Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-10-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM pledges to keep Greece safe after briefing at public order ministry

[02] Greece supports a positive message to Turkey from Copenhagen, FM says

[03] Commission decision an 'important step' in Cyprus' accession course

[04] USA welcomes EU Commission's issuance of enlargement reports

[05] Turkish daily cites Wed. phone contacts between Greek, Turkish FMs

[06] DM meets French counterpart, discusses bilateral, European issues

[07] DM meets French Socialist Party leader

[08] Public order minister to visit U.S. on October 21-23

[09] FM receives U.S. ambassador to Athens on Thursday

[10] Bulgarian FM meets with Ecumenical Patriarch

[11] Athens mayoral candidate Christos Papoutsis addresses rally

[12] Interior minister gives update on electoral rolls

[13] SDOE inspection causes latest political furor

[14] SYN leader slams parties for their pre-election campaign approach

[15] UK diplomat's widow offers pre-trial testimony in 'N17'-related case

[16] Deputy FM meets NGO representatives in Athens

[17] Minister implicated in scratch lotto case, file sent to Parliament

[18] Greek trade with EU candidates almost quadruples

[19] Hellenic Petroleum signs agreement for the purchase of JPK's 54.35 pct stake

[20] Greek banks adopt EU's voluntary code on housing loans

[21] Intrasoft International signs 4.75 mln-euro contract with EU

[22] Budget revenues up 8.2 pct in Jan-Sept, exceed target

[23] GDP up 0.3 pct in second quarter vs first quarter

[24] GSEE's Polyzogopoulos voted as VP of Euro labor grouping

[25] Gov't to set up exports policy advisory board

[26] Economist to hold banking conference in Athens

[27] Pilots to stage four-hour work stoppage on Tuesday

[28] Selective buying helps ASE to end higher on Thursday

[29] EU-IOC program on Olympic education

[30] International meeting on 'Balkan and intra-Balkan Migration'

[31] SAE president invited to attend White House reception

[32] Education ministry announces university admission results

[33] President: EU decision on Cyprus not the end of the road

[34] Poos: Turkey can forget its EU membership if it annexes northern Cyprus

[01] PM pledges to keep Greece safe after briefing at public order ministry

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

''We want Greece to be a safe country and, according to crime rates at this time, Greece is the safest country in Europe, he stressed.

In order to achieve this goal, he added, Greek authorities had initiated a number of programs and made every effort to solve the work-related and individual problems of those working in the security and emergency services.

During his visit, he met with Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis, National Intelligence Service (EYP) chief Pavlos Apostolidis, police chief Fotis Nasiakos, fire department chief Panagiotis Fourlas and the heads of the security forces.

Simitis particularly stressed a neighborhood police program, where each neighborhood would have its own police officer who was known to the local residents and would look after their safety in collaboration with his precinct.

According to the premier, the Greek police was banking on this particular program to increase the public's sense of safety and planned to extend it to all neighborhoods in country by 2004.

Regarding security concerns expressed in the past about the Olympic Games in 2004, the prime minister said that everyone now realized that Greece was a safe country and that security preparations during the 22 months remaining before the Olympiad, would make the Games absolutely safe.

Commenting on terrorism, meanwhile, the premier described this as a ''black page'' in recent Greek history but stressed that the problem had been finally be solved by the government after having scourged the country for 27 years.

He also referred to a series of other initiatives related to organized crime, the fire department and safety on roads and other forms of transport, such as the special safety plans for the tunnels on roads, the metro and the natural gas grid.

He particularly stressed the success of the 'Kath'Odon' program to reduce traffic accidents by 20 per cent in the year 2000, which had exceeded the target and achieved a 25 per cent reduction and would now be revised upward.

[02] Greece supports a positive message to Turkey from Copenhagen, FM says

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

Papandreou did not rule out the possibility of the assigning of a date for the initiation of accession negotiations for Turkey, once the issue is discussed with the other 14 ministers of the Union.

''No one expected that Turkey would have been given the green light to enter the European Union in the immediate future or in a such a short time ... what Turkey is requesting is a clearer course to the European Union, something which we consider positive,'' the Greek minister said.

''There should be just such a stance ... this is not the responsibility of the European Union alone. It is, first of all, the responsibility of Turkey itself to respond to the criteria, the preconditions posed by the European Union for all states that want membership, for all candidate countries,'' he added.

''Greece believes that Turkey's European course of has contributed first beyond all to the decrease of tension between the two countries, it has initiated a new dynamic in the resolution of the Cyprus issue, whether that happens before or after the accession of Cyprus. It has initiated a domestic dialogue in Turkey for its European course, something which we have not witnessed ever before in history and it has given birth to a hope, in any event, for a substantial Europeanization of Turkey,'' Papandreou said.

''This will be to the benefit of the Turkish people, of democracy - if you so wish - in that country and I would say also to the benefit of stability in the wider region. Thus, we are for the continuation of this course,'' he stressed.

Regarding the issue of setting a date for the initiation of Turkey's EU entry negotiations, Papandreou said that "it is a matter of the evaluation by the Commission as well, which definitely shows several deficits (of Turkey) but it is also a political decision , whether we want to keep Turkey on a European track".

''Thus, I believe, that a positive message should be given to Turkey in Copenhagen. The degree to which it can be a specific date or not, I believe, should be discussed with the other 14 ministers,'' Papandreou said.

Responding to a comment by the interviewing journalist that this response seemed a ''why not'' in diplomatic words, the foreign minister said ''and why not? Yes. I believe we can say that as well''.

Commenting on the decision of the European Commission for Cyprus, Papandreou called it one of ''historic significance'', stressing, however, that it is not a ''final decision''.

He assessed that until Copenhagen ''there will be a substantial effort on Cyprus, on the part of the United Nations, for the resolution of the problem with the possible tabling of a solution plan by the UN''.

''We as a country should be ready for any and all scenarios. We have discussed with the relevant ministries of Greece and Cyprus concerning the possible reactions. The message, however, that not only Greece, but the European Union, sends to Turkey is that erratic reactions will result in the backtracking of Turkey's European course, and thus the best solution is to find a political settlement for the Cyprus problem as soon as possible, so as Cyprus, united any more, to enter the European Union,'' he said.

Speaking of possible direct fallout from the accession to the Greek-Turkish relations, Papandreou assessed that the ''stage has changed totally ... we have a totally different condition than the one we had several years ago''.

[03] Commission decision an 'important step' in Cyprus' accession course

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

The Commission on Wednesday gave the green light for completion of EU entry talks with 10 candidate countries, including Cyprus, but did not set a date for the commencement of talks with Turkey.

Replying to press questions, Protopapas said that ''we still have a long way ahead of us, and we must all be united, because there are, and there will be, reactions''.

''Our international presence and systematic work are the factors that can guarantee good results. Cyprus' accession concerns the EU, and the international community can exercise its own influence in the direction of a Cyprus solution in accordance with the UN resolutions,'' Protopapas said.

Regarding Turkey's European course, Protopapas reiterated Greece's firm position of being supportive of the Turkish effort.

Asked to comment on Turkish threats to annex the occupied sector of Cyprus in the event the island republic joined the EU before a settlement of the political problem was achieved, Protopapas commented that Turkey ''will think very hard as to whether it should put its European course into doubt and clash with the EU''.

He expressed belief that the ''more lucid views will prevail'', adding that Greece was working firmly, seriously and responsibly for the achievement of positive results.

On speculations that the UN secretary general would submit a draft solution for the Cyprus issue, Protopapas observed that that was possible, adding that he wanted to believe that such a draft, if forthcoming, would be within the framework of the UN, in which case it would be examined by Athens and Nicosia.

In any event, he continued, that would not be related to Cyprus' EU entry.

[04] USA welcomes EU Commission's issuance of enlargement reports

WASHINGTON 11/10/2002 (ANA-T.Ellis/CNA)

''We've worked with them. Both we and the Europeans support the efforts of the (UN) Secretary General in that regard'', Boucher told his press briefing late on Wednesday.

Welcoming the European Commission's report recommending accession of 10 countries to the EU, Boucher noted that ''it represents another important step towards making the accession of a significant number of countries a reality.''

Asked to comment on the European Commission's refusal to offer Turkey a date to open EU accession talks, he reiterated US position that ''Turkey's future is in Europe.''

''We made clear overall that while we're not a member of the European Union, we certainly believe its expansion is a positive and constructive process. It broadens the zone of political stability and economic prosperity in Europe,'' the State Department official said.

He added that ''it's in the strategic interest of the United States and the European Union, of Turkey and the European Union, that Turkey and the European Union build the closest possible relationship.''

Noting that the US supports ''Turkey's aspirations to become a member of the European Union,'' Boucher said that ''we see the European Union's report as a positive step in that direction''.

''As the European Union's report noted, Turkey has taken major and positive reform steps in recent months and the Commission recommends that the European Union enhance its pre-accession assistance to Turkey. We hope the European Union will begin accession talks with Turkey as soon as possible,'' Boucher said.

The European Commission said in its enlargement report that Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovenia, Cyprus and Malta should be able to conclude accession talks this year and join the EU in 2004.

The Commission did not recommend a date for Turkey, to start accession negotiations, saying it still did not meet political criteria for membership.

The European Commission's recommendations are expected to be ratified by the Copenhagen European Council in December.

[05] Turkish daily cites Wed. phone contacts between Greek, Turkish FMs

ISTANBUL 11/10/2002 (ANA – A. Kourkoulas)

According to the “Milliyet” daily, the phone call came only hours after the EU Commission released its highly anticipated report on the accession progress of some 13 candidate-states, of which 10 countries are considered frontrunners to join the Union during its next wave of expansion, but not Turkey.

The same paper claimed that the Greek FM reiterated Athens’ support towards Ankara and advised Turkish Foreign Minister Sukru Sina Gurel against a “heated reaction” to the Commission report.

Gurel later confirmed the fact that he spoke with Papandreou in talks with reporters, the paper said.

Spokesman comments on Greek, Turkish FMs discussion: Foreign Ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis briefed reporters on Thursday on the content of Wednesday night's telephone conversation between Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Sukru Sina Gurel, to which the Turkish newspaper ''Milliyet'' devoted a front-page story.

Beglitis clarified that the conversation occurred at Papandreou's initiative and was considered expedient to enable Athens to be informed on the Turkish government's initial reactions on the content of the European Commission's progress report on Turkey.

He said that Papandreou once again pointed out to his Turkish counterpart the strategic interest Greece and the European Union attribute to backing and strengthening Euro-Turkish relations.

''Papandreou also said that for us it is very important that the path remains open, as well as Turkey's prospect open at the European Council in Copenhagen which will take political decisions on all candidate countries, including Turkey,'' he added.

Commenting on ''Milliyet's report that with the Greek foreign minister's intervention there was a milder reaction from Turkey, Beglitis said ''it is satisfying for us if this initiative by Papandreou contributed to easing initial reactions on the part of the Turkish government.''

Beglitis further said Turkey, in light of the Copenhagen summit, should continue the effort to implement the acquis communautaire and cover shortcomings noted in the European Commission's relevant report, reassuring that Greece will continue to cooperate and assist Turkey's effort on this course.

Replying to a question, Beglitis said the Cyprus issue was not discussed during the two foreign ministers' telephone conversation which, as he said, ''had a specific target which was linked with the conjuncture of the publication of the European Commission's progress reports.''

However, he added that the issue of Gurel's statements on Cyprus preoccupies and interests Greece.

[06] DM meets French counterpart, discusses bilateral, European issues

PARIS 11/10/2002 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

Following the meeting the French minister said that she had an interesting exchange of views with her Greek counterpart on the grand issues of Europe, adding ''we spoke mainly of the points that will allow the strengthening of the European defense and I want to note that our meeting was especially constructive and useful''.

Responding to a question, whether France supports the accession of Cyprus irrespectively of a solution to the island's political problem, she said that ''the European Commission just took a clear stance, which it will table to the ministers and of course I hope that all the ministers will accept it''.

On his part, Papantoniou said that the Greek presidency of the EU supports the position of the European Commission.

During their meeting, Papantoniou briefed his French counterpart of Greece's certainty that Cyprus will enter the European Union by the end of the year, as it fulfills the criteria, while if a solution is not found for the island republic's political problem, then one will be sought after it becomes a member of the Union.

Speaking of bilateral issues, Papantoniou said that he discussed Greece's armaments program and the possibilities of increased cooperation between the arms industries of the two countries.

''We realized that there are significant possibilities, which we decided to utilize based on two facts: the first is the close bonds between the two countries and the second is the fact that we have common positions concerning the policy for the European unification, as well as the formulation of a joint defense policy,'' he said.

''Based on these political foundations I believe we can realize a substantial relationship in the sector of defense and especially in the sector of the defense industry and armaments,'' he added.

The two ministers noted the positive impressions they had from the unofficial council of defense minister that took place in Crete, while Papantoniou underlined the decision that the Euroforce becomes operational within 2003 and especially the decision to work out all weaknesses by March 1st 2003.

Concerning Iraq, they stressed the absolute coincidence of views between the two sides, as well as among the rest of the Europeans, on the fact that countries that may own biochemical and mass destruction weaponry should be disarmed.

''The framework of action, however, should be decided with procedures, which will be in accordance with international legality and that are connected with the functioning of the United Nations Security Council,'' Papantoniou said.

''France's positions seem to have a more general acceptance and to express the political will of Europe. It may be an embryonic form of a common European foreign policy,'' he concluded.

Earlier, Papantoniou met the French Parliament's Defense Committee President Guy Tessier and French Socialist Party secretary Francois Hollande.

Talks with the Defense Committee president focused primarily on the issue of armaments, while the French side expressed its dissatisfaction over the decrease in the ''French share'' in purchases for Greek armaments.

Papantoniou said that in absolute figures (in Greek-French transactions) the exact opposite is the case and underlined that what currently matters in Europe is to secure competitiveness.

He added that it is important to find ways of overcoming obstacles to become more competitive in the international market and, in addition, more competitive with the Americans.

According to Papantoniou, the policy of mergers and privatizations should be handled as the main way of strengthening European companies against American competition.

In parallel, European Union member-states should show greater determination in implementing European defense, increasing available amounts from their budgets, he said.

It is not possible for Greece to provide 4-5 percent of GDP, while other countries only 1-1.5 percent, Papantoniou added.

"If we want a European army we should all spend a bigger share from our budget," he said.

[07] DM meets French Socialist Party leader

PARIS 11/10/2002 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

Following the meeting, Papantoniou said that their talks were substantive and friendly, adding ''we are two brotherly parties with common struggles for democracy, social justice and a stronger European Union''.

''We exchanged views on all international issues. On Iraq we have common views regarding the deterrence of a unilateral intervention and insistence on the use of United Nations' procedures,'' he noted.

On his part, Hollande spoke of the bonds that exist between the Greek and French socialists, adding that between the two parties there are close relationships in the field of political thought, as well as on a more human level.

''I am referring specifically to the bonds between Francois Mitterand and Andreas Papandreou and then between Costas Simitis and Lionel Jospin,'' he said, adding ''with the Greek minister we discussed issues that concern us both, even though we are in the opposition and PASOK is in power''.

[08] Public order minister to visit U.S. on October 21-23

WASHINGTON 11/10/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

During his stay in Washington, Chrysohoidis will be contacting the heads and senior officials of ministries involved with terrorism, as well as intelligence services and police with whom corresponding Greek services are cooperating in combatting various forms of crime.

In this context, he is also expected to visit the White House, the State Department, the Department of Justice, the CIA and the FBI.

Chrysohoidis will be meeting Congressmen as well, although the work of the two legislative bodies will have been interrupted due to the election period for the elections on November 5.

[09] FM receives U.S. ambassador to Athens on Thursday

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

Speaking after the meeting, Miller said that his meeting with Papandreou was part of the regular exchange of views on a series of issues.

Asked to comment on statements by U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher on Turkey's EU prospects, Miller said that Boucher did nothing more than repeat the stance of the United States.

Miller also reiterated that the U.S. is not a member of the European Union and the decision to grant a date for the initiation of negotiations between the EU and Turkey is an internal EU matter, adding ''I read the European Commission's report on Turkey and as friends of Turkey and as friends of Europe we want Turkey to participate fully in Europe''.

He stressed that this issue has been discussed with the Greek side many a time, noting that ''our views and the views of Greece coincide to a great degree''.

The U.S. ambassador also said that he and Papandreou discussed in detail developments on the issue of Iraq.

Greek Eurodeputy to head a delegation to Afghanistan BRUSSELS 11/10/2002 (M. Spinthourakis)

PASOK Eurodeputy and President of the European Parliament’s Committee on Women’s Rights and Equal Opportunities Anna Karamanou on Thursday said she would head an eight-member women Eurodeputies delegation to Afghanistan, departing here on Sunday for a close-up look at prevailing conditions there one year after the collapse of the Taliban regime.

In her statement Karamanou said that the delegation would be received by Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai and members of his government and they would meet with representatives of non-governmental organizations and international organizations operating in the capital Kabul.

She also said they would have the opportunity to visit schools and hospitals and even meet with representatives of Afghanistan’s women, since the delegation’s main mission was an eyewitness knowledge about the progress that has been made on equality and women’s rights issues.

“Our visit to Afghanistan aims at emphasizing our increased interest in Afghan women, the first and main victims of the inhumane Taliban regime, who are now in the front line for the country’s reconstruction; we must provide them with all possible moral and financial support”, the Eurodeputy said.

“Our mission is to have a close-up look at the country’s needs and accumulate concrete data so than we can ask the European Union and its member-states to adjust their financial aid to the actual needs of the country and its people”, she concluded.

[10] Bulgarian FM meets with Ecumenical Patriarch

ISTANBUL 11/10/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

The Bulgarian minister's visit to the prelate of the Orthodox Christian Church was part of a one-day visit here.

[11] Athens mayoral candidate Christos Papoutsis addresses rally

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

Papoutsis, who heads the ticket named ''Beautiful City'', said the election ''is the hour of decision'' between two different concepts, adding that it is a ''profoundly political'' election.

''We shall turn a page in the history of Athens together. We shall leave behind us yesterday and its failed administrators who had condemned it to misery for 16 years. We shall all work together to make Athens a beautiful, green, clean, safe and hospitable city,'' he said.

Papoutsis said one concept appearing in the election is a conservative one, whose representative is also his opponent in the Athens municipality Dora Bakoyianni, who considers the municipality a springboard for personal or partisan benefits.

He added that the other one is the progressive concept which comes to serve the institution, the city and its people "with dedication and devotion".

Papoutsis called on all Athenians to rally round his ticket ''Beautiful City'' which is formed, as he said, of independent and active citizens having experience in local administration and members of other progressive forces.

''In an age when everything is changing, Athens, the city of yesterday, today and tomorrow, which has a historic radiance and a modern dimension, is seeking speech and a role with the strength, decision and vote of its citizens,'' Papoutsis said.

[12] Interior minister gives update on electoral rolls

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

Just two days before voters cast their votes for local government, Skandalidis reiterated that his ministry was not responsible for those omitted from the electoral rolls and laid the blame on the Athens municipality, where most of omissions occurred.

He stressed, meanwhile, that the ministry had succeeded in locating a large number of the 200,000 voters that had been ''left out''.

He also stressed that all the decisions concerning the electoral rolls were taken unanimously by the members of a cross-party committee.

The minister clarified that the lines forming outside the Athens Town Hall in recent days were mostly people wanting to find out where they were voting and not those omitted from the rolls who were applying for municipal certificates that would allow them to vote. He said the municipality had so far received 279 applications for certificates.

Presenting the latest statistical data, Skandalidis said that the electorate at the latest count on September 26 totalled 9,932,865 voters, of which European Union voters are 3,465, 47.98 per cent were women and 52.02 per cent were men. First-time voters on the basis of age are 576,006.

[13] SDOE inspection causes latest political furor

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

The SDOE inspection at a Larissa-area business owned by high-profile Thessaloniki deputy Panayiotis Psomiadis, ND’s candidate for the Thessaloniki prefect’s race, caused the latter’s sharp response.

Among others, Psomiadis charged that the SDOE inspection was politically motivated, as one candidate on his opponent’s ticket is the wife of the SDOE chief in central Macedonia and Thessaloniki.

However, the government spokesman on Thursday dismissed the ND deputy’s allegations, saying that another 14 firms in the same region – and one unrelated to Thessaloniki -- were visited by the same SDOE inspection team. He also referred to a “concocted scenario reminiscent of the 101 Arabian Nights stories”.

[14] SYN leader slams parties for their pre-election campaign approach

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to a press conference Constantopoulos said the two major parties were using tactics to cloak their political choices by provoking polarization in the light of the next parliamentary elections, he criticized them for spending what he called “huge amounts of money” on the candidates they support and called on them to give a full financial and a means account to publicity.

The SYN leader did not spare the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), launching strong criticism against it for “opting to turn the elections into a partisan issue, therefore accepting the framework set forth by PASOK and ND”.

[15] UK diplomat's widow offers pre-trial testimony in 'N17'-related case

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

Pre-trial testimony from victims’ family members is a customary part of criminal investigations under the Greek justice system.

Heather Saunders, the widow of Brig. Stephen Saunders, has also appointed legal representation in the pending trial of her husband’s alleged murderers, a handful of suspects out of the 17 individuals currently jailed on various “Nov. 17”-related charges.

Saunders' widow to give press conference on Friday: The widow of the British defense attache assassinated more than two years ago in Athens by the notorious “November 17” terrorist group will give a press conference on Friday, according to a press release issued by the British embassy a day earlier.

Heather Saunders, the widow of Brig. Stephen Saunders, will meet with reporters at noon at the ambassador’s residence.

[16] Deputy FM meets NGO representatives in Athens

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

Loverdos stressed that the foreign ministry funded operations of NGOs in the Balkans, the Caspian Sea countries and the Middle East, providing the example of Afghanistan where the ministry spent 1.3 million euros through NGOs.

He also said that the philosophy of the ministry and the European Union was to help developing nations and thus as aid through NGOs was used as a basic tool.

[17] Minister implicated in scratch lotto case, file sent to Parliament

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

According to the public prosecutor's findings, responsibility was shared by Agriculture Minister George Drys, who had been serving as deputy finance minister at the time the alleged offences took place, and board members of Intralot, which ran the instant lottery.

The investigation was launched a year ago to look into a complaint that the distribution of 'Xysto' profits to winners was not being adequately monitored and that the renewal of the contract with the Instant State Lottery Consortium on July 31, 1998 was not legal. The complaint also accused Drys of tolerating the consortium's failure to meet its contractual obligations to electronically monitor winnings.

An appeals court public prosecutor had then asked for a preliminary inquiry into whether the distribution of winnings was electronically monitored, whether the consortium had met its contractual obligations and whether the contract renewal had been legal, given that Intralot actually owned 60 per cent of the consortium.

Lastly, the investigators were asked to look into the 7.6 billion drachmas spent on advertising in the first four years of the 'Xysto' lottery's operation.

Government response: Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Thursday strongly criticized the public prosecutor's timing in sending a report involving a minister to Parliament just two days before an election and hinted that party political motives lay behind the decision.

He also attacked the prosecutor in person, saying he was "an exception to the general rule of judicial officials that carried out their duties conscientiously."

He noted that Parliament was shut when the report was sent and that the case involved had been exhaustively discussed and clarified by Parliament in 1998.

[18] Greek trade with EU candidates almost quadruples

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

A report by the Panhellenic Exporters' Union said that EU's candidate countries have become extremely important for Greece's external trade, a development expected to facilitate a smooth absorption of unavoidable shocks that will cause the integration of a total of 10 states in the European Union.

The value of Greek exports to the 13 candidate states jumped 337 percent in the last decade, while the value of imports rose 224 percent, compared with increases of 34 percent and 45 percent of total Greek exports and imports, respectively, over the same period.

These countries accounted for 21.3 percent of total Greek exports in 2000, up from 6.5 percent in 1990, while their share in Greek imports jumped to 5.7 percent from 2.6 percent, over the same period.

[19] Hellenic Petroleum signs agreement for the purchase of JPK's 54.35 pct stake

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

The purchase agreement, with representatives of JPK's shareholders, was signed in Kotor, Montenegro, and was attended by Montenegrin Prime Minister Filip Vujanovic and Economy Minister Darko Uskokovic.

Hellenic Petroleum was represented by chairman of the board, George Moraitis and chief executive office, Athanassios Karahalios.

The Montenegrin government approved Hellenic Petroleum's bid in an international tender for the sale of a majority stake in JPK, which also included Russia's Lukoil, Austria's OMV and Croatia's INA.

Jugopetrol AD Kotor's main activities were the import, storage, wholesale and export of oil products in neighboring countries (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo). The company has a storage facility in the country's harbor of Bar, a retail sales network of 56 petrol stations in Montenegro, and a fully owned fleet of oil transport trucks.

JPK also has hydrocarbon research and exploitation rights in the Republic of Montenegro and is cooperating in UK's Star Petroleum and Ramco Energy.

Its sales volume total around 500,000 tones annually, accounting for a turnover of 200 million euros. Its EBITDA was 16.8 million euros in 2001 and after tax profits of 10.6 million euros. JPK has a workforce of 460 permanent staff.

Hellenic Petroleum paid 65 million euros to buy JPK's 54.35 percent equity stake and plans to spend another 35 million euros in the five-year period 2003-2007 to upgrade the Montenegrin company's facilities and expand its activities.

[20] Greek banks adopt EU's voluntary code on housing loans

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

The code, a result of an agreement made between European credit sector unions and consumer unions, includes analytical regulations for information offered to consumers before signing housing loan contracts.

The Greek Union members, offering housing loans, have already adopted the new code, a significant step towards more transparency in banking services in the country.

[21] Intrasoft International signs 4.75 mln-euro contract with EU

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

The one-year contract has an option for three more annual extensions and covers electronic proposal submission for the "Sixth Framework Program FP6, 2002-2006".

The EPSS system will replace a current conventional procedure of submitting proposals through post mail services with electronic form, leading to significant benefits, both quality and financial.

[22] Budget revenues up 8.2 pct in Jan-Sept, exceed target

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

VAT revenues rose 11 percent in the January-September period to 8.880 billion euros, from 8.050 billion euros last year, income tax revenues rose 6.1 percent to 9.511 billion from 8.776 billion euros over the same period, while stock market transaction revenues dropped 46.5 percent to 68.454 million euros from 127.878 million last year.

Other budget revenues rose 13.3 percent to 9.955 billion euros in the first nine months of 2002 from 8.788 billion euros last year.

[23] GDP up 0.3 pct in second quarter vs first quarter

BRUSSELS 11/10/2002 (ANA/B.Demiris)

The European Union's statistics agency said in a report that the eurozone and EU average rise in GDP was 0.4 percent for each in the same period.

GDP growth was 4.0 percent in the second quarter against the same period of 2001, the highest in the 15-nation bloc, against 0.7 percent in the eurozone and 0.8 percent in the EU, Eurostat noted.

Also in the second quarter, domestic demand in Greece rose by 0.4 percent against 0.2 percent in the eurozone and EU, the report said.

Greek imports and exports each increased by 0.4 percent in the second quarter to total 10 billion euros and 7.59 billion euros respectively. The trade deficit in the period under review was 2.41 billion euros, Eurostat said.

[24] GSEE's Polyzogopoulos voted as VP of Euro labor grouping

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

[25] Gov't to set up exports policy advisory board

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

The decision was taken following a meeting with Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, the head of the Association of Greek Industry (SEB), who had proposed measures to spur declining exports.

[26] Economist to hold banking conference in Athens

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

The conference will focus on private banking and capital management.

Among speakers at the event are central bank governor Nikolaos Garganas and president of the Union of Greek Banks, Theodoros Karatzas.

[27] Pilots to stage four-hour work stoppage on Tuesday

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

The strike from 0800 to noon is to draw public attention to disinformation from management about its reason for abolishing the route, the Union of Civil Aviation Pilots said in a statement on Thursday.

Workers claimed that management had indicated the route may stay afloat, but in reality the decision to halt flights had already been taken, and talks were underway with other airlines on terms damaging to Olympic, the statement added.

[28] Selective buying helps ASE to end higher on Thursday

Athens, 11/10/2002 (ANA)

The general index ended a volatile session 0.51 percent higher at 1,735.87 points, with turnover a slightly improved 80.1 million euros.

The Holding, Telecommunications and Insurance sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (1.27 percent, 0.80 percent and 0.24 percent, respectively), while the IT, Construction and Retail sectors scored the biggest percentage gains (2.31 percent, 2.23 percent and 2.12 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.42 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 1.23 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 0.97 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 232 to 74 with another 54 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Football Pools Organization, Lantec, Proodos, and Informatics.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 85.3 mln euros Thursday

Equity Index Futures: