Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-01-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] ND leader pledges campaign focused on issues, not faces

[02] Papandreou announces start of 'open dialogue' with citizens

[03] FM Papandreou stresses that the nature of political parties must change

[04] PASOK secretary says party will continue initiatives

[05] Cyprus, Greek-Turkish relations, Turkey's EU course the critical issues for 2004

[06] Cyprus Democratic Rally party spokesman confirms ND leader will visit Cyprus in January

[07] Gov't says new passport issuance regime pending; lodges protest with US

[08] Gov't rules out intervention in Radio and Television Council

[09] Greek economy ends 2003 positively, FinMin says

[10] Greek inflation slowed to 3.1 percent in December, yr/yr

[11] PM chairs gov't meeting with central banker over General Bank

[12] Greece says 5-bln-euro 10-year bond loan oversubscribed

[13] Greek economic weekly review

[14] Greek stocks end week with net gain of 3.88 pct

[15] European Commission announces expansion of European GIANT network

[16] Red Cross board members cleared of breach of faith in appeal

[17] FM Iacovou disappointed with Ankara's decisions on Cyprus

[18] Powell: US to work with Turkey for Cyprus solution

[19] European Commission supports resumption of Cyprus talks

[01] ND leader pledges campaign focused on issues, not faces

Athens, 10/01/2004 (ANA)

''Our opponents are the problems and the policies that have led to these,'' he stressed during his speech to the candidates being fielded by ND in the upcoming parliamentary elections, setting the tone for ND's pre-election battle against ruling PASOK and George Papandreou.

Karamanlis appeared confident that his party would gain a strong majority on the day of the polls, stating that there was ''universal demand'' for a new start in society that this ''new page cannot be written by an old regime in a new wrapping''.

The main issue at stake in the elections was change, he noted, and PASOK could not be convincing whatever its leader, since it essentially represented the same people, the same mechanisms, the same way of thinking and the same dependencies.

''What is the same cannot bring about that which is different,'' he stressed.

Describing the change in leadership for ruling PASOK as an ''disorientation and a communications diversion operation'', Karamanlis stressed that his party would insist on true politics and the problems being faced by the citizens, which were poverty, inequality, corruption, state-sector inefficiency, health, education and the problems of farmers.

Describing ND as a ''fresh team with new ideas and faces that can create the vision for another, better Greece,'' he urged the party's candidates to display modesty and humility in their dealings with the other side and stressed that their behavior was important, since ND was not ''passionate about gaining power but passionate about the good of the country and its citizens''.

Earlier, Karamanlis met Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni for talks on strategy issues and the lists of candidates.

According to sources, Bakoyianni said she will be in the front line in the effort to win the elections but will not be running for Parliament, since she must now focus on preparing the city of Athens to host the Olympics in the summer.

Karamanlis broadly describes strategy to face G. Papandreou, PASOK: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis on Friday offered the latest insight on how he will face ruling PASOK and its soon-to-be new leader, current FM George Papandreou, saying personal attacks and innuendos will not be leveled by his party.

“In our struggle for a new type of governance our opponents are not individuals, and we will not engage in personal attacks, something that does not befit the ethos and values of our party; personal attacks and innuendos will not be heard by us. Our opponents are the problems and policies that led to these,” Karamanlis said in an address to the party’s declared candidates for Parliament.

The ND leader appeared optimistic that his party’s will earn a large majority in the upcoming elections, while charging that “no new page can be written by an old regime in new wrapping”, a reference to this week’s high-profile statements by Papandreou. Moreover, he referred to what he called a “regime-like mentality and arrogance”, saying ND will remain true to its strategy of emphasizing the country’s problems – poverty, inequities, corruption, public sector inefficiency, health, education and the farm sector – as well as solutions for these.

Karamanlis stressed that the real dilemma of the March 7 elections is between change and continuing with the current government. “The same thing cannot bring about change,” he said, a clear reference to Prime Minister Costas Simitis’ decision to step down after the elections in favor of Papandreou.

Earlier, Karamanlis met with top ND cadre and Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni to discuss issues of campaign strategy and potential candidates to complete the party’s ballot lists.

[02] Papandreou announces start of 'open dialogue' with citizens

Athens, 10/01/2004 (ANA)

Papandreou was speaking immediately after a meeting with Simitis at the prime minister's office that was also attended by PASOK Central Committee Secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis and Deputy Press Minister Telemahos Hytiris.

Stressing his belief in the value of participation and the value of dialogue with citizens, he said he wanted to hear the views of the general public and what issues it considered most important, jointly assess the significant work that had been done up until now and jointly set new goals for tomorrow.

Asked whether he intended to change the program that had been prepared by PASOK so far, Papandreou let it be understood that the draft program being prepared by PASOK would take on its final form after dialogue with the citizens had taken place.

This was confirmed earlier by government spokesman Christos Protopapas, who said the process of drafting PASOK's program will be completed at the party's conference on February 6, while certain sections of it will be presented by Papandreou during his pre-election tour.

According to Protopapas, meanwhile, the prime minister will henceforth be in charge of the government's work and the future president of PASOK will lead the party to elections.

Papandreou also linked the dialogue with citizens with a decision for organizational changes within PASOK.

''Our Movement is changing, being transformed, becoming a party open to society,'' he stressed.

Maria Damanaki seeks meeting with Papandreou: A meeting with Papandreou for talks on 'all issues', including the possibility of her running with PASOK in the upcoming elections, was requested by former Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology MP Maria Damanaki in statements on Friday.

Damanaki said the series of events set in motion by Simitis had opened the way for ''renewal and rejuvenation of the political climate and political life'' and she expressed her agreement with Papandreou's initial positions calling for open, pluralistic dialogue to draft ''a pre-election program open to the contemporary needs of Greek society.''

Damanaki declared her support for the creation of a ''winning majority progressive trend based on clear program goals and principle'' and said it was the duty of all citizens politically aligned with the ''innovative, reformist left of our time''.

Asked to comment on Damanaki's request and statements, Papandreou reiterated his appeal to the younger generation of politicians and 'forces that share a common goal and vision' and said that Damanaki will also participate in the dialogue to be initiated in this framework.

A brief announcement from the Coalition party, which Damanaki recently quit after a perceived slight from the party leadership, said only that the announcement was ''no surprise'' and that Damanaki's choices were not the concern of the Coalition.

[03] FM Papandreou stresses that the nature of political parties must change

Athens, 10/01/2004 (ANA)

In an interview with NET national radio, Papandreou said ''awareness has matured that the parties must change,'' noting that opportunities should be given to ''the society of citizens.''

He stressed that the political convictions of each person is of no consequence with regard cooperation that may agreed and the consensus that may be shaped, even after the elections, especially on national issues, education, development, public administration, the economy and foreign policy.

Papandreou accepted the challenge by main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis for televised debates to be held between them, expressing the conviction that the main opposition can contribute through dialogue to the achievement of national objectives.

[04] PASOK secretary says party will continue initiatives

Athens, 10/01/2004 (ANA)

Chrysohoidis also said the initiatives were discussed during Friday's meeting, but avoided going into details.

According to reports, it was decided that at the present stage and until Papandreou is elected party president there will be no joint meetings with Simitis since Papandreou has no institutional role, apart from being foreign minister.

[05] Cyprus, Greek-Turkish relations, Turkey's EU course the critical issues for 2004

Athens, 10/01/2004 (ANA)

Papandreou expressed hope for a resolution of the Cyprus problem, which he said has for years been a thorn for the Hellenism of Cyprus and for the wider region, and referred to Greece as a model of democracy, stability and development in the new world environment.

The foreign minister said that Greece's view today carried weight in the Balkans and internationally, and lauded the tireless hard efforts of his staff, including during the Greek EU presidency in the first half of 2003.

[06] Cyprus Democratic Rally party spokesman confirms ND leader will visit Cyprus in January

NICOSIA 10/01/2004 (ANA/G. Leonidas)

The DHSY party's spokesman said Karamanlis will come to Cyprus on January 20 and will be received by President Tassos Papadopoulos.

Karamanlis will also be meeting the leaders of all the political parties and will leave for Athens on January 21.

[07] Gov't says new passport issuance regime pending; lodges protest with US

Athens, 10/01/2004 (ANA)

However, spokesman Christos Protopapas stressed that Athens has accelerated procedures to change the way passports are issued in Greece, namely, to shift responsibility from prefectural authorities to police – the primary reason Washington still maintains the visa requirement for Greek citizens wishing to enter the United States.

The latest US requirements apply to citizens of more than 150 nations that are not part of the so-called “Visa Waiver Program”, which allows people from 27 mainly European countries to enter the United States without a visa.

Protopapas appeared confident that the visa requirement will be lifted once Greek authorities have overhauled the passport issuing process.

[08] Gov't rules out intervention in Radio and Television Council

Athens, 10/01/2004 (ANA)

Responding to questions, he urged anyone who felt that ERS decisions were unfair to have recourse to the Council of State.

[09] Greek economy ends 2003 positively, FinMin says

Athens, 10/01/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis to discuss the privatization of General Bank, Mr Christodoulakis noted that positive news from the inflation front was proof of the Greek economy's good performance in 2003.

The Greek minister stressed that economic performance and its prospects would play a significant role in forthcoming general elections.

Commenting on recent accusations by main opposition party ND over excessive state borrowing in 2003, Mr Christodoulakis said that the government adhered to its scheduled borrowing needs for the year.

Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, speaking to reporters, stressed that the issue of the privatization of General Bank would be decided by the bank's main shareholder, the Army Equity Fund.

[10] Greek inflation slowed to 3.1 percent in December, yr/yr

Athens, 10/01/2004 (ANA)

NSS said there were no comparative figures for November and October 2003 due to a strike by it staff. The statistics service said figures for both months would be released in next few days.

The 3.1 percent rise in the consumer price inflation in December reflected a 7.3 percent increase in alcohol drinks and tobacco, a 5.0 percent rise in hotel-coffee-restaurant prices, a 4.4 percent increase in education prices and a 3.7 percent rise in healthcare prices.

Prices also rose in the clothing-footwear (2.9 percent), durable goods (2.1 percent), transport (1.8 percent), entertainment and cultural activities (2.7 percent) groups.

Communication prices, however, fell by 1.8 percent in December compared with the same month in 2002.

[11] PM chairs gov't meeting with central banker over General Bank

Athens, 10/01/2004 (ANA)

The meeting was announced by government spokesman Christos Protopapas, who said that decisions regarding the bank will be taken by the Army Share Fund and the national defense ministry.

At midday on Friday, meanwhile, Simitis also met with PASOK Central Committee Secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis and Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who stands to succeed him as president of ruling PASOK.

On Monday, Simitis is to inaugurate a new Greek Railways (OSE) tunnel in Tempi and on Tuesday he will meet PASOK candidates.

The following Thursday, the prime minister will chair a meeting of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA).

The spokesman said that a planned tour of Crete by Simitis to present the government's ''social charter'' will probably go ahead as planned next week, though possibly with the participation of George Papandreou, and that the premier still intended to carry out a tour of Thessaly on January 23 for the same reason.

[12] Greece says 5-bln-euro 10-year bond loan oversubscribed

Athens, 10/01/2004 (ANA)

The bond issue was included in the government's borrowing program for the first quarter of 2004, as announced in November 2003, the organization said.

The book-building was two-and-a-half times oversubscribed with the issue returning 4.477 percent, 20 basis points above the German Bund. The organization said the issue was fully successful and contributed in tightening the yield curve by two basis points.

The government's borrowing program for the first quarter of 2004 also includes, a syndicated five-year benchmark bond, a syndicated re-issue of a CPI-linked bond and the auction of a new three-year benchmark bond on February 3.

The organization said the proceeds from these issues would be used to refinance the government's existing debt.

[13] Greek economic weekly review

Athens, 10/01/2004 (ANA)

One in two Greeks believe that 2004 will be worse from the previous year, ranking Greece second in the list of the most pessimistic countries in the world, compiled by TNS ICAP and Gallup International.

The survey also revealed that 36 percent of Greeks fear a further rise in unemployment this year, compared with a 15 percent average in the rest of EU.

General Bank's staff union urged for a termination of a procedure to privatize the bank ahead of the general elections in the country, accusing the Defense Ministry of promoting Societe Generale's bid.

Greece's National Commission of Telecommunications and Post (EETT) announced the imposition of fines, worth 1,274,249 euros, against 36 companies with activities in the post mail market for offering deficient services and failing to adopt a regulatory framework.

Seven out of 10 Greek citizens are not planning to have a private pension program in the future despite a forecast by the Union of Insurance Companies that life insurance contracts would double in the next three years in the country.

ND main opposition party accused the government of excessive borrowing aiming to meet huge fiscal deficits both in 2003 and this year.

Greece's mutual funds' assets totalled 30.4 billion euros last year, from 25.4 billion euros in 2002, an increase of 19.7 percent, official figures showed this week. The rise reflected capital inflows in domestic money management funds (+45.9 percent), domestic bond funds (+19.5 percent) and domestic equity funds (+23.5 percent).

The Union of Athens' Merchants reacted to a decision by the government to set this year's sales period from January 15 to February 28, saying the decision would create problems in the smooth functioning of the market.

[14] Greek stocks end week with net gain of 3.88 pct

Athens, 10/01/2004 (ANA)

The general index eased 0.35 percent to end at 2,403.34 points, with turnover a heavy 200.5 million euros. The index ended the week with a net gain of 3.88 percent.

The insurance, publications and textiles sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (3.12 percent, 2.55 percent and 2.16 percent, respectively), while the cement and investment sectors were the only ones to score gains (0.39 percent and 0.13 percent respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks eased 0.35 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 0.42 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index dropped 1.07 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 259 to 66 with another 34 issues unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of January 9 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,283 1,254

[15] European Commission announces expansion of European GIANT network

BRUSSELS 10/01/2004 (ANA - A. Simatos)

GIANT links national and research regional and educational networks in various countries. The expansion was inaugurated at the Aristotelian University in Thessaloniki on Thursday.

The Commission said in an announcement that this achievement not only results in the linking of research communities of countries in southeastern Europe between them, but in their linking with the existing central European research and education network as well.

The Commission believes that the network's expansion facilitates Balkan research communities a great deal regarding their productive participation in joint research and educational activities with the rest of Europe.

The southeastern European section of the European Research and Education Network, having a capacity of many gigabits, was developed with the help of 1.3 million euros provided by the European Commission, while the project is being coordinated by the Greek Research and Education Network.

[16] Red Cross board members cleared of breach of faith in appeal

Athens, 10/01/2004 (ANA)

In a majority vote, the court found that the charges against the 23 appellants had not been proved.

They had been convicted by a lower court for illegally selling bequests to the Red Cross in order to fund the building of the 'Henri Dunant' Hospital in Athens, which according to the charges had amounted to a loss of 2.5 billion drachmas for the organization.

Martinis had been initially received a suspended jail sentence of four years, while the other board members had each been handed out suspended jail sentences of three years.

[17] FM Iacovou disappointed with Ankara's decisions on Cyprus

NICOSIA 10/01/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking on the sidelines of a CNA new-year reception, Iacovou said ''the decisions taken yesterday at a meeting under Turkish President Ahmed Sezer have disappointed us, both for what they say and for what they do not say.''

Iacovou explained that ''what they do not say is any reference to the Annan plan and Turkey's stance regarding the solution plan proposed by the UN Secretary General.''

He added that what Turkey ''does say is that it wants negotiations and that the solution will be sought on the basis of the realities, a term used many times in Turkey to consolidate the occupation'' of the island's northern third since the 1974 Turkish invasion.

''The Turkish leadership also deemed that it must express solidarity with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, who is the main criticizer of the Annan plan and is the one who has said that the Annan plan is dead and buried,'' Iacovou noted.

He added that ''all this is not at all encouraging,'' noting that there will be a new meeting in Ankara on January 23. ''We hope that wiser thoughts will prevail, that Turkey will consider the interests of the 70 million Turks and not the prejudices of the deep state and Rauf Denktash.''

Iacovou said that a ''government'' has not yet been formed in the

Turkish-occupied areas, adding ''the fact that it appears a coalition will be formed to include Serdar Denktash, who has so far reflected the views of his father (Rauf Denktash), is surely not an encouraging element.''

He also said ''Turkey, with its behavior and continuous delays, is pushing the dialogue to an unknown future time and is obviously doing so to limit the time remaining for a solution before May 1st and thus achieve its longstanding policy to place the dialogue at the end of 2004, in an effort to combine negotiations on the Cyprus problem with the negotiations to define a date for the commencement of Turkey's accession negotiations with the EU.''

[18] Powell: US to work with Turkey for Cyprus solution

WASHINGTON 10/01/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Answering questions, Secretary Powell said the US government wants to work with Turkey in order to reach a Cyprus settlement on the basis of the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan for solution to the problem.

''We want to work with Turkey to see if we can find a solution to the Cyprus problem, using the outline of Kofi Annan's plan,'' Powell said, noting that Washington further wishes to ''work with Turkey and our other European colleagues as we prepare Turkey for hopefully eventual integration in the EU.''

Asked to comment on Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit taking into consideration Turkey's concerns on some issues like the future of Iraq and the country's European course, Powell noted that Turkey ''is a good friend and an ally,'' adding that the US wants ''to be supportive of its efforts.''

[19] European Commission supports resumption of Cyprus talks

BRUSSELS 10/01/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Asked if the Commission had observed any movement on the Cyprus problem lately, Filori said that nothing new had emerged from any side, as far as he knew. He added that the Commission supports the resumption of peace talks as soon as possible on the basis of the Annan plan.

Invited to say if Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash would be the negotiator in those talks, Filori said he did not know and refused to make any further statements.

Concluding his statement, Filori welcomed the signing by Turkey of protocol 13 on the abolition of the death penalty even in times of war. He said this was yet another step by Turkey in the direction of fulfilling the Copenhagen political criteria.

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