Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-12-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Putin praises level of Greek-Russian relations

[02] FM Papandreou expresses reserved optimism over Cyprus solution

[03] Greek EU commissioner satisfied with Clerides-Denktash meeting

[04] Greece insists on Nice summit decisions for EU army

[05] Greek deputy minister calls for comprehensive security of personal rights

[06] EU justice ministers narrow definition of terrorism

[07] Interior minister and DHKKI leader discuss public administration

[08] Invitation to Iran for DHKKI leader Tsovolas

[09] WEU parliamentary assembly adopts budget

[10] Greek veteran diplomat recounts Greece's course to its EU accession

[11] New stability plan sees inflation at 2.8 pct in 2004

[12] Number of banks rising in Greece, bucking EU trend in 1994-99

[13] Piraeus Leasing acquires OTE Leasing

[14] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise, players shy off blue chips

[15] Culture minister examines Athens Olympiad with IOC president

[16] Environment minister briefs ND deputies on Olympiad projects

[17] Gov't steadfast on measures to restrict illegal immigration

[18] More than 150 illegal immigrants, six Syrian crew, arrested from 'WAEL IV'

[19] 24 Afghan illegal immigrants arrested on Aegean island

[20] Former Italian premier proclaimed honorary professor

[21] Government is cautiously optimistic but warns against euphoria

[22] UN top envoy appears hopeful for a solution in six months

[01] Putin praises level of Greek-Russian relations

Athens, 07/12/2001 (ANA)

Putin emphasized that Moscow and Athens hold similar views on a variety of issues, including the Balkans, while citing robust bilateral trade figures during his meeting with Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos in downtown Athens.

In referring specifically to the often strife-riddled Balkans, Putin said, any peace is preferable to war. He also clarified that the situation could be better if the international community was more decisive vis-a-vis groups attempting to solve political problems with the force of arms.

In echoing most of Athens positions for its neighboring region, Putin said all United Nations decisions must be observed, particularly Security Council Resolution 1244 for Kosovo, while no one should be allowed to change borders in this part of Europe under any pretext

We are ready for close cooperation with Greece on this issue, he added.

In receiving Putin at the presidential mansion, Greek President Stephanopoulos cited the EU and NATO member-states desire for even closer relations with Moscow.

Russia is a major military and political force, as well as a significant international factor, he said.

The Greek president also emphasized that both Athens and Moscow are among the most vocal proponents of retaining cur-rent borders in the region, in tandem with the strict observance of human and minority rights.

Stephanopoulos stressed that although the situation in the Balkans is better today than in the past, dangers still persist.

Energy cooperation: The issue of cooperation in the energy field was also discussed by the two men, with talks expectedly focusing on the long-delayed Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline project.

The pipeline, envisioned in a series of agreements beginning in the early 90s, would transport Russian crude oil unloaded at the Bulgarian Black Sea port of Burgas overland to Greeces Alexandroupoli in the NE Aegean.

Additionally, Putin said Russian companies were ready to participate in Greeces soon-to-be deregulated energy market.

Cyprus: In terms of the long-standing Cyprus problem, Putin said Russias position is based on the need for dialogue between the two communities under the UN general secretarys auspices.

He also praised this weeks direct meeting on the divided island by the two sides leaders, Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, while lauding Greeces role in the process for a Cyprus solution.

Stephanopoulos, meanwhile, said Cyprus EU accession based on Helsinki summit decisions is assured.

Military cooperation: In response to a press question, Putin called Russias share of Greek defense procurements small, before mentioning that Moscow does not seek exclusivity in this sector.

Russia has been a very good partner of Greece in the military field not just for years but for centuries, this is a historical fact, he said.

Finally, Putin said the latest disturbing developments in the Middle East are a cause for worry in Moscow.

He favored the arrests of terrorists, as he said, while calling for a resumption of unconditional peace talks, something requested by the Israeli and Palestinian sides.

Greece, Russia sign six agreements: Greece and Russia signed six agreements on Thursday on the first day of Russian President Vladimir Putin's three-day official visit to Greece.

The agreements concern cooperation in the fuel, energy, shipping and air transport sectors, as well as police cooperation and cooperation between the two countries' justice ministries and the establishment of cultural centers in the two countries.

The two countries' delegations which met before the signing of the agreements included Transport Minister Christos Verelis, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Zaphiropoulos, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Valentina Matvienko, Transport Minister S. Frank and Russia's Ambassador to Athens Mikhail Bocharnikov.

At the end of talks with Putin, President Kostis Stephanopoulos offered him a silver cigarette case with a golden national emblem and his signature engraved on it, as well as two books, Plato's The Republic and the biography of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of Greece.

Putin reciprocated with a silver tray, together with a bottle and glasses.

Stephanopoulos calls Putin's visit to Greece one of special importance: Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Greece is of special importance, Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos said on Thursday, while addressing a dinner he hosted for his Russian counterpart.

The importance of the visit "is due to the importance of Russia on the international stage, due to your personality and your abilities," Stephanopoulos said in his address.

Stephanopoulos noted that Russia changed the world twice in the previous century, the first time with the October revolution and the second with its 1991 turn to democracy, international cooperation and the regrouping of its forces. This turn to democracy, the Greek president said, brought to an end to "a dangerous competition that lasted for about 45 years".

"We should make every effort for the resolution of international problems that give birth to actions of violence, as well as for the improvement of living conditions in regions that have great need and misery, regions that are black spots to our humanity and have as a result jealousy and enmity among peoples," Stephanopoulos said.

He stressed that this much-needed effort should be undertaken in the framework of international organizations and especially by the United Nations.

Stephanopoulos noted that, although there is a marked decrease in tensions in the Balkans, the dangers are ever present and stressed that Greece supports the idea that "borders should not change and the territorial integrity of states should be maintained".

He expressed the opinion that "the Russian Federation is called upon to play a major role as an element of stability and cooperation in southeastern Europe".

The Greek president also stressed that the implementation of International Law and international treaties, the adherence of democratic principles and the respect of human and minority rights, are the necessary preconditions for the peaceful coexistence of states.

Speaking on the Cyprus problem, Stephanopoulos said that only the implementation of the decisions of the United Nations can place the basis for a just resolution of the Cyprus issue and expressed support for the initiative by the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, while mentioning the refusals and the difficulties that are being caused by Turkey and Turkish-Cypriot community leader Rauf Denktash, in preventing a solution to the problem so far.

"The positive stance of countries such as Russia, which follows a policy of principles, encourages us a great deal," Stephanopoulos said.

In summing up, Stephanopoulos spoke of the historic relations of the Greek and Russian peoples from the times of the Byzantine empire to the Greek Revolution of 1821 against the Ottoman empire, to this day, while he placed special importance on multi-part cooperation in the region for the completion of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline.

In his reply to Stephanopoulos, Putin, thanked the Greek side for its hospitality and the sincere welcome and underlined that the sources of philosophy and art, science and literature are in Greece, adding that the ideas that were born here determine the spirit of the modern civilization to a great degree.

The Russian president also spoke of relations between the Byzantium and old Russia, the relations between Russians and Greeks during the revolution of 1821 and the common war by the Greeks and Russians against Nazism.

He concluded by saying, "today as well we are building a great united, secure and economically strong Europe. A Europe without limitations for a wider cooperation and contact between people".

Parliament presents Gold Medal to President Putin: The Greek Parliament honored Russian President Vladimir Putin with the Gold Medal of the legislature on Thursday, first day of his three-day day visit to Greece, the first ever by an acting Russian president.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis presented the Medal to Putin during a special event and in the presence of New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos and the legislature's plenum, with the exception of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputies.

In his address, Putin noted to the body that Russia stood by the Greek people and the Greek state in the past and reassured them that modern Russia has the will to support and to develop Greek-Russian relations.

On his part, Kaklamanis mentioned the strong bonds between the two countries since ancient times and stressed Russia's aid in the Greek war of independence in the 1820's, when Greeks fought to liberate their land from the Ottoman yoke.

Kaklamanis also spoke of Russia's support towards a resolution of the Cyprus problem and made mention of the vision for a united Europe in peace and cooperation and without dividing lines.

During his stay in Parliament, Putin visited the exhibition staged there, showcasing the "180th anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821", which includes Russian articles of that time.

Russian president holds talks with ND leader: Visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks on Thurs-day with main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, who said in a statement they had common views on the issues of terrorism, the Middle East, the Balkans and Cyprus.

Both in his statement and in reply to Putin's compliments, Karamanlis said Russia can and should play a more active role in the interest of the entire world, adding that Putin is dexterously leading his country in this direction and is giving it a perspective of prosperity.

Karamanlis said that bilateral economic relations can develop even more for the benefit of both peoples and noted that in the person of the Russian president Greece is welcoming a people with a great history and international role.

Putin said that "I am aware that your uncle was President of the Republic and prime minister, but what is most important is that there is unanimity in both countries on the development of bilateral relations. It is significant that during ND governments a friendship and cooperation agreement was signed between the two countries which also constitutes the base of our relations."

Christodoulos meets with Russian President Putin: Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos met visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Archbishopric on Thursday.

During their meeting, Christodoulos referred to the official meeting he had with the Russian president at the Kremlin during his visit to the Russian Orthodox Church last May.

Christodoulos hailed Putin, describing him as "the modern leader of the Great Russian Federation and that of the Russian people."

Christodoulos also thanked Putin for his steadfast views concerning Greece's national issues and in particular on the Cyprus question.

The Greek Archbishop also paid tribute to Moscow Patriarch Alexiy and referred to the close bonds between the Greek and the Russian Churches which he said were making great efforts in maintaining and developing the stable friendship between the two countries.

On his part, Putin referred to the spiritual relations and roots uniting the two peoples.

Putin agreed with Christodoulos that there could be no European integration without the representation and presence of Orthodox culture. He also termed as particularly useful the Greek Church's initiative for the holding of a conference of religions for the combatting of terrorism.

Putin conveyed an invitation to Christodoulos to visit Moscow again.

[02] FM Papandreou expresses reserved optimism over Cyprus solution

BRUSSELS 07/12/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

"We should be optimistic but realists as well. We are trying to find a solution to the Cyprus issue for many years and this did not happen, but today the conditions are better and these meetings can create a new dynamic," he told reporters on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers meeting here.

The improvement of NATO-Russian relations and the confrontation of international terrorism were the issues of focus of the meeting of NATO foreign ministers.

Papandreou focused his attention to the Cyprus problem and the European defense issues, in bilateral meetings he held on the sidelines of the meeting.

Papandreou met with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fisher, Belgium's Foreign Minister Louis Michel and NATO Secretary General George Robertson.

The Greek foreign minister noted that he discussed the Cyprus issue with Powell and Cem, adding that the existence of political will to resolve the issue is of primary importance and that everything would be judged by the results.

In regards to the European defense, Papandreou said that he exchanged opinions with his European counterparts and with Powell.

He said he briefed his counterparts on the Greek positions, stressing that Greece considers the autonomy of the European Union of primary importance, especially in regards to the processes of taking common decisions, as well as the avoidance of any statements in the final text that could be damaging for Greece's sovereign rights.

He also noted that Greece wishes to see corrections to the text that British diplomats have drafted, both in regards to the wording and in the essence. He added that the issue will be discussed during the EU foreign ministers' meeting on Monday here.

Papandreou also said that in his address to the NATO foreign ministers' meeting, he underlined the importance of the improvement of NATO-Russian relations and stood for the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to NATO.

He concluded noting that NATO should continue to be vigilant to maintain Balkan stability and the establishment of a climate of trust in the region.

PM sees Clerides visit to occupied areas as positive, Protopappas says: Prime Minister Costas Simitis took a positive view of a visit paid by Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides to the home of Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in the occupied areas of Cyprus, government spokesman Christos Protopappas told reporters on Thursday.

The spokesman also quoted Prime Minister Costas Simitis as saying that, even though things were moving in the right direction, "a significant distance to be covered."

Greece wants a viable and enduring solution to the Cyprus problem, the spokesman said, while he attributed the changed stance of the Turkish side to pressure exerted by the international community.

Protopappas expressed hope that Turkey would continue in this direction but said that it was natural for the Greek side to have some doubts about the final stance of the Turkish-Cypriot side.

Athens, he underlined, fully supported Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides.

The Cypriot president crossed over into Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus on Wednesday night and attended a dinner given by Denktash at his home. Clerides arrived in a black Audi without the usual presidential regalia, escorted by his personal guard.

The visit by Clerides was the first time that a president of Cyprus had entered the occupied areas on the island in 27 years.

Also attending the dinner was the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, and a common personal friend of Clerides and Denktash, Necati Munir Erpegun.

Speaking in Nicosia on Thursday, Clerides described the visit as a social event.

Cyprus has been divided since Turkish troops invaded the north of the island in 1974, in response to a brief Greek-inspired coup. The Turkish-Cypriot regime occupying the north of the island is only recognized as a state by Turkey.

Deputy FM, SAE president express pleasure over Clerides-Denktash meeting: Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Magriotis and Council of Hellenes Abroad (ASE) President Andrew Athens said in Thessaloniki on Thursday that the meetings which Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash had in Nicosia on Tuesday and Wednesday constituted a positive development towards a settlement of the Cyprus issue.

Speaking on the sidelines of SAE events in the northern Greek city, Athens said "it was a significant move and we hope that something will change towards a positive direction."

On his part, Magriotis said that "the meeting of the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides revealed that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership have become aware that intransigence cannot continue." He added that the diplomatic resolve of Greece and Cyprus over the years has opened the way for a Cyprus settlement "corresponding to our expectations and based on United Nations resolutions".

Magriotis further noted that the pace with which the procedures will continue for a Cyprus settlement depends on the Turkish side.

On the other hand, the press office of the Communist Party of Greece's (KKE) Central Committee said in an announcement that "the latest developments on the Cyprus issue create great concern with regard to a just and viable settlement based on the UN Security Council resolutions and the summit agreements of 1977 and 1979."

The KKE announcement noted that the dialogue has shifted to a problem concerning merely the two communities, thus under-mining in this way the international aspect of the Cyprus issue and in particular the issue of the invasion and occupation of part of an independent, sovereign member-state of the United Nations.

[03] Greek EU commissioner satisfied with Clerides-Denktash meeting

NICOSIA 07/12/2001 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

Diamantopoulou also expressed "particular satisfaction" over the decision of Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to start direct talks on the Cyprus issue in January.

In a speech on Thursday night on "Cyprus: On the final stretch", Diamantopoulou called on the Turkish Cypriot community to realize the economic and political benefits which will result from Cyprus' accession to the EU and participate in current accession negotiations.

She said that all who are unable at present to conceive the importance of the opportunity being given to them should see their interest and turn page.

"A political settlement prior to Cyprus' accession is the clear preference of all of us," she said, adding that failure to resolve the Cyprus issue "cannot obstruct the accession of Cyprus to the EU."

"Accession negotiations will have been completed by the end of next year, with the prospect of historic enlargement taking place in 2004. If the political solution has not been achieved until the completion of accession negotiations, the final decision will be taken on the basis of decisions taken by the European councils at Helsinki, Nice and Goteborg," Diamantopoulou said.

[04] Greece insists on Nice summit decisions for EU army

Athens, 07/12/2001 (ANA)

The spokesman was responding to questions regarding the text of an agreement drafted by the United States, Britain and Turkey in order to overcome Turkish objections to the use of NATO infrastructure by Europe's crisis management force.

Protopappas said that the text required alterations in order for it to be compatible with the letter and spirit of the Nice summit decision.

Greece undertaken initiatives toward this end, both with the authors of the text and with EU member-states, he added.

Athens wants changes to points that could create ambiguities or be misconstrued, the spokesman added, stressing that EU allies should not dispute the national sovereignty of EU member-states.

Protopappas also underlined that the text had not been accepted or agreed to by the EU and that it would be presented at a NATO foreign ministers' meeting on Thursday but not discussed.

In depth discussion of the issue, he added, would take place on Monday at the EU General Affairs Council and, if there was a unanimous decision, it would then be added to the agenda at the EU Summit in Laeken.

The spokesman pointed out that discussion on the issue at Laeken could also take place without a unanimous decision at the General Affairs Council, in which case would determine its stance according to the discussion at the summit.

The opposition parties in Greece would be briefed by ministry officials before the Laeken summit, he added finally.

[05] Greek deputy minister calls for comprehensive security of personal rights

BRUSSELS 07/12/2001 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

The ministers of the 15 member-states of the Union met and approved changes to the Union's directive concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of private life in networks and electronic communication services.

The amended directive aims to align with new developments in light of the conditions created in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11.

[06] EU justice ministers narrow definition of terrorism

BRUSSELS 07/12/2001 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

The definition of terrorism only includes very serious offences. The ministers noted that fundamental personal freedoms should be safeguarded and that various forms of social protests such as organizations and demonstrations against globalization should not be penalized.

Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos, who represented Greece, expressed satisfaction on the "balanced decision, which combines the defense of security and the absolute safeguarding of human rights," noting that almost all the Greek proposals were adopted in the final text.

Petsalnikos noted that Greece insisted on the view that a terrorist act is one, which aims at seriously destabilizing or destroying the fundamental political, constitutional, economic or social structures of a country or that of an international organization.

With regard to the European arrest warrant, the Belgian EU presidency proposed a list of 32 offences for its implementation, ranging from terrorism to arms trafficking, profiteering and fraud. Italy insisted on a much shorter list, resulting in the decision to be referred to the EU summit in Laacken on December 14-15.

[07] Interior minister and DHKKI leader discuss public administration

Athens, 07/12/2001 (ANA)

"Because DHKKI is a party wanting sincere dialogue, we shall participate in this process and we shall set out our positions with the disposition to always contribute to enabling the best possible solutions to be found for the future, so that administration will serve the development of the country and our people with the best and most effective way possible," Tsovolas said afterwards, while Skandalidis expressed satisfaction over the decision.

[08] Invitation to Iran for DHKKI leader Tsovolas

Athens, 07/12/2001 (ANA)

Iranian ambassador Moaued Mohammadtaghi called on Tsovolas at the DHKKI headquarters on Thursday and exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East and in Afghanistan.

Tsovolas told reporters after the "very important meeting" that the ambassador had conveyed to him an invitation from the Iranian government to visit Iran, heading a DHKKI delegation.

Tsovolas said the visit would take place in the spring, and the specific date would be determined via diplomatic channels.

The DHKKI leader said he and the envoy exchanged views "on the situation in the Middle East, the Palestinian problem, as well as the developments in Afghanistan, and also on the situation arising following the American bombings".

"We examined the repercussions of the West's military intervention and the hazards of destabilization of the entire region that they entail," Tsovolas added.

[09] WEU parliamentary assembly adopts budget

PARIS 07/12/2001 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

The budget cut was part of a wider plan to have the European Union gradually absorb the WEU. The budget cut, however, raised complaints on the part of the deputies, complaints that were not well received by WEU Secretary General Javier Solana.

Greece was represented to the meetings by an 11-member delegation headed by Theodoros Pangalos, who was elected to one of the 10 vice-presidencies of the body for the 2002 period.

[10] Greek veteran diplomat recounts Greece's course to its EU accession

VIENNA 07/12/2001 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

In his address to the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, the veteran Greek diplomat spoke of the Greek efforts that begun in 1974 with the restoration of democracy and ended with Greece's accession to the European Union in 1981.

In the presence of Greece's Ambassador to Austria Christos Alexandris, he spoke of Greece's association pact with the EEC and the signing of the accession agreement in 1979.

[11] New stability plan sees inflation at 2.8 pct in 2004

Athens, 07/12/2001 (ANA)

Released by the national economy and finance ministry on Thursday, the plan sets growth in both 2004 and 2003 at 4.0 percent from 3.8 percent in 2002.

The previous program's forecasts were 5.5 percent for both 2004 and 2003 against 5.2 percent in 2002.

In addition, the budget surplus is seen at 1.2 percent of gross domestic product in 2004, 1.0 percent of GDP in 2003, and 0.8 percent of GDP in 2002.

Furthermore, unemployment is forecast at 9.0 percent in 2004, 9.8 percent in 2003, and 10.5 percent in 2002.

Policy will be based on curbing consumerist spending in the public sector, completing a tax overhaul in the second half of 2002, and advancing privatization that is expected to bring revenue of 1.7 trillion drachmas over the three-year period.

Finally, the plan contains real wage rises of 2.3 percent and 2.5 percent.

It also contains an alternative scenario to take adverse global conditions into account.

The adverse scenario envisages a rate of growth over the three year period that will be an average of 0.6 percentage point lower, and an average rise in real wages of 2.1 percent against 2.4 percent in the main scenario.

[12] Number of banks rising in Greece, bucking EU trend in 1994-99

BRUSSELS 07/12/2001 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

In that period, the number of banks in Greece rose by 5.1 percent against a drop of 16.5 percent in the rest of the EU, Eurostat said in a statement.

In 1999, the EU had 7,969 banks with 41 of them in Greece, the statement added.

[13] Piraeus Leasing acquires OTE Leasing

Athens, 07/12/2001 (ANA)

The remaining 0.1 percent will be purchased in coming weeks for 7.14 million drachmas, Piraeus said in a statement.

An operational merger of the two companies is scheduled to take effect on January 1, said Piraeus, whose parent company is Piraeus Bank.

OTE Leasing was owned by Hellenic Telecommunications Organization.

[14] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise, players shy off blue chips

Athens, 07/12/2001 (ANA)

The general share index gained 0.92 percent to end at 2,727.98 points. Turnover was 173.67 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.68 percent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 1.94 percent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities 2.22 percent up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 306 to 37 with 17 issues remaining unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Intracom, Cosmote, Darig and Panafon.

Equity futures raise in low turnover: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Thursday rose in thin trade, falling slightly after the main market's close, traders said.

Changing hands were 4,934 contracts on turnover of 31.3 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips gained 0.68 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks rose 1.94 percent.

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

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.16 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 43 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 3.9 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[15] Culture minister examines Athens Olympiad with IOC president

ROME 07/12/2001 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakos)

Rogge said afterwards that he and Venizelos discussed issues concerning the Olympiad's preparation, which "is developing well". "We also discussed about the Cultural Olympiad for which the Greek culture ministry, the IOC and UNESCO are cooperating. We all want a good development in the course towards the 2004 Games," he added.

He said that "the delays in projects of the 2004 Athens Olympics and the Winter Olympics in Turin in 2006 is something inevitable and does not happen for the first time."

Rogge said, referring to the Athens Olympics, that some points still require hard work, but added that there is progress and if the same pace of work continues there will be excellent Games.

"The stadium of Montreal in 1976 was delivered at the last minute. The Olympics are a big stress for cities hosting them, but there are 11 candidacies for 2012 and the cities ultimately improve themselves," Rogge also said in an interview with the newspaper "Republica."

Referring to his meeting with Rogge, Venizelos said "as you are aware, Mr. Rogge is watching very closely and knows in detail the level at which Olympic preparation in Athens for 2004 stands. Mr. Rogge's presence and deep knowledge is a fundamental guarantee for the smooth course of Olympic preparation until 2004."

Venizelos added that they also discussed the Cultural Olympiad, the Lausanne Olympic Museum and their cooperation in the framework of the Cultural Olympiad Foundation.

[16] Environment minister briefs ND deputies on Olympiad projects

Athens, 07/12/2001 (ANA)

The ND delegation comprised of deputies Fani Palli Petralia, Savvas Tsitouridis and M. Salmas.

Papandreou underlined that the projects are proceeding in accordance with the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) timeframe and that there were no particular problems other than on certain transport projects in Athens, which will soon be overcome.

"We must be optimistic and show that we will succeed," she said.

On her part, Petralia told reporters after the meeting that the ND delegation "arrived at the ministry with concern and left with anxiety."

She said "we stressed delays and problems for which, however, the current leadership of the ministry is not responsible for."

Tsitouridis said that he had no dispute with former environment minister Costas Laliotis, noting that he had not visited the ministry since 1993. Tsitouridis claimed that valuable time was lost concerning the Olympiad and expressed the hope that the ND will be in power when the Games are held.

[17] Gov't steadfast on measures to restrict illegal immigration

Athens, 07/12/2001 (ANA)

The government spokesman made the comment a day after Greek leadership, including Prime Minister Costas Simitis himself, announced a clamp down on illegal immigration. The thorny issue dominated a Cabinet meeting, in fact, on Wednesday morning.

"We will not allow Greece to become open to all comers," Simitis stressed this week, while announcing a series of tougher measures and policies for immigration on a European Union level as well as legislative changes to speed up applications for naturalization and the granting of asylum.

Spokesman Christos Protopappas noted that political asylum will continue to be granted to eligible individuals.

Among the measures announced by government are inter-state cooperation to guard borders using a special force, an agreement for returning illegal immigrants to their country of origin that provides funding to pay for the cost of extradition, joint action by armed forces and police along borders and additional reinforcements for border guards.

Athens has also proposed the creation of an EU-wide force to guard the Unions external borders.

Greeces extensive coastlines, many near western Turkey, as well as its often rugged land borders with Albania, FYROM and Bulgaria have made the 10th EU member-state a favorite crossing point for tens of thousands of Balkan and mostly Third World migrants over the past few years.

[18] More than 150 illegal immigrants, six Syrian crew, arrested from 'WAEL IV'

Athens, 07/12/2001 (ANA)

The coast guard caught up with the "WAEL IV" on Wednesday as it was anchored off the remote coast of Trypiti in southwest Crete, apprehending its Syrian skipper, two Syrian crewmembers and 50 illegal immigrants.

Three more of the 11-member, all-Syrian crew were arrested later, as well as another 111 illegal immigrants detained, bringing the total to six crewmembers and 161 illegal immigrants (including 5 women and 6 children).

Greek authorities continued to comb the shoreline near where the vessel for the rest of the crewmembers and illegal passengers.

The Syrian-flagged "Wael IV" had been spotted in waters south of Hania, Crete early on Wednesday with an estimated 200 illegal immigrants on board, and an operation was immediately launched to intercept it.

The same vessel had been seen in Greek waters off the Peloponnese last week, and had even taken on fuel and supplies from a Greek coast guard vessel, saying that it was bound for Italy.

The nationalities of the illegal immigrants, according to the immigrants themselves, were given as: 79 Iraqi Kurds, 56 Pakistanis, 17 Sierra Leonians, 1 Palestinian 5 Afghans, 2 Bangladeshis, 1 Turk.

[19] 24 Afghan illegal immigrants arrested on Aegean island

Athens, 07/12/2001 (ANA)

According to what they told officials, they had boarded a wooden engine-powered boat 6-7 meters long in an unknown region in Turkey and entered Greek territorial waters accompanied to the borderline by a high-powered vessel having a Turkish skipper who returned to Turkey. Each illegal immigrant had to pay 700 dollars.

[20] Former Italian premier proclaimed honorary professor

Athens, 07/12/2001 (ANA)

Amato, who became a Senator following the latest elections, has served in a number of ministerial posts and was prime minister on two occasions, the first time from 1992 to 1993 and the second from 2002 to 2001.

In the five-year term of Italy's centre-left coalition government, which was succeeded last spring by the centre-right government of Silvio Berlusconi, Amato held the post of economy minister in the government of Massimo D'Alema and later assumed the premiership after him.

[21] Government is cautiously optimistic but warns against euphoria

NICOSIA 07/12/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou pointed out that at this stage there are no indications that Turkish policy on Cyprus has changed and added that the government has already prepared a package of confidence building measures for the President to bear in mind and apply as appropriate at the talks.

"We must not allow euphoria to be created as this is not justified by political developments. Everything will be judged in the future when the dialogue on issues of substance begins," Papapetrou said after Thursday's cabinet meeting.

Euphoria cannot be justified, he said, adding that the government is "cautiously optimistic that with the start of a new process there will be a different political will which will offer the possibility of a solution."

This is something to be seen and proven at the negotiating table, headed.

The government wishes to put to good use the prevailing "good climate" in order to assist the UN process that begins in January. Asked whether the euphoria is created by the president, Papapetrou said, "President Clerides is bolstering this good climate and the overall atmosphere which he believes can help the process of negotiations."

On Wednesday night the president attended a dinner in Turkish-occupied Nicosia, hosted by Rauf Denktash at his residence, a move that sparked criticism from various quarters.

The dinner took place only a day after Clerides and Denktash agreed at their face to face meeting in four years to begin direct talks, under UN auspices, in mid January without any preconditions, with all issues on the table and with a view to negotiate until a comprehensive settlement is reached.

Replying to questions, the spokesman did not rule out the possibility of seeing an agreement on confidence building measures, should the talks show signs of making some progress.

The president has always in mind certain gestures towards this direction for the benefit of the Turkish Cypriots, adding that there is already a package of confidence building measures.

[22] UN top envoy appears hopeful for a solution in six months

LARNACA 07/12/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking on departure, UN Secretary General's special adviser for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto referred to "a very auspicious launching of a new phase" and talked about "continuous negotiations" to begin mid January on the island between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

"I am feeling very hopeful. I think a solution is possible within the next six months and my impression is that there is determination by the two leaders to reach it," de Soto told the press, after two days that saw Clerides and Denktash agreeing to start direct talks, under UN auspices, with no preconditions and with a view to finding a comprehensive settlement.

He said the auspicious launching of a new phase "holds a lot of promise" and added he looked forward to coming back to Cyprus in January "for continuous negotiations."

De Soto said the dinner Denktash hosted in his honor at his residence in Turkish-occupied Nicosia on Wednesday night, which was also attended by President Clerides, was "a social dinner, two or three things came up, but it was a social encounter."

The dinner lasted about two and a half hours and was described by Clerides as "excellent". Denktash said he would make no statement and de Soto waved at the press and left. All three looked as if they had had a good time and there were smiles everywhere.

De Soto said Denktash has accepted an invitation to dinner by Clerides in mid January at his residence in the government-controlled part of Nicosia.

This is the first time a President of the Republic has crossed into the northern Turkish occupied part of the island, since Turkish troops invaded in 1974.

The agreement for talks was welcomed by the UN, the US, Britain, the EU and others who expressed hope that a solution could be in sight.

The events of the past couple of days have attracted immense media attention from Cyprus, Turkey and elsewhere.

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