Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-04-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Convention for the Future of Europe directorate discusses permanent EU president

[02] Simitis, Rasmussen discuss Athens Summit results

[03] Papandreou has telephone contacts with Powell, Arafat over Mideast peace process

[04] Greek EU presidency - Informal ministers council in Kastellorizo – Agenda

[05] Del Ponte and FM discuss cooperation between Greece and Int'l Criminal Court

[06] Deputy FM Loverdos discusses humanitarian aid to Iraq with NGO reps

[07] Protopapas reacts to latest attack on him by Kouris

[08] KKE blasts 'imperialists' campaign' against Cuba

[09] Commission refers OA subsidy repayment issue to EU Court

[10] Greek-Turkish energy conference to be held in May 8-9

[11] Greek stocks jump 1.97 percent on Wednesday

[12] Protected witness identifies two N17 suspects as culprits in Peratikos murder

[13] President Stephanopoulos to visit Alexandroupoli on Easter Day

[14] Main opposition leader seeks briefing on Easter traffic measures

[15] Former king Constantine arrives in Greece for Orthodox Easter

[16] Greek eurodeputy Karamanou to attend Leyla Zana trial in Ankara

[17] European Commission - cross border mails - REIMS II agreement

[18] More than 300 Turkish Cypriots cross into free areas

[19] EU should send clear message to Turkey, says Rothe

[01] Convention for the Future of Europe directorate discusses permanent EU president

BRUSSELS 24/04/2003 (ANA - V. Demiris)

In a statement after the meeting, Foreign Minister George Papandreou said what is required in negotiations taking place in light of the draft constitution to be tabled at the Thessaloniki summit on June 20 is how stability and continuity will be secured in the smooth operation of the Council of Ministers work.

He added that Greece supports close cooperation between member-states and the European Commission, while indirectly expressing reservations over the effectiveness of creating a permanent EU president.

The Greek foreign minister said the high level of dignity should be obtained through a process of democratic legalization as is the possibility of the EU president's direct election parallel to the holding of Euro-elections.

Referring to d'Estaing's proposal regarding the enactment of an EU vice president, who will be a permanent member of the General Affairs Council, Papandreou said Greece agrees with this initiative on condition that the vice president will alternate.

Papandreou said that in discussions held on the abolition of the rotating presidency, strong objections were raised by many member-states supporting its preservation, stressing that Greece's position is that a current presidency's work program should be subject to approval by the European Parliament.

He further said consent has been shaped between member-states on the need to establish an EU foreign minister who, according to d'Estaing's proposal, will also be European Commission vice president.

Regarding the post of European Commission president, Papandreou said that, contrary to what d'Estaing proposed, he supports his election by the European Parliament, followed by the decision's ratification by the Council of Ministers.

Commenting on the meeting he will be having later in the day with the International Criminal Court's special prosecutor in the EU's capital, Papandreou said it will take place following a relevant request by Carla del Ponte and it had been postponed due to the Greek foreign minister's workload on account of the Iraq war and the Greek EU presidency.

[02] Simitis, Rasmussen discuss Athens Summit results

COPENHAGEN 24/04/2003 (ANA)

This is the fourth of a series of visits in European capitals for Simitis, who will discuss the results of the informal summit in preparation for the June official summit of the Union.

Following their meeting, the two men held a press conference, where Rasmussen welcomed the Greek premier and outlined the issues the two men discussed.

On his part, Simitis noted that he presented the agenda of the June summit to Rasmussen and stressed that the basic issue of the agenda will be the presentation of the draft for the European Union's Constitution, by Valery Giscard d' Estaing, the president of the Convention for the Future of Europe.

Rasmussen stressed that they also discussed the combating of illegal immigration and exchanged views on international affairs, including Iraq and the peace process in the Middle East.

Simitis focused on the new constitutional treaty of the European Union, now being drafted and set to be signed after May 1st, 2004.

''The discussion that will take place in the Intergovernmental Conference will be based on the proposals of the convention for the Future of Europe. The Intergovernmental Conference will not discuss all issues from the beginning, because we want to finish quickly,'' Simitis said.

[03] Papandreou has telephone contacts with Powell, Arafat over Mideast peace process

BRUSSELS 24/04/2003 (ANA - A. Podimata)

According to diplomatic sources here, Papandreou, in Brussels for a meeting of the EU Constitutional Convention, pointed out to Arafat the need for expediting the appointment of the new Palestinian Ministerial Council headed by Abu Mazen.

Discussions between the Greek foreign minister and the US secretary of state centered on the immediate publication and implementation of the ''road map'' in-line also with the common position adopted by the EU's ''15'' at the Spring Council on 20, 21 March in Brussels as well as at the European Council in Athens on 16,17 April, the sources said.

[04] Greek EU presidency - Informal ministers council in Kastellorizo – Agenda

Athens, 24/04/2003 (ANA)

It is expected that the foreign ministers of Germany, France, Belgium and Luxembourg will brief their counterparts, including the Greek presidency, regarding the outcome of their meeting in Luxembourg where they will examine the potential for an autonomous European defense and required steps in that direction.

The situation in post-war Iraq and an enhanced role for the United Nations, the latter being an issue still met with considerable US opposition, are issues that the Greek presidency will raise at the informal ministers council in May. The stance to be adopted by UN Security Council members France, UK (permanent members), Germany and Spain (not permanent members) on the issue are anticipated with particular interest.

A third item on the Greek presidency's agenda will be the EU-USA relations, which were recently injured by the war in Iraq. British Foreign Minister Jack Straw's approach on the issue will be decisive, since the UK always aspired to play a ''bridging'' role between Washington and Brussels.

European ministers at Kastellorizo will also focus on progress made with the works of the Convention for the Future of Europe, in the light of the outcome of ''dual presidency'' discussions (one president for the European Commission and a second for the European Council), a proposal supported by Europe's ''large'' states, but met with opposition by the smaller partners. The Greek presidency has declined to take a stance on the issue.

Finally, the 25 ministers will make the short boat-trip to Kas on the Turkish coast across from Kastellorizo, an initiative of the Greek presidency taken with the consent of Ankara. Greek foreign ministry sources believe that on a symbolical level, the visit to Kas will assist in convincing the EU partners that both Greece and Turkey indeed have the political will to overcome their differences.

After the conclusion of June's summit in Thessaloniki on 21 June, in his capacity as EU president Simitis on 25 June will travel to Washington for a scheduled meeting with US President George Bush.

The Greek presidency is aiming at a redefinition of the transatlantic relations, intended to improve them and ''heal the wounds''. Simitis has said that his discussions in the US will also involve proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), the fight against terrorism, trade issues and the protection of personal data on both sides of the Atlantic.

[05] Del Ponte and FM discuss cooperation between Greece and Int'l Criminal Court

BRUSSELS 24/04/2003 (ANA - V. Demiris)

Del Ponte said that during the Court's investigations she had requested and received from the Greek authorities information on possible dealings of the Milosevic regime. She added that the information concerned the bank accounts of offshore companies having dealings with the Milosevic regime.

The prosecutor expressed satisfaction over cooperation with the Greek authorities, adding that she is not expecting supplementary information from Greece.

Replying to a relevant question, del Ponte said she did not deliver a list of names to Papandreou of Greek businessmen and private persons who, according to press reports, allegedly had dealings with the Milosevic regime during the embargo.

''There is no list of names,'' she said, clarifying that the only document existing is a report drawn up during the period the relevant information had been provided and intended for authorities in Belgrade which are conducting financial checks to fully resolve the issue.

Del Ponte further said she does not intend to go to Cyprus at this stage to carry out enquiries on the status of offshore companies and their possible dealings with the Milosevic regime.

On his part, Papandreou referred to the satisfactory level of cooperation between Greece and the Criminal Court, stressing that Greece fully supports the special prosecutor's work. The minister also referred to Greece's readiness to provide supplementary information for the Court, if necessary.

Justice system launches inquiry into 'Avriani' allegations

The Supreme Court public prosecutors' department on Wednesday launched an emergency inquiry into the multiple allegations of graft in the higher echelons of government made by the Athens newspaper ''Avriani''.

The paper's claims of corruption, including charges that ministers made vast profits through insider trading on the stock market and had suspicious financial dealings with Altec owner Thanassis Athanasoulis, have prompted one resignation among the government and a series of slander suits against the paper.

The case has been assigned to an Athens primary court public prosecutor, with instructions to complete the investigation within a month. Should any evidence implicating MPs or members of the government arise, meanwhile, the investigation must stop and the case file will be sent on to Parliament.

According to sources, 'Avriani' owner George Kouris is already being sought to testify but is out of town for Easter and will probably give evidence after the holiday.

In the last few weeks, the paper has run front-page articles that claim to have uncovered shady dealings between government ministers, MPs and Athanasoulis.

Former Deputy Public Order Minister Evangelos Malesios resigned after the paper said was living rent-free in a luxury apartment owned by Athanasoulis in return for promoting Altec's bid for a lucrative Olympics security contract.

The last target of the paper was Media Minister and government spokesman Christos Protopapas, who said he would sue the paper for slander after it claimed that he had received illegal campaign funds from Altec's chief for the 1996 elections.

Also in the paper's sights were Minister of State Stefanos Manikas and high-ranking PASOK official and MP Mihalis Neonakis for alleged insider trading.

Kouris has publicly admitted that his anti-government crusade was initially triggered by evidence discovered in pursuit of his personal vendetta against his former business partner Athanasoulis and his attempts to 'dig up the dirt' on Altec's owner, who was instrumental in pushing him out of the television station Alter.

Altec is currently under investigation for sweeping stock market fraud following allegations made by the same paper.

[06] Deputy FM Loverdos discusses humanitarian aid to Iraq with NGO reps

Athens, 24/04/2003 (ANA)

Loverdos said the ministry has submitted an official request to the U.S. authorities to make possible the sending of direct humanitarian aid (medicines) to Baghdad with a C-130 cargo plane. It would be accompanied by the ''Doctors of the World'' organization which is able to transport this material to hospitals in Baghdad. However, the relevant permission for landing in Baghdad has not yet been granted.

Furthermore, as Loverdos clarified, the foreign ministry is examining the possibility of the promotion of immediate humanitarian material and underlined that in every case, what is of paramount importance is that the humanitarian aid which will be sent to reach its destination through reliable transporters who will protect it from mismanagement and looting and secure its delivery to those who need it.

Finally, Loverdos called on the representatives of the NGOs to coordinate themselves so that when the above mentioned moves become possible, to be in a position to respond in time for the mission's organizing.

[07] Protopapas reacts to latest attack on him by Kouris

Athens, 24/04/2003 (ANA)

The paper slammed Protopapas for ''provocative nouveau riche exhibitionism'' and raised questions about where the former trade unionist got the cash for what it claimed was a no-expense-spared structure complete with luxury fittings and swimming pool.

Responding to the article, Protopapas denied the existence of a swimming pool and said the 'mansion' was a house of 185 square meters in a 235 square meter plot of land, with a basement and no garden.

He said the house had been under construction for the past four years and had been paid for out of a personal family income of 30 million drachmas a year and a Commercial bank loan of 47 million drachmas taken out by his wife.

''The second slanderous and unethical attack launched on me by Kouris has collapsed,'' he said.

According to the minister, in his desperate effort to serve business interests the newspaper owner had become the tool of political interests wishing to hurt PASOK and the government.

He said he would file a suit against Kouris, ''Avriani'' and the architect Lili Xynarianou regarding the allegations that his election campaign was funded by Athanasoulis.

Protopapas stressed that his finances were fully transparent and that all his sources of income had been declared in the 'statement of means' declaration required of ministers and MPs.

One of the jabs made against him by the paper was that he had declared a purchase price of seven million drachmas in 1997 for the property on which the house was built, some 50 million less than the going rate for real estate in the area at that time.

In reference to another jibe by the paper claiming that he had been 'cut off' from the prime minister, Protopapas said that he had spoken with Simitis and briefed him on Monday and that he had frequent contact with PASOK Central Committee Secretary Costas Laliotis and other ministers, who expressed their support.

''I am giving a personal and political battle for the truth that I intend to take right to the end. I will not accept an apology from Mr. Kouris,'' Protopapas said at one point, claiming that the attack against him was part of a larger, overall plan.

While refusing to comment on the reaction of main opposition New Democracy, he claimed that the target of the attacks was the prime minister, ''who is, however, untouchable because he is a model of transparency and honesty.''

[08] KKE blasts 'imperialists' campaign' against Cuba

Athens, 24/04/2003 (ANA)

An announcement by the KKE political bureau said the party condemned ''the campaign against Socialist Cuba that has been unleashed by the imperialist forces -- which is being waged with all the political, diplomatic and other means''.

''The aim of this campaign is to prepare the way for the strike against the Cuban revolution, to undermine the movement for solidarity with the Cuban people, to justify the interventions,'' the KKE announcement said.

It said that the ''attack against Cuba is part of the US' 'crusade', on the pretext of eliminating 'terrorism', which in reality means suppressing the rights of each people to choose the road they wish (to take), and to halt the peoples' struggle against the imperialistic barbarity''.

It added that the ''arguments of supposed defense of human rights cannot conceal the real aspirations of imperialism, which are directly conceded by spokespersons for the White House. They speak openly of a 'peaceful and speedy transition' in Cuba and of 'liberation' of the Cuban people along the 'Iraq model'''.

The KKE accused the European Union of not only aligning itself with this US policy, but also being ''a protagonist in the pressure and coercion'' on Cuba by ''using its economic relations with Cuba as a lever of pressure'', and of ''openly intervening'' in Cuba, ''as it appeared with the joint announcement by the Council of EU foreign ministers, and by the stance of the EU member states during the UN Human Rights Commission conference''.

The KKE further accused the PASOK government of actively participating in this ''anti-socialist campaign'' from its position as current EU president, saying that, although the EU-Cuba dialogue has essentially 'frozen', it (Athens' EU presidency) had opened the wave of pressures and blackmail with the EU Presidency statement of March 26.

It also accused the Coalition of the Left and Progress (SYN) party of playing an active role, too, in this campaign, and of ''rehashing'' the EU and US arguments, thus providing a ''left-wing backing to the anti-communist campaign''.

The Greek EU presidency on March 26 issued a declaration condemning the arrests of members of the opposition in Cuba.

''The European Union is deeply concerned at the arrests of dozens of independent journalists and opposition members by the Cuban authorities. The wave of arrests is contrary to the principle of freedom of speech, a principle which the European Union is anxious to promote in its relations with non-member countries,'' the press release stated

''The European Union condemns those arrests and demands that those persons, whom it considers prisoners of conscience, be released without delay. These recent events highlight the common position on Cuba, specifically the call for democratic reform and greater respect for human rights. Violations of fundamental civil and political rights will be monitored very closely by the European Union and they will continue to influence the Union's relations with Cuba,'' the press release added.

''The Acceding Countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, the Associated Countries Bulgaria and Romania and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area align themselves with this declaration,'' the release concluded.

[09] Commission refers OA subsidy repayment issue to EU Court

Athens, 24/04/2003 (ANA)

A Commission statement said that Greece was given a two-month time to meet its obligations but the deadline ended on February 13, 2003 without any reaction from the Greek state.

Greece says it can anticipate EU legal developments in OA's case: Greek Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis on Wednesday said that a decision by the EU Commission to refer Greece to the EU Court of Justice because it failed to claim the sum of 41 million euros from Olympic Airways - a sum that the EU's executive believed it was an illegal state subsidy to the national carrier - was an expected move.

Mr Verelis stressed that the Greek side has strong legal arguments in the case and described the issue as of a clearly legal nature, while he announced the speed-up of procedures for the creation of a New Olympic Airways.

"The procedure was announced and it was expected. There are strong legal arguments from the Greek side and as I have already stated, the matter is of a clearly legal nature. A New Olympic Airways is under creation and it is the only way to maintain an Olympic Airways that continues flying and servicing domestic air transport. We believe we can anticipate legal developments with the creation of a New Olympic Airways," the Greek minister said.

The European Commission on Wednesday announced its decision to refer Greece to the EU Court of Justice after the Greek government failed to meet an EU executive's decision to repay a total of 194 million euros in subsidies offered to national carrier Olympic Airways since 1998.

A Commission statement said that Greece was given a two-month time to meet its obligations but the deadline ended on February 13, 2003 without any reaction from the Greek state.

[10] Greek-Turkish energy conference to be held in May 8-9

Athens, 24/04/2003 (ANA)

The conference, to be held annually in Greece and Turkey, aims to contribute in improving bilateral relations and promoting cooperation in the energy sector.

The conference will be attended by Turkey's Energy and Natural Resources Minister Dr Mehmet Hilmi Guumller, Greece's Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, the chairman of the Turkish-Greek Chamber of Commerce Sarik Tara and the chairman of the Greek-Turkish Chamber of Commerce Panagiotis Koutsikos.

Greek and Turkish experts on natural gas, electricity, oil and market regulation, are expected to present technical surveys on promoting energy cooperation.

The conference will be held at the Athenaeum Intercontinental hotel in Athens. It is organized by "Energy" magazine in cooperation with Turkey's National Energy Forum, and sponsored by Hellenic Petroleum and Public Gas Corporation.

[11] Greek stocks jump 1.97 percent on Wednesday

Athens, 24/04/2003 (ANA)

The general index jumped 1.97 percent to end at 1,673.50 points, with turnover an improved 113.3 million euros.

The Insurance (8.64 percent), Banks (3.89 percent), Holding (3.11 percent) and Textile (3.02 percent) sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day, while Emporiki Bank (5.07 percent), Alpha Bank (3.99 percent), National Bank (3.98 percent) and Eurobank (3.70 percent) were the biggest gainers in the bank sector.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 2.46 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 1.75 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 1.45 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index jumped 2.23 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 262 to 62 with another 39 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 84.1 mln euros Wednesday

Equity Index Futures: