Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-11-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] DM Papantoniou cites intention to cut defense spending; continued Turkish demands

[02] PM receives Archbishop of America, discusses expatriate Greeks' issues

[03] PM and interior minister discuss regional issues, electoral law

[04] FM condemns killing of Italian soldiers in Nassiriya

[05] Gov't confirms transfer of those arrested at June Summit protests to Athens

[06] Gov't denies plans for reshuffle

[07] Alternate FM comments on issue of Loizidou's compensation by Turkey

[08] Education Minister speaks of Council of Europe's conference

[09] Finmin to give ministry 'special accounts' details to Parl't, gov't confirms

[10] Christodoulos to meet with emissaries to the Patriarchate

[11] Gov't spokesman says gov't does not share Mikis Theodorakis' views about Jews

[12] Deutsche Bank says EFG move part of wider dissinvestment plan

[13] Gov’t unveils draft bill on monitoring of public spending

[14] FinMin urges tight pricing, hiring policies by DEKO in 2004

[15] Germanos Group unveils ambitious expansion strategy in SEE

[16] Hellenic Petroleum unveils expansion strategy

[17] Goal of 20.3 mln tourists by 2010 is feasible, trade group says

[18] Farm minister to review fishermen's licenses

[19] Merchant marine minister to brief parliament on action plan

[20] Greek stocks weather Deutsche Bank's move, end off lows

[21] Culture Minister gives honorary medals to two British Olympic Games medalists

[22] Teenage newlyweds hang themselves after pressured by relatives to separate

[23] Last section of Attica Highway to open to traffic on Dec. 2

[24] Bill on forest protection and forestry register tabled in Parliament

[25] Ministerial decisions finalize framework for pets, strays

[26] Giotopoulos' lawyer alleges weaknesses in state's case at N17 trial

[27] Government launches ''Culture Card'' discount program

[28] 'Monuments & Environment' conference

[29] Turkey given one week to comply with Court judgment

[30] EU and Turkey explore ways to solve Cyprus problem

[01] DM Papantoniou cites intention to cut defense spending; continued Turkish demands

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

Speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Foreign Press Association (FPA) of Greece, Papantoniou cited Athens’ long-standing position of being forced to continue high defense spending – unique amongst all EU members -- in the face of Turkish intransigence.

“This need arises from the fact that, despite an improvement in the climate between Greece and Turkey, substantive problems have not been addressed. Greece has favored Turkey’s European course as long as there is a solution to the Cyprus problem based on the Annan peace plan, and as long as Turkey lifts its unilateral demands over our sovereign rights in the Aegean. Such a development would mark a crucial milestone for Greek-Turkish relations,” he said.

Papantoniou, the one-time national economy minister, also noted that Greece’s still high defense spending as a percentage of the state budget comes in the face of its adaptation to a new security environment in the world from “asymmetrical risks”, an indirect reference to terrorism.

He also said his ministry is continuing to reorganize military units, with a view to concentrating them in the Aegean and Thrace, as well as upgrading the operational capability of rapid deployment units.

Finally, Papantoniou cited the armed forces’ contribution to security for next year’s 2004 Olympic Games, including the deployment of troops, volunteers and public health support.

Some 10,000 troops will be deployed next August for the Games.

Defense Minister briefs Parliament on future armed forces organization: While briefing Parliament's Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee on the future organizational structure of the Armed Forces on Wednesday, Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou noted that there was no longer any military threat from the north.

At the same time, he agreed that there was an element of unpredictability in the western Balkans and that for this reason the northern borders would not be disarmed.

"We are proceeding to a redeployment of our forces and will always maintain the 2nd Army Corps in Veria, which covers Macedonia and Thrace and is always fully equipped," he said.

According to the minister, the new armed forces structure would still be geared toward handling the threat posed by Turkey in the East, since that country was in an unstable phase and the current good climate in bilateral relations might easily be reversed, given that there had been no progress on the Cyprus problem or on the issue of the Aegean continental shelf.

