Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-10-02

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece hopes Cyprus to be slated for 'final stretch' to EU membership

[02] Turkish PM seen to tone down stance on Cyprus' EU accession

[03] FM meets with Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens

[04] Papandreou reiterates Athens' support for Turkey's EU prospects

[05] Restructure of Hellenic Armed Forces procurement system outlined in Defense News

[06] ND leader criticizes gov't policy from Kozani

[07] Richard Zink new director of European Agency for Reconstruction of Balkans

[08] Greek EU commissioner meets Euronem members

[09] Manolis Glezos opposes Greek involvement in planned Iraq war

[10] Former minister gives evidence in 'N17' case

[11] Justice minister backs ban on media images of detainees

[12] Demonstrators march in Athens to protest ''state terrorism''

[13] A. Papandreou Institute examines recent German elections

[14] Greece's current accounts deficit rises to 4.95 bln euros in Jan-July

[15] Greek commerce urges for SMEs commissioner post in EU

[16] 'Defendory ' trade fair opens in Piraeus

[17] Gov't may allow part-time work in local government

[18] National Bank leads Greek stocks to lower closing

[19] Gov't announces 26 kilometers of much needed metro extensions

[20] Sorensen elected new president of European Alliance of News Agencies

[21] Athens Academy inaugurates new medical research institute

[22] 5th int'l conference on Acropolis restoration begins

[23] Greece & Spain EU members with most violations of landfill directives

[24] Greece's 20 years in Europe commemorated in an album

[25] Controversial soccer executive, businessman convicted in forgery trial

[26] Supreme Court prosecutor proposes slander conviction of Roussel be upheld

[01] Greece hopes Cyprus to be slated for 'final stretch' to EU membership

Athens, 02/10/2002 (ANA)

Speaking after consultations with prime minister Costas Simitis and deputy FM Tasos Yiannitsis, ahead of an Athens visit by Danish prime minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Papandreou explained that very important decisions on EU enlargement would be taken the Brussels summit at end-October, including which of the candidate countries would be slated for the final stretch for the Copenhagen summit at the end of the year.

''We have every reason to believe that Cyprus will be among those countries,'' Papandreou said, adding that the island republic was a front-runner in its efforts for assimilation in the acquis communautaire, and ''we believe that all the appropriate moves have been made to ensure the best''.

Papandreou said that EU enlargement was ''a train that will not stop'', and that the EU was called on to strengthen itself from within that process.

Questioned on developments surrounding the prospect of an attack on Iraq, Papandreou said that the outcome was not known, and that the relevant discussion was still ongoing at the UN Security Council.

He expressed hope, however, that the first important step had been taken, given Saddam Hussein's gesture of good will, so that the doors would open, and that the next moves would lead to a diplomatic solution.

Simitis pledges support to Cyprus: Prime Minister Costas Simitis has assured that Greece will not stop backing Cyprus in its struggle for a comprehensive, just, permanent and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, based on UN resolutions.

He gave the assurance in a congratulatory telegram to President of the Republic Glafcos Clerides on the occasion of Tuesday's 42nd anniversary of the island's independence.

Simitis said Cyprus' accession to the European Union ''is Greece's top national priority''.

''Your excellent progress in the accession negotiations justifies our expectations that Cyprus can, very soon, join the European Union, to benefit all the residents of the island'', he said.

He also extended the Greek government's wishes and assured ''Greece will not cease to stand by in your struggle for a comprehensive, just, permanent and viable solution to the Cyprus problem, based on UN resolutions''.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

The island opened accession negotiations with the EU in 1998 and is expected to be called by the Copenhagen European Council in December to join the Union's ranks.

Hope for speedy Cyprus solution voiced on Cyprus independence anniversary: Greece on Tuesday expressed hope for a speedy solution of the Cyprus problem so that the single Cyprus State could return to its course, in a statement marking the 42nd anniversary of the island republic's independence.

Replying to questions on the Turkish threat that it would annex the Turkish-occupied northern sector of the island republic in the event that Cyprus gained EU membership prior to a solution of the island's political problem, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said that if Turkey resorted to such action "the only thing it will achieve is to place its own European course in doubt".

Questioned on prospects of obstruction of Cyprus' EU accession, Protopapas noted that there had been no such indication to the present, but added that if such a problem arose "Greece's stance will be particularly decisive".

[02] Turkish PM seen to tone down stance on Cyprus' EU accession

ISTANBUL 02/10/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

The Greek-Cypriots could join the EU on their own and Turkey might not like this but it would not make a huge fuss, Ecevit said in statements appearing in Tuesday's issue of the Turkish daily ''Hurriyet''.

There would be serious problems, however, if the EU did this without taking the existence of the self-styled ''Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'' into account, he added.

He was referring to the illegal breakaway state established in northern Cyprus after a Turkish invasion in 1974 that is recognized only by Ankara.

The Turkish premier was unrelenting, however, on the question of the Cyprus problem, saying his government would 'resist to the end'.

Ecevit avoided a direct answer when asked if EU-Turkey relations would revert to levels following the Luxembourg summit in 1997 if Turkey was not given a firm date for the start of accession negotiations and if EU leaders agreed to let Cyprus join the Community in Copenhagen.

In response to another question, the Turkish premier said that the two sides on Cyprus were now making efforts to find an intermediate solution and that a possible formula might be modeled after existing island states that had their own flags and laws but were linked to a ''base country'' in foreign relations.

He stressed, however, that if the EU insisted on such a stance the results would be dire.

''Think of it like this: On the one hand there is an island republic with a population of 600,000 and on the other hand there is Turkey, with a population of 70 million and a steadily increasing importance in the world,'' he noted.

Asked how Ankara would react if Turkey were given a date for the start of accession negotiations with conditions attached, Ecevit again stressed that Turkey would not accept an EU denial of the ''existence, autonomy and freedom'' of the illegal Turkish-Cypriot regime in northern Cyprus.

He also underlined that the Cyprus problem could not be one of the conditions for Turkey's full accession to the Community.

''We will be very determined. There might be a few intellectuals and politicians in Turkey who do not embrace my views but I believe that this is not the case for the great majority of public opinion. We cannot consider the 'TRNC' separately from Turkey,'' he said.

According to Ecevit, an autonomous Turkish-Cypriot state was important to Turkey from the point of view of security, and had become even more vital since the Baku-Ceyhan oil pipeline began.

''This is why we are so determined on this issue. Some circles feel annoyed with us. Certain intellectual circles in Istanbul act this way and I don't understand them. We will fight to the very end on this,'' the Turkish premier concluded.

The two sides on Cyprus have been engaged in intense talks for a final settlement in the run-up to the next wave of EU enlargement, though hopes that accession could act as a catalyst for a solution appear all but dashed on flinty Turkish intransigency.

The Greek Cypriots, who run the island's internationally recognized government, want a reunification based on a federal model of two ethnic regions, one Greek and the other Turkish. Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots want a union of two largely independent states.

[03] FM meets with Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens

Athens, 02/10/2002 (ANA)

Vartholomeos is in Greece for a four-day private visit that began on Sunday.

At the end of the meeting, Papandreou said that the topics of their discussion included the Patriarchate and Europe, since Vartholomeos is to meet with European Commission President Romano Prodi.

The Greek minister also said that issues pertaining to the dialogue of religions, the relations of Europe with Turkey and the enlargement process of the European Union were discussed.

Papandreou concluded stressing Greece's support for the just efforts of the Patriarchate to establish its rights in a space it occupies for centuries and thanked Vartholomeos for his efforts and especially those that concern the European course of Turkey.

On his part, Vartholomeos expressed his joy for his meeting with Papandreou, with whom he said he is connected with a long-time friendship, also saying that issues of common interest were discussed.

"He briefed me on his recent contacts in Europe with Mr. Prodi. We are trying to coordinate some issues concerning the Patriarchate, which does not become entangled in political issues, rather it in the European scene it can have a substantial weight," the Patriarch said.

Vartholomeos meets with deputy FM Magriotis: Visiting Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos on Tuesday met with deputy foreign minister Yannis Magriotis, who stressed the important spiritual and social role played by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

Magriotis, who is the foreign ministry official responsible for Church issues, noted that the Ecumenical Patriarchate's role had also been acknowledged recently by Ankara.

Ankara, he said, was taking small steps, which the Greek side hoped would be completed as that would be to the benefit of Turkey itself but also of Istanbul as an ecumenical city.

The two men discussed the new international initiatives planned by the Patriarch, the inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, and also the ecological initiatives which Magriotis said were very important and which the foreign ministry and entire Greek state supported.

[04] Papandreou reiterates Athens' support for Turkey's EU prospects

Athens, 02/10/2002 (ANA)

Papandreou noted, characteristically, that Greece is in the “forefront of those countries supporting Turkey’s accession”.

He also thanked Ozilhan for TUSIAD’s efforts to further expand the ongoing Greek-Turkish rapprochement, while saying that the Cyprus issue was also discussed.

“We believe the Cyprus issue’s solution will further improve Greek-Turkish relations,” the Greek FM stressed.

On his part, the well-known Turkish industrialist lauded Greece and Papandreou, personally, for the latest efforts at strengthening bilateral relations and for support of Ankara’s EU accession prospects.

“As you know, Turkey is anxiously awaiting the EU Summit in Copenhagen, from which we expect a date for accession negotiations to begin,” he said.

[05] Restructure of Hellenic Armed Forces procurement system outlined in Defense News

WASHINGTON 02/10/2002 (ANA - A. Ellis)

In the interview, Travlos outlined the planned restructure of the procurements system in the context of the ongoing modernization program of the Hellenic Armed Forces.

Travlos also noted the completion of the procurement of battle tanks, attack and transport helicopters, and also corvettes for the Navy, in the context of the 2001-2005 armed forces armaments program, which he explained was the second such program in a 3-stage 15-year procurements plan.

He further stressed the desire for the greatest possible participation of Greek companies in defense procurements.

A chart accompanying the interview notes that since 1996, Greece has signed 330 contracts for defense procurements worth a total 19 billion euros, of which 34 percent of the orders have been placed in the US, 24 percent in Germany, 14 percent in France, and 12 percent in Greece.

[06] ND leader criticizes gov't policy from Kozani

Athens, 02/10/2002 (ANA)

Karamanlis, who was speaking in the northern city of Kozani, added that the government has given all it had to give and can do no more.

He further said the results of government policy are easily distinguishable all over the country and in all sectors: in health, education, public services and administration.

''The failure of economic policy is even more clear, which is depicted in detail at the stock exchange and which, according to the prime minister, would rise after the elections but turned into a disaster for a million and a half investors and a number of public enterprises,'' he said.

Karamanlis went on to say that his party is optimistic about the future, which can be built together, and provides a substantive content to the meanings of trust and participation.

Addressing the citizens of Kozani, Karamanlis said ''our message is clear: come with us to unite forces and coordinate our efforts on common targets. Society has overcome the trenches of the past and is seeking a new prospect and a living hope. We have left the past aside and are forging ahead, extending our hands to all Greek women and Greek men.''

[07] Richard Zink new director of European Agency for Reconstruction of Balkans

BRUSSELS 02/10/2002 (ANA - B. Dimiris)

Zink has been 15 years with the European Commission, which seconded him in May 2001 to hold the position of Head of Operations in the Agency's Belgrade office.

The Agency has its headquarters in Thessaloniki, and operational centers in Belgrade, Pristina, Podgorica and Skopje.

It employs some 300 staff. Its current mandate, under Council Regulation (EC) No 2667/2000, runs until December 2004.

The Board of the Agency congratulated Zink on his appointment, and also expressed its appreciation to Mr. Hugues Mingarelli (who held the post of Director from February 2000 until July 2002), for his significant contribution to the success of the Agency.

The European Agency for Reconstruction is a key player in delivering EC assistance to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), in support of the EU's process of 'Stabilization and Association' in the region.

The Agency was created in February 2000, as the successor to the European Commission Task Force for Kosovo.

Its mandate was extended to include the whole of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in December 2000, and subsequently the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in December 2001.

It now manages some 1.6 billion euro across its four operational centers: Kosovo 830 million euro, Serbia 560 million euro, the FYROM 186 million euro, and Montenegro 74 million euro.

[08] Greek EU commissioner meets Euronem members

Athens, 02/10/2002 (ANA)

Diamantopoulou referred among others to European strategy on employment issues, the combatting of poverty, access for women to the labor market on equal terms and the need for a European army to safeguard the EU's borders.

The meeting was organized by the EU as part of a briefing on European issues at the initiative of Euronem President Nasia Mihalopoulou.

[09] Manolis Glezos opposes Greek involvement in planned Iraq war

Athens, 02/10/2002 (ANA)

''Humanity is giving humanization examinations,'' Glezos said, adding that ''the threat of a world war is placing each person before his responsibilities.''

Glezos said that the Greek government should proclaim that it will not participate and at the same time condemn the planned war.

He said the role of NATO should be ''exposed'', which is not at all defensive despite what has been said to the contrary, and went on to add that ''the role of NATO is not defensive when it participates in aggressive acts, as was the case in Yugoslavia and is about to take place in Iraq now.''

Glezos believes the main reasons why a war is being planned against Iraq are two. The first is control of oil deposits and the second the desire of weapons industries in the United States to sell their products.

[10] Former minister gives evidence in 'N17' case

Athens, 02/10/2002 (ANA)

The attack on Petsos had been made through a booby-trapped car near his home in Filothei.

Through his lawyer Sakis Kehagioglou, Petsos filed for the face-to-face interrogation of eyewitnesses with Christodoulos and Savvas Xiros and Dimitris Koufodinas, three top N17 suspects.

He also asked that the three suspects be brought in to give additional evidence, that eyewitnesses be questioned again, that debris from the explosive device used against him be re-examined and for the comparison of hand-writing on a note found near the site of the attack with notes by the suspects accused in connection with N17.

Petsos has also filed a civil suit in the N17 case.

[11] Justice minister backs ban on media images of detainees

Athens, 02/10/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to 'Flash' radio, Petsalnikos announced that the justice ministry was preparing a bill to protect the public, especially the under aged, from this sort of publicity.

According to the minister, the bill would introduce rules for media coverage of trial proceedings and would not allow radio and television cameras in courtrooms during trials.

In exceptional cases, TV cameras would be given special permission to broadcast trials by the courts, when these judged that the public had a legitimate interest in the case involved, while there would also be strict guidelines governing the use of hidden cameras.

[12] Demonstrators march in Athens to protest ''state terrorism''

Athens, 02/10/2002 (ANA)

Organized by the “Rally Against State Terrorism” the march was held with the participation of the extra-parliamentary left, anarchists and other small groups.

Organizers said that the march advocated “resistance against state terrorism and the terrorism related riffraff of the mass media”, while in a written resolution they said “the state is the sole terrorist” and that the struggle will continue until “the terrorist-state stops its barbaric behavior against the citizens”.

Some of the marchers chanted slogans for two suspected terrorists who died a few years ago, while “pro-November 17” slogans were written on the walls of buildings on a central Athens street.

After eluding arrest for 27 years, the terrorist group November 17 was disbanded by authorities last summer.

[13] A. Papandreou Institute examines recent German elections

Athens, 02/10/2002 (ANA)

German Socialdemocrat Deputy and member of the party's presidium Skarpeli-Sperk expressed regret over the absence of the previous government's justice minister from the new German government.

Addressing the same event, PASOK Deputy Paraskevas Avgerinos stressed the importance of election results in Germany and Sweden in relation to Europe's independence from the United States and the reversal of the trend towards more conservative and far-right political movements taking place on the continent until recently.

[14] Greece's current accounts deficit rises to 4.95 bln euros in Jan-July

Athens, 02/10/2002 (ANA)

The central bank said that the wider deficit reflected Greece's low competitiveness and negative developments in this year's tourist market. Current accounts figures also reflect a trend by Greek investors to put their money abroad and not in the domestic market.

The Bank of Greece attributed the higher current accounts deficit to: a wider trade deficit, a larger shortfall in the incomes balance and a wider deficit in the transfer balance.

Greek exports' value fell by around one billion euros to 6.0 billion euros, while imports eased to 19 billion euros, from 19.5 billion in the same period last year, with the trade deficit increasing by 172 million euros to 13 billion euros.

The services' surplus rose by 544 million euros, with tourist foreign exchange rising to 5.796 billion euros in the January-July period, from 5.712 billion last year, while payments on tourism and transport eased to 6.7 billion euros from 7.6 billion over the same period.

The incomes' deficit rose in January-July reflecting higher net payment for interest, dividend and profits.

The transfer surplus fell in the first seven months of 2002 following a reduction of net transfers from the European Union, higher government payments and lower net revenues.

The financial balance showed a net outflow of 333 million euros, despite 6.056 billion euros net inflows in the investment fund sector.

The Bank of Greece said that the country's foreign exchange reserves totalled 8.6 billion euros at the end of July.

[15] Greek commerce urges for SMEs commissioner post in EU

Athens, 02/10/2002 (ANA)

The request was presented to Foreign Deputy Minister Tassos Yiannitsis in the framework on the Greek government's preparations to take over the EU's presidency in the first half of 2003.

The Confederation submitted a memorandum to Mr. Yiannitsis, calling for actions to support SMEs, creating a SMEs commissioner post in the EU, speeding up procedures for the European Authority on Food Safety and supporting companies investing in Southeastern Europe.

[16] 'Defendory ' trade fair opens in Piraeus

Athens, 02/10/2002 (ANA)

There are 500 companies from 35 countries taking part in this year's Defendory, which ends on October 5 and features land, sea and air weapons systems. Russia is particularly strongly represented, with 35 companies and the same number of pavilions.

In statements at the opening, Papantoniou noted the need for a unified European strategy for the defense industry, while reiterating that the Greek government planned to increase its support of the domestic arms industry over the next 3-4 years, upping its contribution to arms programs from 12 to 20 per cent.

He also announced that developments in Iraq would be discussed by EU defense ministers in Rethymno on October 4-5.

Gen. Yves Gleizes to head French delegation in ''Defendory 20: The French delegation to the ''Defendory 2002'' exhibition in Athens will be headed by Gen. Yves Gleizes, who will represent the French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie, according to a press release issued by the French Embassy in Athens.

Gen. Gleizes, who is the general director of France's armaments, will participate in the exhibition on Friday.

The presence of the French defense industry in the exhibition is a notable one and will take place under the auspices of DGA, France's general directorate for armaments.

[17] Gov't may allow part-time work in local government

Athens, 02/10/2002 (ANA)

The move to aid employment was discussed at a meeting between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Labor Minister Dimitris Reppas. They also looked at the cost of overtime, and boosting employment for women and youth.

The cabinet is due to meet on Thursday to debate measures for the labor market, with the prime minister expected to announce any final decisions.

[18] National Bank leads Greek stocks to lower closing

Athens, 02/10/2002 (ANA)

The general index fell 0.25 percent to end at 1,832.97 points, with turnover a low 60.4 million euros.

National Bank's shares plunged 8.5 percent, pushing the market lower.

The Insurance, Bank and Base Metal sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (2.36 percent, 1.61 percent and 1.08 percent, respectively), while the Textile (2.50 percent), Construction (2.27 percent) and IT (1.37 percent) sectors scored the biggest percentage gains.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks eased 0.78 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 0.42 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.04 percent higher.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 175 to 144 with another 38 issues unchanged.

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

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 72.7 mln euros Tuesday

Equity Index Futures: