Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-01-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier calls for an end of paternalistic state and total transparency in dealings with citizens

[02] Gov't on removal of US nuclear weapons from western Greece base

[03] PASOK MP and opposition deputies ask for Parliament resolution on use of DU bombs

[04] No DU link to disease, Solana claims

[05] Greek, Bulgarian defense ministers discuss DU scare, joint cooperation

[06] Greek armed forces check every food procurement, defense minister says

[07] Britain's foreign office minister in Athens for talks on counter-terrorism issues

[08] New US Secretary of State says US will support unconditional resumption of proximity talks on Cyprus

[09] Russian made S-300 missile system to be redeployed

[10] Blue chips lead ASE to recovery

[11] National Bank chief meets industrialists

[12] Intrasoft signs strategic deal with Turkey's Gantek Technologies

[13] Heracles Cement elects new chairman

[14] Greece seeks membership of European space group

[15] V-PRC denies 'Karfi' report that it will donate stake in company to Avramopoulos' party

[16] Ministers say no risk from foodstuffs imported from Yugoslavia

[17] Composer Ianis Xenakis awarded honorary doctorate by Thessaloniki University

[18] Poll shows Greeks "cautious" on voting rights by non-EU nationals

[19] Unknown vandals demolish Greek minority school in Gjirokastr, Albania

[20] Natural gas-powered buses to be launched Thursday

[21] Thessaloniki Metro project to be carried out on schedule

[22] Athens, Epidauros 2001 festival program announced

[23] UN Special Adviser to visit

[24] Belgian State Secretary for Foreign Affairs arrives

[01] Premier calls for an end of paternalistic state and total transparency in dealings with citizens

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

The end of the post-dictatorship era calls us to organize a new political system free from the weights of the past. That is exactly what we are aiming for with the amendments to the constitution, Simitis said, adding that the new constitution will prove to be a great weapon against those who insist in refusing progress, to those that feel accommodated in the ruins of the old state powers.

It is an important weapon against those who continue to think that rights and democracy can be objects of negotiations ... a main weapon against intolerance, flag-waving, racism, xenophobia, the premier noted.

The second focal point of Simitis speech centered on individual rights, which he called an essential component for the development of citizens' personality, saying, it is a radically different attitude in relation to the state paternalism of the past.

He said that the amendments would shield the independence and development of every citizen and person who lives in Greece. It will become the springboard for the freeing of the creative forces of our society to follow on the way of its radical modernization.

"The amendments to the Constitution are the pinnacle of efforts (to provide freedoms and democratic rights for citizens). It is a mark that consolidates the gains of the past few years in constitutional form and heralds a new period of important initiatives for the reinvigoration of our democracy," Simitis said.

"The amendments are focused on two targets: the strengthening of the rights of citizens and the rule of law, and the consolidation of the credibility of democracy," he said, adding "the new rights for the participation in the information era, for the protection of private personal information, for the protection in light of the developments of bio-medicine, express in the best possible way the strengthening of the individual rights the new constitution wants to safeguard".

The premier also said that the amendments were designed to provide for transparency in the dealings of citizens with the state with the Constitutional establishment of independent "authorities" charged with the protection of citizens' rights, saying that efforts to date aimed at "consolidating the belief that our political system does not operate with the use of personal relationships, favoritism towards party members and non-transparent processes".

He called the proposed amendments to the Constitution one of the most important initiatives of the PASOK government since its election victory in 1993, and closed his address noting that he and his government were fully conscious of their historic responsibility to apply the principles of the new constitution in every day life.

ND leader says his party will seek climate of consensus in constitution amendment debate: Addressing Parliament on Wednesday, on the first day of the debate on proposed constitutional amendments, main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis said his party will seek a climate of consensus during the debate and pointed out that "there is no question of party discipline on our part."

Karamanlis said a "ruthless attempt to manipulate political life is taking place, crucial political decisions are dictated and imposed on the government by elements lying outside institutions and the exercising of power is slipping from institutional centers to parameters lying outside institutions".

"An extremely dangerous situation is being shaped of interdependence between politics, economic power and those who shape public opinion which conflicts with legality and the public interest and deals a blow at the development process and the interests of the taxpayers, consumers and businessmen at the cost of democracy and falsifies popular sovereignty," he said.

Karamanlis also placed emphasis on the issue of consolidating transparency, regarding both the finances of political parties and candidates, as well as the structure and operation of the mass media.

He further called for the shielding of the democratic form of government with institutions and apparatuses which are necessary for the protection of democracy's essence and quality and "for the country's riddance from the morbid and decadent phenomena of the recent past".

"It is necessary for us to act with courage and unselfishness, to ignore whatever political cost, to look at tomorrow and forge ahead," he said, adding that "we are undertaking our responsibilities directly. It is time for the government and the majority supporting it to undertake their own great responsibilities."

Other Party Leaders: Outlining her party's policy during the debate, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga said "the new constitution is being amended on a more reactionary basis and the lesser evil for us would be for it to stay as it is."

Referring to article 28 on rules concerning international law and international treaties, she said it "legalizes the prevalence of international barbarism in all its forms."

Papariga said on the enactment of a Foreign Policy Council that "the more consensually it functions the more its results will be dangerous" since the country's foreign policy "is being crystallized in the logic of the new doctrine of NATO and the EU."

She also warned that individual rights and data cannot be protected at a time when the country is participating in the Schengen Treaty.

Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos said on his part that "the amendment is attempting to manage legally the aspects of certain problems. It lacks radical directions and does not bring changes."

Constantopoulos said consensus among parties cannot be requested by PASOK and ND on the widening of the private sector at the expense of the public one or on the limitation of the independence of justice, while accusing the two mainstream parties of lacking ideological characteristics in the amendment process.

Venizelos: The debate on revising the Constitution began in Parliament on Wednesday before a full house, with a presentation by PASOK house sponsor Evangelos Venizelos, also Culture minister.

In statements regarding the contents of the revision proposed by PASOK, Venizelos said it focused on protecting the individual in the information and biotechnology society, on promoting participation by citizens, the principle of consensus and the principle of transparency.

PASOK's sponsor also complained that aspects of the constitutional revision which he considered important had been largely ignored by the mass media because they had not excited controversy and did not make good news fodder.

Among the important issues that this revision addressed, according to Venizelos, were those of regulating party finances and so-called political money, the electoral system and how this is altered and the legal and social position of women.

The debate which began on Wednesday is expected to be completed in about three months time, after which the proposed revisions will go to a vote. Revision of the Greek Constitution cannot be carried out by every Parliament but by Parliaments that have been mandated to amend specific clauses in the Constitution by the Parliament that precedes them.

The present Parliament has to decide on proposed amendments to 115 articles of the constitution. Of these, 108 were approved by the previous Parliament with a majority of more than 180 votes, which means that a simple majority of 150 votes is needed for them to be passed. The remaining seven did not get 180 votes in the previous Parliament and therefore require at least 180 yea votes to be passed this time round.

The seven articles in question are art. 4 that constitutionally establishes alternative national service, art. 28 and 36 on the ratification of international agreements signed by Greece, art. 100 on the control of the constitutionality of laws by supreme court plenary, art. 93 on making public the views of the minority in court decisions, art. 80 on recording salaries in the budget and finally art. 32 on the process of electing a President of the Republic.

Restrictions to media ownership and financial dealings with state to apply for those with minimum percentage: PASOK's house sponsor for the revising the Constitution, Culture minister Evangelos Venizelos, said on Wednesday that restrictions to being a public-sector contractor or supplier and an owner of mass media enterprises would only apply to people that had some minimum percentage of shares that gave them some realistic relation to the company in question.

Venizelos was reacting to newspaper reports regarding amendments to article 14 of the Constitution, which will forbid simultaneous media ownership and financial dealings with the state.

"As I have repeatedly said...the wording of article 14 as regards the constitutional status of the mass media is that which was decided on at PASOK's initiative by the Revision Committee, with all the restrictive clauses concerning related persons - such as relatives, investment firms and others - and possible infringements etc."

The only issue that has to be specified is the minimum number of shares that a person must have in order for the restrictions to apply. It is obvious that, according to the thinking of the Revision Committee, it is not enough for someone to have one or two shares but some measurable percentage. In other words, some relation with the controlled company. This is PASOK's clear and given position," he said.

Criticism of proposed amendments by the parties in the opposition: Commenting on the start of the debate on amending the Constitution in Parliament, which began on Wednesday before a full house, Greece's opposition parties offered very different interpretations to those of PASOK house sponsor and Culture minister Evangelos Venizelos, who described the proposed revision as "bold," "adequate" and "progressive."

The sponsor for main opposition New Democracy, Ioannis Varvitsiotis, conversely, criticized the government for timidity over not including an amendment on the powers of the President of the Republic in this session, for retaining the "state monopoly" on tertiary education and for not accepting ND's proposals for changes to the regulations granting immunity from prosecution to Parliamentary deputies.

Varvitsiotis said his party would stand fast on its positions regarding the process for determining the ownership status of mass media enterprises.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) sponsor Antonis Skylakos said that both the large parties had banded together to produce conservative amendments to a series of issues, while failing to address the true needs of society in other areas.

Coalition of the Left sponsor Fotis Kouvelis blamed both PASOK and ND for not promoting the separation of Church and State and called for centers of power to be transferred from central government to society, while he opposed amending article 32 on the way of electing a President of the Republic. He supported giving citizens the right to call national referendums, reforms to MP immunity and establishing direct proportional representation.

[02] Gov't on removal of US nuclear weapons from western Greece base

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

The weapons were being loaded onto transport aircraft for relocation to a US base in Aviano, Italy, according to defense sources.

The Araxos base, which hosts a NATO command and has been in operation since 1978, also had US troops stationed at the site in addition to some 70 Greek civilian employees

The government spokesman later confirmed the nukes' removal in a brief statement, saying only that NATO makes "certain choices made at various times" in collaboration with the Greek government.

Other press reports noted that the NATO unit at the Araxos base is being shut down, with personnel to transfer and facilities returned for use to the Greek air force.

Meanwhile, in an ANA dispatch from Brussels, both high-ranking NATO officials and the US representation to the alliance declined comment on the question of removal of nuclear weapons from Araxos.

Asked to comment, a spokesman for the alliance's supreme headquarters for Europe (SHAPE) noted that "at this phase there isn't any official reaction by the headquarters."

[03] PASOK MP and opposition deputies ask for Parliament resolution on use of DU bombs

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

The MPs ask that the Greek Parliament send a resolution to NATO's secretary general, to the European Parliament and the European Commission president, asking for clear information on the consequences of NATO bombing so that NATO member-states can undertake joint initiatives on this issue and so that the use of bombs and weapons containing radioactive materials be completely banned.

According to an ANA report from Strasbourg, meanwhile, a full session of the European Parliament approved a resolution on Wednesday afternoon which asks NATO member states to suspend the use DU weapons until the results of research on depleted uranium have been published.

[04] No DU link to disease, Solana claims

PARIS, 18/01/2001 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

Addressing Europarliament deputies during a session examining a joint proposal on the "Balkan Syndrome", Solana called on Eurodeputies to recount the way with which the events begun.

"We should not forget how matters were historically. The first reason was that a problem existed in Bosnia. The deep and horrible violation of human rights which the European Parliament itself repeatedly denounced. We undertook action with good intention, just as any democratic country wishing to defend the rights of those who were deprived of them," he said.

He reminded deputies that they themselves had ratified many important resolutions on Kosovo in the Parliament, meaning that they had every opportunity to express possible doubts.

Referring to the "Balkan Syndrome" in particular, Solana said "a rational way should be adopted to seek the truth and we should base our conclusions on facts and not suppositions which have not been ratified by facts."

Solana said the next step is the examination of all the scientific material available on January 22, at the first General Affairs Council during the foreign ministers' meeting.

Reacting to Solana's address, the head of the PASOK party's Eurodeputies George Katiforis said "the effort by NATO's former secretary general and current Common Foreign Policy and Defense Policy representative to seek accomplices in NATO's bombings in Yugoslavia is an indication of cowardice."

Addressing Solana, Katiforis said "the mandate you had to take action in Yugoslavia did not cover the use of weapons which the conscience of mankind rejects and whose possible toxicity was known to the military leadership but not the members of the European Parliament. If now you feel threatened before revelations which are coming, your seeking of accomplices in Parliament is simply an indication of cowardice and bad taste."

The head of the main opposition New Democracy party's Eurodeputies Antonis Trakatellis, who promoted the proposal for a joint resolution on the "Balkan Syndrome" with his German colleague Mr. Brok on behalf of the EPP-ED group, said he had raised the issue with the Commission since 1999 "on whether depleted uranium is being used in Kosovo."

The relevant Commissioner Walstrom had replied to Trakatellis that "she had not yet been briefed on the use of depleted uranium."

Commenting on Solana's address, Coalition of the Left and Progress Eurodeputy Alekos Alavanos denounced him for making "an immoral effort to present the European Parliament as his accomplice in responsibilities for the 'mini' nuclear war in the Balkans."

He called on Parliament President Nicole Fontaine to summon Solana to give explanations immediately "why and how the go-ahead was given for the dropping of depleted uranium bombs."

Alavanos also wondered whether it was possible for Solana to remain Common Foreign Policy and Defense Policy representative at a time when accusations have been leveled against him for crimes against humanity.

Serb environmentalists claim meteoric rise in cancer deaths after war in Yugoslavia: Members of a Serb environmental group speaking at a press conference in Thessaloniki on Wednesday, claimed that the depleted uranium (DU) bombs used in Yugoslavia and pollution resulting from NATO bombings have led to a rise in cancer deaths, leukemia and other tumors that in some areas touches on 200 per cent.

According to the data presented to reporters by Budomar Babic and Biliana Tomasovic, nationwide cancer rates in Yugoslavia after the war have increased by 30 per cent. In the areas that were bombed, meanwhile, such as Mitrovica where one in 100 residents has developed leukemia, this increase is nearer 200 per cent.

The consequences of the war in Bosnia, they added, are even more serious. According to the Serb ecologists, 500 out of 5,000 Serbs transferred to the Serb quarters of Sarajevo and Bosnia five years ago have since died of leukemia and other cancers.

As well as blaming NATO, the Serb ecological movement also criticizes the Yugoslav government for suspending the operation of the environment ministry.

The two speakers were in Thessaloniki at the invitation of the city's Ecological Movement

[05] Greek, Bulgarian defense ministers discuss DU scare, joint cooperation

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

Bilateral defense cooperation between the two Balkan neighbors was also discussed during talks Greek defense minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos had with his visiting Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Noev.

Regarding DU contamination, especially in the troubled province of Kosovo, both men reiterated that their defense ministries have taken all the necessary safety measures for their troops there, while calling for "greater transparency" by international organizations regarding the issue that burst onto the international limelight this year.

Both Greek and Bulgarian military personnel are participating in the international peacekeeping mission administering Kosovo.

Asked about Sofia's NATO prospects, Tsohatzopoulos forecast that the alliance will decide on expansion next year, and following the position that the new US administration will take on the issue.

Additionally, when asked about the continuing presence of Greek troops in Kosovo, Tsohatzopoulos echoed previous Greek government statements, saying such a presence serves the interests of both the international community and Greece.

The Greek minister was responding to reporters' questions and a barrage of recent local press reports citing purported widespread reluctance among Greek military cadres to sign up for a tour of duty in Kosovo.

He also stressed that "no one will go there (to Kosovo) against his will, and no one will remain in the region against his will."

According to reports, some 200 Greek soldiers who requested a transfer after the DU scare broke out are scheduled to return home on Monday.

[06] Greek armed forces check every food procurement, defense minister says

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

His statements came in response to reports by an Athens daily newspaper, which claimed that unsuitable meat was found in Army procurements from Italy, where beef contaminated with the "mad cow" disease was discovered.

Tsohatzopoulos also reiterated that Greek troops serving in Kosovo, where possible ground water and food contamination by radio activity caused fears of cancers among them, were supplied with water and food from Greece, as part of protective measures for their health.

[07] Britain's foreign office minister in Athens for talks on counter-terrorism issues

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

Battle is due to arrive in Athens on Wednesday for a two-day visit, as meetings have been scheduled with several top Greek government ministers

"I welcome this opportunity to discuss with my Greek partners counter-terrorism issues as well as the continuing investigation into the despicable murder of Brig. Saunders, which both our governments have condemned. The loss of Brig. Stephen Saunders remains very much at the forefront of ministers' minds," Battle was quoted as saying in a press release issued by the British embassy in Athens.

"Both the British and Greek governments continue to cooperate closely in the hunt for Brig. Saunder's murderers. We will not rest until they have been brought to justice," he adds.

Brig. Stephen Saunders was shot and killed on a congested Athens roadway by the notorious urban terrorist group "November 17" as he drove to work on the morning of June 8, 2000.

Battle's visit follows the British foreign secretary's visit to Greece at the end of October, as well as that of Greek Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis' official talks in the United Kingdom last November.

He is also scheduled to have meetings with local Greek and British entrepreneurs to discuss bilateral trade issues.

[08] New US Secretary of State says US will support unconditional resumption of proximity talks on Cyprus

WASHINGTON, 18/01/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Powell was replying to questions by Greek-American Democratic Senator Paul Sarbanes, during his address before the US Senate's Foreign Affairs Committee.

"I think it is very important. Its been a problem that has been lingering, festering as a sore in that region and as an irritation between those two countries most concerned with it, Greece and Turkey. And so we will remain engaged. We will support the UN Secretary-Generals actions. We will encourage both parties to come to these proximity talks," he said.

"We understand the differences of view that exist between Greece that is interested in a bizonal, bicommunal federation along the lines suggested by the United Nations -- and Turkey's desire for something slightly different. And we hope we can play a useful role, since we have friendly relations with both of those nations, and encourage them to not only support the process but to encourage Mr. Denktash to engage as soon as he possibly can," he added.

Urged to comment on whether the Bush administration will support unconditional proximity talks on the Cyprus issue based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation, Powell said "I expect we to do so. I have not discussed it with the president, but it seems like the position we would support."

[09] Russian made S-300 missile system to be redeployed

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

The weapons were initially purchased by the Republic of Cyprus in 1996 and were installed on the island of Crete in 1999, following strong international reactions.

The vehicles of the mobile missile system were operated by both Greek and Greek Cypriot troops, as well as Russian specialists, employed by the manufacturer, who will install the system on its new site.

Following the two-month deployment phase the system will be tested with live missiles and then will be redeployed on and around military installations in eastern Crete.

[10] Blue chips lead ASE to recovery

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

The general index surpassed the 3,200 technical resistance level, reversing a two-day sharp decline that pushed the index 5.46 percent lower.

Traders, however, said it was too early to talk of a steady recovery in the market.

Shares in the construction, holding and leasing sectors scored the biggest percentage gains.

The general index ended 2.29 percent higher at 3,205.01 points, with turnover an improved 127.47 million euros, or 43.43 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 2.38 percent higher at 1,882.44 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index rose 2.60 percent to 339.03 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 7,078.13 +1.82% Leasing: 505.91 +3.68% Insurance: 1,211.28 +1.74% Investment: 1,272.33 +1.75% Construction: 1,191.83 +5.47% Industrials: 1,920.48 +1.90% Miscellaneous: 2,250.59 +1.28% Holding: 3,282.32 +3.45%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 256.72 points, up 1.56 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 294 to 50 with another 11 issues unchanged.

Alpha Bank, Hellenic Telecoms, National Bank and Commercial Bank were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in euros): National Bank: 39.48 Alpha Bank: 35.36 Commercial Bank: 50.90 Eurobank: 20.68 Piraeus Bank: 15.32 Lambrakis Press: 10.60 Altec: 6.26 Titan Cement (c): 42.16 Hellenic Telecoms: 16.78 Panafon: 7.52 Hellenic Petroleum: 9.46 Attica Enterprises: 6.38 Intracom: 19.94 Minoan Lines: 5.12 Viohalco: 10.46 Hellenic Bottling: 18.72

Equity futures end up, tracking Athens bourse: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished higher on Wednesday, in line with the bourse indices on which they are based, traders said.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 2.38 percent up, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 2.60 percent higher.

Turnover was 78.155 million euros on 10,503 contracts traded, the dealers said.

Bond prices end mixed in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Wednesday finished mixed in heavy trade with players again focusing mainly on 20-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.37 percent for the third day.

The yield spread over German bunds was 53 basis points from 54 basis points in the session before.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 945 million euros (about 322 billion drachmas) from 680 million euros (around 231.7 billion drachmas) the trading day before.

Euro drops vs. dollar: The euro on Wednesday fell to 93.96 cents against the dollar from 94.12 cents in the previous session, according to reference rates released by the European Central Bank (ECB).

The parity gives an implied rate of 362.65 drachmas vs. the US currency, the ECB said in a routine statement.

Greece joined the euro zone on January 1.

[11] National Bank chief meets industrialists

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

Karatzas briefed SEB's board members on the most important developments which have taken place in the National Bank group and set out its strategies both at home and abroad.

[12] Intrasoft signs strategic deal with Turkey's Gantek Technologies

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

The deal, which was announced during a press conference in Istanbul, will help both companies to jointly expand activities both in their domestic markets and abroad, especially in southeast Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Socrates Kokkalis, Intracom's chairman, speaking to reporters stressed that he has started an effort, more than four years ago, to underline the significance of Greek-Turkish business cooperation, noting Greece's duty to support Turkey in its effort to fully acknowledge its European potential.

"That was the basic motive to decide the extension of a Kokkalis Program in the JFK School of Government at the Harvard University to Turkish students," he said.

"My positions were frequently criticized as extremely bold according to some political reasoning," Kokkalis said.

Intracom's chairman said he would work hard to facilitate initiatives coming from both countries until a Greek-Turkish partnership "becomes as self-evident to be considered natural."

Ahmet Ongun, Gantek Technologies' chairman, stressed the capabilities offered by the partnership between the two groups and noted that such business steps were contributing decisively to a peaceful and harmonic co-existence between the Greek and Turkish people.

[13] Heracles Cement elects new chairman

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

It is the first time since 1992, when Heracles was bought by a multinational group, that the main shareholder (BCI) proposed a Greek to head the company's board.

Doukas will take over from Rick Haythornthwaite, who took over as interim chairman in April 2000.

BCI had committed to electing a Greek chairman to its board. A company statement said Mr. Doukas presence would contribute decisively in the implementation of the company's development program.

[14] Greece seeks membership of European space group

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

Working with the ESA would act as a challenge to Greek companies, with telecoms, navigation and remote-control services among the sectors expected to benefit most, the minister told a news conference.

Full membership of the ESA is expected within two years, he added.

[15] V-PRC denies 'Karfi' report that it will donate stake in company to Avramopoulos' party

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

An announcement by the company said that the report was "far from the truth" and raised questions about the use of V-PRC's name and reputation in the service of journalistic and other interests.

[16] Ministers say no risk from foodstuffs imported from Yugoslavia

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

Anomeritis said the Demokritos Atomic Energy Research Institute carries out checks on dozens of types of foodstuffs on a monthly basis and there has been no problem since 1995.

In addition, he said there has been no indication of radioactivity from the many and extensive checks carried out on mushrooms, fish and frozen foods, while checks conducted showed that Greece is free from spongiform encephalopathy (mad cows disease).

"Scientifically, the assessment that Greek soil may have been contaminated by the transfer of uranium is considered absolutely unlikely," he said.

Also speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said Greece imports vegetables and fruit from Yugoslavia but no trace of risk has been detected in them due to depleted uranium.

Christodoulakis said that after January 11 this year, the Greek Atomic Energy Committee has been carrying out intensive checks on all foodstuffs imported from the neighboring country without the slightest indication having been detected so far.

He reiterated that the Greek government was making every effort to brief the public on the problem of uranium concerning the bombings in Yugoslavia, adding that the first reports on checks carried out in Kosovo by a Greek Atomic Energy Committee mission in regions where Greek army camps are located will be announced in about 10 days' time

[17] Composer Ianis Xenakis awarded honorary doctorate by Thessaloniki University

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

The honorary degree for Xenakis, who is considered one of the top figures in Greek music in the second half of the 20th century, will be presented at a special ceremony on Tuesday evening in recognition of his "immense contribution to modern Greek culture" which he "projected with his multifaceted, innovative musical creativity, proposing music as a new language of expression in which architecture, mathematics and Greek philosophy collaborate with sound and modern technology".

Xenakis will be represented at the ceremony by world-renowned artist Spyros Sakkas, a close friend of the composer, who is unable to travel to Thessaloniki due to ill health.

Xenakis was born to Greek parents in Romania in 1922. He studied at the Athens Metsovion Polytechnic University, from where he graduated in 1947.

He took part in the National Resistance and was imprisoned by the occupation forces before escaping and fleeing abroad, eventually finding his way to Paris, where he remained as a political refugee after he was condemned to death on charges of desertion.

Xenakis continued his studies in the French capital, focusing on musical composition, and in the '60s started using computers in the preliminary stages of musical composition.

The ceremony will end with the presentation of some of Xenakis' works by the university's musical studies choir, while the following day a concert dedicated to Xenakis will be held at the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, during which three of his works will be presented in Greece for the first time.

[18] Poll shows Greeks "cautious" on voting rights by non-EU nationals

BRUSSELS, 18/01/2001 (ANA-G. Zitouniati)

Only 26 per cent of Greeks were positive toward the granting of voting rights to non-Union foreign nationals, compared to an EU-wide positive response of 45 per cent.

Greece, however, trailed Denmark where citizens' positive responses amounted to only 15 per cent.

Spain with 62 per cent and Portugal with 59 per cent lead the positive vote.

[19] Unknown vandals demolish Greek minority school in Gjirokastr, Albania

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

The reasons behind this unusually savage attack are as yet unknown, though a similar attempt had been made against the school three days ago, but for some reason had not been carried out in full.

The specific school in Vrysero served pupils in five of the surrounding villages and was one of the best preserved Greek schools in Gjirokastr, Durres and Sarande, having undergone a radical overhaul two years ago.

In recent years, it had been converted by teachers, local government and the Greek community into a center for events dedicated to important figures among Albania's ethnic Greeks.

According to community leader Panagiotis Lioulios, the specific school helped inspire a sense of relative optimism about the future of education for the Greek minority, and the vandalism against it "creates a negative climate for the remaining Greek pupils and teachers."

[20] Natural gas-powered buses to be launched Thursday

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

The first 40 of the buses were delivered by vehicle manufacturer Renault on Wednesday at a special ceremony in Athens, during which the keys to the vehicles were presented to transport minister Christos Verelis and representatives of the OASA and ETHEL state-run urban transport organizations.

The new buses, which are environment-friendly as they are powered by natural gas, have a capacity of 32 seated and 58 standing passengers, are equipped with ABS (automatic braking systems), air conditioning and heating, and are accessible to passengers with mobility impairments.

The expenditure for the 295 buses is estimated at 22.7 billion dr.

[21] Thessaloniki Metro project to be carried out on schedule

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

He said a solution had been found for overcoming "some problems which have arisen", which according to sources concerned the financing of the project.

Laliotis said he would make more detailed announcements Thursday on the Thessaloniki Metro project, following an Inner Cabinet discussion on the project.

[22] Athens, Epidauros 2001 festival program announced

Athens, 18/01/2001 (ANA)

The program includes 51 performances for the Herod Atticus theater near the Acropolis of Athens, and 16 performances in the renowned theater of Epidauros.

Events at the Herodian theater include Greek and foreign music and dancing, opera, while the highlight will be an event for the 180th anniversary of Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire.

The Epidauros program for 2001 is dedicated to ancient drama alone, as 16 performances of 8 productions will be staged throughout the summer season and will include related exhibitions and conferences.

[23] UN Special Adviser to visit

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has asked his Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto to visit Athens, Ankara and Nicosia soon, in view of the sixth round of proximity talks on the Cyprus problem, scheduled for late January.

Charles Gaulkin, acting spokesman for the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), told CNA on Wednesday that "the Secretary

General, in continuation of his good offices mission, has asked de Soto to visit Athens, Ankara and Nicosia, in order to consult with all concerned regarding the plan of work for the coming period."

De Soto is expected on the island towards the end of the month.

Proximity talks, during which the UN has separate meetings with President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, began in December 1999, aiming at reaching a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus, divided since Turkey invaded and occupied the northern third of the island in 1974.

The Greek Cypriot side has said it would participate in the talks.

Denktash said the talks had served their purpose and had come to an end. He demands what he calls "state to state" talks in a bid to gain recognition of his self-styled regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey.

Spokesman on Cyprus talks: Government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said on Wednesday it appears rather unlikely that UN-led proximity talks on the Cyprus problem would resume around the end of the month, as scheduled, due to the unacceptable and negative stance of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Speaking after Wednesday's cabinet meeting, Papapetrou reiterated the Greek Cypriot side's readiness to participate in a new round of talks "in January or whenever the UN Secretary-General says so".

The spokesman urged Turkey and Denktash to realize that their policy was not in the interests of Turkish Cypriots.

Papapetrou noted that foreign envoys who visited Cyprus conveyed the message that procedures regarding the talks remained the same and that Denktash would have to be in Geneva late January for the continuation of the talks.

The spokesman said if Denktash abandoned the talks, he would have to suffer the consequences.

UN Secretary General's Special Adviser for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto is expected to visit the island very soon. Last week, US and British envoys were in Cyprus for meetings with the President and Denktash.

[24] Belgian State Secretary for Foreign Affairs arrives

LARNACA, 18/01/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Neyts said that along with her delegation, which includes the EU's chief negotiator for Cyprus Leopold Maurer, she would be discussing with the Cyprus government the accession process, noting that Belgium would be assuming the EU presidency during the second half of this year.

She said "the second half of 2001 will probably be very important and decisive for the enlargement negotiations, so we want to inform ourselves as best as we can".

Neyts added that her delegation would be assessing bilateral relations between Belgium and Cyprus, noting that now "these relations are excellent".

The Belgian official noted she would be having talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash on Thursday "to learn from him what his positions are and what his reasons are for no longer participating in the proximity talks within the UN framework".

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