Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-01-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM says majority of EU countries want peaceful settlement of Iraq problem

[02] Greek Presidency focuses on EU enlargement, says Yiannitsis

[03] DM discusses Iraq and European defense policy during Algeria visit

[04] Greek and Finnish deputy FMs discuss development cooperation

[05] PM meets newly-elected European Ombudsman

[06] Parl't Committee rejects 'professional incompatibility' bill for MPs

[07] Cyprus' KISOS leader Omirou confers with ND leader Karamanlis in Athens

[08] Christodoulakis says concerned over impact of a possible war

[09] Christodoulakis refers to particularities of Cyprus

[10] Talks on new EU regional policy to begin in 1st half of 2003

[11] EU Agriculture Council winds up in Brussels

[12] Simitis meets UNICE representatives

[13] Procedures for construction of Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline discussed

[14] Southeast European telecoms school to be set up in 2003

[15] Greek stocks end 1.31 pct lower on Tuesday

[16] IOC president says Greece must decide soon on Olympic security contract

[17] Venizelos presents 2003-2004 Cultural Olympiad program

[18] Humanitarian aid sent to Turkey for earthquake relief

[19] Most Greeks satisfied with public utilities, EU poll shows

[20] UN may submit new revised Cyprus peace plan

[21] De Soto says UN plan could be revised, if leaders want to

[22] Direct talks enter substance, says spokesman

[23] Blix praises Cyprus help in Iraq arms inspections

[01] FM says majority of EU countries want peaceful settlement of Iraq problem

BRUSSELS 29/01/2003 (ANA-M. Spinthourakis)

Papandreou, who was addressing the European Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee, said in the event of military escalation, most countries would want this to occur after a relevant decision is taken by the UN.

The foreign minister said coordination of the position of EU member-states participating in the UN Security Council on the issue of Iraq will continue, indicating that disagreements existed in the EU over Iraq.

Replying to questions by Eurodeputies on the Council of the ''15'' failing to reach an agreement on a second resolution being issued by the UN Security Council, Papandreou said this issue is not being raised for the time being and what is important is necessary time being given to UN weapons inspectors to complete their work.

Papandreou, referring to relations between the United States and Europe, said a clash between European countries and the United States would be a mistake.

Responding to statements by U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld about an ''old Europe'', he said Europe is proud of its history which contains both positive and negative experiences.

Papandreou further said Europe's political philosophy is in favor of multilateral diplomatic relations being developed and this philosophy should also be applied in the case of Iraq.

He did not rule out the possibility of the 15 EU member-states holding a joint meeting with the candidate countries for an exchange of views on Iraq.

In reply to a question by a Eurodeputy on what his position is regarding the idea of a group of Eurodeputies (including PASOK Eurodeputy Myrsini Zorba) planning to visit Iraq over the next few days to prevent a war, Papandreou said it could be a useful idea, but also drew the Eurodeputies' attention to the possibility of their initiative being exploited by the Iraqi authorities.

Focusing on the Balkan region, Papandreou said Balkan countries should be given the prospect of EU accession, adding that this is one of the EU Greek presidency's main priorities.

He also noted the upcoming assumption by the EU of the military command in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and said EU Security and Defense Policy High Commissioner Javier Solana has already addressed a letter to NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson, since NATO is currently responsible for the military force.

Replying to another questioner on whether Greece intends to reach an agreement with FYROM in the near future on the issue of its name, Papandreou said the two countries were close to reaching an agreement a year ago, but this did not happen due to the upsurge in violence in FYROM.

He added that many necessary conditions for reaching an agreement currently exist and expressed hope that this will take place soon.

EU, ASEAN FMs call for peaceful resolution of Iraq conflict: Foreign Minister George Papandreou, speaking after a meeting with foreign ministers of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), on Tuesday, repeated that the European Union’s goal with regard to the Iraq crisis was a “peaceful resolution”, adding that “every EU member-state is fully committed to avoiding armed conflicts”.

European Union and ASEAN foreign ministers made a joint appeal for the Iraq crisis to be resolved peacefully, saying that UN inspectors must be given additional time to complete their work in Iraq.

“United Nations inspectors must carry on their work with good assistance from Iraq,” Somsavat Lengsavad, Laos Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, was quoted as saying by the German news agency (DPA).

A joint EU-ASEAN statement called on Iraq to ''honor its disarmament obligation in conformity with relevant UN Security Council resolutions''. Baghdad has to ''cooperate proactively and without reservation with the inspectors,'' the statement read.

Papandreou insisted that U.N. resolution 1441 on disarming Iraq did not set specific deadlines, saying the issue needed to be discussed by the Security Council. “It is not helpful for us to make arbitrary judgments on deadlines,” he warned.

The Greek foreign minister added that chief UN weapons inspector Hans Blix's report to the Security Council on Monday included a number of specific questions demanding answers from Iraq. “We have a window of opportunity here, let's use it,'' he said.

During Monday’s EU General Affairs Council, EU foreign ministers made a joint appeal for more time for UN inspectors to continue their work in Iraq. Diplomats said Iraq would figure high on the agenda of Papandreou's visit to Syria, Saudi Arabia and Egypt starting February 2, while he had not ruled out a visit to Baghdad if he was requested in his capacity as EU Presidency.

Gov't hails common EU position on Iraq as Greek presidency success: The joint position on the Iraq crisis expressed by EU foreign ministers was greeted as an ''important success of the Greek presidency'' by government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Tuesday.

''This development shows that Europe can have a joint stance on the issue of Iraq and that the efforts of the Greek government bring results. We will continue to make an effort and undertake initiatives where necessary and possible,'' Protopapas noted.

[02] Greek Presidency focuses on EU enlargement, says Yiannitsis

BRUSSELS 29/01/2003 (ANA-V.Demiris)

Yiannitsis expressed his conviction that the timetables for the preparation of accession pacts will be successfully met to secure a smooth entry of new member states and create the 25-member European Union.

The Greek minister said that the Greek presidency will work intensively to keep up progress in accession negotiations with Bulgaria and Romania, and will also intensify efforts for further promoting Turkey’s accession strategy, the progress of which, he noted, is to be considered during an EU troika visit to Ankara on January 31.

Called upon to comment on the joint position reached by the union’s 15 foreign ministers on Monday regarding the Iraq crisis, Yiannitsis stressed “the EU considers it is highly crucial to allow more time for UN weapons inspectors in Iraq to complete their work.”

[03] DM discusses Iraq and European defense policy during Algeria visit

Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

''There is great concern here in Algeria and in all the Arab countries regarding the possibility of military intervention in Iraq, without backing by the international community,'' Papantoniou told reporters.

He said the reason for this is that if this happens there is the risk of a very negative climate being created in the Arab world against the United States and of this climate ultimately undermining the final outcome of the struggle against international terrorism.

''For this reason the effort being made by the Greek government, being the European Union's presiding country, to lead matters to a peaceful settlement of the issue with insistence on UN procedures is of very great importance,'' he added.

Papantoniou said the second issue discussed was European security and defense policy, the Mediterranean dimension of this policy and the open character of this policy, adding that the issue of security is a global one.

[04] Greek and Finnish deputy FMs discuss development cooperation

Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

Majanen congratulated Loverdos for the presidency's agenda, with regard to development issues, and confirmed his government's support for this effort by Greece.

Loverdos in turn briefed Majanen on issues to be discussed at the informal Development Cooperation Council in Alexandroupoli, northern Greece, in June and referred to the significance of the EU's 10 new member-states participating with observer status.

