Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-09-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Central bank boss wants greater banking transparency for customers

[02] FM Papandreou says Thrace is being transformed into a major hub

[03] Athens welcomes 'calm and democratic' elections in FYROM

[04] Gov't spokesman: Turkey's progress toward EU depends on its own choices

[05] ND leader Karamanlis holds talks with EU Enlargement Commissioner Verheugen

[06] U.S. State Department spokesman comments on Powell-Papandreou talks

[07] KKE leader criticizes government's policy on Iraq

[08] ND leader addresses Eurodeputies' event

[09] Mitsotakis slams PASOK Secretary after Mayo case collapses

[10] First 'N17' woman suspect transferred to prison

[11] Coalition leader seeks 'even playing field' for smaller parties in local polls

[12] Balkan justice ministers to meet in Kastoria

[13] Mayors of the World summit to take place in Athens

[14] Amnesty International says torture continuing in Turkey

[15] No new measures to contain prices, gov't says

[16] EU okays gov't support for Greek farmers hit by bad weather

[17] Greek inflation among four highest rates in EU in August

[18] Greek tourism to be jointly advertised with ETC

[19] Website launched to promote Greek stock market abroad

[20] ASE ends below 1,900 support level

[21] Ministers' meeting focuses on Olympic Games communication strategy

[22] New York mayor to tour Olympic Games facilities

[23] Athens district of Peristeri to host boxing event at 2004 Olympic Games

[24] Lesperoglou acquitted in 4-3 appellate court decision

[25] Development minister opens seminar on democracy and globalization

[26] Israeli teens to visit Greece next week

[27] Gov't again rules out cash support for football teams

[28] Culture minister toughens sports bill

[29] Kasoulides discusses Cyprus problem with US envoy

[30] Chief negotiator calls for vigilance regarding reports on Cyprus

[31] OIC coordination meeting adopts Khartoum reference on Cyprus

[01] Central bank boss wants greater banking transparency for customers

Athens, 19/09/2002 (ANA)

He also called on banks to adhere to the terms of a year-old law on penalties for overdue loans, a matter that had caused widespread public discontent, the same sources said.

Garganas, who asked banks to improve their act and their image, was hosting a working luncheon for leaders of the Union of Greek Banks.

He added that the Bank of Greece, or central bank, would shortly issue a decree to amend legislation on composite investment products in order to make them easier to comprehend by the general public, and enable comparison.

Concerning overdue loans, banks should make clear to customers when their payments would be deemed outstanding, and what the penalties were, Garganas was quoted as saying.

[02] FM Papandreou says Thrace is being transformed into a major hub

Athens, 19/09/2002 (ANA)

Speaking in Xanthi, northern Greece, he stressed that ''it is a country of the region which was isolated and underdeveloped and really almost forgotten.''

The minister, who concluded a two-day tour of Thrace on Wednesday, added that ''with many efforts which successive governments have made, and of course the present one, we have seen significant improvements which slowly but surely make Thrace a model of very good cooperation in a multi-cultural environment.''

Papandreou further noted that ''with the up to now contacts between Athens and Ankara, a climate has been shaped which will also contribute to cooperation in the energy sector. There will be an energy hub which will link Greece with Turkey, but also our country with Italy and regions of the Balkans. On the other hand, with the Egnatia Highway, a transport link is being created with the neighboring country.''

Speaking in Alexandroupoli on Tuesday night, Papandreou said that ''in Thrace we have the privilege of saying that our country is now on a stable course of peace and cooperation in the broader region but also of economic stability and development regarding the Greek citizens.''

The foreign minister noted that ''within the international environment, our country is daily acquiring an eminent position and this difference is becoming apparent in Thrace. It is a historic conjuncture for the region, which following the opening to the north with the candidacies of Bulgaria and Romania and the stability in the western Balkans, but also the new developments in Turkey's European course, Thrace is acquiring a very important role and is being transformed into a transport, energy, tourism and development hub''.

[03] Athens welcomes 'calm and democratic' elections in FYROM

Athens, 19/09/2002 (ANA)

He also praised the "mature and responsible" stance shown by the neighboring republic's political forces and the people during the polls.

Beglitis reiterated that Greece was FYROM's strategic partner and would continue to contribute to stability and growth in the neighboring country through multi-faceted bilateral cooperation and by promoting its Euro-Atlantic prospects.

[04] Gov't spokesman: Turkey's progress toward EU depends on its own choices

Athens, 19/09/2002 (ANA)

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas stressed that Greece had no intention of contributing to a crisis in EU-Turkey relations but stressed that Turkey's future progress toward the EU was directly dependent on the choices it made.

The spokesman was commenting on reports from Brussels, according to which the EU judged that no date for Turkey's accession negotiations could be given at this time.

[05] ND leader Karamanlis holds talks with EU Enlargement Commissioner Verheugen

BRUSSELS 19/09/2002 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

Karamanlis, who is in the Belgian capital to attend the meeting of the presidium of the European Peoples' Party - in which he is participating as vice-president - stressed that the ND warmly supports the EU's enlargement with the ten countries and that Cyprus' entry constitutes a decisive step which should be made on the basis on what has been agreed upon, without discriminations and footnotes.

Referring to the EU's enlargement, the ND leader also made special mention to issues concerning the distribution of EU funds which this entails, at the same time underlining that for the citizens of Greece and Cyprus the objective remains for a real convergence with the other EU countries.

According to diplomatic sources, Verheugen assured Karamanlis that the climate for Cyprus' entry is favorable and that the European Commission has no intention of accepting Turkey's ''tricks'' which would create problems in the enlargement at the last moment.

An ND press release in Athens said that following his meeting with Verheugen, Karamanlis stated that the two men discussed the report which the European Commission will submit on October 9 on which countries it will include.

''We, of course, as is known, warmly support the prospect of enlargement as the big step for the final reunification of Europe.

And of course, the accession of ten new member-states, including the Republic of Cyprus, is a decisive step towards European integration. An accession, which must be made by adhering to what has been agreed upon, without exclusions, without footnotes and exceptions at the last moment,'' Karamanlis said in his statement.

''It is also certain that as the European family is growing, there are certain problems which must be dealt with. I remind that the matter of funds and the procedure for decision taking must be dealt with in depth and with care. In every case, we believe that the objective for the European Union is the real convergence. We believe that the citizens of Greece and Cyprus have the right and must have the security and prosperity which the other European citizens enjoy,'' the ND leader concluded.

[06] U.S. State Department spokesman comments on Powell-Papandreou talks

WASHINGTON 19/09/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

The two ministers also agreed ''to work very closely,'' for Euroatlantic relations after the undertaking by Greece of the EU presidency, the spokesman said.

Boucher noted that Powell ''congratulated the Greek government and the foreign minister'' for the eradication of the ''November 17'' terrorist group.

''The secretary and Greek Foreign Minister Papandreou had a good discussion on Monday. They did spend part of the meeting together one on one. So I wasn't there at that part,'' the U.S. State Department spokesman said.

''We then had a slightly larger meeting with the foreign minister and various Greek officials. I think they talked about the fight against terrorism, both in the one on one and in the larger meeting. And the secretary congratulated the Greek government and the foreign minister on their breaking up of the November 17 group, which has been especially violent,'' Boucher added.

''They talked quite a bit in various ways about the Greek presidency of the European Union that's coming up. The Greek foreign minister, the secretary, already have a fairly active relationship in terms of their meetings and on the telephone, but both promised to, I think, work very, very closely together as Greece assumes the presidency of the European Union coming next year, starting in January,'' Boucher further said.

''They discussed the Middle East, the situation in the Middle East, the quartet meeting that was about to take place, and the opportunities there. Talked about Iraq and pursuit of a new resolution and the need to remain together and steadfast. They discussed the situation with Cyprus and the situation regarding Turkey and the European Union, which is coming up again this fall in Copenhagen,'' the U.S. State Department spokesman concluded.

[07] KKE leader criticizes government's policy on Iraq

Athens, 19/09/2002 (ANA)

Papariga, who was speaking at a press conference in Larissa, central Greece, said such a war will create serious complications in the Aegean and for the Cyprus issue, either immediately or in the medium term.

Addressing an outdoor rally in the evening, Papariga referred to next month's local elections and called on voters to consider the mayors and prefects of the two mainstream parties on the basis of what they have done to address the major problems of workers, employees, farmers and people belonging to low and middle income brackets.

Papariga also said that ''local authorities should struggle against poverty and not for its beautification with the EU's pseudo-programs which concern a few and last a short while'' and mentioned the 'Help at Home' program as being one of them.

[08] ND leader addresses Eurodeputies' event

BRUSSELS 19/09/2002 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

''Europe of prosperity for all means that we are pursuing real convergence decisively. Our country has lost great opportunities during its participation in the EU. Today, we are last in income and standard of living among all Europeans,'' he said.

Karamanlis criticized preparation for the European Union's Greek Presidency, in the first half of 2003, saying that the government is orientated towards giving it a mere handling character.

He added that Greece is preparing to assume the presidency of the most ambitious power of the 21st century with tools of the decade of the '90s.

However, Karamanlis added that the Greek presidency is providing the opportunity for all Greeks to join forces.

[09] Mitsotakis slams PASOK Secretary after Mayo case collapses

Athens, 19/09/2002 (ANA)

A public prosecutor closed the case for the second time on Tuesday, saying that his investigation had revealed no impropriety.

Mitsotakis noted that Laliotis would now be labeled as the political slanderer he was through the libel suit brought against him by Mitsotakis, which was still pending.

He stressed that New Democracy had voluntarily granted the prosecutor permission to investigate the movement of the account involved, which he was not entitled to look into by law. According to the former premier, the account had been used by ND to collect legal campaign funds from the party's supporters in London.

He then called for an investigation into the contract for the new Athens airport at Spata signed by a PASOK government, as well as of the management of PASOK funds to clear up apparent discrepancies in pre-electoral spending.

As an example, he noted that ND had spent two billion drachmas to shuttle 150,000 voters to their voting districts, while PASOK had claimed to have spent only 900 million drachmas to move nearly twice that number. He called on the ruling party to voluntarily give its books for inspection as ND had done, in order to prove that there were no financial irregularities.

In an interview with the Greek daily "Apogevmatini", meanwhile, ND's honorary president again called for answers regarding two bombs placed at pre-electoral rallies where he was to speak at Katechaki Square and on Lesvos and for a full investigation of links between terrorism and the armed forces, which he said had been infiltrated. He also indirectly implied links between terrorism and PASOK, noting that the officer in charge of the Riankour street fiasco involving November 17 had been discharged by ND but then given a cushy job at the racetrack when PASOK returned to power.

Regarding the government's present efforts against terrorism, he said the authorities had broken up the operations branch of ''N17'' but had not moved on to those who made the decisions.

The categorical assurances from Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis that the investigation would go all the way were encouraging, he added, but he also noted that it would require great courage and willingness to take on the political cost.

Gov't reaction: Responding to Mitsotakis' statements on terrorism, government spokesman Christos Protopapas again stressed that the government would take the investigation as far as it would go and said the authorities would welcome any evidence in the case.

He warned against mere speculation, however, while he slammed arguments implicating links between PASOK or its precursor PAK with terrorism as ''unfortunate and dangerous''.

Regarding Mitsotakis' claim that the armed forces had been infiltrated by terrorism, he called on the former premier to submit evidence that this was so.

He also noted that there were cases linked to the activity of earlier terrorist groups, such as May 1 or ELA, that had not yet been investigated.

In response to questions, he said the Greek government had lodged a request with German authorities to be given files collected by the former East German intelligence agency Stazi concerning the fight against terrorism.

While the request had not been denied, he added, it was still outstanding in spite of repeated verbal demands from Greece.

[10] First 'N17' woman suspect transferred to prison

Athens, 19/09/2002 (ANA)

Angeliki Sotiropoulou, 40, was transported to the women’s wing of Korydallos prison after remaining overnight at the main police headquarters in central Athens. She joins another 16 “N17” suspects being held at Korydallos, including her long-time companion and ex-husband, alleged top terrorists Dimitris Koufodinas and Savvas Xiros, respectively.

Sotiropoulou, listed as a professional beekeeper, was arrested last week after authorities announced that her fingerprints were lifted from two “N17” safe houses raided by police. She remained jailed, then provided some six hours of testimony to an investigating magistrate before being set free late Saturday pending trial due to the disagreement by judicial officials. Tuesday’s appellate council decision commenced the reverse countdown for her second arrest.

According to prison authorities, Sotiropoulou will be housed in a one-person cell similar to the specially renovated ones used for most of the other “N17” suspects.

However, she will not be allowed contact with Koufodinas, “N17’s” alleged recruiter, treasurer and prolific assassin, among others, and the man who eluded police for two months before surrendering in early September.

Media asked to stop coverage of N17 suspect's underage son: Greece's independent broadcasting regulator, the National Radio and Television Council, on Wednesday issued a circular asking all television stations to stop covering the movements of the 12-year-old son of "November 17" suspect Angeliki Sotiropoulou, the first woman charged in connection with the group who was led to Korydallos prison earlier in the day.

Sotiropoulou is married to top N17 suspect Dimitris Koufodinas and gave birth to her son while married to another N17 suspect, Savvas Xiros. Following her re-arrest on Tuesday evening, both the boy's parents and his stepfather are currently in jail facing trial on terrorism-related crimes.

The media watchdog, whose members are appointed by Parliament, noted that TV channels were broadcasting the underage boy's movements and commenting on his family situation. This coverage and comments concerned the young boy's private life and could seriously harm his moral development, the council's announcement said.

Committee monitors counter-terrorist law: A special committee of Athens Bar Association officials, responsible for addressing issues related to the implementation of the counter-terrorist law, convened on Wednesday to examine matters already linked to this law.

In the coming week the committee will be giving its opinion on five issues falling under its jurisdiction and concerning the alleged members of the November 17 organization already being held in custody at the Korydallos prison.

The issues concern the inmates' communication with third parties, communication between inmates and defense lawyers, their conditions of detention and isolation as members of 17N, matters regarding lawyers' ethics and the inmates' communication with relatives.

[11] Coalition leader seeks 'even playing field' for smaller parties in local polls

Athens, 19/09/2002 (ANA)

In a strong protest, Constantopoulos stressed that there were more than just two parties in the election race and asked that the same measures applying to parliamentary elections also apply to local government polls.

These included controls on candidates' campaign spending, equal promotion of all combinations, a ban on television ads and regulation of state and private media.

Skandalidis said the ministry intended to incorporate such measures in a new bill. In the meantime, he added, it had asked all candidates to publish their campaign contributions and spending in the local press for reasons of transparency and promised that the government would exert its influence on the state media to ensure that all the parties got equal coverage.

[12] Balkan justice ministers to meet in Kastoria

Athens, 19/09/2002 (ANA)

The meeting will be taking place on the occasion of the 2nd Inter-Balkan Jurists' Conference, taking place in the same city on September 20-21, and the founding of the Balkan Jurists' Federation, whose charter will be signed on September 21.

The Balkan Federation of Jurists is being founded at the initiative of the Movement for Peace, Human Rights and National Independence (KEADEA), a Greek non-governmental organization active in promoting peace and human rights issues.

[13] Mayors of the World summit to take place in Athens

Athens, 19/09/2002 (ANA)

Issues to be discussed by the 40 mayors of various cities will concern the upgrading of the international role played by cities and the promotion of the new Metropolitan role of Athens in light of the 2004 Olympic Games.

The Charter of Athens for the Diplomacy of cities and the Proclamation of Athens for Olympic Solidarity will be signed during the event.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Washington Mayor Anthony Williams will be received by President Kostis Stephanopoulos at noon on Thursday. They will be accompanied by Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos. The rest will be visiting him in the evening.

[14] Amnesty International says torture continuing in Turkey

BRUSSELS 19/09/2002 (ANA)

The organization delivered its report to Commissioner responsible for enlargement Guenter Verheugen and to the delegations of all member-states.

Amnesty International called on the European Union to make an in-depth investigation, in light of enlargement, on whether recent positive reforms in Turkey regarding human rights constitute a daily practice.

The report includes summaries of cases investigated by the organization concerning torture experienced by over 60 people in Turkey during the period between January and June 2002.

It also includes a list of torture methods observed in Turkey, such as electroshocks, hanging from the hands and sexual abuse and adds that torture methods leaving no signs have been developed in 2002.

[15] No new measures to contain prices, gov't says

Athens, 19/09/2002 (ANA)

Instead, it would focus on existing plans to state indicative prices on products including bottled water; create a price monitoring agency; step up inspections to curb profiteering; order a mandatory issue of invoices at all stages of trade in farm produce; and launch a name-and-shame campaign for firms caught profiteering.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting on price rises were Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

Christodoulakis said that price hikes had been noted in certain categories of products and services, in part due to rising fuel prices and in part due to a lack of competition in those sectors.

He added that a proposal to reduce fuel tax for industries was not being considered at present; and that a ceiling on fuel prices was legally permissible in a time of crisis.

Tsohatzopoulos told reporters that Greece was well stocked with oil should a fresh crisis erupt in the Middle East.

Replying to questions, both ministers denied that they had disagreed on an approach to price control.

[16] EU okays gov't support for Greek farmers hit by bad weather

Athens, 19/09/2002 (ANA)

The monies are to be used for recovery projects and to subsidise lost income, with the hard winter's impact also likely to be felt in coming years.

[17] Greek inflation among four highest rates in EU in August

Athens, 19/09/2002 (ANA)

The EU executive's statistics agency, in its monthly report, said that Ireland (4.5 percent), Portugal (3.9 percent), Greece and the Netherlands (3.8 percent respectively), recorded the highest inflation rates in the EU-15 in August, while Germany and UK (1.0 percent respectively) and Belgium (1.3 percent), the lowest rates.

Eurostat said annual inflation rose to 2.1 percent in the eurozone in August, from 1.9 percent in July and compared with 2.4 percent in the same month last year. Inflation in the EU-15 also rose to 1.9 percent in August from 1.8 percent in July and 2.4 percent last year.

Spain, Italy and Ireland saw their inflation rates rise in August, compared with the same month last year, while Germany, Belgium and Sweden recorded declines over the same period.

UK (1.2 percent), Germany (1.5 percent, and Luxembourg (1.7 percent) recorded the lowest average inflation rates in the last 12 months, while Ireland (4.5 percent), the Netherlands (4.4 percent) and Greece (3.8 percent) recorded the highest average rates.

Annual inflation rose to 0.5 percent, from -0.1 percent, in Switzerland in August.

[18] Greek tourism to be jointly advertised with ETC

Athens, 19/09/2002 (ANA)

Patellis said EOT will participate, with its own pavilion promoting Greece, in the specialized exhibition ''Meeting and Incentives IT and ME'' in Chicago on September 24-27 and then in the Salon International exhibition in Montreal on October 24-27.

During his contacts with Tourist officials in Canada, he presented Greece's strategy of penetrating the tourist market on the other side of the Atlantic with advertising.

[19] Website launched to promote Greek stock market abroad

Athens, 19/09/2002 (ANA)

The site, which belongs to Hellenic Exchanges SA, the bourse's holding company, was designed by e2b.gr.

[20] ASE ends below 1,900 support level

Athens, 19/09/2002 (ANA)

Traders said the situation in the Greek bourse was disappointing and noted that a negative climate in international markets further burdened a negative climate in the domestic market.

The general index dropped 1.79 percent to 1,898.49 points, with turnover an improved 100 million euros.

All sector indices ended lower with the Publication, IT Solutions and Investment sectors suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day (3.29 percent, 3.17 percent and 3.12 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 1.85 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 1.68 percent lower and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index dropped 2.26 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 302 to 37 with another 24 issues unchanged.

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

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 147.7 mln euros Wednesday

Equity Index Futures: