Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-04-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] ATHOC, IOC: Excellent cooperation by all sides, every project feasible

[02] Gov’t: Greece rejects meeting on Cyprus outside a UN framework

[03] Powell conveys to Papandreou U.S. interest in promoting ME solution

[04] Simitis to pay two-day visit to Cyprus

[05] Greek minister begins visit to Azerbaijan, stresses bilateral ties

[06] EU institutional reform Assembly discusses common foreign policy

[07] Euro-Parliament approves Morillon report on common security

[08] Greek journalists stage protest over media deaths in Baghdad

[09] Greek EU presidency issues statement on recent events in Gaza

[10] Amnesty International reminds allied forces of specific responsibilities

[11] FinMin to participate in IMF, G7 meetings in Washington

[12] Greece seeks new agricultural policy, Simitis says

[13] ND calls for government's written commitment regarding debt to pharmacists

[14] Lavipharm forges alliance with GlaxoSmithKline of the US

[15] Greek stocks end slightly higher on Thursday

[16] N17 suspect apologizes for slaying of passer-by Axarlian in court

[17] Anti-terrorist agency prosecutor to remain at the post for one more year

[18] Consultations on Cyprus to continue Friday at Security Council

[19] Italian EU Presidency to contribute towards Cyprus settlement

[20] US Special Coordinator for Cyprus to visit island

[01] ATHOC, IOC: Excellent cooperation by all sides, every project feasible

Athens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)

The 10th visit here by the high-ranking IOC Coordination Commission -- again headed by its Swiss chairman, Denis Oswald -- comes at a crucial time for the closely watched 2004 Olympics, as the first round of “test events” are only a few months away (August), events the Lausanne-based organization has repeatedly stressed will be a barometer for the upcoming Olympic Games’ quality.

''Everything that is expected to happen is feasible within the next 500 days ... but there are a number of projects under time pressure,” Oswald said in reference to a handful of nagging delays at certain venues, most notably at the Hellenikon coastal complex, where the softball, baseball, field hockey, basketball preliminaries, handball finals, fencing and canoe/kayak slalom events will be held.

''In some areas you can afford to have projects with a 30- or 60-day delay, but with others you cannot tolerate any slippage...” he said, noting that a month-long delay would be catastrophic for a project due to be delivered a week before the Games begin on Aug. 13.

As in previous visits, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis received the IOC delegation prior to the press conference, with the previous two days filled of numerous contacts with both a handful of top government ministers and ATHOC’s leadership.

In terms of the all-important test events, Oswald reiterated that they would take place in the venues where the actual competitions will occur in August 2004, regardless of whether the facilities and surrounding overlays are 100 percent completed. Some test events, he said, have been cancelled because facilities will not be ready to host them.

In a sign of the times, meanwhile, Oswald – who succeeded current IOC President Jacques Rogge as the chairman of the Coordinating Commission for Athens 2004 – said the organization cannot anticipate any other war or conflict in interfering with the 2004 Olympic Games.

Earlier, ATHOC President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki reiterated that security “was, is and will be our No. 1 priority”. Her comment came weeks after the Greek government awarded a much-anticipated multi-million-euro contract for 2004 security, which alleviated much of the IOC and ATHOC’s concerns.

On his part, Oswald said the IOC had considered a wide range of scenarios vis-a-vis security threats even before the Sept. 11 terrorist, even one with a plane aimed at an Opening or Closing Ceremony.

In an apparent bid to smooth over earlier criticism, particularly following a controversial interview of his published by the German “Der Spiegel” magazine, Oswald praised preparations during Thursday’s press conference at ATHOC’s state-of-the-art Nea Ionia district headquarters, referring to “well-done” planning for overlays; an apparent lack of delay for equipment tenders; improved ATHOC-government cooperation; security, and even the design of venues, noting that “what has been presented is fantastic”. Reversing gears and spelling out concerns, Oswald cited the delayed demolition and rebuilding of Karaiskaki stadium – picked to host the 2004 soccer finals -- before clarifying that PM Simitis himself offered assurances only hours earlier that a private company awarded the deal will deliver on time.

Other concerns, as expected, focused on the Hellenikon complex near the old Athens airport as well as the Peristeri venue (western Athens) for boxing.

Finally, he mentioned improvements and refurbishment of the main Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA), where the Opening and Closing ceremonies will take place along with practically all of the athletic competitions. Besides the dome, Oswald referred to roadworks surrounding OAKA and even a provisional roof over the open-aired natatorium as pressing.

Regarding the above, he said the government has assured him that the projects will be ready on time.

Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, meanwhile, ticked off a list of what she called ATHOC accomplishments to date, including a robust volunteers program (more than 70,000 applications so far), a record amount of sponsorship money, finalized planning for all 2004 venues as well as the first “truly global” Olympic torch relay, before stating:

“... That’s why we cannot accept anyone questioning the major effort that is taking place everyday by thousands of staff members and employees, not just at ATHOC, but in dozens of agencies, businesses and worksites around the country. We are all together, the IOC, ATHOC and the (Greek) government, for the successful hosting of the Games. Because we all have a share of responsibility in the preparations and we all have a share in the success...” the ATHOC chief, with Oswald at her side, poignantly said.

On Wednesday, Oswald and a small group of IOC technocrats led by official Gilbert Felli toured a handful of under-construction venues in eastern Attica prefecture, to the east of the Greek capital, including two sites in semi-rural Markopoulo, one for the shooting competition and the other for the equestrian events. The once controversial Schinias canoe/kayak flat-water venue was the last site toured yesterday, with Oswald a day later again praising the project as leaving a legacy of development and environmental protection for the area.

Schinias’ selection for the rowing center had initially caused a firestorm of criticism by many local and foreign historians, archaeologists and environmentalists due to its proximity to the nearby Marathon battlefield. However, ATHOC, the government and even the IOC stood by the decision, stressing that 2004-related works will both revitalize an under-developed region blemished by illegal structures, a private airstrip, abandoned military barracks and even a makeshift landfill as well as protect the fragile ecological balance of a nearby wetlands and a unique pine-covered beach.

The press conference was postponed for one hour due to a two-hour work stoppage (noon to 2 p.m. local time) called by local journalist unions in remembrance of the reporters killed this week in Baghdad.

PM receives IOC team: Greek Premier Simitis had received Oswald and his close associates prior to Thursday’s press conference, with discussions focused squarely on the Karaiskaki stadium and OAKA, where a new cutting-edge glass and metallic dome, based on a design by award-winning Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, is expected to cover all but the pitch. Oswald later said during the press conference that the metallic structures needed for the dome will be imported from an Italian factory ready for assembly.

According to reports, Simitis assured the IOC official that all of the projects would be completed on time and that there was no reason for ''over-dramatizing'' the situation, an obvious reference to recent statements by Oswald to the German magazine.

Oswald reportedly said that his statements were misinterpreted.

Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, whose ministry oversees much of the 2004-related preparations on the government side, also attended the 45-minute meeting.

[02] Gov’t: Greece rejects meeting on Cyprus outside a UN framework

Athens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)

The proposal was made during a meeting on Wednesday between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Turkish premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Belgrade, which covered all issues in bilateral Greek and Turkish relations with special emphasis on the Cyprus problem.

Reporting on the prime minister's briefing to the cabinet about the meeting, Protopapas said Greece would not accept discussion on Cyprus outside a United Nations framework.

Simitis said that the Turkish premier's insistence on the proposal showed that he intended to seek other ways that would be based on his own thoughts, which the Greek premier described as ''unclear''.

He stressed in his talks with Erdogan that no solution could exist if Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash did not shift from his position of seeking recognition as a state.

[03] Powell conveys to Papandreou U.S. interest in promoting ME solution

Athens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)

During the talks, conducted at the initiative of the U.S. side, Powell conveyed to his Greek counterpart the U.S. administration's interest for the promotion of a solution to the Middle East issue, now that the war in Iraq is nearing its end.

Powell told Papandreou that the U.S. will place great emphasis in this procedure and that it is particularly interested for there to be an immediate resumption of the peace process in the Middle East, at the same time noting the need for there to be close cooperation with the European Union in this direction within the framework of the Quartet.

[04] Simitis to pay two-day visit to Cyprus

NICOSIA 11/04/2003 (CNA/ANA)

Simitis' visit to Cyprus marks the beginning of a tour to the ten countries that will sign the Accession Treaty on April 16 in Athens.

The Greek premier's schedule is still under discussion but he is expected to attend an official dinner hosted in his honor on Friday, and on Saturday he will address the House of Representatives before departing in the afternoon.

[05] Greek minister begins visit to Azerbaijan, stresses bilateral ties

BAKU 11/04/2003 (ANA - F. Karaviti)

Loverdos met Azerbaijan's Deputy Prime Minister Ali Hasanov and Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammad-Quliyev.

''Greece is actively interested in the south Caucasus region,'' Loverdos said.

The Greek delegation's mission is to prepare for a visit to Baku by Greek President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and a delegation of Greek business people at the end of June.

Loverdos announced that 110,000 euros in humanitarian aid will be sent to the region, of which 50,000 will be used to help refugees in areas northeast of Nagorno-Karabakh while the rest will be spent on a Medecins sans Frontieres mission in the country. The ongoing dispute between Azeris and Armenians over Nagorno-Karabakh was raised repeatedly during Loverdos' talks in Baku and the Greek minister outlined the Greek position, calling for respect of the rules of international law and the inviolability of borders.

On Friday, Loverdos is to meet Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Artur Rasizade and Azeri Foreign Minister Vilayat Quliyev. He will also attend a dinner with leading members of Azerbaijan's business and financial community.

[06] EU institutional reform Assembly discusses common foreign policy

BRUSSELS 11/04/2003 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

Papandreou said proposals include a ''solidarity clause'' concerning all EU members regarding such cases as incommensurate threats, and the enactment of closer cooperation for those countries desiring to go ahead with common defense at a faster pace, undertaking the obligation of ''mutual support'' in the event of a threat by a third country.

The foreign minister stressed the significance of common defense for Europe's political autonomy, adding that if the ''15'' do not object the Greek EU presidency could participate as an observer in the summit of the four countries - France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg - in Brussels on April 29 on the creation of the first ''strengthened cooperation'' defense nucleus.

He further said the four countries' initiative for the promotion of common European defense should not be taken as a move dividing the EU and mentioned that it had already been discussed six months ago on the occasion of a relevant proposal by Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt but was raised now due to different opinions over the Iraq war and added that it will be discussed, in any case, at the informal General Affairs Council in Olympia next month.

Papandreou also said Convention for the Future of Europe President Valery Giscard d'Estaing will brief the ''15'' leaders on the Convention's work in Athens on Wednesday, while the Greek presidency will also decide on a possible special summit on institutional issues in Brussels on June 30.

[07] Euro-Parliament approves Morillon report on common security

The plenum of the European Parliament on Thursday adopted a report on the new European security and defense policy by French Euro-Deputy Philippe Morillon, member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defense Policy.

One of the central points contained in the report, setting the priorities in the new EU security and defense architecture, was the need to introduce in the EU Treaty a clause on “collective defense” for member-states.

A prevailing view is that there should be no varying levels of security in EU territory. However, the introduction of a collective defense clause should be examined in coordination with the introduction of a “solidarity clause”, allowing the activation of military and non-military mechanisms to prevent terrorist threats.

Before the vote was taken, discussion was attended by Greece’s alternate Foreign Minister and current Council President Tassos Yiannitsis, who noted the usefulness of the Morillon report in both discussions for the future of Europe by the Convention, and, later on, in the Intergovernmental Conference.

Yiannitsis stressed that the EU common security and defense policy was not originally designed to deal with threats such as terrorism or mass destruction weapons, and consequently needs to be adjusted. He added that the Greek EU presidency has prepared a relative text, believing that the development and enhancement of the EU military capabilities is a crucial matter.

Faced with a world characterized by new threats and growing insecurity, MEPs propose the construction of a new European defense architecture, and express deep regret at the current split between the member-states on key foreign policy issues.

As regards military operations, Parliament wants the EU to have, with effect from 2004, a 5000-strong force kept in a state of permanent readiness for humanitarian and rescue operations. By 2009 this force should be capable of carrying out operations autonomously.

The House also expressed support for the EU's decision to take over NATO's ''Allied Harmony'' operation in FYROM and its intention to take on the SFOR command in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

On the financial front, MEPs proposed that the common costs of military operations under the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) be covered through the Community budget

[08] Greek journalists stage protest over media deaths in Baghdad

Athens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)

A resolution by the Athens Journalists' Union ESHEA stressed that the blatant and criminal attack by United States and British forces against reporters, television and radio stations covering the ongoing war in Iraq was a heavy blow on journalism and the right of the entire world to information.

The protest focused chiefly on the attack against the Palestine Hotel that houses most of the foreign media in Baghdad by a U.S. tank, in which two journalists were killed and others injured.

[09] Greek EU presidency issues statement on recent events in Gaza

Athens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)

''The Presidency of the European Union expresses deep concern on the recent events in Gaza. In such a critical moment for the region and shortly after the recent appointment of a Palestinian Prime Minister, we consider that extra-judicial executions, which also caused severe casualties among innocent civilians, are rather unwise and most counterproductive. We call upon the Israeli government to show ultimate restraint and to avoid such actions, which can derail any effort to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict.''

[10] Amnesty International reminds allied forces of specific responsibilities

Athens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)

''As troops of an occupation force, they must take measures urgently to impose law and order in regions under their control, averting in particular acts of looting, destruction and violence against people,'' the organization announced on Thursday.

It further said ''the allied forces should meet their responsibilities and do everything possible to protect the rights of all people in Iraq.''

Amnesty International points out that the situation in Iraq regarding health is very crucial since many hospitals, particularly in Baghdad, are unable to cope with the very large number of injured and access to medical treatment and medicines is beginning to be extremely difficult.

It also reminds ''the allied forces that they are obliged to secure the provision of foodstuffs and medical supplies for inhabitants in the regions under their control," adding that ''it is also necessary for them to preserve medical and hospital installations and services, public health and hygiene.''

[11] FinMin to participate in IMF, G7 meetings in Washington

Athens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)

The G7 meeting is expected to discuss the course of global economy and possible include talk on structural reforms needed for each economy.

Sources said that the G7 meeting would also discuss a reconstruction process in Iraq. The EU position on the issue, to be presented by the Greek minister, is that distribution of humanitarian aid was a priority and that the EU has already approved the sum of 100 million euros for the program.

Mr Christodoulakis also is expected to present the EU's position for offering bigger support in the rescheduling of poor states' debt.

[12] Greece seeks new agricultural policy, Simitis says

Athens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a cabinet meeting to discuss the condition of the farm sector, Mr Simitis stressed that Greece ranked first among European Union member-states in terms of community support per stremma (one stremma=1,000 square meters).

In the last three years, the Prime Minister said, "real per capital income of farmers increased by 14 percent, while compensations pair in 2002 for damages by natural disasters soared to all-time highs."

Mr Simitis noted that the government has secured funds to support the farm sector by 2013 and added that the plan was that all EU member-states' major farm producers would receive lower support gradually to deal with problems likely to arise in the farm sector from an EU expansion in the next few years.

"Our aim is to safeguard the interests of the vast majority of Greek farmers," the Greek Premier noted.

The cabinet meeting reaffirmed the government's will to support small- and medium-sized farmers, and farm products of special interest for the country (tobacco, wine, olive oil).

[13] ND calls for government's written commitment regarding debt to pharmacists

Athens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)

ND spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos accused the government of going back on its promises and said that ND agreed with the passage of legislation that fully settled past debts and made civil service funds pay for medication in the same way as all other state insurance funds.

Responding to ND, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said that Floridis had already made specific commitments in a document sent to the Pharmacists' Union.

He said the government planned to change the payment system so that civil sector payments were settled within a month with simplified procedures.

[14] Lavipharm forges alliance with GlaxoSmithKline of the US

Athens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)

The two firms signed a three-year research and development agreement in a specific area of pharmaceuticals, Lavipharm said in a statement.

Under the terms of the contract, the two firms will employ Lavipharm's know-how and production capability in super critical fluid to undertake research; and GlaxoSmithKline will gain exclusivity in applications to emerge in specific treatment categories, the statement said.

[15] Greek stocks end slightly higher on Thursday

Athens, 11/04/2003 (ANA)

The general index rose 0.26 percent to end at 1,583.78 points, with turnover an improved 96.4 million euros.

The Textile, Cement and Insurance sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (4.0 percent, 2.83 percent and 1.93 percent, respectively), while the Metal, Retail and IT sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (1.29 percent, 1.16 percent and 0.54 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.18 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.04 percent up, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 0.55 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 0.20 percent higher.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 176 to 138 with another 49 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 54.4 mln euros Thursday Equity Index Futures: