Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 05-11-28

Macedonian Press Agency: Brief News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] COOPERATION AGAINST TERRORISM

[02] PRIME MINISTER KARAMANLIS ATTENDS THE EURO-MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE

[03] FOUR WORKERS INJURED IN A HELLENIC PETROLEUM OIL PIPELINE EXPLOSION

[04] A MUSEUM OF CULTURE AND HISTORICAL MEMORY

[05] SAKIS ROUVAS TO LIGHT THE CHRISTMAS TREE IN THESSALONIKI

[06] IMMIGRATION, ECONOMY, EDUCATION AND CULTURE DISCUSSED IN THE

[01] COOPERATION AGAINST TERRORISM

The adoption of a code of conduct against terrorism without hurting human rights is being examined in the Euro-Mediterranean Conference meeting in Barcelona held at heads of states and governments level without the participation of the Arab leaders and the Prime Minister of Israel.

We do not expect any decisions to be made. We should be pragmatists. However, we can give a new boost to the dialogue setting the priorities in the region, stated Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in an interview with the Spanish news agency EFE.

[02] PRIME MINISTER KARAMANLIS ATTENDS THE EURO-MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis attends the Euro-Mediterranean Conference taking place in Barcelona, Spain. A brief meeting between Prime Minister Karamanlis and his Turkish counterpart is not ruled out on the sidelines of the conference.

If Turkey really wants to approach Europe it should respect the European principles and values and meet the proposals made by the 25, stated Mr. Karamanlis in an interview with the Spanish newspaper ABC published today.

Responding to a question on the fact that Turkey does not recognize the Cyprus Republic, while Turkish forces remain in the northern part of the island, Mr. Karamanlis stated that the relevant EU decisions dictate a clear European framework for Turkey and set a specific process that cannot be sidestepped or put under negotiation.

Mr. Karamanlis outlined the Euro-Mediterranean prospects for Athens underlining the great importance attributed by the EU to cooperation with other Mediterranean countries through the adoption of the Barcelona Declaration 10 years ago.

On security and ways to combat terrorism which are major issues for the Mediterranean countries, Mr. Karamanlis pointed out that Greece has suffered long from the plague of terrorism and participates actively in the efforts to combat the phenomenon. He said that Greece has ratified the twelve international treaties against terrorism and implements the UN Security Council Resolutions 1373 and 1566. He stated that counterterrorist activities should be in compliance with the UN Charter and International Law. Mr. Karamanlis added that Greece cooperates closely with friendly countries and this cooperation is very effective and proved to be helpful both in the dismantling of the terrorist group 17 November and the hosting of the safest Olympic Games ever held in the contemporary history of the event. He added that Greece has faith in the counterterrorist strategy drawn up by the EU.

Responding to a question on the Middle East and ways to improve the atmosphere in the region, the Prime Minister stated that an emphasis is given on the rapprochement and cooperation of the region's countries with the EU because the EU can have a decisive and beneficial effect on the promotion of peaceful coexistence, stability and growth in the region. He also stated that Greece can offer the valuable experience it has gained from the Balkan region which was turned from a powder keg of Europe into a region of stability, prosperity and integration. He added that inter-cultural dialogue should be promoted through the Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation stressing that the Inter-Cultural Dialogue must be supported.

Mr. Karamanlis stated that Greece supports the efforts for a solution to the Middle East problem based on the recognition of the Palestinian state while guaranteeing the safety of Israel. He stated that a lasting and viable solution in the Middle East presupposes the rapprochement with all the neighboring countries.

Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with the Spanish news agency EFE before departing for Barcelona, Mr. Karamanlis stated that he expects no decisions to be made but dialogue on the region's priorities can receive a boost.

Mr. Karamanlis referred to the new challenges faced by the region such as terrorism, citizen safety, and the promotion of peace, stability and the democratic principles. He stated that hopefully the Barcelona Process will guarantee the development of all the countries in the region within a framework of increased social cohesion and equal opportunities.

The Prime Minister gave a special emphasis on the joint initiative with his Spanish counterpart to establish a European Coastguard, adding that there is still a lot left to be done toward that end.

On bilateral cooperation, Mr. Karamanlis announced that a proposal will be presented in the near future to fund a study aimed at the creation of a complete system for the management of sea borders.

[03] FOUR WORKERS INJURED IN A HELLENIC PETROLEUM OIL PIPELINE EXPLOSION

According to initial information, the explosion in a Hellenic Petroleum crude oil pipeline at Nea Peramos, near Athens, was the result of human error. Four workers were hurt and two of them sustained serious injuries and burns.

The accident happened this morning during construction works by a six-member crew of a contractor company which had undertaken to do repair work on behalf of Hellenic Petroleum.

According to initial information, one of the workers hit a screw with a hammer creating a spark that caused the explosion.

[04] A MUSEUM OF CULTURE AND HISTORICAL MEMORY

The ecclesiastical Museum of Alexandroupolis, NE Greece, founded in 1976 by Metropolitan Bishop Anthimos is dedicated to culture and historical memory.

Its rich collection includes more than four hundred religious worship relics, icons, sacred vessels, canonicals, wood carved objects, all dated from the 16th to the 20th century.

The most luxurious of the gold embroidered canonicals exhibited in the museum belong to known hierarchs who had undertaken national action in the region, like Patriarch Anthimos VII Tsatsos of Constantinople (1827-1913).

[05] SAKIS ROUVAS TO LIGHT THE CHRISTMAS TREE IN THESSALONIKI

The municipality of Thessaloniki will light the Christmas tree at Aristotelous Square this evening during the annual Celebration of Angels.

Famous Greek pop singer Sakis Rouvas will be the special guest in the event, while Thessaloniki choruses and other music groups will also take part.

A fireworks display will add a special atmosphere to the celebrations, while Aristotelous Square is decorated with a Bridge of Angels, a construction made-up of thousands of tiny lamps.

[06] IMMIGRATION, ECONOMY, EDUCATION AND CULTURE DISCUSSED IN THE EURO-MEDITERRANEAN CONFERENCE

The Euro-Mediterranean Conference was held in Barcelona, Spain today under draconian security measures. Immigration, economy, education and culture were the main issues discussed.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis attended the conference and commented that the Summit Meeting in Barcelona takes place 10 years after the initiative was launched, adding that it has a special importance for Greece because it is a Mediterranean country and a direct recipient of developments in the region. Therefore, Greece is particularly interested in peace, stability, and the efforts against terrorism in the region as well as in the prospects for development and prosperity and the opportunities they offer. He added that the EU will play the role of a catalyst to the future of the wider Mediterranean region and Greece is willing to contribute actively toward this direction.

In the meetings held yesterday and today were discussed the priorities set based on the recent developments and the developments recorded in the past 10 years since the adoption of the Barcelona Declaration, said Mr. Karamanlis, adding that the participants shared the view that a lot of work needs to be done in the area of reforms.

He also said that they discussed the major issue of illegal immigration and concluded that a serious joint effort should be made to deal with it, while regarding the economy they confirmed that the creation of a Free Transactions Zone by the year 2010 is a priority that will be beneficial for all.

Also, Mr. Karamanlis stated that a special emphasis was given on the issues of education and culture.

On the sidelines of the Conference, the Prime Minister met with the German Chancellor and the Portuguese Prime Minister and shook hands with the Turkish Prime Minister.

Macedonian Press Agency: Brief News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article