Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-10-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier Simitis asks for a 'strong mandate' from ruling party's congress

[02] Palestinian President Arafat condemns terrorism

[03] Time to turn a new page, PASOK secretary tells party congress

[04] Arafat discusses int'l developments with PM Simitis, receives gold key of Athens

[05] New US ambassador meets with FM, main opposition leader

[06] No issue of Greek military forces participation in ground operations

[07] Papandreou briefs ND's Bakoyianni on Athens foreign policy

[08] Reppas: EU enlargement won't happen if Cyprus is not in first wave

[09] Bank of Greece ready to freeze "suspicious" bank accounts

[10] Greek trade deficit falls 8.2 pct in first half

[11] Greek unemployment rate drops to 11.1 pct in 2000

[12] HDW-Ferrostaal to buy Skaramangas shipyards

[13] OTE negotiates acquisition of mobile telephony license in FYROM

[14] ASE transaction turnover for first nine months drops 63 percent on year-on-year

[15] Greek stocks extend gains for third day

[16] German press comments on Frankfurt Book Fair

[17] SAE conference on Greek-Australian art on Oct 19-21

[18] Finance Minister reaffirms Cyprus' will to combat the financing of terrorism

[01] Premier Simitis asks for a 'strong mandate' from ruling party's congress

Athens, 12/10/2001 (ANA)

In his opening address to the four-day congress that began at midday on Thursday, Simitis lashed main opposition New Democracy (ND) and did not spare the 'internal opposition' within his own party, nor Archbishop Christodoulos, head of the Orthodox Church of Greece.

The adversary, Simitis told delegates, was not within ruling PASOK but in main opposition ND, which he described as the party of the few, of large capital and of a market that did not want rules.

It was the Right, Simitis stressed, that was a threat for Greece's European prospects, economic growth, social cohesion, welfare state and the future and security of the Greek people.

It wasn't only the party's declared enemies that opposed the policies of the government and PASOK, Simitis added in a reference to dissidents within the ruling party. These were also undermined by a corrosive picture that was being methodically built up and presented as a so-called revelation of the truth.

"If these phenomena were allowed to predominate", he said, "this would hamper the implementation of these policies".

The congress, Simitis stressed, should "give a clear answer to all these crucial issues and provide answers that would lead to a new victory".

The 6th PASOK congress began with the observance of a minute's silence for the victims of terrorism, after which Simitis once again condemned the terrorist attack on the United States.

Terrorism was a crime, he said, with no excuse, no alibi, no moral basis and no political ideology, while an effective reply to it that brooked no argument was the defense of democratic values and a free society.

Simitis then sketched out the broader goals of his government, saying that these would be focused on economic growth, a new social state and a stronger international position for Greece.

While he defended the government's economic policies, he also admitted that certain mistakes had been made.

The congress, originally scheduled for March 2002, was brought forward six months to renew and update Simitis' mandate, shaken by the government's attempt to introduce controversial pension reforms and PASOK's slide in opinion polls.

Apart from discussions on party policy, the congress will also vote for a party president. While Simitis' candidacy is not likely to be contested, hard-line leftists who oppose PASOK's reformist wing have talked about staging a 'blank ballot' protest vote against him.

Terrorism: "We do not have a trace of understanding and tolerance for terrorists and our response is one and absolute: terrorism should be combated resolutely," Simitis said.

He said due primarily to the terrorist attack in the United States it has been proved that the conviction that there would be a smooth development of the global society is untenable.

He said the response of the U.S. is not a war of revenge or a war between civilizations and religions, but a struggle against terrorism, taking the law into one's own hands, high-handedness, intolerance and fanaticism which has no regard for human lives and values.

Outlining Greece's position on these issues, Simitis said the criterion is "Greece first", adding that its position should be governed by wisdom and responsibility and that the country should be present with initiatives and move on the basis of respect for its international commitments and rules of international law.

Simitis expressed absolute faith in PASOK's strength and future, saying that "the future belongs to us" and set three targets to be achieved. They are the party's victory in municipal and prefectural elections in 2002, the successful European Union presidency in 2003 and victory in the general elections in 2004.

Defending the policy he has been implementing so far, Simitis said it was clear and concerned the strengthening of the social state and pointed out that the government does not apply redistribution with borrowed money.

He said PASOK "does not play around with stability, peace and the country's development but is the citizen's guarantee and security".

Simitis also said if changes planned are not promoted then the "Right (meaning main opposition New Democracy party) will have the possibility of taking advantage of stagnation and implement its crude and barbaric policy", adding that "we shall not become a conveyor belt for the implementation of the policy of the Right."

He said some want things to remain stagnant to exploit possible phobias and uncertainties. He stressed that some attempted to make the issue of identity cards an issue of national identity and added that the problem of identity cards has been finally resolved and that the citizen is free with his religious convictions and free of the public option to state or not what he believes.

Simitis said the government had and will have a confrontation when some try to use their economic power to seek privileged positions in the new environment.

Simitis also said the government's aim is for society to set the frameworks and directions for the market's operation. The market, he said, should serve society and not society the market and underlined "yes to a market economy, no to a market society."

[02] Palestinian President Arafat condemns terrorism

Athens, 12/10/2001 (ANA)

Arafat entered the hall of the congress flanked by Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, warmly welcomed by the more than 6,000 delegates.

"We are opposed (to terrorism) because we are victims of the worst form of terrorism, which is occupation," he stressed, adding "all that the Palestinian people suffer today do not happen anywhere else in the world. For this reason we declare that we are resolved to continue the struggle against the Israeli occupation".

"We have called a cease-fire so as to continue negotiations for an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, but we were not met with a response by the authorities of occupation," he said.

"Our hand is given out to peace. You are all witnesses of this stance of ours. We deeply respect the Greek government and the Greek people for its stance, as was expressed by Prime Minister Costas Simitis repeatedly and especially when during the recent (EU) summit he took a stand for the resolution of the problem based on United Nations resolutions for the implementation of the brave peace agreements that I signed with my partner in peace Yitzhak Rabin, who was killed by the extremist forces of Israel," Arafat said.

"At the same time we state our satisfaction for the statement of the American President George Bush, for the establishment of a Palestinian state. We call for an international mobilization, the United States, China, Japan, the Islamic, the African, the Arab countries for the achievement of a just resolution of the Palestinian problem," the Palestinian president said.

"This international mobilization is necessary for the securing of an international protection of our people and the end of the Israeli occupation, so as for our people to fully secure its right for self-determination," he said.

"The grand people of Greece always lived defending the principles of justice, freedom and democracy and for this reason it always stood by the Palestinian people for an end of the Israeli occupation and the achievement of its national independence," Arafat said.

"Your party as well as the rest of Greek parties maintain close relations with the Palestinian people, as well as all peoples who struggle for self-determination, democracy and justice," he added.

Arafat closed his remarks promising that when an autonomous Palestinian state is established a central square will be given the name of PASOK's founder and late prime minister Andreas Papandreou, in a show of appreciation for the support Papandreou, PASOK and the Greek people showed for the struggle of the Palestinian people.

Introducing President Arafat, Simitis stressed that "this difficult moment (Arafat) has shown balance, and we all know that this is especially difficult, when all his proposals were turned down, when those that should work for peace along with the Palestinians are indifferent. This shows that President Arafat has faith in the values he defends, that he defends the just cause of independence, of self-determination of peoples, of peace and democracy".

Arafat's entry interrupted the address of PASOK party Secretary Costas Skandalidis who immediately noted: "in the 1980s, when we welcomed President Yasser Arafat, they looked upon as with curiosity, if they did not believe us being terrorists. Today that we welcome him, as the leader of the newly established Palestinian state, PASOK feels vindicated for its historical choice. It is important that he entered the hall of the congress at the moment we are discussing terrorism, because together we will protect democracy, peace, civilization from the dangers laying in ambush".

[03] Time to turn a new page, PASOK secretary tells party congress

Athens, 12/10/2001 (ANA)

Skandalidis said "we always embrace the forces of labor, the weaker classes of the people and more so the triangle of the forces of institutionalized labor, the unemployed, economic immigrants, etc."

"We want the forces contributing decisively to the country's productive restructuring and modernization with us. And, above all, we want the forces which are struggling for the environment, ecology, culture, education, social solidarity, equality and the social problems of the new generation," he added.

Skandalidis tabled a proposal for dialogue to the forces of the left with the purpose of having governmental convergences and the target of having the widest possible consensus to create a "new big progressive majority".

He further called for a clear policy at the congress which should make a proposal in every direction with modern-day needs and targets being on the agenda.

Referring to PASOK, Skandalidis said the main question is "shall we continue to reproduce old confrontations, based on '96, or shall we move on to the new reality being shaped?"

"The time has come for us to go from a PASOK which is being tormented constantly with the succession of persons and reach a successor PASOK of the new era. To go from a party appearing to be oriented towards the state to becoming what we used to say in the past, a party which is a modern institution which can do continuous changes and reforms," he said.

Skandalidis said PASOK "was not based and is not based on personal courses, it was not based and is not based on more competent or less competent members, it is based on the collective will of a party to give a breather to Greece in the new era".

"If this becomes a decision by the congress, then I am certain that we have awakened and we are returning to victories and we shall win again," he said.

Opposition party reps address PASOK congress: Most of the addresses by opposition party representatives at the 6th PASOK congress, which began in Athens, strayed from the mostly complimentary and mild remarks usually uttered at past conferences, with more substantive and even critical language emanating from the podium on Thursday.

Representing the main opposition New Democracy party, its secretary, Vangelis Meimarakis, began by praising PASOK's contribution to establishing pluralism and a democratic development in Greece, while citing what he called a need for parties to improve and renew their message as well as to overcome their organizational weaknesses.

Following an address by Prime Minister and ruling PASOK president Costas Simitis, who among others, sharply criticized the rightwing, Meimarakis emphasized New Democracy's contribution to what he called a "national understanding" over foreign policy issues and in forming a solid Greek front against terrorism.

"Today, we can't talk with terms related to the past or with dividing lines. Parties and the political system's reform is something that society wants, and citizens deserve," Meimarakis said.

On his part, the Communist Party of Greece's (KKE) representative, political bureau member Dimitris Gontikas, said developments following the shocking Sept. 11 attacks in New York and Washington were merely a continuation of a war going on for the past decade on an economic and social level.

"The polarization between capital and poverty cannot be met in a fatalistic manner by the peoples ... We don't believe capitalism is omnipotent. Powerful military systems cannot face the force of economic laws," he added.

In his remarks, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos also referred to the problem of terrorism, citing what he called a "dangerous naiveté" over the illusion that terrorism can be eradicated with war.

"The world cannot be in a state of war for decades," he said.

Turning to domestic issues, Constantopoulos called on the government to abandon, as he said, "neo-liberal" policies it followed even on the issue of social security reform.

Liberals leader and founder Stephanos Manos listed a series reforms a strong PASOK government should proceed with after the congress, while Democratic Social Movement leader Dimitris Tsovolas, a former PASOK minister, simply thanked the party for the invitation and wished delegates a successful congress.

Representatives of foreign parties salute 6th PASOK party congress: Representatives of the European Socialist Party, Cyprus' AKEL and KISOS as well as Albania's Socialist Party addressed the opening day of the ruling PASOK party congress on Thursday.

"Cyprus belongs to the next enlargement round of the European Union - this is clear and should be so in the future," European Socialist Party (ESP) Parliamentary representative Mechtild Rothe said in her salute.

"We want the resolution of the political problem and the end of the occupation of northern Cyprus, the peaceful co-existence of Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cyprus. This is not, however, a precondition for accession and Mr. Verheugen two days ago said just that clearly," she added.

"The window of opportunity for the Turkish Cypriot side will be open until the middle of next year. Until now the Turkish-Cypriot side did not take advantage of this opportunity. At the end of next year the time of truth will come. The enlargement will take place with Cyprus," Rothe said.

Cyprus' AKEL party secretary general and Cyprus' House of Representatives President Dimitris Christofias, in his address, said that "rightly so the international community has allied in a front against terrorism and the war satisfies rightly so the feeling of indignation of the average American citizen and all those who have interests by the consumption of war materiel".

"The war, however, is not a solution. If it expands to other countries it will cause destruction and innocent victims," he noted.

He added that the social inequality and oppression along with the injustice committee for a long time against the Palestinians and the people of Cyprus "give birth to desperation, which is taken advantage of by unscrupulous terrorists. These are the elements that the international community must confront, as well as it should confront state terrorism, a victim of which is the people of Cyprus."

"We should work toward promoting the Cyprus problem as a source of tension, even in the context of the struggle against terrorism in the region of Southeastern Mediterranean," he said.

Cyprus' KISOS party leader Yiannakis Omirou said that "Cyprus remains a victim of terrorism for the past 27 years - the raw violence keeps our homeland divided.

He also noted the terrorist attack in the United States showcases the current global crisis.

Among the foreign leaders that addressed the opening session of the congress, was Albania's Prime Minister Ilir Meta who expressed his satisfaction for the improvement of relations between the two countries, adding that "the Greek minority in Albania will continue to be an important part of new models, we want to achieve with the further democratization and Europeanization of Albania".

Israeli minister Sneh to attend ruling PASOK congress: Israeli Transport Minister Ephraim Sneh will arrive in Athens on Friday to represent his country's Labor Party at ruling PASOK's 6th congress, which began in the Greek capital on Thursday.

Sneh served as defense minister in the previous Israeli government of Ehud Barak, while he currently is a member of the Israeli cabinet's security council.

On the sidelines of the congress, the Israeli minister and top Labor Party cadre is expected to meet with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and his Greek counterpart Christos Verelis.

Sneh's presence at the ruling party's congress will mark the first time a serving Israeli minister has officially attended a similar PASOK event, according to a press release issued by the Israeli embassy in Athens.

Kaklamanis confident about PASOK congress outcome: Adaptability has always been the defining trait of ruling PASOK, Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis said on Thursday as he arrived at PASOK's 6th congress in Athens.

"There will always be positions and juxtapositions," Kaklamanis added, "what we have to do is synthesise these politically."

He expressed certainty that the party would once again "put its best foot forward" and manage to inspire confidence and optimism in the Greek people for a better future.

[04] Arafat discusses int'l developments with PM Simitis, receives gold key of Athens

Athens, 12/10/2001 (ANA)

Arafat, who arrived in Athens Wednesday for the opening of the ruling PASOK party Congress, was also presented with the Gold Key of Athens by mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos.

After the meeting with Arafat, Simitis told reporters that their discussion had centered on the recent international developments.

"The Greek position is clear-cut," he said. "Terrorism must be combated decisively and unhesitatingly. At the same time, however, its causes, such as poverty and inequalities, must also be confronted".

Simitis noted that Greece has repeatedly pressed the EU to undertake initiatives aiming at resolving the Middle East problem " and will continue to do so".

He further stressed the need for resumption of the dialogue between the two sides concerned and called on Israel to cease refusing the dialogue.

"We support President Arafat. His presence here gives me great pleasure as it proves the Greek contribution to the efforts for resolving the Middle East problem," Simitis said.

Arafat said he did not feel like just a visitor in Greece, noting the "deep relationship" between Greece and Palestine, and Pales-tine's "Greek roots".

Thanking the Greek government for its positions in the European Union, Arafat described the international situation as "particularly critical", and made note of the final communique issued by the Islamic Conference held in Qatar on Wednesday, in which terrorism was deplored.

"We call on all the world to cooperation for confronting this phenomenon. Greater coordination will be required among all the countries -- United States, Europe, Russia, the non-aligned -- in order for terrorism to be wiped out. On our part, we reject such kinds of actions, regardless of the pretext with which they are covered," Arafat said.

Earlier, the Palestinian president was presented with the Gold Key of Athens by mayor Avramopoulos.

"President Arafat's visit to Athens coincides with a particularly difficult conjuncture for world peace,' Avramopoulos said while addressing Arafat.

Avramopoulos condemned terrorism, but added that the campaign against those responsible for terrorist acts must not develop into a clash between civilizations, which he warned would destabilize the international community.

The mayor praised Arafat and his efforts in the Middle Ease peace process, as well as his stance immediately following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US when he condemned the acts and gave blood for the victims.

Arafat, noted the close ties of friendship between the Greek and Palestinian people, and said that "soon, with the help of God, we shall declare a free and independent Palestinian State, since a unanimous decision has been taken by the EU, the US government -- given the recent Bush statement -- the non-aligned countries, Russia, China, Japan, and also the Arab, African and Islamic countries.

Arafat further met Wednesday evening with Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas, who said after the meeting that the "time has come for a solution to the Palestinian issue based on the UN resolutions", which he said would be "the best response to terrorism".

Tsovolas called for close international cooperation so that all would contribute to the consolidation of peace.

President Stephanopoulos hails Arafat's firm stance: President Kostis Stephanopoulos met on Thursday evening with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat at the Presidential Mansion.

Arafat was on a 24-hour visit to Athens as a guest of the ruling PASOK to attend the opening of the party's congress.

In the presence of Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Stephanopoulos and Arafat held a 45-minute talk on international developments following the terrorist attacks in the US on September 11, and developments in the Palestinian problem.

Receiving the Palestinian leader, Stephanopoulos hailed the "firm stance" taken by Arafat which he said was "praised by all".

He told Arafat that "you have taken a firm position and are helping the Palestinian cause as best you can."

"We are doing what we believe in," Arafat replied to Stephanopoulos.

Stephanopoulos wished Arafat a "good trip" and expressed the hope that "the next time we meet matters will be better."

Arafat left Athens shortly afterwards.

[05] New US ambassador meets with FM, main opposition leader

Athens, 12/10/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after his first formal meeting with foreign minister George Papandreou, Miller said they had discussed all the latest developments following the international community's reaction to the multiple terrorist attack in the US on September 11.

The effort to locate Osama bin Laden was at the top of the agenda, Miller said, adding that the US and its government had deep confidence in the emotional support displayed by the Greek people toward the Americans.

Miller said a campaign had been launched, not simply a military action, and stressed that pressure must be exercised in every way -- financially, diplomatically, etc.

He added that the battle was not against the people of Afghanistan but the terrorists and those who were concealing them.

Miller said that the US was also making an effort to confront the problem of refugees from Afghanistan, and had approved a sum of 500 million dollars for 2001 in humanitarian assistance, of which 180 million dollars had already been drawn.

As for the West's relations with Arab countries, Miller said in reply to questions that in the United States "we have concerns and see that the world is changing, and we're changing with it". "It is a new world," he said.

Miller noted Greece's traditional special relations with Syria and Iran which dated from "the Andreas Papandreou period", and expressed hope that Athens would utilize that relationship and its influence to gain those countries' support for the international effort.

He further welcomed the Greek foreign minister's initiative to visit Middle East countries.

Papandreou briefed Miller on his visit Wednesday to Istanbul.

The two men further discussed the Middle East problem and matters concerning bilateral relations between Greece and the US.

Miller met later with main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis, who reiterated ND's firm positions on confronting terrorism.

During the one-hour meeting, Karamanlis reaffirmed ND's solidarity with the US and the entire free world "in the struggle to stamp out terrorism".

Karamanlis told reporters after the meeting that now was the time for diplomacy, adding that Greece could play a more active role within the framework of the European Union, and could undertake initiatives on wider issues.

He added that Greece, due to its extensive borders, was the only EU country exposed to dangers.

Miller said he had a very serious discussion with Karamanlis, whom he described as "a very good and old friend", and thanked the ND leader for his party's strong support for the worldwide alliance against terrorism and his tough statements against terrorists.

[06] No issue of Greek military forces participation in ground operations

Athens, 12/10/2001 (ANA)

The spokesman, Dimitris Reppas, expressed hope that such an issue would not arise in the future "and we hope that the participation of other forces will not be required".

Replying to questions prompted by a newspaper report claiming that 800 gas masks had been purchased by the Greek Parliament, said that there existed the framework set out by the Health ministry, "but there is nothing concerning purchases by the Greek parliament as stated in the report".

Asked if additional security measures would be taken, Reppas said that if developments ensued which could not be foreseen at this point then that prospect would be examined.

[07] Papandreou briefs ND's Bakoyianni on Athens foreign policy

Athens, 12/10/2001 (ANA)

In statements to reporters after the meeting, Bakoyianni noted that the times called for consultation by all national forces so that all sides could assist in the fight against terrorism.

Greece has to have a presence and be active, taking initiatives in the surrounding region, Bakoyianni said, while adding that this was the time for diplomacy.

[08] Reppas: EU enlargement won't happen if Cyprus is not in first wave

Athens, 12/10/2001 (ANA)

Reppas had been asked to comment on seemingly conflicting statements on Cyprus accession to the Community by European Commissioner Guenter Verheugen.

The spokesman underlined the decisions of the EU summit in Helsinki, which had separated Cyprus' EU accession from a solution of the political problem on the island.

Cyprus has a right to join the EU because it fulfills all the criteria that have been set by the EU, Reppas concluded.

[09] Bank of Greece ready to freeze "suspicious" bank accounts

Athens, 12/10/2001 (ANA)

Nikos Garganas, the bank's vice-governor, said the Bank of Greece was waiting for a decision by European Union's finance ministers' council because there was no necessary legal framework to allow banking supervision authorities to freeze these assets.

Garganas, however, noted that the European Central Bank has already distributed to national central banks a list of suspect names, a move that practically blocks all payments in suspicious accounts through the electronic payment system TARGET.

The central banker said that a Deposits Insurance Fund, in its six years of operation in Greece, has raised its reserves to 127.4 billion drachmas, a sum capable to compensate bank customers in case that a commercial bank faced liquidity problems and was unable to return savings to its customers.

[10] Greek trade deficit falls 8.2 pct in first half

Athens, 12/10/2001 (ANA)

Imports totalled 12.996 billion US dollars in the January-June period, from 14.702 billion last year, a drop of 11.6 percent, while exports totalled 4.711 billion dollars from 5.672 billion, a decline of 16.9 percent.

[11] Greek unemployment rate drops to 11.1 pct in 2000

Athens, 12/10/2001 (ANA)

The NSS also said that employment rose by 0.9 percent over the same period reflecting a 3.3 percent increase in payrolls.

The average annual unemployment totalled 493,600 people in 2000, down from 532,600 the previous year, or to 11.1 percent from 11.9 percent over the same period respectively.

The figures showed that unemployment was falling more rapidly in women than men, and that the biggest quarterly decline in unemployment was recorded in the regions of southern Aegean, eastern Macedonia and Thrace and northern Aegean.

On the other hand, the biggest unemployment rates were record-ed in western Macedonia, central Greece and Evia and the Ionian islands in the fourth quarter 2000.

Crete retained the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 6.5 percent.

[12] HDW-Ferrostaal to buy Skaramangas shipyards

Athens, 12/10/2001 (ANA)

The agreement was struck between HDW on one side and the Greek state owned development bank ETBA and the employees' cooperative of the shipyards on the other, that held the packages of the shares.

According to the agreement, HDW will provide another 14 billion drachmas in the form of a share capital increase and will undertake all prior obligations of the shipyards, while it will be obliged to employ all 1,400 workers currently on the payroll for at least six years.

[13] OTE negotiates acquisition of mobile telephony license in FYROM

Athens, 12/10/2001 (ANA)

"Important new developments took place today regarding the acquisition of the second mobile telephony license of Skopje by OTE. The letter of guarantee has been submitted and negotiations have entered their substantial phase. This fact is an important step, with its own self-evident importance for the promotion and expansion of OTE's presence in all of Southeastern Europe," Verelis said.

[14] ASE transaction turnover for first nine months drops 63 percent on year-on-year

Athens, 12/10/2001 (ANA)

The largest piece of the transactions pie went to Sigma SA brokers, which garnered 7.13 per cent of the market, with P&K brokers placed second with 6.42 per cent and Ethniki third with 6.33 per cent.

Sigma, P&K and Eurobank brokers lead the pack in the market share of transaction that did not include packages or repurchases.

September's turnover was slightly better that August's as in transactions September increased by 8.36 per cent compared to August.

[15] Greek stocks extend gains for third day

Athens, 12/10/2001 (ANA)

Traders said market sentiment was encouraged by positive developments in international markets.

The general index ended at 2,267.77 points, up 1.37% with turnover an improved 116.32 million euros. A total of 27.9 million stocks changed hands.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 1,260.15 points, up 1.16 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index jumped 1.96 percent to 233.50 points, and the FTSE/ASE Smallcap index ended at 680.22 points, up 1.84 percent.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 212.32 points, up 1.23%.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 283 to 48 with another 29 issues unchanged.

Equity futures end higher: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Thurs-day finished higher, roughly tracking a rise in the main market.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips rose 1.16 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks ended 1.96 percent up.

Futures on the FTSE/ASE-20 showed a discount of up to 1.5 percent; and on the FTSE/ASE-40 up to 0.5 percent, the traders said. Changing hands were 7.280 contracts.

Bond prices drop in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Thursday finished lower in heavy trade focusing on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.17 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 45 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totaled 1.9 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[16] German press comments on Frankfurt Book Fair

FRANKFURT, 12/10/2001 (ANA - S. Aravopoulou)

The presence of Greek literature in Germany drew numerous favorable reviews, as well as presentations of writers such as Ersi Sotiropoulou, Alexis Panselinos and Menis Koumantareas.

The German press also referred to Greece and the Greeks. On the question of the reading habits of the Greeks, it said "Greece, regarding the publishing sector, is still a developing country. Only a tenth of the 2,000 bookstores sell literature exclusively. The reason? The moderate interest of the reading public. However, the sector is developing."

[17] SAE conference on Greek-Australian art on Oct 19-21

MELBOURNE, 12/10/2001 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

The organizers said the conference, featuring lectures by noted artists, writers and academics, would be carried out in English and Greek and will end with a tribute to the life and work of soprano Maria Callas.

[18] Finance Minister reaffirms Cyprus' will to combat the financing of terrorism

NICOSIA, 12/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Klerides told CNA that he had briefed Taylor "on the Cyprus government's decision to approve the bill for the elimination of the financing of terrorist organizations, as a follow-up to the adoption of the UN convention."

The bill was tabled on Thursday at the House of Representatives with a view to ratify the International Convention to Combat the Financing of Terrorism.

Klerides added Taylor was aware of the measures Cyprus has taken to combat financing of terrorism and expressed satisfaction over them.

"Taylor was aware of the measures Cyprus has taken to combat this phenomenon" including "the adoption of UN Security Council resolutions 1333, 1267 and 1373", Klerides said.

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