Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-04-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Christodoulakis unveils tax reform plan

[02] Defense minister Papantoniou meets Bush's national security adviser Rice

[03] Papantoniou addresses East West Institute on Greece and security

[04] U.S.-Greece relations conference concludes on Tuesday in Washington

[05] Greek-Slovakian trade ties cited during last day of president's visit

[06] Tsohatzopoulos attends Euro-Med meeting on industrial cooperation

[07] Greece welcomes start of EU, Mediterranean industry alliance

[08] Deputy FM meets Moroccan premier in Rabat

[09] Technical problems at Iran's airport prevent visit by Greek FM

[10] Coalition calls for Greek initiative for Church of Nativity besieged

[11] Israel's Sharon a 'disaster' for the region, director Jules Dassin says

[12] Amnesty Int'l calls on international community to intervene in Mideast crisis

[13] Concert-rally in support of Palestinians takes place in Athens

[14] Cyprus envoy criticizes UN human rights report on Cyprus

[15] ALCO opinion poll puts ND in 7.5 pct lead over PASOK

[16] Main opposition accuses gov't of 'storing up' problems for the future

[17] ND lacks Social Security System reform positions, labor minister says

[18] EU's Kinnock in Athens on Wed.

[19] Thessaloniki mayor's race attracting attention

[20] Transport ministry submits report on OA to parliament

[21] Lehman releases target prices, recommendations on Greek banks

[22] Greeks says consumer habits unchanged since euro launch

[23] Greek stocks end 0.68 percent down in ASE

[24] PM and ATHOC head review Olympics preparations

[25] Plans to unify archaeological sites in Athens, Rome detailed

[26] World premiere of Theodorakis' 'Lysistrate' opera

[27] Greek film festival again in NYC

[28] Brochure in seven languages on ombudsman services

[29] UN ''Basketball without Frontiers'' championship honors Greece-Turkey

[30] British minister Hain: We back peace process

[31] House President arrives in New York

[01] Christodoulakis unveils tax reform plan

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

Christodoulakis presented to journalists, during a news conference, a report by a ministry's committee on tax reform and signaled the start of a dialogue with social agencies on the issue.

The proposals also included tax cuts in grants and in real estate taxes paid by offshore companies.

"The axes of our tax reform are simpler taxation, abolition of all taxes with limited revenues, reducing tax factors and widening the tax base," Christodoulakis said.

He noted that its simplicity, stability, duration, effectiveness and social justice should characterize a new tax system in Greece. "That's why we will not hesitate to abolish or integrate taxes, reduce tax factor and other burdens and to fight tax-evasion with all our means," he said.

The plan also envisaged that all taxpayers with incomes below the official tax-free level would not be obliged to submit tax statements.

The tax-free income level is to be raised from 7,400 euros to 9-9,500 euros, while the ceiling in income tax factor will be gradually reduced from 40 percent to 38 percent and 35 percent.

[02] Defense minister Papantoniou meets Bush's national security adviser Rice

WASHINGTON, 11/04/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Rice expressed the hope that U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell's mission to the region would be beneficial, saying that ''failure does not constitute an option.''

Papantoniou reiterated the Greek position for an immediate ceasefire.

They also discussed developments in the Balkans and Papantoniou stressed the need for the United States to remain in the region as its active presence was deemed necessary for stability. He also spoke of the substantial role, which the European Union intends to undertake.

On the European rapid deployment force, the Greek minister reiterated to Rice what he stressed to his U.S. counterpart Donald Rumsfeld, that Athens does not intend to accept the text agreed on by Turkey and Britain and noted that the further handling of the issue will take place in the ranks of the European Union.

They reviewed the recent developments in the Cyprus issue and mainly direct talks between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. Papantoniou said that Cyprus' EU accession course constituted a ''historic opportunity'' for a political solution.

He said that all should understand that Cyprus will join the EU irrespective of whether a political solution is found first and expressed the hope that Washington will use its influence to convey this message to Ankara.

Also discussed was the campaign against international terrorism and Greece's contribution in this direction.

[03] Papantoniou addresses East West Institute on Greece and security

NEW YORK, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

Papantoniou underlined the seriousness of the situation in the Middle East and said Greece fully supports the mission of U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell.

He added that the main conclusion reached by the escalation of the crisis is that terrorism cannot be handled effectively with force. On the contrary, a political settlement to the crisis constitutes a positive step supported by the European Union and, of course, Greece.

On the question of Greece's contribution to a settlement to the crisis, Papantoniou emphasized the important role the country can play due to its geographical proximity, its strong ties with the Arabs and its good relations with Israel.

Referring to the prospect of the European Union developing into a political confederation with a common foreign policy and defense, he pointed out that it is not clear whether the political will exists for this.

Papantoniou said the issue also affecting relations between the EU and the United States is the Europeans' unwillingness to provide greater funds for defense since they remain under the Americans' defense umbrella.

He also expressed Greece's objections to the British-Turkish plan on the European army which provides a third country, not being an EU member, with the right to prevent European army operations whenever its interests are harmed. Such a thing is unacceptable for Greece, which will not consent to it.

Focusing on Greece's security problems, Papantoniou said the country spends 5 percent of its GDP on defense expenditures (the biggest percentage among EU countries) as a result of three factors: its proximity with Turkey which is questioning Greece's sovereign rights in the Aegean, instability prevailing on the country's northern borders and terrorism which is creating new requirements.

Regarding Turkey, Papantoniou said that Greece desires an improvement in its relations with the neighboring country, a Turkey having a European orientation and which, to achieve its accession to the EU, should show respect for international law and international treaties and adopt rules of conduct dictated by the EU.

In parallel, Papantoniou underlined that the present U.S. government only sees Turkey from the point of view of power and does not encourage the country in particular to strengthen its relations with the EU.

[04] U.S.-Greece relations conference concludes on Tuesday in Washington

WASHINGTON, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

Among those that addressed the conference were Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou; Athens 2004 Olympics Committee Managing Director Ioannis Spanudakis; the United States Senate's Majority Leader, Senator Thomas Daschle and Banking Committee Chairman, Senator Paul Sarbanes; Undersecretary of State Marc Grossman, Ambassador to Greece Thomas Miller, and World President of the World Council of Hellenes Andrew A. Athens.

"Our expectations were far exceeded by the participation of over 200 people in this effort to establish for Greece a Washington, D.C. institution that will contribute to bringing the United States and Greece even closer together commercially, culturally and politically," said Edward Derwinski, Chairman of the Board of the Hellenic-American Heritage Council, the sponsor of this conference.

The American Hellenic Chamber of Commerce in Athens, Greece, headed by Stephanos Costopoulos, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., and the New York-based U.S.-Greece Business Council, chaired by Alex Spanos, cosponsored this conference.

Raytheon Company, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Boeing and The Coca Cola Company were the top U.S. companies supporting this effort. Technical Olympic USA, whose Chairman is Constantine Stengos, and the Copelouzos Group, led by Business Development Manager Andreas Mamalis, were the top supporters from Greece.

[05] Greek-Slovakian trade ties cited during last day of president's visit

KOSICE, 11/04/2002 (ANA - N. Megadoukas)

On Wednesday, the Greek president was escorted in Kosice by Schuster, touring several sites, including a massive steel mill in the region.

Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos, who is accompanying Stephanopoulos on his three-day visit to the Visegrad country, cited dozens of contacts between Greek and Slovakian entrepreneurs, while noting that the trade balance between the two countries still sways in favor of Slovakia although efforts are underway to increase Greek imports to the country.

Regarding the political talks Stephanopoulos had with Slovakia's leadership, Loverdos cited Bratislava's interest in the Cyprus problem - as both Slovakia and the island republic are among the "first-wave" EU candidate-states - as well as the issue of the "Euro-force".

Regarding the latter, Loverdos said Bratislava is satisfied with Athens' stance vis-a-vis Slovakia's request for NATO and EU membership.

Loverdos will travel to Tehran on Friday for talks with Iranian leadership, with a possible stopover in Damascus as well.

Regarding his upcoming trip, the Greek minister said Athens retains its avenues of communication with the Arab world, something crucial in the current critical period. Along these lines, he was briefed over the phone by Greek FM George Papandreou regarding Athens' stance to the latest Mideast developments.

[06] Tsohatzopoulos attends Euro-Med meeting on industrial cooperation

MALAGA, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

The Greek minister made the comments at the 4th Euro-Mediterranean conference of industrial ministers, which convened to focus on the issue of "Innovation and Industrial Competitiveness in the Euro-Mediterranean Region". The conference is taking place in Malaga, Spain.

One measure approved included the establishment of a European Investment Bank (EIB) subsidiary specifically for Mediterranean countries in order to aid industrial cooperation.

The Greek minister said the initiative opens the way for industrial cooperation between the EU and Mediterranean countries, with a goal of creating a wide-ranging free market for goods and services throughout the Mediterranean basin.

Mideast situation: In an unrelated issue, Tsohatzopoulos commented on the latest round of spiraling violence in the Middle East, noting that "we also request, along with the countries of the Mediterranean, for an end to the war and conflict, for dialogue to commence, so that a political solution to the problem is found."

Along those same lines, a proposal tabled by Tsohatzopoulos referring to the Mideast situation - calling for a 'stable and comprehensive peace' and respect for existing commitments, among others -- was unanimously accepted and included in the conference's final communique.

[07] Greece welcomes start of EU, Mediterranean industry alliance

MALAGA, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

The decision was taken at a meeting of industry ministers from EU and Mediterranean countries held in Malaga, Spain, which Tsohatzopoulos attended.

The minister said that the basis had been laid for the first time of industrial cooperation between the two sides.

''At last, we are again promoting an EU Mediterranean policy,'' the minister told reporters.

He also reported that a decision had been taken at the meeting to set up a subsidiary of the European Investments Bank to assist industry and public administration in Mediterranean countries.

The objective was to create a free market for products in the Mediterranean area by 2010 through cooperation between the two sides, Tsohatzopoulos added.

[08] Deputy FM meets Moroccan premier in Rabat

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

They also discussed issues regarding Euro-Mediterranean cooperation and bilateral issues.

Youssoufi criticized the international community for letting the crisis develop and noted that during his recent meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Collin Powell, he asked him for decisive and drastic measures for the promotion of peace.

The Moroccan premier recognized Greece's important role in the Middle East and in Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, which he said will be expressed again during the Mediterranean forum to take place in Greece on May 21 and 22.

Speaking on bilateral relations, Youssoufi said they will be strengthened in the economic and cultural sectors, while he spoke with warm words of his meetings with late Greek premier Andreas Papandreou and Cyprus politician Vassos Lyssarides and expressed his joy for Cyprus's upcoming accession to the European Union.

Youssoufi was also very enthusiastic over the Olympic Truce initiative by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and asked to sign the relevant declaration.

[09] Technical problems at Iran's airport prevent visit by Greek FM

BEIJING, 11/02/2002 (ANA - Ch. Poulidou)

A meeting between Papandreou and his Iranian counterpart Dr. Kamal Kharazi will now take place when the conditions allow, it was announced.

[10] Coalition calls for Greek initiative for Church of Nativity besieged

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

In a letter to Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Coalition leader Nikos Constantopoulos said this would help ensure the protection of the Church, built on the site where Christ was born.

''The 200 Palestinians trapped within the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem represent the height to the drama in real terms and on a symbolic level,'' Constantopoulos wrote in the letter.

''Trapped with them are priests of various denominations, while the Church itself - an unequalled historic and religious monument - is threatened with destruction,'' he added.

Finally, he urged Papandreou to ask the Israeli government for permission and guarantees of safety so that a humanitarian-diplomatic mission could go to the Church. Such a mission would be supported by the Jerusalem Patriarchate, all Christian denominations, international organization and international public opinion, Constantopoulos concluded.

[11] Israel's Sharon a 'disaster' for the region, director Jules Dassin says

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

Dassin was also intensely critical of Sharon's motives, saying that he desired ''absolute domination over the Palestinian people and the collapse of the peace process.''

The award-winning director, who made his name in the '50s and '60s with films such as ''Rififi'', ''Never on Sunday'' and ''Top Kapi'', expressed hope that United States Secretary of State Colin Powell would soon visit Israel and manage to broker an immediate ceasefire, as well as the resumption of talks for a just and long-lasting peace. He said the US politician's apparent delay in making the trip only created more time for people to be killed.

He also called the Israelis' treatment of the Palestinians ''unacceptable, defeatist and a tragic mistake'' while equally condemning the suicide bomb attacks by Palestinian extremists.

[12] Amnesty Int'l calls on international community to intervene in Mideast crisis

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

Amnesty International made the announcement at the time when U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell was in Madrid to discuss the Middle East crisis with EU High Representative on foreign and security issues Javier Solana and the Russian and Spanish foreign ministers.

The organization charged that the cities of Nablus and Jenin were under siege by the Israeli forces and that scores of Palestinians were killed there.

''In this situation we repeat that respect of human rights should be central in any discussion. No peace, no truce can last if it is not based on the human rights of all people,'' Amnesty International said, adding that observers should be sent to the region.

The organization said that Israel should not receive military aid, and appealed mainly to the United States, which is the main supplier of military aid to Israel.

Amnesty International also condemned the attacks by Palestinian armed groups against Israeli non-combatants.

[13] Concert-rally in support of Palestinians takes place in Athens

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

Twenty-two performers took the stage in the event followed by politicians and thousands of people, who gathered at central Athens' Syntagma Square in solidarity with the Palestinian people and to declare their opposition to the Israeli attacks in the West Bank.

''Our heart is in Palestine, our heart is being shot at in Palestine,'' GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos said in addressing the crowd, before the concert began.

World-renowned composer Mikis Theodorakis, honorary Communist Party of Greece (KKE) President Harilaos Florakis, KKE leader Aleka Papariga, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos and Athens' mayoral hopeful and PASOK deputy Christos Papoutsis were present at the event.

[14] Cyprus envoy criticizes UN human rights report on Cyprus

GENEVA, 11/04/2002 (ANA - N. Roben)

Meanwhile, Cyprus's permanent UN representative, ambassador Alexandros Vikis, referred to this year's UN Secretariat's report on the state of human rights in Cyprus during the 58th session of the UN's Human Rights Committee.

Vikis said the report overlooks or refers inadequately to the frequent violations of Cypriots' human rights due to the Turkish invasion and the continuing occupation of a part of Cyprus's territory.

''Unfortunately, as a result of purely political factors, the UN secretary general's report avoids presenting the reality on the state of human rights on the island,'' he said.

[15] ALCO opinion poll puts ND in 7.5 pct lead over PASOK

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

Released late on Tuesday, the poll conducted by ALCO on behalf of ALPHA television station, showed that ND was ahead with 36 percent against 28.5 percent for PASOK with respect to intended votes among those polled.

Also, 47.5 percent of respondents believed New Democracy would win the general elections against 28.4 percent for PASOK.

As for most appropriate prime minister, ND leader Costas Karamanlis was leading premier Costas Simitis by 1.8 percentage points.

In addition, Karamanlis also led Simitis with a 10.8 percent difference with respect to understanding of the problems of the ordinary citizens.

Commenting on the results of the poll, government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Wednesday said only that ''opinion polls had their usefulness'' while noting that the ruling party had fared much worse in similar polls in the past, such as in 1998 and 1999, but had managed to turn the tide in its favor come election time.

A poor showing in opinion polls in the middle of the government's term was understandable and reflected a degree of dissatisfaction among the voters, he added.

The spokesman strongly criticized the advance release on Sunday of the results of an opinion poll conducted on behalf of New Democracy that had not yet been completed.

Opinion poll by Thessaloniki academic gives main opposition 6-pt lead: New Democracy was ahead of ruling PASOK by 6 percentage points in Thessaloniki's 1st electoral district according to an opinion poll carried out by Prof. Theodoros Hatzipantelis, an applied statistics specialist at Thessaloniki University.

The poll was carried out with a sample of 600 people between March 11-23.

According to its results, 24.4 per cent of the Thessaloniki electorate intend to cast their vote for PASOK, 30.4 per cent for New Democracy, 6.1 per cent for the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), 2.9 per cent for the Coalition of the Left and Progress, 1.6 per cent for the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) and 2.5 per cent for the Movement of Free Citizens (KEP), while 26.2 per cent said they were undecided.

Pantelis said the main opposition's lead had increased by 2.4 percentage points since a poll he had conducted in the same district in September 2001, when PASOK was selected by 26.5 per cent of those responding and New Democracy by 30.1 per cent.

ND leader Costas Karamanlis also led in responses about who was best for prime minister with 55.8 per cent, while Prime Minister Costas Simitis was selected by 49.1 per cent.

In order of importance, those responding ranked the country's most serious problems as the economy, crime, traffic and pollution.

Gov't spokesman on polls' results: The government reiterated on Wednesday that polls have their own intrinsic value, after the latest surveys of voters' preferences in the country showed ruling PASOK trailing main opposition New Democracy.

Spokesman Christos Protopapas merely noted that similar polls in 1998 and 1999 also proved negative for PASOK, although results were evaluated by the ruling party at the time and then put to use in its subsequent successful campaign of April 2000.

He also said PASOK's apparent slide comes at the mid-point of its four-year mandate, when polls' results often prove negative for the ruling party.

[16] Main opposition accuses gov't of 'storing up' problems for the future

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

"The government is only concerned with how to cover up the problems and arrange it so that they explode like a time bomb in the future, when New Democracy is in power," party spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said after a meeting of ND policy coordinators chaired by main opposition leader Costas Karamanlis.

Meanwhile, Karamanlis sent Prime Minister Costas Simitis a letter outlining his party's positions on social insurance and pension reforms, following a heated debate on the issue in Parliament on Tuesday night.

The ND meeting on Wednesday focused chiefly on the economy and the protests by Greek cotton farmers over the non-payment of subsidies.

Roussopoulos later criticized the prime minister for referring to protesting farmers as crooks, saying that the government should use the proper mechanisms to catch cheats and not make blanket accusations against the entire industry.

Commenting on the questions put by Karamanlis in Parliament, meanwhile, government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Wednesday said the main opposition leader was either ignorant of the truth or deliberately trying to distort it.

Citing examples raised by Karamanlis, Protopapas noted that shares in mass media companies had been nominal since 1995.

He also pointed out that ND had refused to participate in dialogue for establishing the incompatibility of media ownership and being a state contractor, which seemed to indicate it had something to hide.

Lastly, Protopapas noted that all state contracts were checked by the Controlling Council, while a competition committee had existed since 1995.

[17] ND lacks Social Security System reform positions, labor minister says

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

Reppas' statements against the main opposition party came after ND leader Costas Karamanlis undertook the initiative to send to the prime minister his party's positions on the Social Security System reform, which his party had announced last October.

Reppas said that the ND claim that the Social Security System reform of the 1990-1993 ND government led the country to the Eurozone, was a cause for laughter and accused ND for double talk and irresponsibility, as well as for lack of real interest in the insured citizens.

[18] EU's Kinnock in Athens on Wed.

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

Statements to the press will follow the meeting.

[19] Thessaloniki mayor's race attracting attention

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

Municipal and local government elections are scheduled in October.

Papadopoulos was elected with ruling PASOK's support in 1998, whereas current Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgiou won his race four years ago under New Democracy's banner. The latter appears ready to seek re-election to the post.

In a related development, the mayor of Thessaloniki-area Neapolis municipality, Grigoris Hatzisavvas, announced his candidacy for the prefect's job the same day.

In making the announcement, Hatzisavvas declined to say whether he had PASOK's support.

[20] Transport ministry submits report on OA to parliament

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

The transport ministry submitted to a parliamentary committee a report on the conditions that burdened OA's finances in the previous years, including a change for the worse in the European airline sector, a 63 percent increase in fuel costs in the period 1999-2000, a change in the US dollar rate (creating a burden of six billion drachmas annually since 2000), the impact of the September 11th tragic events in the US and high aircraft leasing rates.

The report also attributed the national carrier's performance to current contracts and regulations that burdened the company by 12 billion drachmas annually and to the company's strategy in the period 1999-2000 - which did not aim to reduce operating cost but to raise revenues through an expansionary policy. This policy was criticized as wrong strategy by the report.

The report also referred to OA's total strategy, envisaging an 18 percent decline of scheduled flights that saved 60 billion drachmas, a 13 percent reduction of the company's workforce and savings totalling 11.3 billion drachmas from leasing and maintenance and an eight billion drachmas annual profit from higher revenues per passenger.

A. Christodoulatos, OA's financial director, said the company was currently operating at satisfactory levels although it remained inferior to other airlines operating on strictly financial criteria.

He predicted that Olympic Airways would show a deficit of around 30-35 billion drachmas this year.

OA's financial chief said the company's new strategy envisaged the improvement of its finances through a reduction of flights and workforce, the abolition of discount fares and payment of state debt to the company.

[21] Lehman releases target prices, recommendations on Greek banks

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

The international investment house has kept Alpha Bank, the country's second largest credit institution, as 3-Market Perform, with a target price of 16.5 euros.

In a market report, Lehman set a price target of 14.9 euros for EFG Eurobank Ergasias, also at 3-Market Perform.

Finally, it raised its rating for Commercial Bank of Greece to 3-Market Perform with a target price of 23.7 euros.

[22] Greeks says consumer habits unchanged since euro launch

BRUSSELS, 11/04/2002 (ANA - V. Demiris)

According to the poll released on Wednesday, 18 percent of Greeks said that they bought fewer products on introduction of the euro, 14 percent more products, and 67 percent the same number of products.

[23] Greek stocks end 0.68 percent down in ASE

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

Market sentiment was negatively affected by the reports made by Lehman Brothers and Schroder Salomon Smith Barney downgrading the outlook of the domestic bank sector and reducing target prices for the largest Greek banks.

Both investment firms said they were cautious over banks' revenues this year.

The general index ended 0.68 percent lower at 2,207.53 points, with turnover a low 68.85 million euros.

The Telecoms sector was the only one to score gains (0.28 percent), while the Publication, Investment, Holding and Textile sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (2.12 percent, 2.12 percent, 1.80 percent and 1.52 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 1.10 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index dropped 0.66 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.99 percent lower.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 226 to 87 with another 42 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares in value were Hellenic Telecoms, Cosmote, Panafon, Alpha Bank, and National Bank of Greece.

Derivatives Market Close: Equity index futures fall further: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange stayed in negative territory on Wednesday, tracking a decline in the main market.

Trade was thin with turnover at 62 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 1.10 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks lost 0.66 percent.

Derivatives trades rise in March: The number of contracts traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange rose by 23.6 percent in March to total 473,904 from 383,290 in the previous month, market authorities said on Wednesday.

The average daily number of trades in futures and options rose by 37.4 percent to total 13,163 contracts from 9,583 a month earlier, the authorities said in a statement.

Bond prices mixed in moderate trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Wednesday finished mixed in moderate trade focusing on three-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.52 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 32 basis points.

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

Sell orders accounted for just over half of turnover.

[24] PM and ATHOC head review Olympics preparations

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

Sources within ATHOC said the meeting chiefly focused on speeding up legislative measures related to the organization of the city and the behavior of Athenians during the Olympiad, as well as labor issues.

Other topics discussed included preparations for next Monday's meeting of a government committee for the Olympics that is to discuss a tender for the lease of private homes for visitors attending the Athens Games.

Angelopoulos-Daskalaki also referred to the problems noted by IOC Coordinating Committee Chief Denis Oswald with regard to hospitality for athletes and support personnel, certain constru-ction projects and road works.

Culture minister discusses Olympiad preparations with ATHOC president: Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos had an hour-long meeting with Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee (ATHOC) President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and discussed the entire spectrum of the preparations for the Games.

The discussions, held at ATHOC's headquarters, included the cultural Olympiad and ATHOC's contribution for its better promotion, the bill on the Olympic Games, which Venizelos will bring before Parliament in the near future, the budget, and organizational plans.

[25] Plans to unify archaeological sites in Athens, Rome detailed

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

The contacts come in light of two ambitious and ongoing projects in Athens and Rome to unify archaeological sites in the cities' center.

The plan for Athens aims at creating up to 150 hectares of green space in the often traffic-congested Greek capital by linking a handful of the major archaeological sites - the Acropolis, the ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, among others - with brush- and tree-lined walkways.

The Athens project has funded under the 2nd Community Support Framework's auspices since 1997, ranking as a priority to beautify the city in light of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

[26] World premiere of Theodorakis' 'Lysistrate' opera

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

It will then be performed at Epidauros, Ioannina, Thessaloniki and Istanbul.

[27] Greek film festival again in NYC

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

The event is co-organized by the Hellenic Film Center.

[28] Brochure in seven languages on ombudsman services

Athens, 11/04/2002 (ANA)

In another development, the ombudsman's report on 2001 will be discussed during a Parliamentary plenum on April 23, according to an announcement made during a briefing of Parliament's Institutions and Transparency Committee by ombudsman professor Nikiforos Diamantouros.

According to Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Costas Skandalidis, who was present, the contribution of the ombudsman institution in the handling of public administration problems was very positive.

Diamantouros said more and more cases of mismanagement reported by citizens to the new institution's services are being resolved. However, he added that the problem still exists of the public being informed of the ombudsman's aims and duties.

Referring to experience he has gained so far, Diamantouros said the biggest mismanagement problem are delays in serving citizens, adding that the phenomenon potentially creates conditions for illicit transactions.

[29] UN ''Basketball without Frontiers'' championship honors Greece-Turkey

VIENNA, 11/04/2002 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

The Vienna-based organization announced the championship dates for the 50 youths from Greece and Turkey, between 12 and 14 years of age.

The first such championship took place in Italy last year with the participation of 50 youths from Yugoslavia, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Bosnia.

[30] British minister Hain: We back peace process

LARNACA, 11/04/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Hain said he is bringing a message about a common future within the European Union and said he wants to see Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots play their full role in the institutions, in an enlarged EU.

On Thursday morning Hain, who was accompanied by Britain's Special Representative for Cyprus Lord David Hannay, will have a working breakfast with President Glafcos Clerides and later on will meet Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides.

He is scheduled to meet the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Dentkash.

On Wednesday night he was due to give a lecture on ''Our future in Europe.''

Hain, who leaves on Thursday, will visit British troops serving with the UN peacekeeping force on the island (UNFICYP).

''I am here to listen and to learn but also to reiterate Britain's strong support for the settlement talks, currently taking place,'' he said on arrival. He said he wanted to bring to Cyprus a message about ''our common future within the European Union, how the UK would like to see Europe evolve and how we look forward to debating these changes with Cyprus before and as they happen.''

He said the message relates to the way ''a new EU, with a new Cyprus inside it, will be best for Britain and better for all Cypriots.''

''We want to see Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots play their full role in the institutions, in an enlarged EU,'' he added, noting that Cyprus has much to contribute to the EU as well as much to gain from it.

Hain refrained from any comment on the peace process, which started in mid-January this year between the President and Denktash, saying he would respect the blackout the UN Secretary General has asked everybody to observe.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[31] House President arrives in New York

NEW YORK, 11/04/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Christofias will meet next Monday with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. On Thursday he will speak before the National Committee for American Foreign Policy and will attend a working lunch with the representatives of the UN Security Council permanent members.

He will also give a press conference and meet with representatives of the Cypriot community in New York.

Later on Christofias will move on to Washington where he will meet US House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Hastert, Under-Secretary on European Affairs Elizabeth Jones, US President's Adviser on National

Security Condoleezza Rice, Deputy Assistant on National Security Stephen Hadley, other officials as well as senators and deputies.

Christofias will also have a working breakfast with State Department's Special Coordinator for Cyprus Tom Weston and meet the leaders of the Democratic and Republican parties.

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