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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-01-16Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>January 16, 2003CONTENTS
[01] PM: European Human Rights Charter should become part of EU ConstitutionSTRASBOURG 16/01/2003 (ANA - O. Tsipira)The Human Rights Charter approved by the European Union should be a legally binding text and should be incorporated into the EU Constitution, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, head of the rotating EU presidency, said on Wednesday after a visit to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.The Greek premier was received by the court president Luzius Wildhaber and Greek European Court judge Christos Rozakis, who briefed him on the activities and operation of the ECHR. As he departed, Simitis said his visit was a demonstration of the importance attached to the protection of human and civil rights by Greece and the Greek EU presidency. Incorporating the European Human Rights Charter in the constitution would give the union an additional weapon against oppressive policies and those that do not pay give due attention to human and civil rights, he added. Responding to questions about the abolition of the death penalty by Turkey, the Greek premier said this was a positive development and noted that Turkey had taken a number of steps toward democratic rule of law in recent years. He also stressed, however, that Turkey needed to make yet more steps in that direction and that the country's democratization showed that the European Commission was pushing Turkey and other countries to adopt the rules that generally applied in the EU. [02] FM visits Pristina, meets with UN, local leadersPRISTINA 16/01/2003 (ANA - E. Boukaouri)Foreign Minister George Papandreou arrived here on Wednesday, the last stop of his extensive tour of the Balkans, and met with the local leadership and the United Nations administration in Kosovo.Papandreou met with the head of the UN operation in Kosovo Michael Steiner who later said that the arrival of Papandreou expressed the commitment of the European Union for the region's European course. Papandreou confirmed Steiner's comment, saying that he arrived in Pristina as the minister presiding over the EU, as well as a representative of a neighboring country. He stressed that ethnic conflicts should become a part of the past, ''we should live together, cooperate and share the same values, which are democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights and minorities''. Later in the day, Papandreou met with Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova, to whom he stressed that "we should build a common future as citizens of the European Union, within a European Union, because we are Europeans and we want to live in democratic and tolerant societies." On his part, Rugova welcomed Papandreou and said that the Kosovo government's priorities are economic development, privatizations, incorporation of ethnic minorities and promotion of cooperation with Greece toward a European prospect. Papandreou also met with other Kosovo government officials, Serb deputies and with Kosovo Democratic Party leader Hasim Thaci. Papandreou's message to Kosovo was that the Greek presidency of the EU will fully support the region's European prospect, while the promotion of the Association and Stability Agreement should be implemented within the framework of the UN Security Council resolutions of 1999 and within the parameters of the principle ''European criteria come first and then local regime''. Papandreou, before leaving Sarajevo for Pristina, met with EU defense and security high commissioner Javier Solana, who is due to arrive in Athens on Thursday, and Sarajevo's International Community high representative Paddy Ashdown. [03] Foreign Minister at EUPM inauguration in BosniaSARAJEVO 16/01/2003 (ANA - E. Boukaouri)Foreign Minister George Papandreou, representing the Greek EU presidency, and EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana arrived in Sarajevo on Wednesday for talks with Bosnia-Herzegovina's leadership and the official inauguration ceremony for the EU Police Mission (EUPM) in the Balkan republic.The 900-strong European force, which includes Greeks and Cypriots, replaces a UN peacekeeping force in the war-battered republic and its term ends in 2005. Thirty-three states are participating in the force, of which 18 are non-EU members. In his address, Solana said that the establishment of the EUPM in Bosnia, in full cooperation with the EU, proved European commitment to the region. He called on all sides to assist in setting up a common course so that law and order prevailed in Bosnia and it could take on its responsibilities with the assistance of the EU. Papandreou similarly stressed that the EUPM was the strongest demonstration of EU commitment to the western Balkans, a region that was a key priority for the union and a particular commitment of Greece. The Greek minister stressed that Bosnia-Herzegovina, like the rest of the region, was a fundamental part of Europe and the issue at stake was what kind of European state Bosnia would become. ''In joining the stabilization and association process, Bosnia has indicated its desire to be a full participant in the integrated Europe. Through the EUPM, you are making a further step to building a state that can be a full participant in an integrated Europe, a state founded on the democratic rule of law,'' he said. The rule of law was fundamentally important for the prosperity and confidence of the Bosnian people, attracting foreign investments and participate in vitally important regional cooperation to tackle phenomena of terrorism, organized crime, drugs and human trafficking, he added. He named these as the most serious threats to common and individual development and said that part of the EUPM's mandate was to assist Bosnia in developing its own police force and regional police cooperation, which was one of the EU presidency's priorities. Apart from Solana and Papandreou, the ceremony was also addressed by the international community's High Representative for Bosnia Paddy Ashdown and a representative for EU External Affairs Commissioner Chris Patten, as well as local officials. Earlier on Wednesday, Papandreou and Solana had talks with the Serb chairman of Bosnia's collective presidency Mirko Sarovic. In statements afterwards, Papandreou noted that this was a historic moment for Europe. ''We are here with Mr Solana and Mr Ashdown for the official inauguration of the EUPM. This event has a weighty significance because we are prepared to help in the institutional reconstruction of Bosnia-Herzegovina, while it also contains a wider message about the EU's political will to undertake more responsibility in the region,'' Papandreou said. The Greek minister said there were four points that would have to be emphasized that would help establish the stabilization process. These were enhancing the independence of the police, fighting organized crime, supporting information services and the unified tax and tariffs system. Statements were also made by Solana, who similarly noted the EU's desire to help and undertake responsibilities in the region. Solana stressed the importance of harmonizing Bosnia's various tax systems with the installation of a central system in February by Ashdown and also ruled out any further changes to borders. The Greek foreign minister is due to travel to Pristina on Wednesday afternoon for talks with Kosovo politicians before returning to Athens late on Wednesday night. [04] Athens keeps cards closed on Franco-German proposal for EU dual presidencyAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Wednesday carefully avoided taking a stand on a Franco-German proposal for a dual EU presidency, a surprise compromise deal struck by German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and French President Jacques Chirac that is due to reach the Convention for the Future of Europe the same day.As current head of the EU presidency, Protopapas noted, Greece "will undertake those initiatives that can lead to decisions". The spokesman also pointed to a visit by German Foreign Minister Joshka Fischer to Athens on Saturday at the invitation of EU council chief George Papandreou in an effort to arrive at "solutions through consensus". [05] Yiannitsis: Greece favors single external policy headSTRASBOURG 16/01/2003 (ANA-O. Tsipira)Greece is in favor of the joint representation of the common external policy to the EU Council and EU Commission by a single head, according to statements on Wednesday by Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis, during a press conference here.In his capacity as Greece’s Alternate Foreign Minister, not as EU Presidency, Yiannitsis told reporters that Greece would carefully examine the recent Franco-German proposal, which he described as containing “many interesting points.” He added that Greece “agreed on integrating the two positions in external policy and believed that it will significantly help towards a more effective operation of the European system and would contribute to the promotion of the common external policy.” He further noted that such a person should be vice-chairman of the Commission and report to the EU Council. Yiannitsis also said that Greece was in favor of the EU Commission President being elected by the Euro-Parliament with ''increased majorities'', so as to have elevated prestige and ability in handling Commission issues. “We are also concerned over how the EU Council would be able to boost the effectiveness of its operation under a membership of 25 or more, later on.” As EU Presidency, Yiannitsis said that Greece looked forward to the tabling of proposals by the Convention before June. Greek leadership congratulates Diamantouros on his election as Euro-ombudsman STRASBOURG 16/01/2003 (O. Tsipira) Greek professor Nikiforos Diamantouros on Wednesday was elected as the European Ombudsman during a second round of voting by the European Parliament’s deputies, gaining a total of 293 votes. British academic Roy Perry came in second with 205 votes. Diamantouros, who currently is Greece’s ombudsman director, will serve for a two-year term, taking over from retiring Jacob Soderman. Three candidates were eliminated in Tuesday’s voting. Simitis: In statements from Strasbourg following Diamantouros’ election, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis expressed his satisfaction over the development, noting that the final tally was recognition of Greece’s upgraded standing on the international political scene. Speaking to reporters prior to his meeting with European Parliament President Pat Cox, Simitis said Diamantouros has all the qualifications, knowledge and experience to meet the challenge of the European ombudsman’s post. He also stressed that the ombudsman’s institution has posted noteworthy success over the past few years in Greece, gaining in turn added respect in the eyes of Greek citizens. Karamanlis: On his part, main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis also sent congratulations towards Diamantouros, noting that the latter's election acknowledges the his scholarly achievements, his successful tenure as Greece’s ombudsman and his personality. Finally, Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis from Strasbourg also conveyed his congratulations to Diamantouros. Nikiforos Diamantouros, European Union Ombudsman- short CV: Nikiforos Diamantouros, Ombudsman of Greece was elected to the same post of the European Union by the Europarliament on Wednesday. Diamantouros served on the post of Ombudsman of Greece since 1998 and he is a professor of political science at the University of Athens. From 1995 to 1998 he served as Director and Chairman of the National Center for Social Studies (EKKE). He received his education in the University of Indiana, in the United States, where he received his Ph.D. in 1972. [06] European ombudsman outlines his role and workSTRASBOURG 16/01/2003 (ANA - O. Tsipira)Newly-elected European ombudsman Nikiforos Diamantouros outlined his position on his role and work during a press conference on Wednesday, saying that the European Union's enlargement with 10 new countries is a great and historic challenge and opportunity for him.Diamantouros said the role of ombudsman is to function as a ''mediation mechanic capable of promoting the consolidation of a state of law in all of the EU's width and breadth, and to respond to the justified concerns of the new countries regarding the defense of human rights.'' In relation to the Convention for the Future of Europe, Diamantouros said the ombudsman's main priority will be the provision of attaching the Fundamental Rights Charter to the final text. Another equally important target will be creating and changing the administrative behavior code into a binding text to avoid overlapping. [07] Simitis & Cox call on Denktash to show constructive stanceSTRASBOURG 16/01/2003 (ANA- M. Spinthourakis)Prime Minister Costas Simitis and European Parliament President Pat Cox called on Turkish Cypriot community leader Rauf Denktash to show a constructive stance.Speaking to the press on Wednesday, on departing from the Europarliament building with Cox, Simitis said that ''today is a significant day for the course of the resolution of the Cyprus issue, since talks between UN General Secretary representative Alvaro de Soto and (Cyprus President) Glafcos Clerides and Denktash are starting again''. The Greek premier also said that the possibility of reaching a solution for the Cyprus problem exists, adding that Clerides has held a constructive stance and has shown positive points, whereas it is up to Denktash to do the same. On his part, Cox called on Denktash to make the necessary effort for a solution to the Cyprus problem, so that ''a reconciled Cyprus (may enter) a reconciled Europe''. [08] Yiannitsis says Cyprus will become full member of EU on May 1, 2004STRASBOURG 16/01/2003 (ANA/O. Tsipira)Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis, addressing the plenum of the European Parliament here on Wednesday, said Cyprus will become a full member of the European Union on May 1, 2004.Speaking in his capacity as Council president, Yiannitsis said: ''The accession negotiations with Cyprus were concluded at the European Council summit in Copenhagen on December 13. Cyprus will become a full member of the EU on May 1, 2004. The European Union has expressed its preference for the accession of a reunited Cyprus, on the basis of the UN Secretary-General's proposal. If we reach this result, then the Council will decide readjustments with regard to the Turkish Cypriot community. If not, Cyprus will enter the EU and there will be a freeze in the implementation of the acquis communautaire for the (Turkish) occupied part.'' Concluding, Yiannitsis expressed the hope that the momentum of events and developments in the island, such as the demonstrations which Turkish Cypriots began on Tuesday, will help for a solution to be found. [09] Gov't spokesman on Turkish Cypriot rallyAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Wednesday described as a "very important development" the massive rally by Turkish Cypriots Tuesday in the occupied sector of Cyprus demanding a solution of the Cyprus problem, which he said had had an "impressive" turnout.Replying to press questions, Protopapas said that "the voice of the people drowns out everything else, and expresses a clear-cut demand for solution of the Cyprus issue and Cyprus' accession to the EU". The Turkish Cypriot people condemned the intransigence, and yesterday (Tuesday) they sent a message to the Turkish Cypriot leadership and Turkey, Protopapas said, adding that the voice of the people gave a decisive impetus to a cause which concerned first of all the peoples of Cyprus, but also the peoples of the region. [10] Turkish spokesman on Cyprus issue, DenktashANKARA 16/01/2003 (ANA – A. Abatzis)A Turkish foreign ministry spokesman on Wednesday stressed that “there was no issue of any development qualifying as a change in Turkey’s policy on Cyprus”.The spokesman also underlined that Turkey backs talks to find a Cyprus solution and the efforts by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash. Moreover, the spokesman said Tuesday’s massive demonstration in the Turkish-occupied sector of Nicosia against Denktash’s policy was something “normal” for democratic regimes, where public opinion is freely expressed. “The conclusions from these protests is the duty and responsibility of the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’,” Yussuf Boluc said in reference to the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state in the island’s north, a breakaway entity recognized only by Ankara. “There is no change in our goal for the establishment of a new partnership, one that will ensure the continuation of the current climate of peace and the active and real guarantees of Turkey as well as acceptance of the sovereign equality of the two sides, one based on compromise,” he said. [11] Minister says education top EU Greek presidency priorityAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Education Minister Petros Efthymiou, briefing Parliament's Educational Affairs Committee on Wednesday on his ministry's agenda in the framework of the European Union's six-month presidency, said general education, being the main target of European educational systems, is a top priority for the EU's Greek presidency.''Given that the main targets set at the Lisbon summit are the economy and employment, there is the risk of education becoming a contractor either of the targets of the economy or of employment. This would be a mistake,'' Efthymiou said and referred to the ''need for a Lisbon number two for education.'' Efthymiou said the Greek government has already moved in this direction and contacts have been made with European Commission President Romano Prodi and relevant commissioner Viviane Reding by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and himself. The second main target of the Greek presidency is determining joint policies ''to enable Europe to develop and keep its potential in higher education'' and avoiding leaks to the United States. [12] KKE MPs ask gov't to clarify initiatives necessary to avert Iraq warAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Two Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputies on Wednesday tabled a letter in parliament seeking the immediate convening of parliament's standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense in order for foreign minister George Papandreou to brief the Committee on the initiatives that the Greek government must take ''to avert war in Iraq'', given that Greece currently holds the rotating EU presidency.MPs Orestis Kolozov and Liana Kanelli, in the letter addressed to Committee chairman Karolos Papoulias, pointed out that preparations by the US and Britain were currently intensifying for operations against Iraq, charging that the ''obvious goal'' of the war operation was ''control of the oil in the region and the region itself''. They warned that such a war ''threatens the stability of the region'', adding that ''Greece is involved, with the use of the foreign bases and the possible participation, in a variety of ways, of the country's Armed Forces''. [13] Visiting IOC chief meets with ND leader KaramanlisAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis met Wednesday with visiting International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge, with whom he discussed progress in preparations for the 2004 Olympic Games to be hosted by Athens.In statements to the press after the 45-minute meeting, which was also attended by Athens 2004 Organization Committee (ATHOC) chief Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, Karamanlis said that Greece was entering the "final and decisive stretch" to the Games, since much was at stake in 2003, including the country's credibility vis-a-vis the commitments it had undertaken towards the IOC, the quality of the Games it would organize, and the legacy to be left by Greece in Games hosting. Karamanlis further noted that the delays were "well-known", and expressed concern over ballooning costs. The ND leader said that the organization of the Athens Olympics was a national cause that concerned all Greeks, and that was why his party, as the main opposition party, was monitoring progress in the preparations so that "not another day will be lost nor the already high cost increase further". As the "next government" of Greece, he added, ND pledged to organize "the best Olympic Games since their revival". The next general elections are slated for April 2004, four months before the Athens Olympics. According to sources, Karamanlis told Rogge that ND would not allow the Olympic Games to become a part of any political party's election campaign. The same sources said that the IOC chief expressed his wish that the Olympic Games remain outside any campaign clashes, as was the case in other countries in the past. Rogge made no statement after his meeting with Karamanlis. [14] Karamanlis meets with Weston in AthensAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday said that mobility existing in the Turkish Cypriot community is positive, during his meeting in Athens with U.S. State Department special coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston. Karamanlis also reiterated ND's stance for a viable and workable solution which will be in accordance with the European acquis communautaire.On his part, Weston said that the U.S. is glad over the fact that a large number of Turkish Cypriots protested in favor of a political solution, the reunification of the island and its accession to the European Union. [15] Greek-American leaders discuss Cyprus settlement efforts with U.S. coordinatorsWASHINGTON, D.C. 16/01/2003 (ANA)Greek-American leaders from across the U.S.A. held an in-depth, off-the-record conference call with the top two people in the U.S. government who handle Cyprus settlement efforts on a daily basis – Special Cyprus Coordinator Thomas Weston and U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Michael Klosson, a press release issued by the National Coordinated Efforts of Hellenes Abroad said on Tuesday. The meeting took place on Jan. 8 and was hosted by the Coordinated Effort of Hellenes Abroad. “We felt it was crucial that this week’s flurry of settlement activities – tomorrow’s (Wednesday) start of face-to-face talks between President Clerides and (Turkish Cypriot leader) Denktash, as well as visits to Turkey, Greece and Cyprus by Tom Weston and the UN Secretary General’s Special Advisor on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto – were preceded by this important discussion. It brought us up-to-the-minute on developments and behind-the-scenes details, and provided important input from our community’s leaders to our country’s top people for Cyprus,” the press release said. Conference call participants included leaders from all over the U.S., from California and Washington (state), to Michigan and Illinois, to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, to Washington, D.C. and Virginia, to North Carolina and Florida. In addition, most of the major Greek-American organizations were represented by their board members including: PSEKA; the Pancyprian Association of America; the Cyprus Federation of America; the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce; the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE); SAE North and South America; the Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH); the United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC); AHEPA; the American Hellenic Institute (AHI); the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Leadership 100; the American Hellenic Council of California; and American Hellenic Congress of Michigan. [16] Political Committee of CoE's Parliamentary Assembly adopts Greek deputy's reportPARIS 16/01/2003 (ANA)The Political Committee of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly at a meeting here on Wednesday unanimously adopted a report by Greek deputy Theodoros Pangalos concerning the CoE's contribution to the deliberations of the Convention for the Future of Europe, which will propose the institutional changes which the European Union must adopt after 2004.The report will be discussed at the plenum of the Parliamentary Assembly which will be held in Strasbourg on January 29, 2003. With this report, the EU member-states are called upon to incorporate the European Fundamental Rights Charter and the European Human Rights Pact in their new Charter, to enable it to acquire binding legal validity. The Parliamentary Assembly's Political Committee also adopted a draft plan supporting Cyprus' accession to the EU and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's efforts for the reunification of Cyprus. [17] Gov't cites positive Barnier remarks on land registry issueAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)The government on Wednesday cited positive comments by EU Commissioner Michel Barnier, in charge of the Union’s regional policy portfolio, over the long-delayed project to finally establish a land registry in Greece.Specifically, government spokesman Christos Protopapas cited Barnier’s comments, namely, Greece was on the “right track” in terms of establishing a land registry, while adding that local officials’ determination of late should soon lead to positive results. The European Commission last month referred to ''dysfunctions'' in the drafting of the almost 10-year-old land registry project, ordering a stricter regime for meeting deadlines by the town planning ministry and the state-owned subsidiary assigned the nationwide project. In response to a question by a Greek Eurodeputy in Strasbourg, the EU Commissioner said the establishment of an independent regulatory authority within the new Community Support Framework package and Greek officials’ “determination” is "correctly" dealing with the matter. [18] Draft bill for speeding up administration of justice presentedAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos on Wednesday presented a draft bill prepared by his ministry that aims to speed up the administration of justice and to decongest the justice system, especially in the initial stages.Under the bill, it will become harder to press charges where there is insufficient evidence to substantiate them, while it reduces the margins for delaying a trial through the means available to defendants for seeking postponements - which are frequently abused in order to delay or obstruct justice. The bill also introduces changes to the preliminary investigation and examination processes, limiting these to six months and four months respectively, and scraps the main examination for misdemeanors. [19] Yiannitsis addresses Europarliament on AfghanistanSTRASBOURG 16/01/2003 (ANA - O. Tsipira)Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis on Wednesday presented to the Europarliament's plenum conditions in Afghanistan, a year after the signing of the Bonn Agreement.He stressed that the Bonn Agreement set the foundations for the establishment of a modern Afghan state. Yiannitsis noted that following the installation of the temporary authority in Afghanistan, the national traditional assembly was called, which elected Hamid Karzai to the post of president. Following Karzai's election, measures were taken to rebuild the country's state infrastructure, ranging from the establishment of a national regulatory central bank to the issuing of a currency and the adaptation of national development plan. He stressed that challenges are still many and their resolution depends to a great degree on foreign aid, funneled via the transitional government now in power. [20] Deputy FM meets new Czech AmbassadorAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)The Czech Republic’s EU accession path was the center of discussions during a meeting on Wednesday between Greece’s Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis and new ambassador of the Czech Republic to Athens Ms Jana Bulenova.The overall state of the Czech economy in the sectors of employment, production, agriculture and services was also looked into, with special emphasis on Balkan region affairs and on potential mechanisms to further activate a Greece-Czech Republic cooperation memorandum within the context of the Reconstruction Plan for the Balkans. Bulenova thanked the Greek government for providing assistance to her country’s European course, while she also referred to the increasing numbers of Czech tourists coming to Greece during the summer months. [21] Christodoulakis defends gov’t economic policy achievementsAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)The European Commission wants us to focus more on enhancing coordination of macro-economic policies, to boost employment, reduce unemployment and introduce innovation in business activity, Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said on Wednesday.Commenting on an EU Commission's report on competitiveness, Mr Christodoulakis stressed that it included several "advices" towards all EU member-states, including Greece. The report, Mr Christodoulakis said, stressed that member-states lagging behind the average EU growth rate should speed-up growth. The Greek minister, however, did not agree with all "advices" offered by the Commission on the Greek economy. He said that Greece has achieved the highest growth rates and that the country has worked hard to lift imbalances in the country's regions. Mr Christodoulakis also said that Greek inflation was not the highest but the third or fourth highest in the EU-15. Greek productivity is currently equal with Spain's, he said. Greek workers' productivity rose by 12 percent in the last six years, while other EU member-states recorded even declines over the same period, while the government has recorded one of the biggest percentage gains in reducing unemployment in the last three years. Mr Christodoulakis defended the Greek economy saying that a poverty rate in Greece, issued by the Commission, did not fully reflect the conditions in the country as it was based on workers' income alone. The Greek minister said that electricity prices in Greece were one of the cheapest in EU and less that half compared with Italy and Ireland, while public spending on education rose 13 percent in the last few years. Mr Christodoulakis said that the government has achieved a significant work so far on the economy and stressed the need to continue with the same policy to achieve real convergence by 2015. He dismissed recent Bank of Greece's estimates that real convergence would be achieved by 2030. Christodoulakis comments on EU funds' absorption rate: The absorption rate of EU funds was accelerating and spending in a Third Community Support Framework program exceeded four billion euros, Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said on Wednesday. The Greek minister reiterated that a Second Community Support Framework program has been completed and noted that the Greek government would have sent all paperwork to the European Commission by March 31, 2003, to collect the remaining funds of the program (around 500 billion drachmas). Mr Christodoulakis said that it would invite private investors to participate in the implementation of a Third Community Support Framework program. The Greek minister said that other member-states also had funds to collect from a Second CSF and stressed that he planned to meet with his counterparts in the EU to discuss the issue during the six-month Greek EU presidency. Referring to the European Commission's monitoring systems, Mr Christodoulakis said that these systems should follow four principles: all inspections should be equal, they should not have retroactive validity, to be relative to the size of a project and to be effective. [22] Greek exports show signs of recovery in 2002Athens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)A continuing slowdown of a decline trend in Greek exports in the first nine months of 2002 is raising hopes that Greek exports remained stable last year, the Panhellenic Exporters' Union said on Wednesday.The union said that hopes were based on a relatively improved picture of Greek exports towards the industrialized world, with a previous decline almost eradicated with the help of an increased euro/dollar rate. Greek exports fell 1.4 percent in the January-September period (compared with a decline of 2.7 percent in the January-August period), while exports to industrialized countries fell by 0.6 percent. Exports to the EU eased by 1.2 percent from 3.4 percent in the first eight months of 2002, while imports rose 6.1 percent and 5.2 percent, respectively. Greek exports in euros were down 4.4 percent in the first nine months of 2002, while imports were up 2.8 percent over the same period. Exports to the US rose faster, while exports to Turkey recovered (up 13.1 percent) after a sharp drop in 2001 due to a financial crisis in the neighboring country. The Panhellenic Exporters' Union said that exports to Turkey would be significantly lower from a peak of 580 million US dollars, recorded in 2000. Greek exports also recovered towards former Soviet Union republics. Exports to Russia rose 4 percent, while exports to Ukraine more than doubled in the first nine months of 2002 compared with the same period in 2001. The report said, however, that the value of exports in 2002 would not reach previous years' levels. Greek exports were increasingly falling towards the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), -14.5 percent, while exports to Albania were stable and a decline in exports towards Bulgaria and Romania was slowing down, as it was the case of exports to Central and Eastern European states (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary). Greek exports, however, were gradually improving towards Middle East and Northern Africa states, particularly Libya, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. The Panhellenic Exporters' Union said a spectacular increase in exports to India and China was raising hopes of better days ahead for Greek exports. Greek exports to the 10 new members of an expanded European Union, totalled 688 million US dollars in the January-September period last year, down 2.7 percent the same period in 2001, while imports from these countries totalled 456 million dollars, up 15 percent. Exports to India and China jumped 127 percent and 56 percent, respectively, and the union hopes that their value would total 100 million and 80 million US dollars, respectively in 2002. The Bank of Greece said that Greek exports' value eased 12.3 percent in the first nine months of 2002, showing a very big divergence with National Statistics Service's figures. [23] Greek EU presidency on cap markets, financial services reformAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Accelerated procedures for implementing an action plan for financial services, as foreseen by the European Council since 2000, is a primary goal of the Greek EU presidency, Greek capital markets authorities said here on Wednesday.“Greece assumes the EU presidency at a crucial period for the common European market, which is characterized by the need for substantive progress in legislation for financial services, as well as by the pessimistic climate on international markets,” Greek Capital Markets Commission President Stavros Thomadakis said at a news conference. He also emphasized the need to protect investors and the Union’s markets in the wake of several high-profile corporate accounting scandals in 2002. On his part, Economy Ministry general secretary G. Zannias said Greece has already taken initiatives on several issues dealing with the institutional framework and transparency of markets, citing among others, and implementation of International Accounting Standards (IAS). EU Directives concerning the financial markets and services sector include a new framework on investment services, including pre-listing informational procedures, measures for stepped up transparency and ones covering take-overs and mergers. [24] Denmark & Germany challenge EU Commission's Feta cheese decision in Euro-CourtBRUSSELS 16/01/2003 (ANA - B. Demiris)Denmark and Germany took the case of Greek Feta cheese to the European Court, seeking a ruling against the European Commission that decided that Feta cheese can only be produced in certain areas in Greece.Denmark and Germany have long protested against Greece's efforts to gain appellation of origin for Feta, now claiming that the decision of the Commission was legally baseless. French dairies also took legal action together with Denmark and Germany. [25] Minister addresses press conference on labor councilAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Labor Minister Dimitris Reppas, speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, said nine labor ministers councils will take place during the European Union's Greek presidency, the first of which will take place in the town of Nafplio on January 24.Reppas visited Nafplio, accompanied by deputy ministers Rovertos Spyropoulos and Eleftherios Tziolas, to finalize details with local agencies for the first council of EU labor ministers. He said the opportunity for this is historic since, apart from the council, visitors numbering about 150 and dozens of journalists will have the opportunity of becoming acquainted with the region's history and culture. Issues the council will be examining are employment and labor and the target will be revising new guidelines on full employment with more and better jobs and social policy. Health policy and the issue of pensions will be secondary issues, while the aim will be to link social life with employment and to improve the quality of the European citizen's daily life. [26] Greek stocks end moderately higher on WednesdayAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Greek stocks rose moderately on Wednesday pushing the general index back above the 1,700 level in the Athens Stock Exchange.The index ended 0.28 percent up at 1,720.79 points, with turnover a low 83.8 million euros. The Retail, Holding and IT Solution sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (6.97 percent, 1.98 percent and 1.41 percent, respectively), while the Publication, IT and Telecommunications sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (1.77 percent, 0.77 percent and 0.63 percent). The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.43 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.44 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 0.43 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 0.43 percent up. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 188 to 103 with another 65 issues unchanged. Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 60.0 mln euros Wednesday Equity Index Futures: Stock Futures: Day's Market Turnover: 60.0 mln euros Bond Market Close: Buyers outstrip sellers on Wednesday Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond [27] 2004 organizers unveil winning Olympic Torch designAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Athens 2004 organizers (ATHOC) on Wednesday unveiled the much-anticipated winning design for the Olympic Torch, inspired and based on one of the seminal elements of ancient Greek civilization: the olive tree’s leaf.Visiting IOC President Jacques Rogge and ATHOC President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki presented the design at the organizing committee’s headquarters before a crowd that included most of the organizing committee’s executives, a handful of 2004-related government ministers -- including Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos -- as well as deputy ministers and local government officials. Made out of metal and wood, the design was submitted by noted Greek artist Andreas Varotsos. According to ATHOC, the sleek torch’s form was drawn from the leaf’s lines and harmonious shape. Weighing 700 grams. and standing at 68 cm, the Torch’s design was selected to “enhance the Flame with its upward dynamic shape.” The two-toned sides, metallic (magnesium) and wood (olive) are found in their natural colors, ATHOC notes, while adding that Varotsos referred to the ancient Greek adage of “pan metron ariston” (all things in moderation) to give the torch its structure and simplicity. “The Olympic Torch comprises the messenger of the Olympic ideal. This Torch radiates Greece. Its construction specifications are strict, and it was among 13 proposals. We finally found all of these (elements) in the one by industrial designer Andreas Varotsos,” Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said. In his comments, Rogge emphasized that for the first time the Olympic Torch will pass through all five continents, while stressing that the Torch Relay unites society with the athletes and the Olympic Games. On his part, Varotsos noted that the olive tree as a symbol encompasses all of Greece, one that also sends a message of peace [28] Athens mayor outlines her program until Olympic GamesAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni outlined her program until the 2004 Athens Olympic Games at the Athens Concert Hall on Wednesday night, indicating that she looks forward to close cooperation with the government and the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee to upgrade the city's image in light of the Games.Bakoyianni added that to this end ''the will of the government to cooperate (with the municipality) has been declared many times and I consider it a given fact.'' She focused on six points included in the municipality's program until 2004. The city's image will be changed (this will include repairing pavements, paving roads and renovating buildings), the city's cleanliness will be dealt with and the amount of greenery will be increased, although places of greenery do not fall under the municipality's jurisdiction. A total of 6,034 out of 10,000 big trees to be planted in Athens by 2004 will be secured soon. Other priorities are the citizen's security (with the hiring of 700 policemen), improving municipal services and economic recovery, while a special organization for the economic development and tourist promotion of Athens will be established soon. The event was attended, among others, by main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, former Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis, Athens-Piraeus Supraprefect Fofi Gennimata and Athens Prefect Yiannis Sgouros. [29] New bus routes for Athens 2004 OlympicsAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Twenty new bus routes will be established for the Athens 2004 Olympics, the head of the Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA) said on Wednesday.The frequency of buses on the routes for the duration of the international event will be two to six minutes, OASA president George Papavassiliou told a news conference. [30] Businessman testifies on blackmail case related to ''N17''Athens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Businessman Theodoros Angelopoulos testified on Wednesday to an Athens prosecutor, concerning the murderous terrorist ''November 17'' group's alleged blackmail.According to statements of Press and Media Minister Christos Protopapas, parts of the personal log of murdered businessman Dimitris Angelopoulos was submitted to Prime Minister Costas Simitis in July. Theodoros Angelopoulos is a nephew of Dimitris Angelopoulos, who was murdered by ''November 17''. In a related development, ''November 17'', special investigator Leonidas Zervobeakos submitted questions to Pavlos Serifis concerning the incident that took place on Luizis Riancour St. in Athens. During that incident police had information that members of ''N17'' would have been meeting in a park on that street and although several of them appeared police officers failed to apprehend them. [31] Justice minister addresses committee on drug problemAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos on Wednesday called for Parliament's support to have prison therapeutical units join the National Health System (ESY), while speaking to members of the committee ''for studying and handling the problem of drugs'' regarding prison health services and treatment programs for imprisoned drug addicts.Petsalnikos said joining ESY will constitute an incentive to attract doctors, psychiatrists and dentists to prison health centers, adding that the last nine proclamations were declared fruitless. During the discussion, held due to the recent deaths of three women inmates caused by drugs, Committee President M. Skoulakis conveyed to the minister the desire of Parliamentarians to be able to visit the prison. Petsalnikos said he is not against this, but noted that ''ascertainments are known and what is necessary is a solution.'' [32] Merchant marine minister meets U.S. Coast Guard chiefAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Merchant Marine Minister George Anomeritis and visiting U.S. Coast Guard chief Admiral Thomas Collins on Wednesday discussed matters related to the confrontation of illegal immigration and terrorism in ports and ships.Following their meeting, Anomeritis expressed his pleasure over cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard, while referring to the issues of illegal immigration and terrorism in ports and ships, he said these constitute issues of the Greek EU presidency and priorities of the merchant marine ministry. On his part, Collins said he was pleased to deal with issues concerning ''the security of our society from a maritime point of view,'' adding that ''we are facing common threats and common challenges with maritime nations and we should work together within the framework of our good cooperation.'' [33] Clerides and Denktash resume their UN-led direct talksNICOSIA 16/01/2003 (CNA/ANA)President of the Republic Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash resumed their UN-led direct talks on the Cyprus problem on Wednesday and reiterated their commitment to negotiate on the basis of a UN proposal, with a view to reaching an agreement by the end of February.A statement issued by the UN good offices mission in Cyprus reads that the leaders of the two communities have agreed to meet again on Friday and that a program for intensive negotiations in the coming weeks would be agreed then. President Clerides and Denktash met on Wednesday morning in the presence of the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto and discussions continued over lunch. ''The leaders reiterated their commitment to negotiate on the basis of the Secretary General's revised proposal of December 10, 2002, with a view to completing an agreement by the end of February so that informed decisions can be taken by the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots in separate referenda on March 30, 2003,'' the statement says. It adds that ''the leaders have agreed to meet again, together with their advisers, on Friday, January 17, 2003 and a program form intensive negotiations in the coming weeks would be agreed then.'' ''The work of the technical committees will continue in parallel,'' it concludes. Clerides statements prior to meeting: In statements to the press prior to his departure from the Presidential Palace, President Clerides said the outcome of the talks would depend on several international factors. Asked to comment on statements made on Tuesday in New York by the UN chief, Clerides noted that Annan referred to several international problems that have not been resolved. ''For the first time he (Annan) referred to the Cyprus problem,'' Clerides said, adding that the Secretary-General seems to believe that the possibility for a solution still exists. Invited to say whether Annan's statements allow optimism, Clerides said: ''Talks will continue. Their outcome will depend on several international factors.'' Invited to say whether this could happen by February 28, the target date set by Annan, President Clerides said ''this is something we will see once the negotiations begin. Today's meeting will be a private one to decide how we move on.'' Annan said on Tuesday that the UN ''are going to press ahead with the negotiations, the deadline of February 28 is a firm one'' and noted that the UN is in striking distance of reuniting Cyprus. An UNFICYP spokesman told CNA that media were not allowed to cover the meeting, within the framework of the general blackout imposed on the talks and that this was not something decided unilaterally by the UN. The UN-sponsored direct talks started a year ago and they were suspended October 2002 because of Denktash's ill health. [34] Papapetrou says Annan gives 'stigma' of developmentsAthens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)Papapetrou said Annan gave the ''stigma'' of developments when he said on Tuesday that the UN is in a striking distance of reuniting Cyprus. Papapetrou noted that ''we must take this message into serious consideration.''The spokesman also described as important the US stance against Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and its solidarity with the Turkish Cypriot demonstrators demanding peace and a solution. ''We are not used to the Americans handling Denktash in this way,'' Papapetrou said. He added that statements by State Department spokesman Richard Boucher were considered by reporters present as a ''slap'' against Denktash. Papapetrou said ''no one could downgrade such remarks when they come from a superpower, the role and impact of which on international developments is determining and well-known to all.'' He also expressed hope that ''Denktash will change his policy or resign,'' noting that at the end of the day ''we are obliged to negotiate with whoever comes as the representative of the Turkish Cypriot community whenever the UN Secretary General invites us.'' [35] FM Kasoulides welcomes Annan's and Boucher's statementsNICOSIA 16/01/2003 (CNA/ANA)Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides has welcomed statements by the UN and the US that hail the mass protest rallies by Turkish Cypriots in occupied Cyprus demanding peace and a political settlement.The minister on Wednesday noted that this the first time there were indirect, albeit clear, suggestions that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash should step down. Kasoulides said that the mass protest rallies against Denktash are a clear signal that this is a period of intensive negotiations for a settlement of the Cyprus problem. Invited to say whether negotiations will lead to a settlement by February 28, a target date set by the UN, the foreign minister said that the determination of the international community to meet this deadline is there and a great international effort will be made towards this direction. Asked if there is any chance that Denktash might change his intransigent positions, Kasoulides said that ''if he does not change his intransigent positions, then he will be removed.'' The minister said Denktash's removal from his post as the representative of the Turkish Cypriot community will happen at some stage, but one does not know when. ''If Denktash is not removed by the end of February, then it may be March or April. The Turkish side has to do its homework and take its decisions. Either Denktash's intransigence is lifted or he steps down,'' Kasoulides said. Secretary General Kofi Annan said on Tuesday that the UN ''are going to press ahead with the negotiations, the deadline of February 28 is a firm one'' and noted that the UN is in striking distance of reuniting Cyprus. Commenting on a mass rally held in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus on Tuesday, the UN chief said he was pleased to see that people were out in the streets demanding peace and unification and stressed it is very difficult for a leader not to listen to the people when they speak and come out in those numbers. US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher told his daily briefing on Tuesday that demonstrations in Cyprus by Turkish Cypriots show that they understand the significant benefits of achieving a comprehensive settlement and ''we couldn't agree more with that.'' Boucher also noted that ''the UN revised settlement plan currently on the table provides a basis for such a settlement, and we believe a settlement in Cyprus can and should be achieved by February 28.'' Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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