Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-03-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Government to redirect funds to social policy, premier says

[02] Beglitis comments on the results of Papandreou's visit to FYROM

[03] Greece steadfastly supports FYROM and its efforts to isolate extremists

[04] FM Papandreou to pay working visit to Ankara next week

[05] Papandreou: Athens' policy on Cyprus, Greek-Turkish relations unchanged

[06] European unification is also defense unification, minister says

[07] Tsohatzopoulos submits amendment for crisis management unit

[08] ND leader says he will not seek reconfirmation of his leadership at party's congress

[09] ND executive bureau proposes elected secretary for central comm't

[10] British minister for cabinet office in Athens next week

[11] Deputies table questions in Parliament on radio stations closures

[12] Greek agricultural sector in need of 1.3 million foreign seasonal workers a year

[13] Reforming social security systems an EU priority, Giannitsis says

[14] Greek EU commissioner signs decision on vocational training

[15] Passenger shipping deregulation bill ready for parliament

[16] Greece, Latvia sign economic cooperation protocol in Athens

[17] Sea Containers of UK wins Corinth Canal tender

[18] ND calls for complete privatization of 2 state-run casinos

[19] Northern Greek exporters support Thessaloniki's bid for EXPO trade fair

[20] Airfares to rise due to higher tax at new airport

[21] British, German tourism to Halkidiki seen rising

[22] ASE holds above 3,000 support level on Thursday

[23] Gov't to transfer day-care center management to local authorities

[24] First takeoff from Athens' new Eleftherios Venizelos int'l airport

[25] US ambassador awards diplomas for seminar on basic narcotics training

[26] Greece withdraws F-5 fighter jets from service

[27] Vatican hopes to book Olympic Stadium for Pope's visit to Athens

[28] Plaque in Brigadier Saunders' memory to be unveiled in Athens

[29] Two-day conference on education begins in Athens

[30] Cyprus-EU provisionally close movement of capital chapter

[31] President meets Australian Cyprus Envoy

[32] UN top Cyprus envoy and EU Commissioner discuss Cyprus developments

[01] Government to redirect funds to social policy, premier says

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

The procurement of Eurofighter jets to replace ageing aircraft of the Greek Air force was the first victim of defense spending cuts, freeing up one trillion drachmas for social policies and other expenditures, such as the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, which are expected to cost two trillion drachmas. He said that the procurement of the planes was not cancelled, rather postponed for after 2004.

After the meeting, Simitis said the aim of the changes was to create a society with "a human face".

According to Simitis, the meeting decided on a broad outline of changes to economic policy over the next three years, on the basis of the government's program positions.

The first priority, he said, would be social policy and its parameters, such as employment, health, education and creating a network against poverty and social isolation.

He announced that an action plan for the last would be presented in the next few days.

Next in line, the prime minister said, came developmental policy, which aimed to reduce unemployment and increase jobs, while the third priority was to host a successful Olympiad in 2004 and a one trillion drachmas tax cut to be in force after 2003.

In order for all this to happen, Simitis added, it would be necessary to control spending, combat tax evasion and limit the black economy - something that would be discussed separately for each ministry and sector.

[02] Beglitis comments on the results of Papandreou's visit to FYROM

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

Papandreou was in Skopje on Wednesday, where he met with a number of FYROM officials - including FYROM's President Boris Trajkovski, former president Kiro Gligorov and Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski.

During his visit, he was briefed on the course of military operations by the FYROM government against Albanian extremist forces around Tetovo. According to the spokesman, Papandreou believed that these forces would soon be pushed out of FYROM territory and the crisis could well end soon.

The Greek foreign minister also met with the leader of FYROM's Albanian Democratic Party, Arben Xhaferi, and explained that Greek support and assistance to the government of FYROM was in no way targeted against the Albanian community but aimed to aid development within the country.

Beglitis announced that an agreement of association and stabilization would be signed between the European Union and FYROM on the sidelines of the next EU General Affairs Council on April 9.

He noted that the EU had not set any conditions for the signature of this agreement - such as the start of political dialogue or the cessation of armed conflict.

Asked what political dialogue might entail, he said that this was an internal affair of the neighboring country but suggested that it might deal with issues such as the role of local government, relations between the various ethnic communities, Albanian minority rights and having an Albanian university in Tetovo.

[03] Greece steadfastly supports FYROM and its efforts to isolate extremists

VIENNA, 30/03/2001 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

Addressing Thursday's session of the organizations Permanent Council, Prevedourakis reiterated Greece's steadfast support for the country and the government's intention to continue cooperation, both bilaterally and through international organizations; to assist FYROM's efforts to isolate Albanian extremists; to speed up the social integration of all ethnic groups; and to protect the country's democratic and multi-ethnic character.

[04] FM Papandreou to pay working visit to Ankara next week

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis told reporters that Papandreou would be in Ankara on April 5 and 6 for a working visit and talks with Turkish prime minister Bulent Ecevit, deputy premier Mesut Yilmaz, leader of the conservative Motherland Party which is a junior partner in the three-way coalition government, and deputy premier Devlet Bahceli who heads the third coalition partner, the Nationalist Action Party (MHP), as well as foreign minister Ismail Cem.

Beglitis said Papandreou would discuss bilateral relations, regional cooperation and Turkey's European prospect during his talks in Ankara.

Regarding bilateral relations, the purpose of the visit was to further consolidate and strengthen the climate of rapprochement and cooperation between the two countries, he said.

He also said that the process of parliamentary ratification of nine low-level agreements signed between the two countries was progressing rapidly, as seven of the cooperation accords had already been ratified in the fields of cooperation between customs authorities, cooperation in sea-borne transports, tourism, scientific and technical cooperation, investments protection, and environmental protection.

[05] Papandreou: Athens' policy on Cyprus, Greek-Turkish relations unchanged

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

Foreign Minister George Papandreou also stressed that the Greek government's policy vis-a-vis the two sensitive foreign policy issues was supported by a "majority of the Greek people".

Papandreou was responding to a tabled question in Parliament by three deputies from within his ruling PASOK party - Stelios Papathemelis, Panagiotis Kritikos and Kyriakos Spyriounis, all part of the party's so-called "patriotic" bloc.

Referring to his first official meeting recently with new US Secretary of State Colin Powell, the Greek FM said his US counterpart reiterated Washington's support for the UN secretary general's efforts regarding the Cyprus issue, while adding that US policy on the protracted problem also remains unaltered.

The only change, Papandreou said, was the State Department's decision to abolish the special emissary post for the Cyprus in favor of an upgrade of the State Department's role.

Asked by the three deputies why Powell shied away from commenting the Cyprus problem and what they termed a "continued Turkish threat", Papandreou noted that the US Secretary of State has only recently assumed his pivotal post.

In repeating Athens' standing position, the Greek FM said Greece believes the only viable solution is the creation of a bizonal, bicommunal federation based on UN Security Council resolutions.

Former Turk FM on Cyprus issue: Meanwhile, former Turkish FM Ilter Turkmen reportedly told an audience of Turkish Cypriots at a university in the occupied part of the island republic that "Ankara doesn't have much time left to solve the Cyprus issue".

Turkmen also claimed that the once vibrant port city of Famagusta, a relative "ghost town" since the Turkish invasion in the summer of 1974, would be returned to the Cyprus Republic.

The one-time Turkish FM reiterated that failure to solve the Cyprus issue does not rank as an impediment to the island republic's EU accession, according to decisions taken at the 1999 Helsinki EU summit.

Finally, Turkmen predicted that a "flood" of individuals now holding a so-called "Turkish Cypriot" citizenship will attempt to acquire a Cypriot passport once the island republic enters the Union.

[06] European unification is also defense unification, minister says

BRUSSELS, 30/03/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Tsohatzopoulos, who was speaking to reporters after a discussion on European defense organized by the European Socialist Party, said the issue of European defense is timely and for European socialists it constitutes one of united Europe's top priorities.

He said one of the issues discussed by European socialists is securing necessary funds both for the creation of a joint European defense and support for the European defense industry to enable it to produce modern and cheap products in the long term.

Commenting on discussions on a decrease in defense expenditures in Greece, Tsohatzopoulos said "we Greek socialists have certain particularities according to periods", adding that "we are steadfastly bent on the concept of social cohesion and covering social needs" and that stable economic growth is necessary for this to happen.

Referring to Thursday's inner cabinet meeting, he said the discussion concerned decreases in expenditures for all ministries to facilitate the government's development efforts.

[07] Tsohatzopoulos submits amendment for crisis management unit

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

According to the proposal, the body created would answer directly to the defense minister and its job would be to "evaluate the political impact of events and situations that might affect national defense and to inform the political leadership, with the ultimate aim of securing the necessary coordination between all ministry bodies involved for the more effective evaluation, assessment and handling of a crisis, either existing or emerging."

Tsohatzopoulos also submitted an amendment that would create a Common Financial Inspectors Corps that would monitor the handling of public sector assets by the Armed Forces.

[08] ND leader says he will not seek reconfirmation of his leadership at party's congress

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

In an exclusive interview with the Athens News Agency (ANA) a day before his party's 5th three-day congress starts at Peace and Friendship stadium, Karamanlis said the purpose of the congress is to enable the party to appeal to all creative forces in the country and to all Greeks, regardless of their political affiliation, for the creation of a strong Greece and a society with cohesion, solidarity and humanity.

On the question of whether the role of the so-called old guard will be restricted, he said "the issue is not for us to exclude, and indeed by setting age criteria, because this also refers to a particular racism and neither does anxiousness to renew cadre potential mean the marginalization of worthy people. You should not forget that no tree can develop and grow new branches if someone cuts its roots."

Commenting on criticism that discussions prior to the congress were limited to organizational changes, Karamanlis said this was due to the atmosphere created by the media "since some people have invested in utilizing certain different views to create the impression that introversion is continuing".

Speaking of Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos' new party, Karamanlis said the mayor has made his choices, which the Greek people will judge.

"ND fears no one and nothing, and it will emerge as a strong and self-sufficient government in the next general elections," he said.

Karamanlis touched on the issue of vested interests, saying he is not prepared to resort to personal attacks and announced a head-on clash with the government if it refuses to allow transparency rules.

He further said the Athens 2004 Olympic Games are not suitable for petty-partisan exploitation, adding that a problem exists in all sectors of government action.

He also pointed out that the government "is proving on a daily basis that it is not functioning and that the prime minister has lost control."

"It is certain that as time passes this situation will be intensified. I think that even the most optimistic see that margins are tightening for something to change dramatically," he said.

Karamanlis said problems primarily exist in sectors concerning the citizen and added "I am referring to unemployment, the widening of poverty and the expansion of social inequality, education, health and the citizen's safety."

He said Greeks are witnessing a tactic by which Prime Minister Costas Simitis and his government "are attempting to erase images of gray and misery through the petty-partisan exploitation of cases which ultimately concern Greece and all the Greeks".

"The major projects. Projects which were inspired, scheduled, planned and started by ND are becoming a field over which the most crude and overt propaganda is developing," he added.

"Our duty before all this, the challenge concerning all of us is to succeed in meeting the quests, queries and expectations of society with even greater impetus and persuasion," he said.

[09] ND executive bureau proposes elected secretary for central comm't

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

According to reports, ND's executive bureau unanimously backed the proposal. A nominee for central committee secretary would have to achieve a clear majority for election.

Another proposal was for the expansion of ND's central committee to include all of the party's deputies, Euro-MPs, mayors from major municipalities, prefects and union representatives.

[10] British minister for cabinet office in Athens next week

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

Greek Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou will receive Mowlam, while the two women are also scheduled to sign a wide-ranging memorandum of cooperation for the modernization of Greece's public sector.

[11] Deputies table questions in Parliament on radio stations closures

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

PASOK deputies Theodoros Katsanevas, Panayiotis Kritikos, E. Kontomaris, Nora Katseli, Alekos Chrysanthakopoulos, Dimitris Pipergias and Kyriakos Spyriounis tabled the question requesting information of the reasons why radio stations in the area will be limited to 28 at a time when relevant agencies and scientists said it is possible for them to broadcast without risk for aviation.

In another case, ND deputy Manolis Kefaloyiannis asks by virtue of which law police forces, Public Power Corporation (DEH) work crews and a public prosecutor intervened on Mount Hymettus to cut electric power being provided for antennas and by which criteria stations were not given operating licenses.

In another development, well-known journalist Makis Triantafyllopoulos filed a lawsuit on Thursday against Greek Police (ELAS) Chief Ioannis Georgakopoulos, as well as any other person responsible, because on March 27-28 police forces deployed on the road leading to Mount Hymettus forbade him and his colleagues from reaching the spot where a DEH work crew was dismantling the antennas of private radio stations, preventing him in this way from exercising his work as a journalist.

[12] Greek agricultural sector in need of 1.3 million foreign seasonal workers a year

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

The peak number in demand rises to almost 130,000 in August and with highest demand in the central western Aetoloakarnania prefecture, where 155.000 workers are needed on an annual basis.

The predominantly tobacco growing region of Aetoloakarnania, which needs 155,000 workers, the fruit growing Pella prefecture which needs 85,000 workers and Viotia prefecture, which needs 56,000 workers ranked at the top of the list.

This data was collected by the local agencies of the agriculture ministry on the basis of the per month country total and per region annual total, as farmers in Greece are obliged to declare ahead of time their needs in foreign seasonal workers, in order to employ them legally, thus avoiding stiff penalties by the law.

The annual total of 1.3 million declared seems staggering if compared with the country's total population, which is almost 11 million people, according to the census conducted less than two weeks ago.

[13] Reforming social security systems an EU priority, Giannitsis says

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

Speaking during a seminar on "Reforming Social Security System" organized by the labor ministry in Athens, Yiannitsis said the reform process should focus on "seeking an economically acceptable, socially efficient and politically viable solution that would lessen the financial burden to support pensioners without undermining the prosperity of current and future generations of workers and pensioners".

EU Commissioner on Social Affairs Anna Diamantopoulou, along with Platon Tenios - an advisor to the prime minister - said they supported a plan for a mixed capitalization and redistribution system.

Mrs Diamantopoulou acknowledged workers' worries over a reform process, stressed the problems created to the domestic labor market from a current social security system and urged for the greater possible consensus in solving the issue.

[14] Greek EU commissioner signs decision on vocational training

BRUSSELS, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

The program includes EU backing (for all Greek regions) amounting to 1.9 billion euro, corresponding to 8.6 percent of the Community Support Framework's (CSF) total funding for Greece.

The program aims at promoting equal opportunities for access to the labor market for all, linking training and employment, developing and promoting enterprise, improving women's access to the labor market and strengthening training infrastructures

[15] Passenger shipping deregulation bill ready for parliament

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

The bill was completed after feedback earlier this month from parties involved in the market.

"The time has come for parliament. The political parties will be given a copy of the bill and will soon air their views. This is a bill of national importance," Papoutsis told a news conference.

Beyond deregulation, the bill also lowers the age ceiling for ships to 30 years from 35 years, staggered until 2008, instead of 2006 as in the original draft sent for feedback, the minister said.

[16] Greece, Latvia sign economic cooperation protocol in Athens

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

Greek National Economy Deputy Minister Yiannis Zaphiropoulos and Latvian Economic Minister Aigars Kalvitis signed the protocol during the first meeting of a joint ministerial meeting on economic cooperation between the two countries.

Specifically, the protocol includes such issues as tourism, construction, agriculture, transport, information systems, industry and education, while the protocol also included Greece's decision to grant 10 million dollars worth of credit line to Latvia.

[17] Sea Containers of UK wins Corinth Canal tender

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

The company was the sole bidder in the repeat international tender. More than fifteen firms from Greece and abroad had expressed interest in both tenders, the ministry said in a statement.

Sea Containers Services offered an annual lease in the 30-year contract of 10 percent of gross profits per year, with a minimum guaranteed annual payment of between 153 million drachmas and 844 million drachmas.

The minimum total financial gain for the state will be more than 10 billion drachmas at current rates, the statement said.

Sea Containers will carry out investments of 3.0 billion drachmas in the first ten years of the contract in order to boost tourism and economic growth in the area, the ministry added.

[18] ND calls for complete privatization of 2 state-run casinos

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

While a half-dozen "Las Vegas-style" private casinos were granted a license a few years ago, state-run gambling houses still operate atop Mt. Parnitha, a few kilometers northwest of Athens, and on the Ionian holiday island of Corfu.

According to ND deputy Yiannis Papathanasiou, the main opposition party advocates a complete privatization of the decades-old casinos, adding that "Greece is the only member of the euro-zone where the state persists in running such a business".

Papathanasiou also criticized the government's plan to set up the two casinos as societe anonymes and as subsidiaries of the state-affiliated Greek Tourism Real Estate S.A., all prior to seeking a strategic investor.

Touching on private casinos, the ND deputy called for strict state regulation to make sure legal provisions are adhered to, and that investment obligations are met.

[19] Northern Greek exporters support Thessaloniki's bid for EXPO trade fair

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

An announcement by Northern Greek Exporters' Federation said infrastructure preparations for the EXPO fair would benefit both economic development and employment and promote the country's economic and technological achievements around the world.

"It will also enhance Thessaloniki's role as an economic center in the Balkans," the announcement said.

The biggest advantage, however, will be the improvement of infrastructure in Thessaloniki, a move necessary to ensure balanced growth in the country following the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, it said.

[20] Airfares to rise due to higher tax at new airport

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

For domestic flights, the extra cost to be added on the ticket will rise to 11,075 drachmas from 8,178 drachmas at the Hellenikon facility, which has just closed down.

On flights to European Union countries, the tax will be 8,039 drachmas from 4,089 drachmas; and on flights outside the EU, 11,547 drachmas from 7,500 drachmas.

[21] British, German tourism to Halkidiki seen rising

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

A 10 percent increase is expected from the United Kingdom and 7-8 percent from Germany, members of the Halkidiki Hoteliers Association told a news conference.

Overall tourism to the area rose by 3.0 percent in 2000, the officials said.

[22] ASE holds above 3,000 support level on Thursday

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

Traders said prices fell because of lack of buying interest and not because of selling orders.

The general index ended 1.22 percent lower at 3,013.42 points, off the day's lows of 2,996.97 points. Turnover was a low 279.644 million euros, or 95.288 billion drachmas, of which 96.490 million euros accounted for pre-agreed block trades.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 1.22 percent to 1,734.10 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index dropped 1.39 percent to 366.18 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 6,410.79 -1.60% Telecoms: 975.28 -0.63% Insurance: 1,402.26 -1.64% Investment: 1,142.44 -1.11% Construction: 1,457.93 -0.58% Industrials: 1,865.31 -1.40% Holding: 3,476.93 +0.06% Base metals: 977.18 -1.12% Minerals: 1,004.94 -1.79% Publishing: 967.21 -2.49% Textiles: 1,176.65 -1.91% Retailing: 1,086.41 -1.70% IT: 1,065.10 -0.93% IT solutions: 1,042.22 -1.57% Wholesale: 948.74 -1.81% Food and Beverages: 874.53 -1.51%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 330.15 points, off 0.74 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 271 to 68 with another 19 issues unchanged.

Micromedia, Macedonian Plastics, Kyriakoulis, Fanco, Halyps Cement, Viosol, Lanakam, Levenderis and Progressive topped the list of percentage gainers, while Multirama, Alco Hellas, Parnassos, Mathios, Xifias, Evrofarma, Elfico, Stabilton and Korfil suffered the heaviest losses.

Frigoglass, Alpha Bank, Pouliadis, National Bank, Naoussa Spinning and Hellenic Telecoms were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in euros): National Bank: 38.20 Alpha Bank: 29.24 Commercial Bank: 50.24 Eurobank: 17.90 Piraeus Bank: 12.50 Lambrakis Press: 12.58 Altec: 7.22 Intrasoft: 11.76 Titan Cement (c): 37.80 Hellenic Telecoms: 14.74 Panafon: 6.06 Hellenic Petroleum: 8.94 Attica Enterprises: 7.64 Intracom: 19.74 Mytilineos: 8.00 Minoan Lines: 4.92 Viohalco: 10.54 Coca Cola HBC: 15.44

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

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 1.22 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 1.39 percent lower.

Turnover was 30.7 million euros on 5,027 contracts traded, the dealers said

Bond prices drop in record turnover: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Thursday finished lower in record-breaking turnover.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.26 percent from 5.24 percent a day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 56 basis points from 58 basis points in the session before.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.545 billion euros (526.4 billion drachmas) from 1.085 billion drachmas (370 billion drachmas) in the trading day before.

Sell orders accounted for 1.050 million euros of turnover.

Foreign Exchange Rate for US dollar: 382.392

[23] Gov't to transfer day-care center management to local authorities

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

A recent TEDKNA meeting demanded that the ministry push back the March 31 deadline for the transfer, so that the operating costs of the centers could be estimated and the necessary funds allocated by the ministry.

The transfer is to go ahead as planned, however, while the ministry has earmarked the sum of 30 billion drachmas to be distributed among local authorities based on running costs and number of children.

According to the ministry, 22 billion drachmas had been spent on day-care centers last year, while this year's sum represented 700,000 drachmas per child and is competitive compared to the sums spent by private day-care centers.

[24] First takeoff from Athens' new Eleftherios Venizelos int'l airport

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

The new airport briskly entered a "business as usual" mode as of 6:00 a.m. Thursday some three hours after completion of the overnight move from Hellenikon -- the last flight from which departed shortly after 6:00 p.m. Wednesday -- and on the heels of Tuesday's formal inauguration ceremony and first-landings celebrations of Wednesday.

First-day operation snags were minor, constituting minor delays in the check-in process early in the day that resulted in short delays in flights, but were quickly remedied with the opening of additional check-in counters at the airlines with a heavier passenger flow.

Airport president Haris Stamatopoulos tentatively attributed the problem to a possible glitch in the communication link between the computers of a few airlines with the airport's central system, but added that no problem arise in the check-in computer system. Stamatopoulos said that after the initial minor snags were solved, things were "going smoothly".

He added that approximately 300 flights -- both landings and takeoffs -- were scheduled for Thursday.

Meanwhile, a Federation of Civil Aviation Employees' Unions (OSPA) report released Thursday called on the government to "take advantage of the new development prospects for (national carrier) Olympic Airways created by the new environment of the Eleftherios Venizelos international airport" and for the completion of infrastructure works.

OSPA urged the government to "re-adapt its policy and protect the new character of the airline to the benefit of the social and national interests".

The report said that the OA employees, fully aware of their obligations, were prepared to contribute so that Olympic could "continue its protagonist role" at the new airport and "respond to the new state of affairs, exploiting the opportunities arising for its greater development".

[25] US ambassador awards diplomas for seminar on basic narcotics training

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

The purpose of the seminar was to train coast guard officials in modern methods of counter-narcotics work.

Burns, who had met earlier with Merchant Marine Minister Christos Papoutsis, said "the only way for us to restrict the influx of drugs is through international cooperation with our friends and allies all over the world. This is also the case with Greece which, in order to combat the problem of drugs, should have international cooperation with Italy, Turkey, the US and other countries in the Middle East", adding that "now, Mr. minister, we can be proud of the relations developed between our countries. Long live Greece. Long live America."

In his address, Papoutsis thanked Burns and the coast guard members who successfully completed the course and said "cooperation we have already established with the US in the drugs sector has already produced multiple benefits."

He said the Greek government is very sensitive on the issue of counter-narcotics and will in no way allow the country to become a corridor for drug trafficking from east to west.

Papoutsis also thanked the US government and DEA officials who contributed to the better training of the coast guard members.

[26] Greece withdraws F-5 fighter jets from service

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

The Northrop made F-5 Freedom fighter was in use for the past 35 years, ending its career with the Greek Air force due to age.

The event closed with a half-hour flight by Apostolakis in one of the three F-5s that flew over the Macedonian countryside.

[27] Vatican hopes to book Olympic Stadium for Pope's visit to Athens

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

Sources said that a meeting of Vatican officials on Tuesday night was devoted to the Pontiff's upcoming visit and had decided to do everything possible to secure a venue where Catholics in Greece could gather and be blessed by the Pope.

A delegation from the Vatican is due to visit Athens on April 2 to arrange the details of the Pope's visit with the Greek Orthodox Church and state, though sources say that Greek Church leaders do not look favorably on the Pope's intention to stage such a gathering.

On the same day, however, a sect that follows the Julian calendar will gather at an Athens hotel in protest at the planned visit by the Pope.

[28] Plaque in Brigadier Saunders' memory to be unveiled in Athens

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

The plaque will be unveiled by his widow Heather Saunders and his daughters Nicola and Catherine next Tuesday (Heather Saunders' birthday), at a ceremony attended by Greek ministers and the British Ambassador.

The plaque was paid for by contributions from friends and colleagues of the Saunders' family within the Greek and British communities.

[29] Two-day conference on education begins in Athens

Athens, 30/03/2001 (ANA)

[30] Cyprus-EU provisionally close movement of capital chapter

BRUSSELS, 30/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Cyprus has now completed 18 out of 29 chapters that are to be examined, since opening accession talks in 1998, and is still leading the other candidate states.

Vassiliou assured that Cyprus "will spare no effort in order to provide promptly all the information required on the remaining open chapters and proceed with the harmonization and implementation of the acquis, the aim being the provisional closure of an additional five to six chapters during the Swedish presidency."

The former Cyprus President said that the ceiling on the interest rate was abolished in Cyprus since the beginning of this year, the

Central Bank has liberalized capital movement, direct investments by EU residents have been liberalized, blocked accounts have been abolished and medium and long term borrowing by Cypriot residents in foreign currencies is now free.

"The Central Bank and the government of Cyprus have continued with their policy of strengthening and effectively monitoring the enforcement of anti-money laundering legislation," he told the meeting.

Vassiliou said an International Monetary Fund Mission has concluded that the anti-money laundering measures are effective and assured that Cyprus will continue its policy "in order to complete the liberalization of our money markets and ensure that Cyprus remains a safe financial center, which money launderers avoid."

Referring to the chapter on competition, also examined at the meeting, he said hard work is underway to finalize the regional aid map that will be submitted this year, instead of June 2002 as initially announced, and said the Cyprus government will appoint the first state-aid control Commissioner in the next weeks.

On the chapter referring to transport, Vassiliou expressed regret because it was not possible to close it on Thursday, despite the fact that the Commission and member-states are satisfied with the work done by Cyprus and the measures taken in particular for increasing maritime safety.

The Transport chapter is expected to close in mid May.

"We are now working on completing the work on all remaining chapters and are putting more and more emphasis on the effective implementation of the various commitments undertaken," the chief negotiator said.

[31] President meets Australian Cyprus Envoy

NICOSIA, 30/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

He also said Canberra wishes to be part of the international community in its efforts to encourage the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides to deal with the problem in a serious manner and try to find possible solutions.

His comments come after Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, backed by Ankara, withdrew from the UN-led proximity talks, which he declared dead, and demanded state-to-state negotiations in a bid to gain international recognition of his self-styled regime in Turkish occupied Cyprus.

"We hope we can collectively do what we can to support the UN effort to bring a speedy resolution for a problem that has gone on for too long," Short said, adding that he is seeking ways in which "people feel that we may be able to offer in practical ways assistance to the UN efforts." Australia, he said, would like, as part of the international community, to play a role in trying to do what it can to encourage the parties to the problem to come together in a meaningful way to consider seriously the problems involved and the possible solutions.

Asked if he would be giving any advice to Denktash during their meeting, Short, who was accompanied by Australian High Commissioner in Nicosia Frank Ingruber, said he is here to listen and not to tell people what to do.

"The parties to the problem have to sort that out for themselves but what they ought to know is that countries like Australia are very strong in their wish that the present stalemate that has been there for too long ends and a serious move towards the resolution of the problem is made," Short said.

He said on his return to Australia, having talked to others involved in the Cyprus question, he intends to offer some advice to Canberra on how it can assist the UN efforts more actively.

Short is planning to see the Greek and Turkish foreign ministers, Britain's special representative for Cyprus, the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto, European Union Commissioner responsible for enlargement Gunter Verheugen and US envoys Alfred Moses and Thomas Weston.

Asked if he discussed the content of a communique on Cyprus, expected to be adopted at October's Commonwealth summit, he said he talked about the role the Commonwealth may be able to play in calling on the parties concerned to reach a settlement.

[32] UN top Cyprus envoy and EU Commissioner discuss Cyprus developments

NICOSIA, 30/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

De Soto and Verheugen's spokesman Jean Christophe Filori have told CNA that the meeting is part of regular consultations between the UN and the EU to exchange views and compare notes with a view to help the two processes (peace talks and accession) to move in the same direction without any overlapping.

"Monday's meeting was part of the regular consultations I have with Mr. Verheugen, whom I have met several times," de Soto told CNA from Geneva, adding that he keeps in touch so as to ensure that "as far as possible we do not work at cross purposes."

Noting that various issues were discussed with the EU Commissioner, de Soto said "we talked about whether there is an overlap between the EU and the core issues that are being discussed."

"They (EU) understand and we understand that these are two separate processes and we just try not to bump into each other and we brief each other and talk about progress in the accession course and the prospect of accession," he said.

In his remarks to CNA from Brussels, Filori said there was "a comprehensive exchange of views on the situation, the proximity talks and the strategy to coordinate with the necessary requirements due to the accession of Cyprus in the EU."

Replying to questions, Verheugen's spokesman said "it is necessary for the Commission to check with UN whether the possible options for solutions for the talks are in line with requirements of membership of the EU for Cyprus."

"It is as simple as that," he added, noting that De soto is regularly informed about EU legislation and how possible solutions in the proximity talks can align with EU legislation.

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