Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-11-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] President delivers Alexander Onassis Foundation awards

[02] Gov't approves Greece-Cyprus memorandum covering crises; military chief's term extended

[03] FM Papandreou outlines Greece's foreign policy in address to Ukrainian university students

[04] PM Simitis chairs joint inner cabinet and PASOK Executive Bureau meeting on constitutional reform

[05] Greek premier to begin two-day visit to Italy

[06] ND party department leaders discuss state budget

[07] Karamanlis to depart for Brussels to participate in EPP meeting

[08] KKE Eurodeputy resigns from both party and post

[09] Church of Crete reacts to Greek Church decision to extend signature collection to the island

[10] Greek Church's Holy Synod debates issue of papal visit

[11] Greece sees euro rally vs. dollar, drop in oil price

[12] Verelis promises autonomy for new Telecoms Committee, Parliament passes bill in principle

[13] Trade unions warn of new 24-hour strike

[14] Local authority employees union announces two-day strike at end of week

[15] Inflation figures hit Greek stocks on ASE

[16] Greek inflation jumps to 4.0 percent in October

[17] Prefects discuss managing and monitoring of 3rd CSF

[18] Greek unemployment could fall to 5.0 percent by 2010; survey says

[19] Aluminium sector accounts for 1.5 percent of Greece's GDP, reports says

[20] Bourse authority slaps fines on shareholders

[21] European business group calls for drachma rate alignment

[22] IOC radio, television committee says

[23] Thessaloniki to host Balkan Partnership 2000 business meeting

[24] TIF organize 1st Greek Businesses Exhibition in Istanbul

[25] Exploratory oil drilling off Kavala waters

[26] Greek tax authorities to toughen inspection in 2001

[27] Forthnet releases internet map of Greek cities

[28] Piraeus public prosecutor presses charges against harbor officials, MFD for shipping safety violations

[29] German companies donate medical equipment to Paros in appreciation of 'Express Samina' rescue effort

[30] Photographic exhibition on the Aegean opens in Paris

[31] President receives and congratulates Greek Paralympics team on Sydney showing

[32] First letters with 2004 commemorative stamps mailed

[33] UN Secretary-General to arrive in Geneva on Wednesday to attend Cyprus proximity talks

[34] UN envoy holds meetings with Clerides, Denktash

[35] Clinton in report says US steadfast in efforts for Cyprus settlement

[36] Cypriot military officers to take part in European joint exercise

[01] President delivers Alexander Onassis Foundation awards

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

D'Estaing was given the award for international understanding and social contribution, Theodorakis for his contribution to culture and professor Doran, a soil scientist at the US Agriculture Ministry's Agricultural Research Service, for his contribution to the environment.

Accepting the honor, D'Estaing said he felt pleased over the award for his "vision", namely "the establishment of international understanding and the achievement of social and political development."

Referring to Greece, he said it found its position in the new European Union structure, adding that Greece deserved this position since "its participation promoted the quintessence of our culture."

D'Estaing stressed the need for honors to be given to the quality of Greek thinking "because the way with which we meditate comes directly from the Greek thinkers and philosophers", while the entire structure of the western cultural system is enriched by Greek thinking which is based on Plato and Aristotle.

Theodorakis said freedom and democracy on the one hand and fascism on the other contrast the civilized with the uncivilized. He said that totalitarian regimes led to World War II, with the dominant factor being the conflict between totalitarianism and freedom and between dictatorship and democracy.

Theodorakis went on to say that the axis accompanying and leading man to a bright future is the axis of art, culture and civilization and for this reason policies should be developed to support it.

Doran was given his award for his prolonged and incessant scientific research and the practical applications he devised in his effort to achieve protection of the soil and the handling of soil in a way, which is appropriate, rational and friendly for the environment.

He referred to the need for natural resources to be salvaged for future generations and announced that the award will be provided for the creation of a social foundation to give grants to students and professional scientific researchers in sectors dealing with issues such as worldwide starvation, social justice, environmental conscience and sustainable development.

The ceremony was attended, among others, by Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, Coalition of the Left and Progress party leader Nikos Constantopoulos, ND Honorary President Constantine Mitsotakis and his wife, Culture Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Labor and Social Insurances Minister Tassos Yiannitsis, Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, Parliamentary deputies and personalities from the world of art.

[02] Gov't approves Greece-Cyprus memorandum covering crises; military chief's term extended

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

Greece's defense minister told a KYSEA meeting that the understanding aims at achieving the highest possible effectiveness vis-a-vis any threat, and comes amid efforts by both countries to buttress their joint defense and security policy.

In other action, KYSEA decided to extend the current Greek military chief's term by another year. General staff chief Gen. (army) Manoussos Paragioudakis will, therefore, remain in command of the country's armed forces for 2001.

Finally, in response to a question over the acquisition of the fourth-generation "Typhoon" fighter aircraft, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said negotiations between Athens and the four-nation European consortium (Eurofighter) developing and marketing the warplane are "underway".

Prime Minister Costas Simitis chaired the meeting.

On his part, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas clarified that the memorandum deals with coordination in the event of a crisis in Greece, Cyprus or concurrently in both countries.

Cyprus' cabinet has already approved the memorandum.

[03] FM Papandreou outlines Greece's foreign policy in address to Ukrainian university students

KIEV, 08/11/2000 (ANA - D. Konstantakopoulos)

Papandreou's last day of his two-day visit to the Ukraine was also marked by meetings with Greek community leaders of the country and a tree planting ceremony in light of the 55th anniversary since the establishment of the United Nations.

Speaking to students he said that Greece insists that existing borders in southeastern Europe should be respected.

Papandreou noted that southeastern European countries should be given a "road map" with which to approach the European Union and to create common infrastructures, thus promoting the idea of regional European unification.

He made mention of the vision of Rigas Pheraios, a Greek revolutionary of the 18th century who envisioned a federal constitution for the Balkans, noting that such a constitution would enforce respect of human rights and would avert discriminations.

This is Greece's policy toward Turkey, he said, noting that it would be important to create a dynamic movement for reform, which would in turn promote the European character of Turkey, with the use of the "road map" to Europe.

Responding to a question on Turkey's arms purchases from the Ukraine, Papandreou said that if Turkey was to make progress in showing respect for international established practice, international regulations and territorial integrity of other countries, then the possibility of conflict would decrease and sooner or later it would reach the point of arms reductions.

On his part, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Anatoly Zlenko said the agreement on arms purchases by Turkey was not concluded, adding that Ukrainian arms sales do not aim against other countries.

During his address, Papandreou also discussed the Cyprus problem in light of the island republic's accession to the European Union and the current UN-led talks between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities in Geneva.

He said that the Union has decided that Cyprus would become a member-state, independently of the results of the talks, adding that Cyprus ranks first among candidate member-states in meeting the criteria for accession to the Union.

He noted that the Union's decision to allow Cyprus' accession, regardless of results in talks for the reunification of the island republic, provided a motive to both communities on the island to intensify their efforts in resolving the problem, while he stressed that the Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island isolated the Turkish Cypriots.

Papandreou also said that the EU and Greece stood by the resolutions of the United Nations regarding a settlement of the Cyprus problem, which called for a federation on the island and not a confederation, since the creation of two states in Cyprus on the basis on ethnic groups would undermine stability.

He reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state was created by Turkey after the invasion and for this reason it cannot be accepted by the international community.

Speaking on Yugoslavia, the Greek minister said that Greece often cruised former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic as well as NATO and the EU, while in the meantime as an EU member-state Greece developed a policy toward Yugoslavia that sent a message to its people, which in turn led to the democratic reforms in that country which Europe wanted.

Addressing the routes to be used in exporting Caspian oil, Papandreou said that the EU was for alternative transport routes and regional energy networks.

[04] PM Simitis chairs joint inner cabinet and PASOK Executive Bureau meeting on constitutional reform

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

PASOK's Parliamentary rapporteur Evangelos Venizelos said it was pointed out at the meeting that the revision of the constitution is the most important and most systematic institutional incision taking place in the country since 1974.

He added that it was agreed that very important political and institutional work has been achieved since, in essence, the revision of the constitution summarizes all the major problems facing the country and can bring about considerable changes.

Venizelos further said that PASOK remains steadfast on the policy of consensus, not because a bigger number of votes is necessary, but because the ratification of the constitution by the widest possible majority might be the biggest contribution by this process.

[05] Greek premier to begin two-day visit to Italy

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

Simitis on Thursday will also meet with Mayor of Rome Francesco Rutelli, who is the leader of the center-left "Olive Branch" coalition in Italy, and return to Athens on that same day.

[06] ND party department leaders discuss state budget

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

ND rapporteur George Alogoskoufis said the big lie is that while the government had announced tax concessions the average Greek family will be called on to pay an average of 250,000 drachmas next year in additional taxes.

Alogoskoufis said the budget's surplus is false, it does not contribute to the handling of unemployment, in essence funds for education and health will decrease as a percentage of GDP, the government's policy in the agricultural sector proves to be wretched, the prediction of 5 percent growth is very optimistic and accounting tricks are being used.

According to reports, ND leader Costas Karamanlis said the budget now has an indicative value since tricks, accounting logic and tampering are being used, adding that an account should also be discussed apart from the budget.

[07] Karamanlis to depart for Brussels to participate in EPP meeting

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

The agenda of the meeting will include issues relating to the Intergovernmental Conference of the European Union, the Union's enlargement, the accession of Cyprus to the Union, recent developments in the Balkans, the presidential elections in the United States and the accession of new members to the EPP

[08] KKE Eurodeputy resigns from both party and post

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

Theonas' resignation comes at the wake of three high ranking party members' expulsions, those of Antonis Drekos, Mitsos Kostopoulos and Socrates Matzouranis, in light of the party congress scheduled for December 16.

Theonas noted his resignation from the Europarliament post will be effective in January 2001, and only on condition that the party's decision on his successor would guarantee that the income he received as Eurodeputy would go to the party.

In his letter to the KKE Politburo he outlined a series of questions to the party leadership regarding the expulsions of party members.

Theonas said that he did not violate any of the party by-laws and regulations or attacked the party in any way.

He said that he came in conflict with the "logic of authoritarianism and the political culture of expulsions and not with the party".

Theonas also reiterated that everyone should be judged by the top decision-making party body, which is the congress.

Later in the day, commenting on Theonas' resignation, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos said KKE is undergoing intense political and ideological ferment, a process that demands democratic procedures, which "do not exist in KKE".

[09] Church of Crete reacts to Greek Church decision to extend signature collection to the island

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

The church of Crete is officially headed by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul and does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Greek Church. The Greek prelates had said that they were responding to the demands of religious associations and organizations outside the official body of the church in making their decision.

"We belong to the Patriarchate and have nothing to do with signatures," Crete Archbishop Timotheos said to reporters, in response to questions on this issue.

Rethymno Metropolitan Anthimos, the secretary of the Crete Holy Synod, meanwhile, said that the decision "could not but cause grief" since it was an intervention in the affairs of another Church.

The Church of Greece is collecting signatures in support of a petition to hold a referendum on the identity-card issue. The Church and government fell out in May last year over a decision to drop the religion entry on state-issued IDs, with the Church supporting that a bearer should be able to choose whether his religion will be recorded or not and the government wanting to omit it entirely.

[10] Greek Church's Holy Synod debates issue of papal visit

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

The Holy Synod's spokesman, Metropolitan of Sparta Efstathios, said a papal nuncio recently visited Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos and conveyed the pope's request.

The Metropolitan noted that although several ecclesiastical leaders at the Holy Synod supported the Greek Church adopting a favorable position on the matter, certain major differences between the Orthodox and Catholic churches remain unresolved, including the divisive issue of the Uniate churches' proselytizing in former Soviet states.

"We're polite, hospitable and will never forbid anyone from visiting our country. However, the issue will again be taken up at the Holy Synod's meetings at the end of November," Efstathios said.

Additionally, it was announced that the Greek Church would send three Metropolitans as observers to the first-ever convention of Orthodox clerics and laymen organized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, set to take place in Istanbul on Nov. 25.

Other discussions touched on Christodoulos' mediation efforts vis-a-vis the Orthodox Church of Skopje, in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Finally, it was announced that the Archbishop would attend celebrations and services in Patra at the end of the month on the occasion of feast day for the western Greek city's patron saint, Agios Andreas.

[11] Greece sees euro rally vs. dollar, drop in oil price

BRUSSELS, 08/11/2000 (ANA/B. Demiris)

Papantoniou was speaking to reporters after a meeting of the European Union's finance ministers in Brussels.

"The euro's parity versus the dollar has hit its floor. The worst is behind us, not ahead of us," the minister said.

He added that the price of oil would normalize, and the price of petroleum products had reached their ceiling.

EU member states across the board had seen a negative impact on inflation in October due to the rise of the dollar and oil prices.

At the same time, their rate of growth had not been affected, Papantoniou noted.

Greece's underlying inflation rate, which is untouched by major external factors, fell within a range set by the European Central Bank at around 2.0 percent, he said.

Domestic consumer price inflation for the year would total 2.7-2.8 percent against an EU average of 2.3 percent. Five EU member states would show inflation higher than Greece's, the minister added.

Finally, Papantoniou again forecast that the country's 2001 budget would post a surplus of around 650 billion drachmas, to be allocated equally to tax breaks, social spending and debt repayment.

[12] Verelis promises autonomy for new Telecoms Committee, Parliament passes bill in principle

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

With regard to the participation by the Public Power Corporation (DEH) in the tender for wireless fixed telephony, Verelis said that no one could exclude public enterprises but pointed out that the law did not allow private individuals to compete for two licenses with company profiles in which they had more than a 15 per cent stake.

Parliament passed the bill in principle.

[13] Trade unions warn of new 24-hour strike

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

The proposal for a new general strike was discussed during a union meeting on Tuesday.

Trade unions and employers' organizations are currently in a process of dialogue to discussing workers' demands on employment. Labor Minister Tassos Giannitsis has pledged that the government would support an agreement on labor reform between social partners.

[14] Local authority employees union announces two-day strike at end of week

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

POE-OTA president Nikos Lambrakakis said on Tuesday that the strike had been decided on by a general assembly on October 18 and was prompted by the Interior Ministry's refusal to meet employee demands relating to collective agreements for 2000, productivity bonuses, unhealthy working conditions bonus, pension at 58, increase of lump-sum payments on retirement, and postponing privatization in local authority services.

Another general assembly on Friday will vote on whether to continue or end the strike.

[15] Inflation figures hit Greek stocks on ASE

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

Traders said investors remained on the sidelines also on worries over disappointing results by major commercial banks.

The general index closed 1.54 percent lower at 3,660.93 points with turnover a low 45.94 billion drachmas. Analysts said the index would find support at the 3,620-3,640 level in the short-term.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.78 percent lower at 2,115.37 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index eased 1.47 percent to 440.89 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 7,776.50 -2.14% Leasing: 552.94 -0.27% Insurance: 1,757.00 -4.48% Investment: 1,286.15 -1.51% Construction: 1,572.42 -0.49% Industrials: 2,189.50 -0.71% Miscellaneous: 3,258.47 -0.65% Holding: 4,259.87 -1.38%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended 0.66 percent lower at 400.45 points.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 220 to 107 with another 25 issues unchanged.

Hellenic Telecoms, Alpha Bank, National Bank, Commercial Bank, Axon Holdings and Eurobank were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): National Bank: 14,590 Alpha Bank: 13,810 Commercial Bank:

17,400 Eurobank: 10,320 Piraeus Bank: 5,930 Lambrakis Press: 6,945 Heracles Cement: 4,920 Titan Cement (c): 14,400 Hellenic Telecoms: 6,460 Panafon: 3,175 Hellenic Petroleum: 3,675 Attica Enterprises: 3,020 Intracom: 10,460 Minoan Lines: 2,150 Hellenic Bottling: 5,400

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

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 1.78 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 1.47 percent lower.

Turnover was 16 billion drachmas.

A total of 2,954 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20 with turnover at 12.7 billion drachmas.

On the FTSE/ASE 40 index, 1,888 contracts changed hands on turnover of 3.3 billion drachmas.

Equity prices drop in inflation sell-off: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished down in light trade with the bulk of transactions following announcement that inflation had jumped to 4.0 percent year-on-year, sparking a sell-off.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.945 percent from 5.939 percent a day earlier.

The Greek paper's yield spread over German bunds was 71 basis points for the second session.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 60 billion drachmas from 10 billion drachmas in the trading day before.

Of the total, sell orders accounted for 50 billion drachmas of trade.

Drachma loses further ground against US dollar: A fall in the euro/dollar rate below the psychologically critical 86 cents support level in international foreign exchange markets, pushed the drachma lower against the US currency on Tuesday.

The Greek currency fell to 395.520 drachmas per dollar at the day's fixing, up from 392.030 on Monday. The drachma was stable against the euro at 340.050 drachmas per euro from Monday's fixing rate of 340.010.

[16] Greek inflation jumps to 4.0 percent in October

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

The consumer price index rose 1.1 percent in October from the previous month, reflecting a jump in oil, beverage and tobacco prices.

NSS's officials said that if there not for the rise in fuel prices, CPI figures for October would have been 2.4 percent (core inflation).

They also said that oil prices have reached their peak.

The transport prices' index rose 9.8 percent yr/yr in October, followed by a 8.8 percent increase in housing prices, a 5.1 percent rise in alcohol and tobacco, a 3.6 percent rise in education, and rises of 3.4 percent and 3.2 percent in clothing and healthcare prices, respectively.

Food and durable goods' prices rose moderately by 1.3 percent and 1.7 percent in October, year-on-year.

[17] Prefects discuss managing and monitoring of 3rd CSF

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

Pachtas also said Prefectural Administration bodies will be backed by staff and technical assistance soon to enable them to implement their program in time, while 25 percent of the total budget for Regional Programs constitutes the program of Prefectural Administration bodies.

Prefectures decided to issue a resolution saying, among others, that the government should resolve Prefectural Administration's institutional problems by the time the Union of Prefectural Administrations of Greece (ENAE) holds its regular conference on December 8-9.

[18] Greek unemployment could fall to 5.0 percent by 2010; survey says

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

The survey, by professor Panagiotis Pavlopoulos, says that prospects for a real convergence of the Greek economy were not optimistic while it did not exclude any surprises, such as economic output rising with the help of foreign workers with unemployment remaining unchanged in the country.

Comparing unemployment statistics in Greece and the European Union, the survey noted that the country showed the highest rate of unemployment in the ages of 15-24 and the lowest rate at the lowest education level (6.7 percent against 12.6 percent in EU).

Greece has the highest rate of self-employed (45.7 percent against 17.1 percent in the EU), but it lagged other member-states in efforts to upgrade employed workforce in the tourism and public administration sectors.

The survey stressed that unemployment has remained steadily above 10 percent of the workforce since 1960 and that in the period 1975-1998 the inflow of foreign workers exceeded one million.

The survey recommended three measures to achieve higher rates of employment in the coming years. These were: maintaining working hours, a gradual deregulation and reducing lay-off costs and reducing corporate taxes.

[19] Aluminium sector accounts for 1.5 percent of Greece's GDP, reports says

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

The survey on "Aluminium Products" said that the sector was facing serious problems due to a shortage of domestic raw material, a low grade of capacity use, fierce competition and international aluminium price swings.

The aluminium extrusion sector in Greece includes eight large production units with a turnover of 8.5 billion drachmas each.

The survey predicts that the domestic market for aluminium extrusion products will rise with an annual growth rate of 5.0 percent in the period 2000-2002.

The aluminium-rolling sector is a heavily export-oriented sector and has recorded an average annual growth rate of 9.5 percent in the period 1993-1999. For the next two years, the survey forecasts that the average annual growth rate would range from 3.0 to 4.0 percent.

[20] Bourse authority slaps fines on shareholders

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

The brokerage, Capital Securities, was accused of handling a major transaction for a client towards the close, instead of executing the order in segments throughout trade.

The company also failed to notify authorities of the order before the start of trade.

It was fined 50 million drachmas.

Among major shareholders accused of selling holdings without notifying the authorities were two members of the Karamolegos family, shareholders in the bakery of the same name (total 44.3 million drachma fine); and Bank of Piraeus, shareholder in engineering contractors Terna and GEK (4.2 million drachma fine).

[21] European business group calls for drachma rate alignment

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

The trade group forecast the move would have a favorable impact on consumers and enterprises.

Its president, Ion Steriotis, said the Greek central bank's rates policy was conservative, failing to take into account special factors in the domestic economy.

The maintenance of high rates had led to adverse conditions of competition for Greek businesses, the union said in a statement.

[22] IOC radio, television committee says

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

"Athens is on the right track. It should continue its effort with ever speedier rhythm," they said, adding that the Athens 2004 Olympic Committee should immediately solve the issue housing the journalists that are going to arrive in the city for the Games, as their number is expected to exceed 21,000 persons.

Later in the day the members of the committee were given a tour of the construction site where the horse riding events will take place.

[23] Thessaloniki to host Balkan Partnership 2000 business meeting

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

Macedonia-Thrace Minister Giorgios Paschalidis will open the sessions.

[24] TIF organize 1st Greek Businesses Exhibition in Istanbul

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

The TIF hopes that with this initiative another positive step will be taken in efforts at rapprochement between the two countries. According to the TIF's board "whatever misunderstandings at political level cannot constitute an obstacle for the development of cooperation at business and economic level."

It is recalled that for the first time in many years Turkey was present this year, with official state participation, in the 65th TIF held in Thessaloniki in September.

[25] Exploratory oil drilling off Kavala waters

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

Drilling by a team of Romanian offshore drilling specialists is expected to reach a depth of 3,000.

The drilling has been commissioned by the Kavala Oil firm, which has been awarded the concession to exploit possible hydrocarbon deposits in the Kavala sea region.

[26] Greek tax authorities to toughen inspection in 2001

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

The Financial Crimes Squad's program for 2001 envisages tougher inspections on securities firms, self-employed, fuel distribution and the Athens 2004 Olympic Games' infrastructure projects.

The squad has programmed a total of 96,343 inspections for the coming year.

[27] Forthnet releases internet map of Greek cities

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

Devised with InfoCharta, the map's website is www.driveme.gr

Beyond providing information about cities, the guide also maps them down to street and street number, data that can be viewed onscreen.

Ready are the Attica basin, Thessaloniki municipality and Iraklio in Crete. Other cities and towns will follow, until the whole of Greece is covered.

[28] Piraeus public prosecutor presses charges against harbor officials, MFD for shipping safety violations

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

The charges actually concern the ship's condition two months prior to the accident, when the "Express Samina" was permitted to sail to the Aegean islands without the proper certificates of seaworthiness, while among the accused are higher echelons in the Coast Guard, the Commercial Fleet Inspection service and Merchant Marine ministry officials.

Public prosecutor Grigoris Peponis has pressed criminal charges against the former director of the Commercial Fleet Inspection service, Coast Guard Captain Damianos Doumanis, for disturbing the safety of shipping transport with possible endangerment of human life, and against the head officer of the Piraeus 1st Coast Guard Station Lieutenant Commander Antonis Pitsoulakis.

The two men allowed the ship to sail without proper documents on July 18, 2000, simply on the basis of signed statements by the ship's first engineer and an MFD representative that it could safely carry out the journey.

Misdemeanor charges were also pressed against Coast Guard officer Savvas Voskopoulos for dereliction of duty, since he allowed the ship to carry out the route without the proper papers when he was director of the Merchant Marine ministry's Maritime Transport Service.

'Express Samina' captain Vassilis Yiannakis, already in custody over his role in the September shipwreck, was charged for setting sail on July 18 without having his ship's seaworthiness certified.

Three more coast guard officers, Vice Admiral Andreas Syrigos and rear admirals Nikos Economakis and Antonis Karamichalakos, face misdemeanor charges for failing to act despite having been informed that many ships did not meet safety regulations by Doumanis in a letter sent on July 19.

Minoan Flying Dolphins, meanwhile, were charged with being accessories in all the above-mentioned crimes, while the public prosecutor's office has sent all the evidence collected in the preliminary investigation to the Greek Parliament, in order for it to assess possible political liabilities in the shipwreck.

[29] German companies donate medical equipment to Paros in appreciation of 'Express Samina' rescue effort

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

At the initiative of the German embassy in Athens, the German companies donated more than 10 million dr. in medical equipment to the Health Center of Paros island.

The donation is in appreciation of the efforts of the residents and local authorities of Paros during the rescue operations after the Express Samina car/passenger ferry sank outside the island's Port on September 26 after grazing a rocky outcropping, killing 80 people.

There were 19 German tourists aboard the ferry, including a delegation of 12 physicians, whom were all rescued.

German ambassador to Athens Karl-Heinz Albert Kuhna visited the island last month to personally thank the local residents for their rescue efforts.

The medical equipment donated includes a respirator, a blood analysis machine, and an oxygen tent.

[30] Photographic exhibition on the Aegean opens in Paris

PARIS, 08/11/2000 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

The exhibition, at the "Les Sources de l'Europe" exhibition site, will last until November 18.

A total of 120 photographs by 11 photographers will be on show.

[31] President receives and congratulates Greek Paralympics team on Sydney showing

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

"You have proved that Greece can raise and produce quality athletes and for this reason we thank you," Stephanopoulos told the Paralympics medal winners. The team's total medal tally was four gold, four silver and three bronze medals, while they also broke a number of world and personal records.

The Greek team was made up of 42 athletes, 80 per cent of whom made it to the top eight positions in their event.

Present at the meeting were Deputy Sports Minister George Floridis, Culture Minister Theodoros Pangalos, Health Minister Alekos Papadopoulos, former sports minister Andreas Fouras, ND deputy Fani Palli-Petralia and "Athens 2004" Olympics Organizing Committee chairwoman Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki.

[32] First letters with 2004 commemorative stamps mailed

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

The stamps sport the emblem for the 2004 Games.

Four letters with sent by ATHOC president Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, one each to Greek President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos; Prime Minister Costas Simitis; Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and International Olympic Committee (IOC) chief Juan Antonio Samaranch.

[33] UN Secretary-General to arrive in Geneva on Wednesday to attend Cyprus proximity talks

GENEVA, 08/11/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Briefing the press in Geneva, Yahmed said the UN chief's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, "continues the proximity talks" with meetings with both leaders, adding that "in the same context, I remind you that the Secretary-General arrives here tomorrow morning".

Yahmed noted that Annan "is going to stay with us until Saturday morning, when he leaves for Qatar" for the Islamic Conference.

Asked what Annan would be doing in Geneva, Yahmed said "he will participate in the talks", but noted he did not have a final program yet.

He said a schedule for Annan would be issued on Wednesday, on the UN chief's arrival in Geneva.

Invited to comment on reports that Annan would make a statement or a move on the course of the talks, Yahmed said he did not have such information.

Asked by CNA if Annan would be giving a press conference, the spokesman said he did not now, adding that "we have to wait until he arrives here and takes part in these talks and then we will see what he is going to do".

Replying to questions how he envisaged Annan's involvement in the talks, Yahmed said "he will take part in the talks, beyond that I cannot say anything, there is a blackout".

Asked if Annan's involvement would be on a daily basis, Yahmed said "yes, until he leaves Geneva".

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 Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, began last December. A fifth round is underway in Geneva, aimed at preparing the ground for substantive negotiations, leading to a comprehensive settlement.

[34] UN envoy holds meetings with Clerides, Denktash

Athens, 08/11/2000 (ANA)

Speaking after the hour-long meeting, President Clerides said "we continued the discussion on issues of powers and competences".

He said he would be meeting UN chief Annan on Wednesday afternoon. Annan arrives in Geneva on Wednesday morning.

Asked if de Soto had given him any new non-papers or ideas, President Clerides said: "No, we are still discussing".

Denktash on Tuesday claimed that Clerides' priority is not a settlement to the Cyprus question but the Republic's accession to the European Union (EU).

Speaking to reporters before his meeting at the UN office with de Soto, Denktash repeated his unacceptable view that the Republic should join the EU after a settlement is reached and cannot become a member while divided.

He also referred to Cyprus' discussions with the EU regarding the European force and claimed that Defense Minister Socrates Hasikos "either doesn't know what is happening here or is deceiving the talks or he is deceiving the EU."

The Turkish Cypriot leader said that during the talks "both sides have agreed that the National Guard (the Republic's army) will be disbanded, this is where we are heading but instead you promised the EU Cypriot army. Are the Greek Cypriots playing with us, the EU or the UN," he asked. President Clerides had made a proposal for the demilitarization of the island. According to this proposal, the National Guard should be disbanded and the Turkish occupation army should be withdrawn. An international force should be formed to monitor peace on this eastern Mediterranean island.

"The EU should not be given priority. The priority should be settling the Cyprus problem, to establish the status of the Turkish Cypriots.

Then one Cyprus can enter the EU," Denktash told the press, claiming that "Mr. Clerides gives priority to accession."

A proposal by President Clerides to the Turkish Cypriots to nominate representatives in the Cyprus team negotiating the Republic's accession since 1998 was rejected by Denktash.

The Turkish Cypriot leader claimed that with the Republic's EU talks the Greek Cypriots "deny the fact that Cyprus should be united before it enters the EU. You cannot put into that Union a divided country," he supported. In a number of decisions the EU has clearly said that Cyprus could join its ranks even if a settlement on the island is not found beforehand.

Replying to questions after his 75-minute meeting with de Soto, the Turkish Cypriot leader expressed the view that UN Secretary- General's presence in Geneva on Wednesday for the talks "will be very helpful".

[35] Clinton in report says US steadfast in efforts for Cyprus settlement

WASHINGTON, 08/11/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Clinton adds that he conveyed the views of the American government "to Turkish President Ahmed Sezer during a meeting at the United States Millennium Summit, emphasizing the importance of a just and lasting solution for all Cypriots".

He pointed out that Secretary of State Madeline Albright "delivered a similar message to her Greek and Turkish counterparts during the United Nations General Assembly", adding that "Special Presidential Emissary Alfred Moses, Special Cyprus Coordinator Thomas Weston and US Ambassador to Cyprus Donald Bandler continued to provide diplomatic support to the UN-sponsored proximity talks in July and early August in Geneva and again in September in New York".

Concluding, Clinton notes that "the UN reports that this process has taken 'a qualitative step forward' and was scheduled to resume in Geneva on November 1".

[36] Cypriot military officers to take part in European joint exercise

NICOSIA, 08/11/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Four National Guard officers were due to leave on Tuesday for Austria, where the exercise will take place on November 9 and 10 in a mountainous region and under conditions of real war.

According to an official press release, 13 countries are participating in this exercise, which will mainly take place under conditions of an "unorthodox war".

They are Austria, Germany, Britain, The Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Hungary, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, Ukraine and Cyprus.

It is the first time that the National Guard, the Republic's armed forces, are taking part in an international exercise, as part of efforts to set up a European force.

Cyprus opened accession talks with the European Union in 1998 and in its capacity as a future member has twice participated in meetings for the European force.

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