Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 05-04-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION REQUESTS THE CHANGE OF THE PRIMARY SHAREHOLDER

[02] RUSSIAN JOURNALISTS AND OFFICIALS IN EVROS

[03] MEETING OF THE PRIME MINISTERS OF GREECE AND AUSTRALIA

[04] ARCHIMANDRITE GIOSAKIS TESTIFIED BEFORE A PROSECUTOR

[05] WEAK TREMOR ROCKS NEA SANTA, KILKIS

[06] NO MORE LOST LIVES

[01] THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION REQUESTS THE CHANGE OF THE PRIMARY SHAREHOLDER LAW

The European Commission requests that Greece changes law 3310/2005 on the primary shareholder as it is pointed out in a relevant statement it has issued. The European Commission request is in the form of reasoned opinion, mentions the European Commission, and gives three weeks to the Greek government to present its response.

According to the European Commission it has decided to formally request Greece to change its law 3310/2005 which prevents companies 'interconnected' with Greek mass media businesses from participating in procedures for the award of public contracts. The Commission considers that this law breaches the Community directives on public procurement and the principal of equal treatment of the participants, as well as the exercise of almost all the fundamental freedoms acknowledged by the EC Treaty. The Commission's request takes the form of a 'reasoned opinion', the second stage of the infringement procedure under Article 226 of the EC Treaty. In the absence of a satisfactory response within three weeks, the Commission may refer Greece to the European Court of Justice.

[02] RUSSIAN JOURNALISTS AND OFFICIALS IN EVROS

Forty three Russian journalists, representatives of major television channels, newspapers, tourist guide magazines and the news agencies Tass and Interfax as well as, personalities from the sector of the economy, officials representing the Russian Ministries of Defense and Interior, Gasprom officials and tour operators will be the guests of the Evros Prefecture in northeastern Greece tomorrow until next Tuesday.

The Russian officials will arrive in the region tomorrow within the framework of a major promotion campaign undertaken by the prefecture of Evros and the prefecture's Tourist Committee.

The Russian guests will visit, among others, the port of Alexandroupolis, the monuments in the prefecture of Evros, archaeological sites and beaches as well as the protected ecosystem of Dadia.

[03] MEETING OF THE PRIME MINISTERS OF GREECE AND AUSTRALIA

Australian Prime Minister John Howard expressed support to the Greek positions regarding Turkey and the FYROM issue in statements he made after the meeting he had in Athens today with Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

The two Prime Ministers discussed the situation in the European Union, the Balkans, Cyprus, developments at international level and the issue of the transfer of the social security rights of the Greeks in Australia who want to return to Greece.

Mr. Karamanlis characterized as very constructive the policy of Australia and stressed that Greece expects Australia's support not only at bilateral level but on the Cyprus issue as well to which a viable solution has to be reached.

Mr. Karamanlis also stressed that Greece and Australia share very close relations, pointing out that Australia was a reception country for thousands of Greeks looking for a better future. He referred to the common struggle of the two countries during WWII against totalitarianism and pointed out that there is room for the further improvement of bilateral relations in the economic sector, investments and tourism.

On his part, Mr. Howard stated that a dialogue is underway on the issue of the transfer of the social security rights of the Greek-Australians who want to return to Greece. He said that negotiations are underway and expressed the hope that an agreement will be reached.

The Australian Prime Minister reminded that there is Australian presence in Cyprus and backed the promotion of bilateral economic relations while he congratulated Greece for the successful 2004 Olympic Games.

[04] ARCHIMANDRITE GIOSAKIS TESTIFIED BEFORE A PROSECUTOR

Archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis, who is held in Korydallos Prison, testified before an Athens prosecutor today.

The Archimandrite was called to testify as a suspect of committing fraud and forgery regarding the illegal sale of property that belonged to Metropolitan Bishop Panteleimon of Limnos in the 1980s.

According to information, Archimandrite Giosakis maintains that he inherited the property of the Metropolitan Bishop and did nothing illegal.

[05] WEAK TREMOR ROCKS NEA SANTA, KILKIS

A new weak earthquake measuring 3.4 on the Richter scale rocked Nea Santa in the prefecture of Kilkis, north-central Greece, at 7:48 am today alarming local people.

According to Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Geophysics Laboratory, the epicenter of the earthquake was the same with the epicenter of the earthquakes that were recorded on April 20 and measured 4.1 and 3.8 on the Richter scale.

Seismologist Vasilis Karakostas stated to MPA that today's weak tremor should not cause concern because it was an aftershock. He stressed that seismic activity in the region progresses in a predictable manner.

[06] NO MORE LOST LIVES

The message No more lost lives on the streets sent Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis who visited the Traffic Management Center at the Athens Police Headquarters that reopened again after the Athens Olympic Games last August.

Increased policing measures are in effect across the national road network.

Traffic police on the occasion of the Easter holidays has issued an appeal to drivers to avoid using alcohol if they plan to travel.

A road safety campaign launched by local administration is in effect across the country for a third year in a row.

The Ministry of Public Order has announced that trucks with a net weight of over 1.5 tons will not be allowed to be on the streets during the Easter holidays.

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