Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-01-12

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Italy endorses Greece's EMU entry, D'Alema says

[02] Greek foreign minister urges EU to undertake specific moves on Cyprus solution

[03] UN envoy optimistic on Cyprus talks

[04] Government's focus on EMU entry not elections- Skandalidis

[05] Greek Euro-MP calls for EU protection of Kosovo's monuments

[06] Patriarch hosts luncheon for Istanbul's needy

[07] Thessaloniki to host conference on democratisation and development of SE Europe

[08] Gov't meeting reportedly focuses on EU Directive dealing with profession rights

[09] Interamerican to seek bourse entry by summer

[10] Investor confidence wanes in ASE

[11] Successful auction of 20-year bond issue

[12] Drachma drops vs euro

[13] The Athens dailies at a glance

[01] Italy endorses Greece's EMU entry, D'Alema says

"Italy has a clearly positive position on Greece's entry into EMU," D'Alema said in reply to press questions after the meeting.

Simitis also expressed optimism that Greece would get the "green light" for Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) accession at the June EU summit in Portugal, adding that Athens would submit its formal application most likely in the second week of March.

He said his optimism was founded on the fact that the EMU targets had been achieved in such a manner that they could be not doubted, while the single remaining criterion, that of inflation, would be fulfilled in February.

The talks centred mainly on matters of bilateral interest and the situation in the Balkans, and to a lesser degree over European issues since, as Simitis said, the two premiers were in regular contact and discussed European issues as they arose.

D'Alema called Greece's decision "not to close off Turkey's road to Europe" a "bold decision and a correct choice".

"We have given an opportunity for peace, and it is up to Turkey to follow the road we have opened up to it," D'Alema said.

Regarding the situation in the Balkans, the two premiers agreed that the Stability Pact was not proceeding at the desired pace, while D'Alema called for increased efforts to accelerate the reconstruction process, expected to be coordinated by the EU's Balkan reconstruction agency in Thessaloniki.

On his part, Simitis said democratisation, stability and development were the three main elements of Balkan reconstruction.

The two premiers further discussed the Serbian opposition's call for early elections with international guarantees for the transparency of the elections, in tandem with a lifting of the sanctions against Serbia.

Simitis and D'Alema called on the international community to seriously consider that prospect, and endorsed a lifting of the sanctions. The Greek premier added that Athens had from the very beginning backed a lifting of the embargo against Serbia, as it believes the embargo did not provide solutions.

Asked how the Serbian opposition could be helped, Simitis said the issue was not how to help one side or the other, but to advance democratic procedures so that the Serbian people themselves could freely make their choice.

D'Alema said that the sanctions that affected the Serbian people could be suspended, such as those on air transports and the supply of natural gas.

Also, Italy could advance the twinning of Italian cities with Serbian cities, he said.

The talks further touched on matters of security in the Adriatic and Ionian, as Simitis said a recent meeting of the public order ministers of Italy, Greece and Albania in Rome, which would be followed-up with a second session on the Greek island of Corfu, was a "first step".

The next step, he added, would be a meeting in Ancona.

D'Alema said the Ancona meeting would be prepared jointly by Greece and Italy and would focus on combatting crime, illegal migration, and immigrant-smuggling, adding that the EU and other coastal countries would be invited to the conference.

Simitis added that such initiatives should be incorporated in the European perspective.

D'Alema, who is scheduled to leave for Italy later in the day, also paid a half-hour courtesy call on President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos earlier Tuesday.

[02] Greek foreign minister urges EU to undertake specific moves on Cyprus solution

He said the Cyprus issue had entered an important phase and he had exchanged views with Kasoulides on coordinated moves which should be made on issues raised at the proximity talks in New York. The second round of talks will be underway in Gene-va at the end of the month.

Papandreou said he had noted that Turkish Foreign Minister Is-mail Cem had also raised the same issue. He also noted the fact that the new dimension of the Cyprus problem as a European issue gave new possibilities and new implements to approach it.

