Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-10-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis calls for more democratic and effective UN on occasion of 60th anniversary of its founding

[02] SYN says U.S. stands in the way of UN implementing its objectives

[03] Greek officials call for lifting of recent restrictions following negative tests for bird flu

[04] Creation of Greece-Bulgaria-Turkey cross-border centre against bird flu

[05] Papoulias again touches on issue of war reparations

[06] Opinion poll on stance of Greeks towards Turkey's European course

[07] Stylianidis to represent Athens at informal EU Summit

[08] Public order minister's visit to Russia postponed for a later date

[09] Interior minister addresses conference of regional general secretaries

[10] ND Secretary Meimarakis says 'there is no tough line against the mass media'

[11] PASOK leader Papandreou says that 'gov't is becoming part of the problem of corruption'

[12] Archbishop Christodoulos takes aim at proponents of absolute separation of Church-state

[13] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos receives Cypriot senior clerics

[14] KKE reiterates decision against cooperation with other parties in local gov't elections

[15] SYN leader Alavanos on municipal elections

[16] IKA deputy director resigns

[17] U.S. centre honors Greece and Cyprus for humanitarian aid towards those affected by hurricanes

[18] EU Commissioner Hubner on absorption of Community funds by Greece

[19] OPE presents 'Kerasma' initiative for export of quality products

[20] Thessaloniki taxis to be upgraded through use of new technologies

[21] Construction begins of Smokovos Hydroelectric Plant in Karditsa

[22] Police charge 6 men in Israeli jewel trader's death

[23] Event held in presence of Alexandria Patriarch marking 63rd anniversary of battle of El Alamein

[24] Youths throw fire-bombs at Acropolis police station

[25] Illegal immigrant arrests

[26] Cyprus President: A new dialogue needs to be well prepared

[27] President Papadopoulos: Violation of Cyprus airspace reminds Turkish occupation

[28] "Nikiforos - 2005' National Guard military exercise in Cyprus

[01] PM Karamanlis calls for more democratic and effective UN on occasion of 60th anniversary of its founding

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

In a written statement released by the premier's press office, Karamanlis said the United Nations "was and is the guardian of international law and international legality, necessary elements for peaceful co-existence and cooperation between states and peoples."

Prime Minister Karamanlis added:" Of course, 60 years after its founding, the organization is called on to continue this most important mission of it, in conditions completely different from those prevailing when it started its action.

"Our world is faced with new challenges and new threats, such as international terrorism, poverty, humanitarian crises, the plague of narcotics and natural disasters, many of which are due to the lack of effective protection of the environment."

The Greek prime minister went on to say:" It is therefore imperative for the United Nations to proceed to those necessary reforms which will render it more effective. This procedure of reform must also include the Security Council, of which the existing composition does not reflect the present international community."

Concluding, Prime Minister Karamanlis said:" Our country, a stable and ardent supporter of the United Nations, has the opportunity, but also the will, to contribute in this effort in its capacity as non-permanent member of the Security Council, for the time period 2005-2006, as well. With all our strength, we are working for a more democratic and more effective United Nations in the modern world."

[02] SYN says U.S. stands in the way of UN implementing its objectives

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

Synaspismos said:" Today, the UN is undermined by the claim of the United States for the monopolistic direction of the world. It is harmed by the Bush government for 'preventive wars' and by its scorn of international law."

The announcement added:" The current world inequalities, which are intensified by the neo-liberal globalization under the hegemony of the United States, constitute the main obstacle of the implementation of the UN's objects."

Concluding, the Synaspismos announcement said:" The main message of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations is the claim for its democratization. The reinforcement of its capability to serve international law and to promote its founding objectives for a peaceful and just world. This interests in particular the smaller countries, such as Greece, which are often harmed by the policies of strength."

[03] Greek officials call for lifting of recent restrictions following negative tests for bird flu

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

Kontos also called for the lifting of any restrictions on Greek poultry exports to the neighboring countries, most in place since last week.

In a related development, agriculture ministry officials informed Albanian ambassador to Athens Bashkim Zeneli on Friday that tests on poultry in the country turned up negative for bird flu, while again stressing that this fact certainly "does not justify the unilateral measures" taken by Tirana against Greek exports to neighboring Albania.

On his part, Deputy Health Minister George Constantopoulos told an audience of delegates at a pharmaceuticals exhibition in Thessaloniki that he was confident a vaccine against the specific virus will be found within the next six months.

[04] Creation of Greece-Bulgaria-Turkey cross-border centre against bird flu

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

Also decided was the operation of a system of continuous communication between them and the briefing of all the prefectures of the Cross-Border Cooperation Network, as well as the exchange of visits by scientific and and technical personnel.

[05] Papoulias again touches on issue of war reparations

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

Papoulias reiterated that it was modern Germany's obligation to pay war reparations, adding that relevant Greek ministries should pursue the matter in the wake of the formation of a new government in Berlin, in order for a "satisfactory solution to be found".

The Greek president spoke during events in the village of Mesovouno in the Vermio municipality.

President comments on scandals plaguing

Greek politics and society

"We must be the fighters in the front line against these new ethics in Greek society," President Karolos Papulias stated on Sunday when asked to comment by reporters on scandals plaguing the country's political and social life.

President Papoulias attended the events in memory of the 268 victims by the Nazi troops in the village of Mesovouno in the Municipality of Vermios and referred to the issues of the German reparations.

He underlined that it was Germany's obligation to pay compensation and that after the formation of the new government, there should be contacts with the relevant Greek ministries in order for a satisfactory solution to be reached.

The president was proclaimed honorary citizen of Vermios Municipality.

[06] Opinion poll on stance of Greeks towards Turkey's European course

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

This arises by a survey conducted by the VPRC Institute which was taken nationwide one week after the formal start of Turkey's accession talks with the European Union and which was published in Saturday's edition of the "Kathimerini" newspaper.

According to the same survey, "most Greeks believe that the outcome of the course Turkey's negotiations will be successful (60 per cent against 29 per cent).

However, the percentage is high of those who are against Turkey's European prospects (58 per cent against 29 per cent) and as shown by the survey, church-goers and women appear more negative.

Greek public opinion also expresses pessimism that Turkey's entry into the European Union will contribute in solving the Cyprus issue.

[07] Stylianidis to represent Athens at informal EU Summit

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

[08] Public order minister's visit to Russia postponed for a later date

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

According to a Public Order Ministry announcement on Saturday, the visit will be transferred to the immediate near future, due to urgent and unforeseen obligations of the minister's interlocutors.

[09] Interior minister addresses conference of regional general secretaries

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

Pavlopoulos, speaking on the necessary growth of the regions, noted that "this is a commitment of the prime minister" and reminded that from the forum of the Thessaloniki Trade Fair immediately after the end of the Olympic Games, he had stressed that the time has come for the regions. He added that "all will be made with the necessary consensus and extensive dialogue."

He reiterated that the 4th Community Support Framework (CSF) "is not the framework of the central state, it is the framework of the regions and of local government." He said that for this reason, "the country is divided into five developing regions which will undertake to a great extent the 4th CSF."

To a question if he will discuss with local government officials the issue of the change of the electoral system for the forthcoming prefectural and municipal elections, Pavlopoulos clarified that the draft law will be voted before the budget and that the mayors and prefects will be able to be elected from the coming elections with a percentage above 42 per cent.

[10] ND Secretary Meimarakis says 'there is no tough line against the mass media'

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

He clarified that "what I had said and I repeat, is my opinion on the different hierarchy of issues which takes place or the disproportionate time given on each topic at certain times."

He addded:"On the occasion, I have not seen anyone reproducing and dealing with what (main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement deputy Theodoros) Mr. Pangalos described the situation as being a 'brothel'. And I did not see it because the issue was not risen under pressure by (PASOK spokesman Nikos) Mr. Athanassakis. I believe that PASOK must answer if it wants the public dialogue to be held with terms of a coffee shop. (PASOK leader George) Mr. Papandreou cannot speak on the one hand of profundity and ethics and leading cadres of his party to behave publicly in this manner and not be pressured in taking a stand ... If I had said such a phrase publicly such strong pressure would have been exerted on me with continuous questions to the press spokesman to say whether he covers up for me or not."

Asked on the primary shareholder, he said that "the best legal and technical adjustment will soon be found to restrict or eradicate all these phenomena." He added:"PASOK, which did everything possible for the primary shareholder not to pass and to block all the reforms, attempting to delay us, to accuse us today of phenomena of 090 which itself legislated."

[11] PASOK leader Papandreou says that 'gov't is becoming part of the problem of corruption'

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

The PASOK leader accused the government that "it operates as a conqueror in a foreign country and that its establishes party profligacy," adding that "never has a government in Greece slid so fast in the dark side of politics."

He stressed that the ruling New Democracy (ND) party "is becoming part of the problem of corruption and not combatting it."

Papandreou further accused the ND and the government that "they are attempting to pass the view that they are all the same," adding that "in this manner, they are striking the heart of the self-confidence of the Greek people and passing the view that the Greek is incorrectable." The PASOK leader said "we will not allow this logic to pass," adding that "we proved that when we want to, we can achieve many things."

Roussopoulos responds to PASOK's accusations of gov't corruption: Minister of State and Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos on Saturday launched an attack against main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) in response to issues of corruption.

"Hostages of corruption and of vested interests are not those who make shielded laws but those who made photographic laws so as to serve interests," Roussopoulos said.

The spokesman added that "the present government, wherever there are charges, explores them and sends them to the public prosecutor."

[12] Archbishop Christodoulos takes aim at proponents of absolute separation of Church-state

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

"We cannot allow this by the neo-progressives, who want to drastically transform the people and country, because we here have a history, a history of struggle and sacrifices," the influential head of the Greek Orthodox Church from the pulpit at the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral during a Sunday morning mass.

Among others, a vocal group of noted proponents of a complete Church-state separation in Greece have called for a mandatory civil marriage ceremony and the abolition of any religious oaths throughout the wider public sector in Greece.

In other comments, Christodoulos criticized what he called a campaign by various mass media in the country, under the banner of a "catharsis" of public life that essentially demolishes and slanders long-standing institutions, as he said.

[13] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos receives Cypriot senior clerics

ISTANBUL, 24/10/2005 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)

The Patriarch said that "the Churches of Constantinople and Cyprus have cooperated for the unity of Orthodoxy."

The three senior Cypriot clergymen are visiting Istanbul and on Monday will be received at the Phanar to discuss the Ecumenical Patriarchate's contribution for the confrontation of the ecclesiastic problem faced by Cyprus.

Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos has been ill for some time and is unable to carry out his duties.

[14] KKE reiterates decision against cooperation with other parties in local gov't elections

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

Among others, KKE's top policy-making body reiterated that the party will not cooperate at the central or local level, either directly or indirectly, with any of the three other parties in Parliament -- ruling New Democracy, main opposition PASOK or the smaller Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos).

[15] SYN leader Alavanos on municipal elections

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

On the fact that Michalis Papayiannakis insists on his candidacy, Alavanos answered that "it is not bad and does not constitute a crisis for a party to have many good candidates."

On the possibility of cooperation with the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) in the municipal elections, Alavanos said that "this is not possible in the big municipalities, where there exists, for example, great unemployment, for which it is responsible along with the New Democracy party."

The Synaspismos leader termed unemployment, the state of education, the difficulty in technological innovations and public administration as the country's biggest problems.

[16] IKA deputy director resigns

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

Gerassimos said that "I immediately submitted my resignation to the relevant Labor and Social Protection Minister, who, in communication with his office, during his trip towards Australia, accepted it."

[17] U.S. centre honors Greece and Cyprus for humanitarian aid towards those affected by hurricanes

WASHINGTON, 24/10/2005 (ANA/T. Ellis)

Among the countries which were honored on Friday for contributing humanitarian aid were Greece and Cyprus, while during the event, the ambassadors of the two countries in Washington, Alexandros Mallias and Evripides Evriviades, received commemorative plaques.

[18] EU Commissioner Hubner on absorption of Community funds by Greece

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

The commissioner added that "however, it is clear that the danger must not be underestimated of such an eventuality, not only in 2005-2006 but also in 2007-2008, when the payments will still continue, according to the current 3rd Community Support Framework (CSF)."

She added that "it is important" for there to be speedier progress in public works projects, "given that that the recent reforms in this sector will bring about results, that is, the absorption in the works in question will be increased."

[19] OPE presents 'Kerasma' initiative for export of quality products

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

In an effort for the global promotion of Greek food, wine and beverages, it will use as a "vehicle" its new initiative named "Kerasma" which was presented at a central hotel in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, on Saturday.

Taking part in the event were representatives of the food, wine and beverages sector and of hotel businesses.

The presentation of "Kerasma" was made by the director of the unit of communication of PRC Group, Nikolaos Panoussopoulos.

In their speeches, the general secretaries of ministries stressed the need for there to be extroversion of the Greek economy for the development of competitiveness and of productivity aimed at increasing exports.

From March 16-19, 2006, a world conference will take place in Athens on Greek food and beverages with the objective of promoting them abroad.

[20] Thessaloniki taxis to be upgraded through use of new technologies

THESSALONIKI 24/10/2005 (ANA)

The same procedure, which aims at upgrading the existing services to the citizens, through the use of new technologies, has already been completed in Iraklion, Crete, Thessaloniki Taxis Association President Paris Kissas told ANA/MPA at the close on Sunday of the 1st European Taxi Forum.

The conclusions of the conference will constitute the basis for a dialogue to start between the representatives of taxi drivers of all the countries for the forming of a common legal framework and regulation of operation of taxis.

Taking part in the conference, which was held at the initiative of the Panhellenic Taxis Federation, under the auspices of the Macedonia-Thrace Ministry, were representatives from Germany, the United States, Great Britain, Hungary, Romania, Sweden, France, The Netherlands, Cyprus and Turkey.

[21] Construction begins of Smokovos Hydroelectric Plant in Karditsa

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

The project is budgeted at eight million euros and is expected to give a breather to the agricultural population of the broader region of Thessaly, while it will also create a new impetus for the growth of tourism in the mountainous regions.

The project will be constructed near the exit of the Leontarios tunnel which transfers the water from the Smokovos lake.

[22] Police charge 6 men in Israeli jewel trader's death

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

Two of the six suspects, according to reports, are diamond cutters and dealers that reportedly did business with the victim, identified as Sam Levi, 66. The latter had been missing since Oct. 10 shortly after arriving in Athens for one of his frequent business trips to the Greek capital.

Police said four of the suspects confessed to the homicide, claiming it was part of a planned armed robbery. Conversely, one of two men believed involved with the planning has denied any role.

Authorities said the perpetrators claimed they had failed to find any precious stones on the victim, instead taking 3,000 euros his wallet, a cell phone and his watch.

The victim's body was found inside a truck left near the opening of the mine shaft in the Aghios Konstantinos site of Lavrio, in extreme southeast Attica prefecture.

Only the ages and professions of the arrested men, two are construction workers apparently hired for the crime, have been announced so far.

[23] Event held in presence of Alexandria Patriarch marking 63rd anniversary of battle of El Alamein

24/10/2005 (ANA)

Speaking at the site of the monument, the head of the multiple delegation from Greece, Major-General George Karampelias, referred to the battle which took place in 1942 and stressed the bravery which the Greeks showed, not only for Greece but for the freedom of the whole of Europe.

At the end of the event, wreaths were laid at the monument by Greek Ambassador in Cairo, Panagiotis Vlassopoulos, his Cypriot counterpart Phaedon Anastasiou , Karampelias and others.

[24] Youths throw fire-bombs at Acropolis police station

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

The attack resulted in six patrol cars and one motorbike of the police station being burnt.

Considerable damage was also caused to window panes of shops and entrances of apartment buildings.

[25] Illegal immigrant arrests

ATHENS, 24/10/2005 (ANA)

According to reports, the illegals, whose nationality was not announced, were landed on Greek territory by a Turkish migrant smugger who first set off from the opposite Turkish coast with a speed boat.

Meanwhile, four foreign nationals were arrested in two separate instances at the port of Patras, western Greece, over the weekend in their attempt to board Italy-bound ferry boats.

Additionally, a local truck driver was charged in one of the two cases, as two would-be migrants were found hidden in his vehicle.

Soccer

Results of the Greek first division soccer

championship matches played over the weekend:

Iraklis Thessaloniki - Atromitos Athens 2-0

Levadiakos - Kallithea Athens 1-0

Akratitos Athens - Panionios Athens 0-1

PAOK Thessaloniki - Ionikos Piraeus 6-1

OFI Crete - Olympiakos Piraeus 1-0

Egaleo Athens - Xanthi 3-2

AEK Athens - Panathinaikos 3-0

Larissa - Apollon Kalamaria

(Match to be played on Monday Oct. 24)

The point standings after

seven weeks of play:

Xanthi 16

Olympiakos 15

AÅÊ 14

PAOK 12

Panathinaikos 11

Atromitos 11

Egaleo 10

Levadiakos 9

Apollon Kalamaria 8 (six matches)

OFI 8

Panionios 8

Ionikos 7

Iraklis 7

Larissa 6 (six matches)

Akratitos 5

Kallithea 1

[26] Cyprus President: A new dialogue needs to be well prepared

NICOSIA, 24/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)

He also noted that ''if dialogue begins without the proper preparation then it will soon collapse with all bad repercussions this will have.''

Invited to say which the next move of the UNSG will be for Cyprus, Papadopoulos said: ''That I don't know. The SG has the ideas and I think that he will continue sending emissaries to ascertain the climate and the positions of both sides.''

Asked if he expects a new UNSG emissary to visit the region, Papadopoulos said it was not right for him to try to foresee the next move of the Secretary General.

Invited to say if the UNSG will evaluate the positions of he Greek Cypriot side according to their priority, Papadopoulos said ''all of our positions are interrelated and equally important. He will just prepare the ground, a precondition accepted by himself.''

He said that everyone realizes how necessary the preparation of dialogue is.

To a remark that Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat tries to distort the positions of the Greek Cypriot side, Papadopoulos said ''this is a usual Turkish tactic.''

[27] President Papadopoulos: Violation of Cyprus airspace reminds Turkish occupation

NICOSIA, 24/10/2005 (CNA/ANA)

President Papadopoulos who watched Saturday maneuvers with the use of live ammunition that took place in the framework of ''Nikiforos 2005'' military exercise said ''these actions do not help Turkey very much''.

''The political message of Nikiforos military exercise is that we want peace'', he said adding that ''in order to maintain peace you must be prepared for war''.

President Papadopoulos said he was impressed by the accuracy and coordination of Cyprus military forces.

[28] "Nikiforos - 2005' National Guard military exercise in Cyprus

NICOSIA, 24/10/2005 (ANA/A. Viketos)

Defense Minister Kyriakos Mavronikolas stated that the government's decision for the holding of the "Nikiforos" military exercise shows the government's interest for the existence of a worthy National Guard.

Mavronikolas noted that "a state without an army cannot be considered a state, given that it cannot exercise its sovereign rights."

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