Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-06-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't spokesman briefs over Cabinet meeting, PM's cancelled China visit

[02] PM has lost control, Karamanlis says after talks with GSEE

[03] EU FMs to discuss crisis in FYROM on Monday

[04] Ruling PASOK a "live political force", says Premier Simitis

[05] Constantopoulos says PASOK strife 'major political event'

[06] Representatives of Communist, workers' parties convene in Athens

[07] Parliament's first summer recess session opens Monday

[08] Portuguese defense chief due next week on official visit

[09] Istanbul forum focuses on SE Europe situation

[10] Leftist political party's youth group organizes anti-Genoa summit rally in Athens

[11] Greece's fiscal condition improves in 2000

[12] Greece ranked among top 30 countries for trade and expansion

[13] Northern exporters say FYROM strife is hurting business

[14] Eureko to finalize purchase of Interamerican in August

[15] Thessaloniki metro construction to begin in September

[16] Symeonidis elected new president of Federation of Industries of N. Greece

[17] Budget spending rate slows in Jan-May

[18] ASE's losses total 17 percent in 2001

[19] Gov't plan to provide work for jobless in the regions

[20] Greek stocks unable to find support, end lower

[21] Greek Orthodox Church in America to soon have new Charter

[22] Forest fire prevention seminar opens in Kalamata

[23] DM announces permission to allow civilian aircraft to use two air force bases

[24] Brazilian national's move to block extradition to the US rejected

[25] President Clerides holds talks with Russian emissary

[26] Gov't calls on Denktash to give data for identification of remains of Turkish Cypriots

[01] Gov't spokesman briefs over Cabinet meeting, PM's cancelled China visit

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

Spokesman Dimitris Reppas made the statements one day after a marathon PASOK executive bureau session, where Simitis tabled a surprise proposal to hold the party’s conference six months earlier, and following a Cabinet meeting on Friday morning.

In pointing to Simitis’ decision to closely follow domestic political developments in the coming period, Reppas verified -- following numerous press reports the previous day -- that the prime minister’s extensive trip to China next week would be cancelled. The Greek PM was scheduled to depart for Beijing on Saturday.

Reppas referred to another executive bureau meeting next Wednesday, planning for the newly re-scheduled congress and what he cited as the possibility of negative comments in case the premier was away from the country for such a long period of time – 10 days – as necessitating the cancellation.

Another official visit to China was cancelled in September 1999 due to a devastating earthquake that hit the greater Athens area.

Regarding Friday's Cabinet meeting, Reppas noted that Simitis did not cover, in his opening remarks, the issues discussed at Thursday's lengthy executive bureau meeting. However, in touching on what he called criticism over whether the government will be able to "meet its duties" up until the congress, Reppas said quoted Simitis as saying:

"... that as long as procedures in the party for the congress proceed, then the government and its members will increase their efforts..."

PM meets interior, public order ministers after cabinet meeting: Prime Minister Costas Simitis met with Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou and Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis after the end of a cabinet meeting on Friday.

The prime minister's office said the meeting had been scheduled beforehand and concerned law and order issues. Also present was the commander of the National Intelligence Service (EYP), Pavlos Apostolidis.

[02] PM has lost control, Karamanlis says after talks with GSEE

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) presidium, Karamanlis said that premier and ruling PASOK leader Costas Simitis had, with the decisions taken on Thursday, essentially admitted to "losing control".

Karamanlis was referring to the decision taken by the PASOK executive bureau Thursday night, during a meeting chaired by Simitis, to bring forward the party's next Congress to October.

The main opposition leader said that the premier could not remain indifferent to the people's problems and instead focus on the ruling party's internal problems as the top priority issue.

It was not possible that the premier was sacrificing the major problems and undermining the country's future on the altar of petty politics, Karamanlis added.

He said that New Democracy was continuing its dialogue on the country's ailing social security and pension system, and was dealing with the real problems faced by the citizens.

GSEE president Christos Polyzogopoulos warned that the problem would have to be dealt with in the coming year so that measures could be introduced to render the social insurance system viable.

GSEE, he added, remained steadfast in its positions regardless of whatever developments.

[03] EU FMs to discuss crisis in FYROM on Monday

BRUSSELS, 23/06/2001 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

According to reports, the ministers have invited FYROM's President Boris Trajkovski to attend the dinner of the ministers in Luxembourg and are expected to reassert their support for the current government of the small Balkan state.

Diplomatic sources noted that the council may decide to call for a Balkan Conference on the issue, which will include Greece as the only EU member-state of the region and approve the appointment of an EU observer in FYROM, who will follow developments from close up.

In an unrelated development, the EU-Turkish association council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, under the weight of the latest political developments in Turkey, where the "Virtue" party, with Islamic leanings, was outlawed.

The text drafted by the Union's foreign ministers and presented to Turkey satisfies all Greek positions, since it includes a commitment of the unobstructed entry of Cyprus to the Union, independently of the resolution of the political problem of the island republic, in accordance with the Helsinki summit decisions.

The text also contains an appendix drafted by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and included in the results of the Goteborg summit, "that the association relation is the cornerstone of the Turkish relations with the EU".

The association council will also discuss a Greek proposal to allow Turkish citizens to visit Greek islands during the summer months on one-day cruises, without entry visas, in exemption from the Schengen Treaty regulations.

[04] Ruling PASOK a "live political force", says Premier Simitis

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

"The multiyear path of our party, has shown that PASOK continues to be a live political force, open to new ideas, new forces, new faces and new quests," Simitis said in the statement.

"PASOK never was, nor it can become a static political party, a fossilized and closed system of power, entrenched within itself," he said, adding that the party should not remain attached to "fake" certainties of the past "which lead to thought processes of self contentment and self adoration".

In his statement, the premier said that the party continues to have the same characteristics it had in the past, adding that his government at this time "despite difficulties and problems is the force that can guarantee a modern and effective governance".

"This is so, since at stake now, are not the policies and party confrontations for the management and the power sharing. At stake now, is the course and the prospect of the country which only the progressive, reform minded and modernizing forces can secure".

PASOK message for 5th year since Andreas Papandreou's death: In a message for the fifth anniversary since the death of PASOK founder and leader Andreas Papandreou on Saturday, the party's Executive Bureau stressed his "huge national, social and political contribution to Greece and its people".

In the message released on Friday, the Executive Bureau notes that his contribution was an "enduring commitment and historic legacy" for the party, which was continuing on the same course in new conditions and leading the country forward.

[05] Constantopoulos says PASOK strife 'major political event'

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

Citing political instability because of ruling PASOK's current problems and dangers for the region from the destabilization of neighboring FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), he said the situation was serious enough to merit calling a party leaders' council.

According to Constantopoulos, the "biggest problem faced by Simitis' government is that society rejects his political choices," while he claimed that the ruling party had become fragmented and caught up in internal bickering, which he described as 'a major political event.'

Earlier on Friday, Constantopoulos met with representatives of European left-wing party youth groups to discuss anti-globalization protests in Genoa during a G-8 meeting there.

[06] Representatives of Communist, workers' parties convene in Athens

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

In greeting the delegates from some 60 parties from around the world, KKE leader Aleka Papariga referred to what she called the increasingly stepped up mobilizations over the recent period around the world, culminating with last week's EU summit in Goteborg, Sweden.

In offering her assessment, Papariga cited what she called a "pockets of mass awakening" in certain countries and regions "that are exhibiting, in comparison with the early '90s, a tendency of rejuvenating a class struggle, something that's occurring in Greece too."

[07] Parliament's first summer recess session opens Monday

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

A parliament announcement said sitting in on the first recess session would be 52 MPs from the ruling PASOK party, 41 MPs from the main opposition New Democracy party, three MPs from the Communist Party of Greece, and two MPs from the Coalition of the Left and Progress (SYN).

The first bill to be debated in this first of three summer recess sessions is a draft law tabled by the merchant marine ministry on "Harbor Authority personnel and other provisions" which provides for increasing the number of Harbor Corps staff members and upgrading their training.

[08] Portuguese defense chief due next week on official visit

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

General Manuel Jose Alvarenga De Sousa Santos, Portugal's chief of staff, is due in Athens on June 29 for a four-day visit at the invitation of Greek counterpart, GEETHA chief General Manoussos Paragioudakis.

During his visit, the Portuguese official will meet with the civilian and military leadership at the ministry of national defense to discuss "issues of mutual military interest", a GEETHA announcement said.

The itinerary further includes informational visits to military camps and schools and a tour of archaeological sites, including the Acropolis and Delphi.

[09] Istanbul forum focuses on SE Europe situation

ISTANBUL, 23/06/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

The Athens-based Kokkalis Foundation is organizing the forum in Istanbul.

In addressing delegates, Morton Abramowitz noted that Greek-Turkish relations are in the midst of a very encouraging period. He also stressed the importance of the Greek-Turkish rapprochement towards stability and development for the entire Balkan region.

"The meeting in Istanbul is a major event for democracy and stability in SE Europe," foundation vice-president Niki Tzavella said on her part.

Participants includes the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) government spokesman, ministers from the Serbian and Turkish governments, Romanian senators, as well as advisers to the Bulgarian president and Albanian prime minister.

The event is organized in cooperation with the Sabanci University of Istanbul. Next year's forum is scheduled for Belgrade.

[10] Leftist political party's youth group organizes anti-Genoa summit rally in Athens

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

The event included speeches from Synaspismos youth leaders and their counterparts from Italy, France and Germany.

[11] Greece's fiscal condition improves in 2000

BRUSSELS, 23/06/2001 (ANA – B. Demiris)

The same sources said that the report also called for vigilance of the dangers of inflationary pressures and more intense efforts to reform the social security system in Greece.

According to the report, during 2000 the fiscal deficit decreased to 0.9 per cent of the GDP, compared to 1.8 per cent in 1999, outpacing predictions of the Greek budget for a decrease to 1.2 per cent.

Meantime, the report called "ambitious" the predictions for the rate of growth that were included in the Greek government's stability program for 2000-2004, while the public debt remains high at 103.9 per cent of the GDP in 2000 and its reduction by 0.7 per cent compared to 1999, was termed limited.

[12] Greece ranked among top 30 countries for trade and expansion

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

The survey, conducted by the periodical for the third consecutive year, weights 21 different factors, which are considered important for international enterprises.

These factors affect the quantity and price of which the consumers of a country wish to purchase various products and determines the ability of foreign enterprises in each country to purchase or import raw materials, as well as their ability to finance their production at a corresponding cost, and also the measures introduced by each country's government to encourage exports and/or imports.

The top position on the list is held by The Netherlands, with 66 points, followed by the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Switzer-land, Austria, Denmark, Singapore, Australia, Finland, Norway, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Portugal, Mexico, New Zealand, Israel, Greece in the 27th spot, S. Korea, Chile, and S. Africa.

According to the article, although Greece was ranked 39th last year, the country has moved up appreciably this year to make the top 30 list.

It said Greece is expecting to achieve a general government budget surplus for 2001, which will be a first in 20 years. The government, it added, is also working to improve the country's competitiveness, especially in the new Euroland environment.

[13] Northern exporters say FYROM strife is hurting business

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

In a letter to Foreign Minister George Papandreou and National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, the Thessaloniki-based trade group said that political, economic and social upheaval in FYROM had led to a decline in demand and a cancellation of orders.

In addition, debts were not being paid, liquidity was low, and the transit of goods towards Kosovo and European countries was impeded, the association said.

[14] Eureko to finalize purchase of Interamerican in August

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

Regulatory approval is expected from Greek authorities in June and from the European Union's competition committee in July, the officials said.

Interamerican's shareholders endorsed the sale of 54.3 percent of the company's stock to Eureko, and a transfer of assets to and from Dimitris Kontominas, who set up the company.

Kontominas was re-elected as Interamerican's president.

[15] Thessaloniki metro construction to begin in September

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Papageorgopoulos said the contract was ratified by the Greek parliament and that an objection by Greek construction group Michaniki could not block the beginning of a project, already delayed due to financing reasons.

"The people of Thessaloniki will have their first acquaintance with the metro boring machine after their return from their summer holidays," Papageorgopoulos said.

[16] Symeonidis elected new president of Federation of Industries of N. Greece

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

The announcement said that Symeonidis and the federation's new executive committee were elected Thursday night at the first meeting of SBBE's new board of directors.

Also elected were Anastasios Alexandridis as executive vice-president, Ioannis Verginis and Ioannis Dambasinas as second vice-presidents, Dimitris Takas as general secretary, Nikolaos Gandinas as financial supervisor, George Chonaios as trustee, and Dimitris Ambatzis and George Mylonas as members.

[17] Budget spending rate slows in Jan-May

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

Interest payment on public debt rose 5.2 percent in the January-May period, exceeding a budget target by 2.6 percent. The report attributes the rise in interest payment to coupon payment on a 10-year bond issued on May 2000.

The finance ministry expects interest payment rise to slow in the next few months and to fall around this year's budget targets.

Primary spending rose 5.5 percent in the five month period, down from a budget target for an increase of 7.9 percent, and totalling 43 percent of annual spending provisions.

Budget revenues increased by 9.0 percent, exceeding a budget target for a rise of 8.2 percent in the Jan-May period, reflecting higher value added tax revenues.

Public borrowing requirements fell 34.6 percent in the first five months of the year. The budget envisages a 105.8 percent decline over the year.

[18] ASE's losses total 17 percent in 2001

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

The general index ended the week 2.5 percent lower, for a net loss of 17 percent this year. It stands 55 percent lower from its record-highs in September 1999.

Hopes and forecasts by domestic and foreign investment banks over inflows, worth hundreds million of US dollars, to the Greek market following its participation in the MSCI global index of developed markets, were firmly denied so far.

Alpha Bank's chairman, Yiannis Costopoulos, said during the week that "at this point foreign investors are not thinking about Greece. Foreign emerging markets' institutional investors have left the market and those investing in developed markets have not arrived yet. It seems we have been caught in the middle."

The Greek stock market shows inertia to any positive news, like a decision this week by Fitch credit raging agency to upgrade the country's long-term debt to A from -A for "its exceptional performance to achieve EMU's entry criteria and continuing with the same speed this year."

National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou reiterated his optimism over this year's economic performance, predicting that growth rate would exceed 4.5 percent and inflation would be contained around 3.0 percent in 2001.

[19] Gov't plan to provide work for jobless in the regions

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

The program is budgeted at 235 billion drachmas until 2006 and is expected to create 53,000 jobs, with 35,000 of the total in local government and the rest in the private sector, Papandreou told a seminar held by the general secretariat for equality.

[20] Greek stocks unable to find support, end lower

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

Traders said the telecoms sector resisted pressures with Hellenic Telecoms and Cosmote scoring moderate gains, while blue chip banks suffered heavy losses (National Bank -1.73%, Alpha Bank -2.02%).

The general index ended 0.48 percent lower at 2,786.39 points, off the day's lows of 2,754.75 points, showing a net loss of 2.56 percent in the week. Turnover was a low 141.147 million euros, or 48.096 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 1,609.08 points, off 0.68 percent, the FTSE/ASE 40 index fell 0.86 percent to 316.41 points, and the FTSE/ASE SMALLCAP 80 index ended at 883.03 points, down 0.83 percent.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 264.88 points, off 0.60 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 222 to 102 with another 31 issues unchanged.

Equity futures show premium rise: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange posted a rise in premiums on Friday on expectations that the main market can fall no lower.

The underlying FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.68 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.86 percent lower.

Traded were 8,134 contracts on turnover of 52.8 million euros.

Bond prices mixed in lively trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished mixed in moderate to heavy trade with players focusing on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.14 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 48 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 960 million euros (327.7 billion drachmas).

Buy orders accounted for half of turnover.

[21] Greek Orthodox Church in America to soon have new Charter

ISTANBUL, 23/06/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Patriarchate, Archbishop of America Dimitrios and Metropolitan of Ephesos Chrysostomos, representing the Patriarchate, agreed on all amendments to the existing Charter, thus establishing a new one.

The process that began in the late 1980s gained impetus with the enthronement of Dimitrios in 1999, and included discussions with both clergy and laity from all of North America, which ended in a call for continued unity with the Patriarchate.

In the past there were calls within the church in America for an administrative break from the Patriarchate and the establishment of a more autonomous church that would have of course owed religious allegiance to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, while on the opposite side of the issue members of the Greek Orthodox community sought closer relations with the Orthodox Church of Greece, replacing the Patriarchate's leading role.

[22] Forest fire prevention seminar opens in Kalamata

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

The two-day seminar includes addresses by eminent Greek and foreign scientists, including forest -fire expert Dr. Gavriil Xanthopoulos, who is an advisor to the public order ministry, Russian scientist Sa Chramanian Nigmetov, and Spanish expert Cabellero Technoma, who will present the results of practical applications of various forest fire-fighting techniques.

Following the conclusion of the seminar on Saturday, delegates will visit Mt. Taygetos, the Diros Caves, and Gytheio.

On the first day of the seminar on Friday, meanwhile, a group of scientists from Athens University presented and analyzed the 'Prometheus' program for fire prevention in Greece.

Of particular interest was their presentation of a modern system for developing a network of automatic weather stations for dealing with forest fires. They said 32 such stations would have been set up throughout the country by 2002, which will be able to record the exact temperature, humidity, wind power and general weather conditions at any given moment - information that will be easily available to the public over the phone.

The seminar is organized by the Civil Protection general secretariat, the Peloponnese regional authorities, and the Peloponnese Energy Center, under the auspices of the Council of Europe's Open Pact on confronting major hazards.

Meanwhile, it was announced that 74 fires that broke out throughout the country between dawn Thursday and early Friday had all been contained by Friday morning. Of those fires, 39 were in forest and farmland.

[23] DM announces permission to allow civilian aircraft to use two air force bases

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

He also announced that civilian aircraft would also use the Andravida Air force Base as well, in support of tourist traffic.

Tsohatzopoulos' statements on the future of the airports were made in Patra, the Peloponnese, where the minister is on a two-day tour that began on Friday.

[24] Brazilian national's move to block extradition to the US rejected

Athens, 23/06/2001 (ANA)

Valadares had taken his case to the Council of State and had requested the annulment of a decision taken by the justice minister on February 13, 2001, ratifying the proposal by the Athens Appeals Court Council on his extradition to the US.

Valadares had claimed in his appeal that the Brazilian authorities wanted him for the same reason and to have him tried for the same offence in Rio de Janeiro. He added that the justice minister had omitted to send the appeal by the Brazilian authorities to the relevant Greek judicial authorities.

The court pointed out that the decision taken by the justice minister is not of a judicial character, since he ratifies decisions of courts which in turn constitute a precondition for the extradition of a wanted person to another country.

[25] President Clerides holds talks with Russian emissary

NICOSIA, 23/06/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Prygin said Russia had regular contacts with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, through his Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro De Soto as well as with the Permanent Members of the UN Security Council, Greece, Turkey and the two sides in Cyprus and was aware of UN Secretary General's will, intention and efforts for the resumption of the talks.

The Russian official, who came to Cyprus after visiting Athens and Ankara "in order to evaluate the current situation and its perspectives" said his country was in favor of the resumption of the talks.

"We know de Soto is working on this issue and we hope that these efforts would have a positive outcome and the negotiating procedure would soon get on the track again."

Prygin said he had a detailed and positive discussion with President Clerides on this issue.

The Russian emissary reiterated his country's backing to the UN Secretary General's good offices for Cyprus and said Russia's stance on the problem was constant and consistent.

Later on Prygin met Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and President of the House of Representatives Demetris Christofias.

On Saturday he will pass into the occupied by Turkish troops areas of the island where he will meet Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

In January Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash abandoned the UN-led proximity talks, which started in December 1999, declaring them dead and demanding recognition of his self-styled regime in Turkish occupied Cyprus before he returns to the negotiating table.

President Glafcos Clerides, who represents the Greek Cypriot side at the UN talks, has said he is ready for talks any time the UN calls for them. The president has warned the international community in no uncertain terms against any attempt to appease Denktash.

[26] Gov't calls on Denktash to give data for identification of remains of Turkish Cypriots

NICOSIA, 23/06/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Invited to say how the government would act in case the Turkish Cypriot side does not respond positively, Papapetrou said that this would show once again that the Turkish Cypriot side blocks this procedure and thus it would "be accountable to the relatives of the Turkish Cypriots".

Cypriot authorities have been conducting since 1999 tests on remains in marked and unmarked graves at the two cemeteries in Nicosia and so far about 108 remains have been identified, through the DNA method, 26 of which relate to cases of missing persons, 76 to military personnel known to have been killed and six to civilians killed.

The work has been undertaken by a team from the Nobel peace prize winner organization Physicians for Human Rights, led by William Haglund, and a team of scientists at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, led by Marios Kariolou.

Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of Cyprus' territory in the summer of 1974.

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