Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-03-06
HR-Net News Distribution Manager
[01] Greek, Turkish Bulgarian foreign ministers meet, visit border cities
[02] Conference on Balkans and the mass media stresses lack of professionalism
in news coverage
[03] Defense minister addresses rally in Thessaloniki
[04] Tsohatzopoulos content but vigilant over opinion poll results
[05] ND leader accuses government of being government of taxes and big interests
[06] Education minister accuses ND of 'offhandedness and incoherence' in
its education proposals
[07] Greece application for EMU entry this week
[08] Leaders of Greek leftist party and German PDS pay respects to Distomo
holocaust victims
[10] Archbishop of Johannesburg and Nobel laureate Tutu receives Athinagoras
Award in New York
[11] New homes given to employees and workers in Drama prefecture
[12] De Soto continues contacts
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[01] Greek, Turkish Bulgarian foreign ministers meet, visit border
cities
PLOVDIV, 06/03/2000 (ANA - D. Constantakopoulos)
The Greek, Turkish and Bulgarian foreign ministers on Sunday expressed
their support for the European Union Helsinki summit decisions,
regarding its contribution to stability, security, peace, democracy and
economic development in southeastern Europe (SE).
Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Turkish Foreign Minister
Ismail Cem and Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nadezda Michailova, met in
Plovdiv, Bulgaria and visited Edirne, Turkey, and Orestiada, Greece,
later in the day, three cities close to the borders the three countries
share.
Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem hosted a dinner in honor of his
Greek and Bulgarian counterparts, following their tour of Edirne.
Earlier, during their joint press conference in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, all
three ministers expressed their uneasiness over conditions in Kosovo,
while Papandreou said that there was a very common framework and
approach of the problem by all three countries.
In their joint statement, the three ministers reiterated the importance
of and their support of the good neighborliness Charter for stability,
security and cooperation in SE, which was signed the all three
recently.
They expressed the hope that the meeting of Mar. 29 regarding the
funding of the Stability Pact for SE will be a strong push forward for
its implementation.
Both Papandreou and Cem reiterated their strong support for Bulgarias
entry into NATO and expressed their wish that Bulgaria is invited to
attend the next summit of the alliance. Papandreou, speaking to
journalists, called the tripartite meeting a historic one.
The three ministers also expressed their support of the United Nations'
resolution 1244, regarding the efforts of KFOR to create a safe
environment for all nationalities in Kosovo.
They noted their belief that the joint interim administrative structure
will pave the road for a multicultural democracy in Kosovo, so as the
rights of all citizens, of all nationalities and religious communities
are respected.
The ministers reiterated the commitment of their countries in
supporting the UN Charter on the full and total respect of the
territorial integrity of all nations in the region, adding that they
also support the principles of the Organization for Security and
Cooperation in Europe.
Papandreou underlined the new spirit and the new horizons of
cooperation in the region, noting the importance of cooperation for the
improvement of the quality of life of citizens in the respective
borderlands of all three countries. He also stressed the need for
respect of existing borders.
On his part, Cem called the meeting a "show of hope for all Europe."
Cem also spoke of the importance of SE countries' experiences, which,
he added, should be taken into account during the decision making
process by the international community, while both Papandreou and
Michailova stressed that an ethnically cleansed Kosovo should be
avoided.
Michailova said that the meeting of the three ministers heralds the
fact that there are positive developments in the Balkans, adding that
discussions focused on the Stability Pact, common infrastructure,
visas, crime and corruption confrontation.
Responding to a question regarding the possibility of a non-aggression
pact between the three countries, Cem said that "the way relations are
developing between the three countries, have made such a pact obsolete.
I do not believe that anyone asks questions of the ministers of
Belgium, France, and Germany on such an issue.
"The present meeting proves the fact that such a pact is so obsolete
here as in other parts of Europe," Cem added.
Papandreou, responding to the same question said, "pacts are important,
but before them comes the political will (of governments). The fact
that we are working to become members of a European family, as well as
the very important decisions arrived at in Helsinki, is an example, of
a very strong will to work in common in a very European way, which
opens new prospects for peace and cooperation".
Finally, they agreed to repeat such meetings-visits, when it is
considered necessary, so as to exchange views on issues of common
interest.
Papandreou said later in Orestiada, at the end of the tripartite
meeting, that progress has been ascertained on minority issues and the
peoples are living in peace, while Cem said "the real enemy is
inequality, underdevelopment and poverty, while the only thing we
really have to fear is our own fear."
"We should look at common interests, overcome the hostilities of the
past and proceed with development, and the powerful voice of the
Balkans should be heard," Papandreou said.
He stressed the importance of the role played by the citizen's
diplomacy and referred to what he called new horizons, new frameworks
and new prospects. Underlining the need for UN rules to be implemented
and for problems to be resolved in the framework of existing borders,
Papandreou voiced support for Bulgaria's bid to join NATO, noting that
the decision taken at the EU Helsinki summit means that all belong to
the European family.
On his part, Cem said the day was of historical significance, adding
that the peoples of the three countries have hopes.
[02] Conference on Balkans and the mass media stresses lack of
professionalism in news coverage
SKOPJE, 06/03/2000 (ANA)
Journalists and representatives of non-governmental organizations from
Albania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Greece, Turkey, Romania and the Former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) discussed Balkan media coverage
of the Kosovo War, as well as current developments and prospects in the
region, in a conference held in Skopje, (FYROM), over the weekend on
"The Balkans, politics and the mass media."
Other issues discussed were coverage of the presidential elections in
FYROM, minorities, regional stability and the role of the international
community in resolving problems.
Views on the role played by the international community varied as some
underlined its inadequacy in handling crises, such as in Kosovo, while
others stressed the need for an even more active involvement on its
part.
A declaration was issued at the end of the conference entitled "Bridges
and not obstacles" in which it was noted that the biggest problem in
covering events was "the lack of professionalism."
[03] Defense minister addresses rally in Thessaloniki
Athens, 06/03/2000 (ANA)
The Greek Armed Forces equipment is produced in Greece to the tune of
40 per cent, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said on Sunday,
addressing a ruling PASOK party rally in Thessaloniki.
He stressed that the basic preconditions for development in the country
were the conditions created by PASOK, regarding the economy, foreign
policy and the creation of strong armed forces.
Speaking to the rally, in his own electoral district over the
importance of the April 9 election, the northern Greek political leader
called on voters to support the progressive proposal, which will move
Greece on to the heart of the European Union.
He also called on voters to reject the neo-liberal proposal, which, as
he said, was tried and failed in the last decade.
[04] Tsohatzopoulos content but vigilant over opinion poll results
Athens, 06/03/2000 (ANA)
Positive opinion poll results should not be cause for one to relax
vigilance before the elections of April 9, Defense Minister Akis
Tsohatzopoulos said on Saturday in Thessaloniki.
Commenting on opinion poll results for the first Thessaloniki electoral
district, which show ruling PASOK ahead by 2.8 percentage points from
main opposition New Democracy's (ND) 29.1 showing in the poll of the
district, Tsohatzopoulos said "it is of course positive and we are glad
for this result, but I must say that it is not very smart to depend on
opinion polls before an election."
On an unrelated issue, he attacked ND's pre election criticism over the
education reform and the plans the opposition party announced.
[05] ND leader accuses government of being government of taxes and big
interests
Athens, 06/03/2000 (ANA)
Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis on Sunday
accused the government of being a "government of taxes and big
interests" and of "attempting to buy out consciences" with illegal
appointments and political favors.
Karamanlis, who concluded his party's three-day preliminary conference
in Thessaloniki, the 6th and last of its kind, also announced that he
will be a candidate for the April 9 general election in Thessaloniki's
first constituency.
Focusing on Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Karamanlis called on him to
accept a dialogue and accused him of passing from "restrained
management to a policy of offering grants" and of populism.
"The repetition of their recent history has become a farce," Karamanlis
said and reiterated his criticism of the government for applying a
policy of "an industry of models" and of "well-paid propaganda
mechanisms."
Karamanlis outlined his party's priorities for Thessaloniki, which
include upgrading Macedonia Airport, creating necessary infrastructures
at the city's port and the immediate promotion of the Thessaloniki
Metro project.
[06] Education minister accuses ND of 'offhandedness and incoherence'
in its education proposals
Athens, 06/03/2000 (ANA)
Education Minister Gerasimos Arsenis on Sunday said proposals made by
main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis on
education were "offhanded and incoherent", adding that some measures
announced by Karamanlis were self-evident, others had been scheduled or
were underway, while others were demagogical and incoherent.
Arsenis, who inaugurated the 1st nursery school of Nea Erithrea, in the
greater Athens area, discussed educational reform with teachers,
parents and pupils saying that an amendment recently ratified in
Parliament upgraded the country's Technological Educational
Establishments, known collectively as TEI.
Commenting on the aim of educational reform, Arsenis said "the
difficulties in such an effort are found at the beginning" and that
what is being sought is the creation of an educational system "capable
of facing the challenges of the 21st century."
[07] Greece application for EMU entry this week
Athens, 06/03/2000 (ANA)
Greece is expected to present its official application, for entry into
the Economic Monetary Union of the European Union, this week.
According to a report by the Athens financial daily "Kerdos", Greece's
banking regulator, the Bank of Greece, will publish its report on the
country's monetary policy and issue its critical decision on interest
rates this week.
[08] Leaders of Greek leftist party and German PDS pay respects to
Distomo holocaust victims
Athens, 06/03/2000 (ANA)
Coalition of the Left and Progress party leader Nikos Constantopoulos
and German Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS) leader Lothar Bynski,
currently visiting Greece at the Greek party's invitation, visited the
towns of Livadia and Distomo on Sunday and laid wreaths at the monument
in memory of the Distomo holocaust victims during WWII.
"We are here to cry out never again crimes against humanity, no to
wars, yes to peace, no to social barbarism, yes to solidarity, no to
racism and yes to human rights," Constantopoulos said.
Constantopoulos also referred to the issue of German war reparations
and criticized all Greek governments for "not wanting to raise the
issue in the framework of a national strategy."
[10] Archbishop of Johannesburg and Nobel laureate Tutu receives
Athinagoras Award in New York
NEW YORK, 06/03/2000 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)
Archbishop of Johannesburg and Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu was given
the Athinagoras Award of the Order of Saint Andrew in New York on
Saturday as part of the annual event of proclaiming the Order's new
members.
The Order comes under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Accepting the award, Tutu spoke of the struggles of the church against
oppression. He said he prays night and day for Cyprus to enable the
people on the island to enjoy the right of freedom and full protection
of human rights one day.
[11] New homes given to employees and workers in Drama prefecture
Athens, 06/03/2000 (ANA)
The Labor Housing Organization (OEK) presented new homes to 524
employees and workers in Drama prefecture, northern Greece, over the
weekend.
A total of 330 homes were delivered and were given in Mavrovatos
village to workers selected via a draw of names. Their total cost was
more than 9.6 billion drachmas.
In the town of Kato Nevrokopi, also Drama prefecture, 60 houses were
allocated also by draw. Their cost estimated at more than 2.1 billion
drachmas.
In the villages of Agios Athanassios and Doxato, also in the Drama
prefecture, a further 134 houses were provided, costing 4.3 billion
drachmas.
[12] De Soto continues contacts
NICOSIA, 06/03/2000 (CNA/ANA)
President Glafcos Clerides and UN Secretary General's Special Adviser
on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, who is on the island for a familiarization
visit, set out on Sunday morning on a cruise in President Clerides'
boat round the Cyprus coast.
UNFICYP's acting spokesman Charles Gaulkin told CNA de Sotto had
accepted an invitation by President Clerides to "enjoy the morning on
the boat."
He also said that during the two men's meeting on board "there will not
be any continuation of the proximity talks."
In the afternoon de Soto visited a Moslem shrine, Hala Sultan Tekke in
Larnaka, in the framework of his familiarizing visits at different
parts of the island, in the government - controlled and in the occupied
areas.
On Monday morning the UN senior diplomat will meet with President
Clerides and will later cross to the Turkish-occupied northern part of
Nicosia to meet Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.
In a new effort to resolve the protracted Cyprus problem, UN-led
proximity talks began last December with the third round scheduled to
take place in New York in May.
Cyprus has been dived since 1974 when turkey invaded the island
occupying 37 per cent of its territory.