Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-09-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM and US counterpart Colin Powell discuss Cyprus, Olympic Games security, Iraq

[02] FM honored in D.C.; refers to Lindh, Turkey's EU prospects

[03] Gov't on ICAO agreement involving Aegean air corridors

[04] Gov't unveils tougher 'statements of means' law

[05] PM and public works minister hold talks on unauthorized building issue

[06] Commission: 22 cases against Greece referred to Eurocourt, 6 withdrawn

[07] Finmin says no danger of losing EU funds

[08] Greek inflation eased in August, Eurostat report

[09] Talks between gov't, university teachers fall through

[10] Tourism sector could absorb 35 pct of Greek unemployed by 2010, report

[11] EU Commission to discuss e-commerce issues

[12] Tax revenues jump 91 pct in Jan-August, ministry report

[13] Taxis stage 48-hour strike until Friday

[14] Labor union leader briefs President Stephanopoulos on economic, social issues

[15] Greek stocks end higher on Wednesday

[16] Event held marking exactly one year before opening ceremony of Paralympics

[17] Attorneys' final arguments continue to take aim at N17 suspects

[18] Romanians arrested for setting up child begging racket

[19] Coast guard intercepts 42 illegals in 2 separate incidents

[20] Youth Parliament ends this year's session

[21] Concert to mark award of 'Melina Mercouri' prize at UNESCO

[22] Foreign nationals arrested for state document forgery

[23] Cyprus President leaves on Monday to NY to address UN General Assembly

[24] German MP says Annan plan a proper basis for solution

[25] Nearly 1.5 mln crossings of the divide between April and August

[01] FM and US counterpart Colin Powell discuss Cyprus, Olympic Games security, Iraq

WASHINGTON 18/09/2003 (ANA - T. Ellis)

The issue of security for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games was also raised, while Powell reportedly had a positive approach to the preparations of the Greek authorities so far, which are cooperating closely with the US and other countries having necessary know-how and experience.

Also discussed was the volatile situation prevailing in the Balkans and Papandreou stressed the need for the continuation of close cooperation between the US and the European Union, which has proved to be effective so far.

Developments in the Middle East and Iraq were probed in depth. The Greek foreign minister assessed that past disagreements can be overcome and an agreement can ultimately be reached between the US and the Franco-German axis for the issuing of a Security Council resolution providing the UN with a substantive role and contributing to the country's reconstruction.

In statements after the talks, Papandreou said he had a constructive discussion with Powell in the framework of regular contacts Greece has with the US at a bilateral level.

''However, we focused our discussion on issues of direct Greek interest such as the Cyprus issue, developments and possible initiatives and possibilities we have to utilize a new dynamic. Dynamic on the ground,'' he said.

Papandreou further said ''there are Turkish Cypriots who are requesting to participate in this wider union (EU) in a united Cyprus, (as I ascertained from) meetings I also had with all sides, particularly with the Cypriot government of course, political forces, as well as the society of citizens and the Turkish Cypriots' opposition. All this, of course, was placed in the framework of Turkey's course towards the European Union, which the US is also very well aware of.''

''We discussed Balkan issues. I insisted that the Balkans have taken considerable steps, but despite the fact our attention as an international community has turned to Iraq, the Middle East and other possible places on earth, the Balkans remain a region requiring the attention, the affection if you like, the care of the international community to enable us to consolidate stability and overcome difficult problems such as that of Kosovo,'' he said.

Referring to other issues discussed with Powell, Papandreou said ''we had the opportunity to discuss wider issues such as dialogue between the EU and the US, as well as Iraq and the Middle East in particular. The feeling I have both from last week's meetings in Italy, as well as today and yesterday here in Washington is that there is a spirit, a mood, the international community, the EU with the US to see how they will help together to have the major problem existing in Iraq after the war to be overcome. There were disagreements, and indeed intense ones over the war itself. However, there is a will for a stable Iraq with a representative government and for us to ultimately reach, as soon as possible, an independent Iraq which will belong to the Iraqis.''

Asked to say whether he briefed Powell on the continental shelf issue, Papandreou said ''it strikes me that such reports exist because I did not have anything in particular to announce or to brief. In fact I did not even discuss the continental shelf issues with Mr. Powell. It is a known issue, of course. There is a process but this process has not reached a result. If we will have some result or some development we shall notify Greek public opinion immediately.''

On the question of whether there is any initiative on the issue of Cyprus on the part of the US, the foreign minister said ''Mr. Weston is continuing efforts and we hope that conditions will be ripe to enable us to support the UN secretary general once again in his own initiatives for a solution to the Cyprus issue.''

As regards Olympic Games security, Papandreou said Powell spoke positively of the aspect of security and of close cooperation existing on the issue.

Papandreou meets US national security advisor Condoleezza Rice: The situation in Iraq and the prospects for bridging the US-EU positions for the issue of a UN Resolution, the crisis in the Middle East and Palestinian president Yasser Arafat's role, the fragile stability in the Balkans, and the Cyprus issue were at the focus of a 45-minute meeting at the White House Tuesday (early Wednesday, Greek time), between visiting Greek foreign minister George Papandreou and US president George Bush's national security advisor Condoleezza Rice.

''We discussed many and general issues, such as Iraq, the Middle East, the situation in the Balkans,'' Papandreou told reporters after the meeting, adding that, on the Greek side, ''we focused our attention on the Cyprus issue, on Turkey's course to Europe, the strategic importance of that course, but also the need for these issues, particularly the Cyprus problem, to be seen in that course''.

''We analyzed how the developments of the coming months -- the next year -- will be significant with respect to Cyprus, because not only will Cyprus be formally joining the EU, but the road is opening for new initiatives, provided a volition truly arises on the side of the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey. It is a firm position on the part of (UN secretary general) Kofi Annan and the UN, just as is the fact that Turkey is seeking a date for the commencement of negotiations (for EU membership) at the end of 2004, at which time its own stance, including on the Cyprus issue, will be assessed,'' Papandreou said.

He added that he had stressed that continuous US support for the UN efforts, its continuous insistence on a just (Cyprus) solution, in accordance with the UN resolutions, ''is something that we would appreciate and would substantively aid the course towards resolution of the Cyprus issue''.

On the Balkans, Papandreou explained that continuation of the good cooperation between the US and Europe was necessary to confront the new frictions points arising in Kosovo and FYROM.

Greek diplomatic sources told ANA that Rice claimed that, despite the negative picture held by many, the domestic situation in Iraq ''is improving'', and the US was working hard for the political reconstruction of that country. Rice also opined that there would inevitably be agreement between the US and the France-Germany axis on the issue of a UN resolution, the sources said.

On the Middle East, Rice cast blame on Arafat and accused him of undermining resigned Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmud Abbas and of not taking action to halt the terrorist activity of Palestinian extremist organizations, the sources said.

Papandreou, on an official visit to Washington, is also scheduled to hold consultations with US secretary of state Colin Powell at the State Department on Wednesday.

Review of items for talks with Powell: Papandreou also briefly reviewed the issues he was expected to discuss with Powell, with whom he said he had a "wider agenda".

He said they would naturally discuss the wider developments, such as Iraq, the discussion taking place and which would take place in the UN. "We will have the opportunity, next week at the UN, to discuss these issues also in the framework of the EU, but also with the other members of the UN Security Council".

He said that the EU position was that there may have been disagreements as to whether the Iraq war should have taken place and why, but on the other hand that it was of "vital importance to stabilize Iraq, for Iraq to enter a road of reconstruction, of representational government and, naturally, of independence".

"Consequently, Europe is coming with a strategic choice, which does not differ from the statements which have been made by Mr. Powell. The issue, though, is how this will be materialized, through what procedures, and what will be the important role of the international community, and of the UN more specifically," Papandreou said.

The second item for discussion, he continued, was "definitely the Middle East".

"I am certain that the position that the Roadmap must remain at the centre of our efforts will also be the position of the UN, but from there on we shall discuss how to give life again to this process. The impasses are apparent, violence breeds violence. It is possible that we will discuss the Arafat issue. As you know, the EU and we have also made statements on Israel's recent announcements, disagreeing with the policy, but more broadly the object is not to focus on the Arafat issue but on how to face this entire process," Papandreou said.

Naturally, for Greece the top priority was the Cyprus issue, and the resolution of the Cyprus problem remains Greece's basic target, Papandreou continued, adding that there was a "new dynamic" in that direction.

He reminded that Cyprus president Tasos Papadopoulos had met Tuesday in Athens with Greek premier Costas Simitis and reaffirmed the two sides' devotion to negotiations based on the Annan plan, and noted that the volition still existed in the international community, and particularly on the part of the UN chief, to contribute, provided, however, that "there is political volition on both (Cypriot) sides".

Papandreou reminded that such a will existed on the Greek Cypriot and Greek side, while it was the stance of the Turkish Cypriot and Turkish side that was in question. In addition, there were some domestic developments in the occupied northern sector of the island, where the political developments could influence that volition. "I am referring to the December voting process," he clarified.

A further issue on the agenda for his talks with Powell was the Balkans, Papandreou said.

He said that Greece, as a country and as the previous EU president, had contributed greatly to the Balkans and their European course. "Clearly it is a region that has made steps, but also has friction points that could give rise to crises".

This, he explained, meant that the international community "must not forget the Balkans", adding that EU-US cooperation on this matter was "important". This cooperation already existed, within the UN framework, in Kosovo, Bosnia and FYROM, Papandreou said.

On Greek Turkish relations, Papandreou said there were seven years of efforts which, along with the Cyprus issue, would be facing assessment in 2004.

Indeed, he said, the decisions of the EU Helsinki summit "explicitly speak of 2004". "Indeed, the Helsinki decisions chronologically coincide with the Copenhagen (summit) decision for assessment of Turkey and whether it may proceed to the next stage, which is the commencement of negotiations (for EU accession). Consequently, these issues will be assessed, beyond the Copenhagen criteria -- human rights, internal reforms, the role of the army -- on which the present government of Turkey has truly made steps".

Papandreou reiterated the Greek position that there was only one outstanding bilateral issue between Greece and Turkey, which was the delimitation of the Aegean continental shelf.

This issue, he explained, had a "territorial dimension, as we consider that our borders are a given fact". The continental shelf had not been set out because, with the treaties of the past, "the issue of the continental shelf did not exist, so there was no reason to do so". Now, however, such an issue existed, "and we must resolve it".

In these efforts, he said, Greece insisted on international legality, and on its firm position that it does not negotiate its sovereign rights, and that the continental shelf issue can be resolved within the framework of international law, through referring it to the International Court of Justice at The Hague.

Papandreou noted that "exploratory" talks were ongoing between Greece and Turkey, but explained that they enabled simply an exchange of views and in no instance comprised negotiations. The talks were "an exchange of views to see if we can reach a negotiation".

Although there was nothing significant to report, no change, for example, the fact that those discussions were taking place, the effort for rapprochement in that direction was, in itself, positive, Papandreou said, adding that other contacts in which a series of other matters were being discussed were also ongoing, in an effort to formulate a climate of greater confidence between the two countries.

"And it is this entire effort that will be assessed in 2004," Papandreou said.

[02] FM honored in D.C.; refers to Lindh, Turkey's EU prospects

WASHINGTON 18/09/2003 (ANA)

Among others, Papandreou referred to his late father, Andreas, a three-time premier of Greece, as well as to an ambitious International Olympic Committee (IOC) initiative, the Olympic Truce, which he is vigorously backing.

In other comments, the Greek FM also referred to the recent assassination of Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh, with Papandreou emphasizing the democratic and liberal spirit of the highly developed Scandinavian country where he lived in the 1970s for several years.

Finally, he pointed to the European Union’s role as a “successful endeavor for peace and democracy”, saying that countries such as Turkey and the Balkan states have a place in this Union.

[03] Gov't on ICAO agreement involving Aegean air corridors

Athens, 18/09/2003 (ANA)

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas, addressing reporters at his regular press briefing, said the ICAO agreement was backed by both Greece and Turkey, while it will benefit the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) “operationally” by increasing the volume of air traffic able to fly over the Aegean and thereby making the air transport sector more profitable, among others. He also said the Aegean islands, practically all Greek territory, will be better served.

In response to questions over whether the agreement lessens the country’s control of the international airspace within the Athens FIR in favor of Turkey, Protopapas said the decision does not involve military activity, while “specific national specifications fall within the pre-existing framework.”

In a press release available on its website, the ICAO said “efforts initiated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), have resulted in a historic agreement between Greece and Turkey for the improvement of the air traffic services (ATS) route network over the Aegean Sea. The new ATS route package is set for implementation on 25 December 2003.

“The agreement, reached after extensive negotiations between Greece and Turkey, and fully supported by ICAO and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), addresses the national requirements and operational aspects of a new ATS route network proposal that had been developed by airspace users. Critical topics included: increased airspace capacity, improved efficiency and a continued high level of flight safety. Meetings held under the auspices of ICAO's European and North Atlantic Office considered the preparations required for the aeronautical system to meet the expected increase in air traffic demand before, during and after the upcoming 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.''

Reactions: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party deputy Spylios Spiliotopoulos, who heads the party's national defense division, said ''the agreement is one-sided in favor of Turkey, undermines (Greece's) steadfast national positions and creates commitments which eventually will culminate in the weakening of responsibilities and rights which had been given by the international community (ICAO) to Greece for the control of the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR).''

In a later reaction, a spokesman for the Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) party called the agreement a ''dangerous development'', adding that it marks the ''continuing illegal flights by Turkish military aircraft within the Athens FIR''.

''The pretense of the Olympic Games cannot cover the up until now tolerance of the Greek side vis-a-vis the infringements of the Athens FIR, which the recent agreement legalizes,'' Synaspismos official Nikos Hountis said.

The Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) in an announcement said that ''the government, without consulting Parliament and the Greek people, is offering air corridors in the Aegean at the expense of our national interests. This fact facilitates Turkey's illegal claims in the Aegean.''

Foreign ministry says Aegean air corridor accord not related to military issues: The foreign ministry, in an announcement Wednesday on the agreement reached in the framework of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on air corridors in the Aegean, said ''these arrangements are not related to military activity issues.'' ''The existence of air corridors in the Aegean, both old and new, always refers to the need for the political and military coordination of activities in accordance with the mandates of ICAO, as we steadfastly demand,'' the announcement said, adding that ''the technical specifications of the air corridors, such as minimum heights, neither change nor affect this obligation.''

Among other things, the announcement said ''in the framework of what is anticipated by the clauses of ICAO, and through processes anticipated by the International Organization, Greece pursued and achieved an improvement in the system of international air corridors passing through the Athens FIR. The holding of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and the subsequent additional increase in needs rendered the interest of all parties involved in these improvements imperative, particularly ICAO and IATA (International Air Transport Association).''

It further stressed that no bilateral negotiations were held in any form and at any stage of the process.

According to the announcement, ''with the new package, the Athens FIR will have 13 additional international air corridors at higher and lower heights, which serve both overflying traffic and movement to and from Greek destinations.''

It also stressed that ''with what has been adopted not only are Greek interests safeguarded but an economic and operational benefit is also created. With the addition of new air corridors the Athens FIR is becoming more facilitating and attractive as a route for airline companies.''

[04] Gov't unveils tougher 'statements of means' law

Athens, 18/09/2003 (ANA)

The measures were announced by Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis on Wednesday, who unveiled the major points of a new bill the government hopes will better tackle the problem of public sector corruption while at the same time increasing transparency.

According to the minister, the new legislation foresees the inclusion of stock market dealings and offshore holdings in filed statements of means, as well as more a precise listing of property holdings by various categories of public and private sector individuals.

If passed, the law will retroactively cover the period from 1990 and onwards, while including the option of opening bank accounts, brokerage codes, stock exchange dealings and tax returns.

Main opposition again tables 'statement of means' amendment: Main opposition New Democracy on Wednesday announced that it would again table an amendment seeking to extend a requirement to submit 'statement of means' declarations to high-ranking officials in public enterprises, which was defeated when tabled in Parliament during the summer.

The amendment also called for monitoring of the stock market transactions of both MPs and high-ranking public officials.

The party blasted a draft law unveiled on Wednesday by the interior ministry that also seeks to impose tougher transparency measures on politicians and the public sector, saying that it essentially gave "absolution" to the directors of state enterprises that ND claims participated in the "stock market scandal of 1998-2000".

The main opposition questioned whether the Capital Markets Commission was the appropriate body to carry out the investigation into the finances of MPs and state officials, asserting that it was not fully independent, while it slammed the draft bill as a "smoke screen that attempts to cover up the sins of the past".

It reiterated its insistence that the checking be carried out by judges on the State Auditing Council.

[05] PM and public works minister hold talks on unauthorized building issue

Athens, 18/09/2003 (ANA)

Papandreou made no statement afterwards, reminding that she will be making announcements on the issue during a press conference on Thursday.

According to reports, a bill to be submitted in Parliament will link thousands of unauthorized buildings in the Attica prefecture and in other regions with the Public Power Corporation's (DEH) network on condition general town planning studies have been created in these regions.

The arrangement will solve a longstanding problem with citizens who have created unauthorized buildings in Menidi and Megara and citizens belonging to low and medium income brackets in Attica and other prefectures in the country.

Public works ministry sources clarified, however, that unauthorized buildings created in forested areas, archaeological sites and protected areas in general will in no way be legalized.

[06] Commission: 22 cases against Greece referred to Eurocourt, 6 withdrawn

BRUSSELS 18/09/2003 (ANA-M. Spinthourakis)

He was responding to questions put by New Democracy MEP Stavros Xarhakos.

According to an announcement put out by Xarhakos, Prodi said that fines had been imposed on Greece over the uncontrolled dumping of wastes at the Kouroupitos site in Hania, Crete and the lack of plans for dealing with solid wastes and toxic or hazardous wastes.

On July 4, 2000, the European court ordered Greece to pay a fine of 20,000 euros a day until it took measures to comply with a previous ruling of April 7, 1992.

Prodi said that Greece paid the fine between July 4, 2000 and February 26, 2001, at which time it completed the measures needed to comply with the court ruling, during which time the Greek State had paid the sum of 5.4 million euro within the deadline imposed.

[07] Finmin says no danger of losing EU funds

Athens, 18/09/2003 (ANA)

''By the end of the year, the absorption rate of the CSF will come to 30 percent against 25 percent presently, on average,'' Christodoulakis told reporters after a meeting with the prime minister.

''The programs are going ahead at a brisk pace despite major difficulties, and there is no risk of losing funds. The aim is alignment of the regions, and that can be achieved by means of the CSF package. Efforts to move faster will continue,'' he said.

[08] Greek inflation eased in August, Eurostat report

Athens, 18/09/2003 (ANA)

The EU executive's statistics agency, in its monthly report, said that Ireland recorded the highest inflation rate in the EU in August (3.9 percent), followed by Greece (3.3 percent) and Spain (3.1 percent).

Austria (0.9 percent), Germany (1.1 percent) and Finland (1.2 percent), recorded the lowest rates.

Annual inflation rose to 2.1 percent in August in the eurozone from 1.9 percent in July, unchanged from the same month last year. Inflation also rose to 2.0 percent in the EU-15 in August from 1.8 percent in July and 1.9 percent in August 2002.

Austria, Denmark and Finland recorded the biggest percentage declines in the inflation rate in August, compared with the same month in 2002, while UK, Sweden and Belgium recorded the highest percentage increases over the same period.

Germany (1.0 percent), Belgium, UK and Austria (1.4 percent each) recorded the lowest average inflation rates in the 12-month period to August 2003, while Ireland (4.4 percent), Portugal (3.7 percent) and Greece (3.6 percent) the highest average rates.

The inflation rate was running at 2.2 percent in the US and 0.5 percent in Switzerland in August.

[09] Talks between gov't, university teachers fall through

Athens, 18/09/2003 (ANA)

The 7 per cent rise in academics' salaries and pensions - which the government stressed was the highest it could offer - was rejected by university and technical institute staff unions, who said the government's proposals were essentially unchanged and that they would continue strike action.

According to Farmakis, there were no margins for improving the government's offer, which would cost the state 20 million euros a year as it stood, while offered pay rises to primary and secondary school teachers would set back state coffers by an additional 125 million euros annually.

Both university and technical institute teachers, meanwhile, are insisting on pay rises of 20 per cent - which they say were recommended by a trilateral committee set up to deal with problems in tertiary education - and are determined to continue the five-day strike they began on Monday, while they are also mulling an indefinite strike as of September 22 that will essentially cancel the September examination period.

The ministry has also failed to reach agreement with primary and secondary school teachers, who plan to begin strikes on October 6 and October 6-7, respectively.

[10] Tourism sector could absorb 35 pct of Greek unemployed by 2010, report

Athens, 18/09/2003 (ANA)

The survey was presented, in a press conference, by the chairman of the Union of Tourist Enterprises, Mr S. Andreadis, in the presence of Development Deputy Minister Dimitris Georgakopoulos, National Tourism Organization’s chairman Ioannis Patellis, GSEE chairman Christos Polyzogopoulos and other officials.

Mr Polyzogopoulos, in his intervention, stressed that the tourism sector was developing as the biggest economic activity in the country with great prospects of both quantity and quality development. He proposed the creation and joint management of an employment observatory in the tourism sector to ensure Greek tourism's competitiveness through a constant training and upgrading of services.

The survey showed that the tourism industry recorded an 87 percent increase in employment over the last 20 years, compared with a 9.2 percent increase in total employment in the country and a 15 percent decline in the manufacturing sector.

The tourism sector's workforce totalled 808,000 people (around 18 percent of total workforce in the country) in 2000. The report said that part-time employment in the sector totalled 89,000 while indirect employment reached 464,000 in 2000.

The survey also said that employment in the tourist industry was directly related with the growth of the market, saying that every 100 new hotel beds were creating 16 new jobs in the country.

[11] EU Commission to discuss e-commerce issues

Athens, 18/09/2003 (ANA)

A Commission statement said that such problems could occur from diverging national legislation on electronic pricing or different legal use of on-line and other compatible business transactions.

The Commission urged national chambers and business unions to brief their members over discussions made in the consultation round and submit their proposals with the EU executive's bodies.

The consultation round will be open to all business until November 7. The round's results will be presented and discussed further in a conference to be held March/April 2004 in Brussels.

[12] Tax revenues jump 91 pct in Jan-August, ministry report

Athens, 18/09/2003 (ANA)

A ministry announcement said that tax revenues totalled 1.754 billion euros in the first eight months of the year, up from 918.635 million euros in the same period in 2002.

Greece's National Assessoring Center, responsible for large enterprises, reported a 94.5 percent increase in its certified tax revenues totalling 628.124 million euros, while Regional Assessoring Centers certified tax revenues totalling 497.533 million euros, up 60.1 percent, the ministry said in its report.

[13] Taxis stage 48-hour strike until Friday

Athens, 18/09/2003 (ANA)

The drivers are protesting against a government plan to make the use of electronic cash registers in their vehicles mandatory from January 1, 2004; and against the government's refusal to allow taxis to use bus lanes.

The government has said it will not backtrack on receipts.

Taxi drivers, who are also seeking a rise in tariffs, are due to stage another stoppage beginning on Monday.

[14] Labor union leader briefs President Stephanopoulos on economic, social issues

Athens, 18/09/2003 (ANA)

[15] Greek stocks end higher on Wednesday

Athens, 18/09/2003 (ANA)

The general index ended 1.79 percent higher at 2,062.38 points, reflecting a 4.67 percent jump in National Bank's share price.

Turnover was an improved 170.7 million euros.

All sector indices ended higher with the IT Solutions (3.74 percent), Textile (3.41 percent) and Bank (3.24 percent) sectors scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks jumped 2.12 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 1.82 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 2.17 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 272 to 63 with another 29 issues unchanged.

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