Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-12-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM: Solution to Cyprus, differences with Turkey, will boost economic growth

[02] Simitis deflects notion of economic recession, says growth rate high

[03] European Parliament examines Copenhagen summit results

[04] Cyprus parliament president meets with PM Simitis, ND leader Karamanlis

[05] FM spokesman clarifies Verheugen's statements on Cyprus' referendums

[06] FM rejects Turkish announcement on legality of Cyprus' EU accession

[07] Ankara declares support for Cyprus talks on basis of Annan plan

[08] Turkey says will continue support for Turkish Cypriot leader Denktash

[09] FM and alternate FM present EU Greek presidency program

[10] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR

[11] 35 F-4E fighter jets upgraded and modernized

[12] Europarliament President Cox in Athens this week

[13] Constantopoulos sees period of intense change in Turkey

[14] President Stephanopoulos receives Deputy FM Loverdos

[15] Parliament opens debate on 2003 budget

[16] ND rapporteur says PM's 'good administrator' myth collapsing

[17] Funds provided for building of SAE's new medical centre

[18] PASOK MEP calls for pension-sharing with non-working spouse

[19] Security forces unions present demands to minister

[20] Farm income rises in Greece, bucking EU trend

[21] Stocks slip despite late buying

[22] Greek ambassador to US speaks of Athens 2004 Games in Washington

[23] Greek EU presidency internet site launched

[24] Commissioner Diamantopoulou receives Legion of Honor medal

[25] Three N17 suspects seek to bar appeals court prosecutor from case

[26] Greece, Bulgaria sign sports exchange program agreement

[27] FM Kasoulides says UN Security Council to express support to Annan's plan

[28] Rasmussen urges all parties to find Cyprus settlement

[29] Cyprus urges Turkey and Denktash to listen to Turkish Cypriot calls

[30] President Clerides to proclaim presidential elections on January 3

[01] PM: Solution to Cyprus, differences with Turkey, will boost economic growth

Athens, 19/12/2002 (ANA)

Speaking at a luncheon organized by the Foreign Press Association of Greece (FPA), Simitis also stressed that a country’s foreign policy ensures and safeguards its economic potential.

Specifically, the Greek premier noted that “tension and confrontations” funnel the country’s energy and attention in other directions, instead of putting the emphasis on various domestic concerns.

Simitis cited what he called a noteworthy increase in Greek exports to other Balkan countries, while adding that Athens will step up initiative dealing with the Balkans during its upcoming EU presidency, particularly its ambitious participation in the Balkan Stability Pact.

Along those lines and in answer to a press question, Simitis said he believes Croatia, for instance, could post the same rates of progress in its accession course as Bulgaria and Romania – while clarifying that this is a personal view and that the entire issue falls within the Union’s procedures.

Cyprus: Regarding the timely Cyprus issue, thrust onto Europe’s attention recently during the run-up to a landmark decision by the 15-member bloc last week to invite the island republic and another nine candidate-states to join the Union, Simitis said the Greek side wants a solution before Feb. 28. “However, if the other side refuses negotiations, there will be no negotiations”.

Asked about a possible treaty citing guarantees by other powers, Simitis he would prefer that guarantor powers not exist, as Cyprus’ EU accession means that the island republic itself can ensure the safety of its citizens. Nevertheless, he said Athens would not object if a revision of the Treaty of Guarantee is deemed absolutely necessary.

In other matters, Simitis said the Greek EU presidency will organize the Union’s military presence in the neighboring Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) as well as its participation in a multinational peacekeeping force in Bosnia, with the beginning of June figuring as the target date for a completion of troops’ deployment.

Among others, he noted that a EU-US summit is planned for the end of June, whereas a EU-Russia summit will take place at the end of April in order to coincide with celebrations marking the 300-year anniversary since the metropolis’ founding.

Finally, Simitis appeared to shy away from a recent high-profile statement by veteran French statesman Valery Giscard d’Estaing – the head of the Convention on the Future of Europe – aimed initially against Turkey’s possible membership in the European Union. Simitis merely pointed to Greece’s slogan for its presidency, “Our Europe”, before saying that an overall improvement throughout Europe will be beneficial to each individual member-state and its long-term prospects.

[02] Simitis deflects notion of economic recession, says growth rate high

Athens, 19/12/2002 (ANA)

Speaking during a luncheon organized in the Greek capital by the Foreign Press Association of Greece (FPA), he stressed that the economy remains ruling PASOK’s “trump card” and has not become its “weak point”, noting that opposing views have resulted from the “major steps” taken in the economy, leading citizens to judge things “not by criteria of the past, but with their expectations of the future”, as he said.

He also observed that Greece has the second highest annual growth rate (3.8 percent) in the European Union, noting that the growth rate is the absolute index that determines the economy’s future.

He referred to recession in the European Union as well as the United States as contributing to current problems in the Greek economy, although he said the country is also an exception due to the fact that still records high rates of investment and increased growth rates.

Simitis accepted the fact that the country is deficient on many points vis-a-vis other countries, although he reminded that Greece was even further back than it is now and that the government is making every effort to overcome such deficiencies, something that is gradually occurring. In offering a future estimate, he said GDP growth in Greece will reach the 5-percent mark over the next two years, when more 3rd CSF programs come on line.

He also conceded that high inflation – amongst the highest in the ‘euro zone’ – is a problem for the country, although he said high growth rates fuel inflation, citing Ireland’s example.

In answer to a question regarding state-run Olympic Airways, Simitis said a new carrier will emerge in the next few months to assume the debt-ridden company’s flight operations, whereas the “old OA” will be led to liquidation. However, he stressed that no layoffs will occur.

In reference to other topics, Simitis said he backed a decision to exclude broadcast cameras from the upcoming trials of several “November 17” terrorist suspects, saying that the presence of TV crews would interfere with the trial, while all proceedings are open to the public. “Television coverage is not necessary for fair trials to take place,” he added.

In echoing a statement he made following the conclusion of last week’s Copenhagen Summit, Simitis said he was not elected to follow the polls, rather “the people elected me to formulate and implement policies based on my convictions”.

Finally, asked about possible cooperation between ruling PASOK and leftist powers, he said this prospect can wait, as issues related to the Copenhagen Summit dominated the government’s attention of late.

ND spokesman comments on PM's speech at FPA luncheon: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, commenting on the speech Prime Minister Costas Simitis gave at a luncheon organized by the Foreign Press Association of Greece (FPA) in Athens on Wednesday, said that after 20 years of PASOK in power, Simitis, prime minister for six years, ''is seeking, as he always does, an alibi for his failure to solve the problems which the citizens are facing.''

He added:''Sometimes, 'the other Greece' is to blame. Sometimes, the governments since the establishment of the Greek State are to blame. Sometimes, the international crisis is to blame. Today, we heard that the irrational awaiting of the population is to blame.''

According to the ND spokesman, ''Mr Simitis is at a tragic impasse,'' because ''he is aware that he himself and his government have exhausted the endurance and tolerance of the Greek people.''

Replying to Roussopoulos' remarks, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said:''Twenty years with PASOK, six years with Costas Simitis, Greece is changing, it is making leaps forward. We are not surprised that the ND does not comprehend it. In any case, if it did comprehend it, it would not be in the opposition for so many years. We leave it at its impasse and its petty politics. We are forging ahead with the people, for the Greece we envision.''

[03] European Parliament examines Copenhagen summit results

PARIS 19/12/2002 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

The outcome of the summit and an evaluation of the EU's Danish presidency dominated the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg, while Rasmussen gave an account of his country's presidency.

Referring to Cyprus, Rasmussen said ''it will join as a divided island'', but added that the possibility exists of a spherical solution before February 28, based on the UN secretary general's proposals.

He further said all sides are called upon to take ''a unique opportunity to solve this tragic confrontation. We shall all gain if a solution is achieved immediately. However, nobody will gain more than the people of Cyprus.''

On the question of the Convention for the Future of Europe, Rasmussen said it will have to present the results of its work before the Thessaloniki summit (due to take place in June).

European Commission President Romano Prodi said that at the Copenhagen summit nothing was a foregone conclusion until the end and everything was up in the air.

He added that the Copenhagen summit succeeded in almost all sectors, with Cyprus being the only exception where a solution was a breath away.

Prodi said the accession of the new countries creates new neighbors in the EU, who are attracted by the possibilities it provides.

He further said the countries of the western Balkans are part of this framework, five of which have already sent letters expressing interest in future EU accession.

Prodi said it is a prospect, which should not be ignored, adding that it is now up to the upcoming Greek presidency to examine this prospect and promote it.

[04] Cyprus parliament president meets with PM Simitis, ND leader Karamanlis

Athens, 19/12/2002 (ANA)

After the meeting, in reply to press questions, Christofias expressed pessimism over the prospects for resolving the Cyprus problem by February 28, due to the stance of the Turkish Cypriot side.

He said a Cyprus solution by that date was, if not impossible, at the least unfeasible, given that the Turkish Cypriot side had not presented any signs of flexibility.

He also said that the presidential elections in Cyprus would be held as scheduled, and expressed once again his thanks to the Greek government for their contribution to Cyprus' effort for EU membership.

Christofias also met later with main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis, for an analytical discussion of the developments in the Cyprus issue following Cyprus' EU accession go-ahead at the EU summit in Copenhagen.

Speaking to the press after the hour-long meeting, Karamanlis congratulated the Cypriot political leadership and people for the island republic's EU accession.

He also said that the huge challenge for tough negotiations on the Annan plan aimed at a solution of the island's political problem still lay ahead, noting that substantive improvements were needed on the plan.

Karamanlis said that ND would continue to be at the side of the struggles of the Cyprus leadership and people.

Christofias thanked Karamanlis personally, and ND, for its support for Cyprus' EU membership efforts.

He reiterated that it was almost impossible for a solution to be found by February 28, unless there were radical changes in the stance of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and "certain circles" in Turkey.

Christofias said that the Cyprus government was ready to negotiate, and hoped that negotiations would indeed be forthcoming, and agreed with Karamanlis that tough negotiations were needed on the Annan plan with regard to the plan's functionality, and other aspects such as human rights, the issue of the colonists, whose continued presence in the occupied sector of Cyprus would influence "our compatriot Turkish Cypriots".

Christofias meets KKE and Coalition leaders, concludes Athens talks: Cyprus House of Representatives President and left wing AKEL party General Secretary Demetris Christofias concluded the contacts he had in Athens with meetings on Wednesday with Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga and Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos.

Christofias said the meetings he had in Athens had as a pedestal a common concern, that is, how Cyprus will be rid of the Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island republic and how a settlement of the Cyprus problem will serve the real interests of the Cypriots, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

The Cyprus House president said that the settlement of the Cyprus issue should be such which reunites and maintains united the people and the country, instead of dividing it.

''This is the aim, on this basis we will continue to negotiate and claim,'' he added.

[05] FM spokesman clarifies Verheugen's statements on Cyprus' referendums

Athens, 19/12/2002 (ANA)

Commenting on Verheugen's statements, that came as a response to a question of Greek Eurodeputy Alekos Alavanos during a debate at the European Parliament, Beglitis stressed that ''on Cyprus' special case, the plebiscite prescribed in the Annan plan will occur in the event that there is a resolution of the Cyprus problem''.

''It would be a referendum on the resolution of the Cyprus problem and not a referendum on the accession of Cyprus to the European Union. Specifically, the question tabled for the Annan plan does not concern the accession, but the terms and conditions with which the accession will take place if there is a resolution,'' Beglitis said.

Earlier in the day, Verheugen said that ''in the United Nations' plan there is a 'road map' and the simultaneous holding of referendums in the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. During the referendum, it is prescribed, however, that two questions will be tabled together, under the guise of 'Do you accept the proposals for the resolution of the United Nations and the accession of the island to the European Union?'.''

''It is thus impossible to have a case where the accession of Cyprus is approved and at the same time the plan to resolve the Cyprus issue disapproved. If, however, in the framework of a democratic process, the population rejects accession, we may be deeply saddened, but we have to respect that democratic decision,'' Verheugen concluded.

On his part, ruling PASOK party Eurodeputy George Katiforis communicated by telephone with the commissioner concerning, as he said, "the political exploitation of Verheugen's statements in the Greek press Alavanos is attempting".

According to a press release issued by Katiforis, ''Verheugen said that he rejected this policy of exploitation and that the meaning of what he said to the plenum was that what the two communities were responsible to judge with referendums would be whether they want to have the terms agreed by their representatives be in force, in the new political status quo that will come out of the possible agreement''.

''The communities or their population are not responsible to judge the accession of the Cyprus Republic to the European Union. This will be judged only by the processes that were mandated by the Constitution of the Cyprus Republic,'' Verheugen told Katiforis according to the press release.

[06] FM rejects Turkish announcement on legality of Cyprus' EU accession

BRUSSELS 19/12/2002 (ANA - B. Demiris)

''The issue has been tabled in the past as well, and was rejected by respected legal circles, as well as by the European Union itself. I think that the essential response is the decision of the Copenhagen Summit for Cyprus' accession to the European Union,'' Papandreou said.

[07] Ankara declares support for Cyprus talks on basis of Annan plan

ANKARA 19/12/2002 (ANA - A. Abatzis)

At the same time, the ministry announcement slammed the references to Cyprus in the final communique at the EU summit in Copenhagen as ''legally and politically unacceptable'' and said that the Turkish side had not received confirmation that Athens accepted the Annan plan from the UN in Copenhagen.

Claiming that UN special envoy Alvaro de Soto had been unable to confirm that the Greek side accepted the plan, Ankara said the failure to achieve results on the Cyprus issue in Copenhagen could not be blamed on the Turkish side.

The announcement also said that the EU did not have a right to ''make unilateral decisions regarding the future of the island of Cyprus and to create international commitments, violating international agreements.''

It said that Turkey wanted a new ''associated government'' on the island that would ensure peace and existing guarantees, preserve the Greek-Turkish balance and be based on compromise, adding that Ankara was in favor of continuing negotiations on the basis of the Annan plan.

[08] Turkey says will continue support for Turkish Cypriot leader Denktash

ANKARA 19/12/2002 (ANA - A. Ampatzis)

''Turkey supports a solution which will rest on a new partnership based on the security and sovereign equality of the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus', the strategic interests of Turkey and the TRNC and the balance between the motherlands,'' Ildem said.

He added that ''the 'TRNC''s position for a continuation of talks based on the UN secretary general's proposals continues to hold'', adding that ''undoubtedly the 'TRNC' has followed a creative stance until today in the framework of the UN secretary general's good services mission.''

The Turkish spokesman further said ''it is Turkey's desire that the 'TRNC' should live in peace and prosperity, and with the lifting of the unfair embargo it has been facing for years, and join the international community.''

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of the island republic's territory. In 1983, the occupation regime unilaterally proclaimed itself an 'independent republic' which is recognized only by Ankara.

Urged to comment whether on the basis of Wednesday's announcement by the Turkish foreign ministry, terming decisions taken at the EU's Copenhagen summit inviting Cyprus to join the Union, along with other nine countries, ''politically and legally unacceptable'', an issue of the Turkish occupied territories' annexation to Turkey was raised at the meeting, Ildem said ''the talks come first'' and that ''it is an issue concerning a process which might be raised later.''

The meeting was attended by Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis, armed forces chief general Hilmi Ozkok and, during the part of the meeting during which the Cyprus issue was examined, Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Ildem said the issue of Iraq was also probed during the meeting.

[09] FM and alternate FM present EU Greek presidency program

BRUSSELS 19/12/2002 (ANA - V. Demiris)

Papandreou and Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis presented, after Athens, the Greek program of the Greek presidency during the first half of 2003.

Papandreou said EU enlargement is the Greek presidency's main priority, adding that the target is to safeguard the timetable for the accession of the 10 countries, in accordance with decisions taken at the EU's Copenhagen summit, to enable their accession treaty to be signed in Athens on April 16.

Referring to Cyprus' accession to the EU, Papandreou said ''the issue has been closed'' with the decision taken at the summit and expressed the hope that all the interested parties will show the political will for a solution on the political issue to be achieved soon and to have a reunited Cyprus join the EU.

Commenting on the summit's decision regarding Turkey, Papandreou said the country was being given a clear opportunity to become an EU member-state, but added that this depended on its position concerning its compliance with the political criteria.

He further said the fact that Greece is an EU member, Cyprus will become a member and that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots desire EU accession create an impetus which should be preserved to achieve a solution to the Cyprus issue.

Referring to other priorities contained in the Greek presidency, Yiannitsis said it will focus on shaping a policy on immigration, asylum, border control and handling illegal immigration.

Regarding the EU's foreign relations, another of the Greek presidency's priorities, Yiannitsis said emphasis will be placed on relations with Russia, the Balkans, third Mediterranean countries and Iraq.

[10] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR

Athens, 19/12/2002 (ANA)

The 20 Turkish warplanes, five of which were armed, were recognized and intercepted by Greek fighter jets, while in five cases the interception process developed into an engagement.

Defense minister sharply criticizes latest Turkish provocations: Greece on Wednesday sharply condemned what it called “heightened provocations” by the Turkish air force over the Aegean region, with the country’s defense minister warning that the neighboring country’s behavior does not fall in line with its intense efforts of late to join the European Union.

Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou referred to repeated infringements of the Athens FIR and violations of Greek airspace over the past weeks by Turkish warplanes.

“This is not behavior befitting a country that respects itself and its neighbors,” Papantoniou said, adding that Ankara should realize that it cannot act as a “delinquent partner” within an international system that frowns upon such behavior.

Finally, he warned that such violations of Greek airspace increase the danger of “an accident ... and we must be very careful”.

He spoke during a ceremony at a facility north of Athens to unveil the first upgraded F-4 “Phantom” by Greece’s state-run Hellenic Aerospace Industry (EAB). At total of 34 US-made F-4s will be upgraded by EAB, a project budgeted at roughly 28 million euros.

[11] 35 F-4E fighter jets upgraded and modernized

Athens, 19/12/2002 (ANA)

The main contractor for upgrading the jets' electronic systems is German-based EADS, while the Hellenic Aerospace Industry will undertake the necessary modifications for the installation of systems.

Thirty-five aircraft will be upgraded in the program that also includes contracts given to the Israeli firm Elbit Systems.

[12] Europarliament President Cox in Athens this week

Athens, 19/12/2002 (ANA)

Simitis will meet with Cox, who will be accompanied by the heads of the Europarliament's various political groupings, on Friday at the Zappeion Hall. Earlier, Cox will address an extraordinary session of Parliament's European affairs committee.

[13] Constantopoulos sees period of intense change in Turkey

Athens, 19/12/2002 (ANA)

Constantopoulos had just returned from successive visits to Cyprus in the two days leading up to the European Union summit in Copenhagen and to Turkey two days after it ended, during which he held talks with the political leadership in both countries.

The Coalition leader noted that all the Turkish political parties were in favor of a European direction and that all of them appeared to have a positive impression of Greece's stance.

He also noted the spirit of unity and understanding among the Greek-Cypriot parties on Cyprus and warned against undermining this through "exported patriotism" from Greece.

[14] President Stephanopoulos receives Deputy FM Loverdos

Athens, 19/12/2002 (ANA)

The minister briefed the president on the action that has been taken or will be taken in the immediate future, which stem from the commitments the minister undertook during his contacts at the president's official visits to Syria, Slovakia, Kazakhstan and South Africa.

[15] Parliament opens debate on 2003 budget

Athens, 19/12/2002 (ANA)

Presenting the government bill was Anastasios Mandelis, who told deputies that next year's budget was geared to financing growth and extending social cohesion.

Growth had risen to 3.8 percent from -0.6 percent in past years, inflation fallen to 2.5 percent from 14.2 percent, and the deficit dropped from 0.9 percent from 13.6 percent, Mandelis said.

Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis has said that a key feature of the budget is incorporation of a government overhaul of social insurance and taxation.

[16] ND rapporteur says PM's 'good administrator' myth collapsing

Athens, 19/12/2002 (ANA)

The rapporteur outlined arguments invoked by ND in the past to question the government's sincerity on the state of the ''real economy.''

Panayiotopoulos said the big debt is a great burden for the Greek economy, attributing the responsibility for this to the ''over swelling party state'' and the government's inability ''to clash with its bad self.''

He also referred to social policy, saying that ''you have lost the day-to-day struggle. The Greek is being called on to be a European in austerity programs, but when the time for remuneration comes he has the feeling that he is living in a third world country.''

[17] Funds provided for building of SAE's new medical centre

Athens, 19/12/2002 (ANA)

SAE President Andrew Athens thanked Doudos for his donation on Wednesday and expressed the wish that his gesture will be followed by others.

''Thanks to Mr. Doudos' benefaction we have the possibility of providing basic treatment for our brothers who are unable to have even the most elementary medical care,'' Athens said.

The medical centre in Marioupolis will be receiving about 15,000 visits a month by patients. Its building and equipment is funded primarily by private donations, including the Niarchos Foundation.

In 48 villages populated by Greek-speaking people in the Marioupolis region live about 150,000 expatriates, while their number all over Ukraine is in the region of 250,000.

[18] PASOK MEP calls for pension-sharing with non-working spouse

Athens, 19/12/2002 (ANA)

Karamanou is also chairwoman of the Committee for the Rights of Women and Equal Opportunities.

The division of pension rights would occur in the case of divorce or through an agreement of the married couple. Under present law, the non-working spouse has no right to pension or social security in the case of divorce.

Karamanou stressed in her letter that dividing up pension rights expressed the principle of equality between the sexes and the society of solidarity created through marriage.

This equality and solidarity should also require the participation of men in the economic risks run by women who stayed home to raise a family, Karamanou noted.

[19] Security forces unions present demands to minister

Athens, 19/12/2002 (ANA)

For the past week, the police have conducted a 'work-to-rule' strike, refusing to carry out any of their normal duties unless human lives were at risk.

The demands pertain to pay and special bonuses, such as a bonus for hazardous employment.

According to sources, the minister promised to make every effort to solve the police officers financial problems and the two sides agreed to continue dialogue.

Parliament speaker receives security forces union reps: Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis on Wednesday received the representatives of secondary-level union groups of the police, fire brigade and coast guard, who handed him a resolution containing the financial and other demands of staff in the security forces.

Kaklamanis assured them of Parliament's concern and understanding for their problems and said he would discuss their demands with the finance and public order ministers.

[20] Farm income rises in Greece, bucking EU trend

BRUSSELS 19/12/2002 (ANA/A.Simatos)

The EU average was a decline of 3.0 percent against 2001, said Eurostat, the union's statistics agency.

[21] Stocks slip despite late buying

Athens, 19/12/2002 (ANA)

The general share index shed 0.15 percent to end at 1,823.21 points. Turnover was 124.6 million euros, fuelled by block trades.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.19 percent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 1.24 percent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities finished 2.30 percent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 280 to 42 with 35 issues remaining unchanged.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Sex Form, Cosmote, Axon and Public Power Corporation.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 54.6 mln euros Wednesday

Equity Index Futures: