Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-04-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM assures Turkish Cypriot community efforts for viable solution to continue

[02] PM receives enthusiastic welcome on arrival in Cyprus

[03] Greek presidency to seek consensus on EU institutional reform before June summit

[04] Army General Staff Chief to visit Sweden

[05] Turkish war jets harass U.S. air-transport east SE of Rhodes

[06] Karamanlis sharply criticizes gov't over Malesios resignation

[07] Parliament speaker meets Armenian politician in Athens

[08] Memorial service for Constantine Karamanlis held

[09] Gov’t presents draft law on agricultural land

[10] Duisenberg agrees to stay on as head of ECB until a successor is appointed

[11] Ukrainian president made honorary citizen of Thessaloniki

[12] Greek-Ukrainian economic forum held in Thessaloniki

[13] Business climate to improve in second half, Tsohatzopoulos

[14] Minister denies newspaper's 'insider trading' allegations

[15] Gov't awards military deal to Hellenic Vehicles Industry

[16] Int'l Gymnastics Federation delegation tours 2004 sites

[17] Ecumenical patriarch's official visit to Azerbaijan considered historic

[18] Greek shipowners take measures against killer pneumonia

[19] Suspect terrorist denied extension to prepare plea for new charges

[01] PM assures Turkish Cypriot community efforts for viable solution to continue

LARNACA 19/04/2003 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

Speaking on arrival in Cyprus, where he received an enthusiastic welcome by the people of Cyprus, Simitis said the future of the island should be a future of cooperation and peace and that the bad heritage of the political problem should be overcome.

Simitis, arrived in Cyprus for a 24-hour visit, inaugurating a tour that will cover 24 EU countries.

He arrived on the first leg of his tour, which will take him to 14 EU member states and the ten new countries that signed the Accession Treaty in Athens on April 16.

Accompanied by Foreign Minister George Papandreou and other foreign ministry officials, Simitis arrived at Larnaca Airport, where he was welcomed by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos during a red carpet ceremony, while the National Guard band played the national anthem.

''Accession meant a change and that we have moved on to another target, to overcome the past and I believe we shall achieve this,'' Simitis said.

Focusing on the political problem of Cyprus, Simitis further said ''we have made great efforts to resolve it and all are aware why it was not resolved and where the responsibility lies for the continuation of an unacceptable situation.''

Referring to Cyprus' accession to the European Union, Simitis said the Republic of Cyprus signed the Accession Treaty and belongs to the family of Europe and takes the place it deserves.

The prime minister said the achievement was not easy and added that the result was not only due to Greece's presence but also to the efforts of the Cyprus people.

''We did not reach this historic point for the future of Cyprus easily. An intensive effort was required by all and I wish to remember the unforgettable Yiannos Kranidiotis and all the leaderships of Greece and Cyprus,'' he said.

Simitis further noted close cooperation between Greece and Cyprus and stressed that the course and targets were common and will also be so in the future.

Welcoming the Greek prime minister, Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said the people of Cyprus are celebrating the great event of accession to the EU, adding that Simitis came to reaffirm adherence to the pursuit of a viable solution to the Cyprus issue.

''Justifiably, the people of Cyprus consider you the architect of Cyprus' European course and as a guarantee for a solution and the future of the country and are grateful to you,'' President Papadopoulos said.

On Saturday, Simitis will lay a wreath at the Imprisoned Tombs and will then go to the Presidential Palace for talks with President Papadopoulos and delegations from both sides.

Simitis will receive the leaders of the political parties represented in the House of Representatives and will later give a press conference with Papadopoulos.

The President of the European Council will meet House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias, in the presence of President Papadopoulos, and will address an extraordinary session of the House.

According to his program, Simitis is scheduled to meet leaders of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties at the residence of the Greek Ambassador in Nicosia.

He wraps up his visit with a meeting with members of the Cyprus Church Holy Synod.

[02] PM receives enthusiastic welcome on arrival in Cyprus

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

Larnaca Mayor Andreas Moiseos welcomed the Greek prime minister, heading all mayors of the wider Larnaca area and the free area of Famagusta, addressing him and offering him a replica of the bust of stoic philosopher Zeno of Citium, which is located on the city's seafront.

The mayor of Larnaca expressed gratitude to Simitis for all he has done for Cyprus so far and for efforts to achieve a solution.

Delivering the replica, Moiseos said it symbolizes ties between Larnaca and Athens, since Zeno was born in Larnaca and distinguished himself in Athens.

Simitis said Cyprus now belongs to the family of Europe and this creates conditions of security and growth, ''but primarily new conditions for us to achieve what we have been wanting for many years, to resolve the political problem.''

He added that this effort will be continued together.

Simitis received a similar welcome at two other points along the route to Nicosia.

On arrival in Nicosia shortly before 9 p.m., Simitis was welcomed by Nicosia Mayor Mihalakis Zambelas who expressed the wish that divided Nicosia will be reunited soon and thanked him and the members of his entourage for their substantive contribution to Cyprus' accession to unified Europe.

Zambelas offered the Greek prime minister the gold medal of Nicosia and an honorary diploma. Simitis was also addressed by Aylantzia Mayor Andreas Petrou who proclaimed him an honorary citizen of the suburb and offered him the key to the municipality.

Simitis said the mayor was right in reminding that we want to unify Nicosia, adding that it is a line which will exist for as long as Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot community do not recognize that the dividing line is being overcome.

''The abolition of the dividing line will also pave the way of Turkey to the European Union,'' he said.

Terming last Wednesday, when Cyprus signed the Accession Treaty to the EU, a historic day, Simitis said ''the achievement was not only difficult because preconditions set by the European Union were many, complicated and difficult, not only because adjustment required an effort but also because many saw obstacles, they said it could not be done, that a divided nation which is dragging such a political problem with it should not participate in the European Union.''

He went on to say that thanks to the leadership of Cyprus and Greece obstacles were overcome and that the international community was convinced with this struggle and in winning the struggle accession was achieved.

Simitis said there will be a continuation ''because we want to solve the problem and we have processes and dates giving us this possibility.''

In addition, he said there is our policy and will towards the Turkish Cypriot community and Turkey to overcome problems and that ''we are carriers of peace and cooperation and for this reason we shall succeed.''

The mayor of Nicosia then announced that a Greek Cypriot woman and a Turkish Cypriot woman wanted to give Simitis a ''united Cyprus'', a map of the island designed with white flowers which they jointly gave to him.

Visibly moved, Simitis kissed the two women and said ''this shows the path we must follow, the path of cooperation.''

[03] Greek presidency to seek consensus on EU institutional reform before June summit

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

In an ongoing debate within the Convention for the Future of Europe, the 15 EU member-states are trying to draft a new constitutional treaty that will allow the Community to operate effectively once it enlarges to 25-plus members, while retaining democratic features and equality among member-states. A key point of conflict is the form of the EU presidency, with some favoring the present rotational system and others a longer-term presidency with more stability.

Commenting on the results of the informal Athens summit and European Conference, the spokesman said that three issues had been stressed: reforms to the EU constitutional treaty and the institution of an EU foreign minister; general agreement among Europeans that the United Nations should have a central role in the post-war era in Iraq, that the rights and wishes of the Iraqi people should be respected and on the need to promote a Middle East peace plan; and thirdly, the EU had once more underlined its interest in a solution for the Cyprus issue.

The second statement by EU leaders, Protopapas said, was a bid to close the rift that had emerged within the ranks of the Community over the Iraq crisis.

[04] Army General Staff Chief to visit Sweden

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

During his stay in Sweden Harvalas will discuss with his counterpart issues of mutual military interest and bilateral cooperation and be briefed on the capabilities of the Swedish Army in the sectors of command and control systems, simulators of Leo 2 tanks, TOMA (CV 90) armored combat vehicles and NH-90 transport helicopters.

[05] Turkish war jets harass U.S. air-transport east SE of Rhodes

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

Greek fighter jets rushed to the area to recognize and intercept the Turkish fighters, which, however, departed right after their approach to the C-130, the same sources said.

[06] Karamanlis sharply criticizes gov't over Malesios resignation

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

Karamanlis referred to “corruption, lawlessness and vested interests” that pervade the wider public sector and the government’s decision-making.

“The case of the recently resigned deputy minister is nothing compared to the problem’s extent. It’s obvious that we’re before a major issue. The government is severely compromised...” he charged.

The ND leader also claimed that such vested and intertwined interests are creating intense pressures to the detriment of “democracy’s substance and quality.” Finally, he called for new institutions at the central level to fight corruption, as well as a greater role for local governments.

Several other top ND cadres also sharply criticized the government over the deputy minister's resignation.

Evangelos Malesios resigned his deputy public order minister’s post on Tuesday after the Athens newspaper ''Avriani'' ran a front-page article claiming he was living rent-free in an upscale north Athens apartment owned by the founder and president of the bourse-listed Altec group.

The newspaper’s controversial owner, George Kouris, has repeatedly accused Altec executive Thanassis Athanasoulis – the man who bought a significant share of the Athens-based television station “Alter” from Kouris several years ago -- of major stock market fraud.

Altec was a participant in the SAIC-led consortium recently awarded the coveted 2004 Olympics security contract, with the Kouris-owned newspaper implying that the gratis apartment is repayment for Malesios' assistance in landing the contract.

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

[07] Parliament speaker meets Armenian politician in Athens

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

Rustamian expressed the joy and satisfaction of the Armenian Parliament and Armenian people at the Cyprus Republic's accession into the European Union. He also praised the Greek EU presidency on its organization of the Athens summit for EU enlargement.

Kaklamanis is to attend an event marking the Day of Memory for the genocide against the Armenian people on April 24 that will take place in Athens next week. The Greek Parliament recognized that the Armenians had been the victims of genocide in a resolution on April 25, 1996.

[08] Memorial service for Constantine Karamanlis held

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis, who heads the party his uncle founded in 1974, as well as former prime ministers Constantine Mitsotakis and George Rallis also attended the service, along with dozens of other political and business figures, including many of Constantine Karamanlis’ past associates.

Parliament's EU committee lauds late pres. Karamanlis' EU accession decision: The Greek Parliament's European Affairs Committee on Friday, in light of the memoriam held for late president Konstantinos Karamanlis, issued a statement in honor of the man that lead Greece.

The deputies described Karamanlis, in their statement, as the ''leader that led Greece to the European Union and that the successes of the country within the EU cannot but be connected with that decision''.

In that same statement spoke of the European Union's enlargement, stressing that ''Greece proved to this point that it can manage with prudence and effectiveness Europe's affairs''.

The deputies of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) were not represented in the special session, where the statement was drafted.

[09] Gov’t presents draft law on agricultural land

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

Mr Drys said that the new legislation also envisaged creating a Records Management office at the Agriculture ministry aimed to provide information and redesign farmers' records.

The draft legislation was voted only by the ruling PASOK party deputies.

[10] Duisenberg agrees to stay on as head of ECB until a successor is appointed

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

The ECB president in a February 2002 letter had informed the then president of the European Council of his intentions to resign from his post on 9 July 2003, prior to the expiration of his tenure, however, adding that we would be willing to stay on to ensure a smooth transition of the ECB presidency if so requested by the Heads of State or Government.

In his letter of Feb. 16, 2003 to the European Central Bank governor, Simitis had asked the ECB head to remain in his post until a successor was chosen, stressing that "...such a postponement of your stepping down would greatly serve the interests of the Bank and the Union, ensuring stability and enabling the process of selection of your successor to proceed smoothly.”

[11] Ukrainian president made honorary citizen of Thessaloniki

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

The northern Greek city is the second-largest in Greece after Athens.

During the ceremony, an agreement to twin the Ukrainian city of Dnipropetrovsk and Thessaloniki and mutual cooperation was signed by Papageorgopoulos and Dnipropetrovsk mayor Ivan Kulichenko.

Kuchma then attended a dinner given in his honor by Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Paschalides.

[12] Greek-Ukrainian economic forum held in Thessaloniki

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

The forum was organized on the occasion of the visit of Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma to Thessaloniki. Ukrainian Finance Minister Valeri Khoroshkovsky represented the government at the forum, which also included 20 Ukrainian businessmen.

Mr Khoroshkovsky invited Greek businessmen to seek opportunities in the Ukrainian market and presented the steps taken in the country to create a safe economic environment and attracting foreign investments and the country's accession to the World Trade Organization.

The Ukrainian minister said that the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose a spectacular 17 percent and stressed that the government's goal was to achieve a 5-6 percent increase in productivity in 2004 and an 8.0 percent rise in 2005.

Dimitris Bakatselos, chairman of the Thessaloniki Commerce of Trade, noted that "unfortunately, bilateral trade is very low, with Greek products accounting less than 0.5 percent of total imports in Ukraine, while Ukrainian exports to Greece are only 0.7 percent of exports."

The forum agreed that the transport, energy, health, environment technology, telecommunications and tourism sectors were showing increased mutual interest.

[13] Business climate to improve in second half, Tsohatzopoulos

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

Addressing a seminar on "Commerce and Business Activity", the Greek minister said that recommendations to include new programs in a Third CSF in the second half of 2003 were expected to be completed by early July.

Mr Tsohatzopoulos sounded optimistic over economic developments in the final six months of 2003, saying he expected a positive business climate in the country following a decline in fuel prices, with the price of oil likely to fall around 20 US dollars per barrel.

Addressing the seminar, Development Deputy Minister Christos Theodoroi stressed that very small enterprises were not eager to participate in a Third Community Support Framework, although they could, something that must change along with an improvement of the business climate in the country.

Representatives of the commerce sector said that Greek businessmen were wasting one-sixth of their time to meet the public sector's demands on bureaucracy procedures.

[14] Minister denies newspaper's 'insider trading' allegations

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

"My investment activity on the stock exchange has been on the record for many years and has been judged repeatedly and published repeatedly through the 'statement of means' process, as with all other MPs," Manikas said in a statement.

He dismissed the newspaper's report as "self-revealing slander and invention" and he accused Avriani owner George Kouris of trying to attack the government.

The same newspaper had a few days ago made damaging revelations that PASOK deputy minister Evangelos Malesios was living rent-free in a flat owned by the owner of the IT firm Altec, which prompted Malesios to resign his government post.

Commenting on the Avriani report, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said the government had passed a law in 2000 that placed specific restrictions on the stock market transactions that members of the government were allowed to make and stressed that this law had been stringently observed.

Prior to this law there had been no restrictions and therefore it had not been an illegal act, he said.

The 2000 law had been passed specifically in order to protect politicians from suspicions that were to a great degree unfounded, Protopapas added.

[15] Gov't awards military deal to Hellenic Vehicles Industry

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

''Apart from the original order of 150 vehicles, the state has an option for the manufacture of another 130," Floridis told reporters on the sidelines of the Thessaloniki-based company's annual general shareholders meeting.

The current order is budgeted at 410 million euros in the government's medium-term investment plan.

The Centaur's construction by ELVO has involved cooperation with industries in Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden.

[16] Int'l Gymnastics Federation delegation tours 2004 sites

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

Afterwards, the president of the trampoline technical committee, Horst Kunze, praised ongoing preparations for the Games.

“We discussed all of the issues that deal with the trampoline competition … and we are absolutely satisfied by the answers we received. We toured the Olympic Village and we ascertained that its construction has progressed. It is very important that the distance between it (village) and the Olympic stadium is relatively small,” Kunze added.

[17] Ecumenical patriarch's official visit to Azerbaijan considered historic

ISTANBUL 19/04/2003 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Azerbaijan President Heydar Aliev welcomed the patriarch with warmth and cordiality and, addressing him, said Azerbaijan welcomed him with pride.

President Aliev also spoke of the patriarch's ''charismatic'' personality, saying he had welcomed many dignitaries during his long career, but his discussion with the patriarch impressed him in particular.

Vartholomeos said his presence in Azerbaijan was aimed at promoting inter-religious dialogue and the further development of friendly relations between people with different ''credos.''

''This is what humanity needs today more than ever,'' the patriarch said and added ''you, being the president, are giving the best example for the cultivation of good relations between religions.''

[18] Greek shipowners take measures against killer pneumonia

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

The deadly SARS virus first made its appearance in the Far East, possibly in southern China and according to the World Health Organization (WHO) it has so far infected 3,200 people and been responsible for 159 deaths worldwide. Its initial symptoms are similar to the common cold and may then deteriorate into atypical and frequently fatal pneumonia.

The announcement said it had followed instructions given in a Greek Health and Welfare ministry circular on how to care for patients on board ocean-going ships that showed symptoms of the disease.

Sailors who had docked at ports in Hong Kong, Singapore, Hanoi, Vietnam, China, Taiwan and Toronto within the last 10 days are believed to be those most at risk of developing symptoms.

The UGS also informed shipping firms that Singapore authorities were demanding that all ships that docked at Singapore submit a statement outlining the state of health of their crew to health services and that precautionary measures had been taken by Panama Canal authorities, who were demanding that all ships sailing from SARS hotspots report if any of their crew had shown symptoms of ill health within the past 30 days.

[19] Suspect terrorist denied extension to prepare plea for new charges

Athens, 19/04/2003 (ANA)

These included two charges of manslaughter, on charge of attempted manslaughter and causing explosions.

Agapiou testified before the magistrate for about an hour but later denied all the charges against him, condemning the indictments as ''vague'' and said attempts had been made to implicate him in terrorist activity for many years.

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