Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-07-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM accuses main opposition ND party of lacking creative speech and substantive criticism

[02] Political climate heats up following polls

[03] Tsohatzopoulos comments on poll results during Preveza visit

[04] Foreign minister hails hosting of 2008 Olympiad by Beijing

[05] German MP wraps up Greek visit, supports Cyprus accession to EU

[06] EU interior and public order ministers examine violence during EU summits

[07] Stephanopoulos receives French ambassador

[08] Parliament president speaks of a democratic, strong and independent Europe

[09] French Deputy Education Minister Melenchon in Greece next week

[10] Greece concerned over unchecked spread of small arms, envoy tells conference

[11] Greek unemployment rate falls to 11.6 percent in 2000

[12] Regional Policy Council focuses on structural funds and economic and social cohesion

[13] Hellenic Vehicles set for new business plan, share cap rise

[14] Social Security Foundation doctors suspend strike action

[15] Rapsani Selection 1996 awarded with gold at French Vinexpo event

[16] Greek stocks end week with heavy losses

[17] Equity futures end lower, tracking Athens bourse

[18] Greek authorities defend animal inspection system

[19] Turkey honors Greece for peace contribution at "Park of International Peace"

[20] Olympia Children's Peace Festival begins

[21] President Clerides confers with British Bases administrator

[22] British MP tables motion on Cyprus

[01] PM accuses main opposition ND party of lacking creative speech and substantive criticism

Athens, 14/07/2001 (ANA)

Simitis, who was speaking during the inauguration of an electric power unit on the small islet of Psyttaleia, outside the port of Piraeus, queried "what was here 20 years ago" and spoke of a decrease in pollution in the Saronic Sea which will be even more drastic in 2003 when the project's second phase will go into operation.

"Citizens want development since it makes their life better. The environment cannot be an issue for some ideologists and ecologists alone. We should all be ecologists," he said.

Simitis also referred to the delay in Greece regarding infrastructure projects in past decades and said that a struggle is going on to enable the country to approach Europe.

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis, referring to the new sewage processing plant at Psyttaleia, said its operation has led to a 35 percent decrease in pollution and to an increase in the clarity of waters, which during the summer months reaches 12-14 meters from 5-6 in the past.

In another development, Simitis met on Friday with his PASOK party's Eurodeputies for talks on the EU's development and the country's international relations, according to an announcement by the prime minister's press office.

Focusing on economic issues, Simitis said that despite the slowdown in the international economy the Greek economy is doing well. He added that all economic indicators are under control and are fully harmonized with rules applied in the EU.

Simitis again referred to ND's position on domestic political developments, saying the government "leaves free ground for ND to preoccupy itself with what is temporary and ephemeral".

He further said ND lives with the illusion of strength during periods in which the government is faced with difficulties.

The prime minister went on to say that PASOK leaves ND unimpeded in its pursuit and that "we shall be judged at the end of the four-year period of office on the Greece we shall deliver, while they will be continuing their demagoguery through their shadow government."

[02] Political climate heats up following polls

Athens, 14/07/2001 (ANA)

During the inauguration of a power plant using renewable energy sources at the Psyttaleia industrial district of Piraeus on Friday, Prime Minister Costas Simitis charged that the main opposition is engaging in "demagoguery without any democratic speech and substantive criticism."

In beginning his address, Simitis focused on what the area - which hosts one of the largest sewage processing plants in Attica prefecture -- resembled 20 years ago and what it has been transformed into today. He emphasized that protection of the nearby marine environment will be dramatically improved by 2003 when all of the construction phases at the Psyttaleia plant are completed.

"The environment isn't just an issue for certain ideologues and ecologists. We must all be ecologists," he noted.

In turning to the main opposition, he said "ND 'shadow ministers' will remain in the shadows for quite some time."

Conversely, a ND spokesman later countered: "This worn-out government has lost even the faintest contact with the Greek people. Unfortunately, with his comments today, Mr. Simitis confirms that he is no more than a mere shadow of himself."

Simitis' statements came one day after ND leader Costas Karamanlis called on the premier to resign, saying the former has placed himself under "guardianship" and has made the entire government "a hostage of the (PASOK) party".

In a poll conducted by the V-PRC firm and unveiled this week, ND holds an 11-point lead over PASOK (35.3 percent to 23.9), while Karamanlis garnered 41.4 percent to Simitis' 31.3 percent on the question of who is better suited to govern.

The V-PRC poll was published in the Athens daily "Ta Nea".

Meanwhile, a poll conduced by the Metron Analysis firm put the difference between ND and PASOK at 7.4 percent -- 36.4 for the main opposition party to 29 percent for PASOK.

Results of the same survey gave Karamanlis a slight edge over Simitis on the question of who would best govern as premier - 32.1 for the former and 31.9 for the latter.

[03] Tsohatzopoulos comments on poll results during Preveza visit

Athens, 14/07/2001 (ANA)

Tsohatzopoulos noted that "no poll result of a specific timeframe can gain general strength, for a longer period of time than it was conducted."

He said the PASOK party ascertains the unfavorable climate that has been expressed by this probe and added that the government has taken it as a warning or "a message".

"We have to watch out for specific things and alter certain policies," said Tsohatzopoulos.

After visiting the region of the tunnel, expected to open to motorists this autumn, the defense minister held talks with Preveza local authorities and announced the granting of a military camp to the city's authorities. The camp is located in the center of the city.

He said that the defense ministry is aiming to cooperate with local authorities in a plan to utilize military installations that are located in various cities around the country to enable local needs to be met.

[04] Foreign minister hails hosting of 2008 Olympiad by Beijing

Athens, 14/07/2001 (ANA)

"We are all participating in their enthusiasm and happiness. I wish from Olympia today to send a message of cooperation to China and Beijing. These games to be games of peace, of a truce, friendship and cooperation," he said, speaking at the fourth Symi international conference organized by the "Andreas Papandreou" foundation at the museum in Ancient Olympia.

Papandreou said experiences and proposals, concerns and hopes were exchanged, bidding farewell to one era and welcoming another.

"However, during this transitional phase our values, our institutions and the easy solutions of the past are being put to the test. Prejudices and eternal truths are being put to the test. Something is changing. Probably, radically. And the implements we have are being doubted. The magnitude of changes is unprecedented," he said.

[05] German MP wraps up Greek visit, supports Cyprus accession to EU

Athens, 14/07/2001 (ANA)

The delegation, headed by of Germany's Christian-Democratic Party MP Freidbert Pfluger, held talks with state officials as well as with representatives of the European Union (EU) Committee in Athens.

In a press conference at the German Embassy on Friday, Pfluger said that the German delegation was greatly impressed with Prime Minister Costas Simitis' speech on the future of Europe and the role of Greece, at a conference that was held by the Greek Center for European Studies (EKEM).

The German MP noted that Greece's view of a federalized Union allowing at the same time member-states to choose their "speed", is a conception that has been adopted by Germany as well.

He also said that great development has been made over the last few years in the incorporation of Greece to the EU, in the area of modernization and the adaptation of the Greek economy.

He noted that Germany welcomed Greek-Turkish rapprochement, and when asked about Cyprus' EU accession he said that if a solution to island republic's protracted political problem is not found before EU entrance, the whole of Cyprus should gain accession to the Union.

"We have to find, and we will find a solution," said Pfluger, while expressing the hope that Turkey will undertake the right decisions.

[06] EU interior and public order ministers examine violence during EU summits

BRUSSELS, 14/07/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis represented Greece.

The meeting was decided shortly after the violent incidents in Goteborg, Sweden, during the latest EU summit.

Despite this decision, many countries doubted the expediency of Friday's meeting, during which a series of decisions and measures were ratified to prevent and avoid acts of violence in the future.

The measures are part of settlements anticipated by the Schengen Treaty. Certain EU countries, and Germany in particular, wanted even tougher measures to be taken which are not included in the Schengen Treaty.

Greece, the Scandinavian countries and France were the countries disagreeing with German views and ultimately refused to countersign the German proposals, invoking obstacles of a constitutional nature.

Measures ratified during the meeting concern the strengthening of police cooperation, intensification in the exchange of information, strengthening judicial cooperation and measures related to border crossing.

On the question of police cooperation, its intensification was agreed on, as well as the creation of a "permanent national point of contact in member-states to gather, analyze and exchange information" on groups of troublemakers.

The "15" also decided to set up a special group of police chiefs to provide advice on measures which have to be taken. Lastly, it was decided that when crucial meetings take place, and there is a possibility of violent demonstrations, the locations of demonstrations would be visited by "employees of the police or the information service of member-states, capable of recognizing persons or groups that might constitute a threat for public order and security."

Regarding judicial cooperation, the "15" decided to take measures to facilitate it through "standardized documents" and through "resorting to contact points which will operate on a 24-hour basis".

It was further decided, on the issue of border crossing, to resort to clauses anticipated by the Schengen Treaty concerning the suspension of the free movement of people.

This means that when there is a risk of acts of violence and demonstrations, during either EU summits or other important meetings, member-states will have the right to re-impose controls for people on their borders.

[07] Stephanopoulos receives French ambassador

Athens, 14/07/2001 (ANA)

The museum's top officials are guests at a Saturday reception at the French embassy in Athens on the occasion of Bastille Day.

Several Greek veterans of the allies' D-Day landing at Normandy on June 6, 1944 will be honored at the reception.

[08] Parliament president speaks of a democratic, strong and independent Europe

Athens, 14/07/2001 (ANA)

The visit follows a test organized by the French University Society as a reward for the students’ performance in Greek classical studies.

Kaklamanis also spoke of the vision of a Europe "which shall start from the Atlantic and end at the Urals, as General de Gaulle and Andreas Papandreou used to say, a Europe which shall promote the peace and progress of all mankind."

Kaklamanis also met with about 130 expatriate scouts who are visiting Greece in the framework of the Expatriate Scouts Jamboree "Helidonia 2001."

[09] French Deputy Education Minister Melenchon in Greece next week

Athens, 14/07/2001 (ANA)

On Monday, Greek Education Minister Petros Efthymiou will receive the French official before departing for Thessaloniki to attend a ceremony at the European Center for the Development of Vocational Training (CEDFOP). A press conference will also be held in Thessaloniki.

On Tuesday, Melenchon will inaugurate a seminar on the issue of continuing adult education at the Zappeion Hall in downtown Athens.

[10] Greece concerned over unchecked spread of small arms, envoy tells conference

NEW YORK, 17/07/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Gounaris said small arms trafficking was a threat to individual security, led to violations of human rights, and conflicted with social justice, development and peace.

"Greece is particularly concerned over the spread and illegal trading of arms in the Balkan region, which recently has assumed huge dimensions and, as a country, it has realized the need to maintain contact with other interested states," he said.

Gounaris said this special UN conference provided a unique opportunity for the international community to adopt an action program with specific measures at national, regional and global level.

[11] Greek unemployment rate falls to 11.6 percent in 2000

Athens, 14/07/2001 (ANA)

The NSS said that the number of unemployed people totalled 514,000, down 38,600 from the corresponding quarter of 1999.

Employment rose 0.1 percent in the fourth quarter 2000 from the previous year, or 4,400 new jobs.

The NSS said that the average annual unemployment totalled 504,200 from 532,600, with the unemployment rate easing to 11.4 percent in the October-December 2000 period from 11.9 percent the previous year.

Unemployment fell more rapidly for women (1.1 percent) compared with a 0.6 percent drop for men.

The eastern Macedonia-Thrace, northern Aegean and Epirus regions recorded the biggest drop in the unemployment rate in the fourth quarter compared with the same period in 1999, while Crete and Peloponnese recorded the smallest declines.

[12] Regional Policy Council focuses on structural funds and economic and social cohesion

BRUSSELS, 14/07/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

European Union ministers are examining three issues primarily, the outcome of structural fund programming contained in Target One regarding the 2000-2006 period, and the aims and preconditions of future policy on economic and social cohesion after 2006.

The third issue is the implementation of the European Development Plan and a continuation to conclusions of the Tampere meeting.

Addressing the meeting on Friday morning, Pachtas said the 3rd Community Support Framework (CSF) for the 2000-2006 period aims at deepening Greece's integration and structural adjustment to the European Union, the euro zone and the global economy, while at the same time utilizing its strategic position in the region, adding that the 3rd CSF's developmental and macro-economic repercussions on the Greek economy will be considerable.

During his address in the afternoon, on the future of policies on economic and social cohesion, Pachtas said the discussion on the future of the EU's policies should be linked directly to the handling of the major issue of the EU's budget.

[13] Hellenic Vehicles set for new business plan, share cap rise

Athens, 14/07/2001 (ANA)

The amount of the increase will be linked to the contents of a business plan being devised for the company, which is due for completion in September or October, Tsohatzopoulos told the workers' meeting in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

Tsohatzopoulos also said that in coming days his ministry and the army would sign a five-year contract with ELBO for the purchase of spare parts.

Another five-year deal was in the pipeline for ELBO to produce updated versions of existing vehicles, he added.

The minister said that a new era of growth was beginning for state-owned ELBO due to the sale of its management to quoted Mytilineos SA, a metals trader, which also acquired a 43 percent stake in the firm.

[14] Social Security Foundation doctors suspend strike action

Athens, 14/07/2001 (ANA)

The development paves the way for a settlement of IKA doctors' claims during Friday's crucial meeting with Health Minister Alekos Papadopoulos and Labor Minister Tassos Giannitsis.

A climate of "mutual concessions" prevailed during the meeting with OMED where IKA's administration withdrew threats of prosecution against the foundation's striking doctors in Athens and Piraeus, while the doctors' union committed itself not to go ahead with warning strikes on Thursday and Friday.

According to labor ministry circles, during Friday's meeting between doctors with the health and labor ministers the government will treat the doctors' claims with a positive attitude, which is expected to provide a final solution to the main issue concerning them and which is the labor status of contractual doctors.

[15] Rapsani Selection 1996 awarded with gold at French Vinexpo event

Athens, 14/07/2001 (ANA)

The Rapsani Selection is the only Greek wine that was distinguished at the event.

The "Olympiades du vin", which is one of the most strictest international wine contests and part of the International Grape and Wine organization (OIV), was held on the sidelines of the Vinexpo event.

The Rapsani Selection 1996 is the product of the Rapsani vineyards, which are located at the foothill of mount Olympus.

[16] Greek stocks end week with heavy losses

Athens, 14/07/2001 (ANA)

Traders said market sentiment remained gloomy following Merrill Lynch's report on the profitability of the country's banking sector.

Shares in the retailing, construction, wholesale and bank sectors were particularly hit.

The general index dropped 3.32 percent to end at 2,422.70 points, off the day's lows of 2,413.47 points, with turnover a low 115.37 million euros, or 39.31 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 1,360.39 points, off 3.67 percent, the FTSE/ASE 40 index dropped 3.60 percent to 268.50 points, and the FTSE/ASE SMALLCAP 80 index ended at 766.65 points, down 3.86 percent.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 237.60 points, off 2.52 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 328 to 21 with another 11 issues unchanged.

[17] Equity futures end lower, tracking Athens bourse

Athens, 14/07/2001 (ANA)

Traded were 11,149 contracts on turnover of 72.4 million euros.

Bond prices drop in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished lower in heavy trade.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.56 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 49 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 925 million euros (315.1 billion drachmas).

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[18] Greek authorities defend animal inspection system

Athens, 14/07/2001 (ANA)

A ministry announcement said that the Commission's report referred to the old system, valid until late 2000, and noted that a new system of energetic surveillance that was implemented this year ensured tracing of all cases of BSE in the country's animal population.

"The old system of passive surveillance was abandoned because of its fundamental weaknesses and limitations," the announcement said.

The agriculture ministry said that Greek authorities inspected around 7,000 samples in the first half of the year and has found only one case of positive BSE.

[19] Turkey honors Greece for peace contribution at "Park of International Peace"

ISTANBUL, 14/07/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Greece contributed some 29 small olive trees through the efforts of Greece's General Consul in Istanbul Panagiotis Kalogeropoulos, as a symbolic gesture of peace and friendship.

Present at the inauguration was Ecumenical Patriarch of the Greek Orthodox Church Vartholomeos, Turkish government vice President Mesut Yilmaz and clergymen from Istanbul's Orthodox, Muslim and Jewish societies, as well as other officials.

[20] Olympia Children's Peace Festival begins

Athens, 14/07/2001 (ANA)

The Greek military provided a C-130 transport aircraft to fly the children to Greece in support of the event and made stopovers in Pristina and Belgrade.

A second flight from Cyprus and Tel Aviv was also arranged.

[21] President Clerides confers with British Bases administrator

NICOSIA, 14/07/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after a meeting he had with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, Rimmer said he thanked Clerides for the "coherence, thoughtfulness and support" shown during the demonstrations and riots that took place earlier this month in the Akrotiri area when hundreds of Greek Cypriots protesting against plans to erect the antenna clashed with British Bases police.

Britain's High Commissioner in Nicosia Eduard Clay, who attended the presidential palace meeting, said afterwards that the British side was not yet ready to respond to a Cyprus government proposal for setting up a five-member independent team made up of experts from the European Union and United Nations to conduct a study on the impact of the antenna on the environment and the health of the Greek Cypriot population in the Akrotiri area.

Rimmer said the British Bases, the British High Commission in Nicosia, and the governments of Cyprus and Britain took full into account the "genuine and understandable concerns" of the people of Akrotiri for possible risks on their health and the environment by the radiation emissions of the antenna.

[22] British MP tables motion on Cyprus

NICOSIA, 14/07/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The motion, backed by other 15 MPs, states that the House of Commons "remembers with deep sorrow that another year has passed since the Turkish military invasion of the Republic of Cyprus in 1974, and that the beautiful and historic town of Famagusta remains a deserted town in the now occupied area of northern Cyprus and is inaccessible to its former citizens".

It also notes that the House of Commons "pays the warmest tribute to the distinguished Mayor of Famagusta Andreas Pouyouros and all members of the Municipality for keeping alive by their commitment and dignity the history of Famagusta and remains committed to working with the Mayor and people of Famagusta for the return of their town".

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