Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-03-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece needs to hasten structural change, EU says

[02] Greek and Iranian foreign ministers sign cooperation memorandum

[03] Greek Orthodox Church lifts obstacles to Papal visit

[04] FM Papandreou says public and open dialogue with all political forces can only bring good

[05] Solana hopes for political solution to crisis threatening FYROM

[06] Karamanlis, Prodi discuss future of EU

[07] European Peoples' Party Eurodeputies give warm welcome to ND leader

[08] Swedish FM calls for Denktash's return to Cyprus talks

[09] Gov't reiterates: New Athens airport to open March 27

[10] Reactions to new party announced by Athens Mayor Avramopoulos

[11] Prefects threaten action if blocked from running for Parliament

[12] KKE protests 'degrading' roadblocks

[13] Spokesman comments on absent ministers during Simitis' speech

[14] Pensioners announce protest rally after meeting Prime Minister

[15] High-ranking Israeli public security official in Greece for talks

[16] Simitis, Stathopoulos discuss justice ministry-related issues

[17] KKE leader to visit Ioannina, speak on social insurance policy

[18] Greece-Russia sign friendly settlement deal on natural gas

[19] Greek bourse's presentation at London conference

[20] Greek stocks ease slightly on ASE

[21] Morgan Stanley sees Athens bourse rising longer term

[22] Merchant Marine Minister to meet Greek ship owners in London

[23] Hellenic Telecoms' board satisfied with meetings in Belgrade

[24] Greece to seek rapid membership in European Space Agency

[25] Datamedia gets pilot Turkish banking software deal

[26] Leventis Foundation to give Olympics prizes, sports scholarships

[27] Passenger ship owners, seamen in deadlock over pay

[28] Commission points to high ozone levels in greater Athens area

[29] Greece celebrates International Women's Day on Thursday

[30] The Athens 2004 Scientific Medical Council convenes for the first time

[31] Municipal police officers to carry hand guns, union of municipalities decide

[32] Moscow reiterates its continuous support for the UN peace effort on Cyprus

[33] Plight of 116 Cypriot women missing highlighted in petition

[34] US president's first bimonthly report on Cyprus problem

[35] Slovakian Catholic Church returns the relics of saint to Cyprus

[01] Greece needs to hasten structural change, EU says

BRUSSELS, 08/03/2001 (ANA / B. Demiris)

"In recent years, Greece has implemented a successful stabilization strategy, which led to the adoption of the euro from January 1, 2001 ... An acceleration of the structural reform effort is all the more necessary in order to accelerate real convergence," the paper said.

The recommendations were contained in a working document of the EU's executive Commission to accompany a report on implementation of basic directions in economic policy for 2000 in the 15-nation bloc.

The document forecast that Greek economic activity would pick up more steam in coming years, supported by still higher rates of investment, job creation and productivity growth.

At the same time, a high government debt ratio, estimated at 103.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2000, underlined the need for a continuation of budgetary adjustment; and, simultaneously, budgetary consolidation was expected to raise leeway for other policy priorities and for reducing the tax and non-tax burden on labor.

"The long-term sustainability of public finances is an area of concern, taking into account, in particular, future challenges in the form of pension and health care expenditure from an ageing population," the document said.

At the same time budgetary adjustment had been pursued with consistency for a number of years as part of the country's alignment programs with the rest of the EU, it added.

The Commission warned that easier monetary conditions due to a convergence of Greek interest rates with those of the euro zone, combined with accelerating GDP growth, might lead to the emergence of inflationary pressures, placing macroeconomic stability at risk, if restraint came too late.

"Such pressures must be contained through appropriate domestic policies, mainly a tight fiscal policy. Wage developments will also be crucial in this respect, suggesting that every effort should be made to ensure wage moderation," the report added.

The Commission also said that the labor market in Greece was characterized by a low employment rate of 55.4 percent in 2000; a high overall jobless rate; and a strong degree of labor market segmentation evidenced by high rates of unemployment for women and youth, and a high share of long-term joblessness.

According to the report, reforms in product markets remained relatively slow. The transposition record for internal market legislation was poor, and privatization and liberalization of key utilities had so far proceeded slowly, with extensive time derogations and market opening often limited to the minimum requirements of EU law.

In addition, Greece was less exposed to international competition than any other member state, not least due to its geographical position. This might be a reason why, despite progress made, the level of labor productivity remained relatively low, the report said.

Finally, the Commission said that action to tackle youth and long-term unemployment focused on two state programs introduced in 1999, which relied heavily on employment subsidies.

Relatively little effort had been put into ensuring that the programs were effective, it added.

[02] Greek and Iranian foreign ministers sign cooperation memorandum

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

The foreign ministers discussed economic and political cooperation and exchanged views on the situation in the Balkans and the Middle East, Greek-Turkish relations, the Cyprus issue and Iran's relations with Iraq and Turkey.

Papandreou said cooperation between the two countries is very good and close, adding that there is considerable ground for further developing bilateral relations, particularly in the sector of economic cooperation (in the energy, petroleum and liquid gas sectors).

Greek-Turkish cooperation in the energy sector in the framework of the European "Innogate" program was also discussed, while Papandreou announced that the possibility of concluding respective cooperation between Greece and Iran is being examined.

Other issues discussed concerned agriculture, the protection of Greek investments in Iran and cultural cooperation, while views were also exchanged on the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, particularly the Olympic Truce.

Kharazi said he had a very good and in-depth dialogue with the Greek foreign minister, underlining that the cultures of the two countries have their roots in the depth of history. He further said there were wars and ups and downs in the past, but at present the two countries have very good relations since "historical confrontations have given their place to cooperation."

Kharazi also said Greece is a "gateway" to a market of 500 million people, just as Iran is on its part, and that the two countries can have access to a market of one billion people with their investments.

In addition, Kharazi said his country produces 16 percent of the world's liquid gas market and 10 percent of oil.

Kharazi will be participating in Thursday's ministerial meeting on tripartite cooperation between Greece, Iran and Armenia.

Parliament president and Iranian FM discuss relations between Greece and Iran: Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis disclosed, during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi on Wednesday, that a quadripartite cultural dialogue between Greece, Iran, Italy and Egypt would take place in Athens next month.

The two men referred to friendly relations between Greece and Iran, while Kaklamanis underlined the close cooperation existing between the Greek and Iranian parliaments.

Focusing on Iran's role in the area, Kaklamanis said it is important for promoting and consolidating security and peace, while Kharazi briefed Kaklamanis on latest developments in the region.

Kharazi also renewed an invitation to Kaklamanis to visit Tehran and expressed the hope it will take place soon.

Iranian foreign minister addresses event on "dialogue between cultures", in Athens: Visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Naqi Kamal Kharazi on Wednesday addressed an event of the Mediterranean Studies Foundation at the Greek foreign ministry, in Athens.

He focused on the "dialogue between cultures", stressing that the basic elements of such a dialogue is the equality of those who are participating and not the establishment of categories of countries.

Kharazi spoke of the 3000 years of Greek and Iranian cultural exchanges, while he noted favorably the five round table discussions between academics of the two countries, since 1991, focusing on Islam and Orthodox Christianity.

The Iranian foreign minister also made mention of the tripartite cooperation between Greece, Iran and Armenia, as well as the expanding bilateral cooperation between Iran and Greece in the economic and political sectors and the cooperation of the two countries in efforts to resolve the Bosnia and Kosovo crises.

In response to questions, he said that the Cyprus-Iran relations were upgraded of late as the two countries exchanged ambassadors and on a more cultural tone he condemned the destruction of antiquities in Afghanistan by the Taliban party.

[03] Greek Orthodox Church lifts obstacles to Papal visit

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

According to reports, the decision was taken by majority vote, but all members of the Holy Synod signed the communique of the church.

"Our Orthodox Church, with an open mind and despite the whatever reservations it has the right to have ... does not wish to state its refusal to the satisfaction of the aforementioned Roman Prelate, more so as it is a clearly a pilgrimage only. Greece is an Orthodox country, the people of which are traditionally hospitable and noble," the communique stated.

"The Greek Orthodox Church does not condemn or belittle the historical memory, which remains full of light in this country, " the statement said, alluding to the fourth crusade of 1204 A.D. that lead to the sacking of Christian Constantinople, two centuries before the final fall of the eastern capital of the Roman empire to the Ottoman Turks.

The president of the clergy union of Greece Rev. Efstathios Kollas was first to criticize the decision of the church calling on the priesthood and the people to abstain from the welcoming ceremonies of "the Pope the leader of heresy", as he called the Roman Prelate.

Pope pleased with pending visit to Greece: The Vatican's diplomatic representative to Athens Paul Tabet met on Wednesday with Foreign Deputy Minister Grigoris Niotis.

According to information, the nuncio of the Holy See conveyed the satisfaction of Pope John Paul II for the decision of the Holy Synod concerning the undertaking of his visit to Greece.

[04] FM Papandreou says public and open dialogue with all political forces can only bring good

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

Papandreou avoided commenting on incidents occurring on Wednesday on Kosovo's border with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in which two armed Albanians were injured by American KFOR troops, but referred to contacts he had in Skopje, FYROM, on Tuesday.

He said all governments in the area and all the political parties in Skopje favor a peaceful settlement to the problem and FYROM's territorial integrity and reiterated that the international community "will not tolerate terrorist actions by small groups aimed at destabilization in the region."

Papandreou said Greece has taken initiatives in this direction at the European Union and NATO, as well as with governments in the region.

He also disclosed that he had a telephone conversation on the issue on Wednesday with Albanian Prime Minister Ilir Meta.

[05] Solana hopes for political solution to crisis threatening FYROM

WASHINGTON, 08/03/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

During a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, Solana, a former NATO secretary general, said that two representatives from the European Union and NATO had visited the region for an on-the-spot examination of the situation.

He further said that Greece's foreign minister George Papandreou, who visited the FYROM capital, Skopje, on Tuesday, had provided "a very good briefing" of the conditions there to both himself and Sweden's Foreign Minister Anna Lindh, whose country currently chairs the rotating EU presidency.

Solana said the EU would continue making every effort so that "the new page that has been written in the Balkans, with the changes, the important changes, made will not be written with violence".

[06] Karamanlis, Prodi discuss future of EU

BRUSSELS, 08/03/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

After the meeting, Karamanlis told reporters that he and Prodi "share common concerns and common hopes".

He said he and Prodi had "converging views" on the role that the 12 EU countries participating in the euro zone -- which Greece joined as of January 1 this year -- should play in the course towards European integration.

Karamanlis also said he briefed Prodi on ND's views concerning Cyprus' accession to the EU, stressing it endorsed Cyprus' inclusion in the first group of candidate countries to join the Union and warning that if that was not the case ND would not vote in favor of the entry of new member states to the EU.

The Greek main opposition leader told reporters that the Cyprus issue was the top national cause for Greece and called on the Greek government and premier Costas Simitis to declare "today" that Greece "will not vote in favor of the accession of new member states if they do not also include Cyprus".

He said that now was the time for Simitis to clarify the Greek position to the country's EU partners, given that "pressures will be exerted gradually to link Cyprus' EU accession with a resolution of the Cyprus problem".

Karamanlis said that if the Simitis government of "does not have the guts to state this position, it can share the responsibility and stress to the partners that no political force in Greece will support EU enlargement if Cyprus is not included in the enlargement".

The ND leader said he also discussed with Prodi issues concerning common European foreign policy and also defense issues, chiefly focusing on the recent developments in the Balkans.

He also reiterated ND's firm position for preservation of the existing borders in the Balkans, adding that that should be the basis in the formulation of Greek foreign policy.

Karamanlis further warned that the crisis in FYROM could be the harbinger of tribulations and called on the Greek government as well as NATO, the EU and the US to condemn every attempt to destabilize the existing balance in the Balkans.

The ND leader said he and Prodi had also discussed the timing of events scheduled in Thessaloniki to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Greece's accession to the EU, accusing the Greek government of purposely scheduling the events to coincide with ND's upcoming Congress.

He accused the PASOK government of attempting to "appropriate" a choice with which it disagreed in the past, and which was a New Democracy government's choice, adding that the government's stance indicated "pettiness, insecurity and arrogance".

[07] European Peoples' Party Eurodeputies give warm welcome to ND leader

BRUSSELS, 08/03/2001 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

They applauded his views for "a political union of Europe today and a federation the day after tomorrow which could start from the political strengthening of the euro group", because these countries have shown the greatest political will to implement a federal undertaking.

"This group has a common horizon and targets. It should have a common strategy and common organs such as, for example, a special council or a secretariat to enable the political action of its member-states to be coordinated more effectively," he said. Karamanlis supported the election of a European Commission president by all European citizens and spoke of greater transparency and more decentralization. He also underlined the importance, particularly for Greece, of European solidarity on security issues and jointly protected borders.

Referring to the enlargement process, he said negotiations for all countries being ready in 2002 should be concluded and mentioned Cyprus in particular.

"We are not raising an issue of segregations and discriminations neither in favor nor against anyone. We are moving with a purely Eurocentrist conception. We are not seeking either national matters in exchange nor EU concessions. However, we insist on the EU's consistency and reliability. Provided Cyprus fulfills conditions, whatever the first accession group may be, it should also include it," he said.

Karamanlis also referred to Turkey's European vocation and said it should be encouraged to the degree that it responds.

"However, we cannot help anyone against his will and Turkey should, observing its obligations, prove that in essence it desires to be a candidate," he said.

[08] Swedish FM calls for Denktash's return to Cyprus talks

WASHINGTON, 08/03/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Lindh, who currently chairs the EU Council of Ministers, said in reply to questions that it was very important to achieve a political solution to the Cyprus issue, recalling that the EU resolution at the Helsinki summit stipulated that while the EU "desires a political solution, even if there is no political solution Cyprus may be accepted as a member".

Lindh added that the Helsinki resolution further said that "all the relevant factors will be taken into account", in an effort to exert pressure on Turkey to realize that the two sides must truly do all they could to bring Cyprus into the EU.

Lindh said she did not discuss the Cyprus issue in depth with US secretary of state Colin Powell, but that they only touched on the subject and stressed the need for a positive development in the UN-sponsored talks.

She further warned that it would be "dangerous" if the EU also tried to act as an intermediary, saying that that role belonged to the UN, and the EU looked forward to a successful conclusion of the UN-sponsored talks, although such a prospect appeared difficult for the time being because "Mr. Denktash refuses to return to the negotiations table".

She expressed hope "whoever can influence Denktash has truly tried to exercise that influence".

Lindh added that Cyprus had already completed the largest part of the process for its EU entry.

[09] Gov't reiterates: New Athens airport to open March 27

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

The announcement of the March 27 date, delayed slightly from an initial March 1 target announced a few years ago, comes on the heels of sharp criticism from inside and outside the country that new roadways to the new facility and testing are incomplete, charges the government has vociferously dismissed.

The government, as well as Prime Minister Costas Simitis himself, has promised to turn land vacated by the decades-old Hellenikon Airport -- located in a seaside southeast Athens district -- into a desperately needed park for the concrete-laden Greek capital. A handful of Olympic 2004-related events will also be hosted at the vacated site, with new portable venues and standing facilities, including a giant aircraft maintenance hanger, employed.

Along those lines, Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis, the government's "point man" in tendering and overseeing several all-important infrastructure works for the $1.3 billion "Eleftherios Venizelos" airport, said on Wednesday that the old airport would close in February 2002. Additionally, he said an adjacent air base would be transferred by February 2003. The minister spoke after a high-level government meeting, chaired by Simitis, focused squarely on the new airport's highly publicized opening.

The last take-off from the Hellenikon Airport is scheduled for the early evening of March 28, Laliotis reiterated.

Besides local criticism, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) last month cited what it called slow progress over the construction of roadways leading to the new airport as well as concerns over catering and supplying information to airlines as reasons for postponing the move to the new "Eleftherios Venizelos" airport.

[10] Reactions to new party announced by Athens Mayor Avramopoulos

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

Avramopoulos officially announced the foundation and name of his new party, the "Movement of Free Citizens", late on Tuesday night, though he had announced his intention to form a party late last year.

Commenting on the news, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said only that he welcomed Avramopoulos' party to the "field of active politics" and said that it would be judged and dealt with in the same way as all political parties in the country.

Earlier on Wednesday, Merchant Marine Minister Christos Papoutsis had criticized the new party, however, as not having a clear-cut political profile.

"It is not obvious which social forces it expresses. Perhaps it expresses citizens that are dissatisfied with the political scene," he said.

On the part of main opposition New Democracy, the party from which Avramopoulos originated and which had backed him in his run for the Mayor's office, statements were made by Marietta Yiannakou-Koutsikou, spokeswoman for the organizational committee for ND's congress, who said that everyone was free and had a right to form their own party and that the attempt would be judged at election time.

Regarding a statement by Avramopoulos that he was "open to cooperation" with other parties, however, she added:

"I don't know what sort of cooperation he means, since he claims the parties have closed their historical cycle."

Asked to comment on Avramopoulos' choice of the word 'movement' for his new party, she said:

"Movements often go backward instead of forward and this was proved by PASOK, which is anything but revolutionary."

In statements in Ioannina, meanwhile, where she is currently on a two-day visit, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga said that the only service that Avramopoulos' new party could offer was "to breathe life into today's reactionary politics and attempt to save the political system by offering services to ND and PASOK, depending on how things work out."

[11] Prefects threaten action if blocked from running for Parliament

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

At an emergency meeting that began on Wednesday morning at a central Athens hotel, the prefects are asking that they be given the right to run for a third term by the Constitution, as well as the right to run in parliamentary elections, regardless of when they resigned their office as prefects.

They said they were determined to take action and maybe even appeal to the European Union's Human Rights Tribunal.

Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou, PASOK spokesman Evangelos Venizelos and all the parties have been invited to attend the meeting.

[12] KKE protests 'degrading' roadblocks

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

"No citizen would react to efficient guarding of the public organizations, the high-risk areas and to substantive confrontation of the drug dealers who sell narcotic substances outside of schools. Quite the contrary," the KKE said in a statement.

But, it continued, "the police forces, with guns in hand and the degrading searches of unsuspecting by passers, in front of television cameras, comprise a dangerous development, without true confrontation of the consequences of organized crime".

The KKE said the government was to blame for the "virtually unhindered operation of networks inside and outside the prisons, and the fact that the police were working unprotected, while the guarding of inmates during transport remains inadequate".

"The intensification of authoritarianism is one of the most basic elements of the anti-popular policy. And it is the duty of the police unions to take a stand on the problem," the KKE said.

[13] Spokesman comments on absent ministers during Simitis' speech

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

Simitis had spoken on Tuesday night, on the course of modernization to create an open society of citizens.

Describing the speech as a "bold opening forward" and a "bold projection of Greece in the future," Reppas advised against attaching political importance to absences.

He also commented on statements made by twice-ousted former minister Theodoros Pangalos to "Flash" radio station earlier in the day, who had said that Simitis was "trying to gather the flotsam and jetsam of the Left" in PASOK.

"Pangalos expressed his views, which are not true. Mr. Pangalos is a member of PASOK's Executive Bureau, he outlined his opinions, we have expressed our opinions with which he does not agree," Reppas said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Merchant Marine Minister Christos Papoutsis had pleaded a heavy work load, which had prevented him attending the event where Simitis spoke, while clarifying that he would have made "done his utmost" to attend if the event had been organized by PASOK.

[14] Pensioners announce protest rally after meeting Prime Minister

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

According to the president of an IKA pensioners group, the premier had underlined the recent improvement in conditions for pensioners and had insisted that the government would press ahead with reforms to the social insurance system.

During the meeting, the pensioners had asked for a minimum monthly pension of 152,000 drachmas for every pension fund, not including the EKAS social solidarity benefit, to be raised to 200,000 drachmas per month in the near future. They also asked that pensions be once again linked to 20 days wages for unskilled workers, that pensioners' contribution to medication be reduced and for pension funds to receive adequate contributions.

The representative of TEBE pensioners expressed concern over developments concerning social insurance in general, while noting that the bills for the national health system burdened the social insurance funds with health care costs.

Also present at the meeting were Labor and Social Security Minister Tassos Giannitsis, Deputy Labor Minister Nikos Farmakis and Minister of State Miltiadis Papaioannou.

In statements after the meeting, Simitis said that no pensioner would lose any of the benefits to which he or she was entitled and that there would be no reduction of pensions. He claimed that state pensions had increased by up to 5.5 per cent in real terms.

The government's central goal in the health sector, he continued, was to ensure that all citizens have easy and convenient access to all levels of service within the national health system, in conjunction with the viability of the social insurance system and the support of their rights to insurance.

More generally, he added, the government aimed for a stable economy with rapid growth rates.

Reiterating the government's commitment to promoting employment, the prime minister also expressed his regret over the problems faced by pensioners last month in collecting their pensions through the banks using the new system, describing the inconvenience they suffered as "inexcusable". The aim of the new system, he added, was to make service to pensioners faster.

Regarding the minimum pension, the prime minister reminded pensioner groups that the government had fulfilled its pre-election pledge to give a minimum pension of 152,000 drachmas per month to IKA pensioners.

This last point was also stressed by Yiannitsis, who said the government had greatly supported those on low pensions, who had benefited from major increases in their income. He rejected pensioners' claims that the new health bills "commercialized" health care.

Regarding the social insurance system, the labor minister said that preliminary studies would be completed within March, after which dialogue on the content of the reforms would begin.

Meanwhile, earlier on Wednesday in Thessaloniki, a picket was set up outside the city's central IKA offices by members of the "Committee for the Struggle to save Social Insurance", who blocked access to the building for more than one hour.

The picketers were protesting against the government's policies on social insurance.

The group has also organized a rally in Thessaloniki's Aristotelous Square on March 13.

[15] High-ranking Israeli public security official in Greece for talks

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

The head of the office of Israel's public security minister, Maj.-Gen. David Tsur, was received by public order ministry secretary general Dimitris Efstathiades and Greek Police (EL.AS) Chief Yiannis Georgakopoulos.

Tsur -- a security expert and former advisor for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta -- is also a member of a "blue-ribbon" advisory committee of foreign consultants recently set up by the Greek government to focus on security preparations for the 2004 Games.

According to an afternoon press release by the Israeli embassy in Athens, Tsur said Israel is open to any request by Athens for cooperation in specific areas, such as training, technology, counter-terrorism measures etc.

The press release also noted that the "excellent level of cooperation between the two countries in police matters" was stressed, whereas Tsur conveyed an invitation to the two Greek law enforcement officials to visit Israel.

[16] Simitis, Stathopoulos discuss justice ministry-related issues

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

Stathopoulos told reporters after the 45-minute meeting that he had briefed the premier on current issues of the ministry's jurisdiction, and they also discussed matters concerning the judicial authority in light of the revision of the Constitution.

[17] KKE leader to visit Ioannina, speak on social insurance policy

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

Papariga stressed the added importance of her visit to the city, which she said was the poorest region of the European Union and one, which was very close to the epicenter of the latest developments in the Balkans.

She began with a tour of Ioannina's "Hatzikosta" hospital, and will later visit the university, local industry and local authorities. In the evening she will speak at an event on "Political Developments - KKE's positions on social insurance."

Commenting on the latest crisis in Kosovo and the threat that this might spill over into the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the KKE general secretary said that it "tragic" that the Greek government and Greece's foreign minister were appealing to NATO, the EU and the US to preserve peace in the region, when they were the ones primarily responsible for triggering the war in the first place.

"You can't set the wolf to guard the sheep," she added, saying that the Greek government's policies on this issue were "dangerous".

[18] Greece-Russia sign friendly settlement deal on natural gas

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

Christodoulakis said that meetings between representatives from Naturas Gas Public Enterprise and Gazexport with Russian government's vice-president V. Matvienko in March 1-2, resulted to the signing of a friendly settlement deal and the withdrawal of all appeals by the Russian side to an International Arbitrary Court.

Under the friendly settlement, Gazexport would write off its demand for implementing a "take or pay" clause on non-supplied quantities of natural gas, worth 35 million US dollar in 1997, the two parties agreed to contain increases in Russian natural gas prices demanded by Gazexport to 25 percent (or an average weighed increase of 5.0 percent).

The two sides also agreed not to review prices until December 31, 2003 and Greece's Natural Gas Public Enterprise (DEPA) agreed to withdraw all its compensation claims against Gazexport.

Christodoulakis said the two sides also discussed plans to further strengthen bilateral relations and noted that the deal established stability in the domestic natural gas market in a particularly sensitive period ahead of the deregulation of Greece's electricity market.

He also announced that from March 1, 2001, the ministry signed a contract with a financial consultant hired to attract investors to DEPA through the stock market, or a strategic investor to the company.

[19] Greek bourse's presentation at London conference

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

Greece's National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou was the main speaker at the conference, while Mrs. Leto Ioannidou represented ASE as its executive vice-chairman.

Speakers presented the Greek market's customer-oriented drive, its new organizational structure, new indices and products, new markets, a systematic effort to inform investors over market functions, restructuring of its regulatory framework and upgrading of systems.

Papantoniou particularly mentioned the increasing competitiveness of listed companies on ASE and their expansion drive in the Balkans and the northeast Mediterranean region.

[20] Greek stocks ease slightly on ASE

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

Investors tried unsuccessfully to push the market above the 3,200 resistance level only to end-up taking profits late in the session.

Shares in the IT, wholesale and retail commerce, construction and non-metal minerals attracted the heaviest demand.

The general index ended 0.26 percent lower at 3,174.21 points, off the day's highs of 3,196.45 and the day's lows of 3,168.90. Turnover was an improved 216.16 million euros, or 73.66 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index fell 0.36 percent to 1,807.59 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index eased 0.46 percent to 373.64 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 6,742.35 -0.33% Telecom: 1,038.14 0.00% Insurance: 1,354.65 -1.24% Investment: 1,248.69 -0.13% Construction: 1,472.65 +0.28% Industrials: 1,977.96 +0.07% Holdings: 3,506.49 -0.97% Miscellaneous: 2,374.42 0.00% Base Metals: 1,049.02 -0.43% Non-metal Minerals: 1,023.02 +0.77% Publishing: 1,043.78 +0.65% Textiles: 1.099.65 -1.52% Retail: 1,122.52 +1.81% IT: 1,117.87 +1.48% IT Solutions: 1,078.02 -1.58%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks increased 0.92 percent to 350.50 points.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 184 to 146 with another 32 issues unchanged.

Hellenic Telecoms, Alpha Bank, Naoussa Spinning, Cosmote and Klonatex were the most heavily traded stocks.

Corfil (12%), Minerva (12%), Elton Chemicals (11.96%), Actions (11.93%), Kekrops (11.90%), led the list of the day's biggest percentage gainers, while ANEK Lines (11.86%), Xifias (7.93%), Benroubi (6.65%) and Kleeman (5.76%) topped the list of loses.

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

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.36 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.46 percent lower.

Turnover was 28.3 million euros on 4,949 contracts traded, the dealers said.

Bond prices edge down in moderate trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Wednesday finished lower in moderate trade with players focusing on 20-year paper, dealers said.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.33 percent from 5.35 percent a day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 57 basis points from 53 basis points in the previous session

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 817 million euros (278.4 billion drachmas) from 420 million euros (143.1 billion drachmas) in trade the day before.

Sell orders accounted for about 65 percent of turnover.

[21] Morgan Stanley sees Athens bourse rising longer term

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

"We believe that the Greek stock market is able to show a price rise and we expect a much better performance with improved liquidity in the market," the report said.

The Athens bourse is currently undervalued by 3.5 percent, it added.

The report also recommended an increase in placements of state-owned Hellenic Tele-communications Organization to 0.73 percent from 0.53 percent, which was its participation in the index.

The stock is one of the cheapest telecoms shares in emerging markets, Morgan Stanley said.

It also recommended replacing private Alpha Bank shares with state-run National Bank of Greece due to the latter's stronger results for 2000, and due to provisions forecasts for 2001.

[22] Merchant Marine Minister to meet Greek ship owners in London

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

Papoutsis said that meeting would take place under avoidable conditions, with the Greek-owned fleet rising and the Greek shipping register increasing both in numbers and capacity.

"The first two months of 2001 are encouraging because Greek shipping register increased significantly. There is a cooperation climate with Greek ship owners, who are increasingly honor the Greek flag," Papoutsis said.

Merchant marine minister said he expected to present the government's final proposals over vessel and sailors taxes at his meetings in London following agreement with national economy ministry.

[23] Hellenic Telecoms' board satisfied with meetings in Belgrade

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

An OTE statement said that the meeting - without the board waiving any of its contract rights as an owner of a 20 percent equity stake in the Serbian telecommunications organization - acknowledged as issues of immediate priority the positions supported by Hellenic Telecoms over the development of Telecom Srbija.

The two sides agreed on a need to change things in the company to improve its management, flexibility and efficiency.

The two sides will meet again in the next few days to determine their business strategy.

[24] Greece to seek rapid membership in European Space Agency

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

Christodoulakis said membership negotiations were scheduled to begin in September.

Greek state and private sector agencies are expected to focus on earth observation, telecommunications, space research and technology.

Christodoulakis said that these activities would become a base to draft a national strategy on space research and technology.

[25] Datamedia gets pilot Turkish banking software deal

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

It is the third banking project that Datamedia is to carry out in the neighboring country following document management systems for Yapi Kredi and the Turkish central bank, the Greek firm said in a statement.

Implementation of the latest project will be effected through a Lotus Notes platform, the statement added.

In Turkey, Datamedia operates through its subsidiaries DMT and Porgan Holding, in which it has 95 percent and 50 percent stakes, respectively.

[26] Leventis Foundation to give Olympics prizes, sports scholarships

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

The prizes "Athens 2004", "Spyros Louis" and "Dimitrios Vikelas" will be accompanied by cash prizes of 15, 10 and 10 million drachmas respectively, and aim to provide support to natural or legal entities who have made a significant contribution to preparations for the Olympic Games on an organizational, cultural or athletic level.

The scholarships are all for one million drachmas and will be preferentially awarded to athletes for individual events that are also students.

[27] Passenger ship owners, seamen in deadlock over pay

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

Ship owners' representatives said that union pay demands were excessive, and salaries should fall within the framework of inflation. A new round of talks is set for March 14.

The PNO is seeking pay rises of 7.0 percent in 2001 for passenger shipping workers and 8.0 percent for seamen in cargo shipping.

The PNO has set the end of March as the deadline for the conclusion of an agreement, and indicated that its members may strike if the deadline is broken.

The PNO has strongly criticized a call for a two-year labor pact sought by another employers' group, the Union of Owners of Passenger Ships.

"The PNO will not take part in such a process. The ship owners' unions should agree among themselves on concluding unified agreements," the PNO's general secretary, Yiannis Halas, said.

[28] Commission points to high ozone levels in greater Athens area

BRUSSELS, 08/03/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

According to reports, EU Commissioner for the environment Margot Wallstrom added that health problems might also occur through increased sulphur, lead and nitrogen dioxide emissions as well as increased levels of airborne particles. The Commission considers that safe emissions levels for both Greece and the rest of the EU states have been set too low.

In written response to a tabled question by Greek Euro-MP Costas Hatzidakis, Wallstrom said the Commission is aware that excessive ozone levels are often recorded in the greater Athens area.

"Excessive concentration ozone rates of 120 micrograms per cubic meter may be responsible for respiratory problems in the particularly sensitive population groups," she added.

However, the EU Commissioner from Sweden nevertheless noted, according to the press release, that ozone ceilings are non-binding as out by Community Directive 92/72.

A draft law, agreed to by EU environment ministers last October, sets out pollution levels when public authorities must inform the population that ozone concentration pose a threat to health.

Ground-level ozone is formed by the reaction of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, mostly from traffic emissions and industry. The EU has agreed on a law last year to set binding ceilings on such emissions.

[29] Greece celebrates International Women's Day on Thursday

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

The Greek Parliament decided to also declare the day in the name of Greek expatriate women, while the ruling PASOK party women's section is organizing an event at Zappeion Hall marking "Equality and Difference".

On its part, the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) condemns the economic policies of the government, which it claimed lead to more poverty for women.

The Liberals party stressed that an open free society has the obligation to guarantee equal opportunities for women.

UNICEF begun sponsoring the International Women's Day since 1975, but the day has been celebrated for almost 90 years, in its various incarnations, ranging from a communist holiday to a U.N.-sponsored event.

German socialist Klara Zetkin inspired by an American commemoration of working women organized International Women's Day (IWD) in 1911. On March 19, socialists from Germany, Austria, Denmark and other European countries held strikes and marches. Russian revolutionary and feminist Aleksandra Kollontai, who helped organize the event, described it as "one seething trembling sea of women."

Both Zetkin and Kollontai took part in the most famous International Women's Day, the March 8, 1917, strike "for bread and peace" led by Russian women in St. Petersburg.

Kollontai, a minister in the first Soviet government, persuaded Lenin to make March 8 an official communist holiday. During the Soviet period, the holiday celebrated "the heroic woman worker."

The International Women's Day was commemorated in the United States during the 1910s and 1920s, but then dwindled. It was revived during the women's movement in the 1960s, but without its socialist associations.

Oceania SAE women's section organizes Women's Day conference in Sydney: The women's network of the Oceania Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) and an organization of Greek and Greek-Cypriot women have jointly organized a conference in Sydney on March 9-11, in order to mark International Women's Day.

Entitled "From village to global village," the conference will cover a huge range of issues related to the position of Greek and Greek-Cypriot women in Australia.

[30] The Athens 2004 Scientific Medical Council convenes for the first time

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

Such items in its agenda include the provision of medical services, opinions on health issues (drinking water quality, atmospheric pollution etc), opinions on the operational plans for the Olympic Village polyclinic and all other issues pertaining the health of those involved in the Games.

Medical Doctor Spyros Kapralos was appointed executive director of the Council.

[31] Municipal police officers to carry hand guns, union of municipalities decide

Athens, 08/03/2001 (ANA)

The decision was pass on to the KEDKE committee on institutions, which will establish the criteria and preconditions for the use of weapons by municipal police officers.

Further decisions on the establishment of municipal police departments throughout the country will be arrived at after the conclusion of the Parliamentary amendment to the country's constitution, thus clearing the subject of state fund allocations for municipal police.

The government has promised to fund municipal police departments to the tune of 10 billion drachmas. KEDKE on its part decide to fund such police departments by 50 percent of expenses, while requesting the rest from the state.

[32] Moscow reiterates its continuous support for the UN peace effort on Cyprus

NICOSIA, 08/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Moscow, reiterating its continuous support for the UN peace effort on Cyprus, said it wants to see an end to the interruption of the peace talks, which is a result of the position of the Turkish Cypriot side.

"Russia reaffirms its firm and steady position for a just and viable settlement in Cyprus in the framework of UN resolutions," a Russian Foreign Ministry press release, issued here on Wednesday, said.

Expressing continuous backing for the good offices mission of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, the press release, published after a visit to the island by Russian Cyprus envoy Vladimir Prygin, said that Moscow always contributes to the peace talks process, conducted by Annan's Special Adviser Alvaro de Soto.

"We support an end to the interruption of the talks as soon as possible, an interruption which is a result of the position of the

Turkish Cypriot side," the Ministry press release said, adding that "dialogue is the only effective way out of the long-standing deadlock in the Cyprus question and it has no alternative options."

"The opportunity afforded by the process of talks should not be lost," it said.

Russia said it is in touch with the interested sides in Nicosia, Athens and Ankara, the permanent members of the UN Security Council, the G8 group (most industrialized nations) and all those wishing to contribute constructively to a just settlement.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

UN-led proximity talks, separate meetings of the UN with President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, began in December 1999. Five rounds of proximity talks have taken place so far, but Denktash is refusing to participate in another round of separate meetings with the UN officials unless the illegal regime in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus is recognized and there is a change in the procedure of the talks and their basis.

[33] Plight of 116 Cypriot women missing highlighted in petition

NICOSIA, 08/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Distributed to coincide with Thursday's international women's day, the petition reminds "those in power that Turkey still refuses to give the necessary answers and reveal information about the fate of so many missing persons" and draws attention to the anguish of the mothers, wives and daughters which continues unabated.

"The struggle and the demand of the Cypriot women to be informed about the fate of their loved ones continues and it will continue until the full restoration and respect of the human rights of the missing children, husbands and parents of the women of Cyprus," the petition says. Noting that March 8th is a day for assessment of what has been achieved to fully recognize the role of women in society, the petition notes "it is also an occasion to identify and plan future action towards improving the situation of women and increasing their chances for contribution in society."

[34] US president's first bimonthly report on Cyprus problem

WASHINGTON, 08/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

A cover letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations says the report covers the period December 1, 2000 -January 31, 2001.

The US president notes that the UN continued in its efforts to sustain the proximity talks that started in December 1999. "The United States remains committed to the United Nations effort to find a just and lasting settlement to the Cyprus problem."

[35] Slovakian Catholic Church returns the relics of saint to Cyprus

VIENNA, 08/03/2001 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

Both the Orthodox and the Catholic Christian Churches venerate the saint who was born in 550 A.D. in Amathounda -an ancient city near present day Limassol - and died in 620.

Once the relics reach the island republic St. John the Charitable will be proclaimed to be the protector saint of the city of Limassol.

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