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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-01-24Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>January 24, 2003CONTENTS
[01] EU Labor Ministers meet in NafplioAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)Opening the informal EU Council of Labor Ministers in Nafplio, Peloponnese, on Thursday, the Greek Minister of Labor and Social Security Dimitris Reppas, in his capacity as president of the Labor and Social Affairs Council, told the EU troika and social partners’ representatives that the Greek EU presidency’s target was a social Europe aiming at full employment and social cohesion.Reppas referred to the need to reform the European Employment Strategy (EES) and better coordination with member-states’ economic policy. In that framework, he proposed for discussion with the social partners a number of issues, including investing in human resources, boosting entrepreneurship, fighting the underground economy, incorporation of immigrants, linking social protection and employment and reducing regional inequalities. Such issues also include two perky matters: promoting active ageing policies by extending the working life and pursuing a new labor market balance with greater worker security and more flexible businesses. The issue of modernization of social protection systems was also raised by Reppas, in the Laaken directions ‘sufficiency-viability-modernization’. A more balanced approach combining Lisbon targets and social protection will be pursued through coordinating social integration systems, retirement, health and making work pay, Reppas said. Meanwhile, Christos Polyzogopoulos, president of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) described unemployment as the most serious problem in post-WWII development. He stressed that an increase in employment should be a primary target of European economy in the decade to 2010. The GSEE boss placed himself in favor of more flexibility for labor relations, asking for real improvement in salaries. The meeting was also addressed by EU Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou, who requested that vigorous economic, social and employment sector reforms be continued, while proposing that priority be given to creation of new jobs and increased productivity. “We should ensure the viability and quality of social protection systems, especially in light of population ageing” Diamantopoulou said, stressing the need to eradicate inequalities on the basis of gender. The Nafplio meeting is guarded by a large number of police to thwart a possible ten thousand protestors from gathering in the city during the Council and creating chaos. Referring to the demonstration planned for Friday, Reppas expressed the Greek government’s view that it would take place in a democratic and responsible way. [02] Preconditions for political settlement in Iraq exist, Russian FM saysAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)The preconditions for a political and diplomatic settlement of the Iraq crisis exist, while, on the contrary, there is no reason to table the issue of the use of violence against this country at the UN Security Council, visiting Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov said on Thursday, following his meeting with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou.Responding to an ANA question, Ivanov said that since the UN decision 1441 was approved unanimously, all governments should act in the framework of that decision and none has the right to undertake unilateral action. The Russian minister also referred to the crisis in Korea, stressing that there are margins for a peaceful resolution by political and diplomatic means, assessing that an immediate dialogue between the United States and North Korea is necessary. On his part, Papandreou said that the ''European Union and the United States, not only cooperate for decades now, they also share common values of freedom and democracy, while both have significant historical experiences on which they can call''. He also said, commenting on US negative reactions to statements by European leaders, that the European positions stem from experience and knowledge and from the more immediate contact with the surrounding world, including the Arab and Muslim world. ''I believe that the European Union itself, as an organization, has a huge success in organizing a space of peace in a whole continent. Thus it is necessary to take seriously in account its positions on international matters and especially on the issue of weapons of mass destruction,'' Papandreou said. The Greek minister also requested that the stereotypes in the dialogue between the U.S. and Europe be avoided, adding that this dialogue should become deeper, so as to make the different approaches understood, since Europe's experience shows the way to the future and not the past. Ivanov, responding to a question on the possible reactions of the international community should the US press ahead with the war, ignoring the UN Security Council's positions, expressed the hope that no country will undertake unilateral action, adding that should that happen Russia will expend every effort for the return to the political channels. Papandreou, in changing subjects, spoke of the Greek-Russian bilateral relations, which he called excellent and also spoke of the close cooperation between Greece and Russia on the economic, cultural and political levels, while he expressed his special regards on Russia's role in efforts to resolve the N. Korean issue. He also spoke of the common approach to the issue of Iraq and especially concerning the actions of the UN inspectors in that Middle Eastern country. On his part, Ivanov expressed his satisfaction over the excellent level of Greek-Russian relations, underlining the commonality of views on the Middle Eastern problem. The two men also discussed the Cyprus issue and Papandreou expressed his gratitude toward Russia for its support in that issue within the framework of the United Nations. In a unrelated development, the Greek foreign ministry announced on Thursday that Papandreou will hold a joint press conference on Friday afternoon with European Union high commissioner on foreign policy, security and defense issues Javier Solana, European Commissioner on foreign affairs Chris Patten and Deputy Foreign Minister of Italy Roberto Antonione, following a working lunch of the EU troika and Russia. PM Simitis receives Russian FM Ivanov: Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Thursday received Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov who is currently on an official visit to Athens. The issue of Iraq and matters concerning bilateral relations between Greece and Russia were discussed at the meeting. Karamanlis supports exhaustion of diplomacy in Iraq crisis: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis on Thursday expressed support for the exhaustion of all diplomatic means within the framework of the United Nations' decisions on Iraq, during talks with visiting Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov. Karamanlis also stressed that a war in Iraq is not unavoidable, adding that we should not move from the current condition of uncertainty to a condition of instability, while normalcy and the stability of borders in the region should be secured. The two men also discussed bilateral relations and the necessity of further strengthening traditional ties between the two countries. Parliament president receives Russian foreign minister: Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis on Thursday received visiting Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov for a half-hour meeting that focused on bilateral relations between Greece and Russia and developments in Iraq. "All of humanity desires peace and at the same time demands that Iraq respect the decisions of the UN Security Council and assist the work of the UN inspectors. This war must, however, be avoided in any way possible," Kaklamanis said. He called on Russia and the other members of the Security Council to "act steadily so as to avoid any kind of war planning." Ivanov said that Russia believed there were political and diplomatic reserves that would allow a political resolution of the problem, and that Moscow did not believe that there was sufficient evidence so as to allow a war with Iraq. The international community was focusing its efforts on assisting the work of the UN inspectors so that they can complete their mission, the Russian minister noted. "This is the direction we are working toward with our European allies," he added They agreed that bilateral relations were at a very good level and Ivanov praised the positive contribution of the Greek EU presidency to further enhancing and upgrading EU-Russia ties. Earlier on Thursday, Kaklamanis received visits from the ambassadors of the Czech Republic and Hungary, who presented him with invitations to visit their respective countries, an issue to be discussed with his fellow parliament heads in the EU Parliament presidents' conference in Athens this May. KKE leader Papariga meets Iraqi ambassador to Athens: Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary-General Aleka Papariga on Thursday met with Iraqi Ambassador to Athens Farouk Al Fityan and stated her party's categorical opposition to ''the imperialist intervention against the people of Iraq, which is intensively being planned by American and British imperialism.'' She said the KKE was categorically opposed to such an intervention even if there is a relevant UN decision. ''This war is unjust and no UN decision makes it just. It is being conducted for the strong economic and oil interests and for the control of the whole region of the eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Gulf,'' Papariga said. She underlined that the KKE called on the Greek government not to take part in any way in the ''dirty war'' which is being planned, to withdraw the frigate from the Gulf and to refuse the use of military bases by the U.S. and Britain. The Iraqi ambassador thanked Papariga for the KKE's position as well as for the action in progress against intervention in Iraq. He also informed her that the UN inspectors are checking everything and have not found any serious evidence. [03] EU trying to form 'widest possible consensus on common position' on Iraq reportWASHINGTON 24/01/2003 (ANA - T. Ellis)The EU governments are focusing their attention on forming ''the widest possible consensus on a common position'' on the imminent report by UN inspectors on Iraq, which was due to be tabled at the UN Security Council on Monday, according to Greek ambassador to the US George Savvaidis, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency.Savvaidis made the statement in an interview with the Washington Post newspaper, in reply to questions on the EU stance on the Iraq crisis. The newspaper explained that Greece was exercising the EU presidency in the first half of 2003, and therefore was at the centre of those efforts. It opined that it would not be easy for common ground to be found between Britain's devoted support to the US and the prospect of France exercising its veto on a prospective UN resolution endorsing war on Iraq. ''We wish to ensure that all the sides involved will make all the necessary efforts to oblige Iraq to reveal its arsenal,'' Savvaidis said, adding that the majority of EU members wanted a re-examination of the situation by the Security Council, particularly if the report was not clear as to the implementation of the resolution. He said that of major importance would be the Council of EU foreign ministers' meeting to take place in Brussels on Monday. The meeting will be chaired by Greece's foreign minister George Papandreou, who will present the EU position after the conclusion of the meeting. ''Common policy does not always mean a common voice. We will monitor the developments and tray to act accordingly, avoiding the military option, but obliging Iraq to conform fully to the UN resolutions. We are neither magicians nor prophets, but we will do everything possible,'' Savvaidis said. [04] Greek EU priorities on gender equality issuesBRUSSELS 24/01/2003 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)Greek General Secretary on issues of gender equality Efi Bekou on Thursday briefed the Europarliament committee on Rights and Equal Opportunities on the priorities of the Greek EU presidency, currently underway.Bekou stressed that the equal rights and opportunities ideal, that has been incorporated in regulations in 1996, does not preclude special actions to the benefit of women, adding that the Greek EU presidency's priorities are to incorporate the ideal of equality of opportunity in all policies and actions of the European Union. She also announced the meeting of high ranking European Commission officials in February in Athens to discuss this subject, which will also be on the agenda of the EU Council for Employment that will take place on Mar. 6, while the Greek presidency will include the proposal for annual overview of the subject in each Spring Summit. [05] EU Commission Pres. Prodi on Balkans, MediterraneanAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)European Commission President Romano Prodi has sent a letter, dated January 21, to Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi, the two consecutive EU Presidencies for 2003, referring to ways to advance European Union policy in the Balkans and the Mediterranean, described in the letter as strategic regions. “After the Copenhagen European Council, the Union should look with particular attention at those areas which are immediate neighborhood”, Prodi said. The following text contains extracts from the EU Commission President’s letter.The Balkans: “After the disasters of a decade ago, our policy in the Western Balkans has begun to pay dividends: the region is more stable, democracy has started to take root and economic reforms are underway. The Stabilization and Association process is recognized as the leading policy framework for the Balkans not only by the region’s countries, but by the whole international community. The process has been a formidable EU achievement. We should not undersell it. “FYROM remains fragile. Bosnia-Herzegovina has not yet developed into a politically self-sustainable country. Albania is still at a very early stage of institutional and economic development. Serbia’s development is being held back by the unclear constitutional situation as regards Montenegro. The unresolved status of Kosovo is another impediment to progress and a factor of potential great instability in the region. The UN is making it increasingly clear that it wants to pull out of the region, leaving more responsibilities to the European Union – although I fail to see how that would be possible in the present circumstances. “My message is that the region’s stabilization process has just begun. There is also no guarantee it will not come to a halt – worse – reverse its course. It would take a short time for the region to become unstable again. To prevent this, we need to multiply our efforts to consolidate our achievements, but also to proactively foster the consolidation of democracy and stability in the Balkans. “We must provide an even stronger political commitment to these countries, helping them to become more economically independent and thus better able to cope with the challenges of future (EU) membership though with two caveats: -The first is that this strategy does not imply any weakening of the criteria requested for accession; - The second is imposed by the constraint of our budget. “I suggest that the Thessaloniki Summit would be the right occasion to give new impetus to our Balkan strategy along these lines”, concluded this part of the letter.” Mediterranean: “The Mediterranean has also seen much progress. We have now managed to complete Association Agreements with all partners but Syria; and the Valencia Foreign Ministers’ agreement on the Action Plan showed the partners’ joint commitment to the Euro-Mediterranean process. “Our main challenge over the coming period will be to reassure Mediterranean partners that the enlargement of the EU is not a threat, but offers serious economic and political opportunities to them. One central purpose of the two Foreign Ministers’ meetings in Athens (May) and Naples (December) should be to demonstrate the Union’s continuing commitment to the Mediterranean as we prepare to take in new members. “On the political side, we shall be putting forward some ideas for a more proactive policy on human rights during your presidencies – particularly in the light of the recent UNDP Arab Human Development Report. The regional Justice and Home Affairs program which will soon come on stream is an encouraging signal in this respect. “To help generate economic activity in the Mediterranean, we should make full use of the Association Agreements, including on sensitive issues such as services and agriculture. We must continue to encourage our Mediterranean partners to pursue economic reforms and to develop the private sector. “As you know, we are pressing ahead with plans for possible regional transport, energy and telecommunications interconnections. The Energy Ministerial in Athens in May will give welcome impetus to these efforts. “The Euro is an additional dimension of our relations that we should exploit in the coming months. It is only natural that the EU should develop stronger financial and monetary links with Mediterranean countries on its southern flank. After all, we are their closest and most significant economic partner. I believe, therefore, that we should consider establishing regular meetings of Central Bank Governors and Finance Ministers, to allow high-level but confidential exchanges on economic and monetary policy. “We must also try to find an agreement on the Euro-Mediterranean Foundation in order to promote the ‘dialogue of cultures’ with an even more determination. This could play an important symbolic as well as practical role in encouraging mutual tolerance and understanding, thereby promoting peace and stability. “In short, we should aim at multiplying the number of institutions where European and Mediterraneans can work together and develop common ideas and strategies”, the Prodi letter concluded. [06] US-EU relief fund to alleviate impact from possible solution to Cyprus issueNICOSIA 24/01/2003 (ANA - G. Leonidas)US State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston told a Turkish-Cypriot newspaper that the United States and the European Union (EU) would endow a possible agreement for the solution of the Cyprus problem through the establishment of a special relief fund.In an interview with the Turkish-Cypriot daily ''Kibris'' appearing on Thursday, Weston said that the US and the EU were working in a very specific way for the creation of a special fund to cover the economic aspects and provide relief from the economic impact that a possible solution to the Cyprus problem might entail. Cyprus government spokesman Mihalis Papapetrou welcomed the development, saying this was evidence that ''promises given to our side have taken a specific form''. Papapetrou said ''despite (Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf) Denktash's attitude, the international community, the U.S. and the EU continue to believe that soon, possibly within the next few months, we will have a solution to the Cyprus issue. This is why they are making preparations with regard to the practical aspect of the whole issue''. Sources here said that the EU intended to call a conference with the participation of EU member and non-member states to raise funds, adding that the Union's top priority was the construction of housing areas for the Turkish Cypriots who might be affected by any land settlements associated to a possible solution of the Cyprus issue. [07] Little prospect of Cyprus agreement by Feb. 28, PM tells cabinetAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)The chances of an agreement between the two sides on Cyprus by February 28 appeared extremely limited and Greece should prepare for the prospect of a third Annan Plan for the Cyprus issue, Prime Minister Costas Simitis warned the cabinet on Thursday.The prime minister referred at length to the Cyprus problem in his opening remarks to the meeting and to developments in the second round of direct talks that began between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish-Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash on January 14, government spokesman Christos Protopapas told reporters. The premier pointed out that the Turkish-Cypriot side had brought a full proposal as a draft of the basic agreement to the negotiations, while the Greek-Cypriot side had re-submitted the text it had presented before the Copenhagen summit with minor amendments. Subsequently, UN envoy for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto had asked the two sides to submit a two-page document noting their demands, whereupon the Turkish-Cypriot side had presented intransigent positions on all issues and the Greek-Cypriots had raised their well-known objections to the transitional periods, the return of refugees, the territorial issues and security. Given these facts, Simitis said, the Greek side should prepare itself for the possibility of a third plan from United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan - though it was unknown when and if Annan would present one - and make efforts to ensure that the third plan was better than the second. He stressed that the momentum for a Cyprus solution had to be preserved and noted that this would depend on talks with the United Nations. Turning to the EU General Affairs Council that will take place in Brussels on Monday, Simitis said that he had contacted his British counterpart Tony Blair and that Blair would try to contribute toward establishing a common EU line but expressed reservations about the views of other EU member-states on Iraq and the Middle East. Simitis added that weapons inspectors in Iraq might well submit their report to the Security Council the same day and that US President George W. Bush would deliver an address to the American nation immediately afterward. The prime minister said an extension of the inspectors' mandate was likely but pointed out that the US would not accept a delay of several months. ''We need a solution that does not lead to war and there are therefore two ways out: either a change in regime or the creation of a new framework for controlling Iraq's behavior,'' Simitis said, to add that there was a great deal of uncertainty at the present time. [08] EU commissioner Verheugen to visit Ankara with Papandreou & SolanaBRUSSELS 24/01/2003 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)European Commissioner on enlargement issues Guenter Verheugen on Thursday announced he will visit Ankara, at the end of the month, accompanied by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who is presiding over the council of EU's foreign ministers, and European Union high commissioner on foreign policy and security and defense affairs Javier Solana.Speaking of Turkey's European prospects to the Europarliament's foreign affairs committee he said that ''Turkey has the capability to fully meet the EU accession criteria if it wants to do so''. He stressed, however, that Ankara is still a long ways away from reaching the point of meeting the criteria, adding ''there are still limitations in implementing human rights in Turkey,'' reiterating his call for the release from prison of the Nobel winning Turkish parliamentarian Leila Zana, who has been imprisoned since 1994, serving a 15 year term. Verheugen also called the case of ''spying'' brought against German institutes in Turkey as on of concern. [09] Deputy FM Loverdos meets Italian counterpart AntonioneAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos met his Italian counterpart Roberto Antonione in Athens on Thursday and discussed the issue of illegal immigration which constitutes a major problem for Greece and Italy.Antonione deemed as positive the raising of the matter of immigration and illegal immigration as a fundamental priority of the Greek EU presidency and agreed that such a matter is better confronted on a European level rather than isolated by member states. Also discussed at the meeting were issues of development cooperation and the mutual interest of the two sides in the development of the European orientation of the Balkan region was ascertained. [10] Synaspismos leader addresses conference in Porto Alegre, BrazilAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos on Thursday expressed his total opposition to a possible war in Iraq and to neo-liberalism, during his address to the 3rd International Parliamentary Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil.''Parliaments should shout to Mr. (U.S. President George) Bush and Mr. (Prime Minister of Britain Tony) Blair that what they call 'pre-emptive war' is another crime of attack against humanity, that the strategy of the pre-emptive war is in essence the strategy of continual war which will lead humanity to a nightmarish century,'' Constantopoulos said. Constantopoulos also attacked neo-liberalism, blaming it for the destruction of human life and culture. [11] Greek EU presidency calls conference of NGOs in AprilAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)The Greek European Union (EU) presidency is organizing a conference of all accredited Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from the EU and third countries, which will take place in Athens in late April, for an exchange of views regarding the provision of development assistance to third countries.The provision of increased development assistance to third countries has been set by Greece as one of the priorities of its EU presidency, and for that purpose the relevant administrative authorities and personnel from Greece's finance ministry have been transferred to the foreign ministry and placed under the direction of deputy foreign minister Andreas Loverdos. [12] Karamanlis congratulates Dutch premier on his party's election victoryAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis on Thursday sent a congratulatory letter to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Jan Peter Balkenende for his party' election victory on the Wednesday.[13] Finmin vows to refrain from ''fiscal shock'' policiesAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)Greece will work to boost growth but refrain from using any ''fiscal shock'' policies to tighten up the economy, Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said on Thursday.''Our aim is to maintain growth. In no way and in no event will we apply extreme policies in the economic sector,'' Christodoulakis told a dinner he hosted for foreign correspondents. ''These would be dangerous. In no event will we implement fiscal shock policies.'' The government would maintain a balance of fiscal policy mix in order to support growth and ensure stability, also promoting structural changes in the economy to boost competitiveness, Christodoulakis said. The policy would aid a decline by five percentage points in 2003 of the public debt, he noted. Finally, the government aimed to lower the unemployment rate to 8.0 percent by 2004 from around 10 percent at present; attract more foreign investments by reducing red tape; create a national exports strategy; and improve regulatory procedures for the Athens bourse to restore confidence, the minister said. [14] EU to present new energy market directive in AprilAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)A new EU directive for the deregulation of electricity market in Europe will be presented in April, during the Greek EU presidency, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said on Thursday.Speaking in parliament, Mr Tsohatzopoulos stressed that the new EU directive would complete a current institutional framework for energy production in Europe and noted that the Greek government was proceeding gradually in the deregulation of the domestic electricity market to facilitate the future operation of Public Power Corporation as a public utility. The Greek minister stressed that the government was in talks with all interested parties (workers' unions, political party representatives) to complete work on a new energy market regulatory framework. [15] Bank of Greece, National Bank of Romania to sign memorandum of cooperationAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)The Bank of Greece will sign a memorandum of cooperation with National Bank of Romania on Friday, January 24, in the framework of a plan to boost the efficiency of supervising policy of the banking system by the Greek central bank.The memorandum is expected to be signed in Bucharest by Bank of Greece's governor, Nikolaos Garganas, and his Romanian counterpart, Constantin Isarescu. The memorandum of cooperation between the two central banks envisages the mutual exchange of information and help of national supervising authorities in their work over national banking markets. With this deal, the Greek central bank ensures a complete picture of the operation of Greek banks with activities in Romania. The Bank of Greece has signed similar cooperation agreements with the central banks of Albania, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia and plans to sign a memorandum with Turkey soon. [16] Deputy Minister presents telecommunications prioritiesBRUSSELS 24/01/2003 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)Deputy Transport and Communications Minister Manolis Stratakis on Thursday presented the European Parliament's Industry, Overseas Trade, Research and Energy Committee with the European Union Greek presidency's priorities in the telecommunications sector.Stratakis focused his attention on all the crucial issues concerning the future of telecommunications in Europe and underlined the Greek presidency's determination for all targets set to be achieved. ''The development of the society of informatics necessitates interventions securing the equal accession of special social groups which are faced with greater problems regarding access to digital knowledge such as disabled people, people of a low educational level, elderly people, immigrants, etc,'' he said. Stratakis also said the ministerial level meeting on ''Electronic Incorporation'', to be held in Crete on April 11-12 in the framework of the Greek presidency, is aimed at intensifying thought and creating an impetus in this direction. The deputy minister further said that promoting discussion on crucial issues in the telecommunications sector will play a leading role during the Greek presidency. [17] EU court vindicates gov't termination of northern metro dealBRUSSELS 24/01/2003 (ANA/B.Demiris)A European Court ruling on Thursday vindicated termination by the Greek government of negotiations with a consortium for construction of a metro in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.Under the court ruling, national legislation may bar a change in the composition of a consortium after bids are submitted in a public works tender. The ruling was issued in response to a pre-trial question submitted by an Athens appeal court in a case brought by the Macedonia Metro consortium against the Greek state seeking compensation for the termination of negotiations. Since then, the state has begun talks with another bidder in the metro building tender, a group named Thessaloniki Metro. [18] Drys satisfied over impact of outlining EU Presidency prioritiesAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)Agriculture Minister George Drys expressed on Thursday his contentment on the impression made by his recent presentation of the Greek EU Presidency Common Agricultural and Fisheries Policy priorities to the European Parliament in Brussels.Euro-MPs expressed satisfaction with the completeness and method of the presentation of Greek EU Presidency timetable and targets, while Drys, currently presiding over the EU Council of Agriculture Ministers, asked Euro-Parliament support to speed up the decision-making process on the mid-term CAP reform; strengthen EU’s negotiating powers in talks with the World Trade Organization; and, consolidate an effective policy for consumer protection and food safety. Drys told the relevant committee that it was now time for the completion of Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) reform by incorporating environmental aspects and promoting a policy taking into account the Mediterranean. “Until now, CFP dealt with fisheries problems mainly in north seas. It is now time for CFP to contribute to the maintenance and viable exploitation of resources also in the Mediterranean”, said Drys. While in Brussels, Drys has had a series of bilateral contacts with EU member-states counterparts, including a working luncheon with Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries Commissioner Franz Fischler on Wednesday. [19] EU to take Greece to court over automobile taxBRUSSELS 24/01/2003 (ANA / M.Spinthourakis)The European Union's executive Commission said on Thursday that it would take Greece to court for a tax levied on the automobiles of EU citizens who move their residence to the Mediterranean country.Both the Commission and European Parliament had received numerous complaints about the way that EU directive 83/183/EC was implemented in Greece, the Commission said in a statement. Instead of applying an exemption, authorities had slapped a tax on the vehicles, the statement added. [20] Greek stocks rebound strong on ThursdayAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)Greek stocks rebounded strongly on Thursday following a recovery trend in international markets.The general index jumped 1.64 percent to end at 1,697.06 points, with turnover at 88.9 million euros. The Textile, Wholesale, Bank, Publication and Retail sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (4.35 percent, 3.71 percent, 3.15 percent, 2.96 percent and 2.06 percent, respectively), while the IT Solutions and Industrial sectors scored the smallest percentage gains (1.14 percent and 0.97 percent, respectively). The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 2.10 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 1.25 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index jumped 2.98 percent and the FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 2.05 percent up. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 305 to 32 with another 18 issues unchanged. Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 94.0 mln euros Thursday Equity Index Futures: Stock Futures: Day's Market Turnover: 94.0 mln euros Bond Market Close: Buyers outstrip sellers on Thursday Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond [21] Russian Olympic Committee delegation visits ATHOC officesAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)A delegation of the Russian National Olympic Committee visited the offices of the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee (ATHOC) on Thursday and discussed issues concerning cooperation between the Russian Olympic Committee and ATHOC.Russian Olympic Committee President Tiagachev congratulated ATHOC on the course of preparations to date and referred to the possibility of cooperation with the Organizing Committee on cultural issues and the possibility of Russian interpreters being provided during the Olympic Games. [22] PM to chair meeting on Olympic Games project budgetsAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis will chair a meeting on February 3 on finances of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games regarding overlays and project budgets. The meeting will be attended by Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and Athens 2004 Organizing Committee (ATHOC) President Gianna Angelopoulos Daskalaki.A day after Wednesday's government meeting on overlays, the culture minister said ''there is no crisis in relations with Mrs. Angelopoulou'' and rejected rumors that government circles are displeased with "extravagance" and the "lack of transparency in the Organizing Committee". According to circles close to Daskalaki, the ATHOC president is annoyed with speculation about extravagance. Moreover, Organizing Committee sources said a senior member of the government telephoned Daskalaki on Thursday and assured her that he has nothing to do with leaks regarding extravagance at the Organizing Committee, as rumors had claimed. A close associate of Daskalaki said the Organizing Committee is operating under a state of absolute transparency and noted that whoever has the slightest doubt can receive answers from the Organizing Committee, while observing legal processes. [23] Sebastian Coe awarded 'Truce Discus' at Thessaloniki eventAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)Deputy Sports Minister George Lianis awarded British Olympic Games gold medalist Sebastian Coe with the 'Truce Discus' at an event in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, on Thursday.Speaking at Thessaloniki's Aristotelion University, Coe said:''It is the first time that I feel so honored by a city. I would particularly like to thank Voula Patoulidou (sprinter) for her contribution to world sports, a fact which particularly inspired the women of Greece to take up track and field events and constitutes a guarantee for success in the Olympic Games in 2004. In a few days time the British government will decide whether it will bid for the Olympic Games of 2012. If I had any doubts about this fact, they collapsed following my visit to Athens where I visited Olympic Games projects and saw the Olympic Village which after the end of the Games will host 10,000 people. I also visited a hospital which will offer services to more than one million people. It is therefore apparent that the bid by a country to host the Olympic Games can offer a great deal in its development.'' Coe, a member of the House of Lords, has an impressive track record in his 18-year career as a medium-distance runner. At the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games he won the gold medal in the 1,500 meter race and the silver in the 800 meters. Four years later, in Los Angeles, he repeated his successes. Coe is now a columnist in the Daily Telegraph newspaper and a sports commentator on BBC radio. On his part, Lianis said:''Sports and Olympism is the most important world theory in the world history of the human race. With the Olympic Games we will take revenge on moral decline, war and the dragon of doping.'' Concluding, Lianis said ''Olympic medalists do not belong to their countries but to the entire world.'' [24] Greece offers aid to Mexico following devastating quakeAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)Greece has earmarked 200,000 euros for emergency aid to Mexico, following a powerful earthquake in western and central portions of the Latin American country earlier this week.A foreign ministry announcement said that the order to release the funds was signed on Wednesday by Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos and that the ministry was now awaiting a response from the Mexican side to implement the decision. The Greek government also offered the services of the foreign ministry-sponsored NGO “Hellenic Rescue Team”, to be sent out to assist in rescue operations as required. According to latest reports, at least 23 people were killed, while dozens of homes collapsed, leaving the worst-hit state shrouded in darkness due to power outages. [25] Gang of Syrians, Greek, arrested for people-trafficking, forging state documentsAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)Five Syrians and a Greek woman have been arrested on charges of forging state documents, including residency permits for aliens, foreign passports and police ID cards, and providing them to illegal aliens in Greece, whom they would send to other countries of Europe, police said Thursday.They said the six detainees were paid 1,500 euro by each illegal alien for this ''service''. Police further said that the six were also accused of purchasing consumer goods, mainly electrical appliances, with forged documents, thus defrauding banks and business concerns. The detainees were identified as Omar Salamh, 29, Hussein Hadawi, 22, Zakaria Hadawi, 29, Mohammed Alsakur, 37, Mohammed Malach, 23, and Argiro Sifaki, 33. [26] PM and FM attend event honoring LSE professor MouzelisAthens, 24/01/2003 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister George Papandreou attended an event at the Athens University on Thursday night, honoring the work of London School of Economics sociology professor Nikos Mouzelis on the occasion of the publication of the professor's book titled ''From change to modernization.''''The work of Nikos Mouzelis helped us in the early '60s, when we met for the first time, to understand Greek society and now we are using it to understand the world around us,'' Simitis said. The prime minister said ''in the early '60s we were a group of intellectuals who discussed'' and this group later developed into the ''Alexandros Papanastasiou Group.'' ''Forty years have passed from the discussions of that era until today and the steps and changes taken show how productive they were,'' Simitis added. Papandreou said ''the work of Nikos Mouzelis combines the perfect knowledge of the tools of sociological theory with the passion of the contribution of the active leftist citizen'' and added that the claim contained in Mouzelis' work for a balance between politics, the economy and culture is the command of the new centre-left. [27] Greek journalist Dimitrakoudis re-elected FPA presidentVIENNA 24/01/2003 (ANA)The 57th General Assembly of the Foreign Press Association in Vienna on Thursday unanimously re-elected, for the 18th consecutive year, Greek journalist and Athens News Agency correspondent for central Europe Dimitris Dimitrakoudis as FPA president.The American news agency Associated Press correspondent was re-elected FPA Vice-President and the Bulgarian news agency BTA correspondent was re-elected General Secretary. Dimitrakoudis, who has been an ANA correspondent in Vienna since 1982, has been re-elected FPA president since 1985. The Greek journalist has been honored in the past with a number of distinctions, including the Grand Medal of Honor of the Austrian Republic and the Gold Medal of the city of Vienna. [28] Verheugen proposes donors' conference to support settlementBRUSSELS 24/01/2003 (CNA/ANA)European Commissioner on Enlargement Gunter Verheugen on Thursday proposed, with the full backing of Commission President Romano Prodi, a donors' conference to financially support a Cyprus settlement.Addressing the European Parliament Committee for External Relations, Verheugen expressed the readiness of the European Commission to organize an international donor conference to provide financial support in the context of a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus question. Verheugen said that ''in this crucial phase of the UN negotiations aiming to reach a settlement in Cyprus, the international community should express solidarity'', noting that this meant ''it should be ready to support the cost linked to a political solution and the reconciliation of the two communities in Cyprus.'' He added that the EU itself was ready to provide considerable financial support as soon as a settlement is reached to help overcome economic disparities on the island and to prepare areas currently under Turkish occupation for EU membership as part of a reunited Cyprus. The Commission says in a press release that the international community's support would provide the necessary assurances and guarantees for the future of those persons affected by a comprehensive settlement. It adds that the conference should be convened as soon as a settlement is reached and endorsed by the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, and that as a first step the Commission would be prepared to make assessment and to contact countries and international institutions, which are ready to contribute and to provide their expertise. ''The Commission underlines the strong preference expressed by the Copenhagen European Council for the accession of a united Cyprus to the EU and, with this in view, emphasizes the importance of finalizing a comprehensive settlement by February 28. It urges the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to seize this unique opportunity,'' the statement concludes. Cyprus full EU member next year, Commissioner says: Verheugen reassured that Cyprus would become a full member of the EU on May 1, 2004, irrespective of whether there was a solution to the Cyprus problem or not. Verheugen said the Commission totally agrees with a call from UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to the Turkish Cypriot leader to hear the voice of the people, noting that no one could punish the Turkish Cypriots for the absence of a settlement. He added that the EU fully supports the UN chief's efforts to reunite the island before the voting of the Accession Treaty by the European Parliament. Verheugen said the UN's February 28 target date for a solution was endorsed in Copenhagen last month, so that a reunited Cyprus could sign the Accession Treaty in Athens on April 16, 2003. Referring to the Turkish Cypriots, Verheugen said the EU is willing to help them and that a second package is being prepared for the areas of the Republic under Turkish occupation, in order to give that part of the island an economic boost and promote the application of the acquis communautaire. He added that the recent demonstrations in the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus indicate that the Turkish Cypriots want to join the EU. Verheugen expressed hope that the Turkish Cypriots would constructively participate in the peace process, so that the Cyprus problem could be solved. [29] President Clerides clears mist over interview with Turkish dailyNICOSIA 24/01/2003 (CNA/ANA)President of the Republic Glafcos Clerides on Thursday clarified all speculations around his interview with Turkish daily ''Hurriyet'', saying what he told the newspaper was that ''it is not proper in the middle of a negotiation to change the team of negotiators.''''Hurriyet'' had reported that President Clerides said he preferred Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to remain the negotiator of the Turkish Cypriot side in UN-led talks underway to solve the Cyprus problem. President Clerides said on Thursday that if the negotiating team changed, then ''instead of moving forward to solve the Cyprus problem, will be going backwards,'' because the new negotiator may have different views and ''we will start all over again.'' ''As Denktash remains the negotiator, I have no right to say that he has to leave,'' the president said, adding that ''you cannot sit and negotiate with a person and tell him that you do not want him, this is common sense.'' He added that if the Turkish side decided to change its negotiator, then ''we will accept this.'' Replying to questions, President Clerides said his view could not be construed as supporting Denktash. [30] Lord Hannay to pay three-day visit to CyprusNICOSIA 24/01/2003 (CNA/ANA)Britain's representative for Cyprus Lord David Hannay arrives here Saturday for a three-day visit, during which he will have talks with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.Lord Hannay is scheduled to have a working breakfast with the president on Monday morning, followed by a meeting with Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides. On Monday morning Hannay will also see House President Demetris Christofias and later on the same day Denktash, in the Turkish occupied part of Nicosia. [31] US does not interfere in Cyprus' domestic affairs, embassy official saysNICOSIA 24/01/2003 (CNA/ANA)The United States neither interferes in the presidential elections in Cyprus nor advocates one candidate over another, Public Affairs Officer of the US Embassy in Nicosia Craig Kuehl told CNA on Thursday, adding that the US respects the right of the Cypriot people to choose their President ''without outside interference.''Invited to comment on an interview Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash gave to Turkish daily ''Hurriyet'', in which he said that the US does not want to see Democratic Party President Tassos Papadopoulos elected President of the Republic, Kuehl said ''we do not comment on or endorse presidential candidates.'' ''As in other countries with democratic traditions, the United States respects the right of the Cypriot people to choose their President without outside interference,'' he said, adding that ''it is not our role to comment on domestic political issues in Cyprus.'' [32] Two sides agree on flag and anthem competitionNICOSIA 24/01/2003 (CNA/ANA)The two sides in Cyprus have agreed to authorize the United Nations to seek submissions on a flag and anthem for Cyprus competition, the details of which will soon be announced.A statement by the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) on Thursday says the UN were authorized by the leaders of the two communities, Glafcos Clerides and Rauf Denktash, during their meeting on Wednesday in the context of UN-led talks to solve the Cyprus problem. The open public competition will be carried out as foreseen in the revised proposal for a comprehensive settlement put to Clerides and Denktash by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan last month. ''The parties agreed that this procedure needed to be set in motion if a flag and anthem were to be ready to be included in a completed agreement by 28 February 2003, so as to enable the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots to decide on the settlement in separate referenda on 30 March 2003,'' the statement reads. It adds that ''these competitions are foreseen in Article 3 of Appendix B of the Secretary General's proposal and concern only the flag and anthem.'' UNFICYP notes ''it is understood that the flag and anthem would only be adopted as part of a comprehensive settlement if the entire plan is approved in the separate referenda and a new state of affairs comes into being.'' The UN is expected to announce details shortly of how the competitions will be conducted. According to the press release, submissions will be required by a specified date in February and will be reviewed by bilateral committees, chaired by the UN. These committees will make by consensus recommendations to Clerides and Denktash from among entries received. UNFICYP clarifies that ''this decision reflects a shared commitment to ensure that all preparations a Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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