Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-09-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Powell cites Athens' support following terrorist strikes. New US ambassador to Athens sworn-in

[02] Greek DM calls for int'l unity to combat terrorism

[03] Terrorism must be stamped out, but war of civilizations must be averted

[04] KKE leader criticizes US, EU preparations against terrorism

[05] Constantopoulos urges EU resistance to US 'holy war'

[06] Miller denies exclusive focus on catching November 17 in Athens

[07] FM to brief Liberals' Manos on Monday

[08] Meeting in Thessaloniki to prepare for 2003 EU summit under Greek presidency

[09] Papoutsis: congress will help resolve PASOK's internal issues

[10] Kappa Research poll puts ND in the lead, Simitis as best for PM

[11] Kaklamanis, Reppas attend celebrations for Tripoli's liberation

[12] DHKKI National Social Council for Programming opens

[13] Repercussion on EU economies from terrorist attacks in US will be short-term

[14] ASE extends late trading session for a week, due to instability on world bourses

[15] Athens conference on EU strategies for olive growers

[16] European Day Without Cars observed in Greece in 105 municipalities

[01] Powell cites Athens' support following terrorist strikes. New US ambassador to Athens sworn-in

WASHINGTON, 24/09/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Amid the rising crescendo of international diplomatic and military campaign for an expected US-led crusade against terrorism, Powell swore-in Washington’s new ambassador to Athens, Thomas Miller -- a veteran of Greek-American relations with a previous high-ranking stint at the US embassy in Athens, as its Deputy Chief of Mission.

Addressing Greece’s ambassador to the United States, Alexander Philon, Powell thanked Athens for the condolences sent to the US administration and the offers of assistance by the Greek people. He also cited a memorial service at the US embassy in Athens last week organized by the Greek Government, while expressing his concern for the Greek citizens and Greek - Americans still missing in the World Trade Center rubble.

“As I have said on many occasions, this wasn’t just an attack against the United States, but against the entire civilized world,” Powell stressed.

On his part, Miller expressed his fondness for Greece, saying his new post fulfils a life’s dream.

In terms of Greek-American relations, the new US ambassador to Athens said they are based on very solid foundations, despite occasional differences that are "natural and expected" in a mature and close bilateral relationship.

He detailed his priorities as promotion of US exports, helping efforts at reducing regional tensions, working towards a Cyprus solution, the struggle against terrorism and organized crime as well as ensuring Americans' safety overseas, and US support for the 2004 Games in Athens.

Powell: In focusing on Greece's role in the region and bilateral cooperation, the US Secretary of State reiterated that Greece, the only European Union and NATO member-state in the Balkans "will play a significant role" in the effort against international terrorism. Powell also said Miller's task in Athens would be to further upgrade US-Greece cooperation in the struggle against terrorism, from wherever it emanates.

In other statements, Powell said Miller knows Greece well and has expressed a genuine love for Greece, adding that the State Department placed "the right man in the right post."

Regarding Greek-Turkish relations, Powell praised the recent rapprochement between Athens and Ankara, saying Washington is encouraged by continued progress in the area by two of its closest allies.

Moreover, he reiterated that Washington remains devoted to a resolution of the long-standing Cyprus problem by actively supporting efforts of the UN general secretary towards this direction, and also fully supports a resumption of UN-brokered proximity talks between the two sides on the divided island republic.

Finally, Powell noted that one of the most important facets of Greek-US ties were the cultural bonds connecting the two countries, adding that the Athens 2004 Olympics and a shining reminder of Greece's legacy to the world.

Among those attending the ceremony were Archbishop of America Demetrios, US Sen. Paul Sarbanes, the ambassadors of Greece and Cyprus and a gathering of expatriate Greeks.

Miller biography: Below are portions of Miller's biography as listed on the US embassy in Athens' website:

Thomas J. Miller was confirmed by the US Senate on Aug. 1, 2001 and sworn in on Sept. 21, 2001. Ambassador Miller served as the US ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1999 until 2001. He previously served as special coordinator for Cyprus (with the rank of ambassador) from August 1997 until the Bosnia assignment.

He held the position of deputy chief of mission at the US embassy in Athens, Greece from 1994 to 1997.

Miller joined the Department of State in 1976. During most of the 1980s and early 1990s, he concentrated on the Middle East, serving twice on the Israeli desk (once as director), heading the Office of Maghreb (North African) affairs, and acting as director of an office on counter-terrorism. He served in the embassy's political section in Athens from 1985-1987.

Earlier in his career, Miller served as an analyst for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia (1976-77), as special assistant to the undersecretary for political affairs (1977-79), and as deputy principal officer at the US consulate in Chiang Mai, Thailand (1979-81).

Miller was born in Chicago in 1948. He received his B.A. in political science from the University of Michigan in 1969 and holds two master’s degrees (in Asian studies and political science) and a Ph.D. in political science (1975) from the University of Michigan. He speaks Greek, Spanish, Thai, Indonesian and Japanese.

[02] Greek DM calls for int'l unity to combat terrorism

Athens, 24/09/2001 (ANA)

Asked about Greece's role, Tsohatzopoulos said the country would maneuver within the framework agreed to by the rest of the European Union and within NATO.

Finally, he called recently unveiled gallop poll results, which show a slight improvement for the ruling PASOK party in relation to a June opinion poll, as a positive sign for the government.

[03] Terrorism must be stamped out, but war of civilizations must be averted

Athens, 24/09/2001 (ANA)

Speaking in Ioannina, Papandreou said that "we have nothing against the Muslims of all peoples of the world, but we do have war with the groups of terrorists who attack against freedom, justice and human rights," she said.

"We do not want the US to make blind strikes against the just and unjust, but against specific targets to wipe out terrorism. At the same time the developed countries must look at certain issues that indirectly create arguments in certain countries for such terrorist hits," the minister added.

She said Greece's position has been clear-cut from the beginning that "we are a member of the international organizations, of the European Union and NATO, and in the framework of those organizations we will participate in the formulation of the positions, in the taking and materialization of the decisions".

As for international concerns by citizens that the taking of strict security measures would prospectively be detrimental to human rights, Papandreou said that such situations would not be allowed in Greece.

"We shall cooperate with the other European countries to stamp out terrorism, but without putting individual freedoms in dispute," she said.

[04] KKE leader criticizes US, EU preparations against terrorism

Athens, 24/09/2001 (ANA)

She further said such a development "... under wartime conditions, and with only one banner as its provision, terrorism, is being used" against those who want to "defy imperialistic oppression and violence".

Papariga spoke at an outdoor event organized by her party's youth wing (KNE) in Athens, more than a week since the shocking terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

While stressing that the "dead of New York and Washington don't leave anyone indifferent," she added that KKE "never loses sight of its goal, because as always, and now, it is exclusively on the side of the people..."

[05] Constantopoulos urges EU resistance to US 'holy war'

Athens, 24/09/2001 (ANA)

He was speaking during a festival organized by the Coalition's youth group.

Referring to events following the terrorist strikes in the US on September 11 and the decisions taken by EU leaders, the Coalition leader said this was a stance that could be adopted by Europe if it were a united political power, which it was not.

The messages from the US and from the United Kingdom, he added, were very worrying.

Turning to Greece in particular, Constantopoulos noted that it was small but not powerless and should not just resign itself and not stand up to pressures that might be brought to bear on it.

[06] Miller denies exclusive focus on catching November 17 in Athens

NICOSIA, 24/09/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to the Nicosia daily 'Politis', Miller denied that his sole concern would be to uncover the terrorist group November 17 and that Washington had sent him to act as a 'policeman'.

He noted, however, that ending the group's career of terror was very high among US priorities:

"November 17 kills Greeks, Americans and Turks. It has killed a Briton. It has acted unchecked for the past 26 years. This is a problem.

"We all agree that November 17 is a terrorist organization, we all agree that its activity must be stopped for the good of all of us. It is one of the issues with which I will be dealing."

He stressed that he intended to cooperate with the Greek government in this effort and said that the US would not use the issue to exert pressure on Greece.

Other issues he would deal with as ambassador, Miller said, would be bilateral Greek-US relations, relations between Greece and Turkey, the Cyprus issue and Balkan affairs.

Regarding the Cyprus problem in particular, the US ambassador said that a solution to the political problem on the island republic was achievable.

"After what I saw in Bosnia, I believe the Cyprus problem can be solved. The two sides must come together and talk," he said.

He refused to say what a just solution would be, but only that such a solution that all parties could respect was possible.

"This is what I believed when I was (US State Department Cyprus) coordinator and this is what I believe now," Miller added.

[07] FM to brief Liberals' Manos on Monday

Athens, 24/09/2001 (ANA)

The briefing will take place in the morning at the foreign ministry, according to a press release issued by the Liberals' media office on Sunday.

[08] Meeting in Thessaloniki to prepare for 2003 EU summit under Greek presidency

Athens, 24/09/2001 (ANA)

Attending the meeting were Macedonia-Thrace minister George Paschalidis, deputy foreign minister Elisavet Papazoi, foreign ministry secretary general for European Affairs Elias Plaskovitis, Macedonia-Thrace ministry secretary general George Lyssaridis, local Prefect Costas Papadopoulos, representatives of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the local union of hoteliers, and the Halkidiki union of hoteliers.

Paschalidis told reporters such meetings would take place regularly, noting that the June 2003 summit would be an important event that would highlight Thessaloniki's international role. As such, he added, parallel cultural events would be scheduled while the city's monuments and several of the installations of the Thessaloniki International Fair compound, where the summit would be held, would be given a face-lift.

Another important issue would be the security measures for the summit, Paschalidis said, noting that all international events today were accompanied by an important package of security measures.

Greece is slated to take over the rotating six-month EU presidency in the first half of 2003, in its fourth EU presidency since the country joined the now 15-member Union 20 years ago. The Greek presidency will culminate with a summit meeting in Thessaloniki planned for June 19-21, 2003, while an extraordinary interim summit is likely to be held in March 2003 to discuss the major social issues of concern to the United Europe.

[09] Papoutsis: congress will help resolve PASOK's internal issues

Athens, 24/09/2001 (ANA)

The minister warned that the party could face problems if it failed to do this and stressed the need for unity and victory.

The party had to be prepared to criticize itself and the mistakes that had been made, he said.

"The criticism should not just be confined to the prime minister (Costas Simitis) but include all of us," he added.

[10] Kappa Research poll puts ND in the lead, Simitis as best for PM

Athens, 24/09/2001 (ANA)

In the poll commissioned by the Sunday Vima newspaper and conducted by Kappa Research, Simitis took 34.3 percent of the vote as best candidate for Prime Minister, followed by ND leader Costas Karamanlis, who gained 33.6 percent.

In a previous poll conducted in June, Karamanlis had taken the lead over Simitis on the question of who would make best premier, while in a May opinion poll by Kappa Research the two party leaders had tied as best for premier.

The poll also showed voters giving ND 36.1 percent and a 5.4-per-cent lead over the ruling PASOK party's 30.7 per cent, showing ND's lead was reduced relative to June.

Coming next in voter preference were Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos' party (Movement of Free Citizens) at 6.3 percent; the Communist Party of Greece, 5.6 percent; the Coalition of the Left and Progress, 3.1 percent; and the Democratic Social Movement trailing with 1.5 percent.

Some 12.4 per cent of voters declared themselves undecided.

The party with the most prospects of winning a national election was ND, according to 47.8 per cent of voters, 14 percentage points ahead of PASOK with 33.5 per cent. Up to 18.7 per cent of those responding said they didn't know.

The main opposition also came first as the party voters would prefer to win the next elections with 43.6 per cent, while ruling PASOK was chosen by 38.8 per cent and 17.5 per cent gave no answer.

In response to a question on social security system reform, 46.7 per cent said a solution should be found immediately, 38.7 per cent said it should be dealt with through dialogue at the end of the government's term and 8 per cent said it should be left for the next government.

Regarding the upcoming PASOK congress in October, 36.6 per cent said this would mark the start of a new beginning for the government, 34.1 per cent said the ruling party would be injured by the process and 29.3 replied 'don't know or refuse to answer'.

Asked about the election of Environment Minister Costas Laliotis as PASOK party secretary, 33.8 per cent said it would neither benefit nor harm the party, 34.8 per cent said it would benefit the party and 15.9 per cent said it would harm the party.

Commenting on the results of Kappa Research's poll on Sunday, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said it was positive for the ruling party and showed that it's doing better relative to June.

[11] Kaklamanis, Reppas attend celebrations for Tripoli's liberation

Athens, 24/09/2001 (ANA)

In statements afterwards, Kaklamanis stressed the feeling of pride in their forebears felt by Greeks, whose struggle brought freedom, democracy, peace and progress to the country.

Referring to a decision by European Union leaders regarding the response to the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, Kaklamanis said it was a 'balanced decision' that pledged to fight terrorism while seeking to protect international law, the principles of democracy and human rights and freedoms.

Regarding a Kappa research opinion poll published in 'To Vima' on Sunday, which gave main opposition New Democracy a comfortable lead over ruling PASOK, Kaklamanis said it was "a reasonable result at this time" but that opinion polls could not determine the country's decisions on major issues.

Media Minister Dimitris Reppas, meanwhile, stressed the need that Greece become a strong, respected nation in the new conditions, that was able to play an important role in establishing peace and stability.

"A strong Greece by 2004 is our goal and this is the program we will put into action," he said.

The government would not be swayed from this task by opinion polls, he added, and would steadfastly continue the policies that would achieve this goal.

[12] DHKKI National Social Council for Programming opens

Athens, 24/09/2001 (ANA)

Tsovolas said that the "extortionist nominal convergence" of the Greek economy with the European average created rifts in Greek society and portended the implementation of harsh policies by the parties that attained government in Greece, a policy that he warned would lead to rifts and restructuring in the two major parties themselves by the representatives of the social classes that were losing the state protection they enjoyed to date.

"Those rifts will not be momentary, but lasting ones," he said.

That, he added, was where DHKKI's position was based on, that "the presence of two conservative parties, with percentages that enable their alternation in government, on the basis of a two-party system, is not possible".

Turning to last week's terrorist assault on the United States, Tsovolas called on the European Union to realize that its interests in the Middle East and the Arab world "are contrary to those of the United States and, consequently, it (the EU) should not agree to any blind war or other such actions by the US in the above region".

"To confront the dangerous extreme phenomena of reaction by peoples, groups and individuals, the blatant exploitation of people by people must stop, and all the countries must contribute to the UN regaining its credibility and prestige so that it will be the true and effective guarantor and protector of international lawful order and human rights, chiefly those of the weak peoples and citizens' groups," Tsovolas said.

"Also, the democratic institutions, global and national, must be reinforced," the DHKKI leader, added.

Palestinian envoy, at DHKKI event, tells US to 'reconcile first with yourself': The Palestinian Authority envoy to Greece on Saturday called on the United States to reconcile first with itself and then with the rest of the peoples, whose wrath it had provoked.

Addressing a greeting to the opening session of the National Social Council for Programming of the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) party, Abdullah Abdullah advised the US to "reconcile first with yourself and then with the rest of the peoples, whose wrath you cause".

"There is a division between North and South, poor and rich. These conditions cause terrorism, which all peoples condemn," Abdullah said.

"There continue to exist in the world discrimination by virtue of sex, color, religion, and there is also the worst form of terrorism, which is foreign occupation, the oppression of a people, which is not allowed to exercise its rights," the envoy said.

"We are making every possible effort to work together with everyone for combatting real terrorism. But we hope the response will not be selective nor be a settlement of old accounts, but rather based on international law, international legality and the UN resolutions. We hope that the EU will exert pressure so that the US attitude will be in the right direction of international legality, so that terrorism will be combated," Abdullah said.

[13] Repercussion on EU economies from terrorist attacks in US will be short-term

LIEGE, 24/09/2001 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

Speaking at the second day of a two-day meeting of EU economy and finance (ECOFIN) ministers, Papantoniou also said that Greece was confronting the crisis from an "advantageous position".

The ministers from the 15 EU member countries affirmed that the basic status quo of the European economy, despite last week's terrorist attacks in the United States -- which has wrought havoc on world money markets -- remained stable and the EU countries remained dedicated to the Stability and Development Pact.

For Greece, Papantoniou told his counterparts, there was no reason requiring slackening of the criteria -- as requested by other member states suffering an economic slowdown -- since the growth rates in Greece are double those of the other countries of the euro-zone, "and consequently our country does not need that flexibility".

The ECOFIN Council was also briefed by the Commission on the transition to the euro.

Greece, Papantoniou said, was fully prepared -- both institutionally and technically -- for the introduction of the euro, adding that sums would be rounded out downwards (to the benefit of the consumers and in order to avoid profiteering), while the legislative framework and the country's informational campaign were "proceeding satisfactorily".

Also, the ministers assigned the Commission to carry out a study on application of the so-called "Tobin tax" on short-term capital transfers, which Greece and France back, while Britain, The Netherlands and Denmark have voiced objections to.

[14] ASE extends late trading session for a week, due to instability on world bourses

Athens, 24/09/2001 (ANA)

The board decided to extend the later trading hours due to the intense nervousness and instability prevailing on all international stock markets following last Tuesday's terrorist attacks in the United States.

The later trading hours were temporarily introduced last week to enable investors to assess the reactions of the European markets and the New York Stock Exchange opening before the Athens trading floor opening.

[15] Athens conference on EU strategies for olive growers

Athens, 24/09/2001 (ANA)

These were the conclusions of a two-day international conference in Athens over the weekend dealing with new strategies for quality in the European Union and the prospects of the Greek olive oil sector.

The conference was organized by the magazine 'Olives and Olive Oil' with the support of the EU and agriculture ministry. The Athens News Agency was communications sponsor.

Delegates stressed the need to cut down the large amounts of non-brand olive oil that were now on sale and to promote brand name, standardized products with large added value.

Speakers were also united in calling for better protection and certification of quality in Greek olive oil, as well as measures to promote and advertise Greek agricultural products at home and abroad.

The quality drive should also be combined with prices that would allow Greek olive growers to continue to cultivate their product unhindered and allow investment in advertising brand-name, standardized olive oil on the market.

Agriculture Minister George Anomeritis backed all these goals in his address to the conference, while he said that an olive-growers' registry, on the basis of which EU subsidies to Greek olive growers will be given as of November 2003, would not be allowed to delay by even one day.

[16] European Day Without Cars observed in Greece in 105 municipalities

Athens, 24/09/2001 (ANA)

The Day Without Cars, launched in 1998 and observed on September 22 each year, is a joint initiative of the EU environment ministers to convince commuters to leave their cars at home, even for just one day.

All public transportation is free of charge on Saturday to prompt citizens to commute without cars.

Setting the example, Environment minister Costas Laliotis and Transport minister Christos Verelis arrived at events marking the Day on a bicycle and motorcycle, respectively.

Laliotis expressed satisfaction with this year's response by the citizens to the message of the Day: "Green light to the citizens, red light to cars", and said he hoped this would be carried over into everyday life.

Verelis said that European Day Without Cars could also be called as "Public Transportation Day", adding that the future of cities belonged to public transport.

Bicycles, scooters and commemorative T-shirts were given out to schoolchildren gathered at several venues for the events, which included music, dance and clowns.

The campaign was first initiated in France in 1998, with 33 municipalities participating. The following year France was joined by Italy, with 158 municipalities taking part - 66 in France and 92 in Italy. Last year, more than 700 municipalities in 13 European countries took part in the campaign.

The number of Greek municipalities taking part in the event nearly doubled, from 65 last year to 105 this year, according to Laliotis.

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