Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-05-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] PASOK leader Papandreou attacks government, 'big interests'

[02] Responsibility for developments in Cyprus issue lies with Ankara, Greek ambassador says

[03] ND self-administration secretariat organises conference on regional development

[04] Development of the periphery a strategic goal

[05] President Papoulias attends closing ceremony of Special Olympics

[06] Coalition party's Central Political Committee discusses policy

[07] Ecumenical Patriarchate resorts to European Human Rights Court on orphanage issue

[08] President Papoulias attends celebrations in Souli

[09] PM Karamanlis and development minister discuss energy issues

[10] Cypriot Employers and Industrialists Federation delegation discusses business cooperation in Athens

[11] Respect for citizen and consumer a question of conscience, tourism minister says

[12] Two illegal immigrants killed in explosion in fenced-off minefield

[13] Police arrest three for selling forged documents to foreigners

[14] World No-Tobacco Day events held in Athens on weekend

[15] Armenian independence anniversary celebrated in Thessaloniki

[16] Ceremony held for people executed during Civil War

[17] US Congressman decides not to participate in illegal visit to Cyprus

[18] Cyprus House President: The Greek Cypriot side has fulfilled its duty

[01] PASOK leader Papandreou attacks government, 'big interests'

Athens, 30/5/2005 (ANA)

Papandreou opined that the government, "with its immense mistakes" and depravity, was showing signs of a quick end, and predicted that PASOK would soon return to government.

He also attacked prime minister Costas Karmanlis personally, saying that "I will not become a Karamanlis", and accused the ruling New Democracy party (ND) of "falling on the state and public administration like locusts".

Papandreou accused the "big interests" of attempting, in harmony with ND, to create the impression that PASOK and ND were "one of the same", in order to create insecurity among the citizens and present the political forces as lacking credibility, for the purpose of imposting their own interests on the Greek people.

He warned that local, but also big, interests wanted PASOK divided, but added that he would not provide consensus to the government, stressing that PASOK would wage a tough opposition struggle.

Papandreou said he was in favour of major reforms, but added that the people should not pay for them.

The main opposition leader further said that the agreement reached last week on voluntary retirement in the Hellenic Telecoms (OTE) -- which also included abolition of tenured employment in the state organisation for new hirees -- was an attempt by the government to "patch up holes", and that ND wanted to raise the price of the OTE share in order to raise the Athens Stock Exchange, so that it could quickly sell off more state companies.

He said that the cost of the solution agreed for OTE should not be passed on to the social whole while, with respect to tenure in the public sector, he called on the government to put the issue forward clearly, if it believed that such an issue needed to be looked into. He further accused ND of trying to create internal problems in the trade union movement.

Papandreou further opined that the people had voted PASOK out of government in the last general elections because some of the PASOK officials had adopted the practices and thinking of ND.

Responding to Papandreou's statements later, state minister and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said that the main opposition leader's references to "depravity" constituted an insult to the new governance. "On they contrary they (the references) characterise the (preceding) PASOK governments, of which he himself had been a member," Roussopoulos said.

PASOK party leader does not rule out possibility of requesting early elections: Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou, in an interview with the Sunday newspaper "Vima tis Kyriakis" titled "I will not become Karamanlis", did not rule out the possibility of requesting early elections.

"A government is elected and has a constitutional limit. However, we also have the obligation to assess the interest of the country and raise issues of confidence when the time comes," he said.

Referring to the government's policy to date, Papandreou said ND "deceived the voters who believed in it."

The PASOK leader also said of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis "there is a difference in the development of Mr. Karamanlis in his party and in mine. Mr. Karamanlis came to balance the internal problems of ND, while I came with the mandate of changes and reforms."

[02] Responsibility for developments in Cyprus issue lies with Ankara, Greek ambassador says

NICOSIA 30/5/2005 (ANA/G. Leonidas)

Panagopoulos also said the upgrading of the European factor in efforts for a solution to the Cyprus issue is natural and self-evident.

"The result of a whatever solution will not be tested in a vacuum, but will be called on to function in the specific European environment, which is determined by the acquis commu-nautaire," the Greek ambassador said.

At the same time he also pointed to "fatigue" on the part of Turkey in the effort it has undertaken to promote its European targets.

Parallel developments will also play a considerable role, Panagopoulos added, such as Sunday's referendum in France and later on in the Netherlands, on the European Constitutional Treaty, as well as political developments in Germany.

"All this might create a new and possibly unpredictable situation," he said.

Commenting on talks between Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and U.S. President George W. Bush, Panagopoulos said relations between Greece and the United States are at an excellent level, adding that the issue of Cyprus topped issues raised by the Greek prime minister.

[03] ND self-administration secretariat organises conference on regional development

Athens, 30/5/2005 (ANA)

Addressing the conference, Deputy Finance Minister Adam Rengouzas spoke of a year of bold decisions with clear targets, such as encouraging and backing enterprise and developing and increasing employment, while Deputy Agricultural Development Minister Alexandros Kontos outlined government policy in the agricultural sector.

Deputy Development Minister George Salangoudis referred to the imperative need to equate the salaries and incomes of the Greeks with those of other European citizens and stressed that the government's target is regional development.

Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos said on his part "we must go ahead at last with a European way of organising major cities so that Athens and Thessaloniki can be 'governed' in the same way that the major cities of Europe are governed."

[04] Development of the periphery a strategic goal

Athens, 30/5/2005 (ANA)

Pavlopoulos said that the Fourth Community Support Frame-work (CSF) was destined mainly for the periphery, which he said would have a central role in utilisation of the CSF.

In order to meet that challenge, he added, a bill would be tabled by autumn that would render the peripheries "administratively independent", at the same time strengthening the role of the prefectural and local self-governments through a doubling of the sources from which they would be financed.

Pavlopoulos made extensive reference to the administrative reforms currently underway in the public sector, and stressed that the government was determined to carry on with those reforms, given that that was the desire of the Greek people, and consequently the government's duty to the people.

"We fear neither the political cost, nore the pressure from wherever it emanates. We will do our job," Pavlopoulos said.

[05] President Papoulias attends closing ceremony of Special Olympics

Athens, 30/5/2005 (ANA)

For threedays 450 Special Olympics athletes were applauded for their efforts in four sports events, bowling, swimming, soccer and cycling.

President Papoulias gave them their medals and they made an appointment for their next sports meeting.

"In such games as today's we spectators get courage from you athletes," President Papoulias told the athletes.

Second day of Special Olympics held in presence of alternate culture and deputy sports ministers: The second day of the Special Olympics games came to an end in Ioannina, northern Greece, on Saturday in the presence of Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia and Deputy Sports Minister George Orfanos.

The games will end on Monday, while President Karolos Papoulias will be giving winners their awards.

In another development, Orfanos held talks in Ioannina with Prefect Alekos Kachrimanis and Mayor N. Gontas, with whom he discussed issues pertaining to the duties of his ministry.

Orfanos also said Ioannina is one of the candidate cities for the 2012 Eurosoccer competition, provided our country is assigned with organising the event.

[06] Coalition party's Central Political Committee discusses policy

Athens, 30/5/2005 (ANA)

Criticising both the government and the main opposition PASOK party, the Coalition stressed the need for social struggles to develop to defend social achievements and rights.

Consequently, the party is preparing to take initiatives to combat the high cost of living and unemployment, prevent the sellout of public property, defend the environment and tackle phenomena of authoritarianism, suppression and aggression by neo-fascist circles.

Nikos Hountis elected secretary of SYN central political committee

Nikos Hountis was on Sunday elected secretary of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) party's Central Political Committee by an overwhelming majority.

Hountis was nominated for the post by SYN leader Alekos Alavanos and the party's Political Secretariat.

Out of a total 87 Central Political Committee members present -- with 76 valid votes, 1 invalid vote and 10 blank votes -- Hountis received 76 votes and was elected to the post.

The Central Political Committee met over the weekend to examine policy and future initiatives.

[07] Ecumenical Patriarchate resorts to European Human Rights Court on orphanage issue

ISTANBUL 30/5/2005 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

This was announced by the Metropolitan of Philadelphia Meliton during a speech on issues concerning charitable institutions of the Greek Orthodox minority in Turkey.

The Turkish courts ordered the revocation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's title deeds on grounds that the Patriarchate is not a legal entity and, therefore, it cannot have title deeds in its name.

Litigation against the Patriarchate became final last October.

[08] President Papoulias attends celebrations in Souli

Athens, 30/5/2005 (ANA)

Two hundred and two years after the surrender of Souli to Ali Pasha, in 1803, thousands of people from all over Greece reached the region's rugged terrain to honour the struggles and sacrifices of the people of Souli against the Turkish rule.

After a religious service was held at the Temple of Saint Donatos, President Papoulias watched the events taking place from the amphitheatre on the side of the mountain.

President Papoulias also laid a wreath at the monument erected for those who fell in the struggle, while the president of the community of Souli gave him the golden key and proclaimed him an honourary citizen.

He praised the passion with which the people of Souli fought and which was inspired, as he said, by their faith in the ideals of freedom and national dignity.

[09] PM Karamanlis and development minister discuss energy issues

Athens, 30/5/2005 (ANA)

Sioufas later said infrastructure issues concerning energy were examined. He added that natural gas pipelines between Greece and Turkey were discussed, as well as the inauguration to be carried out jointly by Karamanlis and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the end of June.

The minister further said that they also discussed the agreement he has concluded with the relevant Italian minister responsible for energy issues, concerning the construction of the underwater pipeline linking Greece with Italy and Europe.

Lastly, developments on the issue of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline were also considered.

[10] Cypriot Employers and Industrialists Federation delegation discusses business cooperation in Athens

NICOSIA 30/5/2005 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

According to an announcement by OEB, contact was made with important officials in Greece.

OEB's delegation also attended a conference of the Cypriot Business Administration Promotion Company, during which various organisational issues were approved, as well as the company's plan of action which will be fully implemented at the end of the summer.

[11] Respect for citizen and consumer a question of conscience, tourism minister says

Athens, 30/5/2005 (ANA)

Commenting on the phenomenon of profiteering, the minister said "those who, unfortunately, offend Greek tourism and offend the authenticity of Greek hospitality must come to their senses."

Avramopoulos was speaking on the sidelines of his visit to the International Book Exhibition in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, which he termed the most important book exhibition ever to be held in the country.

[12] Two illegal immigrants killed in explosion in fenced-off minefield

Athens, 30/5/2005 (ANA)

The explosion occurred at 22:45 p.m., and Army and Mine Clearing Squad officers immediately rushed to the site. The two bodies were recovered early Sunday and taken to the hospital at Didymoteichos.

Documents found on the bodies showed that the deceased, both male, were aged 55 and 29 respectively, and Georgian nationals.

Army officials believe that, due to the darkness, the two men mistook the minefield fencing for border fencing between Turkey and Greece.

The minefield is clearly marked off with large phosphorescent, with warnings in Greek and English, and is also enclosed by a double fence.

[13] Police arrest three for selling forged documents to foreigners

Athens, 30/5/2005 (ANA)

Investigations revealed that each forged document cost buyers between 300 and 500 euros, who then used them to be provided with special consular visas from relevant authorities, paving the way for them to obtain Greek citizenship.

[14] World No-Tobacco Day events held in Athens on weekend

Athens, 30/5/2005 (ANA)

Personalities from the political, artistic and sports fields attended the events on the Ermou pedestrian street on Saturday in a show of support for the campaign.

Informational material was given out to passers-by, while information was also provided by medical students on the dangers of active as well as passive smoking, and part of the event was carried live on the private KISS FM radio station.

A similar event was held at the central square in Bournazi, while on Tuesday, the World No-Tobacco Day, similar events will be held in central Aristotelous square in Thessaloniki and in several other cities around Greece, including Alexandroupolis, Ioannina, Larissa, Patras, and Heraklion, Crete.

[15] Armenian independence anniversary celebrated in Thessaloniki

Athens, 30/5/2005 (ANA)

People formed a human chain around the Armenian monument on central Tsimiski street, and later danced Armenian dances.

According to estimates, some 12,000 Armenians live in Thessaloniki.

[16] Ceremony held for people executed during Civil War

Athens, 30/5/2005 (ANA)

The monument was erected at the initiative of the Memory Group of Executed Fighters 1941-1952 a year ago and will be extended with the completion of the list of those who fell in the name of freedom and national unity.

[17] US Congressman decides not to participate in illegal visit to Cyprus

NEW YORK 30/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Wexler decided not to participate in this delegation after he received dozens of letters by Greek Americans living in Florida, who protested against this illegal visit.

The Congressmen's delegation arriving to the occupied areas Monday, May 30, will be headed by the other Co-Chairman of the Turkey Caucus, Congressman of Kentucky Ed Whitfield.

[18] Cyprus House President: The Greek Cypriot side has fulfilled its duty

NICOSIA 30/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

He noted that the Greek Cypriot side has fulfilled its duty and presented thoroughly its positions, as it was asked to do.

Referring to UN Under-Secretary General for Political Affairs Sir Kieran Prendergast's forthcoming visit to the region, Christo-fias noted that the UN contacts on Cyprus are exploratory.

Christofias noted that ''we expect the UN to evaluate things, with the wish that a new initiative will begin,'' adding that the Greek Cypriot side has reiterated many times its views regarding the basis on which the negotiations should resume.

The House president said that ''the recommencement of the negotiations cannot depend only on our side's will, which is granted and for which we provided proof.''

He noted it was up to Prendergast to judge our positions and movements.

Furthermore, replying to questions, Christofias expressed regret over a US Congressmen's forthcoming visit to the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus, via an illegal entry point, noting that this action constitutes a clear violation of the UN resolutions on Cyprus by the US administration.

Noting that this visit was planned by the US administration and the State Department, Christofias pointed out it should not be overestimated.

''These people are coming to Cyprus aiming to promote the interests of the Turkish and American policies,'' he added, noting that the majority of the US Congress members do not approve such moves.

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