Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-11-14

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM Papandreou calls for a dialogue of cultures in UN address

[02] Greek FM to chair UN General Assembly debate on Wednesday

[03] 'Name issue' discussed by Greek, FYROM FMs in NY

[04] Cem's UN address also touches on Greek-Turkish relations

[05] We are not afraid of Turkey, Simitis says from Slovakia. Announces Balkan tour to promote Stability pact

[06] Gov't condolences for NYC plane crash victims

[07] The election system will not change for next elections, Chytiris says

[08] Turkey does not fulfill criteria for EU entry, Commission report says

[09] No changes in EU policy toward Cyprus, Turkey, Verheugen says

[10] EU accession for reunited Cyprus a strategic target

[11] Denktash would never win free elections without Turkey's help, paper says

[12] President receives five new ambassadors

[13] Synaspismos head meets with PASOK's Laliotis

[14] Development minister pledges policies to boost growth

[15] Global economic slowdown to dent budget revenues

[16] Greek firms to take part in US business presentation Friday

[17] Greek stocks follow foreign markets higher

[18] Parliamentary committee discusses Olympiad's preparation

[19] Islamic art at the Benaki Museum

[20] Cypriot FM says all efforts for Cyprus talks should be directed to Turkey

[01] FM Papandreou calls for a dialogue of cultures in UN address

NEW YORK, 14/11/2001 (ANA/M. Georgiadou)

"In our search for a common moral code we must not allow a clash of cultures. We must seek a dialogue of cultures and from this dialogue of nations, of cultures and religions a common moral order can and will emerge. The Charter of these United Nations embodies these very values. Our challenge today is to collectively give practical meaning to them," Papandreou said addressing the 56th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

In his address, Papandreou also referred to what he termed improvement of Greek-Turkish relations, calling at the same time on the Turkish side to cooperate in the finding of a solution to the protracted Cyprus problem in view of the island republic's accession to the European Union.

"The nations that constitute this organization are today attempting to draft a comprehensive Convention against terrorism; a difficult but absolutely necessary task. We may not yet agree on how to define terrorism however the world, with a near unanimous voice, condemned the September 11th events. The world showed solidarity with the US and its people. This highlights a simple truth and a profound consensus: - a consensus that this was an act against humanity, - a consensus that this was a crime against the values we hold dear as human beings and as societies, and - a consensus that justice must be done," he said.

"From the ruins of this tragedy there is a newborn moral strength, a clarion call to change this world: a call to create a moral order, a world community of values where a genuine sense of justice can prevail. It is in our hands today; in fact it is our responsibility to rise to this occasion, take a bold step beyond our traditional rivalries and consolidate a new spirit of cooperation. Let us make this a common fight for humanity.

"To do so we need not abandon our national interests. We do, however, need to place them in a wider context, a world order based on common practices, shared principles and global values.

"We must go beyond our rhetoric. This also means that our responsibilities must reach beyond our borders: Whether it be a child who is suffering from Aids in Africa; whether it be an Afghani refugee facing starvation; whether it be a human being discriminated against because of race, sex or religion; these are today our shared responsibilities. Whether it be our threatened environment or the need for sustainable development; whether it be the need for equal educational opportunities, access to the inter-net, and inclusion of the poor in the fruits of development; these are today our shared responsibilities; nuclear weapons proliferation, weapons of mass destruction, and the protection of children in conflict situations; these also are today our shared responsibilities.

"No events, more than those we witnessed with horror on September 11th could have made it clearer. We live in one world. And no problem is only our neighbor’s problem – it is our problem too.

"This underlines the need for a universal response to the challenges that the citizens of this global village face. It underlines the need for standards concerning principles and practices that guarantee justice: from the Middle East, to Cyprus, to Afghanistan, to Kosovo. The need for these principles underlines the pivotal role of the United Nations. I would like to express, our warm support, respect and gratitude for the tireless efforts of Kofi Annan. Heartfelt congratulations to him and the Organization he represents, the United Nations, for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. A well deserved accolade. One that carries with it a heightened responsibility to provide global governance in this globalized world: a world of global problems and global opportunities.

"Greece very much agrees with the words of Louis Michel, speaking in his capacity of Presidency of the EU, in support of the International Criminal Court and the continued reform of the UN.

"Today, in our search for justice on a global scale, our challenge is to seek moral clarity. We must be able to unite around what is right. The words: freedom, democracy, human and minority rights, equality, peaceful resolution of conflict, solidarity, inclusion, open society, multiculturalism, tolerance, bio-diversity must become the core of our common values. Yet there are different interpretations and different practices in our world concerning these concepts.

"In our search for a common moral code we must not allow a clash of cultures. We must seek a dialogue of cultures and from this dialogue of nations, of cultures and religions a common moral order can and will emerge. The Charter of these United Nations embodies these very values. Our challenge today is to collectively give practical meaning to them.

"Greece has always stood at a crossroads of cultures. Our best moments have been when we used this richness to learn. Today we are doing so again. Greece is a member of the European Union and of NATO; yet our roots in the East enrich us in equal measure. We are proud to be European and Balkan and Mediterranean. We once were a nation of emigrants and our Diaspora has linked us to all corners of the earth. Today we are a country that welcomes immigrants; they make up more than 10 per cent of our population.

"Ours is an open multicultural society in the truest sense of the word. We see and we understand the world through many eyes. We understand that there are different truths and different histories. And yet we approach our traditions, not as a wall that isolates us from each other but as depositories of knowledge, sources of understanding and communication between cultures. We believe that our histories cannot enslave us; they must become our way of learning for the future. This commitment to dialogue is also a commitment to reach specific, practical results that will enhance our region’s ability and the world community’s capacity to establish well-respected values and principles in dealing with the problems of the world such as terrorism. But in our fight against terrorism we must uphold these principles – as they differentiate us from those who use violence as their means. We also must heed what the Secretary General, in his address, stressed. The problems we all shared prior to September 11th have not disappeared.

"However I am encouraged to report that we have made significant strides in our own region of South Eastern Europe. We did so by committing ourselves to serve these values: human and minority rights, democratic institutions, good neighborly relations, and the inviolability of borders.

"We remain committed to the principle that should differences and disagreements emerge, we will seek to resolve them peacefully with respect to international law. Instead we should work together, in unity to determine all that is right and all that is wrong. In this process we found much that we have in common.

"We have managed to establish the framework of common values, one that will help us to cooperate, to solve our problems. From a state of despair the Balkans today represent a ray of hope for all conflicting regions.

"Of course there is still much to do. We suggest a clear list of priorities: - We must turn provisional peace into permanent peace. We can do so by resolving outstanding bilateral issues. - We must turn newfound democracies into permanent and active democracies. We can do so by building civic capacity and strong transparent institutions that will guarantee the rule of law. - We must contain and eradicate organized crime – a poison that runs through newfound democracies – which is often linked to terrorist networks. - We must turn opportunistic capital investment into entrepreneurial initiatives and permanent business propositions that provide youth with the prospect of a better and more secure future. - We must turn segregated communities into multicultural societies. We can do so by investing in education.

"We cannot stop now. As a world community we must continue and we must strengthen our investment in people and in financial resources until our work is complete.

"Two years ago I stood before you, with my Turkish colleague Ismail Cem, expressing the hope of a new beginning in our relations; relations which history seemed to have frozen into a constant rivalry and conflict. Today, I need not express only hope but I can report that we have made significant progress. I have just come from a meeting with my Turkish counterpart where we signed a series of new agreements. Our meetings have become frequent and regular. We work together; we learn together, we help each other out in times of difficulty or crisis. We have discovered the importance of being good neighbors. We have started developing a common “architecture of trust”.

"The products of our efforts are significant. We are constantly adding confidence building measures to assure peace in the Aegean, we have made a commitment to jointly become parties to the Ottawa Convention on the Prohibition and Destruction of Anti-Personnel Mines and we have taken steps to cooperate against natural disasters. We are cooperating in the fight against crime, drug trafficking, illegal migration and terrorism. We are cooperating in tourism. Our trade has doubled. Energy and agriculture have emerges as new fields of further cooperation. Our two societies have taken the initiative to commence and develop common economic, cultural, educational and athletic activities.

"These achievements stand as a reminder of the response of our people after the earthquakes when they sent us a message saying 'we have more in common than what separates us; we are all equally vulnerable to pain and suffering, equally capable of sympathy and compassion, equally responsible for the life we offer to the generations that are to follow.' Our neighbor’s path toward the European Union, a path we wholeheartedly support, has set the framework through which many of our remaining differences can be resolved. Step by step we are building a solid foundation.

"Of course our work in the region is far from complete. The 'architecture of trust' we are building in South Eastern Europe is significantly hindered by the situation in Cyprus. For the question of Cyprus remains unresolved. The island remains divided, in a shameful condition. Cyprus is a tragic example of where our shared sense of justice, our shared code of values, has gone astray.

"And yet here we have a new opportunity: both the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot communities could benefit from the island’s membership in the European Union. It is a win/win situation. I sincerely believe that every Greek aspires to a solution to Cyprus that will satisfy both communities; a solution imposed by no one party and accepted by all. I believe that this is also what every citizen in neighboring Turkey aspires to.

"Our constant reference to UN resolutions, which clearly call for the creation of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, cannot be interpreted as a desire for outside imposition. Both communities have suffered terribly from outside intervention. On the contrary this call expresses our deep belief in justice for Cyprus; a sense of justice for both communities. This is what the framework of the United Nations can guarantee.

"I therefore appeal to the Turkish leadership to use this framework for a just solution. Let us not expand the wall that divides the two communities in Cyprus to divide Turkey from Europe. Let us instead break down this last Berlin Wall in Europe and help create a common future for the citizens of a free Cyprus. To all of us in the region, a region seeking to eliminate division, the prospect of the island’s entrance into the united European family should be a source of euphoria, not fear.

"If we do share a common moral order, a common understanding of what is right and wrong, then the Middle East peace process had come close to articulating the principles we share. For the good of the people in the region and its stability, this process must continue until a Palestinian State lives peacefully next to a secure Israel. This peace process must begin anew, without preconditions, based on secure initial steps through the implementation of the Mitchell Report recommendations. Greece, both as a member of the EU and as a neighbor to the Middle East, will commit its efforts towards this crucial situation in support of peace, rapprochement and reconciliation.

"We also aspire that the hardships of the people of Iraq will cease and that the country will be fully integrated into the world community under a leadership that cooperates with the international community and complies with the U.N. resolutions.

"This is also our stand with Afghanistan. We look forward to the day that its government represents its people and leads them closer to the world community.

"At times when it is easy to succumb to fear, we must have the strength to build confidence within and among our societies. We must be able to celebrate humanity in this global village to go beyond our differences and conflicts. One such occasion is the Olympic Games. They are an ancient tradition that grew out of the need for peace in the ancient world of Hellenism.

"Today, the 5 rings of the Olympic Games, which represent five continents, are the most recognized symbol on this planet – surpassing Coca Cola. Let us use this global celebration to further strengthen our community of common values. Let us bring back the tradition that linked these games to a moment of peace. Let us follow the footsteps of our ancient forefathers, who observed the Olympic Truce for twelve centuries without exceptions. Let us again pledge our commitment to the Olympic Truce, which the General Secretary has so strongly supported and the Millennium Summit has called for.

"Ismail Cem and I have only recently signed a declaration to this effect. Many Ministers of the Balkans, Europe and the Mediterranean have followed. I invite you to all become co-signers of this effort.

"We see Olympic Truce as a moment in time powerful enough to change the world. During a cease-fire in the war in Bosnia, the Red Cross managed to vaccinate hundreds of children. The two Koreas parading the same flag at the Sydney Games was a powerful moment witnessed by millions of viewers around the globe.

"We see Truce as a time to reflect: that moment between one person’s action and another’s reaction that can help prevent the escalation of violence.

"We see Truce as a moment of silence: a powerful moment to understand our differences and our anger, but also to appreciate the things that unite us.

"Truce is also a time to question: it is a time to examine all that we believe in. A time devoted to our values, our principles and our freedoms.

"Truce is a time to heal our wounds: to ease our pain and the pain of those around us. It is the time to lend a helping hand.

"We can use this pause from violence to celebrate and to rejoice and we can use it to mourn and to remember. In Salt Lake City we can use it to honor all those unjustly lost.

"If our global quest for peace is a journey of one thousand miles then Truce is but the small first step. But imagine, Mr. President, how glorious the rest of our journey can be if we celebrate humanity, if we give peace a chance and commit ourselves to this first step."

[02] Greek FM to chair UN General Assembly debate on Wednesday

NEW YORK, 14/11/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou will chair the General Assembly for half an hour and then he will hand over the position to the Greek Permanent Representative at the UN Ambassador Ilias Gounaris.

Earlier in the day, Papandreou will meet with UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

The Greek minister, before the meetings of the General Assembly, met with Congressman Eliot Engel, who is elected in Bronx, New York, which has a large Albanian constituency.

Engel is a member of the Trade and Dangerous Material Congress Committee and of the Telecommunications and Economics Congress Committee.

He also is a co-chairman in the group of investigations and peace agreements and a member of the Congressional group working to lift the Arab embargo against Israel.

The discussion between Papandreou and Engel focused on issues of development and cooperation in the Balkans.

Tonight, at 11 p.m, Greek time, Papandreou will meet with Assistant Secretary of State Mark Grossman and then he will be interviewed by the "Nation" magazine and will attend a dinner hosted by his French counterpart for the ministers participating in the General Debate.

On Wednesday, Papandreou will meet with Lord Hannay, Britain's representative for the Cyprus issue.

[03] 'Name issue' discussed by Greek, FYROM FMs in NY

NEW YORK, 14/11/2001 (ANA)

As expected, the issue of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s (FYROM) name, developments over the Cyprus issue and the international situation were discussed, all in the shadow of an airline accident in the nearby borough of Queens that claimed the life of around 400 people.

Papandreou is scheduled to address the 56th United Nations general assembly on Tuesday afternoon (local time) before being received by Archbishop of America Demetrios.

In Athens, meanwhile, a government spokes-man verified that Papandreou discussed the issue of FYROM’s name with his counterpart from the Skopje government, while reiterating that Athens position over Balkan problems remains steadfast.

Athens has been at odds with FYROM for years over the issue of the land-locked Balkan state's name, insisting that the word "Macedonia" should not be included in the name of the former Yugoslav republic, as it implies expansionist designs against Greece’s own large northern province, Macedonia, as well as being a historical misrepresentation.

However, relations between Greece and the 10-year-old state to its north have dramatically improved since the two countries signed an interim agreement in New York under the UN’s auspices six years ago.

Under the terms of that agreement, Athens and Skopje are to proceed with negotiations to find a mutually acceptable solution for the “name issue”.

[04] Cem's UN address also touches on Greek-Turkish relations

NEW YORK, 14/11/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

"The Cyprus issue has remained unresolved for 38 years. This subject is one that is known to the UN. As the dates for some radical changes in Cyprus through Greek Cypriots side's unilateral accession to the EU seem to be suggested, and as Turkey considers these changes potentially dangerous for the two parties and for the whole region, this issue needs further attention," Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said.

"Any artificially imposed solution that is not mutually acceptable to both nations on the island and to the guarantor countries is bound to create a severe crisis. Turkey, as well as the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus', aspire to a mutually acceptable solution, sought through all possible means," he added.

Greek-Turkish relations: Conversely, in commenting on Greek-Turkish relations, Cem expressed his satisfaction that the “climate of friendship between Turkey and Greece is still alive,” as he characteristically said.

The Turkish FM, who concluded an official visit to Athens late last week, added that both countries feel a common responsibility to achieve “irreversible peace” in the Aegean.

He cited talks over Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs), the establishment of a joint disaster response unit and the both countries’ decision to eliminate anti-personnel landmines on their common border, in line with the Ottawa convention.

“On the other hand, we have to still solve certain important issues, particularly those that deal with rights in the Aegean. We believe that this goal is possible to the extent that the spirit of dialogue and cooperation continues to constitute the primary force in our relationship,” Cem said.

[05] We are not afraid of Turkey, Simitis says from Slovakia. Announces Balkan tour to promote Stability pact

BRATISLAVA, 14/11/2001 (ANA - G. Papachristos)

Simitis accused Turkey of exercising a policy of intimidation and said it had employed similar tactics prior to the European Union Summit in Helsinki and over the EU-Turkey partnership agreement.

"We, however, are not going to pay any attention because this is [Turkey's] policy and we are not afraid of it," he said.

Regarding the reasoning put forward by the Turkish side, Simitis reiterated that the EU had unanimously decided that the Cyprus issue could not become a precondition that might bar Cyprus' entry into the Community.

Ankara has repeatedly threatened that the island's entry into the Community before a settlement to the Cyprus issue has been achieved could trigger a "serious crisis", and has even gone as far as threatening to annex the occupied territories in the northern third of the island that are illegally held by the Turkish-Cypriot regime of Rauf Denktash.

He ruled out a visit to Ankara in the immediate future, but announced that he would be embarking on a tour of Balkan countries after January to promote the Balkan Stability Pact, beginning with Albania, Bulgaria and Romania.

Commenting on the results of his visit to Slovakia, Simitis noted that there was concern among smaller candidate countries that the Cyprus issue might become an obstacle to enlargement.

"I explained that there were much larger problems, such as the Common Agricultural Policy," the Greek premier said, and referred to the example of Poland, which had a very large farming economy and population but had failed to adapt to EU criteria.

Another issue, Simitis added, was that of European cohesion after the September 11 terrorist strikes in America - as high-lighted by the EU 'summit dinner' hosted by British Prime Minister Tony Blair to which only certain EU leaders were invited - or concerns on whether institutional changes should precede enlargement.

Turning to the situation in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Simitis said that the EU and NATO should intervene and remind all sides in Skopje that there was an agreement that had to be kept.

Simitis reiterated once again that Greece was against any changes to borders in the Balkans.

Asked about the dispute between Greece and FYROM over the republic's adopted name of 'Macedonia', Simitis said that the two sides had been very near a solution before the crisis erupted in FYROM.

"The negotiations fell apart after the recent events in Skopje but before the troubles there was a desire to solve the problem," he said.

[06] Gov't condolences for NYC plane crash victims

Athens, 14/11/2001 (ANA)

Acting government spokesman Telemachos Chytiris made the statement.

[07] The election system will not change for next elections, Chytiris says

Athens, 14/11/2001 (ANA)

Chytiris noted that Skandalidis called the political parties to a dialogue, which he called a national dialogue that aims at a national understanding for the development and modernization of public administration and the election system.

He added that the result of this dialogue will be tabled in Parliament and any changes to the election system will be in force beginning the elections after the next ones.

[08] Turkey does not fulfill criteria for EU entry, Commission report says

BRUSSELS 14/11/2001 (ANA)

The report also added that Turkey will have to implement the recent constitutional changes which it ratified. These constitutional reforms were seen as important by the EU in regards to the incorporation of the acquis communautaire in Turkish legislation, stressing, however, that they should also be implemented immediately.

The 112-page report that was drafted in a very diplomatic language makes note that the criteria for accession include a strengthened dialogue with Turkey, human rights conditions, the resolution of border issues and the protection of minorities.

On Greek-Turkish relations, the report noted that there was optimism for their further improvement, lauding the efforts of Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem in that direction, pointing out that this would be the right course of action for the bilateral relations of the two countries in the future.

Regarding the condition of human rights in Turkey, the report incorporated a detailed account on the conditions of the Kurds, torture practices in prisons and limitations to the freedom of speech.

The report also made note of Turkey's actions that blocked the European Defense and Security System's use of NATO infrastructures, as Turkey insisted on its demand to participate in the decision making process of the Union. At that point the Com-mission called on Turkey to cooperate with the Union so as to resolve the impasse.

The Commission concluded its report by proposing to the Council to grant Turkey a special status, according to which an analysis of the course of the country's adaptation to the acquis communautaire will be issued, without, however, to create any specific obligations for Turkey, but it will not in any way result in any form of negotiations.

[09] No changes in EU policy toward Cyprus, Turkey, Verheugen says

STRASBOURG 14/11/2001 (ANA – O. Tsipira)

“The European Union and Turkey have unresolved problems in foreign policy. Turkish prime minister’s blackmail on Cyprus' accession to Europe is not something new to us. But it is a dangerous policy for Turkey itself. How could they fall in such a trap?” Verheugen said. “We could never fall prey to such black-mail”.

Verheugen also emphasized, that the will and the wish of the Union is to arrive at a political solution before the end of negotiations for Cyprus' entry to the Union, otherwise the Commission will move on implementing the Helsinki decisions.

Referring to the Turkish-Cypriots he said that they might question the policies of their community leader Rauf Denktash, because they wish to enter the European Union.

"No significant effort has been made by the Turkish side towards a solution, so the outcome is greatly dependent upon the answer of Denktash to the new initiative of the General Secretary of the United Nations," he concluded.

[10] EU accession for reunited Cyprus a strategic target

STRASBOURG 14/11/2001 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

This was stressed by EU Commissioner Guenter Verheugen, who is responsible for enlargement issues, on the occasion of the European Commission's annual report's presentation at the European Parliament on progress achieved by candidate countries in their accession course.

The report says that it is a regrettable fact that the Turkish Cypriot authorities are not participating in negotiations under UN auspices, which should be handled as an opportunity for the adoption of a political solution before the completion of Cyprus' accession negotiations.

Turkey is also called on to contribute substantively to efforts for finding a solution to the Cyprus issue, honoring promises it has given in the framework of reinforced political dialogue.

Referring to economic factors, the report says that Cyprus and Malta have viable economies capable of meeting the enlargement challenge and withstanding the pressure of competition within the EU.

On the question of Cyprus in particular, it says "the macroeconomic situation on the island continues to be strong, with a considerable increase in GDP, low inflation and a low unemployment rate."

It further says that Cyprus has responded in a satisfactory way in the sector of the free movement of capital and economic controls.

[11] Denktash would never win free elections without Turkey's help, paper says

ANKARA 14/11/2001 (ANA)

"Denktash has never expressed the views of the majority of Turkish Cypriots. If democratic elections are held (in the Turkish occupied northern Cyprus), it will be impossible for Denktash to emerge victorious from them. However, those who know Cypriot reality even a little, are aware that the election of Denktash is always made possible thanks to the clout possessed by Turkey," the report said.

It further said that it is impressed upon Cypriots that they will be faced with "great difficulties" if Denktash is not elected, while if somebody attempts to run as a candidate against Denktash he is ultimately obliged to resign.

"The Turkish Cypriots do not desire the annexation of 'Northern Cyprus' by Turkey. They are aware that it will not bring about any benefit neither for them nor for Turkey. They want to coexist with the Greek Cypriots, sharing a government which will be secured with peace and which will provide preconditions for safeguarding their rights," the report said.

Another report appearing in the same newspaper entitled "Let us save Cyprus-Let us be saved from Cyprus" favors the accession of Cyprus to the European Union.

"The way to save Cyprus and at the same time for Turkey to be saved from Cyprus passes through the accession of Cyprus to the European Union," the report said.

[12] President receives five new ambassadors

Athens, 14/11/2001 (ANA)

All of the new envoys to Athens presented their credential to Stephanopoulos during a brief ceremony at the presidential mansion.

Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis also attended the ceremony.

[13] Synaspismos head meets with PASOK's Laliotis

Athens, 14/11/2001 (ANA)

In talks held at Synaspismos’ offices, Laliotis said both the ruling party wants dialogue with the left based on a new foundation, whereas later comments by both men apparently show that talks over cooperation in the upcoming municipal elections did not take place.

On his part, Constantopoulos said he hoped a credible political dialogue, particularly between PASOK and Synaspismos, will be rekindled, adding that bilateral relations have been strained of late.

[14] Development minister pledges policies to boost growth

Athens, 14/11/2001 (ANA)

The moves would help offset the adverse impact of a global slow-down, the minister told the leaders of the Association of Greek Industry at a meeting.

[15] Global economic slowdown to dent budget revenues

Athens, 14/11/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Floridis said that the ministry has not yet set a target for next year's budget surplus and revealed that the budget would envisage a 3.8 percent growth rate in 2002.

Floridis reiterated that any spending cuts would not include social benefits, incomes policy and development spending.

He said that a family benefit to both parents would be paid in 2002 and announced a gradual reform of salary pay in the public sector.

Floridis said the ministry was examining ways to offer to the private sector services currently offered by the public sector in an effort to cut public spending.

[16] Greek firms to take part in US business presentation Friday

Athens, 14/11/2001 (ANA)

Taking part in the event organized by Capital Link are the Investments Bank, a subsidiary of Commercial Bank of Greece; Delta Holding; and Lavipharm.

A conference is part of the presentation, Capital Link said in a statement.

[17] Greek stocks follow foreign markets higher

Athens, 14/11/2001 (ANA)

The general index ended 1.0 percent higher at 2,631.43 points, with turnover a moderate 48.2 billion drachmas, or 141.5 million euros.

The Holding, Wholesale and Construction sectors scored the biggest percentage gains (4.20 percent, 2.55 percent and 2.48 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.78 percent up, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 1.76 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index increased 1.34 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 273 to 56 with another 33 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Koumbas, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Space Hellas and Alpha Bank.

Bond Market Close. Prices drop in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished lower in heavy trade focusing on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 4.83 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 44 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 3.2 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

Derivatives Market Close: Equity futures move higher: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Tues-day ended sharply higher with some blue-chip contracts shifting back into the black, traders said.

Changing hands were 9,412 contracts on turnover of 58.1 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips gained 0.78% percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks rose 1.76 per-cent.

[18] Parliamentary committee discusses Olympiad's preparation

Athens, 14/11/2001 (ANA)

Papandreou, who was speaking in Parliament for the first time, being responsible for the Olympic projects undertaken by her ministry, said that preparation for the Olympic Games is a huge undertaking.

Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis referred to security for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, particularly in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

"We shall improve measures wherever there is a deficit through the new situation which has arisen," he said and reiterated that the Greek Police Headquarters has the main responsibility for the security of the Olympic Games.

"We are cooperating with an advisory group of officers from seven foreign countries having invaluable experience on Olympic Games and issues concerning terrorism," he added.

Chrysohoidis further announced that Greek police officers have gone to Salt Lake City in the U.S., where the 2002 Winter Olympics will be held, to receive training.

Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said relations between the government and the International Olympic Committee are excellent, adding that "the only difference is that the IOC officials speak a different language."

[19] Islamic art at the Benaki Museum

Athens, 14/11/2001 (ANA)

In another development, the museum's large Islamic collection, one of the biggest in the world, will be housed at a separate building in the Athens district of Kerameikos.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2002 to enable it to operate in 2003 and be inaugurated officially in 2004 at the beginning of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

The Islamic art treasures, collected at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th by the museum's founder Antonis Benakis, are considered rare specimens and cover 13 centuries of artistic creation.

[20] Cypriot FM says all efforts for Cyprus talks should be directed to Turkey

NEW YORK 14/11/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The minister said he does not think there would be a resumption of talks within this year and warned that the window of opportunity for a settlement is going to close this time next year.

He also said that President Glafcos Clerides' response to an invitation for a meeting by Turkish Cypriot Rauf Denktash has received a nod of approval from various envoys.

"The focus of our meetings here is the continuation of efforts to resume the negotiating process, as this is defined by UN resolutions," he told the press after Monday's meetings in New York between President Clerides and British envoy on Cyprus, Lord David Hannay, and UN Secretary General's Special Adviser for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto.

The president, he said, is ready to return to the talks and therefore we consider that all efforts should be directed at the Turkish side.

"Neither the UN Secretary General nor others who support his efforts are asking anything of us, either to make any moves or concessions to entice Denktash to return to the talks," Kasoulides said.

"The ball is not in our court," he said, noting that Denktash’s invitation to the president for a face-to-face meeting cannot be regarded as an attempt to restart the talks.

Replying to questions, he said the UN and others give President Clerides the seal of approval for his handling of the Denktash invitation.

He noted that Turkey is made aware of the time restraints in the effort to solve the Cyprus question, and the window of opportunity will close this time next year and Turkey will be faced with dilemmas.

Asked if he saw any chance of a resumption of talks within 2001, the minister said "personally I do not see any chance of that, if I can make a prediction."

Kasoulides said Cyprus intends to exercise its right of reply to a speech at the UN General Assembly yesterday by Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem.

On his own meetings here, on the sidelines of the General Assembly, he said he sees many of his counterparts from member states of the Organization of Islamic Conference and outlines the government position on the situation in Cyprus.

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