Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-06-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM addresses 'European Wachau Forum' at Gottweig Monastery

[02] PM says Turkey's European orientation in the interests of all

[03] PM Karamanlis addresses rally in Thessaloniki ahead of Euro-elections

[04] PM Karamanlis says 'culture is the basis of our national pride'

[05] FM Molyviatis comments on Annan's report on Cyprus issue

[06] U.S. terms 'objective' Annan's report on Cyprus issue

[07] PASOK leader accuses government of 'petty political expediencies'

[08] President Stephanopoulos says Normandy invasion anniversary the celebration of liberation

[09] Deputy FM refers to World Environment Day, promises 'more green diplomacy'

[10] Communist Party leader criticizes ruling and opposition parties in Thessaloniki rally

[11] Anti-Capitalist Alliance holds event in central Athens

[12] Development minister holds talks with Turkish energy minister on sidelines of OECD meeting

[13] Police taking special measures to prevent distribution of counterfeit banknotes

[14] Melbourne welcomes Olympic Flame

[15] ATHOC president believes Olympic Games account positive

[16] Olympic Games will convey message of peace, Sioufas tells

[17] Bakoyiannis in NY: Greece will surprise the world with the Olympic Games

[18] Athens mayor refers to Olympic Games security in CNN interviews

[19] Athens mayor to speak at Western Policy Center event in Washington on Monday

[20] Minister takes part in planting of trees at Galatsi Olympic Centre

[21] Twelve American nationals evacuated from smoke-filled sailing boat

[22] Hostel for battered women and children to be built

[23] Solberg wins Acropolis Rally

[01] PM addresses 'European Wachau Forum' at Gottweig Monastery

GOTTWEIG 7/6/2004 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

Karamanlis stressed the need of creating a Europe for all which will take the vital interests of all countries into consideration, while also outlining Greek positions on the European Union's institutional changes.

The prime minister said that in light of efforts being made for the ratification of the first Constitutional Treaty, institutional reforms must be sought which shall render the EU more workable and guarantee the equality of member-states.

In this context, Greece supports a strong European Commission president and the existence of a Commissioner for each member-state with equal voting rights which will provide the Commission with legalization and public acceptance.

Karamanlis said Europe, as it is being envisaged, must constitute a pole of peace, security and democracy, even for peoples beyond its boundaries, and must contribute to international activity and democratic developments all over the world.

Referring to rapprochement between other countries and Europe, he recalled support provided by Greece for Turkey's European vocation, adding that the extent of Ankara's pace depends primarily on itself.

On the question of Cyprus' accession to the EU, Karamanlis said this does not mean complacency and abandoning efforts to achieve the reunification of the island but, on the contrary, momentum and interest for solving the problem will be maintained.

Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel praised the prime minister and hailed his positions and his participation in this year's European Wachau Forum. He also wished "all the best" for the Athens Olympic Games and underlined his conviction that they will be both successful and safe.

Schuessel further pointed to the fact that Greece and Austria have been stabilizing factors for the Balkan region, while also having taken joint initiatives in this region in the past.

[02] PM says Turkey's European orientation in the interests of all

GOTTWEIG 7/6/2004 (ANA)

Speaking during the press conference, Karamanlis said he believes Turkey's European orientation, "or if you like, a European Turkey", will be in the interests of all and first of all in the interests of the Turkish people themselves, as well as in the interests of neighboring countries and not only.

He added that this means Turkey has the responsibility of continuing and implementing in practice the reforms required for its accession to the European Union.

Karamanlis said what is of focal importance is the question what kind of a Turkey do we prefer, a Turkey adopting European principles and values or not.

"I am explicit on this. We prefer and support the European orientation of Turkey," the prime minister said.

[03] PM Karamanlis addresses rally in Thessaloniki ahead of Euro-elections

Athens, 7/6/2004 (ANA)

Speaking at the city's Vellidio centre, Karamanlis pledged that the government would maintain to the full the commitments which his New Democracy (ND) party had made during the period leading to the March 7 general elections which gave the ND a resounding victory.

"Three months ago we made an agreement of honor. We committed ourselves for a new governance based on principles and values. For a policy of dynamic development with social responsibility. For a new policy which will guarantee new prospects in our country. Our commitments are valid to the full. We are proceeding with consistency, determination and effective-ness," Karamanlis said.

Continuing, the prime minister referred to the three months since the ND came to power, saying that during this period major work has been advanced.

He expounded on the first 16 steps which were made and which, as he said, reveals the government's priorities and objectives.

Among these, he noted the draft law for public administration which implements effective measures for the combatting of bureaucracy and corruption, the success in the first EU battle for agricultural products and the agreement with Turkey for a cut-back in defense equipment programs.

He added that during this period, there is an undisputable leap of progress in the national issue of 2004.

"We intensified the rate of preparations for the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games of Athens. We worked in coordination so that everything will be ready for the great hour of the historic hosting," Karamanlis stressed and sent a message that "we are proceeding with certainty and self-confidence for all us Greeks to do together the Games which fit the country which gave birth to them."

Summing up the government's work, he said that "no government has ever been called on to do so much in such a short period of time," adding that "we do not transfer the problems for tomorrow."

On the Euro-elections, the prime minister said that they were of utmost importance for the course of Europe, for all its citizens, for every Greek.

"The European Union is a part of our lives. Its decisions are decisive for the security and prosperity of our peoples. They affect all the more our daily life," he said.

Prior to addressing the rally, the prime minister boarded a vessel on the occasion of World Environment Day and made a brief tour of the Thermaikos Gulf in Thessaloniki.

[04] PM Karamanlis says 'culture is the basis of our national pride'

Athens, 7/6/2004 (ANA)

In this interview of his, which is the first after the March 7 general elections, the prime minister announced ten measures for culture.

The prime minister, who also holds the post of Culture Minister, underlines in his interview that "the people are thirsty for values and humanism which only Greek culture can offer."

The measures include, among others, the founding of a national council for Letters and Arts, the establishment of a new legislative framework for the pensions of artists, free entry to youth in cultural sites, libraries in all schools and meritocracy and transparency in subsidies to Greek cinema.

[05] FM Molyviatis comments on Annan's report on Cyprus issue

Athens, 7/6/2004 (ANA)

"There are certain points in which all the sides do not agree as to the assessment being made and the description of the facts. That is, there are also certain points which do not echo exactly what happened," Molyviatis noted in his interview.

Referring to the measures recommended by the United Nations, and which the United States intend to take for the lifting of the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots, the Greek foreign minister underlined":Whatever measures are taken in favor of the economic support of the Turkish Cypriots, the reason is not achieved for which the Turkish Cypriots said 'yes' to the Annan plan because the objective was for them to enter the European Union. Therefore, for as long as the situation remains as it is, the purpose for the reason they voted 'yes' is not achieved. Therefore, they must cooperate for the finding of a solution jointly with the Greek Cypriots."

Asked whether he believes that a new initiative could be developed soon or a lengthy time will be needed, Molyviatis said "some time will be needed for the suitable conditions to be created in this period which will allow the resumption of a procedure."

Finally, he said that the exploratory contacts between Greece and Turkey on the continental shelf will continue, expressing the hope that "we will have a positive conclusion."

[06] U.S. terms 'objective' Annan's report on Cyprus issue

WASHINGTON 7/6/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

State Department spokesman Adam Ereli on Friday hailed the submission of the Annan report, which concerns the mission of his good services on the Cyprus issue, stating that the 26-page text was objective and the conclusions drawn by Annan finds Washington in full agreement.

"We support the conclusions and proposals of the Secretary-General," stressed Ereli, who added that the American side "worked with Secretary-General Kofi Annan on this plan as it did with previous ones."

The State Department spokesman reiterated the U.S. position that the existing option is not between the Annan plan and any other plan, but "between this plan and no plan."

Ereli concluded by noting that it is premature for one to discuss "next steps."

[07] PASOK leader accuses government of 'petty political expediencies'

Athens, 7/6/2004 (ANA)

He stressed that the government has already given "many written examples which proves that it has no vision and follows petty political expediencies and miserable tactics targeted at PASOK, but with great negative consequences for the country itself."

Papandreou also referred at length in his interview to the efforts he is making to renew PASOK and expressed his intention to clash directly with any apparatus which attempts to obstruct the party's reform, stressing that he "is not negotiating the changes" that he is planning.

[08] President Stephanopoulos says Normandy invasion anniversary the celebration of liberation

STRASBOURG 7/6/2004 (ANA)

"Today is the celebration of liberation. Not only for France but also for Greece which was under harsh German occupation at the time. We were all waiting when the invasion would take place to be relieved with the hope of liberation, as was the case," he said.

"It is an important day and an important anniversary," he added.

Asked whether there are fears of Europe experiencing difficult moments again, President Stephanopoulos said "I imagine that there are many guarantees today."

Stephanopoulos visited France on Sunday at the invitation of his French counterpart Jacques Chirac to take part in celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of D-Day and the invasion launched by the Allied forces from the beaches of Normandy to liberate Europe in World War II.

About 20 world leaders and thousands of World War II veterans attended D-Day celebrations in Normandy on Sunday amid extremely tight security. About 30,000 soldiers guarded the region around the beaches of Normandy while military helicopters hovered above.

[09] Deputy FM refers to World Environment Day, promises 'more green diplomacy'

Athens, 7/6/2004 (ANA)

Valinakis said efforts must be continued to incorporate the environmental dimension in the policy of trade and foreign relations and the further promotion of the European Union Council's initiative for green diplomacy, meaning the creation of an unofficial network of experts on environmental issues at foreign ministries.

"If we do not take environmental aspects into consideration, we will be in danger of following a mistaken course which will cost dearly for us and for future generations," he said.

[10] Communist Party leader criticizes ruling and opposition parties in Thessaloniki rally

Athens, 7/6/2004 (ANA)

Referring to ND, Papariga said "it must be given a lesson and a message not to hope that it has the March 7 (the day general elections were held in the country) voters in its pocket."

She further said PASOK cannot and does not want to play a role in the opposition towards ND, stressing that "it is playacting with it. We have seen the play before with ND as PASOK's opposition."

Directing criticism against the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology, Papariga referred to the newly-established European Left Party in which the Coalition is participating.

"Today, in the place of the unity of the Left you are hearing great words about the European Party of the Left. Bear in mind that this party is tailored to suit the directions and mandates of the Commission. The EU is not satisfied with controlling movements, it also wants to control all the parties of the member-states," she said.

[11] Anti-Capitalist Alliance holds event in central Athens

Athens, 7/6/2004 (ANA)

"Come with us" called the 24 candidates of the ticket for the European Parliament elections on June 13, with first name that of Stella Alfieri from the Genoa Initiative.

Alfieri and Yiannis Sifakakis, coordinator from the "Stop the War Alliance", were the two main speakers at the event.

"We must send a strong message in the Euro-elections," said Sifakakis, stressing the importance of the presence of this movement for European and international reality and which says no to the war of U.S. President George W. Bush and struggles for a Europe without unemployment and poverty.

[12] Development minister holds talks with Turkish energy minister on sidelines of OECD meeting

ISTANBUL 7/6/2004 (ANA)

The two ministers examined the progress of major agreements regarding the construction of a pipeline to pump natural gas from the Caspian and Iran to Europe.

They also focused on new ideas for cooperation.

In another development, Sioufas met with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos at the Phanar and said afterwards "I am visiting Istanbul and the Patriarchate for the first time and I feel great emotion over this visit to this holy place."

Sioufas went on to say "we are here with honor and respect."

Northern Aegean secretary general welcomes Turkish Maritime Chamber delegation Northern Aegean Region Secretary General Sergios Tsiftis welcomed in Mytilene on Sunday the Turkish Maritime Chamber's delegation visiting Greece on the occasion of the "Poseidonia" exhibition.

"It is with great pleasure that we welcome the Turkish businessmen and all the officials of public life on board the ship 'ANKARA' who are visiting the island today," Tsiftis said.

"Minister of the Aegean Mr. Pavlidis who was to welcome the Turkish delegation is not in Mytilene. I have been authorized by the minister to convey to you his cordial personal greetings. Mr. Pavlidis will have the opportunity of meeting the members of the Turkish delegation in Piraeus at the 'Poseidonia'," he added.

[13] Police taking special measures to prevent distribution of counterfeit banknotes

Athens, 7/6/2004 (ANA)

The measures are being taken after customs officials at the Promahonas border checkpoint detected members of three different gangs dealing in counterfeit banknotes of the above denominations.

Such banknotes are of very good quality and very often special machines used for detecting counterfeit banknotes fail to recognize their fakeness.

Consequently, a number of shop owners in northern Greece only realized they had been cheated when they went to deposit such banknotes in banks.

According to police assessments, counterfeit banknotes are mainly brought from Bulgaria where 17 printing offices producing counterfeit banknotes have been detected recently.

[14] Melbourne welcomes Olympic Flame

MELBOURNE 7/6/2004 (ANA/S. Hatzimanolis)

Thousands of people on Saturday morning saw the flame being carried 40 kilometers across the streets and suburbs of Melbourne by 133 people, including by ordinary citizens, while the day was completed with a major event in the centre of the city.

[15] ATHOC president believes Olympic Games account positive

Athens, 7/6/2004 (ANA)

Daskalaki said in the interview that through the Games Greece is being upgraded on the world map and its price is soaring in the international stock exchange of recognition and influence.

The ATHOC president said the Olympic Games are the greatest communications campaign which a country could ever do, adding that the Games' account will be even more positive if they are crowned with success.

Daskalaki went on to say the Olympic Games will be judged from the inauguration ceremony to the conclusion ceremony and Greece's reply will be given on August 29.

She further believes the Greeks will feel really proud when on the day after the Games the world community will recognize their successful holding by Greece.

Daskalaki also said all will be responsible for the image Greece will be showing during the days the Olympic Games will be held and called on the Greeks to work together with self-confidence and a sense of honor and to focus on the target.

"What is necessary is a national feeling of joint responsibility for this national cause," she said.

[16] Olympic Games will convey message of peace, Sioufas tells

OECD ISTANBUL 7/6/2004 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

The Greek minister assured that Greece will have taken all the measures for the security and excellent hosting of the Games which are returning to the place where they began.

Sioufas spoke at the OECD meeting, which is dealing with issues of small-and-medium-size enterprises, while he also had bilateral talks with Turkey's industry and energy ministers.

The Greek minister was scheduled to visit the Fanar in the afternoon for talks with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos and later in the evening take part in an event of the Greek community in Istanbul.

Sioufas will return to Athens on Sunday morning.

[17] Bakoyiannis in NY: Greece will surprise the world with the Olympic Games

NEW YORK 7/6/2004 (ANA/P. Panayiotou)

"I can't change the past, but I can change the future," Bakoyiannis said referring to delays and mistakes of the past, while at the same time emphasizing that everything will be ready and all obstacles will be overcome.

"I realize the difference between the vision and the reality of politics. Obviously, we are not perfect, but we are certain we have done a great job. We are confident and we will manage to surprise the world by staging successful and safe Olympic Games," she said.

The Athens mayor also provided some figures regarding the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Specifically, she noted that 11,000 athletes from 202 countries will be participating and 21,000 journalists and technicians will be covering the event. As for Games security, $1.2 billion will be spent and 70,000 policemen and military personnel will be employed.

Pressed on issues such as completion of works and the threat of a terrorist attack, Bakoyiannis referred to the fact that Greece is cooperating with the US and six other countries as well as with NATO on Games security, reminding journalists that, "the Athens Games are the first Olympics to be held after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the attacks in Istanbul and Madrid."

She also placed emphasis on the message of the Olympics, saying that despite the world's sad state of affairs of violence and war "the Athens Olympic Games will promote in the best possible way the Games' eternal spirit for peace and understanding among peoples." Bakoyiannis invited Americans to visit Greece and admire what the country has to offer.

Bakoyiannis also referred to the issue of "domestic terrorism" saying that after the dismantling of the "November 17" terrorist group there are no significant threats. She noted that the efforts made and the billions spent target international terrorism - a problem which "concerns practically the entire world."

[18] Athens mayor refers to Olympic Games security in CNN interviews

WASHINGTON 7/6/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

On the issue of security, Bakoyianni conveyed the message that Greece has made every humanly possible effort for securing the safety of the athletes and spectators at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, underlining the unprecedented 1.2 billion dollar expenditure, the development of 70,000 security personnel, the international cooperation and NATO's contribution, which render Greece as the safest country in an uncertain world. She further stressed that the Olympic Games symbolize the system of values which the international community must support.

On issues regarding preparations for the Olympic Games, Athens Mayor Bakoyianni assured that the installations will be completed in time and delivered for checks by the security authorities and at the foreseen time before the start of the Games for the testing of all the systems.

On the cost and the economic repercussions of the Games, the Athens mayor, having first conveyed her sound optimism for the fulfillment of the objective for the sale of 75 percent of the tickets, stressed that the great benefit from the Olympic Games is the impressive improvement of the infrastructures of Athens which has become an appealing place for tourists and investors and more beautiful than ever before and is ready to receive its visitors in the big celebration of sports and of the Olympic spirit.

[19] Athens mayor to speak at Western Policy Center event in Washington on Monday

WASHINGTON 7/6/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

Bakoyianni will speak on Monday at an event of the Western Policy Center on "Olympic preparations and the transformation of Athens".

In continuation she will have a working lunch at the White House with President George W. Bush's assistant adviser on internal security affairs Frances Townsend and later meet with the senior editorial staff of the "Washington Post" newspaper.

During her stay in the American capital Bakoyianni will meet at the State Department with Deputy Secretary of State Richard L. Arbitrage, while she will also give interviews to the ABC television network and to other American mass media.

The mayor of Athens will also visit Congress and meet Representatives and Senators and attend a reception which Greek Ambassador George Savvaides will give in her honor at the ambassadorial residence, during which she will be honored by the Hellenic American Heritage Council which is organizing a business conference in Washington.

Bakoyianni will depart for Boston on Tuesday night for a personal visit.

[20] Minister takes part in planting of trees at Galatsi Olympic Centre

Athens, 7/6/2004 (ANA)

Speaking at the center's installations, which are at the final stage of completion, she said, on the occasion of World Environment Day, that "it is Environment Day today and we are here at the sports Olympic installation in Galatsi. We are trying and want to have more greenery in the Olympic installations."

On his part, Olympic Games Secretary General Spyros Kapralos said "we must all show our great sensitivity for greenery, something which is lacking in our city, and for much more which must be done in order for these installations which are so beautiful to be dressed outside with greenery so that we can show our best face in two months when the Olympic family is coming and all the world will be watching Athens."

[21] Twelve American nationals evacuated from smoke-filled sailing boat

Athens, 7/6/2004 (ANA)

The incident occurred while the "Eleni K" was sailing near "Gaidouronissi" on its way to the island of Kea.

The boat's skipper, assisted by a seaman, immediately put the Americans into the vessel's rubber dinghy which took them to a beach on the island of "Patroklos", while at the same time alerting port officials who sent a boat which picked them up and conveyed them to the port of Palea Fokea on the mainland.

Coast guard vessels and a Fire Bridage vessel have sailed to the area where the sailing boat is continuing to emit smoke.

[22] Hostel for battered women and children to be built

Athens, 7/6/2004 (ANA)

The hostel will be built with the financing of the Foreign Ministry's Development Cooperation Department.

In his address, Christodoulos said it was the duty of the Church to protect the victims of maltreatment and exploitation from wherever they come from and noted that the creation of the new, second, hostel was deemed necessary.

The building of the hostel will be completed in eight months time and will operate with expenses of the Church of Greece.

[23] Solberg wins Acropolis Rally

Athens, 7/6/2004 (ANA)

Frenchman Sebastien Loeb, in a Citroen, came second in the three-day event, 18.4 seconds behind Solberg. Loeb remained championship leader.

Finnish driver Harri Rovanpera, in a Peugeot, finished third, 28.3 seconds behind the winner.

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