Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-04-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] SE Europe Cooperation summit: Simitis calls for UN role in post-war Iraq

[02] Greek and Turkish PMs discuss Cyprus and Iraq

[03] UN’s Annan to attend EU Athens summit, new members' Accession Act signing

[04] Europarliament votes in favor of enlargement

[05] Yiannitsis inaugurates Europarliament's session on enlargement

[06] Verheugen: regret for non-settlement of Cyprus issue

[07] Defense minister and US envoy discuss EU presidency issues, Iraq

[08] Papantoniou discusses Iraq with Russian ambassador

[09] Government urges Greek journalists in Iraq to stay in their hotels

[10] Twenty-six MPs call for treatment of injured Iraqis in Greek hospitals

[11] Alternate FM discuses Morillon report in Europarliament

[12] EU-FYROM Stabilization and Association Treaty tabled in Greek parliament

[13] Premier comments on PASOK's third election victory anniversary

[14] Shipping sector to record 660 mln-euro surplus in 2003, report

[15] Exports of manufacturing products steady in 1990s, report

[16] FinMin, John Major discuss EU expansion, Iraq

[17] Development minister and Bulgarian minister discuss Burgas oil pipeline

[18] Govt seeks one million new passengers in public transportation system daily

[19] Greek stocks end 0.84 percent higher on Wednesday

[20] Culture minister meets with IOC's Oswald in Athens

[21] IOC official certain Olympic Games visitors will have the best of impressions

[22] IOC top official pleased with progress at Schinias site

[23] Public works minister responds to IOC criticism about delays in 2004 projects

[24] Xiros admits to Sepolia shootout but disputes testimony regarding fellow-suspect

[25] Athens Publishers Association cancels Britain's participation in book exhibition

[26] PASOK parliamentary group, ND: Donations to radio-marathon for Iraq children

[27] Pat Cox pledges to work for a settlement on Cyprus issue

[28] Security Council plenary to discuss draft resolution on Cyprus

[29] President Papadopoulos says signing of Accession Treaty a 'historic moment'

[01] SE Europe Cooperation summit: Simitis calls for UN role in post-war Iraq

BELGRADE 20/04/2003 (ANA - N. Pelpas)

Addressing the Sixth Summit of South-East European Cooperation taking place in Belgrade, Simitis, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency, at the same time expressed hope that the Iraq war would end soon, and stressed the need for the UN to play a substantial role in the post-war period.

"We must all remain committed to preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq and to preserving the regional stability. It is important for me to underline the fundamental role of the UN in preserving international peace and security. The United Nations must continue to have the lead role in the sector of humanitarian aid and must be actively involved in the political, economic and social reconstruction of Iraq," Simitis said.

The summit is being attended by the Presidents of Croatia, Bulgaria, Albania and FYROM Stipe Mesic, Georgi Parvanov, Alfred Moisiu and Boris Trajkovski, respectively; and Greek and Turkish Prime Ministers Costas Simitis and Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Serbia and Montenegro's President were expected to make a statement to the press after the morning's plenary session, which was to be followed by bilateral meetings among the leaders, and conclude with a news conference.

Balkan leaders adopt common declaration during SE Europe summit: The Conference for the Cooperation in Southeastern Europe summit concluded on Wednesday with the adoption of a common declaration by the eight leaders of the organization that participated.

They agreed that there should be a closer cooperation in the sectors of trade, transport, infrastructure construction, as well as in the combatting of organized crime.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis, in a press conference after the summit, said that the will of the Balkan countries that are not EU members to join the Union in the immediate future dominated the summit.

He stressed that Greece plays a leading role toward that direction and said that the Thessaloniki meeting will be a landmark toward the European course of the Balkan countries.

Concerning Iraq, the Greek prime minister said that there was a full convergence of views and that the leaders of the Balkan countries moved in the framework of the European Council's decision, expressing the necessity for the UN to play a leading role, not only on humanitarian issues, but in the political and economic reconstruction of Iraq.

He concluded saying that the common view of all the leaders was that Iraq's territorial integrity should be maintained and there should not be a change of borders.

[02] Greek and Turkish PMs discuss Cyprus and Iraq

BELGRADE 10/04/2003 (ANA - N. Pelpas)

On the question of Cyprus, it was agreed that a solution to the political problem is necessary and that both countries will make efforts in this direction.

Referring to the Annan plan for Cyprus, Simitis reiterated the steadfast position that it should constitute a base for talks. On the other hand, Erdogan pointed out that if the plan is corrected so as to meet the expectations of the communities as well, then it can form a base for discussion.

Simitis added that it was explained that according to the protocol to be incorporated in the Treaty of Cyprus' Accession to the European Union, the political solution to be found will meet with a unanimous decision by the European Council in the framework of the EU acquis communautaire.

This means, he added, that if a solution is found then this solution can constitute a part of the acquis communautaire and of EU legislation.

A convergence of views was ascertained on the issue of Iraq and both leaders agreed that the UN should play an important role in the post-war period.

''The position we agreed on is that of the European Council that the UN should play an important role, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq should be maintained and there should be no change in borders,'' Simitis said.

The prime minister said bilateral relations were also discussed and the possibility of further strengthening economic relations, particularly in the investments sector in both countries.

Erdogan said, referring to current economic relations that the volume of trade exchanges amounts to 900 million dollars annually, which does not reflect the existing dynamic and, consequently, economic relations should be enlarged further.

On the question of Cyprus, the Turkish prime minister pointed out that both governments should make further efforts and approach the future with a spirit of friendship and unity.

He added that finding a solution safeguarding the friendship and prosperity of the two communities is desired by both.

Erdogan also said, referring to Iraq, that the country's natural wealth was discussed and that country's wealth in oil should belong to all the citizens of Iraq.

He noted further that international terrorism affects the climate in the region and it was agreed that such a climate should not be established in Iraq.

Necessary steps should be taken, he added, to ensure that all injured Iraqi citizens will receive medical treatment in the hospitals of other countries, including Turkey.

[03] UN’s Annan to attend EU Athens summit, new members' Accession Act signing

Athens, 10/04/2003 (ANA)

A Greek foreign ministry announcement said that, at the invitation of the Greek EU presidency and Greece's foreign minister George Papandreou, who chairs the EU council of ministers, Annan will attend the signing ceremony of the Acts of Accession by the 10 new EU member states on April 16, the first day of the summit, as well as the summit talks on April 16 and 17 which will be attended by all 15 EU leaders.

Annan's attendance at the EU summit in Athens was confirmed in New York by UN spokesman Fred Eckhard, who announced that the UN chief had cancelled a four-country European tour that was due to begin on Wednesday as he would have the opportunity to hold talks with the head of three of those countries at the summit.

Annan had originally scheduled to embark Wednesday for visits to Britain, Germany, France and Russia, all UN Security Council members, to discuss post-war Iraq, but cancelled the tour as he would have the opportunity to meet with the leaders of EU members Britain, Germany and France at the Athens summit, as well as with the other EU leaders.

Sources said Annan may schedule a separate visit to Moscow for consultations with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Later in Athens, Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas welcomed the UN chief's planned attendance at the EU summit, saying that the Greek EU presidency expressed its pleasure with Annan's attendance for two reasons: First, it would underline the significant effort made for a solution to the Cyprus issue, and second, it would put forward the UN's role in international developments.

On the Cyprus issue, Protopapas said it continued to comprise a priority in Greece's national issues, adding that the Cyprus problem "has not been shelved" and that "The Turkish side must agree to discussions for its resolution on the basis of the Annan plan".

Questioned on the prospect of possible disturbance in Athens due to anti-war demonstrations on April 16, Protopapas said "I do not want to believe that there will be disturbances", noting that the demonstrations organized by major groups were peaceful.

He said that the UN chief's presence also added special weight to the summit, adding that "we must remember that on that day the entire world will have its eyes turned to Athens".

[04] Europarliament votes in favor of enlargement

STRASBOURG 10/04/2003 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

Parliament voted ten separate resolutions on each individual country as well as a non-legislative resolution. The positive vote for the countries is as follows: Czech Republic 489, Republic of Estonia 520, Republic of Cyprus 507, Latvia 522, Lithuania 521, Hungary 522, Malta 521, Poland 509, Slovenia 522 and the Slovak Republic 521.

The accession of any new country requires the assent of Parliament voting by an absolute majority (i.e. 314 out of 626 votes). Only then the Accession Treaty can be signed and ratified.

Parliament also voted on a resolution by Reimer Boge (EPP-ED, D) and Joan Colom I Naval (PES, E) approving the agreement reached with the Council on the budget for the enlargement and on preserving Parliament's budgetary rights.

In its non-legislative resolution on the outcome of the enlargement negotiations with the ten accession countries approved by 458 votes in favor, 68 against with 41 abstentions, Parliament welcomed the arrival of ten new Member States ''as an important step in building an even stronger and more effective European Union (...) consolidating democracy and peace, strengthening its economy and sustainable development (...) based upon the shared values of liberty, respect for fundamental rights, good governance and the rule of law''.

Europarliament deputies also believe that the new member states will have a positive impact on the development and cohesion of the European Union.

Parliament also welcomed the statement made at the Copenhagen European Council that the EU should aim to admit Bulgaria and Romania by 2007, provided these countries continue with modernization and reform and comply with the Copenhagen criteria. On Turkey, the European Parliament welcomed the Copenhagen decision to offer further assistance and to decide in autumn 2004 whether accession negotiations can be opened. Turkey was reminded, however, that the political criteria are a precondition for EU membership and also that it will have to make progress on the adoption of the acquis communautaire.

Parliament also said that the enlargement process ''offers the prospect of membership to all European countries which fulfill the political criteria''. It confirmed that the countries of the Western Balkans are potential candidates and called for closer cooperation with them. It particularly welcomed the application for membership by Croatia and hoped this country would take concrete steps to comply with the Copenhagen criteria. The European Parliament called on the Croatian authorities to cooperate fully with the Hague tribunal.

Turning to world affairs, Eurodeputies insisted that an enlarged EU should speak with a common voice on the international stage. The EU's new geo-political position as a result of the accession of ten new countries should not weaken its internal cohesion. The current and future Member States should therefore even now cooperate actively in formulating a common foreign and security policy. At the same time, Eurodeputies said the EU now had ''special responsibilities to strengthen transatlantic ties, especially the relations between the EU and NATO'', so as not to disappoint the legitimate expectations of the peoples of the new Member States.

Going into more detail, Eurodeputies recognized that progress had been made on the protection of human and minority rights, but they pointed out that in many candidate countries abuse and discrimination persist. In particular, Parliament welcomed the reports by the countries concerned as to how they are addressing the problems of the Roma minority and their full social integration but it stressed it would pay special attention to this issue under the monitoring procedure.

[05] Yiannitsis inaugurates Europarliament's session on enlargement

STRASBOURG 10/04/2003 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

''In a week, on April 16, at the Ancient Forum of Athens, where the idea of democracy was born and formulated 2,500 years ago, Greece as the presiding country will have the pleasure of hosting the historic event of the signing ceremony of the Enlargement Treaty,'' Yiannitsis said.

Speaking of the new states, Yiannitsis said that they are part of the common history and heritage and that their accession signals the end of Europe's artificial division.

He also stressed that the EU has every reason to remain optimistic in relation to enlargement and having secured a stable fiscal and monetary basis it will remain competitive in the framework of a globalized economy.

Alternate FM makes particular reference to Cyprus following vote in Strasbourg: Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis termed as an ''exceptional day for Europe, for Greece as EU President and for Greece as Greece'' Wednesday's European Parliament vote favoring the European Union's enlargement with a further 10 countries.

In a press conference he gave following the vote, Yiannitsis made particular reference to Cyprus, stressing that ''Cyprus participates in the enlargement procedure.''

The minister added that ''therefore, an effort spanning many years has been completed to enable Cyprus to be part of the EU and for favorable prospects for the future of the Cypriots to be created.''

Yiannitsis also made special mention to the Greek EU Presidency's invitation to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to take part in the European Summit in Athens on April 17, an invitation which the UN chief accepted.

Greek Eurodeputies on European Parliament vote on EU enlargement: Greek ruling PASOK Eurodeputy Yiannis Souladakis on Wednesday made a special reference as rapporteur of the report for Lithuania's accession.

''Lithuania brings with it all of Europe's historic load: culture, conflicts, history,'' he said.

''If the European people are asked today what they seek from the Parliament and of the political expressions of Europe's leadership, they will say 'peace, democracy, development social justice and freedom','' Souladakis added.

''We must respond exactly to these values,'' he said, adding that ''Lithuania has lived through its adventures, but today is on a course with hopes and visions.''

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) Eurodeputy Mihalis Papayiannakis, commenting on his positive vote for EU enlargement, said that ''the EU' enlargement with a further 10 countries of our continent constitutes a venture of historic dimension, which in any case was necessary to be imposed following the collapse of polarization in the world and in Europe.''

On his part, PASOK Eurodeputy George Katiforis said that ''today's decision by the European Parliament to approve by an overwhelming majority the EU's enlargement, indisputably constitutes a historic moment for Europe.''

Katiforis added that ''the completion of the enlargement with the signing of the Accession Treaty in Athens will signal the start of a new era for our continent but also for the whole of the world system.''

Katiforis expressed Greece's great satisfaction over the accession of Cyprus ''which could not have been possible without the systematic cooperation of the Cypriot and Greek governments, the European Commission and the Greek Eurodeputies.''

Concluding, he said it had been the wish of all for Cyprus to accede united, ''but the intransigence of the Turkish Cypriot side did not allow it. Let's hope that in the future more rational views prevail and Cyprus will be united, to the benefit of all and in particular of the Turkish Cypriot citizens.''

ND hails ratification of EU enlargement by European Parliament: The main opposition New Democracy party on Wednesday hailed the European Parliament's decision to ratify the accession to the European Union of 10 new member-states and that of Cyprus in particular.

ND spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said ''Cyprus' equal participation in the European acquis communautaire creates a workable framework renewing hopes for a solution to its political problem as well.''

He further said Cyprus' participation in the EU constitutes a new and very important chapter in its history and vindicates prolonged efforts made by the people of Cyprus and their leadership.

Roussopoulos also said the European Parliament's decision comes at a crucial moment for Europe and the hope of all is that it will signal a new era and will distance the possibility of a new division of the continent forever.

[06] Verheugen: regret for non-settlement of Cyprus issue

STRASBOURG 10/04/2003 (ANA - Ol. Tsipira)

''I have often stated how much the Commission regrets that the chance for a political settlement of the Cyprus conflict as part of enlargement was not seized,'' Verheugen said, adding ''I again want to underline that the Commission is prepared to support any further efforts by the United Nations to find a lasting political settlement of the Cyprus problem. The Commission will also do all it can to support projects in Cyprus that will help to prevent a further deepening of differences on the island and build trust between the communities.''

The Plenary Session of the European Parliament on Wednesday approved the ten reports for the accession of an equal number of new members, respectively, to the European Union.

With regard to Turkey, the Commissioner stressed that the door was opened to the neighboring country in Helsinki in 1999.

''In Copenhagen last year Turkey was given a roadmap and at the end of next year it will be decided whether it meets the political conditions for accession. I urge Turkey to stay on course for Europe. ''You can rely on the Commission to make a fair and objective judgment,'' he said.

Verheugen urged the Balkan countries to continue their efforts to carry out reforms in order to turn their prospects for joining the Union into reality, while for Bulgaria and Romania he said that they were both ''approaching the goal'' and ''when the ten new members join we will have made further progress in negotiations'' so that soon the EU will have 27 members.

[07] Defense minister and US envoy discuss EU presidency issues, Iraq

Athens, 10/04/2003 (ANA)

Responding to questions about coalition forces strikes that resulted in the deaths of three journalists, Miller said that many comments had been made on the issue and that he would confine himself to expressing sorrow for the loss of human lives.

[08] Papantoniou discusses Iraq with Russian ambassador

Athens, 10/04/2003 (ANA)

According to sources, Papantoniou briefed the Russian envoy on the results of his talks with government officials in the United States during a recent visit to that country.

Botcharnikov, on his part, informed the Greek minister on the talks between Russia's leadership and U.S. National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice.

[09] Government urges Greek journalists in Iraq to stay in their hotels

Athens, 10/04/2003 (ANA)

''We are at their disposal to provide them with anything they need,'' the spokesman added.

Protopapas said this conclusion was reached after Papandreou spoke with Grossman on Tuesday, in an assessment of the situation by the foreign ministry, media ministry and the Athens journalists' union ESHEA.

The spokesman also described as ''inconceivable'' a rumor that certain countries had been forewarned about the strike on the Palestine Hotel, where much of the foreign press in Baghdad is staying, saying that Athens had at no time been told something of the sort.

''It is not possible for a hotel that houses journalists to be a military target,'' he stressed.

Two cameramen were killed when a U.S. tank opened fire on the Palestine Hotel, which houses most of the foreign media in the city, in response to what U.S. forces claimed was small arms fire. A third journalist was killed in an air strike on the Al-Jazeera network's offices in Baghdad.

Asked to comment on U.S. responses to the strike on the Baghdad hotel and the dead and injured journalists, Protopapas confined himself to saying that ''no one can be satisfied when there are human victims''.

Regarding statements by United States Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller, who on Tuesday urged Greek audiences to watch ''other channels'' such as CNN and Fox for coverage of the war in Iraq, Protopapas merely said that the Greek public was more than capable of deciding what it wanted to watch for itself and assessing what it saw.

Responding to questions after a meeting with Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou on Wednesday, Miller stood by this statement but refused to elaborate.

''I do not have to explain my views every time,'' he added.

Horror at the deaths of the three journalists was also expressed by the leader of the Democratic Socialist Movement (DHKKI) Dimitris Tsovolas on Wednesday, who said that the International Court of Justice at The Hague should press charges against those responsible for the 'en masse killings of civilians and journalists" by coalition forces that he described as "mass war crimes".

Parliament speaker deplores deaths of journalists in Iraq: Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis on Wednesday said that the strikes by coalition forces that killed and injured foreign journalists in Iraq were more ''than a mere mistake'' and illustrated the 'new beliefs' about how the world should be run.

Free information and the proper operation of the media were dealt a heavy blow in Iraq on Tuesday, with journalists dead and injured at the same time in different places, and this was linked to the rights of all people to be fully and objectively informed on what was happening in the world, he said.

He also announced that the Greek Parliament will donate 100,000 euros to the non-governmental organization 'Doctors of the Heart' for medicinal and hygiene supplies to Iraq.

Athens Journalists Union organizes protest rally outside U.S embassy: The Athens Journalists Union (ESHEA) organized a protest rally outside the U.S. embassy in Athens on Wednesday to deplore the attack by American troops on the Palestine Hotel in Baghdad which resulted in the deaths and injuries of journalists.

The slogans shouted by scores of ESHEA and technical union reporters were ''The Truth is the First Victim of War'' and ''Blood Cannot Stop Information.''

Acting ESHEA President Panos Sombolos, referring to the bloody attack, said the Americans, British and Iraqis were well-aware that the heart of journalism was beating in the specific hotel and noted that more than 12 journalists have been killed in the war zone of Iraq.

Greek war correspondents who returned home and participated in the rally stressed that the attack on the Palestine Hotel was a blow that no one had expected.

ESHEA Secretary General Nana Daountaki said information cannot be killed because some have decided to attack and kill journalists.

She said that war correspondents proved that they are even prepared to sacrifice their lives to serve the function of journalism, adding that the aim of journalism in the specific case of Iraq was to reveal the horrifying crimes of an unprovoked, unjustified and barbaric invasion.

[10] Twenty-six MPs call for treatment of injured Iraqis in Greek hospitals

Athens, 10/04/2003 (ANA)

In the motion/question addressed to health and welfare minister Costas Stefanis, which was initially signed by 20 ND deputies and PASOK deputy and former minister Stelios Papathemelis, the MPs stress the fact that the hospitals in Baghdad have depleted their stock of medical supplies required for surgical procedures, resulting in ''the loss of many injured people who could have been saved if surgically treated and given the proper medication''.

The MPs further noted the initiatives undertaken by citizens' groups, the Church and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to collect medical supplies for dispatch to Iraq as humanitarian aid, as well as the expressed desire by private hospitals ''to set up a bridge of salvation for the transfer to Greece of many injured people in need of surgical treatment''.

The question/motion was co-signed by New Democracy MPs A. Yiannopoulos (the author of the motion), S. Kouvelas, Ath. Varinos, K. Tsiplakis, Y. Garoufalias, A. Angelis, Al. Kontos, A. Bezas, S. Karabinas, Th. Dimschakis, M. Kefaloyannis, Ath. Bouras, St. Kaloyannis, Y. Vlachos, L. Lymberakidis, Sp. Spyrou, N. Kortsaris, An. Spiliopoulos, St. Papadopoulos and E. Polyzos, and PASOK deputy S. Papathemelis.

The motion was later also signed by ND deputies Th. Skrekas, Ch. Zois and Y. Kalantzis, and PASOK deputies Dimitris Kre-mastinos (a former health minister) and P. Kritikos.

[11] Alternate FM discuses Morillon report in Europarliament

Athens, 10/04/2003 (ANA)

''We have reached a critical juncture. The Union has moved to a daring enlargement and accordingly it should deepen its policies with stable steps. The overwhelming majority of the Europeans is expecting it,'' Yiannitsis said.

''The present situation, despite all its dark sides it could be the beginning of intense thought on what the Union is aiming to do from now on. Much more so now that we are in the middle of an open discussion for the Future of Europe,'' he added.

[12] EU-FYROM Stabilization and Association Treaty tabled in Greek parliament

Athens, 10/04/2003 (ANA)

Said treaty has been already ratified by the majority of the national parliaments of the EU member states, and it is expected that it will be ratified by the Parliaments of Belgium, Portugal, Luxembourg and Italy in time for the Thessaloniki EU Summit in June, the announcement said.

Pursuant to the United Nations Security Council resolution 817 of 1993 and the Interim Accord between Greece and FYROM, the name FYROM is used in the text, the same as in the texts of the treaties already ratified by the other EU members.

The implementation of the Treaty is expected to boost rapprochement efforts of the neighboring country with the European structures, by reinforcing political stability, democratic institutions and its economic restructure, the announcement concluded.

[13] Premier comments on PASOK's third election victory anniversary

BELGRADE 10/04/2003 (ANA - N. Pelpas)

He said that the last three years of PASOK's governing of Greece was marked by historic successes, one such being the entry of Greece in the EMU, the euro's introduction, the resolution of the social security issue and the strong support for Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

He said that Greece is successfully exercising the European Union's presidency during the current six-month term and stressed that Greece has changed radically over the past three years, adding that the most important success of the PASOK governments in the last seven years was to secure normalcy and economic stability for Greece.

Simitis also said that until the conclusion of the four-year term the government will continue with success its work, which are the completion of the infrastructure projects and the successful preparation of the Olympic Games.

He concluded saying that his government will rule until the end of the four year term and that the elections will take place in spring 2004.

[14] Shipping sector to record 660 mln-euro surplus in 2003, report

Athens, 10/04/2003 (ANA)

The bank's analysts analyzed in detail an expected positive impact on the Greek economy in 2003 from a strong recovery of the shipping sector since the beginning of the year.

According to the report, the ocean shipping sector is one of the most significant sectors of the Greek economy, accounting for 2.5 percent of Greek GDP (net position) and to 1.5 percent of total employment, without taking in mind any indirect impact, mainly on the repairing and financial sectors. A large part of shipping exchange revenues is injected to the Greek economy through the banking system, a major source of funding in the shipping sector. Greek banks' loans to the shipping sector rose 28 percent in the last three years to a total of 3.8 billion US dollars, the report said.

National Bank's report said that shipping fares rose significantly in the last quarter of 2002, particularly in the dry cargo and oil sectors (up 67 percent and 78 percent, respectively), reflecting strong demand for these products and a relatively steady capacity volume of the global shipping fleet.

The report forecasts that dry cargo shipping transport fares will rise 21 percent this year, and by 28 percent on average for oil transport, while the volume of cargo is expected to rise by 2.0 percent compared with the previous year. National Bank's analysts expect Greece's shipping transport surplus in the country's current account balance to increase by 660 million euros this year, a development likely to counterbalance any loss in tourism revenues.

National Bank's report also referred to imports of goods and services in the country. The report said that imports of goods and services were almost unchanged despite the country's high growth rate in the period 2001-02. The report said that a slowdown in imports contrasted with a trend in the period 1997-2000, when imports' growth rate exceeded GDP growth by five percentage points.

The report attributed this development to a reduced capital investments and demand for durable goods.

The report noted that, with Greek economic growth likely to depend on the construction sector (activity is expected to increase by 9.4 percent this year), imports were expected to lag GDP growth rate by at least one percentage point in 2003.

[15] Exports of manufacturing products steady in 1990s, report

Athens, 10/04/2003 (ANA)

The report said that exports of manufacturing products moved towards more unstable markets with gloomy prospects, while exports of high technology products showed increased dynamism in the previous decade to significantly raise their share in total exports. Their share, however, remain limited.

A comparison between Greek export performance with global trends is negative, the report said. Greek exports of manufacturing products rose 38 percent in the period 1990-2000, while total exports rose 40 percent over the same period, the report said.

The value of manufacturing products' exports rose 38 percent, compared with a 39 percent increase of total exports over the same period, while manufacturing products accounted for 56 percent of total exports' value, slightly up compared with 55 percent in 1990.

Imports of manufacturing products in the period 1990-2000 rose 55 percent, exceeding a 50 percent growth rate of total Greek imports over the same period, accounting for 77 percent of total imports in 2000 from 74 percent in 1990.

The geographical orientation of Greek manufacturing product exports changed significantly in the decade under review, the report said. OECD member-states absorbed 59 percent of total exports in 2000, while EU member-states absorbed 46 percent of exports in the same year, compared with absorption rates of 80 percent and 69 percent, in 1990, respectively.

Exports to developing countries accounted for 16 percent of total exports in 1990 and 18 percent in 2000, while exports to the former east bloc countries jumped to 23 percent in 2000 from 5.0 percent in 1990.

Greece's five biggest exporting markets (Germany, UK, Italy, US and Cyprus) accounted for 42.5 percent of manufacturing exports in value terms in 2000, down from 62.4 percent in 1990, the report said.

[16] FinMin, John Major discuss EU expansion, Iraq

Athens, 10/04/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Mr Major welcomed the EU's expansion with the inclusion of 10 new member states and said that it was the most significant development in Europe in recent years.

Ministry sources said the meeting also discussed a reconstruction of Iraq after the war, with the Greek side noting that a reconstruction process was not just a process of rebuilding Iraq's infrastructure but also reinstating institutions and a political system to ensure the country's smooth course towards the future.

[17] Development minister and Bulgarian minister discuss Burgas oil pipeline

Athens, 10/04/2003 (ANA)

Greece and Bulgaria declare themselves ready for the creation of a consortium of companies to undertake the construction of the project and what remains to be done is the completion of cooperation processes with the Russian side.

Referring to this issue, Tsohatzopoulos said ''what remains to be done now is, through the visits both Mr. Cerovski and I will be making to Moscow, in April and early May, for us to be able to complete this cooperation through the agreement of Russia on the creation of a single consortium which will utilize the construction of the project and its operation. We are optimistic in this direction. President Putin's recent visit to Bulgaria confirmed Russia's interest in supporting this project.''

[18] Govt seeks one million new passengers in public transportation system daily

Athens, 10/04/2003 (ANA)

Unveiling the program, Mr Verelis said the government's priority was to upgrade urban transport services and to deal with traffic problems in the capital. The program envisages the increase of passengers in public transportation system by up to one million daily to 3.5 million passengers by mid-2004, through the operation of a tram system, a suburban railway, an extension of the metro system, modernizing the trolley-bus fleet and expanding bus lines across Athens.

Mr Verelis announced that armed policemen would guard all 24 stations of the Piraeus-Kifissia electric railway, currently under renovation.

The Greek minister stressed that works to lay out the tram system lines would be completed by the end of the year and that the first tram carriage was expected to arrive in Athens next month.

By May 2004, the Athens international airport at Spata was expected to be finally linked with the capital through the suburban railway, Mr Verelis stressed.

The minister announced that with the exception of the Athens Metro, which reported a surplus of 5.5 billion drachmas last year, all other public transportation companies were in the red in 2002 reflecting the government's policy to maintain low fares to passengers.

[19] Greek stocks end 0.84 percent higher on Wednesday

Athens, 10/04/2003 (ANA)

The general index ended 0.84 percent higher at 1,579.62 points, with turnover a low 73.2 million euros.

The IT Solution, Wholesale, IT and Textile sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (4.0 percent, 2.43 percent, 2.42 percent and 2.09 percent, respectively), while the Investment and Telecommunications sectors suffered losses (0.29 percent and 0.09 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.86 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 1.18 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 1.48 percent and the FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 0.98 percent up.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 219 to 82 with another 62 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 82.0 mln euros Wednesday

Equity Index Futures: