Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-09-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM inaugurates 70th Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, places emphasis on development of northern Greece

[02] Thessaloniki to become science centre in Southeastern Europe, Greek PM says

[03] PM visits Thessaloniki Concert Hall

[04] PM's address at Thessaloniki International Trade Fair a display of unreliability, PASOK party spokesman says

[05] SYN shows its opposition during PM's TIF speech

[06] Greece reminds that no EU presidency should exploit its position to advance national political choices

[07] Russian president Putin on pilgrimage to Mt. Athos monastic community

[08] Russian President Vladimir Putin concludes visit to Mount Athos

[09] Greek business delegation to Russia Sept 27-30

[10] PASOK unveils 'Black Book' listing gov't blunders and let-downs; Roussopoulos responds

[11] Upgrading relations with Greece and Italy a priority, new Albanian PM says

[12] 'Foreign Policy and Public Diplomacy' conference ends with discussion on media

[13] Draft law to ensure local defense industry's participation in Greek armed forces' procurement programs

[14] Deputy defense minister tours military factories in Athens

[15] Main opposition slams ministry promotional ad as 'propaganda gift to PM'

[16] Greece reiterates support for UN reforms, during presentation of IIC report on Oil-for-Food program

[17] Dialogue integral to achieving local gov't reforms, Athens Mayor says

[18] Informal ECOFIN session begins in Manchester

[19] Public spending up 2.5 pct in Jan-July

[20] Gov't eager to back exporters

[21] ASE ends lower on profit taking

[22] Five illegal immigrants killed, 20 injured as truck overturns in N. Greece

[23] Greek Police donate patrol cars to Bulgarian border police

[24] Fifteen Greek artists to take part in Beijing Arts Biennale

[25] Cypriot FM Iacovou has doubts that EU counterstatement will be issued,

[26] Cyprus House President attends Small States of Europe meeting

[27] Czech Deputy FM: Turkey must recognize Cyprus

[28] US diplomat says Cyprus' recognition by Turkey rests with

[01] PM inaugurates 70th Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, places emphasis on development of northern Greece

Thessaloniki, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

"A 'Strategic Plan for the Development of Northern Greece' is being prepared (and will be ready before the end of the year). It is a plan of prospects for the three regions, technology, innovation and competitiveness, which it defines as the pylons of their prospects for development. It is aimed at promoting and utilizing their comparative advantages and paves the way for a competitive regional economy having internal cohesion and an extrovert orientation," he said.

Karamanlis said the government is aiming at turning Thessalonica into a "Regional Convention and Exhibition Centre", adding that HELEXPO's strategy is already orientated towards this goal.

"Thessaloniki, Macedonia and Thrace are acquiring increasing geopolitical importance and a new momentum of development. What is even more optimistic is the prospect being shaped for northern Greece by the next European enlargement, when Greece will also be joined to the European Union geographically. Macedonia and Thrace can develop from border and distant regions of Greece into a geopolitical and economic centre for the wider region," he further said.

The prime minister stressed that the strategy to achieve the vision of a modern Greece is being implemented with the goal of "peace-cooperation-development", saying that "we are cultivating relations of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with all countries in our region. We are working with the aim of having our wider region becoming a European neighborhood of peace, development and prosperity for all."

Karamanlis placed particular attention to international cooperation which is being developed in the crucial sector of energy.

"We signed a few months ago (in Sofia) a political agreement with the governments of Russia and Bulgaria for the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline. My Turkish counter-part and I have inaugurated, at the Kipi Bridge at Evros, the beginning of works for the construction of the Greek-Turkish natural gas pipeline. The development minister and his Italian counterpart have signed a protocol for the construction of an undersea pipeline which shall convey natural gas from Greece to Italy and from there to the heart of Europe," he said.

Focusing on communication, the prime minister went on to say that railway links between Thessaloniki, Sofia and Istanbul have been upgraded and the time required for these trips has been reduced considerably and the creation of an International Trade Centre to be linked to the city's port and the railway network has already been scheduled.

"The future is challenging us and we are determined to win. A great deal has yet to be done, of course. One thing, however, is more than certain: we Greeks play a leading role when we join our forces, when we utilize our culture and when we function as 'citizens of the world'," the prime minister concluded.

[02] Thessaloniki to become science centre in Southeastern Europe, Greek PM says

Thessaloniki, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a visit to the Sciences Centre and Technology Museum and the National Centre of Research and Technological Development in Thessaloniki, the Greek Premier expressed his satisfaction over the development of sciences centers in the city and noted that both institutions were consistently servicing a double target: to the citizens closer the science and technology and to become structural elements of an innovative nature of the city of Thessaloniki and Northern Greece in general.

"These institutions, the wider Innovation Zone, and the foundation of an International University, are very significant steps towards establishing the Thessaloniki region as a pole of attracting scientists from Southeastern Europe and at the same time establishing the region as the base of new enterprises in the new technology sectors," Karamanlis said. "In this framework, and according to targets set in Lisbon, we support both institutionally and financially -and within limitations set by the country's fiscal condition- research activities. We work hard with the belief that our country has all the preconditions needed to play a leading role in a new era," the Prime Minister said.

[03] PM visits Thessaloniki Concert Hall

Thessaloniki, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

The premier was given a tour of the building by the board of directors and shown a model of the new concert hall that will be built next door to the present building, on the Thessaloniki coast road. The project will cost ¬ 36 million, with funding from the 3rd Community Support Framework (CSF).

The three-storey building has been designed by the internationally-acclaimed Japanese architect Arata Isozaki and includes two large concert halls, one of which is an amphitheatre and the other a 400-seat level hall that can be further divided into smaller areas. There will also be a restaurant, a music museum and a music library.

Covering a total of 8,500 square meters, the building will also extend two storeys below ground, which will be used as storage areas and parking.

During his visit, Karamanlis reconfirmed his faith in the existing board of the Thessaloniki concert hall organization, whose term officially ended 13 months earlier but which has been extended indefinitely, urging them to continue working with the same creative rhythm.

[04] PM's address at Thessaloniki International Trade Fair a display of unreliability, PASOK party spokesman says

Thessaloniki, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

"Announcements again which have been contradicted by non-existent to minimal work and by his announcements last year which have been contradicted tragically," the spokesman said.

"The image alone of the ministers running in the past few days to finish something, to allow even some last-minute project to be displayed, is characteristic of the government's inconsistency," Athanassakis added.

Roussopoulos responds to remarks made by PASOK spokesman: Minister of State and Government Spokesman Theodoros Rousso-poulos, commenting on remarks made by main opposition Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) Spokesman Nikos Athanasakis about Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' speech at the inauguration of the 70th Thessaloniki International Trade Fair (TIF) on Friday night, reminded that "for whole years" the citizens of Thessaloniki and of northern Greece "heard proclamations" by PASOK about energy plans for northern Greece. "Twenty years of big words and zero works," Roussopoulos said.

Roussopoulos noted that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis committed himself last year from the forum of the TIF that northern Greece "will constitute an energy hub of the broader southeastern Europe."

He added that "from last year until today the inter-state agreement between Greece, Russia and Bulgaria for the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline has already been signed."

Roussopoulos said that Athanasakis "may forget the false big words of PASOK, however, they are well remembered by the Greeks, especially the citizens of Thessaloniki and of northern Greece."

[05] SYN shows its opposition during PM's TIF speech

Thessaloniki, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

The banners read "Profit isn't everything; people count too."

Police immediately had the intruders leave the conference centre.

[06] Greece reminds that no EU presidency should exploit its position to advance national political choices

Athens, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

Replying to questions, during a regular press briefing, regarding the ongoing discussion at the EU's Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) in Brussels aimed at formulating a reply (counter-declaration) to Turkey's unilateral declaration on July 29 that its signature of the Association Agreement Protocol -- by virtue of which Ankara extended its customs union agreement with the EU to the 10 new member states, including Turkey -- did not mean recognition of the internationally-recognized (except by Turkey) Republic of Cyprus and that it refused to open its ports and airports to Cypriot ships and planes, and the British EU presidency's stand, Koumoutsakos stressed: "The principle of objectivity is fundamental for the successful exercise of the mission of each and every EU presidency".

"I fear that the developments of the past 24 hours in the discussion in Brussels (COREPER) on this matter render it necessary to repeat this," Koumoutsakos said.

"It is self-evident that no (EU) presidency should take advantage of its abilities for the projection of purely national political choices," Koumoutsakos concluded.

British EU presidency acting objectively, UK ambassador says in reply to foreign ministry: The British presidency of the European Union carries out its duties objectively and will continue to do this in its efforts to reconcile all the views of the EU member-states, British Ambassador to Athens Simon Gass said on Friday in response to earlier statements by the Greek foreign ministry.

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos, in his reply to a question during the regular press briefing, had stressed that no EU presidency should exploit its position "for the projection of purely national political choices".

The question had referred to the UK presidency's stance on how the EU should respond to Turkey's unilateral declaration on July 29 that it refused to recognize the Cyprus Republic, an EU member-state, and that its ports and airports would remain closed to Cypriot ships and planes.

According to Ankara, its signature of the Association Agreement Protocol -- by virtue of which Turkey extended its customs union agreement with the EU to the 10 new member states, including Cyprus -- did not mean recognition of the internationally-recognized Republic of Cyprus.

An ongoing discussion is currently underway at the EU's Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) in Brussels aimed at formulating a reply (counter-declaration).

Koumoutsakos had said that "developments over the past 24 hours at COREPER made it necessary" to repeat that EU presidencies should act objectively and not use their position to further strictly national goals.

[07] Russian president Putin on pilgrimage to Mt. Athos monastic community

Mt. Athos, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

Putin, the first Russian leader to visit Mt. Athos, a worship site that is extremely respected and loved in Russia, reached Karyes, capital of the monastic community, shortly after noon on Friday, arriving from Sithonia in the Halkidiki prefecture, where he met with prime minister Costas Karamanlis on Thursday evening.

President Putin had twice scheduled such a pilgrimage to Athos in the past -- in December 2001 and in September 2004 -- but the visit was cancelled both times. The first visit was cancelled to inclement weather conditions on Mt. Athos at the time, and the second visit was cancelled due to the hostage crisis at a school in the North Ossetia capital of Beslan when Chechen rebels took over the elementary school, in which more than 300 children and adults were killed.

The Athos monastic leadership greeted Putin in a stately ceremony in accordance with the Byzantine ritual. The Russian president was greeted by the head of the Holy Assembly, Pavlos, who escorted Putin to the entrance of the Protatos church, where the Superiors of the community's monasteries, the representatives of the monasteries to the Holy Community, and the members of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's hexarchy were awaiting him.

Putin greeted all the monks one by one before entering the Church, where he lit a candle, worshipped the revered Axion Esti icon of the Virgin holding the Child Jesus, and attended a Te Deum.

Responding to the greeting by Pavlos, Putin expressed gratitude for being given the opportunity to visit Mt. Athos, which he described as a "special site for the Orthodox Christians and the entire Christian world".

"In Russia, we have always respected and have great respect the people who take up the monastic life here. Russia has always had strong bonds with Mt. Athos. All its spiritual roots are linked with Mt. Athos. In my country, all the social strata have great respect for Mt. Athos," Putin said.

The next stop on Putin's itinerary was the building of the Holy Community, after which he visited the Iviron monastery, followed by a visit in the afternoon to the Panteleimon monastery, which is inhabited by Russian monks.

[08] Russian President Vladimir Putin concludes visit to Mount Athos

Mt. Athos, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

President Putin visited Karyes, as well as the Panteleimon Monastery where monks of Russian and Ukrainian origin live and where he was welcomed by monks chanting psalms in the Russian language.

Later on, he attended a religious service, dined with the monks, was given a guided tour of rooms in which heirlooms are kept and decorated Ukrainian monk Jeremiah with whom he had a private meeting.

Speaking during the decoration ceremony, President Putin praised the monks' work and the cooperation and assistance of the Greek authorities in the effort to preserve and protect the monastery.

President Putin then left by yacht for Porto Karras, from where he will be driven to Thessaloniki to fly home.

[09] Greek business delegation to Russia Sept 27-30

Thessaloniki, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

Playing a key role in the delegation, Greece's largest so far, will be northern Greek company representatives, Stylianidis after a meeting with the Association of Northern Greek Industry in Thessaloniki.

The foreign ministry would strengthen its presence in the country's north, backing the trade group's policy of greater involvement in the Balkans, the Black Sea area and Turkey, he pledged.

Stylianidis added that more northern infrastructure projects would be carried out, including a second bridge over the Evros river, approved by Turkey's cabinet on Thursday.

The government has made boosting the regions a cornerstone of its policy.

[10] PASOK unveils 'Black Book' listing gov't blunders and let-downs; Roussopoulos responds

Athens, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

Unveiling the book, PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanassakis said that the government was revealed as unreliable and as having deceived the electorate, while noting that the book would continue to follow the government "month by month and day by day".

He said the book showed that there had been a full reversal of every pre-election promise made by the government and its every announcement had been either a lie, an unkept promise or a mistake.

Noting that the book could just as easily be entitled the "Handbook for the Good Liar", Athanassakis said that it would continue to grow because the government had not changed its tactics.

Responding later in the day, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said that "with its 'Black Book', PASOK and its president have given their opposition arguments the hue of reaction and conservatism. Reaction to every change and reform, while perpetuating the distortions, rigidities, practices and beliefs of the 20 years of PASOK governance".

According to Roussopoulos, the book only served to highlight PASOK's own actions, omissions and failed promises when in government.

"Greek men and women have condemned PASOK's governments for the things they did and failed to do over 20 years; for the hidden debts and deficits, for unemployment and high prices, for lack of transparency and corruption, for bureaucracy and party-politics, for the crime of the stock market, for Olympic Airways and the Land Register," he stressed.

According to Roussopoulos, the electorate supported the government in its effort to carry out necessary reforms and changes needed by the economy and demanded by society. "Because they know full well that reforms are a one-way street that will lead to a truly humane, just and social state," he said.

PASOK's own unreliability and its lack of counter-proposals and positions were highlighted even more by this attempt, 18 months after the elections, to blacken and denigrate the real and effective work of a government that will be judged by its citizens at the end of its four-year term, Roussopoulos concluded.

Interior ministry replies to PASOK party's 'black book': An announcement by the Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization ministry on Friday, in reply to the main opposition PASOK party's "black book", said the only thing justifying the characterization of the book as "black" is the size of its inaccuracy and propaganda.

"The only thing which can justify the characterization of PASOK's book as 'black' is the unprecedented size of its inaccuracy and propaganda which distinguishes it, as well as the color of the holidays of PASOK's cadres who prepared it," the announcement said.

[11] Upgrading relations with Greece and Italy a priority, new Albanian PM says

TIRANA, 10/9/2005 (ANA - I. Patso)

The new prime minister reiterated that cracking down on corruption; combating organized crime and amending the law on public tendering are also priorities of his government.

Berisha also said that he will continue the work of the previous socialist government are regards Albania's participation and contribution in the global war against terrorism.

[12] 'Foreign Policy and Public Diplomacy' conference ends with discussion on media

Athens, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said the challenge for Greece was now to project a positive public image in a unified rather than fragmented way, and he outlined how ministry services might be changed to achieve this.

Information General Secretary Panos Livadas referred to Greece's upgraded image in the foreign media since the Athens Olympic Games and stressed that this had to be properly exploited in order for Greece to occupy a "better position on the world map".

The head of the Reuters news agency's office in Athens, Karolos Grohmann, particularly praised the press centre set up for the Athens Olympics, stressing that this had given journalists access to information within minutes and that, for the first time, foreign journalists had been given equal treatment with Greek colleagues.

He said Greece had also impressed the international community with its organization of security, with many countries now seeking Greece's expertise when organizing major sports and other events.

Grohmann also referred favorably to the speedy response given by the Greek foreign ministry after the United States announced its decision to recognize the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name, despite the fact that this had been an awkward development for Greece.

Koumoutsakos referred to steps taken to give journalists quicker and better information, such as the crisis management centre set up after the Indian Ocean tsunami, the extended phone network activated at times of crisis and the briefing of journalists through SMS messages.

He said the ministry was also planning to introduce electronic briefings, such as those now held at the French foreign ministry.

Summing up, Koumoutsakos said that public diplomacy was neither propaganda, which involved an element of coercion, nor public relations, which were too superficial.

"It is a sincere effort of bodies with outward action in a government to project the character of that country abroad and to explain their foreign policy as convincingly as they can at home," he said.

[13] Draft law to ensure local defense industry's participation in Greek armed forces' procurement programs

Athens, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

Spiliotopoulos' comments were made while addressing the management and staff of the Hellenic Vehicle Industry SA (ELBO), during his visit to the company's facilities on Friday. Earlier in the day, he attended the company's executive board meeting.

The minister said that a new bill has been drafted which will not allow the purchase of any defense materials/equipment unless it has invested in Greek added value.

With this bill, the government aims to benefit the economy, safeguard jobs and contribute to acquisition of know-how.

According to the minister, ELBO is in the process of being commissioned to carry out programs totaling ¬ 200 million.

Furthermore, Spiliotopoulos said that the ministry is preparing a 15-year armaments program for the armed forces, which will enable the Greek defense industry to know ahead of time the type and size of future orders and to prepare accordingly.

[14] Deputy defense minister tours military factories in Athens

Athens, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

The minister said he was very impressed with the level of work being done to ensure the battle-readiness of Greece's Armed Forces.

He said the upgrade of the factories would go ahead at a speedy rate and with absolutely transparent procedures, with new buildings and equipment needed for the maintenance of army supplies and equipment. He noted that this would also create new jobs, with the hiring of the necessary technicians and staff.

Mihaloliakos visited the 301 Technical Base Factory, the 305 Technical Area Workshop and the 306 Telecommunications Base Factory, before a visit to the mine-clearing battalion.

[15] Main opposition slams ministry promotional ad as 'propaganda gift to PM'

Athens, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

Athanassakis questioned the government's right to run the advertisement, while noting that it was not eligible for Community funding since the advert was signed only by the environment ministry.

The spokesman also stressed that the promotional campaign effectively went back on the commitments made by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis a year ago concerning when the projects will begin and finish.

[16] Greece reiterates support for UN reforms, during presentation of IIC report on Oil-for-Food program

New York, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

Addressing an open meeting of the Security Council, during which the definitive report of the Independent Inquiry Committee (IIC) on the overall management and oversight of the UN's Oil-for-Food program for Iraq was presented, Vassilakis noted that the past two years had been very difficult for the UN chief, "but we have all followed your courage, determination and frankness, with the presentation of proposals and adoption of changes, beginning with the set-up of the IIC".

Vasilakis also thanked IIC head Paul Volcker and the other members of the independent committee for their briefing and the presentation of their report to the Security Council.

He said that the report, judging by its bulk alone, represented the work of tens of lawyers, investigators and experts over the period of more than a year.

Besides the report's volume, however, of utmost importance was its content, Vasilakis said, adding that the Security Council had so far been able to only take a quick look, via the introduction that has been uploaded on the IIC webpage and the IIC's briefing to the body.

"In order to devote the due attention to the extensive work of the IIC and to be able to garner useful conclusions for the future, we must study the report and its findings very carefully," the Greek envoy said, adding that this would take some time.

But regardless of how much time was necessary, the one thing that was certain is that "we must do something".

"We must react in a cohesive and lucid manner. We must not rush to conclusions in the heat of the moment regarding the magnitude of the corruption suffered by the UN's credibility over the Oil-For-Food program," Vasilakis warned, noting that "the program, as stated by the IIC, did meet the food and health needs of the Iraqi people, which Saddam Hussein had systematically ignored".

At the same time, he said, the program also averted the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) by Saddam Hussein.

"We must not forget that the United Nations is a unique Organization, unequalled in the world. It is the sum of all its parts, and this includes, inter alia, 191 sovereign member countries and many other bodies, specialised organisations, committees, etc.," Vasilakis stressed.

He said that the inquiry into the Oil-for-Food program contained valuable information "on how we can improve the work of the Organization (UN), to which we all belong".

"I am certain that we shall all study the IIC report in depth, since we all share the desire for optimization of the UN's effectiveness in all its functions and, more particularly, in the sectors of administration, transparency and checks, as we do also in our countries," Vasilakis concluded.

[17] Dialogue integral to achieving local gov't reforms, Athens Mayor says

Athens, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

Asked about the government's plans to change the local elections law lowering the percentage of votes a candidate needs in order to win, Bakoyannis said that this was not at the heart of the issue.

"Citizens are less concerned about how a mayor is elected. What they want is a good and effective mayor, who will address their day-to-day problems," she said.

Bakoyannis described Evosmos municipality as "exemplary."

[18] Informal ECOFIN session begins in Manchester

MANCHESTER, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

However, it was added that European rules cannot rule out, in ac-accordance with national budget margins of course, support for weaker social groups which are suffering indeed as a result of oil price increases.

Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis, who is attending the ECOFIN and Eurogroup sessions together with Bank of Greece Governor Nikos Garganas, also referred to the oil price crisis and said that the government is examining to what extent the granting of a heating allowance is feasible, not in a generalized form, for really weak social groups such as low wage and low pension earners.

Alogoskoufis also briefed his colleagues at ECOFIN, as well as the relevant Commissioner Almunia, on the latest developments in the Greek economy, pointing to the very positive results produced by recent privatizations which yielded more revenues than had been expected.

[19] Public spending up 2.5 pct in Jan-July

Athens, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

Addressing a seminar on controlling public spending, held in Thessaloniki, the Greek minister said public spending growth rate was 1.2 percent lower compared with the country's current inflation rate and reiterated the government's will to contain spending, although he admitted that the ministry was awaiting a slight increase in spending in the next few months.

Doukas said the country's public debt was 214 billion euros and stressed that the government was able to refinance its debt with new loans carrying rates slightly higher compared with Italy.

The Economy and Finance ministry is drafting new legislation aiming to improve management of state-owned institutions, public agencies and the management of seashore and real estate assets. Doukas said the draft legislation would be radical.

[20] Gov't eager to back exporters

Thessaloniki, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

"An effort is being made to introduce legal provisions that will support an outward-looking orientation for the economy and the work being done by exporting firms," Rengouzas told the Association of Northern Greek Exporters in Thessaloniki.

Among changes northern exporters are seeking are the con-version of the city's port into a free trade zone, timely payment of Value Added Tax rebates to exporters, and avoidance of double-taxation with other countries.

[21] ASE ends lower on profit taking

Athens, 10/9/2005 (ANA)

The composite index fell 0.52 percent to end at 3,259.40 points with turnover a huge 1.1 billion euros of which 835 million were the transfer of Hellenic Telecommunications Organization's shares after a successful placement of 10 percent of its equity capital to domestic and foreign institutional investors.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.61 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.58 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.50 percent lower.

The general index ended the week with a net loss of 0.89 percent.