Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-11-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM inaugurates hospital, tours CD manufacturing factory in Thiva

[02] ND leader Karamanlis lambastes gov't, PM Simitis

[03] FM attends EU foreign ministers meeting in Naples

[04] FM on discourse over Europe's Christian tradition in EU Constitution

[05] FM meets with Turkish counterpart on sidelines of EU conference

[06] President inaugurates new European Public Law Centre facilities

[07] Education minister reacts to ND initiative in Euro parliament

[08] Intensified security measures ordered for 2004 Games

[09] Athens mayor says proposed Local Government Code 'fails to deliver'

[10] Tsohatzopoulos, Papandreou participate in ESP conference in Brussels

[11] Interior minister visits Halkidiki

[12] Gov't reiterates policy of non-intervention in Church dispute

[13] Communist parties of Greece and Cuba sign cooperation protocol

[14] Finance minister to visit Ankara and Istanbul

[15] Labor minister inaugurates 3rd OAED job centre in Thessalonica

[16] Hellenic Stock Markets SA reports improved nine-month result

[17] Greek ship-owners reject govt's new plan for the sector

[18] State Audit Council presents its report for 2002 to Parliament

[19] OA flight attendants on strike

[20] Golf seen as future tourism option for Greece

[21] Greek stocks end week with a net gain of 2.49 pct

[22] "Nikos Kazantzakis" in Vienna on Saturday

[23] LIFE program project to focus on Balkan buzzard

[24] President Papadopoulos to meet Berlusconi on December 2

[25] Foreign Office: Turkey must comply with ECHR decision

[26] Britain wants a solution on Cyprus, Hein says

[27] EDEK to campaign for EP elections in common program with PES

[28] Labor Minister assures T/C workers their rights will be secured

[29] Swedish Embassy in Nicosia in 2004

[01] PM inaugurates hospital, tours CD manufacturing factory in Thiva

Athens, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

The hospital was built at a cost of 10 million euros and has 100 beds, while 50 per cent of the funds were spent on buying equipment, Stefanis said during the ceremony.

According to the prime minister, the hospital was the latest in a series of projects and initiatives for the development of Viotia, such as a recently established centre for the support and training of the disabled, the new university and TEI departments for the academic year 2005-2006 and other local projects.

During his address, Simitis also noted that Greece had almost doubled spending on health since 1995 and today invested more than 8 per cent of the budget in order to double health-sector infrastructure in the country by 2006.

''Our commitment to the National Health System (ESY) is unwavering and not negotiable. Privatization is not the solution,'' the premier stressed.

He said the government's aim was to increase funding for state health systems from 2.7 per cent of GDP to 4 per cent of GDP by 2008 and to increase nursing staff in state hospitals by at least 10,000.

The premier also launched into a barrage of criticism against main opposition New Democracy and its plans to ''refound'' the state sector, accusing it of planning to install a party-dominated public sector and of having ''neoliberal plans for the social state.''

Simitis stressed that the coming four years would be a ''high-risk'' period, during which the fate of major goals for Greek foreign and social policy would be decided in a fluid and uncertain international environment. Among these he listed the Cyprus problem, relations with Turkey and the 'social charter' announced by the government and said that progress in Greece required that ''all progressive and modernist forces be united behind common program goals''.

After inaugurating Thiva's new hospital, Simitis visited the Centre for Social Support and Restitution of People with Disabilities and the CD-manufacturing plant OMP Europe SA, where he stressed the need that Greek industry branch out into new products that involved new technology and thus break into new markets.

The premier was shown around the plant and briefed on its activities by the management, who said their sales network extended to 40 countries worldwide and included a number of multinational firms, so that it had a large share of the world market.

He ended his visit with a stroll along Thiva's pedestrian avenue, where local mayor Athanasios Skoumas presented him with the city's medal.

[02] ND leader Karamanlis lambastes gov't, PM Simitis

Athens, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

''Mr. Simitis knows what he must do, but he also knows the result, and so he turns his back and pretends that he does not hear, in an effort to win a few more days,'' Karamanlis said in an address to his party's Central Committee.

Karamanlis said that ''the establishment will not fall like a ripe fruit, because it is battling for its preservation'', with the only goal being to hang on to power.

He also opined that the timing of elections was uncertain, and called on his cadres to remain on alert, adding that the attention of the citizens was now turned on ND.

Karamanlis predicted that the pre-electoral period would, ''at the responsibility of the ruling party'', be characterized by polarization, aggressiveness and partition, and warned that his party would not follow suit.

He insisted on overtures to the voters of all parties, and accused PASOK of having abandoned its ideology and of presenting itself today as the ''responsible Left'', thereby accusing the others of being an ''irresponsible Left'' and of trying to give lessons in ideology to all the others.

Commenting on Karamanlis' address, government spokesman Christos Protopapas later said during a press briefing that the ND leader, lacking policies, was manufacturing and disseminating scenarios. But, he added, the country was moving forward and producing work, and called on Karamanlis to visit the various projects currently under construction to see for himself.

[03] FM attends EU foreign ministers meeting in Naples

NAPLES, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

The ascertainment was made by Foreign Minister George Papandreou, while summing up Friday morning's discussion between European Union foreign ministers at the ''conclave'' being convened here.

''Considerable steps have been taken in this direction,'' Papandreou said, mentioning consent enjoyed by proposals on the enactment of the ''social clause'', the incorporation of the Fundamental Rights Charter in the European constitution, the enactment of the institution of the European public prosecutor, the institutionalization of the ''solidarity'' clause (for natural disasters or terrorist attacks) and the ''mutual assistance'' clause in the event that a member-state sustains an attack on its territory.

Papandreou also referred to two predictions of particular Greek interest concerning tourism (for which supportive action is anticipated) and the islands (for which facilities are anticipated to handle permanent disadvantages characterizing insular regions).

The Greek foreign minister observed that there will be indications of the degree of the consent's maturity at Friday night's dinner for the foreign ministers (at which issues of common foreign policy and defense will be examined), as well as on Saturday when the ministers will discuss the Intergovernmental Conference's institutional issues.

Replying to a questioner, Papandreou said the recent decision taken by ECOFIN (in the sense of favorable handling of Germany and France) was criticized by some partners during the morning discussion and that he himself, as well as other counterparts of his, stressed that ''other conjunctural issues'' must not be involved in the discussion because the process will become counter-productive.

[04] FM on discourse over Europe's Christian tradition in EU Constitution

Naples, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

The issue has divided the members of the EU and has attracted both strong support and disagreement.

Papandreou stressed that some of his counterparts said that Europe's Christian tradition cannot be given special preference, as there is also the Greco-Roman dimension, the Viking memories and other such historical references, while it creates feelings of estrangement to Muslims, a sizable community in Europe.

Papandreou also said that in the prelude of the constitution the values and principles of Europe should be registered, which concern everyone and so references of preferential treatment should be avoided.

[05] FM meets with Turkish counterpart on sidelines of EU conference

Naples, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

According to a briefing by the foreign ministry, the meeting between Papandreou and Gul was part of bilateral talks that the two ministers have established on every suitable occasion.

The same sources said that the two men discussed current issues, such as conditions in Turkey following the terrorist attacks in Istanbul, ways of confronting terrorism, European developments and the Cyprus issue.

[06] President inaugurates new European Public Law Centre facilities

Athens, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

The president hailed the scientific contribution of the Centre, stressing that Greece has particular needs in the sector of public law.

''Our constitutional situation is at a very high level, but there is always room for improvement,'' the president said.

The host at the ceremony was the director of the Centre, Professor Spyridon Flogaitis.

In a written message, Foreign Minister George Papandreou hailed the importance of the Centre and its contribution of technical know-how to all the countries which have asked from it during its eight years of operation.

[07] Education minister reacts to ND initiative in Euro parliament

Athens, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

Efthymiou said that this amendment will not be approved by the European Parliament if it is not supported by ND, criticizing ND leader Costas Karamanlis for hiding his agenda from the people of Greece which, as he said, includes the establishment of private universities in Greece.

[08] Intensified security measures ordered for 2004 Games

Athens, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

The stepped up measures come in the wake of last week’s dastardly terrorist bombings in Istanbul.

The first fence will surround the Village’s outer perimeter, with the area in between the two fences left for patrols and the passage of emergency vehicles.

Moreover, Greek authorities said ultra-sensitive sensors and cameras as well as manned observation posts will be employed at the Olympic Village as well.

According to a Greek police source on Friday, authorities added more security safeguards to the already draconian measures following the twin strikes in neighboring Turkey, especially in terms of collecting and analyzing data.

The same sources stressed, however, that Greek security forces are now in a position to deal with “whatever threat”, due to the recent provision of cutting-edge technology, continuing personnel training and an ever-increasing information-exchange and collection system.

[09] Athens mayor says proposed Local Government Code 'fails to deliver'

Athens, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

She said the present model of local government in Greece, which central government was loathe changing for political reasons, was unable to solve the problems of local government at their roots and could not enable it to adapt to European models for development.

She also accused central government of ''dumping'' problems that were hard to handle on local authorities, thus appearing generous toward local government while relinquishing responsibility.

Bakoyianni also called for elected heads of regional authorities.

The financial straits of local government were another focus of Friday's session, with speakers stressing the need to secure financial autonomy and self-reliance for local authorities, while all sides agreed on the need to transfer tax revenue and power to local government.

According to Thessalonica Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, the Code for Local Government should be withdrawn and KEDKE should submit its own proposal within the next six months.

He also stressed that, under the state budget for 2004, 700 million euros from institutionally established local government funding sources would not be paid to municipalities and communities.

[10] Tsohatzopoulos, Papandreou participate in ESP conference in Brussels

Brussels, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

The three-day forum is an initiative of the European Socialist Party.

Following the first day's session Tsohatzopoulos, who is a vice president of ESP, underlined that that the aim of the forum is to formulate an approach for a new strategy of development for all the world and ways to confront international challenges stemming from the globalized economy.

On her part, Papandreou said that today the international economy is becoming more and more unified and wealthy, while the allocation of the wealth is very unequal, as 15 per cent of the developed countries have 85 per cent of the global wealth and the rest of the world share the remaining 15 per cent.

[11] Interior minister visits Halkidiki

Athens, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

The minister then visited Kallikratia, where he inaugurated a new Citizens' Service Centre.

[12] Gov't reiterates policy of non-intervention in Church dispute

Athens, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

He was responding to questions about the government's position on the dispute and whether it was considering a change in the Act of 1928.

The spokesman ruled out any legislative intervention unless this was proposed jointly by the Greek Church and the Patriarchate.

[13] Communist parties of Greece and Cuba sign cooperation protocol

Athens, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

The protocol was signed by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga and Jose Ramon Balaguer, a Politburo member responsible for the International Relations Department of Cuba. The cooperation protocol is of two-year duration and at the end of the two years it will be renewed every two years each time.

The cooperation protocol includes joint action by the two parties in movements, mutual visits by delegations, the expression of solidarity, as well as the study of theoretical matters, a KKE announcement said.

Meanwhile, Papariga addressed an anti-imperialist rally in Havana, which included medical students and students of medical professions.

More than 30,000 people took part in the rally, held by students of the Medical School of Havana in honor of the students of the Medical School who were executed 132 years ago by the Spanish conquerors, the KKE announcement concluded.

[14] Finance minister to visit Ankara and Istanbul

Athens, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

The visit will take place on the occasion of the signing of the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and is aimed at promoting Greek-Turkish economic cooperation.

Christodoulakis will be received by Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan and will also meet Finance Minister Unakitan, Economy Minister Babakan, Foreign Trade Minister Tuzmen, former Economy Minister Dervis and the Council of Bank Supervision and Control.

[15] Labor minister inaugurates 3rd OAED job centre in Thessalonica

Thessalonica, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

The minister announced that two more OAED centers will be opened in the northern Greek port city by January.

Reppas said the new centre was set up to serve western Thessalonica districts, where the workforce amounts to 150,000. He said there were now 70 such centers operating throughout the country, helping to achieve government goals of increasing employment and decreasing joblessness.

Unemployment in Greece was now lower than the EU average at around 8.9 per cent, Reppas reported, and lower than in both France with 9.5 per cent unemployment and Germany with 9.4 per cent unemployment.

The minister projected that unemployment levels would fall to 7 per cent by 2006 and 6 per cent by 2008.

The local committee for main opposition New Democracy, however, issued an announcement criticizing the minister's visit and saying he had failed to refer to the real and "nightmarish" unemployment figures for the Thessalonica area.

Fielding questions during his visit, Reppas was critical of a wave of strikes by various professional groups in recent months, saying that these "should not lightly take decisions that might bring transitory benefits to one social group at the expense of the long-term prospects of the Greek economy".

He also hinted that many of the strikes had party-political motives, with an eye to the upcoming elections.

Regarding a protest planned by the country's mayors on December 18 in Parliament, the minister said the government's policy was to give local authorities the means to do their job and that protests were not a constructive way of achieving progress, while he urged mayors to deal with the problems through "dialogue and understanding".

[16] Hellenic Stock Markets SA reports improved nine-month result

Athens, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

Consolidated turnover totaled 43.29 million euros from 38.084 million euros in 2002, for an increase of 14 percent.

The group attributed its improved results to 19.516 million euros in revenues from unused projections of a depreciation of its equity portfolio in the January-September period.

Revenues from derivatives rose 28 percent, while operating costs fell by 13 percent with staff expenses dropping by 8.0 percent in the nine-month period.

Consolidated pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA) jumped 95 percent to 20.327 million euros, from 10.430 million euros last year.

Parent revenues from dividends and interest payment totaled 17.743 million euros, down from 24.952 million euros last year, while net pre-tax profits fell to 16.443 million euros from 21.803 million euros in 2002.

[17] Greek ship-owners reject govt's new plan for the sector

Athens, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, during a news conference, the board of the Greek Passenger Shipping Owners' Union said they rejected a government plan calling for the withdrawal of ferry ships after their 30th year of age, when ships are free to operate without any age limits in the rest of Europe.

The union also urged for the abolition of 3.0 percent surcharge on fares, imposed by the state to secure funding to subsidize remote island sea routes and for the immediate abolition of a price ceiling on economy class fares.

[18] State Audit Council presents its report for 2002 to Parliament

Athens, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

Receiving the report from the head justice of the Audit Council Constantine Rizos, Kaklamanis stressed that the recommendations of body should be respected and stimulate state services to increase transparency and honest handling of public money.

[19] OA flight attendants on strike

Athens, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

The strike is expected to last until Monday.

According to the airline’s management, 17 out of 31 flights up until the afternoon were cancelled, while union representatives said OA’s charter subsidiary, Macedonia Airways, served the routes instead.

The charter subsidiary, as well as Olympic Aviation, the carrier’s subsidiary for domestic routes, continued their normal service.

[20] Golf seen as future tourism option for Greece

Athens, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

New golf courses could be established as part of tourism and development investment ventures, the speakers told the European meeting in Athens that included delegates from 15 countries.

Cooperation would need to evolve between private sector companies and government authorities, the speakers said.

Greece has five 18-hole golf courses and one nine-hole course used by 1,300 players, according to the European Golf Association.

Planned or under construction are a further five courses in Corfu, Crete, the Peloponnesus and Halkidiki, the association said.

[21] Greek stocks end week with a net gain of 2.49 pct

Athens, 11/29/2003 (ANA)

The general index eased 0.60 percent to end at 2,170.05 points, with turnover a huge 473.1 million euros, of which 316.7 million euros reflected the transfer of Panafon's shares to Vodafone. The index ended the week with a net gain of 2.49 percent.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.67 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.04 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.71 percent lower.