Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-10-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM and FM discuss Greek positions on intergovernmental conference

[02] ND leader chairs party meeting on EU inter-governmental conference

[03] Parliamentary European Affairs Committee probes European Commission composition

[04] Joint defense doctrine stronger than ever, Papantoniou says

[05] US State Dept. spokesman on 2004 security, 'N17'

[06] Gov't confirms Papandreou received letter from US envoy

[07] Greek leadership receives deputy Albanian Premier here

[08] Alternate FM to visit Croatia on Thursday

[09] Foreign minister hosts dinner for PASOK MPs

[10] EU Commission proposes two major rail projects concerning Greece

[11] New 2004 state budget finalized

[12] Gov't rules out improvement to offered pay rises for public sector

[13] Govt, shop owners discuss sector issues

[14] Greek manufacturing sector grows for fifth consecutive month

[15] Greek civil servants plan strike action

[16] Photronics Inc sets up subsidiary in Greece

[17] Olive oil promotion centre opens on Crete

[18] Merchant marine minister seeks more funding for ports

[19] Business meeting seeks cooperation between Europe, Arab world

[20] Athens-quoted firms fined for manipulation of stock in Informatics

[21] Greek stocks end lower on very thin volume

[22] PM visits centre for the aged, outlines policy for pensioners

[23] Health minister says modern social state an absolute priority for government

[24] Attorney for alleged 'N17' top assassin concludes final statement

[25] Dutchman carrying 10,000 ecstasy pills intercepted on Crete

[26] Health minister calls on society to aid state's efforts in combating drug use

[27] Alexandros Onassis Foundation branch to present two exhibitions on Hellenism

[28] City of Athens announces stray animals program

[29] HAU seminar on performance appraisals

[30] Syntagma, Omonia Square to be upgraded

[31] 99 per cent of children's poisoning in Greece takes place at home

[32] International conference on public communications begins in Athens

[33] Cyprus president on political developments in Turkey

[34] Cyprus President fully satisfied with military parade marking 43rd anniversary of Cyprus' independence

[01] PM and FM discuss Greek positions on intergovernmental conference

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

At the end of the meeting, Papandreou said in a statement that Greece considers the new intergovernmental conference a ''great historic opportunity'' to enable it to move into its next stage as Europe of the 25 member-states, having taken important decisions regarding the way of decision-making, the way of functioning and the even greater democratic participation of citizens.

Replying to a questioner, Papandreou reiterated that the Greek positions remain in general those also voiced in the framework of the constitutional assembly, declaring directly that Greece is positively disposed towards the draft European constitution presented at the Thessaloniki summit for the first time.

The foreign minister also termed as a very positive element arrangements contained in the draft constitution on European security, which provide member-states with the possibility of cooperating closer in this sector.

[02] ND leader chairs party meeting on EU inter-governmental conference

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

Following the meeting, ND deputy Marietta Giannakou said ND considers the draft

Constitution a base for the work of the conference and hopes that the conference will conclude its work before the Euro-elections in June 2004.

She added that ND was steadfast on its opinion that each member state should have one commissioner in the European Commission.

[03] Parliamentary European Affairs Committee probes European Commission composition

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis presented the government's positions on the draft treaty for the enactment of a European constitution to be examined by the Intergovernmental Conference.

Yiannitsis said the government insists on the position of ''one country, one commissioner.''

The government also supports the minimum of five Eurodeputies for each country (instead of four proposed by the draft constitution) and desires the implementation of the special majority in decisions in the foreign policy sector as well, five years after the ratification of the constitution, on condition that if a member of the council declares that ''for serious national policy reasons he is opposed to the adoption of a policy with a special majority, the vote will not take place. The issue will be entered in the agenda of the next European council meeting and the decision will be taken with unanimity.''

At the same time, it requests the withdrawal of article 59 on the voluntary withdrawal of a member-state from the Union, the improvement of public health to be included in the Union's targets and the institution of ombudsman should be upgraded.

[04] Joint defense doctrine stronger than ever, Papantoniou says

NICOSIA, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

Papantoniou made the statement in response to questions from reporters after his meeting in Nicosia with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, which covered Cyprus' defense and the Cyprus problem.

The Greek minister also emphasized the weapons procurements programs initiated by the two sides, saying that these had greatly enhanced the credibility of the joint defense doctrine.

Among these he listed the purchase by Greece of 70 F16 fighter jets that are to be delivered within 2003 and 2004.

According to Papantoniou, these planes that were acquired at a high cost by the Greek State had the capability to provide full defense coverage for Cypriot areas, since they could visit and carry out operations over Cyprus and then return to Greece without refueling.

''These are important considerations that I am sure the other side is aware of and can take into account when making its assessments,'' the minister noted.

Papantoniou also referred at length to the political situation within Turkey, following recent developments that might lead the country to early general elections, saying that these had a negative impact on efforts for a Cyprus solution.

He added, however, that Cyprus' defense capability combined with the armed forces' upgrade by its ally Greece had greatly reinforced the Cyprus government's position in negotiations for solving the Cyprus problem.

He also called on Turkey to realize that it must abide by the rules of international law, which was one of the conditions for it to begin accession negotiations with the EU.

''We hope that substantive dialogue based on the Annan plan will have begun by May 1, which could lead to the unification of Cyprus and the end of the Cyprus tragedy in time,'' he said.

Papantoniou also stressed that Cyprus' accession to the EU had reinforced its political and defense position to the extent that ''the strengthening of European defense essentially covers all European territories''.

He stressed that Cyprus was now part of this European territory and that this must be taken into account by all those with designs against the island republic's independence and sovereignty.

Cyprus Defense Minister Kyriakos Mavroíécolas, who had been present during the meeting with Papadopoulos, said the two sides had ascertained an identity of views but also that there were plans ''with a long horizon in time that give us guarantees that, after the achievement of the first target of joining the EU to which Greece contributed to the utmost, we will progress to the second stage that is a desirable and swift solution to the Cyprus problem.''

[05] US State Dept. spokesman on 2004 security, 'N17'

WASHINGTON, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

“We think the Greeks have the will and the resources to hold a secure and successful Olympics and we have every confidence that they will,” spokesman Richard Boucher stressed.

The press questions referring to Greece, sandwiched between queries about ethnic fighting in Afghanistan and US secretary of State Colin Powell’s meeting with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, were linked with a recent, mostly negative, front-page article in the “Washington Post” about security for the 2004 Olympics.

Asked about cooperation with Athens over 2004 security, Boucher added:

“... As you know, the Greek government's planning and preparations for Olympic security are already well underway. Greece is working with several countries, including the United

States, to ensure the full safety of the Olympic Games. Almost a year in advance of the event now, the Greeks are assessing their situation, identifying needs and devoting resources to achieving a secure and successful Olympics. Exercises to highlight potential problems are undertaken with a view to solving the issues by the day the Games open, which is August 13th of next year.”

Boucher said Washington is offering advice and resources to Greece in order to ensure Olympic security, while noting that the Bush administration’s coordinator for counter-terrorism, Amb. Cofer Black, is currently in Greece for that specific purpose.

Moreover, he noted that Olympic security cooperation was discussed during a recent meeting between Powell and Greek Foreign Minister Papandreou.

Conversely, he declined to comment on a report, again published in the “Post”, that the current US ambassador in Athens, Thomas Miller, will remain in Athens beyond the end of the 2004 Games. Boucher merely noted that any such announcements would emanate from the White House.

Question about ‘N17: In yet another reference to the same “Washington Post” article and statements about whether or not the notorious “November 17” urban terror band has been thoroughly eradicated by Greek authorities, Boucher said:

“I think I'd really refer you to the terrorism report for the exact detailed position. We have certainly welcomed the steps that Greece has taken against terrorism, particularly against November 17th. At the same time, our cooperation with Greece, our vigilance with Greece on all matters of terrorism must continue.

“I don't know what the exact status of that particular organization is considered, but obviously issues of terrorism in Greece haven't gone away completely and it's something we continue to work with the Greek government about,” he concluded.

[06] Gov't confirms Papandreou received letter from US envoy

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

Protopapas said that similar letters were sent by US ambassadors to other European governments and noted that Greece has "a clear policy on issues of European security" that is related to EU decisions on this issue.

[07] Greek leadership receives deputy Albanian Premier here

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

In addition, several bilateral issues, especially timetables for legalizing eligible Albanian workers in Greece, were brought up during separate talks between Meksi and Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou as well as Alternate FM Tassos Yiannitsis.

Papandreou emphasized that the European Union’s initiative during the Greek EU presidency’s tenure in the first half of 2003 was a major step towards ensuring the entire western Balkans’ EU prospects.

He emphasized that the Union’s commitment for the region’s EU prospects and related aid to meet this goal is based on specific conditions for reforms in countries in the area.

On his part, Yiannitsis said Athens backs Tirana’s European prospects, while also saying Wednesday’s talks with Meksi revolved around issues such as immigration, re-entry, clamping down on drug trafficking, institutional cooperation at the EU-Albania level, investments, trade, an Adriatic road axis as well as the transit of citizens between the two countries.

Yiannitsis, in particular, referred to the significance Athens places on Tirana’s commitments to fulfill the responsibilities it has assumed.

Referring specifically to the issue of free transit in border areas, Yiannitsis said Greece cannot diverge from Schengen Pact provisions, although with necessary preparations such a prospect can be implemented some time in the future, as long as conditions are met.

On her part, Meksi – who also holds the European integration portfolio in her government -- said Tirana was pleased with Athens’ backing of her country’s EU prospects, stressing that European integration is a major goal in Albania.

She also said Tirana was fully committed to meeting obligations it has assumed in combating organized crime, among others.

[08] Alternate FM to visit Croatia on Thursday

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

Yiannitsis will head a delegation of foreign ministry officials and Greek business people.

[09] Foreign minister hosts dinner for PASOK MPs

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

According to one of the MPs attending, there was extensive discussion on foreign policy issues during the meal and all the MPs departed satisfied with the results of the talks.

[10] EU Commission proposes two major rail projects concerning Greece

BRUSSELS, 02/10/2003 (ANA - B. Demiris)

The rail line connecting the Igoumenitsa port with Thessaloniki and Kalamata, via the Rio-Antirio Bridge will be funded in part by the EU and has a completion deadline the year 2014.

The second project involves the construction of the Athens-Sofia rail line, which has a completion deadline within 2015.

Also the Commission proposed to the EU member-states' leaders to increase funding for cross border projects from the current 10 per cent participation to 30 per cent, while it requested 50 billion euros in loans from the European Investment Bank for the funding of the 29 projects that are expected to cost some 220 billion euros and be completed by 2020.

The final decisions will be made by the EU leader in the Brussels Summit on Oct. 16 and 17.

[11] New 2004 state budget finalized

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

The new 2004 budget will be discussed at Thursday's Cabinet meeting in order for it to be approved.

After the Cabinet meeting, Christodoulakis is expected to announce the criteria on which the new budget will be based on. The budget will be tabled to Parliament on Monday.

The 2004 state budget provides for increased expenditures for salaries and pensions as the relevant allocations for salaries is expected to increase by 9 per cent.

[12] Gov't rules out improvement to offered pay rises for public sector

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

''The government conducted dialogue with the bodies involved and arrived at final proposals. These proposals are final because there are no more margins within the economy and because they are good, since the offered pay rises exceed inflation and improve the income of the workforce,'' Protopapas stressed.

''These are our final decisions,'' he added.

The spokesman was responding to questions about a wave of strikes threatened by disgruntled public sector workers.

[13] Govt, shop owners discuss sector issues

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Mr Koulouris stressed that the two sides agreed to set up a permanent joint committee to examine all pending issues, pledged that he was determined to clash head-to-head with informal trade, and reiterated that the government would allow a change in shopping hours because of the Olympic Games next year.

Panagis Karelas, the club's president, said that shop owners in Athens demanded to agree on a discount season to be held twice a year with a duration smaller than the current system and that special price offers to be allowed five times annually and for a period of no more than two weeks.

Shop owners also stressed that commercial rent levels have risen significantly and unjustifiably around the city centre and that this development was rolling over cost to the consumer.

[14] Greek manufacturing sector grows for fifth consecutive month

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

The September figures showed that manufacturing production expanded for the sixth consecutive month, although the growth rate slowed slightly from August.

The September PMI figures also showed that the manufacturing sector's workforce shrank in the month, although the rate of decline was marginal and that employment levels remained unchanged from the previous month.

The monthly index, compiled by NTC Research of the UK with the Greek Procurements Institute, is designed to offer an overview of conditions in the manufacturing sector. Readings above 50 show growth, while below 50 slowdown.

[15] Greek civil servants plan strike action

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

A final decision on the strike action was expected to be taken by ADEDY's executive commission within the next few days.

Wave of taxi strikes ahead: The Panhellenic Federation of Taxi Owners and Country Taxis on Wednesday said they would stage a 48-hour strike starting on October 8.

Athens and Attica taxi drivers, who have announced a 24-hour stoppage for Saturday, are likely to join the nationwide walkout.

Hospital doctors stage three-day strike from October 6: The Federation of Hospital Doctors of Greece said on Wednesday that they would stage a three-day strike beginning on October 6.

They said in a statement they were joining hospital doctors in Athens and Piraeus who had originally declared the strike.

[16] Photronics Inc sets up subsidiary in Greece

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

Photronics Hellas is a subsidiary of Photronics Inc, a US company listed in the NASDAQ market and a leader in sub-wavelength solutions and a manufacturer of photomasks for integrated circuits around the world.

The Greek unit will service the needs of the company's customers in the European semiconductor industry.

Professor Stratos Papadimitriou, ELKE's chairman, stressed that "Photronic is making a significant investment in the high-technology sector in the country, an investment that will be accompanied by know-how technology transfer in Greece. The investment is expected to act as a catalyst to further strengthen research and development in the sector."

Photronics Inc was founded in 1969 by Constantinos Makrycostas. It was listed in the NASDAQ market in 1987 and its annual turnover soared from eight million US dollars to 386 million dollars currently.

[17] Olive oil promotion centre opens on Crete

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

Drys told the ceremony the center was a paradigm for other regions in Greece.

Addressing a conference on olives and the environment that began on the same day, Drys said that Mediterranean countries were in jeopardy of losing their leading role as olive producers to new competitors including Japan and the US.

[18] Merchant marine minister seeks more funding for ports

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

Paschalidis told a news conference that he had made the request in writing to Deputy Finance Minister Christos Pachtas.

"Port infrastructure is lacking and new modernization projects are needed," he said.

[19] Business meeting seeks cooperation between Europe, Arab world

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

The Euro-Mediterranean meeting named ''Building New Bridges: Europe and the Arab World'', will be accompanied by a trade fair at the Piraeus Port Authority building.

The event is to be held under the aegis of Foreign Minister George Papandreou and the general secretary of the Arab League, Amr Moussas; and arranged by the ministries of foreign affairs, transport and communications, development, agriculture, and merchant marine with the Institute for Mediterranean Cooperation.

Beyond business topics, the meeting will also look at the Olympic truce called by Greece.

[20] Athens-quoted firms fined for manipulation of stock in Informatics

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

The capital market commission said in a statement that beyond shareholders Antonis Papadopoulos, Christos Papadopoulos, Spyridona Vergetis, also fined were Thomas Lanaras and Sex Form, Naoussa Textile Mills, Violan, Rodopi Textile Mills, Lantec, Urban Investment Management, Aldemar, Hellas Finance and Olympiaki Textile Mills.

Sex Form's stock rose sharply between August 13, 2002 and September 30, 2002 to 5.22 euros from 1.78 euros, a jump of 193.26 percent, accompanied by a surge in volume, the statement said.

An investigation revealed that the rise was attributable to stock purchases and sales by the individuals and companies fined, using many stock brokerages to effect transactions, also trading among themselves in concerted action, the commission said.

The move generated interest among the investing public, again fuelling volume.

The individuals fined were all customers of Hellas Finance, the commission added.

They said in a statement they were joining hospital doctors in Athens and Piraeus who had originally declared the strike.

[21] Greek stocks end lower on very thin volume

Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

The general index ended 0.38 percent lower at 2,012.14 points with turnover a low 81.2 million euros.

The Cement and Telecommunications sectors were the only ones to score gains (1.95 percent and 0.06 percent, respectively), while the Textile (3.65 percent), Retail (2.62 percent) and IT Solutions (2.41 percent) sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.09 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index dropped 1.29 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index eased 1.23 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 228 to 84 with another 44 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were Vodafone, Football Pools Organization, Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece, and Titan.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 79.2 mln euros Wednesday

Equity Index Futures: