Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-12-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] "We achieved all our goals," Karamanlis says of EU Summit outcome

[02] Greek side satisfied with agreed amendments to EU summit conclusions regarding Turkey, sources say

[03] PASOK leader Papandreou says EU Summit decision does not safeguard Greek interests

[04] European Council President says 'we have been writing history today'

[05] UN chief expressed hope that developments in Brussels would lead to Cyprus solution

[06] Patriarch comments on Turkey's EU bid

[07] Bloodless outcome of bus hijacking a "pay-off" of Olympics training, gov't spokesman says

[08] Economy ministry dismisses reports of 'emergency measures' to cut deficit

[09] Government presents draft bill granting permanent jobs to public-sector contract workers

[10] Central bank reports fall in current accounts deficit, rising investment capital inflows

[11] Budget debate in Greek Parliament to be broadcast by satellite for the first time

[12] Thessaloniki Chamber plans business trip to China

[13] SEVE: After a failed bid for Expo 2008, Thessaloniki needs a new goal

[14] Expo 2008 bid, points to latter's record

[15] Education and Culture Ministries hold special event on occasion of International Children's Day

[16] Veteran journalist Malatos dies at the age of 77

[17] Group active in human trafficking disbanded

[18] Cyprus president satisfied with EU summit decision on Turkey

[01] "We achieved all our goals," Karamanlis says of EU Summit outcome

BRUSSELS 18/12/04 (ANA/Ch.Poulidou)

Speaking at a press conference, Karamanlis emphasized that "we helped our neighborhood to develop into a European neighborhood," and "all our concerns were met on issues related to the EU and Turkey."

Karamanlis outlined the five goals the government had set and which have been achieved fully. They are:

1) Shaping of a European context which will include Turkey's behavior towards Greece;

2) A mechanism of continuous observation and control of Turkey's behavior;

3) Inclusion of a safeguard that will limit free movement of people;

4) Assurance that Turkey will respect human and religious rights;

5) Linking Turkey's EU progress with a commitment to improve its relations with the Republic of Cyprus.

The Greek premier also emphasized that Greece was able to achieve the above goals thanks to close cooperation with Cyprus and President Tassos Papadopoulos.

Karamanlis clarified that the presence of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan at the EU Summit was not related to the issue of Cyprus, in response to a related question.

Speaking of Turkey's commitment to extend the customs union to include the 10, new EU member states, Karamanlis said that "this explicit commitment carries the political weight of a requirement in order for Turkey's EU accession talks to begin."

Asked to comment on Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's statement that extension of the customs union does not imply recognition of Cyprus, Karamanlis replied, "It is understandable why Mr. Erdogan feels the need to make such a statement."

On the issue of Turkey's EU accession, Karamanlis said, "I believe in Turkey's EU prospects because its European quality will make Turkey a better neighbor," adding that the EU Summit conclusions provide Turkey with strong incentives to adopt such behavior. "Finally, I believe in the prospect of normalizing Greek-Turkish relations and today's development is a very important step in that direction," he said.

On Sunday morning, Karamanlis will brief President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on the results of the EU Summit.

EU, Turkey reach historic decision; Ankara pledges to sign protocol leading to de facto recognition of Cyprus: The European Union and Turkey reached a last-minute compromise on Friday afternoon allowing for the opening of accession negotiations in early October 2005, and after Ankara pledged that it would sign a pact essentially acknowledging Cyprus as an EU member.

The 25 EU leaders also reportedly agreed that talks would be open-ended with no guaranteed outcome.

Of particular importance to Cyprus and Greece was paragraph 19 of the summit conclusions.

"The European Council welcomed Turkey's decision to sign the Protocol regarding the adaptation of the Ankara Agreement, taking account of the accession of new Member States.

"In this light, it welcomed the declaration of Turkey that 'the Turkish Government confirms that it is ready to sign the Protocol on the adaptation of the Ankara Agreement prior to the actual start of accession negotiations and after reaching agreement on and finalizing the adaptations which are necessary in view of the current membership of the European Union'," it read.

In the next paragraph, the EU leaders directly touched on Turkey's unilateral claims in the Aegean, especially the dispute involving the sea's continental shelf, noting that the "European Council, while underlining the need for unequivocal commitment to good neighborly relations welcomed the improvements in Turkey's relations with its neighbors and its readiness to continue to work with the concerned Member States towards resolution of outstanding border disputes in conformity with the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter...

"... In this connection it (European Council) reaffirmed its view that unresolved disputes having repercussions on the accession process, should if necessary be brought to the International Court of Justice for settlement. The European Council will be kept informed of progress achieved which it will review as appropriate."

While finding that Turkey sufficiently fulfilled the Copenhagen political criteria after adopting six pieces of legislation requested by the European Commission to begin accession negotiations, EU leaders also left the door open for restrictions that would limit labor migration from Turkey, or in areas like structural policy and agriculture.

The summit conclusions talk of "long transition periods, derogations, specific arrangements or permanent safeguard clauses" that may be considered and included by the Commission in the framework for negotiations with Turkey "as appropriate".

At the same time, it indicates that such measures will not be permanent, talking of "transitional arrangements or safeguards" that should be reviewed regarding their "impact on competition of the functioning of the internal market".

Another paragraph of the summit conclusions appears to point to lengthy negotiations with Turkey, with EU leader noting that accession negotiations that begin from now on with candidates "whose accession could have substantial financial consequences" can only be concluded after the establishment of the Financial Framework for the period from 2014, together with possible consequential financial reforms.

[02] Greek side satisfied with agreed amendments to EU summit conclusions regarding Turkey, sources say

BRUSSELS 18/12/04(ANA - Ch. Poulidou)

The sources said that the amended text would now contain a statement of commitment by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Turkey will sign the Ankara Protocol before the start of accession negotiations with the EU, which are scheduled to begin on October 3, 2005. Both Athens and Nicosia see the signature of the Ankara Protocol as the first step toward recognition of the Republic of Cyprus.

The previous version of the text incorporated a statement by the EU presidency, which hailed the initialing of the Ankara Protocol by Turkey on Friday and urged Turkey to sign the Protocol before negotiations with the EU effectively began. The Greek side considers a statement by Erdogan to be more powerful than a statement by the EU presidency, even though the Protocol will not, in fact, be initialed on Friday.

The amended text also adds a reference to paragraph 20 regarding relations between Greece and Turkey, in which the EU "welcomes the exploratory talks that have already begun".

The sources said the amendments to the text were made after a meeting on Friday morning between Dutch premier and head of the EU presidency Jan Peter Balkenende and the prime ministers of France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Greece.

FM Molyviatis briefs political party leaders on EU summit results: Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis briefed main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga and Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) leader Alekos Alavanos on the results of the EU summit which ended in Brussels on Friday.

[03] PASOK leader Papandreou says EU Summit decision does not safeguard Greek interests

Athens 18/12/04 (ANA)

As Papandreou stressed, on the basis of the results which were announced, the Greek objectives not only were not achieved, but were below the expectations and the capabilities of the country and lower than the expectations which the ruling New Democracy (ND) party had set.

Papandreou reiterated his position in favor of Turkey's European prospects. However, he stated that as a Greek he was not happy about Friday's results and can neither rejoice. He accused the government that it did not win any battle because it never gave this battle and the result of the EU Summit in Brussels constituted "a retreat in our vested positions." He called on the New Democracy party and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis "to recognize the seriousness of the issues which they have to deal with."

The PASOK leader accused the government that it ''never understood'' the Helsinki decision, and claimed that what arises from the decision of the European Council is a ''significant retreat on national issues which returns to the old framework of the bilateral dialogue and consequently the resort to the international court the issue of the continental shelf and the claims without end on the part of Turkey.''

In reference to the part of the decision concerning Turkey-Cyprus relations, Papandreou stressed that the prospects of the extension of the customs union is the legal obligation of Turkey and does not constitute recognition. He further said that in the decision, there was no reference to the gradual withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops from the northern part of the island and that Turkey is not committed to contribute in the settlement of the Cyprus issue, ''objectives which have been raised in the past and had been registered in the Helsinki decision.''

Government spokesman rebukes PASOK leader's statements on EU-Turkey agreement: State Minister and Government Spokesman Thodoris Roussopolos responded late on Friday to statements made by main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou, rejecting his claims.

Greek left-wing parties respond negatively to conclusion of EU summit:The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) party responded negatively to the outcome of the EU Summit that was held in Brussels December 16-17, in statements they issued Friday evening.

Specifically, KKE pointed out that the decision of the EU Summit does not foresee formal recognition of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey, and that in this way, "the EU essentially negates the UN Security Council's resolutions regarding the Cyprus issue and especially its international aspect as a problem of invasion and occupation by the Turkish army of the northern part of Cyprus, [while] the UN resolutions which characterize declaration of the Denktash pseudo-state and the issue of colonization as illegal and void, are called into question," KKE stated.

KKE went on to accuse the EU of following geo-strategic interests and competing with the US for spheres of influence, rather than adhering to its declarations of commitment to democratic principles and values.

"It seems that basic goals, such as the recognition of the Republic of Cyprus, a timeframe for the withdrawal of Turkish occupational forces from Cyprus and specific commitments to address Greek-Turkish issues according to international law and regulations was not achieved," SYN wrote in its statement.

[04] European Council President says 'we have been writing history today'

BRUSSELS 18/12/04 (ANA/M. Spinth ourakis)

Regarding Turkey, the Dutch prime minister noted that the EU's basic objective is for the country's accession to the European Union, noting however at the same time that if this is not feasible, then the only thing certain is that Turkey, even if it is not an EU member-state, will remain connected with the structures of the European Union.

Regarding Cyprus, Belkenende noted the statement made by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Turkey's customs union with the EU will also extend to Cyprus, signing the relevant protocol. The European Council President also said that this will take place before October 3, 2005 so as to render feasible the start of Turkey's accession talks with the EU.

The Dutch prime minister further noted that "for us to reach today's agreement," important steps were needed to be taken both by Turkey and Cyprus and the other EU countries.

[05] UN chief expressed hope that developments in Brussels would lead to Cyprus solution

BRUSSELS 18/12/04 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

He was speaking during a press conference, following his participation in a meeting of the European Council with EU leaders.

Annan also said that the U.N. did not currently have any plan for the Cyprus problem, while noting that the two communities will have to think about what could be done in order to solve the problem.

Finally, he said that he had hoped that the Cyprus problem could have been solved earlier, so that united Cyprus could have joined the EU.

[06] Patriarch comments on Turkey's EU bid

ISTANBUL 18/12/04 (ANA)

"I hope that Turkey and the Turkish nation will not be disappointed. We hope that (Turkish) Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his government's efforts will succeed," he told reporters from the eastern Asia Minor city of Konya.

The Patriarch, who heads the most venerable and highest ranking Orthodox Patriarchate in the world, sent Erdogan a message a day earlier, noting that "we wholeheartedly support you in your assumption of this historic responsibility with our prayers."

[07] Bloodless outcome of bus hijacking a "pay-off" of Olympics training, gov't spokesman says

Athens 18/12/04 (ANA)

"We are capitalizing on what happened during the Olympiad and the country will reap many benefits," Antonaros noted.

[08] Economy ministry dismisses reports of 'emergency measures' to cut deficit

Athens 18/12/04 (ANA)

In a reply to series of media reports, the ministry issued a press release referring to an "effort to misinform the public opinion by various well-known Cassandras of the opposition, the ones responsible for the country's fiscal derailment."

The ministry, which also cited "deficits created by the irresponsible handling of (previous) PASOK governments," stressed that the Greek government is solely responsible for the economic policy to be followed, whereas the European Commission, according to Stability Pact, can make suggestions, "but it cannot impose specific measures."

[09] Government presents draft bill granting permanent jobs to public-sector contract workers

Athens 18/12/04 (ANA)

Under the bill, new permanent positions for jobs currently covered by contract workers will be created by February 2005. These concern all contract workers employed in the public sector, such as the civil service, organizations falling under public sector rules and local government. The staff will then go through the normal public sector appointments system but their past experience in the job will be weighted by an additional 50 per cent in relation to other candidates, even if their past experience was with different public-sector bodies.

The bill also sets up a "rolling list" of runners-up that will be used to fill additional positions of the same type that may arise, which will be constantly updated with new candidates arising from later vacancy announcements. Candidates will remain on the rolling list for a maximum of nine months, after which they will be removed if no appointment has been made.

Other measures introduced by the bill are a complete re-ordering of candidates of the appointments system exam of 1998, since the constraints in place for the specific exam were judged unconstitutional, and the introduction of an interview system for candidates in order to asses their personality, which will contribute a maximum of 20 per cent of their overall score. In addition, interviews will only be offered for 30 per cent more candidates than the jobs available.

Meanwhile, a circular sent out by the interior ministry on Friday has instructed all public sector organizations that fall under the provisions of the presidential decree concerning public-sector contract workers to speed up their assessment of candidates, so that they are completed within a reasonable space of time. The circular was sent out in response to press reports that the provisions of the presidential decree might not be enforced because of delays in assessing the candidates' applications.

[10] Central bank reports fall in current accounts deficit, rising investment capital inflows

Athens 18/12/04 (ANA)

It attributed the substantial year-on-year drop to a rise in foreign direct investment in excess of one billion euros, which showed that the Greek economy had reversed the trends of previous years and was attracting more foreign investment capital.

Specifically, direct investments from Jan-Oct 2004 stood at 1.04 billion euros, up from 171 million euros in 2003 and an outflow of 1.3 million euros in 2002. These chiefly reflected the acquisition of Panafon by Vodafone, that was completed in 2004, the acquisition of General Bank by France's Societe Generale, of Alpha Bank subsidiary Delta Singular Outsourcing Services by the U.S. company First Data, the increased share of Pan European Oil and Industrial Holdings (representing the Latsis group) in Hellenic Petroleum and the acquisition of Kotsovolos by Dixons in September.

Apart from direct investments, there were inflows of 23.436 billion euros in the same period that came chiefly from shipping (10.9 billion euros) and tourism (9.8 billion euros). Inflows from EU structural funds were also 25 per cent higher relative to the same period of 2003, exceeding 5.3 billion euros.

Conversely, there was a rise in the balance of trade deficit, which rose by 11.5 percent over the period. This was attributed to the replacement of domestic products by imported products, rather than to a rise in international oil prices.

Imports over the period increased by 11.3 per cent, to reach a total value of nearly 30 billion euros, while exports increased by 11.5 per cent over the same period, representing a total value of 9 billion euros.

There was a rise in the services surplus, which increased 32.2 per cent to 14.2 billion euros. This reflected a 41 per cent increase in net receipts from shipping, while net receipts from tourism increased by 9.3 per cent to 9.8 billion euros.

[11] Budget debate in Greek Parliament to be broadcast by satellite for the first time

Athens 18/12/04 (ANA)

[12] Thessaloniki Chamber plans business trip to China

Athens 18/12/04 (ANA)

Northern Greece entrepreneurs are expected to visit Beijing, Shanghai and other cities for meetings with Chinese businesspeople and officials.

[13] SEVE: After a failed bid for Expo 2008, Thessaloniki needs a new goal

Athens 18/12/04 (ANA)

Gov't dismisses PASOK criticism over lost

[14] Expo 2008 bid, points to latter's record

Athens 18/12/04 (ANA)

Member-states of International Bureau of Exhibitions (BIE) on Thursday selected Spanish city Saragossa over Trieste, Italy in the second round of voting. The only other candidate, Thessaloniki, was eliminated in the first round, after receiving 12 out of the possible 94 votes.

In deflecting PASOK's criticism, government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros underlined that the "metro (line) in Thessaloniki, an underwater road tunnel (off the city's waterfront), an expansion of its airport and so many other projects now thank PASOK for the fact that it remembered them, even belatedly, because for 10 consecutive years it (PASOK) has repeatedly announced them without doing anything".

In concluding, the spokesman stressed that the current government will work towards a new start for Greece's second largest city, with "seriousness and serious work".

[15] Education and Culture Ministries hold special event on occasion of International Children's Day

Athens 18/12/04 (ANA)

Education Minister Marietta Giannakou, present at the event, emphasized that the two ministries have decided to work closely together because they want the concept of culture to become an integral part of the educational system.

The children's choir of the Greek Lyceum of Women and the drama group "Paramythosentouko" performed at the event. Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis also attended.

Later on Friday, Giannakou went to the Melas Mansion where 140 schoolchildren, winners of the 23rd National Writing Contest, received their awards.

[16] Veteran journalist Malatos dies at the age of 77

Athens 18/12/04 (ANA)

His funeral will be held at the First Athens Cemetery on Monday at 2:30 p.m.

Malatos was born in Athens where he completed his secondary school education.

After the end of World War II and at a very young age he started his journalistic career as a police correspondent at "Vradyni" newspaper, where he worked from 1944 and for 45 years until he was pensioned off. He also worked in the newspapers "Imera", "Kairoi", "Anexartisia", "Eleftheria" and at the Athens News Agency.

An Athens Journalists Union (ESHEA) announcement said Malatos was "a modest and very much loved colleague who served journalism with ethics and integrity."

The ESHEA Board expressed its condolences to his wife and daughter.

[17] Group active in human trafficking disbanded

Athens 18/12/04 (ANA)

The relative, in cooperation with the police, paid the ¬ 3,100 to the group in marked bills four days ago. Two hours later, Attica police raided five apartments and arrested four members of the group. The group has been active in Greece, bringing illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Pakistan via Turkey, for the past five years.

An investigation for the arrest of the remaining group members is under way.

[18] Cyprus president satisfied with EU summit decision on Turkey

BRUSSELS 18/12/04 (CNA/ANA)

''We put forward our demands and I think today's decision satisfies our demands to a great extent,'' he told a press conference in Brussels on Friday.

The Cypriot president added that the decision grants the Republic of Cyprus the right to veto Turkey's EU course, in the event that Ankara does not fulfill its commitment to sign the customs union protocol.

He added that this statement is on record in the summit's minutes.

Asked if Friday's decision approached the request of the Republic of Cyprus for the normalization of its relations with Ankara, President Papadopoulos said ''we believe the protocol itself brings about normalization, at least in the stages that it covers (free movement of persons, goods etc).''

''The protocol covered many of the demands we had put forward,'' the president added.

Referring to the possibility of Cyprus having exercised its right to veto Friday's decision, President Papadopoulos said the question that tormented him was whether the veto would have promoted a settlement of the Cyprus problem or simply satisfied the feelings of the people.

Asked if the outcome of the European Council favored a new initiative in the Cyprus problem, President Papadopoulos said there was no direct provision of linking the two, adding that it would be very harmful if all Turkey's demands were linked to the Cyprus problem. ''The solution of the Cyprus problem is my pursuit,'' he added.

President Papadopoulos said he was leaving Brussels with a clear conscience ''and the certainty that I did the best for Cyprus, its rights and the rights of its people.''

He was due to leave for home later on Friday night.

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