Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-09-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece pays tribute to victims of September 11 terrorist attacks

[02] Papandreou, Yiannitsis attend events honoring victims of Sept. 11 attack

[03] Archbishop leads memorial service for Sept. 11 victims

[04] Papandreou holds talks in Washington

[05] Talks between Greek and Turkish FMs on Thursday awaited with great interest

[06] President receives Maltese counterpart

[07] DM presents Greek EU presidency's defense policy

[08] PM visits Crete, inspects Pancretan National Stadium

[09] Deputy FM to visit Jerusalem, beginning Thursday

[10] Diamantopoulou addresses EP commission

[11] Cyprus issue entering 'critical phase', gov't spokesman says

[12] Gov't : solution for FYROM's name must fall within UN resolutions

[13] Thessaloniki mayoral candidate holds talks in Brussels

[14] N17 suspects will get fair trial, justice ministry says

[15] State of Greek minority in Albania discussed in Brussels

[16] Synaspismos leader criticizes culture minister over latest Marathon finds

[17] ND-supported Athens mayoral ticket focuses on security

[18] Budgetary revenue rises in August

[19] Alpha Digital Synthesis S.A. satellite TV platform announces bankruptcy

[20] Athens bourse slightly up; bank, telecom utility dominate trading

[21] Avraam Lesperoglou re-trial continues with defense witnesses

[22] Boatload of migrants 'trapped' after Turkey refuses to take them back

[23] Cyprus remains committed to fight against international terrorism

[24] Kasoulides says Cyprus talks at last stage of window of opportunity

[25] Peace talks resume

[01] Greece pays tribute to victims of September 11 terrorist attacks

Athens, 12/09/2002 (ANA)

The event was attended, among others, by Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis.

The archbishop noted that ''violence is not a gift of God to man...it is a product and proof of the decline of man.''

Tsohatzopoulos in his address said ''this is a day of solidarity, sorrow and decisiveness'' and stressed the importance of world security ''as terrorism is threatening everyone, rich and poor.''

The minister added that ''we have proceeded in eradicating the biggest terrorist group which operated in Greece,'' underlining that ''the Greek government is determined to continue the effort to totally eradicate terrorism, respecting legislation and human rights.''

On his departure from the ambassador's residence, ND leader Karamanlis told journalists that ''in the year that has passed many steps have been taken but many more are yet to be made.'' He said that Greece and in general his party is relentless in the objective of smashing the phenomenon of terrorism.

Parliament observes a moment's silence in memory of Sept. 11: The Greek Parliament on Wednesday held a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the World Trade Center that perished in the terrorist attack of Sept. 11, 2001.

Opening the session, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis expressed the body's ''feelings of sorrow and abhorrence of all the Greek people,'' underlining ''the unwavering focus of all of us in the efforts for the total eradication of terrorism, which is a wound and threat for democracy and humanity''.

He spoke of Greece's cooperation with all other countries in the fight against terrorism, stressing that ''Greece's police already forged forward with impressive steps toward eradicating the 'November 17' terrorist organization''.

Ruling PASOK party Parliament Representative Alekos Akrivakis spoke of ''this sad anniversary,'' saying ''it was a hit of terrorism, not only against the United States, but against the international community''.

He added that in Greece, the political spectrum supports the efforts of the police and the judiciary to eradicate home grown terrorism.

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) Parliament Representative Prokopis Pavlopoulos said that Sept. 11 became ''a symbol of memory for all the victims of terrorism around the world and through time, as well as a symbol of the obligation everyone has, to support man and democracy against terrorism''.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Parliament Representative Antonis Skyllakos said that ''we feel compassion for all those that were hurt by this great tragedy, but memory should not be selective - we had victims of state sponsored terrorism in neighboring Yugoslavia, while the numbers of victims in the Palestinian territories continue to grow".

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) deputy Asimina Xirotiri-Aekaterinari held a similar tone to those of KKE.

''The cooperation against terrorism led to a state of continual war, which overturns the architecture of international law, it overturns the conquests of the civilization of law and of democratic guarantees,'' she said.

Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis called the attacks the ''most illogical attack in the history of humanity'', which changed the course of affairs, adding that ''terrorism is an internal enemy, which devours the planet from within''.

US ambassador Miller speaks on Sept. 11 anniversary: US ambassador to Greece Thomas Miller on Wednesday expressed to Greece, which it described as an "ally in the war on terrorism", for the commitment it has demonstrated to rooting out terrorism and helping the US as it "deals with terrorist attacks on our own soil".

In remarks at an event at the Ambassador's residence in Athens marking the one-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C., Miller said that memorial events were being held in cities around the US and the world "to show that we have not forgotten the sacrifices made by the victims", who came from more than 90 countries around the world.

"Here in Greece, we are marking the day with several events in the spirit of a 'mnimosino' (memorial service)", which was "also an acknowledgement of the fact that among those killed at the World Trade Center (in New York) were several Greeks", Miller said.

"Today's ceremony is also meant to convey our appreciation to Greece, an ally in the war on terrorism. Greece has demonstrated its commitment to rooting out terrorism, and has helped my country as we deal with terrorist attacks on our own soil. Greece supported the US-led operation in Afghanistan, which removed the Taliban, and drove Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda to flight," he said.

Looking back at how Americans responded over the last year, Miller said he was "struck once again by the lack of vindictive-ness and lack of panic".

"There was certainly a determination to punish those responsible, and ensure the al Qaeda forces did not attack again. However, most Americans dealt with this unprecedented attack, the largest terrorist attack in history, by jointing together," the ambassador added.

He said that New Yorkers reported that "they began being kinder to each other, that there seemed to be a newfound solidarity," while in Washington, "the long sought-after bipartisan consensus emerged, to pull us together".

"People seemed lass fractious, less driven by difference, and more united in a common purpose. People expressed their political differences, just as they do in any democracy, be it Greece or the US. But there seemed to be a new sense of mission and the idea that beyond all our differences lay common ground," he continued.

"The war on terrorism has entered a new phase, and currently there is a vigorous discussion about the best way to pursue it,"

Miller said, adding that "this debate is taking place inside the United States as well as among the US and its allies."

"A glance back at the two world wars of the 20th century will show that there is nothing particularly new about such debates, that there has consistently been a tension in the US between isolationism and involvement. Nevertheless, despite differences, Europe and the US have demonstrated a common commitment to defending democratic ideals against whatever foe, be it fascism, or religious bigots who twist the Koran's message of peace. The resilience of the transatlantic relationship is something we can take heart from on a day as somber as today," Miller continued.

A guest speaker invited to the event was New York City fireman Peter Critsimillios, a Greek-American and New Yorker, who was on duty on September 11 last year and whose brigade fought the blaze caused by the attacks on the World Trade Center. Critsimillios addressed the event on his experiences that day, and on the colleagues who were lost during the rescue operations.

[02] Papandreou, Yiannitsis attend events honoring victims of Sept. 11 attack

NEW YORK 12/09/2002 (ANA - S. Sideris)

Greek Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis represented Greece at an event held at 10 a.m. local time outside the UN headquarters. Hundreds of foreign dignitaries and staff of international organizations abandoned their offices for one hour to observe the event.

Later on a memorial service was held at Aghia Triada church, attended by Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Yiannitsis, Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and Greek-American relatives of victims of the September 11 terrorist attack.

In a statement, Papandreou said ''it was our duty to be close to the families of the victims to whom we offer our full support.''

''The pain is great, as are the questions for the hate and violence of the terrorist attack. However, there is always hope for a better society and we share this hope with everyone,'' the Greek foreign minister added.

The major event will take place at ''Ground Zero'' where the World Trade Center twin towers once stood. The event is organized by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Papandreou and Yiannitsis will attend the event, which will be held early Thursday morning Greek time.

Deputy FM address event for Sept. 11,organized by Greek foreign ministry: Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis on Wednesday evening said that Greeks all over the world did not forgive the acts of violence against the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.

During an event organized by the Greek foreign ministry, entitled ''Ground Zero - a Year of Memory'', Magriotis called Sept. 11 ''a black day of attack by obscurantism against civilization''.

''No one can remain indifferent before actions that take us back to ages of blind and raw violence,'' Magriotis said, adding that ''Greeks around the world did not forgive this injustice. It is against our civilization, against our values, against our deep-rooted beliefs''.

''For this reason we are all here today. To remember Peter and Katerina, Yiannis and Daniel, who were people like us, and to ask that such a morning may never come again,'' he said.

He spoke of the Greek government's insistence and that of the foreign ministry's in the fight for the defense of human life, dignity, stressing that ''nothing makes more heinous the face of terrorism than the view of the faces of its victims''.

''For us the numbers of terrorism's victims are not just numbers, they are faces that were among us just a little while ago, dear persons close to us with anxieties and hopes,'' Magriotis concluded.

[03] Archbishop leads memorial service for Sept. 11 victims

Athens, 12/09/2002 (ANA)

The service was attended by US Ambassador Thomas Miller and British Ambassador Sir David Madden, as well as Athens mayoral candidates Dora Bakoyianni, Christos Papoutsis and Yiannis Dimaras, New Democracy Honorary President Constantine Mitsotakis and other politicians and officials.

In an attack on terrorism in all its forms, Christodoulos said the attacks in New York ''showed the horror of violence but not the face of justice'' and had revealed the presence of a criminal gang rather than an organization that wanted to build a just society.

[04] Papandreou holds talks in Washington

WASHINGTON 12/09/2002 (ANA)

After meeting on Wednesday with members of the Congress and other US officials, such as Deputy Secretary of State Mark Grossman, Papandreou said that there was a positive attitude on the part of his interlocutors toward Greece on a group of issues, adding that he saw increased interest over the positions taken by Greece, in the light of the Greek EU presidency during the first half of 2003.

The foreign minister said he saw a “vacuum” in the dialogue between the two sides of the Atlantic on several international issues and stressed Greece’s intention to contribute in dealing with this phenomenon, particularly after assuming the EU presidency.

On Iraq, Papandreou noted Europe’s conviction that “all means provided by the UN should be exhausted and any action to be taken should not simply include an immediate confrontation with Saddam Hussein, but also provisions for the “day after” for the sake of stability in the region.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, the minister noted particular interest and said that the Americans were asking “what could they do to help” during this sensitive phase of the efforts for the resolution of the problem; he also said that the UN Secretary General has the political will to attain a solution and that he knew that the upcoming EU Summit in Copenhagen represented a significant stage toward a Cyprus solution.

Papandreou conveyed the solidarity of the Greek people toward the American people on the occasion of the New York terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, saying “we are interdependent, since problems in one corner of the world have an impact on all of us”.

The foreign minister later on Wednesday was due to depart for New York where he will attend sessions of the UN General Assembly, on the sidelines of which he will meet with his US counterpart Colin Powell on Monday.

[05] Talks between Greek and Turkish FMs on Thursday awaited with great interest

NEW YORK 12/09/2002 (ANA - S. Sideris)

The Americans show great interest in Thursday's talks between Papandreou and Gurel and asked the Greek foreign minister how things are shaping following the resignation of former Turkish foreign minister Ismail Cem who has formed his own party.

Papandreou made it clear that despite the change in the Turkish foreign ministry, he will make every effort to maintain the good climate between the two countries, despite the fact that there is also intense concern in the Greek foreign ministry on the domestic situation in Turkey.

According to diplomatic sources, the uncertainty prevailing in Ankara will not obstruct the Greek minister to raise the Cyprus issue and he is expected to ask his Turkish counterpart to exert pressure on Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash for moves which will give some substantial impetus in the talks for a settlement of the Cyprus problem.

[06] President receives Maltese counterpart

Athens, 12/09/2002 (ANA)

Stephanopoulos spoke of the sorrowful anniversary of Sept. 11 and stressed that the tragic events prove the dangers caused by terrorism to citizens and democracy, adding that terrorism should be confronted to achieve the peaceful coexistence of peoples. ''Terrorist acts present a danger against the democratic institutions, thus the sense of security should be strengthened,'' Stephanopoulos said, and condemned in absolute way terrorism and every thought that could justify it as a war between cultures.

On his part, De Marco said that some times tragic events teach us the ways to understand the causes that made them happen, adding that there should be a rejection of terrorism.

During their meeting the two men discussed bilateral issues, the conditions in the Balkans and the Middle East, as well as the Cyprus issue and the European Union's enlargement.

Stephanopoulos stressed that Greece insists on the Helsinki EU Summit decisions, which, as he said, are supported by all, save Turkey, underlining the efforts of Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides to work out a solution of the Cyprus problem.

''Cyprus' accession will take place, based on those criteria,'' he said.

De Marco said that Cyprus should enter the European Union, as it fulfills the Copenhagen criteria, while its government is working toward a resolution of the island republic's political problem.

President convinced next EU enlargement will include Cyprus: President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Wednesday expressed his conviction that the upcoming EU enlargement, in addition to Malta, would also include Cyprus.

Speaking at a formal dinner he hosted for Malta President Guido de Marco, Stephanopoulos referred to Greece’s EU presidency in the first half of 2003 and expressed the hope that “after the successful conclusion of accession negotiations at the end of 2002, we will have the pleasure to welcome Malta also at the signature ceremony for the accession agreement”.

The president said that although the accession of Cyprus to the EU would benefit the entire population of the island, the Turkish-Cypriot side had not up to this moment exhibited sincere intention to contribute to the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Finally, he said he hoped for the creation of a Europe with strong influence, an improved cooperation between its member-states and the realization of the stability and prosperity vision in the entire region.

Maltese president calls for unified Mediterranean policy and cooperation: Visiting Maltese President Guido De Marco, addressing an event held in his honor at the Athens Panteion University on Wednesday night, said ''there should be a unified Mediterranean policy and cooperation despite the fact that the U.S. and Europe do not share the same vision for the region.''

Speaking on the theme ''A Mediterranean Policy for Europe'', De Marco referred to the importance of the cooperation of the Mediterranean peoples within the framework of the European Union, stressing that ''there can be no security in Europe if there is no security in the Mediterranean.''

He termed as ''inadequate'' existing Mediterranean cooperation because of what he termed ''the Israeli-Palestinian cooperation.''

The president accused the international community of bias against the Palestinians and their inalienable rights for which, he observed, there are relevant United Nations resolutions.

He underlined that within the framework of Mediterranean policy, there should be a policy founded on reason, persuasive-ness, the proper understanding of the demands of both the Palestinians and the Israelis, on the friendship of Arab states, the appropriate assessment of Islam, the isolation of terrorism and fundamentalism, on the refinancing of the Barcelona procedure and on a clear policy for economic refugees and illegal immigrants.

Earlier in the day Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos received De Marco at the Town Hall.

Avramopoulos in his address referred to Malta and Cyprus as the first two countries from the other candidate countries of the fifth enlargement that submitted applications for entry to the European Union in July 1990.

The mayor said that both countries belong to a very sensitive geographic region, with a great history and culture, the Mediterranean. However, he added, they also belong to Europe ''and the future is mainly what unites us.''

On the occasion of the visit, the Maltese was presented with the Gold Medal of the city.

[07] DM presents Greek EU presidency's defense policy

BRUSSELS 12/09/2002 (ANA – G. Zitouniati)

The Eurodeputies of the foreign affairs committee expressed their satisfaction of the positions and responses of the Greek presidency for the ''thorny'' issues in EU-NATO relations and the prospect of Cyprus' accession to the Union concerning a possible reaction by Turkey in that event. Also the responses concerning current affairs, such as terrorism and the possible US intervention in Iraq.

Papantoniou said that over the next few months the aims of military concerns set in Helsinki will be fulfilled, in regards to the establishment of the European rapid reaction force, in efforts to complete the operational capability of the European Union and the effective management of international crisis.

He forecast that the focal aim would be the establishment of a Headline Goal for the operational readiness of 60,000 troops, as well as the development of the necessary collective capabilities.

He underlined that Greece supports the undertaking of the operations in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), on the basis of final and definite arrangements with NATO, saying that the Greek presidency undertook efforts to promote relevant agreements in time, but in the event that this will not be possible, then an ad hoc arrangement will be sought, to secure the preconditions of the peacekeeping mission there.

He stressed that the basic parameter for the operational capability of Europe is the formulation of a framework of permanent arrangements between the EU and NATO and efforts to redefinition of the relations between the two organizations on the basis of equality, cooperation and effective allocation of roles.

The Greek minister spoke of the principles of Seville, that should govern these permanent arrangements.

He stressed the need for the development of the European defense policy, which he said would increase the status of the Union, speaking also of the need to bridge the gap in defense spending between the United States and the European Union.

Papantoniou underlined that the organizational establishment of the European defense should not develop into a multinational cooperation, such as that of the United Nations, nor to a loose alliance, such as the old Western European Union.

He also emphasized that the Greek presidency would maintain a close cooperation with the European Parliament.

Papantoniou also spoke of the black anniversary of Sept. 11.

Speaking of Cyprus he said that Greece promotes the resolution of the problem and does not bear any responsibly for the obstacles, which are due to the intransigence of the Turkish Cypriots, backed by Turkey.

When asked what would the European Union do if there are not developments within the allotted timeframe, he said that the Union would do what it has decided, alluding to the Helsinki decisions on the issue.

Speaking on a possible US intervention in Iraq, he said that the U.S. has not yet officially taken a stand, stressing that many European leaders insist on the adherence to processes of international legality and the need to proceed under the United Nations banner.

[08] PM visits Crete, inspects Pancretan National Stadium

Athens, 12/09/2002 (ANA)

In his address at the stadium, the prime minister referred to the benefits the Olympics would bring to all regions of Greece, saying that the Olympiad would cost less than it would yield in terms of development, while stressing the importance of steady and long-term policies for modernization and development.

He described Greece as an ''athlete taking part in many and difficult events'' and said that the government, in spite of the difficulties on an international and European level, was prepared to guarantee that the country's performance would live up to everyone's expectations.

Regarding preparations for the 2004 Olympics, Simitis said that all the time frames were being adhered to and were absolutely compatible with the equivalent time frames for the Sydney Games.

All Olympic projects were well on the way and tenders had been organized for all Olympic road and sports infrastructure works, Simitis added.

A major part of the preparations for the Olympics was the 1.2-billion-euro program ''HELLAS 2004'', which would bring the Olympiad to all of Greece, the prime minister said.

''Our plan does not end in August 2004, after the closing ceremony. This is when a second stage begins as regards maximizing the return of the investment. This is true for Irakleio, for the whole of Crete and the whole of the country,'' he stressed.

The prime minister also took the opportunity to launch a bitter attack on the opposition parties, accusing them of blind negativity and lack of confidence and of taking a mean and petty stance toward developments.

''We even heard rumors that the IOC would take the Games away from us and give them to Rome or Seoul. Such views are not the result of an objective assessment,'' he added.

Regarding the fight against terrorism, the prime minister said that this issue should not be mixed up with politics and he slammed those trying to implicate ruling PASOK or the Left, saying that they merely revealed the depths of their intolerance and irresponsibility.

The effort to break up terrorism was continuing, he stressed, and terrorists were not judged with political criteria.

''In a democracy there are no 'armed fighters'. In a democracy, policy is not imposed with weapons and weapons are not a policy. In a democracy, murder is not a political proposal, it is just murder.''

Immediately after inspecting the project, Simitis visited the offices of the Cretan regional authority to be briefed on the progress of the works.

He was accompanied on his visit to Crete by Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, Education Minister Petros Efthymiou, Deputy Press Minister Telemahos Hytiris and Deputy Culture Minister Nasos Alevras.

Venizelos and Alevras spoke before the prime minister at the Pancretan National Stadium regarding preparations for the Olympics, stressing that they were an effort that involved the whole country.

Also part of the prime ministerial party were a number of Greece's Olympic champions, including sprinters Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou, weight-lifter Kaki Kakiasvilis and veteran football aces Mimis Domazos and Mimis Papaioannou.

Immediately after his arrival on the island, the prime minister attended the blessing ceremony at Iraklio's 13th and 42nd primary schools, which traditionally marks the start of a new school year.

[09] Deputy FM to visit Jerusalem, beginning Thursday

Athens, 12/09/2002 (ANA)

Israeli and Palestinian officials, along with representatives of other dogmas and diplomats will also be present during the event.

During his stay in Jerusalem, Magriotis will meet with his Israeli counterpart M. Melhior, with Justice Minister of Israel Meir Sheetrit, and will seat at a dinner held in his honor by Israeli officials.

His talks will focus on the Middle East problem and prospects for its resolution, in light of Greece's EU presidency, as well as bilateral issues.

He also visits with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and other Palestinian officials.

[10] Diamantopoulou addresses EP commission

BRUSSELS 12/09/2002 (ANA)

Diamantopoulou told the Committee that the EU Council in 2000 had approved two pioneering guidelines aiming to combat discrimination in employment, education, social protection and the access to goods and services, to be integrated in the national legislation of the member-states by the end of 2003.

Furthermore, the Commission, in cooperation with the European Observatory of Racism and Xenophobia Phenomena, intends to organize a series of ''round table'' discussions on anti-semitism and ''islamophobia'' in today's European Union.

[11] Cyprus issue entering 'critical phase', gov't spokesman says

Athens, 12/09/2002 (ANA)

Regarding Cyprus' EU accession prospects, meanwhile, the spokesman stressed that nothing had changed.

"The Cyprus Republic must be the first to join the European Union, based on European practice, and Greece is ready to give battle on this score," he underlined.

Regarding developments in Turkey, Protopapas spoke of "instability" and said that Greece on the alert regarding its national issues.

[12] Gov't : solution for FYROM's name must fall within UN resolutions

Athens, 12/09/2002 (ANA)

Responding to questions, Protopapas said that Greece might be prepared to accept a composite name if this did not cause wider problems.

"Unfortunately, the other side has been inflexible," he added.

[13] Thessaloniki mayoral candidate holds talks in Brussels

BRUSSELS 12/09/2002 (ANA/V. Demiris)

After his meeting with the mayor of Brussels, Vougias criticized Thessaloniki's current administration for having “their back turned to Europe” and said that the northern Greek city should be proud of hosting the EU Summit of 2003.

He said the Summit and the organization of ''Expo 2008” represented challenges and a chance for upgrading the city’s infrastructure.

[14] N17 suspects will get fair trial, justice ministry says

Athens, 12/09/2002 (ANA)

The minister said a fair trial for the prisoners was guaranteed by the Greek legal system and Greek justice.

Regarding the conditions of imprisonment, Petsalnikos stressed that these met all criteria required by the laws of the country and international treaties.

"The measures taken for the prisoners are based, above all, on the need to ensure the necessary security conditions," he added.

He also emphasized that the November 17 suspects were not entitled to better conditions than the rest of the prison population.

"The other prisoners also talk to their lawyers on a phone through a glass divide. This is the same for the prisoners in the N17 case. This communication with their lawyers is not monitored, not controlled by anyone, just as for the other prisoners," he added.

[15] State of Greek minority in Albania discussed in Brussels

BRUSSELS 12/09/2002 (ANA – M. Spinthourakis)

To the points brought forward by PASOK Euro-deputy Manolis Mastorakis regarding the treatment of the Greek minority by Albanian authorities, including their refusal to establish minority classes at schools or to implement court decisions relative to Greek minority land property, the attending Albanian European Affairs Minister made a commitment on behalf of the Albanian government to reply in writing.

At the proposal of the Greek euro-deputy, the program of next June’s meeting in Albania will include a visit in Greek minority regions for a ''hands-on'' assessment of the problems by the European Parliament delegation.

[16] Synaspismos leader criticizes culture minister over latest Marathon finds

Athens, 12/09/2002 (ANA)

''The statement of Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos that the area where the rowing center is constructed was under the sea is a monumental token of governmental arrogance and irresponsibility,'' Constantopoulos said.

He made the statement during a visit to the site, were archaic and Classical-era artifacts and ruins have been uncovered. Constantopoulos also stressed that the finds should not be dismissed or covered under a man-made lake, which is under construction.

''Even now the government should reconsider its decisions and plans. In any case, Venizelos stated, time and again, that if archaeological finds are discovered he would stop construction,'' Constantopoulos said, adding that his party has warned the government of the possibility that construction in the area would be disastrous for antiquities.

[17] ND-supported Athens mayoral ticket focuses on security

Athens, 12/09/2002 (ANA)

Defying a heavy downpour, Bakoyianni elaborated on the main points of her ticket’s program, which she said focused on increased citizens’ security measures as well as measures toward a policy of solidarity and care, including 24-hour child-care centers, home-care provider programs for aged citizens, an increased municipal police force, municipal medical centers with top-level services and processes for establishing tighter relations among neighborhood residents.

[18] Budgetary revenue rises in August

Athens, 12/09/2002 (ANA)

[19] Alpha Digital Synthesis S.A. satellite TV platform announces bankruptcy

Athens, 12/09/2002 (ANA)

Netmed Hellas is the owner and operator of the Nova satellite TV platform.

Alpha Digital noted, in its announcement, that the 40,000 subscriber-base would not be enough to cover the cost of broadcasting, adding that even if that number grew three-fold it still would not be able to operate.

This bankruptcy, however, created financial problems to soccer teams that signed up with the platform for the exclusive rights of broadcast of their games.

Responding to the situation, Press and Media Minister Christos Protopapas, responsible for the licensing of broadcasters, said that if indeed the company closes down its operations and dissolves, then it will be called upon by the state to return its license, which was provided by the state in a fully legal way.

''The ministry provides its reassurance that in any event the interests of the consumers will be guarded,'' he said.

[20] Athens bourse slightly up; bank, telecom utility dominate trading

Athens, 12/09/2002 (ANA)

By the end of Wednesday’s session, the general index was slightly up (0.34 percent) from Tuesday’s poor showing, ending at 2,043.10 points. Turnover on the day stood at 77.7 million euros, a welcome improvement from Tuesday’s three-year low of 46.1 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.41 percent; the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.34 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose slightly by 0.19 percent.

The IT Solution sector posted the biggest gains of the day (1.76 percent) following Tuesday’s similar losses; Holdings and Investments rose by 1.10 percent, while the Telecommunications sector lost 0.56 percent. The Minerals-Cement sector fell by 0.51 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 178 to 103, with another 71 issues were unchanged.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Informatics, Sex Form, Alpha Bank, and Coca Cola HBC.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 84.9 mln euros Wednesday

Equity Index Futures: