Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-01-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM stresses business independence while inaugurating National Bank HQ

[02] PM Simitis to visit Bulgaria on Tuesday

[03] Spokesman says Turkish airspace violation claims untenable

[04] Protopapas presents PM's itinerary for the week

[05] Greece wants continuation of dialogue with Turkey

[06] Zaphiropoulos resigns claiming 'total disagreement' with Papandreou

[07] Papantoniou, Papandreou receive Cyprus' Omirou

[08] Former MP calls for 'Olympic' global conference on environment

[09] Parliament president receives Greek American delegation

[10] Event held on United Democratic Left's 50th anniversary

[11] Majority of EU citizens agree with U.S. military action

[12] PM attends Piraeus Chamber's annual reception

[13] S&P affirms National Bank, Alpha Bank ratings

[14] Commission eyes financial support of post office

[15] Agriculture minister raises issue of EU aid for farmers

[16] Greece to spend Dr 10 bln in eco-tourism

[17] Gov't promises to upgrade Rendi meat market

[18] Greek stocks end lower on Monday

[19] IOC inspection team begins latest Athens tour

[20] RAWA member speaks of women's situation in Afghanistan

[21] Clerides and Denktash launch intensive talks

[22] Spokesman denies press allegations about a solution plan

[23] PACE President says Cyprus' EU course helpful to settlement

[24] Cyprus submits report to UNSC on fight against terrorism

[01] PM stresses business independence while inaugurating National Bank HQ

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

The prime minister's statements came hard on the heels of a breakdown in negotiations for a planned merger between National Bank of Greece and Alpha Bank, the country's two largest commercial banks.

The two banks officially announced on Saturday that they had called off the 'mega-merger' destined to create a domestic banking behemoth that could hold its own in Europe and internationally.

Simitis said that creating Greek businesses with a strong presence in the surrounding regions and a good name in Europe was a central policy goal for the government, which had therefore set up a suitable institutional framework that provided incentives for mergers and joint ventures.

The prime minister stressed, however, that any business initiatives to achieve this should - and did - arise from within the businesses themselves.

"Businesses should make decisions at the right time, with reliability and consistency and not on the basis of inertia or the outdated beliefs of the past," Simitis said.

Simitis expressed optimism over the Greek economy's course and prospects.

Simitis said Greece has entered an upward course and its inter-national position has been upgraded, while changes and reforms should be continued.

On the occasion of the 160th anniversary of the beginning of the National Bank's operation, Simitis praised the contribution of the bank and staff to the development of the Greek economy.

Referring to the Greek economy's course in general and giving an example of positive prospects, he said that according to the human development indicator prepared by the UN Greece is among the 23 most developed countries in the world.

Simitis further referred to the three qualitative elements characterizing the government's development policy: the considerable contribution of investments which have increased rapidly over the past eight years, emphasis on sustained development and growth strengthening social justice and social cohesion.

On his part, National Bank Governor Theodoros Karatzas told reporters there was no question of his resigning, while in his address he referred to the failed merger effort between the National and Alpha banks, saying that "unfortunately this effort did not bear fruit. This fact will not discourage us. We shall continue with system and consistency."

He referred at length to the creation of the new building and added that "the National Bank is already a powerful and strong organization with an upward course, determined to act as a catalyst for major extrovert businesses which shall represent our country's economy in the field of European and world competition with success."

On the question of the Greek economy's prospects, Karatzas said "our country's accession to the economic and monetary union and the adoption of the euro constitute a milestone of great importance which the coming generations will understand and which we, probably, experiencing the events, are not yet in a position to realize."

[02] PM Simitis to visit Bulgaria on Tuesday

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

Simitis, who is scheduled to meet with newly elected president Georgi Parvanov, and with prime minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, is expected to reaffirm the Greek government's interest in reinforcing bilateral and regional relations and will be accompanied by foreign minister George Papandreou.

Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said Monday that the opportunity will be provided to boost bilateral political and economic relations between the two countries, which have been on the rise in recent years.

He said the Greek delegation's talks would focus on developments in the Balkans, with the emphasis on reinforcing the European prospect of the countries of the region, as well as on stability and cooperation in the region.

Advancement of the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline, and combatting organized crime in the wider region will also be discussed.

Simitis is further scheduled to deliver a lecture at the University of Sofia on "The importance of European enlargement to stability and cooperation in the Balkans".

[03] Spokesman says Turkish airspace violation claims untenable

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

Foreign ministry spokesman Panayiotis Beglitis said that "following relevant investigations by competent Greek authorities it arises that Turkish accusations concerning supposed violations of Turkish airspace by Greek aircraft on the dates of 23-24/11, 11-20/12 and 27-28/12 are untenable."

Beglitis further said that this is so "because the aircraft in question, on the specific dates, followed an itinerary which did not pass through Turkish airspace and consequently they were not obliged, according to provisions of ICAO and in accordance with international law as well, to request diplomatic permission or give flight information to the Turkish authorities."

[04] Protopapas presents PM's itinerary for the week

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

Protopapas made the announcement on Monday, while presenting the prime minister's schedule for the week, and said the premier would be back for a meeting with the head of the Olympics Organizing Committee (ATHOC) Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki on Wednesday morning in preparations for a visit by an IOC delegation in Athens.

At 14:30 pm the same day, Simitis is to meet Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos.

On Thursday morning the prime minister is scheduled to chair a meeting of the cabinet where Transport Minister Christos Verelis will present the country's policies for the communications sector.

Later on Thursday, the prime minister is to meet Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Giannitsis to discuss a planned two-day trip by the premier to Brussels at the end of January.

On Friday, after Prime Minister's Question Time in Parliament, Simitis is due to meet his Albanian counterpart Ilir Meta at 12:00 and at 19:30 he will attend a reception at the presidential mansion in honor of the diplomatic corps.

On Saturday, the premier will visit Volos and inaugurate the new Sovel factory owned by the Viohalko group, due to its importance for boosting the regional economy and employment.

Earlier on Monday, the spokesman said, the premier had discussed preparations for a PASOK youth conference with the secretary of the party's youth group Thanos Moraitis. On Monday evening, Simitis is to attend the annual reception of the Piraeus Trade and Industry Chambers on Monday night.

[05] Greece wants continuation of dialogue with Turkey

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

The problems that created a climate of tension between the two countries were being discussed within that framework, Beglitis said, adding that the Greek side was able to proceed with new initiatives, founded, as always, on the rules of international law, the international treaties, and the Helsinki decisions.

He recalled that the EU summit in Helsinki had set out the territory on which the dialogue with Ankara would be founded in the coming years, "a dialogue without incriminating elements and without any negotiations on our rights emanating from international law".

[06] Zaphiropoulos resigns claiming 'total disagreement' with Papandreou

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

Zaphiropoulos, responsible for international developmental cooperation issues, outlined his reasons in a letter to Prime Minister Costas Simitis, saying he would continue to serve the government and party through his position in Parliament and on the PASOK Central Committee.

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas said the premier had accepted Zaphiropoulos' resignation and had expressed regret that the two ministers had found no way to cooperate.

Commenting on the deputy minister's departure later on Monday, Papandreou said the fact he had openly expressed his disagreement with the planned bill on Balkan policy was to Zaphiropoulos' credit.

The foreign minister said that Zaphiropoulos and he were linked by personal ties that went back to the days of the military junta, which ended in 1973.

Papandreou also welcomed MP for Athens Andreas Loverdos, who is to replace Zaphiropoulos at the foreign ministry after he is sworn in on Wednesday.

The new deputy foreign minister was born in 1956 and is a professor of Constitutional law at Panteion University.

As a student he was a member of student groups opposing the junta in 1973 and a vice-president of the student union at Thessaloniki Law School. In 1981-1982 he was president of the Greek student association in Belgium.

While teaching at Panteion he was a board member of the university's teaching staff union and in 1996 he was appointed general secretary for public administration at the interior ministry, where he remained until Dec. 1997. He was elected an MP for Athens for the first time with PASOK in April 2000.

[07] Papantoniou, Papandreou receive Cyprus' Omirou

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

Papandreou later told reporters that they had agreed there should be regular contact with all parties and personalities on Cyprus, since this would help overcome fears and uncertainties dating back many years.

Talks on the latest developments in the Cyprus issue had been held earlier in the day between Omirou and Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou.

Omirou, a former defense minister on the island republic, leads the Movement of Social Democrats (KISOS).

[08] Former MP calls for 'Olympic' global conference on environment

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

He said the aim of the conference should be a new UN agreement in which sports, the environment, sustainable development, culture and peace would all be treated as 'world commodities'.

[09] Parliament president receives Greek American delegation

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

The members of the delegation also took the opportunity to express their strong indignation over the slanderous attack against Kaklamanis by the CBS's 60 Minutes program.

[10] Event held on United Democratic Left's 50th anniversary

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

Coalition party leader Nikos Constantopoulos referred to the role played by EDA after the civil war in Greece and to its contribution to the country's course.

Constantopoulos said the Coalition party is currently the party constituting the continuation of all renewal ventures in the left and expressed the wish for cultural and political boldness "for us to approach the example of EDA."

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis praised EDA for its role in post-civil war Greece, adding that it wished to become a bridge for the spiritual restoration of the suffering people.

Karamanlis said that it taught moderation and ethics, while it offered a great deal and received very little.

PASOK party secretary Costas Laliotis said EDA's strength had its source in the fact that it functioned as a multi-class formation.

Laliotis said that differences exist between progress and conservatism and that as long as differences exist politics will have a meaning.

He further said that the field of dialogue and cooperation is open for the left and center-left.

[11] Majority of EU citizens agree with U.S. military action

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

In Greece, the opinion poll was conducted in December 2001 by the ICAP company (a member of the Gallup International Association) with the method of telephone interviews. The respondents were 1,000 men and women aged 15 and over who live in urban, semi-urban and rural areas throughout the country.

The three countries with high percentages of agreement with military action by the U.S. is the U.S. itself with 88 percent, followed by Israel and Albania each with 83 percent.

On the other hand, the people of Pakistan and Greece distinguish themselves for their high percentages of disagreement with military action, with Pakistan coming first with 82 percent and Greece a close second with 81 percent.

[12] PM attends Piraeus Chamber's annual reception

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

"In past years we had faced a great challenge: Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and the euro. And as we are all aware, we faced it with success," he said.

Simitis also said the standard of living of the Greek people should reach that of the peoples of the other European countries and social services provided by the state and society should be of the same quality and as good as social services provided in the other countries of Europe.

"Today's meeting is an opportunity for us to see what has been done and to look ahead as well. We should discuss with the agencies of Piraeus how activities in the economic and social sector are proceeding," he added.

Simitis stressed that changes and reforms should be continued for this to be achieved and that they should be continued with undiminishing intensity.

[13] S&P affirms National Bank, Alpha Bank ratings

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

The affirmations follow the announcement, on Saturday, that National Bank and Alpha Bank, the two largest banking groups in Greece, have discontinued their merger discussions due to disagreements between the senior management of both banks. The proposed merger would have created an enlarged banking group that would rank within the 50-largest banks in Europe by total assets.

"The ratings on National Bank reflect the bank's size and powerful position in the Greek financial markets, strong liquidity, and good levels of capitalization and profitability. In addition, asset quality is on an improving trend and problem assets are at a manageable level," S&P said.

"The ratings on Alpha Bank reflect the bank's consistently strong financial condition and its leading position in the Greek financial system," it said.

Following the collapse of the merger, both banks are expected to revert to their previous strategies of growing organically and developing products and services in the dynamic Greek market, while seeking to grow internationally, particularly in the emerging and fast-growing markets of south-eastern Europe.

"Continuing restructuring and revitalization are strengthening National Bank's financial and business profiles, which is crucial, given the increasingly competitive Greek market. In addition, the improving economy is helping to improve the bank's revenue-generating capacity. Alpha's performance is projected to improve, with a likely widening in interest margins. Alpha's medium-term performance is, however, contingent on it making strategic inroads into retail activities. S&P believes Alpha would benefit from a strategic alliance with a strong bank assurance, retail, and investment-banking partner. The outlook and ratings could come under pressure, however, if the group's performance continues to lag," the report said.

[14] Commission eyes financial support of post office

BRUSSELS, 22/01/2002 (ANA - B. Demiris)

The issue came up following an answer by Internal Market Commissioner Fritz Bolkenstein to a tabled question by New Democracy party's Euro-MPs, a relevant press release by the main opposition party noted on Monday.

In answer to a question by ND Euro-deputy Antonis Trakatellis on whether various investment schemes - "prometoha", a form of convertible bonds; "proesoda", a type of advanced revenue bond, and securatization bonds - constitute indirect or disguised forms of state support for which the Commission must be informed, Bolkenstein said the Commission was not informed about the Greek government's financial support to the post offices (ELTA).

He added, however, that information about the inflow of "significant" capital from state coffers to ELTA caused the Commission to request data from Greek authorities on the specific issue of compliance with Community directives and guidelines.

[15] Agriculture minister raises issue of EU aid for farmers

BRUSSELS, 22/01/2002 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

The presidency, as well as the European Commission, responded to the Greek request, indicating that "EU solidarity is necessary in such an extreme case of weather phenomena."

The EU recommended to Greece to use the possibility of economic backing by the structural funds and the 3rd Community Support Framework, noting that if funds are ultimately inadequate the issue will be reconsidered when the final extent of damage will also have been assessed.

Drys told the Council that the unfavorable weather phenomena caused extensive damage, both to this year's production and to the production of coming years, to citrus and other fruit, olives, vineyards, certain grain crops, animal production and apiculture.

"Problems created are so serious that it is inconceivable for one to leave producers to their fate and believe that the market can put things right by itself or that the possibilities of the producers themselves will enable them to maintain their production activity. We are obliged to take action," Drys said.

Drys also called for a speedup in processes for granting national subsidies and flexibility in the implementation of relevant programs to enable down payments to be given to farmers affected.

Northern farmers demand to see minister, threaten new protests: Farmers in northern Greece are demanding a meeting with Agriculture Minister George Drys by next Friday, warning that they will begin protest action at the weekend unless he agrees to see them.

At a meeting on Monday, representatives of northern Greek farming unions agreed that warning tractor blockades would be set up in village squares on January 26-27, and on national highway junctions from January 28.

Talking to the ANA, the president of the Union of Thessaloniki Farming Cooperatives Yiannis Tsakiris did not rule out the possibility that farmers might blockade national highways during their protests, saying that "it all depends on the good will of the state".

The farmers are demanding to be relieved of co-responsibility fines, that the entire cotton crop be considered 'eligible', an increase in percentage subsidies for cotton, debt rescheduling and that additional interest charged for late payments be waived.

[16] Greece to spend Dr 10 bln in eco-tourism

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

Presenting the government's plans, Georgakopoulos said the ministry would seek drafting of an eco-tourism strategy from a special national strategy committee, with priorities in the four cities to host sports in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games (Patra, Heraklion, Volos, Thessaloniki).

Also, the creation of a national coordinator-manager of agro-tourism through Agrotouristic SA and other pilot programs, such as promoting an eco-tourism cooperation between Greece and Turkey.

Promoting eco-tourism could result to extending a tourist period in Greece, to attract "quality" tourists, to preserve local communities and to protect, manage and promote natural eco-systems around the country, Georgakopoulos said.

[17] Gov't promises to upgrade Rendi meat market

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

The announcement came after a European Union inspection team last week cited numerous problems and health code violations at the meat market, located in the working-class district of Rendi.

The government added that renovation works and upgrades will begin this year.

[18] Greek stocks end lower on Monday

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

Traders said investors were likely to remain sidelined awaiting fresh moves in the domestic banking sector.

The general index ended 0.63 percent lower at 2,543.73 points, with turnover a low Dr 34.26 billion, or 100.55 million euros.

The Cement and Investment sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (1.70 percent and 1.68 percent, respectively), while the Publishing and Food-Beverage sectors scored gains (0.77 percent and 0.53 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.60 percent down, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.57 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index fell 0.13 percent.

National Bank's shares eased 0.64 percent, while Alpha Bank's ended 0.10 percent higher.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 191 to 118 with another 49 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Kreka, Rainbow, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization and Mochlos.

Equity futures remain at discount: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange traded at a discount on Monday in sharply lower turnover.

Changing hands were 2,300 contracts on turnover of 13.5 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 0.60 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks also dropped by 0.57 percent.

Bond prices drop in moderate trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Monday finished lower in light to moderate trade focusing on 20-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.19 percent, and the spread over German bunds was 36 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.04 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for over half of turnover.

[19] IOC inspection team begins latest Athens tour

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

Monday's itinerary included a briefing for the IOC delegation, led again by vice-president Denis Oswald - the executive who is also heading the all-important commission overseeing preparations for the 2004 Games - at the Athens 2004 organizing committee's (ATHOC) offices.

Oswald stated his satisfaction over the progress of the projects, noting that should ATHOC continue at this pace "then you will win the bet" of organizing successful Olympic Games.

In terms of crucial venue and infrastructure project deadlines, a completion date for a broadcast media center - adjacent to the Athens Olympic stadium - was given as late February 2003, while test operations for the primary press center will begin in September 2003.

Groundbreaking work at both venues is expected to be completed shortly.

As far as the Olympic stadium complex is concerned, bids for the facility's upgrading are due by Jan. 30, whereas a related study for a tennis complex will be ready by the end of the month as well.

Finally, Oswald is scheduled to give a press conference on Tuesday in downtown Athens.

The next visit by an IOC delegation comes in April.

[20] RAWA member speaks of women's situation in Afghanistan

Athens, 22/01/2002 (ANA)

Raoui, who is in Greece at the invitation of the Feminist Center of Athens, outlined during a press conference the current situation of women in her country and the struggle which RAWA has been conducting since 1977 for women's rights and social justice in Afghanistan.

She said that at present Afghanistan is a "vast cemetery" and entails "the greatest silenced tragedy in history."

Since 1987 the organization has gone underground and has been based in Pakistan, where its 2,000 members are active in refugee camps for Afghans, teaching women and children and at the same time caring for the sick.

What is more important is RAWA's activity in the interior of Afghanistan where it maintains a network of "secret schools" where women and girls are taught a profession.

[21] Clerides and Denktash launch intensive talks

NICOSIA, 22/01/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Clerides and Denktash have decided to meet three times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, flanked by their aides. Their meetings will take place in a renovated building in the Nicosia airport area, now under UN control.

President Clerides will be accompanied by Attorney General Alecos Markides, Government Spokesman Michalis Papapetrou and Undersecretary to the President Pantelis Kouros.

[22] Spokesman denies press allegations about a solution plan

NICOSIA, 22/01/2002 (CNA/ ANA)

The spokesman, who participated in the group prior to his appointment to his current post, explained that during these meetings there was an exchange of views on how the island's two communities can restore trust between them but there was never an attempt to work out a constitution.

"I wish to deny categorically allegations that the Harvard group has prepared a constitutional plan, there has never been any attempt to draft a constitution, least of all a solution plan, simply because bicommunal groups do not deal with such matters," the spokesman explained.

He said that this is not the first time such allegations appeared in the either the Turkish Cypriot or the Turkish press in the past couple of years. The allegations appeared on Monday, just hours before President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash sat down at the negotiating table for substantive negotiations on the core issues of the Cyprus question.

Papapetrou explained that during some of the meetings he attended there was an exchange of views on ways to overcome mistrust between the two communities and for them come together.

The meetings, he added, did not overcome differences separating the two communities, noting that at times the exchange of views was "intense."

Papapetrou said that when he was appointed government spokesman he stopped attending the Harvard group meetings, with the exception of the last farewell meeting, last December in Vienna.

Replying to questions, he said the group concluded its task, having listened to the views and arguments of both sides about their differences, and folded.

"We did not discuss nor did we agree on any solution plan," Papapetrou said, adding that he does not know what the group coordinator Harvard professor Robert Rotberg has done.

Asked if the US could be behind the drafting of this alleged solution plan, the spokesman was adamant that Washington has assured Nicosia that it has not drafted any such plan nor does it adopt any such plan.

The Turkish Cypriot daily "Kibrisli" published on Monday what it says is a report by Rotberg about discussions at the Harvard group, which deals with a solution plan for the "United States of Cyprus".

According to the report, up to nine per cent of territory under Turkish occupation could be returned to the Greek Cypriot administered area of a future Cyprus.

The report said every six months about 10,000 Turkish soldiers would withdraw until their number is reduced to 2,000.

[23] PACE President says Cyprus' EU course helpful to settlement

STRASBOURG, 22/01/2002 (CNA/ANA)

He also said that the resumption of talks between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash is "looking very positive" and expressed conviction that Turkey's compliance with the decisions of the ECHR "will have at some stage to be implemented".

[24] Cyprus submits report to UNSC on fight against terrorism

NICOSIA, 22/01/2002 (CNA/ ANA)

"The government is committed to joining forces with all governments on a bilateral level, as well as in international fora, in the struggle to eliminate terrorism," the report, which circulated as a UN official document on January 16, according to an official press release here, said.

It notes that Cyprus has ratified or acceded to ten of the twelve international conventions pertaining to international terrorism and adds that the government reiterates that it fully recognizes the existence and the dimensions of this international problem.

In the report, Cyprus outlines in great detail the measures it has taken to prevent and suppress the financing of terrorist acts and the penalties for committing such offences as well as legislation and procedures introduced to freeze accounts and assets at financial institutions.

The report also refers to mechanisms and procedures in place to assist other states in the fight against terrorism and to exercise control at the country's borders.

The government points out that "almost 36 per cent of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus is under Turkish military occupation and therefore under the total control of Turkey" and consequently the legal government of Cyprus is prevented from exercising its jurisdiction in the island's northern occupied areas.

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