Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-02-16

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] ND leader addresses regional party conference in Patra

[02] Papandreou lashes against ND at rally in Stuttgart

[03] Communist party leader calls on leftist citizens for backing

[04] European Left Party to hold founding meeting in May, Syn leader says

[05] Poll shows voters reserved over transfers of politicians to their parties

[06] Country returning to normal after bad weather, DM praises effort by armed forces

[07] Cyprus president says improvement of Annan plan a prime concern

[01] ND leader addresses regional party conference in Patra

Athens, 16/02/2004 (ANA)

Karamanlis referred to upgrading the quality of life through environmental protection. He also said five percent of the country's forests are destroyed by fires every decade, while land reforested only accounts for 0.5 percent.

On the question of tourism, Karamanlis said a far-reaching policy is necessary to attract more visitors throughout the year, adding that the party intends to create a ministry of tourism and to reorganize the Greek Tourist Organization (EOT).

Karamanlis said the Athens Olympic Games this summer constitute the greatest capital. He added that they are the most valuable product of the country and the base of national pride.

Speaking of economic growth, Karamanlis said the country needs the strengthening of enterprise, the attraction of foreign capital and facilitating investment activities.

''We need new investments, new businesses and new jobs to confront the social scourge of the times, unemployment,'' he added.

Party officials also presented programs on the environment, culture and sport, tourism and justice during the conference, which was concluded with an address by the party's Central Committee Secretary Evangelos Meimarakis.

ND leader gives interview to 'Apogevmatini', comments on election developments: Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, in an interview with the Sunday newspaper ''Apogevmatini tis Kyriakis'', described the recent transfers of politicians by the ruling PASOK party as ''election fireworks.''

Karamanlis further said citizens ''are not disorientated by changes in roles'', adding that ''all these old-party tricks merely con-firm the system's panic.''

The ND leader went on to say ''society and the country have paid dearly for dissension and tension, while now we can all build Greece of our common visions together, the powerful Greece of the 21st century.''

Karamanlis said he will not remove worthy and capable people from crucial positions in public administration.

"We are small in number and we do not have the luxury of dividing ourselves between those who are friends and those who are not," Karamanlis said.

ND leader addresses party's Regional Conference in Thessaloniki: Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, addressing his party's Regional Conference in Evosmos municipal stadium in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, on Saturday, said if ND comes to power it will go ahead with the creation of a Greek-Turkish Cooperation Council.

Karamanlis analyzed his party's policies on foreign policy, de-fence and public order. Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, he said his government will pursue peaceful coexistence and cooperation with Turkey.

''We speak clearly. We want to develop relations of cooperation. We want, and this has been stated repeatedly by our party, to reduce military armaments. We want to invest in the social state and in the prosperity of citizens. And what we want for us, we also want for our neighbors. And for all these reasons, we are planning to promote the creation of a Greek-Turkish Cooperation Council during the new governance,'' he said.

The ND leader further said a solution to the issue of Cyprus is a test for normalizing Greek-Turkish relations and for Turkey's European prospects.

Referring to latest developments regarding the Cyprus issue, Karamanlis said ''the compromise agreement reached in New York paves the way for the resumption of negotiations. We hope they will have a positive conclusion to enable Cyprus to join the European Union reunited. Our support for the president of the Republic of Cyprus and the leadership and people of the island is a foregone conclusion. We are by their side. We are close to them. We are with them.''

Karamanlis also focused on public order during his address, saying ''the security of the citizen and respect for his freedoms constitute issues of top priority for the new governance.''

He promised to implement a policy providing security and prosperity for all Greek men and women, adding that his commitments bear the seal of consistency and reliability.

After his address in Thessaloniki, Karamanlis is due to visit the city of Patra, in western Greece, to attend his party's Regional Conference there.

[02] Papandreou lashes against ND at rally in Stuttgart

STUTGARD 16/02/2004 (ANA/V.Mourtis)

''The New Democracy was always opposite change, opposite the Greek people and the creative forces'', Papandreou said, adding that the ND always wanted citizens to be ''pinned down'' so that it can exploit their problems.

Papandreou was addressing a rally of supporters residing in Germany, who had assembled at an indoor stadium in Stuttgart.

Referring to the efforts he launched after his election at PASOK's helm, Papandreou stressed he was prepared to break the status quo and contribute to the creation of a new generation of politicians.

''Our party wins over everyone who wants to head with us towards the future, everyone who wants to participate, everyone who is radical and innovative'', he said, adding that PASOK was not bargaining its identity or its principles.

Finally, the PASOK leader said he was resolved to ''push aside all obstacles raised by the anachronistic state to ensure that no citizens are excluded from prosperity and development'', which he said only PASOK could guarantee.

Papandreou also referred to Greek immigrant issues and intended favorable measures, also promising to make the absentee ballot a reality.

PASOK leader gives interview to 'Ethnos', confident of election victory: PASOK party leader George Papandreou, in an interview with the Sunday newspaper ''Ethnos tis Kyriakis'', expressed confidence that the outcome of the March 7 elections will be victorious for his party and that the will of the people will be ex-pressed in these elections.

''However, we must take nothing for granted and we shall work until the last moment for a great victory. There is the will of the people and it will be expressed in the elections,'' he said.

''Our government on the 8th of March will be renewed and powerful, while fatigue will remain the excuse of our opponents who are unable to convince the Greek people that they have the strength and endurance to overcome their introversion,'' he added.

Papandreou said the priorities of his government will be culture which concerns the citizen's daily life, education which constitutes the main vehicle for society's development and management and the handling of unemployment and of the income of hard-working professionals, such as farmers.

''Every person responsible for implementing a specific option is accountable for its smooth completion and must gladly accept public control and administrative evaluation to enable his initiatives and strategy to have the acceptance of society,'' he said.

Referring to the program of the main opposition New Democracy party, Papandreou said ''ND had four years at its disposal to shape a convincing program and it presented what it had placed in the drawers after the elections in 2000 with last-minute corrections.''

The PASOK leader also commented on recent developments concerning the longstanding issue of Cyprus.

''The decisions taken in New York are not the end of a difficult process. They are only its beginning. The days ahead of us will be crucial and require all our strength, knowledge and experience,'' he said.

"As always, we shall stand by the Republic of Cyprus to guarantee a just and viable solution to the issue of Cyprus, in the framework of UN resolutions and in the framework of the acquis communautaire," Papandreou added.

PASOK leader addresses letter to ND counterpart, proposes four TV debates: PASOK party leader George Papandreou has addressed a letter to main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, in reply to his proposal on their televised election dialogue.

Papandreou termed the state's neutral functioning in observance of the constitution as being self-evident and proposed four televised debates between them and one more between the heads of the two parties' state election tickets.

''Reliable and comprehensive information for citizens requires a wide civilized and integrated dialogue,'' PASOK's leader said.

Papandreou proposed four sectors as topics for their debates: foreign policy, the economy and growth, education and employment and young people and new technologies through the Internet.

Papandreou also called for the immediate finalization of the content and of rules for carrying out these debates by authorized associates of the two parties' leaders.

PASOK leader to address party rally in Irakleio on Monday: PASOK party leader George Papandreou will be addressing an election rally in Freedom Square in the city of Irakleio, in Crete, at 7.30 p.m. on Monday. The rally had previously been postponed due to the bad weather conditions of the past few days.

Papandreou, who is expected to arrive at Nikos Kazantzakis airport in Irakleio at 5 in the afternoon, will have contacts with party members from the prefecture of Irakleio and then head for the square to make his scheduled address.

[03] Communist party leader calls on leftist citizens for backing

Athens, 16/02/2004 (ANA)

Papariga also called on working classes which traditionally voted for the main opposition New Democracy party to realize that they will not punish the ruling PASOK party by voting for ND, because if this party comes to power it will have no difference from the current ruling party since their programs are identical.

[04] European Left Party to hold founding meeting in May, Syn leader says

Athens, 16/02/2004 (ANA)

''This is a day of optimism'' Constantopoulos said.

''The decision to found a Party of the European Left is a serious step toward a better cooperation and coordination among the left parties in Europe'', he added.

The SYN leader was speaking at a press conference in Athens, which was also attended by the head of Germany's Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS) Lothar Bisky, who said that Europe was in need of a democratic left party ''to fight against neo-liberal movements and conservativism.''

''Europe's left, along with several extra-parliamentary movements, will be present at all elections, not only for the European Parliament, but also the national elections. We are the alternative solution opposite the neo-liberals Europe-wide'', he added.

Representatives from leftist organizations from across Europe at a meeting in January in Berlin, signed a manifesto calling for the creation of a party of the European Left.

[05] Poll shows voters reserved over transfers of politicians to their parties

Athens, 16/02/2004 (ANA)

According to the poll, 33 percent of the two parties audience believe that a dialogue is good with former ND Deputies Stefanos Manos and Andreas Andrianopoulos, and former PASOK Deputy Stelios Papathemelis, but the ''marriage'' needs a longer acquaintance period, the newspaper said.

Manos and Andrianopoulos will be running for PASOK in the March 7 elections and Papathemelis for ND.

The poll was carried out by telephone with 1,001 respondents on February 12.

On the question of what is your opinion of Andrianopoulos and Manos, the replies were 23.8 percent positive, 9.7 more or less positive, 8.1 more or less negative and 45.6 negative.

As regards the same question for Papathemelis, 27.8 percent of respondents had a positive view, 13.3 more or less positive, 9.3 more or less negative and 36.1 negative.

MRB poll gives ND 3 pc lead over PASOK, but Papandreou still preferred as PM: A nationwide opinion poll carried out by the MRB company, and published in the Sunday edition of the newspaper ''Kathimerini'', shows the main opposition New Democracy party leading the ruling PASOK party by 3 percent in light of the March 7 elections in the country.

The poll was conducted with a questionnaire and a ballot box and with a sample of 2,000 respondents. It took place between February 4-10. The margin of error is about 2.10 percent.

According to the poll, ND gets 39.9 percent of the vote, PASOK 36.9, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) 5.3, the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology 3, the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) 1.5 and the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) 1.3.

The poll further shows that 53.3 percent of respondents believe ND will win the elections (compared to 55.9 in the previous poll) and 31.4 that PASOK will win (compared to 30.7 in the previous poll).

On the question of who is most suitable to become prime minister, PASOK leader George Papandreou gets 45.6 percent and ND leader Costas Karamanlis 41.8. The difference is 3.8 percent, whereas in the previous poll it was 2.7.

As regards the question which of the two parties can tackle the country's problems in a better way, ND gets 40.8 percent and PASOK 38.6 (the corresponding percentages in the previous poll were 41.5 and 37.2).

VPRC opinion poll gives ND 4.4 pc lead over PASOK: The main opposition New Democracy party is leading the ruling PASOK party by 4.4 percent, according to a nationwide opinion poll carried out by the VPRC company and published in the newspaper ''Kathimerini.''

The poll, carried out by telephone with 1,200 respondents between February 11-12, gives ND 33.2 percent of the vote, PASOK 28.8, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) 3.7, the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology 2, the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) 1.1 and the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) 0.4.

Forty-nine percent of respondents believe ND will win the March 7 elections and 27 that PASOK will win.

PASOK leader George Papandreou is preferred as prime minister by 45 percent and ND leader Costas Karamanlis by 41.

RASS opinion poll shows ND leading PASOK by 4.5 pc: A nationwide opinion poll carried out by the RASS company, and published in the weekly newspaper ''To Paron'', shows the main opposition New Democracy party leading the ruling PASOK party by 4.5 percent.

The poll was carried out by telephone with 2,122 respondents between February 6-12.

The poll gives ND 40 percent of the vote, PASOK 35.5, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) 5, the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology 3.1, the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) 1.1 and the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) 1.

On the question of who is most suitable to become prime minister, PASOK leader George Papandreou gets 42.6 percent and ND leader Costas Karamanlis 41.4.

[06] Country returning to normal after bad weather, DM praises effort by armed forces

Athens, 16/02/2004 (ANA)

Caretaker Interior Minister Nikos Alivizatos said ''things are getting better'', adding that he is depending on the ''self-denial of the state apparatus, which was not perfect, but had reacted from the beginning in a positive way and had helped in tackling the wave of bad weather, which was the biggest to hit the country in past years.''

According to Civil Protection Secretary General Yiannis Georgakopoulos, the main problems created by the bad weather continue to exist in the Cyclades islands and in Crete, while the number of snowbound villages in the Achaia prefecture has been reduced from 50 to five.

Problems also exist on the Attica motorway, in the region from Metamorfosis to Elefsina, as well as in regions in northeastern Attica.

The Civil Protection General Secretariat is cooperating with the Attica Regional Service, the fire brigade and the military and is providing every possible help wherever this is required.

Electric power supply has been restored in the region of Nea Makri, while regions from Agios Andreas to Loutsa are still facing problems created by power failures.

The Public Power Corporation (DEH) believes that as from the afternoon no region will be facing power failures any more.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou praised the contribution of the armed forces to the effort of confronting problems caused by bad weather conditions.

Papantoniou visited military units working on the Athens-Lamia motorway on Saturday, which were helping to remove snow, free trapped cars and provide all necessary assistance for citizens harassed by snowfall.

"The country's armed forces, always present in every social or other crisis, have stood by the citizen once again and have provided considerable services," he said.

Athens airport opens, flight delays continue: Athens Eleftherios Venizelos international airport opened on Saturday, but flights are still facing problems. Airport work crews worked throughout the night to clear runways of snow, while frost caused by unusually low temperatures for this time of the year is still posing a problem.

The two Greek airline companies, Olympic Airlines and Aegean Airlines, had carried out no scheduled domestic or overseas flight by 8.30 a.m. but had warned passengers in time of developments to avoid inconvenience. However, passengers planning to travel on Saturday are advised to contact the offices of the two airline companies for information.

Foreign airline companies have carried out a number of flights from Athens airport on Saturday morning. However, fairly long delays are taking place as ice has to be removed from aircraft and runways, while work crews are continuously spraying runways with salt to keep them open.

As time goes by and temperatures rise, the airport's operation and the carrying out of flights are expected to be normalized.

Water supply company calls for restriction of water consumption: An announcement by the water supply company EYDAP on Saturday said that since the morning, and during the last few hours in particular, an unusually high level of water consumption for this time of the year and for current weather conditions is being observed almost throughout the entire Attica prefecture.

The announcement attributes increased water consumption to the fact that people are trying to remove ice and snow from streets, pavements and cars by using water.

''Since wasting water is a trial for the water supply system's capacity to serve the city and meet the real needs of citizens, EYDAP appeals to all citizens to avoid any waste and to restrict the consumption of water to absolutely necessary quantities,'' the announcement said.

[07] Cyprus president says improvement of Annan plan a prime concern

NICOSIA 16/02/2004 (ANA - G. Leonidas/CNA)

President Papadopoulos returned home from New York in the morning with an aircraft provided for him by the Greek government.

President Papadopoulos assured the people of Cyprus that its leadership will not sacrifice the substance for the sake of the procedure nor make any wrong decisions.

He said the Greek Cypriot side's prime concern is to achieve an improvement of the Annan Plan and a solution which will serve the interests of the whole of the people of Cyprus, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. This is the responsibility and role we undertake and I want the people of Cyprus to be certain that our sole concern is their interest which will not be sacrificed for any expediencies or under any pressure.

Returning from New York after intensive discussions it was announced by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan that talks will begin next Thursday in Cyprus, President Papadopoulos said your weapon in the negotiations is our faith in the justice of our rights, our argument over the precision of the changes which we pursue in the Annan Plan and unity.

He said a new round of intensive negotiations will start next week in very tight timeframes which will show whether it will lead to the desired solution or not.

Papadopoulos said this will depend on the positions which the two sides will present, and more importantly on whether the Turkish side has changed its policy as regards to Cyprus, if it is pursuing a solution so that a reunited Cyprus will enter the EU or whether it insists in its old position for division of the island.

This was not made completely clear from the New York discussions, the Cypriot President noted.

Papadopoulos pledged that Cyprus wants a viable and functional settlement based on the Annan Plan.

He further said that the role of the EU has been significantly upgraded and that he has assurances by Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen and the Secretary-General that the role of the EU will be diverse at all levels and stages of the negotiations.

Papadopoulos announced that Verheugen will visit Cyprus a day before the resumption of the negotiations to give the message of the great interest and involvement of the EU.

President Papadopoulos praised the unity in the home front and thanked all political party leaders and former Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, who accompanied him to New York, as well as Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis for his valuable assistance.

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