Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-09-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM: Greek positions vis-a-vis EU-Turkey talks spelled out in counter-statement; optimistic over Oct. 3 start

[02] EU counter-statement fully satisfactory for Greece and Republic of Cyprus, deputy FM says

[03] U.S. envoy in Athens refers to Cyprus issue in Washington conference

[04] Greek Dep. DM cites reasons for Athens' support of Ankara's EU course

[05] Dep. foreign minister meets Calka Greeks in emotionally-charged visit

[06] Deputy FM Skandalakis visits Orthodox Patriarch of Georgia

[07] Athens mayor holds talks with Chinese FM

[08] Development Minister Sioufas on US visit this week

[09] Dep. foreign minister to meet Belgian counterpart on Wednesday

[10] Gov't spokesman defends Regouzas over controversial 'smaller bribes' message

[11] PASOK party spokesman criticises government on current political situation

[12] Gov't to seek off-the-agenda debate on foreign policy in Parliament, spokesman says

[13] Finmin says EU's Greek debt figure due to accounting change

[14] Gov't to proceed with privatisation as planned

[15] Finmin reports US investor interest in Greece

[16] Record Greek business delegation in Russia arrives in Moscow

[17] Tourist arrivals steadily rising, Greek minister says

[18] Papandreou says unemployment the foremost problem for Greek society

[19] Merchant marine minister holds talks with Greek Shipowners Union board

[20] Greek business mission to Japan

[21] Greek trade deficit fell to 14.7 bln euros in Jan-June, Eurostat

[22] BSEC science and technology ministers to meet in Athens on Wednesday

[23] Greek, Israeli Capital Markets' Commissions sign cooperation protocol

[24] Greek stocks continue moving up

[25] President, PM receive Eurobasket champions Greece

[26] Onassis Foundation organising international conference on Greek studies

[27] International conference on poet Yannis Ritsos

[28] Int'l symposium focusing on Greater Prespa Lake set for next summer

[29] European Cinema Panorama to open on September 29

[30] Sixteen illegal immigrants caught near Samos

[31] Building facade overhaul programme to be extended to all Greece in 2006

[32] Hellenic-American Union workshop, seminars this month

[33] Panathinaikos Athens beats Werder Bremen 2-1 in Champions League match

[34] Cyprus wants an objective declaration by British Presidency

[35] Cypriot spokesman rejects Talat's statements

[36] Government respects right to education for T/C

[37] IMO General Secretary: Cyprus is a great maritime power worldwide

[01] FM: Greek positions vis-a-vis EU-Turkey talks spelled out in counter-statement; optimistic over Oct. 3 start

ATHENS, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

Molyviatis, who briefed the inner Cabinet on several foreign policy fronts, added that the national council for foreign policy will also be convened in the next few days.

Additionally, he reiterated previous statements by high-ranking government officials who noted that the EU's accession talks with Turkey will - barring any unforeseen development -- begin on Oct. 3.

«Greece and Cyprus' positions have been absolutely cemented in both texts, the negotiating framework and the EU's counter-statement,» he told reporters after the meeting.

Moreover, he said the beginning of EU-Turkey accession negotiations will gradually -- a word he emphasised -- open the way for a new era in Greek-Turkish relations, «an era of peace and cooperation for the benefit of both peoples and the region».

«If Turkey, at the conclusion of lengthy negotiations, fulfils all the criteria and conditions then it will deserve full European Union membership,» Molyviatis, a veteran Greek diplomat, stressed.

Additionally, the Greek FM referred to certain pending issues involving the negotiation framework for the upcoming EU-Turkey talks, such as a preamble by the EU Presidency at the start of negotiations, although he clarified that such issues are not related to Greek or Cypriot requests.

Finally, he declined to comment on opposition statements criticising the fact that a timetable for resolving Ankara's differences with Athens has not been implemented, noting that such criticism will be answered in Parliament.

FYROM 'name issue': Regarding the 'name issue' with the neighbouring Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Molyviatis reiterated that Athens' positions are well known in the wake of its acceptance -- as the basis for talks leading to resolution of the difference -- of a proposal set out recently by UN mediator Matthew Nimetz.

Asked whether a new proposal was pending, Molyviatis merely noted that Nimetz told him during a recent meeting that he will continue contacts with representatives of both sides.

PASOK reaction: In response to Molyviatis' statements, a top main opposition PASOK deputy sharply criticised the government for choosing, as he said, "a policy entailing the least amount of effort and of surrender".

MP Christos Papoutsis, a former EU commissioner now heading the party's foreign policy desk, said this attitude caused the ND government to accept the Nimetz proposal, which he said put the country into a weaker position as far as negotiations on the FYROM 'name issue' are concerned.

Regarding Turkey, he first mentioned that PASOK supports Turkey's European orientation and its accession prospects, while reiterating, nevertheless, that a "clear road map" for the neighboring country's course towards Europe is necessary.

Along those lines, he cited "secure guarantees and a timetable with specific obligations (on the part of Ankara)" as comprising a "primary condition for this endeavor".

"It's within such a framework that all issues affecting Greece and its wider national interests must be clearly entrenched," he added.

[02] EU counter-statement fully satisfactory for Greece and Republic of Cyprus, deputy FM says

ATHENS, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

Valynakis also spoke of "60 days of tough negotiating and very effective work" by the foreign ministry on the issue.

"We have an integrated strategy. We want a Turkey which will proceed towards the European Union and, as it is proceeding in this direction, will be changing. And it will be changing on the basis of a very specific set of terms, criteria and preconditions exposed in these texts," he said, adding that "for us these texts are part of the framework of a unified and integrated strategy and one must see them in an overall fashion."

As regards the issue of Cyprus, the deputy foreign minister said that Greece is interested in "Turkey changing its policy, internally and externally, until it becomes a member of the European Union" and reiterated "the given will, on the Greek and Cypriot side, for a solution to the issue of Cyprus in accordance with UN resolutions and with European principles and values and this must be achieved as soon as possible."

Replying to a question on the outcome of his recent visit to the United States, Valynakis made the assessment that "it is also the wish of the U.S. to contribute" to the effort to change the Balkans into a "European neighbourhood."

[03] U.S. envoy in Athens refers to Cyprus issue in Washington conference

WASHINGTON, 28/9/2005 (ANA/T.Ellis)

The round table discussion was organised by the School of Higher International Studies of the 'Jons Hopkins' University.

Ries also noted that supporting Turkey's EU incorporation was his country's steady policy for years now, adding that this incorporation would be beneficial for Turkey itself and the EU, including Greece and Cyprus.

[04] Greek Dep. DM cites reasons for Athens' support of Ankara's EU course

ISTANBUL, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

"Greece, clearly the strongest country in southeast Europe in terms of economic development and political stability, has for many years implemented an 'open door' policy; a policy backing EU and NATO expansion. It's within this framework that it (Greece) backs Turkey's accession course towards the European Union," he said, while adding:

"Of course, Turkey knows that that in order to achieve its goal (of accession) it must meet the conditions and obligations, as set out by the EU. This course will, naturally, improve relations between the two countries," the Greek deputy minister said, noting that his presence at an international defence fair (IDEF 2005) in the Turkish capital expresses this volition.

Finally, he praised the Greek diplomatic mission here for implementing Athens' policy towards a further rapprochement between the two neighbors.

[05] Dep. foreign minister meets Calka Greeks in emotionally-charged visit

CALKA, 28/9/2005 (ANA - G. Milionis)

Stressing that his visit was being carried out by order of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, the minister urged members of the local Greek community to contact him personally at his office and seek his help, avoiding "those who lie to you and demand money in order to help you out".

The Calka region in the Caucasus has been virtually depopulated in the past 10 years as local residents abandoned their homes, Greeks and Georgians alike, while their empty houses were taken over by gangs of criminals.

Only 3,000 ethnic Greeks, the majority of them elderly, still remain in the 24 villages that once housed some 40,000. In the early months of 2005, the area's Greek community had also been the target of violence, in which at least one ethnic Greek was killed.

Earlier on, Skandalakis met the governor of the region and was told that there were currently 1,500 occupied houses in the area, while another 200 have been bought with the official consent of their owners, who received compensation from the Georgian government. The governor also declared his desire to resolve the problem.

The Greek minister stressed that the key to persuading ethnic Greeks to stay in the area was to develop infrastructure, especially a road linking the region to the Georgian capital Tbilisi, a distance of about 80 kilometres that currently takes three hours to travel of dirt roads.

Skandalakis said this travelling time must be reduced to a maximum of 40 minutes and also proposed cooperation with the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), whose president Andrew Athens had been involved in discussions to create a dairy industry for the region, which is rich in livestock.

The minister noted that the local consulates and embassy had explicit instructions to process up to 30 applications a day for the special identity card issued to ethnic Greeks, so that the necessary documents were quickly sent to Greece.

Finally, Skandalakis thanked the Georgian government for willingly providing permission for the Greek delegation to visit the area and, after the end of the visit, expressed his confidence in the Georgian government's desire to improve the situation in the region in statements to local television channels.

He also expressed hope that the excellent cooperation between the two countries will quickly yield results, noting that it had already had some positive impact on the safety of ethnic Greeks in Calka, such the change of the police commander and an increase in the local police force.

[06] Deputy FM Skandalakis visits Orthodox Patriarch of Georgia

TBILISI, 28/9/2005 (ANA/G. Milionis)

Patriarch Ilias said that relations between the Patriarchate and the Church of Greece are being strengthened and so are relations between the two countries, expressing his gratitude for aid provided by Greece both for Greek expatriates in Georgia and for Georgian students in Greece.

"We want every educated Georgian to have Greek as his second language," the Patriarch said and expressed his regret for expatriates leaving Georgia, but said he hoped they they will return since they are not selling their property in a powerful Georgia which will not need aid from other countries.

The Patriarch also referred to problems the country is facing with its neighbours and at this point the Greek deputy foreign minister said he hoped for a peaceful solution to the various problems and reminded the Patriarch that the Greeks also had problems in the past with neighbours.

We came here to resolve problems, Deputy FM Panayiotis Skandalakis says in Georgia: Deputy Foreign Minister Panayiotis Skandalakis, currently on an official visit to Georgia, stressed on Tuesday that the reason for his visit was to resolve problems.

"We came here to resolve problems which we are aware of and to prepare programmes which will produce results and not to waste millions of euros which are in the pockets of certain people," Skandalakis said during a farewell dinner organised by the Greek embassy in Georgia.

Skandalakis's visit ended on Tuesday night and the Greek delegation returns to Athens on Wednesday.

[07] Athens mayor holds talks with Chinese FM

BEIJING, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

Asked whether there is a possibility of the UN Security Council examining some new initiative soon regarding a solution to the issue of Cyprus, the Chinese minister said that China, being a permanent Security Council member, always respects its relevant resolutions and "we shall continue to play a constructive role on this issue."

Li added that Cyprus is a good friend of China and expressed the wish that a rational solution to the issue of Cyprus will be found as soon as possible and the people there will have a prospering life. He further said that relations between the two peoples are very good.

The Chinese foreign minister spoke enthusiastically about the successful holding of the Athens Olympic Games, expressing the satisfaction of all the Chinese over this outcome, since relations between the two peoples are "lost in the depths of the centuries".

He also said that the fact that for two continuous times the Olympic Games are being carried out in cities having such friendly feelings for each other is a fortunate conjuncture.

Bakoyiannis stressed the need of a strong cultural presence of Greece in Beijing in the near future, an aim which is made easier by the proclamation of 2008 as "The year of Greece" in China.

Referring to the very good level of bilateral relations between the two countries and to possibilities of further development, Bakoyiannis said that the opening of an air link between Beijing and Athens would be of help, since many businessmen on both sides travel frequently.

The Athens municipality's delegation also visited a part of the Olympic facilities, where the Olympic Stadium under construction and the swimming pool are located, and was informed that projects will be completed at the end of 2007 to allow time for necessary testing.

In her meeting afterwards with the president of the "Beijing 2008" Organising Committee, secretary of the Communist Party of Beijing's Central Committee and former mayor of the city, Liu Qi, Bakoyiannis expressed her conviction that Beijing will organise very successful Olympic Games and placed the municiplaity of Athens at the disposal of organisers for any help they might need.

On Monday evening, the Athens mayor attended a reception given in her honour by Greek Ambassador to Beijing Mikis Kambanis and proclaimed three Chinese Olympic Games gold medallists, during last year's Athens Olympic Games, honourary citizens of the city, adding that the thoughts of all Greeks are focused on Beijing.

Bakoyiannis also noted that cooperation between Greece and China will also continue after the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in which Greece will have a strong presence.

[08] Development Minister Sioufas on US visit this week

ATHENS, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

Sioufas was due in the United States on Tuesday, and specifically, Washington, where he will hold talks with US administration officials, members of Congress and business representatives. He arrives in Chicago on Wednesday for the conference.

The Greek minister will subsequently travel to New York City on Friday for contacts with members of the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce, followed the next day by a meeting with Archbishop of America Demetrios as well as ethnic Greek community leaders.

Sioufas returns to Greece on Sunday.

[09] Dep. foreign minister to meet Belgian counterpart on Wednesday

ATHENS, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

The meeting will focus on the fiscal prospects of the European Union, specifically the Community budget in 2007-2013, the future of Europe and the progress of the European Constitutional Treaty, as well as EU enlargement.

The two men will also exchange views on developments in southeast Europe.

[10] Gov't spokesman defends Regouzas over controversial 'smaller bribes' message

ATHENS, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

"At five points it states clearly and categorically the spirit of the government's policy - in other words that we will not accept any discounts on issues of ethical conduct. In the sixth point it was incomplete in the way it was expressed, allowing a double interpretation, but the rest of the text was clear," Roussopoulos said.

The spokesman also fielded questions concerning a series of incidents that indicated possible corruption by members of the government and ruling party, such as a dinner costing tens of thousands of euros for a New Democracy party member in Patras, allegations that a government minister was receiving bribes, a suspicious case in Rhodes involving ND officials and others, including the Regouzas statement.

Roussopoulos stressed that in each case, the government had taken appropriate action or the statements concerned had been retracted or denied.

[11] PASOK party spokesman criticises government on current political situation

ATHENS, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

Referring to the address made by Rengouzas to customs officials on issues of graft, Athanasakis said that from the moment Rengouzas remains at his post the issue concerns the government in its entirety and the prime minister personally.

The PASOK spokesman added that the meaning of Rengouzas' references was to urge customs officials to receive smaller commissions and wondered what is preventing the prime minister from removing Rengouzas from his position.

Commenting on ERT, Athanasakis said that they must understand that PASOK wants reliable and strong public television, adding that it will support every such effort provided that it does its job. He further said that ERT cannot function in its present way with the money of the Greek people and that it is obliged to provide citizens with full and accurate information.

[12] Gov't to seek off-the-agenda debate on foreign policy in Parliament, spokesman says

ATHENS, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

[13] Finmin says EU's Greek debt figure due to accounting change

NEW YORK, 28/9/2005 (ANA/P Panayiotou)

"This does not herald a new fiscal audit. The fiscal audit cycle is ending. There are still a few details that involve the past," Alogoskoufis replied to a reporter's question during a visit to New York.

A revision of figures covering 2001-2004 state finances stemmed from the change in EU accounting practices that affected inflows of funding from the bloc. Deposits were no longer entered in the year of receipt, but in almost all years involving the Community Support Framework, he noted.

"This had a major impact on the 2001 deficit, which is above 6.0%, and this also applies to each year until 2004. This does not affect adjustment or targets of the growth and stability programme," the minister told a news conference.

[14] Gov't to proceed with privatisation as planned

NEW YORK, 28/9/2005 (ANA/P Panayiotou)

"We have stated along general lines what the programme is, that the aim is entry of the Post Office Savings Bank into the (Athens) bourse in 2006, and, after negotiations we are conducting with the Germans, entry of Athens International Airport into the market," Alogoskoufis replied to a reporter's question during a trip to the USA.

"In addition, emphasis wil be given to the banking sector. We are committed to reducing the state's holding in Agricultural Bank of Greece, although not below 51%," the minister told a news conference.

He repeated that the state would also retain its 51% holding in Athens-quoted Public Power Corporation, as stated in the government's 2004 election platform.

[15] Finmin reports US investor interest in Greece

NEW YORK, 28/9/2005 (ANA/P Panayiotou)

"Opportunities in our region are clearly of interest to very many, including the USA, as Greece has ceased to be a small market of 10 million people with an annual income of 180 billion euros, instead becoming a much wider market with great growth potential," the minister told a news conference.

"The message that Greece can be a gateway to businesses that want to invest in the wider region is a message that met with a great response," he said.

Potential direct investors had noted that bureaucracy remained a stumbling block to investment in Greece.

"Many, however, view very favourably the pro-investor measures we have taken, such as the new investment law," Alogoskoufis reported.

[16] Record Greek business delegation in Russia arrives in Moscow

MOSCOW, 28/9/2005 (ANA/N. Melissova)

The sessions of the 5th Joint Interministerial Committee will begin on Wednesday with addresses by the two presiding delegates, Russian Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordiev and Stylianidis. Addresses by Basiakos and Folias will follow.

A business conference will take place at Moscow's Chamber of Commerce shortly afterwards and statements by the President of the Russian Federation's Chamber of Commerce and Industry Yevgeni Primakov and the Greek deputy foreign minister will follow.

[17] Tourist arrivals steadily rising, Greek minister says

ATHENS, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

Citing figures released by the Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos", the Greek minister said foreign passenger arrivals were up 12 percent so far this year, while charter flights doubled compared with the same period last year.

Addressing the council, Avramopoulos said tourist arrivals continued rising in September and October, particular for quality hotels. The minister said that gross revenues from travel services rose 6.1 percent so far this year, compared with 2004, while he announced that Greece would organise an annual forum for World Tourism on February 18, 2006.

The forum is expected to agree on a proposal to create a permanent base of World Tourism Counci's observatory in Greece to cover the region of southeaster Europe and the Mediterranean.

[18] Papandreou says unemployment the foremost problem for Greek society

ATHENS, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

He made the statement during an opening address at a coordination council of PASOK's Parliamentary group.

Moreover, the PASOK leader and former foreign minister, referred to "bad news" out of Brussels for the Greek economy -- i.e. revised budget deficit projections for 2004 reaching the 6.6-percent mark -- a development he blamed on the government's mistakes. He also charged that the ND is manipulating unemployment figures.

Finally, Papandreou pointed to his recent proposals for "investing in quality" and better exploiting 3rd Community Support Framework funds as ideas for jumpstarting the economy.

[19] Merchant marine minister holds talks with Greek Shipowners Union board

ATHENS, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

According to an announcement by the merchant marine ministry, the meeting was held in an excellent climate and all shipping issues were examined, as well as their course so far.

The leading role played by shipping, both at European Union and international level, was stressed and its contribution to the national economy with the continuing increase in the influx of shipping exchange.

[20] Greek business mission to Japan

ATHENS, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

The business visit will include businesses from the food-beverage, building materials, jewelry, women clothing and accessories sectors.

The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry will hold a seminar on Oct. 4, aimed to inform Greek business people on prospects and opportunities offered by the Japanese market.

[21] Greek trade deficit fell to 14.7 bln euros in Jan-June, Eurostat

ATHENS, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

The EU executive's statistics agency said Greek exports totalled 6.4 billion euros in the January-June period, while imports totalled 21.1 billion euros over the same period. Compared with the same period in 2004, Greek exports rose 7.0 percent (from 5.9 bln to 6.4 bln euros), while imports were stable at 21.1 billion euros.

Eurostat said Germany recorded the biggest trade surplus in the EU-25 with 83.5 billion euros, followed by Holland (19.5 bln) and Ireland (17 bln euros). The UK (47.5 bln euros), Spain (34.7 bln), Greece (14.7 bln) and France (13.9 bln euros) recorded the biggest trade deficits in the first half of 2005.

Eurozone recoded a trade surplus of 7.2 billion euros with the rest of the world in the January-June period, while the EU-25 a trade deficit of 3.2 billion euros.

[22] BSEC science and technology ministers to meet in Athens on Wednesday

ATHENS, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

The meeting will be chaired by Deputy Development Minister Yiannis Papathanassiou, who is standing in for Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas during the latter's trip to the United States.

The meeting was organised by the development ministry in collaboration with the Black Sea International Studies Centre and will be attended by ministers from Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Ukraine, Romania, the Russian Federation, Serbia and Montenegro and Turkey, as well as representatives of the European Union and non-governmental organisations.

The meeting is expected to adopt an action plan and a joint declaration that aims to promote cooperation between states on science and technology issues, as a lever for development in the Black Sea region.

[23] Greek, Israeli Capital Markets' Commissions sign cooperation protocol

ATHENS, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

Under the protocol, signed in Athens, confidential information could be exchanged between the two Capital Markets' Commission to improve supervision in domestic markets.

The protocol will facilitate international cooperation between stock markets, companies and capital markets' agencies and is considered the first step in establishing and further improving bilateral relations in the capital markets.

The protocol was signed by Israel's Capital Markets Commission president Moshe Tery. Israel's ambassador to Greece, Ram Aviram, also attended the signing ceremony.

[24] Greek stocks continue moving up

ATHENS, 28/9/2005 (ANA)

The composite index rose 0.35 percent to end at 3,310.22 points with turnover a heavy 233.7 million euros.

Sector indices ended higher with the Insurance (3.65 pct), Industrials (1.66 pct), Mineral-Cement (1.55 pct) and Metals (1.12 pct), scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day. The IT Solutions (0.91 pct), Constructions (0.52 pct), Wholesale (0.48 pct) and Banks (0.44 pct) suffered losses.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.16 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 0.16 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 0.49 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 147 to 113 with another 72 issues unchanged.