Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 01-12-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] EXTENSION FOR THE LEGALIZATION OF IMMIGRANTS

[02] PRESIDENT'S NEW YEAR WISHES TO GREEKS LIVING ABROAD

[03] THE DISCUSSION ON THE 2002 STATE BUDGET ENDS TODAY

[04] GREECE IS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE WITH SCOTLAND YARD

[05] THE MASS TRANSPORTATION MEANS WILL USE NATURAL GAS

[06] LOSSES IN THE ASE

[07] GREECE WILL RETURN 58 MILLION EURO FROM THE LAND REGISTRY FUNDS

[08] GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ILLEGAL CITIZENSHIPS

[09] PARLIAMENT DISCUSSES GREEK CITIZENSHIP

[10] ARCHBISHOP'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

[11] EU ASKS FOR FUNDS BACK

[12] TURKEY MUST RESPECT INTERNATIONAL LAW

[01] EXTENSION FOR THE LEGALIZATION OF IMMIGRANTS

The political leadership of the Ministry of the Interior, assured the representatives of immigration organizations that the issue of the extension will be adjusted according to the circular and there will be no problem, when, in the framework of a joint event, the Ministry was asked by the Athens Workers' Center, also for, at least, a two-month extension of the legalization phase.

Setting Easter as the deadline for the legalization, the Ministry of the Interior came to a decision with the Ministry of Public Order, not to deport residents with a temporary 6 month permit (which permits end in the beginning of 2002), if their holders have submitted their applications.

Deputy Minister Papadimas confirmed that a circular sent to the various prefectures, states that immediate priority be given to those whose temporary permits are near expiration, while a new one is being prepared so that receiving necessary paperwork can continue after February 2. Depending on the turn-out and the service of the immigrants in January the Ministry will estimate if it is necessary for legislative reforms for the extension of the deadlines to take place, in which case the reform will be included in the draft for the law of political protection and the completion of the immigration law, which will be voted for near the end of January.

[02] PRESIDENT'S NEW YEAR WISHES TO GREEKS LIVING ABROAD

His warm wishes and feelings of love were sent out to Greeks living abroad in statements the President of the Republic, Kostis Stefanopoulos, made in view of Christmas and the New Year.

The Christmas and New Year holidays always bring me the great joy of sending my warmest wishes and expressing my deepest feelings of love for the whole of the Greek people.

The new homes you have created with hard work around the world, in welcoming countries, are an unending source of pride for your motherland who ceaselessly watches over her children with satisfaction, as they prosper and succeed., with their national identity intact and their love for Greece bursting with life.

[03] THE DISCUSSION ON THE 2002 STATE BUDGET ENDS TODAY

The parliament discussion on the state budget continued today with the speeches of ministers and parliament deputies and will be completed at midnight with an open vote.

Public Order Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis announced that a new draft bill will be submitted to parliament providing for a renewed Greek Information Service to meet the new needs of the country, adding that its head will have to appear before the responsible parliamentary committee for an annual hearing.

Health Minister Alekos Papadopoulos stated that he wants more funds for the qualitative improvement of the public health system adding, however, that he realizes that there are difficulties in the distribution of funds which, unfortunately, always seem to be insufficient and no matter how much is done for the improvement of the public health system it always appears to be too little.

Minister of Development Akis Tsochatzopoulos stated that there is a need to create a climate of security and social justice for the Greek citizens, adding that there is also a need for the promotion of social cohesion which is a precondition for the country's economic success and a way to overcome social inequality.

Undersecretary of Finance Christos Pachtas stated that Greece throughout its postwar history never had a zero foreign exchange risk and this has been achieved through the EMU. He said that Greece never had so many funds for projects and investments that can allow it to cover the distance separating it from the rest European countries.

The discussion was scheduled to continue in parliament later this afternoon with the speeches of the Prime Minister, the main opposition party leader and the leader of the Coalition of the Left party, as well as government ministers.

[04] GREECE IS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE WITH SCOTLAND YARD

The Greek government is not aware and is not concerned with the issue raised yesterday by a news report published by the Athens newspaper "TA NEA" based on which, Scotland Yard officials conducted amicable interrogations on the activities of the terrorist organization "17 November", stated Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas. He also added that Greece is a state of law and moves along based on its law and its law and order.

There are laws on the rights of the citizens and of course there are the responsible agencies that deal with terrorism in a serious and responsible way, concluded the Greek government spokesman.

[05] THE MASS TRANSPORTATION MEANS WILL USE NATURAL GAS

The mass transportation means in large urban centers in Greece will use natural gas as fuel in 2002. The expansion of the use of natural gas will be the result of the expansion of the activities of the Public Gas Company activities across the country.

According to statements made by Development Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos, after a meeting with the Public Gas Company management, three subsidiaries of the company will be activated in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace in Central Macedonia and in eastern-central Greece and Evia.

Mr. Tsochatzopoulos stated that a precondition for the widening of the role of the Public Gas Company is its link with the European regional gas production and transportation networks.

[06] LOSSES IN THE ASE

Losses were recorded in the Athens Stock Exchange today. The general index dropped to -0.80% at 2.564,21 points, while the volume of transactions was relatively high at 238 million Euro or 81.1 billion drachmas.

Of the stocks trading today, 58 recorded gains and 277 had losses, while the value of 24 stocks remained unchanged.

[07] GREECE WILL RETURN 58 MILLION EURO FROM THE LAND REGISTRY FUNDS

Based on a decision reached by the European Commission yesterday, Greece will have to return 57.918 million Euro of the 100 million Euro it received so far to proceed with the National Land Registry project.

The amount of money that will have to be returned was determined based on the data provided by the Greek authorities, according to which only 30% of the goals set by the specific project will be completed in 2003.

The 32 million Euro will be returned in 2002 and the rest of the sum in 2004. However, according to a statement issued by the European Commission, the return of the rest of the money will be reconsidered based on the results of the independent study conducted by specialists to evaluate the work already done on the project.

[08] GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ILLEGAL CITIZENSHIPS

The findings of the investigation conducted by prosecutor Isidoros Dogiakos came to the conclusion that government ministers and undersecretaries in the period of 1996-2000 have responsibilities for the illegal citizenships granted to a large number of foreigners during that period of time.

The parliament received the findings before they were given to publicity and in the text it is mentioned that the illegal entry to Greece of a large number of foreigners is an indisputable fact.

Right-wing main opposition party of New Democracy parliament deputies are expected to call for an investigation on the issue by an inquiry committee.

Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas stated that the conclusions of the document raise serious questions on the existence of political expediency based both on the time of the document's release and its contents.

[09] PARLIAMENT DISCUSSES GREEK CITIZENSHIP

The Athens Court of First Instance District Attorney's office forwarded their findings on the giving of Greek citizenship to the Parliament. The submitting of the findings to the Parliament, was announced to the MPs by their President Apostolos Kaklamanis.

When asked about the specific issue, ND spokesperson Thodoros Roussopoulos stated: New Democracy had pointed out the issue in time. We will study the content of the file and, in the framework of parliamentary procedures do what is in the best public interest.

[10] ARCHBISHOP'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

The celebration of Christams was characterized as an anniversary of joy and life, as well as a reason for perpetual hope by Archbishop of Athens and all of Greece Christodoulos, in his Christmas message.

In hearing distance from war, in an environment of inhuman terrorism, in daily uncertainty, the constant alienation from morality and the reversal of life's values, the angelic voice will be heard again this year, from distant Bethlehem, announcing the well known message that there is now a Savior.

[11] EU ASKS FOR FUNDS BACK

The EU is requesting the return of 57.9 million euro of the 100 million, which was paid to Greece for the National Land Resgistry. From that money, 32 million must be paid in 2002 and the remaining 25.9 million must be paid in 2004.

In its announcement the European Union pointed out how much the sum may be decreased if the Greek authorities are able to cover an area broader than 8,440 sq. m. within the two next years. In fact, the amount will be reexamined depending on the results of the independent study performed by specialists on the works undertaken.

Commissioner M. Barnier pointed out that the European Commission is dedicated to continue the funding of the 3rd Communal Support Framework, but on new bases. The way by which the Greek authorities began their programs of the 2000-2006 period and are trying to apply new regulative demands for control, observation and evaluation, is very encouraging. We may, justifiably, be certain about the future, as well as of Greece's regional policy, he stressed.

[12] TURKEY MUST RESPECT INTERNATIONAL LAW

For Athens-Ankara relations to improve substantially, Turkey must respect international Law, pointed out the Greek Minister of Defense, Giannos Papantoniou, to his Turkish counterpart, Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, in a discussion they had on television. Mr. Papantoniou visited Antalia to participate in the meeting of Defense Ministers of Southeastern Europe. It should be noted that this was the first visit of a Greek Minister of Defense to Turkey in 27 years.

In the margin of the meeting, Mr. Papantoniou had in private discussions with Mr. Cakmakoglu, as well as with the Bulgarian Minister of Defense, Nikolai Avramof.

What is crucially important and will shape the future, is dealing with the most basic of the problems that separate us, especially Turkish claims in the Aegean and Cyprus and as far as the removal of these claims and the smoothing out of our relations is concerned, based on international Law and international treaties, stated Mr. Papantoniou.

The Turkish Minister of Defense proposed a new direct line of communication between him and Mr. Papantoniou on significant issues.

The Balkan brigade, in which Greece is also participating with one mechanized infantry battalion and one battalion from the engineer corps. The Ministers of Defense decided that the Balkan brigade will undergo an earthquake drill in December of 2002 in Greece, so that the readiness of the force in case of natural disasters, can be tested.

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