Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 06-02-28

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] PAPADOPOULOS-ANNAN TO MEET IN PARIS

[02] ARCHBISHOP ANASTASIOS ELECTED WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES PRESIDENT

[03] WORK STOPPAGE BY GSEE-ADEDY

[04] THE EVROS RIVER WATER LEVEL IS RISING

[05] NEW CHIEFS IN THE ARMY, POLICE AND FIRE BRIGADE

[06] NEW PAPADOPOULOS-ANNAN MEETING

[01] PAPADOPOULOS-ANNAN TO MEET IN PARIS

Cyprus Republic President Tassos Papadopoulos will request that the visit of the UN Secretary General envoy to Nicosia aimed at preparing the ground for the resumption of the talks on the Cyprus issue be brought forward. President Papadopoulos will make the request during his meeting with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in Paris later this afternoon.

Mr. Papadopoulos will insist that all five UN Security Council permanent members be involved in the efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem.

The Cyprus Republic President will enter the meeting reinforced by the EU General Affairs Council decision concerning the regulations on the Turkish Cypriots.

[02] ARCHBISHOP ANASTASIOS ELECTED WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES PRESIDENT

Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania was unanimously elected World Council of Churches President in the 9th general assembly meeting held at the Roman Catholic University of Porto Alegre in Brazil.

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyiannis congratulated the Archbishop for his unanimous election which is an international recognition and vindication of his great pastoral work and contribution.

The general assembly meeting was held with the participation of an estimated 700 representatives of 348 Churches (Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Presbyterian) from 120 countries while about 4,000 individuals also attended under different capacities among them, representatives of the Roman Catholic Church which participates actively in the World Council of Churches meetings in the past few years.

The delegates discussed issues such as the Church's unity, the Christian identity, financial justice, violence, poverty, the AIDS problem, problems in Latin America, etc.

The Autocephalous Christian Orthodox Church of Albania is a member of the World Council of Churches since 1994 and Archbishop Anastasios has served in a number of committees since 1963.

For the record, the World Council of Churches has helped the Autocephalous Church of Albania in its reform efforts and has funded programs in a number of sectors.

[03] WORK STOPPAGE BY GSEE-ADEDY

The Greek General Confederation of Labour, GSEE, and the Confederation of Public Servants, ADEDY, launched a four-hour work stoppage at 11 am this morning promoting economic demands while they also call for the impasse in the negotiations for the signing of the National General Collective Work Contract to be lifted.

The strikers will hold rallies in Athens and Thessaloniki with the participation of labour unions.

[04] THE EVROS RIVER WATER LEVEL IS RISING

The Evros River water level is rising rapidly, alarming Evros Prefecture authorities, in northeast Greece. Local authorities have already put into effect emergency plan Xenokratis.

Water level reached 5.36 meters at Pithio station at noon today (flood warning level 5.70m). Already, a total of 250 ha of farm land are covered by flood waters in the region of Psathades in Didimoticho.

The rising waters are the result of the strong rainfall recorded in the past few days both in Greece and Bulgaria.

Local mayors warn residents to keep away from torrents, the Evros River banks and levees while they were also called to remove their livestock and equipment from the region as a precaution.

[05] NEW CHIEFS IN THE ARMY, POLICE AND FIRE BRIGADE

The issue of privatizations was discussed in the inner cabinet meeting held under Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

Minister of Finance and Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis was the sponsor of the issue and referred to the goals of privatizations.

Meanwhile, the government council on foreign affairs and defense, KYSEA, held a meeting to select the new chiefs in the army and security forces.

Promoted to Greek Police Chief is lieutenant general Anastasios Dimoschakis, while the new Fire Brigade Chief is lieutenant general Andreas Kois. Lieutenant general Dimitrios Grapsas is the new Army General Staff Chief.

[06] NEW PAPADOPOULOS-ANNAN MEETING

Cyprus Republic President Tassos Papadopoulos meets in Paris today with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Mr. Papadopoulos stated that they will hold a comprehensive discussion on the Cyprus issue and examine ways leading to the resumption of the talks.

Yesterday, the EU General Affairs Council ratified the decision for the economic support of the Turkish Cypriots with 139 million euros.

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyiannis stated that the development is positive and underlined that Turkey has to meet its obligations toward Cyprus before the end of 2006.

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