The Greek foreign minister said that progress of Cyprus towards EU membership was also discussed during the talks, as well as the coordination of the two governments' moves on its further development.

Kasoulides said he had examined with his Greek counterpart the new prospects created in the wake of the decisions taken at the Helsinki summit and the good climate prevailing regarding the EU's contribution to efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue. Issues concerning Cyprus' future membership were also discussed by the two ministers.

Kasoulides said Tuesday's talks were a continuation of those held in Athens on December 20, adding that this time issues were discussed in greater depth.

Kasoulides also said that they had made plans on the diplomatic moves of the governments of Cyprus and Greece and indicated that contacts would continue between both governments on the same basis

At a press conference later, the two ministers said the Cyprus question is part and parcel of Turkey's course towards European integration and added that EU decisions define the manner of Turkish Cypriot involvement in Cyprus' accession process.

Kasoulides said the government of the Republic is ready to examine ways and possibly make proposals to bring the Turkish Cypriots into the accession negotiating process.

Both ministers welcomed the prevailing climate between Greece and Turkey and Papandreou said soon Athens and Ankara will sign bilateral agreements on issues of mutual interest.

Commenting on statements by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash that he would initial direct dialogue with the EU, Kasoulides said the EU has defined the way Turkish Cypriots can be part of the joint negotiating team of the Republic of Cyprus.

Kasoulides doubted whether Turkey, in its dealings with the EU, would be able to put forward ideas for a separate Turkish Cypriot so-called "state."

Papandreou said Greece points out to its European partners that Turkey will continue to be confronted with the absence of a Cyprus solution throughout its European dealings.

Earlier in the day Papandreou flatly denied rumors that Greece supported a confederation solution to the thorny Cyprus problem.

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency shortly before arriving in Nicosia on a visit, Papandreou said that "the basic target is and will remain a just and viable solution based on the resulutions of the UN Security Council and the high-level agreements on the creation of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation".

Such a federation would be a single international entity with a single sovereignty and citizenship, which would guarantee the security, peaceful coexistence and prosperity of all the citizens of Cyprus -- the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots.

Papandreou said that the recent Helsinki EU summit agreements had created the necessary momentum for Cyprus' EU accession prospects and resolution of the island republic's political pro-blem.

He said that this momentum would be discussed during his talks in Nicosia with the Cyprus government and political parties.

Papandreou also said that efforts would continue for effective exploitation of the international mobility surrounding the Cyprus issue so that the year 2000 would be marked by positive developments and lead to the resolution of the problem.

[03] UN envoy optimistic on Cyprus talks

[04] Government's focus on EMU entry not elections- Skandalidis

The government focus is on the completion of its task and not on election talk, ruling PASOK Secretary Costas Skanda-lidis said on Tuesday, following a meeting of the partys Execu-tive Bureau. The centrepiece of the government's task remains Greeces entry to European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), Skandalidis said, adding that as soon as this effort bears fruit, there will be mobilisation for the creation of a pre-election programme. Skandalidis adamantly declined to respond to repeated questions on possible election dates or PASOKs candidates, but responded positively to questions on whether the ruling party might accept political figures from other parties in its ranks. Why not? We can cooperate with anyone who agrees with our ideas and proposals, Skandalidis said.

[05] Greek Euro-MP calls for EU protection of Kosovo's monuments

PASOK Euro-deputy Yiannis Souladakis has called for an immediate intervention by the European Council to protect the historical monuments and treasures of Kosovo.

The Greek Euro-MP forwarded his request in a tabled question toward the Council.

According to press reports, instances of Kosovos monuments being pillaged as well as the smuggling of its treasures are con-stantly increasing, without any whatsoever care being given for their protection a press release issued from Brussels quoted Souladakis as saying.

[06] Patriarch hosts luncheon for Istanbul's needy

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos hosted a luncheon for the needy of Istanbul on Monday, in light of an ongoing Muslim religious holiday in that country.

All of us who have lived in this land for centuries are brothers, Vartholomeos said at the event, adding: We Greeks, who live in Turkey, consider it our obligation to share in the joys and sorrows of this country.

The Istanbul-based Foundation for the Indigent is located in a district where a Christian cathedral, a Muslim mosque and a Je-wish synagogue are found.

Several Turkish media outlets covered Vartholomeos address

[07] Thessaloniki to host conference on democratisation and development of SE Europe

A conference on the theme "Society of citizens, democrati-sation, participation and The Stability Pact for Southeast Europe" will be held in Thessaloniki on January 21.

he conference is organised by the European Economic Com-mit-tee and the Royaumont Conference for Stability and Good Neighbourliness in Southeast Europe.

The conference aims for economic and social groups to exchange views concerning the consolidation of a society of citizens, which the Stability Pact for SE Europe recognises as essential for its reconstruction and growth of the market economy.

The main topics of discussion will be the society of citizens and social dialogue as a basis for economic and social growth, proce-dures for the modernisation of economic and social structures of regions, and means and procedures for strengthening of econo-mic and social organisations of SE European countries.

Stability Pact Coordinator Bondo Hombach has been invited to attend.

[08] Gov't meeting reportedly focuses on EU Directive dealing with profession rights

A high-ranking government meeting chaired by Premier Costas Simitis on Tuesday reportedly focused on the issue of EU Directive 89/48 centering on tertiary professional educa-tion, legislation slated for implementation by Greece since 1992. The Directive aims to allow certifiably qualified EU citizens the right to practice their profession in all Union member-states.

Greece was convicted in 1995 by the Euro-court of not fully applying the directive, although it has been implemented in the legal sector and certain health fields (psychologists, opticians and physical therapists), as well as covering economists and certified accountants. The sticking point appears to be in the en-gineering and technical fields, as the Greek State recognises two levels of higher education, namely, the five-year poly-technics and technical colleges (TEI).

According to Article 228 of the Amsterdam Treaty, fines and other reprimands are anticipated if an EU member fails to enfor-ce an Eurocourt decision, while reports claim Greece would face a hefty fine of between 41,000 to 67,240 euros daily if it does not apply the Directive. As such, another Euro-court decision on the matter is expected shortly.

In addition, application of Article 228 following recommenda-tions by the Eurocourts chief prosecutors would mark the first time the provision has been employed. Any fine would be based on a calculation of the length of the violation, its severity as well as the ability of the country to pay.

Press reports state that a similar case involving non-compliance with an EU Directive -- specifically for environmental violations at the Koroupitos region near Hania, Crete was also discussed.

Besides Simitis, Environment Minister Costas Laliotis, Educati-on Minister Gerasimos Arsenis and Deputy FM Christos Rokofyllos attended the meeting.

[09] Interamerican to seek bourse entry by summer

Interamerican General Insurance is to seek listing on the Athens Stock Exchange by summer, Interamerican Group President Dimitris Kondominas told a news conference on Tuesday.

Asked to comment on the bourse's recent jittery performance ahead of his company's planned entry, Kondominas said he believed the outlook was healthy in the long term, when a rising trend would emerge.

He urged market players to buy into the stock of companies with sound management, productive alliances and a solid capital base.

Kondominas added that Interamerican would not raise its premiums until Greece's planned entry into the euro zone on January 1, 2001.

The freeze on premiums complied with a pledge to the development ministry by all sector companies in order to aid the government's counter-inflationary drive.

He also said the Interamerican Group was expanding its activities in sectors including technology, banking and financial services, healthcare, mobile telephones, digital television, the Internet, real estate and insurance.

The launch of a new bank co-owned with BCP of Portugal, na-med Nova Bank, was scheduled by April with around 30 branches.

Funds managed by the Group exceeded 1.5 trillion drachmas, representing 4.0 percent of the country's gross domestic product, Kondominas said.

Consolidated earnings in 1999 topped 65 billion drachmas, he added.

[10] Investor confidence wanes in ASE

Greek equities came under pressure for the second consecu-tive session on Tuesday to end sharply lower on the Athens Stock Exchange.

Dealers said selling intensified hitting all sectors and in particular smaller capitalisation stocks.

The general index dropped 3.04 percent to 5,190.17 points, slightly off the day's lows of 5,172.51 points. Turnover was a low 215 billion drachmas.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalisation stocks fell to 1,638.11 points, while the FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 2.22 percent to 2,693.94 and the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended at 950.86 points, off 5.59 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by more than 10 to one. A total of 72 shares ended at the day's 8.0 percent limit down and another six at the day's limit up.

[11] Successful auction of 20-year bond issue

The Greek state successfully auctioned a 20-year bond issue on Tuesday, the first ever of this long-term category in the country.

The average weighed interest rate of the issue, worth 200 billion drachmas and paying an annual coupon of 6.5 percent, was set at 6.84 percent. Bids submitted totalled 418.5 billion drachmas, more than two times the asked sum. Finally, the state accepted bids totalling 238 billion drachmas.

The finance ministry said the auction was successful citing that the yield spread with the same French bond was only 87 basis points higher and the spread with the US 30-year bond only 22 basis points.

The average weighed price of the bond was set at 96.318 points, with a minimum accepted price at 96.160 points and a cut-off ratio of 76.67 percent.

[12] Drachma drops vs euro

The drachma on Tuesday slumped against the euro in the domestic foreign exchange market, prompting the central bank to step into the market.

The Bank of Greece sold around 100 million euros in order to nugde up the drachma, which still ended lower.

At the central bank's daily fixing, the euro was set at 330.950 drachmas from 330.750 drachmas in the previous session and 330.720 drachmas on Friday.

Also at the fix, the US dollar was set at 321.250 drachmas from 323.160 drachmas a day earlier and 321.130 drachmas at the end of last week.

[13] The Athens dailies at a glance

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS (Rizos):"It's a flu and will go away -- doctors say it's a common virus and are not worried".

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS (Mitsis): A flu alert -- half of the Greek people in bed and school absences".

AKROPOLIS: "No elections for at least five months".

APOGEVMATINI: "20,000 express-hirings for pre-eloectoral reasons -- job appointments by the thousands".

ATHINAIKI: "Pre-fab children also in Greece".

AVGHI: "He (Archbishop Christodoulos) forgot the earthquake-stricken people -- according to an official church report -- he did not give them the 300 million drs. that he promised".

AVRIANI: "A decision for surprise elections -- definitely in April with the Athens Bourse exceeding the 7,500 percentage points".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Yes to investing the church money".

ELEFTHEROS: "Cyprus uprising against Athens".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Who are targeted by the electronic control services -- 'TAXIS' (electronic tax control system) suspects".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Published an extra supplement with a guide of the subjects to be given in the exams for bank appointments.

ESTIA: "25 years of experiments -- a 'pilot plan' for the traffic problem".

ETHNOS:"The new hirings approved -- extra posts in the civil service and organisations".

EXOUSIA: Published an exclusive story under the headline: "a joint US.-British-UN plan -- Famagusta to be given to Greek businessmen -- big hotels and the port to reopen".

KATHIMERINI: "The European Monetary Union 'seals' the elections -- a strict time-table for the (drachma) parity, interest rates and EMU entry dosier".

LOGOS: "Employers say 'no' to the 35-hour work week using as a pretext our entry into the EMU".

RIZOSPASTIS: "A dangerous practice by the Simitis govern-ment -- a new political lawsuit against 'Rizospastis' ".

STO KARFI: "Two strangers in ... the same party", a reference to New Democracy.

TA NEA: "Flu panic -- another two million cases in Italy -- in Greece only ...two cases".

TO VIMA: "The whole truth about the epidemic -- an exclusive interview with top virologist John Oxford".

VRADYNI: "Uproar is Cyprus by the Pantagias article.. - it recognises 'Attila' (the Turkish occupation).

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