Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-03-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece sees major crisis due to Iraq war, says primary role belongs to UN

[02] FM Papandreou strongly concerned over Iraq crisis repercussions

[03] FM holds series of diplomatic contacts in Brussels

[04] Simitis in Brussels to head EU informal Summit on Thursday, Friday

[05] Iraq crisis mustn't stall EU political union, Papantoniou tells WEU meeting

[06] Public order minister says terrorism deals direct blow against democracy

[07] ND, Synaspismos leaders on Iraq crisis

[08] Greece evacuates Baghdad embassy personnel ahead of looming war

[09] KKE calls for immediate off-the-agenda debate on Iraq crisis in parliament

[10] Greece beefs up airport security ahead of Iraq operations

[11] DM meets with PASOK party secretary

[12] Spanish navy vessel 'ousted' from Souda harbor by anti-war activists

[13] Athens denies press reports citing US request for peacekeepers

[14] Albanian parliament c'tee approves base's reconstruction by Greece

[15] Foreign ministry issues travel advisory on Kuwait

[16] Greek economy prepares to deal with impact from Iraqi crisis

[17] Gov't focuses on measures in fuel sector

[18] Greece raises Mediterranean products issue at Council of Agriculture Ministers

[19] Level of 'Olympic funding' for Athens discussed on Wed.

[20] Greek stocks jump 3.34 pct on Tuesday

[21] Deputy FM discusses Greek humanitarian aid to Iraq with Kuwaiti ambassador

[22] V. Papandreou outlines Greek presidency's eco-priorities to Europarliament

[23] Orthodox faith to make proposals in view of shaping of European constitution

[24] Women can contribute to global peace, Euro-MP Karamanou says

[25] First witnesses testify as November 17 trial enters 11th day

[26] Greek environment exhibition inaugurated at European Parliament

[27] Cyprus a safe country, says the government

[01] Greece sees major crisis due to Iraq war, says primary role belongs to UN

Athens, 19/03/2003 (ANA)

''We support that the UN plays a primary role in developments and that the United Nations should be the guarantor of peace,'' Simitis said after an emergency government meeting to discuss the possible repercussions of war in Iraq.

He also made it clear that Greece would not participate or allow itself to be drawn into the war and that Athens believed the use of force should be the last resort. At the same time, however, he said Greece would fulfill any obligations arising from treaties that it had signed, indicating that Athens did not intend to block the use of U.S. bases, such as that of Souda Bay on Crete.

The Greek premier and current head of the European Council also made it clear that the crisis would have no effect on Europe's course but stressed that European countries had to have a common foreign policy and defense.

The Spring EU summit that would convene in Brussels on Thursday would discuss Iraq but also developments concerning Europe.

''It is our obligation and our choice to continue our course,'' he added.

Iraq intervention creates global crisis, PM Simitis warns, urges calm: Prime Minister Costas Simitis warned Tuesday that the decision for a military intervention in Iraq was creating a huge global crisis, and urged calm.

Speaking to reporters before he briefed President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos on the US decision to go ahead with war on Iraq if Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein did not step down within 48 hours, despite its failure to secure UN backing of the operations, Simitis said that "the decision for intervention in Iraq creates a large global crisis".

He urged, however, that "we must remain composed in the face of this crisis".

Simitis also reiterated that the European Union "must finally acquire" a common foreign policy "so as not to be led to situations that have very many negative elements".

Greeting Simitis before their meeting, Stephanopoulos noted that "these are difficult times", to which the prime minister agreed.

Simitis is due later to chair a broad government meeting, after which he would make statements to the press.

[02] FM Papandreou strongly concerned over Iraq crisis repercussions

BRUSSELS 19/03/2003 (ANA - V. Demiris)

Papandreou, in Brussels for the EU Cooperation Council-Ukraine meeting, told reporters after the meeting that he was strongly concerned over what he called the ''drama of the Iraqi people'', the integrity of Iraq's borders, stability in the wider region and the peace process in the Middle East, adding that EU president Greece, in quest of a peaceful solution, was in continuous contact with all interested parties, the Arab world and the UNSC permanent members.

''At this final hour we have the mandate to exhaust all diplomatic and peaceful means for a peaceful settlement to the Iraqi crisis'', he said.

On his part, EU External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten said it was sad that despite the ''heroic efforts made by the Greek presidency'', the EU failed to adopt a common European position vis-a-vis the greatest challenge its external and security policy had ever confronted.

''The challenge we are confronting now is to minimize the damage within the EU and in our relations with the US and the Arab world'', the EU official said.

[03] FM holds series of diplomatic contacts in Brussels

BRUSSELS 19/03/2003 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Papandreou on Monday had separate meetings with EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana and External Relations Commissioner Chris Patten to seek possible points for convergence among the ''15'' vis-a-vis the Iraq crisis. According to sources, the results of the meetings did not produce any satisfactory results, while all indications point to a war in Iraq.

The Greek minister on Tuesday morning chaired a meeting between the EU Cooperation Council and Ukraine, and later in day participated in the works of the Convention for the Future of Europe, for the first time after his appointment to the Convention.

A scheduled briefing of the ''15'' by Convention President Valery Giscard d'Estaing on Thursday was cancelled, which is indicative of the climate dominating Brussels two days before the Summit. According to sources, the former French president requested the cancellation of the briefing, considering that a debate over institutional revisions in the EU would not be purposeful in light of recent developments with the Iraqi crisis.

[04] Simitis in Brussels to head EU informal Summit on Thursday, Friday

BRUSSELS 19/03/2003 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Beginning on Wednesday, Simitis will have a series of preparatory meetings in Brussels, in light of the summit which will begin on Thursday and will conclude on Friday.

During his Wednesday meetings Simitis will discuss relevant issues with representatives of European syndicates and employers' associations to prepare for the Social Summit, which will take place for the first time ever on Thursday morning, as pre decision of the '15' on March 6.

Later in the same day, Simitis will meet with European Union high representative for defense and foreign affairs Javier Solana, European Commission President Romano Prodi and Europarliament President Pat Cox.

On Thursday, after the Social Summit, the premier will participate in the European Socialists' summit also taking place in Brussels.

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis will also be in Brussels to participate in the summit of the European Peoples' Party.

[05] Iraq crisis mustn't stall EU political union, Papantoniou tells WEU meeting

Athens, 19/03/2003 (ANA)

Instead, the head of the EU defense ministers' council called for EU common defense policies to be deepened, with the development and manufacture of shared weapons systems and perhaps the scrapping of an EU ban on financing research related to defense programs.

Despite apparent differences, he noted, EU countries shared a common view regarding the dictatorial regime headed by Saddam Hussein and a belief that Europe's political unification should not be affected by differences on the means by which the crisis should be handled.

On the contrary, he said, unification of EU institutions should be speeded up to avoid such phenomena in the future.

Papantoniou noted the need to upgrade common defense policy and Europe's embryonic military force, not confining this to humanitarian aid missions only - and called for the introduction of a mutual support clause between EU member-states and the manufacture of shared weapons systems by European countries.

''What happened in Iraq with the authoritarian intervention of the U.S. should lead us to strengthen our own identity, so that we have the power to guide developments based on our own values and principles,'' he said.

He also stressed that EU president Greece was particularly satisfied with the first mission by the fledgling European rapid reaction force, which began in Skopje two weeks before.

The symposium was also addressed by United States Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller, who in a controversial address claimed that the terror attacks of September 11 had changed the way in which Americans saw things and what they were prepared to tolerate.

''In the past we could tolerate a level of threat against us but not today,'' he said.

Miller said that NATO would also have to change its character in response to the new forms of threat, ''which now come from unstable countries and terrorist organizations,'' he said.

''Terrorist groups will have to understand that geographical location would no longer be any sort of shield,'' Miller added.

He also supported the U.S. decision to wage war on Iraq in spite of objections to this course within Europe.

''U.N. Security Council resolution 1441 was not voted by the United States alone. The members of the Council knew that at some point they would have to take on their responsibilities, even if this meant war...Iraq did not make a political decision to disarm. President Bush has made it clear that we worked very hard. There was no other choice,'' the U.S. envoy claimed.

Strong criticism was voiced by MPs from Belgium, Germany and France, who accused the U.S. of ignoring the root causes of terrorism and of having armed Saddam themselves, while one MP accused Washington of failing to put the same pressure on Israel, despite the fact that it violated U.N. decisions since its formation.

One speaker from Britain noted that the crisis in relations between Europe and the U.S. was Washington's unilateralism in proceeding with action without the U.N. sanction.

[06] Public order minister says terrorism deals direct blow against democracy

Athens, 19/03/2003 (ANA)

Chrysohoidis said ''the only healthy reaction towards terrorism is the enlargement of democracy. Only the society of citizens can constitute an antidote for whatever form of force'', adding that ''the expansion of democracy to all the lengths and widths of the world constitutes a challenge for our era.''

The minister also referred to organized crime as being an equally great danger for the societies of Europe and reminded that the Greek EU presidency has undertaken specific initiatives in this direction.

Former Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem expressed the concern of both his country and himself over the ''near abolition of the UN' regarding developments on Iraq which might, as he said, render terrorists the victors and societies the vanquished.

He also expressed his discontent over developments on a geopolitical level, with the worst scenario being a war between Iraqis and Kurds and the creation of a Kurdish state in northern Iraq, ''something like a new Israel which shall be planted by the Western imperialists.''

Cem further said ''a third country is giving weapons to the north Iraqis to destroy the legal government of their country. This is irrational. It is not an issue of Turkey's integrity but that of Iraq.''

Former Foreign Minister Theodoros Pangalos, present at a press conference at the end of the conference in his capacity as Vice President of the WEU's Parliamentary Assembly, discerned at the depth of developments the intention of the U.S. ''to have a form of federation with democratic institutions installed in Iraq'', terming it a ''very dangerous plan.''

Regarding the handling of terrorism, Pangalos said ''terrorism is a deeper phenomenon and we hope its causes are tackled where they exist, in inequalities and injustices.''

[07] ND, Synaspismos leaders on Iraq crisis

Athens, 19/03/2003 (ANA)

In speaking to his party’s sector coordinators, Karamanlis expressed his view that war is very probable.

The ND stressed that the Greek economy appears more vulnerable that other economies due to what he called the government’s policy, before calling for measures to better monitor the fuel sector.

Moreover, he said the sensitive tourism sector – an all-important industry for Greece – must be supported, included a new promotional campaign. Additionally, he said measures to prevent waves of migrants, fleeing the embattled areas, from inundating Greece are also imperative.

Finally, he advised calm-headedness discretion.

Synaspismos: Meanwhile, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos on Tuesday called on the Greek government to clearly take a position on the Iraqi crisis, stressing that because a possible war would be illegal, ''there is no justification for providing facilitations to the US side''.

He also said the European Union must also take a clear stand against the war, calling on the current Greek EU presidency to begin an initiative towards this direction, and for Greek PM Costas Simitis to align the country with the European leaders opposing the war.

[08] Greece evacuates Baghdad embassy personnel ahead of looming war

Athens, 19/03/2003 (ANA)

Responding to questions on the reasons for the evacuation of the embassy, and compared with the reasons why the Greek embassy in Belgrade was not evacuated during the NATO bombings there, Protopapas said that it was conducted for reasons of security.

''As conditions have developed, who ever remains in Iraq, does so at his/her own risk,'' Protopapas said in response to questions about westerners, including Greeks, now in Iraq that planned to call on the Geneva Convention and become ''human shields'' in protection of utilities.

Responding to questions about the possibility of the Greek presidency to issue a warning to EU member-states and candidate member-states about not taking part in the war in Iraq, Protopapas said ''no. During the course of the Spring Summit, the presidency will attempt to discuss the issue of Iraq, to arrive at a common EU position and to see the way in which there will be an EU intervention in developments,'' adding that the UN should play a central role in developments.

Commenting on a question of the legality of Greece's facilitation of war operations in Iraq, Protopapas said that the issue was resolved by a statement by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, adding that the agreements Greece has signed are binding for the country.

''Greece allocates to the US whatever the agreements prescribe and whatever is binding for the country, whether it has to do with Souda Bay Base or not,'' he said, when the Belgian reaction to the use of Antwerp was paralleled to that of the use of the Souda Bay Base.

Protopapas also stressed that the government's actions are in line with the agreements that it has signed, while adding that the Greek frigate in the now in the Gulf will not be recalled as it is not participating in the war, but is there in the framework of policing the region in the fight against terrorism and is under the Canadian force there.

Commenting on U.S. President George Bush's statements, he said that the government has expressed, via the premier, its sorrow that the ''specific efforts made that could have led to a specific result so as to avert the war, did not yield results''.

Speaking of increased security measures in Greece, due to the war, he said that Greece was not anymore in danger of homegrown terrorist groups, but increased measures have been taken to protect foreign embassies and businesses in Greece since the phenomenon of terrorism is a global one.

White House spokesman says 'Greece is an ally of the US' WASHINGTON 19/03/2003 (T. Ellis)

Asked to what extent the United States is in a position to safeguard the territorial integrity and security of Greece, which according to the reporter who posed the question is in danger of a terrorist attack due to the impending war against Iraq, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said on Tuesday that ''Greece is an ally of the U.S. and naturally has rights.'' The spokesman avoided however to comment on ''hypothetical'' situations, adding that he does not know of the existence of such a danger.

[09] KKE calls for immediate off-the-agenda debate on Iraq crisis in parliament

Athens, 19/03/2003 (ANA)

KKE leader Aleka Papariga, in a letter to parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis, called for a parliamentary debate on the issue of Greece's participation in the "unjust" war against Iraq.

Papariga claimed, in her letter, that the Greek government was "taking part in this war by providing facilities to the US via the operation of the base in Souda, Crete, the use of Greek crews in AWACS flights, the presence of a frigate in the Gulf, and a series of other actions, and in fact without having the approval of parliament even as a formality".

On the imminent military operation against Iraq, Papariga said that "the US and its allies are proceeding to a new crime against humanity, to an unjust war aimed at control of the oil in the region and the expansion of their military and geopolitical sovereignty".

Meanwhile, in a question to the prime minister tabled in parliament, Papariga said that "the evocation of Greece's supposed obligation to adhere to the agreements with the US cannot cover-up its complicity in the crime".

She asks the prime minister whether he intended to "close down the Souda base, withdraw the Greek vessel from the Gulf, and halt every facilitation on land, air and at sea to the US and its allies for realizing this dirty war against Iraq".

[10] Greece beefs up airport security ahead of Iraq operations

Athens, 19/03/2003 (ANA)

Particular emphasis was on airports, were extra security measures were being implemented for civilian flights.

According to reliable sources, the package of measures to be applied upon the commencement of war operations on Iraq has been meticulously and extensively analyzed, and approved last week at a meeting between transport and communications minister Christos Verelis and members of the National Committee for Civil Aviation Security.

The measures include stricter checks on all airport personnel, individuals with access to airport facilities, stringent checks on luggage, cargo and post, and increased policing of facilities in cooperation with the public order ministry.

In addition, explosives detectors have been put in place for luggage.

[11] DM meets with PASOK party secretary

Athens, 19/03/2003 (ANA)

''We agreed that PASOK should become an agent of the new in Greek society and to become once again a force of change,'' Papantoniou said after the meeting, adding ''the people do not only vote on accomplished works, but vote for hope and a message for the future''.

Responding to an unrelated question, whether Greece is ready to handle the repercussions of a war in Iraq, he said that Greece would have no problems, while commenting on Turkey's stance on the issue of the war he said, ''I would not say that I am concerned, but I think that Turkey is going through a transitional period, a very sensitive period, that much is obvious. It has not yet found its orientation, the new government has not yet been stabilized and that obliges Greece to be vigilant''.

[12] Spanish navy vessel 'ousted' from Souda harbor by anti-war activists

Athens, 19/03/2003 (ANA)

The protesting youths had been in Hania since Saturday in order to take part in the demonstration at the Marathiou Base and were now waiting from a sailing ban imposed due to bad weather to be lifted so they could go home.

When they became aware of the Spanish navy's vessel 'Diana' they immediately went into action, writing anti-war protests on buildings in the harbor and throwing paint at the ship, while they were later joined by 20 students from Crete Polytechnic.

Police and coast guard officers arrived on the scene to prevent further incidents, while the Spanish ship eventually raised anchor and docked at another part of Souda bay.

[13] Athens denies press reports citing US request for peacekeepers

Athens, 19/03/2003 (ANA)

“Nothing like that has been requested,” minister Yiannos Papantoniou said, before again stressing that no Greek forces are participating in military operations in the volatile region, except within the framework of bilateral and NATO commitments – a reference to a Hellenic navy frigate on patrol in the Arabian Sea as part of “Operation Enduring Freedom” and Greek airmen participating in AWACS missions over Europe.

[14] Albanian parliament c'tee approves base's reconstruction by Greece

TIRANA 19/03/2003 (ANA – I. Patso)

Opposition party members on the committee, however, voted against the agreement.

A parliament plenum is expected to ratify the agreement next week.

The western Balkan country’s other large naval base, at Vlore, is currently being renovated by the Turkish military.

[15] Foreign ministry issues travel advisory on Kuwait

Athens, 19/03/2003 (ANA)

[16] Greek economy prepares to deal with impact from Iraqi crisis

Athens, 19/03/2003 (ANA)

Greece's National Tourism Organization (GNTO) on Tuesday unveiled the creation of a four new commissions to work on drafting and promoting synergy programs in cooperation with foreign tour operator soon after the situation in Iraq was clear.

Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos stressed that Greek tourism authorities would seek a joint advertising campaign in international markets to quickly cover any lost ground from a delay in travel reservations.

Meanwhile, Greece's National Confederation of Commerce urged for additional government measures to shield the Greek economy against a likely impact from a war in the Middle East. The Confederation said in an announcement published on Tuesday that government measures were inadequate and failed to improve sentiment in the domestic consumer market.

The Confederation urged for an immediate meeting of a National Council, chaired by Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis with representatives of employers and employees' unions to discuss the current situation and adopting new measures to strengthen the economy.

The Confederation urged its members to deal the current situation calmly and with self-control.

[17] Gov't focuses on measures in fuel sector

Athens, 19/03/2003 (ANA)

According to government spokesman Christos Protopapas afterwards, state services will be ordered to more closely monitor domestic markets, while security levels have been raised at airports and other possible targets.

In a related development, the spokesman stressed that the Greek economy built on “strong foundations”, “although, of course, no one is invulnerable to international economic developments due to the crisis in Iraq. That’s why we’re taking necessary measures,” he said.

Finally, the Greek government on Tuesday said it was evacuating all diplomatic staff from its embassy in Baghdad.

[18] Greece raises Mediterranean products issue at Council of Agriculture Ministers

BRUSSELS 19/03/2003 (ANA - M. Kourmousis)

However, the Commission did not respond to the call, while no other country referred to the issue.

A second issue raised by Greece concerned production costs for agricultural products. Greece, backed by Spain, called for the taking of measures (such as the granting of subsidies) in the event oil prices soar due to the looming war in Iraq.

The Commission once again appeared reserved and the Council did not appear willing to influence it.

[19] Level of 'Olympic funding' for Athens discussed on Wed.

Athens, 19/03/2003 (ANA)

Municipal officials have pointed to a total budget of 183 million euros for their “Olympic interventions” program, 106 million coming from the state’s coffers, 52 million from the municipality itself and 24 million euros from the private sector.

Athenian officials want to renovate various public squares and buildings in the Greek capital; finalize a series of land expropriations; rebuild sidewalks; expand green spaces and even create new parking spots, among others.

In a related development, Bakoyianni announced a public works ministry-managed program to allocate more than 30 million euros for rehabilitating the facades of buildings along several of Athens’ major thoroughfares.

Finally, the city’s administration hopes to plant some 10,000 large trees in the congested Greek capital.

[20] Greek stocks jump 3.34 pct on Tuesday

Athens, 19/03/2003 (ANA)

The general index soared 3.34 percent to end at 1,538.15 points, with turnover a low 81.2 million euros.

All sector indices ended higher with the Publication (9.31 percent), Textile (8.49 percent), IT Solutions (6.98 percent), Construction (6.87 percent) and Metal (5.88 percent) sectors scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 3.42 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index jumped 4.36 percent, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 5.63 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 3.79 percent up.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 337 to 14 with another 16 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 105.6 mln euros Tuesday

Equity Index Futures: