Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-10-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM briefs cabinet on EU's enlargement process, Cyprus issue, Euroforce

[02] DM says Greece participates actively in anti-terrorist drive

[03] Defense minister attends SEEBRIG simulation exercise

[04] FM spokesman comments on military exercise

[05] Defense General Staff Chief to depart for Sofia for S.E. European meeting

[06] No UN decision on Cyprus solution plan, foreign ministry spokesman says

[07] Annan message on occasion of United Nations Day

[08] President meets Indonesian counterpart, Queen Sophia of Spain

[09] Deputy FM to attend BSEC meeting in Albania

[10] PM comments on latest local gov't election results

[11] Greek, Spanish culture ministers hold talks

[12] Education minister receives Spanish counterpart

[13] EPP's Martens congratulates Karamanlis for ND's recent showing

[14] Smiles for Bakoyianni cover dark mood at ND political council, analysts claim

[15] Danish premier sends invitation to EU leaders for Brussels summit

[16] Deputy FM meets Irish and Armenian ambassadors

[17] Yiannis Serifis called in to give statement in relation to ''N17'' terrorist group

[18] Full employment accounts for 80 pct of Greek labor market

[19] Romanian gov't to debate Greek telecom's investment Thursday

[20] Debate on draft budget concluded at Parliamentary Committee

[21] ASE announces index changes, new wider market index

[22] Greek stocks end 1.40 percent lower on Wednesday

[23] New ANA service focusing on 2004 Games to be unveiled

[24] Conference held on Olympic sports installations

[25] Greeks aware of EU's enlargement process

[26] Queen Sophia of Spain inaugurates art exhibition

[27] PASOK Eurodeputy calls for boycott of 'Miss World' beauty contest in Nigeria

[28] High Court overturns ruling in apartment collapse case

[29] Dynamite and detonators found in Mytilene

[30] US State Department official Pascoe says there is still enough time for Cyprus solution

[31] EU assures accession course is progressing smoothly for Cyprus

[32] UN weapons inspectors for Iraq to set up regional HQ in Cyprus

[01] FM briefs cabinet on EU's enlargement process, Cyprus issue, Euroforce

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

Papandreou called the common agricultural policy issues and the structural fund issues very difficult, while stressing that the solution of the Cyprus issue is not a precondition for the accession of the island republic to the EU.

Protopapas said the foreign minister called on the cabinet to be vigilant and noted that Cyprus will enter the EU formally as a single state, in accordance with the German model, while he ascertained that there will be some "movements" concerning the Cyprus problem after the Turkish elections.

On briefing the ministers about his meeting with United Nations secretary general special envoy Alvaro de Soto, Papandreou said that he asked of him to adhere to the resolutions of the Security Council, as well as their spirit.

According to the minister, de Soto responded that when a proposal for a solution to the problem is tabled by UN Secretary General Kofi Anan it will be within the framework of the United Nations.

''We will support the initiatives of (Cyprus President Glafcos) Clerides,'' Papandreou said, stressing that ''we should establish a climate of stability and development in the wider region of the eastern Mediterranean through the promotion of the resolution of the Cyprus problem and Cyprus' accession to the EU''.

''We have to work. Nothing comes automatically,'' he added, stressing that Turkey may be given dates for the initiation of EU entry negotiations under specific terms, reiterating that Greece supports Turkey's European prospects.

Papandreou assessed that Bulgaria and Romania will approach the Union in 2007 and said that the revision of the common agricultural policy, will probably take place during the Greek presidency.

Speaking on the Euroforce issue, he said that there is mobility, but nothing concrete, adding that all discussions were taking place in the framework of the Seville Summit decisions and that there is a new text tabled by European Union Common Defense and Security Policy high representative Javier Solana.

Following the cabinet meeting an informal preparatory meeting took place in light of Thursday's informal European Council meeting in Brussels.

Papandreou said that in Brussels the council of the Union will discuss which countries will enter the final stretch of accession, adding that Cyprus is among the 10 countries of the proposal.

''The final decision is ahead of us, in Copenhagen and with many developments yet, which can be very important,'' Papandreou said.

The minister also spoke of the upcoming Turkish elections and wished well to Turkish Cypriot community leader Rauf Denktash, who underwent surgery for heart troubles recently.

[02] DM says Greece participates actively in anti-terrorist drive

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

According to reports, Greece is participating in the international operation code-named ''Active Endeavor'' with the frigate ''Boumboulina'' and the missile boat ''Vlachavas.''

Ships of the Permanent Atlantic Naval Force and of the European Mediterranean naval force, as well as other ships contributed by NATO member-states, are participating in the operation at the present stage.

The specific force is active in the eastern Mediterranean, monitoring ships considered suspicious by NATO. The force is focusing on about 20 ships, primarily from third countries.

Reports said the frigate ''Boumboulina'' and the missile boat ''Vlachavas'' will be replaced by other ships next month.

[03] Defense minister attends SEEBRIG simulation exercise

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

The simulation concerned the real-time handling of problems arising from almost simultaneous earth tremors in the region by defense ministries of the Southeast Europe Defense Ministerial (SEDM).

Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou noted the need to further reinforce efforts for cooperation on a regional level in order to deal with natural disasters effectively, meeting the agreement of presiding officials.

The minister also reminded those present of cooperation between Greece and Turkey during the twin earthquakes of 1999, and that such cooperation could only lead to a good outcome.

Papantoniou also announced that SEEBRIG's activities would be expanded during a meeting of SEDM defense ministers in Rome at the end of 2002, while noting that an exercise similar to that held in Athens on Wednesday would take place in Istanbul in 2004.

On the sidelines of the demonstration, the Greek defense minister met his Albanian counterpart Pandeli Majko.

Asked to comment on reports that Turkey would adopt a tougher stance in view of Cyprus' accession to the EU, Papantoniou said that there were no signs that Turkey, which was in the run-up to elections, was either toughening or softening its stance on Cyprus at the moment. He also reiterated the Armed Forces were on alert and ready to deal with any development, while Greece steadfastly backed its positions and hoped that Cyprus would join the EU at the Copenhagen Summit without any major political problem arising.

[04] FM spokesman comments on military exercise

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

However, spokesman Panos Beglitis stressed that Athens’ political will to take such a decision depends entirely on a corresponding stance by Ankara.

“Nothing will be decided if there is not a certainty that the other side will act accordingly. There are no talks in progress. There is, for the time being, a relative volition on the part of the Greek and Cypriot sides,” he added.

Beglitis made the comment during his weekly press briefing, and in response to relevant questions.

The government last week dismissed press speculation that “pressures” were being exerted on Athens to cancel the upcoming annual military exercise, while noting that planning for the “Nikiforos-Toxotis” was proceeding normally.

Greek and Cypriot forces hold joint air-sea-land maneuvers practically every year, as one-third of the east Mediterranean island republic remains occupied to this day by more than 35,000 Turkish forces.

In later statements during an event in Athens, Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou clarified that the military exercise's schedule has not changed. The exercise has been planned for the end of October.

[05] Defense General Staff Chief to depart for Sofia for S.E. European meeting

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

This meeting is following up the initiative of the defense ministers of the four countries, who met in February and September 2002.

The General Staff Chiefs will discuss issues related to multilateral cooperation, establishing trust, security and stability in Southeastern Europe.

[06] No UN decision on Cyprus solution plan, foreign ministry spokesman says

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

Spokesman Panos Beglitis told a regular press briefing that UN Secretary General Kofi Annan ''has not decided whether and when a comprehensive solution plan for the Cyprus issue would be submitted. At this time, no one can say with certainty that an integrated plan has been drafted''.

Beglitis made a distinction between a draft solution and the conclusions arising from UN officials' ongoing contacts on the Cyprus issue.

He explained that there were circles in the international community who would look favorably on the tabling of a comprehensive draft solution on the Cyprus issue following a long period of deliberations. However, he added, a comprehensive plan must respond to the fundamental demands for respect of the principles and resolutions of the United Nations, the principles of the acquis communautaire, and the need for the model on which the Republic of Cyprus would be founded to be functional.

The press questions were prompted by a meeting in Athens Tuesday night between visiting UN special envoy on the Cyprus issue Alvaro de Soto with foreign minister George Papandreou.

UN Cyprus envoy de Soto meets for first time with main opposition leader: Visiting UN special envoy for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto on Wednesday morning met with main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis for an exchange of views on efforts to solve the Cyprus issue.

This was the first time the UN's Cyprus envoy has met with the main opposition leader, a move which political analysts told ANA indicated the mobility surrounding the Cyprus problem.

Sources said that de Soto was sounding out New Democracy's positions in view of a possible resolution of Cyprus' political problem.

Karamanlis reiterated ND's firm positions that Cyprus should accede the European Union independent of a solution to its political problem.

''We all desire a solution'' to the political problem, Karamanlis reaffirmed, but stressed that such a solution should be ''founded on the UN resolutions and the acquis communautaire''.

No statements were made after the meeting.

[07] Annan message on occasion of United Nations Day

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

''On this United Nations Day I send you my most cordial wishes, with particular greetings, this year, to the peoples of the newest member-states, Switzerland and East Timor,'' Annan said.

''More clearly than ever before, the United Nations represents the entire human family and never before has the human family needed the United Nations as much as it does today,'' the UN chief noted.

''So few are the things which a nation can control by itself alone, relying clearly only on its own resources, and there are so many things which the peoples of the world can achieve if we all work together. We should therefore love our United Nations and give to every human being a share in this success,'' he added.

''How will we do this? Working to fulfill the promises which the leaders of all the United Nations gave two years ago, at the Conference for the Millennium.

''These promises were based on fundamental human needs - from the restriction of poverty up to the ending of the spread of AIDS and to the granting of access to safe drinking water. They also set a date: 2015. We call them Aims of the Millennium for Development,'' he noted.

''It is a pity that we say this, but we are not on the right path. If we don't achieve things better in the next 12 years compared to the previous ten, we will not achieve most of these aims. Every country needs to make a greater effort. And this will happen only if you, the people of each country, insist that what must be done will be done,'' he noted, concluding that ''it is your United Nations. Don't lose the opportunity.''

[08] President meets Indonesian counterpart, Queen Sophia of Spain

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

Earlier on Wednesday, the president had also hosted a luncheon in honor of Queen Sophia of Spain, currently in Athens for the opening of two exhibitions forming part of a tribute to Spanish Art.

[09] Deputy FM to attend BSEC meeting in Albania

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

While in Tirana, Magriotis is expected to meet with Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano, FM Ilir Meta and the president of Albanian’s parliament, Servet Pellumbi, among others.

He is also scheduled to visit the towns of Gjirokaster, Korce and the Sarande region, for contacts with local MPs, members of the ethnic Greek minority and local government officials.

Finally, Magriotis is scheduled to visit a Greek military cemetery in the community of Vouliarati, a burial ground for officers and servicemen that died during the Greco-Italian War of 1940-41, while he will also attend a celebration for “Ochi (No) Day” – Greece’s entrance into WWII on Oct. 28, 1940 on the side of the Allies -- in Tirana, organized by the “Omonia” organization.

[10] PM comments on latest local gov't election results

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

Simitis also reportedly said that main opposition New Democracy lost the recently concluded local government elections, both in terms of its choices and strategic. “PASOK retained its electoral strength, and improved its image in relation to the opinion polls,” he said.

In other references to the recent elections, Simitis said his ruling PASOK has the dynamism needed to win the general poll and that local government now has more responsibilities and powers.

In an indirect reference to former ND MP George Karatzaferis’ surprise showing in the Athens-Piraeus supra-prefecture race – he polled some 14 percent – Simitis said the “far right” phenomenon is not fleeting. Moreover, he said that such showings are not indicative of voters’ displeasure.

Meanwhile, in a related matter, the interior minister on Wednesday promised that election rolls will be updated and user-friendly by the next elections in 2004, while adding that police-issued ID cards will become the primary form of identification citizens will use in their dealings with the public sector.

[11] Greek, Spanish culture ministers hold talks

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

Castillo was in Athens, accompanying Spain's Queen Sophia, for the inauguration of two exhibitions on Picasso and Salvador Dali.

Also present at the meeting was the curator of Madrid's Reina Sophia National Museum and Art Centre.

Venizelos told reporters after the meeting that he and Castillo had discussed preparations for an informal meeting of EU culture ministers during Greece's EU presidency in the first half of 2003, to discuss sports and culture issues.

They also discussed Spain's participation in the Cultural Olympiad being organized by Greece in tandem with the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

[12] Education minister receives Spanish counterpart

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

Speaking after the meeting, Efthymiou said that on the ''bilateral issues we confirmed a good course that is based on the educational agreement that has been signed. We both insisted that the Spanish side support Spanish studies in Greece, something that is underway at a university level''.

''We also tabled the issue of support for modern Greek language studies in Spain, which we requested that they also be led to a university level,'' Efthymiou said.

On her part, Castillo said that ''we would like Spanish diplomas to be recognized here in Greece, as other diplomas of other foreign languages are recognized.''

[13] EPP's Martens congratulates Karamanlis for ND's recent showing

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

According to a press release issued by the main opposition party, Martens also praised Karamanlis for his efforts regarding the “initiative for democracy in the western Balkans”, as well as his re-election to the post of EPP vice-president.

The EPP is a European-wide political grouping of center-right parties active in various countries on the continent.

[14] Smiles for Bakoyianni cover dark mood at ND political council, analysts claim

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

Analysts expect heads to roll over the Tzannetakos candidacy, which marred what could have been a communications coup for New Democracy in the local elections by losing the largest prefecture in the country to ruling PASOK's Fofi Gennimata. A lot of negative attention is currently focused on ND 'spin-doctor' Yiannis Loulis, who was instrumental in the Tzannetakos choice.

Senior ND member Yiannis Kefaloyiannis denied that the scrimmage would turn public as he arrived for the political council meeting, however, saying that any criticism would be remain within the party.

''Why should heads roll?...Being guided by opinion polls and a technocratic approach instead of political instinct is not a fault found in New Democracy alone but in all the parties,'' he noted.

Former ND leader Miltiades Evert reiterated that he was pleased by the final result of the local elections, which he said had ''turned Greece blue (ND colours)''.

ND Central Committee Secretary Vaggelis Meimarakis, on his part, again denied any violent disagreements between himself and George Souflias - who had handled the party's political strategy for the elections, though other high-ranking ND members avoided commenting.

Another council member, Yiannis Tousiakis, stressed that ND had achieved its goals and was the front-runner, while noting that the party's communications tactics and strategy needed to be worked on for the national elections.

Absent from the meeting was former premier and honorary ND president Constantine Mitsotakis, who does not participate in the day-to-day processes within the party and had intensely criticized the choices made by the leadership team in statements on Tuesday.

[15] Danish premier sends invitation to EU leaders for Brussels summit

BRUSSELS 24/10/2002 (ANA)

As Denmark presides over the EU for the current six-month term, Rasmussen sent the invitations and the itinerary of the summit which includes a meeting with the chairman of the Convention for the Future of Europe Giscard d' Estaing.

EU enlargement, the Middle East and the EU's defense policy will top the summit's agenda.

[16] Deputy FM meets Irish and Armenian ambassadors

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

According to a foreign ministry announcement, Hennessy referred to her country's relations of friendship and cooperation with Greece. On his part, Magriotis made special reference to traditional ties linking the two countries, as well as points of contact between the two peoples paving the way for the further promotion of bilateral cooperation.

Magriotis also received Armenia's Ambassador to Greece Vahran Kazgoyan, who referred to his country's upcoming assumption of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation Pact's presidency, which coincides with Greece's European Union presidency in the first half of 2003, and possibilities of Armenia's cooperation both with Greece and the EU in this framework.

[17] Yiannis Serifis called in to give statement in relation to ''N17'' terrorist group

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

Serifis appeared before the prosecutor on Wednesday and requested the legally prescribed term to provide his statement, thus he is expected to appear again before the prosecutor on Sunday morning.

Serifis' name appeared in testimony given by jailed alleged members of ''N17'' Christodoulos Xiros, Savvas Xiros and Pavlos Serifis, one of his relatives.

[18] Full employment accounts for 80 pct of Greek labor market

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

GSEE's chairman, Christos Polyzogopoulos, presenting the report said that labor relations were a problem equal with unemployment and noted that labor laws of 1998 and 2000 did not contribute to raising employment in the country. Mr. Polyzogopoulos also criticized an expanding unregistered labor market and said that the issue was a main topic of trade unions for the coming year.

The report, by GSEE's Labor Institute, was based on 2,000 enterprises' policies on flexible employment forms. Temporary employment accounted for 15 percent of the market with part-time employment remaining at low levels (4.0 percent) with no signs of significantly rising. Tele-employment and employment leasing were two forms only just registered in the market, although the report said that both had prospects of increasing in the future.

Sub-contracting of employment is a form used by one-fourth of Greek enterprises - mainly big - undermining the stability of the permanent employment market, the report said.

GSEE said that new hirings in the last 12 months mainly accounted flexible employment (55 percent), while enterprises employing 90-199 workers substantially raised their lay-offs in the same period, replacing them with part-time younger workers.

The report said that only 6.0 percent Greek companies, accounting for 12 percent of total new hirings, were affected by government measures to offer incentives to businesses in an effort to boost employment in the country.

Around 3/4 of Greek companies used collective wage agreements, with the remaining 1/4 adopting other ways of paying workers and staff (flexible payment, productivity bonuses, etc).

[19] Romanian gov't to debate Greek telecom's investment Thursday

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

Talks in Bucharest between OTE chairman Lefteris Antonakopoulos and government officials on Romtelecom's future ended on Wednesday.

OTE, a shareholder of the Romanian telecom, has asked to raise the firm's share capital in order to acquire a 51 percent stake.

[20] Debate on draft budget concluded at Parliamentary Committee

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

An argument flared up between Finance and Economy Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and former Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis on the nature of structural changes being promoted.

Christodoulakis also responded to calculations by George Alogoskoufis of the main opposition new Democracy party that ''with the current rates of growth 80 years will be required for real convergence with the European average'', saying that this will be attainable in 10-15 years provided that the same growth rate, fluctuating between 3-4 percent, is maintained.

[21] ASE announces index changes, new wider market index

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

The ASE commission removed Athens Water from the FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks, replacing with OPAP' share (the Football Pools Organization).

In the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index the commission removed AA Holdings, Minoan Lines and Sex Form and replaced them with Athens Water, Elais and Astir Hotels.

In the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index, the commission removed OPAP, Elais, Astir, Korasidis, AA Energy, Petzetakis, Alte, Intracom Constructions, Ermis, Nireas, Kotsovolos and Q&R. They were replaced by AA Holdings, Minoan Lines, Nikas, Empedos, Balafas, Spider, Phoenix, Neorion Syro, Lampsa, Informatics and Creta Plastics.

The commission also announced the creation of a new index, called FTSE/ASE 140, that would include all share included in the three other stock market indices.

[22] Greek stocks end 1.40 percent lower on Wednesday

Athens, 24/10/2002 (ANA)

Traders said the Greek bourse followed international markets' fall.

The general index dropped 1.40 percent to end at 1,773.56 points.

The Insurance, Holding, IT Solutions and Publication sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (4.25 percent, 4.13 percent, 3.17 percent and 2.74 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 1.62 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 1.31 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 1.58 percent lower.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 280 to 44 with another 31 issues unchanged.

Total turnover was 73.5 million euros. Out of 354 shares traded, declines outpaced advances at 279 to 44 with 31 stocks remaining unchanged.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Sex Form, Informatics, Coca Cola HBC, and National Bank of Greece.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 87.4 mln euros Wednesday

Equity Index Futures: