Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-10-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM strongly supports draft EU Constitution in Parliament

[02] Communist party leader tells Parliamentary debate gap between countries widening

[03] FM Papandreou meets with U.S. Cyprus Coordinator Weston

[04] Karamanlis receives State. Dept coordinator for Cyprus

[05] State Dept. comments

[06] Turkish FM Gul winds up Athens by meeting PM Simitis

[07] Outgoing NATO secretary general holds farewell talks with FM and DM

[08] Greek-Turkish high level discussions in Athens focus on economic relations

[09] Wine production in Greece up 4.1 pct in 2003-2004, report

[10] World Tourism Association Seminar to be held in Rhodes, Nov 24-25

[11] Euro-Mediterranean business meeting in Athens next month

[12] European Commission referring Greece to European Court on vehicles issue

[13] PM calls on striking workers to show restraint

[14] Gov't comments on ongoing garbage collectors strike

[15] PM says situation created with heaps of garbage a 'disgrace'

[16] Dynamic Life S.A. establishes subsidiary in Dublin

[17] Foreign ministry tables bill for FYROM economic support

[18] Five new ships enter Greek registry

[19] Greek stocks fall on profit taking

[20] Government officials assure IOC Olympic Stadium project ready in time

[21] New finds link Thera volcano eruption to collapse of Mycanean civilization

[22] Benaki Museum calls for donations to purchase Byzantine treasure

[23] Historic 18th-century church burnt down in Preveza

[24] Explosion at ND local office in Thessaloniki causes minor damage

[25] Exhibition on Cyprus' ancient Hellenic culture begins in NYC

[26] ESHEA denounces attack against Turkish Cypriot journalist

[27] Broader cooperation between Evros prefecture, SE Bulgaria discussed

[28] Meeting on seismic protection of monuments on Crete

[29] 'N17' trial continues with final arguments for youngest defendant

[30] 'The roads of the olive' program' receives backing

[31] Magriotis attends Izetbegovic's funeral in Sarajevo

[32] 'Eleni Vlachou' journalism award goes to Diakoyiannis

[33] Union of European Journalists presents ''Kalligas'' awards

[34] Debate held in Athens on the future of modernization

[35] UNICEF highlights problems related to racism and xenophobia in schools

[36] Hadjidemetriou: Cyprus can offer a lot to the EU

[37] MacShane reiterates need for Cyprus settlement before May 1st

[01] PM strongly supports draft EU Constitution in Parliament

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

Speaking during an off-the-agenda debate in Parliament on ''Greece's course within Europe'', Simitis said that the draft EU Constitution should be adopted as quickly as possible and that Greece should align itself with countries that wanted its adoption without amendments that would undermine its essence.

Referring to specific details, he said the Greek government was in favor of a greater number of MEPs for smaller countries and a clear description of the role of the European President, so that it was absolutely distinct from that of the European Commission president, as well as one European commissioner from every member-state.

With regard to making decisions, Simitis said these should be 50 per cent based on the votes of the member-states and 50 per cent on the total number of EU citizens.

He also stressed that the Greek government was in favor of developing a distinct European defense.

According to Simitis, the government supported a federal model for the EU, while clarifying that this federal Europe should emerge gradually through consensus, by reinforcing federal elements and accepting intergovernmental structures.

The prime minister noted, meanwhile, that the Greek EU presidency in the first half of 2003 had helped establish Greece's standing and credibility within Europe, so that the country was no longer on the sidelines of international developments but able to take a leading role to promote its own interests.

New Democracy's positions: Addressing Parliament in his turn, main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis focused mainly on the shortcomings of the Greek economy, saying that Greeks did not enjoy the same level of prosperity and progress as their fellow Europeans.

In a stinging critique on the government, he said it had failed to take advantage of the vast resources placed at its disposal by the EU, which were being steadily squandered through rampant corruption, non transparency bureaucracy.

He also accused the government of basing its policies on a mix of ''creative accounting and tax raids'' instead of pushing through necessary reforms to boost competitiveness and deal with the problems.

With respect to the Convention for the Future of Europe and the draft European Constitution, Karamanlis said his party was also in favor of moving toward a federal 'United Europe'.

He accused the government, however, of backtracking on earlier positions supported by ND regarding the composition of the European Commission and retaining the rotating presidency, which ND felt were essential for the equal standing of all EU member-states.

He said that texts sent by the Greek government to the EU only referred to 15 commissioners of equal standing and a number of 'second-class' commissioners, rather than 'one commissioner per country,' as asserted by Simitis in Parliament.

ND was also in favor of adopting the draft EU Constitution as quickly as possible but only after further improvements had been made that guaranteed the principle of equality between member-states, reinforced Europe's international role and guaranteed that Greece would be a party to decision-making, Karamanlis said.

He also stressed that ND wanted each country to be represented by a European Commissioner with equal power and voting rights.

The main opposition leader underlined the need for European defense integration, with Greece among the frontrunners, through the creation of a defense eurozone that was open to all those that wished to join.

ND was also in favor of extended special majority for making decisions about foreign policy, provided this did not harm vital Greek interests, he added.

Referring to the Cyprus issue and relations with Turkey, meanwhile, Karamanlis said his party supported Greek Cypriots in their efforts for a just, viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem, stressing that the Annan plan should be the basis for negotiations.

He also stressed that a solution to the Cyprus problem was an essential prerequisite for improving Greek-Turkish relations, restoring mutual trust and promoting Turkey's European prospects.

While noting an apparent improvement in the climate between the two countries, Karamanlis pointed out that all the major problems remained and that unilateral concessions had historically failed to yield positive results and called on the government to brief the parties on the results of the exploratory talks with Turkey, which he described as 'secret diplomacy'.

At the same time he referred to his meetings over the past year with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, noting that they had agreed on a need to improve bilateral relations.

Responding to Karamanlis in his rejoinder, Simitis accused him of presenting a distorted picture of the Greek economy and said the main opposition party had not supported the Greek EU presidency.

Countering the main opposition's arguments, Simitis said that Greece had the highest growth rate within the EU, had achieved convergence in social spending, while its unemployment rate was only marginally higher than the EU average.

Responding to ND's accusations that the government had failed to support the Greek farm sector within the EU, the prime minister said Karamanlis was ignoring the decisions taken at the Thessaloniki summit that favored Greek positions.

Coalition's positions: The leader of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology

party Nikos Constantopoulos opposed the draft EU Constitution in his first address to the house, saying that the European Commission's proposals "were not want Europe needs in the 21st century".

Political unification could only go ahead in the sense of common European interests, something that did not now exist since the powerful EU member-states, in particular, differed in their perception of their interests.

He said the Coalition was in favor of holding a national referendum on whether to adopt the European Constitution and also a radical revision of the Stability pact.

He also criticized European social-democratic parties for "shifting to neoconservative positions", a claim refuted by the prime minister in his rejoinder.

[02] Communist party leader tells Parliamentary debate gap between countries widening

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

Papariga said that rivalries between European countries will increase, despite the political strengthening of the centre in Brussels, adding that for her party ''a progressive policy is one which develops the country's production base as the property of the people. Peoples must create struggle fronts against the strategy of the EU and must have results in changes of correlations at European level.''

Referring to foreign policy issues, she said nothing was said about the attack against Syria and Lebanon, while the resolution on the Palestinian issue was worse than all the previous ones.

Commenting on Greek-Turkish relations, Papariga expressed support for normalization and dialogue but rejected the ''climate of joy prevailing'', believing that the rapprochement being observed is a conjectural one.

[03] FM Papandreou meets with U.S. Cyprus Coordinator Weston

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

Weston termed as ''very useful'' his talks in Athens and Ankara and, while answering a reporter's question on what he considered as the most suitable time for a Cyprus settlement he said ''yesterday''.

The U.S. official left open the possibility of a meeting in Cyprus with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash saying that his meetings on the island republic have not yet been finalized.

U.S. Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller was also present at the meeting.

[04] Karamanlis receives State. Dept coordinator for Cyprus

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

According to reports, Washington is apparently interested in keeping the issue on the forefront so a solution based on the Annan peace plan is feasible in the aftermath of “elections” (December) in the Turkish-occupied portions of the island republic.

Karamanlis reiterated ND’s standing positions for a fair and viable solution to the Cyprus problem based on the European Union’s acquis communautaire and the Annan plan, views held by practically the entire spectrum of Greece’s political world. No comments were made following the meeting.

Weston began another tour of the region this week, including stops in Ankara and Nicosia.

[05] State Dept. comments

WASHINGTON, 23/10/2003 (ANA-T. Ellis)

''Ambassador Weston continues to urge all parties to the Cyprus issue, both sides on the island, as well as Greece and Turkey, to express to the UN Secretary General (Kofi Annan), as soon as possible, the necessary political willingness he has requested to resume negotiations under the framework of the UN Good Offices Mission on the basis of the Annan plan,'' Ereli said.

''That's what he's discussing on all his stops on his trip, including his stop at Ankara,'' the deputy spokesman added.

Replying to a question prompted by a statement he had made during Monday's press briefing expressing the concern of the US government regarding irregularities in the so-called elections in the occupied sector of Cyprus, and asked what the US government ''is going to do to prevent those irregularities with the UN'', Ereli said that one most not ''prejudge elections or predict their outcome''.

''We won't do that, and Ambassador Weston hasn't done it,'' he said.

''Ambassador Weston expressed his hope that the elections will be fully democratic, and noted that there's clear support among many Turkish Cypriot political leaders for finalizing negotiations on the Secretary General's peace plan and submitting it to referenda in time for a reunited Cyprus to join the EU on May 1, 2004,'' Ereli continued.

Replying to questions during Monday's briefing, Ereli had said that the US sees the upcoming elections in December in the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state as "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", noting that, in that 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".

He had also expressed the US hope that "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''.

To a question on whether the US was ''concerned at all about some indications of problems with the election lists in the occupied areas'', Ereli had replied that "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''.

[06] Turkish FM Gul winds up Athens by meeting PM Simitis

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

During their 50-minute meeting, Simitis and Gul reviewed Greek-Turkish relations, Turkey-EU rapprochement, the Cyprus issue, and the problem of violations of Greek national airspace by Turkish air force jets.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Simitis called 2004 an ''important year'' for matters concerning the Cyprus issue and also for Turkey's European prospects, and stressed the need for solutions to be found to the problems.

Gul expressed the desire for peaceful solutions to be found for all the issues, via dialogue, adding that Europe must manifest its good intentions towards his country.

Asked whether he had conveyed a message to Simitis (from Turkish prime minister Tayyip Erdogan), Gul replied that Simitis and Erdogan met regularly and therefore had no need of others to convey messages.

Earlier, at the foreign ministry, Turkish Finance Minister Kemal Unakitan, the governor of Turkey's central bank Sureyya Serdengecti, and the presidents of the Greek and Turkish Chambers of Commerce met with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, National Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, central bank governor Nikos Garganas, National Bank of Greece governor Theodore Karatzas and Alpha Bank chairman Yannis Kostopoulos for a review of the economic situation in both countries and to discuss new ways for growth and cooperation on both sides of the Aegean.

Gul left Athens at noon for Sarajevo to represent Turkey at the funeral of former Bosnia-Herzegovina president Alija Izetbegovic.

In comments on the visit on Wednesday, government spokes-man Christos Protopapas said the government had highlighted the Cyprus issue in talks with Gul.

Protopapas also pointed to the prime minister's comments in Parliament, where Simitis had reiterated that a solution to the Cyprus problem was a prerequisite for Turkey's European progress.

The spokesman rated the visit as positive overall, and said the repeated contacts had confirmed a "climate of understanding that makes the visit useful and beneficial."

[07] Outgoing NATO secretary general holds farewell talks with FM and DM

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

Asked on the issue of a possible Greek contribution with helicopters in Afghanistan, Robertson said he hoped for the generosity of the Greek people but does not knock on Greece's door alone since those who are there are in need of protection.

Referring to the same issue, Papantoniou said Greece's contribution will be discussed, which might take on other forms, adding that Greece is hesitating to commit forces and weaponry systems. He said other methods can be found to meet our obligations. Both Papandreou and Papantoniou expressed satisfaction over cooperation with Robertson during his tenure. On his part, Robertson expressed his appreciation for the very close ally Greece.

The foreign minister, on the occasion of his previous meeting with US representative for Cyprus Thomas Weston said developments on the Turkish Cypriot side are being awaited, adding that there is expectation for the message from that side, terming it crucial for the future of the island, the Turkish Cypriots and Turkey.

[08] Greek-Turkish high level discussions in Athens focus on economic relations

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

National Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdulah Gul, Turkey's Economy Minister Ali Babacan, and Turkey's Finance Minister Kemal Unakitan participated in the meeting along with the governors of the central banks of the two countries and other high ranking officials.

Christodoulakis proposed - and the proposal was accepted - that federations of industries and of the banking sector meet head of his visit to Ankara, which is scheduled for December, so that preparations may be made and that his visit yield immediate results.

[09] Wine production in Greece up 4.1 pct in 2003-2004, report

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

The confederation, however, said that wine production in Greece rose 4.1 percent in the period 2003-2004 compared with the period 1998-1999.

COPA-COGECA, in a report published on Wednesday in Brussels, said that wine production the EU would total 156 million hectoliters, down 9.3 percent from the 1998-1999 period, marking its fourth consecutive year of decline.

Germany (-21 percent), France and Italy (-16 percent each) recorded the biggest annual declines in production, while Spain (10.6 percent), Portugal (10.4 percent) and Greece (4.1 percent) the biggest annual increases.

Greek wine production totalled 3.67 million hectoliters from 3.52 million in 1998-1999.

[10] World Tourism Association Seminar to be held in Rhodes, Nov 24-25

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

The WTOBC represents all non-government organizations participating in the World Tourism Organization as associate members. WTOBC, representing the private sector, aims to promote cooperation between governments and enterprises for the support of tourism around the world.

SETE, in cooperation with WTOBC, announced the 1st World Tourism Association Seminar to be held in Rhodes, November 24-25.

Around 30 countries have expressed interest in participating in the conference, the agenda of which includes professional networking strategies, performance indexes, public rela-tions/media, attracting members, member contribution policies and information data management.

[11] Euro-Mediterranean business meeting in Athens next month

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

Karolos Papoulias, honorary-president of the Foundation, speaking to reporters during a news conference, stressed that Greek-Arab trade relations were growing steadily and that the conference will discuss ways to invest Greek and Arab capital to Southeast European countries.

Mr Papoulias, noted that bilateral trade with United Arab Emirates was showing a surplus for the Greek side and stressed that Greek exports were raising an annual rate of 10 percent.

"Greece has great potential to promote bilateral economic relations with Arab states with the countries in the region showing significant investment opportunities to Greek businessmen," Mr Papoulias said.

Arab states are promoting bilateral economic and technological partnership agreements, deals to promoting and protecting investments, pacts to avoid double taxation, free trade zones and favorable tax status for foreign investments, in their effort to attract foreign capital, particularly from Greece.

United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Qatar, Comores, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Bahrein, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, will participate in the conference with interest focusing on construction, tourism, real estate, bank and new technology sectors.

Greek Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis, speaking to reporters, stressed that Greece was establishing itself as the centre of a Euromediterranean Network, as part of an EU programmed to support a Euro-Mediterranean Transport Network, a project approved during the Greek EU presidency.

Agriculture Minister George Drys told the news conference that the ministry aimed to promote bilateral agreements with Mediterranean countries in the framework of the viability and rational utilization of natural resources in the region.

[12] European Commission referring Greece to European Court on vehicles issue

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

This is deduced by a reply given by the Commission to a written question by Coalition Party Eurodeputy Mihalis Papayiannakis on whether Greece has incorporated the directive.

Environment Commissioner Walstrom said ''the member-states, according to the directive, had to activate legislative, regulatory and administrative clauses by April 21, 2002. In parallel, they had to notify the Commission. Since Greece did not announce the national measures for the transfer of the directive when the time limit anticipated expired, the Commission activated the violation procedure.''

Papayiannakis, in a press release, noted that the number of cars withdrawn in the European Union every year is 8-9 million.

[13] PM calls on striking workers to show restraint

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

Speaking during the PASOK party's Executive Bureau meeting, Simitis also stressed that the government is open to dialogue with all workers for any issue, except that of income policy, asking of workers to show social solidarity as there are social groups hit more than others.

PASOK Secretary Michalis Chrysohoidis spoke to journalists of the premier's address to the committee which, as he said, focused on the drafting of a circular for polling that will take place for candidate nominations ahead of the next general elections.

He added that the issue of the party action plan up until the elections was also discussed.

[14] Gov't comments on ongoing garbage collectors strike

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

''The state held talks with workers at the Athens municipality and some of their demands exceed what the economy can endure,'' he said.

Meanwhile, public prosecutors in Iraklio and in Thessaloniki, where municipal garbage collectors are also on strike, launched inquiries to determine legal liability for the situation in both cities.

According to one report, there are now over 1,500 tones of rubbish on the streets of Iraklio.

Athens garbage collectors have been on strike over pay issues since last Thursday, while an Athens prosecutor on Tuesday filed charges against 'all responsible' for the mounting piles of rubbish on Athenian streets.

[15] PM says situation created with heaps of garbage a 'disgrace'

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

According to reports, Simitis made this remark during the meeting of his PASOK party's Executive Bureau. The reports said the prime minister termed the strike by local government workers inconceivable and, in contrast, referred to mobilization by working people who, as he admitted, had a reason to claim regardless of the government's possibilities of meeting their claims.

The reports further noted that Simitis also placed responsibility on union leadership, the Civil Servants Supreme Administrative Council, which is backing strike action by local government employees.

[16] Dynamic Life S.A. establishes subsidiary in Dublin

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

The "Being Best" brand belongs to Dynamic Life, which owns a network of gyms.

[17] Foreign ministry tables bill for FYROM economic support

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

The bill regulates that disbursement will be carried out in accordance with the Public Accounting system and the guide-lines of the OECD Developmental Cooperation Committee, which is not in line with legislation concerning the drafting of a program for bilateral economic cooperation.

Following approval, 20 per cent of the funds allocated for FYROM will be given toward private productive investments and 1 per cent to be used at the discretion of the Liaison Office of Greece in Skopje for the funding of small projects.

[18] Five new ships enter Greek registry

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

The ships are: "Cpt. Leon" 81,310 tons, tanker; "Aquaglory" 87,597 tons, cargo, newly built; "ProSky" 23,235 ton, tanker, newly built; "Maroulio" 31,269 tons, cargo, newly built and the "Kamari" 67,737 tons, tanker.

[19] Greek stocks fall on profit taking

Athens, 23/10/2003 (ANA)

The general index ended 0.84 percent lower at 2,127.28 points, off the day's lows of 2,119 points. Turnover was an improved 131.3 million euros.

The IT Solution and Cement sectors scored gains (1.41 percent and 0.04 percent, respectively), while the Publication, Construction and Food-Beverage sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (2.33 percent, 1.66 percent and 1.65 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.78 percent lower, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 0.98 percent, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index dropped 1.36 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 0.87 percent down.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 253 to 67 with another 42 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were National Real Estate, Football Pools Organization, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Public Power Corporation and Alpha Bank.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover

at 65.8 mln euros Wednesday

Equity Index Futures: