Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-06-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Inner cabinet discusses public/private sector joint venture draft law

[02] Euro-Constitution woes will not affect policy on Turkey's EU prospects, Athens says

[03] Greek minister and Luxembourg counterpart discuss fiscal prospects in view of French 'non'

[04] Press report says Ankara will sign EU customs union extension on June 15

[05] President of the Republic receives ex-pat journalists, discusses French referendum, presidency, the Balkans and Russia

[06] PM Karamanlis receives ex-pat journalists, stresses drive to attract foreign investment

[07] Ecumenical Patriarch receives Greek deputy foreign minister in Fanar

[08] Alexandria Patriarch receives tourism minister

[09] Justice Minister to attend EU Justice and Home Affairs council meeting

[10] Deputy chief of Turkey's General Staff to visit Greece

[11] FM Molyviatis to give press conference at FPA luncheon on Thursday

[12] Deputy FM Stylianidis meets foreign ambassadors

[13] OTE management offers details on early retirement agreement

[14] Main opposition leader blasts labor pact in OTE telecom

[15] Greece, Egypt agree to reopen Tourism School of Cairo

[16] Black Sea Bank extends loan to Russian firm

[17] Interparliamentary Cooperation Forum focuses on Balkans' economic development

[18] Gov't to help finance investment in homeland by Greeks abroad

[19] European Court declines to rule on Greek pharmaceuticals case

[20] Stocks drop on mid-cap selling

[21] 'Blue Flag' award given to 383 Greek beaches and marinas in 2005

[22] Local authorities object to environment minister's decision on Psyttalia sludge

[23] Environment Commissioner Dimas inaugurates 'Green Week 2005'

[24] PM to inaugurate exhibition at Byzantine and Christian Museum

[25] Police, fire dept and armed forces partner in forest protection

[26] Road fatalities total 343 in Jan-March period

[27] ELA trial: Kanas says 'I have nothing to do with terrorism'

[28] President Papadopoulos meets UN USG Kieran Prendergast

[29] Members of US House of Representatives meet Cyprus President

[01] Inner cabinet discusses public/private sector joint venture draft law

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

The draft law, presented by Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, will contributed in improving the quality of projects and services and will harmonize the country with an existing framework in the European Union.

Alogoskoufis said the draft legislation would be the base for strengthening development and investments in the country along with a tax reform and a new investment legislation.

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas stressed the draft law was a serious structural intervention, which along with new laws on public works, competition, shopping hours and an agreement between the management and workers in Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, were creating the framework for a new development course in a new era.

Alogoskoufis reiterated that a deal in Hellenic Telecoms would benefit the organization and the economy while he stressed that the state was supporting the organization's pension fund but with a smaller sum compared with the past.

FinMin unveils draft law on public/private sector cooperation: Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis on Tuesday unveiled a draft law envisaging the creation of joint ventures between the public and private sectors in infrastructure projects and services.

Speaking to reporters, Alogoskoufis said the draft law was placed on a public debate with interested parties and created the necessary conditions for improved cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Presenting the draft legislation, the Greek minister said the budget of projects should not exceed 200 million euros, while activities directly related with the state (national defense, justice, law enforcement) should be excluded from joint ventures. The draft law also named the public agencies eligible to tender joint ventures between the public and private sectors, while private sector enterprises would take over the biggest part of risk related with funding and construction of infrastructure projects.

Alogoskoufis said the draft law would be submitted with the European Commission as it integrates a community directive in promoting joint ventures.

Speaking to reporters, Alogoskoufis said OPAP, the Greek betting and lottery organization, was examining the introduction of Greek soccer games to its betting game and taking over the management of the betting game after 2006.

[02] Euro-Constitution woes will not affect policy on Turkey's EU prospects, Athens says

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

"Categorically no," the spokesman said when asked if the government was considering a re-evaluation of its stance on Turkey's European course in view of the French referendum result.

In response to other questions, meanwhile, Roussopoulos confirmed that the government hoped to proceed with a new revision of the Greek Constitution when this became possible in about a year's time.

"This has been a New Democracy position for many years, that we are now glad to say the main opposition also agrees with. A great opportunity was lost during the previous revision and this is a matter that troubles the government," he said.

Roussopoulos also spoke at length concerning the voluntary early retirement deal struck by unions and management at the state-run telecoms utility Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE), rejecting press reports that this and a deal for bank insurance funds will cost the state some three billion euros.

The spokesman referred journalists to OTE's announcement on the issue and the statement by Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, saying the OTE package will not cost the state more than 290 million euros, mostly in the form of shares rather than hard cash.

He noted that the cost was relatively minor when compared to various reform schemes carried out by past PASOK governments for the ailing national carrier Olympic Airways, which he said had cost taxpayers one trillion drachmas.

He also stressed that OTE now had 16,000 permanent employees - roughly double its needs - and was forced to hire roughly 1,000 more staff that were trained in new telecoms technologies.

[03] Greek minister and Luxembourg counterpart discuss fiscal prospects in view of French 'non'

LUXEMBOURG 1/6/2005 (ANA - N. Melissova)

After meeting his Luxembourg counterpart Nicolas Schmit, Valinakis said he had called for the promotion of an agreement for the EU budget at the European Council in June.

He said the talks were dominated by the results of the French referendum, which is expected to complicate Community fiscal policy and have direct repercussions on the payment of 4th Community Support Framework (CSF) funds by stiffening the resolve of the "1 percent bloc".

This will also coincide with the start of the pre-election period in Germany, the main contributor of EU funds, which is seen as another complicating factor.

"Without Germany's agreement and with an intransigent '1-percent bloc', the cohesion funds that the Greek people think of as the 4th CSF and which our country needs for its development after 2006 will inevitably be less," Valinakis said after his talks with Schmit.

He stressed that Greece will insist on the European Commission's position for 1.14 per cent of the budget and said that Athens had worked hard to achieve this target since last June, holding successive meetings and contacts with a group of 17 member-states dubbed the "friends of the Commission".

"Our target is to achieve an agreement as soon as possible, preferably by the European Council in June, because the prospects afterward will be even worse. We want to secure the necessary funds that will allow Greek regions to match the EU average in terms of prosperity levels".

In addition to Schmit, Valinakis had a series of meetings with other foreign ministers attending the EuroMed Ministerial, including Tunisian Foreign Minister Abdelbaki Hermassi on Tuesday morning and Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Libyan Deputy Foreign Minister Mohamed Tahar Siala on Monday evening.

He said the talks had focused primarily on bilateral relations and cooperation in all areas.

[04] Press report says Ankara will sign EU customs union extension on June 15

ANKARA 1/6/2005 (ANA - A. Abatzis)

The report, broadcast by the NTV channel, quoted unnamed Turkish diplomatic sources, while adding that the protocol extension's signing will be accompanied by a statement from Ankara stressing that the action does not entail the recognition of the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus.

[05] President of the Republic receives ex-pat journalists, discusses French referendum, presidency, the Balkans and Russia

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

During the meeting, Papoulias discussed France's 'no' vote on the European Constitution, his role as President, the Balkans and Russia.

"I don't know what other surprises await us. I am not pessimistic, I am optimistic - Europe possesses its own dynamic," he said, referring to Sunday's French referendum, which resulted in 54.9% of French voters rejecting the EU Treaty.

"An outcome, resulting from any referendum, cannot reverse this dynamic," he continued, adding that in a way it can serve as a red flag for certain EU leaderships.

Asked about Greece's image abroad, Papoulias replied that "in recent decades a great effort has been made and Greece has now emerged as a European country that has made exceptional progress and has a positive future to look forward to."

The president acknowledged that "we have our own set of problems," but expressed optimism that "we have the ability to adapt. We will overcome these difficulties and in this decade - the end of the decade - Greece will be a prosperous European country."

Asked how he views his role as president, Papoulias said: "The role of the President is to provide a general guideline for the course of the nation and the people."

Papoulias also made reference to the Balkans in response to a question of whether he felt a sense of solidarity towards the region. Papoulias reminded the group that having previously served as Foreign Minister over a 12-year period, "I know the Balkan peoples."

He expressed the view that the Balkans are also changing. "It's not just one part of the Balkans - Greece - that is changing and progressing. The Balkan region in general is progressing," he said.

However, regarding the extent of this progress, Papoulias noted that it depends on the countries themselves, but also on prevailing circumstances.

Finally, asked to comment on Russia's future, Papoulias predicted that it too will become a member of the EU, sometime in the next decade, perhaps. "And it must be [a member of the EU] because it is a major power with great potential and I think it will be a serious deficit for today's EU not to include Russia among its member states."

[06] PM Karamanlis receives ex-pat journalists, stresses drive to attract foreign investment

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

The premier said the Greek economy was now struggling with major problems accumulated in the past and the government's present economic policy sought to correct these and lay firm foundations for a future with better prospects, development, increased production and greater employment.

"I ask you to assist with all you power in this new national affair, as you have so successfully done in the recent past, spreading everywhere the message that with each passing day, Greece is establishing the conditions needed for foreign investments to yield profits," he said.

He also thanked the gathered journalists for their support of the Olympic Games in Greece and stressed that the challenge now was to capitalize on the success of the Athens Olympics and create prospects for dynamic, sustainable growth in all parts of the country.

In response to questions, meanwhile, Karamanlis rejected criticism alleging government inertia and urged reporters to actually sit down and count the acts of legislation pushed through Parliament by the present government.

"A terrific amount of work has been done in a year. Things will go even better. I am very pleased," he said.

[07] Ecumenical Patriarch receives Greek deputy foreign minister in Fanar

ISTANBUL 1/6/2005 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

After the lengthy meeting, Skandalakis said the Patriarch had also briefed him on the events at last week's all-Church synod concerning events at the Jerusalem Patriarchate.

Patriarch Bartholomew refused to make any comments about events in Jerusalem, however, saying that these were now the concern of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood, in which the Ecumenical Patriarchate would not interfere.

[08] Alexandria Patriarch receives tourism minister

ALEXANDRIA 1/6/2005 (ANA/N.Katsika)

"All Greeks regard you with a lot of love and respect," Avramopoulos told Theodoros.

"Everyone is aware of your great leadership abilities, the fact that you are driven by modern views and that you will endow this Patriarchate - which was always a beacon of Orthodoxy - with strength, life and a modern, dynamic role," he added.

Furthermore, Avramopoulos assured Theodoros that he has the Greek state's full support.

"At the same time, we ask that you pray for us, for our other difficult mission, for all Greeks, all politicians, all parties that have taken on the responsibility to manage our country's issues," Avramopoulos said.

Alexandria's Governor Mohamed Abdel-Salam Mahgoub was also present to greet Avramopoulos.

Also present at the meeting were Greek National Tourism Organization (EOT) President Aristidis Kalogeropoulos, New Democracy MP responsible for tourism Stavros Kalafatis, Greek Ambassador to Egypt Panayiotis Vlassopoulos, and Alexandria's General Consul Theoharis Lalakos.

[09] Justice Minister to attend EU Justice and Home Affairs council meeting

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

The council will be focusing on issues related to racism and xenophobia and is expected to establish a framework for the creation of a database which will keep track of criminal acts committed. The council will also evaluate the implementation of the framework regarding the European Warrant of Arrest.

Finally, the justice and home affairs council will also examine the European Commission's proposal regarding the implementation of the Hague Program, which deals with freedom, security and justice.

The sectors of freedom, security and justice are expected to develop rapidly over the next five years through EU initiatives and are expected to represent the most dynamic areas of convergence of national legislations, whether the EU treaty is ratified or not.

[10] Deputy chief of Turkey's General Staff to visit Greece

ANKARA 1/6/2005 (ANA - A. Abatzis)

According to the report, Buyukanit's visit is taking place in the framework of Greek-Turkish bilateral relations and his is scheduled to speak at the Evelpidon military academy.

[11] FM Molyviatis to give press conference at FPA luncheon on Thursday

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

[12] Deputy FM Stylianidis meets foreign ambassadors

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

During the meetings, they discussed bilateral issues and economic relations, according to a Foreign Ministry announcement.

[13] OTE management offers details on early retirement agreement

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

According to OTE's management, the company retains roughly 16,000 full-time employees, twice as many as it needs. Moreover, OTE said payroll demands and social security contributions absorb roughly 33 percent of its revenue, in comparison to a European average of around 18 percent for similar companies.

OTE, furthermore, again stressed that an early retirement plan is vital to its continued viability and competitiveness amid a deregulated and very competitive telecommunications landscape, noting that incentives without loss of pension rights for eligible employees serve as a necessary method for reducing its bloated workforce.

Additionally, OTE's management termed the agreement as "costly" but wholly "necessary" in the effort to restructure the utility.

Some 6,000 OTE employees will be eligible for early retirement, the majority of whom are over the age of 50. According to the company's estimates, however, some 4,000 employees, or 70 percent of those eligible, will take advantage of the plan.

The entire cost of the plan for 6,000 employees -- including compensation to affiliated funds, lump sum payments, pensions and other special incentives -- has been calculated at 1.537 billion euros, with OTE saying it will bear the lion's share of the expenditure.

The company said it will fund the plan via its cash reserves and cost savings resulting from the plan. OTE's management also said that the government has agreed to transfer 4 percent of the company's shares to the TAP-OTE pension fund, which will leave the state in possession of 33 percent of the company's shares. Under the agreement, the state retains the right to buy back the shares if it deems so necessary, but it is also obliged to buy back the shares if TAP-OTE is short on cash reserves.

Four percent of OTE's shares equal some 290 million euros in current prices, or less than 20 percent of the total cost of the early retirement plan, the company added.

In pointing to the company's bourse value over the past year, OTE's management said that a one-euro increase per share translates into 185 million euros of appreciation for the government's stock portfolio. Along those lines, OTE's share price has increased by approximately four euros over the past year, the company's leadership stated, while citing expectations that cost-cutting benefits from the early retirement plan will further boost OTE's stock market value.

OME-OTE: On its part, the employees' union for OTE, OME-OTE, also issued an announcement focusing on the agreement, reminding that 77 percent of elected delegates at its recently completed conference voted in favor of the deal.

OME-OTE's leadership, especially its president, G. Panagopoulos, has come under intense criticism over the past few days, especially from the PASOK-affiliated PASKE labor grouping, the GSEE labor federation and the opposition, for signing the agreement -- considered by the government as a first victory in ruling New Democracy's high-profile pre-election platform to overhaul bloated and loss-making public enterprises.

Moreover, OME-OTE reiterated that provisions governing the status of new hirings at OTE are in line with the company's collective bargaining agreements.

Alogoskoufis: State will pay for 20% of OTE early retirement deal: Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis on Tuesday underlined that the state will pay for 20 percent of a landmark early retirement agreement worked out by the state-run telephony utility (OTE) and its employees' union (OME-OTE).

In statements to an Athens-area radio program, Alogoskoufis the remainder will be paid by the bourse-listed company, the result of expected gains from the utility's restructuring.

Initial reports put the agreement worth 1.6 billion euros.

Alogoskoufis noted that the restructuring plan is absolutely solid, with markets already expressing their approval via a surge in OTE's share price.

He also dismissed concerns that the early retirement agreement will run afoul of the European Commission, reminding that the state will not provide aid to OTE but rather to the company's pension fund (TAP-OTE).

Finally, the minister said he has spoken with Greek EU Commissioner Stavros Dimas about the issue, while contacts with other Commissioners are pending -- part of a bid to prevent any snags from derailing the ground-breaking deal.

[14] Main opposition leader blasts labor pact in OTE telecom

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

"The agreement is invalid and cannot be applied....It is an affront to society," Papandreou told reporters after a meeting of his party's political council.

Tough, lengthy negotiations led to agreement at the weekend, sparking the ire of PASOK-affiliated trade unionists, who criticized their counterparts in OTE's staff union for voting in favor of the deal.

Papandreou said that he opposed what he called the government's intention of selling state firms in order to reap quick gains. A further flotation is in the pipeline for OTE.

"The voluntary retirement scheme at OTE is unacceptable on a number of levels, and the departure of employees will be effected without criteria, indiscriminately and provocatively," he forecast.

The PASOK leader also questioned financing of the retirement plan, fearing that taxpayers would foot the bill.

Roussopoulos replies to PASOK leader regarding OTE : In reply to criticism launched by main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou on an agreement regarding a deal on early retirement at the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE), Minister of State and Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said on Tuesday evening: "Mr. Papandreou naturally knows that with the laws of the governments of PASOK, the state budget undertook the serving of deficits of public organizations and businesses, burdening the taxpayers with hundreds of millions of euros each year. Only on the deficits of TAP-OTE the annual burden exceeded 300 million euros! Only the program of the so-called 'cleansing' of Olympic Airlines it cost one trillion drachmas!"

Roussopoulos added: "On the burdens which the governments in which he served loaded on the backs of the Greek citizens, Mr. Papandreou did not utter one word of self-criticism. He does not have the courage to even apologize."

[15] Greece, Egypt agree to reopen Tourism School of Cairo

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

The Egyptian Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction over this decision taken during the signing of a memorandum on tourism cooperation between Egypt and Greece on Monday.

Egyptian Tourism Minister Mohamed Al Magrabi, speaking to reporters said the meeting "confirmed the historic and cultural relations between the two peoples," adding the meeting agreed on closer cooperation in the tourism sector.

The Greek minister said a decision to re-open the Tourism School of Cairo was a "symbolic decision. It was a Greek school, operating under the strictest quality standards. The decision brought joy to the Greek community in Cairo, a community along with that of Alexandria, were main engines of progress and growth in the hospitable country of Egypt."

Avramopoulos also referred to the comparative advantages both countries enjoyed in the tourism sector and invited his Egyptian counterpart to visit Greece.

[16] Black Sea Bank extends loan to Russian firm

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

Thessaloniki-based BSTDB said in a statement on May 26 that the financing will support the company's investment program, which includes modernization of production facilities, research and development, promotion of new brands, acquisition of enterprises and expansion of inventories.

The loan will also assist the development of highly competitive manufacturing in Russia and Ukraine and facilitate the supply of quality products to the Russia and other BSTDB member countries.

JSC Concern Kalina, a Russian market leader producing cosmetics and hygiene products in conformity with international standards, has production facilities in Russia and Ukraine.

The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine.

With an authorized capital of about 1.45 billion US dollars, the bank furthers economic development and regional cooperation by providing financing, guarantees, and equity for projects in the public and private sectors in its member countries.

Since the start of operations in 1999, the BSTDB has developed an active portfolio totaling over 630 million US dollars of approved operations.

Black Sea Cooperation re-elects head of Greek business group: Black Sea Economic Cooperation said on Tuesday that Panayiotis Koutsikos had been re-elected president of the organization's Greek Business Council.

Elected as deputy president was Ioannis Dampasinas, second-in-command of the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

[17] Interparliamentary Cooperation Forum focuses on Balkans' economic development

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

Parliament Vice President George Sourlas, highlighted Greece's leading role in helping to bring peace and economic growth to the Balkan region, in comments he made at the forum.

Sourlas also referred to Greece's support of the region through development aid and investments made by Greek businesses.

He also emphasized that having assumed the presidency of the InterBalkan Cooperation in April this year, Greece aims to further intensify efforts for the EU accession of other Balkan countries.

"Only when all European countries have joined the EU can we speak of European integration," he said.

"We must all contribute if we are to achieve this objective," he added.

The forum began with some tension when the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) was represented at the conference room with a sign which read "Macedonia." According to Sourlas, FYROM's representatives had agreed to avoid using the term 'Macedonia', but failed to respect the agreement. Sourlas threatened to depart from the conference, at which point FYROM's representatives withdrew the sign.

Officials from 15 countries and representatives of the EU's Stability Pact Council, the Baltic Parliamentary Conference, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) participated at the two-day meeting which concluded on Tuesday.

[18] Gov't to help finance investment in homeland by Greeks abroad

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

In addition, the red tape needed to open a commercial enterprise will be simplified, as up to 70 documents were required under current legislation, deterring investors, Sioufas told a parliamentary committee for Greeks abroad.

[19] European Court declines to rule on Greek pharmaceuticals case

BRUSSELS 1/6/2005 (ANA/M Spinthourakis)

"The Competition Commission does not have certain characteristics of a court or tribunal which are necessary in order for it to make a reference to the Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling," the court said in a statement.

Sector trade groups had complained that GSK was importing too few medications for the needs of the market. The multinational countered that many products ordered were not distributed in the Greek market but resold in other European Union member states at higher prices.

After November 2000, GSK stopped supplying the complainants and stated that from then on it would directly supply hospitals and pharmacies because the export by wholesalers of the products was resulting in significant shortages on the Greek market, the court said..

GSK subsequently resumed supplies to the complainants but in limited quantities.

[20] Stocks drop on mid-cap selling

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,959.53 points, marking a decline of 0.62%. Turnover was 206.0 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.74% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 1.15% lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.42% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 163 to 103 with 64 remaining unchanged.

[21] 'Blue Flag' award given to 383 Greek beaches and marinas in 2005

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

The awards come just one week after an EU report that deemed 99.9 per cent of Greek beaches to be suitable for swimming.

Nearly every Greek beach participating in the program received a Blue Flag in 2005, bringing the total to five more than last year. Greek marinas did not fare so well, however, with the Blue Flag awarded to just five, two less than in 2004.

In Greece, the Blue Flag campaign is represented by the Greek Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF), while the final decision about which beaches receive Blue Flags are taken by officials of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the World Tourism Organization, the European Parliament's Environmental Committee, among others.

According to the EEPF, Greece has pristine waters but needs to make more effort in terms of coast management, refuse collection, organization of beaches and coasts, enhancing environmental awareness and limiting illegal land occupation.

[22] Local authorities object to environment minister's decision on Psyttalia sludge

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

According to Souflias, following the recent decision of the Council of State, Psyttalia sludge can be transferred and treated at the Ano Liossia site.

However, he expressed exasperation with local authorities' rejection of this proposed solution.

"A 'hot potato' was handed over to us and we are trying to find a solution," he said, referring to the fact that the problem of the Psyttalia sewage plant dates back to when the main opposition PASOK party was in power. A drying unit which would treat the sludge at the Psyttalia plant was supposed to have been built, but EU funds and time ran out before it was completed.

Souflias did acknowledge, however, the problem that the Ano Liossia landfill poses for western Attica, since garbage from the entire prefecture ends up there for treatment.

The minister asked the mayors and prefects to be realistic and responsible, explaining that the sludge can only be stored and treated in a specially-designated space.

Regarding the delay in building the plant's drying unit, Souflias called it "criminal" and called on all involved parties to assume responsibility.

However, a resolution seems to be evasive, since local authority officials said they would pursue ways in which to block the environment ministry's decision, while the Mayor of Ano Liossia Nikos Papadimas ordered the landfill closed as of Tuesday morning.

[23] Environment Commissioner Dimas inaugurates 'Green Week 2005'

BRUSSELS 1/6/2005 (ANA/V. Demiris)

In his speech, Dimas, having referred to the implementation of the Kyoto protocol in February, stressed that the climatic changes constitute a considerable threat not only for the environment but also for the economies and "our security."

He further underlined the need for an impetus to be given on a higher political level for the broadening of international cooperation on the climatic changes front.

The Greek commissioner further expressed the hope that the interested parties reach an agreement in the negotiations which will take place within the framework of the United Nations Assembly for the confrontation of climatic changes.

[24] PM to inaugurate exhibition at Byzantine and Christian Museum

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

[25] Police, fire dept and armed forces partner in forest protection

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

The plan will go into effect on Wednesday.

Members of the police, fire department and armed forces will conduct on-ground patrols, while police helicopters will carry out aerial patrols.

Patrols will be divided in three stages and will be carried out depending on weather conditions and the level of risk for forest fires.

Finally, according to the ministry statement, car and pedestrian traffic in certain wooded areas can be prohibited if the Fire Department deems it a necessary precautionary measure.

[26] Road fatalities total 343 in Jan-March period

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

Road fatalities in the Jan-March period of 2003 reached 344.

Moreover, the number of people listed as "seriously injured" during the same period of 2005 totaled 451; 426 for 2004 and 491 for 2003.

The high number of road deaths in Greece, compared to other west European countries, remains the most serious traffic-related problem in the east Mediterranean country of 11 million.

[27] ELA trial: Kanas says 'I have nothing to do with terrorism'

Athens, 1/6/2005 (ANA)

Angeletos Kanas claimed that he "always served democracy as a citizen and as elected in local government as mayor of Kimolos."

The accused referred to his personal life, attributing his involvement in the case to the "bitterness" of his former wife as main witness for the prosecution, Sophia Kyriakidou.

The trial is continuing.

[28] President Papadopoulos meets UN USG Kieran Prendergast

NICOSIA 1/6/2005 (CNA/ANA)

The UN official described the two-hour long meeting at the Presidential Palace as a ''productive discussion'' and announced that he will meet again the Cypriot President on Wednesday and Thursday.

Prendergast will have similar discussions with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat.

The UN USG said ''we have had productive discussions and we have agreed that the course of the discussions will remain confidential.''

He added that he would not make any statement until the end of his mission ''because I have come primarily to listen to the parties.''

Asked whether he will meet again President Papadopoulos, the UN official said ''I think I might see him twice before I leave the island. Once tomorrow (Wednesday) and once on Thursday''.

In a short statement after the meeting, the Cypriot President confirmed that he would meet again Prendergast Wednesday and Thursday.

He said it was up to the UN official how to handle discussions, creating a climate conducive to the launch of a new effort for a Cyprus settlement.

President Papadopoulos said the Greek Cypriot side has submitted to the UN ''concrete and detailed suggestions'' concerning its positions for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

Prendergast was accompanied by the UN Secretary General's Special Representative in Cyprus Zbigniew Wlosowicz.

Present were also Director of President Papadopoulos' Diplomatic Office Tasos Tzionis and Cyprus' Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Andreas Mavroyiannis.

[29] Members of US House of Representatives meet Cyprus President

NICOSIA 1/6/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Republican Representative Jim Kolbe of Arizona, heading a ten-member delegation visiting Cyprus said they had a very good meeting with the president where they had the chance to ''express our appreciation for the support that Cyprus has given to the war on terror''.

He also said the delegation was very impressed by Papadopoulos' ''outstanding remarks and his commitment in finding a solution that would unify Cyprus''.

Kolbe said the delegation was also scheduled to cross to the Turkish occupied north of the island to meet Turkish Cypriot leaders.

The delegation included Nita Lowey (D-NY), Susan Davis (D-CA), David Price (D-NC), Henry Waxman (D-CA), Marion Berry (D-AK), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Cliff Stearns (R-FL) and Jeff Miller (R-FL).

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