Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-10-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM stresses government's determination to proceed steadfastly with its program

[02] Foreign ministry spokesman Koumoutsakos on Turkey's European prospects

[03] Gov't on latest press reports of Turkish casus belli

[04] Karamanlis on working visit to Japan next month

[05] Athens again dismisses top US diplomat's quip over 'minorities', points to int'l agreements

[06] Kosovo negotiations neither easy nor painless, President Papoulias predicts

[07] Communist Party stresses need for Kosovo to remain within Serb state

[08] President Karolos Papoulias attends ceremony on triple celebration of Thessaloniki

[09] Athens mayor and US Under Secretary of State discuss the Balkans

[10] Greek government spokesman meets counterparts in Vienna

[11] Papandreou briefed by Thessaloniki mayor; departs for London

[12] Defense minister's 'order of the day' for Oct. 28

[13] Spiliotopoulos meets with SAE Alternate President

[14] Communist, Coalition parties issue messages on occasion of October 28 national holiday

[15] Gov't on salaries of top executives at public broadcaster

[16] US paper claims UN envoy Nimetz to resign

[17] Second report on Greek fiscal indicators to be submitted next Thursday

[18] Commission awaiting revised draft of 'primary shareholder' law

[19] Gov't on controversial OAKA land contract

[20] OAKA land contract cancellation a political and moral issue, main opposition says

[21] Mastiche, saffron in EU farm product promotion program

[22] Tenders for construction works at two airports

[23] Eurodeputies submit statement requesting issue of one and two euro bank notes

[24] Greek stocks end 0.12 pct lower

[25] Athens University and Onassis Foundation partner in promotion of Greek culture abroad

[26] Greece seeks return of antiquities from U.S. museum

[27] Austrian Olympic champions declared citizens of Athens

[28] CNBC Europe channel to broadcast 'Greek Week'

[29] Ioannina doctors offer free medical services to Himare residents

[30] Greek statistics service report on road accidents in August 2005

[31] World congress of judges/coaches of diving will be held in Athens in November 2006

[32] Cypriot President says Turkish side insists on Annan plan

[33] House President says US must respect Greek Cypriot will

[34] Prescott: Britain acted in line with EU decisions

[01] PM stresses government's determination to proceed steadfastly with its program

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

"Machinations of reaction and cries of conservatism neither dismay nor disorient us," he added in comments referring to the latest round of scandal-mongering dominating coverage in a portion of the mass media and newspapers' front pages.

"There are those who are adversely affected (by the government's reforms) but they are few compared to the many asking us to change things, to wipe out pathogeny and inflexibility and to deal with the real problems of the country and its citizens," Karamanlis said.

It is on these and only these that we direct our concern, our policies and our decisions, he added.

Noting that the government welcomed the democratic critique of its work as constructive, Karamanlis nevertheless criticized what he called a "morbid climate cultivated by certain parties" and said it would not interfere with the government's efforts.

"The citizens are more mature than some, who try to manipulate them…" he added.

The current political climate also earned the attention of main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, who said citizens "feel that Greece has been mired in the logic of petty party-political interests, client-based relations, a lack of transparency as well as a lack of vision".

Gov't spokesman: "The prime minister's statement was very clear, and I am not going to interpret it," government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos later told reporters.

Conversely, he reiterated that the PASOK leader's comments a day earlier merely showed that his proposals for fighting corruption were quite vague and general.

Finally, Roussopoulos point to a list of measures taken by the current government to combat corruption and increase transparency, including a drastic change in the manner in which public works are awarded, its continuing campaign to implement a 'primary shareholder' law of mass media owners seeking public contracts, and by upgrading public sector corruption charges into felonies.

[02] Foreign ministry spokesman Koumoutsakos on Turkey's European prospects

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

Reiterating the Greek position on the matter, Koumoutsakos stressed that the 'Casus Belli' "is contrary to the spirit and letter of international law but also of the United Nations Charter." He noted that "the manner with which Greece is confronting Turkey's European prospects was never based on the assessment that practices of decades would be transformed on October 4, 2005" with the start of the accession talks.

"The basic concern of the Greek side is for strong foundations to be laid, terms and lines so that the start of the accession negotiations to mean that we are led to a new environment and gradual change," Koumoutsakos said. The foreign ministry spokesman noted that "in Turkey's Negotiating Framework with the European Union, for the first time terms have been set as preconditions for accession which do not only refer to the fulfillment of the political criteria but also concern its international behavior."

Asked to comment on Turkey's decision not to participate, at least not now, in the SE Energy Community Treaty which was signed in Athens on Tuesday, Koumoutsakos stressed that "the fact concerns the European Commission and not particularly Greece" and noted that the relevant minister of the Turkish government was present at the signing ceremony.

Regarding the visit to Washington of Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat, the foreign ministry spokesman stated that the Greek side reserves the right to wait to see the results of the meeting.

"The initiatives and meetings must not be absent when they are in a constructive direction. However, there is no certainty that this meeting will contribute in this direction," he added.

Referring to the issue of 'Casus Belli' on the part of Turkey, on the basis on what has been broadcast from Turkey and which concern the decision of the neighboring country's National Security Council, main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) Spokesman Nikos Athanassakis stressed on Wednesday that "the National Security Council's decision has not been published in its entirety," adding that "on the basis of experience, the Turkish press, on such matters, never refers to mistakenly."

The PASOK spokesman also said that "all this concludes that Turkey is attempting to start the procedure of the accession negotiations, maintaining to the full its claims at the expense of our country's sovereign rights," and this, as he said, "constitutes yet another proof of the New Democracy's foreign policy success."

[03] Gov't on latest press reports of Turkish casus belli

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos declined to comment on the press reports.

[04] Karamanlis on working visit to Japan next month

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

According to a press release, the visit comes amid excellent bilateral and multilateral relations between Greece and Japan.

The premier will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos.

[05] Athens again dismisses top US diplomat's quip over 'minorities', points to int'l agreements

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

The comment, made by the foreign ministry's spokesman, came in the wake of press questions related to a statement by US Under-Secretary for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns, which was published a day earlier by an Athens daily.

Burns, a former US ambassador to Athens, again called for the recognition of what he termed "minorities" in Greece.

"Greece responded with demarches, both to the US ambassador in Athens as well as with relevant services in Washington, when such references were made publicly," spokesman George Koumoutsakos said, while adding:

"Overall relations between two nations can be very good, or both sides can try to improve relations even more, and it's within this framework that differences of opinion can fit. It's not the end of the world; it's manageable," he said.

In response to an unrelated question, the spokesman said rotating EU presidencies are judged at the end of their six-month tenure.

"On issues in which we needed to cooperate with the (current British) presidency, that cooperation was evident. There were instances where we expressed our opinion in a clear and sincere manner when we felt there were practices at that very point that did not help in the achievement of agreements and consensus, something that should occur in the European Union," Koumoutsakos said.

[06] Kosovo negotiations neither easy nor painless, President Papoulias predicts

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

Furthermore, he told attendees that negotiations should concern all since their outcome will affect the greater region and reiterated that Greece sincerely supports all Balkan countries' European Union prospects, a strategic choice given the effect this could have on the future of Southeast Europe.

"Our neighborhood has never been quiet. Threats and dangers lurked sometimes near our northern borders, sometimes near our eastern borders," he said.

"Greece has been and continues to be steadfastly committed to peace, harmonious cooperation and co-existence, based on the rules of international law and the principle of reciprocity," he added.

Regarding Kosovo, Papoulias expressed hope that international law and the UN Charter will remain in effect, that the rights of all groups and the significant cultural Orthodox legacy will be respected, and that the solution reached will be based on European values and principles.

On his part, Tsiartsionis said that Greece is actively sending the message to its Balkan neighbors that cooperation and communication are more productive than discord and conflict, that solidarity and trust are preferable to suspiciousness and intolerance.

[07] Communist Party stresses need for Kosovo to remain within Serb state

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

KKE said that there must be no change in borders in the Balkans, stressing that "the decision by the UN Security Council on the beginning of negotiations on the final status of Kosovo, following the adoption of the report by the UN's special envoy Carl Eide, constitutes yet another step towards its (Kosovo's) independence, towards the dangerous, for the Balkan peoples, path to a change in borders."

The party further stressed that "although the report by the special envoy points out that few things have been implemented regarding the Security Council's decision on the issues of protection for the Serbs, Roma and the other minorities and that few refugees have returned to their homesteads, since their safe livelihood is not secured, the Security Council decided to go ahead with the process on the settlement of the final status for Kosovo-Metohia."

KKE believes that the promotion of independence for Kosovo "will fuel a new cycle of confrontations and imperialist interventions in the territory of former united Yugoslavia and in the Balkans in general" and expressed its grave concern over developments.

[08] President Karolos Papoulias attends ceremony on triple celebration of Thessaloniki

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

University dean Yiannis Antonopoulos, addressing President Papoulias, said that the university was dynamically "present" during the struggle against German occupation, adding that today sociopolitical and economic issues are presenting themselves and that their solution must be incorporated in the targets of the Greek university.

[09] Athens mayor and US Under Secretary of State discuss the Balkans

WASHINGTON, 27/10/2005 (ANA/A. Ellis)

Bakoyannis called the meeting "interesting", noting that it took place in a friendly atmosphere given that the two officials have known each other since Burns served as US Ambassador to Greece from 1997-2001.

The Athens mayor said the focus of discussion was the Balkans and she had the opportunity to listen to Burns' analysis on the region.

She noted that there are no pre-defined solutions regarding Kosovo's future and stressed the significant role that Greece can and plans to play in the matter. According to Bakoyannis, Washington does not object to Greece's intentions.

During their 45-minute meeting Bakoyannis also touched on the FYROM name dispute, but in statements afterwards limited herself to saying that she conveyed to Burns the Greek government's well-known position on the issue.

[10] Greek government spokesman meets counterparts in Vienna

VIENNA, 27/10/2005 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

At a press conference afterward, Antonaros said they had briefed each other extensively on issues concerning Greece and Austria and had ascertained that the two countries enjoyed very good, unclouded relations.

They also discussed interests in common and cooperation on a series of issues, particularly those relating to the European Union.

Antonaros outlined the reasons why Greece supports Turkey's European prospects and what it expects from the lengthy process of accession talks with Turkey.

He also spoke about Athens' policies in southeastern Europe, noting that both Greece and Austria had a strong presence in the area, the first in the south and the second in the north, and that this presence was sometimes complementary and sometimes competitive. Both countries were major investors in the Balkans and both were aware that their economic presence also contributed to political stability in these fledgling democracies, he added.

Greece expects Austria to play an important role when it takes over the rotating EU presidency on January 1, 2006, a critical time for the EU's fiscal prospects and for the start of accession negotiations with the EU candidate-states Croatia and Turkey, Antonaros said.

He underlined the Greek government's efforts to restore fiscal discipline in accordance with EU treaties.

[11] Papandreou briefed by Thessaloniki mayor; departs for London

THESSALONIKI, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

Papandreou was on hand in the city for events commemorating its 1912 liberation by Greek forces and the feast day of its patron saint.

Afterwards, the PASOK leader departed for London, via Athens, where he was due to attend a Wednesday evening reception hosted by British Prime Minister Tony Blair for European socialist party leaders, held on the sidelines of an informal EU summit in the British capital.

[12] Defense minister's 'order of the day' for Oct. 28

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

"Today our country, as in the difficult years of the war, is a reliable and steady ally of the liberal forces in the world. Greece, as a member of the UN Security Council, the EU and NATO, unswervingly seeks and works on all levels to promote stability, peace and security," Spiliotopoulos said.

He also reiterated that "unilateral demands and unfounded interpretations or violations of the rules of international law are not compatible with the way of things in Europe and with the principles and values upheld today by the international community, while force or the threat of its use is unequivocally condemned by all."

"We have already adjusted our strategic thinking in the direction of immediate reaction and strong deterrent, going ahead with a more flexible organization and structure that uses advanced weapons systems and new technologies, with transparency in the use of public funds and with trained and determined human resources," he added.

"It is our commitment to bequeath to new generations an even more powerful and modern Greece, which organizes the present and builds the future with certainty and optimism," the minister concluded.

Events for the anniversary of October 28 will come to a peak on Friday with a grand military parade before President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias in Thessaloniki. This year's parade will for the first time feature 14 LEO-2 tanks.

[13] Spiliotopoulos meets with SAE Alternate President

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

Tamvakis told the ANA that he was satisfied with the meeting, attended also by Deputy Defense Minister Ioannis Lambropoulos and SAE Vice President and Asia-Africa Coordinator Vassilis Magdalinos.

"The meeting we had with Mr. Spiliotopoulos and Mr. Lambropoulos was constructive. Both the minister and deputy minister took into consideration the recommendations which reflect the views of expatriate Greeks and assured us that they will address the issue, confirming their intentions for a closer cooperation with SAE," Tamvakis said.

Tamvakis will be submitting specific proposals regarding the drafting of expatriate Greeks to the defense minister on November 1.

[14] Communist, Coalition parties issue messages on occasion of October 28 national holiday

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

"People who have confidence in their strength can handle any force having designs on their just causes and rights, provided that they rid themselves of the bonds of fatalism and submission which the parties and the agencies of plutocracy cultivate every time, and can organize themselves and struggle with an explicit program and target," KKE said in its message.

"Submission to exploiting social forces and the country's participation in imperialist planning will only bring woes, while the only path is a change in the balance of power at the expense of the New Democracy and PASOK parties. The alliance and struggle of popular forces against imperialist policy," the message added.

In a similar message, the Coalition party said that the "no" voiced in 1940 constitutes a source of inspiration today as well, "particularly for the new generation which must keep alive the historic memory of the era of the struggle on the Albanian front and of National Resistance, as well as of visions for a free homeland and universal peace."

[15] Gov't on salaries of top executives at public broadcaster

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

Asked about the increase, nevertheless, in a fix monthly fee tacked on to each household's electric bill, a sum that goes directly towards funding the ERT radio-television network, spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos reminded that the increased funding was necessitated by the permanent job status bestowed on no less than 1,400 ERT contract employees. He also said the increase relates to ERT's goal of fully incorporating a digital platform, which will allow the broadcast organization to increase the number of its channels.

The government has long criticized what it called the practice of the previous PASOK governments, namely, of keeping tens of thousands of contract employees in the wider public sector "hostage", while also charging that it was only the current government that attempted to solve the problem once and for all.

[16] US paper claims UN envoy Nimetz to resign

SPOKJE, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

The paper's report cites US diplomatic sources in Athens.

Moreover, the same article says Nimetz will table one last compromise proposal to the two sides, Athens and Skopje, before forecasting that it is unlikely to be accepted.

[17] Second report on Greek fiscal indicators to be submitted next Thursday

BRUSSELS, 27/10/2005 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

Well-informed sources reminded here that the time limit for the submission of this report is the end of October. Since, however, the European Union's services will be closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the report will be submitted on Thursday.

Senior finance ministry officials expressed optimism on Wednesday over the outcome of consultations between Greek and EU services on the issue of the conversion of uncollected revenues into securities and the way with which they will be registered in the 2006 state budget.

They said that the European Statistical Service will accept Greece's proposals, which do not differ from those submitted by Portugal in the past and which had been accepted by Brussels.

The same officials believe that decreasing the Greek state deficit to 2.6 percent in 2006 instead of 2.8, which is the target jointly set by Greek and EU services, is feasible.

[18] Commission awaiting revised draft of 'primary shareholder' law

BRUSSELS, 27/10/2005 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Additionally, he more-or-less hinted that prospects for the new draft law were positive, while saying Athens' proposal may be tabled here within the week.

Finally, he said a Commission response will come after it has officially received the text from Athens.

[19] Gov't on controversial OAKA land contract

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos on Wednesday said the signing of the contract by three ministers - Alogoskoufis, Souflias and Petralia - dealt with the town planning portion of the contract, whereas its subsequent rejection by Deputy Sports Minister George Orfanos probably touched on "reasons dealing with the general public good".

Moreover, Roussopoulos said certain provisions in approving this contract were not followed by OAKA's board of directors, something that Orfanos pointed out, he said.

The comments come hours after the president of the OAKA S.A. company, Manolis Katsiadakis, tendered his resignation.

[20] OAKA land contract cancellation a political and moral issue, main opposition says

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

Athanassakis said it was "unprecedented for three ministers to sign a contract without being aware of the relevant national policy as is the fact that a deputy minister overrode a joint ministerial decision claiming the need for an inspection that should have been carried out in the first place."

Ministers George Alogoskoufis (Finance), George Souflias (Environment, Town Planning and Public Works) and Fani Palli Petralia (Alternate Culture Minister) had signed the contract, which was later rejected by Deputy Culture Minister responsible for Sports George Orfanos.

According to Athanassakis, the contract was cancelled following the strong protest of Thessaloniki organizations which claimed that the contract negatively affected exhibit organizer Helexpo.

Company reaction: Content, the company awarded the OAKA contract, issued a statement on Wednesday stating that the contract was legal and that all procedures had been carried out appropriately.

"Everything was done in writing and in open daylight without any unofficial or 'behind-the-scenes' negotiations, with the knowledge and approval of the entire OAKA executive board," the company stated.

In conclusion, the company states that it will pursue every legal avenue to protect its legitimate interests in accordance with the contract.

[21] Mastiche, saffron in EU farm product promotion program

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

The European Commission, in an announcement on Wednesday, said it has approved measures to provide information on, and to promote, agricultural products in third countries. Member states have submitted 25 promotion and information programs to the Commission to be examined. For the first time new member states also participated. The 15 programs that have been accepted are targeted for the United States, Canada, Japan, Russia, Ukraine, China, and Switzerland. The products covered are wine, dairy products, meat, flowers and juices. The estimated expenditure for the EU is ¬ 13 million (50% of the budget of the programs).

"Improving the competitiveness of EU quality products on markets outside the EU is a major challenge. By investing in promotion and information campaigns for our agricultural products outside the EU, the European Union is showing its determination to take up this challenge", Commissioner Fischer Boel, responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development, said.

The EU can fund, in whole or in part, measures in third countries that provide information on, or promote, agricultural products and food products. These measures can be public relations, promotional or publicity measures, in particular highlighting the advantages of EU products, especially in terms of quality, hygiene, food safety, nutrition, labeling, animal welfare or environment-friendliness. These measures can amongst others also cover participation at events and fairs, information campaigns on the Community system of protected designations of origin (PDOs), protected geographical indications (PGIs) and traditional specialty guaranteed (TSGs) and of organic farming. Also possible are information campaigns on the EU system of quality wines produced in specified regions (QWPSR) and studies of new markets.

[22] Tenders for construction works at two airports

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

The projects are for the new air terminal and surrounding space of Nea Aghialos, central Greece, airport and the expansion of the space for the maneuvering of aircraft at Rhodes airport.

The Nea Aghialos project is budget at 19,545,000 euros and the air terminal will be built on a space of 9,000 square meters. The tender of the work will take place on November 21.

The budget for Rhodes airport amounts to 10,620,000 euros. The tender of the work will be held on December 12.

[23] Eurodeputies submit statement requesting issue of one and two euro bank notes

PARIS, 27/10/2005 (ANA/O.Tsipira)

Due to the significant number of signatures this written statement acquires a legal character and the president of the European Parliament is obliged to forward it to the European Commission, the Council and the European Central Bank, which must give answers on its position.

From the Greek Eurodeputies, actively taking part in the whole procedure were Messrs, Vakalis, Mavromatis and Panayiatopoulou, while the statement was signed by all the Greek and Cypriot Eurodeputies, with the exception of those from the Communist party of Greece."

[24] Greek stocks end 0.12 pct lower

ATHENS, 27/10/2005 (ANA)

The composite index fell 0.12 percent to end at 3,262.08 points, with turnover at 182.6 million euros.

Sector indices ended lower with the Publications (1.66 pct), Metals (0.81 pct), Textiles (0.80 pct) and IT Solution (0.55 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day, while the IT (3.03 pct), Banks (0.43 pct), Parallel (0.37 pct) and Telecommunications (0.19 pct) scored gains.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.02 pct, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.01 pct and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.61 pct lower.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 158 to 104 with another 62 issues unchanged.

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