Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-04-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Bank of Greece urges for drastic changes in economy

[02] PM and defense minister discuss foreign policy issues

[03] Gov't spokesman again dismisses 'reshuffle' speculation

[04] Deputy FM Magriotis to visit Patriarchate, Jerusalem during Easter Week

[05] Prime minister to visit Dodecannese islands over Easter

[06] Greek EU commissioner participates in G-8 labor ministers' conference

[07] Interior minister invites parties to discuss dividing electoral districts

[08] Gov't planning drive to improve Athens bus services

[09] Manolis Glezos to run for Athens-Piraeus prefecture

[10] Survey conducted on situation prevailing in FYROM

[11] Initiative created in light of EU 2003 Thessaloniki summit

[12] Europarliament representatives refer to EU's future

[13] Anarchists clash with extreme right organization members in Athens

[14] HDW's purchase of Hellenic Shipyards to be signed on May 13

[15] Gov’t unveils regulatory framework for pension funds' asset management

[16] GSEE, ADEDY call for strikes on Labor Day

[17] Development Minister says consumers' purchasing power increasing

[18] Central bank says banks need competitive prices for growth

[19] Cooperation protocol between Zhegiang and Eastern Macedonia-Thrace signed

[20] Exports to ex-Yugoslavia countries rise sharply from 1988 to 2000

[21] Greece-China tourism ties on the agenda this month

[22] PM says state's IT infrastructure needs improving

[23] Limited services at banks on May 1, stock market closed

[24] ASE ends higher on selective buying

[25] Simitis, ATHOC head review Olympic preparations

[26] ATHOC representatives take part in European meeting in Limassol

[27] ATHOC signs contracts for use of Thessaloniki soccer club stadiums

[28] Greek population totals 10,964,080, NSS report

[29] Bill calls for stiff penalties, including life imprisonment for slave traders

[30] AIPS approves full membership of Palestinian Authority

[31] Killer 'myocarditis' virus identified as strain of Coxsackie B

[32] Clerides and Denktash continue direct talks

[33] De Soto to brief UN chief and Security Council on Cyprus

[34] Cypriot political parties call for substantial negotiations

[01] Bank of Greece urges for drastic changes in economy

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

Presenting the central bank's annual report, the last report before his departure to take over as vice-president at the European Central Bank, Mr. Papademos said the main problem of the Greek economy was its low competitiveness.

The central bank warned that perpetuating this condition would lead to a decline of real incomes and employment. The Bank of Greece's report also acknowledges that "the distance needed to be covered to achieve real convergence is big."

Mr. Papademos noted that despite progress in recent years, the unemployment rate and the current accounts' deficit, as a percentage of GDP, remained at very high levels, reflecting the economy's low competitive position that was in danger of worsening further because of a rise in inflation.

The report forecast that a rise in the average inflation rate to 3.5 percent in 2002 would reduce the country's competitiveness, as the average inflation in the eurozone was currently at 2.0 percent. The report noted that if these divergences became more permanent they could have a grave impact on competitiveness.

The central bank urged for the need to promote structural reforms and changes in the social security system, the labor market and the tax system, to ensure a continuation of economic growth rates and to achieve real convergence. The need for these changes was becoming more urgent because certain factors, currently boosting economic activity as EU funds' inflows and the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, have not a permanent nature.

Referring to structural changes, the Bank of Greece said the problem of viability in the country's social security system would heighten following a certain period of time and urged for an immediate solution to the problem. The report noted that any fiscal surpluses in the coming years should be used, in priority, to reduce the country's public debt, still at very high levels.

The central bank also urged for the need to reform the country's tax system with the aim to improve the country's international competitiveness, a through creating a new simpler system, encouraging employment and combatting tax-evasion in the country.

"Any changes should be based on the need to finance a social security system and reducing public debt," the report said. The Bank of Greece recommended a more efficient control of primary spending.

On the labor market, the central bank urged for a more flexible system that would also offer security to workers through a more systematic training.

Opposition says central bank report vindicates criticism of gov't: The main opposition New Democracy (ND) party said on Monday that a report on the economy by the outgoing central bank governor released earlier in the day vindicated the party's criticism of the government.

''The governor of the Bank of Greece and new vice president of the European Central Bank has come, in his turn, to confirm what ND has long maintained about the economy,'' ND economy spokesman George Alogoskoufis said on Monday.

''Beyond the diplomatic phrasing, the report underlines all the flaws in the government's economic policy,'' Alogoskoufis said in a statement.

The government was also guilty of failing to carry out pledges or undertake effective planning, the spokesman added.

[02] PM and defense minister discuss foreign policy issues

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

They also discussed Papantoniou's visit to Britain on May 8-9 where, as he said, issues concerning the European army and the Cyprus issue will be discussed, apart from armaments programs.

Papantoniou reiterated that given that the Republic of Cyprus will join the European Union regardless of a political solution to the problem, a historic opportunity is appearing for a solution to the problem and this should be understood by Greece's European partners so as to exercise their influence on Turkey.

On the question of the European army, he reiterated that Greece does not accept the known Ankara text and aims at necessary changes, which will safeguard national rights on the basis of equality, which applies, to all European countries.

[03] Gov't spokesman again dismisses 'reshuffle' speculation

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

Vougias more-or-less earned the high-profile support of ruling PASOK's leadership over the weekend in his bid to become the next mayor of Thessaloniki, a candidacy that translates into his handing over the deputy transport portfolio at some point.

Spokesman Christos Protopapas merely noted that Vougias' replacement falls strictly within the domain of Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

He also warned that any other scenarios referring to government reshuffles are pure speculation.

[04] Deputy FM Magriotis to visit Patriarchate, Jerusalem during Easter Week

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos is expected to receive the Greek deputy FM at the Patriarchate.

Additionally, Magriotis is scheduled to travel to Jerusalem on Orthodox Good Friday in order to head a Greek delegation transporting the "Holy Light" from the Holy Land back to Greece on Saturday, part of an annual Easter ritual that heralds the Resurrection of Christ for the Eastern Orthodox faithful.

[05] Prime minister to visit Dodecannese islands over Easter

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas announced this on Monday, while presenting the prime minister's schedule for the coming two weeks.

After his meeting with Christodoulakis, the premier will meet Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou at 20:30.

On Tuesday morning, Simitis will call on President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos for the regular president's briefing, after which he will meet the outgoing governor of ETBAbank.

At noon on Tuesday, the prime minister will chair a meeting on the absorption of funds from the 3rd Community Support framework attended by Christodoulakis, Deputy Finance Minister Christos Pachtas, Transport Minister Christos Verelis, Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Giannitsis and Environment Minister Vasso Papandreou.

Immediately afterward, at 13:30, he will have a meeting with the government's communications team.

On Thursday at 10:30, Simitis will meet Education Minister Petros Efthymiou before departing for the island of Rhodes in the afternoon.

On the Saturday before Orthodox Easter, Simitis will visit the island of Symi and the Monday after Easter he is to speak at a PASOK meeting on Rhodes, before visiting the island of Kastellorizo on Tuesday week at the head of a delegation of PASOK MPs for the Dodecannese islands.

Next Wednesday the prime minister will be in Athens for a meeting with Foreign Minister George Papandreou at 11:00 and Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos at 12:30, while on Thurs-day next week he will depart for a one-day official visit to Belgrade.

[06] Greek EU commissioner participates in G-8 labor ministers' conference

MONTREAL, 30/04/2002 (ANA - I. Frangouli)

During her stay here, the Greek EU Commissioner spoke on ''Global governance and the European integration'' at the French language university.

Speaking to the Greek media the Commissioner clarified that her proposal of last year to use English in Greece, was not aimed at making English an institutional language of the state of Greece, rather to increase the quality of the learning experience in schools, so that Greek children may be bilingual.

Concerning the G-8 conference, Diamanto-poulou represented the European Union in discussions that established the basis for discussions on investment, education and professional training of employees.

[07] Interior minister invites parties to discuss dividing electoral districts

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

According to the latest population census conducted in 2001 by the national statistics service, the population in 13 electoral districts had changed significantly, requiring an increase in the number of seats in certain districts and a reduction of seats in others.

The minister said the data gathered by the national statistics service would be approved by the relevant committee.

Among the districts that would lose seats were the 1st Athens district, the 1st Piraeus district, Fthiotida, Arcadia, Messinia, Magnesia and Pellas. Conversely, extra seats would go to electoral districts in the Dodecannese islands, in central Thessaloniki, the 2nd Athens electoral district and the rest of Attica.

The data also pointed to the creation of two new single-seat electoral districts in Fokida and Thesprotia.

Skandalidis had earlier referred to the issue of the many thousands of voters that appeared to be registered twice.

The minister said the problem arose in transferring voters' particulars from municipal registers to the new municipal computer records. He stressed that the majority of those registered twice would not receive two voting numbers, while in the case of for 5-10,000 the mistakes had been compounded.

The remaining 380,000 had not yet received voting numbers but their numbers would be significantly fewer by June 30 due to continuous crosschecks, he said.

Those that were missed by the checking process would be listed in special catalogues of voters registered twice on electoral rolls that would be sent to electoral districts.

[08] Gov't planning drive to improve Athens bus services

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

''In the future, metropolitan centers will belong to public transport but these need room to move in,'' he stressed.

Verelis said that work on extending the existing bus lanes would begin within the next quarter, so that it would cover 45 kilometers by the end of 2003, up from 16.5 kilometers at present.

He also announced the installation of physical barriers for bus lanes on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue in front of the Eleftherias Park and from Marasli to Loukianou streets, as well as on the Patission Road bus lane from Derigny to Ipirou streets.

Ten new cameras would be installed to catch offenders using the bus lanes, while the Athens public transport organization OASA would received five more tow-trucks to remove vehicles blocking bus routes.

Verelis said the fleet of buses would be increased by 600 by the end of 2002, at a cost of 150 million euros, including more of the environmentally friendly natural gas-powered buses that have already been introduced in Athens.

The minister said a new refueling depot would be created in Anthousa, in addition to the present refueling depot at Ano Liosia, for the gas-powered fleet.

During the Olympic Games in 2004, he added, 670 buses would be added to the 1,200 required to run the August bus schedules, while seven bus lines would operate round the clock.

Verelis then announced the ''Listen to the Stop'' program to assist the sight-impaired, where a sound system informed those waiting at bus stops at regular intervals which bus was approaching next, while inside the bus passengers were informed which stop was next. He said the system had been tested on the A1 Piraeus-Voula route, the B1 Piraeus-Glyfada route, the 450 Delta Faliro-Halandri route and the 550 Delta Faliro-Kifissia route, all four suggested by the Panhellenic Association for the blind.

Videos installed on the airport buses serving routes E94 and E95, meanwhile, will provide information about the Athens public transport system and play music.

[09] Manolis Glezos to run for Athens-Piraeus prefecture

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference, Glezos called on the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), the Coalition of the Left and Progress, the Democratic Social Movement and AKOA for cooperation.

Glezos said if another joint candidate is produced by the parties of the left, he will withdraw his candidacy and support him, while adding that there can be no cooperation with the ruling PASOK party.

[10] Survey conducted on situation prevailing in FYROM

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

A survey conducted in FYROM, at the initiative of the Center for Democracy and Reconciliation in SE Europe (CDRSEE) in Thessaloniki in cooperation with the Institute of the Foundation for the Open Society (FOSIM) in Skopje and with the support of the Macedonia-Thrace Ministry, showed that the Slavs are concerned about the activity of the ''Albanian military groups'' and the incomplete, as they regard, disarmament of the National Liberation Army. On the other hand, the Albanians fear the ''Slav party police and paramilitary groups.''

The survey was conducted between March 14-15 from a sample of 1,600 people, the results of which were presented at an event in Thessaloniki on Monday.

According to the survey, 85 per cent of Slavs were mostly concerned about the activities of Albanian paramilitary groups and 74 per cent over the incomplete disarmament of the UCK. Eighty per cent of Albanians felt they were discriminated against in employment, education and language while 78 per cent said they were afraid of ''the activity of the Slav party police and paramilitary organizations such as 'The Red Lions'.''

A great percentage of those questioned showed that they were not satisfied with the Ohrid agreement. Forty-three per cent of Slavs believe that ''it foresees excessively large reforms'' while 25 per cent of Albanians believe that ''it does not foresee the required reforms.''

Speaking at the event on Monday, Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Paschalidis said that the survey ''underlines the basic priorities of the two communities but also their main concerns and creates an agenda of issues which will be certainly included in the central discussions of the election campaign in FYROM.''

He expressed the hope that the results of the survey will be useful to the international community ''which is working for the reconstruction and stability in the Balkans.''

[11] Initiative created in light of EU 2003 Thessaloniki summit

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

The initiative includes the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI), Communist Renewal, the Thessaloniki Committee for International Detente and Peace, the Citizens Movement, the Anti-War Committee and the Anti-NATO Balkan Center.

A proclamation issued by the initiative says ''we shall provide all our strength to enable Thessaloniki to be worthy of Seattle, Prague, Gothenburg, Genoa and Barcelona in June 2003.''

The initiative's first appearance will take place at May Day's rally, while a delegation will attend the work of the European Social Forum in Vienna on May 11-12.

[12] Europarliament representatives refer to EU's future

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

This time it was the turn of parties to outline their positions on important issues concerning the building of the European Union in the future.

The relevant briefing was carried out by two European Parliament representatives, Paraskevas Avgerinos from the ruling PASOK party and Marieta Yiannakou Koutsikou from the main opposition New Democracy party.

Avgerinos said the Assembly is an innovatory institution, which, if it succeeds, will produce a great deal since it is a process bringing politics close to citizens.

The undertaking began at Laeken when it was decided, in the framework of preparing the next inter-governmental conference that the Assembly on the Future of Europe convene with the purpose of examining various possible solutions.

The Assembly's course so far, which has convened three times, shows in the two Eurodeputies' view that it is not a mere ''stroll'', since issues they are facing are very serious, while opinions are many and different.

Both Avgerinos and Yiannakou notified the representatives of the NGO's that their parties are in favor of a federal EU model with the European Commission's president being elected.

[13] Anarchists clash with extreme right organization members in Athens

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

The incidents started early in the afternoon outside the offices of Chrysi Avghi when a group of anarchists attacked the members of the organization who had assembled there to begin a march. The clashes continued at Pedion tou Areos Park.

Police finally managed to disperse the rioters with the use of teargas.

[14] HDW's purchase of Hellenic Shipyards to be signed on May 13

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

Last week, the European Union's executive Commission approved the deal, saying that regulatory approval had been given as the acquisition of Hellenic, formerly known as Skaramangas, by the two corporations did not breach rules of fair competition.

HDW, the largest shipyard in Germany, was recently acquired by One Equity Partners, a subsidiary of Bank One of the US. Its new owners said the buyout would not affect the purchase plan for Hellenic Shipyards.

Thyssen Krupp, a metals and shipyard company, is now a member of the HDW group, replacing Babcock.

Under its new owner, HDW released a statement on March 12 saying that Hellenic Shipyards was seen as a major factor in the German company's future European strategy.

The Elefsina-Neorio Shipyard Group and HDW-Ferrostaal consortium have signed a memorandum of understanding on Hellenic's future operation.

[15] Gov’t unveils regulatory framework for pension funds' asset management

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

The decrees particularly referred to pension funds' investments in the Athens Stock Exchange. The two ministers also signed a ministerial decree allowing the hiring of management consultants by pension funds.

Under current regulations, pension funds were able to invest in the Athens Stock Exchange with board decisions and through creating mutual funds. A Regulatory Commission's approval was also needed.

Under the new regulatory framework, pension funds will no longer need approval from a regulatory commission to invest in equities, a decision-making investment procedures more flexible. The two ministries also unveiled a code of investment conduct for pension funds' asset management activities and allowed pension funds to hire management consultants in an effort to ensure maximum benefit from their equity investments.

Under the new rules, a Regulatory Commission will be reform and put under the auspices of Bank of Greece's deputy governor.

[16] GSEE, ADEDY call for strikes on Labor Day

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

The rally organized by the Athens Labor Center will then march to the Israeli embassy in Athens, since this Labor Day is focused on showing solidarity towards the Palestinian people.

The Supreme Civil Servants' Administrative Council (ADEDY) also called its members to strike on Wednesday.

GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos will speak at the Piraeus Labor Center on Wednesday, participating in events marking the 90th anniversary since its establishment.

The Independent Intervention, the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) party affiliated labor union, called for the ''opening of a rift'' with the government's policies, stressing that labor union's should be independent and called for the support of the joint action within the framework of the trade union movement.

On its part, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) called for popular cohesion and accused the government for what it called anti-popular policy in the social security issue and in the taxation system reform issue.

[17] Development Minister says consumers' purchasing power increasing

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

The consumers' union said Greek consumers' purchasing power has dropped in the first quarter of 2002 due to rising prices this year following the introduction of the euro.

Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, however, said that this year's Easter holiday shopping would be 4.19 percent cheaper than in 2001, reflecting lower prices in main seasonal products, such as meat, and steadier prices in fresh produce because of higher imports.

Mr. Tsohatzopoulos reiterated that consumer prices were steadily falling from their high levels in the beginning of 2002 and that the impact from the circulation of the euro currency has faded.

[18] Central bank says banks need competitive prices for growth

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

In its annual report for 2001-2, the bank underlined that the goals required the introduction of new products and new means of distribution, the adoption of state-of-the-art information technology systems, specialized training for personnel, and a rationalized network structure.

In addition, the size of banks remained comparatively small on a global and European scale.

On the basis of assets at the end of 2000, no domestic bank was included in the world's 100 largest credit institutions, and only two figured in Europe's 100 largest banks, the report said.

Concerning mergers and acquisitions, 14 banks were taken over between 1998 and 2001, of which six were state-owned and the remainder in the private sector, the report added.

[19] Cooperation protocol between Zhegiang and Eastern Macedonia-Thrace signed

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

The protocol was signed by Zhegiang Governor Chai Songyue and Region of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace General Secretary Aris Papadopoulos.

[20] Exports to ex-Yugoslavia countries rise sharply from 1988 to 2000

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

Rising especially sharply were exports to Serbia-Montenegro, which totalled 129 million dollars in 2000 from 22 million dollars in 1995, a roughly six-fold increase, said the center, which belongs to the Hellenic Exporters' Association.

The majority of Greek exports to the ex-Yugoslavia countries are in the form of industrial goods, with agricultural produce and fuel playing a minor part, the report said.

[21] Greece-China tourism ties on the agenda this month

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

The Chinese delegation's arrival precedes an official visit by State Council Vice-Premier Li Lanqing in Greece at the end of May. The Chinese vice-premier is expected to meet with Greek leadership, including Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, and tour Crete and the Peloponnese.

[22] PM says state's IT infrastructure needs improving

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

Most in need of attention was IT infrastructure in education, with schools committed to offering schoolchildren greater access and help, Simitis told nine women executives from IT companies he met for debate on the sector.

He added that the government was trying to boost participation by women in the new economy, including incentives for new enterprises.

[23] Limited services at banks on May 1, stock market closed

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

In addition, the Athens stock market and derivatives exchange will shut on May 1, also due to the closure of Europe's interbank clearing system.

The May Day holiday has been partially moved to May 7 in Greece due to the proximity of Orthodox Easter this year.

Markets will again close on May 7 for the transferred holiday.

[24] ASE ends higher on selective buying

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

The general index rose 0.13 percent to 2,227.96 points, with turnover an improved 97.38 million euros.

The Retail, Insurance and IT Solution sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (1.68 percent, 1.38 percent and 0.99 percent, respectively), while the Banks, Publication and IT sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (1.23 percent, 1.0 percent and 0.74 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.44 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.76 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index eased 0.10 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 166 to 137 with another 54 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares in value were National Bank of Greece, Coca Cola HBC, Iaso, Axon Holding, and Technical Olympic.

Equity index futures nose up: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished higher in light trade on Monday, tracking the main market.

Turnover was 42.9 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips gained 0.44 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks increased 0.76 percent.

Contracts on both indices showed a premium of up to 1.0 percent, traders said. Deals in individual stocks posted a discount of around 2.0 percent.

Bond prices drop in brisk trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Monday finished lower in moderate trade focusing on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.48 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 31 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system was 1.8 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of trade.

[25] Simitis, ATHOC head review Olympic preparations

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

The next inter-ministerial committee meeting is set for May 13, weeks before yet another International Olympic Committee (IOC) delegation arrives in Athens to gauge progress for the 2004 Games.

Monday's talks revolved around ATHOC's "Olympic Cities" program during the Games, as well as all-important planning for the greater Athens area in August 2004.

The IOC's approval of the specific operational plan for greater Athens is pending, with the early June inspection team expected to review the plan.

[26] ATHOC representatives take part in European meeting in Limassol

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

The Athens 2004 Olympic Organizing Committee (ATHOC) was represented by International Relations General Director Dionysis Hagas, Regional Director for Europe Elena Coletti and European Committees Coordinator Fani Misailidou.

During the seminar the ATHOC representatives presented information concerning progress, which has been made in preparation for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

[27] ATHOC signs contracts for use of Thessaloniki soccer club stadiums

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

In return ATHOC will revamp the stadiums that will be used primarily for training and practice by the participant teams during the Games in August 2004.

''In Thessaloniki, as an Olympic City, 75 billion drachmas will be invested in important infrastructure projects already underway,'' Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, who was on hand for the event, said.

[28] Greek population totals 10,964,080, NSS report

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

NSS said that registered population was the number of people registered with municipal records.

Real population rose 6.9 percent compared with 1991's census (10,259,900), while the country's registered population rose 0.7 percent (10,134,534 in 1991).

The latest figures of a census carried out in 2001 in Greece can be found in the web address (www.statistics.gr).

[29] Bill calls for stiff penalties, including life imprisonment for slave traders

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

According to statistics announced during a press conference, where details of the draft bill were made public, over the past 10 years some 80,000 women and children entered Greece as their first stop in reaching the European Union, netting more than 8 billion euros for traffickers.

The bill will attempt to coordinate actions and combine investigations that usually lead to a multitude of crimes connected with this heinous trade. These violations of the law, beyond trafficking in human beings, include corruption of state officials, forgery, use of fraud to obtain false certificates, blackmail, gunrunning, drug trafficking and money laundering.

The same statistics show a fast rising trend of this modern type of slave trade, which captures and uses women and children in prostitution all over Europe, but also in Greece as it is a point of entry for a large number of victims.

The UNICEF statistics were even more staggering, as according to the organization some 700,000 women from Eastern Europe were taken with deceit or force from their homes in 2000 alone, while it is estimated that more than one million children suffer the same fate every year around the world.

The new bill proposes much harsher penalties for such crimes that in some cases reach life imprisonment, the toughest penalty allowed by Greek law, as the death penalty has been abolished.

A specific article of the bill mandates life imprisonment in cases where the sexually exploited victim is killed, while the crime of statutory rape will be a felony and the state will have to prosecute the perpetrator without any prior notice and consent from the parents or guardians of the child.

Finally, the bill mandates that the victims will be given protection and medical and psychological support, while in the event that they are immigrants they will be provided with the means to return to their home country or if they do not wish to do so they will be given temporary immigrant status while their cases are being reviewed.

[30] AIPS approves full membership of Palestinian Authority

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

The conference concluded its work on Saturday in ancient Olympia, in the Peloponnese, having voted to make Palestinian Authority journalists the 141st member of AIPS with only Israel voting against the membership.

Israel's representative objected on the grounds that there is no Palestinian state but only a ''Palestinian Authority'', but the argument was rejected since there is the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) precedent, which has accepted Palestinian representation.

In any case, the representatives of Israel and the Palestinian Authority met after the vote for a handshake at the facilities of the International Olympic Academy.

[31] Killer 'myocarditis' virus identified as strain of Coxsackie B

Athens, 30/04/2002 (ANA)

They said the virus involved was the Coxsackie B enterovirus, which affects and is spread through the intestines.

The laboratory's announcement said it had worked on samples of heart muscle from the three fatal cases, as well as surviving patients with symptoms of myocarditis, using the methods of molecular virology to arrive at its conclusions.

Speaking to the ANA, laboratory director Dr Antonis Antoniadis said the laboratory would now conduct a phylogenetic analysis of the particular strain to discover if it differed genetically from other viruses belonging to the same group.

Commenting on the recommendations of the Center for Monitoring Infectious Diseases in response to the epidemic, Antoniadis said its immediate intervention and the immediate isolation of the causative factor had helped Greece deal with the crisis successfully, as was confirmed during an emergency meeting of a European body for communicable diseases held in Madrid on April 26.

[32] Clerides and Denktash continue direct talks

NICOSIA, 30/04/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Present at the meeting were the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto and aides to the two leaders.

The next meeting between Clerides and Denktash will take place on May 7, after a short break in the talks, as on May 5 Greek Cypriots celebrate their most important religious feast, Easter.

Denktash said he submitted a non-paper to Clerides at their meeting.

In statements after the meeting, Denktash said the non-paper contains the positions of the Turkish Cypriot side, as well as those of the Greek Cypriot side.

Denktash added he expected the Greek Cypriot side to give an answer on the non-paper on May 7.

[33] De Soto to brief UN chief and Security Council on Cyprus

LARNACA, 30/04/2002 (CNA/ANA)

In statements on his departure, de Soto was asked whether Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash had given him any plans on Cyprus during the direct talks. The UN official declined from commenting and said he neither confirms nor denies the information.

''I don't comment on anything that occurs in the talks, nothing about plans, nothing about anything,'' de Soto said.

He added, ''I'm neither confirming nor denying. What occurs in the talks occurs in private and I will say nothing about that.''

Replying questions, he said he was going to New York ''to report to the Secretary General and brief the Security Council'' and then he would come back ''at the beginning of next week.''

[34] Cypriot political parties call for substantial negotiations

NICOSIA, 30/04/2002 (CNA/ANA)

In their joint statement, the parties of both communities also ''expressed the hope that both leaders will find agreement by June2002''.

During their meeting, which was organized as part of a series of meetings by the Slovak Embassy in Nicosia, ''the parties continued discussing the current developments of the Cyprus problem''.

Monday's meeting was attended by the leaders and representatives of leftwing AKEL, ruling rightwing Democratic Rally, right-right Democratic Party, the Movement of Social Democrats, the United Democrats and the Eurodemocratic Reformist Party from the Greek Cypriot side, and the Communal Liberation Party, the Republican Turkish Party, the Patriotic Unity Movement and the National Revival Party from the Turkish Cypriot side.

The next meeting of the leaders and representatives of the political parties has been scheduled for May 29.

The Daily Bulletin will not appear on Wednesday in observance of the May 1st Labor Day. It will appear again on Thursday.

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