Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-09-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek president calls on EU hopeful Turkey to respect religious, minority rights

[02] Ecumenical Patriarch holds talks with foreign ministry on coordinating aid efforts

[03] Papandreou meets with Patriarch Vartholomeos

[04] Greek and French FMs discuss PM's talks with French President,

[05] Deputy FM Valynakis meets with officials on sidelines of UN's 60th General Assembly

[06] PM briefed over new administrative codes by interior minister

[07] Dep. FM Skandalakis in Ukraine, Georgia over the weekend

[08] PM Karamanlis, Serbia-Montenegro president Marovic discuss regional developments

[09] EU's counter-statement to Turkey on Cyprus recognition issue unilateral and of a political nature, Ankara says

[10] Gov't defends public order ministry's legal challenge over traffic cameras

[11] Greek gov't expresses deepest regrets for death of Simon Wiesenthal

[12] Outcome of Olympic Airlines sale tender due in two weeks

[13] OA sale process likely to end within three weeks

[14] Gov't says now critical PASOK considered closing OA when in gov't

[15] PASOK and Coalition of the Left party leaders discuss future of Olympic Airlines

[16] Former European Commission VP on Olympic Airlines

[17] Greece responding very satisfactorily to reformist initiatives, finance minister says

[18] Greece largest recipient of EU funds in 2004 in terms of %

[19] Gov't launches three-year action plan to spur small business

[20] Communist, Coalition parties criticise statements by employment minister on social insurance issue

[21] European Central Bank Vice President Loukas Papademos supports immediate implementation of structural changes in eurozone

[22] BA begins cargo flights between Athens and Hong-Kong

[23] Main opposition proposes heating oil subsidy bill

[24] OTE, Cosmote to announce plans for Cosmorom Friday

[25] Shipping foreign exchange inflows jump to 8.25 bln euros in Jan-July

[26] "Exclusive Yachting 2005" opens at Ag. Kosmas marina

[27] Greek stocks rebound on Thursday

[28] BBC filming Durrell's 'My Family and Other Animals' on Corfu

[29] Greek and Cypriot theatre groups to appear in Cairo experimental theatre festival

[30] President Karolos Papoulias accepts invitation to visit Limnos

[31] Greenpeace calls on Greeks to use cars less

[32] New Greek software for vetting porno Internet content soon to be released

[33] 59 illegals, eight alleged migrant smugglers detained in northern Evia

[34] Eighteen Albanian illegal immigrants intercepted in Ioannina

[35] Albanian police link teen to army officer's stabbing in Ioannina last month

[36] PM's jet used to transport infant to London for treatment

[37] HOC and local authorities prepare for 2006 Torino torch relay

[38] Greece beats Russia 66-61 in Eurobasket championship, qualifies for semifinals

[39] EP rapporteur says Turkey must implement protocol

[40] Cyprus notes Turkish ''fierce reaction'' to EU statement

[01] Greek president calls on EU hopeful Turkey to respect religious, minority rights

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

Papoulias, a former foreign minister, made the comments during his welcome for visiting Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, the head of the venerable Istanbul-based Patriarchate.

"If it (Ankara) wants a sincere and substantive (EU) accession course ... on the basis of principles and values, then it must embrace basic tenets of democracy, and respect, without discrimination, religious and minority freedoms," Papoulias said.

He also noted that the scheduled commencement of Turkey's accession talks with the Union (Oct. 3) should act as a catalyst for such issues, "if Turkey's European course is to have a successful conclusion."

Moreover, the Greek president also referred to the obstacles placed last week by the Ankara government vis-a-vis a visit by the Pope the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Finally, Papoulias listed off a handful of steps that he said comprise a condition for a further rapprochement in already improved Greek-Turkish relations, namely, Ankara's recognition of the Patriarchate's ecumenical stature;

the re-opening of the Halki Orthodox seminary as well as the legal protection of ethnic Greek charitable foundations and endowments in the neighboring country.

[02] Ecumenical Patriarch holds talks with foreign ministry on coordinating aid efforts

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

They said the talks were held in view of the reaffirmation of the Millenium Development Goals for halving poverty by 2015 at the United Nations a few days earlier.

Stylianidis highlighted the Patriarchate's activities in issues concerning human values, poverty, disease and other problems of the developing world.

The talks also covered Fanar's role in Turkey's rapprochement with the European Union, while the minister stressed that "issues of human rights and freedoms are on the European agenda and will constantly be raised during negotiations and dealt with".

[03] Papandreou meets with Patriarch Vartholomeos

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

The PASOK leader told reporters after the meeting that his party supported all efforts deployed by the Patriarch to protect the Patriarchate's rights in Turkey and the rights of the Greek orthodox minority. He added that Turkey should deal with these problems as soon as possible.

Later in the evening the Patriarch was awarded an honourary distinction by the Athens Bar Association.

[04] Greek and French FMs discuss PM's talks with French President,

PM PARIS, 23/9/2005 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

The two ministers discussed bilateral relations in the political, defence and economic sectors, as well as cooperation between the two countries in international organisations and the European Union in particular.

Molyviatis said the issue of enlargement and Turkey were a special topic of discussion with his French counterpart.

"We discussed France's position which is very well known on this issue, as well as Greece's position, which, in any case, were expressed in the text of Europe's counter-statement to the statement by Turkey. All the positions of our side were satisfied in this text. The text, indeed, gives a satisfactory reply to the problems caused by Turkey's statement," the Greek minister said.

"The next and probably more important text which constituted an object of long negotiations in past weeks is the negotiating framework which determines, generally speaking, Turkey's course in Europe," he added.

Molyviatis stressed that Greece carried out "tough negotiations" on this text and has already been closed as regards Greek issues. However, it has not yet received final approval because some countries have reservations on certain other issues.

The foreign minister further said that provided that it is finally approved and negotiations with Turkey begin on October 3 "I believe that gradually, in stages, the path will be paved for a new era in relations between Greece and Turkey. An era of peace and cooperation which shall benefit the Greek people and the Turkish people, as well as peace and stability in our entire region. The issue of Cyprus will also find a solution in this framework. I believe that this is a great service offered to the Greek people by the government of Costas Karamanlis, as well as to peace and stability in our region."

The French foreign ministry's spokesperson said the meeting between the two ministers was "excellent", since an agreement was ascertained between both sides both on bilateral issues and on European ones.

"We are on the same lines which allow us to proceed together, particularly on the issues of Europe which are very important both for France and Greece," he stressed.

The French spokesperson also said that the two ministers discussed the bilateral agreement on cooperation between the two countries on security and defence issues which will be signed on Friday.

[05] Deputy FM Valynakis meets with officials on sidelines of UN's 60th General Assembly

NEW YORK, 23/9/2005 (ANA/P.Panagiotou)

Valynakis met with Montenegro's Foreign Minister Miodrag Vlahovic and both officials confirmed the excellent relations maintained traditionally between Greece and Serbia.

Valynakis and Vlahovic discussed at length Serbia & Montenegro's European prospects.

During his meeting with Bulgaria's Deputy Foreign Minister Gergana Grancharova, Valynakis noted that Greece considers Bulgaria a strategic partner in the region and reiterated Greece's support of Bulgaria's EU accession.

The two officials also discussed other EU-related issues and agreed that both sides are looking to further strengthen bilateral ties.

The deputy minister later addressed the conference on Implementation of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

He said that new emerging threats on an international level underline the need for containment of nuclear weapons proliferation. Valynakis expressed confidence that the treaty's signatories will promote it and will create an effective monitoring system.

Before addressing the conference, Valynakis met with CTBTO Executive Secretary Tibor Toth assuring him of Greece's support of the organisation's efforts.

Later on Thursday, Valynakis was due to depart for Washington DC where he will meet with US officials to discuss EU-US relations and the situation in Southeast Europe.

[06] PM briefed over new administrative codes by interior minister

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

Moreover, both men discussed wide-ranging public administration reforms and related dialogue with interested parties, an initiative announced by the prime minister roughly two weeks ago during his address at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

Pavlopoulos said drafts of the codes will be completed next month, with their tabling in Parliament expected by mid November.

[07] Dep. FM Skandalakis in Ukraine, Georgia over the weekend

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

His first stop will be the Azov Sea metropolis of Mariupol, a community that hosts a large and historic ethnic Greek community, for a series of contacts with expatriates' groups. He will also attend the inauguration of a new cathedral in the area.

[08] PM Karamanlis, Serbia-Montenegro president Marovic discuss regional developments

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

The two men discussed developments in the region, and Kosovo.

No statements were made after the meeting.

Main opposition leader meets visiting Serbia and Montenegro president: Main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou on Thursday received visiting Serbia and Montenegro President Svetozar Marovic, underlining PASOK's support for the European course of the western Balkans and of Serbia and Montenegro in particular.

Papandreou said that Serbia and Montenegro was a key country in the general region and criticised the government, saying that it was acting like "an observer, a spectator of developments in Balkan affairs, even in matters of direct interest like that of the name issue [of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)] and had led Greece into an impasse.

Marovic stresses friendly ties with Greece in statements to press: Visiting Serbia and Montenegro President Svetozar Marovic on Thursday said that the traditionally friendly ties between his country and Greece had been confirmed during his meetings in Athens with the Greek president and prime minister, as well as the leader of main opposition PASOK. He also noted the steady annual rise in bilateral economic activity.

Turning to the issue of Kosovo, Marovic said that negotiations would probably begin at the end of the year and underlined the complexity of the problems in the area, pointing out that there were hundreds of thousands of non-Albanian refugees that were unable to return to their homes because of the lack of security and the low living standards of the region, which were a problem for the Albanian population as well.

He called for improvements in the quality of life, decentralisation and the development of relations of trust.

Marovic also referred to the start of negotiations for the Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union in October, saying that this was an important milestone and thanking Greece for its help in accelerating the process.

He conceded, however, that the rate of progress will depend on resolving the issue of former Bosnian general Ratko Mladic, who has been wanted for years by the UN Tribunal at The Hague in connection with atrocities during the Bosnian war.

A solution of the "Mladic issue" by the end of the year would allow Serbia and Montenegro to join NATO's Partnership for Peace programme and accelerate negotiations with the EU, Marovic noted.

The issue was also raised in talks between Marovic and Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, with Serbia and Montenegro pledging to make every possible effort to hand over General Mladic to the International Tribunal.

With regard to the future of the union between Serbia and Montenegro, in view of a referendum for independence being sought by the Montenegrin side, Marovic said that this was an issue that must be decided democratically by its people.

[09] EU's counter-statement to Turkey on Cyprus recognition issue unilateral and of a political nature, Ankara says

ANKARA, 23/9/2005 (ANA/A. Ambatzis)

An announcement by the Turkish foreign ministry expresses "regret" over the EU's counter-statement, adopted on Wednesday, and stresses that "this proclamation contains some unfair approaches and some new elements in a spirit that does not coincide with the traditional cooperation which has been continuing for over 40 years between Turkey and the EU. This unilateral and of a political nature proclamation can create obstacles in the UN's process concerning the issue of Cyprus."

It further said that "Turkey's policy on the issue of Cyprus is specific and clear", while with regard to the protocol between the EU and Turkey it said that "Turkey has repeatedly announced that it will implement its obligations emanating from the Ankara Agreement and the additional protocol without discriminations and towards all member-states"

[10] Gov't defends public order ministry's legal challenge over traffic cameras

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said the ministry's recourse to the Council of State, Greece's highest administrative court, is utterly legal. He added that the ministry's leadership is exercising a right granted to every citizen.

The ministry this week provided a handful of reasons making such equipment, installed prior to the Athens 2004 Games, necessary.

[11] Greek gov't expresses deepest regrets for death of Simon Wiesenthal

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

[12] Outcome of Olympic Airlines sale tender due in two weeks

WASHINGTON, 23/9/2005 (ANA/C Ziotis)

Difficulties had emerged in the tender, rendering the outcome uncertain, the sources said.

The government is studying plans that would keep Olympic afloat in the form of a new company possibly under joint ownership of private and public sector bodies. Such a solution would be in place by February 2006, the same sources said.

Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis is currently visiting the US to attend a general assembly meeting of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank at the weekend.

[13] OA sale process likely to end within three weeks

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

If a sale agreement is reached, it will be sent to parliament for ratification, Liapis told a house committee.

Liapis declined to say what the government would do if the sale attempt fell flat as he said any statements on OA's future could damage the current situation.

Two deputies and former ministers of the main opposition PASOK party - Evangelos Venizelos and Christos Verelis - acknowledged that Liapis was making a genuine effort to revitalise Olympic.

They added that his endeavour contrasted with statements by other senior government members, whose statements had undermined the airline's status.

[14] Gov't says now critical PASOK considered closing OA when in gov't

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos told reporters that a document presented on the Alpha TV channel's newscast "demonstrates PASOK's hypocrisy."

Roussopoulos, furthermore, cricitised the main opposition party's spokesman for what he called a continuing barrage of "lies" targeting the government over the contentious OA issue.

"Let him now tell us how it's possible for PASOK to have proposed a liquidation scenario while today appearing as the critic."

In a related development, Roussopoulos declined to comment on a question referring to a purported statement by ruling New Democracy (ND) secretary Vangelis Meimarakis on Wednesday regarding OA, saying he did not hear or read the latter's comments.

Moreover, the spokesman reiterated during his press briefing that his various statements over the past week on OA stand.

[15] PASOK and Coalition of the Left party leaders discuss future of Olympic Airlines

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

PASOK's National Council Secretary Mariliza Xenoyiannako-poulou said that during the meeting between the two leaders considerable convergences were ascertained, as well as different approaches.

Xenoyiannakopoulou said "a viable, but at the same time competitive solution must be sought for Olympic. A solution that will secure public interest, a solution that will secure the prospects of employees, a solution that will secure the serving of citizens and of all the regions of our country. And at the same time a solution that will secure the safety of flights."

Alavanos said he presented his proposals on maintaining Olympic's public character and the creation of a Parliamentary Factfinding Committee.

He added that "the positions of the two parties are not common as regards Olympic's future", while on the issue of the Factfinding Committee he noted "positive scepticism" on the part of PASOK's leader.

[16] Former European Commission VP on Olympic Airlines

PARIS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

The former VP said that she will not allow anyone to slander the objective and transparent handling of the case during her tenure as commissioner responsible for transport.

According to de Palacio, the Commission unanimously agreed in December 2002 on a case that had been pending for a decade and which was handled by three different commissioners and hundreds of capable Commission officials.

She added that she is proud of all her associates with whom she worked during that time.

[17] Greece responding very satisfactorily to reformist initiatives, finance minister says

WASHINGTON, 23/9/2005 (ANA/C. Ziotis)

Alogoskoufis stressed that "the Greek economy is responding very satisfactorily to our reformist initiatives. Despite the high prices of oil, the economy's rate of development remains one of the highest in Europe and is expected to reach 3.6 percent this year."

The finance minister appeared before the American audience as a staunch defender of reforms and of the gradual adoption of homogeneous fiscal policies between eurozone member-states, stressing that the lack of an autonomous monetary policy leaves national governments with only two other options:to regulate fiscal policy and to promote structural reforms.

Alogoskoufis added that in this framework "it is clear, therefore, why many governments are seeking a more aggressive monetary policy."

Placing responsibility for delays on previous governments, Alogoskoufis highlighted the responsible position of citizens.

"Greece experienced an era of great state interventions. The state, in practice, was everywhere and careful handling was required for us to secure the greatest possible social consent. The Greek people support our reformist programme. They have understood the benefits that will be produced and they have understood that in order for our economy to reach the level of productivity and income of the EU, well-aimed reforms are necessary," he said.

During his stay here, the finance minister had a series of contacts with senators, as well as with representatives of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. His main aim was to underline the possibilities of the Greek economy and the advantages which emanate from its geopolitical position.

[18] Greece largest recipient of EU funds in 2004 in terms of %

GNI BRUSSELS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

The largest recipient of EU funds in 2004 was Spain (¬ 16.4 billion) ahead of the populous member-states, France (¬ 12.9 billion), Germany (¬ 11.7 billion), Italy (¬ 10.4 billion), and the UK (¬ 7.1 billion). Spain is the largest recipient of funds under structural operations, followed by Germany, Italy and Portugal.

Funds for new member-states have only started to flow. Poland (¬ 2.7 billion) comes at the 10th place of EU-25. All new Member-States recorded a positive net balance, amounting to ¬ 2.9 billion for 2004, an increase of ¬ 1.3 billion compared with 2003, before they joined.

Benefits spread across all Member States. The focus of spending is progressively shifting towards policies linked to competitiveness. The shares of different policy headings in 2004 have changed in comparison with previous year. Funds allocated to Member States for structural operations covering cohesion and regional development increased substantially from ¬ 28.5 billion to ¬ 34.1 billion (+19.8%), as well as for internal policies including internal market and research (from ¬ 4.9 billion in 2003 to ¬ 6 billion in 2004).

Agriculture and rural development allocations to Member States constituted 47.5% (¬ 43.6 billion) of the total allocated expenditure in 2004, showing a decrease from 54.1% (¬ 44.4 billion) in 2003. In agriculture main beneficiaries remained the same. In absolute terms, France received the largest allocations, followed by Spain, Germany, Italy and the UK.

Under internal policies, Germany received the largest amount, followed by France, Belgium, the UK and Italy.

EU administrative expenditure was heavily concentrated. Most of the funds went to Belgium and Luxembourg, two of the seats of European Union institutions.

National contributions (comprising VAT- and GNI-based contributions) were the largest source of revenue for the EU budget and totalled ¬ 82.9 billion in 2004. The remainder came from so-called traditional own resources (customs and agricultural duties), the surplus from 2003, and other revenues.

[19] Gov't launches three-year action plan to spur small business

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

The move is part of a wider strategy to help small and medium-sized enterprises, which form the backbone of the country's economy.

"These firms make a decisive contribution to job creation. Our aim is to liberate their massive potential to improve competitiveness, tone up employment, boost economic growth and encourage social cohesion," Sioufas said.

Addressing the first meeting of the newly created National Council for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, the minister also announced that two new research institutes would be created: one for smaller firms and the other for commercial and services companies.

In addition, a sector consultancy service will be set up staffed by retired corporate executives, modelled on institutions in the USA and France.

A support programme would also be created for the textiles, apparel, footwear and leather sector that will be submitted to the European Union, Sioufas said.

[20] Communist, Coalition parties criticise statements by employment minister on social insurance issue

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

"The new attack has been decided in advance, it is concerted and will be more universal and tougher. In the framework of the Lisbon Strategy on the increase in profit-making and of the competitiveness of capital, both the government of New Democracy and PASOK have adopted and committed themselves to a further decrease in the value of labour power," KKE said.

"The disgraceful social dialogue being announced by the government constitutes a copy of the known deception by PASOK. The pretext again is the restructuring of the social insurance system," it added.

Referring to the same issue, the Coalition party's Political Bureau member Dimitris Stratoulis said "public social insurance does not need demolition, but the support and substantive improvement of pensions and of health benefits for the insured of our country. The Coalition party will not participate in any pretext dialogue on undermining social insurance, but will support the struggles of working people to defend and upgrade their social insurance rights."

[21] European Central Bank Vice President Loukas Papademos supports immediate implementation of structural changes in eurozone

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

"Structural reforms in the labour markets are of vital importance to enable these markets to become more flexible and adjustable so that new jobs can be created and the use of labour potential to be improved," he said.

Papadimos further said "it is expedient for the institutional framework concerning the price determination apparatuses, including the index-linked adjustment of salaries which continues to be in force in certain countries, to be reconsidered."

He went on to say that an adequate degree of differentiation in the development of salaries is useful in order to secure that salary adjustments reflect differences in productivity in accordance with regions and sectors.

Papademos expressed his optimism that the eurozone will succeed in improving its development rates in a stable macroeconomic environment.

[22] BA begins cargo flights between Athens and Hong-Kong

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

The cargo aircraft will land at the Athens International Airport every Wednesday (21.00 local time) and will depart to Hong-Kong at 23.00 the same day. The aircraft will carry mainly spare parts, mechanical equipment and clothing.

"This particular flight comes to help Greek exports to the Far East, mainly with the aircraft's huge cargo capacity, very competitive prices and the ability to transport cargo that was impossible to be carried by standard aircraft," Lefteris Levenderis, British Airway's cargo manager in Greece and Cyprus told reporters.

[23] Main opposition proposes heating oil subsidy bill

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

According to the 57 MPs submitting the bill, households' heating bills will be 38% higher than last year.

They noted that France, Belgium, Italy and Poland have taken measures to help lower economic classes.

They also noted that when PASOK was in government it gave a subsidy of 30,000 drs. - 50,000 drs. during 2000-2001 to economically vulnerable groups when the price of oil per barrel stood at $32.

According to the PASOK MPs, the government has significantly increased its revenues through taxation and can therefore afford to pay out the subsidy.

The PASOK MPs propose that retired farmers, pensioners who also receive a supplementary pension EKAS and the long-term unemployed should receive the subsidy.

[24] OTE, Cosmote to announce plans for Cosmorom Friday

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

Cosmote, which is to take over management of the firm from its parent, aims to make Cosmorom profitable within four years, according to sources.

The executives will announce the business plan in Bucharest, Romania, where Cosmorom is based.

OTE and Cosmote are both quoted on the Athens bourse.

[25] Shipping foreign exchange inflows jump to 8.25 bln euros in Jan-July

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

According to the central bank's provisional data, shipping foreign exchange inflows totaled 1.173 billion euros in July, from 1.146 billion euros in July 2004, an increase of 2.32 percent.

[26] "Exclusive Yachting 2005" opens at Ag. Kosmas marina

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

More than 50 companies will be showcasing some 150 watercraft.

The exhibit, organised by EuroPartners and Exclusive Travel and sponsored by Audi Pazaropoulos, will run through September 25.

[27] Greek stocks rebound on Thursday

ATHENS, 23/9/2005 (ANA)

Turnover was a healthy 264.5 million euros.

Sector indices ended higher with the Food-Beverage (2.04 pct), Industrials (1.04 pct), Constructions (0.91 pct) and Retail (0.65 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains, while the IT Solutions (1.53 pct), Textiles (1.26 pct), Cement (0.99 pct) and Telecommunications (0.93 pct) suffered losses.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.11 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 0.11 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index fell 0.31 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 163 to 98 with another 67 issues unchanged.

The stocks with the highest turnover were OTE, Eurobank, OPAP, PPC and National Bank of Greece.

Equity Index Futures: