Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-06-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] DM says no agreement on Turkey's participation in EU security and defense policy

[02] Greece to table "three phase" cease-fire and dialogue plan for FYROM

[03] Schroeder: Cyprus on agenda of talks with Greek

[04] Greek FM meets Bosnian Serb PM in Athens for talks on Balkans

[05] Bush proposes Tom Miller for new U.S. ambassador to Greece

[06] U.S. envoy says Greece the only steady and prospering democracy in region

[07] Spokesman says Greek KFOR troops not at risk from Kosovo fever

[08] Terrorism bill clears second hurdle despite opposition by PASOK MPs

[09] Greece signs agreement to buy S-type frigate from Netherlands Navy

[10] Orthodox Church and EPP meeting examines roles of Church and state

[11] Church of Greece: 2.8 million signatures collected over ID issue

[12] UN chief accepts invitation by Athens mayor to visit next year

[13] Samothraki journalists conference to begin next Thursday

[14] Gov’t announces competitiveness boosting measures

[15] Deputy minister announces gov't plans to boost exports

[16] Energy consumption in Greece rises by 47 per cent during 1985-1998 period

[17] Reppas comments on IOBE report on black economy in Greece

[18] Cooperation in tourism, energy, technology at center of Development minister's talks in Washington

[19] Greek stocks rebound strongly on ASE

[20] Industrialist Panagiotis Angelopoulos buried at first Athens cemetery

[21] IOC official says Athens 2004 sponsors' conference successful

[22] Left-wing AKEL SG Dimitris Christofias elected President of the House of Representatives

[23] US officials address PSEKA conference

[01] DM says no agreement on Turkey's participation in EU security and defense policy

BRUSSELS, 08/07/2001 (ANA-M. Spinthourakis)

Tsohatzopoulos said Greece would never accept a position contrary to unanimous decisions taken at the Nice summit which determine conditions for the participation of NATO members who are not members of the European Union in the implementation of European security and defense policy.

He made his statement at the end of the first day of NATO's defense ministers' meeting, while commenting on accusations by the main opposition New Democracy party's leader earlier in the day that the government was proceeding to informal agreements on the issue.

Tsohatzopoulos further said that "not enough EU countries will be found to accept such a thing" (meaning a change in decisions taken in Nice).

He denied reports that Britain and the U.S. have presented a "joint platform" placing the Aegean and Cyprus outside the scope of the EU's common foreign, security and defense policy.

"No relevant proposal has been submitted officially and if it is submitted the Greek reply will be that 'you are knocking at the wrong door'," he added.

Referring to the situation in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), he said KFOR forces will be reinforced to secure borders between Kosovo and FYROM as best as possible. The international community, he added, will have a more intense political presence with the purpose of enabling the prevalence of a climate of dialogue with all parties in FYROM's Parliament so that a solution can be found to the problem.

Moreover, Tsohatzopoulos expressed satisfaction that the U.S., through Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld clarified in Brussels on Thursday that there is no question of limiting its presence in the region.

Tsohatzopoulos said force and resorting to terrorism in the name of supposedly pursuing human rights are rejected.

"It is not possible for them to be accepted by the international community," he said.

Commenting on reports that the U.S. has been critical of the way with which Greece is functioning in the framework of the process of discussing confidence-building measures (CBMs) with Turkey, Tsohatzopoulos said CBMs will not be promoted in the way the Americans want but in the way suiting Greece.

"If some are bothered by the possibility of criticism existing on the American side on this issue, we at least are not bothered," he said, adding that "we have no obligation either with the wishes of third parties or, of course, with the interests and pursuits of the other side for us to compromise."

On the question of the promotion of new anti-missiles protection systems supported by the U.S., Tsohatzopoulos said that dialogue in NATO on the issue in essence is starting now and added that Greece believes that this dialogue should include both Russia and China.

Strong ND reactions to rumored EU-Turkey deal on European army: A report by the US newspaper New York Times about a possible deal between Turkey and the EU regarding the Common European Security and Defense Policy elicited strong reactions from Greece's main opposition party New Democracy. ND leader Costas Karamanlis warned on Thursday that his party would not recognize any "secret" or "informal" deals that brought Turkey and Greece on the same level within the EU.

Such a development, he said, would undermine not only national security but also the importance of Cyprus' accession to the EU.

Karamanlis also pointed out that the country's deterrent capacity and defense were intimately linked with the structure and operation of the European army and he accused the government of having a conciliatory policy which allowed Turkey, which is not yet an EU member, to attempt to block the actions of the European Army now being created in the Aegean and Cyprus.

He concluded by saying that securing Greece's borders, which are also the borders of the European Union, was one of the main reasons why Greece chose to become a member of the European family.

According to an ANA dispatch from Istanbul, however, Turkish diplomats consider the possibility of any deal with the EU before the NATO and EU summits to be very small.

"The EU is still very far from satisfying Turkish expectations," they said.

Ankara has vetoed an agreement between the EU and NATO for the use of NATO infrastructure by the fledgling European army, unless it is allowed to participate in decision-making for European army operations.

[02] Greece to table "three phase" cease-fire and dialogue plan for FYROM

Athens, 08/06/2001 (ANA)

Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou will table the plan, which was drafted by Greek Ambassador to FYROM George Kaklikis, aiming at establishing a cease fire and reinitiate inter-ethnic dialogue before next Friday's EU summit in Goteborg, Sweden.

The first phase of the Greek plan calls for the EU and the US to apply pressure on the four major parties taking part in FYROM's government toward a successful cease fire within 48 hours and the withdrawal of all armed groups from the conflict zones.

The second phase calls for the initiation of high-level talks between representatives of the four major parties forming the coalition government, who will establish the basis and direction of the dialogue to follow.

The third phase is that of the dialogue headed by FYROM President Boris Trajkovski, which is estimated to conclude within five days, while at the end of the last day of talks a final text of an agreement should be submitted to the EU and the EU's Security and Defense High Representative Javier Solana.

Both Slavs and Albanians in FYROM will be called upon to sign this document.

[03] Schroeder: Cyprus on agenda of talks with Greek

PM BERLIN, 08/04/2001 (ANA - P. Stangos)

Schroeder said as much during a meeting he had earlier with foreign correspondents based in Germany, without however, commenting on recent statements by Turkish PM Bulent Ecevit, who said the island's division is the "best solution", or on the issue of Cyprus' accession into the bloc before its political problem is solved.

European issues and the upcoming summit in Goteborg, Sweden were also expected to dominate the Schroeder-Simitis talks. A working dinner was to follow the talks.

[04] Greek FM meets Bosnian Serb PM in Athens for talks on Balkans

Athens, 08/06/2001 (ANA)

According to foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis, the Bosnian Serb premier assured Papandreou of his adherence and respect for the Dayton Treaty for the stability and prosperity of his country.

The Dayton peace treaty ended Bosnia's 1992-5 war by splitting it into two highly autonomous entities - a Muslim-Croat federation and a Serb republic.

The two men also discussed Greek investments in Bosnia in the framework of the National Action Plan for Balkan Reconstruction.

With regard to Greece's policy for the Balkans, Papandreou outlined a planned Greek initiative for the crisis in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), which will be presented by him and Alternate Foreign Minister Elisavet Papazoi at the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday.

According the Papandreou, the Greek proposal does not differ greatly from that of EU Common Foreign and Defense Policy High Commissioner Javier Solana and calls for the immediate start of dialogue between all democratically elected political forces in the republic and a fixed timetable for the progress of talks, which will center on the revision of the Constitution.

The Greek proposal will also call on all sides involved to commit themselves to abiding by the decisions made within the framework of the dialogue.

[05] Bush proposes Tom Miller for new U.S. ambassador to Greece

WASHINGTON, 08/07/2001 (ANA-T. Ellis)

Tom Miller, who is currently ambassador to Bosnia-Herzegovina, had in the past served as political attache at the U.S. embassy in Athens and has an excellent knowledge of Greek and Cypriot affairs.

His appointment must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

[06] U.S. envoy says Greece the only steady and prospering democracy in region

Athens, 08/06/2001 (ANA)

Burns was speaking on Greece's cooperation with the U.S. in the Balkans at an event organized by the "Constantine Karamanlis" Institute.

Referring to Greek-US. relations and the two countries' cooperation in the Balkans, Burns focused on the joint presence of Greek and American troops in the SFOR and KFOR forces, as well as on efforts made by the two governments for democratic change in Serbia.

He said Greek foreign policy made a substantive turn in past years, reaching a rapprochement with Turkey on the one hand and playing an important role in the Balkans on the other.

Burns further spoke of the vital nature of the relationship between the U.S. and Europe which constitutes "a decisive element of American foreign policy for the new U.S. government as well."

He added that the presence of the U.S. and its diplomatic activity will continue to be intense in the region, since peace and stability in the Balkans should be maintained.

[07] Spokesman says Greek KFOR troops not at risk from Kosovo fever

Athens, 08/06/2001 (ANA)

In response to questions, the spokesman said that every precautionary measure was being taken to protect Greeks living in the area.

[08] Terrorism bill clears second hurdle despite opposition by PASOK MPs

Athens, 08/06/2001 (ANA)

In Parliament, meanwhile, the bill was passed in the article-by-article debate by mid-afternoon on Thursday despite vehement opposition by many members of the ruling PASOK party. Main opposition New Democracy, on the other hand, fully supports the tougher measures against terrorism and organized crime proposed by the bill. The final stage whereby the bill will be voted on in its entirety and become law will take place during the next Parliamentary session.

Responding to questions regarding the opposition to the bill by PASOK MPs, many of whom have refused to vote for it, Reppas said that what counted was the fact that the government's proposal had been accepted.

He dismissed suggestions that the government did not have the backing of PASOK MPs, and said that anyone who doubted this could prove it by following Parliamentary procedure.

In statement's during Thursday's debate, ND parliamentary spokesman Prokopis Pavlopoulos said that the way the bill was being passed created a major political problem, since it was being backed and voted for by the main opposition rather than the government's party.

An answer to PASOK dissenters was also given by Justice Minister Michalis Stathopoulos in Parliament on Thursday, who said the bill had the backing of the government and PASOK deputies.

"It is natural for there to be some disagreements, MPs are not a army company. I believe I have the confidence of the prime minister and the deputies, otherwise there would be a no-confidence motion," he said.

If passed, the new laws will introduce non-jury criminal trials, a limited right of appeal, DNA testing without consent, broader police powers of surveillance and infiltration, witness protection and amnesty programs, suspended sentences for those who assist authorities by giving evidence or information and jail terms of up to 10 years for members of serious crime gangs.

[09] Greece signs agreement to buy S-type frigate from Netherlands Navy

Athens, 08/06/2001 (ANA)

The agreement was signed by the National Defense ministry's director for procurements, George Kolyris and his Dutch counterpart.

The frigate will be renamed "Bouboulina" and will be delivered to the Greek Navy at the start of 2002, while the total cost of the program comes to 14.67 billion drachmas.

The ship was first built for the Dutch Navy in October 1983. It is the seventh frigate of its type owned by the Greek Navy.

Responding to questions regarding the Turkish navy exercise "Seawolf 2001", Apostolakis said this did not cause any particular problems.

Regarding the situation in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Apostolakis reiterated that Greece was monitoring developments and insisted on a policy of support for the FYROM government in dealing with the situation, while he said that international organizations had to decided jointly what the next steps would be.

[10] Orthodox Church and EPP meeting examines roles of Church and state

Athens, 08/06/2001 (ANA)

Orthodox Church personalities from all over the world and representatives of other Christian Churches are participating in the event.

Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, outlined in a message the visions of the Greek Church for society, the future of Europe and its peoples.

He said such a society should be one of dialogue without contrasts, which will not only encourage the promotion of organized groups' positions but individual values as well.

In his own message, Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos said the Orthodox Church does not side with one political group, nor does it support its prevalence over another. However, he added, it respects the existence of many views for regulating social life for the benefit of all.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate’s representative, the Metropolitan of Kissamos and Selinos Eirinaios and the head of the New Democracy party’s Eurodeputies Antonis Trakatellis addressed the meeting, among others.

The dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the EPP's Parliamentary Group has been organized on an annual basis since 1996 in cooperation with the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

ND leader says those trying to harm Church offering very bad service: Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis said on Thursday those trying to harm the Church, make fun of faith, deny its social work and refuse a dialogue with it are offering a very bad service.

Karamanlis was speaking at the 5th meeting between the Orthodox Church and European Christian Democrats at the Orthodox Academy of Crete in the town of Kolymbari.

Karamanlis said participation in dialogues with the Church is extremely valuable since the memory of the values of Christian tradition is useful in political life.

He further stressed the importance of cohesion in European society which, as he said, necessitates the parallel upgrading of Europe's moral, spiritual and cultural prestige.

"Apart from effectiveness, transparency and workability, respect is necessary for social principles, justice, tolerance, diversity and representativeness which leads to mutual confidence as an alternative solution to the issue of domination and submission between individuals, societies and countries," he said.

Karamanlis also said one should resist cynicism and inhumanity, as well as apathy towards pain.

[11] Church of Greece: 2.8 million signatures collected over ID issue

Athens, 08/06/2001 (ANA)

In a press briefing, Metropolitan of Sparta Efstathios said the exact number of signatures would be announced at the end of June.

The government's decision last year to issue new ID cards sans the religious affiliation on grounds that it constitutes a violation of citizens' privacy concerning personal data caused a firestorm of opposition from the Autocephalus Orthodox Church of Greece.

In December, the Council of State, the country's highest administrative court, favored the exclusion of the religious affiliation category on IDs, while recommending that nationality be included.

In an unrelated development, the Holy Synod spokesman said the maintenance of a centuries-old prohibition against the entrance of female into the semi-autonomous monastic community of Mount Athos and the ordaining women in the Orthodox Church - both were given a smattering of publicity in the local press after a Greek Eurodeputy with the PASOK party brought the matters to the Europarliament's floor - are moot points for the Church.

Efstathios referred to a relevant announcement by the Church's hierarchy, which stated that Mount Athos' regime has been cemented in both Greek and EU law, while a male-only priesthood is part of Orthodoxy's 2000-year tradition, and "something that must be respected."

Finally, Efstathios said Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos and Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos spoke on the phone Wednesday, as the Patriarch arrived in the Greek capital today to attend the funeral of pioneering Greek industrialist and philanthropist Panagiotis Angelopoulos.

[12] UN chief accepts invitation by Athens mayor to visit next year

NEW YORK, 08/06/2001 (ANA)

Moreover, Avramopoulos officially presented Annan with the program entitled "Diplomacy of Cities", which is a proposal by the municipality of Athens.

Avramopoulos is currently visiting New York in the framework of the UN General Assembly's 25th special session in human settlements.

[13] Samothraki journalists conference to begin next Thursday

Athens, 08/06/2001 (ANA)

The four-day conference, organized with the support of the local municipality, the Prefecture Administration of Evros, the ministry of press and mass media, the ministry of Macedonia-Thrace and journalists' unions, will focus on "Power and the Mass Media".

It will be the ninth such conference, which developed into an institution for the media and has become a focal point of dialogue for journalists from all over the country, aiming at becoming a Balkan and European event.

[14] Gov’t announces competitiveness boosting measures

Athens, 08/06/2001 (ANA)

Papantoniou said the government was planning to gradually overhaul certain sectors of the job market and in particular the so-called "closed shops" professions. The government has already completed the deregulation in the lawyers' profession and plans to do the same with engineering technicians and accountants.

Papantoniou was speaking after a meeting of the Economic and Social Policy Committee.

He said that the government planned to submit to parliament in July a draft bill envisaging a simplification of procedures to set up and operate new businesses in the country.

Papantoniou also said that the government was planning a more speedier implementation of measures aiming to boost competitiveness and the deregulation of Greece's energy market, according to a decision by an ECOFIN meeting in Luxembourg early this week.

[15] Deputy minister announces gov't plans to boost exports

Athens, 08/06/2001 (ANA)

He called on Greek exporters to increase their efforts over the next 10 years "in order to avert the danger of a peculiar delay and placing our country at the margins".

Plans for the promotion of Greek exports include, the minister said, the establishment of an export trade coordinating agency, an international economics law secretariat and a fund for the development of "new economy" ventures, among others.

Zaphiropoulos said that a look at current conditions in the sector of export trade shows that Greek exports have lost ground in the European Union, have gained ground in third countries but not as fast as they should and the improvement of the quality of Greek exports is not moving at a fast enough pace.

Macedonia-Trace Minister George Paschalidis, who also participated in the conference said that the idea of economic penetration in the Balkans should be replaced by economic cooperation, adding that "our opponents are anachronism, lack of action and corruption. Let's discover the bravery of common understanding and cooperation".

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) deputy Giorgos Alogoskoufis said that plans drafted by ND for the support of Greek exports included a policy to push 20 per cent of Greek exports to central and Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

He added that the ND plans aimed at supporting the Greek economy's competitiveness and the active promotion of Greek products in the EU, while he agreed with Paschalidis on the policy of cooperation and not penetration in regional countries.

[16] Energy consumption in Greece rises by 47 per cent during 1985-1998 period

BRUSSELS, 08/06/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

Portugal with 85 per cent, Spain with 50 per cent and Ireland with 48 per cent outranked energy consumption growth over the aforementioned period, while heavy energy consumers showed much lower increases.

Specifically, energy consumption in Denmark rose by 8 per cent, in Luxembourg by 4 per cent and in Sweden by 3 per cent, while heavily industrialized Germany decreased its energy consumption by 4 per cent.

Petrol consumption in Greece, according to the report rose, by 1998, to 2.6 tons per capita, under the Union average of 3.8 tons per capita.

Luxembourg hold first place with 7.7 tons of petrol consumption per capita, with Finland at 6.4 tons and Belgium at 5.5 tons, the report which focused on environmental pollution in the Union said.

Fuel oil consumption in Greece during the same period rose by 69 per cent and to 488 kilos per capita in 1998, compared to a Union-wide average of 648 kilos per capita.

[17] Reppas comments on IOBE report on black economy in Greece

Athens, 08/06/2001 (ANA)

He said its size, which has been large for many years, had already been trimmed by control measures introduced by the government - such as the TAXIS program, which has led to a much higher percentage of VAT being collected.

Reppas also added that the recognition of the large percentage of the black economy "leads to the conclusion that the economy, the incomes of private citizens and the level of daily life are much better than that shown by official indicators."

[18] Cooperation in tourism, energy, technology at center of Development minister's talks in Washington

WASHINGTON, 08/06/2001 (ANA - A. Ellis)

"We had a long, cordial and very constructive discussion with Mr. Evans. Tourism took up a substantial part of the discussion, particularly in view of the rekindled interest of the American citizens in visiting Greece, which is expected to increase further in the next few years in light of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens," Christodoulakis said after the 40-minute meeting.

Christodoulakis, who on Thursday winds up a five-day visit to the US capital, said that the Olympic Games "comprise a very big and strong message for America, a message that prompts, enthuses and urges the Americans to visit the country organizing the Games, and I believe that this will result in a much larger number of American visitors".

On the energy sector, Christodoulakis said he and Evans had an "equally interesting discussion" since Greece, given its overall repositioning on the energy state of affairs in the region, was evolving into a country capable of attracting very serious international energy investments.

Already, he added, several American companies were expressing interest in making investments in the country.

"Applications have already been submitted for an electricity production plant, but there is also wider interest for participation in the energy connection projects, either oil projects such as the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline or natural gas projects. In all these prospects we see the strong interest of the American enterprises. Also important is the contract due to be signed between SYNERGY and DEPA (Greece's public gas corporation) for the distribution of natural gas in Athens. All these make up a new period of a very strong presence of American investments in our country, direct investments which, naturally, will give a new impetus to the Greek economy in the field of energy," Christodoulakis said.

The Greek minister, who invited Evans to visit Greece, said they had further discussed technological cooperation since "Greece recently has begun to show very strong prospects for technological investments by foreign enterprises in our country".

Greece, he said, had institutions such as venture capital in the field of technology, technological parks "which are very advanced", as well as "a very powerful human potential in the fields of informatics, communications and the modern sciences".

"All these, I believe, can induce American companies to come to Greece and positively assess these facts. We can make joint investments in the technological fields and give a very positive prospect to the competitiveness of the Greek economy," Christodoulakis said.

[19] Greek stocks rebound strongly on ASE

Athens, 08/06/2001 (ANA)

Traders described the change in the market's course as a technical recovery, a normal reaction to its recent sharp falls, with a low turnover justifying this estimate.

Banks and telecommunications stocks attracted demand to lead the market higher, with National Bank (+4.37%), Alpha Bank (+3.53%), Commercial Bank (+3.51%), Hellenic Telecoms (+2.70%) and Panafon (+2.46%) leading the way.

The general index ended 2.78 percent higher at 2,983.48 points, slightly off the day's highs of 2,991.81 points, with turnover a low 201.06 million euros, or 68.51 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 3.11 percent higher at 1,746.86 points, the FTSE/ASE 40 index jumped 1.81 percent to 333.17 points and the FTSE/ASE SMALLCAP index rose 0.81 percent to 951.86 points.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 280.17 points, up 0.46 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 233 to 104 with another 35 issues unchanged.

General Trade and Industry, Varagis, Xylemporia, Barba Stathis, Xifias, Efklidis, AS Company and Microland scored the biggest percentage gains, while Lanacam, Sigalas, Parnassos Enterprises, ETMA, Tasoglou, Desmos, Intersat, Imperio, Eltrak and Keranis Holding suffered the heaviest losses.

Viohalco, National Bank, Hellenic Telecoms, Alpha Bank and Titan Cement were the most heavily traded stocks.

Bond prices rise in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Thursday finished higher in heavy trade with players focusing on 5-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.51 percent same from 5.48 a day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 43.9 basis points from 44 in the previews session.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totaled 1.37 billion euros (466.8 billion drachmas) from 965 million euros (328.8 billion drachmas) a trading day earlier.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

Equity futures end sharply higher: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished sharply higher on Thursday, in line with the indices on which they are based.

The underlying FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 3.11 percent up, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 1.81 percent up.

Traded were 10,016 contracts on turnover of 81 million euros.

[20] Industrialist Panagiotis Angelopoulos buried at first Athens cemetery

Athens, 08/06/2001 (ANA)

He died in Athens on Tuesday at the age of 93. His wife Eleni and two sons Theodoros and Constantine survived him.

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos officiated at the funeral service with the assistance of Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, the Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania Anastasios and senior clergymen of the ecumenical throne.

Archbishop Christodoulos who accompanied him in the drive to the cemetery welcomed Vartholomeos at Athens airport.

Vartholomeos, Archbishop Christodoulos, Foreign Minister George Papandreou and business representatives made eulogies at the funeral.

The funeral was attended by Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Press Minister Dimitris Reppas, New Democracy party Honorary President Constantine Mitsotakis, Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos, ND Deputy Dora Bakoyianni, the wife of the ND leader Natassa Karamanli and many parliamentarians.

[21] IOC official says Athens 2004 sponsors' conference successful

Athens, 08/06/2001 (ANA)

He was speaking in a press conference at the end of two-day conference held in an Athens hotel that brought together inter-national and domestic sponsors for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

"The conference is an event held by tradition since early 1980 ahead of every Olympic Games. It is an opportunity for the business world's leaders who sponsor the Games to meet, briefed over the hosting city's planning and to discuss strategic marketing issues," Payne told reporters.

A new element in the Athens 2004 Games was the fact that the Olympic Games were returning to their birthplace, a fact that makes a difference from any other Olympic Games in the recent history.

"This is the element sponsors should use in their marketing strategies," Payne noted.

The IOC official said that a decision by the Committee to cut the number of sponsors in the Olympic Games to 40 offered the opportunity to these businesses to maximize significantly benefits from their participation.

Payne reiterated the progress made in hospitality issue by the Athens 2004 organizing committee and said that the committee made an exceptional presentation of the harbor facilities (cruise ships) to accommodate visitors during the Games.

[22] Left-wing AKEL SG Dimitris Christofias elected President of the House of Representatives

NICOSIA, 08/06/2001 (ANA/CNA)

Christofias, 55, is the first AKEL member to hold the post since the island gained independence from Britain in 1960.

He was elected speaker with 33 votes for and 19 against in the 56-seat chamber. There were four abstentions.

AKEL, a moderate pro-European party, gained 34.7 per cent of votes in parliamentary elections last month, narrowly beating the right-wing DISY party.

Addressing later the new House Dimitris Christofias assured that he would productively cooperate with the President of the Re-public Glafcos Clerides for the prosperity of the Cyprus people.

Christofias expressed belief that Cyprus' accession to the European Union will serve the interests of all the people of Cyprus adding that Greece remains Cyprus' main supporter.

Referring to the Cyprus problem Christofias said that the House of Representatives has its own special role to play in the Cypriots' struggle for justice.

Addressing the Turkish Cypriots he said a solution based on a bi-zonal, bicommunal federation on the island and Cyprus' accession to the EU would ensure their rights as well as a peaceful coexistence of the two communities in Cyprus.

Leaders and deputies of the eight political parties comprising the new House congratulated the newly elected president and expressed willingness to provide him with all necessary assistance in fulfilling his task.

[23] US officials address PSEKA conference

WASHINGTON, 08/06/2001 (ANA-T. Ellis/CNA)

In a videotaped address to the 12th annual conference of the International Coordinating Committee - Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA) being held in Washington, Grossman also said Turkey's EU accession course could spur the necessary changes in the country regarding human rights and democracy.

He added that the new US Administration was interested in a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem, and expressed hope that there would be better developments.

In her address, US Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, Elizabeth Jones, said that US policy in the region over the next few years was set to focus on the EU's decision to include Cyprus in its enlargement, as well as the cooperation of Greece, which will take over the presidency of the bloc in 2003.

The PSEKA conference began on Wednesday with meetings at the Congress, where the delegates had the opportunity to hear the views of many congresspersons, most of whom expressed support for a just and viable solution of the Cyprus problem.

The Congresspersons said pressure should be exerted on Turkey to promote a settlement on the island, divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

The conference was also addressed, through videotape, by former US Ambassador to the UN Richard Holbrooke, who described Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash as the most intransigent person with whom he had come in contact in the region.

Holbrooke also noted that no country outside the EU could prevent Cyprus' accession to the EU.

Speaking during a dinner hosted in the evening, Mayor of Athens Dimitris Avramopoulos said it was unacceptable for Turkey to hold Cyprus as a hostage in the desire to push its candidacy to the EU, at a time it does not respect the elementary standards set by the Union.

He added that the recent decision of the European Court of Human Rights, which found Turkey guilty of mass violations of human rights in Cyprus, reaffirms the illegal character of the regime in the occupied areas and the occupation itself.

During the dinner, the overseas organizations honored US Ambassador-designate to the UN John Negroponte, of Greek origin, who said he would make sure he would always be up to date on developments in Cyprus, despite the fact that the problem was not in his authority, adding that he would do everything possible to contribute towards supporting the Cyprus peace efforts.

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