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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-11-10Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>10 November, 2001CONTENTS
[01] Gov't comments on composite name solution for FYROMAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)The government on Friday said it agreed with a statement by the foreign ministry’s general secretary a day earlier regarding a “new, composite name” for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), without however, offering details on what solutions are under consideration.Government spokesman Christos Protopappas made the statement during his regular press briefing in response to comments by the foreign ministry’s Elias Plaskovitis on Thursday, who spoke during a joint session of the Greek and Dutch parliaments’ European affairs committees. “Greece is ready to accept a composite name as long as it is mutually accepted by Athens and Skopje,” Plaskovitis said. A day later the government spokesman said, “I believe it’s time to solve the outstanding issue that exists with the acceptance of a composite name that satisfies both sides.” Asked about the particulars, he replied: “let’s leave the negotiations to proceed.” The spokesman was also asked if the Greek government will take up the matter with opposition parties if any change in policy vis-a-vis the neighboring country’s name was decided, to which he said: “When there is a new development in negotiations, it’s clear that this will occur.” The Greek and Dutch parliament committees met in Athens to discuss issues related to terrorism, the EU’s expansion and the Union’s future prospects. Athens has been at odds with FYROM for years over the issue of the land-locked Balkan state's name, insisting that the word "Macedonia" should not be included in the name of the former Yugoslav republic, as it implies expansionist designs against Greece’s own large northern province, Macedonia, as well as being a historical misrepresentation. However, relations between Greece and the land-locked state to its north have dramatically improved since the two countries signed an interim agreement in New York under the UN’s auspices six years ago. Under the terms of that agreement, Athens and Skopje are to proceed with negotiations to find a mutually acceptable solution for the “name issue”. New Democracy: In later statements, main opposition New Democracy's Dora Bakoyianni said Protopappas' statements on Friday regarding FYROM presuppose the fact that negotiations conducted under UN auspices lead to results. "The government is obliged to brief political parties over recent developments, and to request that a political party leaders' council be convened under the chairmanship of the president of the republic," she said in a written statement. [02] EU report on Cyprus' accession progress especially positive, sources sayBRUSSELS 10/11/2011 (ANA - V. Demiris)The annual report of the European Union on Cyprus' progress in its accession bid that was tabled to the European Commission for ratification was especially positive, sources said here on Friday.The Commission is expected to adopt the report on Tuesday, during its regular session, the same sources said. They added that Cyprus' accession process is progressing in a satisfactory way and that the island republic has entered the final stretch for its accession to the Union. The report also stresses that the resolution of the Cyprus problem does not constitute a precondition for Cyprus' entry to the Union and it reiterates the support of the EU for the efforts of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan to achieve a comprehensive and lasting solution of the political problem. The report also noted that the Greek-Cypriot abided by its obligations toward the UN secretary general in regards to the resumption of the inter-communal talks, while it expresses its sorrow and disapproval over the negative stance of the Turkish-Cypriots. It added that there is still a window of opportunity to resolve the political problem, before the accession and it underlined the need to expend every effort for the Turkish Cypriots to also benefit from the Union's enlargement. It is also noted that the Turkish Cypriots should also participate in the accession negotiations while the report also includes a series of ideas in the event that Cyprus enters the Union as a complete entity and not as is today, that is divided and with the northern part of the island republic being illegally occupied by Turkish forces. Along with Cyprus' annual progress report, the Union's agencies drafted reports for all candidate member states, among them Turkey's, which evaluates that progress has been made in constitutional reforms that are not, however, adequate, the sources said. The report on Turkey stressed that these constitutional reforms were important in regards to the incorporation of the acquis communautaire in Turkish legislation, stressing, however, that they should also be implemented immediately. It was stressed that Turkey does not fulfill the Copenhagen political criteria, while responsibilities are allocated to Turkey for the impasse on the Cyprus issue. The report also notes that there was improvement in Greek-Turkish relations and expresses its optimism for their further advancement, lauding the efforts of Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem in that direction. [03] PM rejects criticism of state response to floods last weekendAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis criticized main opposition New Democracy in Parliament on Friday for making natural disasters a petty party political issue, in response to ND questions about the problems caused by heavy rain last weekend."Natural disasters always claim victims and cause damage," Simitis said. He denied that the government response had been inadequate, saying that the public had been warned in advance about the coming storm and that state services had responded rapidly, though he admitted that there was still room for further improvements. According to the prime minister, the rainfall during the crucial 12 hours on