Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-11-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek government discuss euro changeover

[02] FM has telephone conversation with British counterpart

[03] Bulgarian PM calls for expanded bilateral ties

[04] FM to meet Bulgarian counterpart on Thursday

[05] Austrian FM Ferrero-Waldner meets with Kaklamanis

[06] Cyprus closes 24 out of 29 chapters in EU negotiations

[07] U.S. pleased about Clerides-Denktash meeting on Dec. 4

[08] Turkey's Yilmaz 'rediscovers' Ghali's 1990 ideas on Cyprus federation

[09] PM discusses German war reparations with ministers

[10] FM and DM discuss EU Common policy, Balkans, Afghanistan

[11] FM politely declines Athens mayoral candidacy

[12] PASOK Eurodeputies to hold event on social insurance

[13] Satisfactory developments for Greek cotton producers

[14] Finance minister comments on new state budget

[15] Government releases cash to aid jobless

[16] IKA to reimburse patients seeking private care during strike

[17] Opposition discusses utilization of EU's 3rd CSF

[18] Greek stocks end off lows on Wednesday

[19] 'Encouraging' report by IOC Coordinating Committee after Athens visit

[20] Marine ministry to call Olympics meeting in December

[21] Extradition request for Passaris being prepared

[22] Joint press conference on arrested fugitive Costas Passaris

[23] Culture minister presents Charter of Olympia text, website

[24] ECO NET program on protected Balkan regions

[25] 2nd Balkan city mayors conference in Thessaloniki

[26] President Stephanopoulos inaugurates foundation facilities

[27] Government spokesman notes different tone in Turkish statement

[01] Greek government discuss euro changeover

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a cabinet meeting to discuss preparations ahead of the circulation of the euro currency, Christodoulakis said that public services and shops should be timely supplied with the necessary amount of euro coins and banknotes to meet transaction demands.

He said that the cabinet agreed that preparations in the public sector were progressing smoothly but problems were recorded among small-sized businesses which lagged behind in preparations.

Christodoulakis said that Greek consumers should always feel that the government was standing beside them, and that it was fighting for their interests.

He expressed his confidence that there would be no problems and that Greece "will begin the new year with all the positive advantages of the new currency."

Ministers, central bank to form euro coordination group: A committee of ministers and officials of the Bank of Greece, or central bank, will be formed to handle the final phase of the country's transition to the euro on January 1, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting, the prime minister also asked ministers to record their level of readiness for introduction of the single currency in physical form.

"We have to bear in mind that this change affects 300 million people in the whole of Europe. It is a move that will bring Greece to the same level as the rest of Europe," government spokesman Christos Protopappas quoted Simitis as saying.

"We must not allow this to be tarnished by any problems in maybe secondary areas, but which are important to the public. We will be judged by our response to this in the coming year," the prime minister added.

[02] FM has telephone conversation with British counterpart

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

Papandreou, who was speaking during a luncheon given in his honor by the Foreign Press Association, said the judiciary in Greece, which functions in an independent way, will take into consideration that airport "hobbyists" act with a "passion" for their hobby and will do what is necessary.

On the second issue, Papandreou said he had the opportunity of reiterating to his colleague Greece's positions, adding that whatever negotiations are underway with Turkish officials cannot bind the European Union.

Papandreou said the issue of Cyprus's security is one discussed in the framework of the UN and not the framework of European defense and security.

The foreign minister said no proposal has been made to Greece to necessitate the Greek side to exercise the right of veto, adding that this right will be used if considered necessary.

Referring to the European army which has not yet been created, he said "it would be irrational to intervene in a crisis of such a kind" as the Cyprus issue is.

Papandreou said its role is by nature "limited" and has no jurisdiction and mandate for peacemaking but only peacekeeping. He also said that all this has nothing to do with reports that Cyprus and the Aegean are supposedly excluded from the European army's operational region.

"There is no reason to exclude Cyprus. There is a reason to resolve the Cyprus issue," he said, adding that the European army to be created will not have the right to intervene in processes concerning the imposition of solutions.

Papandreou said his British counterpart did not convey to him anything special regarding talks between British and Turkish officials on the issue and went on to say that he does not see any compromising proposals.

He referred at length to the Cyprus issue during the luncheon and to the adherence of the Greek and Cypriot side to the framework determined by UN resolutions.

Papandreou added that an example of Turkish intentions will be seen during the meeting between Cyprus President Glafcos Cle-rides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash on December 4.

[03] Bulgarian PM calls for expanded bilateral ties

SOFIA, 29/11/2001 (ANA - B. Borisov)

The Bulgarian premier, who was the country's child-monarch at the end of World War II before being driven into exile for more than four decades, also mentioned a new north-south border crossing connecting the Bulgarian town of Kirtzali with Greece's Komotini.

He told reporters during a tour of southeastern Bulgaria that expanded bilateral economic relations and development of cross-border regions would definitely be on the agenda of talks when Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis visits Sofia in January.

[04] FM to meet Bulgarian counterpart on Thursday

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

Statements to the press will be made at 1.30 p.m. at the foreign ministry after the two ministers' return from the Presidential Mansion, a foreign ministry announcement said on Wednesday.

[05] Austrian FM Ferrero-Waldner meets with Kaklamanis

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

The Austrian FM is in Greece for an official visit and a round of talks with Greek leadership.

According to a press release issued by Parliament, particular attention was paid to the issue of more humanitarian aid for the war-ravaged Central Asian country, along with the need for a political solution accepted by the entire Afghan people.

On his part, Kaklamanis expressed his concern over certain anti-terrorism measures, saying they should be effective but without infringing on European citizens' civil liberties.

ND leader holds talks with visiting Austrian FM: Main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis and visiting Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner discussed European Union enlargement, and the accession course of Cyprus in particular, at the party's head office on Wednesday.

Other issues discussed were relations between the EU and Turkey, the European army, developments in the Balkans and bilateral relations.

Referring to the issue of the European army and Turkey's interventions, ND spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said Ankara's "extortions should not pass", adding that ND rejects the positions of Ankara, which is aiming at participating in decision-making bodies on the European army.

[06] Cyprus closes 24 out of 29 chapters in EU negotiations

BRUSSELS, 29/11/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Cyprus, which opened accession negotiations with the EU in 1998, has now provisionally closed 24 out of 29 chapters under negotiation.

The chapter concerns Justice and Internal Affairs, and the final decision will be taken at the ministerial meeting between the EU and the candidate countries which is scheduled for December 10-11.

At Wednesday's meeting of the 14th inter-governmental meeting on Cyprus' accession, Cyprus' Chief negotiator with the EU George Vassiliou briefed the EU officials on Cyprus' adaptation course with the acquis communautaire with regard to the chapters which remain open as well as to the face to face talks which President Glafcos Clerides will have with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash in Nicosia on December 4.

[07] U.S. pleased about Clerides-Denktash meeting on Dec. 4

WASHINGTON, 29/11/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher, in a written statement in reply to a relevant question submitted to him, said the United States view "as encouraging the fact that the two leaders plan to meet on the island in the presence of a United Nations representative and continue to fully support the good services of the UN Secretary General as well as all the efforts for the achievement of an overall settlement."

[08] Turkey's Yilmaz 'rediscovers' Ghali's 1990 ideas on Cyprus federation

ANKARA, 29/11/2001 (ANA - A. Abatzis)

Replying to questions on the Cyprus issue in the course of a dinner, Yilmaz said Ghali in 1990 had voiced the need for the necessary criteria to exist for the creation of a bizonal and bicommunal federation on the island.

Yilmaz said that these necessary criteria did not exist in the past and noted that Ghali had proposed that a system of a rotating presidency could be established.

Yilmaz added that the Turkish side "must rid itself of the picture that it is the side which does not wish for a settlement and instead become the side which is exerting pressure for finding a solution."

The Motherland Party leader underlined that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash "must definitely return to the negotiating table and pressure the Greek side."

Yilmaz concluded by saying that "it is Turkey which will most benefit from a settlement of the Cyprus issue." He added that "we have two obstacles on the road towards the EU. The first is the Copenhagen criteria to which some circles continue to resist and the second is the fact that a solution to the Cyprus issue has not been found."

Ankara and Rauf Denktash have been insisting for some years now for the establishment of a confederation on the island republic demanding recognition of the illegal Turkish Cypriot regime in Turkish occupied northern Cyprus. Turkey's Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit has repeatedly threatened recently that Ankara would annex the occupied part of the island in the event the Cyprus republic joins the European Union.

[09] PM discusses German war reparations with ministers

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

"The meeting with the prime minister was on the issue of the pact on the extraterritoriality of states, namely the pact signed in Basel. We discussed the issue of this pact and we decided that the government will proceed, at its own initiative, with the ratification of the European Pact, named the Basel Pact," Papandreou said after the meeting.

[10] FM and DM discuss EU Common policy, Balkans, Afghanistan

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

The two ministers discussed Greece's military presence in the Balkans, where the political decision has been taken in principle to send an additional 300 Greek troops.

On the question of the EU's common foreign policy, the Greek side, as clarified by Papandreou during a press conference, adheres to decisions taken at the Nice summit and does not discuss the exclusion of geographical zones and other measures which, in any case, have not been raised in the EU's official agenda.

Papantoniou and Papandreou also discussed developments in Afghanistan, the U.S. policy on the issue and humanitarian operations to this country.

Athens has placed C-130 transport aircraft at NATO's disposal to carry humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. However, it has not yet been requested to take specific action.

[11] FM politely declines Athens mayoral candidacy

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

Papandreou said he would continue to address issues of his competence with seriousness. "I thank the colleagues who made this honorable proposal," he added.

Prompted by reporters to become more specific, Papandreou said "we do not comment on theoretical scenarios."

[12] PASOK Eurodeputies to hold event on social insurance

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

The event will be addressed by Labor and Social Security Minister Dimitris Reppas, the head of PASOK's Eurodeputies George Katiforis and Gender Equality General Secretary Efi Bekou.

The aim of the event is to contribute, through an open and broad dialogue, to the improvement of the position of women in the future insurance system.

[13] Satisfactory developments for Greek cotton producers

BRUSSELS, 29/11/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

According to reports, the Committee adopted data produced by the Greek side according to which production is ultimately determined at 1,146,787 tones for 2001.

Initial estimates by the European Commission on annual cotton production in Greece were much higher and were in the region of 1,260,000 tones.

It was further decided that the minimum price will be 189.5 drachmas, to which will be added 45-50 drachmas from the difference between the advance payment and liquidation and 30-40 drachmas from market supply due to the good quality of Greek cotton.

Commenting on the decision, Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler said "the Commission has shown that it takes the concerns of the cotton sector in Greece seriously. I think that we have now found a solution, which guarantees the Greek cotton sector a reasonable level of advance payments, while ensuring that the EU's financial interests are not put at risk. Let me stress that we are talking about provisional reductions of the cotton guide price. The final levels of prices and aids will be fixed in May 2002 on the basis of the real production. Obviously, Greece will then receive the amount of payments it is entitled to according to the final production figures."

Cotton producers address letter to PM: Cotton producers from central Macedonia, who have been staying at collection locations over the past 10 days, addressed an open letter to Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Wednesday, requesting his immediate intervention to have the situation normalized.

For the time being they are waiting for official announcements by the agriculture ministry on decisions taken on Wednesday by the European Union's Managing Committee for Fibers on this year's total amount of cotton production to determine their further action.

According to reports, cotton producers are reserved towards the Committee's decisions and will request clarifications on the fluctuation percentage (11 percent) determined for the amount of supplementary production.

[14] Finance minister comments on new state budget

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

Christodoulakis said the period we are going through is characterized by an "intense development slowdown" for national economies internationally but "the Greek economy can claim high growth rates both in 2001 and 2002 which will bring real convergence even closer."

Christodoulakis estimated the growth rate for this year at 4.1 percent and 3.8 percent for 2002 which, as he said, is due both to EU funds contained in the 3rd Community Support Framework, but with a small participation in growth observed, and to public expenditures and the investment environment which are being shaped by market deregulations and denationalizations.

Main opposition New Democracy party rapporteur George Alogoskoufis insisted on his charges against the government for "an operation to beautify the situation of the economy and transfer burdens for the future."

[15] Government releases cash to aid jobless

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

Included under the funding are programs to help the jobless gain working experience, assistance for the young self-employed, and training for the jobless.

Deputy National Economy and Finance Minister Christos Pahtas said in a statement that that lowering joblessness and boosting employment were a key government target in order to attain real convergence with the most developed European countries; and to ensure social cohesion throughout the country.

[16] IKA to reimburse patients seeking private care during strike

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

Those seeking reimbursement should supply the receipts with IKA services to get their money, it was announced.

Commenting on planned reforms to the social insurance system, Nektarios said there should be a guaranteed minimum pension included in the state budget, a main pension funded by workers, employers and the government, supplementary pensions funded by employers and workers and additional incomes from private insurance.

[17] Opposition discusses utilization of EU's 3rd CSF

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

ND spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos stressed that the prompt and sensible use of the 3rd CSF in conditions of transparency was a major challenge facing Greece.

He also claimed that the EU funds package was probably the country's greatest and last chance to achieve levels of development needed to combat unemployment and create a future for small to middle-sized enterprises and farmers.

The opposition spokesman stressed that the government had to pick up the pace in utilizing the 3rd CSF, otherwise there was a danger that money would be lost.

[18] Greek stocks end off lows on Wednesday

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

The general index ended 0.04 percent lower at 2,699.07 points, with turnover a moderate 57.5 billion drachmas or 168.8 million euros.

The Telecoms sector recorded the heaviest percentage losses (-1.39 percent), while the Wholesale sector scored the biggest percentage gains (+1.04 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.27 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 0.16 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index eased 0.36 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 194 to 125 with another 40 issues unchanged.

Market sources said the Greek bourse was showing signs of stabilizing around current levels, supported by a strong banks sector, but stressed that it would need a further improvement in daily turnover to push the market higher.

The most heavily traded shares were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Coca-Cola HBC, National Bank of Greece and Alpha Bank.

Bond Market Close: Prices nose down in brisk trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Wednesday finished lower in moderate to heavy trade again focusing on ten-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of around 5.06 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 42 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 2.6 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for just over half of turnover.

Derivatives Market Close: Equity futures try to consolidate: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Wednesday showed signs of consolidation in low turnover with blue chip contracts finishing at a premium after shifting in and out of the red, traders said.

Changing hands were 4,828 contracts on turnover of 30.8 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips gained 0.27% percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks shed 0.16 percent.

[19] 'Encouraging' report by IOC Coordinating Committee after Athens visit

WASHINGTON, 29/11/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

"If our Greek friends continue to work as fast and hard as today, we will have exceptional Games," Rogge said of the summer Games to be hosted by Athens in 2004.

Rogge, who was received by US President Bush at the White House after his address, concentrated mainly on the Winter Games that will take place in February in Salt Lake City, which he said he was sure would be an absolute success.

Replying to questions on security at the Winter Olympics 2002, Rogge said that he was satisfied with the security plans for the Salt Lake City Games, details of which he noted he was not at liberty to discuss publicly.

He said that after the double terrorist hit in the US on September 11, there were some legitimate concerns about the safety of the athletes, but the IOC had launched an informational campaign and as a result no national Olympic committee has withdrawn from the Winter Games.

He added that the prospect of canceling the Winter 2002 Games after the September 11 attacks had never been a serious consideration.

To questions on the Olympic Truce, Rogge expressed optimism that the relevant draft Resolution to be tabled in the UN on December 11, which was supported by the US, would be approved by the UN General Assembly.

On the prospect of Afghanistan taking part in the Winter Games, Rogge explained that Afghanistan's participation in the Olympic movement was suspended two years ago due to the Taliban policy on issues concerning sports and women's participation. He noted that the IOC desired the re-entry of Afghanistan, provided it acquired a stable government and embraced the Olympic values.

Rogge further described as a "fundamental mistake" the idea of the permanent hosting of the Olympic Games at one site, because this would deprive many countries of the opportunity to organize this major event "which belongs to the entire world".

To another question on Olympic Games security measures, Rogge said that no country was completely invulnerable on the issue of terrorism, as it was proved in Munich and Atlanta. He added, however, that the level of security at both Salt Lake City and Athens was of the highest quality and totally adequate.

[20] Marine ministry to call Olympics meeting in December

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

Taking part in the meeting would be officials of the games' national organizers and ministries handling Olympics projects, along with representatives from associations and local government in Piraeus, Anomeritis said.

The target was for all Olympics-related projects to be completed or nearing completion in the first half of 2003, with no works still underway during the Olympics, the minister added.

"Piraeus and its port between now and 2004 must become the most beautiful area in Greece, as reception points should be. At the same time, it must become a model international hub for shipping and conferences," Anomeritis later told reporters.

[21] Extradition request for Passaris being prepared

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

Protopappas said the government was doing everything in its power to have Passaris extradited to Greece to stand trial for crimes committed here.

He noted, however, that there were obstacles to a speedy extradition because of the crimes of which Passaris is accused in Romania.

The spokesman also said that there would be an investigation into how Passaris managed to escape to Romania in the first place.

In statements earlier, justice minister Philippos Petsalnikos told reporters that a formal request for the escaped prisoner's extradition to Greece was being prepared by a public prosecutor.

Passaris was arrested Tuesday in Bucharest during an operation that included a team of Greek police officers. Last Saturday, Passaris and his Romanian accomplices had killed two employees of an exchange bureau during an armed robbery in which they made away with 20,000 dollars.

Greece had issued an international arrest warrant on Passaris in May this year.

Greece and Romania are both signatories of the European convention for extraditions since 1997, while a bilateral mutual extradition treaty between the two countries has been in effect since 1974.

Meanwhile, Greece's public order minister Michalis Chrysohoidis expressed satisfaction over the arrest of Passaris in Romania, replying to press questions as he was entering parliament.

Reactions by main opposition New Democracy were mixed, with ND spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos welcoming the news that the fugitive had been apprehended but noting that his arrest in a foreign country exposed the government.

Asked whether ND questioned the role played by the Greek police force in the arrest, he answered only that the Greek police had done its work "as best it could".

ND deputy Miltiades Evert, on the other hand, openly expressed the view that the arrest was not a success for the Greek police, while his colleague Dora Bakoyianni was even more cutting, saying that it was a good thing that Passaris had decided to go to Romania so that he could be arrested.

[22] Joint press conference on arrested fugitive Costas Passaris

BUCHAREST, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

During his talks with deputy Romanian police chief Dumitru Sorescu and Bucharest general police director Mihai George, the Greek police chief expressed his condolences to the families of the two victims of the armed robbery which occurred in Bucharest last Saturday and was the latest crime perpetrated by Passaris.

Nasiakos also said a Greek police team was sent to Romania which cooperated and is cooperating in a good climate with Romanian police to fully solve the crimes perpetrated by Passaris and his probable accomplices.

"We located his whereabouts and when we ascertained that they led to Romania we sent a team of two officers who cooperated with the Romanian police authorities. Cooperation with these authorities will continue in the immediate future as well until the criminal activity of Passaris and his accomplices is fully solved," Nasiakos said.

[23] Culture minister presents Charter of Olympia text, website

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

Venizelos said the text would be released in three languages and sent to governments, international organizations and key figures worldwide, while it would also be published on a site on the Internet where it could be accessed by all.

According to the resolutions of the charter, the role of civilization in the 21st century is to take into account the history and traditions of all peoples, while the conference utterly rejected fatalist notions of a future defined by the clash of cultures.

The text also calls for initiatives for peace and against phenomena such as violence, fanaticism, terrorism and exclusion in the form of sexism or racism.

[24] ECO NET program on protected Balkan regions

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

The program has been assigned to the Arktouros organization in the framework of the implementation of an Environment, Town Planning and Public Works ministry's Greek Development Cooperation and Aid Program.

The purpose of the program implemented was the exchange of legal know-how between Greece and bordering Balkan countries (candidate countries for EU accession) which will contribute to the shaping of a common strategy and policy in the sector of protecting and managing the natural environment.

[25] 2nd Balkan city mayors conference in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

The meeting includes representatives of Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Bosnia-Herzegovina, Federal Yugoslavia, Romania and Greece.

Topics of discussion will cover a wide range of issues, including tourism, trade, urban development, employment, vocational training and others.

A similar meeting last year set up the framework of a cooperation network, including a council of mayors, an executive secretariat, a general directorate and committee on various subjects.

In this meeting there will be a presentation of new programs, actions and initiatives by the European Union in the framework of cooperation between countries, across borders and within regions.

[26] President Stephanopoulos inaugurates foundation facilities

Athens, 29/11/2001 (ANA)

The president was briefed on the foundation's work and was given a guided tour of the premises where mentally retarded children and young people, as well as people with other handicaps, are treated.

The foundation's services include special training and education, professional training and promotion to employment and professional access.

[27] Government spokesman notes different tone in Turkish statement

NICOSIA, 29/11/2001 (CNA/ANA)

He noted however that the government does not see any change in Turkey's positions but does see a different language in the statement.

"It is obvious that the language and the tone used in this statement is different from previous statements," Papapetrou told the press after Wednesday's Cabinet meeting, invited to comment on Tuesday's statement.

The spokesman said Turkey has applied the policy of "tightening and loosening the rope" in the past few weeks on several occasions and this is part of its tactics on the question of Cyprus.

Replying to questions, he said "I am not claiming that Turkey has changed its positions but I do see a different language and a different tone to this latest statement compared with previous ones."

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