Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-04-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] Athens ready for EU's historic day of enlargement

[02] Verheugen says Cyprus accession to the EU not an obstacle for political solution

[03] Cyprus president: EU accession demands changes to Annan plan for Cyprus

[04] EU asks Ankara to pressure Denktash to reconsider his stance on the Cyprus issue

[05] EU insists on a solution to the Cyprus issue via the UN, Yiannitsis says

[06] Greek gov't terms positive UN Security Council resolution on Cyprus issue

[07] Turkey protests the UN SE decision on Cyprus

[08] ND leader Karamanlis meets president and former president of Cyprus

[09] Gul: Turkey will not sever its EU ties because of Cyprus' accession

[10] Greek and French DMs discuss European defense and Iraq

[11] Greece insists on UN role as basic channel for reconstruction in post-war Iraq

[12] Karamanlis holds dinner for EPP leaders in Athens

[13] Turkish F-16s reported to have violated Athens FIR

[14] Minister resigns after newspaper makes revelations hinting at graft

[15] Papandreou-Ponte meeting not scheduled on practical grounds

[16] Thessaloniki EXPO 2008 bid "going well", official says

[17] Greece begins tourism ad campaign in the UK

[18] EU needs common foreign, defense policy to become stronger

[19] Lambrakis Press wholly acquires publishing subsidiary

[20] Greek stocks end off highs on Tuesday

[21] PM warns gov't, ATHOC against any 'let-up' in 2004 preparations

[22] Cultural Olympiad to sponsor 'Global novel' project

[23] ANA general director calls for independence of journalism

[24] Athens Journalists Union honors Greek reporters covering Iraq war

[25] Powell calls for the safeguarding of Iraqi antiquities

[26] Archbishop leads memorial prayers for teenagers slain at Tempi

[27] November 17 trial interrupted early after judge taken ill

[28] 'Cyprus-Europe' exhibition inaugurated by Cyprus government spokesman

[29] EU Commission warns Greece, 3 member-states to comply with environment laws

[30] Magistrate gives one-week extension to suspected ELA terrorists

[31] Iraqi economic refugees want to return home following fall of Saddam's regime

[32] Iacovou says UN resolution adopts Greek Cypriot positions

[33] House President says Security Council resolution positive

[01] Athens ready for EU's historic day of enlargement

Athens, 16/04/2003 (ANA)

The historic signing of the Accession Treaty will take place on Wednesday at the Attalus Arcade in the ancient market of Athens, in the shadow of the Parthenon, on the cobblestones where democracy was born.

The leaders of Cyprus, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Malta, Slovenia, Hungary and Slovakia will be here for the signature along with the leaders of Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey that have also applied for accession to the Union, but will be admitted later.

The accession treaty will go into effect on May 1st, 2004, providing time for the acceding countries to ratify their entry, as some (Malta, Slovenia and Hungary) have already done, via referendums.

The festive occasion also has a business side to it, as during this meeting the EU leaders will hold an Informal Summit to discuss the current EU domestic and international conditions.

Specifically, the 15 EU leaders are expected to discuss the role of the United Nations in the post-war Iraq. United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan also arrived in Athens on the invitation of the Greek EU presidency.

Also on Wednesday the "15" will meet with Valery Giscard D' Estaing, president of the convention for the future of Europe, to discuss relevant issues and the course of negotiations on European institutions in an EU of 25 members, as the convention will have to present a draft European Constitution by the end of June.

For Thursday, the Greek EU presidency, has scheduled a European Conference that will include all the 25 EU members the three candidate member-states and Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Serbia-Montenegro, Norway and Iceland.

PM hails EU enlargement in 'Le Monde' editorial: Prime Minister and current EU President Costas Simitis hails the enlargement of the European Union with 10 new member-states in a front-page editorial appearing in the French newspaper ''Le Monde'' on April 16, the date on which the accession treaty will be signed in Athens.

''It is the greatest enlargement in the history of the European Union, which realizes the dream of a generation and reunifies Europe 13 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, when the barricades of the Cold War were swept away by the wave of democracy and freedom,'' he said.

''At the same time I believe that this is also the suitable moment for a pause to enable us to reflect over the situation in which we are finding ourselves today, as well as over our future course. To which Europe are the new countries acceding and which Europe are we aspiring to build?'' he added.

The Greek prime minister said he did not have to stress the great achievements of the EU, which are widely recognized now by its enthusiastic supporters and by skeptics, by both friends and foes.

''Today, European citizens are enjoying a high standard of living, they have an advanced economy, high levels of social security and cohesion and a fairer society. The pylon of our successes, the so-called 'EU Method', reflects the unique nature of the EU as a union of countries and peoples,'' Simitis said.

PM Simitis meets, Prodi, d'Estaing, Solana: Prime Minister Costas Simitis held separate meetings on Tuesday night with European Commission President Romano Prodi, Convention for the Future of Europe President Valery Giscard d'Estaing and EU High Representative for Security and Defense Policy Javier Solana.

The three politicians departed from the Maximos Mansion without making any statements to reporters.

National Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis was also present at the meeting with Prodi.

Russian president not to attend EU summit in Athens: Russian President Vladimir Putin will not be attending the European Council due to take place in Athens on Wednesday, Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas announced on Tuesday.

Greece currently holds the rotating EU presidency and is holding the summit on the occasion of a ceremony for the signing of accession accords by new member-states that will bring all EU leaders and the heads of other countries to Athens.

Russian FM Ivanov arrives in Thessaloniki: Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov arrived in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, on Tuesday night, en route from Luxembourg.

The Russian foreign minister will visit Mt Athos on Wednesday morning and on Thursday will attend the European Conference summit in Athens.

Turkish FM Abdullah Gul to arrive in Athens on Wednesday night: Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul is ultimately expected to arrive in Athens on Wednesday night to avoid attending the ceremony marking the accession of new countries to the European Union, and among them Cyprus, press reports said on Tuesday night. The Turkish government had been pressured for days not to have the Turkish official attend the ceremony at the Attalus Arcade in Athens on Wednesday, but no relevant decision had been taken until Tuesday, the reports added.

The Turkish military establishment reportedly appears to be behind these pressures, feeling extremely displeased by the failure of Turkish governments in past years to avert this development.

According to the reports, the decision for Gul to be the last to arrive in Athens, after the end of the accession ceremony, was taken at noon on Tuesday.

The reasoning mentioned for the decision was that it is not possible for Turkey to approve the island republic's accession to the EU at a time when the political problem of Cyprus remains unresolved.

[02] Verheugen says Cyprus accession to the EU not an obstacle for political solution

LUXEMBOURG 16/04/2003 (ANA - A. Simatos)

In statements made after the completion of the EU-Turkey Association Council in Luxembourg, Verheugen said that the process for a settlement to the Cyprus issue was not completed and stressed ''if there is will, the plan proposed by (United Nations Secretary General) Kofi Annan is still on the table and the EU, of course, has the will to facilitate the process for reaching a solution.''

''There is still time to create the conditions for an improved cooperation between the two communities'', the commissioner said, adding ''We do not want the Turkish-Cypriots to be the victims of such process''.

With regard to Turkey's European course, he said that the political environment existed for the continuation of that process, noting that Turkey had taken steps toward progress.

''The EU on its part has already decided to increase pre-accession financial assistance to Turkey and at the same time to encourage it to continue that process'', Verheugen said.

On his part, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said that Turkey was determined to continue its democratization process by adopting reforms and actually implementing them.

''Turkey's objective is to expedite the process'', Gul said, adding ''we want to start accession negotiations in 2004 without any further delay.''

With regard to Iraq, the Turkish foreign minister said he hoped that the transition period in that country would not be long and that the Iraqi people would be able to govern their country.

Replying to press questions regarding Turkey's relations with Syria, he said that such relations have been improved.

''We want good relations with all neighboring countries'', he said, stressing ''it is time for stability, peace and cooperation in the region.''

[03] Cyprus president: EU accession demands changes to Annan plan for Cyprus

NICOSIA 16/04/2003 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

In an interview to the Athens News Agency shortly before his departure for Athens, where he will attend the ceremony for the signature of new accession accords by the 10 new member-states that joined the EU after the last wave of enlargement, Papadopoulos stressed that the Greek-Cypriot side looked to a more active involvement by the Community in efforts to solve the Cyprus problem.

According to Papadopoulos, the EU was capable of acting as a catalyst for a Cyprus solution, given Turkey's expressed desire to accelerate the start of accession negotiations with the Community. He expressed hope that once Turkey realized that the path to the EU passed through a solution of the Cyprus problem it would also realize that it was to its own advantage to change its stance and to contribute positively and decisively a solution.

He also stressed that EU bodies had repeatedly and officially told Turkey that it must actively contribute to a solution on Cyprus in order to ensure its EU accession.

An unwavering goal of the Greek-Cypriot side, he added, was that Turkish-Cypriots could enjoy the benefits and advantages that came with EU entry within the framework of a reunited Cyprus that would be able to apply EU laws and regulations to all legal Cypriot citizens.

Asked to comment on the stance of the present Turkish government so far, Papadopoulos said that, in effect, it had screened the same intransigent positions that had always held by Turkey behind a large number of superficially constructive but ultimately vague statements.

He said the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had tried to cultivate a more moderate image among the international community but had at the same time given full support to the intransigent positions expressed by Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash at The Hague that had scuppered negotiations for a solution prior to Cyprus' accession.

Regarding a letter containing six proposals for a solution to the Cyprus problem sent to the Greek-Cypriot side by Denktash, the Cyprus President dismissed this as a ''firework'' that hoped to sidestep the United Nations and the Security Council and a vain attempt to shift the weight of responsibility for the failure of talks at The Hague.

It was nothing more, he added, than another in a long line of attempts by Denktash to indirectly get recognition of his illegal regime and impose direct talks.

The Cyprus president expressed hope that the end of the war in Iraq will restore the Cyprus issue to the forefront and not lead to a policy of appeasing Turkey at Cyprus' expense.

At the same time, he predicted that the war would unavoidably have consequences on both the global and Cypriot economies.

[04] EU asks Ankara to pressure Denktash to reconsider his stance on the Cyprus issue

LUXEMBOURG 16/04/2003 (ANA - V. Demiris)

In a common position presented to the Turkish side at the EU-Turkey Association Council in Luxembourg, the ''15'' appealed to the Turkish-Cypriot side to ''reconsider its stance'' and to Turkey to ''actually support efforts for a just, viable and functional solution to the Cyprus issue'', also expressing their ''deep regret for the failure of the efforts made by UN Secretary General (Kofi Annan) for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue''.

''The EU warmly supports the continuation of the dispatch of the good services of the UN secretary general and negotiations based on his proposals'', the ''15'' said, also urging ''all involved parties to make every possible effort for a just, viable and functional settlement of the issue and the Turkish-Cypriot leadership in particular, to reconsider its stance.''

With regard to Greek-Turkish relations, the EU noted with satisfaction the progress made in recent years and the improved climate in the relations between the two countries, which led to an increase in bilateral transactions in various areas, such as the society of citizens, increased economic cooperation and the technical assistance that Greece provides to Turkey on EU issues.

They also emphasized that the EU looked forward to further progress in that area, which should be based on the principle of peaceful solution pursuant to the Helsinki conclusions.

The largest part of the 22-page common position draft was dedicated to Turkey's EU accession course and the achievement of political and economic criteria in view of the decision to be made by the European Council at the end of 2004 regarding with the start of accession negotiations.

The ''15'' also referred to the institutions and their properties in Turkey, which is of special interest to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. More specifically, the ''15'' noted that the status implemented in the case of religious institutions and communities continued to be restrictive, stressing that the EU was particularly concerned over the issue of the property of such institutions and it expected that Turkey would urgently extend the deadline for the submittal of applications to register such properties and in general resolve the issue in a manner that would be in line with EU practice and the European Convention on Human Rights.

[05] EU insists on a solution to the Cyprus issue via the UN, Yiannitsis says

LUXEMBOURG 16/04/2003 (ANA - V. Demiris)

Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of the EU-Turkey Association Council in Luxembourg, Yiannitsis appealed to Turkey to support the efforts for a political solution to the Cyprus issue, at the same time urging the Turkish-Cypriot leadership to reconsider its stance.

With regard to Turkey's EU accession course, he said that it was up to Turkey, like all other candidate states, to adopt and implement the reforms required to meet the political criteria set by the Copenhagen Council, adding that the EU recognized the progress made by Ankara to meet such criteria and noting that such efforts should continue with due emphasis on the sectors of human rights and basic liberties, where Yiannitsis said delays and deficiencies were still noted.

On Greek-Turkish relations, he said that the Association Council had noted with satisfaction progress made in recent years and the improved climate in the relations of the two countries, and had expressed hope for further improvement.

Replying to press questions, Yiannitsis said that the accession of Cyprus to the EU was not impeding a political solution to the Cyprus issue, however, he noted that failure to achieve a settlement would complicate EU-Turkey convergence.

[06] Greek gov't terms positive UN Security Council resolution on Cyprus issue

Athens, 16/04/2003 (ANA)

''The resolution is particularly satisfactory for us as it reconfirms the procedure for the settlement of the political problem within the UN framework, the role and good services of the Secretary-General, and that the Annan plan is supported as the only basis for further negotiations,'' Beglitis said.

The foreign ministry spokesman noted that Monday's UN Security Council resolution ''proves that the international community supports the procedure for the solution of the political problem within the framework of the UN, despite Turkey's efforts for the Cyprus issue not to be an international one or for continuation of the procedure for a solution through formations which are lying outside the framework of the UN.''

Beglitis expressed the conviction that in the coming period, following the signing of the Accession Treaty and Cyprus' accession to the European Union, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan will continue efforts ''and of course it depends on the political will of the Turkish Cypriot community and (Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf) Denktash for the negotiations to continue.''

He added that ''conditions exist for the continuation of the momentum for the settlement of the political problem, the window of opportunity remains open, despite the impasse at The Hague, and we will contribute on our part in every way so that this momentum be strengthened and for the negotiations to start again on the basis of the Annan plan.''

[07] Turkey protests the UN SE decision on Cyprus

ISTANBUL 16/04/2003 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

The Turkish foreign ministry issued a press release stating that ''it is not possible for us to accept the burdening of the responsibility only to one side,'' and insisted that ''Turkey, within the framework of the UN secretary general's good will, has supported the efforts for the finding of a just and permanent solution for the Cyprus problem''.

[08] ND leader Karamanlis meets president and former president of Cyprus

Athens, 16/04/2003 (ANA)

Following the meetings, held at the Asteras hotel in Vouliagmeni, a resort just outside Athens, Karamanlis said ''these are days of joy for the whole of Hellenism as the struggles and the sacrifices of the Cypriot people are vindicated with the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union.''

''Now the main pursuit of all of us should be for the citizens of Cyprus to feel the same sense of security as all the other European citizens,'' the ND leader added.

''From tomorrow - and every day - it will be an opportunity for Turkey but also for the Turkish Cypriot side, to consider the cost of their intransigence, the cost of their non-European behavior. Personally, I believe that a workable and viable solution is feasible. A solution however which will also be completely compatible with the European acquis communautaire, but also with the new era in which Cyprus and the whole of Europe is henceforth entering,'' Karamanlis concluded.

[09] Gul: Turkey will not sever its EU ties because of Cyprus' accession

Athens, 16/04/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to Turkish reporters prior to the Athens Summit on Wednesday, Gul said his participation at the event did not translate into ''recognition'' of the Cyprus Republic by Turkey, which is the only government in the world that does not recognize the Republic of Cyprus.

''We failed to stop the full EU accession of the Greek Cypriots'', Gul told Turkish reporters, adding: ''From now on there are two choices: We will either continue with the same stance and express our opposition, maintaining our reservations; or, we will announce that we sever our 40-year-old relations with the EU and we resign from accession. We are not about to do the latter.''

[10] Greek and French DMs discuss European defense and Iraq

PARIS 16/04/2003 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

Papantoniou briefed Alliot-Marie on his talks in Washington and in Berlin with his German counterpart Peter Struck on Monday on the same issues.

The two ministers also referred to the initiative by France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg which will be convening in Brussels on April 29.

Speaking to reporters after his talks, Papantoniou said the Greek EU presidency has a positive view of these countries' initiative, believing that ''it will give an impetus to the overall effort being made by all EU countries for the strengthening of European defense in the framework of the constitution to be prepared, as well as in the framework of the EU's Council of Defense Ministers.

On the question of Greece not participating in this quadripartite meeting, Papantoniou explained that since all European countries are not participating, Greece cannot participate since it is holding the rotating EU presidency.

Alliot-Marie said on her part that in no way should one see the meeting of the four countries as something negative which could create a problem for European reconstruction but, on the contrary, as a desire for a positive contribution in practice to achieve a speedier pace.

''In no way do we exclude the rest but it is true that once in a while cooperation in small groups is easier to enable us to see common positions and common points,'' she said and referred, as an example, to France's bilateral contacts with Britain and Germany.

Regarding the role of the UN in the reconstruction of Iraq and how Europe will be able to persuade the United States on this issue, the French minister said ''we have nothing to lose in honoring justice or defending values and ideas. Europe proved two things in this sector: First of all that it knew how to overcome its internal disagreements on individual issues such as on the method which should be followed in resolving the crisis of Iraq or even the timetable. And, secondly, Europe showed that it is capable of continuing its edification, accepting the fact that some of its members can differentiate themselves on a certain issue. It has gained from this point of view.''

Commenting on the ways with which a rapprochement will be achieved between the EU and the United States, Papantoniou said ''the ways are diplomacy, consultations between the EU, the U.S. and the other members of the UN Security Council and the participation of UN Secretary General Mr. Annan. However, what will ultimately count in essence will be the realization on the part of the U.S. that it is in its interest to involve other countries in the political and economic reconstruction of Iraq as well.''

The Greek defense minister also said the new government of Iraq should enjoy the support of a large community of countries and not of one power exclusively, such as the United States is.

''This government should also be recognized by the people of Iraq and by neighboring countries. Consequently, the participation of the UN will be extremely useful and considerable. I want to believe that the United States will realize by itself the need for the UN's participation,'' Papantoniou said.

[11] Greece insists on UN role as basic channel for reconstruction in post-war Iraq

Athens, 16/04/2003 (ANA)

Replying to an ANA question how his country intended to intervene since major decisions regarding post-war Iraq will be made during Greece's tenure at the EU presidency, Loverdos said ''It is our policy to support the UN. In the European Union, including the UK, we are speaking about the UN. Let us not forget, however, that when it comes to development policy, reconstruction is viewed as growth. It is expected from countries to wish to keep a piece so that they can manage it themselves. We are not hiding the fact that also Greece would like a share in Iraq's reconstruction process. At any case, the Middle East is one of the spheres where we promote our development policy''.

[12] Karamanlis holds dinner for EPP leaders in Athens

Athens, 16/04/2003 (ANA)

This dinner is part of an informal conference of the EPP to discuss the course of the convention on the Future of Europe.

In statements during a press conference Karamanlis held with EPP President Wilfried Maartens, he stressed that in the new age downing for the Europe of the ''25'', ''we want Greece to have a leading role''.

''A Greece, in which the Greek citizens will enjoy the same sense of security, the same sense of prosperity with the other Europeans. For the 10 million Greeks the enlargement of the European Union means new capabilities, as well as new challenges,'' he added.

''I will insist today on the need for Europe to find the courage to come up with the correct conclusions from its recent difference of opinion, concerning Iraq. Unfortunately, the Convention for the future of Europe has not yet made the progress that it should have made on issues of defense,'' Karamanlis stressed.

On his part, Maartens underlined that Europe will find its Ithaca adding that there are significant issues that are of concern for the united Europe in regards to the presidency of the European Council and the strengthening of the European Commission, as well as the formulation of a common foreign policy and security policy.

He added that the EPP fully supports the success of the convention, while he lauded Karamanlis' role as EPP vice-president in the Western Balkans' democratization.

[13] Turkish F-16s reported to have violated Athens FIR

Athens, 16/04/2003 (ANA)

The Turkish planes harried a Greek P3 Orion conducting a training flight in the area before they were intercepted by Greek fighter planes.

According to the same sources, this brings the count to six formations and a total of 16 aircraft that have infringed air traffic regulations in the Athens FIR and violated Greek airspace.

In all cases the Turkish aircraft were intercepted by Greek fighter planes, while in some cases the interception procedure has evolved into dogfights.

18-20 Turkish fighter jets have been violating Greek airspace on a daily basis for the past few days.

In the meantime, as part of security measures taken in view of Wednesday European Union summit and the ceremony for the signing of accession accords with new member-states in Athens, two Mirage-2000 aircraft and two F-16s will patrol the skies in Attica during the ceremony.

[14] Minister resigns after newspaper makes revelations hinting at graft

Athens, 16/04/2003 (ANA)

According to the newspaper, Malesios has been living rent-free in a Melissia villa owned by Altec owner Thanasis Athanasoulis, whose company recently received the prized security contract for the 2004 Olympics in Athens. The newspaper implied that the free home was repayment for Malesios' assistance in landing the contract.

The same newspaper, whose owner George Kouris is a disgruntled former partner of Athanasoulis in the television station Alter, was also responsible for bringing to light the alleged stock market scandal involving the company.

In a letter to Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Tuesday, Malesios said that he intended to take the matter up in court but believed that he should not be a member of the government until the final verdict had been reached.

He said that his conduct, scientific and political career were above reproach but that he was irrevocably determined to submit his resignation.

''This arises from my inner need to respect the trust that you placed in me, to prove that even now I operate in the forefront and at the same time not allow our government to become the target of self-appointed, self-serving, raucous and marginal people,'' he said in his letter.

In this, he claimed that he had recently received a ''series of unfair, immoral and uncouth attacks by the specific publisher, who has in the past distinguished himself by his systematic slander of citizens and the constant and without limits smearing of reputations''.

He also claimed that Kouris was motivated to make the accusations by personal goals and interests, cloaked in an ideological and political mantle.

''My decisions and choices are transparent and are judged by you, the appropriate government bodies and the electorate, not self-appointed judges. It is, in any case, well known that I have always acted collectively and with a view to protecting the public interest,'' he said.

ND calls on gov't to explain its acceptance of deputy minister's resignation: The main opposition New Democracy (ND) party, through a statement by its spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, called on the government on Tuesday to ''give all the answers to the questions arising'' from the resignation of Deputy Public Order Minister Evangelos Malesios earlier in the day.

Roussopoulos in a statement said:''There have been many reports at times about the work and days of the ministers of the PASOK government. However, a resignation was submitted and was immediately accepted by the prime minister. The case, in which until today Deputy Public Order Minister Evangelos Malesios is said to be involved in, raises many questions. The government is obliged to provide all the answers.''

[15] Papandreou-Ponte meeting not scheduled on practical grounds

Athens, 16/04/2003 (ANA)

However, Panos Beglitis said that due to the heavy schedule of both Papandreou and Ponte, they could not arrive at a convenient date for such a meeting.

Referring to certain scenarios, which appeared in the press about the reasons for not scheduling a meeting, Beglitis said that there was the political will and intention to hold such a meeting, and further expressed hope that a date would soon be fixed.

Earlier in the day, Government spokesman Christos Protopapas had described a report in the Financial Times as “especially groundless”. According to the report, Greece, specifically Papandreou, did not cooperate with the International Court at The Hague.

“Greece always cooperates with the (International) Court at The Hague, and we all know that George Papandreou’s schedule has been impressively heavy recently owing to the Iraq crisis,” Protopapas said. “The meeting will take place indeed, it is our intention to fully cooperate and we are at the disposal of the International Court.”

[16] Thessaloniki EXPO 2008 bid "going well", official says

Athens, 16/04/2003 (ANA)

Mr Losertales, currently visiting Thessaloniki, met with Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Paschalidis and members of the executive secretariat of EXPO 2008. He was briefed over the Thessaloniki candidacy project and visited the site area to host the exhibition.

"The subject chosen by Thessaloniki is exceptional, as it is related with one of the main interests of the human kind, food, production and the quality of life," Mr Losertales told reporters.

He stressed that the Thessaloniki candidacy was supported by a high level consensus both in political terms and in local society.

The Greek minister said that "We are strong candidates. We have made significant steps forward in the past year and with the support of Mr Losertales we can further improve our bid."

[17] Greece begins tourism ad campaign in the UK

Athens, 16/04/2003 (ANA)

The campaign will last until the end of May.

Greece's National Tourism Organization and Visa credit card will be the sponsors of the campaign. The first presentation will be dedicated to Corfu followed by promotion programs for Rhodes, Zakynthos, Kos, Halkidiki and Cephalonia. Also, 14 Greek hotels will be presented during the program.

[18] EU needs common foreign, defense policy to become stronger

Athens, 16/04/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, during a news conference in Thessaloniki, Mr Briesch expressed his confidence that a goal set by the EU Commission for the EU economy to become the most competitive economy in the world by 2010 was feasible, on the precondition that the EU agreed to a common foreign policy.

The European official stressed that France, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium have created a hard core for the formation of a single European defense policy, following a pattern in the creation of monetary integration in Europe.

Mr Briesch said that a war in Iraq would certainly have economic impact, although he stressed that no one could make secure predictions over economic growth currently.

He supported a demand for the creation of a single European statute for Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises.

[19] Lambrakis Press wholly acquires publishing subsidiary

Athens, 16/04/2003 (ANA)

The seller of the stock, Angelos Terzopoulos, also transferred to Special Publications the rights to three magazines - Men, Gaiorama and Georama, Lambrakis said in a statement.

Terzopoulos has retained the rights to Klik, another magazine, the statement added.

[20] Greek stocks end off highs on Tuesday

Athens, 16/04/2003 (ANA)

Traders said that several medium and smaller capitalization stocks ended in negative territory, reversing earlier gains.

The general index rose 0.31 percent to end at 1,629.04 points, with turnover an increased 151.4 million euros.

The Insurance, Telecommunications and Food-Beverage sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (1.73 percent, 1.40 percent and 1.01 percent, respectively), while the Wholesale (2.74 percent), Textile (2.30 percent) and IT Solutions (2.07 percent) suffered the heaviest percentage losses.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.72 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.28 percent lower, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index eased 0.46 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 0.42 percent up.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 167 to 159 with another 42 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 89.7 mln euros Tuesday

Equity Index Futures: