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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-10-20

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

October 20, 2005

CONTENTS

  • [01] Tests for bird flu in Greece almost entirely negative so far, government stresses
  • [02] Commission says ban on poultry movements for Chios still in place
  • [03] Health minister visits Oinousses for briefing on single incident of H5 virus
  • [04] Trucks entering Greece from Turkey and Bulgaria disinfected as precautionary measure against avian flu
  • [05] Greece most likely not infected by bird flu, veterinary professor says
  • [06] Supreme court orders investigation into media furor over bird flu case
  • [07] President Papoulias concludes official visit to Cyprus
  • [08] Day of Cyprus' vindication approaching, Greek President Papoulias says
  • [09] Papoulias honored by municipalities in Cyprus
  • [10] Turkey continues 'tough line' vis-a-vis Cyprus, demands EU lift embargo of occupied areas
  • [11] PM confers with Education minister
  • [12] Pavlopoulos adamant over gov't intent to fight corruption
  • [13] PASOK party spokesman doubts statements by ministers on transparency and corruption
  • [14] File on terrorism in Greece is still open, public order minister stresses
  • [15] Public works minister denies allegations by PASOK party regarding public works projects
  • [16] Venizelos criticizes gov't policy on social security reform
  • [17] Broadcasting needs to be 'cleaned up', Development Minister says
  • [18] FM meets with KKE representative
  • [19] Defense ministry criticizes PASOK party on hiring of professional soldiers
  • [20] Union submits bill proposal on safeguarding of religious freedom
  • [21] Parliament president meets with Serbia-Montenegro ambassador
  • [22] Event held in memory of PASOK's Marilena Êonali-Kontou
  • [23] Greek politician Maria Vassilakou candidate for Greens Party in Vienna municipal and local elections
  • [24] Greece to abolish tax incentives to foreign enterprises
  • [25] S&P said Greece needs more measures to reduce deficit
  • [26] Government efforts to bring Greece into new digital era
  • [27] Greece strengthens its presence in export markets
  • [28] Tourist development ministry shaping new strategy on tourist training
  • [29] Tourist minister gives interview to Greek community newspaper in U.S.,
  • [30] Greece had the lowest price in unleaded fuel in Europe in September and the third lowest in diesel
  • [31] SYN leader visits Papastratos tobacco company
  • [32] Journalist unionists brief labor minister on occupational issues
  • [33] Greek stocks drop sharply, tagging international markets
  • [34] CoE meeting on migration
  • [35] Turkish people-smuggler sentenced to life by Samos court
  • [36] Latest publication details impact of Macedonia, as a name, on modern Greece since 1912
  • [37] Italian FM Fini unveils draft UN resolution calling for Olympic Truce for Turin 2006 Winter Games
  • [38] Olympiakos loses 2-1 away to Lyon in Champions League match
  • [39] International Agreement's plan against doping to be tabled in Parliament
  • [40] EPP favors solution based on UN resolutions and EU values
  • [41] Russian Deputy Defense Minister holds meetings in Cyprus

  • [01] Tests for bird flu in Greece almost entirely negative so far, government stresses

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    The results of tests for avian flu on a series of samples taken in Greece have so far been entirely negative, with the exception of the single sample taken from the turkey farm in Oinousses, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said on Wednesday.

    The spokesman underlined that experts were not alarmed by the results of tests taken from the free-range farm at Oinousses, since most of the birds in the same farm had been found clear of the H5 virus.

    He also stressed that the single positive result had been obtained after the sample had been tested three times and that this had only shown evidence leading to a suspicion of H5, with symptoms shown at the preliminary stages of bird flu rather than the full-blown disease.

    "From the evidence so far, there is no cause for concern. A single sample is not so important, what matters is the total of samples taken," the spokesman added.

    Roussopoulos said that tests for avian flu had been carried out on random samples over the past few months following discussion among EU member-states. He said the scientific method used called for taking samples from several birds to determine if the disease had spread, while all the results so far had been negative.

    He explained that tests have been carried out on a north-south axis, following the path of migratory birds.

    According to the spokesman, up to 50 samples had been taken in the past week, one of which was from the farm in Oinousses where a single bird tested positive for the virus.

    "The next step, according to the scientists in charge, was to take more samples from the same area. Out of nine samples taken, representing more than 50 per cent of the birds in the specific farm, eight were blood samples that were examined by the Thessaloniki Laboratory and one was a tissue sample was sent to the veterinary laboratories in London."

    "Today, we have collected 154 samples in Thessaloniki, of which 40 have been tested and were all negative. We also have 44 samples from Athens, of which 16 have been tested and are all negative, while tests are continuing," the spokesman said.

    He also announced that two EU experts were arriving in Athens to assist Greek authorities on Thursday, at the invitation of the agriculture ministry.

    Concerning exports of poultry, Roussopoulos clarified that the island Chios - under whose jurisdiction the smaller island of Oinousses falls - was is a major poultry-exporting region and that the birds had been from a small family concern, destined for own or local use. He said Greek authorities will carry out an investigation at customs to see if there had been any trade of poultry with neighboring Turkey, while stressing that this was in any case not allowed.

    The spokesman also pointed to the praise given to Greece by both the EU presidency and the European Commission, for its response in the affair.

    [02] Commission says ban on poultry movements for Chios still in place

    BRUSSELS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    A spokesman for European Commissioner for health Markos Kyprianou on Wednesday said that the restrictions on the movements of live birds and poultry products in the prefecture of Chios - where one bird had tested positive for the avian flu virus - was still in place since the Commission had not received the results of lab analyses from Greece nor from the veterinary laboratories in Weybridge, Surrey.

    He also announced that the Commission was sending out three Community experts, who will arrive on Chios on Thursday, to give technical support to Greek authorities.

    He also announced that a European-wide drill for dealing with a possible pandemic will be held at the end of November to test the readiness of state mechanisms in the 25 EU member-states to deal with a crisis of this sort.

    [03] Health minister visits Oinousses for briefing on single incident of H5 virus

    OINOUSSES, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Greek Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis himself arrived on the small eastern Aegean island of Oinousses early Wednesday morning for an on-the-spot briefing regarding the single case of suspected Bird Flu in Greece.

    Although initial tests showed that the sample, taken from a dead turkey on a remote family homestead, tested positive for the H5 type of viruses, other tests in Britain are expected to confirm -- in roughly six days -- whether it is the menacing H5N1 strain, Greek officials said on Wednesday.

    "There is absolutely no problem in Oinousses, neither with the residents, nor for all of Greece," Kaklamanis, the former clinical director of radiology at a public hospital in Athens, told reporters.

    Kaklamanis, at the head of a delegation of regional officials and medical experts, did his best to lighten the mood on the small island and around the east Mediterranean country, enjoying a dish of locally produced poultry at an island restaurant in what was undoubtedly the "photo opportunity" of the week.

    He also stressed that no special precautions are necessary for either the couple that raised the suspect turkeys or for the island's residents, in general.

    Authorities again disinfected the area around where the dead turkey was found and properly disposed of the carcasses of dead fowl in a landfill, reports state.

    Additionally, the high-ranking delegation presented physicians at the isle's clinic with 20 flu vaccinations for high-risk groups before returning to Chios, after lunching in Oinousses, to attend a meeting of physicians of the region.

    Oinousses lies just off the eastern coast of the large island of Chios, with the opposite Turkish coast farther to the east.

    Main opposition calls on gov't to brief parliament on bird flu

    Nine main opposition PASOK MPs called on Wednesday for the Parliamentary Committee on Production and Commerce to convene in order to be briefed by Minister of Agricultural Development and Foods Evangelos Basiakos on avian influenza.

    "Ministers' contradictory statements and the insufficient information provided to citizens threaten to transform the bird flu into public panic," MPs said in a statement.

    "Thousands of citizens are lining up at pharmacies for flu shots that do nothing against bird flu, while poultry breeders are finding themselves at an impasse with long-term, disastrous consequences," they said.

    In a related development, PASOK Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis blamed the government for "the confusion and panic created among the public regarding bird flu".

    Athanassakis said the government handled the matter "incompetently" and called on ministers "to get serious."

    Finally, he urged citizens to listen to experts' opinions and not those of ministers.

    [04] Trucks entering Greece from Turkey and Bulgaria disinfected as precautionary measure against avian flu

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    The automatic system of disinfection of trucks entering Greece from Turkey and Bulgaria went into effect on Wednesday morning at the Kypoi and Ormenios customs posts in Evros, northern Greece.

    The operation of the two disinfection tunnels is part of precautionary measures which have been taken to prevent the entry of the avian influenza (bird flu) into Greece.

    Meanwhile, within the next few days the results are expected of tests of the second batch of 69 samples of migratory birds, which were sent to the Thessaloniki Reference Laboratory of the Agricultural Development and Foods Ministry for the checking of bird flu.

    [05] Greece most likely not infected by bird flu, veterinary professor says

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    There is probably no case of bird flu in Greece, veterinary professor Spyros Kyriakis said after meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Foods on Wednesday evening.

    He also said that all procedures dictated by national and EU legislation were followed.

    "The news is good. Except for the laboratory tests, which according to [national] law, veterinary practice, and EU law, must continue, looking at the epidemiological and clinical data that we have from the turkeys in Oinousses, it seems that there is no case of bird flu, the kind that has devastated Southeast Asia. That flu, especially in turkeys, causes death within 48 hours and wipes them out," he said.

    Kyriakis explained that while one of the nine turkeys proved positive to the H5 virus, this in itself is not cause for alarm.

    Among the various strains of the virus, it is the H5N1 strain that is deadly and which has caused numerous deaths in Southeast Asia.

    Results from viral tests that will determine which strain of the H5 virus the infected turkey carried, are expected next week.

    [06] Supreme court orders investigation into media furor over bird flu case

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Supreme Court Prosecutor Dimitris Linos ordered the Thessaloniki Prosecutor on Wednesday to investigate the reasons behind the furor the media created over the bird flu case discovered on the island of Oinousses.

    One out of nine samples taken from a small private poultry farm on the island, which belongs to the Prefecture of Chios, tested positive for the bird flu virus though results for the specific strain will become available next week.

    The Ministry of Agricultural Development and Foods has sent more samples for viral testing to laboratories in Thessaloniki and London.

    [07] President Papoulias concludes official visit to Cyprus

    LARNACA, 20/10/2005 (ANA/A.Viketos/CNA)

    President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias wrapped up his four-day official visit to Cyprus on Wednesday, pledging his country's support in the struggle for a solution to the Cyprus problem.

    Accompanying President Papoulias at Larnaca Airport, Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos asked his Greek counterpart to convey to the Greek government, all politicians and the Greek people, Cyprus' gratitude for its unanimous input in efforts to end the continued tragedy on the island.

    In a statement before departing, Papoulias said he returns home strongly moved with everything that he had lived in the last four days and for him the visit was a spiritual elation.

    "I was spiritually elated because I experienced the high morale of the people of Cyprus, and concern because I experienced their concern over the continued Turkish barbarism on the island", he stressed.

    The Greek President said that he is "very encouraged by the discussions he had with President Papadopoulos and with Cyprus' political leadership".

    He expressed the view that "under these preconditions and with this morale, we will achieve in the end what we are pursuing, a free Cyprus, without occupation troops, a Cyprus that will prosper in the great EU family".

    President Papadopoulos in his statement said the UN decisions and the EU principles offer the framework and basis of the Cyprus problem.

    "We will move within this framework to support and achieve the aim of a solution", President Papadopoulos said. He added that in this effort, Greece remains our supporter.

    The Cypriot President thanked Papoulias for his visit and the message it conveys to the people.

    "It sends messages of unwavering support for the final justification of our common struggle", the president added.

    Papadopoulos stressed that Papoulias' visit renewed his interest for Cyprus and "gave us the opportunity to reiterate the sincere respect we have for you", he added.

    "We assure you that we will continue with consistency to work and cooperate to achieve a functional and viable solution to our national issue", the president concluded.

    A red carpet departure ceremony was held in the presence of President Papadopoulos and the island's political, religious, military leadership and the cabinet.

    During his stay on the island, President Papadopoulos held meetings with President Papadopoulos and the island's political leadership.

    He also visited Makedonitissa Tomb in Nicosia, where army officers and soldiers killed during the 1974 Turkish invasion are buried, and laid a wreath and was declared honorary citizen of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Paralimni, Derynia and occupied Famagusta.

    [08] Day of Cyprus' vindication approaching, Greek President Papoulias says

    DERYNEIA, Cyprus, 20/10/2005 (ANA/N. Megadoukas)

    The day of the Cypriot Hellenism's vindication is approaching, Greece's President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias said Wednesday, speaking at the cultural centre of the Turkish-occupied town of Famagusta in Deryneia during a meeting with the mayors of the occupied towns and mayors of the free region of Famagusta.

    Papoulias expressed the hope that at his next visit to Cyprus he would not meet with the mayors of occupied cities but of free areas, stressing Cyprus and Greece have made substantial progress in attaining advanced positions in the battle they were waging for a solution of the Cyprus problem.

    Papoulias noted that when he had served as foreign minister (in the 1980s under the PASOK governments of Andreas Papandreou) and people would tell him that Cyprus would join the European Union, he would reply that the scenario appeared to be in a "futuristic" realm.

    The President said that he was returning to Greece more optimistic, as during his visit to Cyprus he had received the message of constant struggle to the final victory, a victory of moral order against barbarity, a victory of European civilization against Attila (the code-name given to the 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of the northern part of Cyprus) and the barbarian occupation.

    "I return to Greece fortified by the militant spirit and pulse that I lived with you," he said, adding that in his life he head waged difficult and unequal battles with difficult enemies, battles which he had won, and therefore was in a position to noted that the day of the Cyprus issue's vindication was approaching.

    [09] Papoulias honored by municipalities in Cyprus

    NICOSIA, 20/10/2005 (ANA/N.Megadoukas/CNA)

    Just hours before completing his four-day official visit to the island republic on Wednesday, Greek President Karolos Papoulias was declared honorary citizen of five municipalities and handed the keys of the cities.

    In Limassol President Papoulias said Cyprus can and should be able to look to the future with optimism, maintaining inextinguishable the vision of reunification.

    Receiving the town's gold key from Mayor Demetris Kontides during a ceremony in the presence of municipal, church and military authorities as well as students and citizens, Papoulias said "Cyprus is a favorite destination and with admiration I ascertain the progress and welfare of the Cypriot society, despite the long-term open wounds of people being displaced and occupation".

    He commented on Limassol's progress, saying that despite the fact that it was the town that received most of the refugees during the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island, "it managed to turn the pain into creativity". "Today Limassol maintains the largest transit port in the Mediterranean and is a bridge of communication and cooperation between Europe with the Middle East and the wider Eastern Mediterranean".

    On his part, Kontides welcoming Papoulias said his visit sends a message that Greece is closer to Cyprus more than ever.

    "We look to you and place our hopes in Greece for the justification of our struggles", he added.

    Traveling to the Famagusta district, Papoulias stopped at Paralimni and was greeted with a bouquet of flowers by the daughter of Tasos Isaak, Anastasia, who was murdered by Turks in August 1996, during anti-occupation demonstrations.

    Papoulias said the "pain is great but the soul is uplifted when the Greek youth gives up its life for freedom".

    Welcomed at Paralimni Municipality by Mayor Nicos Vlittis, Papoulias said he was honored to be in Paralimni where Isaak and Solomos Solomou sacrificed their lives for their country's freedom.

    Papoulias conveyed once again to the people of Cyprus, Greece's support in efforts for reunification and a solution. "We will continue to work with determination and consistency so that all can live in peace and free, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots", he added.

    Handing him the key to the town and declaring him honorary citizen, Vlittis expressed the hope that during his next visit to the island, Famagusta will be free.

    In a ceremony at Derynia, which borders Turkish occupied Famagusta, its Mayor Andreas Shapanis welcomed Papoulias saying his presence "reveals the true feelings of love that he has for our small and tortured Cyprus".

    Shapanis pledged that despite the fact that 75% of Derynia is under Turkish occupation, "we will not yield and will continue the fight for national survival".

    Speaking in Larnaca where he was handed the gold key to the city, President Papoulias assured Cypriot Hellenism that he will continue working systematically and in coordination with Cypriots in fulfilling the common vision and for Hellenism's progress.

    Larnaca Mayor Andreas Moiseos said the "indissoluble bonds of the two countries are reaffirmed with Papoulias' visit. The fact that Cyprus was your first official visit as President constitutes a clear message that Greece will continue to stand by the struggle of the people of Cyprus".

    [10] Turkey continues 'tough line' vis-a-vis Cyprus, demands EU lift embargo of occupied areas

    ISTANBUL, 20/10/2005 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

    The Turkish government on Wednesday continued to display a "hard line" vis-a-vis the Cyprus issue -- only weeks after receiving a EU 'green light' for beginning accession negotiations -- by accusing Nicosia of attempting to shift the issue from the United Nations to the Union's jurisdiction.

    "The Greek Cypriots are trying to shift the Cyprus issue from the UN to the EU," Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Namik Tan told reporters, while adding:

    "The Greek Cypriot administration must meet the calls and expectations of UN General Secretary Kofi Annan instead of wasting time over such initiatives..."

    The Turkish spokesman also demanded that the 25-member Union approve of measures lifting restrictions against the Turkish-occupied pseudo-state in Cyprus' north, warning that "if it does not approve those regulations then it (the European Union) will lose the trust of the Turkish people and the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus'," Tan said, referring to the small and isolated pseudo-state in occupied Cyprus that is recognized only by Ankara.

    Finally, he said a military exercise in the free areas of EU member-state Cyprus does not aid stability and cooperation in the region.

    [11] PM confers with Education minister

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday morning met with Education minister Marietta Yannakou.

    Yannakou made no statements after the meeting.

    The premier later met with Cabinet secretary Argyris Karras.

    [12] Pavlopoulos adamant over gov't intent to fight corruption

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Interior and Public Administration Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos on Wednesday opened a pan-European conference in Athens focusing on transparency and effective management of Community funds by again reiterating the Karamanlis government's efforts to combat corruption in the country will be continuous.

    The three-day conference is hosted by the National Centre for Public Administration and Local Administration in cooperation with the European Anti-Fraud Office.

    In pointing to results from the government's efforts so far, Pavlopoulos noted that a recent report by the NGO Transparency International refers to a "clear improvement" in terms of Greece's "corruption index", something he said overturns the trend over recent years in the country.

    Besides Greek public administration officials, EU member-states' representatives as well as officials from EU candidate-states (Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey) and other Balkan countries (Albania, FYROM and Serbia-Montenegro) are also attending the conference.

    [13] PASOK party spokesman doubts statements by ministers on transparency and corruption

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Main opposition PASOK party spokesman Nikos Athanasakis on Wednesday expressed doubts over statements made by Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos, Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas who had said that Greece has improved its position in the sector of transparency and corruption and has gained two positions since the previous year.

    Athanasakis claimed that the country has not improved its position at all, adding that a half truth is a whole lie. He also provided data according to which Greece had even been in the 35th position compared to the 47th position it has in the current year.

    The spokesman further said that the ruling New Democracy party is bound by the way with which it had handled issues of corruption when it was in the opposition.

    [14] File on terrorism in Greece is still open, public order minister stresses

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Terrorism was not an issue that Greece considers to be over and done with, Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis said on Wednesday, during a ceremony for the naming of the new 'Pavlos Bakoyiannis' Hall on the 7th floor of the public order ministry.

    He stressed that investigations were continuing, that the file on terrorism remained open and everything related to terrorist activity in Greece was being constantly re-evaluated in an attempt to shed light on the very least aspect of terrorist crimes.

    At the same time, Voulgarakis also noted that the organizations that had troubled Greece in the past had today been fully dismantled and all their crimes had been attributed.

    In order for the case to finally be put on the shelf, however, there must be an answer to every last question and the last piece of the 'puzzle' must be put in place, he stressed.

    "Phenomena such as terrorism cannot be exorcised, they have to be faced. It would be politically naive to think that this phenomenon can be wiped off the face of the earth and cease," he added.

    Voulgarakis said that the slain Pavlos Bakoyiannis, whose 16 years ago became one of the most high-profile and celebrated victims of Greek terrorism after he was shot in a busy Athens thoroughfare, had been an major political personality that had played a decisive role in the developments of that time. According to the minister, the consequences and repercussions of Bakoyiannis' murder had not been adequately analyzed up to the present day.

    Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni, who had been married to the murdered politician, said that the issue of terrorism in Greece remained open and demanded constant effort and struggle.

    While agreeing that the greater part of the terrorists responsible were now behind bars, she stressed that all sides must remember that a terrorist strike is a strike against Greek society, democracy, its values and principles.

    "Democracy is not self-evident in any part of the world. Democracy is a tree that we must daily care for and defend," Bakoyianni stressed as she concluded her speech.

    The hall was named after Pavlos Bakoyiannis to mark Day of the Police and the patron saint of the police force, the martyr St. Artemios. It was named after Bakoyiannis in tribute to the sole member of the Greek Parliament to have been murdered by the terrorist group "November 17" and in memory of victims of terrorism everywhere.

    The ceremony was also attended by family members of terrorist victims, including the Athens mayor and her father, former premier and ND honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis.

    [15] Public works minister denies allegations by PASOK party regarding public works projects

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Allegations made by the main opposition PASOK party regarding supposed appointments of pro-government contractors for public works projects drew strong reaction from Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister George Souflias on Wednesday.

    Souflias said that never during his 30-year political career did he preoccupy himself with talk of scandals and stressed that it is "disgraceful that facts should be distorted and that with lies and mudslinging the country cannot forge ahead".

    "Yesterday, in an announcement, the press office of the public ministry replied in a complete and substantiated manner to all that was discussed about public works projects at the Coordinating Body of PASOK and in particular to the lies and populism supported by some," he said.

    Souflias further said he was "indignant" with the effort made by these "some" to embroil the public works ministry in the climate of scandal talk "which, unfortunately, is again poisoning our political life, claiming that allegedly the ministry is favoring the blue (meaning pro-government) contractor Mr. Emfietzoglou and this is supposedly evident in that he came through the window to the projects of Maliakos and the Agrinio Ringroad."

    The minister concluded by saying that "we must all decide that the Greek people are entitled to know the truth. That democracy only breathes with truth. And that with lies and mudslinging the country cannot forge ahead."

    [16] Venizelos criticizes gov't policy on social security reform

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Main opposition PASOK MP and head of the political council's labor, social affairs and health care division Evangelos Venizelos criticized the government over social security reform in comments he made on Wednesday.

    Venizelos called the government's policy on the issue 'hypocritical' whereby on the one hand, the government wants to start a long-term social dialogue on the issue, while on the other "it [the government] systematically and conscientiously undermines the viability of pension funds and of the social security system."

    The former minister also accused the government of refusing to fulfill the state's legal obligations towards the social security fund IKA and other pension funds.

    The government, Venizelos said, "has failed to allocate at least ¬ 1.2 billion in its 2006 budget for the funding of social security".

    Finally, he accused the government of "burdening IKA and subsequently the insured and pensioners with other pension funds' deficits", citing the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization's (OTE) pension fund TAP-OTE and the National Bank of Greece, which is considering a voluntary redundancy scheme, as examples.

    [17] Broadcasting needs to be 'cleaned up', Development Minister says

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Radio and television broadcasting in Greece needs to be rationalized and 'cleaned up', Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said in Parliament on Wednesday during the debate over the "European Society" bill, which was approved in principle.

    Sioufas said broadcasting is in an anarchic state, a situation that needs to change so that broadcasting can operate based on the Constitution and the rules that apply in a well-governed state.

    "This is what we are trying to do," he said.

    Regarding main opposition PASOK MPs' proposed amendment to the bill, which would enable journalists who are members of trade unions to manage radio stations, Sioufas said that this was not possible, since the bill concerns an EU directive.

    Former Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis argued for adopting the amendment, saying that the recent closing of Flash radio station is a repeat of the same incident that occurred 15 years ago prior to an election, "when the same owner shut down a newspaper he had been publishing until then."

    Communist Party of Greece (KKE) MP N. Gatzis asked that the government reconsider adopting the amendment, while Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) MP Asimina Xyrotiri-Ekaterinari voiced her support for the amendment.

    Independent State Deputy Stefanos Manos said the amendment had nothing to do with the bill.

    [18] FM meets with KKE representative

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    A Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Parliamentary spokesman on Wednesday reiterating his party's opposition to any change of borders in the Balkans, while also calling on the Greek government to reassert this position.

    KKE deputy Orestis Kolozov made the statement following a meeting in Athens with Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis. The former also told reporters that he outlined his party's position regarding Turkey's EU prospects, the Cyprus issue and the FYROM 'name issue'.

    [19] Defense ministry criticizes PASOK party on hiring of professional soldiers

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    The defense ministry, replying to a question lodged in Parliament by main opposition PASOK party deputies on a test for hiring professional soldiers, said the test was being carried out with absolute legality and full transparency and the analytical results of every stage were being publicized immediately.

    The deputies said that in a test concerning the air force 242 candidates were included in the list of those who had passed as an exclusive result of their interview.

    "Once again PASOK is following the path of petty partisan expediency, attempting to exploit the anxiety of young people to find employment," the defense ministry said in an announcement.

    "This divisive logic in which it is insisting in investing creates only regret over the way opposition is being exercised," the announcement added.

    [20] Union submits bill proposal on safeguarding of religious freedom

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    The Greek Union for the Rights of People and the Citizen on Wednesday submitted a bill proposal "for the settlement of relations between the State and the Church, religious unions and the safeguarding of religious freedom."

    The proposal was welcomed by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos), through their representatives Antonis Skyllakos and Fotis Kouvelis, respectively, and by independent deputy Stefanos Manos.

    During the presentation of the proposal which was made at the Athens Journalists Union (ESHEA), the vice-president of the Union for the Rights of People and the Citizen, Athens University professor Nikos Alivizatos, said that the proposal "which will be submitted to all the political parties for adoption, does not constitute a 'firework' and will have political continuity."

    He said that on Tuesday evening representatives of the Union met with Education and Religious Affairs Minister Marietta Yiannakou so as to submit to her the proposal, while in the coming days they will meet with main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary-General and Synaspismos leader Alekos Alavanos.

    Alivizatos also noted that the union's proposal "does not seek the separation of the Church from the State but the settlement of relations between them."

    [21] Parliament president meets with Serbia-Montenegro ambassador

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki on Wednesday received the ambassador of Serbia-Montenegro to Athens, Ljiljana Bacedic, at the Parliament building on Wednesday, as the latter paid a courtesy visit to the national legislature.

    [22] Event held in memory of PASOK's Marilena Êonali-Kontou

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    The memory of Madrilène Konali-Kontou, close associate of main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou, was honored on Wednesday evening in a special event organized by the Centre of Research and Action for Peace (KEDE), of which she was a member.

    Papandreou, who was the main speaker, referred to her "significant political activity and to her dynamism and the optimism" with which she fought against cancer over the past 15 years.

    [23] Greek politician Maria Vassilakou candidate for Greens Party in Vienna municipal and local elections

    VIENNA, 20/10/2005 (ANA/D. Dimitrakoudis)

    With a dual objective, to make her party the second political force and to gain 18 per cent, Greek Maria Vassilakou enters the municipal and local elections which will be held in the city and the federal state of Vienna on Sunday, October 23. Vassilakou is the major candidate, head of the parliamentary group and president of the Austrian Greens Party in Vienna.

    Many opinion polls of the past weeks show the party of the 36-year-old Greek woman of being neck and neck with the conservative People's Party of Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel for second place in Vienna, having greatly improved its percentage from the municipal and local elections in March 2001.

    In an exclusive interview to the Athens News Agency (ANA) Wednesday, Vassilakou said she has set as a target 18 per cent and will view any result of her party above 16 per cent as a very great success, given that four and a half years ago it had received 12.5 per cent. The second objective, very important for the Greens, is for them to pass the People's Party of the chancellor, given that this would mean an "earthquake" in the political life of Austria.

    She said that it would give her particular joy what is ascertained in the all the polls, that the Greens will be well ahead of the extreme-right Freedom Party, which in the last elections was second party with 20 per cent and now the polls place them at 8 per cent.

    [24] Greece to abolish tax incentives to foreign enterprises

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    The Greek government will offer new incentives to foreign enterprises in an effort to attract more investments in the country.

    Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis on Wednesday announced an amendment of the law 87/1967 covering the installation of foreign enterprises to Greece in the framework of harmonizing Greek legislation to Community law.

    Speaking to reporters, Alogoskoufis said duty and tax exempts offered by an existing legislation were incompatible with community law since Greece has pledged to maintain these incentives by December 31, 2005. Under the new legislation, all foreign enterprises in the commerce and manufacturing sectors would be included in a new tax regulation system, while corporate tax on earnings would change by using the method of adding a pre-set profit percentage on spending and amortizations.

    The Greek minister stressed that foreign enterprises based in Greece should be obliged to employ at least five people and to report operating spending of at least 100,000 euros annually. "We cannot compete with our neighboring countries in labor cost but we can offer many other comparative advantages," he said.

    Commenting on the dialogue on reforming the pension system, Alogoskoufis said the government supported a dialogue with interested parties and aimed to take initiatives towards this direction, while he reiterated a government's decision not to take any measures during this four-year term. The Greek minister acknowledged that tax receipts fell below expectations so far this year but he sounded optimistic over final results.

    [25] S&P said Greece needs more measures to reduce deficit

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Standard & Poor's Ratings on Wednesday said measures included in Greece's 2006 draft budget plan were not enough to justify an immediate upgrading of the country's credit rating.

    "We acknowledge the better than expected performance of the Greek economy in 2006 after a rise in public investments due to the Olympic Games in 2004," S&P's analyst Trevor Cullinan said in a report. "However, the government continues to resort to one-off measures in its budget, equaling at least 1.0 percent of GDP in 2005, leading to reduced fiscal flexibility in the medium- and long-term".

    S&P expects the general government's deficit to total 4.5 pct of GDP this year and stressed that economic imbalances were widening, with the current account deficit reaching 7.7 pct of GDP in the first half of 2005, from 6.4 pct last year. The credit ratings agency expects the country's public debt to total 106 pct of GDP in 2006, slightly above budget projections.

    "Greece lacks a coherent strategy to contain public spending over the long term," S&P said, adding that "additional measures are likely to be necessary to reach the deficit target of less than 3.0 pct of GDP in 2006".

    Standard & Poor's downgraded Greece to "A" from "A+" last November.

    [26] Government efforts to bring Greece into new digital era

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    The Greek government was trying to make up for the lost time so that the country would stop being the tail-end of Europe in the new digital era that has begun to emerge, deputy transport and communications minister Anastasios Nerantzis said on Wednesday, opening the sessions of the 7th annual Information and Telecoms Conference in Athens.

    The government and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, personally, consider a matter of priority the issue of immediate emergence from the state of aphasia to the development of the Information Society, having acknowledged from the very first moment Greece's delay in the development of the Internet. He added that the government was determined, and had already commenced the effort, so that Greece can achieve a dynamic development of the Information Society, based on and responding to the challenge of its euro-zone membership.

    The deputy minister said that the national telecoms infrastructure comprised the 'backbone' of the Information Society.

    He said the goal of a new bill that would be voted in parliament after long consultations was the development of the domestic market, which would be achieved through elimination of the existing obstacles to the provision of electronic services networks, contingent facilities and networkers, and electronic communications services.

    Nerantzis stressed that a necessary means for achievement of that target was simplification of the conditions for entry into the market with the abolition of the individual license, while the bill would also introduce a new framework for licensing for the use of radio frequencies.

    [27] Greece strengthens its presence in export markets

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Greek participation in an international food and beverage trade fair Anuga 2005 was the largest in the last few years, the External Trade Organisation's (OPE) chief executive, Panagiotis Drosos said on Wednesday.

    Speaking to reporters during a news conference, Drosos said 42 percent more exhibitors participated in the Greek pavilion, totalling 170 companies from 120 in 2003, of which 44 were new enterprises focusing on exports. The Greek pavilion was the fourth largest in the trade fair, behind Italy, Spain and China.

    Drosos also unveiled OPE's policy priorities, including increased participation to the organization's programs and initiatives, expanding a "Kerasma" campaign aimed to promote Greek food in the next six months and successfully organizing a world congress on Greek food and cuisine in Athens, March 16-19 2006. OPE also seeks to boost Greek presence in target-markets with scheduled actions at least every four months, organizing 30 business trips to priority markets, establishing OPE's exports club services and strengthening communications with enterprises, agencies and associations.

    [28] Tourist development ministry shaping new strategy on tourist training

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    The tourist development ministry is shaping a new strategy on tourist education and training, Deputy Tourist Development Minister Anastasios Liaskos said on Wednesday, during an address at the Tourist Education and Training Forum.

    Liaskos said that tourist training is being upgraded with the establishment of a University Tourist Faculty, following a decision taken by the Inner Cabinet. In parallel, a committee has been created at the ministry on modernizing the tourist education and training framework.

    In another development, Liaskos had a meeting with the members of the Athens Archdiocese, who are participating in the Committee on Religious and Pilgrim Tourism, which has been created in the framework of a ministerial decision to develop a relevant tourist sector.

    The meeting was held after the first regular meeting of the committee's members at the ministry on Wednesday.

    Liaskos was briefed by the delegation's head Archimandrite Spyridon Katramados on the outcome of the meeting, while the issue of the participation of the Greek delegation in events organized by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexiy in the Russian capital in November was also discussed.

    [29] Tourist minister gives interview to Greek community newspaper in U.S.,

    NEW YORK 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Tourist Development Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos said here on Wednesday that national issues "are at a very delicate turning point" and "to a great degree they have matured and require very delicate handling."

    In an interview with the daily Greek community newspaper "Ethnikos Kyrikas" (National Herald), he said that "unfortunately, they had put them (national issues) to sleep for an entire decade and as a result our foreign policy had not been prepared for their outcome expected one way or another. It is fortunate that at this so delicate and difficult phase these issues are being handled by (foreign minister Petros) Mr. Molyviatis, who is experienced, perceptive and wise."

    The minister then stressed the need for solidarity among all the political and social forces. "Greece must move in a spirit of unity and self-confidence," he said, adding that "we always recognize that foreign policy is not assessed and judged by everyday affairs and the ephemeral nature of events, but by what repercussions the handlings in the depth of time have for our country."

    Referring to his meetings during his stay in New York, Avramopoulos said that he discussed and presented "integrated programs" to important businessmen who shape the tourist wave and tourist movement in the United States towards various destinations.

    [30] Greece had the lowest price in unleaded fuel in Europe in September and the third lowest in diesel

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    The International Tourism Union (AIT) and the European Centre of Road Information (ERIC), according to data they released to the Road Assistance Organization (ELPA), revealed that Greece maintained the lowest price in unleaded fuel and the third lowest price in diesel in Europe in September.

    According to the data (sample of September 14, 2005 in all the countries, with the average price of crude oil at 62 dollars per barrel), Greece again maintained in September the lowest price of unleaded with an average price of 1.02 euros per liter against 0.93 euros per liter in August 2005.

    Greece also maintained the third lowest price in diesel with 0.99 euros per liter in September against 0.92 euros in August, against 0.90 Euro in Luxembourg and 0.98 euros in Spain.

    In the price of unleaded, Greece was followed by Spain, Luxembourg, Ireland and Austria while the highest price was in Finland, Belgium and The Netherlands.

    [31] SYN leader visits Papastratos tobacco company

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (SYN) President Alekos Alavanos called on the government to formulate a specific policy regarding the tobacco industry, in comments he made during his visit to Papastratos tobacco company on Wednesday.

    Speaking specifically in regards to Papastratos, Alavanos said that "all measures must be taken necessary for protecting employees' jobs and rights in accordance with the labor contract they've signed."

    [32] Journalist unionists brief labor minister on occupational issues

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Labor and Social Protection Minister Panos Panayiotopoulos on Wednesday met with members of the Interunion Committee of Mass Media Employees, who briefed him on the problems and challenges professionals in the industry face.

    According to a ministry statement, Panayiotopoulos assured committee representatives that the ministry would do everything in its power, in cooperation with other responsible ministries, to resolve the industry's problems.

    The ministry said that while progress has been made in protecting and improving rights of employees in mass media, more needs to be done in order to resolve chronic problems.

    [33] Greek stocks drop sharply, tagging international markets

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Greek stocks ended Wednesday's session sharply lower, as Athens Stock Exchange investors infected by the pessimism of international markets started the day with a selling spree.

    The composite index ended the day 1.92 pct down to close at 3,276.81 points, with turnover at 287.9 million euros.

    The day was marked by losses across the board, with the biggest percentage drops in the sectors of Insurance (3.61 pct), Information Technology (2.83 pct), Telecoms (2.54 pct) and Banking (2.12 pct).

    The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 2.01 pct, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 1.33 pct and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 1.16 pct lower.

    Broadly, decliners led advancers by 206 to 75 with another 52 issues unchanged.

    Stock Futures:

  • Most Active Contract (volume): OTE (2986)

  • Total derivatives market turnover: 251.8 million euros

    Bond Market Close: Buyers outpace sellers

  • Greek benchmark 10-year bond (exp. 20.7.2015): 3.45% yield

  • German benchmark 10-year bund: 3.26%

  • Most heavily traded paper: 10-year bond, expiring 20.7.2015 (1.0 bln euros)

  • Day's Total Market Turnover: 4.0 bln euros

    Foreign Exchange Rates: Thursday

    Reference buying rates per euro released

    by the European Central Bank:

    U.S. dollar 1.204

    Interior minister inaugurates

    [34] CoE meeting on migration

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Interior and Public Administration Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos on Wednesday inaugurated the 50th meeting of the Council of Europe's (CoE) Sub-committee on Migration on Wednesday, during an address at the Zappeion Hall in downtown Athens where the meeting is taking place.

    The Greek minister, whose portfolio includes jurisdiction over drafting much of the immigration and naturalization legislation in the east Mediterranean nation, emphasized that Greece went from a net exporter of immigrants up until 1990 to a destination country soon thereafter without, however, being prepared for such a role.

    Additionally, he said a recently passed bill finally lays down the framework for a modern immigration policy, especially the social exclusion of third country foreign nationals. Pavlopoulos also said the bill foresees yet another chance at legalization for eligible illegal migrants in Greece.

    The CoE event will focus on the image of migrants in the media, including the roles of journalists and governments have in promoting balanced and accurate coverage of migration issues. Television journalists from Belgium and Morocco - as well as migrants working in the media - are expected to take part.

    [35] Turkish people-smuggler sentenced to life by Samos court

    SAMOS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    A 30-year-old Turkish national was sentenced to life imprisonment on Wednesday by the Criminal Appeals Tribunal on the island of Samos on charges of human trafficking resulting in the loss of human lives.

    Isik Goskuh was convicted over an incident on December 10, 2004 during which three illegal immigrants drowned and a fourth was reported missing -- and never found -- as he attempted to smuggle 16 Afghani illegal immigrants into Samos, from the Turkish coast.

    According to the charge sheet, Goskuh was accused of "illegal transport of illegal immigrants resulting in the loss of human lives".

    Goskuh was further ordered to pay a fine of 500,000 euros.

    Meanwhile, three more illegal immigrants were spotted and detained by local security police on Samos, and are believed to have arrived on the same on which 9 other Afghani illegal immigrants attempted to enter Samos on Tuesday, having set off from the opposite Turkish coast.

    [36] Latest publication details impact of Macedonia, as a name, on modern Greece since 1912

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    The Museum of the Macedonian Struggle Foundation on Wednesday announced the release of its latest publication, entitled "Ìáêåäïíßá (Macedonia): A Greek Name in Modern Usage", cautioning however, that the book avoids the current political controversy between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) over the latter's name.

    Instead, according to a press release issued by the Foundation, the publication features visual and documentary material that "presents the powerful impact of the Macedonian name on Greek society, administration, social life, culture and the economy since the integration of Greek Macedonia with the modern Greek state in 1912."

    Conversely, the Foundation reminds that its other most recently co-sponsored publication, "Athens-Skopje: An Uneasy Symbiosis (1995-2002)" deals with the ongoing political controversy surrounding the "name issue".

    According to the president of the Thessaloniki-based Foundation, Dimitris Zannas, "if ample evidence produced by the publication cannot contribute to a sober dialogue about the proper identification of the diverse Macedonian variants, at least it can explain why Greeks -- especially Greek Macedonians --cannot consent to the monopolistic use of their own name and culture by another state and a Slavonic people".

    [37] Italian FM Fini unveils draft UN resolution calling for Olympic Truce for Turin 2006 Winter Games

    ROME, 20/10/2005 (ANA/L. Hatzikyriakos)

    Italian foreign minister Gianfranco Fini on Tuesday unveiled the draft resolution on the Olympic Ekecheiria (Truce) it will table at the United Nations for the Turin 2006 Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, in the presence of the diplomatic missions accredited to Italy. The Olympic Truce Resolution will be put to vote at the UN General Assembly meeting on November 3.

    Making a brief review of the history of the Olympic Truce -- which dates back to the 11th century BC when the Ekecheiria was declared, under which all hostilities ceased for two weeks before, during, and for two weeks following the Olympic Games to allow all those attending or participating in the Games to travel to and from Ancient Olympia in safety -- Fini said that the Olympic Truce had always constituted a political act in the field of sports, at the same time emanating from it.

    "Even when some matters presented serious difficulties in finding a political solution to them, the Olympic message, via the Games, managed to resolve them," Vini said, citing as recent examples the Sydney 2000 (summer) Olympic Games where the athletes from North and South Korea paraded together, as well as the presences of the teams from Iraq and Afghanistan at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

    He said that the success of the Turin 2006 Games' Olympic Ekecheiria was the duty of all of Italy, and must have international support, particularly as Italy was taking over the torch from the exceptional and glowing Athens, which posted a record signatures of the Olympic Ekecheiria, which was signed by 190 countries, adding that Turin hoped that, in the framework of its 'Citius-Altius-Fortius' program it would surpass that number at the November 3 UN General Assembly.

    Greece was represented at the event by its ambassador to Italy, Anastasis Mitsialis, who also held a private discussion with Fini.

    As ancient as the Games themselves, the concept of Olympic Truce, "Ekecheiria" in Greek, dates to the 11th century B.C., when all hostilities ceased to allow those attending or participating in the Games to travel to Olympia in safety.

    Since then, the Olympic Truce has represented a cornerstone of the Olympic Games, which the International Olympic Committee decided to revive in the 1990s, with the aim of safeguarding athletes and sport in general, indissolubly binding the Olympic ideal to the values of peace, dialogue and mutual respect, and lastly, contributing to create an opportunity for the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

    The first Olympic Truce of the modern era was staged in 1992, when the IOC launched an appeal calling upon all nations and national and international organizations to observe the Truce; this allowed athletes from former Yugoslavia to participate in the Barcelona Olympics under the Olympic flag, without any indication of nationality.

    Starting the following year, the General Assembly of the United Nations has regularly expressed its support one year prior to each edition of the Olympics through an ad hoc resolution inviting Member States to observe the Truce and solemnly recognize its importance. Since 2000 this has been enshrined in a special paragraph of the Millennium Declaration.

    Following a now well established tradition, on the occasion of the Torino 2006 Olympic and Para-Olympic Games, the Committee for the Organization of the Games and the City of Torino, together with the Regione Piemonte, the Provincia di Torino and the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), are committed to staging a rich program of events aimed at supporting and promoting the Olympic Truce. Besides the actions undertaken to encourage the adoption of the resolution by the UN General Assembly, these local bodies are staging a multitude of events at national and international level focusing on the themes of peace, cooperation and justice during the run-up to the Games, which started in September 2005.

    Other speakers at Tuesday's presentation included under-secretary of state of the Prime Minister's office Gianni Letta, undersecretary for cultural heritage Mario Pescante, the president of CONI Giovanni Petrucci, and the president of TOROC Valentino Castellani.

    The concept of the Olympic Truce goes back to an ancient Greek tradition that called for the cessation of all hostilities during the Olympic Games. The Olympic Truce was always respected during the twelve centuries of the ancient Olympic Games. In 1992, the International Olympic Committee convinced the international community to bring back this tradition, appealing for the interruption of all hostilities during the Olympic Games period. Since then, thanks to the collaboration of the National Olympic Committees, there have been a number of initiatives to promote understanding and solidarity through sports, among communities all over the world, Fini noted.

    This year, he added, it is Italy's turn, as organizing country of the upcoming Olympic Winter Games of Torino 2006, to present the Declaration in Support of the Olympic Truce.

    "For Italy it is an honor to host the Olympic Games and the Olympic Torch Relay, symbols of peace and solidarity, values which our country firmly believes in. The success of these Olympic Games depends on the support of the entire community. Our hope is that after this presentation today, the support of the international community for the Olympic Truce will be unanimous, including also those countries not directly involved in the Winter Games. We hope to surpass the record of last year for the endorsement of the Olympic Truce, which was underwritten by 190 countries," he said.

    Speaking in turn, Pescante said: "The Olympic Truce has 2,700 years of history behind it; it was the first political act tied to a sports event, and it was the first international political act. Even if in eleven centuries the Truce has not always be respected, it remains always a message of hope and of peace, shared and espoused by the entire planet without any sort of discrimination. We hope that during the sixteen days of the Olympic Games of Torino, all hostilities will be suspended and that the Olympic Truce will lead to the fall of all barriers."

    TOROC President Castellani concluded: "From the beginning of our work, we have always aimed also at this objective, and on November 3rd, in New York, this appeal for peace will be confirmed by the United Nations. Besides the project of the Olympic Truce, there are may other initiatives under way that will accompany the spread of the culture of peace, like the Olympic Education Program directed to schools."

    [38] Olympiakos loses 2-1 away to Lyon in Champions League match

    LYON, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Olympiakos Piraeus lost 2-1 to Olympique Lyon of France (halftime 1-0) in a Champions League Group F match played at the Gerland Stadium in Lyon on Wednesday night.

    Lyon went into the lead with a goal scored by Juninho Pernambucano in the 4th minute and Olympiakos equalized with Pantelis Kafes in the 84th. Sidney Govou made it 2-1 for the French club in the 89th.

    [39] International Agreement's plan against doping to be tabled in Parliament

    ATHENS, 20/10/2005 (ANA)

    Deputy Sports Minister George Orfanos said on Wednesday that the International Agreement's plan against doping will be tabled in Parliament for ratification as soon as possible. The Agreement was ratified unanimously at UNESCO's General Conference in Paris earlier in the day.

    "I would like to praise the significance of the unanimous ratification of the International Agreement's plan against doping which took place in Paris today, at UNESCO's General Conference," Orfanos said.

    [40] EPP favors solution based on UN resolutions and EU values

    NICOSIA, 20/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)

    There must be a new initiative on the Cyprus problem, President of the European People's Party (EPP) Wilfried Martens said wraping up his meetings in Cyprus, on Wednesday evening.

    Martens, on the island at the invitation of opposition Democratic Rally Party (DISY), after a meeting with the ambassadors of the country-members of EU, stated to CNA, that he is now more optimistic than before about the settlement of the Cyprus problem.

    ''I think you need an incentive, the leaders of this country and of the political parties have to have the political will. It is not only the international community which can realize an agreement'', he said.

    The European Union has to become more active and positive in the efforts to reach a solution to the Cyprus problem, on the basis of the UN resolutions and the European values, Martens stressed.

    He said that the UN should undertake a new initiative for Cyprus, adding that the UN envisaged plan for a Cyprus settlement, should be influenced by the European values.

    He also expressed the readiness of the EPP to ''influence our heads of government and the Commission and other instances of the EU, to be active and positive. The EU can not be neutral, for me it is an essential concern of the EU to promote and be positive in trying to find a solution''.

    The EPP president, who was also received Wednesday by Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos, emphasized once again, that Turkey has to abide by its obligations arising from the Customs Union Protocol and implement it for Cyprus as well.

    DISY President Nicos Anastasiades, said that his party has received the reassurances of EPP that in the event of a new round of talks for the Cyprus issue, the EPP would contribute to the success of this dialogue.

    ''We want to share with Mr Martens, the worries and expectations of the Greek Cypriots, to exchange views how to make use of the European course of Turkey, to end the anachronistic division line and the occupation army'', Anastasiades noted.

    The EPP president said that the solution of the Cyprus problem should be based on the UN resolutions for Cyprus, but also on the EU values, which are a ''very important element''.

    ''It is urgent to find a solution. Not to accept the period of stagnation, that worsens the situation and the gap. We are committed as EPP to engage negotiations and initiatives for a solution'', he stressed, adding that the UN has to take an initiative.

    Regarding the Annan plan, he noted that ''if in a referendum, a plan is rejected, then you have to reflect on it and respect the will of people".

    ''The Annan plan needs the influence of EU values'', he underlined. Asked to comment on Turkish statements that Turkey would implement the Customs Union Protocol when the so called embargo in the occupied Cyprus is lifted, he reiterated that ''Turkey signed the Protocol, which has an international value and significance and thus, it has to ratify and implement it''.

    ''When you sign you have to engage yourself to ask the ratification of your parliament and implement it. I will always defend this. I have very good relations with Turkish Premier Erdogan but I have no difficulty to tell him the same position'', he stressed.

    Martens praised DISY's role in the actions of EPP saying that DISY ''plays an important role in the EPP, it has a real influence in the decision making and actions of EPP, its leadership is engaged and committed''.

    He also congratulated DISY for its initiative to organize an observatory, which would become an EPP observatory for the whole region.

    Asked about the US interventions regarding the EU decision to open accession negotiations with Turkey, Martens said that the Council has to decide in an autonomous way about its own issues, adding though that there is nothing wrong with good transatlantic relations.

    ''I don't know what to think about the intervention of US, if there was any, in the decision about Turkey. The US favors the admission of Turkey to EU. For them I guess being member of the NATO is the same as being member of EU. We have to have the courage to take ourselves our decisions'', Martens said.

    [41] Russian Deputy Defense Minister holds meetings in Cyprus

    NICOSIA, 20/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)

    Cyprus House Defense Committee and Russian Deputy Minister of Defense and Chairman of the Committee of the Russian Federation for Military-Technical Cooperation with Foreign States Mickhail Arkadievich Dmitriev expressed on Wednesday hope for the continuance and further enhancement of the relations between the Republic of Cyprus and Russia in the political and military fields.

    President of the House Committee Yiannakis Omirou said the visit of Russian officials to Cyprus is always an important political event, adding that ''our people appreciates deeply the contemporary solidarity of the Russian Government and the Russian people with our struggle to end the Turkish occupation and restore the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.''

    Dmitriev, who was received on Wednesday by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and met with Defense Minister Kyriakos Mavronicolas and high ranking military officials, told the Committee that in the framework of its very good relations with Cyprus, Russia supplied the Cyprus National Guard with Russian made military systems and continues to provide training and spare parts for their maintenance and operation.

    ''The stance of the Russian government for the Cyprus problem and its support is stable and will not change now,'' he added.

    Dmitriev said he visited Cyprus to discuss issues of cooperation in the field of defense, ''something which we think is very important for our countries.''

    ''After the decision of the Cyprus government to buy military systems from Russia we cooperate with the Cyprus Defense Ministry and the General Staff,'' he noted.

    Omirou assured the Russian official that ''our people do not forget the role Russia played in all crucial phases of the Cyprus question.''

    He also stressed that as a Permanent Member of the UN Security Council, Russia always played a key role in the adoption of positive resolutions for the Cyprus problem.

    Omirou briefed the Russian Deputy Defense Minister on the developments in the Cyprus question, April 2004 referenda and the rejection of the Annan plan by the Greek Cypriots, assuring that the Cyprus people and government, as well as the House and the political parties continue to pursue a viable, just and functional settlement that will safeguard the rights of all the people of the island.


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