Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-03-16

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] FYROM requests Greeces aid in international forums in dealing with Albanian extremists

[02] Greek FM Papandreou in Ankara early next month

[03] FM Papandreou to receive US envoy on Friday; begins Thrace tour

[04] Deputy foreign minister meets Canadian PM and FM

[05] Simitis to seek re-election as ruling party chief at PASOK Congress

[06] Stephanopoulos meets with former Bulgarian counterpart Zhelev

[07] President Stephanopoulos inaugurates General Confederation of Workers of Greece's 30th congress

[08] EU public order and justice ministers examine illegal immigration in EU

[09] Avramopoulos seeks 100 million drs bank loan for his new party

[10] EU funded programs to ease unemployment and provide equal opportunity

[11] EU okays Greek funds for employment, vocational training

[12] Papantoniou says EU funds' absorption concerns all

[13] Mundell sees US recovery, buying opportunities in Nasdaq

[14] Australian ban on EU meat, dairy products a blow to Greek cheese and yogurt exports

[15] Elbisco Holdings acquires 51.9 percent stake in FYROM's Zitolux

[16] Alpha Investments to pay 230-drachma dividend

[17] Agriculture minister allays Greek consumers' fears over foot-and-mouth disease

[18] Listed companies' federation says ASE prospects positive

[19] UBS Warburg sees robust growth prospects in Greek banking

[20] Greek stocks rebound spectacularly on ASE

[21] European Commission calls for increase in cigarette prices in Greece

[22] Eight countries sign memo to reopen key European road

[23] Ecumenical Patriarch says Patriarchate acting to restore unity of Orthodox Christians

[24] Macedonia airport to get new landing guidance system

[25] Twelve virtual tours of Athens on CD-ROM

[26] 'Women and Torture' seminar organized by Greek chapter of Amnesty International

[27] Summer Ecological University's fourth cycle of studies to be held in Skyros

[28] Central figure in late '80s financial scandal paroled

[29] European coordination in dealing with narcotics problem

[30] Cyprus foreign minister chastises Denktash for not giving Turkish Cypriots a chance

[31] Cypriot finance minister leaves for US

[01] FYROM requests Greeces aid in international forums in dealing with Albanian extremists

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

The two men discussed the current crisis over the telephone and according to sources, they discussed developments in FYROM, and Georgievski briefed Simitis on the difficult, as he described it, situation being created in his country and expressed his concern over further developments.

Earlier in the day, Georgievski, in Skopje, said his country would invite the immediate intervention of NATO and the international peacekeeping force in Kosovo (KFOR), if the terrorist attacks by Albanian extremists in Tetovo continued.

At that time, in Athens, Simitis and his Bulgarian counterpart Ivan Kostov again discussed the crisis in FYROM over the phone and they both stressed that a solution must be achieved through diplomatic initiatives.

Simitis is expected to emphasize that point in a meeting on Friday with NATO secretary general Lord George Robertson, during which he is expected to ask for a more "dynamic response" to the FYROM crisis from NATO and KFOR.

Both Greece and Bulgaria share common borders with FYROM.

Earlier ANA dispatches from Skopje, said that an address by FYROMs President Boris Trajkovski had been postponed until Friday, as had a meeting of the country's top security body, the National Security Council - even as the country's foreign ministry reported intense fighting in villages around Tetovo.

Again on Thursday, during a press conference, which focused on how FYROM intended to deal with the explosion of violence to the north, Georgievski had said that it would be premature to declare a state of emergency.

He said that the government had decided to create two bodies to handle the crisis, one of which would in charge of the political aspects and another for security issues.

According to Georgievski, FYROM faces "real danger" from terrorism, while he claimed that the groups responsible for the attacks were receiving political, financial and logistical support from Kosovo. Their ultimate goal, he added, was not known but they would cause great harm in the Balkans.

Regarding reactions within FYROM, he said that certain of the country's ethnic Albanian parties, as well as some non-governmental organizations, had supported the terrorists with their statements and he appealed to Albanians in the country to react to these groups and not accept the situation.

He also ruled out the prospect of federalizing the country.

Georgievski, in response to questions, said there was no danger of armed conflict between the country's Albanian parties and that the problem was currently purely political. The Albanian Democratic Party, which participated in the government, was now in a very difficult position, he added.

Statements regarding the crisis were also made by the US ambassador in Skopje Mark Einik, who stressed that Washington was categorically against the violence and that it "absolutely rejects any claim of legitimacy for the actions of these extremists."

He also commented on a rally by the Albanian extremists in Tetovo on Wednesday, saying that the US considered the "reported rhetoric...to have been dangerously inflammatory and fundamentally wrong."

Noting that "armed extremists" were attempting to spread the violence into additional areas of the country, he said the US would stand by FYROM to confront this "armed threat to democracy and peace."

Greek foreign ministry reaction: Greece will press NATO for a 'more dynamic response' to the crisis in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said on Thursday, and stressed that Athens' was very concerned by the wave of violence initiated by Albanian extremists around the town of Tetovo, to the north of that country.

Beglitis said the Greek foreign ministry was closely monitoring events in the region and was in constant contact with Greece's ambassador in Skopje, while he strongly condemned the activities of Albanian terrorists within the neighboring republic.

He also revealed that Foreign Minister George Papandreou had spoken with his FYROM counterpart Srgan Kerim late on Wednesday night and that Kerim had been invited to attend the European Union's General Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday by the EU's Swedish presidency.

According to the spokesman, Papandreou intends to contact his German counterpart Joschka Fischer, French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine and Swedish foreign minister Anna Lindh later on Thursday over events in FYROM, an issue he will also raise forcefully with NATO Secretary General George Robertson when he makes an official visit to Athens on Friday.

According to Beglitis, in Robertson's meeting with Papandreou and later with Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, the Greek side intends to ask NATO to fully mobilize the Kosovo peacekeeping force (KFOR) in its operational and monitoring role to deal with the crisis.

NATO secretary says situation in western Balkans dangerous and sensitive: NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson, arriving in Athens on Thursday night, said the situation developing in the western Balkans is dangerous and sensitive and stressed NATO's absolute support for the government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in its confrontation with "a small number of people who prefer bullets from democratic political processes and who are trying to downgrade the country's democratic constitution."

Robertson reiterated that NATO will stay and protect borders in the region where its forces are deployed, adding that the alliance will insist in its position that "the days of those promoting the violence are coming to an end."

He added that all the other peoples in the western Balkans reject extreme nationalism and force as a political process and noted that democratic political processes are a one-way path for the Balkans.

Robertson said those who are supporting extremism and the use of force constitute a separate category, being people remaining the last bastions of the Balkans' violent past and rejecting the future for the Balkans.

He further said they are providing negative services in the case of Albania and Albanian citizens and called on them to end their activities.

National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who welcomed Robertson at Athens airport on behalf of the government, said "there is an increase in tension", the situation is being monitored and expressed optimism over developments.

Tsohatzopoulos reiterated the need of intensifying political support for the government of FYROM from all countries, NATO and the UN in handling the situation.

NATO's military structure will also be discussed during their meeting on Friday.

Coalition of the Left leader briefs Greek foreign minister on his Skopje visit: Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos on Thursday briefed Foreign Minister George Papandreou of his contacts with officials of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) while in the country's capital Skopje.

Following the meeting, Constantopoulos said that he requested of Papandreou that emergency measures be taken by the Greek government in cooperation with all Greek parties, in efforts to stabilize conditions in the small Balkan republic.

He also called on the Greek government to undertake a leading role within the European Union for the creation of a Balkan security policy, adding, however, that the problem is complex and in need for careful and delicate handling.

[02] Greek FM Papandreou in Ankara early next month

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

The troubling situation in southern Balkans is expected to dominate discussions, especially in light of the recent violence in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) by Albanian extremists and incursions by armed rebels operating out of NATO-administrated Kosovo.

Additionally, Papandreou and Cem are expected to discuss progress in the so-called "low impact" agreements signed by the two countries over the past year following a warming of relations. More bilateral agreements in the energy and agriculture sector are currently being negotiated, along with efforts to hammer out a deal on the thornier issue of avoidance of double taxation.

According to a foreign ministry spokesman in Athens on Thursday, the government also wants to speed up the ratification process for the bilateral agreements in Parliament.

Contacts between Papandreou and Cem have multiplied over the past two years, as both foreign ministers have called for official meetings to be held practically every six months.

Cem's visit to Athens is expected to take place in October.

[03] FM Papandreou to receive US envoy on Friday; begins Thrace tour

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

Meanwhile, according to a foreign ministry spokesman on Thursday, the Greek FM will travel to London on March 26 at the invitation of his British counterpart Robin Cook for talks with the Blair government.

Papandreou has also been invited to participate in a campaign rally organized by Cook's political office in his election district.

In an unrelated development, Papandreou will also begin a three-day visit to the Thrace region on Friday, where among others, he will participate in an event sponsored by the Sappes township to commemorate the signature of a cooperation memorandum between the municipalities of western Thrace (Greece) and eastern Thrace (Turkey).

A Turkish delegation, led by the minister of state in charge of privatizations in the neighboring country, will also attend the event.

[04] Deputy foreign minister meets Canadian PM and FM

OTTAWA, 16/03/2001 (ANA - I. Frangouli)

Later, Niotis held talks with Canadian Foreign Minister John Manley on bilateral relations between the two countries. Niotis briefed Manley on the Cyprus issue, stressing that Canada should exert pressure, together with the international community, to have Turkey's intransigence lifted and that Cyprus will join the European Union regardless of a political solution being found.

Issues concerning the EU's common defense and security were also discussed, while the two men agreed on the policy of NATO intervening in the southern Balkans to prevent terrorists from destabilizing the region with unforeseen consequences for the rest of the Balkans.

In addition, prospects of developing bilateral trade and economic relations were examined and of military cooperation in the sector of training peacekeeping forces.

Earlier, Niotis visited the Canadian Parliament where he was enthusiastically welcomed by deputies when he was introduced by the Parliament speaker and attributed this to the influence of the Greek community in Canadian politics.

[05] Simitis to seek re-election as ruling party chief at PASOK Congress

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

Simitis made the statement during a meeting of the PASOK executive bureau that lasted well into the night Wednesday, and in response to a question by culture minister Evangelos Venizelos who said that there was "uncertainty and confusion" surrounding the premier's political aspirations.

Simitis told reporters after the meeting that the party's executive had taken certain unanimous decisions, including some concerning PASOK's role in the process of its renewal.

He said the party's electoral victory last April comprised "a commitment that places absolute priority on materialization of the government's work".

"We do not accept introversion. What is of utmost priority is (PASOK's) overture to society, a process that will be effected with unity and not rivalry," Simitis said.

He conceded that there were differing opinions in PASOK, which were expressed publicly, but said those were "natural" and "healthy".

But what was at stake was not PASOK and personal matters but "the country's prospects and the creation of a more just society," the premier added.

[06] Stephanopoulos meets with former Bulgarian counterpart Zhelev

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

No statements were made or issued after the meeting.

Papandreou Zhelev: Foreign Minister George Papandreou met on Thursday with former Bulgarian president Zhelyu Zhelev and discussed with him developments in the Balkans.

According to diplomatic sources, Zhelev conveyed to Papandreou an invitation to take part in a forum of Balkan personalities, which will be set up at the initiative of the former Bulgarian president for the purpose of contributing to the shaping of a different future for the Balkans.

Papandreou thanked Zhelev and accepted the invitation.

[07] President Stephanopoulos inaugurates General Confederation of Workers of Greece's 30th congress

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

Stephanopoulos said new funds should be sought to support the system and acknowledged difficulties in finding such funds, but added that the problem should be resolved at the government's responsibility and, primarily, the state's contribution should be the main factor.

This position drew enthusiastic applause since, in essence, it was aligned with the brief address by GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos who warned that GSEE could concede no more on the insurance issue.

Stephanopoulos said no matter how serious the preoccupation of parties with their internal affairs might be, their main political function, which is the political proposal, should not be overlapped.

He also expressed support for the claim for salary increases, but noted that development should come first so as to avoid a repetition of past mistakes. It is necessary, he added, for social wealth to be distributed more fairly with the general interest being the criterion and without class discrimination.

[08] EU public order and justice ministers examine illegal immigration in EU

BRUSSELS, 16/03/2001 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

The "passage" through the Balkans is frequently used by illegal immigrants coming primarily from China, Iraq and Iran, a European Commission spokesman said, adding that illegal immigrants in the EU amount to 500,000 a year.

The discussion was based on a joint plan tabled by Britain and Italy, which was enthusiastically welcomed, by member-states and the European Commission.

Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis spoke of a "common problem" having "particularities for each country" and of "common solutions" which should be sought.

Endorsing the British plan, he referred to Greek experience and said the phenomenon of shiploads of illegal immigrants coming from the Turkish coast is frequent in Greece.

Chrysohoidis proposed the creation of a European Watch by the EU with the purpose of collecting statistical data, studying the phenomenon of illegal immigration and its consequences in Europe and shaping policies to handle it.

[09] Avramopoulos seeks 100 million drs bank loan for his new party

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

Avramopoulos, who is also Mayor of Athens, told reporters after meeting with National Bank of Greece governor Theodore Karatzas that this was the first time such a move had been made by a Greek political party, adding that it was part of KEP's policy to maintain transparency in its finances.

He said the 100 million dr. was deemed sufficient for the party's commencement, adding that there would be individual citizens who would back the party with their donations and the names of the contributors would be made public.

[10] EU funded programs to ease unemployment and provide equal opportunity

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

The social initiative "Equal" will be funded to the tune of 104.1 million euros by the European Social Fund and 34.7 million euros by the Greek government, which will promote equality of opportunity between men and women, adaptability of the work force to changing workplace conditions and other similar actions.

[11] EU okays Greek funds for employment, vocational training

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

The Commission said in a statement that the funding package was one of the highest in Greece's allocation of the EU's Third Community Support Framework funds, and the country's main program for human resources.

[12] Papantoniou says EU funds' absorption concerns all

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting to discuss the progress of the government's development program, Papantoniou announced the formation of an experts' committee from the national economy, interior and environment ministries, with the task to draft in the next two months procedures to be abolished or replaced in an effort to facilitate licensing and implementation of public projects.

The cabinet meeting agreed to measures to simplifying such procedures.

Papantoniou said that a Third Community Support Framework was the biggest development package ever managed by Greece.

"We won't have this chance again because of pressures expected on community funds due to a planned EU expansion," Papantoniou stressed.

The third package totals 17.5 trillion drachmas, of which 9.0 trillion will be EU funds and the remaining 8.5 trillion will be public spending (5.0 trillion) and private funds (3.5 trillion drachmas).

Papantoniou said that a total of 300 billion drachmas from the third package have already been spent this year and that total EU funds' absorption would total 1.5 trillion drachmas in 2001.

He noted that all national spending (8.5 trillion drachmas) would be implemented following a restructuring of the economy.

Papantoniou said implementing a Third Community Support Framework was not only a government responsibility but of regional authorities as well and urged for better cooperation on the issue.

He expressed the hope that the private sector could fulfill its part of the program and rejected talk of a risk to lose money from EU funds by saying that the government has already created new administrative, monitoring and payout authorities to minimize risks.

ASE to resume its steady course, Papantoniou says: The Greek market cannot be exempted from turmoil in international markets, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said on Thursday.

Papantoniou said that a crisis situation prevailed in the last few days were already absorbing and stressed that the Athens Stock Exchange would resume its steady course.

[13] Mundell sees US recovery, buying opportunities in Nasdaq

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

Speaking during a press conference organized by Citibank in Athens, professor Mundell noted that there were great buying opportunities in the Nasdaq market, following its sharp correction from March 2000 record highs, and predicted that "old economy" stocks and the Dow Jones Industrial Average index could fall further before starting a recovery.

Mundell declined to comment on the prospects of European stock markets.

Commenting on the European Union, the 1999 Economics Nobel prizewinner, stressed for the need of tax harmonization between its 15 member-states and called for lower tax rates.

He also noted the benefits from adopting a euro currency - he is called the "godfather" of the single European currency - and monetary stability in the eurozone. Mundell also stressed the need to reduce public sector spending in the EU.

Professor Mundell, a supporter of stable foreign exchange rates and of "optimum" economic zones, said it was easier to create three currency zones around the world, the euro, US dollar and the yen zones. He noted, however, that if a single world currency was to be adopted this could only be the US dollar. Mundell acknowledged, however, that such a prospect could lead to worldwide reactions.

Professor Mundell also referred to a comparative advantage offered to countries speaking the English language because they were attracting the biggest part of new economy investments and stressed the significance of training a country's human force in an effort to increase economic competitiveness.

[14] Australian ban on EU meat, dairy products a blow to Greek cheese and yogurt exports

MELBOURNE, 16/03/2001 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

The temporary ban, which applies to all such imports from all countries except the US, Canada, New Zealand and Indonesia, was announced Wednesday in a bid to keep the disease out of Australia, one of the few foot and mouth disease-free countries in the world with no outbreaks since 1872.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) said that the measure was necessary since the outbreak in Britain posed a threat also for Australia, which produced immense quantities of meat and dairy products and was the world's largest beef exporter.

Australian meat exports, including kangaroo, have posted a sharp rise recently due to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in other meat supplying countries.

[15] Elbisco Holdings acquires 51.9 percent stake in FYROM's Zitolux

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

The deal signals Elbisco Holdings' expansion drive into the Balkans, while strengthening Greek business presence in the wider northeast European market.

A company statement said Epaminondas Dafermos, vice-chairman at Palas AE, would take over as chairman of Zitolux supervisory board, while Ioannis Kavalieratos, chief executive at Vossinakis, Elite and Hellenic Biscuits, would be appointed vice-chairman of the board.

Zitolux is one of the leading companies in FYROM, with activities in flourmills, bakery and pastry and operates a network of 200 bakery shops around the country.

Elbisco Holdings said the company's profits would exceed 13 million DMarks this year.

[16] Alpha Investments to pay 230-drachma dividend

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

George Provopoulos, the board's chairman, addressing the meeting said that 2000 was a satisfactory year for the company despite a negative climate in the domestic and international stock markets.

Provopoulos said net profits totalled 29.8 billion drachmas last year.

Alpha Investments' portfolio was invested by 83 percent in the domestic market and by 17 percent in European and US markets. The five biggest equity investments in its portfolio were Alpha Bank, Hellenic Telecoms, Panafon, National Bank and Coca Cola Hellas, accounting for 40 percent of the total.

[17] Agriculture minister allays Greek consumers' fears over foot-and-mouth disease

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

Anomeritis said Greece has no reasons to be concerned since continuous checks are being conducted both for live animals and meat being imported.

He said humans cannot contract the disease from animals and reminded that last year Greece slaughtered 7,000 animals with foot-and-mouth disease and spent about 2.5 billion drachmas to compensate stockbreeders.

[18] Listed companies' federation says ASE prospects positive

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

The federation said that a review by US investment firms on European banks' profit estimates combined with a severe decline of prices on the Tokyo Stock Exchange undermined sentiment in European markets on Wednesday.

The federation stressed that these developments could not affect the Greek economy and listed companies on ASE because of the very favorable prospects of the European and the Greek economy in the period 2001-2002.

The majority of international investment firms and banks acknowledged that EU economic growth would exceed 3.0 percent this year, with Greece's gross domestic product rising by at least 3.6 percent over the same period, the federation noted.

Listed companies also stressed that a steady improvement of the country's creditworthiness by international credit agencies, was further strengthening the Greek stock market's international credibility and attractiveness.

[19] UBS Warburg sees robust growth prospects in Greek banking

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

The outlook for Greek banks is reinforced by macroeconomic stability and a sharp decline in interest rates, the global investment house noted.

In addition, the banks' profitability is expected to be higher in relation to other European banks, it added.

UBS Warburg has buy recommendations for Alpha Bank and National Bank of Greece, both of which it considers to be undervalued.

[20] Greek stocks rebound spectacularly on ASE

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

Traders noted, however, that the market was extremely volatile for most part of the session.

Telecommunications stocks led the market's recovery, with the IT, Textile and Construction sectors following through.

The general index ended 2.37 percent higher at 3,135.93 points, with turnover a heavy 300.55 million euros, or 102.41 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 2.06 percent higher at 1,786.11 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index jumped 2.82 percent to 377.92 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 6,641.21

+1.49% Telecoms: 1,033.14 +3.78% Insurance: 1,414.84 +0.91% Investment: 1,275.59 +2.59% Construction: 1,461.33 +3.81% Industrials: 1,953.01 +2.22% Holding: 3,505.46 +2.77% Base metals: 1,008.17 +1.85% Minerals: 1,039.51 +1.85% Publishing: 997.42 +3.58% Textiles: 1,241.82 +4.14% Retailing: 1,147.43 +2.99% IT: 1,083.77 +4.49% IT solutions: 1,050.97 +5.42%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 342.03 points, up 2.83 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 290 to 58 with another 13 issues unchanged.

Levenderis, Kathimerini, Giannousis, Allatini Ceramics, Olympic Catering, Stabilton, Intersat and Korfil scored the biggest percentage gains hitting the day's 12.0 percent limit up.

Viosol, Hadzikraniotis, Aspis Invest, Klaoudatos, Alysida, Parnassos, Douros, Radio Athina and European Credit suffered the heaviest percentage losses.

Naoussa Spinning, Klonatex, Alpha Bank, Doudos and Athenian Holdings were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in euros): National Bank: 38.28 Alpha Bank: 30.08 Commercial Bank: 49.60 Eurobank: 19.92 Piraeus Bank: 13.76 Lambrakis Press: 12.70 Altec: 7.26 Intrasoft: 12.00 Titan Cement (c): 38.56 Hellenic Telecoms: 15.58 Panafon: 6.62 Hellenic Petroleum: 9.36 Attica Enterprises: 7.58 Intracom: 21.40 Mytilineos: 8.26 Minoan Lines: 4.82 Viohalco: 9.82 Coca Cola Hellas: 17.30

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

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 2.06 percent up, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 2.82 percent higher.

Turnover was 63.2 million euros on 10,948 contracts traded, the dealers said.

Bond prices drop in moderate trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Thursday finished lower in moderate trade.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.28 percent from 5.27 percent a day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 58 basis points, the same as the previous session

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 760 million euros (259 billion drachmas) from a record-breaking 1.755 billion euros (598 billion drachmas) in trade the day before.

Sell orders accounted for 520 million euros of turnover.

Athens bourse transactions total Dr 12.8 trillion in Jan-Feb: Transactions at the Athens Stock Exchange totalled 12.868 trillion drachmas in January-February, or 11.221 trillion drachmas excluding block trades.

Ranking top among stock brokerages in turnover including block trades were Sigma Securities (8.32 percent of the market), followed by P&K Securities (6.94 percent), Commercial Securities (6.61 percent), EFG Eurobank Securities (5.95 percent), and National Securities (5.69 percent).

[21] European Commission calls for increase in cigarette prices in Greece

BRUSSELS, 16/03/2001 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

The proposal must also be approved by the Council of Ministers.

[22] Eight countries sign memo to reopen key European road

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

The countries that signed the memorandum in the northern port city of Thessaloniki were Greece, Bulgaria, Hungary, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Yugoslavia, Yugoslavia, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria, all of which share the route.

The highway, a key link for southeastern and central Europe to the west, is currently 53 percent operational with repairs and rebuilding due for completion by the end of 2005. The road ends in Thessaloniki.

"From the moment a study is completed, the search for funding will begin at international financing organizations and the EU itself," Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis told a news conference after the memo was signed.

Accompanying the road is a railway, which was also damaged in the bombing. The route is 52 percent operational, and repairs should be completed by the end of 2010.

The Greek stretch of railway that forms part of Europe's Route 10 road and rail link is to receive 1.3 trillion drachmas of funding for repairs and rebuilding under the EU's Third Community Support Framework funding package. It will be completed in about five years, Verelis said.

"Route 10 will aid peace, economic development and political stability in the entire region," the minister added.

[23] Ecumenical Patriarch says Patriarchate acting to restore unity of Orthodox Christians

MELBOURNE, 16/03/2001 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

The Ecumenical Patriarch assured the Pan Macedonian Union that he is aware of existing feuds and since the Patriarchate is acting to restore the unity of Orthodox Christians it will not go ahead with actions, which might cause dissension among them.

[24] Macedonia airport to get new landing guidance system

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

The safe landing system will guide planes landing at the airport in adverse weather conditions and should be fully operational about 50 days after installation, Verelis told reporters.

The system has been operating on a trial basis for three months.

Flights at the airport are often cancelled due to fog.

[25] Twelve virtual tours of Athens on CD-ROM

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

The CD-ROM was unveiled Wednesday night at the Technopolis events venue by Athens deputy mayor Fotis Papathanasiou and is a co-production of the Athens Municipality's Developmental Society with Pliroforiki Technognosia (Informatics Know-how).

The purpose of the CD-ROM is to provide a useful guide to Athens in all its aspects, and to familiarize 'virtual visitors' with the historical city's cultural and historical heritage.

The CD-ROM provides information on the Olympic Games scheduled to be held in Athens in 2004, the history of the Olympic Games, individual themes, maps and monuments, all to the background jazz music specially composed by renowned composer Mimis Plessas.

It further includes historical Chronologies that chronicles the landmark dates in Athens' history from the Neolithic Period to the present, as well as a Directory of useful addresses and telephone numbers and lists of museums and archaeological sites, as well as a section of rare pictures.

The CD-ROM is addressed to adults, but also to children over 12 years of age, as it contains two games of knowledge on the history of Athens.

[26] 'Women and Torture' seminar organized by Greek chapter of Amnesty International

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

The seminar dealt with efforts to end torture of women, and speakers stressed the adverse conditions of prison inmates.

They called on authorities to improve the living conditions of inmates, with the direct involvement of the judicial authorities, to put an end to the rape and sexual abuse of women during their incarceration.

The rights advocacy group further called for the provision of medical care to inmates following rape and sexual abuse, as well as the inmates' access to lawyers in the event of such abuse.

Amnesty International is campaigning for programs to provide financial assistance to women victims of violence, and has called on the countries of the world to be particularly sensitive to women seeking asylum.

The only way to improve the situation of women, according to the group, is immediate implementation of the principles of international law by all countries so that all who commit crimes against humanity are arrested and brought to trial.

The campaign also focuses on crime against women inside the family and on violence in the community.

The purpose of the campaign is to mobilize agencies and individuals in the fight against torture of women.

[27] Summer Ecological University's fourth cycle of studies to be held in Skyros

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

The Summer Ecological University is aimed at combining training at relaxation and appeals to students, teachers and professionals, as well as anyone wishing to expand his knowledge while vacationing at the same time.

Academics, biologists, oceanographers, chemists and researchers will be teaching during this year's cycle and lessons will be lasting from July 2-20.

[28] Central figure in late '80s financial scandal paroled

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

A Piraeus appellate court overturned a lower court decision and freed Koskotas, who was serving a 25-year sentence for embezzlement, forgery and obstruction of justice felonies.

Koskotas is barred from leaving the country and must permanently reside in his posh mansion north of Athens, while also ordered to report to a local police precinct twice a month.

The one-time immigrant to the US, who once worked as a house painter in the New York City area, had been convicted in 1992 of embezzling some 33 billion drachmas from his Bank of Crete.

[29] European coordination in dealing with narcotics problem

Athens, 16/03/2001 (ANA)

Taking part in Thursday's meeting by OKANA and the Health Ministry, were national coordinators on drugs from France, Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom, all of whom presented their own experiences on the issue but also the strategies they have used in these past years to restrict the use and sale of narcotics.

The aim of the Greek government and that of the organization against narcotics abuse is to establish a collective, scientific and balanced strategy in confronting the problem in Greece.

[30] Cyprus foreign minister chastises Denktash for not giving Turkish Cypriots a chance

NICOSIA, 16/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The minister's remarks were echoed by government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou who said Denktash is raising more obstacles to Turkish Cypriots wishing to come to the government-controlled southern areas of the Republic and to Greek Cypriots trying to go to the Turkish- occupied northern part of the island, saying this attitude will be raised in EU bodies.

"Mr. Denktash should be ashamed for his policies that keep the two communities apart and Cyprus divided," Kasoulides said, responding to Denktash who talked of "shame" with regard to statements by the minister.

The policy the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community is applying "deprives the Turkish Cypriots from the opportunity to negotiate together in the same team with the EU the terms of Cyprus' accession and thereby rid themselves from the economic hardships which the isolationist policies of Mr. Denktash have led them to."

"His regime is applying gangster-like policies and unacceptable tactics, such as abducting innocent citizens to exchange them with persons of criminal law," he said, referring to the abduction and illegal detention of Greek Cypriot Panicos Tziakourmas three months ago who is still illegally detained by the occupation regime.

In his comments on Thursday on Denktash's policies, spokesman Papapetrou said the government would protest the increased restrictions Denktash is imposing to the European Union.

"We are not surprised by Mr. Denktash's tactics. He knows that rapprochement, contacts, cooperation between Greek and Turkish Cypriots are the antidote to his divisive policies," Papapetrou said.

Denktash was particularly critical of rapprochement in the wake of statements by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Kasoulides on the need for bicommunal contact.

[31] Cypriot finance minister leaves for US

NICOSIA, 16/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

He is due to meet Congressman Richard Armey, senior officers at the US Treasury and business representatives.

Klerides will discuss the state of Cyprus' economy and economic cooperation prospects between Cyprus and the US as well as matters relating to effective ways of dealing with adverse tax competition and methods to combat money laundering.

During his visit, he will attend the 28th congress of the Cypriot Federation of America, from 17-18 March.

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article