Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-04-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou and Cem reaffirm commitment to rapprochement

[02] Turkish FM says Turkey realizes significance of Greece's move to reduce armaments

[03] Ankara seeks Greek intercession for EU backing for int'l aid in wake of Turkish economy crisis

[04] Greek FM Papandreou meets Turkish PM Bulent Ecevit

[05] Greece supports Turkey's European prospect, FM reaffirms at Task Force meeting

[06] Gov't denies claim that Athens has nixed Greek-American envoys

[07] Parliament ratifies all but three proposed amendments to the Constitution

[08] FYROM's stabilization and association agreement with EU to be signed on Monday

[09] EU defense ministers discuss European security and defense policy

[10] Yugoslav government and economic officials satisfied with visit to Greece

[11] Tunisia seeks Greek backing for EU association pact

[12] Van believed used by terrorists in British diplomat's killing being examined by Scotland Yard

[13] Premier receives NBC's sports chairman, discusses preparation for Olympics Coverage

[14] China's state television delegation visits Athens 2004 offices

[15] Depleted uranium traced in water sample in Bosnia

[16] Former minister Souflias to coordinate policies for main opposition

[17] Growth in Greece to drop less than in euro-zone, Solbes says

[18] Greek firms among best prepared to greet euro, Solbes says

[19] Papantoniou: Govt's poverty plan in line with state cash

[20] New Athens airport reports 3,200 flights in first six days

[21] Gov't extends OA sale tender until end-April, sources say

[22] Bank of Cyprus unveils ambitious expansion plan

[23] Eurobank, Telesis boards agree on share swap

[24] Panafon Vodafone says customer base up 32 percent

[25] Intrasoft buys stake in Lambrakis firm

[26] Attica Enterprises to launch new vessel in Adriatic Sea

[27] Royal Olympic Cruises says reservations up 35 percent in 2001

[28] Chipita to buy out main rival in Romania

[29] Maillis reports 37 percent rise in 1st quarter sales

[30] Greek stocks end volatile session lower

[31] Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished higher in heavy trade.

[32] Equity futures end down, tracking Athens bourse

[33] Greek president signs International Psychological Health Day Declaration

[34] State counselor proposes rejection of appeal by Brazilian national wanted by US

[35] Serres conference on controlling mosquito populations and malaria

[36] Prosecutor to charge ICU doctors, nurses for newborn deaths

[37] Cyprus Foreign Minister speaks at Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington

[38] European Parliament calls for Greek Cypriot's immediate release

[01] Papandreou and Cem reaffirm commitment to rapprochement

Istabul, 07/04/2001 (ANA - E. Aretaios)

The two ministers held the press conference after talks between Turkish officials and a Greek delegation, during which they also agreed to work together to remove minefields lining the Greek-Turkish border in Evros, and make both countries signatories of the Ottawa Treaty that bans the use of anti-personnel mines.

Despite abiding differences over the handling of the Cyprus problem, which they were careful not to over-stress, the two sides pledged to keep up the momentum in rapprochement efforts and underlined that they were working together in the handling of the crisis in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) - which they said would increase stability in the region.

With regard to Cyprus, Cem said that Ankara was in favor of the UN Secretary General continuing his "good services" for a solution to the Cyprus problem but wanted "additional parameters added."

Cem also noted that the two countries would continue to cooperate in matters related to the European Union and in the transfer of fuel from the Caspian Sea and central Asia to Europe, while Papandreou talked about extending the Egnatia Highway to Istanbul.

The two foreign ministers discussed joint investments in tourism, in view of the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, and the joint organization of the European soccer championships in 2008. Finally, they agreed to promote cooperation in dealing with natural disasters.

With regard to two agreements on double taxation and the protection of investments, which have yet to be ratified, the two ministers said that discussion over these was continuing and that these problems would soon be resolved.

Papandreou invited Cem to visit Athens in the Autumn.

[02] Turkish FM says Turkey realizes significance of Greece's move to reduce armaments

ISTANBUL 07/04/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

However, Cem clarified that Turkish defense expenditures are not connected to Greece alone but are dictated by other defense obligations as well, primarily to the south and east, namely Syria, Iran, Iraq and the Caucasus.

He said that response to an important message, such as a reduction in defense expenditures, is an important issue and cannot be explained in a single press conference.

"It is a very important confidence-building measure and it shows the way with which we view the future of the two countries," Cem said.