November 4 was 97 millimeters, compare to an average of 55 millimeters of rain. "This indicates that these were extreme weather conditions and not normal bad weather as claimed by (ND parliamentary rep) Mr. Pavlopoulos," Simitis told Parliament. Regarding the flooding of a section of the Athens-Lamia national highway near Malakasa, Simitis said this was not due to faulty workmanship but because the drainage system had become blocked by quantities of earth and other materials. He blamed widespread flooding in several northeast Attica areas, meanwhile, on a lack of infrastructure due to runaway development and a rapid increase in the population of these areas. ND parliamentary spokesman Prokopis Pavlopoulos, on his part, insisted that the weekend weather was not extreme and said it highlighted the lack of coordination in state services and the lack of anti-flooding infrastructure. Pictures of the classic Marathon route flooded had been shown all around the world, he noted, and he advised the prime minister not to try to blame local government or main opposition New Democracy. A report on Attica anti-flooding infrastructure made public by Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Vasso Papandreou on Friday, meanwhile, said that fully protecting the prefecture from floods would require 300 billion drachmas (880.4 million euros). Similar protection for the entire country, she added, would require vast sums that were simply not available, since anti-flooding measures were not funded by the Community. Environment minister releases report on weekend floods: Up to 300 billion drachmas (880.4 million euros) would have to be spent to fully protect Attica against flooding, Environment Minister Vasso Papandreou said on Friday after a presenting a report by ministry inspectors on the causes of the floods last weekend. Papandreou, whose ministry is also in charge of town planning and public works, added that similar protection for the rest of the country would require vast sums that were simply not available since anti-flooding infrastructure was not funded by the European Union. The minister said she would order in-depth inspection of projects found to be problematic by the initial survey, such as the Rapedosa dam on Mount Dionysos. She noted that 270 billion drachmas (792.4 million euros) had been allocated to anti-flooding works underway in Attica at this time, while an additional 25 billion drachmas (73.4 million euros) would be spent on repairing badly constructed sections of the national highway from Corinth to Yliki. A fine of five billion drachmas (14.7 million euros) would be imposed on the contractors that built those sections of the highway, she added. According to Papandreou, the problems were mainly caused by torrents, gullies and illegal construction, while she noted that environment was as much the responsibility of individuals as of the state. Regarding the four problem areas inspected by the ministry over the past week, Papandreou said she had ordered a full-scale inquiry into the file of the Rapedosa dam, which inspectors described as incomplete. They said the dam provided little or no flood protection and might well need to be rotated and built on firmer ground. With respect to the flooded sections of the national highway near Malakasa, the minister said she had sent letters to the public power and telephone utilities, instructing them to clear their drainage systems, and that emergency repairs had been carried out. Problems along the Attic highway and the new Athens airport were not serious, she added, and had already been dealt with. Meanwhile, the Athens metro company has blamed leaks in metro stations to bad workmanship by the construction contractors, over which it would take legal action. Commenting on the environment ministry report during Friday's press briefing, government spokesman Christos Protopappas said that its conclusions were clear-cut. Noting that the results of the report had been released in a very short space of time, he pledged that there would be an in-depth inquiry wherever problems had been ascertained. "We can see that there are state mechanisms that are making an effort and, where there are problems, intervene," he said. ND leader slams government for blaming floods on local authorities: Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis attacked the government on Friday for blaming the flooding during last weekend's heavy rain on local authorities, and accused it of passing the buck. Karamanlis made the statements after meeting the presidencies of the Union of Greek Prefectures (ENAE) and the Central Union of Greek Municipalities and Communities (KEDKE). [04] Papandreou in New York for UN general assemblyNEW YORK 10/11/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou was expected to arrive in New York on Friday night to participate in the United Nations annual General Assembly, here.Immediately upon his arrival he was to participate in a meeting of the European Union foreign ministers and attend the dinner hosted by the EU ministers for the ministers of the associate countries. During his stay in New York, Papandreou will have the opportunity to meet with representatives of the Greek expatriate community here in an open event organized by the Greek General Consulate of New York. On Saturday, the minister will attend the UN General Assembly session which U.S. President George Bush will address, as well as the session which the Belgian foreign minister will address as his country is currently holding the EU presidency, On the same day, Papandreou will hold scheduled bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Romania, Cuba, Poland and other countries. He is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Tuesday. [05] New York Times comments on Greek-Turkish agreement on illegal immigrantsNEW YORK 10/11/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)The New York Times in an article on Friday termed the agreement which was signed in Athens between Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem for the return of illegal immigrants between the two Aegean neighbors, as important progress in the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations.The newspaper's correspondent in Turkey, Douglas Frantz, noted that the agreement aims at safeguarding the borders of Greece and Turkey and at the same time at confronting the refugee problem and the new wave of illegal immigrants which Greece is afraid of due to the American bombardments in Afghanistan. [06] Protopappas calls protest at Cem exhibition an 'unfortunate incident'Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)The Greek government called Thursday’s brief disturbance at the inauguration of a photo exhibition here of works by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem as an “unfortunate incident”.Video footage from the ceremony showed that a Turkish political refugee jumped out a couple meters from a photographers’ pool at an Athens municipal centre before shouting out protests. Authorities immediately arrested him. Government spokesman Christos Protopappas on Friday said the “protest was condemnable, however, it shouldn’t be overestimated, especially when judged by Ismail Cem’s successful visit to Greece.” Referring to the arrested protester, Protopappas stressed that “these type of people must respect the country that hosts them, and should not proceed with actions that undermine the country’s international image”. Besides Cem, the event was attended by his Greek counterpart George Papandreou and Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, among others. [07] No plans for Greek mission to Afghanistan, Apostolidis saysAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Deputy Defense Minister Loukas Apostolidis said there were no plans to send Greek troops to Afghanistan, during an interview with the Greek radio station "Planet 104.5" on Friday.The government was against terrorism and was ready to meet its obligations to NATO and the European structures to which it belonged but its first concern was to defend national interests, he added. Defending national interests was achieved through prudent policies and an ability to adapt to changing conditions, he said. [08] Archbishop of Albania Anastasios concludes visit to GreeceAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania Anastasios concluded an eight-day official visit to Greece on Friday by meeting Greek political party leaders.In the morning he held successive meetings with main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis, ND honorary president and former premier Constantine Mitsotakis, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga, Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos, former left-wing leader Leonidas Kyrkos and Parliament's religious affairs committee. Before departing for Tirana at 14:00, Archbishop Anastasios thanked Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, the Greek State and the faithful for their warm welcome and hospitality during his stay in Greece. Karamanlis called Anastasios an "enlightened church leader" and stressed that "in the modern world, Orthodoxy can and must be a beacon of freedom, love and solidarity towards all peoples. Especially, towards those that need it, irrespective of origin, religion, race or color". He stressed that with the "intra -religious and intra-cultural dialogue, which is being promoted (by Anastasios), he is giving the example and he is showing the way that should be followed by the governments and the peoples of our region". Addressing Albania's Archbishop, Mitsotakis lauded the prelate for his work for Orthodoxy, the nation and the region and wished him well in his efforts to continue his work in Albania, which, as he said, is important for Greeks and primarily for Albania. After the meeting with Anastasios, Papariga called her 45-minute talks with Albania's prelate interesting and underlined her party's belief in the peaceful co-existence of peoples regardless of their religious beliefs, both within countries and between countries. Constantopoulos, who visited Anastasios along with Kyrkos, lauded the character of the prelate and stressed that they exchanged views on the "great problems that are plaguing humanity today". Kyrkos noted that "everyone of us is pleased by his enlightened thoughts, by his indefatigable activity, which shows the paths that the church could follow, so as to overcome today's chasms". In his statements to the press Anastasios stressed, "we are the borderland of Orthodoxy and Islam. We have shown more than tolerance. We have decided to live with respect for one another. And this is resistance in an era in which there is an over bun-dance of hatred". [09] Alternate FM meets Dutch and British parliamentariansAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis had two meetings on Friday with British and Dutch parliamentary delegations in which issues of mutual interest were discussed.The British parliamentarians showed special interest on Greece's views regarding developments in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), talks on the Cyprus issue, illegal immigration, terrorism and the preparation of the Greek EU presidency (in the first half of 2003), according to a foreign ministry announcement. Yiannitsis briefed the British delegation and focused his attention on the Cyprus issue, developments in the Balkans, terrorism and preparation for the Greek EU presidency. On their part, the Dutch parliamentarians made positive comments on developments in Greek-Turkish relations, which they themselves had the opportunity to observe since their presence coincided with the visit made to Greek by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem on Wednesday and Thursday. They also conveyed the unanimous desire of the Dutch parliament for EU enlargement to proceed as soon as possible and stressed that candidate countries should be judged in accordance with the progress of each one. They further said that Cyprus is a leader in negotiations, while on the issue of Europe's future they underlined the proximity of Dutch and Greek positions. Yiannitsis presented Greece's views on these issues and underlined its positions on the Balkans, Greek-Turkish relations, the problem of illegal immigration, the EU accession course of Cyprus and enlargement in general. [10] Dutch Parliament delegation head touches on Cyprus issueAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)The head of a Dutch Parliament delegation visiting Greece this week, C. Weldis, was received by Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis on Friday, with talks focusing, among others, on Cyprus’ European Union prospects.The Dutch MP reportedly assured Kaklamanis that the Netherlands’ parliament will re-examine its position vis-a-vis Cyprus’ EU accession course, taking into account all the new information over the last two-year period. The Dutch deputies are members of their parliament’s European affairs committee, with contacts this week held with their Greek counterparts. [11] Croatian parliament president in Athens next weekAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis will receive his Croatian counterpart Zlatko Tomcic on Monday.Tomcic will arrive in Greece for a three-day official visit next week. [12] PM: PASOK should make the difference with conservativesAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis urged ruling PASOK party to make the differences between itself and conservative factions more obvious on Friday, while addressing PASOK's Central Committee.The desire for a strong PASOK expressed by the party congress was boldly being put into practice, and on every issue PASOK should have a discernably progressive proposal to make to the Greek people, one based in the past and referring to the future, Simitis said. To achieve this the party would have to be open to society, he stressed, and this in turn called for action with a broader focus by party executives and organs, mobilizing party organizations and constant open dialogue with society. The meeting was also addressed by party secretary Costas Laliotis, who said the party had to grab the chance to make a new beginning and referred once again to a three-year plan focusing on local elections, the organizations of the Olympics, the Greek EU presidency in 2003 and national elections in April 2004. PASOK Central Committee holds vote on action sectors: The ruling PASOK party's Central Committee ended its session on Friday with a vote for the promotion of action and policy sectors, as well as for the election of members of the ethics and economic control committees. [13] Law enforcement, fire brigade trade unions meet ND leaderAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Police force, fire department and coast guard trade union leaders met with main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis on Friday and briefed him about their demands and planned action, while complaining that the government had refused to hear their grievances.The trade unionists said they planned to take their case to the European Union and would be sending a delegation to Brussels during the foreign ministers' council. [14] Communist leader accepts only courtesy meeting with LaliotisAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Communist Party of Greece (KKE) secretary general Aleka Papariga will only accept a courtesy meeting with newly elected PASOK party secretary Costas Laliotis, refusing any discussion on political cooperation.Replying to a question by the press in Larissa, central Greece, on Friday, Papariga said "Mr. Laliotis phoned me and asked me for a purely courtesy meeting, being PASOK's new secretary. A meeting, which, as he said, he will seek with all parties. We replied 'yes' to a courtesy meeting. However, I do not understand why Mr. Laliotis is changing the discussion's agenda. If he told us that he wants to meet with us to discuss political cooperation with PASOK, we would reply to him that there is no object for such a discussion." "Being PASOK's secretary certainly, if he so wishes, he can meet us for a courtesy meeting, for a mutual acquaintance, but we declare that we have no disposition, no intention of political cooperation with PASOK and nor, of course, with New Democracy," Papariga added. [15] Communist leader says local elections need cooperationAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Communist Party of Greece (KKE) secretary general Aleka Papariga, speaking at a press conference in Larissa, central Greece, on Friday said local elections demand a policy of cooperation and alliances to confront the complex apparatuses of ruling PASOK and main opposition New Democracy.Papariga, who was speaking shortly before visiting the town of Agia to address an event organized by the party's local branch, referred to the release of the Greek people from one-way policies. "We state categorically that not even in one municipality nor in a prefecture will we deviate from our general position of voting against the tickets of both power parties and we do not consent to cooperations made at the last moment," she said. Papariga further commented on the war of the capitalist countries, as she termed it, in Afghanistan and said the struggles of the people should not be identified with terrorism but with the renaissance and strengthening of the pacifist movement. [16] Greek economic weekly reviewAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)The announced plan for a merger between National Bank and Alpha Bank last week, continued making headlines in the week under review leading to scenarios over possible takeovers and mergers between other big and small banking groups in Greece.The names of EFG Eurobank Ergasias, Commercial Bank, Piraeus Bank, Attica Bank and General Bank were mentioned in various scenarios, with Commercial Bank and Attica Bank officially dismissing such talk, while General Bank said it would seek an autonomous course. Analysts, however, noted that the National-Alpha Bank merger would create a new round of takeovers and mergers that would result in the creation of a competitive new banking group. The Athens Stock Exchange remained on an upward trend for eight consecutive sessions, signaling a change in climate. The general index has found new support levels at 2,600 points, while liquidity also improved. The government reiterated it would fully implement all pledges regarding social benefits. Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said that Greek economy would continue growing at a faster pace compared with other EU countries in 2001 and 2002 and that the government would strictly adhere to its fiscal discipline plans. He predicted that GDP growth this year would reach 4.0percent. Inflation fell substantially in October, with the consumers’ price index falling to 2.8 percent, on a year-on-year basis, from 3.6 percent in September. Greek commercial bank announced new lower savings and lending interest rates soon after a decision by European Central Bank to cut its base rates by 50 basis points to 3.25 percent on Thursday. The Bank of Greece said that consumer and mortgage loan growth slowed in August from the previous month. Greece's computer market grew significantly in 2000, a survey by Strategic International consultants showed in the week. The Greek market increased by 36 percent from 1999 to 560 billion drachmas and is estimated to exceed 1.3 trillion drachmas by 2003. A Greek-Turkish Business Council agreed in the creation of an emergency crises management group between the two countries to deal with issues related to bilateral or international trade and economic relations. Greece's current accounts deficit fell to 4.38 billion euros in August, down 225 million euros from the previous month, the Bank of Greece said. [17] National Bank official to head European bank groupAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)A senior official of the National Bank of Greece is to become president for two years of the Inter-Alpha Group of Banks, a European grouping.The term of office of Apostolos Tamvakakis, National's deputy governor, begins in January. Inter Alpha's members are the AIB Group, Banco Espirito Santo, Banco Santander, BHF, Credit Commercial de France, ING, KBC, Nordea, Royal Bank of Scotland, S. Paolo IMI and National Bank of Greece. The group works to develop ties among its members in order to secure better service for customers worldwide and cost sharing in the development and application of new technology. [18] Magriotis speaks on German-Greek economic cooperationAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis addressed in Frankfurt on Friday the second conference of the German-Greek Economic Association, which has as its theme Greek-German economic cooperation.Magriotis, having first conveyed greetings by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister George Papandreou, outlined to the German and Greek entrepreneurs attending the conference, the picture of the Greek economy and stressed its positive course. He noted the important role of the German-Greek Economic Association and of the expatriate entrepreneurs in the development and strengthening of Greek-German economic relations, underlining that a five percent increase in the number of German tourists to Greece is expected in 2002. Furthermore, according to a relevant Foreign Ministry announcement, Magriotis noted the great opportunities currently existing in the tourism sector in view of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and termed suitable the time for joint Greek-German investment initiatives in the Balkans. Finally, the minister stressed that the transfer of the General Secretariat on international economic relations to the foreign ministry provides a new impetus to Greek and expatriate entrepreneurial activity in the international field. [19] Greek deputy FM to attend WTO summitAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Zafeiropoulos departs for Qatar on Saturday to represent Greece at the fourth World Trade Organization (WTO) summit.[20] Turkish Minister of State addresses event in ThessalonikiAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Turkish Minister of State responsible for maritime affairs Ramazan Mirzaoglu addressed an event in Thessaloniki on Friday night, organized by the Association of Industries of Northern Greece (SBBE).He expressed the hope that Greek and Turkish coastal shipping companies will utilize the agreement between Greece and Turkey, which has already been in force for over a month now, to facilitate the coastal shipping of both countries. The Turkish minister said that this agreement, among other things, foresees the creation of a coastal shipping route, which will link Izmir with Thessaloniki and Piraeus. Referring to the trade relations between the two countries, Mirzaoglu characterized the Muslim minority in Thrace as "Turkish", saying that "the two sides should not regard as an obstacle the development of trade between the Greek minority which lives in Turkey and of the 'Turkish' which lives in Thrace, but should see it as a bridge of friendship between the Turkish and Greek people." On his part, SBBE President Dimitris Symeonidis stressed that the interests of the two largest and most developed economies of the region are common and supplementary. At the same time, he expressed the conviction that the development of joint entrepreneurial activities with mutual benefit could contribute effectively to the achievement of substantial and long-term economic ties. In statements later, Mirzaoglu expressed his intention to remain in Komotini on Saturday night to meet with mayors and representatives of the Muslim minority, despite the fact that this is not foreseen in the official program of his visit to Greece. Greek diplomatic sources noted that these visits have a strict program and deviations are not customary in diplomatic practice. [21] Outcome of sale tender for Olympic Airways due in several weeksAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)The outcome of an international sale tender for Olympic Airways, the national carrier, will be announced in several weeks, Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis told parliament on Friday."The process is in the final stage," the minister said. He was responding to a parliamentary question by the main opposition New Democracy party. Verelis had announced on Thursday that the outcome of the sale of a majority stake in the ailing airline scheduled for November 15 would be delayed until the end of the month. He had said that adverse market conditions were working against the sale of an airline, with banks unwilling to lend to the industry. The government had been in talks with the Axon Group, the frontrunner in the tender. Analysts said it was possible that Axon had so far been unable to raise cash or letters of guarantee through the banks. Verelis had urged all groups interested in the airline to join forces for a purchase. [22] Sharp decline in inflation in OctoberAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Inflation posted a sharp decline in October, falling to 2.8 percent year-on-year from 3.6 percent year-on-year in September, the national statistics service ESYE said Friday.According to figures released by ESYE, the General Consumer Price Index (GCPI) in October 2001 rose by 2.8 percent over October 2000, against rises of 4.0 percent in October 2000 over October 1999, and 2.2 percent in October 1999 over October 1998. On a month-to-month basis, the October GCPI rose 0.3 percent over the preceding month of September. The 2.8 percent year-on-year rise in inflation in October was attributed to rises of 6.5 percent in "food and non-alcoholic drinks", 5.9 percent in "alcoholic drinks and tobacco", 4.9 percent in "hotels, cafeterias, restaurants", and 4.2 percent in "recreation, cultural activities". Also, the year-on-year Harmonized Consumer Price Index, which is used for international comparisons, fell to 3.2 percent in October over the same month in 2000 from 4.0 percent in September over September 2000. [23] State telecom OTE gets FYROM mobile phone licenseSKOPJE 10/11/2001 (ANA - M. Vichou)The Greek and FYROM state telecoms organizations on Thursday signed a contract granting Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) a mobile phone permit in the neighboring country, after winning a state tender for the license.According to officials, the 25 million dollar contract gives OTE the exploitation rights for the second mobile telephony network in FYROM. The 22-year agreement was signed in Skopje by OTE vice-president George Skarpelis and FYROM minister for transport and communication Ljubco Balkovski. The second mobile telephone network is slated to begin operating in the spring of 2002. [24] State telecom denies talk of merger or acquisitionAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE) on Friday told the Athens Stock Exchange that it had not forged any agreements on mergers or acquisitions.It was responding to newspaper reports claiming the contrary. [25] Cross-border commercial centre to open in early Dec.Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)The first cross-border commercial centre, located at the Promahonas site on the Greek-Bulgarian border, will be inaugurated by the company Promahon S.A., with operation set in early December, a press release announced on Friday.The company said another 30 Greek firms will participate as well. According to the company, the other participating firms include bourse-listed Fourlis, the Alco Group, the Galaxias supermarket chain, the retail appliance chain Kotsovolos, Sportsman and the cosmetics and perfumery retailer Papaellinas. [26] Development minister optimistic for Greek tourism in 2002Athens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)"We won't respond with indecisiveness or by waiting," to a tourism crisis in the wake of the September 11th tragic events in the US, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, said on Friday.Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Deputy Minister for Tourism Dimitrios Georgakopoulos and Tourism secretary-general Dimitrios Georgarakis, Tsohatzopoulos announced a series of measures to support tourist demand, both in Greece and abroad. He expressed, however, his optimism that in 2002 tourist arrivals in Greece would remain stable at this year's levels. He attributed his optimism to expectations of positive developments in the European tourist market. Tsohatzopoulos said that Hellenic Tourism Organization’s offices abroad would be given clear instructions to promote our country and that an advertising campaign in foreign markets would begin in about one month. "More measures could be taken, depending on international developments," he said. "We have chosen our priorities to accent tourism policy into a tool of economic and social development," Tsohatzopoulos said. Measures approved include giving more emphasis to a quality upgrading of Greece's tourist product, supporting regional tourist areas and efforts to boost domestic demand. Tsohatzopoulos said the ministry would draft a cohesive three-year intervention plan (2002-2004) in the framework of a wider 10-year plan. He said that a business plan envisaging a more efficient use of tourist assets was progressing smoothly. [27] Alpha Bank launches new wave of rate cuts, tracking ECBAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Alpha Bank on Friday launched a new wave of rate cuts in the wake of a decline of 50 basis points in the European Central Bank's intervention level a day earlier. The rest of the market is expected to follow.Alpha, which leads the country's largest private banking group, is to selectively lower its borrowing rates by up to 50 basis points and deposit rates by 25 basis points. The main rate changes are as follows: Alpha is due to merge with state-run National Bank of Greece, the country's largest banking group. [28] EFG Mutual Funds ranks first in OctoberAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)EFG Mutual Funds Management Company, a member of EFG Eurobank Ergasias group, ranked first in the Greek table of 25 companies in the sector in October, based on total assets.Figures released by the Union of Institutional Investors recently, showed that EFG Mutual's assets totalled 1.468 trillion drachmas with a market share of 18.06 percent in October, followed by Diethniki Mutual (a member of National Bank) with a market share of 16.92 percent, Alpha Mutual with 15.16 percent, Intertrust with 9.40 percent, Hermes Mutual with 8.57 percent and ATE Mutual with 5.14 percent. Aristides Xenophos, EFG Mutual's chief executive, told ANA on Friday that the company's success reflected a very good cooperation between the Mutual Fund Management company with the group's retail banking sector. Mr. Xenophos noted that the company was considering the launch of new mutual funds. It is currently managing 13 mutual funds in Greece. [29] Greek stocks end higher for eighth consecutive sessionAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Equity prices ended the week higher, extending their advance for the eighth consecutive session on Friday, although off their day's highs as some investors preferred to take early profits ahead of the weekend.Market sentiment was boosted initially by talk over a takeover bid by EFG Eurobank to buy Commercial Bank, later officially denied by the bank. ASE authorities, however, said they would start an inquiry to see if any speculative moves were connected with recent merger talk in the market. Traders also said that news of substantial fall in the inflation rate in October and a new round of interest rate cuts by commercial banks contributed in sustaining the market's rally. The general index ended 0.76 percent higher at 2,654.83 points, after gaining as much as 1.5 percent early in the session. It ended the week 4.88 percent higher. Turnover was an improved 72.3 billion drachmas or 212.2 million euros. The Investment and Insurance sectors scored the biggest percentage gains (up 2.59 percent and 2.07 percent, respectively), while the IT, Construction and the Parallel Market for smaller capitalization stocks sectors suffered losses (0.75 percent and 0.32 percent, respectively). The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.78 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 0.76 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index increased by 0.25 percent. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 199 to 113 with another 49 issues unchanged. The most heavily traded shares were Commercial Bank of Greece, Koumbas, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Naoussa Textiles and Panafon. 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 4.76 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 45 basis points. Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 2.0 billion euros. Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover. Derivatives Market Close: Equity futures rise in edgy trade: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Friday ended higher in volatile trade. Changing hands were 9,466 contracts on turnover of 60.795 million euros. The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips gained 0.78 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks rose 0.76 percent. [30] Hellenic American National Council holds 12th CongressNEW YORK 10/11/2001 (ANA)The Hellenic American National Council's 12th Congress was held at the University of Connecticut's Greek Studies Centre "Education" with the participation of over 50 presidents and representatives from all the federations of America.The Congress focused on the rallying of all federations under the Council and on its fundamental reorganization. Among others, the Congress was attended by the general consul of Cyprus in New York Vassilis Philippou. [31] Thessaloniki Film Festival beginsAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)The 42nd Thessaloniki Film Festival began in the northern Greek city on Friday night at 20:30, with legendary US screen actress Faye Dunaway attending.The festival was officially inaugurated by Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and will last 10 days, ending on Sunday next. During that time, there will be 353 screenings of 201 films participating in the competition, the New Horizons section and various tributes. [32] 14 kilos of heroin seized near Greek-Albanian borderAthens, 10/11/2001 (ANA)Authorities near the Greek-Albanian border confiscated more than 14 kilos of heroin Friday afternoon following a search of an Albanian-registered van.The vehicle’s driver, Albanian national Spiro Xioxi, 48, was arrested at the scene, some four kilometers into Greece. The heroin was divided into 23 bags hidden beneath the vehicle’s floor, reports state. According to police, the latest interception of a heroin shipment illustrates a three-week pattern of drug smuggling emanating from the central Albanian town of Fier, with hashish being replaced of late by the most lucrative heroin trade. [33] President Clerides says good idea to meet Denktash once he returns to UN processNEW YORK 10/11/2001 (CNA/ANA)President Glafcos Clerides hopes that a direct meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, should this take place, could facilitate the UN peace process and considers that it would be a very good idea to have a face to face meeting with Denktash, once he accepts to return to the UN-led peace process.The president's position is outlined in a reply letter to Denktash, who conveyed Thursday through the UN Chief of Mission in Cyprus a letter addressed to "dear Glafcos" and signed "Rauf Denktash", without the use of any titles. Clerides' reply was communicated the same day from New York where he is at present to address on Sunday the UN General Assembly. The two men have not met for years and the peace talks the UN initiated in December 1999 were conducted through separate meetings between UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto with the president and Denktash. Denktash suggested in his letter a face to face meeting with Cle-rides, without an agenda and with no other persons or mediators present, with a view to try and solve the protracted Cyprus question. The Turkish Cypriot leader noted in his letter that Clerides had turned down an earlier proposal for a direct meeting with him in September, adding that years of UN mediation and talks have come to nothing as far as a solution is concerned. In his reply, the president said that Denktash's September idea for a direct meeting was "premature" and recalled that Denktash in early September declined an invitation by the UN Secretary General to resume the search for a settlement through the UN peace process. Clerides says that a face to face meeting would be a very good idea as soon as Denktash accepts to return to the negotiating table, which he abandoned in November last year, backed by Ankara, and now demands recognition of his self-styled regime in Turkish occupied Cyprus. He also expresses the hope that any such meeting, if it were to take place, could help the UN peace process. Political observers believe that Denktash's move is an indication of increasing pressure on the Turkish side to change its tune and return to the negotiating process but also note that this could be a move to allow Denktash to slip away from the pressure he seems to be under at present with regard to the UN peace process. [34] US supports bicommunal federation in CyprusNEW YORK 10/11/2001 (CNA/ANA)The US is hopeful that the continuing conversations on the Cyprus question would pave the way forward and enable the UN-led peace talks to resume, State Department Cyprus Coordinator Thomas Weston has said, adding that diplomacy should be the basis of efforts to return to the negotiating table and not public remarks by parties involved in the issue.Weston also said the US continues to believe that a bicommunal bizonal federation is the solution in Cyprus, something has been talked about for years at the UN and elsewhere. Speaking after a meeting here with President Glafcos Clerides, Weston said he had a "wide ranging discussion, very positive, very friendly" during which the common effort to find a solution to the division of the island in a comprehensive settlement was the focus of the meeting, which lasted well over an hour. Asked by CNA if anything has happened since his recent visit to Cyprus, Turkey and Greece to make him hopeful that talks could resume, he said the visit to the area by UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto, the fact that conversations continue and that they will continue in New York give him "hope that we will be able to find a way forward." Invited to assess the prospect of the resumption of talks after remarks by Turkey and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, Weston noted that sometimes comments are helpful, other times they are unhelpful. His comments come in the wake of threats from Ankara that it would incorporate Cyprus' northern areas that it occupies since 1974 should the island join the European Union and following Denktash's repetition of his long standing demand for recognition of his self-styled regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkish troops since 1974. Weston refrained from commenting on a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem that confederation is the solution for Cyprus but he reiterated the US position on the shape of a solution. "I think you know the US position about what sort of a solution we see as possible, that has been talked about for years here at the UN and in other places and that is one of a bicommunal, bizonal federation," Weston added. Replying to questions, he said efforts will have to continue to persuade Denktash to return to the talks and added "that is why we will pursue our diplomacy to get to the place we want to be, a comprehensive settlement that is just and durable." [35] Socialdemocrats say threats for annexation are directed against the EUNICOSIA 10/11/2001 (CNA/ANA )The repeated statements of Turkish Premier Bulent Ecevit that Turkey will annex the occupied areas of Cyprus, constitute a flagrant violation of international law and are directed against the EU itself and its unanimous decisions, President of Cyprus Socialdemocrats Movement Yiannakis Omirou stressed in a letter to the President of the European Socialist Party Robin Cook and to the President of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament Erique Barn Grespo.Omirou noted it would be extremely useful if in the Progress Report of the EU on the "Accession Partnership between Turkey and the EU" which will be finalized in two weeks, clear reference was made to the lack of political will on the part of Turkey and its refusal to attend UN-led talks on Cyprus. "The Socialdemocrats Movement believes that as the Laeken Council is approaching we must consider very seriously the need to reaffirm our firm decisions and bring to a successful end the accession negotiation with the candidate countries", he stressed, adding that "in parallel with this we must be directed towards Turkey with a positive approach resolutely condemning the intention expressed at top level by the Turkish leadership to annex the occupied areas of Cyprus to Turkey." He added "Turkey's threats against Cyprus are tantamount to complete disregard of the Helsinki decisions and should not remain unanswered by the socialist family" and reiterated that "we remain firm in exhausting every possibility for the promotion of a solution to the Cyprus problem in the framework of the efforts exerted by the UN on the basis of Security Council resolutions." The Socialdemocrats leader expressed conviction that the Turkish leadership was trying to blackmail the EU in its important decisions on enlargement. He also noted "Ankara is further increasing its control and exerting pressure on the Turkish Cypriot community which to a great extent supports the Helsinki decisions" and said Ankara was in essence using the Turkish Cypriots as a threatening mechanism against the EU. Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said recently that two tracks were possible for an integration of Turkey and the self-styled puppet regime in the occupied territory of Cyprus in case that Cyprus joins the EU: "total annexation or establishment of an autonomous status" for the self-declared state, recognized only by Ankara. Last year Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash abandoned UN-led talks on Cyprus demanding recognition for his self-styled regime in the Turkish occupied part of Cyprus before he returns to the UN-led peace talks. Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 per cent of its territory. Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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