Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-09-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek gov't discusses promoting Information Society program

[02] UN Secretary-General, Archbishop of America express condolences over death of Patriarch Petros

[03] PASOK leader criticizes government's handling of Chinook crash, defense cuts and the economy

[04] Gov't comments on issue of mutual defense cuts by Greece, Turkey

[05] KKE general secretary charges that ND gov't policy the same as PASOK's

[06] Coalition party leader holds talks with educational and labor unions

[07] FTSE Group reaffirms Athens Stock Exchange's status as developed market

[08] Athens hoteliers concerned over post-Olympic tourism policy

[09] Gov't announces 21.8-mln-euro program for industrial areas

[10] Trade relations between Greece and Hungary increase sharply

[11] European Commission to allow independent manufacturers to produce series of auto spare parts and accessories

[12] OTE and Cosmote sponsor the Athens Paralympics

[13] PASOK Eurodeputy requests support for Paralympics

[14] First handicapped-accessible beach, facilities inaugurated on Wed.

[15] British jet makes forced landing on Corfu after engine failure, all aboard safe and well

[16] Justice Minister rises with Albanian Ambassador issue of Albanian prisoners serving remainder of their sentence in their

[17] Cypriot president to hold series of meetings in New York

[18] Annan: no basis to resume good offices mission on Cyprus at present

[19] Cyprus FM says COREPER meeting critical

[20] Cyprus government to be represented at funeral of Patriarch Petros

[01] Greek gov't discusses promoting Information Society program

Athens, 15/9/04 (ANA)

Sioufas submitted his plan to an inner cabinet meeting on Tuesday, chaired by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, to discuss promotion of a government-sponsored program on Information Society.

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, the Greek minister said that 2005 was declared "Year of Competitiveness" and announced the creation of an Academy of Entrepreneurship and of an Institute of European Matters to offer information of national and European level to Greek businesses.

Search for downed Chinook and passengers continues; Justice launches probe into its purchase: The oceanographic vessel "Aegaio" and the deep-sea craft "Thetis" on Tuesday arrived in Halkidiki to assist in an ongoing search operation for the remains of the fatal Chinook helicopter flight that crashed into the sea on Saturday, while carrying Pope and Patriarch Petros VII of Alexandria and All Africa and his entourage to Mount Athos.

There were 17 people on board the VIP flight when it fell, including the five-member crew, and only nine dead bodies have so far been recovered, among them that of the Patriarch. At the time of the accident, the helicopter was coming into land at a helipad in the monastic community of Mount Athos, where the Cypriot-born Patriarch Petros and his entourage were due to pay a visit.

An incessant search is underway to find debris from the Army Air force helicopter and the other passengers on board the flight that are still missing, continued overnight by three Coast Guard patrol boats and one salvage vessel, four Navy ships and a Super-Puma search-and-rescue helicopter with the assistance of flares launched overhead by an Air force C-130 aircraft.

According to a Mercantile Marine Ministry announcement on Tuesday morning, in addition to the "Aegaio" and "Thetis", there are currently four Navy ships, one salvage vessel and a number of private vessels taking part in the search, assisted by two airplanes and three helicopters carrying out regular sweeps overhead at low altitudes. It said the search will continue at the same intense pace throughout Tuesday, reinforced by additional private vessels, two coast guard aircraft and two helicopters from the Navy and Air force.

The "Aegaio" and "Thetis" have been brought in to locate and retrieve the fuselage of the fallen helicopter, which is believed to be at a depth of several hundred meters under the sea.

Meanwhile, the debate about who was ultimately responsible for the tragic accident raged on fiercely, following revelations that the fatal helicopter may have been equipped with substandard parts, while criticism also focused on the authorities' slow response time and delays in alerting the government and mounting a search-and-rescue operation.

A first-instance public prosecutor in Athens on Tuesday launched a probe into the supply and acceptance of the Chinook chopper in question, following press reports that authorities were aware that the helicopter experienced problems above a certain speed. The investigation will also examine claims made on Monday night by Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos in an interview with Mega TV, who said that the aircraft that replaced the prime minister's Falcon jet also had problems and that he had ordered it grounded while an administrative inquiry under oath was underway.

According to government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, Spiliotopoulos had forbidden all flights by Chinook helicopters of the same type as that which fell until a full inspection was carried out. He said a similar process was underway for all state-owned Embraer-type aircraft as well, following reports of problems.

Responding to questions, Roussopoulos said the briefing he received from the foreign ministry did not mention that Deputy Foreign Minister Panagiotis Skandalakis had been informed about the helicopter's failure to arrive at its destination by the deputy governor of Mount Athos between 12:30-12:45 on Saturday, as claimed by press sources.

According to the spokesman, he was personally informed about the accident at 14:15 that day and had immediately contacted Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, who had been told about the accident shortly before by Spiliotopoulos.

He said the government had demanded the resignation of the Air force chief of staff because of a perceived failure of Air force services to operate as they should, noting that the government had ordered an investigation into the reasons for the accident and for the delays in relaying this information.

"In this field there are specific rules that call for specific steps to be taken at specific times. This did not happen and this is why the resignation of the Air force chief of staff was demanded," Roussopoulos said.

Greece declared three days of mourning for the accident on Monday, while the body of Patriarch Petros was laid out in state in a chapel at the Athens Cathedral and a funeral was held at the Athens first cemetery for one of the other high-ranking clerics on board the flight.

The bodies of the Abbot Mahaira Arsenios and the Patriarch's brother George Papapetros were transported to Cyprus for burial on Monday, while Patriarch Petros' remains will be flown to Cairo for a funeral on Wednesday.

[02] UN Secretary-General, Archbishop of America express condolences over death of Patriarch Petros

New York, 15/9/04 (ANA/P)

A Chinook helicopter crashed last Saturday in the region of Sithonia and near Mount Athos which resulted in the death of all 17 people on board, including the Patriarch, his entourage and the crew.

In an announcement, Kofi Annan's spokesman Fred Eckhard noted that the UN Secretary-General "conveys his sincere condolences to the family of the Patriarch, to the families of the other victims as well as to the Greek Orthodox community."

Archbishop Demetrius expressed his "deep grief" over the Patriarch's death. "We wholeheartedly participate in the deep mourning over the tragic event."

[03] PASOK leader criticizes government's handling of Chinook crash, defense cuts and the economy

Athens, 15/9/04 (ANA)

Specifically, referring to the "Chinook" case, Papandreou called on the government "to find the courage and assume its responsibilities," adding that new data and questions are coming to light every day.

On the issue of the mutual defense cuts between Greece and Turkey, having first referred to what PASOK and he he did in this direction said that the ruling New Democracy party on this issue was talking "nonsense."

Asked to comment on the statement by National Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos that he knew nothing regarding the issue of the defense cuts, Papandreou replied that "it is an issue which the prime minister and the government must see."

On the economy, the PASOK leader stressed that the government "with its moves shows that it is proceeding without a plan, compass or vision, at the same time undermining the prestige and credibility of the country with significant repercussions for the citizen and growth."

[04] Gov't comments on issue of mutual defense cuts by Greece, Turkey

Athens, 15/9/04 (ANA)

In answering related questions during his normal press briefing, government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos said Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis first touched on the issue of mutually slashing defense-related expenditures during a meeting with Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan in January 2003 -- some 14 months before the former won the general election in Greece and two months before Erdogan formally took over the reins of a government led by his deputy, Abdullah Gul.

"It was the first time that the issue of mutually decreasing defense expenditures by Greece and Turkey was touched on at such a high level," Roussopoulos said.

The spokesman said that after Erdogan became prime minister in March 2003 the issue was again broached by the two countries' defense ministers. "It was examined in detail and relevant announcements were made by Mr. Spiliotopoulos (current Greek defense minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos) on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Istanbul last June," he added.

Roussopoulos noted that the Greek government at that point (June) announced that it was cutting expenditures in a revised five-year defense program, with resources to be used for social spending. On its part, the Turkish side stated, in an announcement, that it would shift monies from defense cuts to education, he said.

"This is a reality that has had tangible results, for which there is no written agreement," Roussopoulos said, an indirect response to criticism a day earlier from main opposition PASOK, which demanded that the details of any such agreement be unveiled.

"In politics, however, that there are written agreements that are not adhered to, and verbal agreements that are," he stressed, noting that based on the understanding, the ratio of defense cuts was proportionate to the levels of armaments and weapons systems.

PASOK deputy Anna Diamantopoulou, a former EU commissioner, on Monday called on the premier and defense minister to brief Parliament on the particulars of any such agreement and to prove a relevant statement by Karamanlis during his address at the opening of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) over the weekend.

[05] KKE general secretary charges that ND gov't policy the same as PASOK's

Athens, 15/9/04 (ANA)

She dismissed Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' recent address in Thessaloniki as containing no benefits for working people, but only benefits for the business sector.

"The ND government inherited a road covered with rose pedals for businesspeople and thorns for the working people; now it remains for it (the government) to choose the right time to toughen the measures," she said.

She also called on working people, as she said, to take part in a nation-wide rally planned by the KKE in Athens on Oct. 9.

In other items, the KKE leader said her party has its concerns over whether a shifting of responsibilities or a cover-up will be attempted with the weekend military helicopter crash, saying responsibilities were both military and civilian.

Finally, in terms of the presidential election next spring, Papariga said the entire discussion is "distracting". She did note, however, that it incomparable for the KKE to nominate a candidate for president - a post filled by a majority vote in Parliament.

[06] Coalition party leader holds talks with educational and labor unions

Athens, 15/9/04 (ANA)

Referring to the new school year, Constantopoulos said that what is self-evident has not been achieved in 2004, meaning for schools to open without shortages and problems.

Commenting on the role of small and medium-size enterprises, the Coalition party leader said "the government, and both the present government and the previous ones, consume many declarations on the significance and role of the small and medium-size enterprises, but they shape a reality which, in practice, strangles the dynamism of small and medium-size enterprises."

Constantopoulos added that his party believes that small and medium-size enterprises must regain the role and importance they have for both the economy and society.

[07] FTSE Group reaffirms Athens Stock Exchange's status as developed market

Athens, 15/9/04 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after the announcement by FTSE Group, Georganas stressed that foreign investors owned around 30 percent of the Greek market's capitalization and a large part of state securities, while he added that Hellenic Stock Exchanges would make any investment needed to maintain its position among the world's developed markets.

FTSE Group said that the Greek stock exchange would continue characterized as a Developed Market in its series of International Stock Market Indexes during 2005. The decision was reaffirmed by FTSE's International Stock Share Indexes following a six-month detail examination of markets' structures and conditions between FTSE Group and international stock exchanges.

The report said that none of the current countries included in its indexes was meeting criteria to change category or to be included in FTSE's indexes.

The Athens Stock Exchange fulfilled all criteria to maintain its developed market status, although it needed further efforts to fully harmonize its condition with international investors' needs. FTSE acknowledged that improvement was made in the last six months, although the Commission has asked from FTSE Group to continue working closely with ASE to meet all criteria. The next review of the Greek stock market will be made next year (September 2005).

[08] Athens hoteliers concerned over post-Olympic tourism policy

Athens, 15/9/04 (ANA)

During a press conference on Tuesday, the Athens Hotels Union announced that it was sending a letter to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and Tourism Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos outlining the tourism sector's concerns and calling for immediate action. Central to their proposals is that one of the Olympic facilities in Attica be converted into a centre for conferences, trade fairs and exhibitions.

At the same time, hoteliers were doubtful about a draft bill for composition and role of the new tourism ministry tabled in Parliament, saying it was "timid", "lacking in clarity" and seemingly at odds with the government's declared desire to give the ministry a central role in tourism-related issues.

The head of the Athens Hotels Union Yiannis Tsakiris stressed that the city's hotels had done a great job in providing hospitality for one of the greatest global events in Greece's post-war history. At the same time, he noted that the additional 3,000 rooms created for the Olympic period and extensive renovations of others had created a supply glut that would lead to fierce competition.

He stressed the need to diverge into new types of tourism that will make Athens' hotel market better able to withstand international competition.

Quoting a seven-month survey carried out by JBR Horwath among 11 European cities in the period before the 2004 Olympics, Tsakiris said that Athens had the lowest occupancy rate at 60.7 per cent, the fourth-lowest average price per room at 117.5 euros and the lowest yield per room, despite providing the most complete range of services in Europe.

With record 95 per cent occupancy rates in August, this average was pushed up to 85 per cent, Tsakiris added.

[09] Gov't announces 21.8-mln-euro program for industrial areas

Athens, 15/9/04 (ANA)

The projects will aim to protect environment, improve water-drainage networks, waste treatment plants, roads and landscaping works in the industrial areas.

[10] Trade relations between Greece and Hungary increase sharply

Athens, 15/9/04 (ANA)

He said that bilateral trade relations from the beginning of the year have increased by 50 percent, compared to 2003, with the trade balance leaning in Hungary's favor.

Hungarian exports to Greece are expected to amount to 200 million euros in 2004 and imports from Greece to 100 million euros.

Szatmari further said the presence of Greeks in the investments sector in his country is considerable, disclosing that the total amount of foreign investments in Hungary over the past 15 years is estimated at 37 billion euros, with Greek investments totalling 500 million euros.

[11] European Commission to allow independent manufacturers to produce series of auto spare parts and accessories

Brussels, 15/9/04 (ANA)

To date, and according to directive 98/71 concerning designs or models, only auto industries and their representatives in European Union member-states could produce and sell such spare parts and accessories as bumpers, doors and windscreens.

The spare parts market in the EU is estimated at 10 billion euros annually, while about 7,500 businesses are involved in it in Greece, mostly small and medium-size enterprises, which employ 30,000 people.

The prices of spare parts are expected to decrease in many countries due to the implementation of the new directive.

[12] OTE and Cosmote sponsor the Athens Paralympics

Athens, 15/9/04 (ANA)

The two companies' sponsorship is offered in kind and includes technological services, tickets to children without families and tickets to the family members of the 138 Greek athletes competing in the 2004 Paralympics.

OTE and Cosmote were also sponsors of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

[13] PASOK Eurodeputy requests support for Paralympics

Strasbourg, 15/9/04 (ANA/O)

Tzambazi pointed out that for the first time in Paralympic history 4,000 athletes from 145 countries will be participating, while 2,000 escorts and 3,000 journalists will be in attendance. She also emphasized that the Greek state, according to a decision taken by the former PASOK government, is contributing 55.8 million for the staging of the event, in order to ease the financial burden of participating countries - particularly poorer ones.

Referring to the successful staging of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, the eurodeputy highlighted that for the first time in history the same organizing committee undertook the staging of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Tzambazi, who is also wheelchair-bound, stressed that the Paralympic Games stand for basic human values and urged her colleagues to watch this major sporting event.

[14] First handicapped-accessible beach, facilities inaugurated on Wed.

Athens, 15/9/04 (ANA)

A ceremony to inaugurate the facilities is scheduled for Wednesday, only 48 hours before the 2004 Paralympic Games begin in Athens.

[15] British jet makes forced landing on Corfu after engine failure, all aboard safe and well

Athens, 15/9/04 (ANA)

An airplane belonging to the British "Top Jet" company that was scheduled to pick up 250 British holidaymakers from Corfu for a charter flight on behalf of the Thomas Hook Company, suffered engine problems in air and made a forced landing at Corfu airport at 8:33 a.m.

The jet's captain alerted the Control Tower at Corfu airport at 7:22 a.m., as the plane was approaching the island, of a breakdown in the plane's hydraulic system that affected its flaps and wheels, and asked permission to land.

The plane carried out a half-hour flight over the Ionian Sea to use up a quantity of its fuel in order to lighten its fuel tanks and ease the landing process.

Airport authorities closed down the landing runways to incoming traffic for about 11 minutes until special tow vehicles towed the jet off the runway to an auxiliary area, where it was being examined by technicians.

[16] Justice Minister rises with Albanian Ambassador issue of Albanian prisoners serving remainder of their sentence in their country

Athens, 15/9/04 (ANA)

According to the same sources, Papaligouras is expected to raise the same issue with the Albanian authorities on September 24 when he plans to visit Tirana.

The same sources state that the Greek side during the official contacts which will be held in Tirana will seek to reach a bilateral inter-state agreement so that Albanian prisoners are deported and serve the remainder of their sentence in Albania.

[17] Cypriot president to hold series of meetings in New York

President of the Republic of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos, accompanied by Foreign Minister George Iacovou, will be having high level meetings in New York with the majority of the UN Security Council members, on the occasion of his presence at the UN General Assembly.

The president will be arriving in New York on September 19 and will participate in two heads of state sessions the next day.

The first meeting is being organized by Finland and Tanzania, on the social dimension of globalization, while the second is being organized by Brazil, aiming at finding funds and ways to tackle poverty.

President Papadopoulos will address the 58th UN General Assembly on September 23.

On September 24, President Papadopoulos will address the New York External Policy Council and will attend a working lunch with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. He will also meet with the Greek and Russian Foreign Ministers.

Diplomatic sources said no significant development is expected regarding the Cyprus problem, although a courtesy meeting with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has been requested.

During his stay in New York, President Papadopoulos will have the opportunity to hold short courtesy meetings with many leaders, including US President George Bush, at the lunch to be hosted by Annan for the heads of state and foreign ministers, as well as at the reception to be hosted by Bush.

Iacovou will have a series of meetings in New York with his counterparts from the Non Aligned Movement, as well as Islamic and other countries, and will participate in meetings with the EU Foreign ministers and those of the US and Russia.

Diplomatic sources expect developments regarding the role of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), as well as the EU measures for the Turkish Cypriots to be discussed in Brussels next month.

The experts' report to Annan on UNFICYP will be handed to the UN chief on September 17 but the report to the Security Council is not expected to be submitted before September 27.

[18] Annan: no basis to resume good offices mission on Cyprus at present

United Nations, 15/9/04 (CNA/ANA)

Referring to the last negotiations for a Cyprus settlement that led to the rejection of his peace plan by the Greek Cypriot side, he expressed hope that the Greek Cypriots ''will reflect on their position so that future efforts can have a chance to succeed."

In a report to the UN General Assembly, he notes that after two months of intense negotiations by his Special Adviser Alvaro de Soto and with his personal involvement, the Foundation Agreement proposed in the settlement plan was finalized on March 31, 2004 and was submitted to separate simultaneous referendums in the two communities on April 24.

''Although it was approved by the Turkish Cypriots by a margin of two to one, the plan was rejected by the Greek Cypriot electorate by a margin of three to one and therefore did not enter into force," he adds.

Noting that at present he does not see a basis for resuming his good offices in Cyprus, the UN Secretary-General states ''instead, a broad reassessment of the full range of United Nations peace activities is called for."

''In this regard, I have called for a review of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. While the decision of the Greek Cypriots must be respected, I hope they will reflect on their position so that future efforts can have a chance to succeed," Annan notes in his report.

Concluding, he also notes he has appealed to the Turkish Cypriots and to Turkey to stand by the Turkish Cypriot community's wish for reunification.

''I have called upon the Security Council to encourage states to lift unnecessary barriers that isolate the Turkish Cypriots and impede their development,'' Annan says.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

[19] Cyprus FM says COREPER meeting critical

Brussels, 15/9/04 (CNA/ANA)

Iacovou, who was due to return on Tuesday afternoon from Brussels where he attended, an EU Council of Ministers meeting, said that there are problems due to the British position that two EU regulations (on aid to the Turkish Cypriots and on direct trade between the EU and Cyprus'

Turkish occupied areas) should be discussed at the next Council meeting (October 11-12 in Luxemburg).

The success of the British attempt would depend on the Dutch EU Presidency position on Thursday. The Dutch presidency will have to decide whether to bring both regulations before the Council or seek first the adoption of the regulation on economic assistance.

The British government disagrees with the opinion of the Legal Department of the Council of EU Foreign Ministers, which has certain reservations with regard to the legal basis on which it was founded.

London believes that the matter is political and a possible change in the Commission's proposals relating to the regulations would undermine a statement by the EU Council on April 26 on the financial support of the Turkish Cypriots.

Iacovou noted that apart from Britain, other countries non EU members also put pressure on EU member states to adopt the two regulations.

[20] Cyprus government to be represented at funeral of Patriarch Petros

Minister of Education and Culture Pefkios Georgiades will represent the government of Cyprus at Wednesday's funeral of Cypriot born Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Petros VII, who was killed along with his entourage, when the helicopter they were on board crashed as it was approaching Mount Athos, in northern Greece.

House President Demetris Christofias will also attend the funeral that will take place in Cairo, Egypt.

Political parties issued press releases announcing that they will also be represented at the funeral.

Meanwhile, the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus declared three days of mourning for the death of Patriarch Petros VII, and the other clergymen as well as laymen who were accompanying him, among them Bishop of Macheras Arsenios (a monastery in Cyprus) and the crew of the helicopter.

Flags will fly at half - mast at all churches in the free areas.

The Bishop of Macheras was buried on Tuesday at Macheras Monastery.

The funeral was attended by President of the Republic Tassos Papadopoulos, the political, military and religious leadership, as well as foreign Bishops and Greece's Ambassador Christos Panagopoulos.

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