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

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM and interior minister discuss bureaucracy, draft bill for immigration

[02] Cohesion countries of the '15' must avoid paying most of the cost of EU enlargement, deputy FM says

[03] Senior State Dept. official Laura Kennedy in Athens for talks on Cyprus problem

[04] German Chancellor meets with Ecumenical Patriarch

[05] PM to visit public order ministry in new round of ministry visits

[06] PASOK party leader ascertains great and increasing dissatisfaction among people towards government

[07] Deputy FM Skandalakis meet's Indonesian Upper House official Sambuaga

[08] Health and defence ministries launch children's health programme on border islands

[09] President Papoulias receives national defence ministry leadership

[10] Russian Ambassador gives interview on the 60th anniversary of the defeat of Nazism

[11] Turkish warplanes violate Greek national air space

[12] OECD finance ministers examine globalisation and related issues

[13] PM, Agricultural Minister discuss farm issues

[14] PM and development minister discuss energy policy

[15] IMF experts to advise Greece on managing public finances

[16] Gov't and PASOK spokesmen quibble over economy

[17] Tourism minister seeks cooperation with Middle East countries

[18] Skandalakis to inaugurate exhibition on Greek myths and ancient drama in Milan

[19] Alexandroupolis begins celebrations ahead of anniversary

[20] Tribute to Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis in Azerbaijan

[21] Onassis Foundation hosts lecture on Greek writer D. Vikelas

[22] Bus terminals to be relocated from Akadimias Ave., transport minister says

[23] Soccer legend Pele to visit Xanthi for inauguration of sports centre and stadium

[24] Property issue very delicate, says Cypriot House President

[25] Cyprus' Spokesman says US making double-standard remarks

[26] Cypriot spokesman critical of Erdogan on reunification

[01] PM and interior minister discuss bureaucracy, draft bill for immigration

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

Pavlopoulos said the discussion had also covered the implementation of laws against bureaucracy and issues related to the Information Society programme.

Responding to questions about the government's "primary shareholder" law, to which the European Commission has formally expressed objections and demanded that it be changed, Pavlopoulos said that the government has initiated processes that will allow the Greek Constitution to be upheld without deviation and to find a "common ground" with the EU.

He stressed that the "major goal" of transparency will prevail and that not one euro of Community funding will be lost.

According to Pavlopoulos, meanwhile, the major question was why the country was being threatened with a freeze of payments and the return of funds for bad workmanship, irregularities and faulty assignment of projects co-funded by the Community in 2001-2003.

The minister said the government will in the next few days send a reply to the Commission's 'reasoned opinion' expressing the Greek government's desire to begin 'negotiations' in order to carry out the necessary changes and find a "common ground" with respect to the "primary shareholder" law.

The law passed by the government seeks to prevent the involvement of the media in the assignment of public contracts by making companies "interconnected" with Greek media interests ineligible to bid for them. Under the law, a primary shareholder is defined as someone owning up to 1 per cent of a media enterprise, while the ban also extends to their spouse and next of kin.

The European Commission objects to the bill, saying that it contravenes EU directives and restricts basic freedoms provided in EU treaties, and has given Greece just three weeks to reply.

[02] Cohesion countries of the '15' must avoid paying most of the cost of EU enlargement, deputy FM says

LISBON 5/5/2005 (ANA - F. Karaviti)

Valynakis added that "we cannot have more Europe with less funds. The European pie must become bigger to enable all the children of Europe to be fed" and pointed out that the burden of enlargements must be shared equally among member-states and some should not be obliged to shoulder more.

The deputy minister also met with his counterparts of Spain and Portugal on the sidelines of the meeting to achieve the greatest possible coordination among countries facing similar problems with Greece.

[03] Senior State Dept. official Laura Kennedy in Athens for talks on Cyprus problem

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

Kennedy's visit to Athens is the second stop on a tour begun in Ankara that will also take in Nicosia, Brussels and London. According to the U.S. State Department, the purpose of the tour is to sound out the views of all sides involved "on the way forward regarding a Cyprus settlement".

The Greek foreign ministry said the visit occurred "in the framework of regular Greek-U.S. consultations on issues of mutual interest for both countries," while the talks were dominated by the latest developments in the Cyprus issue and the course of Greek-Turkish relations.

According to sources, Ambassador Gennimatas stressed that the Greek government's primary concern was to achieve a just, permanent and viable solution for reuniting Cyprus on the basis of Security Council resolutions and the Annan plan.

The Greek side considers that after last year's referendums on Cyprus, in which Greek-Cypriots voted against the reunification plan, any effort to relaunch negotiations must be very carefully prepared both in terms of procedure and content.

According to the Greek foreign ministry, the final goal must be a solution that has been agreed on and is put to separate referendums, without arbitration or extremely tight deadlines.

The meeting between Kennedy and Gennimatas also confirmed the good level of bilateral relations between Greece and the U.S.

PASOK's Papoutsis discusses Cyprus issue with U.S.' Laura Kennedy: Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) deputy Christos Papoutsis, responsible for the party's foreign affairs, met in Athens on Wednesday with visiting U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Laura Kennedy and expressed the need for Turkey to sign and implement the Customs Union Protocol with the European Union's ten new member-states.

Papoutsis referred particularly to the matter of the implementation of the protocol, stressing that in this way Turkey would show its good intention for the finding of a solution to the Cyprus issue, something which would help create a positive climate in Cyprus for the resumption of talks for reaching a settlement to the Cyprus problem.

Papoutsis further said that a solution to the Cyprus issue should be sought within the framework of the resolutions of the United Nations' Security Council and also with the active and substantial role of the European Union.

He noted that a solution which will arise for the Cyprus issue must be in full accordance with the acquis communautaire.

[04] German Chancellor meets with Ecumenical Patriarch

ISTANBUL 5/5/2005 (ANA/A.Kourkoulas)

According to sources, during the meeting which was conducted in a friendly atmosphere, Schroeder and Vartholomeos discussed the problems the patriarchate continues to face in Turkey.

Although Schroeder did not make any statements after the meeting, he did mention during a press conference in Ankara earlier, that he places great emphasis on the protection of religious freedom and minority rights, underscoring the need for patience in dealing with such delicate issues.

"We sincerely appreciate this visit and we believe that it will contribute to the solution of our problems," Vartholomeos said in reference to Schroeder's visit.

Vartholomeos spoke of the European Union's contribution in resolving the problems the patriarchate is facing.

"Within the context of Turkey's European course, better days will come for the Greek community here, our Patriarchate and for all minorities in Turkey," Vartholomeos said.

"We hope and we pray that today's difficulties will be overcome and that our Patriarchate will enjoy a larger range of movement as it conducts its ecumenical mission. Also, we hope that the injustices committed at our expense in the past will be reversed, that the property unjustly taken from the Greek community and from our institutions will be returned. This is what justice demands, what democracy and the European Union demand. This is why we are optimistic about the future," Vartholomeos concluded.

[05] PM to visit public order ministry in new round of ministry visits

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

The premier will be briefed on all issues concerning the safety of citizens in terms of the deadlines and goals set during an earlier round of meetings with ministers in January.

[06] PASOK party leader ascertains great and increasing dissatisfaction among people towards government

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

Papandreou also said he ascertained considerable movement towards PASOK, while adding at the same time that there is still hesitation among citizens.

The PASOK leader went on to say that the government is incapable of handling major problems, including the issues of transparency.

Referring to his party, Papandreou said it has entered the phase of preparing the new government proposal and stressed that PASOK will be ready whenever elections are announced.

[07] Deputy FM Skandalakis meet's Indonesian Upper House official Sambuaga

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

The meeting centred on bilateral relations, while also discussed was Greece's humanitarian aid to those affected by the catastrophic tsunami last December.

Sambuaga thanked Skandalakis and the Greek government for the immediate mobilisation and for the granting of valuable humanitarian aid. At the same time, the Indonesian official praised the sensitivity and solidarity shown by the Greek people who from the very first moment generously sped to offer their help to those affected.

During the meetings, Skandalakis expounded to his Indonesian interlocutor the basic aspects of Greece's foreign policy, noting that Greece constitutes a factor of stability and security in southeast Europe and that its steadfast aim is to have relations of good neighbourliness and cooperation with all the region's countries.

[08] Health and defence ministries launch children's health programme on border islands

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

According to Kaklamanis, a group of National Health System (NHS) doctors will perform four missions to Aegean islands between now and September in order to provide medical services in regions lacking necessary or modern medical services. Transportation will be provided by the Navy.

Kaklamanis said that the programme may continue after the summer as well, depending on what the two ministries decide.

On his part, Spiliotopoulos highlighted the fact that a similar programme is already under way which has provided medical care to 270 individuals to date.

[09] President Papoulias receives national defence ministry leadership

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

[10] Russian Ambassador gives interview on the 60th anniversary of the defeat of Nazism

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

''The fate of Europe would have been different if there was not the decisive role of the peoples of the Soviet Union in the victory against Hitler's Germany,'' said Russian Ambassador Andrey Vdovin, who also noted the separate role of the Greek resistance in the victory.

"We are particularly pleased that this year, on the occasion of the victory celebrations in Moscow, we will host President of the Greek Republic Karolos Papoulias who took part in the resistance. The Greek resistance had a substantial influence in the development of the war, we know it, we remember it and appreciate it, as we bow to the memory of the Greeks who fell fighting against the Nazis," said Vdovin, who called for the unity towards international problems "far from the logic of the Cold War."

Russian diplomacy gives particular importance to the anniversary of this victory, at which heads of states and governments from 53 countries will visit the Russian capital.

Parallel to the celeberation, which will culminate with a great parade at the Red Square in the Kremlin on May 9, will be a summit meeting of the Commonwealth of Independent States, a European Union-Russia meeting and a session of the quartet for the Middle East.

[11] Turkish warplanes violate Greek national air space

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

According to National Defence General Staff sources, it is the biggest number of Turkish warplanes to enter the Aegean in the past two years without submitting flight plans.

In all cases, the Turkish aircraft were recognised and intercepted by Greek air force jets, while in three cases the interception process developed into mock dogfights. Eight of the Turkish warplanes were armed, while four were naval cooperation aircraft.

Turkey is due to begin an exercise on Thursday, southeast of the island of Rhodes.

[12] OECD finance ministers examine globalisation and related issues

PARIS 5/5/2005 (ANA/O. Tsipira)

Ministers focused on ways, through international cooperation and international organisations, with which they will be able to benefit from the positive elements of globalisation and to minimise whatever negative elements exist.

"We examined the repercussions of globalisation for the economic prospects of OECD countries, particularly for exports, energy, raw material prices, the imbalance of international trade and the balance of payments," Alogoskoufis told Greek and foreign journalists during a press conference he gave after the end of the session.

Summing up discussions, the minister said that emphasis was placed during the session on four more issues:the deficit of investments in the energy sector, the need for promoting structural changes, the Millennium Proclamation for aid to the Third World and the deregulation of international trade.

As regards investments, ministers were sceptical as to how the effectiveness of fuel and energy markets will improve. Great fluctuations in oil prices, however, are also the result of inadequate investments.

The minister stressed in his address "the need for greater emphasis to be placed on the investments of the private sector, the deregulation of markets and investments in energy infrastructures, also through cooperation between the public and private sectors."

He also underlined the need for greater stability and predictability of the regulatory framework and energy prices, as well as the greatest possible cooperation between oil producers and consumers internationally.

On the question of structural changes, the ministers noted that it is necessary for these changes to contribute to the greater competitiveness of OECD economies in the framework of globalisation.

Alogoskoufis also referred in his address to structural changes brought about in Greece recently, such as tax reform, the new investment law, the extravagance restriction programme in the public sector and privatisations.

[13] PM, Agricultural Minister discuss farm issues

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Basiakos said he briefed the Prime Minister over developments in the farm sector after 2006, with the introduction of a new Common Agricultural Policy, and stressed the need to prepare Greek farmers to deal with a new competitive environment. "We should not given them fish for a year but to educate them to fish for themselves," the Greek minister said.

Basiakos said Greek farmers were very pleased with the fact that they have received financial support for their cotton crop two weeks ago, not having to wait until September as they did in the past.

[14] PM and development minister discuss energy policy

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

After the meeting, Sioufas stressed that Greece was being converted into a major energy junction for Europe and was acquiring geostrategic importance in the energy sector after the agreements struck at the International Energy Agency (IEA) meeting in Paris on Monday and Tuesday.

Sioufas said a meeting with his Italian counterpart Claudio Scajola had resulted in a decision for the signature of a cooperation protocol for a Greece-Italy undersea natural gas pipeline that will then branch off into the rest of Europe. In talks with his Turkish counterpart, meanwhile, they discussed the possibility that the prime ministers of Greece and Turkey will jointly inaugurate the Greece-Turkey natural gas pipeline the end of June.

The Greek-Turkish pipeline will link up directly with that going to Italy.

The minister noted that all this, in combination with the planned Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline and another envisated pipeline linking the northwestern Greek region of Epirus with Croatia and Austria, as well as the development of the electricity grid, will make Greece geostrategically important in terms of energy.

Sioufas also said that in meetings with energy and economy ministers of the 30 member-states of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the discussion had focused on the unprecedented rise in oil prices and that a decision was made for extended and systematic dialogue between OPEC, Russia and other countries so that they could deal with the repercussions for consumers.

[15] IMF experts to advise Greece on managing public finances

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

The finance ministry has planned a series of meetings with the IMF experts in which officials of the finance and other ministries will be participating.

Ministry officials will present the manner in which public finances are managed, while the IMF experts will submit their proposals to the finance ministry as to how to improve management.

The experts, invited to Greece by Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, will be staying in Athens through May 18.

[16] Gov't and PASOK spokesmen quibble over economy

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

Roussopoulos, commenting on PASOK president's earlier statement that "we want order in the economy," said that main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou has blatantly admitted that "the policy the PASOK government followed brought the economy to an untidy state."

"Mr. Papandreou, albeit late, has realised the damage his party brought onto the Greek economy. It's better than nothing!" Roussopoulos said.

In response, Athanassakis said: "Everyone - including the government spokesman in this case - deduces whatever they will," and called on Roussopoulos to re-read Papandreou's statements.

[17] Tourism minister seeks cooperation with Middle East countries

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

Greece is one of the 98 countries participating in the exhibit with a pavilion set up by the tourism ministry and the Greek National Tourism Organisation (EOT).

During his visit, Avramopoulos, accompanied by EOT President Aristidis Kalogeropoulos-Stratis, met with major tour operators and entrepreneurs in the sector.

The minister also met with Deputy Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashed al Maktoum and President of Emirate Airlines Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum.

Finally, Avramopoulos also met with President of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Jean Claude Baumgarten and discussed issues of cooperation and joint activities between the ministry and WTTC.

Later on Wednesday, Avramopoulos was due to arrive in Tripoli, Libya where he will meet with government officials in order to discuss the possibility of cooperation between the two countries in the tourism sector.

[18] Skandalakis to inaugurate exhibition on Greek myths and ancient drama in Milan

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

The exhibition, set to run until August 28, has been set up by the Melina Mercouri Foundation, the Non-Profit Society Orizontes-Drasis and the La Scala Theatre Museum.

The aim of the exhibition is to illustrate the relationship between ancient drama and opera, given the great many operas based on ancient myths and ancient dramas.

On display will be costumes worn by the great actors and actresses that have played leading roles in both opera and ancient drama, such as Maria Callas, Katina Paxinou, Melina Mercouri, Irene Pappa, Alexis Minotis and others.

There will also be scale models of the Acropolis, the theatres of Epidaurus, Dionysus, the Herod Atticus Odeon, masks, copies of ancient vessels and maps showing the location of all theatres in the ancient world.

[19] Alexandroupolis begins celebrations ahead of anniversary

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

The events will include an art exhibit, featuring works of art from the Costopoulos collection, a tribute to composer Manos Hatzidakis, a performance by Thessaloniki's American College alumni, an art contest, and other activities. Sports events will also be held on the sidelines of the Eleftheria 2005 events.

Additionally, 20 individuals from the world of arts, culture, sports and economy in Alexandroupolis will be honoured.

On May 14, the day of the anniversary, President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias will attend the celebrations. He will also be named honourary resident of Alexandroupolis.

Eleftheria 2005 will run through May 29.

[20] Tribute to Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis in Azerbaijan

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

The events took place on April 27-28 and included a lecture and the reading of extracts of Kazantzakis' travel stories accompanied by piano. Kazantzakis visited Azerbaijan in 1927-28.

[21] Onassis Foundation hosts lecture on Greek writer D. Vikelas

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

The lecture, titled "Dimitrios Vikelas: A man of many parts," will be conducted by former British Ambassador to Greece Sir Michael Llewellyn-Smith.

Excerpts from Vikelas' work will be read by the actor Tassos Apostolou, also an Onassis Foundation scholar.

The lecture will be conducted in English with simultaneous translation into Greek. A reception will follow.

[22] Bus terminals to be relocated from Akadimias Ave., transport minister says

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

The move will be made in two phases: the first will involve moving half of the 35 terminals currently in the area soon, while the second phase will be completed in the fall. Only two bus terminals will remain on Akadimias and six will be moved to Sina St.

Liapis also announced that once the bus terminals have been moved, a programme to unify the areas of the University, the Academy and the Library will begin. He clarified, however, that this project falls under the jurisdiction of other ministries.

[23] Soccer legend Pele to visit Xanthi for inauguration of sports centre and stadium

Athens, 5/5/2005 (ANA)

According to the announcement, the greatest soccer player of all time will be in the city as a guest on May 12-13, he will be staying at its sports centre's hotel complex and will inaugurate facilities and the stadium on May 12, during an event scheduled to begin at 6 o'clock in the evening.

[24] Property issue very delicate, says Cypriot House President

NICOSIA 5/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Invited to comment on news reports that the Turkish occupation regime has instructed those who live in or illegally occupy Greek Cypriot properties in the areas occupied by Turkey since 1974 to report to the so-called authorities if they are summoned to appear before courts of the Republic of Cyprus for illegal occupation, Christofias said he hoped ''everyone handles any such issue calmly.''

''Progressive people and the leaders in the Turkish Cypriot community have no right to defend a second and third illegality but a duty to put an end to this situation, to talk again and try to find a commonly accepted solution,'' Christofias added.

The property issue, he said, is ''one of the most delicate and difficult aspects of the Cyprus problem.''

''Unfortunately, the solutions given are not solutions that satisfy the people,'' he said, adding that the issue remains very serious following the ''inequitable Annan Plan where a campaign began to further exploit Greek Cypriot properties with the construction of villas, hotels and other structures, sold to foreigners.''

''This naturally causes the reaction of the Republic of Cyprus, especially when those who purchase the properties are EU citizens,'' Christofias remarked.

''It is natural that the Republic of Cyprus resorts to European courts and all EU authorities to handle the issue,'' he went on to add.

Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said ''there is no sovereignty of the regime'' and that ''it is clear that according to international law and international court decisions, there is only a subordinate local administration of the occupation regime.''

''What is disregarded in the occupied areas of Cyprus is that human rights are being flagrantly violated,'' he added.

The spokesman said every Greek Cypriot has the right to legally claim his or her property and naturally ''the occupation regime is obliged to comply with the European Court of Human Rights' decisions.''

''This is part of the Copenhagen criteria,'' he said, noting that this policy should discourage the continued theft and banditry of Greek Cypriot properties.

Answering a question, Chrysostomides said that if there are Turkish Cypriots who have property in the free areas of the Republic and wish to exploit it, if they decide to settle permanently in the free areas of the Republic, then this is another issue.

[25] Cyprus' Spokesman says US making double-standard remarks

NICOSIA 5/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

''Our position has been stated many times. It is a double standard policy. It is, I believe, a wrong policy because American weapons have been used during the illegal invasion of Cyprus and are still in the hands of the illegal occupation army,'' Chrysostomides added.

''If US legal experts say anything different, I do not want to comment,'' he added.

Boucher had said that the best legal experts looked at the issue and have given their best answer.

[26] Cypriot spokesman critical of Erdogan on reunification

NICOSIA 5/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Invited to comment on statements by Erdogan about two separate peoples and states on the island, Chrysostomides said there appeared to be no change in Turkey's stance in this manner.

''Do you see any change of Turkey's stance in this manner?'' he wondered, adding that the first thing Cyprus must convey to Erdogan is that ''we do not see reunification based on two separate states and two separate peoples.''

Chrysostomides also questioned how anyone could evaluate statements like these as a ''step forward.''

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