Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-01-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM Papandreou meets with FYROM PM in Skopje

[02] PM's message to citizens of 25 EU, Accession States

[03] 2003 most crucial year for Olympics preparations, PM says

[04] FM to hold talks with UN, US envoys for Cyprus this week

[05] Gov't on EU position vis-a-vis Iraq issue

[06] PM to meet IOC leadership, visit Strasbourg this week

[07] Regional, int'l developments expected to dominate Solana talks here

[08] Simitis discusses with Kaklamanis role of parliament during Greek EU presidency

[09] Foreign aid discussed by deputy FM, US envoy

[10] Turkish official says Cyprus solution cannot ignore reality

[11] Amnesty International calls for protection of human rights

[12] Greek-U.S. police cooperation memorandum in Parliament

[13] Public order minister says Greece has the lowest crime rate in Europe

[14] Gov't: EU Summits' protesters not viewed as 'opponents'

[15] OA's privatization on right track, gov’t says

[16] Greek gov’t to submit corporate bond market draft bill soon

[17] Greece calls for creation of Inter-Balkan Tourism Commission

[18] Greece joins board of Interactive Advertising Bureau (Europe)

[19] Greek stocks end flat on Monday

[20] Magistrate orders 19th N17 suspect be remanded in custody

[21] Albanian teen dies, four missing in attempt to sneak into Greece

[22] De Soto appeals to leaders to seize opportunity

[23] Spokesman says Greek Cypriot side to strive for amendments

[24] US envoy to visit Cyprus this week

[25] EU sends monitoring mission

[01] FM Papandreou meets with FYROM PM in Skopje

SKOPJE 14/01/2003 (ANA - E. Boukaouri)

Papandreou, currently also President of the EU Council of Ministers, told reporters after the talks that his meeting with Cervenkovski focused on the Greek EU Presidency's program up until the EU Summit in Thessaloniki in June, when the EU planned to hold a parallel Summit with the Balkan states.

The Greek minister said that the issue regarding the name of the neighboring country was not discussed, adding however that the EU would be pleased with a solution of the name issue, which was currently being discussed under the auspices of the United Nations.

Papandreou said that the future of the Balkans and boosting their co-operation with the EU was also discussed at the meeting, as well as general regional issues, such as combatting organized crime, corruption, and unemployment, which was nearing 40% in FYROM, according to recent official statistics.

He said the picture he wished for the Balkan region was one that reflected the efforts being made for security, stability and prosperity, instead of the classic picture of countries constantly at war.

The Balkan region was among the top priorities of the Greek EU Presidency and a memorandum has been drafted for boosting cooperation between the Balkan states and the EU, while the process for their accession to the EU was in progress, Papandreou said.

The Greek Presidency wishes to promote peace, stability and democratic development in the Balkan region, mainly by advancing the Association and Stability Pact that has already been signed by FYROM and Croatia, but was still pending ratification by the EU member-states.

The Greek foreign minister was also due to meet with FYROM President Boris Trajkovski, the president of the parliament, and later with local political parties leadership.

Later on Monday, Papandreou will depart for Albania for talks with his Albanian counterpart Ilir Meta, Prime Minister Fatos Nano and President Alfred Moisiu.

Papandreou heads from FYROM to Albania on western Balkan tour: Greece's foreign minister George Papandreou departed shortly after noon from the FYROM capital Skopje for Albania, the second stop of his three-day tour of the western Balkan countries.

Speaking to reporters before his departure from Skopje, Papandreou said he had had a very substantive discussion with the FYROM political leadership, which mainly focused on the Greek EU presidency's goals vis-a-vis the EU summit in Thessaloniki in June, where a meeting between the EU member countries and the Balkan states would be held in tandem.

''From this meeting, we expect not only a promise, but a commitment, from both sides, and mainly the European side, that a road will open that will surpass the management of crises so that we may be able to get onto the course of EU integration beyond the accession of Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey and in order for there to be proof of the resolution of differences, implementation of reforms, and strengthening of democracy,'' Papandreou said.

Papandreou, who chairs the EU Council of Ministers, said a specific program submitted by the Greek EU Presidency had been approved by the European Commission, while there were also new ideas and proposals arising from his FYROM talks.

He further said that the issue of the European rapid reaction force had been discussed, but briefly, adding that the details would be discussed by EU foreign and defense policy chief Javier Solana, who was due in Skopje on Wednesday.

[02] PM's message to citizens of 25 EU, Accession States

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

The full text of the prime minister's message, which was translated in the languages of all 25 EU member-states and accession-states, reads:

''Dear citizens of Europe,

I am addressing you on the opportunity of Greece assuming the Presidency of the European Union Council for the first half of 2003. I would like to share with you some thoughts about the kind of Europe we desire and what the Greek Presidency intends to do for building Europe.

“First of all, we want a broader, better and stronger Europe. A broader Europe with the accession of the 10 new states that have concluded relative negotiations, followed by the accession of all the other states that will also complete negotiations and meet required political and economic accession criteria.

“We want a better Europe for all of its citizens; A true citizens' Europe; A Europe of cohesion and solidarity, one that will stoop over the daily problems of its citizens and will try to find answers and solutions to those problems; A Europe for the young, one that will work on a better future without insecurities or uncertainties; A Europe with full employment, social justice and sensitivity for the environment. A Europe with policies in favor of its citizens, with equal opportunity for all; A Europe of tolerance and multiculturalism, without any exclusions or discrimination. We want a Europe deeply democratic, respecting the fundamental rights of all citizens or social groups; A Europe of open horizons and perspectives; A Europe that will be an area of freedom, justice and security for all citizens. A Europe with strong institutions, consolidated through democratic processes, effective in the development of policies and in decision making.

“We also want a strong Europe active in the regional and the international system; A Europe as a factor of peace, stability and sustainable growth for all; A Europe able to prevent and manage crises; A Europe that will actively participate and take initiatives in combating terrorism, any form of organized crime, in the protection of the environment, in the reinforcement of international collective institutions and international law, the advance of global governing of democratic foundations, the eradication of factors leading to poverty and destitution from the planet.

“Toward that Europe, the Greek Presidency is going work in close cooperation with all our current and future partners in the European Union, as well as with institutions such as the European Commission and the European Parliament. We are going to work to open common avenues in order to face common challenges, advance common values and goals.

“The first half of 2003 will be a historic landmark for Europe. On April 16, we are going to sign in Athens the Accession Act for 10 new states in the European Union, which in that manner will increase its membership from 15 to 25 member states. Nevertheless, this will not be the last enlargement. The accession of new states will follow in the near future. The enlargement of the European Union constitutes an achievement of historical significance for Europe. For the first time in its history, Europe will be united on the foundations of peace, democracy and stability.

“In the first semester, we are also going to work toward making the European Union more democratic, transparent and effective, to bring Europe closer to its citizens. The Convention, which for approximately one year now has been working on the reforms for the enlarged Europe, will complete its works with proposals that will constitute the base for developing the new morphology of the enlarged Europe.

“Within this semester, we are also going to make efforts in confronting those problems that are more immediate and pressing for the citizens and society, such as reforms in the European economy and the creation of new employment positions, combat unemployment, modernize and renew the European social model, the advancement of social policies, the problems associated with immigration and migration.

“At the Presidency, Greece wants to hear the voice of all European citizens. Those who agree and those who disagree with the choices, the targets or the policies of the European Union. The voice of each citizen, each group of citizens expressed in a democratic manner is of special significance. We are going to hear that voice and take it under serious consideration,” Simitis message concludes.

[03] 2003 most crucial year for Olympics preparations, PM says

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

The premier additionally stressed the ''Greece 2004'' program, through which the government hoped to show that the Olympics were an affair that concerned the entire country, not just the capital.

Simitis praised the Olympics Organizing Committee (ATHOC) for the good results achieved in 2002 and noted that the majority of Olympics-related infrastructure projects - with 235 currently in progress throughout Greece - would be completed over the coming year, as well as other programs such as the Cultural Olympiad, Olympic Education, hospitality, green spaces, security and others.

The premier particularly the emphasized the Olympics budget, asking all involved to keep to it religiously so that it did not exceed 1.5 trillion drachmas as decided the previous year.

Additionally, he stressed that time was extremely short and there was no room for complacency.

Simitis asked the ministers to submit updated action plans for 2003 to the Olympic Games General Secretariat over the coming weeks and referred to legal problems that had delayed Olympics preparations from suits filed by private citizens against Olympics works.

The ''Greece 2004'' program was also described in detail by Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, whose ministry is in charge of coordinating preparations for the Games, as he emerged from the meeting.

He said the budget for the program came to 1.26 billion euros and was expected to increase regional GDP during 2004 from 0.3 per cent to 0.9 per cent.

PM Simitis holds talks with IOC President Rogge in Athens: Prime Minister Costas Simitis met International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge at the Maximos Mansion in Athens on Monday.

Also present at the meeting were IOC Coordinating Committee President Denis Oswald, the general director of the IOC's technical section, Gilbert Felli, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and Athens 2004 Organizing Committee (ATHOC) President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki.

As stated by Venizelos after the meeting, Rogge and Oswald were particularly satisfied by Monday night's meeting because, as Rogge characteristically said, there were more solutions and fewer problems.

Rogge and Oswald asked questions concerning the work being carried out at the Olympic Stadium and at the international zone of the Olympic Village and received immediate replies, the culture minister said.

Also raised at Monday's meeting were issues concerning the Schengen Treaty, which is also of interest to Italy which will host the Winter Olympic Games in 2006.

Issues related to employment and the legal framework of the foreign employees during the 2004 Games, particularly those who will be employed in the radio and television media, was also discussed.

With regard to Karaiskaki Stadium in Piraeus, Venizelos said that in a meeting he had in the afternoon with the board of Olympiakos soccer club, it was noted that everything was going smoothly and that the relevant bill will be passed by the Greek Parliament.

Venizelos added that if the reconstruction of the stadium begins on February 15, 2003, the stadium will be ready for Olympic use on May 31, 2004.

Asked on the accreditation of former king Constantine, Venizelos stated that this was an issue of minor significance and that the IOC never raised such an issue except for the Greek mass media.

Replying to a question related to the fact that 2004 was a year of general elections, Venizelos said that nobody in the IOC raised such an issue and that in any case, every modern European state has secured the continuation of its functioning.

[04] FM to hold talks with UN, US envoys for Cyprus this week

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

Ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis also answered questions regarding US requests for facilitations in the event of a military campaign against Iraq, saying that in talks between Papandreou and US Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller the issue of Greek participation in operations on the ground had not been raised.

Greece would provide facilitations at sea and in the air, such as use of the Souda base and permission to use Greek airspace, similar to those it had provided during the campaign against Afghanistan, he added.

The spokesman also announced meetings on Thursday between Papandreou and EU High Commissioner for Common Foreign and Security Police Javier Solana, which would focus on developments in the Middle East, the situation in the Balkans, Cyprus, European Union enlargement and preparations for other issues related to the ongoing Greek EU presidency.

According to Beglitis, Solana will have a working lunch with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis later on Thursday, while on Friday he will hold separate meetings with Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis.

Regarding the foreign minister's three-day tour of the western Balkans, which began on Monday with his arrival in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Beglitis said the Greek presidency's goal was to promote the European course of Balkan countries, a goal also backed by the European Commission. He said that funding through the Community for infrastructure works in the countries was being sought.

[05] Gov't on EU position vis-a-vis Iraq issue

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

“It is clear that the (UN) Security Council has the first word on the Iraq issue, but we (EU) will not remain inactive. The EU must formulate a common stance and have involvement, as certain of its (EU) members are also Security Council members,” spokesman Christos Protopapas told reporters during his regular press briefing on Monday.

He also reiterated Athens’ position, namely, that a war can be avoided through negotiations leading to a peaceful resolution, while noting that the Greek EU presidency will work towards this direction.

Finally, Protopapas stressed that the Greek government has received no request for sending combat troops to the Gulf region.

[06] PM to meet IOC leadership, visit Strasbourg this week

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

On Monday morning, meanwhile, Simitis met Paraskevas Avgerinos, in charge of ruling PASOK's international relations, while at 20:00 this evening he is to meet Parliament speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis.

On Tuesday, Simitis will depart for Strasbourg to present the priorities of the Greek EU presidency to the European Parliament at 15:00.

On Wednesday at 11:00, the prime minister will visit the European Court of Human Rights in the city and dine with European Parliament president Pat Cox in the afternoon.

On Thursday at 10:30, Simitis will meet Environment and Public Works Minister Vasso Papandreou in Athens and at noon he is to meet NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson.

On Thursday evening at 19:30, the prime minister will again have a meeting with the finance minister, while at 20:30 he will host a dinner for visiting EU High Commissioner for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana.

On Friday at 9:30, Simitis will meet Indian Minister for External Affairs Yashwant Sinha in his capacity as head of the EU presidency, followed by a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis and the head of PASOK's MEPs George Katiforis.

Shortly after noon the same day, the prime minister will call on President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and at 13:30 he is to meet Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis before chairing a government meeting on his visit to Patras the following Monday.

On Saturday at 10:00, Simitis and the foreign minister will hold talks with visiting German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer.

The spokesman also announced plans for a meeting between Simitis and the prime minister of Romania Adrian Nastase on Tuesday week at noon.

[07] Regional, int'l developments expected to dominate Solana talks here

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

According to a foreign ministry spokesman on Monday, Solana will hold a working lunch with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis later on Thursday, while on Friday he will hold separate meetings with Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou and main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis.

Spokesman Panos Beglitis also briefed reporters on FM Papandreou’s three-day tour of the western Balkans, which began on Monday with the Greek foreign minister’s arrival in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

Finally, the spokesman reiterated the Greek presidency’s goal of promoting several Balkan states’ European course, while adding that efforts to secure Community funds for various infrastructure projects in those countries is also a priority.

[08] Simitis discusses with Kaklamanis role of parliament during Greek EU presidency

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

They also discussed the request by main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis for a debate to be held in parliament on the issue of corruption, as well as the request by Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos for a debate on developments concerning Iraq.

Kaklamanis will meet with the party leaders on Tuesday to fix the dates for the debates.

[09] Foreign aid discussed by deputy FM, US envoy

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

Loverdos noted that closer Greek-US cooperation in the field was discussed, while noting that the issue of Iraq was not brought up.

On his part, Miller replied to a press question regarding Iraq by saying that all sides want a peaceful resolution to the crisis and that hypotheses should be avoided. Moreover, he said attention should focus on the threat of weapons of mass destruction, adding that this issue is being constantly discussed both in the framework of bilateral relations and within the framework of Greece’s assumption of the rotating six-month EU presidency in the first half of 2003.

The two men also discussed Greece's contribution to combatting the trafficking of people and the country's participation in international efforts for the reconstruction of Afghanistan, both through non-governmental organizations as well as through international organizations such as the UN High Commission for Refugees and the World Immigration Organization.

[10] Turkish official says Cyprus solution cannot ignore reality

ISTANBUL 14/01/2003 (ANA)

''Efforts for a solution should accept the political equality and equal sovereignty of the two sides and maintain bizonality,'' Arinc said.

He added that a solution should protect the existence of the Turkish Cypriots and their property and noted that the Turkish National Assembly supports the Turkish Cypriots.

Arinc further said that, apart from Turkish Cypriot politicians, the Parliamentary delegation he is heading will also be meeting representatives of non-governmental organizations.

[11] Amnesty International calls for protection of human rights

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

The text of proposals was presented at the Athens Journalists Union (ESHEA) by the organization’s Greek department President Kostis Papaioannou and the director of its European office Dick Oosting.

Oosting said that although the EU has taken many steps in many sectors so far, human rights are continuing to be threatened both inside and outside the EU.

Papaioannou said the myth of Europe as a cradle for defending human rights has collapsed since many investigations have shown that the 15 EU member-states do not constitute a paradise for protecting human rights.

All speakers noted that Greek is assuming the EU presidency at an important moment of great changes. Papaioannou said that for

this reason the Greek presidency should promote and speed up the appropriate balance between security and human rights, between cooperation and pressure, between control and protection and between models it demands for others and those it is prepared to implement itself.

[12] Greek-U.S. police cooperation memorandum in Parliament

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

The memorandum was signed two years ago and anticipates cooperation in the fields of training, exchanging information, coordinating action and organizing meetings between experts.

Cooperation will take place in accordance with the national legislation of each country, observance of confidentiality for whatever information and with the possibility of a specific call for cooperation being rejected if its acceptance would jeopardize a country's sovereignty, security and public order or would be contrary to its laws and international commitments.

[13] Public order minister says Greece has the lowest crime rate in Europe

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

He was responding to a question by the main opposition New Democracy (ND) party which cited data by Interpol of an increase in crime.

Chrysohoidis clarified that there was a reduction in crime in Greece these past years, with ''a reduction in murders and other serious offences, but an increase in robberies.''

He also noted an upsurge in petty crime which was due, as he said, to the introduction of the euro and the problem of narcotics.

[14] Gov't: EU Summits' protesters not viewed as 'opponents'

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

Greece holds the rotating six-month EU presidency until late June, with numerous events, conferences and Summits planned in the east Mediterranean country over that period.

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas, who also holds the press and mass media portfolio, told reporters that Prime Minister Costas Simitis has instructed at least ministers (the labor and the Macedonia-Thrace ministers) to contact various social groups and organizations that want to demonstrate.

The EU Summit in Thessaloniki, scheduled in June, and April’s Athens Summit – where Accession Acts are expected to be signed with a host of candidate-states – loom as the most important gatherings during the Greek EU presidency.

However, Protopapas added that “certain types of extremist confrontations – such as the slogan ‘Greece should leave the EU’ – can create problems for our country, as well as for European societies’ progress”.

[15] OA's privatization on right track, gov’t says

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis to discuss progress in a privatization procedure, Mr Christodoulakis said that the government's aim was for Olympic Airways to "continue operating, servicing and improving".

The Greek minister, however, declined to set a timetable of completing current negotiations in a privatization plan and noted that these procedures should be effective.

Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis said that the three banks acting as privatization consultants (National Bank, Commercial Bank and Alpha Bank) would continue talks until the end of January. "The current picture is that talks are interesting and that there will be news in the next few weeks," Mr Verelis said.

Commenting on a privatization process of Galileo (a subsidiary of Olympic Airways), Mr Verelis said that the procedure was open and that bids would be accepted by January 17.

"It's a small company, attracting big interest," the Greek minister said. Privatization procedures began two months ago.

[16] Greek gov’t to submit corporate bond market draft bill soon

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis chaired a meeting with capital market's representatives on Monday to discuss a package of three draft bills aimed to strengthen the corporate bond market, to separate the roles of the Capital Markets' Commission and of the Athens Stock Exchange board and to upgrade auditing procedures.

All three draft bills are expected to be submitted to parliament soon.

The draft bill, covering the corporate bond market, envisages all preconditions and terms for a company to enter the market. Ministry sources said that the bill would also envisage that corporate bonds would be taxed the same as domestic state securities.

Greek companies will be able to securitize future revenues, such as rent income, loans and any other fixed income source.

Under the plan, the Greek Capital Markets' Commission will have increased responsibilities on inspecting listed companies, while the Greek state will be fully withdrawn from the Athens Stock Exchange, with the latter becoming a societe anonyme.

The draft bill also envisages that all companies seeking listing on the market would be obliged to regular auditing procedures. The bill also sets the terms and preconditions for the creation of other private stock exchanges in Greece.

[17] Greece calls for creation of Inter-Balkan Tourism Commission

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

The proposal was submitted during a Tourist Development Conference, held January 8-10 in Sofia, Bulgaria, by Greek National Tourist Organization’s chairman Yiannis Patelis.

In his message, Mr Tsohatzopoulos stressed that "this is the right time for Balkan nations to create a forum of exchanging information over tourist issues...we are facing difficult times ahead," and added that a war in Iraq could darken the horizon for the tourism industry.

The Greek minister noted that an Inter-Balkan Tourism Commission could operate immediately and stressed that Greece could help significantly in this effort as it was currently holding the six-month rotating EU presidency.

[18] Greece joins board of Interactive Advertising Bureau (Europe)

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

Konstantinos Kamaras, general director of sport.gr, was elected vice president of IAB Europe. Kamaras was already vice president of IAB Hellas.

[19] Greek stocks end flat on Monday

Athens, 14/01/2003 (ANA)

The general index eased 0.02 percent to end at 1,703.50 points, off the day's lows of 1,693 points. Turnover was a low 63.5 million euros.

The Insurance, Investment and Bank sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (5.61 percent, 1.0 percent and 0.98 percent, respectively), while the Publication, Construction and Telecommunication sectors scored gains (1.38 percent, 1.06 percent and 0.78 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks eased 0.14 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.12 percent lower and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index fell 0.50 percent. The wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 0.17 percent down.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 188 to 111 with another 52 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 104.3 mln euros Monday

Equity Index Futures: