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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-10-16Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>October 16, 2003CONTENTS
[01] Stephanopoulos calls for Balkans to delete ''powder keg'' identityBELGRADE 16/10/2003 (ANA/N. Megadoukas)President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Wednesday wished for the ''Balkans and its peoples to stop being identified with conflict and abnormality of the past''.''Ideas and principles, such as freedom, democracy, equality before the law, the rule of law, justice, security, stability, development and cooperation, should permanently find their real meaning in the entire peninsula,'' Stephanopoulos said. Stephanopoulos visited and addressed the Parliament of Serbia and Montenegro, stressing that the European identity and the European prospects of that country, which Greece is warmly supporting, ''are a political given and a geo-strategic necessity''. ''The future acceptance of all the countries of Southeastern Europe to the European Union will for ever delete from the international vocabulary the characterization of the region as a powder keg, with which the region has unfortunately being stigmatized and lift for ever the reasons that often in the past, even recently, contributed to its troubles,'' Stephanopoulos underlined. He stressed that the entry to the European Union is ''a realistic prospect and not a utopian aim'' and the course to integration with the Union is ''the only secure and credible prospect''. ''The fundamental unifying element of the countries of Southeastern Europe with the EU member-states is the belief that we are formulating our own future with the same system of values,'' the Greek president said. He noted that there are ''significant margins'' for the further development of the Athens-Belgrade relations, adding that bilateral cooperation in the transport and communication sectors is a significant part of the cooperation between the two countries. ''We can achieve more. We support and strengthen the efforts and cooperation of Greeks, Serbs and Montenegrin traders, businessmen and investors and we are resolved to facilitate and to promote in any possible way the business contacts,'' Stephanopoulos said. He analyzed in detail the reasons for which the participation of Serbia-Montenegro in the EU will be beneficial for the people of the country and stability in the region and stressed that participation in the EU ''will confirm the repeatedly declared principle that in the building of post-Cold War Europe no exclusions can be acceptable''. ''It is necessary to convince the peoples of the region that the equal participation in the building of United Europe demands tiring efforts and the acceptance of a different attitude than that of the past,'' he said. Stephanopoulos also said that even for the first time since the end of World War II there are democratically elected governments in the Balkans, which want to make their countries members of the European Union and noted that ''despite the weaknesses the EU showed in the beginning of the 1990s, especially concerning the Balkan region, it is today the moving force of positive changes that are coming in Southeastern Europe''. Stephanopoulos addresses business forum in Serbia and Montenegro: President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, here on an three-day official visit, on Wednesday urged Greeks engaged in business activity within Serbia and Montenegro to continue making investments there, noting that this would further not only their own private interests but also those of their country. Stephanopoulos arrived in Belgrade with a large delegation of Greek business people on Tuesday. Addressing a business forum attended by Greeks, Serbs and Montenegrins at Belgrade's Hyatt Hotel, Stephanopoulos underlined that Greece supported rapprochement between the European Union and Serbia and Montenegro. Only when all the countries in the western and eastern Balkans were part of the EU could stability prevail, leading to development and improved living standards for the people of the region, he added. By continuing to invest in Serbia and Montenegro and contributing to its economy's growth, Greek business people were actually working for Greece's national interests, since they were allowing the Balkan country make progress in its European course, Stephanopoulos said. The Greek president similarly urged Serb and Montenegrin business people to cooperate with their Greek counterparts, while referring to the delays in the country's privatization program. The forum was next addressed by Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos, who stressed that Greece wanted to help in the reconstruction of the Balkans, of which it was also a part, since it believed this would be a ''very good political investment in the future - a future that promises peace, stability, economic development and a European orientation for the entire region.'' Loverdos stressed that Greece was proud of its Balkan heritage, which made it part of the region. ''This obliges us to support our neighbors so that they too can enjoy the same European integration and the same development that we have benefited from over the past 30 years,'' he said. Loverdos stressed the traditionally excellent relations between Greece and Serbia and Montenegro and said it wished to further cement these ties by upgrading economic cooperation. He also pledged Greece's continued support for the ''establishment of a stable and democratic environment that will contribute to peaceful coexistence in southeast Europe.'' Loverdos referred to the key geographical position occupied by the Balkans between Russia and Europe and the fact that they were a ''very interesting market'' of 65 million people. ''We should make use of the commercial and economic possibilities afforded by these facts,'' he added. After the forum, Stephanopoulos laid a wreath at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier in the city and then had a meeting with Acting Serb President Natasha Micic. On Wednesday afternoon he is due to speak at the Serbia and Montenegro Parliament and meet former Yugoslav president Vojislav Kostunica. [02] Foreign minister announces Powell's invitation to visit AthensAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Wednesday said that he invited his U.S. counterpart Collin Powell to visit Athens and the latter accepted the invitation in principle.He made the statement following a meeting at the Maximos Mansion, but gave no further details of the U.S. official's program. Speaking of the recent crisis in relations between the Church of Greece and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Papandreou said that ''the state does not have the responsibility to intervene in such a conflict''. Commenting on the recent terrorist attack in the Gaza Strip, the foreign minister expressed his sorrow, saying that many diplomats that were in the convoy that was attacked were working for the promotion of the ''road map'' to peace in the Middle East. ''The road map has been agreed on by the European Union, the United Nations, Russia and the United States so as to resolve the Palestinian issue. As a result, every such action, beyond the loss of human lives, for which we express our deepest sorrow, also makes us sad on a political level since it does not promote the peace process,'' he said. ''I believe that every such action proves the necessity for all sides to rise to the level of their responsibilities and to confront with seriousness the case for peace with the creation of a Palestinian state by 2005 and of course to assure the security of the state of Israel. These two issues are bound together inseparably,'' Papandreou concluded. Gov't spokesman confirms planned visit by Powell: Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Wednesday confirmed that U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell was planning to pay a visit to Greece in the framework of a wider tour of the region. Protopapas said that Powell had made arrangements with the Greek foreign ministry to carry out a working rather than official visit, during which he would have talks with Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Greek President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos. The spokesman said that Athens was making preparations for the visit but if anything should arise in the meantime, another venue or process would be sought for an exchange of views to take place. Protopapas denied that there was any dissatisfaction on the part of the U.S. State Department over this issue. [03] FM says aim at Euroelections European peoples with peace, democratic solidarityBRUSSELS 16/10/2003 (ANA/G. Zitouniati)Foreign Minister George Papandreou, speaking to the Athens News Agency (ANA) on arrival at the European Socialists' summit here on Wednesday night, said the aim at the upcoming Euroelections is a Europe of peoples with peace and democratic solidarity.Referring to issues to be examined at the EU summit, due to begin in the Belgian capital on Thursday, Papandreou said negotiations for the new European constitution will be of decisive importance for the future of Europe. The foreign minister reconfirmed Greece's support for the EU's initiative for the development and construction of 29 major European projects, two of which are of Greek interest. He also made special reference to the promotion of decisions taken at the EU Thessaloniki summit on issues concerning asylum and immigration. [04] Athens: Talks over CBMs does not affect basic goal of Cyprus solutionAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Greece on Wednesday reiterated that a resolution to the long-standing Cyprus problem remains a principal target of its foreign policy, a reaction to recent press reports of Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) by the two sides on the divided east Mediterranean island.Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said certain initiatives have merely a “public relations dimension”, adding that various CBMs do not steer away from the primary goal of a Cyprus solution based on the Annan peace plan. The spokesman also noted that both the European Union and relevant Commissioner Guenter Verheugen have commented directly on this issue. Finally, Beglitis said he hopes Ankara will respect international law so it may achieve a significant step towards its European course, in reply to a press question over Turkey’s intentions regarding the hefty compensation it owes as the losing side in the Loizidou case. Greek Cypriot defendant Titina Loizidou successfully sued the Turkish government at the European Court of Human Rights for violating her right to exploit and enjoy her property in the Cypriot port town of Kyrenia. Loizidou’s property is located in the one-third of Cyprus occupied by Turkish troops since 1974. [05] ND leader supports equal participation of countries in EU decision makingBRUSSELS 16/10/2003 (ANA/A. Simatos)Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis expressed support for the equal participation of European Union member-states in EU decision making centers here on Wednesday.In a statement to the press shortly before a meeting of the European People's Party (EPP), the ND leader said that in an enlarged Europe all member-states should be represented on equal terms in the European Commission which, as he underlined, should be powerful. Referring to the EU's common foreign and defense policy, Karamanlis noted the importance attached by his party to the existence of a mutual assistance and solidarity clause between European countries. He also said EU member-states should jointly undertake the effective guarding of the EU's external borders and expressed support for the creation of a European coast guard. Karamanlis further stressed the need for combatting illegal immigration and organized crime and for the creation of a common EU policy on issues concerning the granting of asylum. [06] Greek foreign ministry condemns attack against Turkish Embassy in BaghdadAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)''We condemn the suicide attack against the Turkish Embassy in Baghdad which resulted in the serious injury of six people, among them two Embassy staff,'' Foreign Ministry Spokesman Panayiotis Beglitis stated on Wednesday.''In this difficult conjuncture for Iraq and the Iraqi people, such acts of blind violence and terrorism against foreign diplomatic missions contribute to the prolongation of instability and undermine the process for the reconstruction of Iraq,'' the Greek foreign ministry spokesman concluded. The car bomb attack took place near the Turkish Embassy in Baghdad on Tuesday. [07] Gov't condemns vandalism in Jewish cemeteryAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Wednesday categorically condemned acts of vandalism perpetrated in a Jewish cemetery in Ioannina a few days ago, when unidentified culprits had desecrated a tombstone within the cemetery by marking it with a swastika.[08] PASOK will not take part in anti-war rallies in AthensAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Ruling PASOK party spokeswoman Chrysa Arapoglou on Wednesday said that PASOK will not participate in the anti-war rallies during the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Collin Powell's in Athens.The spokeswoman also said that this period is significant in the development of PASOK's action and stressed the ambition of the ruling party to renew for the fourth time in a row its mandate, based on the radiance of the prime minister, the quality of the party's staff and the credibility of the government's work. [09] Greece "very much interested" for pan-European network projects, FinMin saysAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Greece is very much interested for the promotion of pan-European networks in transport, energy and telecommunications, because Southern Europe suffers from inadequate networks in all three sectors, Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said on Wednesday.Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with other cabinet ministers chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Mr Christodoulakis said that south European states needed more road and railway networks, lacked oil and natural gas pipelines and needed more investments in telecommunications. The Greek minister stressed that Greece was largely interested in promoting new programs for Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises and noted that an informal EU summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday was considered crucial for the development of Europe. An informal EU summit over the next two days is expected to discuss funding of pan-European network projects in the sectors of transport, energy and telecommunications. [10] MP calls for inspection of bourse transactions by high-ranking civil servantsAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)In a proposal to Parliament's Institutions and Transparency Committee on Wednesday, main opposition New Democracy MP Manolis Kefaloyiannis said the committee should ask for an inspection of stock market transactions carried out in 1998-2003 by high-ranking civil servants and public officials, such as ministry general secretaries, regional authority secretaries, staff detached to other services and the top administration of legal entities in the wider public sector that are obliged to submit "statements of means" in accordance with the 1996 laws.[11] Greek hoteliers say domestic tourism in worst crisis in 30 yearsAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Greek hoteliers on Wednesday expressed their pessimism over the course of Greek tourism and said the sector was going through the worst crisis in the last 30 years with the number of foreign tourist arrivals falling for the third consecutive year.The Panhellenic Union of Hoteliers said that according to recent figures, arrival figures at the country's largest airports were particularly disappointing and stressed that September proved to be worse that the most pessimistic predictions made at the start of this year's season. Arrivals at the Heraklion airport in Crete were down 7.9 percent in September compared with the same month last year, while arrivals at the airports of Thessaloniki, Corfu, Cos and Rhodes were down 8.12 percent, 6.61 percent, 11.65 percent and 15.75 percent, respectively. The union's president, Vassilis Minaides, said that a decline in tourist arrivals in the first nine months of the year was expected to exceed 5.0 percent, with overnight stays down more than 10 percent over the same period. Greek hoteliers said that political leadership of tourism authorities were responsible for lack of mechanisms to deal with tourism crises and an insuffient tourist promotion of the country against its main competitors (Spain, Turkey). Union members said that the government's economic and tourism policy over the last few years led Greek tourism to a crisis of a structural nature. Mr S.Divanis, owner of a large hotel chain in Greece, predicted that around 40 percent of Greek hotels could be sold in the next five years. [12] Coalition party leader discusses pensioners' problems with unionistsAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party leader Nikos Constantopoulos held talks with the Coordinating Body of Associated Pensioners' Federations on Wednesday and said afterwards ''pensioners have turned from proud elderly people into pariahs of modernization.''Constantopoulos accused the government of displaying authoritarianism and blissfulness at a time when society in its entirety is in a state of unrest because it is gripped by feelings of injustice, neglect and insecurity. A pensioners' unionist said he briefed the Coalition party's leader on the serious problems facing thousands of pensioners and which concern pensions and health issues and expressed satisfaction over the support he found from Constantopoulos. In another development, Constantopoulos exchanged views with the French Ambassador to Athens Bruno Delaye in a meeting on Wednesday. Their talks focused on developments in the European Union, the Middle East and general problems facing the region. Constantopoulos also outlined his party's positions on Greek-Turkish relations and the issue of Cyprus. [13] Finmin cites waste of funds in state healthcareAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said on Wednesday that of 863 million euros to be spent this year on people covered by state health insurance, 258 million euros could be saved.The waste came chiefly in the form of careless spending and payments for non-existent or unnecessary diagnostic tests and courses of treatment, the minister told the opening of a state healthcare branch in western Athens. Total spending on people covered by state insurance had risen by an average annual 17.5 percent, with no accompanying price increase, he added. [14] Athens and Piraeus hospital doctors determined to continue strikesAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Athens and Piraeus hospital doctors are determined to continue strikes even until 2004, as they let it be understood during a press conference on Wednesday.Unless their economic and institutional demands are met, the doctors will continue rolling 48-hour strikes even until the new year and they explained that it is not only their low salaries which are forcing them to claim at least the doubling of their pay with the addition of certain benefits, but the overall climate prevailing in the health sector as well. Hospital doctors will convene at the Red Cross hospital on Thursday to ratify their decision to continue strikes, while the public should be aware that hospitals in Athens and Piraeus will be operating with skeleton staff on Thursday and Friday since doctors are on strike. [15] Central banker complains of misleading advertisingAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Central bank chief Nikos Garganas on Wednesday told senior executives of commercial banks that they tended to advertise their products in a way that misled the public.Garganas outlined the terms of a bill that aimed to protect consumers from misleading advertising, while stressing that the Bank of Greece had no intention of restricting the banking business or setting prices for products. The main problem lay in the ''fine print'' of contracts for banking products although some credit institutions had advertised returns on investment products that could only be attained in exceptional market conditions, he added. The head of the central bank was hosting a luncheon for commercial bankers. [16] Gov't to call tender for part-sale of Post Office Savings BankAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)The government is to call an international tender for the part-privatization of the Post Office Savings Bank.The finance ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that the decision was taken after the main shareholder of Athens-quoted Attica Bank was unable to make an offer for a 35 percent stake in the state-owned savings bank. The terms and conditions of the part-privatization will be announced in coming days, the statement said. [17] Finmin calls for investment in Olympic projects after the gamesAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis on Wednesday called on businesses to invest in projects for the Athens 2004 Olympics that could be used after the international event."This is so that the major projects under construction will not remain as idle monuments to a great moment," Christodoulakis told a conference on the Olympics arranged by "The Economist" business magazine. [18] Greek consumers seek lower quality, cheaper food, reportAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)The impact of the euro currency on domestic prices and a general increase in prices over the last 21 months are turning Greek consumers to lower quality and cheaper food products, an INKA report said on Wednesday.The report showed that a Greek four-member family spends 21 percent (350 euros) of the 1,700 euros needed for its monthly expenses (excluding rent, mortgage loan and education expenses) to food, while the average household cuts its spending on food by more than 17 percent. INKA said that a total of 11,491 complaints were filed against food quality in the market in 2002, with 9,158 complaints filed in the first nine months of 2003. Complaints over food quality ranks second after complaints by Greek consumers over the cost of living in the last two years. The report said that Greek consumers worry over genetically modified foods by 89 percent, over the mad cow illness by 86 percent, over pesticides 82 percent, dioxine 81 percent, snacks 73 percent, hormones 72 percent, food additives 65 percent and fast food by 60 percent. INKA, in cooperation with ADEDY - the civil servants' union - and GSEE - the country's largest union umbrella - are organizing an open meeting on Thursday 16, October, to protest against increased cost and bad quality of living. [19] Olive oil producers react to new gov’t measuresAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Olive oil producers and cooperative union officials from Crete on Wednesday expressed their worry over a decision by Agriculture Deputy Minister Evangelos Argyris determining the criteria for olive oil subsidies in the period 2002-2003.Union officials said that it would take a long time and many inspections and cross-reference checks to implement the government's decisions and protested that producers of more than 1,400 kilos of olive oil would not be fairly treated according to the new measures. The president of the cooperative union Mr Manolis Gavalas is expected to visit Athens on Thursday to discuss with Agriculture ministry officials and to demand that all olive oil producers received their subsidies by the end of the year with the use of simple but credible criteria before starting inspections after-wards. [20] Greek stocks return early gains on WednesdayAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Greek stocks were unable to follow a rise in other European markets on Wednesday as investors preferred to take early profits by the end of the session leaving share prices with minor changes in the Athens Stock Exchange.The general index, rose 0.18 percent to end at 2,118.46 points, after rising to 2,131 points early in the session. Turnover was a moderate 119.2 million euros. The Wholesale and Holding sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (1.64 percent and 1.55 percent, respectively), while the Cement and IT Solution sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (1.38 percent and 1.22 percent). The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.17 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.55 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.57 percent up. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 163 to 114 with another 76 issues unchanged. Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 92.4 mln euros Wednesday Equity Index Futures: Stock Futures: Bond Market Close: Buyers outpace sellers on Wednesday Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond FOREIGN EXCHANGE Closing rates of October 15 2003 Parities in euro For. Exchange Buying Selling US Dollar 1,176 1,149 [21] Olympic preparations the focus of Economist Group conferenceAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)The latest high-profile event focusing on preparations for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games convened here on Wednesday, with a relevant conference entitled “Countdown towards the 2004 Games: What should we consider a successful Olympiad?”In addressing the Economist Group-sponsored conference, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos told delegates that the question now is not “if the Games will succeed, but to what extent.” He also referred to what he called a radical change in the international perspective on terrorism following 9/11, as well as “prejudice” due to Greece’s geographic position vis-a-vis security concerns for the Games. “We would have a security problem in any location at the moment. However, we would be hard pressed to find a city anywhere in the west with better security conditions than Athens,” he said, adding that requests by certain countries –the United States or Israel, for instance – for additional measures must be taken into consideration. Deputy Culture Minister Nasos Alevras, whose portfolio covers many of the 2004-related projects, stressed that the government and PM Costas Simitis personally have mandated “strict and absolute” control of 2004 expenditures, “regardless of political costs”. Main opposition New Democracy deputy Fani Palli-Petralia, who oversees the Olympics sector for her party, expressed a certainty that the upcoming Games will be successfully hosted, although she referred to “opportunities missed during the planning stage”. Palli-Petralia also forecast that New Democracy would successfully host the Games when it assumes power next year following general elections in the country. US, British ambassadors: Meanwhile, both the ambassadors of the United States and Britain also spoke at the conference, with US envoy Thomas Miller stressing that security for the 2004 Games ranks as the No. 1 priority of the US diplomatic mission in Athens. Miller also said it was not fair to compare the Athens Games with any of the previous tournaments, while saying Washington is willing to assist in any way it can with security for the Games. Finally, the US envoy said the seven-country advisory group for 2004 security is a unique and unprecedented grouping. On his part, British envoy David Madden referred to the honor of his country’s participation in the advisory group. He also supported the notion of safe and successful Games within the framework of a pleasant Athens. [22] Cultural Olympiad organizes conference on biogenetics and biotechnologyAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)The repercussions and consequences of biogenetics and biotechnology were examined by special scientists during a conference organized by the Cultural Olympiad on Wednesday night with the participation of distinguished professors from Europe and Canada.The conference was coordinated by professor Spyros Simitis who has headed many important posts concerning the issue of bioethics and the protection of personal data at European level. The main issues analyzed by speakers were the development and prospects of biogenetics and biotechnology, the commercialization of genetical data and the preconditions and limits of regulatory decisions, while it was also stressed that relevant problems are many and complex and the rates of biotechnology are rapid and unpredictable. [23] Evert says N. Greece bishoprics must remain under Church of Greece controlAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Reactions by the country’s political leadership over a brewing feud between the powerful Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece and the ancient Ecumenical Patriarchate continued on Wednesday, with both the government spokesman and a former New Democracy leader urging restraint.However, high-ranking deputy and former ND leader Miltiades Evert also stressed that national interests mandate that the Church of Greece retain the administrative control over bishoprics in northern Greece and the eastern and northern Aegean. Evert nevertheless stressed that he respects and honors the Istanbul-based Patriarchate above all. Meanwhile, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said any inter-Church differences must be resolved responsibly and with cool-headedness. He added that the government’s stance is dictated by a deep faith and “respect for (their) distinctive roles.” [24] ND MPs appeal for new laws to protect Iraqi womenAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)In an appeal to all national and international bodies able to intervene, 82 New Democracy MPs on Wednesday stressed the need for measures to stop atrocities against Iraqi women and to stop these acts being interpreted as strict adherence to ''traditional Islamic values''.They propose the adoption of a progressive and humanitarian legal system that will replace Sharia law and provide for equality before the law of all Iraqi citizens, regardless of gender or religion. They also propose that the United Nations International Treaty for eradication discrimination against women provide the framework for recognizing the human rights of Iraqi women and the creation of an official watchdog operating under UN auspices to record instances when women's rights are violated. They also call for the start of generalized dialogue on a level of parliamentary committees between the West and Islamic governments to put an end to the degradation and humiliation of women in the Islamic world. [25] Gov't expresses condolences to Stathea family; judicial inquiry underwayAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Wednesday expressed the government's sorrow to the family of Roubini Stathea, a State Real Estate Service official who took her own life after she came into the media spotlight for temporarily revoking demolition orders for illegal beachfront walls surrounding plush seaside villas in southeast Attica.Protopapas said the government was determined to shed light on all aspects of the case and expressed certainty that justice and the proper authorities would do everything in their power in this direction. "We will stand up to lawlessness and smite it," Protopapas added, noting that illegal construction on beaches, waterways, forests and archaeological sites was a "critical" offence. Meanwhile, the public prosecutor assigned to the case was instructed by her superiors to investigate possible criminal liability by staff at the finance ministry-affiliated Real Estate Service and all other departments that may have been involved in postponing demolitions of illegal buildings where Stathea was involved. Public prosecutor Elena Raiou was told to begin a new preliminary inquiry to investigate allegations printed within articles in the press, investigating other cases under Stathea's jurisdiction where demolitions were postponed and for what reason. [26] Development minister in hospital after suddenly feeling unwellAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos was admitted to Aretaio Hospital in Athens for an emergency checkup on Wednesday afternoon after he suddenly complained of feeling unwell.According to a development ministry press release later in the day, the minister was admitted to check on an old problem with thrombosis in his right leg and would undergo all the ''usual'' medical examinations and tests required. Doctors at the hospital did not appear unduly alarmed by the minister's condition, according to an initial diagnosis, which revealed a mild case of thrombosis focused on his right leg at the height of his femur. The doctors also said that he was being treated and his condition is stable and is no matter of serious concern, but he remains in intensive care and will stay there for observation. They added that he will remain in the hospital for another 48 hours to completely confront the problem and to complete the necessary medical checks. [27] Decision on musicians' copyrights company practices suspended until DecemberAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)The decision on the management of musicians' copyrights company AEPI issued by the development ministry's competition committee has been suspended until December.The issue had been raised about a year and a half ago by six composers and the Union of Greek Composers, accusing the Copyrights SA Company (AEPI), which was fined 500,000 euros in court, of abusing a dominant position in the market. However, the company's legal advisers, in a briefing of its members on Wednesday, insist that the distinction of authority categories and the signing of new contracts will lead to ''practical difficulties both for the creator and the user of a work where this is performed'' and that according to their assessments ''the creation of other bodies is being attempted, not of creators but of major users with the purpose of using their own repertoires and excluding others.'' According to the committee's decision to be suspended, and communicated to AEPI in July, the company is being threatened with a fine amounting to 5,000 a day in the event it does not shape, within three months from the issuing of the decision, commissions it receives from creators at a maximum level of 15 percent. [28] Deputy development minister declares war on bootleg CDsAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Deputy Development Minister Kimon Koulouris on Wednesday announced that the government will combat bootleg CD sales in Greece, during a meeting with the representatives of the Performers' Union in Athens.The representatives of the union said on their part that the state is losing 150 million euros per year in sales taxes, from the sales of bootleg CDs and tapes and requested the intervention of the relevant ministries. [29] Self-styled anarchists briefly take over ESHEA officeAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)Several self-styled anarchists briefly took over the offices of the Athens Journalists’ Union (ESHEA) on Wednesday to protest the continued incarceration of seven people arrested during last June’s anti-globalization protests in the northern port city of Thessaloniki.A Thessaloniki-area resort, Porto Carras, hosted an EU Summit in late June, an event that attracted a few thousand local and foreign demonstrators -- similar to other such summits in European countries. Other self-styled anarchists took over the offices of the state-controlled Macedonian Press Agency (MPA) in Thessaloniki as well as a municipal radio station last week. Interestingly enough, anti-globalization protesters in San Francisco briefly took over a Greek consulate in the west coast city late last month over the same cause. [30] Judge chastises lawyer for 'spinning out' Tzortzatos' defense in N17 trialAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)As the defense team for suspected ''November 17'' terrorist Vassilis Tzortzatos concluded the 11th consecutive day in which they addressed final arguments in his defense to the court, presiding judge Mihalis Margaritis chastised attorney Costas Papadakis on Wednesday over the length of the final arguments presented for the defendant.The judge's reaction was prompted by Papadakis' announcement that his address would take up the whole of the next day as well. ''Don't you think this is taking too long? This is the 11th day...at this rate we'll reach 'red May','' the judge retorted. He urged the lawyer to be brief and pointed out that the other 18 defendants had yet to present final arguments to the court. Papadakis is the second lawyer on the Tzortzatos team and has addressed the court for the third day, in his attempt to refute each of the 33 criminal charges against his client in turn. On Wednesday, Papadakis referred to the reliability of the witnesses for the prosecution, claiming that they were not convincing with respect to his client and had failed to shed light on the case. He also argued that Savvas Xiros had implicated his client in the murder of MP Pavlos Bakoyiannis at the prompting of anti-terrorist squad chief Stelios Syros. ''The police have every reason to incriminate Tzortzatos for this murder because it was a case that had greatly affected the public,'' he said. [31] Athens Journalists Union board holds talks with Parliament presidentAthens, 16/10/2003 (ANA)The board of the Athens Journalists Union (ESHEA) held talks on issues concerning journalism with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis in Parliament on Wednesday.The meeting took place in the framework of contacts scheduled by the board with political party leaders and the country's state leadership. According to an announcement by ESHEA, the Union's President Manolis Mathioudakis delivered a memorandum to Kaklamanis listing the institutional claims and problems of the journalistic sector. Kaklamanis accepted an invitation to visit the offices of ESHEA after discussing the course of issues concerning journalists with relevant ministers beforehand. [32] Papadopoulos and Juncker discuss Cyprus problem and EU mattersLUXEMBOURG 16/10/2003 (CNA/ANA)A solution to the Cyprus problem can be reached before May 1, 2004 when the island will formally enter the EU, Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos told a press conference in Luxembourg on Wednesday jointly given with Prime Minister Jean Claude Juncker.Papadopoulos stressed that the basis is already there with the Annan plan and that the changes sought by the Greek Cypriot side are not outside its parameters. At the same time, Juncker said everything possible should be made in order to have the reunification of the island when it enters the EU. The prime minister announced an exchange of experiences between the two countries so that Cyprus can benefit from the experience of Luxembourg as a small EU member state. Juncker said the two sides ''discussed a certain number of bilateral problems where both our chambers of commerce can examine how to enlarge the volume of commerce'' between the two countries. He pledged ''Luxembourg will assist Cyprus after accession by bringing young diplomats from Cyprus to Luxembourg, to see how as a small country we deal with problems.'' The two delegations also agreed that everything possible should be done to repeat direct flights between the two countries, Juncker added. The two delegations exchanged views on how to enhance cultural relations. Regarding the number of Euro MPs, Juncker said ''we cannot agree to have our representation to the EU reduced,'' noting the issue was raised during his discussions with Papadopoulos. Luxembourg has six Euro MPs. Cyprus is also entitled to have six Euro MPs. Juncker said he was ''very pleased'' with President Papadopoulos' visit noting that ''relations are excellent.'' President Papadopoulos expressed his gratitude to Luxembourg and Juncker for making Cyprus a candidate of the EU. ''We don't forget that the first decision of accession negotiations was taken by the Luxembourg presidency.'' He praised Juncker for his steadfast help in the accession negotiations of Cyprus. The Cypriot president noted that both countries have ''great similarities.'' Referring to the structure of the two countries' economies, he noted that a great percentage of their gross national product come from services. He said they agreed to further implement bilateral agreements that already exist. ''We like to benefit from the wealth of experience Luxembourg has in the EU. Luxembourg has showed that small countries can perform admirably the task of presidency into the EU,'' he said. Papadopoulos thanked Juncker for the decision on the exchange of experiences as well as the exchange of visits of diplomats and bankers and others to gain experience of the way Luxembourg is dealing with its problems. This visit, he said, ''further cements the already excellent relations.'' President Papadopoulos said ''a major part of the discussions this morning focused on the Cyprus problem.'' ''It is natural, Cyprus has two priorities. Number one: to solve the Cyprus problem, and number two: to become a very constructive and useful member of the EU and not to have the role of a troublesome partner,'' he said. He stressed that ''our key figure interest is that a united Cyprus should accede in the EU on the 1st of May. We will spare no efforts to make that possible. But even if we don't succeed by the 1st of May, we shall persevere because a divided Cyprus certainly in the EU will present to us more practical problems, which may overcome at a great cost,'' he added. Papadopoulos reminded that ''it takes two or perhaps three, including Turkey, for any problems to be solved. Right now, the position of everyone, the UN, the US, all those involved say that before the 'voting' in the occupied part of Cyprus, there can be no initiatives.'' Next week's meetings in Athens of US Secretary of State Colin Powell and Turkey's Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul will not be joined but coincides as Powell arrives when Gul will leave. ''It is my impression that the US has a keen interest in Cyprus. And I think it can be more effective if they direct their efforts towards Turkey, who after all decides what happens in Cyprus, procedural and on the substance,'' he said. Papadopoulos stressed ''we have six months, after the 'voting' in the occupied areas. Yes, I think the time is enough because the basis is there, it is the Annan Plan,'' and repeated that the Greek Cypriot side accepts the Annan plan as a basis for negotiations. ''There are aspects of the plan which may be improved, which would benefit a solution but none of our proposals go outside the parameters of the plan or intends to upset its conception, its philosophy, its core issues,'' he pointed out. President Papadopoulos repeated that he does not want a repetition of the ''tragic events of The Hague,'' because last minute pressure does not bring results and that the policy ''you either sign now or else'' really does not work in the modern world. Asked what would be the repercussions on Turkey's accession course if no solution is reached before next May, Juncker said it was speculation question, pledging ''we must do our best to have a final settlement by 1st May 2004.'' Replying to a question, Juncker said he did not think it was a good idea to send observers for the ''elections'' to be held in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus in December, ''because the observers would have to check the register and this would be absurd because it is invalid.'' Replying to a question, President Papadopoulos said he disagreed that taxation in Cyprus is low noting it is reasonable and stressing that Cyprus introduced last year new taxation and that ''we don't plan any changes in taxation in the foreseeable future.'' [33] G/C and T/C parties welcome cancellation of military exercisesNICOSIA 16/10/2003 (CNA/ANA)Leaders and representatives of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties have welcomed the decision taken by Cyprus, Greece and Turkey to cancel their respective annual military exercises and expressed support for the de-mining of the island.Their position is included in a joint communique issued at the end of a meeting on Wednesday at the UN controlled buffer zone, organized by the Slovak embassy. Their next meeting is expected to be held on December 22. Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot parties also decided to continue to support the promotion of inter-communal rapprochement at all levels without any hindrance. During their regular meeting, they also exchanged views on developments on the Cyprus problem and Cyprus' membership of the EU. Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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