Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-12-08

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Russia an integral part of Europe, PM says after meeting Putin

[02] Premier addresses Socialist International conference in Athens

[03] Gov't spokesman denies 'draft Cyprus solutions' appearing in the press

[04] Greece and Turkey hold consultations on Balkan issues

[05] Greece supports creation of Euroborder force

[06] Opposition slams gov't over UK-Turkish deal for EU army

[07] PM supports government's policies for farmers in Parliament

[08] US envoy says Greek terrorist groups are still high on the US agenda

[09] No. 2 of Romanian armed forces general staff to visit Greece

[10] Minister says no question of abolishing elected prefects

[11] Kaklamanis to attend SAE assembly in Thessaloniki

[12] Gov't finalizes details of privatization timescale

[13] Inflation drops to 2.4 pct in November yr/yr

[14] Greece briefs EU on Axon Airline's closure

[15] Ethnic Greek businesses asked to join Balkan reconstruction

[16] Anomeritis attends EU Council of Maritime Ministers

[17] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks drop in thin trade

[18] Irene Papas receives European Women Prize

[19] Photographic exhibition on Patriarch Vartholomeos

[20] Kurdish refugees choose to stay at church compound

[21] American ambassador says no US plan for Cyprus settlement

[22] France, Verheugen welcome resumption of direct peace talks

[23] EU and Cyprus sign Joint Assessment Paper on employment

[01] Russia an integral part of Europe, PM says after meeting Putin

Athens, 08/12/2001 (ANA)

Greece had long supported the need for closer NATO-Russian cooperation and had now been vindicated, the premier said during a joint press conference with Putin after the meeting, while arguing that Russia had a "new role" following the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

The Russian president similarly stressed the unprecedented support lent by Moscow to the international "anti-terrorist alliance," as he called it, after September 11.

Russia had agreed to cooperate without asking for anything in exchange, Putin said, and this in itself lent a new quality to Russia's relations with its partners.

He called for the creation of a new body for NATO-Russian cooperation, which would allow Moscow to participate in shaping decisions on security issues, rather than being presented with final decisions to which it said either yes or no.

"But we are not in a hurry," he added.

During their meeting, Simitis and Putin also discussed bilateral relations between Greece and Russia in political and economic matters, regional issues affecting both countries and cooperation within international organizations.

Simitis admitted that trade relations between the two countries were still relatively undeveloped, while he listed projects where Greece and Russia might cooperate, such as in constructing a natural gas pipeline from western Greece to Albania, the natural gas grid for Greek cities and towns and defense procurements.

Greece was prepared to build bridges in all directions, Simitis stressed, but pointed out that weapons procurements from non-NATO countries were fraught with difficulty because of compatibility problems and obligations arising through its membership of NATO.

Simitis described the Russian president's visit as a "landmark" in relations between the two countries and noted that the European Union supported the creation of a unified economic area in Europe.

Putin expressed hope that the pace of EU-Russian cooperation would accelerate under the Greek EU presidency in 2003.

The Russian president also stressed his country's interest in participating in the construction of new infrastructure for sup-plying natural gas, in electricity generation, in the privatization of Hellenic Petroleum and in attracting foreign in-vestments to Russia.

By cooperating with Russia, he said, Greece could become both self-sufficient in energy and an equal partner within Europe in the energy sector, while he pointed to the success of Russian cooperation with Turkey in the energy sector.

Papantoniou and Putin discuss Greek-Russian cooperation in defense issues: Russian President Vladimir Putin received Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou on the sidelines of a dinner given in his honor by Prime Minister Costas Simitis at Megaron Maximou on Friday.

The 20-minute meeting between the two men focused on bilateral cooperation between Greece and Russia in defense issues.

Emerging from Maximou, Papantoniou said cooperation between the two countries in the defense sector was good and that it would continue if Russian weapons were competitive. He said that he had briefed the prime minister on what was said during his meeting with Putin.

Putin holds talks with Latsis, Kopelouzos: Visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday met entrepreneurs Spyros Latsis and Dimitris Kopelouzos for talks on natural gas and oil projects between the two countries as part of his official three-day visit to Greece.

No statements were made after the meeting.

On Thursday, Greece and Russia signed a fuel and energy pact that could pave the way for more joint ventures in the sector, led by companies like Petrola, owned by the Latsis Group, which has an alliance with Lukoil, Russia's largest oil producer.

The two firms have expressed interest in becoming a strategic investor in Hellenic Petroleum, which is slated for privatization.

Another joint venture is Prometheus Gas SA, whose ownership is split between natural gas exporter Gazexport of Russia and the Kopelouzos Group.

"I hope for a response from Greek businesses," Putin said in reply to a reporter's question on his contacts with Greek entrepreneurs. He said trade was low between Greece and Russia, and investments were almost zero.

Putin receives honorary doctorate from Athens University

Visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin was on Friday awarded an honorary doctorate in Economics by the University of Athens during a ceremony at the main administration building in Central Athens.

Athens University rector George Babiniotis, in his address, recounted the bonds connecting Russia and Greece for many centuries and the influence both countries had in the modern world, adding that no one can ignore the historic and political effects of communism on the modern world.

"Russia remains a great power of determining importance for the modern world, not only on a political but on an economic and cultural level and the contribution of Putin to Russia's efforts to overcome its weaknesses is especially important, " Babiniotis said.

On his part, Putin thanked the rector for the honor and said that Russia's economy has been developing at a good rate, as is the Greek.

Putin also spoke of the historic bonds connecting Greece and Russia, adding that Greece is a country that has gone through some difficult paths in building the state that it is today.

Russian President Putin endorses return of Parthenon Marbles to Greece: Visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday endorsed the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece, in statements during a tour of the Acropolis.

"I am not aware of any other country besides Russia has studied Hellenic civilization in such detail. The educated people of Russia have their attention turned to antiquity from their school years. The history of ancient Greece and Byzantium feeds the cultural life of present-day Russia," Putin said, expressing plea-sure at his first-ever visit to the Acropolis, which he described as "one of the most outstanding monuments of humanity".

"Various conquerors attempted to remove and appropriate parts of the monument," Putin said, adding that this was "bad, on the one hand, and an indirect recognition of the ancient magnificence of Hellenic civilization on the other".

"Despite the problems, the Greeks are trying to restore that which belongs not only to them but also to all of humanity, which is to your credit, and we shall be at your side in your efforts," Putin pledged.

Putin was given a guided tour of the Acropolis by the director of the A' Ephoria of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, Alkistis Choremi and culture minister Evangelos Venizelos.

Welcoming Putin at the Acropolis, Venizelos noted that the monument "demands its restoration", and adding that "the sup-port of such a great leader as Mr. Putin on such a major issue for Greece is particularly important".

Athens mayor presents key of city of Athens to Putin: Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos on Friday bestowed the medal of value and presented the gold key of the city of Athens to visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to the City Hall, accompanied by the Mayor of Moscow Yuri Luskov.

Avramopoulos, in his address, said that Putin's visit to Greece signals a new era in Greek-Russian relations, which can lead to the further development and prosperity of the peoples of the two countries, as well as the international democracy.

On his part, Putin thanked the city council for the honor they bestowed upon him and expressed his satisfaction from his visit to Greece and the good comments he heard for the Russian people.

Avramopoulos also addressed his counterpart saying that for so-me years now Athens and Moscow are cooperating closely, noting his close friendship with his Russian counterpart.

The two mayors singed a protocol of friendship and cooperation in the framework of the Diplomacy of Cities.

[02] Premier addresses Socialist International conference in Athens

Athens, 08/12/2001 (ANA)

The conference aims to formulate a "charter for the cities that are governed by socialist forces".

"Decentralization, a principle of socialists throughout time is today a fundamental precondition for every progressive social organization," Simitis said, adding that local government is a privileged space for the building of a new civilization of public power, which has the human being at its epicenter.

The Greek premier and president of Greece's PASOK socialist party said that the local government is a fundamental institution for the formulation of a strong society of citizens and an incubator of the democratic organization of our societies.

He added that one of the most basic elements sought by people in our times is that of a society of cohesion and solidarity, poised against a "society of the margins" in a continual struggle for social justice.

[03] Gov't spokesman denies 'draft Cyprus solutions' appearing in the press

Athens, 08/12/2001 (ANA)

He added that the meeting between Cyprus president Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash earlier in the week had been a "positive point" and clearly constituted "progress in relation to the recent past, but we have yet to reach the target".

The spokesman continued that the Greek government supported Clerides' efforts in the search for a just and viable solution of the Cyprus issue that would be founded on the UN resolutions.

"We know, however, that the Turkish side in the past frequently backed down, and therefore today we endorse all that has been done, but we cannot in advance predict the developments," he added.

[04] Greece and Turkey hold consultations on Balkan issues

Athens, 08/12/2001 (ANA)

According to a foreign ministry announcement on Friday, adherence to the principles of international law, respect for the inviolability of borders and of the territorial integrity of the countries in the region and protection for human and minority rights was confirmed once again during the talks between the two delegations.

On the question of Kosovo, the delegations coincided on the assessment that what is of priority is the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1244, while it was ascertained that the possible secession of Montenegro would have a series of negative repercussions for the stability and security of the Balkans.

The delegations also ascertained the usefulness of enacting the consultations, which will be taking place twice a year in Athens and Ankara alternately.

[05] Greece supports creation of Euroborder force

BRUSSELS 08/12/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

In addressing the Union's council of justice and interior ministers here, Chrysohoidis also noted that EUROPOL's activities should improve so as to be in a position to analyze and evaluate the significant volume of information it receives from member-states.

The minister also addressed issues of immigration and political asylum.

The council, in its second day of meetings, focused on the co-ordination of measures and police forces of member-states to better combat terrorism. The council also signed on Friday a cooperation agreement with the relevant authorities of the United States on combatting international criminal activity.

[06] Opposition slams gov't over UK-Turkish deal for EU army

Athens, 08/12/2001 (ANA)

The only member of government present during the session, Yiannitsis responded to questions raised by main opposition New Democracy by saying that the text was "informal" and had never been publicly released nor discussed by any EU body. The British initiative had not been sanctioned by NATO or the EU, he added, but was unilateral.

For the government to publicize its contents or discuss it, he added, would give it a weight and validity that the text did not possess in it.

He urged the opposition parties to wait until after the upcoming EU summit at Laeken, where Greek diplomacy would act to prevent any damage to Greek interests.

According to the critics, the text in question had been welcomed by the Turkish government, ratified by the Turkish Parliament and referred to during the last meeting of the Western European Union by the defense minister of the Belgian EU presidency, who spoke about the "existence of an agreement".

The speakers complained that the government had not voluntarily informed Parliament and the parties about the developments and the contents of the text and replied negatively when asked about them by main opposition New Democracy (ND) MP Dora Bakoyianni, while they also alleged that excerpts from the text had been deliberately leaked by the government to the Greek daily "To Vima".

Petros Molyviatis, a speaker for ND, noted that Greece would forfeit its last chance for EU support in protecting its territorial integrity if the UK-Turkish deal were accepted, because it barred the European force from intervening in disputes between two NATO member-states, along the lines of the Alliance's article V.

"It is clear that there was a negotiation that concerned the interests of Greece in which everyone was involved except Greece. How were they so certain that the Greek government would accept this? I do not understand the government's approach to this negotiation. After the final text was produced, you are now trying to make some improvements. Is this 'strong Greece'," Molyviatis asked.

The government's stance was also strongly criticized by the smaller opposition parties in Parliament, the Communist Party of Greece and the Coalition of the Left and Progress.

[07] PM supports government's policies for farmers in Parliament

Athens, 08/12/2001 (ANA)

Simitis was responding to questions about the government's farming policies and the problems faced by farmers, put by Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos.

The premier also claimed that there were groups within the farming community who were trying to present falsely high crop yields, as had been attempted for olive oil production.

He noted that Community regulations set maximum quotas for production, which the Greek government had improved for Greek farmers.

Simitis also pointed out that Greece received significant sums both in EU subsidies and for policies to support the countryside, with 40 per cent of farming incomes coming from subsidies.

Constantopoulos rejected arguments that farmers were mobilizing because they had been "duped" and asked the government to explain why it had voted in favor of new regulations for cotton subsidies, why it had agreed to the ban on tobacco production, what alternative programs it was preparing for cotton farmers after 2003 and tobacco farmers after 2006, why it had not sought a substantial increase in olive oil quotas and why it had failed to put a farmers' register into operation for the past two years. Government spokesman Christos Protopappas, meanwhile, told reporters on Friday that visits to the Thessaly countryside by PASOK cadres aimed to brief Greek farming communities about the government's positions and discuss the new crop program announced by the agriculture ministry.

In addition, the government sought to present its farming policies and enrich these through dialogue with farmers themselves.

Agriculture minister to announce measures on cotton: Agriculture Minister George Drys is expected to announce the ministry's measures in light of the new cotton cultivation period in Larisa, central Greece, on Sunday.

Drys will tour the prefecture accompanied by Deputy ministers Evangelos Argyris and Fotis Hatzimichalis.

In the presence of local parliamentarians from Thessaly, local administration officials, agricultural organization representatives and journalists, Drys will be presenting on Sunday an integrated package of measures to improve the quality of cotton produced and the incomes of the product's producers.

[08] US envoy says Greek terrorist groups are still high on the US agenda

Athens, 08/12/2001 (ANA)

Uncovering the Greek terrorist organizations '17 November' and 'ELA' remained high on the agenda of both Athens and Washington, he added, even though efforts were now focused on dismantling 'Al Qaida'.

The omission of the two groups from a list of terrorist organizations published by the US State Department did not mean that they were not a high priority for the two governments, he said.

Asked about a visit to Greece by Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said that Putin was a leader that US President George Bush and many other Americans respected highly.

He noted, however, that when it came to purchasing arms and other goods, what took precedence were the interests of Greece.

"We have to see which product combines the best quality with the best price and the best terms," he said.

Earlier on Friday, the US envoy visited the installations of the Greek Vehicles Industry (ELVO). He said the US was interested in one of the company's tank programs but a deal would depend on the terms offered.

Asked about the US-interest mining company TVX, and whether it would continue investments in a gold-processing plant in northern Halkidiki, Miller said the issue had been discussed with Paschalidis and that they had both agreed that a solution needed to be found.

On Friday night, Miller will attend a dinner in his honor given by Thessaloniki's Greek-American Chamber and on Saturday he will visit the Panagia Soumela monastery in Vermio.

[09] No. 2 of Romanian armed forces general staff to visit Greece

Athens, 08/12/2001 (ANA)

During his visit, Vice Admiral Rudencu will call on armed forces chief General Manousos Paragioudakis and be briefed on military issues of mutual interest.

[10] Minister says no question of abolishing elected prefects

Athens, 08/12/2001 (ANA)

Skandalidis presented the three main principles of the institution's upcoming reform and announced that the Economy and Finance ministry is committed to granting additional funds amounting to 25 billion drachmas in 2002.

He added that the government's objective is to include the development resources for prefectural administration in the budget for 2003.

Skandalidis also said that prefectural elections in 2002 will be carried out with the existing status and there will be no surprise move shortly before the elections.

He said that whatever reform will be conducted following a dialogue and after the 2002 elections and urged prefects to make a historic account of what they have done to date.

[11] Kaklamanis to attend SAE assembly in Thessaloniki

Athens, 08/12/2001 (ANA)

Kaklamanis, who is to depart for Thessaloniki on Saturday, will stay on until Monday, when he is to declare the start of a campaign to sensitize public opinion and raise money for the children of Afghanistan, organized by the PASOK youth group with the support of UNICEF, Medecins sans Frontieres and the UN High Commission for Refugees.

On Monday night he will inaugurate the Megaron Municipal Gallery showing works by Georgios Kordis.

[12] Gov't finalizes details of privatization timescale

Athens, 08/12/2001 (ANA)

The details are as follows, the sources said: