Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-01-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Major changes in political scene, voter preferences indicated in 2 opinion polls

[02] Papandreou informally kicks off nationwide tour with visit to Kaletzi

[03] FM Papandreou calls on NGOs to contribute to health, welfare policy formulation

[04] Karamanlis at Halandri rally: PASOK cannot truly change - it's time for it to go

[05] Parliament deputy A. Papadopoulos to run for election in Athens

[06] SYN central committee discusses political developments

[07] DHKKI leader lashes out against the two main parties

[08] Cyprus president to visit Greece on Jan. 18-19

[09] Macedonia-Thrace, Aegean ministers to visit Cyprus

[10] PASOK ministers comment on Papandreou, private universities issue

[11] Greek and FYROM ministers discuss implementation of oil-pipeline deals

[12] Event in Thessaloniki seeks support for city's EXPO 2008 bid

[13] 80 per cent of British public wants Parthenon Marbles in Greece

[14] Supreme Court reverses decision on compensation for illegal migrant workers

[15] Foreign ministry's expatriate youth program begins on Sunday

[16] Turkish community party leaders announce coalition 'government'

[01] Major changes in political scene, voter preferences indicated in 2 opinion polls

Athens, 12/01/2004 (ANA)

The opinion polls, conducted by Metron Analysis and MRB, appeared in Sunday's editions of ''Ethnos'' and ''Kathimerini'' newspapers respectively.

According to the Metron Analysis poll appearing in Ethnos newspaper, foreign minister George Papandreou (who is slated to take over the helm of PASOK) was leading with 44.6 percent against 40.2 percent for main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis as the ''most suited for prime minister''. PASOK under Papandreou's leadership and ND under Karamanlis' leadership tied with 39.5 percent each to the question of ''most suitable government''.

To the question of ''most likely to win the elections'' if they were held next Sunday, New Democracy led with 41.3 percent, against 31.9 percent for PASOK, while 24.6 percent replied ''don't know/no answer'', reducing ND's lead over PASOK in similar polls conducted by Metron Analysis to below 10 percentage points, and more specifically to 9.4 percentage points.

Papandreou also led in popularity, with 73.4 percent, against 60.5 percent for Karamanlis. Papandreou overwhelmingly led over Karamanlis in popularity in the 18-44 age bracket, while Karamanlis led substantially in the 55 and over age group.

In addition, 62.5 percent agreed with the PASOK leadership passing on to Papandreou, while 20.2 percent disagreed.

Further, 73.1 percent believed that Papandreou's assumption of the PASOK leadership would strengthen the party in the general elections, while only 8.7 percent believed it would weaken it.

To a question on what Papandreou needed to do in order to increase his party's chances of winning the elections, 48.6 percent said he should "change policy completely" while 36.8 percent said he should "continue the Simitis policy, with certain changes".

Also, 47.6 percent felt that the account of Simitis' 8 years in the premiership had been positive, while 33.9 percent felt that it had been negative.

In addition, 48.8 percent believed that Simitis set in motion the succession procedure "in order for PASOK to win again" in the elections, while 35.1 percent felt he did so in order "not to have the electoral failure attributed to him".

According to the MRB poll appearing in Kathimerini newspaper, Karamanlis led with 33.2 percent over 31.5 percent for Papandreou in the question ''most suitable for prime minister'', followed by 11.3 percent for Simitis and 4.6 percent for Athens mayor and prominent ND cadre Dora Bakoyianni.

As for which party would win the elections if they were held next Sunday, ND led with 51.4 percent against 38.9 percent for PASOK. Although ND led with 12.5 percentage points, the difference between the two major parties has dropped overwhelmingly from 30 percent in a similar poll conducted by MRB just one month ago, in December 2003.

Also, 35.9 percent of the respondents had a ''good'' or ''very good'' opinion of the current government, while 39.8 percent had a ''good'' or ''very good'' opinion of ND. Conversely, 44.5 percent had a ''not so good'' or ''not good'' opinion of the government, while 37.1 percent had a ''not so good'' or ''not good'' opinion of ND. Another 18.5 percent had a ''neutral'' opinion of the government, while 18.5 percent had a ''neutral'' opinion on ND.

In addition, 63.5 percent of the respondents were ''absolutely certain'' of which party they would vote for if elections were to take place next Sunday, while 14.3 percent were ''rather certain'', 14.1 percent were ''not so certain'', 6.6 percent were ''not certain'', 1.0 percent did not reply, and 0.6 percent said they would not vote at all.

Further, 74.3 percent of the respondents felt that Papandreou's anticipated assumption of the PASOK leadership was a ''positive development'', including 56.3 percent of respondents who stated they were ND voters (voted for ND in the 2000 elections).

On Simitis' resignation from the PASOK leadership, 49.5 percent of the respondents agreed, 34.8 percent disagreed, while 12.9 percent stated they were ''indifferent''. A proportion of 58.2 percent of ND voters (2000 elections) expressed disagreement with Simitis' resignation.

As for Simitis' role in the present and future, 63.7 percent of respondents said it would be ''very decisive'' or ''rather decisive'', while 33 percent said it would be ''not decisive'' or ''not very decisive''.

Reactions: Foreign minister George Papandreou said Sunday that two opinion polls appearing in Sunday newspapers gave ''messages of optimism and hope from every corner of Greece as well as from the Greeks of the diaspora'', which created ''great responsibilities for the battle we are waging before as well as after the elections''.

Government spokesman and press and media minister Christos Protopapas said that, as indicated by the opinion polls -- the first since premier Costas Simitis announced his plans to resign from the PASOK leadership, thus paving the way for Papandreou to assume the party helm -- ''there is a major reversal of the political climate''.

''Everything is changing, and there is a very large rallying and activation of the everyday citizen, of the people, around the democratic party and George Papandreou,'' he said.

He added that ''we are still at the beginning'', adding that ''much work and political initiatives'' were necessary, noting that Papandreou, with his moves, had created enthusiasm and had addressed and touched the sensitivities of the Greek youth.

Meanwhile, New Democracy deputy of state and former party spokesman Aris Spiliotopoulos said that despite PASOK's 'communications attack', 51 percent of the people continued to believe that ND would emerge the victor in the March 7 general elections.

''This means that the change of leadership in PASOK is not bringing about a change of the policy that has led the Greek society to impasses,'' he added.

Defense minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, speaking at an event in Thessaloniki, said that although it was still to early to certify the extent of the change in the political climate, it nevertheless was clear that there was a major rejuvenation of PASOK and a deep-rooted change of the political climate and the people's attitude vis-a-vis the elections.

Culture minister Evangelos Venizelos, speaking at the same event, said it was obvious that the political climate had changed, and that the citizens were embracing PASOK once again.

[02] Papandreou informally kicks off nationwide tour with visit to Kaletzi

Athens, 12/01/2004 (ANA)

Accompanied by his wife Ada, his siblings Sofia, Niko and Andrikos and a number of friends of the family, Papandreou alighted in Kaletzi and laid a wreath at the bust of his grandfather George Papandreou, a former Greek prime minister.

After visiting the Papandreou Museum, Papandreou addressed the gathered crowd and thanked the people of Kaletzi for their support in the early stages of his career, asking them to rally together for the new age of PASOK.

His trip to Kaletzi from Athens was interrupted several times by supporters who came out to greet him along the way: including three unscheduled stops at Velos in Corinth, Xylokastro and Aigeira. In statements to local TV crews, he underlined that the public's response had ''exceeded my expectations''.

Arriving in Patras, Papandreou addressed a group of PASOK supporters that gathered in the city's central square in spite of the spitting rain, in a speech that centered on continuity within ruling PASOK and ended with an appeal to the younger generation to join ranks with him and participate in ''the new age that opens before us brings many and interesting challenges.''

George Papandreou has a sterling political pedigree in Greece, being the son of PASOK founder and thrice-elected prime minister Andreas Papandreou and the grandson of Greece's ''old man of democracy'' George Papandreou.

He is now the sole candidate to succeed Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who last week stepped down as party leader and initiated a transfer of power to Papandreou. The succession will be sealed by a grass-roots vote for party leader on February 8, after which Papandreou will lead the party into elections on March 7 as its president and will take over as premier if PASOK emerges victorious after the polls.

[03] FM Papandreou calls on NGOs to contribute to health, welfare policy formulation

Athens, 12/01/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to an event organized by the Panhellenic Association of Kidney Sufferers, Papandreou said that he was proud of the prestige and weight Greece had acquired, in the political arena, referring to his representation of the country as foreign minister.

However, he added, ''I represent Greece not only on issues such as the Cyprus problem and the Balkans, but also with respect to the economy, the environment, and social issues''.

He said Greece continued to be the country with the lowest standing in the EU with respect to organ and tissue donors, and called on the parliament president, all the political parties and the relevant bodies, to launch a campaign in that area.

[04] Karamanlis at Halandri rally: PASOK cannot truly change - it's time for it to go

Athens, 12/01/2004 (ANA)

He stressed that 2004 was a crucial year in the history of modern Greece and a milestone in the course toward a new era, a different policy and a new type of government for the major changes and reforms demanded by the new age.

Society's demand for a new page and a new start could not be met by the old PASOK in new packaging, he added.

''The dilemma before us today is whether we want to continue the same policy or bring about a change of policy with a new form of government. Whether we want the preservation of an establishment of corruption and decay or a new vision of the country,'' Karamanlis said.

After 20 years in power, PASOK was incapable of carrying out its promises to change or of convincing anyone, he added.

Karamanlis accused the governing party of copying ND's program piece-meal, following a statement by soon-to-be PASOK leader George Papandreou regarding the foundation of non-profit private universities - a position long held by ND.

''This highlights their responsibility and lack of credibility and only shows that they are bereft of ideology, direction and a compass,'' he said.

Noting that his party had been brutally criticized by PASOK cadres for supporting private universities in the past, he challenged PASOK on whether it did or did not have a program and whether it agreed with its future leader.

Stressing that the electorate demanded radical change, he claimed the governing party had responded with a ''communications barrage'' that did not answer this demand.

''The fireworks that have begun since last summer are not having an effect and are an attempt to trick society,'' he said.

Karamanlis also accused the government of having once more resorted to borrowing and passing the buck to future generations, noting that public debt had sky-rocketed to 180 billion euros.

During his speech, he appealed to younger voters, pledging more money for education and new technologies and policies to reduce insecurity about the future.

In an indirect stab at Papandreou, meanwhile, the ND leader noted that dialogue between politicians and the electorate should not be restricted to the 11th hour leading up to the elections and dismissed Papandreou's call for a ''new relationship'' between citizens and politics, pointing out that ruling PASOK was responsible for the current situation.

''Have they not been in government for the past 20 years and jointly taken the decisions?'' he asked.

''The citizens are aware that the problems of daily life cannot possibly be solved by those that created them nor by those who co-signed the governmental decisions, or kept quiet on the sidelines,'' he said.

ND leader Karamanlis discusses with youth in Ilion: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis on Sunday discussed the problems faced by young people, such as unemployment and education, with youths in the Ilion suburb of Athens.

Karamanlis said he opposed foreign minister George Papandreou's position voiced in the past on de-criminalizing soft drugs, adding that although he himself was also open to ideas and proposals, the said system had failed wherever it had been applied.

He further said that he was in favor of renewal of the political life of the country, adding that, as ND leader, he had given opportunities to young politicians who did not come from traditional political families.

[05] Parliament deputy A. Papadopoulos to run for election in Athens

Athens, 12/01/2004 (ANA)

In a press release issued by ruling PASOK party, it was also announced that the decision of Papadopoulos, who was elected to Parliament in Thesprotia Prefecture, was finalized after a meeting he had with PASOK Central Committee Secretary Michalis Chrysohoidis.

[06] SYN central committee discusses political developments

Athens, 12/01/2004 (ANA)

Speakers at the SYN central committee meeting on Saturday criticized foreign minister George Papandreou, saying that his positions were of a "communications" and "slogan" nature, adding that it would soon be evident that even with Papandreou's assumption of the PASOK leadership there would be no changes made to the policy of the ruling party.

[07] DHKKI leader lashes out against the two main parties

Athens, 12/01/2004 (ANA)

"ND and PASOK serve the interests of scammers and the financially powerful, with the redistribution of national wealth and income at the expense of the working classes," he said.

He also accused the two main parties of using "pre-election gimmicks" and of systematically attempting to "once again trap the victims of their neoliberal and anti-working-class policies".

[08] Cyprus president to visit Greece on Jan. 18-19

NICOSIA 12/01/2004 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

During the visit, Papadopoulos will meet Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister George Papandreou for talks on the Cyprus issue and to discuss and review the prospects of a solution of the political problem on the island republic in view of recent developments.

[09] Macedonia-Thrace, Aegean ministers to visit Cyprus

NICOSIA 12/01/2004 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

During the visit, Kastanidis will be received by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and the Deputy President of the Cypriot House of Representatives Vasos Lyssarides, as well as Cypriot Finance Minister Markos Kyprianou.

Also to visit Cyprus on Monday is Aegean Minister Nikos Sifounakis, who has been invited by Kyprianou to exchange views on the "Thrace-Aegean-Cyprus" program, along with Kastanides.

Sifounakis will also be received by Papadopoulos and Lyssarides.

[10] PASOK ministers comment on Papandreou, private universities issue

Athens, 12/01/2004 (ANA)

Papandreou's statements had drawn fire from main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis, who accused him of copying ND's program and carrying out a policy ''about-face'' by adopting a position that had been vehemently opposed by PASOK until now.

This was denied by Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who said Papandreou's statements were an older proposal the foreign ministers had made for non-state universities.

He also stressed that this did not mean private universities in the sense supported by ND.

''It means universities that local government and social bodies will be able to create as non-profit organizations,'' he said.

According to Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, Papandreou's statements referred to the ''dilemma between non-profit universities that have criteria of quality and contribute to the social whole and universities that operate as simple profit-making enterprises''.

He said such non-profit universities did not necessarily have to be owned by the state but have a legal form that placed them under public, social control.

''I believe that this question, which ND could never understand, will be understood by the Greek people, who will appreciate the clarity with which we express ourselves on this issue,'' he added.

Commenting on Papandreou's visit to Kaletzi, Tsohatzopoulos noted that PASOK founder Andreas Papandreou had historically begun his pre-election efforts in his home town.

''The crucial issue is that a different type of electoral battle has begun,'' he added.

Venizelos said the visit was a ''deeply historic and deeply political act that shows that we cannot be modern, contemporary and rise up to this post-industrial era without having a sense of historical memory, a sense of where we come from as a people and a country.''

Venizelos also expressed certainty that former PASOK secretary and minister Costas Laliotis would be in the ''front line'' of PASOK's effort to win the elections.

[11] Greek and FYROM ministers discuss implementation of oil-pipeline deals

Athens, 12/01/2004 (ANA)

The two sides submitted proposals for settling details of the contract regulating the operation of both the refinery in Skopje and transporting the oil through the pipeline.

The meeting follows up a newly-entertained prospect that Greece and FYROM jointly construct a new pipeline that will begin in Skopje and end in Kosovo.

Tsohatzopoulos said the two sides were also examining the possibility of constructing a similar pipeline from Skopje to Serbia and Montenegro.

Both new pipelines will transport ready-made fuel products rather than crude oil, such as that being transported along the Skopje-Thessaloniki pipeline, he said.

''We are negotiating to find ways to implement the contract, which has been signed,'' Tsohatzopoulos stressed, noting the need to regulate issues in order to ''clear-up'' the business environment in the Balkan region.

[12] Event in Thessaloniki seeks support for city's EXPO 2008 bid

Athens, 12/01/2004 (ANA)

Apart from a presentation of the bid file submitted by the city for the international trade exhibition, the event was addressed by Macedonia-Thrace Minister Haris Kastanides, who said the city's bid had been well received at the presentation in Paris in December and that the city had an edge over competitors Saragossa and Trieste.

The gathering was also addressed by Thessaloniki's mayor and prefect and Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis and a number of MPs from both main parties.

Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos attended the presentation but called away early due to a scheduled meeting with visiting Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Finance Minister Stevko Jakimovski.

[13] 80 per cent of British public wants Parthenon Marbles in Greece

LONDON 12/01/2004 (ANA/L. Tsirigotakis)

Some 80 per cent of those questioned support the return of the marbles, compared to 50 per cent only three years ago, ''The Sunday Telegraph'' and the ''Sunday Times'' reported.

Greek Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos also on Sunday said that he was particularly happy of the response of the British public, as expressed in this opinion poll, stressing that ''I am glad as minister of culture and personally as well, because the proposals we have stated to achieve the reunification of the Parthenon Marbles - in the form of a single exhibit in Athens, under the auspices of the Acropolis Museum and the British Museum, a branch of which we want to establish within the New Acropolis Museum - has met with such great acceptance by the British public opinion''.

He thanked those that worked hard to inform the British public of the initiative and for their support in the effort to reunify the elements of the Parthenon, an international cultural symbol.

It should also be noted that the Sunday Times' report also stressed that some 90 per cent of British museums' personnel supports the return of the marbles, as the opinion poll showed.

[14] Supreme Court reverses decision on compensation for illegal migrant workers

Athens, 12/01/2004 (ANA)

The case referred to an Albanian who had been working in Greece without the proper residence and working permits and who was fatally injured in a car accident.

The Supreme Court Plenum found that loss of earnings included anticipated income from work, even if the work contract was invalid.

[15] Foreign ministry's expatriate youth program begins on Sunday

Athens, 12/01/2004 (ANA)

The program will be conducted in Athens, but will include tours of archaeological and cultural sites and will take place from Jan. 11 to Feb. 2.

[16] Turkish community party leaders announce coalition 'government'

NICOSIA 12/01/2004 (ANA)

Republican Turkish Party leader Mehmet Ali Talat, who will lead this self-styled rule, stressed, during a press conference that his basic aim is to move toward ''social reconciliation and the solution of the island's political problem''.

He underlined that his aim is to resolve the Cyprus problem before 1st May (when the Cyprus Republic officially becomes a European Union member) through negotiations based on the U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan plan, adding that he will call for a referendum in the occupied north when all sides agree on it.

The Democratic Party's leader is Serdar Denktash, son of Rauf, long time leader of the Turkish Cypriot community.

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