Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-09-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Athens says talks with Ankara in progress over 'migrant return' memo

[02] Greece pleased with Euro-resolution over Cyprus' EU prospect

[03] Border posts in N. FYROM opened, demarche lodged in Skopje

[04] US position on FYROM name issue has not changed

[05] Middle East, Balkans to be discussed at informal meeting of EU foreign ministers

[06] Foreign and agriculture ministers hold talks

[07] Court report on pre-election dealings at the Athens Stock Exchange raises row

[08] ND deputies cite report over alleged illegal naturalizations

[09] Greek education minister unveils plan against illiteracy

[10] Gov't to decide on Axon's binding offer for OA

[11] Black Sea bank, business center in cooperation pact

[12] Turkish firms to sound out business outlook in north

[13] Athens Conference Center plan attracts interest

[14] Greek, foreign tourists report gripes over profiteering and service

[15] Portfolio investment firms show rise in asset value

[16] Mutual fund assets slightly up in August vs. July

[17] Greek stocks continue losing ground

[18] Patriarch Vartholomeos inaugurates forum on the Byzantium

[19] Neolithic settlement on Aegean island yields wealth of artifacts

[20] President Clerides ready to engage himself in dialogue with Denktash

[21] EU Commissioner expresses deep disappointment over Denktash's stance

[01] Athens says talks with Ankara in progress over 'migrant return' memo

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

Foreign Ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis told a regular press briefing that negotiations were proceeding "very well" and are within the context of an existing bilateral agreement regarding individual citizens’ security. He added that the head of the ministry's Greek-Turkish affairs department, ambassador Kyriakos Rodoussakis, visited Ankara last week to discuss the contents of the memorandum with Turkish officials.

"There is a common interest and concern on the part of the two countries regarding the confrontation of the huge problem of illegal migration," Beglitis said.

He also expressed a conviction that the ongoing negotiations would soon produce a mutually acceptable text binding both sides to tackling the wave of illegal migration from Turkey to Greece.

Minister criticizes Turkey: On his part, Merchant Marine Minister Christos Papoutsis – whose portfolio includes supervision of Greece’s coast guard and port authorities – reiterated his criticism of Turkey on Thursday for what he charged was the neighboring country’s failure to stem the tide of illegal migration from its territory to Greece and other European Union states.

Papoutsis made the statements while visiting a facility temporarily housing the hundreds of illegal migrants disembarked on the northeast coast of Evia – the large island east of mainland Greece – on Wednesday by a dilapidated Turkish motor ship.

Some 270 of the Iraqi Kurds clandestinely transported to Greece were subsequently transferred to a facility belonging to the Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) near the town of Mantoudi, in Evia.

Papoutsis, Greece’s former commissioner to the European Commission, also spoke with several of the migrants, while he praised local government authorities and several NGOs for the care given to the large group of Iraqi Kurds, which includes women and children.

“Turkey, a country that wants its inclusion in the European family … must increase security measures in its interior and its coasts so that migrant smuggling rings targeting Greece and Europe cease operation; a problem that has now become a political issue,” he stressed.

Hundreds of mostly Third World migrants have been intercepted and detained off various eastern Aegean islands over the past month. Practically all of the would-be immigrants are transported by migrant smugglers or attempt to land on their own on Greek islands – the closest EU territory to Turkey – after setting off from Turkish harbors and coves.

Finally, in a related development, Greece’s interior ministry on Thursday issued a one-year residence permit for a pregnant Iranian woman among the recent wave of migrant detained on a Kos island beach over the past week.

The woman, who is nine months pregnant, was transferred a few days ago to the Korydallos women’s facility in Athens.

The residence permit was issued on humanitarian grounds.

[02] Greece pleased with Euro-resolution over Cyprus' EU prospect

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas also stressed that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash should not foster “illusions” over the long-standing Cyprus issue, one day after Denktash told an UN special mediator in occupied Nicosia that he does not believe there is “common ground” for a resumption of proximity talks between the two communities on the island republic.

“The international community desires a solution for the Cyprus problem. It (the international community) will not, cannot, and should not remain passive. Cyprus is negotiating with the European Union over its inclusion into this grand European family,” Reppas said at a regular press briefing in Athens.

The European Parliament's plenum on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a resolution favoring Cyprus' European Union membership application, while describing the status of EU-Cyprus negotiations as satisfactory.

The resolution, drafted by Luxembourg Eurodeputy Jacques Poos, passed with 505 votes in favor, while 31 Eurodeputies voted against and 29 abstained.

“It’s important that Turkey’s EU course be linked with Turkey’s stance vis-a-vis a solution to the Cyprus problem … What now arises is a link between Turkey’s course towards EU accession and its (Turkey’s) stance, which must be positive and productive regarding the Cyprus problem,” Reppas added.

According to an ANA dispatch from Strasbourg on Wednesday, Poos vigorously defended the resolution, which stressed that Turkish ambitions for future European Union membership would collapse if Ankara implemented its threat of annexing Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus as a reaction to Cyprus’ EU accession.

The Europarliament warned that "if Turkey were to carry out its threat of annexing the north of Cyprus in response to Cypriot accession to the EU and to proclaim the northern part as its 82nd province, in clear breach of international law, it would put an end to its own ambitions of European Union membership."

The resolution reiterated "the wholehearted support of the European Parliament for the efforts of the UN Secretary General to find a comprehensive and rapid solution, and for his longstanding view that any acceptable solution must be based on international law … and resolutions adopted by the United Nations Security Council.”

Eurodeputies also expressed support for the conclusions of the Helsinki European Council, "whereby resolution of the Cyprus question is not a prerequisite for accession".

Verheugen: Finally, EU Commissioner for enlargement Guenter Verheugen on Thursday also issued a written statement expressing his regret for Denktash's refusal to participate in a renewed round of proximity talks.

According to an ANA dispatch from Brussels, Verheugen said he outlined the EU's desire for a resumption of such to Denktash directly, "... based on these facts, let me express my disappointment over Rauf Denktash's decision to reject (UN chief) Kofi Annan's invitation for a restart of talks on Sept. 12."

The EU commissioner also said the European Union considers that a 'window' for the finding of a solution before (Cyprus') accession remains open, while it encourages all interested parties to make every effort towards this goal.

[03] Border posts in N. FYROM opened, demarche lodged in Skopje

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

According to foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis, Wednesday’s demarche was followed by the opening of the two vital roadways. Wire reports stated that Athens’ inability to resupply the Greek contingent participating in NATO’s Kosovo peacekeeping force (KFOR) led to the protest.

In a related development, asked about the prospect of extending NATO’s 30-day “weapons-collecting” mandate in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Beglitis said:

“... if the European Union and NATO, following negotiations with FYROM’s leadership, judge that the extension and presence of the peace force is necessary ... to contribute towards the stability and security in FYROM, then Greece would be positive (to such a prospect).”

In terms of the high-profile 'name issue' that remains as a Greece-FYROM difference, the spokesman said Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou would reiterate to his counterparts at an upcoming informal council of EU foreign ministers that Athens is ready to seek a permanent solution to the dispute. The EU foreign ministers' meeting is expected to focus on the situation in strife-ridden FYROM.

Athens has been at odds with FYROM for years over the issue of the land-locked Balkan state's name, insisting that the word "Macedonia" should not be included in the name of the former Yugoslav republic, as it implies expansionist designs against Greece’s own large northern province, Macedonia, as well as being a historical misrepresentation.

However, relations between Greece and FYROM have dramatically improved since the two countries signed an interim agreement in New York under the UN’s auspices, six years ago this month. Under the terms of that agreement, Athens and Skopje are to proceed with negotiations to find a mutually acceptable solution for the name issue.

[04] US position on FYROM name issue has not changed

WASHINGTON, 07/09/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

The spokesman stressed that "for the US the official name of the country at this stage is the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." He added that the final settlement of the name issue constitutes a matter for debate.

He lauded the approval by FYROM's parliament on August 13 of the peace agreement and congratulated the deputies who took part in the vote, hailing in particular the "positive role" of FYROM president Boris Trajkovski and the leaders of the parties. He further urged the politicians and also the citizens to take advantage and build upon "the dynamic peace" which has been created and to proceed to the next steps.

On the Cyprus issue, the spokesman said that the US views that all sides should do all they can in order for the good mission of the UN Secretary-General to be served. He said that Washington continued to completely support the UN Secretary and his representative on the issue, Alvaro de Soto.

[05] Middle East, Balkans to be discussed at informal meeting of EU foreign ministers

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

The agenda for the September 8-9 informal meeting of the Council of Ministers includes the Middle East, the situation in the Balkans with the focus on FYROM, EU relations with the Ukraine and Russia, the course of EU enlargement, European defense and security issues, and EU-Turkey relations, foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis told a press briefing on Thursday.

He also said that on Monday, Papandreou would meet with his French counterpart Hubert Vedrine, who will be accompanying French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin on a one-day working visit to Athens.

Papandreou would further fly to Jerusalem on September 15 to attend the enthronement ceremony of the new Patriarch.

[06] Foreign and agriculture ministers hold talks

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

The two ministers discussed issues concerning cooperation between the two ministries, matters related to the implementation of the Greece-Turkey cooperation agreement in the agricultural sector, through the utilization of opportunities for the training of people in the sector, as was as issues concerning the review of the European Union's common agricultural policy.

[07] Court report on pre-election dealings at the Athens Stock Exchange raises row

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

Former main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Miltiades Evert earlier said to journalists that the report was compiled on "the pre-election government interventions" in the Athens Stock Exchange.

He once again accused the government of being responsible for a loss of 30 trillion drachmas by 1.3 million investors in the Athens Stock Exchange, saying that the President of the regulatory commission of the exchange "DEKA" I. Kousoulakos was found to bear responsibility along with the responsible ministers of that period.

He added that Kousoulakos attempted to remove responsibility from his person by saying that he followed orders of the government.

Kousoulakos, on his part, expressed surprise over Evert's statements, saying that the latter's statement was "a slanderous at-tack".

He added that Evert "misquoted my statements, distorted the real facts and reached to the point of slandering, by saying that I am attempting to remove from my person responsibilities over the operations of DEKA".

Meanwhile, government circles commented on the issue, questioning the source of Evert's briefing of the report, as the only person that received it from the investigating officials was Kaklamanis and accused Evert of attempting to create false impressions just before the state of the state address of Prime Minister Costas Simitis at the inauguration of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair.

[08] ND deputies cite report over alleged illegal naturalizations

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

In statements afterwards, the two ND deputies -- Nikos Katsaros and Vyron Polydoras – welcomed the judicial inquiry, while criticizing the government for not conveying the report to the prosecutor’s office.

The report, drafted by diplomat Haralambos Dimitriou, reportedly cites an inexplicably large number of repatriation visas issued by the Greek embassy in Moscow.

In response to a question at his regular press briefing, however, the government spokesman charged that ND is simply attempting to find an alibi for its election defeat in April 2000.

Spokesman Dimitris Reppas also underlined that out of the approximately 104,000 naturalizations recorded since 1990, roughly 56,000 occurred between 1990-93 when a New Democracy government was in power, something he said makes the charge of voter fraud during the 2000 elections sound ridiculous.

“ND is making a mistake, because instead of searching out the reasons for its defeat and better preparing, it is seeking the reasons elsewhere,” Reppas said.

[09] Greek education minister unveils plan against illiteracy

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

"Greece is finally enjoying the fruits of its systematic efforts of the last 25 years in confronting the fundamental problems of education and for this reason it is justified to feel proud for its current educational landscape," Efthimiou said.

He outlined a program to combat illiteracy in older citizen groups and speaking on statistical data he said that Greece has less illiterate people among youths than the average of the European Union.

[10] Gov't to decide on Axon's binding offer for OA

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

The decision is expected to be announced either National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou or Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis, the two government officials handling the privatization.

Negotiations between the two sides, aiming to improve the terms of the offer, may continue for a few more weeks, but at the same time the third-rated candidate in the tender seemed to be making a strong comeback in the case.

Integrated Airline Solutions of Australia, which had pulled out of the tender as it could not meet the original deadline, returned to the bidding due to an extension announced by the government.

IAS is a consortium including Greek businessmen Vardinoyiannis and Angelopoulos, Olympic Airways' pilots and two other Greek businessmen.

Cyprus Airways have also bidded in the tender.

The government's consultant in the sale, Credit Suisse First Boston, had recommended Axon as the leading candidate in the tender.

[11] Black Sea bank, business center in cooperation pact

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

On the same day, a seminar will be held in the northern port city timed to coincide with the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair that will examine the Black Sea region's ties with the European Union.

Greece's commissioner to the EU, Anna Diamantopoulou, is to address the meeting. Other speakers include politicians from Greece and Turkey, and EU officials.

The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank launched operations in June 1999 in order to aid growth in the Balkans and Black Sea region and boost economic ties among shareholding countries.

The bank's share capital of 1.2 billion US dollars is distributed among Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.

[12] Turkish firms to sound out business outlook in north

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

The visit arranged by the Izmir Chamber of Commerce is timed to coincide with the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, which begins on Friday.

The entrepreneurs work in sectors including plastics, hotels equipment, transport, building materials, foodstuffs and beverages.

[13] Athens Conference Center plan attracts interest

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

A Greek Tourism Organization, which holds the tender under its subsidiary Hellenic Tourism Real Estate Company, said that a commission was evaluating all bids before submitting its final recommendations to Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis on the way of the tender procedures.

Among the first 18 consortia and groups that have expressed early interest are: Thessaloniki International Trade Fair SA, Lamda Development-GEK-Terna, Olympic Technical-Mohlos-Porto Carras SA, Mamidakis-Theoharakis Groups, Diekat-PGI Hellas-Agiostratitis, J&P Development-Avax, AEGEK-Vioter-Ekter-Haraggionis, Atticat-Agricultural Bank-HATTA, Tegea-Gantzoulas-McDonald's Hellas, Top Plan-BIDC-Michaniki, Sarantopoulos-Amfitrion-Maniateas, Everest, RTKL UK Ltd, WS Atkins International and London International Exhibition Center.

[14] Greek, foreign tourists report gripes over profiteering and service

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

Widespread profiteering and a low standard of service in the tourism industry accompanied by a lack of state inspection were the main grievances, which totalled 4,793 by August 31, a record high, the Institute of Consumers (INKA) said in a statement.

Domestic tourists also complained of being charged exorbitant rates in hotels against sharply lower rates paid by visitors from abroad on package holidays, the statement said.

The majority of gripes came under INKA's category of restaurants and tavernas (10.5 percent), followed by quality of products and services (9.7 percent).

Of total complaints, 77 percent were made by Greek tourists and 23 percent by foreign nationals.

In addition, the recipients of state-subsidized tourism for people on low incomes claimed they were treated as second-class guests by hoteliers.

Finally, INKA said more than one in three Greeks did not go on holiday at all while many who took a vacation shortened the duration of their stay due to financial problems.

Based on number of visitors and infrastructure, the areas topping the league of complaints were the prefectures of Iraklion (Crete), the Cyclades islands, Halkidiki, Corfu and Hania (Crete), the statement said.

[15] Portfolio investment firms show rise in asset value

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

The index for portfolio investment firms in the same period showed an increase of 2.72 percent, against a rise of 2.66 percent in the Athens Stock Exchange's general share index, the union said in a statement.

[16] Mutual fund assets slightly up in August vs. July

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

Average returns on domestic equity mutual funds were 18.55 percent down on the start of the year; domestic composite funds 9.41 percent down; money market funds 2.53 percent up; and fixed income funds 2.92 percent higher in the same period, the union said.

[17] Greek stocks continue losing ground

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

The general index, however, found short-term support at the 2,650 level despite the fact that the UK market plunged to its lowest levels in the last 34 months and the DAX-30 index in Frankfurt fell below 5,000 points.

The general index ended 0.42 percent lower at 2,669.70 points, off the day's lows of 2,651.17 points, raising its seven-session losses to 4.85 percent. It now stands more than 21.0 percent lower for the year.

Turnover was a low 135.59 million euros, or 46.2 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 1,500.62 points, off 0.45 percent, the FTSE/ASE 40 index fell 0.46 percent to 290.16 points, and the Small Cap index ended at 854.42 points, down 1.16 percent.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 257.48 points, off 1.14 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 267 to 62 with another 31 issues unchanged.

Prices rise in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Thursday finished higher in active trade with players again focusing on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.35 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 46 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.6 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

Equity futures nose down: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Thurs-day ended slightly lower, cautiously anticipating a better performance on the main market in the next session.

Changing hands were 5,738 contracts on turnover of 38.5 million euros, the traders said.

[18] Patriarch Vartholomeos inaugurates forum on the Byzantium

SOFIA, 07/09/2001 (ANA - M. Borisov)

Seventy Greeks, Bulgarians and foreign Byzantinists are taking part in the international scientific forum, which is held under the auspices of the Patriarch.

In his address, Vartholomeos referred to the great importance of the cultural and spiritual heritage of Byzantine culture, not just for Balkan region but also for Europe's and the world's modern philosophy, science and fine arts.

He said the ancient Byzantine tradition of peaceful co-existence served as a historic example today, given the fact that the broader Balkan region was experiencing conflict.

Vartholomeos also conducted a service with Patriarch Maximos of Bulgaria.

On the sidelines of the forum, Patriarch Vartholomeos also met with Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov.

[19] Neolithic settlement on Aegean island yields wealth of artifacts

Athens, 07/09/2001 (ANA)

The prehistoric settlement covers about three hectares of land on the island's western-central highland plateau, which was encircled by a five-feet thick wall having what seems to be an early type of ramparts.

Archaeologists, conducting a salvage operation of the site, recovered clay pots, obsidian tools, arrowheads, and spearheads also made for obsidian, jewels, small statues and copper artifacts.

The discovery of copper artifacts told a tale of higher than expected, for the geographic location and time period, metallurgical knowledge. Among the copper artifacts archaeologists found spearheads, brooches and other copper items used in every day life.

This especially dense settlement became possible as the island offers excellent water and horticultural resources, while its proximity to the mainland on one hand and its proximity to the rest of the islands of the central Aegean provided the necessary preconditions for the growth.

[20] President Clerides ready to engage himself in dialogue with Denktash

NICOSIA, 07/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Papapetrou reiterated that President Clerides, responding to an invitation by the UN Secretary General for a resumption of talks, September 12, will go to New York, accompanied by his aides, adding that Ankara's full support for Denktash's rejection of the invitation means that Turkey has an equal share of the responsibility for this choice.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash said on Wednesday he saw no ground for negotiations and no need to go to New York, pointing out that the necessary foundation had not been established for him to attend any form of negotiations.

"There is no indication of a change in Denktash’s positions. This does not concern us. We are ready for substantive negotiations on the 12th and as long as Annan's invitation stands, the President will be in New York ready for talks on 12 September," Papapetrou said.

UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto announced on Wednesday at a press conference at the end of his eight-day trip to Cyprus that he had conveyed invitations to Clerides and Denktash for separate meetings with Kofi Annan on September 12, in New York, "to resume the search for a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem, under the Secretary-General's auspices."

"The President is ready to engage in a dialogue with Denktash, either through the continuation of the process as this was conducted in the past or through direct meetings," the spokesman said, stressing however that "this would assume that Denktash agrees to return to talks."

Commenting on the response of the Turkish side to Annan's invitation, Papapetrou said that Turkey had given its full support to Denktash’s choice and this showed that Ankara acted in concert with Denktash.

"It is obvious that the burden of responsibility for whatever the repercussions might be from Denktash's choice will rest on Ankara too," he added.

Replying to questions, he said no proposal for secret talks had been put forward by de Soto and noted the government does not propose to discuss such a matter.

President Clerides departs for New York on Monday morning, via Zurich.

On Thursday he briefed party leaders on the latest developments.

[21] EU Commissioner expresses deep disappointment over Denktash's stance

NICOSIA, 07/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Verheugen noted that the rejection of the Secretary General's invitation by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash comes after active contribution to UN efforts by the Commission to resume negotiations for a solution and following his own meeting in Zurich with Denktash a week before the invitation was issued.

Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides has accepted Secretary General Kofi Annan's invitation to talks and leaves for New York on Monday.

In a statement, issued a day after Denktash rejected Annan's invitation to talks next week, Verheugen said the European Com-mission "has contributed actively to the efforts of the UN Secretary General to bring about a resumption of the talks aimed at finding a solution to the Cyprus problem."

Verheugen said his meeting with Denktash in Zurich on 27 August "underlined the EU's clear preference for a solution to be reached before enlargement, although this is not precondition for Cyprus' accession."

"Against this background, I am very disappointed that Mr. Denktash has not accepted the UN Secretary General's invitation to talks on 12 September," the statement said.

The Commission, he added, considers that "the window of opportunity for reaching a solution before accession remains open and encourages all interested parties to undertake all efforts with this aim in view."

Denktash, backed by Ankara, withdrew from the UN-led peace talks in November of last year. He has since been demanding recognition of his self-styled regime in the areas of the Cyprus Republic occupied by Turkish troops since 1974 before he returns to the negotiating table.

On Wednesday, Annan's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto announced an invitation to Clerides and Denktash to resume the search for a comprehensive settlement and said the UN hopes that a "new and re-invigorated phase of the Secretary General's good offices will begin on 12 September in New York."

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