[02] PM receives Archbishop of America, discusses expatriate Greeks' issues

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

Dimitrios lauded Greece's successes during the Greek EU presidency, as well as the success of the Greek government in dealing with Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

On his part, Simitis congratulated Dimitrios for his work in America and requested of him to give his thanks to the Greek expatriate community of North America for supporting the Greek national issues.

The Archbishop also met with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and, following their meeting, responded to questions concerning the recent problems between the Church of Greece and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

He stressed that ''there are no unsolvable problems. The problem seems to be unsolvable, because it was stated in an incorrect way''.

Speaking of the international credibility of the Patriarchate, he said that ''this credibility and capability of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to have access to every venue, both in American and in Europe, and in general everywhere, should in no manner be decreased''.

''On the other hand'', he said, ''we have Greece, a country with a huge cultural tradition, with a long existence and a church here in Greece, a dynamic church. And in no way should we have such a church on the international scene being seen in any friction of any kind''.

He also called on all to exert effort and prayer for the Patriarchate to emerge from this situation stronger and not weakened.

On his part, Papandreou said that he discussed with Dimitrios issues concerning the developments in Orthodoxy and underlined that ''I would like to stress that we exchanged views on the issue and that concerning our side, that of the Greek government, we observe and of course we have regular contacts with both the Patriarchate and the Church of Greece''.

The foreign minister also spoke of the international credibility of the Patriarchate and the importance for both Orthodoxy and Greece of maintaining its significant international credibility.

He also said, however, that the Church of Greece is full of dynamism, ''it is a source of a living Orthodox Church and has contributed internationally through this dynamism toward the declaration of Orthodox values and the needs of Orthodoxy''.

Dimitrios, during his stay in Athens, also met with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis.

[03] PM and interior minister discuss regional issues, electoral law

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

Afterward, Skandalidis said that decisions were made during the meeting on the final form of proposals on these issues, which are to be discussed by PASOK party organs and the cabinet this week.

[04] FM condemns killing of Italian soldiers in Nassiriya

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

Papandreou extended on behalf of the Greek government ''solidarity, sympathy and condolences to the government, the Italian people and the families of the victims''.

[05] Gov't confirms transfer of those arrested at June Summit protests to Athens

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

He said the transfer aimed to protect the prisoners' health, since they have been on a hunger strike for some time.

The spokesman noted that the decision to remand the rioters in custody was not taken by the government and that the incidents in Thessaloniki "did scant justice to the concept of demonstration".

Justice minister: Transfer of '5' done for health reasons: The government on Wednesday said five out of the seven protesters arrested during the often-raucous demonstrations against a EU summit in northern Greece last June were transferred from a Thessaloniki jail to the country’s main penitentiary in Athens.

Justice Minister Filippos Petsalnikos said the five were transferred for reasons related to their “own protection”, as they are in the midst of a lengthy hunger strike. The other two suspects in custody are being held at another prison just north of Athens, in Avlona.

Meanwhile, attorneys for the five hunger strikers requested their release on Wednesday, citing health reasons.

[06] Gov't denies plans for reshuffle

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

[07] Alternate FM comments on issue of Loizidou's compensation by Turkey

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

''The Human Rights Court is an institution which protects and safeguards paramount achievements in the human rights sector.

''I believe that today's decision reflects in the best possible way the respect of the Council of Europe's countries for this paramount institution.

''I want to believe that Turkey will carry out the court's decision, showing in practice its self-commitment for respect for its decisions,'' he said. (See also Cyprus Affairs)

[08] Education Minister speaks of Council of Europe's conference

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

Efthymiou said that the focus of the meeting was the participation and address to the conference delivered by the Arab Conference's Culture representative, fulfilling a wish of the Council of Europe for a regular Euro-Arabic dialogue.

The minister also spoke of Europe's opening to immigrants over the next 30 years and the Council's discussion on the issue, which focused on the educational aspect of such a new multi-cultural reality.

[09] Finmin to give ministry 'special accounts' details to Parl't, gov't confirms

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

The spokesman was responding to questions and clarified that the accounts in question were unrelated to deficits.

[10] Christodoulos to meet with emissaries to the Patriarchate

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

The two metropolitans will depart for Istanbul on Thursday to meet with the Patriarch and provide him with the decisions of the Church of Greece Holy Synod that met last week and focused on the issue of elections for vacant bishopric seats in northern Greece.

[11] Gov't spokesman says gov't does not share Mikis Theodorakis' views about Jews

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

''The government does not share and does not agree with views expressed about the Jews during an event by Mr. Mikis Theodorakis.

''The Greek people, during their historical course, have defended the Jewish Community in Greece, which Mr. Theodorakis himself has honored with his musical work Mauthausen.

''Of course, apart from our disagreement for this position, Mikis Theodorakis always remains high in our esteem for the work he has offered and for his great contribution to our culture and our country,'' the spokesman said.

It is reminded that Theodorakis' statements were made in the framework of his wider stance voiced at an event regarding the circulation of three books of his on music, ideas, art and culture titled ''Where can I find my soul.''

The composer referred there to the fact that the Greek people are a people who, according to the terminology of former President Christos Sartzetakis, are ''brotherless.''

''We are alone, but without the self-awareness and fanaticism the Jews have. We and the Jews are two peoples who are brotherless in the world. However, they have fanaticism and succeed in imposing themselves. We can say today that this small people is at the root of evil, not of good, which means that too much self-awareness and too much insistence cause harm,'' Theodorakis said.

In another development, Theodorakis issued a statement on Wednesday, expressing surprise over the reactions caused by his recent statement about the Jews and saying ''my opinion regarding the Israeli people has been known for a long time, as is the case with any views on any other issue.''

The composer went on to say ''I have always supported the weak, those people who have fought for their rights, including the Israeli people'', adding that ''it is precisely for these reasons that I am totally against Sharon's policy and I have repeatedly stressed it. I have also repeatedly condemned the role played by eminent American-Jewish politicians and intellectuals in designing the present aggressive so-called 'policy' of George W. Bush.''

Theodorakis further stressed in his statement that ''only on purpose could somebody confuse the Israeli people, whom I admire and whom I have repeatedly honored, in deed, with these negative, condemnable phenomena. Because it is THESE PHENOMENA that blot the image of Israel, that constitute anti-Semitism, that are on the side of Evil, at the root of Evil, as I recently said.''

Meanwhile, Greek foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said in a statement to the Athens News Agency (ANA) on Wednesday night ''there is no official or unofficial demarche on recent statements by Mikis Theodorakis about the Jews, neither at our embassy in Israel nor at the Greek foreign ministry.''

[12] Deutsche Bank says EFG move part of wider dissinvestment plan

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

In a letter sent to Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, Deutsche Bank stressed that the decision was not related with the bank's confidence in Greek economic prospects, the country's financial system and in EFG Eurobank Ergasias.

''I wanted to explain to you that this transaction does not mean that Deutsche Bank has lost confidence in Greece or in the Greek economy. Quite to the contrary, we believe that your government is doing well and, in particular, that the privatization process is moving ahead in a highly satisfactory way and at an impressive speed,'' the latter signed by Michael Cohrs, head of corporate finance, member of the group executive committee, said.

The German bank stressed that its decision to withdraw from EFG Eurobank's equity capital was not expected to affect both banks' cooperation, particularly in the real estate sector.

''EFG Eurobank is, in our view, one of the most successful banks in Greece and, as your know, we have enjoyed over the last four years excellent relationships with them. I believe you would agree that between us we have served your government well, never having failed in any transactions with which you have been kind enough to entrust us,'' the letter said.

EFG Eurobank officials said that after completion of the sale (expected to be completed on Thursday) Eurobank's shareholders' base would rise, along with its free float in the market, while its profitability and dividend policy would remain intact.

The offering of Eurobank's 29.2 million shares, owned by Deutsche Bank, began on Wednesday through an accelerated book building.

The German bank is expected to benefit significantly from the liquidation of its equity stake in Eurobank. Deutsche Bank acquired Eurobank's 9.3 percent stake at 10 euros per share in 1998, while the sale price is expected to be set between 13-14 euros per share.

