Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-09-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece entered EMU on its own merit, FinMin says

[02] FM Molyviatis discusses bilateral relations, Cyprus issue with Russian FM Lavrov in

[03] U.S. President Bush satisfied over the successful holding of the Olympics in chat with FM Molyviatis

[04] EU FMs discuss Turkey's European prospects with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell

[05] Deputy FM outlines prospects of profitable investments in Greece in meeting with U.S. economic officials, visits Archbishop Dimitrios

[06] Gov't comments on flexibility of Cabinet

[07] Agricultural Development Minister Savvas Tsitouridis resigns for reasons of political sensitivity

[08] PASOK leader attacks gov't after party's parliamentary coordinators meeting

[09] Parliament president requests legal advice regarding release of audit on ATHOC's 2001 finances

[10] Government admits average performance in communicating policies

[11] New round of Greek-Turkish exploratory contacts beginning in Ankara on Thursday

[12] Annual Turkish-Greek Forum hopes to improve relations between traditional foes

[13] German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in Athens on Saturday to watch Paralympic Games

[14] Finance minister says reducing deficit to 2.8 pc of GDP government's target

[15] Finmin reacts to PASOK leader's criticism on gov't handling of fiscal issues

[16] World Investment Report says Greece's position worsened in foreign direct investment ranking in 2003

[17] Shipping foreign exchange inflows jumped to 7.659 bln euros in Jan-July

[18] ECB says Greece's revised fiscal data "very big problem"

[19] Gov't approves environmental plans

[20] Stocks stabilize after three straight rises

[21] Government, local administration officials promise substantial improvements in Athens transportation system

[22] European Day Without Cars: Free public transport, events, throughout Greece

[23] PM Karamanlis briefed on culture ministry issues

[24] Meeting dealing with Olympic venues held at Culture Ministry

[25] "Media Attitudes Regarding Racism and Xenophobia" conference to be held Sept 24-25 in Athens

[26] Two Greek entries in 2nd Mediterranean Short Film Festival in Tangiers

[27] Hospital doctors that treated Kenteris, Thanou questioned by prosecutors

[28] Computer crime squad apprehend ring of 'e-bank robbers'

[29] Police arrest man using fake intelligence service ID to get into nightclub

[30] COREPER discusses Commission regulations for Turkish Cypriots

[01] Greece entered EMU on its own merit, FinMin says

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

Speaking in Parliament, Alogoskoufis said that it was the government's responsibility to restore confidence in the Greek economy abroad and to confront those opposed to the EU and the euro currency (referring to either states, or European media supporting such positions).

The Greek minister defended the government's decision to begin a fiscal audit of the economy saying that "credibility of fiscal data was highly questioned by the European statistics agency and the European Commission".

Alogoskoufis was speaking to a joint meeting of the Economic Affairs and European Affairs Committees in the Greek parliament. His report on the country's fiscal condition and the revised data drew strong reactions from his predecessors at the ministry, Yiannos Papantoniou and Nikos Christodoulakis of main opposition PASOK. Alogoskoufis said that the country's fiscal deficit would reach 5.3 percent of GDP in 2004, sharply exceeding a previous government's projection of a deficit of 1.2 percent, while the public debt would reach 112.1 percent of GDP from 97.7 percent.

The government's revised data for the period 2000-2004 raised the country's fiscal deficit as a percentage of GDP to 4.1 pct, 3.7 pct, 3.7 pct, 4.6 pct and 5.3 pct from 2.0 pct, 1.4 pct, 1.4 pct, 1.7 pct and 1.2 pct as previously reported, and the general government's debt to 114 pct, 114.7 pct, 112.5 pct, 109.9 pct and 112.1 pct from 106.2 pct, 106.9 pct, 104.7 pct, 102.4 pct and 97.7 pct.

Both Christodoulakis and Papantoniou stressed that for defense spending, in particular, it was standard EU practice to record this during the year that the equipment was delivered, while noting that talks were underway within the EU for more lenient treatment of countries with higher requirements for defense.

Alogoskoufis responded by saying that a PASOK government had failed to include spending for the delivery of 45 Phantom-type aircraft during its term.

Christodoulakis raised issues of transparency surrounding the government audit and accused ruling New Democracy of neither scrapping nor implementing the budget for 2004, so that it had already allowed a reduction in revenue and excess in spending amounting to 2.5 billion euros, or roughly 1.5 per cent of GDP.

Other MPs on the committee questioned Alogoskoufis on how he planned to bring about a reduction of the deficit from 5.3 per cent to 3 per cent and whether the country was headed for stringent austerity or stagnation.

At the end of his presentation, Alogoskoufis said that the revision had "ended the vicious circle of unreliableness" but also stressed that there had not been any intention to blacken the image of previous governments.

"We did not suggest that anyone was stealing or that the figures were given intentionally," Alogoskoufis said.

Regarding the debate currently underway within the European Union about revising the Stability Pact, Alogoskoufis said that Greece will insist that countries whose deficits have exceeded 3 per cent should be given time to adjust, so as not to undermine the development and levels of employment.

In comments on the same issue during the regular press briefing on Wednesday, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos stressed that there was no question of "legalizing Greece's entry into the euro-zone".

The spokesman had been asked to comment on European reactions to the revision of Greek economic indices and their repercussion on the operation of the euro-zone.

[02] FM Molyviatis discusses bilateral relations, Cyprus issue with Russian FM Lavrov in

Bilateral relations and the Cyprus issue were the main items of discussion in a meeting Tuesday night between Greece's foreign minister Petros Molyviatis and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

According to a diplomatic source, the discussion was "very constructive" and contributed to "further strengthening" of Greek-Russian relations.

Molyviatis, speaking later on Greek state television, said he had "a very friendly and very useful" meeting with Lavrov, during which "we ascertained once again the very good state of our bilateral relations" and "discussed many issues of common interest", both bilateral and more general,

He said that "naturally we discussed the Cyprus issue", adding that "Russia's positive stance on the Cyprus problem is well-known, and I had the opportunity to thank my Russian counterpart for that".

On bilateral issues, he said that in addition to ascertaining the good relations between the two countries, they also discussed the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline and also looked into ways of advancing the issue.

Molyviatis further said that he asked Lavrov for Russia's support of Thessaloniki's candidacy to host the EXPO 2008 international exhibition. "I believe they see this specific matter in a positive light", the Greek minister said, adding that "generally speaking, we had a very good meeting".

Asked on whether the climate was auspicious for Greece's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, Molyviatis noted that the effort had commenced two years ago by the previous (PASOK) government and was being continued, adding that the foreign ministry has made a very good preparation.

"Now we are in the final stage, and have intensified all our efforts and actions," the minister said, and added: "AT this time, I can say that I am more optimistic than when I arrived in New York".

[03] U.S. President Bush satisfied over the successful holding of the Olympics in chat with FM Molyviatis

NEW YORK 23/9/2004 (ANA/P.Panagiotou)

During the reception, hosted in honor of head of delegations participating in UN's 59th General Assembly, Bush told Molyviatis how his father, former U.S. president George Bush, had appreciated the excellent holding of the Games during his visit to Athens last month.

Bush asked Molyviatis to transfer his "warm greetings" to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis expressing at the same time his personal satisfaction for the safe holding of the Games which "made the most excellent impressions".

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos also had a brief chat with President Bush during the reception, with diplomatic sources saying that no reference what so ever was made to the Cyprus issue.

[04] EU FMs discuss Turkey's European prospects with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell

NEW YORK 23/9/2004 (ANA/P.Panagiotou)

According to diplomatic sources, Powell reiterated his country's position that Ankara should be given, without delay, a date for the commencement of accession negotiations.

Other issues discussed were Iraq, Iran, the Middle East and Darfur. Participants in the meeting included the foreign ministers of Greece and Cyprus, Petros Molyviatis and George Iakovou respectively.

Referring to issues concerning the Turkish penal code, such as adultery and the possibility of Turkish citizens being brought to justice for calling for the withdrawal of occupation forces from Cyprus, foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said "the EU is formulating its views and skepticism on the issue in question and Greece is a member-state of the EU. Consequently, it shares the skepticism of the EU."

Relations between Turkey and the EU will be discussed during Thursday's meeting between Molyviatis and Powell (due to take place at 11 p.m. Greek time), as well as Greek-U.S. relations, the Cyprus issue and the situation in Iraq.

Molyviatis and his two Deputy Foreign Ministers Yannis Valinakis and Evripidis Stylianidis continued their separate meetings at the UN's headquarters, on the sidelines of the UN's 59th General Assembly, and so did Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Iakovou.

[05] Deputy FM outlines prospects of profitable investments in Greece in meeting with U.S. economic officials, visits Archbishop Dimitrios

NEW YORK 23/9/2004 (ANA/P.Panagiotou)

Stylianidis referred to issues concerning cooperation in the sector of development and economic diplomacy, presenting targets pursued to achieve an increase in Greek exports and to attract foreign investors to Greece.

"The role played by overseas Greeks is very useful, particularly for our effort to attract investments," he said, adding that "we do not want overseas Greeks to be investors only, but also advertisers of the Greek environment who can contribute decisively by facilitating us to attract investments."

Stylianidis noted that Greece is a safe country and it is near new markets having low raw material prices and that "Greece has a modern development law, whose ratification is a matter of days, a stable tax environment and a new public administration, while at the same time we are trying to modernize, as much as possible, the market network created by Greek foreign policy."

The deputy foreign minister also visited the offices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and held talks with Archbishop of America Dimitrios on issues concerning overseas Greeks, with emphasis being placed on the future of Greek education in the United States.

[06] Gov't comments on flexibility of Cabinet

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

"It was never said that the Cabinet's composition will remain as is until the end of the Olympic Games," Roussopoulos said, in reference to a view towards a more "flexible" Cabinet.

"What's important is the production of a more effective body of work; and we re-established the tourism ministry and abolished the press ministry. Flexibility and effectiveness, therefore, is judged in practice," the spokesman stressed.

In an unrelated issue, Roussopoulos said media reports citing the involvement of private individuals in defense procurements refer to a portion of the initial purchase contract for third generation tanks, a contract signed by the previous PASOK government, he said.

He criticized the contract as one-sided and added that the current government will commence procedures at re-negotiating its primary conditions.

Asked about criticism from some quarters aimed at his performance as the "point man" in the government's communications strategy, Roussopoulos merely noted that he "bypasses whatever comments because I'm interested in the body of work".

In terms of the government's communications apparatus and its operation, Roussopoulos reminded that top government officials and advisers have been meeting daily at roughly 6 a.m. since early summer, whereas after the Paralympics a smaller composition will continue to meet.

Finally, the spokesman said Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will meet on Thursday with Alternate Deputy Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia, Public Works Minister George Souflias and National Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis, among others.

[07] Agricultural Development Minister Savvas Tsitouridis resigns for reasons of political sensitivity

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after meeting Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis at the Maximos Mansion, Tsitouridis said he submitted his resignation to the prime minister "for reasons of personal and political sensitivity", adding that his resignation was accepted.

Tsitouridis said he thanked the prime minister for the trust he had shown in him both when the party was in the opposition and during the period of government.

Referring indirectly to the issue of his son (as a result of which he resigned) Tsitouridis said "all the other activities were absolutely legal."

The issue was created following a question lodged in Parliament by main opposition PASOK party Deputy Silvana Rapti.

The question was directed at the education and public order ministers and concerned the transcription of a "student, who was the son of a government minister, for security reasons in light of the Olympic Games."

According to the PASOK party's deputy "the administrative council of the Panteios University decided at the beginning of the summer, with a recommendation by one of the vice rectors and not with a recommendation by the department, to accept an application for the transcription of a student, the son of a government minister, for security reasons in light of the Olympic Games. The student, whose first application for a transcription had been rejected, returned with an appeal in which he invoked security reasons due to the ministerial capacity of his father, combined with the impending holding of the Olympic Games."

Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos announced later in the day that Evangelos Basiakos, who was deputy minister until now, will assume the post of Agricultural Development and Foodstuffs Minister.

Roussopoulos said "the prime minister accepted the resignation of Mr. Tsitouridis who, during the brief period of his tenure, achieved a great task at the Agricultural Development and Foodstuffs Ministry, struggling with great success for the interests of Greek farmers, both for the prices of products and the creation of a strategy for a new agricultural land policy. Mr. Evangelos Basiakos, who was deputy minister until now, will assume the post of Agricultural Development and Foodstuffs Minister."

[08] PASOK leader attacks gov't after party's parliamentary coordinators meeting

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

According to Papandreou, the government had accused PASOK of using "creative accounting" but was itself using "destructive accounting" that daily undermined the economy as it had done at ECOFIN.

He stressed that the government was only now coming to realize the destructive consequences of the general state audit it had carried out for petty party-political purposes and which had led to strongly critical articles about Greece in the foreign press for which the government was solely responsible.

Regarding relations with neighboring Turkey and the recent talks between Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul in New York, Papandreou accused the government of a passive stance in Greek-Turkish relations.

He stressed that PASOK had promoted Greek-Turkish ties but had each time also taken a step forward in one of Greece's issues, whereas the present government had separated all issues from that of a date for the start of accession negotiations with Turkey.

[09] Parliament president requests legal advice regarding release of audit on ATHOC's 2001 finances

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

ATHOC officials on Monday refused to release the audit, saying it contained "sensitive personal data and sensitive information". While saying that it "has no objects to its (report) release, ATHOC cited protection under a 1997 law protecting personal data.

Government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos, meanwhile, merely added that the audit report has been tabled with a relevant Parliament committee, with access granted to MPs and political parties.

"… laws will be strictly enforced if problems are observed in any sector in relation to financial control," Roussopoulos said.

[10] Government admits average performance in communicating policies

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

Meimarakis denied that changes in government could be expected. Furthermore, in response to a statement made by journalists that the government had not done well in communicating its policies, Meimarakis responded that "what is needed is for the government to improve every day and to become more effective. This is an on-going obligation on our part, so we can best serve the interests of the citizen and also implement our policies."

In response to further questioning on the issue of possible elections next year, (on the occasion of Presidential elections), Meimarakis stated that the government has "no intention of leading the nation to elections. The Constitution demands that there be a broad political consensus regarding the post of President of Greece, who is a symbol of national unity."

Finally, Meimarakis stated that a decision had not yet been made by the government as to whether its candidate for the President's position would be a political figure or not.

[11] New round of Greek-Turkish exploratory contacts beginning in Ankara on Thursday

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

[12] Annual Turkish-Greek Forum hopes to improve relations between traditional foes

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

Members of the Forum noted the progress that has been made in relations between the two countries over the past six years, since the Forum began. Traditional antagonism and even the threat of violence has receded, giving way to a partnership for regional peace and mutual prosperity. The vision of the Forum is based on the convergence of interests of the two countries and has remained essentially unchanged, even through changes in government, the announcement added.

On 17 December, the EU summit will decide on the basis of a recommendation by the European Commission whether Turkey's EU accession negotiations can begin. The Turkish-Greek Forum hopes that the decision will be positive and that this will result in further legal reforms in Turkey. The Forum therefore warmly welcomes recent Greek statements of support for starting Turkish accession talks, it further said.

"Despite all the progress made, there remain issues to address on Turkey's accession path. EU member governments should vote for Turkey starting the accession process, knowing that what are perceived as problems now can be resolved along the way, and that the continuing process with be under EU scrutiny."

The Forum believes that it can play an important role in helping to address the issues regarding Turkey's accession path, stating that what are now perceived as problems can be resolved along the way, the press release concluded.

[13] German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in Athens on Saturday to watch Paralympic Games

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

Schroeder, who will be meeting Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, will watch athletics and swimming events and will award medals to the winners of one of them.

Germany is one of the biggest powers in the 12th Paralympic Games.

German President Horst Kohler returned to Athens after the Olympic Games and watched the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games and many events in which German athletes played a leading role.

[14] Finance minister says reducing deficit to 2.8 pc of GDP government's target

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

He added that the decrease of the deficit from 5.3 percent to 2.8 of GDP will be pursued with a moderate adjustment which will focus on controlling public expenditures.

Alogoskoufis said the reliability of data regarding fiscal issues was being doubted strongly by the European Statistical Service and the Commission, adding that from the very first moment the government had made an effort to restore the reliability of fiscal data through a detailed inventory of public accounts.

[15] Finmin reacts to PASOK leader's criticism on gov't handling of fiscal issues

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

"He cannot find one word of self-criticism," Alogoskoufis said in a statement reacting to Papandreou's attack, in which the PASOK leader accused the government of undermining the economy through its decision to carry out a fiscal audit of state finances and revise economic indices.

"The governments of PASOK, instead of dealing with the problems, chose to conceal them. Now they are annoyed because the truth is being revealed. The government is determined to put an end to the practices of the past and restore the country's credibility, however much that may irritate PASOK and its president," Alogoskoufis said.

He stressed that the government was determined to reveal the truth to the Greek people and tackle the problems it had inherited by implementing its program for growth, employment and social cohesion.

[16] World Investment Report says Greece's position worsened in foreign direct investment ranking in 2003

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

Only 47 million dollars reached Greece last year in the form of direct foreign investments (only 0.1 percent of the country's total gross fixed capital), while in 2002 the corresponding inflows were only 51 million dollars (0.2 percent).

In 2003, foreign direct investments in Turkey had amounted to 575 million dollars (1.6 percent).

According to performances achieved over the 2001-2003 period, Greece holds the 127th position regarding the inflow performance indicator for direct foreign investments.

The report further indicated that the total stock of foreign direct investments in Greece was estimated at 17 billion dollars (9.8 percent of the country's GDP).

[17] Shipping foreign exchange inflows jumped to 7.659 bln euros in Jan-July

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

The central bank, in its regular report on shipping foreign exchange inflows, said that inflows totalled 1.146 billion euros in July, up from 838 million euros in the same month in 2003.

Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis on Wednesday approved a new collective pay agreement for crews servicing the Mediterranean shipping line.

[18] ECB says Greece's revised fiscal data "very big problem"

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

Speaking in the European Parliament, during his regular testimony with the parliament's Economic Affairs Commission, the European central banker stressed that the bank acknowledged that there were technical nature problems with certain category of spending, such as defense, adding that "it is not possible to accept continuous changes in fiscal data".

Trichet recommended the creation of independent authorities that would be responsible to submit economic statistics with community agencies in the future.

[19] Gov't approves environmental plans

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

Under the program, the government will offer financial support, totalling around 6.0 million euros, to the businesses' programs to install environmental management systems based on the ISO 14011 standard.

It is the second initiative taken by the country's Development ministry to support environmental infrastructure projects and to boost business activity. The first program was completed in August 2004 budgeted at 52.6 million euros.

The program envisages that the government would cover up to 50 percent of budget plans.

[20] Stocks stabilize after three straight rises

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,362.18 points, showing a decline of 0.18 percent. Turnover was 105.3 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.14 percent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.36 percent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.48 percent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 170 to 79 with 104 remaining unchanged.

[21] Government, local administration officials promise substantial improvements in Athens transportation system

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

Local municipalities will be funded by the Ministry of Transport and new regulations concerning ticket prices will come into effect. The metro and suburban railway lines will run from 5.00am until 2.00am and a single Public Transport Authority will be created, responsible for all public transport in Athens, including the tram and the suburban railway. Various other proposals are being examined in order to restrict the use of private cars in Athens and it is almost certain that bus lanes will be extended. Other proposals on which no decision has been made include the continued use of Olympic bus lanes, extending the small restricted area for traffic and the levying of tolls in the centre of Athens, the reports added.

The ministry's policy of overhauling Athens' inefficient public transport system involves a broad range of interested parties, including the Association of Greek Transportation Specialists, various labor unions and the Municipality of Athens.

Minister of Transport, Michalis Liapis, who participated in the meeting, stated that after the Olympic Games, public transport in Athens had improved substantially and was now perceived by the public as being more efficient. He further added that the Municipality of Athens would play a greater role in creating the new transportation system.

Mayor of Athens, Dora Bakoyannis welcomed this move, adding that transport has always been Athens' greatest problem and will require sustained coordination and co-operation to solve. "Our aim is to provide public transport to Athenians so they do not need to take their car", she said.

Fofi Gennimata, Attica Supra Prefect, stated that the Olympic Games have left Athens with an excellent transportation infrastructure, and in order to enhance this, what is needed is a common Metropolitan plan which would be run by a special coordinating committee.

[22] European Day Without Cars: Free public transport, events, throughout Greece

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

Public transport was free from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while restrictions on car circulation were put into effect for the day locally in cities throughout the country, with the exception of Athens, due to the ongoing Paralympic Games. In Thessaloniki, the main coastal highway was closed to traffic from 5:00 in the afternoon to 10:00 at night.

Ecological organizations and organizations promoting use of public transport and bicycles as an alternative to cars were staging a variety of public awareness and cultural events throughout the day in Athens, Thessaloniki, and central squares in other cities.

In Thessaloniki, a group of journalists and citizens made their appearance in the city center on horses, in their own contribution to European Day Without Cars.

The City of Athens also mobilized its 500 Paralympics volunteers, who were distributing 150,000 informational leaflets throughout the day that contained the "ten commandments" for a city with fewer cars, easier circulation, cleaner environment and more human face, urging citizens to walk instead of taking their cars for short distances, or to opt for motorbikes or public transport, to abide by traffic and parking regulations, etc.

[23] PM Karamanlis briefed on culture ministry issues

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

The premier also retains the culture ministry portfolio.

Afterwards, Tatoulis merely noted that the prime minister is constantly being updated and briefed over the ministry's pending issues and initiatives, while adding that the issue of contract employees working for the ministry is being dealt with within the strict confines of relevant legislation.

[24] Meeting dealing with Olympic venues held at Culture Ministry

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

Immediately after the meeting, Palli-Petralia emphasized that "there is no problem whatsoever with the guarding of the venues since it is still the responsibility of the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee and will then be handed over to the Ministry of the Environment, Town Planning and Public Works and the Culture Ministry. We already have a schedule on which we had agreed months before. At the moment, there is no problem surrounding the venues," she said.

Palli-Petralia also stressed that use of the facilities will be determined based on public interest and "will be integrated in the local communities in order to further advance sports, culture and the residents' quality of life."

Asked about minor thefts of the venues' movable equipment, which is still the property of Athens 2004, Palli-Petralia replied: "We have already begun the process of transferring movable equipment, and here I would like to clarify that by movable equipment we mean all the equipment that has been bought with the money of the Greek state, in other words the money of the Greek taxpayer. All the movable equipment has been inventoried and is being delivered to facilities and warehouses in Magoula with the proper documentation so that they reach the final beneficiaries."

[25] "Media Attitudes Regarding Racism and Xenophobia" conference to be held Sept 24-25 in Athens

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

[26] Two Greek entries in 2nd Mediterranean Short Film Festival in Tangiers

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

The two films were chosen are "Never again a love story" by Stratoula Theodoratou and "Skipper Straad" by Irine Vahlioti. They are taking part with the support of the Greek Institute of Culture of Morocco and the Greek Centre for Cinema.

The festival, which began on Tuesday, included screenings of award-winning short films from international film festivals, an overview of Moroccan short films and round-table discussions.

[27] Hospital doctors that treated Kenteris, Thanou questioned by prosecutors

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

The four were among the attending physicians to top Greek sprinters Costas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou, who ended up at the KAT hospital hours after missing an IOC-mandated doping test. The pair claimed they fell off a motorcycle in the late evening of Aug. 12, subsequently staying at the hospital, in fact, until Aug. 17.

According to reports, a number of the subpoenaed physicians are under suspicion of filing a false medical statement.

[28] Computer crime squad apprehend ring of 'e-bank robbers'

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

According to police, the suspects had managed to compromise security in the Piraeus Bank e-banking system and steal from unsuspecting customers, transferring money into their own account that they then withdrew with a cash card. They said the ring had begun the scam on September 10 and operated for just 10 days, which was why the sum stolen was relatively small.

The Ukrainian's apparently sent their share of the loot to their country using a courier.

Bank of Piraeus dismisses reports of hackers in its computer security system: Bank of Piraeus on Wednesday dismissed press reports that a ring of computer criminals hacked into its electronic banking system and store 9,800 euros from various bank accounts.

A bank announcement said that a customer filed a complaint saying he did not acknowledge two money transfers totalling 17,000 euros, recorded in his bank account, because someone stole his access code. "The event has nothing to do with the bank's security system as officially stated by the police authority," the Bank of Piraeus said.

The bank immediately identified the problem and blocked all transactions and reported the event to the police.

Bank of Piraeus underlined that there was no breach of its computer security systems.

The Attica Police Electronic Crime Department on Wednesday announced its has uncovered a ring of criminals that managed to steal 9,800 euros from various accounts.

[29] Police arrest man using fake intelligence service ID to get into nightclub

Athens, 23/9/2004 (ANA)

The club employee notified the police, however, who came round to investigate and discovered that the ID was a fake.

A search of the man's car also revealed another six fake ID's for EYP, Europol, the police, the national defense ministry, two air-pistols, a fake gun and a knife, while a search of his home revealed templates for fake IDs and police badges stored in his computer, another air-pistol, a fake certificate of promotion for an EYP employee and three fake diplomas from German institutes.

Police are now investigating the man's possible involvement in illegal activities.

[30] COREPER discusses Commission regulations for Turkish Cypriots

BRUSSELS 23/9/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Differences remain on the contentious point regarding the right of Greek Cypriots to property in the Turkish occupied areas and these will be examined next Thursday.

The Dutch presidency also presented to the COREPER members the second regulation regarding direct trade with the Turkish occupied areas of the island in the form of a question, and asked to hear their views on how the issue should be taken forward.

Regarding the financial aid regulation, it proposed replacing the term ''public or administrative services'' (of the illegal regime) with ''institutions/organs which serve general interests.'' The Dutch presidency further suggested the inclusion of a new paragraph, which would state that ''the granting of assistance under no circumstances suggests the recognition of any public authority other than the government of the Republic of Cyprus.''

On the article concerning the aid's supervision, the Dutch presidency proposes that no reference for negotiations with Nicosia on the regulation should be made but that the European Commission should undertake a commitment to be included in the Council's minutes where it will state that ''due to the unique political situation in Cyprus and the need for the island's reunification which provides for an overall planning on several issues, the Commission should state that it would be willing, when necessary, to communicate with the Republic of Cyprus to implement the aid.''

Members decided to continue discussion on this issue next week on the range of negotiation and how to word it in the document. Concerning the rights of Greek Cypriots to property, the Dutch presidency proposes a compromise, which will also be based on a statement by the European Commission. The reason why the UK and other member states object to such a reference in the regulation has nothing to do with Cyprus, rather that they do not want the Commission to have a mediating role on property issues.

The presidency proposes a political statement in the Council of Ministers' minutes whereby the Commission expresses its readiness to hold the necessary contacts with the government of the Republic of Cyprus, if there is any doubt that the projects, which will be funded under the regulation, will affect property rights.

Cyprus' Permanent Representative Nicos Emiliou proposed that the Commission should refuse to grant assistance in cases where property right issues are being raised. The suggestion was welcomed by all except the British and for this reason there will be a new discussion at the next COREPER meeting.

Regarding the participation in competitions to undertake the projects, the Republic of Cyprus proposes the removal of the reference to persons who are settled in the occupied areas and to replace it with EU residents. The presidency proposes an explanatory statement by the Commission in the minutes, which will state that those who live in the occupied areas can also participate.

Meanwhile, the Dutch presidency presented the second regulation regarding direct trade in the form of a question, and asked to hear views on how the issue should be taken forward.

Emiliou made it clear that the Cypriot side, apart from the fact that it raises serious objections on the substance of the proposal dealing with sovereign issues, also questions the legal basis chosen by the Commission (article 133) and therefore is not willing to enter any discussion on the regulation.

The presidency called on member states to give their opinion but only the British representative spoke, saying that the regulation on direct trade matters more to his country than the financial assistance, which has already been altered.

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