[05] PM meets newly-elected European Ombudsman

Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

The details of their discussion were not revealed, though it is likely that this was Diamantouros' replacement as head of the Greek Ombudsman's office when he takes over the post of European ombudsman on April 1. Diamantouros noted, however, as he emerged from the meeting that the issue of his replacement was a decision that would be made by Parliament.

Asked about corruption in the Greek public sector in general and to what extent this could be tackled, Diamantouros said he believed things could improve.

How this would be done was not a question for the Ombudsman's Office, he added.

"For us, the law says that when we come across indications of illegal activity, we should alert the public prosecutor and then our involvement ceases and the judicial authorities take over," he said.

[06] Parl't Committee rejects 'professional incompatibility' bill for MPs

Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

In total, 25 of the 50 MPs on the committee voted against the bill 'in principle' and 24 voted for.

Following the nay vote, the bill will now be presented to the full body of Parliament as it stands without any discussion or changes to its articles by Parliament's Public administration Committee, in accordance with parliamentary procedure.

Prior to the vote, Interior and Public Administration Minister Costas Skandalidis had promised to include the proposals presented by MPs for articles three, four and five.

Regarding the more controversial article 2 on activities that were compatible with parliamentary office, Skandalidis said that he had taken into account the written and verbal proposals of MPs and that the issue would be debated before the full body of the House, which would also take into account the report on the issue by Parliament's Scientific Service.

After the bill was rejected, Skandalidis stressed that it executed the revised Constitution and accused ND of "irresponsibility" for opposing it and creating a Constitutional irregularity.

ND MP Prokopis Pavlopoulos countered the minister's accusations by noting that the government had failed to establish exceptions to the incompatibility bill as provided for in the relevant article of the Constitution passed by Parliament and that it had failed to present the bill executing the Constitution in good time.

According to Pavlopoulos, this delay had been deliberate because the government had wanted to establish blanket incompatibility from the beginning.

Gov't spokesman says gov't insists on incompatibility bill: Government spokesman Christos Protopapas, referring to the rejection of the Parliament deputies' incompatibility bill, said on Tuesday the government, respecting the constitution and its mandates absolutely, will insist on its proposal for the draft bill's ratification by the Parliamentary plenum.

''It will appear there whether New Democracy (the main opposition party) respects the constitution, even a little, or does not hesitate, bound by its internal contradictions, to 'play' with institutions irresponsibly and lead the political world to disdain,'' he said.

Responding to a question that deputies of the ruling PASOK party, such as Evangelos Yiannopoulos, voted against the bill, while Stelios Papathemelis declared ''present'', Protopapas said ''we have the courage of our proposal: The one who has no position, who does not dare to express a view is the ND party. ND is playing with the institutions irresponsibly. It does not hesitate to lead the political world to disdain.''

[07] Cyprus' KISOS leader Omirou confers with ND leader Karamanlis in Athens

Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

According to an ND announcement, the discussion focused on a review and assessment of the latest developments in and prospects for the ongoing efforts for a Cyprus solution.

Karamanlis assured Omirou that ND would continue to ''actively and decisively support'' every effort for achieving a viable and functional Cyprus solution that would be in accordance with the EU body of law, known as the ''acquis communautaire''.

The two men further discussed the upcoming presidential elections in Cyprus.

Stressing the critical nature of the present moments, Karamanlis reaffirmed ND's position that any involvement by Greek political parties in Cyprus' internal political affairs would be ''incomprehensible'', adding that the Cyprus people must determine their future in a sovereign manner, unaffected by external influences.

On Monday, Omirou had similar meetings with Greek President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos, parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis, ruling PASOK secretary Costas Laliotis, and deputy foreign minister Andreas Loverdos.

Replying to press questions on his Monday talks with government and ruling PASOK officials, Omirou said that the Greek government was "religiously abstaining from" and "not interfering" in issues concerning the upcoming Cyprus elections.

Noting that PASOK always displayed its solidarity for KISOS' decisions, he said that he and Laliotis had agreed that the firm target was to find a just, democratic, viable and functional solution to the Cyprus issue, and the utilization of all possibilities.

They further agreed that negotiations were necessary on the UN plan for a Cyprus solution in order to achieve the changes necessary to render it functional and viable in the event of a solution.

[08] Christodoulakis says concerned over impact of a possible war

Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters in Brussels, the Greek minister stressed that "the European public is worried over the economic impact of a possible war in Iraq" and stressed that "a rise in oil prices could negative affect European economies."

Mr Christodoulakis noted that "an intervention in Iraq could create a geopolitical uncertainty in the Arab world and in general during a period when the EU is driven to recovery".

He stressed that although the European economy was not facing a significant danger, "it would be better for all, both the EU and the Arab world, to have a peaceful solution of the problem and not a war".

The Greek minister said that Greek EU Presidency has three goals for the European economy: to become more competitive, to maintain a European social model and to support developing countries to grow more rapidly.

[09] Christodoulakis refers to particularities of Cyprus

BRUSSELS 29/01/2003 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

Within the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation, which as he said acquires particular importance with the accession of Cyprus and Malta, he stressed the enormous differences between the southern part of Cyprus which has the greatest per capita income among the ten EU acceding countries and the northern part which has the lowest per capita income among the ten new members.

[10] Talks on new EU regional policy to begin in 1st half of 2003

Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

The Greek minister said it would begin a tour of EU capitals, along with candidate member capitals, to discuss issues related with regional policy and a new cohesion policy.

Mr Pahtas noted that the European Commission was expected to submit its proposals by the end of 2003, during the Italian EU Presidency, and that a new regional policy was expected to be finalized early 2004.

The Greek minister stressed that the Greek EU presidency's work was to prepare the ground for drafting a new development framework in the EU. Talks are expected to last long, given the fact that the Agenda 2000 was submitted by the European Commission in 1997 and decisions were taken in 1999.

The Greek EU Presidency will focus on two issues: maintaining EU support towards Greece's regions even after 2006 and despite their growth rate exceeded 75 percent of the EU average, and maintaining policies support cross-border cooperation (between EU member states or with third countries).

Mr Pahtas said that the European Commission was organizing a discussion on EU structural policies after 2007, scheduled for early March in Brussels, with the participation of 600 representatives from EU member-states and EU candidates.

[11] EU Agriculture Council winds up in Brussels

BRUSSELS 29/01/2003 (ANA-M.Kourmousis)

The first, relates to a ban on poultry imports into the European Union from three US states (California, Arizona and Nevada). It was taken unanimously and goes into effect immediately on the grounds of a poultry epidemic in the US, and follows a decision of Dec. 5, 2000, which then affected some Californian regions.

The second decision regards genetically altered seeds, not permitting experimental cultivation, given that the relative regulation has not been ratified.

Greek Agriculture Minister George Drys, who chaired the Council, described the ban on poultry imports from the specific states as an important one, since it “regionalizes” the measures and opens the way for similar policies to be implemented in the EU itself.

Referring to the long-term policy for a viable development of EU agriculture (also known as ‘mid-term reform’), Drys said that member-states’ input was positive and creative, which means that a “new policy on agriculture” may be passed during the Greek presidency. In case the Euro-Parliament issues its recommendation on time, i.e. by May, then new measures may be ratified by the end of June.

The Greek minister underlined that the recommendations by the Commission mean that about 80% of Greek farmers will not face subsidy cuts, a percentage which may rise up to 90%-95% should the subsidy floor is raised from 5,000 euros to 8,000 euros.

However, the Commission agreed that the money to be saved by the cuts will remain in a community fund and will be made available for provincial development under certain quality criteria.

[12] Simitis meets UNICE representatives

Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with visiting UNICE's secretary-general Philippe de Buck van Overstraeten, Mr Simitis said that "a war in Iraq, or a possible war to be precise, has already affected developments. As you can see, stock markets are falling, investments are slow, and there is a wait-and-see attitude, an uncertainty. It is logical that companies want first the horizon to clear."

The meeting took place in the framework of a dialogue process between the head of the EU's rotating presidency with social partners in the European Union. Mr Simitis said the meeting discussed growth in Europe, competitiveness and problems facing European enterprises.

"The Greek EU presidency wants to promote policies supporting business activity, small- and medium-sized enterprises, improved access to funding, simplifying procedures, a European patent diploma and supporting research and technology during the spring EU summit in Brussels," Mr Simitis said.

The Greek premier also noted that the Greek EU Presidency wanted to create an even better environment to have a more effective business activity and to achieve speedier growth.

UNICE's vice-president and chairman of the Greek Industries' Union, Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, told reporters that "the main worry of employers currently is to maintain economic growth and to speed up growth to achieve the goals set in the Lisbon summit."

Industry meets PM to talk about Greek EU presidency aims: The head of the Association of Greek Industry (SEB) on Tuesday met Prime Minister Costas Simitis for talks on the priorities of Greece's current presidency of the European Union.

Among topics discussed were relations with the World Trade Organization, EU enlargement, and the impact of Iraq on business and the economy, SEB president Odysseas Kyriakopoulos told reporters after the meeting.

Kyriakopoulos, who briefed the prime minister on what industry wanted the EU presidency to tackle, said its aims were similar to those of the government.

[13] Procedures for construction of Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline discussed

SOFIA 29/01/2003 (ANA - M. Borisov)

The Bulgarian minister, who will pay a working visit to Greece on Wednesday at the invitation of Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and sign the Cooperation Memorandum with his Greek counterpart, said that Greece and Bulgaria will cooperate in the sector of energy and at the same time seek to secure one hundred million euros from the European Union's structural funds to support the construction of new border crossings.

Delegation from Burgas municipality concludes visit to Alexandroupolis: A delegation from Burgas, Bulgaria, concluded a two-day visit to Alexandroupolis, northern Greece, on Tuesday.

The Bulgarian delegation was headed by Burgas Mayor Ioan Konstantinov who met with Evros Prefect Nikos Zabounidis and Alexandroupolis Mayor George Alexandris.

The Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipe line and the inter-European Helsinki-Burgas-Alexandroupolis road network were the topics which prevailed at the discussions between the two sides.

On the issue of the oil pipe line, Zabounidis said ''there was agreement for the creation of a team of technocrats who will explore all the possibilities, prospects but also any possible consequences for the two areas.''

With regard the inter-European Helsinki-Burgas-Alexandroupolis road, the Evros prefect asked of the Bulgarian mayor to promote its development.

[14] Southeast European telecoms school to be set up in 2003

Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

The Southeast European Telecommunications Academy (INA Academy) is to be set up by the Institute of Telecommunications and InfoTech Research and Studies Institute for Southeastern European countries (INA).

Work on the school's premises will be completed by the end of March, INA's president, Vassilios Takas, told a news conference on Tuesday.

The new school is to be funded from European Union funds, national monies, and by the institute. Other financing is likely to be sought.

It will also have branches in other southeast European countries, Takas added.

INA has worked on the project with the communications ministries of countries in the region, backed by Greek government authorities.

Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos has shown interest in the scheme.

Loverdos is handling Greece's reconstruction plan for the Balkans.

[15] Greek stocks end 1.31 pct lower on Tuesday

Athens, 29/01/2003 (ANA)

The general index ended 1.31 percent lower at 1,669.97 points, off the day's lows of 1,666.74 points. Turnover was a low 64.1 million euros.

The Publication, IT and IT Solution sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (2.62 percent, 2.24 percent and 2.04 percent, respectively), while the Cement sector suffered less (0.13 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.47 percent down, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 1.08 percent lower and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index fell 1.76 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 259 to 41 with another 53 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 55.4 mln euros Tuesday

Equity Index Futures: