Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-06-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM says social security bill 'new era for social security'

[02] PM chairs meeting on Seville summit agenda

[03] FM meets with Cyprus' chief EU negotiator

[04] Solution on Cyprus should accord with UN resolutions; gov't reiterates

[05] EU strengthening to be hard and complex, alternate FM says

[06] Gov't spokesman denies that deal on Euroforce is imminent

[07] Spanish EU presidency optimistic over Euroforce agreement outcome

[08] Balkan developments dominate DM's talks in Yugoslavia

[09] Deputy defense minister watches ''Sarisa 2002'' military maneuvers

[10] Simitis meets with ex-Belgian PM Dehaene

[11] President to receive Karamanlis on Wednesday: ND criticism over pension bill

[12] Discussion on refugee protection and immigration control

[13] Niotis to attend expatriate organizations annual conference on Cyprus

[14] Nationwide strike targets social security reform bill

[15] Eurozone inflation falls to 2.0 percent in May

[16] Finance minister says tax reform to be presented next month

[17] Development minister urges cooperation with Croatia in energy sector

[18] Yields fall in three-year state bond auction

[19] Nat'l committee focuses on progress for 2004 Games

[20] State broadcaster seeks rate rise to cover investments for Olympics

[21] Deputy minister briefs British officials on preparations for 2004 Olympic Games

[22] Civil Aviation Authority responds to criticism over loss of Agusta helicopter

[23] 50,000 illegal immigrants arrested in Evros prefecture over the last two years

[24] Greeks rank third in television set ownership in

[25] Athens mayor honors 'Alexandros Onassis' Foundation

[26] Ecumenical Patriarch visits Hania on Crete

[27] Graffiti artists do it for the Cultural Olympiad

[28] EPO, Turkish counterpart to submit on Wednesday candidacy for Euro 2008 soccer

[29] Clerides-Denktash talks continue

[30] Government spokesman disappointed with British stance

[31] Government welcomes EU Commissioner Verheugen's remarks

[01] PM says social security bill 'new era for social security'

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

Addressing a Parliamentary plenum during a debate on the bill, Simitis said ''every step forward is a conquest and a victory. However, pitfalls and traps will always be lurking. For this reason vigilance is necessary.''

He said a strong society and a powerful Greece are a continuous risk, while progress requires a struggle.

Simitis said conditions have been created and the effort is continuing for the major wagers of the era to be won and which are those of convergence, growth, employment, major projects, the Olympic Games, the new modern social state and a more powerful Greece.

Referring to criticism from the main opposition New Democracy party on the bill, he said ND's accusations were not substantiated; they were characterized by hypocrisy, irresponsibility and populism.

''Either ND has no positions or it cannot rule,'' Simitis said and added that ND's unspeakable positions are a decrease in pensions, an increase in age limits for pensioning and the complete privatization of social security.

Simitis said society changes according to plan and not with fireworks and impressions or with slogans lacking any content and termed the social security bill a ''deep social reform.''

He added that it lifts inequalities and injustices of the past and creates a single, modern and workable system safeguarding benefits and the quality of services it provides for citizens.

Simitis said the pensioning system has a leading position in the framework of the bill and clarified that the demographic problem is not leading to the failure of the social state because the modern social state should embrace all social levels and the economic growth model should not demand human sacrifices.

Moreover, he said all citizens should have social rights and termed the bill a ''triple social contract between the citizens and the state, the citizens of the same generation and the citizens of different generations.''

On the question of the bill's preparation process, Simitis said it was the result of proposals and conclusions, which resulted from an open public dialogue over a year with the participation of social bodies.

Referring to the issue of the Social Insurances Foundation (IKA), he said economic support for it is a main government option and in this framework the government has undertaken to pay off the amount of 5.1 billion euros on behalf of IKA, while an agreement was recently signed with IKA to provide it with 3.9 billion euros as a payment for state obligations towards IKA and the government has also committed itself to covering liabilities of the foundation amounting to about 1.5 billion euros.

Simitis concluded his address by terming the bill an expression of the model of society chosen by the government, a model of solidarity and not of exclusions where the social security system concerns all salary earners who are society's most neuralgic sector.

ND leader accuses gov't of changing its positions: Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, speaking during the Parliamentary debate on the social security bill on Tuesday night, accused the government of ''saying other things last year and other things this year.''

''If you were saying lies last year and for years, what confidence should one have in you? The only excuse is that you do not know what you are doing, but this makes you even more dangerous,'' Karamanlis said.''

Referring to the content of the bill, Karamanlis focused on failure in costing measures and of basing them on assumptions and calculations on the future parameters of the economy's course, calculations that are subject to changes.

''Burdens placed on insured persons and whose end had been anticipated by ND's laws are continuing,'' he said, adding that with this draft law the government ''is transferring for tomorrow what it has to give and is taking now what it has to take.''

Karamanlis further said that ''no law is adequate if basic causes of the problem are ignored such as contribution evasion, the demographic issue and unemployment.''

He proposed specific measures to improve the fiscal environment, which are wider planning for the integration of economic immigrants, a state capable of reducing the black economy, measures for the demographic issue and a new economic policy, which, as he said, will accelerate growth and will strengthen employment and reduce unemployment.

On the issue of the social security system, Karamanlis proposed the ''full implementation of the reforms of '92, a workable restructuring of social insurance bodies, the speedy promotion of computerization and the introduction of informatics, the gradual unification of similar funds as of now and with a dialogue, the effective utilization of funds' mobile and fixed assets, the effective handling of tax evasion, the restructuring of the health treatment sector, shielding the system of providing pensions for disabled persons, restructuring the institution of heavy duty and unhealthy work and a permanent apparatus for supporting minimum pensions.

Taking the floor at the end of Karamanlis's address, Labor Minister Dimitris Reppas said that the ND leader convinced Parliament that his party lacks any positions on the social security issue and exaggerates claims, which are irrelevant with the issue being discussed with the purpose of focusing the discussion on them. Reppas also called on the ND party not to undermine the government's efforts.

Coalition leader says two major parties using similar tactics: Speaking at the debate in Parliament on Tuesday night on the social security bill, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos said the ruling PASOK and the main opposition New Democracy (ND) party were using similar tactics.

He stressed that on the one hand, Prime Minister Costas Simitis was refusing reference to the abolition of the ND's laws while the ND on the other believes that it can use the present draft law.

''These choices by the two major parties undermine the social state and increase social inequality,'' Constantopoulos added, stressing that it was last year's demonstrations that led to the government reshuffle, the extraordinary PASOK conference and to the abandonment of the government's positions on the social security issue.

Concluding, he accused the government of taking no notice of social reactions on the social security bill and of leading the trade union movement towards a rift.

[02] PM chairs meeting on Seville summit agenda

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

Papandreou said in a statement that the meeting focused on three issues: European policy on immigration and asylum, the reformation of the council of ministers' functions and the European army.

Regarding the first issue, the 15 leaders will be called on in Seville to resolve dissent appearing at Monday's meeting in Luxembourg on the expediency of sanctions being imposed on third countries failing to take measures to prevent illegal immigration.

Papandreou reminded that Greece supports the provision of similar ''economic'' measures and stressed that in the country's view the European policy on immigration should have financial support.

On the question of reforming the council of ministers' functions, Papandreou said that Greece has certain objections to the proposals made by EU High Commissioner Javier Solana, adding that similar objections have also been raised by other partners and, consequently, the final outcome of the issue will be decided in Seville.

Referring to the issue of the European army, Papandreou said ''we are on a course of tough negotiating'' and expressed ''hope'' that ''positive results'' will be achieved in Seville, but clarified that at present one cannot say that an agreement is imminent.

[03] FM meets with Cyprus' chief EU negotiator

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

No comments were made after the meeting.

According to reports, Papandreou focused on Monday's statements by EU Commission for enlargement Guenter Verhuegen, while Vassiliou cited what he called a responsibility on the part of the Turkish Cypriot side to contribute towards a resolution to the long-standing Cyprus problem.

Earlier, Vassiliou met with Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos.

Cyprus EU negotiator foresees increased Turkish provocations: George Vassiliou, heading Cyprus's European Union accession negotiations, said on Tuesday after meeting Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos that he predicts increased Turkish provocations in light of the Republic of Cyprus's EU accession.

Referring to statements by British mediator Sir David Hannay on two states in Cyprus and a new situation on the island, Vassiliou said ''Mr. Hannay did not speak of the dissolution of the Republic of Cyprus because such a thing would also mean the dissolution of the British bases.''

Constantopoulos stressed the need for the Cyprus issue to be resolved on the basis of UN resolutions and the acquis communautaire for a strong central government and a single sovereignty.

[04] Solution on Cyprus should accord with UN resolutions; gov't reiterates

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

Asked to comment on a controversial interview given to CNN Turk on the issue by Britain's envoy for Cyprus Lord David Hannay, Protopapas referred reporters to the statements of his Cypriot counterpart.

On Friday, Cypriot government spokesman Mihalis Papapetrou said some of Lord David Hannay's comments were welcomed but stressed that the Cyprus government was against the formation of a new state, though it would agree to a new constitution.

''The new constitution will replace the existing one and the new constitutional arrangement could be very different to what applied in the past but we do not agree with the dissolution of the Republic of Cyprus and the creation of a new state,'' Papapetrou said.

[05] EU strengthening to be hard and complex, alternate FM says

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

The European societies with the highest level of prosperity will be faced with continual pressure for the trickle down of the European social model to the weaker countries, these pressures, however, cause symptoms of fatigue, the minister added.

Giannitsis stressed that over the upcoming period the European Union should succeed in an essential disentanglement from the symptoms of fatigue, otherwise it is in danger of skepticism, anti-Europeanism, even a return to the nationalistic roots.

''In essence, to say it simply, we along with our partners should take our risks. We should take our risks, because our decisions are connected with many uncertainties and because every change has supposed effects on multiple levels: on national sovereignty, on the effectiveness of operations, the strengthening and the transformation of the European Union,'' the minister said.

[06] Gov't spokesman denies that deal on Euroforce is imminent

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

The spokesman noted that initiatives on the issue were taking place constantly and that many more might be presented before Saturday, when the European Union summit in Seville was due to end.

"By then we will have determined whether there are margins for agreement or whether there is disagreement," he added.

Greece has vetoed the 'Ankara document' drafted by the United States and the United Kingdom with Turkey in order to lift the latter's objections to the sharing of NATO assets with a planned EU rapid intervention force.

[07] Spanish EU presidency optimistic over Euroforce agreement outcome

BRUSSELS, 19/06/2002 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

A Spanish presidency diplomatic representative did not respond to specific questions on the point of which discussion were at the time, but said that ''what I can say is that today I am more optimistic than a week ago''.

The same diplomat stressed the especially constructive stance of the Greek side and more specifically that of Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, adding that talks between Greek and Spanish diplomats lately have been ''continual and feverish'', insinuating that similar contacts existed also with Turkish representatives.

''At first glance the differences are unbridgeable, since Greece wants changes to the text, which was agreed in Ankara and Turkey does not want (changes). I believe, however, that there can be a compromise solution,'' he stressed, adding that ''proposals, ideas and texts arrive every day, even on weekends''.

European Union security and defense Commissioner Javier Solana's representatives also noted the same, speaking of ''continual talks and negotiations'' both within the EU and in other international meetings, such as the recent G8 conference.

[08] Balkan developments dominate DM's talks in Yugoslavia

BELGRADE, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

In statements afterwards, both men expressed their support for a rapid implementation of various international decisions safeguarding minority rights and human rights in Kosovo, Bosnia Herzegovina and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) - all former republics or provinces in the former Yugoslavia.

On his part, the Greek minister also reiterated Athens' support towards Yugoslavia's future membership in both NATO and the European Union.

Regarding bilateral cooperation in the defense sector, scholar-ships at Greek military academies for Yugoslav cadets will be increased, while Athens also agreed to assist with the reorganization of Yugoslavia's armed forces.

Finally, Radojevic said Belgrade is planning to host a conference of SE Europe defense ministers at the end of the year focusing on issues of regional security.

The Yugoslav minister was also invited to visit Greece in the near future by his Greek counterpart.

[09] Deputy defense minister watches ''Sarisa 2002'' military maneuvers

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

This year's northeastern Greek military exercise was the first to feature the changes in structure taking place in the Greek Armed Forces.

At the end of the exercise, Apostolidis expressed his satisfaction over the success of the exercise and noted that the decrease in the tour-of-duty of conscripted servicemen did not hinder the ability of the Greek Armed Forces' operational capability.

Apostolidis receives Swedish counterpart in Athens: Deputy Defense Minister Loukas Apostolidis on Tuesday received his Swedish counterpart Yvonne Gustafsson, and held private talks, which were then followed by talks of the two countries' delegations.

The talks focused on defense industry issues and European Union issues in light of Greece's undertaking of the European Union presidency in January 2003.

The two deputy ministers signed a cooperation agreement for the training of personnel in the Greek Armed Forces' facilities in Kilkis, northern Greece.

U.S. deputy defense secretary visits Tyrnavos headquarters: U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Charles Abell visited the head-quarters of the allied command of southcentral Europe (JC SOUTHCENT) at Tyrnavos on Tuesday, accompanied by the commander of the allied forces of NATO's southern region Admiral Gregory G. Johnson and the commander of the U.S. navy air forces in the Mediterranean M.L. Holmes.

Abell met with the headquarters' commander Lieutenant General Nikolaos Katagas during his visit and was briefed on issues concerning the quality of life of the American staff serving at the headquarters and was later given a guided tour of its installations.

The visit was concluded with a dinner given in Abell's honor by JCSC's commander.

[10] Simitis meets with ex-Belgian PM Dehaene

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

Dehaene arrived in Athens as part of his tour of EU capitals in light of this weekend's EU summit in Seville.

He declined to make comments after the meeting.

[11] President to receive Karamanlis on Wednesday: ND criticism over pension bill

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

Meanwhile, Karamanlis chaired a meeting of ND's sector heads on Tuesday afternoon focusing on the economy and the controversial social security reform bill up for discussion in Parliament a few hours later.

Following the meeting, ND spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos criticized the government for what he called "timidity", noting that the tabled pension reform bill absolutely does not guarantee the entire system's viability.

Finally, he also charged that the government lacks any real economic policy, but merely sports an "irresponsible pre-election management, with a goal of keeping PASOK in power."

[12] Discussion on refugee protection and immigration control

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

At the same time it expresses concern over the possible creation of a Europe, which will become a ''fortress'' if the refugee problem is handled with strictness.

Members of the High Commission's office in Athens, journalists and jurists expressed their views on the issue of ''Refugee protection-Immigration control'' at a conference held in Athens on Tuesday on the occasion of International Refugee Day on June 20. They also expressed anxiety over the humanitarian crisis being experienced by societies.

According to the High Commission's representative in Greece Florida Rojas Rodriguez, ''every refugee problem is a humanitarian crisis deserving a humanitarian solution.''

The High Commission has proclaimed 2002 a year dedicated to women refugees who comprise, together with children refugees, 80 percent of the planet's refugee population.

[13] Niotis to attend expatriate organizations annual conference on Cyprus

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

Niotis will be representing the Greek Parliament.

The annual conference is dedicated to the Cyprus issue and gathers influential members of the Greek communities of the United States, Canada, UK, Australia, Greece and Cyprus.

On the sidelines of the conference, Niotis will meet with the Hellenic American caucus, White House officials and US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Marc Grossman.

[14] Nationwide strike targets social security reform bill

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

Parliament debate on the government's plan to reform the country's bloated social security and pension sector begins Tuesday night.

In commencing the industrial action, some 300 members of a Communist Party of Greece (KKE) affiliated workers' group briefly took over the national economy ministry just before 6 a.m., surprising a handful of guards at the building - which stands across from Parliament in downtown Athens.

Members of the PAME faction also unfurled a banner outside the ministry protesting the pension reform bill, before withdrawing a few hours later to join up with a rally snaking its way towards Parliament.

According to reports, ferryboat service to Greece's numerous islands and between certain heavily traveled channels was interrupted, while ailing national carrier Olympic Airways scheduled only one flight per destination. The state-run railway also curtailed its train routes.

An initial rally in downtown Athens, meanwhile, caused a two-hour traffic jam, as many commuters turned to private vehicles in the absence of public transports, including the new metro lines.

The civil servants' union (ADEDY) said the strike affected practically all state offices and agencies, whereas only emergency cases were being treated at public hospitals and clinics.

In Thessaloniki, the nationwide strike affected the public sector as well, with the private sector, however, largely unaffected by industrial action.

Bus drivers held a work stoppage lasting until 8 a.m., with another work stoppage scheduled from 9 p.m. until the end of the day's shift.

Strikers gathered outside Thessaloniki's labor center before rallying in the northern Greek city's center.

Papariga, Constantopoulos: In their statements, the leaders of Parliament's two smaller parties, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos), both criticized the government bill.

KKE leader Aleka Papariga said workers and employees would not "legalize" the bill even if it passes, while Synaspismos president Nikos Constantopoulos said the reform package was nothing more than a "neo-liberal choice" on the part of the government.

[15] Eurozone inflation falls to 2.0 percent in May

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

The EU's statistics agency said that Ireland recorded the highest inflation rate in May (5.0 percent), followed by the Netherlands and Greece (3.8 percent, respectively).

Germany (1.0 percent), Luxembourg (1.3 percent) and Belgium (1.4 percent), recorded the lowest inflation rates in the EU-15 in May.

Eurozone inflation eased to 2.0 percent in May from 2.4 percent in April and 3.3 percent in May 2001. Inflation also eased to 1.8 percent in the EU-15 from 2.2 percent in April and 3.0 percent in May 2001.

Annual inflation fell in 12 EU member-states in May, it was unchanged in Spain and Ireland. (There are no figures for the UK).

Ireland was the only EU member-state to record an increase in May, while Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium recorded the biggest declines.

Annual inflation fell to 0.6 percent in Switzerland in May from 1.1 percent in April.

[16] Finance minister says tax reform to be presented next month

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

Christodoulakis, who was addressing an event at the Greek-Japanese Chamber of Commerce, placed emphasis on the ''new model of social understanding and responsibility'' on which the government's economic policy is based and where social partners shape the basic characteristics of desired economic development through a democratic and substantive negotiation and commitment.

''The social acceptance of changes is necessary for a safe and stable environment for investments and development so that a framework of confidence and participation can be established,'' he said.

Christodoulakis added that another precondition for social acceptance is the citizen's protection from the arbitrariness of state authority and bureaucracy and the observance of equality towards the law.

He further said that ''what is necessary in coming years for us to maintain the advantages of Economic and Monetary Union is for us to toil more to reduce the distance from the European average separating us.''

[17] Development minister urges cooperation with Croatia in energy sector

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

Tsohatzopoulos, who is currently in Croatia on an official visit, particularly focused on implementing European Union decisions calling for the creation of integrated electricity supply networks in the Balkans and southeast Europe by 2004.

In talks with Croatian Economy minister Hrvoje Vojkovich, Tsohatzopoulos said that Greece's first priority was to help rebuild Croatia's Ernestinovo power plant, which had been destroyed during the civil war in the region.

Vojkovich briefed the Greek minister on works to reconstruct the Ernestinovo power grid that had already begun and asked Athens to support Croatia's demand for additional funds for the project from the EU.

Tsohatzopoulos pledged Athens' support and predicted that the Ernestinovo power grid would be ready within 2003.

He also told the Croat minister that Hellenic Petroleum (ELPE) was interested in investing in Croatia and announced that the company had already responded to an open invitation to bid for 25 per cent of the Croat state enterprise INA, involved in searching and drilling for oil and natural gas. INA also has two oil refineries and a network of 600 petrol stations.

The Croat side expressed its full support and its intention to assist in the construction of a natural gas pipeline from the Caspian Sea via Turkey, Greece, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia to Austria and central Europe.

Afterward, Tsohatzopoulos met Croatian Deputy Public Works Minister Venko Curlin for talks on rebuilding Croatia's road network.

The Greek development minister said that Greece was particularly interested in the Zagreb-Belgrade-Thessaloniki road, which traditionally linked Greece with Central and Eastern Europe via the former Yugoslavia and was useful for both transport and tourism.

Curlin said that the Adriatic coastal road currently under construction and due to be completed in two years' time could be a natural extension of the Ionian road planned by Greece.

Finally, in talks with Croatian Tourism Minister Pave Zupan Ruskovic, Tsohatzopoulos agreed to promote bilateral cooperation between Greece and Croatia in tourism, beginning by activating the mixed Greek-Croatian committee for tourism cooperation on a ministerial level.

Tsohatzopoulos noted after the meeting that many Greek companies were interested in building or buying out and renovating tourism facilities and hotels on the Dalmatian Coast.

"Our aim is to redirect part of the tourist wave that heads for the Dalmatian Coast each year, and which is expected to keep rising, to the coastline of western Greece by providing the necessary facilities, infrastructure and access,'' he said.

His final meeting in Croatia was with Deputy Foreign Minister Vesna Cvjetkoviae Kurelec.

[18] Yields fall in three-year state bond auction

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

The three-year bond saw its average weighed interest rate falling to 4.33 percent from 4.58 percent in the previous auction of same bonds in March 12, 2002.

Bids submitted totalled 3.685 billion euros, 3.35 times more than the asked sum. The organisation finally accepted bids worth 1.32 billion euros.

Greek stocks end 0.23 percent lower: Greek stocks drifted lower on Tuesday with investors remaining on the sidelines awaiting fresh economic and corporate news in the Athens Stock Exchange.

The general index fell 0.23 percent to end at 2,214.94 points, with turnover a low 78.6 million euros.

The Retail, Insurance and IT Solution sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (1.67 percent, 1.53 percent and 1.35 percent, respectively), while the Cement, Investment and Holding sectors scored the biggest percentage gains (1.45 percent, 0.37 percent and 0.37 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks eased 0.20 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 0.22 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.73 percent lower.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 200 to 99 with another 59 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares in value were Hellenic Telecoms, Public Power Corporation, Vodafone, Themeliodomi and Alpha Bank.

Equity index futures lower: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Tuesday finished lower.

Turnover was 84,7 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 0.19 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks dropped by 0.22 percent.

In individual stock futures, players focused on Hellenic Telecommunications Organization.

Bond prices down in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished lower in moderate to heavy trade focusing on ten-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.30 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 30 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totaled 2.75 billion euros. Buy orders accounted for the bulk of the trade.

[19] Nat'l committee focuses on progress for 2004 Games

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

On her part, high-profile ATHOC chairwoman Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki expressed satisfaction at the rate of progress regarding 2004 preparations between March and June of this year.

"The very positive comments that were made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding our progress will not make us lessen our efforts," she warned, while noting that the closely watched Olympic Torch relay will for the first time pass through all five continents before returning to Athens for the Games' inauguration.

Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos stressed that some 480 projects are planned for the Games.

Finally, high-ranking New Democracy deputy Fani Palli-Petralia, a former sports undersecretary who now heads the main opposition party's Olympic Games sector, expressed her concern over the course of Olympic preparations. She focused her concern on four areas, namely, finances, the building sector, the environment and sports.

She pointed to projects in the Athens coastal district (Hellenikon) and at the Goudi district as being in the "danger zone".

[20] State broadcaster seeks rate rise to cover investments for Olympics

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

ERT was a societe anonyme company controlled by the state. Its board was responsible for the organization’s budget and it was natural for ERT's management to seek ways to finance the investments that had to be made before the 2004 Games, he said.

According to Protopapas, the state broadcaster would require new equipment and needed to train its staff in order to fully meet its obligations regarding the Games.

He said there would be extensive discussion to find the best way to raise the funds needed.

[21] Deputy minister briefs British officials on preparations for 2004 Olympic Games

LONDON, 19/06/2002 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

Chytiris, who is responsible for Communications on the Athens Olympic Games, will meet on Wednesday with Minister of State for Sport Richard Caborn.

On Tuesday, he met with Conservative Party Shadow Minister of State for Sport John Greenway and also attended a working lunch with journalists.

He was due to address an event at the House of Commons on Tuesday night regarding the preparations for the Games.

[22] Civil Aviation Authority responds to criticism over loss of Agusta helicopter

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

The same press release said that all those 26 new heli-pads fulfilled the specifications set forth by the International Civil Aviation Authority and in some case they were equipped above and beyond specifications.

YPA stressed that all locations of heli-pads were chosen by experts of the authority, following an on site inspection, in accordance with rules and criteria of the Chicago agreement.

It added that the local authorities were responsible for the maintenance of the heli-pads.

The press release also stressed that when Helitalia, the company under contract to operate the emergency medical evacuations, noted in writing problems existing in some heli-pads, YPA undertook immediate measures to remedy the problems.

[23] 50,000 illegal immigrants arrested in Evros prefecture over the last two years

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

Most of the illegal immigrants arrested over the past two years were from Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Africa.

[24] Greeks rank third in television set ownership in

EU BRUSSELS, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

According to the report, some 99 per cent of Greeks own a television set, ranking third after Luxembourg's citizens (100 per cent) and Germans (99.7 per cent) and compared to Portugal's 91.1 per cent.

Contrary to this high rate of television ownership, only about 38.2 per cent of Greeks own video players and only 0.4 per cent own DVDs, when the EU average is 72.4 per cent and 3.2 per cent respectively.

[25] Athens mayor honors 'Alexandros Onassis' Foundation

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

The medal was received by the foundation's President Stelios Papadimitriou and Vice Presidents Pavlos Ioannidis and Apostolos Zambelas.

In his address, Avramopoulos referred to the life and work of Aristotle Onassis, saying that his activities ''went beyond the ordinary economic and business field and extended to all human activities.''

Avramopoulos added that what is known by all and what he himself showed with his handwritten will is that Aristotle Onassis was a great patriot.

[26] Ecumenical Patriarch visits Hania on Crete

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

While in Hania, Vartholomeos was shown around the house of nation-building Greek premier Eleftherios Venizelos and visited Hania Hospital.

On Tuesday afternoon, he was present at the unveiling of a plaque for a road named after him that links Hania to the historic monastery of Chrysopigi, which he later visited.

[27] Graffiti artists do it for the Cultural Olympiad

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

Organizers said on Tuesday that some of the most notable artists in the field had been invited to take part in the June-July events, which aimed to reach out to young urbanites that live - and leave their mark on - the cities in which they live.

The graffiti festival will last two days in each of the 10 cities, beginning with Piraeus and Thessaloniki on June 22-23.

The next stop will be Volos and Ioannina on June 29-30, Patras and Alexandroupolis on July 6-7, Kalamata and Mytilene on July 13-14 and finally Hania and Rhodes on July 20-21.

The artists will work on large buildings provided for the purpose by municipal authorities, with special workshops and alternative events taking place on the sidelines.

[28] EPO, Turkish counterpart to submit on Wednesday candidacy for Euro 2008 soccer

Athens, 19/06/2002 (ANA)

The candidacy file is composed of two volumes containing all pertinent information on infrastructures and security concerns, as well as hosting and other organizational matters.

Another six pairs of European states were biding for the honor to host the championships.

[29] Clerides-Denktash talks continue

NICOSIA, 19/06/2002(CNA/ANA)

The talks, which lasted approximately one hour and fifty minutes, are held in the presence of the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto.

[30] Government spokesman disappointed with British stance

NICOSIA, 19/06/2002 (CNA/ ANA)

Papapetrou said the government is concerned with such comments, as expressed by Britain's envoy for Cyprus Lord David Hannay, and stressed that Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides does not intend to get involved in a negotiation on the principle of 'give and no take' and considers an approach to appease the Turkish side ''wrong and counterproductive.''

The spokesman said there is nothing to suggest that either the UN or the US share the views expressed by Hannay.

''I would like to express my disappointment as it seems that Britain, even after Monday's representations, adheres to these positions,'' Papapetrou said, referring to Hannay's comments to CNN Turk for a new state in Cyprus and ''two peoples'' who would be masters in their own home.

The government supports amendments to the existing constitution to accommodate a bizonal, bicommunal federation and see the Republic of Cyprus being transformed to a federal system, as agreed by the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides in 1977 and 1979.

The government wants to preserve the unity of the country after reunification, following a negotiated agreement, and to ensure that no one side will have the right to secede.

''There is one people in Cyprus comprising two communities and this is what the 1960 constitution says and the British should at least have no reason to question the provisions of this constitution,'' the spokesman stressed.

Britain played a leading role in shaping the constitution in 1960, as Cyprus gained independence from colonial rule.

Papapetrou said British High Commissioner here Lyn Parker, by saying that he would neither add nor subtract anything from what Hannay had said, is ''essentially adopting these positions about a new state and two peoples. ''Asked whether the UN and the US also advocate such views, the spokesman said there is no evidence linking the UN or the US with the views Hannay expressed.

Replying to questions, the spokesman said there is an effort going on to appease the intransigent side at the talks and added ''I believe this approach is totally wrong and counterproductive.'

''In the past they declared themselves to be ardent supporters of a give and take approach and now they seem to be adopting a give-give approach,'' Papapetrou said.

This, he stressed, President Glafcos Clerides has no intention of doing at the negotiating table.

[31] Government welcomes EU Commissioner Verheugen's remarks

NICOSIA, 19/06/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou welcomed Gunter Verheugen's reference to Cyprus' impressive record in relation to the harmonization effort and his remark that the Greek Cypriot side shows good intentions at the talks.

''I would like to highlight Verheugen's point that we have achieved remarkable results in our accession course and his view that both he and the EU are in constant touch with the UN to ensure that a solution in the Cyprus question will be consistent with the acquis communautaire and that Cyprus will speak with one voice as an EU member,'' Papapetrou said.

Verheugen made this assessment at a meeting in Luxembourg with EU foreign ministers. He called on the Turkish side to make a greater effort to help find a settlement and said that other key players in the international scene share this view.

Spokesman Papapetrou welcomed in particular Verheugen's reference to the ''good intentions'' of the Greek Cypriot side, which is making significant attempts to find a negotiated settlement, as he said.

This assessment, Papapetrou pointed out, is shared by other international organizations, something he described as ''important.''

The spokesman said it was very positive to hear Verheugen say that the EU will take into consideration the efforts and the political will the Greek Cypriot side has displayed at the talks, when it takes its final decision on the Cypriot application for accession.

The EU said in December 1999 that a political settlement in Cyprus would facilitate accession but it is not a precondition for it. It also said at the time of the final decision on enlargement it will take into account all relevant factors.

Cyprus opened accession negotiations with the EU in 1998 and has so far provisionally closed 28 out of 31 chapters of the acquis communautaire.

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