Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-11-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek-Turkish business forum holds dinner in honor of Papandreou, Yilmaz

[02] Stephanopoulos receives WEU Assembly Speaker

[03] Kaklamanis expresses hope problems between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be resolved peacefully

[04] Papazoi to attend Rome conference on 50th anniversary of European Human Rights Accord

[05] Agriculture Deputy Minister meets Chinese official

[06] Simitis satisfied with state of 2004 Olympiad projects

[07] Onassis Foundation donates two mobile special rescue units and staff bus to Fire Brigade

[08] Burns lauds Naxos residents for yacht rescue effort

[09] Parliament votes down ND proposal to set up a committee of inquiry into passenger shipping

[10] Industrialists guardedly welcome budget surplus

[11] Greek's biggest problem is unemployment; survey says

[12] Council of State approves draft Presidential Decree on creation of electric power company

[13] Greece, Syria sign agreement on employee insurance status

[14] Sanyo offers to build hotels for Olympics

[15] K.I. Sarantopoulos company signs contract for new project in Egnatia motorway

[16] Holiday Inn in hotel deal in Thessaloniki

[17] Early profit-taking pushes Greek stock sharply lower

[18] Central Archaeological Council approves planned improvements to Mycenae Acropolis

[19] Part of archaeological collection donated to the state by the Mitsotakis family taken to Hania Museum

[20] Cyprus government welcomes statement by EU French rotating presidency

[21] No new ideas put forward by UN envoy, Clerides says

[22] Denktash says Greek Cypriots 'want whole of Cyprus'

[23] Cyprus protests violations of its airspace by Turkish warplanes

[01] Greek-Turkish business forum holds dinner in honor of Papandreou, Yilmaz

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

Papandreou defended the Greek policy exercised toward Turkey over the past two years, stressing that this has been a historic opportunity, which the peoples of the two countries demand of their governments to take advantage of.

He said, however, that the most basic precondition for the full rapprochement between Greece and Turkey is the solution of the Cyprus problem, a solution based on the United Nations Security Council resolutions on the issue.

Cyprus will either divide us or unite us, Papandreou said, adding that the accession of the island republic to the European Union is a precondition for the security of both the Greek and the Turkish communities.

The Greek foreign minister also said that the dialogue that began on the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) aims at creating a strong basis, on which to examine the problems between the two countries under a more constructive light.

We follow your model, he said speaking to businessmen, we are looking for the common interest.

He added that the interests of Greece and Turkey are complementary, and called the Greek governments policy an investment on the security of the region.

Comparing the recent Middle Eastern crisis between Israelis and Palestinians, to the Greek-Turkish relations he said that there is no hostility and hatred between the peoples of Greece and Turkey, rather there is a wish for friendship and cooperation.

This our people proved last year during the catastrophic earthquakes and the wave of solidarity that was created, Papandreou said.

He also referred to Turkey's European course, calling it especially difficult, but one that can yield many benefits, adding that Turkey can in this way gain in stability, peace, economic development and the better protection of the rights of its population.

He said, however, that in order to achieve all that and to continue without obstacles the course toward Europe, the conditions agreed in Helsinki would have to be included in the text describing the Turkish-EU relation, now discussed by the 15 European Union member-states.

Yilmaz is scheduled to meet on Friday with President Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis and main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis.

Former premier Mitsotakis: Former Greek premier and honorary president of the main opposition New Democracy (ND) party Constantine Mitsotakis greeted Yilmaz by again voicing support for Turkey's European prospects, stressing though that Ankara must at the same time "accept the principles on which Europe was built".

"Turkey must follow Europe's lead...and not Europe Turkey's," Mitsotakis, the honorary president of the main opposition New Democracy party, said.

On his part, Yilmaz declined to make statements to reporters.

The veteran Greek politician's words largely echoed what Athens has been hammering at since a crucial Helsinki summit last December cleared the way for Turkey's designation as a EU candidate state. However, Greek anger over Ankara's claims during the course of a highly publicized NATO exercise in Turkey last month, a continued lack of progress over the Cyprus issue and recent unfavorable comments by Yilmaz himself dampened year-long optimism and goodwill generated by last summer's "seismic rapprochement" and the Helsinki decisions.

A largely unexpected deal by Papandreou and Turkish FM Ismail Cem this past week in Budapest to formulate a two sets of Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) - one on a bilateral basis and another within the framework of NATO - somewhat reversed the negative climate prevailing throughout October.

Gov't spokesman Reppas: Meanwhile, the government emphasized that Greece will once again make its positions regarding Greek-Turkish relations absolutely clear. Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas also cautioned that Turkey's recent negative stance, i.e. the NATO exercise "Destined Glory 2000," would be noted and that Ankara's responsibility in establishing a climate of regional friendship and cooperation would be re-stated.

Greece withdrew its forces from the Turkey-based exercise last month after Turkey objected to its use of air-corridors over the Aegean islands of Limnos and Ikaria on the grounds that they were a "demilitarized zone" - a claim that angered Athens and was later disputed by NATO's legal service. The exercise reciprocated the more successful NATO exercise "Dynamic Mix" based in Greece in September, in which Greek and Turkish forces harmoniously participated in a military exercise on Greek soil.

In response to questions on any EU-Turkey association agreement, the spokesman said Athens insisted that such a text must include the following three considerations: Firstly, the Copenhagen criteria; secondly relations between Greece and Turkey, and Turkey's obligation to create conditions of good neighborliness; and thirdly, the Cyprus problem.

Asked about the Papandreou-Cem understanding on CBMs, the spokesman stressed that the two foreign ministers had agreed on procedures, not issues.

Greece, he concluded, had clear positions and there was no reason for it to be afraid of discussing ways of reaching an understanding, something that could only be achieved if channels of communication were open. He also reiterated that the only issue that could be brought onto a negotiation table between Athens and Turkey was that of delineating the Aegean's continental shelf.

Athens mayor Avramopoulos: Yilmaz called himself a "pioneer" of Greek-Turkish rapprochement, in response to reporters' repeated questions about a less than complimentary statement he made in Ankara last week about Greeks.

Yilmaz addressed reporters after his meeting with Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos.

Yilmaz said he was joking when he uttered the quip: "After you shake hands with a Greek you should count your fingers".

"This was said as a joke. It does not merit such attention. I am of the pioneers of Greek-Turkish rapprochement a few years back ... I have special respect for the Greek nation," Yilmaz said.

Cutting in at that point, Avramopoulos said jokingly, "in any case, I should let you know that Mr. Yilmaz has all his fingers intact ..." Avramopoulos said.

He went on to say "I believe that the key to the future of Greek-Turkish relations ... is in Cyprus Mr. Yilmaz", adding "it is there, that initiatives should be undertaken and I think that your country holds the key in its hands."

Regarding EU-Turkish relations, the veteran Turkish politician said "our relations are developing satisfactorily. Now, we are expecting a policy of rapprochement, which will be adopted by the European Council on Nov. 8."

Referring to Cyprus, Yilmaz said "Cyprus is a separate chapter and I would not like to comment on that."

Yilmaz is on an unofficial visit to Athens.

[02] Stephanopoulos receives WEU Assembly Speaker

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

[03] Kaklamanis expresses hope problems between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be resolved peacefully

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

Kaklamanis said Greece will support Armenia's effort to complete its democratic course and expressed the hope that problems existing in the Caucasus region, and particular the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno Karabakh, will be resolved with peaceful means.

Markarian said his country looks forward to Greece's dynamic presence in the economic and political sectors, in the wider Caucasus region, and added that Greece's contribution, and particularly that of its Parliament, to the development of new democratic institutions in Armenia is precious.

[04] Papazoi to attend Rome conference on 50th anniversary of European Human Rights Accord

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

A total of 41 representatives of Council of Europe countries are participating in the ministerial conference, as well as representatives of countries with observer status and representatives of international organizations. The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia has also been invited to participate as an observer.

The ministerial conference is titled "The 50 years of the European Human Rights Accord: What are the prospects for the future and protection of human rights in Europe?"

[05] Agriculture Deputy Minister meets Chinese official

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere and Argyris expressed Greece's interest for further developing cooperation between the two countries in the agricultural sector.

[06] Simitis satisfied with state of 2004 Olympiad projects

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

Organizing Committee President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki met with main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis during the day to brief him on issues pertaining to her duties.

Meanwhile, the government said ND's criticism of the Greek Radio and TV (ERT) organization over the agreement reached on TV coverage for the 2004 Olympiad is unprecedented.

[07] Onassis Foundation donates two mobile special rescue units and staff bus to Fire Brigade

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

The delivery ceremony was held at the Fire Brigade's headquarters in the presence of the foundation's board president, Fire Brigade Chief Panayiotis Fourlas and Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis.

The cost of the units amounted to 180 million drachmas, while the bus cost another 50 million. The Onassis Foundation has also provided one million dollars for earthquake victims.

[08] Burns lauds Naxos residents for yacht rescue effort

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

During a ceremony in a central Athens hotel, Burns thanked the residents of the island via their mayor and other local leaders who were present at the event.

"The Naxiots' rescue effort says a lot about the courage of the Greek fishermen and the 'philoxenia' that we all feel here in Greece," Burns said, predicting that "hundreds of thousands of American tourists" will arrive in Greece next year.

The US ambassador also gave the awards to Greek ships participating in the Automated Mutual-assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER), in the presence of Greek Merchant Marine Minister Christos Papoutsis and Propeller Club president Argyris Skondras.

Almost 500 ships from 120 Greek companies were honored during the annual dinner hosted in honor of AMVER participants.

AMVER is a volunteer network sponsored by the US Coast Guard, which coordinates search and rescue authorities for passengers on ships in distress.

On his part, Papoutsis said "we are working together with the Ministry of Merchant Marine and the American Coast Guard to improve conditions of safety not only in Greece but all over the world".

[09] Parliament votes down ND proposal to set up a committee of inquiry into passenger shipping

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

Merchant Marine Minister Christos Papoutsis and ND leader Costas Karamanlis led the debate before 268 deputies in Parliament who voted along party lines as 146 deputies voted against the proposal and 121 voted for the proposal, with ND and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) supporting the inquiry in passenger shipping safety conditions.

The ND proposal was based on the September "Express Samina" shipwreck in which 80 people lost their lives.

[10] Industrialists guardedly welcome budget surplus

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

However, the projected surplus was based on an uncertain forecast that gross domestic product would grow by 5.0 percent, and not on a fundamental shift in the relation between revenue and spending, SEB said in a statement.

[11] Greek's biggest problem is unemployment; survey says

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

The survey, presented by Labor Minister Tassos Giannitsis, unveils that a significant percentage of Greek has a positive view of part-time employment, either voluntary or as a second choice.

The average working hours in the country's private sector totals 44 hours a week, up from 38 hours in the public sector. A total of 58 percent of workers were fully compensated for working overtimes, while 15 percent were partially paid and another 23 percent were not.

A large percentage of the society (61 percent) supports the implementation of a 35-hour week, though they do not deny accepting a 38-hour working week as a first step.

The majority of Greeks, asked in the survey, have a positive view of the Workforce Employment Organization, 87 percent of them support a social dialogue on labor issues, while a majority said they were not fully informed on the ministry's proposals on labor reform.

The survey said that by 2015, youths in the age of 20-25 would see their numbers decrease by 25 percent.

Labor Minister Tassos Giannitsis said that the government was not considering implementing legislation on reducing working hours in the country. He was commenting on press reports saying that the government would implement a 39-hour week for all workers as a compromise proposal to gain unions' support on its proposals on labor reform.

[12] Council of State approves draft Presidential Decree on creation of electric power company

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

The creation of the new SA company has been approved in light of market deregulation in the electric power sector as of 19/2/2001 and the parallel possibility provided for the establishment and functioning in the country of private units producing or transferring electric power.

The private companies will function under state control, which will be substantively assigned to the new SA company, which will have a utility nature and will function for the sake of public interest but with private economy rules.

[13] Greece, Syria sign agreement on employee insurance status

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

The agreement will be ratified soon in the context of new legislation.

[14] Sanyo offers to build hotels for Olympics

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

The two luxury hotels would be built on land owned by the company on Leoforos Kifissias in the suburb of Maroussi, which already houses a mega-store with Carrefour, the French hypermarket chain, Sanyo said in a statement on Thursday.

The company submitted the proposal worth 19 billion drachmas at GNTO's request, the statement said.

The offer also contains a plan to build a multi-purpose complex on the same site, along with stores, back-up offices and a second underground car park.

The new facilities would be freed for use in the Olympics, Sanyo said.

[15] K.I. Sarantopoulos company signs contract for new project in Egnatia motorway

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

This section, which is part of the Egnatia motorway, is about 20 km long and, according to the contract signed, it will be delivered for use in the summer of 2003.

According to an announcement issued by the company on Thursday, the budget for the project's construction amounts to a total of 35 billion drachmas.

[16] Holiday Inn in hotel deal in Thessaloniki

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

Aristotelis Thomopoulos, Capitol hotel's chairman and chief executive, said the franchising deal would leave the hotel's management under his company's control.

Under the deal, Holiday Inn hotels will have its own presence in the capital of northern Greece from April 2001.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, although sources said that Thomopoulos company would pay 5-7 percent of annual revenues, resulting from room renting, to BHR.

Capitol hotel (A category) has 178 rooms and suites with 332 beds. It recently completed a renovation project, worth 1.5 billion drachmas, to upgrade its services to luxury standards.

The works to transform the hotel into Holiday Inn was estimated at 300 million drachmas.

The hotel's turnover totalled one billion drachmas last year, with profits at 250 million drachmas. The company expects stable results for this year.

BHR Holiday Inn owns Holiday Inn hotels, HI Resort, HI Garden Court, HI Express, HI Select, Crowne Plaza & Intercontinental, with a capacity of 2,800 hotels, with more than 457,000 beds, in 95 countries worldwide.

[17] Early profit-taking pushes Greek stock sharply lower

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

Traders said Hellenic Telecoms' and Panafon's shares remained under pressure for the third consecutive session, while CosmOTE rose substantially. Shares in the smaller capitalization stocks and the construction sector were particularly hit.

The general index ended 1.78 percent lower at 3,816.14 points, after gaining a total of 3.27 percent in the previous two sessions. Turnover was a low 76.14 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.60 percent lower at 2,215.18 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index dropped 1.94 percent to 451 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 8,202.15 -1.19% Leasing: 555.44 -0.55% Insurance: 1,895.05 -1.85% Investment: 1,307.20 -3.37% Construction: 1,614.37 -4.18% Industrials: 2,243.91 -1.37% Miscellaneous: 3,346.21 -1.89% Holding: 4,500.52 -2.46%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks plunged 5.21 percent to 406.08 points.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 307 to 43 with another three issues unchanged.

Hellenic Telecoms, Electra, Cosmote, Panafon and Alpha Bank were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): Alpha Bank:

14,850 Eurobank: 10,860 Panafon: 3,215 Lambrakis Press: 6,950 National Bank: 15,500 Hellenic Petroleum: 3,790 Commercial Bank: 18,050 Attica Enterprises: 3,050 Heracles Cement: 4,955 Intracom: 10,635 Minoan Lines: 2,160 Hellenic Telecoms: 6,640 Piraeus Bank: 6,170 Titan Cement (c): 14,720 Hellenic Bottling: 5,655

ASE suspends transactions on St. George Mills' shares: The Athens Stock Exchange' board on Thursday announced a temporary suspension on St. George Mills' share trading on the market, in a move aimed to protect investors, an announcement said.

During Tuesday's session, St. George Mills has sold a 45.4 percent equity stake to K. Balafas ATE, through a share transaction worth 21.1 billion drachmas (including 9,889,200 shares at 2,139 drachmas per share).

The decision to suspend trading on the stock was taken in order that St. George Mills' new board to announce its future plans for the company.

Bond prices drop in light trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Thursday finished down in light trade.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.928 percent from 5.92 percent a day earlier.

The Greek paper's yield spread over German bunds was 72 basis points from 74 basis points in the previous session.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 40 billion drachmas from 80 billion drachmas in the trading day before. Of the total, sell orders accounted for 32 billion drachmas of trade.

Drachma recovers more ground against US dollar: The drachma recovered more ground against the US dollar on Thursday, following a rebound of the euro currency's parity above the 86 cents level in international foreign exchange markets. The Greek currency's rate was set at 393.130 drachmas per dollar at Thursday's fixing, up from 397.810 the previous day. The drachma was stable against the euro at 339.810 drachmas from 339.700 drachmas on Wednesday.

[18] Central Archaeological Council approves planned improvements to Mycenae Acropolis

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

According to the plan, "archaeological walks" will be designed with stops at important sites, which will recreate the trail followed by ancient writer Pausanias during his visit to Mycenae in the 2nd century B.C. - a time when the Mycenaean palaces had already been deserted.

The new route will follow in a single direction and it circumvents inaccessible points and stairs, which often have an incline of more than 25 per cent. This will make access to the site easier for visitors, even those with impaired mobility.

The plan also provides for a new protective cover for the Lion Gate made out of non-slip crystal on a stainless-steel frame.

The total cost of the project is expected to come to 3 billion drachmas.

[19] Part of archaeological collection donated to the state by the Mitsotakis family taken to Hania Museum

Athens, 03/11/2000 (ANA)

The collection was placed in a special place in the museum, which was renovated recently. Culture Minister Theodoros Pangalos will make the inauguration of the museums new section containing the collection.

The collection contains more than 1,200 items from various eras, primarily from the Minoan Civilization, and includes gold coins, urns and bronze artifacts.

[20] Cyprus government welcomes statement by EU French rotating presidency

GENEVA, 03/11/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou called on Thursday on Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to adjust his positions and bring them in line with the acquis communautaire, instead of being critical of the EU role and involvement in the Cyprus peace effort.

"I would like to welcome the statement by the French EU presidency on the resumption of the UN-led proximity talks. The fact that this statement stipulates that a solution should be in line with UN resolutions on Cyprus essentially sets out the parameters by which the EU will judge the two sides at the talks and how Brussels understands the solution", Papapetrou said here on Thursday.

His comments come in the wake of critical remarks by the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash on the EU role in the peace effort and statements by the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus

Alvaro de Soto on the role of the EU factor in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem. "The reference to a solution consistent with UN resolutions is extremely important in view of the leading role the EU is assuming in these consultations and in relation with the need to align the Cyprus solution with the acquis communautaire", Papapetrou said.

The French presidency's statement reads: "The EU considers the status quo in Cyprus to be unacceptable and supports the UN Secretary-General's efforts for a negotiated, comprehensive, just and lasting settlement consistent with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. It calls upon the two communities to con-duct substantive talks during this session and to contribute actively to a settlement".

Commenting on Denktash's critical remarks on the EU, the spokesman said he understands why Denktash is concerned and why he is trying to put aside anything to do with the EU.

"The EU is being transformed into a catalyst of developments since all the protagonists in the Cyprus crisis are in one way or another related to the EU", he noted, adding that the importance of the EU in the Cyprus peace effort is apparently causing some problems to Denktash.

"Our reply to his comments is to ask him, instead of talking about the risks relating to the EU, to better adjust his positions to be in line with the acquis communautaire, which today is the backbone of international law", Papapetrou pointed out.

Replying to questions about Turkey's ties with the EU, in view of next week's partnership agreement, the spokesman said the Greek government has a "clear and firm position that it is inconceivable not to have a reference to the Cyprus problem with regard to the partnership agreement".

"Turkey must understand that it cannot dream of accession to the EU when by the force of arms it continues to occupy a substantial part of a small and weak neighboring country", Papapetrou said.

The spokesman expressed optimism that the EU will remain on this issue consistent with the principles it is serving.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied the northern third of the island.

UN-led proximity talks, separate meetings of the UN with President Glafcos Clerides and Denktash, began last December. A fifth round got underway on Wednesday in Geneva, aimed at preparing the ground for substantive negotiations, leading to a comprehensive settlement.

[21] No new ideas put forward by UN envoy, Clerides says

GENEVA. 03/11/2000(CNA/ANA)

Speaking after the meeting, President Clerides said "we had a quite interesting and in depth discussion of various aspects of the Cyprus problem, in the context of the four chapters set out by the UN Secretary-General".

Asked if he believes that the process and discussions have moved forward, President Clerides said "a discussion of issues we and de Soto have already been over has moved forward".

He also said that de Soto had "not yet" given any new ideas.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied the northern third of the island. UN-led proximity talks, separate meetings of the UN with President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, began last December.

[22] Denktash says Greek Cypriots 'want whole of Cyprus'

GENEVA, 03/11/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking before the meeting, Denktash said he was in Geneva to talk and that Greek Cypriots wanted the whole of the island.

He said "naturally, we talk, this is why we are here", but did not wish to elaborate on matters discussed, noting only that "everything" was under discussion.

Asked if any progress had been made, Denktash said "we are talking, that is a good sign, isn't it, to keep on talking".

In statements in Turkish, Denktash said he did not know whether de Soto had invited map specialists to Geneva, adding that "Greek Cypriots want the whole of Cyprus".

Speaking after the meeting, Denktash said Thursday's talks were "useful" and noted he would meet with de Soto again on Friday.

[23] Cyprus protests violations of its airspace by Turkish warplanes

NICOSIA, 03/11/2000 (CNA/ ANA)

In a letter to Annan, Cyprus' permanent representative to the UN Sotos Zackheos notes that violations were recorded on October 4, 5, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22.

Zackheos notes in his letter that on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus he is strongly protesting over the above-mentioned actions, which violate international law and UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus.

Recalling Turkey's obligations to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, Zackheos expresses hope that Turkey will maintain the necessary positive stance, so that the fifth round of proximity talks on the Cyprus problem and efforts to achieve a just and viable settlement are not negatively affected.

Zackheos' letter circulated as an official document of the UN General Assembly.

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