Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-03-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Parliament ratifies government's policy statements

[02] Public order minister outlines NATO role in Olympics safety

[03] PM Karamanlis, Europarl. chief Cox, discuss Cyprus, Madrid attack, EU constitution

[04] Cyprus problem to be on the agenda of EU summit meeting

[05] Molyviatis condemns assassination of Hamas founder

[06] Parliament speaker receives Israeli MPs, calls for end to Mideast strife

[07] Parliament president inaugurates Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly

[08] President Stephanopoulos to pay state visit to Moldova

[09] Deputy foreign minister meets with Israel's ambassador

[10] KKE leader voices fury against EU bureaucrats, Greek gov't's policy statements

[11] US ambassador pays first visit to new education minister

[12] Gov't to clean up laws promoting graft, justice minister pledges

[13] New gov't disputes predecessor's account of economic indicators

[14] New gov't cites costlier budgets for Olympic projects

[15] Gov't presses contractors over tram network

[16] Labor minister says tackling unemployment the main goal

[17] Tourism minister pledges deep changes in tourist policy

[18] Farm minister to EU: Ex-gov't gave misleading data to parliament

[19] Central bank reports rise in earnings for 2003

[20] Stocks slump on Mideast woes

[21] Health minister promises to meet Olympic commitments

[22] Lighting of the Olympic Flame - March 25

[23] Alternate Culture Minister meets with ATHOC president

[24] European Parliament president meets Archbishop Christodoulos

[25] President Stephanopoulos gives Botsis journalism awards

[26] UN and Athens’ Mayor to raise awareness/funds for refugees

[27] Top UN envoy wants intensive Cyprus talks in Switzerland

[28] Cypriot president says no fundamental progress achieved in talks

[01] Parliament ratifies government's policy statements

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

In a speech just before the vote, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said that ''Greece has already entered a new era and the Greek people are much more mature.''

Addressing himself to the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), the ruling New Democracy party leader said: ''We heard of 'a structural opposition' which goes to extremes. They are making a big mistake. Because Greece has already entered a new era and the Greek people are much more mature than they themselves think. We are interested in solving problems. We will honor the commitments we have undertaken before the Greek people and will put them in practice."

Replying to soundings by PASOK, regarding ''abstract'' government policy statements, Prime Minister Karamanlis argued that the government's commitments before the citizens are absolutely determined and the priorities are apparent. ''The government, other than good intentions, has a united and clear political will. We are determined to succeed,'' he said.

''We know full well the real situation of the economy, it is very different in relation to what was presented. However, funds can be saved from an increase in the rate of growth, from the full, timely, correct and transparent use of funds, from the reduction of public debt, from the medium-term reduction of defense expenditure, from the drastic reduction of tax evasion and from the drastic reduction of bureaucracy,'' Karamanlis said.

Health minister presents four-year plan: Health ministry's top priority is to strengthen the country's healthcare sector ahead of the summer Olympic Games, Health and Social Solidarity Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis said on Monday.

Speaking in parliament, to present the ministry's four-year plan, Kaklamanis said that he "is forced to proceed with a direct assignment" in the construction of a new coordinating center for the ambulance service EKAB, instead of holding a tender, in order to meet deadlines. The Greek minister also said that EKAB would receive only 200 of the scheduled 270 new ambulance vehicles by summer.

Mr Kaklamanis expressed his belief that three or four Olympic hospitals would be ready ahead of the summer Games and that a new clinic, due to be delivered July 10 to the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee, would operate with volunteers by the end of September. The minister added that the clinic was an amazing urban healthcare center lacking, however, a business plan. Kaklamanis said that the clinic would remain closed until the first quarter of 2005.

He said that the ministry would seek to fully absorb funds from a Third Community Support Framework and to draft a new legislation by spring on hospital management and another bill on hospital financial restructuring.

Kaklamanis reiterated that a policy of a list of subscription medicines would be abolished.

Transport minister unveils four-year plan: "We are obliged to follow community directives in the privatization of Olympic Airlines and to ensure the interests of the state, workers and of the country's citizens," Transport and Communications Minister Mihalis Liapis said on Monday.

Speaking in parliament, in the framework of the presentation of the government's policy statement, Mr Liapis criticized the previous government for its handling of the national carrier saying that the company has accumulated a debt exceeding one trillion drachmas and that the European Commission questioned the legitimacy of a process to change former Olympic Airways into Olympic Airlines.

The minister reassured deputies in parliament that the government would implement its pre-election policy platform, aimed to improve quality of living in big cities by encouraging the use of mass transportation services, a smooth flow of cargo in the country and succeeding in the increased demands for transportation during the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

The government has pledged to raise the fleet of mass transportation services to 2,500 buses in the Athens region, to offer a cheaper 24-hour ticket, to set up a single transportation agency, to support taxi parking lots near Metro stations, to reduce VAT tax on motorcycle helmets, to expand the use of metro and tram and to facilitate access to citizens with special needs.

Mr Liapis said he aimed to raise the number of citizens using mass transportation services to 50 percent by the end of the four-year term of the government from 30 percent currently.

[02] Public order minister outlines NATO role in Olympics safety

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

He said Athens' request for NATO assistance during the Games was part of an international network of cooperation that Greece was developing to ensure their safety.

The minister said that NATO's role will include 24-hour surveillance from the air by AWACS radar planes and of the seas by NATO ships sailing outside Greek territorial waters, that will also be able to carry out on-board inspections of vessels in international waters.

He said Greece will be receiving more intelligence, particularly information related to terrorist threats, and would have assistance in dealing with biochemical warfare.

The minister emphasized, however, that all forces within Greek territory will be under Greek tactical command.

''Our goal is to organize safe Olympic Games and there is no point in arguing over whether this procedure might have been done differently,'' he said.

On more general policies regarding crime and law enforcement, Voulgarakis said that the government's aim was to bring police closer to the ordinary public, while its policies against crime will be based on cooperate between the state, security forces, science, the media and Parliament.

He announced plans to increase police patrols on foot and restore the agricultural police force, as well as to create universities for police and fire-fighting studies and pledged recognition of the hazardous nature of the work done those in the emergency service.

With regard to immediate measures, the minister said these would concentrate on better use of police resources, with a more even distribution of personnel and fewer officers detached to unrelated services, as well as greater emphasis on border guards, more theoretical and practical training, especially in firearms, and an bid to establish meritocracy and purge the police force of party-political interference and mentalities.

[03] PM Karamanlis, Europarl. chief Cox, discuss Cyprus, Madrid attack, EU constitution

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

Speaking after a meeting with visiting European Parliament president Pat Cox, Karamanlis spoke of a Europe of solidarity among its member states that would advance and ensure the particular interests of its member states.

He also endorsed the Irish EU presidency's efforts for finding a solution for the new constitutional treaty which, he said, must be finalized before the Europarliament elections.

Karamanlis welcomed the EU enlargement, which will become official on May 1, with the entry of 10 new member-states, including Cyprus.

''We seek the strengthening of the European democratic institutions and transparency in the new Europe being built,'' Karamanlis said, and reiterated his position in favor of upgrading the role of the European Parliament.

With respect to confronting international terrorism -- following the attacks in Madrid -- Karamanlis endorsed the EU presidency's proposal for efficient coordination of action by the member-states, noting that ''we demand continuation of the efforts and cooperation''.

Cox agreed with Karamanlis that the European constitution must be advanced prior to the European Parliament elections, and expressed satisfaction with Greece's and Turkey's participation in the UN-sponsored Cyprus talks.

''We hope that they will play a significant role so that a reconciled Cyprus will join a reconciled Europe,'' Cox said.

The Europarliament president reminded that Turkey had its own rendezvous with the EU soon, and noted the close relations between the Greek and Turkish prime ministers.

On the recent violence in Kosovo, Cox said that the problems in the region must be resolved with determination, while he called the terrorist attack in Madrid an ''insult to democracy'', noting that a clear message must be sent that there can be no zones or havens for terrorists in the European Union.

European Parliament president hopes division of two communities in Cyprus lifted: European Parliament President Pat Cox, speaking in Athens on Monday on the occasion of the publication of the volume titled ''The European Constitution'' by the ''Ant. Sakkoulas Publications'', said about the Cyprus issue ''we hope the division of the two communities will be lifted and a solution will be found, since our desire is a reconciled Cyprus to join the EU without, however, this constituting a precondition'', adding that ''if a solution was found before accession it would be the best situation.''

Referring to Turkey's accession prospects, Cox said he ''does not wish to prejudge the result of the account to be made in December 2004'', but added that ''the reforms Turkey has been making since December 2002 had not been carried out over the past 40 years.''

The European Parliament president pointed out that ''progress has been achieved, but we need even more important reforms.''

Referring to the situation in former Yugoslavia and the western Balkans, Cox said ''the events in the past few days show that old tensions remain and entail risks of retrogression which does not benefit any one and Greece in particular'' and noted that ''continuous and intensified effort is necessary.''

Cox praised the European Union's Greek presidency in the first half of 2003, saying ''Greece guided the EU in an excellent way.''

He went on to say ''2003 was not the EU's best year'' but explained that ''this had nothing to do with the Greek presidency.''

Cox said ''the crisis in Iraq which had an 'impact' among us, problems concerning the Stability Pact and problems regarding the European Constitution are the three main reasons that 2003 was not a good year.''

Speaking on the question of the European Constitution, Cox said the European Parliament would like the Constitution before the Euroelections in June, adding that ''Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis also agrees with this.''

[04] Cyprus problem to be on the agenda of EU summit meeting

BRUSSELS 23/03/2004 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, for the first time in his capacity as newly appointed foreign minister, on Sunday represented Greece at the EU General Affairs Council where he briefed his counterparts on the course of developments for a solution to the Cyprus problem. At the same time, Molyviatis had bilateral meetings with his British, Italian, French and Irish counterparts, as well as with EU High Representative for Security and Defense Policy Javier Solana.

According to well informed sources, the objective of Greek diplomacy is to make clear, in all directions, that the political settlement of the Cyprus problem must be compatible with the EU's acquis communautaire and that should be no permanent exclusions from the basic principles on which the European format has been shaped, that is, the free movement of persons, capital, services and goods.

Furthermore, as noted to their counterparts by Molyviatis and Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis, the solution being sought for Cyprus should be compatible, both with the contents of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's plan as well as with the United Nations' decisions and resolutions to date.

Regarding other issues preoccupying the current Council, the Greek side declared that it was satisfied by the decisions which will be taken by the ''15'' at the EU summit concerning means for the combatting of the phenomenon of international terrorism. Foreign Minister Molyviatis noted that Greece desires the contribution of its partners in light of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and briefed his counterparts on the measures which Athens has already taken.

As for the situation in Kosovo, the Greek side, like the other EU member-states, believe that the Kosovo authorities must take measures for the de-escalation of the tension and bring before justice those responsible for the blood-ridden riots.

The foreign minister also said that for the time being, the initially planned withdrawal of the Greek contingent present in the troubled region is suspended.

Finally, the Greek side asked of the ''15'' to intensify their efforts for the release of the seamen of the ''Tasman Spirit'' tanker who are being held in Pakistan. The issue will be discussed at the next meeting of the EU services with the Pakistani authorities.

[05] Molyviatis condemns assassination of Hamas founder

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

Molyviatis also added that this development certainly does not contribute to the peace-making process in the Middle East.

''We recognize Israel's right to protect its citizens from terrorist acts, but not by using similar methods,'' he explained. He asked both sides to refrain from acts of violence which undermine peace-making efforts.

''It is incomprehensible that violence should replace the political process which is a necessary prerequisite for a just and viable solution to the Palestinian problem,'' Molyviatis stated.

The Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) party also condemned Yassin's assassination in a statement which emphasized that, ''Sharon's unaccountability and policy of terrorism is being reinforced and supported by the U.S. government which bears great responsibility for the situation.''

KKE condemns the murder of Hamas' spiritual leader: The Athens section of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Communist Youth Organization (KNE) in an announcement on Monday condemned the ''premeditated murder of Hamas founder and spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin,'' expressed their ''solidarity to the struggle of the Palestinian people'' and called for a gathering of protest and the encircling of the Embassy of Israel.

''This crime constitutes a provocation and is directed against the struggle of the Palestinians to gain their own homeland,'' the KKE said in an announcement, adding: ''This is imperialist terrorism.''

The encircling of the embassy will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday.

Palestinian representation in Athens on Yassin death: In an announcement on Monday, the Palestinian Diplomatic Representation in Athens expressed its mourning over the passing of Hamas founder and "spiritual leader" Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, who was assassinated by Israeli forces.

The announcement said that Yassin fell victim of "a cowardly terrorist action by the Israeli occupation army in the city of Gaza, when Israeli helicopters launched three rockets against him, killing him and nine other Palestinians at the orders of war criminal Ariel Sharon and his government".

According to the announcement, this escalation of Israeli terror against the Palestinian people revealed that Israel intends to undermine all international efforts to de-escalate violence and achieve a ceasefire as a first step in restarting peace talks on implementing the Road Map.

It said that the Palestinian people and all its political forces will stand united and determined to continue the just struggle for freedom and national independence in the face of Israeli terror and called on the international community to mobilize for the protection of Palestinian civilians and force the Israeli government to pull back its forces from Palestinian territory.

A condolences book will be opened at the Palestinian Representation from Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 until 14:00.

[06] Parliament speaker receives Israeli MPs, calls for end to Mideast strife

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

The Israeli delegation is currently in Athens to attend the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly taking place at an Attica seaside resort.

Psarouda-Benaki said the Greek Parliament will soon be setting up a Greece-Israel Friendship Group that will help further cement ties between the parliamentary assemblies of the two countries, while she renewed an invitation to members of The Knesset to visit Greece.

Talks during the meeting focused on the Olympic Games in Athens in August, with Psarouda-Benaki relaying the government conviction that the Games will be conducted in absolute safety and will be an event that promotes reconciliation, peaceful coexistence and cooperation between nations.

She said that Greece does not want violent and unpleasant incidents to occur on the eve of this paramount international sporting and cultural event.

[07] Parliament president inaugurates Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

Benaki said in a brief address that the security of the world constitutes a top priority for all societies, adding that reality shaped after September 11, 2001 and March 111 gives a very urgent nature to the need of coordination among all to eradicate the nightmare of terrorism which has been taking on extremely alarming dimensions lately.

She said securing an environment of security is a basic precondition for the social development of peoples, economic progress, cultural development, the improvement in citizens' standard of living and, ultimately, their prosperity.

Referring to the Athens Olympic Games, Benaki said Greeks have the ambition of making them go down in history as being the Games of peace, security and the safeguarding of the Olympic ideal.

Benaki underlined that the issue of security is linked directly to the consolidation of peace and stability in the region, ''which has been a much-desired demand of our peoples for decades''.

European Parliament President Pat Cox said the issue of peace in the Middle East, and the combatting of international terrorism in general, is not facilitated by Monday's assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and called on the two sides to show restraint and put an end to violence in the region.

Cox focused in particular on the issue of cooperation and the solving of differences through reconciliation, reminding of Robert Schumann's model of creative reconciliation which constituted the model of present-day Europe.

He wondered ''how many more dead will have to 'speak' to our consciences for blind force to stop in the region of the Middle East.'' He also pointed out that the victims of terrorism, whether they are in Casablanca or Madrid, do not differ.

Cox further noted that all should work for the purpose of cooperation and in the direction of building peace, as well as building bridges between civilizations.

[08] President Stephanopoulos to pay state visit to Moldova

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

Stephanopoulos will be on an official visit to Moldova on March 29-30 at the invitation of Moldovan president Vladimir Voronin.

[09] Deputy foreign minister meets with Israel's ambassador

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

The meeting had been scheduled since last week on the occasion of Skandalakis' recent appointment to the post.

During the meeting, Skandalakis and Aviram discussed bilateral relations, issues concerning both Greeks and Israelis living abroad, the possibility of a Greek delegation traveling to Jerusalem for the lighting ceremony of the Holy Light during Holy Week and the recognition of the Patriarch of Jerusalem Irineos.

[10] KKE leader voices fury against EU bureaucrats, Greek gov't's policy statements

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference in light of the forthcoming EU summit which will deal with these issues, Papariga criticized the other parties in parliament for their positions on the government's policy statements, noting that the working people throughout Europe, including Greece, must confront the measures on the way and assured that ''the KKE will resist through the mass movement so that there may be a strong reaction and disobedience.''

Referring to the policy of the government and that of other parties, on so-called ''social cohesion'', she said ''social cohesion cannot exist with these measures.'' Worse still, Papariga said, ''we will have even greater social tension.''

Talk of combatting unemployment and increase in jobs are mere words, she said, stressing: ''It is a fraud at the expense of the peoples.''

The KKE leader further said that the European Union is processing ways to extend work hours, accusing the Greek government of not taking a stand on the issue ahead of the EU summit.

''We radically reject the Europe of the European Union, or the European Union of the present Europe.''

Papariga stated that she supported the detachment of Greece and that of other countries from the EU, saying that popular disdain of EU policy is intensifying.

The KKE leader also lashed out against NATO, saying that ''it will not save us from danger''. The Alliance, ''is the No. 1 terrorist'', she said emphatically.

[11] US ambassador pays first visit to new education minister

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

They agreed to arrange a further meeting to discuss educational issues concerning Greece and the U.S.

According to an education ministry announcement, meanwhile, Yiannakou will meet European Parliament president Pat Cox on Tuesday.

[12] Gov't to clean up laws promoting graft, justice minister pledges

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

Addressing Parliament during the debate on the government's policy statement, he said the priorities for the justice system were to stamp out corruption, increase the speed of administering justice, improve conditions in prisons, fight organized crime and codify the body of existing laws so as to remove overlapping legislation that seriously impeded the administration of justice.

Papaligouras claimed that there was a whole body of legislation, such as a law converting the offence of bad faith by public officials from a crime to a misdemeanor, that contributed to an unacceptable climate of virtual immunity from punishment that encouraged graft in public works and state contracts and corruption in public life.

In order to increase the speed of the judicial system, the minister said the government planned to intensify a program for new court buildings, give incentives to the judiciary to improve the quality and efficiency of their work and reduce the caseload by having traffic offences and violations of market law dealt with through administrative fines rather than in court.

Referring to terrorism, in particular, the minister noted that the recent terror attack in Madrid proved that Europe was a 'top' target for what he called ''terror-nihilism'' and had provided the spark for a common European policy on fighting terrorism. He said that Greece had every reason to actively support the creation of a European front against terrorism, governed by a common legislative framework and armed with better equipment, because of the Olympic Games in August.

[13] New gov't disputes predecessor's account of economic indicators

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said a brief enquiry since the New Democracy party won general elections on March 7 showed that the general government deficit in 2003 was 2.7 per cent against 1.7 per cent of gross domestic product as claimed by the previous PASOK government.

''The general government deficit is roughly double an estimate contained in the budget in December,'' the minister told parliament during the new government's policy statement to deputies.

''This will also cause major problems for the 2004 budget, whose implementation has begun from a more adverse basis,'' Alogoskoufis said.

In addition, the growth rate was 4.2 per cent and not 5.0 per cent as claimed by the last government, according to initial data Alogoskoufis said he had requested from finance ministry services since assuming his post.

The growth rate had been spurred exclusively - and temporarily - by heavy construction work in Attica linked to the Athens 2004 Olympics; and by a rise in consumer credit and mortgages, the minister said.

''The European (Union's) Commission estimated in its latest forecasts on the Greek economy that if there was no change in policy, the growth rate in 2005 would drop to 3.3 per cent,'' he noted.

A detailed enquiry into the country's finances would be conducted by finance ministry departments in order to gain a real picture of the economy; and parliament and the Commission would be informed of the outcome.

''These games with numbers have to stop,'' Alogoskoufis said.

At the same time, the government would tackle the fiscal problem despite the difficulties it had inherited.

''We will do whatever we can to limit, as far as we can, deviations from the 2004 budget, and create the basis for a healthy, frank and reliable budget from 2005.'' Alogoskoufis added.

The government has said it aims to implement a growth- and social-oriented economic policy, with the benefits of growth to benefit the public.

''Our main goal is an increase in employment, and reform based on consensus,'' the finance minister said.

Among targets were a rate of growth to top 5.0 per cent; a drop in joblessness by 2.5-3.0 percentage points; and a rise in employment to more than 60 per cent of the working population within four years from 56.7 per cent at present.

In addition, the government would try to align wages and pensions to the European Union average in 8-10 years.

Finally, Alogoskoufis said that the cost of implementing government policy could be cut by slashing wasteful spending that would come to 0.8-1.0 per cent annually of gross domestic product.

''Funds accruing from faster economic growth, containment of tax evasion, and avoidance of (social insurance) contributions, will enable us to make annual savings equivalent to 1.3-1.5 per cent of gross domestic product, rising to 4.0-4.5 of GDP at the end of our four-year term,'' the minister said.

''According to our calculations, this means 6.5-7.5 billion euros at current rates,'' he added.

[14] New gov't cites costlier budgets for Olympic projects

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

Speaking in Parliament, she noted that “nihilist approaches” will benefit no one, in commenting on the status of preparations for the closely watched 2004 Summer Olympics.

“We cannot, however, overlook the reality of very tight deadlines for certain Olympic projects and actions, ones that come just a few months before the Games,” the New Democracy (ND) deputy added.

Palli-Petralia, who held the sports portfolio in the early 1990s and was New Democracy’s sector head for the Olympic Games before the party swept into power on March 7, nevertheless sharply criticized the previous PASOK government’s handling of certain projects, such as the now scrapped roof over the Olympic pool at the main OAKA complex.

She charged that the Olympic pool’s roof has been under consideration since 2001, “but the contracts were never signed and work was never begun.”

As far as the crucial glass-and-metal roof over the main Olympic stadium (OAKA), referred locally as the “Calatrava dome” after the noted Spanish architect who designed it and is overseeing its construction, Palli-Petralia referred to an “11th-hour” delivery date.

“All of the projects’ budgets are revised upwards, while there are numerous outstanding legal and financial issues,” she said, hinting that detailed reports will be compiled and released for the public domain.

Finally, in a more optimistic note, she said that despite whatever difficulties the “success of the Olympic Games is above any government”.

[15] Gov't presses contractors over tram network

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

Liapis told representatives of the Tram S.A. consortium that the entire project must be delivered ahead of the 2004 Games in August, and with enough time to safely check its operation.

A previous deadline called for the project to be delivered by the end of April, a prospect now deemed unattainable. The 2004 Athens Games begin on Friday, Aug. 13.

The new T-shaped tram network will connect Athens’ downtown with both the coastal Faliro district (northwest) and the coastal Hellenikon district (southeast), an axis that hosts practically all of the seaside Olympic venues.

[16] Labor minister says tackling unemployment the main goal

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

Speaking in Parliament during the presentation of the government's policy statement, Mr Panayiotopoulos said New Democracy's government "is a liberal government with a strong social orientation and a reliable policy", while he urged the country's employers to "stand by workers' side, because the society of our future must belong to all citizens".

"We promote part-time employment, but our main goal is to combat unemployment with the creation of full time jobs," the minister said.

"We will not raise pension age limits or social contributions," he added.

The government's main policy choices are to attract healthy business investments and to complete a review of labor market in Greece, along with policies to offer financial support and incentives to long-term unemployed, women, workers over the age of 55, minorities, etc," he said.

[17] Tourism minister pledges deep changes in tourist policy

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

Avramopoulos criticized the previous government with regard to the Olympic Games, saying substantive advertising promotion and the linking of the Games with the Greek tourist product has not yet been done, nor has any plan been prepared for the creation of new post-Olympic Games products and services.

The minister expressed concern over the involvement of the tourism ministry in the Olympic Games projects and spoke of considerable delays.

Avramopoulos further said considerable pending issues also exist regarding the control of quality, certificates and signs for accommodation and installations directly concerning Olympic Games hospitality.

He stressed the sensitivity existing on these issues, being the former Athens mayor who signed the contract on the assumption of the 2004 Olympic Games, and added that these issues will receive top priority.

[18] Farm minister to EU: Ex-gov't gave misleading data to parliament

BRUSSELS 23/03/2004 (ANA/M.Kourmousis)

''(Main opposition leader) Mr Papandreou and former government officials inaccurately assured the national assembly that they had ensured subsidies for oil, cotton and tobacco until 2013,'' Tsitouridis told the meeting.

''From the Commission's proposals and the positions taken in negotiations so far, so such thing has emerged,'' he said.

The reality was a proposal for a reduction in subsidies by 113 million euros a year until 2013 for the three Mediterranean products and a proposal for new legislative recommendations in 2009, the minister added.

He told reporters after separate meetings with his Spanish, Italian, Austrian and Portuguese counterparts that the country's new government would work for retention of agreements made in June 2003 in the first revision of the EU's common agricultural policy.

In a separate development, Tsitouridis sought approval from the Commission for a compensation package of 300 million euros to cover damage to farm output nationwide created by snowfall in February.

[19] Central bank reports rise in earnings for 2003

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

Management said in a statement that results were deemed satisfactory as the value of the bank's assets expressed in US dollars had suffered adverse repercussions due to a rise in the euro.

A dividend will be paid on earnings for 2003 of 2.5 euros per share against 2.20 euros in the previous year, the statement said.

[20] Stocks slump on Mideast woes

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

The general share index shed 3.77 per cent to end at 2,276.32 points. Turnover was 171.2 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 3.88 per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 4.78 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities lost 6.51 per cent.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 343 to 6 with 13 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of March 22 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,245 1,216

[21] Health minister promises to meet Olympic commitments

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

Among others, he said construction of a new nationwide dispatch center for the country’s ambulance service (EKAB) is behind schedule, a development that will necessitate a direct assignment of the contract instead of a regular public tender process. Its completion date is mandated by July.

Kaklamanis also noted that only 200 out of 270 new ambulances ordered by EKAB will be delivered on time because the previous PASOK government did not foresee a customs fee exemption for their import, something he said will be the first piece of legislation tabled by his ministry in Parliament.

New Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis told Parliament on Monday that his ministry’s first priorities will be to fulfill commitments it has vis-a-vis the upcoming Olympic Games of Athens.

Among others, he said construction of a new nationwide dispatch center for the country’s ambulance service (EKAB) is behind schedule, a development that will necessitate a direct assignment of the contract instead of a regular public tender process.

Kaklamanis also noted that only 200 out of 270 new ambulances ordered by EKAB will be delivered on time because the previous PASOK government did not foresee a customs fee exemption for their import, something he said will be the first piece of legislation tabled by his ministry in Parliament.

[22] Lighting of the Olympic Flame - March 25

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

Choreographer Maria Horst will once again lead the priestesses, while Thalia Prokopiou will serve as High Priestess for the second time. Greek Olympic javelin champion Kostas Gatsioudis will be the first torchbearer passing the flame on to Russian Olympic swimming champion Alexander Popov.

The Russian swimmer is one of eight guests the Hellenic Olympic Committee has invited, who will participate in the Torch Relay as an IOC member and Olympic Medallist.

[23] Alternate Culture Minister meets with ATHOC president

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

Among the issues discussed were speeding up work at the Olympic Aquatic Center in order to have the facility ready for the swimming sport event, scheduled for April 15-18; progress on the Calatrava roof at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex; and the areas surrounding Olympic venues.

''We had an excellent cooperation with Mrs. Angelopoulos and with executives of the Organizing Committee and we have solved many problems relating to Olympic preparations. We are doing our best to succeed in this great effort which is a national cause - we're making our best efforts in staging excellent and safe Olympic Games,'' Petralia said after the meeting.

In reference to the works and organizational issues, Petralia stated: ''In terms of works, you already know that we are holding daily meetings, but also more importantly, we are solving problems on the spot, and we are moving forward. We are trying to gain time. Our only opponent is time.''

Asked to comment on the issue of Games security, the Alternate Culture Minister responded, ''We will stage safe Olympic Games. Greece is a safe country for all those spectators who will visit it.''

[24] European Parliament president meets Archbishop Christodoulos

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

During the one-hour visit, Cox briefed the Archbishop on developments regarding the European Union's Constitutional Treaty and the reference to Christianity as the ''foundation'' of European culture in the preamble.

They also discussed relations between Turkey and the EU, with Cox noting that decisions were due to be made later this year.

The European Parliament president expressed hope for a final solution to the Cyprus problem but also concern over the recent outbreak of violence in Kosovo and the continuing cycle of violence in the Middle East.

Thanking Cox for his visit, Christodoulos said the reference to Christianity in the preamble of the EU Constitution was an issue of ''historic justice, continuity and consistency'' that was also related to Europe's identity.

He stressed the need for Turkey to 'Europeanize' and align itself with other EU countries on human rights and democratic practices before it joined the Union, while stressing that any solution to the Cyprus problem had to be viable, functional, compatible with EU standards and in accordance with UN resolutions.

[25] President Stephanopoulos gives Botsis journalism awards

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

The journalists who received awards are the following:

Dimitris Tsalapatis for his 36-year contribution to all sectors of journalism.

George Vlavianos for his successful coverage of all the wars in the Middle East over the past decade and for his footage from northern Iraq, where he was the permanent correspondent of a Greek television channel.

Pavlos Neratzis for his research at EPA, MIXER, on Greek and international news and overseas Hellenism.

Ilias Georgakis for the accuracy of his reports related to social security and labor rights.

Dimitris Petrovic for the promotion of issues concerning Thrace and his contribution to the upgrading of the country's border regions.

Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki also gave an award for Parliamentary coverage to Eirini Antoniou.

[26] UN and Athens’ Mayor to raise awareness/funds for refugees

Athens, 23/03/2004 (ANA)

[27] Top UN envoy wants intensive Cyprus talks in Switzerland

NICOSIA 23/03/2004 (CNA/ANA)

He said on Monday that there has not as yet been the kind of ''give and take on the core issues for which we all had hoped for,'' and stressed that the forthcoming process in Burgenstock, Switzerland, will have to be very intensive in order to reach a final agreement.

Speaking at a press conference on the eve of his departure for Burgenstock, where the talks will be enlarged with the participation of Greece and Turkey, de Soto said he still believed that an agreement is still possible but political will was needed by all involved.

In his opening remarks, de Soto said the talks on the island that were carried out for a little over a month concluded on Monday morning and that, pursuant to the February 13 agreement achieved in New York, the parties are now moving to a concentrated effort to reach a final agreement. The effort will continue in Burgenstock from March 24,'' he said.

De Soto said the Greek Cypriot side would be represented by President Tassos Papadopoulos as confirmed by him in writing, while Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash has informed the Secretary-General in writing that Mehmet Ali Talat and Serdar Denktash will ''together be fully authorized to negotiate on behalf of the Turkish Cypriot side.''

He also said the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Greece and Turkey, Petros Molyviatis and Abdullah Gul respectively, will be joining the effort on March 24. De Soto will be hosting the conference until UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan arrives in Switzerland around the same time the prime ministers of Greece and Turkey on the 28th.

The flag and anthem committee, composed of an equal number of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, he said, unanimously agreed on recommendations. The leaders have accepted these recommendations.

''The laws committee is well advanced in its work. Fifteen draft laws have already been completed by the committees, and a further 87 drafts are ready to be completed in the next few days in committees, that is 102 overall,'' de Soto remarked.

A number of other laws are under consideration, he said, noting ''the work of the laws committee will continue with many groups meeting in parallel and their final output will ultimately be placed before the two sides for their consideration in Burgenstock, including on any issues that may still be outstanding.''

The treaties committee was finalizing its technical work on Monday and on Tuesday, the UN diplomat said, adding, ''experts are seeking to reach an agreement on a bridging proposal of the UN. Their output, including any outstanding issues, will be referred to the two sides in Burgenstock."

The technical committee on economic and financial aspects of implementation was also finalizing a lot of its work on Monday, preparing recommendations to be presented in Burgenstock for the consideration of the two sides.

In addition, the committee will continue to work on plans of action for the implementation of a settlement, ''that is aspects that don't need to go into the plan itself," de Soto said.

Furthermore, ''progress has been made in technical committees to ensure that the federal government is in place from the first day, properly staffed and properly accommodated,'' he said.

De Soto said ''while there has been quite a bit of progress at the technical level, I should say that this has not been matched in the leaders' meetings.''

''There have been glimmers, here and there, and the differences have narrowed, I believe, on some points. A lot more is happening than meets the eye. But there has not as yet been the kind of give and take on the core issues for which we had all hoped,'' he added.

He went on to say ''this means that the process in Burgenstock will have to be very intensive in order to try to reach final agreement and all involved will have to show the necessary political will to reach a final settlement.''

The UN diplomat said he believed an agreement to be possible. ''It is very clear that each side is ready for the very important days ahead.

Everyone accepts that this is the end game. Both sides remain fully committed to holding referenda in late April as they agreed on February 13. So while I wish that more progress had already been made here in Cyprus, I am quietly hopeful for the days ahead,'' he added.

Asked whether Talat and Denktash will be able to take decisions or wait to return to Cyprus and consult with Rauf Denktash, de Soto said the two were ''fully authorized to negotiate.''

Invited to clarify what he meant with his statement about ''end game'', de Soto said, ''We are approaching the end of the road, that the decision moment has arrived. We have come to that point.''

He said he did not want to go into the reasons why give and take has not taken place. ''I wish it had but we are reaching the point where it has to take place,'' he noted.

De Soto said the decision on whether there will be a yes or no during the April 20 referenda ''is one that has to be taken by the people.''

''Obviously the possibility of saying no exists, otherwise it wouldn't be a very democratic referendum for the people to chose,'' he said, adding ''it really has to be done in one shot, as far as I know.''

On the issue of derogations from the acquis communautaire, de Soto said ''it is true that a concern has been raised very strongly and it has been done so publicly indeed about the legal security of the agreements to be reached.''

''This is a matter under discussion and of course it does not just involve the UN,'' he pointed out.

Asked about the format of the talks in Burgenstock, de Soto said there are a number of items that will continue at the talks in Switzerland. Ideally, he said, this could be done in direct meetings between the two leaders or combine that and involve Greece and Turkey in the effort. De Soto said there was no fixed procedure but he expected a combination of meetings with all those present, direct meetings between the Cypriot parties, bilateral meetings between the participants and shuttling of the UN. ''A combination of all the above,'' he said.

Answering another question, de Soto said he did ''not believe that pressure has been exerted.''

''What we have done, at least on the part of the UN, is throughout this process that began over four years ago, is to urge the parties, including Mr. Denktash, to accept that there is an opportunity and that this opportunity, let's say, ends at a certain point,'' he explained.

De Soto said the UN still think it is possible, and a much greater realization that there is a bit of a deadline in order to complete the work as presently conceived. ''I certainly do not agree that this is an attempt to force anything down anybody's throat at this point,'' he added.

Asked about Denktash's absence from the talks, de Soto said he would have certainly preferred for Denktash to be in Burgenstock and it might not be late for him to change his mind, adding however that he did not believe there would be an interruption in the process or the representation of the Turkish Cypriot side.

Invited to comment on statement by Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gul that many gaps would be left for the Secretary General to fill in, de Soto said he hoped not. ''In any case, the Secretary General will, when and if it comes to that, be surrounded by all the participants and he hopes to be in close consultation with them, if he has to carry out this duty,'' de Soto said.

Asked about President Tassos Papadopoulos' participation in the European Council on March 25 and 26, de Soto said he hoped that everyone would be in Burgenstock as of March 24.

[28] Cypriot president says no fundamental progress achieved in talks

NICOSIA 23/03/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking on the eve of his departure for Lucerne, Switzerland, for the negotiations that will take place there later this week between the two sides on the island, Greece and Turkey, under UN auspices, President Papadopoulos said today's discussions focused on issues that were pending and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash said ''he had given a written authority to the UN Secretary-General'' regarding the Turkish Cypriot side's participation in the talks.

''We are waiting to see this document,'' the Cypriot president said, adding that during Monday's meeting, the Greek Cypriot side raised the issue of who will vote during at April 20 referenda.

President Papadopoulos said that the new proposal, as put forward by the Turkish Cypriot side, ''talks about 50 thousand and more spouses, offspring, something which is still uncertain.''

He said it was difficult to make an estimate about the rest who will be eligible to vote in the Turkish occupied areas of the island.

President Papadopoulos replied negatively when asked if Denktash had handed over today to the UN the constitution of the Turkish Cypriot component state, noting that the agreement achieved in New York during the talks there in February was violated, both as far as submitting the constitution is concerned, as well as handing over a list of people living in the occupied areas, noting that both sides had undertaken an obligation before the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto to hand over the list of people for both sides.

Furthermore, President Papadopoulos said that Denktash ''has not handed over anything concerning territorial demands by the Turkish Cypriot side, saying 'you will see that in Lucerne'.''

President Papadopoulos said the Greek Cypriot side did abide by all conditions agreed in New York, adding, ''My final reference to Mr. de Soto is that no substantial progress has been achieved on fundamental issues.''

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