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Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-09-06

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

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


MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, September 6, 2000

SECTIONS

  • [A] NATIONAL NEWS
  • [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

  • NEWS HEADLINES

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

  • [01] RHODES HOSTS FORUM ON WOMEN IN PEACE CULTURE
  • [02] GREECE, US SIGN ANTI-TERRORISM MEMORANDUM
  • [03] ICAO CHIEF PLEASED WITH GREEK AVIATION PROGRESS
  • [04] GREEK PM AT "PROGRESSIVE LEADERS" DINNER IN N.Y.
  • [05] TVX HELLAS TO BE GIVEN "GO-AHEAD" BY GREEK STATE
  • [06] OECD DELEGATION ARRIVES IN ATHENS NEXT WEEK
  • [07] BOOK DENOUNCED BY CHRISTIANS IS "WORK OF ART"
  • [08] GREEK FM EMBARKS ON THREE-DAY BALKAN TOUR
  • [09] UNIONS SET TO REJECT LABOR MINISTER'S PROPOSALS
  • [10] LAST YEAR'S QUAKE WILL COST 900 BILLION DRACHMAS
  • [11] ATHENS VISITS GREEK COMMUNITIES IN ROMANIA
  • [12] GREECE-ROMANIA TRADE VOLUME GROWS BY 60%
  • [13] UNIONS REJECT MINISTER'S PROPOSALS; CLASH AHEAD
  • [14] THE OIL-SLICK THREATENS ERETRIA IN SOUTH EVIA
  • [15] TWO BRITISH TOURISTS IN RHODES WOUNDED AN AUSTRIAN WITH A KNIFE
  • [16] ARRESTS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN GREECE
  • [17] THE GREEK SUGAR INDUSTRY EXPECTS PROFITS OF 3 BILLION DRACHMAS AND A 25% PRODUCTION INCREASE
  • [18] THE DEFENSE MINISTER SPOKE BEFORE PRODUCTION SECTOR REPRESENTATIVES IN NORTHERN GREECE
  • [19] GAINS WERE RECORDED IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
  • [20] PAPANDREOU-MILOSEVIC MEETING
  • [21] NEW INTEREST RATE CUTS BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR
  • [22] MILAN GUROVIC SIGNED A CONTRACT WITH THESSALONIKI'S BASKETBALL TEAM OF "ARIS"
  • [23] GREEK STOCK EXCHANGE PRESIDENT TO VISIT CYPRUS
  • [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

  • [24] THE BALKANS IS THE NEW MAIN ROUTE USED BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
  • [25] PAPANDREOU-GEORGIEVSKI MEETING
  • [26] KARAMANOU: THE EU POLICY ON ALBANIA IS INADEQUATE
  • [27] EC PUBLISHES EMPLOYMENT POLICY REPORT
  • [28] GREEK FM ARRIVES IN BELGRADE
  • [29] SIMITIS TO HOLD VARIOUS MEETINGS IN US

  • NEWS IN DETAIL

    [A] NATIONAL NEWS

    [01] RHODES HOSTS FORUM ON WOMEN IN PEACE CULTURE

    The 1st International Forum for Peace gets underway at the island of Rhodes tomorrow, organized by the Rhodes municipality and Dodecannese regional government under the auspices of UNESCO and with the participation of Femme-Art-Mediterranee (FAM).

    The Forum's honorary president will be Nicole Fontaine, the European Parliament speaker, while the acting president will be Ingeborg Breines, director of the UNESCO programmed "Woman and a Culture of Peace."

    The three-day event will also feature an exhibition of work of women from 25 Mediterranean countries (ranging from the visual and plastic arts to film and literature) as well as numerous round- table discussions and workshops where speakers from the world of the arts, politics, science and journalism will examine the ways in which women can contribute to a culture of peace.

    Among those who will contribute to this effort are Cutlure Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou, Equality General Secretary Efi Bekou, Professor Eleni Glykatzi- Ahrweiler, dean of the European University, the president of the Arab Women's Center Soukaina Bouraoui and the president of the Royal Society of Fine Arts in Jordan, Dr Wijdan Ali.

    [02] GREECE, US SIGN ANTI-TERRORISM MEMORANDUM

    A key memorandum of police cooperation - particularly in the field of counter-terrorism - between Greece and the United States will be signed in Washington today by Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysochoides and U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno.

    A State department announcement notes that the said memorandum "will facilitate cooperation between the two countries on a thorough series of matters pertaining to the maintenance of lawful order, inclusive of terrorism, with full regard to the sovereignty of both countries."

    [03] ICAO CHIEF PLEASED WITH GREEK AVIATION PROGRESS

    The president of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Assad Kotaite, presently on a four- day, official visit to Athens, expressed his satisfaction over the progress made in the past few years in Greece concerning flight organization and operation and praised the high standard of the country's air traffic control.

    Mr. Kotaite, who was also received by the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos yesterday, noted a significant reduction in flight delays this summer and an increase in air traffic. He also stressed that the government has taken all the necessary measures for improving the infrastructure of Greece's Civil Aviation Authority.

    The ICAO President also met with Transport and Telecommunications Minister Christos Verelis with whom he discussed safety in international civil aviation, environmental concerns linked to noise pollution and aircraft exhaust fumes, and Greece's legal position on statutes and structures of aviation law.

    [04] GREEK PM AT "PROGRESSIVE LEADERS" DINNER IN N.Y.

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis is presently in the United States today, where he will take part in the UN's Millennium Summit in New York and which will debate the world body's role in the 21st century.

    Mr. Simitis will also attend a dinner hosted tonight by U.S. President Bill Clinton for the 14 heads of state and government who took part in the Conference on Progressive Governance in Berlin in June. In his address, the Premier will focus on ways to control international bourses, so as to avert international economic crises. He will also outline the significance of new technologies, education and knowledge, and will stress the need for social cohesion, justice and solidarity, coupled with the establishment of common projects in disadvantaged regions of the planet.

    Lastly, Mr. Simitis will underline the significance of "the quality of democracy" and democratic institutions.

    On the sidelines of the Summit, Mr. Simitis will meet with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the leaders of countries in the Balkans and Middle East. While he is not scheduled to meet with Turkish President Ahmet Sezer or Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, a form of social meeting is considered likely.

    [05] TVX HELLAS TO BE GIVEN "GO-AHEAD" BY GREEK STATE

    TVX Hellas, a subsidiary of Canadian miner TVX Gold Incorporated, is to be given the Greek State's stamp of approval for its polymetallic gold project in Olympiada, at Northern Greece's Halkidiki peninsula.

    According to Deputy National Economy Minister Christos Pachtas, after endorsement of the relevant environmental impact study, "the relevant procedures will be effected very quickly so that very soon the plant's founding stone will be laid."

    Moreover, Mr. Pachtas stated that the Greek government supports this investment as "it will make Greece a major gold producer and improve the competitiveness of the economy."

    The project had been severely delayed by government red tape and protests by local residents on environmental grounds.

    Earlier this summer, the Halkidiki prefectural council voted in favor of the project, albeit calling on TVX to provide guarantees on specific matters related to environmental protection. The project has also been granted final approval from the Central Archeological Council in Athens.

    [06] OECD DELEGATION ARRIVES IN ATHENS NEXT WEEK

    A delegation of officials from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is expected in Athens next Monday, September 11, in order to examine the country's tax system framework.

    In light of OECD's imminent annual report of Greece's economy, the delegates will meet with state officials.

    The said report will contain an appendix on the country's tax system and it is believed to be the state's premise for proceeding with structural changes in key sectors.

    [07] BOOK DENOUNCED BY CHRISTIANS IS "WORK OF ART"

    A book temporarily banned in northern Greece after Christian zealots who characterized it as "blasphemous took legal action, is a work of art and cannot be banned, according to a Thessaloniki court's ruling.

    The decision, issued by the Court of the First Instance yesterday, ends the temporary ban placed last March on Mimis Androulakis' book "M to the power of n", which the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece had denounced as "vile" because it contains references to sexual relations between Mary Magdalene and Jesus Christ.

    Needless to say, the book became a bestseller in March after angry protesters burned copies of it in Thessaloniki.

    [08] GREEK FM EMBARKS ON THREE-DAY BALKAN TOUR

    Foreign Minister George Papandreou embarks today on a three- day Balkan tour, with stops in FYROM, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo, in view of the forthcoming elections in the region.

    Mr. Papandreou will first visit FYROM where he will meet with the country's prime minister, Ljubco Georgievski, the opposition leader and the leader of FYROM's Albanian community. Municipal elections are to be held in FYROM on Sunday.

    Tomorrow, Mr. Papandreou will visit Belgrade where he will meet with his Yugoslav counterpart Zivadin Yovanovic and main opposition candidate Vojislav Kostunica, in light of the presidential elections on September 24. He will also meet Serbian Patriach Pavle.

    On Friday, Mr. Papandreou will visit Kosovo (where local elections will be held on October 28) and Montenegro.

    The Greek FM will attempt to convince all political parties in Yugoslavia that they contribute to a smooth and democratic election process, as this would be the only opportunity for their country to emerge from international isolation.

    [09] UNIONS SET TO REJECT LABOR MINISTER'S PROPOSALS

    The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) will apparently reject the sector reforms presented by Labor Minister Anastasios Yianitsis yesterday, as it is reportedly on the verge of declaring a nationwide strike next month.

    While GSEE officials said that their final decision on a dialogue with the government would be determined today at a meeting of the executive committee, GSEE's chairman, Christos Polyzogopoulos, reiterated h that the union is determined to move ahead with its decision for a national, 24-hour strike in October and said it was preparing to fight against government proposals for more flexible labor relations.

    In a bid to increase employment, the government wants employers to have greater flexibility to hire people part time, dismiss them without notice, and require how many hours they work according to business demands. This is "sugared" with an overall reduction in the work week from 40 hours to 38.

    With regard to dismissals, companies employing between 49 and 249 people will be able to lay off five per month, as can those with 250 or more employees, although the limit of two percent still applies for the latter.

    In order to encourage part-time work, everyone working for up to four hours a day will have a pay increase of 7.5 percent. Long- term unemployed who agree to work part time will get a third of their unemployment benefits for the first year they are working.

    [10] LAST YEAR'S QUAKE WILL COST 900 BILLION DRACHMAS

    The cost of the catastrophic earthquake that devastated the Attica region on September 7, 1999, will rise to 900 billion drachmas, according to Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis, who also conceded that, while a lot has been done, "more must and will be done."

    According to Mr. Laliotis, the above figure includes the cost of financial support granted to those who were hit by the quake and the reconstruction and repairing of public and private buildings. He said that measures taken totaled 200 billion drachmas already.

    The Minister also added that only one-fourth of the 35,000 owners of damaged property have filed applications for support, of which 3,750 have been approved.

    [11] ATHENS VISITS GREEK COMMUNITIES IN ROMANIA

    The world President of the Council of Greeks Abroad (SAE) Andrew Athens, is presently on a tour of Romania's Greek communities, where he is to meet with Patriarch Theoktistos, as well as Romanian President Emil Constantinescu.

    Invited by the chairman of the Association of Greeks in Romania, Sotiris Fotopoulos, Mr. Athens' visit aims at strengthening ties between Romania's leadership and the country's Greek communities with other Greek communities dispersed throughout the world.

    Mr. Athens will also be meeting with Romanian Premier Mogour Isarescu and leading Greeks in Romania.

    [12] GREECE-ROMANIA TRADE VOLUME GROWS BY 60%

    Greece's and Romania's bilateral trade volume galloped upwards by 60 percent during the first quarter of 2000, i.e. $132.7 million, a growth attributed to the 88-percent increase of Romanian exports to Greece, which amounted to $70.8 million.

    This noteworthy increase in Romanian exports to Greece was largely facilitated by the tax breaks implemented by Bucharest at the start of the year to exporting enterprises.

    Greek exports to Romania also increased by 36 percent during the same time frame, compared to 1999's first quarter, approximating the 62-million-dollar figure. As for the Greece- Romania trade balance, it presented an $8.9 million deficit on behalf of the first.

    Greece ranks ninth among Romania's trade allies, holding a 2.6% share in the overall volume of Romanian trade, according to statistical data provided by the Economic and Trade Affairs Bureau of the Greek Embassy in Bucharest.

    [13] UNIONS REJECT MINISTER'S PROPOSALS; CLASH AHEAD

    The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) has rejected the sector reforms presented by Labor Minister Anastasios Yianitsis yesterday, and has declared a nationwide, 24-hour strike for October 11.

    Following a meeting of its executive committee today, GSEE chairman Christos Polyzogopoulos stated that the confederation, the country's largest labor union, plans to return to the negotiations table on Friday but will only discuss measures to counter unemployment.

    Mr. Polyzogopoulos said that GSEE flatly rejects Mr. Yianitsis' proposed reforms, as "they subvert the status quo of the working force and do not contribute to fighting unemployment".

    [14] THE OIL-SLICK THREATENS ERETRIA IN SOUTH EVIA

    The ecological disaster caused in south Evia, central Greece when the cargo ship Eurobalker sunk releasing tons of crude oil in the sea has taken up huge dimensions as the oil-slick is very close to the region of Eretria.

    Ships specializing in cleaning-up operations are expected to arrive in the region today from the island of Kithira in south Peloponnese in order to assist in the efforts to remove the crude oil from the coasts.

    The shipowner company in a statement it has issued maintains that the cargo ship sunk as a result of the way it was being loaded with cement in the facilities of the Halkida Cement Company and already its lawyers have filed a suit against the cement company.

    Meanwhile, the prefects of Viotia and Evia also filed a suit yesterday asking for compensation of 6 billion drachmas.

    [15] TWO BRITISH TOURISTS IN RHODES WOUNDED AN AUSTRIAN WITH A KNIFE

    Two young British tourists attacked a 28yearold Austrian tourist with a knife in the region of Faliraki in the south- eastern Aegean island of Rhodes at dawn yesterday.

    The Austrian man underwent a long surgery at the hospital in Rhodes and his condition is not serious. A second Austrian was slightly wounded during the incident.

    [16] ARRESTS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN GREECE

    Eleven illegal immigrants, among them one child, were located at the Critiki beach in the south-eastern Aegean island of Rhodes at dawn today. The illegal immigrants were arrested while an operation for the location of the boat that brought them to the island is still in progress by the Greek Coast Guard.

    Meanwhile, two people were arrested at the Alexandroupolis- Komotini motorway when 13 Iraqi illegal immigrants were found in their truck which was confiscated by the police.

    The illegal immigrants entered Greece yesterday from the region of Feres with the assistance of an Iraqi who got US$ 9.500, while the arrested men had agreed to get US$ 10.000 after bringing the illegal immigrants to Athens.

    [17] THE GREEK SUGAR INDUSTRY EXPECTS PROFITS OF 3 BILLION DRACHMAS AND A 25% PRODUCTION INCREASE

    The Greek Sugar Industry expects a production of 320.000- 340.000 tons corresponding to a 25% increase and profits of 3 billion drachmas in the current period.

    The positive expectations of the Greek Sugar Industry management come from the fact that in the period from July 1 until now production has reached 70.000 tons compared to just 22.000 tons last year. Also, the two new industry plants in Larisa and Plateos in which were invested about 3.5 billion drachmas have already met 1/3 of their production target in the current period.

    Company president Vasilis Papayainnis in a press conference he gave today within the framework of Thessaloniki's 65th International Trade Fair stated that the period July 1, 1999 - June 30, 2000 was one of the most difficult in the company's history.

    [18] THE DEFENSE MINISTER SPOKE BEFORE PRODUCTION SECTOR REPRESENTATIVES IN NORTHERN GREECE

    The new armaments program for the Greek armed forces in the period 2001-2005 estimated at 4 trillion drachmas was presented by minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos in a one-day conference organized in a central Thessaloniki hotel with the participation of production sector representatives in northern Greece.

    In his speech he referred to the goals of the Greek defense policy which is to strengthen Greece's deterrent power toward any threat, bring Greece's armaments' level closer to that of Turkey, be prepared to handle a possible instability at its northern borders and safeguard the joint defense doctrine between Greece and Cyprus.

    He said that the Greek defense policy is firmly directed toward the de-escalation of tensions while especially on Turkey, he said that it must realize it has an obligation to contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem and lift its threats and claims against Greece.

    Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that the defense industry can play a significant role in the further development of the Greek economy and referred to the thousands of new job positions that will be secured through the co-production of parts of the armaments program by Greek industry plants.

    Of the 4 trillion drachmas for the new armaments program 2.56 trillion will be absorbed in the five year period of 2001-2005 and the rest in the next five years.

    Responding to a question on whether there were reactions on behalf of the Turkish and the US side against the purchase of missile systems by Greece, he said that he did not think so because it should be unthinkable for Turkey, which materializes a continuously inflated armaments program, to feel the need to comment on the Greek forces' supplies which are being made within the framework of the modernization goals of the NATO and European defense forces.

    [19] GAINS WERE RECORDED IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE

    Significant gains of 2.49% were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today as the positive picture continues since last Friday.

    The general index was at 3.935,52 points and the volume of transactions at 155,1 billion drachmas. Of the 330 stocks trading today only 6 recorded losses while 28 remained stable.

    [20] PAPANDREOU-MILOSEVIC MEETING

    Greek acting government spokesman Tilemachos Hitiris announced the contacts Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou will have in Belgrade tomorrow with Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic, Serb president Milan Miludinovic and foreign minister Zivadin Jovanovic.

    Mr. Hitiris, responding to a question by a reporter, stated that the meeting with Mr. Milosevic had been scheduled a long time ago but the date was set now, while he also stated that this is not a political legalization of Milosevic as he is the president of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, adding that the two men will not discuss domestic issues.

    Mr. Hitiris stated that Greece's positions are known, pointing out Greece's struggle for the lifting of the embargo against Belgrade and the creation of closer relations between the Balkan states and Europe.

    [21] NEW INTEREST RATE CUTS BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR

    The interest rate cuts was one of the main issues discussed by minister of national economy Yiannos Papantoniou and Bank of Greece governor Loukas Papadimos in the meeting they had in Athens at noon today.

    Mr. Papantoniou stated that the economic indexes are very satisfactory and expressed the belief that the Greek interest rates will harmonize as scheduled with the interest rates of the Euro as all the relative procedures are on the right course and are being watched closely.

    From his side, Mr. Papadimos stated that the steps toward the interest rate cuts must be cautious to secure the drachmas' smooth accession into the Euro-zone. He also announced that there will be new interest rate cuts of 2,5 to 3 points by the end of the year.

    [22] MILAN GUROVIC SIGNED A CONTRACT WITH THESSALONIKI'S BASKETBALL TEAM OF "ARIS"

    The transfer of Milan Gurovic to Thessaloniki's basketball team of "ARIS" was completed in the early morning hours today and next season the 23yearold will be playing with the Greek team.

    Gurovic, who was playing with "Barcelona", Spain is the last summer-transfer for the team of "ARIS" and chose to come to Thessaloniki because he knows coach Dragan Sakota fairly well.

    [23] GREEK STOCK EXCHANGE PRESIDENT TO VISIT CYPRUS

    President of the Athens Stock Exchange, Panayiotis Alexakis, will visit Burgenstock in Switzerland, to attend the 21st Annual International Stock Exchange Meeting.

    During the meeting, Mr Alexakis will present the various aspects of the Greek Stock Exchange, together with the developments within the European stock market.

    Mr Alexakis will arrive in Cyprus on Friday, to discuss matters of cooperation with the Cyprus Stock Exchange administration. His aim is to establish a unified stock exchange between Greece and Cyprus with a joint trading floor, joint members and joint stocks.

    Apart from his meetings with the Cyprus stock exchange administration, its President, Paris Lenas and the General Director, Mr Nondas Metaxas, the President of the Athens Stock Exchange will also meet with the Cypriot minister of Finance, Takis Klirides, the President of the Cypriot capital market committee, Andreas Charalambous and the Director of the Central Bank of Cyprus, Afksendis Afksendiou.

    Mr Alexakis will address the company-members of the Stock Exchange on Friday, as well Cypriot investors, on recent developments within stock markets and opportunities for co- ventures.

    [B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS

    [24] THE BALKANS IS THE NEW MAIN ROUTE USED BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

    The Balkans is the new main route used by the illegal immigrants having as destination the western European countries according to the BBC, which cited data provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

    According to the IOM, the Balkan countries are now the main route used by the illegal immigrants, a role that until recently belonged to the Baltic states.

    Based on the same source, there is a sharp drop in the number of people passing through Lithuania which was a key-passage to Europe for illegal immigrants from Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This drop is mainly due to the fact that the Lithuanian government has tightened the legal framework concerning the country's immigration policy.

    Countries such as Bosnia-Herzegovina, where the border controls are lax, are the targets of the illegal immigrants' trafficking rings as according to IOM estimates, over 5.000 people from poor parts of the world pass through this specific country every month looking for a better life in the West.

    [25] PAPANDREOU-GEORGIEVSKI MEETING

    Greek foreign minister Giorgos Papandreou met at noon today with FYROM prime minister Ljupco Georgievski within the framework of his three-day tour of the Balkan states.

    Mr. Papandreou in statements he made after the meeting said that he brought the message that there is a need for stability and democracy. He said that with his visit Greece's will to play an active role in the wider region is confirmed.

    He reiterated that Greece follows a policy of principles seeking democracy, the respect of international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Mr. Papandreou stated that for as long as those principles are being promoted stability will be consolidated.

    Mr. Papandreou stated that the goal of his next stop in Belgrade is the talks that will be held there to contribute to the creation of a sincere framework of relations not just at a bilateral level but within the European Union framework as well.

    When asked to comment on yesterday's incident with the airplane carrying Greek prime minister Simitis he responded that it was strictly a matter of how Olympic Airways handled the whole situation.

    Mr. Papandreou also had separate meetings in Skopje with Democratic Party of Albanians (DPA) leader Arben Jaferi and Social- democratic Union leader Branko Tservenkovski.

    [26] KARAMANOU: THE EU POLICY ON ALBANIA IS INADEQUATE

    Greek governing socialist party of PASOK Euro-deputy Anna Karamanou characterized as inadequate the EU policy on Albania, pointing out that a development policy toward this country is necessary.

    Ms. Karamanou had tabled a question to the European Union Council after the armed attack against the Greek minority in Dervitsani, Albania on July 4 calling on it to take action for the safety of the region and the protection of the rights of the minorities.

    In response, the European Union Council referred to the measures taken for the reorganization of the Albanian police and the countering of the immigration wave from Albania but Ms. Karamanou stated that the problems in that country and throughout the Balkans can not be resolved with police measures but through measures that offer a way out from the economic problems in the region and strengthen the democratic institutions.

    [27] EC PUBLISHES EMPLOYMENT POLICY REPORT

    The European Commission has published its annual evaluation of politicians responsible for employment in all EU country members.

    The greatest criticism has been launched against Greece, with the report making six proposals for improvement in the country's employment policy. Five proposals for improvement in German, Italian, Spanish and French employment policy will be made, and four similar proposals will be made to Britain.

    According to reports, a top EC official stated that Greece and Italy must push ahead with the most reforms to improve their policies in the field of employment.

    [28] GREEK FM ARRIVES IN BELGRADE

    Greek Foreign minister George Papandreou, arrived in Belgrade today for his three day Balkan tour.

    Mr Papandreou travelled to Belgrade from Skopje, where he met with FYROM Prime Minister Ljupco Georgievski, the leader of the opposition party Branko Cervenkovski, the President of the Democratic Albanian Party, Arben Dzaferi and Parliamentary President Savo Klimovski. Mr Papandreou met with Serbian Patriarch Pavle upon arriving in the Serbian capital, and will have meetings with Zivadin Jovanovic, Serbian President Milan Milutinovic, FRY President Slobodan Milosevic and the Serbian Democratic Opposition party presidential candidate Vojislav Kostunica. It is the first time that a NATO and EE member Foreign minister is visiting Belgrade, since the end of last year's NATO bombings against Yugoslavia. In his meetings with Mr Milosevic and Mr Milutinovic, the Greek Foreign minister will highlight the need for democratic change in the country, in order for there to be a peaceful future for Serbia and Yugoslavia in Europe and will also mention international action taken by Greece for the lifting of sanctions imposed against Yugoslavia.

    Mr Papandreou will also stress the importance of holding fair and democratic elections, in order for the results to be recognised by the international community and by all political forces within the country.

    After fulfilling his obligations in Belgrade, Mr Papandreou will leave for Pristina, the capital of Kosovo and will complete his tour with a visit to Montenegro's capital, Podgorica, where he will meet with its President, Filip Vujanovic.

    [29] SIMITIS TO HOLD VARIOUS MEETINGS IN US

    Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis will outline the stance taken by Greece concerning the role of the UN, during his speech at the UN General Assembly being held in New York.

    Mr Simitis will attend the formal dinner being held by US President Bill Clinton on the same day, for centre-left leaders, with whom solutions to current problems were discussed in Berlin a few months ago.

    Mr Simitis will highlight the pressing need for dealing with the negative effects of globalisation, to evaluate new technology, to create rules for the operating of stock markets and to control power over the economy.

    The Greek Prime Minister will also meet with UN General Secretary Kofi Annan during the Millennium Summit, as well as with other state and government leaders.

    Today saw the meeting between Mr Simitis and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, during which developments in the Middle East were discussed. The Greek leader will hold a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, tomorrow.

    During his visit, Mr Simitis will also meet with Albanian President Recep Meidani and with FYROM President Boris Trajkovski, to discuss bilateral issues and developments in the Balkans as far as the crucial forthcoming elections in Yugoslavia are concerned.

    Mr Simitis also met with king Abdullah of Jordan for the first time.


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