Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-02-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Message of NATO Summit is "Re-establishing understanding between Europe and the US" Karamanlis says

[02] Greece supports dialogue between NATO and the Ukraine, PM says

[03] EU official briefed on 'primary shareholder' law

[04] Deputy FM Stylianidis meets representatives of Greek-Turkish Forum

[05] Gov't on Church proposal for ecclesiastical audit council

[06] Jerusalem Patriarchate denies press reports regarding Irineos

[07] PASOK leader Papandreou begins two-day tour of Crete

[08] PM Karamanlis condolences to Iran president Khatami over devastating earthquake

[09] KKE announces categorical rejection of Euro-constitution

[10] Parliament president receives ambassadors of China, Chile

[11] Development ministry approves package of projects, worth 41 million euros

[12] Gov't ready to implement new development law

[13] Tourism minister addresses tour operators' session in Athens

[14] Greek gov't to present draft law on market manipulation next week

[15] Gov't sees 2004 fiscal deficit topping 5.3%

[16] Greece to tender information system for customs service in April

[17] Conference on investing in Black Sea region Feb 24-25

[18] Alexandroupolis-Moscow air link as of May

[19] Greek honey producers say product fully safe and guaranteed

[20] Gov't to present plans for EXPO 2005 participation on Wednesday

[21] Civil servants announce strike schedule

[22] Bank workers to strike Monday

[23] Domestic apparel manufacturers oppose EU plan to scrap tariffs as tsunami aid

[24] Olive oil publicity drive begins at home and abroad

[25] Stocks nose down in range bound trade

[26] First multi-cultural, all foreign-language radio station begins broadcasting in Athens

[27] Another first instance judge answers charges of wrongdoing

[28] Athens rules against extradition of Kurdish activist

[29] One more cleric to be led to Korydallos prison for antiquities-smuggling

[30] AHEPA president attends benefit for children's hospital

[31] Minister, MP present book on Greek national security strategy

[32] Thessaloniki prefect asks law to intervene over phone-sex ads on TV

[33] Minister intervenes so that lights stay on at cash-strapped Thrace University

[34] HOC President and Secretary General for Sports discuss preparations for 2008 Olympics

[35] President Papadopoulos says Turkish Cypriots pursuing political gains

[36] Cyprus President says time makes solution more difficult

[37] EPP Vice President: no signature, no accession talks with Turkey

[01] Message of NATO Summit is "Re-establishing understanding between Europe and the US" Karamanlis says

BRUSSELS 23/2/2005 (ANA/C.Poulidou)

"There have been and continue to be disagreements surrounding handling and tactics, but in essence there is unity on basic principles. And that is a strong foundation for further cooperation," Karamanlis said. "The fight against terrorism and establishing security worldwide require mutual support for the strengthening of peace and prosperity," he added.

Speaking on what was discussed during the summit, Karamanlis mentioned the issue of Afghanistan, for which NATO leaders examined ways of further reinforcing democracy, security, development and the fight against drugs. He reminded the audience of Greece's contribution, which involved the creation of a health care unit, which will remain on-site for 18 months.

On the issue of Iraq, Karamanlis said that NATO leaders considered recent elections as a step forward towards the country's democratization (based on UN resolution 1546). He also noted that Greece is contributing to the effort to train Iraqi forces by allocating funds for that purpose.

Regarding the Middle East, the Greek premier said that the general sentiment was that prospects for implementation of the Road Map for Peace are looking positive.

Issues related to the Balkans were also discussed during the summit since the evaluation report on Kosovo will be presented in early summer. "We agree with whatever decision satisfies EU principles, the region's multiethnic character, religious freedom, minorities' rights and the protection of property and monuments," Karamanlis said.

Finally, in response to a related question, Karamanlis stated that distribution of roles among NATO members was not discussed during the summit, noting however, that Greece has already stated its willingness to take on specific initiatives related to the Balkans.

PM Karamanlis focuses on Balkans during NATO Summit: "The Balkans is a region that demands closer cooperation between the EU and the US, since negotiations and coordination comprise the foundation of our Balkan policy," Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said during the NATO Summit.

Referring to democratic reforms and free elections held in Balkan countries, Karamanlis emphasized that "EU policies and the prospect of EU participation was the driving force behind these developments, which led to the emergence of reformist and democratic leaders and in the replacement of autocratic leaders and regimes."

"EU standards and principles gradually replaced antiquated political and economic systems with democratic societies - open to all citizens - regardless of national origin or religious affiliation," he continued.

Karamanlis also referred to the problems that the region faced and which were addressed. "In the Balkans, as elsewhere, a country and a leader who do not respect the rights of all their inhabitants cannot be respected by their neighbors. Therefore, the problems that emerge in the region and which are related to organized crime and a lack of infrastructure and which were often the result of war and poor management, demand our undivided attention," he said.

The Greek premier also referred to the grave problem of unemployment in the West Balkans, emphasizing that "it must be addressed as a top priority, given the fact that millions of unemployed individuals are filled with feelings of social and national exclusion."

Finally, in reference to Kosovo, Karamanlis said that: "We all realize that the situation in the region is temporary. Our efforts deal with the next stage, during which an evaluation of standards will be carried out. We cannot return to conditions that prevailed before 1999, nor will we tolerate a situation that could lead once again to destabilization."

In closing, Karamanlis reiterated that based on the decisions taken during the 2000 Summit, "we are fully committed to the efforts of all West Balkan countries to join the EU on the basis 'clean' standards and criteria."

PM meets NATO member-state leaders on sidelines of Brussels summit: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis had brief meetings with several of the heads of state and government attending Tuesday's NATO summit in Brussels, among them United States President George Bush, French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

Karamanlis also had talks with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Luxembourg premier Jean-Claude Juncker on the sidelines of the summit.

Afterward, the Greek premier said that he intended to begin a round of visits to European countries that had been confirmed during Tuesday's contacts, beginning with Luxembourg, Germany and France, while in the next few months he will be visiting the U.S. and the United Kingdom.

He said the foreign visits will focus on issues of mutual interest, both European and bilateral, while he stressed the need to boost close ties with natural partners and allies.

Regarding his meeting with Erdogan, Karamanlis said they had agreed to meet at the next summit since Erdogan's party had become an observer at the European People's Party (EPP).

Asked if he had received an official invitation to visit the U.S., the Greek premier said it had been discussed informally during his talks with Bush and that both sides had expressed interest in a meeting and visit, to be arranged via diplomatic channels.

During an earlier meeting between the 26 NATO leaders with newly-elected Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, Karamanlis said that Athens was in favor of "honest and open" dialogue between NATO and the Ukraine and congratulated Yushchenko on his recent election victory.

He said that Greece also looked to the development of balanced and friendly relations between the Ukraine and other countries and counted on it to show a constructive stance toward settling regional crises, while praising the Ukraine's contribution to peace-keeping missions.

Yushchenko had expressed the Ukraine's desire to join NATO while noting, for Russia's benefit, that it did not wish to disturb its relations with neighboring countries.

Karamanlis also took questions regarding the briefing earlier on Tuesday of the European Commission's director general for internal market affairs Alexander Schaub on the government's "primary shareholder" bill by three government ministers, stressing his belief that the new law was necessary to impose transparency.

"We believe, as do the overwhelming majority of citizens, that rules of transparency must be imposed and this is what we are trying to do, this is the policy that we have served with consistency and steadiness."

"We have briefed the Commission, unlike the previous government, and the results will soon be apparent," he added.

Addressing press speculation that the Commissioned considered the new law incompatible with EU rules, meanwhile, Karamanlis merely noted "that my information appears to be different from yours".

[02] Greece supports dialogue between NATO and the Ukraine, PM says

BRUSSELS 23/2/2005 (ANA - Ch. Poulidou)

Karamanlis also congratulated Yushchenko on his recent election victory. He said that Greece also looked to the development of balanced and friendly relations between the Ukraine and other countries and counted on it to show a constructive stance toward settling regional crises, while praising the Ukraine's contribution to peace-keeping missions.

[03] EU official briefed on 'primary shareholder' law

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

Antonaros said that the three ministers briefed the EU official on matters concerning the law on the "primary shareholder".

Replying to questions, the spokesman said that he was not aware of any reservations having been submitted by European companies to the authoritative EU bodies against the primary shareholder law, adding that that would be an issue concerning the European Commission.

Asked to comment on rumors that funding to Greece from the EU was put in jeopardy as a result of the primary shareholder law, Antonaros passed the rumors off as "figments of the imagination". He further said that the law was in line with the Greek Constitution and European Law.

An ANA dispatch from Brussels, citing diplomatic sources, said that the three Greek government officials gave a detailed presentation of the basic aspects and philosophy of the primary shareholder law.

The same sources said that the information provided by the Greek delegation was considered "useful" and "quite convincing" by the EU official.

The sources said that, in the next two weeks, the Greek authorities would forward supplementary information requested that concerned some of the basic provisions of the law.

They said that, for the time being, the EU was not examining the prospect of adopting any resolution on the matter.

[04] Deputy FM Stylianidis meets representatives of Greek-Turkish Forum

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

On the Turkish side, taking part at the meeting were former foreign ministers Ilter Turkmen and Yassar Yakis and professors Ustun Erguder, Soll Ozel and Rana Zincir, while on the Greek side taking part were Costas Karras, Costas Zeppos, Evanthis Hatzivassiliou and Paulina Lampsa.

[05] Gov't on Church proposal for ecclesiastical audit council

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said relevant ministers will study the proposal when the paperwork is officially tabled by the Church's hierarchy.

[06] Jerusalem Patriarchate denies press reports regarding Irineos

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

The patriarchate called the reports not only 'inaccurate' but 'condemnable' in their 'maliciousness.'

[07] PASOK leader Papandreou begins two-day tour of Crete

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

Speaking in Hania on Tuesday, Papandreou launched a stinging attack against the government and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis. The PASOK leader stressed that "the Greek people were waiting that after the elections, whichever government was elected, it would take the country forward." However, he added, "eleven months since the election of the New Democracy (ND) party and Mr. Karamanlis as prime minister, there is a climate of pessimism, defeatism and disappointment in the country, and this climate exists also in those who voted for the New Democracy."

Papandreou accused the government that "instead of dealing with the country's problems, it is dealing with the defamation of PASOK's work, but this is defamation of the work of the Greek people and of Greece, which again became the black sheep of Europe with the audit and supervision." He also termed the government's policy as being "tragic and catastrophic."

[08] PM Karamanlis condolences to Iran president Khatami over devastating earthquake

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

Karamanlis expressed his sincere condolences and conveyed the support of the Greek government and people over the tragic loss of lives caused by the 6.4 Richter magnitude quake, and said everyone's thoughts were with the families of the victims and all those hurt in the trembler.

[09] KKE announces categorical rejection of Euro-constitution

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

In a more-or-less expected decision, the communist party said the proposed European constitution would merely transform the bloc into a "more reactionary union and further strengthen the dictatorship of capital."

[10] Parliament president receives ambassadors of China, Chile

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

After the meeting with the Chinese ambassador, Psarouda-Benaki said they had confirmed the friendly feelings between Greece and China and established the foundations for cooperation, which was in any case close.

"With the exchange of visits between MPs and the talks that will take place on a parliamentary level, we will have very good results in cooperation between the two countries," she said.

The Chinese ambassador referred to the good relations between the two Parliaments and described Psarouda-Benaki as an old friend of the Chinese people who personally contributed to promoting relations between the two countries.

He offered the Parliament president a work of art by a well-known Chinese artist depicting a lotus flower, considered a symbol for good luck.

During a brief meeting with the ambassador of Chile, meanwhile, Psarouda-Benaki proposed strengthening relations between the parliaments of Greece and Chile by arranging an exchange of visits.

[11] Development ministry approves package of projects, worth 41 million euros

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

Under the plan, the money will be used to transform the area into a modern transit centre. The Astakos project, budgeted at 126.5 million euros (of which 73.3 million euros will come from national funds) envisages the creation of a large cargo shipping centre, capable of harboring large cargo vessels, fully equipped with the necessary freight machinery and warehouse facilities. The project will be completed in 2005.

Sioufas also signed a series of ministerial decisions aimed to offer financial support to environmental protection projects in industrial areas around the country. The program is budgeted at 21.84 million euros.

The government also offered around 10.5 million euros for the construction of infrastructure projects in remote Greek islands. Under the plan, a fishery vessels' shelter will be built in the island of Fourni, Ikaria, budgeted at 6.0 million euros.

[12] Gov't ready to implement new development law

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting, Alogoskoufis said that the two ministries would sign eight joint ministerial decisions and announced a tour of visits around the country to promote the new law's advantages. He will begin his tour from Epirus, March 4-5.

The Greek minister stressed that the country's main development "tools" were a new development law and the Community Support Framework.

Sioufas said that a new development law was brave and aggressive and added that following the issuing of the joint ministerial decisions, the government would begin accepting investment plans from both the domestic market and abroad.

[13] Tourism minister addresses tour operators' session in Athens

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to ANA, Avramopoulos said he had a very fruitful meeting with representatives of the industry and stressed that in his address he presented the government's view over the tourism sector in the next 10 years. "During this period, substantial reforms will be made to create a modern and more attractive tourist product," the Greek minister said.

The World Federation of Tour Operators is an agency representing a section of the global tourism trend and their estimates were of great importance to the Greek tourism authority, Avramopoulos said, adding that the fact that the closed session was held in Athens highlighted the country's significance in the tourism industry.

Avramopoulos stressed that Greece needed deep institutional and quality reforms to become the world's number one tourism destination.

Avramopoulos meets with IFTO President: Minister of Tourism Development Dimitris Avramopoulos met with Martin Brackenbury, President of the International Federation of Tour Operators and other federation representatives on Tuesday, on the sidelines of an IFTO seminar being held in Athens.

Avramopoulos described the meeting as "very meaningful", during which he had the opportunity to express his views and strategy for Greek tourism over the next 10 years. "It is imperative - if our country is to be competitive - that in-depth, institutional and qualitative changes are made as quickly as possible, so that Greece can become, once again, one of the world's top tourism destinations. This is why the first steps that have been made are in this direction," Avramopoulos said.

"A more friendly and hospitable investment environment has been created, which will attract large investments. However, everyone must take on their respective responsibilities since tourism is one of the country's main pillars of development and progress and of course, a dominant factor of the Greek economy," he added.

On his part, Brackenbury said that he had had a sincere and very useful discussion with Avramopoulos, who briefed Brackenbury on the Greek tourism sector post-Games and about programs that are under way. The IFTO president also said that the first steps have been made towards a cooperation between some of the world's major tour operators and the Greek ministry. The objective, according to Brackenbury, is for the two sides to adopt joint initiatives that will make Greek tourism the country's most successful economic sector.

[14] Greek gov't to present draft law on market manipulation next week

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

Alogoskoufis on Tuesday completed a round of consultations with all interested parties with a meeting with Athens Stock Exchange's president Spyros Kapralos and Capital Markets Commission's president Alexis Pylavios.

Ministry sources told ANA that the ministry would also unveil a series of other legislative initiatives aimed to boost transparency, strengthen the stock market's credibility and enhance the capital market's independence.

[15] Gov't sees 2004 fiscal deficit topping 5.3%

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

A final figure would emerge in five to 10 days after cross-checking of data had been completed with Eurostat, the European Union's statistics agency, Doukas said in Thessaloniki, replying to a reporter's question.

He added that he was satisfied with state expenditure in January 2005, which was lower than the same month a year earlier.

[16] Greece to tender information system for customs service in April

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

A ministry announcement said that the project would help achieve a strategic goal for tax transparency and justice and facilitate transactions with the customs department. The new system would simplify import procedures, cooperation with other European custom agencies for the promotion of community cargoes to third countries and improved information of transit activities in the European Union.

The ministry also expects the new system to better service citizens, simplify trade procedures, boost productivity in the customs department, raising state revenues, combatting tax-evasion and adopting community regulations.

ICISnet will become a portal for a safe completion of all transactions through the Internet, also offering an e-payment system.

[17] Conference on investing in Black Sea region Feb 24-25

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

Keynote speaker at the conference will be Deputy Foreign Minister Euripides Stylianidis, organizers said in a statement on Tuesday.

The event has been arranged under the aegis of the foreign ministry by the organization's Greek Business Council, and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's Development Centre.

More than 200 delegates from member states of the Black Sea cooperation group are to take part, including representatives of the World Bank, European Investment Bank and the European Union.

[18] Alexandroupolis-Moscow air link as of May

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

The new route will operate from May 14 until September 18, with four weekly flights between the two cities, while the addition of an extra flight is being considered by the Greek side from Alexandroupolis to Moscow.

The new tourism package will be presented at an event which will be held in Moscow on March 10 in the presence of 150 guests, 90 representatives from travel agencies, ministries, large companies, as well as journalists.

Announcing the Moscow-Alexandroupolis air link, Evros Prefect Nikos Zampounidis on Tuesday said: "By establishing four weekly flights [between May and September], our aim is to bring 10,400 Moscovites to Evros during this period and for this to continue into the next season, even in the winter."

[19] Greek honey producers say product fully safe and guaranteed

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

Greek honey producers unions' coordinating committee issued a statement following reports doubting the quality of Greek honey after Cyprus authorities asked for the withdrawal of a Greek brand honey from the market.

The coordinating committee stressed that the Aristotelion University of Thessaloniki in 2003 found the presence of "infinitesimal quantities of chemicals in honey" and said that although that community authorities did not issued any warning signal, Greek honey producers' unions agreed to end the use of the chemical product, used to clean honeycomb.

[20] Gov't to present plans for EXPO 2005 participation on Wednesday

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

The issue was discussed during a meeting between Economy Minister with Agricultural Development and Foods Minister Evangelos Basiakos, Tourism Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, Culture Alternate Minister Fani Palli-Petralia and Development Deputy Minister Yiannis Papathanasiou.

[21] Civil servants announce strike schedule

Athens, 23/2/2005 (ANA)

The protest action schedule released by ADEDY and affiliated unions is as follows: