Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-01-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM Papandreou tells Ecevit solutions 'legal' and not 'political' ones

[02] U.S. envoy says close cooperation against terrorism

[03] U.S. secretary of state calls on Greek FM to intervene in Middle East

[04] FM spokesman says Cyprus will remain foreign policy priority

[05] PM stresses US trip, new 'strong' Greece at PASOK central committee

[06] Greek-Bulgaria ties called 'excellent' by local paper

[07] FM briefs Synaspismos leader on foreign policy issues

[08] Gov't verifies report citing planned 'al-Qaida' attack in Greece

[09] Surprise visit by ND leader to local hospital, gov't reaction

[10] EU to inform Greece over contaminated fishmeal, ministry says

[11] Greek development minister arrives in London for ESP conference on EU's future

[12] Parliamentary delegation to attend CoE sessions in Strasbourg

[13] Athens University professor elected to UN's committee against racism

[14] Archbishop of Athens to visit Church of America in 2003

[15] Cyprus minister expects increased illegal immigration

[16] Banks' heads meet, no comment over talks

[17] Changes to be made in Social Security, Taxation sectors

[18] Turkish regulators OK purchase of Sitebank by NovaBank

[19] Greek stocks ease slightly on ASE

[20] IOC delegation to arrive in Athens on Sunday

[21] ATHOC president visits Cretan university museum

[22] Peter Greenway in Athens

[23] Greece to ask the British Museum to return the Parthenon Marbles

[24] Fine Arts school exhibition on loan from Van Abbe Museum, inaugurated

[25] Ecevit describes "good omen" the start of Cyprus talks

[26] Document on missing persons delivered to Denktash

[01] FM Papandreou tells Ecevit solutions 'legal' and not 'political' ones

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

Turkish premier Bulent "Ecevit may consider that solutions (to Greek-Turkish differences) are political but we consider them as being legal," Papandreou said in response to statements, which Ecevit made in Washington on Thursday.

According to an ANA dispatch from Washington, Turkish Prime Minister Ecevit dismissed on Thursday the eventuality of recourse by Turkey to the International Court at The Hague for the solution of any differences Turkey views it has with Greece, claiming that "the matter of the Aegean is not a legal but a political one."

Greece maintains that the only Greek-Turkish difference is that of the delimitation of the Aegean continental shelf and has repeatedly called on Ankara to refer the issue to The Hague.

Papandreou said "the current year is a difficult and important one for our country's foreign issues. The dialogue with Turkey concerns important issues of the two countries, limited rivalry, and these issues are heard from both sides with that of the recent agreement which we signed with Ankara on illegal immigration."

The foreign minister stressed that the continental shelf was a legal issue, an issue of international law, and that "our position on this issue is clear, and this I say in reply to the statements by Mr. Ecevit. We are of course making an effort to approach a common framework." He added however that "this common framework has not been found and we stress that this common framework can be found providing Turkey itself follows that which the EU has given as an instruction, that is, Paragraph 4 of the Conclusions of the European Council in Helsinki."

Papandreou further stated that "we do not negotiate with anyone our sovereign rights, (but) we exchange views."

In reply to a question by the ANA, at the National Press Club in Washington on Thursday, Ecevit spoke of "equal rights" in the Aegean, while he expressed his satisfaction over the frequent communications and consultations between the Greek and Turkish foreign ministers, George Papandreou and Ismail Cem, stressing that these can conclude in a solution which will satisfy both countries.

Ecevit said that "in my view the matter of the Aegean is not legal but political. The Aegean must be redefined, in my opinion in light of the changing situations and laws. Therefore, our advise is that we come together as mature neighbors and discuss the necessities of the situation in the Aegean, the particularities of the Aegean and to conclude in a manner for a solution which will satisfy both countries.

"I am very satisfied that over the past three years, some kind of dialogue has started between Turkey and Greece and that our foreign ministers, Messrs. Papandreou and Cem, are discussing not always in front of the press, but also sometimes privately. I am sure that a solution, which will not be published, can arise as a result of the dialogue, which has started, between the two neighboring states. In any case we are neighbors and we must be in a position to share our equal rights in the Aegean in a mature way," Ecevit said.

The Turkish prime minister also spoke of the need for "political compromise" which he described as "the natural thing that must happen," adding that "it is naturally good that it includes legitimate charges."

On his part, Greece's National Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said that there was a systematic effort by Turkey to question Greece's sovereign rights in the Aegean. "Our position is clear: absolute firmness on our steadfast national positions and readiness of the country's military forces. This message should be given in every direction and I believe that this should be the base for a correct political rapprochement and cooperation with Turkey. But with absolute respect for our national rights," Papantoniou said.

Foreign ministry denies Ecevit claim of 'secret' talks with Athens: Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis on Friday denied claims by Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit that the foreign ministers of Greece and Turkey were engaged in secret negotiations.

Talking to the Greek radio station 'Flash', Beglitis said the talks between Greece and Turkey were in no way secret nor had they achieved or aim to achieve any secret results. Greece had initiated a series of contacts and dialogue with Turkey in order to explore the problems in the two countries' relations, he added.

Beglitis noted that talks were taking place on the basis of a firm legal framework created by international law and international treaties, in additional to a firm framework created by the decisions of the EU Summit in Helsinki.

Dialogue between Greece and Turkey on the level of foreign ministers had begun three years ago, Beglitis pointed out, and achieved specific results and agreements. This had been welcomed by all and led to a reduction in tensions between the two countries, he said.

In the course of those meetings there was naturally an exchange of views but this was common knowledge and not something secret, the spokesman noted.

Each side came to the talks with its own positions and put forward its own approach, he continued, and the Greek foreign minister had repeatedly reiterated Greece's approach and positions on the resolution of the problems. In every meeting so far, it had been found that there was no common approach on how the problems should be resolved, he said.

He categorically denied the possibility that an agreement might be reached and remain secret for any space of time.

"Absolutely not. The dialogue has already led to visible and concrete results, we have seen them, they are all the agreements that have been ratified b the two countries, they are the results of the talks that have brought the two society to an improved climate and closer cooperation," Beglitis said.

Athens dismisses latest Turkish demarche over Limnos: Athens on Friday dismissed the latest Turkish protest over the military use of an airport on the Greek island of Limnos, a strategically placed island in the northeastern Aegean near the Dardanelles strait.

In Athens, a government spokesman merely noted that the recent Turkish demarche towards the Greek embassy in Ankara isn't something new, while referring to the action as no more than an attempt to divert attention from certain major issues -- i.e. efforts to find a solution for the long-standing Cyprus problem, the island republic's course towards EU accession and even Turkey's own EU prospects vis-a-vis conditions laid down by Helsinki summit decisions.

[02] U.S. envoy says close cooperation against terrorism

WASHINGTON, 19/01/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Miller, who was speaking at an event organized by the Western Policy Center here, said the Greek authorities are cooperating closely with the corresponding American and British authorities to break up the organization.

He said the murder of British military attache Stephen Saunders was a mistake on the part of the organization since it was proved that it was not the case of some "American fixation" but, on the contrary, a serious problem preoccupying Greece and other countries.

Miller distanced himself from the well-known CBS program "60 minutes", which had recently focused on the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and terrorism in Greece, saying that "those who appeared in this program were not speaking on behalf of the official U.S. government."

He went on to say that such programs do not help the effort to crack down on terrorism and pointed out that Greece has close cooperation with the U.S., Britain, Germany, France, Israel, Spain and Australia on better preparing the Olympic Games' security.

Referring to the Cyprus issue, Miller said the U.S. supports Cyprus's accession to the European Union, adding that although it prefers accession to include the whole island it will support it even if no solution has been found.

"We do not want to allow any side to block the accession process," said the U.S. diplomat who is well aware of the problem since he had served as the State Department's special coordinator on the Cyprus issue over the 1997-1999 period.

He reminded that during his period of office as charge d’Affaires in Athens in 1995, when the issue was being handled by Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke at the time, the U.S. had reached the conclusion that the accession process can function in a catalytic manner for a solution to the problem.

Commenting on confidence-building measures in the Aegean, Miller assessed that it is preferable that Greece and Turkey manage these issues among themselves, without the involvement of others, but added that NATO and the U.S. are always willing to help. Miller also said the visit Prime Minister Costas Simitis made to the U.S. last week was an absolute success (he was present at all meetings), while commenting on the issue of European defense he said Simitis has certain "real concerns", but this is an issue which the EU's Spanish presidency should handle.

[03] U.S. secretary of state calls on Greek FM to intervene in Middle East

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

According to diplomatic sources, Powell, who is currently visiting Pakistan, called Papandreou and asked him to undertake an initiative to lessen tensions in the region, by contacting both the Israeli and Palestinian sides.

Papandreou has already contacted by telephone Israel's Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and he will be contacting also by telephone negotiator of the Palestinian Authority Nabil Saath.

The two men also discussed Prime Minister Costas Simitis' visit to the United States, which they both evaluated as positive. They also discussed the crisis between Pakistan and India, in the context of the possible intervention of the European Union toward the disentanglement of the two neighboring countries.

[04] FM spokesman says Cyprus will remain foreign policy priority

NICOSIA, 19/01/2002 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

In an exclusive statement to the CyBC's program "From Day to Day", Beglitis also said 2002 is the year of Cyprus.

"This year the issue of Cyprus is entering a particularly important phase, regarding both the course of Cyprus's accession to the European Union and the process of resolving it," he said, adding that Greece and Cyprus should cooperate closely for this purpose.

Beglitis went on to say that Greece has information that in no case did the American side claim that the solution being sought for the issue of Cyprus should be in agreement with the status quo, which, as he said, was also evident during Prime Minister Costas Simitis' recent visit to the United States.

[05] PM stresses US trip, new 'strong' Greece at PASOK central committee

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

The prime minister stressed that there was no room for fear and the old dependent and subservient mentality in contemporary Greece.

The meeting had been called to discuss strategy for local elections to be held later this year but Simitis put emphasis on the results of his US trip, the country's course within Europe and the euro-zone and domestic policy directions.

Simitis said his talks in the US had strengthened bilateral political and economic ties and revealed common positions and goals, as well as opening new channels of communication and building up relations of trust with US President George Bush and the US leadership.

He further claimed that the visit had reaffirmed relations of equality between the two countries, which had been earned by Greece, and had highlighted its role in the surrounding geopolitical region through a policy that defended common values and sought to create a wider region of peace, cooperation, development and respect for international law.

Turning to Greece's aims within the European Union, Simitis said that these included Cyprus' accession to the Community, European enlargement and deeper European cooperation, as well as preparing for Greece's EU presidency in the first half of 2003.

Other goals mentioned by Simitis were support for initiatives to solve the Cyprus problem and improving relations with Turkey, provided the latter made efforts to end any negative climate as soon as possible, as well as consolidating stability in southeastern Europe.

The goal of greater justice in society and a more powerful and modern EU were still the province of progressive forces, Simitis told the PASOK central committee, and not a task for conservative ways of government that had divided society and ignored the interests of the wider masses.

"The Greek people are seeking a new position, a new security and a new prosperity within United Europe, not new adventures," Simitis said.

He defended the government's past policies as successful and said they would be continued and lead the country even further forward, while he attacked main opposition New Democracy as lacking vision, planning and policies.

Regarding the local elections, Simitis said that these would be a reckoning between the conservative proposals of ND, which would seek to dominate and control local government, and progressive proposals from PASOK that sought to empower local communities and turn them into a strong society of citizens, whose hallmarks would be growth, progress, cohesion and solidarity.

He said the candidates fielded by the party for the local elections would be dynamic personalities with a clear-cut progressive political profile and noted for their contribution to society and their skills in management.

Simitis then referred briefly to the economic issues, saying the government did not intend to allow market forces to dominate the economy and politics but neither would it allow special interest groups to preserve special measures and privileges. He said the government would push through tax reforms that redistributed incomes and ensured social justice, with real increases for wage earners and pensioners.

He also stressed the role of the 2004 Olympics in boosting growth and employment and helping the country modernize.

PASOK secretary calls for victorious struggle in October's local elections: It is up to PASOK to wage a victorious election struggle for the local administrations, ruling PASOK Secretary said on Friday during his address to the Central Committee of the party.

He said that in the municipal and prefecture administration elections of October PASOK and the other progressive forces will show their strategy in the battle against the main opposition New Democracy (ND) conservative strategy.

Thus PASOK should show that it wants and it can provide a new vision in local government to achieve democracy, decentralization and development, Laliotis said.

Speaking on PASOK's relations with the other democratic forces, he stressed that the ruling party's cadres should prove that they can lead PASOK to a great step over the obstacles and the great meeting with the other democratic forces and the citizens as well.

Venizelos briefs PASOK Central Committee on Constitution for local elections: Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos on Friday addressed the ruling PASOK Central Committee on the nuances of the amended articles of the Constitution regarding the upcoming elections for local administrations.

He said that the amendments provide for ways to develop local communities at the municipal and prefecture levels, adding that PASOK has always been at the forefront of the struggle for the best possible local government institutions.

Venizelos was responsible for drafting and presenting the constitutional amendments that were ratified by this session of Parliament.

PASOK the only party to work for decentralization, interior minister says: Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis stressed on Friday that ruling PASOK party was the only one to ever introduce and implement reforms in the sectors of decentralization and local administration, during his address to PASOK's Central Commit-tee meeting on Friday.

Skandalidis, the previous PASOK party Secretary, criticized main opposition New Democracy for efforts "to instill historical amnesia" regarding decentralization and the creation of an independent local administration.

The current PASOK Central Committee meeting focused on the October elections for municipal and prefecture administrations.

Economy minister addresses PASOK Central Committee meeting: National Economy Minister Nikos Christodoulakis on Friday referred to the European dimension of the ruling PASOK party, while addressing the party's Central Committee meeting.

He noted that within the European Union a dialogue has begun regarding political unification and real convergence, adding that both those issues will determine the priorities of political parties and of course PASOK's priorities.

Christodoulakis also stressed that the Greek government was promoting a series of reforms that will formulate new conditions within the Greek economy and will include taxation and social security reform, as well as the adjustment of development capabilities to modern European conditions.

Main opposition spokesman responds to premier's statements on ND: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos on Friday responded to the statements Prime Minister Costas Simitis made in addressing the ruling PASOK Central Committee, saying that "Simitis sent out today as well divisive messages, consciously damaging the country".

He added that the Greek people discarded the "barren talk of the past, as they already discard the government of Simitis-Laliotis".

Roussopoulos also said that "as the problems of the country increase in number so will the insulting words of Mr. Simitis".

[06] Greek-Bulgaria ties called 'excellent' by local paper

SOFIA, 19/01/2002 (ANA - B. Borisov)

According to an article in Friday's mass-circulation "Trud", Sofia's relations with Athens are described as excellent, with ties steadily increasing despite government changes in Bulgaria over the past few years.

Additionally, Greece's standing position that Bulgaria's and Romania's accession to NATO marks a distinct precondition for security and stability in the Balkans - something reiterated by Simitis during his talks with US President George W. Bush at the White House last week - was also cited in the one-page feature article.

"We certainly don't have greater 'advocates' for our NATO accession than the Greeks, who have consistently supported us since the Madrid summit of 1997," the paper writes.

According to "Trud", the level of bilateral trade rose to US$ 700 million in 2001 from $243 million in 1991, whereas the biggest investment in the Balkan country to date -- $135 million - comes from the Greek telephone utility's (OTE) winning bid for a second mobile phone license in Bulgaria.

Finally, the paper reports that some 200,000 Greek citizens traveled to neighboring Bulgaria last year.

[07] FM briefs Synaspismos leader on foreign policy issues

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

Afterwards, in statements to reporters, Constantopoulos said he foresaw an upcoming period dominated by "tensions, pressure, provocations and the possibilities to formulate foreign policy issues," all in light of Cyprus' continued progress towards EU accession.

Along those lines, he said the government must systematically brief political parties, both on the party leaders' level, as well as in Parliament.

Finally, Constantopoulos expressed his concern over what he called a "continuing escalation of Turkish provocations", while warning that an apparent goal is to dispute Greek sovereign rights in the Aegean.

[08] Gov't verifies report citing planned 'al-Qaida' attack in Greece

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

According to Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Lebanese security services briefed Athens that suspected members of the until recently Afghanistan-based terrorist group confessed to such a plan.

He added, however, that Athens was not given the names of the suspected terrorists cited by Lebanese authorities.

[09] Surprise visit by ND leader to local hospital, gov't reaction

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

Afterwards, he described outpatient clinics and laboratories as decrepit while adding that the Asklipeio Hospital in Voula continues to function only because of the "superhuman efforts by its physicians and staff".

Karamanlis also charged that out of the 700 beds available at the hospital in 1993, only half that number is available today.

Gov't: In a later reaction, a government spokesman countered that the main opposition leader visited only the hospital's older sections, avoiding the recently renovated cardiology clinic and other facilities for the sake of generating only negative publicity for petty political reasons.

[10] EU to inform Greece over contaminated fishmeal, ministry says

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

They said a quantity of shrimps from the Far East contaminated with the antibiotic chloramphenicol had been illegal sold in Holland and then mixed with fish by-products and sold to a German fishmeal producer. The total quantity of contaminated fish by-products came to 188 tones, they said.

German authorities were investigating the issue and keeping the Commission and other EU member-states informed about possible consignments of contaminated animal feed sent abroad.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Fotis Hatzimichalis said that officials responsible for monitoring the distribution of animal feed at a prefectural level had been instructed to conduct inspections, while the agriculture ministry would inform Greek consumers of any new facts released by the European Commission.

[11] Greek development minister arrives in London for ESP conference on EU's future

LONDON, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

The conference would focus on the European Union's enlargement, the dialogue between Europe and the Islamic world and the current political and economic developments in Europe.

Tsohatzopoulos told journalists on his arrival that the "congress of Europe for the preparation of the intergovernmental conference is an important priority, as the clock has moved ahead, time is running out and decisions must be taken".

"The enlargement of the European Union will soon be a reality and all member-states should clarify their positions regarding the new institutional framework, which will allow Europe to function with up to 5, 8 or 10 more members from 2004 onward," he added.

Tsohatzopoulos also spoke of European security and defense policy, which, as he said, was a priority for the ESP.

Speaking on Cyprus's accession to the EU during the upcoming enlargement phase, Tsohatzopoulos said that "without question, I have stressed time and again, that there can be no EU enlargement without Cyprus. On the contrary, it is absolutely certain, everyone is providing assurances that, irrespectively of the political resolution of the Cyprus problem, the Republic of Cyprus will join the EU".

"And so the policy that began in 1995 by (late prime minister Andreas) Papandreou and by (Cyprus President Glafcos) Clerides has been vindicated," the Greek development minister said.

[12] Parliamentary delegation to attend CoE sessions in Strasbourg

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

The delegation, which will attend the CoE Parliamentary Assembly's meetings from January 21 to 25, comprises ruling PASOK deputies Theodoros Pangalos (delegation leader), Nora Katseli, Kimon Koulouris, Nikolaos Floros, Vassilis Kontoyannopoulos and Ioannis Skoularikis, main opposition New Democracy MPs Stavros Dimas, Michalis Liapis, Dora Bakoyianni, and Aristotelis Pavlidis, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) MP Liana Kanelli, and Coalition of Left and Progress (SYN) MP Maria Damanaki.

At the opening of this first meeting, the delegates will elect the Assembly's new presidium.

During the five-day meeting, delegates will discuss issues of direct interest to Greece, including reports on the situation in Cyprus and on the implementation of rulings of the European Court of Human Rights.

The Assembly will also discuss the campaign on combatting the problem of trafficking of women, deportation procedures in accordance with human rights, migrants' and refugees' family rights, and the situation in Chechnya.

Other issues include the World Trade Organization’s contribution to the global economy and the need to boost security in air transportation.

During the session, Bosnia-Herzegovina will be formally inducted as a CoE member.

Further, a discussion, under "urgent" proceedings, will take place on combatting terrorism and respect of human rights.

[13] Athens University professor elected to UN's committee against racism

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

Sicilianos received 110 votes during the election that included all 160 voting members of the United Nations, which participate in the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Pact.

The committee will be called upon to implement an Action Plan that was adopted during the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and related Intolerance, which took place in Durban, South Africa.

[14] Archbishop of Athens to visit Church of America in 2003

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

The invitation was accepted and the visit will be taking place in the spring of 2003.

An exchange of views on issues concerning the two Churches took place during the 40-minute talks, which were held in a cordial atmosphere.

[15] Cyprus minister expects increased illegal immigration

NICOSIA, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

Christodoulou said measures to strengthen surveillance of external borders that are necessitated by the Schengen Treaty, are being taken and will be taken.

The Schengen Treaty, compulsory for countries to join the EU, includes provisions on strengthening external borders with the purpose of lifting internal borders and the free movement of individuals, as well as the exchange of information through a central system.

Christodoulou said that 36,000 foreigners are employed legally in Cyprus, while another 3-5,000 work illegally. He added that those staying illegally in Cyprus come primarily from Middle East countries and, to a lesser degree, from eastern European countries.

"Legislation has been amended to crack down on the phenomenon of illegal employment and stiff sentences are anticipated for Cypriots illegally employing foreigners," he said.

Christodoulou went on to say that "in parallel, because Cyprus is a developed country with a high standard of living it is a pole of attraction for inhabitants of neighboring countries having a low standard of living."

He further said that many foreigners, in their effort to secure legal residence in Cyprus, use various means such as concluding convenience marriages with Cypriot citizens which has led, in the framework of harmonization with European established practice, to the enactment of a law to handle the problem.

Christodoulou also said that in light of the expected conclusion of accession negotiations, harmonization procedures with European established practice are being speeded up in the sectors of the interior ministry's responsibility.

He further said that his ministry is in close cooperation with the Greek interior and public order ministries on issues concerning harmonization.

[16] Banks' heads meet, no comment over talks

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

Both men declined to make any comments after the meeting and the two banks refrained from making any announcements, leaving markets guessing over the future of the merger plan.

Meanwhile, National Bank's board began an extraordinary meeting at midday to discuss recent developments.

Minister hopes National, Alpha banks will resolve merger wrangle: Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said on Friday that he hoped National Bank of Greece and Alpha Bank, the country's two largest credit institutions, would find a solution to problems jeopardizing their planned merger.

Asked by a reporter if the government could step in and help iron out the problems, Tsohatzopoulos said the merger was a matter for the two banks to handle, and not the government, although it had expressed political support for the venture.

"In the final analysis, there are certain principles governing the economy. The economy itself, the market itself must create the conditions for implementation of a choice. If it can't, then it can't," he said, speaking in London.

The future of business lay in creating larger units through mergers and acquisitions, the minister added.

ND's Evert requests National-Alpha merger report: Former main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Miltiades Evert on Friday demanded the report on which the highly published merger between National Bank of Greece and Alpha Bank, both blue chip listings on the Athens Stock Exchange, was based.

Evert, an outspoken high-ranking ND deputy and one-time minister, made the relevant demand in a letter to the national economy and labor ministers.

Additionally, he requests to learn, among others, the authors of the report; an estimate of the banks' true value and if the major shareholders were briefed on the report.

The much-heralded announcement in November of merger talks between the boards of state-run National Bank, Greece's largest financial institution, and Alpha, the country's biggest private commercial bank, was followed by a near collapse of the deal this week.

Deputy calls for suspension of National, Alpha bank stocks: A deputy of the main opposition New Democracy (ND) party on Friday called for a suspension in trade on the Athens bourse of National Bank of Greece and Alpha Bank, whose planned merger may be called off due to disputes between the two sides.

Deputy George Voulgarakis said the suspension was advisable as there was speculation on the bourse linked to the merger plan between the country's two largest banks, both market blue chips.

Voulgarakis' statement does not reflect his party's line, which is that the merger is off, and the government is trying to downplay the matter, according to party sources relaying the content of a top-level ND meeting earlier in the day.

Trade unionist sees conspiracy in merger wrangle with National: A worker representative on the board of Alpha Bank on Friday alleged that top executives at the bank and staff association leaders had formed a conspiracy to sabotage a planned merger with National Bank of Greece.

Dimitris Fotopoulos, also deputy general secretary of the nation-wide OTOE bank workers union, charged that the merger was being hindered by certain top Alpha executives who were claiming equal management status with their peers at National as a pretext to scupper the deal.

He called on Alpha's chairman and founder, Yiannis Costopoulos, to publicly reveal the existence of the alleged conspiracy by the executives, working with leaders of Alpha's staff association. Fotopoulos also asked Alpha's chairman to keep to the terms of an agreement he made with National's governor, Theodoros Karatzas, that was announced on December 21.

Alpha had backed off the agreement, sparking the crisis, Fotopoulos claimed.

National and Alpha are the country's two largest banks and blue chips on the Athens Stock Exchange.

[17] Changes to be made in Social Security, Taxation sectors

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

He also told reporters after the meeting that 2002 would be a year of "strong growth", adding that all the structural changes were proceeding at a satisfactory rate.

Replying to press questions, Christodoulakis said a de-escalation of the inflation rate was anticipated.

Questioned on the snags that have arisen in the planned merger between the National Bank of Greece and Alpha Bank, the minister said that the issue concerned the administrations of the two banks, adding that he had not discussed this matter with the prime minister during their meeting.

Meanwhile, Christodoulakis and transport minister Christos Verelis were due to meet Friday afternoon to examine the course of the tender for the part privatization of national carrier Olympic Airways (OA).

[18] Turkish regulators OK purchase of Sitebank by NovaBank

ANKARA, 19/01/2002 (ANA / E. Areteou)

A contract for the transfer of 100 percent of Sitebank's shares to the Greek bank was signed on January 11, Anadolu said.

The Turkish bank fell under state control on July 10, 2001 in the wake of a liquidity crisis in December 2000 and cumulative losses.

Novabank submitted an application on October 25, 2001 for acquisition of the Istanbul-based commercial credit institution

The purchase price is believed to fall below 50 million euros, which would include the purchase price plus investments in the target bank's departments of information technology, network and marketing; personnel costs, and the payment of cumulative losses. State-owned Sitebank has 13 branches in six Turkish cities; assets equivalent to 31 million euros; and a staff of 223 people.

[19] Greek stocks ease slightly on ASE

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

The general index fell 0.07 percent to 2,559.94 points, with turnover a low Dr 44 billion, or 129.3 million euros, boosted by several block trades.

The Textile, Publishing and Investment sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (2.11 percent, 1.07 percent and 0.91 percent, respectively), while the Retail, Food and Metals sectors scored the biggest gains of the day.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.18 percent lower, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.38 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index fell 0.76 percent.

National Bank's shares fell 0.16 percent and Alpha Bank's dropped 1.54 percent.

The general index ended the week with a net loss of 0.57 percent.

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

Bond Market Close: Prices drop in moderate trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished lower in light to moderate trade focusing on 20-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.22 percent, and the spread over German bunds was 36 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.7 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for over half of turnover.

Derivatives Market Close: Equity futures remain at discount: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange traded at a discount on Friday in lower turnover.

Changing hands were 6,841 contracts on turnover of 40.8 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 0.18 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks rose 0.38 percent.

[20] IOC delegation to arrive in Athens on Sunday

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

It is not certain, at this time, whether IOC President Jacques Rogge will participate in this delegation.

The Coordinating Committee's interest will focus on projects at Hellenikon, Phaliro and Goudi. However, the delegates will be given an across-the-board briefing on preparations, while Oswald will be giving a press conference on Tuesday.

[21] ATHOC president visits Cretan university museum

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

A working luncheon with university officials followed and during which programming aspects on cooperation between "Athens 2004" with the university of Crete and the preparation and holding of the Olympic Games were discussed.

According to an announcement by the university, at the working luncheon "a lengthy discussion was held on cooperation frame-works between the two agencies on the 2004 Olympic Games regarding the rendering of scientific aid by the university of Crete with the assumption of studies and research programs and the holding of conferences, seminars and special events on conveying the concept of Olympism and volunteerism."

[22] Peter Greenway in Athens

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

Sources said that Greenway is proposing a mega-spectacle entitled 'Icarus' and the meeting will focus on the details in order to decide whether to include it in the Cultural Olympiad program.

[23] Greece to ask the British Museum to return the Parthenon Marbles

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

Venizelos said that Dimitris Pantermalis, head of the Acropolis Museum Organization responsible for constructing the new museum, would send a letter to the British Museum on Monday.

Venizelos made the statements while commenting on the recent activity within Britain regarding the return of the Marbles.

The minister said that Greece was very near its goal since everything showed that the British Parliament and society were more open and sensitive to the weight of its demands.

On Thursday, three world-renowned British actresses - among them Vanessa Redgrave - as well as academics, journalists and ordinary members of the public became the first members of a new campaign launched by British MP Richard Allan for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Athens.

The event was held at the House of Commons, where speakers said that it was apparent that the arguments in favor of the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece were overwhelming, with one of the most important being the construction of the new Acropolis Museum.

British Museum director Robert Anderson had categorically rejected calls that the Marbles be loaned to Greece for the duration of the Olympic Games during a BBC program broadcast on Tuesday night, saying that they should remain in the British Museum. He also said that the British Museum had never received an official request for their return.

Anderson, in a letter to the UK's 'Times' newspaper, further claimed that the museum's trustees had no legal right to dispose of any exhibits, even if they wanted to.

In statements on Tuesday, Venizelos had emphasized that Greece was interested in the "substance" of the argument regarding the Parthenon Marbles' return, and not the legal wrangling related to ownership of the Classical-era friezes and statues.

"We're not interested in the procedural/legal portion (of the issue) involved with deeds of ownership, but in the real and substantive portion related to the Marbles' return to their natural setting, the Acropolis museum," Venizelos said in Athens. He stressed that the purpose-built museum would be ready before the start of the Olympics.

One of the main arguments used by the British Museum in refusing to return the Marbles is that Greece has failed to properly take care of the parts of the monument that remain in its care and does not have the proper facilities.

These arguments were significantly undermined, however, when British historian William St. Clair revealed a few years ago that the marbles held in Britain had suffered "significant and irrevocable" damage in the late 1930s during a misguided at-tempt to 'clean' them. In the mistaken belief that their original color was white, the Museum put untrained museum workers to the task, who in the process scraped off the patina applied by their creators to protect them.

St. Clair discovered the damage while doing research in the museum's archives.

[24] Fine Arts school exhibition on loan from Van Abbe Museum, inaugurated

Athens, 19/01/2002 (ANA)

The exhibition is taking place in Athens at the Fine Arts School gallery and will be open until March 10.

The works displayed in the exhibition are on loan from the Van Abbe Museum in Eindhoven, southern Netherlands, and are a comprehensive presentation of artistic trends in recent years through a more general historical approach to 20th century art.

Titled "Conversation: Latest acquisitions of the Van Abbe Museum", the exhibition will also feature works by Miroslaw Balka, Juan Munoz, Thomas Schutte, Reinhard Mucha, Cordon Douglas, Pier McQueen, Rachel Whiteread, Tony Outsler, Gary Hill and Mike Kelly.

[25] Ecevit describes "good omen" the start of Cyprus talks

WASHINGTON, 19/01/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Ecevit told the National Press Club in Washington on Thursday that the dialogue between Clerides and Denktash "brings into the scene new and untapped solutions" and said he was hopeful that the talks "may yield positive results in the not too distant future."

Ecevit suggested that "other countries should not be involved in the problems of Cyprus," adding that "Turkey, Greece, the Greek and Turkish Cypriots should take up the issue."

"Other countries and other institutions should not meddle in our affairs" but leave the two leaders "alone to work out a solution that would satisfy both sides."

Replying to a question on the possible outcome of the talks, Ecevit expressed the view that "the very fact that the talks are taking place in a friendly way, is encouraging."

However, Ecevit said one should wait and see "what ideas and what solutions may emerge or may not emerge after that dialogue."

Clerides and Denktash started direct talks, under UN aegis, on 16 January 16. They have agreed to meet three times a week.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

[26] Document on missing persons delivered to Denktash

NICOSIA, 19/01/2002 (CNA/ANA)

The UN Secretary-General's Deputy Special Representative in Cyprus Zbigniew Wlosowicz handed over the document to Denktash, in Turkish occupied Nicosia.

Government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said eerier on Friday that the Committee of Relatives of missing persons was briefed on the content of the document at a meeting under President Glafcos Clerides.

The document was prepared after President Clerides and Denktash agreed last Friday to put on paper their views about practical ways to promote a solution of the humanitarian issue of missing persons.

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