Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-10-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek and Turkish FMs end talks, praise double taxation avoidance agreement

[02] Turkish FM Gul confident 2004 Athens Games will succeed

[03] Gul signs Olympic Truce declaration in Athens

[04] Gov't spokesman announces PM's full program this week

[05] US: Elections in occupied area of Cyprus a 'crucial opportunity'

[06] Papandreou to meet separately with Robertson, Weston

[07] PM and interior minister have follow-up meeting; discuss electoral reform

[08] Gov't on Mitsotakis comment over ecclesiastical dispute

[09] Two Turkish war jets violate Athens' FIR

[10] Foreign ministry spokesman announces 16th round of Greek-Turkish contacts

[11] Magriotis to represent Greek government at Izetbegovic funeral

[12] Greek, Turkish economy ministers reach agreement on double taxation

[13] Chrysohoidis urges businesses to help boost competitiveness

[14] PM holds talks with ministers on privatization of Olympic Airways

[15] Govt reports on the use of privatization revenues

[16] Local government employees announce new 48-hour strike

[17] EU directive banning single hull ships goes into effect

[18] British embassy, British suppliers organizing security equipment exhibition

[19] Greek stocks end significantly higher on Tuesday

[20] Transport minister briefs top IOC officials over tram, suburban rail

[21] IOC's Oswald visits Greek Olympic Committee HQ

[22] Interior minister at meeting on women's representation in politics

[23] European Commission taking three countries to European Court on ozone issue

[24] European Commission taking Greece and Spain to European Court on refuse issue

[25] Lawyer for Xiros brothers again calls for dismissal of pre-trial confessions

[26] KETHEA receives MENTOR achievement award for substance prevention program

[27] Repeat local elections ordered in two Himarra voting precincts

[28] EU Commission organizes meeting with religious NGOs

[29] Vartholomeos sends telegram to Christodoulos for latter's name day

[30] Public prosecutor files charges over mounting rubbish on Athens streets

[31] European Commission announces eight groups for Descartes scientific award

[32] Spain's Senate President meets Cyprus House President

[33] Parliamentary Forum calls for action against illegal migration

[01] Greek and Turkish FMs end talks, praise double taxation avoidance agreement

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

Speaking during a press conference, Gul said he and Papandreou made an account of developments in bilateral relations to date, placing emphasis on confidence-building measures agreed between the two countries and pointing out that they both agreed that ''there is a far greater margin to develop rapprochement between the two countries.''

Both ministers placed great emphasis on the spectacular developments which have occurred in bilateral economic relations in past years, while Gul underlined that another agreement on the transfer of natural gas from Turkey to western Europe via Greece has entered its final stretch.

The Turkish foreign minister also attached importance to the tourist sector, saying that it will be strengthened considerably next year due to the Athens Olympic Games, as well as on cooperation in the sector of science and to preparations for the Olympic Games which he believes ''will be carried out with absolute success.''

According to Gul, the main message derived from talks with Papandreou was that ''bilateral relations are now governed by a climate of friendship, understanding and confidence and we have left the era of tensions behind us.''

Papandreou said on his part ''our bilateral relations have now entered another framework. This does not mean that there are no problems'', adding that he also exchanged views with Gul on the Cyprus issue and on exploratory contacts ''which are very important issues and will become even more important next year also due to developments in the EU (concerning Turkey).''

The Greek foreign minister also mentioned with satisfaction that Economy Minister Nikos Christodoulakis had informed him that negotiations between the two sides on an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation, to be signed in Ankara in December, had been concluded.

Papandreou referred at length to negotiations underway to conclude a trade agreement for the transfer of natural gas from Turkey to western Europe via Greece, saying it is of strategic importance, while referring in general to trade and economic agreements concluded or being negotiated between the two countries reminded that ''the European Union itself began from such agreements 50 years ago and gradually reached where it is today.''

Replying to a questioner on Greece's ''insistence'' on considering the Cyprus issue as being a precondition for further strengthening Turkey's European course, Papandreou said ''it is not a Greek view but a European one that the Cyprus issue must be resolved and the role of Turkey is decisive in this respect.''

