Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 2000-01-12
MACEDONIAN PRESS AGENCY NEWS IN ENGLISH
Thessaloniki, January 12, 2000
SECTIONS
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
TITLES
[01] DEFENSE MINISTER MEETS TROOPS IN KOSOVO TODAY
[02] JAPANESE PREMIER ON HISTORIC VISIT TO GREECE
[03] OTE LANDS BULGARIA'S SECOND CELL PHONE LICENSE
[04] ARMY, NAVY CHIEFS CHANGED, BUT NOT OVER DU ISSUE
[05] INTER-BALKAN TELEMARATHON ON "RIGA'S CHARTER"
[06] LOCALS STILL STRONG IN OBJECTIONS TO TVX'S PLANS
[07] PM ANNOUNCES NINE MEASURES TO LOOK INTO DU USE
[08] VARTHOLOMEOS SALUTES BALKAN CONFERENCE
[09] RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE IS A REQUISITE FOR STABILITY
[10] GREEKS SUPPORT LOBBYING POWER, BUT CHICKEN OUT
[11] TWO MORE SUITORS EYE OLYMPIC AIRWAYS BUYOUT
[12] 875 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE ARRESTED IN THE DODECANESSE
[13] ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS WILL VISIT KOSOVO
[14] EARTHQUAKE MEASURING 3.9 ON THE RICHTER SCALE IN ATHENS
[15] MARGINAL GAINS IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
[16] VOULGARIS-SCORSESE COOPERATION IN "BRIDES"
[17] SIMITIS: THE PRESENCE OF GREEK SOLDIERS IN YUGOSLAVIA SERVES
THE NATIONAL INTERESTS
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[18] SAE SENT WINTER CLOTHING TO THE GREEKS IN THE FORMER SOVIET
UNION
[19] 29 CHILDREN WERE ARRESTED IN A DEMONSTRATION SUPPORTING THE
KURDISH PKK
[20] THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE ETHNIC GREEK
ORGANIZATION "OMONIA" IN ALBANIA
[21] THE GREEK MINISTER OF DEFENSE IS ON A VISIT TO KOSOVO
NEWS IN DETAIL
[A] NATIONAL NEWS
[01] DEFENSE MINISTER MEETS TROOPS IN KOSOVO TODAY
Heading by a delegation of deputies, Minister of National
Defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos is to travel to Kosovo today, where
he will hold talks with KFOR staff and the military officials
leading Greek forces stationed in the area concerning NATO's use
of depleted uranium ammunition.
Addressing the Parliament's Defense and Foreign Affairs
Committee yesterday, the Minister reiterated that the Greek
militaries who had served or are serving in Kosovo are to undergo
medical tests to will examine radiation levels, while he also
stressed that the Greek peacekeeping force will remain in Kosovo
and, if any problems are ascertained, all necessary measures will
be taken.
[02] JAPANESE PREMIER ON HISTORIC VISIT TO GREECE
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori will embark on a two-day
official visit to Greece tomorrow, January 13, the first-ever
visit to Greece by a Japanese premier, for talks on bilateral
relations and regional issues.
Mr. Mori will hold talks with his Greek counterpart Costas
Simitis and other top government officials with whom he will
discuss Greek-Japanese relations as well as regional issues of
concern to the two countries.
In 1999, Greece and Japan marked the 100th anniversary of
diplomatic relations between the two countries.
According to a Japanese Embassy announcement, Mr. Mori's
visit is considered very important for the further development and
improvement of the relations between the two countries.
[03] OTE LANDS BULGARIA'S SECOND CELL PHONE LICENSE
Culminating three years of negotiations, Greece's state-owned
Telecommunications Organization (OTE), has officially won a
Bulgarian state tender for sale of the neighboring country's
second GSM-technology mobile phone license.
Following a meeting yesterday, Bulgaria's state
telecommunications committee endorsed the award of the country's
second mobile phone licence to OTE
The Bulgarian state telecommunications committee will
officially notify OTE of its decision within the next three days,
while OTE has 14 days to pay 135 million US dollars, the purchase
price it had offered in the international tender for the licence.
[04] ARMY, NAVY CHIEFS CHANGED, BUT NOT OVER DU ISSUE
Greece's army and navy chiefs of staff will be replaced, as
both incumbent military officials are up for retirement,
according to the Government Committee on Foreign Policy and
Defense (KYSEA), while Defense Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos
dismissed rumors that the replacements are somehow linked with the
recent scare over the use of depleted uranium ammunition.
The new army chief of staff is Lieutenant General George
Antonakopoulos, who served as the commander of the Fourth Army
Corps. Lt.-Gen. Antonakopoulos replaces Gen. Konstantinos
Panagiotakis.
The new navy chief of staff is Vice-Admiral George
Theodoroulakis, the current fleet commander. He replaces Vice-Adm.
Georgios Ioannidis.
Air force chief Lt.-Gen. Dimitrios Litzerakos continues to
serve in his post.
[05] INTER-BALKAN TELEMARATHON ON "RIGA'S CHARTER"
The Inter-Balkan Cultural Agency is to hold a telemarathon on
January 15, to be broadcast by Greece's ERT channel, aiming at
the promotion of regional cooperation on matters of culture.
Riga's Charter" has drawn a series of initiatives for 2001,
among them meetings in Athens and Brussels, seminars, theatrical
plays, book presentations, etc.
Costas Georgousopoulos is the president of the Inter-Balkan
Cultural Agency.
[06] LOCALS STILL STRONG IN OBJECTIONS TO TVX'S PLANS
The Council of State, Greece's top administrative body, is to
hear a petition today filed by a group of Halkidiki residents who
are opposed to plans by Canadian-based TVX Hellas to expand its
facilities in their area.
In a press conference held in this peninsula of northern
Greece yesterday, local government representatives outlined the
objections of their constituents who fear pollution of an area
rich in archaeological remains.
TVX, a Toronto-based mining company, wants to expand its gold
mining operations in the area and to build a processing metal
plant at the Olympiada site.
Its polymetallic gold project, (budgeted at $248 million)
aims to develop 254,000 ounces of gold on an annual basis, along
with 2.3 million ounces of silver, 21,500 tons of zinc and 22,500
tons of lead over the first five years of production.
Prior to gaining the state's approval of its environmental
impact report last year, TVX was subject to a series of protests
and obstructive action from local groups.
[07] PM ANNOUNCES NINE MEASURES TO LOOK INTO DU USE
Following a Cabinet meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Costas
Simitis announced a series of nine measures aimed at investigating
the problems arising from NATO's use of depleted uranium (DU)
bombs in Yugoslavia and Bosnia.
The Premier, who did not hesitate to openly criticize the
Alliance for failing to fully inform Greece on the use of DU
ammunition, called for a thorough investigation into the
consequences and for measures of protection.
Specifically, Mr. Simitis expressed the Greek government's
disagreement with NATO over the use of weapons that create
permanent dangers to human life.
The Greek government's nine measures are as follows:
The Greek Atomic Energy Committee will monitor radioactivity
levels at military facilities and missile ranges on land and at
sea.
2. The use of DU ammunition during military exercises should be
suspended until the investigation is concluded.
3. NATO should release all DU-related data and cooperate with
other international organizations.
4. DU research conducted by the United Nations, the
International Atomic Energy Agency and the World Health
Organisation should continue.
5. A fact-finding and evaluation committee should be created
within a NATO framework.
6. The investigation should be extended to the local population
and to the overall environment.
7. The DU issue should be discussed within the European Union,
both in the context of the Joint Security and Defence Policy
and as a health and environmental concern.
8. A scientific working team should be formed to evaluate and
present before the next Balkans Summit in February the
consequences of using DU ammunition in Yugoslavia.
9. The Greek government will form a committee to monitor the
handling of this issue.
[08] VARTHOLOMEOS SALUTES BALKAN CONFERENCE
In a message sent to a Thessaloniki-held Balkan conference on
religion, Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos stressed the need for
cooperation in establishing peace, mutual tolerance and
coexistence in a world where chauvinism leads to conflict and
bloodshed.
His Eminence added that religion is a societal element of
unity and peace and, as such, it should not be used to create hate
and division, much more so wars and fratricide.
Mr. Vartholomeos also stressed that the war in former
Yugoslavia did not have religious motives, adding that "religious
communities are in a position and are obliged to play a leading
role in reconstructing peace and promoting stability among Balkan
peoples".
The conference, which is taking place under the auspices of
the Balkan Stability Pact, features the attendance of
representatives of Christian, Islamic and Judaic communities of
Southeastern Europe and also includes journalists from many
European countries.
The event, which is to conclude tomorrow, aims at cultivating
a dialogue among the various religious communities and the media
in an effort to promote peace, justice and stability in S.E.
Europe.
[09] RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE IS A REQUISITE FOR STABILITY
Addressing a Thessaloniki-held Balkan conference on religion,
Balkan Stability Pact Chairman Bodo Hombach said that during the
wars in former Yugoslavia "people lost their religious faith and
the church its material infrastructure."
Mr. Hombach added that the image of the Balkans, created by
the media in the west, very often does not represent reality, and
he called on the media to also cover the good news about the
region.
Similarly, Minister of Macedonia-Thrace George Paschalides
stressed that the religious conference constitutes a significant
contribution to the efforts taken for establishing a climate of
understanding and rapprochement among the S.E. European peoples,
since it aims to combat the intolerance for which the Balkan
peoples have paid dearly.
The Minister stressed that intolerance should be combatted at
three levels, namely at schools, the church and the media.
"I think it's time we reconsidered the view that ‘good news
is no news", Mr. Paschalides told the attending journalists.
According to Mr. Paschalides, the reconstruction of the
Balkans bears an environmental dimension which should become more
apparent in light of the latest developments. Also, the Minister
added that the cost of reconstruction should be determined with a
greater degree of magnanimity.
"Following the recent developments in Serbia, the Stability
Pact features the participation of all the countries of
Southeastern Europe, all of which form a Balkan landscape by
promoting the strengthening of democratic institutions, economic
development and the peaceful resolution of differences.
"The conditions for long-term stability in the region, and
the embodiment of S.E. European countries in the European Union,
are gradually formed. The restoration of damages resulting from
the recent military raids in the Balkans is a significant facet of
the Stability Pact's environmental program," he stressed.
The conference, which is taking place under the auspices of
the Balkan Stability Pact, features the attendance of
representatives of Christian, Islamic and Judaic communities of
Southeastern Europe and also includes journalists from many
European countries.
The event, which is to conclude tomorrow, aims at cultivating
a dialogue among the various religious communities and the media
in an effort to promote peace, justice and stability in S.E.
Europe.
[10] GREEKS SUPPORT LOBBYING POWER, BUT CHICKEN OUT
Even though only a third of Greek workers actually become
union members, the overwhelming majority of believe that unions
are necessary for resolving labor disputes and safeguarding
workers' rights.
A recent survey performed on a sample of 2,300 employees
found that 33.6 percent of those polled are union members, even
though 85 percent believe that unions are necessary.
Conducted by V.PRC on behalf of the General Confederation of
Greek Laborers (GSEE), the survey also found that 30% of
respondents are against unionization, while three percent
expressed fear of involvement with unions. However, unemployed and
migrant workers consider trade union membership as essential to
securing labor rights. Regarding the labor market, about 55
percent of those polled stated that they feel little to no job
security.
Respondents to the poll work an average of 42 hours from
Monday to Friday, with 43.6 hours for workers in the private
sector and 36.6 hours for public servants. Moreover, half of
those polled are called to work on the weekends or holidays, while
one out of ten respondents is employed on a part-time basis.
[11] TWO MORE SUITORS EYE OLYMPIC AIRWAYS BUYOUT
Two of Greece's largest privately-owned airlines, Aegean and
Cronus, have emerged as suitors for the purchase of a 65 percent
stake of the national air carrier Olympic Airways.
Bringing the number of prospective buyers to six, Aegean and
Cronus are now joining U.S. firm Chrysler Aviation (a specialist
in executive jets), Cyprus Airways, the Japanese Sanwa Bank,
shipowner Stamatis Restis and an unnamed investment firm based in
Australia.
While the deadline for binding expressions of interest -which
will have to accompanied by business plans- is after January 31,
financial bids are to be requested in early March.
[12] 875 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE ARRESTED IN THE DODECANESSE
Interesting figures on the illegal immigrants that were
arrested in the region of the Dedecanesse last year were given to
publicity by the southeastern Aegean police authorities.
Specifically, a total of 875 illegal immigrants were arrested and
were sent back to their countries.
Also, according to information provided by the police
concerning on the same period of time, authorities have solved two
manslaughter cases and 128 of the 172 reported robberies.
[13] ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS WILL VISIT KOSOVO
Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All of Greece intends
to visit Kosovo on January 19 and 20 to meet with the Greek
students and soldiers in the region after the issue that arose
concerning the use of depleted uranium shells in the NATO bombing
of Yugoslavia.
Meanwhile, the hierarchy of the Church of Greece met today
under the Archbishop for the election of the new Metropolites of
Hydra, Spetses and Kassandria.
[14] EARTHQUAKE MEASURING 3.9 ON THE RICHTER SCALE IN ATHENS
Earthquake measuring 3.9 on the Richter scale rocked the
region of Athens at 2.12pm today. The epicenter of the earthquake
was located in Parnitha and it was the same epicenter that gave
the September 7, 1999 devastating earthquake.
The scientists characterized as normal the seismic activity
in the region.
[15] MARGINAL GAINS IN THE ATHENS STOCK EXCHANGE
Marginal gains of 0.07% were recorded in the Athens Stock
Exchange today. The general index was at 3.314,11 points, while
the volume of transactions was 278.35 million Euro or 94.852
billion drachmas.
Of the stocks trading today, 52 recorded gains and 293 had
losses, while the value of 21 stocks remained unchanged.
[16] VOULGARIS-SCORSESE COOPERATION IN "BRIDES"
The movie production of "Brides" that will be filmed in
Greece starting in April will bring close famous American director
Martin Scorsese and Greek film director Pantelis Voulgaris. The
film refers to the history of 700 girls from Greece, Turkey and
Armenia who left Ismir, Turkey in 1922 for the United States in
order to get married.
Pantelis Voulgaris will direct the film, while Martin
Scorsese will undertake its production. The stage-design will be
made by Dionisis Fotopoulos, while the screenplay will be written
by author Ioanna Karistiannis.
The filming will take place in Chania, Crete, in the northern
Aegean island of Samothrace, Athens and a village near Kastoria,
northwestern Greece.
[17] SIMITIS: THE PRESENCE OF GREEK SOLDIERS IN YUGOSLAVIA SERVES
THE NATIONAL INTERESTS
Prime minister Kostas Simitis stated in response to questions
tabled in parliament by the opposition that the Greek military
presence in Yugoslavia is necessary within the framework of the
efforts aimed at reaching a peaceful solution to the problem,
while at the same time it serves the national interests.
The prime minister also underlined that the Greek government
is concerned with the "Balkan Syndrome" effects and has exercised
a precautionary policy, while it continues to conduct on the spot
scientific research and radiation counts monitored by the Greek
Atomic Energy Committee. Mr. Simitis stated that the government
will decide on its future actions based on official scientific
data and not on press reports.
Mr. Simitis criticized the North Atlantic Alliance because it
hasn't given any facts yet on the problem and pointed out that
NATO has an obligation to give every information and figure
available on the specific problem. He also said that the Greek
government believes that NATO must suspend the use of depleted
uranium weapons. Referring to the initiatives undertaken by the
government, he pointed out that the issue will be raised in the
Inter-Balkan Summit meeting that will be held at the end of
February and a special program for the Balkans will be proposed.
[B] INTERNATIONAL NEWS
[18] SAE SENT WINTER CLOTHING TO THE GREEKS IN THE FORMER SOVIET
UNION
Winter clothing items worth US$217.000 or 78 million drachmas
were sent by the World Council of Hellenes Abroad, SAE, to the
Greek community in the former soviet republic of Uzbekistan.
SAE president Andrew Athens stated that a large container
with new coats, trousers and blouses will arrive in the city of
Tashkent on February 16, while more clothes will be sent to other
Greek communities in the rest former soviet republics.
[19] 29 CHILDREN WERE ARRESTED IN A DEMONSTRATION SUPPORTING THE
KURDISH PKK
The Turkish police arrested 29 children in a demonstration
supporting the Kurdish Workers' Party, PKK, according to a
statement issued by the Human Rights Union, IHD.
According to a statement issued by the organization's
Diyarbakir branch, 29 children, between the ages of 9 and 16, were
arrested last Tuesday in the city of Viransehir in the Sanliufra
province accused of participating in a demonstration supporting
PKK.
The IHD mentions in its statement that parents of the
arrested children maintained that in certain cases police
mistreated the children and called on the Turkish authorities to
investigate the accusations concerning the torturing of children
and proceed with their immediate release.
[20] THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE ETHNIC GREEK
ORGANIZATION "OMONIA" IN ALBANIA
The 10th anniversary of the founding of the ethnic Greek
organization "Omonia" in Albania was celebrated yesterday in the
village of Dervitsani in the southern part of the country. The
celebrations were attended by Greek ambassador to Tirana Dimitrios
Eliopoulos, Greek consul general in Ghirokastra Yiannis Pediotis,
the press adviser, the OSCE representative and many members of the
Greek community.
The Greek ambassador conveyed the message of the Greek
government on the occasion of the anniversary and stressed that
Athens backs the efforts made by "Omonia" for the protection of
the rights of the Greek minority namely, its right to equality and
the preservation of its cultural and ethnic identity within the
borders of the Albanian state. He also stressed that Greece has
offered significant assistance to Albania, adding that it is its
second most important trade partner.
He concluded by saying that for Albania to fulfill its
strategic goal namely, to become a member of the Euro-Atlantic
structure, it has to deal with the minorities on its territory in
accordance with the international accords and therefore, it has to
protect the rights of the ethnic Greek minority.
[21] THE GREEK MINISTER OF DEFENSE IS ON A VISIT TO KOSOVO
Greek minister of defense Akis Tsochatzopoulos visited the
Greek military force in Kosovo today accompanied by the National
Defense Chief of Staff Manousos Paragioudakis, Army Chief of Staff
Konstantinos Panagiotakis and parliament deputies.
Mr. Tsochatzopoulos referred to the measures taken by the
Greek government for the protection of the health and safety of
the Greek soldiers serving in Kosovo and stated that those who
want to return to Greece fearing for their health as a result of
the use of depleted uranium shells in the NATO bombing of
Yugoslavia, will be free to do so.
Greek Atomic Energy Committee chairman Leonidas
Kamarinopoulos stated that his team has collected 75 samples from
air, land and water in the regions bombed with depleted uranium
shells and they will be brought to Athens this evening to be
analyzed. The first results will be out by the end of next week.
Referring to the issue that has arisen after the revelations
on the effects of the depleted uranium bombs, Mr. Tsochatzopoulos
stated that light must be shed on the case, stressing that the
assurances given by NATO that there is no problem are not
satisfactory as there are deaths of soldiers from leukemia in a
number of European countries. Mr. Tsochatzopoulos also added that
an investigation must be underway at a European Union level until
the necessary responses are given.
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