Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-03-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] EU defense ministers' summit in Athens focuses on "Euroforce", Iraq

[02] Solana holds phone talks with Powell on Iraq problem

[03] DM Papantoniou meets German counterpart Struck

[04] Greek, French defense ministers say force should be the 'last resort' in Iraq

[05] EU-NATO security agreement signed in Athens

[06] Media minister rules out Greek participation in Iraq war

[07] Alternate FM: EU must move forward, despite problems such as Iraq

[08] ND leader says EU must have common position on possible Iraq war

[09] Athens-Piraeus Prefectural Council declares support for anti-war rallies

[10] Europe forging ahead despite other events, Greek EU presidency says

[11] EU presidency comments on closure of Turkey's HADEP party

[12] Magriotis meets German SPD European affairs official

[13] Petsalnikos in favor of European adjustment of justice

[14] Former PM Mitsotakis blasts government on economy, repercussions of Iraq war

[15] Communist Party of Greece urges strike over rising prices

[16] Coalition party expresses condolences for Djindjic murder

[17] Symposium on joint EU and US strategy against terrorism

[18] Court dismisses objections raised by defendants in N17 trial

[19] Top gov't meeting focuses on CSF public awareness

[20] Black Sea Trade & Dev. Bank annual meeting in June

[21] European consumers need more information, conference says

[22] Greek economy - weekly review

[23] Consumer group calls for boycott on banks next week

[24] Greek stocks end week 1.74 pct down

[25] Health ministry presents plan for 2004 Olympics biochem protection

[26] Greek EU presidency - seminar on cultural heritage in March in Athens

[27] Archbishop Dimitrios of America elected to Athens Academy

[28] Kavafis remembered at U.S. Congress Library event

[29] Cyprus: UN report must allocate responsibility

[30] US still committed to a Cyprus settlement

[31] Greek prime minister to visit Cyprus on April 18

[01] EU defense ministers' summit in Athens focuses on "Euroforce", Iraq

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

Papantoniou said the crucial aspect of events lies in whether the window of diplomacy is still open, whether it can open further or, unfortunately, it has closed.

He said a very tough diplomatic struggle is currently taking place and nobody can predict the outcome of consultations, adding that the weekend will be crucial from the point of view of developments.

The defense minister said he could not confirm whether the telephone call to EU High Commissioner Javier Solana, who left the hall to speak, was related to reports that chemical weapons had been found in Iraq.

Papantoniou, after clarifying that a relevant request has not been made, categorically ruled out the possibility of Patriot missile batteries being sent to Turkey to strengthen it due to a possible war in Iraq.

The issue of Iraq will be examined during the second day of the meeting on Saturday.

On the question of the operational readiness of the European rapid reaction force, the defense ministers praised the efforts of the Greek EU presidency to achieve this objective.

Moreover, work groups involved in covering deficits in weaponry systems of the European rapid reaction force will submit their reports in May to enable European governments to go ahead with political commitments at the Brussels special ministers' conference for the procurement of necessary systems.

Papantoniou stressed that achieving the operational readiness of the European rapid reaction force is a great political success for Greece and an important step forward for the political unification of Europe.

[02] Solana holds phone talks with Powell on Iraq problem

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

According to the same sources, the object of the talks was the planned meeting between the U.S. Britain, Spain and possibly Portugal on the Iraq problem. The meeting is expected to take place at the beginning of next week.

At the same time, British diplomatic sources do not share the optimism of the French defense minister regarding the course of consultations between Britain and France, on a level of foreign ministers, concerning a peaceful solution being reached on the Iraq crisis.

The same sources stated that Britain does not agree with the possibility of an extension being given to the deadline for weapons inspectors to complete their mission.

[03] DM Papantoniou meets German counterpart Struck

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

The meeting between the two defense ministers was held after the end of the first day of the informal EU Council of Defense Ministers, taking place in Athens Friday and Saturday.

Papantoniou said they both expressed their concern over the situation regarding Iraq, and their confidence in the need for a peaceful way out of the crisis. A more detailed discussion of the specific issue will take place on Saturday morning.

The Greek minister, who is currently presiding over the Council, added that both Greece and Germany hold identical views in utilizing all means to avert a war in Iraq.

In addition, both countries expressed their confidence in the unification of European defense, as well as their contentment at the dispatch of the European Rapid Reaction Force in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the body’s first such mission to begin towards the end of March.

Struck spoke favorably over Papantoniou’s positions and careful and essential recommendations, which he said characterized the essence of European defense.

“I have to tell you that Germany’s and Greece’s positions on Iraq are identical. What we want is to give diplomacy all the tools and all the possibilities to exhaust its potential… we wish that UN arms inspectors go there and do their job, and we hope this way we can achieve Saddam Hussein’s disarmament, not through war,” Struck said in his statement after the meeting.

[04] Greek, French defense ministers say force should be the 'last resort' in Iraq

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

The French defense minister said that her country supported the disarmament of Iraq from weapons of mass destruction and stressed that France rejected the second draft resolution proposed by Britain at the United Nations Security Council, because it ''was not in line with legitimacy''.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the staunchest supporter of Washington's push for military action, on Wednesday proposed setting Iraq six specific disarmament tests.

Alliot-Marie said that France would only have to exercise its veto at the UNSC if the US government managed to secure a majority vote at the Council, which was not the case.

She said that the second British proposal was automatically promoting a resort to force which France had rejected from the beginning, insisting that the work of the UN weapons inspectors should continue and only if they say they cannot continue with their work then examine the possibility for resorting to force as a last resort.

''War is neither a correct or an effective solution. In the 90's it was proven that inspections have led to better results than operations'', she said, adding ''in addition to thousands of victims on both sides, a pre-emptive war would destabilize the region and would lead to a precipitous rise of terrorism''.

Alliot-Marie said that the inspectors' work was advancing very well and said they should be reinforced with personnel and more means and that discussions were underway at a foreign ministers level between Britain and France to bring French and British positions closer.

With regard to the EU position she noted that differences were not big compared to those in the interior of the US.

''We might be in disagreement with Britain and Spain regarding the method and the time for the war, however there are no differences in substance'', she said.

On his part, the Greek defense minister said there was a ''window'' in diplomacy for a peaceful settlement on the issue, but ''efforts should be made so that hope could turn into reality''.

He said Greece supported the disarmament of Iraq, the work of the inspectors, the UN decision-making procedure and believed that war was the last resort.

Moreover, with regard to the preparedness of the European Rapid Reaction Force, the French defense minister praised the efforts of the Greek presidency toward the completion of the goal and said that the European force would operate in collaboration with the corresponding NATO force and would be in a position to fulfill its mission in Bosnia in the beginning of 2004.

[05] EU-NATO security agreement signed in Athens

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

The agreement opens the way for military missions by the Union within the framework of the European Security and Defense Policy, and in areas where the NATO alliance is not active as a whole.

NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson and Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou – the current president of the EU Council of Ministers – signed the agreement for the respective blocs.

The latter expressed his satisfaction that the agreement was signed during the current Greek EU presidency, while Lord Robertson praised the Greek presidency for its efforts.

“This security agreement confirms our volition to assume responsibilities in more and more areas, starting with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM),” Papandreou stressed.

In an unrelated development, the Greek FM again expressed Athens’ shock over this week’s assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic.

[06] Media minister rules out Greek participation in Iraq war

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

Protopapas made the statements during the presentation of a book by journalist Costas Mardas entitled "Bases, Blood and Oil: From the Cold War to Globalization".

Regarding the use of the military base in Souda by the United States, the minister said that Greece was bound by the agreements it had signed and the obligations arising from these.

Turning to the role of Europe in world developments and international security, Protopapas said that it was now breaking away from its dependence on the United States and seeking to enhance its presence on the international scene.

"The peoples [of Europe] are replying that they do not want a new Roman Empire. Instead, they want a world order based on international law that is determined by the United Nations and not by one country," he noted.

Iraq's disarmament had to take place but the way in which this should be done was a decision for the United Nations, he added.

Asked how the European Union would react in the case of war, the minister said that the situation would be closely monitored by the EU's summer council and that another emergency summit might be held if necessary, while stressing that events within the U.N. Security Council would be very important.

Statements regarding the prospects of war in Iraq were also made by main opposition New Democracy's spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, who said that the Greek EU presidency could still work for peace.

"Saddam Hussein is a dictator and, from this point of view, the people of Iraq must be helped. But this cannot be done through the use of arms," he said.

[07] Alternate FM: EU must move forward, despite problems such as Iraq

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

He said that Greece, the current EU president, had made great efforts on the issue of Iraq and had tried to find compromises that would allow Europe to forge ahead united.

Yiannitsis made the statements when asked to comment on a British proposal for a meeting of EU European Affairs ministers to discuss relations between the Community and the United States that would include the 10 candidate-countries due to join in April.

Relations between the EU and the US, as well as relations between the EU and the Arab and Moslem world were particularly crucial issues that intensely concerned the Union, the minister noted.

He said that the Greek EU presidency would examine and assess the action needed to deal with the problems after the Spring EU summit, following a calm and constructive joint assessment of developments.

[08] ND leader says EU must have common position on possible Iraq war

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

Karamanlis was speaking during the first meeting of his party's Political Council with its new composition and at which an identity of views was ascertained on the policy the party should follow on the issue of Iraq.

Referring primarily to developments on the issue of Cyprus, Karamanlis said the Greek Cypriot side observed a constructive stance. He added that ND had reservations as to whether the solution would be viable and workable and that there were hopes that the new Turkish leadership would change its longstanding position at the last moment.

The ND leader also said Turkey's European prospects depend on a solution to the Cyprus issue and that work should be continued for a viable solution to be found for the political problem.

Former Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis said Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash took advantage of weaknesses on Turkey's political scene, pointing out that responsibility for the rejection of the Annan plan lay on the Turkish side.

Mitsotakis congratulated the party's leader because the policy he is following on the issues of Cyprus and Iraq is in the country's interest.

KKE leader sharply criticizes prospect of war in Iraq: Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga received Iraq’s charges d’ affaires in Athens on Friday, before she sharply criticized the prospect of a war against the country, saying control of the region’s oil was the true reason behind the crisis.

“We are not relying on the resistances shown by European countries (to calls for military action),” she warned, adding that her party hopes such resistance will foil any war.

[09] Athens-Piraeus Prefectural Council declares support for anti-war rallies

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

It urged the public to take part in the rallies that will take place in Athens on Saturday to coincide with EU defense ministers council in the city and on Friday, March 21, at Syntagma Square.

Three anti-war rallies, March in Thessaloniki:

Three anti-war rallies that will culminate in a single protest march against war in Iraq will be held on Saturday in Thessaloniki.

The first rally at the Venizelos statue at 13:00 is organized by the Greek Social Forum and EDOTh, the second will be held at the same time at the city port and is organized by Action Thessaloniki 2003 and the trade union organizations EDYETh and PAME, while the group Thessaloniki Resistance 2003 will hold a rally at noon in Kamara.

All three will join to hold a march that will head toward the 3rd Army Corps and the American Consulate.

Protestors surround defense ministry to protest possible Iraq war: Members of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), of the EEDYE, of the Action ''Thessaloniki 2003 and other peace organizations were symbolically surrounding the Defense Ministry as of 5 p.m. on Friday to protest a possible war in Iraq.

The organizers called on the people of Athens to respond and escalate their protests, pressuring the government to close the Souda Bay U.S. base.

They were also protesting the creation of the ''Euroforce''.

[10] Europe forging ahead despite other events, Greek EU presidency says

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

The EU summit on March 20-21 in Brussels was the focus of a meeting chaired Friday by prime minister Costas Simitis attended by Simitis, alternate foreign minister Tasos Yiannitsis, national economy and finance ministry Nikos Christodoulakis, labor minister Dimitris Reppas and press and media minister Christos Protopapas.

The message the Greek EU presidency wishes to put forward is that now Europe needs greater acceleration, Papandreou told reporters after the meeting.

He said the Greek EU presidency had done very good work in the achievement of specific goals, adding that next week's Summit could be a successful one and noting that "Europe is progressing despite the other events".

On the prospective war in Iraq, Papandreou said that nothing could be ruled out as long as diplomatic efforts were continuing, including a diplomatic, peaceful solution to the problem being found even at the last minute.

On press speculation that US president George Bush has called a weekend meeting with the British and Spanish prime ministers at a European venue, Papandreou said he there was no specific information on such a meeting, adding that he would be speaking with US secretary of state Colin Powell later Friday or Saturday, who would be able to provide information.

[11] EU presidency comments on closure of Turkey's HADEP party

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

''The Presidency, on behalf of the EU, takes note with great concern of the verdict issued by the Turkish Constitutional Court, with regard to the closure of the HADEP party. It also notes that the Chief Prosecutor of the Court of Appeals has requested the Constitutional Court to initiate similar proceedings against the DEHAP party,'' the press release said.

''The EU will examine both developments in depth. It reiterates the fundamental importance it attaches to democratic pluralism and to the freedoms of expression and political opinion,'' it concluded.

[12] Magriotis meets German SPD European affairs official

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

The focus of discussions, according to a Greek Foreign Ministry announcement, was on European and global affairs, with an emphasis on the situation regarding Iraq and developments in the Cyprus problem.

Magriotis referred to Germany and Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder’s decisive role in defending international law principles.

With regard to the EU, he stressed that Greece was in favor of EU enlargement, of the Union’s credible and decisive role and an economically strong, prosperous and progressive Europe of citizens.

Glosser noted the special role the Greek EU Presidency played in dealing with the Iraq crisis, stressing that the political cost of war would be must higher that the economic one.

Referring to Cyprus, the German official said that efforts by the United Nations and Secretary General Kofi Annan for a solution should continue, while he expressed certainty for Cyprus’ EU admission.

Further, Glosser expressed the hope that before the end of the semester he would be in position to discuss the draft constitution of the EU, taking place for the first time and during the Greek presidency.

[13] Petsalnikos in favor of European adjustment of justice

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

“To implement the space of freedom, security and justice, provided for in the EU Treaty, judges and public prosecutors should understand in depth their own judicial and jurisdictional systems, as well as cooperation means,” Petsalnikos told participating judges.

He added that constant education, training and updating of judges promotes scientific dialogue and knowledge and contributes to the positive assimilation of modern considerations and data.

Finally, the Greek justice minister underlined the importance of national educations systems’ enlargement and networking, by respecting their identity and retaining the independence of justice.

[14] Former PM Mitsotakis blasts government on economy, repercussions of Iraq war

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

In an interview on a private radio station, Mitsotakis, honorary president of the main opposition New Democracy party, said that the government ''should have stepped down yesterday'', adding that it should call early general elections as soon as Greece completed it's six-month term in the EU presidency in June.

Mitsotakis opined, however, that Simitis would not call early elections but attempt instead to exhaust the entire four-year term in office until May 2004, ''unless he loses control'' over the situation.

The former premier was equally critical of Bank of Greece governor Nikos Garganas, intimating that the central bank chief was playing down the situation in his report, and called on the government to take measures to contain expenditures and strengthen productivity and competitiveness, and to proceed with denationalizations as well as structural changes in the labor and social security sectors.

Mitsotakis said that he had supported Simitis' efforts in the hope that he would make a contribution, but this government was a bad government and had to leave because the dying PASOK could not improve.

''Where are the prime minister and national economy minister living,'' Mitsotakis asked, adding that New Democracy had the appropriate officials to govern, while ND leader Costas Karamanlis was suitable for prime minister.

Mitsotakis declined to comment on his own political future, but announced that his son, Kyriakos, would stand for election to parliament in the Athens B' electoral district.

Turning to the issue of terrorism, the veteran politician said that ND would continue its investigations so that light would be shed on the matter if the government failed to complete investigations into all the aspects of the problem, and insisted that only the 'operational' leg of the 'November 17' terrorist group had been arrested and was currently on trial.

On the Cyprus issue, Mitsotakis placed full blame on Turkey and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash for the collapse of the UN secretary general's effort and plan for reunification of the island republic, noting that as a result Ankara's position vis-a-vis the EU and the US was had been weakened while Greece's was strong.

He said that if Turkey wanted to accede into the EU, it would have to resolve the Cyprus issue, and opined that Cyprus' imminent EU accession could lead to a solution of its political problem.

On the Iraq crisis, Mitsotakis said that the differences between France and the US were small and technical ones that could be bridged. He said the Europeans were correct in demanding a UN Security Council resolution, but criticized them for not having done the same for the attacks on Serbia. He also claimed that the Greek EU presidency was not playing a role in the matter.

[15] Communist Party of Greece urges strike over rising prices

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

In a statement, the party also called on the public to take part in anti-war protests.

[16] Coalition party expresses condolences for Djindjic murder

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

They expressed hope that the Serbs would overcome this blow to stability and progress for Serbia and the wider region with democratic and political normalcy.

[17] Symposium on joint EU and US strategy against terrorism

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

Among the participants will be Greek Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis, the head of the WEU Assembly J.D. Blaauw, Greek Foreign Minister and head of the EU foreign ministers' council George Papandreou, Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, former Greek foreign ministers Theodoros Pangalos and Karolos Papoulias, former Turkish foreign minister Ismail Cem, Greek Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller and more than 140 MPs, political analysts and experts from Europe and the United States.

[18] Court dismisses objections raised by defendants in N17 trial

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

Presiding Judge Michalis Margaritis explained that the term 'political crime' did not arise from the Constitution but from legal precedent in Greek courtrooms.

Under this he said, the court accepted the definition of political crime as being that which directly attacks the system of government and aims toward toppling the establishment class.

However, he added, this did not extend to crimes for which the political beliefs of the perpetrator may have been a motive.

Later in the day, it also rejected yet more objections raised by lawyers representing the defendants Vassilis Tzortzatos, Iraklis Kostaris, Kostas Karatsolis and Pavlos Serifis regarding various technicalities.

More objections by the defense concerning the pre-trial procedures and motions for the removal of depositions and confessions made by the defendants in the preliminary stages are expected to be submitted when the trial resumes on Monday.

The court has, however, asked the witnesses in the first three cases to report to the courtroom on Monday morning.

[19] Top gov't meeting focuses on CSF public awareness

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

According to the government spokesman afterwards, the meeting’s focus was not the course of CSF funding but only the portion dealing with promotion and public awareness.

Several high-ranking ministers attended the meeting.

[20] Black Sea Trade & Dev. Bank annual meeting in June

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

Meanwhile, a major conference is scheduled on June 1 under the auspices of the Greek EU presidency, which has continuously pointed to a goal of promoting economic relations between the Black Sea region countries and the European Union.

For more information, contact BSTDB directly by e-mail at info@bstdb.org

[21] European consumers need more information, conference says

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

The conference, held on the occasion of a European Consumer Day, March 15, was titled "Consumers and the expansion of the EU".

Speaking in the conference agreed that to achieve this goal it would need funding and drafting of partnership programs around the European Union.

OKE Europe's chairman, Roger Briesch, said that in the next meeting of the plenary, March 26-27, the agency would adopt a significant opinion for the education of consumers and the enhancement of their position as major factors of the market. "In our opinion, this is a major priority, both for current member-states and for the new EU members next year and in the future," Mr Briesch noted.

"It is necessary to promote consumers' education across Europe, so that they can take decisions and measures to ensure their rights," OKE Greece's chairman, professor Andreas Kintis said.

Mr Kintis stressed that the EU expansion "was a great democratic challenger for the Union and an historic opportunity to create a single political, economic and social area". He added that "expansion would have interactive benefits both to member-states and candidate states, it would improve competitiveness of the European economy in the long-term and promote political and economic stability in Europe".

Greek Euro MP, Christos Folias, said that an EU expansion was a "great challenge for Greece". Mr Folias stressed that Greek consumers were not having all the information they should have and urged for a stricter implementation of laws to promote healthy competition and consumer protection.

[22] Greek economy - weekly review

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

The Greek central banker was presenting an ICAP survey on Greek household debt that showed that one in two households was debt-free, while the vast majority of households with debt were servicing their loans regularly.

Meanwhile, in the Athens Stock Exchange the general index fell below the 1,500 level during the week, although it recovered in the last two sessions, hit by a negative climate in international markets because of fears of a possible war in Iraq. Small investors are remaining on the sidelines of the market having suffered heavy losses in the last three and a half years.

In other headline news this week: Prime Minister Costas Simitis said that there was no need to take any emergency measures to deal with problems in the economy from a possible war in Iraq. Addressing a cabinet meeting to discuss recent economic developments, Mr Simitis reiterated his confidence in the Greek economy and stressed that the government would not be carried away from those trying to create a climate of crisis and fear.

Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis stressed the need to enhance an anti-inflationary policy and promoting structural changes in the economy. He did not exclude, however, a possibility of the government offering income support to low-income pensioners if conditions worsened. He was adamant, though, that the government would not adopt spending cuts, nor a looser economic policy.

The Greek minister, speaking to reporters, after another meeting to discuss progress in a Third Community Support Framework, stressed that the government would immediately seek the acceleration of procedures to absorb EU funds.

Greek unemployment rate fell to 9.7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2002 from 10.9 percent in the same period in 2001, although up from 9.5 percent in the third quarter 2002, National Statistics Service said. NSS said that unemployment has fallen by two percentage points since 1999, or 18 percent of the average annual number of unemployed people.

The Greek government approved a plan to speed up a merger procedure between Hellenic Arms Industry (EBO) and PYRKAL, the country's ammunition manufacturer.

Greek car sales dropped 32.6 percent in February from the previous month to 20,119 units, from 29.858 units in January, official figures showed this week. Toyota topped the list of sales with 1,829 units in February, followed by Hyundai (1,634 units) and Ford (1,390 units).

[23] Consumer group calls for boycott on banks next week

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

The move is timed to coincide with World Consumer Day on Saturday, and with the start of a hearing on Monday brought by the Ekpoizo consumer group against Athens-quoted Alpha Bank for a recent steep rise in loan rates.

Inka, another consumer group, is to file a class action suit against most banks within two weeks, seeking the abolition of terms ordained by banks for credit cards, and consumer and personal loans.

[24] Greek stocks end week 1.74 pct down

Athens, 15/03/2003 (ANA)

The general index rose 0.49 percent to end at 1,513.88 points, with turnover a low 68.7 million euros. The general index ended the week with a net loss of 1.74 percent.

The Telecommunications, Investment and Construction sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (2.06 percent, 1.59 percent and 1.21 percent, respectively), while the Textile (1.39 percent), Banks (0.88 percent) and IT (0.65 percent) sector suffered the heaviest losses.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.25 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.05 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.62 percent up and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index rose 0.25 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 189 to 109 with another 64 issues unchanged.

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