Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-09-13

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek, Turkish FMs hold their first meeting at the United Nations

[02] Bush congratulates Greek government for 'its good job against terrorism'

[03] FM Papandreou comments on Bush address, meets Israeli counterpart

[04] Greece-Malta relations reaffirmed at PMs meeting with visiting Maltese president

[05] Sotiropoulou charged as active member of N17

[06] Gov't comments on planned additions to counter-terrorism bill

[07] Relatives of victims of terrorism call for justice to be done

[08] Athens renews 'interim agreement' with FYROM for another year

[09] Greek-American organization on Papandreou's Washington contacts

[10] Deputy FM meets with Israeli counterpart in Jerusalem

[11] Universities to open on Monday after academics strike deal with gov't

[12] Greece to participate in NATO exercise 'Destined Glory 2002'

[13] PASOK candidate for Athens-Piraeus supra-prefecture announces ticket

[14] Parties of the left present common prefecture elections ticket

[15] Greece-Turkey 'migrant re-admittance' protocol implemented

[16] Project proposals submitted for Greece's Balkan rebuilding plan

[17] Athens-quoted Mechaniki wins Olympics project tender

[18] Budgetary revenue rises in January-August

[19] Consumer watchdog calls fruit & veg boycott over price hikes

[20] Gov't reports on project applications for EU funds

[21] Netmed to carry Alpha Digital subscribers, gov't spokesman says

[22] Greek gov't refuses to pick up the soccer team debts left by Alpha Digital

[23] Athens Stock Exchange -- Falls to 1998 levels

[24] PM visits Olympic Weight-Lifting Center in Nikea

[25] Israeli envoy: 'Serious approach, attitude' so far over Athens Olympic security

[26] Onassis Foundation president to be honored

[27] Kokkalis Program scholarships for postgraduate studies at Harvard

[28] Initial reaction to Denktash's document cautious

[29] Danish presidency's memorandum includes reference to Cyprus

[30] Annan's report on UN refers to Cyprus

[01] Greek, Turkish FMs hold their first meeting at the United Nations

NEW YORK 13/09/2002 (ANA - S. Sideris)

In their first meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the two men agreed on the installation of a direct telephone link between the two countries' defense ministers, an idea which has been discussed for years between the two neighboring countries.

Papandreou had previously had a telephone communication with Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou who gave his consent for the reaching of such an agreement.

An agreement is also to be signed in the next few days for cooperation between Greece and Turkey for the confrontation of natural disasters.

Following their meeting, the two foreign ministers assured that Greece and Turkey will continue their dialogue on low-key issues, while the dialogue on the continental shelf will also continue as normal, despite the fact that in Greek diplomatic and political circles there are reservations on the possibility of Turkey making a substantial discussion during this period due to domestic developments in the neighboring country.

Greece will continue to offer its experience on European Union issues and as stated by diplomatic sources, four more seminars will be given to Turkish officials over the next few months, while eight have already taken place.

Over the coming period talks will begin on issues of illegal immigration and the Greek government, according to Papandreou, will enter the talks with specific positions.

Between the two countries, particularly on the part of Turkey, problems have arisen in the implementation of a protocol which has already been signed for the repatriation of illegal immigrants.

According to sources Greece in this discussion will come forth having in mind that the European Union is already preparing a frame of dialogue with Turkey, given that the problem of illegal immigration is of great concern to the EU.

In a statement, Gurel expressed his satisfaction over the discussion he had with his Greek counterpart and expressed his will for a continuation of discussions between the two countries.

As for the Cyprus issue, the two sides reiterated their positions without entering into particular matters.

The Greek foreign minister expressed the hope that the talks between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in New York on October 3 will bear fruit and asked for pressure to be exerted on Denktash.

The Greek side told Gurel that Greece was determined to work for a political settlement of the Cyprus issue also after Cyprus' accession to the EU.

Papandreou in his statement said that the dialogue with Turkey was continuing and has become institutional. In reply to questions, he reiterated Greece's position that it supported a date be set for the start of Turkey's EU accession talks, but that Turkey must fulfill all the criteria set by the EU.

According to diplomatic sources, Papandreou raised the issue of increased violations by Turkish war planes, while he reiterated Greece's willingness for the issue of the ''Euro-army'' to be solved within the framework of the Seville EU summit decisions which Turkey has not accepted.

[02] Bush congratulates Greek government for 'its good job against terrorism'

U.S. President George Bush on Thursday congratulated Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou ''for the good job the Greek government did against terrorism.''

Bush and Papandreou held brief talks during a reception UN Secretary General Kofi Annan gave in honor of the foreign delegations participating at the UN General Assembly.

Papandreou congratulated Bush for his speech at the UN General Assembly and told him that the legalization of a possible intervention in Iraq was necessary.

President Bush asked the Greek minister what was going on with Cyprus and Papandreou answered that the Greek government was making serious efforts for a settlement of the problem, adding that Athens recognized the role of the U.S. in this direction.

Bush answered that the U.S. will continue its efforts for a settlement of the problem and also expressed his satisfaction over Greece's policy in the Balkans, describing Greece as the unifying factor in the region.

President Bush asked Papandreou to convey his warmest greetings to Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

[03] FM Papandreou comments on Bush address, meets Israeli counterpart

NEW YORK 13/09/2002 (ANA - S. Sideris)

Asked by reporters to comment on Bush's speech, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou said that the U.S. president ''placed the ball in the UN's court.'' Papandreou added that it was necessary for consultations to be held, meaning that possibilities for a peaceful settlement have not yet been exhausted.

The Greek foreign minister noted that the intention of Bush to agree to recourse to the international organization was also influenced by the European Union which insists that any actions which may be taken against Iraq should be legalized.

Greek diplomatic sources at the same time assess that the tactic of U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, who recommends careful moves, has not been defeated and under this prism the moves of the U.S. in the coming period are awaited with particular interest.

Prior to Bush's speech, the EU foreign ministers convened and discussed developments in the Middle East and the developments on the issue of Iraq.

Diplomatic sources said that the EU insists on the plan of the Danish presidency for the Middle East, while the need was stressed for consultations to be held between the EU and the U.S. in light of a possible intervention in Iraq and for there to be also a Security Council decision which will legalize a military operation.

The '15'' also discussed at length the stance of the U.S. on the issue of the International Penal Court on war crimes and agreed that there should be no question of impunity, as the U.S. asks. According to sources, however, the ministers noted that this issue should not cause tension between the two sides and agreement was reached for talks to be held with the U.S. for a settlement of the problem.

Earlier in the day, Papandreou met his Israeli counterpart Shimon Peres who said that the government of Israel looked forward to the Greek EU presidency and awaited initiatives on the Middle East issue.

According to reliable diplomatic sources, Israel expects important developments to take place within the Palestinian Authority in the coming period, something which could mark a new start in relations between the two sides.

During his talks with Papandreou, Peres let it be understood that if the Palestinians proceed in democratic reforms , then the policy of Israel may change. According to the same sources, Peres asked Papandreou for Greece to assume, during its presidency of the EU in the first half of 2003, initiatives directed at the democratization of the Arab countries.

Papandreou also met with the leadership of the Jewish lobby. According to sources, the Jewish lobby asked for equal treatment in tenders related to the undertaking of projects for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Papandreou said the tenders are made with transparency and consequently equal treatment is a given fact. The lobby also congratulated Papandreou for the eradication of the ''November 17'' terrorist group, stressing that the climate internationally and in the U.S. has turned in favor of Greece.

[04] Greece-Malta relations reaffirmed at PMs meeting with visiting Maltese president

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

After the meeting, Simitis told reporters that, in the eastern Mediterranean, Greece and Malta had common interests regarding the international situation and developments in the region, as well as in the progress of the European Union.

Greece, the premier said, supported Malta's accession to the EU and had contributed substantially to the advancement of the accession progress.

At the same time, he added, Malta had contributed significantly in international organizations for backing Cyprus' EU accession, and expressed appreciation for Malta's stance that Cyprus must be included in the EU enlargement.

He said that Greece and Malta also shared common views on the course of the accession negotiations, and assessed that despite the apparent concern regarding Common Agricultural Policy or the Structural Funds, the course to accession should proceed smoothly and positive decisions should be taken at the ministerial councils and at the Copenhagen summit.

Turning to the international situation, Simitis said that the two countries shared the conviction that the developments should not create antagonism between the EU members and the Arab world, noting that the Mediterranean countries believed that cooperation between the two worlds was imperative, particularly for a solution to the Palestinian problem.

He said that the EU had not succeeded in advancing its own common views, adding that enlargement would perhaps give greater prestige to the EU for a common European policy.

The two men reaffirmed the good bilateral relations between their countries, noting that their close cooperation, which had common targets, must continue.

Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis also called on the Maltese president, who is on an official visit to Athens, but no statements were made after the hour-long meeting.

Similar visits with the visiting dignitary were made by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga and Coalition of the Left and Progress (SYN) leader Nikos Constantopoulos.

Simitis comments on possible intervention in Iraq: Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Thursday said that any intervention in Iraq should be in harmony with international law in the framework of the United Nations.

These statements were made to journalists after the premier's meeting with visiting Maltese President Guido de Marco.

Maltese president says EU must acquire common foreign and defense policy: Visiting Maltese President Guido de Marco on Thursday evening expressed his concern for peace in the broader Middle East region and the necessity for the European Union to acquire a common foreign and defense policy.

Addressing an event held in his honor at the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA), de Marco reiterated Malta's full support for Cyprus' accession to the EU and the certainty that both countries will be EU members in 2004.

On his part, EBEA president Drakoulis Fountoukakos under-lined that Malta's entry to the EU will play a major role in the strengthening of business cooperation between Greece and Malta.

Parliament speaker meets visiting Maltese president: Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis on Thursday received Maltese president Guido de Marco, who is currently carrying out an official visit to Greece.

In his talks with de Marco, Kaklamanis said that one of the first priorities of the Greek EU presidency would be to sign accession treaties with Cyprus, Malta and the other candidate states.

According to a Parliament press release, Kaklamanis said that Cyprus' accession to the Community would contribute to a solution of the Cyprus problem, which had so far been blocked by Turkish intransigency.

De Marco said that Malta supported Cyprus' accession to the Community and that, in his view, Cyprus should not be punished for being the victim of an attack and invasion. He said his country fully agreed with the decisions of the Helsinki EU summit.

''I expressed my conviction that, even though it would be good for a solution to the Cyprus problem to be found, this should not be a condition for the island republic's entry into the EU,'' the Maltese president added.

[05] Sotiropoulou charged as active member of N17

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

Angeliki Sotiropoulou, the wife of a man suspected as November 17's top assassin and ex-wife of another alleged member of the group, was intercepted outside a supermarket in Exarchia near the office of her husband's lawyer, after a warrant for her arrest was issued earlier in the day based on new evidence.

The charges brought against Sotiropoulou, 40, by appeals public prosecutor Kyriakos Karoutsos include participation in a criminal organization, possession, supply and manufacture of explosives to serve the goals of the organization and grand weapons possession as an accomplice. All of them are prosecuted as felonies under the new anti-terrorism law.

She requested and received a two-day extension make her plea from special examining magistrate Leonidas Zervobeakas, who was assigned to the case.

The warrant for her arrest was issued after police found one of Sotiropoulou's fingerprints on a doorjamb in the terrorist group's safe house in Damareos Street, Pagrati.

Police had earlier discovered two more fingerprints belonging to Sotiropoulou on a magazine and a newspaper at the N17 hideout in Patmos Street, Patissia, but these had not been enough to support a case against her since they were on movable rather than fixed objects.

Sotiropoulou is married to Dimitris Koufodinas, who is believed to be N17'S operations chief and top assassin and was known by the nickname 'Poison Hand' because of the deadly accuracy of his aim.

She also has a son from an earlier marriage to another N17 suspect, Savvas Xiros, the man who gave police their first breakthrough against the elusive group when he was severely injured in a botched bombing attempt on June 29.

Koufodinas turned himself in voluntarily last week, after having eluded police capture since early July.

Sotiropoulou denies involvement in 'N17': Angeliki Sotiropoulou, the first woman linked to the ''November 17'' terrorist group, on Thursday evening denied any involvement in the urban guerrilla group.

Upon leaving the Athens Police Headquarters where Sotiropoulou is being detained, her lawyer Yianna Kourtovik told reporters that her client denied any involvement in the group and that a fingerprint at a residence is not adequate evidence.

[06] Gov't comments on planned additions to counter-terrorism bill

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

The justice ministry announced on Wednesday that a new bill was being planned that would increase the statute of limitations for certain terrorist-related crimes to 30 years, introduce stiffer penalties for the leaders of terrorist organizations and also introduce penalties for those who funded terrorist groups.

The spokesman clarified that the new statute of limitations would not apply retroactively, however.

The new bill would also include a definition of terrorism that expressly excluded actions linked with the protection of the democratic state and with the protection of citizens' rights, individual rights and trade union rights.

The spokesman underlined that all these additional amendments would move within the framework of the rule of law and that the new bill would not deal with issues related to the extradition of alleged criminals to other countries.

[07] Relatives of victims of terrorism call for justice to be done

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

The ''Os Edo'' (Enough is Enough) group said that ''now that democracy has managed to defend its values and principles, now that democracy can administer justice for the offenders and the victims, the murderers are now provoking by distorting ideas and values of our culture.''

The announcement added that ''at one time, through the tolerance and silence of society, the terrorists claimed political legality for their murders... and now through the exaggeration of society the arrested are trying to defend themselves by using as an alibi ideological and political reasons.''

The group concluded by saying that ''in a democratic state, those who murder and steal are nothing more than common criminals. They are murderers and thieves. There is no responsibility other than that stated in the Constitution and the laws of the state. Justice will judge their acts.''

[08] Athens renews 'interim agreement' with FYROM for another year

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas said the renewal envisions the continuation of the same procedure for bilateral talks on the so-called “name issue”. Moreover, the spokesman reiterated that Athens could consider a composite name compromise over the issue.

Relations between Greece and the more than 10-year-old country to its north have dramatically improved since the two countries signed the interim agreement in New York under the UN’s auspices seven years ago. Currently, on the 'name issue' ranks as the only major difference between Athens and Skopje.

Under the terms of the agreement, Greece and FYROM are responsible for commencing and continuing negotiations to find a mutually acceptable solution for the “name issue”.

Protopapas made the statement at his daily press briefing, and in response to a relevant question.

[09] Greek-American organization on Papandreou's Washington contacts

WASHINGTON 13/09/2002 (ANA)

Undersecretary of State Marc Grossman also attended. Unlike in the parliamentary system, these Senators and Members play a very significant role in the shaping of American foreign policy in matters relating to Greece, the statement observed.

“It is a very important time for Washington’s top policy-makers to discuss with the Foreign Minister such important issues as Greece’s presidency of the EU, which begins in four months; the capture of November 17; Cyprus settlement efforts and Cyprus EU accession; the Olympics in 2004; and Greece’s new role as the economic powerhouse in Southeastern Europe,” said Andrew E. Manatos, President of the National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH).

The dinner was co-hosted by Andrew A. Athens, President of the World Council of Hellenes (SAE), and the Foreign Ministry’s Secretary General Demetrios Dollis.

Some of those participants included: the Chairman of the House International Relations Committee, Congressman Henry Hyde (R-IL); the Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee and Chairman of the International Economic Policy Subcommittee, Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD); the Chairman of both the Senate and the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittees, Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) and Congressman Jerry Lewis (R-CA), respectively; as well as the former Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee (and current Chairman of the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee), Congressman Jim Leach (R-IA), and the former Chairman (and current Ranking Democrat) of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman David Obey (D-WI).

[10] Deputy FM meets with Israeli counterpart in Jerusalem

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

Magriotis said that the Israelis place great importance on the Greek presidency and this, he said, ''gives us the chance to oversee many issues, such as Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, as well as bilateral relations on a political, economic and cultural level''.

The minister, who arrived in Jerusalem, for a three-day visit, to participate in the one-year anniversary since the enthronement of Patriarch Irineos to the Holy See of Jerusalem, said that there was a ''note of optimism'' concerning the recognition of Irineos by Israel.

He called the issue an ''outstanding one that makes us sad and bitter'', adding that there was a positive proposal made by Israel's premier and ''all that is left is to overcome some difficulties''.

Later, Magriotis met with the Patriarch with whom he discussed issues of the Patriarchate and possible aid by Greece.

Magriotis will also meet with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat and other Palestinian officials.

[11] Universities to open on Monday after academics strike deal with gov't

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

After a meeting at the education ministry, university teacher union representatives said their demands had been met and that the end of the strike would be officially called at the union federation's general assembly on Sunday.

Academics had decided on Wednesday to call off their strike if a certain set of conditions were met, including that dialogue on teachers' demands and pensions issues should include the issue of pay rises, incorporating benefits into monthly salaries. Teachers also wanted an earlier deadline for the end of dialogue.

Academics said that after the Sunday meeting they would taken action to normalize life on university campuses and promised to find ways to make up the lost time with the students.

[12] Greece to participate in NATO exercise 'Destined Glory 2002'

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

The announcement noted that a phase of the exercise, which was planned to be held in Greece in the Kyparissia and Preveza regions, in western Greece, will not be held because no agreement was reached during the planning of the exercise between Greece and NATO's Southern Region Headquarters concerning the procedure for the coordination of military flights.

[13] PASOK candidate for Athens-Piraeus supra-prefecture announces ticket

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

She also presented the candidate prefects for Athens and Piraeus, Messrs. G. Sgouros and G. Mihas.

Gennimata stressed that since the 1950s many problems had accumulated in all the municipalities of the supra-prefecture, adding however that although many major projects have been carried out these past 20 years, more work is required for citizens to live a better life.

[14] Parties of the left present common prefecture elections ticket

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

Pafilis, candidate for the supra-prefect post, said that all the candidates ''have certificates won in the struggle against the anti-popular policies, which the people experience on all levels''.

CORRECTION

[15] Greece-Turkey 'migrant re-admittance' protocol implemented

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

The protocol, signed in Athens last November between Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and the then Turkish FM Ismail Cem, gives law enforcement authorities in both Greece and Turkey a 14-day period to inform their counterparts on the exact number of people to be re-admitted following their detention, including citizens from third countries.

Erroneously, the ANA English service reported that the protocol was set in force last Thursday. The error was pointed out by Turkish Ambassador to Athens Yigit Alpogan.

[16] Project proposals submitted for Greece's Balkan rebuilding plan

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

The projects were mostly in output of foodstuffs, apparel, steel products and wood, Pachtas said.

In addition, requests were received for funding of 4.6 million euros, he added.

The five-year reconstruction plan covers Romania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Albania.

The opening date for investment applications was July 1, 2002 with completion of project evaluation due in about three months.

[17] Athens-quoted Mechaniki wins Olympics project tender

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

If a contract is signed, the company will undertake the 63-million-euro project in Ellinikon, near Athens, with EllisDon Constructions Ltd of Canada.

The contract would be the sixth Olympics-related deal to be won by Mechaniki.

[18] Budgetary revenue rises in January-August

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

The figure resulted from a 10.0 percent rise in revenue from Value Added Tax, 6.5 percent increase from income tax, and an 11.0 percent rise in other categories.

Down by 46.8 percent was revenue from a stock transactions tax, due to a weak market, the statement said.

[19] Consumer watchdog calls fruit & veg boycott over price hikes

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

Reporting continually rising prices, the Consumer Institute (INKA) asked the public to refrain from buying fruit and vegetables from September 16 to September 19.

INKA recently called a 24-hour boycott of all stores that it says received widespread backing from consumers. Supermarkets claimed the protest had little impact.

A trade group for street markets said that recent rises were due to a doubling in production costs and the impact of adverse weather on crops.

The group said it would launch an indefinite strike from October 1 in a call for lower output costs.

Also on Thursday, the government announced that it would set up a ministerial committee to tackle high fruit and vegetable prices.

The finance, development and agriculture ministers intend to speed up imposition of a unified price scale from farm to retail outlet; order the use of electronic cash registers in street markets; and ease terms for imports.

On a weekly basis tomatoes have risen by about 10 percent, and on an annual basis by 63.5 percent. Lettuce has increased in price by 59.01 percent annually, Golden Delicious apples by 36.3 percent, and grapes by 19.26 percent.

[20] Gov't reports on project applications for EU funds

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

Projects covering the CSF's total allocation for Greece were likely to have been submitted by the end of 2003, Pachtas said.

Inflows of CSF funds so far totalled 3,013 million euros, and projects submitted were 6,035 in number, he added.

[21] Netmed to carry Alpha Digital subscribers, gov't spokesman says

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

Netmed, which operates the Nova satellite TV platform, said former Alpha Digital subscribers could use its services until their current subscription ran out.

In an announcement on Wednesday, Alpha Digital Synthesis S.A. said it had been forced to fold because it would need at least three times its current 40,000-strong subscriber base to cover its costs.

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

[22] Greek gov't refuses to pick up the soccer team debts left by Alpha Digital

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

The meeting of Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and Sports Deputy Minister Giorgos Lianis with a delegation of soccer team presidents, that included Socrates Kokkalis of Olympiakos and Yiannis Vardinoyiannis representing Panathinaikos did not produce results.

Several soccer team presidents proposed that the games of this Sunday should also be postponed, while others proposed a lengthier lockout.

The problem began when Alpha Digital Synthesis S.A. satellite TV filed for bankruptcy this week, saying in a press release, 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.

[23] Athens Stock Exchange -- Falls to 1998 levels

Athens, 13/09/2002 (ANA)

Turnover stood at 73.7 million euros.

A 3.81-percent decrease in the heavily traded state-run telecoms utility’s (OTE) share intensified the negative mood at the Athens bourse, as OTE’s share closed at 12.62 euros, the lowest since January 1997.

The biggest losses were posted in the Telecommunications sector (3.19 percent); Textiles (2.62 percent) and Insurances (2.15 percent).

Decliners led advancers by 279 to 50, with another 24 issues were unchanged.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Football Pools Organization, Informatics, Sex Form, and P & K Investment.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 108.0 mln euros Thursday

Equity Index Futures: