Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-09-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece, US agree relations at a 'very good level', Athens reiterates no troops will be sent to Iraq, during Molyviatis-Powell meeting in NY

[02] FM Petros Molyviatis and UN secretary general discuss Cyprus issue

[03] German Chancellor to Athens for Paralympics, broad agenda of talks with Greek PM

[04] Gov't reiterates support for Turkey's European prospects

[05] ND Eurodeputy says Turkey not yet ready for EU

[06] PASOK leader Papandreou defends his party spokesman in light of college transfer furor

[07] PASOK leader, Lipponen discuss accession negotiations date for Turkey

[08] Roussopoulos declines comment on poll focusing on minister's resignation, PASOK

[09] Ruling party MP denies press reports of friction in ND parliamentary group

[10] Gov't lashes out at PASOK, juxtaposes minister's resignation with PASOK spokesman's actions

[11] Education minister says law on student transcriptions to be amended

[12] PASOK MPs demand list of university transfers by students related to politicians

[13] PM receives ND Parliamentary group sec't Dimas

[14] FYROM bureau to open in Thessaloniki

[15] Greece optimistic regarding Security Council candidacy

[16] Finance minister to publicize 2005 budget draft plan in mid-week

[17] Greece calls for adoption of EU mechanism to lower fuel tax

[18] Premier, new Agriculture Minister discuss farm policy

[19] Association of Greek Industries advises Bulgarian companies on environmental matters

[20] Greek trade deficit up 21.9 pct in Jan-June, yr/yr

[21] Study shows less than expected retail spending during Olympics

[22] Panhellenic Federation of Hoteliers opposed to 'family hotels' and high interest rates

[23] Gov't tables amendment regulating private school fees

[24] Stabilizing trend continues at week's end

[25] Gov't ministers, party leaders address seminar on ending exclusion of disabled at Zappion

[26] Alleged witnesses of Kenteris-Thanou accident testify in ongoing doping investigation

[27] 1st Balkan Conference of Reproductive Medicine held in Thessaloniki

[28] Communist Party expresses condolences for death of writer Dido Sotiriou

[29] British inter-party commission on sport in Athens

[30] President Stephanopoulos to Italy for Battle of Rimini memorial service

[31] Russia reaffirms principled position for viable Cyprus solution

[01] Greece, US agree relations at a 'very good level', Athens reiterates no troops will be sent to Iraq, during Molyviatis-Powell meeting in NY

NEW YORK 25/9/2004 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)

Greece, US agree relations at a 'very good level', Athens reiterates no troops will be sent to Iraq, during Molyviatis-Powell meeting in NY. Molyviatis and Powell had substantive talks on Greek-US relations, the Cyprus issue, Turkey's European course, the situation in the Balkans and the Middle East, and terrorism.

In statements to the press after the meeting, Molyviatis announced that a visit by Powell to Athens for talks scheduled for next month would be postponed and rescheduled for a later date, given that their talks in NY had been substantive and comprehensive, and consequently there was no need to hold another meeting so soon afterwards.

Replying to press questions, Molyviatis reaffirmed that there would be no dispatch of Greek soldiers to Iraq.

He also said that the period of "contemplation" on the Cyprus issue was continuing, and intimated that no new initiative for a solution of the problem was expected by December.

With respect to Greece's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, Molyviatis said that if Greece did become a Security Council member, it would act as a member of the European Union. However, he clarified, in the event of issues on which Greece could have an individual view, it would do so.

Speaking at the press conference, which was held at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in Manhattan, Molyviatis noted that, just as every year, the Greek delegation's main purpose was to project the country in the framework of the UN General Assembly.

This year, he continued, Greece had two specific issues to promote: the country's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, and Thessaloniki's bid to host the EXPO 2008 international exhibition.

The minister said that he and his deputy ministers Yannis Valinakis and Evripidis Stylianidis had a series of meetings with many of their colleagues aimed at advancing these issues. Regarding the Security Council candidacy, Molyviatis reiterated that the effort had been initiated two years ago by the preceding (PASOK) government, noting that, since then, a very good preparation had been made by the foreign ministry and "today we are in the final stage and are intensifying our efforts". On Thessaloniki's candidacy for EXPO 2008, Molyviatis said "we have all worked hard for this", but attributed more of the effort to his deputy ministers.

Questioned on his talks with Powell, Molyviatis said that they had a 'cordial and friendly' discussion on a wide range of topics, including a review of bilateral relations, which they agreed were at a very good level and reiterated their intention of further strengthening bilateral cooperation. He said they also discussed matters of regional interest, particularly Greek-Turkish relations, Turkey's European prospects, the Cyprus problem, the Balkans and the Middle East.

Asked whether Powell shared the EU's concerns on Turkey's European orientation, Molyviatis said the US secretary of state had not expressed concerns or a view on that issue, but added that the US desire to see Turkey enter the path to Europe was well-known.

To a question whether the US official was increasingly concerned about the Balkans over the coming months, Molyviatis noted that everyone agreed that there were reasons for concern on the developments and stability, mainly in the western Balkans, and more particularly in Kosovo and on its future.

The Greek side believed that it would b e very useful if Serbia could acquire a prospect towards the Euro-Atlantic institutions, given that Serbia was the only country in the western Balkans for which no door had yet been opened in that direction.

"It is my personal belief that, if Serbia also enters the road to the Euro-Atlantic institutions, we would have greater possibilities for stability in the Balkans, and perhaps this would facilitate dealing with the issue of Kosovo.

Asked to comment on the four-country initiative pushing for expansion of the Security Council, Molyviatis explained that were other countries as well that were interested in a reform of the Security Council, and chiefly German from among the European states.

Greece's view, he said, is that the Security Council and the UN in general, reflected the world as it was in 1946 when those bodies were founded. Now, nearly 60 years later, "everything has changed in the world, except the composition of the Security Council", and the need for reforms in the UN in general, and in the Security Council more particularly, was obvious for that reason alone. In 1946, which was just after World War II, the Security Council comprised the winners of that war, but today "everything has changed".

Molyviatis noted that less than two weeks ago, the ambassadors in Athens of France and Germany called on him at the foreign ministry and jointly petitioned for Germany to acquire a permanent seat on the Security Council. "The situation has changed so much, now, that reform of the UN and its adaptation to the current conditions and present-day needs is absolutely necessary," he said.

Asked whether any planning had been made for Greece's basic aspirations for its two-year term if it were elected to a non-permanent seat on the Security Council, Molyviatis said that Greece has a foreign policy founded on firm, fundamental principles. Greece, he said, believes in respect of international legality, in peace, in close cooperation among all the peoples of the world, and it was on the basis of these principles that it would forge its course in the Security Council as well "if and when it is elected", and any specific planning or priorities would be developed in due course.

[02] FM Petros Molyviatis and UN secretary general discuss Cyprus issue

NEW YORK 25/9/2004 (ANA - P. Panagiotou)

According to a foreign ministry source, Molyviatis told Annan that the involvement of the UN in the issue of Cyprus cannot stop. The source added that it is very likely that the UN secretary general will send, as an initial step, an envoy to the region to probe the intentions of the interested parties.

Another issue discussed was the issue of the presence of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus; due to be raised at the Security Council in October and after the relevant report has been delivered to Annan.

Molyviatis also expressed the Greek government's disagreement over a possible change in the mandate terms concerning the function and mission of UNFICYP.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Molyviatis said "the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and I had a very good meeting. The main issue we addressed was that of Cyprus. We exchanged views on developments so far, as well as on future prospects. We also discussed the issue of the renewal of the mandate for the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus. Moreover, we discussed developments in the Balkans. I assured the secretary general of Greece's support for the UN's peacekeeping efforts in our region. These were the main issues.

Asked whether he presented the secretary general with the same message as the one he had sent during his address at the UN General Assembly on Thursday, "warning" member-states not to take decisions which might facilitate the partitioning of Cyprus, Molyviatis said "this is a steadfast position of ours. We believe that prospects for the reunification of the island must remain open and this will be facilitated a great deal if nothing happens in the meantime which will encourage the division of the island, instead of strengthening its reunification."

[03] German Chancellor to Athens for Paralympics, broad agenda of talks with Greek PM

BERLIN 25/9/2004 (ANA - P. Stangos)

According to a spokesman, the visit underlines the importance attached by the German government to supporting the efforts of people with disabilities and is the first time that a German Chancellor has attended the Paralympics.

During the visit, Schroeder will meet Karamanlis for talks on "European and international politics," the spokesman said, as well as former Greek premier Costas Simitis.

Diplomatic sources said the meeting with Karamanlis would act as an opportunity to exchange views but also for the two men to become better acquainted, while they noted that a meeting was in any case pending since the new Greek government was voted in six months earlier.

They said it would provide an opportunity for the German chancellor to "sound out" where the tactics of the two countries coincided and diverged on major issues, such as the start of accession negotiations with Turkey, the Cyprus issue, bilateral cooperation and international affairs. These may include reforms of the United Nations and Germany's bid to be elected a permanent member of the Security Council, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran and the Middle East.

Top of the list is expected to be the issue of Athens' support for the start of EU accession negotiations by Turkey, which is a top priority in Berlin.

The German side does not expect to be confronted with the two thorny issues of a deal for the purchase of 'Leopard' tanks by the Greek armed forces and the perennial question of German war reparations.

According to analysts, other awkward issues that might be raised during the visit may be the recently revised Greek economic figures for past years, particularly during the meeting between Schroeder and Simitis, and Greek requests for support in Thessaloniki's bid to host the EXPO trade fair, which sources say Germany has already promised to Spain's Saragossa.

[04] Gov't reiterates support for Turkey's European prospects

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

[05] ND Eurodeputy says Turkey not yet ready for EU

BRUSSELS 25/9/2004 (ANA/A.Simatou)

"Europe was created and developed through the diversity of national stereotypes. And if Europe today constitutes a unique venture, this is due to overcoming or at least softening the historic and political differences. Within this context, Turkey's participation in the EU shifts both the geographical (to an extent) and cultural foundation of Europe," Papastamkos said, adding that "it is not an issue for Europe to adjust culturally, but for Turkey to adapt to Europe."

On a political level, Papastamkos referred to the role of Turkey's military leadership, human rights violations, disrespect for minority rights, and Turkey's occupation forces in Cyprus, which comprise Turkey's lack of democracy.

Papastamkos emphasized that the progress Turkey has made in terms of democracy - and it certainly has in recent years - is not enough, since changes made were the result of EU demands. "Who can guarantee that after accession negotiations begin there will be the necessary acceleration towards democratization?" he asked.

As for the economic criteria, Papastamkos noted that Turkey meets many of the economic requirements for accession talks to begin, but pointed to several issues that are cause for concern. The first issue, according to Papastamkos, is the large gap between the growth rate of the 25 EU member states and Turkey. "Additionally, due to the great differences between east and west Turkey, a potential enlargement would provoke tremendous inequalities within the EU. The above constitute a great challenge for the political cohesion of the EU. Secondly, as for the agricultural sector, the number of farmers in Turkey almost equals the total number of farmers in the EU. Therefore, CAP [Common Agricultural Policy] will also be significantly affected and a huge increase of its resources will be required," Papastamkos said.

He also referred to demographics and the fact that Turkey has the largest population after Germany and that by 2025 Turkey is expected to be the largest country (in terms of population) in the EU. This, Papastamkous pointed out, combined with low wages and high unemployment, may cause many to relocate to other countries, which would burden national labor markets and welfare systems. "This can be avoided, first through long-term transitional periods in the free movement of workers and second, through the creation of positive political and economic conditions in Turkey," he said.

[06] PASOK leader Papandreou defends his party spokesman in light of college transfer furor

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

The furor concerning Tsitouridis erupted after an opposition MP tabled a question in Parliament requesting details on how and why the former's son successfully transferred from a university in Crete to a school in Athens, Panteios, by citing "security reasons".

Conversely, press reports on Thursday pointed to spokesman Spyros Vougias' daughter as transferring from a university in Xanthi to the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, where Vougias is a tenured professor.

PASOK leader George Papandreou offered his support of Vougias on Friday, saying the two cases are different and "shouldn't counter-balance" each other.

He also said that PASOK deputy and former Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) party leader Maria Damanaki will request all relevant documents concerning the often controversial issue of university transfers in the country.

Two days earlier, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis called Tsitouridis to his office, with the Thessaloniki-area deputy later emerging to announce his resignation.

Vougias served as a deputy with then ruling PASOK (elected on the state deputies' ballot) between April 2000 and Jan. 24, 2004, when he resigned in the aftermath of the Porto Carras furor and was also excluded from PASOK's ballots. At one point, he also served as a deputy transport and communications minister in the previous Simitis government.

In a related development, Friday witnessed the beginning of a trial of 10 college students and two Panteios employees accused of forging documents and multiple counts of fraud in order to achieve illegal university transfers between 1998 and 1999.

Most of the forged documents involved medical statements. The two accused Panteios employees worked in the school's sociology department.

[07] PASOK leader, Lipponen discuss accession negotiations date for Turkey

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

After the meeting, Papandreou noted that "the time of truth" for Turkey was approaching regarding the start of its EU accession negotiations. He expressed support for Turkey's European course, which he said met the requirements that had been set.

"However, we will wait for [EU Commissioner for enlargement Guenter] Verheugen's report, which must be assessed before the final decision," he added.

Apart from Turkey's European prospects, Papandreou said that he and Lipponen had exchanged views on issues concerning the Balkans, Baltic countries, Cyprus, Iraq and the Middle East.

The two men also discussed cooperation between Greece and Finland and how the Finnish experience could be used concerning the country's economic progress.

[08] Roussopoulos declines comment on poll focusing on minister's resignation, PASOK

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

An opinion poll published by the "Apofasi" daily shows that 52 percent of respondents agreed with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' decision to accept the resignation of Agriculture Minister Savvas Tsitouridis on Wednesday.

Moreover, asked if a PASOK government would have reacted in such manner on a similar issue (the controversial university transfer of the ex-minister's son), 61 percent of respondents answered "no".

[09] Ruling party MP denies press reports of friction in ND parliamentary group

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

"There is absolutely no upheaval within ND's Parliamentary group, everything is working perfectly and efficiently," Stavrou stressed.

Stavrou also denied that changes or a cabinet reshuffle were imminent.

In comments on the resignation two days earlier of agriculture minister Savvas Tsitouridis, following questions raised in Parliament about the way in which his son had secured a transfer from the University of Crete to Panteion University in Athens, Stavrou said that the minister's resignation was not in any way connected to the fall of a Chinook helicopter earlier in the month, where the government had not accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos. He said that Tsitouridis had made the right decision, given the conditions.

[10] Gov't lashes out at PASOK, juxtaposes minister's resignation with PASOK spokesman's actions

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

"Yesterday, I called on Mr. (PASOK leader George) Papandreou to dismiss Mr. Vougias over the case (the college transfer of the latter's daughter), and Mr. Papandreou has not answered. This is the moral difference that we referred to yesterday, and this demonstrates that Mr. Papandreou professes this morality as a slogan but not as a principle by which to live by," government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos told reporters at his daily press briefing.

Hours earlier, Papandreou rejected any notion that the reason for Wednesday's resignation by Tsitouridis -- who stepped down after opposition criticism that his son received preferential treatment in transferring to an Athens university was in any way similar to a transfer granted to the PASOK's spokesman's daughter. Vougias initially said his daughter's transfer was justified on account of his standing at a university professor, something that the government spokesman also disputed.

In reference to the Tsitouridis case, Roussopoulos underlined that the ex-minister "had the courage and resilience to submit his resignation, whereas Mr. Vougias, while acting in an illegal manner, not only had the political conscientiousness to resign but put forth the reasoning of 'why all the other and not me?"

The furor concerning Tsitouridis erupted after an opposition PASOK MP tabled a question in Parliament requesting details on how and why the ex-minister's son successfully transferred from a university in Crete to a school in Athens, Panteios, by citing "security reasons".

Conversely, press reports on Thursday pointed to PASOK spokesman Vougias' daughter as transferring from a university in Xanthi to the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, where Vougias is a tenured professor.

On his part, Papandreou said the two cases are different and shouldn't counter-balance each other. He also said that PASOK deputy and former Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) party leader Maria Damanaki will request all relevant documents concerning the often controversial issue of university transfers in the country. Two days earlier, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis called Tsitouridis to his office in the early evening, with the Thessaloniki-area deputy later emerging to announce his resignation.

Vougias served as a deputy with then ruling PASOK (elected on the state deputies' ballot) between April 2000 and Jan. 24, 2004, when he resigned in the aftermath of the Porto Carras furor. He was also excluded from PASOK's ballots. At one point, he also served as a deputy transport and communications minister in the previous Simitis government.

Asked if the government intended to provide the particulars of all of the names of students who requested transfers that are linked to a public figure or interest, Roussopoulos referred the issue to universities' administrations, before stressing that the education ministry's leadership has clearly said it wants to change the current legal framework for such transfers.

In a related development, Friday witnessed the beginning of a trial of 10 college students and two Panteios employees accused of forging documents and multiple counts of fraud in order to achieve illegal university transfers between 1998 and 1999.

Most of the forged documents involved medical statements. The two accused Panteios employees worked in the school's sociology department.

KKE reaction

In a press release, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) referred to policy of disorientation being cultivated over the past few days by both ND and PASOK, 'with the participation and support of mass media owners'.

[11] Education minister says law on student transcriptions to be amended

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

Yiannakou said the criteria in question will be clear, specific and restrictive and will leave no ground for various interpretations at times.

[12] PASOK MPs demand list of university transfers by students related to politicians

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

In a question put to Yiannakou, the MPs asked for all transfers concerning individuals related to ministers, MPs, MEPs, prefects and mayors, as well as academic and administrative staff in tertiary education institutes, for the past five years. They cite reasons of transparency given the great proportions the issue has taken on over the past few days.

The demand comes just days after a government minister resigned over controversy surrounding the means by which his son secured a transfer from the University of Crete to Panteion University in Athens, which was quickly followed by news that PASOK spokesman Spyros Vougias had taken advantage of his position as an academic to arrange for his daughter's transfer from the University of Xanthi to the more prestigious university of Thessaloniki, where he is a tenured professor.

[13] PM receives ND Parliamentary group sec't Dimas

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

Dimas also dismissed speculation that the crash of a military helicopter two weeks ago influenced a decision by the premier to accept Savvas Tsitouridis' resignation as agriculture minister on Wednesday.

Tsitouridis stepped down after opposition criticism that his son received preferential treatment vis-a-vis a college transfer.

[14] FYROM bureau to open in Thessaloniki

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

The diplomatic office is part of a bilateral agreement between Greece and FYROM, with Athens set to open a similar bureau in the southern FYROM town of Bitola.

The former counsel of FYROM's liaison office in Athens, Vladimir Symeonov, will reportedly head of his country's bureau in Thessaloniki.

Attracting more investments to the landlocked Balkan country on Greece's northern frontier and better coordinating efforts to absorb some 75 million euros of developmental aid set aside by Athens for FYROM is among the bureau's priorities. At present, Greece is the biggest investor in FYROM. The Greek office in Bitola is expected to operate by the end of the year.

[15] Greece optimistic regarding Security Council candidacy

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

Greek diplomatic circles consider that Minister of Foreign Affairs, Petros Moliviatis and Deputy Ministers Yannis Valinakis and Euripides Stylianidis, have been very active concerning this matter which is being played out around the ongoing fifty-ninth Session of the UN General Assembly in 2004.

[16] Finance minister to publicize 2005 budget draft plan in mid-week

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

Alogoskoufis discussed the new budget's main indicators with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Friday, while details concerning the budget's finalized parameters were also examined.

The new budget will aim at reducing the general government's deficit to 2.8 percent of GDP from 5.3 percent which it is expected to reach this year. The budget will base its predictions on reducing the deficit on reduced expenditures in the public sector and on the increase in revenues resulting from an increase in GDP, as well as on the settlement of tax issues pending from past years.

As Alogoskoufis has already stated, the government's income policy for 2005 will anticipate salary and pension increases in the public sector that will cover inflation. The budget will also include increased revenues due to an increase in circulation dues for private-owned cars.

[17] Greece calls for adoption of EU mechanism to lower fuel tax

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

Addressing an EU Council of Minister, held in Brussels to discuss European Competitiveness, the Greek minister said: "In continuation with our previous excellent cooperation regarding the Greek government initiative to deal with highly volatile oil prices, during the Irish Presidency, I wish to underline once more the need to continue a dialogue on adopting an efficient community legislation that will introduce an automatic mechanism of stabilizing revenues resulting from oil product taxes".

Sioufas noted that a continuing dialogue on the issue in several community forums, including the European Commission, would result to more supporters to the idea within the EU, "since the level of oil prices continues to be at the highest levels in the last 20 years and adoption of such a mechanism would be welcomed by European Consumer Groups".

He underlined that this proposal would be legally binding to member-states, but it would offer an additional policy option in periods of international oil crises.

The Greek proposal says that "high energy dependence of EU member-states from oil imports in connection with increasing oil prices could have a negative impact on economic growth, lead to higher inflationary pressures and result to a loss in real incomes. Reliable surveys are showing that a 10-US dollar increase in the price of oil annually could add half a percentage point on the inflation rate in developed countries and could cut another 0.5 percent off their Gross Domestic Products."

The Greek minister stressed it was clear that an extended period of high oil prices would undermine EU's efforts to achieve the Lisbon goals and could further expand a competitiveness gap with the United States. Sioufas noted that EU member-states' ability to adopt intervention policies in oil market were currently limited.

The Greek proposal envisaged five different categories of implementing a special consumption tax on oil, based on the range of oil price fluctuations. Under the plan, when the price of Brent IPE is less than 30 US dollar per barrel there will be no reduction in a special consumption tax on fuel. With the oil price ranging from 30 to 35 dollars the special fuel tax will be cut by 5.0 percent, with oil prices at 35-40 dollars the special fuel tax will be cut by 10 percent, with oil prices at 40-45 dollars the special fuel tax will be cut by 15 percent and with oil prices at 45-50 dollars the special fuel tax will be cut by 20 percent.

The Greek minister also recommended that an EU Competitiveness Council would declare 2005 as a European Year of Competitiveness.

[18] Premier, new Agriculture Minister discuss farm policy

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

[19] Association of Greek Industries advises Bulgarian companies on environmental matters

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

Bulgarian compliance with EU environmental regulations was also discussed, as was the cost for Bulgarian companies of adapting to these new regulations.

[20] Greek trade deficit up 21.9 pct in Jan-June, yr/yr

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

NSS, in its monthly report, said that excluding oil products, the trade deficit rose by 2.858 billion euros or 30.7 percent in the January-June period compared with the same period last year. The figures cover only merchandise transactions.

The value of import-arrivals totalled 19.980 billion euros in the first half of the year, from 17.698 billion euros in 2003, while the value of import-arrivals -excluding oil products- rose by 2.649 billion euros or 17.7 percent over the same period.

The value of export-deliveries totalled 5.856 billion euros in January-June from 6.113 billion euros last year, for a decline of 4.2 percent, while the value of export-deliveries -excluding oil products- fell 3.7 percent or 209.2 million euros over the same period.

[21] Study shows less than expected retail spending during Olympics

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

In a sample of 400 ship-owners and merchants, the impression was that the number of foreign tourists was much less than expected, whereas most foreign visitors in Athens and other Olympic cities mainly purchased Olympics-related items.

Another factor alluded to in the study claims that many local consumers avoided Olympic cities, and that transactions using credit cards decreased during that period.

[22] Panhellenic Federation of Hoteliers opposed to 'family hotels' and high interest rates

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

The Panhellenic Federation of Hoteliers issued a statement on Friday, in which it announced its opposition to a possible renaming of rented rooms and studios to 'family hotels'. The Federation stated that it goes against the rules of fair competition to call rented rooms and studios 'hotels', when these do not offer hotel services.

The Federation further denounced a proposed amendment to penalty interest rates, accusing Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis of ''supporting'' the position held by banks. The amendment which was presented to Parliament is not applicable on the total balance owing on each type of outstanding loan but rather on the total maturation balance of all outstanding loans, resulting in high repayments on the majority of loans held by hotels. The Federation has also asked that a limit of 3 million euros be set before the above amendment is applied.

[23] Gov't tables amendment regulating private school fees

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

The aim of the amendment is to ensure that families are able to plan their budgets in advance and that private schools operate in a "level playing field".

A key measure requires that private schools, while free to charge any amount they choose, must announce planned price increases and inform the development ministry the year before they intend to introduce the price rise, or else the school fees will remain at the previous year's levels.

The amendment also introduces a mathematical formula for calculating the fees relative to the compulsory curriculum and optional classes that are offered and also links the fee rise to the general consumer price index and average wage increases for teachers, linking the amounts paid to the actual services that are offered.

[24] Stabilizing trend continues at week's end

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,354.66 points, showing a decline of 0.14 percent. Turnover was 106.1 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.01 percent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.50 percent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.85 percent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 195 to 66 with 89 remaining unchanged. On a weekly basis, the bourse general index rose 0.44 per cent.

[25] Gov't ministers, party leaders address seminar on ending exclusion of disabled at Zappion

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

Kaklamanis said the introduction of a 'disability card' - or as he called it a functionality card - and arranging semi-autonomous living quarters for people that were mentally disadvantaged would be key axes of the ministry's policy in this area for 2005.

Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia also spoke at the seminar, saying she was satisfied with the public's response to the Paralympic Games.

She said this sensitivity to disabled persons and the further promotion of Greece's truly strong Paralympic team would be a trigger for overcoming the weaknesses of policies for ending disabled exclusion.

The post-Olympic use of the facilities and the greater sensitivity of the public, which she described as the intangible legacy of the Paralympics, would be very important gains for Greek society, she added.

Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology president Nikos Constantopoulos, meanwhile, stressed that disabled people were not second-class citizens with restricted rights and said that ending their exclusion was one of the challenges of the 21st century.

The seminar was earlier addressed by the president of the European Left Frances Wurtz, who said the European Parliament had been remiss in legislating for this issue and also noted the lack of control mechanisms for the programs that were approved.

[26] Alleged witnesses of Kenteris-Thanou accident testify in ongoing doping investigation

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

They were asked to shed additional light on the accident, which authorities have so far been unable to confirm, that resulted in the two athletes being admitted to hospital shortly after they missed a doping test at the Olympic Village.

The two prosecutors spent longest with the man that brought the two athletes to KAT hospital.

Kenteris and Thanou, who are now considered suspects for obstructing an anti-doping control test and filing false charges, are due to appear before the public prosecutors to give additional testimony in the case on Monday.

The investigation into the two athletes was initiated after they went missing from the Olympic Village on August 12 and failed to show up for an IOC-mandated doping test that, according to the public prosecutors, they knew they had been called to take. The pair turned up at KAT hospital later the same night as the apparent victims of a motorcycle accident that occurred in highly suspicious circumstances, where they were admitted as patients and stayed until August 17.

The affair caused an uproar leading up to the Athens Olympics that kicked off on August 13, given that it involved two of Greece's strongest hopes for Olympic medals. Kenteris had won the gold in the men's 200m in Sydney, while Thanou had won a silver. Public opinion was further angered by revelations that their coach was heavily implicated in doping-related scandals. The pair was called before an IOC Disciplinary Commission on their release from hospital to explain their no-show for the doping test, where they voluntarily surrendered their accreditation and withdrew from the 2004 Olympics.

[27] 1st Balkan Conference of Reproductive Medicine held in Thessaloniki

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

Researchers said the new method allows genetic abnormalities to be detected when the fertilized egg has divided into just eight cells, before its implantation into the womb, but stressed that it was presently only used in cases when a couple had a high risk of producing children with inherited diseases or problems.

According to obstetricians and human reproduction experts at a press conference, new methods of assisted reproduction had allowed couples with fertility problems to have children at rates that were similar or greater than couples without fertility problems.

[28] Communist Party expresses condolences for death of writer Dido Sotiriou

Athens 25/9/2004 (ANA)

"We bid farewell to Dido of the Greek letters, who fought for a better world and imprinted it in her literary work with great skill," Papariga said.

Born in Aidini, in Asia Minor in 1909, Sotiriou was strongly politicized and carried out great struggles for the social emancipation of women.

The book which highlighted her work in Greek literature was "The Bloodied Land" which was published in 1962, 40 years after the 1922 uprooting of the Greeks in Asia Minor, and was translated into six languages.

Novels by her were published in newspapers and magazines. Some of them are "The dead are waiting" (1959), "Electra" (1961), "Visitors" (1976) and her last one "We are being demolished" (1982). Sotiriou's funeral will take place at the Zografou cemetery in Athens on Monday. Condolences on the writer's death were also sent by the National Book Centre.

[29] British inter-party commission on sport in Athens

Athens 25/9/2005 (ANA)

The commission's members will remain in Greece for two days, with the focus being to gather information and figures regarding the successful 2004 Olympic Games of Athens, among others. Members of the commission will meet with Sports Deputy Minister George Orfanos on Saturday.

[30] President Stephanopoulos to Italy for Battle of Rimini memorial service

Athens 25/9/2005 (ANA)

[31] Russia reaffirms principled position for viable Cyprus solution

NICOSIA 25/9/2004 (CNA/ANA)

A Press release issued by the Embassy of the Russian Federation on Wednesday's meeting of Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov.

During the meeting, held within the framework of the 59th session of the UN General Assembly, the two discussed a number of issues of bilateral cooperation as well as the Cyprus settlement.

"The Russian side reaffirmed its principled position in favor of achieving a comprehensive, viable and just solution of the Cyprus problem based on the appropriate UN Security Council resolutions with due consideration to the interests of the Cyprus parties themselves", said the press release.

It also expressed "its hope that the efforts of the UN Secretary-General within his mission of good offices would intensify soon".

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