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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-07-18

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

July 18, 2001

CONTENTS

  • [01] Putin - Simitis talks confirm common concerns over Balkan situation
  • [02] Greek deputy FM, Kazakhstan FM discuss establishment of bilateral committee
  • [03] Reppas comments on conditions in FYROM and on Italian suspension of Schengen Pact
  • [04] ND leader Karamanlis says ready for early elections
  • [05] Greece seeks to raise Dr 1.0 trillion from privatization in 2002
  • [06] Greece to return 107 million euros in EU farming subsidies
  • [07] HDW of Germany bids Dr 40 bln for Hellenic Shipyards
  • [08] Retail sales rise 7.7 pct in April, year-on-year
  • [09] Greek petrol station trade union seeks support in Europe against fuel bill
  • [10] Exhibition on euro in September
  • [11] Tobacco trade group established in Thessaloniki
  • [12] Verelis presents plans for Maroussi transport hub
  • [13] Tourism privatization bonds sell well
  • [14] Agriculture minister says new bill aims at increasing farmers' incomes
  • [15] Papantoniou urges 'restraint' in statements about the economy
  • [16] Stocks pick up steam after previous slump
  • [17] Greece, four other EU nations endorse mutual EU vocational diplomas
  • [18] Hearing at European Court ends with favorable outcome for Greece
  • [19] Dynamic participation by expatriate entertainers at upcoming SAE congress
  • [20] Athens municipality to create road safety company
  • [21] Ikaria celebrates 89th anniversary since liberation from Turks
  • [22] Spata airport water drinkable, airport officials say
  • [23] Agreement signed for creation of Athens Olympiad's press village

  • [01] Putin - Simitis talks confirm common concerns over Balkan situation

    MOSCOW, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    Greece and Russia on Tuesday expressed concern over the situation in the Balkans, and welcomed the recent increase in their bilateral trade.

    Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, winding up a three-day visit to Moscow, met Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks encompassing the situation in the Balkans, EU cooperation with Russia, and bilateral relations. Simitis also attended here an IOC General Assembly meeting to elect a new president for the organization.

    Simitis told reporters after the one-hour meeting at the Kremlin that Athens and Moscow were worried over the situation in the Balkans, adding that he and Putin had also discussed EU cooperation with Russia.

    Europe, he said, was in a period of restructuring and discussing its future.

    "And in the European single space, we Greeks well know that Russia has belonged here for at least two centuries".

    Simitis further said that problems such as those in the Balkans, and FYROM in particular, could not be tackled without Moscow's cooperation.

    Putin spoke of the mutual sympathy and historic relations linking the Greek and Russian people, and expressed satisfaction with the Greek position on the European Single Space.

    He described the development of bilateral relations as "positive", adding this had been confirmed last year with Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos' visit to Russia and also by a 40 percent increase in bilateral trade.

    Putin further reaffirmed Russia's readiness to back the plan for the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline.

    In statements to Greek journalists, Simitis said Greece and Russia shared common views on the Balkans and that both Athens and Moscow were committed to maintaining existing borders in the Balkan peninsula and to preserving the status quo.

    "There must not be support or indifference toward actions that seek to change the current situation by force. And this chiefly concerns Albanian extremist groups," he said.

    According to the Greek premier, Russia did not currently envisage any involvement in the crisis in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) but did believe that it should maintain a presence in the area.

    "We also believe that this Russian presence should exist," Simitis added, "as we believe that Russia should contribute its views in the Balkans and in all matters concerning Europe, in close cooperation with the EU."

    Asked about Russia's views on EU initiatives in the Balkans, Simitis said the Kremlin had expressed a desire for greater involvement.

    "If the political center in the EU were more powerful, this contact with Russia - which did not take place - could have happened. I believe these talks showed that the Russians would also like a say and that we can help them to achieve this closer contact," Simitis added.

    Commenting on Russia's proposals for an international conference on the Balkans, the Greek prime minister reiterated that this could be useful but only if certain conditions were met; namely, that it had been well prepared beforehand with a pre-arranged agenda of issues to be discussed.

    "Otherwise, the conference could become a forum for various views that will ultimately lead to conflict."

    Greece to seek closer EU - Russia ties, PM says: Greece will seek to raise issues of joint Russian-European interest when it takes over the EU rotating presidency in January 2003 and to foster closer ties between Europe and Russia, Simitis also said after his meeting with President Putin.

    The Prime Minister noted that in terms of defense policy, Europe's autonomy relied on good relations with Russia. "Greece's view is that a European defense policy is necessary, EU autonomy is necessary... a stronger EU presupposes closer understanding with Russia," he said.

    "It is obvious to anyone who looks at a map that Europe doesn't just stop at Russia's borders, with the space beyond being irrelevant. Russia has a role to play in determining Europe's future," he added.

    According to Simitis, this was an area where Greece could have a special role, not only because of its historical ties but also because it was in closer contact with and had a better understanding of Eastern Europe.

    On a bilateral level, the Greek premier noted, relations were developing satisfactorily, while as growth rates in Russia accelerated there would be more Greek investments and an increased presence by Greek business.

    He also stressed the importance of joint efforts such as the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline, while he said that Putin had reaffirmed Russian interest in the project and the need to move quickly.

    Assessing the results of his visit, Simitis said it had shown "that we can find ways to work together more closely and give a new impetus to policy creation in the Balkans and Eastern Europe that will have Russia's support."

    Finally, the prime minister said he had outlined Greece's positions on Cyprus and relations with Turkey during his meeting with the Russian president, while Putin had expressed support for a solution to the Cyprus problem based on UN resolutions.

    Regarding Putin's planned visit to Greece in December, Simitis said this would return last year's visit by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and that it "confirmed the very good levels of cooperation between Moscow and Athens."

    Ivanov statements: Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov commented, later in the day, on the Simitis - Putin meeting, saying that the two leaders "expressed their common concern over conditions in the Balkans and called on the international community to do everything possible to stabilize the situation, based on the guarantees of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Balkan countries".

    "They called on the international community to aid the democratic governments in the Balkans, so as to cooperate actively between them, to confront extremist and separatist forces, which destabilize the region."

    [02] Greek deputy FM, Kazakhstan FM discuss establishment of bilateral committee

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Grigoris Niotis and Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Yerlan Idrisov met on Tuesday and discussed details on the establishment of a bilateral committee, which once created will prepare economic, trade and investment agreements, according to a press release issued by the Greek foreign ministry.

    The two ministers discussed details on plans decided by Greek President Kostis Stephano-poulos and his Kazakhstan counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev, who is visiting Greece.

    Idrisov stressed, according to the press release, the role Greek investors could play in his country, in light of its vast reserves of natural resources, calling the ethnic Greek community in his country a bridge connecting the two countries.

    He offered the full support on his country to the plans for the construction of an oil pipe line connecting Burgas, Bulgaria to Alexandroupoli, Greece, which once completed will transport oil from the Caspian Sea to Europe and the rest of the world, calling for Greece's cooperation in the construction of ships for the transport of the oil both within the Caspian and from eastern Black Sea ports.

    Idrisov concluded by offering the support of his country to Greece' bid to be elected to one of the non-permanent posts to the United Nation's Security Council for the 2005-2006 period.

    Parliament speaker meets Kazakhstan President: Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis met with visiting Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev on Tuesday in Athens.

    According to a press release, during the one-hour meeting Kaklamanis presented Greece's positions on the Cyprus issue and Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

    After the meeting, the two men noted agreement on key foreign policy issues, particularly developments in the Balkans, the crisis in former Yugoslavia and NATO's military operations there.

    Nazarbayev is currently on an official visit to Greece, during which a series of bilateral agreements are to be signed.

    Athens mayor gives city's gold medal to Kazakhstan President: Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos on Tuesday gave the Gold Medal of the City of Athens to visiting President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, during a ceremony at the Athens City Hall.

    Avramopoulos called on Nazarbayev to visit Athens in 2004 to attend the Olympic Games and lauded him for his successful efforts to restructure his country on many levels.

    On his part, Nazarbayev thanked the mayor for honoring him with the city's medal and lauded Greece culture and the efforts of the state to maintain the ancient buildings.

    [03] Reppas comments on conditions in FYROM and on Italian suspension of Schengen Pact

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    Greece hopes that the political dialogue in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) will be completed and the country's political forces will cooperate, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said on Tuesday during a press briefing.

    Speaking on a Russian proposal aiming to bring peace to the region, he said that there was a similar Greek offer on the table, adding that the aim is to achieve the disarmament of extremist groups that are active in the region and so to re-establish political stability and calm.

    He noted that the Albanian side's proposal for the deployment of NATO forces in FYROM could be acceptable on condition that NATO forces would only oversee a process of disarmament of extremist groups.

    He stressed that NATO could not undertake any other initiative by sending forces to Skopje, which would be involved in war and military operations, noting, however, that the deployment of NATO forces in FYROM would take place only if that is requested by the political forces of the country.

    Speaking on Italy's move to temporarily suspend the Schengen Pact's provisions, Reppas said that it is that country's right to do so, since such a decision is permitted by the pact, if any country of the Schengen Pact considers it necessary.

    He added, however, that the Genoa G8 conference does not concern the European Union or Greece. This is a matter of concern for the Italian government and the Italian people.

    Greece, on the other hand, believes that the right of Greek citizens to travel outside their country cannot be limited just because some people vilify those citizens, he added.

    He concluded by stressing that Greece was in disagreement over the establishment of a database for personal data of citizens on a European level, as such a move would be unconstitutional and would violate the law of the country.

    [04] ND leader Karamanlis says ready for early elections

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, addressing his party's Political Council on Tuesday, analyzed the political situation in the country and the state of the economy and said he was ready even for early elections.

    "It is evident that neither the prime minister himself nor his interparty opponents have taken final decisions on anything. Developments in another party do not concern us but what is taking place in a government concerns all Greeks, the course of the country, the climate in the market and the course of the economy. A prime minister who is certain that he will lose elections does not want to provoke them," Karamanlis said.

    He further said that "when he (the prime minister) blackmails with elections he himself creates the cloudiness of an election period and renders all eventualities possible. The continuation of uncertainty and the lack of governance creates a situation of instability with unforeseen developments. We are ready for every possibility and we are on full alert."

    Referring to the Athens Stock Exchange, Karamanlis said the government's responsibilities are collective and reiterated that "those responsible should leave and those accountable should have to explain."

    Karamanlis, focusing on opposition tactics, said his party will place emphasis on the social security issue, Olympic Airways, public utilities, public works projects, preparation for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and the 3rd Community Support Framework.

    Greeks support EU common foreign, defense policies and enlargement

    BRUSSELS, 18/07/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

    The concept of a united Europe continues to be attractive for the average Greek, primarily concerning common foreign policy, common defense and enlargement.

    This was the result of the European Union's "Eurobarometer" report, publicized by the European Commission here on Tuesday. The report was prepared in the 15 EU member-states in April and May. It was carried out in Greece by the Market Analysis opinion poll company and was based on a sample of 1,005 people.

    In general, most Greeks have a positive opinion of the EU, consider Greece's participation in the EU to be beneficial, support the euro and the European Commission and unreservedly support common foreign policy and defense, as well as enlargement.

    Replying to the question how do you consider your country's participation in the EU, 57 percent of Greeks said it is a "good thing", compared to the 48 percent average positive response in the EU.

    On the question of whether EU accession was beneficial for your country, 69 percent of Greeks gave a positive reply as against an EU average of 45 percent.

    Greeks also appear to be the most fanatical supporters of the EU's common foreign policy, common European defense and of EU enlargement. More specifically, 83 percent of Greeks consider the shaping of a common EU foreign policy necessary, compared to an EU average of 65 percent.

    In addition, 87 percent of Greeks support the creation of a common European defense, with the EU average being 73 percent, while 70 percent of Greeks are in favor of enlargement, whereas only an EU average of 43 percent appears to be enthusiastic with the idea.

    [05] Greece seeks to raise Dr 1.0 trillion from privatization in 2002

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    The government hopes to bring more than 1.0 trillion drachmas to state coffers in 2002 from the first-time sale or further privatization of 12 companies, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said on Tuesday.

    Consultants for the wide-ranging sale plan will be chosen in September, Papantoniou told a news conference.

    Total revenue from privatization will top 1.5 trillion drachmas as another 700 billion drachmas are due from denationalization in 2001, the minister said.

    Revenue will be used in writing off debt, in turn reducing spending and lowering the tax burden, he added.

    Slated for sale through first-time or additional part-flotations on the Athens Stock Exchange, or through part sales to strategic investors, are the following firms:

  • Football Pools Organization

  • Agricultural Bank of Greece

  • Hellenic Telecommunications Organization

  • Athens and Piraeus Water Board

  • Stock Exchange Company

  • Public Power Corporation

  • Public Gas Company

  • Post Office Savings Bank

  • Hellenic Tourism Real Estate

  • Hellenic Real Estate Industry

  • Athens, Thessaloniki and Alykes Markets

    Of 30 companies the government in March 1998 had announced as targets for privatization, 23 had been sold, bringing 3.5 trillion drachmas in revenue, Papantoniou said.

    [06] Greece to return 107 million euros in EU farming subsidies

    BRUSSELS, 18/07/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

    Greece was instructed to return 107 million euros (36.4 billion drachmas) in farming subsidies by the European Commission on Tuesday, which called for the return 142.9 million euros by EU member-states in total after regular checks to control spending under the Common Agricultural Policy.

    The Commission claimed that the subsidies in question had not been properly justified and checked by competent authorities and do not comply with EU rules for agricultural expenditures.

    [07] HDW of Germany bids Dr 40 bln for Hellenic Shipyards

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    A consortium comprising HDW and Ferrostaal, both of Germany, has bid about 40 billion drachmas in a tender for the sale of 100 percent of Hellenic (Skaramanga) Shipyards, the group said in a statement on Tuesday.

    Two other bids have been received for Hellenic Shipyards - from Elefsina Shipyards and CMN of France.

    Under the terms of the HDW and Ferrostaal bid, 4.5 billion drachmas would be paid immediately, mostly for a share capital rise; 11.6 billion drachmas to cover Hellenic's losses in 2001; the implementation of an investment program to modernize the yard costing 5.1 billion drachmas; and a transfer of HDW technology worth 18.7 billion drachmas for the construction and modernization of submarines.

    [08] Retail sales rise 7.7 pct in April, year-on-year

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    Retail sales rose by 7.7 percent year-on-year in April, according to figures released Tuesday by the national statistics service ESYE.

    The value of retail sales rose 7.7 percent in April 2001 against April 2000, influenced by rises of 12.5 percent in the department stores index, 8.2 percent in the foods, drinks and tobacco index, 7.7 percent in major food stores, 7.7 percent in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, 6.6 percent in books and paper goods, 6.5 percent in furniture and electrical appliances, 5.6 percent in clothing and footwear, and 5.1 percent in non-store sales.

    ESYE said the retail sales index in the wider Athens area rose 8.7 percent during the period in question, and by 6.7 percent in the rest of the country.

    [09] Greek petrol station trade union seeks support in Europe against fuel bill

    BRUSSELS, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    The president of Greek petrol station owners' trade union Dimitris Makrivelios held talks here on Tuesday with representatives of the European Commission and members of the European Trade Union of petrol station owners (EPRASS) to seek support in amending a bill submitted by the Greek development ministry on restructuring the fuel market in Greece.

    The executive director of EPRASS Ector Benitez said "the government bill is vague and purposely contains ambiguous elements which are not compatible with the European Union's regulations on competition and calls on the Greek government to reconsider certain aspects it has before it is ratified by the Greek Parliament."

    "EPRASS will support the Greek federation of petrol station owners in every way to defend the interests of consumers and of Greek petrol station owners within the framework of the values of European competition," he added.

    [10] Exhibition on euro in September

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    An exhibition on the euro, the eurozone's single currency that comes into circulation on January 1, 2002, will be held by Thessaloniki International Trade Fair on September 8-October 31.

    The event, which Prime Minister Costas Simitis will inaugurate, is being held under the aegis of the ministries of national economy and Macedonia-Thrace, the EU's executive Commission, and the Bank of Greece with the Numismatic Museum of Athens.

    [11] Tobacco trade group established in Thessaloniki

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    The National Tobacco Trade Group (EDOK) held in initial general assembly on Tuesday in the presence of Greek Agriculture Minister George Anomeritis and deputy Agriculture Minister Vangelis Argyris on Tuesday.

    EDOK will be headquartered in Thessaloniki as 65 to 70 per cent of tobacco production and about 80 percent of tobacco manufacturing takes place in northern Greece, Anomeritis said addressing the assembly.

    He stressed that EDOK is not a trade union but a trade group representing the sector both in Greece and abroad.

    [12] Verelis presents plans for Maroussi transport hub

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    Plans for Greece's first public transport hub at the Neratziotissa junction in Maroussi were presented on Tuesday by Transport Minister Christos Verelis and Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, who said the planned station would be instrumental in improving access to Olympic facilities during the 2004 Games.

    According to the plans, the 'multi-station' will ultimately connect the existing metro network (with a new station between Eirini and Maroussi) a suburban railway being planned to serve the new Athens airport and the Attica Highway that is currently under construction.

    The project is budgeted at five billion drachmas and plans will have been completed by September.

    [13] Tourism privatization bonds sell well

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    Tourism privatization bonds worth 800 million euros that were issued by Hellenic Real Estate SA, a subsidiary of the Greek National Tourism Organization, sold well, the finance ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

    More than 80 percent of the three-year paper, which carries a zero coupon, was sold to institutional investors at home and abroad with the remainder sold to retail investors, the ministry said.

    After book building, the price of the bonds was set at 86.944 euros for paper with a denomination of 100 euros. The issue date is August 3, 2001 and the expiry date on August 3, 2004.

    Underwriting the issue were BNP Paribas, EFG Eurobank Ergasias with EFG Finance, and National Bank of Greece International.

    The paper was issued as part of a government strategy to raise cash that will offset lost or delayed revenue, such as a transactions tax from deals on the ailing Athens Stock Exchange.

    [14] Agriculture minister says new bill aims at increasing farmers' incomes

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    Agriculture Minister George Anomeritis on Tuesday presented a bill on the "National System for the Protection of Agricultural Activity and other Settlements" said in Parliament

    The Parliament began the debate on the bill in the relevant committee, aiming at increasing farmers' incomes and protecting production.

    Anomeritis withdrew a clause in the bill, which anticipated that the Hellenic state and legal entities supervised by the Agriculture Ministry, as well as companies in which the Hellenic state has a stake exceeding 50 percent, are excluded from name-registering processes.

    ND had reacted to the clause on grounds that it abolished name registering for shares. Anomeritis replied that the legislative settlement had been prepared before the revision of the constitution and is consequently being withdrawn now.

    ND stated that it will support the sections of the bill, which are not vague, while the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left, and Progress expressed their opposition.

    [15] Papantoniou urges 'restraint' in statements about the economy

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, who claimed that a significant section of Greece’s public figures were deliberately trying to “tear down” the government’s economic achievements, made an appeal to politicians and the media to show restraint and avoid undermining confidence in the Greek economy on Tuesday.

    Saying that the Greek economy had been "brutally slandered" since it joined Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), he asked the government, the opposition and the press to present the true facts about the country's economic performance, pointing out that growth rates were twice the EU average and had not been matched in Greece for at least 30 years as well as the government's achievements in lowering inflation.

    Papantoniou also linked the negative climate to the current doldrums of the Athens bourse, saying that everyone should contribute to creating the right climate that would allow the bourse to "reconnect" with economic developments

    [16] Stocks pick up steam after previous slump

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    Equities on the Athens bourse rebounded on Tuesday after a plunge in the previous session but failed to make up most of their losses, analysts said.

    Buyers returned tentatively into the market after fighting shy of the bourse a day earlier, driving up prices across the board.

    The Athens general index closed at 2,346.12 points after a slow start to gain 1.38 percent. Turnover was 92.85 million euros (31.6 billion drachmas, down from 118.41 million euros (40.3 billion drachmas) in the trading day before.

    The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 1.40 percent higher; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 1.50 percent up; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities gained 1.93 percent.

    Advancers led decliners at 294 to 45 with 19 issues remaining unchanged.

    On Monday the bourse shed nearly five percent as part of a lasting slump after buyers resolutely stayed out of the market with small capitalization shares the worst hit.

    Equity futures end higher: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange ended higher on Tuesday to outperform their underling high capitalization and low capitalization indices on the Athens Stock Exchange.

    Traded were 10,070 contracts on turnover of 59.0 million euros, traders said.

    Bond prices drop in moderate trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished lower in moderate trade.

    The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.51 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 48 basis points.

    Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 620 million euros (211.2 billion drachmas).

    Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

    [17] Greece, four other EU nations endorse mutual EU vocational diplomas

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    A European Union seminar on continuing education began in Athens on Tuesday in Zappeion Hall, focusing on vocational training with the participation of Greek Education Minister Petros Efthimiou and of French Minister of Professional Teaching Jean-Luc Melenchon.

    According to statements made by Efthimiou, on the sidelines of the seminar, Greece, France, Italy, Spain and Germany aim at promoting a system of mutually accredited diplomas in hotel management as well as in automotive vocational education.

    He noted that a relevant agreement, due to take effect soon, was reached, adding that it will allow a graduate of Tourism Studies, and/or vocational trade to have the same rights as well as the opportunities as other students in the above mentioned nations. "A political understanding is needed," he said with mutual action through European channels, and he noted that Greece and France followed the same course of action and has a common understanding on this subject.

    "We are just beginning this as a cooperative effort of five nations, aspiring, however, that this will be the course for other European Union member states to follow," the Greek Minister added.

    [18] Hearing at European Court ends with favorable outcome for Greece

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    A hearing at the European court in Luxembourg on the case of Zakynthos in which Greece was accused by the European Commission for failing to enact necessary protection measures for the Laganas Gulf and the sea turtle Caretta-Caretta by August 1999 was completed with a favorable outcome for Greece.

    The Greek delegation presented to the court the measures, which have been taken by Greece, particularly after 1980, for the protection of the region and the species, according to an announcement by the Public Works, Environment and Town Planning Ministry.

    The case concerns the period until the summer of 1999 and the Greek delegation informed the court of steps which have been taken since December 1999 when the National Sea Park of Zakynthos was enacted, of the creation of the park's management body and of work which has been done so far.

    The court took this information into consideration and acknowledged the considerable progress, which has been achieved since the start to the management body's operation and ever since and set the date for a decision to be taken at the end of December 2001.

    [19] Dynamic participation by expatriate entertainers at upcoming SAE congress

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    Expatriate Greek entertainers are expected to actively participate at the upcoming World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) congress in Thessaloniki in December, according to an announcement on Tuesday.

    On the occasion of SAE's congress, the northern city is going to simultaneously host a variety of events with the participation of Greek expatriate entertainers.

    SAE's Cultural Network wrapped up two days of deliberations on Tuesday in Thessaloniki in order to discuss all necessary preparations.

    Asked by ANA to comment on the events, Coordination official Eleni Katsarou said "the Cultural Network will present, during the SAE congress a complete proposal for the preservation of Hellenic culture abroad and toward its propagation."

    Katsarou also made a reference to "diplomacy of culture" of which she added "can and should result into a significant weapon in the hands of expatriates."

    [20] Athens municipality to create road safety company

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    The municipality of Athens will create a company for road safety and traffic education, considering the issue a major one for the country, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos on Tuesday speaking at a press conference.

    Avramopoulos stressed that every year more than 2,500 people lose their lives in traffic accidents and thousands of others are injured or crippled.

    Consequently, the municipality of Athens will create a non-profit company under the name of "Road Safety Organization of the Municipality of Athens" with the purpose of sensitizing and briefing citizens on the issue.

    Referring to projects being carried out, Avramopoulos said everything, which has been announced is at a stage of completion. Among others, lighting projects will begin in Athens and main motorways at entrances to the city will be restructured.

    [21] Ikaria celebrates 89th anniversary since liberation from Turks

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    The 89th anniversary since the liberation of Ikaria in 1912 was celebrated on the island on Tuesday, starting with a mass officiated by Samos and Ikaria Metropolitan Evsevios at Aghios Kirykos Church.

    This was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony and the celebrations will end with a festival at the town's central square late on Tuesday night.

    [22] Spata airport water drinkable, airport officials say

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    The quality of water at the newly built "Eleftherios Venizelos", Athens airport in Spata is fit for drinking the airport officials announced on Tuesday, adding that this was confirmed by the Athens Water and Sewage Company (EYDAP) on July 10.

    The "International Athens Airport" conducted systematic inspections on the quality of the water, to secure the health and welfare of the travelers and employees there, the statement added.

    The announcement also said that late in June, the "International Athens Airport" received some contradicting test results, following several checks on water quality, which were not expected, the statement added.

    For this very reason officials at the airport issued an advisor against drinking the water at the airport until a relevant check-over of the system was complete and a new distribution system was established in cooperation with EYDAP, the announcement stated.

    [23] Agreement signed for creation of Athens Olympiad's press village

    Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

    The first agreement on the use of facilities for journalists accredited to watch the mayor of Amarousion Panayiotis Tzanikos and Athens 2004 councilor Yiannis Pirgiotis signed the 2004 Athens Olympic Games on Tuesday.

    According to the agreement, the municipality undertakes the responsibility to build a press village on an area of about 50 acres, in accordance with specifications set by the Organizing Committee. Construction work will be carried out with self-financing.

    Athens 2004 has undertaken the commitment towards the International Olympic Committee to facilitate about 11,000 press representatives at specially created press villages.


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