[13] Gov’t unveils draft bill on monitoring of public spending

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, presenting the draft bill, said it envisaged creation of a five fiscal monitoring centers and setting-up of a special commission to evaluate fiscal monitoring with the aim to monitor the integrity of staff working at the economy and finance ministry.

The draft legislation also envisages that each public agency with a budget of more than 5.0 million euros will be equipped with an internal spending monitoring department.

The draft bill also calls that all state, local authorities and pension funds should draft balanced budgets.

[14] FinMin urges tight pricing, hiring policies by DEKO in 2004

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

In a meeting with DEKO governors, Mr Christodoulakis urged them to avoid any rate increases that could burden domestic inflation and demanded that any price increases would be contained below the expected inflation rate for 2004.

The Greek minister also called for a freezing in borrowing needs for 2004 to this year's levels and urged DEKO governors to avoid any pension adjustments that could lead to higher labor cost.

Mr Christodoulakis is scheduled to meet with DEKO governors again this month to discuss public utilities and corporations' real estate assets.

[15] Germanos Group unveils ambitious expansion strategy in SEE

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

Mr Yiannis Karayiannis, chief executive of the group, speaking to reporters during a news conference, said that the company plans to raise its retail network in Poland to more than 350 through takeovers planned for this year, along with expanding its activities in Serbia and Ukraine.

Germanos Group operates a retail network of 580 units in six countries (290 in Greece, 146 in Poland, 66 in Romania, 46 in Bulgaria, 18 in Cyprus and 20 in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), making it the largest network of telecommunication product and services in the Europe and the second largest in retail unit numbers.

Mr Karayiannis also referred to the group's 24.6 percent strategic equity participation in Duty Free Shops, and to the operation of Sunlight, an industrial complex based in Xanthi, northern Greece, a manufacturer and distributor of energy batteries with a sales network around 25 countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

[16] Hellenic Petroleum unveils expansion strategy

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, during a news conference, Hellenic Petroleum's president George Moraitis expressed his optimism over a further improvement in the company's results in the fourth quarter of 2003. "We have fully exploited favorable developments in international refinery margins by raising both our production and sales. We also showed significant achievements in implementing our strategic targets, strengthening the group's position in Greece and abroad and ensuring the group's profitability in the coming years," Mr Moraitis said.

Athanasios Karahalios, Hellenic Petroleum's chief executive, stressed that the group would seek expansion of its downstream business (EKO petrol stations) to Southeastern Europe by merging its subsidiary in Cyprus and Montenegro and expanding its retail network in Serbia, Bulgaria, Albania and Georgia.

Mr Karahalios also said that the group's strategic goals included developing its hydro-carbon research activities in Montenegro, Albania and Libya, while Hellenic Petroleum was participating in the privatization of Petrom oil-products company, in Romania.

[17] Goal of 20.3 mln tourists by 2010 is feasible, trade group says

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

At the same time, meeting the targets would depend on the provision of auxiliary tourism infrastructure to favor special tourism and attract tourists outside the traditional summer holiday season, the report said.

The numerical targets have been set by the development ministry, which handles tourism.

By 2010, Greece could aim to have 46 golf clubs, 15 conference and trade fair centers, 24 spa centers, and 42 marinas, the association said.

"The targets are ambitious but not unattainable," it added.

[18] Farm minister to review fishermen's licenses

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

In addition, the ministry would use studies that have been conducted to help devise a revitalization plan aimed at attaining sustainable growth in the sector, Drys said.

The fisheries sector currently provides work for 35,000 people employed in around 18,000 vessels, he added.

[19] Merchant marine minister to brief parliament on action plan

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

The briefing will be given to parliament's trade committee.

[20] Greek stocks weather Deutsche Bank's move, end off lows

Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)

The general index ended 0.60 percent lower at 2,160.12 points, off the day's lows of 2,143 points. Turnover was a moderate 125.1 million euros.

The Publication and Insurance sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (1.53 percent and 0.84 percent, respectively), while the Banks and Telecommunications sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (1.44 percent and 1.05 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and other heavy traded stocks fell 0.85 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.10 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.24 percent lower.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 167 to 124 with another 71 issues unchanged.

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

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover 85.1 mln euros on Wednesday

Equity Index Futures: