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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-10-08

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

October 8, 2003

CONTENTS

  • [01] National Bank, Piraeus Bank announce equity sale plans
  • [02] Greek-Tunisian ties on the agenda during Loverdos trip to Tunis
  • [03] Main opposition slams draft 2004 budget as 'pre-electoral gambit'
  • [04] Gov't rejects main opposition's criticism of 2004 budget
  • [05] EU advises strict budgetary control for Greece
  • [06] Gov't sensitive to people's needs, Chrysohoidis says
  • [07] DM refers to terrorism, foreign and defense policy at conference in US
  • [08] Visiting Archbishop of Albania meets with ND leader
  • [09] Karamanlis to visit Ankara for political party congress
  • [10] Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos opposes Turkey's EU accession
  • [11] Christodoulos accepts Diamantopoulou’s proposed plan against poverty
  • [12] US Envoy Miller speaks of close U.S.-Greek cooperation ahead of 2004 Games
  • [13] Government spokesman says Turks must do what int'l community wants for Cyprus
  • [14] Ministry general secretary to attend CoE justice ministers meeting
  • [15] Lieberman addresses the ''Council for Greek-American Heritage'' conference
  • [16] Spokesman cannot confirm arrest of Arab suspected of connection with al Queda
  • [17] PM visits new job placement centre; says unemployment falling
  • [18] Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry reacts to budget plan
  • [19] Govt reports on public investment program
  • [20] Civil servants' union calls 24-hour strike for Nov. 4
  • [21] S. Korean delegation visits Greek merchant marine ministry
  • [22] Greek stocks end 1.74 pct lower on Tuesday
  • [23] Athens 2004 Games to cost 4.6 bln euros, govt says
  • [24] ND cadre says government has lost control of the Olympic Games budget
  • [25] International Olympic Sports Sciences Conference begins in Athens
  • [26] Tickets for 2004 Paralympics go on sale
  • [27] Greek elected president of European Court of Justice
  • [28] Gov't to begin accepting applications to link unauthorized buildings to mains
  • [29] Gov't criticizes decision to postpone demolition of illegal seaside walls
  • [30] Defense attorney for V. Tzortzatos begins final argument
  • [31] Supreme Court prosecutor recommends repeating Polk murder trial
  • [32] Turkish authorities release 2 fishermen on Tuesday
  • [33] Small plane crashes in northern Greece, pilot in critical condition
  • [34] UN calls on Greece to improve facilities, legislation for refugees
  • [35] President to inaugurate ''Outlook'' art event
  • [36] Greek Culture Foundation to present photography exhibition in London
  • [37] Dutch PM: all must contribute to Cyprus solution
  • [38] Turkey fails to execute ECHR ruling over Loizidou

  • [01] National Bank, Piraeus Bank announce equity sale plans

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    Two large Greek banks, National Bank and Bank of Piraeus, on Tuesday announced plans to sell minority equity stakes to institutional investors.

    The Greek government on Tuesday announced the sale of a 10 percent equity stake in National Bank, a stake owned by the Public Securities Enterprise, to institutional investors in Greece and abroad.

    The long-awaited sale will be made through an accelerated book building process. Under the plan, National Bank will transfer its 10 percent equity stake to Citigroup Global Markets Limited and Merrill Lynch International in an out-of-the-market transaction with the aim to offer its shares to domestic or foreign institutional investors through one or more stock market transactions using these two investment banks.

    The Greek state and the Public Securities Enterprise undertake the commitment not to sell any other shares in National Bank for a period of 180 days.

    Also on Tuesday, Bank of Piraeus announced a plan to sell a 6.7 of its equity stake, or 11.2 million shares, to institutional investors using the same method as National Bank, through an accelerated book building.

    A bank statement said the transaction would allow Bank of Piraeus to further internationalize its equity base and to strengthen its capital structure.

    UBS is appointed as an exclusive underwriter of the transaction with Sigma Securities responsible for share placement in Greece.

    Under the plan, Bank of Piraeus will not be allowed to sell any more of its shares for a period of 90 days (lock-up period). A bank statement said its nine-month results were expected to improve further, with net profits, after tax and minorities to rise by 20 percent compared with the same period last year.

    Following Tuesday's developments, bankers expect other Greek banks to follow through with the same action. Commercial Bank of Greece is now expected to sell a 10 percent equity stake owned by the Greek state, with Credit Agricole, the French strategic ally of the bank holding a 11 percent equity stake in Commercial Bank, currently in talks to buy the stake.

    In case Credit Agricole dropped its interest to buy more shares, the Greek bank is expected to follow the same procedures as National Bank and Piraeus Bank.

    Alpha Bank, recently, successfully completed the sale of an 8.0 percent equity take to institutional investors using the same process.

    [02] Greek-Tunisian ties on the agenda during Loverdos trip to Tunis

    TUNIS, (ANA – S. Aravopoulou)

    Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos wound up a two-day trip to Tunisia, where he attended, among others, the eight joint inter-ministerial meeting between delegations from the two countries.

    The last such meeting was held in Athens two years ago.

    Loverdos was also received by Tunisian Foreign Affairs Minister Habib Ben Yahia, his counterpart, Secretary of State to the minister of foreign affairs, Saida Chtioui, as well as the president of Tunisia’s National Olympic Committee (NOC), Mohamed Gueddiche.

    Beside bilateral relations and efforts to jumpstart Greek investment and business interest in the North African country, other topics discussed included the Cyprus issue, the Mideast situation as well as Iraq.

    Bilateral trade relations reached the 67-million-dollar mark in 2000.

    One of the proposals set out by the Greek side was the use by Tunisian broadcasters and telecoms of a new communications satellite owned by Greece and Cyprus.

    Finally, an agreement over road transports and cooperation in the public administration and justice sectors was signed.

    [03] Main opposition slams draft 2004 budget as 'pre-electoral gambit'

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy on Tuesday said the draft 2004 budget submitted by the government only covered the first trimester of the coming year, roughly up to the period of the next general elections, and was being used by the government as a 'propaganda tool' in its pre-election course.

    The draft 2004 budget and the implementation of the community support frameworks were discussed at a meeting of ND coordinators chaired by ND leader Costas Karamanlis on Tuesday morning.

    Party officials afterwards said that ND would carry out a full public finances audit when it came into power since it suspected that the figures presented by the government did not reflect the true situation.

    [04] Gov't rejects main opposition's criticism of 2004 budget

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    Government spokesman Christos Protopappas on Tuesday rejected criticism earlier in the day of the draft 2004 budget, which has been sent to parliament pending vote.

    "The budget is characterized by growth and stability, allowing substantial social concessions," Protopappas said in a statement.

    The main opposition New Democracy party had claimed that the budget draft only covered the first quarter of 2004, until general elections scheduled for April.

    [05] EU advises strict budgetary control for Greece

    LUXEMBOURG, 08/10/2003 (ANA/G.Zitouniati)

    The European Union on Tuesday advised Greece to maintain strict adherence to its budget for 2004.

    EU monetary affairs commissioner Pedro Solbes was replying to a reporter's question after a meeting of EU finance ministers in Luxembourg.

    Representing Greece at the meeting was Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, who had outlined the government's 2004 draft budget along with what he termed ''minor deviations'' from the revised stability pact for 2003.

    Hosting the Athens 2004 Olympics was responsible for a nominal deficit target that was higher than anticipated in the stability pact; and for a continuously rising structural debt, Christodoulakis told a news conference.

    ''The Olympics are a major challenge for such a small country, combined with natural disasters the country suffered that brought the need for heavy compensation,'' he said.

    In 2004, the deficit is expected to rise to 1.2 percent of gross domestic product from 0.4 percent mainly due to the government's social package coupled with increased spending on security for the Olympics, the minister said.

    The general government deficit in the eurozone was much higher than originally anticipated, due to a slower rate of growth than expected and to discretionary fiscal policy measures, he added.

    [06] Gov't sensitive to people's needs, Chrysohoidis says

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    The government has shown more sensitivity to the social strata in need, ruling PASOK central committee secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis said Tuesday after an hour-long meeting with party leader and premier Costas Simitis.

    He added that the measures recently announced by the premier were in that direction.

    Chrysohoidis appealed to all the social groups to display responsibility towards the social whole, adding that the government, with its recent decisions, had proved that it had discussed and listened to the needs of all social groups, salary earners and pensioners. He said the salary and pension increases given this year had been generous ones.

    The two men discussed preparations for the PASOK national council slated to meet on Thursday afternoon, which will be addressed by the premier.

    [07] DM refers to terrorism, foreign and defense policy at conference in US

    WASHINGTON, 08/10/2003 (ANA/T. Ellis)

    Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, addressing the second annual conference on Greek-US relations here on Tuesday, stressed the need for cooperation on many levels for combatting international terrorism, placing emphasis on Greece's participation in the struggle taking place at international level.

    Papantoniou stressed the importance the issue of security for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games has for Greece and pointed to widespread cooperation achieved with seven countries and the participation of the armed forces in the security program.

    ''We shall show the world that we are very sensitive on the issue of security,'' he said, adding that holding the Games has important benefits for the country and its economy and calling on participants to visit Greece during the Olympic Games.

    Papantoniou, who is visiting the US to participate in a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Colorado on Wednesday and Thursday, referred to Greek-Turkish relations and noted the improvement in climate.

    He also stressed the lack of progress on two crucial issues concerning security in the region and relations with Greece, resulting in Greece having to invest huge amounts of money (five percent of GDP) for defense.

    Referring to the issue of Cyprus, Papantoniou said that despite insistent efforts by the international community, as expressed recently with the Annan plan, the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot sides are remaining in their intransigent positions and are constantly raising obstacles.

    The defense minister added that the Turkish side is observing a similar intransigent position in continuing to question the sovereign rights of Greece in the Aegean.

    In this context, he further said, violations of Greek airspace are continuing which often lead to engagements, one of which might have an unfavorable outcome.

    Papantoniou also outlined the main points of Greece's foreign and defense policy, while earlier he had a long discussion with Greek American Senator Paul Sarbanes and brief talks with former US Defense Secretary William Cohen. He praised the contribution of Greek expatriates and the close relation between the two peoples.

    [08] Visiting Archbishop of Albania meets with ND leader

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    Visiting Archbishop Anastasios of Albania met Tuesday with main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis, whom he briefed on the Church's work in the neighboring country.

    Karamanlis his support for the Archbishop's endeavors, sources said.

    No statements were made after the 45-minute discussion.

    [09] Karamanlis to visit Ankara for political party congress

    ANKARA, 08/10/2003 (ANA - A. Ambatzis)

    Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis will be in Ankara for the congress of Turkey's Party of Justice and Development that will take place on Sunday, a dispatch of the Turkish ''Anadolu'' news agency said.

    [10] Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos opposes Turkey's EU accession

    BRUSSELS, 08/10/2003 (ANA - A. Simatos)

    Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, in a meeting with the European Peoples Party's (EPP) Eurodeputy group President Hans Gert Petering here on Tuesday, expressed support for the reopening of the Halki Academy of Theology and opposition to the prospect of Turkey's accession to the European Union.

    The primate of the Greek Church raised the issue of the Theology Academy with Petering which, as he said, is a key issue for the Orthodox training of clerics, the staffing of the Patriarchate and for its presence at its natural seat and for the role it is playing.

    Regarding the prospect of Turkey's accession to the EU, Archbishop Christodoulos said he respects and acknowledges Turkey but believes its culture is alien to European culture and, consequently, Turkey has no place in unified Europe.

    Petering said he is opposed to Turkey's accession to the EU and in favor of a privileged relation between Turkey and the EU.

    Archbishop Christodoulos congratulated Petering for the amendment tabled by the EPP concerning reference to Christianity in the future constitution of Europe.

    On his part, Petering said he will continue efforts in this direction.

    The archbishop also expressed satisfaction because institutional dialogue between the Churches and the EU has been recognized in the draft constitution, which constitutes the basis of work at the Intergovernmental Conference, which got underway in Rome last Saturday.

    Archbishop Christodoulos briefed Petering on the inauguration of the Greek Church delegation's office in Brussels as well as on work being done by the delegation at the EU's headquarters.

    [11] Christodoulos accepts Diamantopoulou’s proposed plan against poverty

    BRUSSELS, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos on Tuesday met here with European Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou and according to sources Diamantopoulou proposed to Christodoulos a cooperative plan by the state and the church to combat poverty.

    The same sources said that Christodoulos accepted the proposal and said that nursery schools will be created in every bishopric, adding that in several bishoprics they are already operational.

    Christodoulos will remain the Belgian capital until Wednesday and will address the plenum of the European Peoples’ Party, while later in the day he will return to Athens.

    [12] US Envoy Miller speaks of close U.S.-Greek cooperation ahead of 2004 Games

    WASHINGTON, 08/10/2003 (ANA/T. Ellis)

    U.S. Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller on Tuesday addressed the second annual Greek-USA business conference, which was organized by the ''Council for Greek-American Heritage'', stressing that Greece and the U.S. were cooperating closely in the effort to prepare for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

    He added that the post Sept. 11 world is more dangerous, noting that Greece understands that and for this reason it is cooperating closely with the U.S. and other countries that have the technical know-how and experience in the sensitive sector of security.

    Commenting on a recent negative article of the Washington Post concerning the security of the Olympic Games in Athens, Miller said during the period leading up to the Games, the security of the organizing is high up on the agenda of the U.S. embassy in Athens and it will be part of the contacts between the two governments.

    Miller lauded the role of Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, who was also present at the conference, saying that his contribution was critical in the significant improvement of the Greek economy's indexes during his eight-year term as Greece's national economy minister.

    He also spoke of the closer cooperation between Washington and Athens during the past 10 years, compared with the climate that dominated the country in the past and especially during his first term in Athens in the 1980s.

    Addressing the representatives of U.S. firms, that were present, said that one of his activities in Greece is to promote American firms and products in the Greek market and committed to continue his work in that direction.

    Greece's Ambassador to the U.S. George Savvaidis also addressed the conference, stressing that this event has become an institution which will contribute to the increase of bilateral trade, underlining the Greek government's interest, which was represented at a ministerial level with the presence of Papantoniou.

    The Greek ambassador also focused on the Greek EU presidency and its significant work during a trying time for Intra-Atlantic relations.

    Yiannis Spanoudakis, ATHOC's managing director, addressed the conference beginning with a slide show with detailed references concerning the progress of the preparations for the Olympic Games and credited these preparations for Greece's high GDP rate of growth.

    [13] Government spokesman says Turks must do what int'l community wants for Cyprus

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    Government spokesman Christos Protopapas said on Tuesday that a report appearing in the Turkish press according to which Greece can

    block the progress of Turkey's European course, if it does not contribute to a solution to the Cyprus issue, was ''self-evident.''

    ''The Turks, instead of worrying about the position of Greece, should do in practice what the international community wants of them for a solution to the issue of Cyprus,'' Protopapas said.

    [14] Ministry general secretary to attend CoE justice ministers meeting

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos will be represented by the Greek justice ministry's general secretary at the 25th meeting of Council of Europe member-state Justice Ministers to take place in Sofia, Bulgaria on Wednesday, it was announced.

    The main focus of the meeting will be cooperation to combat international terrorism and implement relevant CoE acts.

    During the meeting, Greece will sign a CoE Treaty on personal relations with children.

    [15] Lieberman addresses the ''Council for Greek-American Heritage'' conference

    WASHINGTON, 08/10/2003 (ANA/T. Ellis)

    U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman, who is also a candidate in the U.S. presidential election race for the democratic nomination, on Tuesday addressed the second annual Greek-USA business conference, which was organized by the ''Council for Greek-American Heritage''.

    Lieberman stressed that the long-term defense relationship between the U.S. and Greece began with the Truman Doctrine and in that framework, he expressed his support for the wider cooperation between the U.S. and Europe, underlining that NATO remains the most significant alliance in existence today.

    The Senator also touched on the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, expressing the hope that the return of the Games in their birthplace and the idea of the Olympic Truce, may remind everyone of the benefits of peaceful cooperation between countries and peoples.

    [16] Spokesman cannot confirm arrest of Arab suspected of connection with al Queda

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    Government spokesman Christos Protopapas told the ANA on Tuesday evening that he cannot at this moment confirm a press report that Greek authorities have arrested an Arab possibly connected with the terrorist organization al Queda.

    On their part, police denied rumors according to which a person of Arab origin, who was arrested a few days ago in Athens, is being examined for participation in the terrorist organization.

    Specifically, police officials said that several persons of Arab origin have been arrested for trafficking illegal immigrants from time-to-time, while police also arrested a Pakistani national recently, who is currently being held in custody in Korydallos Prison.

    According to the police officials, there were no reports or indications from any service that any of those arrested were connected with al Queda.

    A source close to the ministry of public order, however, clarified that persons of Arab origin who are arrested are routinely checked for other types of activity as well, adding that no evidence or indication has come up that any of those arrested was involved with this terrorist organization.

    [17] PM visits new job placement centre; says unemployment falling

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis forecast that unemployment in the country will fall to 6 percent by 2008 as a result of various programs being promoted by the state-run Manpower Employment Organization (OAED) and the labor ministry.

    He also announced, during a tour of a new OAED job placement centre in the northwest Athens working-class district of Kamatero, that as many as 25,000 people would be hired in the social services sector.

    Accompanied by a top government delegation, Simitis said 73 such centers will be opened across the country, with 500 counselors are already employed by OAED in such centers.

    In other comments focusing on the high-stakes issue of joblessness, Simitis said unemployment in Greece fell under the 9-percent mark this year, while further decreases will come from a high GDP growth rate.

    [18] Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry reacts to budget plan

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday said the government's 2004 draft budget plan featured a pre-election taste and that it was creating a series of questions and uncertainties over fiscal stability and growth in the country.

    Drakoulis Fountoukakos, the Chamber's president, stressed that official figures so far showed that fiscal results were diverging significantly from original targets and noted that increased spending in completing Olympic Games' projects were limiting the country's growth prospects.

    [19] Govt reports on public investment program

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    Greece's Public Investment Program's handouts totalled 5.942 billion euros in the first nine months of the year, accounting for 66.6 percent of the total program in 2003 (8.918 billion euros), Economy and Finance Deputy Minister Christos Pahtas said on Tuesday.

    The Greek minister said that handouts in September totalled 750.6 million euros and noted that the January-September figure was 38.2 percent higher compared with the same period in 2002.

    [20] Civil servants' union calls 24-hour strike for Nov. 4

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    The civil servants' union ADEDY on Tuesday announced a 24-hour nationwide strike for November 4 to support public-sector workers that are currently engaged in labor action to demand increased pay.

    At a press conference on Tuesday, ADEDY President Spyros Papaspyrou said the union's demands were for a truly new salary scale in the public sector and for the state to take into account its positions on changes in public administration.

    The union is also opposed to bringing private-sector executives into the hierarchy of public-sector organizations and to a system of varying salaries linked to efficiency, as announced by Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis.

    Papaspyrou backed striking teachers, doctors and local authority workers, who make up 97 per cent of public-sector employees, and described their demands as fair, while noting that workers were frustrated and angry because of earlier government policy on wages and a bewildering policy regarding benefits.

    [21] S. Korean delegation visits Greek merchant marine ministry

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    Merchant marine ministry officials met on Tuesday with a delegation of South Korean State Institute of Administration graduates and briefed them on Greece's progress on the merchant marine transport, as well as on the ministry's role in administrating the Greek merchant marine.

    Lt. Commander D. Vassos headed the Greek delegation, while Byeong Yu Na, representative of Korea's ministry of interior and public administration, headed the Korean delegation. The Korean embassy in Athens was represented by Heung Kweun Park.

    [22] Greek stocks end 1.74 pct lower on Tuesday

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    A negative climate in other European stock markets combined with a decision to sell a 10 percent equity stake, owned by the Greek state, in National Bank of Greece undermined sentiment in the Athens Stock Exchange pushing share prices lower on Tuesday.

    The general index ended 1.74 percent lower at 2,093.57 points with turnover a heavy 167.9 million euros.

    All sector indices ended lower with the Publication (3.09 percent), IT Solution (2.95 percent) and Insurance (2.85 percent) sectors suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

    The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks dropped 2.09 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 1.80 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 2.23 percent lower.

    Broadly, decliners led advancers by 287 to 40 with another 30 issues unchanged.

    The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Vodafone, Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece and Follie-Follie.

    Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 102.0 mln euros Tuesday

    Equity Index Futures:

  • FTSE/ASE-20 (high cap): At discount

  • Underlying Index: -2.09% percent

  • FTSE/ASE-40 (medium cap): At discount

  • Underlying Index: -1.80 percent

    Stock Futures:

  • Most Active Contract (volume): Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (997)

  • Total turnover in derivatives market: 102.0 mln euros

    Bond Market Close: Buyers outstrip sellers on Tuesday

    Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond

  • Yield: 4.32 pct

  • Spread over German bund: 14 bps

  • Most heavily traded paper: 10-yr, expiring May 2013

  • Day's Total Market Turnover: 4.0 bln euros

    FOREIGN EXCHANGE

    Closing rates of October 7 2003

    Parities in euro

    Banknotes

    For. Exchange Buying Selling

    US Dollar 1,186 1,159

    [23] Athens 2004 Games to cost 4.6 bln euros, govt says

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    The cost of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games will reach 4.6 billion euros, Economy and Finance Deputy Minister Christos Pahtas said on Tuesday.

    Mr Pahtas attributed the increased cost figure to additional security measures that had to be taken during the Games.

    The Greek minister said that the government has earmarked 1.8 billion euros for 2003 and another 1.4 billion euros for 2004, after it had spent around 1.3 billion euros in 2002.

    Speaking to reporters, Mr Pahtas stressed that progress of implementing a Third Community Support Framework program was satisfactory, although he noted that more focus should be given to the quality of the projects in the future.

    The Greek minister said that in the next few days the economy and finance ministry would activate circulars, delivered to all government ministries and regional authorities, demanding that contractors should be forced to cover the cost of repairing poor workmanship in projects around the country.

    Mr Pahtas said that absorption rates of programs reached an average 25 percent, with business programs by ministries recording absorption rates of 28 percent and regional authorities 19 percent.

    He announced that total inflows of EU funds by the end of September was 5.25 billion euros and that the ministry aimed to raise this figure to more than 6.0 billion euros by the end of the year.

    [24] ND cadre says government has lost control of the Olympic Games budget

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy party Olympic Games sector chief Fani Palli-Petralia, commenting on an announcement made on Tuesday by Deputy Finance and Economy Minister Christos Pachtas on the cost of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games said the government has lost control of the Olympic Games budget.

    Pachtas said 1.8 billion euros will ultimately be provided in 2003 for the preparation of the Olympic Games, while another 1.4 billion euros have been budgeted for 2004.

    Petralia said, however, if expenditures amounting to 1.3 billion euros in 2002 and 700 million euros in 2001 are added on, total expenditures amount to 5.2 billion euros and not 4.6 billion euros, as Pachtas reiterated on Tuesday.

    She added that an excess of 600 million euros is already resulting from the false Olympic Games budget of 4.6 billion euros.

    Petralia called on the government and the prime minister to tell the Greek people the truth at last.

    [25] International Olympic Sports Sciences Conference begins in Athens

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    The 7th International Olympic Sports Sciences Conference began at a downtown Athens hotel on Tuesday, while scientists from all over the world will be called on to answer the question of whether genes determine Olympic Games medalists and world champions and contribute to an improvement in sports performances.

    The event is jointly organized by the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee and the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Medical Committee.

    Another main issue to be raised during the conference is the prevention of injuries and other illnesses affecting athletes of all sports.

    Famous heart surgery professor Sir Magdi Yacoub will also be among the 1,000 accomplished scientists participating in the conference. Yacoub, who has declared himself a volunteer for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, will be making an address on Friday on the issue of the ''Sports Heart.''

    The conference was inaugurated by Athens 2004 Organizing Committee President Gianna Angelopoulos Daskalaki.

    [26] Tickets for 2004 Paralympics go on sale

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    Tickets for the 2004 Paralympic Games went on sale on Tuesday for European Union and European Economic Area residents, with prices ranging from five to 50 euros for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

    Mirroring the regime followed for the 2004 Olympic Games, tickets for the Paralympics are available at 140 Alpha Bank branches around Greece, or can be acquired by using a “Visa” card and the organizing committee’s (ATHOC) website: www.athens2004.com/tickets

    ATHOC announced three categories of tickets for the Paralympics, including:

    • Day tickets that can be used on any day and at any venue during the day they are stamped.

    • Tickets for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Sept. 17 and Sept. 28, 2004, respectively.

    • Tickets for specific seats at the most popular competitions.

    Additionally, ATHOC announced that children under the age of 10 are allowed free admission to venues.

    Distribution of purchased tickets will begin on June 2004, with overseas residents receiving their tickets in the mail.

    For more information, call ATHOC toll-free at (800) 11 2004 2 (only from within Greece); or at +30 210 373 0000 for overseas and mobile phone callers.

    The customer service address is: P.O. Box 3075, 10210 Athens, Greece.

    Finally, the e-mail address is:  HYPERLINK "mailto:supportel@tickets.athens2004.com" supportel@tickets.athens2004.com

    [27] Greek elected president of European Court of Justice

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    Greek justice Vassilis Skouris was on Tuesday elected president of the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of European Communities until October 6, 2006, replacing previous president Gil Carlos Rodriguez Iglesias, who had held the post since 1994.

    Skouris was elected president by the judges and advocates general in the Court, whose members were partially renewed on Monday.

    His election was welcomed by the Greek government, whose spokesman Christos Protopapas expressed Athens' satisfaction and said that the election reflected the image and acceptance enjoyed by Greece and distinguished Greeks in the international community.

    Greek Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos also commented on the election on Tuesday, saying it was an honor for both Skouris and the country, whose positive role in the EU was constantly being recognized, and a ''deserved expression of the regard of the European legal and judicial community'' for Skouris.

    Skouris was born in 1948 and received a degree in Law from Berlin Free University in 1970. He has had a long and distinguished academic career in constitutional and administrative law in Germany and Greece and was a member of the Greek government as interior minister in 1989 and 1996.

    In 1997, Skouris became director of the Centre for International and European Economic Law in Thessaloniki, and served as president of the Greek Union of European Law in 1992-1994.

    He was a member of the Greek National Research Committee from 1993-1995, a member of the Scientific Council of the European Academy of Law Trier since 1995, a member of the board of directors of the National School of Justices in 1995-1996, a member of the Scientific Council of the Foreign Ministry in 1997-1999 and president of the Greek Economic and Social Committee in 1998.

    He was first appointed a judge of The Court of Justice of the European Communities on June 8, 1999.

    [28] Gov't to begin accepting applications to link unauthorized buildings to mains

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    The government on Tuesday announced that owners of buildings erected without planning permission could begin submitting applications to link their property to the mains water and electricity supply at their local municipalities on Wednesday.

    At a press conference on Tuesday, Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Vasso Papandreou said that a circular on the issue had been sent out to all municipalities, communities and town planning departments, while she stressed that local authorities would have sole responsibility for handling applications and accompanying documentation.

    She also predicted that most of the unauthorized buildings will have received mains water and power by Christmas, since the omnibus bill regulating these issues will be tabled within October and be passed by Parliament by the end of November.

    She said there would be no six-month time lag after the bill was passed, as had originally been announced.

    The minister stressed, however, that the buildings were being hooked up to the electricity grid and water supply temporarily, for a period of not more than three years. If during this time

    it was found that the building in question did not fulfill legal requirements, its connection to the utilities would be cut off and all legal sanctions would be taken, she said.

    According to the circular, the measures will not apply to structures built within the bounds of water courses, archaeological sites, beaches and coasts, woodland, forest, land due for reforestation or protected areas.

    Owners will have to submit a signed declaration that the building qualifies under the law accompanied by a detailed description and photographs when they make their application, while the onus then falls on municipal authorities to ascertain whether the information provided is correct, with the assistance of the relevant state departments, and to notify the electricity and water boards to connect the property in question with the mains supply.

    The Town Planning department will then be responsible for carrying out inspections of the buildings to check the accuracy of the details supplied within the next three years.

    Papandreou said that a new circular will soon be sent out that lists the fines that will apply until each permit-less building is included in the town plan and said that she was setting up an ''unauthorized buildings unit'' at the ministry's Construction and Town Planning Regulations Department. These will be manned by staff specializing in construction, IT, land surveying and aerial photography and be housed alongside the environmental inspectors corps.

    She said town planning departments would also receive the extra equipment and resources they would needed to meet these additional duties, which will also include creating an electronic database of unauthorized buildings.

    [29] Gov't criticizes decision to postpone demolition of illegal seaside walls

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    The government on Tuesday criticized a high-profile incident a day earlier involving the postponement of works to demolish several illegal beachfront walls in a posh coastal district southeast of Athens.

    The government spokesman called the incident a “particularly unpleasant affair”, a day after a relevant finance ministry director postponed work by a demolition crew at the Lagonissi coastal district by citing a previously issued judicial order.

    “It’s unfortunate that the decision (to demolish the walls) wasn’t executed,” spokesman Christos Protopapas said, adding that the general director the greater region has ordered the prefecture to re-evaluate the case, “because the government wants order in the building sector.”

    According to press reports here on Tuesday, four seaside homes in Lagonissi, among others, had illegally erected walls on the beachfront. The homes reportedly belong to a couple of ship-owners, an off-shore company and a well-known local businessman.

    [30] Defense attorney for V. Tzortzatos begins final argument

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    Another defense attorney, this one representing defendant Vassilis Tzortzatos, began his final argument on Tuesday at the closely watched “November 17” terrorism trial here by claming that initial statements and confessions by his client and several others were the product of torture and threats.

    Defense counsel Hippocrates Mylonas also took offence with the main prosecutor at the trial and presiding judge Mihalis Margaritis for what he called their comments on witnesses’ testimony and even snide remarks against the large coterie of defense attorneys representing the 19 terror suspects.

    At one point, he even termed certain statements by prosecutors against the alleged N17 members as “insulting”.

    Tzortzatos initially admitted to participating in several of the once-elusive urban terror group’s strikes, only to recant during the actual trial phase. Mylonas is expected to continue his final argument on Wednesday.

    [31] Supreme Court prosecutor recommends repeating Polk murder trial

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    In his recommendations to the Criminal Section of Greece's Supreme Court Arios Pagos on Tuesday, a deputy Supreme Court prosecutor urged that the trial of deceased journalist Grigoris Staktopoulos for the murder of US journalist George Polk be repeated.

    Staktopoulos was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Thessaloniki court in 1949 as an accessory to the Polk murder.

    The recommendations were also backed by the deputy Supreme Court prosecutor on the bench.

    This is the second petition for a retrial submitted by Staktopoulos' widow Theodora, who claims there is new evidence that might prove her late husband's innocence and is sufficiently strong to justify a second trial.

    Staktopoulos passed away a few years ago.

    According to the attorney representing the case, the late journalist was the ''sacrificial lamb burdened with all the sins of that historic period,'' while he described the prosecutor's proposal as a ''great text that belongs to the bright moments of Greek justice''.

    The court has not yet issued its final decision.

    [32] Turkish authorities release 2 fishermen on Tuesday

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    Turkish authorities released on Tuesday the two Greek fishermen arrested on Monday by in the northeastern prefecture of Evros -- the only land border shared by the two countries, boundaries divided by the eponymous river.

    The two fishermen, father and son, were arrested when the son wandered in the Turkish side of the river.

    [33] Small plane crashes in northern Greece, pilot in critical condition

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    A single-engine plane crashed on take-off at the airport of the Eordea air club, located at the village of Olympiada near the town of Ptolemaida, northern Greece, on Tuesday while its pilot was hospitalized in a critical condition.

    The accident occurred when pilot Dimitris Savvas was trying to take off but lost control of the aircraft due to strong winds blowing in the area.

    Another person, who has not yet been identified, was also slightly injured in the accident.

    [34] UN calls on Greece to improve facilities, legislation for refugees

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    The United Nations' high commission on refugees called on Greece on Tuesday to improve the facilities of the induction centers and in general of all the asylum provision system of the country.

    During a press conference in Athens, U.N. officials also called on Greece to do all that is possible, so as to secure the necessary legislation, in accordance with the international standards for asylum seekers.

    According to data provided during the press conference, Greece approved only 1.1 per cent of applications for asylum, when the average of 12 countries of the European Union stands at 20.1 per cent.

    [35] President to inaugurate ''Outlook'' art event

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will inaugurate the ''Outlook'' art event on Oct. 24 , Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said on Tuesday, during a press conference in Athens.

    The minister underlined that 200 works of 85 artists from around the world, 11 from Greece, will be included in this major international art event, which will be organized in Greece for the first time.

    [36] Greek Culture Foundation to present photography exhibition in London

    Athens, 08/10/2003 (ANA)

    The Greek Culture Foundation and the College of London University will present an exhibition by Socrates Mavrommatis entitled ''Photographs of the Acropolis of Athens-The Restoration Program of 1975-2003'' from October 15 to December 12 on the College's premises.

    The photography exhibition registers the process of the restoration of the Acropolis, an effort that began 25 years ago.

    The photographs of Mavrommatis succeeded in depicting the loyalty of all who worked for the restoration program and promoting the splendor of this excellent specimen of Greek culture.

    [37] Dutch PM: all must contribute to Cyprus solution

    NICOSIA. 08/10/2003 (CNA/ANA)

    Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has said that all interested parties, including Turkey, must work for a Cyprus settlement by May next year, when Cyprus joins the European Union.

    Speaking after official talks here on Tuesday with President Tassos Papadopoulos on the second and last day of his visit, he said Ankara must comply with the Copenhagen criteria and said the EU is looking forward to a political settlement in Cyprus.

    President Papadopoulos said he had a useful discussion and exchange of views with the Prime Minister on the prospects of Cyprus' accession course and the effort to find a negotiated settlement.

    Asked to say if the absence of a solution by May 2004 can affect Turkey's European aspirations, Balkenende said it is too early to speculate on this and reiterated that ''all parties concerned must be willing to find a solution for Cyprus.''

    ''It is essential that we find and we can find a solution, that is not easy I realize that, of course you have the 'elections' here in the northern part and of course Turkey plays a role as all the parties play a role but if you talk about Turkey you must be very clear about it, it is a matter of implementing the Copenhagen criteria,'' he pointed out.

    Asked if this is the message he will be conveying to Ankara, the Dutch premier said when in Cyprus one shares views and talks about the situation on the island and added ''of course when you are in Turkey you also talk about the situation in Cyprus, that is clear.''

    Replying to questions, he said that ''the whole EU is looking forward to a solution for Cyprus and it is very important that the parties concerned, on both sides on this island, try to find a solution before May 1.''

    That, he stressed, ''has to do with Turkey and I hope that the Turkish authorities will also take up their responsibility, as everybody has to take his responsibility, the UN, the EU, all parties must be willing to find a solution.''

    Balkenende said when he is in Turkey he will talk about this issue because it is in the interest of Cyprus and Europe.

    ''We must be clear, if you talk about entering the EU we have the Copenhagen criteria, a country has to implement these criteria,'' he added.

    The prime minister said he was pleased to be in Cyprus and exchange views and learn more about the situation and the country.

    Dutch PM understanding towards Cyprus, says House President: Cyprus House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias has said that Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has shown understanding for the positions the Greek Cypriot side has with regard to the question of Cyprus.

    Speaking after a meeting with the visiting premier in Nicosia on Tuesday, Christofias said he asked the premier to exert pressure on Ankara so that Turkey's accession to the EU should not be fully linked to a political settlement in Cyprus.

    ''The Netherlands are interested to see a solution or serious developments in Cyprus before we join the Union in May next year. The Dutch government will hold the EU rotating presidency in the second half of 2004 and wishes to see whether it will inherit the Cyprus question solved or unresolved,'' Christofias said.

    He said that everybody wants to see a solution achieved before May next year but he warned however that the Greek Cypriot side has to work very hard to achieve its goals.

    The House President assured Balkenende that the Greek Cypriot side is ready for a solution on the basis of a UN peace proposal for a comprehensive settlement.

    He expressed the view that Turkey does not appear ready to play the Cyprus card in relation to its accession course before December 2004, when the EU is set to decide on the start of accession negotiations with Ankara.

    The Dutch premier did not make any statements to the press. Later on he visited the UN headquarters in the Nicosia buffer zone and toured the dividing line.

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

    The Dutch premier left later on Tuesday for Ankara.

    [38] Turkey fails to execute ECHR ruling over Loizidou

    NICOSIA, 08/10/2003 (CNA/ANA)

    Turkey has set a number of conditions in order to implement the decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to pay damages worth nearly one million dollars to Greek Cypriot Titina Loizidou for human rights violations in Cyprus with regard to property rights, during a marathon session on Tuesday at the Council of Europe.

    As a result, European Union member states intervened and postponed the session for next Wednesday, demanding that a warning be sent to Turkey to comply with the ECHR decision, while the government of Cyprus, together with Greece, submitted a resolution condemning Turkey's behavior, Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides told CNA.

    Reports said that during the Committee of Ministers' meeting, Turkey appeared ready to pay the damages, demanding however that the committee should not re-examine the implementation of the decision concerning the unimpeded access and peaceful enjoyment of Loizidou's property until after 2005.

    The committee decided to postpone the debate over the implementation of the 1998 ECHR decision while the EU will make representations to Ankara, pointing out the need to comply with the court ruling.

    Chrysostomides said that Turkey's action proved once again ''how right the government was, especially (Cyprus) President Tassos Papadopoulos in questioning the sincerity of Turkey's intentions''.

    ''The EU member states should seriously take into consideration that once again, Turkey has proven that it does not respect human rights, nor the decisions of the ECHR which represents cases based on European public order, which is the Convention for the protection of human rights''.

    Loizidou's lawyer, Achilleas Demetriadou told CNA that it was sad that the debate did not produce results, noting however that the EU's involvement in the procedure ''is a hopeful message that Turkey's accession course goes through the respect of human rights, therefore Ankara should comply with the decision''.

    The Court ordered Turkey to pay 600,000 dollars for loss of use of the property, 40,000 dollars for moral damages and about 260,000 dollars for costs, in addition to eight per cent interest as of 28 July 1998.


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