Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-05-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek, Spanish FMs stress importance of Euro-Med forum's results

[02] Spanish FM hopes European army issue will be resolved by end of June

[03] Solana meets Powell, says issue of Euroarmy 'moving in the right direction'

[04] Cyprus should cease being a center of Greek-Turkish rivalry, Greek FM says

[05] Cyprus gov't spokesman: No to interim agreement, solution the goal

[06] Turkish seismic research vessel to begin work between Turkey and Cyprus

[07] Exiled Palestinians to enjoy 'full freedom' in Greece, gov't spokesman says

[08] Defense minister to visit FYROM on Thursday

[09] U.S. State Department terrorism report welcomes Greek-U.S. cooperation

[10] Mayoral candidates should not be required to suspend party-related activities

[11] ND leader denounces government's public contracts bill

[12] Deputy FM Magriotis holds talks with Germany's Greek community

[13] Events marking 61st anniversary of Battle of Crete begin

[14] Ionian islands celebrate 138th anniversary of Union with Greece

[15] Skandalidis on campaign reform bill

[16] Greek FM denies problems in relations with premier

[17] Education & Deputy Sports Minister discuss school athletics, sports club issues

[18] Parliament unveils first-ever official logo

[19] Tsohatzopoulos message to Thessaloniki Forum

[20] Greece to sign six bilateral agreements with Balkan states

[21] Albania ready for foreign investments, minister says

[22] Greece would oppose total price deregulation in EU to boost sales

[23] Gov’t to discuss social security reform final plan on Wednesday

[24] Smuggling costs Balkan states 600 million euros

[25] Harbor Corps signs agreement with Germany's register of shipping

[26] Greek stocks overcome profit taking, end higher

[27] Chinese weathermen to visit Greece

[28] PM, ATHOC head discuss delayed coastal projects

[29] Cyprus talks continue

[30] Vassiliou thinks heated incident unlikely

[31] Cyprus ready to prevent attack

[01] Greek, Spanish FMs stress importance of Euro-Med forum's results

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

During a joint press conference with his Spanish counterpart Josep Pique, former United Nations chief Boutros Boutros-Ghali and Greek-French academic Eleni Glikatzy-Arhweiler, Papandreou and Pique noted that this was the first time such a meeting had also included academics and other prominent non-politicians from the countries taking part.

They all underlined, meanwhile, that greater cooperation and dialogue in areas such as the arts and letters, economics and politics could help establish a single code of behavior on important issues such as dealing with terrorism, preventing armed conflict, stamping out organized crime and the illegal drug trade.

Papandreou stressed the new approaches and proposals heard during the meeting from participants such as Albania's Archbishop Anastasios, Nobel prize-winning Portuguese author Jose Saramago and others.

Pique stressed the importance of a code of behavior in issues of terrorism that could be a very useful example for others and for the European Union itself.

He also called for an international forum on the Middle East if the conditions allowed, describing the situation there as 'fragile'.

''The time has come to focus our attention on achieving an overall peace and securing the Israeli state within its pre-1967 borders - while at the same time guaranteeing a politically and economically viable Palestinian state,'' he said.

The 11 countries participating in the Euro-Med forum have decided to create a body to organize cultural activities, meetings and encourage young people in the Mediterranean region to learn about their culture.

The forum also noted the economic opportunities arising from the foundation of the Mediterranean Investment Bank decided by the '15' in the framework of Euro-Med Cooperation in Valencia in April.

All 11 participating countries signed their support for the Olympic Truce in view of the 2004 Olympics in Athens and agreed to hold their next meeting in Turkey, which takes over the Euro-Med forum presidency.

[02] Spanish FM hopes European army issue will be resolved by end of June

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

Pique had the opportunity of meeting his Greek counterpart George Papandreou on the sidelines of the Mediterranean Forum on the Aegean island of Mykonos and discussed alternatives with him, which will allow for an agreement and pave the way for the deployment of the European Rapid Response Force.

He expressed understanding for Greece's concerns and expressed hope that the problem will be resolved by the end of the Spanish EU presidency in June.

''We have another month until the Seville summit where, according to the timetables we have set, the issue must be resolved so that in the summer the NATO force stationed in Skopje can be replaced by a European Force,'' Pique said.

[03] Solana meets Powell, says issue of Euroarmy 'moving in the right direction'

WASHINGTON, 22/05/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

''We discussed the European defense and security policy,'' Powell said, adding that ''I stay in close contact with Javier on how to find a solution so that the European Union and NATO can work together.''

On his part, Solana appeared reservedly optimistic, noting that ''whenever I come here I try to report something positive. And today also I report something positive. Don't expect that everything is so. But we are moving in the right direction, and I hope that we will come to an end soon.''

Greece is opposed to an Ankara text on the European army prepared by the U.S., Britain and Turkey, arguing that it does not safeguard Greece's national interests. The Spanish EU presidency is currently striving for a solution to the issue.

[04] Cyprus should cease being a center of Greek-Turkish rivalry, Greek FM says

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

''Rather than dividing us with its artificial Green Line, Cyprus can become a showcase of unity and cooperation between Greeks and Turks, Christians and Muslims. We owe it to the next generations of Cypriots and to the prospect of wider peace in the region,'' he added, in the piece entitled '' A unified Cyprus is essential for European unity''.

Papandreou outlined the benefits the two communities can derive from cooperation, locally and within the European Union, as the island prepares to enter the Union.

''The benefits of a European solution for the Turkish Cypriots are obvious. Their participation in EU institutions will be guaranteed. They will reap the benefits of EU structural funds and, later, membership in the euro zone,'' Papandreou stressed.

''The EU has prepared a peace package of nearly E200 million to support their integration. Turkish Cypriots will become a link between the EU and Turkey. According to polls, more than 90 percent of Turkish Cypriots want to become EU citizens,'' he added, underlining that ''isn't it time their voices were heard?''

''EU membership calls for one central government with the authority to participate in collective decision-making. Solutions that disguise separatist intentions would not only stoke tension between Greece and Turkey, but also undermine an enlarged EU's ability to make effective decisions, as Cyprus's internal deadlocks could impede consensus,'' he said.

The Greek minister also called attention to the inherent problems of any solution allowing the island republic to be divided.

''Some people talk of carving Cyprus into two states. Others talk of a double union with Turkey and Greece. Others propose hybrid solutions where quasi-separate states would create a quasi-unified Cyprus with a weak central government,'' he stressed.

''These so-called solutions raise serious problems, some ethical (legitimizing the results of an invasion), some practical (creating a state that simply wouldn't function) and some geopolitical (bringing Greece and Turkey into constant friction),'' he added.

''All these proposals are based on mistaken assumptions: that there is an inherent inability for Greeks and Turks to live and work together; that protectionist intervention is imperative; and that Turkey needs Cyprus for its own military interests,'' he underlined.

''The Turkish Cypriot leader, Rauf Denktash, claims an independent, unified Cyprus in the EU would result in the Greek Cypriots dominating the Turkish Cypriots.

''Yet the EU guarantees that new members are consolidated democracies, with specific provisions to protect all citizens. Moreover, President Glafcos Clerides is prepared to accept a solution that guarantees broad domestic rule for both sides,'' he said.

Papandreou connected the fate of Cyprus with Greek-Turkish relations, noting that the improving climate between the two countries can lead to peaceful coexistence and benefit both states and the region.

''Greece has chosen Europe as the path forward, which will lead us beyond historical divisions in the Balkans and Cyprus. That is why Greece voted to make Turkey an official EU candidate in Helsinki three years ago. Greek-Turkish relations have consistently improved since then,'' Papandreou said.

''Greece and Turkey can play an important role for stability in the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, the Balkans, the Caucasus and the Middle East. My recent visit with the Turkish Foreign Minister, Ismail Cem, to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and the Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat highlights the opportunities to promote regional peace. Similarly, Cyprus recently helped resolve the deadlock over Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity,'' he said.

[05] Cyprus gov't spokesman: No to interim agreement, solution the goal

NICOSIA, 22/05/2002 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

Cypriot government spokesman Mihalis Papapetrou cited Turkish Cypriot Rauf Denktash's insistence over the creation of two separate states on the divided east Mediterranean island to prove his point.

In speaking to the Athens News Agency (ANA), the spokesman added that Denktash's stance was completely in opposition to the "fundamental goal of negotiations, and consequently, if there is no change in Turkish positions negotiations will founder".

Papapetrou's comments come just days before Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides arrives in Athens for talks expected to focus on his recent contacts with Denktash.

Moreover, Papapetrou said Annan let it be understood during his recent visit to Nicosia that the United Nations will table new ideas and proposals in an effort to overcome obstacles in the direct talks.

Additionally, the spokesman called the UN general secretary's recent visit to Cyprus a "positive development", while stressing that a UN Security Council request to record each side's positions should in no way be considered as an "interim agreement".

Papapetrou said the goal of ongoing negotiations, as set out by the UN chief himself, isn't any sort of interim agreement but a comprehensive solution to the long-standing Cyprus problem.

Finally, he noted that past history dealing with the Cyprus problem does should prevent anyone from underestimating or ignoring Turkey's threats.

[06] Turkish seismic research vessel to begin work between Turkey and Cyprus

ISTANBUL, 220/05/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

The agency, invoking the Mineral Study and Research Department, reports that the vessel set out on Monday for Anamur in Antalya from where it will be starting its seismic studies on May 23.

Cyprus and the Taurus mountain range have a great interest from a geological point of view and the Mineral Study and Research Depart-ment is interested in having comparative geolo-gical studies being made between Turkey and Cyprus and the possibilities of earthquakes in the region being assessed.

[07] Exiled Palestinians to enjoy 'full freedom' in Greece, gov't spokesman says

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas said that the two Palestinians to settle in Greece ''will live here under a regime of full freedom''.

Protopapas noted that protection measures would be taken for the two, but clarified that they would not be placed under restriction.

In the event that the Israeli side sought their extradition, the decision would be taken by the EU 15, as the European Union had agreed that such a prospect would be dealt with in a uniform manner by the EU, Protopapas added.

Spanish foreign minister Josep Pique announced Monday on the Greek island of Mykonos, on the sidelines of a Euro-Mediterranean forum, the EU's final decision on the fate and status of a group of 13 Palestinian exiles who were temporarily in Cyprus since following the end of the Church of the Nativity stand-off in Bethlehem.

Permanent representatives of the 15 EU member states agreed on Monday evening in Brussels on the practical and legal issues concerning the transfer of the Palestinians from Cyprus to EU countries.

According to the decision, a military airplane would on Tuesday fly to Cyprus where, on Wednesday, it would pick up 12 of the 13 Palestinians. The plane would make a stopover in Athens to leave two of the exiles, before going on to Italy to leave off three more, and then on to Madrid, which will host three others. Two of the exiles would be taken in by Ireland, and one each by Portugal and Belgium.

[08] Defense minister to visit FYROM on Thursday

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

During his visit to the tiny Balkan republic, which shares one of Greece's northern borders, Papantoniou is to meet FYROM President Boris Trajkovski, FYROM Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski, FYROM Parliament Chairman Stojan Antov and his FYROM counterpart Vlado Popovski.

Among the opposition parties, he will meet the vice-president and general secretary of the Social Democratic Union, Vlado Buckovski and Georgi Spasov, as well as the vice-president of the Albanian Democratic Party Menduh Thaci and the president of the Albanian Party for Democratic Prosperity Aburrahman Haliti.

On the Greek side of the border in Thessaloniki on Wednesday, meanwhile, Papantoniou will address a conference on stability and asymmetric threats in southeast Europe. Papantoniou will focus on military cooperation for peacekeeping missions in the Balkans as a factor for stability and development in the region.

[09] U.S. State Department terrorism report welcomes Greek-U.S. cooperation

WASHINGTON, 22/05/2002 (ANA/T. Ellis)

The report, however, pointed out the lack of arrests and convictions in terrorist attacks that have been taking place since 1975, while the Greek justice system is also criticized for initially convicting individuals for terrorist activity and then releasing them.

''Greek and U.S. authorities maintained good cooperation investigating past terrorist attacks on U.S. citizens. Nevertheless, the Greek government has not yet arrested or convicted those terrorists responsible for attacks conducted by Revolutionary Organization (17 November) or Revolutionary Nuclei (RN) over the past two decades,'' the report said.

''The Greek government, after Sept. 11, joined its European Union partners in setting up interdiction mechanisms in support of the war on terrorism, to include greater security at points of entry, information sharing with the United States and its coalition allies and monitoring of suspected terrorist financial assets,'' it noted.

''The Greek Parliament took meaningful steps toward demonstrating its commitment to combating terrorism by passing a comprehensive anti-organized-crime and terrorism bill,'' the report stressed.

''Among its key provisions the legislation mandates magistrate trials (eliminating citizen jurors, who have in the past been vulnerable to personal threats), sanctions police undercover operations, authorizes the use of DNA as court evidence, and permits electronic surveillance beyond traditional wiretaps,'' it added.

''A series of court rulings that effectively reduced the sentences of suspected Greek terrorists or overturned guilty verdicts in high-profile terrorism related cases represented a setback on one counter terrorism front,'' it said.

In a more positive note the report said that ''anti-U.S. terrorist attacks in Greece declined significantly from a high of 20 in 1999 to only three in 2001. Greece's most lethal terrorist group, Revolutionary Organization 17 November did not claim any attacks in 2001''.

It also stressed the Greek security plan for the 2004 Olympics and the international cooperation to this end.

[10] Mayoral candidates should not be required to suspend party-related activities

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

Mitsotakis, honorary president of New Democracy and Dora Bakoyianni’s father, said that Greece "must become Europe, where fundamental party cadres are mayors, without this obstructing their work in the local communities, but neither also at political level".

Under Greek law, an MP running for Mayor must give up his/her seat in parliament as soon as the candidacy is formally submitted.

Naturally, Mitsotakis continued, a mayor must be unbiased, and above and beyond political parties when exercising the mayoral duties, "but it is clear that she also has a political identity".

Thus, he said, for Bakoyianni to suspend her party activities would be "comic and hypocritical".

[11] ND leader denounces government's public contracts bill

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

Karamanlis spoke of ''an attempt by a group of state-sustained interests to lead politics'', of ''vested interests constituting the greatest threat for democracy today through the great plundering of the state and EU funds'', ''the concentration of wealth and power in non-institutional bodies'' and the ''falsification of popular sovereignty.''

He warned that the ND government will not compromise with vested interests and the lack of transparency and promised that his party will vote for draft laws it has already submitted to handle vested interests, adding that transparency is an issue of public interest and political ethics, as well as of defending democracy at all cost.

Government spokesman and media minister Christos Proto-papas accused the right that "it was, is and will be identified with vested interests'' and pointed out that the framework of the government's action in the media sector is based on transparency, legality and quality.

[12] Deputy FM Magriotis holds talks with Germany's Greek community

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

During his stay, he met Greek community officials and visited the Greek Home at Porz.

In his talks with the Greek communities and parents' associations, Magriotis referred to educational issues, the projection of Greek culture in Germany and the employment of Greek youth.

The minister also discussed preparations for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and the Olympic Volunteerism movement and thanked the Greek community for their initiatives in promoting volunteerism.

Magriotis also referred to Greece's foreign policy issues and to the initiatives the Greek EU presidency will undertake in the first half of 2003. He also made mention of the worldwide events which will be held to project Cyprus' culture in view of the island republic's EU accession.

[13] Events marking 61st anniversary of Battle of Crete begin

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

The commemorative events, which will culminate on May 26, include memorial services, speeches and exhibitions.

In a message, prime minister Costas Simitis said that, in contemporary world history, the Battle of Crete has a place as one of the brightest and earth-shaking moments and exuded a timeless and human message that remained timely today. "A strong message of resistance against those who render armed violence as the chief element of their policy in order to achieve their unlawful aspirations, and against those who blatantly violate human rights and individual liberties, shaming the dignity of the citizen".

That was why the Cretans' fervent belief in the human values proved that there were limits to what some fatalistically called the "right of the powerful", Simitis said.

In our day, he added, the Battle of Crete could not but express the vision for a Mediterranean of cooperation and development, of respect for the culture of each peoples and their national independence.

In a message, New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark noted that the Battle of Crete was an earth-shaking event, but it also forged friendships between two peoples who lived in opposite corners of the world.

"Let us hope that we will confront any provocations arising in the future with the same courage, determination and strength of heart displayed by the men and women during the Battle of Crete, she added.

In his own message, Australian prime minister John Howard said that the respect and tender feelings that developed between the Australians and Cretans during that period had created strong bonds between Greece and Australia, bonds that were further strengthened by the two peoples' and countries' common values for a strong, free and stable democracy and by the close relationship between the two peoples via the Greek-Australian community, which he called a bridge between the two peoples.

The Battle of Crete took place in May 1941 when Australian, New Zealand, British and Greek forces that had retreated to the island of Crete fought alongside the local population against the invading Nazi forces. Crete was the last part of Greece to come under German occupation, and losses were heavy on both sides during the famous battle, in which Germany deployed the largest number of paratroopers in World War II.

It is considered one of the most crucial battles of World War II, as it delayed the German attack on Russia long enough for the Wehrmacht to be caught in the Russian winter.

[14] Ionian islands celebrate 138th anniversary of Union with Greece

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

Stephanopoulos began his visit in the region on Monday by touring three tiny islands - Othoni, Erikoussa and Mathraki -- to Corfu's north aboard the Hellenic Navy frigate ''Salamis".

He also toured several historical and cultural sites in the city of Corfu on Monday before attending a memorial service at the island's main cathedral of Aghios Spyridon on Tuesday.

[15] Skandalidis on campaign reform bill

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

Minister Costas Skandalidis, whose portfolio includes electoral law and the public administration's preparation for elections, made the announcement in referring to the recently tabled bill on campaign finance reform.

[16] Greek FM denies problems in relations with premier

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

"Definitely, if there were a serious political message I would not deliver it through events of minor importance," Papandreou told reporters in response to questions.

He said he had been in contact with the prime minister over the phone twice in the past day to discuss developments regarding the transfer to Greece of two of the Palestinian exiles from the Church of Nativity stand-off as well as a visit by Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides to Athens on Wednesday, as well as calling him earlier on Tuesday to congratulate him on his name day

[17] Education & Deputy Sports Minister discuss school athletics, sports club issues

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

The two men decided that a joint committee should be established, as was prescribed by a relevant law enacted in 1999, connecting school athletics with sports clubs.

They also decided to draft legislation regulating issues pertaining to student athletes, so that they may be facilitated in pursuing both their athletic inclinations and their studies.

All these regulations and efforts were attuned to the needs of 2004 as, well, the ministers noted, stressing that they would also undertake to promote measures for the expansion of sports infrastructures.

[18] Parliament unveils first-ever official logo

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

Up until this day, Parliament used as its emblem various official stamps, such as the cross and laurel wreath, or Athens at the time when the first house of Parliament was built in 1844.

[19] Tsohatzopoulos message to Thessaloniki Forum

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

In his message, read by Dimitris Symeonides, president of the Union of Northern Greek Industries, Tsohatzopoulos noted that the abolition of all barriers in cross-border and bilateral cooperation and the development of links and networks of business partnership in all sectors (energy, industry, commerce, tourism, research and technology) "forces us to set rules and practices that accelerate the adjustment of countries in the region in the European Union's standards."

Tsohatzopoulos noted that a simplified business environment, supporting business activity and small- and medium-sized enterprises was a determining factor in attracting foreign capital in Greece and urged southeastern Europe to work harder to become more attractive to foreign investors.

[20] Greece to sign six bilateral agreements with Balkan states

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

According to what Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos said to the members of the relevant Parliamentary committee, the beginning will be with Yugoslavia and all the agreements will be presented in Parliament for ratification.

He added that immediately afterwards tendering for projects will begin by countries interested, while as of July 1 the finance ministry will be receiving applications by businessmen to undertake projects in countries of southeastern Europe with the status of joint financing.

[21] Albania ready for foreign investments, minister says

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

Addressing a 9th Thessaloniki Forum, Mr. Hasalami presented the reforms promoted by the Albanian government, both in legal and administrative levels, and reiterated that his country guaranteed free competition, protected foreign investments and copyright rules.

He said that the Albanian government was also examining to lower tariffs, particularly on machinery equipment, and the formation of an Economic Development Agency with the aim to attract foreign investors.

[22] Greece would oppose total price deregulation in EU to boost sales

BRUSSELS, 22/05/2002 (ANA – Y. Zitouniati)

Tsohatzopoulos told a meeting of EU internal ministers in the Belgian capital that the move would lead to unfair competition and hardship for small companies.

At the same time, Greece backed a report by the EU's executive Commission on consumer protection in 2002-2006 that proposes implementation regulations and mechanisms to enable consumer groups to take part in decision-making, Tsohatzopoulos said.

He told the meeting that an effective institutional framework should be created to protect consumers, a matter that Greece's rotating presidency of the EU would take up in the first half of next year.

[23] Gov’t to discuss social security reform final plan on Wednesday

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after a two-hour meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Mr. Christodoulakis said that the new agreement would definitely deal with the country's social security system for at least 10 years and would have a positive impact on the Greek economy.

Christodoulakis said that the agreement would be a reform to the system.

He said that he briefed the prime minister over the course of a privatization program. ''We are entering a new phase in privatizations, a fact that will give new dynamism to the Greek economy,'' Christodoulakis said. ''The Greek economy must become competitive and we should be ready, after a global slowdown, to move ahead,'' he noted.

GSEE to brief parties over its social security reform positions: The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), the country's largest umbrella trade group, on Tuesday announced that it was requesting meetings with the country's largest political parties in order to present its positions on social security reform.

Meanwhile, according to National Economy Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, the government and representatives from the Federation of Greek Industries and GSEE are expected to sign an agreement on Tuesday regarding social security reform.

In its letter to political parties, GSEE expresses its reservations over what he calls the "parameters of changes" dealing with the bloated social security system, while underlining that the issue of financing the entire system is "absolutely crucial".

[24] Smuggling costs Balkan states 600 million euros

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

Speaking at the inter-Balkan Forum, Busek said the Stability Pact has placed great emphasis on the sector of cracking down on organized crime and corruption.

He also mentioned as an achievement the center for the destruction of small arms, which opened in Belgrade at the Stability Pact's initiative.

Richard Shifter, the former head of the SECI initiative in southeastern Europe, said corruption and organized crime are a major problem for the region and function as a preventive factor in economic growth.

He added that corruption is observed in both the low and high levels of society and power and claimed that ''government officials sell state property with suspicious ways.''

Busek said Balkan reconstruction is feasible and has already entered the path of realization, while Shifter made proposals on combatting corruption in the Balkans.

Joining the discussion, Minister of Macedonia and Thrace George Paschalidis spoke of the need for certain constructive changes to be made in the Stability Pact's functioning and added that what is necessary to this end is closer cooperation with the European Union.

Referring to the Greek Economic Reconstruction Plan, Paschalidis termed it a program of ''increased social responsibility and inter-Balkan solidarity.''

[25] Harbor Corps signs agreement with Germany's register of shipping

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

The pact derives from national and international shipping legislation.

Greece has made equivalent agreements with the Greek, UK, Norwegian and French registers, and others are in the pipeline.

[26] Greek stocks overcome profit taking, end higher

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

The general index rose 0.15 percent to end at 2,405.57 points, with turnover a steady 120.9 million euros.

The Insurance, Holding and Industrial sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (1.55 percent, 1.0 percent, 0.42 percent, respectively), while the Retail, IT Solution and Textile sectors suffered losses (1.37 percent, 0.55 percent and 0.43 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.14 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.15 percent lower and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index eased 0.10 percent. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 188 to 119 with another 54 issues unchanged.

Among the most heavily traded shares in value were Intracom, National Bank of Greece, Panafon, Coca Cola HBC and Hellenic Telecoms.

Equity index futures slip: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Tuesday ended at a discount, traders said.

Turnover was 66.1 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips gained 0.14 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks fell 0.15 percent.

Prices rise in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished higher in heavy trade focusing on five-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.53 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 30 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system was 4.6 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for the bulk of trade.

[27] Chinese weathermen to visit Greece

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

The aim of the visit is to help China prepare its weather service in time for the Beijing Olympics in 2008. In recent years, it has become a custom for the weather service in the country hosting the next Olympics to fully brief the weather service in the country that will next host the Olympics on the requirements of meteorological support for the Games.

The Chinese delegation's visit is being organized by the 2004 Olympics Meteorological Support Committee and will include a visit to the Olympics Organizing Committee headquarters for an overall briefing on the course of preparations for the Olympiad.

[28] PM, ATHOC head discuss delayed coastal projects

Athens, 22/05/2002 (ANA)

The focus on the coastal projects, near the old Athens airport in Hellenikon, comes after construction delays have been reported, while the operational plan ranks as a major priority for ATHOC, according to reports.

Sources said the ambitious plan to overhaul the Athens Olympic Stadium (OAKA) -- the main athletics venue during the Games -- as well as expected legislation allowing private citizens to lease out lodgings in August 2004 were also discussed.

Finally, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki reportedly expressed her satisfaction with ongoing efforts to recruit domestic volunteers for the Olympics.

The ATHOC chief, meanwhile, departs on Wednesday for Kuala Lumpur, where she will attend a joint conference of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) executive committee and delegations from various National Olympic Committees.

[29] Cyprus talks continue

NICOSIA, 22/05/2002 (CNA/ANA)

The meeting took place in the presence of the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto.

[30] Vassiliou thinks heated incident unlikely

NICOSIA, 22/05/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Commenting on Turkish threats for a crisis if Cyprus joins the EU prior to a Cyprus settlement, Vassiliou said ''if we assume Turkey creates a heated incident before the discussion on accession, this would be like giving Cyprus a passport for accession'' and noted Turkey ''would not want this''.

Speaking after a meeting with President of the Republic Glafcos Clerides, Vassiliou said that in late October, the European Commission would make a proposal on Cyprus' accession to the EU and that in December a decision would be made, so if Turkey tried to create a crisis, this ''would not be before December''.

Vassiliou said ''we must put things in their proper perspective and stress that a heated incident would fully turn against Turkey, would harm her and that is why we should predict that it is unlikely it will happen''.

Referring to the June target for progress on talks to solve the Cyprus problem, Vassiliou said if no progress is achieved, then the Security Council would discuss the issue and if it found that Turkey was responsible for the situation, then it would contribute to ''the EU opening its door for Cyprus''.

Vassiliou said he briefed the president on Tuesday on his recent trip to London and Paris, where he discussed Cyprus' EU accession course and progress on harmonization.

The chief negotiator will meet again with the president on Friday, in view of his trip to The Hague.

[31] Cyprus ready to prevent attack

NICOSIA, 22/05/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Referring to analysis carried out by the Defense Ministries of Cyprus and Greece, regarding the possibility of a crisis to be created by Turkey, Hasikos said ''in no case should the message be given that a heated incident or crisis will occur''.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and Ankara ''with threats about a crisis or a heated incident, aim to leave Cyprus outside the European Union'', Hasikos said, noting that Turkey ''wants to send the message to the EU that there is a problem in Cyprus, a crisis may emerge, so leave this country out of the EU''.

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