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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-04-08

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

April 8, 2003

CONTENTS

  • [01] PM rejects Turkish proposals for Cyprus dialogue outside UN
  • [02] Simitis addresses EU's ombudsmen in Athens focusing on accession of the ''10''
  • [03] Gov't spokesman warns against over-emphasis on meeting by Greek, Turkish PMs
  • [04] PM to attend Balkans SEECP summit in Belgrade on Wednesday
  • [05] Simitis says Iraq's reconstruction must go through the UN
  • [06] Environment minister calls for active UN role, speedy Iraq reconstruction
  • [07] FM says explosive environment being created for Middle East security, stability
  • [08] Recourse to Council of State over Souda base use by US
  • [09] Alternate FM meets Czech counterpart
  • [10] Public order minister meets Bulgarian interior minister
  • [11] Government condemns attack on student by ND youth group
  • [12] EU president Greece expresses concern over Israeli operations in Tulkarem
  • [13] Greek student jailed in Britain on terrorism related charges, may be released
  • [14] No ban on rallies during EU summit – Possible civil service holiday
  • [15] EU Commission seen urging Greece to speed up labor reform
  • [16] Eurostat says Greece and Portugal top EU in poverty levels
  • [17] National Bank publishes bulletin on emerging market economies
  • [18] EU seen keeping Greek growth forecasts steady
  • [19] Bulgarian gov’t officials to address seminar in Thessaloniki
  • [20] EU ''Stage'' sponsored program for 5,010 graduates
  • [21] Turkish business delegation to Thessaloniki April 10
  • [22] Greek stocks jump 2.48 pct on Monday
  • [23] Top gov't-ATHOC meetings ahead of latest IOC inspection visit
  • [24] Public works minister inspects 2004 coastal zone projects
  • [25] Olympics organizers, publishers terminate contract
  • [26] Monday's proceedings at 'N17' focus on '91 police bus attack
  • [27] Athens archbishop holds late-night mass for peace in Iraq
  • [28] Greek Orthodox Church-sponsored NGO delivers humanitarian aid to Iraq refugees
  • [29] Parliament gives 100,000 euros for Iraqi children to UNICEF
  • [30] Northern Greece meeting on sending aid to Iraq
  • [31] Hania prefect to fine US base at Souda for environmental violations
  • [32] EU university professors support creation of Classical Studies Centre
  • [33] Gov't eyes new landfill sites around Attica
  • [34] Cyprus National Council discusses measures for Turkish Cypriots

  • [01] PM rejects Turkish proposals for Cyprus dialogue outside UN

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Monday once again rejected proposals by the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot sides for a dialogue outside the UN to find a solution to the Cyprus issue.

    In a statement during a recess of his PASOK party's Executive Bureau meeting, Simitis said the proposals were unusual and attributed them to an effort to conceal the responsibilities of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot sides on the failed outcome of discussions on the Annan plan for Cyprus.

    The prime minister said the Turkish Cypriot side wants, in essence, the abandonment of the UN plan for a Cyprus solution, as well as the European Union's arrangements on the status to follow the accession of Cyprus, so as to promote a process for an improvement in the climate between the two communities and then a solution to the political problem to be sought.

    Simitis raised the question why Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots remembered now that the status of Famagusta and restriction in occupied territory, as well as conditions on the island in general, can change now and could not change years ago.

    He replied that Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership were led to these moves, since the Annan plan and the EU's arrangements forced them to abandon their previous position.

    Simitis further said the Annan plan and the EU's arrangements are the pressure lever which Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership want to rid themselves of.

    He added that he disagrees with this and that the framework of the UN and EU promotes the implementation of international law.

    Simitis said preconditions for Turkey's accession to the EU remain, meaning the settlement of all its pending issues with neighboring countries in accordance with the principles of international law and the principles of the EU.

    He underlined that the line separating Nicosia also separates Turkey from the EU and for this reason a change in policy is necessary. Political maneuvers are not necessary, he added.

    Greek EU Presidency prepares draft reply to Turkish FM Gul: The European Union Greek Presidency has rejected Turkish demands to change the wording in the Accession Protocol that Cyprus will sign next week in Athens, saying the contents of the Protocol reflects the agreed position of the 15 member states on the Republic's EU membership.

    Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul had asked the EU in a letter to use the word ''Cyprus'' instead of ''Republic of Cyprus'' in the Protocol, to be annexed to the Accession Treaty. Turkey does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, since its troops invaded and continue to occupy the island's northern part.

    Spokesman of the Greek foreign ministry Panos Beglitis told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) that Gul's letter was received by Greek Foreign Minister and President of the EU George Papandreou and his 14 European counterparts and added that Papandreou's draft reply to Gul was sent to the ''14'' and the European Commission for approval.

    ''The draft reply clarifies that the content of the Protocol on Cyprus has already been approved by the 15 EU member states and has been sent to the European Parliament for approval, at its meeting on Wednesday'', Beglitis told CNA.

    In his letter, Gul objected to the words ''Republic of Cyprus'' in the Protocol, claiming the Protocol ''continues to give credence to the Greek Cypriot contentions and arguments that the party which is to integrate with the EU is the Republic of Cyprus and that the Turkish Cypriot community would be entitled to join this Republic in due course''.

    ''This constitutes a clear deviation from the fundamental principle of the Anan plan, which envisages the setting-up of a new 'state of affairs' in Cyprus'', Gul claimed in his letter.

    Beglitis told CNA that the Protocol expresses the European Council's decisions in Copenhagen and stresses that the EU sticks to its position on Cyprus' EU accession and on the continuation of the efforts to solve the political question in Cyprus, urging Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot community to reexamine their stance.

    He added that Gul's letter was sent as part of efforts by Ankara and the Turkish Cypriot side to create some movement with regard to Cyprus, an effort which finds no response neither by the EU nor by the UN.

    Gul's letter was sent following the collapse of UN-led peace talks last month and after a report by Kofi Annan on this latest attempt to find a negotiated settlement blamed the Turkish Cypriot side for the deadlock in the peace effort.

    The Turkish side, Beglitis said, is attempting to have a discussion on Cyprus on a bilateral basis.

    ''The Cyprus issue is for the Greek and the Cypriot side an international problem, which has to be solved in the context of the UN, as both the EU and the UN Secretary General have stressed,'' Beglitis said.

    [02] Simitis addresses EU's ombudsmen in Athens focusing on accession of the ''10''

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Prime Minster Costas Simitis on Monday addressed the 4th Conference of the National Ombudsmen of European Union member-states that is taking place in Athens, as Greece currently holds the EU presidency.

    Speaking to the conference, Simitis said that April 16 will be a historic day, since ''with the signing of the Accession Protocol of the 10 new member-states, we will overcome the heritage of World War II and the division of Europe into Western and Eastern, including almost all European nations in the Union''.

    He stressed that this means that ''we are before a new reality, which forces toward the continuance of the deepening of the European Union and the 10 new members to provide a new impetus for many policies followed by the Union, such as employment policy, social policy and economic policy''.

    Simitis underlined that the new members are called upon, along with the old members, to enrich democracy, since among others there is a problem of democracy in the European Union as well, to secure freedom, since technological changes and supra-national connections create problems for freedom, to secure the rule of law, since the complexity of the legal regulations decreases the ability of the citizens to know the law.

    Thus, the premier added, the 10 new members are called on to create a space, where the ombudsmen should have a much greater role to play, since that space is a new space where the citizen should find his place in relation with the administration.

    Simitis also stressed that every modern society needs, beyond traditional mechanisms - which are administrative or controlling - an independent and impartial authority, such as the ombudsman, to whom the citizens can present their problems.

    He added that the ombudsman enjoyed general acceptance from Greek citizens, who rely on the institution for the resolution of their problems, as it is proved by the huge number of cases that find their way to the ombudsman's desk.

    Speaking of the Greek EU presidency's priorities, Simitis outlined them saying that policies for asylum, immigration and illegal immigration are central problems now faced by the Union.

    He spoke of procedures for the induction of these immigrants in societies, noting that there were processes and legislation resolving such issues, but there were reactions of society toward those processes and laws that do not allow their implementation.

    ''If we want societies with cohesion, we should not allow the disenfranchising of immigrants,'' he concluded.

    Speaking on the election of former Greek Ombudsman Nikiforos Diamantouros to the post of EU Ombudsman he said that he would justify that election by the Europarliament, as well as the expectations of everyone.

    On his part, during his address to the body, Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis expressed the unqualified support of the Greek Parliament for the ombudsman institution and referred to international conditions, focusing on the war in Iraq.

    [03] Gov't spokesman warns against over-emphasis on meeting by Greek, Turkish PMs

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Monday warned the press not to read too much into a meeting between Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which is due to take place on Wednesday in Belgrade.

    Meetings such as this were a frequent occurrence, it would cover all issues and there were few expectations that something new would arise from it, he said.

    Asked to comment on a visit by Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul to the occupied territories in northern Cyprus, Protopapas said that visits to the illegal Turkish-Cypriot regime by Turkish officials were a standard Turkish practice and chiefly targeted domestic public opinion at home, without in any way legitimizing the Turkish-Cypriot regime.

    ''If Turkish officials want to help the occupied territories, let them contribute to a solution of the Cyprus problem based on the Annan plan,'' he added.

    [04] PM to attend Balkans SEECP summit in Belgrade on Wednesday

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis met the head of the Athens Olympics Organizing Committee (ATHOC) Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki on Monday at noon in preparation for a visit by IOC chief inspector Denis Oswald later in the week, government spokesman Christos Protopapas announced.

    Immediately afterwards at 13:30, the premier addressed members of the European Ombudsman’s office in Athens while at 19:00 he will chair a meeting of ruling PASOK's executive bureau that will discuss foreign policy and the party's finances.

    After the meeting, the prime minister is to make a statement regarding the Cyprus issue.

    On Tuesday at 10:00, Simitis will meet the head of the Bank of Greece Nikos Garganas and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, while he is to meet visiting Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov at noon and Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Janukovych at 13:30.

    On Tuesday evening, he will address a meeting of the Greek Tourism Enterprises Association.

    On Wednesday, the Greek premier will travel to Belgrade for a one-day visit in order to take part in the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) summit held by Balkan heads of state and government.

    He will be back in Athens on Thursday for a meeting with Denis Oswald at 10:00 to discuss progress in Olympics preparations that will also be attended by the head of ATHOC and Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos.

    Immediately afterward, there will be a meeting of the cabinet to discuss the review of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), after which Simitis is due to make a statement, followed by a meeting with Education Minister Petros Efthymiou.

    On Friday at 10:00, Simitis will meet with the leadership of the foreign ministry to discuss the upcoming EU summit and the historic signature of Acts of Accession by new member-states to take place on April 16.

    [05] Simitis says Iraq's reconstruction must go through the UN

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Monday said that the reconstruction of Iraq should be implemented via the United Nations, adding that the European Union showed weakness during the Iraq crisis.

    Speaking during a break of the ruling PASOK executive bureau meeting, Simitis stressed that the aim of the reconstruction should be the participation of the Iraqis in the government of the country after the war and that the Iraqis should undertake the government of their country as soon as possible.

    He stressed that this should be the orientation of the United Nations and this issue will be tabled by Greece to the General Affairs Council on April 14.

    He underlined that the Greek EU presidency tried to maintain the cohesiveness of the European Union on the Iraq issue and to promote the elements that unite the European countries, the EU, however, appeared weak in confronting that crisis.

    He also spoke of the successes of the Greek EU presidency.

    Finally, he reiterated that Greece that from the very beginning stood against the war and for peace and believes that the implementation of international legality is necessary for war, adding that these principles and the national interest determined Greece's stance during the Iraq crisis.

    [06] Environment minister calls for active UN role, speedy Iraq reconstruction

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Greece's environment, town planning and public works minister Vasso Papandreou on Monday called for an active UN role and for US cooperation with the United Nations as well as the European Union so that ''we all together can guarantee stability and peace in the wider region''.

    Papandreou, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency, said it was everyone's hope that after the end of the war operations there would be a speedy reconstruction of Iraq, peace and stability in the region, as well as avoidance of terrorist acts.

    For those reasons, she continued, it was necessary that the UN has an active role, and that the EU and UN cooperate with the United States to guarantee stability and peace in the region.

    [07] FM says explosive environment being created for Middle East security, stability

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Foreign Minister George Papandreou, addressing the ruling PASOK party's Executive Bureau meeting on Monday, said an explosive environment is being created for security and stability in the Middle East.

    ''The unilateral military operation of the U.S. and the lack of legalization by the UN Security Council, as well as American military planning in the region in general, are now creating an explosive environment for security and stability in the region of the Middle East,'' he said.

    Papandreou said the targets of the U.S. leadership for the next day are ''explicit'', adding that if and to what degree the EU and the UN will be able to play a role in the reconstruction stage will depend on the outcome of the internal conflict which, as he said, exists in the ranks of the American administration regarding the ''next day.''

    According to the foreign minister, the chief of U.S. diplomacy, Colin Powell, recognized a ''considerable role'' at the UN and EU in talks held in Brussels last week, confirming that the United States is orientated towards undertaking military administration in Iraq over a transitional period ''to have the country's security and stability consolidated.''

    Referring to Turkey, Papandreou said U.S. military presence in the region decreases the neighboring country's strategic significance and pointed out that the next day in Iraq, as well as the Kurdish issue, is creating new conditions which do not rule out domestic political instability in Turkey.

    [08] Recourse to Council of State over Souda base use by US

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    A lawyer and former MÅP on Monday submitted recourse with the Council of State, on behalf of 15 Athens residents, calling for ''annulment of the government's omission to prohibit the use of the Souda military base in Crete by US warplanes for the needs of the war against Iraq''.

    The lawyer, Ioannis Stamoulis, a former Eurodeputy of the PASOK party, tabled the recourse in the Council of State against prime minister Costas Simitis, foreign minister George Papandreou and national defense minister Yannos Papantoniou, claiming that ''operation, support and maintenance'' of the US war planes were taking place at the Souda base.

    The recourse says that the ''omission of prohibition'' comprises an ''unallowable abuse of authority'', in violation of Article 27, paragraph 2 of the Constitution -- which requires the prior passing of a law by parliament for the transit of a foreign military force through Greece -- as well as of the agreements between Greece and the US -- which prohibit the use of a military base for aggressive actions by another country without a prior decision by the UN Security Council.

    The recourse further describes as illegal the ''aggressive war'' against Iraq, given the ''explicit opposition of the UN Security Council'', and calls it a ''crime against peace'', which is punishable under Article 6 of the Charter of the Nuremberg Court.

    The recourse also claims that the government's omission of prohibiting the use of the Souda base was in counter to the constitutional demands and obligations emanating from the UN Charter.

    The 15 signatories of the recourse included Coalition of Left and Progress (SYN) MP Panayotis Lafazanis and veteran left-wing politician Yannis Banias.

    [09] Alternate FM meets Czech counterpart

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis met in Athens on Monday with his Czech counterpart Jan Kohout and discussed with him international developments related to the Iraq crisis and their affect on the European Union, the forthcoming signing of the EU Accession Treaty in the Greek capital and the role of the Greek EU presidency on the above mentioned matters.

    The two ministers agreed on the need of the active participation of the United Nations in the handling of humanitarian matters in Iraq, while Yiannitsis expressed the conviction that the issue of the role of the UN constitutes a fundamental matter which will be discussed in the EU in the immediate future.

    To a question put forward by the Czech minister on the role of Greece and that of the Greek EU presidency concerning the initiative for strengthened cooperation on defense issues, Yiannitsis stated that Greece sees the initiative in principle as positive, but that it awaits clarifications on the nature and manner for its promotion.

    The Greek alternate foreign minister added that the Greek EU presidency has worked for the unity of the European Union and will work in this direction in relation to this initiative.

    The two ministers will meet again in Athens on April 16.

    [10] Public order minister meets Bulgarian interior minister

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis met on Monday with Bulgarian Interior Minister Georgi Petkanov who is on a visit to Athens within the framework of bilateral relations.

    During the meeting, which was also attended by Bulgarian Deputy Interior Minister Boyko Kotzev and senior official from both countries, the good climate between the two countries was reiterated while decision was reached for its further strengthening on a central and regional level.

    Among the decisions reached between the two sides was the participation of senior ranking Bulgarian police officials in seminars organized by the Greek Police, within the context of Greece's EU presidency, on such issues such as the combatting of drug trafficking, car thefts and coordination for the safe conduct of major athletic events.

    The two sides also decided to further strengthen the institution of monthly cross-border meetings.

    [11] Government condemns attack on student by ND youth group

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Monday deplored an attack on a female student by members of the main opposition party's youth group ONNED in Zografou and said that the government expected New Democracy to condemn the incident.

    The spokesman underlined that human dignity was paramount and that the government was against the use of force. In the incident, the girl was manhandled, shorn of her hair and covered in blue paint.

    [12] EU president Greece expresses concern over Israeli operations in Tulkarem

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    European Union president Greece on Monday issued a statement to expressed concern over Israeli operations in Tulkarem. The full text of the statement follows below:

    ''The Presidency of the EU is particularly concerned with the Israeli operations in Tulkarem. We are afraid that this kind of unacceptable actions, which pose under curfew the population of a whole town and occupying even schools administrated by UNRWA, take the form of collective punishment and fuel hatred and violence. We comprehend Israel’s need to secure the safety of its citizens, but we are convinced that this will be effectively achieved only by the immediate, reciprocal and parallel implementation of the roadmap by the two parties.''

    [13] Greek student jailed in Britain on terrorism related charges, may be released

    LONDON 08/04/2003 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

    The prosecutor's office of Burlington, Britain, is expected to drop charges against Greek university student Haralambos Dousemetzis, who was arrested on two counts of violating the British anti-terrorist law.

    The same court had denied the student's request to be released on bail, last month.

    According to reports, the Greek foreign ministry, based on proposals made by the Greek Consul in London Alexis Hatzimichalis, supported the case of the Greek student via diplomatic actions.

    The British state supported that the actions of the Greek student are not a threat for public order and the life of persons, but the fixation of Dousemetzis on terrorist organizations and his sympathy for the aims of ''November 17'' terrorist group, could cause illegal actions in the future.

    The state had also supported that Dousemetzis traveled to Lebanon and had contacts with the Hezbollah, Al Fattah, and Hamas organizations, while objects that incriminate the student include two seals with the star and logo of ''N 17'' and a proclamation of ''N17'' to which the Greek student had added his prologue.

    The lawyer defending Dousemetzis supported that the student collected material for ''N17'' for this dissertation and to impress his English girlfriend.

    [14] No ban on rallies during EU summit – Possible civil service holiday

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    The government of Greece, which currently chairs the rotating EU presidency, said on Monday that it would not ban anti-war demonstrations during the EU summit in Athens later this month at which 10 candidate countries approved for membership would sign the Accession Acts. It was also mulling designating April 16, the day the 10 new members, including Cyprus, would sign the Accession Acts, as a holiday for the civil service throughout the Attica prefecture.

    Government spokesman Christos Protopapas said that Cyprus' accession into the EU was a ''landmark day'' for Greece and Europe, while it created a new status quo for Cyprus, whose course was changing.

    Replying to questions during a press briefing, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said that the government would ''prohibit nothing'', noting that ''we are a democratic country'', and added that he would be in contact with media directors on coverage of the day's events.

    He also said there was a ''strong possibility'' that April 16 would be declared a civil service holiday in the Attica prefecture aimed at ameliorating commuting difficulties due to the presence of 28 senior-ranking national delegations in Athens that day.

    The government has also announced it would take traffic-related measures in Athens for the duration of the summit.

    [15] EU Commission seen urging Greece to speed up labor reform

    BRUSSELS 08/04/2003 (ANA V.Demiris)

    The European Union's executive Commission is expected to issue recommendations to Greece urging an acceleration of reforms in employment policy.

    The Commission, which has set 12 criteria as priorities to boost employment, is due to stress delays that have been noted on six counts in Greece in 2003.

    The recommendations are expected at a routine Commission meeting on Tuesday, when the failings of other countries will also be examined.

    In Greece, deficiencies have been identified in lifelong learning, gender equality, employment and remuneration with financial incentives, undeclared employment, effectiveness of the national employment service, and policy on employer and employee adaptability.

    In addition, the Commission is also to adopt priorities for employment policy reforms to be implemented by member-states that will lead to the creation of a higher number of quality jobs and improve operation of the labor market.

    [16] Eurostat says Greece and Portugal top EU in poverty levels

    BRUSSELS 08/04/2003 (ANA - A. Simatos)

    Greece and Portugal top European Union poverty levels with 21 percent each, according to a report by the Eurostat statistical service publicized here on Monday, while the EU's average of people on the verge of poverty is 15 percent or about 56 million people.

    According to data for 1999, the lowest poverty levels are found in Sweden with 9 percent and Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands and Finland each with 11 percent.

    The report revealed that the percentage of EU citizens on the verge of poverty would have been 24 percent, had it not been for social expenditures in member-states.

    Social expenditures, such as unemployment and family benefits, decrease the percentage of citizens living on the verge of poverty, primarily in Sweden (19 percentage points) and Denmark (13 points), while they have a smaller effect in Italy (with a decrease of three points) and Greece (with a decrease of one point).

    Moreover, 9 percent of EU citizens have been on the verge of poverty over a long period, meaning during the current year and at least two of the three previous years.

    The highest percentages in this category are shown by Portugal with 14 percent and Greece with 13, while the lowest appear in Denmark, the Netherlands and Finland each with 5 percent.

    [17] National Bank publishes bulletin on emerging market economies

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    National Bank of Greece on Monday published its latest bulleting on the outlook of Southeastern Europe and Mediterranean Emerging Market Economies, addressed to the bank's foreign investors.

    The report on Turkey said that the country was facing significant challenges in servicing its public debt because of a delay in an IMF loan program and a war in Iraq which were negatively affected domestic money and capital markets. A convincing 2003 budget is expected to help put the economic program back on track, although debt rollover and sustainability remained open issues, the report said. The International Monetary Fund agreed in principle on the 2003 economic program, which envisages an ambitious privatization plan.

    In Romania, the economic program stumbled the report said. It predicted that a Third Review of the IMF program would include stricter conditions. The report, however, noted that the country's external position would remain strong with an exchange rate policy balancing disinflation and competitiveness objectives.

    In Serbia and Montenegro, maintaining stability is the key issue at this point, the report stressed. The birth of a New Union could offer momentum to the country although the assassination of the Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic in March, a key reformer, caused widespread concern about Serbia's political stability and future. The report stressed that international financial support would resume soon and urged for tight monetary conditions to remain in place.

    In Bulgaria, an ambitious fiscal policy was targeting social issues, the report said, while the IMF praise of the economic program dampened worries over fiscal policy. The report stressed that domestic political noise was expected to dissipate and noted that the country's macroeconomic outlook for 2003 was positive and that the government's privatization program remained ambitious.

    In FYROM, tight fiscal policy is a precondition for IFI support, the report said. National Bank's analysts said that a new stand-by agreement with the IMF hinged on a tight 2003 budget and stressed that a nominal exchange rate anchor should continue in the country.

    In Albania, the country agreed on an ambitious 2003 program with the IMF, a proof that relations with donors remained on track. The report stressed that privatization of strategic economic sectors accelerated and that authorities were expected to ease monetary policy soon.

    In Cyprus, the report said that recent presidential elections would not change the course of economic policy, although poor tourism prospects place the recovery at risk. The report stressed that a widening deficit in the country could be easily financed.

    In Egypt, the government unveiled a promising new exchange rate regime that needed the support of other policies to be successful, the report noted.

    In Hungary, the report stressed there was a critical need for a more ambitious fiscal policy. Implementation of a 2003 budget would be extremely challenging while the country's monetary policy was in dire need of fiscal policy support measures.

    In Slovenia, the need to subdue inflation has become more pressing. A referendum confirmed support for EU accession. The report said that macroeconomic fundamentals would continue to be sound in 2003 while disinflation remained the most challenging task.

    In Croatia, a new economic program to maintain confidence in an election year was vital. The report said that EU accession drive would help push ahead political and structural reforms in the country, while the key issues this year was a dampening of domestic demand.

    Finally, in Russia, the country's medium-term outlook improved but inflation remained a cause of concern. Strong foreign currency inflows complicated the battle against inflation, while a restructuring of the country's energy sector was underway.

    [18] EU seen keeping Greek growth forecasts steady

    BRUSSELS 08/04/2003 (ANA / B.Demiris)

    The European Union's executive Commission is expected to keep its Greek growth forecasts in 2003 and 2004 steady despite an adverse global economic climate, sources said on Monday.

    The Commission's spring forecasts are to remain at 3.6 percent in 2003 and 3.8 percent in 2004, more than double the EU average.

    The Commission will release its spring forecasts for the 15-member bloc on Tuesday.

    [19] Bulgarian gov’t officials to address seminar in Thessaloniki

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Two Bulgarian ministers, two deputy ministers and high-ranking officials from Bulgaria's agriculture ministry are expected in Thessaloniki on Tuesday to address a seminar on "Business Reality in Bulgaria and Prospects for 2004".

    Visiting officials include Energy Minister Milko Kovatchev, Regional Development and Public Works Minister Valentin Cerovski, Economy Deputy Minister Milen Keremednhiev, Finance Deputy Minister Gati al-Dzhebouri and Agriculture ministry's director Svetlana Chincheva. The seminar is organized by the economic and trade affairs consulate of the Greek embassy in Sofia, the Northern Greece Industries' Union and the Northern Greece Exporters' Union.

    The Bulgarian officials are expected to brief Greek businessmen and municipal authorities over business opportunities in Bulgaria and presenting community programs in the neighboring country.

    A total of 1,500 Greek businesses are currently operating in Bulgaria, employing around 100,000 people, with a total investment value of more than 1.5 billion US dollars.

    [20] EU ''Stage'' sponsored program for 5,010 graduates

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Labor Minister Dimitris Reppas and Health Minister Kostas Stephanis on Monday signed a ministerial decision to implement a program for internship positions for 5,010 graduates which will cost some 44 million euros over a period of 18 months.

    The European Union sponsored program under the title ''Stage'' will focus on providing work experience for 2,010 unemployed university graduates and 3,000 high school and vocational school graduates.

    [21] Turkish business delegation to Thessaloniki April 10

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    A Turkish business delegation will visit the northern port city of Thessaloniki on April 10 to make contact with local firms seeking cooperation.

    The 80-member group from Adana will also visit the Thessaloniki Chamber of Trade and Industry.

    Greek and Turkish businessmen, based in Eastern Macedonia-Thrace and Edirne, respectively, are seeking closer cooperation in investment, production and trade activities.

    Delegations from Greek and Turkish chambers are expected to meet this month in Edirne to agree on a final plan of cooperation.

    The Eastern Macedonia-Thrace region is organizing a two-day meeting in Komotini, April 9-10, to discuss and coordinate procedures from the Greek side.

    [22] Greek stocks jump 2.48 pct on Monday

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Greek stocks surged on Monday following big gains in international markets, with market sentiment improved on hopes that a war in Iraq was in its final stage.

    The general index jumped 2.48 percent to end at 1,579.30 points, off the day's highs, with turnover an improved 103.7 million euros.

    The Textile (6.02 percent), Publication (5.01 percent), IT (4.16 percent), Banks (4.07 percent) and IT Solutions (3.78 percent) sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day.

    The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 2.97 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 2.20 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 3.61 percent up and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index rose 2.90 percent.

    Broadly, advancers led decliners by 325 to 20 with another 20 issues unchanged.

    Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 91.7 mln euros Monday

    Equity Index Futures:

  • FTSE/ASE-20 (high cap): At discount

  • Underlying Index: +2.97 percent

  • FTSE/ASE-40 (medium cap): At premium

  • Underlying Index: +2.20 percent

    Stock Futures:

  • Most Active Contract (volume): Alpha Bank (312)

    Total market turnover: 91.7 million euros

    Bond Market Close: Buyers outstrip sellers on Monday

    Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond

  • Yield: 4.50 pct

  • Spread over German bund: 18 bps

  • Day's Market Turnover: 1.8 bln euros

  • Most Active Bond: 20-year, expiring Oct 2022 (445 mln euros)

    [23] Top gov't-ATHOC meetings ahead of latest IOC inspection visit

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Two high-level meetings took place in the Greek capital on Monday ahead of a crucial visit this week by an International Olympic Committee (IOC) delegation expected to once again gauge progress for the 2004 Athens Games, with the focus turning squarely to delays at a handful of venues.

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis was initially briefed by Athens 2004 Organizing Committee (ATHOC) President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki over overall 2004 preparations, as well as on specific projects behind schedule. A meeting between the ATHOC chief and Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos – whose ministry oversees a major part of the government’s commitments for the Games -- followed at the Organizing Committee Nea Ionia district headquarters.

    Delays still hamper projects at the main Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA), the coastal Hellenikon Olympic Complex, Karaiskaki stadium and the ambitious new tram network in southern Athens. Other topics discussed touched on equipment orders, properly organizing the all-important ‘test events’ and the controversial issue of costs for so-called “Olympic overlays” -- and who will pay for them.

    In exiting the premier’s office, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki also dismissed fears that the ongoing conflict in Iraq will in anyway affect next year’s Olympic Games.

    “The Olympic Games is something that unites the whole world. Greece is a country that gave birth to democracy and the Games, and is a country that cherishes peace, something it has shown. People come here to demonstrate that they can live together, to compete together… As a result, what is significant is for us to continue our preparations in the same manner and to concern ourselves with how things are proceeding here,” she stressed.

    The chairman of a relevant Coordination Commission for the Athens Games, Denis Oswald, will again head the IOC delegation.

    [24] Public works minister inspects 2004 coastal zone projects

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Under-construction Olympics-related venues and surrounding improvements in an Athens coastal strip were inspected on Monday by a high-ranking government delegation, led by the public works and town planning minister.

    The greater Athens area’s extended crescent-shaped coastline, from the Faliro site southeast to the Vouliagmeni Olympic Centre near the eponymous resort, will host several 2004 venues and numerous Olympic competitions, including practically all of the water-related sports.

    According to the ministry, construction work at the Agios Kosmas Olympic Sailing Centre is proceeding according to set timetables and will be ready by January 2004.

    In terms of the Faliro Delta, a choice tract of land near the coastline that has hosted the only horserace track in Greece for decades, Minister Vasso Papandreou said most of the works to beautify the once-abandoned shoreline have been completed, while the adjacent beach volley venue is more than halfway completed.

    Her visit comes almost a week after legal obstacles were cleared to submerge part of the busy Poseidonos coastal thoroughfare, as well as a formal commitment by the government to turn almost four-fifths of the former Athens airport (some 400 hectares) into a much-needed park for the concrete-laden Greek capital.

    Papandreou's inspection comes ahead of this week's crucial visit by an International Olympic Committee delegation to Athens.

    [25] Olympics organizers, publishers terminate contract

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    National organizers of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and publisher Ekdosis 4 with member-firms of the Lambrakis Press Organization have terminated a contract for the international event.

    Under the terms of the contract that was signed on January 9 2002, Ekdoseon 4 was to undertake publishing, production, advertising, promotion, distribution and sales of official books and maps for the games.

    The firm's partners were Ellinika Grammata SA, Liberis Athens SA and Imako Media Net Group SA.

    ''The contract was dissolved because it worked in a way that made it particularly burdensome to implement, and unprofitable for Ekdosis 4," the Athens-quoted firms said in a statement on Monday.

    [26] Monday's proceedings at 'N17' focus on '91 police bus attack

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Several witnesses at Monday’s session of the closely watched “November 17” trial of 19 terror suspects expressed their certainty that a rocket attack in November 1991 by the elusive terrorist group against a bus loaded with riot police was meant to kill, instead of serving as a scare tactic.

    According to several policemen that were injured during the attack, a suspect also threw a hand grenade at the bus after the rocket hit it. The vehicle was parked in central Athens and outside the main offices of the ruling PASOK party. One officer was killed in the attack and another seven injured.

    A voluminous indictment implicates Savvas and Christodoulos Xiros, Dimitris Koufodinas and Vassilis Tzortzatos in the attack, with Alexandros Giotopoulos charged with moral complicity.

    Testimony regarding the riot bus attack is expected to conclude on Tuesday, with other cases up for examination as well, including the 1992 killing of bystander Thanos Axarlian from a stray “N17” rocket attack.

    [27] Athens archbishop holds late-night mass for peace in Iraq

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church, led another late night prayer for peace and an end to the war in Iraq on Sunday at Athens' Metropolitan cathedral, with large numbers of Athenians attending.

    In a sermon, Christodoulos once more criticized "the arrogance of the strong" and urged the faithful not to stop praying.

    Afterward, members of the congregation gathered in the forecourt of the church carrying lit candles, which they used to form the outline of a large cross and the Greek word 'Eirini' (peace), while a giant screen showed scenes and images from the war.

    [28] Greek Orthodox Church-sponsored NGO delivers humanitarian aid to Iraq refugees

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    More than 20 tons in humanitarian aid for the people of Iraq from the Greek Orthodox Church of Greece has arrived in Amman, Jordan, from where it will continue to a refugee camp on the border with Iraq, the Church-sponsored non-governmental organization (NGO) ''Allilegiy'' (Solidarity) said Monday.

    The NGO said its delegation accompanying the aid convoy had been ''warmly received'' at the military airport in Amman by representatives of the Jordanian government, Metropolitan Benedict of Philadelphia, and the Greek ambassador in Amman Ioannis Kambolis.

    It said the delegation, in cooperation with the Orthodox Bishopric of Jordan, would convey and distribute the aid to refugees in the refugee camp in the town of Ruweished, just three kilometers from the border with Iraq.

    The NGO said the aid would be distributed to ''all those in need crossing the Iraqi border into Jordan, regardless of religion, race or color'', adding that priority would be given to children and women.

    The delegation head, K. Fourlemiadis, met with Jordanian minister of state for political affairs and minister of information Mohammad Affash al-Udwan, who thanked the Church of Greece and Archbishop Christodoulos for the immediate activation of the Allilegiy humanitarian mechanism and for its contribution to the Jordanian government's efforts to provide aid to the refugees of the war in Iraq.

    Fourlemiadis assured the minister that the Church would stand by the efforts to fulfill the needs of the Iraqi people, and the two men agreed on the development of further cooperation between the Orthodox Church of Greece and the Jordanian government toward healing the wounds created by the tragic war in the region, an Allilegiy announcement said.

    [29] Parliament gives 100,000 euros for Iraqi children to UNICEF

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Greek Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis on Monday handed over a cheque for 100,000 euros, given by the Greek Parliament for the children of Iraq, to the head of the Greek committee of UNICEF Lambros Kanellopoulos.

    The donation was given in the framework of a UNICEF radiothon to raise funds for aid to Iraq that will begin on Tuesday.

    [30] Northern Greece meeting on sending aid to Iraq

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis, Thessaloniki Prefect Panagiotis Psomiadis and other local government officials met in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki on Monday to discuss the collection and dispatch of humanitarian aid to Iraq.

    The meeting was called by Magriotis to coordinate action by various bodies in collecting, transporting but especially in the effective distribution of the aid within the war-battered country.

    The minister advised those present on how best to organize aid missions via the foreign ministry, pointing out that consignments of aid would have to be taken by plane to Amman in Jordan and then overland to Iraq.

    Magriotis stressed that this was not an easy task since Iraq was still a war zone.

    Psomiadis said the Thessaloniki prefecture would undertake to coordinate the collection of aid within its borders and planned to organize a telethon to raise funds for Iraq, while mayors and community leaders at the meeting presented their planned initiatives.

    According to dispatch from Kavala, meanwhile, a second 13-tonne truckload of food, blankets and medicine donated by local residents for the people of Iraq departed from the city on Monday for Thessaloniki as part of the ''Medecins du Monde'' aid effort.

    [31] Hania prefect to fine US base at Souda for environmental violations

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    Hania Prefect George Katsanevakis on Monday said that he would impose a 280,000-euro fine on a United States naval base at Souda Bay on Crete for flouting environmental regulations regarding the management of hazardous and toxic wastes. The decision was announced after a team of inspectors sent by the prefecture were refused access to the base.

    The team of seven inspectors that arrived at the naval base on Monday morning to conduct a routine inspection were refused access because the entry permit issued to them only named four of the people in the team.

    The entire team returned without entering the base and carrying out the planned inspection. In an emergency press conference held later on Monday, Katsanevakis said that the four inspectors that departed even though they had entry permits had refused to enter the base because they felt offended by the incident.

    [32] EU university professors support creation of Classical Studies Centre

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    University professors and representatives of European Union member-states education ministries support the creation of a Classical Studies Centre headquartered in Athens and Rome.

    The desire was expressed during the international conference on classical studies, organized by the education ministry in the framework of the Greek presidency, held in Athens and Delphi.

    An education ministry announcement said a memorandum was prepared in which delegates note, among others, that ''given the political will of the education ministers of Greece and Italy for the creation of a European Classical Studies Centre in Greece and Italy, we particularly support the initiative of Greek Education Minister Mr. Petros Efthymiou. We hope that the Greek minister will take the necessary actions to enable the implementation of the plan and that this initiative will be completed during the next European Union Italian presidency.''

    [33] Gov't eyes new landfill sites around Attica

    Athens, 08/04/2003 (ANA)

    The government on Monday confirmed a series of recent press reports citing its intention to establish several new landfills around the greatest Athens area (Attica prefecture), which hosts almost half of Greece’s 11-million population and the lion’s share of the country’s economic output.

    However, although the intent to create new landfills, as well as nearly a dozen solid waste collection and recycling centers via pending legislation, has been stated, their exact location, according to Town Planning and Environment Minister Vasso Papandreou, will await the conclusion of environmental impact studies.

    In terms of general locations in east Attica, the Keratea township, a disused quarry near Koropi and the Grammatiko and Polydendri townships -- further north -- were cited. All of the above regions are to the east and northeast of the greater Athens area. As far as western Attica prefecture is concerned, the Fyli district, the Meletaki site near the Mandra industrial zone and the Kalyvia site near the town of Megara, further west, were also named.

    Papandreou ruled out the possibility of a new landfill for greater Athens being created in Viotia prefecture, to the north of Attica.

    Previous attempts by the central government to move, open, shift or create new landfills have met with stiff opposition from local residents in every proposed Attica site.

    Moreover, the issue of new landfills has taken on a sense of increased urgency in light of 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

    [34] Cyprus National Council discusses measures for Turkish Cypriots

    NICOSIA 08/04/2003 (CNA/ANA)

    The National Council, comprising all eight parliamentary parties, continued on Monday its deliberations on policy measures towards the Turkish Cypriots, stressing that Turkish Cypriots should enjoy all benefits and opportunities offered by the state to all its citizens.

    ''This is not a matter of adopting certain measures relating to the

    Turkish Cypriots, this is a matter of our policy towards them and the measures to be adopted are the end result of the overall policy that the Turkish Cypriots should enjoy equal opportunities and rights just like the rest of the Cypriot citizens,'' government spokesman Kypros Chrisostomides said.

    Speaking after a three-hour long Council meeting here on Monday, the spokesman said there was an exchange of views on the matter and pointed out that some measures which may indicate recognition of the current status quo (division and an illegal Turkish Cypriot regime in Turkish occupied Cyprus) cannot be approved.

    ''Any measures should aim at creating conditions that would allow Turkish Cypriots to participate in everything that broad society enjoys, whether that refers to freedom of movement or travel or equal job opportunities or supplying and receiving services,'' the spokesman said.

    He said the Council was unanimous about the policy and the specific measures will be decided by the Cabinet, adding that a subcommittee of the National Council will meet in the next few days to examine those measures that can be implemented.

    ''A specific package of measures will then be submitted to the Cabinet,'' he said.

    The spokesman said that the Council also exchanged views about next week's signing of the Accession Treaty and the debate later this week of the Cyprus question at the UN Security Council.

    Replying to questions, he said the measures will be announced after the signing of the Accession Treaty.


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