Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 05-12-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] BERISHA IN ATHENS

[02] PRIME MINISTER KARAMANLIS MET WITH JORDAN'S KING ABDULLAH

[03] TWENTY YOUNG SERBS IN ALEXANDROUPOLIS

[04] BERISHA-KING ABDULLAH IN ATHENS

[05] THE STATE BUDGET TO BE VOTED IN PARLIAMENT

[01] BERISHA IN ATHENS

Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha had a 30 minute meeting with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in Athens today when he requested to meet with Mr. Karamanlis during a stopover to the Greek capital on his way back to Tirana from Iraq.

No statements were made after the meeting. Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis responding to a relevant question categorically denied that the Cham issue was raised.

Jordan's King Abdullah also visited Maximos Mansion within the framework of his formal visit to Athens accompanied by his wife, Queen Rania.

[02] PRIME MINISTER KARAMANLIS MET WITH JORDAN'S KING ABDULLAH

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis met with Jordan's King Abdullah II at Maximos Mansion in Athens today.

Mr. Karamanlis stressed in his statements that Jordan has deservedly won the respect of global community for its moderation and constructive stance on issues that concern the whole world, while King Abdullah has further strengthened Jordan's international role.

The Prime Minister after mentioning the reform program promoted in Jordan by King Abdullah underlined that His Majesty's positions on the Palestinian issue and other crucial regional issues carry weight and are very important in the effort to achieve permanent peace in the region.

Mr. Karamanlis also stated that the prospects for peace in the Middle East appear favorable at the moment and pointed out that this opportunity should not be missed.

He underlined that Israelis and Palestinians have made mutual compromises and should meet their obligations to the fullest, as outlined by the road map.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction for the successful Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and added that its contribution to peaceful cooperation will be essential only if it is regarded as a first step in the process defined by the road map. On its part, the Palestinian authority should do everything possible to promote the necessary reforms and combat terrorism, stated Mr. Karamanlis, confirming that Greece supports the two-state solution of Israel and Palestine.

Mr. Karamanlis pointed out that Jordan is an important Mediterranean partner for the EU and within this framework Greece can serve as a bridge to further strengthen this cooperation. He reiterated his abhorrence over the recent terrorist attack in Jordan confirming that Greece and the Greek people are on Jordan's side. He also stated that he is looking forward to the further strengthening of bilateral economic relations, adding that the two agreements signed yesterday on tourist cooperation and protection of investments will give a new boost to bilateral relations.

The King of Jordan referred to the good bilateral relations and stressed that the road map approved by the international community offers a viable mechanism in the search of a fair, lasting and comprehensive peace settlement in the Middle East.

Regarding Iraq, King Abdullah stated that the election process is an important step forward that signals the opening of a new chapter, adding that the Iraqis will be supported to be able to have a stable, united, prosperous and peaceful country.

On terrorism, King Abdullah stated that all acts of terrorism are condemned.

The King of Jordan added that the message of Amman was also discussed which, he said, has as a goal peace, progress, understanding, acceptance and the respect of human dignity.

[03] TWENTY YOUNG SERBS IN ALEXANDROUPOLIS

Twenty young Serbs, 15-18 years old, will be staying with 18 families in Alexandroupolis, northeast Greece, from December 22, 2005 until January 7, 2006 within the framework of a program materialized by the municipality of Alexandroupolis and the Red Cross.

The young guests are expected to arrive today.

[04] BERISHA-KING ABDULLAH IN ATHENS

The prospects for peace in the Middle East appear to be favorable, stated Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis after the meeting he had with Jordan's King Abdullah II who is on a visit to Athens.

Mr. Karamanlis reiterated the Greek position in favor of two states, Israel and Palestine, and called on their leaderships to implement the road map supported by the international community.

The Jordanian monarch was in favor of the strengthening of relations.

Prime Minister Karamanlis also had a half-hour meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha in Athens today. Mr. Berisha requested the meeting with Mr. Karamanlis during a stopover to the Greek capital on his way back to Tirana from Iraq.

No statements were made after the meeting. Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis responding to a relevant question categorically denied that the Cham issue was raised.

[05] THE STATE BUDGET TO BE VOTED IN PARLIAMENT

The debate on the 2006 state budget will be completed at midnight and is expected to be passed by parliament through a roll-call vote regarded as a vote of confidence to the government.

Before the vote, the leaders of the political parties will address the parliament.

Minister of Finance and Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis stated yesterday speaking in parliament that beginning in 2007 all citizens will pay less taxes while former Prime Minister Costas Simitis spoke of a bogus budget.

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