Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-07-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Putin - Simitis talks confirm common concerns over Balkan situation

[02] Greek deputy FM, Kazakhstan FM discuss establishment of bilateral committee

[03] Reppas comments on conditions in FYROM and on Italian suspension of Schengen Pact

[04] ND leader Karamanlis says ready for early elections

[05] Greece seeks to raise Dr 1.0 trillion from privatization in 2002

[06] Greece to return 107 million euros in EU farming subsidies

[07] HDW of Germany bids Dr 40 bln for Hellenic Shipyards

[08] Retail sales rise 7.7 pct in April, year-on-year

[09] Greek petrol station trade union seeks support in Europe against fuel bill

[10] Exhibition on euro in September

[11] Tobacco trade group established in Thessaloniki

[12] Verelis presents plans for Maroussi transport hub

[13] Tourism privatization bonds sell well

[14] Agriculture minister says new bill aims at increasing farmers' incomes

[15] Papantoniou urges 'restraint' in statements about the economy

[16] Stocks pick up steam after previous slump

[17] Greece, four other EU nations endorse mutual EU vocational diplomas

[18] Hearing at European Court ends with favorable outcome for Greece

[19] Dynamic participation by expatriate entertainers at upcoming SAE congress

[20] Athens municipality to create road safety company

[21] Ikaria celebrates 89th anniversary since liberation from Turks

[22] Spata airport water drinkable, airport officials say

[23] Agreement signed for creation of Athens Olympiad's press village

[01] Putin - Simitis talks confirm common concerns over Balkan situation

MOSCOW, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, winding up a three-day visit to Moscow, met Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks encompassing the situation in the Balkans, EU cooperation with Russia, and bilateral relations. Simitis also attended here an IOC General Assembly meeting to elect a new president for the organization.

Simitis told reporters after the one-hour meeting at the Kremlin that Athens and Moscow were worried over the situation in the Balkans, adding that he and Putin had also discussed EU cooperation with Russia.

Europe, he said, was in a period of restructuring and discussing its future.

"And in the European single space, we Greeks well know that Russia has belonged here for at least two centuries".

Simitis further said that problems such as those in the Balkans, and FYROM in particular, could not be tackled without Moscow's cooperation.

Putin spoke of the mutual sympathy and historic relations linking the Greek and Russian people, and expressed satisfaction with the Greek position on the European Single Space.

He described the development of bilateral relations as "positive", adding this had been confirmed last year with Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos' visit to Russia and also by a 40 percent increase in bilateral trade.

Putin further reaffirmed Russia's readiness to back the plan for the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline.

In statements to Greek journalists, Simitis said Greece and Russia shared common views on the Balkans and that both Athens and Moscow were committed to maintaining existing borders in the Balkan peninsula and to preserving the status quo.

"There must not be support or indifference toward actions that seek to change the current situation by force. And this chiefly concerns Albanian extremist groups," he said.

According to the Greek premier, Russia did not currently envisage any involvement in the crisis in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) but did believe that it should maintain a presence in the area.

"We also believe that this Russian presence should exist," Simitis added, "as we believe that Russia should contribute its views in the Balkans and in all matters concerning Europe, in close cooperation with the EU."

Asked about Russia's views on EU initiatives in the Balkans, Simitis said the Kremlin had expressed a desire for greater involvement.

"If the political center in the EU were more powerful, this contact with Russia - which did not take place - could have happened. I believe these talks showed that the Russians would also like a say and that we can help them to achieve this closer contact," Simitis added.

Commenting on Russia's proposals for an international conference on the Balkans, the Greek prime minister reiterated that this could be useful but only if certain conditions were met; namely, that it had been well prepared beforehand with a pre-arranged agenda of issues to be discussed.

"Otherwise, the conference could become a forum for various views that will ultimately lead to conflict."

Greece to seek closer EU - Russia ties, PM says: Greece will seek to raise issues of joint Russian-European interest when it takes over the EU rotating presidency in January 2003 and to foster closer ties between Europe and Russia, Simitis also said after his meeting with President Putin.

The Prime Minister noted that in terms of defense policy, Europe's autonomy relied on good relations with Russia. "Greece's view is that a European defense policy is necessary, EU autonomy is necessary... a stronger EU presupposes closer understanding with Russia," he said.

"It is obvious to anyone who looks at a map that Europe doesn't just stop at Russia's borders, with the space beyond being irrelevant. Russia has a role to play in determining Europe's future," he added.

According to Simitis, this was an area where Greece could have a special role, not only because of its historical ties but also because it was in closer contact with and had a better understanding of Eastern Europe.

On a bilateral level, the Greek premier noted, relations were developing satisfactorily, while as growth rates in Russia accelerated there would be more Greek investments and an increased presence by Greek business.

He also stressed the importance of joint efforts such as the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline, while he said that Putin had reaffirmed Russian interest in the project and the need to move quickly.

Assessing the results of his visit, Simitis said it had shown "that we can find ways to work together more closely and give a new impetus to policy creation in the Balkans and Eastern Europe that will have Russia's support."

Finally, the prime minister said he had outlined Greece's positions on Cyprus and relations with Turkey during his meeting with the Russian president, while Putin had expressed support for a solution to the Cyprus problem based on UN resolutions.

Regarding Putin's planned visit to Greece in December, Simitis said this would return last year's visit by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and that it "confirmed the very good levels of cooperation between Moscow and Athens."

Ivanov statements: Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov commented, later in the day, on the Simitis - Putin meeting, saying that the two leaders "expressed their common concern over conditions in the Balkans and called on the international community to do everything possible to stabilize the situation, based on the guarantees of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Balkan countries".

"They called on the international community to aid the democratic governments in the Balkans, so as to cooperate actively between them, to confront extremist and separatist forces, which destabilize the region."

[02] Greek deputy FM, Kazakhstan FM discuss establishment of bilateral committee

Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

The two ministers discussed details on plans decided by Greek President Kostis Stephano-poulos and his Kazakhstan counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev, who is visiting Greece.

Idrisov stressed, according to the press release, the role Greek investors could play in his country, in light of its vast reserves of natural resources, calling the ethnic Greek community in his country a bridge connecting the two countries.

He offered the full support on his country to the plans for the construction of an oil pipe line connecting Burgas, Bulgaria to Alexandroupoli, Greece, which once completed will transport oil from the Caspian Sea to Europe and the rest of the world, calling for Greece's cooperation in the construction of ships for the transport of the oil both within the Caspian and from eastern Black Sea ports.

Idrisov concluded by offering the support of his country to Greece' bid to be elected to one of the non-permanent posts to the United Nation's Security Council for the 2005-2006 period.

Parliament speaker meets Kazakhstan President: Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis met with visiting Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev on Tuesday in Athens.

According to a press release, during the one-hour meeting Kaklamanis presented Greece's positions on the Cyprus issue and Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

After the meeting, the two men noted agreement on key foreign policy issues, particularly developments in the Balkans, the crisis in former Yugoslavia and NATO's military operations there.

Nazarbayev is currently on an official visit to Greece, during which a series of bilateral agreements are to be signed.

Athens mayor gives city's gold medal to Kazakhstan President: Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos on Tuesday gave the Gold Medal of the City of Athens to visiting President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev, during a ceremony at the Athens City Hall.

Avramopoulos called on Nazarbayev to visit Athens in 2004 to attend the Olympic Games and lauded him for his successful efforts to restructure his country on many levels.

On his part, Nazarbayev thanked the mayor for honoring him with the city's medal and lauded Greece culture and the efforts of the state to maintain the ancient buildings.

[03] Reppas comments on conditions in FYROM and on Italian suspension of Schengen Pact

Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

Speaking on a Russian proposal aiming to bring peace to the region, he said that there was a similar Greek offer on the table, adding that the aim is to achieve the disarmament of extremist groups that are active in the region and so to re-establish political stability and calm.

He noted that the Albanian side's proposal for the deployment of NATO forces in FYROM could be acceptable on condition that NATO forces would only oversee a process of disarmament of extremist groups.

He stressed that NATO could not undertake any other initiative by sending forces to Skopje, which would be involved in war and military operations, noting, however, that the deployment of NATO forces in FYROM would take place only if that is requested by the political forces of the country.

Speaking on Italy's move to temporarily suspend the Schengen Pact's provisions, Reppas said that it is that country's right to do so, since such a decision is permitted by the pact, if any country of the Schengen Pact considers it necessary.

He added, however, that the Genoa G8 conference does not concern the European Union or Greece. This is a matter of concern for the Italian government and the Italian people.

Greece, on the other hand, believes that the right of Greek citizens to travel outside their country cannot be limited just because some people vilify those citizens, he added.

He concluded by stressing that Greece was in disagreement over the establishment of a database for personal data of citizens on a European level, as such a move would be unconstitutional and would violate the law of the country.

[04] ND leader Karamanlis says ready for early elections

Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

"It is evident that neither the prime minister himself nor his interparty opponents have taken final decisions on anything. Developments in another party do not concern us but what is taking place in a government concerns all Greeks, the course of the country, the climate in the market and the course of the economy. A prime minister who is certain that he will lose elections does not want to provoke them," Karamanlis said.

He further said that "when he (the prime minister) blackmails with elections he himself creates the cloudiness of an election period and renders all eventualities possible. The continuation of uncertainty and the lack of governance creates a situation of instability with unforeseen developments. We are ready for every possibility and we are on full alert."

Referring to the Athens Stock Exchange, Karamanlis said the government's responsibilities are collective and reiterated that "those responsible should leave and those accountable should have to explain."

Karamanlis, focusing on opposition tactics, said his party will place emphasis on the social security issue, Olympic Airways, public utilities, public works projects, preparation for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and the 3rd Community Support Framework.

Greeks support EU common foreign, defense policies and enlargement

BRUSSELS, 18/07/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

This was the result of the European Union's "Eurobarometer" report, publicized by the European Commission here on Tuesday. The report was prepared in the 15 EU member-states in April and May. It was carried out in Greece by the Market Analysis opinion poll company and was based on a sample of 1,005 people.

In general, most Greeks have a positive opinion of the EU, consider Greece's participation in the EU to be beneficial, support the euro and the European Commission and unreservedly support common foreign policy and defense, as well as enlargement.

Replying to the question how do you consider your country's participation in the EU, 57 percent of Greeks said it is a "good thing", compared to the 48 percent average positive response in the EU.

On the question of whether EU accession was beneficial for your country, 69 percent of Greeks gave a positive reply as against an EU average of 45 percent.

Greeks also appear to be the most fanatical supporters of the EU's common foreign policy, common European defense and of EU enlargement. More specifically, 83 percent of Greeks consider the shaping of a common EU foreign policy necessary, compared to an EU average of 65 percent.

In addition, 87 percent of Greeks support the creation of a common European defense, with the EU average being 73 percent, while 70 percent of Greeks are in favor of enlargement, whereas only an EU average of 43 percent appears to be enthusiastic with the idea.

[05] Greece seeks to raise Dr 1.0 trillion from privatization in 2002

Athens, 18/07/2001 (ANA)

Consultants for the wide-ranging sale plan will be chosen in September, Papantoniou told a news conference.

Total revenue from privatization will top 1.5 trillion drachmas as another 700 billion drachmas are due from denationalization in 2001, the minister said.

Revenue will be used in writing off debt, in turn reducing spending and lowering the tax burden, he added.

Slated for sale through first-time or additional part-flotations on the Athens Stock Exchange, or through part sales to strategic investors, are the following firms: