Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-07-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] FinMin urges Greeks abroad to repatriate money

[02] Reconstructed Marathon route delivered, three weeks before Olympics

[03] Government spokesman denies newspaper report on 'Moslem nuclei'

[04] Ruling New Democracy elects new Central Committee

[05] Finmin wants "quality revolution" to boost competitiveness

[06] Greek Chambers Union sign agreement with Development ministry

[07] Greek tourist enterprises forecast 6-10 pct drop in tourist arrivals in 2004

[08] Tourism minister concedes Greek tourism experiencing very difficult period

[09] Cotton not to be considered as separate product at upcoming WTO talks

[10] Interns, doctors at Athens hospitals to strike over back pay, ambulance drivers over Olympic bonus

[11] Hellenic Railways Organization staff to hold work stoppages on Friday, Saturday and Monday

[12] New Eurostat study finds Greek wages lower than in northern Europe

[13] Stocks drop in high-cap selling

[14] 'Street-level celebration' the focus of Athens' ambitious Olympic cultural events program, Mayor says

[15] Police officer commits suicide using service revolver

[16] Police arrest foreign national using fake passport at Kavala airport

[17] US Embassy to provide limited federal benefits during Games

[18] Cypriot minister analyses measures for Turkish Cypriots

[19] Christofias protests property exploitation in occupied areas

[20] US Congresspersons condemn continuing Turkish occupation

[01] FinMin urges Greeks abroad to repatriate money

Athens 27/7/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to ANA, Mr Alogoskoufis said that he would be satisfied if Greeks repatriated around 5.0 billion euros and stressed that an estimate by the State Accounting Office of a repatriated sum of around 20 billion euros was "very optimistic".

Speaking to reporters, the Greek minister presented an amendment aimed to facilitate Greeks living abroad to transfer their capital back home by paying a 3.0 percent tax on capital.

He noted that repatriated funds would lead to new investments, more employment and improved cash flow by domestic banks.

Alogoskoufis said that the government wanted to offer amnesty to tax law violations although he stressed that banks should certify the legality of funds to avoid any money laundering plans. He noted that a new law on penalty interest rates would deal -once and for all- the problem with penalty rate debt. The government announced on Saturday a new law envisaging that penalty interest rates could not exceed two times the initial capital (for loans offered to farmers) and three times for all other borrowers.

[02] Reconstructed Marathon route delivered, three weeks before Olympics

Athens 27/7/2004 (ANA)

The Marathon race for the Athens Olympics, which runs along the 26-kilometre Marathon Avenue and an additional 16 kilometers of a broadened boulevard within the city, traces the original route run by Phidippides, lending a historic dimension that makes the Athens Games unique among other Olympiads and which, as Souflias noted, makes the race a symbol for the Olympic Games in Athens.

"Today we are delivering both projects, the Marathon route and the starting point, completed," Souflias added, stressing that fears over whether the two projects would be ready on time had been a source of great anxiety for everyone involved in Olympic preparations and for the entire Greek people. Underlining his satisfaction at the final outcome, he said the facilities built at the starting point of the race, in particular, were an architectural achievement.

The Marathon route is expected to reduce travel times from northeastern Attica to the centre of Athens by as much as an hour, from the one and a half hours that the journey takes at present. This will be more apparent after the Olympics, however, due to extra policing and traffic restrictions during the Games.

An additional road linking the port of Rafina with Attiki Odos is also expected to be completed within the month, which will also ease travel to and from the southeastern outskirts of Athens.

[03] Government spokesman denies newspaper report on 'Moslem nuclei'

Athens 27/7/2004 (ANA)

"There is no such information. I have also spoken with the public order ministry," he said.

Roussopoulos also said that on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the restoration of democracy in Greece, the government has decided to honor historic leader Constantine Karamanlis, who consolidated democracy in Greece, by imprinting his image on one euro coins when the first revision takes place.

[04] Ruling New Democracy elects new Central Committee

Athens 27/7/2004 (ANA)

The new Central Committee is to convene on Thursday to elect a new secretary, for which current ND secretary Vaggelis Meimarakis is the only candidate, and a new political council.

Deadline for ND party's Political Council candidacies expires at 7 p.m. on Wednesday: The deadline for the submission of candidacies for the ruling New Democracy party's Political Council will expire at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, since it will be elected the next day during the Central Committee's first session following its election.

The Central Committee's secretary will also be elected on Thursday, while the only candidate for the post is the incumbent Secretary Vangelis Meimarakis. According to reports, efforts will be made to provide the new Political Council with a strong role and for this reason leading party members and ministers will reportedly submit their candidacy.

Possible candidates for the seven Parliamentary member seats are George Voulgarakis, Marietta Yiannakou, Nikitas Kaklamanis, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Dimitris Sioufas and Fani Petralia.

Other names also being heard are those of Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis and Kilkis Deputy Costas Kiltidis.

[05] Finmin wants "quality revolution" to boost competitiveness

Athens 27/7/2004 (ANA)

"We need a revolution in quality in order to upgrade the country's competitive position, and achieve our goals for outward-looking economic growth, employment and social cohesion," Alogoskoufis told a meeting of the National Exports Council.

Initial steps had been taken towards strengthening exports, but more work was needed.

"We are one of the smallest economies in the European Union, and that is why we have to become more outward looking...The percentage of our exports is one third that of other European countries," the minister added.

[06] Greek Chambers Union sign agreement with Development ministry

Athens 27/7/2004 (ANA)

The contract was signed by Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Central Union of Greek Chambers' chairman George Kasimatis.

Under the agreement, the central support structure will offer coordinating services to the 13 Regional Centers around the country in close cooperation with a National Competitiveness and Development Council and a National Observatory for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises.

OETA was formed by Greek chambers' agencies, collective business agencies and university groups and is funded by a Competitiveness Business Program sponsored by the Development ministry.

[07] Greek tourist enterprises forecast 6-10 pct drop in tourist arrivals in 2004

Athens 27/7/2004 (ANA)

POET forecasts that tourism revenues would suffer an even bigger decline this year because of continuing trend of price reductions and packages offers by tourism enterprises in Greece.

The Federation, in its letter, proposed a series of specific medium-term measures aimed for the recovery of the industry. The measures include: finding ways to further improve the country's touristic product, promoting urgent solutions to sector problems, agreeing to a more efficient exploitation of a post-Olympic period and drafting a new strategy for Greek tourism.

[08] Tourism minister concedes Greek tourism experiencing very difficult period

Athens 27/7/2004 (ANA)

However, Avramopoulos noted that the Olympic Games constitute an advertising product of great importance and the tourism ministry will focus its new strategy in this framework, which aims at utilizing the post-Olympic Games scene.

Avramopoulos said this year requires particular attention since the important fact of hosting the Olympic Games was not linked to Greek tourism. He also admitted that the year had additional difficulties due to the high cost of living.

Fortunately, he added, the market itself has ultimately imposed prices, which are now becoming better and friendlier.

[09] Cotton not to be considered as separate product at upcoming WTO talks

BRUSSELS 27/7/2004 (ANA/A.Simatos)

Specifically, Molyviatis said that during the EU Foreign Ministers' meeting held here on Tuesday, whose main purpose was to establish a common EU position ahead of WTO talks, EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy said that on the issue of cotton, he will abide by the decisions reached by the EU Agriculture Ministers in April 2004.

Another EU Foreign Ministers Council meeting will be held on Friday in Geneva, following a request by France.

[10] Interns, doctors at Athens hospitals to strike over back pay, ambulance drivers over Olympic bonus

Athens 27/7/2004 (ANA)

A six-hour work stoppage by state hospital doctors in Athens and Piraeus over the same issue is scheduled for Wednesday, during which time only emergency cases will be treated, while the Athens and Piraeus Hospital Doctors Union (EINAP) has called a general meeting at the Sotiria Hospital lecture theatre on that day.

Health Minister Nikos Kaklamanis met EINAP representatives on Monday and, according to sources, has promised to meet their demands. The minister also promised that doctors working in Athens during the Olympic Games will receive extra pay in addition to their salaries, either in the form of emergency shift pay or as "extra work".

Meanwhile, ambulance service (EKAB) staff has announced a four-hour work stoppage on Tuesday between 9:00 and 13:00 to demand bonus pay for the period of the Olympics.

[11] Hellenic Railways Organization staff to hold work stoppages on Friday, Saturday and Monday

Athens 27/7/2004 (ANA)

It is doubtful whether train itineraries will be carried out smoothly on these dates, since staff will be holding three work stoppages a day between 06.00-09.00, 13.00-16.00 and 20.00-23.00.

Staff demands include general regulations applying for OSE to also apply for the suburban railway and the hiring of more personnel.

[12] New Eurostat study finds Greek wages lower than in northern Europe

BRUSSELS 27/7/2204 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

Specifically, in absolute figures, the minimum wage in Greece during 2004 is estimated at ¬ 605 per month. Within the EU, other countries with similar wages are Malta (¬ 543), Spain (¬ 537), and Portugal (¬ 498). In terms of purchasing power, the Greek minimum wage is also higher than that of Malta, Spain and Portugal.

In the US, the minimum wage, according to Eurostat, is estimated at ¬ 727 per month. In northern European countries, however, the minimum wage is more than ¬ 1,000 per month, reaching ¬ 1,073 in Ireland, ¬ 1,173 in France, ¬ 1,265 in the Netherlands and ¬ 1,403 in Luxembourg.

On the other end of the spectrum, Bulgaria's minimum wage is ¬ 61 per month, Romania's is ¬ 69, Poland's is ¬ 177 and Turkey's is ¬ 240.

Among the 25 EU member states, 18 (including Greece) have legislation which defines minimum wage levels, while 7 member states do not.

[13] Stocks drop in high-cap selling

Athens 27/7/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at the day's high of 2,311.53 points, showing a decline of 0.47 per cent. Turnover was 70.7 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.77 per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.33 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.38 per cent up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 180 to 110 with 62 remaining unchanged.

[14] 'Street-level celebration' the focus of Athens' ambitious Olympic cultural events program, Mayor says

Athens 27/7/2004 (ANA)

Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni told a press conference of foreign and local reporters that the city has planned more than 500 concerts and musical events, dance shows, down-to-earth art exhibitions and even street theater performances in various corners of the densely populated municipality, all continuing into September, when the Paralympics are hosted here.

Twenty-two locations, ranging from elegant cobblestone walkways around the Acropolis and other touristy parts of the Greek capital to obscure squares in post-industrialized Athenian neighborhoods, will host the daily events. Moreover, 116 international events are on the agenda, as the city is cooperating with 34 foreign embassies in the country as well as with foreign cultural institutions, she noted.

Bakoyianni said Athens has budgeted a total of 150 million euros for street repairs, new handicap-friendly sidewalks, rebuilding town squares, beautifying buildings' facades and various other projects ahead of the Games, regardless of the fact that the actual municipality retains only one Olympic venue: the U-shaped and marble-adorned Panathinaiko Stadium that will host the archery competition and serve as the finish line for the Marathon races. Practically all of the Olympic venues, including the Olympic Village, are located in the smaller and numerous municipalities surrounding Athens' indiscernible city limits.

Asked if the city's program aimed at "shoring up" the centrally planned and delay-ridden "Cultural Olympiad", Bakoyianni stressed that the targets and scope of each program are different.

"We wanted to avoid the big events, the big exhibitions… we want visitors to feel they are in a city that is celebrating," she said, adding that Sydney's emphasis on "experiencing the celebration" served as a model for Athens.

"We would like to show guests the Athens we know and love," was her opening comment.

Finally, in response to another press question, Bakoyianni, a former minister and MP with the ruling New Democracy party, claimed that hotel and restaurant prices have gone down recently around the city.

The press conference was held at the Zappeion Hall, a stately neo-classical building next to Parliament in downtown Athens that will serve as a media center for non-accredited press professionals during the 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

[15] Police officer commits suicide using service revolver

Athens 27/7/2004 (ANA)

The incident occurred at police facilities in Amygdaleza, where officer Athanasios Moschidis was staying. He was immediately taken to the 401 Military Hospital but doctors were unable to save his life.

Police chief Athanassios Nasiakos has ordered an inquiry to discover the reasons that led the young officer to take his own life.

[16] Police arrest foreign national using fake passport at Kavala airport

Athens 27/7/2004 (ANA)

On the basis of his testimony, police made two further arrests in Komotini, and all three suspects will appear before a public prosecutor.

This is 30th fake passport found on a foreign national in northeastern Greece and, according to police, they are supplied by Bulgarian and Turkish criminal gangs for around 500 to 2,000 euros a piece.

[17] US Embassy to provide limited federal benefits during Games

Athens 27/7/2004 (ANA)

Between August 7 and 31, applicants for student visas will be accommodated as much as possible, but routine applications for tourist, crew or working visas will not be accepted during this period.

[18] Cypriot minister analyses measures for Turkish Cypriots

BRUSSELS 27/7/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Referring to the current situation in Cyprus, he said ''thousands of Greek and Turkish Cypriots mingle in all kinds of peaceful pursuits, from working together to having fun together'', noting that ''over the last year there have been three million crossings without any incidents.''

He added that hundreds of Turkish Cypriots visit state medical facilities in the government-controlled areas of the Republic.

He reminded that on 26 April 2004 and before the EU Council Conclusions were drafted, he proposed the allocation of 259 million euros to the Turkish Cypriot community, noting that the government wants ''every euro to go to the Turkish Cypriot community.''

Elaborating on the measures, the minister noted that the government's aim is the development of a feeling of security, adding that practical initiatives are required to capitalize on this.

The measures, he said, deal with the opening of additional crossing points along the ceasefire line, lifting minefields although the Greek Cypriot side has unilaterally begun the process for National Guard mines within the buffer zone, and the disengagement of military forces from the walled part of the capital Nicosia and from the wider Dherynia-Famagusta and Strovilia areas in eastern Cyprus. The proposals also include the restriction of military exercises.

''These proposals are free standing and are not dependent on other initiatives that we have taken or are going to take in the near future,'' he explained.

He added that the government considers regulation 866/2004, unanimously agreed by the Council on 29 April 2004, to be an important regulation for both intra-island trade and the exporting of Turkish Cypriot products.

However, he added, the government ''identified a number of issues which are not conducive to the efficient conduct of business under the provisions of this regulation'' and therefore has already suggested to the Commission amendments so as to introduce ''more liberal provisions which will facilitate trade'', which ''are currently being studied by the Commission.''

As regards to the Turkish occupied area of Famagusta, Iacovou said that the government is proposing the demilitarization, including lifting minefields in the access area in the city, stressing that ''the return of the fenced part of Varosha to its lawful inhabitants has been called by UN Security Council Resolutions 550/1984 and 789/1992.''

''The Turkish Cypriots claim an access to the port. The fact is that all legal ports of Cyprus are at the entire disposal of the Turkish Cypriots who, as citizens of the Republic of Cyprus, are fully entitled to use them,'' he added.

Concluding, he said it was the government's conviction that its initiatives ''create the necessary basis for the creation of conditions of security and trust between Greek and Turkish Cypriots'' and that ''the proposals further increase the prospects of Turkish Cypriot trade and more generally of the Turkish Cypriot economy."

[19] Christofias protests property exploitation in occupied areas

NICOSIA 27/7/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Christofias received Parker on Monday for an hour-long meeting, after which no statements were made.

Sources told CNA that Christofias and Parker completed their discussion concerning the present phase of the Cyprus question.

The House President has made verbal representations, requesting Britain's contribution to prevent the exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties in the areas of the island under Turkish occupation since 1974.

Parker pledged to convey the representations to his government.

[20] US Congresspersons condemn continuing Turkish occupation

NICOSIA 27/7/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Statements to this effect were made by a special order at the plenary of the US Congress, organized by the co-chairpersons of the Hellenic

Caucus Michael Bilirakis and Carolyn Maloney, to commemorate 30 years after the 1974 invasion and occupation of Cyprus' northern areas.

Reiterating his ''fierce objection to the illegal occupation'' of Cyprus, Bilirakis said that the rejection by the Greek Cypriots of a UN plan on a comprehensive settlement (the Annan plan) should not be interpreted as ''a vote against reunification but rather as an important statement about the fundamental principles that must be addressed in any viable and workable settlement.''

The suggested plan, he said, ''failed because it did not provide for guarantees to ensure the complete implementation of commitments under

the plan," nor did it satisfy the condition of the removal of foreign troops and the elimination of the right of the guarantor powers to intervene in Cyprus.

Bilirakis said the plan included a permanent restriction on the number of Greek Cypriots wishing to live permanent in the Turkish Cypriot constituent state of a United Republic of Cyprus, which would have come into being had the plan been approved by the island's two communities.

In his address to Congress, he also referred to a package of measures the Cypriot government had proposed to assist the Turkish Cypriots and said that Nicosia continued to stress its firm commitment to reunify the island under a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

Maloney said that now was not the time to give up on efforts to find a negotiated settlement in Cyprus, stressing that a reunified Cyprus would promote political and economic stability to the entire Mediterranean region.

''Thirty years is too long to have a country divided, too long to be kept from your home, to be separated from your family,'' she said.

She said Cyprus' accession to the European Union was an ''historic achievement'' and added that Cyprus, as an EU member representing European values, would help strengthen EU-US ties.

Concluding her address, she said ''it is time for the Cypriots to live in peace and security, with full enjoyment of their human rights.''

Meanwhile, Congressman Frank Pallone, in a statement he issued to mark 30 years of occupation, called for ''the two sides to come together once again to begin the process of crafting a final proposal that is acceptable to all of the people of Cyprus.''

Pallone referred to the Annan plan, saying that provisions in the plan relating to property would have grossly subverted the legitimate property rights of Cypriots.

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