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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-12-04

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

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

December 4, 2003

CONTENTS

  • [01] PM flatly dismisses latest round of succession rumors
  • [02] PM Simitis chairs meeting on Athens Olympic Games security
  • [03] ND leader arrives in Paris to attend EPP summit
  • [04] FM Papandreou says justice given in Loizidou case
  • [05] Alternate FM Yiannitsis comments on Euro-Med summit in Naples
  • [06] US Ambassador Miller visits Ministerial Council Secretary Kosmidis
  • [07] Ecumenical Patriarchate rejects Greek Church decision on 'new territories'
  • [08] ND leader Karamanlis confers with mayor Bakoyianni 'on all issues'
  • [09] Initiative for the Rallying of the Left founding declaration presented
  • [10] Environmentalists, real estate coops slam bill for forests as harmful
  • [11] Athens mayor inaugurates 'Network Athens' system
  • [12] Greek export growth rate exceeded import rate in Jan-Sept
  • [13] Privatization the only solution for OA, EU Commissioner stresses
  • [14] Business forum held in Athens
  • [15] Finance ministry strikers to have pay docked, sources say
  • [16] Greek mutual funds' assets eased 0.31 pct in November
  • [17] Greek stocks hit 2,200-point level on Wednesday
  • [18] Pakistani authorities to release 'Tasman Spirit' crew from house arrest
  • [19] Port authority evacuates passenger ship for fear of bomb
  • [20] SAE undertakes operation of Orthodox medical centre 'Evangelismos' in S. Albania
  • [21] Greece to be the honored country of the Arco artistic event in Spain
  • [22] Greek UNICEF Committee undertakes activities against xenophobia and racism
  • [23] Vienna residences of Greek personages discovered
  • [24] Diamantopoulou reviews European year of the handicapped initiative
  • [25] Confederation for disabled submits 2003 report to Parliament
  • [26] Conference on equality of the genders held in Athens
  • [27] Commissioner Verheugen defends Annan Plan
  • [28] Loizidou case must be implemented in full, say lawyer and Loizidou

  • [01] PM flatly dismisses latest round of succession rumors

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Wednesday again dismissed local press speculation regarding the possibility of his succession at the helm of the ruling PASOK party either ahead of next spring’s elections or after.

    Simitis spoke at a press luncheon hosted by the Athens-based Foreign Press Association of Greece, where he appeared confident PASOK will win a third consecutive four-year term.

    He again said elections will take place in either April or May without providing a specific date -- as the spring of 2003 essentially exhausts the current government's mandate.

    Moreover, he clarified that he is not interested in a possible move to a European position, ''I will remain in the country.''

    In citing two major goals of his government, Simitis pointed to the successful hosting of the 2004 Olympics in Athens next year as well as a viable and fair solution to the Cyprus problem, also in 2004.

    Furthermore, he dismissed any notion that another consecutive victory by PASOK smacks of a ''regime-like development'', saying Helmut Kohl in Germany, Margaret Thatcher in Britain and the Social Democrats in Sweden were elected to multiple consecutive terms in office.

    Referring to the main opposition New Democracy party, he said the party demonstrated aggressiveness vis-a-vis Turkey and still does not want to touch the issue of the Aegean's continental shelf. He also said ND has offered nothing new, especially in terms of income redistribution or doing away with inequities.

    Asked about the course of the Greek economy, he reiterated that GDP stands at around 4 percent annually, amongst the highest in a still recession-plagued European Union. Moreover, he said unemployment remains the number one social problem in the country, even despite a decrease of 3 percent in the joblessness figure.

    He also reiterated his government’s goal of real convergence with the rest of the EU, saying this can be achieved because more resources for development are now available.

    Turning to a standing Greek foreign policy concern, Simitis said so-called “elections” in Turkish-occupied Cyprus offer the population in the occupied territories a chance to “decide its fate”.

    “Whatever the result is after the election, a discussion on a solution to the Cyprus problem based on the Annan plan must take place. The international community has accepted the fact that the Cyprus solution must be solved on the basis of UN resolutions. This realization also holds true for Turkey, as well as for whatever (T/C) leadership emerges from the ‘elections’,” Simitis said, adding: “In fact, the election results will affect Turkey’s European prospects as well.”

    In reference to the long-awaited 1.1-million-dollar damage finally paid a day earlier by Turkey to a Greek Cypriot defendant (Titina Loizidou) who successfully sued Ankara in the European Court of Human Rights for depriving her of the right to enjoy and exploit her property (Kyrenia) in the occupied territory of Cyprus, Simitis said Greece and the Nicosia government disagreed with a CoE decision, insisting that the ECHR’s ruling be fully, and not partially, implemented.

    However, he said the positive aspects from the decision demonstrate that the break-away T/C pseudo-state is administratively dependent on Turkey, and that “Turkey is seen as responsible by the world for the occupied territories”.

    Queried about recent high-profile discussions regarding Europe’s defense prospects, the Greek PM said his assessment was positive, noting that he will take up the matter next week during his talks in Rome with Italian counterpart Silvio Berlusconi, followed by talks with Tony Blair in London.

    Asked about the closely watched issue of security for next year’s 2004 Olympics, Simitis said “everything possible is being done so we can prevent any type of threat. All possibilities must be taken into consideration in our plans. There’s already international cooperation with seven nations, and we’re working well with them ... the Olympics will be safe,” he stressed.

    In opening the question and answer portion of the luncheon, he noted that Greece backed the Commission on the issue of excessive fiscal deficits by France and Germany, adding that Athens had to ''evaluate, however, if the Council (Ecofin) would conclude without a result, or if it had to provide some result. Therefore, it (Greece) voted for the presidency’s proposal. Greece backs the Stability Pact and wants a common stance.”

    He added that he recently discussed the issue here with visiting Commission President Romano Prodi. Regarding the same issue, Simitis said it is nevertheless self-evident that emergencies (i.e. natural disasters) can justify deviations from the Pact.

    Finally, he again stressed that Athens has disagreed with the notion of abandoning the pact’s principles, although it believes that its operation must be safeguarded.

    ND reaction: In a terse reply to the premier's earlier statements, a ND spokesman noted that ''with all that he said, Mr. Simitis simply confirmed the end of his government. The people will judge him. Greek citizens will bring ND to power, a government that will unite all Greeks for a better Greece.''

    [02] PM Simitis chairs meeting on Athens Olympic Games security

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis chaired a meeting on the issue of security for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games on Wednesday night, while Public Order Minister George Floridis said after-wards ''the security program for the Athens Olympic Games will go ahead with scheduled exercises in February and March.''

    Floridis, as well as Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, said Russia has been added to the already existing ''Olympic Coordinating Group'' composed of the United States, Britain, Israel, Germany, France and Australia.

    ''We are facing the issue of Olympic security as an international problem, since we are organizing an international event of great dimensions,'' Venizelos said.

    ''We are moving on the issue of both the country's security and that of security for the Games on the way towards the Olympics and throughout their duration,'' he also said, adding that ''the government is handling the country's security in the framework of the country's legal order and the existing military security planning is being implemented by the Greek armed forces, always taking into consideration the simple fact that the country is a member of NATO and, consequently, Greek military planning takes into consideration NATO's general planning.''

    Venizelos went on to say ''we have been implementing a system of sincere and open international cooperation for some time at the level of security for the Games and the 'Olympic Coordinating Group' will be utilized in the best possible way from the point of view of know-how, through informatics as well.''

    The culture minister stressed that all available data has been included in the planning, including those resulting from the recent terrorist attack in Istanbul.

    Referring to the task of the joint venture undertaking security systems, Venizelos said ''we would like greater response to exist, greater speed and better cooperation inside the joint venture.''

    Foreign Minister George Papandreou said while leaving the meeting that ''we must not understand international cooperation on security issues regarding the Olympic Games as pressure on Greece, because before all us Greeks desire safe Games.''

    [03] ND leader arrives in Paris to attend EPP summit

    PARIS 04/12/2003 (ANA/A. Panagopoulos)

    Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis arrived here on Wednesday to attend the European Peoples Party's summit on the Intergovernmental Conference, at the invitation of former Belgian prime minister Wilfried Martens and French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

    Karamanlis will participate in a dinner on Thursday to which prime ministers and opposition party leaders of the European centre-right have been invited, while he might also have contacts with European prime ministers on the sidelines.

    ND attributes great importance to decisions to be taken since leaders will be turning up at next week's summit on the new European constitution with these positions.

    Karamanlis was briefed by his associates on the interview given in Athens by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and made no comment.

    However, leading ND officials believe that political developments might take place in January and do not rule out the possibility of early elections in February or March.

    [04] FM Papandreou says justice given in Loizidou case

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    Foreign Minister George Papandreou, commenting on the decision taken by the Council of Europe regarding the payment of compensation to Greek Cypriot Titina Loizidou by Turkey, said on Wednesday justice was given in the case of Loizidou and with the price paid by Turkey.

    Loizidou had demanded compensation from Turkey for depriving her of the enjoyment of her property after it invaded and occupied northern Cyprus in the summer of 1974.

    ''This decision is important because, precisely, it recognizes the right not only of Mrs. Loizidou but also of many others who have lost their property,'' he said, adding that it was also the result of the coordinated efforts of Greece and Cyprus over the past five years.

    The foreign minister expressed hope that the new year will be the year in which a solution will be found for the issue of Cyprus, in accordance with UN resolutions and on the basis of negotiations on the Annan plan, while there will also be the political will enabling this to become reality.

    Papandreou further said the Greek government has supported Turkey's European course and added that this course means respect for human rights and for the rules of the European Union and the Council of Europe.

    [05] Alternate FM Yiannitsis comments on Euro-Med summit in Naples

    NAPLES 04/12/2003 (ANA – F. Karaviti)

    The latest Euro-Med Summit of EU countries and third countries in the Mediterranean basin has decided to transform its current forum of MPs into a “Euro-Med” parliament, with the first such session taking place in Greece.

    The envisioned body would retain 240 members -- 120 from national legislatures on the sea’s southern rim and 120 from the EU. It will also ostensibly convene once a year.

    Meanwhile, according to Greek Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis, who represented Athens at the summit, the dominant issue on the agenda was the Mideast, with the consensus citing a lack of progress in peace efforts, whereas the frequently touted “road map” was termed as the “only choice” for normalizing the region.

    [06] US Ambassador Miller visits Ministerial Council Secretary Kosmidis

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    US Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller paid a visit to Ministerial Council Secretary Socratis Kosmidis in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon.

    According to clarifications by Miller, the purpose of his visit was to offer his best wishes to Kosmidis in view of the Christmas holidays.

    ''I have many friends here. These are days of Christmas and I came to wish a merry Christmas,'' the ambassador stated.

    [07] Ecumenical Patriarchate rejects Greek Church decision on 'new territories'

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    A letter from the Ecumenical Patriarchate rejecting the decisions of the Church of Greece regarding the ecclesiastical administration of the 'new territories' arrived in Athens on Wednesday, borne by Tyroloe Metropolitan Panteleimon.

    This is the latest development in an ongoing dispute between Phanar and Athens that erupted over the summer, which pivots mainly on the election of bishops in northern Greece.

    The Patriarchate's emissary stayed 15 minutes and refused to make any statements on his departure, saying he was not authorized to enter into talks with Archbishop Christodoulos, head of the Church of Greece.

    After receiving the letter, the Athens Archiepiscopate issued an announcement insisting on its position and saying it would examine the letter with ''due attention'' and judge its contents with the ''respect incumbent to the Patriarchate, alongside the dominant sense of responsibility toward the Autocephalous and Self-governing Church of Greece''.

    The announcement ended, however, with an appeal to let the faithful concentrate on the upcoming Christmas holiday undistracted and for all sides to ''work so that Christ's message of love and peace will fill the hearts of all''.

    The dispute between the Patriarchate and the Church of Greece was also the focus of a government meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and attended by Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Education and Religious Affairs Minister Petros Efthymiou and General Secretary for Religious Affairs Yiannis Konidaris.

    After the meeting, Efthymiou said that the government's position on the issue was unchanged from the start.

    ''The two chief institutions of Orthodoxy must relate with understanding, dialogue and perfect cooperation,'' he stressed.

    He ruled out any legislative intervention by the government, unless the two sides were in full agreement and jointly requested this from the Greek state.

    Papandreou reiterated the government's position on the issue and said the government was taking all steps that ''might contribute to the climate required for this dialogue and a final understanding''.

    [08] ND leader Karamanlis confers with mayor Bakoyianni 'on all issues'

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader and Athens mayor Dora Bakoyianni held discussions Wednesday ''on all issues''.

    During the 90-minute meeting, they discussed political developments and ND's course to the upcoming general elections, although they did not discuss organizational matters or whether Bakoyianni would sit on the ND election campaign committee.

    No statements were made after the meeting.

    Main opposition leader visits centre for children with special needs: Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday visited the Centre for the Recovery and Rehabilitation of Children in Voula and was briefed on the problems faced by the centre by the staff.

    According to Karamanlis, the 120 children currently staying at the centre are not receiving due support from the state, since the centre lacked key personnel.

    He also noted that the building had suffered damage from the earthquake in 1981.

    Karamanlis stressed that children with developmental disorders were "Greek citizens of equal standing" and had to be treated as such, noting that ND's program included the founding of a developmental rehabilitation centre focusing on early diagnosis and care and modern therapeutic methods.

    [09] Initiative for the Rallying of the Left founding declaration presented

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    A new effort for political cooperation in the Left was formally announced on Wednesday.

    The ''Initiative for the Rallying of the Left'', and its founding proclamation, were presented at a press conference by its founding members, all prominent personalities of the Left heading small groupings, who include Manolis Glezos, Yannis Banias, A. Davanelos, T. Christodoulopoulou, and Y. Theonas.

    Two of the fundamental elements of the proclamation are the cooperation of these forces in light of the upcoming general elections, and the initiative's strong anti-European character.

    In an extensive reference to the EU, the proclamation said that ''this Europe is not the Europe envisioned by the people'', and that ''we are opposed to this Europe''. It elaborated the Initiative's positions on a variety of issues, such as the war in Iraq, the downgrading of social rights, and the problems of racism and xenophobia, stressing that the Initiative's vision was ''a Europe of Democracy, popular prosperity, rights and freedoms for all'', and called for rejection of the European Constitution.

    [10] Environmentalists, real estate coops slam bill for forests as harmful

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    Greek environmental groups and real estate cooperatives on Wednesday staged a protest outside Parliament against the recently tabled draft bill for forest land, describing it as unconstitutional, anti-democratic and harmful to public interests, society as a whole and for forests themselves.

    The bill is currently being discussed before parliamentary committee.

    Members of real estate cooperatives, forestry students and the groups Social Action for Forests and Ecologist Greens gathered outside Parliament on Wednesday morning and presented a resolution to the Parliament's presidency.

    They said the bill declassified millions of acres of forest and that the government's aim appeared to be to turn forests into commodities.

    In the resolution, the protestors said they were fighting so that forests and the natural environment would remain in the public domain.

    The Ecologist Greens, meanwhile, stressed that the bill only addressed the problems of squatting and those seeking to illegally occupy forests, in a bid to ''buy votes and consciences'' before the elections.

    [11] Athens mayor inaugurates 'Network Athens' system

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni on Wednesday inaugurated ''Network Athens'' at the municipality's 1st sector Citizens Service Centre (CSC).

    ''Network Athens'' is the first integrated and comprehensive system serving local residents, consisting of the municipality's seven CSCs and a special ''Municipal citizens - 195'' phone line offering services to local residents over the phone.

    The network will also provide information on all upcoming e-vents organized by the Athens municipality and give an immediate response to complaints, reports and observations.

    According to Bakoyianni, the aim of the network is to create a direct and open channel of communication with the public in the Athens municipality.

    [12] Greek export growth rate exceeded import rate in Jan-Sept

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    A National Export Council meeting on Wednesday reported a small improvement in Greek exports in the first nine months of 2003 and noted that the import growth rate was smaller than the export rate over the same period.

    The council meeting, chaired by Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, also approved a package of 15 measures aimed to facilitate and promote exports along with seven strategy surveys and export growth programs.

    The export-support measures envisage simpler procedures of VAT return to exporters and registration procedures to a special exporters' registry, the abolition of a letter of guarantee for fresh farm produce exporters, modernization of customs, restructuring of an Export Promotion Organization and supporting competitiveness of exporting companies.

    The new export strategy includes plans to promote exports to the US, China, Canada and Turkey through a combined promotion campaign of Greek tourism and Greek products, particularly olive oil.

    The council's report stressed that implementing a new outgoing export policy was an ambitious and realistic goal. The new policy envisages raising the participation of exports to the country's Gross Domestic Product by three percentage points in the next four years, aiming to gradually reduce the country's trade deficit.

    The National Export Council is also promoting a program aimed to fully exploit the Athens 2004 Olympic Games by maximizing economic benefit from the Games.

    The plan aims to become Greece a "destination country" for commerce, investments and tourism.

    [13] Privatization the only solution for OA, EU Commissioner stresses

    BRUSSELS 04/12/2003 (ANA - V. Demiris)

    European Commissioner for transport Loyola de Palacio on Wednesday stressed that privatization was the only solution for the survival of Greek national carrier Olympic Airways (OA) and reiterated the Commission's support for the Greek government’s efforts to privatize the airline.

    Responding to questions during the regular press briefing, the Commissioner said that the privatization process for OA must fully respect Community law and said the Commission was waiting to receive all the relevant information from Greek authorities before it adopted a position.

    According to sources, the documents sent by Greek authorities to the Commission are now in the process of being translated, which should be completed by the start of next year.

    [14] Business forum held in Athens

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    Business activity is a basic strategy for economic growth, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos told a business forum held in an Athens hotel on Wednesday.

    Mr Tsohatzopoulos stressed that the implementation of a government-sponsored program, called "Competitiveness", "the government is achieving its goals with around 18,000 businesses already participating in the program."

    Commenting on a recent decision by the European Union to fund 56 infrastructure projects in the energy sector, the Greek minister said that "in periods of economic slowdown one cannot remain idle, we must find escape channels and state investments is one of these channels."

    Professor Gkikas-Hardouvelis, chief financial advisor to the Prime Minister's office, addressing the forum stressed that today's world was most accessible by small- and medium-sized enterprises. "Markets are more open because developed-nation governments have lowered their protectionism barriers and because technology has brought consumers closer to producers".

    Mr Hardouvelis stressed that new businesses' growth rate reached 11 percent annually in Greece, slightly higher compared with the US (10.2 percent) and 10 out of the EU-15 states.

    [15] Finance ministry strikers to have pay docked, sources say

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    Staff of the Greek National Statistics Service (GNSS) who are in the ninth week of a strike are likely to have their pay docked this month, union sources said on Wednesday.

    At the same time, the finance ministry is expected to launch a new initiative with strikers in a bid to end the walkout, the same sources said.

    The GNSS is a department of the ministry.

    [16] Greek mutual funds' assets eased 0.31 pct in November

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    Greece's mutual funds market value totalled 29.98 billion euros at the end of November, down 93 million euros 0.31 percent, from the previous month, official figures showed on Wednesday.

    A monthly report by the Union of Institutional Investors said, however, that the market's asset value was up 18.10 percent so far this year, while the number of mutual funds in the domestic market fell to 261 in November from 263 in October reflecting two mergers in the sector.

    Domestic equity funds reported a 3.29 percent rise in assets in November with their average return rising to 18.75 percent from 17 percent in October. The report said that 59 out of the total 68 funds in the category reported returns more than 10 percent in November, while 18 funds' returns exceeded ASE's general index performance (up 24.11 percent so far this year).

    Foreign and international equity funds reported high average returns, while domestic bond funds recorded a 2.49 percent decline in assets along with foreign bond funds (-6.14 percent), while international bond funds recorded an 11.32 percent rise in assets in the month.

    Domestic money management funds reported a 0.79 percent drop in assets and an average return of 1.98 percent so far in 2003.

    Combined funds reported insignificant changes in November, while domestic combined funds recorded an average return of 9.95 percent so far this year.

    Bond mutual funds saw their market share falling to 21.77 percent in November from 22.08 percent in October.

    Domestic bond funds' assets fell 2.49 percent to 5.16 billion euros, with net outflows of 127.94 million euros and an average return of 1.86 percent in 2003.

    Foreign bond funds' assets fell by 6.14 percent to 726.36 million euros with the sub-category's average return totalling -1.39 percent in November.

    International bond funds' assets rose 11.32 percent to 642.93 million euros with an average return of -1.51 percent.

    Money management mutual funds saw their market share easing to 52.01 percent in November from 52.25 percent in October.

    Domestic funds' assets fell by 0.79 percent to 15.44 billion euros, with a net average return of 1.98 percent so far this year.

    International funds' assets rose 2.23 percent to 150 million euros and an average return of -2.07 percent.

    Equity mutual funds saw their market share rising to 15.60 percent in November from 15.13 percent in the previous month.

    Domestic equity funds' assets rose 3.29 percent to 4.03 billion euros, with an average return of 18.75 percent in 2003.

    Foreign equity funds' assets rose 0.65 percent to 590.31 million euros and an average return of 9.95 percent so far this year.

    International funds' assets fell 6.97 percent to 55.06 million euros and an average return of 12.54 percent.

    Combined mutual funds saw their market share rising to 10.61 percent in November from 10.54 percent in October.

    Domestic funds' assets rose 0.53 percent to 3.02 billion euros, with an average return of 9.95 percent in the year.

    Foreign funds' assets increased by 13.89 percent to 8.51 million euros and an average return of 3.15 percent so far in 2003.

    International funds' assets fell 3.10 percent to 151.57 million euros, with an average return of 1.25 percent over the same period.

    [17] Greek stocks hit 2,200-point level on Wednesday

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    Greek stocks rose on Wednesday pushing the general index temporarily above the 2,200-point level in the Athens Stock Exchange.

    The index finally ended at 2,197.74 points, up 0.79 percent with turnover a heavy 251.1 million euros.

    The Publication and Construction sectors were the only ones to suffer losses (0.79 percent and 0.09 percent, respectively), while the Insurance (2.29 percent), Food-Beverage (2.13 percent) and Telecommunications (1.53 percent) sectors scored the biggest percentage gains.

    Telecommunications stocks were at the focus of buying activity and the biggest movers of the day, with trading in Hellenic Telecoms, Panafon and Cosmote accounting for more than 50 percent of the day's turnover.

    The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.99 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.62 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index jumped 1.29 percent.

    Broadly, advancers led decliners by 202 to 97 with another 60 issues unchanged.

    Bond Market Close: Buyers match sellers on Wednesday

    Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond

  • Yield: 4.57 pct

  • Spread over German bund: 15 bps

  • Most heavily traded paper: 10-yr, expiring May 2013 (825 mln euros)

  • Day's Total Market Turnover: 2.5 bln euros

    Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 89.3 million euros Wednesday

    Equity Index Futures:

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

  • Underlying Index: +0.99% percent

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

  • Underlying Index: +0.62 percent

    Stock Futures:

  • Most Active Contract (volume): Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (11,831)

  • Total turnover in derivatives market: 89.3 mln euros

    FOREIGN EXCHANGE

    Closing rates of December 3 2003

    Parities in euro

    For. Exchange Buying Selling

    US Dollar 1,2197 1,192

    [18] Pakistani authorities to release 'Tasman Spirit' crew from house arrest

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    Pakistani authorities on Wednesday bowed to pressure from the Greece and agreed to release the mainly Greek crew of the tanker ''Tasman Spirit'' from house arrest, though the Greek seamen are still forbidden to leave Pakistan.

    At a meeting on Wednesday between Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos and officials from the merchant marine ministry, who have jointly pressed for the seamen's release, the Greek government said it would continue coordinated efforts for the release and repatriation of the crew.

    The next step, according to ministry staff, was to lodge demarches with the International Maritime Organization, the International Labor Organization and to inform the appropriate European Union committees, seeking their intervention.

    The government officials also agreed that, at this stage, there should be very active involvement by the vessel's insurance and shipping firms in order to exert coordinated pressure on all fronts, while the two ministries said they would be closely monitoring the issue and hold more frequent meetings.

    The eight-member crew of the grounded Greek tanker ''Tasman Spirit'' were arrested by Pakistani authorities during the summer on charges of negligence in handling the ship's entry to the port.

    The tanker carrying 67,500 tones of crude oil ran aground outside the channel leading to Pakistan's main port in Karachi on July 27, causing the worst oil spill in Pakistan's history.

    It spilled 28,500 tones of crude. The rest was drained out.

    The spill contaminated several kilometers of eastern beaches, damaged marine life and mangrove forests and caused health problem for the people living nearby.

    [19] Port authority evacuates passenger ship for fear of bomb

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    The bomb threat against the ''Express Athena'' passenger ship was a hoax.

    The ship was evacuated 45 minutes before setting off the port of Rafina, Attica, on Wednesday as an anonymous caller claimed that a bomb was placed on the ship.

    Detailed search aboard the vessel by specialized personnel uncovered nothing and the ship, with 150 passengers, departed with a three-hour delay. The ship is servicing the Andros-Tinos-Mykonos route.

    In a related development, Merchant Marine Minister George Paschalidis announced a decision to establish a 10-member team of experts that will examine the improvements of measures and infrastructures for the speedy evacuation of ships in port and the better coordination of actions in cases of emergency.

    [20] SAE undertakes operation of Orthodox medical centre 'Evangelismos' in S. Albania

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    SAE President Andrew A. Athens and Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania Anastasios inaugurated on November 29 the Medical Centre ''Evangelismos" of the Orthodox Independent Church of Albania, in Georgoutsates. Through the Medical Program that SAE has developed since 1997 in countries of the former Soviet Union, it undertakes all operational expenses, as well as the equipment of the Medical Centre ''Evangelismos''.

    Athens expressed his pride for the cooperation with Archbishop of Albania Anastasios, to whom he conveyed the appreciation of all Hellenes Abroad.

    ''We will not stop to offer our help because we believe that by helping Hellenes in need, we help Hellenism and Orthodoxy,'' Athens said and expressed his certainty that the example of the Women of the Philoptohos from Canada that offered $ 170,000 to SAE for Hellenes in Albania, will also be followed by other Hellenic organizations around the world.

    The Archbishop thanked the SAE President for the cooperation stressing the fact that ''unity of Hellenism will be achieved through creational work that will support all those that stand by us.''

    [21] Greece to be the honored country of the Arco artistic event in Spain

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    Greece will be the honored country of the next Arco art exhibition that will open its doors in Madrid on Feb. 11, 2004 and it will be represented in the affair by 15 different art galleries from Athens and Thessaloniki.

    The event was announced during a press conference by Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos on Wednesday.

    Arco will be inaugurated by King Juan Carlos of Spain and Queen Sophia and it will include photography exhibitions, architecture and art, while 26 Greek artists will also participate in the ''Breakthrough'' exhibition event that is taking place in parallel with the Arco affair.

    Another parallel event of Arco, a photographic exhibition of Greek artists of the 1960s and 1970s will take place, as part of the Cultural Olympiad.

    [22] Greek UNICEF Committee undertakes activities against xenophobia and racism

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    UNICEF's Greek Committee has undertaken a series of activities aimed at facing phenomena of xenophobia and racism in the framework of its participation in ''Developmental joint action for equality and social cohesion," created for the implementation of the work of the Social Cohesion Forum.

    UNICEF has proceeded with the creation of a special anti-racist package for kindergartens and elementary schools which it has printed in 1,650 copies, while 748 educational anti-racist packages have been mailed to 536 schools in the municipalities of Athens and Aharnes.

    UNICEF is also participating in the subproject of creating school networks for the implementation of a pilot anti-racist program.

    The organization will also organize an intercultural celebration in the framework of the target of combatting xenophobia, racism and discrimination. The event will take place at the Athens municipality's indoor stadium on Strefi hill on December 14.

    [23] Vienna residences of Greek personages discovered

    VIENNA 04/12/2003 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

    The temporary residencies of Alexandros Ypsilantis and Ioannis Kapodistrias during their visit here for the 1814-1815 Council of Vienna were discovered by Vienna University Professor of History Polychronis Enepekidis.

    The Greek historian also discovered Nikos Kazantzakis' residence here, as the world renowned writer lived in the city during 1922 and 1923, while another discovery was that of the residence of banker Ioannis Stavrou, founder of the National Bank of Greece.

    [24] Diamantopoulou reviews European year of the handicapped initiative

    BRUSSELS 04/12/2003 (ANA/A. Simatos)

    Greek EU Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou, responsible for social affairs, held a press conference on Wednesday to review the results of the initiative ''2003: European Year for Persons with Handicaps''.

    The commissioner referred to the action taken during the year for the promotion of an action plan aiming toward the implementation of the legislative regulations against discrimination regarding persons with handicaps.

    Diamantopoulou also reviewed a series of events that were organized by the EU during the year, which aimed at sensitizing public opinion on the subject, while a special bus with informative material traveled throughout the Union, conducting a tour that included 211 events in 105 cities of 15 countries, events that were attended by a total of 80.000 persons.

    During the press conference, she also presented a report entitled ''2010: A Europe accessible for all'' that was drafted by a team of experts under the auspices of the European Commission, aiming to improve the accessibility of EU buildings to persons with handicaps.

    [25] Confederation for disabled submits 2003 report to Parliament

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    The National Confederation of People with Disabilities on Wednesday submitted its annual report on human and social rights for the disabled in 2003 to Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis.

    The report is delivered to the head of the Greek Parliament every year on December 3, which has been established as the National Day for the Disabled. It will be discussed before the Parliament plenum next Wednesday.

    It is entitled "People with Disabilities: Equal citizens. A National Action Plan for Disability 2004-2010. Reducing the gap between political goals and reality".

    As he received the report, Kaklamanis noted that up to 10 per cent of the population of Greece suffered from some sort of disability, a fact that Greek society as a whole did not seem to fully appreciate.

    "Our response and sensitization is necessary in order to assuage the problems, both of people with disabilities and of their relatives, particularly parents who fear for their children once they have gone," Kaklamanis noted.

    [26] Conference on equality of the genders held in Athens

    Athens, 04/12/2003 (ANA)

    A conference was held in Athens on the equality of the genders on Wednesday, in the framework of the Research Centre for Equality Issues' program and in cooperation with the General Secretariat of Equality on the equal participation of women and men in decision-making centers.

    Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Costas Skandalidis was the main speaker during the first part of the conference, while the speakers in the second part were women: Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Vasso Papandreou and main opposition New Democracy party Deputy Fani Palli-Petralia.

    Skandalidis said the Research Center’s campaign was of great importance for the participation of women in decision-making centers and the equal role of women in all sectors of society must be realized.

    Papandreou spoke of her own experience as a woman in decision-making centers and the problems she faced, as well as the mentality that exists even today in society according to which women are not considered capable of handling difficult issues.

    Petralia said that despite the fact Greek legislation is very progressive compared to the legislation of other developed countries, in practice inequalities exist in professional advancement and in remuneration.

    [27] Commissioner Verheugen defends Annan Plan

    BRUSSELS 04/12/2003 (CNA/ANA)

    Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen, in an intervention before the Belgian Senate on Wednesday, defended the Annan Plan for a Cyprus settlement, describing it as the best foundation for negotiations.

    He added that the UN Secretary General had said he would become involved again in the negotiations provided political will is ascertained from both sides.

    Verheugen pointed out that it is in Turkey's interest to find a solution before 1st May 2004. ''The solution is not in Mr. Denktash who thinks that he can drag the rest of the world with him for too long. Developments can come from New York, Ankara, Athens, Nicosia and Brussels,'' he said.

    Verheugen was speaking before the Belgian parliament within the framework of hearings organized by the Foreign Affairs Committee, on the Cyprus problem and in view of the report, which the Committee will draft on Cyprus.

    Senator Francois Roelants du Vivier said the Senate would hand the report to the Belgian government early next February.

    He said the aim of the report would be to use the window of opportunity, which exists until 1st May 2004, to find a solution to the island's division, adding that on 1st May, the EU would be confronted with a member state of which a part of its territory will be under a unique situation since it will have troops of another state, which is seeking to enter the EU.

    Du Vivier said this was a unique situation that constitutes a problem as far as the EU's security is concerned and for this reason the Senate wants to help the interested parties find a solution.

    Verheugen said that with the Annan plan a window of opportunity has opened and there is no alternative. He said whoever thought there was another plan that could be acceptable, was doomed to fail. There cannot be other proposals or possibilities, Verheugen said, adding that the plan is balanced, it is the best foundation for a solution and he fully supports Kofi Annan's view that the UN should not be involved again before political will is exhibited by both sides in a credible manner.

    He said Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos has informed all his visitors that he is ready to resume the negotiations and that he is looking for a solution within the framework and parameters of the Annan Plan. However, he said he could not say the same thing for Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash who in a very clear manner has said the Annan Plan is dead and buried and a solution cannot be found on the basis of this plan.

    The German Commissioner expressed the view that the peace process should continue. He said on 14th December there would be ''elections'' in the Turkish occupied areas of the island, which are recognized only by Turkey. Politically speaking, they have no value.

    Without recognizing the illegal regime, he added, these ''elections'' will possibly have value if the Turkish Cypriot opposition wants a reunification, a solution. At that moment, Verheugen noted, the road to a solution will open because the Turkish Cypriot opposition wants a reunification, a solution based on the Annan Plan and they want to enter the EU. ''We have signs that these elections will not be like the elections we know, regarding their democratic framework, but we insisted that Turkey should not be involved in Cyprus issues,'' Verheugen added.

    He noted that often persons who have been given the right to vote are of Turkish origin. The Commissioner said that a solution by 1st May 2004 is desirable and that the opposition's victory would allow the resumption of the peace process.

    Regarding Turkey, the Commissioner said a Cyprus settlement is not a precondition for accession to the EU, noting however that there is a political relationship between the two issues. He said Turkey does not hold all the keys to a solution in its hands, but if no solution is found by that time, then the issue will become complicated. It is a legal problem and Turkey will not recognize the Republic of Cyprus, ''therefore we have a candidate country (Turkey) which will not respect the rules,'' he said.

    Verheugen noted that the UN Security Council has repeatedly said that the presence of Turkish troops in Cyprus is contrary to international law and an accession agreement with a country with troops in another is incomprehensible.

    [28] Loizidou case must be implemented in full, say lawyer and Loizidou

    NICOSIA 04/12/2003 (CNA/ANA)

    There must be moves to persuade Turkey to implement in full a European Court of Human Rights judgment relating to the case Greek Cypriot Titina Loizidou won against Ankara for violation of human rights, Loizidou and her lawyer Achilleas Demetriades said on Wednesday.

    On Tuesday Turkey paid Loizidou over one million dollars in compensation for the loss of use of her property in Turkish occupied Cyprus but discussion on allowing Loizidou peaceful enjoyment of her property has been deferred to a later stage, after member states of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe put forward proposal on the matter at the end of 2005.

    ''The decision to resume consideration of the execution of this part of the Court ruling in due time, taking into consideration proposals to do so at the end of 2005 is not binding for the member states,'' Demetriades said.

    He pointed out that discussion on this aspect could start on Thursday, if member states agree to do so.

    He described the payment of damages to Loizidou ''a huge retraction'' on the part of Turkey from its initial positions and a ''very big success'' for the Greek Cypriot side.

    Demetriades also stressed that the payment signifies that Turkey is forced to accept its responsibilities in occupied Cyprus, that its puppet regime in occupied northern part of Cyprus has no international personality and consequently Turkey is responsible for what happens in occupied Cyprus and that it recognizes the validity of title deeds of Greek Cypriots in the occupied areas.

    ''Turkey has accepted to execute the Court decision after pressure and I believe it is a huge concession on its part, a retraction from its initial stance and a huge success for our side,'' Demetriades added.

    Replying to questions, Demetriades said he expects the issue to be taken up at the next meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which on Tuesday adopted by majority vote, two resolutions on the Loizidou case.

    Replying to questions, Loizidou said she knew all along this court case would be difficult but said she had no idea how painstaking and long it would be. ''I have always been sure that the judgment will be implemented,'' she said.

    She also said that she would use the compensation money to develop her property in occupied Cyprus.

    Loizidou filed her application in 1989. The Court said in December 1996 that Turkey is guilty of human rights violations and ordered Ankara to allow Loizidou access to her property to enjoy it peacefully and pay her damages. In 1998 the Court said Turkey should pay compensation amounting to 900,000 dollars to Loizidou for loss of use of her property.


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