Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-07-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece to meet EU deficit goal through public spending curbs

[02] Greek Foreign Minister, French counterpart focus on EU constitution

[03] Triumphant national soccer team received by President Stephanopoulos

[04] Turkish PM Erdogan congratulates Greek counterpart Karamanlis over Greece's Euro 2004 victory

[05] AHEPA congratulates Greek national soccer team on Euro 2004 victory

[06] ÇELLAS SAT-2 dominates airwaves during Euro 2004

[07] Parliament discussion on security camera issue

[08] Defense minister Spiliotopoulos to visit Tirana on Thursday

[09] Schultz elected new president of ESP's parliamentary group

[10] Patriarch of Jerusalem Irineos to visit Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul

[11] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise, led by banks

[12] The Olympic Flame arrives in Istanbul

[13] Athens 2004 President meets with French Foreign Minister

[14] Oswald in Athens on Wednesday

[15] Proposed changes for Olympic draft law

[16] Athens 2004 public awareness campaign on Olympic transport

[17] Latest Olympic security exercise completed

[18] EU Commission to announce intentions on Cyprus related issues

[01] Greece to meet EU deficit goal through public spending curbs

ATHENS, 7/7/2004 (ANA)

The European Union has urged the government to lower the deficit, which in 2003 exceeded a ceiling of 3.0 per cent set by the bloc for its members.

Structural measures to attain the deficit reduction of at least one percentage point of GDP over 2004-2005 - preferably equally spread over the two-year period - have to be announced by November 5.

Backed by EU finance ministers, the Commission has also sought a satisfactory reduction in the country's public debt in order to approach an EU ceiling of 60 per cent of GDP.

Finally, the EU has asked the government to improve collection and processing methods for general government statistical data after fiscal weaknesses have been corrected, Alogoskoufis told a news conference.

He said that the timing of announcement of the measures was convenient on two counts.

Firstly, the second phase of a detailed enquiry into figures kept by the previous government would have been completed by end-August, giving a clear picture of the fiscal deficit in 2003.

And secondly, by the end of October the government would have written a draft budget for 2005 that took into account the new fiscal adaptation measures.

Concerning the public debt, the minister said an overall privatization plan was ready for the coming year, which was due to be announced in sections.

[02] Greek Foreign Minister, French counterpart focus on EU constitution

ATHENS, 7/7/2004 (ANA)

Barnier also said that all member states must realize that if the constitutional treaty is not ratified there is no constitution. "The dialogue began in Europe a decade ago and the goal is not only an economically-united Europe, but a politically-united Europe as well. This is why foreign policy and a consistent stance on various issues are necessary," he added.

Speaking of Iraq, the French minister said that his country is gradually re-establishing diplomatic relations with Iraq and that the French attache is already in Baghdad. He also confirmed that France will provide technical assistance but will not send military to Iraq.

Asked about the possibility of former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis being appointed Coordinator for the EU constitution, Barnier replied that he was familiar with the idea which he termed 'interesting,' but said that the 25 EU member states will have to decide, since such matters must be discussed on a European level openly; each country should not start its own awareness campaign.

According to Molyviatis, both sides had the opportunity to confirm the excellent relations between the two countries and their close cooperation within international organizations and within the EU.

Michel Barnier, accompanied by Molyviatis, also met with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

[03] Triumphant national soccer team received by President Stephanopoulos

ATHENS, 7/7/2004 (ANA)

During the 45-minute meeting, the President amazed the team with his knowledge on soccer, and reiterated the pride and joy felt by all of Greece with their achievement, at the same time commending them for their hard work, team spirit, and dignified deportment throughout the championship, which he said set an excellent example for the younger generations.

Immediately afterwards, the national team and their coach went to the Maximos Mansion, where they were received by prime minister Costas Karamanlis.

[04] Turkish PM Erdogan congratulates Greek counterpart Karamanlis over Greece's Euro 2004 victory

ATHENS, 7/7/2004 (ANA)

As stated by Foreign Minister Molyviatis himself on Tuesday, following similar telephone contacts he also had with his counterparts from Bulgaria and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), the win of Greece's national soccer team "is a point which unites us and it is noteworthy that all the neighbors feel proud over Greece's victory."

The statements were made by the Greek foreign minister following a meeting he had with his French counterpart Michel Barnier who is currently on a visit to Greece.

Barnier, who for about a decade now is occupied with the organization of Olympic Games, given that he was the heart and soul of the hosting of the Winter Olympic Games which were held in France some years ago, said that he was impressed by Greece's preparations and works for the Olympic Games this August. He stressed that this year is a very important one for Greece. In addition, he congratulated Molyviatis for the fantastic, as he termed it, victory of the Greek national soccer team.

[05] AHEPA congratulates Greek national soccer team on Euro 2004 victory

WASHINGTON, 7/7/2004 (ANA)

"With an impenetrable defense, clutch scoring, and team discipline and unity, the Greek team triumphed," said Georgalas. "We congratulate the entire team and its coach Otto Rehhagel for an inspiring tournament performance."

[06] ÇELLAS SAT-2 dominates airwaves during Euro 2004

ATHENS, 7/7/2004 (ANA)

According to the announcement, TV channels and press agencies, such as ITV Sport, BBC, APTN Reuters (UK), France 2, France 3, BNT, BTV, RING TV (Bulgaria), N24, ARD, RTL (Germany), SVT (Sweden), NRK (Norway), and others relied on HELLAS SAT-2 for its signal and services.

The company's success in Euro 2004 TV broadcasting also serves as a test run ahead of the Olympic Games.

[07] Parliament discussion on security camera issue

ATHENS, 7/7/2004 (ANA)

Some 293 state-of-the-art cameras will be installed on major thoroughfares and public places during the Olympics and Paralympics.

[08] Defense minister Spiliotopoulos to visit Tirana on Thursday

ATHENS, 7/7/2004 (ANA)

Following the two ministers' meeting and the talks between the two delegations, a protocol of cooperation will be signed for the development of relations between Greece and Albania on army issues.

The issues of the two-day talks will include bilateral military and defense cooperation, the security situation in the region of southeast Europe, NATO-European Union relations as well as the cooperation between the defense ministers of the countries of southeast Europe (SEDM).

The Greek defense minister will also meet President Alfred Mousiou and Prime Minister Fatos Nano.

On Friday, Spiliotopoulos will visit the Greek force in Albania (ELDAL-4) where he will be briefed and given a tour of the installations.

[09] Schultz elected new president of ESP's parliamentary group

BRUSSELS 7/7/2004 (ANA/V. Demiris)

The socialist group also decided to propose Spaniard Jose Borel as a candidate for the position of European Parliament president. Jose Borel is a historic cadre of the Spanish Socialist party, a Doctor of Economic Sciences and head of the ticket of the Spanish Socialists at the European Parliament.

[10] Patriarch of Jerusalem Irineos to visit Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul

ATHENS, 7/7/2004 (ANA)

Irineos, who will be accompanied by clerics and officials of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, will hold talks with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos and officiate a service with him at the church of Saint George at the Fanar.

[11] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise, led by banks

ATHENS, 7/7/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,338.22 points, showing a rise of 0.38 per cent. Turnover was 71.2 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.71 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.02 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.31 per cent up.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 166 to 110 with 72 remaining unchanged.

[12] The Olympic Flame arrives in Istanbul

ISTANBUL 7/7/2004 (ANA/A.Kourkoulas)

The torch relay began at 12:30 p.m. and will finish at 9 p.m. after 125 torchbearers have carried the torch 50 km throughout the city. The torch relay will close with former world weightlifting champion Naim Suleimanoglou as the last torchbearer.

Greek Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Solidarity George Constantopoulos and Secretary General of the health ministry Ioanna Despotopoulou were among those present for the torch relay on Tuesday morning.

[13] Athens 2004 President meets with French Foreign Minister

ATHENS, 7/7/2004 (ANA)

"During my meeting with French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier, I assured him that Athens will be ready for the Olympic Games and I thanked him for his support, as well as for the French government's assistance in helping us stage Olympic Games in a setting that is safe and comfortable for athletes, visitors and Athens residents," Athens 2004 president said after the meeting. She also referred to Greece's victory in the Euro 2004 championship, stating: "The Greek soccer team's victory in Portugal showed that when we work hard and methodically as a team - as we are in organizing the Olympic Games - we always achieve a winning result."

Barnier conveyed his government's support and best wishes for the success of the Athens Games. "We are certain that the Athens Games will be great, safe and of a high caliber. I have been personally watching the Olympic preparations, because I have also served as President of the Organizing Committee for the 1992 Winter Games in Albertville, and I am in a position to understand the difficulty of the task, the attention and the amount of work required," he said. Barnier also referred to the Greek soccer team's victory saying that, "Through soccer, Greece showed that morale is up; it showed that this country can surprise with the huge success of the Olympic Games as it did with its soccer team's successful performance. It will stage great Games for Greece and for all Europe."

[14] Oswald in Athens on Wednesday

ATHENS, 7/7/2004 (ANA)

Specifically, Oswald will meet with Athens 2004 President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki on Wednesday morning and will then attend a meeting at the Athens 2004 Operations Centre.

In the afternoon, Oswald will attend a meeting at the Ministry of Culture; Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia will be presiding, while representatives from other ministries involved in Olympic preparations will also be participating.

On Thursday morning, members of the IOC, Athens 2004 and the culture ministry will visit some Olympic venues.

According to government sources, Oswald's visit to Athens has less to do with Olympic Games projects and more to do with issues concerning the Organizing Committee, such as technological infrastructure, operation of venues, accreditation, transportation, etc.

[15] Proposed changes for Olympic draft law

ATHENS, 7/7/2004 (ANA)

Another proposed amendment concerns foreign countries' or organizations' assistance in Olympic Games security from July 1 through October 4, while the cost (estimated at 3.5 million euros) would be assumed by the Greek state.

[16] Athens 2004 public awareness campaign on Olympic transport

ATHENS, 7/7/2004 (ANA)

Specifically, the pamphlets will provide the following information: - Getting around by suburban rail, metro, train, tram and bus - Maps of Olympic venues and the surrounding areas which are subject to special traffic regulations and restrictions - Store hours, etc.

Aside from distributing pamphlets door-to-door, Athens 2004 has decided to mail pamphlets to businesses employing 20 people or more (with a CD Rom version for distribution to employees) and will also supply the pamphlet with the Sunday newspapers of July 11.

The Ministry of the Environment, Town Planning and Public Works announced on Tuesday that the designation of Olympic traffic lanes on Kifissias and Syngrou Aves will be carried out over the next 10 days from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

[17] Latest Olympic security exercise completed

ATHENS, 7/7/2004 (ANA)

Part of the exercise's scenario involved dealing with an incident of chemical contamination, which necessitated the decontamination of vehicles and the transfer of injured parties.

The inter-branch unit dealing with biological, chemical and radiological incidents has been trained in the Czech Republic.

Following Tuesday's exercise, Deputy Defense Minister Ioannis Lambropoulos expressed his confidence in the unit's high level of operational training, as he said.

[18] EU Commission to announce intentions on Cyprus related issues

NICOSIA, 7/7/2004 (CNA/ANA)

He explained that these issues included the EU regulation for the allocation of 259 million Euros as financial assistance to the Turkish Cypriots in the next three years, the Green Line Regulation on inter-island trade across the demarcation line dividing the country and the regulation on direct trade between Brussels and Cyprus' northern Turkish occupied areas.

He added that Verheugen would also announce the Commission's intentions regarding the establishment of an EU working team that would mainly monitor the implementation of issues that were decided in April at the EU Foreign Ministers' Council in Luxembourg.

The Cyprus government received on Monday the draft of these EU regulations and submitted to the Commission its comments.

Referring to the regulation on direct trade with the occupied areas, Iacovou said that it dealt with taxes and tariffs on goods produced in the occupied areas by the Turkish Cypriot community.

The foreign minister said the regulation stipulated that such goods should be taxed as those produced in and exported from the southern government controlled areas.

He welcomed the fact that the Commission as well as others within the Union understood many of the concerns expressed by the Cyprus government about this regulation, regarding its political expediency as well as the legal basis applied by the Commission to introduce the regulation.

He said there was a serious possibility that this regulation may not be approved at this stage by COREPER (permanent representatives of EU members in Brussels) but be postponed for future consideration to allow enough time to examine all those issues that concern the government.

Iacovou said that on the COREPER agenda it is noted that the body would be informed by the Commission on its intentions regarding these regulations, but no such item was included in the agenda so far.

He added ''the government wishes to deal with all these issues together because basically they relate to the same matter.''

Cyprus FM was speaking after a meeting here with British MPs Rudi Vis, Tom Cox and Roger Gale.

Meanwhile Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said that the government would announce administrative measures that aim to facilitate the implementation of economic measures for the Turkish Cypriots that would be announced by the EU and those announced already by the government.

''The government has proceeded without much publicity to take all necessary action regarding the measures that the EU Commission is due to announce,'' he said.

Chrysostomides said he believed that immediate implementation of these measures, which might have proved to be very harmful for the Greek Cypriot side, had been prevented.

The spokesman explained that the government had proposed measures regarding demilitarization in the area within the walls of the divided capital Nicosia, the reduction of armaments in the area, demining along the ceasefire line and said there were administrative measures which aimed to make easier the implementation of those measures to be announced by the EU Commission and those already announced by the government.

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