Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-10-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece, Russia reiterate combating terrorism not directed at Islam

[02] Greek, German FMs discuss fight against terrorism, safeguarding democracy

[03] FM discusses terrorism with Belgian counterpart

[04] Lebanese president received by Stephanopoulos in Athens

[05] Gov't cites battle against 'international scourge'

[06] Greeks oppose a military response to Sept. 11 attacks, poll shows

[07] PM and PASOK Secretary discuss Central Committee positions

[08] President departs for Evros to observe "Parmenion 2001" military exercise

[09] Tsohatzopoulos calls on Turkey to cooperate for a Cyprus settlement

[10] Gov't spokesman responds to opinion poll published on Monday

[11] Turkish jetfighters violate Greek national airspace

[12] Papantoniou tables 2002 draft budget plan

[13] Economy showing staying power in world slowdown, gov't says

[14] Global slowdown to have minor impact on Greece, analyst says

[15] Minister says no change in 2002 hotel reservations

[16] Greece making up lost ground in innovation among EU partners

[17] Gov't to back aid for compulsive gamblers

[18] Greek Tourist Organization employees start work stoppages

[19] Greece's PMI rises fractionally in September

[20] Draft presidential decree for employment of European citizens in Greek courts

[21] Hellenic Stock Exchanges enters MSCI index

[22] Stocks drop, dampened by markets abroad

[23] Greek culture minister comments on IOCs Coordinating Commission's findings

[24] British newspaper says 2004 Olympiad security 'impressive'

[25] Simitis, Karamanlis messages on World Day for the Elderly

[26] Board of Greece's land registry charged with malfeasance, gov't minister responds

[27] CoE conference in Athens on illegal migration

[28] Friedrich Ebert Foundation on political image of Greece

[29] President Clerides takes the salute at parade to commemorate the independence of the Republic of Cyprus

[30] President Clerides says he continues to believe in peaceful settlement of Cyprus question

[01] Greece, Russia reiterate combating terrorism not directed at Islam

MOSCOW, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

Both Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov reiterated that the fight against international terrorism is aimed only at the terrorists, and most definitely not against Islam or Muslim countries, a statement repeated by most of the West’s leaders over the past week.

Along those lines, Greece and Russia agreed to better cooperate in the anti-terrorism field by sharing information, especially as pertaining to activities by suspected terrorist groups in the Balkans.

In a direct reference to the Balkans, Ivanov also cautioned that developments in the NATO-administered Yugoslav province of Kosovo must be closely monitored, “so that another Afghanistan isn’t created in the Balkans".

Moreover, Ivanov emphasized that Moscow’s policy vis-a-vis Chechnya, the rest of the Caucasus and Central Asia was firmly vindicated by the shocking terrorist attacks in the United States, while he added that Russia was working with Washington in the humanitarian aid and intelligence-gathering sectors.

Papandreou agreed that urgent actions were needed to alleviate a pending humanitarian disaster in war-ravaged Afghanistan, noting that Greece has already contributed one million US dollars to aid efforts.

Although the menacing problem of terrorism dominated talks, the Greek foreign minister, nevertheless, cautioned that various high-profile regional disputes and conflicts -- such as the Balkans, Cyprus and the Mideast - should not be marginalized in the wake of the international anti-terrorism campaign, warning that those issues also generate international crises.

Balkans, Cyprus: In terms of the Balkans, Papandreou reiterated that a peace agreement in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) - signed late last August -- must be implemented, particularly after a mandate extension for a small NATO security force deployed in the land-locked country to Greece's north.

Papandreou also expressed Athens' conditional support over a Russian proposal to convene an international conference focusing specifically on the often strife-torn region. He said Greece would back such a conference if two conditions were met, namely, that no new claims were unveiled and considered. The second condition would be adherence to standing international principles, such as the all-important concept of regional borders' inviolability.

The Greek FM subsequently cited the need for a stepped up political role on the part of the Balkan Stability Pact.

Referring to the long-standing Cyprus problem - 37 percent of the island republic is occupied by Turkish troops - Papandreou expressed Greece's satisfaction with Moscow's stance on the issue, including the latest Security Council resolution placing the blame on the Turkish side for a lack of progress towards solving the issue.

EU - Russia ties: As far as European Union-Russia relations are concerned, Papandreou said Athens desires a "common area of economic cooperation", whereas Russia-NATO ties should promote a "common security zone".

In statements to reporters after their two-hour meeting, the Greek FM emphasized that Russia is a major European power, one with whom the EU should increase cooperation at all levels.

Furthermore, Ivanov cited what he called delays and bureaucracy his country faces in developing relations with the 15-nation bloc, whereas Papandreou said he would bring up such difficulties in EU-Russia relations to Belgian Foreign Minister Louis Michel, the current chairman of the rotating council of EU foreign ministers, as well as tabling the matter before the Union's General Affairs council next week in Luxembourg.

Putin visit: While in Greece, the Russia's Putin is expected to sign several bilateral agreements, including ones eyeing cooperation in the maritime and air transport sectors.

Additional contacts between Papandreou and Ivanov are scheduled in New York and Athens to finalize preparations for the Putin visit.

On his part, Papandreou said he hoped the visit would mark a "historic milestone" for relations between Athens and Moscow.

Pipeline: In other items, both sides reiterated their interest in finally building and operating the long-delayed Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline -- a project that envisions Russian and Central Asian oil being pumped through a pipeline connecting Bulgaria's Black Sea port with an outlet in Greece's northeastern Aegean coast, a route that would bypass the narrow and congested Bosporus and Dardanelles straits.

[02] Greek, German FMs discuss fight against terrorism, safeguarding democracy

BERLIN, 02/10/2001 (ANA - P. Stangos)

Papandreou said that his opinion on the issue "coincided" with that of his German counterpart, adding that the European Union will have to shoulder a great part of efforts to resolve problems behind the crises in the Balkans, the Middle East, Cyprus and the Caucasus.

The coordinated effort of the European Union for the confrontation of those regional crises - which could increase the global security and stability problems - as well as close cooperation between Greece and Germany were at the focus of the Papandreou-Fischer talks.

The two men exchanged information on organized criminal operations of money laundering and drug trafficking mainly in Albania, Kosovo and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), well-informed sources said. The issue was raised in relation to Greek-German efforts to combat the "scourges" of the production and trafficking of drugs, money laundering and gun running, all of them activities that provide the ground for terrorism.

The same sources said that the ministers discussed the coordinated undertaking of measures, given the fact that both Greece and Germany are located on the axis of the expanding activities of those networks.

Fischer requested Greece's assistance in efforts to stabilize FYROM, in light of Germany's "special obligation", which the country undertook from NATO, as the country in charge of the "Amber Fox" military mission in that country.

Papandreou pledged Greece's support for this German effort.

According to well-informed sources, Fischer brought up the issue of FYROM's constitutional name, as Greece refuses to accept the Greek word "Macedonia" as the name for the newly created small Balkan republic.

Fischer urged the Greek side to forge ahead with the recognition of FYROM as "The Republic of Macedonia" in what he called a "contribution to stability", the same sources said, adding that there are possibilities, later on, on a bilateral level, for Greece to secure all the guarantees it considers necessary.

Regarding the Cyprus problem, the same diplomatic sources noted that Fisher considers the intransigence of the Turkish-Cypriot side and that of Ankara as "unproductive" and "unacceptable", while at the same time he expressed his concern for the effects of a possible increase in tensions in the Southeastern Mediterranean in case Cyprus entered the EU without having resolved its political problem first.

The same sources noted that the Greek minister emphatically said that if Cyprus' EU entry is blocked for reasons of political expediency, then it should be considered definite that the Greek Parliament will not ratify the Union's enlargement.

Papandreou stressed to Greek reporters that Cyprus remains a "thorn" in Greek-Turkish relations and an obstacle in their further development.

Fischer also met with his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem prior to his meeting with Papandreou.

[03] FM discusses terrorism with Belgian counterpart

BRUSSELS, 02/10/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

The two officials met at Brussels airport where Papandreou's plane had landed for about two hours. Michel was at the airport to welcome Russian President Vladimir Putin. He met with Papandreou afterwards.

Michel briefed Papandreou on the outcome of his recent visit to Pakistan, Syria and Saudi Arabia. On his part, Papandreou briefed him on consultations he had in Russia in the morning with Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov.

Papandreou said later that the role played by Russia in the framework of efforts to create the widest possible front in the struggle against international terrorism is very positive.

Commenting on Michel's visit to Pakistan and the Middle East, Papandreou said the EU is making every possible effort to achieve the greatest possible cooperation, adding that this development is extremely positive.

Papandreou and Michel ascertained that, regardless of developments in the struggle against international terrorism, the promotion of a peaceful solution to the Middle East issue is imperative.

Papandreou also spoke by phone with Albanian Prime Minister Ilir Meta on Monday and discussed cooperation between Greece and Albania in combatting international terrorism.

The Albanian side clarified that the necessary political will exists to combat organized crime and terrorism, while it was pointed out that the Albanian government supports changes being promoted in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

[04] Lebanese president received by Stephanopoulos in Athens

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

During their one-hour meeting, delegations from the two countries signed a bilateral agreement on educational issues and a cooperation protocol for the Greek and Lebanese foreign ministries.

In statements afterward, Stephanopoulos stressed the good relations between Greece and Lebanon, the high level of cooperation between the two countries and also that Lebanon absorbed the largest amount of Greek products among Arab countries.

Lahud's visit, the president added, was an opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation, while there was a convergence of views between the two countries on all issues.

On his part, Lahud noted that this was the first official visit to Greece by a Lebanese president since 1950 and that there was much ground to cover.

He said that bilateral ties between Greece and Lebanon should be upgraded, especially since Greece had provided refuge for many Lebanese citizens fleeing the civil conflict in their country. He also thanked Greece for its support of Lebanon in the affair of the Arabs and Palestinians, which he said should be solved in a fair and comprehensive way for the whole of the Middle East.

Turning to the tragic events of Sept. 11 in the United States, Lahud expressed Lebanon's absolute condemnation of the terrorist attacks.

He noted, however, that a distinction should be drawn between terrorism and resistance.

Finally, Lahud invited the Greek president to pay an official visit to Lebanon.

Greek president says condemnation of terrorism absolute: Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos said the condemnation of every terrorist act is absolute during an address at an official dinner he gave on Monday for his Lebanese counterpart Emil Lahud.

"These days our thoughts are governed by the incalculable consequences of the terrorist acts in the United States. Our sorrow over the event dealing a blow to all of us who believe in the same values is accompanied both by the absolute condemnation of every terrorist act and our determination for close cooperation with the purpose of achieving the final eradication of this contemporary scourge," he said.

President Stephanopoulos also referred to the "toilsome" efforts of the Lebanese people and their leadership to heal the wounds of war and for the country's social and economic recovery. He reassured that Greece will stand by their side as a European Union member-state as well.

[05] Gov't cites battle against 'international scourge'

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

"We are solid adversaries of this international scourge," government spokesman Dimitris Reppas.

The spokesman added that Greece will uniting its forces with other countries' services in the struggle against terrorism, while adding that such phenomena are not only national problems, but are international in nature.

[06] Greeks oppose a military response to Sept. 11 attacks, poll shows

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

According to the poll results, 86.2 per cent of Greeks is against military action by the US in response to the Sept. 11 attacks. In the event that a military operation is decided on, 72.1 per cent believe that Greece should not participate and 21.3 per cent believe that it should.

On the domestic front, main opposition New Democracy is still ahead in voter preference and as the party most likely to win an immediate election, but ruling PASOK has closed the gap relative to opinion polls published earlier this year.

For example, 42.1 per cent of those responding said ND would win immediate elections against 32.4 per cent that said PASOK would win. The main opposition had earned 51.3 per cent for the same question in an MRB opinion poll in June, and 60 per cent in a V-PRC poll in July.

ND also led as the party most people would cast their vote for with 34.3 per cent, 6.4 points ahead of PASOK with 27.9 per cent. The Movement of Free Citizens (KEP) came third with 7 per cent, followed by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) with 4.9 per cent, the Coalition of the Left and Progress with 3.5 per cent and the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) with 2.2 per cent.

Prime Minister Costas Simitis and ND leader Costas Karamanlis nearly tied as best for prime minister, with Simitis marginally ahead with 35.3 percent against 35 per cent for Karamanlis, while the main opposition leader swept ahead in popularity with 51.6 per cent, relative to 43.6 per cent for Simitis.

Simitis was most popular among the middle age ranges, in urban centers, people with a secondary school education or above and the relatively prosperous.

The main opposition leader, by contrast, was most popular among older age groups, people in semi-rural areas and lower income classes.

Up to 76.1 per cent of those responding said they were little or not at all satisfied with the government, as opposed to 74.7 per cent for New Democracy.

[07] PM and PASOK Secretary discuss Central Committee positions

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

The same issue, as well as the party's upcoming congress, will be examined by PASOK's Executive Bureau in two meetings scheduled for October 3 and 9.

Speaking after his meeting with Simitis, Skandalidis said PASOK's leadership wants to start a substantive discussion on the party to enable the congress, apart from its other duties, to take a serious interest in PASOK's course and perspective.

Referring to last Sunday's elections in the party, Skandalidis reassured that the participation of the party's organization members "exceeded 70 percent considerably."

He added that Sunday's process was such that it brought the party a step closer to a congress of substantive discussion.

Skandalidis further said he trusts PASOK's grassroots which "always rises to the occasion united in such moments."

[08] President departs for Evros to observe "Parmenion 2001" military exercise

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

The Greek Armed Forces are using their newly acquired AWACS airborne warning and control system platforms for the first time, during the maneuvers conducted in connection with "Parmenion 2001".

[09] Tsohatzopoulos calls on Turkey to cooperate for a Cyprus settlement

NICOSIA, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

Speaking Monday at a joint press conference with his Cypriot counterpart Sokratis Hasikos, the Greek minister said Greece insists on finding a "common road of convergence" with Turkey, which has to prove with deeds if it really wishes to adjust its policies and walk along this path with Greece.

According to a Cyprus News Agency (CNA) dispatch from Nicosia, the minister said that Monday's military parade to mark 41 years since the independence of the Republic of Cyprus is a reminder that Cyprus honors its dead heroes, it reiterates the country's resolve to work for freedom and enjoyment of human rights by all Cypriots and it also reaffirms that the Republic's armed forces can defend the nation.

In his comments to the press, Hasikos said Cyprus is suffering the repercussions of international terrorism in the continuing Turkish occupation of 37 per cent of its territory and stressed that peace talks is the only way to solve the Cyprus question.

"The international community demands a collective response to terrorism, we see a big change in the world as we have known it to-date, we have to uproot once and for all terrorism," he said, calling on the international community to deal with hot-beds of "crisis and instability" with a view to reduce the risk for worlds security.

There is an obligation to implement the principles of law and order the international community abides by with consistency, in areas where these values do not apply, he said, noting that Cyprus, because of the continuing Turkish occupation, is "a classic example" where law and order must be restored.

On Greek-Turkish relations, the Greek defense minister said "I think it would be naive for anybody to believe that our good neighborly relations with Turkey and our friendship can progress, if there is no solution to the Cyprus question," noting that the deterioration of bilateral ties was the direct result of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus.

He called on Turkey to "do its duty" and join forces with Greece to back the just efforts by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, on the basis of UN decisions to solve the problem.

"Nobody can demand that only one of the two, Greece or Turkey, will perform its duty, we both have to help this process," he said.

Commenting on claims by Turkish premier Bulent Ecevit that Cyprus poses allegedly a security "danger" to the entire world, Tsohatzopoulos dismissed such remarks as "unfounded" and called on Ankara to first assess its own performance when it comes to human rights and democratic norms and then start criticizing others.

Asked if Athens intends to denounce Ecevit's remarks, he pointed to the historic need for "Greece and Turkey to find a common road of convergence on the way to the European Union."

"It now rests with Turkey to prove with deeds its willingness to move ahead and adjust its position and attitude accordingly by backing EU objectives, security, cooperation, peace," he said of Turkey's obligations.

Invited to explain the message of Monday's military parade to Turkey, Tsohatzopoulos said "we honor our dead, we press on with our objective to secure the democratic rights and freedoms of all Cypriots and we reiterate that the Republic's armed forces are ready if need be to defend the nation's freedom against any threat."

In his reply to a Turkish Cypriot journalist about the Republic's arms acquisition programs, Hasikos refrained from commenting on defense matters but pointed out that "we want a peaceful resolution to our problem."

"Cyprus has been suffering from international terrorism for the past 27 years because of the continuing Turkish occupation," he said, adding that Turkey must understand that the people of Cyprus have dignity and will defend the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"I hope this is the last upgrading of our armed forces because war has never been under any circumstances the solution to such problems.

Instead peace talks is the way to a solution," he concluded.

On EU matters, Tsohatzopoulos said that EU security and defense policy does not in any way act as a deterrent to EU plans for enlargement.

Tsohatzopoulos was due to return to Greece later on Monday. He arrived Sunday to represent Greece in Monday's celebrations to mark 41 years since independence.

Earlier in the day Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides had a half-hour long meeting with the Greek defense minister. No statements were made after the meeting.

Present at the meeting were Hasikos, Under-Secretary to the President Pantelis Kouros, and Greek Ambassador in Nicosia Christos Panagopoulos.

Tsohatzopoulos also met with the Primate of the Church of Cyprus, Archbishop Chrysostomos.

Karamanlis sends message marking Independence Day of Cyprus: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis in an announcement on Monday marking the anniversary of the Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus expressed his party's steadfast support for the Greek Cypriots' struggles.

"Today, on the 41st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, we consider it our duty to reiterate our firm and unshakeable support for the struggle of Cypriot Hellenism for vindication and our indefatigable effort for the speedy and full accession of Cyprus in the European Union," he said.

"New Democracy has always stood steadfast on the side of Cyprus. It is doing the same today when Turkey, instead of withdrawing its occupation forces and adopting the behavior of a European neighbor, is launching new threats against Cyprus," the main opposition leader concluded.

[10] Gov't spokesman responds to opinion poll published on Monday

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

"We believe that when our work will have been completed, Greece of 2004 will be much better than the Greece of 2000 and this position will be appreciated by the Greek people. We are interested in winning the vote of the Greek people again," he said.

"When our efforts will have yielded results, our work will have been completed and then the Greek people will evaluate and we believe positively the effectiveness of our government," he concluded.

The poll showed main opposition New Democracy ahead in voter preference and as the party most likely to win an immediate election, but ruling PASOK has closed the gap relative to opinion polls published earlier this year.

For example, 42.1 per cent of those responding said ND would win immediate elections against 32.4 per cent that said PASOK would win. The main opposition had earned 51.3 per cent for the same question in an MRB opinion poll in June, and 60 per cent in a V-PRC poll in July.

[11] Turkish jetfighters violate Greek national airspace

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

They said 20 Turkish jetfighters -- in 10 formations of two jetfighters each -- engaged in 18 infringements of the Athens FIR.

Twelve of those infringements developed into violations of Greek national airspace in the region of the northern Aegean, the sources said.

Greek fighter planes identified and intercepted the Turkish aircraft immediately on all occasions, while in three instances the interception process developed into an engagement.

[12] Papantoniou tables 2002 draft budget plan

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

The draft plan envisages a 7.8 percent increase in regular budget's total revenues to 39.85 million euros, with net revenues at 38.383 million euros, up 6.5 percent from 2001.

Tax revenues are forecast to increase by 8.0 percent while net primary spending to rise by 5.9 percent, significantly lower compared with the growth rate of nominal GDP (+7.7%).

Papantoniou said that consumer spending would be reduced by 2.1 percent, while subsidies to the country's social security funds would be raised by 7.2 percent to meet higher pension payments.

He said that spending of a Public Investments Program is forecast to rise by 9.7 percent from 2001, reflecting higher infrastructure needs for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

New Democracy blasts government's draft budget for 2002: The main opposition New Democracy (ND) party on Monday sharply criticized the government's draft budget for 2002, saying it failed to streamline public spending or lower taxes.

"The government has yet again failed to rise to the occasion. The two drafts of the budget it submitted to parliament have continued a tradition of fake, misery-laden budgets," ND economy spokesman George Alogoskoufis said in a statement.

He said that the government should streamline public finances and simplify the taxation system in an overhaul that would include lower tax brackets.

Alogoskoufis charged that tax measures in the budget were reminiscent of pre-election enticements while wage rises for public sector employees lagged behind inflation.

[13] Economy showing staying power in world slowdown, gov't says

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

He was relaying the content of a cabinet meeting earlier in the day to approve a draft budget for 2002.

Reppas told reporters that the government had in past years evolved an economy that was able to withstand shocks, greatly aided by its entry into the eurozone this year.

Although there was no cause for anxiety, the country should be ready to meet adverse repercussions of recession, including a slowdown in growth in the US and in Europe, the government spokesman said.

At the same time, any change in domestic economic planning would not involve cuts in social spending that the government had said it would implement, he added.

Projects co-funded under the European Union's Third Community Framework would go ahead as planned, as well as projects for the Athens 2004 Olympics. If needed, cuts would be made in spending that was classed as consumption, or in administrative operational costs, Reppas said.

High rates of growth and a reduction in the public debt, which was spectacular in the last two years, were major weapons in the government's attempt to handle domestic policy in the global crisis, he added.

[14] Global slowdown to have minor impact on Greece, analyst says

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

In a monthly English-language market report for customers, the state-run bank said that monetary conditions remained slack in Greece as the effect of a recent cut in rates by the European Central Bank more than offset the impact of the euro's rise versus the US dollar to about 0.92-0.93 cents.

In addition, hefty rate cuts in the market were expected to give impetus to existing robust credit operations by Greek banks, said the report for September by the bank's research and planning department.

At the same time, there were signs that domestic growth would slow in the third quarter against a high rate posted in 2000 - the same phenomenon as in all member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the report added.

Although the adverse economic climate internationally appeared to have weakened confidence among consumers and industry, Greece would show staying power due to factors including heavy European Union funding under the Third Community Support Framework and a relatively high rate of construction activity.

Finally, inflationary pressures were likely to ease at a faster rate in the third quarter, the report said.

In a previous analysis, the National Bank of Greece had said that Greece would be affected less than many other countries by a US slowdown in growth in 2001, which would drag down the rate in the eurozone following terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on September 11.

Eurozone growth of 1.6 percent this year was forecast to rise to 1.8 percent in 2002, sharply lower than initial forecasts of 2.5 percent for next year, the analysis said.

It gave no concrete forecast for Greek growth, which is currently running at about 3.5 percent, well above the eurozone average.

[15] Minister says no change in 2002 hotel reservations

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

He added that the country is awaiting international developments.

On the question of the recent terrorist attack in the United States and its repercussions for Greek tourism, Christodoulakis urged coolness and said the present negative conjuncture requires vigilance and speed in policies to be applied to prevent the negative conjuncture from turning into a permanent problem.

With the purpose of monitoring developments on a permanent basis and a speedy response in the event of unfavorable developments, he announced the creation of an emergency management committee composed of representative tourist agencies.

He further said he will sign the decision for the creation of the committee on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Christodoulakis pointed out that his ministry's target regarding tourist demand is the promotion of Greece's common interests with tour operators, creating "a common front benefiting both sides."

[16] Greece making up lost ground in innovation among EU partners

BRUSSELS, 02/10/2001 (ANA / B. Demiris)

"Despite the delays and gaps observed in performance in innovation, efforts are being made to reverse the trend, especially through operational programs under the structural funds," the EU's executive Commission said of Greece in a survey released on Monday.

The report on innovation in each of the bloc's 15 countries in 2001 is divided into 17 indices spread over human resources, the creation of knowledge, the transmission and application of the new knowledge, funding, production and markets.

It also said that Greek authorities had classed innovation as a high priority policy, and that for the first time the country's 13 regions would receive Community funding for innovation programs, in addition to national financing already awarded.

Among statistics contained in the report were that 16.9 percent of Greece's population had knowledge at a tertiary level of education; participation in continuing education was 1.1 percent, the lowest in the EU; and 2.4 percent of Greek workers were employed in industries using mid- and high-level technology.

In addition, 1.5 percent of Greek workers were employed in high technology services; public spending on research and development totalled 0.38 percent of GDP, among the lowest in the EU; and 20.1 percent of small and medium sized enterprises promoted innovation policies, the lowest ranking in the EU.

[17] Gov't to back aid for compulsive gamblers

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

Speaking at an event organized by OPAP in Thessaloniki, Floridis said the nature and extent of the problem in Greece would be researched. At the same time, initiatives to support and assist compulsive gamblers, such as a Gamblers Anonymous support group and advice/counseling centers, would be set up.

The minister said that university psychology and sociology departments would be recruited in the effort to deal with gambling as a disorder, and would be coordinated by Panteion University's Center for Social Psychology and Public Opinion Research.

OPAP, he added, would donate 40 million drachmas toward this drive.

A further 120 million drachmas is to be given by OPAP to the National Transplant Organization, it was announced, and 10 million drachmas to the SOS village for orphan children, representing OPAP's earnings at its stall at the Thessaloniki International Fair.

[18] Greek Tourist Organization employees start work stoppages

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

An announcement by the union said the work stoppages are taking place because the Development Ministry has not resolved any of the problems facing the staff (labor agreement, permanent status for employees, transfers, the social security issue and benefits).

The employees are accusing Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis of failing to live up to his commitments that no changes will be made to their labor status through the presidential decree transferring duties from EOT to the Development Ministry's general secretariat of tourism and regional services.

Work stoppages will last until October 5 and will also cover EOT's regional services throughout the country.

[19] Greece's PMI rises fractionally in September

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

The PMI, measuring activity in the manufacturing sector, rose in September after a fall in August, the first ever recorded decline in the short history of the index.

The index is compiled by UK's NTC Research and the Greek Purchasing Institute.

[20] Draft presidential decree for employment of European citizens in Greek courts

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

However, the citizens of the EU-member countries cannot be employed in executive positions.

[21] Hellenic Stock Exchanges enters MSCI index

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

The index covers listed companies with a capitalization larger than 200 million US dollars and smaller than 1.5 billion dollars.

A total of 24 Greek listed companies participate in the international index.

[22] Stocks drop, dampened by markets abroad

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

The general share index lost 1.18 percent to end at 2,199.70 points. Turnover was 114.75 million euros.

In the previous session, bulls had driven the market with a last-minute round of buying taking the general index higher.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 1.18 percent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 1.45 percent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities 0.57 percent down.

Declines led advances at 231 to 93 with 36 issues remaining unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, National Bank of Greece, Klonatex, Naoussa Textiles and Sex Form.

Equity futures end at discount: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Monday finished at discount although narrowing their losses towards the end of the session as players closed open sell positions.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips lost 1.18 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks ended 1.45 percent down.

Changing hands were 4,629 contracts on turnover of 25.7 million euros.

Prices nose up in moderate trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Monday finished slightly higher in moderate trade focusing on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.23 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 46 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 755 million euros.

Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[23] Greek culture minister comments on IOCs Coordinating Commission's findings

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

"Our country has made ... 2004 steps of progress on the way to organizing the Olympic Games, while in the critical sector of the construction of projects, not only (Greece) is not behind, but it is farther ahead than Sydney was in the comparable period," Venizelos said.

He focused on the seventh visit of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordinating Commission and its conclusions on the course of preparations for the Games.

Venizelos commented on the basic points IOC Coordinating Commission Chairman Denis Oswald made during his visit in Athens last Friday.

The Greek minister noted that the IOC official stressed that the Games will definitely take place in Greece, that IOC is not a controller and does not show yellow or red cards, that Athens has considerable experience in construction projects and that the IOC is satisfied with the security measures Greece is undertaking.

Venizelos stressed that Greece is faced with legal, archaeological and environmental problems, but not technical or fiscal problems, adding that funds spent over and above the initial budget for the Games became necessary mostly in cases of private land purchases, as the government is trying to compensate private owners well so as to avoid reactions from the people.

"The IOC, which does not have extensive experience in grand constructions, does not criticize. What was said, simply, was a method of IOC handling, which shouts, observes and demands, so as to achieve results," he noted, adding "should I have been in their place I would do the same ... I reassure you that we have no problems".

[24] British newspaper says 2004 Olympiad security 'impressive'

LONDON, 02/10/2001 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis)

The "Independent" and the British newspaper "Guardian", giving coverage to a visit to Athens by the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) coordinating committee, focused on the considerable cost the Greek government will have to face in handling the Olympiad's security and tackling terrorism.

Alan Hubbard of the "Independent", who met with Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis, said the measures have also pleased IOC President Jacques Rogge.

"The Greek government have pledged US$600 million for a three-year security program including a special full-time force of 50,000 overseen by permanent advisers from Scotland Yard's Special Branch, the CIA and Mossad," the "Independent" wrote.

Hubbard also said the Greek authorities are considering inviting men from the British SAS special forces to train Greek police in handling airline hijacks and terrorist attacks at airports.

An article by Duncan Mackay in the "Guardian" entitled "Olympics pay a high price for security" said senior officials of the IOC said after completing three days of intense meetings in Athens they were satisfied with security arrangements for the 2004 Olympics.

"The Greek government has put a three-year security plan in place which envisages the creation of an Olympics elite force, comprising members of the world's best security organizations. It will include officials from Scotland Yard, the CIA and Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, and an extensive surveillance and intelligence system," he wrote.

The report further said "how draconian security will be during the games was illustrated during the latest visit of the IOC's 43-member co-ordination commission following the terrorist attacks in the United States. A ring of steel was thrown around the five-star hotel where the meetings took place, with armed police officers mingling with guests."

[25] Simitis, Karamanlis messages on World Day for the Elderly

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

Simitis in his message promised that he would soon announce a new national policy for the elderly which would secure their rights and prosperity.

The prime minister said that the model of the welfare state devotes a significant part of its care for the elderly and aims mainly at improving their income and securing their good health.

Karamanlis on his part said Greece's elderly people were in despair and that the government's social policy forced the majority of them to the margin of society.

The main opposition leader said that the elderly are given "hunger pensions" which he termed provocative.

Karamanlis called for the adoption of a new policy which would guarantee a dignified standard of living for the elderly.

[26] Board of Greece's land registry charged with malfeasance, gov't minister responds

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

Following an investigation that lasted several months, the prosecutor charged Ktimatologio S.A., Geo Synergy S.A. and Eurodynamiki S.A. with criminal acts committed against the public interest and the European Union, which also provided funds for the registry.

The charges against Ktimatologio S.A. include repeated malfeasance against the state, which resulted in decreasing the size of state lands worth a considerable amount of money and repeated malfeasance against the economic interests of the state and the European Union.

Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis, whose ministry is responsible for the project of drafting the national land registry, responded to the charges against the companies, saying that all accusations were baseless.

He added that all accusations were untenable and that they "will collapse like a paper tower" during the next steps of the legal proceedings.

"In this struggle of slander and undermining of the national land registry main opposition New Democracy (ND) deputies Savvas Tsitouridis and N. Legas have a special role along with ND Eurodeputy K. Hatzidakis, who work in concert with representatives of economic interests linked with ND," Laliotis said.

He added that when ND leader Costas Karamanlis "speaks of transparency and of a political fiasco, in the case of the national land registry, he should know that transparency, fiasco and depravity exist in the undermining plans of ND and in its petty political games".

He concluded in saying that the timing of the prosecutors' announcement was suspect, as at this time the issue of further EU funding for the national land registry undergoing approval was in progress in Brussels.

[27] CoE conference in Athens on illegal migration

Athens, 02/10/2001 (ANA)

The conference was organized by the Council of Europe, in collaboration with the foreign ministry's general secretariat for expatriate Greeks.

It will be declared open by CoE Secretary General Walter Schwimmer, while Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou, Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis and Deputy Foreign Minister Grigoris Niotis will be among the speakers on the first day.

The second day will be opened by Labor Minister Tassos Giannitsis.

The conference aims to start an open dialogue between Mediterranean countries on illegal migration in the area, while the conference conclusions will be taken into account by a meeting of CoE ministers to discuss migration in Helsinki in 2002.

[28] Friedrich Ebert Foundation on political image of Greece

BERLIN, 02/10/2001 (ANA - P. Stangos)

Press secretary general Yiannis Nikolaou, who arrived in Berlin to attend the event, said in his address that the political thought and action of modern Greece has now left the logic of isolation and the feeling of "being surrounded" and of being constantly threatened and has entered an era of "wider horizons."

[29] President Clerides takes the salute at parade to commemorate the independence of the Republic of Cyprus

NICOSIA, 02/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides took the salute, flanked by Defense Minister Sokratis Hasikos and the Commander of the National Guard Lieutenant General Evangelos Florakis. Present at the parade, representing the Greek government, was Greece's National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos.

Cheering crowds had lined the streets early in the day to watch the parade, which included units from the Police, the Fire Brigade and the Civil Defense.

Gazelle and Bell army and police helicopters flew past, and a Russian "Mi-26" helicopter was on display for the first time.

The "Mi-26" is on loan from the Russian government for a trial period for fire extinguishing purposes. It can carry up to 80 persons.

During the parade the artillery put on display for the first time its newly acquired weapons, such as the 203-millimeter "M110-A2" with a 30-kilometre range, the 115 millimeter "M114", the "BM-21" multiple missile launchers and the 155-millimeter "Suzanna" with a 40-kilometre range.

A T-80 Russian-made tank led the parade, followed by Military Police units and an infantry battalion.

The parade included the French-made AMX-30B2, a number of Russian-made T-80s, American-made M48A5 tanks, Russian-made BMP-3 and personnel carriers Cascavel and VAB.

Naval forces presented the "Exoset" missiles and the military air force its anti-aircraft weapons.

Military Commando units, the Greek contingent in Cyprus (ELDYK) and Special Police Forces also took part in the parade.

Present at the parade, among others, were Archbishop Chrysostomos, Greek Ambassador to Cyprus Christos Panagopoulos, ministers, MPs and the island's political, religious and military leadership.

[30] President Clerides says he continues to believe in peaceful settlement of Cyprus question

NICOSIA, 02/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Having taken the salute of Monday's impressive military parade, to mark 41 years since the independence of the Republic, he said "the parade showed the readiness of our armed forces to defend Cyprus."

"The National Guard has been equipped with such arms that render it capable of dealing with needs that may arise at a time of tension," the president said after the parade that lasted more than an hour.

He congratulated the Commander of the National Guard Lieutenant General Evangelos Florakis, officers and all those who participated in or in any way contributed to the success of the parade on their "readiness, discipline and ability to defend the nation."

"We continue to believe in the peaceful settlement of the Cyprus question but at the same time we take into consideration Turkey's threats and strengthen our defense capability," the president said. Turkey, which continues to occupy one third of the Republic's territory since its troops invaded in 1974, has often leveled threats against Cyprus.

Greek National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, in Cyprus representing the Greek government in the celebrations, said the armed forces of the Republic were "really impressive and can be a deterrent against any kind of threat."

"The road to peace is the only one that we follow," he said. In his remarks after the parade, Cyprus Defense Minister Sokratis Hasikos said that strong defenses act as a deterrent, adding such defenses can secure peace in Cyprus and in the region.

In his statements to the press, National Guard Commander congratulated those who participated in the parade, which he described as "impressive", adding that the potential of the weapon systems is utilized in the best possible manner.

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