Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-09-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Early draft of 2003 state budget publicized by economy minister

[02] Gov't spokesman: Cabinet meeting focuses on budget, Iraq

[03] DM says NATO countries want UN Security Council Iraq resolution

[04] FM holds talks with Cyprus House of Representatives speaker

[05] Greek, Cypriot parliament presidents say EU will not succumb to Turkish pressure

[06] Alternate FM addresses Europarliament for Greek defense issue presidency

[07] EU Commissioners in Athens for talks with Greek government

[08] U.S. Congress to congratulate Greece on N17 arrests

[09] ND says upcoming local elections have political context

[10] Mayoral candidate Dora Bakoyianni presents her program

[11] The European Community is celebrating its 50th anniversary

[12] Deputy FM meets with Singapore, Hungarian envoys

[13] Five teenage victims of terrorism to speak at Israeli embassy

[14] Eurostat says Greece has the highest poverty rate in the

[15] Economy minister meets with Microsoft managing director

[16] ND's Pavlopoulos: Poor implementation of '02 budget

[17] New Athens airport picks up another honor at Int'l forum

[18] Deputy FM arrives in Cyprus

[19] Balkan cooperation memorandum to be signed in Athens

[20] Greek consumers file record number of complaints in Jan-Aug

[21] ASE follows international markets' rebound on Wednesday

[22] U.S. ambassador visits deputy sports minister

[23] Greek official to attend Oceania SAE meeting in Australia

[24] Problems with Thursday's Olympic Airways flights due to strike

[25] Verheugen says enlargement not possible without Cyprus

[26] Refugees send memorandum to UN Chief on Cyprus

[27] Britain wants reunited Cyprus to join

[01] Early draft of 2003 state budget publicized by economy minister

Athens, 26/09/2002 (ANA)

According to the budget, the GDP will grow by 4.1 per cent in 2003, compared to an estimated 3.8 per cent forecast for 2002, while inflation will rise by 2.5 per cent in the 2003 fiscal year.

Nominal growth of GDP will stand at 7.3 per cent compared to 7.1 per cent in 2002, the public deficit will decrease by 99.3 per cent, while state income will grow by 5.3 per cent compared to 2002 and privatizations will bring an additional 1.5 per cent of GDP to the state coffers.

The budget ''secures the high growth rates of the Greek economy,'' Christodoulakis said in presenting the 2003 draft budget, adding that financial security was not one of the international scene's current characteristics.

He added that the strong development direction of the 2003 budget was based on the increase by 13 per cent of the public sector investments, which amount to 6.2 per cent of GDP.

Also the growth of the economy will be based on strengthening demand due to tax cuts, provided by the taxation system reform and the increase of public spending.

This first draft of this budget also included a 0.5 per cent of GDP in surplus, compared to 0.4 per cent in 2002, while the increase in public spending will rise by 5.3 per cent compared to 2002. The sector with the highest increase will be that of social security and healthcare, which will rise by 19.1 per cent.

Opposition parties criticize early draft of 2003 budget: Main opposition New Democracy (ND), the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) and the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) criticized the early draft of the state budget presented on Thursday by National Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis.

ND spokesman for economic affairs George Alogoskoufis said that ''with today's announcement the government confirmed all that ND has been saying over the past while, that the economic policy is at dead end and the government has been drafting one more virtual image of a budget''.

He called for a change of venue, which would promote a combat against squandering funds in the public sector, adding that ''with PASOK's tempos it will take 80 years to achieve convergence with the European Union''.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said the new budget will bring ''austerity for working people'' and ''benefits for the rich.''

KKE press spokesman Makis Mailis said ''the new budget is also being prepared to follow in the steps of the previous ones: Greater austerity for working people and more benefits for the rich. All that (economy minister) Nikos Christodoulakis said about the budget's social character constitutes a mockery.''

Synaspismos issued an announcement criticizing the budget and saying that it is based on a one-sided policy, which forces sacrifices on the weak and secures profits for the rich.

On his part DHKKI leader Dimitris Tsovolas said the numbers of the budget clearly showed that they are in as a dramatic state as the people of the country.

[02] Gov't spokesman: Cabinet meeting focuses on budget, Iraq

Athens, 26/09/2002 (ANA)

He said the prime minister had stressed that the new budget was a guarantee for the country's continued progress in safety and security.

According to Protopapas, Simitis had warned against pessimism and negativity but also against euphoria, and said that the government took a realistic approach that sought to preserve present gains, with a budget that was both developmental and socially equitable.

Especial weight under the new budget would be given to actions that implemented the government's pre-election pledges, such as social insurance reform, tax reform, Olympic works and public investments.

The premier also advised ministers not to be sidetracked by distorted reports regarding alleged differences between ministers and to proceed united in analyzing the budget.

The cabinet meeting next focused on the results of the EU and Asian countries summit in Copenhagen and the prospects of armed conflict precipitated by the United States in Iraq, Protopapas said.

Simitis had noted a climate of uncertainty and insecurity among the Asian economies, Protopapas said, while he had reiterated the need to conform to Security Council decisions on Iraq and referred to reports that the UN was preparing a detailed document on the problems that Baghdad might conceivably create.

The spokesman also referred reporters to comments on this issue by Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who said that the UN would take steps if Iraq was found to possess weapons of mass destruction and that this might take place during the Greek EU presidency.

Gov't on Blair dossier about Iraq: A Greek government spokesman on Wednesday said Athens will thoroughly examine a file containing information on Iraq’s capability to manufacture and deploy weapons of mass destruction, a report conveyed to Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Tuesday by the British ambassador.

The controversial dossier, unveiled by British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday, detailed information claiming Iraq could launch a chemical or biological war head at 45 minutes' notice and produce nuclear weapons in one to two years if it obtained essential components overseas.

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas said “calm-headedness and a study of the facts” is now necessary, while noting that if the charges are verified then the United Nations will react.

US envoy Miller gives FM Papandreou US report on Iraq's weapons development: Foreign minister George Papandreou and US Ambassador in Athens Thomas Miller on Wednesday discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and the Iraq issue, and the American envoy gave the minister a ''text containing evidence collected by the American authorities concerning the production of weapons of mass destruction by Iraq''.

''The foreign minister today received in his office the American ambassador, and during the meeting the latest developments in the Palestinian and Iraq issues were discussed,'' foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said.

''Mr. Miller turned over to Mr. Papandreou a text with evidence collected by the American authorities on the production of weapons of mass destruction by Iraq,'' Beglitis added in a written statement.

Asked by reporters after the meeting whether he had discussed with Papandreou a report on mass destruction weapons in Iraq given to the minister on Tuesday by British ambassador in Athens Dave Madden, the US envoy described the British text as ''very important'' and ''well-documented'', but said he and Papandreou had discussed ''certain other matters''.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday released in London a long-awaited 50-page report according to which Iraq was developing chemical and biological weapons, trying to acquire nuclear weapons and had extended the range of its ballistic missiles.

Miller also said that ''the most important thing is that, on this issue (Iraq), we are all working together'' within the UN procedures.

Miller also denied press reports that the US was ''disregarding'' the United Nations, saying ''that is not true'', and reiterating that ''we (the US) are following the procedure of the UN and trying to work closely with our friends and allies in the UN and the Security Council''.

Asked whether the US government would go ahead with operations on Iraq even if such action was not endorsed by a UN resolution, Miller referred to a recent address by US President George Bush at the UN General Assembly, reiterating that ''we wish to give the UN process the opportunity to function''.

Miller added, however, that the US and certain other countries were ''very cautious'' regarding Iraq's intentions, noting that the Iraqi regime was ''lying systematically'' in claiming that it did not have weapons of mass destruction ''when in reality it does''.

[03] DM says NATO countries want UN Security Council Iraq resolution

WARSAW 26/09/2002 (ANA)

Papantoniou was speaking here after an informal meeting of NATO defense ministers.

He said most countries are against unilateral interventions since they entail dangers concerning stability in the Middle East as well. He said the U.S. realizes these dangers and will not make a move without having the international community's approval.

Papantoniou, who said war will ultimately be avoided with the international community's strong stand, stressed that NATO is showing solidarity to Russia over its concern for terrorist attacks taking place in its territory and requested that its reaction remain in political frameworks and not proceed with military means since it would be dangerous for world peace and peace in the region.

He further said NATO's rapid reaction force and the European rapid deployment force can act in a supplementary way in cases of acts of terrorism taking place with the former imposing international order and legality and the latter being sent after the end of a military operation for humanitarian reasons which, in any case, is the exclusive objective.

NATO's defense ministers accepted the defense minister's suggestion for an extension of the international force's presence in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) to ease possible tensions between the two populations, the Slav and Albanian ones.

[04] FM holds talks with Cyprus House of Representatives speaker

Athens, 26/09/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Papandreou predicted that efforts on the Cyprus issue will intensify during this period and will intensify particularly after the Turkish elections.

He said the target was a solution to the problem of Cyprus before the island republic's accession to the European Union in the framework of decisions taken at the Helsinki summit. Papandreou added that a solution compatible with the acquis communautaire should be promoted.

''We have a great deal of work ahead of us,'' he said, adding that cooperation between the foreign ministry and the Parliament of Cyprus is very important.

Christofias said his discussion with Papandreou was very positive regarding the coordination of action with Nicosia. He added that the accession course of Cyprus is going very well. However, as he added, he is not so optimistic on a solution to the Cyprus issue.

Christofias further said the intransigence of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash is being reconfirmed constantly and expressed hope that the international community and the EU will take the goodwill of Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides into serious consideration as an interlocutor, as well as Denktash's intransigent position, and will not link a possible non-solution to accession to the EU.

''We shall not accept blackmail by Turkey. A great deal of work is required in all directions,'' he said.

Christofias thanked Papandreou and the Greek government for the active promotion of the Republic of Cyprus' accession to the EU, as well as for the strong defense of principles on a solution to the Cyprus issue.

[05] Greek, Cypriot parliament presidents say EU will not succumb to Turkish pressure

Athens, 26/09/2002 (ANA)

Kaklamanis was speaking to reporters after a meeting with his visiting Cypriot counterpart Dimitris Christofias (president of the Cyprus House of Representatives).

After their talks, Kaklamanis and Christofias said that both parliaments and the whole of the forces of Hellenism were rallied in the struggle for a just solution to the Cyprus problem based on the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

''It was an opportunity to discuss the coordination of the two parliaments' efforts for Cyprus' smooth accession to the EU and for a just solution to the Cyprus problem, which is a problem of invasion and occupation by Turkey,'' Kaklamanis said.

''We believe that things are headed in positive directions, but we do not consider that we can rest assured. Turkey is blatantly and cynically coercing the EU. We hope, however, that all of Europe will not belie the principles and targets of its peoples and will not succumb to the Turkish pressures and blackmail,'' he added.

He further expressed his conviction that Greece, which assumes the rotating EU presidency as of January 1, 2003, will have the immense satisfaction of signing Cyprus' accession accord.

''This is our belief, our vision and our struggle, and the two parliaments, as well as all of Hellenism, have rallied to this goal,'' Kaklamanis added.

Christofias said he shared the views and expectations of his Greek counterpart, and also expressed hope that the EU would not give in to the Turkish blackmail in the event the Cyprus problem remained open.

He did speak, however, of ''immense tolerance'' on the part of both the UN and the Europeans, and even the UN Security Council, noting that they had moved from their positions on such issues as that of Cyprus' sovereignty.

Christofias called on the UN to assume its responsibilities for a just solution to the Cyprus issue based on the principles of justice and the 'acquis communautaire'''.

[06] Alternate FM addresses Europarliament for Greek defense issue presidency

STRASBOURG 26/09/2002 (ANA - N. Melisova)

Greece undertook the EU's presidency on security and defense joint policy as Denmark chose to abstain from this branch of the EU's integration.

The Greek minister spoke of the EU's relations with NATO, focusing on the issue of the ''participation'' of NATO allies that are not EU member-states and the possibility of the continued presence of NATO in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

During his stay here, Yiannitsis met with Europarliament president Pat Cox and agreed on the establishment of an open line of communication between the Europarliament and the Greek foreign ministry in preparation of the summits that will take place during the Greek presidency.

Cox reassured Yiannitsis of the general interest of the legislative body concerning the resolution of the Cyprus problem before the island republic's accession to the EU, without, however, that aspect of the issue clouding the accession issue itself.

In a related development, a draft resolution of the Europarliament, expected to reach the floor for a vote later Wednesday night, focused on the issue of EU-NATO cooperation, noting that ''the Europarliament believes that the resolution of the problem is urgent, a resolution that is blocking the conclusion of an agreement between the EU and NATO up to now and calls on Turkey to adopt a more constructive approach to the subject''.

[07] EU Commissioners in Athens for talks with Greek government

Athens, 26/09/2002 (ANA)

The Farm Commissioner is expected in Athens on Thursday in the framework of his tour of European capitals to discuss issues related with an intermediate reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. Mr. Fischler also wants to be briefed over the Greek presidency's aims, as it coincides with a crucial period of negotiating a new CAP in the first six months of 2003. Mr. Fischler is expected to meet with Agriculture Minister George

Drys and representatives of farm unions and cooperatives to present the European Commission's proposals on farm policy.

External Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy is expected to arrive in Athens in October 4. During his visit he will meet with Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and probably with Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis. Mr. Lamy will seek to inform the Greek government over developments on the main trade issues facing the Commission, particularly a trade dispute with the US and talks with Japan.

[08] U.S. Congress to congratulate Greece on N17 arrests

WASHINGTON 26/09/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

The resolution, not expected to be discussed in the immediate future since the body is handling the issue of Iraq while afterwards work will stop for the November elections, underlines good cooperation between the two countries' police and encourages the continuation of efforts ''for the total breakup of November 17.''

It adds that such efforts will also contribute to the creation of a safe climate for the holding of the Olympic Games in Athens.

The resolution further notes Greece's tangible contribution to the operation in Afghanistan by providing humanitarian aid and participating in the international peacekeeping force deployed in the country.

[09] ND says upcoming local elections have political context

Athens, 26/09/2002 (ANA)

Karamanlis said that ''neither the pleaders nor the mouthpieces of the central power that has led the country to this condition could represent the local communities''.

The ND council discussions focused on global developments culminating on a likely intervention in Iraq, while the party's president called the intervention a possibility and reiterated his party's fixed stance on the issue.

Mitsotakis urges ND voters to rally around the party's choices in local polls: Former premier Constantine Mitsotakis on Wednesday urged New Democracy voters to back the party's candidates in the municipal and prefectural elections in October - even if they felt that these were not the best choice - in order to send the government a strong political message.

ND's honorary president referred to the main opposition's controversial decision to back journalist Yiannis Tzanetakos for the Attica super-prefecture, saying that Tzanetakos was a political figure that transcended the parties. He added that the results of the party's battle for the Attica super-prefecture had their own significance but the final result would be judged by the total.

Mitsotakis was speaking after a meeting at ND headquarters chaired by party leader Costas Karamanlis.

The former prime minister said he agreed with the ND's strategy to give a political tone to the local elections and stressed that these elections were also political and would give a political message.

''ND, as the party backed by the majority that is coming into power, has every reason to make the elections political - as opposed to party-political - in order to send a strong and powerful message of reproach to an incompetent government that is leading the country toward disaster and is clinging to power, determined to eke out its term up until the very last month that it is allowed under the Constitution,'' he said.

To further rally ND supporters around Tzanetakos, who is trailing in opinion polls behind his PASOK-backed rival Fofi Gennimata, Mitsotakis pointed out that Gennimata was a symbol for the ruling party.

''Can people who believe in ND vote for a party symbol or indirectly assist this. I cannot see this,'' he added.

Mitsotakis also launched a stinging attack on Prime Minister Costas Simitis in person, saying he was unfit to be premier and had to leave as quickly as possible.

''The problem is whether Simitis will realize that he must leave since he isn't governing or making structural reforms but talking about handouts that have whetted the appetite of many, even though he knows the economy is sinking,'' Mitsotakis said.

[10] Mayoral candidate Dora Bakoyianni presents her program

Athens, 26/09/2002 (ANA)

Speaking at a central Athens concert hall, Bakoyianni said her program was ''a project basically political, extensive, difficult and since long-ago necessary'', mainly focusing on upgrading the aesthetics of capital Athens by increasing its green areas, adding color to the facade of the buildings, enforcing an integrated recycling system, boosting police municipality forces, special measures for disabled citizens and the establishment of a company for the promotion of Athens in the light of its hosting the Olympic Games 2004, among others.

[11] The European Community is celebrating its 50th anniversary

STRASSBOURG 26/09/2002 (ANA/O. Tsipira)

President of the European Parliament Pat Cox opened the celebrations marking 50 years after Robert Schuman on 9 May 1950 made history by suggesting the idea of creating a Community of pacific interests in Europe and since 10 September 1950 when Jean Monnet welcomed the first European deputies.

Fifty years of parliamentarism equal to 50 years of contribution in the preservation of prosperity and peace in Europe, Cox said.

Consisting of 626 members directly elected by the electorates in constituencies in the 15 member states, the European Parliament is the institution that represents the citizens of the member states.

The European Parliament has three fundamental powers: it acts as a co-legislator with the European Council, jointly with the Council it constitutes the budgetary authority and it exercises democratic control over the Commission's activities.

[12] Deputy FM meets with Singapore, Hungarian envoys

Athens, 26/09/2002 (ANA)

In the first instance, Magriotis said Greece can act as a conduit for Singaporean companies' penetration of the SE European market, while Woon also touched on prospects for bilateral cooperation in the cultural and educational fields.

On his part, the Hungarian envoy cited his country's interest in Balkan stability, while touching on Greece's particular role in the area. Greece's EU presidency in the first half of 2003 was also discussed, especially in light of Hungary's very bright prospects for joining the Union during its next wave of expansion.

[13] Five teenage victims of terrorism to speak at Israeli embassy

Athens, 26/09/2002 (ANA)

All five are survivors of suicide terror attacks. They came to Greece with a large party of 140 children from 12 cities in Israel that are visiting Greece this week at the invitation of the Central Union of Greek Municipalities and Communities (KEDKE).

The talk will begin at noon, in the presence of Israeli Ambassador to Athens David Sasson.

The Israeli Embassy is at Marathonodromou 1, Paleo Psychico.

[14] Eurostat says Greece has the highest poverty rate in the

EU BRUSSELS 26/09/2002 (ANA - V. Demiris)

In its third annual report, the EU's statistics agency said that 22 percent of the population in Greece lives below poverty level, while 18 percent of the EU population is hit by poverty.

Finland and Denmark scored the lowest poverty levels rating 8 percent and 9 percent, respectively, the report said, defining as ''poor'' the section of the population earning less than 60 percent of the average national income

Eurostat noted that social expenditure in Greece amounts to 25.5 percent of the Gross National Product (GNP), while a 27.6 percent corresponded to the ''15''.

Sweden and France made the highest social expenditures in the EU with 32.9 percent and 30.3 percent, respectively, while Ireland and Spain occupied the last two places with 14.7 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

From the report data it is derived that social expenditures in Greece often prove ineffective in combating poverty, since 22 percent of the Greek population continued living below poverty levels even after such expenditures were made, Eurostat said.

Prior to the social expenditures, 23 percent of the Greek population lived below poverty levels in comparison to 26 percent for the ''15''.

Greece also displays the lowest adult participation ratio in education and training programs among the ''15'', according to the report, while merely 1 percent of the financially active population in Greece participates in such programs in comparison to 8 percent for the ''15''.

The percentage of young Greeks dropping out of school without furthering their education or participating in any professional training programs was slightly lower at 17 percent than the average community rate set at 20 percent, while the lowest percentage was scored by Sweden with 8 percent and the highest by Portugal with 43 percent.

Italy, Spain and Greece scored the lowest employment percentages in the EU with 53.5 percent, 54.8 percent and 55.7 percent, respectively, while the highest employment rate was recorded in Denmark with 76.3 percent.

Italy, Spain and Greece also scored the lowest in women's employment with 39.6 percent, 40.3 percent and 41.2 percent respectively, in comparison to an average 54 percent in the EU, according to the report.

Greece is also the EU member-state with the smallest participation percentage of women representation in the parliament with 9 percent in comparison to 18 percent EU-wide, Eurostat said.

Greeks also save 82.8 percent less than the average European, according to the report, while the per capita income of the average Greek is the lowest in the EU, corresponding to 69 percent of the average Community citizen, with Luxembourg placing first with 194 percent of the average Community citizen.

The good news is, always according to Eurostat, that longevity among Greeks is set at 75.5 years slightly higher than the average 74.6 years in the EU, while on the other hand, the marginal population growth is entirely owed to immigration since the death rate in Greece, as well as in Denmark, Italy and Sweden, is higher than the birth rate.

[15] Economy minister meets with Microsoft managing director

Athens, 26/09/2002 (ANA)

They looked over the examples of the British and Spanish experiences of the e-government Microsoft software package and discussed the possibility of a speedy implementation of that package in Greece.

[16] ND's Pavlopoulos: Poor implementation of '02 budget

Athens, 26/09/2002 (ANA)

“The government’s mistake is now apparent, as it used ‘creative accounting’ to try and depict another picture of reality during the vote for the (2002) budget,” Pavlopoulos said.

According to the top ND deputy, the budget’s poor implementation is due to the fact it was based on inaccurate information, while he warned the government not to table an “insincere” 2003 budget in December.

[17] New Athens airport picks up another honor at Int'l forum

Athens, 26/09/2002 (ANA)

The Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport at the Spata site, east of Athens, shared the top spot in its category with the well-known Persian Gulf facility, while it also picked up an award for overall efficiency in the marketing sector.

It began operation in March 2001, replacing the old Athens airport in a coastal district southeast of the capital.

The London City Airport was given top honors in the up to five million passengers category, followed by Munich’s Airport in the 15 to 25 million category and Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport in the more than 25 million passenger category.

Some 800 delegates from around the world attended the two-day conference, sponsored by the Athens Airport, which focused on the prospects of Europe’s new airport in light of the upcoming 2004 Olympic Games.

[18] Deputy FM arrives in Cyprus

NICOSIA 26/09/2002 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

Loverdos said his visit constituted the implementation of the promise to brief the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEBE) and the Cypriot businessmen on the Greek plan in which businesses from Cyprus may participate.

He added that during his stay on the island he will be discussing issues concerning development cooperation and overseas commercial relations.

Loverdos was expected to make a detailed analysis of the ''Greek Balkan Economic Reconstruction Plan'' during an event at KEBE on Wednesday night.

He will also be meeting Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides on Thursday to discuss issues concerning the promotion of development cooperation and aid to the Middle East.

Commenting on whether he will be discussing latest developments on the Cyprus issue and the course of Cyprus' accession to the European Union with Kasoulides, Loverdos said he is not authorized to discuss issues of such a nature.

Loverdos will depart from Cyprus on Thursday night.

[19] Balkan cooperation memorandum to be signed in Athens

SOFIA 26/09/2002 (ANA - B. Borisov)

This was announced by the special coordinator of southeastern Europe's Stability Pact Erhard Busek after his meeting here on Wednesday with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Solomon Pasi.

The two men discussed the development of plans to upgrade infrastructure in the wider region under the auspices of the Pact.

[20] Greek consumers file record number of complaints in Jan-Aug

Athens, 26/09/2002 (ANA)

Greece's largest consumer group said that Greek consumer filed a total of 84,885 complaints in the January-August period, exceeding the total number of complaints in the whole of 2001.

Complaints over the cost of living topped the list, followed by food, tourism and slimming centers, INKA said.

Complaints over bank practices totalled 5,703 and ranked fifth in the first eight months of 2002.

INKA urged the country's Development ministry to force banks and slimming centers to ease their aggressive selling policies to consumers.

Tourist services ranked third in the list of complaints (totalling 6,403), with complaints focusing on prices of product and services, sea transport and hotel-rooms-campings.

[21] ASE follows international markets' rebound on Wednesday

Athens, 26/09/2002 (ANA)

The general index rose 0.97 percent to end at 1,836.22 points, rebounding from a four-year low closing on Tuesday, with turnover a low 92.7 million euros.

The Telecommunications, Industrials and Holding sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (1.62 percent, 1.22 percent and 0.96 percent, respectively), while the Bank, Insurance and Wholesale sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (1.0 percent, 0.93 percent and 0.77 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.21 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.63 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.71 percent up.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 155 to 146 with another 68 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were Coca Cola, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Commercial Bank of Greece, and Dynamiki Zois (Dynamics Life).

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 105.9 mln euros Wednesday

Equity Index Futures: