Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-01-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek political leaders' messages for 2003

[02] President Stephanopoulos receives Greece's leadership for New Year's Day wishes

[03] FM Papandreou outlines aims of Greece's EU presidency in a message

[04] Defense Minister Papantoniou visits four military hospitals in Athens

[05] Dora Bakoyianni assumes duties as new mayor of Athens

[06] 'N17' suspect Yiannis Serifis conditionally freed on bail

[07] Short-term rates ease in last session of the year

[08] Greek stocks end 2002 with a net loss of 32.53 percent

[09] Turnover thin in New Year's eve on ADEX

[10] Investigation in three drug deaths at main prison concluded

[11] New Year's Eve quake in Amvrakikos Gulf

[12] Cyprus President's New Year message

[13] Christofias thanks Greek leaders for supporting Cyprus cause

[14] Weston to visit Cyprus in January

[01] Greek political leaders' messages for 2003

Greek political leaders issued their customary New Year’s messages on Tuesday only a few hours before 2003 rolled in, with several references to goals and challenges facing the country in the coming year.

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos emphasized that improvements are needed in the health, education and public administration sectors. He also praised what he called the “significant occasion” of Cyprus’ successful course towards joining the European Union, saying this development ranks a precursor for solving the long-standing Cyprus problem in 2003.

He also noted the Greek people’s satisfaction with the arrests involving the notorious “November 17” terrorist group.

In his New Year's message, Prime Minister Costas Simitis noted that 2002 was a significant year of change for Greece, citing especially the introduction of the euro currency.

“We joined a powerful European alliance, able to face all the modern challenges,” he said.

Simitis also noted that his government was able to cut unemployment and achieve one of the highest rates of GDP growth in the EU.

Additionally, he stressed that 2003 will be a crucial year for a solution to the Cyprus problem, whereas Greece will also assume the EU’s rotating presidency.

On his part, main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis, in earlier statements, said the year that passed leaves the country with numerous problems, as well as a feeling of un-certainty and insecurity, while stressing that unemployment is a specter hanging over the younger generations.

“The problem-filled daily routine encountered by many Greeks necessitates a new policy of hope, with man at its centre, one that beckons for deeds and actions in order to provide solutions to the problems,” he said.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE), in its New Year’s message, called on the Greek people to struggle against any new war in Iraq and at the same time warned against any possible Greek participation in that crisis, while also urging solidarity for the people in the Palestinian areas and Cyprus.

Finally, on his part, Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said no “national strategy will be successful if the men and women of the armed forces do not ensure the country’s high degree of deterrence and defense capabilities.”

[02] President Stephanopoulos receives Greece's leadership for New Year's Day wishes

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Wednesday received at the presidential mansion Greece's political, religious and judicial leadership and exchanged wishes for the New Year, while he also received ministers, military officers, members of the diplomatic corps and intellectuals.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis was the first to visit the president to exchange wishes for the New Year. The president wished him a successful EU presidency and positive developments in the national issues and in the Cyprus problem, noting that ''it seems that something will also be done regarding the continental shelf.'' The prime minister replied:''Maybe, it also depends on other developments and in the Cyprus issue.''

Among the dignitaries the president received were Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) general secretary Aleka Papariga, ND honorary president Costas Mitsotakis, Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni and Athens-Piraeus supra-prefect Fofi Gennimata.

Armed Forces leadership host New Year's Day reception in honor of President: The leadership of Greece's Armed Forces and the Defense Ministry held a reception in Athens on Tuesday night in honor of President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and ex-changed wishes for the New Year.

Just after the coming of the New Year on Wednesday, the president and Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou exchanged wishes with the military commanders. Stephanopoulos hailed the Armed Forces' great sense of duty to defend the country's land, sea and airspace borders and at the same time expressed the State's gratitude for the work carried out by the Armed Forces. He noted that "we are all in full agreement with the Defense Ministry's plans for the adaptation of the Armed Forces to the modern circumstances."

Also present at the reception, held at a central Athens hotel, was Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece.

It is noted that as of January 1, 2003, those who are drafted for military service will serve 12, 14 and 15 months in the Army, Air Force and Navy respectively.

Armed Forces General Staff Chief Georgios Antonakopoulos gave a commemorative gift to President Stephanopoulos related to the Armed Forces' contribution to the national effort for the successful holding of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

[03] FM Papandreou outlines aims of Greece's EU presidency in a message

Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, in a message on the occasion of Greece's assumption of the European Union's rotating six-month presidency on Wednesday, January 1, said the aims of the Greek presidency comprised of a Europe as a community of values, with the role of a stabilizing factor in regional crises and an equal partner with the United States and with a strong and competitive economy.

In his message on Tuesday, the foreign minister stressed that Greece looked forward with optimism in the implementation of the above mentioned targets and assumes the EU presidency with confidence in its abilities, with great experience from its participation in European developments, but also from a stronger position compared to the past.

Papandreou said Greece's aim was to promote and strengthen European community values, Europe's democracy, civil and social rights, employment, solidarity, peace, security and prosperity, and Europe as a factor of international stability and as an equal partner with the U.S. in the settlement of international problems.

The minister also linked Greece's assumption of the EU presidency with the current international conjuncture. He noted the EU, with the enlargement, ''should not create new divisions but we should continue the effort for the creation of firm bonds with all the European countries which look forward to the EU, strengthen our relations with the other countries of the Mediterranean, Caucasus and Russia.''

Papandreou further determined specifically the regions where the EU could constitute a stabilizing factor, promoting, as he said, peace and international legality in the Middle East and Iraq and contributing to the confrontation of international terrorism but also the root causes which stoke it.

The minister said ''we want an EU with a strong presence in international developments, with a role and voice, on an equal basis with our strategic partner, the United States, with a strong and competitive economy which will utilize the new technologies and the society of information for economic development and employment, to the benefit of the European citizens.''

[04] Defense Minister Papantoniou visits four military hospitals in Athens

Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou on Wednesday visited four military hospitals in Athens where he handed out presents to conscripts and officers and wished them a speedy recovery.

In his statements, the minister expressed his particular satisfaction over the high level of health standards in the military hospitals and wished the very best to the conscripts who support the country's defense.

Papantoniou was welcomed at the hospitals by the Armed Forces leadership.

[05] Dora Bakoyianni assumes duties as new mayor of Athens

Dora Bakoyianni took over as the new mayor of Athens during an official ceremony held at the Athens Town Hall on Wednesday.

The ceremony took place in the presence of friends, associates and outgoing Athens mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos who on the night of New Year's Eve handed over the key of the city to Bakoyianni.

In her address, the new mayor said that the Athens municipality was entering a new phase and that the Greek capital "does not have the luxury to lose time." She noted that a great deal of work was needed to be done to improve the image of Athens, particularly in view of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

[06] 'N17' suspect Yiannis Serifis conditionally freed on bail

A veteran leftist activist who was the last suspect arrested in the unprecedented “November 17” investigation over the latter half of 2002, was conditionally freed on bail Tuesday afternoon, following a relevant ruling by an appellate council of justices this week.

Yiannis Serifis, linked over the past 25 years to various terrorist acts in Greece but never convicted, was released from the Korydallos facility after his attorneys posted a 30,000-euro bond.

The same council of judges approved several indictments and a prosecutor’s recommendation leading to trials for 17 “N17” suspects – all jailed at Korydallos.

In statements shortly upon leaving the prison, Serifis reiterated that he is innocent, while claiming that the conditions of his incarceration were “miserable”.

Among others, he is forbidden from leaving Attica prefecture and must appear at a local police precinct twice a month.

[07] Short-term rates ease in last session of the year

The euro was stable at 1.04905-1.0501 US dollars on Tuesday, unchanged from New York's closing rate on Monday, with the US currency remaining under pressure from worries over a possible US military strike against Iraq and its impact over the huge current accounts deficit of America.

Analysts expect the euro currency to maintain its upward trend in the medium-term.

In the domestic secondary bond market, turnover was extremely low with the market operating a shortened session in the last day of 2002. Turnover was a low 25 million euros, almost equally distributed between bid and offer orders. The 10-year bonds were the most liquid product in the market, with a turnover of 20 million euros.

The yield spread between the 10-year Greek and the German state bond was set at 0.2443 percent.

In the domestic money market, short-term interest rates rose to 3.45 percent, while the two-day rate fell to 2.95 percent and the one-month rate eased to 2.90 percent. The 12-month rate eased to 2.76 percent.

[08] Greek stocks end 2002 with a net loss of 32.53 percent

Greek stocks ended flat the last trading session of a dismal year, with the general index recording annual losses of 32.53 percent - the second biggest annual loss in the last 15 years.

A total of 336 listed shares recorded losses ranging from one to 83 percent during 2002, while 27 shares recorded gains between 0.37 percent to 67 percent with only one share unchanged during the year.

The general index ended at 1,748.42 points unchanged from Monday's close, with turnover a low 54.6 million euros.

The Retail, Telecommunications and Food-Beverage sectors recorded the heaviest percentage losses of the day (1.31 percent, 0.72 percent and 0.06 percent, respectively), while the In-vestment, Base Metal and IT Solutions sectors scored the biggest gains (1.36 percent, 1.32 percent and 1.27 percent).

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 200 to 105 with another 52 issues unchanged.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.14 percent to end the year at 863.90 points, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 0.54 percent to end at 187.51 points and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index jumped 1.07 percent to end at 464.49 points.

At the end of the year, the Greek bourse's capitalization totalled 66.327 billion euros.

[09] Turnover thin in New Year's eve on ADEX

Trading conditions were subdued in the last trading session of the week on the Athens Derivatives Exchange, with contracts on the FTSE/ASE 20 index traded at a discount of 2.2 percent (January) and at 3.1 percent for February.

Contracts on the FTSE/ASE 40 index were traded at a discount of 1.3 percent and 2.1 percent, over the same period.

In the stock repos market, buying interest focused on Intracom's shares.

Turnover was a low 15.96 million euros.

The January contract for the FTSE/ASE 20 index ended at 844.75 points and for the FTSE/ASE 40 index at 185 points, while February contracts ended at 836.75 and 183.50 points.

A total of 1,772 contracts, worth 7.64 million euros, were traded in the FTSE/ASE 20 index, while a total of 464 contracts, worth 870,000 euros, were traded in the FTSE/ASE 40 index.

[10] Investigation in three drug deaths at main prison concluded

An investigation into the deaths of three female inmates at the women’s wing of Greece’s largest penitentiary on Tuesday, was concluded late Tuesday night as investigators announced that the women died of drug overdoses in all three instances.

Apparently, the three women died when they mixed alcohol, prescription drugs and heroine pills given to them by an inmate. Following the investigation Sofia Maria Bakea was charged for selling the heroine pills and her mother Dora Carmen Vajiaba was arrested for smuggling the pills into the prison.

In all, five inmates used the dangerous cocktail, but two survived, as one threw up and the other fell into comma but was rushed to the local hospital where she received the necessary treatment and is out of danger.

On Tuesday morning, a guard found the bodies of the three women in their group cell as a fourth was shouting wildly.

The victims were identified as Maria Mihail, 19; Dimitra Hatzidimitriou, 42; and Aleka Voulgari, 22. All three had prior drug offence convictions, according to reports.

The victims were housed in the same wing -- at Korydallos Prison in southwest Athens -- as are several suspected “November 17” terrorists.

[11] New Year's Eve quake in Amvrakikos Gulf

The Geodynamic Institute of the Athens National Observatory at 22:28 on Tuesday registered a strong earthquake measuring 5 points on the Richter scale which was located 243 kilometers north-west of Athens.

The quake's epicenter was in the sea region of Amvrakikos Gulf.

[12] Cyprus President's New Year message

President Glafcos Clerides reiterated here on Tuesday his re-solve to achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem with a spirit of consensus and has appealed to the Turkish Cypriots to make their own contribution to this effort.

In his New Year message, the president described as ''a historic achievement'' the decision by the European Union to accept Cyprus as a full member, noting this was ''the most important achievement following the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus'' in 1960.

Clerides assured the Turkish Cypriots of his interest in seeing them enjoying a peaceful and creative future in a united Cyprus.

''The people and leadership of Cyprus justifiably feel joy and pride because after a long and difficult course, we managed to secure a decision for Cyprus to be granted accession to the EU,'' the president said in his televised message.

He paid particular tribute to the support the Greek government offered Cyprus in its course to Europe, saying this help was ''of decisive importance for this success.''

''Tonight I would like once again to publicly repeat our thanks and gratitude for this assistance and also for the support of the political world of Greece, the Greek people, foreign states and distinguished personalities,'' he said.

He pointed out that political parties in Greece, aware of their historic responsibilities and maintaining a nationally responsible stance, have not used the Cyprus problem to serve party interests.

Addressing the Turkish Cypriots, the president assured them that ''we are equally interested in your own peaceful and creative future, for your security, progress and prosperity in a united Cyprus which will be a member of the EU.''

''We are already working in this direction and we will spare no effort in order to achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem, a solution that could come about with a spirit of consensus following negotiations in the framework of the good offices of the UN Secretary General,'' he said.

''To achieve this aim we expect them to make their own contribution,'' he added.

Noting that at this moment of joy he would not deal with political issues, Clerides wished that the New Year will be ''the landmark year during which our common vision for a united Cyprus will be realized.''

The president sent special wishes to refugees, the enclaved and the relatives of the missing persons, both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriots alike.

''I wish that the New Year will fulfill everyone's aspirations,'' he concluded.

[13] Christofias thanks Greek leaders for supporting Cyprus cause

House President Demetris Christofias expressed the conviction that a Cyprus solution can be found with the support of principles and making the necessary changes to the plan submitted by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

His statement is contained in letters where he expressed season's greetings to Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, President of the Parliament, Apostolos Kaklamanis, Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Greek political party leaders.

Christofias thanked Greece for its invaluable help in securing the historical decision of the Copenhagen European Council for Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

In his letters, Christofias also conveyed his appreciation for Greece's support and help in efforts to find a viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem that would serve the interests of all the people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and peace and cooperation in the region.

[14] Weston to visit Cyprus in January

US State Department Coordinator, Thomas Weston, will visit Cyprus in January, a spokesperson for the US Embassy in Nicosia said here Tuesday.

The spokesperson was not in a position, however, to reveal the exact date of Weston's arrival.

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.

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