Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 99-09-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] EU leaders show absolute solidarity to the U.S. after terrorist attack

[02] UN chief calls for int'l unity against terrorism threat

[03] Gov't confirms mandatory troop participation in foreign missions

[04] Search for terrorists' funding spreads to Albania

[05] PASOK secretary calls for cool-headedness following attacks on US

[06] Vassiliou briefs ND leader on Cyprus issue

[07] Coalition party leader defends societies' democratic nature

[08] Free Citizens' Movement leader says world wants peace

[09] America Archbishop meets US President, CIA chief

[10] PM addresses Cultural Olympiad symposium, condemns terrorism

[11] National Bank joins rate cuts

[12] State telecom may start talks in FYROM Tues on mobile permit

[13] Greek bourse down 40 percent this year

[14] Stocks drop in higher turnover

[15] IOC and ATHOC working meeting in Athens

[16] International conference of notaries to be held in Athens

[17] State Department welcomes Clerides' pledge to cooperate with US in battle to combat terrorism

[18] UN Secretary-General's annual report on Cyprus covers activities up to end of August

[01] EU leaders show absolute solidarity to the U.S. after terrorist attack

BRUSSELS, 22/09/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

They also expressed their political will to show absolute solidarity to the U.S.

In statements to reporters at the end of the first round of talks, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said the decision taken by the summit on Friday constitutes a good basis for confronting terrorist provocations.

He said the struggle against terrorism is a primary target for the EU, adding that according to the decision by the UN's Security Council, the U.S. is entitled to react but noted that this struggle is not directed against the Arab and Moslem world.

Simitis stressed the need for cooperation between the EU and the U.S. in handling provocations by terrorists. However, he noted the need for whatever decisions to be legalized by the UN's Security Council.

He also said every country should participate in actions to combat terrorism, in accordance with its capabilities, and added that the region of military operations is very far from Europe and what is most important is political alignment between all countries as well as their cooperation against terrorism. Simitis also made special mention of the need for Russia, Middle East countries and other nations to participate in the struggle.

He said decisions taken by the EU on Friday are divided into two chapters. The first concerns the general principles of the EU's policy against terrorism. He also referred in particular to decisions taken on Thursday by the EU's Council of Internal Affairs and Justice Ministers concerning the need for intensifying legislative police and judicial cooperation both between EU member-states and the U.S.

Simitis further said the summit entrusted the Council of Justice Ministers with processing, among others, a list of terrorist organizations which operate and function in Europe.

He also focused on the EU's political will to go ahead with the mutual recognition of judicial rulings and the enactment of the European arrest warrant in particular, adding that the EU will take all necessary measures to protect human rights.

Simitis said tackling terrorism is not connected with the restriction of human rights, which, in Greece in particular, are protected by the constitution that the Greek government will strictly implement.

He further mentioned that the EU leaders also discussed the need to expand security for airline flights.

The second chapter of decisions taken by the summit concerns the economy. Simitis said the terrorist attack would have negative repercussions. However, he added that these repercussions can be handled and this is due to stability created for the European economy by economic and monetary union.

PM: Broad alliance on world level needed to combat terrorism: Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis said late Friday night that the aim of the European Union's special summit was to make clear the political framework and to clarify the policy of the EU-member states in the battle against terrorism.

Speaking to journalists after the dinner, Simitis underlined that the EU condemns terrorism and each country will contribute in efforts for its confrontation according to its capabilities.

The prime minister expressed the need for achieving a broader framework of alliances on a world level to confront terrorism, underlining the particular role that the United Nations is called upon to play. He said that this cooperation is necessary given that even if the United States decides to give a military answer by itself, it will need to cooperate with many countries that will either allow the transit of planes over their air space or help with the bases that they have.

Referring to the talks the EU leaders had over dinner, he said they focused mainly on the Middle East and the Palestinian issue. Simitis said that it was necessary for messages to be conveyed to the Arab world as well, underlining that the EU wants peace and cooperation in the Middle East.

Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou on his part also underlined the role the EU should play in efforts for the achievement of peace in the Middle East.

[02] UN chief calls for int'l unity against terrorism threat

New York, 22/09/2001 (ANA)

“The terrorists who attacked the United States on 11 September aimed at one nation, but wounded an entire world. Rarely, if ever, has the world been as united as it was on that terrible day. It was a unity born also of the fact that the World Trade Center was home to men and women of every faith from more than sixty nations. This was truly an attack on all humanity, and all humanity has a state in defeating the forces behind it,” Annan’s text reads.

“As the United States decides what actions it will take in defense of its citizens, and as the world comes to terms with the global implications of this calamity, the unity of 11 September will be invoked, and it will be tested...

“At a time like this, the world is defined not only by what it is for, but by what and who it is against. The United Nations – and the international community – must have the courage to recognize that just as there are common aims, there are common enemies. To defeat them, all nations of goodwill must join forces in a common effort encompassing every aspect of the open, free global system so wickedly exploited by the perpetrators of last week’s atrocities...

“Terrorism today threatens every society, every people, and as the world takes action against its perpetrators, we have all been reminded of the necessity of addressing the full range of conditions which permit the growth of this kind of hatred and depravity. We must confront violence, bigotry and hatred even more resolutely. The work of the United Nations must continue as we address the ills of our time – conflict, ignorance, poverty and disease. Doing so will not end every source of hatred and every act of violence – there are those who will hate and who will kill even if every injustice is ended. But if the world can show that it will carry on, that it will persevere in creating a stronger, more just, more benevolent and more genuine international community across all lines of religion and race, then terrorism will have failed,” Annan concludes.

[03] Gov't confirms mandatory troop participation in foreign missions

Athens, 22/09/2001 (ANA)

Acting government spokesman Telemachos Hytiris said the decision, which was revealed on Thursday night by an ANT1 television news report, dated back to August.

Pointing out that Greek soldiers took an oath to protect the Constitution and the country's national sovereignty, one reporter asked whether ordering a Greek soldier to report for duty outside Greek borders was not a political act.

He asked if the government was prepared to rule out a decision to order Greek troops to take part in missions abroad.

Hytiris replied that the country's interests also included its international and alliance commitments, which Greece had to fulfill.

In response to questions about measures to standardize European arrest warrants, that are now being discussed by EU interior and justice ministers, the spokesman stressed that the Greek Constitution and domestic laws would be definitely be upheld. He also pointed out that there had been no decisions on the issue but only a preliminary discussion.

Decisions would be taken on December 6, Hytiris added, and the first step would be to define what was meant by terrorism.

"Once there is a definition that is accepted by all the '15' (EU member-states), then and only then will there be an arrest warrant based on the things that the term 'terrorism' entails," he said.

[04] Search for terrorists' funding spreads to Albania

GJIROKASTER, 22/09/2001 (ANA)

Of particular interest is the Tirana-based Islamic Bank, a financial institution that, according to Islamic tradition, does not involve usury and interest-bearing accounts.

Meanwhile, according to court records in Tirana, the country’s capital, some 200 Arab-Islamic foundations and institutions have applied for an operation license. Roughly half, in fact, appeared in Albania between 1994-95, while practically all the entities initially declared humanitarian activities as their primary mission.

At present, a portion of the groups have reportedly ceased operation in the country, whereas others moved to neighboring Kosovo after the strife-torn, predominately ethnic Albanian Yugoslav province came under the control of a NATO force.

However, authorities have provided no figures on the number of Arab or Islamic foundations and institutions still operating in Albania as yet.

Finally, an article published by the Tirana daily “Republika” on Friday claims that seven Albanian students who studied in Saudi Arabia established a Taliban network in Albania some four years ago.

The paper also claims that the Taliban network in Albania has spread to nine towns in what was once Europe’s most isolated state.

No independent verification could be provided at press time over the paper’s allegations.

[05] PASOK secretary calls for cool-headedness following attacks on US

Athens, 22/09/2001 (ANA)

At a press conference at the party's Achaia prefectural committee, Skandalidis said that Greece will meet its obligations and will go along with its allies because at such a phase it should not be absent. However, he said that the main criterion should be the security and prosperity of the Greek people. He further noted that the future of humanity is based on the non-dissolution of the prerequisites of an open society.

On the likelihood of the sending a Greek military force to support the US, Skandalidis said that this cannot be determined as yet but will be assessed in the course and basis of developments.

[06] Vassiliou briefs ND leader on Cyprus issue

Athens, 22/09/2001 (ANA)

Vassiliou, Cyprus' chief negotiator with the EU, told reporters after the meeting with ND leader Costas Karamanlis that he believed the repercussions on the Cyprus problem following the new status quo arising after the recent terrorist attacks in the US would be "neutral", but did not rule out "mobility and more active efforts" for its resolution.

He said he also discussed with Karamanlis recent claims that of financial dealings by Osama bin Laden in Cyprus via companies headquartered on the island, and categorically ruled out any such possibility, adding that neither the Cypriot nor the American authorities had any evidence to that effect.

Vassiliou addresses event in memory of Kranidiotis: Former Cyprus president George Vassiliou was one of the speakers at an event on Friday in memory of Yannos Kranidiotis, a Cypriot-born foreign minister of Greece who was killed in an aircraft accident in 1999, while traveling to Romania on an official visit.

Other speakers at the lecture in Kranidiotis' memory, which has been given each year at the Hellenic Center of European Studies (EKEM) since his death, were foreign ministry general secretary Lena Koutsibou, who delivered an address by Foreign Minister George Papandreou, and Alternate Foreign Minister Elisavet Papazoi.

In his message, Papandreou said that the best tribute to Kranidiotis' memory would be to fulfill his dreams, while Papazoi stressed that the momentum in Cyprus' EU accession should be maintained.

Vassiliou said the Cypriot side expected accession negotiations to be completed by 2002 and that 2004 could mark the start of a new era for the island republic.

If Cyprus joined the EU with the political problem solved, he added, then a period of cooperation between Greece, Cyprus and Turkey could begin. If there were no solution, the most likely outcome would be an intense crisis with incalculable consequences for the region.

"In view of the recent attack on the United States," Vassiliou stressed, "it is clear that such a crisis must be avoided."

[07] Coalition party leader defends societies' democratic nature

Athens, 22/09/2001 (ANA)

Constantopoulos, who was speaking at a press conference in Komotini, northern Greece, said his visit comes at a crucial time for the country and the world and 10 days after the "repulsive terrorist attack in New York" and with the world anxious over what will follow.

He expressed concern over what will happen in open democratic societies, adding that decisions taken by the EU's justice and public order ministers is an "alarming token."

Constantopoulos stressed that, if they are implemented, the decisions "will sidestep the constitutions of European countries, parliaments and governments, while the intelligence services and police leaderships of Europe and the U.S. will become powerful and uncontrolled centers."

[08] Free Citizens' Movement leader says world wants peace

Athens, 22/09/2001 (ANA)

Avramopoulos, chairing a meeting of his party's Political Committee on international developments and KEP's founding congress, said a particularly delicate period is being experienced, adding that seriousness, composure and realism are necessary.

He said detecting the terrorists and bringing them before justice is a basic precondition and that any other action could lead the world to new adventures.

He also pointed out that world public opinion stands in solidarity by the hard pressed American people.

Avramopoulos said the party's congress, due to take place in Thessaloniki on November 24, would be the most important moment for his party. He added that the party's organized network is developing all the more throughout the country and that he will be continuing his tours.

[09] America Archbishop meets US President, CIA chief

WASHINGTON, 22/09/2001 (ANA A. ELLIS)

After the meeting late on Thursday, the gathered religious leaders signed a unanimous joint communique in praise of those who had risked or lost their lives in efforts to save their fellow human beings.

The communique also stressed that the terrorist actions of September 11 were not solely directed against the US but affected the whole of humanity.

Finally, they noted that "we must react not in a spirit of aggression but as victims of an attack, who must take steps to prevent further terrorist violence."

The gathered clerics thanked President Bush for his prompt stand against acts of racism and violence targeting Arabs, Moslems and other minorities.

Emerging from the White House, Archbishop Dimitrios described it as an "important meeting" and said the president had been open to ideas and proposals.

"He wanted to be certain of the support and assistance of religious leaders and communities in the major and extremely difficult task that is now ahead of us," the archbishop said.

Following his visit to the White House, Archbishop Dimitrios visited Greek-American CIA chief George Tenet at the US intelligence service's headquarters. Tenet met the Archbishop in the lobby of the building and briefed him for half an hour in his office.

The visit ended with a brief service by Dimitrios for "divine guidance" in the difficult work ahead.

[10] PM addresses Cultural Olympiad symposium, condemns terrorism

Athens, 22/09/2001 (ANA)

The terrorist attacks against the United States were an "expression of ways of thinking that were incompatible with civilization," the prime minister said.

Civilization, he continued, cannot be imposed by force. It demands tolerance, respect for others, willingness to compromise and upholding the rules of international law. It requires giving up dividing lines between cultures, religions and points of view.

It calls for opposing the culture of fear and generalized world insecurity that the fanatics of the clash between cultures envision, he concluded.

The symposium is part of the Cultural Olympiad and ends on Sunday, taking place both in Athens and Olympia.

[11] National Bank joins rate cuts

Athens, 22/09/2001 (ANA)

Analysts said that interest on savings deposit accounts would come to about minus 3.0 percent on smaller amounts, taking into account a 15 percent tax on interest and an inflation rate of roughly 3.5 percent.

The returns are about the same in most other credit institutions.

National, the country's largest commercial bank with an estimated two million deposit accounts, also lowered its lending rates, including the floating consumer credit rate, which dropped half a point to 9.50 percent.

In addition, EFG Eurobank Ergasias and Piraeus Bank announced rate declines on Friday following National, Alpha Bank, Commercial Bank of Greece, Attica Bank and HSBC.

The rate cuts were triggered by a decline in the European Central Bank's intervention rate by half a percentage point.

[12] State telecom may start talks in FYROM Tues on mobile permit

Athens, 22/09/2001 (ANA)

OTE offered 25 million US dollars against 80 million dollars by a FYROM-based company, which was rejected on grounds of lack of capital.

The Greek firm's managing director, George Skarpelis, said that OTE would have offered 60-70 percent more in a healthier global economy.

In Romania, OTE owns 35 percent of Romtelecom, a stake it would like to increase. The firm would also like to enter the country's mobile phone market through a subsidiary, Cosmorom. OTE is planning to invest 250-300 million US dollars in Romania.

In addition, OTE has a mobile phone subsidiary in Bulgaria that launched operations on Monday. Since then, it has gained about 1,000 customers a day. The network covers 28 percent of the country.

[13] Greek bourse down 40 percent this year

Athens, 22/09/2001 (ANA)

Wall Street, European and Asian markets are currently in a free-fall course with analysts unable to make any safe predictions over their medium-term outlook.

The Athens Stock Exchange sinks more rapidly compared with other international developed markets and has already lost 40 percent of its value this year, pushing mutual funds' returns down as much as -50 percent over the same period.

A new round of interest rates cuts, initiated by the US Federal Reserve last Monday and expanding all over the world, led many Greek commercial banks to announce lower savings and loans interest rates. The savings rate is currently 2.0 percent, leaving several hundred thousands accounts with a -2.0 percent negative return (taking into account an inflation rate of 3.8 percent in August and a 15 percent tax).

Lower lending rates, however, are expected to boost business activity in the country.

The government's economic staff remained confident over the country's economic prospects, saying that the big leaps made in the last five years, including participation in the eurozone, shielded the economy from any external shocks.

National economy and finance ministry's message to the market was "no relaxing, no panic, but self-control". National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said during the week that recent developments in the US were causing some uncertainty over economic developments and that no one could predict the likely impact of the terrorist attack.

Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis reaffirmed the government's adherence to a plan to implement infrastructure changes in the economy. "Our strategy is not to exit this crisis intact but stronger," he said.

[14] Stocks drop in higher turnover

Athens, 22/09/2001 (ANA)

The general share index shed 1.31 percent to end at 2,105.56 points. Turnover was 236.0 million euros. Losses during the session had reached a maximum of 6.3 percent.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 1.07 percent lower; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 3.37 percent down; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities lost 2.92 percent.

Declines led advances at 299 to 46 with 17 issues remaining unchanged.

Bucking the trend was the telecoms sector, which gained 1.14 percent. The heaviest loser was the holding companies' sector at 7.80 percent.

Bond prices drop in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished lower in heavy trade focusing on 20-year paper in a switch from 10-year securities in recent sessions.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.36 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 50 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.7 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[15] IOC and ATHOC working meeting in Athens

Athens, 22/09/2001 (ANA)

According to an ATHOC press release, IOC Coordinating Committee chief Dennis Oswald and ATHOC head Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki will hold a joint press conference after the meeting.

[16] International conference of notaries to be held in Athens

Athens, 22/09/2001 (ANA)

Taking part in the conference will be delegates from 68 countries from all over the world.

The opening ceremony of the conference will take place at the Zappeion Hall on the evening of September 30.

On October 4, composer Mikis Theodorakis' ballet "Zorba the Greek" will be staged at the Herod Atticus Theatre.

An international forum entitled "The notary profession at the start of the new millennium" will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel on October 5.

[17] State Department welcomes Clerides' pledge to cooperate with US in battle to combat terrorism

WASHINGTON, 22/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

A statement attributed to a State Department official said ex-CIA Director James Woolsey, who had reportedly told Italian daily "La Republica" that Cyprus was a conduit for Osama bin Laden's dirty money and would eventually pay a heavy price, "is not a US government official. He does not speak for this administration."

The State Department official said "our partners in the international community can be quite certain that any information we develop relating to counter terrorism involving another country will be brought to the attention of that country for action."

"We welcome President Clerides' condemnation of the terrorist attack against the United States and his pledge to cooperate fully with the US government and all others in the battle against terrorism. I understand the government of Cyprus has issued a statement concerning Mr. Woolsey's reported comments and I refer you to them for further details," the State Department official said.

The Cyprus government has strongly denied Woolsey's reported statement, describing his allegations as "unfounded and malicious."

[18] UN Secretary-General's annual report on Cyprus covers activities up to end of August

NICOSIA, 22/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou told his briefing on Friday that during a debate on Annan's report by the UN General Assembly, the Permanent Representative of the Cyprus Republic to the UN will brief the Assembly on developments that took place earlier this month.

Replying to questions Papapetrou noted that the most important development during this period was Denktash's decision to turn down an invitation by the UN chief for a meeting with him on September 12, marking the start of a fresh effort by the UN in the search for a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus problem.

Earlier this month Kofi Annan invited the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders, Glafcos Clerides and Rauf Denktash, "to resume the search for a comprehensive settlement under the Secretary General's auspices."

Clerides accepted the invitation and expressed his readiness to work for a comprehensive settlement but Denktash turned it down saying the ground was not prepared for the resumption of talks.

Last year Denktash abandoned UN-led proximity talks demanding recognition for his self-styled regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkish troops since 1974, before returning to the peace talks.

The UN Secretary General said in his report that "proximity talks on Cyprus with the parties, led by Glafcos Clerides and Rauf Denktash, proceeded under my auspices until November 2000."

"However," he added, "Mr. Denktash asked that no date be set for talks early in 2001."

"Although it was not possible to resume talks immediately my Special Adviser continued to hold consultations with a number of governments and organizations, making preparations to be of further assistance to the parties at the appropriate time. Late in August, I met Mr. Denktash at Salzburg with a view to moving towards an early resumption of the process," Annan added.

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