Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-12-14

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cyprus enters the European Union unconditionally

[02] ND leader hails Cyprus' accession to the European Union

[03] Cyprus President Clerides announces accession and pledges to strive for solution

[04] Papandreou comments on last minute UN effort for Cyprus deal

[05] No solution achieved at Copenhagen meeting on Cyprus problem, official says

[06] Talks on Cyprus can continue after Copenhagen, Turkish PM says

[07] Erdogan comments from Copenhagen Summit sideline

[08] Denktash denies that ''goodwill'' text for Cyprus Annan plan will be signed

[09] White House welcomes EU's decision on Turkey

[10] Loverdos to discuss Greece's EU presidency priorities in Brussels, Rome talks

[11] Greek deputy DM meets with French DM general director

[12] 25 Turkish war planes infringe on Athens' FIR, violate Greek airspace

[13] Defense minister at Navy gunboat launch on Friday

[14] Bakoyianni narrowly escapes assassination attempt

[15] Transport minister in talks with EU commissioner

[16] Work needed to improve social cohesion in SE Europe

[17] MP seeks to revive issue of Turkish 'white cells' after 100th death

[18] Greek EU presidency to back employment, social cohesion

[19] Central bank chief urges rise in competitiveness

[20] EIB approves financing for Athens 2004 Olympics

[21] Stocks fall, recouping some losses at close

[22] President Stephanopoulos at ceremony for Kalavryta martyrs

[23] Ministry official tours northern Greek immigrant reception centers

[24] Seminar on supranational state structure models

[25] Greek and French ombudsmen discuss public administration

[26] U.S. 5th fleet commander gives commendation to Greek officer

[27] Venizelos: Political reasons did not doom joint 'Euro 2008' bid

[28] Cyprus, EU member, committed to reaching settlement

[29] UN Secretary-General Annan says Cyprus talks will continue

[30] Turkish Cypriots demonstrate as UN talks fail

[01] Cyprus enters the European Union unconditionally

COPENHAGEN 14/12/2002 (ANA - B. Mourtis)

Prime Minister Costas Simitis made the announcement immediately after the conclusion of the second and final day of the Summit in the Danish capital.

Clearly satisfied with the decision arrived at following the two-day long negotiations, Simitis said that developments were better than anticipated, when he departed for Copenhagen.

He stressed that this was a ''historic day for Europe, as well as for Greece and Turkey. Europe overcame the divisions of the past and it is now unified''.

Foreign Minister George Papandreou, also present at the press conference, said that the dynamic now established creates the hope that the ''walls will come down in Cyprus''.

Greece, Simitis said, achieved two major targets, the clear-cut accession of the island republic to the Union, without terms and preconditions, ''as some people supported and spoke of during the previous months and secondly Greece achieved in maintaining the dynamic for the resolution of the Cyprus problem, which began as a result of the prospect of Cyprus' accession''.

The premier said that the text of the Summit's conclusion states that the implementation of the acquis communautaire will be suspended as far as the northern part of the island (under Turkish occupation) is concerned, as long as that remains outside the European Union, adding, however, that the text expresses the hope that until Feb. 28, 2003, an agreement for the resolution of the Cyprus issue will be achieved, in turn achieving the entry of a reunited Cyprus in the Union.

Simitis also noted that the Union was promoting measures for the economic support of the northern part of Cyprus.

Referring to a solution of the Cyprus issue, Simitis stressed that the revised plan of the United Nations for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem continues to be the basis for negotiations, adding that it is a realistic base and capable to contribute to the overturning of the divisive reality on the island now.

Simitis placed the responsibility for the non-resolution of the Cyprus problem on the Turkish Cypriot side, which he called on to change its stance and aid the efforts to achieve a solution, while he called on Turkey to realize that by contributing to the solution of the problem is strengthens its European course.

''The resolution of the Cyprus problem is a target for Greece, equal to that of the accession and secure enough for the survival of a reunited Cyprus,'' Simitis said, calling on all Greeks to move on united without miserable and partisan attitudes, toward the achievement of this target, as was done with success in Cyprus' entry to the EU.

Commenting on Turkey's stance, Simitis referred to statements by Turkish Prime Minister Abdullah Gul that the resolution of the Cyprus problem should close by Feb. 28, 2003, as well as to statements made by Turkish Cypriot community political party leaders who wish to see the problem resolved.

He also stressed that there is an agreement among the European Union leaders to exert pressures toward the resolution of the Cyprus problem.

''The accession is not enough for us, we want the resolution of the problem as well, which is in the interest of Cyprus and Greece, as well as of the stability and peace in the region at large,'' Simitis said, adding that those who supported that a resolution should wait for a more opportune moment, in essence do not want Cyprus overcoming the current status quo.

At this point, the premier underlined that with the normalization of conditions in the region and the establishment of a new status quo, Greece will be allowed to decrease its defense spending and funnel funds to social policies.

Commenting on whether Cyprus' accession could be influenced by a possible non-resolution of the political problem by Feb. 28, 2003, Simitis stressed that the conclusions of the Summit were very clear, adding that the accession was in no way connected with the resolution.

''We want the resolution, as well as to push on Turkey, which should understand that the stance it maintains entails consequences,'' Simitis said.

Also speaking of Greek-Turkish affairs, Simitis said that the Helsinki decisions still stand, concerning the bilateral differences between the two countries, calling the implementation of those decisions self-evident, as nothing has changed.

Speaking of his visits to Cyprus and Turkey as the leader presiding over the European Union for the next six months, Simitis said that he would be the first president of the Union to visit the island republic in April 2003 and not only Cyprus, but all 25 EU member-states, adding that at present there was no plans for a visit to Ankara.

The Greek premier closed his remarks saying that Cyprus and the other nine member-states will sign the accession agreement on April 16, 2003 in Athens, while they will become full members of the Union by May 1, 2004.

PM Simitis expresses satisfaction over enlargement decision, EU-NATO

agreement COPENHAGEN 14/12/2002 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis / Ch. Poulidou)

He said the decades-long division of Europe was overcome, noting that despite the fact political developments in the past decade had created new political conditions in the European Union, the political decision for the consolidation of the new conditions had not been taken.

''This decision was adopted today,'' Simitis said, stressing that the European Union henceforth has a new form. ''The new Europe will be leverage for the development of peace and cooperation,'' he said.

EU-NATO agreement on 'Euro-army': The prime minister termed as particularly important the agreement reached between the European Union and NATO on the issue of the so-called ''Euro-army'', and particularly on the establishment of the EU's permanent and stable access for its defense requirements in NATO's infrastructures.

Simitis said that a new period is opening in EU-NATO relations and after long negotiations this issue is closing.

He also said that the joint EU-NATO statement which will consolidate the permanent cooperation of the EU and the Atlantic Alliance for crisis management will be approved on Monday.

The prime minister underlined that this decision paves the way for the development of the European defense and the consolidation of Europe's security.

The EU aims in the coming period to assume responsibility of the command of the international military force which is based in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), as well as of the international police force which is in Bosnia.

Greece's EU presidency priorities: The prime minister said that the first priority of Greece's EU presidency was the completion of the enlargement. He also referred to a Summit meeting in March, where the Lisbon strategy will be assessed and the EU summit in Thessaloniki, which will deal with the confrontation of illegal immigration and the ''future of Europe'' since it is then that the president of the Convention on the Future of Europe will submit his report.

Simitis said that the cabinet will concern itself with this issue on Tuesday, while a relevant discussion will take place in Parliament in the evening.

Tribute to late minister Kranidiotis: Simitis and Foreign Minister George Papandreou recalled the decisive contribution of late alternate foreign minister Yiannos Kranidiotis in the strategy of Cyprus' EU accession.

Simitis said ''today is a historic day for Cyprus and I believe that on this day we should all remember Yiannos Kranidiotis".

The prime minister said he wished to honor the memory of Kranidiotis, stating that he was the protagonist of the idea that Cyprus' accession to the EU would create new conditions for a settlement of the political problem of the island republic and that it would have promoted it with determination.

Papandreou also paid tribute to Kranidiotis, at the same time terming as important the contribution made by all the foreign ministers who worked these past years for the promotion of Cyprus' EU accession.

PM on opinion polls: Asked to comment on the effect which Cyprus' EU accession will have on the public and in particular on opinion polls, Simitis said ''I am in this position to do my job as I believe it to be and with my convictions. Afterwards, the opinion polls will run behind my policies.''

PM condemns attack on Bakoyianni: Simitis categorically condemned the assassination attempt against main opposition New Democracy deputy and Athens mayor-elect Dora Bakoyianni in central Athens early Friday afternoon.

He termed the attack as a phenomenon ''which did not fit the country'' and said that he ordered a full investigation into the incident. He wished her and her driver a speedy recovery.

[02] ND leader hails Cyprus' accession to the European Union

Athens, 14/12/2002 (ANA)

The ND leader congratulated the people of Cyprus and the country's leadership for there successful efforts to meet the criteria for accession, despite the adverse circumstances of the invasion and occupation of the northern part of the island republic by Turkish forces.

Karamanlis stressed that in 1990 - during the ND government under Constantine Mitsotakis - when Cyprus tabled its application for accession to the European Union and since then ND supported with all its power the accession strategy, as a major national target, irrespective of a resolution of the island's political problem.

He expressed, however, certain reservations, since, as he said, the wording of the Copenhagen Summit conclusions "creates questions, since it refers to a stated commitment for a resolution by Feb. 28, 2003 based on the United Nations' plan".

''We hope that this does not mean a connection between the accession with a predetermined resolution (of the political problem) and that is so because what is of the outmost importance now is the substantial improvement of the Annan plan's weaknesses. Weaknesses that concern mostly the functionality of the executive branch of the government, as well as the significant divergences from the European acquis communautaire,'' Karamanlis stressed.

He added that a solution to the Cyprus problem should secure the viability, the security and the basic freedoms of all Cypriot citizens.

He concluded saying that his party would always support the efforts of the Cypriot people toward a better result and the full utilization of the opportunities offered by the European prospect, adding that the Greek EU presidency, which begins a few days from now should contribute substantially toward that direction.

[03] Cyprus President Clerides announces accession and pledges to strive for solution

COPENHAGEN 14/12/2002 (ANA / V. Demiris / CNA)

In a written statement read out at a press conference by government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou, President Clerides says that ''our country's accession to the EU provides us with the necessary certainty to take, over the next few weeks, daring measures that will help create a favorable climate for a settlement of our political problem.''

He also called on the Turkish Cypriots ''not to lose their faith in the need to live together in a reunited and prosperous Cyprus, member of the EU.''

The president's full statement is as follows:

''It is with great satisfaction that I announce to the people of Cyprus that the great national aim of Cyprus' accession to the EU has today been completed with the invitation of the Republic of Cyprus to become a member state.

''For a long time now we have been waiting for this historical day to come. Today is a landmark in the process of unification of the European continent and a start for a brighter common future.

''Our joy for this historical event would be complete if the Cyprus problem was already solved. We are deeply saddened because an agreement for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem was not achieved, despite efforts all these years, efforts which over the past few weeks reached a dramatic height.

''However, our commitment to achieve this aim the soonest possible remains, as always, strong.

''I address especially our Turkish Cypriot compatriots and call on them not to lose their faith in the necessity to live together in a reunited and prosperous Cyprus, member of the EU.

''I would like to assure that until a solution of the Cyprus problem is achieved, the Cypriot government will do everything possible, so that all Cypriots, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, can enjoy the benefits and rights deriving from Cyprus' accession to the EU.

''The accession of our country to the united Europe provides us with the necessary certainty to take, over the next few weeks, daring measures that will help create a favorable climate for achieving a solution of our political problem.

''Cyprus is ready to meet its commitments and responsibilities as a new member of the EU, and to contribute towards fulfilling the aims of the Union and to the whole procedure of European integration.

I would like to express deep gratitude to the Danish presidency of the EU, the member states and the European Commission for their valuable support and assistance.

''I also express deep gratitude to the Prime Minister of Greece Mr. Costas Simitis, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. George Papandreou, the Greek government, the political world and the people of Greece for their impartial support, the close cooperation and the struggle they gave with success for Cyprus' accession to the EU.

''I furthermore express warm thanks to the National Council, the House of Representatives, the Negotiating Team on the Cyprus problem, the Accession Negotiation Team under Mr. George Vassiliou, the Diplomatic Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the people of Cyprus for the efforts they have made to bring about the achievement of the aim of Cyprus' accession to the EU.''

[04] Papandreou comments on last minute UN effort for Cyprus deal

COPENHAGEN 14/12/2002 (ANA - C. Poulidou)

He said the EU's message to Turkey over the start of accession negotiations was ''positive'' and that it encouraged Ankara to continue reforms.

Turkey's candidacy was no longer ''up in the air'', he added, but determined by a date. There had been no change of climate regarding the proposal for Turkey during the morning session of the summit, he said.

He also expressed satisfaction at the end of negotiations for an accession date for Bulgaria and Romania, which the 15 EU leaders set for 2007.

[05] No solution achieved at Copenhagen meeting on Cyprus problem, official says

COPENHAGEN 14/12/2002 (ANA - V. Demiris)

No negotiations at all had taken place during the 2.5-hour meeting, Cyprus Attorney General Alekos Markides reported, while UN envoy for the Cyprus issue Alvaro de Soto had told him that it would be impossible to achieve a solution on that day. The Turkish-Cypriot side had been represented by Thin Ertugruloglu, while all four of the guarantor powers - Greece, Turkey, the US and Britain - had been present.

[06] Talks on Cyprus can continue after Copenhagen, Turkish PM says

COPENHAGEN 14/12/2002 (ANA - V. Mourtis)

The Turkish premier was responding to questions regarding a demonstration that took place in the occupied northern territories of Cyprus earlier in the day, following a hard-line statement by Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash that appeared to rule out a Cyprus solution.

For negotiations to continue, however, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has to agree to keep his proposal open to the two sides after the end of the EU summit now underway in Copenhagen.

In statements to a Turkish reporter, Gul also appeared more upbeat about the summit's decision to review Turkey's demand for a firm date for accession negotiations in 2004, noting only that Turkey had wanted an earlier date and that the one given was a little further away.

He categorically denied that Athens may have been responsible for the later date in order to pressure Turkey to take bilateral issues to the International Court of Justice at The Hague, noting that Greece had supported the start of accession talks with Turkey more than any other EU state.

Gul said the decision may have been the result of EU internal problems.

[07] Erdogan comments from Copenhagen Summit sideline

ISTANBUL 14/12/2002 (ANA – E. Areteos)

“In politics there is no anger, when you’re angered you lose,” Erdogan said in the aftermath of Turkish leadership harsh words from Copenhagen following a European Union to give the country only a conditional date for entry talks after a review in 2004, as well as criticism by Turkish PM Abdullah Gul against French President Jacques Chirac, among others.

“We wanted to receive a date for the end of 2003, but this has been delayed a little … We hope Turkey will begin (EU accession) negotiations at the end of 2004,” Erdogan said following a meeting with Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. Gul also attended that meeting.

[08] Denktash denies that ''goodwill'' text for Cyprus Annan plan will be signed

ANKARA 14/12/2002 (ANA - A. Ambatzis)

''The subject of discussion is whether it would be included in the United Nations' announcement, that the Annan plan (for the resolution of the Cyprus problem) is accepted as a base for negotiations,'' Denktash added.

He also said that the Turkish Cypriot side considers ''the Annan plan unacceptable as a basis'' and that the relevant negotiations are still under way.

Thus Denktash clarified developments, following statements by his son Serner Denktash to CNN Turk, that the text is about to be signed, with it binding the two sides to complete negotiations based on the revised Annan plan by Feb. 28, 2003.

[09] White House welcomes EU's decision on Turkey

WASHINGTON 14/12/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer termed it ''a decision with vision'' which contributes to the creation of a really united Europe and proves that ''Islam and democracy can coexist.''

Fleischer replied in such a way as to make it clear that Washington considers December 2004 as the date for the beginning of negotiations since the United States believes that by then Ankara will fulfill all relevant preconditions. U.S. diplomacy will move in this direction in the future.

''We welcome the EU's decision to begin accession negotiations with Turkey in December 2004 if Turkey fulfils Copenhagen's criteria,'' the spokesman said and added that he has nothing official to state on Cyprus for the time being, but during the day there might be an official position.

[10] Loverdos to discuss Greece's EU presidency priorities in Brussels, Rome talks

Athens, 14/12/2002 (ANA)

A Foreign Ministry announcement on Friday said the aim of Loverdos' visit was for an exchange of views on the priorities of the Greek presidency on issues of development cooperation and coordination of the relevant action.

Examined during the visit will be matters concerning the preparation of the informal EU Development Cooperation Council meeting which will be held in Alexandroupolis, northern Greece, June 2-3, 2003, as well as closer cooperation with Italy which takes over the EU presidency from Greece in the second half of 2003.

Loverdos will meet in Brussels with Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Poul Nielsen, and in Rome with his Italian counterpart Roberto Antonione.

[11] Greek deputy DM meets with French DM general director

Athens, 14/12/2002 (ANA)

Earlier in the day, Apostolidis was given a dinner by French Senator Michel Guerry in the presence of Greek Ambassador to France Dimitris Karaitidis.

The Greek minister also visited the installations of the Giat and Snecma companies.

[12] 25 Turkish war planes infringe on Athens' FIR, violate Greek airspace

Athens, 14/12/2002 (ANA)

The same sources said that all 25 Turkish fighter-jets responsible for the infringements and violations were intercepted by Greek Air force jets.

[13] Defense minister at Navy gunboat launch on Friday

Athens, 14/12/2002 (ANA)

In statements at the launch, Papantoniou referred to Cyprus' EU accession, saying it was a major achievement of the Greek and Cypriot governments. He also noted that Greece sincerely desired a solution to the Cyprus problem and insisted on a solution based on the plan submitted by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.

The third gunboat is due to be completed in three months time, while a fourth will be delivered to the Navy before the Olympics in 2004. The entire contract with Hellenic Shipyards, which are part of the HDV Ferrostal consortium, is worth 176 million euros.

[14] Bakoyianni narrowly escapes assassination attempt

Athens, 14/12/2002 (ANA)

A man identified as the suspect was apprehended moments later by a police guard outside the nearby Spanish embassy, while the weapon was also recovered, authorities said.

The attack occurred practically outside Bakoyianni’s political office in a fashionable central Athens district, only a few blocks from the main entrance to the Acropolis.

Authorities identified a suspect in custody as a 35-year-old former mental ward patient from the central Greek town of Livadia.

The driver, a police officer assigned to Bakoyianni’s security detail, was transported to a nearby Athens hospital where he received out-patient treatment for mostly superficial wounds. Bakoyianni was herself taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution.

Initial reports stated that the gunman waited outside Bakoyianni’s office and fired on the late-model Saab sedan she was riding in as it drove by, shattering its passenger’s side windows.

Bakoyianni, 49, is the eldest child of former premier Constantine Mitsotakis as well as the widow of journalist and politician Pavlos Bakoyiannis, who was assassinated by the notorious ''November 17'' terrorist group in 1989.

The suspect was identified as Giorgos Sandalis.

Reactions: In later comments, acting government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris vehemently condemned the attack, while adding:

''I briefed the prime minister, and I conveyed, to her (Bakoyianni) personally, his concern and interest. The premier has ordered that the case be investigated as soon as possible.''

On his part, ND leader Costas Karamanlis, upon his departure from the hospital where he visited with Bakoyianni, he said ''I am expressing by disgust and repulsion for the attack against Dora Bakoyianni and for the injuring of her police guard. It is self-evident that we are asking for the full investigation of the case''.

Ruling PASOK party Secretary Costas Laliotis said that ''today's murderous attack against Dora Bakoyianni and the wounding of her police escort Limberios, causes anger and disgust in every Greek citizen. We fully condemn this heinous act''.

The Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) issued a press release also condemning the attack against Bakoyianni and her police escort, expressing its solidarity to Athens' mayor elect.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis communicated with Bakoyianni as soon as he was informed of the incident and was briefed by her on the case, underlining to her the Parliament's sympathy.

Bakoyianni exits hospital following first aid care after attack: Athens Mayor-elect Dora Bakoyianni on Friday exited an Athens hospital were she was taken for injuries she sustained after a lone suspect fired against her a shotgun, narrowly missing the high-profile main opposition New Democracy deputy but striking her driver in the neck.

Bakoyianni thanked everyone for their interest in her wellbeing and thanked God that she was in good health.

On his part, President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos expressed his sympathy for Bakoyianni ''and wished that Dora is always well and that her police escort fully recover''.

Former prime minister and ND honorary president - father of Bakoyianni - Constantine Mitsotakis said his daughter was lucky, adding that what happened will be cleared up by the authorities, which he said he trusted.

Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos also expressed his sympathy for Bakoyianni, calling her father as soon as he found out of the attack.

He condemned the action, and spoke of God's miracle that she was safe.

Commissioner Reding in Greece next week

EU Commissioner Viviane Reding, who is responsible for the education and culture portfolios on the Commission, arrives in Athens on Monday for a ceremony honoring the best Greek athletes and teams of 2002.

Reding will be honored herself by the national association of sportswriters (PSAT) for her contribution to the promotion of ideals related to sportsmanship and athletic competition. She is also expected to sign the “Olympic Truce” initiative.

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will attend the same event.

[15] Transport minister in talks with EU commissioner

Athens, 14/12/2002 (ANA)

The area was of particular interest to Greece, which assumes the six-month presidency of the EU on January 1, due to the country's wealth of islands and remote mountain areas, Verelis said at a meeting in Athens with the EU's information society commissioner, Erkki Liikanen.

[16] Work needed to improve social cohesion in SE Europe

Athens, 14/12/2002 (ANA)

"Four years after the war in Kosovo, social cohesion has made a fair amount of progress, but much work is still needed for cohesion to acquire stability," Paschalidis said in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.

He was addressing a steering committee of an initiative to attain social cohesion in the region.

[17] MP seeks to revive issue of Turkish 'white cells' after 100th death

Athens, 14/12/2002 (ANA)

A protest letter drafted by Tatoulis has so far been signed by 43 main opposition MPs.

The letter notes that Turkey's stance is flagrant violation of the Copenhagen criteria and cancels Turkey's prospects of eventually joining the EU.

''The indifference toward human values and the right to a free will and conscience cannot be covered over or take a back seat to various legitimate geopolitical interests and plans," the letter concludes.

[18] Greek EU presidency to back employment, social cohesion

Athens, 14/12/2002 (ANA)

Reppas told parliament's European affairs committee that the government wanted the EU's constitution to contain provisions on social protection and worker rights.

In addition, the Greek presidency of the 15-nation bloc would seek to establish a three-member summit to promote social dialogue, Reppas added.

[19] Central bank chief urges rise in competitiveness

Athens, 14/12/2002 (ANA)

Addressing chambers of commerce in the northern port city of Thessaloniki, Garganas warned that if competitiveness did not improve, the survival of domestic companies was in jeopardy.

A climate friendlier to corporate activity was required, with less state intervention, which sometimes impeded the operation of markets, he said.

Unemployment remained high despite signs of receding slightly, while the current account deficit in 2002 would widen to 6.3 percent of gross domestic product, the central bank chief said.

Although no problems would arise in financing the deficit due to introduction of the euro, the widening deficit showed a lack of competitiveness of Greek products, he added.

[20] EIB approves financing for Athens 2004 Olympics

BRUSSELS 14/12/2002 (ANA / G. Zitouniati)

The government is implementing a series of investments aimed at the games that will also improve the urban environment through infrastructure projects.

On Friday, Deputy Finance Minister Christos Pachtas signed a contract for 500 million euros, which is a third of the package.

The EIB is the European Union's long-term financing arm.

[21] Stocks fall, recouping some losses at close

Athens, 14/12/2002 (ANA)

The general share index shed 0.42 percent to end at 1,820.41 points. Turnover was 91.8 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.11 percent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 1.00 percent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities finished 0.55 percent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 171 to 119 with 62 issues remaining unchanged.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Inform Lykos, Dynamic Life, and Public Power Corporation.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 40.0 mln euros Friday

Equity Index Futures: