Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-03-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Balanced, sustainable growth coupled by fight against unemployment the targets of the government policy, PM says

[02] Athens will react immediately to any attempt to harm the interests of Greece or Cyprus, Papandreou says

[03] Greek foreign policy positions explained in Parliament by foreign minister

[04] Tsohatzopoulos meets Greek-German MPs in Berlin

[05] ND leader outlines his party's agricultural programme

[06] Athens mayor queried over new party by foreign correspondents

[07] FYROM police rescue trapped convoy in Brest, Foreign Press Association comments on attack

[08] Former British minister calls for a "Vatican of Sports" in Greece

[09] Gov't says census to go ahead, despite strike

[10] PM Simitis briefs country's regional heads on course of government's work

[11] Archbishop and Cypriot Socialdemocrat Movement leader discuss Cyprus issue

[12] Ambulance service to get new helicopters, PM says

[13] Papantoniou reiterates forecast for 5.0 percent growth rates

[14] Gov't cites one-trillion-drachma figure for 2004 preparations

[15] Greek inflation rises to 3.5 percent in February yr/yr

[16] Greece's Stelmar Shipping joins NYSE

[17] Athens bourse approves Aspis Pronia entry prospectus

[18] PC Systems enters e-commerce through Yassas.com

[19] Athens bourse OKs Vovos entry prospectus

[20] Greek minister concludes meetings with telecom firms in Canada

[21] Greek bourse ends week above 3,200 level

[22] Athens bourse ends eventful week sharply higher

[23] Equity futures end mixed, tracking Athens bourse

[24] Bond prices rise in heavy trade

[25] Bankers vs. bank employees, no common ground in new collective bargaining

[26] Nine firms express interest in buying Skaramangas shipyard

[27] Neorion Shipyards to participate in Skaramanga Shipyards tender

[28] Gov't seeks consensus in passenger shipping deregulation

[29] Perennial Informatics reports hefty results in 2000

[30] Koumbas Holdings launches Internet consulting firm

[31] Informer signs 1.4 million euros deal with EU directorate

[32] Gov't ready to help firms get more competitive

[33] 21 municipalities set up 'Synergia' network for industry-related issues

[34] Infrastructure projects in Crete, in light of the Athens 2004 Games

[35] ISTAME seminar on bioethics and biotechnology

[36] Firebombs tied to controversy of cancer-stricken child's death

[37] Czech mountainclimber injured in fall succumbs to wounds

[38] Student takeover at Polytechnic University of Crete to protest TEI status upgrade

[39] Roussel appeal over slander conviction postponed until Monday

[40] Third Thessaloniki short film festival showcases Yugoslav, Greek films

[41] Cyprus parliamentary delegation to leave for Moscow

[42] US Amnesty International launches campaign for release of abducted Greek Cypriot

[43] Minister of Commerce addresses travel agents conference

[01] Balanced, sustainable growth coupled by fight against unemployment the targets of the government policy, PM says

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

He told the opening session of the two-day conference, which was also attended by representatives of the other political parties, that one should not underestimate "the forces of complacency" or the "inhibiting influence of views, mentalities and practices formed in the past".

Simitis placed great importance on the Third Community Support Framework (CSF)and utilisation of its resources, which he said would serve as the lever for accelerateing development and with its completion will have substantially improved the prosperity level of the Greeks. The Third CSF, he said, "comprises both a challenge in the field of administration and a small revolution for country's public administration and the local societies".

The premier said that the cornerstone of the Third CSF's operation was the establishment of a credible system of administration, monitoring and control, dubbed the "efficiency-quality-transparency" triptych.

In addition, an innovation of the Third CSF was that the majority of its actions would be incorporated directly into the peripheries without the intervention of the central State. He said that the target set for the current four-year term to reduce the distance separating Greece from the other European countries would be achieved through the acceleration of growth. That growth, he warned, needed to be effected without divergences. He said that there was no inconsistency between growth and social justice, noting that social justice increased the positive synergy in the economy and led to higher growth rates.

Conversely, he added, maintenance and expansion of the inequalities and discrimination in the economy and society undermined the foundations of the developmental process and led, with mathematical precision, to failure in both the economy and society. This, he said, was the difference between PASOK and the conservatives and neoliberals "who want things to remain just as they are".

Simitis particularly referred to participation of the citizens in the developmental process, stressing that any changes to and improvement in the competitiveness of the economy and the people's standard of living could not be the result only of governmental decisions.

"The time when the State took all the decisions has for a long time been a thing of the past," the premier said. "The country's progress also depends on may others, beyond the government".

[02] Athens will react immediately to any attempt to harm the interests of Greece or Cyprus, Papandreou says

NICOSIA, 10/03/2001 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

Papandreou, who on Sunday begins a three-day official visit to Cyprus for talks with the Cypriot government and political party leaders, also said that Ankara was well aware that if the Cyprus problem was not resolved, it would "remain an obstacle to Turkey's own course to the European Union".

The EU, he said, had clearly stated that the Cyprus problem was a European issue and was at the centre of European matters, reiterating that the EU resolution adopted at the Helsinki summit had ensred that Cyprus would not be held hostage to the Turkish occupation of the northern part if the island republic.

Turning to Greek-Turkish relations, Papandreou said that dialogue had already commenced, adding that history would judge whether the two countries would "continue to co-exist as two good neighbours".

The Cyprus issue, he continued, was the point that would judge the good relations between Greece and Turkey, and "it will either separate us, or bring us closer".

Papandreou further noted that opinion polls in the occupied sector of Cyprus showed that 90 percent of the Turkish Cypriots were in favour of Cyprus' accession to the EU, thus negating the positions put forward for many years by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash that Greeks and Turks cannot live together.

Meanwhile, Cyprus foreign minister Ioannis Cassoulides said Friday that Papandreou's imminent visit to Cyprus had a dual target. In a statement to ANA, Cassoulides said the first target of the visit was to discuss developments in the Cyprus issue and the country's course to EU accession, and to assess the situation in Turkey. The second target, he added, was to fulfill the Greek foriegn minister's desire to get to know Cyprus better through visits he will make to several towns and villages.

"We will welcome the foreign minister of Greece, Mr. George Papandreou, with particular pleasure. The purpose of his visit is two-fold. First of all, the visit is within the framework of the regular and constant consultations between Greece and Cyprus for the assessment of developments and agreement on moves concerning Cyprus and its accession course," Cassoulides said.

This was precisely what would take place during Papandreou's upcoming visit to Cyprus. "There have been many developments since my last visit to Athens, such as the events in Turkey and the content of the EU's new reports, which need to be discussed and examined," the Cypriot foreign minister said.

"The second taret of the visit is to fulfill his desire to get to know Cyprus better, to visit cities and villages. To speak about the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, to express (his) thoughts and visions. I think that, regarding this aspect, it will be a substantive visit," Cassoulides added.

[03] Greek foreign policy positions explained in Parliament by foreign minister

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

"It is a policy with a vision and prospects, with short-term results and long-term goals," Papandreou said, adding "we are against the policy of friendly and enemy peoples, we are proceeding, however, on the basis of specific rules - the inviolability of borders, the protection of territorial integrity, the consolidation of democratic principles, the protection of minorities, the non-use of violence or the threat of the use of violence, dialogue and recourse at The Hague and the diplomacy of citizens".

Papandreou, responding to ND's question on the use of Greece's veto to ensure Cyprus' accession in the European Union during the first wave of enlargement, said that "the veto exists and will exist. We have not given up the right to use it, we can not (however) brandish it".

"Greece's position is that Cyprus' accession was secured at (the) Helsinki (EU Summit) and that it is impossible to exclude Cyprus from the eastern enlargement, by calling on the non-resolution of the political problem. In any case we will deal with it when the time comes," Papandreou said.

Papandreou stressed that the strong verbalism against Turkey would only strengthen the extremist elements in that society, noting that with the current policy several "low policy" agreements were signed to the benefit of the economies of both countries.

He also said that Greece was against the efforts of part of the Albanian community in the Balkans to increase tensions aiming toward a large Albania.

Finally, the Greek foreign minister, responding to ND criticism, said that the ministries involved in drafting the Presidential Decree recognizing the genocide of the Greek populations of the Black Sea in the 1910s and 1920s, would be processed in accordance with the decision of the Greek Parliament, as well as in accordance with international agreements.

[04] Tsohatzopoulos meets Greek-German MPs in Berlin

BERLIN, 10/03/2001 (ANA - P. Stangos)

Tsohatzopoulos was referring to the latest outbreak of violence in the Balkans, through the activities of Albanian extremists on the borders of Kosovo, south Serbia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). The Greek defence minister, who arrived in Berlin late on Thursday night, outlined the Greek positions on dealing with the escalating tension in the area, making it clear that Athens wanted the European Union and other international organisations to take action and to guarantee the safety of the surrounding region. In statements to reporters after the meeting, Tsohatzopoulos did not agree with the view that the latest developments were a more general threat but stressed that the "size of the crisis should not be ignored" and that the developments should have been foreseen. The way to deal with the problems, he added, was by strengthening democratic institutions and economic restructuring and development, while he criticised the delays in implementing restructuring programmes under the Stability Pact, which he said had contributed to the present crisis in the area.

He said that the Greek government was in favor of creating a safety zone between FYROM and Kosovo, while he welcomed a NATO decision giving the Yugoslav army the right to move forces through the Presevo Valley, which makes up the security zone between south Serbia and Kosovo.

Asked if Balkan countries could handle the crisis on their own or whether developments required the intervention of international factors, Tsohatzopoulos insisted that the EU should be involved.

"Crises in the area concern us all and particularly the European Union, because there can be no security in Europe without peace and security in the Balkans," he said. He also praised the stance of the Albanian government on this issue, describing it as "constructive", while he stressed that Tirana should make it clear that it is against these developments. He said he would be meeting his Albanian counterpart in Athens in the coming week.

With regard to the Cyprus issue and the island republic's course toward joining the EU, Tsohatzopoulos made it clear that accession could not be prevented by the non-resolution of the political problem due to Turkish-Cypriot intransigency, after the decisions reached at the Helsinki and Nice Summits.

No one would accept Cyprus being held hostage, he added, and no Greek government would agree to Cyprus not being included in the first wave of candidate countries to join the EU, which it deserved on the basis of the accession negotiations.

As for the legal aspects of including a divided country within the EU, the Greek defence minister pointed to Germany itself as a precedent.

Soon after this meeting, Tsohatzopoulos left Berlin for Milheim, where he is to participate in a ceremony awarding journalist Costas Tsatsaronis, at an event celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Union of Greek-German Societies.

[05] ND leader outlines his party's agricultural programme

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

Although the party's preliminary conference in Larisa, ahead of ND's upcoming congress, concerns agricultural development and the new economic environment, Karamanlis once again referred to the issue of vested interests, underlining that the government is tottering in the camp of vested interests, being unable to act and to escape and adding that the vacuum in government is growing by the month and by the day. "We (referring to the last general election) did not deceive, we did not blackmail and we stole nobody's vote. We reached 43 percent and we spread deep roots throughout all of society," he said.

Karamanlis made an appeal for joint mobilisation to all citizens, noting the policy of "open doors" ND is promoting, and criticised the government for applying a conservative management and for lacking a sustained policy.

Referring to agricultural issues, Karamanlis accused the government of criminal indifference towards the agricultural world and stressed the grave consequences of this indifference. The preliminary conference will end on Saturday with discussions on the party's charter and programme.

[06] Athens mayor queried over new party by foreign correspondents

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

"There will be no pre-election cooperation ... and there will not be any bargaining after the elections either," Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos' told a press conference organised by the Foreign Press Association (FPA).

The 48-year-old mayor's "prime time" television announcement on Tuesday heralding the "Movement of Free Citizens" marked the latest attempt at chipping away at the dominance of Greece's two major parties, ruling PASOK and main opposition New Democracy.

Asked a variety of questions ranging from outstanding foreign policy issues - such as the latest flare-up on the Kosovo-FYROM frontier - to preparations for the upcoming 2004 Olympics, to his opinion over a demand by the influential Greek Church for a nationwide referendum on the issue of optionally listing religious affiliation on state-issued IDs, Avramopoulos declined to offer details. Instead, the former career diplomat-turned politician used a "broad brush" approach characteristic of his non-confrontational style over the past six years at Athens' town hall.

Referring to Olympic preparations, Avramopoulos said he would continue to represent the municipality as its institutional head but "won't bring up internal political issues" in contacts with the IOC or its leadership."

He also noted that precious time has been lost in preparing for the Games, although adding that he doesn't doubt the government and Athens 2004 organisers' willingness to successfully organise the Games. "It (Olympics) is a national cause, with political responsibility".

Regarding foreign policy, Avramopoulos simply noted that Greece has not "posted many successes over past years", before calling for "upgrading" at the foreign ministry and more dynamism by Athens internationally. Asked specifically about the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and relations with Turkey, the newest political party leader said he supported Greece's standing positions vis-a-vis Ankara and that continuing rapprochement depends on Turkey's next steps regarding the all-important Cyprus issue, which he called the "key".

Touching on FYROM, he lauded the ongoing cooperation between Athens and Skopje, while telling reporters that he will await a government briefing before forwarding a position on the recently resurfaced issue of the neighbouring state's name, the only difference still somewhat hampering what are otherwise excellent Greece-FYROM relations.

Regarding the ID referendum issue, which is directly tied to the divisive affair that has appreciably soured Church-state relations over the past six months, Avramopoulos simply reiterated hisTuesday comments, namely, that a reconciliation between the Church and the state is necessary, while citing "mistakes" and misunderstandings that have poisoned the relations between the two. He also mentioned the need for initiatives to "defuse" the situation.

Asked about the upcoming municipal elections, an unavoidable ?litmus test? for any new party, Avramopoulos hinted that it will not candidates, but rather, will "evaluate independent-thinking candidates, and then we will see who we will support".

Earlier in the week during a television appearance to announce his new party, the one-time ND deputy called for an end to staggering state bureaucracy, "which stangles enterprise", the support of small and medium-size enterprises and the liberalisation of markets. Conversely, he also referred to a "just society of solidarity" and support for groups needing particular help and protection.

[07] FYROM police rescue trapped convoy in Brest, Foreign Press Association comments on attack

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

Ethnic Albanian extremists opened fire on a FYROM government convoy Thursday night near the village of Brest, a few kilometres from the FYROM border with Kosovo, and a police driver was killed when his car was hit by a rocket.

Among the officials in the convey were Refat Elmazi, the deputy interior -- or police -- minister, himself an ethnic Albanian, and a Greek journalist working for Swiss radio, Angeliki Kourouni.

The Foreign Press Association of Greece called for the rules concerning the safety of journalists to be respected "instead of the representatives of the press comprising the target of warring sides" while carrying out their duty.

According to an ANA dispatch from Skopje later on Friday, an operation to rescue the deputy minister and the rest of the party trapped within the zone where fighting was taking place was carried out successfully.

In statements to the ANA, reporter Angeliki Kourouni said it was "alarming that Albanian extremists have penetrated so far into the country's (FYROM's) territory."

She also said that FYROM police special forces in the village of Govince, where the group had taken refuge, had simply returned fire from the extremists and had not provoked any incidents themselves.

[08] Former British minister calls for a "Vatican of Sports" in Greece

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

During an interview to Greece's state owned NET TV, Banks said that organising the Games is becoming more and more expensive, allowing only a small number of countries to undertake such an effort. Banks, the chairman of the House of Commons sports committee, called for an international effort to establish a special Olympic Games centre in Greece with contributions from all countries, creating an independent entity within Greece, which will have the same status as that of the Vatican, which in turn will be supported by contributions by all other countries.

Commenting on the Athens 2004 Games he said that he was confident Greece would successfully organise the Games, adding that he visits Greece for his holidays - along with millions of his countrymen - and considers Greece one of the safest countries in the world.

[09] Gov't says census to go ahead, despite strike

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

Workers at the Greek National Statistics Service(GNSS), a department of the ministry, have said they will walk off the job on March 15-20 in order to pressure the government into keeping the NSS within the civil service.

"The provision of accurate information cannot be commercia-lised," GNSS staff association leader Nikos Klouvatos told reporters on Friday.

Ministry officials maintain that measures will be taken to allow the 10-yearly census to take place.

[10] PM Simitis briefs country's regional heads on course of government's work

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

Papandreou later said a great effort is being made to achieve the speedier implementation of the government's work, but problems also exist for which a solution should be found to enable the 3rd Commmunity Support Framework to be applied immediately.

[11] Archbishop and Cypriot Socialdemocrat Movement leader discuss Cyprus issue

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

Lyssarides later told reporters he briefed the Archbishop on latest developments on the Cyprus issue as well as on "the prospects and dangers facing the national issue of Cyprus."

"Dangers are considerable. Stagnation is dangerous, while pressures are being exerted by foreign circles for us to accept, either directly or indirectly, slidings leading to a federal solution in two separate states and the infringement of the human rights of our people," he added.

Lyssarides said the Archbishop expressed the undivided solidarity of both himself personally and the Church of Greece for struggling Cypriot Hellenism.

An announcement by the Archdiocese's press office said the Archbishop pointed out to Lyssarides that "the Church has a duty to uplift the national spirit of the people, without this meaning in any way that it is involving itself in politics."

"A solution which will not be fair will also not be viable. We are a small people who need, particularly now, more than ever to safeguard our spiritual identity in ourselves because, otherwise, we shall be crushed by those forces which are levelling history and traditions," the announcement added.

[12] Ambulance service to get new helicopters, PM says

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

Simitis told parliament that the helicopters will be designed to fly at night and withstand adverse weather conditions. He was speaking during prime minister's question time.

[13] Papantoniou reiterates forecast for 5.0 percent growth rates

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

Addressing a ruling PASOK party nationwide conference, Papantoniou said "Greece has won the bet of economic convergence in the period 1994-2000 and will win the bet of growth in the period 2001-2004."

"Promoting reforms stumbled at vested interests, union policies and anachronistic views," Papantoniou said responding to criticism made by the main opposition party over delays in promoting infrastructure changes.

He said that a procedure to grant third generation mobile telephony licenses would be completed by the summer and stressed that deregulating the domestic energy market would contribute in rapid economic growth and creating new jobs.

Papantoniou said 80 percent of a Third Community Support Framework's funds, totalling 17.

5 trillion drachmas in the next four years, would be earmarked for projects to support the country's regions to achieve convergence with EU average.

[14] Gov't cites one-trillion-drachma figure for 2004 preparations

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis himself cited the figure in response to a tabled question in Parliament by a member of his ruling PASOK party.

Moreover, Simitis said an additional two billion drachmas has been included in the state budget for Greek athletes' training since 1999, while 10 billion drachmas has been allocated for various sports federations this year.

In a tabled question, MP Giorgos Thomas noted that it is wrong to believe that the Olympics are a "biennale of architectural projects."

"The Games are a sports event, and when they're over we'll be counting medals and not cubic (metres) of concrete ... The name of an Olympic champion remains untarnished throughout history, whereas concrete ... has a specific life-span," the Achaia prefecture deputy said. (1 USD equals 340.75 drachmas)

[15] Greek inflation rises to 3.5 percent in February yr/yr

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

The NSS attributed the rise in the consumer price index to increases in alcohol drinks and tobacco prices (up 5.8 percent year-on-year), and transport prices (up 4.9 percent due to higher fuel prices).

[16] Greece's Stelmar Shipping joins NYSE

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

Founded in 1992 by Stelios Hatzioannou, Stelmar was endorsed for entry on March 6 after selling seven million new shares for 84 million US dollars in an initial public offer (IPO), the statement said.

Proceeds of the IPO will finance the purchase of 10 product tankers from Osprey Maritime, a move that will double Stelmar's fleet.

The purchase will make Stelmar Shipping one of the largest shipping companies globally in the petroleum products transport market, the statement added.

The main underwriters and advisers in the IPO were Jefferies & Company and Alpha Finance US Corporation, a member of the Greek Alpha Bank Group.

[17] Athens bourse approves Aspis Pronia entry prospectus

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

The company is to hold a share capital increase and public offer of 5,500,000 new common shares in order to join the market.

[18] PC Systems enters e-commerce through Yassas.com

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

PC Systems will work with Informations Systems Impact on the project. Both companies are members of the listed Pouliadis Group.

Yassas.com is to be one of the largest sites of its kind in Europe, PC Systems said in a statement on Friday.

[19] Athens bourse OKs Vovos entry prospectus

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

The Athens developer is to hold a share capital increase and public offer in order to join the market.

[20] Greek minister concludes meetings with telecom firms in Canada

MONTREAL, 10/03/2001 (ANA - I. Frangouli)

"Greece has special investment interest, since it is a hub of European-Middle Eastern communications," Voulgaris said, adding that he considered his visit successful.

[21] Greek bourse ends week above 3,200 level

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

Traders said market sentiment was positive and described the appearance of selling pressure as a normal reaction of the market.

Smaller capitalisation stocks remained in focus, while banks and telecoms came under pressure.

The general index ended 0.20 percent lower at 3,269.75 points, off the day's highs of 3,300 and the day's lows of 3,254 points. Turnover was 270.04 million euros, or 92.017 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.41 percent to 1,853.80 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index rose 0.62 percent to 391.37 points.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalisation stocks ended at 362.48 points, off 0.04 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 214 to 127 with another 20 issues unchanged.

Hellenic Telecoms, Alpha Bank, Klonatex and National Bank were the most heavily traded stocks.

[22] Athens bourse ends eventful week sharply higher

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

A positive report by Morgan Stanley on the prospects of the Greek market was the headline news for the market, while a major overhaul of the market's general and sector indices also had a positive impact on investors' sentiment.

Morgan Stanley Dean Witter said the Greek market was oversold and predicted that institutional investors would begin putting money in the Athens bourse in the second quarter of the year ahead of the market's upgrading into a mature market.

The banks sector's weighting on the general index fell to 33.5 percent from 43.8 percent, following the overhaul announced in the week, while the telecommunications sector increased its weighting to 20.7 from 11.3 percent.

National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou presented the country's economic prospects to a group of UK institutional investors, in an effort to attract foreign capital in the stock market.

Addressing an international conference in London, Papantoniou said he saw no risk of a recession in the economy.

Money continued flowing out of the mutual funds' market as average returns continued falling following last year's sharp losses in the sector.

The average return of domestic equity mutual funds was -8.1 percent in the first two months of 2001, data from the Union of Institutional Investors showed.

News of the creation of a new bank group in Greece, after the takeover of Barclays Hellas by HSBC, the deal expected to complete in six months, was also a boosting factor. The bank has a combined network of 29 branches, it employs 650 people and has 60,000 customers.

[23] Equity futures end mixed, tracking Athens bourse

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.41 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.62 percent higher. Turnover was 56.3 million euros on 9,277 contracts traded, the dealers said.

[24] Bond prices rise in heavy trade

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.28 percent from 5.30 percent a day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 57 basis points from 59 basis points in the previous session

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.595 billion euros (543.5 billion drachmas) from 1.2 billion euros (408.9 billion drachmas)in trade the day before. Buy orders accounted for about 68 percent of turnover.

[25] Bankers vs. bank employees, no common ground in new collective bargaining

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

Bankers tabled a proposal that if accepted would deregulate bank branch operation working hours and would allow branches to be open until 8 p.m., ahead of what many analysts expect harsh competition in the Eurozone, which Greece entered only in January.

On their part, employees demanded higher pay and a 35-hour work week, stressing that the sector should aid the drive to decrease unemployment in the country at a time that European reports stated that Greek banks are already overstaffed, compared with other banks of the 12-member-nation Eurozone. The federation of bank employee unions called for a "preemptive" strike on Monday and Tuesday, demanding an acceptable collective agreement and the establishment of a unified pension and healthcare fund for bank employees.

Discussion between the two sides are expected to continue into next week.

[26] Nine firms express interest in buying Skaramangas shipyard

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

The firms were Eleusis Shipyards, the Louis shipping group, the Pateras shipping group, Vosper of the United Kingdom, Schelde of the Netherlands, CMN of France, HDW of Germany, General Electric of the US, and Mentor Technologies, also of the US, the sources said.

[27] Neorion Shipyards to participate in Skaramanga Shipyards tender

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

In a letter to the Athens Stock Exchange, Neorion Shipyards said the move was evidence of Elefsis Shipyards' dynamic course since 1997.

Neorion Shipyards also announced that its turnover totalled 27.8 billion drachmas and its pre-tax profits totalled 3.5 billion drachmas in 2000.

Consolidated turnover was 34.3 billion and pre-tax profits were 2.9 billion drachmas.

Neorion holds more than 70 percent of Elefsis Shipyards equity capital. The two companies are retaining their legal and administrative independence, both for operational and historic reasons, the statement said. Neorion Shipyards said it would soon begin implementing a new investment programme, worth 3.0 billion drachmas, following completion of its initial investment programme, worth 3.5 billion drachmas, envisaging the supply of high-technology equipment and new shipyard facilities, necessary to building two luxury cruise ships, ordered by Liveras Yachts, worth 32 billion drachmas, with an option to build two more ships.

[28] Gov't seeks consensus in passenger shipping deregulation

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

"The national importance of the deregulation bill requires the broadest possible consensus," Papoutsis told a conference on development held by the ruling PASOK party in Athens.

The government on March 1 released a draft bill on lifting the cabotage restrictions that bar foreign operators from plying domestic passenger routes.

The bill has been sent to market players and political parties for feedback in writing by March 12, Papoutsis said. The minister has so far found agreement in principle from shippers, but seamen's unions are opposed to the change, fearing job losses.

Deregulation comes into force on November 1, 2002.

[29] Perennial Informatics reports hefty results in 2000

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

The company said its turnover totalled 3.0 billion drachmas in 2000 from 1.8 billion the previous year, an increase of 66.6 percent.

Pre-tax profits increased by 63 percent to 400 million drachmas, from 245 million over the same period.

Perennial Informatics invested around 500 million drachmas last year to expand in the electronic commerce sector.

The company has a 20 percent equity stake in CosmoOne.

[30] Koumbas Holdings launches Internet consulting firm

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

The new company, e2b (e-to-business), will offer integrated solutions for the transition of a company into the new economy with the use of IT technology and the internet, such as web hosting, web site creation, CRM applications, e-marketing and e-logistics.

Each partner will have a 50 percent equity stake in the company.

[31] Informer signs 1.4 million euros deal with EU directorate

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

AMRADS aims to create an environment and conditions to transport technology and know-how between EU member-states' statistics agencies, with special attention given to the needs of EU candidate states from the Balkans.

Informer is heading an international joint venture, including Joint Research Centre, public organisations, universities and IT companies from around the EU.

[32] Gov't ready to help firms get more competitive

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

The government had earmarked 2.2 trillion drachmas in funds over the next five years to finance changes in sectors including manufacturing, services, research, technology and tourism that would help firms improve competitiveness, Christodoulakis noted.

He was addressing a nationwide conference on development held by the ruling PASOK party in Athens.

[33] 21 municipalities set up 'Synergia' network for industry-related issues

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

The aim of the network is to represent the municapilities that make it up on issues related to industrial zones, in applying for funds under investment programmes to reinforce local infrastructure and in matters related to environmental protection in relation to neighbouring industrial areas, in boosting employment and the local job market and providing support on issues concerning the use of modern telecommunications tools for attracting investors.

The network will take the form of an anonymous company and will be funded by the municipalities participating in it, with a starting capital of 25 million drachmas.

[34] Infrastructure projects in Crete, in light of the Athens 2004 Games

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

In light of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, Floridis said, the government has planned a series of projects to alleviate traffic and facilitate visitors at key archeological sites of the island that receives millions of visitors every year, from all over the world.

ATHOC President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos and local leaders were present during the announcements that were made in Iraklion at the one-day conference entitled "The role of local administration in organising and promoting the Olympic Games".

[35] ISTAME seminar on bioethics and biotechnology

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

The conference, which took place late on Thursday night, aimed to contribute to public dialogue on these highly sensitive issues.

Their importance was stressed by ISTAME president and PASOK Euro-MP Yiannis Souladakis, as well as by the Institute's general director Miltos Tsogas, also the coordinator of the Human Cooperation Network "Agrobionet".

They stressed that a multi-faceted approach was required, since there were strong economic interests involved, which raised ethical and political issues, as well as scientific ones.

A succession of speakers then took the stand, touching on diverse subjects related to biotechnology, its benefits and drawbacks. Many speakers referred to the increasing importance of genetic science in medicine and healthcare, while the president of Greece's National Bioethics Committee commented on the legal vacuum for the biotechnology sector and the uncertainty created by the rapid pace of developments in science.

The president of Greece's Unified Food Monitoring Body (EFET) Christina Papanikolaou spoke extensively about genetically modified crops and the dietary insecurity felt by the public. She stressed that no special group should manage biotechnology products alone.

She also said that Greece should press home the advantage of the currently low levels of GMOs among its products.

Another speaker stressed the dangers from inadequate security in microbiology labs, while another referred to the issue of research funding, saying that this was currently too closely bound to private interests.

[36] Firebombs tied to controversy of cancer-stricken child's death

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

Another explosive device was extinguished before detonating outside the offices of a television station. No injuries were reported in either blast.

According to police, anonymous proclamations left at the scene reportedly cited the death of three-year-old Panayiotis Vassilelis as the reason behind the firebombings. The seven-floor entrance of a health department operated by the Macedonia-Thrace ministry, the bank and a local office of the Athens-based channel "Star" were targeted by the unknown perpetrators.

On Thursday, the National Bank of Greece, the largest in the country, responded to an avalanche of criticism over case with an announcement citing, among others, "the inaccuracies continuing to be published in certain newspapers and the unfounded comments being heard in television and radio programmes."

The bank's administration claimed it had taken all necessary actions in time to resolve the problem of the "frozen" account - opened at one of its branches on the eastern Aegean island of Lesvos for the child -- and took its own initiatives as well. On Nov. 23, National Bank said it allocated 12 million drachmas to the child's family to enable him and his parents to travel to Britain.

Heightened media scrutiny continued to focus on the case at week's end, with the health ministry's leadership and National Bank on the receiving end of heated criticism. In a related development, the government reiterated on Friday that 105 million drachmas donated for the child's treatment at a New York clinic and subsequently frozen by the bank branch's administration cannot be "usurped by anyone".

The government spokesman reversed earlier statements by saying that anyone who donated money and so wishes will have the sum returned. He also repeated that the collected money could be donated to a charity serving children suffering from similar afflictions.

[37] Czech mountainclimber injured in fall succumbs to wounds

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

Giri suffered a fracture to the thigh in the fall, as well as massive internal bleeding and external bleeding.

Rescuers from the Greek Mountainclimbing Association and the Fire Brigade worked for several hours to lift him out of the ravine, managing to do so at 7:00 p.m., and then took him to the nearby Zolotas hikers' shelter. But Giri's condition did not allow movement of the mountainclimber over the rough terrain to a spot accessible to an ambulance.

Rescue units attempted to bring up doctors and medical supplies to the shelter, as well as mobile cameras to set up a visual link with the General Hospital of Katerini in the hope of stopping the haemorrhage, but were hampered by the dark and cold. Giri, a businessman from Nove Mesto, died of massive haemorrhage and hypothermia at 2:00 a.m.

[38] Student takeover at Polytechnic University of Crete to protest TEI status upgrade

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

The takeover will run through Tuesday, according to a decision taken by the general assembly of the university's Students' Union, in protest of the education ministry's decision to table a bill upgrading the TEI.

Students set up a make-shift road block on the road leading to the university campus at Akrotiri, while groups of students were turning back people trying to enter the personnel and students' areas.

The university's Senate has also voiced disagreement with the upgrading of the TEI, although it said that under certain conditions some TEI schools could be upgraded in status.

[39] Roussel appeal over slander conviction postponed until Monday

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

Roussel, a resident of Switzerland once married to Christina Onassis, Athina's late mother, was sued by the board members for past statements in the press alleging financial mismanagement by the latter in managing the Foundation's investments.

Cypriot composer Neoklis Neophytides winner of music composition competition on traditional cartoon character 'Karagiozis' .

Cypriot composer Neoklis Neophytides is the winner of the music composition competition proclaimed by the Greek Music State Orchestra (KOEM) last year on the issue of traditional cartoon character "Karagiozis" in modern-day tradition.

KOEM President Stavros Xarhakos on Friday announced the proclamation of the new competition for 2001, dedicated to novelist Alexandros Papadiamantis.

People interested may submit their applications by January 15, 2002, and will be judged by a committee composed of Xarhakos, Stefanos Vassiliadis, Yiannis Kaimakis and Loukas Karytinos.

[40] Third Thessaloniki short film festival showcases Yugoslav, Greek films

Athens, 10/03/2001 (ANA)

Three documentaries directed by Radovanovic will be screened at the festival along with one by Greek journalist and screen writer Stelios Kouloglou, which notes of harsh times as it focuses on the post Greek Civil War era of the 1940s.

Kouloglou's "Like the first Christians" documentary focuses on the ideological confrontations of people at the end of the bloody civil war in Greece, but on the personal level.

[41] Cyprus parliamentary delegation to leave for Moscow

NICOSIA, 10/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

During their stay in Moscow, the Cypriot MPs will have meetings with the Chairman of the State Duma, the Chairman of the Federation

Council (Upper Chamber of the Federal Assembly), leaders of the biggest parties in Duma, the Chairman and members of the Cyprus-Russia Friendship Group in Duma, as well as representatives of the Russian government.

After Moscow, Kyprianou will fly on to Armenia from an official visit between March 15-19, at the invitation of National Assembly Chairman Armen Khachatryan.

Kyprianou will be accompanied to Armenia by the Representative of the Religious Group of Armenians in the Cyprus Parliament Petros Kalaidjian.

[42] US Amnesty International launches campaign for release of abducted Greek Cypriot

NICOSIA, 10/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The campaign began after Amnesty International USA was informed about the matter by the International Secretariat of the organisation in London, the national branches of Amnesty International, and Amnesty International Cyprus.

Amnesty International USA calls on US President George W. Bush to intervene in the direction of the Turkish authorities for the immediate and unconditional release of Tziakourmas.

It notes that the Greek Cypriot building contractor was mistreated and illegally accused by the Turkish occupation regime for so-called illegal entry into the pseudostate, and for possession of drugs, which are believed to have been planted on him to incriminate him. The British Bases had carried out investigations that indicated that Tziakourmas had not been transporting any drugs in his car, from which he was forcibly removed.

Amnesty International USA also mentions threats by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash that he would retaliate for the arrest of a Turkish Cypriot by the Cyprus Police for possession and trafficking of drugs, and expresses concern over the health of Tziakourmas, who is a diabetic.

[43] Minister of Commerce addresses travel agents conference

The United Kingdom is the backbone of Cyprus' tourism industry, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Nicos Rolandis said on Friday, announcing that some 1.36 million British tourists visited the island last year compared to 1.15 million in 1999.

Addressing the Conference of the Association of Greek Cypriot travel agents of the United Kingdom, held on Friday in the southern coastal town of Limassol, Rolandis said the government expects to invite international tenders at the end of this month for the creation of five new marinas of a total capacity of more than 4,000 berths.

He added that a third golf course is under construction in the western town of Paphos, while the construction of three more is expected to start soon in the resorts of Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa. Rolandis assured that the government would continue to work towards the enrichment of the island's tourist product and the improvement of the high service standards the island already offers tourists.

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