Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-04-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] Ex-president Bush meets with Greek leadership

[02] Ex-president Bush dismisses any notion of US 'disinterest' for Europe

[03] Greek and Bulgarian PMs express opposition to border changes in region

[04] FM and Serbian PM discuss latest developments in Balkans

[05] FM and EU high commissioner discuss Balkans and FYROM

[06] Greek-Turkish rapprochement is an achievement of the two peoples, Greek foreign minister says

[07] Tsohatzopoulos: Nat'l security, a robust economy are inter-related goals

[08] Russia the key for security in future Europe, Solana says

[09] Israel's Peres in Athens on Wednesday

[10] Cyprus chief EU negotiator optimistic over speedy accession

[11] Laliotis apologizes to inconvenienced travelers, says the worst is over

[12] Plaque in Brigadier Saunders' memory unveiled in Athens

[13] Papantoniou announces support measures for low incomes

[14] Main opposition ND leader attacks government economic policies in Economist conference

[15] Greek and foreign businesses urge increased global competition

[16] European states must adopt common regional energy strategy, forum told

[17] State procurements in 2001 to total Dr 1.1 trillion

[18] Greece could act as regional energy hub, executive says

[19] Greek shipping register shows net rise in vessels, tonnage

[20] New stretch of Egnatia Way opens to traffic

[21] French aeronautics and space students visit Greek industries

[22] Greek telecom firm to invest a further 700 million dollars in Eastern Europe

[23] Athens, Belgrade discuss stock market cooperation

[24] ASE falls below the 3,000 psychological support level

[25] Summer seminars on European security and cooperation issues organized by ELIAMEP

[26] Clerides says he has asked UN chief to assume 'coordinating role' with EU

[01] Ex-president Bush meets with Greek leadership

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

While the elder Bush stressed at every opportunity that he was not here in an official capacity of any kind, the veteran US statesman and his family often vacation in this Mediterranean country and also retain cordial ties with local political and business leaders. Additionally, George W. Bush’s election to the White House last year recast the international limelight on his father.

Bush arrived in the Greek capital along with his wife, Barbara, to speak at a Tuesday evening reception held on the sidelines of a three-day 'Economist' magazine-sponsored roundtable conference that has brought numerous political, business and financial leaders of the region to Athens.

The ex-president declined to comment on questions focusing on political issues, although he did express an interest in being in Athens for the 2004 Olympic Games. He also said that he felt absolutely safe in Greece.

Along those lines, he expressed confidence that the 2004 Games will be a success, adding: “I’m 77 years old, so I won’t be able to participate in the Games, but I’ll sure be here to watch them”.

Mrs. Bush accompanied the former US leader during the 50-minute talks with Stephanopoulos, while the US ambassador to Athens and his wife were also present.

Papandreou: Foreign Minister George Papandreou sat down to a working breakfast with former US president George Bush senior on Tuesday.

In statements to reporters afterward, Papandreou said it was an honor to have the former US president as a guest, describing him as a friend of Greece.

He also congratulated Bush on the election of his son as the 43rd president of the United States, and said that they had discussed developments in the region, particularly the Balkans.

A relaxed and cheerful Bush told reporters he was a "proud father" and stressed at every opportunity that he was not here in an official capacity of any kind.

"I want to thank the foreign minister Papandreou. Everyone in the United States who follows Europe, follows the problems across the world, has great respect for your foreign minister, for his leadership," Bush said.

"The improved relations with Turkey can largely be credited to him, his continuing interest in Europe, the EU and other things. I found it very interesting to be asking him his views on these matters," he added.

Finally, he expressed confidence that the new US administration would work closely with the European Union in order to solve the region's problems.

"I have every confidence in George's (W. Bush) team, Collin Powell, Secretary Rumsfeld and others to work closely with Greece on having the U.S. do its part and remaining very active in Europe and helping European leaders solve some of the problems here," Bush said.

Karamanlis: Bush later met with main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis. Although no statements were made after-wards, the situation in the Balkans, and especially in the neighboring Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue, as well as developments in the Middle East were discussed, according to reports.

Afterwards, Karamanlis told reporters that he reiterated ND's position against any changes in Balkan borders, while stressing that a solution to the long-standing Cyprus issue is overdue.

Finally, the ND leader noted that Greece desires a continued rapprochement with neighboring Turkey and for that country to follow its European orientation.

Honor by Athens Municipality: In accepting the "Golden Key" to the City of Athens, Bush later said he believes his son will be a good president for the United States and a positive partner for Europe and the Greek government. He also said the current US administration would build on the same initiatives his own administration began.

In presenting the key to the city, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos said Washington's "new role" during this period was particularly significant, adding that the United States should act and maneuver as a "humble superpower", as he put it.

Former Greek prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis, former US defense secretary William Cohen, as well as Mitsotakis' daughter, high-ranking main opposition New Democracy deputy Dora Bakoyianni, among others, attended the ceremony.

Mitsotakis: Former US President George Bush met with former Greek Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis at the US ambassador's residence on Tuesday night for his last meeting with a Greek political figure before leaving for Istanbul, Turkey, on Wednesday morning.

His wife Marika accompanied Mitsotakis during his meeting with Bush and his wife Barbara, with whom he has maintained close relations ever since his premiership during the 1990-1993 period. No statements were made after the meeting, which lasted about an hour.

According to reports, Barbara Bush dined with the entire Mitsotakis family on Monday night.

[02] Ex-president Bush dismisses any notion of US 'disinterest' for Europe

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

The elder Bush, accompanied by his wife Barbara, arrived in the Greek capital as the guest of honor and keynote speaker for a three-day "leadership roundtable" organized by the London-based "Economist" group.

During a mostly light-hearted speech peppered with anecdotes from his term as president, subsequent retirement and in the aftermath of George W. Bush's election as the 43rd president of the United States, the elder Bush did emphasize that "reports of strained US-Europe relations are overstated ... that (notion) is simply not true, perception here is often times divorced from reality."

Bush did note, however, as he has throughout his contacts with Greek leadership earlier on Tuesday, that he's shying away from commenting on politics.

"I'm not a representative of the new president. I get my phone calls returned, but that's as far as it goes," he said, adding that his greatest emotion with the election of George W. Bush to the White House "is a father's pride of a son".

In introducing Bush, US ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns called the veteran statesman a "true friend of Greece: a philhellene".

"We keep coming back here as we love Greece," Bush said, while praising Athens for its entry into the "euro zone", a fast-growing economy as well as the capital's new metro network and airport.

In touching on the "Golden Key" to the City of Athens he was awarded in the afternoon, Bush quipped that "I hope that they get me a couple of tickets to the (2004) Olympics".

[03] Greek and Bulgarian PMs express opposition to border changes in region

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference after their meeting, the two prime ministers expressed their firm opposition to any change of borders in the region, adding that their countries are bent on political dialogue as a means of resolving differences and on the implementation of international law. They also declared their opposition to military force.

Simitis said Greece is supporting and promoting Bulgaria's European vocation and termed bilateral relations excellent, while on the issue of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline he said there are tangible developments.

Kostov referred to the good commercial and economic relations between Greece and Bulgaria and spoke of the prospects of other important agreements in these sectors.

Simitis and Kostov commented on the proposal by the Yugoslav foreign minister on holding a "Balkan Helsinki summit" to discuss the region's problems, letting it be understood that such an initiative is meaningless at a time when the annual meeting of leaders of countries in southeastern Europe exists.

The two prime ministers held talks for about an hour and afterwards they toured installations at the port of Thessaloniki.

In another development, the municipality of Thessaloniki awarded Kostov the city's Golden Medal.

Kostov assessed that economic and friendly bonds between the two peoples will be further strengthened after the official abolition of passport visas on April 10.

Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos said relations of friendship and cooperation are an essential element in tackling the challenges of the new century, as well as a basic precondition for the region's stability and development.

[04] FM and Serbian PM discuss latest developments in Balkans

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

Papandreou said Greece is close to Yugoslavia and they are linked by traditional friendship and substantive relations.

Djindjic said identical views exist on many issues, adding that Yugoslavia needs Greece's support for stability and economic development to be achieved with the ultimate target being the country's accession to international organizations.

He also said the problem of terrorism in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) will be tackled.

Commenting on the arrest and arraignment of former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic, Djindjic said the issue is now in the hands of justice, adding that many issues concerning the past have to be handled and not only offences perpetrated by Milosevic.

Djindjic will also be meeting main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday.

Greek foreign minister meets with Albanian premier in Athens: Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Tuesday met with Albanian Prime Minister Ilir Meta on the sidelines of the international conference held by the "Economist" magazine in Athens.

Their talks focused on recent developments in the region and issues pertaining to the multi-lateral cooperation of Balkan countries.

Speaking to the press, Papandreou said that Albania is expending efforts to confront the crisis in the Balkans, adding that the stance of the Albanian government during this crisis has been appreciated as one that contributed to peace and stability in the region.

On his part, Meta expressed his deep concern over the conditions in the region and reiterated that Albania adopted a very clear position discouraging the actions of extremists and supporting all the political forces that are for dialogue.

[05] FM and EU high commissioner discuss Balkans and FYROM

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

Referring later to the situation prevailing in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), a leading issue in his talks with Solana, Papandreou said the Greek government is maintaining close cooperation and contact both with the government and all political forces in FYROM, as well as with Solana who has a mandate from the EU to contribute to a settlement of problems there, especially in light of the signing of an association agreement between FYROM and the EU.

Papandreou expressed the hope that the agreement will contribute to the overcoming of problems facing the neighboring country and isolating "extremist logic", with the purpose of resolving problems.

Solana, who arrived in Athens from FYROM on Monday night, said he discussed all the foregoing issues with Papandreou, adding that substantive agreement was reached between them on all, which gave him great satisfaction.

[06] Greek-Turkish rapprochement is an achievement of the two peoples, Greek foreign minister says

ISTANBUL, 04/04/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

All of the Turkish media focused on Papandreou's impending visit and his statements to the Turkish journalists, with titles such as Hurriyet's "Let's take the message" and Milliyet's "The neighbor is small but the lessons are great".

"We should not rush and we should not force this process, we should be patient, so as to achieve stable results. This will take time and there will be several difficulties, during the process, but we must continue," Papandreou said.

He stressed that the "low policy" agreements signed last year between the two countries were unanimously ratified by the Greek Parliament, adding that he hoped the agreements on double taxation avoidance and mutual guaranteeing of investment will also be completed soon.

He reiterated that the decision for mutual notification on military exercises was activated, so as to avoid the simultaneous use of the same space for military exercises by both countries.

"The majority of the Greek people supports the rapprochement with Turkey," Papandreou told the Turkish reporters, also stressing the cooperation between the police forces of the two countries, which yielded results.

He noted to journalists that the maintenance of a balance of power is important as he commented on Greece's defense budget cuts, an issue stressed by all Turkish media.

"Defense spending is a big load for both sides. Our priority should be placed on cooperation and not on military competition," he said.

Speaking on the Cyprus issue, Papandreou said that "the European Union offers an opportunity to resolve the Cyprus problem ... with the resolution of the Cyprus problem the Turkish side will benefit from entry to the European Union".

"Even the Turkish language will become an official EU language (with Cyprus' entry to the Union) a fact that will aid Turkey," he said, stressing that the greatest obstacle is the mutual fear of the two communities on the island.

"We should be more creative for this vicious circle to break," Papandreou said, calling for the demilitarization of the island republic.

He stressed that the Cyprus problem is not a bilateral Greek-Turkish problem, but it affects the relationship of the two countries. "The Cyprus problem appears before Turkey in all its relations with the international community," he added.

Responding to Papandreou's comments, Turkish Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu called them "positive", but maintained his "reservations."

[07] Tsohatzopoulos: Nat'l security, a robust economy are inter-related goals

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

Solana -- in charge of coordinating the EU's common foreign and defense policy -- arrived in Athens to attend an international conference entitled "Leadership Strategy: At The Dawn Of the 21st Century", being organized by the 'Economist' magazine.

The EU meeting will deal with issues related to the creation of a European military corps and securing funds for this purpose. Tsohatzopoulos was careful to stress that the latter, in particular, was one shared by all European countries.

The two men said they had also discussed the crisis in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and efforts being made to resolve the situation.

The Greek minister announced that a meeting of defense ministers from the southeast Europe 'Multi-national Brigade' countries on Thursday, to be attended by defense ministers of bordering countries as well, would express its support for peace and stability in the region.

Solana reiterated the EU's rejection of the use of force as a means of resolving differences and again voiced support for the territorial integrity of FYROM.

Tsohatzopoulos' address: Meanwhile, during his address at the conference, Tsohatzopoulos told delegates that "national security, social cohesion and a robust economy" are inter-related goals and not opposites.

He made the comments only days after the Cabinet slashed defense allocations for the upcoming three-year period, including putting off the purchase of several dozen fourth-generation fighter planes (the Eurofighter consortium's 'Typhoons') until after 2004 in order to bolster social spending -- a decision Tsohatzopoulos has criticized.

In response to a question from the audience, the Greek minister said that "with specific macro-economic targets, and as long as political will exists, we can find financing".

Earlier, he stressed that initiatives and actions are necessary in implementing a "collective defense", because in order "to answer (regional) developments, as a nation, we must have a national strategy."

Finally, the Greek minister said defense expenditures are a major lever for economic growth, saying that some 40 percent of the 4.2 trillion drachmas initially projected for the next few years will be produced in Greece, creating new jobs and strengthening security. (1 euro equals 340.75 drachmas)

Tsohatzopoulos meets former US defense secretary: National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and former US defense secretary William Cohen met on Tuesday and discussed changes taking place in Europe and the United States. Bilateral relations between the two countries were also discussed during the meeting.

Cohen is in Athens to participate in a business conference organized by the 'Economist' magazine.

[08] Russia the key for security in future Europe, Solana says

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

According to Solana, the EU could play a new role by implementing a more coordinated policy in security and defense. He said the '15' should be involved in crisis management and were working hard in this direction.

The EU official pointed out that Europe's role is changing, that its population will at some point be double that of the US and that its borders were expanding and shifting eastward. The new situation thus created would make cooperation with Russia in dealing with security issues one of the top priorities, while it should also take into account "all the important players and economic interests of the wider region," Solana said.

As regards crisis management by the EU, Solana said this should not just be limited to sending humanitarian aid but also involve a military capacity. "By 2003 we must be ready to deploy 60,000 troops and supply them for at least a year," he said.

Stressing that this would be achieved using mainly NATO forces, so as not to duplicate costs, equipment and human resources, Solana noted that this plan would first require restructuring on a national level by the EU member-states.

Answering questions from the audience, Solana said that cooperation was needed in European defense spending under a single umbrella, while he lauded another European project for the construction of a passenger plane as an "impressive collective effort".

Commenting on the crisis in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), whose capital Skopje he had visited on Monday, Solana said it was time to build a region with European prospects. Since we will be using a common currency, we will succeed in having a common foreign policy, he concluded.

[09] Israel's Peres in Athens on Wednesday

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

Specifically, Greece's president, prime minister, as well as the foreign and defense ministers will receive Peres.

The Israeli official is expected to deliver a keynote speech at a reception Wednesday evening in Athens.

[10] Cyprus chief EU negotiator optimistic over speedy accession

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

Vassiliou, a former president of the island republic, made the statements after his meeting with Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Tuesday in Athens.

On his part, Papandreou said the accession course of Cyprus is very positive, adding that he exchanged views with Vassiliou on the Cyprus issue, relations with Turkey, Europe and the Balkans.

Vassiliou said that cooperation with the Greek government and Papandreou is excellent and that he discussed issues with him primarily concerning the accession course of Cyprus, while earlier he held similar talks with Deputy Foreign Minister Elizabeth Papazoi.

[11] Laliotis apologizes to inconvenienced travelers, says the worst is over

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

Since its inauguration on March 27, the new airport has been plagued by a host of problems that have led to massive delays and scores of last-minute flight cancellations.

Steps taken to improve internal communications between Olympic Airways and airport authorities, as well as a reduction in scheduled flights, have since eased the problems.

"The first days of the new airport's operation were undoubtedly difficult, but after coordinated efforts by the airport company, Olympic Airways and the Civil Aviation Authority, as well as all the other airlines, private and foreign, we have achieved very good results and I believe that this state of improvement will get better day by day," Laliotis said.

The minister reported that there had been 2,000 aircraft arrivals and departures at the airport in the first few days, with a total of 160,000 passengers.

He also stressed the fact that, despite the problems, the airport had not been forced to close and had operated with absolute safety and strict adherence to international safety rules during a weekend marked by extreme weather conditions.

He juxtaposed this with the start-ups of new airports in Hong Kong, Colorado, Milan and Seoul, all of which had been forced to briefly shut down because of problems.

While conceding that some of the problems could have been avoided with better planning, he described them as "childhood illnesses" that would soon be overcome and predicted that the airport would be running smoothly over the Easter holiday.

According to Laliotis, who was making his own first flight to Kavala from the new airport on Tuesday morning, there are 200 companies employing 14,000 people operating within the confines of 'Eleftherios Venizelos,' all of which have to find ways to coordinate their activities. In addition, there are 750 km of optic fibers and telecommunications networks.

"You can imagine what a huge operation it was to transfer everyone and everything from Hellenikon to Spata in one night," he added.

[12] Plaque in Brigadier Saunders' memory unveiled in Athens

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

The plaque was unveiled by his daughters Nicola and Catherine, at a ceremony attended by his widow Heather Saunders, the British Ambassador, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis, Deputy Defense Minister Dimitris Apostolakis, main opposition New Democracy (ND) deputy Dora Bakoyianni (who also lost her husband to a terrorist attack by 'November 17'), and the U.S. Ambassador Nicholas Burns.

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

[13] Papantoniou announces support measures for low incomes

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters during the inauguration ceremony of a new tax agency building in Athens, Papantoniou said the new measures would be included in an ambitious program to be unveiled on Thursday by the Prime Minister after a cabinet council meeting to discuss ways to combatting poverty and social exclusion in the country.

Papantoniou said that budget surpluses accumulated over the previous years, along with certain redistribution of public spending "can justify a shift towards a more socially-oriented economic policy that would allow a more efficient promotion of social justice and social cohesion policies".

Papantoniou defended the government's policies from party members and opposition criticism, saying that "social policies are not implemented with words and rhetoric but with political decisions to distribute the wealth to those who really own it".

Government decides to strengthen social aspect of its policy, Reppas says: Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas on Tuesday rebutted criticism on the alleged existence of a "black hole" in the state budget, saying it is probably a question of black propaganda "being systematically promoted by our political opponents."

Reppas said the 2001 budget is being implemented as normal, it is reliable and there is no question of a black hole.

He said reality has proved them wrong and that "some people are greatly saddened because the government is deciding to strengthen the social aspect of its policy even more, which is innate with the character of a progressive government."

[14] Main opposition ND leader attacks government economic policies in Economist conference

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

He accused the government that it has no vision, adding that the sole actions of the government aim to cover fiscal deficiencies with last minute tax measures.

Speaking of the Athens Stock Exchange (ASE) he said that the government turned it into a vehicle of economic exploitation, adding that "with lack of forethought the cultivated hopes that did not materialize".

Those hopes "were dashed and turned into disappointment, while the total loss for the shareholders, due to the criminal stance of the government and the illegal state interventions that approached the 100 billion euros over the past year," Karamanlis said.

In discussing the relations of the political leadership with the business community, he said that they should be based on the principles of "balance-cooperation, stability with mutual respect for roles and responsibilities with no intertwined dependence and exchanges, all of which should based on the implementation of regulations.

He called for the speedy privatization of state enterprises, for the deregulation of markets, generous tax reforms to attract in-vestment, encouragement of the use of new technologies and encouragement of healthy competition in an economy dominated by the private sector.

[15] Greek and foreign businesses urge increased global competition

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

The significance of the domestic market was steadily declining for a business with the regional and the international markets emerging, Lefteris Antonakopoulos, Greek Industries Federation president told the conference. "Billing policies does not play a crucial role in seeking market shares nowadays as much as quality and speed," he said.

Antonakopoulos urged businesses to follow a steady course of "competitiveness alertness", to improve operational costs, to manufacture new products and to forge cooperation in domestic and international level.

Siemens Hellas Group president, Mihalis Christoforakos, called for a more efficient use of technological achievements in the production and evolution of products, such as mobile telephone units with huge storage facilities.

New products would steadily be personalized to serve the needs of each customer and companies have to be in a position to adapt soon to customers' demands, Christoforakos said. He said that cost, marketing, speed and logistics were the success factors of a new product.

Erdal Kabatepe, chairman of Turkey's energy group Merka Inc, referred to a Greek-Turkish rapprochement in the political and business fields, a necessary move to facilitate the economic growth of both countries. "Regional infrastructure and network creation cannot succeed without neighbors' cooperating," Kabatepe said.

Kabatepe stressed Turkey's increasing role in the international energy market (oil, natural gas).

Intracom's general manager Dimitris Klonis predicted a significant increase in the telecommunications market's turnover in Greece from seven billion euros in 2000 to 10 billion euros in 2001 and 16 billion in 2005.

[16] European states must adopt common regional energy strategy, forum told

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

Interstate energy networks and promoting renewable energy sources could spearhead a future European strategy in its effort to cut its dependence from oil imports, Greek Development Ministry secretary-general Dimitris Kaloudiotis told the forum.

Albanian Public Works Minister Spartak Poci said that any national initiatives in the fields of energy, construction and water supply should exceed national borders and have a regional dimension.

Serbian Housing Minister Dragoslav Sumarac urged for private investments in the energy sector of his country and expressed his confidence that the financial disaster of the region was not just a result of NATO's air bombing but of a communist regime in the last few decades.

Michael Mix, marketing director at Bechtel Civil, a UK construction group, stressed the benefits for Balkan states from adopting a common regional market and drafting of a common long-term strategy in transport and infrastructure projects.

FYROM executive says no cash seen from Balkan Stability Pact: A company executive from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) said on Tuesday that the country had yet to see any funds from the Balkan Stability Pact.

The general director of FYROM's Pivara Skopje Brewery, S. Yanevski, told a Balkan forum in the northern port city of Thessaloniki that despite the promise of monies, none had arrived.

Foreign investments in eastern Europe were tenfold those in southeastern Europe, Yanevski said.

At the same time, the industrial sector in FYROM was shrinking steadily, he added.

Slovenian official proposes creation of Balkan visa: The Balkans should club together and establish a blanket visa for the region, a Slovenian official said on Tuesday.

The visa would wipe out major delays currently faced by travelers, said Samo Ivancic, president of the American Chamber of Commerce of Slovenia.

The official was speaking at a Balkan forum held in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

[17] State procurements in 2001 to total Dr 1.1 trillion

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

In addition, the system of procurements was being computerized as fast as possible in order to enable small and medium sized companies to take part in tenders, the statement said.

[18] Greece could act as regional energy hub, executive says

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

A long delayed plan to build an oil pipeline from Burgas in Bulgaria to Alexandroupoli was moving more briskly, Kopelouzos told a Balkan forum in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

Turkey could theoretically act as a hub for natural gas, but the neighboring country first had to resolve regional strife, he said.

Finally, a proposal to move natural gas from Greece to Italy was not feasible for reasons of cost, Kopelouzos added.

[19] Greek shipping register shows net rise in vessels, tonnage

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

The register gained 345,567 gross registered tones and lost 162,053 gross registered tones, the ministry said in a statement.

A net gain of 183,514 gross registered tones was posted, the statement added.

[20] New stretch of Egnatia Way opens to traffic

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

The latest segment to open to traffic is a bypass for the port of Kavala.

Laliotis told the launching ceremony that of the Egnatia Way's 680 kilometers, 120 kilometers were completed and in use. By summer 2002, 300 kilometers will be built.

[21] French aeronautics and space students visit Greek industries

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

The students will visit the installations of telecommunications firm Intrakom and the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB) plant, while Prof. Yiannis Drosos, general director of industry, research and development, will hold a lecture for the students.

Supaero is a French post high school educational institute for aeronautics and space engineers, trained to staff government organizations and industrial positions.

[22] Greek telecom firm to invest a further 700 million dollars in Eastern Europe

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

Meanwhile, transport and communications ministry secretary general Yiannis Maniatis presented the complete program promoted by the ministry and concerning all modes of electronic and digital communication.

[23] Athens, Belgrade discuss stock market cooperation

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

The two delegations discussed a wide range of capital markets operation issues.

The Thessaloniki Exchange Center, in particular, promoted the operation of a Greek Emerging Capital Markets Exchange, aiming to attract companies from emerging economies, like Serbia.

[24] ASE falls below the 3,000 psychological support level

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

Traders said a volatility in international markets, an official inquest over "bubble stocks" in Athens, worries over the course of the government's budget and macroeconomic figures and lack buying interest by institutional investors combined in creating a very negative climate on the Greek bourse, pushing the market to its lowest levels in 26 months.

The general index ended 2.16 percent lower at 2,966.65 points, off 12.46 percent this year. Turnover was a low 118.4 million euros, or 40.3 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.40 percent lower at 1,717,21 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index dropped 3.07 percent to 357.35 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 6,338.89 -0.88% Telecoms: 970.85 -2.52% Insurance: 1,394.54 -3.07% Investment: 1,127.91 -5.09% Construction: 1,394.53 -4.58% Industrials: 1,806.94 -2.87% Holding: 3,454.84 -3.17% Base metals: 945.35 -3.42% Minerals: 988.93 -1.90% Publishing: 949.55 -3.67% Textiles: 1,091.60 -6.43% Retailing: 1,083.31 -3.22% IT: 1,033.70 -2.70% IT solutions: 996.22 -3.00% Food and Beverage: 847.54 -1.62% Wholesale: 893.68 -4.20%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 318.31 points, off 3.37 percent.

Broadly, decliners overwhelmingly outnumbered advancers by 339 to 13 with another four issues unchanged.

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

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.29 percent from 5.26 percent a day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 56 basis points, the same as in the session before.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 645 million euros (220 billion drachmas) from 455 million euros (156 billion drachmas)in the trading day before.

Sell orders accounted for 395 million euros of turnover.

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

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 1.40 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 3.07 percent lower.

Turnover was 35.5 million euros on 5,965 contracts traded, the dealers said.

[25] Summer seminars on European security and cooperation issues organized by ELIAMEP

Athens, 04/04/2001 (ANA)

These summer seminars aim to promote critical thinking and intercultural understanding on European security and cooperation issues.

Participants will include diplomats, researchers, journalists, government and political officials, educators and representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations from European Union, Eastern and central European, Black and Caspian Sea regions, the CIS Republics, the Mediterranean, the Persian Gulf and North America.

These younger generation, up to forty years of age, individuals will come together to examine problems and prospects of security and cooperation of our region.

[26] Clerides says he has asked UN chief to assume 'coordinating role' with EU

NICOSIA, 04/04/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking at his annual press conference, he expressed the view that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash abandoned the UN-led proximity talks because he realized these were not leading to the solution he was seeking, namely the establishment of a loose confederation of two separate states.

"I believe that the initiatives of the international community in conjunction with our (EU) accession course safeguard, through UN resolutions and the application of the acquis communautaire, what we have all strived for: a just and viable solution to the benefit of Greek and Turkish Cypriots," the president said.

He said his strategic policies have helped him handle successfully all initiatives by the international community without deviating from the set framework of UN resolutions, promote EU membership, establish close cooperation with Greece in defense matters through the joint defense doctrine which enhanced the Republic's capabilities and create an economic and social infrastructure to help Cyprus meet European challenges.

Fending off criticism that the current situation allows Denktash to do as he pleases, the president explained that "Denktash abandoned the UN proximity talks because he realized that the foreseen solution, as outlined by statements of the UN secretary general and by non-papers produced at the talks, is not one he can accept."

The Turkish side has been seeking to establish a confederation of two separate, sovereign states in Cyprus, contrary to UN resolutions, which provide for a bizonal, bicommunal federation comprising two politically equal areas.

The president said the decision of the Turkish Cypriot side to leave the negotiating table was taken "at the highest possible level in Turkey" once it was evident that the UN talks would lead to a federal solution.

The president quoted a number of resolutions by international bodies, including the European Parliament, as well as statements by high ranking officials such as Kofi Annan's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto that Denktash's attitude is "regret-table", to point out that the Turkish Cypriot leader is at odds with the wishes of the international community.

Invited to outline any initiatives he intends to undertake to make headway towards a solution, the president said he has submitted "specific proposals in writing" to the UN secretary general, the permanent members of the Security Council and the EU Com-mission president with a view to convince them that "it is not enough to get Denktash back to the negotiating table but Turkey must understand that the talks should take place within the framework UN resolutions set out."

"We have asked the secretary general to undertake a coordinating role between the UN and the EU in the direction of Turkey to persuade Ankara that it is impossible to engage in talks that are outside the framework of UN resolutions," the president said.

On Cyprus' EU accession course, the President said the international community believes that it can assist the peace effort, a position made abundantly clear to Ankara by EU circles, he said.

"Cyprus is at the threshold of Europe, the solution of the Cyprus question is not a precondition for accession and despite Turkish attempts, our course towards the EU is irreversible," he said.

He said the UN, bearing in mind that Cyprus is set to join the EU, "acknowledge the significance of the acquis communautaire and incorporate it in the specifications for the solution of the Cyprus problem."

Addressing the Turkish Cypriots, the president recalled his invitation to them to nominate their own representatives to the Cypriot team negotiating accession with the EU since 1998.

"We would like to see them walk along with us the common European road of hope that leads to a better future for our country," he said.

With respect to the economic difficulties the Turkish Cypriots are facing as a result of the continuing occupation of part of Cyprus by Turkish troops since they invaded in 1974, the president said these difficulties relate to a decision by the Court of Justice of the European Communities banning the import into the EU of goods not issued with health certificates from recognized authorities.

Clerides also referred to the decision by the government of the Republic to declare ports in Turkish occupied Cyprus closed and said he would not be moved from this position unless there was sufficient progress in peace negotiations leading to a solution.

Invited to evaluate his own performance and outline any mistakes he may have committed, the president replied "you will not hear me say that I have not made any mistakes but at the end of the day what counts is that we have seen our accession process move forward, the Turkish side bearing responsibility for the interruption of the talks and we have seen an increase in cooperation between Cyprus and Greece."

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