Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-05-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Euro-Mediterranean energy conference concludes with the adoption of ‘Athens Declaration’

[02] FM represents Greece in EU's constitutional convention in Brussels

[03] FM gives interview titled 'dialogue not necessary with U.S. on everything'

[04] Simitis to meet with Blair on Thursday, in light of EU Summit in June

[05] Greek deputy FM hails signing of MNEPR, urges focus on environment

[06] DM expresses need for completion of European defense and security unification

[07] Parliament president: Early elections when gov't term completed

[08] Draft law on local gov't campaign spending

[09] Gov't announces inquiry into 'foreign matter' found in aircraft parts at Araxos

[10] Press minister denies reports of controversy surrounding draft media bill

[11] Greek EU presidency - new e-Vote on environment and sustainable development

[12] Greece seeks 300 mln euros in EU funds to help Balkans

[13] Three-year figures show more jobs gained then lost, gov't says

[14] EU Commission urges Greece to reform pension system

[15] Greek participation in Skopje trade fair

[16] Southeastern European conference on tourism, on Thursday in Athens

[17] Public may have option to buy into Hellenic Stock Exchanges

[18] Greek stocks end 1.39 pct lower on Wednesday

[19] Army chief: Police and armed forces will ensure 'best and safest Olympics'

[20] Gov't announces ambitious tram extensions for Athens

[21] Greece and Russia sign agreement for cooperation in justice

[22] Legal profession to be sounded out on changes to draft justice bill

[23] Patriarch of Alexandria concludes visit to Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul

[24] Annual CISAC conference concludes on Crete

[25] Conference on European social model opens in Ioannina

[26] Patriarch to inaugurate Greek painting exhibition in Istanbul

[27] Greek and Balkan publishers to meet in Thessaloniki

[28] Ministry planning facilities for thousands of demonstrators at EU summit

[29] Cypriot spokesman says UN position unchanged on resumption of talks

[30] Right to property not a compensation issue, says spokesman

[01] Euro-Mediterranean energy conference concludes with the adoption of ‘Athens Declaration’

Athens, 22/05/2003 (ANA)

The declaration, as Greece’s Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said, titled “The Athens Declaration”, is the new political framework reaffirming European and Mediterranean nations’ resolve to cooperate for the establishment of a genuine energy policy.

Special reference was made to the connection of Greece’s natural gas network with Turkey, which is to be concluded in 2005, as well as to relevant discussions between Greece and Italy.

Tsohatzopoulos, who chaired the meeting, said during a press conference that Greece was transforming into a European energy hub for the entire European and Mediterranean regions.

The “Athens Declaration” also refers to Israel and the Palestinian Authority’s intention to promote bilateral cooperation on energy. To this end, a tripartite technical working team is to be set up, with the participation of representatives from Israel, Palestine and the EU.

EU Transport and Energy Commissioner Loyola de Palacio, who expressed satisfaction at the development, said the setting up of the working team was decided in order to consolidate energy plans of mutual interest to both Israel and Palestine. She stressed that the team is also open to participation by other states.

“Energy would be the basis on which we will build stability and peace across the Euro-Mediterranean region,'' she said.

Palestinian Authority representative Azzam Shawwa, also Energy and Natural Resources Minister, underlined that the specific development would be the first step towards a new relationship with Israel.

Commenting on the same development, Israeli Energy Minister Joseph Parizky noted that though deep political differences existed between his country and Palestine, at least a decision has been taken for joint efforts to arrive at cooperation on energy.

At the same time, the Israeli minister expressed hope that the working team would facilitate an improvement in the quality of life for both sides. “May this be the first flower to bring spring,” he added.

The energy meeting also decided that essential energy cooperation among Euro-Mediterranean nations be supported in order to shape a comprehensive energy network for natural gas, oil and electric power.

Tsohatzopoulos underlined the consensus achieved with regard to the need for energy policy convergence between the specific region’s countries to create what he called a single Mediterranean energy market.

Both Tsohatzopoulos and de Palacio underlined the need for contribution by the private sector to energy-related investments.

With regard to priorities set for the period 2003-2006, participating ministers reaffirmed their interest in the importance of renewable energy sources under the perspective of a viable energy future.

[02] FM represents Greece in EU's constitutional convention in Brussels

BRUSSELS 22/05/2003 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

Foreign Minister George Papandreou represented Greece in the talks that focused on the specific function and responsibilities of the Eurogroup.

Discussions were led by a four point agenda that included the general economic directions, the penalties for the non-undertaking of measures for the decrease of budget deficits and the coordination of the economic policy within the EU.

Concerning the representation of the Eurozone, as well as the EU in international organizations, Papandreou said that there were disagreements, especially on the part of Britain - which is not a member of the Economic Monetary Union - but were resolved via a compromise proposal that allows the EU to decided through an increased majority vote for the measures the Union will propose to international for a.

''It is imperative that we coordinate and maybe some day we may achieve a unified representation on foreign policy issues, such as the United Nations,'' Papandreou said.

Papandreou also spoke of the necessity for the formulation of a unified EU strategy on foreign policy issues, which will facilitate the dialogue between the EU and the USA.

He underlined that for the first time in history the recent informal council, that took place in Kastelorizo, Greece, the presidency proposed the listing of the foreign policy priorities of all the 25 member-states, which then, following a dialogue they could become Union policies.

''Turkey, Cyprus and the Balkans could become Union policies,'' Papandreou said.

He also spoke of the coordination of the means of foreign policy implementation with the instituting of a ''full-time'' foreign minister of the EU, who will also be responsible for proposing security issues, ''with the hope of upgrading the role of Europe and begin on a new basis the discussion for a mondus vivedi with the USA''.

[03] FM gives interview titled 'dialogue not necessary with U.S. on everything'

BRUSSELS 22/05/2003 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

The report said Papandreou, being the European Union's Council of Foreign Ministers president, has been spending more time in Brussels than in Athens lately since he has been representing his government at the European Conference over the past few weeks, which is preparing reforms in the EU.

It further said the Greek foreign minister does not reject the proposal of the U.S. for American observers to closely watch reforms in the EU and pointed out that with the European Council in Thessaloniki and afterwards with the meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush coming up, Papandreou is trying to restore relations between the EU and the United States.

''However, the EU member-states must agree among themselves on this first,'' Papandreou said, according to the report, and added that he is ''optimistic and has the impression that all member-states desire cooperation after the drama of Iraq.''

Referring to relations with the United States, Papandreou said a common position with the U.S. is in the interests of the EU because only in this way will it be able to play a role in future developments in Iraq.

''The Greek presidency is trying to trace a common position on foreign policy issues. It is requesting, for the first time, from member-states to present their priorities. With the assistance of the European Parliament and the Commission as well, a common vision can be traced for foreign policy which will constitute the basis for the understanding with the U.S.,'' he said.

The foreign minister further said ''an agreement with the U.S. on foreign policy issues is one thing and an agreement between member-states on shaping a common European position is another. Member-states should agree with each other first.''

Papandreou also stressed that ''the existence of American observers to watch reforms in the EU is not a bad idea. Not, of course, that there should be observers at the inter-governmental conference which will take the final decisions, but there should be a structure through which the Americans will be informed of what is taking place in the EU. For example, it would not be bad for there to be a separate Forum where representatives of the European or National Parliaments, as well as national personalities, will discuss with members of the Senate about reforms at European institutional organs and about what is taking place on Defense and Foreign Policy issues.''

[04] Simitis to meet with Blair on Thursday, in light of EU Summit in June

LONDON 22/05/2003 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

Simitis' visit here is part of the tour of European capitals in light of the June Summit as Greece holds the six-month rotating presidency of the European Union.

Representatives of the EU and of the European high commissioner for defense and security affairs Javier Solana will be present in the meeting.

At the focus of the meeting will be the new Constitution of Europe, now drafted by the convention for the future of Europe, a very sensitive issue for the British government, due to internal reactions.

Blair has met, a few days ago with the president of the convention Valery Giscard d' Estaing, in light of Simitis' visit.

[05] Greek deputy FM hails signing of MNEPR, urges focus on environment

STOCKHOLM 22/05/2003 (ANA - S. Aravopoulou)

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis represented the European Union in this historic day for the limitation of nuclear arms in Europe.

Co-signatories to the agreement were the Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, Magriotis for the European Union, and representatives from the United States, the European Atomic Energy Commission, France, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Finland, Norway and Britain.

The nuclear energy safety in Northwestern Russia is rather great, since there are serious problems of storage and destruction of the nuclear waste that stem mainly from the decommissioning of old submarines and icebreakers.

Magriotis, speaking on behalf of the European Union at the signing of the MNEPR agreement, said that the framework agreement will be a useful tool in the solution of the major problems associated with spent fuel management and the safety of radioactive waste management in North West Russia, but that in addition to nuclear safety issues, interest should also focus on the environment.

Magriotis, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency, said that the signing of MNEPR was an important step forward, which should be followed by many more.

''The ratification of the Kyoto Protocol and safety in the shipping sector are only two of the issues still pending settlement, where our cooperation (with Russia) could continue'', the deputy minister said.

''The upcoming EU-Russia summit (on 29 May in St. Petersburg) will be held with the participation of all EU member states, and will offer an opportunity for continuing and, why not, broadening our cooperation'', he concluded.

[06] DM expresses need for completion of European defense and security unification

Athens, 22/05/2003 (ANA)

Papantoniou, making an account of the 12-month Greek presidency in the sector of European security and defense policy, said Europe must obtain reliability and the necessary special weight to enable it to intervene in international developments more substantively.

The minister referred, as an example, to the problem of Iraq, saying that if Europe had a strong political voice and a strong military force it could have asserted itself at the UN and the war might not have taken place.

Papantoniou focused on the creation of the European military force composed of 60,000 men and women. According to conclusions reached at the recent Council of Defense Ministers, the 25-nation European Union currently possesses the operational capacity to carry out humanitarian and peace missions.

He also reiterated that the initiative of the ''four'' does not constitute an independent action, but a contribution by them to the collective effort for a common European defense. He further clarified that the European defense does not function competitively towards the United States, but in a balancing nature on the international scene.

However, he noted that if blocking occurs at the inter-governmental conference, then European defense should go ahead with a nucleus of countries. Regarding the coverage of shortages in weaponry systems, Papantoniou placed emphasis on the procurement of weaponry systems for strategic transportation, meaning the acquisition of transport aircraft.

Commenting on the upsurge in Turkish aggressiveness and the insistence of Turkey's military establishment on illegal unilateral claims against Greece, Papantoniou said the Helsinki summit is a one-way road as far as Greece is concerned, with the hope that there will be reciprocation at some time.

Papantoniou reiterated that there is no question of European countries participating in military operations in Iraq, adding that Europe's initiatives will touch on humanitarian aid.

[07] Parliament president: Early elections when gov't term completed

Athens, 22/05/2003 (ANA)

He also said general elections will take place as scheduled in the Spring of 2004. Kaklamanis spoke at a press conference prior to this week’s first conference of EU parliament presidents, being held in Athens. Furthermore, he said he doesn’t believe a reshuffle is necessary and that the prime minister himself has not referred to one.

[08] Draft law on local gov't campaign spending

Athens, 22/05/2003 (ANA)

One of the primary points in the new bill calls for the mandatory appointment of a campaign finance manager for each election combination to be named by the lead candidate in the election list, i.e. the candidate for mayor or prefect.

For candidates in municipal and prefectural councilors’ races, ceilings of between 5,000 to 40,000 euros (in Athens municipality) are foreseen – 60,000 euros for mayoral candidates in the largest municipality of the country.

Personal election centers, which to critics epitomize the extravagant spending by some candidates, are also prohibited, along with banners, posters and photographs in public places and pamphlets via newspapers.

[09] Gov't announces inquiry into 'foreign matter' found in aircraft parts at Araxos

Athens, 22/05/2003 (ANA)

The inquiry aimed to discover who was responsible but also to boost checks for flight safety, he said.

[10] Press minister denies reports of controversy surrounding draft media bill

Athens, 22/05/2003 (ANA)

He said the bill would put the ESR in charge of checking the use of stock as collateral by television stations raising loans and resulting changes in shareholders' equity stakes.

The minister stressed that the 45 days allowed for such inspections under the bill was more than adequate.

[11] Greek EU presidency - new e-Vote on environment and sustainable development

Athens, 22/05/2003 (ANA)

This new e-Vote tackles highly topical issues such as shared water, shared future and knowledge and asks Europeans to rate the quality of their environment, requesting their input on various ways to improve it, the release said.

A bold experiment in e-democracy, the e-Vote also gauges citizens' views on issues such as the relationship between trade and sustainable development in third countries, and the role of various actors in shouldering the responsibility for sustainable development.

The e-Vote offers anyone the opportunity to visit http://evote.EU2003.gr and to share their ideas, opinions and suggestions about the present and future EU, the release said.

Moreover, the Greek presidency invited all interested media organizations in the enlarged Europe to become Media Partners of e-Vote. For more information on Media Partnerships, interested parties can take a look at http://evote.eu2003.gr/EVOTE/en/partnersmedia.stm.

[12] Greece seeks 300 mln euros in EU funds to help Balkans

Athens, 22/05/2003 (ANA)

The request for funding from the bloc's budget was made at a recent EU foreign ministers' meeting, Beglitis told a news conference to announce details of a World Economic Forum conference to be held in Athens.

''A historical cycle of clashes in the Balkans is over and the future of countries in the wider Balkan region lies in a united Europe,'' he said.

''Through the Balkan reconstruction program and more general initiatives, Greece has supported and contributed to the economic growth of countries in the region, and to their gradual entry into the European family,'' the spokesman added.

Global financier George Soros is to co-chair the World Economic Forum's regional meeting in Athens on 23-24 May.

Conference delegates will look at the political and economic situation in southeastern Europe, and the outlook for the region.

Also chairing the session, an offshoot of the Davos forum in Switzerland, is the governor of the National Bank of Greece and president of the Union of Greek Banks, Theodoros Karatzas.

Supported by Foreign Minister George Papandreou, the conference's delegates include prime ministers, ministers and corporate executives from 31 countries.

Soros is a shareholder in Hellenic Land International SA, a holding company and developer, through Soros Real Estate Investors, his first investment in Greece. The remainder of the firm is owned by Panayiotis Mihalos, founder of DTZ Mihalos SA.

[13] Three-year figures show more jobs gained then lost, gov't says

Athens, 22/05/2003 (ANA)

He was responding to questions regarding a recent wave of highly visible company closures that are expected to make larger numbers of workers redundant. They include the factory of Swiss-owned Schiesser Palco in Athens, the Antonopoulos supermarket chain and the cosmetics retail chain Yvonni Stores.

Protopapas presented figures showing that 978,266 notifications for the hiring of new staff compared to 534,805 notices of termination of employment were submitted in 2000, while the same figures for 2001 were 1,053,155 jobs gained compared to 597,575 lost and 1,080,310 new positions compared to 590.777 jobs lost in 2002.

The figures for 2003 showed that 200,665 new staff had so far been hired and 118,809 notifications of termination had been submitting, meaning that the ratio was more or less unchanged and that more jobs were being created than lost.

The figures also showed that 71,100 new businesses had been set up over the past three years, indicating that more businesses were opening than closing overall.

At the same time, Protopapas stressed that unemployment was a priority concern and pledged ''bold measures'' on the government's part if there were mass lay-offs.

''Chiefly, however, we are interested in establishing a healthy economy that will generate jobs and this is the goal we are striving toward through the 3rd Community Support Framework, efforts to boost competitiveness, the developmental law and the Manpower Employment Organization,'' he said.

He said a proposal by Environment Minister Vasso Papandreou to set up a special fund for workers that were made redundant was ''interesting'' and stressed that the government had already taken measures for unemployed people above a certain age, establishing very high subsidies for employers that hired a member of this group.

Coalition party slams government stance to company closures: Coalition of the Left and Progress party leader Nikos Constantopoulos was strongly critical of attitudes among members of the ruling PASOK government on Wednesday over a recent wave of company closures and lay-offs.

Accusing government ministers of "talking like bosses in the bosses' place," he said they appeared to be holding ordinary voters responsible "because their policies are causing major social deficits".

The Coalition leader further claimed that after 20 years of PASOK governments, "workers have been stripped of all guarantees of protection and have been converted into lifeless objects that anyone can fling out onto the street by closing down their business."

[14] EU Commission urges Greece to reform pension system

Athens, 22/05/2003 (ANA)

In its annual report on the fiscal condition of EU member-states, published on Wednesday, the Commission recommended that maintaining macro-economic stability, further reducing its high public debt and promoting structural reforms were the main challenges facing the Greek economy in the next few years.

In its report, titled ''Public finances in EMU in 2003'', the Commission noted the threat of higher fiscal deficits as a result of rising public spending due to an ageing population in Europe.

The report warned that if measures were not taken, Greece, Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Austria and Portugal were facing the danger of fiscal deficits. The Commission stressed that Greece and Spain were facing the highest risk, with pension spending rising 12.0 percent as a percentage of the country's Gross Domestic Product and 8.0 percent, respectively.

These rates were the highest among EU member-states, the report said.

The Commission recommended that Greece, in order to ensure its economic viability, should take measures to reforming the country's pension system and noted that a Greek Stability Program did not envisage a detail proposal for the solution of this problem.

Greek authorities were also urged to promote supplementary private pension programs and to take measures to enhance spending control.

The EU's executive stressed that despite the country's high growth rates in 2002, the reduction of its public deficit was limited to 1.2 percent of GDP from 1.4 percent in 2001.

Greece, Italy and Belgium are the only EU member-states with a public debt of more than 100 percent of their GDPs. The Commission forecasts that in 2004 only Italy would maintain a debt of more than 100 percent.

The report described as positive the condition prevailing in the domestic economy, a development which combined with successful tax evasion combatting measures and expanding the country's tax base, contributed in raising state revenues above targets.

The Commission also urged Greece to achieve primary budget surpluses in the next decades to continue a restructuring of the country's public finances.

[15] Greek participation in Skopje trade fair

Athens, 22/05/2003 (ANA)

A total of 50 Greek companies will participate in this year's trade fair to be held at the Skopski Saem Trade Fair Centre.

The Greek companies will represent the building material, food-beverage, industrial equipment, packaging items and chemical sectors.

Greece is the third largest trade partner of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

[16] Southeastern European conference on tourism, on Thursday in Athens

Athens, 22/05/2003 (ANA)

The conference is an initiative of Greek Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos aimed at the advancement of cooperation in tourism among the countries in Southeastern Europe, the bulletin said.

[17] Public may have option to buy into Hellenic Stock Exchanges

Athens, 22/05/2003 (ANA)

Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis told parliament on Wednesday that a consortium of banks wished to buy a 35 percent stake in the Athens-quoted firm. The shares may then be resold to the public.

''There is no commitment, or agreement or target on the part of the consortium to keep the 35 percent stake for itself, but it would guarantee absorption of the paper,'' Christodoulakis said during debate of a government finance bill that would allow the corporate sale.

He was responding to criticism from the parliamentary opposition that the consortium's stock purchase in Hellenic could lead to a stranglehold of the capital market by banks.

''The privatization is directed towards all parties - to existing shareholders, to the Union of Athens-Quoted Companies, the Athens Stock Exchange Members' Association, the holders of convertible bonds, and to anyone who is interested,'' the minister said.

Among other markets held by Hellenic is the derivatives exchange.

[18] Greek stocks end 1.39 pct lower on Wednesday

Athens, 22/05/2003 (ANA)

The general index fell 1.39 percent to end at 1,708.26 points, with turnover a low 93.3 million euros.

The Cement, Holding, IT, Investment and Industrials sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (3.31 percent, 2.87 percent, 2.69 percent, 2.08 percent and 1.83 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 1.75 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 1.14 percent, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.92 percent lower and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index dropped 1.56 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 247 to 72 with another 46 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 65.1 mln euros Wednesday

Equity Index Futures: