Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-01-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM and NATO chief: UN inspections in Iraq must continue unhindered

[02] PM sees Solana, says Iraq inspectors must have adequate time

[03] FM and EU' Solana discuss general affairs agenda

[04] Solana stresses Thessaloniki EU Summit's importance for Western Balkan region

[05] Alternate FM meets with Russian deputy FM in Athens

[06] FM and UN envoy de Soto discuss developments in Cyprus issue

[07] Gov't reaffirms commitment to Cyprus peace process

[08] FM Papandreou meets with US State Dep't coordinator for Cyprus

[09] US ambassador Miller on 'terrorism potential' in Greece document, Iraq crisis

[10] Foreign ministry hails German-French initiative for EU reform

[11] ND leader says party wants a Europe not raising new walls

[12] Greek Eurodeputy voices human rights concerns

[13] Gov't on status of Mount Athos monastic community

[14] Eurodeputies to visit justice ministry on Friday

[15] Reppas: gov't won't stop rally at EU Council of Ministers

[16] EU appeals to Congo for death penalty ban

[17] Bank of Greece governor reports on Greek economy

[18] PM, Finmin meet to discuss Greece's EU presidency

[19] Greece plans to increase spending on R&D

[20] Greece restates EU right to call feta cheese a national product

[21] Greek telecoms market turnover 5.163 bln euros in 2002

[22] Greek stocks gain more ground on Thursday

[23] Vardinoyiannis testifies regarding new twist in N17 case

[24] Preliminary selection of justices for 'N17' case completed

[25] GSEE president addresses EU conference on immigration

[26] Weston says a settlement is possible by end of February

[27] UN: Tragedy if opportunity for Cyprus settlement slips by

[28] Britain to provide all support to UN plan

[01] PM and NATO chief: UN inspections in Iraq must continue unhindered

Athens, 17/01/2003 (ANA)

Robertson was in the city for the customary visit by NATO chiefs to countries taking over the EU presidency.

The Alliance chief said that NATO had not yet decided how it would assist Washington in the Iraq issue but stressed that Iraq had to fully comply with UN resolution 1441.

Simitis assured Robertson that the Greek presidency was in constant talks and making every effort to avoid a war and allow inspections to continue unhindered in Iraq.

He also stressed that all means for arriving at peace and implementing UN decisions had to be used but refused to discuss the details in public.

Responding to reporters, Robertson said there would be no need for a military operation if Iraq complied with the decisions of the international community.

Regarding a planned European rapid reaction force, the Alliance chief said it would be operational within the next six months and would be complementary to NATO forces.

He also praised the decisions for EU enlargement and called for more work needed to be done to enhance EU-NATO cooperation even further.

''It will be a great joy to unite the countries of Europe and this will be a great advantage that will create more powerful transatlantic bonds,'' Robertson stressed.

He also hailed the inauguration of the European Police Mission (EUPM) in Bosnia, while Simitis noted that Greece had taken the necessary actions for the EU to undertake the mission in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

[02] PM sees Solana, says Iraq inspectors must have adequate time

Athens, 17/01/2003 (ANA)

Simitis added that when they will be in a position to give these answers, they must be evaluated and a common position by the EU must be shaped.

Referring to an announcement that 11 warheads have been found that could be used in biochemical warfare, Simitis said this announcement by the inspectors confirms that they are doing a good job and that they should continue to do what is necessary to ascertain whether or not there has been a violation of Security Council conditions.

Solana predicted that the EU's Greek presidency will be a successful one despite the negative international conjuncture, adding that there are many important people who are handling issues and who will succeed.

Simitis reminded that in conclusions reached at the EU's Copenhagen summit reference is made to the need for a solution to the Cyprus issue and stressed the need for everything possible to be done for a solution to be found as soon as possible.

Solana also met with the UN secretary general's representative Alvaro de Soto on Thursday.

Simitis expressed hope that the institutional framework for the European force will be completed by March 1 to enable it to assume its mission in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) after this date.

Solana is also waiting for Skopje's response on this issue.

As regards the Middle East, Simitis said the date of the Israeli elections is crucial and will be decisive for developments.

[03] FM and EU' Solana discuss general affairs agenda

Athens, 17/01/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Papandreou said the head of the inspectors in Iraq Hans Blix briefed the European Parliament's Cox ad hoc Committee on work they have done.

Papandreou added that Greece supports efforts deployed by Blix to have weapons of mass destruction destroyed.

Referring to the Middle East, Papandreou said that unfortunately there have been no developments, but added that the target after the elections in Israel is to have the quartet (the EU, the U.S., Russia and the UN) activated.

Solana said he is willing to contribute to a solution to the Cyprus issue.

On the question of the Balkans, Papandreou hailed the first mission of common foreign affairs and defense policy with the European police force taking up duties in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Regarding the western Balkans, the landmark for shaping the EU's new position is the Thessaloniki summit.

Papandreou said there is a commitment by the EU on the accession prospects of these countries, as well as a commitment by these countries for daily changes and reforms.

[04] Solana stresses Thessaloniki EU Summit's importance for Western Balkan region

SKOPJE 17/01/2003 (ANA - N. Fragopoulos)

Solana said that Greece's Foreign Minister and current Chairman of EU Council of Ministers, George Papandreou, during his three-day tour of Western Balkan States that was concluded on Wednesday, had presented to the local leaderships the European Union's priorities for the region.

In his capacity as Chairman of the EU Council of Ministers, Papandreou on Monday launched a three-day tour of five southeast European states, referred to collectively as the Western Balkans, with a view to bolstering their EU accession prospects.

His tour took him to FYROM, Croatia, Albania, Yugoslavia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

[05] Alternate FM meets with Russian deputy FM in Athens

Athens, 17/01/2003 (ANA)

The two men expressed the interest of both sides for deeper cooperation, delving into details such as reconsideration of EU common strategy towards Russia, cooperation on security issues and the organizing of a summit in St. Petersburg.

Chizhov underlined the importance Russia places on the Greek EU presidency, adding that in the St. Petersburg summit it would be advisable for the issue of special visa status for Russian citizens to be examined to enable them to travel freely in the EU.

On his part, Yiannitsis said that the St. Petersburg summit should be productive in such aspects as the association agreement between the EU and Russia and the EU common strategy towards Russia.

[06] FM and UN envoy de Soto discuss developments in Cyprus issue

Athens, 17/01/2003 (ANA)

Papandreou thanked de Soto for ''continuing his work with patience and persistence'', adding that he has the full support of the European Union, in accordance with decisions taken at the Copenhagen summit.

The Greek minister also said that he discussed the latest developments in the Cyprus issue with de Soto and he will brief his EU counterparts on the issue.

On his part, de Soto expressed his satisfaction, adding that he was in Athens for talks with the Greek government concerning continuing negotiations for the resolution of the Cyprus issue and that he was in Turkey last week where he held talks with the government.

Speaking of his contacts in Turkey, de Soto said that he departed with the clear impression that the Turkish side supports efforts for the resolution of the Cyprus problem before the end of February.

The UN envoy also said that he returned to Cyprus on Monday, where Clerides and Denktash met for the first time in a long while on Wednesday, adding that during that meeting the two men decided to continue the intercommunal talks on Friday.

He also said that Clerides and Denktash are committed to a program of intensive talks aiming to reach a settlement by the end of February, adding that the referendums in the north and south of the island republic can take place in March and according to the results Cyprus may enter the European Union reunited and the accession agreement may be signed on April 16 in Athens.

De Soto did, however, express some disappointment that a resolution agreement was not reached before the Copenhagen Summit, adding that ''all is not over, it is possible to reach a solution with the support of Turkey and Greece''.

Commenting on recent protests in the northern occupied part of Cyprus, he said ''it is not correct for me to comment on how the Turkish Cypriots or the Greek Cypriots are represented in the negotiations. Mr. Denktash is the leader of the Turkish Cypriots and Mr. Clerides accepts him as a credible interlocutor''.

Responding to a question on the possibility of an extension of the timetable for talks beyond Feb. 28, he appeared cautious saying that the timetable was set in such a way as to allow for ample time for both sides to examine decisions before the referendums of March 30, and according to its results the accession of Cyprus to the EU will be signed on April 16.

[07] Gov't reaffirms commitment to Cyprus peace process

Athens, 17/01/2003 (ANA)

According to foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis, Weston had briefed Papandreou on the results of his talks on the Cyprus issue in Ankara and the two men had assessed the situation in view of the next round of Cyprus talks that is due to begin on Friday.

On his part, Weston reaffirmed the United States commitment to continue intensive efforts for a Cyprus solution based on the plan by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.

Papandreou also greeted the recent demonstrations and rallies by Turkish-Cypriots in the occupied territories as a "message of peace and hope".

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas, meanwhile, was scathing about an announcement by the Turkish foreign ministry on Wednesday that Ankara's policy on the Cyprus issue had not changed.

He attributed the statement to political circles in Turkey and in the Turkish-Cypriot community that created "obstacles to the welfare of the Turkish-Cypriot people and Turkey's European course" and warned that Turkey would find itself marginalized through such reactions.

[08] FM Papandreou meets with US State Dep't coordinator for Cyprus

Athens, 17/01/2003 (ANA)

Weston, who was speaking to reporters after talks with Greece's foreign minister George Papandreou and was due to leave for Nicosia later in the day to continue his series of contacts, said that the recent developments were such that ''we have every reason to harbor hope for a settlement of the Cyprus issue''.

Asked to comment on Tuesday's mass demonstration in the Turkish-occupied sector of Cyprus in protest of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's policy, Weston spoke of an ''unprecedented situation".

Weston said he did not know whether the rally represented the voting majority in the occupied sector, but stressed that the demonstrators had expressed a uniform stand in favor of resolving the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN plan so that a reunified Cyprus would join the European Union.

He described the Turkish Cypriot demonstrations as ''peaceful'' and ''democratic'', and said the US supported such types of events and desired a Cyprus resolution.

[09] US ambassador Miller on 'terrorism potential' in Greece document, Iraq crisis

Athens, 17/01/2003 (ANA)

Asked to comment on the matter, after a meeting Thursday morning with Greek foreign minister George Papandreou, the US envoy expressed surprise at the wide publicity received by the document, explaining that such types of documents were issued every year and were addressed to the American public wishing to travel abroad.

He said that the difference in this year's document, which was updated on January 14, in relation to last year's document "is that this year, reference is made for the first time of the arrests of 'November 17' suspects".

Replying to press questions later on the same issue, Greek foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis also denied as "untrue" speculation that the document constituted a travel advisory or new report on terrorism, adding that Papandreou had put forward the issue with Miller, who promised to look into the matter, during their meeting.

Beglitis further added that Papandreou said that the specific reference of the potential for terrorist activities "does not correspond to reality" and asked Miller that the phrase in question be changed.

The paragraph on "Safety and Security" in the State Department's Consular Information Sheet chapter on Greece, updated on January 14 and current as of January 16, states:

"SAFETY AND SECURITY: Civil disorder is rare. However, strikes and demonstrations are a regular occurrence. Several active terrorist groups, including the "November 17" organization, have at times targeted U.S. and Western government and commercial interests... Despite the arrests of 17 November suspects in 2002, the potential for terrorist activities against U.S. and commercial interests is presumed to be high. However, there have been no specific threats against private American citizens traveling in Greece. Travelers should nevertheless review their security practices and be alert to their surroundings."

Beglitis took the opportunity to reiterate that Greece has achieved "very positive results" in the area of combatting terrorism, and was an "absolutely safe country for the hosting of the Olympic Games in 2004".

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with Papandreou, Miller -- who also attended Papandreou's meeting with visiting US State Department coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston -- said they discussed a variety of topics that mainly concerned the framework of Greece's EU presidency in the first half of 2003, including the situation in the Middle East, the Iraq crisis, the Cyprus issue, and the developments in Turkey.

Replying to questions concerning Iraq, Miller said that discussions had taken place with the Greek government, as also with other governments, on possible facilitation in the event of military operations, but he did not go into details.

The US ambassador said however, in reference to UN Security Council resolution 1441, that nowhere did it state that "smoking guns" needed to be pinpointed, while on the contrary it explicitly and categorically called on Iraq to cooperate fully with the UN inspectors in the execution of their mission.

Miller noted that the resolution had been unanimously adopted by all the UN Security Council member countries, including Syria.

To a question on whether the US wanted political support from the EU, he said "we seek political support every day".

According to diplomatic sources, Miller and the British ambassador to Athens, Dave Madden, met with UN special coordinator for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto, who was currently in Athens.

FM and U.S. ambassador discuss State Department document: Foreign Minister George Papandreou, referring on Thursday to a document appearing in the U.S. State Department's Internet website and claiming that Greece is a country in which the possibility of a terrorist attack continues to exist, said he raised the issue with U.S. Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller.

Papandreou said he pointed out to Miller that it did not reflect reality in the country and added that the U.S. ambassador promised to convey this position to the State Department to act accordingly.

[10] Foreign ministry hails German-French initiative for EU reform

Athens, 17/01/2003 (ANA)

Beglitis said the proposal enhanced European prospects and the discussion on institutional reform taking place within the Convention on the Future of Europe.

The move by France and Germany had shown that the EU had the power to forge ahead and become more effective in the area of a common foreign and security policy, he noted.

''As regards the goal, which is a more powerful and effective Europe, we coincide with the French and German,'' Beglitis said.

Regarding the way that this would be achieved, he added, a number of views had been expressed by European countries.

[11] ND leader says party wants a Europe not raising new walls

Athens, 17/01/2003 (ANA)

We envisage a Europe that will be more democratic and will safeguard our equal participation in the new institutional system and we do not desire the creation of a union of the few and powerful, he said.

Karamanlis further said ND's vision for Greece is unbreakably linked with the common European vision, which requires continuous struggles.

We want a Europe of social solidarity and humanity and a Europe that will not level but will promote the traditions and cultural elements of all peoples, he added.

Karamanlis said the European Union should overcome the democratic deficit and centrifugal trends being observed and added that two key words in the future European constitution should be decentralization and participation.

The PASOK party's representative Paraskevas Avgerinos, commenting on the proposal for a Council president and a Commission president elected by the European Parliament said it means double-headed authority, adding that ''until today I knew that monsters have two heads.''

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos referred to the need for a single expression of foreign policy in the EU, also in light of developments in Iraq, and stressed that the United States does not desire a single position by the European Commission that will be different from its own view.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) was represented by Antonis Skyllakos, who expressed disagreement with a possible war in Iraq and presented his party's positions on the constitutional assembly.

[12] Greek Eurodeputy voices human rights concerns

Athens, 17/01/2003 (ANA)

Papayiannakis requested the EU Commission to put pressure on Greek authorities to allow international humanitarian groups access to detention areas.

Denouncing that Greek authorities provided false evidence to the Committee for the prevention of torture, the Eurodeputy brought up for discussion the issues of transparency and control, i.e. through allowing visits to detainment areas by NGOs.

Commission Vice-President Loyola de Palacio, replying on behalf of absent Commission for Justice and Home Affairs Antonio Vitorino, acknowledged that the problem existed in Greece. According to a press release issued by Papayiannakis’ office, de Palacio warned that the Commission would monitor developments, stressing that respect for human dignity and the ban on torture are shared principles for all EU member-states, and violations involve resort to the European Court.

Taking advantage of the occasion, de Palacio announced that the EU Council of Ministers had achieved political agreement in December 2002 on the preparation of a Directive on asylum seekers. Such directive would see for the provision of basic material goods, such as lodge, board and clothing to asylum seekers.

[13] Gov't on status of Mount Athos monastic community

Athens, 17/01/2003 (ANA)

The all-male monastic community on a peninsula in northern Greece is semi-autonomous and has for 10 centuries barred the entry of women, as they dedicated their community to the memory of Mary the Mother of God, thus their monastic community is also called the ''Garden of Mary the Theotokos''. The ban is enforced not by the Greek government by the elected council of the monastic community, which is multinational.

This ban was challenged by a report that was ratified by the Europarliament yesterday.

Ruling PASOK Eurodeputy Anna Karamanou, the only PASOK Eurodeputy to vote in favor of the report issued a written statement from her office in Brussels, saying ''I personally in the past as well have stood in favor of the lifting of the decision of the monks that forbids access to Mt. Athos by women.''

''This decision was taken one thousand years ago, during the dark years of the Middle Ages in Europe and reflects the social reality of that time, when women did not have access to education, the arts or public life,'' Karamanou said.

''It is time that the monks of Athos reconsider their decision that allows privileges to one gender of human being and confronts the other (their mothers included) as a creation of a lesser god,'' Karamanou concluded.

[14] Eurodeputies to visit justice ministry on Friday

Athens, 17/01/2003 (ANA)

Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos will host a working luncheon for the Eurodeputies, in the presence of the public order ministry's general secretary and a representative of the foreign ministry.

Petsalnikos will depart on Monday for Brussels where the following day he will present to the European Parliament's Committee on Citizens' Freedoms and Rights, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) the Greek EU presidency's program in the sector of justice.

[15] Reppas: gov't won't stop rally at EU Council of Ministers

Athens, 17/01/2003 (ANA)

The demonstration is being organized by the Hellenic Social Forum against a ‘Europe of unemployment and social exclusion’, and will be staged on Jan. 25, the second day of the Council.

Reppas underlined that protesting was an instituted right, protected by the constitution and the law. He sent out a message to the organizers of the demonstration saying that at Nafplio “we can co-exist”. The Labor minister has also sent letters to political party leaders, trade unions and other groups participating in the event, in which he pointed to the need to project all differing views, but this should be done “in a democratic and responsible manner, showing respect also for the town of Nafplio”. Referring to the meeting’s agenda, Reppas said that a meeting of the so-called ‘social troika’ will be held during the first day of the event, as will meetings with social partners’ representatives, NGOs and organizations representing people with special needs.

The second day of the EU Council of Labor Ministers will discuss two major issues: the employment policy and social protection policies.

[16] EU appeals to Congo for death penalty ban

Athens, 17/01/2003 (ANA)

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