Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-01-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek EU presidency to work towards agreement on Franco-German plan for Union

[02] EU-India relations the focus of talks in Athens

[03] DM Papantoniou, EU security chief Solana review Greek EU presidency's CSFP targets

[04] Papandreou: EU awaiting for UN inspectors official report on Iraq

[05] Margins still exist for peaceful settlement of Iraq crisis

[06] ND leader, EU's Solana discuss Iraq developments and Franco-German proposal

[07] Simitis-Papandreou meeting on Convention for the Future of Europe

[08] Alternate FM Yiannitsis, Russian counterpart Chizhov, discuss EU-Russia relations

[09] Euro Magazine - special section dedicated to Greek EU presidency

[10] EU presidency welcomes Illinois governor's decision to commute death sentences

[11] Public order minister briefs PM on terrorism issues

[12] Athens & Nicosia mayors sign cooperation protocol

[13] Gov't: KYSEA to discuss armed forces role in Olympics security

[14] Deputy FM meets new German Ambassador to Athens

[15] Protest rally against war in Iraq in Athens on Feb. 15

[16] Eurodeputies visit public order ministry

[17] Greek economic weekly review

[18] Greek farm minister completes "tour of EU capitals"

[19] EU ministers want to see stable economy, more jobs

[20] PPC unions oppose deregulation bill, warn of strike

[21] Diamantopoulou says early retirement a "crime"

[22] Greek stocks plunge to five-year lows

[23] First IOC inspection of 2003 focused on Olympics details, substance

[24] Gov't hails petition for Parthenon Marbles return signed by 27,000

[25] Venizelos to present Greek EU presidency's program on culture and sports

[26] ANA-produced photo album details Greece's EU course, Union's development

[27] Annual report to Parliament highlights dangers to telecoms privacy

[28] Mamidakis brothers deny they were blackmailed with N17 hit

[29] Clerides and Denktash agree on talks schedule

[30] President Clerides meets US envoy on Cyprus

[01] Greek EU presidency to work towards agreement on Franco-German plan for Union

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

He said the issue is important for the Union's future, as the Union will comprise 25 members now ''and thus there is a problem, not only on issues of functionality, but effectiveness as well''.

The proposal, Simitis said, "foresees the creation of a strong centre in the framework of the European Council and weakens to a certain degree the participation of the rest of the member states".

''This proposal should be examined and mainly we should see how we can maintain the equitable participation of all member-states, a democratic governance in a federal system, as well as the effectiveness of this whole system,'' Simitis said, in statements to the press after his meeting with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

''In our view the European Union should move forward. It should have a strong center, a strong European Union, which will promote new policies, especially in the social sector, policies of convergence of regions and policies that will protect the environment and the consumer,'' he said.

"This issue does not appear at the moment to be of primary interest but it is an issue which we as a presidency must handle," Simitis stressed.

The premier also said that his briefing of the president also included developments in Iraq and the developments in the political issue of Cyprus, as well as other issues pertaining to the Greek EU presidency.

[02] EU-India relations the focus of talks in Athens

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou – who currently presides over the EU Council of Ministers – welcomed his Indian counterpart Yashwant Sinha and fellow EU Troika members Chris Patton, the EU Commissioner, as well as Italian Undersecretary of State Margharita Boniver.

Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis also received Sinha earlier in the day. No comments were made afterwards.

In a brief news conference on Friday afternoon following a day of meetings between the Troika and the Indian side, Papandreou listed off a variety of topics he said were discussed, including bilateral trade relations, the fight against international terrorism and regional issues. Both sides also mentioned EU enlargement and its long-terms effects as coming up during talks.

Sinha noted that “regional issues” dealt with the situation in the western Balkans as well as those on New Delhi’s “horizon”, such as Afghanistan, its relations with Pakistan, the situation in Sri Lanka, Nepal etc.

“All in all, it has been a very constructive dialogue between the EU and India … I am fully satisfied with the dialogue here in Athens,” Sinha said.

Both foreign ministers, along with Patton, fielded questions dealing with Iraq, as the EU side cautiously noted that the Union is awaiting the UN inspectors’ report on Jan. 27. Papandreou also stressed that what is necessary is for UN Security Council resolutions to be fully implemented.

Patton, meanwhile, praised UN chief inspector Hans Blix, whom he said he met in Brussels a day earlier, adding that he hoped the inspectors “would disarm Saddam”.

“We must wait for Jan. 27 and listen carefully to results and then make decisions,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the Troika was joined by Javier Solana, the Union’s High Representative for Common Foreign & Security Policy, who added that, “with India, it is very important for the European Union to maintain a very solid and fluid relationship. It is a great country. It is the most important democracy in the world and we want to have a very close and profound relationship…”

On her part, Boniver in earlier comments, stressed that the upcoming Italian presidency is “very interested in the topic, which is to better relations with such an important country as India and I appreciate very much the fact that we will be able to have a very strong and concentrated working session today.”

During the day, the Indian FM was also received by Greek Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, who underlined the “close and friendly ties” between Athens and New Delhi, while stressing that the current Greek EU presidency wants to further strengthen EU-India ties.

[03] DM Papantoniou, EU security chief Solana review Greek EU presidency's CSFP targets

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

On the Cyprus issue, the two officials agreed on the need for resolution of the island republic's political problem on the basis of the February 28 deadline set by the UN plan.

At the same time, Papantoniou accused Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash of intransigence and of creating obstacles to the ongoing negotiations, and called on the international community to make it clear to the Turkish Cypriot leader that this historic opportunity to put an end to the Cyprus tragedy, through the appropriate revisions to the Annan plan, must not be lost.

On the issue of Iraq, the two men reiterated that the EU sought a peaceful resolution to the problem of its nuclear disarmament in accordance with the UN process, without resorting to war.

Papantoniou added that the Greek EU presidency will try to achieve the broadest possible convergence of views in the EU, insisting on adherence to the UN resolutions.

Replying to a question on the EU's stance in the event of a unilateral intervention in Iraq by the US, Solana declined to "make predictions" on the future and called on Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein to "be more active" vis-a-vis UN Security Council resolution 1441.

He clarified that the resolution did not require a new resolution for intervention, but added that, unofficially, the EU was in favor of a second discussion taking place before any military action was taken.

Turning to the Greek EU presidency's targets on the defense and security sector, Papantoniou said they included completion of covering the EU's deficit in weapons systems by March 1, 2003 so that the EU summit in Thessaloniki in June and the Greek EU presidency would be able to announce that the so-called Euro-force (European rapid reaction force) was fully operational and prepared to undertake humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.

Other targets included increasing spending in research and technology at European level, and harmonization of the operation of the defense industries of Europe and their coordination in materialization of the defense programs.

Solana noted the EU's first mission for crisis management, referring to the installation earlier in the week of the European Union Police Mission (EUPM) in Bosnia-Herzegovina, adding that a similar mission was planned in FYROM.

He also endorsed better and more efficient utilization of the EU resources in the defense industry sector.

[04] Papandreou: EU awaiting for UN inspectors official report on Iraq

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

Regarding the eleven chemical war-heads reportedly found by UN inspectors in Iraq, Papandreou said that the Greek side had this information since Thursday.

''We supported the dispatch of UN weapons inspectors Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei to Iraq and we are waiting for the outcome of these inspections'' Papandreou said, adding ''we cannot react to a specific event until the presidency and the European Union has a complete picture about what exactly Blix sees''.

''I would like to emphasize on behalf of the Greek EU presidency that we invited Blix to come to Brussels yesterday, where he talked with the Permanent Representatives and with EU Common Foreign and Defense Policy High Representative Javier Solana'', Papandreou said.

''Next week, the Greek presidency will invite Blix to Athens, to meet with him for an in-depth discussion on these issues'', he added.

Replying to a question whether the EU position on the issue would be formulated after all these contacts, Papandreou said ''Naturally. At any case, on 27 January we will have Blix's official report in our hands. I believe that we should wait for this official report in order to be able to draw some conclusions''.

Papandreou made the statements as he emerged from a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, current head of the European Council, which focused chiefly on the Convention for the Future of Europe.

The meeting prepares for a visit to Athens on Saturday by German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, who is a participant in the Convention for the Future of Europe.

Papandreou said that one of the issues that would be discussed during Fischer's visit was the recent Franco-German proposal for institutional reforms in the Community.

[05] Margins still exist for peaceful settlement of Iraq crisis

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

"The Greek government continues to believe that the margins exist for a peaceful settlement of the problem. No one wants a country to have weapons of mass destruction, but the reactions must be subject to the framework of the UN Security Council resolutions," government spokesman Christos Protopapas said, in reply to press questions.

With respect to the degree of Greece's involvement in the prospective operations on Iraq, he said "Greece's participation will be assessed when all the facts of the problem have been clarified".

"In all instances, Greece desires that, in times of crisis, for there to be a uniform expression (stance) of the European Union, and also of its representatives on the UN Security Council," Protopapas said.

[06] ND leader, EU's Solana discuss Iraq developments and Franco-German proposal

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

The two men discussed developments in the Iraq issue and the Franco-German proposal for institutional reforms that would establish a dual presidency for the Community.

The ND leader stressed to the EU foreign policy chief that all diplomatic avenues should be exhausted on the issue of Iraq and that the UN inspectors should be allowed to do their job undistracted. He also said that a decision by the UN Security Council on the issue was required and that the European Union (EU) should have to have a ''clear voice'' and a uniform position on the issue.

Solana mentioned there were difficulties and problems and that his own pursuit was a uniform and clear EU position. He stressed that the participation of four major EU countries on the UN Security Council was very important.

With regard to the Franco-German proposal ND said it maintained serious reservations with relation to the ''dual presidency'' aspect and that his party would await clarifications on the proposal, which might reach a more accommodating solution, since it did not want developments impairing the rotating EU presidency or the role of the European Commission president.

[07] Simitis-Papandreou meeting on Convention for the Future of Europe

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

During the two-hour meeting, which was also attended by PASOK Eurodeputy Giorgos Katiforis, all parameters of the issue were discussed in depth.

Completion of the conclusions of the Convention on the Future of Europe so that they may be reviewed at the EU Thessaloniki Summit in June is one of the Greek EU presidency's objectives.

[08] Alternate FM Yiannitsis, Russian counterpart Chizhov, discuss EU-Russia relations

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

With expressed interest on both sides for closer cooperation, the meeting focused on the revision of the EU Common Strategy for Russia, the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the EU and Russia, the 2003 Russia-EU summit in St. Peters-burg, and the prospect of cooperation within the framework of the EU's new security architecture, the press release said.

The Russian deputy minister emphasized the importance that his country attached to the Greek presidency and said that the leading agenda items at the St. Petersburg Summit should be the problem of people trafficking between the EU and Russia, the impact of EU enlargement for Russia, and the threat posed by drug trafficking.

Yiannitsis stressed that the St. Petersburg Summit must be productive and that efforts would be made, prior to the summit, to achieve tangible results within the scope of the EU Common Strategy for Russia, and the Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the EU and Russia, which are the two basic tools for the EU-Russia relations.

Both sides agreed on continuing close and direct cooperation, which significantly facilitates dialogue and negotiations on issues of common interest.

[09] Euro Magazine - special section dedicated to Greek EU presidency

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

''The prime minister, several ministers and government officials possess extensive experience gained from Greece's previous mandates at the EU presidency, as well as knowledge on community issues, ensuring the success of the fourth Greek presidency'', the monthly magazine's publisher Giorgos Romeos said in the ''letter from the publisher''.

Of special interest are this issue's articles on the impact that a war in Iraq would have on the Greek presidency, the Cyprus issue after the island-republic's accession to the EU and labor forces priorities; the columns on immigration and on the future of Europe, including Greece's position, are also interesting.

The full text of the Greek presidency priorities is also published in this issue.

[10] EU presidency welcomes Illinois governor's decision to commute death sentences

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

Ryan, as his last act in office decided to commute all death sentences in his state, a right provided by the U.S. legal system.

The presidency, on behalf of the Union welcomed the move by Ryan, noting that it is a progressive development, enhancing human dignity.

The full text of the declaration follows:

''The European Union opposes the death penalty in all cases. The European Union considers that the abolition of the death penalty contributes to the enhancement of human dignity and the progressive development of human rights and reaffirms its objective to work towards its universal abolition, seeking a global moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards that aim.

''The European Union therefore welcomes the decision announced on 11 January 2003 by Governor George Ryan of Illinois to commute the sentences of all prisoners on the state's death row to prison terms of life or less. In February 2000 the Governor had already declared a moratorium on all pending executions in Illinois, which was welcomed by the EU.

''The possibility of miscarriages of justice leading to the execution of innocent individuals, as acknowledged by Governor Ryan, is one of the important considerations underlying the EU's philosophy concerning the abolition of the death penalty.

''Therefore, the European Union encourages all states with capital punishment to consider taking similar measures with a view to the abolition of the death penalty throughout the country.

''The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area align themselves with this declaration,'' the declaration concluded.

[11] Public order minister briefs PM on terrorism issues

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

Police and judicial authorities are paving the way for considerable developments regarding terrorism investigations and the issue of the extortion of businessmen.

Chrysohoidis said investigations for the complete dismantling of terrorism will continue, while judicial authorities are probing the extortion case and without the issues being linked to each other.

''No aspect of terrorism and no issue linked to it in any way will be left in the dark,'' he said.

Developments in the November 17 case have been signaled by the latest arrest of Anestis Papanastasiou and by investigations continuing on specific issues which have not yet been clarified.

Suspects are expected to be rounded up over the next few days for participation in the Revolutionary Popular Struggle (ELA) and other terrorist organizations.

[12] Athens & Nicosia mayors sign cooperation protocol

NICOSIA 18/01/2003 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

Bakoyianni announced that in April, when Cyprus will sign the accession treaty to the European Union in Athens, the municipality of Athens will organize a large exhibition of maps showing the history of Cyprus, while at the same time a series of Cypriot cultural events will be organized in the city.

''Cypriots and Greeks united are continuing their struggle to make a reality a vision we hold in common for a free and united Cyprus, rid of foreign influences and commitments,'' Bakoyianni said.

''Athens is with you, Greece is at your side and we are celebrating with you,'' she said, also making mention of the many Cypriots who applied to participate as volunteers in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

On his part, Zambelas said that Bakoyianni's visit has a special importance since issues concerning bilateral relations of the two cities were discussed, as well as a symbolic one since through this visit the common cultural tradition of Athens and Nicosia will be showcased.

He presented Bakoyianni with the medal of the City of Nicosia in light of her first visit to the ''only divided capital of Europe'', adding that ''I hope that the green line (dividing the occupied north and the free south) will cease to exist for the benefit of all''.

[13] Gov't: KYSEA to discuss armed forces role in Olympics security

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

[14] Deputy FM meets new German Ambassador to Athens

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

The Ambassador was speaking during a meeting with Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis, which reaffirmed excellent climate in Greek-German relations. Discussion between the two also focused on Greek EU Presidency, the future of united Europe, bilateral cooperation and issues pertaining to Greek nationals living in Germany.

Magriotis briefed the German Ambassador on Foreign Ministry initiatives, including two one-day meetings, one to take place in Berlin in March, on recording the contribution of the Greek minority in the areas on German science, economy, politics and arts and impact of that contribution on Greek-German relations. The second meeting, in Frankfurt, in May, will look into Greek-German business relations.

[15] Protest rally against war in Iraq in Athens on Feb. 15

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

Among those that declared their support for the rally was composer Mikis Theodorakis and his orchestra.

[16] Eurodeputies visit public order ministry

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

[17] Greek economic weekly review

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

He was commenting on an EU report on competitiveness demanding more measures to promote structural policies. Mr Christodoulakis said that Greek inflation was not the highest in the EU, but the third or fourth highest, and stressed that job productivity was currently at the same level with Japan and noted that unemployment reduction in the last three years was one of the biggest in the EU.

Mr Christodoulakis reiterated that convergence with other EU member-states would be achieved by 2015.

In other headline news this week, Bank of Greece governor, Nikos Garganas, urged commercial banks to raise their provisions over bad loans.

Economy and finance ministry unveiled a new draft bill aimed at supporting the country's corporate bond market, strengthening the role of the Capital Markets' Commission and upgrading auditing procedures in the market.

Mr Christodoulakis also unveiled measures for supporting farmers damaged by natural disasters.

The government said that Greek consumers filed more complaints last year compared with 2001, complaining against increased prices, house rents, insurance companies and slimming centers.

Bank of Greece governor, Nikos Garganas expressed his confidence over the Greek financial system and said he hoped it would improve for the benefit of consumers. The central banker also called for a more flexible labor market and increased productivity in the country.

[18] Greek farm minister completes "tour of EU capitals"

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

Mr Drys also met with his counterparts from Norway, Italy, Spain, Austria, Bulgaria and Romania. The meetings were all held in Berlin at the occassion of a "Green Week" international agriculture trade fair in the German capital.

The Greek minister discussed with the EU Farm Commissioner the agenda of the first Farm Council to be held in Brussels, January 27-28.

The two men also discussed the Commission's proposals on an intermediate review of Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), to be presented next week by Mr Fischler.

"Under the new proposals, there will be some adjustments to issues being at the focus of World Trade Organization talks," Mr Drys said.

With his German counterpart, Mr Drys discussed "the issue of safety and hygiene of foods," and exchanged views over the Greek EU presidency's priorities in farm policy.

Norwegian Farm Minister Lars Sponheim asked the Greek minister to speed up negotiations for a deal on fishing licenses.

His Bulgarian and Romanian counterparts asked Mr Drys for Greece's support in their countries' bid to become EU members.

[19] EU ministers want to see stable economy, more jobs

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis told EU ambassadors on Friday that the ministers' group also hoped for acceleration of economic enlargement.

The minister had called the meeting to outline the aims of the country's rotating presidency of the EU.

[20] PPC unions oppose deregulation bill, warn of strike

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

Nikos Pilalides, president of PPC workers' unions, told a news conference in Thessaloniki, that the government's draft legislation was "dangerous and catastrophic for PPC, its workers and the country's economy," and stressed that implementing the bill would result to an increase in electricity prices by 25-30 percent.

Commenting on a government plan for the privatization of PPC, Mr Pilafides stressed the need for the Greek state to maintain control of a majority 51 percent of the organisation's equity capital, and its management.

He proposed that PPC would be given immediate license to operate a new electricity production unit in Lavrio, with a capacity of 400 MW.

The union threatened with more strike action if their demands did not meet.

[21] Diamantopoulou says early retirement a "crime"

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

Addressing a European Affairs' Commission meeting in Greek parliament, Mrs. Diamantopoulou stressed that retirement time limits were not set by the European Union, but from member-states.

"It may not need further social security reforms if the government's targets were achieved, such as GDP rise, employment increase, combatting tax evasion and inclusion of immigrants in the labor market," the EU Commission said.

Mrs. Diamantopoulou stressed that a strategy on employment was not a strategy on the labor market, but a strategy covering from education and kindergartens to taxation and offering incentives for demographic rise.

The demographic problem was one of the most serious problems facing Europe, as it was linked with increase social security spending, she noted.

The Commissioner said that the EU needed a minimum of social standards and that in this framework the EU's executive has drafted a total of 27 quantity indices, due for approval by a spring Council of Ministers, while the issue would be discussed in a Labor ministers' meeting in Nafplion, next week.

Mrs. Diamantopoulou also expressed her opposition to the introduction of a 35-hour working week, saying that the measure - implemented in France - did not help to increase employment but it led to problems. She also noted that a higher GDP did not necessarily raise employment and underlined the importance of relating a country's educational system with the labor market citing the example of Ireland.

Mrs. Diamantopoulou acknowledged that Greece was facing problems with the rate of absorbing EU funds, particularly in the health sector where the absorption rate was 2.0 percent, and said that the majority of new EU members would also face problems in absorbing money from EU coffers because of their serious problems in the function of their public administrations.

The EU Commissioner said that Greece's employment rate was just 55 percent (70 percent men, 40 percent women) and that the country was at the bottom of the EU in women's participation in parliament and local authorities.

[22] Greek stocks plunge to five-year lows

Athens, 18/01/2003 (ANA)

The general index plunged 2.15 percent to end at 1,689.59 points reversing a four-day advance, with turnover a low 70.1 million euros.

All sector indices ended lower, with Holding, Insurance, Textile, Industrial and Metal suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day (4.74 percent, 3.21 percent, 3.05 percent, 2.93 percent and 2.77 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 2.16 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 2.51 percent lower, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index dropped 2.71 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index fell 2.27 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 292 to 33 with another 31 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 112.3 mln euros Friday

Equity Index Futures: