Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-09-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek FM says British EU proposal regarding Turkey improved, certain changes still needed

[02] British proposal on EU-Turkey relations still open to negotiation, gov't says

[03] Austrian FM Plassnik again cites position for 'alternative' to full EU membership for Ankara

[04] PM in New York this month for UN General Assembly

[05] Stylianidis meets with British envoy on initiative for Africa

[06] Gov't on fate of Greek citizens in New Orleans

[07] Italy's Fini in Athens on Tuesday

[08] Restoring local administration's prestige a political priority for the government, interior minister says

[09] Chief investigator of Helios plane crash meets with Cypriot president

[10] Papoulias expresses support for war reparations during memorial for occupation victims

[11] Psarouda-Benaki addresses 'Youth Parliament'

[12] PM meets with SEB president

[13] Industrialists present proposals, positions during meeting with PM

[14] PM discusses labor claims with labor confederation directorate

[15] OAED data shows marked drop in unemployment

[16] Deputy Gov't spokesman on economic policy, rising cost of living

[17] Economy Minister Alogoskoufis on growth rate

[18] Papandreou meets with business groups, trade unionists ahead of TIF

[19] Political parties react strongly in light of possible Olympic Airlines fine

[20] Knitwear trade group opposes change to EU, China textiles pact

[21] Lyberis to publish US magazine

[22] Stocks nose up in higher turnover

[23] Cyprus totally satisfied with EU Ministers' Informal Meeting

[01] Greek FM says British EU proposal regarding Turkey improved, certain changes still needed

Newport, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

The head of Greek diplomacy made the statements from the Welch golf resort of Newport, the site of an informal EU foreign ministers' council meeting late this week dominated by the question of EU-Turkey relations.

Earlier in the afternoon, Molyviatis met privately with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul on the sidelines of the ministers' council. According to a press release issued by the foreign ministry, the two ministers discussed the latest developments in EU-Turkey relations.

The diplomatic "thorn" related to Ankara's standing refusal to recognize the island republic -- one of 25 nations comprising a Union it hopes to join -- has generated more clouds for Turkey's EU prospects, although Molyviatis on Friday struck a more optimistic note regarding the scheduled beginning of accession negotiations.

"It became clear (in the sessions) that there's a consistent view holding that the Turkey-EU accession negotiations process must begin, as long, of course, as there is a certainty that Turkey will fulfill its commitment regarding the signing of the (customs union) protocol and its subsequent implementation for all countries, without exceptions," the Greek minister said.

Along those lines, Molyviatis said he believes EU-Turkey accession negotiations will begin, as scheduled, on Oct. 3, while again emphasizing the long course needed for Turkey's harmonization with Europe's standards.

"Turkey's complete fulfillment of set conditions and prerequisites will reasonably lead to its European Union accession after the conclusion of this lengthy process," he said.

[02] British proposal on EU-Turkey relations still open to negotiation, gov't says

Newport, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

He added that during the EU foreign ministers' informal talks in Newport, Wales, Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis voiced his reservations regarding certain aspects of the British proposal, which will be discussed at the upcoming COREPER meeting.

[03] Austrian FM Plassnik again cites position for 'alternative' to full EU membership for Ankara

VIENNA, 03/09/2005 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

However, Plassnik again stressed that Ankara's declaration that it still does not recognize EU member-state Cyprus -- announced on the heels of Turkey's extension of a customs union protocol with the EU's 10 new members -- created a "credibility deficit, which must be removed".

[04] PM in New York this month for UN General Assembly

NEW YORK, 03/09/2005 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)

According to an announcement by the UN, over 170 heads of state and government will have the opportunity of examining international issues and taking decisions on human rights, the struggle against terrorism and providing aid for countries suffering from conflicts.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will represent Greece and address the UN's special session. He will also attend meetings and receptions with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, U.S. President George W. Bush and many other leaders from all over the world.

The prime minister will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, who will address the UN's 60th General Assembly and meet with many of his counterparts.

The Republic of Cyprus will be represented by President Tassos Papadopoulos and Foreign Minister George Iakovou.

The 2nd Conference of National Parliament Presidents will also be taking place between September 7-9. The Greek Parliament will be represented by its President Anna Psarouda-Benaki, who will be making an address on Thursday and will be meeting counterparts of hers from other countries on the sidelines of the conference.

The Parliament of Cyprus will be represented by its President Demetris Christofias. The national parliament presidents will also be meeting Kofi Annan.

[05] Stylianidis meets with British envoy on initiative for Africa

Athens, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

Initiatives to combat poverty and under-development in sub-Saharan Africa as well as the Greek foreign ministry's developmental work will be promoted, along with British PM Tony Blair's initiative for the continent.

[06] Gov't on fate of Greek citizens in New Orleans

Athens, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros added that various Greek consulates and other services are attempting to collect information that will be immediately made known to the public.

[07] Italy's Fini in Athens on Tuesday

Athens, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

During his stay, Fini is expected to discuss a wide spectrum of European and EU issues, including the Cyprus matter, as well as regional issues.

[08] Restoring local administration's prestige a political priority for the government, interior minister says

Athens,, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

Pavlopoulos announced that the new municipalities and communities code is ready and will be tabled in Parliament for ratification in October, while the corresponding code for prefectural local administration will be ready by spring.

He also said that the number of the country's regions will remain 13 and there will be no changes.

Referring to the issue of mayoral candidates being elected with 42 percent in the first round of local elections, the minister defended the government's proposal and noted that those who will be elected in this way will be able to exercise their policy freely with their own program and will not be bound by circumstantial alliances.

[09] Chief investigator of Helios plane crash meets with Cypriot president

NICOSIA, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

The purpose of his visit was not announced.

In the meantime, members of the Greek investigating committee continued gathering testimony from witnesses in connection with the crash that killed all 121 people on board.

Among those testifying on Friday was a Bulgarian pilot who had flown the plane in the past.

Report places responsibility on two civil aviation employees in connection with Helios Airlines crash: A report prepared at the order of Civil Aviation Service governor Dimitris Stamatis, on the possible responsibility of service employees in the case concerning the Helios Airlines crash last month, places responsibility on two of its employees.

The two employees are air traffic controllers who have been found responsible for disciplinary offences alone. According to the report, when the ill-fated aircraft entered the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) they did not proceed immediately with vocal recognition, in accordance with air traffic regulations, but limited themselves to only visual and mechanical identification of the aircraft.

However, the report added that the two air traffic controllers' negligence had no connection with the aircraft's fate.

It further stated that the Civil Aviation Service's employees applied the procedures anticipated and within the proper time limits in the sectors of their responsibilities and duties.

The report has been forwarded to the Civil Aviation Service's Disciplinary Council for disciplinary action to be taken against the two employees for negligence.

[10] Papoulias expresses support for war reparations during memorial for occupation victims

Athens, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

Papoulias made the statement during his attendance at a memorial service in the town of Hortiati, outside the northern metropolis of Thessaloniki, for the 149 people executed by occupation forces in September 1944.

"Reprisals against the Greek population during the occupation were not the result of initiatives by a few fanatical officers or an expression of anger by occupation forces," he said, adding: "Reprisals systematic, following strict reasoning and aiming at specific goals. By employing reprisals, occupation forces attempted to terrorize the population, so it would stop supporting the partisans or even turn it (population) against them (partisans)."

Several deputies and local officials also attended the memorial service.

[11] Psarouda-Benaki addresses 'Youth Parliament'

Athens, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

"Democracy, in its present parliamentary form, is regarded as the best system for mankind, but is not the property of all the peoples," she told the "youth deputies", noting that "there are peoples who do not know about it."

Psarouda-Benaki underlined that the institution of the "Youth Parliament" contributes to the civil awareness of youth and to the conveying of faith in the value and defense of freedom of opinion and speech.

[12] PM meets with SEB president

Athens, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

Following the meeting, SEB President Odysseas Kyriakopoulos referred to a "period of structural changes and reforms", whose effectiveness, in fact, "will determine the country's future".

[13] Industrialists present proposals, positions during meeting with PM

Athens, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

"We conveyed our views on how reforms will affect the marketplace now and in the future," SBBE President George Mylonas said after the meeting.

SBBE submitted four proposals to the premier which are aimed at regional growth and at providing Greek companies better access to Balkan and Black Sea markets.

They include the creation of an innovation zone for hi-tech firms, a proposal that Karamanlis called 'an important initiative' and promised to promote; the creation of free commerce zones near the border to keep Greek firms from relocating to the Balkans. Karamanlis expressed reservations to this idea due to possible European Union restrictions.

SBBE also proposed reducing the number of districts in the country in order to facilitate absorption of EU funds and establishing a Business Planning Centre under the auspices of the Thrace-Macedonia Ministry.

As for tax issues and labor relations, Mylonas said that these topics were not discussed with the premier.

Asked to comment on the demonstrations scheduled to take place during the International Thessaloniki Trade Fair (TIF), Mylonas said that this is a critical time that requires cooperation among all concerned parties.

[14] PM discusses labor claims with labor confederation directorate

Athens, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

According to reports, Karamanlis told the trade unionists not to see "ghosts behind doors" since all have the same targets, but possibly with a different approach, while the government's policy is aimed at improving the investments climate and increasing employment and incomes.

Employment Minister Panos Panayiotopoulos, in a statement after the meeting, said that the government is aiming at improving the investments climate and all the measures it is taking, even at a cost, target development, increasing employment and decreasing unemployment.

GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos said on his part that the government thinks that its options will produce results.

However, until now a redistribution of income is taking place at the expense of low income brackets. He further said that the prime minister did not reply to the confederation's claims.

Polyzogopoulos listed labor claims in a long letter he delivered to Karamanlis. GSEE focuses its criticism on the issues of labor reforms and the high cost of living and seeks an increased heating allowance for this year.

"If last year, with 42 dollars a barrel, the allowance was necessary, this year that it is already exceeding 70 dollars, the allowance is becoming imperative," the letter stressed.

[15] OAED data shows marked drop in unemployment

Athens, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

Specifically, the latest OAED data show that between July 2004 and July 2005, the number of registered unemployed dropped from 499,287 (2004) to 458,717 (2005), that is, by 40,570 unemployed.

When the New Democracy came in power in March 2004, it inherited from the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) 562,289 registered unemployed, while in July 2005 the number of unemployed in OAED's register declined to the level of 458, 717, that is, it fell by 18.41 per cent and in numbers by 103,572.

[16] Deputy Gov't spokesman on economic policy, rising cost of living

Athens, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

Asked to comment on a study carried out by the General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE), according to which income levels have fluctuated significantly during the past year at the expense of vulnerable groups, Antonaros replied that the government is sensitive to these issues and continuously tries to provide solutions to existing problems.

He added that the study's findings must be examined carefully before conclusions are drawn.

Regarding the rising cost of living, Antonaros acknowledged that certain sectors have seen price increases, but the government is doing its best to contain them, he said.

Finally, asked about possible public transport fare hikes, Antonaros said that talks regarding fares are under way and announcements will be made once talks have concluded.

[17] Economy Minister Alogoskoufis on growth rate

Athens, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

"The government's economic policy is a given and is responsible for the rate of growth and the decrease in unemployment, despite the difficulties we're facing from the international scene, the increase in the price of oil and the stagnation in the European Union," he said, while terming Greece's growth rate as satisfactory.

Finally, he also dismissed press reports that the state was collecting more revenue due to higher gas prices.

[18] Papandreou meets with business groups, trade unionists ahead of TIF

Athens, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

"We provided some information to Mr. Papandreou over how we view the business situation in northern Greece, and also, we cited what we consider important for us to happen in the coming period in order to include the development dimension in what we do in northern Greece," the president of the association, G. Mylonas, said afterwards.

The PASOK leader also met separately with officials of the Thessaloniki Labor Centre, who briefed him over a planned rally in the city on Sept. 10; representatives of northern Greek exporters as well as owners of small-to-medium-sized manufacturing firms.

PASOK's Diamantopoulou calls gov't and PM 'unreliable'

Main opposition PASOK's Anna Diamantopoulou, responsible for the party's Development Sector, accused the government and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis personally of being unreliable in terms of delivering on promises made, in comments she made on Friday.

"Ahead of the International Thessaloniki Trade Fair (TIF) [Karamanlis] not only is not making any promises, but neither can he prove that he has satisfied the Greek people in terms of delivering on promises he had made in the past," she said.

According to Diamantopoulou, Karamanlis, as the main opposition leader two years ago, had criticized the then PASOK government for the 'meager' supplementary pensions (EKAS) increases and the subsidies it had allocated for economically-vulnerable groups.

Asked about the absence of former PASOK Prime Minister Costas Simitis from the party's celebration of its 31st anniversary on Saturday, Diamantopoulou replied "I know nothing about the matter."

According to reports, Simitis telephoned PASOK President George Papandreou to inform him that he would not be attending.

[19] Political parties react strongly in light of possible Olympic Airlines fine

Athens, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

PASOK's Employment, Social Policy and Health sector chief Evangelos Venizelos accused the government of remaining "inert in the face of developments in Brussels", adding that its stance was "suspicious and absolutely harmful for the interests of both the company and the country".

The Coalition party's Political Bureau member Panayiotis Lafazanis said it is imperative that the Olympic Airlines must be reorganized and supported as a national carrier having a social and development role.

[20] Knitwear trade group opposes change to EU, China textiles pact

Athens, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

"The association is totally opposed to any attempt to alter the agreement made on June 10," it said in a letter to Greek authorities, and to Curate, the EU's sector group.

SEPEE charged that major European retail groups, backed by the governments, were trying to overturn the pact and free millions of items held by customs throughout Europe.

The countries involved included Germany, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, the statement said.

[21] Lyberis to publish US magazine

Athens, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

The magazine will be launched towards the end of this month, Liberis said in a statement.

A license has been obtained from Advance Magazine Publishers Inc", a member of the US Conde Nast group, the statement said.

[22] Stocks nose up in higher turnover

Athens, 03/09/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 3,288.64 points, marking a rise of 0.23%. Turnover was 200.0 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.16% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.42% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.08% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 149 to 106 with 75 remaining unchanged.

Equity Index Futures: