Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-07-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek defense minister received by Russia's Putin

[02] Government's focus is on supporting Clerides at talks, says Reppas

[03] Ecevit: Turkey wants dialogue with Athens to 'consolidate its rights'

[04] Deputy Defense Minister discusses Balkans, cooperation with US Joint Staff deputy chief

[05] Apostolaki to retain ministry post, despite losing Parliamentary seat, says Reppas

[06] Honorary ND president accuses parliament speaker of 'bias' on identity card issue

[07] President Stephanopoulos delivers swords to new police officers

[08] Greeks 'least informed' EU citizens regarding euro

[09] Veteran Cypriot political leader tours Albania

[10] Consumer price inflation falls 0.4 pct in June

[11] Investment firms shower lower net value in June

[12] Gov't, civil servants in deadlock over pay

[13] Thessaloniki Fair to organize Greek participation at Dubai exhibition

[14] Karamanlis visits Agricultural Bank, calls for reform

[15] Greek stocks continue moving lower on ASE

[16] Advertising spending rises 14.8 pct in June

[16] Internet users to total 3.5 million in 2004, survey

[18] Fire fighters report partial control of Thessaloniki blazes

[19] Greek antiquities exhibition to take place in Sydney during Olympic Games

[20] Orthodox Church representatives to discuss Ecumenical Charter of Churches

[21] Cyprus proximity talks to adjourn on July 12 and resume July 24

[01] Greek defense minister received by Russia's Putin

MOSCOW, 08/07/2000 (ANA V. Mourtis)

Following his more than one-hour talks with Putin, the Greek minister cited what he called common views over issues ranging from stability in southeast Europe, the Cyprus problem and maritime law in the eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea, to Europe-Russia and NATO-Russia relations. Tsohatzopoulos also underlined that Athens was reassured of Russias support for a fair and viable solution to the long-standing Cyprus problem as well as maintenance of the status quo in the Aegean. Other subjects broached included the problem of terrorism and agreement over the need to maintain the principle of borders inviolability in the greater region.

In terms of another matter of heightened significance in Greek-Russian relations -- namely, construction of an oil pipeline to transport Russian and Caspian crude between the Bulgarian Black Sea port of Burgas to Greece's Alexandroupoli in the northeastern Aegean -- it was announced that Moscow reaffirmed its support for Greece's positions on the pipeline's construction and operation.

As expected, talks with Russian leadership, and specifically with Russian Defense Minister Igor Sergeyev, focused squarely on cooperation in the defense sector and armaments, without any detailed agreements announced.

Finally, when asked to comment on the prospect of an "anti-missile" shield being tested and then deployed by the United States over much of North America, Tsohatzopoulos expressed concern that such a development may undermine current arms control and nuclear proliferation treaties.

China and Russia are outspoken opponents of the ongoing US project, as both argue that deploying a US missile defense would trigger a renewed arms race and undermine global stability.

[02] Government's focus is on supporting Clerides at talks, says Reppas

Athens, 08/07/2000 (ANA)

The third round of Cyprus proximity talks aimed at finding a solution to the protracted Cyprus problem began in Geneva on Wednesday.

"It is not possible for one to talk about 'casus belli' at the same time as one's government is in negotiations," the spokesman stressed.

"At this time what matters is to support Mr. Clerides during the talks being carried out in Geneva. Everything else, which might create problems, is best avoided and we must make it understood that we will not back down on our fixed positions," Reppas said, referring to the building of a military check-point by Turkish occupation forces at the Strovilia location in southeastern Cyprus.

Reppas also pointed to a statement he made on Thursday night to a Cyprus private radio station, according to which the establishment by Turkish forces of a check-point on the road that connects Strovilia with the areas controlled by the legal Cyprus government was "a brutal violation of the agreement of 1974, between UNFICYP and the Turkish commander of the occupation forces, with the movement of occupation forces toward the free areas," adding that in Greece's view, the affair concerned the United Nations - "[UN Secretary General Kofi] Annan must see to the matter and his efforts must bring results," he said.

"The Turkish action is directed against the UN, to the point of humiliating [the UN]...At this point, what's at stake is the credibility of the international organization and its effectiveness in resolving crises," he said.

Greece, he added, had already brought the matter up in the UN, while Foreign Minister George Papandreou would make a report at a coming meeting of EU foreign ministers.

In any case, Reppas concluded, Greece had to use every means to lift the blockade of the Strovilia village in free Cyprus by Turkish occupation forces and at the same time reinforce Cyprus' position at the Geneva talks.

[03] Ecevit: Turkey wants dialogue with Athens to 'consolidate its rights'

ISTANBUL, 08/07/2000 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

In reply to a local newspaper's (Yeni Binyil) question asking his opinion over possible solutions for differences in the Aegean and the Cyprus problem, Ecevit said that "in reality, we're the side whose rights are being violated and not recognized. We propose dialogue so this negative situation will cease."

In a direct reference to Cyprus, the Turkish prime minister reiterated Ankara's standing view of "two independent states" on the island republic.

"If Turkey had any intention of conquering Cyprus it would have extended the peace operation of 1974 for a few more days," Ecevit noted, adding:

"If the European Union leaves us alone, Greek Cypriots will come to terms with the Turkish Cypriots much easier... as long as the EU pressures Turkey over the Cyprus issue, so will the intransigent stance by the Greek Cypriot side and Greece continue."

[04] Deputy Defense Minister discusses Balkans, cooperation with US Joint Staff deputy chief

Athens, 08/07/2000 (ANA)

On the question of the Balkans, Apostolakis said security and stability conditions constitute the necessary framework for shaping an environment of peace on a unified and indivisible collective basis.

Apostolakis also determined mutual benefit as a basic principle for promoting bilateral cooperation.

National Defense General Staff Deputy Chief Antonis Antoniadis attended the meeting.

[05] Apostolaki to retain ministry post, despite losing Parliamentary seat, says Reppas

Athens, 08/07/2000 (ANA)

"The prime minister has the first and last word on the government's composition. Ms. Apostolaki will exercise her duties," he said.

The election court decided on Thursday to annul Milena Apostolaki's election as a Parliamentary deputy for the ruling PASOK party on grounds that she was serving as an adviser at the Development Ministry and did not resign her post within the time limit set by the constitution.

[06] Honorary ND president accuses parliament speaker of 'bias' on identity card issue

Athens, 08/07/2000 (ANA)

Accusing Kaklamanis of "bias and maliciousness," Mitsotakis said his strongly party political attitude was irreconcilable with his position as parliamentary speaker.

Accusing the government of "heedlessly opening" the identity card crisis, he stressed that it should be closed as quickly as possible because it damaged both the Church and Greece.

Mitsotakis also slammed the government over the Kouroupitos dump affair, on account of which Greece became the first member-state to be fined by the EU Court of Justice this week.

"Kouroupitos," he said, "is the tragic confirmation of the disintegration of the Greek state and the inability, indecisiveness and the untrustworthiness of the PASOK government."

In response to the above statements, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas told reporters that Kaklamanis had taken the stand and expressed his views, as was his right.

[07] President Stephanopoulos delivers swords to new police officers

Athens, 08/07/2000 (ANA)

In an unforeseen event, strong winds detached a tent from its supports and swept it towards the President. However, nobody was hurt since bystanders stopped the tent in time.

[08] Greeks 'least informed' EU citizens regarding euro

BRUSSELS, 08/07/2000 (ANA - V. Demiris)

The Commission was presenting the findings of a "Eurobaro-meter" survey on Europeans and the new euro currency, carried out in October and November 1999 with a sample of 16,000 EU citizens.

Only 17.8 per cent of Greek citizens responding said that they were "very well or well-informed" about the unified currency, while 81.5 per cent said they were "badly or not at all informed."

Best informed, according to the survey, were the Dutch, the Luxembourgians and Finns. On average, among the 11 member-states participating in the euro-zones, 48.2 per cent of citizens consider themselves well informed about the new currency, while 50.7 per cent feel they are badly or not informed at all.

Regarding the date that the euro will circulate in cash form, only 44.3 per cent of Greeks know that the euro will be the only currency in the euro-zone countries by July 2002 at the latest, while 25.9 per cent of Greeks thinks that the euro and drachma will exist concurrently after that date and 29.8 per cent declares that they "don't know".

[09] Veteran Cypriot political leader tours Albania

TIRANA, 08/07/2000 (ANA - P. Barkas)

The island republic political leader met with former Albanian prime minister Fatos Nano, the president of Albania's ruling Socialist Party, for talks on developing ties between the two parties.

Lyssarides also toured several areas with active ethnic Greek populations, beginning with the town of Korce, before his visits to Heimarra, Sarande and Gjirokaster.

Orthodox Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania Anastasios also received the veteran Cypriot political leader.

In remarks to reporters, Lyssarides expressed his admiration for what he called ethnic Greeks' perseverance in keeping Hellenism alive "under such adversity."

[10] Consumer price inflation falls 0.4 pct in June

Athens, 08/07/2000 (ANA)

The NSS said that the consumer price index fell 0.4 percent in June from the previous month compared with an unchanged figure in June 1999 and a 0.3 percent rise in June 1998.

The inflation rate was 2.1 percent in June 1999 on a year-on-year basis.

