Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-10-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Tsohatzopoulos calls for a new political agreement within ruling PASOK

[02] Reppas: FM's Syria trip a bid for broad dialogue on int'l developments

[03] Reppas denies adoption of pro-Arab stance by Athens

[04] 'I don't know when operation will end,' US envoy says in newspaper interview

[05] Lesperoglou trial adjourned after witness fails to appear

[06] Athens celebrates 57th anniversary of liberation from German forces

[07] Greek economic weekly review

[08] Poor households in Greece tending to decrease

[09] ND criticizes gov't reaction to latest unemployment figures

[10] Closed-end funds' assets ease slightly in September

[11] Greek stocks end week down on profit taking

[12] Rogge satisfied with the security measures for the Olympiad

[13] Former German president visits Greek Forum

[14] Panhellenic Language Competition to be held Oct. 20-21

[15] 23 illegal immigrants from Sierra Leone cause havoc aboard passenger liner

[16] Fires in Zakynthos, Laconia

[17] Mild earth tremor measuring 3.4 points in Halkidiki

[18] Mediterranean seal protection program

[19] Police intercept load of nearly 11,000 contraband cigarettes

[20] Verheugen's statements on Cyprus' EU accession course "have sent out a clear political message"

[21] FM says will discuss latest developments in Cyprus problem with his UAE counterpart

[22] Government spokesman says bicommunal gatherings are welcomed

[23] Environmentalists gather outside U.S. Embassy to protest against terrorist acts, war in Afghanistan

[01] Tsohatzopoulos calls for a new political agreement within ruling PASOK

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

"I have the obligation to make it clear that I will continue to be concerned and that I will listen to the people and that I will criticize, since PASOK and the people need it," Tsohatzopoulos stressed addressing the more than 6,100 electors of the congress.

The defense minister underlined that the disagreements could be overcome with a new political agreement and especially with a new political formula that would attract once again the popular strata of society which traditionally supported PASOK.

"We were led to the congress, because we found in our course a negative climate, because there was popular reaction. We agreed to all forge forward together. It is not enough, however, to agree that we want the congress to provide an answer to the elements discovered," he said.

"Our struggles force us to make it clear that this congress aims at supporting the governmental work of PASOK, for the government and the cadres to forge ahead. This is a political choice - it is not a backstage agreement. We must say so clearly," Tsohatzopoulos added.

"PASOK can not function based on the logic of majorities and minorities, nor on the logic of support for the ruling side or of opposition to the ruling side. Efforts must be made for political convergence and unity, for (PASOK) to overcome once and for all the differences of 1996 and 1999," he underlined.

"Of course, we are not here in this congress to promote our personal aims and strategies or to claim fiefs of governmental power the day after (the congress). I have bitter experiences from the last congresses, when the days preceding them, it was noted to me very often that I table opinions that weaken the common prospects," he said.

"I will let you down. All of us in PASOK are here for many years now. In this party we had the right to have a different opinion and we honored that all these years. This no one can doubt," he stressed.

"Of course, we are here to agree on issues, but on a specific political content. No one is thinking, nor anyone has the right to give to anyone blank checks in management issues. We are here to support a new framework of principles, so as to arrive at a new social contract with the people," Tsohatzopoulos said.

He went on to laud the achievements of the government, stressing that the pinnacle of the achievement was Greece's entry to the European Monetary Union (EMU) and adding that in the post EMU entry period there is a necessity for a new model of development for Greece, which would combine economic stability with social policy.

"This social policy is not the disbursement of leftovers from the management of macro-economic indexes," he said.

"Every financing capability should aim to bolster demand and this should happen either in the form of real increases of the purchasing power of citizens or in the form of securing the necessary sources for businesses. In this way we create new positive preconditions for development and employment," Tsohatzopoulos said in making his case for an alternative model of economic development.

To make his point he called on U.S. President George Bush's fiscal support for the economy after the terrorist attack in the United States, noting that "he (Bush) invests in energy, invests in defense industries, invests because he wants to keep the economy strong ... Greenspan in America, three times in the span of a year lowered interest rates so that money can enter the market, because he wants to fight the oncoming recession".

"The re-distribution policies for the benefit of social strata that carried the burden of the cost of success, deserve to participate actively on the basis of this policy of increasing demand. This is not a socialist duty, it is the economic direction of effectiveness," he said.

Tsohatzopoulos admitted however that in the past "we down-sledded through state interventionism to populism, taking advantage of the state to benefit those in power within the state mechanism".

He lauded the efforts of Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou to reform the state sector and decentralize it, saying that during the "last period, a climate of disassociation to PASOK was formulated. It is a political mistake to underestimate the seriousness of this distancing. If the protest becomes solid and permanent, it could be transformed into refusal and rejection and they could say to us 'gentlemen we were with you and you paid no heed to us. You should have been more careful'," Tsohatzopoulos said.

In his conclusions he attacked main opposition New Democracy (ND) for "living and preparing a catastrophic future", waiting for PASOK's decay, "so as to uproot, all that was built with effort and sacrifice".

Tsohatzopoulos stressed that the answer to ND should not be its condemnation, but PASOK's reconnection with its social base, adding that this may happen with "a PASOK that listens and respects the opinion of the people, a PASOK that is heart by its government".

Speaking of the traditional left, he said its parties are stagnant on a social level, adding that alliances can be made in the future on the basis of the development of a social contract.

He closed his remarks saying, "We do not want a party of the state, but one of society. Not one of state officials, but one of cadres with an opinion. To achieve this, of course, we should strengthen our political functions. A decentralized PASOK is needed".

Papantoniou: After a strong economy, we will build a strong society: The next target after building a strong economy would be to build a strong society, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said on Friday in his address to ruling PASOK's 6th congress.

Referring to the achievements of successive PASOK governments in the economy, crowned by that of joining the euro-zone, Papantoniou said that the next step would be to pass these economic benefits down the social ladder.

"Today we are making great changes to society, with substantial increases to social spending and major administrative reforms," he underlined, while pointing to the government policies in the last two years, such as an increase in minimum pensions and a drive to increase employment.

"The changes being made in health, education, public administration will have a deciding influence on the level and quality of life of citizens. Better hospitals, better schools and universities, better public services..." Papantoniou continued.

He stressed that the government did not espouse the right-wing philosophy for less government and more private-sector services.

He also stressed the need to combat unemployment and bring life to the provinces.

"With the country's entry into EMU, we completed a cycle. Our priority today is the citizens, the workers, the jobless and young people."

The minister ended his speech with a call for unity within the ruling party:

"Unity is strength and strength leads to victory. Let unity, rallying to a common cause and victory be the message of the congress," he said.

Addresses at PASOK congress: Health Minister Alekos Papadopoulos, addressing the ruling PASOK party's 6th congress on Friday, said the people expect to hear from the congress truths concerning and interesting them.

Papadopoulos added that the outcome of the congress should be a different political speech, which will provide a new breath for society's vision of a powerful Greece.

He further said the country needs strong governance and that the congress has a duty to define policies and give a clear and austere mandate to the government of Costas Simitis.

Executive Committee member and former foreign and culture minister Theodoros Pangalos said in his address "unity does not come with abstract proclamations or wishes because unity needs a new composition."

Pangalos said he did not hear the prime minister ask for a "blank cheque." On the contrary, he heard that he asked for a specific mandate and said "I do not understand how someone who is asking us for a specific mandate can ask for a 'blank cheque' at the same time. I think this is not tenable."

Pangalos said we are living in an era in which there are no great demagogues because the era does not favor demagogues and added that the time has come now for inspiration, creation and reallocation.

Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis said the party's proposal to the people for the country's course over the next decade should be specific. He further said that "our responsibility is to create strong institutions, to show respect to citizens and to have the effectiveness required by modern-day Greece."

Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said PASOK should appeal to the forces of the closest left to have a stronger response and influence in society shaped. He expressed certainty that the congress will provide a strong majority for Costas Simitis.

Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis said that a strong democratic party is needed in coming years and, above all, this means a political and biological supremacy.

Chrysohoidis further said the government gave an account to the people, ruled for the people and is being judged and will be judged by them, adding that the people demand cohesion and effective governance.

GSEE leader calls for strong mandate to PM, return to leftist roots: Ruling PASOK's 6th congress was urged to give Prime Minister Costas Simitis a clear mandate by trade unionist Christos Polyzogopoulos on Friday, but at the same time effect a shift back to the party's leftist origins.

The leader of the country's largest umbrella trade union organization, the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE), and a prime mover in the struggle against the government's controversial social insurance reforms, spoke against a rumored blank ballot campaign but also said that the party needed to rediscover its roots and priorities.

"We should not and cannot undermine the prime minister of the country through internal party processes: I say 'no' to blank ballots but 'no' to a carte blanche as well," he told the congress.

PASOK, he continued, had to clearly define the block of powers it represented, re-establish its relations with the trade union movement and break its bonds with the parasitic economy.

"We are a left-wing party. Our point of reference is the citizen, the weak and those who have not," he said.

A new model for economic and social policy was needed, he stressed, because the problem were evident. The economy's performance had brought benefits, but not to all social classes. He called for a new and binding social charter for the next 10 years.

Calls for unity but also grumbling at PASOK congress: A strong president for the party was needed, now more than at any other time, Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Paschalidis said on Friday while addressing PASOK'S 6th congress.

"The time has come to politically and ideologically strengthen modernism in society and throughout the system of government," he told delegates, while he said the party should reach out to political forces of a similar orientation and form alliances to "reconstitute the Left".

Minister of State Miltiades Papaioannou, meanwhile, reiterated the call for unity and warned that the congress was in danger of losing sight of its goals.

"If the climate doesn't change and PASOK doesn't take a course for victory, then the congress will not live up to expectations," he said.

Papaioannou also supported an open invitation to "healthy forces on the Left" and called for "de-ideologising" the concept of modernization and getting rid of dividing lines.

Deputy Sports Minister George Floridis, on his part, said proposals for a change of policy should be accompanied with a detailed analysis of how they would be achieved, what they would cost and where the money would come from "unless we want PASOK to become no more than a debating club".

This view was also supported by Education Minister Petros Efthymiou, who said positions should be put forward as a "system of proposals rather than hints...that become a constant source of attrition".

Some of the speakers, including George Daskalakis and Antonis Kotsakas, complained about the tough stance shown by Prime Minister Costas Simitis toward PASOK members with different opinions on Thursday and accused Simitis of trying to force the congress to toe the line.

Their arguments were refuted by Costas Geitonas, who replied that "the president (Simitis) did not throw down his glove to the congress, but against introversion and pettiness".

Paraskevas Avgerinos, who called for changes in the party statutes, also addressed the congress.

Israeli transport minister addresses PASOK congress: Israeli Transport Minister Ephraim Sneh, addressing the ruling PASOK party's 6th congress on Friday, said peace proposals ma-de by former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak were very generous.

"95 percent of territory claimed by the Palestinian state, the sharing of Jerusalem and economic cooperation. However, this offer was rejected. It was the most generous offer ever to be made by an Israeli leader," he said.

Sneh said that over the past 12 months 190 Israelis, men, women and children, have lost their lives as a result of terrorist acts, while almost half of them, 90, were killed, murdered by the organization constituting a part of "Al Fattah."

"In our country, every restaurant, every discotheque, every trade centre and every bus stop is a target for bombers who sacrifice themselves and commit suicide. The organizations perpetrating these crimes are extremist Moslem organizations. They come from Moslem extremist organizations which are spiritual brothers of Osama bin Laden. And Arafat is housing them. These are the raw facts," Sneh. said.

Former British FM refers to terrorism at PASOK congress: European Socialist Party President and former British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook, addressing the ruling PASOK party's 6th congress on Friday, said the military confrontation of the phenomenon of terrorism is necessary, as well as resolving longstanding conflicts and tackling starvation.

"We can make it clear to all of us that we are living in the same world with other peoples and we are sharing the responsibility for its well-being. Being parties of the left, our enemies are not foreign countries or different religions. Our enemies are racism, xenophobia and violence created by hatred. Osama bin Laden should be brought before justice for the murder of innocent people, but the final defeat of bin Laden will be the defeat of his venomous message of hatred," said Cook, who met Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou on the sidelines of the congress.

Cook referred to the will of the European socialists to build a "popular Europe" and to the insistence of the European Socialist Party for the right of Cyprus to join the European Union.

"For every two Greek Cypriots in Cyprus there is a third resident in London. We want to see Cyprus a united and undivided island again. But, as we had insisted in Helsinki, this cannot constitute a precondition for the Republic of Cyprus regarding its accession to the European Union," he added.

Cook further pointed out that "no country outside the European Union can block the way for Cyprus's participation in the European Union."

Yugoslav FM says his country wants to live in peace with neighbors: Yugoslav Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic addressed the ruling PASOK party's 6th congress on Friday, conveying the gratitude of the people of Serbia and Montenegro to the Greeks "for the wholehearted support of the Greek government for the will of the Serbs and Montenegrins to live for years with peace and freedom."

"It was a bold decision by your government, about a year ago, to predict that a big change was drawing near in Montenegro and Serbia," he said.

"We are in the middle of a transitional period. Tough decisions have to be taken by our government, while at the same time it is its duty to respect the rights of a poor people, the rights of those who live from their work and we are doing our best to maintain an economic stability in a very difficult period," Svilanovic added.

He further said, referring to his country's foreign policy, "we want to live in peace with all round us, the Bosnians, the Albanians and with all the others because we understand that a long-standing friendship between the Serbs and Greeks has new possibilities to flourish if the same voices and the same values are introduced to all those living in our country and around our country."

In a similar address to the congress, Albanian Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano said, "solidarity between PASOK and the Albanian socialists is the key factor for promoting democracy and Europeanization in Albania and the surrounding region."

Nano expressed appreciation for policies applied by PASOK's governments in Greek-Albanian relations and said "with joint challenges before us we shall continue to cooperate, to Europe-anise the Balkans and turn the region into a common market and a Schengen region for the free movement of people and goods."

Cyprus' s KISOS honorary president addresses PASOK congress: Addressing the ruling PASOK party's 6th congress on Friday, the Honorary President of Cyprus's Social Democrats Movement (KISOS), Vassos Lyssarides, referred to the scourge of international terrorism, linking it to the prolonged Cyprus problem and noting that the Cyprus issue was returning to the inter-national political forefront following the terrorist attacks in New York on September 11.

"Terrorism is not combated only with guns," he said, "but also through the solution of regional problems."

"I'm among those who believe that at this stage, the Cyprus issue not only is not marginalized, but that it is time for it to be projected as a problem which should be solved, if we want to have stability, if we do not really want to have sources of daily un-rest," he said.

"We also have to determine what terrorism is, because the national liberation problems and struggles are not terrorism. The 16-year-old Palestinian stone-throwers are confronted with tanks and death. And I pose the question, who at long last should be characterized as a terrorist? In Cyprus a terrifying barbed wire fence holds the island and its people old. Who is the terrorist? Was it Solomos who also disputed the barbed wire and the (Turkish) occupation flag and was murdered? Was he the terrorist or those who murdered him?" Lyssarides said.

"They divided my country, we witnessed the first national clean-sing, we made concessions which no other people have done and now we are told that this is not enough. Turkey demands separate states and a confederation because it hopes that in this way it can control political developments in Cyprus, as it cannot exert this control geographically. And all, even the representatives of the United Nations, refer to negotiations, the final product of which will also reflect the Turkish views. What positions? For separate states? We will not voluntarily sell home-lands and rights, neither does our national or our socialist conscience permit this."

"Friendship and occupation are not compatible and this should be made well known to Turkey," Lyssarides concluded.

[02] Reppas: FM's Syria trip a bid for broad dialogue on int'l developments

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

Reppas said that Papandreou's visit to Damascus on Sunday would help give new impetus to relations between Greece and Syria, which were already fairly good.

The visit had additional significance because Syria had been elected as a member of the UN Security Council, while the Greek foreign minister's visit would help keep open channels of communication between Syria and the European Union, the spokesman added.

Regarding the plans for a visit to Iran, Reppas said that preparations were being made on a diplomatic level to set a date for the visit, which would take place in the near future.

[03] Reppas denies adoption of pro-Arab stance by Athens

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

Reppas was responding to questions regarding the warm welcome bestowed on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat by the 6th PASOK Congress on Thursday evening and a seemingly pro-Arab stance by speakers there.

Greece desires relations of multilateral cooperation in the Mideast, Reppas said, and pointed out that Israeli Transport Minister Ephraim Sneh, a high-ranking member of Israel's Labor Party, had also been invited to address the congress.

He reminded reporters that Athens has been active in promoting dialogue between the two sides in the past, most recently in a visit to the area by Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

The government does not necessarily adopt the sentiments ex-pressed by various speakers at the Congress, he added, since invitations to these events were for parties and not governments.

[04] 'I don't know when operation will end,' US envoy says in newspaper interview

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

In interviews with the newspapers TA NEA and ELEFTHEROS TYPOS appearing Friday, Miller said that following the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States the American government was not hasty in reacting because "we were concerned with reacting correctly, rather than quickly".

"Precisely because we wanted to do it right, it will take more time," Miller said, adding, in reply to a question, that he did not know when the strikes on Afghanistan would end, but opining that they would continue for some time.

Referring to media criticism over the bombings, Miller said that he sensed some hysteria in certain media. "It may have been us (the US) who were struck this time, but we are all potential tar-gets, every democratic country...We, Britain, France, Germany, Greece...".

He underlined the importance of cooperation with the key countries of the Arab world, such as Egypt, Syria and Iran in this "alliance against terrorism", and noted the exceptional importance of the support of the Greek government and main opposition, adding that the anti-war demonstrations in Athens were rather subdued.

The new US envoy continued that the "response" to terrorist hits was "not a war, but a campaign" that was being waged not only on the military front but also in the diplomatic, economic and political arenas.

First of all, he said, it was necessary to locate the financial sources of the terrorists and freeze them.

"They are organized exceptionally well. They know how to find money and how to communicate. And, chiefly, they have no respect for human life," Miller said, adding that "this form of terrorism is different from any other we have known until now".

Even the notorious 'November 17' terrorist group active in Greece "wishes to escape after each hit", Miller said, adding that "no other terrorist commits suicide".

"This changes the rules of the game," he said.

The ambassador said that the Osama bin Laden and followers-style Islamic terrorist threat was today the biggest threat not only for Greece but for the entire world.

"This doesn't mean that 'November 17' constitutes a second-class threat," he added, however.

He said now he had "greater confidence than ever" in the Greek services and authorities, adding that there was no indication of any links between 'November 17' and bin Laden.

Questioned whether the US was considering pulling its forces from the Balkans, he said the United States and a sufficient military force so as not to have problems because a new crisis had arisen.

Miller further said he had spoken by telephone with prime minister Costas Simitis last Sunday, immediately after US Vice-President Dick Cheney's telephone conversation with Simitis, regarding the commencement of the US-British operation in Afghanistan.

He described the Cheney-Simitis telephone conversation as very interesting given that the US vice-president briefed Simitis, asked his opinion and exchanged views with him which "underlines this new relationship that exists" between the two countries.

It is a "relationship of equality, and it is the right way -- we didn't follow it at first, but we learn from our mistakes," Miller said.

[05] Lesperoglou trial adjourned after witness fails to appear

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

The court ordered that the missing witness be found and brought forward to testify by Monday and then postponed the proceedings until that time.

Lesperoglou, one of a handful of suspected terrorists arrested in Greece, is charged with being an accomplice in murders carried out by the left-wing terrorist group 'Anti-State Struggle' in 1985.

The charges against him include the murder of public prosecutor George Theofanopoulos in April 1985, the deaths of two guards during the robbery of an armored car on May 6, 1985 and the killing of three police officers during a clash between the terrorist group and police in central Athens a week later.

Lesperoglou, now 47, has entered a plea of 'not guilty' to all charges and claims that he is a victim of political expediency and a bid by the state to show results in the fight against terrorism.

Lesperoglou is currently serving a jail sentence of three and a half years imposed by a court martial for evading army service, while on March 27 an appeals court overturned a 17-year sentence imposed on Lesperoglou for the attempted murder of a police officer during a 1982 burglary attempt, after doubts arose as to whether he had taken part in it.

In June this year, Lesperoglou was additionally sentenced to seven months imprisonment for using a false passport and possessing forged official stamps when he was arrested at Athens airport in December 1999, after 17 years on the run.

The court cleared Lesperoglou of the additional charge of illegal entry into Greece.

[06] Athens celebrates 57th anniversary of liberation from German forces

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

In his speech, Avramopoulos focused on current events noting that irrespective of religion, race or color the civilized world is waging a battle against the terrorist threat, which, he said, is a threat for man himself, for democracy itself.

[07] Greek economic weekly review

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

During the week under review, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou once again reiterated his optimism over the impact of an international economic weakness on the Greek economy, on the precondition that a military operation against Afghanistan and a political alliance led by the United States proceeded smoothly.

Papantoniou said that the government would be in a better condition to make safer estimates over the economic impact in the country by the end of October-early November, when next year's draft budget would be submitted to parliament.

Greek commercial banks were racing to increasing their share in the housing and consumer credit market, where growth potential is still very high. Private sector lending as a percentage of GDP in Greece totals 45 percent, down from 110 percent in Portugal, 107 percent in Germany and 88 percent in the UK.

The Bank of Greece announced that Deposits Insurance Fund's reserves totalled 127.4 billion drachmas.

The unemployment rate fell to 11.1 percent in 2000 from 11.9 percent of the workforce in the previous year, National Statistics Service said in the week. The number of unemployed people fell by 81,200 to 471,800 in the fourth quarter of 2000, while employment rose by 0.9 percent over the same period compared with the fourth quarter of 1999, reflecting a 3.3 percent increase in payrolls.

Visa's "smart" cards, credit and debit, are expected to make their debut in the Greek market early next year, replacing all credit and debit cards currently circulating in the country.

The regular budget's revenues rose 8.0 percent in September from the same month in 2000, the finance ministry said, slightly exceeding a target for a 7.9 percent annual increase this year. The government expects to report its first general government's surplus in the last 35 years.

Greece's trade deficit fell 8.2 percent in the first six months of 2001 to 8.285 billion US dollars, from 9.029 billion the same period last year.

Annual inflation slowed to 3.6 percent in September from 3.8 percent the previous month.

[08] Poor households in Greece tending to decrease

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

Data publicized by the Labor Ministry showed that in 1999 17 percent of households in Greece lived with incomes below the officially recognized poverty level compared to 22 percent in 1997.

According to the labor ministry, the European Commission ascertains an increase in Greece's social protection expenditures and recognizes that the policy against poverty and social exclusion is producing results.

The report further says the three recent government measures, that is providing 200,000 drachmas a year for households in poor mountainous or isolated regions, as well as for the long-time unemployed, and the school allowance of 100,000 drachmas a year for each child of a poor family until the age of 16, will contribute towards combating poverty and social exclusion.

Despite all this, the European Commission is urging a further strengthening of measures against poverty and social exclusion, as well as improving employment opportunities and reforming the social security system.

[09] ND criticizes gov't reaction to latest unemployment figures

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

Commenting on apparently lower rates of joblessness indicated by the figures released on Thursday, ND section-head for labor and social insurance Gerassimos Giakoumatos said that it was one thing for the government to note a small reduction in unemployment in the year 2000, but completely different and dangerous to presume that this was a permanent trend.

He pointed out that the figures concerned the last three quarters of the previous year and should have included more recent figures, while they had also shown that the government had failed to meet its target of 75,000 new jobs in that year.

Giakoumatos stressed that there had been no improvement for specific target groups, such as the long-term unemployed, women and first-time job seekers.

The NSS report was also criticized by ND Social Affairs coordinator Nikitas Kaklamanis, who hinted that the figures were unreliable.

[10] Closed-end funds' assets ease slightly in September

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

A report by the Union of Institutional Investors said that all investment companies were traded with a discount (ranging from 7.4 percent to 38.6 percent) on that date, while the investment index fell 1.77 percent in the two-week period from September 14 to September 28, exceeding a 0.99 percent decline in the general index.

The index is down 50.7 percent for the year, compared with a 34.3 percent decline in the general index of the Athens Stock Exchange.

[11] Greek stocks end week down on profit taking

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

The general index ended at 2,260.10 points, down 0.34 percent, breaking a three-day rally. Turnover was a disappointing 94.05 million euros. A total of 20.3 million stocks changed hands.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at

1,258.31 points, off 0.15 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 0.34 percent to 232.71 points, and the FTSE/ASE Smallcap index ended at 674.83 points, off 0.79 percent.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 210.89 points, down 0.67 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 220 to 95 with another 44 issues

Bond Market Close: Prices drop in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished lower in heavy trade focusing on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.14 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 45 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totaled 1.1 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

Derivatives Market Close: Equity futures end higher: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Friday finished lower, roughly tracking a rise in the main market.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips dropped by 0.15 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks ended 0.34 percent lower.

Futures on the FTSE/ASE-20 showed a discount of up to 1.2 percent; and on the FTSE/ASE-40 up to 1.5 percent, the traders said. Changing hands were 5,532 contracts.

Athens bourse announces new trading hours: The Athens Stock Exchange on Friday announced new trading hours in the market starting Monday, 15 October, and ending January 31, 2002.

The new session envisages a pre-session period from 10.30 to 11.00 local time, the official trading from 11.00 to 16.00 and after-closing trade from 16.00 to 16.15.

ASE plans to change its session hours to 11.00-17.15 from February 1, 2002.

[12] Rogge satisfied with the security measures for the Olympiad

NEW YORK 13/10/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

The article notes, among other things, that Rogge expressed his satisfaction on the security measures which have been taken for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, with the Greek government having promised to allocate 600 million dollars in this sector.

Rogge also referred to the statements made last week by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell that he had received assurances from the Greek government that the Games will be conducted smoothly.

"If the Secretary of State states such a thing, why should I dispute it," the IOC president said characteristically.

The New York Times noted that there were reservations as to whether Greece was capable of averting terrorism, especially at such a major event as the Olympic Games.

However, Rogge states that he continues to be concerned about the rate with which the Greek government is proceeding in the construction of sports installations which will host the Games, so that they can be ready in time to be tested before the Olympics, with the holding of athletic events from the summer of 2003.

[13] Former German president visits Greek Forum

FRANKFURT 13/10/2001 (ANA - S. Aravopoulou)

"I have visited theme countries at the Frankfurt Fair many times. Never until now have I seen the literature of a country like yours appearing and being the binding link with the country's history," he said, commenting on the Greek Forum.

Weizsaecker also said "the general image of culture offers a perspective and explanation of Greek literature provided it is presented as an element in its entirety. I am pleased for Greece for presenting this complex image."

[14] Panhellenic Language Competition to be held Oct. 20-21

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

The 1st Panhellenic Language Competition will be held from October 20-21 at the Zappeion Hall and is directed at people aged between 14-35 who know at least four foreign languages and also to those who know at least six languages, irrespective of their age.

The competitors will be tested both verbally and in writing on October 20 so as to establish the level of their knowledge. Six categories of winners will be awarded, on the basis of who knows the most languages, the winner of which will receive one million drachmas.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Zappeion Hall on October 21 at 6 p.m.

[15] 23 illegal immigrants from Sierra Leone cause havoc aboard passenger liner

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

According to sources, two of the illegal immigrants fell ill and as there was no medical doctor to treat them the rest begun to protest violently and by taking their cloths off.

None, however, managed to leave the compartment where they were held as all were handcuffed. The guards called on the captain for assistance and he called the coast guard. Soon, officers of the coast guard arrived with a doctor, who treated the patients.

Engine problems came to be added to all this trouble with the immigrants, and the "Alkaios" passenger vessel arrived at 5 p.m. in the port of Alexandroupolis, one an a half hour later than scheduled.

All 23 immigrants were taken by police from Alexandroupoli to Thessaloniki as was planned.

[16] Fires in Zakynthos, Laconia

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

A force of 27 firefighters with nine fire engines were battling the blaze, assisted by two firefighting planes and two helicopters.

Also, two of four fires that broke out on the island of Zakynthos on Thursday afternoon were still blazing Friday, spurred by strong 7-beaufort winds.

According to early assessments the two Zakynthos fires, which were devouring forestland and farmland, respectively, are the work of arsonists.

[17] Mild earth tremor measuring 3.4 points in Halkidiki

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

The tremor was felt in the region of Arnea, causing concern among the inhabitants.

A strong earthquake measuring 5.8 points on the Richter scale had struck the same region on May 5, 1995.

[18] Mediterranean seal protection program

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

The specific actions include monitoring the population of the Mediterranean seal and its wildlife preserves, as well as briefing and sensitizing the inhabitants and visitors of these regions.

The program has the support of the European Union, the Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Ministry and the Cyclades Prefectural Administration.

Its organizers underline the benefits which will result for local societies, since similar activities are linked to the promotion of infrastructure works which are compatible with the environment, the development of alternative forms of tourism and the strengthening of the local economy.

[19] Police intercept load of nearly 11,000 contraband cigarettes

Athens, 13/10/2001 (ANA)

Georgios Malakopoulos, 56, and his son Emmanuel, 27, were in the process of transferring the contraband goods from one truck into another.

Also arrested was 38-year-old Panagiotis Moysidis from Naoussa, whose wife owned the second of the two trucks, while police are now looking for one Dimitris Parsalidis, 34, and one other man in connection with the case.

[20] Verheugen's statements on Cyprus' EU accession course "have sent out a clear political message"

NICOSIA 13/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Invited to comment on Verheugen's statements on Cyprus' accession course during the EU - Cyprus Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting held in Brussels on 9 October, Papapetrou said the Commissioner's remarks that Cyprus will join the Union even if its political problem is not solved prior to Cyprus' accession, "sends out a strong message towards all directions, especially to Ankara."

Addressing the EU-Cyprus JPC meeting Verheugen predicted that Cyprus would be the first among the candidate countries to complete the accession negotiations with the Union, adding the EU would have preferred a solution to the Cyprus problem to be reached prior to Cyprus' accession, pointing out however that, that is not a precondition.

Verheugen added that time flies and the window of opportunity to solve the Cyprus problem would not remain open indefinitely. He also said Cyprus' accession process cannot be stopped.

He also expressed disappointment with the refusal of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to accept the UN Secretary General's invitation for talks on Cyprus on September 12, a move that was backed by Ankara, he added.

Papapetrou expressed conviction that Verheugen's visit to Cyprus on October 25, accompanying Prodi, "is an important event" leading "towards the direction of clearing out things even further."

Since 1998 when Cyprus opened accession negotiations with the EU, it has provisionally closed 23 out of 29 chapters and is the front-runner among EU candidates for accession.

Last year Denktash abandoned UN-led proximity talks demanding recognition for his self-styled regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkish troops since 1974, before returning to the peace talks.

[21] FM says will discuss latest developments in Cyprus problem with his UAE counterpart

LARNACA 13/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking on his departure for Abu Dhabi, Kasoulides announced the Cyprus government's intention to open an Embassy of the Republic in Qatar adding that the government will appoint an Ambassador to be also accredited to other neighboring countries of the Arab world.

Kasoulides said the UAE as a member state of the Islamic Conference and the Gulf Cooperation Council should be briefed on Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's refusal to accept the UN Secretary General's invitation for resumption of talks on Cyprus.

He also said the member states of such Organizations should be made aware that the so-called realities on Cyprus that Turkey wishes to promote couldn’t be applied.

"If that would have been the case then the continuation of the occupation of the Golan Heights would also be a reality" the foreign minister said.

Replying to a question, Kasoulides said Greece, Cyprus and other countries have made coordinated efforts in order to change the impression the UAE has on the Cyprus problem, formed due to its regular meetings with the Turkish side.

He announced the government's intention to open an Embassy in Qatar and expressed hope that after the Cabinet's forthcoming meeting an Ambassador will be appointed, also to be accredited to other neighboring countries of the Arabic world.

He said the appointment is expected to take place at the end of the year.

Kasoulides returns home on Sunday.

Last year Denktash abandoned UN-led proximity talks demanding recognition for his self-styled regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkish troops since 1974, before returning to the peace talks.

[22] Government spokesman says bicommunal gatherings are welcomed

NICOSIA 13/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The UN will host an island-wide gathering at the Ledra Palace Hotel situated in the Nicosia buffer zone to celebrate the Organization’s birthday, which falls on October 24, the date the UN Charter came into force 56 years ago.

"The massive participation of Greek and Turkish Cypriots in the gathering will enable the citizens of Cyprus to get in touch with each other and exchange thoughts," Papapetrou told his daily press briefing.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory.

A press release issued by the UN Peace-Keeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) says the UN Day celebration starts at 11 am (local time) and runs until 7 pm (October 21).

"There will be a warm welcome for everyone from UNFICYP's Chief of Mission, Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General Zbigniew Wlosowicz", it adds.

The Ledra Palace grounds will be the focus of live entertainment, food, refreshments and lots of exhibits and displays.

Daylong entertainment includes British and Argentinean military bands, and lots of other musical attractions.

In the evening, a classical ensemble featuring internationally renowned pianist Martino Tirimo and horn player Turgay Hilmi will perform works by Brahms, Mozart and Schumann.

[23] Environmentalists gather outside U.S. Embassy to protest against terrorist acts, war in Afghanistan

NICOSIA 13/10/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking to the Press, Environmentalists Movement's MP George Perdikes, said the protesters wanted to express their sorrow "for the victims of the terrorist attacks" on 11 September, 2001 in the US and their "support for peace."

The protesters held lit candles in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks in the US and the war victims in Afghanistan.

The gathering ended with a prayer for the victims in the US and Afghanistan.

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