Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-07-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Minister insists that Olympic Games security is still in Greek hands

[02] Foreign Minister to meet British Foreign Secretary on Thursday

[03] Deputy Defense minister and Navy chief observe Olympics security exercise

[04] Foreign ministry on deviations from Schengen for 'Olympic Family'

[05] Government spokesman says Zeppelin ordered when PASOK was in power

[06] EU General Affairs Council not to discuss funding for Turkish-Cypriots

[07] Israel considers itself above the law, Palestinian representative in Athens says

[08] Greek gov't discusses ways to implement new CAP

[09] Development Ministry cracks down on profiteering businesses

[10] Gov't strengthens market inspection agency with new hiring's

[11] Meeting held at Finance and Economy Ministry on 4th Community Support Framework

[12] Greek firms among Business Week's Global-1000

[13] Strike by air traffic controllers on Thursday

[14] Austrian firms account for 60 million euros in Olympics projects

[15] Stocks nose down despite rise abroad

[16] "Pilgrimage to Sinai" inaugurated at Benaki Museum

[17] Second accident for new Athens tram

[18] Go-ahead for Athens mosque imminent, Greek foreign ministry says

[19] Police bust drug-trafficking ring operating in Attica

[20] Russia welcomes CBMs announced by Cyprus government

[21] Cyprus and Vatican foreign ministers discuss Cyprus problem

[22] Greeks and Greek Cypriots in New York condemn Turkish invasion

[01] Minister insists that Olympic Games security is still in Greek hands

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

"It is impossible for me to follow rumors regarding Olympic security, which are leaked on an almost daily basis, particularly in the lead-up to the Olympic Games. Once again, I wish to stress that the Greek authorities are exclusively responsible for the security of the Games, and they are doing whatever is humanly possible for the Olympic Games to take place in a safe and secure environment," Voulgarakis said.

The minister also pointed out that the official request made by Greece for international assistance was absolutely clear and had been made public early on.

'The visits of the leaders of various states are governed by a special security protocol based on the principle of mutuality and are independent of the event that calls for their movement. Greek security authorities are exclusively responsible for the safety of the athletic teams," he added.

A press release issued by the Communist Party of Greece criticized the government for agreeing to allow at least 400 U.S. marines on Greek soil, most of who will be guarding U.S. officials during the Olympic Games.

[02] Foreign Minister to meet British Foreign Secretary on Thursday

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

The spokesman said the visit was taking place at the invitation of the British foreign secretary and that the agenda for the talks between Straw and Molyviatis was open-ended and broad-ranging.

According to Koumoutsakos, Molyviatis will be briefing Straw on the priorities of the new Greek government's in various areas of foreign policy and there will be discussion of the Cyprus issue, developments in Europe, the Middle East and the Balkans.

[03] Deputy Defense minister and Navy chief observe Olympics security exercise

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

The exercise included attacks on moving targets and the boarding of suspicious vessels for inspection by climbing down or scaling onto them while in motion.

Mihaloliakos afterwards said the success of the exercise was one more indication that Greece would organize the best and safest Olympics and said that increasing salary levels of armed forces staff was a government priority.

[04] Foreign ministry on deviations from Schengen for 'Olympic Family'

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

The measures concern athletes and team officials, technical officials, VIPs such as the members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), national Olympic committees and heads of state or international federations, media representatives and sponsors.

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said staff from the ministry responsible for the implementation of the Schengen Treaty were now carrying out a series of visits to brief passport control services at the main European airports used for transit to Greece on visa requirements, in order to facilitate the passage of VIP travelers and athletes to Greece during the Games.

[05] Government spokesman says Zeppelin ordered when PASOK was in power

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

Roussopoulos further said the Zeppelin was ordered at a cost of millions of euros and without any official bothering at the time to find out that specifications do not anticipate its flight when winds over five beaufort are blowing, as is the case in Greece every summer.

"PASOK's spokesman should be more careful, particularly when with his unfortunate statements he exposes, apart from himself, his party as well," Roussopoulos said.

[06] EU General Affairs Council not to discuss funding for Turkish-Cypriots

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

The spokesman said discussion on this issue was still underway within a special team set up to look into it, while Greece's positions were the result of daily close cooperation between the permanent representatives of Athens and Nicosia in Brussels.

He said the Council was called to finalize EU positions in view of the World Trade Organization (WTO) assembly next month in Geneva, fiscal issues and international politics, such as the situation in the Middle East, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the situation in Iraq.

[07] Israel considers itself above the law, Palestinian representative in Athens says

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

"The UN decision shows that the international community supports the fair cause of the Palestinians and asks the Israelis to knock down the racist wall of separation. There is no reason or cause for what Israel is attempting on occupied Palestinian territory. The General Assembly of the United Nations confirmed the decision of the International Court of Justice at The Hague, according to which the wall being constructed is illegal because it infiltrates into the West Bank in order to surround settlements built by Israel in areas taken over in 1967," Abdel Hamid said.

Thanking the 150 countries that had voted in favor of the decision, the Palestinian official noted that only the United States and four other countries had voted against the decision, which showed the isolation of these countries that went counter to the will of the international community.

[08] Greek gov't discusses ways to implement new CAP

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

Addressing the meeting, Agricultural Development and Food Minister, Savvas Tsitouridis said that the sector was facing significant challenges. Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Tsitouridis said that the meeting also discussed ways to ensure the future of the Greek farm sector, following developments in the EU and the world.

The Greek minister said he planned to present a program to implementing the new CAP in Greece from 2006 to a parliamentary committee in Friday, after completing a round of talks with all interested parties in the previous fortnight.

Tsitouridis also said that the government would have to submit with the EU its decisions on the issue, along with its final proposals on farm subsidy quotas.

[09] Development Ministry cracks down on profiteering businesses

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

Specifically, on July 13, 11 inspection teams found 30 establishments (27% of the total number inspected) in the city centre to be violating market control laws, while other teams which inspected seven establishments at the Athens International Airport, found all of them in violation, selling products at a mixed profit margin ranging between 82% and 588% (a margin of 45% is allowed).

The above businesses have been referred to the public prosecutor and have been fined.

[10] Gov't strengthens market inspection agency with new hiring's

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Attica prefect Mrs. Fofi Yennimata to discuss ways to combat informal commerce ahead, during and after the Olympic Games, Papathanasiou stressed that the issue was a responsibility of both the state mechanism and regional authorities. The state agency currently employs around 200 inspectors in Athens, while the 500 new jobs will have an eight-month term.

[11] Meeting held at Finance and Economy Ministry on 4th Community Support Framework

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

It was agreed during the meeting that a dialogue should be held with social partners by the end of the year to enable guidelines for the new CSF to be determined.

A timetable was also submitted on the basis of which the 4th CSF will be finalized and tabled at the European Commission for ratification in early 2006. The 4th CSF concerns the period between 2007 and 2013.

[12] Greek firms among Business Week's Global-1000

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

The Greek enterprises appearing in the ranking based on market value on May 31 are as follows, with their positions: National Bank of Greece (715), EFG Eurobank Ergasias (771), Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (818), Alpha Bank (883), Football Pools Organization (884), Coca Cola HBC (911), Public Power Corporation (930), and Cosmote (969).

[13] Strike by air traffic controllers on Thursday

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

The strike was called in reaction to the jamming of the airwaves by radio and television stations at frequencies which interfere with air traffic controllers' communication with pilots.

The Civil Aviation Authority has denounced the strike as illegal and has taken the case to court. A decision by the court of first instance is expected to be issued this afternoon.

[14] Austrian firms account for 60 million euros in Olympics projects

VIENNA 7/22/04 (ANA/D Dimitrakoudis)

According to data released at a presentation of Austrian athletes who will take part in the games, the lion's share of participation was by Alpine, a construction company, at 47 million euros of the total. The firm has taken part in extension works for the Athens metro.

The Austrian Economic Chamber said that trade transactions between Greece and Austria have increased in recent years.

[15] Stocks nose down despite rise abroad

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,348.86 points, showing a decline of 0.16 per cent. Turnover was 82.7 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.01 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.47 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.58 per cent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 184 to 87 with 82 remaining unchanged.

[16] "Pilgrimage to Sinai" inaugurated at Benaki Museum

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

The exhibit is a reference, a prayer, a show of gratitude towards God, according to Archbishop and Abbot of the Monastery Damianos.

The exhibit features icons ranging from the 12th and 15th centuries, including rare examples of art from Constantinople.

Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis, former Education Minister Petros Efthymiou and Benaki Museum Curator Angelos Delivorrias were present at the inauguration.

[17] Second accident for new Athens tram

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

Authorities have laid the blame for the accident on the driver of the car, who was lightly injured and taken to a local hospital.

[18] Go-ahead for Athens mosque imminent, Greek foreign ministry says

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

He stressed that Greece had decided in favor of the construction of such an Islamic Cultural Centre several years ago and also underlined the government's political will to enact the final measures necessary for the centre to begin operating.

According to Koumoutsakos, the construction and operation of the centre will be handled by a private-sector legal entity that would take the form of a non-profit organization supervised by the Greek State, while funding for the project will be provided by the Saudi Arabia government.

The spokesman said the funding arrangement was based on a bilateral agreement, while the site for the centre had been chosen in a law passed by Parliament in 2000.

[19] Police bust drug-trafficking ring operating in Attica

ATHENS, 7/22/04 (ANA)

They said that three Greeks had been placed under arrest and that police had confiscated 4,500 ecstasy pills, nine grams of cocaine and 10,000 euros in cash as well as other evidence.

The bust was made after following up on a tip-off that a member of a Greek-Albanian drug ring had been responsible for the murder of an Egyptian woman working as a model in 1996. The man was placed under surveillance and led police to the other members of the gang.

[20] Russia welcomes CBMs announced by Cyprus government

NICOSIA 7/22/04 (CNA/ANA)

Moscow expressed hope that there will be new agreed, constructing and many sided efforts from both sides to solve the Cyprus problem.

A statement issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry said that this initiative of the Cyprus government ''has been evaluated positively in Russia.''

It noted that the implementation of the CBMs would facilitate the promotion of a climate of safety and trust, as a basis to reach a comprehensive settlement.

''We hope that the initiative of the government of the Cyprus Republic will be examined thoroughly by all sides involved in this conflict and that after the first steps new agreed, constructive and many-sided efforts will follow by both sides of the 'green line','' the statement added.

The Russian ministry also noted that Russia is ready to continue its cooperation with both sides in Cyprus and with other interested countries with a view to reach a comprehensive, viable and just solution to the Cyprus problem, on the basis of the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council.

[21] Cyprus and Vatican foreign ministers discuss Cyprus problem

NICOSIA 7/22/04 (CNA/ANA)

An official press release issued here said Iacovou briefed his Vatican counterpart on efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, explaining the positions of the Greek Cypriot side on various provisions of the Annan plan, rejected by the Greek Cypriot community.

Lajolo congratulated Iacovou on Cyprus' accession to the European Union and expressed understanding to the positions put forward by his Cypriot counterpart.

Iacovou referred also to the confidence building measures announced by the Cyprus government last week with an aim to develop security among Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

He also mentioned the issue of the people missing since the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of 37 per cent of Cyprus territory, underlining its humanitarian dimension.

The two ministers discussed current developments in the EU and international and regional issues of mutual interest.

Iacovou returned to Cyprus late Tuesday night.

[22] Greeks and Greek Cypriots in New York condemn Turkish invasion

NEW YORK 7/22/04(CNA/ANA)

A gathering was organized at Athens Square in Astoria, New York, on Tuesday night by the Cyprus Federation of America, the International Coordinating Committee - Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), and other organizations of Greeks and Greek Cypriots living in the US.

Addressing the event President of the Cyprus Federation Panikos Papanikolaou said that Cypriots living in the US would carry on their struggle for freedom in Cyprus.

PSEKA's President Philip Christopher said ''we have to continue the struggle until Cyprus is reunited and is free again.''

On behalf of the President of the World Council of Hellenes (SAE) Andrew Athens, Andreas Komodromos said all Hellenes stand by Cyprus and that ''we will prove that Greek Cypriots do not lean''.

Cyprus General Consul Martha Mavrommatis said that Cypriots continue their struggle with the support of Hellenes all over the world for a just and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem. ''We continue the struggle because there are no lost homelands for the people who fight,'' she added.

Greek Consul George Alexopoulos said that Cyprus has proved she can stand on her feet and achieved to join the EU. "The time has ripe for the EU to fulfill its duty and help towards the settlement of the Cyprus problem", he added.

Representatives of Governor Patakis, Congresswoman Karolin Maloney and State Congressman Michael Yiannaris also read out declarations.

Meanwhile the American Hellenic Institute (AHI) said in a statement on the occasion of 30 years of Turkish occupation in Cyprus that ''if the US and the world community is serious about solving the Cyprus problem solutions have to be pursued that are just and viable.''

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