Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-03-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] 'November 17' terrorist group trial opens under stringent security

[02] U.S. government hails commencement of N17 terrorist suspects' trial

[03] EU says Baghdad's compliance with UNSCR 1441 best way to avert war

[04] Greece calls Turkish blocking of US troops deployment very significant

[05] Defense minister discusses with British counterpart Iraq, Cyprus, Euroarmy

[06] Yiannitsis meets EU’s Kinnock on Council of Ministers’ regulation

[07] Greek tourism minister visits Australia

[08] Greek President to make official visit to Belgium

[09] PM to visit Alexandroupolis on Tuesday

[10] EU Commission organizes conference on gender equality

[11] FinMin unveils insurance market supervisory board

[12] Eurozone's PMI rises surprisingly in February, Greek index eases

[13] EU talks with Arab countries in Doha focus on economic ties

[14] EU members reach agreement on common patent system

[15] Greek stocks ease slightly on Monday

[16] US experts brought in for workshop on Olympics security

[17] Amendment hands Karaiskaki stadium to Sports Secretariat

[18] 2004 Athens Olympic Games commemorative coins presented at Bank of Greece

[19] Alternate FM expresses government's support for inter-religious dialogue

[20] 2nd European Conference of Jurists on issues concerning minors held in Athens

[21] British film producer to promote Parthenon Marble's return to Greece

[22] Turkish migrant trafficker jailed

[23] Spokesman says Turkey presenting conflicting policy

[01] 'November 17' terrorist group trial opens under stringent security

Athens, 04/03/2003 (ANA)

More than 800 people were gathered outside the three designated entrances to the specially-designed trial venue at the women's prison facility, where the suspects are incarcerated, since very early in the morning, while the streets surrounding the facility have been closed off to traffic. Those gathered outside the facility include journalists, among them Athens Union of Journalists (ESIEA) acting president Panos Sombolos and members of the ESIEA presidium, TV crews, photo-journalists, witnesses, lawyers, among them Athens Bar Association president Dimitris Paxinos, and relatives of victims and the accused.

Live television and radio coverage of the trial has been prohibited.

Everyone entering the trial venue will undergo strict security checks, including passing through special machines that detect metal, drugs and explosive substances.

The trial began with a deluge of objections by defense attorneys on procedural issues, who have stated they intend to submit objections on the competency of the court, validity of the pre-trial procedures, the prohibition of the live broadcast of the proceedings, and problems in communication with their clients due to the stringent security measures, mainly a bullet-proof glass enclosure for the defendants, and other matters.

The court proceedings will be presided over by Appeals judges’ president Michalis Margaritis, 64, who joined the judicial corps in 1972 after receiving a degree from the Athens Law School and post-graduate studies specializing in European Law in London. The other justices sitting on the bench are appeals judges Nikolaos Zairis, 57, and Vassilis Kourkakis, 63. The prosecutor representing the State is 64-year-old appeals judge Christos Lambrou, a veteran to the judicial corps which he joined in 1969.

Prosecution witnesses number more than 350, among them 40 foreign nationals. Defense lawyers number 150, while the accused are charged with an overall total of some 2,000 crimes.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos, 59, (code-name Lambros and believed to be the terrorist group's leader), faces some 1,000 charges as, according to the indictment sheet, he is considered the moral instigator of all the 17N activities. He is believed to have been a member of 17N from its founding in 1975 up until his arrest in July 2002.

- Nikos Papanastasiou, 52, (code-name Nikitas) faces eight charges for participating in three 17N attacks: the 1984 attempted assassination of US air force sergeant Robert Judd, the 1984 robbery of a National Bank branch in Kato Petralona in which police officer Christos Matis was killed, and the 1985 assassination of Athens daily 'Apogevmatini' publisher Nikos Mompheratos and his driver Panayotis Rousetis. He is considered to have been a 17N member from 1975 up to his arrest in July 2002.

- Dimitris Koufodinas, 45 (code-name Loukas, believed to be the organization’s top hit-man) faces 253 charges for participation in 84 17N activities, including participation in many 17N killings, including those of police officer Christos Matis in 1984 National Bank robbery in Kato Petralona; 'Apogevmatini' publisher Nikos Mompheratos and his driver Panayotis Rousetis in 1985; industrialist Dimitris Angelopoulos in 1986; industrialist Alexandros Athanasiadis-Bodosakis in 1988; fatal shooting of prosecutor Costas Androulidakis in 1989; New Democracy (ND) MP Pavlos Bakoyannis in 1989; US sergeant Ronald Steward in 1991; Turkish embassy assistant press attache Gyorgu Cetin in 1991; and British embassy military attache Brigadier Stephen Saunders in 2000, among others. He is believed to have been a 17N member from early 1983 to his arrest in July 2002.

- Savvas Xiros, 41, (code-name Michalis) faces 206 charges for participation in 78 17N activities, including the assassinations of: US embassy military attache William Nordeen in 1988; New Democracy MP Pavlos Bakoyannis in 1989; former National Bank governor Michalis Vranopoulos in 1994; Turkish diplomat Omer Haluk Sipahioglu in 1994; shipowner and former shareholder and director of Elefsis Shipyards Costis Peraticos in 1997, among others. Believed to have joined 17N in 1986.

- Christodoulis Xiros, 45, (code-name Manolis, older brother of Savvas Xiros), faces 190 charges for participation in 78 17N activities. Believed to be a 17N member from late-1983 to his arrest in July 2002.

- Patroclos Tselentis, 43, (code-name Alekos or Tainias) faces 41 charges for participation in ten 17N activities, including five assassinations. Believed to have joined 17N in 1983.

- Vassilis Tzortzatos, 48, (code-name Stamatis) faces 175 charges for participation in 33 17N activities, including 7 assassinations. Believed to have joined the group in 1985.

- Vassilis Xiros, 31, (code-name Panais, younger brother of Savvas and Christodoulos Xiros), faces 39 charges for participation in 28 17N activities, including accessory in the assassinations of shipowner and former shareholder and director of Elefsis Shipyards Costis Peraticos in 1997; and British embassy military attache Brigadier Stephen Saunders in 2000. Believed to have joined the group in 1995.

- Iraklis Kostaris, 37, (code-name Haris), faces 30 charges for participation in 9 17N activities, including accessory in the assassination of shipowner and former shareholder and director of Elefsis Shipyards Costis Peraticos in 1997 and as an accomplice in the assassination of New Democracy (ND) MP Pavlos Bakoyannis in 1989. Believed to have been a 17N member from 1988 up to his arrest in July 2002.

- Costas Karatsolis, 37, (code-name Stelios), faces 13 charges for participation in six 17N activities, mostly concerning armed robberies, and one assassination attempt. Believed to have joined the group in late 1987.

- Sotiris Kondylis, 43, (code-name Aris), faces 18 charges, including accessory in the assassination of Turkish diplomat Omer Haluk Sipahioglu in 1994. Believed to have joined the group in 1990.

- Pavlos Serifis, 47, faces three major charges under the counter-terrorism law faced by most of the accused, concerning set-up and membership in a criminal organization, arms possession, and construction, procurement and possession of explosive materials. Believed to have been a member of 17N from its founding in 1975 up to his arrest in July 2002.

- Yannis Serifis, 65 (cousin of Pavlos Serifis) faces the same charges as Pavlos Serifis. Believed to have been a member of 17N from its founding in 1975 up to his arrest in July 2002.

- Costas Telios, 38, (code-name Markos), faces 14 charges for participation in four 17N activities. Believed to have joined the group in 1988, and of being a member up until his arrest in July 2002.

- Thomas Serifis, 37, (code-name Stathis), faces eight charges for participation in four 17N activities. Does not face charges related to the 17N assassinations. Believed to have joined the group in late 1988.

- Theologos Psaradellis, 60, (code-name Fotis), faces six charges for participation in two 17N activities: two attempted assassinations, and two armed robberies -- that of the ELTA post office in Patissia, Athens, in 1988, and at the ELTA post office in Egaleo in 1988. Believed to have joined the organization in 1978.

- Dionyssis Georgiadis, 27, (code-name Alexis), faces nine charges for participation in four 17N activities. Is not charged with participation in 17N assassinations. Believed to have joined the organization in 1988. - Angeliki Sotiropoulou, 41, (the only woman arrested for alleged membership in 17N, former wife of another defendant, Savvas Xiros, and long-time companion of defendant Dimitris Koufodinas, whom she married in a civil service at Korydallos prison after their incarceration) faces five charges for participation in two 17N activities: the assassination of British embassy military attache Brigadier Stephen Saunders in 2000, and an attempted explosion in the port of Piraeus. She is believed to have joined the group in 1986.

- Anestis Papanastasiou, 41 (cousin of defendant Nikos Papanastasiou). He is not charged with participation in any 17N attack, but accused of set-up and membership in a criminal organization.

N17 court opts to remove bullet-proof cubicle surrounding accused: The Three-member Criminal Appeals Court trying the sensational ''November 17'' terrorism case on Monday decided that the bullet-proof glass cubicle surrounding the dock and the 19 defendants should be removed, starting with the bullet-proof glass initially and afterward the frame.

The counsel for several of the defendants had moved for the cubicle's removal when the trial began on Monday morning, claiming that it was not there for their clients' protection but as a 'communications gimmick' designed to send a message outside the courtroom.

Lawyers for the defense questioned whether the extra security measures were necessary and said that it discriminated against their clients relative to defendants in other cases, while some the defendants themselves claimed to have problems hearing the proceedings and communicating with their lawyers.

The removal of the cubicle was also requested by the public prosecutor on the bench Christos Lambrou in order to ensure unimpeded communication between the accused and their defense counsel.

N17 court has allowed use of tape-recorders, gov't says: The court trying the 19 defendants accused as members of the terror group "November 17" had decided to allow journalists to use tape-recorders within the courtroom, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said on Monday.

He said the authorities were also considering the transfer of card phones into the press room next to the court.

Responding to questions about the bullet-proof glass cubicle surrounding the prisoners' dock, which the court decided should be removed during the first day of the trial on Monday, the spokesman said this had been constructed by "Themida Kataskevastiki" - the company in charge of setting up the interior of the courtroom and overseeing security measures.

On the trial itself, the spokesman reiterated that the important thing was its substance.

He stressed that through the actions of Greek authorities, "terrorism in Greece has suffered a great defeat, both through the arrest of N17 and with the arrest of members of other terrorist groups."

During the trial, he added, there would be an attempt to dispel the "myth" surrounding terrorism without denying anyone freedom of expression.

Protopapas stressed that the trial was a "very important moment for the country and society" and that the trial was taking place within the framework of criminal proceedings set out by law.

"People who stole, robbed banks, set bombs and killed cannot be tried in a political trial. They displayed criminal behavior and must face a criminal trial".

[02] U.S. government hails commencement of N17 terrorist suspects' trial

WASHINGTON 04/03/2003 (ANA - T. Ellis)

''It is an issue in which we are interested and which we are following closely. We believe that the terrorists should be brought before justice for their crimes. The United States fully supports the government of Greece in bringing the defendants to trial for multiple crimes,'' State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said.

''The Greek government's successes against the notorious terrorist group are worthy of recognition,'' he further said, as well as the fact that the issue has been brought before justice.

[03] EU says Baghdad's compliance with UNSCR 1441 best way to avert war

DOHA 04/03/2003 (ANA - D. Konstantakopoulos)

Talking to reporters after talks here with Gulf Cooperation Council delegates, Greek Foreign Minister and EU Council President in office George Papandreou on Monday stressed the EU wished a peaceful solution to the crisis without precluding the use of force as the last resort, adding ''and we are supporting the UN''.

Asked about the differences in opinion among EU member states, Papandreou said that everyone within the EU was bound by their preference for a peaceful solution.

''There are individual differences, of course, but there is also very strong unity in the desire to exhaust all peaceful means'', he said.

''There is further need for initiatives to confront the Iraqi crisis'', Papandreou said and stressed that despite disagreement within the EU and the UN, there is agreement on UNSCR 1441, and that the message to Saddam is that compliance with the UN resolution is the best way to avert war.

[04] Greece calls Turkish blocking of US troops deployment very significant

Athens, 04/03/2003 (ANA)

Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas reiterated the Greek EU presidency's wish that any developments on Iraq occur within the framework of the United Nations.

Commenting on recent statements made by Turkish ruling party leader Recep Erdogan, who wished for ''good bilateral relations'' with Greece, the spokesman said that Greece also wished for good neighborly relations, but that Ankara would have to demonstrate ''consistency through words and deeds''.

[05] Defense minister discusses with British counterpart Iraq, Cyprus, Euroarmy

LONDON 04/03/2003 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

The Greek minister noted two basic factors, which, according to his assessment, have changed the scene and the prospects of a war in Iraq. It is, he said, the Turkish parliament's decision not to allow the installation or the passage through Turkish territory of U.S. troops and the anti-war position of international public opinion and particularly public opinion in Britain which demands a second UN resolution for Britain and the U.S. to act together in a military operation in Iraq.''

''With these facts the possibility of the war in Iraq remains of course strong, but less strong in comparison to the previous days and consequently this strengthens the Greek EU presidency's efforts for a diplomatic solution to the Iraq crisis,'' Papantoniou said.

The Greek minister said he also discussed with his British counterpart the Cyprus issue and latest developments and stressed the intransigence of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and for the need of the international community to exert pressure for Denktash to give a positive reply to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan at The Hague on March 10 concerning the referendum.

Hoon assured his Greek counterpart that on the issue of Cyprus, the British government will make great efforts in the right direction.

''The proper direction naturally is for the Cypriots, and particularly the Turkish Cypriots to freely express their opinion concerning their future,'' Papantoniou added.

Another issue which Papantoniou discussed with the British secretary for defense was the first activation of the ''Euroarmy'' in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), where early in April it will replace the existing international military force.

''The European defense exists and is operational,'' said Papantoniou, adding that he will be in FYROM to receive the first soldiers of the ''Euroarmy''.

[06] Yiannitsis meets EU’s Kinnock on Council of Ministers’ regulation

Athens, 04/03/2003 (ANA)

During a working lunch, Kinnock stressed that the achievement of a political decision by the Council of Ministers regarding the adoption of the new regulations is an essential matter for the smooth operation of the EU. He further expressed a hope that a positive outcome would be achieved during the Greek EU Presidency on the specific matter.

Yiannitsis said the Greek presidency viewed a political decision on the issue as highly important, especially in view of the Union’s expansion.

As a foreign ministry announcement said, the Greek EU Presidency intends to make all possible efforts to cooperate with EU member-states to conclude procedures for the adoption of a new regulation by the Council as soon as possible.

[07] Greek tourism minister visits Australia

Athens, 04/03/2003 (ANA)

The Greek minister is currently visiting Australia for talks with government officials and tour operators in a bid to boost tourist arrivals from down-under.

Mr Georgakopoulos said that the Greek tourism authorities were planning joint programs with other countries, particularly Italy, to promote theme tourism in the region.

The Greek minister said that the government would seek viable solutions in a demand by Australian tour operators to establish a direct air connection between Greece and Australia.

Mr Georgakopoulos met in Melbourne with Victoria state's Tourism Minister, Mr John Pantazopoulos, and with representatives of the Greek community in the region. The Greek minister will also visit Canberra and Sydney.

Meanwhile, Greece's National Tourism Organization (GNTO) on Monday said that the UK conference market was showing a fundamental and increasing interest for Greece, despite negative conditions in the international market because of fears of a war in Iraq.

GNTO held a special event on conference tourism in London last week, in the framework of a Confex international exhibition in the UK capital.

The event was organized by a newly set-up agency on conference and incentives tourism by GNTO in London.

[08] Greek President to make official visit to Belgium

Athens, 04/03/2003 (ANA)

[09] PM to visit Alexandroupolis on Tuesday

Athens, 04/03/2003 (ANA)

On Wednesday at 10:00, Simitis will chair a government meeting to discuss the Lisbon summit policies that will be attended by Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis, Labor Minister Dimitris Reppas and Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

At 12:30 the same day, the premier will meet the leadership of the foreign ministry to discuss foreign policy issues.

On Thursday at 11:30, Simitis will receive the new Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, while on Friday at 10:00 he will meet Education Minister Petros Efthymiou before addressing a conference by European trade unions on employment at noon.

[10] EU Commission organizes conference on gender equality

BRUSSELS 04/03/2003 (ANA-A.Simatos)

The event aims to prepare certain recommendations to the members of the Convention on the Future of Europe.

The one-day conference agenda includes a discussion of the outcome of EU policies so far as a driving force with respect to gender equality in the Union following expansion.

Participants will include EU Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou, the President of the Europarliament’s Women’s Rights Committee Anna Karamanou, MEPs and members of the Convention on the Future of Europe.

[11] FinMin unveils insurance market supervisory board

Athens, 04/03/2003 (ANA)

Addressing an annual general assembly of the Union of Insurance Companies, Mr Christodoulakis rejected plans for a new round of premium price increases in the insurance sector and stressed that such a move would be unjustified.

Dimitris Kontominas, the Union's outgoing chairman, noted that higher prices were necessary because of the negative international business climate and stressed that the insurance sector topped the list in revoking operation licenses. Mr Kontominas defended a plan to set up an independent supervisory board that would combat unfair competition in the Greek market.

The Greek minister stressed that the board would be supervised by the Bank of Greece, on the model of the Greek Capital Markets' Commission.

[12] Eurozone's PMI rises surprisingly in February, Greek index eases

Athens, 04/03/2003 (ANA)

The Greek PMI remained above the 50 points reading - the level separating growth and contraction - although it fell to 51.3 in February from 53.1 in January.

The fall in the index reflected the impact of severe weather conditions around the country in the previous month. February's reading was the lowest in the last 12 months despite higher sales both in the domestic and foreign markets and steady employment levels in the month.

Eurozone's PMI rose to 50.1 in February from 49.3 in the previous month, exceeding analysts' predictions of a reading of 49.5.

The production index in the manufacturing sector recorded the highest growth rate in the last three months, to 51.6 in February from 51 in January. Austria, France, Italy, Greece and Germany recorded the highest growth rates, while the Netherlands, Ireland and Spain recorded falls in the production index.

The employment index in the manufacturing sector in the eurozone remained below the 50 level, at 47.2 points in February, with the Netherlands and Germany recording the biggest falls.

[13] EU talks with Arab countries in Doha focus on economic ties

DOHA 04/03/2003 (ANA-D. Constantakopoulos)

The GCC, grouping Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman, is the EU's fifth trading partner world-wide and wants Europe to lift restrictions on its members' exports on the grounds that they present a 17-billion-dollar trading deficit, with 16 billion dollars in exports to and 33 billion dollars imports from the EU.

Arab peninsula states that have rich reserves of hydrocarbon fuels are traditionally pro-American, which explains why their discussions with the EU delegation did not dwell at length on either the Iraq crisis or the Palestinian issue, as one might expect.

During the discussions, the Arab states expressed their wish for simplification of the visa system for their citizens, while the EU bought up the issue of a new EU delegation office opening in Riyadh where the GCC headquarters are located.

Papandreou, who might fly to New York this week for the UN Security Council meeting, had a telephone conversation with his Cypriot counterpart George Iakovou.

[14] EU members reach agreement on common patent system

BRUSSELS 04/03/2003 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

[15] Greek stocks ease slightly on Monday

Athens, 04/03/2003 (ANA)

The general index fell 0.13 percent to end at 1,611.97 points, with turnover a low 77.6 million euros.

The IT, Textile and IT Solutions sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (2.30 percent, 1.80 percent and 1.43 percent, respectively), while the Cement, Retail and Metal sectors scores the biggest percentage gains (0.73 percent, 0.60 percent and 0.46 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.50 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.50 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index dropped 0.87 percent. The wider FTSE/ASE 140 index fell 0.54 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 177 to 123 with another 53 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 41.5 mln euros Monday

Equity Index Futures: