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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-10-08Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>October 8, 2005CONTENTS
[01] FinMin defends economic policy choiceATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)Reduction of fiscal deficits is achieved mainly through structural measures and less with a debt securitization program, Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis said on Friday.Speaking to reporters, Alogoskoufis said the government took over a tragic situation which had to be dealt with to avoid a fiscal imbalance and missing the goals of a Stability and Growth Pact. The Greek minister stressed the government consciously opted for a mild adjustment policy, a policy leading to growth, more employment and supporting social cohesion. Greece's fiscal deficit is falling from 6.6 pct of GDP in 2004 to 3.6 pct this year and it is expected to fall to 2.8 pct in 2006, while economic growth was 3.6 pct and unemployment fell by one percentage point, Alogoskoufis said. The Greek minister stressed that a 2006 draft budget plan reflected a government success in achieving fiscal restructuring through a reduction of deficits and promotion of structural measures. Alogoskoufis underlined that a debt securitization plan would proceed according to Eurostat's regulations and noted that any differences over securitization plan in 2006 would be resolved by the EU Economy and Finance ministers' council. New budget in freefall, with or without securitization, main opposition charges Main opposition PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanassakis on Friday accused the government of subjecting the country through "yet another humiliation" after its general economic audit through the new draft budget submitted by Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, which Athanassakis described as being "up in the air". Athanassakis stressed that the government's draft budget for 2006 - with or without the securitization of uncollected revenue that has not yet been approved by the European Commission - was in "freefall". [02] Prime Minister outlines Greek economy achievements at dinner for ECB's executive boardATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis hosted a dinner for the President of the European Central Bank (ECB) Jean-Claude Trichet and the members of the bank's executive board, in the Ancient Agora under the Acropolis, on Thursday evening.The ECB's executives held a meeting in Athens for the first time ever earlier in the day. In an address, the prime minister said that the economic and monetary union constituted the "most advanced pylon of the common European edifice". "The introduction of the euro and the establishment of the European Central Bank is one of the most important landmarks in the course towards European integration," he added. "It was the initial move in a comprehensive plan, a plan which had been worked out and is now being implemented with the aim of making European economy capable of meeting the global changes and challenges...The globalization of markets and the ever increasing international competition proved that the plan was, and is, not only feasible but also absolutely necessary, in all its extend, regarding both monetary stability and fiscal reform as well as structural changes," Karamanlis said. Karamanlis said that the EU's monetary unification, the creation of a large common market and the establishment of a single currency entailed substantial benefits for the member countries of the Euro-zone. "The economies of our countries were relieved of the cost entailed by the 12 different currencies. Cross-border trade, commercial transactions and tourism movement were facilitated to a large degree. The medium-term and long-term interest rates were reduced and have been maintained at low levels, which significantly contributed to investments, growth, reduction of the cost of servicing the public debt. Significant stability was achieved in prices, as inflation in the Euro-zone, despite the unprecedented skyrocketing of international oil prices, is at a historic low. A more stable and efficient economic environment was created," he said. The prime minister also referred at length to the impact of the EU's economic and monetary union (EMU) on Greece and the achievements of the Greek government in the sector of economy in the past 18 months. "The monetary stability, but also the low interest rates of the euro, gave a substantial boost to private consumption and facilitated the servicing of the public debt," Karamanlis said, stressing, however, that the postponements and particularly the lack of reforms in the past had left intense marks on the operation of the State and the economy, but adding that the new government, that of his ruling New Democracy party (ND), with a sense of responsibility and respect to the Stability and Growth Pact, immediately pinpointed the chronic problems of the past and was developing effective policies to tackle them. He noted that his government was applying a policy of mild fiscal adjustment so as to reduce the deficit to below the 3 percentage point mark by end-2006, was formulating a new developmental model based on encouraging healthy entrepreneurship, cooperation between the public and private sectors, constant improvement of quality, productivity and competitiveness, exploitation of the new advancements, technology, research and innovation, and economic outwardness. The government was also proceeding, with determination and a sense of social responsibility, in reforms that have been necessary for many years, in order to render the Greek economy more productive, more competitive, and more out-reaching, he said. It had further reduced the corporate tax brackets and simplified taxation procedures, introduced increased investment incentives and a uniform legal framework for collaboration between the public and private sectors, advanced reforms in the banking sector to make it more efficient and more competitive, reinforced flexibility in the labor market, limited and was continuing to reduce bureaucracy with respect to the establishment of new enterprises, was proceed with new denationalizations and liberalization of the energy market, and was applying policies for the gradual reduction of the country's oil dependence, for conservation of energy and for exploitation of renewable energy sources, the prime minister explained. Karamanlis stressed that the investment environment in Greece had improved over the past 18 months and continued to improve consistently; that Greece had achieved a substantial fiscal adjustment in an environment of high domestic growth, which was expected to accelerate further in the immediate future; the public debt was de-escalating at a faster rate; exports and tourism traffic to Greece were increasing; and unemployment was presenting encouraging signs of reduction. The country, the premier said, was moving decisively towards more efficient and speedier exploitation of its participation in the EMU. It was creating a new developmental environment that was more attractive for investments and friendly to business concerns. It was also playing a decisive role in the developmental efforts in SE Europe, and utilizing its geopolitical position and its membership in all the major international financial and political organizations with the aim of strengthening cooperation, growth and progress throughout the wider region. Greece today was the most appropriate location for the headquarters and research centers of major European enterprises penetrating the neighboring countries. It was the gateway to Europe for Asia, the Middle East, and the eastern Mediterranean. It was the only EU and EMU member country in a region of substantial developmental prospects. Greece was gradually developing into an international energy hub, which reinforced not only the developmental prospects but also cooperation, stability and peace in the entire region, Karamanlis added. [03] Deputy FinMin Regouzas resigns postATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)Deputy national economy and finance minister Adam Regouzas submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis at noon Friday.The resignation was accepted. Regouzas' letter of resignation was due to be made public later in the day. Regouzas' replacement would be announced within the next few days, according to reliable sources. In a statement issued later Regouzas said that "following the constant and unjust attacks I have been subjected to recently, I have decided to resign from the position of deputy minister of national economy and finance in order to seek my vindication through the justice system". "This action has only one purpose, to bring out the truth, without the obligations entailed by the post I hold today. The truth is one. The interests and their servants have been inconvenienced by the war I have waged. The truth will shine through Justice," the terse statement concluded. Gov't rules out reshuffle in the wake of Regouzas resignation; political parties' reactions Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos on Friday announced the resignation of Deputy Finance Minister Adam Regouzas but ruled out the possibility of a general reshuffle in the wake of the minister's departure. He said the minister's resignation had been accepted by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and that his successor to the finance ministry will be announced over the coming days. He also stressed that the resignation had been made by Regouzas on his own initiative, without any prompting from the government. The spokesman was asked repeated questions concerning an alleged "privileged relationship" between the outgoing minister and the owner of a regional television station, as well as the allocation of state advertising contracts, as revealed by a television program broadcast on Thursday night. Roussopoulos denied any knowledge of any special relationship, saying that the government had issued a circular about the distribution of state advertising. The spokesman further reminded reporters that he had personally asked the National Radio and Television Council (ESR) to intervene concerning the exploitation of 090 numbers by television channels - an activity also attributed to the regional channel that Regouzas allegedly had links with - that had led to a prosecutor's investigation into the affair. Political party reactions: Reacting to the news of the minister's resignation, meanwhile, the opposition parties expressed misgivings about whether this would solve underlying problems with transparency within ruling New Democracy. Main opposition PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanassakis said that Regouzas was "just the tip of the iceberg" within the ruling party and criticized Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis for not seeking the minister's resignation long ago. "Regouzas is leaving, but the Regouzas attitude remains in the ND government," Athanassakis said. He also accused the government of following policies that benefited the few at the expense of the many. The Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party, through its spokesman Nikos Voutsis, said that Regouzas had accused "interests" of forcing him to resign when neither he, nor his political superiors, had made any reference to specific interests at a time when serious issues of transparency and graft in the crucial economic sector occupied public opinion. He said the government had an obligation to either deny or confirm the statements of the outgoing minister, backed up by facts. [04] Deputy FM attends 'Friends of Cohesion' meetingBUDAPEST, 08/10/2005 (ANA)The working meeting of 17 European Union countries, known as "Friends of the Policy of Cohesion", sent a "message" to the EU's presidency and the European Commission from here on Friday on securing the next EU budget for 2007-2013 and the "4th Community Support Framework". Greece was represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis.Speaking after the meeting, attended by the deputy foreign and European affairs ministers of the "17" and of three additional countries, Valinakis said the message has three targets. Firstly, a relevant agreement to be acceptable to all at the European Council in December. Secondly, the passing of the message that the Cohesion Policy is a focal one for European unification. Thirdly, that enlargement must be funded in a way that will proportionately burden all the countries participating in this effort. Valinakis added that these are also the aims on the part of Greece, which supports two major targets in Europe. Enlargement on the one hand, which is moving ahead with the recent beginning of accession negotiations with Turkey and Croatia and, on the other, the strengthening and deepening of the EU in the direction of political unification. [05] PASOK party leader criticizes government, says budget 'up in the air'ATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou sharply criticized the government and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis during a political speech on the Ionian island of Corfu on Friday.Papandreou said that "we had pointed out that the budget is up in the air", adding that EU Commissioner Joaquin Almunia left the government and the finance minister exposed with clear indications that in 2006 there is no question of the method of converting uncollected revenues into securities being accepted. The PASOK party leader further said that for the first time we have the non-acceptance of a national budget by the EU and this means that supervision by the EU will become more intense and will be prolonged in time. Referring to foreign policy, Papandreou said the serious inadequacy of Karamanlis in handling foreign policy increases our concerning and skepticism over his capabilities of handling European relations and the course of Turkey's accession negotiations. Papandreou also referred to day-to-day life, saying that despite election proclamations by the New Democracy party and the prime minister to the contrary, "clientele conceptions, social insensibility, neo-liberal authoritarianism, the lack of vision for the country, the lack of seriousness, the lack of ability and the continuous revocation with evident lies of promises to the Greek people are the characteristics of the New Democracy governance." 'Impudence has its limits', Roussopoulos responds to Papandreou: Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, responding to statements earlier on Friday by main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou in Corfu, said that "impudence has its own limits, limits overcome everyday by PASOK and its leader", adding that it was PASOK which followed a policy of "social heartlessness" when it was in power. "Yesterday's social heartlessness, just like today's political hypocrisy and political opportunism, always bear PASOK's indelible seal," Roussopoulos said. [06] Main opposition leader presents PASOK's proposals on educationATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)Main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou presented his party's strategy regarding education during the Conference of Deans held on the island of Corfu on Friday.One of the plan's priorities is to encourage "quality competition with the guarantee of public social monitoring," he said. Papandreou underlined the need for education to lead to employment and thus both fields to communicate continuously. "State university will be the main vehicle in tertiary education, but we are not afraid of other types of non-state institutions," he said, adding that he was in favor of state controls to secure public interest, the link with productive forces and social needs. According to PASOK's president, funding of universities' research - both basic and applied - is necessary in order to generate new knowledge and innovative technology in the former case and to contribute to the country's economic progress in the latter case. He said that according to PASOK, 40% of the 4th Community Support Framework must be invested in education. Referring to the problems tertiary education currently faces, Papandreou cited bureaucracy, suffocatingly close ties with the central administration and ineffective management. The 'drastic changes' PASOK proposes include that each university is allowed to shape its own objectives, strategy and structure; is able to establish new programs or departments through internal procedures; can find other sources of funding other than the state; provide universities with incentives to partner with renowned Greek scientists abroad who will commit to fixed-term teaching assignments. Finally, in terms of university funding, Papandreou said that a simple and transparent system for distribution of funds is necessary and can be set up drawing on the experience of other EU member states. State funding should be distributed in a way that will reward the best institutions, departments or research centers while helping those that need support to develop further, he concluded. [07] PASOK proposal aims to provide schoolchildren computer accessATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)Main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou presented a proposal that will enable each student to have his/her own computer at a reasonably low cost.Addressing the Conference of Deans, held on Corfu on Friday, Papandreou proposed the creation of a work group, comprised of deans and academics, which will explore ways of realizing this plan. The concept originally belongs to Nicholas Negroponte, Wiesner Professor of Media Technology at the Massachussets Institute of Technology (MIT). [08] Education ministry finds discrepancies between PASOK's words and actions regarding educationATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)The Education Ministry highlighted discrepancies in what main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou said when addressing the Conference of Deans and what his party has done, in a statement issued on Friday."PASOK's rejection of the Evaluation and Continuing Education bill which was recently passed in Parliament does raise questions," the statement read. Further, the ministry stated that delays that occurred in the past have led to serious problems in terms of universities' educational and research operations. In the statement, the ministry also stressed that Greece has significant human resources in scientific fields who can contribute, through better cooperation, to faster developments. "We believe that the main opposition leader's views can contribute to this and we await his party's active participation on all levels of dialogue and cooperation," the ministry stated. [09] Coalition leader criticizes EU Commissioner's stance on economic issuesATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)The leader of the left-wing Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party Alekos Alavanos criticized visiting European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia on Friday as an "ally of the New Democracy government who came here to ask for more taxes, less spending on health and employment and flexible labor relations".Making particular note of the fact that the EU Commissioner for economic and monetary affairs had a socialist background, Alavanos stressed that "the bureaucrats in Brussels have not yet learned their lesson from the French referendum". He urged main opposition PASOK to openly condemn Almunia's statements while in Greece, if it wanted to differentiate itself in the slightest from conservative ND. [10] Czech Republic's chief of staff to visit Greece next weekPRAGUE, 08/10/2005 (ANA)The Czech Republic's chief of the armed forces general staff, Lt.-Gen. Pavel Stefka, arrives in Athens on Monday for a three-day official visit at the invitation of chief of the Hellenic national defense general staff (GEETHA) Admiral Panayotis Hinofotis, it was announced on Friday.During his visit, Stefka will hold talks with Hinofotis on matters of bilateral military cooperation as well as issues of interest to NATO and the European Union. He will be further received by Greece's national defense minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos. [11] DM says armed forces factor of stability and peace, former PM calls for conscription at the age of 18ATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos, speaking at an event organized by reservist officers in the Cretan town of Hania on Friday night, said the country's armed forces currently constitute a steadfast factor of stability and peace in the wider region of the southeastern Mediterranean."Our armed forces, having full, equal and active participation and cooperation with our allies and the international organizations, such as the UN, the European Union and NATO, constitute a strong factor of stability and peace in the wider region of the southeastern Mediterranean," the minister said. Spiliotopoulos also praised the role played by reservist organizations, stressing that "they preserve historical memory and honor those who struggled to enable us to live and breathe the air of freedom and democracy today". Former prime minister and honorary president of the ruling New Democracy party Constantine Mitsotakis, speaking at the same event, called for conscription at the age of 18. Mitsotakis was speaking during the delivery ceremony of the reservist gold cross awarded to him by the confederation of reservist officers and in the presence of Spiliotopoulos. "The army is a big school. Today, what we need is to have people, men and women in the armed forces. And they are rare. We have a great shortage of recruits and great problems which must be resolved. I am glad to hear that the present government as well is coming back to the idea which I had proposed and which; unfortunately, we did not have time to implement for youngsters to be recruited at the age of 18. Both men and women should be recruited. And they should serve a year in the armed forces," Mitsotakis said. "I feel it my duty to say what I am feeling now. Go ahead Mr. minister with recruitment at the age of 18. Recruit all without any exception. Restore order and discipline in the armed forces, give officers the right to command the military. Deal a blow at the various smart-alecks, the absentees who want to avoid recruitment or to serve where they want so that you can give the Greek people the feeling that all the Greeks, at last, are equal before the law," he added. [12] Deputy FM meets with US ambassadorATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis discussed strengthening Greek-US cooperation on issues of international development aid during his meeting with US Ambassador to Greece Charles Ries on Friday.The two officials also exchanged views on energy and economic diplomacy issues. [13] ECB chief: No major reason to hike rates despite inflationary pressureATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)The European Central Bank sees no major need to hike its key rates despite increasing inflationary pressures, its governor, Jean-Claude Trichet, said on Friday."Retail prices are rising due to oil, and we are already above the 2.0% level that the ECB believes serves price stability," Trichet told Greece's Sky radion in an interview. "At the same time, great care is required so that prices fall below 2.0%. An additional challenge is the fact that the rise in oil prices is leading the economy towards recession," the ECB chief said. Of major concern was the moment when the rise in oil prices would roll down into pricing across the board, and into wages and other payments. "This would lead to a continuous rise in inflation," he said. Another risk on the horizon was money in circulation and borrowing by business and households, which were rising fast and could act as a further inflationary pressure in the future. "At present, the ECB has not diagnosed serious secondary pressure on prices, beyond primary pressure from oil," Trichet said. He implied that the ECB would be ready to hike interest rates when that pressure emerged. [14] Employment and finance ministries prepare Greek Strategy Report on PensionsATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)A Greek Strategy Report on Pensions prepared by the employment and finance and economy ministries refers to national dialogue initiatives on the social security issue, according to which necessary reforms must be agreed on, which will shield the social insurance system in the decades to come and will make it viable.The report was prepared in the framework of the Open Coordination Method, agreed by the European Council in Laaken, in December 2001, with the prospect of coordinating European social insurance systems. The National Report on Greece for 2005 sets a number of targets to achieve the adequacy and viability of the system. The targets include securing a minimum income from pensions which, together with a series of benefits, structures and commodities, will enable a dignified standard of living. They also include the grouping or merging of pensioning agencies and, wherever this is not possible, harmonizing or enacting unified pensioning preconditions or minimum social benefits. [15] Greek inflation rose to 3.9 pct in September, yr/yrATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)Greek inflation rose to 3.9 percent in September compared with the same month last year, with the consumer price index rising 2.2 percent from August 2005, the National Statistics Service said on Friday.NSS, in its monthly report, attributed the 3.9 percent increase in the consumer price index to: a 9.5 pct rise in housing prices, a 6.5 pct increase in transport, a 3.6 pct rise in clothing and footwear, a 3.5 pct increase in education and increases of 3.3 pct and 3.7 pct in alcohol drinks and tobacco and healthcare prices, respectively. The statistics service said the monthly 2.2 percent increase in the consumer price index reflected a 13.8 pct in clothing-footwear prices, a 3.3 pct increase in education, a 5.1 pct rise in durable goods and a 1.3 pct increase in transport prices. Greece's harmonized inflation rate rose 3.9 percent in September from the same month in 2004. Manolis Kontopyrakis, National Statistics Service's secretary general, predicted that the average consumer price index would rise by 3.5-3.6 pct this year, while he predicted that there would be no further increases in the inflation rate in October if fuel prices remained at current levels. Kontopyrakis, commenting on recent criticism over the accuracy of official statistics on unemployment, said the number of employed people was higher than before and stressed that unemployment was a two-year low. Kontopyrakis noted that statistics figures were not questionable as the statistics service was using a method compatible with Eurostat's regulations. [16] Monastiraki-Aegaleo subway line ready in early 2007ATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)A new, 4.3 km length, subway train line linking Monastiraki with Aegaleo -in western Athens- will be ready in the first quarter of 2007, Town Planning, Environment and Public Works Minister George Souflias said on Friday.Speaking to reporters, Souflias said the project, worth 600 million euros, would service 80,000 passengers daily and stressed that the trip would last six minutes. The Greek minister said the Athens metro service would be extended from Aegaleo to Chaidari and to Piraeus. Souflias defended an international tender for a project to build part of a national road network in Maliakos and said the ministry awarded the project to the best bidder. [17] Greek stocks end slightly higher on FridayATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)Greek stocks ended the last trading session of the week with minor gains, reflecting renewed buying interest for blue chip stocks.The composite index rose 0.14 pct to end at 3,353.84 points, for a net loss of 0.83 pct in the week. Turnover was 211 million euros. Sector indices ended higher, with the Mineral-Cement (1.05 pct), Investments (0.75 pct), Insurance (0.73 pct) and Food-Beverage (0.63 pct) scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day. The IT Solutions (0.99 pct), Telecommunications (0.80 pct), Metals (0.56 pct) and Wholesale (0.50 pct) suffered losses. The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.19 pct, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.04 pct and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 0.37 pct. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 136 to 122 with another 72 issues unchanged. Bond Market Close: Buyers lag sellers Foreign Exchange Rates: Monday Reference buying rates per euro released by the European Central Bank: U.S. dollar 1.224 [18] Concert dedicated to Theodorakis' 80th anniversary to be held in GermanyATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)A concert dedicated to internationally renowned Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis, in honor of his 80th year, will be given by second-generation Greek-German soprano Alexandra Gravas in the German town of Neu Isenburg, south of Frankfurt, on Saturday.The concert will be held at Hugenotten Halle - one of the largest concert halls in the country - and was organized in collaboration with Greek community organizations. Gravas will be accompanied by the 40-member Bess orchestra and pianist Demosthenes Stefanides in a performance of landmark Theodorakis' songs performed as pieces of classical music. Gravas has a thriving international career as a classical singer and has worked with Theodorakis in the past, releasing an album of Theodorakis' songs in 2003. [19] Cypriot president to honor TheodorakisNICOSIA, 8/10/2005 (ANA/A.Viketos)President of the Cyprus Republic Tassos Papadopoulos will decorate Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis when the latter arrives here on Monday following an invitation from the leftist AKEL party.AKEL Secretary General and House of Representatives Speaker Dimitris Christofias will be honoring Theodorakis on occasion of his 80th birthday and the two will hold a joint conference. A special concert, organized by AKEL, will be held on Tuesday, in Theodorakis' honor, with Greek singers such as George Dalaras, Maria Farantouri, and Petros Pandis performing Theodarakis' works. Moscow's New Opera Theatre Orchestra and Choir and the Mikis Theodorakis Orchestra will also be performing. Finally, Nicosia Mayor Michalis Zambelas will also be honoring Theodorakis by offering him the key to the Cypriot capital. [20] Quadripartite meeting in Athens on illegal immigration, drugs, organized crimeATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)A quadripartite meeting will take place in Athens on Monday to discuss ways of combatting illegal immigration, drug trafficking and organized crime, attended by the interior ministers of Iran, Pakistan and Turkey and Greece's public order minister George Voulgarakis.Interior ministers Mostafa Pur-Mohammadi of Iran, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao of Pakistan and Abdulkadir Aksu of Turkey, and Voulgarakis, will be meeting in the framework of cooperation on stamping out illegal immigration, drug trafficking and organized crime. The meeting, which opens Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the public order ministry, comes as a follow-up to Voulgarakis' official visit to Pakistan in May 2005, where the idea of holding the quadripartite conference was first discussed. A bilateral cooperation agreement between Greece and Pakistan was signed during the visit, pertaining to combatting terrorism, drug trafficking, illegal immigration and organized crime. In Athens, the ministers will discuss the development of effective strategies for joint confrontation of illegal immigration, particularly given that Greece, due to its geographical position, is an important gateway to the European Union, and also strengthening cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime in general. The visiting ministers, accompanied by Voulgarakis, will also call on President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias and foreign minister Petros Molyviatis on Monday. [21] Shelter for abused women and children opens in AthensATHENS, 08/10/2005 (ANA)Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis and Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos inaugurated a shelter for abused women and children that opened in Athens' Kypseli district on Friday.The centre, funded by the ministry's Hellenic Aid agency, will operate under the auspices of the Church of Greece NGO "Solidarity." Christodoulos described the project as a "marvelous and healthy collaboration between Church and State, which reaped benefits." The centre will provide psychological support and legal advice to victims of human trafficking. The six-storey, 600 sq. meter building can house up to 50 people. "We are trying to provide relief to the victims of modern-day slavery, to abused women and children forced to work on the streets," Stylianidis said. According to sources, Hellenic Aid this year is focusing its activities in locating victims, providing them legal support, and researching the spread of this phenomenon. Data from the Public Order and Foreign Affairs ministries reveal that the greatest number of female victims of human trafficking is from Ukraine, Moldova, Russia and Romania. The greatest number of child victims is from Albania and Romania. Men also fall victims to human trafficking and are mainly used for farm work. Male victims of human trafficking are primarily from Asian countries. [22] Albanian authorities arrest 7 police officers in Schengen visa forgery ringTIRANA, 8/10/2005 (ANA - I. Patso)Albanian police this week arrested seven of their colleagues as well as another three individuals on charges related to a ring forging mostly Schengen Pact visas.According to local reports, the arrested police officers including high-ranking officials and law enforcement officers assigned to the security detail at Tirana's airport. Forging equipment, including state-of-the-art software, was discovered in an apartment in the Albanian capital, while authorities believe other suspects are involved. The initial investigation reportedly began when a French embassy official expressed concern over the trafficking of forged Schengen validations on passports. [23] Cyprus President: Turkey's obligation to achieve Cyprus settlement securedNICOSIA, 8/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)The Cyprus government has secured the obligation of Turkey to continue being committed to the achievement of a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the UN framework, and according to the principles on which the EU was founded, Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos has said.In an opening statement during a televised interview on Tuesday night, Papadopoulos said that ''if Turkey refuses to implement its obligations towards the Republic of Cyprus (an EU member-state) then it will face serious problems during its membership talks.'' He stressed that ''our firm goal is a Cyprus settlement that will put an end to the (Turkish) occupation and safeguard the interests of the people of Cyprus as a whole.'' Papadopoulos said that ''as referred in the Negotiating Framework and the EU Counterstatement to Turkey of September 21, this solution must be in line with the UN resolutions and the principles on which the EU was founded.'' He thanked the Greek government ''for its steadfast and active support to our effort,'' adding that ''the positive stance of our EU partners, without the help of which we would not achieve our goals in the negotiating framework must be appreciated.'' Papadopoulos noted that ''many things have been said and many analyses have been made as regards the agreement on the start of Turkey's EU accession negotiations and the framework in which they will be conducted.'' The Cypriot president said that in an effort to reach a Cyprus settlement ''we took initiatives and submitted to the UN Secretary General the amendments we pursue in the Annan Plan.'' ''Our position is that despite the intransigent position of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot side, the Secretary General must not abandon his efforts, on the contrary he must go on with them at the pace and the way he himself decides, with a view to create the necessary preconditions for the resumption of the talks with the prospect of an agreement the soonest possible.'' Papadopoulos said the UN Secretary General agreed with this position during their meeting last month in New York. He added that ''to achieve a settlement we have planned and implement with determination a strategy with interim stop-overs and realistic targets.'' Papadopoulos said that the launch of Turkey's EU membership talks was not and could not be related with the detailed parameters of a Cyprus settlement. ''Despite this fact,'' he added, ''we secured Turkey's obligation to continue being committed to the achievement of a comprehensive Cyprus settlement within the UN framework and according to the principles on which the Union was founded, including actions for the creation of a favorable climate and the normalization of its relations with the Cyprus Republic.'' ''Normalization of relations means the end of repercussions from the (Turkish) invasion and occupation, such as withdrawal of Turkish troops and colonist settlers, termination of the illegal exploitation of Greek Cypriot properties and full respect of human rights,'' he noted. President Papadopoulos said that ''Turkey signed the Protocol extending the Customs Union undertaking the obligation to implement it. Additional specific obligations of Turkey towards the Republic of Cyprus have been included in the Negotiating Framework.'' He noted that ''according to the opinion of the EU Legal Service, the start of membership talks is a de facto recognition of the Republic of Cyprus, since it constitutes a fundamental component of Turkey's accession course.'' ''Turkey is obliged to recognize even de jure the Republic of Cyprus during its accession course,'' he added, noting that ''if Turkey refuses to implement its obligations towards the Republic of Cyprus then it will face serious problems during its membership negotiations.'' He noted that the first evaluation of Turkey's obligations will take place in 2006. Papadopoulos said that in order to achieve all these the Cyprus government acted on the basis of three axes: The enhancement of Cyprus' political position and influence within the EU, the reestablishment of the need for a Cyprus settlement, which had flagged after the referendum, with the acceptance that the justified Greek Cypriots concerns must be met, and the maintenance of Turkey's EU bid with certain binding obligations serving the prospect of a Cyprus settlement. ''We built alliances, we gained support for our positions from the vast majority of our partners,'' he said, adding that the government handles developments with responsibility and stability. He said that the sole goal of his decisions was, is and will be how to serve the interest of the country and its people. ''I would not be a responsible leader, if I sacrificed prospects for a Cyprus settlement for temporary slogans, without substantive or practical meaning,'' he added. Papadopoulos said that ''we are among those who control Turkey's European course,'' pledging to ''continue our struggle until the end of the occupation and the vindication of our homeland for the interest of the people, as a whole, within the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.'' Noting that ''the course will be difficult,'' Papadopoulos expressed optimism that its outcome ''will be the one we all desire.'' [24] President expects UN move, will not consent to any solutionNICOSIA, 08/10/2005 (ANA)President Papadopoulos also said that UN Secretary General will make some moves in the not too distant future with regard to his continuing efforts to find a negotiated settlement.He said Kofi Annan's efforts on Cyprus have not come to an end, adding that Annan wishes to have a closer involvement in the question of Cyprus. Responding to questions, he also said that Turkey's EU accession course could help the peace effort, reiterating his firm objective to achieve a solution of a bizonal, bicommunal federation. ''I will not consent to an unacceptable solution irrespective of the cost, we have strengthened out position,'' compared with what it was after the overwhelming majority of the Greek Cypriots rejected a UN proposed solution plan, he said. The president described as ''hostile to Cyprus and a provocation for the EU'' a statement by Turkish premier that he would not allow Cypriot ships and aircraft to use his country's ports and airports until the so-called embargo on Turkish occupied Cyprus is lifted. ''This kind of behavior has not passed unnoticed,'' he said. Papadopoulos revealed that there are ''regular contacts'' with the Turkish Cypriot side under UN auspices to discuss matters of daily life, some of which are settled. He said the right to exercise a veto will always be among Cyprus' options during Turkey's EU accession course, but pointed out that the pros and cons of such a move must be carefully thought out. He explained that the EU has no monitoring mechanisms to ensure Turkey's compliance with its obligations to the Union and the available options are either to suspend or cancel membership talks with Ankara. Papadopoulos explained that the European Council will be the judge that will determine whether Turkey meets its obligations to the EU, adding that Ankara has an obligation to recognize Cyprus de jure when membership talks start. Responding to questions, he said he wants to see a more active EU involvement in the effort for a settlement, which would help the peace effort, noting that Brussels is best placed to determine whether aspects of the solution are in line with the acquis communautaire. On the normalization of relations with Turkey, which does not recognize Cyprus, he said this would come through Ankara's accession negotiations, pointing out that decisions with regard to Cyprus on core issues are taken in Ankara. On the prospects for a speedy solution, he said Turkey does not want a solution that would not meet its fundamental goal, which is to establish one way or another stronghold in Cyprus. Asked if he should renounce the Annan plan, he said such a move will not bury the plan but it would destroy the good will Cyprus has gained with regard to the positions of the Greek Cypriot side. ''We accept the fundamental philosophy of the plan, which is the bizonal, bicommunal federation,'' he said. Responding to questions, he said the government had neither thought nor examined the possibility of applying to join NATO. Papadopoulos confirmed that US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice did ring him earlier this week to express US concerns about EU decisions that would allow participation of member states in NATO. Turkey, an acceding country, vehemently objects even to any hint that Cyprus may be thinking to apply for NATO membership. Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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