Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-05-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Support for Cyprus' EU membership reaffirmed in Clerides' Athens talks

[02] Defense minister holds talks with FYROM's leadership

[03] FM Papandreou begins talks in the US

[04] Foreign ministry on status of 2 Palestinians hosted in Greece

[05] Foreign ministry spokesman welcomes EU crisis management exercise

[06] Ex-PM dismisses 'dirty money' charges; calls for probe of PASOK

[07] PM Simitis holds talks with economy minister ahead of cabinet meeting

[08] Kyoto Treaty to be ratified by Parliament by end of month

[09] Deputy FM comments on cooperation with Cyprus

[10] PASOK Eurodeputy Katiforis addresses Conference on the Future of Europe

[11] Culture minister inaugurates conference on separation of church and state

[12] No violent acts or verbal attacks against Moslems in Greece

[13] Mitsotakis to go to United States for surgery

[14] Greece reiterates support for maintaining a common agricultural policy in EU

[15] Tsohatzopoulos presents EUREKA's Greek presidency targets

[16] Gov’t announces deal in funding social security system

[17] French central bank chief shrugs off criticism of euro

[18] Greek state support at 1.1 bln euros in 2000

[19] Greek airlines may cancel Rome flights next Tuesday

[20] Cash injection for budget from surprise corporate earnings

[21] Thrace 2002 Trade Exhibition opens in Komotini

[22] Greek stocks remain under pressure, end lower

[23] More than 18,000 applications for volunteer work received by ATHOC

[24] Culture minister speaks on Cultural Olympiad events

[25] Conference on history of the Greek Press begins in Athens

[26] Cyprus and Greece decide to set up cultural heritage committee

[27] ''Television without frontiers'' EU directive discussed in Brussels

[28] Euro-American Women's Council conference in Athens

[29] Large cache of heroin intercepted on Greek-Albanian border

[30] Clerides says examined with Greek PM all scenarios around Turkish reactions

[31] Kasoulides: Now is the best opportunity for a solution

[32] US sees possibility of initial agreement on Cyprus

[01] Support for Cyprus' EU membership reaffirmed in Clerides' Athens talks

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

Clerides met Thursday morning with main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis, Coalition of the Left and Progress (SYN) leader Nikos Constantopoulos, ND honorary president and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis, and Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga.

After his meeting with the Cyprus president, Karamanlis said that Cyprus should accede the European Union during the Greek EU presidency (in the first half of 2003), during the 15-nation bloc's first wave of enlargement.

He said ND supported Clerides' efforts for finding a viable and just solution to the Cyprus issue founded on the relevant UN decisions and the acquis communautaire.

Karamanlis stressed that Cyprus' membership should proceed regardless of whether a solution had been found to the island republic's political problem, adding that no one could put up obstructions to that, as it would be contrary to reality, legality, and the European reasoning.

Constantopoulos and Papariga also stressed, during their own meetings with Clerides, that in no instance should Cyprus' EU accession be linked to a resolution of Cyprus' political problem

Papariga further expressed the view that, in addition to Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, the US and European Union also aspired to the partition of Cyprus, in exchange for the island's EU membership.

Earlier, Clerides had a working breakfast with Mitsotakis, who expressed certainty that Cyprus' EU accession course was secure and the view that Europe would not back down on its decision.

He opined that, as the "hour of truth" approached, Ankara would find itself in need of displaying reason, despite the fact that Turkey was currently facing a deep domestic crisis and "no one knows who makes the decisions in Ankara".

Mitsotakis said that under the pressure of the present reality, he continued to believe that there were rational hopes for the Cyprus issue. He stressed that the Greek side was united on this issue, and that there were no disagreements among the political parties over it.

Replying to press questions, Mitsotakis ruled out the prospect of a 'package of solutions' being put forward for all the outstanding issues.

The Cyprus problem, he explained, was an international issue which was of prime concern for Greece and in the front line of its national priorities, but "in no instance can it be linked with the rest of the issues comprising the Greek-Turkish differences".

Premier says Athens must stay alert concerning Cyprus' EU accession: The Cyprus issue and the island republic's accession to the European Union were among the subjects referred to by Prime Minister Costas Simitis in his address to Thursday's meeting of the cabinet, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said.

According to Protopapas, the prime minister stressed the need to stay on the alert and closely monitor developments related to Cyprus' EU accession. Nothing had so far changed and the statements by EU officials continued to be positive but Cyprus was not out of the woods yet and problems could still arise, Simitis said.

Reporting on the results of his talks with visiting Cyprus president Glafcos Clerides on Wednesday, the prime minister said the Turkish-Cypriot side was displaying unmitigated intransigence and insisted on the establishment of two sovereign states in a loose federation.

Pointing out that such a development would seriously hamper decision-making for Cyprus, the prime minister said that much would depend on the report made by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan after his visit to the island republic.

During the meeting, the prime minister also reiterated his position that the upcoming local elections were not a judgment of the government but of whether local authorities had been efficient, the spokesman added.

[02] Defense minister holds talks with FYROM's leadership

SKOPJE 24/05/2002 (ANA - N. Fragopoulos)

The Greek minister stressed the importance of the inviolability of FYROM's borders and those of other Balkan countries, during his meetings with state and political leaders, a term, he underlined, for the region's stability and development.

During his visit here, Papantoniou met with FYROM's President Boris Trajkovski, Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski, Parliament President Stojan Antov, Defense Minister Vlado Popovski and representatives of the main opposition Social democratic Union party vice-president and general secretary Vlado Buckovski and Georgi Spasov, as well as the vice-president of the Albanian Democratic Party Menduh Thaci and the president of the Albanian Party for Democratic Prosperity Aburrahman Haliti.

Emerging from his meeting with Popovski, during which they signed a draft bilateral agreement for cooperation on defense matters, Papantoniou appeared satisfied with its results and said that the two sides had discussed more extensive cooperation between their respective armed forces, such as the stationing of FYROM officers with Greek units participating in international peace-keeping missions and the participation of FYROM army officers in Greek military schools.

Also discussed was the participation of Greek units in programs for the rebuilding of homes and other projects taking place in FYROM.

Popovski, on his part, praised Greece's role for stability and security in the region and said that cooperation between the two countries in defense could be expanded so as to enhance overall cooperation between them.

On a more general note, Papantoniou reiterated Greek positions regarding the inviolability of Balkan borders and said that Athens supported Skopje's efforts to join Euro-Atlantic structures.

He pointed out, however, that the republic's armed forces would have to undergo radical reorganization if FYROM was to enter NATO and that Greece was ready to offer its assistance in this direction.

The Greek defense minister also praised the efforts being made by FYROM's government to implement an agreement to integrate the republic's large Albanian minority, saying it would be an important step toward establishing democratic processes in FYROM.

Commenting on the dispute with Greece over the republic's name (Athens refuses to accept the name 'Macedonia' for the neighboring country arguing that it implies territorial claims on a Greek province with the same name), Papantoniou said that Athens believed that dealing with this issue as quickly as possible would contribute to securing the region's stability.

He pointed out the necessity for the resolution of the name issue of FYROM, so as to facilitate the accession of that country in the Euro-Atlantic structures.

''I made it clear to the political leadership of FYROM that as long as the name issue is outstanding, as long as the legal personality of FYROM is not defined with precision, so much more difficult is the securing of the country's accession process to the European Union and NATO,'' the Greek minister said, during a press conference.

''International organizations can not take seriously the candidacy of a country for accession to the Euro-Atlantic structures, that does not have an internationally recognized name,'' he said, adding that if the problem is resolved with the common efforts of Greece and FYROM, then the efforts of Greece for the support and promotion of FYROM's candidacy to EU and NATO will be facilitated.

''It is obvious that the non resolution of the name issue makes our position difficult as well, concerning the support of this specific accession process,'' he noted.

He added that FYROM was in the midst of a pre-election period, saying that ''it is natural, during a pre-election period, the political leadership and the political parties to be cautious in stating their positions on sensitive issues, such as the name issue''.

Speaking on the issue of the replacement of NATO forces in the country by a European Union rapid response force, according to a decision of the European Council, Papantoniou said that Greece wishes this replacement, after several outstanding issues were taken care of, which concern the completion of the election process in FYROM.

He stressed that the new government that will come out of the September elections would have to submit an application for the replacement of the NATO force, adding that the issue of the terms of cooperation between the Euroforce and NATO should be taken care of as well, an issue that is not dependant upon Greece alone.

Papantoniou noted, however, that he was optimistic that those outstanding issues concerning the Euroforce's cooperation with NATO would be resolved, adding that Greece's refusal to accept the British-Turkish text of Ankara can not be used as an obstacle for the replacement of the NATO force, as in an extreme case the issue could be resolved with an ad hoc agreement.

[03] FM Papandreou begins talks in the US

WASHINGTON 24/05/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Following the meeting, Papandreou said the discussion focused on US-EU cooperation and to the ''historic'' cooperation between NATO and Russia.

Papandreou said the Greek presidency will give emphasis on EU-Caucasus relations which are also of interest to the US.

During the meeting, the issue was raised of NATO's relations with the European rapid deployment force, and the need was expressed for there to be a solution.

They also discussed the Cyprus issue. Papandreou briefed Hadley on the results of the talks Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis had with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides in Athens on Wednesday and explained the importance which the solution of the Cyprus problem will have for the further smoothing of Greek-Turkish relations.

Finally, they examined the latest developments in the Middle East and Hadley asked how the Greek side sees the Arab world's relations with the EU and the West in general.

Papandreou will meet at dawn Greek time with US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and also with the State Department's special coordinator on the Cyprus issue Tom Weston and Greek-American Senator Paul Sarbanes.

[04] Foreign ministry on status of 2 Palestinians hosted in Greece

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

Greece will temporarily host the two --- out of the 13 Palestinian men evacuated from the Nativity Church -- following their initial evacuation to Cyprus as part of a deal to end a 39-day stand-off at one of Christendom’s holiest sites.

A foreign ministry spokesman reiterated that the two Palestinians are being “hosted” on Greek soil and have freedom of movement. He added that Athens does not consider the two as “terrorists”, nor are they under indictment in any EU country for criminal acts.

Moreover, spokesman Panos Beglitis said the prospect of granting the two Palestinians political asylum is being examined within the framework of national law, while adding that deliberations amongst the “15” Union member-states is also foreseen in order to reach a joint decision on this specific matter.

Spain and Italy agreed to each host three Palestinians, Greece and Ireland two, and Portugal and Belgium will each host one man. The thirteenth exile has remained in Cyprus.

Some 300 Palestinians, including several dozen gunmen, retreated into the church in early April ahead of advancing Israeli troops.

Palestinian exiles dispute Israeli version of Nativity Church stand-off: The two exiled Palestinians who arrived in Greece on Wednesday, after being evacuated from the besieged Church of the Nativity earlier this month, stressed here that they are simply “defending their right to live free in their own state”.

In a press conference at the Palestinian embassy in Athens, Mahmoud al-Wardinaye, 23, and Mohammad Muhane, 21, claimed that eight people were killed by Israeli sharpshooters set up around the Nativity Church in Bethlehem, along with another 28 injured.

“We did not have weapons; the things the Israelis accused us of are not true. We turned over our weapons to Latin (Catholic) priest Ibrahim Faltasi, who along with the Greek Orthodox priests welcomed us with love and affection,” al-Wardinaye said, while noting that no hostages were taken by the Palestinians during the stand-off.

Both of the Palestinians, among the 13 evacuated initially to Cyprus before six EU member-states agreed to host 12, following a union decision, condemned what they called the killing of innocent civilians, before adding:

“Tell us, what can someone do that doesn’t have anything, someone from whom they have stolen his freedom, his homeland, life itself”.

On his part, the Palestinian envoy in Athens warned that following the more-or-less de-escalation of the crisis in the Palestinian territories, Israel was endangering the region’s peace prospects.

Among others, ambassador Abdullah Abdullah charged that Israel was “dividing up” the West Bank and thereby impeding the Palestinian population’s right to “freedom of movement”, while also continuing its settlement policy in the West Bank and raids against Palestinians’ homes along with arresting civilians.

Additionally, Abdullah cited a decision by the ruling Likud party to oppose the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

Both men added that they are happy to be in Greece, hoping to learn Greek soon and begin working.

[05] Foreign ministry spokesman welcomes EU crisis management exercise

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

Beglitis said all 15 EU member-states would be taking part, while the aim of the exercise was to assess the union's operational readiness.

The exercise will also be observed by international organizations, such as NATO and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and EU candidate-countries.

Beglitis expressed hope that following the resolution of outstanding issues in EU-NATO relations (namely, Turkey's objections to the sharing of assets by NATO and the EU), the union would be absolutely ready to contribute operationally to Europe's defense and security identity.

[06] Ex-PM dismisses 'dirty money' charges; calls for probe of PASOK

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

Mitsotakis, a veteran Greek politician who is also the main opposition party’s honorary president, noted that “there cannot be a prosecutor’s investigation only in one of the (two major) parties. A judicial inquiry into the other (party’s finances) will also take place, and this issue will begin immediately after we’re finished.”

Mitsotakis also dismissed the possibility of undeclared funds being funneled via the Liberia-registered Mayo Corp.’s account into ND’s coffers, saying: “we’re certain, but wait for this to be proven by the judicial investigation as well.”

Moreover, he said the main opposition is doing everything in its power to assist in the investigation by handing over all relevant information.

“I hope PASOK shows the same eagerness when its own accounts are investigated, because there’s definitely a certainty that ‘dirty money’ is being funneled there,” he charged.

Gov't reaction: In a later reply, the government spokesman noted that the current investigation involving Mayo is being directed by a public prosecutor and is based on information supplied by PASOK secretary Costas Laliotis.

"PASOK does not have anything to hide or be afraid of. Whoever has information about PASOK should provide them to the judiciary," spokesman Christos Protopapas said, before expressing his wishes towards the former prime minister for a speedy recovery from the current health problem he is facing.

[07] PM Simitis holds talks with economy minister ahead of cabinet meeting

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

Christodoulakis said after the talks that the aim of the meeting was to find ways of speeding up the works of the 3rd Community Support Framework (CSF).

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Economy and Finance Minister Christos Pachtas.

[08] Kyoto Treaty to be ratified by Parliament by end of month

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference after the meeting, Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Vasso Papandreou revealed that, according to data provided by the OECD, the situation in Greece is better regarding atmospheric pollution and gases fuelling the ozone hole, compared to the average of other European countries.

She said that from 1990 to 1999 there was a 14 percent increase in gases furthering the greenhouse phenomenon, while in 2000 alone, and due to destructive forest fires, the increase reached 23 percent.

According to the Kyoto Treaty, what Greece is seeking over the period between 2008 and 2012 is the limitation of the increase in total greenhouse gas emissions to 20 percent instead of 25 percent, which is the limit set for the country by the Treaty, compared to 1990 levels.

Greenpeace slams Greek delay in ratifying Kyoto Protocol: Greece's delay in ratifying the Kyoto Protocol for the reduction of greenhouse gases and global warning could become a major political blow to the European Union, the environmentalist organization Greenpeace warned on Thursday.

At the same time, Greenpeace activists demonstrated outside the Greek Parliament, demanding that the Greek cabinet discuss this issue as soon as possible.

The group stressed that the EU hoped to have the Protocol in force before the international summit for the environment this August in Johannesburg.

In order for this to happen, however, all 15 EU member-states would have to have ratified the treaty by May 31.

Through its procrastination, Greece was presenting a serious obstacle to the EU's laudable efforts to stand up to the United States - following the rejection of the Kyoto agreement by US President George Bush - and to take a leading role in environmental issues internationally, Greenpeace stressed.

The group is demanding that the government and Parliament ratify the treaty by the end of May, at the latest, and avoid Greece being labeled the 'black sheep' of Europe.

The Kyoto Protocol asks all developed countries to reduce their emission of greenhouse gases by 2010 relative to levels in 1990. In order for the law to become internationally binding, however, it has to be ratified by at least 55 countries.

Japan and Norway ratified the agreement just this week, while all EU member-states apart from Greece and Italy have already signed it.

[09] Deputy FM comments on cooperation with Cyprus

NICOSIA 24/05/2002 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference here, he said the issue will be discussed by the government of Cyprus. Loverdos said ''economic diplomacy'' is important, adding that the struggle for a solution to the Cyprus issue and Cyprus's accession to the European Union requires international backing.

''I proposed to the Cypriot side to coordinate ourselves and transfer the money of our citizens, our taxpayers, because it is from there that the amount comes which Greece with declared ways or Cyprus indirectly give to peoples in need today,'' he said.

Loverdos said that from the 278 million euros which Greece decided to give every year half the money go to multilateral development cooperation. Meaning to big organizations, international banks involved in development programs, 139 million euros are provided at bilateral level, while 45 percent of the total amount until 2006 goes to the Balkans.

He further said that it was decided on Wednesday that the second biggest amount will go to the Middle East.

Loverdos expressed reserved optimism regarding developments on the Cyprus issue. He said the ''struggle is ahead''.

[10] PASOK Eurodeputy Katiforis addresses Conference on the Future of Europe

BRUSSELS 24/05/2002 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

The representative of the Greek government and member of the presidium of the Conference, PASOK Eurodeputy George Katiforis, said at the meeting that ''the dilemma of effectiveness or democracy is supposedly a technocratic dilemma which citizens of Europe as free citizens reject as they place democracy above all.''

Referring to the effectiveness of the EU, Katiforis said that ''what is being observed is a great fragmentation of operations and a lack of central political coordination.''

[11] Culture minister inaugurates conference on separation of church and state

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos addressed the conference, taking place in the University of Athens, saying ''here in Greece there is a de facto separation (of church and state) since 1975, as the article of the Constitution mandating that the highest official of the state (the president) protect the prevalent religion does not exist anymore''.

''Marriage stopped being mandatory a religious one, as was the oath. We can not, however, force Greeks get married with civil weddings, when they themselves do not want to do so, as the characterization of Orthodoxy as 'prevalent religion' is not a privilege for that religion, but a privilege for the Orthodox people, who make up the overwhelming majority of the people,'' he added.

He noted what he called overt and one-sided hostility of some scientists, who, he said, aimed at proving church to be an oppressive body toward minorities, stressing that he believed this reaction to be stemming from thoughts of forcing the church to the margins of society and public life.

On his part, Venizelos stressed that similar discussions to this one were going on in other European countries as well, saying that there was an increase in the number of heretical faiths in Europe, comparing it with the rise of the extreme right wing.

[12] No violent acts or verbal attacks against Moslems in Greece

BRUSSELS 24/05/2002 (ANA)

The information is included in the Watch's report under the title of ''Anti-Islamic reactions in the EU after the terrorist acts against the United States.''

The report says that, contrary to what happened in other EU member-states after the terrorist strike on September 11, in Greece, apart from the development of some Islamophobic feelings, a considerable strengthening of anti-American sentiments was also observed among a large section of the population which, according to the report, have their roots in ''traditional'' anti-Americanism prevailing in Greece from the past.

Consequently, while in various European cities solidarity demonstrations for the United States were held, in Greece anti-American and anti-war demonstrations were organized by the Left, labor unions and local agencies.

The report further says that despite the fact that these demonstrations lacked mass participation, it has been estimated that between 2,500 and 10,000 people participated, important personalities participated such as composer Mikis Theodorakis and they had extensive media coverage.

In addition, the report mentions that the Greek government, which condemned the terrorist attack from the beginning, made a series of important statements with which it stressed that emphasis should be placed on distinguishing between Islam and terrorism.

Also mentioned is the initiative by Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos , who organized a special conference in Brussels in December 2001, under EU auspices, aimed primarily at promoting mutual respect and understanding between religions and mainly between the Islamic and Christian worlds.

[13] Mitsotakis to go to United States for surgery

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

According to an announcement from his office on Thursday, the surgery is to correct an aneurysm to the abdominal aorta. Mitsotakis has been aware of the problem for the past four months and decided to undergo the operation in Phoenix, Arizona where new methods to deal with such conditions are used.

[14] Greece reiterates support for maintaining a common agricultural policy in EU

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

Speaking in parliament, to brief a production and commerce parliament commission on a forthcoming intermediate review of the Agenda 2000 for the common agricultural policy, Mr. Drys said that Greece opposed recent views over a re-nationalization of European agricultural policy, a move that would mean ''the end of the European agricultural model, based on family-sized farms across Europe.''

Drys called for a detailed evaluation of every cost in determining the funding of a new Common Agricultural Policy.

''We do not accept a linear reduction of direct payments as a way to reduce spending in the EU's farm budget,'' Mr. Drys told parliament.

He stressed that Greece was supporting an intensified growth cooperation and financial help of lesser-developed countries in the world, with emphasis given in combatting poverty in agriculture regions, while it also rejecting the implementation of a two-tier CAP.

[15] Tsohatzopoulos presents EUREKA's Greek presidency targets

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos, in his speech, presented the Greek presidency's main targets (Greece takes over the 12-month EU presidency in June), envisaging: a further improvement of EUREKA's political profile through its better placement in a European Research Area, through measures to mobilize private funds to support innovative research and through closer relations with other European organizations such as the Innovation Research Center (IRC).

The Greek presidency will also seek the organizational improvement of the program, expanding EUREKA's network through the participation of new countries such as Cyprus and Yugoslavia, and promoting new EUREKA projects in the sectors of information, environment, services and culture.

The EUREKA organization was founded 15 years ago and has currently 32 member-states. It offers industries and research centers in Europe to opportunity to exploit advanced technologies to promote Europe's presence in a global competitive market.

Tsohatzopoulos said that EUREKA's main characteristics was its flexibility in the way it approached and implemented various projects, based on determining targets and needs (bottom-up approach

The Organization has undertaken a total of 2,000 projects with the participation of more than 3,000 European enterprises, industries, research centers and universities.

[16] Gov’t announces deal in funding social security system

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with GSEE, the country's largest trade union umbrella, and SEB, the Union of Greek Industries, Mr. Christodoulakis said the meeting paved the way for a final agreement with consensus and noted he expected the final text of the agreement to be ready in the next two weeks.

The draft deal envisages that the government will write-off Social Security Institutions' (IKA) debt totalling 1.7 trillion drachmas to the state, that the state will pay its debt to IKA, worth 1.3 trillion drachmas, with a 3.5 percent interest rate, in two tranches (the first 600 billion drachmas in 2002 and the second in the next budget).

The deal also envisages that the state will restructure all IKA's debt to other state organizations, worth 500 billion drachmas and the government would earmark 1.0 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP) for the funding of IKA's operations in the next three decades.

Christodoulakis said that the deal was an integral part of a growth prospects with positive impact on the labor market and investments and would breathe certainty to the Greek economy.

GSEE's president, Christos Polyzogopoulos, said the deal was covering the biggest part of workers' demands in finding a solution to the problem of funding the social security system.

Polyzogopoulos said the agreement was a positive development and noted that talks with the government would be completed after a meeting with Labor minister to discuss the parametric changes in the system (pension age, pension payment etc).

SEB's president Odysseas Kyriakopoulos said the agreement was a large step forwards. He stressed, however, of the need for a closer study on a report by a group of British analysts on the financial condition of the system to ensure that the government's pledge to fund the social security system would add to the fiscal debt by 0.1 percent to 1.0 percent in the next 30 years.

Full acceptance of the deal, however, may hit a snag as GSEE was not represented by unions from opposition parties.

[17] French central bank chief shrugs off criticism of euro

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

''The growth and stability pact sets the bounds within which a national economy can move and allows the imposition of sanctions in the event of non-compliance. This is not envisaged under any other federal system in the world,'' Trichet said in a speech to the French Chamber of Commerce of Greece.

''We can also use the weapon of a country's national budget...The euro itself constitutes a structural change, as is the single market,'' he added.

Trichet is widely seen as heir apparent to the president of the European Central Bank, Wim Duisenberg, who steps down from the post in 2003.

[18] Greek state support at 1.1 bln euros in 2000

BRUSSELS 24/05/2002 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

The EU average for state subsidies is 0.99 percent of GDP, said the report released on Thursday.

[19] Greek airlines may cancel Rome flights next Tuesday

ROME 24/05/2002 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakos)

According to the Greek correspondent in Rome, Italy will make it mandatory for all civilian aircraft to have armed 'air marshals' on board on that day, between the hours of 8:00 and 18:00 local time.

This creates problems for many airline companies, however, since national legislation in many countries forbids the presence of armed security officers on board aircraft.

This is also the case for Olympic, which intends to cancel its morning flight and delay an evening flight to Rome until after the 18:00 time limit. Similarly, Cronus may cancel its single flight to the city on that day.

[20] Cash injection for budget from surprise corporate earnings

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

The two companies showed higher than expected earnings, strengthening the budget, Floridis told reporters.

[21] Thrace 2002 Trade Exhibition opens in Komotini

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

The inauguration of the exhibition, jointly organized by the International Exhibition Center of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace and the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), was carried out by the secretary general of the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region Aris Papadopoulos in the presence of agencies and economic officials from the region.

A total of 82 exhibitors are participating in this year's exhibition, while the honored sectors are the alternative energy sources and applications in businesses.

Goods on display at the exhibition are, among others, agricultural machinery, agricultural, handicraft and industrial products, building materials, household appliances, foodstuffs and drinks and electronic and telecommunications equipment.

[22] Greek stocks remain under pressure, end lower

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

The general index fell 0.88 percent to end at 2,346.20 points, with turnover a subdued 98.1 million euros.

The Insurance sector was the only one to scored gains (0.58 percent), while the Publication, Textile and Wholesale sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (2.71 percent, 2.66 percent and 2.55 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.89 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 1.28 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index dropped 1.64 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 285 to 51 with another 22 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares in value were Intracom, Public Power Corporation, Coca Cola HBC, Sexform, and Cretan Construction.

Equity index futures mixed: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Thursday ended mixed, with contracts on the high capitalization index down 1.50 percent and on the medium cap index showing a premium, traders said.

Turnover was 74.8 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 0.88 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks fell 1.28 percent.

Bond prices mixed in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Thursday finished mixed in heavy trade focusing on five-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.44 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 30 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system was 3.4 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for just over half of trade.

[23] More than 18,000 applications for volunteer work received by ATHOC

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

ATHOC noted that Athens has already gained an advantage in this sector compared to the Sydney Olympic Games.

According to a statistical analysis of the applicants, some 57.7 per cent were Greeks, 12.7 per cent were expatriate Greeks, 2 per cent were foreigners and 25.96 per cent were foreigners permanently residing in Greece.

The same analysis showed that 54.8 per cent of applicants were women, while most applicants were young, even though there were several applications from people over the age of 80 and a total of 587 applicants were over the age of 61.

[24] Culture minister speaks on Cultural Olympiad events

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

He said that from June to December the Cultural Olympiad will present 32 cultural activities in 35 cities in Greece and abroad.

The activities will project the Greek character of the Olympic Games from the past to the present, with particular emphasis to Greece as a European, Balkan and Mediterranean country.

Venizelos also said that in cooperation with the Athens Olympic Organizing Committee (ATHOC), the choice of emblem for the Cultural Olympiad will be examined.

[25] Conference on history of the Greek Press begins in Athens

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

The conference, organized by the National Research Foundation's Institute of Modern Greek Studies and the Athens News Agency (ANA), is being held at the Foundation.

Speakers at the conference include the institute’s president Paschalis Kitromilidis and ANA General Director Andreas Christodoulides.

[26] Cyprus and Greece decide to set up cultural heritage committee

NICOSIA 24/05/2002 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

The decision was taken on Thursday by Transport and Works Minister Averof Neofytou and visiting Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos. It aims at the best possible cooperation between the two countries on the protection of cultural heritage issues in countries of interest to Cyprus and Greece.

In statements after their meeting here, Loverdos said ''it is very good to jointly promote development cooperation in countries which interest us. The Hellenic and the Cyprus Republics can multiply their potential.''

Neofytou said ''new Cyprus, the European Cyprus of 2004, will have the opportunity to cooperate even further with Greece, to enable us to materialize joint visions through development programs which will go beyond the narrow borders, which in any case have been abolished through our European orientation, but also due to globalization.''

[27] ''Television without frontiers'' EU directive discussed in Brussels

BURSSELS 24/05/2002 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

Greek Press and Mass Media Deputy Minister Telemahos Hytiris represented Greece at the meeting.

He stated that he agreed with the European Commission's positions regarding the work program for the drafting of the amendments of the directive concerning ''television without frontiers''.

He added that the experience from the implementation of the directive in Greece was positive, as it contributed to the protection of consumers and underage persons and promoted multiculturalism.

[28] Euro-American Women's Council conference in Athens

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

The theme of the conference was "Technology-Environment and electronic commerce in the cradle of civilization" and focused particularly on women in the job market, in business and in society.

[29] Large cache of heroin intercepted on Greek-Albanian border

Athens, 24/05/2002 (ANA)

According to customs officials, 27 small packages containing a total of almost 15 kilos of heroin were discovered in the vehicle’s gas tank. Additionally, 575 grams of cocaine were also found in the car, a “Ford Escort” sporting Albanian plates.

The suspect was identified as Jonalin Pistia. He is due to appear before a prosecutor in the city of Ioannina.

[30] Clerides says examined with Greek PM all scenarios around Turkish reactions

LARNACA 24/05/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking at Larnaca Airport on arrival, President Clerides said the content of his talks in the Greek capital would be discussed at the National Council, top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus problem, which has been convened for May 27.

He added that ''Greece backs Cyprus on all levels'' and noted that although direct talks on the Cyprus problem must come to an end, June was a target not an expiry date, as developments may slow the process down, such as elections in Turkey.

President Clerides has been engaged in UN-led direct talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash since January this year, with a view to negotiate until a settlement is achieved to the problem of Cyprus, divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. All interested parties, including the UN, have agreed that June should be a target date for substantive progress.

Asked if June was an expiry date for the direct talks, President Clerides said ''no such decision was made'', noting that ''there should be an expiry, but when this expiry will be will depend on developments''.

Invited to say whether the situation in Turkey was affecting developments on the Cyprus problem, the president explained that if elections will take place in Turkey, then there would be a delay.

He added that he discussed with Simitis various scenarios regarding a heated incident caused by Turkey before or after Cyprus' accession to the EU, and the possible linking of the Cyprus problem with accession, noting that ''without having any indications, we thought it would be useful to exchange views''.

[31] Kasoulides: Now is the best opportunity for a solution

NICOSIA 24/05/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Kasoulides said that Cyprus' bid to join the EU gives an impetus to the ongoing direct peace talks between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. Despite that, he noted, there are no positive signs in the peace talks. ''We consider that since the beginning of the direct talks there is now the best opportunity ever to find a solution to the Cyprus problem '', Kasoulides told members of the EU-Cyprus Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), meeting in Nicosia, May 22-24. Mechtild Rothe, German MEP and Co President of the JPC, stressed that any Turkish aggression aiming to prevent Cyprus' accession to the EU would have an impact on Turkey's European perspective.

''I cannot imagine that an artificial tension created by Turkey would make the EU give in. If this happens, then Turkey will continue interfering to EU policy'', Kasoulides said.

Concerning a future settlement of the Cyprus problem he said it should not contain those ingredients that may lead to the legal separation and partition of the country and noted that so far there are no positive signs in the direct talks process.

He added that the Greek Cypriot side has responded to the Turkish Cypriot concerns but the Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash has not yet responded to the fears and concerns of the Greek Cypriot community.

Kasoulides expressed the government's determination not to leave unexploited any window of opportunity to solve the Cyprus issue.

''I hope,'' he added, ''that the Seville European Council (June 2002) and the G8 meeting will use their influence in giving a determined position if things proceed as they have been doing since last December''.

Kasoulides also expressed certainty that the European Commission in its recommendations to the European Council, to be submitted October 2002, will include Cyprus among the countries ready to join the EU at its next enlargement.

Rothe said that ''Turkey can not prevent or delay Cyprus' accession to the EU'', adding that ''it would be beneficial for Turkey if it contributed to efforts for a solution''.

Rothe expressed hope that Cypriot parliamentarians, including Turkish Cypriots, would participate in the European Parliament's elections in2004. ''We look forward to Cyprus' accession, we need Cyprus'' Rothe said.

Papadopoulos noted that the ''Greek Cypriot side has been constructive in the direct talks whereas the Turkish side is not even willing to start substantive talks on the four core issues, as outlined by the UN Secretary General.''

He expressed the conviction that the European Commission would include, in its 2002 Regular Report, Cyprus among the countries ready for accession.

[32] US sees possibility of initial agreement on Cyprus

NICOSIA 24/05/2002 (CNA/ANA)

According to the Athens New Agency, Weston, who plans a visit to Nicosia, Athens and Ankara in early June, also said the US backs fully the UN Secretary General in his attempts to find a negotiated settlement and cooperates closely with him in this respect.

Kofi Annan defined the core issues as governance, security, territory and properties. Speaking only a day before he meets Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou in Washington, Weston said that he has an ''excellent'' cooperation with Athens and that at their meeting they will assess the direct talks and the prospects, following Annan's visit to Cyprus in mid May, in a bid to intensify the pace of the talks.

There has been no progress towards a comprehensive settlement since the start of the talks in mid January this year. The Turkish Cypriot side continues to insist on two states in Cyprus with separate sovereignty, whereas the Greek Cypriot side believes the island should be reunited under a federal roof with such arrangements that would enable the government to take decisions within Europe and implement European laws and regulations, in expectation of Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

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