Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-04-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece capable of keeping Iraq war repercussions under control, PM says

[02] Arab League secretary general extremely concerned over Iraq crisis

[03] Greece does not wish for Turkey's international isolation, DM says

[04] Greek presidency does not foresee problems with Accession treaties

[05] EU president Greece: Iraq not on the agenda of April Summit

[06] Greece welcomes UN decision ''oil for food'' program for Iraq

[07] PM to meet Balkan leaders this week

[08] Greece turns down US request to set up Souda bay patrols

[09] EU's first military operation begins in

[10] European women MPs, MEPs sign Declaration for Peace at Acropolis

[11] European Socialist Group meeting starts on Monday in Athens

[12] EU president Greece condemns recent suicide attack at Netanya

[13] Greek economy able to withstand Iraq war repercussions, gov't says

[14] EU meeting in Athens to discuss expansion budget

[15] Budget spending jumps 24.4 pct in Jan-Feb, gov’t says

[16] Greek EU presidency welcomes outcome of sea transport meeting

[17] Athens bourse turnover drops in March

[18] Greek stocks plunge to new six-year lows on Monday

[19] Turkish plane hijacker imprisoned pending trial on two felony charges

[20] PM praises telethon raising funds for Iraqi children

[21] "Ark of Hope" for Iraq begins in Athens on Monday

[22] Magistrate says Kokkalis case should be dropped, cites insufficient evidence

[23] N17 leaders not on trial, witness claims

[24] Professors and teachers say Iraq war crime against humanity

[25] Albanian police arrest crew aboard Greek-owned ship 'Anastasios 2'

[26] Cyprus says UN report 'balanced but lacking'

[01] Greece capable of keeping Iraq war repercussions under control, PM says

Athens, 01/04/2003 (ANA)

Addressing a nationwide conference of his ruling PASOK party on SMEs (small and medium-size enterprises), Simitis said that, to date, the developments had been smooth and there was calm on the market, which needed to be maintained.

He said that if the government's policy for a strong economy and growth was adhered to with consistency past 2004, then Greece in 2006 would have more, not fewer, prospects for development. ''We will have national and Community resources,'' he added.

The Greek economy, he said, was not isolated from the international developments, adding that the government would not be carried away by the prevailing recession into abandoning its goals.

He said the economic policy followed by the government thus far enabled it to not have to resort to emergency measures, which would spread a wave of uncertainty among the working people and productive classes, and accused those demanding urgent measures as aiming at causing unrest.

Simitis also described as a ''big opportunity to increasing Greece's negotiating strength and presence'' the fact that Greece was currently presiding over the European Union, and criticized those who claimed that the EU presidency had come at the wrong time.

He said that the repercussions would not be big for a large country if it did not handle the presidency well, but on the contrary, a small country such as Greece could increase its negotiating power and presence from within the presidency. ''It is an opportunity,'' he said.

At this specific time, he continued, it had fallen to Greece to carry on Europe's course, giving clear indications of progress. ''We showed progress,'' he added, citing as examples the deepening of the single market and link-up of the European markets of energy, transports, macro-economic services and environmental issues.

[02] Arab League secretary general extremely concerned over Iraq crisis

Athens, 01/04/2003 (ANA)

Speaking after his meeting with Papandreou, Mousa said we are in the middle of a very serious crisis and stressed the need for the challenges and dangers they entail be handled as soon as possible.

''The issue is how the war will stop as soon as possible to enable us to be led to a political settlement of whatever issues have been raised,'' he said.

Mousa said the European Union, the Arab League, the Greek EU presidency and many other foreign leaders should have continuous intensive consultations ''for a solution to be found as soon as possible.''

Asked whether he is concerned over the possibility of other countries getting involved in the war, such as Syria or Iran, Mousa said the situation in Iraq is very serious, one way or another, and one can imagine how tragic it would become if whatever other country got involved in the war.

On the question of what the Arab League can do for an end to the crisis, Mousa said consultations and contacts are continuing with the EU presidency, Russia and other countries able to contribute in this direction, clarifying that he cannot announce something more specific at this stage.

Mousa termed unprecedented and excessive ''the destruction we are seeing in Baghdad and other Iraqi cities, not only for whatever Arab but also for whatever thinking person.''

Papandreou said his discussion with the Arab League's secretary general ''in these very difficult times'' was very important and useful, adding that the EU had very close cooperation with the Arab countries all these past months and weeks and will continue its consultations with the Arab League, sending a message that there is no clash between Europe and the Arab world.

The foreign minister reminded that the EU had made efforts to avert military operations and assured that efforts should be continued and that the Greek presidency will try to contribute to the finding of a political solution within the framework of UN resolutions.

He further spoke of ''a real drama taking place in Iraq'' and pointed out that he and Mousa discussed cooperation between the EU and the Arab world, the initiatives of Arab countries and possible joint initiatives to handle the situation, placing special emphasis on the ''humanitarian problem'' which constitutes what he termed was a priority for the EU at the moment.

Papandreou said he also discussed with Mousa the political aspects of the crisis and assured that the EU presidency will continue to have close cooperation with the Arab world, stressing that ''our consultations might prove to be very useful, at the right moment, to enable us to contribute to the ending of the war.''

[03] Greece does not wish for Turkey's international isolation, DM says

NEW YORK 01/04/2003 (ANA - P. Panayiotou)

Papantoniou said that the war in Iraq creates new parameters and that there was ''a danger of Turkey being internationally isolated. Greece believes that this danger should be averted, because Turkey should remain incorporated in the international and European system, if we really want to have a substantial and long-term improvement in Greek-Turkish relations''.

During his stay in the city, Papantoniou met with Archbishop of America Dimitrios and following the meeting he said that he had ''an interesting discussion for the great work accomplished in the U.S. for the consolidation of Orthodox Christianity''.

[04] Greek presidency does not foresee problems with Accession treaties

Athens, 01/04/2003 (ANA)

Responding to questions, he said a meeting between delegations representing the European Parliament, the EU council of ministers and the European Commission sought to find solutions to problems related to the European Parliament, so that the procedure could progress smoothly and the Parliament ratify the accession of the new members.

In response to other questions, Beglitis said that there were disagreements with the United States and Britain regarding the distribution of humanitarian aid within Iraq.

In the meantime, Greece was continuing to collect humanitarian aid to send to countries bordering Iraq, so that it would be on hand as soon as the problems were settled, he added.

[05] EU president Greece: Iraq not on the agenda of April Summit

Athens, 01/04/2003 (ANA)

Spokesman Christos Protopapas told reporters that the decision recently made at the EU Brussels Summit on the issue would be reviewed only in the event new developments emerged, and underlined the significance of the bloc's stance on the role of the United Nations.

The unanimous position of the EU is that in post-war Iraq the next move will be rebuilding, which must fall under the responsibilities of the United Nations.

''Agreement by all on the role of the UN in post-war Iraq was especially important'', the spokesman said.

[06] Greece welcomes UN decision ''oil for food'' program for Iraq

Athens, 01/04/2003 (ANA)

''This decision is the first step so as to confront immediately the humanitarian needs of the tried Iraqi people through the United Nations,'' Loverdos said, adding that Greece as a state, but also as the president of the European Union has repeatedly supported the central role that the UN should play both during the conflict and after it.

[07] PM to meet Balkan leaders this week

Athens, 01/04/2003 (ANA)

On Tuesday at 10:00, Simitis is to chair a meeting with Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and Deputy Finance Minister Christos Pahtas on the absorption of 3rd Community Support Framework funds, which will later be joined by Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Environment Minister Vasso Papandreou, Education Minister Petros Efthymiou and Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos.

On Wednesday at 10:00, Simitis will address a convention of the European Parliament's Socialist group at the Greek resort in Asteras, Vouliagmenis, followed by his meeting with Nano at 12:30 and a meeting with Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis at 13:30.

On Thursday, the prime minister will chair a meeting on the metropolitan park to be created at the site of the old Athens airport at Ellinikon attended by Environment Minister Vasso Papandreou, Transport Minister Christos Verelis, Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, Deputy Culture Minister Nasos Alevras, Press and Media Minister Christos Protopapas and Deputy Press Minister Telemahos Hytiris.

On Thursday at 13:30, Simitis will meet the Serb premier, followed by Crvenkovski at 14:30 and PASOK Central Committee Secretary Costas Laliotis at 18:30.

On Friday at 10:00, the Greek premier will chair a meeting on the Cyprus issue between Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis. The three are to be joined later by Press and Media Minister Christos Protopapas, Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis for a meeting on organizational aspects of preparing the two European Union summits to take place under the Greek EU presidency.

[08] Greece turns down US request to set up Souda bay patrols

Athens, 01/04/2003 (ANA)

Responding to questions, Protopapas said there had been no difference of opinion on this issue between Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou.

[09] EU's first military operation begins in

FYROM SKOPJE 01/04/2003 (ANA - N. Frangopoulos)

With the deployment of the Euroforce, the European Union will begin its first ever military operation by undertaking the peacekeeping activities of NATO in the small landlocked country of the central Balkans.

Dollis called the changeover as one of the most important moments for the European Union and the Greek presidency, adding that conditions in FYROM have improved significantly following the signing of the peace agreement in August 2001 and reassured the leadership of the country that the mission will be successful.

''The EU is unreservedly in favor of the stability and territorial integrity of FYROM and will contribute as effectively as possible in its development. The future of the western Balkans' countries is in the EU and the Summit of Thessaloniki will provide a significant push toward that direction,'' Dollis said.

Dollis held a separate meeting with FYROM's Prime Minister Branko Crvenkovski.

Speaking to the event, Robertson noted that with the ''undertaking of this mission the EU shows that its plans for the European security and defense policy have matured,'' adding that NATO will remain in FYROM with a small force to aid that first ever effort of the EU.

On his part, Solana said that the EU will continue to cooperate with NATO and stressed that it will aid FYROM in its efforts of integration in the Euro-Atlantic structures.

FYROM requested officially, following a unanimous vote of its Parliament, the deployment of the Euroforce, in an operation, codenamed ‘‘Concordia’’ that has a six-month mandate replacing the NATO ''Allied Harmony'' force.

According to EU military sources, the ''EUFOR'' force is composed of about 350 men from 27 countries, with France having the largest participation.

It will be deployed all throughout the country, its headquarters will be in Skopje, and will be composed of 22 mobile units of four men each without military backing by armor and of eight fixed units of four-to-eight men with military backing by armor. The sources said the purpose of the force is to avert national tensions in certain sensitive regions in the country, such as Tetovo, and in the event of clashes their solution as soon as possible.

In the event that FYROM appeals to the EU for an extension of the European force's presence, before the six-month deadline expires, the request will be examined by the EU's Council of Ministers.

The next aim of the Euroforce, which will number 60,000 men, will be to replace NATO forces in Bosnia, which now number 12,000 men, if of course there is an agreement between NATO and the EU, similar to that of FYROM.

[10] European women MPs, MEPs sign Declaration for Peace at Acropolis

Athens, 01/04/2003 (ANA)

The women MPs and MEPs made the call in a ''Declaration for Peace'' they signed Monday morning at the Athens Acropolis.

Greece's ruling PASOK MEP Anna Karamanou, who is president of the Europarliament's Committee for Women's Rights and Equal Opportunities and also the initiator of the Declaration, said that the proposal is backed by the current Greek EU presidency, which intended to bring the issue before the European Council. She further called for the further advancement and acceptance of the proposal by the presidents of the European Parliament and European Commission, as well as by the UN Secretary General.

The first to sign the declaration was Greece's environment, town planning and public works minister and PASOK MP Vasso Papandreou, who in 1989 was the first woman to serve on the European Commission. Papandreou, followed by Greece's secretary general for equality Efi Bekou, signed as representatives of the country currently presiding over the EU. The Declaration was further signed by PASOK MEP Meni Malliori and New Democracy MEP Rodi Kratsa on the Greek side.

The Declaration stresses that peace is a fundamental human value, and calls the Iraq war a "resounding failure of international diplomacy".

It further notes that women have proven their capability in resolving conflicts through peaceful means, adding that women "unfortunately continue to be under-represented in the negotiations and diplomacy that aims at preventing conflicts".

The Declaration also expresses grief for all those suffering from the war, mainly the women and children, and calls on the international community to secure the necessary urgent humanitarian aid. It further expresses the conviction that the United Nations will appraise the needs and destruction after the war and that the international community, under UN coordination, will consolidate peace for all the citizens of Iraq, taking into consideration the women's voices for security and democracy both in Iraq and the rest of the world.

After the signing ceremony, Papandreou said the support of everyone was necessary in order to cement peace, adding that if there were more women in the decision-taking centers, perhaps this war would never have taken place. She continued that it was necessary to have more women in the decision-taking centers, so that the decisions would be taken on the basis of humanitarian criteria rather than on the interests of the powerful.

Karamanou said that the message of peace was symbolic, adding that the women were opposed to wars as a means of resolving differences, "but unfortunately we are absent from the decision-taking centers".

Bekou called for intensification of the "efforts to stop this irrational war" and for the resolution of differences within the framework of the UN and other international organizations.

Karamanou has also called an emergency meeting of the European Network of Parliamentary Equal Rights Committees in Athens on Monday that will discuss issues pertaining to the participation of women in dialogue in Europe and the legal, economic and social dimensions of women’s' rights.

[11] European Socialist Group meeting starts on Monday in Athens

Athens, 01/04/2003 (ANA)

Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, European Council president in-office, will deliver a greeting to the plenary session of the European Socialist Group, the announcement said.

[12] EU president Greece condemns recent suicide attack at Netanya

Athens, 01/04/2003 (ANA)

The full text of the statement follows below:

''The Presidency condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist suicide attack, carried out by a Palestinian extremist in the town of Netanya in Israel causing the serious injury of dozens of innocent civilians. It expresses our sincere sympathy to the relatives of the victims and to the Israeli government.

''The Presidency is convinced that such actions undermine any peaceful resolution of this conflict and pose serious difficulty to the fulfillment of the legitimate Palestinian national aspirations. Equally so, the continuation of violence underlines the necessity of immediate and full implementation of the Quartet’s road-map by both Israel and the Palestinian Authority, which will lead to a solution of two states living in internationally recognized borders with security and peace.

[13] Greek economy able to withstand Iraq war repercussions, gov't says

Athens, 01/04/2003 (ANA)

"We have shielded [the economy] and this is particularly important today, because otherwise there would be serious consequences," he noted.

The government's attention was focused on high growth rates with which to combat unemployment, the spokesman added.

According to Protopapas, the war in Iraq "had no real basis and remained unjustified". He said that this was proved by its disastrous consequences for the international and European economy.

He said a campaign to promote Greek tourism was planned and would be launched to coincide with the end of the war.

[14] EU meeting in Athens to discuss expansion budget

Athens, 01/04/2003 (ANA)

The meeting, chaired by Greek Economy and Finance Deputy Minister George Floridis, will be held at the Zappeion Hall and will be attended by EU Budget Commissioner Michele Schreyer and the chairman of the European Parliament's Budget Commission T. Wynn.

Officials from the European Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission will also attend the meeting.

[15] Budget spending jumps 24.4 pct in Jan-Feb, gov’t says

Athens, 01/04/2003 (ANA)

The ministry, in its monthly report on state revenues and spending, noted that the percentage change from the January-February last year was distorted by 469 million euros revenue in February 2002 resulting from the circulation of the euro currency. If this sum was excluded the percentage change from the first two months in 2002 was 9.6 percent.

Primary spending jumped 24.4 percent in the first two months of 2003, compared with the corresponding period last year, reflecting increased spending on wages and pensions.

The finance ministry said it expected spending to gradually slowdown in the next few months.

Spending on interest payments fell 19.4 percent in January-February, payments on a public investment program soared 202.3 percent, while the state budget's borrowing needs jumped to 2.328 billion euros from 1.378 billion euros in the same period last year.

[16] Greek EU presidency welcomes outcome of sea transport meeting

Athens, 01/04/2003 (ANA)

Merchant Marine Minister George Anomeritis told a news conference that the ministers had approved acceleration of a ban on single-hull tankers carrying heavy fuel oil to the year 2010 from 2015, as originally scheduled.

''We support all rules and measures that lead to a strengthening of the quality of maritime transportation with top-level services and respect for the environment,'' Anomeritis had said in Brussels after the meeting. ''Our decisions will safeguard the safety of ships and crews.''

Ministers also agreed a transition period for smaller single hull vessels of up to 5,000 tones, which are needed for supplying small islands with fuel. The vessels have to be withdrawn in 2008.

Anomeritis also said on Monday that ministers agreed that the issue should also be advanced at the International Maritime Organization, as its ramifications also lay beyond European regional policy.

[17] Athens bourse turnover drops in March

Athens, 01/04/2003 (ANA)

The general share index lost 9.09 percent against February and dropped by 16.08 percent from the start of the year. Market capitalization was down more than 11 billion euros in March, authorities said in a statement.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for high capitalization stocks finished the month with an 11.16 percent decline in comparison with February, the statement said.

[18] Greek stocks plunge to new six-year lows on Monday

Athens, 01/04/2003 (ANA)

The general index ended 3.34 percent lower at 1,467.30 points, with turnover a low 72.8 million euros.

All sector indexes ended lower, with the Textile, Telecommunications, Holding, Wholesale, Cement and Publication sectors suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day (6.38 percent, 5.25 percent, 4.94 percent, 4.54 percent, 3.90 percent and 3.30 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks dropped 3.75 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 2.75 percent lower, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index dropped 3.83 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 3.59 percent off.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 295 to 34 with another 23 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 52.0 mln euros Monday

Equity Index Futures: