Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-11-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] International support against terrorism a one-way road, Premier tells Parliament

[02] FM and Austrian counterpart discuss Afghanistan, terrorism

[03] U.S. propose implementation of Olympic Truce at Winter Games

[04] Presidency announces President Putin's visit on December 6-8

[05] Deputy FM: Cyprus among EU accession front-runners

[06] PM Simitis to meet Bulgarian counterpart in Sofia in January

[07] Defense minister to visit Albania on Dec. 11-12

[08] Main opposition leader to meet Duisenberg in Frankfurt

[09] Greek EU commissioner gives interview to 'Europe' magazine

[10] UN General Assembly postpones vote on natural disasters

[11] Greece against EU proposal on fishing vessels

[12] Event held on international terrorism and organized crime

[13] Case of 'spying' referred to Kalamata Mis-demeanors Council

[14] Parliamentary committee examines budget

[15] Greece spends Dr 11 billion in tourism ads in 2001

[16] Opposition calls National Bank's stock annulment a crime

[17] Greece vows to speed up adaptation to EU internal market law

[18] Conference on foreign investments in southeastern Europe

[19] World women in business wind up Athens conference

[20] Building activity at 7,673 permits in June

[21] Gov't announces Jan-Mar borrowing schedule

[22] Bank stocks push ASE to 2,700 level

[23] Stephanopoulos briefed on 2004 preparations

[24] Most wanted Greek criminal arrested in Romania

[25] Survey on the environmental awareness of the Greeks

[26] Ecumenical Patriarch to attend SAE congress in Thessaloniki

[27] Alexander Onassis Foundation international awards

[28] National Council welcomes Clerides' response to Denktash

[29] Cypriot and Russian defense ministers meet in Moscow

[01] International support against terrorism a one-way road, Premier tells Parliament

Athens, 28/11/2001 (ANA)

Main opposition New Democracy referred to a “lack of national communication” regarding foreign policy in general, whereas the small Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) party charged that Athens is unconditionally aligning itself with Washington’s policy.

“In a declared war ... there are no margins but for one to react in the way the civilized world reacted,” Simitis said, adding that if apathy and tolerance were shown towards those responsible for the terrorist acts, “then the message would be simple: continue”.

On his part, Synaspismos president Nikos Constantopoulos, whose party requested the debate, opened his speech by saying that Simitis was “appearing as an apologist of US policy”.

"What can Greece do? A lot of things. The issue is if we agree, or, worried by develop-ments, we don't dare raise a dissenting voice. What concerns us is ... will the Greek government continue to always say 'yes' to the dispatch of troops and the war's continuation?" the Synaspismos leader asked rhetorically from the speaker's podium.

Premier's reaction: Simitis, however, immediately countered: "Mr. Constantopoulos didn't tell us what he counsels, what he recommends as policy ... Can someone impose their opinion with violence and not suffer the consequences? Does Mr. Constantopoulos object? Does Mr. Constantopoulos accept hijackings, letters laced with anthrax, does he welcome tolerance vis-a-vis organized crime, and for any type of mafia to operate here?

"What does he want? For Greece to declare war on Mr. (George) Bush, for us to leave the European Union?" Simitis stressed.

The Greek premier added: "Unanimous decisions were taken by the European Union, should Greece have objected? Is this how it defends its rights? -- To stand in front of the others with what excuse? We're not talking about behaviors in a perfect world that's far removed from what now exists".

Constantopoulos responded: "The same appeal in the civilized (nations') reaction supports the idea of a crusade and the Bush dilemma, 'either with them or with us'."

New Democracy: ND leader Costas Karamanlis began his address by emphasizing that his party fully backs the international alliance and campaign against terrorism, "clearly, without footnotes or asterisks".

"There is a long way to go, however, in order to quash international terrorism, as the first battle has been decided, but there is still a way to go."

In expanding his comments beyond the Afghanistan affair to Greek foreign policy in general, Karamanlis criticized the government for what he charged was a piecemeal briefing of Parliament's parties.

Indirectly, he also offered one note of praise, saying the government has nevertheless "adopted our policy against terrorism".

Karamanlis again reiterated at length ND's standing request for the creation of a foreign policy council to draw up strategic goals and policy.

Finally, the ND leader called on Simitis to clarify whether Greece will veto any potential Turkish participation in decision-making processes related to the under consideration "Euro-army" - a query that brought an immediate answer from Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who responded in the affirmative.

In again taking the podium, Simitis termed Karamanlis' address as mere "generalities, exaltations and grandstanding in order to cause fear".

KKE: The last party leader to take the podium was Communist Party of Greece (KKE) general secretary Aleka Papariga, who asked if "over the past few years there was even one instance where the government had expressed, not its refusal, but even the slightest objection or concern" vis-a-vis US foreign policy.

Papariga, whose party is among the staunchest opponents to the campaign in Afghanistan, added that "it seems the prime minister feels the need to answer why he wasn't able to convince the Greek people that the war in Afghanistan is yet another holy war." Gov't spokesman: In earlier comments during his regular press briefing, a government spokesman said any Greek intervention will come after the military operations in Afghanistan are over, thus allowing Greek forces to take part in humanitarian assistance missions.

"We have said that two or three C-130 planes will go - although it hasn't been decided as yet -- in order transport and assist in the distribution of humanitarian aid," spokesman Christos Protopappas said.

[02] FM and Austrian counterpart discuss Afghanistan, terrorism

Athens, 28/11/2001 (ANA)

Earlier, Ferrero-Waldner was received by President Kostis Stephanopoulos, accompanied by Papandreou, while on Wednesday she will be meeting Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis.

Speaking at the end of talks between the two delegations, Papandreou said his discussion with the Austrian foreign minister and "very good friend" was very constructive, adding that the two countries, being medium-size countries in the EU, have very close cooperation and many common ideas and concerns on issues regarding the future of Europe.

Papandreou further said that he and his Austrian counterpart also discussed issues concerning cooperation between the two countries on matters regarding the 2004 Olympic Games, the Cultural Olympiad and the Olympic Truce.

He expressed Greece's support for the Austrian candidate to succeed Bodo Hombach as EU coordinator for the Stability Pact.

On her part, Ferrero-Waldner said her visit is taking place in response to the visit made by her Greek counterpart to Vienna in spring, adding that during that visit they had decided to establish bilateral contacts at least twice a year to exchange views.

She placed particular emphasis in her statements on the issue of EU enlargement, saying that it is of great interest for Austria since it borders with four candidate countries and highlighting her country's concerns over the Czech Republic's nuclear power plant, which is located 40 kilometers away from the Austrian border.

[03] U.S. propose implementation of Olympic Truce at Winter Games

Athens, 28/11/2001 (ANA)

Rogge and Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who initiated the idea of an Olympic Truce, participated in a meeting of the International Olympic Truce Center’s Executive Committee at the IOC's facilities in Lausanne on Monday.

Rogge had told reporters that the Olympic Truce was to be among the top issues on the agenda of his talks with the American president.

The IOC president said on Monday that a draft resolution on the Olympic Truce has already been tabled at the United Nations and that he hoped it will be ratified on December 11.

[04] Presidency announces President Putin's visit on December 6-8

Athens, 28/11/2001 (ANA)

Putin will be visiting Greece at the invitation of President Kostis Stephanopoulos.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Valentina Matviyenko had visited Athens early last week and had held discussions with the Greek government on preparations for President Putin's visit as well.

[05] Deputy FM: Cyprus among EU accession front-runners

Athens, 28/11/2001 (ANA)

Magriotis made the statements in an address at the first-ever conference of Greek expatriates who serve in elected local government posts throughout Europe. The conference is underway in Thessaloniki.

The Greek deputy foreign minister, whose election district includes Thessaloniki, added that Turkey's various verbal threats of late would have no bearing on the east Mediterranean island's EU prospects.

"Today, the European Union and the United States agree over Cyprus' selection for EU accession, and the Turkish side is obligated to adjust (to this)," Magriotis told conference delegates.

Turkish leadership, including the neighboring country's prime minister, have recently threatened to annex the Turkish-occupied northern third of Cyprus if the island republic's international recognized government leads its unoccupied territory into the EU fold.

Eurodeputy says Cyprus is Turkey's door to EU ISTANBUL, 28/11/2001 (ANA - E. Aretaios / A. Abatzis)

Eurodeputy Daniel Cohn-Bendit, who chaired the Turkey-European Parliament joint parliamentary committee, which came to an end here on Tuesday, said that "Cyprus is Turkey's door to the European Union."

"All of Cyprus will join the EU and if a part of it is under occupation, a part of the EU will be under occupation," Cohn-Bendit said at a joint press conference with the committee's Turkish co-chairman Kursat Eser.

He further said that "I am aware that the Cyprus issue is sentimentally charged" and added that "if Turkey opens the door of Cyprus, it opens the door of Europe. Make no mistake due to nationalism."

Cohn-Bendit further referred to the proposal by British Eurodeputy Andrew Duff on the creation of a European military and police force for the protection of all the citizens of Cyprus over a transitional period.

He said Turkey can underline protection requirements for certain areas on the island but the force will be European and will only be composed of soldiers from EU member-states.

Referring to the issue of Turkey's participation in European defense apparatuses, Cohn-Bendit said European policy, including its military aspect, is and should remain independent and called on Turkey to adopt a more conciliatory stance.

Turkish National Security Council on Cyprus: Turkey's omnipotent National Security Council issued a statement on Cyprus after a meeting Tuesday, underlining that it supports the finding of a mutually acceptable solution.

The statement stresses that Ankara supports the proposal by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash for a meeting with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and points out that "Turkey shall not allow the creation of a situation violating international agreements, constituting a threat for Turkey and the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' and turning the Turkish Cypriots into a minority under the dominance of the Greek Cypriots."

The council's statement on Tuesday appears more moderate than the one issued on May 29 which said that "there are two equal peoples and two equal sovereign states on the island which represent them. A solution to the problem in a way acceptable to both sides is related to the acceptance of the two states' sovereign equality on the island. There was no progress with allegations promoting the contrary and nor will there be any. The existing two states are the starting point for whatever solution."

[06] PM Simitis to meet Bulgarian counterpart in Sofia in January

SOFIA, 28/11/2001 (ANA - B. Borisov)

The agenda of the talks will include the progress on the cross-border Kirtzali-Komotoni axis, Saxe-Coburg told citizens of Kirtzali.

[07] Defense minister to visit Albania on Dec. 11-12

Athens, 28/11/2001 (ANA)

Press reports said that Papantoniou's talks with Albanian leaders will focus on security matters in the region, cracking down illegal immigration and cooperation between the two neighboring countries in the defense sector.

[08] Main opposition leader to meet Duisenberg in Frankfurt

Athens, 28/11/2001 (ANA)

Karamanlis is scheduled to meet Dr. Wim Duisenberg, President of the European Central Bank, the announcement added.

[09] Greek EU commissioner gives interview to 'Europe' magazine

Greek European Union Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou described the European Commission's initiatives on employment and social policy issues in the EU in an interview with the magazine "Europe", published by the EU's delegation in the United States.

Diamantopoulou referred at length, among others, to the reforming of the social model, the decrease in the black economy's repercussions, the gap in specialties in the European labor market, curbing illegal immigration, handling unemployment and the combatting of xenophobia.

[10] UN General Assembly postpones vote on natural disasters

UNITED NATIONS, 28/11/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Many signatures have already been collected by member-states in support of the Greek-Turkish initiative and it is expected that the resolution, approved by EU member-states and fully supported by the United States and developing countries, will be unanimously ratified in December.

[11] Greece against EU proposal on fishing vessels

BRUSSELS, 28/11/2001 (ANA / Y. Zitouniati)

Drys was speaking at a meeting of fisheries ministers in the Belgian capital on a long-term EU plan to protect stocks and support a viable fisheries sector in the 15-nation bloc.

The Commission's proposals contained piecemeal measures, although Greece backed the overall aim of formulating an integrated Community policy to spur a healthy fisheries sector, Drys said.

Additionally, the minister opposed the exclusion of Greece from fishing rights in Mauritania under an EU protocol being renewed with the west African country.

Voting down the proposal with Italy, Greece also submitted a statement recalling EU ministers' meetings in 1997 and inter-national fisheries conventions that urged the avoidance of under-exploitation in fishing pacts with third countries.

[12] Event held on international terrorism and organized crime

Athens, 28/11/2001 (ANA)

He said that the threats to society were twofold - terrorism and organized crime.

The public order minister said that international solidarity was needed to combat terrorism. As for the confrontation of Greek terrorists, what was needed was the unity of the country's political world and the shielding of defense and security, he said.

On organized crime, he said that political stability and international cooperation was needed to tackle the phenomenon. On the problem of illegal immigrants, Chrysohoidis said that the countries from which they come from should be supported.

The event was also addressed, among others, by main opposition New Democracy (ND) party deputy Dora Bakoyianni.

Bakoyianni described the terrorists as "cowards" who do not dare strike well-guarded targets. She expressed the conviction that there will be no terrorist attack during the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, given that stringent security measures will avert any thought of terrorist acts.

[13] Case of 'spying' referred to Kalamata Mis-demeanors Council

Athens, 28/11/2001 (ANA)

The Misdemeanors Council will decide whether the 14, or some of them, will stand trial or be released. The decision is expected in more than ten days time.

Greek intelligence officials have pointed to espionage in their report to court officials, whereas the 14 foreign nationals have continued to maintain throughout that they were on a "plane spotting" vacation when arrested outside a military airbase near Kalamata, southwestern Greece.

Photographing military installations is prohibited in Greece, although the 14 say they had an invitation to attend an air show in Kalamata.

They were arrested on Nov. 8 in the port city, three days after being briefly detained at an airbase north of Athens.

[14] Parliamentary committee examines budget

Athens, 28/11/2001 (ANA)

Ruling PASOK party rapporteur Theodoros Koliopanos said it is the Greek state's first budget to be drawn up and prepared in the new currency, the euro, and the second following the country's participation in the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

Koliopanos said that the budget's targets include the achievement of surpluses, restraining and controlling expenditures, continuing the creation of first stage surpluses, further decreasing the public debt, strengthening employment and regional convergence.

He said that the new budget's main indicators show an increase in state budget revenues by 5 percent compared to 2001 and an increase in state budget expenditures by 3.3 percent as against 2001.

He also said that considerable increases will occur at ministries having a particular social interest (social security, education, health, public administration, defense and public security), while public investment program payments will increase by 9.7 percent.

Main opposition New Democracy party rapporteur Yiannis Papathanasiou referred to what he called the unreliability of the government which, as he said, submitted two different draft budgets in a month bearing the signatures of the prime minister and the inner cabinet.

Papathanasiou said Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis estimates the country's public debt as being 2.8 trillion drachmas more than what his predecessor at the ministry Yiannos Papantoniou had.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) rapporteur Angelos Tzekis said "once again big businessmen, ship owners and industrialists will benefit."

He added that the government is rejoicing over the euro but the budget's main philosophy does not change and wealth will be redistributed for the benefit of big capital.

Coalition of the Left and Progress party rapporteur Panayiotis Lafazanis termed the budget "bogus and false", pointing out that the surplus and the decrease in the public debt appearing are "magical" numbers and "accounting jugglery".

[15] Greece spends Dr 11 billion in tourism ads in 2001

Athens, 28/11/2001 (ANA)

Economy and Finance Deputy Minister Christos Pahtas approved credits worth Dr 11 billion from national funds, almost double the figure spent in last year's Public Investments Program (6.0 billion drachmas).

A ministry announcement said the project was financing actions to promote the country's tourism in the domestic market and abroad and that only a sum of Dr 2.8 billion has not yet been absorbed by the program.

Pahtas said the government's priority was to continuously support the tourist industry. "An increasing competition imposes the implementation of a policy that will respect culture and the environment and will boost economic growth in a viable way. A policy based on improving quality and viability of our tourist product," he said.

Tourism firms welcome statements by new minister: The Association of Greek Tourism Firms on Tuesday welcomed statements by newly appointed Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who backed improving the price-to-quality ratio in tourism and coordinating tourism organizations.

Speaking in parliament, Tsohatzopoulos also said he supported three-year tourism growth programs that could set both quality and quantity targets.

[16] Opposition calls National Bank's stock annulment a crime

Athens, 28/11/2001 (ANA)

Evert called the decision a "crime" and warned the managements of both National Bank and the Public Securities Company that it "would not go unpunished".

He noted that National Bank governor Theodoros Karatzas had justified a decision to buy back the stock from the Public Securities Company as a move to protect the price of the bank's shares and prevent the state-owned securities firm from selling its shares.

In addition, the ND deputy linked the affair to his earlier allegations that the Public Securities Company had tried to artificially bull up the stock market through massive placements in state-run enterprises prior to the 2000 elections, thus painting itself into a corner financially when the market subsequently fell.

Evert also raised questions about the implication of the stock annulment for a planned merger between National Bank and Alpha Bank, speculating that the move might be a way of reducing National's weight in the merger by lowering its equity capital.

Shareholders of National Bank on Monday approved a proposal for a decline in equity capital by 85,824,393,767 drachmas by annulling the stock bought back from the Public Securities Company, linked to the convertible bond.

National said its share capital after the drop in equity capital totalled 349,732,863,086 drachmas in the form of 228,080,452 shares at 1,533,375 drachmas each.

The reduction in equity capital will have a favorable impact on return on equity, according to the bank.

[17] Greece vows to speed up adaptation to EU internal market law

BRUSSELS, 28/11/2001 (ANA / M. Spinthourakis)

Greek officials told a meeting of EU internal market, consumer and tourism ministers in the Belgian capital that the government would lower its non-implementation rate to 1.5 percent by the spring from 3.0 percent at present.

Greece is still lagging in incorporating EU internal market harmonization, despite progress made in recent years.

Representing Greece at the EU meeting were Deputy Economy Minister Christos Pahtas and Deputy Development Minister Christos Theodorou.

[18] Conference on foreign investments in southeastern Europe

Athens, 28/11/2001 (ANA)

The purpose of the conference is to highlight the investment environment, investment opportunities and the comparative advantages of countries in the region for Greek investors, reveal difficulties faced by foreign investors in these countries and seek effective solutions.

The conference will be attended by representatives of the Foreign Investments Centers of Croatia, Albania, Bulgaria and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), businessmen from these countries and OECD officials.

[19] World women in business wind up Athens conference

Athens, 28/11/2001 (ANA)

During the conference, delegates from around the world met Greek officials from spheres including industry, politics and local government.

On Monday, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos held talks with leaders of the FCEM and the Association of Greek Women in Business.

He told them that a competition operational program in place supported women and youth in business, along with small and medium sized enterprises.

[20] Building activity at 7,673 permits in June

Athens, 28/11/2001 (ANA)

The most permits were issued for construction in Attica at 2,417 permits, followed by central Macedonia at 1,036 permits, the NSS said.

[21] Gov't announces Jan-Mar borrowing schedule

Athens, 28/11/2001 (ANA)