Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-06-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't seeks to boost employment, find jobs for Olympic laborers

[02] Stephanopoulos concludes productive visit in Azerbaijan

[03] Deputy FM Valinakis optimistic agreement will be reached on new European Commission president

[04] Voulgarakis: Certain aspects of 'N17' affair still unsolved

[05] Deputy DM receives National Defense General Staff chief of Serbia-Montenegro

[06] Gov't cites rotation of officers in Afghanistan, Bosnia peacekeeping contingents

[07] FM meets Patriarch of Alexandria Petros and Russian Ambassador Vdovin

[08] Minister of the Aegean speaks about insular policy in European constitution

[09] Greek references in Clinton's autobiography

[10] Finance minister Alogoskoufis announces reforms to boost economy

[11] EU commissioner backs investment in human resources

[12] Stocks nose up in bid to consolidate

[13] Enthusiastic welcome for the Olympic Flame in Brussels

[14] Development minister speaks about Olympic Games preparations to foreign media journalists

[15] Swiss contribute to Greek Olympic security

[16] About 400 journalists to attend 12th panhellenic journalistic conference

[17] Tripartite meeting between municipality network administrations of Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria

[18] Cultural Olympiad: "Ptychoseis" Exhibit at Benaki Museum

[19] New oncology unit inaugurated at Sotiria hospital in Athens

[20] President Papadopoulos wraps up visit to Spain

[01] Gov't seeks to boost employment, find jobs for Olympic laborers

Athens, 23/6/2004 (ANA)

Measures will be announced that include grants, tax relief and subsidies for employers' social insurance contributions for staff, the minister told reporters after a cabinet meeting.

"The aim is for each and every small and medium sized enterprise to recruit one more person," he underlined.

In addition, the government would see that no funds were squandered in disbursements earmarked for vocational training schemes. "We will ensure that not even one euro goes to waste," Panayiotopoulos said.

One project was to train 500 jobless to assist the development ministry in price inspections during the Athens 2004 Olympics this summer.

Another scheme was to pre-empt unemployment that would arise after Olympics-linked projects were completed, the minister said.

An inventory would be made of workers on the projects, and a survey conducted on their demographic and professional status. Talks had been arranged with consortiums who had recruited workers.

"The target of these moves is to introduce integrated programs that will make use of training schemes and help direct human resources into employment, especially in the regions," Panayiotopoulos said.

"In order to strengthen the trend, measures are being studied that would increase incentives to employers to recruit, and reinforce vocational and geographical mobility."

The minister criticized the previous government, which lost national elections on March 7, for dragging its feet on the projects, which meant that the current government had to pursue the completion of projects instead of concentrating wholly on managing the post-Olympic crisis, the minister added.

[02] Stephanopoulos concludes productive visit in Azerbaijan

Athens, 23/6/2004 (ANA)

Stephanopoulos added that his visit to Azerbaijan "will be successful if the economic cooperation between the two countries succeeds," noting that "we have no differences and the only thing which concerns us is further development of an economic and cultural cooperation."

The Greek president stressed the potential for a broader cooperation with Azerbaijan in investment, given that European and US companies trust Greek businesses in order to expand their partnerships in the Balkans and anywhere else the Greek business community has a presence.

Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis indicated the sectors of agriculture, construction, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, transport, tourism and commerce as potential areas of bilateral cooperation between Greece and Azerbaijan. He also referred to a memorandum which has already been signed, as further potential for cooperation among Greece, Turkey and Azerbaijan in the transport of natural gas from the Caspian Sea to western Europe.

Furthermore, Stylianidis emphasized the value Athens places on developing relations with Baku, he reiterated Greece's support for Azerbaijan's European prospects and its integration in Euro-Atlantic institutions and mentioned the aid Greece has provided Azerbaijan in the past.

Earlier on Tuesday, Stephanopoulos was proclaimed Honorary Doctor of the University of Baku. Along with accepting the honor, Stephanopoulos also inaugurated the University's new Centre of Modern Greek Language and Culture.

On Tuesday evening, Stephanopoulos will inaugurate an exhibit dedicated to the Olympic Games, he will attend a concert, and will host a reception in honor of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The Greek president will return to Athens early Wednesday morning.

[03] Deputy FM Valinakis optimistic agreement will be reached on new European Commission president

Athens, 23/6/2004 (ANA)

Valinakis was speaking during a briefing of the members of Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee on the results of the EU's recent summit.

"We are optimistic that the Commission's final president will be a personality who will also express our interests as well among all European interests," he said.

Replying to criticism from deputies of the main opposition PASOK party (Yiannos Papantoniou and Christos Papoutsis) on support for the British Chris Patten, Valinakis said the government handled the issue with prudence, that the "Franco-German" axis was well aware of the positions of Greece and that the candidates with which one starts with are not necessarily those who reach the end.

"Very often, such horses are deliberately burnt in a race," he added.

Asked by Papoutsis to comment on the candidacy of former Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Valinakis said it is a longstanding position that if there is a Greek candidate he will be supported regardless of his political origin.

[04] Voulgarakis: Certain aspects of 'N17' affair still unsolved

Athens, 23/6/2004 (ANA)

Voulgarakis spoke in Athens during the unveiling of a new book about the deadly and once-elusive ultra-leftist terror band, one blamed for numerous assassinations and bombings during the 1980s, '90s, up until June 2001.

More than a dozen individuals were tried and convicted of "N17"-related crimes, including Alexandros Giotopoulos and Dimitris Koufodinas, the chief ideologue and top assassin of the group, respectively.

"The 'N17' trial was not the trial of the century; two worlds and two ideologies did not clash, whereas the question of who created 'N17' was not answered, or if the organization's goals were met," said Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis, whose husband, journalist and politician Pavlos Bakoyannis, was ambushed by 'N17' assassins in central Athens in 1989.

"Conversely, the trial was very significant because it reinforced the state's institutions ... Terrorists can be tried in Greece with the application of the rule of law; Greece is a democracy that proves that no terrorist has a place in our country," she added.

The book, entitled "A Juror at the N17 Trial", was written by local journalist Mihalis Dimitriou.

[05] Deputy DM receives National Defense General Staff chief of Serbia-Montenegro

Athens, 23/6/2004 (ANA)

The two officials confirmed the excellent level of bilateral relations, as well as the will of both sides to continue efforts to consolidate a climate of security, peace and growth in the Balkans.

On Monday, Mihaloliakos had also met with members of the Piraeus Trade Society's board and reiterated his undivided support for efforts to develop the country's biggest port.

[06] Gov't cites rotation of officers in Afghanistan, Bosnia peacekeeping contingents

Athens, 23/6/2004 (ANA)

[07] FM meets Patriarch of Alexandria Petros and Russian Ambassador Vdovin

Athens, 23/6/2004 (ANA)

[08] Minister of the Aegean speaks about insular policy in European constitution

Athens, 23/6/2004 (ANA)

The minister said the New Democracy government under Costas Karamanlis took over the issue as of May 4, 2004, and in discussions which took place in the framework of the Intergovernmental Conference, which undertook to complete the preparation of the European constitution text which had been delivered in Halkidiki during the Greek EU presidency to the then Prime Minister Costas Simitis, achieved the issue of finalizing the inclusion of insular regions in the Treaty's text in such a way that, on the one hand, there should be no doubting clarity and, on the other, all insular regions would be included. Recognition of insular character was achieved and so article 3 116 also included insular regions in a group of underprivileged regions.

In another development, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said all insular regions of Greece, without exception, are included in the special provisions on the EU's social, economic and territorial cohesion.

According to Roussopoulos, the negative trends on this issue appeared during the tenure of the previous government and during the Italian EU presidency and were reversed through interventions by the present government.

[09] Greek references in Clinton's autobiography

WASHINGTON 23/6/2004 (ANA/T.Ellis)

In his lengthy autobiography, Clinton refers to the Imia crisis, noting that he found it completely incomprehensible how two great countries with a divisive issue such as Cyprus, were ready to go to war over a couple of islets that were only inhabited by several sheep. The former US president describes the phone conversations that followed with then Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Turkish President Suleyman Demirel, Prime Minister Tansu Ciller, and emphasized Richard Holbrook's diplomatic skill. The prospect of perhaps failing to bring peace to the Middle East, to Bosnia or Northern Ireland, but ''having at least saved some sheep'' in the Aegean, made him laugh.

As for Cyprus, Clinton writes that he was disappointed at the end of his presidential term that the Cyprus issue remained unresolved and continued to be an obstacle in Greek-Turkish reconciliation and in Europe's full acceptance of Turkey. Within this context, Clinton writes that he was an avid supporter of Turkey joining the EU, since he considered Turkey to be one of the few countries that could play a decisive role in the course of the 21st century. He believed that a stable and democratic Turkey which would solve the Cyprus problem, would reach an agreement with the oppressed Kurdish minority and which would maintain its muslim, democratic identity could prevent the spread of islamist fundamentalism in Europe.

The former US president also refers to his visit to Athens in 1999, emphasizing that during that visit he publicly expressed his sorrow for the role the US had played in supporting the Greek dictatorship of 1967. Additionally, he had reiterated his commitment to a fair resolution of the Cyprus issue as a prerequisite for Turkey's EU accession and had thanked Simitis for being at the side of the allies in Kosovo despite the difficulties this caused due to the Orthodox ties between Greeks and Serbs.

Finally, Clinton writes that he found encouraging Simitis' eagerness for reconciliation with Turkey and his support for Turkey's EU accession. The former US president describes then Greek and Turkish Foreign Ministers George Papandreou and Ismail Cem as two new leaders looking forward and working together towards a common future, which was the only logical choice.

[10] Finance minister Alogoskoufis announces reforms to boost economy

Athens, 23/6/2004 (ANA)

Alogoskoufis was speaking at a ceremony concerning the annual "EBEA Awards" at a downtown Athens hotel.

"First of all, we shall bring about a new beginning in the state's relations with businesses through the simplification of procedures, settling debts which have been accumulated and reshaping bankruptcy law," he said.

Alogoskoufis also said "secondly, we shall tackle bureaucracy" and "thirdly, we shall promote an integrated tax reform, decreasing tax percentages and lifting tax counter-incentives."

The minister further said the development law will be amended for incentives to be provided for new investments and efforts will be intensified to achieve a more effective absorption of funds contained in the 3rd Community Support Framework.

Moreover, the National Exports Council will be activated, denationalizations will be carried out with transparency and respect for the interests of society and public property will be utilized in a better way.

[11] EU commissioner backs investment in human resources

BRUSSELS 23/6/2004 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

"Investing in human resources is about raising the quantity and the quality of skills as well as improving people's ability to deal with change. It means making businesses more competitive, innovative and dynamic. This is why a well-educated, skilled and adaptable labor force plays such an important role in making the Lisbon strategy a reality on the ground," Dimas told an EU conference on investment in human resources that was held in Dublin, Ireland on Monday.

Dimas said that beyond supporting large public education and training programs, investing in human resources required the following angles:

• Stepping up active labor market policies, such as reforming tax and benefits systems to encourage training and further education.

• Paying attention to the quality and level of public spending on education and training;

• Matching skills and abilities in the workplace, ensuring that companies, especially small units, are not held back by a shortage of skilled workers.

"The European employment strategy is a key part of our efforts to achieve the Lisbon goals. Its financial lever is the European Social Fund, helping to translate the strategy into action on the ground," the commissioner said.

"In Greece, the European Social Fund has co-financed eight advice and information centers for young unemployed people, helping them to find work and build up their self-esteem. This project is strongly supported by other local organizations and, in particular, local employers. And there are many similar success stories across the Union," he added.

Next month, the EU's Commission will put forward its legislative package for cohesion policy from 2007-2013.

[12] Stocks nose up in bid to consolidate

Athens, 23/6/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,343.55 points, showing a 0.25 per cent rise. Turnover was 108.3 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.29 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.50 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.61 per cent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 200 to 95 with 63 remaining unchanged.

[13] Enthusiastic welcome for the Olympic Flame in Brussels

BRUSSELS 23/6/2004 (ANA/V.Demiris)

On Wednesday the Olympic Flame will visit Amsterdam.

[14] Development minister speaks about Olympic Games preparations to foreign media journalists

Athens, 23/6/2004 (ANA)

Sioufas said his ministry took special care to ensure adequate electric power supply all over the country and at all Olympic Games venues.

"We have speeded up the construction rates of all projects and we are, in every case, in the completion phase," he said.

"Today, I am in a position to assure you that everything is moving normally, everything is moving quickly. We are winning the struggle of preparation, we are winning the struggle against time and, at the same time, we are winning the struggle for security," he added.

The development minister also referred to economic policy priorities which include strengthening competitiveness, attracting foreign investments, supporting exports, spreading growth all over the country and boosting employment.

[15] Swiss contribute to Greek Olympic security

GENEVA 23/6/2004 (ANA/N.Robin)

Swiss spokesman Bernard Jeanty said the equipment would be sufficient to protect the 18 members of the Greek unit, but not the general public.

The Centre, where the Greek specialists were trained, was founded in 1925 and is considered a leading institution worldwide on issues of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons.

[16] About 400 journalists to attend 12th panhellenic journalistic conference

Athens, 23/6/2004 (ANA)

The conference's theme is "The role of the mass media in the development of tourism" and emphasis will be placed on promoting the unknown side of Greece and on the fact that the holding of the Olympic Games will contribute to the development of tourism in the country.

Another matter to be discussed is that of labor and social security issues concerning the sector of journalism. A briefing and discussion will take place at the conference on the world journalistic conference and the general assembly of the European Journalists Federation which had taken place in Athens and Thessaloniki respectively.

Over 3,000 journalists and more than 250 rapporteurs have participated in the conferences that have taken place to date. Tourism Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos will be making an address at this year's conference, while Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis and Deputy Culture Minister

Petros Tatoulis will also be attending. The conference will be inaugurated by Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos.

[17] Tripartite meeting between municipality network administrations of Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria

Athens, 23/6/2004 (ANA)

The meeting, held at the initiative of the Municipality Network of Eastern Thrace "Polis", was attended by 25 mayors who participate in the boards of the three municipal cooperation bodies.

The tripartite meeting heightened with the issuing of a resolution with which the representatives of the three municipal cooperation bodies call on the governments of their countries to cooperate and to make decisions and actions on the development of issues raised by local societies.

[18] Cultural Olympiad: "Ptychoseis" Exhibit at Benaki Museum

Athens, 23/6/2004 (ANA)

The exhibit is the first major international fashion exhibit in Greece ranging from Ancient Greek dress to haute couture and pret-a-porter creations by famous designers.

The exhibit will run until October 17 with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the National Archaeological Museum.

[19] New oncology unit inaugurated at Sotiria hospital in Athens

Athens, 23/6/2004 (ANA)

At this unit a patient stays until noon to be subjected to therapy, while his relatives can also be accommodated on special premises.

The new oncology unit has an area of 1,100 square meters and the layout, the furnishing and the laboratory electronic equipment was carried out with the sponsorship of Aristides Alafouzos, president of the Kathimerini daily newspaper.

Addressing the event, Karamanlis thanked the president of Kathimerini, saying private initiative plays an important role since it leaves the "I" and takes us to the "we".

[20] President Papadopoulos wraps up visit to Spain

MADRID 23/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

He also said that now efforts were focusing on cultivating the idea that the European Union must play a more active role in solving the Cyprus problem.

Speaking after wrapping up a two-day working visit to Spain, President Papadopoulos said he and Minister of Foreign Affairs George Iacovou met Monday night in Madrid with Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, with whom they discussed the Cyprus problem.

''The stage of explaining the 'No' has been overcome. There is understanding for the reasons behind the 'No','' the president said, adding that ''now efforts are focusing on cultivating the idea that the EU must play a more active role in the Cyprus problem.''

He added that it was not to Cyprus' benefit for its political problem to be outside the UN framework, noting that through bilateral contacts the ground was being prepared for a possible EU-UN cooperation on the Cyprus problem.

Referring to Tuesday's meeting with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Louis Rodriguez Zapatero, President Papadopoulos said the Spanish government and the prime minister responded favorably regarding issues of cooperation in Europe.

''Spain's position is very favorable. Mr. Zapatero said Spain does not differentiate between small and large countries. They are all equal,'' he added.

President Papadopoulos said he discussed with the Spanish prime minister bilateral relations, illegal immigration, joint measures against terrorism and education issues.

He said the Spanish government was interested in promoting the teaching of the Spanish language to facilitate Cypriots studying in Spain and that a working team had been set up to submit specific proposals by October to promote bilateral relations.

The president said he extended an invitation to Zapatero to visit Cyprus, which the Spanish prime minister accepted.

Following the talks, King of Spain Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia hosted a banquet at Zarzuela Palace for President Papadopoulos and his wife Fotini.

President Papadopoulos said this was a great honor and noted the interest of the royal couple in the Cyprus problem.

Papadopoulos was due to leave later in the night for Lisbon for talks.

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