Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-05-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Athens 2004, national issues & local elections at the focus of PM's speech

[02] Greece ready to confront every event in Cyprus' EU accession, Protopapas says

[03] U.S. focuses on resolution of Cyprus problem before island's entry to EU

[04] Main opposition leader says Turkey stepping up threats

[05] KKE calls subpoena of party member a ''state terrorist action"

[06] Synaspismos leader meets with secretary of Israeli HADAS party

[07] Culture minister rejects proposal for postponement of July PASOK conference

[08] Publisher Lambrakis' health improves following hospitalization

[09] Mitsotakis departs for the United States to undergo surgery

[10] Greece, Iran and Turkey to hold meeting on natgas deal

[11] Pensions bill to parl't by end-June, regardless of consensus

[12] Finmin sees inflation at 3.0 pct by end-2002

[13] IOC welcomes progress towards Athens Olympics

[14] President urges Greeks to remember their history

[15] President unveils statue of Alexander the Great in Pella, Macedonia

[16] Battle of Crete anniversary celebrated

[17] Board members, engineer face murder charge from '99 quake

[18] Missing persons issue a high priority for the government

[01] Athens 2004, national issues & local elections at the focus of PM's speech

Athens, 27/05/2002 (ANA)

Simitis who began a two-day tour of Central Greece on Saturday, arrived in Karpenisi after his visit to the nearby village of Korischades, where the first national assembly of Greece's mountain resistance government took place some 58 years ago, during Greece's occupation by the Nazi forces.

In Karpenisi, Simitis inaugurated the town's new modern athletic center and was named an honorary citizen of the municipality.

During his address to local residents, he reassured that Greece would succeed in its effort to organize a perfect Olympiad and criticized all those that a few months ago said that the organizing of the Games would be given to another country due to Greece's inability to organize them.

''Now, no-matter how ill willed or pessimistic a person may be, he can not doubt the progress of the preparations which are apparent,'' Simitis said.

He added that the organizing of the Games would generate 130.000 jobs and would contribute 1.4 per cent to the country's GDP in 2004 alone, noting that the positive effects of organizing the Games was already being marked in the GDP.

The premier also stressed that 95 per cent of Athens 2004 related projects were already underway, while state tenders for the remaining 5 per cent were underway.

He spoke of the implementation of a national program entitled Greece 2004, which aims at the participation of other cities than Athens to the organizing of the Games, adding that ''to us Greece is not just Athens and for this reason the course to 2004 is a national affair. The budget of the program Greece 2004 is 1.3 billion euros and is in full swing.''

''Already 50 projects are underway in Olympic Cities and in Ancient Olympia, while the renovation of 250 athletic facilities is underway throughout the country,'' he said.

Simitis also said that the Games is but one of four major goals of the government for the next few years, adding that the other three were the handling of national issues, the convergence of Greece with the European standards of living and the success of the Greek European Union presidency in the first half of 2003.

He added that these aims compose the government's plan for a strong, proud and equal Greece in the European Union.

He spoke of Greece's standing positions concerning the Euroforce and Cyprus' accession course to the EU, as well as the resolution of the political problem of the island republic.

Simitis said that the national aims of the country were a goal of all the people and that ruling PASOK, which was a force of change of Greece's society and was at the center of the political scene, has a political plan for the achievement of these goals.

He also invited all progressive citizens of all parties to work with PASOK in achieving these aims, saying ''we want them with us and they will be with us in the 2004 elections''.

Speaking of the October prefecture and municipal elections, Simitis criticized main opposition New Democracy (ND), which, he said, is rightwing without being on right and as a result it always found itself before impasses.

He accused ND for not having comprehensive programs for the local government system and for not wanting to propose anything new for the institution.

Simitis also accused ND for attacking the sense of self-confidence of citizens, while attempting to entangle the left in its plans, stressing ''the local governments that are controlled by conservative leaders did not fulfill the hopes of the citizens''.

Earlier in the day, during his visit to Korischades spoke for Greece's harsh years, those of the Nazi occupation, saying that the grant movement of Greece's resistance to fascism fell victim to the trap of a civil war, which was followed by the equally harsh years of the post civil war era, which lasted until the end of the seven year dictatorship in 1974, except for a short interlude in the 1960s.

Simitis noted that democracy was complete only after 1981, ''with the grand victory of PASOK and Andreas Papandreou, adding ''then the national resistance was recognized, its fighters vindicated, the other half of the population came up to the surface to the limelight of public life and then really the democratic people shouted Greece belongs to the Greeks''.

On Saturday, evening, during the first part of his Central Greece tour, Simitis spoke to a rally organized in Lamia, where he focused on the national issues, October's local elections and Greece's main aims for the coming years.

Simitis stressed that the national issues were at a very important juncture at this stage and where on their way to resolution, connecting, however, these developments to the country's economic and social issues.

He stressed that all the aforementioned issues ''compose a unified challenge for a stronger Greece''.

Speaking of the Euroforce, Simitis said that Greece's principle on the issue was that the European Union should decide as a Union on issues that it wants to function as a Union.

Concerning the Cyprus problem and the island republic's accession course to the Union, Simitis expressed the certainty that the island republic will be among those to enter the Union in the first wave of enlargement, noting, however, that there are ''voices'' that attempt to connect the accession of Cyprus to the EU with the prior resolution of the island republic's political problem.

''We will not accept a possible effort to place obstacles on the way to Cyprus' accession, with the use the Cyprus problem as a front,'' he said.

Simitis said that Greece's policy creates a new dynamic, which is changing substantially the framework of the Cyprus problem and at the same time it makes the Greek-Turkish relations, Euro-Turkish relations.

He stressed that for the national problems to be led to a resolution, there is a necessity for continual alertness, a national strategy, stability and unanimity, adding that which is not needed is petty party politics, hyperbole, and subjugation of the national interest to party expediencies.

In Lamia, Simitis also spoke of PASOK's social program for the next few years and focused on the pre-election campaign of 2004, saying, however, that the horizon of PASOK's policies goes well beyond that date.

[02] Greece ready to confront every event in Cyprus' EU accession, Protopapas says

Athens, 27/05/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to the newspaper, Protopapas noted that the ''meeting of Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides with Greek Prime Minister (Costas Simitis) provided the ability to both sides to discuss the developments of the Cyprus problem and the examine in detail all scenarios concerning the accession of Cyprus to the E.U.''

On October 16, 2002, the European Union will submit its report and a decision is expected during the Copenhagen Summit of the Union, Protopapas said, adding that Greece is honestly optimistic.

He stressed that the climate, as was expressed by the European Commission President Romano Prodi and responsible Commissioner Guenter Verheugen was good and ''we can maintain it good, with continual briefing initiatives to the governments of all countries regarding our positions''.

''In this critical time for the success of our common goals, alertness and close observation of developments is the best councilor and we promise that even in the event that there is any attempt to create problems to Cyprus' accession course, then we will do everything to secure the normal accession of Cyprus to the EU,'' he said.

''But even beyond the accession, the common course of the Greek government and that of all the political world with the leadership of the Republic of Cyprus continues on all levels, so as to provide a solution for the Cyprus problem, which because of the Turkish and Turkish Cypriot intransigence, continues to be an unresolved issue of the highest national priority,'' he concluded.

[03] U.S. focuses on resolution of Cyprus problem before island's entry to EU

Athens, 27/05/2002 (ANA)

U.S. State Department Spokesman Philip Reeker reiterated that Washington was supporting the efforts of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan for the total resolution of the Cyprus problem, as well as the accession of a united Cyprus to the European Union.

He also expressed the belief that the accession process of the island republic would be a motive for the total resolution of the political problem.

The spokesman reiterated that the U.S. supports the efforts of Annan and the conclusions of the EU Helsinki Summit toward that direction.

[04] Main opposition leader says Turkey stepping up threats

Athens, 27/05/2002 (ANA)

''The prospect of Cyprus' entry into the EU and a political crisis smoldering in Turkey has provoked extremist circles in Ankara into hurling threats and creating tension,'' ND leader Costas Karamanlis said on the island of Kalymnos on Saturday.

Karamanlis also said he wanted to see a viable solution to the Cyprus issue, in line with UN and EU decisions, so that the whole of the island republic could join the 15-nation bloc, benefiting both Greek and Turkish Cypriots.

Greeks were united on national issues, he added.

ND leader tours S.E Aegean islands: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis on Saturday continued his tour of the Southeastern Aegean island of the Dodecannese, by visiting the small island of Leros.

Following his visit to the island of Rhodes on Friday, Karamanlis visited Leros and the island’s state mental health hospital and was briefed on problems faced by its employees.

Karamanlis also visited the islands of Lipsi, were he was briefed on the island’s problems with the islands sea transport system and received the request for the establishment of medical clinics.

He also visited the island of Patmos, where he addressed the problem of illegal immigration, on an island that is on the sea borders of Greece with Turkey and called for a common European Union policy for the confrontation of the problem.

Later in the day the ND leader visited the islands of Kalymnos and Kos.

[05] KKE calls subpoena of party member a ''state terrorist action"

Athens, 27/05/2002 (ANA)

A press release issued by the party’s Central Committee called “a new state terrorist action”, the subpoena issued to Dimos Koumbouris, party Central Committee member and former deputy.

The former deputy and current candidate for the Elefsina municipality’s top post, was called by Athens police investigators to testify about the disarming of a police officer in plain clothes, who followed the PAME rally and march that day.

[06] Synaspismos leader meets with secretary of Israeli HADAS party

Athens, 27/05/2002 (ANA)

Constantopoulos stressed the necessity for international solidarity with the forces of Israel that struggle with ''courage and cost'' against the policies of Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

Barakeh noted that the war was not over and called for an end to the occupation, for the establishment of a Palestinian state and the peaceful coexistence of Palestine and Israel.

[07] Culture minister rejects proposal for postponement of July PASOK conference

Athens, 27/05/2002 (ANA)

Responding to a call by PASOK deputy and former foreign minister Theodoros Pangalos to postpone the conference, Venizelos said ''we have to always read with care the analysis of Pangalos, because he is intelligent and has great experience and innovative thought. The July conference is not organizational concerning technical in-party issues, is not an introversion and discussion concerning the next leadership''.

The conference's ''point of the lance,'' he said, '' will be the municipal and prefecture elections. The conference will close with a third day dedicated to the candidate prefects and mayors of PASOK,'' he said.

On Saturday, also in Thessaloniki, Venizelos called a meeting to discuss the problems of basketball and soccer teams, in a central theater of the city.

[08] Publisher Lambrakis' health improves following hospitalization

Athens, 27/05/2002 (ANA)

Lambrakis was rushed to an Athens hospital on Friday night after feeling unwell.

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 that he suffered a heart attack

Doctors added that his brain functions were normal and he was not supported by mechanical means anymore, thus his mobility and contact with his environs were normal.

They also predicted that if all goes well the publisher will be in his home by the end of the coming week.

[09] Mitsotakis departs for the United States to undergo surgery

Athens, 27/05/2002 (ANA)

According to an announcement from his office the surgery is to correct an aneurysm to the abdominal aorta. Mitsotakis has been aware of the problem for the past four months and decided to undergo the operation in Phoenix, Arizona where a new method to correct without extensive surgery was devised.

[10] Greece, Iran and Turkey to hold meeting on natgas deal

TEHRAN 27/05/2002 (ANA)

At the end of a two-day visit to Iran, Tsohatzopoulos also told reporters that Turkey's energy minister would visit Athens in the next two or three months in order to finalize details of the arrangement.

Speaking after a meeting with Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh, he forecast that natural gas could be flowing to the EU in two to two-and-a-half years from Iran and other Caspian Sea countries.

The supply of natural gas from Iran would help to meeting rising needs in the EU due to the construction of gas-fired electricity plants.

''This policy enjoys full political and financial backing from the EU's energy ministers, its energy commissioner and the Commission,'' Tsohatzopoulos said.

Construction of sections of the pipeline across the border between Greece and Turkey would be tendered in the second half of the year in each of the two countries, Tsohatzopoulos said.

Iranian President Mohamad Hatami told Tsohatzopoulos in a separate meeting that construction of the pipeline was of strategic significance for his country.

Earlier this year, Zanganeh said in Athens that Tehran wanted to use Turkey as a gateway for the natural gas pipeline to Greece and other European countries.

''Iran plans to increase the production of natural gas to more than 500 million cubic meters per day in 2005 from 300 million,'' he said.

''We will boost our natural gas exports to Turkey to 10 billion cubic meters a year from 4.0 billion''.

Iran ranks second worldwide after Russia in natural gas deposits, accounting for 17 percent of world reserves.

Other decisions taken during Tsohatzopoulos' visit to Tehran were that further cooperation should be undertaken in renewable energy, hydroelectric projects and seismology.

[11] Pensions bill to parl't by end-June, regardless of consensus

Athens, 27/05/2002 (ANA)

''The social insurance bill will in any case be submitted to parliament by the end of June, even if the social partners do not sign the National Social Insurance Agreement,'' Christodoulakis told NET television in an interview.

At the same time, the minister appeared confident of attaining consensus.

''They (workers and employers groups) were very positive about all aspects of financing for the new social insurance system,'' a news release from NET quoted Christodoulakis as saying.

He added that he was willing to release data from a report on methods of funding that the government had commissioned from a UK consultancy, and which the Association of Greek Industry had requested for study.

[12] Finmin sees inflation at 3.0 pct by end-2002

Athens, 27/05/2002 (ANA)

''Throughout Europe, there has been some upward pressure on inflation since the beginning of the year, due to adverse weather, a rise in fuel prices and other reasons,'' Christodoulakis told reporters in Crete.

''However, a noticeable deceleration in inflation has begun and I am sure that at the end of the year it will show an approximate 3.0 percent, on average,'' the minister said.

[13] IOC welcomes progress towards Athens Olympics

Athens, 27/05/2002 (ANA)

''It was very good, and detailed,'' Oswald told reporters.

The presentation was made by the head of the Athens 2004 organizing committee, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, at an IOC meeting held in Malaysia.

Daskalaki told the committee that work for the Olympics had moved from the design to the implementation stage. Five construction projects were ahead of schedule, and the Olympic village was on target.

Oswald said that the problem of hospitality during the games was near resolution.

Greece will be ready to host Olympic Games, sports deputy minister says: Greece will be ready for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, Sports Deputy Minister Yiannis Kourakis said on Sunday, at the sidelines of events commemorating the Battle of Crete, in Rethymno, Crete.

''We will be ready for this event and we will organize the best Olympic Games. I must say that many of the projects are advanced beyond the timetables we have set,'' he stressed.

''I must stress, however, that the Olympic Games are not only projects. They are a significant, the most significant sports event and in this manner we have to deal with it,'' he concluded.

[14] President urges Greeks to remember their history

Athens, 27/05/2002 (ANA)

''Greeks must not neglect history, we have not neglected it, but perhaps we are inadequately taught,'' Stephanopoulos told the unveiling ceremony in Alexandria, Imathia.

[15] President unveils statue of Alexander the Great in Pella, Macedonia

Athens, 27/05/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to the participants of the event, he said that he visited Pella to pay homage to the grandeur of Alexander and to all that he did for Greece and civilization.

The statue is six meters high, was commissioned by the municipality of Pella, and was created by sculpture Konstantinos Palaiologos.

On Sunday, Stephanopoulos continued his tour of the region, and he is to visit the town of Alexandria, Imathia, where he will be named honorary citizen and will participate in events marking the town's liberation, while he also unveil a monument dedicated to the genocide of the Greeks of the Black Sea.

[16] Battle of Crete anniversary celebrated

Athens, 27/05/2002 (ANA)

Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, who represented the government at the ceremony, said that the message of the Battle of Crete remained the same, after so many years.

''We can also win battles today, for prosperity, employment and progress,'' Christodoulakis said.

Also on Sunday, National Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou addressed an event in Athens to mark the same occasion.

[17] Board members, engineer face murder charge from '99 quake

Athens, 27/05/2002 (ANA)

Among the dead in the earthquake on September 7, 1999 were the president of Faran, the company that owned the factory. The remaining dead were employees.

The five were ordered to trial in a criminal court by the Appeals Council, which said that the officials knew the building was likely to collapse in the event of an earthquake, resulting in death.

Measures taken by the accused to forestall collapse were grossly inadequate. The five were intent on profit at minimum cost, the written court order said.

The accused have denied wrongdoing, saying that plans for the part of the factory that collapsed dated back to 1970 and were commissioned by others.

[18] Missing persons issue a high priority for the government

NICOSIA 27/05/2002 (CNA/ANA)

In his speech, read by Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian

Issues Takis Christopoulos, at a special ceremony on Sunday to honor those killed during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974 and the missing persons, President Clerides reiterated the government's commitment that "a solution to the issue of missing persons is a high priority issue" to the government of Cyprus.

He said the issue of missing persons "has always been a clearly humanitarian one to us," and it is within the framework of this approach "that we initiated last December a meeting with (Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf) Denktash to discuss especially the issue of missing persons." He added "this initiative is ongoing and we will continue to support it."

He said, however, that "unfortunately, the issue of missing per-sons has not been treated as a humanitarian one by the Turkish side", which "has not taken into consideration its international obligations to cooperate in the investigation into the fate of missing persons."

President Clerides referred to the July agreement, in which both he and Denktash said they recognized the right of the families of missing persons to be informed of the fate of their loved ones in a convincing and conclusive manner and to have the remains of those proved to be dead returned to them for proper burial.

He said the July agreement was "very important" since it entails the need for substantial investigation into the fate of each and every missing person and the recognition of the right of their families to be informed of the fate of their loved ones.

He said the latter is established by the European Court of Human Rights' decision of 10 May, 2001, by which it found Turkey guilty of serious human rights violations on the issue of missing persons.

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