Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-12-31

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

CONTENTS

[01] Finance minister outlines priorities of Greek EU economic policy

[02] President hopes for Cyprus solution in 2003

[03] Kaklamanis in New Year message says EU summit results vindicate the Greek people

[04] Prodi optimistic over Cyprus problem's resolution

[05] Convention for the Future of Europe - Upgraded role

[06] Synaspismos issues New Year's message

[07] Archbishop Christodoulos in New Year message slams 'feudalism of infidels'

[08] Deputy DM concludes visit in Albania

[09] Bakoyianni sworn-in as new Athens mayor

[10] Supra prefect, along with Athens, Piraeus prefects sworn-in

[11] Interior minister, PM, discuss ministry issues

[12] Development minister optimistic inflation will drop

[13] Greek gov’t presents 10-year agriculture draft plan

[14] ASE announces abolition of securities tax

[15] ASE falls for seventh consecutive session on Monday

[16] Alleged terrorist Yiannis Serifis to be released on bail

[17] Chilean national linked to int'l cocaine smuggling case

[18] Gov't cites 6-month extension for residence permits procedure

[19] US aircraft carrier arrives at Souda Bay naval station

[20] Denktash under pressure for settlement, says spokesman

[01] Finance minister outlines priorities of Greek EU economic policy

Athens, 31/12/2002 (ANA)

Christodoulakis said that the five priorities of the economic policy of the Greek EU presidency that takes off on 1 January 2003 will be macro-economic stability, market integration, harmonization of taxation on savings, the realization of structural changes and actual convergence, boosting economic co-operation between EU member-states and candidates, and the convergence of the enlargement countries aiming at prosperity and social cohesion within the European Union.

He said during the Greek presidency updated stability and growth programs will be examined, as well as the European Commission's proposals on cautioning Germany on an excessive deficit and France on the risk of an excessive deficit.

The European Commission's proposal on strengthening the Stability and Growth Pact will also be examined. The proposal will be presented during the spring summit in Brussels.

Discussion on directives regarding the provision of investment services and regular briefing will also begin during the Greek presidency, while presentation of the directive on takeover bids might take place.

The main issues in the taxation sector will be continuing the effort to adopt the directive on the taxing of deposits and energy. The directive on the taxation of travel agencies will also be discussed, as well as closer cooperation between the taxation authorities of EU member-states on VAT issues and taxation in general.

Structural changes will be promoted and deepened and economic and fiscal cooperation between member-states and candidate countries will be strengthened.

Prosperity and social cohesion in the EU depend primarily on the joint effort with the new member-states to increase the growth rate of the economy and employment, continue and deepen structural changes which are necessary for strengthening the economies' production potential, the viability of public finances and safeguarding social cohesion.

Full and operational deregulation will be pursued in the energy sector, taking into consideration public interest commitments, provision security and the protection of sensitive areas.

The target in transport is the implementation of a unified European ceiling, a second railway package pending and slots in air transport.

Moreover, the presidency will focus on the modernization of the basic economic and social policy means by aligning and unifying all relevant processes and achieving an improvement in coordination and overall supervision.

It will also focus on the revision of the European Employment Strategy, based on decisions taken at the Barcelona summit, with the purpose of creating more jobs and securing a balance between flexibility and security.

In the case of Greece, revision of the European Employment Strategy will further improve policies on the labor market, aiming at increasing employment percentages.

[02] President hopes for Cyprus solution in 2003

Athens, 31/12/2002 (ANA)

In a telegram to President of the Republic of Cyprus Glafcos Clerides for the new year, Stephanopoulos said “we look forward that after the successful conclusion of the deliberations of the Copenhagen Council and the decision for Cyprus’ accession to the European Union, the New Year will be able to provide a way out to the great national problem of Cyprus which, under your firm and persistent guidance, is now at a point where we can hope”.

He also stressed the “great contribution” of President Clerides to Cyprus and Hellenism in general.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of the island’s territory.

The Copenhagen European Council earlier this month has invited Cyprus, along with nine other countries, to join the European Union in May 2004 as full members.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is pursuing efforts to bring about a settlement of the Cyprus problem by the end of February 2003, on the basis of his revised proposals presented to the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides on December 10.

[03] Kaklamanis in New Year message says EU summit results vindicate the Greek people

Athens, 31/12/2002 (ANA)

''They also vindicated the faith of the citizens of Europe in the union of the peoples and cultures of our continent, which will constitute a strong, autonomous pole for peace, democracy and progress in international relations,'' the parliament president said.

Kaklamanis added that ''with this meaning, the fact must be underlined that 2002 was the year of the start of Europe's political emancipation from the United States and the creation of a new international reality.''

''This development will be tried naturally at the beginning of 2003, in view of the dangers looming with the planned war in Iraq, for peace and the stability of a broader region for which Europe, beyond the need for respect of international law, has an added role and responsibility.''

[04] Prodi optimistic over Cyprus problem's resolution

Athens, 31/12/2002 (ANA)

In the interview that will be broadcast on New Year's Day, Prodi added that even if an agreement is not reached by that date, there will still be time to resolve it even after that, stressing that the Annan plan for the resolution of Cyprus' political problem is within the EU's acquis communautaire, clarifying, however, that certain adjustments are needed.

Speaking of Cyprus' strategic character, he said that if the island republic did not enter the Union then the Union would have been at a deficit.

[05] Convention for the Future of Europe - Upgraded role

Athens, 31/12/2002 (ANA)

Preceded by his counterparts from Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium and Turkey, the Greek foreign minister's appointment to this body is indicative of the upgraded role wished for the Convention in the development of operational and democratic institutions for the Europe of the ''25''. The significance attached to the mission of the Convention especially by newcomers in the European Union is evidenced in the fact that all candidate countries are represented at a particularly high level.

The EU enlargement through the integration of ten new members, expected to be officially completed on 1 May 2004, requires new structures and has naturally generated intense concern over the representation at community bodies and the decision-making process. There is already talk about the existence of ''two tiers'' or ''two speeds'' in Europe, while the mere fact that the majority of the 25 member-states will not participate in the ''euro-zone'' is indicative of differences between at least two ''types'' of members.

The European Union Convention was mandated by the European Council in Laaken in December 2001 to develop a Constitution draft regulating the functions of the enlarged European Union, which will be tabled for discussion at the European Summit in Thessaloniki in June 2003. The coincidence of the Greek presidency means that the Greek envoy will participate in the Presidium of the Convention.

German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, also his country's representative to the Convention, is scheduled to visit Athens on 18 January within the context of talks on the Future of Europe, while President of the Convention Valery Giscard d’Estaing is scheduled for an official visit here within the next few months.

[06] Synaspismos issues New Year's message

Athens, 31/12/2002 (ANA)

However, the party statement added that other domestic priorities, particularly those dealing with citizens’ everyday quality of life, were ignored, while economic and social inequalities widened.

Finally, the message concludes by stressing that peace efforts should be intensified both in Greece and abroad, especially in light of an imminent US-led attack against Iraq.

[07] Archbishop Christodoulos in New Year message slams 'feudalism of infidels'

Athens, 31/12/2002 (ANA)

''The tribulations are many and maybe we are unprepared to confront them,'' he noted.

''The feudalism of infidels in our country is attempting to scoff faith and its fruits. We know however that we possess from our spiritual arsenal valuable reserves of strength and hope,'' he said, adding that ''Christ, in whom we believe in, is stronger than the dark world ruler.''

''If God is with us, nobody can harm us. We need optimism, open horizons, peace of heart. Let us plead to God to grant them to us,'' Archbishop Christodoulos concluded.

[08] Deputy DM concludes visit in Albania

Athens, 31/12/2002 (ANA)

During his meetings, Lotidis stressed Greece's political will to promote the Balkan dimension of the European Union's policy, as the EU presiding member.

Speaking with his Albanian counterpart Panteli Majko he reiterated Greece's readiness to activate the "2+2" form so as along with Turkey to contribute decisively in the promotion of the necessary adjustments of Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) so that they may be integrated in the Euro-Atlantic structures.

The Greek deputy minister also met with Anastasios congratulating his effort for the co-existence of the different religions and peoples of the Balkans.

[09] Bakoyianni sworn-in as new Athens mayor

Athens, 31/12/2002 (ANA)

Bakoyianni, the daughter of former Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis and the widow of politician and journalist Pavlos Bakoyiannis, takes over the post from outgoing mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos on Jan. 1. Both her parents, Constantine and Marika Mitsotakis, in fact, attended the swearing-in ceremony.

In comments afterwards, Bakoyianni said a “new era is beginning for Athens, the metropolis of the Olympic Games. We will all work hard and meet the challenge to make our city modern, with social cohesion.”

[10] Supra prefect, along with Athens, Piraeus prefects sworn-in

Athens, 31/12/2002 (ANA)

On the sidelines of the relevant ceremony – as the new prefects assume their post on Jan. 1 – Skandalidis announced that an information and one-stop centre for citizens in downtown Athens will be handed over to supra prefecture entity, while another two such centers will be established and turned over to the Athens and Piraeus prefecture authorities.

[11] Interior minister, PM, discuss ministry issues

Athens, 31/12/2002 (ANA)

During the one-hour discussion, the talk focused on local government issues, the planned introduction of part-time employment in the public sector, immigration policy issues, and the electoral law.

[12] Development minister optimistic inflation will drop

Athens, 31/12/2002 (ANA)

Tsohatzopoulos said the euro caused price increases all over the eurozone, adding that in Greece the rounding off of prices upwards burdened inflation by 0.7 per cent, while bad weather in 2002 and increased demand exceeded the target set for inflation.

However, he added that the target of 3.5 per cent is attainable due to the fact the prices of fruit and vegetables are at natural levels for this time of the year, no problem is appearing through possible bad weather and fuel prices are lower than in all the other EU countries.

Tsohatzopoulos assessed that repercussions from a possible war in Iraq will have a medium and not long-term effect on fuel prices in

Greece.

He also called on businesses to place emphasis on technological development ''because improving competitiveness should not be at the expense of labor cost.''

Tsohatzopoulos referred to his contacts with the civil leaderships of all economic ministries in the framework of his effort to have a single policy shaped in the wider public sector to avoid periods during which there is an upsurge in phenomena of profiteering.

INKA's website contained 200 questions to the minister who promised to reply to them by the end of the week.

[13] Greek gov’t presents 10-year agriculture draft plan

Athens, 31/12/2002 (ANA)

The 10-year study was drafted by a group of seven university professors under the coordination of professor N. Maravelias.

Presenting the study, during a news conference, Mr Drys said that Greek agriculture and the countryside in general were currently undergoing a period of dramatic changes. The Greek minister said that there were no simple and easy answers to the problems facing the agriculture sector.

The study will be given to all interested parties for further consultation before drafting the final text to become a national strategy plan for Greek agriculture until 2013.

[14] ASE announces abolition of securities tax

Athens, 31/12/2002 (ANA)

In particular, the abolition of securities tax covers all B-type primary dealers' transactions of listed stocks in the main, parallel and NEXA markets of the Athens Stock Exchange and risk coverage by all primary dealers in the Athens Derivatives Exchange.

An ASE statement said that these tax cuts would contribute in enhancing the role of primary dealers in the Greek bourse and to boost liquidity in the derivatives market.

[15] ASE falls for seventh consecutive session on Monday

Athens, 31/12/2002 (ANA)

The general index ended 0.81 percent lower at 1,748.41 points, with turnover a low 62.7 million euros.

The Textile, IT Solutions, IT, Holdings and Insurance sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (4.74 percent, 4.44 percent, 3.67 percent, 3.25 percent and 3.16 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.78 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index dropped 1.47 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index plunged 2.79 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 266 to 58 with another 30 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were OTE, Sex Form, Vodafon, Public Power Corp and Domus.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 9.4 mln euros Monday

Equity Index Futures: