Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-10-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM sanguine about prospects of economy after presidential briefing

[02] Foreign ministry: Gul visit to examine all aspects of Greek-Turkish relations

[03] FM comments on Turkish counterpart's visit to Athens

[04] Meeting with Turkish foreign minister on PM's agenda this week

[05] Gov't cites heavy travel schedule for US's Powell

[06] Foreign ministry spokesman declines comment on Turkish General Staff chief

[07] ND leader reiterates call for immediate General elections

[08] DM outlines armed forces' future structure

[09] PM and interior minister discuss 'statement of means' bill

[10] Bosnian presidency's visit to Athens postponed

[11] Greece unveils EU-funded rail network project

[12] Intracom wins 1.1-mln-euro contract in Serbia

[13] Mihaniki SA signs a 14.4-mln-euro contract with Lamda Dev

[14] European Commission closes process against Greece for EU legislation violations

[15] Labor minister stresses need for immigrants' access to European labor market

[16] Consumer poll: Most complaints over GM foods, healthcare costs, public services

[17] Shipping foreign exchange inflows rise over 6 billion euros

[18] Greek stocks fall on lack of buying interest

[19] Gov't minister, ATHOC chief tour worksites, including once-delayed Helliniko

[20] Gov't, ATHOC review latest IOC concerns

[21] Police services given awards in presence of President Stephanopoulos

[22] Inquiry into illegal buildings heats up following official's suicide

[23] BARCELONA (ANA - F. Karaviti)

[24] Kaklamanis receives Syrian ambassador

[25] Diamantopoulou satisfied over results of employee protection agreement

[26] Zurich University research team discovers memory gene

[27] Karoyian: slight improvement of OIC's stance on Cyprus problem,

[28] Journalists condemn attack against Kanatli by ''Grey Wolves''

[01] PM sanguine about prospects of economy after presidential briefing

Athens, 21/10/2003 (ANA)

In statements to reporters after briefing President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on current domestic and foreign policy issues, Simitis said the European Union Summit in Brussels had noted signs of recovery in Europe's economy that promised a significant and steady improvement over the next months.

As the fastest-growing economy in the EU, Simitis predicted that this would assist Greece achieve or even better current growth targets.

He said the country also stood to benefit greatly from the start of projects to build European-wide networks and measures for small to medium-sized businesses that were decided on in Brussels, predicting that these will lead to ''steadily more apparent'' progress over the next year.

During the meeting with Stephanopoulos, Simitis referred to the ongoing work of the Intergovernmental Conference for a future European Constitution, noting that some degree of progress had been made. According to Simitis, this was not significant but had managed to get past the more ''extreme'' views.

Simitis also predicted that a new draft Constitution due to be presented by the Italian EU presidency before the end of the year would be quite close to the views of most EU member-states, with the possibility of one or two exceptions.

[02] Foreign ministry: Gul visit to examine all aspects of Greek-Turkish relations

Athens, 21/10/2003 (ANA)

These will include bilateral cooperation agreements signed by the two countries and their implementation, he added, while not ruling out the possibility of an agreement on avoiding double taxation.

This and a number of other issues are due to be examined during Tuesday's meeting, such as a project for a natural gas pipeline from Turkey to European countries via Greece, progress in exploratory talks between the two sides and issues pertaining to the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate based in Istanbul, the ecclesiastical school on Halki, EU-Turkey relations and the Cyprus problem.

Beglitis said that Papandreou also planned to raise the issue of multiple violations and infringements of Greek airspace by Turkish fighter planes, as well as military and civilian Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) between the two countries.

The spokesman clarified, however, that these would not concern Cyprus.

Outlining Gul's agenda, Beglitis said the Turkish minister will begin his two-day visit on Tuesday morning with a tour of sites for Olympics projects under construction, followed by a meeting with the head of the Athens Olympics Organizing Committee (ATHOC) Gianna Angelopoulos, where he will be accompanied by Papandreou.

Gul is also due to sign the Olympic Truce declaration before the two ministers meet in camera in the afternoon. This will be followed by a joint meeting between the ministers and their respective staff and a press conference, after which they will both address a meeting of the Greek-Turkish Business Forum at a central Athens hotel.

Gul is due to meet Prime Minister Costas Simitis in Parliament on Wednesday morning, before he is received by Greek Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis and President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos in successive meetings on the same day.

[03] FM comments on Turkish counterpart's visit to Athens

BARCELONA, 21/10/2003 (ANA/F.Karaviti)

''It is the first visit of Mr. Gul, in his capacity as foreign minister of Turkey, to Greece and it is a visit that has become customary. Every six months we exchange visits. This fact by itself shows, I believe, the differentiating relationship which is being built between the two countries,'' Papandreou said.

''Beyond this, however, we have a series of issues to discuss: a series of agreements on about 15 sectors, which have already been approved by the parliaments of Greece and Turkey. With these we are providing a new dimension to our relationship,'' he added, noting that ''they concern agreements on issues of the economy, illegal immigration, culture, security, issues that directly touch the citizens of the two countries''.

''Of course we will have the opportunity to discuss long-time outstanding issues as well, such as the Cyprus issue, the course of Turkey in relation with the European Union, as well as how those issues - the Cyprus issue for example - are evaluated in relation with this course of Turkey to Europe and how this process will contribute, so that we may be able within 2004 to evaluate Turkey's stance on these issues,'' he stressed.

''The internal reforms in Turkey are also very important for its course and already Greece, for some time now contributes with technical know-how to the reform and Europeanization of Turkey's structures, since it is for the great benefit of Greece, that is to witness Turkey becoming a European country,'' Papandreou said.

''We will have the joy of Mr. Gul supporting the idea of the Olympic Truce, which also has a practical importance and for our region, the Balkans and the Middle East. Taking advantage of this opportunity we will discuss our cooperation for the Olympic Games and how to take advantage of the regional cooperation, in light of the Olympic Games,'' he concluded.

[04] Meeting with Turkish foreign minister on PM's agenda this week

Athens, 21/10/2003 (ANA)

At 14:00 on Monday, Simitis was scheduled to meet Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis, the spokesman said, and at 21:00 in the evening he would host a dinner for ruling PASOK's Parliamentary group.

The spokesman also tentatively announced the premier's program for the rest of the week but said a more detailed announcement will be made on Tuesday.

This includes a meeting between the prime minister, Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and PASOK Central Committee Secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis on Tuesday night, while on Wednesday Simitis will receive visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul.

Also on that day, Simitis is to take part in an off-the-agenda debate in Parliament on European policy and chair a meeting of PASOK's Executive Bureau.

On Thursday, finally, the premier will be chairing a cross-ministerial meeting about immigrants and repatriated Greeks.

[05] Gov't cites heavy travel schedule for US's Powell

Athens, 21/10/2003 (ANA)

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas merely noted, in reply to a press question, that initial preparations for the visit had commenced via diplomatic channels.

The issue of whether or not the influential US Secretary of State would scheduled a visit to Athens before meeting other commitments was the subject of intense media scrutiny in Athens over the past few days.

[06] Foreign ministry spokesman declines comment on Turkish General Staff chief

Athens, 21/10/2003 (ANA)

Beglitis said Ozkok's statements are positions which are known from the past and show the ''absolute deadlock in which the strategic approach on important issues of Turkey's foreign polciy is to be found. It is an approach and a position which is bound to a past which international developments and the dynamic of developments both internationally and in our region has overturned.''

The spokesman added that Ozkok does not realize how negotiating takes place in the EU, to the degree that he is attempting to impose conditions of negotiating on the EU, and pointed out that the EU has its own negotiating culture when it holds talks with candidate countries.

''It is Turkey, as a candidate country, which should honor the criteria, terms and preconditions set by the EU and not the contrary,'' he further said.

Beglitis said the foreign minister talks with the Turkish government and the Turkish foreign ministry and not with Turkish officers.

He also reiterated that the foreign minister briefs the EU and relevant Commissioner Verheugen on a regular basis on violations and infringements of national airspace and the Athens FIR to enable the Turkish attitude to be evaluated by the EU in light of the tabling of the progress report in early November.

In a related development, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said ''the statements by Turkish general Ozkiok show things to be very simple. And they are very simple on the reverse side'', adding that ''Turkey must contribute to a solution to the Cyprus issue initially and then its European course will be supported.''

[07] ND leader reiterates call for immediate General elections

Athens, 21/10/2003 (ANA)

Addressing a meeting of the ND parliamentary group, Karamanlis said that immediate elections were mandatory for the national interest, and called on the prime minister to fulfill his obligation to the country.

Karamanlis said that his party was ready to shoulder the great responsibility (of governing the country), and had a plan, program and vision, adding that it would act with responsibility, modesty and respect for each and every citizen, in a new governance of principles and values, and would not follow the present ruling party in the tension, polarization and fanaticism it sought.

He accused the government of maintaining relations with the special interests, of intransparent procedures in the signing of contracts, and of selling off public property in order cover the deficits, and warned that all such contracts would be re-examined when ND took over as government.

''We are seeking a mandate for a government of all the Greeks, we seek the positive vote of the citizens and a large parliamentary majority,'' Karamanlis said.

Government’s reaction: Reacting to Karamanlis' statements, particularly his references to re-examining the contracts for privatizations, government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Monday accused ND of trying to cause problems in economic developments with accusations that had no basis.

''When ND refers to problematic privatizations it means that it does not want economic developments that will boost competitiveness to go ahead. It simply means they want to further their own ends...If Mr. Karamanlis has evidence to back up claims regarding the ''problematic'' nature of certain privatizations he must take this to a public prosecutor. Otherwise, if he has no evidence, he must stop these unacceptable tactics of casting shadows on the economy,'' the spokesman said.

[08] DM outlines armed forces' future structure

Athens, 21/10/2003 (ANA)

The proposal will be tabled for ratification at a meeting of the Government Council of Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) in November.

Papantoniou announced a decrease in staff by 36,500 men and women. As of 2005 the men and women serving in the armed forces will decrease to 142,000 from 178,500 at present.

Units in Macedonia and Epirus, in northern Greece, will be transformed into active and mobilized ones. The task of the new units will be handling such security issues as illegal immigration.

Papantoniou underlined that the threat from the north no longer exists, while the known threat remains.

The 1st Army based in Larissa and the 3rd Army Corps will be abolished, while the 1st Army Corps in Kozani will be turned into a mobilized unit as the Military Command of Macedonia and Epirus under the leadership of a major-general.

In addition, eight divisions, nine brigades, three commando regiments and one of parachutists will also be abolished.

Weaponry systems of outdated technology and of WW2 will be gradually withdrawn. By 2005, 325 tanks, 413 field guns, eight assault ships, three surveillance ships, 3 support ships, 71 fighter jets, 24 training aircraft and seven transport planes will have been withdrawn.

Papantoniou said the fighting capacity and reliability of the country's defense system will increase through the new structure of forces, while the rationalization of expenditures will save 250 million euros on a yearly basis, over the years 2004-2006, which will be used to enable social policy to be implemented.

Commenting on statements by main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas

Karamanlis that loan contracts for armaments programs will be closely inspected, Papantoniou said the reply he gave in Parliament on Friday leaves no margin for doubt concerning the carrying out of purchases by the defense ministry.

''Now if some in ND insist on becoming the advocates of offshore interests that is their business and I don't think it honors democracy,'' Papantoniou said.

[09] PM and interior minister discuss 'statement of means' bill

Athens, 21/10/2003 (ANA)

Skandalidis said the bill might well be tabled within the week and that the meeting had focused on aspects of the planned bill and its implementation in practice.

The two men also had a general discussion on political developments and the run-up to the elections.

Responding to questions about a planned government bill to reform the electoral system, Skandalidis said the bill was almost ready and would be discussed at a cabinet meeting next week, while there will also be another meeting with the premier.

On a recent opinion poll that showed ruling PASOK trailing 7.8 points behind main opposition New Democracy, Skandalidis expressed conviction that PASOK would take the day come election time.

"We do not want to win the opinion polls but the elections themselves," he told reporters.

[10] Bosnian presidency's visit to Athens postponed

Athens, 21/10/2003 (ANA)

The visit will be rescheduled for a later date, which, however, will not be later than the end of the year, a press release issued by the Presidency of the Republic said on Monday.

[11] Greece unveils EU-funded rail network project

Athens, 21/10/2003 (ANA)

The project, included in a recently adopted Trans-European Network plan by the European Union, is expected to breathe new life to Western Greek regions and to promote economic development.

The Western Rail Network was included in a total of 29 priority projects approved by the European Union and is expected to be completed in 2014.

The railroad Egnatia network, linking western Macedonia, Epirus, Western Greece and Western Peloponnese, from Kozani to Kalamata, will be budgeted at 2.7 billion euros and is expected to service more than 1.5 million people and to breathe new life into the region of Epirus, one of the poorest regions in the EU.

The project includes 18 tunnels with a total length of 42 km, with the biggest tunnel reaching around eight km. Trains will be able to travel with a maximum speed of 160 km per hour.

[12] Intracom wins 1.1-mln-euro contract in Serbia

Athens, 21/10/2003 (ANA)

Under the contract, worth 1.1 million euros, Intracom will supply all equipment, software platform and installation, support and training services.

The project will offer Serbia's telecommunications organization the capability to effectively manage all signaling in international and domestic phone calls.

Intracom will supply the No.7 management system, based on acceSS7 - a product by Agilest Technologies, used by more than 60 telecommunications organizations around the world, such as France Telecom, Orange,

[13] Mihaniki SA signs a 14.4-mln-euro contract with Lamda Dev

Athens, 21/10/2003 (ANA)

The contract, worth 14.4 million euros, envisages the construction of a building complex to cover 70,000 square metres that will include supermarket, a shopping centre, restaurants, a multi-cinema, a traditional Greek village theme park and a theatre.

Pylea SA is a joint venture between Lamda Development and Sonae-Haragionis.

[14] European Commission closes process against Greece for EU legislation violations

BRUSSELS, 21/10/2003 (ANA/V. Demiris)

The Commission had taken action against Greece, believing that a clause contained in presidential decree 334/200 published in the Official Gazette on December 21, 2000, violated EU directive 93/37/EEC concerning procedures for concluding public works contracts.

According to the Commission, however, with article 2 of presidential decree 336/2002 published in the Official Gazette on

November 20, 2002, Greece amended the controversial clause to enable the participation in procedures for the undertaking of public works contracts of contractors who have undertaken and carried out contracts in countries outside the EU and the European Economic Region in the past.

[15] Labor minister stresses need for immigrants' access to European labor market

BRUSSELS, 21/10/2003 (ANA/V. Demiris)

Reppas said undeclared labor must be combated and turned into a legal form of employment through a combination of monitoring and supervision measures, as well as by providing motivation for businesses.

The minister added that a closer watch on the needs of the labor market must be anticipated, as well as of possibilities of covering labor force shortages with immigrants.

Reppas said this necessitates apparatuses for monitoring and determining the trends of economic development and of production sectors and registering the capabilities of legal immigrants through forms of specialized intervention.

He further underlined that handling the needs of women immigrants is also important, not only to secure their equal and full access but also to maximize benefits emanating from immigration.

Referring to Greece, Reppas said a comprehensive plan for the social integration of legal immigrants is already being applied in the country.

[16] Consumer poll: Most complaints over GM foods, healthcare costs, public services

Athens, 21/10/2003 (ANA)

In a poll among consumers carried out by the Federation in the framework of World Nutrition Day, in which 2,592 consumers took part, the most complaints in the ''food safety'' category referred to GM foods, while the most complaints in the ''cost of living'' cited the cost of healthcare and the most complaints in the ''quality of services'' category cited the public services.

[17] Shipping foreign exchange inflows rise over 6 billion euros

Athens, 21/10/2003 (ANA)

In August alone, the inflow stood at 677.5 million euros, compared to 657.3 million euros of August 2002.

[18] Greek stocks fall on lack of buying interest

Athens, 21/10/2003 (ANA)

The general index fell 0.19 percent to end at 2,120.72 points with turnover a disappointing low 78 million euros.

The Wholesale, Textile and Publication sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (0.68 percent, 0.55 percent and 0.52 percent, respectively), while the Construction and Telecommunications sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (0.98 percent and 0.49 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.15 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 0.27 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.50 percent higher.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 167 to 111 with another 79 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Football Pools Organization, Public Power Corporation and Germanos.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover

at 41.5 mln euros Monday

Equity Index Futures: