Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-03-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Athens, NATO chief focus on FYROM violence; alliance measures announced

[02] FYROM PM discussing formation of national unity government together with two Albanian parties

[03] Greek foreign minister likely to visit Washington in mid-May

[04] Defense ministry bill modifies agreement for NATO firing range

[05] Government announces measures to avoid foot-and-mouth outbreak

[06] Council of justice and internal affairs ministers examines combatting of drugs and legislation harmonization

[07] Party must change, Simitis tells PASOK central committee

[08] ND leader calls on PM Simitis to agree to public dialogue

[09] Foreign minister begins three-day tour of Thrace

[10] Greek deputy foreign minister promotes Athens 2004 Games in Canada

[11] US ambassador gives honorary diplomas to 26 Greek Police officers

[12] Greece's first EU supported regional development program approved

[13] European Commission ratifies Greek operational program for cultural sector

[14] Money market conditions improve in February

[15] Hellenic Post launches Interbalkan post office development program

[16] Greece spends 16.3 billion drachmas in airport improvement projects

[17] The ministry of Agriculture announces support programs for fishing sector

[18] EFG Eurobank acquires Telesis Investment Bank

[19] Greek stocks end volatile week flat

[20] Koskotas released on parole after 12-year incarceration

[21] Athens 2004 organizers outline details on venues, dates

[01] Athens, NATO chief focus on FYROM violence; alliance measures announced

Athens, 17/03/2001 (ANA)

The statement, by Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, came during a joint press conference in Athens with visiting NATO secretary general Lord George Robertson, who arrived in the Greek capital to discuss the alliances next moves amid the whirlwind of Albanian extremist violence targeting the ethnically-mixed Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) over the last three weeks.

Robertson agreed with the Greek premier, having earlier ruled out a military mission to FYROM for the time being. In consecutive meetings, the NATO chief met with Greece's foreign minister, the defense minister, President Kostis Stephanopoulos and finally Simitis.

There needs to be a rude message from the international community that this sort of crude violence against mostly civilians will be answered, Robertson said at the press conference, while adding that he believes most Albanians in the region are in favor of peace and dialogue.

With the Greek foreign and defense ministers only meters away, Simitis reiterated Athens support for FYROMs territorial integrity and cautioned all the parties in the troubled region that prospects for EU accession would be lost if instability continued.

On his part, Robertson again thanked Athens for the assistance and political support it has given to FYROM its northern neighbor and a steadily growing regional partner.

The Greek government has vociferously warned its NATO allies over the past weeks against allowing a "genie" of Albanian ultra-nationalism destabilize FYROM - a small, but strategic state separating strife-torn Kosovo from EU member-state Greece - saying the entire region would suffer.

Simitis repeated that Greece categorically condemns the use of violence, saying "democratic dialogue and legal procedures" should be used by the Albanian minority in FYROM to redress alleged inequities. The Greek premier also echoed earlier official statements in Athens terming the Albanian government's stance as "positive", a course he said he hoped would be adopted by the ethnic Albanian political parties in FYROM as well.

Measures announced: In an earlier meeting with Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Robertson announced several measures to bolster FYROM's security, including the dispatch of more KFOR patrols along the Kosovo-FYROM frontier and beefed up surveillance, part of what he termed a "robust presence" on the border.

Robertson stressed that preserving FYROM's territorial integrity was a very high priority for NATO, while he described Albanian extremists operating in Tetovo and south Serbia as preferring violence to political processes. He denied, however, that they were a threat to FYROM's stability.

Tsohatzopoulos said that a company of Greek troops had already been deployed in the area and would soon be joined by other KFOR forces. According to sources, a Romanian unit will join KFOR's expanded deployment in the area next month.

NATO is also expected to name a special emissary to FYROM, in a 'clear-cut message of support' for the country's government, Robertson added.

Speaking after a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, the NATO chief reiterated that the alliance would extend "the greatest possible support" to the government of FYROM.

"The hour of the extremists is nearing its end ... We will not allow the stability of the state of FYROM to be compromised," he said, while clarifying that KFOR mandate does not extend inside FYROM territory.

Papandreou underscored the importance of Robertson's visit, given the situation in FYROM, while stressing Greece's "strong support" for the territorial integrity of the neighboring country and opposition to any changes in the region's existing borders.

The Greek foreign minister added that all the governments in the region, which also advocated seeking peaceful solutions to the problems, shared this position.

Finally, the situation in FYROM also dominated a meeting Fri-day morning with main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis.

Karamanlis told reporters afterwards that the key (to ameliorating) the crisis in neighboring FYROM was for the international community to guarantee the inviolability of existing borders.

"There cannot be new states in the Balkans, nor can extremist actions and moves be encouraged," Karamanlis warned.

Upon arrival in Athens Thursday night, Robertson said the situation developing in the western Balkans was dangerous and sensitive and stressed NATO's absolute support for the government of FYROM in its confrontation with "a small number of people who prefer bullets to democratic political processes and who are trying to downgrade the country's democratic constitution."

NATO structure, Greek-Turkish relations: Besides the grave situation in the western Balkans, especially FYROM, other issues discussed between the Greek leadership and Robertson included the future of NATO's structure, modernizing the Greek armed forces and Greek-Turkish relations.

The former British defense secretary expressed his satisfaction with the course of Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) between Greece and Turkey.

Government spokesman says initiatives should be undertaken to maintain stability and security in region: Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas on Friday said preserving the borders of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) is essential for stability in the Balkans.

Commenting on whether Greece will participate in a police force which might be decided, he said the creation and sending of such a force to the neighboring country, either a military or a police one, by other countries is not looming on the horizon.

"We, however, are and will be present and if a relevant decision is taken to strengthen KFOR forces then, of course, we shall be present and participants. But there is no question of such an issue, at least for now," he added.

Reppas said for the time being Greece is not raising the issue of such a force being created, believing that KFOR should utilize its role on the basis of UN Security Council resolution 1244.

He reminded that at Greece's initiative FYROM's foreign minister has been invited to brief the EU's Council of General Affairs on Monday.

Reppas termed the situation in FYROM "crucial", adding that initiatives should be undertaken to maintain stability and security in the region.

"We are in contact with the governments of neighboring countries," he said.

Coalition leader slams NATO for its stance on assisting FYROM: Coalition of the Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos was critical of the hands-off stance adopted by NATO in recent statements regarding the crisis in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), saying on Friday that the Alliance had "first created the framework in which destabilizing mechanisms arose, then washed its hands of it."

Constantopoulos, who recently returned from Skopje after talks with FYROM officials regarding the crisis, made the statement following a meeting with Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis to brief him on the results of his visit.

On Thursday, an unnamed NATO official had described the fighting within FYROM as a domestic issue and said that NATO saw no foreign invasion, despite claims that the extremists are operating out of Kosovo.

According to the Coalition leader, the situation in the country was dangerous, while he denied that it was a domestic issue.

He stressed that the crisis should be dealt with in a diplomatic and political way, and urged the Greek government to ask for an emergency EU summit and to strive for cross-party agreement.

During a meeting with Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, meanwhile, visiting NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson had announced that NATO would step up surveillance along the Kosovo-FYROM border and stressed the Alliance's commitment to preserving the republic's integrity.

Earlier in the day, however, seven Greek MPs chose to revive Greece's long-standing but partially eclipsed dispute with its tiny northern neighbor over the republic's adopted name of Macedonia, with a statement in Parliament that they opposed an agreement for the republic's name that contained the term 'Macedonia'.

The recent outbreak of fighting around the FYROM town of Tetovo is attributed to attacks by extremist Albanian groups, which some say are based, supplied and supported by groups in Kosovo. A large percentage of the tiny republic's population is ethnic Albanians, especially around the Tetovo region.

[02] FYROM PM discussing formation of national unity government together with two Albanian parties

SKOPJE, 16/03/2001 (ANA - N. Voulelis)

Georgievski expressed satisfaction over the aid his country has received from Greece so far, but added that the conditions are forcing it to request additional aid.

"The participation of all parties, including the two big parties representing the Albanians of this republic, is essential to facilitate the wider support FYROM needs," Georgievski said, adding that he is satisfied with international support provided so far, primarily from the neighboring countries of Greece and Bulgaria.

However, he expressed fear that this aid is no longer adequate, while it should be made specific in the security sector. The government, he added, has created a security zone five kilometers long on FYROM's border with Kosovo because the peacekeeping force stationed in Kosovo did not do its duty and for this reason it is even requesting the participation of military forces from neighboring countries.

Commenting on claims put forward by the Albanians in his country, Georgievski said that in past years his country has shown the best possible position towards the Albanians for their participation in the country's political and economic life and underlined the participation of five ministers, five deputy ministers of Albanian origin, the existence of 25 mayors, the teaching of the Albanian language and the existence of radio programs, adding that acceptance of the claim for a federation would virtually mean the creation of a greater Albania.

Georgievski said his country is not facing the same problem as Serbia and does not wish to follow the methods applied by the previous Serb regime.

"In any case, for this reason we requested aid from all, except from Serbia," he said.

On the question of Albania, and its government in particular, Georgievski said it is acting appropriately and a new meeting will be held in coming days between the foreign ministers of Greece, FYROM and Albania in Prespes.

Focusing on the issue of political and military aid, Georgievski said if his country will need it, it would request it primarily from Greece and Bulgaria, which is necessitated by the balance it wishes to maintain.

Referring to FYROM's future prospects, he said if Kosovo becomes independent then his country will be faced with a serious problem, whereas if it stays in Yugoslavia or continues to be a kind of protectorate then prospects will not be so dangerous.

Georgievski said that what is encouraging is that the Albanians' Democratic Party, the Albanian population's biggest party, is opposed to the extremists' activities and this allows for hope.

[03] Greek foreign minister likely to visit Washington in mid-May

Athens, 17/03/2001 (ANA)

The two men also discussed developments in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and NATO's role in the region.

According to Greek and American diplomatic sources, Papandreou will eventually visit Washington in mid-May and meet with his US counterpart Colin Powell.

Concerning the situation in FYROM and the way of dealing with the crisis, US sources noted that "a great identity of views was ascertained" at the Papandreou-Burns meeting.

The same sources said that the US "remains steadfast" in its principle of there being no change in borders, adding that the US "firmly supports the maintenance of the territorial integrity of FYROM."

Papandreou and Burns also discussed the role of NATO in the region and agreed that the activity, which KFOR has been developing over the past 15 days, was correct, adding that emphasis should be given to the political and diplomatic initiatives for the diffusion of the crisis.

[04] Defense ministry bill modifies agreement for NATO firing range

Athens, 17/03/2001 (ANA)

The modifications to the agreement are being made with the consent of the interested parties, who are the defense ministers of Belgium, Germany, Greece and the Netherlands.

Under the modified agreement, each country using the firing range must supply targeting services on the range for which a company of its own choice will be responsible.

Also, each user-country will be bound to procure targets for the needs of training and all consumables from companies that have been recommended by EU member-states or from companies outside the EU that have been recommended by the host-country Greece.

Each party to the agreement has the option of using its own target services on the Crete firing range.

[05] Government announces measures to avoid foot-and-mouth outbreak

Athens, 17/03/2001 (ANA)

Deputy Agriculture Minister Fotis Hatzimichalis said on Thursday that travelers from high-risk countries (UK, France, Italy, Belgium and Germany) would have their luggage checked for products that might carry the disease, such as tinned foods, milk, sausages, salami etc, while similar checks would be carried out on NATO troops passing through Greece.

In addition, the ministry has banned the sale and movement of animals through traders and requires that the Veterinary Service approve all animal movements.

Also, imported animals will be subjected to clinical and laboratory testing, while all animals imported from France are now being monitored, effectively in quarantine.

[06] Council of justice and internal affairs ministers examines combatting of drugs and legislation harmonization

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

Justice Minister Mihalis Stathopoulos and Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis represented Greece at the session.

The EU's plan of action regarding drugs (2000-2004) was discussed and it was agreed that although considerable progress has been achieved, the combatting of drugs should be stepped up, both at legislation and law enforcement levels, primarily in candidate countries.

Referring to the gravity of the issue, Chrysohoidis stressed the need for preventive and repressive measures being taken to tackle the phenomenon.

He said he agrees with the harmonization of laws and practices in the framework of the EU, but expressed reservations as to whether the phenomenon will be handled radically in this way since there are countries whose economy is based on the production of drug substances.

Stathopoulos proposed stiff penal sanctions being taken for migrant smugglers due to the hideous nature of the crime and referred to the difference existing on a sentence and the way it is carried out.

The ministers had a discussion during a luncheon, attended by the EU's high representative Javier Solana, on the creation of an apparatus for handling crises, which are not of a military nature, namely the creation of a "crisis management committee."

[07] Party must change, Simitis tells PASOK central committee

Athens, 17/03/2001 (ANA)

He urged those present not to be afraid of the bid to renew the party, saying that "protectionism, isolationism and resistance to change lead to the collapse of what they are supposed to protect."

He particularly stressed that the changes being attempted did not ultimately aim at ousting certain people or promoting others.

He also underlined that social movements, initiatives and citizens' groups would be important in making this bid successful.

In a vehement attack on main opposition New Democracy, meanwhile, Simitis accusing it of spitefulness, denial and abusiveness and of manufacturing disasters. "If someone believed ND," he said, "they would think that we live in a constant catastrophe."

He also attacked the main opposition's positions on certain issues, such as continued support among its members of the former Greek royals and alleged "racist positions".

Finally, in an indirect reference to statements made by the head of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, Simitis said "appeals for a return to tradition conceal...an excuse to deny every move toward modernization." This defensive attitude, he added, showed insecurity and lack of self-confidence, both traits that did not suit the kind of society that PASOK wanted to create.

Skandalidis: party needs to change to answer society's problems: PASOK appears to be caught in a storm, PASOK Central Committee Secretary Costas Skandalidis said during a meeting of the party organ on Friday, following an address by Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

Contrary to those who accused the party of navel-gazing and ignoring the problems of society, Skandalidis said that the discussion taking place within the ruling party was not inappropriate, since without radical changes to its political and party structure it could not give the right solutions to these problems.

He also denied that there were "incompatible and non-convergent" courses by PASOK cadres, and he said that the central committee meeting should reflect this through its results, which would put their seal on the party's common course.

Commenting on renewing and expanding the PASOK party, Skandalidis said that expansion aimed to create a new social and political majority and would be judged by the entry of new political forces, instead of just being limited to specific people.

[08] ND leader calls on PM Simitis to agree to public dialogue

Athens, 17/03/2001 (ANA)

Karamanlis was speaking at a party conference in Patras, western Greece, in light of the party's upcoming congress.

The ND leader said the Simitis' government meant the "greatest social danger, the nightmarish prospect of a society of two-thirds, the expansion of poverty and the upsurge in unemployment".

He also identified the government with the "dangers threatening man, the destruction of the environment, the increase in crime, the downgrading of the quality of life and the leveling of the country's cultural values".

Karamanlis said it is "commonly ascertained" that the country is last among the Europeans regarding real economic and social convergence.

He further said European Commission reports show a crisis in deep crisis. Greece holds first place in the EU, he added, in the widening of regional inequalities, poverty and unemployment, five Greek regions are among the 10 poorest in Europe and 24 percent of Greek households are living under the poverty level, while unemployment has increased from 3.5 percent in 1980 to 13 percent at present.

[09] Foreign minister begins three-day tour of Thrace

Athens, 17/03/2001 (ANA)

On arrival at Kavala's international airport, the regional chief of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Aris Papadopoulos and other local officials met him.

Papandreou then headed for Xanthi where he was received by the prefect of Xanthi G. Pavlidis and other local government members and also met with the Mufti of Xanthi Emini Cinikoglu and Metropolitan Panteleimon.

Papandreou's tour will include a visit to Rodopi on Saturday and Alexandroupoli on Sunday.

[10] Greek deputy foreign minister promotes Athens 2004 Games in Canada

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

He also spoke of the new intra-university Greek Studies Center that was inaugurated on Thursday.

During the day the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Canada Sotirios, the local Greek communities and the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) President Andrew Athens hosted him to a dinner.

[11] US ambassador gives honorary diplomas to 26 Greek Police officers

Athens, 17/03/2001 (ANA)

Burns gave the diplomas on completion of a series of lessons concerning techniques for combatting terrorism organized by the US government and constituting part of a program started a year ago in the framework of police cooperation between Greece and the US.

FBI officials have trained more than 50 Greek officers since last July, while about 20,000 officers from 90 countries have been trained in the framework of the US government's aid program against terrorism which had started in 1983.

[12] Greece's first EU supported regional development program approved

BRUSSELS, 16/03/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

The European Union's contribution from the structural funds will reach to 903.4 million euros, the Greek government's contribution will reach to 301.1 million euros and the private sector's 186 million euros.

The FEDER European Union fund will contribute to the tune of 77 per cent of the 903.4 million euros, while Union's agricultural policy fund FEOGA will contribute 15 per cent and the European Social Fund will contribute 8 per cent.

This was the first of 13 Greek regional programs to be approved.

[13] European Commission ratifies Greek operational program for cultural sector

BRUSSELS, 16/03/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

The program's targets are the promotion and protection of Greek cultural heritage and the harmonious development of the supply and demand for cultural commodities in Greek regions.

Regarding protection for Greek cultural heritage, the amount of EU subsidies will total 267.7 million euro and will primarily concern the protection of archaeological sites and Greek museums.

The remaining EU funds will concern the promotion of modern forms of Greek culture.

[14] Money market conditions improve in February

Athens, 17/03/2001 (ANA)

Payment orders fell 21.9 percent in February, bankruptcy applications dropped 44.6 percent and declared bankruptcies eased 32.9 percent the previous month compared with the same month last year.

A report by "Teresias", a statistics agency of the Hellenic Banks Union, said the February figures reflected improving conditions in the domestic money market.

Bouncing checks rose 2.8 percent in volume to 22,371 last month totalling 6.67 billion drachmas, up 4.9 percent in value, while unpaid bills totalled 6,150 (off 38.6 percent in volume) worth 21.2 billion drachmas (off 42.8 percent in value).

In the first two months of the year, bankruptcy applications fell by 78.2 percent and bankruptcies dropped by 31.8 percent from the corresponding period in 2000.

[15] Hellenic Post launches Interbalkan post office development program

Athens, 17/03/2001 (ANA)

The Interbalkan program, budgeted at 202 million drachmas, envisages training of 300 post agency officials from Albania, Bulgaria and FYROM, drafting of a report on growth and cooperation prospects in the Balkans and hosting an international conference in June.

The program's targets were unveiled on Friday in Thessaloniki, during a news conference, from Hellenic Post's general manager Emmanouel Drainakis and his Bulgarian and FYROM counterparts.

Drainakis said the program was aiming to transfer know-how to high-ranking post agency officials in the Balkans, based on Hellenic Post's experience.

[16] Greece spends 16.3 billion drachmas in airport improvement projects

Athens, 17/03/2001 (ANA)

Aviation authorities said it would spend 1.384 billion for projects on the Athens airport, 3.387 billion for the Thessaloniki airport, 1.637 billion in Corfu, 1.72 billion in Kythira, 1.028 billion in Kos and 1.734 billion in Mytilene.

[17] The ministry of Agriculture announces support programs for fishing sector

Athens, 17/03/2001 (ANA)

The program includes withdrawal of fishing boats, the transport of the boat in a non-European country for other uses. These two programs are funded to the tune of 100 per cent.

Other programs with lesser funding include the construction of new boats, the refitting of existing boats, fish farming and fish processing.

[18] EFG Eurobank acquires Telesis Investment Bank

Athens, 17/03/2001 (ANA)

The exchange of the 2.2 million Telesis shares for Eurobank shares will be based on the prices set by the Athens Stock Exchange on that same day, which was 8.95 euros for Telesis' shares and 19.7 euros for Eurobank shares.

The balance sheets to be used as the basis of asset transfers will be those of Dec. 31,2000.

[19] Greek stocks end volatile week flat

Athens, 17/03/2001 (ANA)

Shares in the construction and publishing sectors, however, attracted heavy demand, although losers outnumbered gainers by two to one.

The general index ended 0.33 percent lower at 3,125.67 points, with turnover at 253 million euros, or 86.55 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.26 percent lower at 1,781.47 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index rose 0.62 percent to 380.26 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 6,623.34 -0.27% Telecoms: 1,027.23 -0.57% Insurance: 1,424.08 +0.65% Investment: 1,282.31 +0.53% Construction: 1,503.76 +2.90% Industrials: 1,944.64 -0.43% Holding: 3,483.22 -0.63% Base metals: 1,003.15 -0.50% Minerals: 1,048.42 +0.86% Publishing: 1,011.83 +1.44% Textiles: 1,222.19 -1.58% Retailing: 1,144.73 -0.24% Software: 1,083.20 -0.05% IT solutions: 1,046.25 -0.45%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 338.78 points, off 0.95 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 198 to 141 with another 35 issues unchanged.

Mesohoritis, Korfil, Balkan Export, Ekter, Haidemenos, Lambropoulos, European Technical, Stabilton, Hellenic Sugar and Levenderis scored the biggest percentage gains of more than 9.55 percent, while Alco, ANEK Lines, European Credit, AAA, Desmos, Geke, Daring, Etma and Daios Plastics suffered the heaviest percentage losses.

Naoussa Spinning, Balkan Export, Alpha Bank, Klonatex and Doudos were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in euros): National Bank: 38.26 Alpha Bank: 30.06 Commercial Bank: 49.90 Eurobank: 19.70 Piraeus Bank: 13.62 Lambrakis Press: 12.78 Altec: 7.20 Intrasoft: 11.98 Titan Cement (c): 38.40 Hellenic Telecoms: 15.50 Panafon: 6.54 Hellenic Petroleum: 9.10 Attica Enterprises: 7.70 Intracom: 21.20 Mytilineos: 8.14 Minoan Lines: 4.90 Viohalco: 9.72 Coca Cola HBC: 17.22

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

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

The yield spread over German bunds was 59 basis points, compared to 58 of the previous session.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.525 billion euros (520 billion drachmas) from a record-breaking 760 million euros (259 billion drachmas) in trade the day before.

Sell orders accounted for 1 billion euros of turnover.

Equity futures end with mixed results: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished the day with mixed results on Friday, with the FTSE/ASE 20 index dropping in line with the bourse indices on which they are based, traders said.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.26 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.62 percent lower.

Turnover was 44.3 million euros on 7,843 contracts traded, the dealers said.

[20] Koskotas released on parole after 12-year incarceration

Athens, 17/03/2001 (ANA)

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

He was released, with restrictions, shortly before noon Friday from Korydallos prison near Piraeus, where he was serving a 25-year sentence for embezzlement, forgery and obstruction of justice, all felonies under Greek law.

Koskotas, who left the prison escorted by his two daughters and son, declined any comment on his future plans, saying only he wanted "some time to think".

A Piraeus appellate court on Thursday overturned a lower court decision and freed Koskotas, who under the terms of the parole is barred from leaving the country, must permanently reside at his posh mansion in the Ekali suburb north of Athens, and must report to a local police precinct every two weeks.

[21] Athens 2004 organizers outline details on venues, dates

Athens, 17/03/2001 (ANA)

ATHOC president Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki inaugurated the second briefing for Greece's sports federations at the War Museum in Athens, where she also kicked-off morning presentations in practically every area of 2004 planning and preparations.

Specifically, 60 percent of the sports competitions will be held at three separate areas of the Greek capital: a coastal stretch along the southern Faliro district; the Hellenikon site that currently hosts Athens' soon-to-be closed airport and other auxiliary air transport facilities, as well as the main OAKA complex north of the Greek capital's center. The Athens Olympic Stadium, where the athletic events and opening ceremony will be held, stands at the heart of the OAKA complex. Additionally, a new 2004 tennis venue will be built at OAKA.

Upgrades at current OAKA sports venues -- including an indoor arena, natatorium, training fields and a velodrome - are scheduled to begin this November and finish by December 2003.

In terms of Hellenikon, mostly portable venues and even the current airport maintenance hanger will be used to host six sports: softball, baseball, field hockey, the preliminary rounds of basketball, the handball finals and sailing events at the seaside Agios Kosmas site, which lies across from the current airport.

The increasingly popular mountain bike competition will take place along the slopes of verdant Mount Parnitha, one of three major mountain ranges that surround the greater Athens area.

ATHOC promised "few and environmentally friendly" facilities at Marathon site, 35 kilometers northeast of Athens, the starting point of its namesake event. The issue of building an elongated artificial lake for the rowing and canoeing events at the Schinias site, which lies on the Marathon plain, has come under increasing fire from environmentalists and archaeologists of late, due to its proximity to the ancient battlefield of Marathon and because one of the only remaining wetlands in the area, albeit sharply reduced, exists there too.

However, ATHOC, the Greek government and even the IOC support construction of the rowing center at Schinias, promising to respect the environment and the site's historical significance.

The preliminary rounds for soccer will be hosted by four other cities in Greece: the western port of Patra; Volos, in central Greece; the country's second largest city of Thessaloniki, in northern Greece, and Irakleio, the largest city on the island of Crete.

Forty-one test events will take place between April 2003 and May 2004, while the first test event will come in sailing -- set for August 2002.

In terms of hospitality for the thousands of IOC delegates, officials and press members expected to flock to Athens in the August 2004, organizers said some 11,600 hotel rooms have already been booked, with more planned and even cruise ships to be employed.

Money wise, organizers said the budget for the Games stands at around ?1.71 billion, with broadcasting rights expected to account for 43 percent of that figure; 27 percent from sponsors, 11 percent from ticket sales along with a 14-percent contribution from Greek state coffers.

Tickets are scheduled to go on sale in the spring of 2003, whereas as organizers said prices will be decided in consultation with the IOC by the summer of 2002.

Finally, ATHOC projects that up to 147,000 people will be employed during the lead-up to the Games.

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