Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-01-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] DU pollution in Greece negligible, experts reassure Parliament

[02] US President-elect looks forward to cooperate with Greece

[03] Greek FM and British Minister of State discuss counter-terrorism cooperation

[04] Greek justice minister discusses ways to combat terrorism with British minister

[05] Parliamentary committee confers with ministry officials on water resources management

[06] UN chief's special envoy for Cyprus in Athens this month

[07] Europol report says organized crime has become a course for concern in Greece

[08] Thessaloniki metro will be ready in about five years, public works minister says

[09] Agricultural Bank makes debut on ASE

[10] Radio-television Council says it will give its report on Dogiakos ruling to media minister on Friday

[11] Greek delegation in Turkey to discuss energy transport program

[12] US Ambassador visits vehicles industry in Thessaloniki

[13] US Embassy and Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace to hold seminar on investments in Thessaloniki

[14] New code calling for speedy compensation for expropriations of private property approved by parliament

[15] Listed firms cite good news for investors

[16] ETBAbank reports improved results

[17] Court freezes dead executive's assets after shipwreck

[18] ND MP questions adequacy of water supply for Athens 2004 Olympics rowing center in Schinias

[19] Greek stocks end lower in subdued trade

[20] Euro-Parliament approves report by Greek Euro-MP calling for equal representation of genders in decision-making

[21] Foreign minister to officially open Patras 'Quality of Life' exhibition that opened doors on Thursday

[22] FBI instrumental in return of stolen artifacts

[23] 23 teenage Greek expatriates from Argentina on visit here

[24] Italian Undersecretary of State visits Cyprus

[25] EU-Cyprus accession negotiations proceeding smoothly, Belgian state secretary says

[01] DU pollution in Greece negligible, experts reassure Parliament

Athens, 19/01/2001 (ANA)

During a session of the Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee, experts reassured Parliament deputies that effects of the depleted uranium pollution in Greece were minimal to non-existent.

Greece was very lucky that the war lasted only 78 days. If it had lasted another 100 days the pollution would have spread throughout the Balkans, President of the Chemists Union of Greece Nikos Katsaros said, addressing the committee.

On his part, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said that monitoring of Greek rivers and of another 20 areas in Greece for traces of uranium did not show increased radioactivity or any other form of environmental pollution.

Greek Atomic Energy Committee President Leonidas Kamarinopoulos said that the measurements that were taken showed no signs of pollution in Greece, concurring with the minister.

Scientists testified that the possibility of future contamination was negligible, as Yugoslavian rivers do not contribute water to Greek rivers or aquifers, with only exception the river of Axios in Macedonia, where, however, no dangerous elements were found to date.

They pointed out that the river Danube was polluted heavily, but river dams held pollution in check and did not allow it enter the Black Sea, which in turn is connected with the Aegean Sea, via the Bosphorus Straight.

Xanthi University Air Pollution Prof. Spyros Rapsomanikis said that the danger for Greece is minimal as radioactive dust created after the bombings soon settled with the first rains, adding, however, that the danger was not all together negligible as winds could drive dust from Yugoslavia to Greece in the future, as it is done with dust from the Sahara Desert.

He requested for an airplane to be allocated to the university for further and more comprehensive measurements throughout the country, noting that several non-radioactive pollutants from the bombings were found in Xanthi.

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) deputy Dora Bakoyianni expressed her reservations over the results of measurements for pollution from DU, questioning the belayed reaction of the Greek government, as constant monitoring for radioactivity begun only this year.

Raspomanikis, a member of the Focus scientific team that includes Greeks, Russians, Austrians and Swish scientists that studied the results of the bombings, claimed that reports by the group in 1999 showed the existence of uranium 238, result of nuclear reaction, while later reports did not include the find.

Responding to the remarks, Tsohatzopoulos said, "we do not intend to hide anything. We chose transparency, because we have the means and the ability to confront such situations".

He also said that the Greek Armed Forces do not have weapons, or armor containing DU, while all training DU containing ammunition has been replaced with non-radioactive shells.

Foreign ministry, New Democracy spokesmen battle it out over Balkans Syndrome: Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis on Thursday launched a counterattack on the main opposition New Democracy press officer's recent criticism of the government's Balkans policy and on the depleted uranium (DU) scare.

"Certain quarters apparently have still not realized Greece's active presence in the Balkans through political initiatives and the activities of foreign ministry officials, and are attempting to denigrate individuals and policies for their own purposes," Beglitis said early Thursday in a written statement.

"But the events speak for themselves, and reality has belied them, and that is why they resort to disinformation as we continue the difficult task of realizing our Balkans policy and reinforcement of our country's international and regional presence," Beglitis said in response to criticism by ND spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos.

In a lengthy statement late Wednesday, Roussopoulos accused foreign minister George Papandreou and the government of premier Costas Simitis of "lying to the Greek people" in claiming that the minister had not been aware of the effects of the use of depleted uranium (DU) in NATO ammunition used in the 1999 war on Yugoslavia and an earlier NATO campaign in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Roussopoulos said that according to information made public over the last 10 days, foreign ministry senior director for international developmental relations Alexandros Rondos, a close associate of Papandreou, had been a member of the international scientific team FOCUS that had carried out radiation readings in Yugoslavia in 1999 and which had warned of serious health hazards from exposure to uranium.

In his reply, Beglitis said that Roussopoulos' reaction to the issue was very much delayed in comparison with the initiatives undertaken by Greece during the Yugoslav crisis and afterwards, and accused the ND spokesman of "curiously suppressing or distorting" the facts.

Beglitis explained that the FOCUS program was set up on a joint initiative of the foreign ministers of Greece (Papandreou), Russia and Switzerland and was later joined by Austria and Canada.

"Under truly difficult conditions, we succeeded in forwarding substantial humanitarian aid to Kosovo and Serbia. And a decisive role in this humanitarian operation, which met with international support, was played by Mr. Rondos on the part of Greece. With his invaluable international experience, he succeeded in elevating Greece's presence in the Balkans," Beglitis said.

But beyond the dispatch of humanitarian assistance, the FOCUS program also extended to other activities, including the study of the environmental repercussions caused by the bombings, the foreign ministry spokesman continued.

He noted that foreign minister Papandreou had warned of the ecological problem arising from the destruction of petrochemical plants and refineries by the bombings, adding that that problem was one of the arguments used by Greece against the bombings and in favor of seeking a diplomatic solution to the Yugoslav crisis.

Papandreou repeatedly brought up the issue of the environmental consequences during the EU discussions on setting up the Stability Pact, and he had also proposed specific Community actions and the financing of relevant programs, Beglitis continued.

He said that all the studies submitted by the FOCUS program scientists pointed out the wider environmental finds in Yugoslavia and the region, "but in none of those reports is there a substantiated reference to any significant effects from the existence of depleted uranium".

"Not only did we not conceal these facts, but on the contrary we brought them up inside the European Union and the Balkan Cooperation" groups, Beglitis added.

"The attempted linking and confusion of the DU problem with the FOCUS program studies on the wider ecological repercussions may serve other purposes, but can in no way invalidate the significant humanitarian and scientific accomplishments of the Greek representatives who took part in that program," Beglitis said.

Communist party claims PASOK deceived the people on existence of nuclear weapons in Greece: The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) on Thursday attributed responsibilities to the government on the existence of nuclear weapons in Greece, claiming the ruling PASOK party "was deceiving the people in the past just as it is now."

"All that the government allowed to leak to the press on the removal of nuclear weapons from Araxos and the admission of Deputy Defense Minister Dimitris Apostolakis that weapons with radioactive material were also used by the Americans in Aghialos in 1984, while Greek soldiers collected spent shells with their bare hands afterwards, say one thing: That the government has no right to say it did not know. It did know," an announcement by KKE said.

It further said "nuclear weapons existed at Araxos and the government concealed the fact from the people", adding that there is no assurance that the Araxos nuclear weapons will not be sent back modernized since Araxos continues to be US territory.

Defense ministry comments on threat of DU contamination at firing ranges

The government on Thursday reiterated that there is no evidence of DU contamination at the country's 14 military firing ranges, in reply to a tabled question by a KKE deputy.

Deputy Defense Minister Dimitris Apostolakis noted in his reply that the Athens-based "Demokritos" nuclear research center has conducted tests at the firing ranges, finding no signs of contamination.

However, he did mention that during an air force bombing demonstration in 1984 at the Aghialos air base, outside the central city of Volos, only seven out of some 500 DU-coated shells fired hit the designated target.

"We sent Demokritos (personnel) to conduct one of the first tests there. They proceeded with taking measurements, and until now there has been no indication of (uranium) contamination," Apostolakis said.

He was responding to a question by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Antonis Skyllakos, who referred to the use of depleted uranium-coated shells at the Greek armed forces' firing ranges.

Finally, Apostolakis noted that no warnings to take safety precautions vis-a-vis DU contamination were issued until December 1999. "Now (the issue of) plutonium has arisen," he added, saying the defense ministry will proceed with an in-depth investigation that hides nothing.

[02] US President-elect looks forward to cooperate with Greece

Athens, 19/01/2001 (ANA)

Bush, replying to congratulatory message by Prime Minister Costas Simitis on his election victory several days ago, also said he is convinced relations between Greece and the US are based on stable foundations and common values.

"I am aware that challenges await us in the international community. We shall respond to them with a spirit of respect, cooperation and open dialogue, looking forward always to strengthen our understanding, so as to achieve the aims of peace, freedom and prosperity for our peoples. And I am looking forward to our cooperation for the promotion of peace, stability and democracy in southeastern Europe," Bush said in his message.

[03] Greek FM and British Minister of State discuss counter-terrorism cooperation

Athens, 19/01/2001 (ANA)

Following the meeting Papandreou said that cooperation between the two countries has been constructively intensified following the assassination of British Embassy Military Attache Steven Saunders in Athens last June.

"Justice should be applied for such acts which undermine democratic institutions, public order and citizens' peace," Papandreou said, adding that cooperation at European Union level was also discussed.

Battle reiterated that the authorities of the two countries are cooperating closely to detect and arrest the perpetrators of Saunders' assassination.

He expressed appreciation for detailed briefings he was given by Greek officials he met and for the confidential nature of these briefings.

Battle said British public opinion is showing great interest in such issues, adding that cooperation is being intensified for this reason since "terrorism is not an isolated problem concerning one country alone."

He further said he did not confirm the existence of a list of suspects, but what he did confirm is his trust in the authorities conducting investigations, adding that it is up to the authorities to decide if and when they will announce something.

Battle also said "we should all change our laws" on such issues so as to prevent terrorists from succeeding in being above societies.

"The security of our embassies all over the world is of paramount importance to us," Battle added, while Papandreou stressed the security of foreign diplomatic missions in Greece is an issue of paramount importance for the Greek government.

[04] Greek justice minister discusses ways to combat terrorism with British minister

Athens, 19/01/2001 (ANA)

Stathopoulos briefed Battle on the draft bill being prepared by the ministry, regarding terrorism and organized crime and the British minister reiterated his government's pledge to aid Greece in combating terrorism.

The Greek minister accepted the offer, clarifying that it did not amount to pressures exerted on the Greek government, saying that Greece was examining ways other countries dealt with organized crime and terrorism.

[05] Parliamentary committee confers with ministry officials on water resources management

Athens, 19/01/2001 (ANA)

Among their proposals was that of setting up an independent general secretariat for water management (by a PASOK deputy) and a suggestion by an ND deputy that works for drawing water should be financed from environmental rather than agricultural funds. Many deputies suggested that irrigation problems be dealt with through a large number of small dams.

According to the agriculture ministry's general director for land improvement, Greece has asked for approximately 300 billion drachmas from the 3rd Community Support Framework (CSF) to fund such projects.

The deputies also noted that rainwater was being lost and that brackish water was entering the water table, especially in coastal areas. Agriculture ministry Geology/Hydrology director P. Pergaliotis answered that a study was now underway on ways to artificially replenish water sources in Greece, and that if this yielded results there was still time to incorporate the necessary public works into the 3rd CSF.

[06] UN chief's special envoy for Cyprus in Athens this month

Athens, 19/01/2001 (ANA)

According to a foreign ministry spokesman on Thursday, Alvaro De Soto will outline the UN's next moves within the proximity talks process between the two sides on the divided island of Cyprus, a process that began one year ago.

In answer to a press question, the spokesman recognized that the chances of convening a new round of proximity talks this month appears unlikely, as the UN has not as yet sent invitations to the leaders of the two sides.

On Jan. 28 and 29 Greek FM George Papandreou will travel to Davos, Switzerland for the annual International Economic Forum, whereas a meeting focusing on Balkan reconstruction is set on the sidelines of the forum.

On Jan. 29 the foreign minister will arrive in Stockholm to participate in an international forum against racism, while previously -- on Jan. 26 -- he will inaugurate sessions of the first Greek-Turkish commerce and industrial chamber.

From Feb. 12-14 Papandreou will visit Syria, Lebanon and Jordan as part of the Mideast tour.

[07] Europol report says organized crime has become a course for concern in Greece

BRUSSELS, 19/01/2001 (ANA - V. Demiris)

The report says organized crime in Greece has primarily been intensified in the sectors of drug trafficking, the sexual exploitation of women, illegal migrant trafficking, the theft and illegal trafficking of automobiles and economic crimes such as money laundering.

It further says the factors aggravating crime in Greece are the continuing economic, political and social crisis in neighboring Balkan countries together with the mass wave of refugees and economic migrants now living in the country.

Gangs of Albanians, Russians, Bulgarians, Romanians, Turks, Iraqis and Pakistanis are also active in the country, apart from Greek ones, the report added.

[08] Thessaloniki metro will be ready in about five years, public works minister says

Athens, 19/01/2001 (ANA)

Laliotis was speaking during the presentation of the fiscal plan of the project's funding to be submitted for approval to the European Investments Bank to the tune of 132 billion drachmas.

He said July 1, 2001 would be an important date for the project when the "fiscal closure" will have been achieved and loan contracts will start. He said the time required for the project's construction will start from this date and it has been determined between 4.5-5 years by the contract.

Laliotis said the project's finalized fiscal plan will be submitted to the European Investments Bank in the next few days to enable its board to decide on the approval of overall funding.

[09] Agricultural Bank makes debut on ASE

Athens, 19/01/2001 (ANA)

Market analysts said that the bank's share price has positive prospects despite a negative climate prevailing in the market in the last few months.

Agricultural Bank's debut will also mark the launch of a new trading term in the Greek bourse, the "green shoe", as Commercial Bank - the underwriter of the issue - will be able to intervene in the market in case that the bank's share price falls below its listing price.

The bank also offered significant incentives to a large group of investors to maintain their holdings for at least six months. Owners of "agrometoha", a convertible bond issue, and bank employees who will hold their share holding for six months will receive two free shares for every 10 old ones.

Agricultural Bank continues its search for a strategic partner to take an increased equity stake in the bank and to gradually take over its management. The bank has hired Morgan Stanley to search for a foreign investor.

Petros Lambrou, ATE's governor, has repeatedly said that one of the bank's more pressing aims was to set up the first Greek shipping bank, to strengthen its participation in energy, telecommunications, tourism, real estate and investment banking sectors.

Under the plan for the shipping bank, ATE will hold a 44 percent equity stake, Nova Scotia another 4.0 percent and the majority will be distributed among the country's largest ship owners.

[10] Radio-television Council says it will give its report on Dogiakos ruling to media minister on Friday

Athens, 19/01/2001 (ANA)

Lambridis made the announcement while addressing the relevant Parliamentary committee on Thursday.

The Dogiakos ruling concerned media owner Christos Lambrakis, who was simultaneously a shareholder in state-sector con-tractor Travel Plan, which had financial dealings with the foreign ministry and state-run Hellenic Telecommunications Organization.

Apart from this, Lambridis noted that he had passed the Council's rulings on radio and television licenses in the Attica and Thessaloniki areas to the media minister on January 12, as well as the dossiers on 10 national television channels that were vying for six licenses.

The Council chief also pointed out that no code of conduct had yet been drafted for news programs and bulletins - an issue outstanding since March 2000 - and that fines of 100 million drachmas imposed on the television channels "Mega" and "Antenna" for covert advertising had not been approved in good time.

The Institutions and Transparency Committee is due to convene next week, with Reppas attending.

[11] Greek delegation in Turkey to discuss energy transport program

ISTANBUL, 19/01/2001 (ANA - E. Aretaios)

The Greek delegation was scheduled to meet with Turkish deputy energy minister Midhat Balkan on Thursday.

The INOGATE program (Interstate Oil and Gas Transport to Europe) is a European Commission initiative that attempts to promote interstate cooperation in the energy transport sector between central and Eastern Europe and countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia.

The first three-party meeting within the framework of INOGATE took place in Brussels last July.

[12] US Ambassador visits vehicles industry in Thessaloniki

Athens, 19/01/2001 (ANA)

Burns toured ELVO's installations, while the company's administration briefed him on its productive and technological capacities.

The US ambassador showed special interest in the company's possibilities of cooperation with American corporations with the aim of jointly carrying out programs for the Greek armed forces and Balkan markets.

[13] US Embassy and Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace to hold seminar on investments in Thessaloniki

Athens, 19/01/2001 (ANA)

The seminar is aimed at familiarizing the business community in Greece and the region with support for private sector investment available from US agencies involved in Balkan reconstruction and other institutions.

It will also provide opportunities for establishing new links between businesses from the US, Greece, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania and Kosovo.

US Ambassador Nicholas Burns, Minister of Macedonia and Thrace George Paschalidis, DIPEK President Dimitris Bakatselos and the President of the Northern Greece Committee of the American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce Leonidas Kouides will inaugurate the seminar.

[14] New code calling for speedy compensation for expropriations of private property approved by parliament

Athens, 19/01/2001 (ANA)

The new code mandates for the speedy compensation of real estate owners for expropriation of land used in public works and for the loss of real estate value by the construction of such projects, the minister said.

He added that the ministry of environment, town planning and public works was drafting a bill in support of the aforementioned code.

[15] Listed firms cite good news for investors

Athens, 19/01/2001 (ANA)

Its president, Ion Steriotis, listed the positive angles on corporate results and reforms to the bourse in a meeting with the exchange's president, Panayotis Alexakis.

The points included the following: