Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 04-04-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] KARAMANLIS: THE REUNIFICATION OF CYPRUS IS A FIRM GOAL

[02] STRONG EARTHQUAKE IN THE REGION OF PATRAS

[03] PAPADOPOULOS-PAPARIGA MEETING

[04] PAPANDREOU: PASOK IS ON CYPRUS' SIDE

[05] THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC ORDER TO VISIT BRUSSELS

[06] THE GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER TO MEET WITH HIS CHILEAN COUNTERPART

[07] SIGNIFICANT GAINS IN THE ASE

[08] ROUSOPOULOS: THE GOV'T WANTS TURKEY'S EUROPEAN PROSPECT

[09] THE GOV'T SPOKESMAN ON THE CHURCH ISSUE

[01] KARAMANLIS: THE REUNIFICATION OF CYPRUS IS A FIRM GOAL

The reunification of Cyprus is a firm goal and the Cyprus problem is still a major issue and a top priority for the Greek foreign policy, assured Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis after the meeting he had in Athens today with Cypriot Republic President Tassos Papadopoulos.

The Annan Plan is still a basis for a solution to the Cyprus problem, stated Mr. Karamanlis, while Mr. Papadopoulos stated that there is a need for renegotiation. Both stressed that they cannot set a timetable for the reunification of Cyprus saying that they just set the goal.

Responding to the question on what will be the stance of the Cypriot government in December when a discussion will be held on the likelihood to set a date for the opening of the EU accession negotiations for Turkey, Mr. Papadopoulos stated that if Turkey meets all EU preconditions it will have no problem.

In the meeting, they also confirmed the close cooperation and coordination between the governments of Greece and Cyprus.

Mr. Karamanlis stated to reporters that the first positive results in the EU came just days after the referendum and reconfirmed that the goal is the reunification of the island and all policies have to converge to that goal.

[02] STRONG EARTHQUAKE IN THE REGION OF PATRAS

Strong earthquake measuring 5 on the Richter scale shook the region of Patras, southern Greece, at 10:27am today. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the region of Antirio. No damages were reported to local authorities.

According to seismologists, the phenomenon is being studied and conclusions will be drawn in the next few days.

The last strong earthquake, that caused material damage in the region of Patras, was recorded on July 14, 1993 and measured 5.5 on the Richter scale.

[03] PAPADOPOULOS-PAPARIGA MEETING

Greek Communist Party General Secretary Mrs. Aleka Papariga reiterated her opposition to the Annan Plan for the solution of the Cyprus issue in the meeting she had this afternoon with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos who is on a visit to Athens.

Mrs. Papariga stated that the no of the Greek Cypriots to the referendum on the Annan Plan is a no to a plan that does not lead to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, adding that for such a federation to be operational it has to feature the elements of independence and autonomy. Therefore, said Mrs. Papariga, the Communist Party is opposed to the guarantor powers and the presence of foreign troops on the island.

[04] PAPANDREOU: PASOK IS ON CYPRUS' SIDE

The party of PASOK regardless of the stance it has adopted toward the Annan Plan will stand by the Cypriot people who struggle for a solution to the Cyprus problem, stated PASOK President Giorgos Papandreou after the meeting he had in Athens with Cypriot Republic President Tassos Papadopoulos.

Mr. Papandreou stated that efforts should be made for the promotion of a national strategy based on the new situation, a national strategy that will promote the solution of the Cyprus problem, pointing out that the momentum created must be maintained.

[05] THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PUBLIC ORDER TO VISIT BRUSSELS

Deputy Minister of Public Order Christos Markogiannakis will represent Greece in the Summit of the EU Ministers of Justice and Internal Affairs to take place in Brussels on April 29-30.

Among the issues to be discussed will be the follow-up to the European Council declaration on terrorism, the council's directive proposal on the minimum preconditions to get or lose the refugee status, the appointment of the new Europol Director, the framework decision on expropriation and the report on Eurojust.

[06] THE GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER TO MEET WITH HIS CHILEAN COUNTERPART

Greek Minister of Defense Spilios Spiliotopoulos meets tomorrow with his Chilean counterpart Mrs. Micelle Bachelet Jeria and Chilean ambassador Mrs. Marcia Covarrubias.

They will discuss bilateral issues followed by a formal breakfast in honor of the Chilean Defense Minister.

[07] SIGNIFICANT GAINS IN THE ASE

Significant gains were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index rose to +1.22% at 2553.76 points, while the volume of transactions was at 178.0 million euros.

Of the stocks trading today, 172 had gains and 117 had losses, while the value of 93 stocks remained unchanged.

[08] ROUSOPOULOS: THE GOV'T WANTS TURKEY'S EUROPEAN PROSPECT

The Greek government wants Turkey's European prospect, reiterated government spokesman Thodoris Rousopoulos when asked to comment on the position of Athens concerning the European future of the neighboring country.

On today's meeting of Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos with Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, he stressed that they agreed on the further moves to be adopted aimed at keeping alive the international interest and the existing momentum for a solution to the Cyprus issue.

The Greek government is in complete cooperation and coordination with the Cypriot government for an agreement that will allow for a viable and operational solution on the basis of the Annan Plan offering the necessary sense of security to the Cypriot people, stated the government spokesman.

Mr. Rousopoulos clarified that the framework of the further moves was not decided yet because the Cypriot President wants first to hold a meeting of the National Council in Cyprus and then discuss the issue with the Greek government.

Mr. Rousopoulos also stated that Athens is absolutely satisfied with its cooperation with Nicosia.

[09] THE GOV'T SPOKESMAN ON THE CHURCH ISSUE

The State should not get involved in the internal affairs of the Church and has a duty to observe the laws, reiterated Greek government spokesman Thodoris Rousopoulos responding to a question by reporters.

He added that the government will observe the laws concerning the issuing of the necessary presidential decrees.

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