He further said a solution to the Cyprus issue ''is not simply an obligation but a necessity for the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots'', adding that ''we must look upon the date 2004 as an opportunity and not as a threat.''

The foreign minister said he and Gul discussed the issue of infringements and violations in the Aegean, but without going into details since the issue is being discussed by the two foreign ministries' civil directors.

Referring to the recent decision on Turkish military forces being sent to Iraq, Gul said the Turkish Parliament adopted a proposal providing the government with the possibility of sending troops ''but this decision might not be implemented.''

Gul also said Turkey, being a neighbor of Iraq, is interested in the country's territorial integrity through democratic procedures.

Arrival statements: Turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gul arrived in Athens at noon on Tuesday for a two-day official visit and talks with the Greek government.

Gul was met on arrival at Athens' Eleftherios Venizelos international airport by his Greek counterpart George Papandreou, and the two ministers reiterate, in airport statements, reiterated the mutual political will for continuation of the step-by-step rapprochement between the two countries.

Gul and the Turkish delegation accompanying him were warmly greeted at the airport by Papandreou, and in airport statements the two ministers reaffirmed the progress that has been achieved in Greek-Turkish bilateral relations in recent years.

They also expressed their mutual confidence in the ''frank intentions'' of both sides for resolving outstanding issues.

At all our meetings, the Greek government's and the new Turkish government's volition was and remains firm: to proceed on the path opened up by the two countries, to continue unimpeded the new period of bilateral relations, to consolidate all that we have achieved and to expand our cooperation into new sectors of mutual interest,'' Papandreou said.

Referring to the ''low impact'' agreements, he said they were ''very important if one considers that for a very long time we had relations of distrust and several times reached the brink of war''.

Papandreou said that the agenda of his talks with Gul included economic issues, the Cyprus problem, Turkey's European course, and the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

Later in the day, Gul is scheduled to add his signature to those of the other prominent international personalities who have signed the Olympic Truce declaration.

Gul spoke of "two countries on the two sides of the Aegean, which desire peace and cooperation".

He said that the mutual intent of both countries was evident. "What encourages the two governments, in fact, is the desire of the two peoples to render the Aegean a sea of peace, cooperation and development," Gul stressed.

Gul was taken on a helicopter tour of various projects for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games currently under construction, before being received at 1:00 p.m. by President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos.

[02] Turkish FM Gul confident 2004 Athens Games will succeed

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

The tour comes hours before Gul is set to sign a high-profile “Olympic Truce” declaration being vigorously promoted by his Greek counterpart George Papandreou, who met the former upon his arrival at Athens’ international airport and also accompanied him on the tour.

Gul later said he was confident the 2004 Olympics in Athens would be a success, a fact he said will also please neighboring Turkey. He made the comments following the conclusion of a brief helicopter tour of several venues and construction sites.

On his part, Papandreou referred to the great honor of hosting the 2004 Games and the effect they will have on the east Mediterranean country’s development and prospects, while also noting that the Athens Olympics provide an opportunity to send a message of peace and cooperation throughout the wider region.

Additionally, it was reiterated that the 2004 “Olympic Torch” relay will pass through Istanbul.

Gul is set to meet with several 2004-related ministers and Athens Olympic organizing committee (ATHOC) President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki later in the day.

In initial statements shortly after Gul arrived in the country, both the Greek and Turkish FMs pointed to a “mutual political will” for continuing a step-by-step rapprochement between the two countries.

Papandreou greeted Gul and his entourage at the airport, with both men reaffirming the progress achieved in Greek-Turkish bilateral relations over recent years. They also expressed a mutual confidence in the ''frank intentions'' of both sides for resolving outstanding issues.

“At all our meetings, the Greek government's and the new Turkish government's volition was and remains firm: to proceed on the path opened up by the two countries, to continue unimpeded the new period of bilateral relations, to consolidate all that we have achieved and to expand our cooperation into new sectors of mutual interest,'' Papandreou said.

Referring to the ''low-impact'' agreements, he said they were ''very important if one considers that for a very long time we had relations of distrust and several times reached the brink of war''.

Papandreou said that the agenda of his talks with Gul included economic issues, the Cyprus problem, Turkey's European course as well as the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

Furthermore, Gul referred to ''two countries on the two sides of the Aegean which desire peace and cooperation.”

''What encourages the two governments, in fact, is the desire of the two peoples to render the Aegean a sea of peace, cooperation and development,'' he stressed.

Meeting with Greek president: Following his helicopter tour of the Olympic venues, Greek President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos received Gul at the presidential mansion, with talks expectedly revolving around bilateral relations, developments over the long-standing Cyprus problem as well as Turkey’s European vocation.

[03] Gul signs Olympic Truce declaration in Athens

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

During a meeting they had with ATHOC President Gianna Angelopoulos Daskalaki and Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, Gul signed a declaration for the Olympic Truce and Papandreou thanked his counterpart for supporting this initiative.

He also reminded those participating in the event that the first two signatures on the Declaration for the Olympic Truce were his and former Turkish foreign minister Ismail Cem's.

''If we can stop war for 16 days, maybe at some point we may be able to have peace forever. The cooperation of the two countries can become an example for the whole world,'' Papandreou said.

On his part, Gul congratulated Papandreou for his initiative and Daskalaki for the progress of the Olympic projects he toured by air earlier in the day.

''As a neighboring country there are many things that fall on us to do in order to help. We examined several issues with the main one being that of security, as well as all that can be done to support the effort of Greece. Turkey has assigned a special team which is probing the issue to enable final decisions to be taken and to have a cooperation agreement reached,'' he concluded.

[04] Gov't spokesman announces PM's full program this week

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

He said Prime Minister Costas Simitis would head a meeting at 18:30 on Tuesday attended by Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and Transport Minister Christos Verelis, while a meeting with PASOK Central Committee Secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis will take place at 20:00 in the evening.

A meeting with visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul will begin the premier's day on Wednesday, after which he will take part in an off-the-agenda debate in Parliament on Europe, and chair a meeting of PASOK's Executive Bureau at 18:00.

Simitis is scheduled to meet outgoing NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson on Thursday morning and will then chair an inter-ministerial meeting on repatriated Greeks and minorities.

At 14:00 on Thursday, he is due to meet Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou.

On Friday morning, Simitis will meet IOC Coordination Commission Chairman Dennis Oswald and then chair an inter-ministerial meeting about the planned park at Ellinikon, site of the former Athens airport at 11:30, while at 13:30 he will meet with Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

Finally, the spokesman announced that the premier was to chair a Ministerial meeting on tourism next Wednesday.

[05] US: Elections in occupied area of Cyprus a 'crucial opportunity'

WASHINGTON, 22/10/2003 (ANA- T. Ellis)

''We see the elections...as a crucial opportunity for Turkish Cypriots to express their will on the central question of whether they desire a Cyprus settlement based on UN Secretary General Annan's peace plan and EU membership. In this sense, the elections are a referendum on the Annan plan that the Turkish-Cypriots were denied when United Nations sponsored peace talks were abandoned by their side at The Hague,'' Ereli said.

''We hope the elections will be fully free and fair and that the will of the Turkish-Cypriot people will be reflected in the choice of negotiator for their community,'' he added.

Asked if the US was ''concerned at all about some indications of problems with the election lists in the occupied areas'', the spokesman replied:

''Yes, there are a number of press reports concerning possible irregularities in Turkish-Cypriot voter lists, such as the inclusion of dubiously qualified voters; and these reports do cause us concern.''

Questioned on a purportedly expected visit to Athens this week by US secretary of state Colin Powell to Athens in a stopover on a visit to the region, that did not come to pass, Ereli intimated that such a visit had not been formally scheduled, saying ''our view is, until we issue a statement on a visit, it's not official''.

[06] Papandreou to meet separately with Robertson, Weston

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

The meetings will be separate and will include statements to the press upon their conclusion.

[07] PM and interior minister have follow-up meeting; discuss electoral reform

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

The two men had met just the day before to discuss a draft bill for the 'statement of means' declaration system that targeted corruption in the public sector and government.

Emerging from the meeting, Skandalidis said that the proposed elections bill will take its final form in the first half of November, after which it will be tabled in Parliament.

By all accounts, however, the draft bill will drop government proposals for a double ballot box. Under this system, voters would cast separate votes for the party of their choice and for individual candidates irrespective of party allegiance.

Skandalidis said such as system could only be meaningfully applied in small electoral districts and its implementation would require carving up larger electoral districts into small ones with few seats.

[08] Gov't on Mitsotakis comment over ecclesiastical dispute

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

Both Mitsotakis and Evert, successive leaders of the current main opposition ND, vigorously supported the continuation of the status quo governing the ecclesiastical administration of bishoprics in the so-called “New Territories” – lands liberated from Ottoman rule by the Greek state between 1912 and 1922.

However, government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Tuesday reiterated the most “correct policy was the policy of non-intervention” in the crisis.

Both the government and ND’s leadership have stressed that the heads of both churches should resolve the matter in a peaceful and harmonious manner.

A 1928 canonical act by the Istanbul Patriarchate temporarily transferred those bishoprics’ administrative control to the influential Church of Greece, a regime that has continued until recently, when the Patriarchate demanded that it now pre-approve of potential candidates to succeed the late Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, who died over the summer.

Four ecclesiastical administrations exist in predominately Orthodox Greece: the independent Autocephalous Church of Greece; the loosely affiliated with the Patriarchate Autocephalous Church of Crete; the Patriarchate-affiliated Dodecanese island bishoprics, and, of course, the sui generis status for the so-called “New Territories”.

[09] Two Turkish war jets violate Athens' FIR

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

[10] Foreign ministry spokesman announces 16th round of Greek-Turkish contacts

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

[11] Magriotis to represent Greek government at Izetbegovic funeral

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

[12] Greek, Turkish economy ministers reach agreement on double taxation

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

According to a press release released by the economy ministry, the agreement was the culmination of four-year long negotiations between the two countries to find ways to avoid double taxation.

The signing of the agreement will take place in Ankara in early December, when Christodoulakis will visit Turkey.

FM addresses Greek and Turkish businessmen, focuses on double taxation deal: Foreign Minister Andreas Papandreou, addressing Greek and Turkish businessmen on Tuesday night, referred to the important decision reached on the avoidance of double taxation between Greece and Turkey, due to be signed in Turkey on December 1.

Papandreou referred to the decisive role played by businessmen in the development of relations between the two countries. He said that in past years 76 very important investments have been made in Turkey by Greek businessmen, while at the end of 2003 trade transactions between the two countries will amount to 1.2 or 1.3 billion dollars.

On his part, visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said the two countries desire the deepening of their friendship and the development of their cooperation.

To date, they have signed 20 agreements, most of which are being implemented, while considerable cooperation is being developed in such sectors as tourism and energy.

Gul added that whatever problems exist between the two countries will be resolved through dialogue to enable the region of the Aegean to become a symbol of peace.

The acquaintance meeting between Greek businessmen and the Turkish business delegation accompanying Gul on his visit to Athens was held at a downtown Athens hotel and was organized by the Greek-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and the Council of Greek-Turkish Business Cooperation.

The meeting was attended by about 70 Greek and 30 Turkish businessmen, as well as by the presidents of sector agencies.

[13] Chrysohoidis urges businesses to help boost competitiveness

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

Addressing a seminar, organized by the Greek-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on "Convergence Charter: Prospects for the next four years", Mr Chrysohoidis stressed that the business community should show the "necessary awareness and to be prepared in sectors that definitely contributed in strengthening the country's competitiveness, and has not yet fully responded."

These sectors are the interconnection of production with research and technological innovation, training of human resources and a proper management of EU funds.

Mr Chrysohoidis said that a government-sponsored Convergence Charter was "our national tool" to break away from a cycle of insecurity and lost opportunities, to walk steadily on the road to development, to offer prosperity to Greek citizens, to establish peace in our region and to move faster in building a new modern civil administration.

"The government's action, as it unfolds through its aims and commitments for the four-year period 2004-2008, is focusing on three issues: strengthening business activity, increasing investments and establishing extroversion," Mr Chrysohoidis noted.

Commenting on Greek-French economic relations, Mr Chrysohoidis stressed that they were good, with French exports to Greece rising 6.0 percent in the first six months of 2003, compared with the same period last year, while Greek exports to France - although four times smaller in volume - were rising spectacularly in the last three years (31 percent in 2000, 18.5 percent in 2001 and 17 percent in 2002).

"France is our third largest supplier after Germany and Italy, while the country is the four largest customer of Greek exports," he noted. A total of 134 French companies were activated in Greece, with a workforce of 32,744 people.

[14] PM holds talks with ministers on privatization of Olympic Airways

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

Over three billion euros are expected to be received this year through the implementation of the denationalization program implemented by the finance and economy ministry.

This was deduced from a meeting held at the finance ministry earlier on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Christodoulakis and denationalizations special secretary Siradakis.

It was decided at the meeting that a tender will be proclaimed during the week for the sale of a package of shares of the Urban Water Supply Company (EYDAP) to a strategic partner, while an international tender will be proclaimed next week for the participation of interested parties in the sale of a package of shares of the Post Office Savings Bank. Decisions are expected to be taken in the coming days on the management and other terms contained in the tender.

The issue of the Post Office Savings Bank is being handled exclusively by the finance ministry.

However, employees of the bank have announced rolling 24-hour strikes as of Wednesday and until Friday and organize a protest rally at the head office on Thursday and then march to the finance ministry.

[15] Govt reports on the use of privatization revenues

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

A finance ministry announcement said that privatization revenues were used to pay:

a) privatization procedure expenses and the cost of restructuring of state-owned enterprises,

b) financial debt resulting from privatizations, such as compensation for lay-offs or early retirement schemes,

c) financial costs imposed by the law on every privatized company,

d) public debt to third parties, such as pension funds, ATHOC, etc.

The finance ministry stressed that all payments considered as public spending, affecting the government's deficit, was recorded in the general government's shortfall of ''other agencies''.

The statement also noted that all data by DEKA SA, the Public Securities' Enterprise, privatization accounts and other special accounts were recorded with the general government's deficit according to Eurostat rules.

ND party economic affairs coordinator, George Alogoskoufis, commenting on the finance ministry's announcement said it was a "confession" that the government was using privatization revenues to finance its public spending and that the announcement "justified fully our criticism".

[16] Local government employees announce new 48-hour strike

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

According to POE-OTA representatives, the interior ministry did not appear willing to meet their demands.

Earlier in the day, municipality employees staged a protest march to the interior ministry and held a brief meeting with the ministry's secretary general Vassilis Valassopoulos without any understanding being reached, however.

In another development, Athens prefecture work crews will begin the process of disinfecting huge piles of garbage in the streets as of Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Athens prefecture's health department submitted a hygiene control report to prosecution authorities in Athens on Tuesday, proposing that legal proceedings be initiated against all responsible for the violation of legislation on hygiene.

[17] EU directive banning single hull ships goes into effect

BRUSSELS, 22/10/2003 (ANA - A. Simatos)

They added that the ban will be effective immediately for ships over the age of 23, for which there will not be a transition period.

[18] British embassy, British suppliers organizing security equipment exhibition

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

On display at the exhibition will be such products and services as electronic monitoring and communications systems, counter-measure devices, audiovisual systems, software, security garments and equipment, bullet proof vests, handcuffs and security cameras.

Twenty British companies will be participating in the exhibition, including NP Aerospace, LMW Electronics, Lion laboratories and Red Box International.

[19] Greek stocks end significantly higher on Tuesday

Athens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)

The general index rose 1.15 percent to end at 2,145.20 points with turnover an improved 120.2 million euros, up 50 percent compared with Monday's.

The Publication, IT Solution and Insurance sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (6.20 percent, 4.14 percent and 3.36 percent, respectively), while the Construction sector scored the lowest gains (up 0.69 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.83 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index jumped 1.78 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index soared 2.66 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 276 to 47 with another 39 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Public Power Corporation, Hellenic Tele-communications Organization and National Real Estate.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 42 mln euros Tuesday

Equity Index Futures: