Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-05-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek premier to Germany in June for talks on

[02] Athens comments on latest crisis in FYROM Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

[03] Greece backs inviolability of borders in region, FM says in foreign policy speech at Columbia University

[04] Russian President and Greek Archbishop discuss relations of two countries and Churches

[05] Deputy defense minister, Romanian General Staff chief discuss military reorganization

[06] Gov't rules out navy chief's visit if Ankara claim persists

[07] Military exercise to be carried out in parts of central Macedonia on May 11-17

[08] Athens mayor says Greece deserves better fate with vision and destination on international scene

[09] US envoy to Greece addresses Greek expatriates in New York

[10] ND section heads agree to focus on government's record on economy

[11] Gov't comments on recent Clerides visit to Athens

[12] European Liberal party leader holds press conference in Athens

[13] EPP's parliament group president arrives in Greece for Balkan party conference

[14] Greek inflation jumps to 3.5 percent in April, yr/yr

[15] Economy minister says 1.5 trillion drachmas by end of decade for support programs and social security

[16] Trade union leader says 'not a step back on social security issue'

[17] Bill waives lawyers' presence for small-value contracts, lawyers answer by strike

[18] Papoutsis, Mineta agree to further upgrade Greek-US relations in shipping and advance cooperation at international organizations

[19] Greece ranks 30th in world competitiveness league

[20] Study on contentious radio license issue in Parliament this month

[21] Alumyl plans to invest in Serbia, Turkey

[22] Greek stocks ease slightly in subdued trade

[23] Technology conference to be held in Athens

[24] Canadian campaign for return of Parthenon Marbles to Greece

[25] British heir to the throne arrives at Vatopedio holy monastery

[26] Bomb disposal robots donated to new Athens airport in Spata

[27] Immigration policy gives 'second chance' to illegal aliens

[28] Artists meet in Komotini, decide to establish Balkan Theatre Academy

[29] European Personal Data Protection Authorities to meet in Athens

[30] FM Papandreou delivers 'Olympic Truce' statue to UN secretary general

[31] ATHOC head, US ambassador urge US investors to sponsor 2004 Games

[01] Greek premier to Germany in June for talks on

EU BERLIN, 09/05/2001 (ANA – P. Stangos)

The meeting of Simitis and Tsohatzopoulos, which lasted 45 minutes and was held in private, focused on the social security/insurance problem that has caused political tensions in Greece.

Following the meeting both stressed that it took place in a good climate, while responding to a question regarding the content of the meeting’s agenda, Simitis said “Mr. Tsohatzopoulos was vice-president of the ESP, he is once again a member of the presidium and it is natural, when we are in a summit like this to first of all discuss the problems of the (political) space (of the spectrum. For example in regards to the Schroeder proposals”.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, who is the host of this ESP summit, proposed a more centralized European Union, but met skepticism by several socialist and social democrat leaders from around Europe.

The Greek premier announced he would visit Germany in June at the invitation of the German Chancellor to “discuss this issue”.

"From that point onward in a meeting like this (with Tsohatzopoulos) one discusses issues in a good climate and always in a friendly manner, just as I discuss all current issues with all ministers," Simitis said.

"I believe, I am the premier who more often than any other has met with his ministers and has held discussions with them. I find this to be especially positive, and for this reason we should not consider that every meeting is an extraordinary affair, which is useful to be showcased by special news flashes," Simitis said.

In statements to the press before the premier's press conference, Tsohatzopoulos made extensive comments about the "European" content of their talks and especially of the Schroeder proposals.

Speaking on domestic affairs he said "it should be seen with realism and the relevant understanding, adding that it is necessary for the government to break the negative climate by undertaking initiatives and through dialogue with social groups and with parties.

"All these changes we discussed should not come to pass without the Greek citizens knowledge," he said.

The members of the Greek government were expected to return to Greece Tuesday night at the end of the ESP summit, where they represented ruling PASOK.

[02] Athens comments on latest crisis in FYROM Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas added that the Greek government believed the latest flashpoints in the neighboring country to Greece's north were under control.

"Greece has nothing to from the crisis in the neighboring country or its expansion," he said.

Main opposition leader expresses concern over developments in FYROM

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis on Tuesday expressed great concern over dramatic developments in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and indicated that the European Union is playing the role of a spectator.

Karamanlis warned that clashes in FYROM could constitute a fuse for generalized destabilization and stressed the need for an immediate cease-fire.

"The European Union cannot be a mere spectator," he said, adding that "all of us together, the European Union and the international community, should send a message that such ways of resolving the crisis are unacceptable."

Karamanlis said there are two inviolable conditions in the whole process of settling the problem: respect for borders and respect for the citizen.

He will be having the opportunity to outline his party's positions on the situation in the region during a conference on the Balkans which the European Peoples' Party's Parliamentary Group will be organizing in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, as of Wednesday.

Apart from Karamanlis, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nadezhda Mihaylova will also be addressing the conference.

[03] Greece backs inviolability of borders in region, FM says in foreign policy speech at Columbia University

NEW YORK, 09/05/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Opening his address, Papandreou said that the European Union was currently in a period of dynamic change, aiming at the gradual incorporation of SE Europe into the EU and NATO structures, with the assistance of Greece.

"Apart from the convergence of the economies with those of the EU member states and their acceptance of the acquis communautaire, the countries wishing EU accession are also obliged to adopt the entire range of European values", which demand "the respect of borders, respect of human rights and the rights of minorities, and the democratization of their societies through the adoption of necessary reforms", the minister explained.

In that framework, he said, "Greece supports the respect for and inviolability of the borders of the region, reinforces the inter-dependence of the economies, strengthens the democratization processes, and works for EU integration".

Noting that "the union of all the Balkan countries was a Greek idea, which was expressed about 200 years ago by Rigas Ferraios", Papandreou said that this prospect was not an easy affair, since "many problems, such as the continuing occupation of Cyprus, and the situation in FYROM, Kosovo and Montenegro, hamper such a prospect".

But, he added, there were also "optimistic signs, such as the new leaderships in many of the Balkan states, the democratization processes, regional cooperation, and the joint vision for EU accession".

Greece can play "a particularly significant role in the course of the SE European countries towards accession", he said, since Greece had a "valuable 20-year experience as a member of the EU and NATO, can contribute to the democratization processes -- which presuppose parallel respect of the rights of minorities -- to the creation of the appropriate institutions, and to the economic growth of the countries of the region, via the free market".

"And all these will help in wiping out the long-standing problems that have overshadowed the relations among the Balkan countries," the foreign minister added.

Replying to questions from the floor, Papandreou clarified that the process of economic integration of the Balkans had already commenced with the regional cooperation of the SE European countries in a variety of sectors such as energy, transports and the environment and through the European accords on stabilization and association with the EU, as well as with the gradual inter-dependence of the economies of the region.

On FYROM, Papandreou warned that an armed conflict must be averted at all cost, the voices of the moderates must be strengthened, and those who supported extreme positions and solutions should be isolated, adding that the US, EU and Russia could jointly contribute in that direction.

Asked whether Greece was satisfied with the handling of the FYROM issue to date, chiefly by the US, Papandreou said that since the EU had not yet developed its own defense system, it inevitably continued to depend on the military forces and choices of the US.

On Cyprus, Papandreou referred to the important decisions taken at the EU summit in Helsinki and anticipated that Cyprus would join the EU within the next two years, adding that this prospect found the overwhelming majority of the Turkish Cypriots in agreement "as 90 percent of the population of the pseudo-state desire EU accession".

Asked about the Greek ethnic minority in Albania, the Greek foreign minister said that there was good cooperation between the two countries, noting that he considered the Tirana government's decision for the obligatory teaching of the Greek language in all schools in Albania a "particularly positive step".

On US foreign policy in the region, Papandreou said that although there were disagreements on Greece's part with certain choices of the US, such as the use of violence in settling crises, nevertheless at long-term level the policies of the two countries coincided, as both supported stability, democratization, free market economy, and investments in the region.

[04] Russian President and Greek Archbishop discuss relations of two countries and Churches

MOSCOW, 09/05/2001 (ANA - M. Papoutsaki)

Putin said the two Church primates contributed to the promotion of relations between the two peoples and also referred to trade relations, saying that they are at a level forming a basis for better cooperation.

Archbishop Christodoulos referred to the common characteristics of the two peoples, which are none other than the heroism they both displayed during World War Two.

He also told Alexiy "we are aware of your struggles to lead Russian society to its new prospects after a long period during which this people had been bound."

All three agreed on the particular importance and role of the Orthodox Church during the 21st century, as well as on the importance of good relations between Church and state.

After the meeting, the Russian president, the Archbishop, the Patriarch and senior clerics accompanying the two religious leaders attended a concert at the Kremlin's Conference Palace in memory of the Russians' patriotic war and their victory against Nazism.

Earlier in the day, Archbishop Christodoulos visited the famous Holy Trinity monastery outside Moscow and met with the prior. The relics of Saint Sergius who was born in the area are kept at this monastery.

Archbishop Christodoulos is due to arrive in Saint Petersburg late on Tuesday night for a two-day stay and visit the bishop, monasteries and theological academies.

[05] Deputy defense minister, Romanian General Staff chief discuss military reorganization

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

Popescu extended the appreciation of his country's Defense Minister Ioan Mircea Pascu for Greece's support for Romania's appeal to join Euro-Atlantic structures.

On his part, Apostolakis reiterated the country's support for the request of all Balkan nations to join NATO and the European Union since, as he said, this process will benefit overall development and a climate of security in the wider region.

The Greek side accepted Romania's request for the appointment of a Greek liaison officer at the country's National Defense General Staff as an adviser on issues concerning NATO.

[06] Gov't rules out navy chief's visit if Ankara claim persists

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas clarified, however, that the Turkish government has not officially briefed Athens over the matter.

In stressing Athens' standing position over the demilitarization claim, the spokesman reiterated that the Greek government accepts no interventions affecting the country's sovereignty. He also termed Ankara's interpretation of the Dodecannese island chain's demilitarization status as "incorrect".

Turkey's military leadership last week reportedly rejected the helicopter transport - via Rhodes -- of Greek naval chief Vice-Adm. Georgios Theodoroulakis to the Turkish naval base of Axaz. Theodoroulakis was originally scheduled to attend a command transfer ceremony at the base.

According to reports, Turkish authorities had verbally informed Greece's naval attache in Ankara that Turkey "did not accept" the military helicopter's landing on the well-known holiday island -- part of the neighboring country's long-standing claim that the Dodecannese islands, across from the densely populated Asia Minor littoral and the Turkish heartland, are "demilitarized".

At the ceremony, a Greek navy officer will transfer command of NATO's Mediterranean anti-mine warfare force (FORMED) to a Turkish counterpart. Countries participating in the force on a permanent basis are Germany, Greece, Italy, Turkey and Spain. Periodical participants are Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands and the United States.

The incident comes amid improved ties between the two neighbors and NATO allies, although certain "core differences" directly related to Turkey's unilateral claims in the Aegean remain. Athens has for decades patiently pointed to International Law, maritime and shipping pacts, as well as a handful of internationally recognized treaties as negating all of Ankara's claims.

The only outstanding issue recognized by Athens is that of the Aegean's continental shelf, which it maintains should be referred to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, something Turkey has steadfastly refused to accept.

A Greek military aircraft has on a previous occasion taken off from Rhodes, the largest island in the Dodecannese chain in the southeastern Aegean, to land on Turkish soil.

Specifically, a Hellenic Air Force C-130 "Hercules" transport plane took off from Rhodes for a Turkish air base in February 1995 to return a Turkish F-16 pilot who had ejected from his plane southeast of the island due to a mechanical malfunction.

The pilot, who was identified at the time as 27-year-old Lt.-Col. Mustafa Yildirim, had been plucked out of the Aegean by a Greek search and rescue helicopter before being briefly hospitalized and flown from Rhodes to Turkey the same day.

Turkish foreign ministry reportedly confirms ban on helicopter via Rhodes: Press reports said late Tuesday night that the Turkish foreign ministry made official, in a written document, a flight ban to Turkey on a Greek military helicopter carrying Greek naval chief Vice-Adm. George Theodoroulakis to the naval base of Axaz via Rhodes.

Ankara claims that the Greek island is demilitarized.

[07] Military exercise to be carried out in parts of central Macedonia on May 11-17

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

The exercise is aimed at examining the operational possibilities of the Second Army Corps. The final phase of the exercise will be held on May 15 and the defense ministry's civil and military leaderships have been invited to attend.

Meanwhile, the Navy's medium-scale exercise codenamed "Kataigis 2001" is currently underway in the south, central and eastern Aegean. All of the fleet's ships, that is 70 vessels (frigates, submarines, missile boats, tank carriers and support ships) are participating in it.

The final phase of the exercise will be carried out on Friday morning in a region of the island of Samos and, among others, includes a landing operation with support by ships, helicopters and aircraft.

The landing operation will be conducted by the 32nd Marines Brigade, which will be using for the first time hovercraft of the Zubr type recently received from Russia and Ukraine.

National Defense General Staff Chief Manoussos Paragioudakis will watch the final phase.

[08] Athens mayor says Greece deserves better fate with vision and destination on international scene

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

Avramopoulos, leader of the newly established Free Citizens Movement, was speaking at a public discussion on "Foreign policy in the era of globalization", organized by the Panteios University's International Relations Institute.

He described Greece as a country trapped by psychosis, prejudices, inertia and the lack of boldness and having an injured prestige, a country placed on the sidelines of the international scene and which does not exploit new factors and challenges provided by the new age.

Referring to relations between Greece and the European Union, Avramopoulos said the country constantly adopts the position of a "beggar either for protection or economic support".

He said his party has a different view of Greece's international role, adding that he does not fear proposals by German Chancellor Schroeder for the federalization of Europe and believes that covering the EU's democratic deficit should also be a Greek target.

"Europe should be emancipated from the point of view of defense to enable it to have possibilities," he said.

On the question of Turkey, Avramopoulos said if every possibility is utilized conditions of peace and cooperation between the peoples can be created.

Avramopoulos criticized Albanian parties, particularly that of former Albanian President Sali Berisha, in connection with the recent crisis in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and set out an action proposal for Balkan political parties for an important role to be undertaken to help in resolving the problem through an open dialogue.

[09] US envoy to Greece addresses Greek expatriates in New York

NEW YORK, 09/05/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

He said that Greek-Turkish relations were on the right path these last two years, crediting Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem for their efforts towards rapprochement.

He called the Cyprus problem an especially difficult one and complex, adding that "the US, President Bush himself and his staff are showing personal interest for the problem."

He stressed that the US support the continuation of the talks to resolve the Cyprus problem under the auspices of the United Nations.

He closed his speech noting that the Greek-US relations were fast improving on an economic level and on level of bilateral cooperation to combat terrorism and organized crime.

[10] ND section heads agree to focus on government's record on economy

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

Roussopoulos made the statements after a meeting of ND section heads on Tuesday, which decided that it would focus on the government's record in the economy during the upcoming Parliamentary debate.

The meeting was chaired by party leader Costas Karamanlis, who stressed that the major problem was the economy and that other issues, such as the social insurance problems, derived from this.

According to ND, the government has shown a lack of cohesion in its handling of the social insurance issue, with various ministers making disparate statements that were often retracted with 48 hours.

Other topics discussed during the meeting were the government's bill upgrading Technological Education Institutes.

[11] Gov't comments on recent Clerides visit to Athens

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas made the statement in reply to a question regarding the nature of Clerides' visit to Athens.

[12] European Liberal party leader holds press conference in Athens

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

He said he hoped that the problem of the island republic would be resolved soon on the basis of the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan proposals.

Speaking on the accession process of Cyprus, he said, that the Helsinki summit conclusions were clear regarding the exclusion of external pressures in Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

He added that in Cyprus' case it is "easy to implement the acquis communautaire" that is to have already incorporated EU directives in its legal and economic systems.

In discussing Turkey's EU course, he said that the country was in the throws of an economic crisis, which is delaying its accession process to the EU.

Cox also spoke of the illegal immigration in the European Union calling it a problem that could be controlled as the number of immigrants is small. He said that there are only 2.2 immigrants per 1,000 European Union citizens, a number far smaller than that in the United States.

[13] EPP's parliament group president arrives in Greece for Balkan party conference

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

Petering arrived in Greece to attend a conference on the Balkans, which will be organized by the European Peoples' Party's Parliamentary Group in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, beginning on Wednesday.

He noted that the EPP was against any border changes in the Balkans and stressed that violence could not be a way to resolve differences.

Later in the day Petering visited an exhibition in honor of late president Constantine Karamanlis, and was given of tour of it by the nephew of the late president and current main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis.

[14] Greek inflation jumps to 3.5 percent in April, yr/yr

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

The consumer price index rose 3.5 percent in April from the same month last year, compared with rises of 2.6 percent and 2.8 percent in the same months in 2000 and 1999, respectively.

The annual increase reflected a 2.5 percent price rise in food and beverages, a 3.6 percent increase in clothing and footwear, a 3.1 percent jump in housing, a 4.3 percent increase in transport and a 4.9 percent in hotel and restaurants.

The harmonized figure rose to 3.2 percent in April, year-on-year, from 3.1 percent in the previous month, National Statistics Service said.

The NSS also said that the wholesale prices' index rose 0.4 percent in March 2001 from the previous month, compared with rises of 0.9 percent and 0.4 percent in the same months of 2000 and 1999, respectively.

The wholesale index rose an average 4.7 percent in the January-March period compared with increases of 7.0 percent and 2.2 percent in the previous two years.

[15] Economy minister says 1.5 trillion drachmas by end of decade for support programs and social security

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

Papantoniou was speaking at the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry's annual awards ceremony.

He said this amount would be provided for more effective support programs for education and the national health system and primarily for social security, which will present an economic problem after 2010.

Papantoniou said the problem could be resolved more effectively with a budget, which will have been released from a huge burden, about 1.5 trillion drachmas of the public debt, which is excessively high at present.

He further said "the growth rate will not reach 5 percent, as we had initially predicted. However, it will be close to 5 percent and much higher, in contrast to what is happening in Europe, compared to 4.1 percent we had achieved last year. This year we will be having an acceleration of economic growth in Greece."

[16] Trade union leader says 'not a step back on social security issue'

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

Polyzogopoulos said the Social Security System is not facing a problem due to benefits but a funding problem and said the widening of the system's funding is a one-way path.

Referring to statements by Prime Minister Costas Simitis who accepted the need for the system's support, Polyzogopoulos said "we are not underestimating them, but we are not overestimating them either."

He rejected any idea of postponing decisions for the faraway future, adding that the problem should be tackled now on the basis of proposals made by the unions.

[17] Bill waives lawyers' presence for small-value contracts, lawyers answer by strike

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

In further action, hundreds of lawyers gathered to rally against the bill outside the building of the Athens Bar Association and marched to Parliament, where they handed over a letter to Parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis.

Under the new justice ministry's bill, lawyers must be present for the signing of contracts whose value exceeds 15 million drachmas for regions served by the Athens and Thessaloniki lawyers associations and eight million drachmas for lawyers associations in other areas of Greece.

The same sums previously were five million drachmas and 750,000 drachmas respectively.

According to a report attached to the amendment, the obligatory presence of lawyers for small-value transactions burdens ordinary citizens and discourages business activity.

Similarly, the amendment alters the minimum fees that can be charged by lawyers for drawing up private or public documents.

[18] Papoutsis, Mineta agree to further upgrade Greek-US relations in shipping and advance cooperation at international organizations

WASHINGTON, 09/05/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Mineta told reporters after the talks that the US government placed special importance on cooperation with Greece, as it considered the Greek merchant fleet a "major world power", and expressed appreciation for Greece's significant contribution to the formulation of the final decision taken by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on the process of withdrawing single-hull tankers.

The two ministers said they shared the same views on their policy priorities in the maritime sector, particularly on matters concerning fair and legitimate competition, protection of the marine environment, and navigation safety.

Papoutsis also brought up the problem of US port fees imposed on foreign-flag ships, and Mineta promised to examine the issue.

They also discussed cooperation between the two countries' Coast Guards, and the US side expressed appreciation for the contribution of the Greek Harbor Corps in the fight against drug trafficking worldwide.

Papoutsis, who arrived in Washington on Sunday on an official visit at the invitation of the US government, extended an invitation to Mineta on behalf of the Athens government to visit Greece.

Papoutsis, accompanied by Harbor Corps chief Andreas Syrigos, earlier visited the headquarters of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

DEA officials noted the very good cooperation among the services of both countries and the significant successes of the Greek authorities in combatting drug trafficking, which they said ranked Greece among the top countries in this area in Europe.

The Greek delegation further visited the headquarters of the US Coast Guard and met with its commander, Admiral James Loy and other officials, for talks on issues of cooperation between the two Coast Guards particularly in areas of navigation safety, search and rescue at sea, fighting marine pollution, and personnel training so that they could meet the increasing demands of their missions.

On Tuesday, Papoutsis will visit the US Coast Guard Command for the Atlantic region in Norfolk, Virginia, and on Wednesday he will be given a tour of the US Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut, before going on to New York for meetings with representatives of the Greek-American community and US-based Greek shipping concerns.

[19] Greece ranks 30th in world competitiveness league

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

He was commenting on the publication of an annual report by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), based in Lausanne Switzerland, on world competitiveness ranking.

Greece climbed to the 30th place last year from 41th in 1993 surpassing Italy and Portugal from the EU area, and Brazil, China and the Czech Republic.

Christodoulakis also referred to a government plan to reform the country's social security system, saying that "the sooner we come up with a viable reform, the better for everyone. A proposal may freeze but the social security problem is developing."

He said that the government was closely watching developments in neighboring FYROM and stressed that the OKTA refinery (owned by Hellenic Petroleum) was operating smoothly as a project to build an oil pipeline between Thessaloniki and Skopje.

[20] Study on contentious radio license issue in Parliament this month

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

The question on the minds of several deputies serving on Parliament's scientific and technology committee towards three members of the relevant scientific panel was whether 28 or 35 radio frequencies could be sanctioned for the greater Athens area, in light of the new Athens airport's operation at Spata.

However, three university professors assigned the task countered that the study must first be completed to answer the question.

A government decision in late March to finally issue a total of 28 radio station licenses - with transmitters set to be shifted from Mount Hymettus to Mount Parnitha - and to shutdown the broadcasts of stations without a license caused a veritable furor over the airwaves. Police raids on a "transmitter park" atop Mount Hymettus, overlooking Athens from the east, were also timed with the opening of the new "Eleftherios Venizelos" Airport.

Another issue raised on Tuesday focused on the number of frequencies allocated to the state-run ERA broadcast network, which stand at 13, with one Aristotelion University of Thessaloniki professor suggesting that ERA's signal strength must be reduced. Finally, deputies asked for a conclusion on whether transmitters should, as planned, be shifted to Parnitha from Hymettus.

The partially state-appointed National Radio-TV Council (ERS) had initially approved a maximum of 28 radio frequencies to allow for the unimpeded operation of the new airport, east of Athens. More than 70 stations, many without any legal standing, had been broadcasting over the airwaves in the Greek capital until March.

Conversely, the managements of several high-profile stations that were "axed" vehemently charged that criteria used by the ERS board to grant licenses was faulty and capricious, as well as politically motivated.

[21] Alumyl plans to invest in Serbia, Turkey

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

In addition, the company is sounding out the outlook for a joint venture in Turkey through a local partner, or for the acquisition of a majority holding in a Turkish firm, Alumyl said in a letter to the bourse.

[22] Greek stocks ease slightly in subdued trade

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

Traders said stock prices moved higher initially only to reverse this trend later in the day because of lack of follow-through buying.

The general index ended 0.02 percent lower at 3,155.52 points, holding above the 3,150 support level for one more session. Turnover was a low 106.02 million euros, or 36.13 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.10 percent higher at 1,858.48 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index eased 0.30 percent to 356.95 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 6,871.39 +0.12% Telecoms: 1,083.68 -0.46% Insurance: 1,453.47 +0.70% Investment: 1,050.97 -0.91% Construction: 1,445.89 -0.03% Industrials: 1,851.57 +0.02% Holding: 3,628.45 +0.89% Base metals: 961.60 -0.40% Minerals: 1,050.61 +0.70% Publishing: 916.63 -0.46% Textiles: 1,075.86 -0.06% Retailing: 1,126.76 -0.52% IT: 967.99 -1.17% IT solutions: 912.99 -0.81% Wholesale: 883.36 +0.56%

Food & Beverages: 888.27 +0.79%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 309.71 points, up 0.28 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 169 to 136 with another 55 issues unchanged.

Unibrain, Vardas, Petropoulos, Multirama, Fitco, Lanacam, ANEK Lines, Atlantic, Creta Farm and Kekrops scored the biggest percentage gains, while Marfin Classic, Delta Informatics, Goody's, Hadzikraniotis, Boutaris, Pouliadis, Space Hellas, Macedonian Plastics and Delta Holdings suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank, Hellenic Telecoms, Coca Cola HBC, Folli Follie and EFG Eurobank Ergasias were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in euros): National Bank: 43.30 Alpha Bank: 31.44 Commercial Bank: 53.00 Egnatia Bank: 5.38 Eurobank: 17.20 Piraeus Bank: 13.90 Lambrakis Press: 12.62 Altec: 6.30 Intrasoft: 9.84 Technodomiki: 7.60 Titan Cement: 40.90 Hellenic Telecoms: 16.06 Panafon: 7.08 Hellenic Petroleum: 9.04 Attica Enterprises: 8.26 Intracom: 20.24 Mytilineos: 7.48 Minoan Lines: 4.60 Viohalco: 11.22 Coca Cola HBC: 16.24

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

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.10 percent up, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.30 percent lower.

Traded were 7,043 contracts on turnover of 50.0 million euros.

Bond prices drop in heavy selling: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished lower in heavy trade with players focusing on 20-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.47 percent, the same as a day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 51 basis points, also the same as in the previous session.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.7 billion euros (593 billion drachmas) from 345 million euros (117 billion drachmas) in the trading day before.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[23] Technology conference to be held in Athens

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

[24] Canadian campaign for return of Parthenon Marbles to Greece

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

Representatives of the Committee announced the campaign during a press conference on the premises of the Canadian parliament.

Immediately after its establishment, the Committee began briefing Canadian officials on the issue in advance of a visit by Greece's president Costis Stephanopoulos in May 2000. Its members include eminent Canadian politicians and academics.

The Committee's British-born secretary Steve Ashton, Canada's Minister of Highways and Government Services (Manitoba), early this year conveyed to the British Museum, Hong Kong and Athens the "Canadian message" that the Marbles should be returned to Greece by 2004, when the Olympic Games return to their land of birth.

The collection of signatures will be effected mainly via the internet, where the Committee has set up a site (www.parthenoncanada.org).

The 5th century B.C. Marbles were removed from the Parthenon by British diplomat Lord Elgin in the early 19th century with tacit permission of local Ottoman administrators then ruling in the area. Elgin removed the friezes and other parts of the impressive Parthenon temple, dedicated to the ancient goddess Athena, and sold them to the British Museum in 1816, where they have been housed since.

[25] British heir to the throne arrives at Vatopedio holy monastery

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

His visit is unofficial and, according to reports, he will stay at Mount Athos for three days and will be visiting more monasteries in the area, which he has repeatedly expressed admiration for.

Prince Charles had arrived in Greece on board a private aircraft, which had landed at the airport of Chrysoupolis. He then boarded the yacht "Rio Rita" provided for him by shipowner Yiannis Latsis.

The yacht, which took Prince Charles to Mount Athos, has anchored in the Ierissos Gulf, while it is unknown whether Camilla Parker Bowles is also on board.

[26] Bomb disposal robots donated to new Athens airport in Spata

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

The two robots, a large one name "Hercules" and a smaller one named "Odysseus" each cost 90 million drachmas and were donated by the 'Stavros Niarchos' Foundation and the manufacturer.

The two robots will work as a team, with the smaller one collecting suspicious parcels and handing them to the larger one, which will then deposit them in a bin for controlled detonation.

The airport authorities immediately turned the two robots over to the Greek police, on the condition that they would be used for the purposes of airport security.

[27] Immigration policy gives 'second chance' to illegal aliens

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

Under a chapter titled "Second Chance" that affects illegal aliens who have been living in Greece for at least one year, the undocumented immigrants may submit applications for residency and work permits, the so-called White Cards and Green Cards.

Specifically, illegal aliens must submit, between June 2 and August 2, their applications for legalization to the municipality or community where they are living. Eligible are aliens who have completed at least one year of residency in Greece by June 2, when the new immigration legislation takes effect. This also applies to aliens whose green or white card has expired, aliens who have taken recourse to the Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) and wish to abandon their recourse, and all those who have submitted applications for obtaining a residency permit for humanitarian reasons.

Two recent color pictures, and a certified copy of their passport, other travel document, birth certificate, or identification card must accompany the application.

The passport will also serve as proof of the one-year residency. In the event the alien is unable to produce a passport verifying the duration of residency, he or she must submit other proof, such as a lease -- which has been declared Tax Bureau -- or utility bills for the period in question.

If an alien lives in a small municipality or community of fewer than 20,000 inhabitants, a decision of the municipal or community council may serve as proof of the length of residency in Greece.

The family members (dependents) of the illegal alien may also submit applications for residency permits under the same procedures, provided the illegal alien has a residency permit or working permit and has lived in Greece for at least two years as of June 2.

[28] Artists meet in Komotini, decide to establish Balkan Theatre Academy

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

According to the decisions taken by the representatives, the new academy will be based in Komotini and its charter will be drawn up by the academy's presidium when it is elected.

The aims of the academy include organizing an annual Balkan Theatre Festival and using the Internet for the promotion of cooperation between Balkan theatres.

[29] European Personal Data Protection Authorities to meet in Athens

Athens, 09/05/2001 (ANA)

[30] FM Papandreou delivers 'Olympic Truce' statue to UN secretary general

NEW YORK, 09/05/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

The ceremony was attended by International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch, Athens 2004 Coordinating Committee President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, personalities of the diplomatic and political world who had served as the organization’s secretary general and other members of the International Olympic Truce Center’s (IOTC) board.

The statue was made by Spanish artist Rosa Serra and is an offer by the former member of the UN's Olympic Committee Irwin Belk.

Since only UN member-states can give gifts to the international organization, IOTC secretary Kidane called on Greek Foreign Minister and IOTC Vice President George Papandreou to deliver the statue to Annan on its behalf.

[31] ATHOC head, US ambassador urge US investors to sponsor 2004 Games

NEW YORK, 09/05/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Other speakers included US Ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns, who spoke warmly about Athens hosting the 2004 Games, expressing conviction that these would be a complete success. He also urged US business people to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in Greece.

An address had been made earlier by Athens Stock Exchange (ASE) president Panagiotis Alexakis, who spoke about investment opportunities on the Greek capital market.

The seminar was on "Investment in modern Greece" and was organized by Capital Link president Nikolas Bornozis and Lavipharm Group Executive Director Athanasios Lavidas, also president of the Greece-US Business Council.

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