Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-05-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM urges 'national unity, solidarity' following contacts with opposition leaders

[02] US officials oppose changing the 'Ankara document' in talks with Foreign Minister

[03] Greece and Romania sign agreement for military cooperation

[04] Gov't spokesman: Rising Turkish airspace violations a diversionary tactic

[05] Defense minister discusses defense cooperation with US, Israeli envoys

[06] Gov't confirms US request for ship inspections in Greek waters

[07] PM to tour prefectures of Fthiotida, Evritania over the weekend

[08] ND leader launches wide-range attack on government policies

[09] Austrian expertise in computerized judicial system discussed in Athens

[10] Aegean minister responds to ND criticism in Parliament

[11] Soccer star Alexandris to run for Athens municipal council

[12] Cyprus-Greece cooperate in economic development in Balkans

[13] Gov't pension reforms a 'sham', Mitsotakis says: gov't spokesman responds

[14] Intracom unveils expansion plans in foreign markets

[15] Greek stocks end week 2.5 percent lower

[16] ATHOC president briefs National Olympic Committees' Union

[17] Olympic installations at Goudi to get underway in summer

[18] Spanish architect Calatrava speaks on Athens Olympic Stadium, Parthenon Marbles

[19] International conference on history of the Greek Press

[20] Seminar on 'Recent excavations on Cyprus' at culture ministry

[21] Pope refers to Saints Cyril and Methodios in Sofia addresses

[22] Seventeen new prisons to be built by 2006, justice minister says

[23] Publisher Christos Lambrakis hospitalized for heart trouble

[24] Rates for US consular services to raise

[25] JPC says accession treaty does not depend on Cyprus talks

[01] PM urges 'national unity, solidarity' following contacts with opposition leaders

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

“The hour of truth and responsibility is at hand”, Simitis said afterwards in reference to efforts for a coveted Cyprus solution, Athens’ stern objection to the so-called “Ankara text” vis-a-vis the new “Euro Army’s” operational capability, as well as the island republic’s course towards European Union accession.

In assessing results of his separate meetings -- with main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos, and Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga -- the Greek premier appeared satisfied, noting that “there is a common determination to face these specific issues”, while at the same time mentioning that “specific reservations” were aired by the other political leaders on certain points.

Cyprus: Regarding the Cyprus issue, Simitis said he retained his reservations over whether the accession process would be impeded by “unforeseen developments” before it is completed.

“There is nothing to prevent certain circles from attempting to block (Cyprus’) accession course under the guise of solving its political problem,” the PM said.

According to sources, Simitis told the three other political leaders that the European Union’s standing decision – as expressed in repeated summit meetings and by the European Commission -- to meet all deadlines for Cyprus’ accession remains unfazed.

Moreover, he offered his view that the island republic’s membership in the 15-nation bloc was “almost assured” at this point.

The same sources said the Greek prime minister pointed to a Commission decision regarding the entire island’s accession and an accompanying clause foreseeing no hindrances in case the currently Turkish-occupied northern portion of Cyprus fails to accede to the EU at the same time as the internationally recognized government in Nicosia.

Meanwhile, he echoed previous statements attributing “tactical maneuvers” on the part of the Turkish Cypriot side; diplomatic maneuvering he said was behind the failure to promote the latest round of UN initiatives aimed to working out a compromise.

The Greek PM also briefed the opposite leaders on his recent talks in Athens with Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, sources said, before adding that Athens and Nicosia are in full agreement over the need to continue direct talks between the two communities on the island republic.

Regarding the situation in neighboring Turkey in light of Turkish PM Bulent Ecevit’s recent illness, sources said Simitis referred to a “fluid situation”, although he reportedly cautioned that Ankara retains a constant course on foreign policy issues, a course normally unaffected by internal political developments.

‘Euro Army’: In outlining Athens’ standing opposition to the “Ankara text”, ostensibly a “blue print” for alleviating Turkey’s objections to the new “Euro Army’s” operational scope and mission, Simitis stressed that Greece is adamantly against developments that could create “complications” in the EU defense arm’s future operation – similar to ones that have hampered NATO at times.

“That is why we want a clear operational framework for the Euro Army, and a specific delineation of its role; its cooperation with NATO and its relations with NATO members that are not EU members,” Simitis said.

The “Ankara text” relates to a US-UK deal with Turkey earlier in the year to overcome the latter’s objections to direct and large-scale NATO cooperation with the projected European Union defense arm, or “Euro Army”.

According to reports, he told the three opposition party leaders that the government has, in fact, rejected the so-called “Aznar interim proposal”, whereby a Union document would have accompanied the “Ankara Text”.

In response to questions, Simitis reportedly said Greece would not accept any “package deal” promoting solutions to all three issues. He didn’t rule out, however, such a prospect being promoted by “other sides”.

Finally, the Greek premier decried what he called an upsurge in xenophobia across the Europe Union of late, saying such a development creates an “unfavorable environment” for the idea of European integration.

The separate briefings took place at Simitis' initiative.

Karamanlis: Following his 40-minute meeting with the premier, Karamanlis cited what he called “misguided handling” over the “Euro Army” issue, while accusing the government of negligence in not preventing the ''Ankara text'' from seeing the light of day. He added that the government's responsibilities on the issue were clear and indisputable.

Karamanlis said New Democracy's positions on the “Ankara text” had, for the past year, been firm, whereas the government now appeared to be adopting those same positions – namely, that the “Ankara text” is wholly unacceptable to Greece.

Additionally, the ND leader called on the government to send the main opposition party the proposals it will table for altering the text, something Simitis promised to do, according to reports.

Regarding the long-standing Cyprus issue, Karamanlis reiterated ND's firm position that a resolution of the problem cannot be a prerequisite to the island republic’s EU accession, adding that Cyprus should join the Union in the upcoming wave of expansion.

The ND leader also told Simitis that his party will take up the Cyprus accession issue within the European People’s Party (EPP) framework – the center-right European political grouping ND is a member of – following a request by Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides.

According to reports, the premier handed the main opposition leader with two documents related to UN discussions on the Cyprus issue, complete with the government’s assessment on the various ideas expressed at the UN level to overcome the impasse.

The ND leader also noted that his party firmly held the position that national agreement was needed to forge a uniform national strategy, adding that ''national consensus is not possible when the premier invokes it after negligence that steers national issues into serious difficulties''.

In terms of the long-foreseen establishment of a foreign policy council, Simitis said a relevant draft bill will be sent to Karamanlis, an issue over which the latter criticized the government for what he called delays, and despite its constitutional obligation to set up such a representative body.

Friday’s Simitis-Karamanlis meeting was the second such talks between the premier and the main opposition leader after the general elections in April 2000.

Papariga: KKE leader Papariga, after her meeting with the premier, said her party disagreed not only with the tactical handling but also with the “strategic choices” taken in foreign policy, including the “Euro Force” and actions related to the Cyprus issue.

Papariga said that despite the KKE's general disagreement with the rapid reaction force to begin with, it also believed that its creation would, among others, legitimize Turkey's claims at Greece's expense.

However, she added, there was stillroom for the government to counter what she termed negative, for Greece, developments over the issue. She cited the veto, as well as Greece's withdrawal from treaties such as the Madrid Agreement, which, in the KKE's view, indirectly but clearly would lead the issue of borders to court.

Such choices, she said, could lead to “tragedies” for Greece, and she called on the government to bring the issue before Parliament so that all of the country’s political forces could discuss it.

Papariga further said it was dangerous that the EU considers the constitutional issue, namely, the need for a single state in Cyprus, as a matter of secondary importance.

Constantopoulos: On his part, Synaspismos leader Constantopoulos told reporters after his meeting with Simitis that he had urged the government not to make any concessions on the issue of the “Euro Army.”

Greece, he said, by rejecting the “Ankara text”, was safeguarding the prospect of Europe's political integration, adding that this issue was not a “Greek problem but a European affair.”

In terms of Cyprus, Constantopoulos advocated the unobstructed completion of the island republic’s EU accession process, adding that all decisions concerning Cyprus by the EU should be adhered to.

Commenting on rumors of a delay in Cyprus' accession or problems being caused in the accession process, Constantopoulos said political contrivances, diplomatic formulas or intentional provocations by other sides could not postpone or cancel out Cyprus' accession prospects.

He reiterated that the solution to the Cyprus problem must be a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with a single sovereignty and without foreign troops on the island’s soil.

Constantopoulos also warned that Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's intransigence, as he termed it, should not be used to fuel scenarios that envision solutions based on the island republic’s partition.

Gov’t spokesman: Following the premier's contacts with the three political leaders, the government spokesman stressed that the timing of the meetings was linked to ''the fact that this is an hour of crucial decisions''.

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas said the government was seeking a climate of national unity so as to render its national positions stronger, ''because it is time for decisions; we must all stand responsibly on the specific choices''.

[02] US officials oppose changing the 'Ankara document' in talks with Foreign Minister

WASHINGTON 25/05/2002 (ANA - A. Ellis)

Papandreou also had more extensive talks with US Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz, who is better acquainted with the region around Greece and its problems and has close ties with the Turkish military.

In statements after the meeting, Papandreou said the US side did not seem prepared to discuss amendments to the 'Ankara document' negotiated by the US and the United Kingdom with Turkey in order for it to lift its objections to the use of NATO assets by a planned European crisis management force.

According to Papandreou, Washington believed that Athens' demands could to some extent be satisfied by adding a supplement to the document, but it was not prepared to renegotiate the deal reached with Turkey.

The Greek minister said that he had briefed officials at the US Pentagon on the efforts being made by the EU's Spanish presidency to arrive at a compromise solution on this issue. He said the Greek side believed the EU force would be deployed without problems and without the adoption of the 'Ankara document'.

The two sides also discussed NATO expansion, where Papandreou reiterated Greece's support for the bids of Romania and Bulgaria, which are also supported by Turkey.

The US side emphasized that the EU should assist the European prospects of the Ukraine, to which Athens agreed.

Another major issue discussed during the meetings was the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem and the developments following a visit to the island republic by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan.

''We discussed the strategic importance of relations between Greece and Turkey and the subsequent need for a solution to the Cyprus issue. The developments regarding this were discussed in Greece on Wednesday between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and I had a chance to relay their thoughts, analysis and assessment here at the Pentagon,'' Papandreou said.

While the US has expressed support for Cyprus' EU accession and hinted that this could go ahead irrespective of a solution to the Cyprus problem, there is considerable concern about a last-minute US intervention to delay Cyprus joining the EU.

The Greek minister stressed in his talks with Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz that this was a ''golden opportunity'' to solve the Cyprus problem and pointed out that this would serve US interests in the region, having a positive impact on stability in the Middle East, the Balkans, the Black Sea and Caucasus, as well as assisting Turkey's European course.

He urged Washington to use its influence in order to persuade Ankara to be more flexible and open and allow a solution to be agreed.

Apart from these, the talks had also touched on cooperation in the fight against international terrorism, where Greece had been praised in a recent State Department report, and issues pertaining to Greece's EU presidency for defense issues that began in July 2002.

On his part, Wolfowitz told reporters afterwards that they had discussed a broad range of issues and that Papandreou had briefed him on the efforts to improve relations between Greece and Turkey ''which I believe would make a major contribution to stability in an important part of the world''.

FM discusses European army with assistant U.S. secretary of state: Foreign Minister George Papandreou and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Richard Armitage on Friday discussed difficulties concerning the functioning of the European rapid deployment force and the crucial phase entered on the Cyprus issue.

Presenting Greek objections on the first issue, Papandreou placed emphasis on the fact that an effort is underway by the European Union's Spanish Presidency to find a compromise formula.

However, progress did not appear to have been achieved since the U.S. side has made it clear that it opposes any change in the Ankara agreement.

''We are cooperating closely with the Spanish Presidency and we hope a solution will be found soon,'' Papandreou said after his meeting with Armitage.

Another issue examined in depth was the Cyprus issue where Cyprus' accession course to the European Union, which will conclude at the end of the year, attributes a different dynamism to the process of direct talks between Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Papandreou reiterated that the prospect of accession provides a golden opportunity for a solution to the problem, but added that even if Turkey does not show the necessary flexibility and does not contribute to a solution, Cyprus will join the EU. He also called on Washington to use its influence with Ankara to cooperate in achieving a solution.

Cooperation between the EU and the U.S. during the Greek Eurodefense and Eurozone Presidency, which begins on July 1, was also examined, as well as the new relation between NATO and Russia and the alliance's rapprochement with Ukraine.

In this context, the issue of NATO enlargement was examined as well, while Papandreou presented Greece's position in favor of the accession of Romania and Bulgaria.

Furthermore, an analysis was made of developments in the Balkans, with emphasis on the relation between Athens and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), while the issue of the borders between Yugoslavia and FYROM was also discussed and Papandreou said it is considered over following the agreement signed by the two countries last year.

Armitage placed particular emphasis on the standoff between India and Pakistan, where American and European diplomats do not conceal their concern for the possibility of even a nuclear conflict.

After visiting the State Department, Papandreou went to Congress where he met with Republican Senators Hagel and Lugar. Later on in the day, he will be leaving Washington for Massachusetts where he will be proclaimed an honorary professor of Amherst College on Sunday, from which he had graduated.

Meetings with other US officials: Earlier in the day in Washington, Papandreou had met President George W. Bush's alternate national security adviser Steve Hadley and discussed the priorities of the Greek presidency for European defense and the eurozone that starts on July 1 - as well as other issues.

He later had a meeting with the State Department's special coordinator on the Cyprus issue Tom Weston and Greek-American Senator Paul Sarbanes.

Sarbanes said the Greek minister's meetings with officials that came second in the hierarchy of their departments were useful, since these people were often the main architects of US positions.

[03] Greece and Romania sign agreement for military cooperation

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

The agreement provides for the exchange of views on defense and security policy issues, the exchange of defense technology and cooperation in the training of personnel.

It will be implemented by a Greek-Romanian military committee that will meet once a year, alternately in each of the two countries.

The initial agreement had been signed in 1995 by the leadership of the Greek and Romanian national defense ministries at that time

[04] Gov't spokesman: Rising Turkish airspace violations a diversionary tactic

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

"Turkey is now in a very difficult position and can see that it's in danger of becoming isolated in the framework of the international community," Protopapas said.

The spokesman underlined that Greece had to keep its gaze firmly fixed on its central goals, which were a solution to the Cyprus issue in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations and Cyprus' unobstructed accession to the European Union.

"This is where we must fight our battles. We will not follow Turkey in this attempt. We will take precautions, do everything we must to deal with the Turkish reactions but we will not be diverted from our central direction," Protopapas stressed.

[05] Defense minister discusses defense cooperation with US, Israeli envoys

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

Bilateral defense cooperation was also the main topic of a subsequent meeting between Papantoniou and Israeli Ambassador to Athens David Sasson.

[06] Gov't confirms US request for ship inspections in Greek waters

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

“The United States has, in fact, submitted a relevant request to several countries, including Greece,” foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said.

He added that “our side is continuing to examine the US request vis-a-vis the country’s domestic constitutional order, the exercise of our national sovereign rights and with respect to the rules of International Law.”

The report first aired in the Athens daily “Eleftherotypia”.

[07] PM to tour prefectures of Fthiotida, Evritania over the weekend

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

The premier will be accompanied, among others, by Education Minister Petros Efthymiou, Agriculture Minister George Drys and PASOK Central Committee Secretary Costas Laliotis.

Simitis will visit Atalanti, Aghios Constantinos and Lamia, where he will give a speech on Saturday night. He will also give a speech in Karpenisi, Evritania, on Sunday.

[08] ND leader launches wide-range attack on government policies

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

Karamanlis, who was addressing mayors and trade union and employers' representatives at the prefectural mansion, after arriving on the island at noon, further touched on day-to-day problems, saying that ''they are being perpetuated without a solution and are accumulating because there is neither a plan nor a target to handle them.''

He said the economy cannot find the tempos necessitated by the new era, adding that ''this government cannot, does not want and does not dare to take the decisions which are necessary'' and spoke of a government which is paralyzed under the weight of small and big interests.

Karamanlis charged that ever since the elections in 2000 the government has been unable to take a serious decision on the country's problems, while it ''has not responded to any election commitment and has not implemented any of the structural changes it had announced''.

Continuing his attack on the government, Karamanlis said all its movements in all sectors, from the social security issue to national issues, ''are shaped while gazing at the party and succession and not the seriousness of problems'' and referred to the government's ''petty political mentality which is trying to transfer its responsibilities to all the rest''.

On arrival at Diagoras airport, Karamanlis was welcomed by the Prefect of the Dodecannese Savvas Karayiannis, the Mayor of Rhodes George Yiannopoulos, other local officials and party members.

Karamanlis will tour the islands of Leros, Leipsous, Patmos, Kalymnos and Kos on Saturday and during his tour he will be having contacts with agencies and social partner representatives.

[09] Austrian expertise in computerized judicial system discussed in Athens

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

On his part, Greek Justice Minister Filippos Petsalnikos praised Austria’s efforts and experience in applying new technologies in the judicial sector, while adding that a group from Greece will visit Austria in the near future for a hands-on tour and inspection of that country’s computerized legal system.

“I would like to verify that with the use of modern technology we’ve achieved an acceleration in the processing of cases, along with greater security in decision-making ... these are elements that have greatly satisfied our citizens,” Boehmdorfer stressed.

[10] Aegean minister responds to ND criticism in Parliament

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

He warned, however, that tourism might suffer unless runaway building on the islands was curbed.

New Democracy had called for the Aegean ministry to be upgraded and receive more funds in the budget, greater support of local authorities on the islands, new laws giving incentives for development and tax relief for outlying islands, the funding of all major public works by the 3rd Community Support Framework and other measures.

It particularly stressed the need to complete the seven marinas being built in the Aegean Sea and start them working.

Sifounakis admitted there was a problem with the marinas, only one of which was working, but stressed improvements in health care, the Aegean university and efforts to get EU subsidies for eight to 10 small ships to serve the islands.

[11] Soccer star Alexandris to run for Athens municipal council

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

Papoutsis met Alexandris in Athens and termed him a great athlete. Alexandris, who was top scorer in the Greek first division this year, expressed his desire to involve himself in municipal affairs and primarily issues concerning sports and youth.

[12] Cyprus-Greece cooperate in economic development in Balkans

NICOSIA 25/05/2002 (ANA/CNA)

Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides and visiting Deputy Greek Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos discussed on Friday ways of cooperation, and said Cyprus' interest and wish to contribute shows its clear European orientation, at a time when it is not required to be part of this effort since it is not yet an EU member state.

Speaking after the hour-long meeting, Loverdos said that on 1 July a program, co-financed by Greece and Cyprus, will begin to be implemented in the Balkan countries.

Asked how Cyprus' contribution to these efforts can assist its accession course, Loverdos said ''this will have a lending ear among EU circles as what Cyprus is doing is pioneering.''

''I believe that meeting obligations which one does not have to meet yet, (as far as EU is concerned) indicates a clear European orientation, a disposition to help and the ability to do so,'' Loverdos said.

He said they discussed administrative, management and political concerns relating to the use of funds and investment from Greece and Cyprus in the Balkans.

Loverdos outlined the means Athens is applying in its effort to meet its obligations and discussed ways Greece can benefit from Cyprus' experience in the Middle East and Cyprus from Greek involvement in the Balkans.

''We are making good efforts and our cooperation on this matter is one-way,'' he said, noting that businessmen from both countries are already active in the Balkan region with investments.

Cyprus Foreign Minister Kasoulides described the meeting as ''particularly interesting'' and said that he talked about a wide range of issues with a view at meeting the targets set.

''This effort serves our foreign policy but it also fulfills our obligations emanating from the international meeting on development on the balance between north and south,'' he said.

Kasoulides said the Balkan region and the Middle East are of special interest to both Cyprus and Greece.

[13] Gov't pension reforms a 'sham', Mitsotakis says: gov't spokesman responds

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

According to Mitsotakis, the changes proposed by the government introduced limited savings in certain areas, while at the same time making pre-election handouts in other areas. Overall, Mitsotakis said, it was doubtful whether there would be even a slight impact on the social insurance system's huge debt.

As for the government's proposals for servicing the debt, he said these amounted to simple borrowing, leaving a tab that successive governments in the next 30 years would have to pay off through higher taxes.

Pointing to the two bills passed by New Democracy governments for the social insurance problem, Mitsotakis also accused the PASOK-affiliated majority in the influential trade union organization General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) of playing along with the government.

''The question remains why employer groups have agreed to go along when they know how much damage such this so-called 'reform' will inflict on the economy,'' the former premier concluded.

Responding to Mitsotakis later on Friday, government spokesman Christos Protopapas accused ND of not wanting the social insurance problem to be solved.

"ND doesn't anything to happen in this country, ND wants the negative measures of the Sioufas law to remain in force," he said.

The spokesman said the main opposition party was trying to create problems for the government as it strived to create the conditions for a broad consensus for social insurance reform.

[14] Intracom unveils expansion plans in foreign markets

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

Addressing a general shareholders' meeting, Mr. Kokkalis announced the acquisition of large company in Turkey, where Intracom is already present holding an equity stake in Gantek.

Kokkalis also said that Intracom would focus in China's market where it recently opened a representation office.

He said that Intracom was also expecting to sign a partnership agreement with a big telecommunications company. Intracom acquired Conklin, a US-based company, in November 2000, and said that Siemens Telemanufacturig, in which Intracom recently purchased a 41 percent equity stake, would be renamed Thessaloniki Telecommunications Company.

Group sales rose 16 percent and pre-tax profits increased by 8.0 percent in 2001, while EBITDA rose 25 percent. Intracom signed contracts worth 500 million euros in 2001.

The company expects this year's consolidated sales to total 1.0 billion euros, up 4.0 percent from 2001, and pre-tax profits of 168 million euros, up 6.0 percent.

The shareholders' meeting approved payment of 0.42 euros per share dividend to shareholders, up from 0.38 euros in 2001.

[15] Greek stocks end week 2.5 percent lower

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

The general index fell 0.71 percent to end at 2,329.59 points with turnover a low 79.5 million euros.

The Bank sector was the only one to score gains (0.32 percent), while the Construction, Insurance and IT Solution sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (1.88 percent, 1.71 percent, and 1.55 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks eased 0.39 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 0.81 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index dropped 1.16 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 255 to 66 with another 39 issues unchanged.

The general index ended the week with a net loss of 2.5 percent.

The most heavily traded shares in value were Public Power Corporation, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Coca Cola HBC, EFG Eurobank Ergasias, and Sexform.

Equity index futures mixed: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Friday ended mixed, with contracts on the high capitalization index trading at discount and on the medium cap index showing a slight premium.

Turnover was 74.4 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 0.38 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks fell 0.81 percent.

Bond prices nose up in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished higher in heavy trade focusing on five-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.48 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 30 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system was 2.6 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for just over half of trade.

[16] ATHOC president briefs National Olympic Committees' Union

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

Daskalaki focused on the significance and role of National Olympic Committees for the success of the games. On his part, Athens 2004 managing director Spyros Kapralos presented specific settlements anticipated in transportation and the hosting of national Olympic groups.

[17] Olympic installations at Goudi to get underway in summer

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

Installations for badminton and the modern pentathlon will be created on an area of 50 acres of land, as well as space for the parking and maintenance of vehicles of the Olympic Family.

However, the projects at Goudi are puzzling the government and primarily the ministries involved, and the environment, town planning and public works ministry in particular, since a disagreement exists on the initial planning of the project and its usefulness.

In addition, the project's budget, which is considered high and can be reduced by up to 30 percent according to the Project Monitoring Group, has created a headache for Public Works Minister Vasso Papandreou since her ministry has undertaken to carry out the projects.

The prime minister chaired a meeting of relevant government officials for this reason several days ago without, however, anything specific being announced.

[18] Spanish architect Calatrava speaks on Athens Olympic Stadium, Parthenon Marbles

NEW YORK 25/05/2002 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

He added for the renovation of the stadium, particular emphasis is given to the creation of appealing public spaces which will tie in with environment, landscape, nature, the trees and water, but also with the new construction techniques, such as the Agora and the roof of the stadium.

Santiago Calatrava signed the creation of a monumental project aimed at the aesthetic unification and operational upgrading of the Olympic Sports Center in Athens (OAKA) and due to be ready in the spring of 2004.

In the course of the one-hour program, Calatrava referred to the directive lines of his 15-year career, to the marriage of art with technology, to his most important works in Europe and to his start in the United States.

He also spoke on the unity of architectural creations and their relations with art, and asked why the Parthenon Marbles continue to be housed at the British Museum in London, ''in a foreign environment,'' and not in Athens. ''How can one comprehend and measure in depth, and in all its extent, the value and importance of these masterpiece sculptures, when they are cut off from their trunk, the Parthenon,'' he said.

According to well informed circles, the PBS and Charlie Rose decided to dedicate the whole program to Calatrava as the name of the Spanish architect is at the top of the list of candidates for the reconstruction of Ground Zero and the construction of a monument for the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

[19] International conference on history of the Greek Press

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

The Athens conference is organized by the National Research Foundation and the Athens News Agency (ANA) and is being held at the Foundation.

The conference is presenting a program for the composition of a two-volume ''Encyclopedia of the Greek Press 1784-1996'', of which the first volume has been completed. The volume was prepared by the National Research Foundation and the Institute of Modern Greek Studies while the ANA is its agent-user.

The same research program includes the setting up of a data bank at the ANA and which will be available on the Internet upon completion.

The central theme of the conference is the privileged relationship of the Press with history as the Press becomes a source of history.

Opening the sessions of the conference on Thursday, the General Secretary of the Press and Media Ministry, Dimitris Gerou, underlined the state's and ministry's interest for the completion of the encyclopedia.

Discussed at the second day of the conference on Friday was ''The historic course of the Greek Press and journalism in the 19th Century.''

The Greek Press officially started on December 31, 1790 with the printing of a four-page publication.

The conference was addressed on Friday by ANA's General Director Andreas Christodoulides and Managing Director Nikolas Voulelis and press and mass media management expert Constantinos Kamaras.

Christodoulides referred to the role of news agencies and to the milestones in the course of the development of international news agencies, noting in particular the changes which were made in the passing of time and the matters they raised on the content and control of these important channels of communication.

Kamaras said that in this day and age news is sent at a rapid speed, overturning conventional journalism, and the future is unforeseeable. He said the major question arises on the fate of newspapers due to the advent of the Internet.

Voulelis, speaking on the theme ''The Flow of News'', referred to the processing of news and to the decisive role played by those who project or brush aside some news and brief or finally guide public opinion.

He added that the flow of news leads to an unequal distribution of information and contributes to the consolidation of a new division internationally. The main bet, he said, is whether globalization in communication will continue to simply mean an increase in the strength of mass media or whether the terms will be reversed and there will be substantial information with the existing enormous technical possibilities.

[20] Seminar on 'Recent excavations on Cyprus' at culture ministry

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

The seminar is organized by the Committee for the Protection of Cyprus Cultural Heritage.

In his address to the seminar, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos noted the positive stance of the Church of Cyprus, which he said was making good efforts to conserve the islands cultural heritage.

Among the speakers was Cypriot director Michalis Cacoyiannis, who called for excavations being carried out on the island republic by a Turkish team of archaeologists to immediately stop.

[21] Pope refers to Saints Cyril and Methodios in Sofia addresses

SOFIA 25/05/2002 (ANA - B. Borisov)

The Pope reminded of the pioneering role of Cyril and Methodios in the creation of the Cyrillic alphabet and the dissemination of the Holy Scriptures among Bulgarians, Romanians, Russians and other peoples of eastern Europe. He also underlined their great contribution to the shaping of Europe's common cultural and Christian roots.

The primate of the Roman Catholic Church expressed grave concern over the spreading of ''temptation against erosion and the dissolution of moral principles and values of the family and society in the modern world.''

President George Parvanov, Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha and other dignitaries attended the event which the Pope addressed as part of a celebration for the saints Cyril and Methodios who have been honored by Orthodox Bulgaria for centuries.

[22] Seventeen new prisons to be built by 2006, justice minister says

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

Speaking in Ioannina, northwestern Greece, the minister said the government will allocate 5.7 billion drachmas for the construction of the new prisons.

He said the new prisons will each house 280 to 300 inmates and provide vocational training, sports facilities and health centers.

Petsalnikos said the ministry's aim was for the construction of the prisons to be completed by 2006.

During his stay in Ioannina, the minister met with judges and lawyers and discussed with them issues concerning the justice ministry's departments.

[23] Publisher Christos Lambrakis hospitalized for heart trouble

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

Lambrakis was taken to the Cardiological Department of the Evangelismos hospital after the doctors' initial diagnosis was that he had not suffered a stroke but he was probably suffering from a heart condition. He was conscious at the time but had some difficulty in breathing.

According to reports, the patient will undergo further tests for the exact cause of his health problem to be ascertained. However, for the time being the doctors' main concern is to stabilize his condition.

[24] Rates for US consular services to raise

Athens, 25/05/2002 (ANA)

Specifically, a visa application will increase to 78 euros from 65 euros; applications for immigration will stand at 402 euros from the current 335 euros, whereas the issuance of a US birth certificate for children of US citizens overseas rises to 78 euros from 65 euros.

Finally, notary public authentications will decrease to US$20 or 24 euros.

The last price hike occurred in 1998, according to an embassy press release.

[25] JPC says accession treaty does not depend on Cyprus talks

NICOSIA 25/05/2002 (CNA/ANA)

''For the EU, it is crystal clear that the solution of the Cyprus problem is not a precondition for the accession'', Rothe told reporters during a press conference on Friday after the conclusion of the three-day deliberations of the JPC.

Regarding Turkish threats for tension in Cyprus, should the island enter the EU prior to a settlement, Rothe said that in the unlikely event that this should happen, then even if Cyprus is part of the EU or not, the EU would react.

''If Cyprus is already member state of the EU and if the threats are realized, then the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU will come into force, just like when the interests of an EU country are at stake'', German MEP Rothe stressed.

''I consider it impossible that a third country uses military means against another state, just because of a ratification of an accession treaty or a preparation for EU accession of another country'', she said, adding that such an action would not be to the benefit of Turkey's European course.

Tassos Papadopoulos, Co-Chairman of the JPC, agreed with Rothe that any Turkish military attack against the Republic of Cyprus would threaten Turkey's European perspective as well as Turkey's current status in the EU, where the country is enjoying EU funds for several programs.

Referring to Euro MP Jacques Poos' draft resolution on Cyprus that was unanimously adopted two days ago by the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defense Policy, Papadopoulos stated that the resolution indicates the positive climate that exists in the European Parliament on Cyprus.

Moreover, JPC Co-Chairwoman Rothe said that basically only half of the agriculture chapter of the acquis communautaire remains before Cyprus has successfully completed the negotiations for accession.

In its final statement, issued Friday, the JPC underlines Cyprus' important role in the Euro-Med process and agrees that the Barcelona Process was a key supporting measure in resolving the Middle East conflict.

Furthermore, the JPC members exchanged on the right to free navigation and trade, and discussed why the illegal Turkish embargo against Cyprus was still in effect despite Turkey's application for EU membership. According to the Final Statement, the JPC has agreed to ask the Commission for clarification on this matter.

The issue concerning the continuing destruction of Cyprus' cultural heritage in the Turkish occupied areas was also brought up during the meeting.

''We agreed that it was important to draw up a cultural map of Cyprus which could be financed by and be under the auspices of the EU'', the joint statement says.

The next session of the JPC will be held in late autumn to consider the next Regular Report of the European Commission.

European Greens support Cyprus' reunification NICOSIA 25/05/2002 (CNA)

The 3rd European Greens Congress, that took place in Berlin from May 17 to 19, unanimously adopted a resolution under-lining the need for a reunited Cyprus and for the island's accession to the EU to proceed irrelevantly of a solution to the Cyprus question.

The resolution also deplores Turkish intransigence and sending Turkish settlers to the occupied part of Cyprus, divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

In a second resolution, also adopted unanimously, the European Greens condemn the British Sovereign Bases actions for the erection of antennas at their Akrotiri Base.

Britain retains two military bases in Cyprus since granting the island independence from colonial rule in 1960.

The two resolutions were submitted to the Congress by Cyprus' Ecologists and Environmentalists Movement, which deems that the unanimous European Greens' support to Cyprus is of great political importance, given the fact that the Congress was attended by seven European Ministers.

During the Congress, the German Greens apologized for the recent visit of some of their members of Turkish origin to the puppet regime set up in 1983 illegally by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, in Cyprus' Turkish occupied territories.

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