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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-10-18Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>October 18, 2003, 2003CONTENTS
[01] UK reservations about EU defense integration overcome, PM reportsBRUSSELS 18/10/2003 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)Prime Minister Costas Simitis, speaking at a press conference after the end of the European Summit on Friday, reported that British reservations regarding a Franco-German plan for closer EU defense integration had been largely overcome during the EU leaders' meeting.Arrangements for EU defense integration to be incorporated in the future European Constitution were the key issue discussed during the meeting, which was also attended by the leaders of the 10 enlargement countries due to officially join the Union in May and the three candidate-countries Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. Simitis said the plan provided for a series of measures of great importance, which would meet the goal of autonomous European defense, where decisions will be made on an EU level, while he stressed that this will always be in cooperation with NATO. Until the framework of European defense had been finalized, meanwhile, the plan called for a joint defense system that included a ''mutual defense clause'' similar to NATO's Article V within the European Constitution, as well as a proposal for establishing ''structured cooperation'' within the defense sector. Simitis said this was mainly designed for taking on humanitarian missions, where decision-making will be restricted only to participants, in combination with ''enhanced cooperation'' where decisions will be made on an EU level. There is also provision for coordinating European defense industries in the areas of research and production through the creation of a European Armaments Organization. Simitis said Greece was an active participant in the decision for ''structured cooperation'' in defense during the recent informal meeting by EU defense ministers in Rome. According to the Greek premier, Britain had overcome its reservations and accepted ''structural cooperation'' to create an autonomous European defense system for the EU while retaining concerns over the ''mutual support'' clause. London feels that this encroaches on NATO territory and stressed that European defense had to seek a role that was compatible with the Atlantic Alliance. Simitis underlined that a European force will in no way replace NATO, stressing that this was Greece's standing position. Asked to comment on Britain's shift in position regarding European defense, Simitis said that this appeared to be genuine, since it risked being marginalized by the developments in Europe in the area. The Cyprus issue: Fielding questions on the Cyprus problem, the Greek prime minister predicted that there would no new developments until after so-called elections in the occupied territories on Cyprus in December but stressed that 2004 will be a crucial year for Cyprus. Simitis said that his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan had also recognized that a solution to the Cyprus problem had to be achieved, while disagreements between the sides involved now concerned the form this solution will take. ''For us, this passes via the Annan peace plan,'' Simitis added. Turning to other issues discussed by EU leaders, Simitis said that the Italian EU presidency will be holding a series of bilateral meetings with each of the member-states that aimed at a comprehensive plan by next November, to be followed by a another Intergovernmental Conference to end work on the new European Constitution by the end of the year. The Greek prime minister particularly stressed European efforts to develop and improve energy and telecoms networks, noting that Greece would benefit in several ways from this. Simitis referred to plans to set up an operations centers to coordinate the guarding of the EU's external maritime borders, one of which will be based in Greece. He said the plan would be official confirmed at the next European Council, while funds of 140 million euros had already been approved by the European Commission. Apart from the above, European leaders discussed the reconstruction of Iraq and expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, while welcoming the start of dialogue in Kosovo. [02] US concerned over possible 'vote' rigging in occupied CyprusWASHINGTON 18/10/2003 (ANA T. Ellis)A US State Department spokesman expressed concern about possible ''vote'' rigging in December's illegal elections in Turkish occupied Cyprus."We see the elections for the Turkish Cypriot “parliament” as a crucial opportunity for the Turkish Cypriots to express their will on the central question of whether they desire a Cyprus settlement based on the Annan plan and the EU agreement," the spokesman said. "In this sense the elections are almost referendum on the Annan plan. So we hope that these elections will be fully free and fair and that the will of the Turkish Cypriot people will be reflected in their choice of negotiator for their community," he stressed. "We are concerned, however, an increasing number of reports regarding possible irregularities in the Turkish Cypriot voter lists," he concluded. [03] Gov't denies using Parthenon marbles for petty party political gainAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)The Greek government on Friday denied that it was using the return of the Parthenon Marbles to boost its prospects of re-election next spring.''It is just that the elections happen to be the time horizon for the Marbles' return, since the Olympic Games will take place immediately afterward,'' acting government spokesman Telemahos Hytiris said. Hytiris was responding to questions about a conversation between Prime Minister Costas Simitis and his British counterpart Tony Blair just before the European summit on Thursday, during which the Greek premier was recorded on camera saying that the Marbles' return would be a great help in ruling PASOK's election campaign. Hytiris noted that the issue of the Marbles' return had been initially stirred up by the late Melina Mercouri and that a great many initiatives of all kinds had been made since that time. ''We are now at a very good point. Mr. Simitis has also been personally involved with this and has repeatedly sent letters to Mr. Blair about this issue,'' the spokesman said. He also slammed main opposition New Democracy's reaction and called it to retract its statements, saying that they undermined the entire effort for the Marbles' return. ''It was as if (ND spokesman Theodoros) Roussopoulos was saying that the Marbles should not return so that Simitis would not win the elections,'' Hytiris added. He accused ND of having the same stance on other major issues, such as the Cyprus problem and the Athens Olympics in 2004. ''We receive no assistance but only their concealed wish that these will not succeed,'' he said. Asked to relay the prime minister's assessment of his talks with Blair regarding the Marbles, Hytiris said only that the government ''hoped and believed the effort was on a good road.'' [04] Gov't, ND battle it out over Leopard-2 tanks procurement contractAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)National defense minister Yannos Papantoniou and main opposition New Democracy (ND) deputy Spilios Spiliotopoulos exchanged verbal blows in parliament Friday over the contract for the procurement of Leopard-2HEL tanks following a tender.They were debating a question to the prime minister tabled in parliament by Achaia prefecture MP Spiliotopoulos on the recent purchase contract for main battle tanks (MBTs) by Greece's defense ministry, requesting information on why an initial figure of 248 tanks to be acquired between 2000-2005 had been trimmed to 170 units. Spiliotopoulos also charged that the contract, for the purchase of the Leopard-2HEL model, does not included related ordnance or spare parts, and also cited recent local press reports claiming that a contract between two offshore companies -- German tank manufacturer IBOS and the Evanston Group Ltd. -- foresees a 60 million euro commission for the sale. Greece signed a 1.7 billion euros contract in March with the German company Krauss Maffei Wegman for the procurement of 170 new Leopard-2HEL modern technology tanks, with the finalized price set at 8.18 million euros per tank, up from the final offer price of 7.42 million euros set by the company for each tank in February 2001 after adjustment for requirements put forward by the military. Delivery of the first tanks is slated for 2005. Papantoniou, replying in the premier's stead under a parliamentary regulation due to his 'exclusive authority' on the subject of the question, spoke of ''ludicrousness'' and ''maliciousness'', while Spiliotopoulos charged that the government had covered-up or participated in the looting of public money. Papantoniou said that the tender for the procurement of the Leopard tanks had been carried out in three phases, and that the price asked by the German company (Krauss Maffei Wegman) that won the tender had been 8.4 percent cheaper than the second bidder. On criticism of over-charging, Papantoniou said that the claim was ludicrous given that, since 1994 when the first phase was held and 2002, the foreign exchange parity had changed, while the technology demanded for the tanks had also been improved. As for the offshore companies IBOS and Evanston, which Spiliotopoulos claimed had collaborated to "influence" the Greek government in its decision, Papantoniou said that "they are not know to the defense ministry" and that "they did not play any role". The two offshore companies "were set up in 1999 and the agreement between them expired in 2001, in other words before the final phase", the minister said, adding that Krauss Maffei Wegman had formally told the defense ministry that they had no relationship whatsoever with those countries and had not paid them any money. "The matter is ridiculous and is treading on empty air", Papantoniou said. Spiliotopoulos said that the government insisted on turning a blind eye "to the point of becoming an accessory", and claimed that IBOS had been set up by Krauss Maffei Wegman (KMW) to collaborate with Evanston in influencing the Greek government, for a fee of 60 million euro. Spiliotopoulos said that "New Democracy, as government, will seek the deduct the illegal commission from the final purchase price of the tanks, to the benefit of the Greek taxpayers". He further claimed that "the exercise of influence by Evanston on the Greek government to the benefit of KMW took place behind closed doors", and said that the government should have itself called for a prosecutor's investigation. He concluded that "the government is covering-up or taking part in this classic case of looting of public money". Responding, Papantoniou described the claims of graft as "malicious and childish", and stressed that the first purchase of Leopard tanks in 1980-81 (under the New Democracy government) had taken place with direct assignment, whereas the PASOK government "carried out international tenders". "The procedure we followed was impeccable," Papantoniou said. [05] Verheugen appreciates Cyprus Presidents' statement on Turkey's EU courseBRUSSELS 18/10/2003 (ANA-V.Demiris/ CNA)EU Enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen said he highly appreciates Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos' statement that Cyprus would not veto Turkey's EU accession course when Cyprus becomes a member of the European Union next May.Verheugen was speaking after meeting here on Friday Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who on his part said Turkey's efforts aim at a mutual solution to the Cyprus problem and that ''our goal is not to create an insolvability on Cyprus.'' Asked about Papadopoulos' statement that the Cyprus government considers an unwise move to veto Turkey's EU accession course when Cyprus becomes a member of the European Union next May, Verheugen said ''I highly appreciate what Mr. Papadopoulos said, because it is a kind of obligation and it was made very clear in Copenhagen that our new member states will support the accession process for the remaining candidate countries,'' and recalled that Turkey is a candidate member. Verheugen said he discussed with Erdogan the Cyprus problem, adding that he does not want to talk in public about it before the ''elections'' in the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus in December. To a question about what he expects from Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's forthcoming visit to Athens, Erdogan said ''all our efforts are for a mutual solution to this issue, our goal is not to create an insolvability on Cyprus, in every chance we state our position as a guaranteeing country.'' ''Turkey would like to analyze the Annan plan, it has its good parts and bad parts, it can be of aid to start the talks but we are in favor of a solution,'' he added and stressed that ''this thing needs to be solved through dialogue and talking.'' Asked if he shares the thoughts of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, who does not want negotiations based on the Annan plan, Erdogan said: ''You ask me of my opinion and I shared my opinion with you. This is our idea as far as Turkey is concerned. Things can be sorted out and a solution can be reached. That's what it should be, that's our idea.'' The meeting concentrated on Turkey's relations with the EU and Verheugen said that the EU expressed high appreciation for the reform packages which Erdogan had introduced and they agreed to have more close cooperation and increase their personal contact. Erdogan referred to the reform package noting that in 2004 the process of reform will be very speedy. He also said that 75% of the nation in Turkey supports membership to the EU. [06] ND leader begins three-day tour in northern Greece, addresses rally in FiliatesAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, beginning a three-day tour on Friday, addressed a rally in the town of Filiates, northern Greece, focusing on the state of the economy and on the issue of corruption.''Greece is slipping incessantly on the international classification list for corruption. From the 25th position in 1997 it climbed to 44th last year and 50th this year,'' he said. Referring to the economy, Karamanlis said ''although we are experiencing the era of the most intense competition, the competitiveness of the economy is slipping. From 19th place in 1999, we found ourselves in the 26th this year. Imports are increasing and our exports are decreasing.'' Karamanlis went on to say ''the public debt is (together with concealed debts) the highest in the Eurozone. Over the past 10 years Greece increased its income per capita by nine units, while Ireland by 44. With such rates real convergence cannot take place even in half a century.'' Reacting to Karamanlis' statements in Filiates, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said ''we have proved that we are ruling by turning the equality of citizens into practice.'' The spokesman further said ''if Mr. Karamanlis believes any more in it let him prove it in practice as well, telling his cadres that they must not wink 'at our boys' for hirings in the public sector and denouncing, of course, those who call their political opponents worms, even if they are his friends.'' [07] KKE criticizes projected Euro-ConstitutionAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) on Friday reiterated that a projected European Constitution simply increases police-state measures and legitimizes pre-emptive military strikes against another country on the pretense of a terrorism threat.In a relative announcement here, the KKE also claimed the Community’s policy vis-a-vis political asylum and immigration does not refer to the protection of immigrants’ basic human rights, but only on the controlled manner in which “European capital exploits immigrants as cheap labor”. Finally, the party claimed that big capital would be the only beneficiary of various inter-European networks (roads, energy, transports etc.) [08] Patriarchate reaction to Evert statement backing Church of GreeceISTANBUL 18/10/2003 (ANA)The Ecumenical Patriarchate on Friday expressed its “deep sorrow” over recent statements by high-ranking deputy and former New Democracy leader Miltiades Evert, who stressed that Greek national interests mandate that the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece retain the administrative control over bishoprics in the country's north as well as in the eastern and northern Aegean.Evert nevertheless stressed that he respects and honors the Istanbul-based Patriarchate above all. In reply, the Patriarchate said politicians should differentiate between national and ecclesiastical issues. The Patriarchate also said its bureau in Athens has been the recipient of several anonymous threats recently. [09] IOBE report warns against fiscal looseningAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)Government measures to increase social spending in the country could be implemented without any impact on economic stability if the government, at the same time, adopted more effective procedures of inspections and cutting public spending, a report by IOBE said on Friday.The Institute of Economic and Industrial Research, in its quarterly report on the Greek economy, stressed that the country felt the impact of a global economic slowdown to a lesser degree, with the country's Gross Domestic Product rising with high growth rates - the fastest in the eurozone this year, supported by an increase in investments and a continued expansion of consumer demand. The report, however, noted the danger of fiscal loosening, as fiscal management in 2003 was expected to diverge from initial targets, with primary spending estimated to rise by 7.6 percent, up from a 6.0 percent budget target. All government deficits (central and general) were currently above budget targets in 2003, while fiscal policy was expected to remain unchanged in 2004, the report said. ''Adopting a more expansionary fiscal policy was under discussion in other European states,'' IOBE said. ''But in Greece conditions are so different that a more expansion fiscal policy poses risks to monetary stability,'' the report noted. IOBE expects the global economy to start recovery by the end of 2003, early 2004, with indications varying around the globe. The report stressed that, in contrast with the US, where prospects of quicker growth in 2004 were already clear, eurozone's economy was mired by uncertainties, while forecasts were less optimistic. IOBE stressed that Greece lagged behind other EU member-states, and particularly regional economies, in attracting foreign direct investment. The report noted that in the period 1995-2000, when FDIs jumped 328 percent around the world, Greece reported a 3.0 percent increase only. IOBE attributes this negative development to limited reforms in domestic markets of product and labor, bureaucracy, lack of adequate infrastructure and the tax system. [10] Greek current account deficit rise 9.0 pct in Jan-AugAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)Greece's current account deficit worsened in the first eight months of 2003, rising 9.0 percent compared with the same period last year, the Bank of Greece said on Friday.The central bank, in its interim report on monetary policy for 2003 published on Thursday, said that the current account deficit has already surpassed 3.0 percent of the country's gross domestic product and estimated that it would reach the 6.0 percent level, unchanged from the previous two years. Bank of Greece's governor, Nikos Garganas, warned that if the deficit stabilized around this level it could have serious negative consequences on the country's growth prospects. The current account deficit rose to 4.73 billion euros in the January-August period from 4.338 billion euros in the same period in 2002, reflecting a continuing fall in tourist foreign exchange revenues (down 7.2 percent) and an 11.4 percent fall in EU funds' inflows. The Greek trade deficit rose slightly to 14.683 billion euros to reach 10 percent of the country's GDP. The trade deficit, excluding fuel, fell by 436 million euros in the January-August period, although net payment for fuel imports rose by 466 million euros. The balance of services' surplus rose by 506 million euros over the same period, offsetting a drop in net revenues from travel services. The incomes' balance deficit rose by 510 million euros, reflecting increased interest payment, while the transfer balance surplus fell by 357 million euros. The financial services' balance recorded a net inflow of 11.312 billion euros in the portfolio investment category in the first eight months of 2003, reflecting increased capital inflows in the domestic state bond market. The direct investment category recorded a net outflow of 638 million euros, while the "other investment" category recorded a net outflow of 9.211 billion euros, over the same period. [11] Tourist arrivals down 2-3 pct this year, GNTO saysAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)Greece's National Tourism Organization (GNTO) expects the number of tourist arrivals to fall by 2-3 percent this year, according to a bulletin on tourism trend to be distributed during the "Philoxenia 2003" international tourism fair to be held in Thessaloniki.The forecast, based on research and data collected from tour operators, dismisses extremely pessimistic predictions made by Greek hoteliers and other travel agencies. GNTO attributes the reduction in tourist arrivals to a negative economic situation and a feeling of uncertainty prevailing in the main markets of Greek tourism, rising prices in the domestic market and changes in tourism demand following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US (reduced air travel, shortened holidays, the war in Iraq, the SARS epidemic) that negatively affected international tourism in the first half of 2003. Greek tourism authorities launched a promotion campaign in Russia, mainly through ads and special features in Russian newspapers. [12] IKA doctors call for strike from Monday to ThursdayAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)Social Security Foundation (IKA) doctors on Friday announced that they will go on strike from Monday to Thursday demanding their colleagues, that were hired on renewable yearly contracts, be hired on a permanent basis.The leadership of IKA called the reasons for the strike unjustified and requested of the doctors not to strike and cause problems to the insured, adding that a recent legislation through Parliament mandated the implementation of an agreement between the doctors' union and IKA, resolving such outstanding issues. [13] Greek stocks end week 0.76 percent higherAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)Greek stocks ended higher the last trading session of the week in the Athens Stock Exchange supported by a wave of buying activity in blue chip stocks during the last five minutes of trading.The general index ended 0.64 percent higher at 2,124.70 points, near the day's highs, sharply off the day's lows of 2,101.78 points. The index ended the week with a net gain of 0.76 percent. Turnover was moderate 111.1 million euros. Traders attributed the last-minute reversal of the market to the closing of positions in the market due to the expiring of October contracts in the Athens Derivatives Exchange. The Retail and Investment sectors suffered losses (0.53 percent and 0.10 percent, respectively), while the IT, Holding and Construction sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (1.48 percent, 1.48 percent and 1.07 percent, respectively). The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.60 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.90 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.48 percent up. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 190 to 104 with another 62 issues unchanged. Greek bourse one of 10 privatized markets worldwide: The Athens Stock Exchange is one of the world's 10 fully privatized markets, the bourse's president, Panayiotis Alexakis, said on Friday. Alexakis was addressing a conference of the Hellenic-British Chamber of Commerce on the Greek capital market that was held in London. Also speaking at the meeting was the finance ministry's secretary general, George Zanias, who said he believed the economy would benefit from the ''post-Olympic effect'' in the wake of the 2004 games to be hosted by Athens. Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 141.4 mln euros Friday Equity Index Futures: Stock Futures: Bond Market Close: Buyers lag sellers on Friday Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond FOREIGN EXCHANGE Closing rates of October 17 2003 Parities in euro For. Exchange Buying Selling US Dollar 1,167 1,140 [14] UN chief Annan, NY mayor Bloomberg, accept invitation for Athens 2004 OlympicsNew York 18/10/2003 (ANA - P. Panagiotou)UN secretary general Kofi Annan and New York mayor Michael Bloomberg on Thursday accepted invitations by visiting Athens mayor Dora Bakoyianni to visit the Greek capital during the 2004 Olympic Games to be hosted there.Bakoyianni met Thursday afternoon (NY time) with Annan at his office at the UN, accompanied by Greece's permanent representative to the UN Ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis. After the meeting, Bakoyianni told reporters that she had the opportunity, on behalf of the Municipal Council of Athens, "the city that has the responsibility of organizing the Olympic Games, to invite the UN secretary general to the Games". "Athens places special weight on the symbolism of the Olympic Games. We believe that, particularly in a period such as the present one, the symbolism of Olympism, the principles and values of the Olympic Games, must be particularly stressed. From Greece, a very strong message must be sent out. The presence of Koffi Annan -- and all that it symbolizes -- at the Athens Olympics will be of particular importance, and that is why we invited him," Bakoyianni said. Apart from the Games, Bakoyianni said, her discussion with Annan also briefly included the Cyprus issue, "in the hope that the time will come for that, also, which comprises the last (open) problem in the region of SE Europe...and that it will find its solution so that there will no longer be a wall dividing Nicosia and all of Cyprus". Later, Bakoyianni met with her NY counterpart for a half-hour discussion at the City Hall. The Athens mayor told reporters after the meeting that she and Bloomberg had "naturally discussed the preparations for the Olympic Games and how the city is changing". "As you know, New York is bidding to host the Olympic Games in 2012. Therefore, they, too, are making preparations and are very much interested in how things are progressing in Athens and what the developments are," Bakoyianni said, adding that "they will of course be in Athens in August 2004 to support their own candidacy, but also to see the development in our city". Bakoyianni explained that she plans to invite to the Athens Games all the mayors "who either wish to be the mayors of Olympic cities, or have been mayors of Olympics cities, as well as the mayors of Europe". "It is of great importance to us that the Athens Olympics have the support of a large number of important personalities who, in turn, will spread the message that Greece is a safe country, a country with dynamism in the region, a country which someone can invest in, a country that has a very good future," she said. Questioned on the content of her talks with Bloomberg, Bakoyianni noted that when mayors discuss among themselves, they speak about various matters that arise in cities which, albeit have a different nature, they nevertheless face common problems, and on how those problems are resolved. "It is always good for one to hold contacts because one learns a lot". Asked whether Bloomberg had expressed any concern over the security at the Athens Games, Bakoyianni replied: "No. Quite the contrary, his associates felt that the preparation we have made on the issue of security is very, very good". Earlier, Bakoyianni also met with Archbishop Demetrios of America, whom she said she briefed on the developments in Athens, the city's programs, the change taking place in the city and the strong interest expressed by the Greeks of the US to come to Athens as volunteers at the 2004 Olympics. Bakoyianni was due to attend a dinner in her honor on Friday, hosted by the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce. [15] ATHOC's Olympic Education Symposium issues ''Athens Declaration'' on FridayAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)The 1st European Symposium of Olympic Education, organized by the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee (ATHOC) with the support of the European Commission, concluded on Friday, successfully.The Olympic Education Program drawn up and published by ATHENS 2004 in cooperation with the Greek Ministry of Education made inroads to the member-states of the European Union, while interest was global. Beijing, which has undertaken the organizing of the 2008 Summer Olympics, as well as other venues, have already expressed their wish to ATHOC for the publication of this original educational program. The program, which is already being taught to 1,100,000 students in private schools and state schools in Greece, and also in Greek schools abroad and in Cyprus, will be the basis, once the necessary adjustments have been carried out, for its implementation in educational systems of all member states of the European Union. Representatives of the 25 EU member-states along with Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland signed the ''Declaration of Athens'' at the end of the symposium, providing international recognition for the program. The Athens Declaration is a framework of principles for implementing the Olympic Education Program in educational systems in all EU member states, and for highlighting the importance of sport and educational values. [16] Police discover sexual exploitation ring, three arrests madeAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)Police investigations have led to the discovery of a ring operating in Greece and eastern European countries, trafficking in women with the purpose of sexual exploitation.After shadowing members of the organization for days, police swooped on three strip show clubs in Nikea, Metamorfosis and Kifissia on Wednesday where women had been sent to work. Three leading members of the ring were arrested, while files of proceedings have also been prepared against another seven still at large. Twenty young women were also arrested who provided individual striptease programs for customers at the clubs. The women were in possession of certificates for obtaining Greek citizenship, which according to the police had either been stolen or forged. Investigations revealed that the organization had been operating for about four months. [17] Deputy FM calls attention to human trafficking, during conferenceAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos on Friday called attention to the problem of human trafficking, during a relevant two-day conference in Ioannina Greece, which was organized by the Center of Research and Support for Victims of Abuse and Social Disenfranchising, in cooperation with the foreign ministry and European non-governmental organizations.Loverdos stressed that it is necessary for everyone to be sensitized concerning the issue, so as to combat this form of organized crime, which, as he said, is the third most lucrative criminal activity after weapons and narcotics trafficking. He underlined that Greece ratified and is implementing harsh laws for the confrontation of the problem, both in combating it and providing comfort for the victims. The ''Human Trafficking: Methods of detection and mechanisms of support'' conference was attended by scientists from Greece and abroad, government officials, representatives of NGOs and the wife of U.S. ambassador to Athens Bonny Miller. [18] Nine illegals, one smuggler arrested on LesvosAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)Port authority officials on the eastern Aegean island of Lesvos arrested nine illegal immigrants on Friday as they attempted to board a ferry boat to Athens in the company of a Turkish national who later admitted to smuggling them onto the island.According to reports, the three Iraqis, three Iranians and three Afghans arrived on island by boat from Turkey and were hidden in a safehouse. Following an investigation, authorities discovered the rundown safehouse where another 14 illegals were crammed inside awaiting their transport to other parts of the country. Six of the 14 were children. At least two Greeks were involved in the smuggling operation, police said. [19] Tselentis's defense urges N17 court to admit extenuating circumstancesAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)Defense lawyers for suspected ''November 17'' terrorist Patroklos Tselentis, one of 19 suspects on trial in connection with the actions of the terror band, on Friday urged the court to admit extenuating circumstances for their client, including a lack of base motives, genuine remorse and subsequent good behavior.The first lawyer on the two-man defense team to address the Three-Member Criminal Appeals Court was Aristides Economides, who said his client was the ''classic case of a culprit driven by his convictions''. He said Tselentis' was not seeking the court's leniency but understanding for the motives that led him to his actions. ''Tselentis had his own code of honor, which led him to believe that even at the risk of his own life he should fight alongside his comrades for a better world,'' Economides said. This same code of honor had prevented Tselentis from cashing in on the 4.5-billion-drachma reward for turning in his comrades, the lawyer added. He noted that Tselentis' fellow-accused considered him a traitor but asserted that his client had simply repented and wanted to relieve his conscience. Tselentis was one of the few defendants on trial who admitted his participation and later upheld his confessions in court, in testimony also considered crucial for its support of the prosecution's case against Alexandros Giotopoulos, the alleged leader of the terror band. At another point, Economides said the court was not the ''natural'' body to judge this case and that it should have been heard before the Mixed Jury Court since it was supremely political in everyone's mind. Economides was succeeded by Tselentis' second lawyer Thomas Papayiannis, who also asked the court to recognize extenuating circumstances for his client and said that Tselentis had not personally gained from his involvement in the group nor taken any money from the robberies carried out by N17. Papayiannis said his client's motives were political and that he had he stopped being an active member of the group in 1988. He contested the testimony of certain witnesses in the court, meanwhile, claiming that they were affected by the general climate of the time. The court was adjourned early and will resume on Monday with the defense for the Xiros brothers. [20] Real Estate Service chief questioned over blocking of demolition ordersAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)The director of the State Real Estate Service Spiros Stathis was called before the public prosecutor on Friday to answer questions regarding attempts by members of his staff to keep demolition orders for illegally-erected structures in Attica in abeyance.Stathis is being questioned in the framework of a judicial inquiry being carried out by public prosecutor Elena Raiou, who has been instructed to uncover the reasons why the demolition orders were revoked and investigate possible criminal liability on the part of staff in the Real Estate Service or other services involved. The investigation follows the suicide of a high-ranking Real Estate Service official last weekend, after her part in staying demolition orders for a beachfront wall surrounding luxury villas in Anavyssos attracted the attention of the media. [21] ENAE conference begins in AthensAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)The country’s prefectural association (ENAE) convened in Athens on Friday for a general assembly focusing mostly on financial problems faced by the entities.ENAE president and greater Athens-Piraeus Prefect Fofi Gennimata called for an expanded prefectural entity that surpasses the strict geographical and developmental boundaries of prefectures today. In addressing the delegates, main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis referred to a “new reality” in local government he said now necessitates a new type of governance, while at the same time sharply criticizing the government for promoting uncertainty with the institution. Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis called for an expanded dialogue (after the elections) on which entity will retain the primary role, the prefectures or the regional authorities. [22] Quake measuring 5.8 points on the Richter scale jolts KalamataAthens, 18/10/2003 (ANA)An earthquake measuring 5.8 points on the Richter scale occurred in the sea regions east of the island of Kythira on Friday.According to the seismological station of Thessaloniki's Aristotelion University, the epicenter of the quake was in the sea region about 100 kilometers south of Kalamata, in the Peloponnese. The earthquake was felt in Kalamata. There were no reports of damage. [23] Prodi urges everybody to work for a settlement in CyprusBRUSSELS 18/10/2003 (CNA/ANA)European Commission President Romano Prodi has called on all parties involved in the Cyprus problem to find a solution before the island's accession to the European Union in May 2004.Speaking after meeting Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos on Friday, Prodi also said that he is happy with the work achieved by Cyprus, noting that it is on track for next year. Papadopoulos thanked the President of the Commission, saying that Cyprus as an EU member will prove to be a constructive and useful partner and not a troublesome member. Prodi said he was ''happy with the work done by Cyprus, I think that the country is completely on track for the 1st of May 2004.'' He added that ''we should have been much happier if Cyprus could come united and we need all the effort to do that'' and ''urged the President to make an effort'' towards this direction. ''We support all the efforts for a new resumption of the talks towards a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem and of course the Commission is ready to give all the cooperation and also to make every effort to mobilize financial support for the needs that could arise from a settlement,'' Prodi said. Prodi and Papadopoulos discussed issues relating to EU matters, Cyprus' participation in EU institutions, including the Commission. President Papadopoulos said he repeated the Greek Cypriot side's readiness to enter talks, whenever it is invited by the UN Secretary General on the basis of his peace plan. ''I stressed that our first priority is to see a reunited Cyprus joining the EU,'' he stressed. ''We also talked about problems and issues that concern our cooperation with the EU'', the president said and expressed hope that ''Cyprus within the EU will prove to be a constructive and useful member and not a troublesome one.'' Asked if efforts to resume peace talks should be directed towards Turkey, Prodi replied ''to everybody of course, to resume talks we need goodwill from all the sides and I think we have to do all the effort for that. Certainly, the closer we are to the 1st of May the more difficult the process. But we can't lose hope. Now we have only six months.'' Asked if Turkey can start accession negotiations before the Cyprus problem is solved, Prodi said this was another chapter. He said the Commission must write a report on Turkey and this will be done just before the end of the life of this Commission. ''So we still have a long time, so I still hope that the problem will be settled before that,'' he added. Invited to say whether Cyprus has a special role in the wider Europe, Prodi said this was not part of the conversation he had with the president, but expressing his personal opinion he said ''I can't forget where Cyprus is and that it is in the southern shore of the Mediterranean.'' ''So if you ask me what is the role of Cyprus, I say Cyprus is the bridge intellectually, commercially and financially, the experience that Cyprus has in the Middle East will be very very important for us,'' he concluded. [24] President appears cautious about Erdogan's remarksBRUSSELS 18/10/2003 (CNA/ANA)Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos has said that statements by Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on a UN peace proposal on Cyprus should not be considered a ''new opening or a fundamental change of policy'' on the part of Ankara.Speaking at a press conference at the end of the European Council in Brussels on Friday, President Papadopoulos expressed satisfaction with its conclusions. Erdogan said Thursday that peace talks can take place on the basis of the Annan plan, which Ankara has not rejected so far and which has good and bad parts. He told reporters that Cyprus has achieved ''the goal of accession which will be finalized on 1st of May,'' and noted that this course is ''irreversible''. ''Our main priority is the solution to the Cyprus problem so that a unified Cyprus may enter the EU. Everyone stands to gain from such a development, not least the Turkish Cypriots who will gain perhaps, the major part of the financial benefits of accession,'' he said. President Papadopoulos said this does not only depend on the Greek Cypriot side. ''We have before us the Annan Plan and this we have accepted as a basis for negotiation,'' he said, and added:''Unless the Turkish side cooperates in commencing substantive and substantial negotiations, there can be no progress.'' The Cypriot president said that ''it doesn't seem that anyone expects any progress from now until the elections in the occupied areas, which will show whether the forces opposing the policy of (Turkish Cypriot leader) Mr. Denktash will prove to be the majority.'' ''Even then, something more is required; first, Ankara will have to decide to change its policy on Cyprus, which will be demonstrated by causing some other negotiator than Mr. Denktash to be the representative of the Turkish Cypriots. We are ready for negotiations, we hope and will try to find a solution before 1st of May so that a reunified Cyprus will join the EU,'' the president said. If this does not prove possible, he added, ''we shall persevere, we shall continue our efforts, hoping that sooner or later Turkey will realize there are green pastures elsewhere than the Cyprus problem.'' Invited to comment on Erdogan's statement that there are good and bad parts in the Annan Plan, President Papadopoulos said ''it is our view that all decisions on Cyprus are taken by Ankara and not by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.'' He said Denktash still ''exerts a lot of influence and has contacts in the establishment in Turkey, both in the military and the political and the diplomatic establishment there, which enable him to nullify any initiative by Ankara which he does not find to his advantage.'' On his own statement on Thursday that Cyprus would not veto Turkey's accession course if the Cyprus problem was not solved before accession, Papadopoulos said ''provided Turkey acts like a European country and fulfils the Copenhagen criteria and the EU decides to accept it, Cyprus will not stand against the remaining 24 and impose a veto, although theoretically it has the right.'' On Erdogan's remarks on the Annan Plan, President Papadopoulos recalled that this was not the first time the Turkish premier had made statements which sounded more moderate than those Denktash makes, only to be followed by other contradictory comments indication that he remains committed to Denktash's fundamental position for two states in Cyprus. ''Let's not consider that with Erdogan's statements today he has made a new opening or announced a fundamental change of policy. He has made similar statements in the past,'' the president added. 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