On his part, Papandreou reiterated that the Greek government had decided to reduce defense expenditures regardless of Turkey's moves, but it also took into consideration the new atmosphere prevailing in relations between the two countries in taking its decision.

Papandreou said the decisions shows that the two countries can proceed with confidence-building measures even in the sensitive defense sector.

[03] Ankara seeks Greek intercession for EU backing for int'l aid in wake of Turkish economy crisis

Ankara, 07/04/2001 (ANA - A. Podimata)

Dervis, who late Wednesday requested an urgent meeting with Papandreou, called on the Greek minister at his hotel Thursday morning and briefed him on the ongoing crisis in the Turkish economy, which Greek diplomatic sources said Dervis described as dire.

The sources said Dervis asked Papandreou to bring the Turkish economic crisis up at the next general affairs meeting of the EU Council of Ministers in a bid for political backing by the EU for Turkey's request for 12 billion dollars in economic aid from international organizations. Papandreou agreed to put the issue to the EU jointly with Greece's national economy minister Yiannos Papantoniou. Papandreou arrived in Ankara on Thursday for talks with Turkish officials, and met later with his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem. He also met Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and deputy prime ministers Devlet Bahceli and Mesut Yilmaz on Friday before returning to Greece.

[04] Greek FM Papandreou meets Turkish PM Bulent Ecevit

Ankara, 07/04/2001 (ANA - A. Podimata)

On his part, Papandreou reiterated that these efforts and the creation of an improved climate between the two countries will in turn contribute to efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, as well as to a new rapprochement on bilateral problems facing the two countries.

Bahceli was also positive towards the effort for Greek-Turkish rapprochement and used enthusiastic words in speaking of the "friend and allied country of Greece."

Bahceli also told Papandreou that he understands that a solution to the Cyprus issue and to Turkey's bilateral problems with Greece will help his country's course towards the European union.

Yilmaz and Papandreou held a lengthy discussion on Turkey's national adjustment program to European acquis communautaire and pointed out to him that he has raised the issue of defense expenditures publicly in his country.

During his contacts with Turkish officials, Papandreou also referred to the Greek Orthodox minority in Turkey, as well as to the Moslems in Thrace and stressed, as his Turkish interlocutors did, that they should be considered a bridge of friendship between the two countries.

[05] Greece supports Turkey's European prospect, FM reaffirms at Task Force meeting

Ankara, 07/04/2001 (ANA - A. Podimata)

Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem congratulated the members of the two delegations, headed by Greece's European affairs secretary general Elias Plaskovitis and Turkish foreign ministry director for European affairs Akan Aktuna, for their "exemplary work", which Cem said could serve as a model for other EU candidate countries.

Papandreou said that when the establishment of the Task Force was decided a year ago "as a natural result" of the beginning of a new era in Greek-Turkish relations, "we had not imagined the dynamic and the great prospects for cooperation" such a move entailed.

He assured the members of the Turkish delegation and Cem that Greece would continue to support in every way Turkey's European prospect.

Plaskovitis described the Task Force's work as "truly open, honest and constructive", which he said was influenced by the example of "enthusiastic cooperation" provided by the two foreign ministers.

Aktuna described the Task Force's work as "extremely crucial", adding that some 400 Turkish officials and state functionaries had taken part in the Task Force's meetings and seminars to date.

He said he was impressed by the high level of specialization of the Greek specialists, and warmly thanked Plaskovitis and the Greek delegation members for their contribution.

[06] Gov't denies claim that Athens has nixed Greek-American envoys

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

"This article does not reflect reality and is devoid of all truth," Beglitis said. "The foreign ministry has never expressed any such objection to the US State Department."

[07] Parliament ratifies all but three proposed amendments to the Constitution

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

Friday's vote completed a process that began last year. On Friday's vote, however, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) deputies walked out of the session, following the debate.

The Parliament ratified the amendment proposing the abolition of the death penalty, which was not, however, exercised in Greece since the advent of democracy in 1974, even in the case of those convicted of crimes committed during the seven year dictatorship (1967-1974).

Ruling PASOK and main opposition New Democracy (ND) deputies voted for and approved all but three amendments.

The amendment to the article 28, which would have eliminated the principle of reciprocity of the use of international law and international treaties regarding foreign nationals, was rejected.

Parliament also rejected the amendments to article 36, which would have permitted the ratification of international agreements by presidential decree and would have abolished the mandatory approval of such agreements by the Parliament.

The Parliament rejected an amendment to article 32 that proposed the election of the president of the republic by the legislative body on consecutive attempts without limiting them to three.

The ratification of amendments by the 300-member legislature requires 181 votes, thus bipartisan support was necessary, as ruling PASOK has 167 seats in Parliament.

Earlier in the day party leaders debated for the final time before the vote on Constitutional amendments.

In this last debate, Prime Minister Costas Simitis accused both main opposition New Democracy (ND) and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) for excessive opposition practices, which demean the whole political system. "Excessive reactions dominated and continue to dominate Greek politics. Personal attacks, the cultivation of confrontational attitudes and the demeaning of those who have a different opinion is considered an obligatory tactic," the premier said.

"With the amendments to the Constitution, we aimed firstly to widen the scope and increase the protection for fundamental rights, we aimed to support the credibility of the functions of the political system, the reform of democracy and the modernizing of institutions," Simitis said. In response, ND leader Costas Karamanlis said that "we hope Mr. Simitis will remember all this, when he is in the opposition and PASOK will not exercise opposition practices as it did in the past".

His party's Parliamentary spokesman Prokopis Pavlopoulos announced that ND deputies will not be requested to vote along party lines, but will be allowed to vote as they see fit. KKE leader called the amendments unacceptable and a "grand turn to the right", adding that the Constitution was often violated by those who call for its support. She announced that KKE will walkout of Parliament in protest to the content of the amendments and will not participate in the vote.

The Coalition for the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos announced that his party would also walkout of Parliament in protest of the process with which the amendments were formulated, as well as their content.

[08] FYROM's stabilization and association agreement with EU to be signed on Monday

Brussels, 07/04/2001 (ANA - G. Daratos)

The agreement was the result of negotiations between Brussels and FYROM that lasted two years. It will be accompanied by another document regulating commercial relations between the two sides, which will also be signed on Monday.

According to an announcement by the European Commission, "the signing of the agreement constitutes a major political, symbolic, economic and practical event, being an important step in the process of concluding closer relations between the EU and countries in the region of the western Balkans."

"The agreement is a basic element of the European Union's multifaceted strategy aimed at the progressive and gradual incorporation of these Balkan countries in the EU," it added. Croatia is the other Balkan country, which has already started negotiations for the signing of a similar agreement with the EU. The agreement with FYROM anticipates the country's full linkage with the EU following a transitional period of 10 years. It also includes all necessary references to FYROM's commitments regarding relations of good neighborliness, the implementation of democratic principles of governance, a commitment on respect for international law and the holding of a political dialogue between the EU and FYROM.

The EU expects that FYROM Prime Minister Ljupco Georgievski and Foreign Minister Kerim will not be alone in Luxembourg on Monday, but that representatives of all parties will also be present, including the Albanians who are represented in the country's Parliament.

[09] EU defense ministers discuss European security and defense policy

Brussels, 07/04/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

"The main issue is the need to strengthen European security and defense policy, using both the means provided by all the EU countries, as well as by third countries -either candidate countries or those which do not belong to the EU- to ensure the utilization of the EU's military and administrative capacity by 2003 to intervene in defense and security issues," Greek National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said in a statement later.

"It is of great importance for us, particularly in this period, to realize why the EU's role is necessary in handling existing crises in our region. We are experiencing it in Skopje (FYROM), we are experiencing it in Kosovo and we are experiencing it in the Middle East," he added.

Tsohatzopoulos also referred to cooperation between the EU and NATO, saying that it is a question of "two sides of the same coin, since the European defense and security policy is supplementary for the defense capacity which NATO secures for all its members."

On the question of Turkish reactions on the creation of a joint European defense, Tsohatzopoulos said "there can be no distrust and no grumbling towards this effort by the EU and no third party can prevent NATO's cooperation with the EU". He said Greece supports the utilization of the capabilities of NATO countries which are not EU members "on condition that the new forms of cooperation to be agreed can in no case constitute a process for annulling the initial and historical relation of EU members towards a third party."

The EU defense ministers agreed that their primary target is the completion of the EU's military structure, while Swedish Chairman Bjorn Von Sydow assured that the EU's military entity will be in full readiness by June. Another common position was that each country should contribute to the achievement of the target set by the EU Helsinki summit, namely the functioning of the EU's operational force, amounting to 60,000 soldiers, by 2003 both at national and collective level.

Tsohatzopoulos also mentioned the need for a "clarification" of the EU's alliances with countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

[10] Yugoslav government and economic officials satisfied with visit to Greece

Belgrade, 07/04/2001 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)

Yugoslav Prime Minister Zoran Zizic said he agreed with Greek officials that the inviolability of borders is a basic condition for stability in the Balkans and assessed, as his Greek interlocutors did, that the creation of new states in the region will cause destabilization.

Zizic said Greece believes that the secession of Montenegro will cause destabilization in the Balkans, adding that it was agreed in Athens that a political framework should be created for cooperation among Balkan countries.

He said regional cooperation is the best way for Balkan countries to approach the European Union and stressed that Greece promised to help Yugoslavia on its course towards the EU. Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic said his visit to Athens was successful and that his talks with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis were very important and focused on big plans concerning economic cooperation. In another development, Greek National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos was due to arrive in Belgrade on Friday to attend a round table discussion on the economy on Saturday, organized by the "European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity" in cooperation with the European Socialist Party and Greece's ISTAME foundation, as well as the Westminster and Renner foundations. Tsohatzopoulos will be speaking on the issue of "Economic stability: The guarantee for security in the region."

Greece can play significant part in Balkans' stabilization process, Romanian PM

Romania is convinced of the significant part Greece can take in the stabilization and cooperation process in the Balkans and can also serve as an example to Balkan states' ambitions to participate in European Union, Romanian Prime Minister Adrian Nastase, told audience at the inaugurating ceremony of a seminar on "Greek experiences from the accession to the EU and their development for Romania".

The seminar was organized by the Hellenic-Romanian Business Council and the national economy ministry.

"The business cooperation has always been a driving force for economic and political relations. Commercial, labor and capital flows created a wide framework with positive impact on stability and development. In this respect, the Greek business and economy today is in the privileged position of supporting the process of adaptation, reconstruction and stabilization of other Balkan countries and of deriving benefit from a long-term interdependence with them," the Romanian premier said.

"Romania and Greece had a strong historical, cultural, religious and economic linkage, which reflect a close cooperation, exemplary in the Balkan region. Romanian is convinced of the significant part Greece can take in the stabilization and cooperation process in the Balkans. We know that Greece vigorously supports the accession of Romanian to the European Union and NATO membership. We also know that Greece was the first EU country to ratify the association agreement with Romania," Mr. Nastase said.

The Romanian prime minister stressed that "long accustomed to a bridge-building role within Europe, in our view, Greece serves as an effective impulse for candidate states in this ongoing process of European integration. The role of Greece can be further emphasized as the country where the birth of democracy occurred to become the keynote for the future of the entire Europe."

Commenting on his government's efforts to move closer to EU, the Romanian premier said "it is our high priority to increase investor confidence and attract foreign private capital into our country as the engine for the small and medium-sized enterprises as the vehicle to attain real economic growth. Solving economic problems will consequently facilitate solutions for all other soft security related problems, such as corruption, organized crime, illegal migration, unemployment and many others."

Speakers at the seminar, to end on Saturday, 7 April, will also include scholars and political and business officials from both countries.

[11] Tunisia seeks Greek backing for EU association pact

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

The move would be part of European cooperation with Mediterranean countries, Fayala said.

He was speaking during a meeting in Athens with Deputy Development Minister Alexandros Kalafatis on tightening relations between Greece and Tunisia by boosting bilateral trade and economic ties.

[12] Van believed used by terrorists in British diplomat's killing being examined by Scotland Yard

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

According to the report, the van was found shortly after the June 8, 2000 shooting death of British embassy defense attaché Brig. Stephen Saunders by two gunmen on a motorcycle as he was driving alone on central Kifissias Ave. from his home in the Nea Erythrea Athens suburb to the British embassy in downtown Athens. The notorious "November 17" terrorist organization claimed the attack in a proclamation sent to an Athens daily.

It said the Mitsubishi van was found abandoned behind Hygeia Hospital -- located across the thoroughfare from the site of the killing -- about one kilometer from the site.

The van was transferred to London where it was being examined by electronic precision equipment that only Scotland Yard has, the report said.

British authorities declined comment on the fact that the finding of the van had not been made public, referring questions to the Greek police, which in turn also declined comment, signaling a new attitude towards publicity on terrorist investigations, the newspaper said.

Police sources, on condition of anonymity, said the van had been stolen from the Vyronas residential district of Athens and bore license plates stolen from a similar vehicle from the Kallithea residential district.

[13] Premier receives NBC's sports chairman, discusses preparation for Olympics Coverage

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

Ebersol, who was accompanied by ATHOC President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, briefed the premier on his assessment of current conditions regarding the coverage of the games.

The two men also discussed the general progress of the preparations of the Games, while Ebersol briefed Simitis on how the United States dealt with organizational aspects of the Games.

[14] China's state television delegation visits Athens 2004 offices

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

[15] Depleted uranium traced in water sample in Bosnia

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

The official results of checks carried out for air, soil and water, both in Bosnia and Kosovo, were announced on Friday and, according to the Committee, uranium was only traced in the water from Bosnia and in a quantity which is no cause for concern.

The quantity of uranium detected is 4.5 mg per liter of water, of which 2.5 mg is depleted uranium. The usual readings for natural uranium detected in drinking water in the world range from less than 1 mg per liter to 100 mg per liter.

EEAE pointed out that pollution detected in the sample from Bosnia entails no risk for the pollution of waters in Greece, both underground and on land.

[16] Former minister Souflias to coordinate policies for main opposition

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

Souflias, who was expelled from ND 38-months ago, met with ND leader Costas Karamanlis at the party offices, less than a week after his return to the party.

[17] Growth in Greece to drop less than in euro-zone, Solbes says

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

Speaking in Athens after a meeting with National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Solbes added that Greece was one of the countries that would feel the least impact from a slowdown in the US economy.

Papantoniou stressed that economic targets set by Greece would be met, although vigilance was required.

He said he agreed with Solbes that Europe was handling fluctuations in the global economy well.

Solbes also met Bank of Greece governor Lucas Papademos and the central bank's two deputy governors during his visit.

[18] Greek firms among best prepared to greet euro, Solbes says

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

At the same time, the pace of structural change to the economy needed to increase ahead of the euro's introduction, especially in the sectors of products, services and labor, Solbes told a seminar on readiness for the euro held in Athens by the Association of Greek Industry.

In addition, fiscal discipline needed to remain tight especially due to the loss of an independent currency, the commissioner added.

[19] Papantoniou: Govt's poverty plan in line with state cash

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

In addition, a strong rate of growth of about 5.0 percent this year, coupled with the government's policies to boost employment, would lead to a major reduction in joblessness, Papantoniou told a seminar held by the Association of Greek Industry.

He added that the government had carried out 22 privatizations in the last three years, enriching state coffers by more than 3.1 trillion drachmas, or about 3.0 percent of gross domestic product on an annual basis.

[20] New Athens airport reports 3,200 flights in first six days

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

A company statement said that there were no delays in flight times on April 3,4, and that a total of 700,000 people have visited the airport in its first week.

[21] Gov't extends OA sale tender until end-April, sources say

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

[22] Bank of Cyprus unveils ambitious expansion plan

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

A bank statement said the new branches would open simultaneously around the country, with five branches in Attica, two more branches in Thessaloniki, and new branches in Veria, Serres, Alexandroupolis, Kavala, Xanthi, Kozani, Myconos, Corfu, Ioannina, Trikala and Crete. Bank of Cyprus also plans to expand its network of micro banks, a technologically-advanced ATMs combining video and sound and offering a wide range of banking services. The bank's expansion plan will be based on opening new small, flexible branches using the latest technological applications to cut operating costs and achieve higher profits. Bank of Cyprus seeks to raise its share in the Greek banking market.

[23] Eurobank, Telesis boards agree on share swap

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

In the coming months, shareholders will be asked to endorse a ratio of 2.2 stocks in Telesis for each share in EFG Eurobank Ergasias.

The merger, in which Latsis-owned EFG is to absorb Telesis, is subject to approval by regulatory authorities.

[24] Panafon Vodafone says customer base up 32 percent

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

The company said non-contract subscribers totaled 1,598,709, or 68 percent of its customer base, while contract subscribers totaled 741,311, or 32 percent.

Panafon Vodafone reported 567,146 new subscriptions in the year which ended on March 31, while disconnection rate fell to 22.7 percent, from 28.7 percent last year.

The company said improved results were achieved despite the fact that Panafon Vodafone reduced significantly special subscription offers to new non-contract customers.

Panafon Vodafone was at the final stage of implementing a restructuring plan for its retail network, based on absorbing its commercial partners, Panafon Commercial and Unifon, under a new company named Vodafone Shops. Panafon has recently acquired a license to offer fixed wireless telephony services in Greece.

[25] Intrasoft buys stake in Lambrakis firm

Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

Lambrakis said in a letter to the bourse that the new share composition of Winged Hermes was as follows: