Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-06-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis says target after Olympic Games is to invest in their added value

[02] Papandreou says government will take anti-popular measures after Olympic Games

[03] Olympic flame sets off on international relay route

[04] NATO Deployable Corps-Greece to be fully operational in summer 2005, defense minister Spiliotopoulos says

[05] Government says Turkish PM's statement on Aegean continental shelf ascertains common will for solution

[06] Greece, Serbia sign memorandum on trade, business relations

[07] Gov't denies change to rules for entering Greece during Olympics

[08] Europol contributes to Olympic Games security

[09] UN chief says Cyprus settlement needs more than a plan

[10] PASOK leader meets representatives of Euro-elections ticket 'European Cyprus'

[11] PASOK party leader and Election Struggle Committee chief meet Eurodeputy candidates

[12] General Inspector for Public Administration releases annual report for 2003

[13] EU finance ministers call for coordinated action on oil price issue

[14] Greek proposal for lower fuel tax to be discussed June 10-11

[15] Gov't says it won't "sell out" Olympic Airways

[16] GSEE says legal experts vindicate its position on contract worker issue

[17] Greek economic growth could slow in 2005, PriceWaterhouseCoopers report

[18] Gov't to set up Consumer Policy Institute

[19] Stocks slightly lower as high cap indicator stabilizes

[20] Athens 2004 and UNEP sign memorandum of cooperation

[21] Stephanopoulos inaugurates Olympic Games exhibit

[22] Australia's political leaders support Athens as Olympic host

[23] Hadrian's Arch to be unveiled restored and cleaned on June 25

[24] Kaklamanis urges for a new European Health Charter

[25] Greek-flag tanker detained in Georgian port for past violation of fuel embargo on Abkhazia

[26] Defense minister says armed forces will respond to appeal for bone marrow donors

[27] Dep. public order minister inspects Amygdaleza site

[28] Molecular Research Unit could be used to identify Cyprus missing, gov't says

[01] PM Karamanlis says target after Olympic Games is to invest in their added value

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

Referring to the country's tourist industry, he said it must be distinguished among the great winners.

Karamanlis said the pre-Olympic Games period was not utilized in the best possible way, which is reflected on the development of tourist travel and the overall indicators of the tourist economy and, consequently, the state's revenues.

However, the prime minister indicated that the great opportunity for the country lies ahead, "the Games and the period following the Games", and called on all to develop every possible effort to enable the benefits of the day after to increase.

Karamanlis went on to say a post-Olympic Games strategic plan, with the holding of the Olympic Games being the starting point, is a top priority for the government. He further said the aim is to secure a new momentum and prospect for the tourist industry which will be in line with existing international conceptions.

The new tourism leadership's main priorities concern, among other things, the shaping of a productive growth environment, strengthening infrastructures and educating and training human potential.

Earlier, Tourism Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos focused during the assembly on the new strategy on tourism which, as he said, will span a decade. He said it includes all that tourist agencies have underlined as well and called for their support for this new effort.

The minister spoke of a more favorable business environment which will be of considerable help to businessmen who are active in the field of tourism. He said the new development law will provide the subsidization of projects concerning enriching the tourist product and contributing to its prolongation.

SETE President Stavros Andreadis requested from Karamanlis and the government deep reforms and bold decisions. He called for a tourism ministry having enlarged duties where the tourist businessman will be served at the greatest possible degree and will be spared delays and inconvenience at services of other ministries involved in tourism.

SETE proposes the organic accession of departments and services of other ministries addressing tourist issues to the tourism ministry.

[02] Papandreou says government will take anti-popular measures after Olympic Games

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

Addressing an open rally of party supporters at Mires, in Iraklion, Crete, Papandreou said that at the Euro-elections "we must send a message to the (ruling) New Democracy that it is not governing with a blank cheque. It will find us before it as an opposition in every step it takes."

The PASOK leader launched a strong attack against the government and stated that the New Democracy (ND) party will proceed in a series of anti-popular measures after the Olympic Games, claiming that "it is preparing the ground from now by saying that it received scorched earth."

"We will be the counterweight of the policy of austerity which the government is preparing," Papandreou added.

He further accused the ND that it came to power without a program.

He accused Karamanlis of taking "a stroll in Lucerne", saying that he did not fight to arrange a better plan for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

At the same time, Papandreou accused the government for the high cost of living and of making "empty promises."

Referring to the Euro-elections, he said that "we are struggling for a social Europe and for a Europe of peace and independence."

He also said that "very soon we will ask of Europe to take a peace initiative and in the Middle East and in Iraq."

[03] Olympic flame sets off on international relay route

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

"For the first time in history, the Olympic flame will begin its journey to 33 cities in 27 countries throughout the world, and will return to Greece to light the cauldron in the Olympic Stadium on August 13, and to signal the opening of the Games of the XXVIII Olympiad," she said.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m., a member of the Torch Relay staff transferred the Olympic flame to a special lantern at the Panathinaiko Stadium and handed it over to Athens 2004 Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Marton Simitsek. A convoy of vehicles, accompanied by an honor escort detail of Hellenic Police 'Z Force' men, then headed for the Eleftherios Venizelos airport, where Simitsek handed the flame over to the Athens 2004 president.

In her brief address, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said, "Today, the Olympic Flame of Greece sets out on its journey, for the first time to all five continents; for the first time to Africa and to Latin America. Together with the Olympic flame, we are sending as of today, to the entire globe, the message of the Athens Games. A message for Games on a human scale, for unique Games that will give athletes the opportunity to compete in the finest competition venues, in the authentic setting of Olympism."

Jacques Rogge on the Olympic Torch relay: "As it leaves Greece for its journey around the five continents symbolized by the Olympic Rings, the Olympic flame is set to remind the world of universal Olympic principles," said IOC President Jacques Rogge on Wednesday when the Olympic flame set off on its global journey from Athens International Airport.

"Whether male or female, young or old, able-bodied or disabled, high-level athlete or amateur, whether we live in a wealthy or a developing country, the flame unites us all," he said.

[04] NATO Deployable Corps-Greece to be fully operational in summer 2005, defense minister Spiliotopoulos says

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

The multinational Headquarters (HQ) is staffed by 35 foreign officers (from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary and Spain) and 70 Greek officers.

Last December, a special NATO committee conducted its first assessment of the HQ, which passed the inspection with honors, while the final evaluation will be made in the early summer of 2005, at which time it will be placed in full operation, staffed by 200-250 officers.

Spiliotopoulos said after his tour that the Greek 'C' Corps HQ, the NATO multinational Forces of Lower Readiness (Land) HQ (FLR), was a "high level formation" which on the one hand supported the country's defense and security interests while on the other hand it served as a fundamental factor for stability and peace in the wider region.

The minister said that the HQ would be fully operational so as to be able to meet all the demands that may arise in order to support peace and stability in the region.

Later, Spiliotopoulos attended a map exercise of the "Perseas '04' maneuver, involving the role of the NATO HQ.

Earlier, the minister opened a two-day seminar on "Prospects and Developments of the EU Defense Pylon - New balances after the enlargement", being held at the Thessaloniki Officers' Club by the Higher Inter-Branch War School (ADISPO).

In his opening address to the seminar, Spiliotopoulos stressed the importance of the EU defense and security policy and, commenting on the conditions that evolved after the terrorist attacks in the US and Spain, said that terrorism was an in international problem and could be tackled only through international cooperation.

Regarding Greece, he observed that it had the duty to organize the safest Olympic Games.

[05] Government says Turkish PM's statement on Aegean continental shelf ascertains common will for solution

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

[06] Greece, Serbia sign memorandum on trade, business relations

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

The memorandum was signed by OPE chairman and chief executive Panayiotis Drosos and Serbia's Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice-chairman Milos Radivojcevic.

Under the agreement, the two parties agreed to set up a bilateral Greek-Serbian Business Council to deal with problems facing companies in their activities in both countries and also help bringing members in direct contact between them.

"The signing of the memorandum between OPE and Serbia's Chamber of Commerce and Industry is part of an effort to re-engage the organization with Greek businesses, through offering high-quality services," Drosos said.

[07] Gov't denies change to rules for entering Greece during Olympics

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

"During the Olympics, all the provisions of the Schengen Treaty will continue to apply," he said.

[08] Europol contributes to Olympic Games security

SOFIA 3/6/2004 (ANA/B.Borisov)

Asked if the European organization had received any information regarding possible terrorist attacks during the Athens Olympic Games, Storbeck replied, "We are keeping our eyes open. But if we receive such information I will not tell you, but rather to the relevant authorities."

Europol has not yet decided how many officers it will send to Athens.

[09] UN chief says Cyprus settlement needs more than a plan

UNITED NATIONS 3/6/2004 (ANA/P. Panagiotou/CNA)

bold and determined political leadership on both sides in the island, as well as in Greece and Turkey, to negotiate with

determination and to convince the people of the need to compromise, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a report on his mission of good offices in Cyprus.

In his report, Annan points out that his plan for a comprehensive settlement remains the only foreseeable basis, which the Cypriots have to achieve a solution, noting that, as the April 24 referenda on his plan resulted in a stalemate, he does not see any basis for resuming his good offices as long as this standoff remains.

After giving a detailed account of UN efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement, Annan provides the structure of the finalized plan, as well as a summary of the main improvements, and then goes on to report developments leading up to the referenda on 24 April.

He says that on the Turkish Cypriot side so-called prime minister Mehmet Ali Talat ''came out strongly in favor of a 'Yes' vote,'' while Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash opposed it.

''On the Greek Cypriot side, the situation was more complex,'' Annan notes, adding that President Tassos Papadopoulos ''in a broadcast speech on 7 April 2004 called upon the people to reject the plan with a 'resounding No'.''

''Among other things, the speech challenged the wisdom of 'doing away with our internationally recognized state exactly at the very moment it strengthens its political weight, with its accession to the European Union'. I was surprised at this assessment, in the light of what Mr. Papadopoulos had said to me in Brussels in January. I was also surprised at his interpretation of the plan, since the plan is designed to allow each side to maintain its position on how the new state of affairs would come into being,'' Annan says.

[10] PASOK leader meets representatives of Euro-elections ticket 'European Cyprus'

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

Papandreou also stressed that "if we want a solution to the Cyprus issue by December and in order to secure the implementation of the draft resolution and the guarantees requested by the people of Cyprus to have them linked to Turkey's European course."

Stylianides termed "very good" Papandreou's proposal and said that in this way it allays the fears of Cypriot Hellenism.

Papandreou also proposed that the Olympic Flame also pass through the Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus, "sending a message of hope for the unity of Cyprus."

[11] PASOK party leader and Election Struggle Committee chief meet Eurodeputy candidates

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

Papandreou said in a statement that the ruling New Democracy party had promised ''many things before the elections in March and is already trying to prepare a climate enabling it to deny these promises and impose an austerity policy''.

The PASOK leader further said that what is necessary is a strong PASOK and a strong opposition to be able to restrain this logic by ND and force it to keep its promises.

Papandreou also said citizens have responded very positively to the party's Euroelection ticket, adding that ''with unity and a fighting spirit it will do well in the Euroelections''.

On his part, Venizelos accused ND of ''canceling and leveling with the policy it has implemented over the past three months''. He said ND does not recognize and does not respect work done in past years.

Referring to the Euroelections, Venizelos said ND is trying to neutralize them by showing that an agreement exists on the main options for Europe, but stressed that this is wrong and that there are fundamental differences between the conceptions of socialist and conservative parties.

[12] General Inspector for Public Administration releases annual report for 2003

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

During a press conference on Wednesday, Dafermos said his agency had investigated 350 cases over the past year and confirmed widespread instances of mismanagement in local government, noting that there were no effective control and inspection mechanisms for municipalities, while mayors considered themselves above such controls because they were directly elected by their local community.

He said that the civil service tended to be receptive and cooperative in its dealings with the inspectors' corps but this was not the case with local authorities. Dafermos also attributed a large measure of responsibility for corruption to the public

themselves, saying that they assumed that they would have to pay to get service as was the case with the "under-the-table" fees given to doctors.

Other problem services, according to Dafermos, were the transport ministry, specifically for the issue of driving licenses and vehicle-safety inspections at KTEO centers, and in public works.

The inspector's report recommends dealing with the problems by simplifying procedures at state services, making the right choice of employees and teaching the public to assert its right to service.

[13] EU finance ministers call for coordinated action on oil price issue

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis said in a statement the Council agreed the EU should approach oil producing countries to have production increased and prices decreased and that no country should go ahead and decrease fuel taxation by itself.

Alogoskoufis clarified that the relevant Greek request did not meet with agreement by the Council since during discussions held both at the Eurogroup meeting on Tuesday night and at the ECOFIN Council's luncheon on Wednesday, the overwhelming majority of member-states opposed any initiatives to have fuel taxation decreased.

Council President Irish Economy Minister Charlie McGreavy said the ECOFIN Council appealed to oil producing countries to provide suitable quantities of oil to enable prices to remain compatible with a stable and continuing growth of the world economy, adding that any measures taken unilaterally by EU member-states must be avoided.

[14] Greek proposal for lower fuel tax to be discussed June 10-11

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, in the sidelines of a National Consumer Council conference, Development Deputy Minister George Salagoudis stressed that the EU did not reject a Greek demand to reduce a special consumption tax on fuels and noted that the Greek proposal was about to be discussed during the next ECOFIN council meeting, June 10-11.

Salagoudis said the government would convey its proposal for reducing fuel taxes to the Energy Ministers' Council and announced that a special meeting would be held in the next couple of days to discuss fuel prices in the country.

[15] Gov't says it won't "sell out" Olympic Airways

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

"We are trying to restructure the company, to rationalize spending, bring its financial condition in order and to create the best conditions possible for its privatization, for the benefit of the economy, the company and its workers," Liapis told reporters.

The Greek minister said that if a current tender for the sale of Olympic Airways was declared fruitless then the government would announce a new tender after the Olympic Games.

[16] GSEE says legal experts vindicate its position on contract worker issue

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

It accused the government of trying to back out of pre-election pledges to end the unfairness of the regime of temporary contracts for people covering permanent needs and called on the prime minister to examine the expert report and revise his stance.

The union also expressed its support for a 24-hour strike called by temporary contract workers on Thursday to protest against the presidential decree regulating this issue that the government has submitted for approval to the Council of State, Greece's highest administrative court, which they say excludes up to 90 per cent of contract workers in the public sector.

The report by Thessaloniki University professor of labor law Ar. Kazakos and Athens University professor of law Dimitris Travlos-Tzanetatos said that there is no obstacle to solving the problem through a bill of law in the Constitution.

[17] Greek economic growth could slow in 2005, PriceWaterhouseCoopers report

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

The report on European Economic Outlook stressed that Olympic preparations contributed to Greek economy's good performances in the last three years, despite a recession in Europe. PriceWaterhouseCoopers noted, however, that low interest rates, Greece's entry in EMU and significant fund inflows from the European Union also contributed to the country's strong economic growth rates.

The report warned that delays in major construction projects and a rising cost of the Olympic Games were worrying signs. PriceWaterhouseCoopers said that a high fiscal deficit -likely to exceed 3.0 percent of Gross Domestic Product in 2004- was something needed to be fixed in the next few years. The report expects a decline in investment flows after the Olympic Games and predicted that growth rates could slow to 3.0 percent in 2005. The report noted that new infrastructure, because of the Games, could become a significant heritage for Athens, although it could be linked with a significant debt burden.

[18] Gov't to set up Consumer Policy Institute

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Sioufas said that a draft legislation was nearing completion and that the ministry would set up a Consumer Policy Institute, aimed to offer research and scientific support to consumers.

[19] Stocks slightly lower as high cap indicator stabilizes

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,401.59 points, showing a 0.03 per cent decrease. Turnover was 113.6 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.01 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.10 per cent down; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.41 per cent lower.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 166 to 126 with 70 remaining unchanged.

[20] Athens 2004 and UNEP sign memorandum of cooperation

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

Athens 2004 Executive Director Yiannis Pyrgiotis and UNEP Communications Director Eric Falt signed the memorandum.

During his speech at the ceremony held at the Olympic Tennis Centre, Pyrgiotis referred to the initiatives Athens 2004 has undertaken in informing the public about recycling programs and water conservation.

Falt emphasized that the memorandum was signed at an appropriate time, since in a few days World Environment Day will be celebrated in Barcelona.

"The memorandum of cooperation which was signed will serve to better highlight environmental issues as a parameter of the Olympic Games," Falt said and thanked Athens 2004 and all those municipalities participating in Olympic environmental programs for their cooperation and their efforts for a better environment.

Secretary General for the Olympic Games Spyros Kapralos referred to efforts that have been made in raising public awareness and sensitivity to environmental issues and expressed hopes that this will continue after the Games as well.

[21] Stephanopoulos inaugurates Olympic Games exhibit

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

"The exhibit does not simply provide information on how those Games were organized, but it also provides answers to questions which proportionately are timely even today, such as can a poor (at the time) country organize [successful] Olympic Games; will projects be completed on time, considering that the Royal Decree for Olympics fund-raising was signed [late] in January 1895; and what will happen with accommodations?" Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia said during her opening address.

"Greeks from abroad funded the Games, the projects were constructed in record time, and all Greeks volunteered in providing accommodation and beautifying Athens," she said, adding that "these are all positive signs as to what will happen in Athens this August."

[22] Australia's political leaders support Athens as Olympic host

MELBOURNE 3/6/2004 (ANA/S. Hadzimanolis)

Australia's political leaders are all behind Athens, expressing their confidence that Athens will stage excellent Games, while the mass media are starting to focus on the sports events and participating athletes.

"We must congratulate the Athens Games organizers who planned for the Olympic flame to not only visit previous Olympic host cities, but also South America and Africa, thus resulting in a truly international trip for the first time," Australian Prime Minister John Howard said in a statement that will appear in a special feature in the Greek-Australian newspaper "Neos Kosmos" on Thursday.

[23] Hadrian's Arch to be unveiled restored and cleaned on June 25

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis was briefed on the progress being made in restoring Hadrian's Arch on Wednesday by the head of the archaeological restoration and preservation departments, Nikos Minos and Dimosthenes Zeros.

Restoration work on Hadrian's Arch has last nearly two years, beginning in October 2002, while restoration and landscaping work on the surrounding site and the temples near the Ilissos River (now mostly channeled below ground) will be completed in mid July before the start of the Olympics. This will also mark the completion of the ongoing archaeological unification project, which will create an "archaeological walkway" that links all the major historical sites in Athens and will allow visitors to walk from one to the other, with the Olympion complex and the Temple of Olympian Zeus at its centre.

The original white colour of the arch, which was built of Pentelikon marble in 131 AD, has been restored after the accumulated soot from atmospheric pollutants was removed. Much of the surface had suffered erosion and has now been plastered and reinforced.

The second phase of restoration will begin after the Olympic Games, when the upper section of the arch will be removed to replace the old connective links used to hold it in place by professor Anastasios Orlandos during restoration work carried out in 1959. This work is expected to be completed and the top section repositioned by the end of 2005.

[24] Kaklamanis urges for a new European Health Charter

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

Greece was represented by Health and Social Solidarity Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis, who urged for the drafting of a European Health Charter, starting with the registration of existing health care infrastructure in EU member-states.

Addressing the council, Kaklamanis stressed the satisfactory progress made in the last few years and urged all parties to agree over a discussion of new and specific priorities in the near future, such as the charter of all benchmark centers, understanding the motives and the spread of cross-border flows of patients and recording member-states' data on European patients' rights and obligations

[25] Greek-flag tanker detained in Georgian port for past violation of fuel embargo on Abkhazia

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

Kefaloyiannis said that the tanker was said to have approached the Abkhaz port of Sukhumi on September 13, 2002 carrying fuel, which is prohibited under the embargo imposed on Abkhazia since the mid-'90s.

He said the tanker reached the port of Poti on May 21, 2004, and was prohibited by the Georgian local authorities from leaving.

Kefaloyiannis said Greece's merchant marine ministry has already contacted the foreign ministry as well as Greece's ambassador to Georgia in order to resolve the issue.

The most likely possibility, according to Harbor Corps senior officials, is that a monetary fine will be imposed on the vessel, and that it will be allowed to set sail, with the crew, in the next few days.

[26] Defense minister says armed forces will respond to appeal for bone marrow donors

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

donors made by the parents of two children suffering from cancer, joining the general public currently flocking to hospitals throughout the country to offer blood so that a compatible donor might be found.

Responding to reporters' questions in Thessaloniki, Spiliotopoulos noted that the army also had a social mission, among others, and stressed that it fulfilled this role impeccably.

[27] Dep. public order minister inspects Amygdaleza site

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

The deputy minister inspected security measures at the site, particularly hi-tech motion detectors and CCTV camaras around the facility's perimeter.

[28] Molecular Research Unit could be used to identify Cyprus missing, gov't says

Athens, 3/6/2004 (ANA)

Roussopoulos said the unit was a DNA laboratory attached to the defense ministry, whose potential remained largely untapped because it was under-used. If a request for assistance in identifying the missing were made by the Cyprus government and the occupied territories facilitated the process, the defense ministry would be able to provide everything needed to begin the procedure of identifying the missing, he added.

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