Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-09-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] U.S. to work for calm in Cyprus, Powell tells Papandreou

[02] FM discusses Cyprus issue in New York

[03] Greek and Turkish defense ministers discuss direct telephone line

[04] US president praises Greece's stance against terrorism in letter to PM

[05] Public prosecutor challenges magistrate's decision to release Sotiropoulou

[06] Gov't on reputed 'N17' terrorist's claims

[07] Culture minister meets Turkish counterpart, de Cuellar in Istanbul

[08] EU Commissioner speaks on Europe's future at event commemorating Kranidiotis

[09] Christodoulakis names targets for 2003 budget

[10] Consumer group cites success in fruit & veg boycott over price hikes

[11] Greece aims for 4.0 percent growth rate in 2003

[12] Athens pledges to set up fund for Black Sea region Greek entrepreneurs

[13] AEPI: One in two CDs sold in Greece a bootleg copy; gov't bill criticized

[14] Thessaly farmers hold protest rally in Trikala

[15] Greek stocks plunge to new four-year lows on Monday

[16] Prime minister to focus on Olympics and budget this week

[17] Venizelos: Olympic tradition, Greek mythology comprise 'cultural heritage'

[18] Use of public transport to increase in Attica region by 2004

[19] 'Week without cars' initiative in Athens until Sun.

[20] Commission seeks recourse to EU Court against Greece on car movement

[21] Greek Culture Foundation awards for literary translation

[22] Drama Short Films festival begins on Monday

[23] Turkey's sports minister on Greece -Turkey joint candidacy to host EURO 2008

[24] Any Cyprus solution proposal to be assessed on its content

[25] National unity government proposal circulated among parties

[26] UN Chief meets Turkish

[27] EU enlargement report to be issued earlier than planned

[01] U.S. to work for calm in Cyprus, Powell tells Papandreou

NEW YORK 17/09/2002 (ANA - S. Sideris)

According to diplomatic sources, the U.S. have already made recommendations to Ankara, declaring that they are opposed to the provocation of any crisis in Cyprus even though they assess that Turkey is using this specific phraseology for political reasons and for reasons of tactics at the negotiating table.

Papandreou said after his meeting with Powell that the U.S. Secretary of State had asked him what his view was on the document submitted by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash last week for a settlement of the Cyprus issue. The Greek minister replied that in Denktash's document there were no substantial elements, apart from one or two proposals. Papandreou and Powell agreed for there to be cooperation aimed at supporting U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan's efforts, after the elections in Turkey on November 3.

According to assessments by diplomatic sources, negotiations on the Cyprus issue are due to intensify in the coming period, both in view of the meeting between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Denktash in New York on October 3 and the EU summit in Copenhagen.

It is considered certain that following the elections in Turkey, Annan will submit a plan for a solution to the Cyprus problem and consequently the discussions which are being held during this period may eventually constitute a framework within which Annan will act upon. The U.S., according to the same sources, have shown some interest in Denktash's proposal. However, it is not yet clarified what they are discussing and what they are rejecting.

In his statements, Papandreou stressed that if there is a solution to the Cyprus problem this will also be of great importance for Turkey which is interested in promoting its European prospects. Voicing the U.S. position, Powell raised the issue of a setting of a date for the start of Turkey-EU accession talks, while Papandreou on his part reiterated the Greek position that Greece is positive on condition that Turkey fulfills its obligations.

Papandreou said that he again received congratulations by Powell for the eradication of the ''November 17'' terrorist group, adding that during the meeting he stressed the need for further cooperation between the two countries on this issue.

The two ministers also discussed the issue of Iraq, in view of the UN Security Council resolutions. Papandreou told reporters that no issue has yet been raised for the participation of European forces in the military operations even though it is assessed that apart from Britain, it is not expected that troops from other EU countries will be sent to Iraq. Papandreou said the EU will contribute mainly politically and financially.

The Greek minister further said that he expounded to Powell Greece's plans during its presidency of the EU in the first half of 2003 for the strengthening of EU-U.S. relations, the cooperation for the combatting of terrorism and the cooperation with Russia and Ukraine. The Greek ideas were welcomed with satisfaction by Powell.

Later in the day, Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Sukru Sina Gurel signed the special protocol for cooperation between the two countries in coping with natural disasters.

[02] FM discusses Cyprus issue in New York

Athens, 17/09/2002 (ANA)

According to a CNA dispatch from Nicosia, a Greek foreign ministry source said that during the one-hour meeting, the two did not go into details on the aspects of the Cyprus problem, but touched on the proposals submitted by Denktash. The same source added that Lord Hannay did not take any position, but he was clear enough that Denktash's proposals "don't lead to anywhere".

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Sukru Sina Gurel, who met Annan on Saturday, repeated his intransigent positions, claiming that the Denktash proposals "create real prospects for a settlement".

According to reports, Annan asked Gurel to encourage Denktash maintain a constructive attitude.

Gov't spokesman responds to Turkish FM speech at UN: Ankara's intransigent stance on the protracted Cyprus problem leads Turkey to international isolation, government spokesman Christos Protopapas told reporters on Monday during his daily briefing.

"Due, apparently, to electoral expediencies, Turkey unfortunately insists on its unacceptable positions," Protopapas said when asked to comment on Turkish Foreign Minister Sukru Sina Gurel's statements at the UN over the weekend.

Addressing the UN General Assembly, Gurel claimed that the EU decision to accept Cyprus without a solution ''has made an agreed settlement even more elusive'' and warned that such a development would lead to tensions in the island and the eastern Mediterranean, reiterating his long standing view that the application for accession by the Republic of Cyprus was ''illegitimate.''

This stance "leads Turkey to isolation because the international community wants a Cyprus settlement within the framework of UN resolutions," the spokesman concluded.

[03] Greek and Turkish defense ministers discuss direct telephone line

ISTANBUL 17/09/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Papantoniou noted that ''we all know that this is linked with the systematic violations and infringements of the national air space which the Turkish air force has proceeded in these past 18 months.''

The Greek minister discussed with his Turkish counterpart developments in the Cyprus issue and emphasized to his interlocutor that ''the opportunity should not be lost for the efforts being made at present, through direct talks between (Cyprus President Glafcos) Clerides and (Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf) Denktash, for a just settlement of the Cyprus issue to conclude positively.''

Papantoniou added that ''Cyprus' certain entry to the European Union at the end of the year is a 'particularly appealing' prospect for the Turkish Cypriots, for Turkey's entry to the EU as well but also for Greek-Turkish relations.''

"Greece supports Turkey's EU candidacy more strongly and even more sincerely than any other EU member state," Papantoniou noted, adding that if Greek support was lost Turkey's accession prospect might then be lost.

"In order, however, for Greece to support Turkey's EU prospects, the Cyprus issue must also be solved in a just manner and of course the well known unilateral Turkish claims against our national sovereign rights, particularly in the Aegean, should be abandoned," the Greek minister added.

Papantoniou termed as ''useful'' the meeting in Istanbul between the defense ministers of Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria and Romania.

Papantoniou thanked Cakmakoglu for his hospitality and noted that the meeting contributed to the promotion of the candidacy of Bulgaria and Romania to NATO.

Papantoniou noted that he did not discuss with his Turkish counterpart the European security and defense issue, stating that this was not a bilateral issue but a difference between the European Union and NATO.

The Greek minister noted that Greece was interested in the settlement of the issue concerning the procedure for the replacement of the international force in Skopje. ''Greece is interested for an ad hoc solution to be found which will allow the European force to go to FYROM (the Former Yugoslav Republic of Yugoslavia) by the end of the year,'' he concluded.

[04] US president praises Greece's stance against terrorism in letter to PM

Athens, 17/09/2002 (ANA)

Bush noted that Greece and the US were linked with strong bonds of friendship based on democratic principles, which now gave the two countries' the strength to deal with aggression, hate and violence together.

The US president said that the attack on September 11 last year had been directed against the United States but terrorism cast a shadow on the prospects of life in peace, freedom and prosperity for all humanity and that all nations had to join together to defeat it.

The US felt great appreciation for Greece's contribution in this direction, he added, and the country should be proud of the role it had chosen to play in fighting against the global threat of terrorism.

The Greek people have chosen to fight for freedom and will not tolerate losing it because of terrorism. The United States are proud and to stand beside you as allies in this effort, Bush concluded in his letter.

[05] Public prosecutor challenges magistrate's decision to release Sotiropoulou

Athens, 17/09/2002 (ANA)

Sotiropoulou, the wife of top N17 suspect Dimitris Koufodinas, was detained on Thursday after a warrant for her arrest was issued on the basis of new evidence and released late on Saturday by special examining magistrate Zervobeakas, who said there were not sufficient grounds for keeping her in custody.

According to sources, Karoutsos asserts that there are signs of guilt that uphold temporary incarceration under the law.

In his three-page report, the public prosecutor argues that Sotiropoulou's presence inside the Damareos Street safe house used by the terrorist group is indisputable and is also backed up by eyewitness accounts.

He also claims that the 40-year-old woman must have been aware that the apartment was used as an arms cache, since it was too small for her not to realize the weapons were there.

The council is due to convene over the next few days to arbitrate the dispute between Karoutsos and Zervobeakas.

[06] Gov't on reputed 'N17' terrorist's claims

Athens, 17/09/2002 (ANA)

In answer to repeated questions during his regular press briefing, Christos Protopapas, who also holds the mass media portfolio, said such statements are put forth by “terrorists, murderers and bandits that produce victims in their wake.”

The spokesman was referring directly to separate phone conversations that accused “N17” assassin and bomber Savvas Xiros had from his Korydallos jail cell with two high-profile broadcast journalists and aired over the past 48 hours.

“The government does not enter into a dialogue with terrorists … The ridiculousness that is being put forth, though, ceases to be ridiculous when it reaches the point of turning into a threat against the life of a judicial official,” he stressed.

Health minister disputes claims: Meanwhile, Health Minister Costas Stefanis categorically denied recent claims by Savvas Xiros that he was inappropriately treated with mind-altering drugs, among others, during his roughly two-month stay at an Athens hospital.

Stefanis, a noted professor of psychiatry in Greece, said Xiros’ conditions of hospitalization were “crystal clear” and that his treatment was supervised by some of the best-known physicians in the country.

The 42-year-old sometime church mural painter and handyman proved to be the linchpin in decades-long efforts to finally track down members of the group after an apparent botched bomb attempt in late June left him badly injured at the port of Piraeus.

Bar Association president cites complaints by 'N17' suspects' lawyers: The president of Athens’ Bar Association on Monday paid a surprise two-hour visit to the maximum-security cellblock at Korydallos Prison where 16 “November 17” suspects are jailed pending trial.

Bar association president Dimitris Paxinos’ visit and contacts with two high-ranking prison officials comes in the wake of last week’s high-profile complaints by at least three attorneys representing “N17” suspects, namely, that they are not given adequate time to confer with clients and that bullet-proof glass partitions separate them.

In comments to reporters afterwards outside Greece’s largest prison, Paxinos said that in talks with prison officials he defended attorneys’ “institutional role”, while not touching on matters related to the suspects themselves, “who will be judge by a court”, as he added.

[07] Culture minister meets Turkish counterpart, de Cuellar in Istanbul

ISTANBUL 17/09/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Greece needed a European, western, steady Turkey that was a reliable interlocutor in order to ensure peace and stability in the region, Venizelos said.

The meeting also covered issues pertaining to the protection of cultural and religious monuments in the two countries and fundamental issues concerning Turkey's participation in the Cultural Olympiad, the minister said.

In another meeting on the sidelines of the UNESCO conference, Venizelos met former UN Secretary General Perez de Cuellar, who he described as one of the earliest supporters of the Cultural Olympiad in UNESCO and with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

After the meeting, de Cuellar praised Greece's efforts to highlight the artistic dimension of the Olympics.

De Cuellar has taken part in two big meetings pertaining to the Cultural Olympiad in Thessaloniki and Ancient Olympia and has also helped in drawing up the map for ancient Olympia.

[08] EU Commissioner speaks on Europe's future at event commemorating Kranidiotis

Athens, 17/09/2002 (ANA)

Speaking before a packed amphitheatre at the foreign ministry and an audience that included former ministers, politicians, journalists and members of Kranidiotis' family, Diamantopoulou spoke about the future of Europe and the common interests that bound Europeans together, noting that many of the decisions that would be taken on a European level in the future would have a direct impact on day-to-day life.

She urged all Europeans, whether high or low, to take an active interest in this crucial debate on Europe's future, stay informed and stressed the need for transparency in the process.

Turning to the United States, Diamantopoulou compared the current behavior of the super power with that of the ancient Roman Empire and noted that Europe was politically divided and militarily weak.

She also noted that foreign policy was not an area that could easily enter the sphere of common interests and be subject to common rules and predicted that it would take at least 25 years before Europe moved toward a more unified foreign policy.

Regarding the so-called 'Euroforce', Diamantopoulou said that this was not, as it was often called, a European army but would be deployed outside the EU supported by NATO infrastructure.

Regarding Europe's stance to the prospect of waging war on Iraq, Diamantopoulou said this was an exceptional thorny issue and a very difficult situation for Europe, which had expressed a specific position. It was, however, impossible to hide that there had also been other viewpoints, she added.

During her talk, the commissioner also stressed the need to harmonize European tax systems, which she said was an absolute priority and noted that a common European future would be determined by three main aspects.

The first was economic union and its future, the second was the future of European justice and security and the third was the EU's international presence.

Here she noted that the EU was a major source of international developmental aid, with 55 per cent of funds given for this purpose around the world coming from the EU and its member-states.

[09] Christodoulakis names targets for 2003 budget

Athens, 17/09/2002 (ANA)

The public debt should fall to 99 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2003 from 103 percent of GDP in 2002 and 105.1 percent in 2001, Christodoulakis told journalists.

In addition, the government had pledged to spend 1.0 percent of GDP on funding an overhaul of the social insurance system, with changes in the taxation system also due for implementation, he said after a meeting with the prime minister.

Both revenue and spending are to rise by 5.3 percent in the 2003 budget, with the government's public investment program set to increase by 16 percent against 2002.

Spending on social insurance and healthcare is planned to show an increase of 19 percent, while consumer spending by the public sector will drop by 7.1 percent, Christodoulakis said.

The new budget's allocation for wages and pensions will rise by 5.6 percent. Public sector salaries are to outpace inflation with pensions also rising. Inflation in 2003 will be lower than this year, the minister forecast.

Furthermore, the budget for 2003 is to incorporate 200 million euros in compensation to farmers who lost crops due to adverse weather. The amount would be secured from a reallocation of spending cash in other sectors, the minister added.

Other targets for the 2003 budget were restraint in public spending and containment of rates set by public utilities.

Finally, the government planned to speed up investment and privatization, also carrying out checks for unwarranted price hikes in the market, Christodoulakis said.

[10] Consumer group cites success in fruit & veg boycott over price hikes

Athens, 17/09/2002 (ANA)

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

INKA said in a statement that the number of shoppers purchasing the produce at the start of the four-day boycott had fallen by 40-60 percent, and purchases were cut to a minimum, bringing a 70 percent drop in turnover.

Items bought were mainly one that had begun to show a decline in prices, which accounted for about 60 percent of fruit and vegetables, the statement said.

INKA recently also called a 24-hour boycott of all stores that it said had 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.

The government has said that it will 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 had 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.

Skyrocketing fruit and vegetable prices discussed at Development ministry: Development minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos on Monday chaired a meeting to discuss the sharp rise in fruits and vegetables marked since the beginning of the month.

The meeting, which coincided with commencement of a week-long boycott on garden produce called by consumers' organizations to protest the sky-rocketing prices, was also attended by deputy minister Christos Theodorou, while the issue is further on the agenda for Thursday's Cabinet meeting and Tsohatzopoulos' meeting with prime minister Costas Simitis on Tuesday.

[11] Greece aims for 4.0 percent growth rate in 2003

Athens, 17/09/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with the Prime Minister Costas Simitis to discuss economic developments ahead of drafting next year's budget, Mr. Christodoulakis said that that of the anticipated 4.0 percent growth rate, 1.3 percent would be the result of a Third Community Support Framework's fund inflows and the remaining 2.7 percent from other government spending.

The Greek minister said there was a protracted uncertainty over developments in the global economy and noted that the Greek government has decided to shield the economy from outside pressures by approving measures to support business activity in the country, to speed-up investments, deregulation of markets and infrastructural changes in the economy.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Christodoulakis met with representatives from Greek Industries' Union (SEB) and said that public sector's consumer spending next year would remain stable at this year's levels, while 2003 budget would also envisage a significant reduction of the public debt.

Christodoulakis said that the public debt was expected to slightly exceed 103 percent of the country's gross domestic product this year, with the government aiming to bring it down from the 100 percent level in 2003.

SEB's chairman, Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, expressed his satisfaction over the government's plans, although he noted he remained worried over a decline in Greek exports.

[12] Athens pledges to set up fund for Black Sea region Greek entrepreneurs

Athens, 17/09/2002 (ANA)

Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis made the announcement from Thessaloniki, where he noted that a maximum loan of $10,000 would be given to individual entrepreneurs with favorable terms.

He added that the Greek government’s intention is to support expatriates in the Black Sea region and to create new job positions.

[13] AEPI: One in two CDs sold in Greece a bootleg copy; gov't bill criticized

Athens, 17/09/2002 (ANA)

AEPI officials repeatedly pointed to what they called a “major plague” of CD piracy affecting the music industry in Greece during a press conference in Athens to voice strong criticism against a culture ministry bill. The organization says provisions in the bill will curb several rights now enjoyed by songwriters and performers in the country, including the right to allow or forbid the use and exploitation of their works by third parties via a “mandatory license”.

AEPI warned that if the bill is passed songwriters and performers will lose the right to set their own fees for their works, as foreseen in current legislation.

Speaking before an audience filled with several noted local songwriters and artists, AEPI legal adviser T. Kaza also focused criticism on Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and the state-run Intellectual Property Organization because of what she called an illegal “give away” of future revenue to multinational cassette and sound duplication systems’ manufacturers.

Among others, AEPI said its members are demanding the preservation of the current legislative framework governing intellectual rights; the withdrawal of provisions affecting the public performance of artists’ works, and the preservation of songwriters’ and performers’ rights as dictated by international accords and various EU directives.

[14] Thessaly farmers hold protest rally in Trikala

Athens, 17/09/2002 (ANA)

The main issue was the future of cotton cultivation in the region, with cotton producers complaining that the new season was beginning and they had not yet received subsidies and compensation due on last year's crop.

The rally was addressed by Communist Party of Greece MEP Yiannis Patakis, who said the agricultural sector's problems were expanding to other agricultural crops where the state continued to be indifferent and not help farmers.

[15] Greek stocks plunge to new four-year lows on Monday

Athens, 17/09/2002 (ANA)

The general index ended 1.32 percent lower at 1,940.72 points, with turnover a low 81.9 million euros.

The Food and Beverage sector was the only one to end higher (0.29 percent), while the IT Solutions, Insurance, Construction and Cement sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (3.44 percent, 3.16 percent, 3.07 percent and 2.11 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.39 percent lower, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 1.46 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 2.04 percent down.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 271 to 50 with another 36 issues unchanged.

Market officials urged investors to remain calm and to avoid taking hasty decisions, noting that the Greek bourse was following international markets amidst a climate of uncertainty over economic and political developments around the world.

Analysts said it was crucial for the market to find support near the 2,000 level in the short-term.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Football Pools Organization, Commercial Bank of Greece, Informatics, and Technical Olympic.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 121.3 mln euros Monday

Equity Index Futures: