Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-06-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Portugal's Barroso new European Commission president, PM expresses congratulations

[02] Government spokesman says former PM Simitis addressed letter to PM on creation of EU committee of personalities

[03] Greek and Russian FMs hold talks on sidelines of NATO summit

[04] Gov't: No information whatsoever on possible threat to 2004 Games

[05] Greece and Poland sign mutual understanding memorandum

[06] Main opposition attacks government for 'apathy', alleged slide in foreign policy positions

[07] PASOK leader to present outline of party's manifesto on Wednesday

[08] DM accuses PASOK party of inconsiderately adopting Turkish newspaper report

[09] MP asks that Parliament committee be briefed on NATO summit

[10] Leftist groups stage anti-war rally in Syntagma Square

[11] Deputy minister represents Greece at EU environment minister's Council

[12] Greek gov't earmarks 177.5 million euros for SMEs

[13] Monti discusses competition issues with Greek ministers

[14] Greek gov't offers financial support to farm unions

[15] Exports rise in 2003

[16] Tourism minister pledges to overhaul tourism policy

[17] GSEE trade union welcomes supreme court decisions concerning strikes

[18] Air Traffic Controllers suspend Tuesday's work-stoppage for 10 days

[19] Head hunters to seek new chief for Athens bourse

[20] Stocks slip in rangebound trade

[21] European ombudsman Diamantouros in Athens to inform citizens of rights under Europe's constitution

[22] Seminar on absorption of immigrants in Greek labor market finds improvements are limited

[23] Police dismantle ring selling forged documents

[24] Cyprus President: recourse to European Court last resort

[01] Portugal's Barroso new European Commission president, PM expresses congratulations

BRUSSELS, 30/6/2004 (ANA/G.Zitouniati)

Karamanlis said that following the recent unanimous decision on the European constitution, the unanimous selection of the Portuguese prime minister as the Commission's new president is yet another decisive step in the new era for Europe. A Europe which, as he said, is trying to provide its citizens with the greatest possible security and prosperity.

Referring to Barroso's profile, the Greek prime minister spoke of a "worthy leader with knowledge and experience in European principles and values."

The prime minister also mentioned Barroso's origin from the Mediterranean south, which is a fact that brings him closer to Greece with which they share common priorities.

In parallel, the EU's High Commissioner on Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana was again appointed to the post. In the event the EU's 25 member-states ratify the European constitution, to which the EU leaders agreed to earlier in the month, Solana will become the EU's first foreign minister.

[02] Government spokesman says former PM Simitis addressed letter to PM on creation of EU committee of personalities

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

"The prime minister discussed this issue with European leaders in Istanbul in the framework of the NATO summit. This (Tuesday) afternoon, European Council President Mr. (Bertie) Ahern disclosed the proposal at the summit in Brussels. The prime minister was the first to speak and strongly supported the creation of the committee and the participation of Mr. Simitis in it. The Council referred the decision to the Dutch (EU) presidency," Roussopoulos added.

In a related development, Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, speaking to Greek reporters at the end of the European Union's special summit in Brussels, said he had brought to the attention of EU heads of state and government the proposal made by former Prime Minister Costas Simitis during their recent meeting on the creation of a committee of personalities to undertake the task of monitoring procedures for the ratification of the European constitution by the 25 member-states over the next two years.

Well-informed diplomatic sources said in Brussels on Tuesday this proposal was referred to the EU's Dutch presidency, which begins on July 1, for consideration. According to the same sources, the issue might be examined during the next meeting of EU foreign ministers in July.

The sources further said important personalities from Europe who have no official positions at present could participate in this committee, such as Jacques Delors and Helmut Kohl.

[03] Greek and Russian FMs hold talks on sidelines of NATO summit

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

The climate prevailing during the talks was considered "excellent", while converging views were ascertained in all matters examined during the discussion.

According to reports, an exchange of views on developments in Iraq took place, bilateral relations were discussed and the situation regarding the issue of Cyprus was probed.

As far as Greece is concerned, Russian support was requested for the candidacy of the EXPO 2008 exhibition (which met with a positive response) and the issue of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline was discussed and a "positive momentum" was ascertained, while both sides extended invitations for an exchange of visits.

[04] Gov't: No information whatsoever on possible threat to 2004 Games

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis made the statement following his meeting in Athens with Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble, the first US citizen to occupy the post. Greek Police (EL.AS) Chief Fotis Nasiakos also participated in the meeting.

Afterwards, Noble said he was absolutely satisfied with the way security issues are being handled ahead of the Games, while citing the huge amount of money and manpower Greece is allocating for Olympic security.

Asked about an Interpol-managed crime databank, Noble said one million entries of stolen passports and police ID cards have already been entered, whereas he noted that Greece will be among the first countries to utilize this databank. Specifically, said that as of July 1, Greece will have priority access to information in this databank.

Noble was set to tour the main Athens Olympic Stadium (OAKA) and Olympic Village later in the day.

On his part, Voulgarakis will brief the Greek president on security issues in the afternoon.

[05] Greece and Poland sign mutual understanding memorandum

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

Cooperation between the two countries will concern the joint production of defense equipment, in accordance with specifications of the NATO alliance, research and technology and the training of military staff.

A bilateral committee was set up for this purpose which will convene every year, either in Warsaw or Athens alternately, to examine the course of the agreement's implementation.

Michaloliakos said the memorandum is a springboard for cooperation between the two countries in other sectors as well and reiterated the government's commitment for absolute transparency and irreproachable procedures in the defense equipment procurement sector.

The Greek embassy in Warsaw organized a dinner in honor of the deputy defense minister on Monday night which was attended, among others, by his Polish counterpart, the ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus and Jacek Gmoch, a Polish soccer coach who lives in Greece.

[06] Main opposition attacks government for 'apathy', alleged slide in foreign policy positions

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

The government has dismissed the statements attributed to the minister during the interview as mere fantasy on the part of the writer.

Regarding the Hurriyet report, Vougias claimed the existence of a bilateral package deal to separate the Cyprus issue and Greek-Turkish relations from Turkey's European course and said that this would not constitute a successful policy.

Commenting on recent appeals for calm made by Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, PASOK's spokesman said it was time the government at last started to govern.

He accused it of cutting down on social and welfare spending by as much as 40 per cent and continuing to dismiss staff in the public sector hired with temporary contracts, while the measures that might grant them tenure continued to remain outstanding.

According to Vougias, ruling New Democracy was recreating a party-dominated state sector and 52 members of its Central Committee had already been appointed to the boards of government agencies and organizations.

PASOK's spokesman questioned statements made by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on the issue of drugs and addiction, accusing him on the one hand of imitating the positions of main opposition leader George Papandreou and secondly of heading a party whose members had shown high levels of intolerance on drug-related issues and the handling of addicts.

He placed great emphasis on alleged government indifference to cultural organizations in Greece's largest northern city Thessaloniki, saying that major cultural institutions there were withering through lack of government grants.

[07] PASOK leader to present outline of party's manifesto on Wednesday

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

He said Papandreou's announcements would refer to PASOK's course in the 21st century, its main ideological and political profile and an organization schedule up to the party's congress at the end of autumn, as well as the composition of the two party organs to be set up before the congress, the Political Council and the Political Secretariat.

[08] DM accuses PASOK party of inconsiderately adopting Turkish newspaper report

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

"PASOK and its President George Papandreou hurried to inconsiderately adopt a Turkish newspaper report and attempted to create an extremely negative climate for our national interests, at a time when the Greek delegation at the NATO summit in Istanbul, under Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, was giving a crucial and ultimately successful battle for our national interests," he said.

Spiliotopoulos also said "PASOK of Imia, PASOK of the Ocalan case, PASOK of the zeimbekiko (a Greek dance) policy in Greek-Turkish relations, PASOK of the 30,000 violations of our border airspace (by Turkish aircraft) is simply not entitled to operate against our national interests. Memories of Greek citizens are very fresh on the policy that led to 'grey zones' in the Aegean and to the verge of confrontation with the neighboring country (Turkey)."

[09] MP asks that Parliament committee be briefed on NATO summit

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

The MP said he intended to put questions to Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos regarding statements he allegedly made during an interview with the Turkish newspaper "Hurriyet" and about the issue of Greece's involvement in Iraq.

[10] Leftist groups stage anti-war rally in Syntagma Square

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

The demonstrators said the Palestinians and Iraq are two of these war zones to which the international community must turn its attention.

It was further stressed during the rally that martyrs, the wounded, the imprisoned, the prisoners, material and agricultural losses and damage to sectors of economic life, both in Palestine and Iraq, show that the forces of imperialism do not respect human dignity or human life or creation.

In another development, the PAME and EEDYE labor organizations and other trade union groups staged a demonstration in front of the Athens University campus on the same afternoon, protesting "police rule" and surveillance cameras installed in various parts of the capital.

Demonstrators denounced "police rule being promoted by the government" ahead of the Olympic Games since, as of July 1, general policing plans will be implemented with prohibition zones and areas to be monitored by thousands of cameras all over the Attica prefecture.

[11] Deputy minister represents Greece at EU environment minister's Council

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

The Greek minister voted in favor of a proposal for reducing the sulfur content of fuels used in shipping, saying that sulfur content of passenger-ship fuels, in particular, should be reduced to a maximum of 1.5 per cent. He called for initiatives on a international level to make the use of low-sulfur fuels universal for ships plying the Mediterranean, while he welcomed the Commission's proposals for modernizing the system for monitoring the quality of swimming waters and informing the public.

The Council also adopted conclusions on strategy for the prevention and recycling of waste and on restraining losses in biodiversity up to 2010 but not on the issue of transporting wastes, while it also failed to reach agreement on a European Commission proposal in favor of approving the distribution of the genetically-modified maize NK603 on European markets, which Kefaloyiannis voted against.

During the meeting, the Greek minister called for measures against the illegal lumber trade.

[12] Greek gov't earmarks 177.5 million euros for SMEs

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

[13] Monti discusses competition issues with Greek ministers

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Mr Monti expressed his satisfaction over the full briefing he enjoyed by both Greek ministers and over the government's initiatives aimed to boost Greek economic competitiveness.

Mr Alogoskoufis presented the government's plan to reform a development law with the aim to be compatible with EU law, while Mr Sioufas presented progress in a government-sponsored plan to boost competitiveness and to measures to upgrade a Competition Commission in Greece.

[14] Greek gov't offers financial support to farm unions

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

Agricultural Development and Foods Deputy Minister Alexandros Kontos unveiled a ministerial decision to offer 4,141,554 euros to PASEGES, GESASA and SYDASE.

[15] Exports rise in 2003

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

The increase was the second highest since 2000 when exports rose by 22.6 per cent; and the trade deficit widened to 27.7 billion euros from 22.7 billion euros in 2002, SEVE said in a report.

Greece's main exports in 2003 were knitted apparel and associated products, petroleum products, aluminum and processed goods, machines and appliances, electrical machines and appliances, cotton, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and processed fruits and vegetables, the report added.

[16] Tourism minister pledges to overhaul tourism policy

BERLIN, 30/6/2004 (ANA/P.Stangos)

Avramopoulos said policy would be formulated from scratch, focusing on post-Olympic era for tourism that included newly built infrastructure, publicity from the games, technological improvements, better services, and a timely publicity campaign for the nation's tourism product.

The minister was invited by the German government to take part in the arrival of the Olympic torch in Berlin on Wednesday.

[17] GSEE trade union welcomes supreme court decisions concerning strikes

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

These were a decision describing strike days as non-working time and preventing employers from counting it against the days of annual leave until such a time as the strike was declared illegal and another that confirmed that the institution of arbitration is compatible with the Constitution and confirms the right of trade unions to unilaterally have recourse to arbitration mechanisms.

The last decision is considered significant for work sectors with weak unions, where employers often don't turn up for negotiations regarding collective labor agreements or are responsible for delaying the signature of agreements.

[18] Air Traffic Controllers suspend Tuesday's work-stoppage for 10 days

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

The air traffic controllers had called a work-stoppage for Tuesday to protest against interference caused by radio and television stations, claiming that this jeopardized communication between airplane pilots and air traffic controllers.

The air traffic controllers announced they were suspending their strike action for a period of 10 days to give time to the transport ministry leadership and the Civil Aviation Authority (YPA) to satisfy their demands, which include the institution of measures to confront the interference caused by radio and television stations in the YPA frequencies.

Despite the suspension of the stoppage, disruptions were still expected to flights as several airlines, and chiefly Olympic Airlines and Aegean Airlines altered their flight schedules on Monday, including cancellation of several flights and change of departure times in a large number of flights, in view of Tuesday's strike action.

[19] Head hunters to seek new chief for Athens bourse

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

Until a replacement is fund, the chairman of Hellenic Exchanges, Iakovos Georganas, will undertake all executive responsibilities for the market, and the rest of the group.

Hellenic is the bourse's holding company. Both firms are Athens-quoted.

[20] Stocks slip in rangebound trade

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,339.17 points, showing a 0.15 per cent decline. Turnover was 116.2 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.03 per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.21 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.08 per cent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 219 to 82 with 58 remaining unchanged.

[21] European ombudsman Diamantouros in Athens to inform citizens of rights under Europe's constitution

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

While in Athens, Diamantouros, a Greek who formerly held the position of ombudsman in Greece, will meet with President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos, prime minister Costas Karamanlis, parliament president Anna Psarouda-Benakis, interior, public administration and decentralization minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, and Council of State president Christos Geraris, as well as with former prime minister Costas Simitis and the leaders of the Greek political parties represented in the European Parliament.

Diamantouros said that, now that the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) had adopted the European Constitution, it was very important for the EU citizens to be informed on the importance of that development for them.

[22] Seminar on absorption of immigrants in Greek labor market finds improvements are limited

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

The focus of the programs, which form part of a group-target of the EU's EQUAL program, is to improve the quality of work offered these groups as part of a three-fold goal, along with full employment and social cohesion, set by the EU for employment.

Speakers said that the laws for the legalization of immigrants in Greece had been "tailor-made for lawyers", underlining that the cost of the 150-day's worth of insurance contributions needed was 990 euros, while lawyers' fees and the cost of the permit raised the whole to 1,300 euros. They also stressed that up to 42 separate documents were needed in order to get a work and residence permit, at least for the first time, and immigrants incurred additional costs through lost working days needed to collect these.

Labor groups reported continued problems with employers that tried to avoid paying insurance contributions for their workers, even resorting to intimidation, and the roughly 60,000 immigrants working as domestic servants with very low pay and no state insurance.

The biggest barrier faced by immigrants in their search for work was that of language, while their urgent need to find work made it difficult for them to attend and benefit from programs for their support, which therefore did not have the anticipated effect, the seminar was told.

[23] Police dismantle ring selling forged documents

ATHENS, 30/6/2004 (ANA)

A complete electronic computer system was confiscated, together with a scanner, colored printers, computer disks, application forms issued by Greek and foreign authorities and forged seals used by Greek and foreign services.

In addition, 39 passports of various nationalities, a car and 2,400 euros were also found and confiscated.

[24] Cyprus President: recourse to European Court last resort

LARNACA, 30/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

He said such course of action would be taken as a last resort and described as ''unacceptable'' the package in its present form, which is still under discussion, in that it contradicts EU rules and regulations.

Speaking on departure for Brussels to participate in the extraordinary EU summit, he also said the government would try to find a common denominator with the EU so that the Turkish Cypriots would be given a financial and economic boost.

''We have nearly exhausted all possible political moves on this matter. We do not intend, nor do we wish to take the EU to Court, this would be the last resort, if political arguments do not prevail,'' he told the press.

He said the purpose of the continuing consultations was to find a common denominator so that European law would be observed and, if possible, agree on the course of action to be followed to reach the goal of providing economic assistance to the Turkish Cypriots.

The Commission has prepared a draft package of measures for direct trade and other links with Cyprus' northern Turkish occupied areas, saying this was in response to an EU decision to assist the Turkish Cypriots, following their positive vote to a UN plan for a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus. The package is to be discussed for approval next week.

''We shall continue working to find an arrangement which would allow the Turkish Cypriots to sell their products and at the same time respect EU rules and international law and order,'' he said, adding that consultations with the EU have been going on for the past couple of months on the matter.

Papadopoulos said many changes had been made to the first draft but noted that ''there are serious amendments that need to be made since the terms of the regulations (on the measures) contradict EU rules.''

''The Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus cannot be treated as a third country because the whole of the Republic joined the EU in May but implementation of the acquis communautaire has been suspended in these areas,'' he explained.

The Commission draft suggested that direct links with the occupied north would come under the terms of the Accession Treaty which refer to trade between the EU and third countries.

Responding to questions, the Cypriot president said he would meet Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen and other officials before 7 July when the draft package of measures would be discussed for approval.

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