Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-10-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM asks committee members to build on results of 6th congress

[02] FM to visit Iran in first week of November

[03] ND requests delay of draft budget debate in Parliament

[04] State Dep't coordinator for Cyprus due in Athens on Wednesday

[05] Reppas: ND should answer the charges made by Laliotis

[06] Minister says government respects work of Justice

[07] Ship workers demonstrate over 'Sailor' explosion dead

[08] European Commission ratifies regional cooperation program

[09] Greek tourism enterprises call for tourism ministry

[10] Conference on structural changes in Yugoslav economy

[11] Athens Water expands activities in the Balkans

[12] Athens tram budget approved, deputy national economy minister says

[13] Greek stocks end sharply up on Monday

[14] Greek president congratulates Ecumenical Patriarch for tenth year since election

[15] 100th anniversary of Army General Staff honored

[16] International conference on Greece's role in WW2 comes to a close

[17] Petsalnikos opens seminar on integrating immigrants

[18] Paralympics to be held September 17-28, 2004

[19] European Commission President to begin official visit to Cyprus on Thursday

[20] Commissioner Verheugen says EU enlargement would be inconceivable without Cyprus

[21] Kasoulides expects U.S. to explain to Turkey that Cyprus issue has not been marginalized

[01] PM asks committee members to build on results of 6th congress

Athens, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

"PASOK is the party that unites, that has the capacity to win, we are lengthening our stride, going forward, we will succeed," he stressed.

The 6th PASOK congress had sent out a clear and strong message that the party stood united, Simitis said, and that victory awaited in the next elections.

"We must seize this victory from now. The congress gave us the means... We mustn’t let introversion and pettiness define our political presence."

During his speech, Simitis also expressed strong sup-port for the candidacy of outgoing Environment Minister Costas Laliotis for the post of party secretary and poured lavish praise on previous party secretary Costas Skandalidis.

"Costas Laliotis has already announced that he will be standing, I welcome his decision and support his candidacy," Simitis said.

The prime minister also referred to Laliotis' "long and successful term in government, where he was responsible for the major public works" and expressed certainty that Laliotis would work for "a big and strong PASOK."

Simitis stressed that the government's efforts to some extent depended on the central committee also, and that everyone had immediate and grave responsibilities regarding their final outcome.

"I am certain that we will achieve the goals of the Greek people, because we have both the knowledge and the experience," he said.

A key endeavor in achieving these goals, he told the committee, would be to support the agreement for a strong social policy, that would lead all the more quickly to a strong Greece.

"PASOK must make social interventions and overcome established thinking," he added, "because we have reached the point where the simple becomes difficult due to processes, scheming, mechanisms and established interests."

Turning to the committee members, he stressed that they represented PASOK's views and appealed for everyone to participate and contribute to the efforts to make the party and Greece strong.

"You will project our party's character in the three years until the next congress.

I am sure you will meet the demands of the citizens because PASOK is a socialist party that fights for citizens and society. The Right waits in the wings and we must not allow it to win because of our own stance."

EU summit in Ghent: During his speech to the central committee, Simitis also referred briefly to the results of the EU summit in Ghent, which discussed ways of combatting terrorism.

The European Union leaders, the premier said, had decided to take measures to avoid an escalation of the crisis.

"Terrorism is a threat to the entire world. On the other hand, it has been proved that instability in one region is a deciding factor in the crisis spreading to the entire globe," he said.

He also stressed the importance of Economic and Monetary Union and the euro, saying that things would be much worse if these did not exist.

PASOK Central Committee elects Laliotis in party secretary post: The new ruling PASOK party Central Committee on Monday elected Costas Laliotis as its Secretary, garnering 147 votes of the 180 cast, during the scheduled elections, which also included voting for the 11-member Executive Bureau of the party.

The new executive bureau members will be Vasso Papandreou, with 147 votes; Apostolos Kaklamanis, with 119 votes; Evangelos Venizelos, with 110 votes; Dimitris Reppas, with 99 votes; Costas Skandalidis with 98 votes; Michalis Neonakis with 97 votes; George Papandreou with 95 votes; Akis Tsohatzopoulos with 82 votes; Milena Apostolaki with 73 votes; Tonia Antoniou with 58 votes and Christos Papoutsis with 56 votes.

Theodoros Pangalos and Irine Lambraki, who were also candidates were not elected.

Laliotis outlines policy at PASOK Central Committee meeting: Newly-elected ruling PASOK party Central Committee secretary Costas Laliotis, outlining his policy following his election on Monday, placed emphasis on the slogan "all together."

Laliotis referred to what he called the Democratic Party and the conservative party, while at the same time making overtures to other opposition parties.

"Differences between PASOK and the neo-liberalism and neo-conservatism of New Democracy (the main opposition party) should not only exist but should also be clearly perceptible in all the crucial fields of the economy, reforms, institutional priorities, democratic overtures, modernizing ventures, transparency and primarily social policies," he said.

Laliotis said PASOK's strength, attraction and credibility should be found in its differences and not similarities with ND. He further said it is essential for PASOK to undertake substantive initiatives for dialogue, cooperation and long-term solidarity with all other parties and the movements and initiatives of citizens moving in the wide spectrum of the progressive sector.

He said there should be policies and social consensus for the major national issues, social reforms and institutional modernizations. He offered reassurances that this consensus does not mean political disarmament, ideological submission, the leveling of policy differences and the nullification of social contrasts.

Regarding PASOK, Laliotis said it should emerge once again in the conscience of the Greek people as a political and social majority movement, adding that the time has come at the beginning of the 21st century for the renewal, renaissance and reformation of PASOK.

He said PASOK should clarify its social, political and policy references in order to provide meaning, value and perspective to the questions "who are we, who do we express and represent, where are we going and how and with who are we forging ahead."

Laliotis referred to his predecessors, saying that he is "moved and happy" to be taking over "from the dear friend and comrade Costas Skandalidis" with whom, as he said, he has been linked with steadfast sentimental and political bonds for 27 years.

He also focused on Akis Tsohatzopoulos, the Central Commit-tee's first secretary, who in difficult and hard times had a considerable presence and distinguished contribution to crucial and victorious battles for PASOK.

Laliotis, referring to blank votes cast during his election, said "the blank vote also has its significance" and promised to vindicate those who cast blank votes as well.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis announced at the end of the Central Committee's meeting that the Executive Bureau will convene next week with its new composition to discuss the planning of the Central Committee which will be convening by the end of November.

[02] FM to visit Iran in first week of November

Athens, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

A foreign ministry spokesman said the dates for Papandreou's planned visit to Teheran have been finalized for November 2 and 3, although details of the itinerary were not immediately made available.

Papandreou recently visited Syria in the framework of the effort to convince Damascus to back the "Alliance" in the campaign against terrorism.

The Greek foreign minister will make a similar effort in his talks in Iran.

[03] ND requests delay of draft budget debate in Parliament

Athens, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

In a written announcement, ND Parliamentary Group secretary Dimitris Sioufas and parliamentary spokesman Prokopis Pavlopoulos said that the debate could not begin on Wednesday, since the cabinet reshuffle would take place on the same day and the ministers responsible might change.

If the government insisted, they continued, ND deputies on the committee would not take part in the debate.

[04] State Dep't coordinator for Cyprus due in Athens on Wednesday

Athens, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

Weston will arrive in Athens from Ankara. After his talks here, he will go on to Nicosia.

[05] Reppas: ND should answer the charges made by Laliotis

Athens, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

He made the statement when asked to comment on speech delivered by ND leader Costas Karamanlis to the party's central committee in response to a fresh batch of accusations made by Laliotis regarding the opposition party's funding in 1989.

Asked about the 50-billion-drachmas 'shortfall' in the national land register project, Reppas said this was not due to bad management but due to weaknesses that arose "because this was unfamiliar territory and in many ways a pilot project."

[06] Minister says government respects work of Justice

Athens, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

Stathopoulos was replying to a question by the main opposition New Democracy party on statements by government ministers concerning intervention by prosecutors in the cases of DEKA SA and the National Land Register.

He further said that no functionary exercising duties can be immune and not accept criticism, and indeed when his moves appear to be exaggerated and unwarrantable.

Stathopoulos said that in the case of DEKA SA "the testimonies of witnesses and investigatory material marring reputations leaked out," adding that "do you want those marred to remain speechless? Investigatory material has fallen into ND's hands. The principal of secrecy is being violated."

ND leader Costas Karamanlis called on the prime minister to stop "abusers by profession" and went on to say "ND today and tomorrow as a government as well declares its trust in Justice."

Karamanlis further accused the government of wanting Justice not to be independent, "to be a servant of its political aims, violating the principle of legality and the state of law. With its interventions in Justice, the government is unequivocally admitting its guilt and the mismanagement of public funds."

ND Parliamentary representative Prokopis Pavlopoulos said the justice minister should have distanced himself from statements by other government ministers who were critical of the work of judicial functionaries.

[07] Ship workers demonstrate over 'Sailor' explosion dead

Athens, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

The explosion occurred on Saturday, aboard a tanker undergoing repairs on the island of Salamina. The Bahamas-flagged "Sailor" was without its crew at the time of the blast.

An engineer supervising the work was injured in the explosion. He was not listed in critical condition.

Led by their union leaders, the demonstrators demanded an audience with Merchant Marine Minister Christos Papoutsis and sought additional protective measures for their sector.

Minor scuffles ensued when their request was denied because Papoutsis was absent at the time.

The workers decided to set up a picket outside the ministry until the minister returns and consents to meet with them and hear their demands.

Among others, these are the imposition of tough penalties on those responsible for the accident, that the license of the chemist that issued the tanker's 'gas free' certificate be revoked and for a state service to provide chemists and safety technicians.

Meanwhile, five people charged in connection with the accident received a three-day continuance from the Piraeus examining magistrate on Monday.

Arrested were the ship's captain, three senior officials of Good Work, the ship repairs company, and marine chemist Vangelis Papadopoulos, who gave the vessel clearance for hazardous gases.

All five are charged with several counts of intentional mans-laughter, several counts of causing bodily harm, and of breaking laws on health and safety in the workplace.

The prosecutor further ordered an investigation into Papadopoulos' firm, against which two similar cases are outstanding.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blast, supervised by the Salamina port authority.

[08] European Commission ratifies regional cooperation program

BRUSSELS, 23/10/2001 (ANA - V. Demiris)

Its purpose is to develop commercial transactions, combat crimes perpetrated in border regions and restore stability on the borders of these countries.

The development of road and energy networks and the strengthening of each country's national institutions is also anticipated.

[09] Greek tourism enterprises call for tourism ministry

Athens, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

SETE, holding its regional conference in Crete, asked the Prime Minister to create an independent tourism ministry ahead of a major government reshuffle on Tuesday.

The union said that lack of long-term tourism strategy, difficulties in coordinating ministries' actions and low budget to promote Greek tourism abroad were the main reasons behind the need for a tourism ministry in the country.

SETE said 2001 was a stagnant year in terms of tourist arrivals that would likely see tourist revenues fall compared with 2000 and urged for the abolition of "spatosimo", a levy on air transport imposed 10 years ago to fund the building of a new Athens airport at Spata.

[10] Conference on structural changes in Yugoslav economy

Athens, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

Particular reference was made during the conference on "Reconstruction of Yugoslavia-A year after the political changes" on the traditionally good relations between Greece and Yugoslavia.

Mention was also made of supportive efforts by Greece for Yugoslavia, immediately after the political developments, providing 15 million dollars to support its budget.

Finance Ministry International Relations secretary general M. Stavrakakis said the country is already prepared to provide 110 million dollars (100 million dollars for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and 10 million dollars for the Republic of Montenegro). These credit facilities are expected to strengthen the good economic cooperation between the two countries even further.

It was noted that over the 1997-2000 period Greece has provided about 90.689 million dollars for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. More specifically, a total of 55.19 million dollars was provided in 2000, while regarding the Balkan Reconstruction plan (2001-2005) Greece will provide 278.80 million euros, of which 73.37 million euros will be provided for Kosovo.

[11] Athens Water expands activities in the Balkans

Athens, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

The contract was signed with the National Economy Ministry on Friday, in the framework of a bilateral technical cooperation program with FYROM, worth 300,000 euros, funded by the Greek ministry.

It is the first business activity of Athens Water abroad, following a decision by a general shareholders' meeting to seek expansion in international markets and especially in southeastern Europe.

[12] Athens tram budget approved, deputy national economy minister says

Athens, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

He noted that the total budget for the project would reach at 115.52 billion drachmas, while another 4 billion drachmas was approved for the construction of bicycle paths in cities around the country.

[13] Greek stocks end sharply up on Monday

Athens, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

The general index ended 1.62 percent higher at 2,383.51 points, with turnover a low 30.7 billion drachmas or 90 million euros.

The IT Solutions, Wholesale and Construction sectors scored the biggest percentage gains (4.71 percent, 4.55 percent and 4.22 percent respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.43 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 2.34 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index jumped 3.51 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 331 to 11 with another 17 issues unchanged.

Market participants said that the Greek bourse would continue its rebound if a climate in international markets did not worsen again.

Bond Market Close: Prices drop in light trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Monday finished higher in light trade focusing on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.06 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 44 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 865 million euros.

Sell orders accounted for over half turnover.

Derivatives Market Close: Equity futures end higher: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Monday moved higher in light trade, traders said.

The value of transactions was lower at 24,7 million euros with volume at 4,124 contracts.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips rose by 1.43 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks gained 2.34 percent.

[14] Greek president congratulates Ecumenical Patriarch for tenth year since election

Athens, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

Prime Minister Costas Simitis and other political leaders also sent telegrams congratulating the Orthodox prelate while clergy and faithful signed the book of congratulations at the office of the Patriarchate in Athens.

[15] 100th anniversary of Army General Staff honored

Athens, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

In his address, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos hailed the Greek Army's contribution to the country's historic course and development and also referred to the latest developments in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11.

Tsohatzopoulos expressed fears that the threats will continue to be of concern to the international community for a long time to come as well as the issue of illegal immigration.

The minister attributed terrorism, the incommensurate threats, global migration and illegal immigration to the inequalities between peoples with regard to the level of their development.

"The system does not work where there are inequalities," he said. The minister added that the incommensurate threats can only be confronted on a global level.

Tsohatzopoulos assured that the Greek Armed Forces can guarantee the country's sovereignty and national independence against any threats and confirm Greece's stabilizing role in the region, giving the possibility to the Greek people to utilize their other advantages at the level of the economy, development and the knowledge of history and culture.

[16] International conference on Greece's role in WW2 comes to a close

PARIS, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

The conference was organized by the Union of the Greek Problems Studies and the Pierre Belon Interscientific Studies Union with financial backing by the Greek foreign ministry's Cultural Affairs Department.

The conference was addressed by French Senator Michel Guerry who spoke of the exemplary role played by Greece as an allied force during WW2.

Greek ambassador Ilias Klis referred to the responsible stance and resistance of the Greek people both during the Italian invasion and the Nazi occupation.

Organizing Committee President Eleni Antoniadis-Bimbikou read a message addressed by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou on the occasion of the conference, who underlined the conference's particular interest and referred to the significance of history which is the guard of memory, an essential factor for the development of humanity.

[17] Petsalnikos opens seminar on integrating immigrants

Athens, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

The minister said that the government planned to organize courses in Greek for adults by 2006, to assist the speedy integration of adult immigrants in Greek society.

The seminar was organized jointly by the education, interior, labor and justice ministries and the Dutch Embassy.

Petsalnikos said that the tide of economic immigrants that flooded Greece in the 90s was unprecedented for the country, while he estimated that immigrants now represented 8-9 per cent of the general population and a much larger percentage of the workforce.

He also estimated that Greece had now reached its limits and would be unable to absorb any more.

The seminar was also addressed by the Dutch Ambassador to Greece, who relayed his country's own experiences with foreign immigrants, who now account for 10 per cent of Holland's population.

[18] Paralympics to be held September 17-28, 2004

Athens, 23/10/2001 (ANA)

[19] European Commission President to begin official visit to Cyprus on Thursday

NICOSIA, 23/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

According to the preliminary program of the visit, the President of the European Commission and his delegation will be unofficially welcomed at Larnaca Airport by Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides. Later on Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides will officially welcome Prodi and his delegation at the Presidential Palace, in Nicosia.

The ceremony will be followed by the introduction of Cyprus and EU delegations, by their heads President Clerides and Romano Prodi, respectively.

In the afternoon President of the EC and his aides, including EU Chief Negotiator for Cyprus Leopold Maurer, will visit the House of Representatives where House President Demetris Christofias will welcome them. Prodi will address the members of the Parliament.

Later on the EU delegation will have a meeting with leading personalities of the Cyprus society, organized by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

President Clerides will give in the evening a reception in honor of the President of the European Commission.

On Friday, EU officials will hold official talks with a Cypriot delegation headed by President Clerides.

The European officials will afterwards give a press conference. The meeting with the press will be followed by an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace for seeing off President of the European Commission and his aides.

According to the draft program, EU officials will then visit the United Nations Headquarters and the UN patrolled buffer zone, which separates the southern government controlled areas of the Republic from the northern Turkish occupied part of the island.

Afterwards they will meet a joint Greek Cypriot Turkish Cypriot forum of trade unions, which promotes cooperation between the two sides on the island.

This will be followed by a meeting at Nicosia Town Hall with the Mayor of Nicosia Lellos Demetriades, who will accompany the European officials to their visit to the old city of Nicosia and the ceasefire line.

Prodi and his delegation will depart Friday afternoon from Larnaca Airport.

[20] Commissioner Verheugen says EU enlargement would be inconceivable without Cyprus

BRUSSELS, 23/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

He also said that EU membership of a united Cyprus would offer big advantages for Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots, warning at the same time, that time is running out in terms of attempts to find a negotiated settlement of the protracted Cyprus question.

Verheugen was quoted as saying that "there will either be an enlargement with Cyprus or there will be no speedy enlargement at all."

His comments come days before he and EU Commission President Romano Prodi visit Cyprus later this week.

The Greek parliament has warned that it is unlikely to ratify the accession treaty of candidate countries, unless Cyprus is included in the first wave of candidates to join the EU.

Verheugen said at present there is not much anybody can do expect work in the direction of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots to resume the UN-led peace talks on Cyprus.

"The window of opportunity is still open but is has already started to close," Verheugen said, adding that accession negotiations with Cyprus are progressing well without anyone thinking of hindering them.

He said that membership talks with Cyprus are likely to be concluded in the second half of 2002, a time he described as "the moment of truth."

Cyprus, engaged in accession talks since 1998, has provisionally closed 23 of a total of 29 chapters of the acquis communautaire.

The EU decided in 1999 that a political settlement would facilitate accession but it is not a precondition for it.

[21] Kasoulides expects U.S. to explain to Turkey that Cyprus issue has not been marginalized

NICOSIA, 23/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

"We expect Weston to explain to Ankara that the US has not sidelined the need to settle the Cyprus question nor has it deleted it from its list of priorities," Kasoulides said, when invited to comment on Weston's visit to the region.

In his remarks ahead of Weston's arrival on Thursday, Papapetrou said "it is obvious that the central point of his efforts is the resumption of talks on Cyprus and we are ready to continue the proximity talks."

Weston, he added, should get some "convincing replies from Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash", who backed by Ankara withdrew from the UN-led talks last November and in early September this year declined an invitation for a resumption of the search for a comprehensive settlement in New York, claiming the ground had not been prepared.

Asked to say what the government expects from the UN, he said one should not anticipate any move from the UN until after Weston completes his tour in the region and after the conclusion of President Glafcos Clerides' meetings in New York in early November.

The president is due to meet UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and host a working lunch for the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council as well as to meet Britain's special representative on Cyprus Lord David Hannay.

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