Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-01-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece inaugurates EU use of new currency, PM withdraws first 10-euro bill

[02] President receives Greece's leadership for New Year's Day wishes

[03] DM says Greek-Turkish relations may enter tougher period

[04] FYROM PM says Greece country's most important partner

[05] Defense minister visits Samos border posts, comments on euro

[06] Deputy defense minister visits border troops

[07] Appeal by Greek MPs appreciated by Palestinian people

[08] Development minister rejects 'black out' fears

[09] Mitsotakis says euro will highlight economy's failings

[10] KKE leader comments on pros and cons of the nascent euro

[11] Supreme Court rules illegal workers entitled to benefits

[12] 2002 Greek Almanac now on sale

[13] Ship carrying about 200 illegal immigrants detected off Crete

[14] President Clerides sees two great events in 2002

[15] Spokesman says Clerides-Denktash discussed missing persons

[16] Cyprus urges for Turkish oppressive policy to be exposed

[01] Greece inaugurates EU use of new currency, PM withdraws first 10-euro bill

Athens, 02/01/2002 (ANA)

“I wish for a happy New Year, a New Year with the euro,” Simitis said addressing a special event hosted by the Bank of Greece at its central offices in Athens to kick off the new currency use in the country.

The Greek premier noted the significance of these historic times for the future of the country and of Europe and spoke of a more integrated European Union which will use the new currency as a vehicle of progress and prosperity.

Simitis withdrew a 10-euro bill from an Automated Teller Machine in the bank representing all Greeks in welcoming the use of the new currency.

The full speech, of the premier to the event that was televised nationally, follows: "Beginning today, January 1, 2002, the drachma - our currency since 1833 - is replaced by the euro, the currency of the United Europe, one of the strongest currencies of the world," Simitis said.

"Today's circulation of the euro means that our country has made a deep change in its economy. Never before such a deep change was made," he said.

"Our way of life will change gradually. It will change radically. With the step we made we gained more capabilities, more opportunities for the development of the country, in order to create a more social state; to strengthen the international position of the country," he said.

"We are a part of the unified European economic space now," he underlined.

"Today is a landmark moment in the national aim of the Greek people on their way to increase the our standard of living to that of the other European people; to achieve real economic and social convergence. It is also a landmark moment in the cooperation of the European people, in efforts to promote the further European integration. A Europe even stronger, a Europe more social," the Greek premier concluded.

[02] President receives Greece's leadership for New Year's Day wishes

Athens, 02/01/2002 (ANA)

Prime Minister Costas Simitis was the first to visit the president to exchange wishes for the New Year. The president wished him "success in the government's planning".

Among dignitaries visiting the president were Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) secretary Aleka Papariga and Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas.

Stephanopoulos' New Year message: The arrival of the euro dominated the message by President of the Republic Kostis Stephano-poulos on Monday on the occasion of the New Year, who said it would bring benefits such as financial stability and security but also more work and greater demands.

"The start of the New Year marks the start of the euro era. We are abandoning our drachma for a new currency that offers us more opportunities and invites us to make use of them. It ensures more stable prices, exchange safety and a truly single market but at the same time it makes us accept greater competition that will demand that we do more work, increase our productivity and improve the quality of our goods and services.

"I believe we will adapt successfully to the new conditions and new demands. I believe that we will prove our worth," he said.

The greatest demands, Stephanopoulos noted, would be on those working in the public sector, who would have to meet the greater expectations of the state and the citizens.

"They must consider how much depends on them in order for everyone to get ahead. I hope they will not let us down," he added.

Urging all to work toward making life better based on the common good, the president pointed out that the greatest responsibility lay with the State.

"We must free the economy and business activity from the shackles that hinder it without delay, we must improve as much as possible our social policies for the benefit of society's weaker members and we await with hope for the measures in health and education to bring results," he said, noting that the last two areas, in particular, were central expectations and basic needs of the country.

Turning to foreign policy, the president said that tensions had been reduced but not eradicated and urged that the country continue a measured but decisive foreign policy.

Condemning all forms of terrorism, Stephanopoulos also reiterated his sincere sorrow over the tragic events of September 11 and the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington.

He then expressed support for the European army, provided it "served the great ideals of humanism, peace and justice on which united Europe was based, and did not base its actions on other motives".

Regarding Cyprus, the Greek president said that he awaited for the true intentions of Ankara and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to be revealed.

"Let us hope there is a just and viable solution. This is our sincere wish," he said, "but Cyprus is due to enter the European Union regardless of whether there is a solution to the problem."

President addresses armed forces event: Concern over foreign policy is obligatory, Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos said during his New Year address to the Greek armed forces on Wednesday, in regards to Turkeys stance.

He also spoke of the euro and Greece's new prospects as a full partner of the other 11 European Union member-states that will share the new common currency, which as he said causes us to feel hope, but fear as well.

"It is the responsibility of each one of us to utilize the new capabilities for the benefit of our people," he said.

Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis and other notables were present at the event.

Prime Minister's New Year message: Greece must rise to the challenges and opportunities that the New Year will bring, armed with the new-found confidence gained through the successes of 2001, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said on Monday in his message for the New Year.

"In 2001 our country took a major step toward modernization. Our economy consolidated its stability. New development programs began in all regions of the country. Reforms to health and education went ahead. Preparations for the Olympiad were set on the right path. Social tensions were resolved through consensus and convergence," he said.

"In a few hours, the year 2002 begins and the new currency, the euro, will enter our lives. The euro is the measure of what we can achieve ...It marks the distance that Greece must traverse and the goals that our society is seeking to attain."

"The future is not granted. The future is made. It is created by human effort, it is built through our own efforts...We must use the new national confidence we have gained to make real our vision of a strong, modern and dynamic society that will be an equal within the Europe of the future," he added.

ND leader's New Year message: The 21st century had proved itself a time of radical and world-changing event in human history - such as the introduction of the single European currency in 2002 - and Greece could not afford to lag behind, main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis noted during his Monday message for the New Year.

"Everything about us is changing rapidly. The future cannot wait. It is therefore time that we all come to realize this and promptly change our attitude," he said.

The introduction of the euro, he continued, which affected Greeks and some 300 million European Union citizens, was a historic event and a bold and decisive step to deeper European unification.

Greece, he added, should act as a spectator of these events but take a prominent role, seizing opportunities and showing confidence in its abilities and strength.

One opportunity to do this, he said, would be the Olympic Games in 2004 and he urged all sides to put aside personal ambitions and stand united to promote the interests of the country.

"Adopting policies of division and conflict and remaining stuck in the attitudes of the previous century will demote Greece to a minor junction in international economic, political and scientific networks," he said.

"All Greeks together, united, can make real the things we seek. The new age is made to measure for us. Let us therefore, seek high standards. The small and mediocre cannot inspire. Let us aim for high and ambitious goals."

Coalition leader's New Year message: Hope that Greece would finally achieve true convergence with its European Union partners was expressed by Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos on Monday, during his message for the New Year.

"The gap between ourselves and all that is happening around us is now apparent, as are the dead-ends of the policies being followed by the government."

"I would wish that the government, rather than confining itself to simply celebrating the important introduction of the euro, would also show the same interest for society and its problems, for the citizens and the day-to-day existence," he said.

[03] DM says Greek-Turkish relations may enter tougher period

Athens, 02/01/2002 (ANA)

However, he offered assurances that the country's armed forces are always in a position to defend its just national causes.

Papantoniou reiterated that Greece desires Turkey's accession to the European Union, but added that it is primarily Turkey's responsibility to move in this direction.

He said Greece is always open to proposals which will improve the climate under the "self-evident precondition that Greece's main national issues will be resolved in a way safeguarding its national sovereign rights".

Papantoniou, inspecting the checkpoint on Agathonissi, accompanied by Army General Staff Chief George Antonakopoulos, said servicemen's living conditions are satisfactory.

[04] FYROM PM says Greece country's most important partner

SKOPJE, 02/01/2002 (ANA/ M. Vichou)

Georgievski said the word "confederation with Greece" is a "heavy one", but added that his country needs a kind of "economic and customs linkage with Greece and a cultural rapprochement" and that such a thing will help "the speedy opening of his country's doors to the European Union."

On the question of Greek investments in FYROM, he said that if Greek capital had not infiltrated last year his country would have gone bankrupt and went on to say that "it became less sovereign with Greek capital but Greek capital also depends on 'Macedonian' sovereignty."

Georgievski said that his country is facilitated in this way on its course towards the EU, while Greece obtains the security zone it desires.

Referring to the proposal by the International Crises Group on the international community adopting the name "Republika Macedonia" for his country and Greece the name "Upper Macedonia", Georgievski said it is a "good and acceptable proposal."

Georgievski further said that he was surprised that the ball was throne into his court and not into that of Athens, adding that the Group's press conference should have been given in Athens.

[05] Defense minister visits Samos border posts, comments on euro

Athens, 02/01/2002 (ANA)

In statements on Agathonisi, Papantoniou said his visit to the outermost limits of the European Union had a special significance in view of the introduction of the euro on Tuesday.

"In the past years, the Greek people and their government waged a great battle and won with merit. Greece's entry into the inner core of the EU marks a new era for Greeks. New challenges, new expectations, new prospects. If we continue on the course that we have so far taken systematically, methodically, with national unity and justice, I am certain that the vision of a powerful, prosperous and cohesive society will become reality," he said.

The minister then departed from Agathonisi and is due back in Athens.

[06] Deputy defense minister visits border troops

Athens, 02/01/2002 (ANA)

Lotidis exchanged wishes for the New Year with the troops and reiterated that Greece is a force of stability and peace in the region. He called on neighboring counties to join the organizations of regional security so as to follow the path of peace, development and prosperity.

[07] Appeal by Greek MPs appreciated by Palestinian people

Athens, 02/01/2002 (ANA)

In an announcement released Monday, the Diplomatic Representation "expresses its deep thanks to the Hellenic Parliament for the appeal addressed by 108 MPs of all the political parties to the Israeli government to stop the military attacks against the Palestinian people, life the siege of the Palestinian territories, and return to the peace negotiations aimed at recognition of an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as the capital, in accordance with the UN Resolutions".

The announcement said that the inter-party initiative, combined with the Foreign Ministry statement of December 23, 2001, "prove once again that the friendly Greek people, through their elected representatives from all the parties and through their official government, stand firmly in solidarity with the just struggle of the Palestinian people for freedom and independence".

It said that this "courageous initiative" was in line with the "resolutions of international legality for the termination of the Israeli occupation and finding a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian problem and the Arab-Israeli dispute so that peace, security and stability may prevail in the region of the Middle East, to the benefit of the peoples of the region and the world".

The announcement added that the initiative of the Greek MPs was particularly welcomed by the Council of Arab Ambassadors in Athens, the Palestinian people and the Arab world in general.

[08] Development minister rejects 'black out' fears

Athens, 02/01/2002 (ANA)

Regarding a power cut experienced by some 10-11 per cent of Greeks on Christmas Day, he explained that this was due to the explosion of a transformer - a relatively rare event - that also took out two additional safety systems.

He said a team of experts was now investigating the causes of the accident and would present a report that could be included in future planning of the PPC.

Tsohatzopoulos also announced that a rolling five-year plan for expanding and reinforcing the electricity grid was due to be approved within January.

He also announced that fines would be imposed on a small number of businesses for violations concerning the pricing of their goods.

[09] Mitsotakis says euro will highlight economy's failings

Athens, 02/01/2002 (ANA)

The introduction of the euro, he told reporters, was an important and positive development for the country, but 2002 would be a year of reckoning for Greece and a bumpy landing into a harsh reality.

"Once the euro begins to circulate, it will throw into sharp relief the problems, weaknesses and shortcomings of the Greek economy and we will become painfully aware of what it means to have nonexistent competitiveness and low productivity," he said.

Mitsotakis made the statements while out shopping New Year's presents with his grandchildren.

[10] KKE leader comments on pros and cons of the nascent euro

Athens, 02/01/2002 (ANA)

"But it will also be a useful tool for the many, for those who need to pass from self-delusion to the great reality of action. With this hope, therefore, we view 2002 and the coming years with optimism," she added.

[11] Supreme Court rules illegal workers entitled to benefits

Athens, 02/01/2002 (ANA)

The Supreme Court rejected an appeal by an employer, calling for the revocation of an Appeals Court decision adjudging salary and holiday benefits for an alien who had worked for her for eight years.

Leaving the business voluntarily, the alien had requested salary differences and benefits according to the civil code on illicit wealth, claiming that the employer became richer at his expense without a legal cause and that she would have paid such amounts to any other employee working in the same post and having a valid labor contract.

The employer had claimed that she did not owe the amounts demanded by the alien employee since his labor contract was invalid and he was not equipped with the relevant permit provided by the labor ministry or state services.

[12] 2002 Greek Almanac now on sale

Athens, 02/01/2002 (ANA)

The 800-page volume, the 19th edition of the Greek 'Almanac', contains a detailed breakdown of major events over the past year in Greece and the world in politics, the economy, culture, sports and science, including obituaries.

There is also an English-language supplement that lists significant events in Greece over the past year, as well as a section focusing exclusively on the economy.

The "Almanac 2002" is on sale for 14.50 euros (5,000 drachmas). For more details contact the Athens News Agency at: (010) 6400560 or (010) 6400580.

[13] Ship carrying about 200 illegal immigrants detected off Crete

Athens, 02/01/2002 (ANA)

Latest reports given to the Greek merchant ministry's search and rescue department said that the ship was spotted sailing at a reduced speed and that illegal immigrants could be seen on its deck.

Earlier, Cretan harbor authorities had been probing a report given to the merchant marine ministry's search and rescue department by the corresponding Istanbul-based Turkish authorities that a ship carrying about 260 illegal immigrants was possibly sinking off the Cretan coastal town of Siteia.

Coast guard vessels, a rescue ship, a Super Puma all-weather helicopter and a Greek Air Force Hercules C-130 transport plane, as well as nearby ships had combed the area, harassed by gale-force winds.

[14] President Clerides sees two great events in 2002

NICOSIA, 02/01/2002 (CNA/ANA)

In a televised message on Monday to the people of Cyprus for the new year, the president assured the Turkish Cypriots that he is interested in their well being in a unified Cyprus and their peaceful future.

President Clerides stressed that a solution in Cyprus should be just and viable in line with UN resolutions, which stipulate that a settlement must be mutually acceptable to both Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

"The new year will be important for the future of Cyprus because it will be marked by two great events: The forthcoming accession of Cyprus to the EU and the direct talks which may well lead to the solution of the Cyprus problem," the president said, pointing out that he refers simply to the possibility of a solution because "obviously, no-one is in position to make an assessment with regard to the result of the talks before they have begun and evolved."

He added that what is said and written about these talks has nothing to do with reality.

Noting that international observers are monitoring developments in Cyprus, the president warned that our behavior should be such as to actually prove that we are sincere in our strong desire to find a settlement.

"A solution, of course, which will be just, viable and functional as well as in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions, which inter-alia envisage that the solution should be mutually acceptable," the president said.

He stressed that the Greek Cypriot side "will behave in a responsible manner during the talks, taking into consideration the legitimate interests and concerns of both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and bearing in mind that the new millennium which we have entered will be characterized by a more sincere and intense effort for the implementation of human rights throughout the planet."

Addressing himself to his Turkish Cypriot compatriots, the president assured them that "we are equally interested in their peaceful and productive future, in their security, progress and well-being in a unified Cyprus, member of the European Union."

"At the threshold of the new year I would like to wish them good health, progress and happiness. Above all, I wish that the new year will be the year of the peaceful solution of the Cyprus problem for the good of all Cypriots, Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, Maronites, Armenians and Latins," he added.

Concluding, the president extended thanks and gratitude "for the invaluable help given to us by the Greek government, all the political parties of Greece and the people of Greece as well as foreign states and personalities".

The president sent special wishes to the armed forces, the refugees, the enclaved people living in Turkish occupied Cyprus and the relatives of missing persons and expressed hope that the new year may fulfill their wishes.

[15] Spokesman says Clerides-Denktash discussed missing persons

NICOSIA, 02/01/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Papapetrou said the issue was discussed by the two leaders at a return dinner, on Saturday night, given by Clerides for Denktash at President Clerides' residence, in the government-controlled southern part of Nicosia, the world's last divided capital.

The spokesman added that Clerides and Denktash were positive about "the need to address the issue of missing persons" and agreed "to work towards solving this humanitarian issue".

The government of Cyprus started unilaterally a process of exhumation and identification of remains from two cemeteries and so far over 100 remains have been identified through the DNA method.

US: Clerides-Denktash dinners positive in their own right: US Ambassador to Cyprus Donald Bandler said on Monday that the United States regard the two dinners between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash (Dec. 5 and 29) as an important step.

Speaking after a meeting with President Clerides, Bandler said "we are encouraged that the two dinners have gone well", noting that this "is an important step in its own right" and that "there seems to be determination on both sides".

"The leaders are discussing things in a positive atmosphere. That is an important thing", he added, noting the US were glad to hear that the two leaders discussed the missing persons question and that there were plans to work on the matter.

He noted that "a lot of hard work has to be done" towards a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus.

Bandler said he would be going to the US for some meetings and consultations and that he would be back before direct talks between Clerides and Denktash begin on January 16, 2002.

He thanked President Clerides for Cyprus' support after the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11.

[16] Cyprus urges for Turkish oppressive policy to be exposed

NICOSIA, 02/01/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Cyprus' Permanent Representative to the UN, ambassador Sotos Zackheos, in letters to the above-mentioned organizations, asks them to demand "from the Turkish government to stop the persecution and to respect the right of the Turkish Cypriots to disagree with the Turkish policy on Cyprus and to freely express, without fear, their opinion".

Zackheos, referring to the persecution of Turkish Cypriot daily newspaper "Avrupa", notes that "the increasing repression of the Turkish Cypriots comes on the heels of the decision to proceed with direct negotiations on January 16, 2002, for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, and raises questions about the political will of the Turkish side to engage in a substantive dialogue with good faith in order to arrive at a just and viable settlement in accordance with UN resolutions, ensuring respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all Cypriots without discrimination".

He recalls the confiscation of "Avrupa" equipment, the dismissal and arrest of journalists writing for the daily, as well as bomb attacks against its print works.

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