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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-03-24Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>March 24, 2004CONTENTS
[01] PM insists on 'middle way' strategy in message to ruling party MPsAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Tuesday sent out a message of political moderation that shunned exaggeration and extremes and regarded as its enemy the problems rather than the politicians belonging to the other camp.Addressing the first meeting of ruling New Democracy's parliamentary group, Karamanlis stressed that the new government would respect citizens regardless of how they had voted and would honor this promise to the letter, noting that this was the time of ''proof, confirmation and action''. He said that ND had succeeded in winning the electorate's trust and not just their vote, and must now secure and strengthen its ''deep roots'' in society and spread this sense of trust further. Noting that this was the start of a new era for Greece, Karamanlis said there was a clear demand for head-on confrontation with day-to-day problems that ND had the will and honesty to answer. He also stressed that the essence of ND's policies were people. ''We will serve citizens without discriminating between them, responsibly for the common good, without arrogance, with modesty and humility,'' he said. Reiterating a call to ND members to avoid displays of extravagance and opulence, he said that the new government elected on March 7 marked the beginning of a new relationship between ordinary citizens and politics, defined by a sense of trust in the quality of democracy and its essence. Ending his address, the premier called on all sides to join forces to organize successful Olympics and stressed that nothing should progress at yesterday's pace. ''We can win this new era, we are ready for the challenges of the new period that is beginning and together we will manage well. From March 7 onward, we will go faster, higher and further,'' he concluded. [02] PM Karamanlis abhors acts of violence in Middle EastAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Prime minister Costas Karamanlis on Tuesday expressed abhorrence over the violence in the Middle East, speaking at a meeting of his ruling New Democracy party's (ND) parliamentary group.Karamanlis said that such acts of violence "not only do not aid the cause of peace, but also risk giving rise to more vicious circles of blind violence". The premier added that the international community "has responsibilities to shoulder its obligations". [03] Papandreou and Cox on the Middle EastAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) party leader George Papandreou condemned the attacks in the Middle East and the assassination of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, after a meeting he had with European Parliament President Pat Cox on Tuesday.''These acts do not contribute towards peace; on the contrary, they create volatile situations and add fuel to the fire. We support bilateral talks,'' Papandreou said. Cox noted that, ''steps need to be taken towards peace and this attack does not lead in that direction.'' He also condemned Yassin's assassination, but pointed out that Israel has the responsibility of protecting the life of its citizens. ''As European Parliament we must find ways for peace to prevail in the region and to prevent the cycle of violence from being repeated,'' Cox added. [04] PM's agenda of meetings this week: in Brussels from ThursdayAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will be meeting Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church, on Wednesday morning, the government announced on Tuesday.Commenting on the meeting, government spokesman Theodoros Rousopoulos said the government believed in fertile dialogue with social bodies within the framework of the Constitution. The meeting with Christodoulos will be followed by a meeting of the inner Cabinet at 11:00 to discuss economic issues. The inner cabinet is by law comprised of the ministers of the interior, foreign affairs, national economy, development, environment and education. On Thursday at 9:30, the premier will attend a mass at the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral, after which he will travel to Olympia for the Olympic Torch-lighting ceremony. Immediately afterwards, Karamanlis is due to depart for Brussels to take part in the European Popular Party (EPP) summit, which will be followed by the EU Summit. The PM is due to return to Athens on Friday night and then departs for Lucerne to attend the enlarged four-way negotiations for a Cyprus solution organized by the United Nations on Sunday. [05] Works of Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly concludeAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)The sessions of the first Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly concluded in Athens on Tuesday with the adoption of a proclamation with which the countries participating in the Barcelona Process are committed to cooperating more closely for the strengthening of peace, stability and prosperity in the Mediterranean region.According to regulations, the president of the Parliament of Egypt, Ahmet Fati Sorur, was elected the first president of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly while Greek Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki was elected vice president. It was decided that the next meeting will be held in Cairo in 2005. On the other hand, according to a relevant Parliament announcement, Parliament President Anna Benaki-Psarouda discussed current issues with her counterparts from Syria and Jordan whom she met on the sidelines of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly. Psarouda-Benaki condemned the recent events in the Middle East and underlined ''the interest of the Greeks, of a people with good relations with all the Arabs and the Israelis to contribute in the stability of the situation in the region.'' The Parliament President referred to the long-term and historic bonds with Syria and Jordan and underlined the Greek Parliament's intention to deepen relations on a parliamentary level. [06] Gov't intent on honoring all its pre-election pledges, spokesman saysAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Government spokesman Theodoros Rousopoulos on Tuesday underlined that the government intended to fulfill all its pre-election pledges regarding tax relief, benefits and other key social measures, stressing that it was a ''contract of honor'' and a ''hands-on sample of consistency'' for the government.Among these he mentioned a promise to increase the EKAS supplement for low pensions and farming pensions, setting an upper limit for compound interest, making three-child families eligible for 'large-family' benefits, establishing free choice of doctors, scrapping the medicinal drugs list and ending the 'political hostage situation' concerning public-sector contract workers. More immediately, he announced that a 1-5 per cent contribution levied on pensions for the social insurance solidarity fund will be abolished from July 1, which will raise pensions for 1.5 million pensioners from 5 to 120 euros a month. [07] Gov't offers public thanks to well-wishersAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Government spokesman Theodoros Rousopoulos on Tuesday made a public announcement conveying the prime minister's thanks to roughly 35,000 members of the public who had written or sent messages to congratulate the government on its election victory.Rousopoulos said the government was replying through a public announcement since it was impossible for individual replies to be sent to each of the messages received. He assured the senders of the messages, however, that the "government will meet their expectations and keep its pre-election pledges". [08] Cyprus lauds Greek FM's initiative to bring Cyprus issue to EU foreign ministersNICOSIA 24/03/2004 (ANA/G. Leonidas)Cyprus foreign minister George Iacovou on Tuesday welcomed his Greek counterpart Petros Molyviatis' initiative to bring the Cyprus issue before the EU Council of Ministers, and noted that the Cyprus problem was entering its most difficult phase, adding that it was only logical that the EU should manifest its interest.Iacovou said that the discussion of the Cyprus issue would take place next Thursday evening during the traditional dinner of the EU foreign ministers ahead of the European Union summit, and added that a reference would be contained in the text of conclusions of the EU summit. The Cyprus foreign minister also noted that he has been in constant contact with Molyviatis in the past few days. Questioned by reporters on the EU representation at the expanded talks on the Cyprus issue in Switzerland, Iacovou said it would be a low-level representation, attributing the development to the Turkish side's refusal to accept an increased role on the part of the EU. Iacovou added that the EU appeared to be displeased by the fact that it has not been invited to the Cyprus talks in Switzerland, and described this fact as strange, given that the European Commission has ''placed 16 experts at the disposal of Mr. de Soto (UN secretary general Kofi Annan's special representative on the Cyprus issue Alvaro de Soto), and that 5-6 of them are, at any given time, at the talks in Nicosia, providing advice or working on texts''. Commenting on the Turkish side's demand for permanent divergences from the EU acquis communautaire, Iacovou said that both the European Commission and its Legal Service had rejected those demands and made this clear to Ankara, adding that the Dutch foreign minister, who visited the Turkish capital as part of the EU troika, had confirmed this. Iacovou noted, however, that, ''everyone stresses that, at the bottom line, the issue is in the hands of the UN secretary general''. [09] Delegations arrive in Switzerland for enlarged Cyprus talksBURGENSTOCK 24/03/2004 (ANA/F. Karaviti)Delegations from Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot community have already arrived in Burgenstock, Switzerland, in light of the beginning of enlarged talks on the issue of Cyprus on Wednesday.Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis are expected to arrive in Switzerland at noon on Wednesday. The UN secretary general's special envoy for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto held 30-minute talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul on Tuesday night, while Cyprus' National Council was still convening. The Greek delegation, headed by foreign ministry secretary general George Yennimatas, arrived in Switzerland earlier on Tuesday afternoon. The head of the Cyprus Department Costas Tritaris, the Greek Ambassador to Nicosia Christos Panagopoulos and other foreign ministry officials are with him in Burgenstock. Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos is accompanied, apart from the National Council, by the negotiating team which is composed of his diplomatic office's director Tassos Tzionis, Cyprus' permanent representative at the UN Andreas Mavromatis, Ambassador Nikos Emiliou and jurist Toumazos Tselepis. According to reports, a bad impression was created for the Greek Cypriot side by the European Union's representation at a low level alone, by jurist Fran Hoffmeister, who has joined the UN group, however. [10] Main opposition leader meets visiting Cypriot politicianAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou on Tuesday accused the government of showing confusion regarding the Cyprus issue, after his meeting in Parliament with visiting Cypriot politician Vasos Lyssarides, the honorary President of the Cyprus Social Democrats Movement (EDEK).According to Papandreou, the government was too slow to bring up the issue of divergence from Community standards in the European Union. He said PASOK supported the Cyprus government and stood at the side of Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, while wishing him good luck with the difficult and critical negotiations that lay ahead in Lucerne, Switzerland, venue for the four-way talks. Lyssarides praised Papandreou and his family for their part in making the Cyprus problem a major issue on the international agenda, saying this had happened under the government of Andreas Papandreou and later when George Papandreou was foreign minister of Greece. [11] PM congratulates Russian President Vladimir Putin on his re-electionAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday afternoon, during which he congratulated him on his recent re-election to the Russian presidency and discussed bilateral relations.[12] Parliament president issues message on occasion of March 25 national holidayAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki, in a message issued on Tuesday on the occasion of the March 25 national holiday commemorating the 1821 revolution against Ottoman rule, stressed the importance of the revolution's teachings at a time of an unstable international environment.She said that every year that passes after 1821 must bring Greeks closer to the meaning and inspiration of the nation's heroic struggles. Benaki added that the vision of that heroic generation remains topical, particularly in the present era of great changes touching societies at all levels of their organization and operation. ''The strength of our people is the continuous composition of ideas, through which progress is produced,'' she said. [13] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR, violate national airspaceAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Six formations of Turkish warplanes infringed on Athens's Flight Information Region (FIR) an equal number of times on Tuesday which developed in 31 violations of Greek national airspace in the Dodecannese region (Kos, Rhodes and Karpathos), press reports said.In all cases, the 12 Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by Greek jets, while in five cases the interception process developed into a mock engagement. It was reported that four of the Turkish warplanes recognized and intercepted were armed. [14] Greek Communist party demonstrates at Israeli embassyAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Members of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and its youth organization (KNE) demonstrated outside the Israeli embassy in Athens, Tuesday afternoon, in protest against the assassination of Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Yassin.''We decisively support the Palestinian people and their fight for justice and freedom,'' KKE senior official Spiros Halvatzis said during his address at the demonstration. KKE characterized Yassin's assassination as ''cold-blooded murder,'' while KNE members believe that, ''the Greek government should terminate any diplomatic relations with the state of Israel, immediately.'' [15] Serbia and Montenegro envoy calls for protection of Kosovo's SerbsAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)The ambassador of Serbia and Montenegro in Athens Dusan Batakovic on Tuesday called for immediate action to save the lives of Serbs living in Kosovo, saying they were the target of ethnic cleansing at the hands of Albanians hoping to secure Kosovo's independence.According to the ambassador, all efforts to establish a multicultural society in Kosovo had obviously failed, as the recent outbreak of violence and destruction in the province proved. ''The Albanians are trying to create an accomplished fact,'' Batakovic said, while noting that violent incidents had multiplied since KFOR arrived on the scene. The tally of the last five years of violence came to 2,000 Serbs killed, 1,000 missing, 170 churches burnt and 15,000 houses destroyed, the envoy claimed, while no one had been brought to justice and United Nations reports sought to downplay the extent of the destruction. ''Quick solutions are needed for the safety of the Serb population and its cultural heritage, in an area that foreign observers refer to as the 'Heroin Republic','' Batakovic said. He also said there were indications that made it impossible to rule out the existence of 'sleeping' Al Qaeda cells in the area. He described Kosovo as an absolutely divided society, where the only possible solution was to create autonomous cantons within an autonomous Kosovo, on the condition that Serb refugees returned. Finally, the Serb envoy underlined the dangers of instability in Kosovo for the entire region, adding that the government in Belgrade would on no account recognize it as an independent state. [16] FinMin: There's room for both growth, social policy'Athens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)The government will announce its decision on reforming the country's tax system in autumn, Finance Deputy Minister Adam Regouzas said on Tuesday.Speaking to reporters, Mr Regouzas noted that the government planned interventions in the tax scale, tax-exempt money and income tax factors that would lead to lower tax burdens, because "there are margins for both growth and social policy". Commenting on the course of budget revenues, the Greek minister stressed that after the transfer of VAT revenues, budget revenues rose 10.7 percent in January, exceeding a budget target of 6.2 percent. Revenues were up 3.49 percent in February and were expected to rise by 2.0 percent in March, Mr Regouzas said. He added that the course of budget revenues was of great concern for the new government and noted that the finance ministry has found new sources revenues. Mr Regouzas said that planned interventions to the tax system would not affect "the majority of taxpayers" and announced a 211.52 percent jump in tax returns in February, a matter that was under investigation by ministry agencies because the returned sum (230.7 million euros) was extraordinary. He reiterated that the ministry has not discussed a readjustment of real estate prices and stressed that any talk over imposing a VAT tax on new constructions was premature at this time. Mr Regouzas said that the government would seek a dialogue with all interested parties before taking such a measure. Referring on the operation of a financial crimes' squad, Mr Regouzas said the government was determined to end its current form and stressed that inspections of the new agency would focus on large-scale tax evasion and smuggling. [17] Development ministry warns against unjustified price hikesAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)The government will not hesitate to take harsh measures against the market if, until its policy begun bearing fruit, it founded speculative attitudes, Development Deputy Minister Yiannis Papathanasiou said on Tuesday.Speaking to reporters, Mr Papathanasiou added that the ministry would intensify price inspections and would seek "strict measures on adhering to hygiene rules and consumer information" by the market. The Greek minister said that a Competition Commission would have to play an increase role in the market and criticized previous governments' policies regarding the Commission's operations. Pantelis Panteliadis, president of the Federation of Greek Super-Market Enterprises (SESME), speaking to reporters said prices rose up to 4.0 percent after the March 7 general elections, although there were isolated cases of price increase up to 7.0 percent. Mr Panteliadis said that most price increases have been recorded in the "non-food" sector. "No industry can afford an indefinite price freeze," he said after meeting with Development Deputy Minister Yiannis Papathanasiou. [18] Supporting exports "policy priority", gov’t saysAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)The Greek government is giving priority to the outgoing orientation of the economy and to strengthening export orientation of Greek businesses, Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Evripidis Stylianidis told a meeting with the board of the Panhellenic Export Federation on Tuesday.Representatives of the Federation briefed the Greek minister over current export trends in the country and presented their proposals over the creation of a national plan to promote exports. [19] 2004 tourist season begins on Wednesday for CreteAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)The 2004 tourist season for the island of Crete begins officially on Wednesday, 24 March with the arrival of a charter flight from Frankfurt.The first German tourists to visit Crete will stay in hotels located in the Elounda region. Tourist arrivals in Crete are expected to rise significantly in April because of the Easter celebration of both the Orthodox and the Catholic Churches on April 11. Greek hoteliers are expecting a decline in tourist arrivals to Crete this year despite the fact that Greece was voted as the most favorable tourist destination by Germans. [20] Greece, Israel discuss biotechnology cooperationAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Greece and Israel on Tuesday sought to promote a closer and long-term cooperation in the biotechnology sector.The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA) held a seminar on "Biotechnology in Greece and Israel; Opportunities-Applications-Achievements" in cooperation with the Embassy of Israel in Greece aimed to bridge a Greek gap between research and industrial production. The seminar was attended by Israeli scientists. Israel's ambassador to Greece, Ram Aviram, in his inauguration speech expressed the hope that the seminar would become the starting point for a long-term cooperation between the two countries in the biotechnology sector and stressed that Greece has great prospects of development in the sector. "I am thrilled with the idea of using science in the service of men," Mr Aviram said and added that bio-chemistry was one of these sectors where basic science was in direct contact with applied science. EBEA president Drakoulis Fountoukakos noted that the Chamber represented the biggest part of pharmaceutical and food sectors and said his ambition was to become a bridge between Greek experts and the state of Israel. Mr Fountoukakos stressed that Greece had a large number of experts who would like to work together with Israeli scientists both in the fields of production and research. The biotechnology sector expects its revenues to jump to 50 billion US dollars in 2005 from 35 billion in 2001, worldwide. Israel is one of the 12 countries with the larger number of biotechnology companies in the world along with US, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Australia, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Denmark and Holland, with 160 companies. Israeli companies account for 2.5 percent of total sales worldwide. [21] Senior finance ministry staff appointed in wake of national electionsAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Senior staff has been appointed at the finance ministry in the wake of national elections on March 7.The appointments are as follows: In addition, proposed for the position of head of the capital market commission is Alexis Pilavios, a former president of the Union of Institutional Investors, the finance ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. [22] Minister visits Olympic Village for talks with workers on safetyAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Employment and Social Protection Minister Panos Panayiotopoulos on Tuesday visited the Olympic Village for talks with workers on improving health and safety conditions as well as accelerating the pace of construction.Panayiotopoulos also said that he had ascertained problems in guarding arrangements for the site. Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, who accompanied Panayiotopoulos, said that the project was proceeding well, but delays had been noted in work on the site's international zone and in the provision of greenery. Also taking part in the visit was Deputy Employment and Social Protection Minister, Gerassimos Yiakoumatos. [23] Feasibility study signed for a natgas link between Greece, ItalyAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)The state owned Public Gas Corporation (DEPA) on Tuesday signed a contract with J/V Pipeline Engineering GmbH – Intec for the undertaking of a 949,700-euro feasibility study on construction of a natural gas pipeline between Greece and Italy, the development ministry said on Tuesday.The study due for completion on July 31, 2004 will be conducted with Edison SpA (Italy), which is to contribute 25 per cent of the overall cost, the ministry said in a statement. DEPA will foot another 25 per cent of the bill with the remaining 50 per cent to come in the form of a grant from the European Union, the statement said. The tender for the study was called in October last year. [24] Deputy FM and Australian ambassador discuss expatriates' pension rightsAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Deputy Foreign Minister Panayiotis Skandalakis, responsible for overseas Hellenism issues, discussed the issue of the pension rights of Greek expatriates living in Australia being transferred to Greece in talks with Australian Ambassador to Athens Stewart Hamilton Hume on Tuesday.Skandalakis briefed the Australian ambassador on the Greek government's positions and stressed Greece's great interest in the specific issue being settled in the direction of serving the Greek expatriates. Hume told Skandalakis he will convey the Greek government's positions to the Australian government. The issue of the Athens Olympic Games was also raised, while Skandalakis said Greece will organize safe and successful Olympic Games and called for Australia's assistance and experience in this respect. [25] Stocks rise in wake of declinesAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)The Athens bourse finished higher on Tuesday, with buyers returning to the fold after a spate of declines, traders said.The general share index gained 1.10 per cent to end at 2,301.33 points. Turnover was 118.5 million euros. The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.92 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 2.32 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities gained 2.55 per cent. Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 266 to 58 with 41 issues remaining unchanged. FOREIGN EXCHANGE Closing rates of March 23 2004 Parities in euro For. Exchange Buying Selling US Dollar 1,237 1,209 [26] President Stephanopoulos meets ATHOC presidentAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee (ATHOC) President Gianna Angelopoulos Daskalaki briefed President Kostis Stephanopoulos on the progress of Olympic Games preparations, during their meeting at the Presidential Mansion on Tuesday evening.The focus of the one-hour discussion was Games security, critical Olympic works, such as the Calatrava roof at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex, the Olympic Aquatic Center, the tram and the suburban railway. ''I had the pleasure of briefing the President on the developments of Olympic preparation. The President, being the country's first citizen, has shown great interest until now and continues to be interested in the national issue that is the Olympic Games,'' ATHOC president said after the meeting. [27] Public Order minister, ATHOC chief confer on Olympics securityAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Greece's new public order minister George Voulgarakis and Athens 2004 organizing committee (ATHOC) chief Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki on Tuesday reaffirmed that the security program for the Athens Olympic Games was progressing positively.The two officials examined all security-related issues during the meeting at the ATHOC headquarters in Nea Ionia, and Voulgarakis later said that cooperation with ATHOC was "impeccable". The minister told reporters after the meeting that he and Angelopoulos had put "the security issues in order" and had "laid down the timetables for the outstanding matters". "Everything is progressing well and quickly," Voulgarakis said. According to ATHOC sources, there will be closer cooperation between the public order ministry and ATHOC in the near future on projecting the security organization for the Games abroad, as public interest in the matter was heightened following the recent terrorist attack in Madrid and violence in the Middle East, "which compose a turbulent international environment". [28] State Dept. counter-terrorism director meets with ATHOC leadershipAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)The US State Department’s counter-terrorism director, Jose Rodriguez, met on Tuesday with Athens 2004 organizers (ATHOC), including ATHOC President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, at the latter’s Nea Ionia headquarters, with talks focusing squarely on the issue of security for the closely watched upcoming Summer Olympics.Rodriguez was accompanied by US ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller and ATHOC Managing Director Ioannis Spanudakis. In brief statements to the press, Miller said his arrival at ATHOC’s headquarters shouldn’t be a surprise considering the number of contacts between the two sides of late, while adding that issues of cooperation are on the agenda. Asked if he is concerned about the safety of US athletes during the Athens Games, the veteran American diplomat said he avoids words such as “fear” or “concern”, instead concentrating on “goals” and “targets”. [29] Australian swimming coach confident about Games' securityAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Australian swimming coach Leigh Nugent said that there is no problem regarding the Olympic Aquatic Center’s roof and expressed his confidence that the 2004 Athens Olympics will be safe Games, in statements he made to the press on Tuesday.''They have spent lots of money on security. I think all will go well,'' he stressed. On March 17, NATO accepted Greece's request for help in Games-related security issues, and has committed to providing protection both on the ground and in the air, as well as in case of a terrorist attack. [30] Athens 2004 Baseball Sport Event opens WednesdayAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)The newly-built Olympic Baseball Stadium will host the first International Baseball Tournament to be held in Greece, which opens on Wednesday and concludes on Sunday. Greece, Russia, Sweden, and the Czech Republic will be the four countries participating.The tournament is one of the greatest tests for the Greek national team as it prepares for the Athens 2004 Olympics. ''It will give us the chance to be highly competitive, playing against teams which although they may not have qualified for the Athens Olympics are nonetheless powerful opponents,'' national baseball coach Dimitris Goussios said. International softball tournament beginning in Athens on Wednesday: An international softball tournament will begin at the new Olympic softball pitch on Wednesday and end on March 28. The tournament is being organized by the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee in the framework of preparations for the Olympic Games. The international softball-fast pitch tournament will participate, apart from Greece, by the national women's teams of Russia, the Czech Republic and Britain. The Czech Republic came second in the European pre-Olympic tournament which took place in Italy in June 2003. It also came fourth in the European championship after drawing previously with Russia in the game played for third place in the first group after the preliminary round. [31] Olympic Team inaugurates Panthessaliko StadiumAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)The Greek and Australian Olympic teams will inaugurate the Panthessaliko Stadium in Nea Ionia, Volos on Tuesday, March 30 at 3:30 p.m.The Hellenic Football Federation, responsible for the game, is cooperating with the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games in testing the facilities, the technological infrastructure and staff under real games conditions. The Hellenic Football Federation is responsible for marketing, public relations, publication of the games program, as well as accommodation for the teams, the referees, the Federation and UEFA officials, as well as their transport. [32] Olympic Torch to be lit on ThursdayAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)Only a few hours remain until the Olympic Torch is lit for the Athens Olympic Games. At noon on Thursday high priestess Thalia Prokopiou will deliver the Holy Flame to the first torchbearer javelin champion Costas Gatsioudis, on the first part of its journey around the world before arriving at the Olympic Stadium on August 13.Sprinter Katerina Thanou will enter the Panathinaiko Stadium on March 31 at the end of the first stage of the torch relay. The flame will also be carried by seven other champions selected by the Greek Olympic Committee. Olympic Torch Exhibit: ''Olympic Torches 1936 - 2004,'' is the exhibit the Ministry of Defense has organized and which will take place at Athens' War Museum from March 29 through April 5. Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos will inaugurate the exhibit on Monday, March 29th at 13:00. Exhibit hours will be 09:00 - 14:00. [33] Unofficial inauguration at Faliro Sports PavilionAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)The Faliro Coastal Zone Olympic Complex - Sports Pavilion will unofficially open its doors on Wednesday to host the Greek national team which will play a ''friendly double'' as it prepares for the International Men's Handball Tournament which will be held at the same venue March 26-28. The national teams of Germany, Hungary, and Egypt will be competing in Friday's tournament.[34] Acropolis to remain festooned with scaffolding during OlympicsAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)The Acropolis will still be festooned with scaffolding as the Olympic Games open here in August, Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis was told on Tuesday during his visit to the Acropolis.Scientists overseeing the restoration and cleaning of the ancient monuments dominating the Athenian skyline said the work was progressing smoothly but more slowly than originally anticipated, so that scaffolding would still be up around the Parthenon and half of the Temple of Nike when the Games began in August. Scaffolding currently set up outside the Propylaea, the gateway to the Acropolis, and the other half of the Temple of Nike will be removed by August this year, while the western frieze that was removed from the rest of the monument in 1993 and has been undergoing cleaning since 2000 will be completed by the end of spring. Also under construction at this time is a new entrance to the ancient site and the old Acropolis Museum, made of wood and steel, while there is still no final solution on providing access for the disabled. Responding to questions during his visit, the minister stressed that the New Democracy government desired the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum. He said that disagreement was confined to the previous government's slapdash approach to time schedules for the building of the Acropolis Museum. Tatoulis also emphasized his satisfaction with the major effort being made for the restoration of the Acropolis. [35] Theodorakis' home in exile listed as a protected buildingAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)The farmhouse occupied by internationally renowned composer Mikis Theodorakis while in exile during the Greek civil war has been listed as a protected building by the Aegean ministry, it was announced on Tuesday.The farmhouse in Vrakades on the island of Ikaria is also a prime example of traditional island architecture, as well as part of the island's historic and cultural identity. [36] State hiring body to play key role in overhaul of public administrationAthens, 24/03/2004 (ANA)A state recruitment body for entry into the public sector by examination will play a major part in designing an overhaul of public administration announced by the new government, Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos told reporters on Tuesday.The ASEP body will regain powers that were stripped by the former government and increase its status through more funding, better infrastructure and trained staff, Pavlopoulos said after a meeting with the agency's board. [37] Enlarged talks on Cyprus begin WednesdayBURGENSTOCK 24/03/2004 (CNA/ANA)Members of the Greek Cypriot, the Turkish Cypriot, the Greek and the Turkish delegations, who will be attending the UN-led negotiations, are gathering in this Swiss resort, for Wednesday's opening of enlarged talks.Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, who is heading the Greek Cypriot delegation already in Bunderstock, was due to meet on Tuesday evening the leaders of Greek Cypriot political parties accompanying him here, to review the situation and exchange views. Talks will be held under a news blackout as delegations attending the talks are completely isolated at their hotels. US, British and European Union envoys, on the wings of the talks, will follow developments in the days ahead. CNA has learned that the EU will be represented by a member of the Union's team that has been negotiating Cyprus' accession. UN Secretary-General's special adviser for Cyprus Alvaro De Soto and members of his team have also arrived here. Foreign ministers of Greece and Turkey Petros Molyviatis and Abdullah Gul will be heading their respective delegations until their prime ministers Costas Karamanlis and Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrive on March 28. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who is expected to arrive March 27, will give a press conference after his arrival and before his departure, scheduled for March 29. Meanwhile President Papadopoulos will go to Brussels to attend the European Council March 25-26 and will then return to Switzerland for the talks. Cyprus Foreign Minister George Iacovou will come to Burgenstock from Brussels where he attended the General Affairs Council. No details about Wednesday's opening of the talks have been released but there will be a photo opportunity. [38] President Papadopoulos pledges political will to reach viable solutionLARNACA 24/03/2004 (CNA/ANA)Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos has assured he will make every effort to secure a viable and functional solution to the Cyprus problem to the benefit of the whole of the people of Cyprus and vowed not to sacrifice the security and fate of Cypriot Hellenism in the altar of deadlines or pressure.Speaking before leaving on Tuesday morning for Burgenstock in Lucerne, where he will take part in the enlarged Cyprus talks with the participation of Greece and Turkey, he said he goes to Switzerland with good faith and the political will to negotiate and hopes to secure a solution which will be functional and viable. He pointed out that many efforts have been made to achieve progress during the first phase of the negotiations, something that was not possible because of the Turkish Cypriot stance. Asked under what capacity will so-called prime minister Mehmet Ali Talat and so-called foreign minister Serdar Denktash participate in the talks, following Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's refusal to attend the enlarged talks and his decision to grant them full authority to negotiate, President Papadopoulos said the two are being mentioned by their names only and not by their titles. The Cypriot president said he will attend the European Council between March 25-26 in Brussels, adding that the Cyprus problem is not on the agenda but it will be the point of his discussions with EU leaders. President Papadopoulos said it was well known to all parties involved that there would be a recess in the Lucerne talks, stressing that it is not possible for Cyprus not to participate in European Councils for the reason that negotiations are underway. ''Such a derogation would constitute abandoning our rights and would create a very dangerous precedent,'' the Cypriot president added. The enlarged talks are scheduled to begin on Wednesday and according to UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto, who will conduct the talks until the arrival of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on March 28, they will continue until the end of the month. The UN-led direct talks on Cyprus ended on Monday in Nicosia with no result and the procedure moves to Burgenstock, according to the New York agreement of February 13. President Papadopoulos is accompanied by the members of the National Council, top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus problem. The prime ministers of Greece and Turkey will attend the talks on March 28. Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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