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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-10-24Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>October 24, 2003CONTENTS
[01] PM: Greece cannot send troops to AfghanistanAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)The development of European defense, NATO's new administrative structure, and the Alliance request for the dispatch of Greek army helicopters to (the NATO-led peacekeeping force in) Afghanistan were examined in Athens on Thursday at a meeting between outgoing NATO secretary general Lord George Robertson and prime minister Costas Simitis, which was also attended by foreign and defense ministers George Papandreou and Yannos Papantoniou.On the NATO request, Simitis said that Greece could not comply this time, due to increased financial requirements in 2004 in view of the Olympic Games to be hosted by Athens. Robertson, who arrived in Athens on Wednesday on a farewell tour of Alliance member countries, said that although he was disappointed with Greece's rejection, he nevertheless understood the Greek position. At the same time, he said he had no doubt that in the event of a UN Security Council resolution to expand the operations to outside the Afghani capital of Kabul, Greece would dispatch additional forces. Robertson said that a decision to reinforce NATO's presence in the region of Afghanistan was expected to be taken within the next few weeks, adding that NATO's presence in the region was expected to be a long one. He opined that the next NATO secretary general would renew the request with Greece after the conclusion of the Athens Olympic Games. On the development of a European defense, Simitis said that the positions held by the EU and NATO were ''very close'', and expressed the view that the problems would be overcome in the immediate future. The EU must have its own defense while also putting to use of its cooperation with NATO whenever necessary, Simitis said, adding that this was necessary many times. Robertson noted that discussions were underway between the two sides, aimed at avoiding antagonism and overlapping authorities between the EU and NATO. On the same issue, Papantoniou said that Greece backed autonomous operational action on the part of the EU, in cooperation with NATO. With respect to Greek-Turkish relations, he said that there were differences that needed to be resolved. Lord Robertson also spoke of the ''new'' NATO which, he said, needed to face new threats against the free world. He also said he looked forward to completion of a revision of Greece's defense strategy and the modernization of the Hellenic Armed Forces, which he said would be of aid to the Alliance in its dangerous missions for defending peace and combatting terrorism. The NATO air command centre in the Greek town of Larissa is slated to begin operation in 2008, while the timetable for the naval command and training centre at Souda, on the island of Crete, has not changed and is hoped to begin operation sometime next year. Robertson, who flies to Ankara later in the day, also praised Greece's role in the various NATO peacekeeping forces as well as its contribution to the development of a European defense. [02] FM to begin Latin American tour on SaturdayAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Foreign Minister George Papandreou will begin a tour of Brazil, Chile and Peru on Saturday, while on November 3 he will be participating in a discussion at the UN General Assembly on the draft resolution on the Olympic Truce, to be held at Greece's initiative.Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis told reporters that Turkey, as announced by its Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, will jointly sponsor the resolution's text together with other countries. The foreign minister has invited Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, 2004 Athens Olympic Games Organizing Committee President Gianna Angelopoulos Daskalaki and Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni to participate in the discussion at the UN General Assembly. During his visit to Sao Paulo, Brazil, Papandreou will represent Prime Minister Costas Simitis at the Socialist International's meeting and afterwards make a working visit to the country. He will be meeting Brazil's president and foreign minister. He will then visit Chile for talks with President Ricardo Lagos and Foreign Minister and Parliament President Isabel Allende. Papandreou will also make a working visit to Peru for talks with the political leadership, the president of the republic, the Congress president and the foreign minister. [03] Foreign ministry makes positive evaluation of Turkish FM's visit to AthensAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)The foreign ministry has made a positive evaluation of the visit made to Athens this week by Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul.''What we realized from Mr. Gul's meetings and talks both with Mr. Papandreou and from his meeting with Prime Minister Mr. Simitis, as well as with President of the Republic Mr. Stephanopoulos, is that the Turkish government desires, in the framework of its European course, to contribute to a solution to Greek-Turkish problems, as well as to the Cyprus issue,'' foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said. Beglitis added ''this, in any case, was also the message by the government and Mr. Papandreou during talks with Mr. Gul'' and stressed that on our part we confirmed the will to continue the effort at bilateral level for a solution to Greek-Turkish problems. The spokesman said that what Papandreou underlined in particular is the need for Turkey, and the new Turkish government, to contribute to a solution to the Cyprus issue by exercising necessary pressure on the Denktash regime for a resumption of negotiations based on the Annan plan. [04] Greek deputy DM in Albania this weekAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Greece’s deputy defense minister will travel to neighboring Albania on Thursday to participate in the annual meeting of SE European countries’ defense undersecretaries, the so-called SEDM initiative, which begins in Tirana on Friday.Deputy Minister Theodoros Kotsonis is also due to meet with his Albanian counterpart, Pavli Zeri, on the sidelines of the SEDM assembly for talks on bilateral defense issues. Additionally, he will also visit a Greek prep school (Arsakeion) in the Albanian capital before traveling to the northern port town of Durres, where a Greek military contingent (ELDAL-4) is based. SEDM stands for Southeast Europe Defense Ministers Cooperation Process. [05] Gov't denies role in initiatives for reconciliation of Greek Church and FanarAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Thursday denied any government involvement in two initiatives to bring about a reconciliation in a dispute between the Church of Greece and the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fanar, describing them as ''private''.The spokesman stressed that the government had not known about either initiative beforehand. Protopapas was referring to a visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate's seat in Istanbul by Piraeus Metropolitan Kallinikos, who was given an audience with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos on Wednesday, and a separate initiative by the former governor of the semi-autonomous monastic community of Mount Athos, Stavros Psycharis, who was also scheduled to meet with Vartholomeos on the same day. Since their visits coincided, Vartholomeos invited Kallinikos and Psycharis to take part in a single informal meeting, which Fanar took pains to stress as friendly rather than 'institutional'. Also taking part in the meeting were Demetriada Metropolitan Ignatios, who accompanied Kallinikos, and the deputy governor of Mount Athos, who accompanied Psycharis, in addition to three metropolitans attached to the Patriarch's staff. The talks focused on ways to overcome a crisis in relations between the Church of Greece and the Istanbul-based Patriarchate, regarding the administration of the so-called ''new lands'' in the north of Greece. In an announcement later, the Patriarchate underlined that no agreement was achieved during the meeting, since all sides agreed the issue should be examined by the synodic councils on both sides. Athens Archbishop Christodoulos, head of the Church of Greece, told reporters on Wednesday that he was aware of both initiatives and approved of ''all serious efforts that seek to achieve a peaceful solution'' to the differences between the two Churches. Sources said that Kallinikos had visited the archbishop on Tuesday and outlined the message he intended to convey to Fanar during his visit, something confirmed by Christodoulos in statements during an event at the Vatican Embassy in Athens to celebrate Pope John Paul II's silver jubilee. ''They are both acting with my knowledge and have my approval and we hope they succeed, that's the objective,'' Christodoulos said. [06] Ministers discuss Moslem education and conflict between Church, PatriarchateAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Costas Skandalidis, speaking to reporters after Thursday's interministerial meeting on issues concerning repatriated Greeks and immigrants, said necessary preconditions do not exist for Greek citizenship to be given to Odysseas Cenay, a pupil of Albanian origin living in the town of Nea Michaniona in northern Greece (he has not been living in Greece for 10 years but only seven).Skandalidis said citizenship is not granted as an exception even for humanitarian reasons. He said a law exists which must be applied and there is no ''loophole'', adding that ''it is inconceivable for me to violate the law.'' Questions made by reporters to Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Education Minister Christos Efthymiou focused on the issue of education for the Moslem minority, the case of Cenay and the conflict between the Greek Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate based in Istanbul, Turkey. On the question of introducing Turkish as a foreign language in first and second stage education at minority schools, Efthymiou said it will take place in the framework of upgrading education for the minority. Referring to Cenay, who found himself in the midst of a row at his school when it was argued that a pupil of foreign origin cannot hold the Greek flag during national holiday celebrations, the education minister said 110,000 children from 28 countries in Greek education must be incorporated with the admission by all of us that at school obligations and rights are exactly the same for all. On his part, Papandreou said human respect for the children of immigrants is an ''issue of major importance.'' Commenting on efforts launched on Wednesday to defuse the conflict between the Greek Church and the Patriarchate, both the foreign and education ministers said the issue should and must be settled in the framework of dialogue between the two supreme institutions of Orthodoxy. [07] SE Europe deputy DMs to discuss multinational brigadeAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Deputy defense ministers of southeastern European countries will be holding their annual meeting in Tirana, Albania, on Friday to discuss progress achieved in the framework of the SEDM Initiative on the multinational brigade of southeastern Europe, as well as the initiative's future activities such as cooperation in tackling the consequences of natural disasters.Deputy Defense Minister Theodoros Kotsonis has already arrived in the Albanian capital and held a meeting on Thursday with his Albanian counterpart and Initiative acting president Pavli Zeri. Their talks focused on bilateral cooperation in the defense sector, as well as regional security and cooperation. He also visited the Greek-Albanian College Arsakeio in Tirana. On Saturday, Kotsonis will visit the Greek Force in the town of Durres and meet with Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania Anastasios [08] Fourteen Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIRAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Ten formations of Turkish warplanes infringed the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) five times on Thursday, press reports said.In all cases the 14 Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by Greek jets, while in two cases the interception process developed into a mock engagement. It was reported that four of the Turkish warplanes recognized and intercepted were armed. [09] PM expected in Thessaloniki next month to speak on Balkan reconstruction aimsAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis is expected to visit Thessaloniki, northern Greece, during the second fortnight in November to speak on the course and aims of the Greek Balkan Economic Reconstruction Plan, Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos told a press conference on Thursday in the framework of the Research Institute of Southeastern European Countries' (INA) inauguration in this city.He also said the name of the Technical Adviser to undertake the monitoring of the Balkan Economic Reconstruction Plan's implementation will be announced on Monday, adding that a special office will be operating at the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace for the Plan's needs. Loverdos further disclosed that the Reconstruction Plan's Monitoring Committee will convene in Thessaloniki on November 3, while a delegation from Hungary is expected to arrive in the city on November 4 for talks on issues concerning the road network 10. [10] PM chairs government meeting on repatriated Greeks, Moslem minority, immigrantsAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis chaired a government meeting at the Maximos Mansion on Thursday, focusing on the plan of action and an account of measures taken for repatriated Greeks, the Moslem minority, immigrants and other special population groups (such as gypsies).Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Press and Media Minister Telemahos Hytiris said that within 10 days the special interministerial committee, which will examine certain pending problems primarily of a bureaucratic nature, will be announcing the taking of immediate measures to handle them. Hytiris confirmed that all these groups are handled on a basis of equality and enjoy the same opportunities as Greek citizens do. [11] Climate changes a top priority of EU environment policy, Prodi saysAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)The effort to counter climatic changes is one of the priorities of the European Union's environmental policy, and the EU is active both internally and internationally in the effort for instituting and implementing measures aimed at containing the human-generated impact on climatic changes, which could be exceptionally serious in certain sensitive areas, including the Mediterranean,'' according to European Commission president Romano Prodi.In a letter to PASOK former MP Prof. Theodoros Kokelidis, Prodi wrote that, at international level, the relevant activities were founded on the UN Framework Convention on Climatic Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol, which he said represented the existing international tools for achieving the ultimate goal of stabilizing the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere at a level that would avert dangerous effects on the climatic system, at the same time protecting it for the present and future generations. Prodi said it was important for this framework to be strictly in force so as to avert the creation of alternative means which would weaken the ongoing efforts instead of strengthening them. [12] Greek gov’t to present social reform bill in NovemberAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Greece's Labor ministry was currently studying ways to implement a more flexible form of social security procedures aiming to combat bureaucracy and to change the way of calculating pensions.The omnibus legislation, expected to be submitted to parliament by Labor Minister Dimitris Reppas in early November, is drafted by an experts' committee. More analytically, the new legislation will envisage that pensions will be based on new factors, pensioners could start receiving pension payments in steps (if their social security benefits come from different pension funds), and that the new law will not have a retrospective validity. The new legislation will integrate a series of special demands made by certain categories of social security holders that were not included in a previous social security reform three years ago. The draft bill was not yet presented by the government as the ministry was still in talks with third parties to finalize its proposals. [13] Greece risks losing EU funds, commissioner reportedly saysSTRASBOURG, 24/10/2003 (ANA/O.Tsipira)European Union regional policy commissioner, Michel Barnier, has reportedly said that Greece may lose a balance of 363 million euros earmarked for the country from the bloc's cohesion fund for 2003.In response to a question from main opposition New Democracy eurodeputy Kostis Hatzidakis, Barnier was quoted as saying that by September 30, 2003, Greece had committed itself to projects under the fund totalling 249 million euros, leaving a balance of 363 million euros from a total allocation of 612 million euros. Barnier was quoted by Hatzidakis as saying the money could either be given temporarily to another country that could absorb it with an equivalent sum to be claimed by Greece in coming years; or be permanently lost to Greece. [14] Garbage collectors to continue their strike for another 24 hoursAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Garbage collectors in Athens have decided to extend their strike for another 24 hours.The decision was reached late Thursday night by the Union of Local Government Employee Federations (POE-OTA). An Athens court on Thursday night ruled that the strike was illegal and abusive and threatened to impose a fine of 2,000 euros for each day the court's decision is violated. ND criticizes gov't over garbage strike: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) spokesman on Thursday sharply criticized the government over what he called its responsibilities for an ongoing nationwide garbage strike, an industrial action that has left tons of rubbish on city streets in unseasonable warm weather, particularly in congested greater Athens. “The government cannot wash its hands by passing on the burden to local governments and employees. It is with its responsibility that the Liossia landfill is once again closed. It is with its responsibility that a reliable system for managing solid waste hasn’t been promoted all these years. New Democracy has repeatedly brought the major issue of processing plant in Liosia to Parliament, something that would have solved the problem,” spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos said. In a swift reply, government spokesman Christos Protopapas cited ND's responsibility for the strike, calling on the main opposition to "state clearly" its position over the problem, and whether it believes strikers should end their walkout. [15] National Bank of Greece shows Q3 profit riseAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)National Bank of Greece, a heavily traded stock on the Athens bourse, on Thursday reported consolidated earnings before tax and minorities of 387.4 million euros in the third quarter of 2003, up 40.0 percent on the same period a year earlier.Management attributed the earnings rise to an increase in organic revenue of 10.6 percent and in keeping spending on staff and administration at the same level as 2002. The group's earnings after minorities rose by 38.4 percent to 382.5 million euros, National said in a statement. Group loans totalled 21.9 billion euros, showing annualized growth of 9.5 percent versus the end of 2002, the statement added. [16] Balkan & Black Sea Partnership forum to be held in ThessalonikiAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)The Balkan & Black Sea Partnership meeting for 2003 is to be held in the northern port city of Thessaloniki on November 17-18, organizers said on Thursday.The event is arranged by the Balkan and Black Sea Business Centre and the Association of Exporters of Northern Greece, funded by the foreign ministry. Expected to take part are 350 visiting companies from a variety of sectors that are to effect more than 4,000 meetings aimed at establishing cooperation. Details are available from the association's website at www.seve.gr/bbsp/ [17] S&B SA to acquire Bulgaria's Bentonit ADAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)S&B Industrial Minerals SA (former Silver & Baryte AEE), a listed Greek mining company, on Thursday announced the signing of a final agreement for the purchase of 96.8 percent in Bulgaria's Bentonit AD for an undisclosed sum.Bentonit AD is listed in the Bulgarian Stock Exchange. The acquisition is expected to be completed through a block transaction in the Sofia bourse within the next six weeks, while EIBank, a Bulgarian bank, is consultant and coordinator of the transaction. Bentonit AD reported sales of more than 9.0 million euros last year, while pre-tax, interest and amortization earnings (EBITDA) totalled 1.4 million euros. The purchase will offer the Greek company the opportunity to further widen its product range, currently offered to Greece, Germany, Georgia and Hungary and to seek expansion to new markets. [18] Greece seeks to attract 15 mln tourists by 2010Athens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Greece hopes to attract 15 million tourists from abroad by 2010 and 20 million by 2020, the president of the Greek National Tourism Organization, Yiannis Patellis, said on Thursday.Patellis said that 13.7-14 million tourists currently visited Greece, expected to rise to 15 million in 2004 due to the Athens 2004 Olympics. He added that despite Greece's attractions, it was unreasonable for people to have to pay 3.5 euros for an espresso in a plastic cup. Patellis was addressing a news conference ahead of the Philoxenia tourism trade fair to be held in Thessaloniki by Helexpo on October 30-November 2. [19] National Bank awarded for its custodian servicesAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)National Bank of Greece was voted as the best bank in offering custodian services to foreign institutional investors in the Greek market in 2003 by the US magazine ''Global Finance''.A National Bank statement said the criteria of the voting was the bank's credit rating, its presence in the specific investment services' sector, its efficiency in cost management, technological infrastructure, ensuring viability of its services and the effectiveness of servicing its customers. National Bank is offering custodian banking services to Greek and foreign investors, both private and institutional, and holds a significant market share in the sector. [20] ASE ends below 2,100-level on ThursdayAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Greek stocks remained under pressure for the second consecutive session in the Athens Stock Exchange, following a trend in other European markets.The general index ended below the 2,100 levels, at 2,092.19 points, down 1.65 percent on the day. Turnover was a moderate 118.4 million euros. Hellenic Telecommunications Organization’s shares led the decline and affected heavily the general index of the market, reflecting pressures in international markets. All sector indices ended lower, with the Textile (4.11 percent), Publication (3.34 percent), and IT Solution (2.24 percent) sectors suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day. The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 1.60 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index dropped 2.08 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 2.76 percent down. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 304 to 30 with another 25 issues unchanged. The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank and Papastratos. Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 62.1 mln euros Thursday Equity Index Futures: Stock Futures: Bond Market Close: Buyers lag sellers on Thursday Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond FOREIGN EXCHANGE Closing rates of October 23 2003 Parities in euro Banknotes For. Exchange Buying Selling US Dollar 1,188 1,160 [21] Athens, IOC agree on banned substance list for 2004 GamesAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Athens organizers (ATHOC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have reportedly agreed that next year’s 2004 Games will be the first Games where a list of banned performance-enhancing substances will be in force, complete with customs restrictions at entry points.The measure, part of efforts to combat doping, was among the topics discussed on Thursday by members of a high-ranking IOC inspection team and the Olympic Organizing Committee, as inspectors were briefed over a handful of programs managed directly by ATHOC – as opposed to venue construction, transports and security, among others, which are the government’s responsibility. In a briefing for an IOC committee chaired by Dr. Patrick Schamasch, the organization’s medical director, ATHOC officials promised to work with the Greek government so that listed performance-enhancing substances are banned from import into the country. Officials want the list, compiled by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the IOC, to come into effect on Jan. 1, 2004, while noting however, that no legal framework currently exists in Greece to ban the import of such substances. ATHOC has promised to carry out 2,321 urine tests on athletes during the Athens Games, including 239 specialized urine tests on the first four contestants in each sport, particularly for Erythropoietin (EPO). The inspection team, led again by IOC coordination commission chairman for the 2004 Games Denis Oswald, is on a three-day visit to the Greek capital. Other briefings covered sports federations, the city’s image during the Games, procurement contracts, marketing, health care and deadlines for completing the all-important International Broadcast Center (IBC). In a later meeting, Oswald was received by Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, who said the IOC was pleased over the latest developments with 2004 preparations. He also said a wide-ranging Olympic law is expected to be tabled in Parliament, one that deals primarily with the city's operation during the Games. [22] ND leader and IOC Coordinating Committee president discuss Athens Olympic GamesAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordinating Committee President Denis Oswald on Thursday held 30-minute talks with main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis who told him that his party supports the Olympic Games, looks upon them as a national issue and underlined that they must be advertised abroad.The meeting was held in the presence of 2004 Athens Olympic Games Organizing Committee President Gianna Angelopoulos Daskalaki. Karamanlis said the Olympic Games must not be used for party benefits, adding that according to all indications ND will be the government holding the Olympic Games and this is an additional reason for it to want them to be the best Olympic Games of all time. According to reports, Oswald said Olympic Games projects are on a good course, but noted that time schedules are tight. Oswald further said the Coordinating Committee's last inspection will take place at the end of May (meaning that the last inspection will be occurring after the general elections in 2004). No statements were made after the meeting. [23] Minister says IOC has very positive evaluation of Olympic Games preparationsAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, speaking after a meeting held at his ministry on Thursday in the presence of Athens 2004 Organizing Committee President Gianna Angelopoulos Daskalaki, said the International Olympic Committee has a very positive evaluation of preparations for the Athens Olympic Games.The IOC Coordinating Committee's President Denis Oswald was briefed on this issue during the meeting. Venizelos said the issue of the new Olympic Law was discussed during the meeting which ''we aim at being ratified by the end of November.'' He added that it will be necessary to ratify another Olympic Law by the time the Olympic Games begin, which will regulate operational issues for Olympic cities in accordance with the constitution and European legislation. ''By the end of April we will have reached the most advanced point in Olympic Games preparations and three very crucial months will be remaining for the holding of the Games,'' he said. The culture minister further said ''most of the Olympic Games projects have been completed and all crucial time limits to date have been met in a satisfactory way and so the discussion focused on certain projects which are being completed in accordance with the timetable.'' [24] Athens News Agency to become shareholder of European Photography AgencyAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)The Athens News Agency (ANA) will become the 10th shareholder of the European Photography Agency (EPA) as of January 1, 2004, both agencies announced on Thursday.The EPA, established in 1985, began its new global photography service on May 1, 2003, ''Since then the EPA has become one of the most important international photographic services for the mass media in Europe,'' said ANA general director Andreas Christodoulides. ''We are very pleased to accept the ANA as the 10th shareholder of the EPA, following the national news and photography agencies of Austria (APA), Belgium (Belga), Germany (DPA), Italy (ANSA), Holland (ANP), Poland (PAP), Portugal (LUSA), Spain (EFE) and Switzerland (Keystone),'' EPA board President Walter Grolimund said. [25] FM Papandreou speaks of importance of Olympic TruceAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)The importance of the Olympic Truce and the role of the Society of Citizens, particularly in view of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, was expounded on by Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Thursday in a speech he gave at an international conference on the theme ''Human Safety, the UN, the Olympic Truce and the Society of Citizens''.The conference which began on at Athens University on Thursday, is being organized by the Movement for Peace, Human Rights, Communication and Development (KEADEA) and the International Peace Bureau (IPB). Papandreou called for a collective effort to be made in order to combat such issues as unemployment, the pollution of the environment, epidemic illnesses and the violation of human rights. ''We cannot achieve security if the Society of Citizens does not function and if we have not first acquired legality,'' he said. Papandreou also expressed the hope that ''by 2005 we will see an independent Palestinian state, living peacefully next to Israel.'' The conference was opened by Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis. [26] WWII memorial to fallen Greek Jews to be unveiled by presidentAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos will unveil a new memorial at the Jewish cemetery of Thessaloniki, northern Greece, on Monday honoring the Greek Jews that fell during the World War II battles of 1940-41.The ceremony at the Stavroupolis Cemetery comes one day before the 63rd anniversary of Greece’s entry into the Second World War (Oct. 28, 1940) following an attack by fascist Italy from Albania. According to defense ministry records, 12,898 Greek Jews -- of which 343 served in the officers’ corps – were called for active duty and fought during the war. Five hundred and thirteen died on the battlefields of Epirus and along the Greek-Bulgarian frontier; 5,743 were injured, of which 1,412 seriously. Two Greek army divisions, in fact, the 50th and the 63rd were predominately comprised of Jews from Thessaloniki, a pre-war metropolis of Sephardim, as well as other towns across Macedonia. [27] 'Outlook' modern art exhibition to open in Athens this weekAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)One of the most ambitious and large-scale exhibitions of modern art ever attempted in Greece, the ''Outlook'' International Art Exhibition, is to open its doors to the public in Athens on Saturday at three separate venues flanking Pireos Street.Sponsored by the Cultural Olympiad and costing the astronomical sum (for Greece) of 2.3 million euros, the exhibition has taken three years to prepare and features over 200 works of art - including paintings, sculptures and installations - by 85 artists around the world. During the official opening on Thursday, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and exhibition organizers said 'Outlook' was being groomed as the top event within the Cultural Olympiad. ''This exhibition opens a great door for Greece and is a step toward acquaintance with international art. We hope that it will lead to a major dialogue between Greece and the rest of the world on issues that concern art today,'' Venizelos said. The works of art are on show at the ''Technopolis'' centre in Gazi (Pireos 100), at the Athens Fine Arts School's 'Factory' art gallery on Pireos 256 and at the new wing of the Benaki Museum, Pireos 138, which was inaugurated simultaneously with the exhibition. The new wing will also run a bookshop for art books and magazines. The exhibition will run until January 25 and is open every day except bank holidays between 10:00 and 20:00, while admission is free. [28] 4 Greek police officers hosted by Blackpool police dept.Athens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Four Greek police officers will be in Black pool, England until Saturday as guests of the local police force, part of bilateral law enforcement cooperation sponsored by the British embassy in Athens.According to an embassy press release on Wednesday, the main objective of the visit is offer an up-close look at Black pool’s “Nightsafe” initiative, which aims to combat alcohol-fueled violence and hooliganism. A patrol of the area’s nightspots as well as safety issues related to the latter are on the agenda as well. Two out of the four Greek officers are from Rhodes, the Dodecanese holiday island briefly catapulted onto the international limelight in August after three drug and alcohol-related fatalities – the most infamous being a bar room fracas that left one 17-year-old Irish-British victim with a slashed neck – were recorded in the youth-dominated resort town of Faliraki. The exchange follows a high-profile visit in late August to Rhodes by two senior Black pool police officers, at the height of media scrutiny on Faliraki’s raucous image. The other two officers are stationed on Crete and Corfu, respectively. Black pool is one of Britain’s premier tourist resorts with visitors all year round. [29] Houses at risk as wildfire rages unchecked on CreteAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)A fire that broke out earlier on Thursday in the Georgioupolis district within Crete's Hania prefecture was still raging unchecked despite the efforts of fire-fighters, threatening to spread to homes and buildings in the Exopolis settlement.Fanned by strong winds, the fire has so far incinerated fields, forests and grazing land, including sheep pens in the area, and at midday the flames crossed the Hania-Iraklio national highway, cutting off all traffic. The entire Hania fire brigade, reinforcements from Rethymno and firemen on foot from Iraklio were deployed to battle the blaze, assisted by four fire-fighting aircraft from above. Local residents also came out in force to assist fire-fighting efforts as the flames came dangerously close to their homes. Fire-fighting forces said they had managed to create fire breaks that should limit the extent of the damage, even though the fire was not yet under control. The extent of the damage is expected to be huge, however, though it will not be possible to make a precise estimate until Friday. [30] Lawyers for Georgiadis, Psaradellis argue for 'not guilty' verdict in N17 trialAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Presenting his final arguments in defense of his client Dionysis Georgiadis before the Three-Member Criminal Appeals Court, where 19 suspected members of the terrorist group "November 17" are on trial accused of a host of criminal charges, his lawyer on Thursday said that Georgiadis' association with the group was entirely coincidental.The attorney said the anti-terrorist squad had jumped to the conclusion that Georgiadis was guilty and that his client stood accused of being a member of the terror band without having ever participated in any N17 hit or been politically active. The lawyer also argued that a fingerprint belonging to Georgiadis that was detected on a movable object within the N17 safe house did not constitute proof of his client's guilt but was rather a counter-indication of it. Next to address the court was the defense for Theologos Psaradellis, with attorney Rania Karabliani strenuously asserting her client's innocence and saying the court had "no choice" but to acquit him. She stressed that her client was a well-known Troskyist and said he had ended up in the prisoners' dock as a result of taking part in a 1983 bank robbery that was unrelated to the terror band, because of an acquaintance with one of his fellow-accused and because of the benefits allowed informants under the new anti-terrorism laws. Psaradellis' participation in the 1983 robbery, to which he had admitted, did not prove his membership of N17 and he could not be convicted only on the basis of the "doubtful" testimony given by Christodoulos Xiros in the preliminary examination, she said. Karabliani said there were serious discrepancies with regard to times and places in the testimony given by Xiros about Psaradellis. The defense team for Psaradellis, whose second lawyer Dimitris Zotos began his address on Thursday, will continue presenting final arguments to the court on Friday. [31] EU-China to sign Approved Destination StatusAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)The European Union and China are expected to sign an agreement on Approved Destination Status (ADS), during a summit meeting by the end of the month, paving the way for Chinese tourists travel to the EU, and Greece.Greek Development Deputy Minister Dimitris Georgakopoulos, speaking to reporters on Thursday after his return from Beijing where he participated in World Tourism Organization’s annual general meeting, said that the draft agreement was ready for signing. Mr Georgakopoulos noted that the agreement currently was in the form of a memorandum of understanding, but stressed that there was room for a more strong legal formula. The Greek minister underlined that Chinese authorities accepted a provision in the new draft agreement that EU legislation (along with national legislation) did not allow for a preferential treatment of businesses and that all licensed travel firms could transact with authorized Chinese offices. Greece, after signing the ADS agreement, plans to set up a tourism office in Beijing and afterwards in Shanghai, along with a consulate to facilitate visa issuing. Tourism authorities will also promote the country ahead of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. [32] Gov't comments on biometric screening of airline passengersAthens, 24/10/2003 (ANA)Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Thursday clarified that the introduction of biometric screening through iris scans at Athens International Airport was part of a pilot program funded by the European Union and that participation was strictly voluntary.He also noted that the use of biometric information would be re-examined after a negative report from the Protection of Personal Data Authority. Responding to questions, Protopapas explained that the program only concerned Alitalia passengers traveling to and from Athens and Milan and sought to create a model for the biometric identification of passengers. He said the program was due to begin in November and end in April, while specifying that the card containing the data generated would be kept by the passenger. China has signed ADS agreements with 28 countries with the latest being Jordan and Mongolia. [33] European Parliament plenum approves report on trafficking of human organsSTRASBOURG, 24/10/2003 (ANA - O. Tsipira)The overwhelming majority of the European Parliament plenum on Thursday approved a report by British Eurodeputy RobertEvans concerning the trafficking of human organs and muscular tissues. The report referred to Greece's initiative for a draft decision to be issued to the Council for the prevention and restriction of this problem. The trafficking of human organs has been excluded from the framework of the relevant EU directives, something which constitutes a legislative void which the Greek proposal comes to close. At a legislative level, there are important differences between the member-states. During her intervention at the plenum, ruling PASOK Eurodeputy Anna Karamanou stressed, among other things, that over the past few years there was a reduction of transplants, particularly of the liver and the heart, in Europe. She said that ''this situation is exploited by organized crime which offers outlets through 'transplant tourism' with the transaction of complex trafficking networks which operate in such countries as Pakistan, India, Brazil, South Africa and China.'' [34] Weston begins contacts in Cyprus with optimismNICOSIA, 24/10/2003 (CNA/ANA)US State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston said he had a ''very good start'' to his meetings on the island here Thursday.Weston was speaking after a lengthy meeting with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, noting they had a ''very good meeting and we got a very good start''. He referred journalists to his press conference on Friday while when asked about the existence of observers to monitor the so-called ''elections'' in the Turkish occupied areas he said ''I have to collect a little more information before I answer that''. On his part, Foreign Minister Georgios Iacovou, who also met Weston this morning, said the US diplomat raised the issue of observers during his meeting with Papadopoulos. Iacovou said he informed Weston on the government's contacts with officials who lately visited Ankara and had conveyed their impressions from the Turkish politicians on the Turkish policy on Cyprus. Asked if the US diplomat is bringing anything different from Ankara, Iacovou said ''I do not think he has different impressions but his contacts allow him to offer different interpretations from the ones others have conveyed to us''. In statements after meeting House President Demetris Christofias, Weston said the two ''share the confidence that the accession of Cyprus to the EU and the eventual accession of Turkey as well are the two elements which are most important in ultimately solving the problem of the division of the island''. Weston said on Friday he will talk to most of the political leadership in the occupied north of the island. On his part Christofias said at the epicenter of the discussions is the ''elections'' in the occupied areas and that should there be changes after that, efforts must be directed towards the Turkish side to resume the soonest a dialogue which will continue until a Cyprus settlement. ''We hope that with our accession to the EU and Turkey's desire to become a member of the EU, will act as a catalyst for a Cyprus settlement'', Christofias added. Meanwhile, Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said the government welcomes the US interest for a Cyprus settlement, as this is outlined from the new Weston tour to Ankara, Athens and Nicosia. At the same time, he pointed out the hostile statements made by the occupation regime against the US policy. Commenting on the Weston-Papadopoulos meeting, the spokesman said it was ''good and informative'' adding that the American side ''maintains an optimism as far as a change in the Turkish stance is concerned''. Chrysostomides said Weston has an ''air of optimism that it is possible to secure a change in the Turkish policy, something however that does not look feasible in the future''. He further said that the US diplomat agrees with the government's view that a solution should be pursued before 1st May 2004. Regarding the arrival of observers to monitor the illegal elections in the north, Chrysostomides reiterated that the settlers' issue is a ''fundamental issue'' and wondered how it is possible ''any observers can ascertain the existence of settlers in the 'electoral' lists''. The spokesman added however that there is an admission on the part of the occupation authorities that from ''1974 until now a total of 53.904 settlers have been given the right to ÓvoteÔ and are in the lists''. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. [35] Barnier says solution will benefit both communitiesNICOSIA, 24/10/2003 (CNA/ANA)EU Commissioner for Rural Policy and Institutional Reform Michel Barnier said a united Cyprus entering the European Union will benefit the island, thus allowing cohesion funds to be released to the island to benefit both communities, especially the Turkish Cypriots.Addressing a gathering at the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday, he said Cyprus has not reached its final destination in Europe noting ''you are at the beginning'', expressing the hope that when a united Cyprus enters the EU, ''you will be able to defend your culture and identity and not give it up''. Earlier Thursday Barnier officially opened the restored Omeriye Bath, in the old part of Nicosia, which is part of the ''Partnership for the Future'' program funded by the EU through the United Nations Development Program and implemented by the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The ultimate goal of the project is to contribute to the peace-building process in Cyprus. In his speech at the Chamber of Commerce Barnier praised the role of entrepreneurs in Cyprus noting they have been ''leading the accession process'', adding that ''entrepreneurs have played a key role in the foundation of the EU'', something which continues. ''You have to make your accession a success and we are talking about a united accession'', he told Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, politicians, diplomats and members of the business community from both sides who attended the speech. The European project called into question has many challenges, internal and external, Barnier stressed and explained that as far as internal are concerned, an example is to ensure the continuation of the European project in its present state. ''We have to maintain the acquis, maintain our heritage'' he said, adding that things are different with the addition of ten more countries. One of the features of the new constitution is to eliminate the veto right, Barnier added, noting that with this right one country alone can bog down the process. With the accession of ten more countries, he said, there will be one third more territory and only five percent additional wealth, as far as GDP is concerned. The EU Commissioner said this expansion, although it will bring new blood and cultures into the EU, it also involves some dangers because it entails greater costs but the risks are greatly outweighed by the advantages. Among the external challenges the EU is facing is the population trends, Barnier said, stressing that in 25 years the EU will have 40 million less population and 140 million more on the other side of the Mediterranean base. Barnier praised the role of Cyprus, noting it is a crossing point of three continents and has a strategic part to play in the EU. ''The standard of living in the free areas is considerably higher'' he said than the other side, and announced 100 million euros will be released in the next three years to improve the lives of Cypriots. He expressed the wish that in the coming weeks the two sides will find an acceptable solution based on the Annan Plan so that the whole country can benefit from Community policy and cohesion funds. Earlier in the day Barnier described the opening of the Omeriye Bath ''an important and symbolic step'' for all the citizens of Nicosia, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. He said ''we can look to the future with optimism for a political agreement'' on Cyprus which, he said, can be achieved. The EU commissioner said that after meeting 40 young people from both communities, he can say that ''we need hope for the future'' to solve the Cyprus problem. Addressing the gathering, Interior Minister Andreas Christou said the baths were a ''meeting point for Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots'' and that with their restoration, the tradition which began 30 years ago in Nicosia is being restored. [36] British call on Turkish side to abandon 'rejectionist' stance on CyprusLONDON, 24/10/2003 (CNA/ANA)British Minister for Europe Denis MacShane stressed that Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos accepts the Annan Plan as a basis for negotiations, but statements made by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash suggest he rejects it.In a written answer to a question in Parliament by Labor MP Harold Best, MacShane said the ''best way'' forward ''would be for the parties to re-engage on the basis of the detailed settlement proposals presented by the UN SG,'' adding that the ''Annan Plan is balanced, practicable and compatible with the EU acquis.'' MacShane said ''President Papadopoulos has affirmed that he is ready to negotiate on this basis,'' adding that Denktash's ''latest statements, however, suggest that he is opposed not only to the Annan Plan but also to the UN Secretary General's Good Offices.'' ''We hope the Turkish side will find a way out of this rejectionist stance, in time to enable all Cypriots and Turkey itself to reap the benefits,'' he added. MacShane reiterated the British government's stance that ''securing a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus by 1 May 2004 and enabling Cyprus to accede to the EU as a reunited island, is in the best interests of all Cypriots and of the wider region.'' He said it is clear that a majority of people in both communities ''is also looking to their leaders to bring this about.'' Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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