Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-12-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis, Berlusconi agree Turkey should be given EU 'date' in 2004

[02] FM Papandreou, Libyan counterpart Shalgam, discuss Cyprus, Euro-Med cooperation

[03] Protopapas: Greece seeking to keep interest in Cyprus issue alive after Dec. 12

[04] US envoy: US supports Cyprus' EU accession, Annan efforts for solution

[05] EU FMs to examine preparation of EU Copenhagen summit

[06] Deputy FM departs for visit to Syria and Lebanon

[07] Gov't responds to ex-king's comments following ECHR ruling

[08] Greece strongly interested in political normality in Serbia

[09] ND's Political Analysis Group examines Copenhagen scenarios

[10] KKE condemns Israeli leadership for latest Mideast violence

[11] Balkan Committee general assembly to take place in Turkey

[12] Golden Aviation named frontrunner in sale of Olympic Airways

[13] PPC's public offer seen three times oversubscribed at home

[14] Retail sales index rises in September

[15] Greece to subsidise holidays in Cyprus under social tourism plan

[16] Greece calls for tighter ship safety rules

[17] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks slump in glum trade

[18] Authorities brace for bad weather over the weekend

[19] Athens promises int'l vaccination program via 'Cultural Olympiad'

[20] Thessaloniki doctors call for N. Greece transplant-handling center

[21] OKANA drug group reports rise in users of 'hard' drugs

[22] Three women honored for their contribution in expatriate Greek communities

[23] Italy-bound truck loaded with migrants intercepted

[24] UN envoy to be principle go-between to encourage dialogue

[25] Denktash says solution impossible if Cyprus accedes to EU

[26] UN envoy says Cyprus talks entering new phase

[27] Markides calls for unity in view of developments

[01] Simitis, Berlusconi agree Turkey should be given EU 'date' in 2004

ROME 07/12/2002 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakos)

Prime Minister Costas Simitis arrived in Rome for meetings in light of Greece's EU presidency.

The two leaders agreed on the subject of setting a date for the initiation of EU accession negotiations for Turkey, Simitis said, adding that delays in setting a date make the positive message Europe wants to send to Turkey less clear and positive. Simitis, Berlusconi agree Turkey should be given EU 'date' in 2004. ''I would like to reiterate what I said before. We should give a positive message to Turkey and in regards specifically to the date. The more the date for the initiation of accession negotiations is delayed, the more the message becomes less clear and positive,'' Simitis said, adding ''we believe that the date should not be moved up for many years, but to be set for earlier. To be set for 2004, as Mr. Berlusconi said.''

''But, of course, to (also) be set under specific preconditions, that will guarantee that when the negotiations begin, certain criteria would have been met, which are necessary so that Turkey could follow the developments of the European Union,'' Simitis stressed.

Simitis, responding to a question on the Chirac-Schroeder proposal for the setting of a date in 2005, and that of Berlusconi for a date in 2004 and whether there would be an agreement in Copenhagen, said ''this is what I discussed with (German Prime Minister Gerhard) Schroeder and (French Prime Minister Jacques) Chirac and with other prime ministers in the EU.''

''Their opinions do not coincide. We, I reiterate, believe, that the closest the date is set the more positive the message to Turkey would be, the more it will make it easier for Turkey to make some moves and for this reason in Copenhagen, we will support this position,'' Simitis said.

On his part, Berlusconi said that ''(Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria) Aznar and (British Prime Minister Toni) Blair agree with us concerning the date''.

Speaking on whether the Annan plan for the Cyprus issue could become an obstacle for the setting of a date for Turkey, Simitis said ''as I said before the time until Copenhagen is very short. It is improbable that the negotiations for the plan will be completed by Copenhagen and in the event that they will not be completed they will have to continue, with everyone's understanding that effort is necessary for a conclusion''.

''This makes evident that the date of negotiations initiation does not depend on the resolution of the Cyprus issue,'' he said, adding ''but I want to stress that during the accession process of Turkey, what is of significance is that Turkey should confront those problems in a positive manner so as to be able to cooperate with the European Union''.

[02] FM Papandreou, Libyan counterpart Shalgam, discuss Cyprus, Euro-Med cooperation

Athens, 07/12/2002 (ANA)

Shalgam, whose formal title is Sec. of the Gen. People's Committee for Foreign Liaison & International Cooperation, and Papandreou also discussed matters of regional cooperation and the priorities of the Greek EU presidency in the first half of 2003.

In statements after their meeting, the two men stressed the importance of boosting Euro-Med cooperation during the Greek EU presidency.

Shalgam said that the countries of the Mediterranean region were looking forward to Greece's EU presidency, since Greece knew the region well and could play an important role.

The Libyan official invited Papandreou to visit Libya, and proposed that Greece also participate in the dialogue group encompassing the Mediterranean community and the European countries of the region, in view of its enlargement with the membership of Egypt.

Papandreou said that Cyprus' accession into the EU, the resolution of the Cyprus issue, and the issue of a date for the commencement of Turkey's EU accession talks, were not linked among each other but nevertheless created a new momentum.

He reiterated that a resolution of the Cyprus issue was not a prerequisite for Cyprus' joining the EU, and added that setting a date for commencing talks between the EU and Turkey on the latter's accession of the Union would aid in resolving the Cyprus problem now or even later.

[03] Protopapas: Greece seeking to keep interest in Cyprus issue alive after Dec. 12

Athens, 07/12/2002 (ANA)

The spokesman was clarifying the proposals made during a recent visit to Ankara by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

An EU decision on this issue is a proposal that could make a positive contribution,'' he added.

He said a German-French proposal regarding an accession date for Turkey was ''positive'' and constituted progress, since it ''created a better basis for talks''.

[04] US envoy: US supports Cyprus' EU accession, Annan efforts for solution

Athens, 07/12/2002 (ANA)

Speaking at a conference in Thessaloniki entitled ''EuroAtlantic: a community of values'', Miller urged the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot sides to show ''wisdom and courage to bring a bright future closer'' and noted that the next few days would most likely be the most crucial in decades for the region and its relation with the EU.

Miller noted that a lot of work was being done in many capitals around the world on the Cyprus problem and that a ''great success'' was possible at the EU summit in Copenhagen.

During the Greek EU presidency, which begins on January 1, 2003, Miller said the US intended to intensify dialogue with the EU on three issues chosen by Greece: the situation in southeast Europe, the Caucasus and central Asia, illegal migration and security.

The conference was also addressed by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who said that one of the priorities of the Greek EU presidency would be to deepen and enrich EU-US dialogue.

''Partners with the characteristics and special weight of the EU and the US have to engage in constant and honest dialogue,'' he stressed.

The conference is taking place in Thessaloniki and was jointly organized by the Greek foreign and Macedonia-Thrace ministries, the US Embassy in Athens and the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP).

[05] EU FMs to examine preparation of EU Copenhagen summit

BRUSSELS 07/12/2002 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

Diplomatic sources said what will happen with Turkey, regarding the date for the beginning of its accession negotiations with the EU, as well as Cyprus' upcoming accession, will be discussed informally during the ministers' working lunch to facilitate the taking of relevant decisions at the summit.

The sources consider a ''conclusions plan'' by the Danish presidency on these issues at the General Affairs Council ''risky'', since it could burden the psychological climate in countries involved and then the momentum of events to overturn all possible scenarios.

In any case, it was added, the accession of the Republic of Cyprus should be considered a given fact, regardless of a solution to the political problem. Possible ''admonitions'' for the promotion of negotiations in accordance with the UN secretary general's blueprint are not expected to have the character of preconditions, the sources added.

On the question of Turkey and whatever scenario is ultimately ''played'', the sources said decisions taken in Copenhagen should remind its obligations emanating from the Helsinki summit and, at the same time, there should be clear commitments that its ''conduct'' regarding the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations ''will follow it throughout the entire period until its accession to the EU.''

[06] Deputy FM departs for visit to Syria and Lebanon

Athens, 07/12/2002 (ANA)

In Syria, Loverdos will be received by Antioch Patriarch Ignatios IV and will attend mass at the Patriarchal Cathedral.

He will also be meeting Lebanon's prime minister and foreign minister and visit the Balamant Theology Academy.

Loverdos will complete his visit on December 10.

[07] Gov't responds to ex-king's comments following ECHR ruling

Athens, 07/12/2002 (ANA)

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas reiterated that the problem of the monarchy in Greece is over, while noting that Constantine, along with his sister and an aunt, initially demanded damages of nearly 490 million euros.

Furthermore, in reaction to Constantines stated intention of establishing a charitable foundation with the money, the spokesman said the announcement came after the ruling and was made out of expediency.

Regarding the Greek governments standing demand that Constantine assume a surname -- something he adamantly rejects -- in order to acquire a Greek passport and other legal rights, Protopapas said the ex-king must list a surname, enroll in a municipal roll as well as swear allegiance to the Constitution and Greeces form of government. He referred to similar procedures followed by other former European monarchs wanting to return to their home countries, before citing the example of current Bulgarian Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.

Asked during his regular press briefing about the possibility of Constantine assuming a surname of Vassilias (Greek for king), Protopapas said he could then be called Mr. Vassilias, adding: he can take whatever surname he wishes.

Moreover the spokesman added that if he (Constantine) wants to visit the country as a foreigner he must then follow all provisions of Greek and EU law.

During a televised interview in London, the former monarch claimed that on no occasion had he sought a monetary compensation, while he described the Court's ruling as just and that the properties in question were, in fact, his.

He also claimed that the ruling featured a ''political connotation'' as far as the compensation is concerned, due to the Greek governments ''great intransigence, as he said, vis-a-vis any negotiations or talks for an out-of-court settlement.

Greece was ordered to pay 13.7 million euros on Nov. 28 by the European Court of Human Rights as compensation to a trio of the country's ex-royals for property seized under a 1994 law, a judgment substantially lower than what the plaintiffs originally demanded and one that satisfied Athens.

A referendum in December 1974 abolished the monarchy by a 2 to 1 margin, paving the way for the establishment of a Parliamentary republic.

Two years ago, the 62-year-old Constantine claimed that an international firm had assessed the value of the contested properties at 180 billion drachmas ($450 million).

In its initial ruling two years ago the ECHR court of justices ruled by a 15-2 margin that Athens had violated Article I of the first protocol of the European Convention of Human Rights, which guarantees the right of property.

Constantine and two relatives at one point demanded 168 billion drachmas (493 million euros) in compensation for the three contested properties, namely, the Tatoi country estate north of Athens; the Mon Repos summer resort on the Ionian island of Corfu and the Polidendri forest estate in the foothills south of Mount Olympus, central Greece.

Mitsotakis: Meanwhile, Protopapas also sharply criticized Constantine Mitsotakis government for what he called the shameful 1992 deal with Constantine, as well as the shipments of moveable property from Tatoi under the same New Democracy government in the early 1990s.

In response to former premier Mitsotakis comments over the matter, Protopapas said the only problem now arising is over New Democracys stance, whose cadres are trying to justify or support even attacks against the Prime Minister (Costas Simitis).

Earlier, in commenting on Constantines interview, Mitsotakis said he believed the ex-king does not want to play any political role in the country, while adding:

The man (Constantine) stated his opinion, and hes absolutely right.

He also charged that the government has viciously attacked the former monarch, while reminding that the ECHR did, in fact, rule against Greece, ... despite the fact that we belong to Europe we do not respect human rights.

[08] Greece strongly interested in political normality in Serbia

BELGRADE 07/12/2002 (ANA - N. Pelpas)

It should be noted that for the Serbian elections to be considered valid, over 50 per cent of voters must turn out to vote in Sunday's elections.

[09] ND's Political Analysis Group examines Copenhagen scenarios

Athens, 07/12/2002 (ANA)

Party members had a lengthy discussion on the position to be observed by the party in each separate case and agreed to avoid tension although being in strong disagreement with the government's moves.

Dora Bakoyianni reportedly appeared to desire more positive reports from the party in the event Cyprus joins the EU without conditions and footnotes, while many other members expressed different views, saying that the party should underline its distinct positions on arrangements contained in UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's blueprint.

However, the party fears that many different issues will be presented together as a ''package'' at the Copenhagen summit.

[10] KKE condemns Israeli leadership for latest Mideast violence

Athens, 07/12/2002 (ANA)

[11] Balkan Committee general assembly to take place in Turkey

Athens, 07/12/2002 (ANA)

The assembly will be attended by Deputy Interior Minister Stavros Benos and Deputy Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Yiannis Tsaklidis.

Papadopoulos will raise the political framework on which the Balkan Committee should act in the future, while the Greek deputy ministers will refer to issues concerning their duties.

Benos will focus on the applications of electronic administration to serve citizens and Tsaklidis on the Inter-European Transport Networks and their role in southeastern Europe and the Balkans.

[12] Golden Aviation named frontrunner in sale of Olympic Airways

Athens, 07/12/2002 (ANA)

The government accepted the recommendation for frontrunner from its sale consultants, who ranked Aegean Airlines second among a total of six bidders.

The consultants - National Bank of Greece, Commercial Bank of Greece and Alpha Bank - did not reject any of the remaining offers.

Negotiations for sale of the majority stake in Olympic are to begin immediately with Golden Aviation, which has offered 150 million US dollars for 70 percent of stock.

If the talks break down, then negotiations will start with Aegean Airlines.

In Brussels, Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis informed the European Union's executive Commission of progress in the tender.

He told EU Transport commissioner Loyola de Palacio that the airline would change its name to New Olympic Airways, with Macedonian Airlines as a legal vehicle for the company to emerge from privatization.

[13] PPC's public offer seen three times oversubscribed at home

Athens, 07/12/2002 (ANA)

The binding share price range in the offer launched on Tuesday was 11.80 euros to 13.0 euros for institutional investors.

The final price is due for announcement on Saturday.

Chief underwriters in the public offer in Greece and London, along with a private placement to company employees, are Alpha Finance, Deutsche Bank, National Bank of Greece and UBS Warburg.

Available in the offer were 23,200,000 common bearer shares at a nominal price of 2.93 euros. The stock total will rise to 30,624,000 in the case of a green shoe option, or over-allotment.

For non-institutional investors, shares were to be sold at a 3.0 percent discount, or at the bottom end of the price range if the discount brings the price lower than the range's floor.

On sale was 10.0 percent of the PPC's share capital, along with a further 1.2 percent if a stabilizing mechanism is required, and another 2.0 percent in the event of demand outweighing supply.

[14] Retail sales index rises in September

Athens, 07/12/2002 (ANA)

NSS said in a statement that the sharpest increases in turnover were reported in large foodstuffs stores (+14.1 percent), department stores (+10.5 percent), and foodstuffs, drinks and tobacco (+9.7 percent).

In January-September, the index rose by 9.4 percent against the same period of 2001, the statement said.

The retail sales index was revised this year to exclude Value Added Tax.

[15] Greece to subsidise holidays in Cyprus under social tourism plan

NICOSIA 07/12/2002 (ANA/G.Leonidas)

The island republic's trade, industry and tourism minister, Nikos Rolandis, welcomed the pilot plan following talks in the capital with the head of the Worker Housing Organization of Greece, Yiannis Papamihail.

Expected to begin in 2003, the program is to be handled by the Cyprus Tourism Organization and the Greek worker-housing agency.

[16] Greece calls for tighter ship safety rules

BRUSSELS 07/12/2002 (ANA)

Merchant Marine Minister George Anomeritis told reporters that both adoption and enforcement of measures were key issues; and rules should also apply to non-EU countries in order to align competitiveness.

Anomeritis was speaking after a meeting of transport ministers in the Belgian capital, where Greece's arguments were presented.

The minister said that Greece currently checked 29 percent of vessels that docked in Greek ports, higher than a legally ordained requirement of 25 percent.

Greece has set shipping safety as a priority during its rotating presidency of the 15-nation bloc in the first half of 2003.

[17] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks slump in glum trade

Athens, 07/12/2002 (ANA)

The general share index shed 1.70 percent to end at 1,813.32 points. Turnover was 84.0 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 1.67 percent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 2.44 percent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities finished 3.51 percent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 327 to 20 with 12 issues remaining unchanged.

The general share index lost 3.17 percent on the week.

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