Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-01-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou says EU's common stance on Iraq 'significant achievement'

[02] EU Council insists on Iraq's cooperation with UN inspectors

[03] Greece working for single EU position on Iraq, gov't says

[04] Greece calls six-nation emergency meeting to coordinate EU policy on Iraq

[05] Kaklamanis: Non-cooperation over Cyprus a doomed policy for Turkey

[06] ''We are closer than ever'' to a solution to the Cyprus problem, Gul says

[07] Defense minister on official visit to Algeria

[08] European force to replace NATO contingent in FYROM in March

[09] Gov't spokesman comments on PASOK and demonstrations

[10] Athens prepares for Hungarian PM's official visit

[11] Greek EU Presidency congratulates new President of Ecuador

[12] PM chairs PASOK party's Executive Bureau meeting

[13] ND officials accuse gov't of 'fixing' crime statistics

[14] PM to meet European employer and trade union groups this week

[15] Drys chairs EU Agricultural Ministers Council

[16] Tourism authorities discuss new strategy plan

[17] Greek stocks follow international market lower on Monday

[18] Lord Sebastian Coe impressed by Athens Olympic Village

[19] Athens 2004 Olympic Games coins to number 20 different images instead of 14

[20] Ministry to subsidise schools for Olympic Education

[21] Commission to begin EU law violation process against Greece

[22] N17 defense lawyers seek more time, greater privacy with their clients

[23] UN may present new plan very soon, says spokesman

[24] British envoy encouraged by work at peace talks

[25] UN go public over new flag and anthem for Cyprus

[01] Papandreou says EU's common stance on Iraq 'significant achievement'

BRUSSELS 28/01/2003 (ANA - G.Zitouniati)

Papandreou said it was the first time that the EU managed to coordinate its stance within an international organization, such as the United Nations (UN) Security Council, while he did not rule out the likelihood of a delegation headed by him traveling to Iraq in an ultimate effort for a diplomatic solution of the conflict.

Explaining the common stance embraced by the Union’s 15 Foreign Ministers – which is to be promoted by the EU’s four Security Council members (France, Germany, UK and Spain) - Papandreou said this focused on allowing more time, with no set timetable, for UN weapons inspectors to carry out their work in Iraq, which reflects Europe’s will for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

“It is clear that we support the work of the UN weapons inspectors in Iraq and call on them to conclude it, without resorting to predictions or assessments which should be made by the Security Council,” pointed Papandreou, adding that “We do not need to act hastily. Let us first see the conclusions drawn by Hans Blix and other (weapons) inspectors. We are all working for the same outcome, to avert war.”

Papandreou also referred to the a declaration issued by the EU presidency in relation to the situation in the Middle East expressing concerns over the recent Israeli attack on Palestinian territory, appealing to both sides to put an end to violence and terrorism, and seek a peaceful resolution through international arbitration.

[02] EU Council insists on Iraq's cooperation with UN inspectors

Athens, 28/01/2003 (ANA)

According to a Greek foreign ministry announcement, the final conclusions of the General Affairs Council reaffirmed that the goal was ''effective and complete disarmament'' and expressed full support for UN efforts to ensure Iraq's immediate and full compliance with Security Council resolutions, pledging to ''engage all necessary efforts to answer the needs of UNMOVIC and IAEA in personnel and practical means''.

The Council also reaffirmed that its goal was the effective and complete disarmament of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and underlined the importance of preventing the proliferation of such weapons, as well as the role of the UN Security Council in this effort.

[03] Greece working for single EU position on Iraq, gov't says

Athens, 28/01/2003 (ANA)

He was referring to the desired results of an EU General Affairs Council in Brussels later on Monday and a mini-council by Community member-states on the UN Security Council (Britain, France, Germany and Spain) that ended in Brussels earlier the same day.

''War is not a one-way street and the EU must intervene with a single voice. It must be understood that violence can lead to dangerous impasses and that Europe will not just tag along behind anybody,'' Protopapas said.

Asked to comment on the position taken by Greece during last week's debate on Iraq within NATO, Protopapas said that the NATO talks were more technical in nature and concerned protecting Turkey.

The position taken by Greece in these talks ''does not clash with the position consistently followed by the Greek government on Iraq,'' he added.

Last week the 19-nation alliance failed to agree on a formal request by the United States to consider measures for providing indirect military assistance in case of a war with Iraq, mainly to protect NATO ally Turkey that shares a border with Iraq against possible Iraqi attacks.

A decision on the issue was blocked by France and Germany, backed by Belgium and Luxembourg, who said United Nations weapons inspectors should be given more time to try to disarm Iraq peacefully.

[04] Greece calls six-nation emergency meeting to coordinate EU policy on Iraq

Athens, 28/01/2003 (ANA)

The German press agency DPA on Monday said that, only hours before chief UN weapons inspector Hans Blix tables his first report of UN inspection activities to the UN Security Council, foreign ministers from EU members Greece, Italy, Britain, France, Germany and Spain would meet for emergency talks on the Iraq crisis on Monday, ahead of the 15 EU foreign ministers Council.

Quoting diplomatic sources, DPA said that Greek foreign minister George Papandreou was working to secure EU-wide agreement on how best to deal with Iraq and that Greece, as current EU president, had called the six-nation meeting to try and coordinate policy on Iraq among the EU members who are also members of the UN Security Council.

EU governments remain divided on how to tackle Baghdad, DPA said, as Britain, backed by Italy and Spain, supports US's line on Iraq, while France and Germany are still insisting on the need to avoid war against Iraq.

France and Britain are permanent members of the UN Security Council, while Spain and Germany have just joined the Council for a two-year term. Italy will take over the EU presidency from Greece on July 1.

According to DPA, participants of the six-nation emergency meeting will also include the EU's high representative for common foreign and security policy Javier Solana, and EU External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten.

[05] Kaklamanis: Non-cooperation over Cyprus a doomed policy for Turkey

Athens, 28/01/2003 (ANA)

According to a Parliament press release, Kaklamanis said that Turkey's policy of holding Cyprus 'hostage' had ostentatiously collapsed with the recent EU decision to admit Cyprus to the Community.

As long as Turkey continued this policy, it would be interpreted and would as an attempt to hold the EU hostage and this would not be tolerated, Kaklamanis added.

Kaklamanis received Omirou at his office in Parliament at around noon and discussed the ongoing efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, Cyprus' accession to the EU and the upcoming presidential elections on the island republic.

[06] ''We are closer than ever'' to a solution to the Cyprus problem, Gul says

STRASBOURG 28/01/2003 (ANA - M. Psylos)

''The two sides in Cyprus are now making serious and detailed negotiations for the resolution of the Cyprus problem, based on the Annan plan. My government actively supports this process and offers every possible assistance for the speedy reaching of a solution,'' he stressed.

''Cyprus is a common motherland for two peoples. To succeed toward a viable solution both sides should show respect and respond to the sensitivities and concerns of the other. We are encouraging the Turkish Cypriots to contribute substantively to the peace process to achieve a solution as soon as possible. Both sides should be encouraged to make the Annan plan mutually acceptable,'' Gul noted.

Responding to questions on the Cyprus issue, Gul said that ''there is the impression that Turkey is aiming at not having a solution to the issue. This is not so. A non-solution is not a solution. We are exerting pressure. We do not want the same tragedies as those in the early 1970s repeated''.

Speaking on a question tabled by Cypriot deputies on the Loizidou case, Gul said that the issue was a thorny one, but stressed that ''negotiations have begun to resolve it. When a solution is found for the Cyprus issue, such problems will be confronted''.

Commenting on a question tabled by Greek ruling PASOK party deputy Vassilis Kontoyiannopoulos on whether there is a timetable for the fulfillment of the Copenhagen criteria by Ankara, Gul said that the Turkish government aims at initiating accession negotiations before the end of 2004.

After his address to the assembly, Gul held a press conference where, when asked by the ANA, he said that the ''protests in northern Cyprus show that there is democracy there. The people should express themselves freely''.

''The Cyprus issue needs a just solution, where concessions will not be made by only one side. That is the reason why both sides are in the negotiation process. We are concerned over the future of the people of Cyprus ... Both sides should move, not just the Turkish Cypriots,'' he said.

Speaking on the Iraq crisis he said that the region could not stand another war, adding that his government will do all it can to avert a war there.

[07] Defense minister on official visit to Algeria

Athens, 28/01/2003 (ANA)

During his visit, Papantoniou is to meet Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and his Algerian counterpart Major General Mohammed Lamari, as well as the Algerian Armed Forces general staff.

Talks between the two delegations will focus on the Mediterranean Dialogue process and the Mediterranean dimension of European Defense and Security Policy, the Middle East crisis and international terrorism.

The two sides will also discuss bilateral defense and technical cooperation between Greece and Algeria and bilateral issues pertaining to military defense cooperation.

[08] European force to replace NATO contingent in FYROM in March

BRUSSELS 28/01/2003 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

Foreign Minister and Council President George Papandreou said the decision was historic, adding that it is the EU's first military operation.

European security and defense policy high commissioner Javier Solana announced that the European military force will assume duties in the region after the last pending issues (known as ''Berlin plus'') have been arranged concerning access to NATO infrastructures for the EU's defense mechanisms.

The complication in the issue of the so-called ''European army'' had been caused by Turkey's insistence in having a say in the EU's defense decisions, without being a member, in cases when NATO's infrastructures were used.

It was overcome at the EU's latest summit in Copenhagen in December when Ankara ultimately lifted its reservations.

[09] Gov't spokesman comments on PASOK and demonstrations

Athens, 28/01/2003 (ANA)

"It is obvious that the government cannot organize demonstrations but PASOK is directly related to social movements and rightly proclaims its participation in these," the spokesman said.

[10] Athens prepares for Hungarian PM's official visit

Athens, 28/01/2003 (ANA)

Loverdos briefed Hungary’s ambassador on the agenda of June’s informal meeting on development cooperation, in Alexandroupolis, which the EU’s ten future member-countries are invited to attend as observers. Other issues looked at included bilateral economic ties and cooperation for development.

[11] Greek EU Presidency congratulates new President of Ecuador

Athens, 28/01/2003 (ANA)

The text of the Declaration read as follows:

“The EU congratulates his Excellency Mr. Lucio Edwin Gutierrez Borbua upon his inauguration as President of the Republic of Ecuador.

“The EU and its Member States express their support to President Gutierrez and his government in their efforts to meet the objectives of strengthening the democratic process and state institutions, in full respect of the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. The Union attaches particular importance to the fight against corruption and is ready to assist the new President in his efforts to that end.

“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.”

[12] PM chairs PASOK party's Executive Bureau meeting

Athens, 28/01/2003 (ANA)

He referred to the joint decision taken by the European Union's Council of General Affairs on developments in Iraq and underlined confidence given to UN weapons inspectors who, as he said, need more time.

Simitis also pointed to reference made in the EU Council's decision for respect for the Security Council's role to preserve international peace and security.

The prime minister said developments in the issue of Cyprus require special attention during this period, adding that the UN may present certain new thoughts before February 28.

He further said the Greek Cypriot side needs the solidarity of the international community and to convince with its stance.

Simitis said the European Union's Greek presidency is doing well and referred to the first Council of Labor Ministers held in the town of Nafplio last week.

He said the steadfast pursuit of the Greek presidency that social policy should be one of the EU's main targets, together with the competitiveness of businesses and an increase in employment, was highlighted at the Council.

Simitis noted that in general the EU's presidency has a national character because the country's ability and possibility to manage major international issues, as well as European integration, are being put to the test during the presidency.

He also referred to the main opposition New Democracy party, saying that it is making an agonizing effort to cover the lack of positions with continuous talk of scandals.

New Democracy, he added, has recently adopted a new tactic. It has abandoned references to fictitious reality and is promoting the stereotype of deficiencies and bad quality in projects and of unsatisfactory absorption of funds from the 3rd Community Support Framework.

On the question of PASOK's reconstruction, which was the main topic of discussion at the Executive Bureau's meeting, Simitis said that what is desired is a party which shapes society, gives it an impetus towards progress and has the role of a protagonist in changes and deals effectively with social discriminations, regime interests and conservative mentalities.

[13] ND officials accuse gov't of 'fixing' crime statistics

Athens, 28/01/2003 (ANA)

The figures show that crimes rates for 2002 have dropped relative to previous years.

ND sector-head for public order Christos Markoyiannakis and his deputy George Garoufalias said they based their claims on the accounts of trade unionists for the police and fire department.

They made the claims during a press conference held within the framework of a four-day tour of Central Macedonia, during which they held talks with police officers, fire-men and coast guard officers.

[14] PM to meet European employer and trade union groups this week

Athens, 28/01/2003 (ANA)

Outlining the premier's schedule for the rest of the week, Protopapas said Simitis will be chairing a meeting of ruling PASOK's Executive Bureau on Monday evening to discuss crucial international developments and ways of restructuring the party.

On Tuesday at 14:00, meanwhile, he is to meet new European Ombudsman Dimitris Diamantouros, formerly head of the Ombudsman's office in Greece.

On Wednesday, Simitis will have a series of meetings with government ministers on implementing the 3rd Community Support Framework (3rd CSF), beginning with Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and Deputy Finance Minister Christos Pachtas, followed by Transport Minister Christos Verelis and Public Works Minister Vasso Papandreou at 10:00 and Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Agriculture Minister George Drys at 11:00.

At 13:00 the same day, the premier will meet Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis and at 13:30 he will be present when employees at the prime minister's office cut the traditional pie for the New Year.

On Wednesday at 19:00, Simitis is to meet visiting Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy and afterwards host a dinner in Medgyessy's honor.

On Thursday morning at 10:00 the premier will chair the customary cabinet meeting, which this week will discuss immigration policy, the spokesman concluded.

[15] Drys chairs EU Agricultural Ministers Council

Athens, 28/01/2003 (ANA)

At the opening of the meeting, Drys presented in detail the Greek EU Presidency priorities in the specific sector, and invited Fischler to outline the Commission's recommendations on Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform.

During the first day of the Council, recommendations were made by EU ministers, while issues pertaining to fisheries and food safety are on the agenda of Tuesday’s session. Drys also met the boards of European organizations COPA and COGECA before the opening of the meeting.

[16] Tourism authorities discuss new strategy plan

Athens, 28/01/2003 (ANA)

The meeting, chaired by Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, also included Deputy Minister Dimitris Georgakopoulos, Tourism secretary-general Dimitris Georgakakis, Greek Tourism Organization president Yiannis Patelis and other tourism officials.

The meeting discussed progress of a Third Community Support Framework program in the tourism industry, regional tourist policy and likely impact from a possible war in Iraq.

The development ministry also mandated Greek Tourism Organization to draft a three-year survey on tourism.

All these issues will be discussed in a National Tourism Council scheduled for February 7.

Tourist enterprises welcome results of Nafplio meeting: The Union of Greek Tourist Enterprises (SETE) on Monday welcomed the results of an informal EU Labor ministers' meeting in Nafplio last week, saying it was a positive step towards improving the country's economic competitiveness and of the Greek tourist product, in particular.

SETE said that acknowledgement of the need to implement reforms that would lead to a more flexible labor market would benefit both the tourism sector and the economy as a whole.

The union stressed that the biggest employer in the city of Nafplio and Argolis prefect was a hotel business and tourism.

SETE said that the role of tourism in employment policies and combatting unemployment would be one of the main topics to be discussed during a 2nd ''Tourism and Development'' conference to be held at the Astir Palace Vouliagmeni hotel, February 11.

The union will present a survey on tourism and employment, drafted by the Piraeus University, during the conference.

[17] Greek stocks follow international market lower on Monday

Athens, 28/01/2003 (ANA)

The general index fell below the 1,700 level, ending 1.67 percent lower at 1,692.20 points. Turnover was a low 63.6 million euros.

All sector indices ended lower. The Publication, Wholesale and IT Solution sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (3.96 percent, 3.72 percent and 3.68 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 1.65 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 1.82 percent down and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index plunged 2.84 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 309 to 28 with another 17 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 70.8 mln euros Monday

Equity Index Futures: