Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-05-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] SEECP summit in Bucharest comes to a close; Greece undertakes organization's presidency

[02] PM Karamanlis issues message on occasion of Labor Day

[03] Gousis to represent Greece at annual conference of European navy general staff chiefs in Poland

[04] Cypriot journalists to honor Greek Ambassador Christos Panagopoulos

[05] Four cross-border memorandums worth 33 million euros signed in Sofia

[06] Sioufas meets with Council of Competitiveness president Wince-Smith

[07] Decrease in value of Greek exports last year

[08] Tourism Minister Avramopoulos says tourism to Greece will increase this year

[09] Stocks rise in blue-chip selling

[10] Siege of Athens Polytechnic ends at dawn; youth release deputies who were attending presentation of book

[11] Christodoulos addresses World Council of Churches conference being held in Greece

[12] Diaspora symposium on 'Nostos' and scientists as a venue to economic development

[13] EU mobile unit against discrimination to visit Athens

[14] IOC awards 'Olympic Order' to Greek alternate culture minister

[15] Cyprus President: still a long way to go to new round of negotiations

[16] UN SG likely to send Prendergast to Cyprus, says UN spokeswoman

[01] SEECP summit in Bucharest comes to a close; Greece undertakes organization's presidency

BUCHAREST 12/5/2005 (ANA/A. Panagopoulos)

Greece on Wednesday undertook for one year the presidency of the organization from Romania.

Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis in a joint press conference stressed that "Greece, taking from this point the presidency of the South-East Europe Co-operation Process, will build upon this success (of the Romanian presidency) to promote our objectives even further and will work for the maintenance of the European commitment in shaping the regional agenda."

Karamanlis said "we reconfirmed our commitment to strengthen economic cooperation in the region of South-East Europe through the strengthening of trade transactions, the promotion of business cooperation and the implementation of common programs of regional range."

The prime minister underlined that "in the proclamation, we clearly expressed our determination to confront the matter of unemployment, adopting the necessary measures, which aim at the promotion of effective business activity and the creation of new jobs."

Referring to Kosovo, the Greek prime minister stated that "this year will be decisive for its final status," adding that "at the present stage, we all supported yet again the full implementation of the policy of the criteria and resolution 1244 of the UN Security council.

He went on to state:" We unanimously called for a new constructive dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. The procedure of evaluating the criteria and the start of negotiations for the future status of Kosovo are of great importance for the stability of the broader region. Kosovo is, above all, a regional and European problem. I believe that the European framework is the primary means to secure that our vision for peace and stability in the Balkans will finally become a reality. For exactly this reason, I am convinced that Kosovo needs a European solution which will strengthen and promote regional stability."

Karamanlis finally expressed satisfaction over the fact that is included in the proclamation "the intention of the Greek presidency to give a new impetus, strengthening its range and to propose ways for strengthening its institutions." He said that "for the first time in a summit text, the issue is opened of the Secretariat of the SEECP. The Inter-Balkan Cooperation needs, at this point, a stronger institutional structure."

In the proclamation regarding Kosovo, the summit expressed its full support of the policy of the criteria and respect of resolution 1244 of the UN Security Council. It calls for a new constructive dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. The procedure of evaluation of the criteria and the start of negotiations for the future status of Kosovo, as well as the creation of a democratic and multi-national society have great importance for the stability of the broader region, the proclamation said. It further underlined the importance of the respect of national sovereignty, of territorial integrity, the inviolability of the borders, the principle of the respect of international law and of dialogue as a means for the peaceful solution of differences.

Greece at the SEECP summit in Bucharest: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis participated in the 8th South East Europe Co-operation Process (SEECP) summit which began here on Wednesday morning.

Greece on Wednesday undertook for one year the presidency of the organization from Romania.

Karamanlis met with Romanian President Traian Basescu shortly after his arrival in the Romanian capital late in the afternoon on Tuesday.

The Greek prime minister also met on Wednesday with Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov on the sidelines of the SEECP summit.

Developments in the broader region, the future of the status of Kosovo and the European prospects of the Balkans were at the centre of the discussions.

Absent from the summit were Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while from the foreign ministers, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) minister Ilinka Mitreva.

At the foreign ministers summit on Tuesday, Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis stressed that Kosovo is a matter which affects the stability of the region and that the SEECP can be converted into a useful tool of information and communication with the Contact Group regarding Kosovo. The status of Kosovo is expected to prevail in the Greek prime minister's talks with the leaders of the countries of the region but also in his meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush at the White House on May 20.

Molyviatis stressed that Belgrade and Pristina must participate in the procedure and underlined that progress must be achieved. He further noted that respect of the United Nations Security Council resolutions must constitute an obligation deriving from international law.

The Greek foreign minister also raised the issue of the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, recalling the position taken by the EU Council of Ministers which supported the proposals by UN mediator Matthew Nimetz. According to the decision, "the Council encourages Greece and FYROM to intensify their efforts aimed at finding a mutually acceptable solution which will come from negotiations within the framework of the UN Security Council as soon as possible." Molyviatis underlined that this is exactly what Greece foresees.

Molyviatis also had a brief meeting on Tuesday morning with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul on the sidelines of the summit. The Greek foreign minister also had a telephone conversation with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos.

In his meeting with the Romanian president, Karamanlis congratulated Romania's successful presidency of the SEECP and expressed the certainty that Bucharest will continue the successful course and implement all its obligations during the EU accession negotiations to become a full member of the Union in 2007. "Both Romania and Bulgaria constitute an inseparable part of the 5th enlargement," Karamanlis said, underlining the excellent cooperation between the two countries.

[02] PM Karamanlis issues message on occasion of Labor Day

Athens, 12/5/2005 (ANA)

He noted that the obligation of the working people is to safeguard and expand their gains, "gains which they won with tough struggles and many times with blood."

On the other hand, he said, the obligation of politics is "to guarantee work for all, a better quality of life for all and a better tomorrow for all," adding that "politics is vindicated when it confronts the problems and does not transfer them to the future, when it makes inroads and creates new prospects."

He went on to say: "We are working systematically to confront unemployment, marginalization and exclusion. To build a really strong and competitive economy, with a dynamic and balanced growth, capable of producing more stable and better paid jobs. I am certain that the working people know better than anyone else the reality. And I am equally certain that they are aware that a better future requires changes and reforms."

Concluding, he said: "This challenge concerns all of us, we are proceeding with realism and social sensitivity. With daring but also consensus."

May Day was transferred to Wednesday, May 11 due to the fact that Orthodox Easter was on May 1.

Opposition statements over May Day, rallies held in Athens: Opposition parties issued their traditional messages for this year's May Day celebrations, which was transferred to May 11 this year as May 1 fell on Orthodox Easter Sunday.

Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, a former foreign minister in the previous Simitis government, mostly criticized the current government, saying that this year's celebration of May Day "comes amid a government policy of contradictions and indecisiveness, one (policy) that shows its intensely class-based characteristics, and one that leads to tension and inequity, to higher inflation and unemployment and to a surge in layoffs."

The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), the country's largest labor umbrella group, along with the large civil servants' union (ADEDY), held their traditional rally at the Pedio tou Areos square.

Earlier, in a press release, both unions stressed that the occasion was a strike and not a holiday.

Mass transit and government bureaus will not operate on Wednesday, with an unspecified number of public school teachers participating along with staff at state-run public utilities. The impact on the private sector was undetermined at press time.

In a rally held in downtown Syntagma Square, across from the Greek parliament, the Communist Party-affiliated PAME group staged its rival demonstration.

Communist Party (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga told supporters that a first precondition for "workers' rights" is not to be deceived by ruling ND's promises or main opposition PASOK's saber-rattling. She said the second condition is to ensure class unity of the labor movement.

[03] Gousis to represent Greece at annual conference of European navy general staff chiefs in Poland

Athens, 12/5/2005 (ANA)

The conference will examine issues concerning the military/naval dimension of the European Union as well as the prospects of developing the modern naval forces.

Also present at the conference, which ends on May 13, will be the Chief of the U.S. Navy General Staff, as an observer.

Greece has been participating at the conference since 1992.

[04] Cypriot journalists to honor Greek Ambassador Christos Panagopoulos

NICOSIA 12/5/2005 (ANA/G. Leonidas)

The event in the ambassador's honor will be held at the Journalists Centre on Monday, June 6.

Invited at the event will be the President of the Republic, the House of Representatives Speaker, political party leaders and other officials.

Foreign Minister George Iacovou will be the main speaker at the event.

[05] Four cross-border memorandums worth 33 million euros signed in Sofia

Athens, 12/5/2005 (ANA)

Various Greek-Bulgarian initiatives will be funded by a total of 22 million euros, including tourism and cultural tourism, environmental protection, combating unemployment, exploiting geo-thermal springs in Bulgaria and joint management of the Nestos River's waters.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the Bulgarian parliament this week overwhelmingly ratified a law of accession ahead of expected European Union membership in 2007.

[06] Sioufas meets with Council of Competitiveness president Wince-Smith

Athens, 12/5/2005 (ANA)

Additionally, talks also focused on innovation and technology.

[07] Decrease in value of Greek exports last year

Athens, 12/5/2005 (ANA)

Despite the fact that Greek exports increased last year under the influence of extremely favorable international circumstances, Greece's participation in the world market was reduced. For the first time, the value of Greek exports covered a percentage below 30 per cent of the value of imports, compared to 45 per cent a decade ago and 50 per cent in 1986.

This was stressed by the president of the Panhellenic Association of Exporters, Christina Sakellaridi during the General Assembly of its members on Wednesday.

[08] Tourism Minister Avramopoulos says tourism to Greece will increase this year

Athens, 12/5/2005 (ANA)

This increase, Avramopoulos said, will lead to the import of more foreign exchange and to an increase of the revenue of the state budget.

He appeared optimistic that Greece has entered the stage of stability and that tourism to Greece in the coming decade will have a dynamic position in the world market.

[09] Stocks rise in blue-chip selling

Athens, 12/5/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,870.31 points, marking a rise of 0.39%. Turnover was 116.86 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.41% higher; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.35% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.37% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 141 to 100 with 84 remaining unchanged.

[10] Siege of Athens Polytechnic ends at dawn; youth release deputies who were attending presentation of book

Athens, 12/5/2005 (ANA)

According to police reports, about 40 youth who had entered the Polytechnic at about 9 p.m, attacked the police escorts of Venizelos and Verelis who were in the cars of the former ministers inside the compound of the Polytechnic.

The youth caused damage to cars with chairs, planks of wood and stones and struck the two police officers as they tried to retreat. Then, one of the policemen, probably Verelis' driver, as said by police officials, shot with his gun to scare off the youth, resulting in one bullet hitting a 28-year-old man in his right leg.

The injured man was transferred from the Polytechnic compound by ambulance to an Athens hospital. He was accompanied to the hospital by former Parliament vice-president Panagiotis Kritikos who was present at the presentation of the book. The youth was operated on and is not in danger.

Verelis' driver was also sent to a military hospital for first aid.

Immediately after the incident, the youth, along with others who arrived at the Polytechnic, started to set fires to trash bins around the Polytechnic, particularly on Stournari Street, while they obstructed the former ministers and the others assembled at the presentation of the book event to leave the Polytechnic.

A strong police force arrived at the Polytechnic who could not enter given that the youth are protected by university asylum.

The head of the police force tried to negotiate with the youth who until 00:45 on Wednesday refused to leave and asked for the police officer who fired to be named and be punished.

Two public prosecutors also arrived at the scene while the rector, Andreas Andreopoulos, who also intervened, tried to persuade the youth to leave.

Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis is currently outside Greece on a visit to Pakistan and on the part of the ministry, the situation was being handled by Deputy Order Minister Christos Markoyiannakis who had asked for the presence of the police to be as discreet as possible and not to provoke, so that the tension to subside without further incidents.

The siege finally came to an end just before 5 a.m., with the youth leaving together and heading for Exarhia Square. A few minutes later, the deputies also left.

Minister of State and Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos in an announcement said that "the government from the first moment, handled with calm and cool-headedness, quite a sensitive situation which could have developed into a major crisis with unforeseen repercussions."

Roussopoulos said the police acted with calm, seriousness, self-control and discretion to avert the worse, protecting human life and public property."

He added: "I wish to thank, on behalf of the prime minister, also those who contributed in the easing of the tension in the best possible manner."

The incident occurred on the eve of May Day celebrations. Due to the fact that Orthodox Easter was on May 1, May Day was transferred to Wednesday, May 11.

[11] Christodoulos addresses World Council of Churches conference being held in Greece

Athens, 12/5/2005 (ANA)

The week-long conference is organized by the World Council of Churches.

In addressing delegates, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos stressed the need for safeguarding a Christian identity among all denominations and missionary activities vis-a-vis the modern era's challenges.

The messages to an underscored the sense among many Christian pastors and scholars that churches need to sharpen their mission in an age of fast-paced economic restructuring and growing instability, such as the widening gulf between the West and Islam.

"The consequences of globalization, terrorism and the war on terror require that Christian churches rediscover their prophetic voice ... to raise their voice and be on the side of peace," Christodoulos told the gathering of Christian leaders, theologians and activists.

"The growing effect of globalization, as a cultural and not a financial phenomenon any more, the opening of national borders and the increasing movement of populations from one place to another puts our Christian witness in a totally different situation than in the past," he said, adding that the issue acquires a greater urgency after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

[12] Diaspora symposium on 'Nostos' and scientists as a venue to economic development

Athens, 12/5/2005 (ANA)

"We wish to determine if Hellene scientists would return to, or establish links with, Hellas and under what conditions they would be prepared to do so," explained Andrew A. Athens who heads the two organizations sponsoring the symposium, United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC) and the World Council of Hellenes (SAE).

"This model of bridging scientific development and technology for the purpose of encouraging entrepreneurial activity has served several countries well," Athens said.

"We are responding to Prime Minister (Costas) Karamanlis' initiative announced last January at the National Council on Research and Technology. We wish to make this symposium useful to scientists and to the leaders in Hellas who are considering the country's options," he added.

[13] EU mobile unit against discrimination to visit Athens

Athens, 12/5/2005 (ANA)

The inauguration of the Unit will be made by Deputy Athens Mayor Tonia Kanellopoulou on Friday while in the afternoon of the same day musical performances will be held with the participation of musicians and groups from immigrant communities as well as the show "Female Impersonators".

The Mobile Unit constitutes a specially transformed truck, 16.30 meters long, 2.55 meters wide and four meters high, which travels to 14 European countries transferring the messages of European Union's Briefing Programme "For Differentiality. Against Discriminations".

The EU is implementing this program in all the member-states since 2003.

The program aims at the equal handling of individuals, regardless of race or national origin, the combatting of discrimination due to religious or other convictions, disability, age and sexual orientation, in the sector of employment, work and vocational training.

[14] IOC awards 'Olympic Order' to Greek alternate culture minister

LAUSANNE 12/5/2005 (ANA/Y. Hatzidopavlakis)

She said during the award ceremony that "the distinction from the IOC vindicates a great part of the course of my life," adding that "in Greece, the Olympic Flame has not burnt out."

She added: "We are continuing the effort for its world support and projection. These coming days a law will be passed in the Greek Parliament for the creation of a special government agency, the General Secretariat for Olympic Utilization, which will utilize human potential, technical know-how and the experiences of the Olympic Games and the entire Olympic installations."

IOC President Jacques Rogge praised Palli-Petralia, noting that "the contribution of Mrs. Petralia is very great, not only since she became a minister but from before. Her contribution was catalytic in the hosting of the Olympic Games."

[15] Cyprus President: still a long way to go to new round of negotiations

LARNACA 12/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking on his return Tuesday from Moscow, where he had a brief encounter with UN Secretary General and the Turkish Prime Minister, he said he feels ''some kind of satisfaction that Recep Tayyip Erdogan has acknowledged that our side, sincerely and consistently, is seeking to find a political settlement'' and expressed hope that this would be widely accepted at home and abroad.

Papadopoulos said he exchanged views with Kofi Annan about various moves that could be made to prepare the talks and said the Secretary General was pleased with what the Greek Cypriot side is doing towards this goal.

''We had a very good meeting in a very good climate, there was a mutual understanding of the positions each side had outlined as far as procedural matters are concerned, but let us not rush to welcome the resumption of some kind of initiative. There is still a long way to go before a new round of talks is properly prepared,'' he said about his talk with Annan and the Turkish premier.

President Papadopoulos said he talked to Annan during an official lunch the Russian President hosted for his guests, who attended Monday's commemorations to mark VE Day (Victory in Europe Day), the end of the Second World War in Europe.

He explained that at the end of the lunch, Erdogan approached them at the table and the three of them exchanged views. Papadopoulos would not disclose anything about the content of the discussion, noting that any revelations may harm any prospects for a renewed effort to solve the problem.

''What I can say is that I feel some satisfaction to hear Erdogan acknowledge in public that our side is seeking, with sincerity and persistence, to find a solution and I hope this assertion becomes widely accepted abroad and particularly at home,'' he said.

Responding to questions, Papadopoulos said the government had been working for quite some time now to prepare the talks and the exchange of views with Annan had this in mind.

Papadopoulos said no deal on a new procedure on Cyprus was reached at Monday's discussions in Moscow with Annan and Erdogan and reiterated that it serves no purpose to reveal the contents of his talk with the two leaders.

''We exchanged views, we continue our efforts to prepare the talks, which must be well prepared, something that everybody accepts. Next time round we should have a reasonable hope that the talks will conclude successfully,'' he added.

Asked if he intends to send a personal envoy to the UN for consultations with Annan, Papadopoulos said there is no such agreed framework and added ''we discussed various moves which could be made to prepare the talks.''

Annan, he noted, was ''greatly displeased at reports relating to such matters, he was not displeased with us.''

Responding to questions, he said ''I did not negotiate in Moscow with Annan, there was no talk of an agreement or the UN relinquishing its positions'' on the resumption of talks.

''We exchanged views on how we can move ahead, in our common desire to prepare the talks, something Annan agrees with and he said he was pleased with what we are doing,'' Papadopoulos added.

Papadopoulos said he reiterated his position that he is ready for a new round of talks and he repeated his keen interest in the resumption of a well-prepared dialogue and a new initiative.

''I believe this position is now being realized and this in itself is a hopeful sign,'' he said.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

[16] UN SG likely to send Prendergast to Cyprus, says UN spokeswoman

UNITED NATIONS 12/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

''He is likely to do so, because several parties have indicated that they are interested in receiving an envoy,'' Okabe said replying to a question whether Annan will send an envoy to the region.

Asked if Annan intends to send Prendergast, the spokeswoman replied ''it is likely to be him.''

However, Okabe was not in a position to comment on whether the UN SG intends to appoint Prendergast as his permanent envoy for Cyprus.

During the press briefing, Okabe referred to the ''informal exchange'' of views between Annan and Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos during a luncheon hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin, as part of the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII in Europe, noting that the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was present during part of the discussions.

''Mr. Papadopoulos confirmed that he would be sending an envoy to UN headquarters soon for exploratory talks,'' Okabe noted, adding ''in light of that visit, the Secretary-General will decide on what further steps to take.''

Government works quietly, persistently for results, spokesman says NICOSIA

12/5/2005 (CNA)

The spokesman would not disclose any details about preliminary consultations for a new round of talks, which according to reports are due to being in New York next week.

''We are ready to begin tomorrow a new round of negotiations, if there is the appropriate preparation for the talks. We have been in touch with the UN on the matter to achieve this objective,'' he told his daily briefing.

Responding to questions, he said ''the Annan plan (a UN-proposed solution plan) is the basis for the negotiations, as the National Council has decided. If there is any change on this, the Council will deal with the matter.''

Responding to questions, he said he had nothing to add to reports that Ambassador Tasos Tzionis, Director of the President's Diplomatic Office, would be dispatched to the UN seat for consultations.

''When there is something to announce, we shall do so accordingly,'' he added, pointing out that Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos is not in the habit of publicizing his moves before they yield results.

''What we are aiming at is to get results and not to make a public show. A new failure would be particularly harmful,'' he noted.

Echoing President Papadopoulos' remarks, the spokesman described as ''particularly important'' the fact that the Turkish premier has acknowledged that Papadopoulos is sincere in his desire to solve the problem.

He called on those who have questioned the President's motives, including Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, to note this assertion.

Asked if the start of accession talks between Turkey and the European Union is a landmark date for a solution, Chrysostomides said ''not for us, for Turkey I believe it is. We have often stressed the need to prepare the talks properly, to avoid tight deadlines, to avert arbitration and to take an agreed negotiated settlement to the people for a vote.''

''We stick to this,'' he pointed out.

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