Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-03-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] EU to use diplomacy in FYROM crisis, NATO to deploy troops on borders

[02] PM speaks about promoting tolerance at Athens meeting

[03] Greek premier arrives in London for talks with his British counterpart

[04] Greece to present own proposal for FYROM to EU FM Council

[05] Government wants UN resolutions on Kosovo fully implemented

[06] President, Constantopoulos voice shared concern over FYROM crisis

[07] ND leader in FYROM on Wednesday

[08] Papandreou to meet Ivanov on sidelines of EU summit at Stockholm

[09] Reppas denounces BBC program on terrorism Greece

[10] Economist and journalist Stelios Veis-Kamnarokos a member of the OSCE's new Permanent Mission in Belgrade

[11] NSS says nationwide census "a success"

[12] Transport workers to strike Tuesday

[13] Greek tourism revenues up 21 percent in 2000

[14] Greek agricultural exports rose but so did imports maintaining trade deficit agriculture minister says

[15] Greek stocks lose substantial ground on ASE

[16] Ruling PASOK party affiliated candidates win Confederation of Workers' elections

[17] New Athens airport safety "non-negotiable"

[18] Greece seeks to become international energy hub

[19] Study unveiled for ancient Lesvos theatre's restoration

[20] US communications professor compares Bush, Gore performances

[21] Thessaloniki to host international conference on children's audio visual conference

[22] IOC delegation tours Schinias site, expresses satisfaction

[23] Cyprus foreign minister to meet US counterpart in Washington in three week' time

[01] EU to use diplomacy in FYROM crisis, NATO to deploy troops on borders

BRUSSELS, WASHINGTON, 20/03/2001 (ANA G. Zitouniati, T. Ellis)

This extraordinary meeting of the 15-member Union included FYROMs Foreign Minister Srgjan Kerim and NATOs secretary Lord Robertson at the request of Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, to the Swedish EU presidency.

The ministers did not preclude from their decision the use of military force in diffusing the conflict, expressing strongly their deep concern for the escalation of violence in FYROM.

They condemned the efforts of Albanian extremists to destabilize the region and stressed their close adherence to the existing borders of the region, as well as to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of FYROM, as a one and only multi-ethnic state.

A little later, in Washington a U.S. State Department spokesman announced that the United States support without reservations the territorial integrity of FYROM and condemn the activities of the Albanian extremists, adding that the U.S. working to confront the crisis within the framework of the relevant Untied Nations decision.

In Brussels, Robertson announced that NATO would deploy more troops on the borders of Kosovo with FYROM, on the side of Kosovo, to better control conditions. This decision was reached during a telephone conversation between U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powel and German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer on Sunday.

The US state department spokesman, however, reiterated that the U.S. and NATO were not willing to deploy forces within FYROM, and made painfully clear that any additional NATO forces in the region would not include American troops.

Further international discussion on the crisis is expected to take place at the Union summit in Stockholm on March 23-24.

Kerim, following his meetings with Union leaders, called Greece's contribution toward the de-escalation of the crisis "invaluable" and stressed the common will to neutralize the extremists, while he called for the Kosovo-FYROM borders to be sealed.

On his part, Papandreou said that "all of us would like to resolve the problem with diplomatic means, but if this becomes unattainable, the geographic extension of the KFOR mission or a new mandate, aiming to disarm the extremist groups, should not be ruled out".

He called the situation as it has developed "very sensitive" and said that "it would be a mistake to pass on the message that we leave open the possibility of a 'federalization' (of FYROM)" as the extremists are demanding.

The U.S. State Department spokesman, during his briefing of the press later rebutted criticism by FYROM's Premier Ljubco Georgievski that the US is "not doing enough", saying that NATO was doing everything in its power to protect and seal the Kosovo borders.

He added that conditions in FYROM were very different than those in Kosovo, as in the case of FYROM a few people living in a multi-ethnic democratic society were trying to impose control with the use of weapons.

[02] PM speaks about promoting tolerance at Athens meeting

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

Participating in the meeting are academics, specialists and representatives of governments in Europe, North America and Latin America.

The series of meetings to discuss issues and problems of the 21st century, and ways in which social democrat governments could control globalization, were decided on during a 'progressive governments' summit arranged by German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder last year, that was also attended by US President Bill Clinton.

Talking on "Promoting tolerance and respect for cultural, national and religious differences," Simitis began his address by using the example of an Albanian school student who was not allowed to be flag-bearer during the 28 October National Day school parade last year, because of local objections.

The flag bearer heads the parade carrying the Greek flag, and the job is usually reserved for the student with the best marks in the school.

The case attracted a lot of media and political attention, but the boy himself eventually waived the right, saying he did not wish to be the cause of conflict within the community.

According to the prime minister, public opinion polls showed that the majority were not against the boy being allowed to carry the flag, but a small, vociferous minority managed to carry the day.

"I ask you," the prime minister said, "What would we want that student to be? The flag bearer for a fortress? Or a flag bearer of values that open horizons and do not erect walls?"

Accepting difference, he continued, was vital for a society with rights and solidarity. In addition, the trend to homogenize cultural models had to be resisted, and difference made into an asset.

Globalization, he said, was not a linear process for eliminating difference, and he stressed the role of new technologies in promoting and preserving cultural differences.

He also spoke at length about migration, predicting that this would continue and that it would be one of the greatest challenges of the age. A progressive government, he said, should aim for a human-centered approach that was able to deal with unpredictable changes, tension and rapid developments. Describing the country's policy on immigration, he said this aimed at the eventual incorporation of foreigners into Greek society, with the guarantee of certain minimum rights.

A number of notable academics are due to speak after Simitis, before the meeting ends on Monday evening.

[03] Greek premier arrives in London for talks with his British counterpart

LONDON, 20/03/2001 (ANA - G. Papachristos)

Simitis will be received at 10 Downing St. on Tuesday evening, while on Wednesday he will meet with the leadership of the Greek ship owners of Britain.

On Thursday the Greek premier will depart for Stockholm, to participate in the European Union summit.

[04] Greece to present own proposal for FYROM to EU FM Council

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

The proposal to be submitted by Foreign Minister George Papandreou concerns an immediate ceasefire and the need for dialogue between all the political forces in the region.

Papandreou has already briefed EU High Commissioner for a common foreign and defense policy Javier Solana on his proposal, during a meeting on the sidelines of the EU council on Monday.

The Greek foreign minister will also meet his FYROM counterpart Srgjan Kerim, who has been invited to attend the General Affairs Council by the EU's Swedish presidency.

Earlier on Monday, meanwhile, Papandreou met with the Stability Pact's Special Coordinator for southeast Europe, Bodo Hombach, to discuss the pact's "There's no future without peace" program, which will be the main focus of Hombach's visit to Skopje on Tuesday.

In Athens, foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said that the situation in the Balkans was still critical and that Athens was in constant contact with the government in Skopje, NATO and the EU to bring about an end to violence through diplomacy and political means.

Beglitis also stressed the need for dialogue between all sides once a ceasefire is agreed, in order for a solution to be reached.

He said that Athens was responding to FYROM's appeals for help, in accord with its formal obligations and the principles of good neighborliness.

Analysts are also waiting with interest for an upcoming meeting between the foreign ministers of Greece, Albania and FYROM in Prespes, which was agreed before the current crisis erupted but for which no date has yet been set.

Government spokesman reiterates Greece's support for FYROM government: Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas on Monday reiterated Greece's support for the government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), while Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis will be arriving in Skopje, FYROM, on Tuesday to attend the conference of Balkan Parliament presidents. Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers are holding an extraordinary meeting in Brussels.

[05] Government wants UN resolutions on Kosovo fully implemented

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

The spokesman also called for the immediate implementation of UN resolution 1244 on Kosovo, saying that this should have already been done and that the extremists should have been disarmed.

Stressing the need to support the Skopje government politically, Reppas said that Greece was reinforcing this as much as possible and was present at all international discussions on this issue.

Asked if Greece should expect a wave of refugees, Reppas responded negatively, though noting that applications for Greek visas had recently increased.

[06] President, Constantopoulos voice shared concern over FYROM crisis

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

After the meeting, both men expressed concern over the latest crisis in the Balkans, triggered by the attacks of Albanian extremists around the town of Tetovo.

Constantopoulos also urged the government to press the European Union into making the Balkans a top priority in EU regional policy. He said the government should ask for an emergency EU summit on regional policy and Balkan stability.

The Coalition leader stressed the need to support FYROM's territorial integrity and to rule out changes in borders, warning that such a development could have catastrophic repercussions.

He also reiterated that current events were the result of NATO's intervention in 1999, and that international organizations could not now "wash their hands" of the situation like Pontius Pilate.

[07] ND leader in FYROM on Wednesday

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

Greece has stepped up its activity over the past week to assist in efforts to defuse the explosive situation in FYROM and to back the Skopje government.

[08] Papandreou to meet Ivanov on sidelines of EU summit at Stockholm

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

According to reports, the Summit will be called on to implement the EU policy on unemployment that was decided at Lisbon a year ago, and will deal mainly with economic and social issues.

On the sidelines of the summit, during a working dinner also attended by EU foreign ministers, Europe's leaders will discuss political issues, such as developments in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the Middle East crisis and Europe's relations with Korea.

[09] Reppas denounces BBC program on terrorism Greece

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

The spokesman termed the content of the program as "fabrication" and "public disinformation".

Reppas conceded that for the time being there are not the desirable results, noting however that there is close cooperation between Greece and Britain on the issue, noting that terrorism is an international plague.

Reppas said Greece is a safe country and that its citizens and foreigners that visit it are safe.

[10] Economist and journalist Stelios Veis-Kamnarokos a member of the OSCE's new Permanent Mission in Belgrade

VIENNA, 20/03/2001 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

The choice of the Greek senior political adviser by a big number of candidates from various countries provides Greece with the possibility of considerable participation in the OSCE's work in Yugoslavia.

The establishment of the OSCE's Permanent Mission in Belgrade had been decided at the end of last November at its headquarters in Vienna during the 8th session of the 55 member-states' foreign ministers, when Yugoslavia's official return to the OSCE had been carried out, following the "freezing" of its membership in 1992 due to the war in Bosnia, and at which Greece had been represented by Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

[11] NSS says nationwide census "a success"

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

Karavitis said that Greek citizens contributed in the success of the census and urged all those who did not take part in Sunday's procedure to offer all requested data to NSS's offices, police stations and city halls around the country on Monday.

He acknowledged that the service faced some problems in conducting the census and announced that final figures would be released on Wednesday or Thursday.

[12] Transport workers to strike Tuesday

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

Civil aviation unions said their 24-hour strike would reduce OA's flights to minimum, with only one flight each for every destination at home and abroad. The same applies to Olympic Aviation's domestic flights, with routes abroad unaffected.

The Union of Civil Aviation Pilots said on Monday they would turn up for work as they had not ruled out privatization as a solution to the airline's problems.

Workers at state Hellenic Railways and the Athens metro will hold a four-hour work stoppage from 0500 to 0900, while workers on blue buses and trolleys will walk off the job from 0500 to 0700.

Strikers will demonstrate outside the transport ministry at noon. Measures will be taken to avoid traffic chaos in central Athens.

"We are putting up a fight to preserve Olympic Airways' national role," Manolis Patestos, the present of the Civil Aviation Union, told reporters.

[13] Greek tourism revenues up 21 percent in 2000

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

Hellenic Tourism Organizations secretary-general, Evgenios Yiannakopoulos, said the figures was one more evidence of the dynamism of the domestic tourist market and that it reflected a steadily increasing number of tourist arrivals in the last few years.

The central bank said increased tourism revenues contributed in lowering the country's current accounts deficit last year.

[14] Greek agricultural exports rose but so did imports maintaining trade deficit agriculture minister says

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

He added that basic Greek agricultural product exports rose by 30 per cent.

[15] Greek stocks lose substantial ground on ASE

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

Traders said turnover was subdued reflecting investors' reluctance to enter the market ahead of a decision on interest rates by the US Federal Reserve Bank on Tuesday.

Shares in the Wholesale, Publishing and IT sectors were mainly hit.

The general index ended 1.7 percent lower at 3,072.66 points, with turnover a low 196.34 million euros, or 66.9 billion drachmas, of which 15.91 million euros accounted for pre-agreed block trades.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 1,758.72 points, off 1.28 percent, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index fell 2.39 percent to 371.16 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 6,541.31 -1.24% Telecoms: 1,009.59 -1.72% Insurance: 1,415.07 -0.63% Investment: 1,266.86 -1.20% Construction: 1,480.68 -1.53% Industrials: 1,899.35 -2.33% Holding: 3,377.73 -3.03% Base metals: 978.84 -2.42% Minerals: 1,033.89 -1.39% Publishing: 974.03 -3.74% Textiles: 1,126.78 -7.81% Retailing: 1,117.67 -2.36% IT: 1,043.68 -3.65% IT solutions: 1,011.19 -3.35%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 325.26 points, off 3.99 percent.

"Broadly, advancers led decliners by 308 to 42 with another 25 issues unchanged".

Athina, Mesohoritis, Ekter, Halyps Cement (p), Douros, ANEK Lines (p), Mosholios, Lambropoulos and Agricultural Life scored the biggest percentage gains, while AAA, Tasoglou, Lanakam, Levenderis, Klonatex, Allatini, Kyriakoulis, Athenian Holdings, Etma and Sex Form suffered the heaviest losses (exceeding 11.8 percent).

Geke, Balkan Export, Telesis Bank, Naoussa Spinning and Klonatex were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in euros): National Bank: 37.96 Alpha Bank: 30.16 Commercial Bank: 49.88 Eurobank: 19.04 Piraeus Bank: 13.26 Lambrakis Press: 12.36 Altec: 6.92 Intrasoft: 11.68 Titan Cement (c): 38.12 Hellenic Telecoms: 15.28 Panafon: 6.36 Hellenic Petroleum: 9.02 Attica Enterprises: 7.52 Intracom: 20.62 Mytilineos: 7.90 Minoan Lines: 4.74 Viohalco: 9.52 Coca Cola HBC: 17.04

Derivatives show 5.4 pct volume drop in Feb vs. Jan: The Athens Derivatives Exchange in February posted a 5.4 percent decline against January in the number of contracts traded, authorities said in a statement on Monday.

Contracts in February totalled 335,714 from 355,032 in January, the statement said.

The drop stemmed mainly from the fact that there were fewer trading days in the month at 19 against 21 in January, it added.

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

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 1.28 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 2.39 percent lower.

Turnover was 26.0 million euros on 4,682 contracts traded, the dealers said.

Bond prices nose down in light to moderate trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Monday finished slightly lower in light to moderate trade.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.283 percent. The yield spread over German bunds was 58 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 620 million euros (211 billion drachmas).

Sell orders accounted for 341 million euros of turnover.

[16] Ruling PASOK party affiliated candidates win Confederation of Workers' elections

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

The umbrella trade union, representing one million workers of the public and private sectors, concluded the election process on Sunday night at the end of its 30th congress.

PASKE's leading candidate Christos Polyzogopoulos is expected to be reelected to the presidency of the Confederation.

[17] New Athens airport safety "non-negotiable"

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

G. Stamboulidis, Civil Aviation Authority director, presenting the new airport's services, told reporters that "flight conditions have been drafted from ICAO and that an operating license would not have been granted otherwise".

Stamboulidis said the airport was equipped with updated systems, currently at a final test stage. "We believe that we won't face any new problems," he noted.

"Our staff has been trained abroad and is ready to operate while air traffic controllers will complete testing next Friday. We have programmed 32 flights per hour with the aim to reach 60-65 flights per hour in the summer," Stamboulidis said.

He said that radio antennas, installed on top of the Hymettos mountain, Stamboulidis said they interfered with radio communication between aircraft and air traffic control.

Passenger and aircraft checks will be carried out by around 650 security staff, excluding the police forces at the airport.

Seven information desks will be available to passengers, four in departures and two in arrivals, while airport staff will be able to be recognized from a "can I help you" budge.

The new Athens airport will be a "silent" airport, with no flight announcements made. All information regarding departure or arrival flights will be view on screens.

Smoking will be allowed at specially arranged sectors. The airport will have a 4,700 car parking lot, while baggage trolleys will cost 350 drachmas - one euro - each.

Stamboulidis said a "Sofitel" hotel, located across the central terminal, would be completed in June.

[18] Greece seeks to become international energy hub

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

Christodoulakis stressed the significance of a sub water electricity link project between Greece and Italy, the construction of new natural gas pipelines, the Thessaloniki-Skopje and Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipelines and a reconstruction of electricity networks in former Yugoslavia - a project restoring Greece's links with central Europe.

An energy autonomy of the country, reducing energy overspending and oil dependence, cost savings, promoting alternative energy sources and implementing a "green energy" system on industries operating under strict environmental standards, were the main targets of the government's energy policy, he said.

"Market deregulation is totally linked with implementing new investments," Christodoulakis noted.

He announced measures, in cooperation with other government ministries, to simplify licensing procedures on renewable energy projects and higher sums earmarked for such projects from a Third Community Support Framework.

[19] Study unveiled for ancient Lesvos theatre's restoration

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

Remnants of the ancient theatre were unearthed in 1927, with systematic excavations undertaken by the Italian Archaeological Society of Athens in 1939.

The two main goals listed in the study are to maintain the theatre - the object of Hellenistic- and Roman-era renovations during antiquity -- in its present condition, as well as to restore the site as much as possible to its original state, thereby allowing its use as a venue for selected "low-impact" cultural events.

[20] US communications professor compares Bush, Gore performances

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to a University of Athens auditorium packed with mostly college students, Northeastern University communications professor Richard A. Katula said the rhetorical questions raised by Democratic candidate and then Vice-President Al Gore during three nationally televised debates "may have caused Gore's defeat".

In a presentation peppered with video footage of the debates, satirical skits lampooning the two candidates and feedback from would-be voters, Katula focused on what he called Gore's "communication mistakes" during the debates, mistakes that ultimately swayed the balance in Bush's favor.

"The only problem Gore had going into the debates was hyperbole and a tendency to exaggerate. All Bush had to do was not make a fool out of himself," he said, while mentioning the one-time US vice-president's claim, among others, of "creating the Internet" as well as the former Texas governor's inexperience in foreign affairs and often rusty speaking skills.

The Northeastern professor added that the debates and subsequent media coverage raised the issue of "authenticity" on the part of Gore -- who actually led the polls a full month before the November election.

"Bush exceeded expectations, among the public and press, whereas Gore came off as a phony," Katula said of the reviews from the first debate. "He (Gore) changed his image for the second debate, effectively putting his campaign on the defensive".

The lecture was organized by the University of Athens' school of mass media and Prof. Evangelos Sorogas.

[21] Thessaloniki to host international conference on children's audio visual conference

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

The conference, held at the initiative of the European Center of Children's Television, is organized by the company "Children-Media Development". It is an event for children on audio visual media. The conference is held every three years.

[22] IOC delegation tours Schinias site, expresses satisfaction

Athens, 20/03/2001 (ANA)

Projected facilities for the center, particularly construction of an elongated man-made lake, have drawn fire by local and international environmental advocates and even criticism from many archaeologists, who charge that the project is too close to the historical battlefield of Marathon - 35 kilometers northeast of Athens.

However, the government and ATHOC have countered that upgrades and provisions for a national park-like status for the entire Schinias area -- which includes one of the last remaining tracts of wetlands in Attica prefecture -- will safeguard the region from further environmental destruction and the onslaught of concrete.

Remnants of past military installations, an airfield and a scattering of mostly illegally built residences and taverns currently litter the Schinias landscape - a small plain sandwiched between the coastline and the surrounding mountains.

After a briefing by government officials, ATHOC representatives and environmental advocacy groups opposed to the projects, the IOC delegation, overseeing sports and the environment, expressed its satisfaction with the project's course and protections for the area's ecosystem.

[23] Cyprus foreign minister to meet US counterpart in Washington in three week' time

NICOSIA, 20/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

"Secretary Powel would not have the meeting unless he was very serious about it," the same sources said.

US Ambassador in Nicosia Donald Bandler is expected to be present at the Washington meeting. Kasoulides leaves for the US on 2 April and is expected to be back on 10 April.

The meeting scheduled for 9 April in Washington comes at a time of an impasse in the UN-led peace effort aimed at finding a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus because of fresh demands by Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, who has declared the UN proximity talks "dead" and wants "state-to-state" negotiations in a bid to gain recognition of his self-styled regime in the Turkish-occupied part Cyprus.

Powel reiterated US continued interest in efforts to find a solution in a reply letter to Kasoulides, who had written to congratulate his American counterpart on his appointment.

The US remain engaged in the efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus question, US Ambassador to Cyprus Donald Bandler said here on Monday, adding that the UN officials in charge are continuing to work on the issue.

Speaking to the press after calling on President Glafcos Clerides, Bandler also said that the international community is actively working towards the continuation of the UN-led proximity talks aiming at finding a solution in Cyprus, divided since Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of its territory in 1974.

Invited to comment on the fact that nothing appears to be happening in the Cyprus peace effort, he said that the UN, the US, the UK and the European Union remain engaged in the process of resuming the proximity talks.

"It's a period now in which much work does continue aimed at exploring how and when we will re-emerge and continue the process of working towards a settlement," the US ambassador added. The UN opened proximity talks for a Cyprus settlement in December 1999 and have held five rounds of meetings.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash refused to participate in another round of talks, initially scheduled for January, unless his illegal regime in the Turkish occupied areas is recognized.

Bandler called on the president with University of Southern California professor Max Nikias and businessman Andros Karayiannis, who briefed President Clerides on issues relating to information technologies and about a workshop held over the weekend for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

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