Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-06-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Three EU summit aims achieved, Simitis says

[02] EU Thessaloniki Council approves draft EU Constitution as a good basis

[03] European leaders clear way for debate on constitution

[04] Greek MEP to assess draft EU Constitution for Euro-Parliament

[05] EU Thessaloniki Council: EU leaders approve Solana’s text on defense, security

[06] Commission: Management of 'legal immigration' a priority

[07] Commissioner Vitorino on asylum policy and British proposal

[08] Cyprus pleased with EU Summit references to solution

[09] French president congratulates Greek PM for adequate and effective EU presidency

[10] Italian PM praises his Greek counterpart's handling of the EU presidency

[11] EU Council: Commissioner Patten on EU-Western Balkans ties

[12] PM Simitis meets delegations of candidate countries for EU accession

[13] Simitis: Iraq crisis the worst faced by Union during his tenure

[14] Rain, specter of protests at Thessaloniki Summit

[15] DM Papantoniou to pay official visit to Russia next week

[16] EU close to CAP reform compromise agreement

[17] Greek economic weekly review

[18] Greek stocks ease further, correction continues

[19] Contractors for 2004 Olympics accommodation begin work

[20] Alleged accomplices in Ocalan affair address court, deny charges

[21] Defendants in N17 trial again claim police used intimidating tactics

[22] Demonstrators wanting to cross into FYROM leave Niki border checkpoint

[23] Cox visits Mt. Athos monastic community

[24] Bulgarian merchant posing as doctor arrested

[25] Gas tanker intercepted in border region carried 32 illegal immigrants

[26] U.S. ambassador hosts reception for 35 Greeks receiving Fulbright scholarships

[27] Book on Greek presidency by Trivizas given to EU delegations

[28] US remains actively engaged in Cyprus settlement

[29] UN Assembly approves peacekeeping funding

[01] Three EU summit aims achieved, Simitis says

Athens 21/06/2003 (ANA)

He stressed that the work of the Convention for the future of Europe was completed, as the European draft Constitution was presented, despite the fact that only days ago several officials expressed their reservations over the possibility of success concerning the issue.

Simitis stressed that the success in accomplishing this task was due exclusively to the work of the Greek presidency, adding that in addition to achieving the goal a timetable for the further processes was decided.

The second aim which was achieved, he said, was the formulation of a common policy on immigration and asylum for refugees, noting that the problem was the funding for this policy and the forms of cooperation with third countries, so that they may implement the agreements. He added that the 15 also decided on the best possible coordination between member-states in efforts to combat the phenomenon of illegal immigration.

Simitis also referred to the third aim of the summit, which was the formulation of a European common position on issues of defense and security on the basis of a proposal drafted by EU high representative for defense Javier Solana.

He noted that Solana presented the text, but underlined that discussions on this issue will continue until December, when, during the Italian EU presidency a more extensive and detailed text might be presented.

Evaluating the Greek EU presidency, Simitis said that the past six months were rather difficult, since the presidency was marked by the Iraq crisis, adding that no other presidency had to deal with such a crisis.

He said that the handling of the situations by the Greek presidency was successful, noting that the cohesion problems, that occurred during the crisis, were overcome and now the Union is in a position to clear up the issues in which friction became apparent in light of the Iraq crisis.

Simitis underlined that it was a great success of the presidency that all EU domestic issues were dealt with despite the problems with the crisis in Iraq.

On his part Solana, also present during the post-summit press conference, said that a great part of the Friday afternoon meetings were consumed in dealing with the resolution adopted for the Middle Eastern problem and especially concerning the role of ''Hamas'' and other Palestinian organizations.

He stressed that the text of conclusions supported the efforts of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to achieve a cease-fire, adding that everyone else who is supporting peace should be convinced to contribute toward that goal.

He added that Hamas and other Palestinian organizations, should accept the cease-fire, while in the event they refuse, the Union should undertake measures towards lifting its economic support to them.

Solana also said that he spoke with both Abbas and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell about this issue on Friday.

Foreign Minister George Papandreou, addressing the press conference, spoke of the Greek presidency saying that Europe went through a very difficult moment, but now it is emerging stronger.

Commenting on Solana's text he said that through the text the role of the Union is promoted, while for the first time a policy is formulated on certain issues, such as weapons of mass destruction.

[02] EU Thessaloniki Council approves draft EU Constitution as a good basis

Athens 21/06/2003 (ANA)

Greek Prime Minister and EU Council president-in-office Costas Simitis said that “in spite of the initial doubts and questions, the work concluded forms a good compromise.”

However, Convention President Valery Giscard d'Estaing preferred to use the term “composition” rather than “compromise” to describe the approval of the draft Constitution, stressing that the Convention created a new structure and a balance.

The French statesman, however, expressed concern for further developments with regard to the EU Constitution.

Commenting on the draft Constitution’s approval, EU Commission President Romano Prodi spoke of a “very significant outcome”, as the incorporation into the Constitution of the fundamental rights Charter and the extension of joint decision-making would make Europe more democratic, as well as more transparent and simple to its citizens.

Summing up, Prodi noted the important progress achieved and the “gigantic move forward.”

[03] European leaders clear way for debate on constitution

Athens 21/06/2003 (ANA)

The former French president and head of the Convention preparing the draft plan spoke on the sidelines of the Thessaloniki EU Summit here, minutes after European leaders gave their 'thumbs up' for the draft.

''For the first time the European Union, through dialogue, possesses a plan for a constitution, as the EU presidency we are pleased,'' Greek Prime Minister and outgoing EU president-in-office Costas Simitis said with Giscard d’Estaing at his side.

''All of the (European) countries recognized Mr. Giscard d'Estaing's work, and the convention delegates' work … this effort is completed, this effort is positive, this effort is a compromise for which positive work can follow...'' Simitis stressed at a press conference at the Porto Carras resort, east of the port city of Thessaloniki.

“We can now say Europeans are waiting for their constitution. We hope that further work will be expeditious,” Giscard d’Estaing said.

On his part, a beaming Simitis said the EU council decided that the draft Constitution is a “good basis” for the Intra-governmental conference, adding that Italy, as the next EU president, will inaugurate the process for the conference in October.

“The Intra-Governmental should start and be completed before the Euro-Parliament elections on June 15, 2004. The signing of the constitution should take place as soon as possible after May 1, 2004, after which newcomers become full members of the Union,” the Greek premier said.

In bypassing rumored friction between himself and Giscard d’Estaing, European Commission President Romano Prodi said the “draft constitution is a proof the Convention’s success … We have a full text suitable to govern the future of Europe. We now have a significant outcome, for a more democratic, clearer and simpler Union … able to respond to the expectations of its citizens and to assume a bigger international role.”

He also praised the inclusion of the fundamental charter of human rights in any future constitution as well as the principle of majority voting, which he said will make the Union more democratic, transparent and simpler for EU citizens.

Finally, D’Estaing said a great deal of work was still needed with Part III of the draft constitution, which he said should be completed by July 15 the latest.

[04] Greek MEP to assess draft EU Constitution for Euro-Parliament

BRUSSELS 21/06/2003 (ANA - A. Simatos)

The decision was made unanimously on Friday by MEPs on the European Parliament's Institutional Issues Committee.

The report will be presented to the full Euro-Parliament plenum for ratification before the start of the Inter-governmental Conference next October.

Prof. Tsatsos had represented the European Parliament during the last Intergovernmental Conference that produced the Nice Treaty and was also appointed to assess the EU's Amsterdam Treaty for the Euro-Parliament.

PASOK's Parliamentary group welcomed Tsatsos' appointment as ''one more confirmation of Greece's standing in European institutional organs''.

[05] EU Thessaloniki Council: EU leaders approve Solana’s text on defense, security

Athens 21/06/2003 (ANA)

The 16-page text entitled “A Secure Europe in a Better World”, was handed on Thursday to EU foreign ministers and was considered by EU leaders at today’s session of the EU Thessaloniki Council.

Specifically, Solana’s paper proposes that “we can make a particular contribution to stability and good governance in our immediate neighborhood. Second, more widely, we need to build an international order based on effective multilateralism. Finally, we must tackle the threats, new and old.”

The text places emphasis on an increase in EU defense spending and greater ability to use non-military means in handling crises, while it stresses the need for cooperation with the US and further openings to Japan, China, Canada and India, to develop strategic partnerships for defense and security, stressing that: “In a world of global threats, global markets and global media, our security and prosperity depend on an effective multilateral system. The development of a stronger international society, well functioning international institutions and a rule-based international order should be our objective.”

In conclusion, the report notes that “This is a world in which there are new dangers but also new opportunities. If it can become a fully effective actor, the European Union has the potential to make a major contribution, both to dealing with the threats and to helping realize the opportunities. An active and capable European Union would make an impact on a global scale. In doing so, it would contribute to an effective multilateral system leading to a fairer and more secure world.”

[06] Commission: Management of 'legal immigration' a priority

Athens 21/06/2003 (ANA)

The Commission’s statements came on the heels of an eyebrow-raising British position, namely, that the asylum system throughout the EU is “not working properly and is subject to abuse”.

Commission spokesman Reijo Kemppenen stressed that managing legal immigration is a priority for the Commission, while noting that the Council shares the British side’s concerns.

“Member-States are free to do whatever they feel in the area of asylum,” he said, adding that in terms of biometric identification and a harmonized passport, only a political decision remains to proceed with the first measure. “However, the technical debate is still open.”

As far as the Union’s contentious agricultural policy is concerned, the Commission said that ministerial level discussions on CAP reforms that were suspended in Luxemburg would resume on Wednesday.

“We feel we are close to an agreement. We are close to a compromise; we are ready to proceed with necessary measures without diluting the reforms. Compromise should not occur at the expense of reforms,” the Commission’s representatives said, while simply noting that the Commission does not want to discuss CAP at the Summit but at the agricultural ministers’ level – a position echoed by Greek Premier and EU president-in-office Costas Simitis on Thursday.

Straw says Britain's proposal on immigrants leading Europe closer to 1951

British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said on Friday Britain's proposal on the creation of immigrants' ''camps'' in their countries of origin, meaning outside the limits of the European Union, is leading Europe closer to the initial idea on which the treaty of 1951 for refugees was based.

''Nobody expected at the time that this treaty would allow illegal immigrants to exploit its predictions and we believe that the problem must be handled in the refugees' country of origin,'' Straw said immediately after the end of the EU summit in Halkidiki, northern Greece, and expressed satisfaction over the formulation ultimately selected by the European Council.

The British minister also expressed satisfaction over the paragraph of conclusions concerning the European Assembly's work. However, he pointed out that the plan submitted by the Assembly only forms the basis for dialogue to begin at the Intergovernmental Conference, ''where, in any case, decisions will be taken unanimously.''

He further said the warning by the European Council concerning the funding of the Islamic Hamas organization is a ''clear message.''

''The final formulation is strict and correct, just as we wanted it,'' Straw said.

He also commented favorably on the paragraph of conclusions regarding Cyprus and the proposal by EU High Representative for Security and Foreign Policy Javier Solana, speaking of ''an excellent result which also expresses our view absolutely.''

[07] Commissioner Vitorino on asylum policy and British proposal

Athens 21/06/2003 (ANA)

However, the Commissioner, who is currently in Thessaloniki for the EU Council marking the end of Greece’s rotating six-month EU Presidency, clarified that member-states’ leaders do not regard current conditions proper for going ahead with such a ‘test’.

“The Commission would present within the year a Report on the consequences of implementing the British proposal and would also present its own recommendations,” Vitorino said.

[08] Cyprus pleased with EU Summit references to solution

THESSALONIKI 21/06/2003 (ANA)

Papadopoulos, one of 10 Acceding-Members' leaders at the Thessaloniki EU Summit here, also said a reference was made to the measures his internationally recognized government has taken, while noting that a partial lifting in the ban on the movement of people between the free parts of Cyprus and the Turkish-occupied areas on the island -- recently allowed by T/C leader Rauf Denktash -- is not a solution.

According to Papadopoulos, the European Council called on both sides to demonstrate political volition for a solution to the long-standing problem of division, especially Turkey and the T/C leadership.

''In general, the paragraph is satisfactory for us, and was unanimously approved without any comment,'' he told reporters after a customary ''family portrait'' with other European leaders.

He also denied that the Cyprus issue will get bogged down in EU institutions after the island republic formally accedes to the Union, saying the Cyprus issue will remain under the UN's auspices ''no matter what''.

Finally, he charged that only ''double-speak'' and not ''differing opinions'' exist between the T/C leader and Ankara. ''We judge that there is full agreement by Turkey for Mr. Denktash's tactics,'' he stressed.

[09] French president congratulates Greek PM for adequate and effective EU presidency

Athens 21/06/2003 (ANA)

Chirac said that a profound and open discussion on the European constitution took place in the framework of the Council, terming its plan a ''very good composition'' and a very stable base for the Intergovernmental Conference's further discussions.

''Nobody finds satisfaction for all problems he raises. We are looking ahead at the Europe of tomorrow,'' he said.

The French president said the EU summit ''ratified, as was natural'' the candidacy of Frenchman Jean-Claude Triche for the post of European Central Bank president.

''The candidacy of Mr. Triche for the post of president of the European Central Bank was naturally ratified and the (European) Council decided to request from the Council of Economy and Finance Ministers (ECOFIN) to begin the process without delay'' for his appointment,'' he said, congratulating Wim Duisenberg for the adequacy with which he handled his duties during a difficult economic period.

Commenting on the crisis experienced in Euro-Atlantic relations, the French president said ''the bond with the United States is strong'', adding that both sides share the same values and visions.

However, he expressed support for an equal cooperation relation and not a relation of dependence.

[10] Italian PM praises his Greek counterpart's handling of the EU presidency

Athens 21/06/2003 (ANA)

In a press conference he gave at the end of the EU summit in Thessaloniki, Berlusconi noted the important decisions which were taken by the European leaders, at the same time praising the manner with which Greek Prime Minister and European Council President Costas Simitis directed the sessions during the Greek EU presidency, particularly during the period of the Iraqi crisis when the danger of a disruption in transatlantic relations was visible.

Regarding the work of the Assembly for the European constitution, Berlusconi said the Italian EU presidency's objective will be for the sessions of the Intergovernmental Conference, which will begin on October 15, to conclude before the end December in order for the ''Second Treaty of Rome'' to be signed during the second half of 2003.

[11] EU Council: Commissioner Patten on EU-Western Balkans ties

Athens 21/06/2003 (ANA)

Speaking on the sidelines of the EU Council, Patten emphasized that the sessions – held at the Porto Carras resort – will demonstrate to the Western Balkan leaderships that the stabilization and association agreements that achieved long-sought-after EU accession for central and eastern European states are ''exactly the same'' for them.

''Of course, they have to make changes on their part and should continue the economic and political reform on which they embarked. But we wish to be more hands-on in helping them with

that process; and we proposed that we should turn the annual assessments on the progress they make on economic and political reform into partnerships,'' Patten said during a press conference.

Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey are currently considered candidate-states, while once strife-plagued western Balkan countries, particularly Croatia, have recently pushed for a firm path towards eventual EU accession.

[12] PM Simitis meets delegations of candidate countries for EU accession

Athens 21/06/2003 (ANA)

Simitis on Saturday will preside over the EU-Western Balkans Summit, at which the leaders of the three candidate countries for EU accession will also take part as observers.

[13] Simitis: Iraq crisis the worst faced by Union during his tenure

Athens 21/06/2003 (ANA)

His third reference was over the Solana plan outlining a common foreign policy and defense strategy for the expanded European Union.

Simitis, with European Commission President Romano Prodi and High Commissioner Javier Solana at his side, also stressed that the Iraq crisis was the worst the Union has faced during the eight years he has been the prime minister of Greece.

[14] Rain, specter of protests at Thessaloniki Summit

Athens 21/06/2003 (ANA)

A presentation of a draft plan for a much-discussed -- at least by European leaders and their delegations over the past year and a half -- constitution for the Union was expected to dominate the spotlight at Friday's sessions.

Among others, groups affiliated with the Greek Communist Party (KKE) threatened to marshal as many as 10,000 demonstrators in a march towards the Porto Carras complex, which is situated 80 kilometers from Thessaloniki proper in a more-or-less isolated stretch of a verdant peninsula.

Anti-globalization protesters affiliated with the energetic Greek Social Forum grouping, meanwhile, had loaded protesters in about 100 coaches in the late morning prior to a short journey towards the EU and Acceding-States' leaders' summit, although police presence in and around Porto Carras is draconian.

Several foreign correspondents and European officials have noted that security for the Summit will rank as a benchmark of sorts for the all-important security aspect at next summer's 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

[15] DM Papantoniou to pay official visit to Russia next week

Athens 21/06/2003 (ANA)

Papantoniou, who leaves Sunday for Moscow on a six-day visit to Russia, will meet with his Russian counterpart Sergey Ivanov and with the chairman of the Russian Federation's defense committee Nikolaev, for talks focusing on bilateral defense and military cooperation, EU-Russia relations, and NATO-Russia relations.

Papantoniou will further meet with the chairman of the Russian Duma, Selezniov, as well as with the Russian president's representative V. Matvienko in St. Petersburg, where he will also attend the inauguration of an international shipping exhibition.

[16] EU close to CAP reform compromise agreement

Athens 21/06/2003 (ANA)

“The interruption of discussion is not a dramatic development given the significant issues that are on the table; that is why the Commission would not wish a hasty compromise on the expense of reforms that have to be decided”, said the spokesman.

Kemppinen added that the informal EU farming ministers Council would resume Wednesday.

[17] Greek economic weekly review

Athens 21/06/2003 (ANA)

The Greek government is promoting new legislation seeking to reforming all buildings currently in discord with the natural and architectural environment in the Aegean islands. Aegean Minister Nikos Sifounakis said that the ministry was currently promoting a pilot program envisaging the partial or full demolishing and reforming of buildings or their parts, by offering incentives to owners.

Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis this week unveiled a new draft law on electronic communications (telecoms, interactive television, communications networks, etc) based on EU directives.

The Greek state - through the finance ministry - will retain a 21 percent equity stake in National Bank, Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said this week. Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with National Bank's governor Theodore Karatzas on the future of a convertible bond issue, accounting for 6.9 percent of the bank's equity capital, Mr Christodoulakis stressed these bonds, worth 895 million euros, would be replaced with new state bonds after maturing (July 15).

Greece's mutual funds' assets totalled 28.99 billion euros in June 17, up 4.36 percent since the end of May, with the number of shares rising 5.10 percent over the same period, official figures showed this week. The Union of Institutional Investors said that domestic equity mutual funds' assets rose 11.13 percent in the first two weeks of June, reflecting a spectacular increase in share prices in the Athens Stock Exchange. The category's average numerical returns turn positive in June (+8.71 percent) after ending May with a negative return of 2.32 percent.

Development Deputy Minister Dimitris Georgakopoulos this week unveiled a package new projects, worth 20.6 million euros, aimed to improve the quality of small tourist enterprises and another 4.1 million euros to support small- and medium-sized tourist enterprises.

[18] Greek stocks ease further, correction continues

Athens 21/06/2003 (ANA)

The general index fell 0.31 percent to end at 1,905.83 points, for a net loss of 0.25 percent in the week.

Turnover was a reduced 141.7 million euros.

The Textile, Food-Beverage and IT sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (3.15 percent, 2.0 percent and 1.83 percent, respectively), while the Publication, Construction and Wholesale sectors scored the biggest percentage gains (2.85 percent, 1.54 percent and 1.17 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.67 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.77 percent, the FTSE/ASE SMALLCAP 80 index dropped 1.66 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 0.80 percent down.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 246 to 73 with another 39 issues unchanged.

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