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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-09-27Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>September 27, 2002CONTENTS
[01] FM: Greek EU presidency will consider EU-Asia relations a 'priority'ISTANBUL 27/09/2002 (ANA - M. Vihou)Greece's EU presidency in the first half of 2003 will support stable relations between the European Union and Asian countries, regardless of developments in Iraq, Foreign Minister George Papandreou stressed here on Thursday.Papandreou spoke after the completion of the 5th Economic Conference of the European Union and Asian countries. Referring to developments and concerns regarding the Iraq crisis, he cited Turkey's reservations in particular, saying the neighboring country has special interests in the region. Along those lines, the Greek FM noted that former Turkish president Suleyman Demirel's speech at the conference focused on this issue. Turning to Athens' views, Papandreou said Greece will maintain its standing position that any initiative must emanate from the United Nations, a position Turkey agrees with. He also said one of the purposes of his participation in the conference was to convey a series of messages to Asian countries, and to Turkey especially. Additionally, he underlined that the Greek presidency will make EU-Asia relations a priority, because in the wake of EU expansion many Asian countries will share borders with the Union. Papandreou also spoke of Greece's role in the region, which he said is being upgraded through its increasing cooperation with Turkey. Moreover, he emphasized that Greece would be adversely affected if regional stability lessened, or in the event that the region becomes embroiled in an energy sector 'tug-of-war' between major powers; as well as in the case of political or cultural conflicts. Papandreou reiterated Greece's standing support for Turkey's European course, for a true ''candidacy based on mutual obligations'', as he said, while underlining the need for stability in this bilateral relation regardless of changes in government. Referring to the Cyprus issue, he stressed that a ''a great opportunity, one which should not be missed'' is currently at hand. Papandreou met with Demirel, Turkish government deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, while he also had a telephone conversation with former Turkish FM Ismail Cem. Finally, the Greek minister also met with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos. [02] FM addresses 5th Eurasian Economic ConferenceISTANBUL 27/09/2002 (ANA - M. Vichou)Foreign Minister George Papandreou addressed the 5th Economic Conference of Eurasian countries here on Thursday, saying that Greece and Turkey, through their voice in Europe, can constitute the link between Eurasian countries and Western Europe.Papandreou also referred to specific initiatives and activities Greece can develop in this direction such as functioning as the region's commercial and economic center. Other activities could be playing an important role in the regional energy sector, becoming the center of a wider communications network for the region, assuming a significant role in telecommunications networks, the development aid sector and through the private sector which is very active in the Black Sea region with 3,900 businesses functioning in the area. Papandreou further referred to the European Union's role and to some ideas Greece will be promoting during its EU presidency, in the first half of 2003, regarding the region. Also commenting on repercussions and developments following the terrorist attack in the United States on September 11, Papandreou said cooperation between the EU, the U.S., Russia and China in the region is essential, particularly due to the fact that rich energy sources exist. Referring to the issue of terrorism, he said confronting the threat of international terrorism and eliminating its causes constitute one of the greatest challenges in the modern-day era. [03] Premier visits remote village in northern GreeceAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Thursday visited the remote village of Argyri, that belongs to the newly formed municipality of Aheloos, to inaugurate center for the rendering of bureaucratic services to citizens,The premier arrived by army helicopter to the small village the lacks paved road system connecting it to the rest of the region, stressing that "in places where access is difficult, the state reaches citizens". He added that soon these centers will be able to provide specific services for the needs of farmers, such as the acceptance of applications for farmers' pensions, farming subsidies and emergency compensations. The premier was accompanied by Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis and Transport Minister Christos Verelis. [04] EU Commissioner visits Greek ParliamentAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)European Commissioner Franz Fischler, responsible for EU farm and fisheries policy, on Thursday visited the Greek Parliament for a briefing at the invitation of the Greek parliamentary committees for European affairs and production and trade.During his meeting with members of the two committees, Fischler said that EU agricultural policy had to provide consumers with satisfactory and safe products while continuing to support farmers, though in a different way from before. He said that long-term goals were needed that would contribute to the negotiations being carried out within the World Trade Organization. He also noted that the 90 per cent of funds in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that now consisted of direct subsidies would be converted to 80 per cent of the total CAP budget, while sums for supporting the countryside would increase to 20 per cent. Responding to criticism of CAP, Fischler pointed out that Greek farmers received two billion euros in subsidies. "Would Greek farming be in a better state without these funds and without access to community markets," he added. [05] EU Commissioner publishes treatise on 'The Future of Europe'Athens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)In a treatise entitled "The Future of Europe" released this September, Greek European Commissioner for employment Anna Diamantopoulou has attempted a detailed analysis of the process of European enlargement and its deepening unification through repeated Inter-governmental Conferences.The treatise presents 55 key concerns about the process that Diamantopoulou proceeds to answer, seeking to define what constitutes common European interest and to outline the true identity of the EU in an era of globalization and new geostrategic conditions. In most cases, her answers lean toward a need to intensify efforts for "European completion" through a parallel process of maturing individual policies and while categorizing the "national priorities" of member-states. According to Diamantopoulou, this is the only way in which the EU will change from a simple monetary entity to a factor in the international political scene with weight and special standing. [06] Foreign ministry holds event on ''Future of Europe''Athens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis on Thursday chaired a discussion on the developments of the Conference on the Future of Europe, in an event organized by the foreign ministry.In his message to the event, Foreign Minister George Papandreou stressed that the orientation of Europe should focus on the development of a common foreign policy which should be expressed via a single voice, a European defense policy, an immigration and judicial policy, and the development of a social-economic platform which will be complementary to the monetary union. He stressed that the European Union of the 21st century should be build on a federal basis, activating even more drastically the community processes of unification and developing more effective policies. [07] Gov't: Reporters' conflict of interest for ESHEA to decideAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)The government spokesman on Thursday touched on the thorny issue of a journalistic “conflict of interest” for individuals employed in ministries’ press offices who at the same time cover the same ministry’s ‘beat’ for their respective newspapers and broadcasters.Government spokesman Christos Protopapas said the Athens Journalists’ Union (ESHEA) is the organization best suited to rule on whether such a practice is ethical and appropriate. In response to questions at his regular press briefing, Protopapas added that the issue “involves journalists, specifically ESHEA.” Finally, he added that “there is no distortion in relations between journalists and the state, and there is no policy of (news) leaks”. His reply was in answer to a specific question about the public order ministry. [08] Political memorial for MP Pavlos Bakoyannis, killed by 17N thirteen years agoAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)The main opposition New Democracy (ND) parliamentary group on Thursday held a political memorial in parliament in memory of late ND MP Pavlos Bakoyannis, who was killed by the 'November 17' terrorist group 13 years ago.ND leader Costas Karamanlis praised the work and political activity of Pavlos Bakoyannis, who was gunned down by 17N on September 26, 1989, outside his political office in Athens, at the age of 54. Karamanlis said that ND was determined to fight to the end for the uncovery and exemplary punishment of all the masterminds, culprits, collaborators, and financers of the terrorist organization. "We are firmly dedicated to the demand of society that all the terrorist actions, all the assassination attempts, be cleared up and that no question remain unanswered, that nothing be left in the dark. We owe it to Pavlos Bakoyannis, to all the victims and their families, and to democracy," Karamanlis said. ND, he stressed, was not casting blame on any political sphere "because the characteristics of the terrorist organizations are outside any political frame, because terrorism concerns consciences that disdain human life, people, democracy and liberty". Any public, much less political, dialogue with the terrorists was incomprehensible, he said, adding that wiping out the scourge of terrorism was a "national cause" and could not be used to disorient public opinion or for any party expediency, but required responsibility and seriousness on everyone's part. Bakoyannis was the first MP ever targeted by 17N, and the only one to have died. The political memorial was attended by ND honorary president Costas Mitsotakis, his daughter and Bakoyianni’s widow Dora Bakoyianni, their daughter Alexia Bakoyianni, and MPs who were subsequent targets of 17N but survived the attacks, including PASOK former minister George Petsos, Yannis Paleokrassas, Lefteris Papadimitriou and Vassilis Michaloliakos. A minute of silence in memory of Pavlos Bakoyannis was observed at the end of the event. Earlier, a religious memorial service was held at the Panagia Grigoroussa church in Plaka, attended only by family members. [09] Draft bill on criminal liabilities of ministers presentedAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos on Thursday presented a draft bill on how ministers might be tried for criminal offences committed while in office.Under the new bill, the statute of limitations for all ministerial crimes will be five years, not counting the duration of the parliamentary session in which the offence or offences were committed, the time taken for the main proceedings and for the duration of any Parliamentary decision to suspend prosecution, preliminary proceedings or the main proceedings. In all cases, however, the statute of limitations for ministerial offences will expire after 10 years. In addition, the decision to press charges will have be made by an absolute majority of all MPs, while a proposal to prosecute cannot be re-submitted once it has been thrown out as groundless. The bill will also introduce changes to the structure of special courts, with the prosecutor now chosen by lottery from among the Supreme Court prosecutors, as well as other changes. [10] Gov't comments on Amnesty International report on GreeceAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)Greece was a country that respected human rights according to all United Nations reports, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said on Thursday when asked to comment on a negative report by Amnesty International about the treatment of gypsies, detainees and immigrants at the hands of Greek authorities.Protopapas noted that Greek democracy functioned smoothly and that acts of violence by police officers in the past had been indicted and punished, with penalties including their dismissal from the force. The government took measures to restrain violence and sought punishment for transgressors, Protopapas added and he called on the international rights group to talk to the government in order to be better informed. Amnesty International catalogued 66 cases of human rights violations in its latest report to the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights on Tuesday, while concluding that such abuses were commonplace and went largely unpunished. At a press conference, spokespersons of the organizations said that instances of unlawful or disputed shootings by police and border guards were documented in the report, as were incidents of detainees in police custody being slapped, punched, kicked and verbally abused. It also said that Greece showed great sensitivity to human rights issues but did not have the mechanisms for enforcing respect for human rights in practice, with police officer enjoying virtual impunity. [11] Cyprus, Greece to promote joint development programsNICOSIA 27/09/2002 (ANA-G.Leonidas/CNA)Cyprus and Greece have joined forces to promote development programs in the Middle East, the Balkans and the Black Sea region in a bid to help stability to these areas.Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said more organizing, more consistent work and increased awareness are needed for a concerted effort to demonstrate that, though small in size, Cyprus and Greece can help countries of the region to develop to the benefit of all concerned. ''We have to review the current practices we apply to meet our obligations as developed nations and put them on a more organized basis, which would serve our foreign policy as well as the overseas activity of the private sector,'' Kasoulides said, after a meeting here on Thursday with Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos. He noted that Greece had made great strides towards these objectives with better organizing its department for overseas aid at the foreign ministry. Loverdos said the two ministries work in close cooperation and expressed hope that the joint effort will bear fruit. Greece, Cyprus to work together to achieve EU accession: Greece has pledged to work until Cyprus succeeds in joining the European Union as a full member, Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos said. Speaking after a meeting with Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, Loverdos said neither celebrations nor exaggerating the risks ahead is appropriate whereas Kasoulides said the battle for EU accession will be won in stages. ''Greece will continue to have concerns with regard to Cyprus' accession and because of these concerns we will be even more active to conclude the enlargement process,'' Loverdos said, replying to questions. Cyprus expects the EU summit in December to invite the Republic and another nine applicant countries to join the Union. Turkey, also a candidate country, has warned of a serious crisis in the region and with the EU, if the Union accepts a divided Cyprus in its ranks. Kasoulides said Greece's firm position in support of Cyprus' efforts to join the EU will be successful. ''Enlargement begins with Cyprus but this does not mean we have won the battle. The battle will be won at the various stages ahead of us,'' the minister added. He explained that the December summit is one battle, then comes the approval of enlargement by the European Parliament and then the ratification by the parliaments of all 15-member states. ''We will then have to fight the biggest battle of all, that of an EU member state,'' Kasoulides said. Loverdos, on a visit to Cyprus, said celebrations do not help when something good happens, nor do gloomy statements when something bad takes place. Loverdos was due to leave Thursday night. [12] Coalition leader and ERT director \discuss objective newsAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos raised issues concerning equal and objective news for citizens, in light of the municipal and prefectural elections, during talks with Hellenic Radio and Television (ERT) director Angelos Stangos on Thursday.Constantopoulos said we are going to the elections with extreme bi-polar political outlook and with noisy and costly advertising, with the commercial language of slogans and not the live language of problems. He added that state-run television is the television, which can really provide a distinctive example for other media as well and secure the possibility of all to communicate with citizens. [13] 'N17' suspects to undergo DNA testingAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)Seventeen jailed “November 17” suspects were expected to undergo DNA testing this week as anti-terrorist officers began collecting blood and hair samples in order to compare them with physical evidence found in at least two of the terror band’s Athens-area “safe houses”.Sixteen men and one woman are jailed in a maximum-security cellblock at the Korydallos prison on scores of terrorism-related charges, including 23 murders and numerous bomb and rocket attacks since 1975. Two of 17 alleged ''N17'' members refuse to submit genetic material: Alleged ''November 17'' terrorist group members Savvas Xiros and Dimitris Koufodinas refused to submit genetic material for DNA testing, which was requested by the investigating team to match it to DNA finds in the two terrorist group's safe-houses. According to reports, Koufodinas refused to even go to the medical facilities specially set up in prison for the alleged terrorists. The other 15 alleged terrorists provided the genetic material requested of them. The genetic material included blood, samples of fingernails, saliva samples and sweat samples. The officers in charge of the affair drafted a report on the refusal of Xiros and Koufodinas for the trial, as is mandated by a newly enacted law on organized crime. [14] Anti-war rally held outside U.S. and Israeli embassiesAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)An anti-war rally was staged outside the heavily guarded United States and Israeli embassies in Athens on Thursday evening to protest a possible attack against Iraq and developments in the Middle East.The rally was organized by the Solidarity Committee for the Palestinian People and the Athens Labor Center (EKA). A resolution prepared by organizers and pinned outside the two embassies said ''the President of the United States Bush and the Prime Minister of Great Britain Blair are preparing war machines to intervene in Iraq with the sole purpose of controlling oil in the Gulf, provocatively ignoring international reactions and stating at the same time that they will strike wherever they want, whoever they want and whenever they want.'' The rally began at Eleftherias Park where the Solidarity Committee members condemned developments in the Middle East. ''Once again Sharon and his troops, ignoring the international community, invaded Palestinian territory and isolated President Arafat, demolishing everything existing around his offices,'' the resolution also said. EKA President Grigoris Felonis said in an address ''we are a people who international propaganda will not succeed in misleading, no matter how hard it tries, and we know how to denounce history's organized plans of genocide to date.'' The demonstrators shouted ''silence is complicity'' and called with their slogans on the people of Athens and all Greeks to raise their voices ''to avert whatever barbaric plans kill thousands of innocent fellow men of ours in the world.'' In a related event, about 50 hooded anarchists, who had gathered on the hill in the park, attacked journalists with helmets, stones and sticks, slightly injuring them and damaging two vans belonging to television channels. Members of the Solidarity Committee accused police of not trying to protect journalists. The incident came to an end after members of the Solidarity Committee and the Genoa 2001 Initiative intervened. [15] Greek EU presidency aims to support SMEsAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the backbone of European economy accounting for 99 percent of all enterprises in the EU, will be one of policy priorities of the Greek EU presidency, beginning January 1, 2003.Focus will be given to issues relating to SMEs activity and competitiveness in the first half of next year and in particular a European Charter for SMEs, a Green Book on Business activity, Electronic Commerce and Small enterprises. The Greek presidency also plans to promote measures for the support of SMEs and boosting their competitiveness through the use of new technologies and adopting innovative methods and procedures. The Greek government is also expected to support establishing a pan-European week for business activity, called "Business Days", to help promote business activity among younger Europeans. During the Greek presidency, three special events will be held in Thessaloniki, Athens and Heraklion, on SMEs activity and electronic business. A European Charter for SMEs was adopted by an EU summit in Feira, Portugal, June 2000 and was aiming to help promote the European economy as the most competitive and dynamic economy in the world by 2010. [16] Net EU inflows to Greece account for 3.5 percent ofGDP BRUSSELS 27/09/2002 (ANA - V. Demiris)Net inflows to Greece from the European Union's budget amounted to 4.513 billion euros in 2001 and account for 3.5 percent of GDP.This figure is the highest among the five countries (Greece, Spain, Ireland, Portugal and Britain) having a net benefit from EU funds. A report by the European Commission publicized here on Thursday on the allocation of EU funds for each member-state in 2001 mentions this development. Countries benefiting the most from EU funds after Greece are Portugal with 1.53 percent, Spain 1.24 percent, Ireland 1.13 percent and Britain 0.05 percent. [17] Gov't comments on Eurostat data on poverty levels in GreeceAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)Asked to comment on data provided with a recent Eurostat report showing poverty levels in Greece higher than the EU average, government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Thursday said that the important question was whether Greece was converging or moving away from that average.Protopapas affirmed that Greece was indeed moving closer to the average European poverty rates, as concluded through the review of individual report sections. Unemployment has dropped by almost 2 percent, the government spokesman said. Besides, he said, it is known that social expenditures are currently ranging around 25.5 percent of the Gross National Product (GNP), while the EU average is a mere 1.2 percent higher. Protopapas said that a few years ago that difference was almost double, however, a large part of it has been covered thanks to resources gained from growth and by linking growth to social policy through a just distribution of the GNP. With a series of measures such as tax reforms, we are managing to gradually converge with the social expenditures average as a percentage of the EU GNP, the government spokesman concluded. [18] OTE officials arrive in Bucharest for talks with RomTelecom counterpartsAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)A Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) delegation arrived in Bucharest on Thursday to discuss problems that arose concerning RomTelecom, of which the Greek firm owns a considerable stake.Discussions with officials of RomTelecom and the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development will be conducted on the basis of an agreement that was signed in June. According to a press release issued by OTE, when the talks between the delegates arrive at a concluding agreement, OTE President Lefteris Antonakopoulos will visit the Romanian capital. On his part, Antonakopoulos reiterated that the interest of OTE in the Romanian market remains unchanged. [19] Agriculture EU commissioner meets with agriculture ministerAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)Visiting European Commissioner Franz Fischler, responsible for EU farm and fisheries policy, on Thursday had a meeting with Agriculture Minister George Drys, during which the two men exchanged views on the Greek EU presidency and the interim revision of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).''At the agriculture ministry'', the commissioner said at a press conference following the meeting, ''I saw a satisfactory preparation. I feel that Mr. Dry's contribution is decisive''. He said that CAP was not negotiable and that it was necessary for European farming. The interim revision, he said, was designed to balance out some inequalities and offer safe products to consumers. Replying to questions, Fischler said that the Greek presidency had two big issues to deal with, the interim CAP revision and the EU enlargement. The commissioner also said that proposals on Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) for the Mediterranean were going to be publicized within the next few days and gave advance notice about an upcoming adaptation of the Community regulation on cotton. The current regulation, the commissioner said, was voted at Greece's suggestion. ''Now that we found that it has problems, we can deal with them'', he added. [20] Major US investments in Thrace's Technological ParkAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)A delegation of investors from leading US Information Technology (IT) companies on Thursday expressed strong interest for participation in the project for the development of the Technological Park in Thrace, northern Greece.During a meeting with Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos investors from IT giants such as General Electric Capital Corporation, Microsoft, Intel, Oracle, Braxton Inc., Dinero Securities and Capital Global Financial Concepts, informed the minister of their intention to participate in the effort, as well as in the financial scheme of the project, pointing to its importance for the local community and its potential to evolve into a high-tech hub for the broader Balkan region. The development ministry said that of the 34-million-Euro total budget estimated for the project, 50 percent will be US investors participation while the remainder will be financed by the ministry's ''Competitiveness'' business program. [21] Development ministry urges for harbor improvement worksAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)Development Deputy Minister Dimitris Georgakopoulos on Thursday urged local authorities to begin works of improving harbor facilities around the country with the aim to offer better tourist services.In a letter sent to local authorities, Mr. Georgakopoulos said that such projects would be funded by EU funds and that they would be implemented in parallel with a program of works to improve boat marinas in Greece. "The benefits resulting to local societies and to the development of local markets are obvious, as tourists seeking sea tourism were generally of higher income and spend almost double money compared with the average tourist visiting Greece," he said. [22] Helexpo announces Zootechnia and Infosystem trade fairsAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)Agriculture Deputy Minister Fotis Hatzimichalis will inaugurate on Friday this year's Zootechnia 2002 international trade fair at the ''N.Germanos'' conference center of the Thessaloniki International Trade Center.The trade fair on livestock breeding is organized by Helexpo and will last until September 29. Helexpo also announced that a total of 435 exhibitors already have expressed formal interest for participating in this year's 16th Infosystem international trade fair, to be held at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair October 3-6. Infosystem is one of the biggest IT trade fairs in Southeastern Europe. [23] Olympic Airways cancels flights due to air traffic controllers' strikeAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)Olympic Airways on Thursday said it was canceling nine flights scheduled for Friday and it was changing flight times to another 38 flights the same day due to a repeat four-hour work stoppage by air traffic controllers (scheduled for 12.00-16.00 h local time).Greece's national air carrier said it was canceling return flights from Athens to Rhodes, Tirana, Heraklion, Mykonos, Karpathos, Santorini and Chios and return flights from Rhodes to Karpathos and Kassos and from Thessaloniki to Ioannina. [24] Merchant marine minister addresses event on International Maritime DayAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)Merchant Marine Minister George Anomeritis on Thursday stressed the necessity for an ''attitude of safety'' in marine enterprising, which is his ministry's focal aim.Anomeritis made the statement during an event for ''International Maritime Day 2002''. The minister underlined that maritime activities should develop on a voluntary basis and not by force. ''On the issue of effective security, our basic position is the belief that it cannot be achieved by the actions of one or several maritime agencies, but rather by the common effort of all the elements that comprise the Greek maritime enterprise,'' Anomeritis said. The minister went on to analyze the policy of the Greek government in the sector. [25] Greek stocks continue recovering in ASEAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)Greek stocks continued rebounding on Thursday in the Athens Stock Exchange following a recovery in international markets.The general index soared 2.36 percent to end at 1,879.50 points, at the day's highs, with turnover remaining a disappointing low 94.1 million euros. The Textile, Wholesale, Telecommunications and Construction sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (5.65 percent, 4.28 percent, 3.62 percent and 3.12 percent, respectively). The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 2.24 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 1.67 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 2.43 percent up. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 293 to 47 with another 20 issues unchanged. The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Informatics, Coca Cola, Klonatex, and OPAP. Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 91.5 mln euros on Thursday Equity Index Futures: Stock Futures: Day's Market Turnover: 91.5 mln euros. Bond Market Close: Turnover unchanged at 4.68 bln euros on Thursday Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond [26] Trial of ex-publisher convicted in Laliotis' slander suit continuesAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)A high-profile forgery trial emanating from charges brought by former public works minister and current ruling PASOK secretary Costas Laliotis against the publisher of a defunct Athens tabloid continued on Thursday before a three-judge appellate court.Laliotis was initially awarded 100 million drachmas (300,000 euros) by a first instance court which found nightclub entrepreneur, racehorse owner and ex-publisher Makis Psomiadis guilty of slander. A three-year sentence was handed down for that conviction. A 1996 front-page story in Psomiadis’ now defunct “To Onoma” tabloid claimed that Laliotis had received a hefty kickback for making sure the Hochtief consortium won the right to build and operate the new Athens airport at Spata. The paper also ran a photograph of a foreign bank check it claimed was the kickback, although the check was later proven to have been forged. In three hours of testimony on Thursday, Laliotis reiterated that he believes Psomiadis himself forged the check in order benefit financially and to serve “the interests of third parties”. He also charged that the Greek state would have incurred billions of drachmas in damages in the event the European Union interrupted funding for the new airport, something he said the contested article aimed to provoke. The trial was delayed over the past few days due to Psomiadis’ hospitalization for precautionary reasons, as he personal doctor stated in court documents. However, he was released on Wednesday hours before the popular Greek football club he controls – AEK Athens – hosted AS Roma in Champions League play, thus allowing for a continuation on Thursday. [27] Alternate FM addresses assembly on future of EuropeAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis, speaking during a discussion on the Conference for the Future of Europe on Thursday, said the success of the European Union cannot be economic alone and the issues of defense policy and whatever is related to them should be developed in parallel.The event was organized by the Greek Center of European Studies (EKEM). According to Yiannitsis' address, issues concerning European defense policy and whatever is related to them, realistically speaking, cannot take place over a short period of time. Yiannitsis further said the fact is now visible that either or not Europe wants to, and whether it can or not, it is called on to play a more dynamic role on the international scene, a supplementary role at international level, since political developments were rapid and pose new issues requiring solutions. [28] Athens businessman guilty for three 1999 earthquake deathsAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)An Athens businessman was on Thursday found guilty on charges of manslaughter due to negligence for the death of three people, including that of his own daughter, during the devastating earthquake that hit the Greek capital on 7 September 1999.The three-judge misdemeanor court of Athens served Panayiotis Kalavrytinos, the owner of a plastic bottles manufacturing unit, with an 18-month sentence after deciding by a 2-1 vote that he was responsible for the three fatalities that took place when his factory collapsed during the 1999 earthquake. The court said that Kalavrytinos was guilty for manslaughter due to negligence because he had failed to comply with building construction regulations, since, prior to the 1999 earthquake, he had failed to repair damages that his factory had suffered during the 1981 earthquakes and from a fire in 1994. Kalavrytinos was released after filing an appeal against the decision. [29] Archaeology service OKs work at Olympic venue in MarathonAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)The influential Central Archaeological Council (KAS) on Thursday provided the “green light” for the continuation of closely watched construction of an Olympic rowing center near the ancient Marathon battlefield.The ruling follows the recent discovery of three pre-Mycenaean era settlements in an area where works for the major 2004 Games venue were taking place. However, KAS said the three sites are not located on the spot where the Battle of Marathon took place during Classical antiquity. (more) [30] Israeli teens recount tragic consequences of suicide bombingsAthens, 27/09/2002 (ANA)The tragic consequences of the ongoing two-year cycle of violence in the Middle East were painfully evident during a press briefing in the Greek capital on Thursday, as five Israeli teenagers talked about the dramatic effects that separate suicide bombings have had on their lives.The five teens arrived in Greece on Sunday as part of a group of 140 youths hosted in the SE Mediterranean country this week. Their visit follows an invitation by the Central Union of Greek Municipalities (KEDKE) in cooperation with the Israeli embassy in Athens. Speaking to a handful of reporters at the Israeli embassy, Katya, 18, recounted how she was severely injured during the June 1, 2001 suicide bombing of the “Dolphinarium” disco in Tel Aviv, a “teen hangout” frequented by repatriates from the former USSR. “I told the doctors that it was better to die than to lose my legs,” she said, before tearfully mentioning that she’s undergone six operations since then, with another three planned. Fifteen-year-old Igor – who emigrated with his family to Israel from Uzbekistan when he was a child -- recounted how he took a bus ride to school earlier one morning rather than the normal time he usually boarded route No. 35, thus avoiding a bomb attack. However, as the morning progress he realized that his mother was among the fatally injured victims. [31] Schwimmer warns Turkey over threats against CyprusSTRASBOURG 27/09/2002 (CNA/ANA)Turkey's membership to the Council of Europe (CoE) will be questioned if it tries to solve its conflict with Cyprus or any other CoE member-state with the use of arms, CoE Secretary General, Walter Schwimmer, has told CNA.During a meeting with the press on the sidelines of the plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Schwimmer was asked by CNA to comment on threats by Turkish officials that there will be no limit to Turkey's reaction if Cyprus enters the European Union before a solution to the Cyprus problem. Schwimmer replied that if the Turks mean ''intervention by arms, then it would be the same case as in Caucasus. My answer is the same, it is no possible to accept that conflicts between two member-states of the CoE could be solved with the use of arms'', he said, adding that in such a case ''the membership of that country could be in question''. Invited to comment on the situation in Turkey before the general elections there, Schwimmer said that since ''Turkey is under the monitoring of the Parliamentary Assembly, the Assembly is obliged to observe the elections in Turkey''. Schwimmer expressed his hope ''that it will be accepted and respected by the Turkish authorities.'' Commenting on the political prisoners in Turkey, Schwimmer said that in his previous capacity as Rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly for Turkey, he had already recommended ''to release these former parliamentarians from the prison''. The SG of the CoE also talked about the efforts of the CoE to contribute to a safer, peaceful and prosperous Europe where every citizen could travel anywhere on the continent without a visa. ''So'', he concluded, ''I bear in mind we have to work harder and to try further to get a united Europe, where its people can move free, but we are far away from that''. [32] Washington is actively involved in efforts to solve Cyprus problemWASHINGTON 27/09/2002 (CNA/ANA)The United States fully back UN Secretary-General's efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem.US State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher stated on Wednesday that his country has always played an active role in Cyprus with the parties. Replying to a question whether the United States were going to get involved in the meetings the UN Secretary-General is scheduled to have early October in New York with President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, Boucher said: ''We have always played an active role in Cyprus with the parties. We stay in close touch with the parties, particularly when it comes to meetings like these. As you know, the UN is more directly involved in the meetings themselves. But you can be assured that we're keeping in close touch with the parties.'' [33] Turkey violates human rights in Cyprus, says PACE rapporteurNICOSIA 27/09/2002 (CNA/ANA)A Council of Europe rapporteur for Cyprus has concluded that Turkey continues to violate the human rights of Greek Cypriots and Maronites, living in the island's Turkish occupied areas.In his report to the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the Committee's rapporteur Dick Marty said he agreed with a judgment by the European Court of Human Rights which found Turkey guilty of violating the rights of Greek Cypriot displaced people, and especially of enclaved persons in occupied Cyprus. He said he was shocked by what he saw during a visit to the island and by the continuing division of the country. After the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, some 20,000 Greek Cypriots remained in their homes. Now there are about 500, most of them elderly. Educational and religious rights are restricted and so is freedom of movement. The Swiss rapporteur expressed regret that UN-led direct talks on the Cyprus issue have not yet reached a just solution to the problem. In an attempt to refute Marty's arguments, the Turkish delegation at PACE claimed that the human rights of the enclaved are not violated and measures are taken by the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime in occupied Cyprus to secure their well-being and security. The Turkish deputies also claimed that his conclusions were hastily reached had suggested that the discussion of the report should be postponed and the rapporteur should make a fresh visit to Cyprus. Marty refused to postpone the debate and said the regime in occupied Cyprus has applied various policies which essentially forced enclaved Greek Cypriots and Maronites to leave. ''I stand by my views on the matter,'' he said. The discussion of the report is expected to be concluded in the next meeting of the Committee and then referred to the plenary of the Assembly at the beginning of 2003. In his remarks, Cyprus MP Christos Pourgourides said the Greek Cypriot side will not accept the Turkish claim to postpone the debate, because the issue of the enclaved is a humanitarian one and it is a matter of great urgency. New rapporteur appointed: The Political Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) appointed on Thursday Matyas Eorsi, new Rapporteur for Cyprus. Eorsi, who is a member of the Hungarian delegation to PACE, succeeds his Hungarian colleague, Andras Barsony who served as the Committee's Rapporteur on Cyprus in the past few years. Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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