Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 06-02-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis, Serb President Tadic discuss regional developments, Kosovo, Serbia-Montenegro relations, EU prospects

[02] Socialist International presidency a great honour and responsibility, George Papandreou says

[03] Socialist International Council discusses Middle East issues

[04] FM Molyviatis meets U.S. Undersecretary of State Burns

[05] Greece's Koumoutsakos lauds Putin's statements on Cyprus issue

[06] Deputy FM Skandalakis meets Australian, Armenian parliamentarians, SAE president Athens

[07] Health minister urges readiness on bird flu issue

[08] Justice minister comments on Bourboulia hearing, bourse investigation

[09] GSEE President Polyzogopoulos attacked by youths in central Athens

[10] Archbishop of Tirana Anastasios, President Papadopoulos receive IFUOCN Award

[11] SYN leader wraps up trip to Cuba

[12] Parliamentary Social Affairs Committee examines pharmaceutical system reform bill

[13] Cabinet approves bill on classified ads in local newspapers

[14] Forum focusing on Lebanon to be held in Athens

[15] Greek govt approved 577 new investment plans, worth 909.5 mln euros

[16] Development minister in Portugal for talks

[17] KKE leader Papariga meets refinery and industry workers

[18] Greece to set up tourism training school in Georgia

[19] Agrotica fair opens its gates on Wednesday

[20] Eurobank sells Hellas On Line to Intracom

[21] Nirefs seeks to open fish plant in Turkey

[22] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise in across-the-board buying

[23] MPA president presents news agency's priorities

[24] Greek historian Nikos Hatzinikolaou last recipient of Herder Prize

[25] Traffic-related deaths rise 18.2 pct in Nov. 2005 over Nov. 2004

[26] Athens' recycling pilot programme satisfactory

[27] Cypriot FM Iacovou discusses representations with Enlargement Commissioner Rehn

[28] Frattini pledges to do everything possible over illegal immigration

[29] Putin: Russia's policy regarding Cyprus problem remains unchanged

[30] President Papadopoulos: No reason to panic over bird flu

[31] Blair says his wife defends a British couple in her private capacity

[32] Lithuanian parliamentarians to visit Cyprus

[01] PM Karamanlis, Serb President Tadic discuss regional developments, Kosovo, Serbia-Montenegro relations, EU prospects

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Karamanlis said that Serbia today was democratic and modernising, noting that "we are advancing a new vision of Europe and the Balkans", and reiterating Greece's support for Serbia on its road to European integration, saying "the friendly country can count on the Greek support".

On Kosovo, Karamanlis reiterated Greece's position in favour of a mutually acceptable solution, in the framework of international legality, which would be the result of dialogue and negotiations with the participation of all sides involved, and not an imposed or dictated solution.

He stressed that self-control and moderacy must be displayed in the post-Rugova period, noting that the active materialisation of the criteria that have been set out must be accompanied by negotiations.

"We look forward to a multinational Kosovo in which Serbs and Albanians will live peacefully, and in which the regime will not be at the expense of stability in the Balkans".

On the State Union of Serbia-Montenegro, Karamanlis said that the volition of the people of Montenegro will be respected, adding that the result of the procedures must be free, transparent and democratic.

Tadic, in turn, welcomed the Greek stance as "positions of principle", noting that any solution to the Kosovo issue must be peaceful and arise through dialogue, and should not be the product of imposition. "We are in favour of the soverieghty and territorial integrity of Kosovo in the framework of our country," he said, adding that the municipalities and communities of the region should participate in the dialogue.

The Serb President further said that there must be a relationship with Belgrade, noting that this was the only path that provided guarantees for the Serbian population and the cultural heritage of the region, while at the same time providing stability in the Balkan region.

On the issue of Montenegro, Tadic said he was prepared to accept the result of the referendum, stressing that the desire of the citizens will be respected by 50 percent plus 1 of the registered voters in the voters' list.

The Serb president further stressed that bilateral relations with Greece were "exceptional" at both economic and political level, and addressed a new invitation to Greek businessmen to invest in Serbia.

President Papoulias meets Serb President Tadic: President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias on Tuesday met with Serbian President Boris Tadic, who is in Athens for a meeting of the Council of the Socialist International.

Welcoming Tadic at the Presidential Mansion, Papoulias said the Serb President was in Athens at a very interesting time not only for Serbia "but for all of us", and "not only for the Balkans, but also for Europe".

"We must all find paths to solve the problems, and we must all make that effort," Papoulias said.

Tadic expressed pleasure at being in a friendly country, adding that "in Serbia today we are not only resolving matters related to Serbia's interests..I believe that these matters relate to the interests of all the Balkans, and I would say of all of Europe".

Papoulias also met with the presidents of the World, European and Greek Jewish Congresses.

[02] Socialist International presidency a great honour and responsibility, George Papandreou says

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

Papandreou said that he will be able to serve Greece, PASOK and his future government even better from this position.

"It is an opportunity for this position to be utilised for the promotion of new ideas and proposals, as well as the experience of tens of parties and the promotion of the country in the Socialist International," he said.

The PASOK leader further said that today, due to globalisation, all the less can there be a separation between internal and national issues from foreign ones.

On the question of terrorism and the "trend existing in Europe to restrict democratic rights", Papandreou said that terrorism is confronted with the handling of the problems which create polarisation and fundamentalism at their root. He said it is less a police issue and more a political one.

Asked whether he intends to assume any initiatives on the issue of Cyprus in his new capacity, Papandreou said that he will continue to preoccupy himself with the issue and with efforts to resolve it, without announcing any specifc initiative.

As regards the issue of Kosovo, on which there was a different approach from leaders of parties in the region and from the President of Serbia Boris Tadic, the PASOK leader, replying to a relevant question, said that the Socialist International will support the efforts of Marti Ahtisaari in the area and will facilitate dialogue.

However, he added, whatever solution should be a peaceful one and respect human rights and the multiculturality of the Balkan region.

Papandreou said that the Socialist International certifies that there were democratic procedures in the elections in Palestinian territory and congratulated the Palestinian Authority. He also expressed the Socialist International's respect for the decisions of the Palestinian people, adding that an opportunity must be given to the new government which he hopes, as he said, will follow the path of dialogue and the avoidance of the use of force in the direction of the existence of two sovereign states of Israel and Palestine.

[03] Socialist International Council discusses Middle East issues

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

Lebanese Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) vice-president Doreid Yaghi called for implementation of the relevant UN Resolutions, and international investigations into the killings of political leaders in Lebanon. as well as the despatch of an SI delegation to Lebanon.

President of Cyprus' Movement of Social Democrats (EDEK) party Yannakis Omirou said the primary issues of the region were the Palestinian issue and the undermining of the stability in Lebanon.

On the Palestinian issue, Omirou said that despite the steps it has taken, Israel needed to do more to provide guarantees for the Palestinians, while Hamas -- which won the absolute majority in the weekend elections in Palestine -- had the obligation to respect the state of Israel. He added that dialogue was the only way for problems to be resolved.

Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI) delegate Khosrow Abdollahi called for reinforcement of the democratic forces of Iran so as to rid the country of a regime "of another period", but ruled out any type of military intervention. He also called on the West to curtail its economic interests so that oppressive regimes would not be reinforced through the serving of those interests.

The delegate from Pakistan called for effective measures in order to combat fundamentalism, and for the return of the democratic leadership to Pakistan.

SI adopts resolutions on Balkans, Middle East, poverty and peace: The Socialist International Council wrapped up its two-day meeting in Athens on Tuesday with the adoption of four resolutions regarding the Balkans, the Middle East, poverty and inequality, peace, democracy and solidarity among peoples.

In its resolution regarding the Balkans, SI reiterates its support and solidarity towards the region's peoples for peace, stability, and a positive role within the EU.

As for Kosovo, SI believes the issue has reached a critical point and that the region must become fully democratic, diverse and respect the rights of all its citizens, while solutions imposed externally and which may fuel regional tensions should be avoided both in Kosovo and Serbia-Montenegro.

The SI's opinion regarding the Middle East is that substantive negotiations must resume for a solution based on the founding of two countries that recognise each other.

With its resolution, SI noted the positive developments Hamas has achieved regarding its programme, but voiced concerns that Hamas' stance continues to be in conflict with the actions necessary to achieve peace. SI calls on the new Palestinian Authority's government to continue along the lines of peacefully resolving differences.

On the issue of poverty and inequality, SI notes that the gap has widened both between countries and within countries.

With its relevant resolution, SI reconfirms its commitment to fighting all forms of inequality, calls on UN member states to assume their responsibility for implementing the conclusions drawn at the 2005 World Summit, calls for poverty in Africa to be immediately addressed, and outlines a series of other measures.

Finally, on the issue of peace, democracy and solidarity between peoples and cultures, SI has pledged to step up its efforts for better understanding among peoples of diverse cultures, religions, and race.

[04] FM Molyviatis meets U.S. Undersecretary of State Burns

LONDON, 1/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/L. Tsirigotakis)

The Greek foreign minister noted:"We discussed bilateral relations, the Cyprus issue, Kosovo, the general situation in the Balkans and Iran." Molyviatis said that his talks with Burns were held in "a very good and positive climate."

On his part, Burns noted "the excellent relations which Athens and Washington have at this moment." The U.S. Under-secretary of State further stressed "the central role which Greece is playing in the developments in the region, where the United States seek to find a solution." He referred particularly to the Balkans with Kosovo as the epicentre, and to the Middle East.

Burns underlined that he "felt proud" that he was cooperating with Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and Molyviatis.

"Greece constitutes an important factor in developments in many current issues and problems, such as the negotiations for Kosovo and the efforts by the United States for stability in the Balkans in general and for the achievement of a solution for peace in the region of the Middle East," Burns added.

Concluding, Burns said "Greece is a friend of the United States and I am proud that I met and discussed these issues with Mr. Molyviatis."

[05] Greece's Koumoutsakos lauds Putin's statements on Cyprus issue

LONDON, 1/2/2006 (ANA-MPA/L. Tsirigotakis)

Greek Foreign Ministry Spokesman George Koumoutsakos in a statement on Tuesday evening said:"Today's statements by President Putin confirms that Russia clearly follows the political principles on the Cyprus issue. Particularly important is the fact that within this framework Russia is willing to make an active contribution and to substantially cooperate with the UN Secretary General in the effort in reaching an agreed solution to the international matter of the Cyprus issue."

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Koumoutsakos added:"As to the economic support to the occupied northern part of the island, I remind that the first who with a constructive spirit supported the granting of European economic aid to the Turkish Cypriots were Cyprus and Greece, already in April 2004. And today we have the same position under the prerequisite that this aid is implemented in accordance to the decisions and resolutions of the United Nations for the Cyprus issue."

[06] Deputy FM Skandalakis meets Australian, Armenian parliamentarians, SAE president Athens

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

Discussed at the meeting were issues of bilateral relations as well as matters concerning Overseas Hellenism living in Australia.

Skandalakis later met with a delegation of the Armenia-Greece Parliamentary Friendship Group with whom he discussed issues of bilateral interest.

Finally, the deputy foreign minister also met with the president of the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE), Andrew Athens. The objective of the meeting was the developments in Overseas Hellenism, the situation in the Health Centres of the overseas Greeks, and the new executive law for the upgrading of SAE, which will shortly be tabled in Parliament by the government.

[07] Health minister urges readiness on bird flu issue

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

Both Kaklamanis and Basiakos were reassuring as regards the current situation and measures which have been taken, in accordance with global and European instructions, to confront the bird flu virus and proposed calm.

However, they did not rule out the possibility of the virus being brought into the country, despite strict controls being applied at all entrances to the country from third countries.

"We must be in a state of readiness and we must not be complacent. There is strict control at all the entrances of Greece from third countries, so that we will have no problem. Our effort, which was timely and effective, safeguards the country from the spreading of the disease," Basiakos said on his part.

Opposition party deputies spoke of a lack of appropriate information for the public and of coordination between ministers involved in the issue.

[08] Justice minister comments on Bourboulia hearing, bourse investigation

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

Regarding the re-opening of an investigation into suspected stock market fraud, Papaligouras said that justice should be left to do its work undisturbed, without discrimination or hesitation.

"I can assure you that the law will not be bent for anyone," he said.

[09] GSEE President Polyzogopoulos attacked by youths in central Athens

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

Polyzogopoulos was in his car along with another person when they were attacked.

The youths caused damage to the car with planks of wood and stones and slightly injured Polyzogopoulos and the man with him in the car. Both were transferred to the Athens General Clinic for first aid. The culprits fled.

Parliament condemns attack on labour union leader: Parliament, with its second vice president George Sourlas, on Tuesday night condemned the "cowardly" attack against General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) President Christos Polyzogopoulos in central Athens earlier in the evening.

Polyzogopoulos had been driving his car when he was attacked with sticks and stones by a group of youths. Both he and another passenger were slightly injured and were taken to hospital for treatment.

During a discussion on a bill, Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos condemned the act of violence against Polyzogopoulos and reassured that all necessary steps will be taken to enable the perpetrators to be found.

[10] Archbishop of Tirana Anastasios, President Papadopoulos receive IFUOCN Award

1/2/2006 (ANA)

The Award was also presented to Cyprus president Tassos Papadopoulos, Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov, and the Orthodox University of Balamand in Lebanon.

The awards ceremony was attended by 2,500 people, including members of the Diplomatic Corps in Russia and eminent figures of the arts, culture and science.

[11] SYN leader wraps up trip to Cuba

1/2/2006 (ANA)

During his visit, Alavanos, accompanied by SYN cadres, met with government and party officials in Havana, including Deputy Foreign Minister Eumelio Caballero.

According to a SYN statement, it has been agreed that a broad dialogue between the leftist parties of Latin America and the European Left must begin, while bilateral cooperation both with SYN and the European Left also need to be developed.

Alavanos also stressed the need for bilateral relations to be further developed and expanded upon, both between the two peoples and the two governments.

[12] Parliamentary Social Affairs Committee examines pharmaceutical system reform bill

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

However, opposition deputies criticised the bill, claiming that what it anticipates will lead to the burdening of social insurance funds. Main opposition PASOK party deputies said that the abolition of the medicines list is fictitious since "the list is being preserved and its name is merely being changed."

[13] Cabinet approves bill on classified ads in local newspapers

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

He said preparation of the bill had begun in April 2004, lasting 14 months and had now reached a stage where there was a "high level of agreement".

It establishes criteria that allow regional and local papers to publish classified advertisements, proclamations for positions and company reports, such as the size of circulation, years of publication, number of journalists employed and the balance of recent local news versus news reproduced from other sources.

Roussopoulos said that the distribution of state advertising would be regulated by another bill but noted that he had personally set up a committee made up of representatives of local papers that were abled to check the month-by-month distribution of this type of advertising.

[14] Forum focusing on Lebanon to be held in Athens

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

In addition to honouring the memory of Hariri, the forum is also dedicated to "all those Lebanese martyrs who lost their lives during the past 18 months, struggling for Lebanon's right for independence and freedom of speech," according to the organisers "An Action for Lebanon."

The forum will include a question and answer session following the speeches of journalists Gisele Khoury and Ali Hamadeh; and Yasma Fuleihan, wife of Dr. Basil Fuleihan, former Minister of Economy & Trade and MP, a victim of the Hariri assassination who died in April 2005.

[15] Greek govt approved 577 new investment plans, worth 909.5 mln euros

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

The investment plans were budgeted at 909.5 million euros, with state subsidies totalling 380.4 million euros. The plans will create 3,249 new job positions.

Out of the 577 approved investment plans, 370 were in the manufacturing sector, 166 in tourism, 23 in the primary sector and 18 in the services sector.

[16] Development minister in Portugal for talks

1/2/2006 (ANA)

Among topics discussed were the business sector, research, technology, innovation, and possible cooperation in education and investment, the development ministry said in a statement from Athens.

Also debated was joint action at a meeting in Brussels on February 23 by the European Union's high level group on textiles.

Pinio is to pay an official visit to Greece. A date has yet to be set.

[17] KKE leader Papariga meets refinery and industry workers

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

In statements, Papariga said: "For us, no arguments are valid by those projected by the administration of the company and in general by the government which would justify the closure of the Phosphoric Fertilisers Industry."

The KKE leader added:"Only one explanation exists. The complete delivery of this sector to other stronger businessmen. That is, for the sector to be covered by those who are interested in greater profits. Whatever is happening, whatever will happen, the workers cannot pay the price."

Papariga reiterated the KKE's support to the workers "for the business to remain open, for nobody to lose their job."

[18] Greece to set up tourism training school in Georgia

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

Tourism Deputy Minister Anastasios Liaskos on Tuesday approved spending, worth 70,000 euros, for the supply of the school's basic laboratory equipment. The decision was based on a bilateral agreement, signed in October 2004, during a visit by Greek Foreign Deputy Minister Evripides Stylianidis to George in the framework of an inter-ministerial commission for economic and technological cooperation.

The Greek tourism ministry will draft an action plan for the operation of the training school in Georgia.

[19] Agrotica fair opens its gates on Wednesday

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

This year's AGROTICA fair will attract 1,246 direct and indirect exhibitors, mainly from the Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe, the Black Sea and the Near and Middle East. The fair will also present farm vehicles and offer scheduled business meetings under the ExpoPartenariat programme. Helexpo, the organiser of the fair, has also planned four conferences during the fair.

[20] Eurobank sells Hellas On Line to Intracom

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

The buyer and seller said in a joint statement on Tuesday that the purchase price for the stock, which has been fully transferred, was 18.95 million euros.

Employing Intracom's knowhow, cooperation between Eurobank and Hellas On Line is expected to continue in network connection and management, and voice services. Other ventures may be introduced.

[21] Nirefs seeks to open fish plant in Turkey

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

In a presentation for the Association of Institutional Investors, Belles also noted that the company was sounding out launching production operations in Spain.

[22] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise in across-the-board buying

ATHENS, 1/2/2006 (ANA)

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalisation shares ended 0.45% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.44% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.59% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 164 to 120 with 39 remaining unchanged.