Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-03-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece wants Cyprus solution to comply with EU law

[02] PM says Greece, Turkey to offer UN their services over Cyprus

[03] Comprehensive text for Cyprus solution 'closer than ever', UN envoy says

[04] Greece and Turkey consider four-party meeting 'premature'

[05] Greek FM departs for Lucerne and four-party talks on Cyprus issue

[06] Solution to Cyprus issue should not stray from EU law, Papandreou says

[07] US 'looking to parties' to reach agreement in Cyprus talks

[08] Olympic flame begins global journey with imposing ceremony at ancient Olympia

[09] Greek PM to meet NATO chief, EU's Solana in Brussels

[10] PM Karamanlis to meet U.S. President Bush on May 20 in Washington

[11] Military parade to mark Greece's 1821 revolt against Turkey

[12] Greek PM urges ministers to curtail spending

[13] Gov't: PM's meeting with Archbishop a 'formality', IDs not discussed

[14] Aegean minister represents gov't at memorial for Madrid terror victims

[15] Russia seeks closer EU ties through Greece

[16] Delegation from Serbia visit Greek Ombudsman

[17] ASE says market meets all developed market criteria

[18] Stocks slip in volatile trade

[19] New Greek gov't seen as 'positive' for Olympics security in Australia

[20] ATHOC chief, Athens mayor confer over preparations

[21] Delivery date for new Olympic football venue in late June

[22] Clock on stadium in Sofia to count the days until the Athens Olympics

[23] AEF to dedicate Global Olive Wreath tree to Olympia

[24] Greece's Gerasimou makes quarter-finals in tennis sport event

[25] Greek Taekwondo team heads to int'l tournament

[26] Czech Republic beats Russia in women's softball tournament in Athens

[27] UK beats Greece 2-1 in softball tournament prelims in Athens

[28] Russia beats Czech republic in baseball test event March 26, 2004

[01] Greece wants Cyprus solution to comply with EU law

Brussels, 26/03/2004 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

The prime minister told a news conference at the start of a summit meeting of the bloc that neither ''major'' nor ''lasting'' deviations should be allowed.

At the same time, Karamanlis said that inflexible positions in the current phase of work towards a solution for the Cyprus problem would hinder the endeavor.

The prime minister also expressed the hope that a possible meeting in Switzerland with his Turkish counterpart would have a favorable outcome. He said that Greece and Cyprus should form a united front, and Athens would aid Nicosia in all areas.

In addition, the prime minister announced that at Greece's re-quest, the Cyprus problem had been included on the agenda for Friday's EU summit meeting.

Turning to other areas for discussion at the session, Karamanlis underlined the importance of combatting terrorism coupled with a respect for human rights.

He also said there was a need for swift adoption of an EU constitution, preferably before Europarliament elections in June, with Greece backing the concept of one commissioner per country with voting rights.

Finally, the prime minister stressed the importance of implementing structural measures so that the EU could attain high growth rates, respect for the environment, and a rise in employment, macro-economic stability and better working conditions for the European public.

[02] PM says Greece, Turkey to offer UN their services over Cyprus

Brussels, 26/03/2004 (ANA/A.Panagopoulos)

Karamanlis, who was speaking to a meeting of the European People's Party (EPP) in Brussels to forge its line at the summit, was also quoted as saying that Greece would work for a viable and operational solution for the divided island republic on the basis of European law.

The Greek government has asked for inclusion in the summit's closing statement a section concerning Turkey's intention to seek permanent deviation from EU law, the sources said.

No meeting has so far been scheduled in Brussels between Karamanlis and the Turkish premier, they added.

Turning to the Athens 2004 Olympics, Karamanlis sought closer cooperation on combatting terrorism, noting that the games in August could stand as the first example of tighter liaison.

The prime minister again condemned the terrorist attack in Madrid as an abhorrent act, which he also called an attack against the whole of Europe; and called for a rapid resolution of problems in the EU's constitution.

[03] Comprehensive text for Cyprus solution 'closer than ever', UN envoy says

Burgenstock, 26/3/2004 (ANA-F. Kasaviti)

Pointing out that a text of minimum agreement was no longer enough at this stage, he stressed that the UN will take as a success a text on which all the parties have agreed, not one that is finalized by the UN secretary-general Kofi Annan.

He said the UN chief was expected to arrive in Burgenstock within the next few days and would remain until March 31, if necessary.

The envoy said he was satisfied with the progress of the enlarged negotiations that began on Wednesday in Burgenstock, a suburb near the Swiss city of Lucerne, saying these were un-folding at ''their own pace and have their own momentum''.

The current talks involve Greece and Turkey, as well as the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot communities on Cyprus.

De Soto said that if there was no agreement, the final peace plan that will be presented to the two sides on March 31 and will go to referendum will differ considerably from the existing plan.

He also clears on the prospect of direct talks between all the four sides involved.

''The agreement in New York foresees that if the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot sides fail to agree by March 22, then Greece and Turkey would offer their assistance. At no point does it say that there must be a meeting of all four sides. This can happen but it is not necessary,'' he said.

Earlier on Thursday, Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis met with the U.S. State Department's envoy for Cyprus Thomas Weston in Burgenstock to discuss developments and the prospects of the negotiations.

Molyviatis, who arrived in Burgenstock on Wednesday evening, attended a dinner arranged by de Soto that was also attended by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, former Cyprus president Glafcos Clerides, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, Turkish-Cypriot pseudo-premier Mehmet Ali Talat and Turkish-Cypriot 'foreign minister' Serdar Denktash.

The dinner, the first of its kind since 1960, apparently took place in a friendly climate while the Cyprus issue was not discussed in detail.

Regarding departures from the acquis communautaire sought by the Turkish side, de Soto admitted that there were some in the Annan plan but said that this was still under negotiation.

He ruled out the prospect of canceling the twin referendums on Cyprus if there was no agreement and reiterated all sides had agreed that any text, whether it arose through agreement or through the UN secretary-general's mediation, will go to referendum.

[04] Greece and Turkey consider four-party meeting 'premature'

Athens, 26/3/2004 (ANA)

Koumoutsakos stressed that this did not prejudge that there will not be a four-party meeting during the negotiating procedure.

After the 40-minute meeting, Gul and Moliviatis reiterated their desire to find a solution to the Cyprus issue and improve bilateral relations.

[05] Greek FM departs for Lucerne and four-party talks on Cyprus issue

Athens, 26/3/2004 (ANA)

This marks the start of the second phase in the talks taking place under UN auspices, following an earlier round of negotiations on the plan presented by United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan between the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot sides in Nicosia.

In statements prior to his departure from Athens airport, Molyviatis reiterated Greece's desire for a solution to the Cyprus issue based on UN resolutions and on the principles, values of the European Union and the standards and practices of the Community.

He stressed that all permanent departures from Community standards were unacceptable to the Greek side, while he blamed the lack of progress in the first phase of the UN-organized talks on the ''maximalist demands and positions'' of the Turkish-Cypriot side.

A report from the ANA's correspondent in Burgenstock quoting sources, meanwhile, said that the UN envoy for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto had outlined Turkish-Cypriot positions on the UN peace plan for Cyprus to the Greek-Cypriot side on Wednesday.

The same sources said these positions were just a 'spruced-up' version of Turkish-Cypriot proposals on March 18, which were incompatible with what was foreseen under the Annan plan. They also said the process had degenerated because there had been no dialogue on the issues, while the Turkish-Cypriot side had ignored all that had been agreed in New York, such as producing a draft constitution for the Turkish-Cypriot statelet, a list of settlers and a list of those that will vote in the referendum.

Talks in Burgenstock between Greece and Turkey have already begun between officials, regarding the security and guarantees aspects of the Annan plan, though no essential progress has been made between the two Cypriot sides.

On his arrival, Molyviatis is expected to meet immediately with de Soto, who also met Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul on Tuesday.

[06] Solution to Cyprus issue should not stray from EU law, Papandreou says

Brussels, 26/03/2004 (ANA/V.Demiris)

''A solution to the Cyprus issue cannot show permanent deviation from EU legislation,'' Papandreou told reporters on Wednesday after a meeting of the Party of European Socialists in the Belgian capital.

He added that the EU Commission should be present at talks on Cyprus in Lucerne as agreed in New York, but this had yet to occur.

He called on Greece's new Prime Minister, Costas Karamanlis, to take an active role in negotiations.

Contacts with EU officials: The leader of Greece's main opposition PASOK party, George Papandreou, on Thursday asked senior European Union officials to ensure that a solution to the Cyprus problem should not deviate from the bloc's legislation.

Papandreou made the request in separate telephone calls to the Irish foreign minister, whose country is president of the EU; the bloc's enlargement commission; and its high representative for foreign policy. Papandreou also stressed the need for a more active EU representation at the Cyprus talks taking place in Switzerland.

[07] US 'looking to parties' to reach agreement in Cyprus talks

Washington, 26/03/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

Boucher, replying to questions at Tuesday's regular press briefing on whether the US expected a Cyprus solution to be reached in Switzerland, where the talks were due to resume on Wednesday, or was expecting a solution after referenda in the two Cypriot communities, Boucher replied:

''Both. We're looking for the parties to reach agreement and we're looking for the parties to submit the agreement to referendum by -- in time for the May 1st accession of a united Cyprus to the European Union.''

''We remain very supportive of the (UN) Secretary General's effort, and we look to the parties to show up and to do serious business in terms of trying to reach agreement,'' Boucher added.

[08] Olympic flame begins global journey with imposing ceremony at ancient Olympia

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

The flame was lit at noon on the March 25 Greek national holiday, in an imposing display attended by Greek President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, the head of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Jacques Rogge, Greek Olympic Committee president Lambis Nikolaou, the chairwoman of the Athens Olympics organizers ATHOC Gianna Angelopoulos and hosts of other dignitaries, as well as 30,000 spectators from among the ordinary public.

As the white-clad 'priestesses' performed the ritual choreographed by Maria Hors with perfect timing, the torch tendered by high priestess Thalia Prokopiou to the curved mirror used to trap the sun's rays blazed forth bravely, in an omen of hope for the delay-dogged Athens Games.

The flame was then carried to the first torch-bearer, Greek champion javelin-thrower Kostas Gatsioudis, who carried it and passed it on to the next runner in line, Russian Olympic medalist Alexander Popov.

The ceremony marked the start of the first phase of the Olympic Torch Relay, a seven-day run organized by the Greek Olympic Committee that ends on March 31. In this time, the Olympic Torch will travel through the Peloponnese and other areas in Greece before arriving at the Panathenian Stadium in Athens, where it will remain until June 3 and the start of its global journey throughout the world.

The international Olympic Torch Relay is the first one that is truly global, visiting 34 cities on all five continents - including Africa and South America for the first time in history. The Olympic Flame will return to Greece on July 9 to continue its journey through the country and arrive back at the Panathenian Stadium on August 13 for the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.

The ritual on Thursday began with the raising of the Olympic and Greek flags and the recital of the poem 'The Light of Olympia'' by Takis Doxas.

Those present were then addressed by Olympia Mayor Ioannis Skoularikis, who was visibly moved and said that he envisioned Olympia as a ''global city, a centre of spirit and culture''.

He was followed by IOC president Jacques Rogge, who stressed that the Games, more than ever before, symbolized peace and the Olympic Truce.

''For a few moments, thousands of people in every city in the world will be able to see the Olympic spirit. Today, more than ever, we must be united. All together for the good of the Olympic ideal and of peace, for the good of the world.''

The head of the Greek Olympic Committee Lambis Nikolaou stressed that in times of blind violence and unprecedented in-security it was hard to revive classical values, but that the Olympic ideal could help in this direction.

''The lighting of the flame revives a past that we Greeks have never ceased to consider familiar,'' he said.

ATHOC chief Gianna Angelopoulos said the day was a celebration for Greece: ''The sacred flame will for the first time in its history blaze on all five continents. For the first time in Africa and Latin America. And we hope that this light will light up people's hearts and inspire them. Our country can say with pride that many of the values conceived by Greeks inspire and lead the world. We call on all the nations of the earth to come to Greece with us for the start of the Athens Games,'' she said.

In statements to reporters afterwards, Angelopoulos said she was completely satisfied with the ceremony and stressed that Greece was celebrating both its independence anniversary and the symbolic start of the Olympic Games.

''From here, in Olympia, I want to once again repeat our commitment that the Olympic Games in Athens, the Olympic Games of Greece, will be unique. We are working very hard for this and we will continue to work hard right to the end,'' she underlined.

She noted that Olympia would play an important part in highlighting and promoting the uniqueness of the Greek Olympics, since ATHOC had persuaded the IOC to stage the men and women shot put events at Olympia's ancient stadium

''This is yet another way to promote this sacred spot throughout the world and add another dimension to the authenticity of the Greek Games,'' she said.

Angelopoulos also underlined that the Athens Games will be safe.

''We are aware of the new conditions that exist worldwide, of the difficulties and problems that have arisen, and we are taking all necessary measures in cooperation with the government, the IOC and our international partners,'' she said.

The emphasis on security was echoed by the draconian measures taken at the torch-lighting ceremony on Thursday, which security forces were treating as a 'dry run' for the Games in the summer.

PM issues global invitation to 'the best and safest Olympics: Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Thursday issued an invitation to people all over the world to attend the "the best and safest Olympic Games" that will take place in Athens in August.

Karamanlis issued his planet-wide invitation immediately after a ceremony for the lighting of the Olympic Torch in ancient Olympia, where the original Games of antiquity were held.

"Today, here in Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, begins the first part of the flame's journey throughout the world.

The Greek light, the values and ideals of Olympism create from today and on five continents on the planet, a chain of people who adhere to the values of peaceful coexistence, noble competition and good sportsmanship."

"In 141 days, the flame will light the skies of Attica, at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Greeks join together to send out this message to the entire world: We invite you and expect you at this great celebration of sports and culture. We invite you to the best and safest Olympic Games there have ever been," Karamanlis said.

Three new museums inaugurated in Olympia: Three new museums have opened their doors to the public in ancient Olympia, in ceremonies attended by Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis, former culture minister Evangelos Venizelos and other officials.

The opening ceremonies for the new Archaeological Museum of Ancient Olympia, the Historical Museum of the Olympic Games of Antiquity and the Archaeological Museum of Ilida were held on Wednesday evening.

The current ministers warmly thanked the culture ministry's previous administration for its work in creating the new muse-ums, which they described as modern and functional.

[09] Greek PM to meet NATO chief, EU's Solana in Brussels

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

Karamanlis is due to arrive in Brussels on Thursday, where he will first take part in the European Popular Party (EPP) summit before joining the other European leaders for the first EU summit meeting on terrorism at 18:00.

A press conference is expected to follow at about 19:45, after which EU leaders will attend a dinner to discuss the Intergovernmental Conference.

[10] PM Karamanlis to meet U.S. President Bush on May 20 in Washington

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

The details and the program of Karamanlis' visit to Washington will be announced in the coming days, the press release added.

[11] Military parade to mark Greece's 1821 revolt against Turkey

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

Attending the parade was President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, who told the parade that everyone was hoping for a solution to the Cyprus problem within the framework of UN resolutions that would bring peace and cooperation.

Also attending the parade were representatives of the country's political leadership, heads of the armed forces, and war veterans.

The aerial display included F16s, Mirage 2000s, F4 Phantoms and A7 Corsairs.

School parades for March 25 national holiday in Athens, Thessaloniki: A school parade in honor of the March 25 anniversary of Greece's 1821 struggle for independence was held on the eve of the national holiday in Athens on Wednesday.

Teens and children from primary, middle and high schools in Athens, the Kalavryta unified lyceum, boy scout and girl guide organizations and members of the Special Olympics team, marched through central Athens before the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, in the presence of Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou and representatives of local government.

Middle and high school students in Thessaloniki began celebrations for the holiday on Wednesday by laying wreaths at the 3rd Army Corps war memorial.

There will be a school parade in the centre of Thessaloniki and other northern Greek cities on Thursday.

President Stephanopoulos' message for the March 25 national holiday: In his message for the March 25 national holiday celebrating Greece's 1821 war of independence, President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Wednesday said the holiday was taking place against a backdrop of international uncertainty and the shadow of fear and insecurity cast over daily life by terrorism.

''Against the shadows of terror that threaten our values and ideals, Greece can rank the pure Greek Spirit and its people's devotion to democracy,'' Stephanopoulos said.

He also noted that two major events were currently occupying Greece: a solution to the Cyprus problem and holding successful Olympic Games when they returned to their birthplace in August.

''Holding successful and safe Olympics is a matter of primary importance for all of us and I call on all Greeks, everywhere on earth, to become ambassadors of the Olympic ideal,'' Stephanopoulos said.

PM stresses national unity in March 25 national holiday message : In his message for the March 25 national holiday celebrating Greece's 1821 war of independence, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday called for national unity that put aside the ''little things that divide us''.

''This year, the anniversary of March 25 has a special symbolism...The pressing demand of the new era is that Greek men and women should, once again, put aside the small and little things that divide us and join our forces, coordinate our efforts in order to put all the things we envision into action,'' he said.

The new premier referred to European enlargement on May 1, which will also include Cyprus, and called for deeper and broader cooperation on a European level, ultimately leading to political unification.

He said Greeks throughout the world were actively contributing to efforts to reunite Cyprus through a just and viable solution that was in accordance with UN resolutions and Community standards.

''Our goal is for a reunited European Cyprus to act as an example for a new cooperative approach in southeastern Europe,'' he added.

Karamanlis also stressed the importance of the Olympic Games that will return to Greece in August, saying that by organizing the best and safest Games to date, Greece could show the world that it was more than just the heir of a glorious past but possessed an unlimited pool of cultural resources, able people of the arts and letters and the political will to make culture and education a top priority.

Opposition party messages for March 25 national holiday: In a message for the March 25 national holiday celebrating the 1821 Greek war of independence, main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou on Wednesday stressed that modern Greece was now economically, politically and socially a strong country, with good international standing and credibility and a leading role in establishing security and stability in the surrounding region.

He also noted that there were new challenges and struggles ahead following the ''new political conditions'' after the March 7 elections, in order to make PASOK the 'majority, democratic and progressive movement of the new age''.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said the message enshrined in the anniversary was that the people could overcome fatalism and impose their just rights if they decided to take action.

The Coalition of the Radical Left said the holiday will always be ''the recognition of the rights of small countries against the powerful of every age and a reminder that empires are vulnerable, above and beyond balances of strength and power.''

[12] Greek PM urges ministers to curtail spending

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Roussopoulos said that the prime minister gave a clear order for speeding up a procedure of writing down public finances to offer a real picture of the country's economy to the society. He also emphasized on the need to limit spending within budget targets and noted that the government's program for 2004 would be based on reforming the tax system in autumn, drafting next year's budget and promoting a new development law.

Government spokesman underlined that the premier stressed the need of a full absorption of EU funds from a Third Community Support Framework program, promoting large infrastructure projects, information society, tourism, agricultural development and support small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Roussopoulos stressed that the government was adhering to its pre-election promises and was implementing its program. He noted that efforts to give permanent positions to contract workers in the public sector could be completed in the next few months.

[13] Gov't: PM's meeting with Archbishop a 'formality', IDs not discussed

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

He said the meeting occurred in the framework of "cooperative relations and honest dialogue between the Church and State".

Asked about the government's position on the European Constitution, particularly attempts to include a reference to Europe's Christian traditions, the spokesman said the government maintained the same position as before it came into power.

As main opposition, New Democracy had supported proposals for a reference to Christian traditions in the European Constitution.

Archbishop sees 'new page' in gov't-Church relations after meeting with premier: Prime minister Costas Karamanlis met Wednesday with Arch-bishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, who said after the 45-minute minute that a new page was opening up (in government-Church relations) in which there will be mutual respect between the two institutions.

Christodoulos told reporters he had wished Karamanlis success in his task, and expressed satisfaction because, as he said, the prime minister and the new Education minister had an in-depth knowledge of Church matters.

The Archbishop noted that the Church's social work and its support by the State had been discussed.

Asked by reporters whether the issue of identity cards had been discussed, the Archbishop replied: "We did not discuss it. That will occur at the appropriate time".

According to sources, the two men had a generalized discussion, without specific references.

The main topics discussed were the Orthodox Church's role in the united Europe and the Balkans, the Church's social and welfare role (fight against drugs, support for single mothers and battered women, the homeless, etc.), the issue of a reference to Christianity as a fundamental element of civilization in the European constitution.

Christodoulos sought State support so that solutions could be found on a variety of matters, but no reference was made to the strained relations between the Church of Greece and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the sources said.

[14] Aegean minister represents gov't at memorial for Madrid terror victims

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

[15] Russia seeks closer EU ties through Greece

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

In a meeting with the country's new deputy foreign minister, Panayiotis Skandalakis, on Wednesday Vdovin also raised the issue of visas for Russian nationals visiting EU countries.

Skandalakis told the ambassador that Greece wished to see more tourism between the two countries.

[16] Delegation from Serbia visit Greek Ombudsman

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

The delegation held talks with Greek Ombudsman George Ka-minis and exchanged views on the ombudsman's role in their respective countries and the prospects of cooperation.

[17] ASE says market meets all developed market criteria

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

ASE was commenting on a report by Bloomberg new agency over the issue. FTSE Group chief executive, Mark Makepeace, told Bloomberg that if a market's five disadvantaging characteristics have not been reduced, then FTSE would review the market's developed status. This comment, ASE said, offered enough time to review the accuracy and fairness of the survey's results and for national markets to improve their situation and disadvantages.

Bloomberg reported that the Greek market did not meet five of valuation criteria set by FTSE Group in its Quality of Markets survey, used to classify markets into developing and developed ones.

"It is obvious for all those aware of the operation of the Greek market that at least three of those characteristics (securities borrowing, short selling and real time information) are fully covered," ASE said in its statement.

ASE said its board has already contacted with FTSE Group and awaited a clarifying statement from the UK-based company.

[18] Stocks slip in volatile trade

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

The general share index shed 0.26 per cent to end at 2,295.32 points. Turnover was 135.2 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.73 per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.62 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities gained 0.39 per cent.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 185 to 116 with 61 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of March 24 2004

Parities in euro

Banknotes

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,229 1,201

[19] New Greek gov't seen as 'positive' for Olympics security in Australia

Melbourne, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

AOC president John Coates said concern about the safety of Australian athletes had increased after the terror attacks in Madrid but noted that Athens organizers had spent triple the amount spent by Sydney on the security of the Games and were doing all they could for their safety.

''They are spending vast sums on security, they have asked for NATO's assistance, they are receiving help and advice from seven countries - including Australia. It all sounds good to me,'' Coates said.

According to AOC general secretary Bob Elphinston, meanwhile, the change of guard would benefit preparations for the Athens Games since the new government of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis possessed the advantage of enthusiasm and the option of blaming any mistakes on the previous government.

Talks between Australian officials and the Greek government regarding the safety of the Athens Olympics and other issues of mutual interest were held on Wednesday in Athens, in a meeting between Greek Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis and visiting Australian First Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ian Kemish.

The meeting was also attended by Australian Ambassador in Athens Stuart Hume, the head of the Greek police and the Greek intelligence service EYP.

[20] ATHOC chief, Athens mayor confer over preparations

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

Responsibility for the Cultural Olympiad series of events will be transferred from the government to ATHOC in May.

[21] Delivery date for new Olympic football venue in late June

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

The new venue, on the site of the previous Karaiskaki stadium, is reportedly completed by 77 to 78 percent. Its delivery date has been set for late June, while the new pitch will be installed in early April, before Easter. Two months will reportedly be needed for the new turf to mature, a period that culminates only a few weeks before the Summer Olympics begin on Aug. 13, namely, at the end of July.

Karaiskaki is being built and financed by a consortium led by the Olympiakos club, which will manage the venue for half a century afterwards.

Soccer preliminaries and the semi-final rounds of both the men's and women's competition will be held at Karaiskaki -- named in honor of a Greek War of Independence hero who was mortally wounded very near where the stadium stands today.

The venue will have a seating capacity of 33,500, with 500 spectators accommodated in 40 suites.

[22] Clock on stadium in Sofia to count the days until the Athens Olympics

Sofia, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

The head of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee (BOC) Ivan Slavkov and world-class Bulgarian athletes, as well as members of the ordinary public, attended Thursday's ceremony.

Slavkov said the clock was a symbol of Bulgaria's joy that the Olympics were taking place in the Balkans and its friendly feelings toward neighboring Greece.

Greek Ambassador in Sofia Prokopios Matzouranis expressed Greece's hope that the ancient custom of the Olympic Truce will be revived during the days of the Olympic tournament.

[23] AEF to dedicate Global Olive Wreath tree to Olympia

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

Following the Olympic Torch lighting on March 25, AEF EU Director Dr. Elvira Bazaca will preside at a dedication ceremony together with Mr. Skoularikis, Mayor of the City of Olympia. The tree will be planted in the center of the City in front of Olympias City Hall. This tree planting will be a crowning event of the Global Olive Wreath project, with the induction of the birth city of the Olympics.

The Global Olive Wreath, a project inspired by the three official Olympic dimensions of Sport, Culture and the Environment, as well as the ancient Olympic principle of peaceful competition, involves the planting of trees in six continents along the 2004 Olympic Torch Route as well as in the world's most troubled places including Israel, Palestine and Northern Ireland.

Trees have already been planted in Athens, home of the Olympic Games revival and 2004 Summer Olympic Games, Lausanne, the Olympic Capital, and many other Olympic Cities, as well as Baghdad.

As a foundation, AEF seeks to inspire schoolchildren and people about the Olympic ideals of Sport, Culture, and care for the Environment, and in the spirit of the ancient Greeks, bring a message about peace and democracy with its worldwide programs. AEF is the world's leading organization promoting global "homecoming" celebrations to honor the return of the Games to Greece for the first time this century.

"The ancient Greeks gave us two magnificent gifts, the Olympics, which is the celebration of peaceful competition through sport, and democracy," said Tony Diamantidis, US-based AEF Founder and Executive Director. "With this humble, but extraordinary tree, Olympia joins Olympic Cities and other communities around the world and is embraced into the Global Olive Wreath.

The Athens Environmental Foundation (AEF) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization established to organize, support and promote global programs for Sport and Environmental responsibility associated with the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece and future Olympic Games. AEF has partnered with the Athens 2004 Olympic Organizing Committee (ATHOC), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the World Olympians Association (WOA) and many other organizations to implement bold and effective clean-up and environmental aware-ness programs in honor of the Olympic homecoming to Greece. In 1994 the International Olympic Committee (IOC) adopted the Environment as the third pillar of the Olympic charter, along with Sport and Culture. Since then, environmental responsibility has been at the heart of the Olympic movement.

[24] Greece's Gerasimou makes quarter-finals in tennis sport event

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

The tournament is a test event for the Athens Olympics in August. All the matches are taking place at the Olympic Tennis Centre, part of the Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA) at Maroussi.

[25] Greek Taekwondo team heads to int'l tournament

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

[26] Czech Republic beats Russia in women's softball tournament in Athens

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

The tournament ends on March 28 and is a test event for the Olympic Games organized by the Athens Olympics Organizing Committee (ATHOC).

The next match in the preliminaries is on Friday at 10:00, between Russia and the United Kingdom, followed by the match between the Czech and Greek teams at 12:30.

[27] UK beats Greece 2-1 in softball tournament prelims in Athens

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

The tournament ends on March 28 and is a test event for the Olympic Games organized by the Athens Olympics Organizing Committee (ATHOC).

The next match in the preliminaries is on Friday at 10:00, between Russia and the United Kingdom, followed by the match between the Czech and Greek teams at 12:30.

[28] Russia beats Czech republic in baseball test event

Athens, 26/03/2004 (ANA)

The competition is being held at the Olympic pitch for baseball and softball at the Hellenikon Sports Complex in Athens and is a test event for the Olympic Games in August.

Russia's second victory was a surprise, since the team entered into the competition as an outsider.

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