Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-06-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM Molyviatis briefs Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee on foreign policy principles

[02] Parliament plenum ratifies clauses on European arrest warrant

[03] Government spokesman denies US has requested different security data

[04] Main opposition leader in London to promote Olympic Truce

[05] DM Spiliotopoulos ascertains submarines' operational readiness

[06] Transport minister meets with US ambassador

[07] PM and Parliament President meet with foreign journalists

[08] Parliament president begins Cyprus visit on Thursday

[09] New capital market chief pledges overhaul, bourse head resigns

[10] Finance minister briefs Parliamentary committee on state of economy

[11] PM and Development Ministry focus on market practices

[12] Thessaloniki presents bid to host Expo 2008 trade fair

[13] EU to announce Greek fiscal recommendation Thursday

[14] Stocks nose down in range bound trade

[15] PM Karamanlis confers with Athens mayor Bakoyannis on Olympic Games preparations, coordination

[16] Minister denies plans to remove drug addicts from Athens streets for the Olympics

[17] TEDKNA event on 'local government and Olympic Games'

[18] Nearly 2 million Olympic tickets sold

[19] Tourism minister opens new marina near Faliro Coastal Olympic Complex

[20] Appeals court president declines to release reasoning for N17 trial sentences

[21] Archbishop receives Greek mountaineering mission that climbed Everest

[22] Greek students earn Fulbright scholarships

[23] Greek team to get one-million bonus for making quarter-finals in EURO 2004

[24] Cypriot President meets Portuguese Prime Minister in Lisbon

[25] French senators begin visit to Cyprus

[01] FM Molyviatis briefs Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee on foreign policy principles

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

Replying to a barrage of questions, particularly from the main opposition PASOK party, Molyviatis defended the government's position to date, but avoided clarifying if the government will support Turkey's bid to secure a date for the beginning of accession negotiations with the European Union with specific returns on the part of the neighboring country, on how it expects the Cyprus issue to be raised in the framework of the EU following the Greek Cypriot "no" in the referendum and who Greece will support for the European Commission presidency.

On the question of Cyprus, Molyviatis said developments on the issue had been characterized almost exclusively by the agreement reached in New York which anticipated tight time and negotiating margins.

"We devoted all our strength for a concerted solution. This did not become feasible. Greece did not have the possibility, nor the intention or desire, to impose its views on the government of Cyprus. The prime minister had very close contacts with Messrs (UN SG Kofi) Annan and (EU Commissioner on enlargement Guenther Verheugen and repeated telephone conversations with U.S. President George Bush and others. The Turkish side had no reasons to make substantive negotiating and concessions, because it was aware that in the event of failure the text would have been implemented as it stood, something which was in its interests," he said.

The foreign minister further said Greece's presence led to a "considerable improvement in the direction of adjusting the solution to the acquis communautaire", but the effort to improve security guarantees failed to produce results because "the Turkish side showed absolute inflexibility."

The countdown in the climate towards the Republic of Cyprus which followed the referenda "has certain consequences which we are all aware of and realize. However, they do not stay forever," Molyviatis said.

As regards Greek-Turkish relations and the question of whether Greece has disassociated their improvement from developments over the issue of Cyprus and negotiating on issues concerning the Aegean, the foreign minister reiterated that Greece supports Turkey's European orientation but "does not disassociate anything."

Lastly, referring to the Balkans, Molyviatis said "the catalyst changing everything in the Balkans is the path to Europe. Accession to Europe is the only path to stop the Balkans from being the powder keg of Europe."

[02] Parliament plenum ratifies clauses on European arrest warrant

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

"It appears that the shock from the elections has created a kind of loss of memory for PASOK. The fact that it does not remember its own policy and does not recognize its own signature, reaching the point of denouncing its own self," said Justice Minister Anastassis Papaligouras.

The justice minister said the draft law he brought for ratification was none other than an exact adjustment to local law of the two unanimous European draft resolutions on new anti-terrorism arrangements and the European arrest warrant which PASOK had signed but delayed in bringing to Parliament for ratification.

"They are two very specific and binding texts which do not allow to signatory member-states to proceed to substantive deviations. The draft resolutions are so specialized and extensive that ground for the national legislator's intervention is extremely narrow," he said.

Papaligouras explained that "a Greek cannot be extradited if his act has been amnestied in Greece, if he has been tried irrevocably, if a write-off has taken place in accordance with Greek law, if the act was perpetrated even partially in Greece and if he has been prosecuted in Greece for the same act either before or after the appeal for his extradition by a foreign country. Consequently, the principle that 'the Greeks are tried in Greece' stands in a substantively inviolable way."

PASOK's Parliamentary representative Haris Kastanidis indicated that the government had ground to present a better draft law which would not raise objections of unconstitutionality and of violation of fundamental principles of law.

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) had abstained from the vote as its deputies had walked out of the debate on Thuesday, expressing their total opposition to the draft law. Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) also expressed its opposition.

[03] Government spokesman denies US has requested different security data

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

He was replying to a question on reports that spoke of American inspections of security systems at "Eleftherios Venizelos" airport.

In another development, Roussopoulos was called on to comment on remarks by former US President Bill Clinton, in his book 'My Life', on the incident on the islet of Imia, in January 1996, (which he termed "a salvation operation for a few sheep"), saying "it has been known for many years that we have a different view from the former American president."

[04] Main opposition leader in London to promote Olympic Truce

LONDON 24/6/2004 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

The first was the inauguration of the "Sonart Olympics" exhibition featuring sculpture by Greek artist Angelica Korovessi at City Hall, headquarters of the Greater London Authority, where Papandreou and London Mayor Ken Livingstone signed the Olympic Truce Declaration.

Afterwards, Papandreou was main speaker at an event organized by the think-tank Demos at London's Science Museum to launch its report on the role of the Olympic Truce in peace-building, entitled '16 Days'.

In comments on the Olympic Truce, the first unanimously endorsed resolution in the history of the United Nations, Livingstone stressed that the international Olympic movement encouraged sporting excellence but also bred good relations of peace between peoples and nations.

"With the signature of the Olympic Truce, London promises harmonious relations with other cities, countries and nations. It also reconfirms our support for the Olympic Games in Athens, which will be an amazing Olympic spectacle and a great opportunity to improve international understanding," the London mayor said.

[05] DM Spiliotopoulos ascertains submarines' operational readiness

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

Spiliotopoulos expressed satisfaction over the success of the exercise and referred to the armed forces' contribution to the security of the Athens Olympic Games, reiterating a past statement of his that during the Games Greece will probably be the safest place in the world.

[06] Transport minister meets with US ambassador

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

Liapis briefed Miller on the status of the tram and suburban railway projects as well as on the entire transportation system being implemented ahead of the Olympic Games.

According to sources, the minister and the ambassador also discussed security issues and the inspections US authorities are imposing on airlines flying to the US. In recent days, the US Transport Security Agency (TSA) is in Athens conducting inspections to determine whether airlines flying to the US are implementing the TSA's security measures and instructions.

[07] PM and Parliament President meet with foreign journalists

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

The prime minister also emphasized that it is very important "to establish closer cooperation and communication with foreign media journalists of Greek origin."

Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki, who also met with the journalists, stressed that highlighting and promoting major national issues in the foreign press is of major importance for Greece. Such issues include the upcoming Olympic Games; Greece's role in strengthening the recently-enlarged European Union; Cyprus' EU accession; and the finding of an operational, viable and fair solution to the Cyprus problem, issues that according to Benaki, are of such scope and significance as to transcend political party lines.

The delegation of journalists was also received by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

[08] Parliament president begins Cyprus visit on Thursday

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

During her visit, Psarouda-Benaki will hold talks with President Tassos Papadopoulos, Christofias and Cypriot party leaders or representatives. She will also attend part of the House of Representatives' plenary session.

On Saturday, Psarouda-Benaki and Christofias will hold a joint press conference.

[09] New capital market chief pledges overhaul, bourse head resigns

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

Pilavios told a news conference that it was imperative to regain the confidence of investors by cracking down on orchestrated profiteering in the market and stock manipulation.

Among measures the commission will take are to clarify the ground rules on brokerage margin accounts for customers, who will have to make payment for transactions within three days or arrange a credit contract with the brokerage; and to ban unofficial loans on grounds of jeopardizing the market and creating unfair competition, Pilavios said.

In addition, the credit ceiling raised by the central bank on Wednesday may be scrapped in the future, he noted.

Other plans are to make brokerage keep separate books for their customers to avoid firms using customers' funds for their own business; and to incorporate a European Union directive on insider trading and share manipulation into national legislation.

Also on Wednesday, the president of the Athens Stock Exchange, Panayiotis Alexakis, resigned from the post; and from his position as managing director of Hellenic Stock Exchanges, the bourse's owner.

Shareholders of Athens-quoted Hellenic complained about management of the company in 2003, and a recent real estate purchase that is being investigated by judicial authorities. Alexakis denied wrongdoing.

[10] Finance minister briefs Parliamentary committee on state of economy

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

"I do not understand the impatience of the main opposition party on our economic policy. What the economy needs now is calm," he said, indicating that the government will take many initiatives "to reverse the bad course of past years."

Referring to the discussion taking place at the European Union on the stability Pact, Alogoskoufis said he favors greater flexibility in the interpretation of rules governing fiscal issues to enable the position of member-states on development and on their needs to be taken into consideration.

[11] PM and Development Ministry focus on market practices

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

During the meeting, Karamanlis, Sioufas and Papathanasiou reviewed the measures already taken which aim at monitoring market practices, such as the Unified Foodstuffs Control Agency (EFET), the upgrading of the Competition Committee, and the inspections being carried out at gas stations.

Two hundred and forty crews will be conducting inspections in shops on weekdays and weekends, while the government will also concentrate on ferry passenger ships, since they represent a closed market. Checks will also be carried out to ensure that shops do not discount their merchandise before the beginning of the sales season.

At this time, the Ministry of Development is also examining the rate of increase private schools and other educational institutions will apply to their fees with the beginning of the new school season. According to sources, school owners are demanding increases of 4%-17%, while studies focusing on increases during the 2003-2004 school year found increases of up to 310%, proving that the ministry's efforts to contain increases to the rate of inflation have failed. Papathanasiou has said that he is uncertain whether legislation aimed at setting a limit on educational fees should continue to apply.

[12] Thessaloniki presents bid to host Expo 2008 trade fair

PARIS 24/6/2004 (ANA)

The Greek presentation, which focused on sustainable development and research and technology in foodstuffs, was held in the French capital before a general assembly of the event's permanent organizer, the International Bureau of Exhibitions (BIE).

Among officials presenting Thessaloniki's bid was Nana Mouskouri, the internationally renowned singer and a goodwill ambassador for UNESCO.

[13] EU to announce Greek fiscal recommendation Thursday

BRUSSELS 24/6/2004 (ANA)

The recommendation, which aims to lower a heavy 2003 fiscal deficit over 2004-2005, will then be sent to the EU's finance ministers for debate on July 5.

The Commission is likely to say that the fiscal deficit represented 3.2 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2003, exceeding a targeted 3.0 per cent reference point for EU member countries under the bloc's stability plan.

In addition, the Commission is expected to note that Greece's public debt at 103.0 per cent of GDP is far higher that the EU's 60 per cent reference point.

Although no measures will be ordained to lower the country's public deficit, the government will be given a November 5 deadline to announce specific structural measures to narrow the shortfall.

[14] Stocks nose down in range bound trade

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,339.41 points, showing an 0.18 per cent decline. Turnover was 117.2 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.15 per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.63 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.33 per cent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 232 to 65 with 56 remaining unchanged.

[15] PM Karamanlis confers with Athens mayor Bakoyannis on Olympic Games preparations, coordination

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

Bakoyannis told reporters after the meeting said they discussed matters concerning Athens, the preparations for the Olympic Games, coordination, and focus issues for the period up until the conclusion of the Paralympic Games.

Asked whether they had discussed the prospect of her assuming a government post, Bakoyannis replied negatively, while to a question of whether her pledge to complete her four-year term as mayor of the Greek capital, she replied "of course".

[16] Minister denies plans to remove drug addicts from Athens streets for the Olympics

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

"Making these people disappear for three weeks and then returning them to the 'idyllic' world that they now live in? That is not a role that I intend to play. I am absolutely clear on this," Kaklamanis told Parliament's cross-party committee against the drug problem.

Kaklamanis stressed the need for constant dialogue between the state, Parliament's cross-party committee and organizations involved in fighting narcotics. He also announced that the drug rehabilitation agency OKANA was assisting the government in drawing up a 'drugs map' that would be ready by the end of 2004, so that the necessary measures could be taken.

[17] TEDKNA event on 'local government and Olympic Games'

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

During a day seminar on the topic "Local Government and Olympic Games", local government representatives also charged that the various Cooperation Memoranda signed had been observed by the State, while financial resources promised had not been forthcoming.

They further said that an informational and citizens' awareness campaign would be launched in mid-July with the slogan "The citizens of Attica greet the citizens of the world in their clean and hospitable cities".

However, the local government and state representatives pledged mutual support and cooperation

Alternate culture minister Fani Palli-Petralia noted the responsibilities of the local government and the previous government, stressing that since 2000 all the Greeks should have been carrying out a specific plan, and accused the local authorities of not playing the role they should have in the planning and materialization of the Olympics preparations.

She also said that utilization of the Olympics installations after the concussion of the Games was a primary target of the government, adding that the government was open to proposals and ideas and called on the local government organizations for close cooperation in this respect.

[18] Nearly 2 million Olympic tickets sold

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

According to Athens 2004, 1,950,000 tickets have been sold so far, covering 79% of Athens 2004 original budgetary target of ¬ 183 million. Demand for Olympic football tournament tickets has increased after the draw which was held on June 9, as well as for the Olympic Volleyball tournament. Furthermore, according to the statement, the Organizing Committee's objective had been to sell 68% of its tickets to offset budget costs, pointing out that tickets have never been exhausted at any Olympic Games.

In response to news reports which have referred to "subsidies on tickets," Athens 2004 asserted that "its policy on ticket sales for the Olympic Games will remain unchanged," and there will be no changes in ticket prices either now or in the future.

Finally, Athens 2004 also addressed reports concerning the Culture Ministry's alleged proposal for the purchase of 200,000 tickets. "Nothing of this nature has come to the notice of Athens 2004. All that can be said for certain is that there is an agreement between Athens 2004 and the General Secretariat for the Olympic Games to supply approximately 4,800 tickets for use by the public body in question," Athens 2004 stated.

[19] Tourism minister opens new marina near Faliro Coastal Olympic Complex

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

Attending the ceremony were Deputy Tourism Minister Anastasios Liaskos, local MPs, the leadership of the coast guard, the director of the Tourism Development and Environment Company (ETAP) Nikos Haritakis, the Piraeus deputy mayor and other officials.

Avramopoulos said the particular project, along with others scheduled to take place throughout the country, would help in the dynamic development of Greek tourism and make it more competitive. According to the minister, ETAP was now in the process of planning such projects, with particular emphasis on environmental concerns.

The Faliro marina has docking space for 270 tourist craft, of which 45 are suitable for larger boats up to 70 meters long. During the Olympics, the marina will be used by ETAP to provide docking space for the vessels of Olympics officials.

Later on Wednesday, Avramopoulos is due to depart for the Cyclades islands of Syros, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros and Antiparos on a tour of tourism destinations in Greece in order to be briefed on levels of tourist traffic and the problems of each area.

[20] Appeals court president declines to release reasoning for N17 trial sentences

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

Journalists were expecting the reasoning of the Three-Member Criminal Appeals Court, which heard the evidence, passed judgment and imposed the sentences, to be released on Wednesday.

Legal circles disputed the justification given, saying that the only reason that the appeals court president could have invoked for refusing to release the reasoning was that journalists did not have any legal interest, while denying that this could in any way contravene laws on protection of personal data.

A letter of protest against the surprise decision has been lodged with the Athens journalists' union ESHEA, while a similar letter will be sent to the Athens Bar Association.

[21] Archbishop receives Greek mountaineering mission that climbed Everest

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

During the half-hour meeting, team captain Costas Tzivelekas described the difficulties and adverse conditions the mission faced in their climb before reaching the highest summit on May 18.

He stressed the powerful role of faith in a grueling sport like mountaineering. "If you don't believe in God, you can't complete such an attempt," he said.

The head of the National Mountaineering-Climbing Federation D. Georgoulis noted that the mission's feat had given Greece its first gold medal before the summer Olympics and presented Christodoulos with a plaque from the highest monastery in the world, bearing a Buddhist prayer of the 15th century extolling tolerance for foreign cultures.

The Archbishop congratulated the members of the team on their achievement and awarded each of them the highest prices of the Archdiocese.

[22] Greek students earn Fulbright scholarships

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

"Since the program was established in 1948, it has enabled over 4,100 American and Greek scholars to study in each other's country. I believe that the Fulbright Program is a great way for Greeks and Americans to interact positively with real, long-term benefit for both countries," Miller said.

The Fulbright program also sponsors Americans in Greece. During the 2003-04 academic year, 17 American scholars studied in Greece, teaching and conducting research on Greek culture and civilization.

The 56-year old Fulbright program in Greece is the second oldest Fulbright program in the world and the oldest in Europe.

[23] Greek team to get one-million bonus for making quarter-finals in EURO 2004

Athens, 24/6/2004 (ANA)

He said the meeting with the premier had focused mainly on passing legislation for issues such as hooliganism and soccer violence, the finances of soccer clubs and the future of Greek football after the recent successes of the Greek national team.

After a shock victory against hosts Portugal and a tie with the Spanish, the Greek team edged past Spain to enter the quarter finals on goals scored, despite losing 2-1 to Russia on Sunday.

[24] Cypriot President meets Portuguese Prime Minister in Lisbon

LISBON 24/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

In statements to the press, both President Papadopoulos and Premier Barroso noted the importance of Wednesday's signing of the first bilateral agreement between both countries, that would include cooperation in the areas of culture, education, sports, media, sciences and technology.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Premier Barroso underlined the need for reaching a solution, so that Cyprus could function as a reunited island within the EU.

Replying to a CNA question on the EU contribution in resuming the talks for Cyprus, Barroso said that the EU would like to help in the efforts but noted that first there must be a better view regarding the ways the EU could contribute in this direction.

''I have to have a better view about President Papadopoulos' ideas, that is in which way he believes the EU could play a more active role,'' Barroso said and added, ''If the EU could help, this would be good, in which way this is not clear at this stage. I have to discuss the issue with the Cyprus President.''

The prime minister of Portugal said that during the meeting he was briefed by President Papadopoulos on the reasons the Greek Cypriot community rejected UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

''I regret that the problem was not solved before Cyprus' accession to the EU but we respect the majority's vote. We have to find a solution so that a reunited Cyprus functions in the EU,'' Barroso said.

President Papadopoulos referred to the excellent relations between both countries and thanked Premier Barroso and the Portuguese government for their support for Cyprus' accession to the EU.

The Cypriot President said that during the meeting he explained the reasons that led the Greek Cypriot community to reject the Annan plan, noting that the plan did not serve the best interests of the Cypriot people.

He added that the Annan plan would not have led to the reunification of Cyprus, nor would it have allowed Cyprus become a constructive EU member state.

Referring to the relations between Cyprus and Portugal, he said there is great potential for further enhancing them.

Barroso said that Cyprus is the first among the ten new EU member states that Portugal decided to deepen its bilateral relations with. He referred to the newly appointed first Ambassador of Portugal in Nicosia and said that this proves the willingness of Portugal to further develop its relations with Cyprus.

Barroso added that Cyprus is a country with many prospects for Portuguese investors and reassured that his country would support every effort in this direction.

[25] French senators begin visit to Cyprus

NICOSIA 24/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The French delegation, headed by Andre Rouviere, is visiting Cyprus at the invitation of the House of Representatives.

Speaking through an interpreter, Rouviere expressed the conviction that the EU can bring reunification, stability and security in Cyprus but stressed that accession alone to the EU cannot solve the problems.

''I belong to those who believe that it is much easier to solve problems in a large European family and the EU has already contributed to stability of peace and this is a great step,'' he said.

Rouviere said the group wants to strengthen cultural and economic relations between the two countries and said that in cooperation with the Cypriot Ambassador in Paris a meeting of Cypriot business people will be held in Paris on December 2.

On the same day, there will be a gathering at the French Senate to signal the start of the Cyprus-France Chamber of Commerce.

Christofias thanked the French senators and government for their continued support during the island's EU accession negotiations.

He assured that ''the people of Cyprus remain firm in their commitment, irrespective of the result of the 24 April referenda, for a solution that will be based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation the soonest.''

House European Affairs Committee Chairman Nicos Kleanthous and members of the Committee told the French senators during a meeting that Cyprus has not decided how it will proceed with the ratification of the European Constitution.

Kleanthous said that after the constitution was ratified, Turkish Cypriots would be eligible to vote just like all citizens of the Republic of Cyprus who are registered in the electoral rolls.

The discussion focused on economic measures proposed to help Turkish Cypriots and the reasons why the Greek Cypriot community rejected the UN plan for a Cyprus settlement during last April's referendum.

Rouviere said it is important for Cyprus to undertake a campaign to inform the citizens and European governments why the Greek Cypriot community rejected the Annan Plan.

The French senators expressed regret that a solution to the Cyprus problem was not found prior to the island's accession to the EU and pledged to work with their Cypriot colleagues to promote efforts to reunite the island and remove foreign troops.

Rouviere conveyed the senators' wish to work to upgrade commercial and cultural relations, during a meeting of the delegation with members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Committee Chairman Nicos Anastassiades explained that Cypriots do not want Turkish Cypriots to remain isolated but instead, together with the European Commission, are seeking ways to promote measures to help the Turkish Cypriot community.

The French senators visited the ceasefire line. On Thursday they are scheduled to hold meetings with the House Commerce and Industry Committee, as well as Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism George Lillikas and the Employers and Industrialists Federation. On Thursday they will be received by Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos. They depart on Sunday.

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