Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-06-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece has yet to state line on training Iraqi troops

[02] PM, foreign minister have meetings on sidelines of NATO summit in Istanbul

[03] Greek and Turkish DMs agree to upgrading communication between their ministries

[04] Deputy DM discusses bilateral, international issues with Polish deputy

[05] Communist Party leader expresses concern over world, European developments

[06] Parliament speaker meets high-ranking delegation from China

[07] Chinese Communist Party delegation meets with ND officials, PASOK leader

[08] INTERPOL secretary general beginning two-day visit to Athens on Tuesday

[09] US government donates three patrol boats to Hellenic Coast Guard

[10] Gov't has no plan to lower social insurance contributions

[11] Greek minister urges German companies to invest in windpower energy sector

[12] Yachting and daily cruise companies to be included in EU funds programs

[13] Air traffic controllers to stage work stoppage Tuesday

[14] Stocks rebound in across-the-board buying

[15] Olympic Flame arrives in Rome

[16] Avramopoulos to depart for Berlin in light of Olympic Flame arrival

[17] Cyprus Republic consents to passage of Olympic Torch through occupied areas

[18] Athens mayor outlines preparations ahead of Olympic Games

[19] Palestinian Authority envoy certain Athens Olympics will be 'absolutely safe', reiterates unilateral moratorium by Palestinians

[20] Ecumenical Patriarch in Rome for feast of Saints Peter and Paul

[21] President Stephanopoulos inaugurates archives exhibition

[22] Lazariston Monastery festival needs more funds, Thessaloniki prefect says

[23] Cyprus spokesman says dialogue continues with EU on T/C measures

[01] Greece has yet to state line on training Iraqi troops

ISTANBUL, 29/6/2004 (ANA - Ch. Poulidou)

However, Karamanlis reminded that by the alliance's decision "we are given the possibility of training (Iraqi troops) on Greek territory."

Karamanlis also kept his distance from the French "interpretation" of the decision, since in the view of French officials the allies' training mission on Iraqi soil "cannot take place under NATO's flag" and, consequently, the specific task "concerns the allies and not the alliance."

The prime minister said the decision in question "concerns the entire alliance" and, replying to a question on the strengthening of NATO's force in Afghanistan, Karamanlis said a specific number of troops to be deployed additionally in Afghanistan "has not been decided."

Karamanlis also denied there was a pending issue of meeting his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday.

Asked to comment on the issue created by the presentation of an interview given by Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos to the newspaper "Hurriyet", the prime minister said "the issue closed with the statement of denial made by Mr. Spiliotopoulos" and made no further remarks.

On the question of Tuesday's process of electing the EU Commission's president and persistent reports on preference for Portuguese Prime Minister D. Baroso, Karamanlis said "there is nothing certain at this time" but added that if Baroso succeeds Romano Prodi "it will be a very positive development."

[02] PM, foreign minister have meetings on sidelines of NATO summit in Istanbul

ISTANBUL, 29/6/2004 (ANA - Ch. Poulidou)

Among the scheduled meetings are one with British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Romanian Premier Adrian Nastase, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili and Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma.

Regarding Monday's summit, which was mainly occupied with the transfer of power in Iraq, Greece backed the general consensus to aid the new Iraqi government in training its security forces but would stipulate that it can only contribute financially to the country's reconstruction.

Greece has so far given 4.5 million euros for Iraq and is prepared to release another 3.0 million euros.

Similarly, Athens has declined to send additional troops to Afghanistan to strengthen the peacekeeping force during the Afghan elections, citing the higher security requirements for the Athens Olympics.

Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, meanwhile, had a meeting with his counterpart from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) Ilinka Mitreva on the sidelines of the summit to discuss bilateral relations and FYROM's European prospects. According to sources, the meeting did not touch on the issue of FYROM's chosen name of Macedonia that Greece objects to.

During a dinner given on Sunday night by Turkish President Ahmet Nezet Sezer for the leaders attending the NATO summit, meanwhile, Karamanlis spoke briefly with United States President George Bush, who asked about the progress of preparations for the Olympic Games.

Karamanlis expressed satisfaction with the rate at which Olympic projects were being completed, while Bush said the information he was receiving was similar and that his father, the former President George Bush, greatly desired to lead an American delegation to the Athens Olympics.

The Greek premier also exchanged a few words about Greece's soccer triumph with Erdogan during the dinner, who congratulated him on the Greek team's victory against France in the Euro 2004.

[03] Greek and Turkish DMs agree to upgrading communication between their ministries

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

The issue of the mutual reduction of the two countries' armaments programs was also raised again during the meeting.

According to an announcement by the defense ministry, Spiliotopoulos stressed that "purely aggressive apparatuses must cease to exist in the Turkish arsenal, particularly from the time Turkey hopes to join the European Union as a partner of our country."

[04] Deputy DM discusses bilateral, international issues with Polish deputy

FM ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

The two officials agreed to the need of promoting bilateral cooperation in international peacekeeping missions in various parts of the planet, as well as to the importance of developing pre-emptive diplomacy which promotes stability and security at a global level.

Mihaloliakos also met his Polish counterpart G. Zemke for an exchange of views on issues concerning NATO, European defense and the modernization of the Polish armed forces, as well as possible cooperation in the maintenance of Polish C-130 and F-16 Block 52+ aircraft, due to Greece's longstanding experience in this sector.

The Greek deputy defense minister referred to Greece's position in the Balkans and in southeastern Europe as a strong force of peace and to Poland's position as a leading power in the Baltic.

He also proposed closer cooperation between the two countries' defense ministries which will improve existing wide margins of bilateral cooperation in many other sectors as well, such as culture, tourism, trade and elsewhere.

The Polish side declared it will examine the Greek proposal positively.

[05] Communist Party leader expresses concern over world, European developments

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

"The KKE places particular attention on two sessions of the 'holy family' of the imperialists. Namely, the EU summit on June 17 and 18, where the European constitution was ratified, and NATO's conference in Istanbul today and tomorrow," she said, "adding that "the imperialists might be wearing different hats, but the head that thinks is one."

Referring to NATO's conference, Papariga said its main mission is to become a more decisive tool of the imperialist war, carrying its main weight to the Middle East, the Caucasus, northern Africa and central Asia.

"This shows the US is not afraid. It has secured its rear flank, without this meaning that interimperialist conflicts on the distribution of the pie have been resolved," she said.

Papariga further said "the 'Islamic movement' has class and social characteristics. We make no distinctions based on religion. However, it must be stressed that the 'Islamic threat' is a trend fuelled by the imperialists for their own plans", adding that "don't forget that Bin Laden is a child of the CIA."

[06] Parliament speaker meets high-ranking delegation from China

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

Psarouda-Benakis said the visit was a good opportunity for Greece and China to exchange views and further improve the already good bilateral relations between them. She underlined the importance of Parliaments in democracy, noting that these represented the people, and stressed the need for regular contact between them.

Referring to the upcoming Olympics, she said that these were returning to their birthplace and that Greece would carry them out with great success, thus reaffirming the significance of the ancient Greek Olympic spirit.

Li Changchun conveyed the Chinese government's best wishes for the success of the Athens Olympics and said that China will be sending a large delegation of officials along with its athletes in order to benefit from the know-how and experience gained by Greece during the organizations of the Olympics in Athens for the next summer Olympics to take place in Beijing in 2008.

[07] Chinese Communist Party delegation meets with ND officials, PASOK leader

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

Meimarakis referred to the good relations developed in past years between the two parties and thanked the Chinese delegation for support of Greek positions on the issue of Cyprus.

He also called for China's assistance in the city of Thessaloniki contesting the EXPO 2008 exhibition and for support for Greece to gain a seat as a non-permanent member of the UN's Security Council.

On his part, Li Changchun congratulated ND and Costas Karamanlis for its successes in national and Europarliament elections and thanked Greece and ND for its position in favor of "one China in the world."

He also invited an ND delegation to visit China.

The Chinese delegation also met with main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou who said "we welcome the delegation of the Chinese Communist Party and the Central Committee members with great pleasure. We have had close relations for many years and it was an opportunity to promise that we shall visit China soon as a party delegation to promote these relations even further."

Papandreou added "we wish to thank China for its position on the issue of Cyprus in particular and for the close cooperation we have had all these years as a government as well on various issues from Kosovo to Iraq, where our positions went close together on most of these issues."

Li Changchun in turn said "China gives great understanding to the Greek government on the issue of Cyprus which is based on territorial integrity and independence. At the same time, we thank PASOK and the Greek government which have been giving for years understanding and support on such issues as Tibet, Taiwan and human rights."

He also said "what gives us great pleasure and is of particular importance is that the first two Olympic Games in the 21st century will take place in the two ancient countries of the world, China and Greece. We will have much to learn from you."

Li Changchun concluded his statement by saying "we offer our respect to the Greek people on the occasion. Thank you."

[08] INTERPOL secretary general beginning two-day visit to Athens on Tuesday

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

On Tuesday, Noble will be meeting Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis and Greek Police Chief Fotis Nasiakos. He will also be meeting the director of the Olympic Games Security Department Vassilis Constantinidis.

The purpose of the visit is to exchange views on issues of police concern, particularly on Olympic Games security issues.

[09] US government donates three patrol boats to Hellenic Coast Guard

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

"In support of the Government of Greece's security efforts for the 2004 Athens Olympics, the U.S. Government has donated three state-of-the-art patrol boats to the Hellenic Coast Guard. The boats, all 27-foot Boston Whalers, were presented to Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefalogiannis and Hellenic Coast Guard Vice Admiral Christos Delimichalis by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security Francis X. Taylor during a ceremony at the Faliron Marina in Athens on June 26," the release said.

"The Hellenic Coast Guard will use the three boats for close in patrolling of ports and marinas around Greece and for quick interdiction against rogue vessels at sea. The ships were donated as part of the ongoing training for Hellenic Coast Guard personnel sponsored by the Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program (ATA) of the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service," it was added.

[10] Gov't has no plan to lower social insurance contributions

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

"The 1.0 per cent of gross domestic product allocated to funding the Social Insurance Foundation under Law 3029 is not enough to ensure viability of the foundation," Angelopoulos said.

He did not rule out a return to tripartite funding of the system in the future, saying the move was party of the ruling New Democracy party's platform for national elections last March.

[11] Greek minister urges German companies to invest in windpower energy sector

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

Addressing a conference on "Windpower energy investments in Greece" held in Hannover, Germany - organized by the German Union of Windpower Energy - the Greek minister said that Public Power Corporation in cooperation with DESMIE SA were working to ensure the necessary expansion of electricity grid in the country.

"Our aim is to create a stable environment for the development of Renewable Energy Sources that will attract foreign investments in Greece," Salagoudis said. He urged German companies to invest in the country and reassured them that the government would support their investment initiatives.

[12] Yachting and daily cruise companies to be included in EU funds programs

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

The government adopted an initiative by Tourism ministry calling for financial support of training, education and promotion programs by both sectors.

EPEST, the union of chartered yacht owners and PENPIS, the union of daily cruise vessels' owners, include 3,200 members and 800 members, respectively. Both unions for years urged previous governments to adopt their demands. The government is currently examining ways to include both sectors in financial support programs for small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Both sectors service around 4,5 million tourists annually.

[13] Air traffic controllers to stage work stoppage Tuesday

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

The strike from 1200 to 1600 hours has been called to protest against interference caused by radio and TV stations, jeopardizing communications between pilots and air traffic controllers.

Airlines have announced cancellation or rescheduling of flights.

Transport and Communications Minister Mihalis Liapis said that flight safety was not endangered by interference.

He also called on unions to take into account the fact that Athens was hosting the Olympics in August.

[14] Stocks rebound in across-the-board buying

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,342.72 points, showing a 1.26 per cent increase. Turnover was 128.2 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 1.57 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 1.37 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.41 per cent up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 219 to 77 with 62 remaining unchanged.

[15] Olympic Flame arrives in Rome

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

The first leg of the Torch Relay in Spain took place in Madrid, and the second in Barcelona, the organizing city of the 1992 Games.

The 30 Torchbearers - who included Spanish basketball legend Jose Antonio Corbalan and Olympic skiing champion Blanca Fernandez Ochoa - covered a distance of about 12 kilometers between 9:15 and 11:15 in the crowded roads of summery Madrid.

The last Torchbearer, veteran footballer Kiko of Atletico Madrid, delivered the Flame to Crown Prince Felipe, who, with his wife Letizia at his side, lit the Altar at the Puerta de Alcala, Madrid's best-known monument. The Flame passed by several of the Spanish capital's main sites, including the Palace, the Retiro park and the Atocha train station where dozens of Spaniards lost their lives in the terrorist attack of 11 March 2004. "The Olympic flame symbolizes peaceful coexistence and truce. We are sending the world a message of peace", noted Athens 2004 Organizing Committee (ATHOC) representative Spiros Lambridis. The Torch Relay was accompanied by festivities in which Tennis, Beach Volleyball and Canoe / Kayak athletes took part.

A special plane transported the Flame to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, for the second leg of the Torch Relay on the Iberian peninsula.

The Torch Relay started off from Barcelona's Olympic Stadium, which had hosted the 1992 Olympic Games, at 14:00. Torchbearers of all ages, 127 in all, carried the Flame over 50 kilometers, passing beside the city's famous monuments, such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Ramblas Avenue, Plaza Catalunya, Turo Park, the Forum of Cultures exhibition and the Magic Fountain, and reached its end late in the afternoon in the Del Marques de Foronda square.

At an impressive ceremony - held in the presence of Honorary IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch, Barcelona's mayor, Greece's Ambassador to Spain Aristidis Agathoklis, the Consul General in Barcelona Vangelis Tsaousis, and ATHENS 2004 representative Spiros Lambridis - Spanish basketball star Juan Antonio San Epifanio (known as 'Epi') carried the Flame to the Altar, cheered on by thousands of people who had swarmed the square and surrounding streets.

Juan Antonio Samaranch made the following statement to Greek state television (ERT): "I thought organizing the Global Torch Relay would not be an easy affair but, in the end, you Greeks are capable of achieving everything. I, too, will be in Athens for the Games, from 7 August until their end".

[16] Avramopoulos to depart for Berlin in light of Olympic Flame arrival

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

The one-time Athens mayor's visit comes after an invitation by the German federal government and the mayor-governor of Berlin.

Tourism-related issues are expected to dominate Avramopoulos' talks with German officials, while a press conference with tourism and financial reporters is also planned.

[17] Cyprus Republic consents to passage of Olympic Torch through occupied areas

NICOSIA, 29/6/2004 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

Cyprus government spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides stressed that the athletes taking part should not be asked to show their passports or in other ways be used to lend legitimacy to the illegal regime in the north.

[18] Athens mayor outlines preparations ahead of Olympic Games

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

Bakoyianni said the budget for the city's Olympic Games preparations program amounted to 112,120,000 euros and constitutes the biggest investment program and the most complex and difficult undertaking ever to be implemented by the municipality of Athens.

Out of this amount, 52,671,000 euros will be provided by the municipality of Athens and the remaining 59,450,000 euros by government funds.

The funding process was completed on July 31, 2003, and as of August, 2003, open international tendering began, in accordance with European legislation, for the projects contained in the city's Olympic Games preparations program.

Bakoyianni indicated all of the program's projects are now in their final phase, although there are isolated cases that are presenting problems.

"What is important is that the overwhelming majority of contractors and suppliers have either delivered the work defined by their contractual commitment or are moving towards its completion in coming weeks. The cases in which projects or procurements will be completed after the Olympic Games are few," she said.

Bakoyianni called on the citizens of Athens to participate in the event by hoisting the Greek flag and the flag of the Olympic Games outside every home to create an atmosphere of celebration in the city.

[19] Palestinian Authority envoy certain Athens Olympics will be 'absolutely safe', reiterates unilateral moratorium by Palestinians

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

Abdelhamid reiterated that Palestinian president Yasser Arafat had clearly stated that, for the duration of the Olympic Games, a moratorium would be abided by the Palestinian people. The envoy said this had been reiterated by Arafat on Saturday in Ramala, when Greek javelin champion Sophia Sakorafa -- who hopes will compete in the Athens Olympics under the Palestinian flag -- had informally lighted the Palestinian flame after making a difficult and dangerous journey.

"Yasser Arafat publicly reiterated that the Olympic Games and the Olympic ideals must be safeguarded, and this is why he has declared the unilateral truce, on the part of the Palestinians, committing the Palestinian people and the Palestinian Authority," Abdelhamid said.

The Palestinian Authority representative was in Hania to attend the "Venizelia" track and field event, where Sakorafa was due to attempt to qualify for the Olympic Games.

The Palestinians consider the veteran Sakorafa's effort as a "cry for peace", said Abdelhamid, who earlier met with the Hania mayor and prefect.

[20] Ecumenical Patriarch in Rome for feast of Saints Peter and Paul

ISTANBUL, 29/6/2004 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Vartholomeos will be a guest of the Pope and will also attend celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the historic meeting in Jerusalem between Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athinagoras that marked the start of dialogue between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

[21] President Stephanopoulos inaugurates archives exhibition

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

"There is a lack of evidence regarding the modern times of Greek history and the study of documents existing before 1830, the year in which the new Greek state was founded, will help in making up for this lack," President Stephanopoulos said.

The president also stressed the need for experienced researchers and wished the state archives every success in their new course.

The public will be able to visit the archives exhibition in Daphne street 61, Paleo Psychiko, as of Tuesday June 29 until Friday July 2 from 10.00-13.00 and from 17.00-20.00 and on Saturday July 3 from 10.00-14.00.

[22] Lazariston Monastery festival needs more funds, Thessaloniki prefect says

ATHENS, 29/6/2004 (ANA)

In a press conference, he said the Festival was sending out a "political SOS" and needed more than a pittance in order to keep running, since it was currently unable to pay its staff.

[23] Cyprus spokesman says dialogue continues with EU on T/C measures

NICOSIA, 29/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The spokesman said that the government would do everything possible to avoid any negative consequences from any Commission decision to ensure that this matter would not result in a serious disagreement with the EU.

''The issue of the regulation is not new, it is being discussed for months with the EU as part of efforts to upgrade the Turkish Cypriots and the government believes that these measures must not consolidate the division of the island'', Chrysostomides said.

The aim, he added, should be to reunify Cyprus and create conditions of cooperation that would promote the final aim, which is a political settlement.

The spokesman said the government had the right to resort to the Court of Justice of the European Communities, just like all EU member states, noting this did not mean the government will proceed.

Chrysostomides said dialogue continues in an effort to find ''wise and legitimate solutions'' with the acquis communautaire and international legality being the sole criteria.

He said he did not think that the EU would proceed with measures that violate either the acquis or international law and order.

The spokesman further said that the measures for the Turkish Cypriots would be announced when they are ready and all aspects have been considered. ''What we expect is full agreement with the EU to announce the measures'', he concluded.

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