Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-06-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] EU leaders agree on new European constitution, Karamanlis expresses satisfaction

[02] EU decision for Turkey-Cyprus customs union a major success, Dep. minister Stylianidis says in interview with ANA

[03] Greece has not been asked to send troops to Iraq, deputy defense minister says

[04] Parliament Committee passes justice ministry bill for Euro-warrant, anti-terror law

[05] Coalition leader briefed on the work of the Personal Data Protection Agency

[06] Alternate State Department spokesman says no change in US policy on recognition of Cyprus

[07] Current U.S. ambassador in Greece not to leave before Olympics, State Department says

[08] Stocks drop in blue chip selling

[09] The Olympic Flame visits St. Louis

[10] Health ministry tables bill for nurses union, emergency first-aid units for Olympics

[11] Children's art exhibit focuses on Olympics

[12] Athens 2004 teams up with UNICEF

[13] 'Olympic Games and Antiquity' comics exhibition opens in Brussels

[14] Aspropyrgos camp to serve as temporary lockup for foreigners, justice minister repeats

[15] Authorities discover 42 illegal immigrants after bus catches fire

[16] Education ministry bill abolishes nationwide exams in 2nd year of lyceum

[17] Cyprus President's Intervention at IGC

[01] EU leaders agree on new European constitution, Karamanlis expresses satisfaction

BRUSSELS 19/4/2004 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Speaking shortly after the end of the EU summit, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said it was a great day for Europe and expressed his satisfaction over the fact united Europe has obtained its first constitution.

"With the adoption of the constitution of Europe, the European Union is evolving and strengthening both its democratic and social image, while it improves it's functioning and strengthens its presence on the international political scene," he said.

Karamanlis went on to say the adoption of the European constitution was the result of a long process and of an extremely rich dialogue.

At this point, the prime minister felt obliged to thank former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing for efforts he made over the past two years to prepare the European constitution, as well as the EU's Irish presidency for all that it has done over the past six months.

"With today's decision, the European Union proved that it has the strength to meet the challenges of the times and it took an important step to regain the confidence of European citizens," he said, adding that Greece stands steadfastly by the idea of the creation of a federal Europe.

Referring to the basic elements contained in the European constitution, Karamanlis said the simplification of EU treaties was extremely important, saying it will facilitate the taking of decisions by the EU.

The prime minister pointed out that instead of complicated processes in force until now, from now on a series of EU decisions will be adopted provided that 55 percent of EU member-states agree, on condition that they represent over 65 percent of the EU's population and on condition that these countries will be over 15.

As regards Greece in particular, Karamanlis said it was an extremely important fact that, according to the European constitution, the development of tourism in member-states and insular regions will be strengthened to enable greater economic and social cohesion in united Europe.

Referring to economic issues, Karamanlis underlined that social solidarity is strengthened which constitutes a target contained in united Europe's charter.

Focusing on the stability pact governing euro member-states, he expressed satisfaction over the compromise solution achieved and by which the Commission will determine the directions of economic policy. In parallel, however, member-states will have the ability of flexibility regarding the implementation of the Commission's proposals.

Karamanlis also said the development concerning the creation of the post of EU foreign minister was extremely important, who will represent it on the international political scene, as well as the fact that the constitution will contain the clause of mutual assistance between EU member-states in the event that one of them is attacked from outside.

The prime minister lastly expressed satisfaction over the fact that "the so-called right of popular initiative in the EU's legislative process is established by which when a legislative settlement is proposed, which is countersigned by at least one million citizens from the European Union's member-states, then the European Commission will have to undertake the necessary initiatives.

On the question of the European Commission's new president, on which the "25" failed to reach an agreement, Karamanlis said the discussion which took place on this issue was somewhat limited since the dominant issue preoccupying leaders was basically the ratification of the European constitution.

[02] EU decision for Turkey-Cyprus customs union a major success, Dep. minister Stylianidis says in interview with ANA

Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

Asked to respond to opposition criticism that the government had abandoned key negotiating advantages in its handling of Greek-Turkish issues and the Cyprus problem, Stylianidis countered by saying that the government had adopted the same overall policies as its predecessor but was simply doing them better, making it difficult for the opposition to mount an effective argument.

"Our policy culminates with pressure from the European Union on Turkey to recognize Cyprus as a single state and with the prospects that the Halki School of Theology will reopen...Today's decision by the European Union once again proves that the European umbrella is the most effective national protection that a small country such as Greece can have. It proves that the Greek government is effective, because in just three months it succeeded in navigating through so many dangers and bringing the country out stronger and unharmed," he said.

Despite having its hands "tied" by the New York agreement, he added, the present government had succeeded in softening the impact of the Greek-Cypriot side's 'no' in the Cyprus referendum for reunification, had avoided the de facto or de jure recognition of the occupied territories on Cyprus and had managed to keep the issue open so that talks could continue on reunification and on financial support for the Turkish-Cypriots to bring them out of their present isolation.

Stylianidis also vehemently denied recent claims by Turkish officials regarding the alleged violation of international treaties in Thrace regarding Greek Moslems in the region, saying that Thrace was a model example of an open democratic society.

He attributed the statements to "conservative" forces within Turkey that were still in competition with the new regime and stressed that Athens was satisfied with the stance so far adopted by Turkey's political leadership and supported every moderate voice seeking to establish a European orientation for neighboring Turkey.

Asked whether there was a risk that Greek-Turkish relations would deteriorate if Turkey failed to get a firm date for the start of accession negotiations from the EU in December, Stylianidis expressed confidence that this would be avoided, stressing the good personal chemistry between Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as the fact that they were both strong leaders that had only recently received the mandate to rule.

"This allows them to plan two to three years ahead and win the trust of their people, even when they are making difficult decisions. These conditions allow the two governments to come to an understanding, to raise and solve important problems," he stressed.

While stressing that Greece supported Turkey's efforts for rapprochement with Europe more than any other EU member-state, he also pointed out that Turkey will be judged on whether it succeeds with carrying out reforms.

"I believe that some step in the direction that Turkey desires will be made but I don't know how big it will be...What's important is that Turkey's reform effort not be interrupted because in reality it is a one-way road," Stylianidis added.

The minister leveled intense criticism at the previous government's handling of the Greek Plan for Balkan Reconstruction, saying that it had been highly publicized but ill organized so that it failed to ensure Greece's development policies in the Balkans and lacked the necessary support structures, leading to delays and other problems.

The most fundamental problem of all, according to Stylianidis, was a basic lack of money for the program, which was due to end in 2006 - years in which Greece had said much and done little and thus compromised its international standing.

He said that it was now too late to deal with these problems through legislation and that these would have to be handled through direct negotiations and 'gentlemen's agreements' in order to protect the country's prestige.

The minister said that the premier had given orders to revitalize the program and that the government will have completed its assessment of the situation by the end of the year and would seek to carry out the pledges made in connection with the Greece's Balkan reconstruction plan.

He stressed the present government's support for the European prospects of Balkan countries and the important role that Greece's northern city Thessaloniki could play in this framework.

Regarding government plans for economic diplomacy, Stylianidis said this would first focus on separating economic diplomacy from developmental cooperation.

"Our goal is that every opening in a new market is properly prepared so that we achieve the corresponding economic result, which means profits for both the business but also the country," he stressed. He said the ministry was introducing measurable targets within fixed deadlines, with a system of bonuses for employees and departments that brought the desired results.

Finally, regarding the NGOs and the 'Society of Citizens' program, Stylianidis again stressed the significant problems in the framework inherited from the previous government for this sector and said his ministry would strive to reverse the image of untransparency and opportunism by introducing ad hoc inspections and regular accounts from organizations supported by the state.

[03] Greece has not been asked to send troops to Iraq, deputy defense minister says

Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

He referred to the recent statements made by White House security advisor Condoleeza Rice that additional troops in Iraq were not needed and the fact that the NATO Secretary-General had not asked Greece to contribute during his recent visit.

[04] Parliament Committee passes justice ministry bill for Euro-warrant, anti-terror law

Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

[05] Coalition leader briefed on the work of the Personal Data Protection Agency

Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

[06] Alternate State Department spokesman says no change in US policy on recognition of Cyprus

WASHINGTON 19/4/2004 (ANA - T. Ellis)

He further said "we are taking steps with which we are recognizing the assisting role of northern Cyprus in favor of the secretary general's draft plan to limit its isolation. But in no way does this question or change our longstanding policy on recognition."

Replying to a questioner, Ereli also said US Ambassador to Athens Tom Miller will be at his post during the Olympic Games and will stay there until his term is completed.

[07] Current U.S. ambassador in Greece not to leave before Olympics, State Department says

WASHINGTON 19/4/2004 (ANA - A. Ellis)

Asked to comment on Miller's replacement by Charles Reis one day after the latter testified before the Senate, Boucher announced that Miller did not intend to continue his career with the U.S. diplomatic corps.

"I think Ambassador Miller has also announced that at the end of the year he intends to switch to the private sector," Boucher said.

The spokesman also reiterated the U.S. position that described the recent report by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on the Cyprus issue as "very good".

[08] Stocks drop in blue chip selling

Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,360.34 points, showing a 0.66 per cent decline. Turnover was 108.7 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.96 per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.43 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.06 per cent up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 158 to 119 with 79 remaining unchanged.

[09] The Olympic Flame visits St. Louis

Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

The Olympic flame passed by the great landmarks of St. Louis, stopping at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, in the hands of third-generation Greek-American torchbearer Costas Catsavis. The Greek community welcomed the flame with their national anthem. The occasion was made all the more moving when the torch passed to Louis Zamberini, who had taken part in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. Today he is in a wheelchair, but he was still able to raise the Torch and greet the cheering crowd. The last Torchbearer was Olympic winner Jackie Joyner-Kersee, who kindled the altar in the City Park under a hail of fireworks.

"Athens should be very grateful to St. Louis," said ATHENS 2004 Ambassador Spiros Lambridis in his opening address. "The choice of Torchbearers stands for our message that accompanies the International Torch Relay. We have seen many athletes, people confined to wheelchairs, and children with disabilities. We are waiting for you all in Athens, at the best Venues ever, at the best Games ever".

The Olympic flame will be lit on Friday at Atlanta, where the Greek delegation will be headed by ATHENS 2004 President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki. The USA Torch Relay and its program of events ends in New York on Saturday. Mayor Bloomberg called on all citizens of New York to take part in the events at the various points on the course of the Flame. "As the Olympic flame goes through the neighborhoods of New York, it will be passing through the whole world. I call on people to celebrate this route".

[10] Health ministry tables bill for nurses union, emergency first-aid units for Olympics

Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

Under the bill, the first-aid units will operate from July 1 until October 10 and will then be handed over for use by local authorities.

In addition, the bill ends the term of service of regional health authority directors, board chairmen, managers and national health service hospital governors and other non-elected members of healthcare services and agencies.

[11] Children's art exhibit focuses on Olympics

Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

The exhibit, as its title implies, deals with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, civilization and peace. Children aged 8-15 years old from 21 countries participate in the exhibit with works of art which convey their view of these major international events.

"Many views and opinions have been expressed in light of this major cultural and sport event; experts, intellectuals, politicians, journalists and citizens have all offered their own perspectives. Yet, the view which gives a clearer and more accurate picture of the Olympic Games, is that of children," Kapralos said. "Children, being unbiased by motives, prejudices and stereotypes, can discern and express the ideas of sport and Olympism vividly through their innocence," he added.

Additionally, Kapralos congratulated the International Children's Art Centre in Greece and its President, Anna Laoutari-Gritzala for her initiative in organizing an international art contest focusing on the Athens 2004 Games. "I hope the children's images become reality during the Athens Olympic Games," Kapralos said in closing.

The exhibit will run from June 17-30, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free of charge.

[12] Athens 2004 teams up with UNICEF

Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

UNICEF will help run the Olympic Youth Camp, with the participation of 450 young children who will have the chance to enjoy cultural events, visit archaeological sites, watch the Olympic Games and participate in meetings organized by UNICEF. The aim is that the 450 young athletes will become UNICEF "Child Champions," who will support sports as a means of young people's development. The meetings will help them cultivate leadership and communication skills and will encourage them to act as young sports ambassadors in their country in issues related to children.

As part of this cooperation, Athens 2004 is giving UNICEF two hospitality spots. The two UNICEF ambassadors will be chosen by the Sports for Development/Office of Public Partnerships directorate.

The scholarship will include: