Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-02-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM and U.S. national security adviser Condoleezza Rice discuss Middle East, Iraq

[02] Powell hosts dinner for Papandreou, Solana and Patten

[03] FM Papandreou meets with Bulgarian counterpart Passy in Washington

[04] PM Simitis tells parliament Iraq has last chance to comply

[05] Alternate FM and Bulgarian minister agree to single EU position on Iraq crisis

[06] PM: Third Annan plan for Cyprus a 'basis for negotiations'

[07] UN may seek to go directly to referendum for Cyprus solution, sources say

[08] CoE Schwimmer: 'Cypriots must not miss date with history'

[09] FYROM president's spokesman criticizes nation's former name issue representative

[10] New York Times report on resignation of U.S. diplomat at embassy in Greece

[11] Mexico's statement on country's stance vis-a-vis Iraq crisis

[12] Greek, Russian diplomats discuss Iraq crisis, upcoming Russia-EU summit

[13] Material damages total 600 mln euros, gov’t says

[14] SAIC consortium gets initial nod for 2004 security contract

[15] Euro-MP: Greek absorption of CSF funds at 16%

[16] Greek tourism expands promotion cooperation with intl TV networks

[17] Government funded programs to aid Balkans, Black Sea

[18] New regulations for food exports to US announced

[19] Greek stocks drop to new five-year lows

[20] Cabin of crashed medicopter, with the bodies of the 4-member crew, located

[21] Prosecutor's office eyes felony blackmail counts for publisher

[22] Public order minister refers to priority of combatting illegal immigration

[23] Conference on dealing with immigration begins in Athens

[24] Civil rights groups demand 'open political trial' for N17

[25] Launching of first Greek satellite at Cape Canaveral temporarily postponed

[26] Greenpeace asks Greek EU presidency to move on ship safety

[27] President-elect Papadopoulos: very good, civilized and humane meeting

[28] National Council to study Annan plan and convene next week

[29] Demonstrators call for Denktash's resignation

[30] Vassiliou says UN Secretary-General seeks commitment for referendum

[01] FM and U.S. national security adviser Condoleezza Rice discuss Middle East, Iraq

WASHINGTON 28/02/2003 (ANA - T. Ellis)

The talks were attended by the European Union's Security and Foreign Policy High Commissioner Javier Solana and Foreign Affairs Commissioner Chris Patten.

Speaking on behalf of the EU after the 40-minute meeting, Papandreou said ''we discussed the visit I will be making to Egypt in coming days with the summit of Arab countries and the message which we, as Europe, must convey. I also had the opportunity to discuss it here with Mrs. Rice.''

Papandreou further said ''we discussed the Middle East, the peace process, the so-called road map for a solution to the Palestinian problem and, of course, Iraq where, as President Bush has announced, he is preparing for a possible military operation.''

On the question of Iraq, the foreign minister assessed that if Saddam Hussein cooperates fully with the UN weapons inspectors it is possible that war can be averted.

''There is hope if indeed Saddam wants and goes ahead with drastic demilitarization measures. I think that this is an important message on behalf of the EU as well and we have repeatedly stressed that demilitarization is what the international community expects. I want to stress once again, despite this last moment, that war is not unavoidable, that the EU and we, being the presidency, will make every move for a way to be found, if possible, for a peaceful solution to this crisis but, of course, Saddam Hussein himself has a big part, a basic part of responsibility with his move for demilitarization. Until now, of course, the crisis is mixed, there are steps, others consider them smaller others bigger but, in any case, we do not have the full cooperation the UN would like. I think this is an important point which must be conveyed to Saddam Hussein from both us and the Arabs,'' he said.

Apart from Iraq, the Cyprus issue was also discussed with an identity of views being reached and with the United States and the EU expressing their full support for the efforts of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

''There is full support for the efforts of UN Secretary General Mr. Annan. Certainly, it is a considerable opportunity which we must utilize,'' Papandreou said.

[02] Powell hosts dinner for Papandreou, Solana and Patten

WASHINGTON 28/02/2003 (ANA-T. Ellis)

Powell was due to host the dinner a few hours after the official U.S.-EU meeting at the State Department which was due to take place later on Thursday in the context of the established contacts between the two sides.

Immediately after the dinner, Papandreou and the EU representatives will depart from the U.S. capital.

[03] FM Papandreou meets with Bulgarian counterpart Passy in Washington

WASHINGTON 28/02/2003 (ANA - T. Ellis)

''We discussed coordination of our efforts on the Iraq issue'', Papandreou told reporters after the meeting that took place in his hotel room, adding ''Bulgaria is a member of the Security Council, a neighbor and a candidate to join the European Union. It was a useful meeting before our respective meetings with US National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of State Colin Powell''.

Passy had earlier accompanied Bulgarian Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg Gotha at his meeting with US President George Bush in the White House.

Papandreou said the agenda of the meetings that he, as well as EU Chief diplomat Javier Solana and External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten will have later in the day with Bush administration officials will include the Iraq issue, North Korea, the peace process in the Middle East, the utilization of EU-Arab relations vis-a-vis the upcoming Arab League summit, as well as the Cyprus issue where ''an increased mobility and particular activity on the part of UN Secretary-General which Greece supports''. Papandreou's meetings scheduled for Thursday night (Greece time) with Rice and Powel are within the scope of established US-EU contacts.

[04] PM Simitis tells parliament Iraq has last chance to comply

Athens, 28/02/2003 (ANA)

It is the second or third time of recent, showing that ''the continuous appeals for compliance have no value if they are repeated without results,'' Simitis said.

The prime minister referred in particular to the point of the decision taken by the ''15'' during the emergency European summit on February 17 on the basis of which ''Iraq has a last chance to settle the crisis peacefully.''

''If someone does not adhere and continuously invokes procedural issues, this means stalling, and there should be a serious message to Iraq, because there has to be a sense of the time pressure in the developments,'' Simitis said.

Noting that the Greek EU presidency was obliged to seek the shaping of a common and unanimous position by the ''15'', he stressed that the crisis in Iraq showed an acute lack of understanding between the EU and the U.S. but also a lack of an EU Common Foreign and Security Policy. He said that he did not claim that the Common Foreign and Security Policy was non-existent - as in its development dimension towards third countries - ''buy surely it is not an integrated policy as the policy of the economic and monetary union.''

He also called, in light of the convention for the future of Europe, ''for us to be concerned on how we are shaping a stronger Europe in a global multi-centre system.''

The prime minister added that ''the Iraq crisis is at the same time a message for us EU member-states to act decisively in order for us to overcome our present weaknesses. Until then the shaping of common positions will always require persistent efforts with an uncertain result.''

Simitis also referred to the stance of the ''8'' member-states and candidate countries which ''pointlessly burdened the climate and the EU's feeling of unity.'' He noted that the right of every country to express its solidarity towards those with which they are linked with historic bonds of friendship is self-evident, but ''it created impressions of a divided Union, without cohesion in its foreign policy.''

Opposition parties: Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis on Thursday outlined five principles for the handling of the Iraq crisis by Europe and the Greek European Union presidency, saying the first principle is finding a peaceful solution to the problem.

''For this reason the international community's pressure on Baghdad's dictatorial regime should be as intense as the will of peoples for peace,'' he said.

Karamanlis, who was speaking in Parliament during a debate on the Iraq crisis, called by the Coalition of the Left and Progress party, said safeguarding the EU's unity and speeding up political unification was the second principle.

ND's leader further said whatever decisions to be taken should be taken by the UN Security Council, while harmonious and rational relations should be consolidated between the EU and the United States, based on the Western World's common values.

Lastly, Karamanlis said possibilities provided for Greece by the European presidency should be fully utilized.

''Europe is obliged to take up a position against dictatorial regimes which constitute a problem for peoples and a risk for the security of the world. The Baghdad regime is dictatorial and dangerous. The peace loving mood of peoples downgrades neither the need to disarm Iraq nor the need for a change of regime in Baghdad,'' he added.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga said in her address that Simitis ''developed the new world order logic of the Americans, which he adopted, supporting all the arguments of the United States on the war, meaning the weapons of mass destruction and the dictatorial regime of Iraq.''

She also spoke of the risk of political rights curbs and special arrest measures in the event of war.

Papariga also pointed out that peoples should punish with their votes governments and parties which support the practice of resorting to war.

Coalition of the Left and progress party leader Nikos Constantopoulos called on the government to side clearly with the views of France and Germany on the Iraq crisis, regardless of the moves the EU presidency has to make to secure necessary compositions, even if they are pretext compositions.

Constantopoulos also accused Prime Minister Costas Simitis ''of having countersigned the war against the Balkans and who should not repeat this because such a thing would be unjust for the people, unjust for himself and the supporters of PASOK.''

He wondered for what reason U.S. President George W. Bush congratulated Simitis on Tuesday during their telephone conversation. Namely, if he congratulated him for all that has been done so far or for what has to be done in the immediate future and raised the question of what other participation is being requested from the country.

Constantopoulos also pointed out that the consequences of a war will be disastrous for the country, economic indicators will be affected negatively and additional difficulties will be created for the Cyprus issue, which will be distanced from the front line of international interest.

PM briefs Cabinet over Iraq: Prime Minister Costas Simitis briefed his Cabinet on Friday over his talks here this week with visiting UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, noting that the latter wants developments focusing on Iraq to remain under the auspices of the United Nations.

Simitis also cited a pending decision by Baghdad over whether or not a batch of missiles it retains will be destroyed. UN weapons inspectors have ruled that the missiles exceed a UN-mandated range and are therefore a violation of Security Council Resolution 1441 .

The Greek prime also said the upcoming period will be crucial, whereas Greece’s position revolves around three principles, namely: initiatives should be undertaken by the UN; Iraq should fully comply with Resolution 1441, and third, the self-evident view that war is a last-ditch solution still stands.

[05] Alternate FM and Bulgarian minister agree to single EU position on Iraq crisis

Athens, 28/02/2003 (ANA)

According to a foreign ministry announcement, Bulgaria's accession course to the EU and developments on the issue of Iraq were discussed during the meeting.

Kuneva congratulated the Greek EU presidency on the special political courage it showed in handling the issue of Iraq and in particular for the success of the Brussels summit.

An overall assessment was made of Bulgaria's accession course to date, while the Bulgarian minister conveyed her government's thanks for the Greek government's continuous support.

[06] PM: Third Annan plan for Cyprus a 'basis for negotiations'

Athens, 28/02/2003 (ANA)

Briefing reporters on the results of the meeting, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said that the premier had informed the cabinet about a revised plan presented by Annan to Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and the ambassadors of Greece and Turkey on Wednesday.

According to Simitis, the revised plan had been pre-announced in a memorandum distributed by UN envoy Alvaro de Soto and most of the points in this were contained in the third plan. In addition to these, however, there were some new comments and explanations that presented problems and required additional clarification, such as a statement about referendums to be held by the two communities on Cyprus.

The Greek premier said that he had stressed in his talks with Annan that it was impossible for one side to state its agreement without knowing the view of the other.

''As a result, an agreement is only possible if it is declared simultaneously by both sides and if the two sides are convinced that there is no more room for negotiations,'' he added.

The prime minister said that Annan intended to allow a short period for negotiations, after which he would invite the sides involved to New York between March 10 and March 14 to sign a statement assenting to two referendums on the island republic on March 30.

Simitis noted that the specific statement contained issues that required further discussion, while Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash has announced plans to hold a local referendum the second Sunday in March.

The Greek premier said he had relayed concerns over whether this referendum would be fully democratic to Annan, but the UN chief had replied that the local referendum would be ''useful'' in terms of relations between Turkey and the Turkish-Cypriots.

Simitis noted, however, that if the Turkish-Cypriots expressed their opposition to the plan in this earlier referendum then there was no reason to hold a similar referendum for the Greek-Cypriot side.

In his own analysis, the government spokesman said it was highly likely that Annan would seek referendums, even if no prior agreement were reached by the leaders of the two communities on the island.

He also slammed the Turkish-Cypriot side for stalling the peace process on Cyprus.

Asked about Denktash's refusal to allow international observers at the local referendum he plans to organize, the Greek spokes-man said that this issue remained "open".

[07] UN may seek to go directly to referendum for Cyprus solution, sources say

NICOSIA 28/02/2003 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

According to an ANA dispatch from Nicosia on Thursday, various sources are saying that United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan is to ask the Turkish-Cypriot and Greek-Cypriot sides, as well as Greece and Turkey, to agree to holding referendums on the issue on March 30.

Whereas before the sides involved were asked to put their signatures to an overall agreement for a solution of the Cyprus issue, the new formula gives each a specific deadline within which they must respond with either a 'yes' or a 'no' about whether they agree to a referendum.

This deadline is said to be March 10, which is 10 days after Annan departs from Cyprus.

If there is no change to the current situation and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash continues to refuse to sign a comprehensive plan for a solution, the UN general secretary will invite all the sides involved to a conference in New York or possibly a European city on March 10 to sign an agreement on holding referendums in the north and south of the island republic.

Denktash has apparently planned to pre-empt the procedure by holding his own ''pre-referendum'' on March 8.

Athens sees Annan call for referendum on Cyprus, even without deal: Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Thursday said it was highly likely that United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan would ask for simultaneous referendums on a proposed solution for the Cyprus issue by the two communities on the island, even if no prior agreement were reached by their leaders.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting that discussed a third proposed solution presented by Annan to all the sides involved the previous day, Protopapas said the UN chief would probably ask them to agree to separate referendums in the north and south of the island republic on March 30.

He also slammed the Turkish-Cypriot side for stalling the peace process on Cyprus.

According to earlier an ANA dispatch from Nicosia, various sources have said that the UN is mulling a new formula that can sidestep the impasse by asking the Greek-Cypriots, Turkish-Cypriots and Greece and Turkey to agree to a referendum rather than sign a comprehensive agreement for reuniting the island.

Under the new formula, each side will probably have until March 10 to respond to a referendum with either a 'yes' or a 'no'.

Turkish-Cypriot leader Denktash is apparently planning to pre-empt the process by holding his own ''pre-referendum'' on March 8, though Greece has expressed concern about whether this will be fully democratic.

Asked about Denktash's refusal to allow international observers at the local referendum he plans to organize, the Greek spokesman said this issue remained "open".

[08] CoE Schwimmer: 'Cypriots must not miss date with history'

STRASBOURG 28/02/2003 (ANA)

“International disappointment would be considerable if this effort fails. Achieving peace in Cyprus after three decades of conflict would be a powerful example for the whole neighboring region of the Middle East. Cypriots must not miss their date with history,” he said.

Schwimmer also noted that the CoE is preparing to support implementation of the proposed settlement and, in particular, to back the work of the foreseen “Reconciliation Commission”.

FYROM asks Greek EU presidency for rapid OK to association pact SKOPJE

28/02/2003 (ANA/N.Frangopoulos, A.Lidorikis)

In a statement released after a meeting in FYROM's capital with Greek Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, Trajkovski also told reporters that he would like to see the EU's Thessaloniki summit pressing ahead with the process of incorporation into European structures of countries in the region.

Also present at the meeting was the governor of the National Bank of Greece, Theodoros Karatzas, who earlier in the day hosted a business conference arranged by the bank.

Christodoulakis told delegates that Greece's EU presidency backed strengthening a European perspective in the Balkans, also pledging that the reconstruction plan for the region would be implemented down to the last detail.

FYROM's prime minister, Branco Crvenkovski, called on Greece businesses to increase investment in his country.

National Bank of Greece, a blue chip on the Athens bourse, is an active investor in the Balkans.

[09] FYROM president's spokesman criticizes nation's former name issue representative

SKOPJE 28/02/2003 (ANA - N. Frangopoulos)

Commenting on Tosevski's letter of resignation to Trajkovski, the president's spokesman said it is an unprofessional move by a career diplomat which is aimed directly at the country's ''national interests.''

He added that the president was not displeased with Tosevski's actions all these years in talks on the name (the latter was FYROM's representative in talks with Greece since 1995), adding that Trajkovski decided (last September) to undertake an initiative on the formation of a ''group of experts'' which would replace Tosevski with the purpose of giving a new impetus to talks in New York.

The composition of the ''group of experts'' has not yet been revealed officially, nor the name of the country's new representative in the talks.

Tosevski, in his letter of resignation to Trajkovski, said he is no longer the country's representative in talks at the UN on the name issue and accused the president that with his latest moves in the talks he created an upheaval which harmed the country's prestige.

[10] New York Times report on resignation of U.S. diplomat at embassy in Greece

NEW YORK 28/02/2003 (ANA - P. Panagiotou)

The New York Times newspaper, in a report on Thursday, refers to the letter of resignation by John Brady Kisling, who invokes reasons of principle, expressing his opposition to his government's policy on the Iraq crisis.

''Our ardent desire for war with Iraq is leading us to the betrayal of international legality which was the strongest defensive and aggressive weapon of America since the days of Woodrow Wilson,'' he said in his letter of resignation to Secretary of State Colin Powell, which was sent on Monday, and after he notified Ambassador Thomas Miller first.

Kisling was a political adviser at the U.S. embassy in Athens, while he had previously served at the U.S. embassies in Tel Aviv, Casablanca and Yemen and is considered one of the good experts on problems of the Middle East and the Arab world with 20 years of service in the diplomatic corps.

The newspaper contacted the 45-year-old diplomat who, in a statement, criticized the whole policy on Iraq which ''invested a great deal in war'', considering it dangerous for his country's interests.

Five State Department officials had also resigned due to the Clinton administration's Balkan policy between 1992 and 1994.

[11] Mexico's statement on country's stance vis-a-vis Iraq crisis

Athens, 28/02/2003 (ANA)

“On the Iraq conflict, the position of Mexico remains independent and Autonomous,” the statement begins, before adding:

“Given the versions released in different media about a change in Mexico’s position on the Iraq conflict, the Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs ratifies that the position of our country remains independent and autonomous.

“Concerning the new draft resolution proposed by the United States, Great Britain and Spain, which has been recently presented before the Security Council, as well as the memorandum on the same issue that was jointly signed by the governments of France, Germany and the Russian Federation, supported by China; Mexico is at this moment evaluating their contents and will participate in the consultations arising; will formulate the proposals, that at its own judgment are convenient, and will determine its position.

“As it was already stated by the Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Luis Ernesto Derbez Bautista, since the presentation before the Security Council of the United Nations Organization, February 14, 2003:

“The same way that is clear that today’s report (presented by Hans Blip and Mohamed El Baradei) shows some improvement in Iraq’s attitude, it is also clear that the Iraqi government remains avoiding its international responsibilities; it continues not responding to the calls that have been formulated by the community of nations under Resolution 1441 for cooperating unconditionally in the completion of the disarmament that is demanded to this country (…)

“... Mexico ratifies its absolute reliance on the United Nations to resolve the international conflicts, in the exhaustion of all possible peaceful means and above all in the strengthening of the values that gave origin to the organization which takes renewed importance in the light of the current conflicts,” the statement concludes.

[12] Greek, Russian diplomats discuss Iraq crisis, upcoming Russia-EU summit

MOSCOW 28/02/2003 (ANA)

A Russian foreign ministry announcement said that the two diplomats discussed the positions of Russia and the European Union on the Iraq crisis as well as a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including preparations for the Russia-EU summit to be held in St. Petersburg on May 31.

[13] Material damages total 600 mln euros, gov’t says

Athens, 28/02/2003 (ANA)

Mr Pahtas noted that this estimate did not include damages in the country's livestock and farming.

Speaking to reporters, the Greek minister said that a number of government ministries were cooperating in determining compensation payments. The government plans to offer more money to regional authorities to help in repairing damages in the country's road network.

Mr Pahtas dismissed talk of using funds from a Third Community Support Framework to help pay damage and stressed that government would seek to raise funds from the EU's solidarity fund.

[14] SAIC consortium gets initial nod for 2004 security contract

Athens, 28/02/2003 (ANA)

The security issue had been the focus of International Olympic Committee (IOC) concern over the past few weeks, following the annulment of a first invitation to tender.

No other details were announced.

[15] Euro-MP: Greek absorption of CSF funds at 16%

BRUSSELS 28/02/2003 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

In a relevant press release, ND Euro-deputy Costas Hatzidakis cited a written response by EU Budget Commissioner Michaele Schreyer to a relevant question on the matter.

Hatzidakis said Health Sector Program absorption had reached 8.7 percent; in Information Society 9.9 percent, while in the sectors of Fisheries-Railways-Airports and Urban Transportation the absorption of community funds ''barely reached 7 percent''.

[16] Greek tourism expands promotion cooperation with intl TV networks

Athens, 28/02/2003 (ANA)

Following completion of a cooperation agreement with Visa International and NBC television network in the US (with no financial burden for the organization), GNTO announced agreements with Canadian Broadcasting Corporation CBC, TVN2 (New Zealand), 7 Network Limited (Australia) and AOJC (Athens Olympic Japan Consortium).

Under the agreements, GNTO will promote - free of charge - Greek tourism and the Athens 2004 Olympic Games around the world this year and in 2004.

Meanwhile, China's television station ''Phoenix'' recently visited Greece to take television promotion footage on the invitation of the country's tourist authorities.

[17] Government funded programs to aid Balkans, Black Sea

Athens, 28/02/2003 (ANA)

Financed by the foreign ministry, a scheme budgeted at 95,000 euros will support local business communities in Bulgaria, Romania, Albania, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia and Montenegro.

Another program worth 40,000 euros is designed to support economic and social growth in Ukraine, Georgia and Armenia in order to strengthen their ties with Greece.

[18] New regulations for food exports to US announced

Athens, 28/02/2003 (ANA)

It adds that the new law is designed to ensure that food exports to the US are free from contamination and “bio-terrorist attack”.

For more information, visit the US mission in Greece’s website at http://www.usembassy.gr

Details about the new law are also provided in the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) section.

The press release also notes that the US Mission will offer seminars for exporters interested in learning more about how to comply with the new law. For registration, contact FAS at (210) 7202.231 or 2233.

[19] Greek stocks drop to new five-year lows

Athens, 28/02/2003 (ANA)

The general index eased 0.23 percent to end at 1,613.58 points, with turnover a low 94.2 million euros.

The IT Solutions, Insurance and Cement sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (2.46 percent, 1.15 percent and 1.0 percent, respectively), while the Telecommunications (1.69 percent), Construction (0.71 percent) and Textiles (0.47 percent) suffered the heaviest percentage losses.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.45 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 0.54 percent, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index fell 0.45 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 0.27 percent lower.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 169 to 107 with another 78 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 45.2 mln euros Thursday

Equity Index Futures: