Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-01-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Simitis says Greece wants Turkey incorporated in European system

[02] Greece, Italy share common aims in EU and Balkans

[03] FM Papandreou calls on Ankara to show 'necessary will' on the Cyprus issue

[04] Gov't says proposed anti-terrorism bill under scrutiny

[05] ND sector heads' meeting focuses on terrorism, issue of illegal naturalizations

[06] Premier, defense minister discuss defense strategy revision

[07] Greek FM appoints Mufti to Rodopi prefecture Muslim minority

[08] Greek Orthodox character of Jerusalem Patriarchate should be safeguarded, Greek FM says

[09] Vasso Papandreou calls for EU policies for equality, social security

[10] Main theme for 'Cultural Olympiad', schedule announced

[11] Bulgarian FM and PM to visit Greece in February and April

[12] EU Commission president to attend EU accession events in Thessaloniki

[13] Founding Congress for new political party to be held in three months

[14] Army successfully test fires new Tor/MI A/A missiles

[15] Environmental groups call for no changes in forestlands law

[16] Greece must speed up structural change, Solbes says

[17] Greek stocks continue moving lower on ASE

[18] ATHOC, ministry sign cooperation agreement

[19] Greece's population is aging, but has low suicide rate

[20] OA makes first test flight to new Athens airport

[21] SAE Oceania regional conference to discuss Athens 2004 Olympics

[22] New South Wales university honors Greek-Australian professor

[23] Composer Ianis Xenakis proclaimed honorary lecturer at Thessaloniki University

[24] Sean Connery and wife Michelin attend painting exhibition inauguration

[25] Noted Orthodox monastery burglarized

[26] The EU cannot accept Turkish threats, Swedish presidency says

[27] US new administration confirms interest in solving the Cyprus problem

[28] Cyprus foreign minister holds meetings in Madrid

[01] PM Simitis says Greece wants Turkey incorporated in European system

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

"We want Turkey incorporated in the European system, but no country aspiring to become an EU member can doubt the integrity of another EU member-state and cannot occupy militarily the territory of another candidate country. There is no other way to accession," he said.

Simitis was addressing Parliament during a special debate at party leader level held at the government's initiative on "Greece's course within the European Union."

He said decisions taken at the EU Nice summit, as well as the new treaty, pave the way for the accession of candidate countries to the EU, while it is in Greece's interest to support the new enlargement because in this way the EU will become a factor of stability, democracy and prosperity in the wider region of Europe.

"Greece, being a country of the EU's internal nucleus, does not fear the deepening of unification through strengthened cooperation. On the contrary, it seeks it," he said, adding that "our position is that the EU will be consolidated through the 'federal model' and for this reason we seek its transformation into a political union of a federal nature on the basis of the EU method of integration."

Simitis, referring to Cyprus' accession course, said processes for EU enlargement were promoted even further in the past year, and the negotiating effort for the accession of Cyprus in particular, while the country places great importance on the incorporation of all Balkan countries in the European family.

Referring to decisions taken during the Lisbon summit, he said economic growth, the combatting of unemployment, solidarity and cohesion are the targets.

"The central target of the new strategy is full employment until 2010," he said, adding that "all of Europe, as well as Greece, should be rid of the scourge of unemployment."

Simitis also referred to the creation of a European defense with a military force of 60,000 soldiers "so that it will not be necessary for it to resort to factors outside Europe, as was the case in the recent past."

Concluding his address, Simitis outlined the country's targets with a speedup in economic growth rates, the development and utilization of new technologies and the creation of an environment enabling the competitive functioning of the European economy.

ND leader criticizes government domestic and foreign policies: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis on Tuesday attacked the government on both its domestic and foreign policies, focusing his attention on the economy, the Cyprus problem and the Balkans.

During his address Karamanlis recounted the shipwreck of "Express Samina" which claimed more than 80 lives last September, the Athens Stock Exchange woos, the bombings and the resulting depleted uranium pollution in the Balkans.

In closing his remarks the leader of the main opposition said that EU's enlargement would not be acceptable if Cyprus was not included.

"We will not accept an enlargement without Cyprus. Enlargement without Cyprus - simply and clearly - cannot happen," he said.

Other party leaders: Greece's adjustment to European Union commands does not entail security or positive macroeconomic results, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) secretary general Aleka Papariga said on Tuesday during an the parliamentary debate on "Greece's course within the European Union."

Papariga said whatever improvements in economic indicators (such an increase in GDP) does not also entail an improvement in the state of the Greek worker or of the position of Greek products in international trade "whose importance we do not ignore."

Coalition of the Left and Progress (SYN) leader Nikos Constantopoulos said on his part that the European Union's Nice summit was a "failure from every point of view".

He said that the EU's democratic deficit became bigger, while the Greek government did not outline the real problems during the "insipid bargaining" which took place in Nice and is "currently attempting to beautify the situation".

Referring to the country's course within the EU, Constantopoulos said "for Greece to be able to meet conditions in EMU, it should change everywhere. The state should change, the state of every government's partisanship."

[02] Greece, Italy share common aims in EU and Balkans

ROME, 24/01/2001 (ANA- L. Hatzikyriakou)

Stephanopoulos arrived on Tuesday in Rome for a four-day official visit heading a delegation that includes Deputy Foreign Minister Grigoris Niotis and Deputy Economy Minister Yiannis Zafeiropoulos.

Stephanopoulos was received by his counterpart Ciampi who later in the day hosted a dinner in his honor. Earlier in the day, the Greek president participated in an economic forum organized by the Union of Italian Industrialists with the participation of Greek and Italian businessmen.

During the dinner, Ciampi underlined the bonds of friendship between the two countries and pointed out the common ground and aims of the two Mediterranean European Union member-states, regarding the Balkans and the Middle East.

"The secure emplacement of the Balkans in Europe is a historical responsibility, which should mobilize our forces," Ciampi said, adding that "a full exploitation of our abilities of coordination will be made, both in bilateral cooperation and in regional frameworks, such as the Adriatic Initiative in which Italy and Greece participate".

"In the Balkans, we have for some time now jointly undertaken an effort to stabilize the tortured region, both on a European and an Atlantic level," Ciampi said.

In his response, Stephanopoulos also noted the Mediterranean "character" of both countries, "which determined their historical course and still determines today a basic field of their cooperation".

"This cooperation is a strong element for securing prosperity, political stability and peace in that region of Europe," the Greek president said, adding that the "participation of our countries in the European Union and the North Atlantic alliance shows the focus of both peoples on the ideals of democracy, freedom and the rule of law".

For the European Union to play the international role that befits its history and culture, it should decide on its future form, Stephanopoulos said, adding "we should decide on the contents of the integration, which will facilitate the enlargement and will make it effective".

"Europe, however, will not integrate, if we do not succeed in our efforts for more social justice, confrontation of unemployment and economic stability. It is also important that we soon achieve a common foreign, security and defense policy, which will of course be based on the rule of international law," Stephanopoulos said.

"Such principles offer the framework of legality for the relations between countries and contribute to the resolution of tensions, international crisis and problems, such as the Cyprus problem, which I might remind you, is a problem of military invasion and occupation of a section of a sovereign country," he said.

President Stephanopoulos will also call on Pope John Paul II at the Vatican on Wednesday afternoon in the first visit to the Vatican by a Greek President.

During his stay in Italy, Stephanopoulos will be visiting Brindisi, Sternatia, Catania, Syracuse and Taormina.

Interview: Greece wants a strong joint European Union foreign policy, so as to stabilize the euro, Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos said in an interview to Italian daily newspaper Corriere de la Serra, in light of his official visit to the neighboring country that just begun.

During his interview, Stephanopoulos also discussed Greek-Italian relations, the course of the European Union and Greece's positions on that course, Greek-Turkish relations and the possibility of Pope's visit to Greece.

"The euro ... is a currency that will have to respect mainly the element of stability, in order to play a role in the international economy. It strength will depend on the ability to continually improve the policies and social structural functions of the Union," Stephanopoulos said during his interview.

"For this reason it is necessary to achieve and develop a joint foreign and a defense policy, since economic stability is not secured without the ability to intervene in international crisis that are important to the Union's interests," he said.

Speaking on Greek-Turkish relations he said that "Greece repeatedly expressed its will to have good neighborly relations with Turkey, based on the principles, the laws and international agreements, which determine the 'status quo' in the region since the beginning of the 20th century".

"The Cyprus problem has a direct impact on Greek-Turkish relations. It is not possible for essential progress to be made, if conditions in Cyprus remain as is," the Greek president said.

In discussing the possibility of a Papal visit to Greece Stephanopoulos said that "the Pope is welcome in our country with all honors that are accorded to his person".

[03] FM Papandreou calls on Ankara to show 'necessary will' on the Cyprus issue

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

Papandreou said the lack of will on the part of Turkey to resolve the Cyprus issue will have grave repercussions for Ankara which it could ignore in the past but at present, however, there would be repercussions regarding its accession course towards the European Union while the accession of Cyprus would take place without a solution to the island republic's problem being achieved.

He ruled out a solution to the Cyprus issue based on a confederation and reiterated that the statement by the late Greek Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou concerning "casus belli" in the event Turkish forces advance into the free territory of Cyprus still stands.

The ideas of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, speaking of an "undivided and federal" state, form the framework for a solution to the Cyprus issue, he added.

On the question of missing persons on the island, Papandreou said the three-member international committee is faced with the intransigence of the Turkish side, while the Greek side is going ahead with the recognition of missing persons buried in the free territory of Cyprus with the DNA process, adding that the defense ministry is handling the issue.

Papandreou further said Greece couldnt be held accountable for the issue of depleted uranium bombs at a time when it was a pioneer in probing ecological problems. He said Greece was the first to diagnose, indicate and take measures, adding that the problem had indeed been detected but its extent had not been known.

Papandreou also attributed responsibilities to NATO for failing to notify the UN immediately on weapons, which had been used during Yugoslavia's bombing and reiterated that the Greek government did not participate in the bombings.

Outlining Greek-Albanian relations, Papandreou said Albanian Prime Minister Ilir Meta has made a commitment that there is no intention of harming Greek investments and legislation will be revised to permit the establishment of private schools, while on the question of the upcoming census, Greece has requested that census forms should also be distributed in Greek wherever Greeks live and the census should not include the concept of a minority zone.

Regarding the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) name, Papandreou said Greece is pressuring and there are 20 bilateral agreements which are not going ahead for this reason, while the accession course towards the EU and NATO and the issue of visas will not be promoted unless the problem is resolved.

Papandreou said the Balkan countries see Greece as a small superpower in the Balkans, adding that the creation of anti-Greek sentiments among neighboring peoples should not be facilitated.

"We want them to realize that we are ready to help and that they have nothing to fear from us. A balanced policy of a cool power, which will not create complexes, is necessary . We want good neighborly relations with our voice being united for the interests of all the Balkan countries," Papandreou said.

[04] Gov't says proposed anti-terrorism bill under scrutiny

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

The explosion, believed to have been detonated by a remote control device, bears similarities to past attacks by the elusive "November 17" group as well as another urban terrorist gang, the "Popular Revolutionary Struggle", known as "ELA" with its Greek acronym. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack against MP Vassilis Michaloliakos.

On Tuesday, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said a relevant bill streamlining, among others, "due process" provisions and incarceration is currently being studied by law experts in order to find a "golden mean", stressing that civil liberties must also be respected.

He added that dialogue would follow after the relevant bill's tabling.

In response to another question at a regular press briefing, Reppas said the prime minister has not scheduled meetings with other political party leaders on the issue of terrorism, saying the present time isn't conducive for such contacts.

Finally, he replied that the government's view is that "we're on the right path" concerning efforts to catch and prosecute terrorists.

FM condemns terrorist attack against deputy, calls for the defense of democracy: Terrorist attacks undermine the democratic institutions of the country and endanger the international prestige of the country, which the government has lifted with such difficulty, Foreign Minister George Papandreou said on Tuesday, to the Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament, while discussing the bomb attack on a deputy on Sunday night.

He condemned the attack against main opposition New Democracy (ND) deputy George Michaloliakos referring to international and bilateral cooperation with other European countries and the USA.

He also underlined the joint proposal by Greece and Great Britain for the coordination of efforts within the European Union against terrorism.

[05] ND sector heads' meeting focuses on terrorism, issue of illegal naturalizations

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

The meeting comes two days after a triggered bomb explosion injured an ND deputy outside his Piraeus home, an incident that resembles past terrorist attacks in Greece against local politicians, foreign diplomats and businesses, especially by the notorious "November 17" group.

The ND leader charged on Tuesday that MP Vassilis Michaloliakos miraculously survived the attack, while calling on the government to apply his party's proposal for changes in the criminal statues dealing with terrorism.

Regarding the issue of illegal naturalizations, party spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said ND has sent a relevant report to the prime minister, while a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis has not been requested.

He added that ND wants the premier to accept its proposals for the creation of a committee of inquiry and the detailed examination of elections catalogues by the independent authority made up representatives from all parties.

Karamanlis will have meeting with other parties leaders over the issue, beginning on Tuesday afternoon with Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga and Coalition of the Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos. On Wednesday, he is set to meet with Progressives leader and one-time ND minister Stephanos Manos, whereas on Saturday he meets with Democratic Social Movement president and former ruling PASOK cadre Dimitris Tsovolas.

According to the controversial "Simaioforidis" report, no figure is available on the exact number of naturalizations, whereas approximately 150,000 requests for Greek citizenship are pending although 70,000 to 80,000 citizens from the former Soviet Union are in Greece without the necessary documentation.

[06] Premier, defense minister discuss defense strategy revision

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

The two men also discussed the ongoing Armed Forces armaments program.

Replying to press questions after the meeting on internal party elections in the ruling PASOK, Tsohatzopoulos said "elections come and go", and the party's course was not dependent on elections on a local level.

PASOK, he added, had the duty to advance important political issues.

To a question on terrorism the defense minister called for greater success in handling the overall problem of organized crime, which, "whenever it appears, without doubt creates a safety problem for the citizens".

He also said that, at European level, the Schengen Treaty was not sufficient by itself, and coordination and cooperation was necessary at all levels in order to shield the safety of the citizens.

[07] Greek FM appoints Mufti to Rodopi prefecture Muslim minority

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

Papandreou exercised the authority prescribed by multilateral treaties in the 1920's that mandated for the approval of religious leaders of the Muslim minority in Greece and the Greek minority in Turkey.

The decision came as a response to those who in the past impersonated Muslim religious authority figures, claiming to have been elected by the minority, in violation of the treaties and Greek law.

[08] Greek Orthodox character of Jerusalem Patriarchate should be safeguarded, Greek FM says

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

The throne of the Jerusalem Patriarchate became vacant as Patriarch Diodoros died, and the election process for a new Patriarch is underway.

"This election should secure the Greek Orthodox character of the Patriarchate, its right to self-government and its autonomy," he said, adding that the new Patriarch "should contribute to strengthening the role of the Patriarchate in the region, especially during this period of important developments".

"Our policy is one of principles and not one of persons," he concluded.

[09] Vasso Papandreou calls for EU policies for equality, social security

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

During the three-day meeting that ended Tuesday, held to prepare for the March-23-24 informal EU summit in Stockholm, Papandreou stressed the need to adapt the educational system and career orientation to enable women to seek jobs requiring high professional specialization.

She also proposed a revision of social security systems to take into account the incontinuity in women's employment (due to maternity, motherhood, etc.), and measures to help women increase their time on the job market.

Papandreou underlined the need for "conciliation" of professional and family life through a revision of the system of social security and reinforcement of the social infrastructures such as daycare centers and infrastructure for care of the elderly.

Also, she outlined the need for men to become involved in raising a couple's children, and proposed in that direction an increase in social benefits as well as mandatory use of parental leave by both parents.

Sweden's Minister for Social Security Ingela Thalen also told the meeting that more men and women must be able to combine jobs and family life if the European Community is to prosper.

Some 40 EU ministers for gender equality and social security attended the session, the first meeting of Sweden's first ever EU presidency, which rotates every six months.

The informal meeting was also the first to which all the EU candidate countries were invited.

The meeting in Norrkoeping was a follow-up to the EU summit in Lisbon last year, which set out goals and concrete measures to be adopted by member states.

The meeting was also attended by Greece's deputy labor minister Christos Protopappas, European Commissioner for employment and social affairs Anna Diamantopoulou of Greece, and the chairs of the European Parliament Committees on Women's Rights and Equal Opportunities and Employment and Social Affairs.

[10] Main theme for 'Cultural Olympiad', schedule announced

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

The holding of the "Cultural Olympics" during the lead-up to the 2004 Games was one of the "draw cards" in Athens' candidacy file when the IOC awarded the Games to the Greek capital. The government's relevant culture ministry has established a societe anonyme to organize events, budgeting an estimated 40 billion drachmas in the process. (One euro equals 340.75 drachmas)

As expected, the Cultural Olympiad will be inaugurated in the Greek capital on Sunday at the Athens Concert Hall with a musical spectacle directed by American director Robert Wilson, and based on the myth of Prometheus. Following its debut in Athens, the production will be staged in other European cities.

Other Cultural Olympiad-related events include this year's international declaration as the "Year of Socrates", an international day of poetry as well as an expanded Greek presence at the Frankfurt international book fair.

Other events planned for the coming years include the holding of several art and cultural exhibitions along with the staging of Aristophanes' "Lysistrata" with a "modern twist", namely, accompanying music by noted Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis.

"The Cultural Olympiad is not a national activity, Greek or Greece-centered in character; it's not an attraction, it's not an Olympic festival or a supplement to the Olympics' preparation, but it's very own substance," Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said on Tuesday during a relevant ceremony.

[11] Bulgarian FM and PM to visit Greece in February and April

SOFIA, 24/01/2001 (ANA - M. Borisov)

Christidis said the upcoming visits by Bulgaria's leading government members are the natural continuation of the upward trend in bilateral relations.

Bilateral trade and economic cooperation was very productive in 2000 at a time when Greece, according to initial assessments, is in either first or second place regarding investments in Bulgaria, while most foreign tourists in the neighboring country were Greeks, he said.

[12] EU Commission president to attend EU accession events in Thessaloniki

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

The events are scheduled for March 31.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis and European Parliament President Nicole Fontaine, as well as other dignitaries, will also attend the commemorative events.

Three forums are expected to be organized. "Greece in Europe-20 years of future prospects", "Economic and regional development in Greece and Europe" and "Enlargement and future organization in Europe."

The government has chosen Thessaloniki for the events to promote its European character and role, Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Paschalidis told a press conference on Tuesday.

[13] Founding Congress for new political party to be held in three months

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

Avramopoulos said that during the two municipal elections in 1994 and 1998 for the city of Athens, in which he was initially elected and re-elected Mayor, he had not been backed by any political party, "the first time because that was not possible, and the second time because no such request was made". In 1998, he added, the support he received was "political" and came about "under the initiative of (main opposition) New Democracy itself".

The Mayor expressed gratitude for the votes from New Democracy and the other parties that backed his election, adding that his course had not been a partisan one.

"But from the moment I felt that, as a political figure, I had an obligation to put forward what I truly feel, I said 'no' to political hypocrisy and undertook the initiative as well as the responsibilities that accompany it," Avramopoulos said.

He explained that he had not set up his party before the Europarliament elections because among other things it had been said that such a move would have aided the government and obstructed ND's course to power. "Given that no intervention of mine obstructed ND's plans to power, I am assuming my responsibility now".

Avramopoulos said his party would belong to the center of the political spectrum, adding that "nothing extreme" had anything to do with his new political proposal, nor any place in his party.

He further left open the possibility of completing his second term in office, saying "I will complete my work (as Mayor) and then depart".

[14] Army successfully test fires new Tor/MI A/A missiles

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

Four Tor/M1 missiles fired by Greek army personnel hit an airborne target, according to reports.

A total of 21 Tor/M1 units, designed for medium-range anti-aircraft protection, are being inducted into the Greek army's artillery divisions. The Tor-M1 has a search radar and can hit two targets at the same time, while striking at a maximum range of 12 kilometers.

[15] Environmental groups call for no changes in forestlands law

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

Four events are also planned in the lead-up to discussion in Parliament on the subject of constitutional revisions vis-a-vis forest lands.

[16] Greece must speed up structural change, Solbes says

BRUSSELS, 24/01/2001 (ANA/ M. Spinthoura-kis)

The commissioner was replying to question on the country's economic performance submitted by a deputy of the Coalition of the Left and Progress, Mihalis Papayiannakis.

The party carried Solbes' statement in a news release.

[17] Greek stocks continue moving lower on ASE

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

Dealers said trade was extremely nervous with wide price swings that attracted increased intra-day transactions. Buying interest focused on telecommunication and construction shares, while banks remained under pressure.

The general index finally ended at 3,063.14 points, down 0.61 percent, but off the day's lows of 3,037.19 points. Turnover was 127.16 million euros, or 43.329 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.84 percent to 1,803.27 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index rose 0.23 percent to 313.80 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 6,756.31 -1.55% Leasing: 474.34 +0.66% Insurance: 1,150.41 +0.01% Investment: 1,179.69 -1.66% Construction: 1,140.95 +3.59% Industrials: 1,817.44 -0.30% Miscellaneous: 2,072.32 -0.31% Holding: 3,152.23 +0.89%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended 0.85 percent lower at 238.81 points.

Broadly, advancers narrowly led decliners by 168 to 161 with another 27 issues unchanged.

Hellenic Telecoms, Alpha Bank, National Bank, Piraeus Bank and Titan Cement were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in euros): National Bank: 37.44 Alpha Bank: 33.88 Commercial Bank: 49.42 Eurobank: 19.54 Piraeus Bank: 14.68 Lambrakis Press: 9.20 Altec: 5.86 Titan Cement (c): 37.12 Hellenic Telecoms: 16.84 Panafon: 7.38 Hellenic Petroleum: 9.50 Attica Enterprises: 6.00 Intracom: 19.02 Minoan Lines: 4.68 Viohalco: 10.10 Hellenic Bottling: 17.76

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

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.84 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.27 percent higher.

Turnover was 45.0 million euros on 6,457 contracts traded, the dealers said.

Bond prices rise in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished higher in heavy trade after declines for three straight sessions.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.38 percent, the same as a day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 53 basis points from 52 basis points in the session before.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 686 million euros (about 234 billion drachmas) from 755 million euros (around 256 billion drachmas) the trading day before.

Buy orders accounted for more than 85 percent of total turnover.

Euro rises vs. dollar: The euro on Tuesday rebounded against the US dollar to 94.07 cents, according to reference rates released by the European Central Bank (ECB).

The parity gives an implied rate of 362.23 drachmas versus the US currency, the ECB said in a routine statement.

Greece joined the euro zone on January 1.

Domestic equity mutual funds lose less than bourse: Domestic equity mutual funds have shown a sharp decline over the last 16 months, but have fallen less than the general index of the Athens Stock Exchange, analysts said on Tuesday.

As an example of a longer-term performance, the Athens bourse slumped by 2.26 percent on Monday while average returns on the 78 mutual funds in the category stood 1.2 percent down, the analysts said.

Out the 78 funds, one dropped lower than the bourse's general index, shedding 2.35 percent, they added.

[18] ATHOC, ministry sign cooperation agreement

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

The agreement refers to activities by the finance ministry that are related to preparations and the hosting of the 2004 Olympics, including issues related to taxation (sponsorships, partnerships, exemptions etc.), customs and the speedy importation of certain items.

A business plan outlining the agreement's specific details is due by March 31.

Minister Yiannos Papantoniou signed the agreement on behalf of the government and ATHOC President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki.

[19] Greece's population is aging, but has low suicide rate

BRUSSELS, 24/01/2001 (ANA - V. Demiris)

The conclusions were included in the CoE's annual demographic report for 2000 publicized on Tuesday concerning the 41 member-states, Belarus, Bosnia, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The report said in 2000 the countries having the highest percentages of people above 65 were Italy with 18.3 percent, Sweden 17.3 and Greece 17.2.

It added that the main reasons for the aging populations in these countries were a distinct decrease in the birth rate and the continuously increasing life expectancy.

Referring in particular to the populations of Greece, Italy and Spain, the report said the percentage of elderly people is now higher than that of underage children.

Moreover, Greece, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Albania and Malta have the lowest suicide rates with three suicides per 100,000 people.

The report further said Cyprus and Greece have the lowest percentages of children born out of wedlock. Two percent of births in Cyprus and four percent in Greece concern children born out of wedlock.

[20] OA makes first test flight to new Athens airport

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

An OA Boeing 737-300 took off from the existing Hellenikon airport and landed successfully at the Eleftherios Venizelos airport near Spata, northeast of Athens, carrying Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis.

Verelis told reporters after the flight that he expected the airport to receive its operating license in March.

[21] SAE Oceania regional conference to discuss Athens 2004 Olympics

MELBOURNE, 24/01/2001 (ANA-S. Hatzimanolis)

SAE Oceania coordinator Costas Vertzayas told ANA that the delegates at the conference would also discuss the structure and representation of SAE, ongoing negotiations between Greece and Australia on a pension agreement, national issues, and education and culture matters.

That same weekend, the first conference of the Forum of Greek Women of Oceania will also take place, while in April the SAE youth will organize an educational day-seminar in cooperation with the Association of Greek-Australian Students.

Vertzayas further announced that a meeting of overseas Greeks from the Peloponnese would be held in July in the Greek town of Pyrgos, in Ilia prefecture.

[22] New South Wales university honors Greek-Australian professor

MELBOURNE, 24/01/2001 (ANA-S. Hatzimanolis)

Paxinos is considered the "cartographer" of the human brain, with impressive research and immense bibliography on the brains of mice, apes and humans.

His recently published "Atlas of the Human Brain" received to honors in scientific research from the Association of Publishers of America, and is considered the 'bible' of bio-medical science.

Paxinos was born on the Greek island of Ithaca, where he finished high school, and studied in the United States before moving to Australia.

A recipient of numerous awards and honors for his innovative work, Prof. Paxinos told ANA the recognition of his work by his colleagues at the University of New South Wales made him feel particularly proud.

[23] Composer Ianis Xenakis proclaimed honorary lecturer at Thessaloniki University

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

According to the decision taken by the university, the honor was bestowed upon Ianis Xenakis "for his great contribution to modern Greek culture."

"I was obliged to leave Greece many years ago. My country recognized my work even at a late stage. When the honor comes from Greece it can only be special for me," he said in a text read during the event.

Xenakis, 79, has been living in France since the mid-forties. He is suffering from a serious illness, which did not allow him to travel to collect the award.

[24] Sean Connery and wife Michelin attend painting exhibition inauguration

Athens, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

Connery, 70 was approached by many of the 650 guests who thronged the building, while photographers and TV crews scrambled to approach him.

The inauguration ceremony was followed by a reception and Connery and his wife will be leaving for a visit to the island of Hydra on Wednesday.

[25] Noted Orthodox monastery burglarized

NEW YORK, 24/01/2001 (ANA)

According to reports, one or more perpetrators broke into the church through a side door, before breaking the glass surrounding a well-known icon of St. Irene and taking an unidentified number of jewelry.

A police investigation is underway.

[26] The EU cannot accept Turkish threats, Swedish presidency says

BRUSSELS, 24/01/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Replying to questions after presenting the program of the Swedish EU rotating presidency, Lindh said her country is following developments in Turkey, especially with regard to the Cyprus issue, and expressed full support to the latest UN effort to reach a settlement in Cyprus.

She said her country believes it would be wrong for the EU to take up a separate initiative on the Cyprus issue as talks are taking place under UN aegis. The Swedish presidency believes that the UN initiative should be supported in every way so that the proximity talks are successful, Lindh said.

[27] US new administration confirms interest in solving the Cyprus problem

NICOSIA, 24/01/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Commenting on the meeting President Clerides had on Tuesday with Korky, in the presence of US Ambassador to Cyprus Donald Bandler, Papapetrou said the State Department official "reassured the President of the Republic that the new US administration would continue tireless efforts to solve the Cyprus problem".

Replying to questions, Papapetrou said "we have no specific element that alters the position of the United States", thus backing the implementation of UN resolutions in Cyprus, which stipulate for the establishment of a bizonal, bicommunal federation on the island.

[28] Cyprus foreign minister holds meetings in Madrid

NICOSIA, 24/01/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The two ministers also discussed Cyprus' bid to join the European Union and ways of promoting it during the upcoming EU Spanish Presidency.

According to an official press release, Kasoulides, who is paying a four-day official visit to Spain at the invitation of his Spanish counterpart, met earlier with President of the Senate Esperanza

Aguirre whom he briefed on Cyprus' accession course, the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and bilateral relations.

Kasoulides also gave a lecture on Cyprus' EU accession course at the Spanish Diplomatic Academy.

On Monday, King Juan Carlos, to whom he conveyed an invitation from President of the Republic Glafcos Clerides to visit the island, received the Cyprus foreign minister.

The Cyprus Republic opened accession talks with the EU in 1998 and is considered to lead the other candidates in the process of adopting European laws and regulations.

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