Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-06-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece, Azerbaijan sign three accords to facilitate business and commerce relations during Pres. Stephanopoulos' visit to Baku

[02] Gov't does not rule out prospect of Greece proposing candidate for Commission president, including Simitis

[03] Current account deficit widens in April

[04] Greece shows pensions rise in 2001 vs 1993

[05] Greece backs organic, non-GM farming

[06] Stocks drop in cautious trade

[07] Athens Mayor Bakoyannis says Greek capital making its biggest effort ever to improve image, services

[08] Athens 2004 President speaks to the New York Times

[09] Olympic Flame returns to Europe

[10] Athens mayor to attend Paralympics event on Tuesday

[11] Municipality of Athens launches Olympic volunteer program

[12] FM discusses expatriate issues with SAE President Andrew Athens

[13] The Athens 2004 "Monument to Now" Exhibition

[14] Metro extension to airport by end of July: gov't

[15] Karamanlis congratulates nat'l soccer team's success

[16] Parliament President Benaki honors Greek mountaineers who climbed Mount Everest

[17] Weekly public transport card to be available in mid-July

[18] Ombudsman confers with Dutch counterpart, ambassador, on mediation practices

[19] Agriculture ministry funds initiative for stray dogs June 22, 2004

[01] Greece, Azerbaijan sign three accords to facilitate business and commerce relations during Pres. Stephanopoulos' visit to Baku

Baku 22/6/2004 (ANA/N. Megadoukas)

The first accord concerns the promotion and mutual protection of investments, while a second agreement concerns matters of international road transports, and the third accord concerns mutual assistance on customs issues. The agreements were signed, on behalf of the Greek government, by deputy foreign minister Evripidis Stylianidis, who is accompanying the President on his state visit.

Stephanopoulos met Monday morning with Azerbaijan president Ilham Aliyev and discussed bilateral economic and business cooperation, as well as international and regional problems, a discussion that was continued after the Presidents were later joined by ministers of the two countries.

Aliyev told reporters after the meeting that Athens and Baku shared similar positions on the topics discussed, and expressed hope that Stephanopoulos' visit would serve as a springboard for further development of relations between the two countries in the economic and cultural sectors, and that their political dialogue would continue.

The Azeri president further noted that there was interest on the part of Greek entrepreneurs to become active in Azerbaijan, adding that his country had a good investment climate and offered substantial business opportunities. He particularly pointed out that cooperation between the two countries in the energy sector would continue and be broadened, adding that Greece had displayed interest in undertaking projects in the sectors of petrol and natural gas.

Stephanopoulos, in turn, expressed Greece's political will to reinforce bilateral cooperation in all sectors, given that Azerbaijan was a constantly developing country and was of great importance due to its petrol and natural gas production. There was a common desire and benefit in that direction, he said, adding that Greece will contribute its experience in the business sector to Azerbaijan, and noting that Greece was an EU member and a SE European country, two regions that offer substantial opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters later, Stylianidis announced that accords in the sectors of electronics, marble and wine were already being planned in the framework of the Greece-Azerbaijan Business Forum currently underway -- which would be attended by Stephanopoulos on Tuesday -- while deliberations on natural gas were also "on the right path".

Stylianidis said that Stephanopoulos' visit to Azerbaijan was the first by a Greek head of state to a country that constituted a major target-market, as well as the first appearance by a European state in the Caspian Sea market. He explained that Athens "does not want to give this area's market as a monopoly to anyone" but, with Stephanopoulos' visit, was "opening a door to this market", adding that it was up to the business sector to undertake the risks and become active in that market.

He said reinforcement of Greece's presence in the region "reinforces the targets of Greek foreign policy", adding that "if we show consistency and continuity in this effort, we will benefit multiply".

Stephanopoulos invited Aliyev to an official visit to Greece, but also to visit Athens during the Olympic Games.

Aliyev also said that Azerbaijan wanted to become a part of the European family, adding that his country was attractive to the EU due to its geopolitical position and its immense natural resources (petrol, natural gas).

Greece, Azerbaijan keen to develop natgas ties

Greece and Azerbaijan are eager to develop ties in the natural gas sector following talks in Baku on Monday.

The chairman of the Public Gas Corporation, Raphael Moissis, met Fuel and Energy Minister Medjid Kerimov and the chairman of the country's hydrocarbons corporation, Natig Aliyev, accompanying President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on an official visit to Azerbaijan.

Under discussion is a plan for Azerbaijan's natural gas to be transported in pipelines to European Union countries through Greece.

[02] Gov't does not rule out prospect of Greece proposing candidate for Commission president, including Simitis

Athens, 22/6/2004 (ANA)

Asked during a press briefing whether Greece had undertaken, or intended to undertake, an initiative in the ongoing process of seeking a commonly acceptable individual for the post of Commission president, Roussopoulos noted that during the recent two-day EU summit in Brussels, prime minister Costas Karamanlis had taken part in the relevant discussions, which however were inconclusive.

"The government participates and discusses. For Greece, the final goal, the result, is what is important," he said.

Asked why Greece had not proposed Simitis for the post, given Karamanlis' stated backing of Simitis if he were nominated, the spokesman replied: "Nothing is ruled out. All prospects are open in the discussions which are taking place, and will continue".

[03] Current account deficit widens in April

Athens, 22/6/2004 (ANA)

The widening of the trade deficit was due to an increase in the non-oil import bill, which more than offset the rise in non-oil export receipts and fall in the net oil import bill, the Bank of Greece said in a monthly report.

The services surplus improved considerably as a result of a rise in net transport (mainly shipping) receipts; and the increase in the income account deficit stemmed from higher net interest, dividend and profit payments. Finally, the narrowing of the transfers surplus in April mainly reflected a decrease in net EU transfers to general government.

In January-April 2004, the current account deficit narrowed by 972 million euros over the same period in 2003 to total 3,357 million euros. This development reflected mainly a major rise in the services surplus and secondarily a considerable rise in the transfers surplus, which together more than offset the widening of the trade deficit, the statement said

Specifically, the trade deficit grew by 514 million euros against the same period in 2003. This reflected a 1,203 million euro (or 13.4%) increase in the non-oil import bill, which more than offset both a 391 million euro (or 12.6%) rise in non-oil export receipts and a 297 million euro decrease in the net oil import bill. The services surplus grew by 1,020 million euros owing to a major rise of 959 million euros, or 65.1%) in net transport (mainly shipping) receipts and, to a much lesser extent, a drop in net payments for other services.

Net travel receipts did not change considerably, because a 120 million euro (or 15.4%) rise in gross receipts (i.e. travel expenditure in Greece by non-residents) was offset by a 132 million euro (or 27.2%) increase in gross payments (i.e. travel expenditure abroad by residents of Greece). The income account deficit also remained virtually unchanged. Finally, the growth of the transfers surplus by 470 million euros in January-April 2004 was accounted for by a 478 million euro increase in net EU transfers to general government.

Concerning the financial account balance, in April 2004 a small net outflow was observed under direct investment. Under portfolio investment, a net inflow of 4,878 million euros mainly reflected non-residents' purchases of Greek government bonds. Regarding other investment, a net outflow of 3,571 million euros largely reflected an increase in residents' (credit institutions') deposits and repos abroad, as well as a decrease in non-residents' deposits and repos in Greece.

In January-April 2004, a net inflow of 486 million euros was observed under direct investment, which mainly reflected inflows of funds in January due to the process of acquisition of Panafon SA by Vodafone; and in March because of the acquisition of General Bank by Societe Generale.

Over the same period, a substantial net inflow of 8,717 million euros was recorded under portfolio investment, which mainly reflected non-residents' purchases of Greek government bonds. Finally, a net outflow of 6,631 million euros under other investment was largely connected with residents' (mainly credit institutions') sizeable outflows to deposits and repos abroad and, to a lesser extent, outflows for the repayment of loans granted by non-residents.

At end-April 2004, Greece's reserve assets came to 3.5 billion euros, the central bank said.

[04] Greece shows pensions rise in 2001 vs 1993

BRUSSELS 22/6/2004 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

The ratio in 2001 increased compared to 1993 for Denmark, Germany, Greece, Austria and Portugal, with the highest expenditure found in Italy (14.7 per cent of GDP) and the lowest in Ireland (3.7 per cent of GDP).

Expenditure on pensions in Italy amounted to 14.7 per cent of GDP, the highest ratio in Europe, followed by Austria, Greece, France and Germany.

Between 1993 and 2001, expenditure on pensions in the EU-15 decreased by 0.4 percentage points of GDP from 12.9 per cent to 12.5 per cent. This decrease was fairly widespread with the largest decreases in the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Finland (over 2 points). Conversely, an increase in expenditure in relation to GDP was particularly marked in Switzerland (+2.3 points), Greece (+2.0 points) and Portugal (+1.8 points).

Between 1997 and 2001, expenditure on pensions as a percentage of GDP in the EU-15 dropped from 12.9 percent to 12.5%. This ratio also decreased in most of the member states. The exceptions are Greece and Portugal, where expenditure on pensions grew significantly in real terms - an average of around 7.6 per cent and 6.6 per cent respectively per year.

Disability pensions accounted for 9.6 per cent of total pensions in the EU-15 in 2001. They were very high in the Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Luxembourg and Sweden (approximately 20 per cent of the total), as well as in Iceland and Norway. By contrast, Greece, France and Italy spent less than 7 per cent of their total pension expenditure on this heading.

[05] Greece backs organic, non-GM farming

LUXEMBOURG 22/6/2004 (ANA)

Addressing a European Union farm ministers' meeting on the bloc's action plan for organic farming and talks in the World Trade Organization, Tsitouridis said Greece defined organic farming as an absence of GM, and was not prepared to back down on the position.

In addition, farmers should have incentives to switch to organic farming and then be able to remain in the sector, the minister added.

[06] Stocks drop in cautious trade

Athens, 22/6/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,337.65 points, showing a 0.96 per cent decline. Turnover was 84.5 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 1.05 per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 1.44 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.19 per cent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 226 to 76 with 54 remaining unchanged.

[07] Athens Mayor Bakoyannis says Greek capital making its biggest effort ever to improve image, services

Athens, 22/6/2004 (ANA)

Bakoyannis emphasizes that Athens is one of the safest cities in the world and that Greece, in general, is capable of organizing secure Games. She stresses that, as mayor, her goal is to create a city that is accessible to both residents and visitors, not only during the Olympics but when they are well over as well.

The veteran politician and one-time MP also predicts that the national team will win a record number of medals during these Olympics and she emphasizes that she'll do everything within her power for both residents and visitors to make sure they enjoy this special event as much as possible.

Q: Is Athens ready to host the Olympic Games?

Athens is not completely ready to host the Olympic Games, but we are working hard and systematically to this end. We are in the process of completing this huge project that we started at the beginning of 2003 to ensure that we are completely ready for the Games. Despite the fact that there was a delay in beginning preparations for the Olympic Games, the municipality of Athens is working within the time-frame allowed when we won the bid to host the Olympics.

Q: Which were the major problems faced by Athens?

As I have already mentioned, our biggest problem is time. We have planned, designed and brought a huge, multi-phase project to completion within 20 months. This includes everything from sanitation and the lack of green space to the renovation of building exteriors, sidewalks and squares. However, we are used to overcoming difficulties and the results will prove this. The results of our efforts are slowing becoming visible and the most important thing is that this is a project that will make a difference to Athens; that it will add significantly to the quality of life for Athenians.

Q. What are the main benefits for the city?

Without doubt, the Olympic Games are a huge opportunity for Athens. We are being given the chance to promote our city and our cultural inheritance and to prove that Athens is a modern European city that gives visitors the chance to have fun, to explore its cultural treasures and to relax. We want to show that Athens is a city that can fulfill the needs of even the most demanding visitor. At the same time, I believe that the Olympic Games will also provide an opportunity for the city to promote investment opportunities as well as for large tourist agencies to promote high quality services, particularly in the area of conference tourism.

Q. As mayor, what are your major concerns just a few weeks before the Opening Ceremony?

I only feel creative anxiety - either way, I don't believe that excessive worry really helps in any way. What we need to remember is that the Olympic Games are a big celebration, which we are hosting. And as good hosts, we need to give our very best so that visitors will be able to enjoy themselves and come back to Athens again.

Q. How have the residents of Athens reacting to this challenge to upgrade the city?

Athenians want an improved city and I am generally satisfied by their reaction and their participation in this effort. I believe that one of the reasons their reaction has been positive is that we are not asking Athenians to participate in unrealistic plans, and the municipality is trying to the greatest degree possible to meet our commitments. I will give you a simple example, which concerns our cleanliness campaign 'The Clean Alliance'. This campaign was directed at local residents, asking them to participate actively so that our city will be cleaner. We voted in a set of regulations covering cleanliness, while at the same time the municipality invested heavily in improving its services in this area. Today, the municipality of Athens is in possession of 235 special cleaning and rubbish collection machines. We have also created a very effective mechanism to deal with emergencies.

Q. Is Athens a safer city for its citizens and visitors? What do the latest press reports state?

You, yourself, live and work in Athens and I believe you don't feel unsafe. Athens is truly one of the safest cities in the world and Greece is capable of organizing safe Olympic Games. Of course - as you mentioned - some press reports always stress the issue of security. There is general concern all over the world concerning this issue, which is understandable. I believe that we have done the best that we could have possible done. There has been a huge investment in the area of security - over one billion euros - many times the amount spent in previous Olympic Games. The fact that an international task-force has been formed to deal with security ensures that all will go well.

Q. What sort of feedback are you receiving from your contacts with foreign VIPs?

People's attitude towards Greece is positive and whatever reservations they had about Athens' deadlines have been overcome. I believe that what is needed during the short period leading up to the Olympic Games is that we constantly keep everyone up-to-date as to how we are progressing.

Q. Which Olympic Games do you choose to watch?

This is a difficult question. However, since my husband Isidoros is the president of the Hellenic Equestrian Federation, I would have to choose riding.

Q. How is your cooperation with the government regarding preparations?

We are working with the government and with other service providers regarding issues which concern the municipality of Athens. We work well together, trying to find solutions to the multitude of problems that the Olympics present.

Q. Is there a particular Greek athlete you admire?

There are many athletes I admire; one person who stands out in particular is Costas Kenteris. He fought against the odds to become a world-class athlete.

Q. Has the municipality of Athens organized any events or celebrations before or during the Olympic Games?

The aim of the municipality of Athens is to give both residents and visitors the best time possible during the Games. There will be a number of events organized during this period, including musical events, sculpture exhibitions, pottery exhibitions, road races and others.

Q. Why should visitors come to Athens to see the Olympic Games?

The major reason is to visit the country where the Olympic Games first began. A further reason is to experience Olympic Games that up-hold the Olympic ideals and which have not been commercialized to the same degree as previous Games.

Q. Will Athens be a better, more attractive and more functional city for its residents after the Games?

Up to August, 2004, the municipality of Athens will have invested more that 120 million euros in projects that will improve our services. We are positive that after the Olympics, Athens will be a cleaner city, with a modern garbage collection services, a city with more trees, since more that 7,500 trees have been planted along with hundreds of thousands of smaller plants and flowers. We will have new sidewalks, more squares and sideways, modern playgrounds as well as areas where people can go for a walk.

Furthermore, the municipality will be able to offer residents improved services, which will continue after the Olympic Games. These improvements are already visible and will go a long way in improving the quality of life for Athenians.

Q. Have you bought tickets to the Olympic Games for your children and if so, for which events?

Yes I have, for the equestrian events, weight-lifting and for certain basketball games where the Greek national team will be playing.

Q. How effective do you believe the Olympic volunteer program will be?

I believe that the volunteer program will be very successful. This has been the indication received by the Olympic Organizing Committee so far, and our experience in similar activities planned by the municipality of Athens, indicates that Athenians are very positive to the idea of volunteering.

The Municipality of Athens has launched a volunteer program for the city of Athens, where we are inviting residents to act as guides for visitors during the Olympics Games. Volunteers are taught about the cultural inheritance of the city as well as how visitors can get around the city easily.

Q. How would you describe relations with Alternate Minister of Culture Fani Palli-Petralia and Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, the president of the 2004 Olympic Organizing Committee?

We work together on a regular basis with the common goal of creating successful Olympic Games.

Q. Was Greece ready for the commitment of hosting an event as big as the Olympic Games?

Greece won the Olympic bid on its own merits and I believe we are worthy of this great undertaking. Of course, I am aware of the fact that we faced many problems in organizing the Games as well as many delays and things which should have taken place and which never did. Now, everything is going well. Let us not forget that other cities organizing Olympic Games, such as Sydney, also experienced problems and that construction was still going on right up until the day before the Olympic Games started.

Q. Do you believe that the costs of the Olympic Games will be so great that future generations of taxpayers will be burdened?

Without a doubt, the costs have far exceeded initial estimates. Certain people need to take responsibility for this, but I don't think this is the appropriate time to discuss the matter. However, I believe that it is a bit extreme to suggest that many future generations will still be paying off the debt incurred by the Olympics.

[08] Athens 2004 President speaks to the New York Times

NEW YORK 22/6/2004 (ANA/P.Panayiotou)

In closing, the New York Times journalist wrote, "Citizens of New York might very well applaud the Olympic torch passing through their town. But it is the citizens of Greece who are bearing the expensive burden of their glorious heritage."

[09] Olympic Flame returns to Europe

Athens, 22/6/2004 (ANA)

On Tuesday, the Olympic Flame will visit Brussels, and from there will leave for Amsterdam.

[10] Athens mayor to attend Paralympics event on Tuesday

Athens, 22/6/2004 (ANA)

[11] Municipality of Athens launches Olympic volunteer program

Athens, 22/6/2004 (ANA)

The volunteer program, created by the Municipality of Athens, aims to provide information and services to those visiting Athens during the Games. To date, 600 individuals have been chosen as volunteers and began training on Monday, while the target number is a total of 3,000 volunteers who will work four-hour shifts and will be located in central and other areas around the city. To provide information and to facilitate visitors' experience while in Athens, the city's municipality has set up 40 information booths and 20 info kiosks which will inform visitors how to get to and from Olympic venues, the location of the city's museums and archaeological sites, restaurants, cafes, etc.

Bakoyannis explained that the program is open to all Athens' citizens and particularly to those who have the free time, especially young people who speak a foreign language. Additionally, the Athens mayor emphasized that the program will not end with the Olympic and Paralympic Games but will be adapted for the protection of Athens parks, providing assistance to senior citizens and children, etc.

[12] FM discusses expatriate issues with SAE President Andrew Athens

Athens, 22/6/2004 (ANA)

According to reports, issues discussed included matters concerning expatriate Greeks, the Athens Olympic Games and the participation of expatriate Greeks in them.

[13] The Athens 2004 "Monument to Now" Exhibition

Athens, 22/6/2004 (ANA)

"This exhibition , like the whole Athens 2004 culture program, highlights the close relation between sports and culture.

Ioannou thanked Athens 2004 and all the authorities involved in contributing to the exhibit.

"Monument to Now" will remain open to visitors free of charge until the end of the year at E. Pappa and Filellinon Streets, Nea Ionia.

[14] Metro extension to airport by end of July: gov't

Athens, 22/6/2004 (ANA)

The extension will connect the Ethnikis Amynis station (outside the national defense ministry) with the airport, although stations along the way will be built over the next few years.

The metro extension will initially run on the under-construction line for the new suburban rail line, a total of almost 27 kilometers.

Public Works Minister George Souflias made the announcement while touring the Halandri and Doukissis Plakentias stations in northern Athens. He also told reporters that a 1.4-kilometer extension of metro line 2 (to the new Aghios Antonios station in the Peristeri district) will be ready in late July as well.

In other comments, Souflias said the recently opened Panagoulis metro station in southeast Athens was being used by up to 50,000 commuters a day.

[15] Karamanlis congratulates nat'l soccer team's success

Athens, 22/6/2004 (ANA)

"Our national team, with its well-deserved qualification amongst the eight best teams of Europe, demonstrates the abilities of Greek football. In conveying the feelings of the Greek people, I would like to congratulate the national team coach, his associates, our players and all those who have backed their efforts. I hope that this historic success is continued," Karamanlis, himself an avid soccer fan, said.

Opposition parties, Parliament president congratulate national soccer team: Opposition parties and Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki congratulated the national soccer team for qualifying for the quarterfinals of the European Soccer Championship on Sunday night for the first time in Greek soccer history.

"Our warmest congratulations to our national soccer team, to all the players and the coach for the great success and for today's worthy qualifying.

"It made us all feel proud and all Greeks are justifiably applauding it. I wish a good continuation in the next matches," said main opposition PASOK party leader George A. Papandreou.

A similar announcement was also made by the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology.

Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki said in her message "warm congratulations for your qualifying to the next round of the European Soccer Championship. You made us proud once again. This success of yours shows to all that we Greeks, working methodically and with discipline and collectiveness, can achieve leading positions on the global firmament. The players of our national team and federal coach Mr. Otto Rehhagel deserve all praise. I wish a good continuation."

[16] Parliament President Benaki honors Greek mountaineers who climbed Mount Everest

Athens, 22/6/2004 (ANA)

"We are optimistic that your example will increase the interest of our compatriots in the sport of mountaineering and particularly of young people who, due to the lifestyle in cities, are lacking today the valuable goods provided for man by nature," she said.

"The spreading of mountaineering in our country, with the help of the media, can have a beneficial influence on our thought and attitude as conscious citizens," the Parliament president added.

[17] Weekly public transport card to be available in mid-July

Athens, 22/6/2004 (ANA)

The card will cost 10 euros and it will be made available for the public as of mid-July.

Transport and Communications Minister Mihalis Liapis said the purpose of the card is to facilitate passengers, regular users of public transport and visitors to Athens, and to provide all citizens with the possibility of using the renovated and modern public transport fleet, including the tram.

[18] Ombudsman confers with Dutch counterpart, ambassador, on mediation practices

Athens, 22/6/2004 (ANA)

The purpose of the meeting was to share the long-time knowledge and experience of the Dutch Ombudsman in matters concerning mediation between citizens and administration, and further acquainting the staff at the Greek Ombudsman's office with the mediation practices.

The meeting was attended by Fernhout's staff, the Dutch ambassador, professor Alex Brenninkmeijer, judge Dick Allewijn, the Dutch Ombudman's special advisor on mediation issues Jeanet van Wijk, and others.

The discussion focused on mediation as an alternative means of resolving differences between citizens and the administration, the legal status governing the institution, and a comparison of experiences between the two Ombudsmen.

[19] Agriculture ministry funds initiative for stray dogs

Athens, 22/6/2004 (ANA)

Deputy Minister Alexandros Kontos signed various decisions on Monday which will provide municipalities, communities, animal welfare agencies and other organizations with funding for the following initiatives:

The creation of animal shelters.

Collection, registering, sterilization and immunization of stray dogs.

Municipalities where Olympic venues are located will be given priority.

Kontos condemned incidents of poisoning of animals and requested the help of the police and local authorities in arresting and punishing the perpetrators.

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