using certain city streets.

In the event participate a total of 620 European cities, while in Greece the initiative is supported by the ministry of environment, land planning and public works, and the transportation ministry as well as by the local administration, the Athens City Bus Service and the Attiko Metro company.

[04] PAPANDREOU: TERRORISM MUST BE CRUSHED

Interior minister Vaso Papandreou is on a visit to the city of Ioannina, at the northwestern part of the country, to inaugurate a Citizen's Information Center office.

In statements she made on yesterday's decision reached by the "15" EU leaders, she stressed that terrorism must be crushed and added that we should not be led to a war of civilizations.

Ms. Papandreou stated that we have nothing against the Arabs, the Muslims, or any other people in the world but we are at war with the terrorist groups who attack freedom, justice, and human rights.

[05] THE EUROPEAN LEADERS SHOW SOLIDARITY TO THE US

The "15" European leaders, who had an extraordinary meeting in Brussels yesterday expressed their solidarity to the United States. The "15" stressed that the United States are justified to take action but they pointed out that the world alliance against terrorism must act having as a "pilot" the United Nations.

They also stated that by December measures will be decided aimed at locating terrorist organizations, adding that they will draw up a joint list of suspects.

Prime minister Kostas Simitis stressed that Greece will implement the state constitution in every case.

[06] POWELL THANKED GREECE FOR THE SUPPORT IT OFFERS TO THE US

US secretary of state Colin Powell expressed gratitude to Greece for the support it offers to the United States at this difficult hour, in statements he made in the swearing-in ceremony of the new US ambassador to Athens, Thomas Miller.

Mr. Powell praised the new ambassador and spoke with warm words about Greece, while he expressed regret for the Greek-Americans, who are missing in last Tuesday's terrorist attack in New York.

He also stressed that Greece has an important role to play in the effort to combat international terrorism. Mr. Powell stated that the 2004 Olympic Games are a great reminder of the Greek heritage that belongs to the whole world. He said that the Olympic ideal is still an important element of our civilization and the values we share, adding that the Americans wish every success to Greece in hosting the 2004 Olympic Games and stressed that the US is ready to help in every way.

In his speech Mr. Miller stated that he loves Greece and stressed that the Greek-US relations are based on strong foundations.

The ceremony attended Archbishop Dimitrios of America and many distinguished representatives of the Greek-American community.

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