Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-12-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece, Turkey reiterate resolve to quickly solve Cyprus problem

[02] FM notes Turkish leadership's will to resolve Cyprus issue

[03] Diplomatic activity over Cyprus intensifies as Greek FM in Ankara for talks

[04] Papandreou-Grossman contacts in Ankara focus on Cyprus solution

[05] Cyprus at the focus of Papantoniou-Grossman talks in Athens

[06] Yiannitsis: solution can be achieved in Cyprus if there is political will

[07] Athens sees little chance of deal on Cyprus solution before Copenhagen

[08] Healthcare minister holds meetings in Brussels ahead of Greek EU presidency

[09] Prime minister has successive meetings with ministers

[10] ND's Bakoyianni on ongoing Cyprus talks

[11] Washington event on Euro-Atlantic relations, Copenhagen summit

[12] Visiting Portuguese president stops over on Crete

[13] Deputy DM discusses Greek EU priorities in defense policy

[14] ND leader outlines first moves in economy ‘after election win’

[15] Deputy FM heads meeting of development assistance committee

[16] Greek EU presidency to work for economic stability in bloc

[17] Transport ministry tables bill for communications privacy authority

[18] Development ministry sees drop in inflation over holidays

[19] Gov't failing to achieve convergence in social spending, ND council told

[20] Greece outlines EU presidency's aims in farming sector

[21] ADEDY calls 24-hour strike in public sector on Thursday

[22] Press minister praises two draft bills on TV channel licenses

[23] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks slip in lackluster trade

[24] Venizelos addresses UN General Assembly on preparations for 2004 Olympic Games

[25] 47,000 apply to volunteer in Athens 2004 Games, ATHOC announces

[26] British Sports Secretary visits Athens 2004 offices

[27] Queen Mary 2 to be used as floating hotel in Athens Olympics

[28] Greek scientists in Geneva use mice to decode human genome

[29] Environment ministry report on quality of surface freshwater

[30] Seminar on expatriate Greek women in Thessaloniki

[31] Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem insists on spokesman

[32] International conference on Greece in globalization era

[33] US embassy: Greek passport holders still need visa for travel to US

[34] Press ministry to organize journalists' training seminar

[35] First digit for calling mobile phones to change

[36] President Clerides will say when he hands letter to Annan

[37] UN hope for replies by Thursday on changes to solution plan

[38] Danish Presidency and Prodi hope for Cyprus settlement before Copenhagen

[39] Grossman: First commit to Annan's vision and then negotiate

[01] Greece, Turkey reiterate resolve to quickly solve Cyprus problem

Greece and Turkey on Wednesday reiterated their newly emboldened resolve towards finding a solution to the long-standing Cyprus, with the foreign ministers of both countries saying as much in a joint press conference in the Turkish capital.

Both Greek Foreign George Papandreou and his newly appointed Turkish counterpart Yasar Yakis stressed that no effort will be spared to work out an agreement, in principle, prior to the landmark EU Summit in Copenhagen next week – where Cyprus expects to be invited to join the 15-member bloc along with a handful of other, mostly east European candidate-states.

“A solution to the Cyprus problem is not impossible before the Copenhagen Summit meeting,” Papandreou told reporters, while adding that every opportunity must be exploited.

Moreover, both men said it would not be “the end of the world” if a resolution fails to materialize before Copenhagen.

Although Athens and Ankara play a decisive role in Cyprus developments, it will be up to the internationally recognized Clerides government in Nicosia and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to actually sit down and negotiate terms based on the recently tabled Annan peace plan for Cyprus. Clerides’ government has already said it accepts the plan as a basis for future negotiations, leaving only a hospitalized and far from Cyprus Denktash to convey his response.

Back in Ankara meanwhile, both Papandreou and Yakis said they hope a solution is gained as soon as possible, whereas efforts to find solution will continue after Copenhagen if necessary.

However, Yakis reiterated that Turkey wants a solution to Cyprus prior to the EU Summit, “if not, we should not close the door”.

Additionally, he clarified that his discussions with Papandreou touched on the framework with which efforts to solve the Cyprus issue will continue if a resolution is not found by Dec. 12.

Asked specifically about Ankara’s position in the event Cyprus gains EU accession without a prior solution, Yakis said: “Turkey’s position is that if Cyprus joins the EU without a prior solution, the Union will receive within its midst a problem-riddled baby”.

In response to a question by a Turkish Cypriot journalist, meanwhile, Yakis said he was confident of the Greek Cypriot side’s intention to resolve the Cyprus problem, thereby allowing Turkish Cypriots to participate in the European Union … “so that Cyprus is elevated into a model of cooperation in Europe”.

Finally, Yakis cited Ankara’s oft-repeated charge of a “double standard” and “discrimination” should the Union fail to set a fixed date for the start of accession negotiations prior to the upcoming wave of expansion.

[02] FM notes Turkish leadership's will to resolve Cyprus issue

ANKARA 05/12/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Speaking to Greek journalists, Papandreou said he noted significant changes that took place in Turkey over the past three years and spoke of the climate during his visit to Ankara in January 2000, when even indirect reference to the Cyprus issue caused unpleasantness.

Papandreou stressed that the new Turkish leadership will continue its step-by-step course in improving Greek-Turkish relations.

''We have secured the course we have followed to this day and we will continue, not only at a step-by-step rate, but with leaps,'' Papandreou said.

The Greek minister also said that the new Turkish leadership confronts the Cyprus problem through a different angle and expends every effort to find a solution before the Copenhagen Summit.

''The Turkish leadership commits itself that it will continue its efforts beyond Dec. 12th, if a solution is not found by that time,'' he reiterated.

[03] Diplomatic activity over Cyprus intensifies as Greek FM in Ankara for talks

ANKARA 05/12/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

The Greek foreign minister was first received by new Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, with talks focusing directly on a timely solution for Cyprus, the island republic’s bright EU prospects as well as the closely watched issue of whether Turkey will receive a fixed date at the Copenhagen Summit next week for starting negotiations with the Union.

Afterwards, Turkish Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis and a former ambassador to the UN, hosted a luncheon for his Greek counterpart. Papandreou also met with powerful Justice and Development party (AKP) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the former Istanbul mayor and the winner of Turkey’s general elections last month.

Other contacts on Papandreou’s marathon-pace schedule included meetings with Turkish opposition parliament leader Deniz Baikal, who heads the Republican People's (CHP) party, and former “finance ministry czar” and ex-World Bank senior official Kemal Dervis, who also joined CHP before the recent elections.

[04] Papandreou-Grossman contacts in Ankara focus on Cyprus solution

ANKARA 05/12/2002 (ANA)

According to diplomatic sources, the two officials also discussed Ankara’s long-standing request for a fixed date to begin EU accession negotiations, along with the timely Cyprus issue and the Iraq crisis – which reportedly dominated Grossman’s talks with Turkish leadership.

The US top diplomat reportedly briefed Papandreou over his contacts with Turkey’s leaders, saying he noted willingness on their part to rapidly proceed with internal reforms and to resolve the Cyprus problem.

Sources said Papandreou, meanwhile, outlined the Greek side’s volition to work for a Cyprus solution even before next week’s EU Copenhagen Summit, while noting, however, that deadlines are excruciatingly tight. The latter point, he was quoted as saying, has generated concerns on the part of the Greek Cypriots regarding the feasibility of substantive negotiations taking place in such a short time span.

[05] Cyprus at the focus of Papantoniou-Grossman talks in Athens

Athens, 05/12/2002 (ANA)

In statements to the press, Papantoniou said that it is "our common position that Cyprus will enter the European Union in any event," adding that attempts will be made to promote the resolution of the Cyprus issue by the Copenhagen Summit.

''If this is not possible, then the process for resolution should be maintained even after the Copenhagen Summit,'' he said.

Also, the US request of Greece to encourage the other European states to set a date to activate the accession of Turkey to the EU.

On his part, Grossman said that Dec. 12 is an opportunity for success in three goals which will function for the benefit of Greece, Turkey, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, the EU and the U.S.

Grossman refused the use of the term ''package'' for those aims and said the U.S. supports the accession of Cyprus to the EU, the efforts of the UN to resolve the Cyprus problem and the setting of a date for the initiation of EU accession negotiations for Turkey.

''All this can happen simultaneously and we are working toward its success,'' he said, adding ''we are working not for what may not happen, but for what we can do''.

The two men also discussed issues concerning Iraq and the Greek minister stated that military cooperation between Greek and the United States will move in the same framework as in the past.

Grossman thanked Greece for its assistance in the struggle against international terrorism.

[06] Yiannitsis: solution can be achieved in Cyprus if there is political will

LONDON 05/12/2002 (CNA/ANA)

He was speaking in London during a press conference on Wednesday after he and Greek Finance Minister, Nicos Christodoulakis addressed a seminar organized by the British-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry on ''Greece Centre in south-eastern Europe''.

''Obviously the time up to Copenhagen is very limited,'' said

Yiannitsis when asked how he sees the prospects for a solution to the Cyprus question in view of the limited time available up to the Copenhagen meeting. ''What is important now is that it is a unique opportunity for all involved parties to seek a solution in Copenhagen on the basic aspects of this plan presented by the Secretary-General of the UN,'' he added.

The Greek alternate foreign minister said that he personally believes ''that if the political will exists from all sides, it is not enough for the political will to exist on one side only, an agreement can be achieved.''

He further said it is in the interests of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, and ''to the benefit of Europe, Turkey, Greece and also the international community to have a settlement in Cyprus, especially during this period.''

[07] Athens sees little chance of deal on Cyprus solution before Copenhagen

Athens, 05/12/2002 (ANA)

Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas noted that a solution was achievable but unlikely and laid the blame for this squarely on the Turkish and Turkish-Cypriot side, saying that they had been responsible for all the problems that had arisen or would arise in relation to efforts for solving the Cyprus problem.

Negotiations could begin even on the night before the EU leaders met on December 12 but Athens could not commit itself to concluding the process before the summit, he added.

"What's important is for the negotiations to continue after Copenhagen with the impetus they will gain at the summit," he said.

The spokesman did not rule out the possibility of a new initiative on the part of the United Nations on this issue and said that Greece would assess this when and if it transpired.

He once again reiterated that EU enlargement had to begin with Cyprus and that the Greek side was ready to begin negotiations based on the plan presented by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, while stressing that the Greek government would stand fast on this position to the very end.

Sources within the government said that a further initiative from the UN chief just before Copenhagen could be expected according to their assessment of the information at their disposal. Such an initiative would be more likely if Annan was first certain that his new initiative would be accepted by the two sides, they added.

The spokesman denied that any negotiations on the basis of the UN plan had taken place between the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot sides, noting that all contacts that took place from time to time did so within the framework of the UN.

[08] Healthcare minister holds meetings in Brussels ahead of Greek EU presidency

BRUSSELS 05/12/2002 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

Stephanis met with European Parliament President Pat Cox, presidents of the Europarliament's political groups, European Commission officials and officials of the conference for the Future of Europe.

The Greek minister proposed the European Constitution include an article, as a legislative base for the upgrade of the protection of public health in the EU, stressing that the priorities of the Greek EU presidency include the securing of the public health system at an institutional level.

He also said that the Greek presidency will focus on the mobility of patients between member-states, clarifying the preconditions of the free movement of people with illnesses within the Union, an issue that topped the agenda of Tuesday's Council of Social Affairs.

[09] Prime minister has successive meetings with ministers

Athens, 05/12/2002 (ANA)

The meeting with Papandreou also covered preparations for the Athens Olympics in 2004.

Both ministers also outlined their ministries' priorities and planning for the issues that Greece would be called on to handle during the Greek EU presidency in the first half of 2003.

In response to questions, both ministers expressed conviction that PASOK could reverse the lead held by main opposition New Democracy in a recent opinion poll before the next elections in 2004 and once again be elected into power.

[10] ND's Bakoyianni on ongoing Cyprus talks

Athens, 05/12/2002 (ANA)

Moreover, Bakoyianni warned that certain European governments have directly linked, lately, the issue of a political solution for Cyprus to the island republic’s accession prospects.

[11] Washington event on Euro-Atlantic relations, Copenhagen summit

WASHINGTON 05/12/2002 (ANA - A. Ellis)

The main speakers were the Greek and Danish ambassadors in Washington, as representatives of the current EU presidency and its immediate successor.

The Greek ambassador presented developments in joint European security and defense policy, for which Greece has taken over the presidency since July 1, 2002. He also presented a general outline of the Greek EU presidency's priorities, particularly stressing EU enlargement with the addition of 10 new members in April 2003 in Athens and the need to strengthen Euro-Atlantic dialogue.

The event was attended by US government officials, ambassadors, representatives of scientific institutes and business people seeking to promote EU-US economic ties.

[12] Visiting Portuguese president stops over on Crete

Athens, 05/12/2002 (ANA)

While in Iraklio, the Portuguese president found time to visit the Minoan palace at Knossos and Iraklio's archaeological museum. In statements after the end of the tour he described the Iraklio Museum as ''fantastic'' and said he was very proud to have seen the things he had read about the Minoan civilization at close hand.

Sampaio arrived on the island in the morning, accompanied by a large delegation of Portuguese officials. After visiting the sites he was guest of honor at a dinner given by the Iraklio prefect in the city's Atlantis Hotel before his departure for Lisbon at 16:00 on a special flight.

[13] Deputy DM discusses Greek EU priorities in defense policy

BERLIN 05/12/2002 (ANA - P. Stangos)

Apostolidis also expressed the Greek government's support for the initiative undertaken by Germany and France, in the framework of the European Assembly, to deepen European Security and Defense Policy.

Apostolidis, who was due back in Athens from Berlin on Wednesday night, held talks earlier with his German counterpart Walter Kolbo, while at noon the members of the Greek Parliamentary delegation attended a working luncheon with senior German foreign ministry officials.

Talks between Apostolidis and Kolbo focused on developments in the Balkans, while on the European army issue the Greek deputy defense minister made the assessment that the German side wants an end to this pending issue.

On the question of armaments, Apostolidis said certain arrangements of a technical character regarding the order for 170 Leopard-2 tanks were concluded.

He also reiterated to his interlocutors in Munich and Berlin that the issue of the purchase of Eurofighter aircraft can be discussed again after 2004.

[14] ND leader outlines first moves in economy ‘after election win’

Athens, 05/12/2002 (ANA)

Karamanlis accused the government of making accounting alchemies aimed at creating a false image to deceive the electorate and beautify the situation in the country.

He said his top priority is reform in the public sector, adding that the lifting of permanent status would not help. Referring to salaries paid in the public sector, he pointed out that one could achieve the minimization of entry into the public sector and the shaping of advancement and progress criteria.

Karamanlis accused the government of harming the economy with floatations and stressed that this is done for revenue benefits for the budget and to maintain relative calm with the government's partisan allies in the trade union sector to achieve a better understanding with the powerful economic interests.

He went on to say ''I am a liberal. I have been saying this for 30 years and it would be absurd for me to deny it now that I am a step away from the premiership.''

Karamanlis said his second target is a taxation system having low rates to attract investments and the utilization of real added value in the education, culture, environment and tourism sectors.

Referring to his priorities during his first 100 days in power, in the event he wins the elections, Karamanlis said the first thing to take place is a public inventory on the economy's real state and a specific program framework which will begin to be presented in public as of January 2003.

Gov't, ND spokesmen on latest poll result: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) appeared cautiously optimistic on Wednesday following the publication of a latest opinion poll to gauge voters' preferences, as ND was given a seven-point lead over ruling PASOK.

Conversely, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said the government's image was improved from the last such survey (a 7-percent gap now as opposed to 8.8 percent), and that Prime Minister Costas Simitis outpaced ND leader Costas Karamanlis in the category of 'most qualified to lead'.

ND spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos said the latest opinion poll, compiled by the Metron Analysis firm, confirms the party continuous lead, and also vindicates its choices.

[15] Deputy FM heads meeting of development assistance committee

Athens, 05/12/2002 (ANA)

The committee's agenda focused on the course of the implementation of the second five-year developmental cooperation program, including the Greek national plan for the economic reconstruction of the Balkans.

[16] Greek EU presidency to work for economic stability in bloc

Athens, 05/12/2002 (ANA)

Christodoulakis told a conference of the Hellenic-British Chamber in the British capital that more confidence in the EU's economic abilities and outlook were required.

[17] Transport ministry tables bill for communications privacy authority

Athens, 05/12/2002 (ANA)

The new authority will replace the National Committee for the Protecting the Privacy of Communications, which is disbanded under the bill.

The new authority will be answerable to Parliament and submit an annual report to the justice minister and Parliament speaker.

[18] Development ministry sees drop in inflation over holidays

Athens, 05/12/2002 (ANA)

Staff said that inflation figures for November should remain at 3.7 per cent as in October or marginally higher. They also saw a downward slide in December followed by a substantial drop in January, with the more sanguine estimates predicting inflation rates of 3.4 per cent in this month and 2.8 per cent in the following month.

[19] Gov't failing to achieve convergence in social spending, ND council told

Athens, 05/12/2002 (ANA)

Addressing a meeting devoted to social spending in view of a debate on the state budget, main opposition spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos stressed that social spending was yet another area in which the government was failing to achieve true convergence. Social spending in the budget was in deficit and only 1 per cent of beneficiaries were climbing above the poverty line as a result of the benefits they received, he noted.

Roussopoulos said that social spending accounted for 21 per cent of GDP and was seven percentage points below the EU average, while stressing that the government was exercising social policy on borrowed money.

The cost of living for a family of four in Greece was also higher than the EU average, he added, and quoted figures from the national statistics service showing that the minimum amount needed by a family of four that paid no rent was 1,442 euros a month.

[20] Greece outlines EU presidency's aims in farming sector

Athens, 05/12/2002 (ANA)

New proposals by the EU's executive Commission are due for release on January 22, Drys told reporters after a meeting with the prime minister.

Remaining priorities for Greece's presidency are food safety, with an informal ministers set for May 12-14 in Corfu; talks with the World Trade Organization; and receiving new member states into the European Union, Drys said.

Also for review will be joblessness among farmers and handling natural disasters, he added.

[21] ADEDY calls 24-hour strike in public sector on Thursday

Athens, 05/12/2002 (ANA)

ADEDY demands raises of over 3.6 per cent, the Bank of Greece estimate projected for inflation, while the government's policy predicts pay increases of no more than 2.5 per cent.

The strike will affect the wider public sector.

Air traffic controllers to stage24-hour strike on Thursday: Flights scheduled by all airlines are expected to face serious problems on Thursday after air traffic controllers decided late on Wednesday night to stage a 24-hour strike covered by the 24-hour strike called on the same day by the Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council (ADEDY).

Airline companies are already adjusting their flight programs accordingly, while it was disclosed that only one flight for each domestic destination and for each foreign country will be carried out.

ADEDY has called its own strike in support of pay hikes exceeding the country's annual inflation rate, expected to be in the region of 3.5 percent this year.

[22] Press minister praises two draft bills on TV channel licenses

Athens, 05/12/2002 (ANA)

The draft laws were passed on to the Council since it is the relevant body to issue the licenses.

Protopapas said he hopes the licenses will be given to nationwide and local television and radio stations in 2003.

[23] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks slip in lackluster trade

Athens, 05/12/2002 (ANA)

The general share index shed 0.45 percent to end at 1,859.24 points. Turnover was 100.4 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.38 percent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.93 percent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities finished 1.99 percent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 277 to 50 with 31 issues remaining unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 38.3 mln euros Wednesday

Equity Index Futures: