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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-10-22Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>October 22, 2003CONTENTS
[01] Greek and Turkish FMs end talks, praise double taxation avoidance agreementAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his visiting Turkish counter-part Abdullah Gul ended their official talks on Tuesday with the Greek foreign minister announcing that negotiations on an agreement for avoiding double taxation had been concluded.Speaking during a press conference, Gul said he and Papandreou made an account of developments in bilateral relations to date, placing emphasis on confidence-building measures agreed between the two countries and pointing out that they both agreed that ''there is a far greater margin to develop rapprochement between the two countries.'' Both ministers placed great emphasis on the spectacular developments which have occurred in bilateral economic relations in past years, while Gul underlined that another agreement on the transfer of natural gas from Turkey to western Europe via Greece has entered its final stretch. The Turkish foreign minister also attached importance to the tourist sector, saying that it will be strengthened considerably next year due to the Athens Olympic Games, as well as on cooperation in the sector of science and to preparations for the Olympic Games which he believes ''will be carried out with absolute success.'' According to Gul, the main message derived from talks with Papandreou was that ''bilateral relations are now governed by a climate of friendship, understanding and confidence and we have left the era of tensions behind us.'' Papandreou said on his part ''our bilateral relations have now entered another framework. This does not mean that there are no problems'', adding that he also exchanged views with Gul on the Cyprus issue and on exploratory contacts ''which are very important issues and will become even more important next year also due to developments in the EU (concerning Turkey).'' The Greek foreign minister also mentioned with satisfaction that Economy Minister Nikos Christodoulakis had informed him that negotiations between the two sides on an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation, to be signed in Ankara in December, had been concluded. Papandreou referred at length to negotiations underway to conclude a trade agreement for the transfer of natural gas from Turkey to western Europe via Greece, saying it is of strategic importance, while referring in general to trade and economic agreements concluded or being negotiated between the two countries reminded that ''the European Union itself began from such agreements 50 years ago and gradually reached where it is today.'' Replying to a questioner on Greece's ''insistence'' on considering the Cyprus issue as being a precondition for further strengthening Turkey's European course, Papandreou said ''it is not a Greek view but a European one that the Cyprus issue must be resolved and the role of Turkey is decisive in this respect.'' He further said a solution to the Cyprus issue ''is not simply an obligation but a necessity for the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots'', adding that ''we must look upon the date 2004 as an opportunity and not as a threat.'' The foreign minister said he and Gul discussed the issue of infringements and violations in the Aegean, but without going into details since the issue is being discussed by the two foreign ministries' civil directors. Referring to the recent decision on Turkish military forces being sent to Iraq, Gul said the Turkish Parliament adopted a proposal providing the government with the possibility of sending troops ''but this decision might not be implemented.'' Gul also said Turkey, being a neighbor of Iraq, is interested in the country's territorial integrity through democratic procedures. Arrival statements: Turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gul arrived in Athens at noon on Tuesday for a two-day official visit and talks with the Greek government. Gul was met on arrival at Athens' Eleftherios Venizelos international airport by his Greek counterpart George Papandreou, and the two ministers reiterate, in airport statements, reiterated the mutual political will for continuation of the step-by-step rapprochement between the two countries. Gul and the Turkish delegation accompanying him were warmly greeted at the airport by Papandreou, and in airport statements the two ministers reaffirmed the progress that has been achieved in Greek-Turkish bilateral relations in recent years. They also expressed their mutual confidence in the ''frank intentions'' of both sides for resolving outstanding issues. At all our meetings, the Greek government's and the new Turkish government's volition was and remains firm: to proceed on the path opened up by the two countries, to continue unimpeded the new period of bilateral relations, to consolidate all that we have achieved and to expand our cooperation into new sectors of mutual interest,'' Papandreou said. Referring to the ''low impact'' agreements, he said they were ''very important if one considers that for a very long time we had relations of distrust and several times reached the brink of war''. Papandreou said that the agenda of his talks with Gul included economic issues, the Cyprus problem, Turkey's European course, and the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Later in the day, Gul is scheduled to add his signature to those of the other prominent international personalities who have signed the Olympic Truce declaration. Gul spoke of "two countries on the two sides of the Aegean, which desire peace and cooperation". He said that the mutual intent of both countries was evident. "What encourages the two governments, in fact, is the desire of the two peoples to render the Aegean a sea of peace, cooperation and development," Gul stressed. Gul was taken on a helicopter tour of various projects for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games currently under construction, before being received at 1:00 p.m. by President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos. [02] Turkish FM Gul confident 2004 Athens Games will succeedAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul toured several 2004 Games-related venues on Tuesday in and around the Greek capital, following his arrival in Athens for a two-day official visit and talks with Greece’s top leadership.The tour comes hours before Gul is set to sign a high-profile “Olympic Truce” declaration being vigorously promoted by his Greek counterpart George Papandreou, who met the former upon his arrival at Athens’ international airport and also accompanied him on the tour. Gul later said he was confident the 2004 Olympics in Athens would be a success, a fact he said will also please neighboring Turkey. He made the comments following the conclusion of a brief helicopter tour of several venues and construction sites. On his part, Papandreou referred to the great honor of hosting the 2004 Games and the effect they will have on the east Mediterranean country’s development and prospects, while also noting that the Athens Olympics provide an opportunity to send a message of peace and cooperation throughout the wider region. Additionally, it was reiterated that the 2004 “Olympic Torch” relay will pass through Istanbul. Gul is set to meet with several 2004-related ministers and Athens Olympic organizing committee (ATHOC) President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki later in the day. In initial statements shortly after Gul arrived in the country, both the Greek and Turkish FMs pointed to a “mutual political will” for continuing a step-by-step rapprochement between the two countries. Papandreou greeted Gul and his entourage at the airport, with both men reaffirming the progress achieved in Greek-Turkish bilateral relations over recent years. They also expressed a mutual confidence in the ''frank intentions'' of both sides for resolving outstanding issues. “At all our meetings, the Greek government's and the new Turkish government's volition was and remains firm: to proceed on the path opened up by the two countries, to continue unimpeded the new period of bilateral relations, to consolidate all that we have achieved and to expand our cooperation into new sectors of mutual interest,'' Papandreou said. Referring to the ''low-impact'' agreements, he said they were ''very important if one considers that for a very long time we had relations of distrust and several times reached the brink of war''. Papandreou said that the agenda of his talks with Gul included economic issues, the Cyprus problem, Turkey's European course as well as the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Furthermore, Gul referred to ''two countries on the two sides of the Aegean which desire peace and cooperation.” ''What encourages the two governments, in fact, is the desire of the two peoples to render the Aegean a sea of peace, cooperation and development,'' he stressed. Meeting with Greek president: Following his helicopter tour of the Olympic venues, Greek President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos received Gul at the presidential mansion, with talks expectedly revolving around bilateral relations, developments over the long-standing Cyprus problem as well as Turkey’s European vocation. [03] Gul signs Olympic Truce declaration in AthensAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his visiting Turkish counterpart Abdulah Gul reconfirmed their intention to cooperate closely for the success of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, particularly on issues of security and tourism.During a meeting they had with ATHOC President Gianna Angelopoulos Daskalaki and Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, Gul signed a declaration for the Olympic Truce and Papandreou thanked his counterpart for supporting this initiative. He also reminded those participating in the event that the first two signatures on the Declaration for the Olympic Truce were his and former Turkish foreign minister Ismail Cem's. ''If we can stop war for 16 days, maybe at some point we may be able to have peace forever. The cooperation of the two countries can become an example for the whole world,'' Papandreou said. On his part, Gul congratulated Papandreou for his initiative and Daskalaki for the progress of the Olympic projects he toured by air earlier in the day. ''As a neighboring country there are many things that fall on us to do in order to help. We examined several issues with the main one being that of security, as well as all that can be done to support the effort of Greece. Turkey has assigned a special team which is probing the issue to enable final decisions to be taken and to have a cooperation agreement reached,'' he concluded. [04] Gov't spokesman announces PM's full program this weekAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Tuesday announced the prime minister's complete program for this week, which had been partially announced on Monday.He said Prime Minister Costas Simitis would head a meeting at 18:30 on Tuesday attended by Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and Transport Minister Christos Verelis, while a meeting with PASOK Central Committee Secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis will take place at 20:00 in the evening. A meeting with visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul will begin the premier's day on Wednesday, after which he will take part in an off-the-agenda debate in Parliament on Europe, and chair a meeting of PASOK's Executive Bureau at 18:00. Simitis is scheduled to meet outgoing NATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson on Thursday morning and will then chair an inter-ministerial meeting on repatriated Greeks and minorities. At 14:00 on Thursday, he is due to meet Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou. On Friday morning, Simitis will meet IOC Coordination Commission Chairman Dennis Oswald and then chair an inter-ministerial meeting about the planned park at Ellinikon, site of the former Athens airport at 11:30, while at 13:30 he will meet with Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos. Finally, the spokesman announced that the premier was to chair a Ministerial meeting on tourism next Wednesday. [05] US: Elections in occupied area of Cyprus a 'crucial opportunity'WASHINGTON, 22/10/2003 (ANA- T. Ellis)The US sees the upcoming elections in the occupied areas in Cyprus in December as a ''crucial opportunity'' for the Turkish Cypriots to express their will on whether they desire a Cyprus settlement based on the UN peace plan and EU membership, US state department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said Monday, in reply to questions during a regular press briefing.''We see the elections...as a crucial opportunity for Turkish Cypriots to express their will on the central question of whether they desire a Cyprus settlement based on UN Secretary General Annan's peace plan and EU membership. In this sense, the elections are a referendum on the Annan plan that the Turkish-Cypriots were denied when United Nations sponsored peace talks were abandoned by their side at The Hague,'' Ereli said. ''We hope the elections will be fully free and fair and that the will of the Turkish-Cypriot people will be reflected in the choice of negotiator for their community,'' he added. Asked if the US was ''concerned at all about some indications of problems with the election lists in the occupied areas'', the spokesman replied: ''Yes, there are a number of press reports concerning possible irregularities in Turkish-Cypriot voter lists, such as the inclusion of dubiously qualified voters; and these reports do cause us concern.'' Questioned on a purportedly expected visit to Athens this week by US secretary of state Colin Powell to Athens in a stopover on a visit to the region, that did not come to pass, Ereli intimated that such a visit had not been formally scheduled, saying ''our view is, until we issue a statement on a visit, it's not official''. [06] Papandreou to meet separately with Robertson, WestonAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)Foreign Minister George Papandreou will meet with NATO's Secretary General Lord Robertson and U.S. State Department Special Coordinator for the Cyprus issue Ambassador Thomas Weston on Wednesday.The meetings will be separate and will include statements to the press upon their conclusion. [07] PM and interior minister have follow-up meeting; discuss electoral reformAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis had a follow-up meeting on Tuesday morning to discuss a planned bill for reforming the electoral system and the timeframe for bringing this to Parliament.The two men had met just the day before to discuss a draft bill for the 'statement of means' declaration system that targeted corruption in the public sector and government. Emerging from the meeting, Skandalidis said that the proposed elections bill will take its final form in the first half of November, after which it will be tabled in Parliament. By all accounts, however, the draft bill will drop government proposals for a double ballot box. Under this system, voters would cast separate votes for the party of their choice and for individual candidates irrespective of party allegiance. Skandalidis said such as system could only be meaningfully applied in small electoral districts and its implementation would require carving up larger electoral districts into small ones with few seats. [08] Gov't on Mitsotakis comment over ecclesiastical disputeAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)The government on Tuesday commented on the latest high-profile support for the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece’s positions vis-a-vis its current dispute with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a day after former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis echoed statements by one-time New Democracy (ND) leader Miltiades Evert.Both Mitsotakis and Evert, successive leaders of the current main opposition ND, vigorously supported the continuation of the status quo governing the ecclesiastical administration of bishoprics in the so-called “New Territories” – lands liberated from Ottoman rule by the Greek state between 1912 and 1922. However, government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Tuesday reiterated the most “correct policy was the policy of non-intervention” in the crisis. Both the government and ND’s leadership have stressed that the heads of both churches should resolve the matter in a peaceful and harmonious manner. A 1928 canonical act by the Istanbul Patriarchate temporarily transferred those bishoprics’ administrative control to the influential Church of Greece, a regime that has continued until recently, when the Patriarchate demanded that it now pre-approve of potential candidates to succeed the late Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, who died over the summer. Four ecclesiastical administrations exist in predominately Orthodox Greece: the independent Autocephalous Church of Greece; the loosely affiliated with the Patriarchate Autocephalous Church of Crete; the Patriarchate-affiliated Dodecanese island bishoprics, and, of course, the sui generis status for the so-called “New Territories”. [09] Two Turkish war jets violate Athens' FIRAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)Two Turkish fighter jets on Tuesday violated the Athens the regulations of the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) in the region between Chios and Samos in the eastern Aegean, press reports said. The Turkish planes departed immediately from the region, the same sources said.[10] Foreign ministry spokesman announces 16th round of Greek-Turkish contactsAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)Foreign Ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis announced on Tuesday that the 16th round of exploratory contacts between Greece and Turkey will take place in Athens on Wednesday. The talks will be held between foreign ministry secretary general ambassador Anastasios Skopelitis and the Turkish foreign ministry's secretary general ambassador Ugyr Ziyal.[11] Magriotis to represent Greek government at Izetbegovic funeralAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis will be representing Greece at the funeral of former Bosnia-Herzegovina President Alija Izetbegovic, which will take place in Sarajevo on Wednesday, it was announced.[12] Greek, Turkish economy ministers reach agreement on double taxationAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)National Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis on Tuesday met with his Turkish counterpart Kemal Unakitan and they focused on issues concerning the double taxation, reaching agreement.According to a press release released by the economy ministry, the agreement was the culmination of four-year long negotiations between the two countries to find ways to avoid double taxation. The signing of the agreement will take place in Ankara in early December, when Christodoulakis will visit Turkey. FM addresses Greek and Turkish businessmen, focuses on double taxation deal: Foreign Minister Andreas Papandreou, addressing Greek and Turkish businessmen on Tuesday night, referred to the important decision reached on the avoidance of double taxation between Greece and Turkey, due to be signed in Turkey on December 1. Papandreou referred to the decisive role played by businessmen in the development of relations between the two countries. He said that in past years 76 very important investments have been made in Turkey by Greek businessmen, while at the end of 2003 trade transactions between the two countries will amount to 1.2 or 1.3 billion dollars. On his part, visiting Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said the two countries desire the deepening of their friendship and the development of their cooperation. To date, they have signed 20 agreements, most of which are being implemented, while considerable cooperation is being developed in such sectors as tourism and energy. Gul added that whatever problems exist between the two countries will be resolved through dialogue to enable the region of the Aegean to become a symbol of peace. The acquaintance meeting between Greek businessmen and the Turkish business delegation accompanying Gul on his visit to Athens was held at a downtown Athens hotel and was organized by the Greek-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and the Council of Greek-Turkish Business Cooperation. The meeting was attended by about 70 Greek and 30 Turkish businessmen, as well as by the presidents of sector agencies. [13] Chrysohoidis urges businesses to help boost competitivenessAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)Mihalis Chrysohoidis, the ruling PASOK party secretary-general, on Tuesday urged Greek businessmen to participate more actively in efforts to boost the country's economic competitiveness.Addressing a seminar, organized by the Greek-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on "Convergence Charter: Prospects for the next four years", Mr Chrysohoidis stressed that the business community should show the "necessary awareness and to be prepared in sectors that definitely contributed in strengthening the country's competitiveness, and has not yet fully responded." These sectors are the interconnection of production with research and technological innovation, training of human resources and a proper management of EU funds. Mr Chrysohoidis said that a government-sponsored Convergence Charter was "our national tool" to break away from a cycle of insecurity and lost opportunities, to walk steadily on the road to development, to offer prosperity to Greek citizens, to establish peace in our region and to move faster in building a new modern civil administration. "The government's action, as it unfolds through its aims and commitments for the four-year period 2004-2008, is focusing on three issues: strengthening business activity, increasing investments and establishing extroversion," Mr Chrysohoidis noted. Commenting on Greek-French economic relations, Mr Chrysohoidis stressed that they were good, with French exports to Greece rising 6.0 percent in the first six months of 2003, compared with the same period last year, while Greek exports to France - although four times smaller in volume - were rising spectacularly in the last three years (31 percent in 2000, 18.5 percent in 2001 and 17 percent in 2002). "France is our third largest supplier after Germany and Italy, while the country is the four largest customer of Greek exports," he noted. A total of 134 French companies were activated in Greece, with a workforce of 32,744 people. [14] PM holds talks with ministers on privatization of Olympic AirwaysAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis held two-hour talks with Finance and Economy Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis on Tuesday, reportedly focusing on the privatization of Olympic Airways and the Post Office Savings Bank.Over three billion euros are expected to be received this year through the implementation of the denationalization program implemented by the finance and economy ministry. This was deduced from a meeting held at the finance ministry earlier on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Christodoulakis and denationalizations special secretary Siradakis. It was decided at the meeting that a tender will be proclaimed during the week for the sale of a package of shares of the Urban Water Supply Company (EYDAP) to a strategic partner, while an international tender will be proclaimed next week for the participation of interested parties in the sale of a package of shares of the Post Office Savings Bank. Decisions are expected to be taken in the coming days on the management and other terms contained in the tender. The issue of the Post Office Savings Bank is being handled exclusively by the finance ministry. However, employees of the bank have announced rolling 24-hour strikes as of Wednesday and until Friday and organize a protest rally at the head office on Thursday and then march to the finance ministry. [15] Govt reports on the use of privatization revenuesAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)The Greek government on Tuesday sought to clarify its policy over the use of privatization revenues amid criticism by ND opposition political party that it was using the proceeds of privatizations to cover its public spending.A finance ministry announcement said that privatization revenues were used to pay: a) privatization procedure expenses and the cost of restructuring of state-owned enterprises, b) financial debt resulting from privatizations, such as compensation for lay-offs or early retirement schemes, c) financial costs imposed by the law on every privatized company, d) public debt to third parties, such as pension funds, ATHOC, etc. The finance ministry stressed that all payments considered as public spending, affecting the government's deficit, was recorded in the general government's shortfall of ''other agencies''. The statement also noted that all data by DEKA SA, the Public Securities' Enterprise, privatization accounts and other special accounts were recorded with the general government's deficit according to Eurostat rules. ND party economic affairs coordinator, George Alogoskoufis, commenting on the finance ministry's announcement said it was a "confession" that the government was using privatization revenues to finance its public spending and that the announcement "justified fully our criticism". [16] Local government employees announce new 48-hour strikeAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)The Union of Local Government Employee Federations (POE-OTA) decided unanimously on Tuesday to continue strike action with a new 48-hour strike beginning on Wednesday.According to POE-OTA representatives, the interior ministry did not appear willing to meet their demands. Earlier in the day, municipality employees staged a protest march to the interior ministry and held a brief meeting with the ministry's secretary general Vassilis Valassopoulos without any understanding being reached, however. In another development, Athens prefecture work crews will begin the process of disinfecting huge piles of garbage in the streets as of Wednesday. Meanwhile, the Athens prefecture's health department submitted a hygiene control report to prosecution authorities in Athens on Tuesday, proposing that legal proceedings be initiated against all responsible for the violation of legislation on hygiene. [17] EU directive banning single hull ships goes into effectBRUSSELS, 22/10/2003 (ANA - A. Simatos)The European Commission on Tuesday announced that the new directive concerning the ban of single hull will be effective beginning on the day of the announcement, while existing single hull ships will have to be taken out of service by 2010 in most cases.They added that the ban will be effective immediately for ships over the age of 23, for which there will not be a transition period. [18] British embassy, British suppliers organizing security equipment exhibitionAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)The British embassy and the Union of British Equipment Suppliers for the Police and Public Security will be organizing a security equipment exhibition at the Intercontinental hotel in Athens on October 22.On display at the exhibition will be such products and services as electronic monitoring and communications systems, counter-measure devices, audiovisual systems, software, security garments and equipment, bullet proof vests, handcuffs and security cameras. Twenty British companies will be participating in the exhibition, including NP Aerospace, LMW Electronics, Lion laboratories and Red Box International. [19] Greek stocks end significantly higher on TuesdayAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)Greek stocks ended Tuesday's session with significant gains in the Athens Stock Exchange, helped by renewed buying activity for small and medium capitalization stocks that gradually expanded to high capitalization stocks.The general index rose 1.15 percent to end at 2,145.20 points with turnover an improved 120.2 million euros, up 50 percent compared with Monday's. The Publication, IT Solution and Insurance sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (6.20 percent, 4.14 percent and 3.36 percent, respectively), while the Construction sector scored the lowest gains (up 0.69 percent). The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.83 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index jumped 1.78 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index soared 2.66 percent. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 276 to 47 with another 39 issues unchanged. The most heavily traded stocks in value were National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Public Power Corporation, Hellenic Tele-communications Organization and National Real Estate. Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 42 mln euros Tuesday Equity Index Futures: Stock Futures: Bond Market Close: Sellers lead buyers on Tuesday Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond FOREIGN EXCHANGE Closing rates of October 21 2003 Parities in euro Banknotes For. Exchange Buying Selling US Dollar 1,171 1,144 [20] Transport minister briefs top IOC officials over tram, suburban railAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)The latest high-profile concerns aired by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently over 2004-related transports projects (the suburban rail line and the new tram network) resulted a meeting Monday evening between the relevant Greek minister and a pair of top IOC inspectors.According to ministry press release issued on Tuesday, Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis briefed the Games’ executive director, Gilbert Felli, and the Lausanne-based organization’s transport expert, Philippe Bovy, in detail over progress regarding both projects – considered crucial for the success of the 2004 Athens Games. Verelis had reportedly requested the meeting in a letter to IOC coordination committee chairman Denis Oswald. “We had a very detailed and in-depth conversation and we provided all the information we had to the IOC representatives about the course of progress for the suburban rail line and the tram,” Verelis merely noted, while adding that the IOC, as usual, will present its findings and assessments after an upcoming inspection in the Greek capital. Finally, the minister said the lead contractors for the rail and tram projects – Ergose S.A. and Tram S.A., respectively – have been instructed to disclose information about progress of works to the press. [21] IOC's Oswald visits Greek Olympic Committee HQAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordinating Com-mite President Dennis Oswald on Tuesday visited the headquarters of the Greek Olympic Committee and met with its president Lambis Nicolaou and other officials of the organization.They discussed issues concerning the preparation of athletes for the Athens 2004 Games and the organizing of the Games. [22] Interior minister at meeting on women's representation in politicsAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis on Tuesday attended a meeting of the Inter-ministerial Committee for Gender Equality held at the interior ministry, with the participation of Equality General Secretary Efi Bekou and Deputy Interior Minister Nikos Bistis.The meeting focused on the impact of measures to raise the participation of women in politics, such as a minimum quota of women candidates imposed for party tickets in the 2002 local elections. In a press conference afterward, Skandalidis said that the quota system should also be imposed for parliamentary elections but noted that this would have to first be cleared by the cross-party parliamentary committee discussing an electoral reforms bill. During the press conference, the General Secretariat for Equality also presented a report on the number of women elected to prefectural and municipal councils in 2002. According to the figures presented, women represented 18 per cent of those elected to prefectural councils in 2002, rising from 11 per cent in 1998. According to Skandalidis, this represented an increase in women's participation in politics by 70-80 per cent and vindicated the quota measure. Overall, the number of women elected increased in 40 out of 54 prefectures throughout the country and remained the same in eight. The percentage of women among those elected to municipal councils throughout Greece increased from 9.01 per cent in 1998 to 11.91 per cent in 2002, represented a 32 per cent increase in the number of women overall. [23] European Commission taking three countries to European Court on ozone issueBRUSSELS (ANA - V. Demiris)The European Commission activated the beginning of procedures here on Tuesday to take Greece, Ireland and Spain to the European Court for violating European Union legislation regarding sanctions decided by these countries for the use of substances which destroy ozone. The European Commission sent a written warning to Greece, Ireland and Spain for failing to provide information, as they should have by December 31, 2000, on sanctions they have enacted to prevent EU legislation violations on substances destroying ozone. Referring to the decision, relevant environment commissioner Margot Walstrom said ''the further destruction of ozone will have negative consequences on the health of man throughout the world. Consequently, restricting harmful activities constitutes a global duty.'' [24] European Commission taking Greece and Spain to European Court on refuse issueBRUSSELS (ANA/V. Demiris)The European Commission decided here on Tuesday to activate procedures for taking Greece and Spain to the European Court for violating the European Union's legislation on the handling of refuse, dangerous waste and landfills. The Commission sent a written warning to Greece for failing to comply with European Court ruling 2002 which had decided that Greece did not submit, as it should have, details to the Commission regarding the way with which dangerous waste is handled. Commenting on the decision, relevant environment commissioner Margot Walstrom said ''the EU's legislation on waste is aimed at preventing possible damage to the environment and harm to the health of people caused by waste.'' [25] Lawyer for Xiros brothers again calls for dismissal of pre-trial confessionsAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)The ongoing trial of 19 suspected "November 17" terrorists continued on Tuesday with the final arguments of the lawyer for the three Xiros brothers, Fragiskos Ragousis.Ragousis is representing Christodoulos and Savvas Xiros, both of whom are considered veteran members of the terror organization and among its most active hit men, as well as their younger brother Vassilis. The attorney said in his address that his clients' crimes should be considered political in order to avoid their extradition to the United States. He also once again appealed to the court to dismiss the pre-trial confessions given by his clients and to not read them out during the proceedings. Tuesday's session was adjourned early after the court granted Ragousis' request to break off early due to fatigue. [26] KETHEA receives MENTOR achievement award for substance prevention programAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)Greece's Center for the Therapy of Addicted Individuals (KETHEA) has received this year's international MENTOR award for its effective prevention program among parents, pupils and teachers at an Athens School over the past two years, it was announced on Tuesday.The announcement was made by Greek UNESCO Good Will Ambassador Marianna Vardinoyanni, who is also a board member of the Mentor International Foundation. KETHEA was the recipient of the Mentor Achievement Award from among 150 candidacies from 49 countries worldwide. The target of the program, attended by 217 pupils, 19 teachers and 85 parents, was prevention of substance use, and more generally to promote the physical and mental wellbeing of pupils. The Achievement Award, accompanied by a 100,000 euro cash prize for expanding the Center’s program, was presented to KETHEA for the 'high rate of effectiveness' of its program. Vardinoyanni expressed pride over KETHEA's distinction, noting that the human element, the people and their visions, were what gave each country strength and prospects. She noted that the Mentor Foundation was the only international non-governmental organization active for the past 10 years in the prevention of drug use, adding that the foundation's board comprised 22 members from countries all over the world, and was chaired by Queen Sylvia of Sweden. [27] Repeat local elections ordered in two Himarra voting precinctsGJIROKASTR, 22/10/2003 (ANA - P. Barka)The Central Returns Board in Tirana has ordered a repetition of local polls in two voting precincts within the southern Albanian municipality of Himarra, after the Albanian Socialist Party complained of irregularities during the October 12 local elections.The repeat polls will be held next Sunday and will yield the final election results for the Himarra municipality. This is the first time the Central Returns Committee has decided to repeat elections, even in specific precincts. There has not yet been any reaction from the ethnic Greek minority's Union of Human Rights Party, which has so far considered its candidate's victory in the area unassailable. The Socialist Party has not, however, ruled out the possibility that the results of repeat elections might lead to a victory for its own candidate in Himarra. [28] EU Commission organizes meeting with religious NGOsBRUSSELS, 22/10/2003 (ANA - A. Simatos)The European Commission on Tuesday organized a meeting with the religious non-governmental organizations to discuss immigration, prostitution and human trafficking.The Italian EU presidency also participated in the meeting. The Church of Greece was represented by the non-governmental church affiliated "Euromission". The meeting's agenda also included preparation for the Oct. 29-31 conference, entitled "The inter-religious dialogue as an element of social cohesion in Europe and tool for peace in the Mediterranean region". [29] Vartholomeos sends telegram to Christodoulos for latter's name dayAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos on Tuesday sent a telegram to Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos in light of the latter's name day celebration, saying ''I wish for the continuation of your significant contribution to the all holy Church of Greece, to the Greek people and to all Orthodoxy''.Also, Prime Minister Costas Simitis sent on Monday a letter to Christodoulos for his name day, according to a relevant statement by Education and Religious Affairs Minister Petros Efthymiou, who, on the part of his ministry sent a relevant letter. President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis also wished the Greek prelate on his name day. [30] Public prosecutor files charges over mounting rubbish on Athens streetsAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA)A First-instance public prosecutor on Tuesday filed charges against ''all responsible'' over the piles of rubbish that have mounted on Athenian streets due to an ongoing strike by garbage collectors.The prosecutor filed the charges in response to a report submitted to him by public health inspectors. [31] European Commission announces eight groups for Descartes scientific awardAthens, 22/10/2003 (ANA) BRUSSELS (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)The European Commission on Tuesday announced eight international research groups (including one from Greece) selected for the final phase of the contest for the European Union's prestigious Descartes scientific award. The award, established in 2000, honors distinguished scientific and technological research taking place through inter-European partnerships and joint ventures. More than 900 scientists, who are members of 230 research groups from all over Europe, competed for this year's award. The eight research works selected cover a wide range of scientific and technological sectors such as the science and technology of informatics, geophysics, biosciences, engineering, molecular chemistry and the technology of materials. The works of the groups selected will be presented at the same time that the names of the winners for the 2003 awards will be announced during the award ceremony to be held in Rome on November 20. The total amount of the cash prize accompanying the awards amounts to one million euros. [32] Spain's Senate President meets Cyprus House PresidentNICOSIA, 22/10/2003 (CNA/ANA)President of Spain's Senate Juan Jose Lucas Gimenez announced to Cyprus House President Demetris Christofias the Senate's unanimous decision to approve Cyprus' accession to the EU.Gimenez was speaking during a meeting with Christofias who is paying an official visit to Spain at the invitation of the country's Congress of Deputies President Luisa Rudi. An official statement on Tuesday said that Christofias informed Gimenez about the Cyprus problem and expressed the Greek Cypriot side's readiness to work for a just and viable solution on the basis of the UN resolutions to the benefit of the people of Cyprus if possible before 1st May 2004 when the island will formally join the European Union. During the meeting, the friendly ties between the two countries were reassured while there was a commitment to further enhance relations as equal partners in the EU for peace and stability in the Mediterranean region and generally, the statement added. In a meeting with the President and representatives of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee and the chairmen of the Congress of Deputies and the Senate's Joint Committee for the EU, Jesus Posada and Josep Borrell respectively, Christofias referred to the recent developments on the Cyprus issue and exchanged views about the positive effects that will derive from Cyprus' accession to the EU. Christofias met also President of the United Left Party Gaspar Llamazares who expressed his party's solidarity with the just struggle of Cyprus for a viable solution to its problem. On Monday, President of the Congress of Deputies Luisa Rudi Ubeda expressed the hope for a Cyprus settlement the soonest possible. Speaking after a meeting with Christofias, she suggested that bilateral relations between the two parliaments should be further strengthened. According to a press release issued here, during the meeting the Cyprus House President briefed his Spanish counterpart on latest developments in the efforts for a political settlement, reiterating the wish of the government for a viable solution before Cyprus' full EU accession on 1 May 2004. [33] Parliamentary Forum calls for action against illegal migrationLIMASSOL, 22/10/2003 (CNA/ANA)The first Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Forum on Migration made an urgent call for a strengthened cooperation among participating states in order to combat criminal activities linked to irregular migration, such as trafficking and smuggling in humans.A final declaration issued on Tuesday by the Forum, organized here October 20-21 by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Committee on Migration, Refugees and Population, at the invitation of the Cyprus House, said ''Governments of Mediterranean and other European countries concerned were urged to take new action with a view to achieve regular and legal migration flows for the benefit of migrants, labor markets and the socio-economic development of all countries and regions involved.'' The Forum also gave its support to the proposal made to create an Observatory or Agency on Migration with participation, on equal terms, of Council of Europe member states as well as non-member states and recommended that the Committee on Migration, Refugees and Population should draw up a new report to be presented to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, on Euro-Mediterranean Migration - opportunities and challenges for closer cooperation. The declaration said the preparatory work for this report ''should be done in cooperation with Parliaments of Mediterranean non-member states.'' Furthermore it stressed that within the framework of the new Observatory/Agency, it was proposed to create a new Euro-Mediterranean partnership-project with the objective of informing potential candidates for irregular migration and particularly children and youth, of the dangers linked to clandestine migration. The Forum was attended by 80 Parliamentarians and Representatives of European and Mediterranean States - members and non-members of the Council of Europe - as well as representatives of international organizations and experts and discussed the long history of Mediterranean migration and its impact on the socio-economic and cultural identity of the region based on case studies presented by MPs from Egypt, Greece and Italy. Its also noted the important contribution of migration to the mutual understanding, prosperity and scientific achievements as well as economic and social development and debated the political, social and economic challenges which both generate and result from migration in the Mediterranean region, the impact of EU enlargement on migration in the region and the future prospects of migration management as seen from the Council of Europe. The Forum also stressed the importance of labor migration for socio-economic development and for mutual understanding among families, localities, regions and countries in the Euro-Mediterranean geographical area and noted the differences in population trends among participating countries and discussed possible political responses. Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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