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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece will not agree with text U.S.-British Euro-army text, gov't spokesman say

[02] Memorial service for Sept. 11 victims held at US embassy

[03] Main opposition ND leader holds talks in Skopje

[04] Beglitis outlines Greek FM's schedule for the week

[05] Land registry on agenda of Barnier-V. Papandreou meeting

[06] Thessaloniki to host EU summit in June 2003

[07] Athens: Delivery of Dutch frigate on Dec. 14

[08] Latest Greek-Albania military agreement signed

[09] Greece, FYROM cooperate in rescuing Doirani Lake

[10] Decision on trial for 'plane spotters' this week

[11] Wife Bonnie's statements not controversial, US envoy claims

[12] Interior Minister discusses party funding -party committee

[13] ND's opinion poll lead over PASOK decreased compared to June

[14] National Bank of Greece governor calls for mergers, business size increase

[15] Minister says cotton producers' income to near last year's

[16] Farmers continue tractor protest pickets for second day

[17] Initial figures show population of Greece numbers 10,939,605

[18] Dial 198 from December 17 for information on euro

[19] U.S. ambassador praises Greek economy

[20] Minister says crisis in air transport limited in duration

[21] Businessman expresses concern over energy market

[22] Labor minister sets out planning on women's employment

[23] Protopappas comments on charges against OTE telecom head

[24] Bourse ends lower in edgy trade

[25] ATHOC president briefs IOC's Coordinating Committee on Olympiad

[26] Gov't considers 15-day leave plan during Olympics

[27] U.S. tables resolution to U.N. in favor of Olympic Truce

[28] Bar Associations of Greece honor President of the Republic

[29] Greek Parliament donates DR 50 million to UNICEF's telemarathon

[30] Athens to see the light of night with French expert's help

[31] President to go to next month's direct talks to negotiate, not to give ultimatums

[32] Cyprus FM says General Affairs Council text satisfying

[33] Cyprus president at US ceremony in memory of September 11 victims

[01] Greece will not agree with text U.S.-British Euro-army text, gov't spokesman say

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

Protopappas made the comment in response to a question regarding Greece's reaction in the event that other European Union member-states might insist on the text.

The text should be amended so as to secure fully Greece's national interests, Protopappas said.

These changes have already been discussed by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou in the General Affairs Council of the European Union and will be tabled thus in the upcoming Laaken Summit, the government spokesman said, adding that during the summit the battle for Greece's interest will be given by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and the Greek delegation.

He said that the text was not released to the opposition parties, because the government had to check it in detail and conduct all the necessary international talks, as well as to finalize the negotiating line and the general stand of the Greek government on the issue.

Protopappas announced that on Thursday morning the foreign minister will brief the political parties before the relevant committee of Parliament.

[02] Memorial service for Sept. 11 victims held at US embassy

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

U.S. Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller thanked Greece for its solidarity during the aftermath of the terrorist attacks, saying "we may have differences of opinion some times, but we do agree on this issue. We will continue our effort. Today with this ceremony we show to the world, the "I am not forgetting", since we are resolved to continue," Miller said.

He added that the Sept. 11th attacks were not made against the United States alone, but matter to all and the culprits must be brought to justice. Miller also noted that the ceremony was "a chance to show that we turn down the darkness of terrorism".

Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, Foreign Minister George Papandreou and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis attended the ceremony at ambassador Thomas Miller's official residence.

Numerous other ministers, MPs, diplomats and religious leaders also attended.

Christodoulos, who officiated the religious part of the ceremony expressed the wish that "the political and military leaders may be enlightened to decide in accordance with the will of God".

Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos expressed his deepest sympathies for the American people and stressed that terrorism may be the most serious breach of the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

On his part, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou ex-pressed his solidarity for the families of the victims and speaking to the sister of a Greek victim of the terrorist attacks said "you have our solidarity and our promise that we will continue our close cooperation with the government of the United States within NATO and everywhere else, to combat terrorism".

Similar services were held at US diplomatic missions around the world.

[03] Main opposition ND leader holds talks in Skopje

SKOPJE, 12/12/2001 (ANA - A. Panagopoulos)

Georgievski also said that the economic situation is worsening, adding that if this continues for another year the country will find itself on the verge of ruin.

Apart from Georgievski, Karamanlis also had meetings with President Boris Trajkovski, the Deputy President of the Albanian Democratic Prosperity party Ibrahim Halili and the secretary general of the Socialdemocrat Union Georgi Spasov.

Karamanlis is visiting FYROM in the framework of the European Peoples' Party's (EPP) initiative for democratization in the western Balkans, which he is heading.

According to reports, Georgievski told Karamanlis that a "supposed calm" is prevailing in the country since attacks by extremist elements are continuing with the purpose of forcing the "Slav Macedonians" to leave areas controlled by the Albanians.

In a statement after meeting Trajkovski, Karamanlis said that it is important that all the changes and the constitution agreed should be implemented fully.

Karamanlis added that there are three priorities to enable the normalization of the situation. Extremist groups should leave regions under their control, refugees should return to their homes and there should be complete disarmament because, as he said, it appears to be partial in essence.

He reiterated that there should be no change in borders and mentioned that he discussed issues concerning inter-Balkan cooperation and the European perspective.

Karamanlis said no discussion was held on the issue of FYROM's name, while reports noted that FYROM's leadership lets it be understood that there can be no settlement of the problem under pressure.

Karamanlis will be meeting Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica in Belgrade on Wednesday and, in Pristina, the winner of the elections in Kosovo Ibrahim Rugova. He will also be visiting the Greek peacekeeping force at Kosovo-Polje.

[04] Beglitis outlines Greek FM's schedule for the week

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

In addition to attending the dinner, on Wednesday Papandreou is also scheduled to brief PASOK MPs on Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee regarding the Common European Foreign and Defense Policy, the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations.

On Thursday, Papandreou will meet with the presidency of the foreign affairs and defense committee.

On the question of European defense issues, Beglitis said the informal document agreed by Britain and Turkey regarding Turkey's relations with the planned European army was still outstanding. He said the Greek foreign minister had suggested a series of amendments during the EU foreign ministers' council on Monday and reiterated Athens' positions.

"We have the will and desire to conclude the negotiation," Beglitis said, while pointing out that Greece was a front-runner on the question of common European defense policy.

The EU's course in these sectors and our negotiating positions are based on everything that the EU has agreed on, the spokesman added.

Asked if Athens would use its veto, Beglitis replied that this option remained open if Greece was not satisfied and did not secure its rights. If partial operational readiness was recognized at the summit in Laeken, he noted, this would mean there was progress.

Beglitis said the Laeken EU Summit was scheduled to discuss EU policy on migration and asylum, among other issues, on which Prime Minister Costas Simitis intended to present a text with Greek proposals for dealing with illegal immigration.

[05] Land registry on agenda of Barnier-V. Papandreou meeting

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

Town planning, public works and environment Minister Vasso Papandreou referred to the hefty "refund" (57.2 million euros) at a press conference in Athens, one day before she travels to Brussels to attend an EU environment ministers council and hold meetings on the sidelines with EU Commissioner for regional policy Michel Barnier.

The European Commission is expected to issue a final decision on the matter on Dec. 20.

However, on Tuesday Papandreou said the Greek government believes the legal framework by which the Commission demands a return of the allocated funds is "not fully justified."

"We can maybe justify it at another phase. I don't consider anything as a given, negotiations are still underway. We don't know where they will lead, but we will exercise certain rights of ours in accordance with the decision. For us, the issue centers on continued funding (for the land registry) from the 3rd Community Support Framework".

In answer to a tabled question at the Europarliament, Barnier said in early November that the process of drafting Greece's troubled land registry was still under EU examination.

Additionally, he stated that one -- repeatedly aired -- compromise would conceivably divert funds for the next land registry phases from 2000-2006 3rd CSF credits.

The entire issue of Greece's land registry project erupted onto the limelight in early October, when Barnier warned the Greek government and then town planning minister Costas Laliotis that only one-fourth of the initial estimate to register land in the east Mediterranean country had been met, namely, 8,440 sq. kilometers instead of 35,000 sq. kilometers - the target cited in the 1994-99 environment program.

Laliotis, who held down the ministry's portfolio since 1994, subsequently left the post to assume the position of ruling PASOK party's secretary. Vasso Papandreou, meanwhile, was shifted to the ministry from the interior and public administration portfolio.

The French EU Commissioner also squarely pointed to the cost for registering those 8,440 square kilometers, saying costs reached the 276-million-euro mark from an initial estimate of 130 million euros.

Barnier also proposed newer and stricter rules and fund management procedures if the entire land registry project is to acquire funding through the 3rd CSF. Along these lines, he has said a separate operational plan should be implemented, one that will include regular evaluations of results by independent experts as well as strict fiscal control.

Finally, the board members of Ktimatologio (land registry) SA, the company set up by the government to carry out the project, resigned in late November - a decision Papandreou said was to the board's "credit".

Greece is one of the very few countries in Europe without an operation land registry.

[06] Thessaloniki to host EU summit in June 2003

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

Giannitsis made the announcement after visiting the Fair's installations with Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Paschalidis.

[07] Athens: Delivery of Dutch frigate on Dec. 14

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

A government spokesman told reporters that the Greek flag will be hoisted on the newly christened Dutch-made frigate "Bouboulina" on Dec. 14.

During a regular press briefing, spokesman Christos Protopappas confirmed that bureaucratic problems have arisen in relation to the frigate's delivery.

The Greek navy has ordered another six similar vessels from the Netherlands.

Greece and the Netherlands signed a bilateral agreement for the acquisition of the S-type (standard) frigate last June at a cost of 14.67 billion drachmas.

The vessel was first launched by the Dutch Navy in October 1983.

[08] Latest Greek-Albania military agreement signed

TIRANA, 12/12/2001 (ANA - I. Patso)

The pact was signed in Tirana by visiting Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and his Albanian counterpart Pandeli Majko.

At a press conference afterwards, both ministers expressed their satisfaction with the level of Greek-Albanian relations. The agreement calls for Greek aid reaching into the "millions of dollars" range, according to reports, as no precise figure was given by officials.

Additionally, Greece has agreed to treat up to 30 Albanian military personnel at Greek military hospitals every year.

Albanian President Rexhep Meidani and Prime Minister Ilir Meta also received Papantoniou, who is on an official visit to the neighboring country.

Papantoniou will tour a military hospital in the southern Albanian town of Gjirokaster on Wednesday, a facility built by the Greek armed forces and financed by Athens.

Finally, he is set to visit Greek forces stationed at a NATO base in the central port town of Durres before returning to Athens.

[09] Greece, FYROM cooperate in rescuing Doirani Lake

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

The meeting of officials from Greece and FYROM was under the auspices of the Ramsar Agreement and the initiative for the Mediterranean wetlands (Med Wet).

Med Wet Coordinator Spyros Kouvelis stressed that the condition of the lake is tragic and it is in danger of totally being lost if immediate action is not taken.

[10] Decision on trial for 'plane spotters' this week

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

A three-judge misdemeanor council heard arguments by counsel for the 12 Britons and two Dutchmen on Tuesday in the SW Greek port city of Kalamata, where their clients were arrested in November and subsequently charged with espionage.

The misdemeanor council follows a recommendation by a local prosecutor that all 14 be tried for photographing a handful of military airbases in southern Greece.

A Kalamata investigating magistrate and a public prosecutor late last month decided to refer to the case to the misdemeanor council after Greek intelligence officials pointed to espionage in their report to court officials.

Conversely, the 14 foreign nationals - 13 men and one woman -- have continued to maintain throughout that they were on a "plane spotting" vacation when arrested outside a military airbase near Kalamata.

Photographing military installations is prohibited in Greece, although the 14 say they had an invitation to attend an air show in Kalamata. Another issue now apparently complicating matters is the revelation that the leader of the "plane spotting" group had visited Turkey recently as a guest of the Turkish military.

They were arrested on Nov. 8 in the port city, three days after being briefly detained at an airbase north of Athens for photographing the site.

[11] Wife Bonnie's statements not controversial, US envoy claims

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

At one point during the Monday seminar, Bonnie Miller had compared Greece unfavorably to Bosnia as regards the plight of women caught up in the clutches of the global sex trade.

Arriving for a meeting at the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, Miller said that this was a problem that the head of the Greek police force had long been aware of.

"I consider the reaction a little absurd, when the chief of the Greek police has offered congratulations for what was said," he added, while pointing out that it was important to focus on the essence of the issue, which concerned every state in the world.

"We have similar problem in the US," he told reporters.

Asked whether Greece should buy arms from Russia instead of the US, Miller said that this was decision for the Greek government.

That other countries would attempt to persuade Greece to buy their products was part of the process, provided there were equal terms of competition, he concluded

Bonnie Miller's statements were also commented on later on Tuesday by government spokesman Christos Protopappas, who said that they did not constitute an issue and that the positions of the US were not expressed by the spouses of their ambassadors.

The Greek government cooperated and talked with the US envoy in Athens, he added, and Ambassador Miller had congratulated Greek authorities on the efforts they were making to deal with the problem.

Asked what measures the government intended to take to deal with trafficking in women, the spokesman said that specific measures would soon be announced by Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis.

[12] Interior Minister discusses party funding -party committee

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

All the parties ultimately agreed on the abolition of election centers for parliamentary deputy candidates, while election centers will only be allowed for parties.

Skandalidis promised to present this settlement in Parliament as soon as possible and main opposition New Democracy party Deputy Vangelis Meimarakis said ND deputies will vote according to conscience.

But the small parties also have doubts as to whether this will be supported to the end by the two major parties, since deputies have expressed reservations and hesitations through the press at times.

[13] ND's opinion poll lead over PASOK decreased compared to June

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

The shame poll showed Prime Minister Costas Simitis retaking the lead over ND leader Costas Karamanlis, as in the question on who is most suitable for prime minister, Simitis garnered a 40 per cent preference to Karamanlis' 38.1 per cent, compared to June when Karamanlis lead by 2.2 per cent.

The poll was conducted with the participation of 2000 persons with the method of the ballot box, from Nov. 21 to Dec. 4.

Specifically, 34.8 per cent of those responding said they would vote for ND in the next elections, 28.2 per cent for PASOK, 6.1 per cent for the Movement of Free Citizens (KEP), 4.7 per cent for the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), 3 per cent for the Coalition of the Left and Progress and 1.4 per cent for the Democratic Socialist Movement (DHKKI).

ND won on the question of which party was most likely to win an election - regardless of what respondents would themselves vote for, with an 11.4 per cent difference to PASOK, compared to 24.4 per cent difference in the June poll.

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos had a steady popularity rating of 74.4 per cent, while the popularity of Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos stood at 71 per cent and that of Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos to 62 per cent. The popularity of ATHOC chairwoman Yianna Angelopoulou-Daskalaki grew to 59.4 per cent. Foreign Minister George Papandreou followed with 58 per cent, ND deputy George Souflias with 57.3 and ND deputy Dora Bakoyianni with 53.3 per cent.

Gov't spokesman comments: In his comments regarding MRB's opinion poll, government spokesman Christos Protopappas said that "it is one more opinion poll registering that the course of the comeback, the upward movement is continuing".

"The trust of the people in Prime Minister Costas Simitis is reaffirmed. It is clear. The Greek people are expecting from us, with the political initiatives and our work, to respond to this responsibility. We will be judged by that," Protopappas said.

PASOK secretary says PASOK on dynamic course of recovery: PASOK Central Committee secretary Costas Laliotis, commenting on results of an opinion poll publicized by the MRB company on Tuesday and showing a decrease in the main opposition New Democracy party's lead over PASOK compared to the previous opinion poll, said he is optimistic that in June PASOK can again be the first party in opinion polls.

Laliotis said that a careful reading of the opinion poll's data shows that PASOK is on a dynamic course of recovery, contrary to ND, which is in a state of stagnation.

He said this dynamism has already changed events, while it can-not be considered that a consolidated difference exists between PASOK and ND in such cases as vote intention and which party will win the next elections.

ND leader: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis was briefed in FYROM by his associates on the results of the nationwide opinion poll.

According to reports, the ND considered satisfactory the fact that while PASOK's support among its supporters increased by 10 percentage points on the question of which party will be voted for the ruling party only gained two percentage points compared to the previous opinion poll conducted by the same company.

On the question of who is more suitable for prime minister, in which case Prime Minister Costas Simitis has a 1.9 percent lead over Karamanlis, ND sources believe that the difference is not big.

[14] National Bank of Greece governor calls for mergers, business size increase

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

"Achieving national competitiveness and economic growth passes through the continual increase of productive investment, the continual retraining of the labor force, the continual restructuring and the changes in business units to reflect rational organizational structures," Karatzas said.

"Part of these changes is the aim to achieve a critical business size, as well as the achieving of lower costs," he said, adding that the number of mergers internationally was growing fast in the past few years, noting that in 1981 there were about 1,000, in 1991 there were about 16,000 and in 1999 there were about 32,000 mergers.

[15] Minister says cotton producers' income to near last year's

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

Drys said that following positive developments in the cotton market, cotton producers are receiving 255-260 drachmas a kilo from gins, while this price should include 52 drachmas provided Greek production does not exceed the ceiling of 1,146,000 tones, another 10 drachmas provided European Union production does not exceed the ceiling of 1,500 million tones and another 20-25 drachmas from the return of VAT and the Special fuel Consumption Tax (meaning 337-347 drachmas a kilo).

Addressing opposition deputies, Drys said they should hope there will be a smaller and not bigger production than 1,146,787 tones of cotton agreed with the European Commission, some of whom had called for the government's position in the event the ceiling is exceeded.

[16] Farmers continue tractor protest pickets for second day

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

The protesting farmers have given the government until Thursday to provide solutions to their problems and demands. If these are not met, they will then decide what form of action they will next adopt, while they have not ruled out highway roadblocks over Christmas.

In comments about the protests on Tuesday, government spokesman Christos Protopappas said the government was not concerned about the protests of any social group but warned against action that harmed society as a whole and the interests of farmers in the long run.

[17] Initial figures show population of Greece numbers 10,939,605

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

Of the 10,939,605, 5,424,089 are males and 5,515,516 are females.

The male population increased 7.4 per cent during the decade, while the female population increased 6 per cent.

The greatest increase in population was in the eastern Attica prefecture (37 per cent), the western Attica prefecture (20.7 per cent), Crete (11.5 per cent), the Ionian Islands (10.7 per cent) and Macedonia (8.2 per cent).

[18] Dial 198 from December 17 for information on euro

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

The decision was reached at a meeting held on Tuesday between Economy Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and the National Committee on the Euro. The meeting was also attended, among others, by Bank of Greece Governor Lambros Papademos.

Decision was also reached for 400 kiosks to be set up at street markets throughout the country where specially trained staff will brief the public and professionals on transactions.

[19] U.S. ambassador praises Greek economy

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

Miller said the transformation of the Greek economy from 1985 to date is spectacular. He added that compared to other European and OECD countries Greece's performances are considerable.

He further predicted a 15% increase in trade transactions between Greece and the U.S., particularly after the introduction of the new currency, but made no mention of any period of time.

Miller added that the hosting of the 2004 Olympic Games and market deregulation in Greece in the telecommunications, energy and transport sectors are expected to contribute to the increase in trade transactions.

[20] Minister says crisis in air transport limited in duration

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

Referring to the tender underway of Olympic Airways to facilitate private capital inflows, Verelis said the company cannot survive without the inflow of private capital.

The tender will be completed at the end of the year and in early 2002 the government will take final decisions which, according to Verelis, should also receive collective support by the political world because, as the minister said, Olympic Airways is not a field of political confrontation, as well as by all parties involved, particularly by Olympic's staff.

The weight of modernization in transportation is allocated to modernizing the country's railway network, developing urban transport in Athens, developing new infrastructures at important airports in the country, Verelis said.

[21] Businessman expresses concern over energy market

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

The electric power market is considered as having been deregulated since February 19, 2001. The development ministry has granted seven licenses to private investors to date, having a total capacity of 2,600 megawatts.

In parallel, five licenses have been given for the procurement of electric power from abroad, covering a total capacity of 1,343 megawatts.

Kopelouzos said, however, that 10 months after the deregulation date the local market remains closed, while prospects of opening are very difficult to discern.

The opening of the market should constitute the clear message of a considerable opening by the Greek economy to the rules and regulations of the international competitive market.

"It is inconceivable for us to expect the attraction of foreign investments for the development of the national economy and for us to keep the energy markets of electric power and natural gas bound, both formally and substantively," Kopelouzos said.

He also referred to factors having a negative effect on the opening of the two Greek energy markets. He said they include the unsuitable institutional role defined by the law on the Regulating Energy Principle, which constitutes an ordinary recommendatory organ, since the final decisions are taken by the development ministry's civil leadership. In addition, the regulating institutional framework has not yet been completed.

Addressing the same conference, Evangelos Mytilineos, president of the Mytilineos group, proposed the creation of a National Foreign Economic Policy Council.

The Council's aim would be the joint handling by the state and by agencies active in the Balkans of competition by European and U.S. businesses.

Mytilineos also proposed that the foreign minister should head the Council and be assisted by the foreign ministry's deputy international economic relations minister. He further proposed the participation of opposition representatives, banks active in regions of interest, as well as representatives of businessmen and inter-state chambers of commerce and Greek ambassadors in countries where Greek businesses are active.

[22] Labor minister sets out planning on women's employment

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

Reppas said the relevant program aims at decreasing unemployment among women with the strengthening of equal opportunities based on the principle of social integration.

He said that the strategic target for Greece during the following period is an increase in the percentage of women's employment to enable it to approach the European average of 50 percent, as well as a relevant decrease of unemployment and long-term un-employment among women.

Reppas further said that 10 percent of the European Community Fund's resources in the 3rd Community Support Framework (CSF) will be provided for actions in favor of equal opportunities for women.

At the beginning of his address, Reppas conceded that Greek society remains conservative and women shoulder most of a family's responsibilities, such as the upbringing of children and caring for the elderly, with repercussions on their professional life.

[23] Protopappas comments on charges against OTE telecom head

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

The spokesman was responding to questions on whether Manasis, president and managing director of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, would be suspended after charges of fraud were brought against him.

No one was considered guilty until the courts made their judgment, Protopappas said, to add that the decision on whether or not to resign was Manasis' own.

In a Tuesday announcement, meanwhile, OTE's management said it was waiting for the start of the main inquiry into the case that would prove the legality of its contract with the company Aurora.

In statements on Tuesday, Manasis said that all the evidence was at the disposal of the courts. He said the deal was part of OTE's strategy for expansion abroad and had not harmed its interests, while the prices offered by Aurora for both telecoms space and internet portals in London and New York were substantially lower than those secured by the telecom's organization in previous deals.

A public prosecutor on Monday filed criminal charges of defrauding the state against Manasis.

On the basis of allegations in the media, the prosecutor launched an enquiry in June into a contract OTE reportedly made with Aurora, a telecoms service provider that was formerly a cleaning company named Karakitsos Cleaning.

The media reports had called the contract scandalous, claiming that in a short space of time a cleaning outfit had metamorphosed into a telecommunications firm.

They alleged that OTE had signed a 10-billion drachma contract with Aurora to broker a leasing of telecoms space to a global network named Flag.

The reports charged that OTE, which had leased telecoms space in 1995 through direct negotiation, had used brokers for the first time.

The charges are to be sent to a special prosecutor, who is to begin the main enquiry into the case.

[24] Bourse ends lower in edgy trade

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

The general share index shed 0.62 percent to end at 2,645.38 points. Turnover was 122 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.51 percent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.59 percent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities 0.86 percent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 228 to 86 with 42 issues remaining unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Titan Cement Company, Sex Form, Hellenic Bottling Company and Cosmote.

Bond Market Close: Prices mixed in moderate trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished mixed in moderate 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 39 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.8 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for over half of turnover.

Derivatives Market Close: Equity futures drop, tracking main market: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Tuesday finished lower, tracking a decline in the main market, traders said.

Changing hands were 4,133 contracts on turnover of 24.3 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 0.51 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks lost 0.59 percent.

[25] ATHOC president briefs IOC's Coordinating Committee on Olympiad

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

In statements after her briefing, Daskalaki reiterated that "not even one day should be wasted" and noted that all the agencies involved in the preparations should further intensify their efforts with the objective of Athens securing the hosting of a unique Olympic Games "which will send the message of modern Greece to all the world."

In a general review of the preparations during the past six months, Daskalaki presented ATHOC's budget, which she said amounted to 1.96 billion euro, 80 per cent of which has already been secured through relevant contracts.

According to ATHOC sources, IOC President Jacques Rogge and other senior IOC officials have expressed satisfaction on the progress achieved so far in preparation for the Games.

[26] Gov't considers 15-day leave plan during Olympics

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

Town planning, environment and public works Minister Vasso Papandreou made the statement during a press conference in the Greek capital, a day before she travels to Brussels to attend an EU environment ministers' council.

Several proposals have been aired over the past few months on ways to reduce Athens' notorious traffic congestion for the 2004 Games, although August is traditionally a month when most city dwellers take their holiday while schools are schools.

[27] U.S. tables resolution to U.N. in favor of Olympic Truce

NEW YORK, 12/12/2001 (ANA/M. Georgiadou)

The United States Public Delegate to the United Nations William J. Hybl, who is a member of the Winter Olympic Games of Salt Lake City, Utah, the United States of America, tabled the resolution.

"Building a peaceful and better world is the underlying principle of the United Nations Charter. Usually the Organization does this by considering peace and security, sustainable development, human rights, and humanitarian assistance. Today we are considering how to build a peaceful and better world through sport and the Olympic Ideal," Hybl said.

"Through sport one learns fair play, mutual understanding, solidarity and friendship. These are virtues that the United Nations strives to embody in its work and as an example to the world community. Today the Assembly can support the ideal of teaching the youth of the world - not about sport - but to use sport to promote peace and the well being of society," he added.

"In 1993, the Assembly's 48th Session responded to the appeal of the International Olympic Committee who revived for the modern era the ancient Greek tradition of 'ekecheiria' or 'Olympic Truce'. Commencing in the 7th Century B.C., 'ekecheiria' was an established principle of inter-state relations for ensuring the safe passage and participation of all concerned to Olympia for the Olympic Games," Hybl said.

"Most recently, the historic Final Declaration of the United Nations Millennium Summit in September 2000 included an appeal to observe the Olympic Truce and to support the International Olympic Committee in its efforts to promote peace and human understanding through sport and the Olympic ideal," he said.

On his part, Greek Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Elias Gounaris said that "the draft resolution, introduced by the United States, the country hosting the Olympic Games in the year 2002, in Salt Lake City, calls all Member-States to promote the Olympic Ideal, to observe the 'Olympic Truce', and revive the ancient Greek tradition of 'ekecheiria', dating back to the 9th century B.C."

"In July 2000, International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch and the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs George Papandreou inaugurated in Athens the International Olympic Truce Center," Gounaris said, adding "the center, in full compliance with relevant UN resolutions is an ambitious undertaking of the International Olympic Committee, in cooperation with the Greek Government, to promote an international cease-fire during the Olympics, thus allowing the building of bridges among rivals". "The return of the Olympic Games in 2004 to Greece, their ancient home, more than a century after their revival in 1896, provides an opportunity to enrich the modern Olympics by restoring some of the forgotten ideals of ancient Greece," the ambassador said.

[28] Bar Associations of Greece honor President of the Republic

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

The president of the plenum and president of the Athens Bar Association, Antonis Roupakiotis, paid tribute to Stephanopoulos for his ethics and enormous contribution to the country's public life as well as to his distinguished 20-year career as lawyer in Patras.

Present at the event were, among others, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos and deputies.

[29] Greek Parliament donates DR 50 million to UNICEF's telemarathon

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

The sum was donated following a decision by Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and continues a tradition started several years ago.

[30] Athens to see the light of night with French expert's help

Athens, 12/12/2001 (ANA)

The entire operation is being conducted by the newly established "Friends of Athens" organization, which was created by Cypriot film director Michael Cacoyiannis, with the cooperation of the Athens Municipality and the French expert's contribution.

The decision was announced on Tuesday by Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos and Cacoyiannis, who is credited with the idea. The film director, who is known for his great love of Athens, initially came up with the idea a few years ago in his capacity then as president of the Organization for the Cultural Olympiad.

Bideau's achievements are numerous, the most spectacular one being the lighting of the Eiffel Tower.

The lighting of Athens' sites and monuments will include the Acropolis, Thisseion, The Agora, Adrian's Arch, Zappeion, the Panathenian Stadium and Lycabettus Hill.

[31] President to go to next month's direct talks to negotiate, not to give ultimatums

NICOSIA, 12/12/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The spokesman also said that over the years the Greek Cypriot side has made far more possible concessions than the Turkish side.

"President Clerides has said right from the start he would go to the January talks to negotiate in a give-and-take process, as de-fined by Security Council resolutions," Papapetrou said, adding that in this sense the government agrees with remarks by US State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston, who pointed to the need for mutual concessions.

The spokesman said that anyone going to talks and claiming that proposals he submitted were his last word is simply not honest with himself.

"Such a person is not at the talks to negotiate but to give an ultimatum and President Clerides does not intend to give any ultimatums, he goes to negotiate," Papapetrou said.

He added "the Greek Cypriot side has covered an infinitely longer distance of the possible concessions it can make than the Turkish side."

Papapetrou expressed satisfaction with Weston's statements that the basis of the talks has not changed.

[32] Cyprus FM says General Affairs Council text satisfying

BRUSSELS, 12/12/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking to CNA on Tuesday night from Brussels, Kasoulides said the General Affairs Council has approved the relevant text to be presented to the European Council Summit at Laeken on December 14-15, adding that the paragraph on Cyprus is "especially satisfying" since "it calls on the two sides to work in search of a solution according to the relevant UN resolutions and welcomes the meetings held on December 4 and 5 between Clerides and Denktash."

Kasoulides added the Cyprus side is also especially satisfied since the text calls on the two sides on the island to seize the opportunity and solve the Cyprus problem before the end of the accession negotiations and says that in case there is no solution at the moment of the conclusion of the accession negotiations then the Helsinki decision will apply.

It also calls on the two sides to take into account that all pro-visions of a future political settlement should be in accordance with the principles on which the EU has been founded.

Kasoulides added that the text is "especially satisfying and especially timely under the circumstances, particularly the reference to UN resolutions, the Helsinki conclusions (that the political problem will not be an obstacle to EU membership) and that a solution should be based on the principles the EU itself is based on." Cyprus opened accession negotiations with the EU in April 1998 and has so far provisionally closed 23 out of 29 chapters under negotiation. It is considered to be the front-runner among the 12 candidate countries.

[33] Cyprus president at US ceremony in memory of September 11 victims

NICOSIA, 12/12/2001 (CNA/ANA)

During the ceremony, President Clerides and US Ambassador to Cyprus Donald Bandler laid a wreath at the US flag that was flying half-mast and observed a moment of silence in the memory of those killed during the attack.

President Clerides also expressed his sorrow that "in these days of Christmas that we all want to spend with our families," young children, wives and husbands have been killed in the barbaric action of September 11. Ambassador Bandler thanked President Clerides for his continuing support and for taking all necessary measures and initiatives needed to make the global antiterrorism effort a success.

"He (President Clerides) has worked tirelessly to ensure that Cyprus would become a valuable partner in the effort to build a future free of these destructive threats", Bandler noted.

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