Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-12-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek government says Washington's statement on Patriarchate echoes its own views

[02] US State Department fully supports ecumenicality of Ecumenical Patriarchate, spokesman Boucher says

[03] Molyviatis and Fischer agree regarding Turkey's EU negotiations- )

[04] Molyviatis meets with Austrian counterpart, stresses that Turkey's European future depends on its own actions

[05] Gov't announces PM's agenda during official visit to Russia

[06] PM briefed on work of ND MEPs in Euro-Parliament, EPP by Varvitsiotis

[07] PM and Tourism minister discuss tourism policy, trip to Turkey

[08] PM and health ministry leadership discuss new hospital debts, emergency duty system

[09] Defense Minister Spiliotopoulos observes military exercise in Drama

[10] Cyprus Parliament president: Turkey must recognize Cyprus before EU accession talks begin

[11] 170 mayors sign protest resolution on FYROM name issue

[12] Papandreou addresses PASOK's Youth Organization Congress

[13] PASOK deputies hold meetings in the U.S.

[14] Public agrees with establishment of parliamentary fact-finding committee on armament procurement programs, opinion poll shows

[15] Former premier Mitsotakis warns against 'piecemeal' solution for bank auxiliary pension funds

[16] Turkish warplanes violate national air space

[17] Markakos appointed new Deputy General Director for Hellenes Abroad

[18] Greek EU Commissioner comments on Greece's high deficit, debt after talks with PM

[19] Finmin sees private sector becoming force for growth

[20] First BSEC conference held under Greek presidency

[21] Intracom get Bulgarian state contract

[22] Alcan in talks on sale of stake in Aluminium de Grece to Mytilineos

[23] Banking trade group agrees to talks on pension-fund merger plan

[24] Athens named SE European city with highest investment potential

[25] Minister visits Kavala Oil for progress report

[26] Bill to make International Accounting Standards mandatory in 2005

[27] ABNA general meeting held in Thessaloniki

[28] the conference on racism and the media concludes

[29] Interior minister opens 1st Panhellenic Conference of Elected Women on the theme 'Women in Local Government'

[30] 'History not written by bureaucrats,' gov't says about busts of Alexander, Philip in Skopje

[31] Margarita Papandreou hospitalized at Onassio

[32] Balkenende-Papadopoulos to discuss EU matters

[33] Cyprus Spokesman: Ankara's non recognition policy 'unreasonable'

[01] Greek government says Washington's statement on Patriarchate echoes its own views

Athens 4/12/04 (ANA)

Regarding statements on the issue by Tourism Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, meanwhile, the spokesman said that respect for religious rights was one of the issues that concerned the European Union and one of the conditions for a country wishing to join the Community.

Asked to comment on a recent upsurge in airspace violations and infringements by Turkish planes and Turkey's statements concerning the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fanar, Roussopoulos noted that "there were actions that are not helpful for preserving the good climate that Athens and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan have said they want for the two countries."

The statement regarding the Patriarchate was made by a U.S. official on Thursday, who also underlined that the United States «recognizes Patriarch Vartholomeos as the spiritual leader of millions of Orthodox Christians throughout the world."

The official added that, for years now, the firm position of the United States is the necessity for the reopening of the School of Theology Halki, a development which for the U.S. is incorporated within the framework of the safeguarding of the religious freedoms and the protection of human rights.

According to the ANA correspondent in Ankara, meanwhile, U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Marc Grossman has raised the issue of reopening the School of Theology during meetings in Washington with visiting Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin within a series of recommendations to facilitate Turkey's entry into the EU.

In statements reported by the Turkish news agency Anadolu, Sahin said he had conveyed to the U.S. side Ankara's displeasure that Euro-Turkish relations were being linked to matters concerning the Patriarchate and the Halki School of Theology.

[02] US State Department fully supports ecumenicality of Ecumenical Patriarchate, spokesman Boucher says

Washington 4/12/04 (ANA/T. Ellis)

"We have long regarded the Patriarch as ecumenical, and thus is the spiritual leader for many inside and outside Turkey," Boucher said during a regular press briefing.

Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan disputed the ecumenicality of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in an interview on Turkish television Wednesday night, calling on all state functionaries not to attend a reception Thursday in Ankara hosted by the Archons (Elders) of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in honor of US ambassador to Turkey Eric Edelman, saying that "we consider it a mistake that a citizen of ours should issue invitations using titles he does not have and which are attributed to him from abroad".

The Turkish government also decided that it would not be represented at a separate reception hosted earlier Thursday by Edelman for a delegation of Orthodox Church elders from the US visiting Ankara, for the same reason given that the invitation addressed by the embassy to Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos contained "Ecumenical Patriarch" in his title.

Boucher's full statement was as follows:

"There's a couple things to say on this. And firstly, for those of you not familiar with this, there is a visit under way of prominent lay leaders of the Orthodox Church to Turkey. We very much supported this visit to Turkey. These leaders traveled on a mission to highlight religious freedom and we hope they'll be able to meet with as many Turkish officials as possible.

Ambassador Edelman is hosting a reception for them (on Thursday). We would note that there is, as reported, I think, a decision of the Turkish Government not to have officials attend the reception. But we would also note that Foreign Minister Gul met with the delegation today (Thursday) in Ankara.

Finally, on the more general point, we have long regarded the Patriarch as ecumenical, and thus is the spiritual leader for many inside and outside Turkey."

[03] Molyviatis and Fischer agree regarding Turkey's EU negotiations- )

Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and German counterpart Joska Fischer agreed that the final objective of negotiations is Turkey's full EU accession, in statements they made shortly after an initial meeting here on Friday. The two ministers also agreed that during the EU Council of December 16-17, a specific date should be set for talks to begin.

Asked to predict the outcome of the EU Summit, Molyviatis said, "As far as I know no government has officially stated that it will oppose negotiations. Therefore, the likelihood is that on December 17 Turkey will be given a date for negotiations to begin. There are varying views on what should follow, but I believe that negotiations will begin."

Without specifying a date, Fischer said that Greece and Germany were in agreement regarding the timeframe within which negotiations between Turkey and the EU should begin, saying it shouldn't be too far in the future.

Asked whether Greek demands for improvement of Turkish-Cypriot relations, solving the problems in the Aegean and protests about discriminatory treatment of the Ecumenical Patriarchate were founded, Fischer said that these issues had not yet been discussed, but said that they will be examined throughout the course of Turkey-EU negotiations.

Molyviatis and Fischer continued their discussion during a working lunch, in the presence of close associates. The Greek minister was due to leave Berlin later on Friday evening for Vienna, where he will meet with Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik.

[04] Molyviatis meets with Austrian counterpart, stresses that Turkey's European future depends on its own actions

Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis said that Greece supports Turkey's EU prospects, since the country believes that a 'European Turkey' will be beneficial for Turkey, Greece, Cyprus and the greater region, after meeting with Austrian counterpart Ursula Plassnik in Vienna on Friday evening. However, Molyviatis stressed that whether Turkey joins the EU or not depends on Turkey itself.

Speaking during a joint press conference with Plassnik, but also in statements made later to Greek journalists, Molyviatis emphasized that Turkey will have to fully meet all the criteria, principles, values and obligations the European Union imposes on each candidate country. "If and when, at the end of this process, Turkey meets all these criteria - can really respond to all these criteria - then it will have the right to request full membership within the European family," Molyviatis added.

The Greek foreign minister said that Greece's views were understood by its EU peers - something he confirmed during his visits to Rome, London, Berlin and Vienna in the past two days - and is confident that they will work together to reach a result satisfactory to all at the EU Summit on December 17.

Asked whether Turkey's EU negotiations depend on Turkey's recognition of Cyprus, Plassnik said that she conveyed Austria's positions to Molyviatis and believes that an improvement in Greek-Turkish relations will have a positive effect on the Cyprus issue. Furthermore, she added, the Dutch Presidency's draft for the EU Summit contains important points regarding this issue.

Both foreign ministers said that during their meeting they had the opportunity to review the excellent bilateral relations between Greece and Austria and to exchange views on a series of timely issues such as developments in the Ukraine and in Southeast Europe.

[05] Gov't announces PM's agenda during official visit to Russia

Athens 4/12/04 (ANA)

In addition, the Greek premier will have an opportunity to meet members of Russia's Greek expatriate community and will sign a series of bilateral agreement, he said.

Roussopoulos described the trip as "an important milestone in the long course of friendly relations between the two countries" that would help further cement bilateral ties and an opportunity to express Greek support for Russia's rapprochement with the EU, of which it was a strategic partner, as well as an opportunity for cooperation within the UN Security Council on issues concerning the international community.

Asked if the outstanding investigation into the TOR M-1 missile system purchase and offsets agreement might cast a shadow on Karamanlis' visit to Moscow, Roussopoulos said the procurements issue was "a domestic process of the political world in Greece, which approved the formation of a fact-finding committee in order to investigate possible irregularities in the procedure of procuring armaments".

PM and deputy foreign minister discuss upcoming trip to Russia: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Friday had a meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis.

No statements were made after the meeting, which sources said was held to discuss the premier's upcoming official visit to Russia on December 7-9.

[06] PM briefed on work of ND MEPs in Euro-Parliament, EPP by Varvitsiotis

Athens 4/12/04 (ANA)

Asked about the repercussions in Europe of an audit of state accounts ordered by the government and the subsequent revelations that Greek public debt and deficit figures had been consistently higher than those reported by Greece to Eurostat, Varvitsiotis told reporters that the impact "was not as great as you think."

[07] PM and Tourism minister discuss tourism policy, trip to Turkey

Athens 4/12/04 (ANA)

During the meeting, Avramopoulos also conveyed his impressions from a visit to the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fanar, Istanbul. In statements to reporters, he stressed the Greek State's support for the Patriarchate and said that it was an institution whose ecumenical status was not in question and "does not need the agenda of political current affairs to come back to the surface."

[08] PM and health ministry leadership discuss new hospital debts, emergency duty system

Athens 4/12/04 (ANA)

The premier asked the health ministry to speed up preparation of a draft bill for health system procurements so that it was ready in February and a series of measures for the disabled and those with large families that are due to be announced in January.

According to Kaklamanis, the initial reports on the phenomenon of overcrowding, which often forced hospitals on duty to house patients in corridors for lack of space, were encouraging. He also announced that 3,500 additional nursing staff will be hired under the new law after the holidays.

The cost of settling the debts of state hospitals to their suppliers is 2.1 billion euros in total, according to an article included in a bill on "agreements for the provision of financial security, application of International Accounting Standards and other measures".

The bill also includes articles setting state debts of 573 million euros toward the Agricultural Bank of Greece (ATE) through the issue of bond loans.

[09] Defense Minister Spiliotopoulos observes military exercise in Drama

Athens 4/12/04 (ANA)

Spiliotopoulos expressed his full satisfaction over the exercise and at the same time hailed the great contribution of the Greek armed forces in the consolidation of a climate of security and stability in the broader region.

The minister stated that Turkey's European prospects depends on the stance it will maintain towards the prerequisites set by the European Union for its accession. He reiterated that the Greek government supported the neighboring country's European prospects.The aim of the exercise was the training of the Headquarters in operations of battle and in support of peace.

Taking part in the exercise were all the personnel of the Headquarters as well as 70 members from Germany, Spain, Italy, Poland, The Netherlands, Hungary, Denmark and Lithuania.

The Headquarters are based in Thessaloniki and constitute part of the NATO structure.

[10] Cyprus Parliament president: Turkey must recognize Cyprus before EU accession talks begin

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

Christofias, who is also secretary of the Central Committee of Cyprus' AKEL party, made the statement during a ceremony in which he was named an professor of European, Economic and Political Studies at Macedonia University in Thessaloniki.

"We are not in a position to deliver ultimatums. We are steadfast regarding certain strategic goals and one of these is recognition of the Cyprus Republic and entry into customs union," he said.

When exactly this happened was a matter for discussion, provided it occurred before the start of accession negotiations, Christofias said.

"It is, if you want, a term for the start of the negotiations. And if we achieve this before December 17, so much the better," he added.

Christofias also slammed what he called Turkey's "unacceptable" attitude to date, saying that countries within the EU had to learn to give as well as to receive. According to Christofias, Turkey's tactics of simply insisting that it get its own way were a hangover from the days when it ruled the Ottoman Empire and were wholly out of place in an organization of countries based on shared interests and compromise, as was the EU.

"No one in the EU can just take, they must also give. Turkey must realize that it has to be part of this give-and-take and that in order to do this it must follow certain precepts and criteria of the EU," he said.

One of these criteria was recognition of the Cyprus Republic and, by extension, to prove that it will withdraw occupation troops from northern Cyprus, show good will and allow the Cypriot people alone to handle their domestic affairs.

The Cyprus House president also noted that the Greek-Cypriot side was ready for a new initiative for a solution to the Cyprus issue, with "good will for changes to the Annan plan that will make it functional, viable and a plan that addresses the basic concerns of the Greek-Cypriot community."

[11] 170 mayors sign protest resolution on FYROM name issue

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

As stated by Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos, the resolution asks of the Greek government and the main opposition party to inform FYROM "that it cannot be accepted in the European Union with the name 'Republic of Macedonia'" and to "remind FYROM that its request will be examined in the first six months of 2005 and that for its accession, what is required is the agreed option of all the member-states of the European Union."

The resolution will be sent to all the leaders of the EU countries, to the president and members of the government of the United States, to the United Nations, to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, to the leader of the main opposition party and to the political parties, as well as to the Council of Overseas Hellenism.

[12] Papandreou addresses PASOK's Youth Organization Congress

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

Papandreou, on occasion of the congress, took the opportunity to hint at the changes he will announce at the upcoming PASOK Congress. "I've come to ask for your support for a new course, on which we are setting out together," he said. "I don't want to impose my views, but I want to guarantee that we will move away from prejudices and dogmatism," he continued. Papandreou also emphasized that, "We want to liberate citizens' creative powers so that they can make their own decisions on matters that concern them; we want internal discipline, not discipline imposed by a higher power."

Papandreou made special mention of past, leading officials, including Andreas Papandreou and Costas Simitis, which provoked disagreement among the crowd.

The PASOK president also accused the government of not dealing with the serious and real problems that concern the country, but rather with its communication strategy. "The problem is not their communication strategy, it's what they're selling. The Greek people are not buying," he said.

[13] PASOK deputies hold meetings in the U.S.

NEW YORK 4/12/04(ANA/P. Panagiotou)

Vasso Papandreou stressed that "the government has the initiative to choose an acceptable person." She expressed the hope that "it is possible for there to be a consensual solution," underlining that the majority of citizens, as shown by opinion polls, do not want the holding of general elections.

Papandreou and PASOK deputy Sylvana Rapti are in New York, coming from Washington where they represented PASOK in meetings of the European Socialist Party with members of the Democratic Party of the United States. Papandreou is Vice-President of the European Socialist Party.

Replying to other questions, Papandreou claimed that the New Democracy government "abandoned" the framework of the Helsinki agreement and that this tactic had as a consequence the "audacity of Turkey". She expressed reservations on the extent Greek expectations will be satisfied at the European Union summit.

[14] Public agrees with establishment of parliamentary fact-finding committee on armament procurement programs, opinion poll shows

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

The poll showed that even voters who cast their ballot for main opposition PASOK (the previous government that signed the procurement contracts) during the March 7 general elections agreed with setting up the committee. More specifically 61 percent of respondents who stated they voted for PASOK in the last elections agreed with setting up the committee, while 85 percent of those who stated they voted for the now ruling New Democracy party (ND) agreed with setting up the committee, and 72 percent of the voters who cast their ballots for other parties were also in agreement.

According to the poll results, 76 percent of the overall respondents believed that the fact-finding committee must also examine the term of current defense minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos, with 87 percent of PASOK voters and 70 percent of ND voters advocating such a move.

Also, a very low 17 percent of the respondents had more confidence in a PASOK government for the purchase of weapons systems, compared with 32 percent who had more confidence in an ND government, while 64 percent of the ND voters had confidence in an ND government and 51 percent of PASOK voters had confidence in a PASOK government for such procurements.

The poll further indicated that 54 percent of respondents believed that armament procurements made under the PASOK governments were "probably caused loss" to the Greek state, while 16 percent believed that the procurements had "probably benefited" the state.

To a question on grading the last three defense ministers, the respondents gave the highest grade to Spiliotopoulos of 6.2 out of a maximum 10 points, followed by Akis Tsohatzopoulos with 6.0 points, and Yannos Papantoniou with 5.7 points.

The opinion poll was conducted by VPRC in telephone interviews with 611 respondents throughout the country on November 29-30.

[15] Former premier Mitsotakis warns against 'piecemeal' solution for bank auxiliary pension funds

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

Stressing that the government's first priority must be to secure the basic IKA pension, he said anything above that should be the responsibility of the employers and employees directly involved.

"If the government is led down the slippery path of piecemeal measures, this will open up the debate on social insurance in the worst possible way because it not just a socially unjust solution but also undermines an integrated approach to the problem that can no longer be delayed," he added.

[16] Turkish warplanes violate national air space

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

According to press reports, six formations of Turkish warplanes entered the Aegean without submitting a flight plan and in 15 cases violated the national air space in the region of the central and northern Aegean.

In all cases the 12 Turkish warplanes were recognized and intercepted by Greek fighter jets, while in three cases the procedure of interception developed into a mock dogfight.

It was revealed that four of the Turkish aircraft were armed.

[17] Markakos appointed new Deputy General Director for Hellenes Abroad

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

Markakos, 63, comes from the Greek American community and studied economics and management at Boston University.

[18] Greek EU Commissioner comments on Greece's high deficit, debt after talks with PM

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

Responding to questions after the meeting, Dimas denied that Greece was in a difficult position following the revelations from an audit of state accounts ordered by the government and a subsequent investigation by Eurostat which revealed that Greek governments had consistently under-reported the figures for the public deficit and public debt.

"The main thing now is for the budget to be approved and strictly adhered to, so that Greece can lower the deficit in accordance with the Stability Pact," Dimas said.

He denied that Greece will be placed "under observation" but noted that it was reasonable and expected for Greece to inform the EU on the course of executing the budget.

On questions regarding the pension system, the Commissioner simply noted that the solutions being discussed in Europe were to allow people to work longer if they wished, in return for higher income and a higher pension. He also stressed that it was impossible for the state and Greek taxpayers to pay so that certain bank shareholders, organizations and companies might have higher profits.

[19] Finmin sees private sector becoming force for growth

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

A government bill would be released early in 2005 on co-financed and self-financed projects in order to boost public infrastructure without hurting the state budget, the minister told a conference held by the Naftemporiki daily financial newspaper.

[20] First BSEC conference held under Greek presidency

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

The first text is in the form of an initial protocol to be followed up with specific steps in realizing the stated objectives. The second is in the form of a joint statement and lists all the illegal countries of origin, trafficking and destination.

The conference's attendees also issued a joint statement regarding the Ukraine, wherein they expressed their faith that the problems that country is currently facing will be solved based on just and democratic principles that will benefit its people.

These texts, which the Foreign and Public Order Ministries participated in reviewing and signing, are considered an important success for the BSEC conference which was the first one over which Greece presided.

The signing of the texts took place in the presence of Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis and Deputy Public Order Minister Christos Markogiannakis.

Stylianidis emphasized that the issues of security and the fight against organized crime are of paramount importance to all and that the international cooperation achieved for the security of the Athens Olympic Games should serve as a guide in the future.

The next BSCE conference will be held in Thessaloniki on January 26-28 and will focus on transport.

[21] Intracom get Bulgarian state contract

BULGARIA 4/12/04 (ANA/B.Borisov)

Under the terms of the 900,000 euro project, Intracom is to supply an real-time online data system for the Balkan country's justice ministry and lawcourts.

[22] Alcan in talks on sale of stake in Aluminium de Grece to Mytilineos

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

"The consideration of a possible sale of Alcan's controlling interest in ADG is part of our on-going efforts to identify and develop value creating options," Cynthia Carroll, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alcan Primary Metal Group, said in a statement.

"We are confident that the positive outcome of these discussions would contribute to ADG's long-term sustainability," she added.

The shared objective of the parties is to finalize the terms and conditions of the proposal over the next two weeks, the statement noted.

Alcan held talks with various parties under the protection of confidentiality agreements as part of its efforts to identify and develop value-creating options in relation to ADG, it said.

Aluminium de Grece is quoted on the Athens Stock Exchange. Alcan is a global leader in aluminum and packaging, and aluminum recycling. With operations in primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and flexible and specialty packaging, aerospace applications, bauxite mining and alumina processing, Alcan employs 88,000 people and has operating facilities in 58 countries and regions.

[23] Banking trade group agrees to talks on pension-fund merger plan

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

The trade group's head, Yiannis Kostopoulos of Alpha Bank, told reporters after a meeting with Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis that the "Sallas Plan", devised by the chairman of Piraeus Bank, could be employed to launch the process.

Many difficulties had to be ironed out linked to differences among banks, but a solution could be found that was widely acceptable, Kostopoulos said.

[24] Athens named SE European city with highest investment potential

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

The president of the Hellenic Investment Centre, Yiannis Anastasopoulos, said in a statement that the award reflected a notion in global business circles that the Greek investment climate had improved.

[25] Minister visits Kavala Oil for progress report

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

The company project was a foreign investment totalling 115 million euros, of which 50 million euros had already been spent, Salagoudis said.

[26] Bill to make International Accounting Standards mandatory in 2005

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

Under the terms of the bill, ISA will be compulsory for both quoted and unquoted companies in six-monthly results.

[27] ABNA general meeting held in Thessaloniki

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

The awards will be given to journalists working at news agencies, newspapers, broadcasting, as well as photojournalists, who through their work promote inter-Balkan cooperation, peace and safety in the region.

Addressing ABNA members, the association's Secretary General and Managing Director of the Macedonia Press Agency Spyros Kouzinopoulos emphasized that the ABNA, during its 10 years of existence and despite difficult times, managed to survive and presently constitutes the only 'vital' Balkan organization.

Athens News Agency (ANA) Managing Director Nicolas Voulelis stressed that the ABNA is an excellent mechanism for cooperation among Southeast Europe's news agencies, mass media and its peoples. Voulelis also conveyed the messages of outgoing ANA General Director Andreas Christodoulides and his successor George Tampakopoulos.

Other speakers at the meeting included Frock Tsoupi, General Manager of the Albanian news agency; Maxim Mincef, General Manager of the Bulgarian news agency (BTA), and others.

Representatives of ABNA unanimously re-elected Kouzinopoulos as Secretary General.

Messages sent by Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos and Deputy Finance Minister Christos Folias were read during the morning sessions. Special mention was also made to the meeting Macedonia-Thrace Minister Nikos Tsiartsionis had with ABNA members during a dinner he hosted in their honor on Thursday evening.

In his message, Roussopoulos stressed the association's crucial role in building strong foundations of communication and trust among the region's peoples in order to heal the wounds of past mistakes and suffering.

On his part, Tsiartsionis referred to the key role the Balkan news agencies are playing in helping to shape the new environment in the region within the context of European integration.

Finally, Folias underlined the role of the region's news agencies and mass media as catalysts in shaping and promoting respect for political, cultural and religious diversity.

'Respect for diversity must be taught'

[28] the conference on racism and the media concludes

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

During the two-day conference, scientific experts, journalists and other professionals shared their experiences, analyses and arguments on an issue which concerns Greek society and is reflected in the media. Four roundtables were also conducted, each one submitting its conclusions/opinions providing the State with draft guidelines.

Friday's speakers included Meropi Kaldi, member of New Democracy's Central Committee and Chairwoman of the Research Centre on Equality; Anna Karamanou, member of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement's (PASOK) Central Committee and former Eurodeputy; Alkmini Psilopoulou, member of the Coalition of the Left, Ecology and Movements (SYN) party and journalist; Yiannis Zagganas, representing the Communist Party of Greece (KKE). Journalist Anna Panyiotarea was the moderator.

None of the speakers doubted the media's responsibility in helping to shape attitudes towards various cultural groups.

Acknowledging that incentives open new avenues, Athens University Professor Michalis Meimaris announced the Journalism Award, which the Athens News Agency and the Macedonia Press Agency will organize regularly to reward journalists' work on issues concerning racism and xenophobia in the mass media. The award will be accompanied by a cash prize of ¬ 1,500.

[29] Interior minister opens 1st Panhellenic Conference of Elected Women on the theme 'Women in Local Government'

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

The minister stressed the necessity of the participation of women in local government and their contribution in the implementation of programs and policies concerning daily life, noting that women are sensitive to issues of living conditions and can operate creatively.

The conference was also addressed, among others, by Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni, Athens-Piraeus Supra Prefect Fofi Gennimata and Equality of the Genders Secretary General Evgenia Tsoumani.

[30] 'History not written by bureaucrats,' gov't says about busts of Alexander, Philip in Skopje

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

The Skopje municipal council said the decision was taken to honor the life and work of the historic figures. It is soon due to announce where the busts will be placed and what is to be written on them.

The monument to King Philip of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, will be placed at the archaeological site of Herakleia near Bitola using funds from international institutes. According to the local mayor, the decision was taken because Herakleia is believed to be their birthplace of Philip's mother Eurydice.

The Slav population of FYROM, whose language resembles Bulgarian, claim descent from Alexander the Great but this is disputed by Greece, which also objects to the country's use of the name 'Macedonia' over fears that it conceals expansionist designs against the northern Greek province of the same name, where Alexander the Great was born.

[31] Margarita Papandreou hospitalized at Onassio

Athens 4/12/04(ANA)

[32] Balkenende-Papadopoulos to discuss EU matters

NICOSIA 4/12/04 (CNA/ANA)

Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said on Friday that the two leaders will also talk about Turkey's bid to secure a date for the start of accession negotiations, on which the Council will have the final say, as well as other matters concerning Cyprus.

The spokesman announced that Balkenende, whose country holds the six-monthly rotating EU presidency, arrives here early on Tuesday afternoon, he will then hold talks with Papadopoulos and leave after that.

The visit, initially planned for Monday, will now take place on Tuesday as Balkenende will attend a special session of the Upper and Lower House to pay tribute to the late Prince Bernadu, father of the Queen of The Netherlands, whose funeral will take place on December 11.

[33] Cyprus Spokesman: Ankara's non recognition policy 'unreasonable'

NICOSIA 4/12/04 (CNA/ANA)

Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides wondered how Turkey can be seeking a valid vote from all 25 member states of the European Union for the start of accession negotiations, including Cyprus, since it does not recognize the Republic.

The EU Council will decide at its summit later this month whether or not to start membership talks with Turkey, as recommended by the Commission. This decision needs a positive vote from all EU leaders.

The Cyprus government has been pointing out to its EU partners that Ankara has an obligation to the Union as well as to Cyprus to recognize the Republic.

''How can a vote from Cyprus be considered valid on December 17 (at the Council meeting) when Turkey does not recognize the significance and the value of this vote through the non recognition of the Republic,'' Chrysostomides said on Friday.

This is a paradox, he said, adding that all EU members acknowledge that it must be settled.

Responding to questions, he said Turkey will have to comply with the criteria set out by the EU and added that every EU presidency seeks to secure agreement on the final conclusions of Council meetings prior to discussions among EU leaders, who have the final say on agenda items.

He said Cyprus finds ''understanding'' among EU partners with regard to its positions, as these are outlined by President Tassos Papadopoulos and members of his government.

Asked if Europe shows the same understanding for Ankara's demands, he referred to a draft resolution before the European Parliament saying that the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus is an issue that needs to be taken into consideration and that the start of accession negotiations with Ankara signifies recognition of Cyprus by Turkey.

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