Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-01-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] EU Commission arrives in Athens, welcomed by G. Papandreou

[02] Greek EU presidency inaugurated with performance by European Youth Orchestra

[03] Greek EU presidency: emphasis on environmental, social policies

[04] EU representation chief: Greek EU presidency has high degree of preparedness

[05] Socialist group supports Diamantouros for European ombudsman

[06] Cabinet discusses EU presidency arrangements, Ocalan trial

[07] Gov't: Greece would like to see Cyprus proceed without guarantor powers

[08] Greek Ambassador: Greece would back UN plan on Cyprus

[09] Foreign minister to visit Albania with EU troika delegation

[10] FM says in a newspaper interview war in Iraq not inevitable

[11] Iraq cooperating with UN, no need for war, Iranian FM tells EU

[12] Israeli envoy on possible Iraq war; latest EU presidency statement

[13] Ambassador Miller says U.S.-Greece relations at best ever level

[14] Turkish general says acceptance of Annan plan would encircle Turkey in Anatolia

[15] EU commissioner Wallstrom addresses NGOs in Athens

[16] Gov't rules out search for assets taken abroad by former king Constantine

[17] Greek president extends condolences over air crash in Turkey

[18] Marina Zeas SA signs 16.6 mln euro contract with ETA

[19] Govt announces measures to upgrade spa tourism

[20] National Bank holds leading position in state bond market

[21] ELBO in 17.6 mln euro contract with Greek Fire Brigade

[22] ND says EU approved updated stability program a criticism for gov't

[23] Medicon company to merge with subsidiary Medicon Cosmetics

[24] Diekat wins contract in Romanian ecological project

[25] Govt seeks price transparency with new labeling law

[26] Greek stocks remain under pressure on Thursday

[27] EU Commissioner Wallstrom tours Schinias 2004 site

[28] Foreign consultant brought in to avoid further subsidence in metro works

[29] Another alleged 'N17' terrorist member arrested

[30] Surveillance of suspected migrant-smuggling vessel continues

[31] Gov't amendment seeks to extend residence permits until July

[32] EU Commissioner lauds archaeological unification project

[33] New Athens Academy president takes up his post

[34] Schwimmer: consensus between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties for Cyprus solution

[35] De Soto meets UN Secretary-General Annan

[36] US still believes Cyprus agreement feasible by end of February

[37] Middle East Council of Churches meeting opens

[01] EU Commission arrives in Athens, welcomed by G. Papandreou

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

Foreign Minister George Papandreou was at hand at the airport to welcome the Commission in Greece, which was then taken to the Plaza Hotel in Central Athens under heavy security measures.

Later in the evening the members of the European Commission were due to attend a performance by the European Youth Orchestra at the Athens Megaron Concert Hall, marking the commencement of the Greek EU presidency, while at 10 pm the EU commissioners will attend a reception hosted in their honor by Prime Minister Costas Simitis at the Athens Concert Hall.

On Friday, 10 January, Simitis will meet with Commission President Prodi, while parallel meetings will be held between the EU commissioners and the respective Greek government ministers at the Zappeion Mansion. Simitis and Prodi are expected to give a joint press conference at noon.

[02] Greek EU presidency inaugurated with performance by European Youth Orchestra

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister George Papandreou, accompanied by their wives, received the 20 European Commissioners, headed by Commission President Romano Prodi.

The performance was attended by ministers, deputies, diplomats, main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis, Athens 2004 Organizing Committee (ATHOC) President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and many other officials.

In written messages, both Simitis and Prodi praised the orchestra, stating that it was proof of inter-cultural cooperation between the youth of Europe.

Simitis said that the Europe of citizens passes necessarily through the Europe of youth, while Prodi said that music has the ability of overcoming barriers and borders.

Prodi noted that the European Youth Orchestra ''can be proud that it is in the vanguard of the course for the historic enlarge-ment towards the east of the EU, and this, because it was always open to the great composers and maestros of Eastern Europe.''

[03] Greek EU presidency: emphasis on environmental, social policies

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

Within that framework, said the Commissioner, the Greek presidency will intensify discussions on the need to continue the efforts in the fields of viable use of natural resources, waste management, the development of new legislation on chemicals, the promotion of innovation and European standardization, the establishment of indicators to monitor the integration of environmental protection to the policies of industries and the promotion of voluntary instruments based on the market.

Special emphasis will also be given to the areas of Community social policy, based on the resolutions of the Lisbon Summit.

Diamantopoulou said ''it is imperative that Community policy and views on employment get away from the logic that wants this to be solely a concern of the labor market''.

''Within that framework'', Diamantopoulou added, ''at the European Council in Brussels, both the European Commission and the Greek EU Presidency want it to become clear that the economic policy and the employment policy are two distinct policies, and of equal weight to the degree that this is possible, and that employment does not constitute a sub-sector of economic policy''.

Sources from Brussels have nevertheless emphasized that the good intentions of the Greek presidency are accompanied by negative circumstances, including not only an increase in the group of conservative parties throughout Europe, which traditionally have not been favoring European initiatives on social policy, but also negative economic circumstances which are expected to worsen in the event of a war on Iraq.

At the informal Social Affairs Council to take place on 24 January in the Greek southern Peloponnese town of Nafplion, the Greek presidency intends to promote a proposal prepared by the Commission for integration into a common ''hat'' of sectors pertaining to the social field, which will be implemented through an open cooperation. In that manner, an indicator for ''Elderly living conditions'' will be added to the existing indicators for poverty and social exclusion.

Another challenge for the Greek EU presidency will be to obtain a compromise at the Social Affairs Council for the Directive on temporary-employment agencies, an institution not particularly spread in Greece, however, with a significance presence in a number of European countries.

The official institutionalization of the 'social forum', with the participation of representatives from employers, employees, the European Commission and the EU Council, presents a third challenge to the Greek presidency. Such a forum has already been scheduled for a time preceding this Spring's European Council; nevertheless, the goal of the Greek presidency is that the Forum is fully established as a community procedure.

[04] EU representation chief: Greek EU presidency has high degree of preparedness

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

In an interview with the Athens News Agency (ANA), published on the same day as EU Commission President Romano Prodi's arrival here and his meeting with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Markopouliotis said the EU Commission Representation in Greece has developed close ties with Greek officials toward establishing the best possible conditions for serving the goals of the Greek EU Presidency and the Union.

''The Greek presidency shows a high degree of preparedness and adjustment to demands and developments on a national, European and international level'', Markopouliotis said, adding: ''The fourth Greek EU presidency since Greece's accession to the EU finds the country with excellent relations with the EU's institutional bodies, particularly with the Commission; this will aid the Greek presidency toward achieving its goals''.

''Greece's role in the EU foreign relations field will be particularly significant in the next six months'', he said, while citing Greece's traditional close ties with Russia. "(These ties) render our country a basic player for further rapprochement between the EU and that country towards promoting issues of common interest''.

Regarding the promotion of Cyprus' EU integration, Markopouliotis said that based on the Copenhagen Summit resolutions, it is expected that the Greek Presidency will use its influence for a smooth and rapid completion of the integration process, in tandem with rapprochement with Turkey.

[05] Socialist group supports Diamantouros for European ombudsman

The European Parliament's socialist group, following an audition for all candidates for the post of European ombudsman, unequivocally supports the Greek candidate professor Nikiforos Diamantouros, according to an announcement by its President Enrique Baron on Thursday.

The election of the European Union's new ombudsman will be carried out by a European Parliament plenum in Strasbourg on Wednesday.

Baron said the socialist group will support the candidate who has the capabilities and the experience to achieve success.

''It is evident for every objective observer that professor Diamantouros fully meets all the preconditions required by the post of the European ombudsman and I am ascertaining with satisfaction that his candidacy is also supported by Eurodeputies belonging to other groups, apart from the socialist one,'' Baron said.

[06] Cabinet discusses EU presidency arrangements, Ocalan trial

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

Addressing his cabinet, Prime Minister Costas Simitis underlined that the EU presidency was not simply just another job to be carried out but a "broad-ranging national and European mission".

"During our term we must take both Europe and our own position within Europe further forward," he said.

According to the spokesman, Simitis also referred to the decision to indefinitely postpone the trial of rebel Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan for illegal entry into Greece by an Athens court.

In his opening remarks, the premier categorically denied press reports that the government was seeking to have all the trials related to the Ocalan case postponed, stressing that the trials were politically and socially significant and had to proceed normally.

Another issue discussed was the prominence given to everyday, run-of-the-mill problems by the media, Protopapas said. Here the premier noted that the government's side had to be heard every time and he warned ministers not to underestimate the importance of such problems nor the impressions they created.

He called for immediate and clear answers to every issue raised and an effort to highlight positive elements and the work being done by the government.

[07] Gov't: Greece would like to see Cyprus proceed without guarantor powers

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

He was responding to questions regarding Greece's role as a guarantor power under the plan proposed by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.

If this was not possible, Athens would like the military presence on the island reduced to a bare minimum, Protopapas added.

[08] Greek Ambassador: Greece would back UN plan on Cyprus

NICOSIA, 10/01/2003 (ANA/G.Leonidas)

Speaking during a press conference here, Panagopoulos said that the political will of the Turkish-Cypriot side was crucial for procedures to move forward and achieve an on principle agreement by Feb. 28 on UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan for a resolution of the Cyprus issue.

Panagopoulos said that Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who is to visit Ankara on Jan. 31 in his capacity as President of the EU Foreign Ministers Council, would have the chance to discuss the Cyprus problem in addition to Turkey's European prospects.

[09] Foreign minister to visit Albania with EU troika delegation

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

On the sidelines of the visit, the Greek foreign minister will have talks with his Albanian counterpart Ilir Meta and Albanian premier Fatos Nano, the spokesman said.

Outlining the foreign minister's program for the rest of the coming week, Beglitis said that Papandreou was due to visit Sarajevo on Wednesday to attend a ceremony establishing a European police force in the Bosnian capital.

On the following day, the foreign minister is to return to Athens in time for a visit by NATO Secretary-General Lord George Robertson, EU High Commissioner for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana and UN special envoy for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto. The visiting officials will meet Papandreou and Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

On Friday, the EU troika delegation will meet in Athens with Indian Minister for External Affairs Yashwant Sinha, while on the following day, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer will visit Athens at Papandreou's invitation for talks focusing on the future of Europe and institutional reforms within the Community.

Beglitis said that the dates for a tour by Papandreou to Arab countries would be finalized through diplomatic channels next week, while he again stressed that the visit was taking place within an EU framework, as part of the foreign policy initiatives undertaken by all EU presidencies.

[10] FM says in a newspaper interview war in Iraq not inevitable

ROME, 10/01/2003 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakos)

The interview was titled ''Europe on a peace mission'' on the front page and ''I want to convince Saddam to exorcise war'' in an inside page.

Papandreou announced a diplomatic mission by the European Union in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Israel and Palestinian territory and claimed that peace is still possible.

''No. War is not inevitable. It is a mistake for us to go on talking only of war because there would be the danger of it becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy, a prophecy which would come true. All are preparing for war and are not thinking of other possible solutions. And yet the United Nations gave Saddam Hussein the opportunity to adjust. This is the important message which must reach the Iraqis: they have a substantial possibility of avoiding war. But they must accept the decisions,'' he said.

''We, in principle, desire a diplomatic solution and for this reason we shall visit the countries in the region with Solana. And a diplomatic solution is still possible if decisions taken by the UN are honored and if Saddam cooperates with the UN. We shall see on January 27, when the inspectors will present their report. It will be an important moment for the assessment of two issues. Firstly, if indeed weapons of mass destruction do exist and in what quantity. Secondly, if there was cooperation with the inspectors. Regarding the next step. If there are forbidden weapons they must be destroyed. And cooperation by Iraq will be of basic importance here,'' he added.

The foreign minister further said the international community wants respect for decisions taken by the UN and is not calling for war, adding that ''on the contrary, I would say the international community would like to avoid a war and will do it if the UN's decisions are honored.''

Papandreou also said U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell reiterated in talks with him that the target is not war but respect for the UN's decisions.

On the question of whether he believes the United States government is divided on this point, Papandreou said a very intense internal dialogue is taking place in the United States, but the strategy chosen in the end is to go through the UN.

''Contrary to the picture formed by many, Europe is united on the issue of Iraq. The claim to have the problem go to the UN is a claim of Europe's which was born through a joint position of the European Union. I believe that this position was of decisive importance in having President Bush persuaded as well,'' he said.

Papandreou went on to comment on relations with Turkey, saying that over 15 bilateral agreements were signed with Turkey over the past two years, when for 40 years not even one had been signed.

''We support Turkey's accession to the EU not for Cyprus, but because we believe that it is of great importance for Turkey itself, for us and for Europe,'' Papandreou said, adding that ''with a democratic Turkey and with a Turkey having European values the problem of Cyprus cannot but be solved. For the simple reason that there can no longer be walls in Europe.''

[11] Iraq cooperating with UN, no need for war, Iranian FM tells EU

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

Kharazi, on an official visit to Athens where he met with Greece's foreign minister George Papandreou, who currently chairs the EU Council of Ministers as Greece holds the rotating EU presidency for the first half of 2003, added that Iran shared the EU view that war should not take place.

In his capacity as chairman of the EU Council of Ministers, Papandreou met Thursday in Athens with his visiting Iranian counterpart Dr. Kamal Kharazi and expressed hope that their meeting comprise a good omen for EU-Iran cooperation.

Papandreou clarified that this cooperation chiefly concerned the EU-Iran trade agreement and the dialogue on human rights.

The two foreign ministers also discussed the situation in the Middle East, with the focus on developments in Iraq, and Papandreou reiterated the European Union's clear-cut position on Iraq regarding the need for Iraq to respect the UN decisions.

"If this occurs, we will avoid war and gain peace," Papandreou said.

Asked by reporters how concerned he was of the prospect of war and its repercussions on Iran, Kharazi said he was "particularly uneasy", since Iran was a bordering country.

Kharazi said that, in the event of war, there would be serious repercussions for his country, including waves of refugees, population displacement, and the effects from the use of chemical weapons.

"All this indicates that our opinion should be sought on the developments," the Iranian official said, adding that he was convinced that "Iraq is cooperating with the UN Security Council, and there is no reason for there to be a war".

Kharazi said his country shared the EU position that there should be no war.

Papandreou added, on his part, that consultations with the countries neighboring Iraq on the developments in that country would be held during the Greek EU presidency.

[12] Israeli envoy on possible Iraq war; latest EU presidency statement

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

"My personal view is that there will be a war ... US actions are necessary because they (United States) are convinced Saddam is lying, and that Saddam is hiding weapons of mass destruction," Ambassador David Sasson told reporters in the Greek capital on Thursday, less than three weeks before a crucial general election in his country.

In response to a related press question, he also answered in the affirmative when asked if only a "regime change" will prevent a war in Iraq. Along those lines, he cited several offers, as he said, by Arab states and third countries to host an exiled Saddam - offers that he stressed that have been spurned.

Reaction to EU presidency statement

Meanwhile, Sasson also urged for a "more balanced" approach by the EU presidency, as he put it, following a statement on Wednesday calling on Israel to lift its ban on the movement of Palestinian officials, a statement warning that such actions do not contribute to international efforts aimed at ending violence in the Middle East.

"We expect the European Union presidency to have a more balanced message, to acknowledge the fact that there are terrorist activities and violence in Israel," he said, adding: "Israel does not operate in a vacuum in the area".

In a statement issued here by the Greek presidency on Wednesday - as Athens currently holds the rotating six-month EU presidency -- the Union criticized an Israeli government decision to block the departure of senior Palestinian officials for a London conference next week focusing on the issue of Palestinian reform.

Finally, Sasson cited the holding in Athens this week of the first-ever "Greek-Israeli Strategic Dialogue", which brought together academics, foreign policy experts and personalities from both countries, noting that "this is another indication of growing ties between Greece and Israel. Such a dialogue can only be held between friends," he stressed.

[13] Ambassador Miller says U.S.-Greece relations at best ever level

WASHINGTON, 10/01/2003 (ANA/T. Ellis)

At a speech he gave at the American-Hellenic Institute in Washington, he hailed Greece's role in the Balkans, stressing that the country has developed into a ''world player'' and is not restricted to the geographic region of southeastern Europe.

With regards to developments in the dismantling of the ''November 17'' terrorist group, Miller spoke of a ''very great development'' which he said constitutes a Greek success ''which is due to the Greek government and the brave public order minister.'' Stressing that the American side was observing with great interest developments in the issue and has also employed a legal adviser, Miller noted it was a ''Greek trial.''

On Greek-Turkish relations, the ambassador said that their momentum has changed these past few years and that the two countries are speaking without mediators. He made particular reference to the EU summit in Copenhagen, noting the importance of the Greek support to the promotion of strengthening European-Turkish relations.

On the Cyprus issue, the ambassador underlined that an important opportunity was presenting itself this period, although nobody can be sure that a solution will finally be achieved. He assessed that UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's plan can succeed if the two sides want it. In this context, he noted that the new Turkish government is confronting the problem with a different approach, increasing the chances for the reaching of a settlement.

He termed the Athens 2004 Olympic Games as a ''vehicle'' for the further modernization of the country and the narrowing of the distance which separates Greece from the other EU countries.

Referring to the Greek EU presidency, Miller stressed that it has all the possibilities of being very successful, noting that the Greek government is concerned of the danger that the issue of Iraq, on which there is very good cooperation between Athens and Washington, as well as on other major international problems, will overshadow its other priorities.

[14] Turkish general says acceptance of Annan plan would encircle Turkey in Anatolia

ISTANBUL, 10/01/2003 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

In a speech at a reception held by the General Staff's general secretariat, Ozkok claimed that the security needs are also important for the Turkish Cypriot community.

General Ozkok noted that the Cyprus problem, the European Union and Iraq, issues which decisively influence the develop-ment of Turkey, have important security dimensions which the only the Turkish Armed Forces are competent of dealing with.

''The Turkish Armed Forces are the protagonists of the modernization of Turkey,'' the general said, adding that ''accession to the EU will be the most important means for the completion of the modernization.''

''The Turkish army is already in Europe through NATO for the past 50 years,'' he said, and termed as ''unfair'' claims that the Turkish Armed Forces is opposed to accession to the EU.

Concluding, Ozkok said he does not want accession to the EU to take place under any terms but in conditions of equality and protecting national and geographic sovereignty.

[15] EU commissioner Wallstrom addresses NGOs in Athens

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

''Greece assumed the Presidency right after the EU's historic enlargement,'' stressed Wallstrom, noting the ''political groundwork to be done by Greece, reconnecting EU to its Citizens''.

She stressed that the Thessaloniki Summit in June will be a special moment during which the leaders of the European Union will discuss in depth the future of Europe, ''based on the output of the Convention''.

''Greek authorities,'' she said, ''in common with governments around Europe, have declared their intention to improve the quality of life of citizens, including their health (as the) environment has a crucial role to play here''.

[16] Gov't rules out search for assets taken abroad by former king Constantine

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

Yiannitsis was responded to a question by a PASOK MP in Parliament.

The minister said that there was no provision for reducing the amount awarded by factoring in other demands or in any other way, either within the body of laws governing the court nor in the practice followed by the Council of Europe ministers' council responsible for ensuring that the court's decision was correctly applied.

[17] Greek president extends condolences over air crash in Turkey

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

Likewise, Foreign Minister George Papandreou sent a similar message to his Turkish counterpart Yasar Yakis expressing the sorrow of the Greek people over the tragic accident. "It is with great grief that I have received the news of the tragic air crash that took place near the city of Diyarbakir, which caused the loss of so many human lives," Papandreou's letter to Yakis read.

"On behalf of Greek people, as well as on my personal behalf, I would like to convey to you my sincere condolences and profound sympathy," the Greek FM added.

[18] Marina Zeas SA signs 16.6 mln euro contract with ETA

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

Under the contract, Marina Zeas SA - a consortium including Empedos SA, Prometheus Gas SA, Kyriakoulis Mediterranean Cruises SA, Commercial Real Estate and Athina AETB - will take over the management of marina Zeas in Pireaus for a period of 40 years.

The consortium will begin works to expand the capacity of the marina to 667 boats, from 566 currently, and to improve facilities and the surrounding areas in the marina.

The works are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2004.

Finance ministry auditors clear Red Cross hospital of operating for profit

In a turn-up in the ongoing case against Red Cross president Andreas Martinis over the 'Errikos Dynan' hospital, a team of finance ministry auditors on Thursday concluded that the Errikos Dynan Foundation operated as a non-profit organization that did not violate the original goals under which it was founded by the Greek chapter of the Red Cross.

The auditors said the treatment of 938 patients without means free of charge and the treatment of 21,229 patients solely on the basis of their social insurance coverage showed that the hospital did not operate solely on profit-making criteria.

Martinis, who is also president of the Errikos Dynan, welcomed the auditors' findings as vindication for both himself and the hospital, which he said was operating successfully, and attributed charges that the hospital was operating as a regular profit-making business to a bid for control of the health-care sector by the Apostolopoulos group.

The Apostolopoulos group, which owns the Medical Centre chain of hospitals, has filed a suit against the Errikos Dynan at an Athens primary court in which it seeks control of the hospital and compensation of 6.3 million euros.

According to Martinis, "the masks had fallen" after the suit filed by Apostolopoulos and the mud-slinging "would backfire against the slanderers and their backers".

[19] Govt announces measures to upgrade spa tourism

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

Under the plan, the ministry would create an inspection system to certify the standards of all tourist enterprises in the country.

Mr Georgakopoulos stressed that the inspection was primarily of preventing nature and to deal with problems facing the industry and not a penalty procedure.

The Greek minister also presented a draft bill aimed to modernize the country's legislation on spas and mineral water springs. Mr Georgakopoulos said that the draft bill was offering preconditions and incentives to attract investments for the creation of high quality infrastructure and services in the spa industry.

Commenting on the bankruptcy of Manos Travel, Mr Georgakopoulos stressed that there was not threat of an "epidemic" in the tourist sector.

Ministry sources said that the government has agreed to a long-time demand by car race enthusiasts for building a car race track in the prefect of Achaia and that developments were expected soon.

[20] National Bank holds leading position in state bond market

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

[21] ELBO in 17.6 mln euro contract with Greek Fire Brigade

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

Delivery of the vehicles is expected to be completed this year.

ELBO is expected to report its results for 2002. The company expects a significant increase in profits despite a fall in its turnover following drastic cuts in defense orders by the Greek Defense Ministry.

[22] ND says EU approved updated stability program a criticism for gov't

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

According to Alogoskoufis, the Commission's report openly disputed the government's assessments for the future course of the public deficit and the social security issue.

Alogoskoufis said the government's political weakness has a great cost for the economy and pointed out that a solution would be the speeding up of political developments in order, as he said, to confront the problems of the economy and society.

[23] Medicon company to merge with subsidiary Medicon Cosmetics

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

The date for the preparation of the transformation balance sheet has been set for December 31, 2002. As of January 1, 2003, all acts carried out by the company absorbed will be considered as being conducted on behalf of the listed absorbing company.

The final decision on the merger will be taken by the merging companies' boards, while new shares will not be issued due to the fact all of the subsidiary's shares belong to the listed company.

[24] Diekat wins contract in Romanian ecological project

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

Diekat holds 51 per cent of the contract, while Romanian Indserv holds the remaining 49 per cent.

The project will be co-funded by the European Union.

[25] Govt seeks price transparency with new labeling law

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

Under the plan, all prices will be shown in whole numbers (euros and cents).

A ministry announcement said that all offenders of the new regulations will be prosecuted according to market code law provisions.

[26] Greek stocks remain under pressure on Thursday

Athens, 10/01/2003 (ANA)

The general index eased 0.25 percent to end at 1,721.94 points, with turnover an improved 87.8 million euros.

The Telecommunications sector was the only one to score gains (up 0.42 percent), while the Food-Beverage (2.28 percent), Cement (2.03 percent), Holding (1.64 percent and Wholesale (1.60 percent) sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.74 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.67 percent, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index fell 1.09 percent and the FTSE/ASE 140 index eased 0.76 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 222 to 83 with another 50 issues unchanged.

Sector indices ended on Thursday as follows:

Banks: -1.43%

Telecoms: +0.42%

Insurance: -1.11%

Investment: -0.01%

Construction: -0.59%

Textiles: -1.57%

Industrials: -0.73%

Holding: -1.64%

Base metals: -0.08%

Minerals: -2.03%

Publishing: -0.46%

Retailing: -0.79%

Information Technology: -0.41%

IT solutions: -0.16%

Wholesale: -1.60%

Food & Beverages: -2.28%

Refineries: -0.48%

Real Estate Management: -0.38%

Parallel Market for smaller cap stocks: -0.84%

Selected shares from the MSCI index

closed in euros as follows:

Alpha Bank: 11.14

Coca Cola: 12.98

EFG Eurobank Ergasias: 10.94

Vodafone: 5.52

Aluminium de Grece: 18.00

Public Power Corp: 14.02

National Bank of Greece: 12.84

Hellenic Petroleum: 5.40

Commercial Bank of Greece: 14.70

Intracom: 4.18

Hellenic Telecommunications Organization: 10.56

Titan Cement Company (common): 35.88

Motor Oil: 6.28

The most heavily traded stocks in value were Public Power Corporation, Cosmote, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, OPAP and Teletypos.

Equity Index Futures: