Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-03-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek FM condemns military operation, terrorist acts in Mideast

[02] Greek, Turkish, Bulgarian and Romanian FMs meet in Athens

[03] SEECP sees NATO enlargement to southeast Europe at Prague summit

[04] Greek FM meets UN envoy on Cyprus, discuss recent developments

[05] Alternate FM meets with Latvian deputy FM, discuss EU issues

[06] Alternate FM to meet Cuban Deputy FM in Athens on Monday

[07] Armed forces restructuring dominates KYSEA meeting

[08] Karamanlis criticizes gov't policies

[09] Bakoyianni named as ND's candidate for Athens

[10] Broadcasting regulator postpones reality TV debate

[11] Greek Navy to acquire new frigate

[12] Greece ratifies treaty for international criminal court

[13] Eurozone economy shows signs of gradual recovery, Commission

[14] Greek-Turkish energy deal cites gas supply target

[15] Development minister meets with Ecumenical Patriarch in Istanbul

[16] New Athens airport reports 12.2 million passengers in first year

[17] National Bank of Greece seen retaining same governor

[18] Antonakopoulos resigns as SEB chairman

[19] ASE to acquire 10 percent equity stake in Skopje stock market

[20] Civil servants to strike on April 11 over social insurance overhaul

[21] Talks begin on social security system funding, GSEE abstains

[22] ASE-March review

[23] ASE ends week 1.56 percent lower

[24] Gov't repeats vow to have airport rail link ready for 2004 Olympics

[25] ATHOC to hire foreign security specialists for 2004 Games

[26] Olympics committee gets first corporate donation

[27] 29 municipal and university gymnasiums to be renovated ahead of 2004 Games

[28] Harsh Greek penalties for drug users not typical of EU, report says

[29] Cultural Olympiad to stage 'Zorba' in Australia

[30] Greek music and literature evenings planned in New York

[31] President Clerides: No progress made so far for a solution

[32] Richard Boucher: Peace talks for Cyprus are a positive sign

[33] Germany's CDU supports Cyprus' EU accession regardless of outcome of talks

[01] Greek FM condemns military operation, terrorist acts in Mideast

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

Papandreou added that it was imperative for the entire international community, the UN, the EU and the United States to increase their involvement towards achieving peace, while stressing that violence and military operations cannot bring about desired results.

Moreover, the Greek FM noted that proposals officially tabled at this past weeks Arab Summit in Beirut should be exploited, especially a widely publicized Saudi peace plan. Papandreou said other proposals -- touching on security concerns, a cease-fire and even a final resolution to the matter could also be implemented if necessary political will exist.

Papandreou underlined that Israels own security is related to Palestinians security, a development tied to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state that is recognized by all.

Additionally, the Greek FM said he spoke with the EUs special adviser for the Mideast, Miguel Angel Moratinos, earlier in the day, before leaving open the possibility of canceling his scheduled visit to Egypt, Israel and the Palestinian areas next week.

Earlier in the day, Palestinian ambassador to Athens Abdullah Abdullah met separately with three local political leaders, including the Communist Party of Greeces (KKE) Aleka Papariga; Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) president Nikos Constantopoulos and Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) founder and leader Dimitris Tsovolas.

International solidarity to the heroic Palestinian people, who are engaging in a just struggle, is now more than ever necessary, a KKE announcement read.

The party also called on the Greek government to immediately condemn what it termed the Israeli invasion and occupation, and to express its support for the Palestinian people.

Synaspismos Constantopoulos, meanwhile, referred to what he called the Israeli Cabinets declaration of a war of extermination against the Palestinians, with a goal of eliminating President Arafat.

The Palestinian people are a people in danger. The stability of the entire region is in danger. The Israeli and Palestinian societies are in danger if this New Order reasoning carries the day; ones promoting destructive wars; ones that are no more than crimes against humanity.

PASOK condemns Israeli invasion of Palestinian territories: The ruling PASOK party on Friday firmly condemned the Israeli military invasion of the Palestinian territories.

''PASOK unequivocally condemns the invasion of the Palestinian territories by Israeli forces and the suppression of the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian people,'' the PASOK press office said in an announcement.

''We condemn violence, terrorism and the undermining of peace from wherever it comes from. Violence and terrorism do not lead to the solution of problems. The Palestinian people have the right to an independent homeland. Respect of people and of cultures is an evident prerequisite for peace,'' the announcement said.

It added that ''the latest developments which place in direct danger the life of President Yasser Arafat dynamite the prospects for peace and provoke the indignation of the Greek people.''

''The implementation of the UN resolutions and the proposal of the Arab summit are a hope for peace which must be supported with every possible means,'' the announcement concluded.

Palestinian envoy requests Athens' involvement; Israeli embassy statement: The Palestinian mission here on Friday said it has requested Athens intervention, both on a bilateral level and within the European Union framework, in the wake of the dramatic escalation of violence following a massive same-day Israeli assault against Palestinian Authority targets, including Palestinian leader Yasser Arafats headquarters.

Palestinian ambassador to Athens Abdullah Abdullah said he spoke with Arafats tank-besieged office in the West Bank town of Ramallah only hours earlier, before conveying the Palestinian sides request Athens help persuade the international community to react against the large-scale Israeli military operation.

Speaking at a hastily called press conference in the Greek capital, the Palestinian envoy said he spoke with Papandreous office in the morning.

Conversely, in a written press statement issued by the Israeli embassy in Athens, Amb. David Sasson stressed that Israels unprecedented military operation has two goals, namely, to arrest those who plan and carry out terrorist acts against citizens in Israel, and secondly, to destroy the infrastructure of terrorist groups that commit such acts.

The Israeli embassy press release added, Israel does not aim at recapturing territories controlled by the Palestinian Authority, or to touch Yasser Arafat.

During his press conference, the Palestinian envoy bitterly criticized the Israeli assault and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, saying the latter was committing war crimes and using Nazi tactics.

Rally in central Athens in support of Palestinian people: A rally was held in central Athens on Friday evening in support of the Palestinian people in light of the upsurge of violence in the Middle East.

Taking part in the rally were hundreds of Palestinian immigrants, students and workers as well as representatives of left-wing organizations and of the Genoa 2001 Initiative.

They expressed support to the Palestinian intifada for freedom, independence and the creation of an autonomous Palestinian state.

Also taking part in the rally were Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga, Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas, member of ruling PASOK's Executive Bureau Milena Apostolaki.

The demonstrators condemned the stance of U.S. President George W. Bush and that of leaders of other developed countries who, as they said, do not help in a solution of the Palestinian problem.

Police had surrounded the Israeli Embassy to avert incidents.

[02] Greek, Turkish, Bulgarian and Romanian FMs meet in Athens

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

As stated by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou at a joint press conference following talks with his counterparts from Turkey, Ismail Cem, Bulgaria, Solomon Pasi, and Romania, Mircea Dan Geoana, the four ministers agreed that the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to NATO is of particular significance for stability in the region. He also said the cooperation of the four countries aims at cooperation on a military level for the preparation for NATO accession, the combatting of crime, terrorism and illegal immigration.

Papandreou said the accession of the two Balkan countries to NATO and the cooperation of the four countries ''will give an impetus to security issues and will be a very important step for the promotion of our region in the Euroatlantic structures.''

He added that the four countries are to undertake a series of initiatives through meetings on a level of foreign ministers, and probably of heads of state and government, while they will meet with Alliance officials and visit London and Washington.

The Greek foreign minister also said that the four countries will move to get the support of NATO members in the Mediterranean, probably of Portugal, and underlined that the ministers desire that NATO leaves its doors open also to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Albania, Croatia and Yugoslavia.

Referring to developments in the Middle East, Papandreou said he was shocked, adding that the initiative of the four is the opposite of the tragic events taking place there and also constitutes a step for stability for the Middle East region also.

''Our cooperation does not center exclusively on the NATO summit in Prague (where various countries of eastern Europe are expected to be invited) but constitutes a long-lasting initiative,'' the Bulgarian minister said.

On his part, the Romanian minister underlined that ''after September our region will become much more important and constitutes a bridge of stability in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea.'' He added that ''NATO enlargement is a historic opportunity which we must not lose.''

Turkish Foreign Minister Cem said that his country and Greece ''do not support the candidacy of Bulgaria and Romania only because they are neighbors, but also because it also concerns our security and the security of Europe.''

[03] SEECP sees NATO enlargement to southeast Europe at Prague summit

TIRANA 30/3/2002 (ANA - I. Paco)

In a declaration released at the end of the summit on Thursday evening, the heads of state and government of nine Balkan states particularly emphasized the efforts of SEECP countries to join NAT

O and pledged to support these in order to increase security in the region.

''Supporting the objectives of the aspiring countries (to join NATO) to accelerate the process, we have committed ourselves to further develop our cooperation leading up to the Prague Summit. We express our strong expectation that at the Prague Summit NATO will decide the Alliance's enlargement to South Eastern Europe,'' the joint declaration said.

Among those participating in the meeting were Greece, Albania, Yugoslavia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Croatia as an observer. The meeting was also attended by the foreign ministers of the participating nations, while Stability Pact Special Coordinator Erhard Busek and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Kosovo Michael Steiner were present as special guests.

In the joint resolution, SEECP countries reconfirmed their commitment to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of countries' borders, while calling for a peaceful settlement of disputes, rejecting the use of force and condemning all forms of terrorism.

They highlighted the need to develop basic infrastructure for overall economic growth, while particularly stressing efforts to develop regional energy capacity. Another crucial area mentioned was law enforcement and cooperation in the fight against terrorism, organized crime and illegal trafficking.

The resolution also welcomed cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia and encouraged the countries concerned to continue to cooperate to bring all persons indicted for war crimes to justice.

The Balkan leaders then welcomed the agreement signed between Serbia and Montenegro for a single constitutional arrangement, praising the contribution of European Union High Representative Javier Solana in this, and the efforts for change and to adopt constitutional reforms in FYROM.

Regarding Kosovo, the announcement expressed satisfaction at the Kosovo elections and the inauguration of the Kosovo assembly, appealed to all ethnic groups to contribute to setting up a democratic multi-ethnic society and called for the safe and unimpeded return of internally displaced persons.

Greece was represented at the summit by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

In his speech during the summit, Simitis stressed that southeast European countries had the support of the EU in their efforts for regional cooperation, which would in turn enhance their European perspective. He also pledged Athens' support in their efforts for European integration.

He also spoke against all forms of extremism, especially acts of vandalism against religious monuments, while highlighting the plight of an estimated 1.2 million displaced persons in the Balkan Peninsula that could not return home.

The Greek prime minister said that Greece had earmarked 550 million euro to finance regional infrastructure projects under the Greek Plan for Economic Reconstruction in the Balkans, while it had already invested sums ranging from 3.8-4.0 billion US dollars in the region, creating over 125,000 new jobs.

He particularly emphasized the need to develop regional infrastructure, such as roads and electricity networks, in order to attract much-needed foreign investment.

Finally, Simitis urged that the SEECP be evolved into a body that was more than a forum for consultations but capable of taking action and producing tangible results.

[04] Greek FM meets UN envoy on Cyprus, discuss recent developments

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

Following the meeting Papandreou thanked de Soto for his efforts toward a resolution of the Cyprus problem, adding that during the meeting they evaluated the recent efforts on the part of the UN in the direct talks and discussed further action by the organization in that direction.

Papandreou reiterated that Greece supports the efforts for a resolution to the problem under the auspices of the UN and called the current state of affairs a historic opportunity to resolve the Cyprus problem and to have all Cypriots ''live under one roof'', moving on with a solution that has been prescribed by the UN with its resolutions and decisions and a solution that will be functional within the European Union.

On his part, de Soto said that with his visit to Athens he aimed at discussing with the Greek government (the issue), as he has done in Ankara earlier, where he discussed with Turkish officials.

''Today we are half way through the process, which began on Jan. 16 and is expected to last as long as the first half, according to the time-table, which has been set by both sides,'' de Soto said.

He stressed that Greece and Turkey play an important role encouraging the negotiations that are underway, noting that ''in a very friendly atmosphere we had today very useful talks''.

De Soto also said that he will be returning to Cyprus on April 9, and while in New York he will brief UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and the members of the Security Council on developments in Cyprus.

Concerning the UN chief's mandate on the Cyprus problem, de Soto said that it was addressed to the two sides calling upon them to take into consideration all UN resolutions and decisions in finding a viable solution.

[05] Alternate FM meets with Latvian deputy FM, discuss EU issues

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

Riekstens said that his country has completed 23 chapters of the negotiations for entry to the Union and expects to complete another three during the Spanish presidency, aiming at the completion of all the remaining by the end of 2002.

He invited the political leadership of the Greek foreign ministry to visit his country, saying that the presence of representatives of the European Union member-states contributes to the creation of a positive public opinion in Latvia.

Yiannitsis on his part said that the accession to the Union is followed by wide benefits in the political, economic and social fields and thus it should be viewed with wider criteria.

He added that Greece looks forward to Latvia's mobilization on issues regarding the Lisbon Strategy, in light of the spring Union summit.

The two men also discussed issues concerning bilateral relations.

In an unrelated development, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, who is also visiting the country heading a delegation, on Friday arrived in Crete, where she was met by local officials.

She said that she was impressed by Crete, adding that she and her husband will remain a few days more in Greece to enjoy some extra time on the island, allowing the Latvian delegation to return without her.

[06] Alternate FM to meet Cuban Deputy FM in Athens on Monday

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

A press conference will be held after the meeting.

[07] Armed forces restructuring dominates KYSEA meeting

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

Among others, members of the high-ranking committee decided to limit the military branches autonomy in decision-making; upgrade the general staff chiefs role, especially in terms of coordinating peacetime defense planning and procurements, as well as to upgrade the scope and size of special forces, in line with efforts to form a rapid deployment force.

Moreover, a decrease in the number of military bases and camps was decided, while a professional soldier corps was formally approved.

The changes are part of the governments ongoing efforts to streamline the armed forces, reducing size while increasing effectiveness and firepower.

In answer to a press question afterwards, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who chaired the KYSEA meeting, said issues related to defense contracts have been decided.

[08] Karamanlis criticizes gov't policies

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

He said that the governing party lacks cohesion and has become a ''confederation of autonomous duchies, which are preparing alliances for the succession battle.''

''The prime minister (Costas Simitis) admits that it lacks legal footing for necessary action, that there is uncertainty and that it should come to an end and that this political situation is to the detriment of the country ... any other politician with a sense of responsibility and elementary democratic sensitivity would have submitted his resignation,'' Karamanlis said.

Speaking on the social security issue he accused the government of demagogy and called the promise of Simitis before the last national elections for an 152,000 drachma floor for pensions as ''empty words''.

He said that ND, when it was in power, undertook politically costly action and moved forward with reforming the social security system, which saved the pension funds from collapse.

Addressing the government's foreign policy he accused it for "one sided retreats and concessions" to Ankara, noting that for the first time a Greek government accepts to discuss and to decide along with Turkey the setting of air corridors in the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR).

''We (ND) do not accept any secret commitments and informal agreements, we do not recognize the co-responsibility of Turkey over our islands and seas, because the status quo of the Aegean is as clear as its waters,'' Karamanlis said.

Speaking on the Euroforce issue, Karamanlis said that ''the adoption of such a text (the Ankara text) can not be done by any Greek government, by any Greek prime minister and by any Greek minister of foreign affairs.''

Gov't response

''In his well known authoritarian and boisterous manner, full of feelings of revenge, Mr. Karamanlis reiterated the same well known and many times repeated arguments,'' government spokesman Christos Protopapas said, in response to Karamanlis' criticism.

''Trapped in the political misery and lack of existence of his own party, he attempts to present it as the misery of the country,'' he said.

Protopapas concluded saying that ND undermined all the structural changes, because it wanted Greece to be ''gray'', adding that since ND wants clear cut solutions, ''we do remind ND that those 'clear cut' solutions were provided by the people in 1996, in 2000 and it will renew them in 2004.''

ND leader to embark on weekend tour of Aitoloakarnania: Main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis is to embark on a weekend tour of Aitoloakarnania on Friday, who is due to attend an emergency meeting of Aitoloakarnania's prefectural council in Mesologi on Friday evening.

On Saturday, Karamanlis will visit Aitolia and Akarnania Metropolitan Theoklitos and then visit the worksite for the Ionian highway at Kefalovriso.

Later, he will tour the municipalities of Aitoliko, Thestiea, Paravola, Amphilohia and then attend a meeting at the Agrinio Chamber of Commerce.

[09] Bakoyianni named as ND's candidate for Athens

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

Commenting on the choice, Karamanlis said ND wanted a first-class candidate for this election battle, while describing Bakoyianni as a valuable member of the party. Through the choice, he added, ND was acting as a future government that wanted to raise the profile of local government and boost preparations for the Olympic Games in 2004, which he said would be conducted with a New Democracy government in power.

The local government elections would be a political battle, Karamanlis stressed, especially in the larger municipalities and prefectures and ND would follow the same strategy as in the local elections of 1998, seeking to create a broad alliance beyond party boundaries.

Speaking after Karamanlis, Bakoyianni said the period until 2004 would be crucial for Athens, since important decisions that would determine its future and the life of its citizens would be made during that time.

Bakoyianni -- the daughter of honorary ND president Constantine Mitsotakis -- also noted that local government was an area where political viewpoints came together and were synthesized, rising above party political disputes and polarization.

"It gives us a great opportunity to present a new way of doing politics, one that respects citizens and has programs that bring results, with realism that allows effective solutions. We can do this today in Athens and tomorrow for the whole of Greece," she said.

Gov't reaction: During his later press conference, government spokesman Christos Protopapas merely noted Bakoyianni's candidacy was a given, while adding that the government "hopes for a correct campaign, and that correct solutions to Athens' problems are promoted."

Ruling PASOK Athens mayoral candidate welcomes ND nominee: Ruling PASOK party nominated Athens mayoral candidate Christos Papoutsis on Friday welcomed the main opposition New Democracy (ND) deputy Dora Bakoyiannis' nomination to run for mayor of Greece's capital.

''She is a good colleague in Parliament,'' Papoutsis said, adding that along with all other candidates - Fotis Kouvelis, Spiros Halvatzis and Yiannis Dimaras - ''the election campaign will be maintained at a high level, as it is befitting Athens''.

[10] Broadcasting regulator postpones reality TV debate

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

During a meeting on Thursday, the council assessed applications for six national broadcasting licenses from 10 stations and decided that none of them fulfilled the financial criteria required. The council decided that no licenses would be issued.

Outside the building, meanwhile, workers at the television station "Tempo" were protesting against the station's decision to scrap its news program.

[11] Greek Navy to acquire new frigate

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

The frigate was built by the Dutch Navy in 1983, is 130.5 meters long and has a top speed of 30 knots, while it carries a crew of 176.

The frigate will be delivered to Greece on November 29, 2002 and the total cost of the program will be 38,571,300 euros.

[12] Greece ratifies treaty for international criminal court

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

The Wednesday vote ratifying the agreement was welcomed by Amnesty International, which said it brought the foundation of a permanent international criminal court one step closer.

The agreement has to be signed by at least 60 countries before it can be implemented.

[13] Eurozone economy shows signs of gradual recovery, Commission

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

According to the report, activity is likely to experience a gradual recovery in the first half of this year and supported by a general improvement in the external environment, is expected to accelerate to close above the rate of potential output in the second half of 2002.

Although risks to the global economy continue to exist, there are growing signs of a gradual economic improvement in the manufacturing sector.

Presenting the report, the Commission's general director for economic and monetary affairs, Klaus Redling, noted that the main threat to an economic recovery in the European Union was any new problems facing the US economy in the months ahead and developments in international oil prices.

The Commission sounded cautious in predicting future economic trends because of past experience with the US economy - double dips in past US recession. Mr. Redling said that most American economic statistics were strong but fears remained over the reaction of US households, as private consumers have been somewhat less reassuring and the financial situation of the corporate sector was not as healthy as in previous years.

Also, in Japan, despite a very loose monetary policy there is still not end in sight to deflationary pressures.

The report said that eurozone countries faced an inflation hiccup, with inflation up 0.5 percent in January from December 2001. Of the 0.5 percent inflation rise, 0.34 percent was accounted for by increases in vegetable prices and increases in indirect taxes (tobacco) that could be attributed to the euro cash changeover. Since the January hiccup was largely the result of one-off temporary factors, headline inflation is expected to fall rapidly, notably in the second part of the year.

The Commission expects inflation to drop around 2.0 percent in the eurozone. In its report it estimates that oil prices would total 25-26 US dollar per barrel.

The report noted that the recovery of the European economy depended on the recovery in the US.

[14] Greek-Turkish energy deal cites gas supply target

ISTANBUL 30/3/2002 (ANAA. Kourkoulas)

The announcement here follows Thursdays signing in Ankara of a bilateral agreement to promote the linking of the two countries natural gas and power networks, as well as their subsequent connection with networks supplying western Europe. The deal was finalized in the Turkish capital by Greek Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Zeki Cakan.

Another provision in the groundbreaking agreement allows for cooperation in liquid natural gas (LNG) swapping as well.

In terms of electrical power, initial cooperation is mostly confined to the planning stage, with both ministers expressing satisfaction at the completion of a study to build a 400 KV line from northern Greece to Turkey.

Another development, along these lines, is a memorandum of cooperation between Greeces state-run power utility and its Turkish counterpart TEIAS to gauge the possibility of linking power grids.

[15] Development minister meets with Ecumenical Patriarch in Istanbul

ISTANBUL 30/3/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

''This initiative gives us the capability to combine the energy sector with the economic and social sectors for the development of the wider region,'' Tsohatzopoulos said after his meeting with the Patriarch.

''This cooperation opens new prospects for the development of the region,'' Vartholomeos said, adding that the Patriarchate supports such initiatives.

[16] New Athens airport reports 12.2 million passengers in first year

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

Airport officials told a news conference that 170,000 flights had been effected in the same period, with cargo transported at 107,000 tones. Also moved were 5.8 million pieces of luggage.

Despite a global slump in air travel after terrorist attacks in the US on September 11, 2001, passenger movement at the newly built airport rose by 2.0 percent.

In addition, charges for aircraft and other services fell by up to 30 percent, making the airport one of the cheapest in Europe, the officials said.

[17] National Bank of Greece seen retaining same governor

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

Also slated for approval is management's proposal for a merger with Banque Nationale de Grece, a France-based subsidiary, through absorption by the parent company, the sources said.

[18] Antonakopoulos resigns as SEB chairman

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

A SEB statement said Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, chairman of the board, would replace Mr. Antonakopoulos as chairman of the executive committee.

[19] ASE to acquire 10 percent equity stake in Skopje stock market

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

Under the memorandum, ASE will acquire a 10 percent stake in Skopje stock market's equity capital through a share capital increase plan.

The memorandum was signed by ASE chairman Panayiotis Alexakis and Skopje Stock Exchange chief executive Evgeni Zografski.

Under the memorandum, the two markets agreed to promote cooperation in the fields of:

-equity participation between them,

-exchange information on company listing,

-clearing and settlement to become more competitive in a European and an international environment,

-offer know-how and training,

-exchange of information on institutional and regulatory frameworks and harmonization with EU directives,

-promoting dual listing of companies,

-expanding stock market cooperation in the wider geographical area.

Under the deal, a delegation of the Skopje stock market will visit Thessaloniki Exchange Center in the second half of April to discuss the timetable of implementing the memorandum of cooperation.

[20] Civil servants to strike on April 11 over social insurance overhaul

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

The General Confederation of Greek Workers, which represents nearly a million workers in the private and public sectors, is to decide on April 4 whether or not to strike over the government's reform plan.

Finally, trade unionists aligned with the Communist Party of Greece and their supporters have called a strike for April 3 over the reform package.

[21] Talks begin on social security system funding, GSEE abstains

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with representatives of the Greek Industries' Union (SEB), the Social Security Institution (IKA) and from the commerce industry to discuss ways to fund a reformed social security system, Christodoulakis said that the government's policy priority was to ensure social security coverage for all workers.

Commenting on a decision by GSEE, the country's largest trade union umbrella, to ''abstain'' from the meeting, he said he believed that the trade union would participate in talks in order to find a credible and viable solution to the problem.

''We have a long way ahead of us and the union still does not have all the necessary facts to respond to the government's proposals,'' SEB chairman L. Kyriakopoulos said. ''But we all agree,'' he added ''on the need for a viable system.''

[22] ASE-March review

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

Investors remained sidelined awaiting fresh incentives, while very thin trading conditions were undermining all efforts to offer support to falling share prices.

Mutual funds managers continued liquidating portfolios in March, in an effort to boost their liquidity as outflows from equity mutual funds totalled 80 million euros so far this year.

Meanwhile, small investors seem to have discounted an expected 20 percent drop in profits by commercial banks in the first three months of 2002. The Greek bourse continues to lag behind other European developed markets contradicting analysts' predictions that ASE would follow European markets higher in the first quarter.

The Greek bourse gained 3.47 percent in the first week of March, fully absorbing a wave of legal proceeding against Intracom's chairman Socrates Kokkalis, and a wave of negative 2001 results by listed companies in February.

The climate changed dramatically the following week, with the market losing 2.61 percent, undermined by losses in telecoms shares. Hellenic Telecoms fell 5.5 percent as foreign institutional investors sold its shares in the wake of a change in the organizations top post.

The market fell 2.83 percent in the third week of March, this time reflecting losses among bank shares. The market reacted negatively to a comment made by Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis over lesser state participation in banks.

ASE ended 1.56 percent the last week of March pushing the general index to its lowest levels this year.

The index found support at the 2,280 level and resistance at the 2,450 level during the month.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 2,82 percent lower in March, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 2.61 percent and the FTSE/ASE SMALLCAP 80 index dropped 3.89 percent.

The volume of trading totalled 2,015.857 million euros in March, for an average daily turnover of 111.922 million euros.

[23] ASE ends week 1.56 percent lower

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

The Greek bourse is still undermined by negative sentiment and investors' reluctance to open new positions in the market, paving the way to a continuous decline in stock prices amidst a lack of fresh macro- or micro-economic statistics.

The market finally found a strong support base at the 2,280 level, while technical resistance is seeing at the 2,320 level.

The general index first fell below the 2,300 level on Tuesday reflecting pressures on selective bank shares and Hellenic Telecoms' shares. It fell 0.95 percent on Tuesday, 0.55 percent on Wednesday and 0.07 percent on Thursday.

The index is now 11.99 percent down this year. The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended the week 1.7 percent lower, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 1.36 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index dropped 1.97 percent.

The volume of trade totalled 313.39 million euros in the three working sessions, for an average daily turnover of 104.46 million, down from 128.492 million euros last week.

No trade due to holiday abroad: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished the same as the previous session as no electronic trades were reported due to Catholic and Protestant Easter abroad.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.55 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 30 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system was zero.

[24] Gov't repeats vow to have airport rail link ready for 2004 Olympics

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

Also slated for completion by the start of the Games was the Athens tram, whose construction had already begun, Verelis told reporters after a meeting with the prime minister on the use of European Union funds for railways.

At the end of February, an interim winner was named in a tender for the second phase of the railway project. The works include signals infrastructure, electrification, and three station buildings, including for the airport.

The suburban line, part of a wider network, is to center on a railway center in Aharnon.

The airport stretch of the railway will help to cope with increased passenger movement during the 2004 Athens Olympics, beyond easing daily travel for commuters. A station is to be built at the Olympic Stadium north of Athens in another phase of the project.

The lowest bidder for the second phase was a consortium comprising engineering contractors Avax, Gnomon, ETETH and J&P, which offered 295.134 million euros to carry out the project.

Previously, a consortium led by Athens-quoted engineering contractor Aktor signed a contract for 84.5 million euros with Ergose, a projects subsidiary of state Hellenic Railways Organization, to undertake the first phase of works for the railway, due for completion in 18 months.

Aktor is joined in the consortium by Hellenic Technodomiki and TEB.

Deputy Finance Minister Christos Pachtas, who also attended the meeting with the prime minister on Friday, repeated that projects linked to the Olympics would be ready on target.

[25] ATHOC to hire foreign security specialists for 2004 Games

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

In a radio interview, the ATHOC president said that on the security issue ''we have decided (along with the government) some time ago and in conjunction with the efforts of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to have the best specialists to help Greece show the best image concerning the Games''.

ATHOC clarified that the specialists will offer considerable aid in the communications sector, as well as know-how, stressing that the firms to be involved will enhance Greece's image in the United States, the source of most criticism regarding the security of the Games.

[26] Olympics committee gets first corporate donation

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

The donors and benefactors scheme was arranged by the national Olympics organizing committee after requests from Greece and abroad for a system to allow backing for the event. The target is to raise 20 million euros in donations.

Receiving the first contribution, the committee's president, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, welcomed the fact that companies and individuals wished to assist the Games without receiving anything in return, as donors do not gain the right to make use of their act for advertising purposes, or use the 2004 Olympics logo.

[27] 29 municipal and university gymnasiums to be renovated ahead of 2004 Games

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

ATHOC President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and Sports Deputy Minister Nasos Alevras were present at the ceremony, during which the flag was presented to the 22 mayors, seven university officials and athletic organizations.

The flags will be placed in all 29 buildings to be used by ATHOC during the Games.

[28] Harsh Greek penalties for drug users not typical of EU, report says

BRUSSELS 30/3/2002 (ANA - G. Daratos)

According to the report released on March 25, drug users in other European countries tend to be let off with a fine or a warning, or else inducted into a detox program rather than jailed.

Even though there were considerable differences in the anti-drugs legislation of European Union member-states, it added, in practice their policies on drug users tended to converge with the exception of Greece, Finland and Sweden.

In Spain, Italy and Portugal, no charges were brought against those possessing drugs for personal consumption. As of 2001, cannabis users in Luxembourg only have to pay a fine, while there are no penalties for those arrested for drug possession for the first time in Belgium, Germany, Austria and Denmark.

Possession of cannabis is forbidden in Holland, but leniency is shown in some circumstances, such as its sale in coffee shops known and monitored by the authorities.

In Ireland, those caught with cannabis are fined the first and second time but may draw an jail sentence after a third arrest, while Britain is considering doing away penalties for cannabis users who can prove that they have drugs for their own personal use.

The only countries in the EU that still rigidly apply laws for drug consumption are Greece, Sweden and Finland and Norway outside the EU.

The report notes, however, that police pursuit and arrests of minor drug offenders continue to rise, even though these arrests have no subsequent legal consequences.

According to the group, this sends a mixed message to young people, who are also unable to understand why police are more active in pursuing users than drug dealers and traffickers.

[29] Cultural Olympiad to stage 'Zorba' in Australia

MELBOURNE 30/3/2002 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

The production will be performed in Melbourne on May 18-19, in Adelaide on May 21 and in Sydney on May 24-25.

Some 250 dancers, musicians and members of the choir will be taking part in the performance, while efforts are being made for Theodorakis to be present as well.

[30] Greek music and literature evenings planned in New York

Athens, 30/3/2002 (ANA)

The institute is also planning a literary evening on April 11 at its own premises dedicated to the writer Menis Koumantareas, during which translated excerpts of Koumandareas' work will be read out. The author is due to present his books at a seminar organized by Columbia University professor Karen Van Dyck on April 15.

[31] President Clerides: No progress made so far for a solution

NICOSIA 30/3/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Invited to comment on Turkey's FM Ismail Cem's statements that as regards Cyprus' accession all relevant factors should be taken into account and that responsibilities should be attributed to the Greek Cypriot side, the President said it is not Cem ''who will decide where responsibility lies in case of deadlock in the Cyprus talks, but the UN Secretary General based on the reports he will receive and Europe based on the reports it will receive from the EU representatives in Cyprus.''

He expressed hope that the direct talks will have a positive conclusion, which will prove beneficial both for the Greek and the Turkish Cypriot community in view of the island's accession to the EU.

President Clerides made it clear that in a previous statement he had not said the Cyprus talks are at a deadlock but that up to now there have not been such openings so that one might say that there is substantial progress on the basic principles of the Cyprus question.

[32] Richard Boucher: Peace talks for Cyprus are a positive sign

NICOSIA 30/3/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Replying to a question, Boucher recalled the recent visit of US State Department's envoy for Cyprus Thomas Weston on the island and that the US "reaffirmed the view expressed by the UN Security Council presidency in February that a greater sense of urgency in the negotiations is necessary in order to reach an agreement by June."

"We do see the talks underway by the two leaders as a positive sign, and we once again would like to highlight the importance that we assign to this negotiating process," Boucher said. He added "we want to see it (the process) proceed according to the kind of urgency that the UN Security Council talked about last month."

[33] Germany's CDU supports Cyprus' EU accession regardless of outcome of talks

BERLIN 30/3/2002 (ANA - P. Stangos)

The decision was taken by the CDU's committee on foreign and security affairs.

The CDU committee added that Cyprus fulfils all the necessary prerequisites to become a full member of the EU, and is a good example for the other candidate countries in their accession talks. ''It is not permissible for it (Cyprus) to be punished because of a possible obstruction on the part of Ankara,'' it said.

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