Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-11-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece, Turkey sign protocol on returning migrants; CBMs finalized

[02] British minister for defense procurement in Athens this week

[03] CoE joint declaration on combatting of terrorism

[04] Greek president notes Greece's contribution to global security and peace

[05] State Department says Niles speaks as ordinary citizen

[06] Turkish delegation due in Thessaloniki on Friday

[07] Anti-war rally held in Athens

[08] Greek-Turkish Business Council offers to set up 'crisis team'

[09] Olympic Airways' sale delayed again

[10] Cosmote listed in FT500 Survey

[11] Development minister pledges to back regional growth

[12] State telecom gets FYROM mobile phone license

[13] EU agencies are examining Greek land registry drafting process

[14] Economy minister inaugurates new exhibition center on Crete

[15] Stocks nose up, show signs of consolidation

[16] Gov't denies friction in relations with ATHOC

[17] Public Works minister meets Olympiad Organizing Committee chief

[18] Archbishop Anastasios visits Rizareios Academy

[19] Greek youths seem to be the least tolerant to foreigners in EU, poll says

[20] Cyprus President arrives in New York for UN talks

[21] Wisconsin urges U.S. administration to strongly support Cyprus' EU membership

[01] Greece, Turkey sign protocol on returning migrants; CBMs finalized

Athens, 09/11/2001 (ANA)

The highly visible agreement, signed by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his visiting Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem, allows for the re-entry of migrants illegally crossing into EU member-state Greece from Turkey, or, vice-versa, as the Greek FM noted.

Besides the migrant-return protocol and a few other “low-impact” agreements, the long-standing Cyprus issue was also discussed by the two delegations and repeatedly touched on during a joint press conference, just days after Cem told a Turkish assembly committee that "Turkey may be obliged to take final decisions" if Cyprus accedes to the EU, as well as ominous threats by Turkish PM Bulent Ecevit to annex the island’s occupied north.

In terms of the migrant re-admittance protocol, the subject of detailed last-minute negotiations in Athens this week, Papandreou clarified that it does not cover individuals eligible for political asylum or internationally recognized refugees.

Specifically, law enforcement authorities - either in Greece or Turkey -- will have a 14-day period to inform their counterparts on the exact number of people to be re-admitted following their detention, including citizens from third countries.

The agreement comes in light of another incident this past week in Greek waters involving a vessel disembarking from a Turkish port and laden with Third World migrants, mostly Iraqi Kurds.

Upwards of 1,100 would-be immigrants - including many women and children - were crammed aboard the decrepit Turkish-flagged freighter that ran adrift early Monday near the Ionian island of Zakynthos. The migrants are being sheltered on the isle as the Greek government ponders their fate.

Along those lines, Cem emphasized to reporters during the press conference that the issue of mutual cooperation by Ankara and Athens to offer humanitarian aid to the Afghan people was also discussed at length, as Turkey, he stressed, is also facing an enormous influx of illegal migrants over the past years.

Papandreou added that both countries agreed, under terms of the pact, to exchange information on networks funneling migrants from east to west, while he warned that such networks are also involved in drug and weapons smuggling, "and sometimes, terrorism".

Cyprus: Regarding Cyprus, which ranks as probably the biggest obstacle to a full normalization of Greek-Turkish relations, Papandreou at first indirectly referred to the issue before focusing directly on the divided island republic's EU prospects.

"We have problems and we're not shy about discussing them ... we hope this process (of rapprochement) will help the situation in Cyprus and help us see a different prospect for Cyprus."

He also reiterated Greece's standing position of finding a Cyprus solution based on UN resolutions.

Cem was equally frank about the matter.

"We discussed the issues over which we do not agree ... We exchanged views on the developments in Cyprus..." Cem said, while reiterating on at least two occasions that Ankara wants "a mutually acceptable settlement" for "both nations" on Cyprus and their motherlands. In echoing Turkey's own standing position, he said a confederation on the divided island is the best solution.

Thursday's comments come on the heels of gradually increasing regional and international interest in the Cyprus question due to the island republic's bright prospects of gaining accession to the European Union, and despite the fact that roughly one-third of Cyprus is occupied by Turkish forces and not under the control of the internationally recognized Clerides government in Nicosia.

CBMs, protocols: The two countries also agreed on a set of new Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs), including an exchange of military observers for large-scale military exercises held in either Turkey or Greece; contacts by the two countries' chiefs of defense staff for talks on issues affecting international organizations, and cooperation to ensure a sustainable environmental development along the Evros River, which separates Greece from European Turkey in the Thrace province.

The two countries' permanent NATO representatives will take up further progress over CBMs, the foreign ministers said.

The other signed "low-level" protocols include the future establishment of a joint disaster response unit; a declaration on the "Olympic Truce" - with Greece and Turkey being the first two nations to sign the relevant memorandum; a declaration on cultural affairs and an agreement involving an exchange programs by the two countries diplomatic academies.

Cem also mentioned a burgeoning cooperation by the two countries' football federations with a view to hosting the 2008 Euro-championship.

Finally, Papandreou said the stalled matter of double taxation "is the next challenge", in answer to a press question.

Photo exhibition by Turkish FM inaugurated in Athens: A photo exhibition by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, entitled "Seasons", was inaugurated at the Athens municipality's Art Center in Freedom Park in Athens on Thursday night.

Apart from Cem himself, the inauguration was attended by his Greek counterpart George Papandreou, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, Minister to the Aegean Nikos Sifounakis, ministers, deputies, diplomats from both countries and many personalities.

A stir was created when a man, probably a Kurd, started shouting slogans against Cem and Turkey while Papandreou was speaking. He was led away by police and the event continued unobstructed.

Papandreou referred in his address to the symbolism of the place where Cem's photo exhibition is taking place and to its significance for Greece.

Papandreou referred to the man Ismail Cem, a man full of sensitivity and humanity. Through the photos we see a picture of his own soul, Papandreou said and reminded that his father Andreas Papandreou also had photography as a hobby.

Cem said the excellent event organized in his honor in Athens is a great opportunity for the two countries and expressed his pleasure and gratitude, particularly to Greece's "friendly" foreign minister and minister of the Aegean.

Cem further said he does not consider himself an artist but an ordinary man who loves art and photography.

[02] British minister for defense procurement in Athens this week

Athens, 09/11/2001 (ANA)

Lord Bach is scheduled to meet with Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and the chief of the national defense staff, Gen. Manoussos Paragioudakis.

During his visit he will also speak at a symposium on cooperation between the Greek and British defense industries, and event organized by the Hellenic Manufacturers of Defense Material Association (SEKPY) and the Defense Manufacturers Association of the United Kingdom.

On Sunday morning, Nov. 11, Lord Bach will join British, Commonwealth and Greek war veterans at a memorial service at St. Paul's Anglican Church in downtown Athens to commemorate "Remembrance Sunday for British and Commonwealth War Dead".

Before the memorial service, Lord Bach and the widow of slain British military attache Brig. Stephen Saunders, Heather Saunders, will unveil a plaque in his memory at the church.

[03] CoE joint declaration on combatting of terrorism

STRASBOURG, 08/11/2001 (ANA)

Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Giannitsis represented Greece.

The session was centered on the problem of terrorism and in particular to the Council of Europe's contribution in the international community's efforts to combat it.

Giannitsis in his address reiterated the Greek government's firm positions which condemn any form of terrorism from wherever it comes from, and underlined Greece's struggle for its eradication.

The minister further stressed that Greece has undertaken a specific initiative for the establishment of a permanent dialogue between the religious faiths and cultures aimed at eliminating prejudices and for the cooperation of peoples, based on the respect of everyone's identity.

[04] Greek president notes Greece's contribution to global security and peace

Athens, 09/11/2001 (ANA)

He said that Greece was called upon to serve the idea of peace in these difficult times, adding that the most important aim and obligation is not the projects of peace time, but also the preparation of the country to deter any danger and threat.

Stephanopoulos noted that this primary aim is fulfilled by Greece, adding that everyone should contribute to the confrontation against terrorism.

The Greek president also said that the developed countries should stand by the poor peoples of the world and spoke of the country's development, which, he said, needs everyone's contribution and effort to be achieved.

He stressed the need for a common European Union foreign and defense policy, underlining that Greeks should place special emphasis on the European Union.

[05] State Department says Niles speaks as ordinary citizen

WASHINGTON, 09/11/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

"His views do not represent the American government on this issue. We have excellent relations and very close cooperation with the government of Greece in the combatting of terrorism and we will continue to have this on a private level," Boucher said.

On a specific question concerning the "list" and to the U.S. government's official reaction, Boucher avoided making any further comment.

[06] Turkish delegation due in Thessaloniki on Friday

Athens, 09/11/2001 (ANA)

A dinner will be hosted in their honor by the "Greek Forum", the "Center for Democracy and Reconciliation in the Balkans" and the "Association of Industrialists of Northern Greece".

On Saturday morning the delegation will attend an event at the Turkish Consulate in Thessaloniki. Later in the day Mirzaoglu will meet Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Paschalidis.

[07] Anti-war rally held in Athens

Athens, 09/11/2001 (ANA)

The demonstrators, over four thousand according to police estimates, were addressed by well-known composer Mikis Theodorakis who condemned the terrorist attack in the United States, but added that the Americans and their allies are attempting another genocide against humanity with their attack in Afghanistan.

Theodorakis said it is obvious that the crusade against terrorism constitutes a smoke screen to conceal the real targets of the new world order which the Americans and their close allies wish to impose.

[08] Greek-Turkish Business Council offers to set up 'crisis team'

Athens, 09/11/2001 (ANA)

Each country would have six to seven members on the team, including four business people, former ambassadors and mass media executives. The group would convene automatically, whenever issues on a bilateral or international level appeared to create problems in bilateral trade and economic relations between Greece and Turkey.

The two ministers welcomed the idea, while further details are to be worked out by the business councils in each country.

The proposal was made during the 4th Greek-Turkish Business Forum, which began on Wednesday with both Papandreou, Cem and business people from both countries attending.

The issues to be discussed on Thursday, the last day of the forum, will include trade and economic relations between Greece and Turkey, investments, double taxation and current affairs, such as the repercussions of the September 11 terrorist strikes in the United States and the war in Afghanistan.

Cyprus issue no block to Greek-Turkish business ties, minister says: Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said on Thursday that the Cyprus issue did not stand as a major impediment to business cooperation between Greece and Turkey.

Tsohatzopoulos was speaking on the sidelines of a meeting in Athens of the Greek-Turkish Business Council.

The minister, who until a recent cabinet reshuffle held the defense portfolio, said that work on finding a solution to the Cyprus problem was aiding the growth of bilateral ties between the two countries.

"This also stands as a challenge to the contemporary societies of Greece and Turkey to make the best use of the margin of substantive cooperation towards attaining closer economic ties," Tsohatzopoulos said.

A base framework of cooperation between the two countries had already been formulated through agreements signed in the sectors of tourism, business and growth of the banking system, he added.

"In this manner, viewpoints are strengthened that a joint shift by Greece and Turkey towards the European Union will constitute the basis of a new favorable outlook for the two countries' peoples, at the same time pointing the way forward in the problem existing in Cyprus today," Tsohatzopoulos said.

In its second and final day, the business council focused on trade and business ties between the two countries.

In a message to the meeting, Foreign Minister George Papandreou said that rapprochement between the two countries in the last two years had opened a new chapter in bilateral ties.

In addition, Greece backed Turkey's bid to join the European Union, and its adaptation to the European reality, believing that this would favor Turkey politically and economically, also upgrading bilateral ties.

The deputy president of the Turkish-Greek Business Council, Selim Egeli, said that one target was to raise trade between the two countries to more than six billion US dollars in five years from nearly one billion dollars at present.

More than 50 Greek firms have invested in Turkey, representing 3.2 percent of total foreign investments in the neighboring country.

Among officials taking part in the meeting were the heads of the two countries' stock markets, who discussed a plan to establish cross-deals between their bourses, which is expected to come into effect in the second half of 2002.

[09] Olympic Airways' sale delayed again

Athens, 09/11/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, at a press conference, Verelis said that current conditions "do not support this kind of actions with banks unwilling to support the ailing airline industry."

This development supports the view that AXON Group, the leading candidate in the tender, is not capable to ensure the viability of the Greek national carrier.

Verelis said that it would be a satisfactory development if all business groups interested in the sale decided to unite their forces in their effort to acquire a majority stake in Olympic Airways, stressing the need even for cooperation between candidates in the tender.

Commenting on a recent decision by the new Athens airport management to cut airport fees, Verelis said it would need a cut of up to 10 percent to boost the airport's competitiveness and urged Greek police forces for tighter security controls at the airport.

[10] Cosmote listed in FT500 Survey

Athens, 09/11/2001 (ANA)

The FT500 survey is published for 19 years and includes companies from all sectors. The survey is a barometer for the evaluation of companies listed in the catalogue.

[11] Development minister pledges to back regional growth

Athens, 09/11/2001 (ANA)

At his first meeting with the Association of Northern Greek Industrialists, Tsohatzopoulos also agreed that industry needed toning up, and that an overall strategy was required for the regions.

[12] State telecom gets FYROM mobile phone license

Athens, 09/11/2001 (ANA)

OTE, which won a state tender for the license, now had a presence in all southeast European countries, Verelis said.

[13] EU agencies are examining Greek land registry drafting process

BRUSSELS, 09/11/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

He said that the proposal might then be to abolish or cut the pro-gram of Union funding for the project by funds from the 2000-2006 third community support framework fund.

Barnier's comments came in response to a question tabled by Greek Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) Euro-deputy M. Papayiannakis.

[14] Economy minister inaugurates new exhibition center on Crete

Athens, 09/11/2001 (ANA)

Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis inaugurated the exhibition and exhibition center late on Wednesday night, who said that the new center would provide Crete with infrastructure that had been largely absent so far, and which would allow it to promote its products and services in international markets in the best possible way.

[15] Stocks nose up, show signs of consolidation

Athens, 09/11/2001 (ANA)

The general share index gained 0.06 percent to end at 2,634.90 points. Turnover was 192.7 million euros.

Spurring the mild profit taking were a denial by Commercial Bank of Greece of any immediate plans to forge an alliance with another bank; and by Intracom, which rejected talk of an alliance with Hellenic Telecommunications Organization.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.17 percent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.79 percent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities 0.54 percent up.

Of 360 stocks traded, advances led declines at 191 to 126 with 63 issues remaining unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were National Bank of Greece, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Koumbas, Cosmote and Intracom.

Equity futures track underlying indices: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Thurs-day ended level with their underlying indices after showing gains early in trade versus losses in the main market, traders said.

Changing hands were 7,279 contracts on turnover of 46.5 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips gained 0.17 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks rose 0.79 percent.

Bond prices rise in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Thursday finished higher in heavy trade focusing on five-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 4.68 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 44 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 2.8 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[16] Gov't denies friction in relations with ATHOC

Athens, 09/11/2001 (ANA)

Government spokesman Christos Protopappas said the meeting between Simitis and Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, one that ATHOC sources said was scheduled days ago, covered issued related to the inter-ministerial committee and the course of 2004 preparations, all in wake of an upcoming visit by an IOC delegation.

"In no way was there such an issue (of a resignation)," Proto-papas said, adding that cooperation between the government and ATHOC is normal, whereas Angelopoulos-Daskalaki's role is "significant".

He also there was no issue of an "intervention" by any government official in ATHOC's work.

Meanwhile, sources within ATHOC and close to Angelopoulos-Daskalaki also denied the reports about an imminent resignation, saying that "preparations for the Games needs work and all must work in a coordinated fashion".

Asked about reports that Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos wants to be present when Olympics-related matters are discussed with the IOC and other agencies, the spokesman said the issue of the government's presence has been taken up at an inter-ministerial session, which decided that a government official will attend such meetings in order to better inform IOC executives on issues pertaining exclusively to the government's portion of 2004-related activities.

On his part, Venizelos has openly stated that a government representative should be present at the upcoming press conference by IOC vice-president Denis Oswald and Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, while he said the IOC has also been informed of the issue via a letter sent by Simitis himself.

The IOC's coordinating commission for the 2004 Games, which is headed by Oswald, arrives in Athens on Nov. 21 for a round of contacts with ATHOC and the government to gauge preparations.

Finally, he added that the relevant decision was known to Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, whereas consultations are underway with the IOC in order to implement the inter-ministerial committee's decision.

[17] Public Works minister meets Olympiad Organizing Committee chief

Athens, 09/11/2001 (ANA)

The two ladies, who are shouldering an important part of the Olympiad's preparation, said they will worry until the end, until the 2004 Olympics are completed.

According to reports, their meetings will be regular from now on, even three times a month, while the next meeting will take on the form of a session including their associates.

Daskalaki one again categorically denied rumors of her resignation. On her part, Papandreou said she and Daskalaki discussed the better preparation of the Olympic Games, as well as alternative plans which should exist for each Olympic project.

[18] Archbishop Anastasios visits Rizareios Academy

Athens, 09/11/2001 (ANA)

Archbishop Anastasios was later given a tour of the academy, while the students gave him the gospel of Ioannis Katakouzinos. Visibly moved, Archbishop Anastasios spoke of the renaissance of Orthodoxy in an address to students in the hall of ceremonies.

He said the church of Albania rose from its ashes. New churches were built and others were renovated. At the end of the address, the students gave a dinner for the two prelates.

Archbishop Anastasios was due to visit the Athens Academy on Thursday night, while on Friday morning he will be receiving vi-sits by party leaders before leaving for Tirana at noon.

[19] Greek youths seem to be the least tolerant to foreigners in EU, poll says

BRUSSELS, 09/11/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

The same poll showed that members of this age group did not view the euro as the most important accomplishment of the European Union during the past decade.

The poll was conducted between April and May 2001 and about 10,000 youths from all 15 member-states responded to the survey.

Specifically, according to the Eurobarometer survey 44 per cent of Greeks between the ages of 15 and 24 believe that "an excessive number of foreigners resides in Greece", recording the highest positive response to this question of the survey, where Italians came second with 38.4 per cent, the Belgians third with 37.9 per cent and the Germans fourth with 32.1 per cent.

[20] Cyprus President arrives in New York for UN talks

NEW YORK, 09/11/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking on arrival in New York, President Clerides said UN Secretary General Kofi Annan would send an invitation to talks once he has secured the consent of the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides that they would accept his invitation to talks.

He stressed, however, that the Turkish Cypriot side, which withdrew from the talks and rejected Annan's invitation to resume the dialogue, "should first return to the negotiating table and secondly return to negotiate."

Replying to questions, he said Annan had conveyed invitations to talks in early September 2001 having secured the consent of both sides, but the Turkish side then turned down the invitation.

"Both sides will have to give their consent for the Secretary General to send an invitation, and usually Annan would not send invitations to talks unless he knows that the two sides will respond in a positive manner," President Clerides added.

The Cypriot president will address on Sunday morning the 56th UN General Assembly and have a meeting with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan on Friday afternoon, according to his program of meetings.

The President is due to meet US State Department Special Coordinator on Cyprus Thomas Weston on Thursday afternoon and on Friday lunchtime, he will host a working lunch for the ambassadors of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

On Saturday, he will attend the opening of the UN Assembly and will attend a lunch hosted by Annan for heads of state and governments.

Later the same day he is due to see the Indian prime minister, who postponed an official visit to Cyprus in mid September following the terrorist attacks in the US and the president of Slovenia.

On Sunday, the Cypriot president is scheduled to give a press conference after his address to the Assembly. At lunchtime he will attend a reception in honor of Yasser Arafat hosted by the Committee for the Rights of the Palestinians.

President Clerides will host a working lunch on Monday for Annan's Special Adviser for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto, expected on Thursday in New York after a tour of Nicosia, Athens and Ankara over the past several days.

The same day in the evening he is due to see Britain's representative for the Cyprus problem Lord David Hannay.

Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, who was due to arrive here Thursday afternoon, is scheduled to have a meeting with British Foreign Minister of State Peter Hain and sit at a lunch hosted by his German counterpart Joschka Fischer. Kasoulides will see members of the American Jewish Society on Friday and over the next few days he is scheduled to meet other foreign ministers.

[21] Wisconsin urges U.S. administration to strongly support Cyprus' EU membership

NICOSIA, 09/11/2001 (CNA/ANA)

In a resolution, approved on November 6, the Assembly notes that a Cyprus settlement "must be based on one state of Cyprus with a single sovereignty and international personality and a single citizenship, with its independence and territorial integrity safeguarded and comprising two political equal communities as described in the relevant Security Council resolutions in a bicommunal and bizonal federation. Such a settlement must exclude union in whole or part with other countries", the resolution says.

The Wisconsin Assembly urges the US administration "to undertake significant efforts to promote substantial progress towards a solution of the Cyprus problem in the near future thus ending the unacceptable status quo."

It adds that a peaceful, just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem "would greatly benefit the security, and political, economic, and social well-being of all Cypriots as well as contribute to improved relations between Greece and Turkey". It points out that the international community and the US government "has repeatedly called for the speedy withdrawal of all foreign forces from the territory of Cyprus".

The Wisconsin Assembly notes that the US government supports Cyprus' accession to the EU, according to the Helsinki Conclusions of the European Council, adding that "the member-ship of Cyprus to the European Union should be strongly sup-ported by the United States."

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