Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-12-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't unveils nat'l anti-drug initiatives, policy

[02] PM receives Communist Party of China delegation

[03] Reppas, Pangalos address Parliament during 2002 budget debate

[04] FM and US envoy discuss preparations for Simitis' trip to US

[05] Alternate FM has courtesy meeting with Palestinian ambassador

[06] Education minister, Archbishop meet

[07] Government always wants good relations with Church, Protopappas says

[08] Gov't: Cyprus' EU accession unaffected by solution prospects

[09] Protopappas rejects ND criticism over EU army as 'irresponsible'

[10] KKE's Papariga blasts gov't, ND

[11] New ambassadors from Turkey, Cuba and Cyprus

[12] FM to give press conference on Thursday

[13] Government assessing second offer for OA, Protopappas says

[14] Aktor consortium wins airport railway project

[15] Forthnet may become first private fixed-line phone operator

[16] Renewable Energy Sources Center awards

[17] Industrialists have mixed feelings about 2002 budget

[18] Increased EU subsidies for mutton and goat meat production

[19] Greenpeace slams 'weak' government stance on GMOs

[20] Hyatt Regency eyes Mount Parnes Casino

[21] Greek tourism to focus on link with the arts

[22] Stocks rise, fuelled by telecoms

[23] Olympic flame in US this weekend

[24] New armed forces directorate for 2004 security

[25] Ecumenical Patriarch inaugurates religious meeting

[26] New Acropolis Museum to be inaugurated before 2004 Olympiad

[27] Greeks spend more on nurture than culture, Eurostat report says

[28] Cyprus on agenda of Bush-Simitis meeting on Jan. 10

[29] National Council concludes meeting with consensus approach

[30] Cyprus ratifies convention on criminal proceedings

[01] Gov't unveils nat'l anti-drug initiatives, policy

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

In presiding over a wide-ranging government meeting to focus on the drug issue, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis said policy will revolve around two axes, namely, reducing the demand for narcotics through various deterrence and prevention initiatives, along with rehabilitation and social inclusion programs for one-time users.

The other primary target will be to curb drug supply through better policing in the country and on Greece’s borders.

Anti-drug campaigns will also be more robustly promoted in schools and even correctional facilities, a traditional “breeding ground” for drug trafficking and “networking” among peddlers.

Several ministers and deputy ministers attended Wednesday’s two-and-a-half-hour meeting.

In touching on the issue of ostensibly differentiating between so-called “hard” drugs from “soft” or “recreational” substances, Simitis told reporters afterwards that the issue was discussed at the meeting, although “we didn’t agree (with this notion), and we’re not making a distinction between ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ drugs,” he added.

Communist party criticizes government announcements on drugs: The Communist Party of Greece (KKE), commenting on Wednesday on announcements following the Inter-Ministerial Committee's meeting on a national plan of action on drugs, said they constituted a strategy to manipulate public opinion to compromise with the tragic reality of drugs.

"Despite the statements of (Prime Minister) Mr. Simitis that the government's strategy includes measures to decrease demand and trafficking the content of the plan confirms that the main government direction concerns the management of the problem and not prevention," KKE said.

[02] PM receives Communist Party of China delegation

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

The Chinese delegation later met with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and with a group of top PASOK party cadres.

EU-China relations, the Cyprus issue - in light of the People's Republic of China's positive stance on the long-standing matter -- Beijing's accession to the World Trade Organization and other political issues dominated talks.

Parliament president receives Chinese delegation: Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis received a Chinese delegation on Wednesday, headed by the member of the Communist Party of China's Central Committee Politburo Wei, and referred to the very good relations existing between the Greek and Chinese people.

"Both sides should try for a greater development of our relations, particularly in the economic sector, since the relations of the two peoples with ancient civilizations are lost in the depths of time," Kaklamanis said.

[03] Reppas, Pangalos address Parliament during 2002 budget debate

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

Reppas' speech in Parliament was focused mainly on the government's planned reforms to social insurance, which he said aimed to make the system viable and fair, while he urged all social and political groups to realize that the issue had to be dealt with.

Reppas also outlined government programs for tackling unemployment, on which he said one trillion drachmas was being spent in the framework of European Union policies for employment, while he said that welfare spending had increased from 4.7 trillion drachmas in 1993 to 10.5 trillion drachmas in 2000 and 11.8 trillion drachmas in 2001.

Overall, the minister said, with social spending exceeding 26 per cent of GDP, Greece was now approaching the EU average for social spending (27.7 per cent of GDP).

Earlier during Wednesday's debate, PASOK MP Theodoros Pangalos had described the budget as "good" and "particularly successful" but expressed concern that the next year might bring a rise in inflation and unemployment.

He also questioned whether Greece was ready for the introduction of the euro, warning of the danger that inflation could rise due to people "rounding-up" converted drachma prices, and said that not enough had been done to help people make the transition from drachmas to the new currency.

[04] FM and US envoy discuss preparations for Simitis' trip to US

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

In statements to reporters after the meeting, which lasted over an hour, Miller said they had also discussed issues of mutual interest.

Asked what issues might be included in the agenda of talks between Simitis and US President George Bush, Miller said these would definitely take in major international issues, such as developments in the Balkans, the on-going Middle East crisis, EU-NATO relations and the nascent European Union military force.

[05] Alternate FM has courtesy meeting with Palestinian ambassador

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

An announcement by the foreign ministry said the importance of the European Union's role in peace efforts in the region was underlined during the meeting.

Regarding bilateral relations, the Palestinian ambassador stressed the excellent level of relations and expressed appreciation for Greece's long and continuous solidarity for the Palestinian people, the announcement added.

Giannitsis emphasized Greece's readiness to contribute to the promotion of the dialogue and to the rapprochement between the two sides.

[06] Education minister, Archbishop meet

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

They also discussed a variety of church issues, including church education, justice and property.

[07] Government always wants good relations with Church, Protopappas says

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

Asked if the channels of communication between the government and the Church were open, the spokesman said that these were always open. He stressed that the issue of recording religion on police-issued identity cards was closed but pointed out that there were many other issues to be discussed.

As examples he mentioned the issue of the Church's property, which he said the Church had itself raised in the past, or issues such as religious education and justice.

[08] Gov't: Cyprus' EU accession unaffected by solution prospects

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

Government spokesman Christos Protopappas made the statement during his regular press briefing in Athens, and in reply to the latest comments regarding Cyprus by Turkish PM Bulent Ecevit.

The Turkish premier on Tuesday merely reiterated Ankara's long-standing views on the Cyprus issue, most of whom contravene various UN resolutions and International Law.

"Cyprus is in the final stretch towards its (EU) accession, and this was verified at Laeken," Protopappas said in reference to last weekend's European Union summit near Brussels.

He also emphasized the common position of both Athens and Nicosia, namely, that if negotiations for a solution to the island republic's problem lead to "the unfortunate possibility of failure, then this will not affect Cyprus' accession".

[09] Protopappas rejects ND criticism over EU army as 'irresponsible'

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

He also accused ND of adopting an "irresponsible and dangerous stance" by undermining the government's negotiating position on these issues.

[10] KKE's Papariga blasts gov't, ND

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

Asked about recent high-pitched verbal attacks between ruling PASOK and main opposition New Democracy - the country's two main parties - in light of allegations of leveled by a former high-placed intelligence agent in the Mitsotakis government (1990-93), Papariga said the "row" isn't rigged "because both (parties) are chasing after power, one with anti-right complexes and the other with popular demagoguery."

[11] New ambassadors from Turkey, Cuba and Cyprus

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

The first was Turkey's envoy to Athens, Mehmet Yigit Alpogan, followed by Cuban envoy Jorje Quesada Concepcion, and lastly, Cypriot ambassador Leonidas Pantelides.

[12] FM to give press conference on Thursday

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

[13] Government assessing second offer for OA, Protopappas says

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

He said the two ministers responsible for the airline's fate, Transport Minister Christos Verelis and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis were to decide whether the offer was satisfactory or whether to put into action alternative scenarios that were also under consideration by the government.

The spokesman stressed that a satisfactory solution had to be found and expressed certainty that it would be found, while he said that the need for a national airline was "appreciated" in Greece.

He also pointed out that other national airlines were facing serious problems, such as Alitalia and Swissair, or Sabena, which had closed down altogether.

[14] Aktor consortium wins airport railway project

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

The stretch of railway, which is budgeted at 30 billion drachmas, will help to handle increased passenger movement in the 2004 Athens Olympics, beyond easing daily travel for commuters.

Handling the project is Ergose, the projects subsidiary of state owned Hellenic Railways Organization.

The five short-listed engineering contractors were Hochtief AG, which built the airport; Terna, GEK and Impregilo Spa; Astaldi; AEGEK with Evklidis, ETEP and Meton; and the consortium led by Aktor, which also includes Hellenic Technodomiki and TEB.

[15] Forthnet may become first private fixed-line phone operator

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

The company said in a statement on Wednesday that it had completed a link to OTE's network, with the launch of services to the public nationwide scheduled for 2002.

The cost for consumers would be about 15-20 percent lower than current OTE rates, the statement said.

A contract for the link-up was signed in August.

OTE has signed similar contracts with a number of companies that will offer fixed-line services. The firms are in the process of creating their networks and linking up to OTE.

[16] Renewable Energy Sources Center awards

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

The awards were given for activities developed in 2000 and concerning, among others, the best private investment, best local administration initiative and best scientific work.

[17] Industrialists have mixed feelings about 2002 budget

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

SEB's president, Lefteris Antonakopoulos also said that a government bill to spur development was on the right track but needed more investment incentives.

[18] Increased EU subsidies for mutton and goat meat production

BRUSSELS, 20/12/2001 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

Greek Agriculture Minister George Drys noted that the new system of subsidies will allow for better planning and production practices by stockbreeders, particularly those of mountainous and problematic regions of the EU and of course Greece.

The ministers also extended the existing fisheries programs for another six months.

[19] Greenpeace slams 'weak' government stance on GMOs

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

Presenting the results of a survey gauging the stance of consumers and the foods industry, the group said that the government's policy on this issue was diametrically opposed to the wishes of the public.

The group similarly slammed European commissioners responsible for introducing products and crops containing genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) on the European market, despite the almost total opposition of consumers.

A survey carried out by the EU statistics service showed that reactions to GMO crops and foods were becoming stronger, the strongest being among Greeks who were 93.3 per cent opposed to GMOs.

Greenpeace has also published a guide for consumers on foods containing GMOs. For information on how to obtain one, interests parties can telephone the number 010 3838090.

The guide also shows that the vast majority of companies in the foods and beverages industry now avoid GMO foods. Greenpeace officials noted, however, that substantial quantities are still entering the food chain through GMO soya and corn used as animal fodder.

[20] Hyatt Regency eyes Mount Parnes Casino

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

The deadline for binding expressions of interest in the tender for a 51 percent stake in the casino and its management is December 28.

Hyatt said in letter to the bourse that it would submit interest jointly with Hellenic Technodomiki, an engineering contractor.

[21] Greek tourism to focus on link with the arts

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

A drive being prepared by the GNTO would include linking all forms of culture in a bid to attract visitors with an interest in the arts, Patelis told a book presentation at the National Art Gallery in Athens.

Included would be a focus on the contemporary arts in Greece in a program that would culminate with the Athens 2004 Olympics, he added.

[22] Stocks rise, fuelled by telecoms

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

The general share index gained 1.29 percent to end at 2,611.30 points. Turnover was 166.4 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 1.22 percent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.99 percent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities 0.94 percent up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 263 to 71 with 54 issues remaining unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Alpha Bank, Rainbow, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, National Bank of Greece, and Panafon.

Equity futures show lower premium: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Wednesday showed a lower premium of 0.2 percent to 1.0 percent from 1.0-1.8 percent in the previous session, traders said.

Changing hands were 7,931 contracts, sharply higher than 4,352 deals in the previous session. Turnover was 52.0 million euros. The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips rose 1.22 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks gained 0.99 percent.

Half of bourse proceeds spent on buyouts, new firms and holdings: Companies that raised cash from public offers and share capital increases spent 49.44 percent, or 2.749 trillion drachmas, on acquisitions, the creation of new firms and the purchase of holdings from January 1, 1999 to June 30, 2001, the capital market commission said on Wednesday.

In the period under review, 101 public offers were held and 216 share capital rises, generating 18.3 billion euros, the commission said in a statement.

Accounting for the remainder of cash tapped from the bourse were investments at 25.17 percent (1.4 trillion drachmas); reinforcement of operating capital at 14.14 percent; and lowering borrowing requirements at 11.26 percent, the statement said.

Athens bourse says share dispersion drops due to buybacks: The level of share dispersion of stocks quoted on the Athens Stock Exchange dropped in September against the start of the year due mainly to share buybacks by firms wanting to support their share price, market authorities said on Wednesday.

Individuals or firms classed as main shareholders with ownership of more than 1.0 percent of firms held stock worth 21.9 trillion drachmas in September, with retail investors holding 12.1 trillion drachmas in shares, authorities said in a statement.

Bond prices rise in light trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Wednesday finished higher in light trade again focusing on ten-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.10 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 34 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.4 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[23] Olympic flame in US this weekend

NEW YORK, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

On the morning of Dec. 26 torchbearers will begin carrying the flame across the United States towards its final destination in Salt Lake City, Utah, the host city for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

According to US press reports, dozens of selected torchbearers are survivors of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in Manhattan and Washington, as well as volunteer rescuers or relatives of victims who died in the attacks.

[24] New armed forces directorate for 2004 security

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

The new body will report directly to the chief of the general staff and the relevant deputy defense minister, Lazaros Lotidis, who will act as the top civil authority.

The new body will include a operational planning directorate, which will prepare a plan for utilizing the armed forces in the 2004 Games' security sector. This directorate will subsequently be transformed into an operations division, responsible for implementing relevant plans and ideas. Another directorate will provide administrative and logistical support.

[25] Ecumenical Patriarch inaugurates religious meeting

BRUSSELS, 20/12/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"It is not necessary for us to eradicate differences between us in order to achieve social peace," he said and referred to accusations leveled against religions and religious leaders for "bloody confrontations and domination rivalry."

However, Vartholomeos analyzed for representatives of the three monotheistic religions participating in the meeting the mistake contained in these conceptions and referred to the paternal tradition of the Orthodox Church, which encourages peaceful coexistence.

Cardinal Walter Kasper conveyed a message by Pope John Paul II to the meeting, while messages were also sent, among others, by U.S. President George W. Bush and Belgian Foreign Minister Louis Michel.

The U.S. president's representative reminded of the history of the 20th century, a history of non-religious institutions, which caused hecatombs of victims and referred to the theory that the 21st century will be a century of conflicts between religions and civilizations.

Representatives of the three monotheistic religions taking the floor, during the opening session at the Charlemagne building, insisted that this theory does not correspond to reality and stressed that religions are used as a pretext for political and power conflicts.

[26] New Acropolis Museum to be inaugurated before 2004 Olympiad

Athens, 20/12/2001 (ANA)

Venizelos made the announcement during the signing ceremony of the contract between the Organization for the Construction of the New Acropolis Museum and the contractors.

Construction work is expected to start by the end of June 2002.

Venizelos said that the signing of the contract constitutes the fulfillment of late culture minister Melina Mercouri's dream for the creation of the museum. The minister also noted that Mercouri's husband Jules Dassin played a leading role in efforts for the creation of the new museum.

[27] Greeks spend more on nurture than culture, Eurostat report says

BRUSSELS, 20/12/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

The report presents consumer profiles and comparative data for all European Union member states.

More specifically, Greeks spend 8.3 per cent of their available income to eat in restaurants, one of the biggest percentages in Europe. Similar spending patterns are seen among the Spanish and Portuguese, while those in more northern climes spend an average of 4 per cent on eating out.

Residents of northern Europe, on the other hand, spend more than 10 per cent of their available income on forms of entertainment related to culture, such as theatre, cinema and books.

Greeks rank second-to-last in Europe for spending in these categories, devoting just 4.5 per cent of their available income for this purpose, while the Portuguese come last with 3.7 per cent and the Swedes first with 14.6 per cent.

The average Greek is also much less likely to read newspapers, with just 22.5 per cent of adult men and 17.2 per cent of adult women reading the daily papers.

This is the lowest percentage in the EU and with a fairly wide gap with the next runner up. On average in Europe, just over 50 per cent of men and women read a daily newspaper, while in Scandinavian countries this percentage rises to 90 per cent.

Only residents of Luxembourg watch more television than Greeks, with an average of 229 minutes per day compared to 227 minutes per day for the average Greek. The EU average in this category is 206 minutes per day.

[28] Cyprus on agenda of Bush-Simitis meeting on Jan. 10

WASHINGTON, 20/12/2001 (CNA/ANA)

"This visit provides an opportunity to deepen cooperation between the US and Greece, key NATO allies, on stability in the Balkans, Cyprus, NATO and the European Union, counter-terrorism and preparations for the upcoming Olympics in Salt Lake City and Athens," a White House spokesman has said.

The spokesman said that the visit will also serve as a reminder of the great and enduring contributions that Greek Americans have made to the US and to American society.

Simitis is scheduled to meet Bush on January 10.

Bush will also welcome at the White House Turkish premier Bulent Ecevit in the second half of January to discuss Turkey's role in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The meetings will take place as Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash meet in Cyprus, under UN aegis, with a view to finding a comprehensive settlement of the protracted Cyprus question.

Clerides and Denktash agreed in early December to begin direct talks on January 16 and there is cautious optimism and hope, but no euphoria, in various quarters that these talks could lead to a settlement.

[29] National Council concludes meeting with consensus approach

NICOSIA, 20/12/2001 (CNA/ANA)

"All issues were on the table and I believe there was a strong desire on the part of participants for consensus in their approach," government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said after the meeting but refrained from disclosing any further details.

Asked if President Glafcos Clerides has arguments to put forward at the talks, the spokesman said "he most certainly does have replies, positions on all issues and arguments."

The president, he added, will outline his positions and views at the meetings he has with various envoys dealing with the question of Cyprus but also at the negotiating table.

"We will go to the talks on the basis of the 1989 National Council proposals," the spokesman said.

The Council, the top advisory body to the president on the handling of the Cyprus problem, said in 1989 it backs a bizonal, bicommunal federation and wants to see a settlement on the basis of UN resolutions and decisions.

[30] Cyprus ratifies convention on criminal proceedings

NICOSIA, 20/12/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Under the convention, any contracting state may request another contracting state to take proceedings against a suspected person in its state and then waive proceedings itself.

The requested state may not refuse acceptance of the request except in specific cases and in particular if it considers that the offence is of a political nature or that the request is based on considerations of race, religion or nationality.

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