Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-12-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM and Syrian president favor speedy normalization of situation in Iraq

[02] FM Papandreou: No results yet from Greek-Turkish talks

[03] FM says majority of Turkish Cypriots in favor of solution to Cyprus issue

[04] Mitsotakis' call for more austerity draws gov't fire, uneasy response from ND

[05] Gov't spokesman: Simitis is PASOK's candidate for PM in next elections

[06] Greek air force takes delivery of 40 new F-16s

[07] Greek and Serbian deputy DMs discuss threats appearing in Balkans

[08] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR

[09] Greek lawyers slam government's legal aid bill as 'unworkable'

[10] Greek GDP rose 5 per cent in 3rd quarter of 2003, NSS reports

[11] Record number of Greek tourists to Turkey

[12] Taxi strike ends in compromise with the government

[13] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks drop in profit taking

[14] Gov't mulls multi-management plan for post-Olympics use of facilities

[15] Skopje event showcases 2004 Olympic Games

[16] ATHOC and company sign contract for medical equipment

[17] Public prosecutor says Kokkalis investigation should continue

[18] V. Papandreou inaugurates new interchange in Athens

[19] European ombudsman announces research on social accession of disabled

[20] Party leader proposes Greece becoming zone free of genetically modified products

[21] Convicted 'Nov. 17' terrorist Savvas Xiros apologizes for 'pain he caused'

[22] Six illegal immigrants picked up on Samos

[23] CoE Secretary-General says no time should be lost for Cyprus

[01] PM and Syrian president favor speedy normalization of situation in Iraq

Athens, 17/12/2003 (ANA)

Assad declined any comment on the arrest of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, saying it was an ''Iraqi issue'', and urged the withdrawal of foreign forces from the country.

''Freedom must be given to the people of Iraq as soon as possible to enable them to decide on their constitution and to elect their government,'' Assad said, while Simitis noted that ''for as long as vagueness exists, the more conflicts will increase.''

The two leaders also agreed on the need for international terrorism to be confronted. Referring to the delivery of 22 suspects in the terrorist acts in Istanbul to the Turkish authorities by Syria, Assad clarified that relations between the two countries are improving constantly ''with initiatives on both sides'', adding that ''neighbors cannot live constantly with tense relations.''

He also indicated that there was cooperation between Syrian and Turkish services at legal and technical level.

''This is also compatible with Syria's principle for combatting terrorism. There is cooperation with many countries both for reasons of principle and for common interest since terrorism has no borders and is not only a matter of bordering countries,'' Assad said.

Referring to the situation in the Middle East, the Syrian president said ''Greece enjoys the trust of the Arab world'' and called on the Greek government to play a positive role for peace in the region and added that he can see no ''serious initiatives appearing in the near future.''

Simitis said on his part that the peace process in the Middle East must not be limited to Palestine and Iraq alone, but must be extended to the entire region, including Syria and Lebanon and reiterated Greece's position for the creation of two independent states which will live together with security and peace.

The prime minister also condemned direct and indirect support for terrorism.

Commenting on sanctions recently imposed on his country by the United States, Assad said the Syrian Congress is addressing the issue and added that ''there is an ongoing dialogue with the US which has never stopped. We are optimistic over this dialogue.''

The two leaders also discussed Syria's proposal at the UN on the banning of weapons of mass destruction in the region of the Middle East.

Simitis also expressed support for this initiative and spoke of the need ''for the existence of an applicable, binding and control-led means so that a country cannot claim that some other country possesses or not weapons of mass destruction.''

Syrian president says tourism can help political ties: Syrian President Bashar al Assad said on Tuesday that cooperation in tourism can also help countries on a political level.

''Tourism is very important step in also promoting dialogue on a political level,'' Assad told a seminar in Athens on promoting tourism ties between Greece and Syria.

He added that tourism was a force in Syria's economy that authorities were striving to improve further.

Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said that 2003 was a landmark year for links between the two countries with signature of a bilateral tourism pact in February; and Syria's participation in November in the Philoxenia sector trade fair.

In addition, a cooperation protocol is due to be signed on Wednesday that the two sides hope will spur Greek firms to invest in Syria, the minister added.

According to Syria's tourism minister, Saadala Aya Alikaala, the country drew 2.1 million tourists in 2002 with Greeks representing about 4,000 of the total.

Syria's Bashar Assad signs 'Olympic Truce' declaration: Visiting Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad on Tuesday became the 28th head of state to sign the ambitious “Olympic Truce” declaration, an initiative under the International Olympic Committee (IOC) vigorously being promoted by the Greek government ahead of next year’s Olympic Games in Athens.

Assad, on an official visit to Greece, praised the initiative, while referring to the “need for an international peace initiative, which will begin from Palestine and Iraq and expand around the world.”

On his part, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, one of the most prominent proponents of the initiative, cited the significance of Assad’s support for the truce – which calls on combatants to lay down their arms during the holding of the Olympic Games, a custom honored by the Greek city-states during the holding of the Games in antiquity.

Papandreou later briefly met with his Syrian counterpart Farouk al-Shara.

The Syrian leader earlier held separate talks with Greek political leaders.

Athens mayor meets visiting Syrian president: Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni met visiting Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad at the Athens Town Hall on Tuesday.

In her address, the mayor referred to the bonds of friendship between the two countries and stressed that ''we are certain that Syria will actively contribute, as a basic factor of stability in the Middle East, to the finding of a final solution for the open wounds of this much suffering region.''

''It is clear, of course, that such a solution does not depend exclusively on Syria. However, this will not be viable if Syria does not play a decisive role in this. A hope, I believe of all of us, Europeans and Arabs, is the gradual conversion of the Middle East to an area of stability, prosperity and democracy.''

On his part, the Syrian president stressed that ''within the framework of dialogue, we look forward to the strengthening of relations between the two cities, Athens and Damascus, through the exchange of official visits, meetings and agreements.'' President Bashar Al-Assad added that ''the aim is for us to utilize the experience which concerns the protection of the ancient cities and the harmonious co-existence of the modern urban environment in combination with the particular architectural and social characteristics of the area.''

Syrian president holds talks with Coalition of the Left leader: Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party leader Nikos Constantopoulos held talks with visiting Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad on Tuesday and said afterwards Greece and Syria have common interests and must work for peace in the region and for the course of Middle East countries towards Europe.

Constantopoulos expressed support for Syria's association with the European Union. He also said cooperation between Syria and Greece must be strengthened in the framework of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation to promote the Mediterranean as a region free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction.

[02] FM Papandreou: No results yet from Greek-Turkish talks

Athens, 17/12/2003 (ANA)

He said both sides agreed beforehand on the confidential nature of the talks, meaning that announcements will follow when tangible results are ascertained.

Moreover, he told deputies during an open session that discussions with Ankara are being held within a different framework than past contacts under previous Greek governments, citing Turkey’s decision to pursue its European course.

Papandreou said such a “framework” of talks excludes the notion of using violence to solve differences, “to the extent, of course, that Turkey’s volition for a European course continues”.

He nevertheless clarified that the Greek side would consider the referral of Aegean continental shelf dispute to the International Court at The Hague as a satisfactory development.

In a more telling statement, Papandreou said the ongoing talks are definitely “exploratory”, allowing Greece to evaluate the essence of Turkey’s intentions, namely, if there are “territorial demands”, which he said will squarely “lead us nowhere”.

“…Or, if there is an issue of simply facilitating (maritime) navigation, which we could examine within the framework of International Law and without violation of our sovereign rights,” he clarified.

Regarding the Cyprus question, he said 2004 will be a significant year because Ankara’s intentions on the issue will assessed, as will Turkey’s stance vis-a-vis the continental shelf difference as well as on issues of human and religious rights.

Furthermore, Papandreou said the Turkish armed forces remained a significant factor in formulating the neighboring country’s policy, something he said makes decision-making difficult without “internal negotiations” with the “inner state”. Finally, he reiterated that the Turkish armed forces continue to play a “significant, substantive and maybe pivotal … on the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations … No one can guarantee that Turkey will escape from this past logic.”

T/C ‘elections’: In reference to this past weekend’s “elections” in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus, Papandreou mostly echoed previous statement by Greek leadership, saying results offered a “positive message, which does not mean, however, that it (message) will have recipients that will judge is as positive. We’re waiting for Ankara’s position,” he noted.

[03] FM says majority of Turkish Cypriots in favor of solution to Cyprus issue

Athens, 17/12/2003 (ANA)

Papandreou was speaking after holding talks with US State Department special coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston, focusing on the situation being shaped in Cyprus after the ''elections''.

The foreign minister also said this was a ''positive and optimistic sign'' and stressed the need for a new phase as soon as possible.

Papandreou once again thanked Weston, currently on a tour of the region, for the interest both he himself and his government are showing for a solution to the issue of Cyprus.

On his part, Weston thanked Papandreou for very constructive talks and spoke of an identity of views, including the analysis of the outcome of the Turkish Cypriot ''elections''.

The U.S. official noted that the Turkish Cypriots voted in favor of a solution and of accession to the EU ''despite the fact that there were many reports of pressures being exerted.''

Weston stressed that ''the leaders of northern Cyprus must receive the message of the result of the 'elections','' adding that ''the situation still remains confused.''

He went on to say that it is certain that ''a solution to the Cyprus issue cannot wait for the internal political state of the Turkish Cypriots to be clarified. All parties must show the necessary political will.''

Weston will leave for Nicosia on Wednesday morning.

[04] Mitsotakis' call for more austerity draws gov't fire, uneasy response from ND

Athens, 17/12/2003 (ANA)

Mitsotakis said that the poor state of the economy made it imperative that ND or any other party that won the next elections exercise economic restraint, noting that ''Greeks must find out the high price we are paying for the extended pre-election period''.

Reacting to Mitsotakis, government spokesman Christos Protopapas again challenged ND to take a clear stand on the issues raised by the former premier and on its economic policies after the elections.

He called on ND spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos to clarify whether his party was planning unfavorable changes to labor and social insurance systems and if it had plans for an austerity policy.

Responding, Roussopoulos stressed that the ''central focus of an ND government's policies will be the low-paid, unemployed, young people, small to medium-sized businesses, farmers and the majority of Greeks,'' who had been neglected under PASOK's government.

''Mr. Protopapas and the policies he represents convince no one,'' he added.

According to ND MP George Voulgarakis, meanwhile, Mitsotakis' views were not binding for the main opposition, while ND echelon Thanassis Nakos said the former premier was ''above and beyond parties and can say what he says''. Other members of the party said that Greeks would not be required to 'tighten their belts' more than they already had and stressed that social justice and solidarity had to be restored.

[05] Gov't spokesman: Simitis is PASOK's candidate for PM in next elections

Athens, 17/12/2003 (ANA)

The response comes amid press speculation over the past week referring to various “succession scenarios” involving ruling PASOK’s leadership ahead of the elections – expected in late April or early May.

Asked if pressure was being exerted on Simitis by his Cabinet clarify his position regarding the issue of “succession”, spokesman Christos Protopapas told reporters that he does not discern any pressure at all, and that the premier confers regularly with his ministers regarding on-the-agenda items.

[06] Greek air force takes delivery of 40 new F-16s

Athens, 17/12/2003 (ANA)

In statements at the airbase, Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said the acquisition of the US-made warplanes significantly increases the Hellenic Air Force’s firepower, one connected to state-of-the-art technology and with a greater operational range.

He also stressed the balance of power in the Aegean, something that increases the Greek people’s feeling of security.

Air force attaches from the United States, Britain, Turkey, China, Poland and Moldova, among others, also attended the delivery ceremony.

[07] Greek and Serbian deputy DMs discuss threats appearing in Balkans

Athens, 17/12/2003 (ANA)

They also expressed support for a peaceful solution to the issue of Kosovo based on UN Security Council resolution 1244.

Kotsonis reiterated Greece's support for the neighboring country's request for accession to the European Union and NATO. He also briefed Maras on the planned joint naval force of the Adriatic and the Ionian in which Greece and other coastal countries participate.

The two deputy ministers signed three agreements concerning the military cooperation program for 2004, the appointment of a Greek officer at the defense ministry of Serbia-Montenegro and cooperation between the hydrographic services of the two countries.

They also discussed the possibility of members of Serbia-Montenegro's armed forces being trained at Greek military training establishments.

[08] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR

Athens, 17/12/2003 (ANA)

The six Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by Greek jets, while in one case the interception process developed into a mock engagement.

It was reported that one of the Turkish warplanes was armed.

[09] Greek lawyers slam government's legal aid bill as 'unworkable'

Athens, 17/12/2003 (ANA)

They also stressed that the state still owed nearly five million euros in legal fees due to lawyers that participated in previous legal aid schemes in 2001 and 2002.

In the meantime, they noted, the draft bill tabled recently by Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos would not actually go into effect until 2005.

They charged that the bill was flawed and would create a system that was seriously under funded, and that the government had rushed it to Parliament to reap points among voters prior to the elections, instead of setting up dialogue to further improve it. One of the sector's main objections is the fact that lawyers will be required to work for legal aid with lower fees and without any retainer, while they will be obliged to issue a receipt and pay taxes with little or no guarantee about when they will be paid.

They therefore demand that an adequate sum able to cover the costs of the system - which they estimate at roughly 30 million euros - be first included in the budget.

[10] Greek GDP rose 5 per cent in 3rd quarter of 2003, NSS reports

Athens, 17/12/2003 (ANA)

This follows successive year-on-year GDP rises of 4.3 per cent and 4.5 per cent in the first and second quarters of 2003, respectively.

Investments in the third quarter increased by 12.1 per cent against the corresponding period in 2002, contributing to a 2.5 per cent increase in overall demand, the NSS added.

It also reported a 3.8 per cent rise in final consumption spending in the same period against the third quarter of 2002.

[11] Record number of Greek tourists to Turkey

ANKARA 17/12/2003 (ANA/A.Ambatzis)

Based on data from the Turkish tourism and culture ministry, Greeks rank ninth among visitors from abroad, representing 2.74 per cent of arrivals in 2003 so far.

[12] Taxi strike ends in compromise with the government

Athens, 17/12/2003 (ANA)

According to union sources, Chrysohoidis contacted the secretary general of the finance ministry, who then communicated with the minister in order to find a solution to the walkout.

The finance ministry has reportedly agreed to extend the installation deadline to the end of April from January 1, 2004 with orders for the cash registers to be placed by December 31, a month later than the original deadline, which has already passed.

In addition, the receipts taxi drivers will issue in 2004 are not liable for the payment of 8.0 per cent value added tax, which is to be introduced on January 1, 2005.

[13] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks drop in profit taking

Athens, 17/12/2003 (ANA)

The general share index shed 1.03 percent to end at 2,179.12 points. Turnover was 187.1 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.99 per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 1.39 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities finished with losses of 2.18 percent.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 292 to 29 with 36 issues remaining unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 81.2 mln euros Tuesday

Equity Index Futures: