Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-07-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM says Greece is ready for Olympics in 'Corriere della Sera' interview

[02] Information regarding terrorists in Greece unreliable, gov't says of press reports

[03] Vangelis Meimarakis only candidate for ND party Central Committee secretary

[04] Cabinet discusses policy for education

[05] Development Minister inaugurates solar energy system unit

[06] Greek gov't fully supports plan for a Regional Energy Market in Southeastern Europe

[07] Main opposition PASOK protests over introduction of amendments to finance ministry bill

[08] Greek clothing companies to visit Bangladesh

[09] Household, business debt rises

[10] Ambulance staff, doctors go on strike over pay demands

[11] Case-file on sale of Greek Tourist Properties land to hotel sent to Parliament

[12] Stocks rise in across-the-board buying

[13] Public transport workers reach agreement with transport ministry

[14] The two Koreas to parade under one flag at Athens Games

[15] Stephanopoulos visits Pnyx worksites

[16] Two found guilty of Ricomex factory collapse, set free pending appeal

[17] Tanker-truck carrying sulphuric acid capsizes on Kozani road

[18] Children's art exhibit at Athens Int'l Airport

[19] Cypriot minister says EU regulations subject to consent

[20] Cyprus makes representations to US

[21] US Congressmen condemn Turkish invasion of Cyprus

[01] PM says Greece is ready for Olympics in 'Corriere della Sera' interview

ROME 28/7/2004 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakou)

Karamanlis particularly focused on the huge effort made by Greece in the area of security, underlining that the investment for security had been several times that spent at the previous Games in Sydney and that Greece was cooperating with allies and partners, including NATO, to create an international security network that would be much more effective than anything Greece could have achieved on its own.

In addition, he noted that more than 70,000 security personnel had been specially trained in all aspects of Olympic security and that everything possible had been done. Asked about the impact of the Games on the Greek economy and whether he feared an economic crisis after the Olympics were over, Karamanlis admitted that the original budget had been greatly exceeded but that he expected the net result of the Olympics to be positive for the country's future.

"For example, we can increase public works projects in other areas of the country, which have been sacrificed in favor of Athens. Life doesn't end with the Olympic Games," he said.

Karamanlis also disagreed that the financial burden of the Olympics would henceforth be too big for smaller countries like Greece to bear, saying that the Olympic ideal could not become the exclusive province of larger countries.

Regarding the dangers of a blackout like that which left large parts of Greece without power on July 12, the prime minister ruled out the possibility that this might reoccur during the Games, saying that it had been the result of human error not a lack of power.

"The blackout was actually a life-saver. The fact that it occurred just one month before the Games has put everyone on alert," he said.

The interview also referred to the prime minister's feelings about Greece's victory in the European football championships and Turkey's European prospects, which Karamanlis said would be supported.

PM says Greece fully prepared for Olympics challenge, potential terror threats: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis underlined that Greece was absolutely ready to handle a potential terrorist attack during the Olympic Games in an interview appearing in the Athens daily "Metro" on Tuesday.

The premier stressed that this was the first time in the history of the Olympics that a host-country had spent 1.2 billion dollars on security alone - roughly five times the amount spent for the Sydney Games.

Addressing concerns that the Olympic period might give rise to phenomena such as rampant overcharging for goods and services, Karamanlis said the development ministry was working with market groups and organizations to formulate a plan of action to prevent and deal with such cases, if they arose.

He also denied that the Greek economy would slump after the Olympics, stressing that the country would be more experienced, more confident and more ambitious.

"Our know-how, our infrastructure and the worldwide promotion of our country as a result of the Olympics will be the foundation on which we base our planning for the post-Olympics period," he said.

[02] Information regarding terrorists in Greece unreliable, gov't says of press reports

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

According to the reports, the terrorists had passed through Greece on their way to Belgium and an Interpol notice was issued in connection with the case.

According to ministry officials, there was a person of Greek descent that went to the police and gave such information but after an investigation this was found to be totally lacking in seriousness, while the person providing the information was deemed unreliable.

Foreign ministry spokesman denies report on Islamist terrorists arriving in Belgium from Greece: Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos on Tuesday denied a report by the Belgian RTL television channel on the supposed presence of Islamist terrorists in Belgium who reportedly arrived in the country from Greece with the purpose of carrying out acts of sabotage at NATO's headquarters.

"It is a groundless rumor which, from what we know, came from an unreliable source," Koumoutsakos said.

[03] Vangelis Meimarakis only candidate for ND party Central Committee secretary

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

"My aim is to serve from this position the principles and values we believe in, to make our party more open to citizens and an intermediate link between society and the government, as the 6th regular congress binds us," Meimarakis said.

Meanwhile, the time limit for candidacies for the party's Political Council expires at 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni has already announced her candidacy in light of Thursday's elections.

Arta Deputy Costas Karambinas has also announced his candidacy, while Deputy Foreign Minister Evrypidis Stylianidis is no longer interested in such a prospect and Kilkis Deputy Costas Kiltidis, who was considering submitting his candidacy, has ultimately decided not to be a candidate.

Candidacies are also expected to be submitted by Prokopis Pavlopoulos, George Voulgarakis, Nikitas Kaklamanis, Dimitris Sioufas, Vyron Polydoras, Fani Petralia and Marietta Yiannakou.

Deputy Defense Minister Vassilis Mihaloliakos, who had participated for years in the Political Council, announced that he will not be a candidate.

Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni confirms candidacy for ND party's Political Council: Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni on Tuesday confirmed her candidacy for the ruling New Democracy party's Political Council and so did Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas with whom she met during the day.

"Yes, I shall be a candidate. The above guiding body of every party is a very important body and I believe that Thursday's elections will be held with the same success as the elections for the Central Committee were," Bakoyianni said.

Sioufas said on his part "I shall be a candidate, just like Mrs. Bakoyianni will be, as well as other colleagues because we believe that this milestone congress, with which a new era is being determined for citizens, for ND and the country and the country's political affairs, must have its continuation in the party's guiding bodies."

[04] Cabinet discusses policy for education

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou said these had been chosen using political criteria and should already have resigned. She said the new regional educational directors will be chosen on the basis of merit and will be temporary until August 2005. In the meantime, dialogue will be initiated to decide the criteria for hiring permanent directors, to be included in a bill of law.

The minister noted that teachers' unions had in the past protested that the criteria for choosing bureau and regional chiefs were not merit-based.

The minister also confirmed that she will be standing for election to ruling New Democracy's political council, which will be elected on Thursday morning.

[05] Development Minister inaugurates solar energy system unit

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

The Greek minister praised the Greek-German partnership in the energy sector and stressed the priorities and measures examined by the Development ministry for promoting Renewable Energy Sources and solar energy systems in the country.

"Installing a solar energy system in a school is a living lesson on sustainable growth as it shows how we can produce electricity from solar power and how to have energy with total respect to the environment. The message is clear and simple: Energy sufficiency can be achieved with respect to sustainable and viable growth. Renewable Energy Sources are the only energy form to fully serve these principles," Sioufas said in his inauguration speech.

He also presented a series of political and social targets promoted by Renewable Energy Sources, such as environmental protection, supporting regional development and local employment, and contributing in attracting direct foreign investments.

Development Deputy Minister George Salagoudis on Monday signed 18 new licenses for electricity production projects by Renewable Energy Sources, of a total power of 80MW. The licenses cover wind-power parks and small hydroelectric projects.

[06] Greek gov't fully supports plan for a Regional Energy Market in Southeastern Europe

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

A ministry announcement said that the political leadership of the ministry fully supported a draft deal to promote a European Commission's initiative for the creation of Single Regional Energy Market in Southeastern Europe and stressed that Greece could have a leading role in procedures to establish such an agency.

Greece, located in the southeast part of Europe, is directly interested to promote a Single Regional Energy Market and to have a leading role in its activities.

Under the Commission's plan, all Balkan states along with Austria, Italy, Slovenia and Hungary would participate in a new Single Regional Market.

[07] Main opposition PASOK protests over introduction of amendments to finance ministry bill

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

PASOK Parliamentary group secretary Dimitris Reppas and PASOK's Parliamentary representative Haris Kastanidis said it was unacceptable that the amendments were being added on a Saturday when Parliament was closed and that they were being attached to the specific bill, since they were completely unrelated to its contents.

The two MPs also criticized an amendment for the return of funds from abroad, claiming that it was flawed and dangerously close to money-laundering.

On her part, Psarouda-Benaki conceded that the number of amendments was very great but that their discussion could not be left until later, given the circumstances, namely the closure of Parliament and the Olympic Games.

[08] Greek clothing companies to visit Bangladesh

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

The Greek business delegation will comprise of four clothing companies. The delegation will visit a textile and clothing trade fair (BATEXPO 2004), to be held at the Pan Pacific Sonargon Hotel in Dhaka, and will meet with local companies and businessmen. The trade visit will also comprise of clothing companies from Spain and Belgium and it is supported by the European Union.

A SEBE announcement said that Bangladesh was one of the most suitable Asian countries to begin partnerships with Greece in the clothing sector and stressed that several European businesses have already started to transfer their production lines in the country due to its low labor cost and tradition in textiles.

[09] Household, business debt rises

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

On an annualized basis, the rate of growth of loan balances (credit expansion) was 17.7 percent against 17.3 percent in the previous month, with all categories of borrowing showing an increase, the statement said.

[10] Ambulance staff, doctors go on strike over pay demands

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

Ambulance workers were joined in their strike on Tuesday by doctors and interns at the Asklipio Hospital in Voula and interns at the Aglaia Kyriakou Children's' Hospital in Athens, who continued the three-hour work stoppages between 8:00 - 11:00 began on Monday over back pay owed them for emergency shifts.

On Wednesday there will be a work stoppage by doctors at all state hospitals in Attica between 8:00-14:00 with similar demands. During those hours, only emergency cases will be treated.

[11] Case-file on sale of Greek Tourist Properties land to hotel sent to Parliament

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

The case concerns the sale of 12 hectares belonging to ETA, a societe anonym company, to the hotel Astir Pallas Vouliagmenis, which came to light as a result of articles in two daily papers.

A preliminary inquiry into the affair ordered by the public prosecutors' office in Athens found that the only shareholder of ETA was the Greek State, which at the company's annual meeting was represented by then finance and development ministers Nikos Christodoulakis and Akis Tsohatzopoulos, respectively.

They both unanimously agreed to and approved the sale of the property to Astir Pallas for the sum of 16 million euros.

First-instance public prosecutor Isidoros Doyiakos, who was put in charge of the investigation, has also filed charges against the management of the State Property Company for the sale of public real estate at prices significantly lower than their market value.

[12] Stocks rise in across-the-board buying

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at the day's high of 2,353.25 points, showing a rise of 1.80 per cent. Turnover was 108.5 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 1.42 percent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 2.89 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 3.37 per cent up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 296 to 32 with 34 remaining unchanged.

[13] Public transport workers reach agreement with transport ministry

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

According to an announcement released by the ministry, employees of OASA, ETHEL (buses), ISAP (trains), ILPAP (trolleys), AMEL (metro) and TRAM (tram) will be compensated appropriately for the services they provide during the Olympic Games. The announcement did not include details of the agreement.

Transport and Communications Minister Michalis Liapis said he was satisfied with the sense of duty and responsibility all parties showed. He added that the efficiency and practicality of the public transport system in improving citizens' quality of life and contributing to the successful staging of the Olympic Games concerns everyone.

[14] The two Koreas to parade under one flag at Athens Games

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

The ambassador said that North and South Korean athletes would parade under one flag at the 2004 Athens Games and talked of the enthusiasm with which citizens of both Koreas are looking forward to the Games. He said thousands of Koreans would come to Athens to see the Games live.

Psarouda-Benaki said she hoped that "the Olympic spirit of reconciliation and peace would endure beyond the Games."

[15] Stephanopoulos visits Pnyx worksites

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

[16] Two found guilty of Ricomex factory collapse, set free pending appeal

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

The court found architect Nikos Scholidis and civil engineer Alexandros Dovas guilty for the building's collapse but converted the charge against them from manslaughter with intent, a felony, to manslaughter through negligence.

Civil engineers Adamantios Vassilakis and Emmanuel Kotzastrafti were cleared of manslaughter with intent charges.

The court's decision caused angry reactions among relatives of the victims who were present in the courtroom, who said their loved ones killed at Ricomex had been treated like the victims of a road accident.

The public prosecutor on the bench had asked for three of the four defendants to be found guilty and to convert the charge against them from manslaughter to intent to lethal endangerment.

[17] Tanker-truck carrying sulphuric acid capsizes on Kozani road

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

Traffic was immediately stopped and diverted via Grevena, as thick smoke formed over the site of the accident due to the acid. Conditions were made even more dangerous by the heavy rain that had fallen in the area the night before.

A second tanker was sent to the scene to decant the remaining acid so that the overturned tanker could be removed from the road, while a strong force of firemen and police remained on hand.

The truck had Albanian number plates and had loaded the sulphuric acid in Thessaloniki to transport it to Tirana. The driver was slightly injured and is now being held at the Kozani traffic department.

Kozani police said the road should be reopened at around 15:00 in the afternoon and, until then, traffic will be diverted via Grevena, Milia and Metsovo.

[18] Children's art exhibit at Athens Int'l Airport

Athens, 28/7/2004 (ANA)

The exhibit will be held at the Arrivals terminal (extra-Schengen arrivals) through October 30.

[19] Cypriot minister says EU regulations subject to consent

NICOSIA 28/7/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Iacovou said the government had mentioned some new proposals to the EU, some of which would be unilaterally implemented, noting that these proposals would be officially presented to the EU and would be publicized once some loose ends were tied.

In statements on Tuesday, Iacovou said he returned from Brussels on Tuesday morning where he spoke to foreign media and elaborated on ''new measures for the trading of Turkish Cypriot products to the areas under the control of the Cypriot state, and for export purposes.''

He said it was common knowledge that the regulation relating to direct trade could not be based on article 133 of the EU Treaty but on Protocol 10 of Cyprus' Accession Treaty, which demands unanimity.

For this reason, Iacovou met on Tuesday with the Ambassador of Holland in Nicosia whose country is currently holding the EU rotating presidency.

Iacovou said he would be holding a series of meetings in August in view of the September 3 COREPER (permanent representatives of EU states) meeting and the September 13 General Affairs Council, during which he will be elaborating on the government's new proposals.

According to the proposals, trucks will be able to transport products produced by their owner, trucks belonging to companies or other persons will be able to transport goods for a fee, tourist coaches will be able to transport tourists or Turkish Cypriots to the areas under the state's control, and taxis that belong to Turkish Cypriots will be able to bring passengers from the Turkish occupied areas to the government-controlled areas.

Replying to questions, Iacovou said ''we find the controls imposed by the EU very strict, inflexible and non-facilitating trade activities,'' adding that ''simpler ways must be found.''

Iacovou expressed certainty that the Dutch presidency had realized that ''this regulation cannot be based on article 133 of the EU Treaty regarding the trade of products with third countries.''

''It must be based on the Accession Treaty, Protocol 10. This of course needs unanimity,'' he added.

[20] Cyprus makes representations to US

NICOSIA 28/7/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Foreign Minister George Iacovou said the representations were made on Tuesday to US Ambassador here Michael Klosson by the Ministry's Permanent Representative Sotos Zakheos, who explained the government position on the matter and pointed out that such remarks create many concerns to the people and provoke public sentiment.

Similar representations were made to the State Department by Cyprus' Ambassador in Washington Euripides Evriviades.

''The demarche essentially explains our position that the US should not over-simplify this issue, which causes grave anxiety to the people of Cyprus and provokes public sentiment among Cypriots, even if the view expressed by the State Department spokesman referred exclusively to his interpretation of the provisions of US legislation on the transfer of arms of a certain age, 1988,'' the minister said.

He said the Cypriot government disagreed with the legal interpretation given to the US legislation and added that in the past Nicosia had protested the illegality of the presence of US arms which the Turkish occupation troops have on the island.

''International law stipulates that the weapons the Turkish military have is illegal since the occupation of Cyprus' northern part is utterly illegal,'' he said.

The Cypriot minister said the Turks have brought into the occupied areas additional troops and weapons, which he described as a provocation.

Iacovou said he had instructed the Republic's Ambassador to Washington Euripides Evriviades to protest to the State Department and asked Zakheos to do the same here.

[21] US Congressmen condemn Turkish invasion of Cyprus

NICOSIA 28/7/2004 (CNA/ANA)

In their remarks, the Congressmen demanded the solution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of the island, so that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots may live in peace.

Democrat Patrick J. Kennedy of Rhode Island said that ''the illegal military occupation of more than one third of Cyprus' territory is a violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions.''

Referring to the April 24 referenda on a UN settlement plan, which the Greek Cypriot community rejected and the Turkish Cypriot community accepted, Kennedy said ''the Greek Cypriot voters stood in opposition to the plan due to issues of vital concern, such as security, property restitution, and dissatisfaction with the structure of the proposed central government,'' adding that ''we must learn from the message sent by those who could not support the proposed plan.''

Democrat Gregory W. Meeks of New York said ''the occupation of Cyprus has been going on too long'' and that ''if left to their own wisdom and devices, with firm international support, Greek and Turkish Cypriots could find ways to live in peace and harmony.''

He added that ''the leadership of the Republic of Cyprus seeks a bizonal, bicommunal federation under a plan that promotes the genuine reunification of Cypriots and Cypriot society, while enabling each community to retain its own identity and culture.''

Republican Lincoln Diaz Balart of Florida said the failure of efforts to solve the Cyprus problem ''must not be the end of attempts to reunify the island,'' noting that ''a lasting and equitable solution for the people of Cyprus and the goal of a united Cyprus is too important to abandon, now or ever.''

He added that ''the goal of the process must be to attain a just and lasting solution, not a rushed solution.''

Republican Mark Steven Kirk of Illinois said that ''on July 20, 1974, Turkey invaded Cyprus, forcing nearly 200,000 Greek Cypriots from their homes and to this day, in defiance of UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, Turkey maintains more than 30,000 troops in the occupied territory.''

He said ''Cyprus' recent accession to the EU presents great opportunities to join its European counterparts in strongly supporting human rights and fundamental freedoms,'' adding that ''these values should lay the foundation for a final settlement.''

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