Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 05-03-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] THE GREEK PRESIDENT MET WITH HIS ALBANIAN COUNTERPART

[02] MOLIVIATIS-ANNAN MEETING

[03] PAVLOPOULOS: WE WILL DEFEND THE "MAIN SHAREHOLDER" LAW

[04] THEODORAKIS: "NO" TO THE ATTACK

[05] NEW "BABEL" WITH VAVILIS

[06] ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH CORRUPTION

[07] PATRIARCH IRENAEUS IN JORDAN

[01] THE GREEK PRESIDENT MET WITH HIS ALBANIAN COUNTERPART

Hellenic Republic President Karolos Papoulias met with his Albanian counterpart Alfred Moisiu in the city of Ioannina, northwestern Greece, in a friendly atmosphere.

In comments they made after the meeting they referred to the traditionally friendly relations shared by Greece and Albania.

The Albanian President proposed to Mr. Papoulias to hold their next meeting either in Gjirokastre or Sarante in Albania.

[02] MOLIVIATIS-ANNAN MEETING

Greek Foreign Minister Petros Moliviatis will meet in New York this afternoon with UN secretary general Kofi Annan to discuss the international situation and particularly the recent UN secretary-general report, UN Security Council organizing issues, issues concerning the Balkans and Cyprus, etc. in view of Greece's UN Security Council Presidency in July.

In the meeting, the Greek Foreign Minister is expected to remind that Greece has adopted a moderate stance on the issue of the FYROM name, stressing that Athens waits for a similar response from the other side. On Cyprus, Greece wants the reunification of the island and the resumption of the relevant procedures after the appropriate conditions are formed to avert the likelihood of a failure, as much as possible.

[03] PAVLOPOULOS: WE WILL DEFEND THE "MAIN SHAREHOLDER" LAW

Minister of Interior Prokopis Pavlopoulos speaking in the Athens radio station Sky reiterated that the government will defend the main shareholder law to the end, characterizing as incorrect the European Commission interpretation.

Mr. Pavlopoulos also pointed out that there is no conflict between article 14 of the Greek Constitution and the European Legislation, adding that the government will use arguments to prove it.

Referring to the likelihood to lose community funds, Mr. Pavlopoulos stressed that the Constitution is above all and accused main opposition Socialist Party of PASOK of not showing respect to the Constitution and of losing money, reminding the National Land Register case.

On the Theodorakis letter, the Minister of Interior stated that always in crucial moments he prefers to speak instead of remaining silent.

[04] THEODORAKIS: "NO" TO THE ATTACK

Greece is the target of an unprecedented attack on behalf of the European Commission aimed at changing Article 14 of the Greek Constitution. Such an attack is unprecedented in the European Union practice followed so far toward its partners, stated world-famous Greek music composer Mikis Theodorakis in a letter addressed to former French Culture Minister Jacques Lang.

Based on what was mentioned above, Theodorakis asks for his signature to be removed from the joint appeal for an overwhelming vote in favor of the European Constitution.

Mr. Theodorakis explains in his letter that the conflict has taken up a national character with unforeseen consequences on the stance of more and more Greeks who feel deeply insulted by this attack.

[05] NEW "BABEL" WITH VAVILIS

The elusive Apostolos Vavilis, who is wanted by the Interpol, did not open all his cards in the interview he gave to the Athens weekly newspaper Thema stating that he intends to give himself up but not under the existing circumstances.

He maintained that Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece had sent him to Jerusalem to help in the election of Irenaeus to the Patriarchate of Jerusalem while he also involved in the case Greek Police Chief Giorgos Angelakos.

Vavilis denied any relation with Israel's Mosad and stressed that he even collided with the Israeli secret services, which did not want Irenaeus to be elected.

He maintained that he had no involvement, whatsoever, in the trafficking of porno material before the elections in the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in April 2001 but anyway, he apologized to the Metropolites of Vostri and Petra.

At the same time, another fugitive, 32-year-old former economic manager of the patriarchal property in Jerusalem Nikos Papadimas in an interview with the Athens newspaper Kiriakatiki Eleftherotipia maintains that he did not sale but instead he leased land to Israelis following orders given by Patriarch Irenaeus. He also threatened that he will deliver the final blow to the Patriarch by using the documents he allegedly has in his possession.

[06] ON A COLLISION COURSE WITH CORRUPTION

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis reiterated in Chania, Crete last Sunday his intention for a head-on collision with corruption maintaining one more time that the government's goal is the refoundation of the state, the solution of the everyday problems faced by the people and the restoration of the economy.

Mr. Karamanlis was the main speaker in the annual political memorial held for Eleftherios and Sofoklis Venizelos at the Venizelos' family graves.

The Prime Minister arrived in Akrotiri, Crete heading a delegation of government ministers and Parliament deputies accompanied by the ruling party of New Democracy secretary.

[07] PATRIARCH IRENAEUS IN JORDAN

Patriarch Irenaeus of Jerusalem arrived in Jordan this morning at the invitation of King Abdullah. The goal of the trip, according to the Patriarchate, is to extend an invitation to the Jordanian monarch to visit the Patriarchate.

However, according to other information, Jordan is expected to ask for explanations from the Patriarch concerning the sale of real estate that traditionally belonged to Arabs.

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