Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-05-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek, Turkish DMs discuss their countries' will to reduce armament expenditures

[02] PM Karamanlis outlines purposes of US visit in interview with Greek American newspaper

[03] Deputy FM calls for reactivation of procedures for Cyprus reunification

[04] PASOK leader and Cypriot socialist leader discuss Cyprus issue

[05] Australian and New Zealand PMs refer to Olympics in Battle of Crete address

[06] President Stephanopoulos attends CoS 75th anniversary event

[07] Deputy FM Stylianidis meets with new Liberian FM Nimley, in Athens on unofficial visit

[08] Greece seeks permission from EU to cut fuel tax in times of crisis

[09] Construction workers' union demands implementation of safety measures on work sites

[10] Greek GDP grew 4.1 pct in 1st quarter, yr/yr

[11] Finmin says solution to fuel tax to be sought in EU

[12] Initiatives against profiteering ahead of Athens Games

[13] Gov't supports development of cargo centers

[14] Tourist arrivals forecast to drop 5-8 pct this year

[15] Gov't examines plan to reduce fuel tax

[16] Central bank sees Greek growth holding above EU average

[17] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks drop, tracking markets abroad

[18] USOC chief Martin certainty 'Athens Games will be safe', athletes' worries allayed

[19] Greek mission reaches Everest summit

[20] Passenger ferry has engine trouble off Syros, passengers all well

[21] New Olympic Transport System unveiled this week

[22] Voulgarakis calls criticism over Olympic security 'malicious'

[23] International Foundation of Olympic and Sports Education Conference

[24] Rhodes Port Authority receives award

[01] Greek, Turkish DMs discuss their countries' will to reduce armament expenditures

BRUSSELS 18/5/2004 (ANA)

As mentioned by Greek Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos, the meeting with his Turkish counterpart Vedzi Gyonul was held in a good climate which responds to the given will of the two countries for a new page in Greek-Turkish relations through dialogue and mutual trust.

During the meeting, the Turkish defense minister announced his government's decision to proceed in a review of Turkey's armaments program, with reductions, according to sources, of 10 billion dollars.

Spiliotopoulos also stressed the desire of the Greek government to proceed in a reduction of armament expenditures which could reach up to 25 percent of the relevant budget in the first phase for the next five-year period. He clarified, however, that the exact percentage will be determined at the end of June when the relevant study is completed. He noted however that the cutbacks will not concern the domestic defense industry which on the contrary will be strengthened.

He said that the rationalization of the expenditures for defense was also a pre-election objective of the New Democracy party which is starting to materialize. "We are reviewing the entire program and shaping another one,'' he said.

Replying to reporters' questions on the eventuality of the abolition of the joint defense doctrine between Greece and Cyprus, he noted that "there is no such issue" and that "simply there is an assessment of the new security situation which was shaped with Cyprus' accession to the European Union so that the necessary adjustments are made, where needed."

Finally, in view of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, he said that there is cooperation with all the neighboring countries mainly for border checks, the movement of persons and the exchange of information.

[02] PM Karamanlis outlines purposes of US visit in interview with Greek American newspaper

NEW YORK 18/5/2004 (ANA)

"The Greeks are expecting a great deal from us," the prime minister said, only a few hours before leaving Athens for New York on Monday and termed his visit to the United States "a good opportunity for us to reconfirm in practice the commitment for all Greeks to implement common visions together."

Karamanlis spoke of security for the Athens Olympic Games, which will be one of the main issues he will be discussing with US President George W. Bush during their meeting at the White house on Thursday.

"We have developed an advanced security network," he said, adding that "it is a fact that also obliges those who feel reserved, to share confidence for successful and safe Games."

Focusing on latest developments on the issue of Cyprus, the prime minister said "the Greek Cypriots, with the referendum on April 24, took a decision which is respected absolutely as a result of free expression and the product of the democratic procedure proposed by the United Nations. What is important now is for us to keep alive international interest and the existing momentum for a solution to the issue of Cyprus and for finding, on the basis of the Annan plan, of a concerted solution. A solution which shall be fair, viable and workable and which will provide necessary security guarantees for the Greek Cypriots. Statements by President Papadopoulos in this direction that a bizonal, bicommunal federation was and remains what is needed for a solution to the issue of Cyprus keep alive the hope for its final solution."

Commenting in general on meetings he will be having in New York and Washington, Karamanlis said "I will have the opportunity of presenting to the American leadership the performances of our country in the sector of confronting terrorism and of making a joint review of the results being produced by our cooperation with the US and other countries regarding the creation of a framework which shall guarantee the holding of the Olympic Games in conditions of maximum security. It is here precisely that we consider the contribution of Greek Americans to be decisive, since it is they who can send to all of American society a clear and strong message that Greece is a hospitable country and one of the safest in the world."

[03] Deputy FM calls for reactivation of procedures for Cyprus reunification

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference, Valinakis said the situation shaped in Cyprus after the holding of the referendum cannot, of course, change in a few days, but added that all desire the reunification of the island.

He added that the government of Cyprus must take its decisions on the issue and come to an understanding with the other side.

On the question of the election of Romano Prodi's successor at the European Commission's presidency, Valinakis said "that there might also be surprises on this" and stressed that the Greek government desires the Commission's new president to be someone who can understand the positions of Greece within the framework of the EU.

The Intergovernmental Conference was among the issues discussed by the foreign ministers of the 25 member-states. Valinakis said the wish was expressed during the Council for an agreement to be reached on the European constitution before the end of the Irish presidency.

According to the Greek deputy foreign minister, achieving an agreement on the European constitution is an issue of compromise.

"Without a compromise there can be no result on condition, of course, that this compromise will be satisfactory," he said.

Referring to the situation in Iraq, Valinakis said the "25" condemn in an announcement the acts of violence and the murders taking place in the area as well as the "ill-treatment", as they termed it, of detainees there and stress the need for an upgraded role for the UN in the process of transferring power to the Iraqis.

[04] PASOK leader and Cypriot socialist leader discuss Cyprus issue

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

Papandreou said the discussion also focused on the upcoming Euroelections given that "the socialist group at the European Parliament was and is the most active group as regards the effort to resolve the Cyprus issue" and consequently "the strong presence of the socialists in the European Parliament is a precondition to enable us to play a decisive role on this issue in Europe as well."

Omirou said Cyprus has entered a new historic cycle after May 1, with the incorporation in the European family, adding that "despite the fact that we have undesirable difficulties and existing problems to face after the referendum on April 24, our effort, and in this respect agreement between the two brotherly socialist parties is absolute, is to confront these difficulties jointly, conveying the message that the 'no' by Cypriot Hellenism was in no way a 'no' to a solution to the problem of Cyprus and that we remain firm and steadfast on the aim of pursuing a solution as soon as possible, based on some changes which will appease the insecurities and reservations of Cypriot Hellenism in connection with specific provisions of the Annan plan which, in any case, remains at the forefront of the problem of Cyprus."

[05] Australian and New Zealand PMs refer to Olympics in Battle of Crete address

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

Events marking the anniversary are taking place in 11 municipalities in Hania prefecture and other areas of Crete up until Sunday.

The Australian premier stressed the bonds of friendship forged between Greece and Australia at a time of adversity, noting that these had been further strengthened through the valuable contribution of Australia's Greek community to Australian culture and society. He said that Greece and Australia were now celebrating these common bonds, especially in a year when many Australians will be coming to Greece to attend the Athens Olympics in the summer.

Clark expressed her best wishes to Crete and all Greece for the success of the Olympics and her hope that the Athens Olympics will express hope, optimism and good will.

[06] President Stephanopoulos attends CoS 75th anniversary event

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

[07] Deputy FM Stylianidis meets with new Liberian FM Nimley, in Athens on unofficial visit

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

The meeting was held in a cordial climate, and Greece's volition to aid, to the degree possible, the Liberian people in the new beginning being attempted for normalization of the situation in that country was stressed, according to a ministry announcement.

The two men also discussed the traditional good relations between the two countries, particularly in the maritime sector.

[08] Greece seeks permission from EU to cut fuel tax in times of crisis

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

The floor for fuel tax is set by the EU's executive Commission, and Greece already has the lowest tax in most categories, which means that permission is required, Deputy Development Minister George Salagoudis told reporters.

If allowed, the measure would bring Greek fuel taxes below the bloc's current floor, Salagoudis said.

The request would be discussed at the Commission's next meeting, he added.

[09] Construction workers' union demands implementation of safety measures on work sites

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

Most fatal, work-related accidents occur on construction sites, where conditions are dangerous and protective measures lacking. According to data from the Labor Inspection Agency (SEPE), 145 workers were killed on a job site in 2003, while 18 have died on Olympic work sites from the time construction began until today.

Since the beginning of this year, 11 workers, the majority of them construction workers, have lost their lives on the job. SEPE ordered 1,700 worksites to close in 2003 that were considered unsafe.

[10] Greek GDP grew 4.1 pct in 1st quarter, yr/yr

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

NSS, in its report on economic growth, said that GDP growth was 3.0 percent in the January-March period from the fourth quarter of 2003. The statistics service said that a 6.1 percent increase in investments added 1.4 percent in total economic demand in the country.

Spending on final consumption rose 2.5 percent in the first three months of the year, compared with the same period in 2003, while exports rose 5.6 percent and imports fell by 0.7 percent over the same period.

[11] Finmin says solution to fuel tax to be sought in EU

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

At the same time, the government wanted to avoid an adverse impact on the economy of high fuel prices through inflationary pressures, Alogoskoufis told reporters.

The minister was speaking after a meeting with leaders of the General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE).

He also welcomed a two-year wage agreement forged last week by the GSEE and Association of Greek Industry.

"The contract will also create conditions of certainty for investments and the outlook for the country," Alogoskoufis added.

[12] Initiatives against profiteering ahead of Athens Games

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

The first unit, titled "The Olympic Financial Crimes Group," will monitor any violations concerning business transactions, and is being created by the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Public Order, in collaboration with the government's financial crimes squad (SDOE), the Municipality of Athens, and the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee.

The second unit, titled "Olympic Games Information and Protection Centre for Citizens," is being established by the consumer group INKA and aims, among other things, to:

• create an ethics code for every commercial sector

• create a consumer hotline (11721)

• monitor preparations based on the experience of Atlanta and Sydney, the two previous Olympic host cities

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and Athens 2004 President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki have made fighting illegal trade and profiteering their top priorities.

[13] Gov't supports development of cargo centers

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

The decision was taken during a meeting with representatives of Hellenic Railways Organization and regional agencies.

Addressing the meeting, Liapis reiterated the government's will to develop and operate similar centers around Greece, mainly located at the country's transport hubs. The Greek minister stressed the need to adhere to EU regulations and noted the significance of the project both for the benefit of Hellenic Railways and the country's economy.

[14] Tourist arrivals forecast to drop 5-8 pct this year

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

An annual general assembly held in Rhodes concluded that the main factors behind this expected negative development was a reduced competitiveness of the Greek tourist product, insufficient promotion of the Athens Olympic Games, increased competition from countries outside the eurozone area and lack of cooperation between state authorities and services.

Tourism Deputy Minister Anastasios Liaskos, addressing a seminar organized by POET, reiterated the government's will to promote tourism as the spearhead of growth and added that authorities were currently drafting a new tourism policy, including measures to support business activity and combatting bureaucracy. The sector's representatives expressed their worries over the outlook of the sector.

Sea boat owners said that charters were down 60 percent this year compared with 2003 and criticized authorities over high harboring fees (up 400 percent in recent years) in Greece.

[15] Gov't examines plan to reduce fuel tax

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with GSEE -Greece's largest trade union umbrella, Alogoskoufis said that the government did not plan any surprise moves in its economic policy.

GSEE representatives stressed the need to combat price increases, reducing tax burdens and raising unemployment benefits in the country.

[16] Central bank sees Greek growth holding above EU average

SOFIA 18/5/2004 (ANA/B.Borisov)

Growth should hold steady at around 4.0 per cent annually in that period, the head of the Greek central bank's public finance division, Vassilis Manessiotis, told the Athens News Agency in an interview.

"Even if rates of growth drop below 4.3 per cent over the next two or three years, they will remain higher than those in Europe. The rise in GDP is expected to fall between 3.8 per cent and 4.2 per cent in 2005 to 2006," Manessiotis said.

He was in the Bulgarian capital to present the Greek economy in 2003 to a Balkan central bankers' conference.

[17] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks drop, tracking markets abroad

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,431.63 points, showing a 1.43 per cent decline. Turnover was 128.5 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 1.51 per cent lower; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 1.58 per cent down; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.40 per cent lower.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 257 to 54 with 43 remaining unchanged.

[18] USOC chief Martin certainty 'Athens Games will be safe', athletes' worries allayed

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

Athens 2004 organizing committee (ATHOC) officials were also on hand to brief delegates on the Games' security and progress in preparations, and also showed a video on the progress in the projects.

USOC chief Bill Martin said that the Athens Games "will be safe" for the 550 American athletes to be taking part, while conceding that "at this time, we (the Americans) are not the most liked child in the world", and adding that "these Games will be difficult for us".

Martin's statements appeared to allay the worries of many athletes and US sponsors and others, which was reflected in a number of press articles appearing over the weekend.

[19] Greek mission reaches Everest summit

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

The Greek mission's second group - led by Costas Tzivelekas - set out from Thibet on April 14 and will attempt to reach the peak Tuesday morning.

Deputy Culture Minister responsible for Sports George Orfanos sent a congratulatory letter to the Federation. "Your efforts, which made us proud, resulted in both the Greek and Olympic flag waving over the 'world's rooftop.' I wish the Federation, and each of you individually, continued success in your efforts," Orfanos stated.

[20] Passenger ferry has engine trouble off Syros, passengers all well

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

The "Aeolos Express 2" developed a problem in one of its four engines as it was sailing 20 nautical miles off Syros. The ferry was heading on its own steam to port in Syros, where a ban on sailing would be issued for the vessel until completion of the engine's repair.

In the event of a delay due to repair work, the passengers would be transferred to other ferries for transport to their destinations, according to the Merchant Marine ministry.

[21] New Olympic Transport System unveiled this week

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

ATHOC President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and Transport Minister Mihalis Liapis are expected to present the system, considered a crucial component in managing traffic during the Games in August.

The event is scheduled to begin at 12:15.

[22] Voulgarakis calls criticism over Olympic security 'malicious'

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

The most controversial incident was related to a scathing article in the "Times" of London, hours after the paper's correspondent and a photographer illegally entered the OAKA worksite. The two were later arrested by security, touching off a firestorm of international attention and resulting in the Greek government's ire.

Voulgarakis said much of the criticism leveled at the country's 2004 security preparations was "malicious" and "unreliable".

Both the Greek government and Athens 2004 organizers have repeatedly and vociferously pointed out that many of the venues are still classified as construction worksites, including OAKA, with security overseen by contractors. They also noted that as of July 1, all venues will be sealed before undergoing the most thorough of security sweeps.

However, the incidents - including the arrest of another three British reporters moments after they entered the OAKA site - resulted in extra security measures, even at worksites.

[23] International Foundation of Olympic and Sports Education Conference

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

The Olympic Games Winners Committee also co-organised the Athens race held in the capital on Sunday, while 24 SEO members participated in the race.

[24] Rhodes Port Authority receives award

Athens, 18/5/2004 (ANA)

New Democracy Central Committee Secretary Vangelis Meimarakis awarded Rhodes' Harbour-Master P. Galanis during an official dinner held on Saturday. Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' wife Natasha, Parliament Vice President George Sourlas, Minister of the Aegean and Island Policy Aristotelis Pavlides, Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia and other government officials were in attendance, including Mayor of Rhodes G. Yiannopoulos.

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