Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-01-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM stresses need for peaceful solution to Iraq issue in Europarliament address

[02] PM speaks at press conference after outlining EU priorities

[03] FM Papandreou, on visit to Yugoslavia, says 'the Balkans are changing'

[04] Albania promises EU to accelerate reforms in talks with Greek FM Papandreou

[05] Croatia tells EU economic and political reforms in place for eventual accession

[06] FM Papandreou applauds Cyprus demonstrations, refers to Middle East

[07] US backs Turkish Cypriot demonstrations in support of a peace settlement

[08] ND leader Karamanlis comments on Cyprus issue, developments in Iraq

[09] Gov't confirms that PM received document related to N17 case

[10] Threat from the East still exists, defense minister says

[11] Foreign ministry spokesman on civil directors' program

[12] Greek candidate wins first round in European Ombudsman election

[13] New social services bill debated in Parliament committee

[14] Deputy FM holds talks with Czech ambassador to Athens

[15] Molyviatis, Angelopoulos elected to new posts within ND

[16] EU: Greece improves public finances but pensions overhaul lagging

[17] EU Commission to launch European Employment Services network

[18] Greeks want EU to tackle unemployment

[19] Drys meets counterparts in the Hague and London

[20] Northern Greek industries criticize Balkan Reconstruction Plan procedures

[21] Development ministry official meets British minister for small business

[22] Greek consumers' complaints rise in 2002

[23] Greek consumers enjoying cheaper unleaded petrol prices

[24] Blue chips lead ASE higher on Tuesday

[25] IOC chief expresses satisfaction with Athens 2004 progress

[26] Greece to head and close Athens 2004 Olympic Games opening ceremony parade

[27] Culture Minister stresses need for European cultural identity

[28] US ambassador visits woman attacked by US officer on Crete

[29] German intercepted smuggling 23 Kurd illegal immigrants

[30] Gov't spokesman says efforts for a settlement resume at an increased pace

[31] Demonstrators demand Denktash's resignation in occupied areas

[32] Annan urges leaders to listen to people in Cyprus

[33] US envoy optimistic over Cyprus solution

[01] PM stresses need for peaceful solution to Iraq issue in Europarliament address

STRASBOURG 15/01/2003 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis/O. Tsipira)

Simitis said the aim of the European Union's Greek presidency is for a common position to be achieved by the EU on the issue of Iraq, adding that special efforts will be made to enable this to happen at the EU's next Council of Foreign Ministers meeting.

''In the months ahead of us we might face a war in Iraq. We hope it will not happen. We are working to enable the efforts of the UN to reach a positive outcome and have war averted,'' he said.

Simitis also said consultations should take place between the EU, Russia and China, as well as with the United States.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, and to a remark by a Eurodeputy who let it be understood that the "nationalist views of Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash are to blame for the current deadlock", Simitis said Clerides does not express nationalist views and, on the contrary, opposes them.

On the contrary, he added, Denktash has shown no signs of accepting the plan by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and noted that the reaction by a large part of the Turkish Cypriot population against Denktash's policy provides hope for a solution to the problem.

On the question of Turkey, Simitis reiterated that Greece supports its European prospects.

Simitis further stressed the need to reshape the EU's agricultural policy, saying that Greece primarily supports backing for small producers.

He also took the opportunity of outlining the five main priorities of the EU's Greek presidency.

These priorities are completing enlargement, reforming the European economy, tackling the phenomenon of immigration, promoting procedures for the EU's institutional restructuring and, lastly, strengthening the EU's international presence.

''Greece belongs to the EU member-states which desire and support the strengthening of the European Parliament's role and powers,'' Simitis said during his address.

He said the Greek presidency wants to give convincing replies to all the problems facing European societies and referred to the European economy's deficit in competitiveness, economic stagnation, unemployment, social exclusion, crime and the problems of social security systems.

The Greek presidency, he added, will continue negotiations for the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU with a more intensive pace. He said its target is to have the timetable observed for the two countries' accession to the EU in 2007.

Commenting on Turkey's pre-accession course, Simitis said it will actively preoccupy the Greek presidency, adding that Greece believes that Turkey should find its position in the European family and should have the opportunity to go ahead with reforms which will bring it close to unified Europe.

He said these reforms should result in more democracy, freedom, progress, peaceful coexistence and cooperation.

Referring to the issue of Cyprus, the Greek premier said that Greece wants Cyprus to accede to the EU as a reunified country to enable the two communities on the island to jointly enjoy the goods and benefits provided by accession to unified Europe.

''We believed from the first moment that the Annan plan constitutes an opportunity as a base and starting point for a solution to the political problem of Cyprus,'' he said, adding that ''we are continuing our effort in this direction with consistency to enable us to reach a solution by February 28.''

Simitis further said ''however, Cyprus will accede to the EU, always leaving open possibilities for a solution to the Cyprus issue and the implementation of the 'acquis communautaire' all over the island.''

Speaking during the debate, Franco-German Green Party Eurodeputy Daniel Kohn-Bendit called on Simitis to follow the example set by ancestors and "behave at the same time like Socrates and Plato".

Bendit asked him to gather round a table the heads of the four countries currently participating in the Security Council (France, Britain, Germany and Spain) and persuade them to determine a joint position and jointly say ''no'' to a "harmful intervention that is not capable of bringing any solution".

He added that one should not hide behind the UN Security Council and since the Security Council is expected to decide solutions should be proposed to it.

Christian Democrat leader Petering also spoke of a joint European position being found to avert war in Iraq. He further focused on the future accession of Balkan countries, requesting from the Greek prime minister not to have mistaken impressions given.

The target for the time being, he added, is the accession of the 10 countries which should be crowned with success, while European citizens cannot be burdened with additional enlargements.

The President of the Euro socialists Crespo commented on the very symbolic, as he termed it, day on April 16 when the accession agreement for the 10 new countries will be signed under the shadow of the Acropolis.

He spoke of Athens, the cradle of democracy, which has been a component of European civilization for years and is preparing for the Olympic Games.

Crespo, referring to the future of Europe, said his group supports the creation of a draft constitution, which is an issue with which Greek Eurodeputy George Katiforis has preoccupied himself with in particular, as he said.

As regards foreign relations, and Iraq in particular, Crespo said war should be averted and Europe should speak with a single voice.

[02] PM speaks at press conference after outlining EU priorities

STRASBOURG 15/01/2003 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

On the question of how Europe can resist a war in Iraq which appears to be unavoidable, Simitis reiterated that a strong Europe must have one voice.

He recognized differences existing between countries. Different mentalities, different policies and different relations with the United States, adding that this does not mean that an effort should not be made and noting that there should not prevail the conception that the presidency has the magic wand.

Simitis said the effort should be made by all parts of the Europarliament, the European Commission and the media and added that there should be pressures from all sides.

On the question of Turkey, Simitis reiterated that an accession promise has been given to Turkey which will be implemented provided that criteria set at the EU's Copenhagen summit are met.

He went on to say that the Greek presidency fully supports its European course, but Turkey must make certain efforts. If it wants to continue its course unimpeded it must comply with the EU's rules and principles and a positive effort for a solution to the Cyprus issue will be a decisive contribution, he added.

Asked whether there is no alternative for Cyprus than the division of the island, Simitis denied this position. He referred to Belgium as an example and said the Greek Cypriots never supported division but the possibility of a state with two communities being created.

Regarding the future accession of Balkan countries, the question was raised as to whether accession could be considered a ''package'' for all the countries in the region.

Simitis clarified that it is certain that the western Balkans will accede to the EU in the long run. He pointed out, however, that it is a mistake to consider all the countries together as a group and it is too early for any decision.

He referred to Croatia as an example, which has reached satisfactory levels in the economic and social sectors. It is very possible that Croatia will soon request its accession to the EU. At the moment some Balkan countries can but others will have to wait, Simitis said.

[03] FM Papandreou, on visit to Yugoslavia, says 'the Balkans are changing'

BELGRADE 15/01/2003 (ANA/E. Boukaouri)

Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and Serbian President Vojislav Kostunica, who received Papandreou in his capacity as EU Council of Ministers president, stressed their desire for the existence of a European prospect in the region, with the ultimate goal of the country's accession to the new enlarged European Union.

Both sides recognized that Kosovo constituted a major problem and should be solved on the basis of European criteria, principles and values.

Djindjic in particular asked for a new initiative for a settlement of the problem and Papandreou replied that ''we will help in the procedure for its settlement.''

The Greek foreign minister stressed that the Greek EU presidency will support the region's European prospect and that in Thessaloniki, where the parallel EU-Balkans summit will be held, there should be a commitment and clear message from the Balkan countries that they are advancing reforms, democracy, security, respect of human rights and that they hope in economic development.

Within the framework of bilateral relations, Greece will grant Yugoslavia 265 million euro from the Greek Plan for the Economic Reconstruction of the Balkans.

Papandreou stressed that negotiations should start for the association and stabilization agreement of Yugoslavia that the constitutional changes and the new charter for Montenegro and Serbia should proceed, in order for these countries to proceed on the European road, at the same time solving the problem of Kosovo.

Papandreou will visit Sarajevo on Wednesday to attend the ceremony of the installation of the European Police, and his tour, the first which he is conducting as EU Council of Ministers president, will end with a visit to Kosovo's Pristina.

[04] Albania promises EU to accelerate reforms in talks with Greek FM Papandreou

TIRANA 15/01/2003 (ANA - E. Boukaouri)

''We commit ourselves to accelerating the reforms, we guarantee political dialogue aimed at our European accession, and also combat organized crime...essentially we commit ourselves to walk the path of European orientation,'' Albanian prime minister Fatos Nano told Papandreou, who was in Tirana on the second stop of a tour of western Balkan countries.

Papandreou, who left later for Zagreb for talks with Croatian foreign minister Tonino Picula, prime minister Ivica Racan and president Stipe Mesic, embarked Monday on a three-day tour of the five countries comprising what is known as the Western Balkans, all EU hopefuls. He had visited FYROM earlier Monday, and the tour further includes Bosnia-Herzegovina and Yugoslavia.

Greece, which currently holds the rotating six-month EU presidency, has placed a high priority on boosting relations between the EU and the western Balkans. Papandreou's dual goal, in his first overseas visits as chairman of the EU council of foreign ministers, is to rekindle EU interest in the region and at the same time elicit commitments from the western Balkan countries for serious reforms with a view to EU accession.

Visiting Tirana concurrently with Papandreou were Italian deputy foreign minister Roberto Antonione, EU foreign and defense policy chief Javier Solana's envoy Stefan Lene (in the absence of Solana, who was in London for a conference on the Palestinian issue), and European Commission general director Reinhard Priebe, representing EU external relations commissioner Chris Patten.

''It is with pleasure that we received Mr. Papandreou and the troika of the European Union, with which there is a mutual agreement to accelerate our European accession,'' Nano told reporters.

Papandreou said that Greece and Albania had ''strategic relations'' stemming from the large number of Albanians working in Greece and the Greek investments in Albania, which were estimated at 300 million dollars.

The Balkan region, he said, would become a successful area of Europe. ''We are making steps in that direction, the region is changing,'' Papandreou said, adding that EU negotiations would soon get underway with Albania for a Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA). The EU has already signed SAA accords, considered the first step towards eventual EU membership, with Croatia and FYROM.

Noting that there was more respect of human rights in Albania, more stability and free democratic elections, he added the hope that there would also be economic growth. ''What we desire is that the progress that has been made will be lasting and lead to democracy, prosperity and security,'' Papandreou said.

He stressed, however, that the major problem was corruption and organized crime. ''I am here representing the European Union, and the message is clear: Albania must commit itself to and cooperate with the European Union in the area of justice.''

Papandreou said that the goal was to clinch a commitment for success at an EU-Balkan summit meeting in Thessaloniki in June that will coincide with the EU summit. ''This region must act as a candidate for accession and, ultimately, as a member country. The EU will help, but you too must commit yourselves to change and to fighting organized crime,'' he said.

Papandreou further met with Albanian president Alfred Moisiu and Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, who wished Greece ''an inspired EU presidency'', and also expressed hope for a substantive solution to the Cyprus issue and aversion of a war and crisis in Iraq.

[05] Croatia tells EU economic and political reforms in place for eventual accession

ZAGREB 15/01/2003 (ANA - E. Boukaouri)

Papandreou arrived in Zagreb late Monday for talks with Croatian foreign minister Tonino Picula, Prime Minister Ivica Racan and president Stipe Mesic, on the third stop in a three-day tour of the five countries comprising what is known as the Western Balkans, all EU hopefuls. He had visited FYROM and Albania on Monday, while the tour further includes Bosnia-Herzegovina and Yugoslavia.

Greece, which currently holds the rotating six-month EU presidency, has placed a high priority on boosting relations between the EU and the western Balkans. Papandreou's dual goal, in his first overseas visits as chairman of the EU Council of Ministers, is to rekindle EU interest in the region and at the same time elicit commitments from the western Balkan countries for serious reforms with a view to EU accession.

In Zagreb, Papandreou met with Croatian foreign minister Tonino Picula, with whom he discussed the priorities of the Greek EU presidency in the first half of the year.

After the meeting, Picula said that following the EU enlargement recently decided at the 15-nation bloc's summit in Copenhagen encompassing 8 former eastern European countries plus Cyprus and Malta, his country looked forward to a further enlargement of the EU to include the Balkan states.

Croatia is expected to formally submit its application for EU membership candidacy during the Greek EU presidency, and Papandreou pledged that the Greek presidency would back the bid.

Papandreou further praised Croatia's efforts in the direction of democracy, reforms and stability, and said the Greek parliament was slated to ratify sometime in the next six months the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) signed by the EU with Croatia.

Welcoming Croatia's intended candidacy, Papandreou noted that Europe was a community of values such as democracy, respect of human rights and a just state, and added that the EU-Western Balkan summit in Thessaloniki in June, scheduled to coincide with the EU summit at the end of Greece's term in the EU presidency, should produce a message of hope for the European future and mutual commitment for reforms.

Papandreou met later with Croatian Prime Minister Ivica Racan, whom he said had accepted an invitation from Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis to pay an official visit to Greece.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting with Racan, Papandreou reiterated that Greece will back Croatia's bid for EU membership, and congratulated Zagreb on its determination to advance regional stabilization cooperation.

Racan and Papandreou also stressed the friendly relations between their two countries while the Croatian prime minister, replying to a press question on the future of the Serb refugees, said that he realized that the ethnic composition of the region could not be fully restored after the crisis, but added that, in the framework of the policy on protecting human rights, Croatia firmly supported the return of the refugees and had earmarked funds in its budget for that purpose.

Papandreou in turn said that the return of the refugees was necessary.

To another question on an accession date for Croatia, Papandreou said he did not rule out speedy progress in the accession process, but added that everything depended on the candidate countries themselves.

[06] FM Papandreou applauds Cyprus demonstrations, refers to Middle East

BELGRADE 15/01/2003 (ANA/E. Boukaouri)

“Such demonstrations are particularly moving, they are a message to everyone, a message of democracy and peace to overcome the stereotypes,” Papandreou said, adding that “it is also a European message that peoples can live together. All the leaderships should respond to that, we should do our best to achieve a resolution (to the Cyprus issue) within the next few weeks, months.”

Referring to the Middle East issue and a teleconference taking place in London, which Papandreou is to attend together with Dr. Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, the Greek Foreign Minister, in his capacity as chairman of the EU Ministers Council, said that the EU will continue its efforts for peace in the region of the Mid East. He added that the EU approved of the London initiative and Palestinian Authority’s reform efforts. He added however that “Israel’s rationale not to allow Palestinians to travel to London to attend the conference is unproductive.”

[07] US backs Turkish Cypriot demonstrations in support of a peace settlement

WASHINGTON 15/01/2003 (ANA/T. Ellis)

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said Washing-ton's position should not surprise Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, the target of the demonstrations.

Up to 70,000 Turkish Cypriots staged the biggest demonstration in their history, urging Denktash to negotiate on a U.N. peace plan or quit his post.

But Denktash said the plan's Feb. 28 deadline did not leave him enough time to hammer out a settlement with Greek Cypriots.

Boucher said: ''I don't want to get involved in anybody's politics but I do want to get involved in the cause of peace.''

''Very large demonstrations in Cyprus today show that Turkish Cypriots understand the significant benefits of achieving that kind of comprehensive settlement and achieving it now. Obviously we couldn't agree more,'' the spokesman added.

''Peace is a good thing and people demonstrating in support of this opportunity to achieve peace are supporting the right thing.''

Asked if the U.S. position on the demonstrations was a ''slap in the face'' for Denktash, he said: ''I don't think it will come as any surprise to Mr. Denktash that the United States supports peace and supports a settlement.''

Reiterating that the revised plan by UN chief Kofi Annan offers a basis for a settlement, Boucher said the two sides should work intensively on issues which require immediate attention so as to achieve a solution by the end of February.

[08] ND leader Karamanlis comments on Cyprus issue, developments in Iraq

Athens, 15/01/2003 (ANA)

Speaking at an event on Tuesday night at the Constantine Karamanlis Foundation, the ND leader noted however that the settlement of the Cyprus issue did not bode just for the Greeks, but that it should at least be functional, viable and compatible with the European acquis communautaire.

''If it is not viable, it is not a solution. Only a solution based on the European acquis communautaire can give the stability which we all seek and allow all the citizens of the island to enjoy the rights and possibilities offered by accession to the EU,'' Karamanlis said.

The ND leader further said that the legalization of a great section of the Turkish settlers stored serious problems even for the Turkish Cypriots themselves.

On developments in Iraq, Karamanlis said that new versatile decisions were necessary to be taken in accordance with UN decisions, noting however that what was required above all was for all possibilities to be exhausted for a peaceful solution to be reached.

[09] Gov't confirms that PM received document related to N17 case

Athens, 15/01/2003 (ANA)

He said the document in question was a copy of part of the murdered man's private diary and that the prime minister had turned this evidence over to Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis, who in turn had given it to investigative authorities.

He stressed that the prime minister and the government had not kept any evidence related to the case and that everything was in the hands of law enforcement agencies and the justice system.

Regarding the possible involvement of reporters, the spokesman expressed certainty that the Athens journalists' union ESHEA had the will and the power to protect journalism and rid the sector of people involved in criminal activities.

[10] Threat from the East still exists, defense minister says

Athens, 15/01/2003 (ANA)

The defense minister noted an increase in violations of Greek airspace by Turkish fighter aircraft over the past year and said that Greece was monitoring the situation calmly.

[11] Foreign ministry spokesman on civil directors' program

Athens, 15/01/2003 (ANA)

The course of relations between the European Union and Russia will be at the focal point of discussions at the ministerial session. Developments in the Middle East, Iraq, the Cyprus issue, Afghanistan, Moldova and the combatting of terrorism will also be discussed, as well as prospects of cooperation in the defense and security sector.

The meeting of diplomatic representatives of the ''15'' at Vouliagmeni on January 21 will be attended by U.S. Undersecretary of State Jones.

Developments in Iraq and North Korea, relations between the EU and the United States, developments in Ukraine, the Caucasus, central Russia, the Balkans, the Middle East and Venezuela and issues falling under the jurisdiction of the UN's Human Rights Committee will be discussed.

Developments in Turkey will be discussed on January 22 in light of the visit to be made to Ankara on January 31 by the foreign minister and EU Council of Ministers president.

[12] Greek candidate wins first round in European Ombudsman election

STRASBOURG 15/01/2003 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

Formerly appointed ombudsman in Greece, Diamantouros gained an easy 238-vote lead over the other candidates, just 23 votes short of the absolute majority of the 261 votes required for election.

Next runner-up was UK candidate Roy Perry with 159 votes, followed by Belgian Pierre-Yves Monett with 73.

Diamantouros is expected to prevail in the second round of the election to be held on Wednesday.

[13] New social services bill debated in Parliament committee

Athens, 15/01/2003 (ANA)

The main focus on the bill is to decentralize social services, farming them out to local authorities or regional health authorities, while it also deals with volunteerism and charity fund raising.

[14] Deputy FM holds talks with Czech ambassador to Athens

Athens, 15/01/2003 (ANA)

They also discussed preparations for the visit to Greece by the Czech foreign minister in May, implementation of the Greek-Czech, economic, industrial and technological agreement, the Greek-Czech memorandum on the economic restructuring of southeastern Europe and the issuing of 10,000 new entry and transit licenses by the Czech government for trucks passing through the country.

[15] Molyviatis, Angelopoulos elected to new posts within ND

Athens, 15/01/2003 (ANA)

Both men were running unopposed and received the entire vote. Molyviatis replaces Dora Bakoyianni, who resigned as party foreign affairs coordinator following her election as Athens mayor.

[16] EU: Greece improves public finances but pensions overhaul lagging

BRUSSELS 15/01/2003 (ANA/B.Demiris)

In a report on implementation of economic policy guidelines in the 15-nation bloc in 2002, the Commission warned that changes to pensions so far might be inadequate to handle greater medium term pressure on payments.

Steps taken so far include encouraging older employees to remain in the labor market and job-boosting schemes through taxation.

In addition, measures were inadequate that had been taken to control inflationary pressures, primary spending and a gradual reduction of the public debt, the report said.

At the same time, Greece had made progress in implementing Commission guidelines on the labor market, especially in training to improve the quality of the workforce aimed at meeting market needs.

Progress was also relatively satisfactory in product markets, and spurring business activity and the information society.

Less progress had been shown in opening up the electricity market to competition, the report noted.

In 2002, Greece posted a deviation of 2.1 percent as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) in a target for public deficits contained in the stability and growth pact.

The original estimate was a fiscal surplus of 0.8 percent at the end of 2002 but a deficit of 1.3 percent of GDP emerged following a revision of the method of calculation of economic indicators agreed with Eurostat.

The 2.1 percent deviation was the second highest in the EU after Luxembourg at 2.3 percent, the report added.

[17] EU Commission to launch European Employment Services network

Athens, 15/01/2003 (ANA)

The objectives of the new network, which is designed to benefit job seekers, employees and employers, are the following:

a. the development of European employment markets so that they may be open and accessible to everyone;

b. a cross-border exchange of vacancies and job applications;

c. transparency in the exchange of information regarding the European job market, including living conditions and opportunities for acquiring a skill; and

d. the development of pertinent methodologies and indicators.

[18] Greeks want EU to tackle unemployment

BRUSSELS 15/01/2003 (ANA/G.Zitouniati)

The Eurobarometer survey said that the EU average of people wanting to see unemployment set as a priority was 90 percent.

The percentage spanned all social and professional groups, according to the poll.

[19] Drys meets counterparts in the Hague and London

LONDON 15/01/2003 (ANA-M.Kourmousi)

The prevailing issues in agriculture are the intermediate revision of the union’s Common Agricultural Policy and the completion of the Common Fisheries Policy.

Drys pointed to the differing views held by member-states on the content of the recommendations for CAP revision, with the decoupling of funds having given rise to contrasting positions. The achievement of an agreement has been undertaken by the EU Presidency. However, Drys’ efforts are likely to be hampered by the forthcoming negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) proposing drastic funding cuts.

The EU Commission is expected to announce its recommendations next week, which will also signal the EU’s positions on the future of agriculture. The agreement achieved with regard to the Common Fisheries Policy was the result of recommendations tabled by Drys at the recent Council of the Danish EU Presidency, and is expected to be completed by the Greek EU Presidency with an agreement on fisheries in the Mediterranean.

Among the recommendations made by Greece are socio-economic measures to help fishermen and the creation of an agency to oversee and control measures imposed mainly on environmental concerns on fishing.

The most important recommendation is the creation of fishing protection zones, which will put an end to fishing activities by non-EU fleets in international waters in the Mediterranean. In addition, a primary concern for the Greek EU Presidency is food safety, an issue to be examined in depth at May’s informal Ministers Council on Corfu, to look into ‘quality agriculture’.

[20] Northern Greek industries criticize Balkan Reconstruction Plan procedures

Athens, 15/01/2003 (ANA)

SBBE chairman, Demetrios Symeonides, speaking to reporters said that despite government assurances, there was not official information over the selection of a technical consultant to monitor progress on two projects, worth six million euros, for the reconstruction of a public building in Sarajevo.

Mr Symeonides criticized the stance of official agencies and left the door open of seeking the intervention of European Com-mission to ensure transparency in procedures.

[21] Development ministry official meets British minister for small business

Athens, 15/01/2003 (ANA)

The meeting was held within the framework of bilateral cooperation between the development ministry and the DTI, in continuation of the Bilateral Cooperation Memorandum which was signed by Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and his British counterpart, and centered on the priorities of the development ministry's general secretariat during the Greek EU presidency.

[22] Greek consumers' complaints rise in 2002

Athens, 15/01/2003 (ANA)

A ministry reports said that Greek consumers filed a total of 5,536 telephone complaints last year, from 4,321 in 2001. The majority of complaints referred to services (4,067) with the remaining 1,469 referring to products.

House rents, insurance policies, slimming centers and fitness centers accounted for the majority of Greek consumers' complaints.

[23] Greek consumers enjoying cheaper unleaded petrol prices

Athens, 15/01/2003 (ANA)

A ministry announcement said that while crude oil prices have risen by 9.66 percent since September 30, unleaded petrol prices have fallen by 1.47 percent over the same period, while crude oil prices and unleaded petrol prices have risen by 33.6 percent and 4.82 percent, respectively, since November 12.

The ministry said that the average price of unleaded petrol in Athens and Thessaloniki was 0.739 euros and 0.723 euros, respectively, on Monday January 13.

[24] Blue chips lead ASE higher on Tuesday

Athens, 15/01/2003 (ANA)

The general index ended 0.73 percent higher at 1,715.91 points, with turnover a low 74.1 million euros.

The Publication, Insurance, Textile and Telecommunications sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (1.95 percent, 1.72 percent, 1.68 percent and 1.58 percent, respectively), while the Metals (0.72 percent), Cement (0.55 percent), Retail (0.22 percent) and Industrials (0.05 percent) suffered the heaviest percentage losses.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.61 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.43 percent, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index jumped 1.10 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index rose 0.63 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 192 to 102 with another 61 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 81.6 mln euros Tuesday

Equity Index Futures: