Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-10-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Main opposition leader calls for prudence in tackling terrorism

[02] Main opposition party ready for early polls

[03] Reppas dismisses claims by Ecevit of money laundering in Cyprus

[04] Foreign minister to Moscow, Berlin and Washington this week

[05] Tsohatzopoulos outlines three conditions to combat terrorism

[06] Tsohatzopoulos accuses Ecevit of making arbitrary remarks

[07] Vote cast for delegates at the forthcoming PASOK Congress

[08] Coalition of Left slams wanton violence in terrorism and war

[09] Peaceful anti-war demo held in Athens

[10] Greek church head says terrorists untypical of Islam

[11] PM launches northern electricity plant, dam

[12] Morgan Stanley launches Greek small stocks index

[13] Greece to meet pledge on Olympics security

[14] National council on biological, toxic hazards to meet Thursday

[15] Italian aid for Greek church destroyed in NY terrorist attack

[16] President says Cyprus to continue responding positively to invitations by UN chief

[01] Main opposition leader calls for prudence in tackling terrorism

Athens, 01/10/2001 (ANA)

"No one should allow fertile ground for terrorists. There should be no tolerance of wanton violence," said Costas Karamanlis in the opposition leader's traditional annual speech at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair.

"But the response by the world community must be prudent and just. It is necessary to avoid moves that would turn ordinary citizens into casualties, and it is necessary to identify and combat the conditions, causes and hotbeds of terrorism," Karamanlis said in a text released early to media.

The speech was postponed from September 15 when the ND leader was stranded in the US after a flight ban in the wake of terrorist assaults in New York and Washington a few days earlier.

Calling on Greece to stand by the US and overcome party political differences, Karamanlis recalled that New Democracy had lost senior officials to terrorist attacks.

He added that Greece was especially at risk as the only European Union country to have borders exposed to likely waves of migrants.

"No one can ignore the link between terrorists and extremist elements, which is something we saw in Kosovo and Skopje. This is why the greatest possible consensus is needed," Karamanlis said, calling for the creation of councils of foreign policy and security.

Turning to the economy, he criticized the government for delays in carrying out projects linked to the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

The ND leader also called the government's attempt to set up a national land register "a fiasco" in the wake of delays and financing problems.

Finally, Karamanlis accused the government of concealing deficits that he claimed represented 3.0 percent of gross domestic product.

He said his party wanted Greece to be strong and secure, displaying social participation, social cohesion and a sense of humanity.

Among specific economic proposals were lower taxes, backing for merchant shipping, and formulation of a national exports policy.

Earlier in the day, Karamanlis told reporters during a visit to a northern tobacco cooperative that ND wanted to see the country adopt an aggressive agricultural policy, and strengthen the regions.

Government counters main opposition leader: Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said in a statement on Saturday that Greece was promoting growth and the social state while expanding its international presence.

Reppas was responding to a speech by main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair.

"The vision of the prime minister and of the government for a strong society, a powerful Greece, has encapsulated the goals and desires of all Greeks, regardless of party political affiliation," the statement said.

"It would be useful for the country and for New Democracy itself if the party stopped fault-finding and started contributing, if it can, to better implementation of that vision," it said.

The crisis triggered by terrorist attacks in the US on September 11 was one more criterion of the country's credibility and the staying power of its economy. Greece was successfully handling the test, Reppas added.

[02] Main opposition party ready for early polls

Athens, 01/10/2001 (ANA)

In a news conference in the northern port city of Thessaloniki, Karamanlis also said that he felt confident of an election victory, whoever was at the helm of the ruling PASOK party.

In addition, ND had no need of alliances in national elections due to its size, but partners were an option in local polls, he said.

"(In local ballots) the party wants a model that will give the first word to the local community and that will respect its choices. This goes beyond party and ideological frameworks."

Turning to the government, Karamanlis claimed that it had mismanaged the economy, especially reform of the social insurance system.

In addition, he repeated allegations that the government had manipulated the stock market before national elections on April 9, 2000, leading to major losses for retail and institutional investors.

"This has acquired the dimensions of a crime and of political fraud, a matter that parliament will certainly take up," Karamanlis said.

The ND leader underlined the need for transparency in public life and sound management of public money.

Furthermore, he charged that the government had failed to make use of European Union funds for the creation of a national land register, leading to what he called "a fiasco."

Karamanlis also complained of delays in carrying out projects linked to the 2004 Athens Olympics, and skyrocketing costs.

He urged the government to adopt any measures proposed by international organizations to ensure security at the Games, as part of ND's backing for anti-terrorism measures.

Finally, Karamanlis said that Greece should maintain its opposition to use of the unqualified name of "Macedonia" by the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The UN provisionally granted the latter name until a decade-long dispute with Greece is resolved.

This weekend Karamanlis held the main opposition leader's annual news conference and speech at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair two weeks late, as he was stranded in the US in the wake of terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

Spokesman says Karamanlis guarantees ND's electoral defeat: Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said on Sunday that main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis "wasted his political presence (in Thessaloniki) today, resorting to unsubstantiated and often damaging comments in his answers which were out of place and time."

Commenting on Karamanlis' press conference in Thessaloniki, on the sidelines of his visit to the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, Reppas criticized the main opposition leader for "only making clear that the ND does not possess a program and neither a compass for the course of the country." Reppas added that "he (Karamanlis) calls upon us to return to the past, to authoritarianism and underdevelopment, whish are known from other periods and are political products of the conservative faction."

The spokesman concluded by saying that "the only thing that the ND leader can guarantee is his party's next (electoral) defeat."

[03] Reppas dismisses claims by Ecevit of money laundering in Cyprus

Athens, 01/10/2001 (ANA)

Reppas said that "whatever press reports come to light regarding terrorist organizations and forces in the (Turkish) occupied part of Cyprus, these should be checked, providing they are founded."

Reppas said there was "one terrorist in Cyprus, this being the Turkish occupation forces."

The spokesman added that "the international community should give to this terrorist a conclusive and effective answer."

The Turkish prime minister had made statements by directing unfounded charges that Cyprus supported terrorism and constitutes a center for money laundering.

Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides in a message on the occasion of the anniversary, Monday, of the island republic's Independence Day, accused Ankara and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash of intransigence and of provocative disregard of the United Nations.

The Greek government spokesman went on to say that "Cyprus has all the criteria and fulfills all the prerequisites to join the European Union with the first group of candidate countries, and will do so."

"The latest developments make more imperative the need to find a just and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem," Reppas added.

He concluded by saying that "only one who is not interested in the interests of the EU, that is of the presence of the EU in the region, only one who is not interested in the progress of the Cypriot people - Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots - can speak in this manner, such as Mr. Ecevit."

ND says Greece must review its foreign policy towards Turkey: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos on Sunday night said that Greece must review its foreign policy towards Turkey following Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's statements.

"Today, the provocative, groundless and unhistorical statements made by the prime minister of (the 1974 Cyprus) invasion, Bulent Ecevit, unfortunately reconfirms our concern over the foreign policy which is being followed."

"It reconfirms that compromise leads nowhere. The only thing that this policy manages is to make the Turks even more impudent, more demanding and more provocative."

The ND spokesman said that it was the duty of the Greek government to denounce to all international organizations the statements made by Ecevit. "It should make clear that Greece does not ask for European Union enlargement without Cyprus. Turkish terrorism will not pass. Cyprus, whether Ecevit likes it or not, and those who are hiding behind him, will become a member of the European Union."

Ecevit was prime minister when Turkey invaded Cyprus in 1974.

[04] Foreign minister to Moscow, Berlin and Washington this week

Athens, 01/10/2001 (ANA)

In a trip beginning on Monday, Papandreou is scheduled to meet his Russian and German counterparts to discuss the global political situation in the wake of terrorist attacks in the US on September 11.

On Tuesday, the minister leaves for Washington for talks with the US Secretary of State, Colin Powell.

[05] Tsohatzopoulos outlines three conditions to combat terrorism

Athens, 01/10/2001 (ANA)

He said that firstly, "there should be evidence to determine responsibility and to arrest and sentence those responsible."

Secondly, "to cooperate internationally to prevent terrorist activities and to systematically eradicate the networks of terrorism."

Thirdly, "to make a serious effort for a speedy settlement of international problems and crises, such as the Middle East," and to confront "the root causes" of terrorism, which include "poverty, inequality and injustice."

Tsohatzopoulos assessed that the activation of Article 5 of the NATO charter "appears to have more of a symbolic character as there is no demand for participation in a military operation." Consequently, the minister added, "the priority of the initiatives at this moment at least will be on a political, economic and diplomatic level."

Tsohatzopoulos said he opposed views regarding a confrontation of cultures, blind strikes and mass retaliations.

The defense minister stressed that Europe should link its whatever contribution in the battle against terrorism "with respect for human rights and individual freedoms, constitutional principles and international law."

[06] Tsohatzopoulos accuses Ecevit of making arbitrary remarks

NICOSIA, 01/10/2001 (ANA - L. Leonidas)

Tsohatzopoulos, who arrived in Cyprus earlier on Sunday to attend Monday's celebrations marking the anniversary of the island republic's Independence Day, said that Ecevit believed that the procedure for Cyprus' EU accession would be undermined by his making arbitrary references to matters which have nothing to do with reality.

Speaking after the meeting he had with his Cypriot counterpart Socratis Hasikos at the General Headquarters of the Cyprus National Guard, in the presence of National Guard Chief Evangelos Florakis, Tsohatzopoulos said that Greece and Cyprus aligned themselves in the battle against international terrorism.

If anyone can be accused in this region for the phenomenon of terrorism, this is Turkey which has repeatedly refused to proceed and give to the entire people of Cyprus their freedom, unity and free prospects in the 21st Century.

The Greek defense minister categorically denied reports that the Cyprus-Greece joint military exercise "Nikiforos-Toxotis" in October will be downgraded. He assured that there would be no alterations made nor would the exercise be downgraded.

To a question whether planes would take part in the exercise, the minister said that the exercise will take place as normal as has always been the case.

Following his meeting with Hasikos, Tsohatzopoulos met with Parliament's Defense Committee and with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides.

[07] Vote cast for delegates at the forthcoming PASOK Congress

Athens, 01/10/2001 (ANA)

It is expected that Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis will be elected as new Secretary of the party's Central Committee, replacing Costas Skandalidis.

In the course of the Congress, an extensive debate will be held on international developments, as shaped following the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11.

After casting his vote, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said that PASOK was a party open to society and will proceed along with the people to create the future of Greece.

Outgoing Central Committee Secretary Skandalidis stated that the PASOK Congress will be a very significant event for the course of the country and for confronting the problems of the people. He added that PASOK would emerge united and decisive from the Congress, making a really new start.

Minister wants ruling party congress to forge new strategy: National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos repeated his belief that the ruling PASOK party needs a new national strategy, which should be forged at its congress on October 11-14.

In an interview to the Sunday Vima newspaper, Tsohatzopoulos said that support for PASOK among the public weakened, requiring a new approach.

"PASOK's terms of political operation and action have been severely undermined," the minister said.

He maintained that the party's era of "rounding off" decisions for the sake of convenience was over, and PASOK needed to commit itself to policy specifics.

Finally, asked to say whether PASOK would head for the next elections with Prime Minister Costas Simitis at the helm, Tsohatzopoulos replied: "This is the premier's wish. We have to see how life, how events turn out in the lengthy period ahead of elections."

[08] Coalition of Left slams wanton violence in terrorism and war

Athens, 01/10/2001 (ANA)

"The innocent blood shed in New York should not be dealt with by shedding innocent blood in Afghanistan," Nikos Constantopoulos told a nationwide party meeting called to debate political developments.

"The totalitarianism of terrorism should not be dealt with by the totalitarianism of war, or by undermining political rights and freedom," Constantopoulos told the meeting, attended by the party's senior officials and deputies.

[09] Peaceful anti-war demo held in Athens

Athens, 01/10/2001 (ANA)

Also condemning terrorism, the demonstration and concert on Saturday evening in central Syntagma Square was organized by Citizens of the World working with the Coalition of the Left and Progress and other groups.

More than 200 public figures in politics, the media, the arts and the trade union movement signed a petition condemning any bloodshed in Afghanistan by the US and NATO as a response to thousands of deaths in terrorist attacks on New York and Washington on September 11.

[10] Greek church head says terrorists untypical of Islam

Athens, 01/10/2001 (ANA)

"This is not the (true) picture of Islam, the one that appears on the face of a terrorist," Christodoulos told churchgoers in the Athens suburb of Aghii Anargyri.

"We must not allow ourselves to harbor hatred or even suspicion for the entire Moslem world, the overwhelming majority of which is moderate," the archbishop said.

[11] PM launches northern electricity plant, dam

Athens, 01/10/2001 (ANA)

"These two projects are a basic part of the country's energy infrastructure, and they are also part of a network of major infrastructure projects carried out in recent years on a national level," Simitis told an opening ceremony.

The natural gas powered station in Komotini and the nine-billion-drachma Gratini dam were key projects for the north that in turn would create opportunities for fresh investments, the prime minister said.

Along with other northern projects, the power plant proposed by Simitis as industry minister in the mid-1990s will boost employment and bring border areas closer to the frontline of growth.

Simitis also said that permits had been awarded for the construction of private sector electricity output plants in Thrace since deregulation of the market, in another boost to business activity and employment in the region.

Furthermore, the north was playing an increasingly major role in an energy network evolving between the Balkans and western Europe, with electricity, oil and natural gas projects under way from Greece's northeast to northwest, Simitis said.

A feasibility study was nearing completion on construction of an oil pipeline from Bulgaria to northern Greece, and the government was studying the possible creation of a natural gas pipeline and electricity link between Greece and Turkey, he added.

Accompanying the prime minister was Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, who said that the new Komotini plant was a key project that would meet a chunk of the nation's electricity needs.

Also attending were senior officials of the Public Power Corporation, which will operate the new power station.

[12] Morgan Stanley launches Greek small stocks index

Athens, 01/10/2001 (ANA)

In order to qualify for entry into the index for smaller shares, a firm needs a capitalization of 200-1,500 million US dollars.

Greece's weighting in MSCI's global small cap index is 0.7 percent, Morgan Stanley said in a statement on Friday.

Among the 24 Greek firms to enter the index are Titan Cement Co. with a weighting of 18.05 percent; Hellenic Petroleum with a weighting of 10.77 percent; and ETBAbank with a weighting of 5.06 percent, the statement said.

[13] Greece to meet pledge on Olympics security

Athens, 01/10/2001 (ANA)

"Greece will meet all Olympic commitments it has undertaken. In the pressing and crucial question of security especially, we will take all needed additional measures in a climate of international cooperation," Venizelos told reporters in Thessaloniki.

"We are waiting to see what measures will be taken in 2002 at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, so that we can apply the same technology in Greece," he said.

"On this we are in full agreement with the International Olympics Committee (IOC), which supports our efforts with no reservations whatsoever."

The minister also promised that the country would deliver infrastructure for the Games, saying recent criticism by the IOC on delays in construction were well intentioned.

"The comments were made in good faith. The IOC does not criticize, it applies a tried and tested method. It is critical and reserved in order to apply pressure so that the work is successful. This method was used in Sidney, Atlanta and Barcelona," Venizelos said.

"We have a fully developed awareness of time, of needs and of our responsibilities," he added.

The minister also said that Greece should be ready to receive around 4,000 athletes who will take part in the Paralympics.

"Needed is an immediate improvement to infrastructure and the creation of an environment that is safe, friendly and accessible to all people, whether visitors or members of the public," he said.

Venizelos was in Thessaloniki to inaugurate new installations of the Archaeological Resources Fund.

He also signed a contract with local authorities for the establishment of a major sports and leisure complex near Thessaloniki that will include a marina, a theatre and a swimming pool meeting Olympics specifications.

The targeted completion date for the project is the end of 2003.

[14] National council on biological, toxic hazards to meet Thursday

Athens, 01/10/2001 (ANA)

Speaking in Ioannina on Saturday, the minister told reporters that creation of the group was unconnected to current fears of terrorist attacks involving biological warfare.

"This is just a coincidence that has made it timely," the minister said.

The council to be chaired by Papadopoulos was established in March.

[15] Italian aid for Greek church destroyed in NY terrorist attack

NEW YORK, 01/10/2001 (ANA / M. Georgiadou)

Announcing the donation in a statement on Saturday, the Archbishopric of America said that the municipality of Bari in southern Italy held major celebrations on December 6 each year for Saint Nicholas, the city's patron saint.

[16] President says Cyprus to continue responding positively to invitations by UN chief

NICOSIA, 01/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

In a televised message on the occasion of Monday's 41st anniversary of Cyprus Independence Day, the president said that after the terrorist attacks in the US perhaps now more than ever the solution of international and regional problems becomes necessary adding that a solution to the Cyprus problem based on UN relevant resolutions, the acquis communautaire and European Court of Human Rights' rulings would help create the right circumstances which will facilitate all states of the region to contribute more effectively to the global campaign against terrorism.

Referring to developments in the Cyprus problem President Clerides said "Turkey and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash disregard now the UN provocatively while continuing to blatantly violate international law and the UN resolutions regarding the Cyprus problem."

He pointed out the Greek Cypriot side seeks a solution to the problem consistent with the UN relevant resolutions, the acquis communautaire and the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and stressed that "the international community must now exert to a greater extent its influence on the Turkish side to make it come back to the negotiating table."

Referring to the international community's struggle to combat terrorism, the Cyprus president said "Cyprus, with its small means, is already contributing to the global campaign against international terrorism", pointing out "we shall remain firmly committed to the basic aim of the international community for the radical confrontation of international terrorism."

President Clerides said "the anniversary of Cyprus' independence finds the Cypriot people still suffering, after 27 years, from the consequences of the illegal invasion and continuing occupation of a part of the island's territory by Turkey".

He added "this year's anniversary is marked by an intensification of the intransigence of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leader" in the Cyprus problem "with the rejection of the UN Secretary General's invitation for the resumption of the Cyprus talks.

"Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leader disregard now the United Nations provocatively while continuing to blatantly violate international law and the UN resolutions regarding the Cyprus problem", he said.

Referring to last Wednesday's statement by the President of the UN Security Council, following a briefing by UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto, the Cyprus president said "the statement stresses the disappointment of all Security Council members over the unjustified decision of the Turkish side to reject the Secretary General's invitation to talks".

The Security Council also encourages the Secretary General and his Special Adviser to persist in their efforts using the guidelines of the Resolution 1250 and urges all interested parties to cooperate with them, Clerides said and added "that this statement is supportive of the further development of the initiative."

He pointed out "our side will make full use of it in good faith and will continue to respond positively to the invitations of the Secretary General."

He assured that we "shall continue our struggle for the elimination of the consequences of the illegal invasion of Turkey which inter alia caused thousands of victims and missing persons" expressing the conviction that a solution to the Cyprus problem based on UN relevant resolutions, the acquis and ECHR's decisions "will benefit equally the Greek and Turkish Cypriots and will contribute to peace, safety, political stability and cooperation between the states in our wider region."

He added that such a solution would strengthen "the effort for creating the right circumstances and conditions which will facilitate all states of the region to contribute more effectively to the global campaign for a radical confrontation of international terrorism."

Referring to international terrorism President Clerides said "in this period of time international terrorism has been added to the factors affecting the Cyprus problem", pointing out "the barbaric terrorist attack on the United States with its known shocking consequences has already started affecting the whole humanity in all sectors, the political, economic, social sectors but also the sector for the security of the lives of the citizens of various countries."

He said "humanity is joining forces in the fight to confront the phenomenon of terrorism," to protect the countries and the universal values of freedom, democracy and human rights and added "focusing the attention of the international community and especially that of the most powerful countries, on which the solution of international and regional problems is dependent for the confrontation of terrorism, could not but influence expected developments in the Cyprus problem."

Referring to the international and regional problems, President Clerides said their solution now becomes more necessary than ever because "some of these problems are used to conscript terrorists".

He said the resolution of these problems will allow the international community to remain focused on the struggle for confronting terrorism.

Clerides said "Cyprus with its small means is already contributing to the global campaign against international terrorism", pointing out that "since the first moment we have condemned unreservedly the barbaric terrorist attack against the United States and expressed our deep sympathy to the relatives of the victims and the missing persons."

"At the same time", he added "we have stressed our readiness and decisiveness to work closely together with the government of the United States and to join forces with the states which will participate in this difficult and long struggle against terrorism."

Cyprus opened accession negotiations with the EU in 1998 and has so far provisionally closed 23 of 29 chapters of the acquis communautaire.

UN-led talks to settle the Cyprus problem, that got underway in December 1999, reached an impasse last year when after five rounds of talks Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, backed by Ankara, described them "a waste of time" and said he would no longer participate unless his illegal regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974 is recognized.

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