Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-10-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek FM says developments in Afghanistan at 'critical point'

[02] Athens calls for avoidance of civilian casualties in Afghanistan

[03] President calls for education of troops on Greece's national rights

[04] Main opposition leader lauds Armed forces in light of Oct. 28 National Day

[05] National "Ochi" Day celebrations close in Thessaloniki with military parade

[06] New defense minister meets with US envoy

[07] Religious freedoms protection improved in Greece, U.S. State Dept. says

[08] Int'l anti-terrorism seminar at foreign ministry

[09] Patriarch Irineos pledges support for Jerusalem's unity

[10] Merchant marine minister attends AMVER awards ceremony

[11] Ruling PASOK party structures should change, foreign minister says

[12] State budget to be tabled November 21

[13] Tourism enterprises call for support measures

[14] Greek stocks start the week with gains

[15] New deputies' 2004-related duties unveiled on Tues.

[16] Culture minister defends omission of an Olympic Games ministry

[17] McGill U. professor publishes eyewitness' account of Izmir's destruction in 1922

[18] Lalaounis jewellery exhibition to be presented in New York

[19] German labor minister says Cyprus' EU harmonization process 'highly impressive'

[20] Religious freedom respected in Cyprus, US report says

[01] Greek FM says developments in Afghanistan at 'critical point'

LUXEMBOURG, 30/10/2001 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

The developments in Afghanistan, the Middle East and in the Balkans were at the focus of talks between the EU foreign ministers.

Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Giannitsis also represented Greece at the meeting.

With regard to Afghanistan, the ministers focused their attention on the post-Taliban era, at the same time deciding to coordinate both their actions and their visits to countries of central Asia. In the context of this coordination, Papandreou briefed his EU counterparts on the results of his recent visits to Arab countries as well as to his pending visits to Pakistan and Iran.

According to diplomatic sources, however, the ministers are concerned as to the effectiveness of the military operations in Afghanistan, mainly with regard to the increase in the number of civilians killed and the repercussions this will have on European public opinion.

With regard Greece's interventions, Papandreou underlined that in the sector of humanitarian aid, Greece has "useful experiences" from Kosovo. At the same time, he stressed that in view of Greece's EU presidency in the first half of 2003 (and Greece's participation in the community troika), the country's international role is being upgraded.

The Greek foreign minister further said that during his interventions at the Council, he expounded on the Greek proposals for the "upgrading of the dialogue between cultures and religions", which he said will be submitted to the United Nations, in view of its pending General Assembly.

Papandreou also referred to the Middle East issue which he termed as a key for more general developments, stressing that the resumption of the Israel-Palestinian dialogue constitutes "an imperative necessity".

On developments in the Balkans, and more specifically on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Papandreou termed as "a positive development" the agreement between the country's political parties as to the revision of the Constitution's preamble, calling on all sides to respect issues which have been agreed upon.

Papandreou submitted to the Council a series of proposals for the upgrading of the Balkan Stability Pact as well as the Restructuring Organization, which is based in Thessaloniki.

The Greek side further called for the need for Serbs to be granted secure conditions of participation in the elections which will be held in Kosovo on November 11. The Greek proposal was accepted and was included in the Council's final communique.

Monday's Council also dealt with the future of Europe and in particular the issue of justice which will prepare the next institutional reform of the EU. Within the context of this debate, the issue was raised of the participation of candidate countries in the procedure of institutional reform, and particular the issue of the participation of Turkey which protested recently, believing that its exclusion from the conference was being planned.

Papandreou stated that the "15" agreed that all the candidate countries will take part as observers in the procedures for institutional reform. However, the degree and the general framework of their participation will be linked to the degree of their abiding to the decisions of the EU summit in Helsinki. The Belgian EU presidency will submit a relevant report in the near future.

Concerning the remaining issues at the Council, Alternate Foreign Minister Yiannitsis, who made his first appearance at an EU General Affairs Council, referred to matters relating to the World Trade Organization as well as the status of Eurodeputies and of European political parties. With regard to the status of Eurodeputies, which in essence concerns the issue of the taxation of their incomes, the "15" reached an agreement which foresees their taxation by the European Union, but also by the member-states, on condition that double taxation will be avoided.

[02] Athens calls for avoidance of civilian casualties in Afghanistan

Athens, 30/10/2001 (ANA)

Spokesman Christos Protopapas added that whereas the surging campaign against terrorism is fully backed by the vast majority of the world's countries, it should not be linked to civilian casualties, even if these occur by mistake.

The spokesman added that Athens has also aired its opposition to possible strikes against other third countries during the ongoing campaign against terrorism.

[03] President calls for education of troops on Greece's national rights

Athens, 30/10/2001 (ANA)

Addressing the participants of a dinner hosted by the Thessaloniki based Third Army Corps Commander Gen. Gregoris Keltsidis, and in light of the Oct. 28 National Day parade, Stephanopoulos said that "the country can not be rid of the possibility of a conflict, despite the progress of time and the marked developments, which make such and event less possible than before".

"The unwelcome possibility remains and will remain in existence, all the while our neighboring country doesn't abandon the baseless and illegal claims against our country," Stephanopoulos said.

At that point Stephanopoulos stressed that the men of the Greek Armed Forces should be well informed about "our national rights", making the armed forces more able to defend the country.

"I totally believe in the bravery of our people and their feelings for the nation, but at the same time I believe that the moral and the feelings for the nation of the soldiers is strengthened by the understanding of our rights, which are beyond dispute and doubt," Stephanopoulos said, to a mostly military audience of the Officers' Club of Thessaloniki.

"In this framework, I believe that informative analysis should be included, and explanation of our rights should be made, rights that are based on international law, the international treaties in force and the Greekness of regions and islets, which are neighbors - without any existing or based reason - paint with different colors, than blue and white," he said.

"Our soldiers need wide information, which is proven by the fact that many of our citizens have small or incomplete knowledge of our national issues and the elements that comprise them," he added.

"Let's not forget that these issues which may lead to conflict are not so simple, and let's not forget that that these were reasons for war in 1912 or in 1940. The totally baseless doubting of our rights calls on - in a contorted way - the international treaties, it refuses the relevant maps and raises serious arguments, which need explanation and the relevant analysis," he said, adding "thus a briefing emerges for this reason as imperative".

He also spoke of the role of the armed forces in educating young conscripts in social manners and responsibility, which would improve the terms of their social co-existence, noting as an example the large number of fatalities on Greek roads, which was attributed to a great degree to the bad driving attitudes of Greek drivers.

Stephanopoulos also noted that education on social responsibility regarding the protection of the environment can prove beneficial saying that the current attitudes "of our people are disappointing for their civilization".

"The army is the best school, in which it is imperative that national attitudes be tough and love for the nation be strengthened, as well as other values and principles, which can and should be thought as patriotic as well," Stephanopoulos concluded.

President of the Republic visits north-central Pella prefecture President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Saturday stressed that funds earmarked for Greece's regions from the third community support framework (CFS) of the European Union should be used to the last euro, so as to develop those areas.

Speaking during his visit the north-central Pella prefecture, on his way to Thessaloniki for the Oct. 28, national day parade, Stephanopoulos said "Greece should utilize the third CFS funds, because I am not sure there will be a fourth one as well".

Accompanied by Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Paschalidis he visited the towns of Yiannitsa, Edessa and Pella.

In Pella, he stressed the importance of Macedonia to Greece's existence as a country, adding "for this reason it is the love for Macedonia, for this reason it is the love for the name, this piece of land is not only a vanguard of the country, but the life of our own country".

[04] Main opposition leader lauds Armed forces in light of Oct. 28 National Day

Athens, 30/10/2001 (ANA)

Karamanlis arrived in Thessaloniki to participate in the military parade commemorating the beginning of the Second World War for Greece in 1940 and the ensuing struggle for freedom.

Following his visit with the officers of the Third Army Corps, Karamanlis lauded the role of the Greek Armed Forces, saying that their work is of national and social importance.

"They stay awake so that we may sleep free of cares, while at the same time they are a strong axis of diplomacy of the country and of its foreign policy," he said.

He noted that for these reasons the military personnel need better salaries and pensions and committed that ND will apply pressure in that direction, adding that his party is committed "as the government of tomorrow" to promote the demands regarding the salaries of the sector.

[05] National "Ochi" Day celebrations close in Thessaloniki with military parade

Athens, 30/10/2001 (ANA)

This national day parade known as "Ochi" day ("No" in English) was observed by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, who after the event said that such celebrations strengthen the patriotic feelings of Greeks, feelings "which should always be first and foremost in our hearts".

On his part, Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said that Greeks should feel proud of their armed forces, while main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis said that "us Greeks can do allot, as long as we believe in our ability and as long as we are united".

Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Paschalidis, the leadership of Greece's Armed Forces and representatives of religious communities and the diplomatic corps were at hand for this one of Greece's pinnacle days.

The rest of the country celebrated this national day with student parades and smaller military parades.

[06] New defense minister meets with US envoy

Athens, 30/10/2001 (ANA)

In statements afterwards, Papantoniou said several US companies have expressed an interest in participating in various Greek military-related tenders.

The new defense minister again clarified that there hasn't been any request from Washington for direct Greek involvement in the US-led campaign centering on Afghanistan, although Greece backs the US effort as part of a more-or-less ecumenical political volition to fight international terrorism, something demonstrated by a recent European Council decision in Belgium.

On his part, and in answer to press questions, Miller said the US administration has not announced any decision on whether military operations will continue during the Muslim holy period of Ramadan, set to begin in mid November.

Afterwards, Miller paid a courtesy visit to Greek army chief of staff Gen. Georgios Antonakopoulos, as military, training and weapons procurement issues dominated talks.

[07] Religious freedoms protection improved in Greece, U.S. State Dept. says

WASHINGTON, 30/10/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Calling on the opinions of leaders of minority religions in Greece, the report observes an improvement in the way they are confronted by the official Greek state, while the report also notes that arrests on the basis of proselytizing have decreased.

Meanwhile, the report notes that the religious minorities themselves feel satisfied by the effective operation of the citizen's services provision office.

The report also noted the issue of the listing of religious affiliation in police ID cards, saying that the decision of the Simitis government to remove the religious affiliation from ID cards, in the summer of 2000, has caused a national debate on the issue, which is still underway.

[08] Int'l anti-terrorism seminar at foreign ministry

Athens, 30/10/2001 (ANA)

The foreign and public order ministers, George Papandreou and Mihalis Chrysohoidis, will inaugurate the seminar respectively.

[09] Patriarch Irineos pledges support for Jerusalem's unity

JERUSALEM, 30/10/2001 (ANA)

According to the Sunday edition of the daily "Jerusalem Post", Irineos stressed in his interview that, as a spiritual leader, he does not intend to interfere in political matters.

In the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, he said violence and tension could lead only to an endless cycle of bloodshed and human suffering. The only solution is an end to the violence and a resumption of negotiations.

"There is only one viable solution in every conflict between human beings: discussion and mutual concessions," he stressed.

The patriarch also pledged his support for the unity of Jerusalem.

"Jerusalem, as every other city in the world, can only live and progress as a united city, living in peace and calm," he said.

"We understand the importance of land ownership in the very sensitive pending geopolitical issues, especially regarding the future of Jerusalem," he noted.

The patriarch made a point of promising that there would be no secret land deals in the future and he stressed that no one - of any religion, nationality, or political belief - would be able in the future to play "geo-strategic games," with the church's property behind its back.

[10] Merchant marine minister attends AMVER awards ceremony

Athens, 30/10/2001 (ANA)

Attending the dinner, organized by "The Propeller Club of the United States", in cooperation with the American Embassy and the US Coast Guard, were approximately 500 representatives from the business, shipping and financial sectors of Athens and Piraeus.

During the dinner, the minister discussed with US Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller issues concerning maritime safety.

The minister also asked that the US Coast Guard supply vessels for the Greek Coast Guard.

[11] Ruling PASOK party structures should change, foreign minister says

Athens, 30/10/2001 (ANA)

He stressed that the institutions of the party "have reached their limits", adding that PASOK has a new dynamism that it gained from the last congress, through which "it is rediscovering its vitality, so as not to remain simply in the management ... but to have a vision and a prospect and the ability to mobilize Greek society".

He believes that there was a "general renewal" in the party and reaffirms his support for Central Committee Secretary Costas Laliotis in his "effort to renew the structures".

Speaking on foreign affairs the minister said that Greece can play the role of the bridge between West and Islam, adding that "it has played an important role in the dialogue of civilizations".

Opinion poll on gov't reshuffle shows approval by ruling PASOK voters: Greece's public opinion does not seem certain that the new government that resulted from Tuesday's government reshuffle would change the tempo of projects the government has undertaken, according to an opinion poll published by Imerisia, financial daily, on Saturday.

The poll conducted by V-PRC for Imerisia, noted that 50 percent of those that answered the poll's questions, were "mostly not satisfied" with the government reshuffle, while 30.5 per cent responded "mostly satisfied" and the remaining 19.5 per cent noted "I don't know or I will not answer".

Ruling PASOK voters, participating in the opinion poll, however, provided their support for the new government tot he tune of 51.9 per cent, with only a 35.7 per cent responding "not satisfied".

Meanwhile the same poll showed Foreign Minister George Papandreou as the most popular member of ruling PASOK party by far, with a 70.6 per cent approval rating, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos with a 58.9 per cent approval rating came second and Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos with 58.4 per cent approval rating came third.

[12] State budget to be tabled November 21

Athens, 30/10/2001 (ANA)

The minister said that in his meeting with Simitis, they examined the course of the setting up of the 2002 budget, in view of its tabling in parliament on November 21, and in light of the start of the debate in parliament in a few days time of the draft budget.

Christodoulakis said that "the government is closely observing international economic developments so that the shaping of the budget will be in full harmony with international forecasts and aim at strengthening the Greek economy."

[13] Tourism enterprises call for support measures

Athens, 30/10/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, at news conference, SETE officials reiterated that a chronic illness of Greek tourism was the lack of long-term policy and targets and noted that last-minute reservations for the new tourist period would rise and that Greek tourism would fell pressures for lower prices.

SETE chairman, Stavros Andreadis, revealed that foreign tour operators have stopped advance payments for travel package bookings to Greece, in an apparent effort to drive prices lower.

SETE said that actions, both in national and European Union level, should be oriented towards: creating and preserving a favorable investment climate and boosting business activity, support tourist demand through communication and tax measures and strengthening the country's tourism product competitiveness.

SETE vice-chairman, E. Vassilakis, said that air transport in Greece fell by 25-30 percent in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks against the United States.

Vassilakis urged for a speedy privatization of Olympic Airways and warned that any other delay would affect other Greek airlines and would lead the country without a national carrier towards the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

[14] Greek stocks start the week with gains

Athens, 30/10/2001 (ANA)

The general index ended 0.77 percent higher at 2,388.74 points, reflecting gains in the banks sector, with turnover a low 22.6 billion drachmas or 66.4 million euros. Traders said that with turnover at these levels the market could not move much higher. The Retail and Bank sector scored the biggest percentage gains (1.72 percent and 1.52 percent, respectively), while the Textiles, Food and Beverage sectors suffered the heaviest losses (0.70 percent and 0.48 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.08 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 0.33 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.87 percent up.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 172 to 121 with another 63 issues unchanged.

[15] New deputies' 2004-related duties unveiled on Tues.

Athens, 30/10/2001 (ANA)

Monday's meeting came less than a week after a government reshuffle and Simitis' decision to appoint six new deputy ministers (in a variety of ministries) with direct involvement in numerous 2004-related preparations and construction projects.

Tomorrow's inter-ministerial committee session is expected to deal with the exact duties each of the new deputy ministers will have, as no decisions were announced following Monday's meeting.

In exiting the meeting, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos told reporters, however, that "ministers will have the final decision" over their deputies' responsibilities.

"Olympic issues must be dealt with by the ministers themselves, they should also dole out duties to the deputies, when need be," he said. The minister is expected to meet with Athens 2004 organizing committee (ATHOC) president Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki later in the evening.

Angelopoulos-Daskalaki: In earlier statements, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki told reporters that the new Cabinet composition proves that the Olympics are a top priority for the government.

"All of us, I mean all of us, have an obligation to work rapidly and effectively in order to successfully host the 2004 Games," she said.

According to ATHOC sources, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said the new ministerial appointments vis-a-vis preparations for the Games, as announced by Prime Minister Costas Simitis last week, demonstrate the highest priority assigned by the government to the event.

"We, in the organizing committee, must contribute in any way possible to the state's efforts, as well as to work closely and effectively with it," she told ATHOC's executives.

[16] Culture minister defends omission of an Olympic Games ministry

Athens, 30/10/2001 (ANA)

The minister stressed, in his interview, that Prime Minister Costas Simitis gave clear directives for substantial responsibilities to the deputy ministers, stressing the importance of collective bodies and saying "I believe that we should be honest on such is-sues, to admit possible problems and to have ready the mechanism to resolve them".

Venizelos stressed that the establishment of a minister for the Olympic Games would have upset the operations of the administration of all other ministries and would have made those administrative mechanisms opponents to such a ministry.

"This would have been a nightmarish bureaucratic obstacle... I believe that this selection that was made (not to have an Olympic Games' portfolio) will yield positive results," Venizelos said.

[17] McGill U. professor publishes eyewitness' account of Izmir's destruction in 1922

MONTREAL, 30/10/2001 (ANA - I. Frangouli)

Entitled "Between the Fire, Sword and Sea - In Izmir in 1922" the professor published in Greek the account of those difficult days her grandfather left behind, Dr. Karabiet Hatcheryan's accounts have already been published in English, Armenian, French, German and Spanish.

[18] Lalaounis jewellery exhibition to be presented in New York

NEW YORK, 30/10/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Present at the inauguration on November 1, will be representatives of the major museums of the area, art critics, the president of the Cultural Center, Stelios Papadimitriou, Ilias Lalaounis and Ioanna Lalaouni-Tsoukopoulou.

[19] German labor minister says Cyprus' EU harmonization process 'highly impressive'

NICOSIA, 30/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking on Monday after his meeting with Cyprus Minister of Labor and Social Insurances Andreas Mousiouttas, with whom he held official talks on issues pertaining to EU enlargement and Cyprus' harmonization with the acquis communautaire on social policy and employment issues, Riester underlined Cyprus' low rate of unemployment and added "Cyprus is well on her way to accede" into the European Union.|

During their meeting the two ministers also exchanged views on ways to further develop cooperation, which started in 1996 with the signing of a relevant protocol.

Riester said he would give his government the message that Cyprus "is doing a very good job as regards its harmonization process."

Jacques Poos visit: Rapporteur of the European Parliament on Cyprus' accession to the EU Jacques Poos, on Monday expressed satisfaction for the legislative work the European Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives carries out regarding Cyprus' harmonization process with the EU and said that Cyprus will be among the first candidate countries to enter the EU.

Speaking after his meeting with the members of the Committee on European Affairs Poos said that the harmonization process is proceeding well.

He also expressed wish to meet with Turkish Cypriot political leaders to brief them on the benefits Turkish Cypriots would have by Cyprus' accession to the EU, and ask them to exert pressure on the Turkish Cypriot leadership so that the Turkish Cypriot side would participate to the resumption of talks on Cyprus.

Poos also expressed hope that a solution to the Cyprus problem would be found prior to Cyprus' accession into the EU.

On his part Chairman of the European Affairs Committee, Tassos Papadopoulos said Poos has heard the views of the Committee's members and answered their questions in view of his next report on Cyprus and especially in view of the general report on candidate countries due in next November.

He said the European official has expressed his views on the EU's position and especially the European Parliament on Cyprus' accession process.

Earlier, Poos met with President of the Social Democrats Movement (KISOS) Yiannakis Omirou after which he announced that President of the European Parliament Nicole Fontaine would be visiting Cyprus next November.

Fontaine's visit to Cyprus "shows the interest all European Institutions have in the negotiation process", Poos said.

Referring to the visit of European Commission President Romano Prodi in Cyprus last week, Poos said he was pleased to see that the visit had a "very positive impact".

He also expressed hope that "the Turkish Cypriot side will very soon revise its position (on the Cyprus problem) because they must know that the only way to be a member of the European family is the political solution of the Cyprus problem" adding "if they don't want it, they cannot become members and also Turkey cannot become a member."

[20] Religious freedom respected in Cyprus, US report says

WASHINGTON, 30/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The report said there had been no change in the status of respect for religious freedom during the period it covered and that the generally amicable relationship among religions in society contributed to religious freedom though "there were a few instances of vandalism of unused religious sites."|

Noting the division of the island since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory, the State Department said approximately 96% of the population in the government-controlled areas are Greek Orthodox, approximately 0.6% Maronites, slightly under 0.3% Armenian Orthodox, 0.2% Latin (Roman Catholic) and a 4% belong to other groups.

However, "there are complaints of vandalism of unused Orthodox churches," it said and explained: "Turkish Cypriots complain that unused mosques in the south have been treated similarly. Orthodox churches and cemeteries in the north continue to deteriorate due to vandalism and neglect. Greek Cypriots complain that since 1974, religious icons have been removed from Orthodox churches in the north."

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