Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-04-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM outlines goals of Greek EU presidency discussed by cabinet

[02] EU sends Mideast mission, demands access to Arafat

[03] Greek EU presidency to cost 36 million euros

[04] European Socialists strongly condemn Israeli gov't policy, Palestinian attacks

[05] Greek parliamentary delegation meets Palestinian Parliament President

[06] Athens mayor says Europe should be present in Mideast

[07] Visiting Russian defense minister sees grim outlook for Mideast

[08] Montenegro official briefs Athens on 'union deal' with Serbia

[09] British minister on S.E. Europe to arrive in Athens on Wednesday

[10] Greek president to Kazakhstan for talks on oil

[11] Journalists' union calls for strike

[12] Gov’t presents proposals on IKA funding

[13] Business prospects favorable, National Bank report

[14] Retail gasoline prices again rise on Mideast crisis

[15] Latest survey profiles Internet users in Greece

[16] Engineers' strike halts ferry lines at Piraeus

[17] Greek equity mutual funds return -16 pct in 2002

[18] Greek stocks end lower for 10th consecutive session

[19] IOC's Oswald in Athens to inspect progress on Olympiad preparations

[20] IOC's Oswald meets with Athens mayor

[21] Culture Minister Venizelos says 'Minos Ring' authentic

[22] Environmentalist groups protest against public projects construction bill

[23] UN Security Council to be briefed on Cyprus talks

[24] Greek fighter jets participate in joint exercise

[01] PM outlines goals of Greek EU presidency discussed by cabinet

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

Simitis was speaking after a meeting of the cabinet to discuss preparations for Greece's stint in the EU's rotating presidency in the first half of 2003.

According to the Greek premier, Athens' presidency would mark the start of a new phase for Europe, which would have more members and a new set of targets.

During that time, Greece would have an opportunity to highlight its potential and the importance of its policies in the region, he said.

Among the priorities of Greece's presidency would be to increase employment, fight social exclusion, boost competitiveness by supporting small and medium-sized businesses, promote Europe's social model and the fight against illegal immigration and organized crime.

Simitis then referred to the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, noting that this once again underlined the need for common European policies on security, defense and foreign affairs, which would also be emphasized by the Greek EU presidency.

Finally, he said the cabinet had discussed the organization of the Thessaloniki summit, which he said would send out a message for peace, cooperation and development in the Balkans and underline that the presidency should be a lever for coordinating social and economic policy.

[02] EU sends Mideast mission, demands access to Arafat

LUXEMBOURG, 04/04/2002 (ANA/ Reuters)

Diplomats said EU foreign ministers would demand that Israel allow its envoys to meet Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, a virtual prisoner besieged by Israeli troops in his headquarters in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

''The European Union is going to take an initiative to send a delegation to Israel and to the Palestinian Authority if we can...to make sure that the end to this senseless hostility takes place quickly. We are determined to try and secure this,'' Hain said. ''This is the most dangerous conflict in the world.''

The 15 foreign ministers, at a rare emergency meeting, were poised to send EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Pique to the region on Thursday,

diplomats said. Spain holds the EU's rotating presidency.

Their mission would be to press for an immediate and full implementation of U.N. Security Council resolution 1402, calling for a ceasefire, an Israeli withdrawal from occupied Palestinian towns and refugee camps and a return to peace negotiations.

[03] Greek EU presidency to cost 36 million euros

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

Giannitsis was speaking to reporters after a cabinet meeting which ratified his recommendation on the Greek presidency and, as he said, there was no disagreement or grumbling. The cost of the Greek presidency is expected to reach 36 million euros.

Giannitsis pointed out that the major factors affecting the stage on which the Greek presidency will move in 2003 are developments in the Middle East and the seven general elections in EU countries.

According to his briefing, Greece will be one of the small countries, which will have major issues to handle. These issues concern the political setting based on current developments, horizontal EU policy issues, the spring summit to take place during the Greek presidency and tension in the Middle East, as well as the possible development of tension areas beyond those of today.

On the question of Cyprus, he said the period until summer is crucial and that 2002 has many factors, which would make the accession of Cyprus feasible.

[04] European Socialists strongly condemn Israeli gov't policy, Palestinian attacks

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

The group called on the ''Council (of the European Union) and the (European) Commission to suspend the Association Agreement with Israel, in accordance with Article 2 of the Agreement''.

''The group expects the Israeli Labor Party to leave the government, which has given up the path of peace for one of war, and considers their position within the government to be incompatible with its affiliation to the Socialist International,'' the press release stressed.

The group demanded of Israel to comply with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions, calling for the withdrawal of the Israeli armed forces from the Palestinian territories and condemned Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his government policies.

''The EU Council Presidency (currently held by Spain) is urged to invite the USA and Russia and the UN Secretary General (Kofi Annan) to discuss the present situation, in order to decide on the sending of an international mission to the region to help bring about a cease-fire,'' the press release noted.

Finally the group ''expressed its concern at the increasing tension in Arab countries and strongly condemned recent anti-Jewish attacks in Europe''.

Eurodeputy Enrique Baron, president of the group, noted that ''with this declaration we are not only condemning Palestinian attacks and Israeli military aggression, but also expressing our deep concern at the consequences, which the spiraling violence will have for peace in the Middle East and in particular for a possible catastrophe for the Palestinian people''.

Athens reacts to Israeli attack on protestors, including Greek MPs: Athens was not considering severing diplomatic relations with Israel over incidents involving Greek MPs taking part in a protest march for peace in the Palestinian territories, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said on Wednesday.

The top priority was to overcome the present crisis, for the Israeli army to withdraw from Palestinian territories and for political dialogue to begin, he added.

''There is a cycle of violence in Israel, there are dead, we have repeatedly condemned this and we have asked that the decisions of the United Nations Security Council be implemented,'' Proto-papas stressed, responding to reports that a Greek delegation had been maltreated by Israeli forces trying to break up a march to Ramallah.

The spokesman said that Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou had held talks with the Egyptian government over the crisis on Tuesday, and would attend a European Union foreign ministers council in Luxembourg on Wednesday to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East. According to Protopapas, the initiative for the unscheduled EU meeting had been Papandreou's own.

Meanwhile, the latest reports from Israel said that the Greek MPs involved in the incidents were safe and well.

A large group of Greek MPs from all parties in Parliament, ac-companied by trade unionists and officials from other Greek organizations, departed for Israel on Wednesday morning in order to take part in a peaceful protest march by people from all parts of the world to the Palestinian town of Ramallah.

Israeli forces attempted to disband the march at an army checkpoint along the way, throwing tear gas and firing shots in the air.

On Thursday morning, meanwhile, they are to meet the head of Israel's Knesset and convey an inquiry from Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, asking whether he intends to attend the Euro-Mediterranean parliamentary conference in Cairo next week.

In an announcement issued on Wednesday, meanwhile, the Athens union of journalists condemned the ''escalation of Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and the barbarous attacks by Israeli forces against journalists'' and called on its members to take part in demonstrations of solidarity with the Palestinians.

It also urged the international community to press for a peaceful solution in the Middle East and demanded that Israel lift restrictions on reporters covering the military action in Ramallah and the West Bank.

[05] Greek parliamentary delegation meets Palestinian Parliament President

JERUSALEM, 04/04/2002 (ANA - P. Haritos)

It is the first time that the Palestinian Parliament President met a foreign delegation following the dramatic events of the past five days.

The Greek delegation met later with Patriarch of Jerusalem Irineos who expressed his concern over the situation which has been created and the anxiety of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate on the developments in the region.

The Greek parliamentary delegation is comprised of deputies George Kirkos (ruling PASOK), Elsa Papadimitrou (main opposition New Democracy party), Panayotis Lafazanis (Coalition of the Left and Progress) and Antonis Skyllakos (Communist Party of Greece).

Holy Land's Christian leaders call for intervention to halt violence: The leaders of the Holy Land's major Christian denominations on Wednesday called for United Nations chief Kofi Annan to intervene in order for the latest worrying violence in the Mideast to cease, as the relevant letter was sent via Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Irineos I.

Besides Irineos, the letter was signed by Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Michel Sabbah; Patriarch Torkom II of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Custos of the Holy Land, Fr. Giovanni Battistelli, OFM.

"Your Excellency,

We write to you as Patriarchs and Heads of Churches in this Holy Land ... Doubtless, you are aware of the sufferings of all the peoples who inhabit this Land - sufferings that have brought bloodshed and bereavement to very many homes from over 50 years.

The present situation marks a climax that has produced considerable hatred and bitterness all around. The trauma affecting the children and young people is inhuman.

Whilst we are conscious that considerable effort has been made to calm the situation, it is obvious that the two parties, Israeli and Palestinian, left to them cannot reach a just solution.

So, through your good offices, we call on the international community to come to the rescue because all the people of this Land are in need of your protection.

Over the years the United Nations has added its voice through the various resolutions. Indeed, the latest, calling for two States, side by side in peace, is most encouraging. Now, however, we need to turn resolutions into positive action if we are to restore justice, dignity and peace to our Land for every man, woman and child ... In God's name we seek your assistance," the letter concluded.

PASOK deputies deplore Middle East violence: The ruling PASOK party's deputies have addressed a letter to the European Parliament president and the presidents of the European Union's national parliaments, deploring the "bloodbath" in the Middle East and calling for an immediate cease-fire, an immediate end to lethal attacks on both sides and the restoration of peace in the Middle East.

''The United States, the EU, international organizations and governments have a historic duty and responsibility to undertake diplomatic and political initiatives, with coordinated actions, for the protection of the life of President Yasser Arafat and the immediate restoration of peace in the region,'' the letter said.

''The Palestinians have undoubtedly the right to look forward to an independent Palestinian state and the Israelis to live in peace and security in their country,'' the deputies said in their letter and pointed out that appeals and wishes are not enough and now is the time for initiatives to be undertaken to coordinate necessary actions.

[06] Athens mayor says Europe should be present in Mideast

BRUSSELS, 04/04/2002 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

Addressing a party event in the Belgian capital, Avramopoulos set out his views on Europe's future and announced his party's accession to the Liberals' political group in the European Parliament, despite the fact it has no Eurodeputies.

Greek Amnesty International calls for observers in Mideast: The Greek section of the Amnesty International organization called on the international community on Wednesday to appoint international human rights observers with the aim of protecting both Palestinian and Israeli non-combatants.

According to a press release issued by the Greek department, Israeli Defense Forces and the Israeli authorities should stop violating human rights and international humanitarian law, while armed Palestinian groups should stop targeting Israeli non-combatants and put an end to the illegal killings of Palestinians.

It further said any feasible ceasefire or pacification should meet the fact that the conflict is fuelled by human rights infringements, adding that a ceasefire failing to respond to the human rights of all people cannot bring security.

ESHEA calls on Israel to lift restrictions imposed on journalists: The Athens Journalists' Union (ESHEA) in an announce-ment on Wednesday condemned what it termed the escalation of Israel's aggression against the Palestinian people but also ''the barbaric attacks by Israeli forces against journalists,'' and called on its members to take part in rallies in solidarity with the Palestinian people which are being organized by trade unionist and social organizations.

ESHEA called on the international community to exert pressure for the finding of a peaceful solution.

ESHEA finally called on Israel to lift the restrictions imposed on journalists who cover the military intervention in the city of Ramallah and the West Bank.

Protesters rally outside Israeli embassy in Athens: Several thousand people gathered in front the Israeli embassy on Wednesday in a rally organized by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) affiliated PAME labor organization, condemning the stance of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and declared their support for the Palestinians.

Earlier in the day the protesters had marched through downtown Athens to protest the recently announced social security system reform package.

[07] Visiting Russian defense minister sees grim outlook for Mideast

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

Ivanov noted that the violence in the region had now spiraled to a point that would make any rapid recovery very difficult, while he demanded that Israeli forces withdraw from Russian Orthodox churches that they had taken over in the Palestinian territories.

Representatives of the Russian foreign ministry, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations were currently in the Middle East trying to persuade the two sides to reduce the intensity of the conflict, the Russian minister said.

Ivanov said he was in favor of implementing UN Security Council resolutions regarding the crisis.

The Russian minister will be meeting Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou on Thursday and the two men are expected to discuss the situation in the Middle East, developments in the Balkans, NATO-Russian cooperation and bilateral relations related to Greek-Russian defense cooperation and the prospects for further developing these.

During the meeting, the two men will also sign an agreement for defense cooperation in 2002 that includes an exchange of visits by delegations from the two countries.

Commenting on his meeting with Papantoniou on Wednesday, Ivanov said that Greece and Russia often had converging or identical positions and that he expected his contacts with his Greek counterpart to be productive

[08] Montenegro official briefs Athens on 'union deal' with Serbia

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

Marovic was received in Athens by Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Giannitsis and three top deputies, including one-time foreign minister Theodoros Pangalos, the Greek Parliament's representative to the Council of Europe. Other separate meetings came with Karolos Papoulias, also a one-time Greek FM and now the chairman of Parliament's foreign relations and defense committee, as well as with ex-minister Dinos Vrettos, a Parliament vice-president responsible for European integration issues.

Finally, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos received the Montenegro official.

In a later press conference at the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia's embassy, which Marovic said now equally represents Serbia and Montenegro, he noted that Greek leadership was briefed on the mid March agreement between Belgrade and Podgorica. Furthermore, Marovic stressed that the agreement solidifies Montenegro's pro-European Union orientation and its desire for European integration, while at one point noting that the pro-independence movement's opposition to the deal only facilitated isolationism.

"We accepted this agreement because for Montenegro this leads to its European future. We accepted it because in this manner Montenegro's inclusion in Europe is accelerated," he said, noting on more than one occasion that the Serbia-Montenegro agreement greatly increases regional stability.

"This agreement means two states unified and moving towards European integration. This agreement, of course, is only a document, only in real life will the agreement be affirmed," he said, adding that a better quality of life for residents in the two sister republics over the next three years should mark the benefits of the agreement.

The European Union last month praised the deal, which envisions a three-year moratorium on any secession referendum in the small mountainous republic and spells out a commitment to reshape federal Yugoslavia into a union of ''Serbia and Montenegro''.

''(We consider) this agreement, which consolidates a state union, as a decisive element in the realization of Serbia's and Montenegro's European perspective, and an important contribution to regional stability,'' EU leaders said in a draft statement.

[09] British minister on S.E. Europe to arrive in Athens on Wednesday

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

On Friday the British minister will present an opening speech to the International Conference on History Teaching in the Balkans organized by the Southeast European Joint History Project.

[10] Greek president to Kazakhstan for talks on oil

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

The agency said that Stephanopoulos' visit to the central Asian republic demonstrated Greece's determination to forge a deal with Kazakhstan on oil.

Greece recently held oil talks with Russia, which is acting as an intermediary in negotiations on the transportation of oil from Kazakhstan, the news agency added.

[11] Journalists' union calls for strike

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

On Tuesday, the Union of Athens Daily Newspaper Owners (EIHEA) had proposed a 5 percent increase in salaries up to 698,500 drachmas. EIHEA had also accepted the convening of a committee on the issues of copyrights, implementation of the 5-day working week and providing work for supplements.

''The board of directors of ESHEA decided to go ahead with the proposal to escalate action next week, while final decisions will be made on Friday, during the meeting of the intra-union committee of unions of all employees in the mass media,'' the ESHEA press release said.

ESHEA also ''called on journalists to be ready to defend with vigor their collective rights to work and to the profession''.

[12] Gov’t presents proposals on IKA funding

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

The two ministers, presenting the government's proposals, said that IKA would have sufficient and reliable funding by 2032 to face expanding pension and healthcare demands.

IKA's shortfall will be divided into two time periods (from 2003-2008 and from 2009 to 2032) to ensure the viability of the country's social security system and to cover the necessary social benefits.

The two ministers said that the government's proposal envisaged: -IKA's funding would total up to 1 percent of GDP annually, -state funding for the period 2009-2014 could also cover part of IKA spending on the precondition that other pension funds would be included in IKA. State funding will comprise of subsidies from a regular budget to cover shortfalls and issuance of special long-term bonds to cover future deficits. These bonds will not be exchangeable before their maturity.

Real returns of these bonds would be equal to 3.0 percent annually (fixed return), Mr. Christodoulakis and Mr. Reppas said.

Christodoulakis said that all reserve money should be ''locked'' to ensure the viability of the social security system, while Reppas noted that the government proposals have taken into account future changes in the labor market, envisaging a drop in unemployment and a rise in employment.

Reppas stressed that contributions to IKA would be increased, as the government continued its combat against contribution evasion, and described the proposals as a ''funding contract'' or a ''funding protocol''.

Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said that the issuing of special bonds to fund the social security system would not burden the general government's debt, but the country's total public debt.

Christodoulakis said the proposal would be submitted to its social partners for dialogue and noted that tri-party funding of the system would be sufficient only for the period 2010-2020 and said that IKA would be funded from the state budget at least by 2008.

Both ministers said that one of the basic elements of their proposal was the dynamic inclusion of other organizations to the social security system.

Christodoulakis said that government proposals could be used as a model to solve problems in other pension funds in the country.

Main opposition accuses gov't of using pensions as election ploy: The main opposition New Democracy party on Wednesday called the government's social insurance reform proposal a vote-pulling ploy to win elections.

''The proposals on funding the social insurance system aim at extending the government's lifespan and turning the next election battle into a worthy defeat - and not at saving the social insurance system,'' ND's social affairs spokesman, Nikitas Kaklamanis, said.

The government planned to mislead employees and pensioners at least until the next polls, Kaklamanis claimed.

Coalition of the Left says gov't reform to bring lower pensions: The Coalition of the Left and Progress said on Wednesday that government proposals on reform of the social insurance system would bring lower pensions for most people and a higher retirement age.

In a statement, the party called on the government to increase state funding for the social insurance system, charging that it had used creative accounting in the allocation of funds within the Social Insurance Foundation.

[13] Business prospects favorable, National Bank report

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

National Bank's analysts' optimism was based on forecasts that "the Greek economy is expected to be one of the more rapidly developing economies in Europe and that corporate profitability has largely absorbed a negative impact from a declining stock market."

Commenting on Greek banks' results for 2001, the report noted that although they were not satisfactory, they reflected a positive trend in the sector if compared with the performance of bank groups in other European countries over the same period. The report said that it was positive that interest revenues rose 24 percent last year due to an expanded credit policy, mainly towards Greek households.

Greek banks' profitability index was healthy and better compared with other European banks, the report said. The average asset return index for Greek banks in 2001 was 1.4 percent, compared with 0.7 percent in Europe, while the net interest margin was 3.0 percent from 1.4 percent, respectively.

National Bank's planning and economic analysis department forecast that the consumer price index would fall below 3.0 percent by June 2002, from 3.4 percent in February, and to around 2.0 percent by the end of the year. The report also expects the underlying inflation to average 3.3 percent in 2002 (from 3.8 percent in 2001).

[14] Retail gasoline prices again rise on Mideast crisis

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

Under indicative prices at the pumps released by the ministry, super petrol is to sell at about 0.724 euros a liter and unleaded at around 0.675 euros, up about half a cent from March 29 and seven cents from March 1.

Industry officials said the increase was also partly due to a rise in profit margins for domestic refiners, traders and gas stations pending legal changes in costing.

The ministry has said a bill to deregulate the market will be ready for parliament in the near future.

[15] Latest survey profiles Internet users in Greece

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

The online survey, conducted by Eurisko S.A. in cooperation with the Research International firm, attempted to "profile" the average Internet user in Greece.

Among others, 59 percent of users in Greece are males, according to the survey, a majority of whom also has an Internet connection at home.

Another figure apparently shows a change in users' attitude towards purchasing over the Net, although purchases dropped nevertheless by 12 percent.

Books, CDs, tickets and vacations were the primaries items purchased over the Internet by users in Greece.

The noteworthy presence of overseas Greeks on the Internet was also point stressed in the survey.

Sixty-seven sites participated in the survey, with a questionnaire available on them. A total of 29,051 users responded to the survey.

[16] Engineers' strike halts ferry lines at Piraeus

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

Meanwhile, passenger-shipping lines were progressing smoothly at the port of Rafina, eastern Attica, merchant marine sources said.

Port Police sources said the passenger arrivals to Piraeus port was reduced as most of them had been informed of the strike.

[17] Greek equity mutual funds return -16 pct in 2002

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

The country's mutual funds market is showing signs of strain feeling the impact of a declining stock market, where 16 out of a total 350 listed stocks are currently traded at a value less than a euro per share, while another 80 stocks are traded at between one and two euros per share. These stocks were traded two times more in value just a few months before.

Mutual funds' managers are urging small investors to remain calm and to avoid any mass liquidation of their portfolios, while others are noting that current very low levels of share prices were presenting great buying opportunities for investors seeking a relatively low risk.

Small investors have seen the Greek bourse falling rapidly from the 4,000 level to the 3,000 and the 2,500 level in the last two-and-a-half years without really deciding to seek a massive withdrawal of their money in the mutual funds market.

[18] Greek stocks end lower for 10th consecutive session

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

Traders said that stock prices succumbed more to lack of fresh buying interest and less to real selling as an intra-day effort to provide support to the market quickly evaporated.

The general index ended 0.53 percent lower at 2,201.33 points, with turnover at 83.7 million euros.

The Insurance, Banks and Holding sectors recorded the heaviest percentage losses of the day (2.33 percent, 2.13 percent and 1.84 percent, respectively), while the Metals, Wholesale and Textile sectors scored gains (0.93 percent, 0.50 percent and 0.39 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.16 percent down, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 0.12 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index eased 0.02 percent.

Broadly, decliners slightly outnumbered advancers by 156 to 155 with another 49 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Hellenic Telecoms, Alpha Bank, Cosmote, Commercial Bank and National Bank of Greece.

Derivatives Market Close: Equity index futures mixed: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange were mixed on Wednesday with blue chip paper ending at a slight premium and mid-cap contracts at a slight discount, traders said.

Turnover was 91.3 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 1.16 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks fell 0.12 percent.

Bond Market Close: Prices mixed in moderate trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Wednesday finished mixed in moderate trade focusing on 10-year paper.

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 1.3 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for just over half of turnover.

[19] IOC's Oswald in Athens to inspect progress on Olympiad preparations

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

Oswald, who is heading a large IOC delegation, will meet on Thursday with ministers and their answers will play a catalytic role on the report he will issue on Friday.

However, it is expected that Oswald will hear good news which will alleviate his concerns, namely on the hospitality of the Olympic family and the plan drafted by Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos in cooperation with Olympic Organizing Committee (ATHOC) President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki. It was made known that 1,427 rooms have been secured from a lack of 2,800 rooms. There has been no discussion yet concerning the hospitality of the spectators and the renting of private rooms.

Speaking to the members of IOC's Coordinating Committee, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said that ''despite the fact that there is still concern on specific projects and programs, we are aware of the difficulties which we will face.''

The ATHOC president referred to the entire spectrum of the preparations and progress made so for the Olympic Games, reiterating the progress on the security program.

During the first day of the sessions between IOC's Coordinating Committee and ATHOC, all issues were discussed concerning the preparations for the Olympiad.

It was made known that by the summer, the signing of the 38 memorandums with the national and international federations will have been completed. So far 28 federations have signed.

[20] IOC's Oswald meets with Athens mayor

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

In statements to reporters, and in reply to the mayor's comment that the 2004 Olympics will constitute a landmark, the IOC official said:

"If the minimum amount of necessary technological infrastructure is created, if transports work, if there's no problems with hospitality, if Olympic facilities are ready on time and can be used by the best athletes in the world, then I am sure the Athens Games will be truly magical."

A wide-ranging press conference by Oswald and Athens 2004 organizing committee (ATHOC) officials is scheduled for Friday at a downtown Athens hotel.

[21] Culture Minister Venizelos says 'Minos Ring' authentic

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

The minister said the seal-ring, dating to the 15th Century B.C., is valued at 400,000 euros, ''a figure which of course does not correspond to its scientific and historic value.''

Venizelos said ''we will reward the citizen who handed over this finding by encouraging a behavior which is legal and helps the archaeological authorities in conducting their work which is the protection and promotion of cultural heritage.''

The ''Minos Ring'', which resurfaced and is in the hands of the archaeological authorities, was lost to the world for the past 70 years and many started to doubt its existence.

It was discovered by British archaeologist Arthur Evans, who was the first to excavate the Knossos ruins of the Minoan Civilization in Crete.

[22] Environmentalist groups protest against public projects construction bill

Athens, 04/04/2002 (ANA)

The protesters demanded the withdrawal of a draft bill allowing the construction of transportation infrastructure, aiming to serve greater Athens during the Olympic Games and beyond.

[23] UN Security Council to be briefed on Cyprus talks

UNITED NATIONS, 04/04/2002 (CNA/ ANA)

US State Department Special Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston and British Special Representative Lord David Hannay met on Wednesday afternoon with the UN chief's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, who has already briefed the Russian President of the Security Council, Sergey Lavrov.

Later on Wednesday, Weston and Lord Hannay were due to meet with Annan, just three hours before de Soto was due to brief the five permanent members of the Security Council on talks between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, launched on January 16 with a view to solve the protracted Cyprus question.

Earlier on Wednesday, Cyprus' Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Sotos Zakcheos held separate meetings with de Soto and Weston.

Security Council sources have said that in spite de Soto's wish to accelerate the process and meet the June target date for an agreement, he does not intend to push things. The same sources believe that Americans and British diplomats see the June target date as a symbolic date.

The UN, the US and Britain will await for the third round of direct talks to see the negotiations deal with the substance of the problem.

The third round is due to begin on April 9. All three of them are counting on some Turkish promises and on greater involvement by the Security Council, which will be kept up to date on developments by de Soto.

[24] Greek fighter jets participate in joint exercise

NICOSIA, 04/04/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Defense Minister Socratis Hasikos said on Thursday a search and rescue exercise, code-named ''Navagos'', will take place during which National Guard units will cooperate with two Greek navy vessels.

Hasikos said the Greek fighters will not stop in Cypriot soil.

''During the joint maneuvers the Greek fighters will fly over Cyprus pretending to be both friendly and hostile aircraft to enable the armed forces to test our air defense system and the early warning system,'' Hasikos said.

He said the air and naval exercises of the Greek armed forces (Toxotis) is taking place within the Nicosia FIR (Flight Information Region), in international waters, west of the western coastal town of Paphos.

Replying to questions, the minister said there was no request or move by anybody to avert the planned exercise with Greece.

He said on Tuesday two Turkish fighters violated for a short time Cyprus air space and on Wednesday there was some movement of Turkish military aircraft on Turkey's southern coast.

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