Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-09-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] KYSEA confers on arms program, terrorism

[02] EU ministers call for common arrest warrants, cutting red tape in extraditions

[03] ND meeting discusses policy on terrorism, terror attacks in US Athens,

[04] Kaklamanis: Greece must ally itself in fight against terror

[05] Defense minister speaks on globalization of terrorism at ESP meeting

[06] US Defense Secretary Rumsfeld says Greece backs US effort

[07] Foreign minister Papandreou holds talks with FYROM PM Athens,

[08] FYROM PM asks Karamanlis for 'uniform' EU policy on terrorism

[09] Prime minister addresses ruling PASOK party trade unionists

[10] SYN leader signs book of condolences at US Embassy

[11] Greek FM meets with Israeli and Arab ambassadors

[12] UNESCO Director-General holds talks in Athens with ministers

[13] European Parliament President to visit Greece Sept. 26-28

[14] Archbishop Dimitrios invited to attend White House event

[15] Papantoniou unveils plan to build a "strong Greece"

[16] National Bank sees slower eurozone growth after US mayhem

[17] Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria sign memo in satellite pact

[18] New National Bank subsidiary to aid technology firms

[19] Investment companies' assets fall sharply

[20] Local authority workers, bus drivers strike to press demands

[21] Foreign ministry diplomatic staff begin strike on Monday

[22] Stocks slump in sell-off

[23] Construction of Olympic Village, ecological issues discussed

[24] Cultural Olympiad event inaugurated in Athens on Thursday

[25] Trio of Turk nationals charged with espionage

[26] Cyprus committed to combat money laundering, minister says

[01] KYSEA confers on arms program, terrorism

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

Thursday's meeting began with an analysis of Greece's stance to recent events by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who expressed complete solidarity with the US.

He said this solidarity would be expressed through collective security organs, referring to the decisions of the European Union, United Nations and NATO, in all of which Greece is a member.

In statements after the meeting, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said the council had discussed the changes that needed to be made to defense policy over the next decade in view of the newly arisen threat of terrorism.

Tsohatzopoulos said a new defense policy was needed to deal with the new 'asymmetrical' threats, which were of a different military and combat type.

Asked to elaborate on how 'asymmetrical threats' would be dealt with, Tsohatzopoulos said Greece had a firm stance and that the consequences of terrorism did not just concern the defense sector but also society, the economy and institutions.

He refused to answer questions regarding the creation of a crisis management center.

The question of approving a defense strategy and military review had been put, he said, and concerned restructuring the armed forces.

The finer details of such measures would be discussed at another KYSEA meeting over the next few days, the minister added.

A series of new arms procurements programs had been proposed during the meeting, Tsohatzopoulos told reporters, including one for a new battle tank that would cost 700 billion drachmas, which was the last outstanding program in a medium-term arms program for 1996-2000.

The meeting had also discussed last-minute offers for a new military transport aircraft, which altered the situation regarding the purchase, and a plan for modernizing the Greek Navy that would be contracted out to the Elefsina and Skaramangas Shipyards.

Spokesman comments on KYSEA meeting: The Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) convened on Thursday and discussed the latest developments regarding the terrorist attack in the United States and the country's position in confronting the threat by terrorism.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who chaired the meeting, will participate in the extraordinary European Union summit in Brussels on Friday, which was called to discuss the Union's stance in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C.

Simitis was waiting to see the decision of the Union's interior and justice ministers' council, expected later on Thursday, before formulating the detail of his address to the summit, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said.

Reppas noted that in Friday's summit there should be a common definition of the word "terrorism" among the Union's member-states and harmonization of prison sentences, adding that there should be a common type of warrant for arrests among member-states and extradition should take place in a space of 90 days.

The spokesman also said that the summit will also deal with issues relating to the possibility of an attack against Afghanistan, Pakistan's role, the effects of the terrorist attack in the U.S. and the activities of terrorists in general, as well as conditions in the Middle East, on which decisions should be taken.

During his address to KYSEA, the spokesman said, Simitis stressed that an image of confrontation between North and South, that is between rich and poor countries should not be created, while he added that the front against terrorism goes beyond the EU and the US.

Reppas also said that the premier noted that it is imperative that the United Nations intervene in confronting terrorism and underlined that the trap of using public opinion as a means of pressure to justify measures and retaliations should be avoided, as in turn they could lead to a new cycle of uncertainty.

Simitis stressed that there should not be victims among innocent civilians by any of the actions to be taken, because this would provide a base for new terrorist actions.

He also said that the individual rights of citizens should be safeguarded, while in regards to Greece all such actions would be based on the Constitution.

Reppas noted that these issues will be discussed again in governmental bodies, when a clearer picture can be deciphered.

According to Reppas, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, during the meeting, stressed that the country's defense policy will take into account the so called asymmetrical threats, but this means no change in the country's defense doctrine.

Reppas said that Tsohatzopoulos noted that there would be, however, additions and adjustments in confronting these asymmetrical threats.

In responding to questions, Reppas said that the government has data on the relations of UCK with Osama bin Laden, but declined to make any further comment, saying that this matter is not one to be discussed in public.

Reppas also said that Greek authorities have information, according to which a million people will attempt to enter Greece, either as a means of reaching other destinations or to remain in the country. He added that this condition and Greece's geographic location present a difficult situation for the country, which could be dealt with only in cooperation with Turkey.

[02] EU ministers call for common arrest warrants, cutting red tape in extraditions

BRUSSELS, 21/09/2001 (ANA-B. Demiris, G. Zitouniati)

The ministers concluded that final decisions on the aforementioned issues will be taken during their next meeting in Dec. 6-7 in Brussels.

The ministers aim at harmonizing the criminal law systems of member-states in confronting terrorism, by promoting the creation of a European justice space and by abolishing the current time consuming procedures in extraditing wanted persons.

The decision of the ministers is based on the mutual recognition of the decisions by judicial authorities of member-states.

Greek Justice Minister Michalis Stathopoulos and Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis, that represented Greece in the ministers' council, said that they were all looking for a "minimal common denominator" of national legislation for the institutional harmonization and the codification of operational measures.

They added that both these efforts should take into account the need for the protection of individual human rights and personal data, adding that the final decisions to be taken by the European Union, should not be in conflict with the national legislation of member-states and if so then those changes should be approved by national parliaments as well.

Stathopoulos noted that the regulations under discussion were based on older initiatives, which were now activated in light of the tragic events in the United States and regard the intensification of cooperation between the Union's member-states and third countries.

Chrysohoidis spoke of the codification of operational measures to be used by police officers from all EU countries participating in Europol, who will in turn focus on combating terrorism, as well as strengthening the coordinated action with the U.S.

[03] ND meeting discusses policy on terrorism, terror attacks in US Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

"We are on the side of the victims and those who refuse to come to terms with terrorism," he said.

The meeting was held at ND party headquarters to discuss changes in policy in the light of last week's twin terrorist strikes in the US.

Karamanlis also noted that a display of solidarity for the US by European Union governments did not preclude a special European role in international developments, but on the contrary dictated one.

Cooperation between EU member-states in security issues should be accelerated, he added, while he called for a solid international front against terrorism while the guilty parties were being sought and brought to justice.

The aim, the main opposition leader continued, was shared by all: to crush terrorism, make citizens safer and establish peace.

The most effective way of attaining these goals, on the other hand, was the most level-headed course of action. Military measures were necessary but not adequate, while actions that harmed innocent civilians should be avoided at all costs, he concluded.

Karamanlis again chastised the government for refusing a meeting of political party leaders, and stressed the need for Greece to have a single national strategy with the involvement of all political forces on these issues.

He also noted that the international crisis could not be used as a shield to hide inadequacies at home, or to put the problems of Greek society on the back burner. He said ND would not cease to call the government to order on domestic issues.

[04] Kaklamanis: Greece must ally itself in fight against terror

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

On his part, Kaklamanis said Greece has every reason, both in principle and as a matter of national interest, to ally itself with the struggle against terrorism, as called by the European Union and the United States.

However, he said the fight against terrorism will only be effective if waged within the margins of international law, respect of human rights and democratic freedoms, and not just in the name of those principles.

"No dialogue or compromise is justified in this struggle with terrorism, whereas no deductions can be made in terms of the rules of democracy and international law..." he added.

[05] Defense minister speaks on globalization of terrorism at ESP meeting

BRUSSELS, 21/09/2001 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

Tsohatzopoulos, who was attending the extraordinary meeting of the European Socialist Party on the terrorism issue, said that a broader alliance was necessary in order to eradicate terrorism, based on European principles and values. He noted that Europe with its sensitivity and its experience, should show calm and maturity. Tsohatzopoulos, who is a vice-president of the ESP, added that effective action should be linked to the protection of democratic institutions and human rights.

Honorary leader of Cyprus' Movement of Social Democrats (KISOS), Vassos Lyssarides, said that along with terrorism, the causes that inspire it should be eradicated.

"If we don't confront the causes which breed terrorism, whatever measures we take will not be successful."

[06] US Defense Secretary Rumsfeld says Greece backs US effort

WASHINGTON, 21/09/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

In the course of a press conference at the Pentagon, Rumsfeld said that "Greece is naturally a part of NATO, and all the Alliance supports this effort."

[07] Foreign minister Papandreou holds talks with FYROM PM Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

Papandreou made the comment due to the fact that over the last few days Georgievski's party raised the issue of a referendum for the approval or not of the Ohrid agreement, beyond the approval of the decision by parliament which is expected in the coming days.

Papandreou told Georgievski that fears were expressed in the West that such moves could undermine the peace agreement with the danger of hostilities flaring up again and putting pressure anew on the stability of the neighboring republic.

The two men condemned the terrorist attacks on the US and stated that they would cooperate in combating the scourge of terrorism which is also plaguing the region of the Balkans. "It is necessary in our region to protect the open democratic institutions," Papandreou said.

On his part Georgievski said that he briefed Papandreou on the root causes of terrorism in his country, stating that there was proof of participation by the mujaheddin in the armed struggle of the Albanian extremists. On the course of the peace agreement, the FYROM prime minister assured that "in the end all will be well."

Papandreou and Georgievski also referred to the relations between the two countries which they termed as very good.

Asked by journalists on the name issue of FYROM, Papandreou said that the very important procedures at the United Nations must continue in order for the issue to be solved.

Papandreou departs on Friday for Brussels to attend the extraordinary European Union summit and is expected to brief the European leaders on developments in FYROM as described by Georgievski.

At an unscheduled meeting this week, EU foreign ministers called on Skopje's leadership to press forward with Parliament approval of several constitutional revisions to guarantee more rights for the country's Albanian minority. On their part, Albanian rebels must surrender their declared weapons to a small NATO weapons collection force.

[08] FYROM PM asks Karamanlis for 'uniform' EU policy on terrorism

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

Sources said on Thursday that FYROM Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski called Karamanlis on the phone to make the request, and also said that his country had evidence that Islamic militants funded the insurgence by Albanian rebels in the neighboring country.

Later on Thursday, Georgievski is to meet with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou in northern Greece. The Greek minister has been asked to convey a message on behalf of the 15 EU countries calling on Georgievski to assist the successful implementation of political agreements between the Albanian minority and the Skopje government and to neutralize extremist elements blocking the progress of a peace deal struck over the summer.

FYROM, which shares part of Greece's northern border, has been riven by civil strife initiated by Albanian extremists seven months ago, which was stayed by a peace accord and disarmament deal mediated by the West.

Under the terms of the pact signed by ethnic Albanian and Slav political parties, the rebel forces agreed to disarm in return for civil rights reforms that gave the country's large Albanian minority a greater voice in its affairs.

According to a Reuters dispatch from Skopje, attempts by local politicians to compare the terrorist strikes in the United States with the events in FYROM were condemned by US officials as a bid to discredit the peace accord and stall civil rights reform by exploiting western pain and anger.

James Pardew, US special envoy to Skopje, said the comparisons being drawn were "completely false" and stressed that there was no change in US policy after last week's tragic attacks.

Pro-government newspapers have apparently put out a series of stories alleging that Islamic militant Osama bin Laden, Washington's prime suspect in the US attacks, funded Albanian guerrillas in FYROM and contributed 'mujaheddin' fighters.

[09] Prime minister addresses ruling PASOK party trade unionists

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

Simitis stressed that Greece's course increases the country's capability to confront developments in an international environment, which is gaining new characteristics, while this course secures a stronger Greece.

"We can not be onlookers in efforts to combat terrorism and in all other related issues," Simitis said, in relation to the recent heinous terrorist attack in the U.S.

He added that there can not be onlookers in the battle for limiting violence, exploitation, dogmatism and lack of freedom.

"Whoever is not against them is a collaborator," Simitis said.

The premier also addressed the social security issue, noting that this problem is one that concerns other countries of the European Union as well, but the solutions chosen for Greece will be those that "we judge to be the correct and accepted ones".

[10] SYN leader signs book of condolences at US Embassy

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

He also signed the book of condolences.

[11] Greek FM meets with Israeli and Arab ambassadors

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

According to a foreign ministry spokesman, Athens believes the development opens a "window of opportunity" for peace and stability in the Mideast.

Papandreou also told the Israeli envoy, David Sasson, that the Greek government is willing to host a resumption of peace talks between the two sides in this country. Sasson briefed the Greek FM over the latest developments in his country and the region.

Papandreou met with a delegation of ambassadors from Arab countries later in the afternoon.

[12] UNESCO Director-General holds talks in Athens with ministers

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

They referred to the current international scene and noted that the danger of a multi-cultural clash should be averted and that there should be tolerance and respect for different cultures.

Papazoi underlined that Greece will support at the pending UNESCO General Assembly the plan for the Proclamation for Cultural Differences.

Papazoi also raised the issue for the return to Greece of the Parthenon Marbles and called on Matsuura to continue his efforts in this direction.

The Greek alternate foreign minister also expressed Greece's concern over the destruction of cultural monuments in third countries, making particular mention to the Church of Aghia Sophia in Istanbul and to the illegal excavations in Salamina, Cyprus and to the continuing destruction and looting of monuments in the Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus. She also expressed the need for the protection of monuments in Kosovo and Albania.

The UNESCO Director-General also met on Thursday with Education Minister Petros Efthimiou. Matsuura briefed the Greek minister on UNESCO's new major project based on the necessity for education to be provided for all people. He noted that the active participation of all developed countries was required for this project to be successful.

Matsuura said that he would propose to UNESCO member-countries to adopt a recommendation for the protection of languages.

Efthimiou on his part expressed Greece's support to UNESCO's goals.

Matsuura also met with Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos.

[13] European Parliament President to visit Greece Sept. 26-28

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

During her visit to Greece, Fontaine will have a series of meetings with the political leadership to discuss current Greek, European and international issues.

She will be accompanied by Eurodeputies A. Trakatellis (New Democracy party) and G. Katiforis (PASOK).

Fontaine will be received by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and have meetings with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary Aleka Papariga, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos and Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas.

Fontaine will address Parliament's European Affairs Committee and Greek Eurodeputies and exchange views with them on current European issues.

The European Parliament President will also speak at the International Conference on the future of Europe which is organized on September 27 by the "Constantine Karamanlis Institute of Democracy".

Finally, Fontaine will also meet with Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki.

[14] Archbishop Dimitrios invited to attend White House event

WASHINGTON, 21/09/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Archbishop Dimitrios will conduct a memorial service on Friday for the victims of the terrorist attack on the Pentagon and later in the day will attend various meetings and events at the US capital, which will conclude in the afternoon with a service at the Church of Aghia Sophia.

[15] Papantoniou unveils plan to build a "strong Greece"

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

Addressing the first conference of the Greek Public Enterprises and Organization Center, Papantoniou emphasized that past inefficiencies and weaknesses in the public administration, existence of too many laws and bureaucracy, were discouraging business activity in the country, while citizens' expectations were pressuring the government to seek drastic changes with timely results.

"We will focus our efforts during this four-year period with the aim to improve efficiency and offer better services to citizens," Papantoniou said.

Commenting on recent events in the US, Papantoniou said they were already causing some uncertainty over developments and that no one could predict the impact on the economy. He added, however, that the Greek economy had a dynamism of its own and that it would continue growing rapidly.

He reaffirmed that Greece's GDP growth would be double the eurozone's average this year and said that inflation was still below the last three decades' average and it would soon converge closer with eurozone's average rate.

Papantoniou said Greek economic prospects for next year were positive "despite uncertainties over international economic developments".

"Today, we can take actions that seemed unattainable a few years ago because we have created a strong economy and we are equal members in the eurozone," he said.

[16] National Bank sees slower eurozone growth after US mayhem

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

In a monthly English-language market report for customers, the state-run bank forecast eurozone growth of 1.6 percent, expected to rise to 1.8 percent in 2002, sharply lower than initial forecasts of 2.5 percent for next year.

The report gave no forecast for Greek growth, which is currently running at about 3.5 percent, well above the eurozone average.

[17] Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria sign memo in satellite pact

NICOSIA, 21/09/2001 (ANA / G. Leonidas)

Cyprus' transport and works minister, Averof Neofytou, told reporters that the Vatican was expected to initial the memorandum and join the project.

The satellite position was awarded to the four parties by the International Telecommunications Union.

Signing for Greece was Deputy Transport and Communications Minister Alekos Voulgaris.

[18] New National Bank subsidiary to aid technology firms

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

The company, named iVen SA, which is short for Innovative Ventures, was founded by another subsidiary of the bank, National Business Holdings, with Vectis Capital, in which blue chip Alpha Bank has a holding.

The new firm is also to receive cash from the development ministry under the European Union's Third Community Support Framework package of funds.

National's governor, Theodoros Karatzas, told a presentation that iVen would select and back business plans, then buying equity in the new or existing companies. The investment will total up to 300,000 euros.

The firm is also to offer services including strategic planning, tax, accounting and executive recruitment.

Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said iVen hoped to attract 18 new companies over the next few years.

[19] Investment companies' assets fall sharply

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

A monthly report by the Union of Institutional Investors said that 16 out of a total 17 companies in the sector were traded at a discount (ranging from 1.6 to 37.3 percent), while only Marfin Classic was traded at a premium (19.8 percent).

The investment sector index fell by 23.11 percent in the August 31-September 14 period, exceeding an 18.60 percent drop in the ASE general index over the same period.

The investment index was 49.8 percent down this year, compared with a 33.7 percent decline in the general index.

[20] Local authority workers, bus drivers strike to press demands

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

Public transport bus drivers have also declared a work stoppage from 10:00 p.m. to the end of their shift on Thursday, to press demands for a working conditions card.

[21] Foreign ministry diplomatic staff begin strike on Monday

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

A meeting between Foreign Minister George Papandreou and representatives of the Union of Diplomatic Employees on Thursday to find a solution bore no fruit.

The Union said that Papandreou in essence expressed his support to their demands but that the Finance Ministry refused to accept a proposal for an improvement in their salaries.

With regard to the critical international political situation which coincides with the strike, the Union said that it was an issue of concern for the diplomats "who are fully aware of their responsibilities." The diplomats made clear that "if in the course of the strike there is a worsening of the present international situation, the administrative council will examine the eventuality of suspending the strike action."

[22] Stocks slump in sell-off

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

The general share index shed 5.08 percent to end at 2,133.46 points. Turnover was 134.8 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 5.26 percent lower; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 5.84 percent down; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities lost 5.86 percent.

Declines led advances at 348 to 12 with 3 issues remaining unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Folli Follie and Coca-Cola.

Equity futures down, tracking main market: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Wednesday finished at a discount, tracking the main market in brisk trade.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips fell by 5.26 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks ended 5.84 percent down.

Changing hands were 10.627 contracts on turnover of 60.1 million euros, traders said.

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

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.32 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 49 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.3 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[23] Construction of Olympic Village, ecological issues discussed

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and Psomas agreed on the major environmental objectives and directives, which are in harmony with the country's commitments toward the International Olympic Committee ((IOC).

Psomas said that the majority of proposals by Greenpeace on energy issues have been included concerning the Olympic Village but that the final construction plans for the Olympic Village have not yet been completed.

[24] Cultural Olympiad event inaugurated in Athens on Thursday

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

The symposium will take place both in Athens and Olympia and is part of the Cultural Olympiad events.

"I hope that on Sunday noon, we will be in a position to present in Ancient Olympia the charter of Ancient Olympia for culture, which will broadcast a clear, specific and convincing message to the international public opinion," Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said, in inaugurating the event.

[25] Trio of Turk nationals charged with espionage

Athens, 21/09/2001 (ANA)

The three Kurds were arrested on Aug. 28 after coast guard officers found two handguns on their possession during a routine check at a Lesvos port.

According to reports, maps and telecommunications equipment found at the trio's run-down residence apparently detail military maneuvers on land and around the island's sea region. The large island of Lesvos lies off the densely populated western Turkish coast.

The Turkish nationals were identified as Hussein Dilmag, Isah Olmei and Hussein Kilis, all temporary residents on the island for the past two years.

[26] Cyprus committed to combat money laundering, minister says

NICOSIA, 21/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after a meeting he had with a Council of Europe (CoE) delegation visiting Cyprus, Klerides said that "Cyprus has a high standard legislation (for combating money laundering), something which is fully acknowledged" by foreign competent organizations and assured that Cyprus' authorities "monitor the situation" and continuously enhance their measures and their know-how, to combat money laundering.

He also noted that Cyprus government has set up a Special Unit on combating money laundering and other crimes of economic nature, that will be further upgraded, in order to achieve better implementation of its goals.

Invited to say whether the CoE delegation could contribute to creating a better image of Cyprus in this field, the finance minister replied affirmatively, adding that CoE and other organizations which look into Cyprus system on combating money laundering give answers to those "who accuse Cyprus and other countries, without having any proves," for activities pertaining money laundering.

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