Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-04-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM Molyviatis briefs prime minister on Ankara talks, comments on Imia incident

[02] Gov't: Foreign minister's handling of Imia incident averted crisis in the Aegean

[03] Mitsotakis says gov't handling of foreign affairs 'excellent', only communications lagging

[04] Turkish warplanes violate national air space

[05] MEPs reject amendment to recognize FYROM as 'Macedonia'

[06] Serbia-Montenegro FM says Belgrade will recognize name emanating from Greece-FYROM negotiations

[07] National issue developments alarming, PASOK party leader says

[08] Greek minister Skandalakis concludes talks over Jerusalem Patriarchate in Jordan

[09] Public order minister and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State discuss bilateral cooperation between Greece and United States

[10] PM to talk to Parliament on ratification of Euro-Constitution

[11] Gov't uses cameras to focus on road safety

[12] US, Greek officials pay final respects to former Archbishop of America

[13] Gov't begins consultations on industrial relations, social insurance

[14] Greek GDP grew 4.2 pct in 4th quarter 2004, Eurostat says

[15] Karamanlis briefed on tourism developments by Avramopoulos

[16] Finmin sees shipowners eyeing tourism investment

[17] Merchant marine minister and Syrian deputy transport minister discuss shipping and sea transport issues

[18] Five bids in Olympic Airlines sale tender

[19] Greek business to play active role in Olympic venues development, Alternate Culture Min says

[20] Public sees government as obliged to take new tax measures, opinion poll shows

[21] GSEE criticizes gov't over higher VAT factors

[22] EU Court rules against Greece in environmental case

[23] European Parliament adopts proposals on doping and cultural diversity

[24] Public Prosecutors Union of Greece examines developments in judicial branch

[25] Hellenic American Heritage Council honors Negroponte, Townsend at D.C. dinner

[26] People in the Balkans share much in common, author of new book on Macedonian issue says

[27] Israeli film festival opens in Athens

[28] President Papadopoulos says EU involvement on Cyprus gaining ground

[29] Cyprus government welcomes CBM between Greece and Turkey

[30] EU Commissioner consults with new Cyprus adviser

[31] Cyprus president for an official visit to the Czech Republic

[01] FM Molyviatis briefs prime minister on Ankara talks, comments on Imia incident

Athens, 1/4/2005 (ANA)

Replying to press questions after the meeting, criticising him for not walking out of the talks on Tuesday with Turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gul due to the incident at Imia islets, Molyviatis said that: "If I had left, there would have ensued a rapid deterioration in Greek-Turkish relations, and we would have had a serious crisis, whereas, with our handling, a potential incident was defused, and there is calm".

Molyviatis, who returned to Athens on Wednesday from his working visit to Ankara, said that all the proper steps/handling had been taken, and that a demarche was also lodged with the Turkish side.

A Turkish coast guard patrol boat violated Greek territorial waters and approached the Imia islets in the eastern Aegean early on Tuesday, and a Greek fisherman also informed the Greek coast guard that the captain of the Turkish vessel requested that he leave the sea region. The Turkish vessel was shadowed by a Greek coast guard patrol boat and, further away, by a Hellenic Navy vessel.

The incident coincided with Molyviatis' arrival in Ankara for talks with the Turkish leadership.

Shortly after 8 p.m. on Tuesday, a second Turkish coast guard vessel violated Greek territorial waters and approached the Imia islets, replacing the first Turkish vessel, which left the region after sailing around Imia for 12 hours, as the Greek coastguard and Navy boats continued to monitor the situation.

The second Turkish patrol boat remained near Imia, inside Greek territorial waters, overnight, before leaving the area at roughly 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

The rocky outcrops near the "sponge divers' " island of Kalymnos -- identified on international maritime maps as the Imia islets -- brought Greek-Turkish relations to a nadir in January 1996 when the government of then Turkish premier Tansu Ciller disputed Athens' sovereignty over the islets and the surrounding sea region.

To questions on the FYROM name issue, Molyviatis said he was in favor of the commencement of negotiations on the basis of a recent proposal put forward by UN special mediator on the issue, Matthew Nimetz. He said that everyone had the right to put forward his criticism, but stressed that the government's handling of the matter was correct.

He further stressed that Greece had succeeded in reversing the adverse climate against Greece, for the first time, adding that "we are not responsible for the failure in finding a solution".

[02] Gov't: Foreign minister's handling of Imia incident averted crisis in the Aegean

Athens, 1/4/2005 (ANA)

Responding to press criticism of Molyviatis' decision to continue a working visit to Ankara during the incident, Roussopoulos said the government's handling of the issue was the most suitable and "showed that the government is able to establish conditions that do not create a crisis in the Aegean".

He stressed that the government's priority was to act in a way that did not generate crises and established a sense of security in the country, hinting that this feeling of security had been damaged through the handling of the Imia crisis in 1996.

The spokesman also stressed that a decision to establish a new military hotline, designed to bring about an end to airspace violations above the Aegean, did not mean any change to the policy of intercepting incursions.

The decision, which will establish a direct line between the Greek military command in Larissa and the Turkish command in Eskisehir, was made by Molyviatis and his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul during the Greek minister's visit to Ankara.

"The regime of interceptions remains as it has been for the past 30 years, with the simple addition of a provision for better communication between the two sides," he said.

Asked whether Turkey "understood" Greek efforts for peaceful relations between the two sides, Roussopoulos said this appeared to be the case "up to a point".

"Actions such as those in Imia do not help in the direction of establishing friendly relations, but in discussions carried out on a political level the Turkish side has declared an intention to move toward a more peaceful future, where provocations are avoided. This has yet to be proved," he said.

He denied there was any risk of creating 'accomplished facts' that might damage Greek territorial rights.

The latest incident involving the Imia islets, which coincided with Molyviatis' visit, occurred early on Tuesday when a Turkish coast guard patrol boat violated Greek territorial waters and approached the Imia islets in the eastern Aegean.

A Greek fisherman informed the Greek coast guard that the captain of the Turkish vessel requested that he leave the sea region. The Turkish vessel was shadowed by a Greek coast guard patrol boat and, further away, by a Hellenic Navy vessel.

Shortly after 8 p.m. on Tuesday, a second Turkish coast guard vessel violated Greek territorial waters and approached the Imia islets, replacing the first Turkish vessel, which left the region after sailing around Imia for 12 hours, as the Greek coastguard and Navy boats continued to monitor the situation.

The second Turkish patrol boat remained near Imia, inside Greek territorial waters, overnight, before leaving the area at roughly 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

The rocky outcrops near the "sponge divers' " island of Kalymnos -- identified on international maritime maps as the Imia islets -- brought Greek-Turkish relations to a nadir in January 1996 when the government of then Turkish premier Tansu Ciller disputed Athens' sovereignty over the islets and the surrounding sea.

[03] Mitsotakis says gov't handling of foreign affairs 'excellent', only communications lagging

Athens, 1/4/2005 (ANA)

Asked specifically about the government's handling of recent developments concerning the FYROM "name issue" and seesaw Greek-Turkish relations -- both in the spotlight over the past week -- Mitsotakis said it was "excellent", with only the communications aspect lagging.

Additionally, the honorary New Democracy president cited what he called a lack of solidarity amongst ministers.

[04] Turkish warplanes violate national air space

Athens, 1/4/2005 (ANA)

According to National Defense General Staff sources, 32 Turkish warplanes flew over the Aegean without submitting flight plans (13 infringements of air traffic regulations in the Athens Flight information Region were recorded) and in 21 cases they violated national air space in the northern and central Aegean.

The sources said that formations of Turkish aircraft flew over the islets of Kalogiri at altitudes of 500, 1,000 and 14,000 feet in the morning as well as in the afternoon.

They added that six formations passed from the south of the Andros firing range. The firing range has been activated due to the navy's exercise codenamed "Kategis", but at the time there was no activity by the fleet's ships.

In all cases the Turkish warplanes were recognized and intercepted by Greek air force jets, while in two cases the interception process developed into mock dogfights.

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

[05] MEPs reject amendment to recognize FYROM as 'Macedonia'

Strasbourg, 15/4/2005 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

The amendment had been tabled by members of the Green movement, who urged MEPs to recognize the land-locked Balkan state with the name already used by the United States and Russia, among others.

According to reports, no recount was necessary in the 'show-of-hands' vote due to the large majority rejecting the amendment.

A similar, albeit watered down amendment was also rejected by MEPs -- with a vote of 563 against, 139 in favor and 26 abstentions.

Conversely, Euro-deputies approved of the remaining provisions dealing with FYROM, such as recognizing that the country's participation in European integration will benefit the entire region.

As far as neighboring Albania is concerned, the plenum reiterated that Tirana's European prospects and progress in negotiations are closely linked with the respect of minority rights. Moreover, MEPs also requested that the Albanian government respect the rights of the ethnic Greek minority in that country.

Finally, in regards to the strife-plagued Kosovo province, the plenum stressed that its division, union with Albania (or any other regional entity) or a return to the pre-1999 constitutional status vis-a-vis Serbia should be ruled out.

[06] Serbia-Montenegro FM says Belgrade will recognize name emanating from Greece-FYROM negotiations

Athens, 1/4/2005 (ANA)

SCG FM Vuk Draskovic arrived in Athens on Thursday for talks with Greek leadership, including President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and his counterpart, Petros Molyviatis.

His visit comes less than a week after a UN special mediator presented a high-profile proposal to settle the 15-year-old "name issue" still separating Athens and Skopje, with "Republika Makedonija - Skopje" (without translation) serving as the primary feature of the proposal.

"What's needed is courage and determination to change what we can and must change; patience for things we cannot change and the wisdom to distinguish between the two," Draskovic said in paraphrasing a popular saying, and following consecutive meetings with Greek leadership.

In reference to the thorny Kosovo issue -- which again appeared on the international diplomatic scene over the past month or so - repeated Belgrade's policy of "something more than autonomy and less than independence".

Nevertheless, he underlined that there is no chance of returning to the "extremist positions of 1999".

Draskovic called for guarantees to ensure the safe return of 200,000 Serbian refugees to the currently UN-administered province, European standards of democracy and protection of churches and monasteries -- as the latter have been repeatedly targeted in recent years by Albanian separatists in the region.

As far as Belgrade's EU prospects are concerned, Draskovic welcomed the recent positive report by the European Commission, adding that Serbia-Montenegro now has absolutely "no reason for delay or failure" in its course towards Europe. He also thanked Athens for its support on the issue.

On his part, Greek Foreign Minister Molyviatis reiterated Athens' readiness and sincere volition to negotiate a settlement to the "name issue" on the basis of a proposal set out by UN mediator Matthew Nimetz.

He also expressed a conviction that a mutually acceptable solution will have beneficial effects for the entire region.

Regarding Kosovo, Molyviatis reiterated that Greece supports the position that Serbia-Montenegro must have the opportunity to chart a stable course towards Euro-Atlantic institutions.

"Such a course would positively influence developments in Kosovo. What is of supreme importance is the ever-growing response to criteria for democratic and effective governance, as well as to respect for minority rights, ones that have been set as conditions by the international community," the Greek minister said.

[07] National issue developments alarming, PASOK party leader says

Athens, 1/4/2005 (ANA)

Papandreou said he and Draskovic discussed a wide range of issues concerning the entire region and requested Belgrade's support so that the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) will adopt a constructive stance that will enable a mutually acceptable name to be found for the neighboring country.

The PASOK leader also said that he and his party will support the European course of Serbia-Montenegro on the basis of the decision taken at the Thessaloniki summit.

Draskovic said that he discussed all the Balkan issues with Papandreou and on the issue of FYROM he stressed that his country will support any agreement reached between Greece and FYROM on the name issue.

[08] Greek minister Skandalakis concludes talks over Jerusalem Patriarchate in Jordan

Amman, 15/4/2005 (ANA - P. Haritos)

The Patriarchate has been cast into turmoil amid calls for the resignation its Greek prelate Patriarch Irineos, enthroned in 2001, for allegedly agreeing to the sale of Church real estate in Arab East Jerusalem to Israeli interests.

During his visit to Amman, Skandalakis had talks with Jordanian Interior Minister Awni Yerfas and Marwan Muashir, minister in charge of relations with the Palace.

Skandalakis said the purpose of his visit was to make an assessment of the situation in relation to the Patriarchate and strengthen cooperation with the sides involved in order to find a way out of the crisis that will preserve the Patriarchate's Greek character and heritage.

He stressed that officials in all the countries he had visited had denied any consideration of a plan to make the Patriarchate predominately Arab, as suggested by rumors and press articles.

The Greek minister also said that he had asked all three sides involved to uncover the truth behind the charges against Patriarch Irineos and finally clear up the matter.

"All four of the meetings I had were extremely important because those I spoke with confirmed the Greek nature of the Patriarchate, the Greek-Orthodox status quo that existed and will remain - which satisfies us because this was the goal for which we have striven," he said.

Stressing that the entire issue had arisen from a report in a newspaper, Skandalakis said he had called for an investigation in which any evidence that existed was put on the table.

"We cannot just hypothetically carry on while the crisis remains. We must finally emerge from it," he added.

The previous day Skandalakis had visited the Holy Lands, where he met representatives of the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli government in Ramallah and Tel Aviv to discuss the same issue.

On the sidelines of his visit to Jordan, meanwhile, the minister met members of Jordan's Greek community and was briefed on their needs and problems, while he promised to carry out a future trip devoted exclusively to issues concerning Greek expatriates in the area.

The Greek government has stated that it does not wish to interfere in the internal affairs of the Patriarchate and that its main priority is to preserve the Patriarchate's prestige as an institution, as well as its Greek character and heritage.

[09] Public order minister and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State discuss bilateral cooperation between Greece and United States

Washington 15/4/2005 (ANA - A. Ellis)

According to an announcement by State Department spokesman Richard Boucher, issued following a relevant question made during Wednesday's press briefing, it was stressed that "Deputy Secretary of State Burns met with the minister Mr. Voulgarakis and discussed, among other things, continuing cooperation with Greece in the global war against terrorism, the struggle against local terrorists, the illegal trafficking of people and improved border and passport controls."

Boucher's announcement ended with the observation that the U.S. "welcomes the target set by the Greek government for the issuing of new passports with biometric data by 2006."

[10] PM to talk to Parliament on ratification of Euro-Constitution

Athens, 15/4/2005 (ANA)

[11] Gov't uses cameras to focus on road safety

Athens, 1/4/2005 (ANA)

The program, which has a budget of a little over 12 million euros, aims to significantly improve road safety, a top priority and responsibility of the public works ministry.

The cameras will be installed in 10 regions of the country and will cover a total of 3,500 km.

Installation will begin in early August and will be completed by February 2006.

[12] US, Greek officials pay final respects to former Archbishop of America

New York, 15/4/2005 (ANA/P.Panagiotou)

Speaking first at the funeral, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos described Iakovos as "a great and unprecedented leader of Orthodoxy, a flagbearer for peace, a true Greek patriot, and a champion of human rights."

Macedonia-Thrace Minister Nikos Tsiartsionis, who represented Greece at the funeral, referred to Iakovos' attributes - his charismatic personality, as well as his spiritual stature which gained him the respect of political leaders.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, also present at the funeral service, spoke about Iakovos' contribution towards encouraging tolerance and coexistence among the people in the US. Specifically, Bloomberg referred to Iakovos' daring decision to march with civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. in Alabama in 1965. Since then, Iakovos was regarded by Americans as one of the country's major leaders.

US Senator Paul Sarbanes also spoke about the former archbishop's important work, emphasizing that "he was a symbol of the Greek-American community and fought for the grand, human ideals."

Archbishop of America Demetrios also spoke briefly, conveying a message from Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos from the Phanar. In his letter, Vartholomeos stated that Iakovos possessed international prestige and had honored the Church by giving genuine expression to Orthodoxy.

Demetrios added that Iakovos' Greek patriotism never stopped him from being an upstanding US citizen.

Former New York mayors Ed Koch, David Dinkins and Rudy Giuliani also attended the service, as did other Greek officials and senior clergy.

The historic prelate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North and South America (now Archdiocese of America), died in Stanford, Connecticut where he was hospitalized with acute respiratory problems.

Iakovos, born on the island of Imvros, served as Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of America for 37 years, until his resignation in July 1996. He was succeeded by Archbishop Spyridon, who served in the post for three years, followed by the current Archbishop, Demetrios.

[13] Gov't begins consultations on industrial relations, social insurance

Athens, 15/4/2005 (ANA)

Among items on the agenda for talks on industrial relations are overtime pay and working hours; and on social insurance, pensionable age, payment of contributions and size of pensions, Panayiotopoulos told a news conference.

The government hopes talks on industrial relations will move swiftly so that any measures can soon be implemented. Consultations on the social insurance system are open-ended.

Panayiotopoulos added that no change would be made in redundancy legislation, and neither would collective labor pacts or minimum wages be abolished.

Also taking part in the news conference was Deputy Employment Minister, Gerasimos Yiakoumatos, who noted that 3,746 companies had relocated to Bulgaria.

Finally, the head of the main state social insurance fund, IKA, reported a surplus of 38-39 million euros, up from 600,000 in the past.

[14] Greek GDP grew 4.2 pct in 4th quarter 2004, Eurostat says

Brussels, 15/4/2005 (ANA)

The EU's statistics agency said Eurozone's GDP grew 0.2 percent while EU-25 GDP rose 0.3 percent over the same period. Lithuania (2.1 pct), Ireland (2.0 pct), Estonia (1.3 pct) recorded the biggest percentage increases in 4th quarter GDP, while Italy, Slovenia (0.1 pct each), Portugal (0.3 pct), Germany (0.2 pct) and Greece (0.1 pct) recorded the biggest percentage declines.

Greek GDP grew 4.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2004, compared with the same period in 2003, while GDP grew by 1.6 percent and 1.9 pct in Eurozone and the EU, respectively.

[15] Karamanlis briefed on tourism developments by Avramopoulos

Athens, 15/4/2005 (ANA)

Afterwards, Avramopoulos repeated his optimistic forecast for 2005, the first post-Olympics tourism season in Greece, as well as his ministry's cooperation with the private sector to date.

Karamanlis has repeatedly said that upgrading the sector and increasing tourist arrivals is a priority for the government.

[16] Finmin sees shipowners eyeing tourism investment

Athens, 15/4/2005 (ANA)

"Many Greek shipowners wish to invest a large part of their capital in other forms of business, outside their traditional field. Their main orientation is towards investments in tourism, where they face major problems due to a lack of clarity in the legislation, delays in decision-making, excessive bureaucracy etc," Alogoskoufis told a meeting of the Piraeus Marine Club.

"These are problems that a ministerial committee has been looking at in order to find a solution," he said.

The finance and merchant marine ministers are to meet on Friday to discuss shipping.

[17] Merchant marine minister and Syrian deputy transport minister discuss shipping and sea transport issues

Athens, 15/4/2005 (ANA)

Also discussed was the reopening of the Volos-Latakia sea route, as well as the linking of Greek and Syrian ports with the prospect of transporting large quantities of building materials and merchandise for the reconstruction of Iraq.

The talks were held in the presence of the Port and Port Policy secretary general G. Vlachos and service officials.

[18] Five bids in Olympic Airlines sale tender

Athens, 15/4/2005 (ANA)

The binding offers accompanied by letters of guarantee, which were received on Wednesday, the deadline in the tender's second stage, were from all groups that expressed interest in the first phase: Aegean Airlines of Greece; Olympic Investors (Greek-American); Sure Estates (the Netherlands); Intra (owner of Deutsche British Airways); and Klesch (UK).

Releasing the names to reporters were Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and Transport Minister Mihalis Liapis.

The government's consultant in the sale, London-based Lazard, a global investment bank, will study the bids. Negotiations will then begin, the ministers said.

"There is time pressure, and pressure from the European Union," Liapis noted.

According to Alogoskoufis, the process will be difficult due to financial constrictions and EU constraints.

In a statement on Wednesday, management of Aegean Airlines said that due to chronic problems in the state-owned Olympic, major legal and operational difficulties were involved in the privatization attempt.

As a result, if acquisition negotiations were to begin, agreement could only be reached if a viable solution was found to provision of quality services and competitive retail prices, the statement said.

[19] Greek business to play active role in Olympic venues development, Alternate Culture Min says

Athens, 15/4/2005 (ANA)

Continuing her briefings on the Olympic venues bill to be tabled in Parliament shortly, Palli-Petralia met with Hellenic Bank Association President and General Manager Yiannis Costopoulos and Artemis Theodoridi, as well as with the Central Union of Greek Chambers President Yiorgos Kassimatis and Executive Board members Panagiotis Ananiadis and Evangelos Stavrou.

Costopoulos expressed satisfaction with the bill saying that "every measure will be taken to ensure that these major works are utilized in the right way."

On his part, Kassimatis said that "the business community is ready for new investments by actively participating in the state's efforts."

Palli-Petralia has already met with numerous local government officials and industrialists and has informed them of the draft law's content.

[20] Public sees government as obliged to take new tax measures, opinion poll shows

Athens, 15/4/2005 (ANA)

The results of the poll released on Thursday are based on 1000 interviews conducted over the phone among a random selection of households throughout the country between April 11-12.

Interviewees were asked "What is your opinion on the new economic measures recently announced: The government was probably obliged or was probably not obliged to take these measures." Of those responding, 62 per cent answered "probably obliged", 29 per cent answered "probably not obliged" and 9 per cent answered "don't know/ won't answer".

At least 43 per cent of interviewees that had voted for main opposition PASOK in the last general elections said the government had been obliged to take the new economic measures. Among voters of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party, 63 per cent said the government had been obliged to take the new measures, while only 44 per cent of voters for the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said the government was obliged to take the measures.

Among right-wing parties, 83 per cent of Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) voters said the government had been obliged to take the measures, while the same figure among voters of the ruling New Democracy party was 84 per cent.

Confidence that the new economic measures would be effective was low, however, with 49 per cent replying that the new measures will probably not be effective, 37 per cent replying that they will be effective and 14 per cent replying "Don't know/won't answer".

In response to questions on whether the government or the main opposition was right concerning Greece's relations with the European Union in relation to the primary media shareholder bill introduced by the government, 28 per cent backed governing ND, 19 per cent backed main opposition PASOK, 23 percent said "neither", 3 per cent said "both" and 27 per cent replied "Don't know/won't answer".

The poll also showed a dip in the popularity of Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church, with 45 per cent viewing him positively (down from 48 per cent in March) and 44 per cent negatively (from 43 per cent the previous month).

On the issue of combatting corruption and graft, 40 per cent said they had more confidence in an ND government, 16 per cent in a PASOK government, 30 per cent said "neither" and 8 per cent answered "don't know/won't answer".

Asked to choose between Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and main opposition leader George Papandreou as the "most suitable for prime minister", 45 per cent chose Karamanlis (down from 48 per cent a month ago) and 28 per cent chose Papandreou (up from 26 per cent the previous month), while 22 per cent answered "neither" and 5 per cent answered "Don't know/won't answer".

[21] GSEE criticizes gov't over higher VAT factors

Athens, 15/4/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, GSEE president Christos Polyzogopoulos said the union demanded that the government take back all new tax measures and particularly to lower VAT factors.

The Greek minister said that no one was happy with a decision to raise taxes but stressed it was the least unpleasant measure one could take. The government, Alogoskoufis said, would continue seeking consensus to solve problems such as the social security system. He noted that a dialogue on the pension system should initially determine the parameters of the problem and added that the government would implement a long-term policy.

GSEE also urged Alogoskoufis to address the issue of social security contribution evasion and the state's debt to the Social Security Fund (IKA). The Greek minister noted the social security contribution evasion was a responsibility of IKA and reiterated that the government was offering 1.0 percent of GDP for the financial support of the organization.

GSEE announced a 24-hour panhellenic strike on May 11.

[22] EU Court rules against Greece in environmental case

Brussels, 15/4/2005 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

Specifically, the court ruled against Greece for violating Council Directive 20/68/EEC regarding the protection of groundwater against hazardous waste and Council Directive 91/689/EEC regarding hazardous waste management.

According to the court decision, Greece must comply with Directive 80/68/EEC by adopting measures that will prevent pollution in the area. The court also decided that Greece failed to fulfill its obligations of keeping track of hazardous waste in the region and of implementing an adequate waste management plan.

The case first came to light in June 1992 when the European Commission received complaints concerning pollution in the region of Thriassio Pedio.

According to the Commission, the region has been polluted by industrial companies operating in the area. These include a fuel company which dumps sludge containing hazardous elements; a petroleum-storing facility which handles hazardous waste and a steel company which dumps its hazardous waste into the sea and which does not possess a waste management permit.

Stocks drop in profit-taking

Stocks finished lower with players raking in short-term gains, traders said.

The Athens general share index closed at 2,994.18 points, marking a decline of 0.98%. Turnover was 148.5 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 1.05% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 1.04% lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.19% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 179 to 79 with 72 remaining unchanged.