The monthly fall in the CPI was the result of a 3.2 percent fall in food and non-alcoholic beverages prices' index, and a 2.0 percent fall in the hotel-restaurant index. The clothing-footwear, transport, housing and durable goods indices rose 0.8 pct, 2.1 pct, 0.3 pct and 0.4 pct, respectively.

[11] Investment firms shower lower net value in June

Athens, 08/07/2000 (ANA)

The decline in the net value of the companies' assets was lower in a range of 8.4 percent to 34.4 percent since the start of the year, the union said in statement.

[12] Gov't, civil servants in deadlock over pay

Athens, 08/07/2000 (ANA)

Negotiating for the government is the interior ministry and for civil servants, the ADEDY union.

Taking part in the latest meeting was Deputy Finance Minister George Drys, who told reporters that the union's pay demands were far more than the government could afford.

[13] Thessaloniki Fair to organize Greek participation at Dubai exhibition

Athens, 08/07/2000 (ANA)

The exhibition will take place between Feb. 25-28, 2001 in the Gulf state.

Representatives of Greek enterprises wishing to participate in the exhibition should register by July 30. For more information call (031) 291138 - Fax 268228.

[14] Karamanlis visits Agricultural Bank, calls for reform

Athens, 08/07/2000 (ANA)

Karamanlis stressed that "lack of transparency and bad management at the bank had cost the Greek people more than two trillion drachmas in the last six years, or more than three times the similar foundering of [national carrier] Olympic Airways."

One important consequence of this situation, he added, was that the Agricultural Bank continued to have very high interest rates that made it hard for farmers to borrow capital.

Reconstruction and reform of the bank, he stressed, was essential "because we owe it to the country and to Greek farmers, who in the past years have seen their income shrink."

[15] Greek stocks continue moving lower on ASE

Athens, 08/07/2000 (ANA)

The general index plunged 1.38 percent to end at 3,914.03 points, its lowest closing since June 24, 1999. Turnover was a low 68 billion drachmas. The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 2,163.61 points, off 1.20 percent, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index fell 1.25 percent to 564.42 points.

Analysts said the next support level for the market was 3,750 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 7,288.64

-0.97% Leasing: 753.06 -0.41% Insurance: 2,615.38

-1.31% Investment: 1,600.66 -0.74% Construction: 2,141.53 -2.51% Industrials: 2,409.75 -1.88% Miscellaneous: 3,977.57 -1.06% Holding: 4,501.49

-1.06%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 748.81 points, off 3.20 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 296 to 38 with another four issues unchanged.

Doudos, Intralot, Athenian Holdings, National Bank of Greece, Hellenic Telecoms and Naoussa Spinning were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): National Bank: 13,300 Alpha Bank: 13,300 Commercial Bank: 15,595 Eurobank: 9,040 Lambrakis Press: 10,000 Heracles Cement: 7,480 Hellenic Telecoms: 8,300 Panafon: 3,910 Hellenic Petroleum: 3,800 Attica Enterprises: 3,590 Intracom: 12,155 Minoan Lines: 3,540 Hellenic Bottling: 5,500

Equity futures end down, tracking Athens bourse: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished lower on Friday, roughly in line with the two indices on which they are based.

The FTSE/ASE 20 closed 1.20 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 1.25 percent lower.

Turnover was 10.42 billion drachmas from 13.18 billion drachmas a day earlier.

A total of 1,012 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20 index with turnover at 4.38 billion drachmas.

Changing hands on the FTSE/ASE 40 were 2,766 futures on turnover of 6.05 billion drachmas.

Bonds nose up in buy-oriented trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market rose in moderate trade on Friday.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.09 percent from 6.10 percent a day earlier.

The Greek paper's yield spread over German bunds was 83 basis points from 82 basis points for two trading days.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 84 billion drachmas from 86 billion drachmas in the previous session.

Buy orders accounted for 58 billion drachmas of turnover.

Drachma drops vs. euro, dollar: The drachma on Friday fell against the euro and the US dollar in the domestic foreign exchange market.

At the central bank's daily fixing, the euro was set at 336.790 drachmas from 336.650 drachmas in the previous session.

Also at the fixing, the US dollar was set at 354.620 drachmas from 351.570 drachmas a day earlier.

[16] Advertising spending rises 14.8 pct in June

Athens, 08/07/2000 (ANA)

A report said that television ads exceeded 26.2 billion, for a 12.8 pct increase, followed by magazine ads at 15.8 billion (up 20.3 pct), newspapers at 10 billion (up 19 pct) and radio ads at 4.6 billion drachmas (off 7.0 pct).

Antenna TV topped the list of advertising income with seven billion drachmas, followed by Mega with 6.9 billion, Star Channel with 4.9 bln, Alpha with 3.9 bln and ET-1 with 2.4 billion drachmas.

In the radio station sector, Sky was ahead with 508 million drachmas, followed by Antenna, Flash, Melody and Love radio.

Bodyline, Hyundai, Telestet, Skoka Fabia and Germanos were the biggest advertising spenders in June.

[16] Internet users to total 3.5 million in 2004, survey

Athens, 08/07/2000 (ANA)

The survey, published in Alpha Bank's monthly economic bulletin, attributed the country's low Internet penetration rate to the high prices paid for computers in Greece, to limited technological infrastructure and to high access costs paid by Internet users in the country.

The average penetration rate in the Internet was 6.0 percent in March 1999.

The survey said that an expected significant growth in Internet use in the next few years would be the result of the creation of Greek portals offering a wide range of information applications in the Greek language and the development of the wireless technology.

The survey expects that Greek portals in the Internet would be raised from three to 10 next year.

Greek Internet users were focusing on obtaining information and news, with only a small percentage using its electronic commerce services.

Greece lags the other European advanced countries in information technology and telecommunications spending and ranked at the bottom of the table with 567 euros per capita in 1999.

The United States topped the list of tech-spending countries with 2,023 euros per capita, followed by Sweden (1,837), Denmark (1,768), Norway (1,730, the UK (1,432) and Japan (1,349).

[18] Fire fighters report partial control of Thessaloniki blazes

Athens, 08/07/2000 (ANA)

In statements to the ANA, a fire brigade spokesman said that the blaze had earlier threatened homes before coming under control.

The second front continued to burn pine forest, he added, but was not threatening inhabited areas.

Meanwhile, a second blaze had broken out near the village of Askos in the Thessaloniki district on Friday afternoon and was burning scrubland near an army shooting range.

In other areas of the country, fires continued to rage, while the blaze near the village of Gargalianoi, Messinia had been reduced to two fronts by Friday afternoon. A third front in Maniaki was now completely under control, fire fighters said, but fire-fighting units remained in the area in case it flared up again.

Infantry units had been brought in to help fight the other two fronts in Messinia, they added, while no inhabited areas were under threat on Friday evening.

A major forest fire was also sweeping the eastern Aegean island of Samos on Friday afternoon, with 200 firefighters, 30 fire engines, fire-fighting planes and helicopters brought in to fight the blaze.

Meanwhile, other fires were reported on Mount Kissavos in central Greece, at Gerolimena, Lakonia and in the Achaia prefecture.

A blaze was also reported in the greater Athens area, at Souli near Marathon, Attica, while another forest fire was reported on the Ionian island of Corfu.

[19] Greek antiquities exhibition to take place in Sydney during Olympic Games

MELBOURNE, 08/07/2000 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

The exhibition "1,000 years of Olympic Games: Treasures of Ancient Greece" will bring a unique and excellent collection of Greek national treasures to Australia.

New South Wales Prime Minister and Culture Minister Bob Carr said "Greek civilization constitutes the foundation of European civilization and, consequently, it has deep roots as a part of Australian heritage. Such cultural exchanges give meaning to the Australians' ideals which are: recognition of great works, cultural values and of democracy itself."

[20] Orthodox Church representatives to discuss Ecumenical Charter of Churches

Athens, 08/07/2000 (ANA)

During their stay, the representatives will pay courtesy calls to local authorities and will visit ecclesiastical monuments.

The Metropolitan of Ilioupolis and Thireon Athanassios will represent the Ecumenical Patriarchate, while the Bishop of Rigion Emmanuel will be responsible for the meeting's program.

[21] Cyprus proximity talks to adjourn on July 12 and resume July 24

GENEVA, 08/07/2000 (CNA/ANA)

The same sources said by the 12th the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides will have concluded the presentation of their respective positions, as requested by the UN.

It is expected that the UN will submit some ideas to the two sides but it is not yet clear whether this will take place before Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community Rauf Denktash leave Geneva or when they return to this Swiss city for more talks on 24 July.

The UN announced the adjournment earlier Friday. The announcement was made at a UN briefing on the request of UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto.

When asked by CNA why talks will stop this early UN spokesperson in Geneva Marie Hoze replied, "this is the calendar of proximity talks".

"The Cyprus proximity talks underway in Geneva under the Secretary- General's auspices will adjourn on 12 July and resume on 24 July.

They will continue until early August and resume in New York on 12 September until early October," the announcement said.

The current third round of proximity talks between the UN and President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash began on 5 July. Two previous rounds took place, the first one in New York last December and the second one in Geneva last February.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

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