Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-07-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] IOC's Oswald pleased with Olympic preparations progress

[02] Gov't on Commission text for aid to T/C community

[03] Washington welcomes EU moves for Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus

[04] President Tassos Papadopoulos says Cyprus is not in isolation after the referendum

[05] State council decides on the future of contract workers

[06] Foreign ministry on proposed Coordinating Committee for European Constitution

[07] Greece, Albania sign military procurements cooperation agreement

[08] Greece, Bulgaria welcome close ties

[09] National Council on Foreign Policy to convene on July 16

[10] PM Karamanlis briefed on cultural issues

[11] Papandreou says 'PASOK is a socialist party, democratic and progressive and this does not change'

[12] Poll shows Greeks are firm supporters of the EU

[13] European Commission warns Greece on non-implementation of directive on urban waste

[14] Gov't rejects demand by public transport strikers for Olympics bonus

[15] Inflation noses down to 2.8 pct

[16] EU asks Greece to scrap discrimination against mutual funds

[17] New Athens trollies presented at German embassy

[18] Stocks drop on selling in banks

[19] Joint Greek-Turkish university program inaugurated

[20] Forest fire raging near Kalamos in unpopulated area

[21] Fire breaks out in Anavyssos

[22] Winners of Ancient Greek language and culture contest awarded

[23] Last stop on international Olympic torch relay: Cyprus

[24] Comments from Athens 2004 President after meeting with PM

[25] Olympic bill passed

[26] Three-time Olympic weightlifting gold medalist Pyrros Dimas named Greek team's flag bearer for Athens 2004 Games

[01] IOC's Oswald pleased with Olympic preparations progress

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

Among the sites visited were the Media Village located on the campus of the National Metsovio Polytechnic Institute, the Traffic Management Centre, the Olympic Stadium, the Olympic Village and others.

Oswald said he was impressed with the roof of the Olympic Stadium. "A while ago I was wondering if the Calatrava roof would be able to be slipped into place; now it is in place and looks very good," he stated.

Asked about ticket sales, Oswald said that 80% of the revenue target for ticket sales has already been reached, and is thus satisfactory.

[02] Gov't on Commission text for aid to T/C community

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

However, spokesman George Koumoutsakos cited EU Commissioner Guenter Verheugen's assurance that proposed measures will in no way qualify as recognition for the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state in the Turkish-occupied north of the island republic. Only Turkey, the occupying power, recognizes the breakaway state.

The spokesman also stressed the continuous cooperation and coordination between Athens and Nicosia.

Finally, he said proposed measures should benefit economic development in the north and aid the island republic's reunification.

[03] Washington welcomes EU moves for Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus

WASHINGTON 9/7/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

"We welcome the steps of the European Union. We foresee the implementation of the measures, particularly with regard to trade from the north, because this can help towards the final reunification of the island," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher stated on Thursday. He added that "we are in coordination with the European Union and are continuing to re-examine a broad spectrum of programs and policies which will be compatible with the moves of the European Union, always in cooperation and coordination with it."

Concluding, Boucher noted that for the time being, he has nothing specific to announce regarding Washington's moves. However, he expressed the hope that he would soon be in a position to do so.

[04] President Tassos Papadopoulos says Cyprus is not in isolation after the referendum

VIENNA 9/7/2004 (ANA/D. Dimitrakoudis)

As Papadopoulos noted in his interview, before the referendum he, his associates and experts from Cyprus and elsewhere registered which the consequences would be of a "No" vote and which of the "Yes" vote and deemed that the consequences of the "Yes" would have been far greater than those of the "No". And regardless of which consequence is more or less significant, there is a clear difference. "In the case of 'yes', the Republic of Cyprus as we know it would exist no more, it would have been replaced by another situation which would not be able to take a decision to recourse somewhere, to say that this Annan plan in not implementable," the Cyprus president noted

"If we knew the consequences or calculated the consequences of 'No', I can now say that the consequences were less painful and of a lesser duration than we expected," Papadopoulos said, adding that through his visits to various countries after the referendum, he ascertained that the assessment was correct that quite a number of these consequences can be overcome.

He further ascertained that "the forecasts of others were certainly completely groundless that Cyprus will remain in isolation and that nobody will talk to it in Europe and meet with hostility."

He added that that "unless I'm particularly naive, I'm not aware that I'm in isolation, nor that we are facing hostility by the other member-states and representatives who at some points wish to help the Turks. I do not view these necessarily as hostile acts, in any case these would have been done even if we said Yes to the Annan Plan."

Referring to the present phase of the Cyprus issue, Papadopoulos noted that in his talks he had with the United Nations and European Union officials, he formed the impression that there were no prospects in the near future for the resumption of a new initiative for a Cyprus settlement.

[05] State council decides on the future of contract workers

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

"Civil servants will never again be held hostage [to the system]," Pavlopoulos said, emphasizing that hiring of civil servants will be conducted on a merit basis through the ASEP system and employees will not be frustrated by having to wait to become permanent employees. "This is a basic principle of the Presidential Decree which fully reforms the hiring system since contracts which cover standard and long-term needs will be accepted," he said.

The presidential decree will be submitted to President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Monday, July 12, for his signing.

In an announcement, the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) party described the presidential decree as containing "incomplete regulations, complex processes and unfair exclusions."

The Coalition of the Left Movements and Ecology (SYN) party criticized the New Democracy government of breaking its pre-election promises and excluding the majority of contract workers from the public sector, "leading them to unemployment," according to its statement.

[06] Foreign ministry on proposed Coordinating Committee for European Constitution

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

This was stated by Foreign Ministry Spokesman George Koumoutsakos on Thursday in reply to a relevant question.

It is noted that the Greek Permanent Representative supported, according to directives, the proposal.

The proposal had been initiated by former prime minister Costas Simitis.

[07] Greece, Albania sign military procurements cooperation agreement

TIRANA 9/7/2004 (ANA/I. Patso)

Visiting Greek national defense minister and his Albanian counterpart, Pandeli Majko, signed the agreement on behalf of their governments in the Albanian capital Tirana.

Majko told reporters after the signing ceremony that relations between the two countries were at their best level, following the Albanian government's decision to set up a coordinating committee for the Olympic Games with representatives of the defense, public order and other related ministries.

Spiliotopoulos, in turn, thanked the Albanian government for the support it was providing to the Athens 2004 Olympic Games' security via the coordinating committee, adding that Greece will support Albanian's efforts for accession to the Euro-Atlantic structures.

"The bilateral relations are the result of a general policy of rapprochement between Albania and Greece, which also extends to cooperation among international security and cooperation organizations in Europe as well as the wider region. At these fora, Greece supports Albania's entry into the Euro-Atlantic institutions," Spiliotopoulos said.

After his meeting with Majko and the signing ceremony, Spiliotopoulos was also received by Albanian president Alfred Moisiu, to whom he expressed condolences over the recent loss of his son in a traffic accident, and later by prime minister Fatos Nano.

[08] Greece, Bulgaria welcome close ties

SOFIA 9/7/2004 (ANA/B.Borisov)

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with his Bulgarian counter-part, Nikolai Milkov, Stylianidis again pledged that the new government was reactivating Greece's Balkan economic reconstruction plan in talks focusing on strengthening economic diplomacy.

"Bulgaria is our best partner in this matter," the Greek official noted.

He also said the government had set a priority on accelerating procedures for opening three new border posts and access roads to Drama Xanthi and Komotini.

Stylianidis underlined that Greece was Bulgaria's top investor, with companies creating 85,000 new jobs.

[09] National Council on Foreign Policy to convene on July 16

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

The head of ESEP is Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis. Representatives of all parliamentary parties except the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) participate in ESEP.

[10] PM Karamanlis briefed on cultural issues

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

Among those he met were Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia and the director of the Benaki Museum, Angelos Delivorias, who announced that the Museum of Islamic Art, which will host collections of the Benaki Museum, will be inaugurated on July 28.

[11] Papandreou says 'PASOK is a socialist party, democratic and progressive and this does not change'

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Papandreou said "PASOK is a socialist party, democratic and progressive and this does not change."

The PASOK leader said the party will be ready at the congress to again contest the governance of the country and to confront any sudden political development.

In reply to a question regarding the eventuality of early general elections, due to a possible weakness to elect a President of the Republic, Papandreou stated that this eventuality exists in PASOK's political planning.

Papandreou further said that the congress concerns the future of Greece and that of PASOK which will proceed, along with the citizens, on the basis of its values.

To a question on the ideological stigma of PASOK, Papandreou said that this stigma does exist. PASOK, he said, "is a socialist party, democratic and socialist and this does not change." He admitted that there was confusion as to this in the minds of the citizens due to mistakes made during the 20 years of governance by the Movement. He promised that the problem would be solved and that it would be done through political procedures.

[12] Poll shows Greeks are firm supporters of the EU

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

According to the latest Eurobarometer (public opinion poll in the European Union) which was conducted between February and late March from a sample of 1,005 Greek citizens, the Greeks show that they are solid supporters of the European Union, believing that the European Union plays a very significant role in their lives and that 82 percent of the questioned answered that Greece has benefited from its participation in the EU.

The poll was also conducted in a sample of 16,000 citizens from the 15 member-countries of the EU, that is, before the EU's enlargement with ten new member-countries in the EU.

[13] European Commission warns Greece on non-implementation of directive on urban waste

BRUSSELS 9/7/2004 (ANA/A Simatos)

Specifically, the European Commission sent letters of official warning to Greece, France, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Great Britain and Portugal because until the expiration of the foreseen deadline (December 2000) they had not installed foreseen units for the processing of urban waste in many cities and towns with a population of more than 15,000 inhabitants.

According to the Commission's announcement, the inadequate processing of urban waste constitutes a major cause of pollution of waters and represents a serious danger for the health of humans and the environment.

[14] Gov't rejects demand by public transport strikers for Olympics bonus

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

The transport and communications ministry said in a statement that entitled to the 3,000-euro bonus were employees including police, who were not entitled to overtime pay under statutory regulations.

All public transport ground to a halt in Athens on Thursday as workers stayed off the job for six hours to press for the bonus.

Transport staff working overtime or carrying out extra duties during the games would be well compensated within budgetary limits, statement said.

[15] Inflation noses down to 2.8 pct

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

The fall was due mainly to sharp price declines in vegetables by 25.8 percent, including a 27.5 percent drop in potatoes; and in gasoline by 3.3 percent. Remaining goods in the consumer price index showed hikes of up to 2.0 percent, the GNSS said in a statement.

Core inflation in June 2004 was 3.6 percent; and the European Union harmonized consumer price index was at 3.1 percent, down from 3.3 percent a month earlier, the statement added.

[16] EU asks Greece to scrap discrimination against mutual funds

BRUSSELS 9/7/2004 (ANA/V.Demiris)

The Commission said in a statement that it considered the tax treatment of capital gains realized from the sale of units in mutual funds established in the EEA/EFTA to be incompatible with the freedom to provide services and the free movement of capital.

Following initial contact with the Commission, Greece amended its legislation in December 2002 to apply to mutual funds in other EU member states the preferential tax treatment that was originally reserved for Greek funds, but failed to extend the benefits to EEA/EFTA countries, the Commission said.

The request by the Commission came in the form of a reasoned opinion, which means it may refer the case to the European Court of Justice if no satisfactory response is obtained.

Originally, capital gains realized by private individuals who sold their units in Greek mutual funds were exempt from taxation. However, if the units were held in funds established in other member states or an EEA/EFTA country, the capital gains were subject to tax.

The effect was to make the provision of services by mutual funds established in other member states or EEA/EFTA-countries to residents in Greece more difficult then the those services purely within the country, the statement said.

[17] New Athens trollies presented at German embassy

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

Transport and Communications Minister Michalis Liapis, present at the event, emphasized that the electric-powered trolley cars are in line with the ministry's policy for a clean environment, for upgraded mass transportation that will in turn help to upgrade quality of living in Athens.

The new trollies provide access to the handicapped, air-conditioning and may also be tilted to facilitate the boarding of senior passengers and passengers with disabilities.

One hundred eight trollies have been delivered so far, with an additional 34 to be delivered by October.

German Ambassador to Greece Dr. Albert Spiegel also offered two trollies to the Greek government, a gift from the German government in light of the upcoming Olympic Games. Spiegel said that Wednesday's presentation of the new trollies and Germany's gift prove the important and good cooperation which exists between Germany and Greece.

[18] Stocks drop on selling in banks

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,326.07 points, showing a decline of 0.41 per cent. Turnover was 108.1 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.81 per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.23 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.49 per cent up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 196 to 92 with 65 remaining unchanged.

[19] Joint Greek-Turkish university program inaugurated

Greek Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis on Thursday inaugurated the summer session of a Greek-Turkish lecture series, developed by the University of the Aegean and the Istanbul-based Bilgi University.

The joint program is entitled "Turkey-Greece: Overcoming the Past; Embracing the Future", and will continue over the next three weeks at the two universities' campuses.

Several noted professors from both Greece and Turkey have been tapped as lecturers.

[20] Forest fire raging near Kalamos in unpopulated area

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

A team of 40 men from the EMAK emergency and rescue operations squad were also dispatched to aid the land-based operations, while national defense minister.

The fire, which broke out at Aghios Georgios near Kalamos, in Attica prefecture, and was heading towards Aghioi Apostoloi fanned by high winds of a velocity of more than 6 beaufort, has a 300-meter-long front.

The firefighting operation was being hampered by the strong winds.

There are no houses in the immediate vicinity, only pine trees and scrub, with the closest buildings reported at a large distance from the blaze. For precautionary reasons, three children's camps were evacuated, and the more than 1,000 children were evacuated initially to Kalamos' stadium and then by bus, under police and firefighter escort, to a public school in the nearby seaside town of Oropos.

Fire Brigade officers told ANA that the winds were of a lesser velocity than the estimated 8-beaufort during Wednesday's massive fire on Mt. Parnitha, in which a 75-year-old man was killed, 11 homes and four cars burned, while tens of homes suffered lesser damage.

[21] Fire breaks out in Anavyssos

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

[22] Winners of Ancient Greek language and culture contest awarded

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

[23] Last stop on international Olympic torch relay: Cyprus

The Olympic Flame arrived in Cyprus on Thursday morning at Paphos airport. President of the Cyprus Olympic Committee and IOC member Kikis Lazarides received the Olympic Torch and passed it on to the crew of an old sailboat which carried the torch to the medieval castle of Paphos. Also present were Education Minister Pefkios Georgiades, Greek Ambassador to Cyprus Christos Panagopoulos as well as other political and religious leaders.

"We want to give this event the sparkle and gravity it deserves with ceremonies that are in line with the Olympic Spirit," Paphos Mayor Phidias Sarikas said.

The Olympic Torch passed through government-controlled areas of Cyprus and past many of the island's great landmarks before arriving at its final destination in the centre of Nicosia.

The torch relay in Nicosia will end with a major public celebration in the D'Avilla moat in the old town of the divided capital, which will include the lighting of the cauldron by the last torchbearer Anninos Markoullides, a track athlete who will be competing at the 2004 Games. The ceremony will be followed by a concert of Cypriot composer Marios Tokas, who will be accompanied by well-known Greek singers and choirs from all over Cyprus.

On July 9, the Olympic Torch will continue its journey through Paralimni, in Famagusta district, on the east of the island. The journey ends at Larnaca airport where the Olympic Flame will depart for Crete, first stop of the Greek relay.

[24] Comments from Athens 2004 President after meeting with PM

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

"Greece's success in August must be a clear success, leaving no room for doubts. That which will happen in our country in August, will, I believe, affect the lives of all Greeks and of the country's image abroad. Therefore, we must remain alert and we must not allow any detail to slide until the last minute and we cannot say, 'that's okay, we'll do without that,'" Angelopoulos-Daskalaki stressed.

[25] Olympic bill passed

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

The amendment whereby the government can request the assistance of international organizations or other countries in handling damages or losses resulting from natural, technological and other disasters during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, drew sharp reactions.

The main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) party criticized the amendment since it "shifts costs to the Greek state and because it creates a negative psychological climate and through extensive publicity damages Games security," according to PASOK MP K. Spiliopoulos.

The Greek Communist Party (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left Movements and Ecology (SYN) party called the amendment unconstitutional and that it cedes the country's sovereign rights.

Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia responded that it "does not concern a military power, but rather human and material resources of political protection."

[26] Three-time Olympic weightlifting gold medalist Pyrros Dimas named Greek team's flag bearer for Athens 2004 Games

Athens, 9/7/2004 (ANA)

Dimas, one of only a handful of weightlifters to have won gold medals in three consecutive Olympic Games -- Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 -- was unanimously selected by the Hellenic Olympic Committee during a meeting on Wednesday as the flag bearer of the Greek Olympic team for the Athens 2004 Games' opening ceremony on August 13 in Athens.

The athlete, who will attempt to become the only weightlifter to win gold medals at four consecutive Olympics, was also the flag bearer of the Greek team at the opening ceremony of the Opening Ceremony of the 1996 Games in Atlanta.

During the same meeting, the HOC selected swimmer Zoe Dimoschaki to deliver the Athletes' Olympic Oath at the opening ceremony while international basketball referee Lazaros Voreadis will deliver the Officials' (judges, referees) oath.

Also, the HOC nominated internationally-renowned composer Mikis Theodorakis for the Olympic Art Award, which is presented to an artist from the host country.

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