Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-12-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] ICAO chief: Letter sent to Turkish gov't over airspace violations

[02] Int'l journalist groups condemn recent attacks against media in Greece

[01] ICAO chief: Letter sent to Turkish gov't over airspace violations

Reppas underlined that environmental policy issues constitute a top priority for the government.

On his part, the ICAO president said conclusions of detailed inspections recently conducted at the international airports of Athens, Thessaloniki and Iraklio, in terms of safety and security conditions, were extremely satisfactory and there is absolutely no concern as regards Greek airports.

Responding to press questions, González confirmed that complaints have been filed for violations of Greek airspace by Turkish fighter jets, adding that he has addressed a letter to the Turkish government pointing out that it has an obligation to strictly adhere to all ICAO regulations regarding airspace safety.

[02] Int'l journalist groups condemn recent attacks against media in Greece

The criticism follows two attacks late last month targeting the office of Moschos Voitsidis, the president of the Macedonia-Thrace Daily Newspapers' Journalists Union and the apartment of Panagiotis Nestoridis, the vice-president of EDOEAP, journalists' and press sector employees healthcare and supplementary pension fund -- an entity managed by its members and considered the best fund in the country.

"These actions are shocking and indicate a violent trend in attacks on media in Greece," EFJ President Arne König said. "We demand that there is a full investigation of these attacks and we call on the authorities to bring those responsible to justice."

An IFJ press release posted on the organisation's website stated:

"During this year, journalists and media were victims of violence, to the dismay and outrage of the journalists' Unions and society. In Athens, several attacks against buildings of newspapers and TV stations took place, producing considerable material damages. Last week, journalist Paschos Mandravelis, a well-known newspaper and TV commentator, has also been the target of violence at the Athens University.

"The EFJ supports Greek journalists who need determination and courage to practice their profession, regardless of violence and intimidation. The EFJ calls on authorities to take all necessary steps to protect journalists and media professionals from similar attacks and to act against impunity."

The EFJ is also considering the dispatch of a fact-finding mission to Greece to collect further information on the specific cases.

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