Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-05-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis briefs President Papoulias on results of his trip to the U.S.

[02] Athens again underlines support for regional stability, inviolability of borders

[03] Greek foreign policy unchanged by emerging developments in Europe, gov't says

[04] Foreign ministry on all-Church synod's decision to cease recognizing Irineos as Patriarch

[05] Pan-Orthodox Synod does not affect Turkish position on Ecumenical Patriarchate, spokesman says

[06] Political leaders pay final respects to former Communist leader

[07] Culture ministry's plans for new organization 'daring', deputy minister says

[08] Justice minister briefs Parliament committee on government's prison policy

[09] ND Secretary meets with Austrian counterpart

[10] Public order ministry secretary general discusses issues of bilateral interest with Austrian interior ministry officials

[11] Patriarch receives Greek deputy sports minister

[12] Turkish coast guard vessel passes through Greek waters near Imia islets

[13] Gov't says economic priorities include solving problems inherited from previous gov't

[14] Gov't briefed over privatization procedure in Olympic Airlines

[15] Finmin talks to UK business group headed by City of London Mayor

[16] European Parliament Committee ratifies report by ND Eurodeputy

[17] Minister says role of ports gaining complexity

[18] Groundwork meeting held on construction of oil pipeline

[19] Chinese shops to be inspected to determine their legality

[20] OTE telecom signs industrial relations pact with staff

[21] Stocks rise across-the-board buying

[22] 'Information Society' program discussed at meeting chaired by PM Karamanlis

[23] Greek ambassador to Washington awarded honorary doctorate of Greek Orthodox Academy of Theology

[24] Fewer people killed in traffic accidents during this year's Easter period

[25] International book exhibition opening in Thessaloniki on Thursday

[26] ELA organization defendant speaks of 'political and not usual penal trial'

[27] Judge accused of bribery held in custody

[28] Cyprus President Papadopoulos: entry through occupied areas illegal

[29] Cyprus strongly protests new Turkish air violations

[30] US hopes parties will demonstrate political will for Cyprus solution

[01] PM Karamanlis briefs President Papoulias on results of his trip to the U.S.

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

Leaving the presidential mansion, Karamanlis said his trip to Washington had been "productive" and that the climate during his talks with U.S. President George Bush had been very good.

He said the talks with Bush had covered issues of bilateral and international interest, as well as confirming the very good level of relations between the two countries and reaffirming their desire to promote cooperation in issues of mutual interest.

Karamanlis stressed that the strategic priorities were peace, stability, security and democratization in southeastern Europe and the Middle East, which the two sides could promote both in the framework of bilateral relations and through cooperation in the UN Security Council.

Foreign ministry on Greek-US relations: The foreign ministry on Wednesday responded to press questions about the country's strategic partnership with Washington by noting that Greece "must exploit all of its comparative advantages, namely, the fact that it is a modern and stable democracy, a member of the EU and numerous international organizations, as well as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council during this period".

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos added that strategic relations with the United States are part of Greece's overall policy, while citing new fields of cooperation that will serve stability in the region.

[02] Athens again underlines support for regional stability, inviolability of borders

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos also told reporters that recent comments by US Under-Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns, a former US ambassador to Athens, have been closely studied and are close to the positions of both the European Union and the Contact Group for Kosovo.

"Independence is not the only solution offered," the spokesman reminded. He added that that before final positions are tabled "we need to see how the political situation in the international community has developed."

Moreover, he emphasized that Greece's position in support of the inviolability of the region's borders still stands.

"This position along with our position on stability comprise a standing point of view of Greek foreign policy. Each of these principles must be support the other and not weaken each other," he said.

[03] Greek foreign policy unchanged by emerging developments in Europe, gov't says

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

"With regard to Turkey, the decisions of December 17 still apply, which foresee the start of negotiations for its accession on October 3. In any case, once the negotiations begin, they are expected to have a long-term course. The Greek position remains unchanged," Koumoutsakos said.

Regarding events in Europe, he noted that the Greek position was always in favor of Europe moving forward.

"We will monitor developments and try - and this is an issue for the entire European Union - to minimize any negative consequences," he said.

[04] Foreign ministry on all-Church synod's decision to cease recognizing Irineos as Patriarch

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

"It is imperative that the historic responsibities are accepted," foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said, echoing earlier calls by the ministry to Irineos to voluntarily resign.

"The consequences of any dragging out of the present unhappy situation will burden those who through actions or omission did not rise or are not rising to the occasion," he stressed.

Koumoutsakos underlined that the government's chief concern from the first moment of the crisis, which had cast a shadow on the Patriarchate's standing, had been to preserve its prestige, its Greek Orthodox character and the unity of its congregation.

Despite a decision by all his peers to cease to recognize him as Patriarch and refer to him in prayers, in addition to a mutiny of clerics in Jerusalem who have asked him to step down and forcibly wrested the keys to the Patriarchate from him, reports coming out of Jerusalem say that Irineos may refuse to resign.

According to a statement given to the press by his public relations officer, Irineos considers that the decisions taken at Fanar were formed in advance as the result of political intervention and has said that he remains Patriarch for life.

This conflict with reports coming from Istanbul, however, where shortly before his departure for Istanbul airport Irineos apparently denied having made any such statement.

[05] Pan-Orthodox Synod does not affect Turkish position on Ecumenical Patriarchate, spokesman says

ANKARA 26/5/2005 (ANA/A.Abatzis)

He added that Turkey does not intend to interfere on issues concerning Orthodoxy and that the summit will not result in any repercussions on the part of Turkey.

Tan emphasized that the Phanar Patriarchate continues to provide its religious services to 'our Greek Orthodox citizens', without any interference or discrimination from Turkey.

Turkey has objected to the 'ecumenical' status of the patriarchate in Phanar.

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos presided over the pan-Orthodox Synod held in Phanar on Tuesday, attended by the heads of Orthodox churches, in order to deal with the issue of former Jerusalem Patriarch Irineos who was asked to resign following allegations that he either sold or leased for the long term Church property to Israeli interests.

Irineos refused to resign and thus the synod, after lengthy deliberations, decided it will no longer recognize him.

[06] Political leaders pay final respects to former Communist leader

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

"Harilaos Florakis was a tremendous, distinct figure, who shaped KKE's course and left his mark on the country's political scene during the latter half of the 20th Century," Karamanlis said.

"I want to emphasize that as a political leader he was wise and a realist. He contributed personally and decisively to overcoming mistakes of the past, in strengthening democracy and stability in Greece. For this contribution, he was respected by all," Karamanlis added.

"Each one of us has one life to live. It is very important how one lives it, for what purpose, what one does with it," KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga said during a speech.

"You comrade, voiced your opinion and stood by it throughout your life," she added.

Papariga emphasized Florakis' commitment to the party, his conviction in his beliefs, and all that he contributed and accomplished throughout his lengthy political career.

"His absolute devotion to the party's work...his devotion to revolutionary ideals, his lengthy imprisonment - none of these limited his personality or his vision," she said.

Main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou spoke of Florakis' rare political attitude and morals. He described him as " down-to-earth" and "kind", adding that Florakis is an example of "responsibility, devotion and self-sacrifice for the values in which he believed."

Papandreou concluded by saying that Florakis earned the respect and love of political friends and rivals alike.

Dimitris Christofias, Secretary General of the Central Committee of Cyprus' left-wing AKEL party and Cyprus House speaker, said that the loss of great figures of the international communist and workers' movement during difficult times is particularly painful.

He hailed Florakis as "a teacher, a comrade and a friend of Cyprus."

[07] Culture ministry's plans for new organization 'daring', deputy minister says

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

The ministry's new organization, according to Tatoulis, is an innovative project, aimed at decentralization, the reduction of bureaucracy and upgrading the ministry's role in the 21st century.

The draft law concerning the creation of the new organization provides for the following:

Decentralization - The role of the ministry's central agency will be limited to managing and supervising, while cultural branches will be set up in the regions;

Museum policy - The country's major museums will become legal entities of public law in order to help them secure more funding and to grant them autonomy;

Expert panels/committees - An evaluation system and collective expert panels will be created, such as the National Cultural Council, the Managing Directors' Council and the Regional Directors' Council.

The creation of the new organization will cost the state budget an additional ¬ 5 million. However, Tatoulis said that for 2006 the Finance Ministry has already approved a budget of ¬ 130 million for the culture ministry.

According to the deputy minister, approximately 3,500 employees will be needed to staff the new organization, 2,000 will be current contract employees whose employment status has been in limbo since the previous government was in office.

Tatoulis also emphasized the open dialogue the government held on the matter before drafting the bill. He called it 'unprecedented' since it was the first time that a draft law was posted on the ministry's website as a means of engaging interested parties and encouraging them to provide their input.

Because of the length and scope of the dialogue that was held before the draft law was presented, Tatoulis discounted objections voiced by the Association of Greek Archaeologists.

The association objected to the ministry's proposal saying that it is a precursor to the dismantling of the Archaeological Agency and accused Tatoulis of refusing to negotiate and being indifferent to the association's concerns.

In response, the deputy minister said that the association failed to come to the negotiating table with specific proposals as many other agencies and groups did.

[08] Justice minister briefs Parliament committee on government's prison policy

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

He said building new prisons was a top priority, with the first new prison due to be up and running by the end of the year, with another two due to be completed within 2006.

According to Papaligouras, Greece's current prison population was roughly double the capacity that prisons were designed to hold, with 9,500 inmates being held in prisons designed for 5,000.

The minister also outlined government efforts to transfer foreign inmates from Balkan countries to prisons in their country of origin and of plans to build and operate an Albanian prison with money from Greece.

Papaligouras said that 42 per cent of inmates currently in Greek jails were foreigners and over half of these were Albanians, the majority of whom were serving long-term jail sentences. He said one of the main problems faced by the ministry was finding ways to separate Greek and foreign long-term convicts in order to avoid conflict between the two groups.

The minister explained that it was currently faster and between 25-30 per cent cheaper to build a prison in Albania, while operating costs were also lower.

"Our basic terms are absolute recognition of the Greek legal system and the penalties imposed and to have a say about who is transferred there," he said. He said Greek efforts had so far failed to elicit a firm response from the Albanian side, however, possibly because of the political uncertainty in that country and doubt as to the outcome of the next elections.

He also stressed government efforts to try and segregate different categories of prisoners, separating minor offenders from long-term convicts and remand prisoners from convicts as far as possible.

[09] ND Secretary meets with Austrian counterpart

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

During the meeting, the two sides discussed Austria's upcoming EU presidency as well as bilateral cooperation on issues related to the Balkans.

Lopatka said that the meeting was useful, since ND and the Popular Party are ruling parties in their respective countries. The meeting, he said, was an opportunity for the two sides to exchange views on how best their parties and governments can address issues that concern their societies.

The Austrian secretary also pointed out that New Democracy and the Popular Party are participating in citizens' society programs aimed at helping EU candidate countries adopt a European mentality.

Meimarakis said that they discussed "many ways in which we can both accomplish our goals, that is for the Balkans to become a region of stability and growth; a region where all peoples can communicate, so that we can achieve the growth we desire."

[10] Public order ministry secretary general discusses issues of bilateral interest with Austrian interior ministry officials

VIENNA 26/5/2005 (ANA/D. Dimitrakoudis)

Talks ascertained common concern in most issues and the need for cooperation at a European level for their effective handling.

Evangelidis, who was accompanied by the director of the Olympic Games Security Department and other officials, briefed his Austrian interlocutors on security issues concerning the Athens Olympic Games, for which the Austrian side voiced praise.

Talks also focused on the issue of illegal immigration and its consequences which can be related to common crime or terrorism. It was ascertained that, despite diversity regarding countries of origin and access possibilities, coordination of measures to combat it as well as those for possible future migratory waves to Europe is important, while Greece's particularities with its sea borders were also pointed out.

[11] Patriarch receives Greek deputy sports minister

ISTANBUL 26/5/2005 (ANA)

While in Istanbul, Orfanos also visited a handful of ethnic Greek sports clubs in the metropolis.

[12] Turkish coast guard vessel passes through Greek waters near Imia islets

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

The Greek Armed Forces General Staff said its passage had been "non-harmful" and that it had not interacted with either Greek fishing vessels or a Greek coast guard vessel in the area.

[13] Gov't says economic priorities include solving problems inherited from previous gov't

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos pointed to abolition of a controversial social security contribution (LAFKA) slapped on pensioners and other measures to support this specific social group, while he emphasized that government policy in support of wage-earners is based on a four-year program.

In an unrelated development, the spokesman said Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' meeting with the ministers of economy, public works, development and the minister of state (himself) a day earlier focused on the premier's much-anticipated address at a Federation of Greek Industries' (SEB) general assembly on Thursday.

Roussopoulos, additionally, dismissed a press question insinuating that the absence of Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos from the meeting was due to displeasure with his performance.

The prime minister will be the keynote speaker at the SEB general assembly on Thursday afternoon.

Finally, Karamanlis on Wednesday met with a handful of ruling ND deputies at his office, including MPs C. Badouvas, D. Christofilogiannis, A. Karpouzas, Th. Karaoglou and E. Rapti.

[14] Gov't briefed over privatization procedure in Olympic Airlines

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

The sale of the national carrier was discussed by the inter-ministerial privatizations commission with the Greek state's consultants to the sale. The consultants briefed government officials over progress in talks with interested parties. A ministry announcement said that candidate investors offered more details to financial consultants over their bids.

The Greek government has embarked on an effort to sale the loss-making Olympic Airlines amid a European Court of Justice decision asking the national carrier to repay a huge sum of illegal subsidies received by the Greek state in previous years.

[15] Finmin talks to UK business group headed by City of London Mayor

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

The ministry said in a statement that the delegation forecast that UK firms were likely to show interest in projects after a bill on joint financing is passed by parliament.

On Thursday, the Lord Mayor of City will address a one-day seminar organized by the British embassy in Athens focusing on public and private alliances; and a shipping seminar arranged by the "Economist" magazine.

[16] European Parliament Committee ratifies report by ND Eurodeputy

BRUSSELS 26/5/2005 (ANA/V. Demiris)

The Hatzidakis report, ratified by 44 votes to three and three abstentions, confirms the position of the European Parliament on a cohesion budget moving towards 0.41 percent of the EU's GDP, while the Luxembourg presidency had proposed a few days ago a budget in the region of 0.37 percent to 0.38.

According to the procedure, the positions of the European Parliament must be taken into consideration by the Council since, as it is expected, the final decisions cannot be applied without the Parliament's agreement.

The report also proposes the creation of an EU performance deposit which is expected to provide incentives for member-states to improve their performances and to achieve real development.

[17] Minister says role of ports gaining complexity

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

"Ports today are called on to serve a complex role. The traditional role that defined them mainly as loading centers for cargo and passengers has changed as modern requirements have led to the creation of new, value-added port services," Kefaloyiannis told a seminar held by the Economist magazine on shipping and ports.

"In addition, demand for port services has increased significantly and competition among ports is acute," the minister said.

The government was taking measures to ensure quality services, he reported.

[18] Groundwork meeting held on construction of oil pipeline

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

The meeting in the northeast town of Alexandroupoli also included German experts and debated questions of topography in relation to construction of the pipeline, which had been endorsed by the three countries' governments.

The experts also held talks with local authorities.

[19] Chinese shops to be inspected to determine their legality

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

The Economy and Finance Ministry have located throughout the country 212 major Chinese business installations which will be inspected by the Economic Crimes Squad, the Social Insurance Foundation, the Development Ministry services and the Labor Inspection.

[20] OTE telecom signs industrial relations pact with staff

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

The main thorn in talks had been the wage status of new recruits to the company. In the pact, management agreed to keep the same wage scale for new staff, meeting the OME-OTE union's demand.

The early retirement plan that was stalled by dissension with the union is key to the company's restructuring plan.

[21] Stocks rise across-the-board buying

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,921.96 points, marking a rise of 0.64%. Turnover was 143.3 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.55% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.88% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.06% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 143 to 106 with 76 remaining unchanged.

[22] 'Information Society' program discussed at meeting chaired by PM Karamanlis

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis, Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos as well as an IT committee comprised of relevant general directors of affiliated ministries participated.

[23] Greek ambassador to Washington awarded honorary doctorate of Greek Orthodox Academy of Theology

WASHINGTON 26/5/2005 (ANA/T. Ellis)

Addressing Savvaides, the president of the Greek College and the Greek Orthodox Academy of Theology Nikos Triantafylou praised his extensive knowledge and his extremely successful career in the Greek diplomatic corps.

Savvaides praised the considerable theologian and national role played by the Greek College and the Greek Orthodox Academy of Theology and described the challenges of diplomacy which, as he said, must be based on the principles of law to be effective and must promote peace, freedom, democracy and prosperity in an understandable way so as to enjoy the support of peoples and societies.

[24] Fewer people killed in traffic accidents during this year's Easter period

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

There were 51 traffic accidents this year with 54 people killed, while in the corresponding period last year there were 78 traffic accidents with 68 killed. However, there were more people seriously or slightly injured this year compared to last year. This year, 112 people were seriously injured and 851 slightly injured, while last year 96 people were seriously injured and 486 slightly injured.

[25] International book exhibition opening in Thessaloniki on Thursday

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

The exhibition, titled "Thessaloniki Book Fair 2005", constitutes in essence the continuation and widening of the similar exhibition attempted last year under the title of "Scripta."

The exhibition, due to last until May 29, will take place at HELEXPO's 14 and 15 pavilions and will house 150 Greek and foreign publishing companies from Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Cyprus, Germany, France, Poland, Slovakia, Armenia, Georgia, Israel, Algeria, Palestine, Taiwan and Russia.

[26] ELA organization defendant speaks of 'political and not usual penal trial'

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

The defendant, who is the only defendant out of the six, to assume the part of political responsibility apportioned to him for ELA's activities until 1991, said that he is "not at all optimistic" over the outcome of the trail and called on the court not to proceed with convictions based on the principle of "collective responsibility."

Tsigaridas termed ELA a "revolutionary Communist organization" which, as he said, never operated with a central council but with autonomy for its members.

Referring to the organization's activities, Tsigaridas said it chose to make "actions of limited intensity with a symbolic character and always with care to avoid the loss of human life."

The trial continues.

[27] Judge accused of bribery held in custody

Athens, 26/5/2005 (ANA)

After hearing his three-hour testimony, Magistrate Appeals Court Justice Yiannis Sideris and Prosecutor Kyriakos Karoutsos, decided Stathis must be held in custody.

According to the charges brought against Stathis, the former judge received bribes from 11 lawyers, amounting to thousands of euros, in order to decide cases in their favor between December 2004 and January 2005. The lawyers are also defendants in the case.

In coming days, more criminal charges are expected to be brought against other judges who have been found to engage in illegal activities by a Supreme Court investigation.

[28] Cyprus President Papadopoulos: entry through occupied areas illegal

NICOSIA 26/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

He said that in the past month the government had made all possible representations to the US with regard to a proposed visit to occupied Cyprus by American Congressmen.

''If in the US, people want to insist on illegality, it is beyond our power to stop it,'' he said.

Responding to questions, he said that the arrival of US Congressmen is illegal not only as far as international law is concerned but also as far as US legislation is concerned.

The US, he explained, has incorporated in its own legislation the Chicago Convention which stipulates clearly that landing of aircraft and arrival through airports which a sovereign state declares illegal is a violation of US law.

''Those who say that arriving in occupied Cyprus through a non recognized airport does not violate US law are wrong,'' he pointed out.

The government of the Republic has declared illegal all points of entry into the country that have been under Turkish occupation since 1974, in the areas of Cyprus where the government is prevented from exercising its jurisdiction.

[29] Cyprus strongly protests new Turkish air violations

UNITED NATIONS 26/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

In a letter addressed to Annan, dated May 17, 2005, Mavroyiannis stressed that such acts blatantly contravene international law and air traffic regulations and seriously endanger international civil aviation, increase insecurity, maintain a climate of tension in a particularly sensitive region and undermine the efforts made to achieve progress in resolving the Cyprus issue.

After referring to each violation, the Cypriot Ambassador said that ''on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, I strongly protest the above-cited violations and call for their immediate cessation.''

''As repeatedly indicated in our previous communications, such acts blatantly contravene international law and air traffic regulations and seriously endanger international civil aviation. Moreover, these violations increase insecurity, maintain a climate of tension in a particularly sensitive region and undermine the efforts made to achieve progress in resolving the long-standing Cyprus issue,'' he added.

Mavroyiannis said that ''were Turkey to refrain from further violations and to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus, it would contribute significantly to improving the climate and to creating the conditions required for reconciliation and reunification of Cyprus.''

[30] US hopes parties will demonstrate political will for Cyprus solution

NICOSIA 26/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Responding to questions by CNA at a reception on Tuesday night at the Turkish Cypriot Industrial Chamber pavilion at the Cyprus International Fair, Klosson said the US follow with great interest developments in the Cyprus problem.

''We certainly hope that all parties involved will demonstrate the political will and the kind of realistic positions that would lead the UN to continue the talks,'' he said.

''Of course, it is too early to reach that conclusion'', the US diplomat noted.

As regards trade between the two communities in Cyprus, Klosson said ''we see two-way trade as a way towards a solution that is going to help to get closer to a solution.''

He added the US is ''also extremely interested in bolstering our economic ties with Cyprus.''

He expressed satisfaction that for the first time there is possibility of a much more active business relationship between the two communities through the EU Green Line regulation, noting that this is good for businessmen and also good for the future of Cyprus.

''We have an economic development program that is aimed on reducing the disparities between the economy of the northern part of the island and the southern part and part of the way we have gone that in the very first phase is to encourage trade across the green line,'' he said.

Klosson said the US has hired a consultant that has been very active in match making between Turkish Cypriot businesses which would like to market their goods in the south and Greek Cypriot businesses that would like to purchase their goods.

He said that trade across the green line can not be in one direction but two-way ''and so just as we have helped the Turkish Cypriot businesses find markets to the south we are also very committed to encouraging the opening of the green line overall so that Greek Cypriots also can do business in the north.''

''We see two-way trade as a way towards a solution that is going to help to get closer to a solution,'' he said.

Klosson said the US is in the process of selecting an American company that would work for business development in the occupied areas, noting that the US is also looking at bridges between Turkish Cypriots and the United States.

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