Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-08-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek leadership lauds signing of FYROM peace deal

[02] Athens Exarch Irineos named new Jerusalem Patriarch

[03] New Israeli ambassador Sasson briefs press on Mideast situation

[04] Karamanlis comments on anniversary of second wave of Turkish invasion of Cyprus

[05] Avramopoulos ready to take on challenge of early elections

[06] Occupancy rate in Athens hotels drops in first-half 2001

[07] Hellenikon's East Terminal to become conference center

[08] New satellite system to track trawlers fishing in Mediterranean waters

[09] Greek stocks ease in record-low turnover

[10] Gatsioudis wins bronze for javelin at World Championships

[11] New committee to monitor works for 2004 Olympic Games

[12] Government spokesman appears pessimistic about prospect that Turkish side will return to the negotiating table

[13] UN committee considers Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus as obstacle to peace

[01] Greek leadership lauds signing of FYROM peace deal

Athens, 14/08/2001 (ANA)

Ongoing violence between the two sides threatened to sideline the tentative deal, which was signed in the presence of NATO secretary-general George Robertson, European Union foreign affairs chief Javier Solana, United States envoy James Pardew and French envoy Francois Leotard.

The new peace deal calls for the Albanian language to be given limited official status, more funding to be earmarked for education in minority languages, that all ethnic groups to be treated equally under the constitution and that more ethnic minorities to be employed in FYROM’s police force. At the same time it also paves the way for the disarming of ethnic Albanian guerillas, a process that will be overseen by NATO troops.

Simitis expressed the hope that both sides will respect the peace deal’s contents, and he noted that before the crises took form, the Greek government had underlined the need to respect and protect FYROM’s borders to all its international counterparts. From the beginning, Simitis said, the Greek government took action so that it could, with every means possible, support the unity of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia as well as make certain that there were no more changes inflicted in the region's borders.

The signing in Skopje, he added carries a clear message: "The time has come to draw a blue line. Ethnic extremities and liberation struggles do not have a place in the modern Europe we are building."

The news was also received well by main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis who applauded the peace deal, characterizing it as a promising event.

He underlined, however, that the path towards peace and stability in the neighboring country remains uncertain, difficult and full of obstacles.

That is why, he added, "we condemn the use of violence from extremist groups and underline the need that a more comprehensive and long-term agreement be drafted by the European Union and allow Greece to undertake (a list) of priorities."

On his part, Minister of Foreign Affairs George Papandreou saluted the events in Skopje, which followed overnight clashes that shattered a government cease-fire.

"The signing of the peace deal, stands as a significant moment for the FYROM, the Balkans and Europe," he said.

"During the crises, Athens was in constant contact with (FYROM leaders) President Boris Trajkovski, Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski and Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva, as well as the leader of the main opposition party B. Crvenkovski," and other leaders, said Papandreou.

"We submitted a series of proposals aimed at unveiling a solution, as well as towards the avoidance of prolongation of the crises, to NATO and the European Union," he added.

Papandreou also noted that Greece underlined the need for point-blank condemnation of ethnic terrorism and extremism.

"We refused the 'logic' of weapons," he added. "The social and political stability of the nations in this region, the strengthening of democratic statutes and approaches, the modernization of (these nations') economies and the amplification of the Euro-Atlantic perspective, all compose the purpose of the Greek government's policies in the Balkan area."

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE), on the other hand, expressed caution and Deputy Orestis Kolozof said that the danger for peace in the region has not yet gone away.

"The events in FYROM, aside from the signing of the peace deal, continue to contain serious dangers. The non-disarmament of Albanian extremists and the decision by NATO to evolve in the area, will embroil the situation even more, separating it substantially into two zones, with unexpected developments."

The historic peace deal comes to end six months of bloody conflict. In February ethnic Albanian rebels took up arms, claiming that they wanted more rights for their community. Until the time of the peace deal, the extremists had acquired a significant amount of territory.

[02] Athens Exarch Irineos named new Jerusalem Patriarch

Athens, 14/08/2001 (ANA)

He succeeds Patriarch Diodoros I, who died eight months ago after heading the Jerusalem Patriarchate since 1981.

Irineos served as Exarch of the Holy Sepulchre in Athens for several years prior to his election.

The new patriarch of Jerusalem was born Emmanuel Skopelitis in 1939 on the eastern Aegean island of Samos. He arrived in Jerusalem in 1953 and graduated from the Patriarchate’s academy in 1963.

Irineos became a monk and was ordained as a deacon in 1959; as a church elder in 1965, followed by his ordination as an archimandrite the following year. He studied theology at the University of Athens.

Shortly after the announcement, Ecumenical Patriarchate Vartholomeos conveyed his congratulations to Irineos, according to an ANA dispatch from Istanbul.

In Greece, congratulating the new Patriarch on behalf of the Greek people, Prime Minister Costas Simitis wished Irineos good fortune in all of his future endeavors as the newly appointed spiritual father of the Hellenic Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis also sent congratulations, referring in his telegram to a "new period of productive" ecclesiastical leadership for the Jerusalem Patriarchate.

Foreign Minister George Papandreou sent a congratulatory telegram to Irineos wishing him "every success in his difficult task," while reiterating Athens' support towards what he called the Greek Orthodox tradition of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.

Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos also congratulated Irineos, wishing him success in his new mission.

[03] New Israeli ambassador Sasson briefs press on Mideast situation

Athens, 14/08/2001 (ANA)

Incoming Israeli envoy David Sasson, who served as Israel's historic first ambassador to Greece from 1990 to 1996, briefed reporters in the Greek capital over his government's positions regarding the latest developments in the region, just hours after a suicide bombing Sunday evening injured 20 people in a cafe near the northern Israeli port city of Haifa.

Sasson charged that Arafat has all the means at his disposal to stop the violence, "but the fact is that he (Arafat) simply doesn't want to end the Intifadah... the Palestinian Authority has enough facilities to block them (Hamas and Islamic Jihad)."

In continuing to point to what he called the Palestinian leader's culpability, the Israeli ambassador said Arafat misjudged the situation and let the Palestinian attacks get out of hand, something that led to three developments, as he claimed: a majority victory by Ariel Sharon; the current Israeli premier's "clever" behavior and policy vis-a-vis the Intifadah, and lastly, a distinct weakening of the Left in Israeli politics.

Asked, though, if another credible interlocutor on the Palestinian side exists, and whether the Israelis have no choice but to sit down at the negotiating table with Arafat, Sasson said that "no one is stuck with anyone".

[04] Karamanlis comments on anniversary of second wave of Turkish invasion of Cyprus

Athens, 14/08/2001 (ANA)

"Today marks the 27th year following the second wave of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, which resulted in the occupation of 37 percent of the island. This year's anniversary coincides with the United Nations' efforts to attain a resumption of the negotiation procedures towards the solution of the Cyprus issue, chiefly convincing the Turkish side to return to the negotiating table for discussion."

[05] Avramopoulos ready to take on challenge of early elections

Athens, 14/08/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, while on a trip to the northern city of Thessaloniki, Avramopoulos, who did not rule out an early run to the polls, said that his party was ready to take on the challenge of early elections.

Turning to the upcoming International Thessaloniki Trade Fair in September, Avramopoulos commented on the event's inauguration ceremony saying that "the tradition that calls for the top event of the year to be a place for division and conflict has to end."

He proposed that all political leaders be present at the commencement and rise to the occasion with "a sense of dialogue and agreement for the good of the nation."

[06] Occupancy rate in Athens hotels drops in first-half 2001

Athens, 14/08/2001 (ANA)

According to the survey, the occupancy rate was 66.5 percent, down from 71.9 percent in the same period of 2000.

The rate is close to the European average of 66.8 percent, the survey said.

The average room price in Athens hotels in the first half was 127.19 euros, up 3.6 percent from the same period of last year, it added.

[07] Hellenikon's East Terminal to become conference center

Athens, 14/08/2001 (ANA)

The committee will be chaired by the president of the Greek National Tourism Office (GNTO) and will include Hellenic Tourism Assets SA board director Anastasios Homenidis, the president of the Athens Hoteliers Union Spyros Divanis and others.

The committee will work with government agencies and bodies to assign the areas and buildings that the planned Athens Conference Center is to occupy, and oversee a tender for awarding its operating license. Administrative and other support for the committee will be provided by the GNTO.

[08] New satellite system to track trawlers fishing in Mediterranean waters

Athens, 14/08/2001 (ANA)

After signing the relevant agreement, Agriculture Minister George Anomeritis said the new surveillance equipment will cover two areas: to directly pinpoint the exact position of the vessel in the case of an emergency and to guarantee that all fishery codes (fishing zones, etc.) are respected.

With the aid of the new satellite system, all vessels will now fall under the watchful eye of Greek port authorities, which will closely observe all vessels in the case of an emergency or if trawlers are fishing illegally.

[09] Greek stocks ease in record-low turnover

Athens, 14/08/2001 (ANA)

The general index ended 0.49 percent lower at 2,611.12 points, off the day's lows of 2,585.16 points, helped by a recovery in banks and telecoms stocks.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 1,461.14 points, off 0.38 percent, the FTSE/ASE 40 index dropped 1.42 percent to 295.92 points, and the FTSE/ASE SMALLCAP 80 index ended at 857.45 points, down 1.51 percent.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 254.76 points, off 0.66 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 266 to 63 with another 18 issues unchanged.

Spider, Karamolegkos, Neorion, Iktinos, Halyps Building, Alysida, Informer, Druckfarben, Allatini Ceramics and Sato scored the biggest percentage gains (between 11.90% and 4.48%), while Mouriadis, Douros, Intertek, Karelia, Minerva, Giannousis, Multirama, Vovos and Mohlos suffered the heaviest losses.

Hellenic Telecoms, Alpha Bank, Giannousis, Vovos and Fitco were the most heavily traded stocks.

Equity futures slip in low turnover: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange ended at a slight discount on Monday in light summer holiday trade.

Changing hands were 4,019 contracts on turnover of 26.5 billion drachmas.

[10] Gatsioudis wins bronze for javelin at World Championships

EDMONTON, 14/08/2001 (ANA)

With this medal, Gatsioudis becomes the first Greek to win three medals in world championship competitions, having won a bronze medal in Athens and a silver medal in Seville

PM, ND leader congratulate Gatsioudis on bronze medal: Prime Minister Costas Simitis sent a congratulatory telegram to Greek athlete Costas Gatsioudis on Monday for winning a bronze in the World Athletics Championships in Edmonton, Canada.

Gatsioudis came third in the men's javelin competition with a throw of 89.95 meters.

Congratulating Gatsioudis on winning a well-deserved place on the winners' podium, Simitis said his success "puts a seal on the extended spring in Greek athletics."

Congratulations were also sent by main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis, who said Gatsioudis "force of will has again succeeded in making Greeks feel proud".

[11] New committee to monitor works for 2004 Olympic Games

Athens, 14/08/2001 (ANA)

Minister of Public Works, Town Planning and Environment Costas Laliotis and Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos submitted the new presidential decree that will come to modify the already existing decree of 158/2000 and introduce a new service that will monitor major works for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

In the new decree, it is proposed that a "Special Office for Public Works, Research and Construction of Olympic Games 2004 Works" be established, with an aim to monitor the construction of the Olympic Rowing Center in Schinias as well as the Olympic Slalom Center.

The same board will also overlook the works of the Olympic Sailing Center in Aghios Kosmas, as well as the Olympic Beach Volley, Boxing, Taekwondo and Volley Ball (preliminaries) facilities in Neo Faliro.

In Elliniko (southern Athens) the facilities for all Baseball, Softball and Hockey, Basketball (preliminaries), Volley Ball (finals) and Fencing competitions will also fall under the jurisdiction of the new state service, according to the new decree.

[12] Government spokesman appears pessimistic about prospect that Turkish side will return to the negotiating table

LONDON, 14/08/2001 (CNA/ANA)

He said he expects the UN to continue presenting the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides with non papers for discussion at next month's expected resumption of talks and to submit a comprehensive framework of a solution at the beginning of next year, when Papapetrou expects to see both sides come under pressure and face dilemmas.

He pointed out that the current renewed effort by the international community to facilitate a solution "is definitely the last attempt before the anticipated accession of Cyprus to the European Union," widely expected to materialize in early 2003.

Papapetrou expressed the view that the UN peace talks process, which began in December 1999, would continue as it is and added "non papers will be put forward, without anything substantive taking place, perhaps until the beginning of next year."

Replying to questions, he said that indications that there is a shift in Ankara's positions on Cyprus do not come from the official political leadership of the country.

He acknowledged however that for the first time certain views are expressed and various moves made in Ankara, which might just indicate a future change of policy.

[13] UN committee considers Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus as obstacle to peace

NICOSIA, 14/08/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The Committee, in an extraordinary move, issued a decision, having considered the Republic's latest two periodic reports, and called on the UN to adopt measures required for the implementation of its relevant resolutions and decisions.

In its decision, the Committee reaffirms the importance of "putting an end to the foreign occupation of Cyprus so that all human rights and freedoms will be enjoyed by all Cypriots, irrespective of their ethnic origin as envisaged in the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, in particular the rights to freedom of movement and residence and to own property throughout Cyprus."

It also requested the UN Secretary General "to call the attention of the Security Council, the General Assembly and other appropriate bodies of the UN to this decision, in the earnest hope that they will take the measures required for the implementation of their relevant resolutions and decisions."

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