- Dimitri Koufodinas, Savvas Xiros and Vassilis Tzortzatos: 23x12 years for 23 counts of attempted murder.

- Christodoulos Xiros and Alexandros Giotopoulos: 23x15 years for attempted murder.

- Patroklos Tselentis: 23x11 years for attempted murder.

- Dimitri Koufodinas, Savvas Xiros and Vassilis Tzortzatos: 8 years for the explosion (from the bomb blast) + 15 years for simple complicity in the murder.

- Christodoulos Xiros: life for the murder + 8 years for the explosion.

- Patroklos Tselentis: 11 years for the murder + 4 yrs for the explosion.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos: life for the murder + 15 years for the explosion.

- Dimitri Koufodinas: 8 years for the explosion + 3x12 years for the attempted murders.

- Savvas Xiros and Alexandros Giotopoulos: 15 years for the explosion + 3x15 yrs for the attempted murders.

- Dimitri Koufodinas: 8 yrs for the explosion + 3x12 years for attempted murder.

- Savvas and Christodoulos Xiros: 15 yrs for the explosion + 3x15 yrs for attempted murder.

- Vassilis Tzortzatos: 8 yrs for the explosion + 3x12 years for attempted murder.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos: 15 years for the explosion + 3x15 years for attempted murder.

- Dimitri Koufodinas: 8 yrs for the explosion + 15 years for murder.

- Savvas Xiros: 15 yrs for the explosion + life for murder.

- Christodoulos Xiros, Iraklis Kostaris : 8 yrs for the explosion + 15 yrs for murder.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos: 15 yrs. for the explosion + life for murder.

- Dimitri Koufodinas: 12 years for complicity in explosion + 3x15 years for three counts of attempted murder.

- Savvas Xiros: 18 years for perpetrator of the explosion + 3x18 years for three counts of attempted murder.

- Vassilis Tzortzatos: 12 years for the explosion + 3x15 years for three counts of attempted murder.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos: as moral instigator, 18 years for the explosion + 3x18 years for three counts of attempted murder.

- Dimitri Koufodinas: 8 years for simple complicity in the explosion + 15 years for the death of the policeman + 11x12 years for 11 counts of attempted murder.

- Savvas Xiros, as perpetrator: 15 years for the explosion + life for the policeman's murder + 11x15 years for 11 counts of attempted murder.

- Christodoulos Xiros, as accomplice: 15 years for the explosion + life for the murder + 11x15 years for attempted murder.

- Vassilis Tzortzatos, for simple complicity: 8 years for the explosion + 15 years for the murder + 11x12 years for attempted murder.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos, as moral instigator: 15 years for the explosion + life for the murder + 11x15 years for attempted murder.

- Dimitri Koufodinas, for simple complicity: 5x12 years for five counts of attempted murder + 8 years for the explosion (caused by a hand grenade) + 4 years for attempted grand larceny.

- Savvas Xiros, as perpetrator: 5x15 years for attempted murder + 15 years for the explosion + 5 years for attempted grand larceny.

- Christodoulos Xiros: 8 years for simple complicity in the explosion + 4x12 years for simple complicity in attempted murder + 4 years for attempted grand larceny.

- Sotiris Kondylis: 3x11 years for simple complicity on three counts of attempted murder against police officers + 2 years for attempted grand larceny.

- Dimitri Koufodinas, Savvas Xiros: 8 years for simple complicity in the explosion + 12 years for attempted murder.

- Christodoulos Xiros, as perpetrator: 15 years for the explosion + 15 years for attempted murder.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos, as moral instigator: 15 years for the explosion + 15 years for attempted murder.

- Dimitri Koufodinas, as perpetrator: life for the explosion + life for murder + 8x15 years for 8 counts of attempted murder.

- Savvas Xiros, for simple complicity: 15 for the explosion + 15 years for murder + 8x12 years for attempted murder.

- Christodoulos Xiros, as accomplice: life for the explosion + life for murder + 8x15 years for attempted murder.

- Vassilis Tzortzatos, for simple complicity: 15 years for the explosion + 15 years for murder + 8x12 years for attempted murder.

- Costas Telios, for simple complicity: 10 years for the explosion + 11 years for murder + 8x11 years for attempted murder.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos, as moral instigator: life for the explosion + life for murder + 8x15 years for attempted murder.

- Dimitri Koufodinas, Savvas Xiros, Vassilis Tzortzatos and Alexandros Giotopoulos: 15 years.

- Dimitri Koufodinas: life for murder + 15 years for attempted murder.

- Savvas Xiros: 15 years for murder + 12 years for attempted murder

- Alexandros Giotopoulos: life for murder + 15 years for attempted murder (as moral instigator).

- Dimitri Koufodinas: 15 years as simple accessory.

- Savvas Xiros: life as perpetrator.

- Sotiris Kondylis: 12 years as simple accessory, with mitigating circumstances.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos: life as moral instigator.

- Dimitri Koufodinas: 15 years for simple complicity in murder.

- Savvas Xiros: life as perpetrator for murder.

- Vassilis Xiros: 15 years as simple accessory to murder.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos: life as moral instigator to murder.

- Dimitri Koufodinas, as co-perpetrator: life for murder + 4 years for illegal possession and use of arms.

- Savvas Xiros, as co-perpetrator: life for murder + 4 years for illegal possession and use of arms.

- Vassilis Xiros, for simple complicity: 15 years for murder + 3 years for illegal possession of arms.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos, for moral instigation: life for murder.

- Dimitri Koufodinas: 8 years as simple accessory in the explosion.

- Savvas Xiros: 15 years as perpetrator for the explosion.

- Vassilis Xiros: 6 years for simple complicity.

- Sotiris Kondylis: 5 years for simple complicity.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos: 15 years for moral instigation.

- Dimitri Koufodinas: 8 years for the explosion + 2x12 years for two counts of attempted murder, as simple accessory.

- Savvas Xiros: 15 years for the explosion + 2x15 years for attempted murder.

- Vassilis Xiros: 6 years for the explosion + 2x12 years for attempted murder.

- Alexandros Giotopoulos: 15 years for the explosion + 2x15 years for attempted murder.

The court further passed down severe sentences for a series of other bomb attacks and robberies.

In all, Alexandros Giotopoulos was sentenced to 21 life terms, Dimitri Koufodinas 13 life terms, Christodoulos Xiros 10 life terms, Savvas Xiros 6 life terms, Vassilis Tzortzatos 4 life terms, and Iraklis Kostaris 1 life term.

In addition, the court passed down sentences of 344 years for Patroklos Tselentis, 147 years for Vassilis Xiros, 120 years for Costas Telios, 51 years for Sotiris Kondylis, 20 years for Thomas Serifis, 45 years for Costas Karatsolis, 12 years for Dionyssis Georgiadis, 8 years for Pavlos Serifis, and 8 years for Nikos Papanastasiou.

The court imposed a total of 55 life sentences (on Alexandros Giotopoulos, Dimitri Koufodinas, Savvas Xiros, Christodoulos Xiros, Vassilis Tzortzatos and Iraklis Kostaris), and sentences totalling 9,225 years on the 15 convicted defendants (in addition to the life sentences).

The court reduced the total years by 1,687 vis-a-vis bench prosecutor Christos Lambrou's proposed sentences which had totalled 10,912 years (apart from the life terms).

The final sentences passed down on the 15 convicted 'November 17' members, following the calculation of concurrency, are as follows:

Alexandros Giotopoulos: 21 times life + 25 years

Dimitri Koufodinas: 13 times life + 25 years

Christodoulos Xiros: 10 times life + 25 years

Savvas Xiros: 6 times life + 25 years

Vassilis Tzortzatos: 4 times life + 25 years

Iraklis Kostaris: 1 time life + 25 years

Costas Karatsolis: 25 years

Vassilis Xiros: 25 years

Costas Telios: 25 years

Patroklos Tselentis: 25 years

Sotiris Kondylis: 25 years

Thomas Serifis: 17 years

Dionyssis Georgiadis: 9 years

Pavlos Serifis: 8 years

Nikos Papanastasiou: 8 years

The court ruled in favor of prosecutor Lambrou's proposal for acceptance of an appeal for suspension of execution of the sentence only for Costas Telios, who will be set free on a 700 euro bond with restrictions, including prohibition from leaving the country and the requirement of appearing regularly at a police station.

The court rejected all other suspended sentence petitions.

The court further imposed fines of 21,000 euro on Alexandros Giotopoulos, 23,500 euro on Dimitri Koufodinas, 5,000 euro on Christodoulos Xiros, 23,500 euro on Savvas Xiros, 6,500 euro on Vassilis Tzortzatos, and 7,500 euro on Vassilis Xiros with respect to the bomb explosions carried out by 17N

The long-awaited trial opened Monday, March 3, at the women's section of the Korydallos prison, near Piraeus, under stringent security measures, and adjourned on November 24, after 162 sessions.

The court proceedings were presided over by Appeals judges president Michalis Margaritis, 64, who joined the judicial corps in 1972 after receiving a degree from the Athens Law School and post-graduate studies specializing in European Law in London. The other justices sitting on the bench were appeals judges Nikolaos Zairis, 57, and Vassilis Kourkakis, 63. The prosecutor representing the State was 64-year-old appeals judge Christos Lambrou, a veteran to the judicial corps which he joined in 1969.

Prosecution witnesses numbered more than 350, among them 40 foreign nationals. Defence lawyers numbered 150, while the accused faced charges for an overall total of some 2,000 crimes.

Bench prosecutor appeals acquittal of Sotiropoulou, Yannis Serifis: Two of the defendants acquitted by court last week on charges of participation in the 'November 17' terrorist group are to go on trial again in the 5-member Criminal Appeals Court, after the bench prosecutor in the 17N trial filed an appeal against their acquittal.

Bench prosecutor Christos Lambrou said Wednesday that he was appealing the acquittal of Angeliki Sotiropoulou and Yannis Serifis, who were both released.

Angeliki Sotiropoulou (wife of convicted 17N top hit-man Dimitri Koufodinas and former wife of another convicted 17N hit-man, Savvas Xiros), and Yannis Serifis were found not guilty on the charge of setting up and participating in a criminal group due to doubts and were acquitted by majority vote on Dec. 8 by the special court trying the 17N case.

Sotiropoulou had further been acquitted, by majority vote, of charges of participation in the killing of British defense attache Steven Saunders, and of complicity in the incident during which a bomb exploded in Savvas Xiros' hands in Piraeus on June 29, 2002, that resulted in the first ever arrest of a 17N suspect (Savvas Xiros) and snowballed into the arrests of a further 18 suspects.

Lambrou also appealed the acquittal of Nikos Papanastasiou, due to doubts, for involvement in the attempted murder of Robert Chad in 1984 and the murder of police guard Christos Matis at the National Bank branch in Petaluma in 1984. Papanastasiou has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for other 17N crimes.

Lambrou further appealed the acquittal of Patroklos Tselentis for involvement in the murder attempt against Robert Chad. Tselentis was sentenced to 25 years incarceration for other 17N crimes.

[02] Gov't satisfied with conclusion of N17 trial, spokesman says

Athens, 18/12/03 (ANA)

Protopapas said the trial had come to a close through highly proper procedures that had moved within the spirit of a state of law.

"Justice has been administered," Protopapas added, noting that the culprits and moral instigators had been uncovered, the ordeal for the country was at an end and the guilty were paying for their crimes.

[03] US State Department hopes N17 terrorists will serve entire prison terms

An official announcement issued by the US State Department on sentences imposed by a Greek court on Wednesday on members of the November 17 terrorist group expressed hope and expectation that the convicted terrorists will serve their prison sentences in their entirety.

''The Greek judicial system announced its verdict and the sentences. We hope and expect that those convicted will serve them in their entirety. Now that this chapter has reached its end, we believe it is correct and important for us to turn to the pain and drama of the victims and of their families,'' the State Department's announcement said.

State Department spokesman comments on N17 sentences: US State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher, referring to sentences handed down to members of the November 17 terrorist group by an Athens court on Wednesday, said the US government hopes ''nothing will intervene to prevent the sentences from being carried out.''

Boucher avoided any comment on whether the US is examining the possibility of requesting the extradition of specific persons and replied to a relevant question by saying ''I am not in a position to make guesses on moves of a legal nature. If you want to find out what the possibilities are you should apply to the justice ministry.''

On the question of whether the imposition of the sentences closes the issue of November 17 once and for all as far as the US is concerned, Boucher referred to public statements by relevant Greek authorities according to which the completion of the trial ''does not close the book on N17. There are open investigations still.''

Replying to a question on whether the conviction of the November 17 terrorist group promotes security for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, the US official said ''of course, we see as an overall positive process the investigations for November 17, the arrest of many of the leaders, the ability to try them and now, we hope, to put them in prison for a long time. But much remains to be done to safeguard security for the Olympic Games. We are working very closely with the Greeks on this.''

[04] British FM hails sentences imposed on N17 terrorists

LONDON, 18/12/03 (ANA/L. Tsirigotakis)

''I hail the sentences imposed. Justice has been given. Greece, its authorities and its judicial system showed that those responsible for such hideous acts will be brought to justice. I also hail the Greek authorities and the Greek Police for their professionalism and the determination they showed in handling these cases. I am also satisfied that Britain, through the metropolitan police, helped investigations to bring the members of this terrorist organization to justice,'' he said.

Straw further said ''the sentences represent something more than justice. They send a strong message to all terrorists that they will face justice and they will not be able to change our lifestyle and our freedom.''

Making an assessment of terrorist attacks throughout the world, Straw also said ''terrorist attacks over the past five years have cost the lives of 4,000 people in six countries in five continents. International cooperation is essential today to handle terrorism. And the case of Greece is a clear example of how the international community must handle the scourge of terrorism.''

[05] Gov't spokesman announces PM's schedule this week

Athens, 18/12/03 (ANA)

Afterward, Simitis is due at the development ministry at 13:00 to attend a special event marking the start of operations for a newly-formed fund issuing guarantees for SMEs, followed by a meeting on Thursday evening with PASOK Central Committee Secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis and party cadre Paraskevas Avgerinos to finalize the lists of PASOK candidates in the next parliamentary elections.

Afterwards, he will attend the debate in Parliament on the budget.

On Friday morning at 10:00, the premier will meet President of the Republic Kostis Stefanopoulos, and at 11:30 he will chair a meeting on major infrastructure works.

At 13:30 on Friday, Simitis will chair a meeting of PASOK's Executive Bureau to decide the final list of PASOK candidates in the next elections, after which he will take part in the debate on the budget in Parliament.

On Saturday night at 20:00, the prime minister will attend a reception given by the President for representatives of the mass media.

According to PASOK spokeswoman Chrysa Arapoglou, meanwhile, the speech the premier was due to give on Monday for new PASOK candidates in the Parliamentary elections has been cancelled due to a clash with the ongoing parliamentary debate on the budget and his meeting with PASOK candidates has been deferred until January 13.

[06] Gov't again stresses that Simitis will lead PASOK in elections

Athens, 18/12/03 (ANA)

Using the same forum as yesterday, his regular press briefing, spokesman Christos Protopapas said the issue is closed ... were vying for (electoral) victory with Costas Simitis.

Protopapas statement reportedly followed a morning briefing with Simitis and his closest aides.

In making his point, the spokesman said the premier met on Wednesday with PASOK secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis and will also meet on Thursday with latter and top party cadre Paraskevas Avgerinos to finalize PASOKs candidates list ahead of an executive bureau meeting on Friday, which Simitis will chair.

Other government officials, moreover, said Simitis himself will not publicly address the succession issue, considering the matter over and answered by the government spokesmans latest response. The same sources said Simitis is also unlikely to refer to the issue at a Cabinet session on Thursday or during other addresses, such as upcoming Parliament debate on the 2004 budget.

According to other reports, Protopapas statement is aimed at Cabinet members who may have wanted to broach the issue during tomorrows session, ostensibly requesting that the premier himself squelch speculation with a public statement.

[07] PM says Olympic Games preparation must stay out of election struggle

Athens, 18/12/03 (ANA)

''The Olympic Games are above the elections. They are a national issue,'' he said.

Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, who is responsible for the Games' preparation, said ''if the elections are decided by the work done for the Olympic Games then PASOK will win with a huge difference.''

Venizelos added that ''the projects taking place on the occasion of the Games concern the entire country and all the citizens personally.''

Continuing his address to the members of the Interministerial Committee, Simitis made a brief review of 2003, saying that the government has achieved a great deal, all projects are going ahead as normal and are proceeding within timetables set.

However, he called on ministers not to slacken and to intensify their efforts to enable the Olympic Games to be absolutely successful.

Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee (ATHOC) President Gianna Angelopoulos Daskalaki conveyed optimism also prevailing now in the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on the course of the Games' preparations, since the recent visit by Jacques Rogge and by other IOC officials has certified the progress achieved lately even in projects which had created skepticism a few months ago, such as the Calatrava roof at the Athens Olympic stadium, the suburban railway network and the tram.

She also revealed that 70 percent of tickets have already been sold, which is very encouraging for the tournament's success.

[08] FM Papandreou begins two-day tour of Magnesia prefecture

Athens, 18/12/03 (ANA)

Speaking from Almiros, Volos, Papandreou added that ''as we are referring to the issue of responsibilities, we should all assume our responsibilities in the (PASOK) party, from the ordinary members to the leadership, and I assume whatever responsibilities I am asked to undertake.''

The foreign minister further underlined with emphasis that ''PASOK is a party which believes in the institutions. We have a president (of the party) and prime minister and we will all go forward together victorious to the elections.''

Papandreou, who on Wednesday began a two-day tour of Magnesia prefecture, held extensive discussions at the Almiros Cultural Center with citizens who raised a series of mainly local problems.

On Thursday, the foreign minister will speak at an event on the Olympic Truce and will attend an event at Thessaly University in Volos on the theme ''Greece of the 21st Century in Europe and the world'', while he will also have successive meetings with officials of Magnesia.

[09] Main opposition leader meets U.S. envoy for Cyprus

Athens, 18/12/03 (ANA)

According to sources, both men agreed that the "ball was now in Ankara's court" and that it was up to Turkey to contribute to a solution to the Cyprus problem by exerting pressure on Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to begin negotiations.

Karamanlis repeated his party's positions in favor of a solution of the Cyprus problem based on the peace plan presented by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.

He said the results of the "elections" indicated a desire for change among Turkish-Cypriots but that this 'message' was not yet strong enough to "effect an overthrow" of the pro-Denktash camp.

Finally, Karamanlis noted that if Turkey had "European ambitions" it must contribute to a solution to the Cyprus problem.

[10] Papathemelis presents his 'Democratic Renaissance' party

Athens, 18/12/03 (ANA)

Defining his party at a central Athens hotel, Papathemelis said that ''our ambition is to enter Parliament, free from the cogwheels of the parties in which democratic procedures are still sought. We are the voice of those who do not have a voice.''

Papathemelis added that among the demands and priorities of his ''Democratic Renaissance'' party is ''a return to national interest, true modernization, competitiveness and growth, support of the working people and middle class, the handling of the demographic issue and reciprocity in foreign policy.''

He also spoke of the ''bad messages of the times,'' criticized the phenomena of ''vested interests, corruption, high prices and unemployment'', and stood in favor of the clash against ''established interests.''

''Never have so few governed Greece,'' he said characteristically.

[11] Economy seen retaining robust growth in 2004

Athens, 18/12/03 (ANA)

The report employed forecasts from international organizations, the government's stability and growth pact, and the government's introduction to the 2004 budget.

Factors to spur growth would be the Athens 2004 Olympics, strong domestic demand, and an anticipated upturn in the European economy that would fuel exports, the report said.

[12] EU Council of Agriculture Ministers discusses Mediterranean products

BRUSSELS, 18/12/03 (ANA/V. Demiris)

Agriculture Minister George Drys mentioned in his address that the Commission's proposals on the ''Mediterranean package'' deviate at certain points from the compromise reached in Luxembourg last June and create difficulties for Greece.

Drys also said Greece opposes the proposed double transfer of resources from the incomes of cotton and tobacco producers to fund agricultural development since such an arrangement has not been decided for any other product.

[13] Syria's tourism minister outlines moves to attract investors

Athens, 18/12/03 (ANA)

The moves had already brought two major investments - one by an Arab group worth 300 million US dollars and another by a British consortium worth 200 million dollars, Al Kaala told a news conference in Athens.

Demand for accommodation currently outstripped the country's availability of 36,000 rooms, he added.

In 2002, Syria drew 2.1 million tourists against a long-term target of 10 million arrivals per year. Last year, Greeks represented about 4,000 of total visitors.

On Tuesday, visiting Syrian President Bashar al Assad said that cooperation in tourism could 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.

[14] European Commission says poverty and social exclusion priority for EU

BRUSSELS, 18/12/03 (ANA/A. Simatos)

In a draft report on social incorporation, the European Commission analyses the new generation of national action plans for poverty and social exclusion prepared by member-states for the 2003-2005 period.

According to the Commission, despite the fact that the percentage of the EU's population threatened by poverty has decreased in past years, over 55 million people and one in five children are faced with the danger of finding themselves in this situation, while one in 10 children has unemployed parents.

The report, which makes a review of the progress achieved, shows that the average percentage of the EU's population threatened by poverty has decreased by two percentage points from 17 percent in 1995 to 15 percent in 2001.

Commenting on the report, Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou said ''the member-states must maintain the impetus and make sure that those facing the greatest danger will not suffer disproportionately by a slowdown in economic development or by fiscal adaptations.

The report further shows that Greece, Spain, Ireland and Portugal have set explicit overall targets to decrease the number of people in danger of poverty and social exclusion. It also shows that Greece is presenting a continuous improvement regarding macroeconomic conditions since 1996.

As regards Greece, it is pointed out that it is promoting a National Action Plan including general policies (for the sectors of economic development and structural changes in particular) and specific policies concerning problems related to poverty and social exclusion with emphasis being placed on four sectors: the countryside, elderly people, the promotion of employment and the quality of governance.

[15] Supermarkets oppose 24-hour opening for Karaiskaki stadium shops

Athens, 18/12/03 (ANA)

Karaiskaki Stadium is the home field of the Piraeus-based club Olympiakos and is currently being reconstructed in order to host the soccer finals during the Olympic Games.

SESME called on the ministers involved to withdraw the amendment, saying that it led to an infringement of shop opening times and created privileged commercial zones that nullified fair competition.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of December 17 2003

Parities in euro

Banknotes

Foreign Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,243 1,215

[16] Event in Tirana promotes 'Cultural Olympiad'

TIRANA, 18/12/03 (ANA)

Greek ambassador to Tirana Dimitris Iliopoulos opened the event by referring to the birth of the idea behind the Cultural Olympiad in 1998 as a way to better promote culture worldwide as well as the Olympic ideals.

The gala also featured a brief video presentation of events planned in Greece next year prior to the 2004 Olympic Games of Athens.

The same venue hosted the presentation of Kadares Flight of the Migratory Bird in Greek, with the translation done by the Greek ambassador himself.

[17] Greek Embassy in U.S. organizes school competion on the Olympic Games

WASHINGTON, 18/12/03 (ANA/T. Ellis)

The aim of the initiative was to familiarize the pupils with the history of the Olympic Games in antiquity and the modern era, and to reinforce their enthusiasm for the Olympic Games which are returning to their place of origin.

According to Greek Embassy staff, the response of the pupils at the Greek schools was touching, while the standard of the works presented was particularly high.

[18] Meeting on Athens 2004 security

Athens, 18/12/03 (ANA)

Public Order Minister George Floridis chaired the session, which was also attended by Greek Police (EL.AS) chief Fotis Nassiakos.

The entire gamut of security preparations, from traffic measures to anti-terrorism exercises to the protection of national delegations and VIPs, was discussed.

[19] Health, education ministries to join forces for school anti-drug campaign

Athens, 18/12/03 (ANA)

Presenting a memorandum for cooperation in the development of anti-drug programs targeting school children, the two ministers said the first step would be to set up a joint committee manned by experts from both ministries and the Organization Against Narcotics (OKANA).

The committee will be in charge of approving and proposing programs relating to the use of addictive substances for schools, approving educational materials on drugs developed by the Education Institute and OKANA and making decisions where intervention within schools might be necessary, such as in identifying drug users.

Stefanis said the campaign within schools aimed to reduce use of addictive drugs through prevention, by informing and alerting young people to the consequences of substance abuse.

He said that more than 12,000 teachers had already received further training on aspects of health education, with another 20,000 due to receive the same training from February.

Work was also underway to buy and create educational material for children of all ages, with the greatest emphasis on children between the ages of 11 and 18.

[20] EU raps Greece over electronic communications law

BRUSSELS, 18/12/03 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

Launched early in October, the EU measures for the sector aim to make markets more competitive and align electronic communications technologies.

The deadline for harmonization with national legislation has passed.

[21] Hooded youths hurl Molotov bomb at Thessaloniki municipal police patrol car

Athens, 18/12/03 (ANA)

According to a municipal official responsible for municipal police issues, 20 youths attacked, without provocation, three municipal policemen driving in a patrol car in Ethniki Amines street.

''They caused serious damage to the vehicle and bodily harm to the employees with crowbars and spray, while they completed their destructive action with a cocktail Molotov bomb,'' the official said.

[22] New Hellenic studies chair at Georgetown University

WASHINGTON, 18/12/03 (ANA)

[23] Government promises to stamp out football hooliganism

Athens, 18/12/03 (ANA)

Deputy Sports Minister George Lianis said a rider will be added to a draft bill (regarding Olympic preparations) forbidding the organized presence of away teams fans at soccer games, which essentially means that visiting clubs will not be allocated tickets ahead of those matches. Lianis said the measure, if ratified, will commence for first division teams early next year at the start of the second half of the current season.

Speaking in Parliament, Lianis said the state would pay for the installation of closed circuit cameras at stadiums to monitor fans behavior, in line with the common practice in the most prominent national leagues around Europe. Moreover, he said better security will be afforded by police to press boxes.

In footage during the recent Aris Thessaloniki-Olympiakos Piraeus game (0-3), one masked youth was shown smashing the window of a press box with a hammer.

The deputy minister said the riders provision was jointly decided by the culture ministry, which oversees sports federations and certain venues, and the public order ministry.

In a related development, the same draft bill contains the amendment allowing the continuation of construction of AEK Athens new sports complex following the imposition of new zoning and building guidelines.

[24] Weston to emphasize need for parties to meet UNSG's requirements

LARNACA, 18/12/03 (CNA/ANA)

The US official arrived in Larnaca from Athens for a two-day series of meetings with President Tassos Papadopoulos, Foreign Minister George Iacovou, the political leadership, Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and the political powers in the areas of the Republic under Turkish occupation.

''This particular trip of mine is coming at a very interesting time in the wake of the electoral process in the north and the rather confusing situation which has emerged,'' Weston said.

The US official pointed out that the purpose of his visit to Cyprus ''is not to deal with that but to do what I can, even in the face of that confusion, to push towards what we have been trying to achieve all along, which is a settlement on Cyprus.''

He repeated the US views that ''the path towards a settlement is only possible in one way, and that is the good offices mission of the Secretary-General.''

[25] FM Iacovou expects US interest on Cyprus to intensify

NICOSIA, 18/12/03 (CNA/ANA)

''I am certain that the interest on the Cyprus question shown today by the US will be continued and intensified.'' Iacovou noted in statements after a meeting with US State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston, who is currently visiting the island.

Furthermore Iacovou announced that President Tassos Papadopoulos' letter to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, with which he would ask Annan to resume his good offices mission on Cyprus, is being prepared.

Iacovou said that Weston's visit to the region right after the illegal elections in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus indicates the US high level of interest for the solution of the Cyprus question.

''There is great importance in this visit because, so soon after the

elections, Weston visits the region to assess the situation,'' Iacovou noted.

Iacovou pointed out that Weston is visiting the island after Athens, and will visit Ankara next, adding that for this reason his talks here are of a preliminary nature.

Asked whether there were any conclusions from the meeting, Iacovou said that Weston would hold meetings on Thursday with the Turkish Cypriot political party leaders and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

''I believe that one should wait for the conclusions of his meetings here and in Ankara to deduct any conclusions,'' the minister noted.

Replying to a question if the US has decided on the timeframe for the resumption of the UN-led talks, Iacovou said that the US could not determine when the talks would resume because the meetings it intends to hold have not yet been concluded. ''In any case, surely the position is that a solution must be found before May 1st, 2004,'' he added.

After his meeting with Iacovou, Weston was received by President Papadopoulos. No statements were made after the meeting.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

[26] Tony Blair: We must use 'elections' for Cyprus solution

LONDON, 18/12/03 (CNA/ANA)

Answering questions in the House of Commons put forward by MP Roger Gale during a European Council debate, the British premier noted, however, that if a solution is not possible for a united Cyprus to enter the European Union, then ''it is in no sense a barrier to accession.''

''It is important that we try to use the elections to move forward on the terms set out by the United Nations Secretary-General,'' said Blair, adding that ''those form the proper basis on which we can find a solution for a united Cyprus, and they make the entire process much easier.''

''That is what we will be working for. If we can achieve that, it is

in no sense a barrier to accession, but undoubtedly it makes life

much easier if we can have that unity. I hope very much, on the basis of the elections that took place at the weekend, that we are able to make progress,'' the British prime minister added.

[27] EuroMP calls upon Cox to appeal to Denktash to reopen negotiations

NICOSIA, 18/12/03 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking on Tuesday at the European Parliament Plenary and referring to the result of the voting in the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus, Tannock said ''the result was insufficient to oust Mr (Rauf)Denktash, who actively opposes the generous UN Annan plan to reunify the island in time to join the EU next May.'' Tannock asked the President of the European Parliament ''to appeal to Mr. Denktash to reopen negotiations urgently and accept that the huge swing against him in the election indicates a desire by his impoverished people for a settlement on the island.''

Weston noted that UN chief Kofi Annan ''has spoken about the results of the electoral process in the north and he has reiterated that he continues to wait for the necessary expression of political will to resume his good offices mission.''

Therefore, he said, during his trip to Nicosia and Ankara he will

''emphasize the need for meeting the requirements of the Secretary General to return to the good offices mission.''

[28] EuroMP Chris Davies satisfied with result of Turkish Cypriot' vote'

NICOSIA, 18/12/03 (CNA/ANA)

In a written statement, Davies pointed out that ''the opposition parties had scored a remarkable victory in the face of political intimidation and blatant last minute rigging of the electoral poll to include thousands more Turkish settlers.''

He also called for Turkey to be told that it must take practical steps to end the division of the island as the price to be paid for talks beginning about its own membership of the EU.

Davies pointed out that Greek Cypriots would be the ones to enjoy in practice the benefits stemming from EU accession and added that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash ''still insists on closer bonds with Turkey''.

Against all odds, he said, the Turkish Cypriots felt Denktash's intransigence and ''have now voted to end the island's division and for the whole of Cyprus to take a step forward together.''

[29] Cyprus protests Turkish violations to UN

UNITED NATIONS, 18/12/03 (CNA/ANA)

In his letter to Annan, Mavroyiannis said these violations are contrary to international law as well as to Security Council resolutions on Cyprus.

''We sincerely hope that the Government of Turkey will respect the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus and will refrain from further violations. We also hope that the Government of Turkey will change its negative stance and contribute substantively to the efforts for a just and functional solution to the Cyprus problem, on the basis of United Nations resolutions,'' Mavroyiannis added.

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article