Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-04-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] At least 20 people killed in collision between truck, coach and two cars

[02] Christodoulakis says revival of world economy undermined by uncertainty

[03] PM Simitis says enlarged Europe will play decisive role in world developments

[04] Accession Treaty signing ceremony to last about three hours

[05] Defense minister to visit Germany and France for talks with counterparts

[06] Magriotis speaks on contribution of regional organizations to peace and security

[07] PASOK party secretary, agri minister address conference in Larissa

[08] Former FM says PASOK should go to polls with Simitis

[09] ND leader says political life has entered indeterminable election period

[10] Development minister inaugurates three aeolian parks in northern Greece

[11] Transport minister inaugurates second phase of limited demand route program

[12] ANA director general chairs Union of Mediterranean News Agencies meeting

[13] SC regrets Cyprus talks failure due to Denktash's stance

[14] Papadopoulos: EU to play a more active role in Cyprus efforts

[15] Iacovou says Annan plan must be revised due to EU accession

[16] Greek ambassador says accession signals new era in Cyprus

[01] At least 20 people killed in collision between truck, coach and two cars

Athens, 14/12/2003 (ANA)

According to initial reports, the accident, believed to be the worst road accident post-war Greece, occurred when the truck, for unspecified reasons, swerved into an oncoming lane and collided with the coach and then two cars slammed into the mass.

Rescue crews and firemen were trying desperately to release people trapped in the coach, while the injured were expected to be taken primarily to hospitals in the nearby cities of Larissa and Katerini, but hospitals in Thessaloniki have also been alerted to receive injured people.

The 49 first grade senior high school pupils were reportedly returning to Thessaloniki at the end of a three-day school excursion in Athens.

Latest reports said ambulances were arriving continuously at the Larissa general hospital carrying bodies and injured people, while dozens of frantic relatives have gathered in the hospital's courtyard, eager to hear word of their loved ones.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who was briefed on the accident by Education Minister Petros Efthymiou, said in a statement ''it is a tragedy. Whatever the causes may be, which will be investigated, the tragic fact remains'', adding ''I express by grief and compassion, as do all the Greek people, over the unfair loss of so many young people, as well as my undivided support to the families of all the victims.''

Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, in a similar statement, said ''I express my grief over this unspeakable tragedy and my condolences to the families of the victims. What comes first at this time of pain is providing help for the injured and our support for all families mourning for their loved ones or being anxious over their fate.''

Efthymiou, as well as his Deputy Minister Nikos Gesoulis, headed for the scene of the crash and, speaking to reporters, expressed his devastation over the accident.

The Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) likewise expressed its grief and sorrow over the tragic accident and extended its condolences to the families of the pupils and of the other victims.

It said the least the government and relevant agencies can do is to seek and attribute responsibilities for the accident immediately and completely overhaul policy on the prevention of road accidents, particularly on national motorways.

[02] Christodoulakis says revival of world economy undermined by uncertainty

WASHINGTON 14/12/2003 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Christodoulakis, who is presiding over the Eurogroup and ECOFIN, as Greece holds the six-month rotating presidency, noted that the revival of the world economy is being undermined by uncertainty which negatively affects the confidence of consumers and businesses and increases the existing imbalances within the economies of the G-7 group.

However, he said, ''it seems that the war in Iraq will end soon,'' thus detracting one of the most important centers of uncertainty in the world economy. Within this context, the macroeconomic policies should appease the short-term objectives for supporting economic growth with the long-term confrontation of the challenges and the imbalances, he said.

''Economic growth in the eurozone finally proved to be weaker than was expected and despite the fact that the economy will start to pick up during the second half of the year, the rate of growth is expected to be speeded up in 2004,'' Christodoulakis said.

The Greek minister noted that the European Union spring summit on March 20-21 reconfirmed the importance of the structural reforms and the fact that the EU's macroeconomic strategy policy remains correct.

The top priorities include reforms for better work opportunities and the strengthening of the entrepreneurial spirit and that of the single market, he said, noting that it was not necessary to change the Stability and Development Pact or for new fiscal goals and rules to be adopted.

The economy and finance minister underlined that in the current phase of acute economic uncertainty, the policies of the G-7 should aim at restoring the confidence of consumers and investors, with the strengthening of cooperation in order for the prospects for growth for all the citizens to be improved.

''The world economy needs the cooperation of Europe and the United States,'' Christodoulakis emphasized.

On his part, European Central Bank President Wim Duisenberg predicted that inflation in the eurozone will fall below 2 per cent in the second half of 2003, stressing that at the G-7 conference it was agreed that a new UN Security Council resolution is needed for the reconstruction of Iraq.

Greek economy minister says 'all can contribute' in the reconstruction of Iraq: National Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, in interviews he gave on Saturday to the U.S. economic network ''CNNfn'' and to the Canadian ''Report on Business Television'', referred to the repercussions of the Iraq war on the European economy, Europe's contribution for the reconstruction of Iraq and in general to the G-7 conference he attended here.

Christodoulakis, who is presiding over the Eurogroup and ECOFIN, noted that the war in Iraq had repercussions on the European economies which, however, ''are not possible to be assessed exactly.''

He spoke of a prolongation of uncertainty, stressing that anticipated higher growth rates did not materialize. At the same time, he noted that the lower growth rates at present in the economies of the European Union are only partially due to the repercussions of the war.

The minister expressed the hope that by the end of the year, the uncertainty will eclipse and that high growth rates will be achieved during the second half of the year. He also assessed that ''in 2004 we will have a full revival of growth rates at 3 per cent.''

On the sessions of the G-7 conference, Christodoulakis said that under discussion will be the developments in the world economy and the prospects for cooperation and mutual trust, in order to achieve growth rates. ''All now wish for the rift in Euro-atlantic relations not to widen and for ways to be found to correct it, and in undertaking a stronger international role, Europe can bridge the Euro-atlantic gap,'' he said.

On the reconstruction of Iraq, the Greek national economy and finance minister said ''all can contribute and it will be a big mistake if Europe is excluded, as it has participated in many reconstruction plans throughout the world and has great experience, not only in economic but also in political, democratic and social reconstruction.''

Asked on the repercussions of the war in Iraq on Greek tourism, Christodoulakis replied that a 30 per cent drop in tourist arrivals was observed in the first three months of 2003, but with the prerequisite that things will return to normal, the lost ground may be covered by the end of the year.

Finance minister and IMF managing director discuss European economy: Finance and Economy Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) managing director Horst Kohler discussed prospects of the European economy, the economic situation in the Balkans, the reconstruction of Iraq and the upcoming accession of 10 new members to the European Union here on Sunday, in the presence of his alternate official Eduardo Aninat.

Christodoulakis, who participated as Eurogroup and ECOFIN president in the G-7 meeting, and in the IMF's and World Bank's spring session, was due to leave for Athens later in the day.

[03] PM Simitis says enlarged Europe will play decisive role in world developments

Athens, 14/12/2003 (ANA)

The statement by the Greek Prime Minister and European Council President comes three days before the 10 EU acceding countries will sign the Accession Treaty in Athens on Wednesday, April 16.

Simitis stressed the need for the strengthening of the European Union in order for it ''to play its role more effectively in a world multi-centered system, so as to serve peace, cooperation, solidarity and a world community of justice.''

He also indirectly denounced the conduct of the United States throughout the duration of the crisis in Iraq, underlining that ''superpowers should not determine our fate, either today or tomorrow.''

The prime minister also expressed the need ''for us to proceed together in respecting our cultural differences, bridging our differences.''

On the EU enlargement, Simitis stressed that ''it is no longer Western Europe, it is the whole of Europe,'' adding that in this Europe ''the common policies and organization at present are not sufficient.''

He noted that ''the European social model must be adjusted, so that with the new social facts, to secure cohesion and solidarity.''

[04] Accession Treaty signing ceremony to last about three hours

Athens, 14/12/2003 (ANA)

On Wednesday, the European Union's heads of state and government, along with those of the 10 acceding countries, which will bring to 25 the EU member countries, will each speak for three minutes prior to the signing of the Accession Treaty.

European Commission President Romano Prodi and European Parliament President Pat Cox will also give a three minute speech.

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Sunday morning gave journalists a tour of the Attalus Arcade.

The Greek delegation at the ceremony will comprise of President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, Prime Minister and European Council President Costas Simitis, Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis, Foreign Ministry Secretary General Ilias Plaskovitis and Ambassador Aristides Agathoklis, head of Greece's permanent representation in Brussels.

[05] Defense minister to visit Germany and France for talks with counterparts

Athens, 14/12/2003 (ANA)

Discussions will centre on the shaping of conditions for the post-war period in Iraq and the role of the United Nations, Greek EU presidency issues concerning the Euro-army and the European Defense Industry, following the decision of the European Council, and the next steps of the defense unification (Convention for the Future of Europe and the European Constitution).

[06] Magriotis speaks on contribution of regional organizations to peace and security

Athens, 14/12/2003 (ANA)

According to a Greek Foreign Ministry announcement on Saturday, following his speech, Magriotis stated that he presented the positions of the European Union - which are also positions of Greece - as these were shaped in the EU spring summit in Brussels, with the EU's initiatives for peace and security.

He outlined the initiatives which started during the Greek EU presidency from January 1, 2003, with the police presence in Bosnia and, a few days ago with the EU military force which replaced that of NATO in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

''The common position of all of us is that regional cooperation and regional organizations for security matters must be strengthened,'' the minister said.

Therefore, Magriotis said, the EU has decided to strengthen its presence and action on a daily basis. He noted that the EU has 30,000 men and woman at the disposal of the United Nations, while it finances more than 40 per cent of the UN's budget.

''The UN received a strong blow, as did the international community, but it must continue its path, having a high mission, which we serve both as Greece and EU. We want the world of the 21st century to enjoy the world productive wealth on all the sides of the planet, but to also live in peace and security, under international law which the UN and the Security Council represent in the best way and which must obtain greater effectiveness and greater credibility,'' Magriotis concluded.

The UN Security Council open meeting which the Greek deputy foreign minister addressed was entitled ''The Security Council and the regional organizations: confronting the new challenges for international peace and security''.

[07] PASOK party secretary, agri minister address conference in Larissa

Athens, 14/12/2003 (ANA)

The conference on the restructuring of the rural areas of the country was also attended by Agriculture Minister George Drys.

Laliotis underlined that, among others, the developments of the rural regions are the green hope for the Greek regions and Greece as a whole and it is the green hope for the Greek farmers and PASOK.

On his part, Drys responded the criticism leveled against the government by main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis concerning farming issues, calling on Karamanlis to submit evidence of mismanagement to the justice system if he has any as he claims.

[08] Former FM says PASOK should go to polls with Simitis

Athens, 14/12/2003 (ANA)

Pangalos, invited by PASOK's Prefectural Committee in Trikala to an event on the war in Iraq and the next day, was speaking at a press conference.

Referring to opinion polls showing the main opposition New Democracy party seven percentage points ahead of PASOK, the former foreign minister said they should not celebrate in advance.

On the question of whether PASOK should make a reshuffle on account of the opinion polls, Pangalos noted that whatever development should not be based on opinion polls.

Pangalos also said the government should make a considerable turn to the problems of the Greeks towards the end of the EU presidency. He added that the turn should concern the problems of unemployment, drugs and the provinces.

[09] ND leader says political life has entered indeterminable election period

Athens, 14/12/2003 (ANA)

Karamanlis, who was addressing a gathering of ND supporters at an indoor stadium in the town of Amfissa, central Greece, said ''what does he fear and what is he planning? When, out of place, he declares that elections will take place at the end of his term of office?''

Elections in the country are normally expected in April 2004.

The ND leader said the ruling PASOK party will "not fall like ripe fruit and assessed that once again it will pursue tension, polarization and fanaticism".

Karamanlis also insisted on his overtures to voters of other parties, stressing that he promotes the need for national consensus, the joining of the efforts of all Greeks and the rallying of all social forces.

Responding to Karamanlis' statements on ''early elections'', government spokesman Christos Protopapas said it would not be necessary to reply to Karamanlis, who is usually wrong in his predictions and who will also be wrong in his predictions of early elections.

[10] Development minister inaugurates three aeolian parks in northern Greece

Athens, 14/12/2003 (ANA)

The parks belong to the companies Damco Energy SA and Diethnis Kataskevastiki Attne of the Kopelouzos and Samaras group.

In his address, Tsohatzopoulos said the objective is ''until 2010, for 20 per cent of produced energy in Greece to come from renewable sources of energy.''

[11] Transport minister inaugurates second phase of limited demand route program

Athens, 14/12/2003 (ANA)

Speaking during the event, Verelis announced that his ministry is orientated towards linking Thessaloniki by air with cities in southeastern Europe and the Black Sea with ticket subsidization.

The second phase of the program anticipates the incorporation of 12 destinations from Athens, Thessaloniki and other regional cities with 70 flights and 1,500 bookings a week.

''Benefits will appear for local regions and their wider areas with the implementation of this considerable program, since their continuous and unimpeded air linkage with a low fare will be established which will contribute to the handling of the islands' social and economic isolation,'' Verelis said.

[12] ANA director general chairs Union of Mediterranean News Agencies meeting

Athens, 14/12/2003 (ANA)

The Administrative Council, which is comprised of the director generals and presidents of the news agencies of Algeria, Tunisia, Cyprus and Greece, discussed preparations for the General Assembly which will take place in Algiers on June 28-29 and in general the problems faced by journalists in conducting their duties.

Meanwhile, the World Forum of News Agencies begins in Istanbul on Monday. Tens of news agencies from all over the world will take part in the forum which is organized by the Turkish news agency Anadolu.

[13] SC regrets Cyprus talks failure due to Denktash's stance

UNITED NATIONS 14/12/2003 (CNA/ANA)

After the intervention by Cypriot diplomats and the insistence of permanent members of the SC, namely Russia and China, the US and the British were convinced to subtract the provision, which described the Annan plan as ''basis for the solution of the Cyprus problem''.

According to the draft resolution, which is expected to be approved on Monday, the Security Council reiterates ''its strong interest in achieving an overall political settlement on Cyprus which takes full consideration of relevant Security Council resolutions and treaties''.

The SC ''commends the extraordinary effort made by the Secretary General and his Special Adviser and his team since 1999 in pursuance of his Good Offices mission and within the framework of Security Council Resolution 1250'' and ''further commends the Secretary General for taking the initiative to present to the parties a comprehensive settlement plan aimed at bridging the gaps between them, drawing upon the talks that began in December 1999 under UN auspices and, following negotiations, to revise that plan on December 10, 2002 and February 26, 2003''.

The draft resolution also notes that the SC ''regrets that, as described in the Secretary General's report, due to the negative approach of the Turkish Cypriot leader, culminating in the position taken at the March 10-11, 2003 meeting in The Hague, it was not possible to reach agreement to put the plan to simultaneous referenda as suggested by the Secretary General, and thus that the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots have been denied the opportunity to decide for themselves on a plan that would have permitted the reunification of Cyprus and as a consequence it will not be possible to achieve a comprehensive settlement before April 16, 2003''.

The SC also ''gives its full support to the Secretary-General's carefully balanced plan of 26 February 2003, as a unique basis for further negotiations, and calls on all concerned to negotiate within the framework of the Secretary-General's Good Offices, using the plan to reach a comprehensive settlement as set forth in paragraphs 144-151, of the Secretary-General's report''.

Furthermore, the SC ''stresses its full support for the Secretary General's mission of Good Offices as entrusted to him in resolution 1250 and asks the Secretary General to continue to make available his Good Offices for Cyprus as outlined in his report'' and decides ''to remain actively seized of the matter''.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

[14] Papadopoulos: EU to play a more active role in Cyprus efforts

NICOSIA 14/12/2003 (CNA/ANA)

In an article in the Greek weekly magazine ''Financial Courier'', Papadopoulos also notes that UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan to reunify Cyprus with the right clarifications and alterations which could ensure it is functional and complies with the Acquis communautaire, could constitute the basis for further negotiations on the Cyprus question.

''We will continue to encourage in a positive and creative way the assumption of a new initiative by the UN under one form or the other'' Papadopoulos notes, pointing out that this initiative ''should have a new short timeframe so a reunited Cyprus within the EU framework, could offer all the advantages to all Cypriot citizens,'' Papadopoulos writes in his article.

''Cypriot people's first strategic target was and remains the finding of a functional and viable solution to the Cyprus question'', Papadopoulos underlines.

Papadopoulos describes the signing of Accession Treaty in Athens on Wednesday, as a historic event and great success, adding however that there is no case ''to turn our back to the possibility of a quick and viable solution due to Cyprus' accession in the EU''.

Referring to Turkey's European aspirations, Papadopoulos points out that ''in order to secure its EU accession, Turkey should contribute actively to the solution of the Cyprus question''.

At the same time, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Papandreou, also in an article in the same magazine notes that European enlargement brings down all the walls of the past, but the Turkish Cypriot intransigence supported by Turkey, continues to feed a historical anachronism in Cyprus.

However, Papandreou points out that this anachronism would not be able to resist in the catalytic consequences of Cyprus' EU accession for a long time.

''Cypriot people, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots envisage a united and democratic Cyprus in the EU, which would guarantee their rights'', Papandreou notes, adding ''we shall continue efforts so this dream would soon come true''.

[15] Iacovou says Annan plan must be revised due to EU accession

NICOSIA 14/12/2003 (CNA/ANA)

In an interview with CNA in view of the signing of the Accession Treaty in Athens on 16 April, Iacovou expressed hope that by December 2004, when the 25 EU member states will debate the start of accession talks with Turkey, the least that will be accepted by the EU will be that progress on Cyprus is made.

''I believe that Europe will demand that the Cyprus problem is solved beforehand, although there are more issues, such as Turkey's commitment to solve its differences with its neighbors'', the minister said.

''Therefore Turkey's application will be judged with specific and strict criteria which are not only the Copenhagen criteria, but also the Maastricht criteria, the Helsinki provisions and a solution of the Cyprus problem''.

Asked about the future of the Annan plan, in view of the island's accession to the EU, Iacovou said that ''under the new circumstances, it will have to be revised''.

For instance, he said, the Annan plan has a fundamental principle, the birth of a new state. ''This cannot be done. The government of the Republic of Cyprus is the one signing the Accession Treaty'', he noted, adding that ''therefore it is completely impossible to go back to the provisions of the Annan plan''.

He noted that when negotiations resume, ''we will simultaneously negotiate with the EU''. Iacovou explained that since Cyprus will be an EU member, and the Secretary-General attaches great significance to the views of the EU, the Union would be primarily interested that the state which will ensue from the plan will be functional within the EU and will contribute to EU procedures''.

Asked what Cyprus' position would be in December 2004 regarding the commencement of accession negotiations with Turkey, Iacovou recalled a statement made by Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen that it is inconceivable for Europe to have a candidate member state that not recognize the existence of a member state.

''It is inconceivable for Europe to have a candidate member state which occupies a large part of an EU member state'', Iacovou said.

''Therefore, this is the message to Turkey that if it really wants to have European aspirations and prospects, it should lift these impediments'', he concluded.

[16] Greek ambassador says accession signals new era in Cyprus

NICOSIA 14/12/2003 (CNA/ANA)

In an interview with CNA in view of the signing of the Accession Treaty on 16 April in Athens, Panagopoulos expressed Greece's satisfaction with the results of Cyprus' European course, noting that this course would have been complete if the Cyprus problem was solved but ''unfortunately the other side (Turkish Cypriot) did not want to comprehend the uniqueness of the moment''.

He said the signing of the Accession Treaty in Athens, under Acropolis, foretells a new era and Cyprus returns to its European family.

Asked whether the accession course was ultimately a catalyst in solving the Cyprus problem, Panagopoulos pointed out that the mobility in the past three years ''reflects the significance of Cyprus' European course''.

''If there were no European course, Turkey would have still believed that the Cyprus problem was already solved. But this did not happen, we followed a policy of assent, and the people of Cyprus agreed with accession to the EU'', he said.

Referring to the UN Secretary-General's plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, Panagopoulos said despite all the reaction to it, it was the most concerted UN effort ever since the start of the problem. ''All this reflects the island's European course'', he added.

He reiterated the Greek government's position that the initiative did not end in The Hague and expressed hope that Ankara would eventually listen to the voice of the Turkish Cypriots to solve the problem.

''We firmly believe that the Secretary-General's mission of good offices must continue. The Cyprus problem is on the agenda and everyone agrees, even the Turkish government, that a non-solution is not a solution'', Panagopoulos added.

Referring to Greece's experience from accession to the EU, the Greek Ambassador said that in order for the ten new countries to overcome the needs of the EU, they should promptly develop the necessary structures, which they do not possess at the moment.

Panagopoulos said that Cyprus would have a bright future as an EU member, noting that ''in the beginning, Cyprus will undoubtedly face many problems, but will gradually overcome them''.

On the Accession Treaty, Panagopoulos said ''it comes to seal with the most jubilant manner that there are no walls which divide the united Europe and Cyprus becomes a part of it''.

Asked about the significance of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's presence at the signing ceremony, Panagopoulos said it sends a message that the UN remains the only forum to peacefully solve disputes throughout the world.

''On the 16th of April, the most important people of Europe, or even worldwide, will gather in Athens'', the ambassador said.

At the same time, Greece's Embassy in Nicosia has decided that the event will not go by unnoticed on the day of the ceremony. A gathering will be held at 15.00 local time on Wednesday at the Nicosia Municipality site where everyone will be able to watch, on a large screen, the signing ceremony.

Ministers, deputies and ambassadors will attend the Nicosia ceremony.

There will be music as well as speeches by Nicosia Mayor Michalakis Zambelas, Head of the European Commission Delegation to Cyprus Adriaan Van der Meer and others.

On Greece's EU presidency, Panagopoulos said this term was the most significant of the previous four presidencies of Greece, both in terms of the enlargement process and the war in Iraq.

''Greece has managed to handle the crisis in Iraq and try to find the common elements which unite and do not deepen the gap of the crisis, which was one of the largest which the EU ever faced'', he said.

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