Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-04-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek FM announces planned visit to Arafat with Turkey's Cem

[02] PM says discussion underway for FM's visit to Ramallah

[03] Greek deputy FM to visit Morocco and Algeria for talks on Mideast

[04] Kaklamanis protest over Greek MPs' treatment in Israel

[05] Ecumenical patriarch expresses concern over Mideast conditions to Israeli consul

[06] Ambassador's comment follows letter by Greek Church Prelate Christodoulos

[07] President Stephanopoulos addresses Greek-Slovakian economic forum in Bratislava

[08] FM Papandreou visits ancient Chinese capital of Xian

[09] DM Papantoniou interviews on CNN, FOX networks

[10] Greek-Turkish 'exploratory contacts' resume in Athens this week

[11] PM says government will not surprise with election law

[12] Opposition reactions to premier's televised interview

[13] Deputy FM Magriotis holds talks with Georgian alternate FM

[14] Public order minister briefs PM on Olympiad security issues

[15] EU parliament approves information network against hooliganism

[16] Greek economy can overcome impact of Mideast crisis; gov't says

[17] Greek inflation jumps to 4.0 pct in March

[18] Greek exports down in 2001, matching 1996 levels

[19] ND officials discuss economy with Greek Industries board

[20] Olympic Airways announces improved 1st quarter results

[21] Athens Airport general manager to leave the company

[22] Greek projects represent 10 pct of Black Sea bank financing

[23] Building activity up 12 pct in 2001 vs. 2000

[24] Cotton farmers continue roadblocks after collapse of talks

[25] ADEDY strikes to protect pension benefits

[26] Greek stocks rebound strongly on ASE

[27] ATHOC president briefs opposition party leaders

[28] Events to mark 80th anniversary of Asia Minor Catastrophe announced

[29] Clerides and Denktash launch third round of talks

[30] Vassiliou says Cyprus has a vested interest in democratic Turkey

[01] Greek FM announces planned visit to Arafat with Turkey's Cem

BEIJING, 10/04/2002 (ANA - Ch. Poulidou)

"We are ready to go to Israel to visit Yasser Arafat at any time," he said.

Papandreou made the announcement while flying to the Chinese city of Shanghai after visiting the ancient Chinese capital of Xian, and said the joint visit with Cem had been confirmed on Tuesday after talks between himself and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres over the phone and in a phone conversation between Cem and United States Secretary of State Colin Powell, while it had also been sanctioned by the European Union.

The Greek minister said the two countries were undertaking this initiative because they both had vital interests in the region and as a symbolic message that two traditional rivals can work together to promote political solutions and dialogue.

Papandreou also announced that there would be a meeting focusing on the Mideast crisis in Madrid on Wednesday between EU ministers, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, US Secretary of State Colin Powell and United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan. The latest reports from the Middle East were that the Israelis had begun to withdraw their forces from the West Bank and had given Arafat's wife and his staff permission to visit him, Papandreou said in response to questions.

He clarified, however, that the visit by himself and Cem would to a large degree depend on the successful completion of a visit by Powell - who would probably be accompanied by Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Pique representing the EU - that was scheduled to precede it.

The Greek foreign minister also expressed reservations about whether Israel possessed a firm political will for dialogue on the Mideast crisis but stressed that it was essential for everyone to help defuse the tension and to strive for solutions that would shore up stability.

''We don't want 'band-aid' solutions,'' he emphasized.

Initiative by Greek and Turkish FMs to visit Israel, Athens says: An initiative by the Foreign Ministers of Greece and Turkey, George Papandreou and Ismail Cem, is underway for a visit to Israel next week, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said on Tuesday.

Protopapas said the two foreign ministers are planning to meet Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat with the purpose of contributing to finding solutions for peace and security in the region.

[02] PM says discussion underway for FM's visit to Ramallah

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

Simitis, who was speaking in Parliament during a debate on the election system, said he believed the visit would produce results and bloodshed come to an end, Israeli forces withdraw, the UN Security Council's resolution to be implemented, the Palestinian state to be recognized, a guarantee to exist for the state of Israel and there be peace in the region.

He disagreed with assessments made that European Union leaders are timid and submissive with the United States. He added that many actions were taken by many prime ministers towards Israel, third countries and primarily the United States.

Simitis went on to say that EU leaders have pressured and the result of these moves is the trip to the Middle East by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, which he believes will lead to the reversal of the situation.

[03] Greek deputy FM to visit Morocco and Algeria for talks on Mideast

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

In his talks with Moroccan and Algerian government officials, Magriotis will present the positions held by Greece and the European Union on the crisis in the Middle East and be briefed on the positions of Morocco and Algeria on the same issue.

[04] Kaklamanis protest over Greek MPs' treatment in Israel

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

The Greek parliamentarians were part of an all-party delegation that was prevented from traveling to besieged Ramallah, in the West Bank. Shabby treatment of a visiting five-man Cypriot delegation of deputies and a group of Greek volunteer physicians was also cited in Kaklamanis' letter.

"I believe these incidents injure the parliamentary system and downgrade the prestige of parliaments that can play a significant role at this critical juncture. Additionally, (such incidents) violate the basic principles of human rights and international solidarity," Kaklamanis, the current chairman of the Euro-Mediterranean Conference of Parliament Presidents and Speakers, said.

Finally, the Greek parliament president assured Burg that "I, personally, as well as Greece's parliament will continue, unabated, our efforts towards a solution to the impasse of violence, and will support whatever initiative that could contribute to this direction."

[05] Ecumenical patriarch expresses concern over Mideast conditions to Israeli consul

ISTANBUL, 10/04/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Arnon visited the Patriarch on Tuesday at the seat of the Patriarchate in the Phanar area of Istanbul.

The Patriarch requested a briefing on conditions in and around the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and in the region in general.

He also expressed his dissatisfaction over the delay in the recognition of the recently elected Jerusalem Patriarch Irineos by the government of Israel.

''This situation brings sorrow to the whole Orthodox world, which cannot be justified by this delay,'' he said.

[06] Ambassador's comment follows letter by Greek Church Prelate Christodoulos

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

Ambassador David Sasson's written reply to Christodoulos, the prelate of the Greek Orthodox Church, came after the latter voiced his concerns a day earlier over latest troubling developments in the Palestinian territories.

"Among the members of the terrorist groups that have, unfortunately, taken up positions inside the Holy Temple, are high-ranking cadres of 'Tanzim', Yasser Arafat's armed militia, such as Ibrahim Abayat and Abdullah Tirawi, the head of the Palestinian intelligence service in Bethlehem, both of whom are well-known procurers of weapons and explosives, and who are directly responsible for the murder of many innocent Israelis," the Israeli ambassador's letter reads.

He also charged that two members of the "Hamas" (Islamic Resistance Movement) group who are responsible for organizing suicide attacks against Israeli targets, whom he identified as Basham Mahmoud and Ibrahim Hamoud, are also holed up inside the church - one of Christendom's most revered sites.

In a letter addressed to the Israeli ambassador on Monday, Christodoulos lamented the loss of innocent lives on both sides and referred to the danger of Israeli forces possibly violating the sanctity of Christian sites in the Holy Land.

He also warned that such an outcome would have grave consequences for the entire Christian community, while stressing that the Orthodox faith attached great importance to providing asylum to all that sought it.

Monday's letter by Christodoulos coincided with the eruption of a fire in a compound at the church during a gun-battle between Israeli soldiers and scores of Palestinians holed up inside.

[07] President Stephanopoulos addresses Greek-Slovakian economic forum in Bratislava

BRATISLAVA, 10/04/2002 (ANA - N. Mega-doukas)

Stephanopoulos also addressed a greeting to an economic forum of Greek and Slovakian businessmen meeting in Bratislava, which he described as the ''most important'' aspect of his visit since there were no problems between Athens and Bratislava in the political sector, whereas ''there are many margins for expanding bilateral cooperation in the commercial and investments sectors'', and that, he added, was where the two countries' actions should focus.

Stephanopoulos said the Greek and Slovakian sides also had ''identity of views'' on political issues, noting that Slovakia and successfully preparing for membership in the European Union.

The Greek president praised the efforts of businessmen for the improvement of economic relations between the two countries, stressing that the appropriate conditions were needed to facilitate business activity.

Slovakian president Rudolf Schuster, also addressing the forum, said that his country, in its efforts to join the European Union and apply the ''acquis communautaire'', was completing a reform of its taxation system so as to enable a larger flow of investments from abroad.

He further reiterated the Slovak Republic's to participate, together with Greece, in the Balkan reconstruction effort.

Schuster thanked Stephanopoulos, speaking in Greek, adding that in Slovakia he should feel as at home as in Greece.

Greek deputy foreign minister Andreas Loverdos, who is accompanying President Stephanopoulos on his Slovakia visit, told the forum that the Greek and Slovakian products were supplementary to each other and not antagonistic. He also said that there was room for cooperation between the two countries in the areas of foods & drinks, construction materials, tobacco, construction, technology and telecoms, while there were major prospects for bilateral cooperation in the form of joint enterprises.

The President later paid a visit to the Slovakian parliament before embarking on a cruise on the Danube River.

[08] FM Papandreou visits ancient Chinese capital of Xian

BEIJING, 10/04/2002 (ANA - Ch. Poulidou)

In meeting with the deputy administrator of the city, a proposal to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries was aired.

Cooperation in the tourism sector, as currently under-developed Xian's long-term prospects for attracting tourists appears bright, was also discussed.

In Papandreou's talks on Monday with his Chinese counterpart, Tang Jiaxuan, the issue of Greece's bid to become a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in the 2005-2007 period was also discussed.

[09] DM Papantoniou interviews on CNN, FOX networks

WASHINGTON, 10/04/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Papantoniou, in Washington on an official visit, said on the televised interviews that Greece was particularly concerned over the hostilities in the Middle East because "the uncontrolled violence by the Israelis is not the answer to the problem".

He warned that as long as that violence continued, more suicide bombings would ensue, while there was also the risk of other Arab countries interceding, which would result in the crisis becoming more generalised.

Asked to comment on Israel's decision to withdraw from two West Bank towns, Papantoniou replied that what was important was for Israel to abide and implement the UN resolutions and withdraw immediately from the occupied territories.

To a journalist's comment that only Israeli military action could stop the suicide bomb attacks, Papantoniou replied that he did not believe that the halt of suicide bombings was the result of Israeli military action.

"The Israelis may, in that way, gain a few days or weeks of quiet, but they will not earn lasting peace. This is my conviction, and it is also the conviction of (US) President Bush, (US) Secretary of State Colin Powell, and the international community. There is a one-way street: A cessation of fire and the commencement of political negotiations for the creation of a Palestinian state that will live peacefully side-by-side with Israel," Papantoniou said.

Asked on how Greece was involved in the war against terrorism, Papantoniou replied that Greece was participating actively in the fight against terrorism and was fully committed, assisting the US in the international war against terrorism with the Greek forces in Afghanistan and by providing facilities and material to the US.

Greece, the minister said, had its own terrorism problem to deal with. As Greece would be hosting the 2004 Olympic Games, it was displaying particular sensitivity on this issue.

To a question whether Greece was worried that the crisis in the Middle East could expand to the Balkans and destabilise the region, Papantoniou noted that the Balkans had not yet been fully stabilised.

"We had three wars in the past 10 years, a huge wave of immigrants to Greece, and much activity by organized crime in the Balkans. FYROM, for example, faces problems of instability. That is why it is necessary for us to be active, together with the US and the EU, to monitor the region, with the dispatch of military forces for maintaining order, the allocation of economic aid, and with the exercise of political influence, so that a market economy and democracy may be cemented. That is the path (that must be followed) so that the region may be incorporated in the EU and NATO and become a region of peace and stability, to the benefit of the peoples themselves, and of the neighboring countries, such as Greece," Papantoniou explained.

Meanwhile, US Assistant Secretary of State Mark Grossman, number three in the State Department hierarchy, praised Greece on Monday for its cooperation in the war against terrorism and the facilities it was providing at operational level.

Addressing the first annual conference of the Hellenic American Heritage Council taking place in Washington, Grossman called Greece a "partner" in the war against terrorism, noting Athens' provision of the use of Greek airspace and the airbase on Souda, Crete, as well as the dispatch of a frigate to the Gulf and of a Greek contingent to the international peace force in Afghanistan.

"Greece has suffered from terrorism," Grossman said, referring to the activities of the 'November 17' terrorist group, and adding that the authorities of both countries were closely cooperating to uncover the perpetrators.

Grossman further expressed Washington's satisfaction over the greatly improved climate in Greek-Turkish relations while, in reference to the Cyprus issue, he said that the European Union's decision to accept Cyprus as a member "creates a sense of urgency" regarding the achievement of a solution, and that was why the US back Cyprus' EU entry.

He also pledged to continue his efforts for the re-opening of the Theological School in Halki, a matter he had dealt with during his term as US Ambassador in Ankara.

Papantoniou refers to Greek-Turkish ties during Washington address: Greek Defence Minister Yiannos Papantoniou on Monday referred to "Turkish actions not consistent with efforts to improve Greek-Turkish relations", during his address here before delegates of Greek-American Heritage Council.

Papantoniou's remark followed statements by US Assistant Secretary of State Marc Grossman, who cited Washington's satisfaction over the recent Greek-Turkish rapprochement.

The Greek minister reiterated Athens' call that the Turkish side cooperate for a solution to the Cyprus problem, noting that such a development will benefit Greek-Turkish relations, while he also called on the Turkish Cypriots to realize that a resolution is in their interest.

Additionally, he stressed that Greece remains in a very sensitive region in terms of security, while noting that the country is taking every precaution to combat terrorism.

The greater portion of Papantoniou's address touched on economic and investment issues, as he previously held the national economy portfolio.

US ambassador to Athens Tom Miller as well as the State Department's special coordinator for Cyprus, Tom Weston, attended the event, as did Greece's top diplomats in America.

Papantoniou, Grossman and SAE President Andrew Athens were honored at the event.

[10] Greek-Turkish 'exploratory contacts' resume in Athens this week

ANKARA, 10/04/2002 (ANA - A. Abatzis)

Both sides are scheduled to meet in Athens on Friday.

The first round of contacts took place in Ankara last month.

[11] PM says government will not surprise with election law

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

Simitis was speaking in Parliament during an off the agenda debate on the election law requested by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE).

He thanked KKE for giving him the opportunity to deny ''all the scenarios of election imagination which have preoccupied news'' and accused the main opposition New Democracy party of attempting to "create a climate of suspicion and defamation of politics, similar to that in 1989, to cover up its lack of a program".

''The debate is taking place with slogans and suspicions. The main opposition party is inventing scenarios because it does not believe it will win the elections in 2004. We shall win the elections, we shall hold the Olympic Games with success and afterwards we shall submit a responsible proposal for the person of the President of the Republic. Our aim is not for us to go to an election in 2005,'' he said.

Simitis also rejected the view that PASOK's exclusive objective is its cooperation with forces of the Left to remain in power.

''Our proposals and initiatives for convergences are primarily directed at citizens and society and not only the heads of other parties. Our initiatives are not part of sensation tactics and do not obey the conjuncture need,'' he added.

Simitis further said the country needs stable governments, which shall not be shaped by circumstantial correlations of forces, adding that the objective is reform and progress and not staying in power.

He went on to say that the government's logic, in light of the change in the election system, moves on three principles: Firstly, the need for stable governments, secondly, the curbing of personal rivalry between deputies during the election period and, thirdly, the choices of the electorate should be shown in a more representative manner in the composition of Parliament.

''What is the opposition afraid of as to exorcise dialogue at every step, even on this issue? No deputy and no party has anything to be afraid of. We have another opportunity to revitalize democracy. I call on you and I request of you, when this debate opens, to come to it with an open mind,'' Simitis said.

ND does not accept changes in election law, Karamanlis says: The main opposition New Democracy (ND) party does not accept any changes in the election law, ND leader Costas Karamanlis said on Tuesday, during an off the agenda discussion on election law requested by Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga.

Karamanlis stressed that his party disagreed with the adoption of the proportional representation election system as it does not secure political stability but, on the contrary, it creates political instability, which is incompatible with the need for political normalcy since it leads to repeated elections.

''No changes should be made to the election system, games should not be played with the election law for petty party politics,'' he said, accusing the government that it began stirring up the election law issue when it realized that ''its downward course was irreversible and aiming at polarizing the political climate so as to force the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) out of the election race, the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) not to be represented in Parliament and prevent the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) from increasing its strength, having as its final goal the wiping out of the left''.

Karamanlis also accused the government that it has made a science out of political slander, that its only ideology is the ideology of staying in power, that it has ridiculed the processes of Parliamentary checks and balances and is attempting to block the processes of institutions aiming at the control of power.

''You do not want and you cannot move on with the necessary changes. There is an immediate need for reinventing the state, which you destroyed and corrupted. The gravest danger to democracy is corruption and entanglement with vested interests and for that reason the institutional defense of the state is necessary because Greece cannot follow your descent to the past,'' Karamanlis said.

KKE leader says PM does not want proportional representation system: Communist Party of Greece (KKE) General Secretary Aleka Papariga, speaking in Parliament on Tuesday during an off the agenda debate on the election law requested by her own party, said that Prime Minister Costas Simitis avoided to place himself in favor of a proportional representation system ''because he does not want it.''

She said that undisputedly, the proportional representation system was not the be all and end all of democracy, but that it ''faithfully imprints the choice of vote. The equality of the vote is an element of democracy.''

Papariga said that the explanations by the prime minister, who said that the government has not chosen any election system, did not alleviate her concern.

''We believe that all governments select an electoral system which brings about the survival, not only of the ruling party, but also of existing policy. We do not view that the proportional representation system will lead to spectacular developments, that it will change the course of things, neither do we view that the electoral system will transform the voting conscience,'' Papariga said.

The KKE leader said that ''when the people cannot achieve radical change, it was in its interest to have a weak conservative government.''

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos accused ruling PASOK and main opposition New Democracy (ND) of ''bipartisan hypocrisy.''

He said that if Prime Minister Costas Simitis and ND leader Costas Karamanlis wanted an improvement in the political system, they should establish a proportional representation system.

[12] Opposition reactions to premier's televised interview

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said that in the interview the premier admitted to wasting two years and that ''the government is lacking''.

''To the many and substantial questions we heard poor answers. Mr. Simitis has been the prime minister for the past six years. He and his ministers are governing the country for the past 20 whole years. Today (Monday) he asked for extra time so that he may do in the future all that he has not done all these years,'' Roussopoulos said.

''Mr. Simitis did not convince the Greek people. He reaffirmed that he cannot guarantee a better tomorrow for this country,'' he concluded.

ND cadre George Souflias also criticized the premier saying that ''politics have an educational character and the misfortune is that the premier of the country ignored it, since he said allot of lies on many issues to justify the unjustifiable and appeared lesser that his office. Despite that Greeks were taught and he will not cheat anyone''.

On his part, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) Nikos Constantopoulos called the interview ''too much noise for usual things''.

Constantopoulos said that the so much "advertised communication counterattack" of the premier cannot hide the fact that Mr. Simitis was speaking of a wasted two years and that PASOK is but a shadow of its former self.

[13] Deputy FM Magriotis holds talks with Georgian alternate FM

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

During their meeting, they confirmed the very good relations existing between Greece and Georgia and discussed issues such as cooperation in international organizations, the situation in the Caucasus region, the struggle to combat terrorism and organized crime, regional security and cooperation, Greek-Turkish relations and the Middle East crisis.

Extensive reference was made to Greece's EU presidency in the first half of 2003 and the promotion of Georgian-EU relations. The two countries' excellent relations within the framework of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) group were also confirmed.

The Georgian minister thanked Greece for its aid to his country and asked Greece to mediate for the settlement of regional problems in the Black Sea and confirmed the importance of Greece's presence in the Black Sea and the Caucasus.

He also expressed his gratitude over Greece's intention to discuss Black Sea issues during its EU presidency.

[14] Public order minister briefs PM on Olympiad security issues

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

Chrysohoidis referred to coordination among officials on the Olympiad's security and to the visit to Greece by IOC Coordinating Committee President Denis Oswald.

According to reports, Chrysohoidis conveyed to Simitis Oswald's satisfaction over progress being achieved on security issues regarding the 2004 Olympic Games.

[15] EU parliament approves information network against hooliganism

STRASBOURG, 10/04/2002 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

According to the report, all member-states will be obliged to establish national information centers aimed at providing support for police in organizing a game with international significance.

This exchange of information between national centers of in-formation will regard data of a general character and data on individuals that is specific persons frequently creating problems in stadiums.

Ruling PASOK party Eurodeputy Anna Karamanou noted during the discussion in the Europarliament that experience to date has shown that individual member-states cannot deal with the phenomenon of violence in soccer stadiums on their own.

She also stressed that the commercialization of soccer was at the root of the problem.

[16] Greek economy can overcome impact of Mideast crisis; gov't says

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

He expressed confidence that Greece's economy would be able to overcome any problems, however, saying that it was robust, dynamic, with a firm base and strong growth rate.

Referring to a statement made by United States Secretary of State Colin Powell about the Mideast, who said the start of a withdrawal by Israeli troops from two towns in the West Bank was encouraging, the spokesman said that this was a statement with which one could agree but which was not enough.

Protopapas stressed that things had now reached a point where a few good will gestures were not enough and that Israeli troops had to fully withdraw from all Palestinian towns.

He also called for the start of procedures to create an independent Palestinian state and for guarantees that would allow Israeli citizens to live free of the fear of terrorism.

Protopapas said the Greek government believed there was no time for the cycle of violence and blood to continue and he urged the international community to step up its efforts to stop the violence.

[17] Greek inflation jumps to 4.0 pct in March

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

NSS said that CPI was 3.0 percent and 3.1 percent in March 2001 and March 2000, respectively.

The consumers' price index rose 2.5 percent in March from February. The index had recorded 2.0 percent and 2.4 percent monthly increases in March 2001 and March 2000, respectively.

The rise in the annual inflation rate in March reflected: an 8.1 percent increase in food and beverage prices, an 8.0 percent rise in alcohol-tobacco prices, a 3.8 percent increase in clothing and footwear prices, and rises of 2.4 percent, 2.0 percent and 4.0 percent in housing, durable goods and healthcare prices respectively.

Prices in hotel-coffee-restaurant prices jumped 7.7 percent in March from the same month last year.

Communication prices, however, dropped 4.5 percent due to lower telephone call prices in March.

Consumer group reports price rises hitting middle incomes: Substantial increases in the prices of retail goods since the start of the year were reported by the Greek consumer group INKA on Tuesday, which said the higher prices appeared to be having an immediate impact on middle and higher income groups.

Presenting the results of a nationwide prices survey, INKA reported price increases of up to 17 per cent in 53 per cent of products, while prices were only stable in 26 per cent of products. It said these had begun to affect areas such as Athens' northern suburbs, with a high percentage of families with middle and higher-level incomes that had adopted more costly lifestyles.

The group reported that these families were now cutting back their spending, even for basic items such as food. Also, 39.2 per cent of these families were making no plans for a summer holiday citing financial reasons, while the duration of planned holidays had been substantially reduced.

[18] Greek exports down in 2001, matching 1996 levels

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

Imports held steady, resulting in a 5.0 percent drop in external trade and an 18.9 percent rise in the trade deficit, the association said in a statement.

Terrorist attacks in the US on September 11, 2001 and an ensuing slump in world trade failed to wholly explain the Greek decline in exports last year, the statement said.

The association attributed the decline in domestic exports mainly to a lack of government planning and national exports strategy; and to the attitude of enterprises, most of which had failed to create competitive products with high added value.

[19] ND officials discuss economy with Greek Industries board

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

Alogoskoufis later said it is being proved daily that the government lacks a plan, policies and a target timetable for the economy, adding that the government's actions are now dictated by a petty policy election logic.

He said five activated time bombs exist which are threatening the foundations of the economy: the public debt and fiscal deficits, low competitiveness which is leading to high unemployment, the social security issue, bad management of the 3rd CSF and problematic state enterprises.

[20] Olympic Airways announces improved 1st quarter results

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

OA's management implemented a well-planned business program to lead the national carrier out of a crisis in the global airline market, despite the fact that OA's finances remained negative.

Kalofonos said that the business plan helped Olympic Airways to increase its domestic market share to 58 percent in the first quarter of 2002 from 49 percent in the same period last year.

Speaking exclusively to ANA, Mr. Kalofonos said he was happy with the company's performance "that seemed to resist a period of intense crisis in the global air transport market."

He sounded optimistic that OA would show positive and balance results this year, reversing several years of negative results.

Olympic Airways said its aircraft capacity rose 7.14 percent in the first quarter of 2002, compared with the same period last year, revenues per passenger rose 28.57 percent on average for domestic flights and by 11.7 percent for international flights. Spending was significantly reduced as the number of operating aircraft fell by 15.62 percent through the abolition of loss-making flights and a 9.20 percent decline in the company's workforce.

Kalofonos said it was the first time in the OA's 50-year history that the Greek carrier was showing better results compared with the average of other European airlines.

Meeting on Olympic airline's privatization postponed: A meeting Prime Minister Costas Simitis was to have with Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and Tran-sport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis on Wednesday, on the course of the Olympic Airways airline's privatization, has been postponed.

It was officially announced that the postponement was requested by the prime minister's office due to a heavy workload, without a new meeting being set.

According to reports, considerable developments in the direction of the airline's privatization have taken place over the past 24 hours, since a Greek businessman has shown interest in purchasing 51 percent of the national carrier and at a higher price than the offer made by an Australian joint venture.

Officials from the finance and transport ministries are in constant contact with Credit Suisse First Boston and are examining all the new factors appearing.

[21] Athens Airport general manager to leave the company

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

An announcement by the International Airport of Athens SA on Tuesday said that Mr. Mitscherlich has decided to leave the company and join Germany's Ferrostaal AG, a member of MAN Group, as chairman of the board.

Mr. Mitscherlich was appointed general manager of the new Athens airport in July 2000.

[22] Greek projects represent 10 pct of Black Sea bank financing

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

The projects, 60 percent of which are in infrastructure project financing and 40 percent in trade and exports financing, cover the bank's 11 shareholding countries, the officials said.

Turkey is the largest beneficiary, with its projects totalling 25 percent of the total, followed by Russia and Ukraine at 20 percent, and Bulgaria and Romania at 15-20 percent, they added.

The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank launched operations in June 1999 in order to aid growth in the Balkans and Black Sea region and boost economic ties among shareholding countries.

The bank's share capital of 1.2 billion US dollars is distributed among Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine.

Black Sea bank to hold seminar in Greece: The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank is to hold a seminar in the northern port city of Thessaloniki on April 14-15 on business activity, methods of funding and investment opportunities in the region.

Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Turkish Finance Minister Kemal Dervis will attend the event. The bank will also hold its annual meeting the same weekend, officials of the Thessaloniki-based bank told a news conference on Tuesday.

The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank launched operations in June 1999 in order to aid growth in the Balkans and Black Sea region and boost economic ties among shareholding countries.

[23] Building activity up 12 pct in 2001 vs. 2000

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

Building permits issued in 2001 totalled 75,325, up 9.8 percent on a year earlier. The permits represented 18,985.4 thousand square meters of construction, marking a 13.6 percent increase on 2000, the GNSS said in a statement.

The sharpest rise in construction in 2001 was reported in the southern Aegean, which posted a 28 percent increase on the previous year.

In the heavily populated Attica prefecture, the increase was 19.3 percent on a year earlier, the statement said.

[24] Cotton farmers continue roadblocks after collapse of talks

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

Thessaly cotton growers decided to continue their struggle at a meeting that ended at midday on Tuesday and the tractors reappeared along the national highway, obstructing the flow of traffic.

Farming union reps said there had been no point of agreement in their talks with the ministry, while they rejected Drys' proposal for a seven-member committee made up of six farmers and one ministry official to examine cotton quota allowance rulings contested by farmers.

According to the unions, there is insufficient time between now and May 15 - when the final dossier for cotton subsidies this year must be sent to the European Union - to examine the 75,000 contested rulings.

Farming union representatives are to hold a closed meeting at the Larissa Farming Cooperatives Union on Tuesday night to assess the impact of their protest actions so far and decide what form their struggle will take from now on.

One suggestion made at the midday meeting, however, was for daily meetings at the roadblocks to decide the action for each day.

In northern Greece, meanwhile, cotton farmers from Pella and Imathia blocked the roads between Thessaloniki, Veria and Edessa at the bridge over the Axios River, starting at 13:00 and ending at 16:00.

The farmers gathered at the Axios rally point will hold a meeting in the afternoon to decide whether they will hold other roadblocks on Tuesday.

Imathia farmers also set up a roadblock outside the village of Klidi at noon, due to end at 19:00, blocking access on the Thessaloniki-Veria road.

[25] ADEDY strikes to protect pension benefits

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

During a press conference ahead of the Thursday 24-hour strike of public sector employees, Papaspyros noted that they believe the government was undermining the social security system, which they felt obliged to protect.

[26] Greek stocks rebound strongly on ASE

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

The Greek bourse ignored largely news of a surge in the inflation rate in March to 4.0 percent and was positive affected by a rebound in other European markets.

The general index ended 1.62 percent higher at 2,222.71 points, with turnover an improved 114.5 million euros, of which 43.1 million euros reflected share block trades.

The Investment, Retail, Insurance and Publication sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (3.30 percent, 3.11 percent, 2.13 percent and 1.91 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.61 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 1.29 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index increased 1.59 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 288 to 48 with another 25 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares in value were EFG Eurobank Ergasias, Hellenic Telecoms, Panafon, Alpha Bank, and National Bank of Greece.

Derivatives Market Close: Equity index futures trade at discount: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange traded at discount in heavy, volatile trade on Tuesday, tracking jitters in the main market.

Discounts were up to 1.5 percent on index futures and up to 5.0 percent on individual stock futures.

Turnover was 89.1 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips gained 1.61 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks rose 1.29 percent.

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

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.53 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 32 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system was 1.5 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for just over half of turnover.

[27] ATHOC president briefs opposition party leaders

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

Speaking with main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis she addressed the whole issue of the Olympic Games' preparations and the progress that has been made over the past few months, as International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordinating Committee President Denis Oswald said just before he left Athens.

Karamanlis reiterated his intense interest in the problems that some construction projects seem to have, such as road works and transportation projects connected with the Games.

The ATHOC president also spoke with Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos and Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) leader Dimitris Tsovolas.

[28] Events to mark 80th anniversary of Asia Minor Catastrophe announced

Athens, 10/04/2002 (ANA)

In announcing the initiative, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos referred to "a commemoration of the greatest epic ever pulled off by the Greek state, namely, the settlement of refugees (in Greece proper)."

Moreover, two collections of music will be released by the Folklore Music Museum and the Center for Asia Minor Studies, he added.

[29] Clerides and Denktash launch third round of talks

NICOSIA, 10/04/2002 (CNA/ANA)

The meeting lasted about an hour and was attended, as usual, by the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto.

[30] Vassiliou says Cyprus has a vested interest in democratic Turkey

WASHINGTON, 10/04/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking in Washington, Vassiliou said that if the will exists, a political settlement of the protracted Cyprus question can be found by June ''under any circumstances.''

He stressed that the EU has made it absolutely clear that it wants one Cyprus with one voice in its ranks and said if the Turkish Cypriot side insists on the creation of two separate states on the island, the Republic will join the Union but the acquis communautaire will apply only to the government-controlled part of the country.

A solution prior to accession, he said, would benefit all the par-ties concerned, and help bring the standards of living of Turkish Cypriots in line with those of the Greek Cypriots in about five years after a settlement.

''It is in our own interest to have a democratic Turkey, a Turkey that becomes member of the Union, rather than have a Turkey that is on its own, that is nationalistic and considers every Greek as an enemy,'' Vassiliou said at the National Press Club.

Cyprus, he added, has ''a vested interest, more than anybody else, even probably more than the Turks, to see Turkey moving towards Europe.''

On the prospect of a political settlement, he said ''the truth is that if there is a will, there can be a solution by June under any circumstances.''

He said unfortunately there was no significant progress in the on-going peace talks in Cyprus between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, which started in January this year.

He said if the Turkish Cypriot side continues to insist on the creation of two separate states and there are no signs of solution, Cyprus will join the EU and apply its rules and regulations in the areas under the control of the legal government of the country and not in the occupied part, where the government is prevented from exercising its jurisdiction from the Turkish occupation troops.

Vassiliou explained that Turkish Cypriot fears about Greek Cypriot economic domination would become irrelevant within the EU.

He pointed out that an agreement between the two communities would be enshrined in the Accession Treaty and provide the best guarantee possible to both that what they agreed is final and has to be implemented.

Vassiliou, an economist by profession, said in about five years from a solution the living standards of the two communities will be much the same.

He said the demographic structure of Cyprus has changed since the 1974 Turkish invasion, with the number of Turkish Cypriots on the island diminishing and the number of illegal settlers increasing.

The Turkish Cypriots, he said, are now around 80,000 compared with 140,000 in 1974 and the settlers are about 120,000 many of whom have been on the island for years, other may have got married with Cypriot nationals and others who just arrived illegally to Cyprus and stayed on.

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