Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-10-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] IOC gives Athens 'thumbs up' for Olympics preparations

[02] European defense, int'l developments top agenda of Greek, French DMs meeting

[03] SE Europe deputy DMs discuss peace, security and cooperation in the region

[04] ND leader Karamanlis accuses government of 'opportunism' ahead of elections

[05] Greece to receive its 9th S-type frigate in March 2004

[06] EU calls on Ankara not to sanction customs union agreement with pseudo-state

[07] Loverdos represents Greece in Italian presidency's meeting

[08] Greek-Turkish moratorium concerned two military exercises, gov't spokesman says

[09] Garbage cleaning crews continue strike, gov't reacts

[10] Greek economic climate index up in September, IOBE report

[11] Greek gov’t seeks new tourism policy

[12] Greek closed-end investment firms' assets down in September

[13] Public Power Corp. stock offer oversold at home and abroad

[14] Privatization revenues 2.6 bln euros, Greek FinMin says

[15] Part-time employment in public sector to begin by early December

[16] Striking taxi drivers forge pact with government

[17] Greek stocks rebound on Friday

[18] "Hellenikon Park" takes center stage in mini-cabinet meeting

[19] Int. minister to announce additional measures for immigrants, minorities Monday

[20] Environment minister calls for designation of 'environmental' prosecutors

[21] EU social affairs commissioner provides data on cancer in EU countries

[22] Debate on 'the implementation of citizens' diplomacy to the Cypriot challenge'

[23] Vice squad breaks up ring that forced foreign women into prostitution

[24] N17 trial judge defends the press

[25] Greece road death toll drops by 24 pct

[26] Weston convinced that NGO observers will examine illegal elections in north

[27] EU Commissioner Barnier concludes working visit

[28] Britain supports implementation of ECHR judgment on Loizidou

[01] IOC gives Athens 'thumbs up' for Olympics preparations

Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

Top IOC inspector Denis Oswald began a press conference in the Greek capital on Friday by stressing that “things are getting serious, very close”, before saying that the Lausanne-based organization is pleased with the answers it got this week in Athens regarding a handful of concerns.

With high-profile 2004 Organizing Committee (ATHOC) President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki at his side, Oswald stressed that “no slippage in venue deadlines” was discerned since the last IOC inspection two months ago. He also said the seven Olympic “test events” that took place in August were “successfully conducted” despite a smattering of “minor problems”, as he noted.

“We will be ready for the Games’ historic homecoming … We have 10 months and 34 sports (test) events before us. Our goal is the gold,” Angelopoulos-Daskalaki stressed in beginning her comments at the customary press conference held after every IOC inspection.

Completion of a state-of-the-art dome over the main Olympic stadium as well as two major transportation projects, a new tram line in southern Athens and suburban rail network further north, dominated the spotlight this week, with both the IOC and ATHOC reportedly pressing the government, which in turn offered a latest round of firm promises that everything will be ready before the Games begin on Aug. 13, 2004.

“Time is, of course, the most important factor, especially in your last lap of competition. I think that ATHOC, the government and the IOC will have the stamina to cross the finish line successfully,” Oswald, the powerful chairman of the IOC coordination committee for 2004 Games, said

“It was really a shock to see how much work has been done in the three or four months … the Games for us begin much, much earlier,” he added.

Just as importantly, Oswald said Greek leadership -- including Premier Costas Simitis -- assured him that a general election next spring would in no way affect preparations for the Games.

Besides the Greek premier, main opposition leader Costas Karamanlis also received Oswald on Thursday.

In other statements, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said 1.7 million tickets have so far been sold, with revenue totaling 126 million euros, “we welcome this concrete expression of support from sports fans in Greece and around the globe.”

Additionally, she said four more venues will soon be ready, namely, the Main Press Center and facilities for table tennis, gymnastics, judo and wrestling. The International Broadcast Center, a doping control laboratory, a residential zone surrounding the Olympic Village and the weightlifting hall in the Nikaia district are among the new venues recently completed.

In reaction to the latest reports about new performance-enhancing substances that can be detected by new specialized urine tests, as well as efforts to combat the problem next year, Oswald said anti-doping measures are a top priority for the IOC while the latest state-of-the-art technology is imperative.

On her part, the ATHOC president said Greek organizers definitely want “clean Games”.

“We are doing whatever has been asked of us by WADA and the IOC. We want the Athens Games to shine,” she said.

Finally, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said more than 121,000 applications by would-be volunteers have been received by ATHOC.

IOC team completes inspection of 2004 preparations, meeting with PM Simitis: Prime minister Costas Simitis met Friday with top IOC inspector Denis Oswald, following the completion of an inspection by an IOC team in Athens on the course of preparations for the 2004 Olympic Games.

During the meeting, which was also attended by Athens 2004 organizing committee (ATHOC) chief Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and culture minister Evangelos Venizelos, the entire spectrum of preparations was examined, while special attention was given to three high-profile projects on which deadlines are pressing: completion of a state-of-the-art dome over the main Olympic stadium (OAKA) as well as two major transportation projects, a new tram line in southern Athens and suburban rail network further north.

Oswald, the chairman of the IOC coordination committee for the 2004 Games, was given reassurances by all the government officials and the ATHOC chief that the three projects would be ready on time, which Oswald found 'satisfactory', according to sources.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Venizelos said that all problems had been eliminated, while the OAKA, tram and suburban rail network would be delivered on time.

He said that Oswald had further been briefed by the premier on a bill slated to be tabled on November that ties up all loose ends concerning 2004 preparations, adding that immediately after national elections in May a bill would be tabled regulating the operation of the city of Athens for the duration of the Games.

Questioned on the issue of the elections, Venizelos said that Oswald was very much aware that the national polls would not obstruct the Olympics preparations, since the government saw the Games as not only a national issue but also as a unique opportunity to display modern-day Greece to the entire world.

"We shall not rest until the Games have ended," Venizelos said.

[02] European defense, int'l developments top agenda of Greek, French DMs meeting

Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

Papantoniou briefed his counterpart regarding developments in the Cyprus problem and Greek-Turkish relations, calling 2004 a critical year for Greece's national issues.

He stressed that the resolution of the Cyprus problem on a just and viable basis is necessary, adding that this resolution should be based on the Annan plan and should be completed before Cyprus' entry into the European Union on May 1st.

He also said that Turkey should fulfill the Helsinki criteria, concerning its European prospects, observing that the climate between Greece and Turkey may have improved, the neighboring country, however, remains yielding to its intransigent positions on the Cyprus problem and the continental shelf issue.

''We are looking forward to a change of Turkey's,'' he said.

The two ministers agreed on strengthening European defense, through the immediate activation of a work-team, which was created during the informal meeting of the defense ministers in Rome, on the establishment of an operational center and on the future structure of the European rapid reaction force.

Both ministers also supported the autonomous operational action of this European force, which will operate either in a complementary fashion to NATO or on its own, but never in competition to NATO.

Papantoniou and Alliot-Marie also decided to propose to the military industrial complexes of their countries, as well as those of the other European states to create a common front against their competitors, including those of Southeast Asia.

The two ministers spoke of conditions in Iraq and expressed their concern over the climate of insecurity in that country.

Papantoniou also briefed Alliot-Marie of the decision of Greece not to send attack helicopters to Afghanistan, on NATO's request, in light of the cost of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

ND leader meets with French defense minister in Athens: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) Costas Karamanlis on Friday met with French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie, at the French Embassy in Athens and discussed with her bilateral relations and issues of European Union interest, focusing on the European Constitution draft.

They also discussed issues concerning European defense and security, the future of the European military forces and the prospects of a common European defense industry.

[03] SE Europe deputy DMs discuss peace, security and cooperation in the region

TIRANA 25/10/2003 (ANA/I. Paco)

The enlargement of the SEDM Initiative with the participation of Serbia-Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina was the main issue discussed at the meeting and, according to reports, the Initiative's deputy defense ministers have a positive view on this prospect.

The deputy ministers also expressed satisfaction for the contribution of the countries of southeastern Europe to the struggle against international terrorism.

Greece was represented at the meeting by Deputy Defense Minister Theodoros Kotsonis.

Kotsonis said in his address Serbia-Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina must be encouraged and supported to fulfill necessary preconditions for their accession to SEDM.

He also requested the two countries' participation, for the time being, in the annual sessions of the Initiative member-states' defense ministers as observers.

The minister reiterated the need for intensifying the international community's actions in the Balkans to facilitate a final solution to differences and, at the same time, for economic development which is essential for the prosperity of the peoples of the region.

''Our vision is the creation of a healthy and stable Balkan environment, steadfastly attached to Europe and Euro-Atlantic institutions,'' he said.

Moreover, bilateral military cooperation between Greece and Albania was examined during a meeting between Kotsonis and Albanian Defense Minister Pandeli Majko.

The deputy defense minister notified the Albanian minister that the agreement on the naval base at Durres will be tabled for ratification in Greece's Parliament soon, while the implementation of the agreement on the military hospital at Gjirokaster is in its final stage with the purchase of necessary medical equipment.

[04] ND leader Karamanlis accuses government of 'opportunism' ahead of elections

Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

''Just yesterday the government decided to deal with matters concerning special groups of the population, such as our repatriated brothers, the Moslem minority, Gypsies and the economic refugees. It is apparent that it is a move of an electoral character,'' Karamanlis said.

The ND leader said that ''never in the past three and a half years has such a similar meeting been held, with the objective being all the matters which concern the special groups of the population. Therefore, are they or are they not within the framework of the policy of handouts and populism which have been recruited for the elections. Are they or are they not moves of party opportunism.''

Karamanlis was speaking to representatives of social partners in the municipality of Evosmos, northern Greece.

[05] Greece to receive its 9th S-type frigate in March 2004

Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

It concerns the ''Themistoklis'' frigate, which will sail into Salamina naval base in March 2004, once the necessary inspections are made and its crew is trained.

The total cost of the frigate amounts to 34.5 million euros, and this includes the acquisition of two more main engines.

Present at the ceremony were maritime and diplomatic representatives from both countries.

[06] EU calls on Ankara not to sanction customs union agreement with pseudo-state

NICOSIA 25/10/2003 (ANA)

The EU's Italian presidency considers the agreement uncompromising with EU legislation, contrary to the spirit of the Annan plan and damaging for efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue.

Replying to a written question by Greek Eurodeputy Alekos Alavanos, Italian Foreign Minister and Council of Ministers President Franco Frattini also called on Ankara, before the European Parliament plenum, to withdraw existing so-called trade agreements with the Turkish-occupied territory in Cyprus.

The Greek Eurodeputy termed the reply a positive but inadequate step in his address.

Alavanos called for the EU's intervention to have the agreement ''fully annulled'' ''which constitutes a provocation for Turkey's regime, as a candidate country for accession, as well as for the EU-Turkey customs union.''

[07] Loverdos represents Greece in Italian presidency's meeting

TRIESTE 25/10/2003 (ANA - S. Aravopoulou)

The basic issues on the agenda included the incorporation of the European Development Fund to the European budget, which will mean changes to the allocation of funds, as well as to the funding by member-states.

Loverdos noted during the meeting that Greece would not be opposed to the plans if that would not mean decrease of spending in Africa or increase of payments to the fund by Greece.

On the issue of cooperation for development intentionally, especially after the Cancun meetings failure to achieve results, Loverdos said that Greece is very careful due to its own agricultural issues.

[08] Greek-Turkish moratorium concerned two military exercises, gov't spokesman says

Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

Responding to a question over a new Turkish military exercise in Cyprus despite the moratorium, Protopapas said that the ''agreement of Antalya regarded two specific exercises and from that point on we will assess Turkey's stance''.

[09] Garbage cleaning crews continue strike, gov't reacts

Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

The ministry of interior, thus, requested the intervention of the ministry of public order in reopening a main landfill near Athens, in line with Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni who submitted a law suit against any and all responsible for keeping the landfill blocked, not allowing non-striking personnel to work.

This action at the Athens landfill opened the doors for the first 150 garbage trucks, but police will remain at the site to ensure access to the landfill.

A main landfill near Thessaloniki has been opened forcefully, following the intervention of the city's district attorney and police officers, who used chemical agents to disperse the employees from the gate of the landfill.

The Thessaloniki district attorney ordered the police forces to arrest if necessary anyone blocking the entrance to the landfill, opening the way for mounting piles of garbage to be collected from the city streets.

Earlier in the day, Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis responded to the municipal workers noting the dangers to public health created by the garbage and called on cleaning crew employees to return to work.

''They are playing with fire and for demands that are not worth such forms of struggle,'' he said, adding that the striking employees have overstepped bounds and that they can not be above the law.

He committed that the government will discuss with the municipal employees beginning Wednesday issues concerning special privileges regarding work conditions and pension benefits of the workers.

''We are at their disposal to discuss any institutional issues, not financial illogical demands,'' Skandalidis said, underlining that the newly called strike by the municipal employees is overstepping bounds.

''There is a court decision, one of condemnation. Since it does not only rule their strike illegal, but also notes that it is dangerous for the health of citizens and its continuation is fully unacceptable,'' he said.

''There are no workers, who are more equal before the law than others, the laws are the same for all citizens. Since the court ruled they are obliged to return to work, otherwise there will be legal procedures,'' Skandalidis stressed, noting that on Saturday the district attorney will seek their punishment on charges of endangering public health.

Skandalidis circulated to mayors the court decision on the strike, which also ruled that worker unions representatives would be fined 2,000 euros each for non compliance.

Workers responded that the court decision can not be implemented as they called for a new 24-hour strike with different demands and a separate 48-hour strike for the weekend.

[10] Greek economic climate index up in September, IOBE report

Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

The rise reflected an improved climate in the construction sector and better conditions in the retail sector, while the manufacturing and services sectors showed fractional improvement, IOBE said in its report.

The index of business expectations in the manufacturing sector rose to 102.9 points in September, it’s highest since November 2002, while in the construction sector, the business climate in Greece improved markedly in contrast with a declining sentiment in the rest of the European Union. Around 50 percent of Greek businesses expect improved activity compared with the previous quarter, while prospects for employment were significantly better.

The business expectations' index in the retail sector rose significantly to 116.7 points, reaching the highest levels this year, while in the services sector the index soared to new 2003 highs in September reflecting renewed optimism over the prospects of the sector in the months ahead.

[11] Greek gov’t seeks new tourism policy

Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Mr Tsohatzopoulos stressed that the country should promote new tourist products to achieve an extension of the tourist season in Greece.

A cabinet meeting, scheduled for next week, will discuss ways to promote tourism, while Greece's National Tourism Organization would remain the exclusive agent for the promotion and marketing of Greek tourism abroad, Mr Tsohatzopoulos said.

The Greek minister reiterated that Greece aims to attract 20 million tourists in 2008 and to raise the contribution of tourism in the country's Gross Domestic Product by another three percentage points by that period.

[12] Greek closed-end investment firms' assets down in September

Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

A monthly report by the Union of Institutional Investors attributed the fall to an 8.63 percent drop in the general index of the Athens Stock Exchange over the same period.

The sector showed an average return over 4.84 percent at the end of September sharply up from -24.10 percent in the same month last year.

The average discount of the sector rose to 16.43 percent in September from 13.63 percent the previous month, while discounts varied between 5.95 percent and 29.25 percent.

[13] Public Power Corp. stock offer oversold at home and abroad

Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

On sale to be 36.5 million quoted shares, representing 15.7 percent of existing share capital in the company.

Completion of the latest share sale means that 49.9 percent of the electricity utility will be listed.

[14] Privatization revenues 2.6 bln euros, Greek FinMin says

Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Mr Christodoulakis stressed that all proceeds from the sale of an 11 percent equity stake in National Banks were exclusively earmarked for reducing the public debt.

Commenting on the management of past privatizations' revenues, the Greek minister said that in certain cases money was used to cover pension funds' deficits.

"The state is obliged to ensure pension payment and to cover deficit in pension funds. We will never leave people with social security to face problems with their pensions," Mr Christodoulakis stressed.

He also said that money could also be used for the development of a company and cited the example of Athens Water, a company that will use part of its privatization revenues to finance its expansion.

Referring to the Post Savings Bank, Mr Christodoulakis said that the bank would have to reduce its equity capital. The government plans to sell a 35 percent stake in Post Savings Bank through an open tender and to pension funds, while another equity stake will be offered to the public as part of a plan for the bank to maintain its autonomous course of another five years. Mr Christodoulakis stressed that the management team would be jointly approved and noted that all workers' rights would be ensured.

The Greek minister said there was intense interest from new investors for Public Power Corporation's latest flotation and announced that DEPA (Public Natural Gas Enterprise) was expected to begin negotiations with the Spanish company that has expressed firm interest in becoming its strategic partner.

[15] Part-time employment in public sector to begin by early December

Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

Addressing a day-seminar in Thessaloniki on the theme 'Part-time employment and social services', Skandalidis further said that public sector agencies should submit their operational plans for part-time hiring by the end of the month.

Skandalidis assured prefects, mayors and public sector agencies' representatives taking part in the meeting that the funds for the hiring of 20,000-25,000 part-time employees had already been secured.

He said that implementation of the law on part-time employment in the public sector was a top priority of the government.

[16] Striking taxi drivers forge pact with government

Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

Although the SATA union made no announcement of an end to the stoppage, which was originally due at 5am on Saturday, taxis in Athens and the provinces began reappearing on the streets.

Under the terms of the agreement made with Deputy Finance Minister Apostolos Fotiadis, taxis will carry electronic cash registers starting on January 1, 2004; and all cab drivers and owners will pay income tax under the regular system beginning on January 1, 2005.

[17] Greek stocks rebound on Friday

Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

Demand for PPC's shares rose significantly as the market discounted a positive outcome in a third flotation by the company.

The general index rose 0.47 percent to end at 2,102.10 points, with turnover a moderate 98.1 million euros. The index ended the week with a net loss of 1.06 percent.

The Holding and Industrial sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (0.74 percent and 0.72 percent, respectively), while the Investment and Bank sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (0.67 percent and 0.58 percent, respectively). The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.19 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.20 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.12 percent up.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 163 to 130 with another 68 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 59.8 mln euros Friday

Equity Index Futures: