Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-09-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis inaugurates new Peloponnese University

[02] Gov't on Iraq crisis

[03] FM emphasizes 'Olympic Truce' initiative in message

[04] DM observes final stage of Parmenion 2002 maneuver

[05] Turkish aircraft violate Greek airspace

[06] 'World Mayors Summit' begins in Athens

[07] EYP modernization bill discussed by PM, public order minister

[08] Gov't spokesman on press reports about Tsohatzopoulos

[09] Cyprus President to visit Athens after New York talks

[10] Coalition leader and media minister discuss local polls, terrorism

[11] Alleged terrorist Savvas Xiros hospitalized for check-up

[12] Opinion poll: PASOK candidate for Athens-Piraeus Supra-Prefecture well ahead

[13] Afghan former deputy PM appeals to int'l community from Rhodes

[14] Greek EU commissioner speaks to pupils about EU

[15] Intergovernmental forum on justice to be created

[16] Greek households' debt rise slightly in June

[17] Business meeting opens in Irakleio

[18] Greek weekly economic review

[19] Greek stocks end six-day sharp decline on Friday

[20] Top gov't meeting on issue for new football stadiums by 2004

[21] IOC president says Olympic preparation going very well

[22] Culture minister to officially inaugurate Macedonian tomb

[23] Kasoulides says Turkish intransigence blocking reunification

[24] Cyprus Foreign Minister addresses UN General Assembly

[25] Government spokesman confronts Turkish threats

[26] Clerides to attend meeting with EU candidates in Copenhagen

[27] Portugal reaffirms support to Cyprus struggle

[01] Simitis inaugurates new Peloponnese University

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

“Education is a national affair, and a basic component for a robust Greece within the European Union but also in a world with fewer and fewer borders,” he told an audience at the newly inaugurated 20th higher educational institution in the country.

The University of the Peloponnese will begin operation with a computer science and technology department and a telecommunications science and technology department. Some 120 students are expected to attend the school’s inaugural semester. The plan, according to Simitis, is for the Tripoli-based university to open six new faculties in surrounding cities with a total of 18 academic departments, all focusing on science and new technology studies.

He also stressed that one of the reasons “Greece in the past lagged behind” was because of a low standard of education amongst the general population, something he said bred a “sectarian-infested economy” and a “clientele-based democracy”.

Additionally, he listed several figures covering higher education in Greece, including a rise in universities and technical schools from 30 to 33 since 1993, whereas university departments in the same period rose from 180 to 237 and tertiary technical schools from 127 to 176.

He also said the number of new students accepted into state colleges every year rose from 42,000 in 1993 to 83,000 in 2002. Finally, he said the number of postgraduate students in the country today exceeds the 12,000 mark.

Finally, he referred to his government’s standing position of considering education as a ‘public commodity, one that emphasizes academic characteristics as opposed to the business aspects of higher education, and one that promotes equal opportunities and continuing adult education.

On Saturday he is due in Kalamata for the inauguration of a new hospital and a rally at an indoor stadium, while on Saturday afternoon he is to meet Messinia PASOK officials and MPs.

The prime minister is heading a delegation made up of Education Minister Petros Efthymiou, Health and Welfare Minister Costas Stefanis, Deputy Public Administration Minister Stavros Benos, Deputy Social Insurance Minister Rovertos Spyrolopoulos, Deputy Agriculture Minister Evangelos Argyris and other officials.

PM visits electoral center of Arkadia prefect candidate: Prime Minister Costas Simitis, following his inauguration on Friday of the University of the Peloponnese which is located in Tripoli, later in the day visited the electoral center of the candidate for prefect of Arkadia, Pantelis Tsilivis, who is supported by the ruling PASOK party.

Tsilivis presented to Simitis the members of his ticket and the prime minister expressed his optimism that Tsilivis's ticket will be voted for in the October local government elections.

Speaking at the electoral center, Simitis said that ''undoubtedly the creation of this new university will give further impetus to the development of the prefecture,'' adding that other very important projects are in progress and scheduled in the prefecture of Arkadia.

Simitis said that the government has decided to utilize the military airport in Tripoli. ''Because it is a very good airport it will also be used for civil aviation purposes," he said, noting that the military airport in Tripoli is expected to be used for charter flights so that tourists from all over the world, and mainly from the European Union, can visit Arkadia.

[02] Gov't on Iraq crisis

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

A government spokesman also cautioned against “hasty moves”.

Meanwhile, in a related development, the leader of the Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) party, Nikos Constantopoulos, met later in the day with Iraqi Charge d’ Affaires to Athens Farouk al Fitian.

Afterwards, Constantopoulos expressed his view that a new war against Iraq would have economic and foreign policy repercussions for the Mediterranean region and Greece.

[03] FM emphasizes 'Olympic Truce' initiative in message

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

In his message, Papandreou told delegates that the Olympic Truce and other ideas and values related to the Olympics spirit will be revived in Greece in two years.

He also called on women delegates at the conference to work for international peace, while noting that civilization has always been a “unifying element of the Mediterranean”.

[04] DM observes final stage of Parmenion 2002 maneuver

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

However, Greece was calmly and firmly confronting the Turkish provocations, Papantoniou said on the island of Chios, where the last leg of the Parmenion 2002 national exercise involving all three Arms of the Hellenic Armed Forces was taking place.

Commenting on the activity of the Turkish Air force over the last few days, Papantoniou also stressed that "we are the supervisors of our national space, and there is no more substantial problem".

Questioned on the developments in Iraq, the minister said that the manifestation of a US initiative was expected, "but we cannot predict what that reaction will be". He reiterated that the European Union supported the UN procedures.

On completion of the maneuver, Papantoniou said that Greece was prepared to confront any threat from wherever it originated, for as long as it lasted.

The final stage of the maneuver was also observed by President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos, parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis, and members of parliament's foreign affairs and defense committee.

President, defense minister praise Parmenion exercise: President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Friday praised the success of the ''Parmenion 2002'' exercise involving 2,000 men from all three arms of the military, saying it had proved the unity of the Armed Forces and further boosted the public's confidence in these.

Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, on his part, said the success of the exercise showed that the Greek Armed Forces were well prepared to engage in military operations for their country.

He noted that powerful armed forces also acted as a deterrent for potential foes and commanded respect from allies, thus ensuring peace and stability in the region.

The minister said the state of the Greek economy was fair to middling, with greater requirements in education, health and pensions, while he praised the sacrifices made by the Greek people to boost the strength of the armed forces.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Georgios Antonakopoulos noted that the exercise was based on a very likely scenario and its aim was to deal with the situation through the combined use of all means available to the army, navy and air force.

Among those observing the exercise on Friday was Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis, who later made statements regarding the situation in neighboring Turkey in response to questions.

He attributed Turkey's provocative statements regarding Cyprus' accession to the European Union to the fluid political situation in that country prior to national elections, while he did not rule out the possibility that Turkey was being encouraged in this stance by the United States.

He once again reiterated, meanwhile, that the Greek Parliament would on no account ratify any expansion of the EU that did not include Cyprus.

[05] Turkish aircraft violate Greek airspace

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

The 18 Turkish aircraft were recognized and intercepted by Greek warplanes, while in 10 cases the interception process developed into an engagement.

[06] 'World Mayors Summit' begins in Athens

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

Among those attending the first day were New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, his counterparts from Moscow and Washington and representatives of the United Nations, UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The first day of the meeting was opened by Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, while other speakers included main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis, Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis and Deputy Press Minister Telemachos Hytiris representing the prime minister.

Expanding on the conference's slogan ''Cities, above and beyond borders,'' Avramopoulos talked about the common desire shared by ordinary people of all nationalities for global democracy and global peace. He also referred to shared global problems, such as those at the recent Earth Summit in Johannesburg.

In a special reference to the situation in the Middle East, meanwhile, he announced that initiatives would be taken on the sidelines of the conference to assist reconciliation between the Israelis and Palestinians.

Karamanlis noted that upgrading the role of local authorities would also help upgrade democracy. The populations of the world's cities were expected to rise by two billion in the next 20 years and ways to incorporate these extra people and avoid 'alienating cities' had to be found, he stressed.

He also referred to the Athens Olympics in 2004, saying that Greeks had a strong will to organize a successful and safe Olympiad.

Greece's alternate foreign minister referred to 'city diplomacy' as a new form of diplomacy that could step in when central government was unable to intervene or could not be effective.

Speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Hytiris talked about former New York Mayor Rudolf Giuliani who was named 'Man of the Year' for his response to the September 11 terror attacks on the city a year ago.

New York's current mayor spoke about his city's bid to host the 2012 Olympics and declared himself impressed with Olympic preparations in Athens, saying they would make it a great city in the future.

He also referred to the recovery of Lower Manhattan after the September 11 attacks and stressed that cities thrived when they were able to ensure the safety of their citizens, education, transport, shelter and effectiveness.

After the end of the morning session, the delegates departed for Town Hall Square on bicycles.

Talks held between Nablus mayor and counterparts of two cities of Israel: On the sidelines of the ''World Mayors Summit'' which began in Athens on Friday, it was announced that the mayors of the Palestinian city of Nablus and of the cities of Rishon Le-Zion and Raanana of Israel will proceed in talks aimed at paving the way for friendship between the two sides.

The decision was reached by the mayors who met in the afternoon on a bilateral level, while a joint meeting had preceded on Thursday evening.

The international conference of mayors from cities throughout the world was organized by the Athens municipality.

Commenting on the Israeli-Palestinian meeting, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos said that the action by the three mayors ''shows the high level of their responsibility.'' He added that ''they want to be the architects of a new era and that is what their citizens and the citizens of all the world also want.''

The sessions of the conference continued in the afternoon when the Charter of Athens for the Diplomacy of the Cities and the Proclamation of Athens for Olympic Solidarity among Cities were signed.

[07] EYP modernization bill discussed by PM, public order minister

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

Chrysohoidis told reporters after the meeting that he had briefed the premier on the provisions of a new bill on the restructure and operation of EYP on a new basis.

According to the bill, EYP will acquire authority in the sensitive area of the state's security.

More specifically, EYP, by virtue of the bill's provisions, will be involved in matters dealing with new threats against democracy and the citizens, including organized crime, people trafficking, money laundering and drug trafficking.

Chrysohoidis said that the most fundamental innovation in the restructuring process was that EYP would, after the bill was passed, be subject to parliamentary control.

[08] Gov't spokesman on press reports about Tsohatzopoulos

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

"There are price hikes on certain goods, such as agricultural produce and private-sector services, that are partly due to the introduction of the euro," Protopapas added.

[09] Cyprus President to visit Athens after New York talks

NICOSIA 21/09/2002 (ANA-G.Leonidas)

Government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said the exact date of the visit has not been set yet but it is certain it will take place after the talks in New York on October 3 and 4 between President Clerides, Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. President Clerides and Denktash have been engaged in direct talks since January this year, with a view to reach a comprehensive settlement.

[10] Coalition leader and media minister discuss local polls, terrorism

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

Regarding media coverage of local polls, Protopapas said he would talk to the president of the state broadcaster ERT, Angelos Stangos, and private mass media about ensuring a more balanced coverage of candidates from all parties in accordance with the directives of the National Radio and Television Council.

With respect to terrorism, both men agreed on the need for a responsible attitude that respected the laws and stripped terrorism of its mystique. They said Greek society possessed the required maturity to support the government's initiatives in collaboration with the parties, social agencies and the media to prevent negative phenomena and allow the investigation to continue unimpeded.

[11] Alleged terrorist Savvas Xiros hospitalized for check-up

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

Xiros has been wounded during a botched bomb attack in Piraeus on June 29 in which he lost two fingers and sustained serious injuries to his eyes and other parts of his body.

He was taken to the Evangelismos hospital under strict security measures shortly before 3 p.m. where doctors examined all eventualities to ensure his good health.

X-rays were taken of his wounded hand, blood was taken from him to probe certain stomach problems appearing, while limited surgery was also carried out on an ear.

Doctors said the ear is in an excellent condition and Xiros himself said he is satisfied and his hearing has improved.

Xiros was also examined by oculists to ascertain the state of his eyes after surgery was carried out to heal wounds caused by the blast.

According to reports, doctors who had treated him in the past were not present during his check-up, being annoyed by claims he has made in television interviews.

When some of the doctors present asked him why he turned against them, letting it be understood that they had played the game of the police, Xiros replied ''I have no problem with you. I am absolutely satisfied withy the doctors. I cannot imagine myself saying I have a complaint.''

Meanwhile, doctors examining him on Friday did not rule out the possibility of Xiros being examined again at the Evangelismos hospital in two weeks' time or in a month at the latest.

They said he will have to go to hospital again for supplementary tests, adding that the state of his health is at a very satisfactory level.

On the question of allegations made by Xiros that medication was administered to him to affect his way of thinking and conscience, it was stressed that no such medication or medication of any other kind was given to him to influence him and guide what he had said.

The possibility of a politician visiting Xiros, as he had claimed in an interview, was also ruled out and it was underlined that this was impossible since there were two checkpoints on the floor he had been treated on.

Xiros was taken back to prison in a police van at 6.45 p.m. with the accompaniment of counter-terrorist squad patrol cars and jeeps and draconian security measures.

Both during his arrival at the hospital and his departure, he was not wearing a bulletproof vest or handcuffs.

Xiros's girlfriend Alicia Romero Cortez turned up at the hospital and asked to be allowed to see him. However, police turned down her request.

[12] Opinion poll: PASOK candidate for Athens-Piraeus Supra-Prefecture well ahead

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

On his part, Sports Deputy Minister George Lianis, in commenting on the opinion poll, said that Gennimata had double the support of main opposition New Democracy (ND) candidate Yiannis Tzannetakos. Lianis said that for him, the result was expected due to the ''radiant personality'' of the PASOK candidate.

[13] Afghan former deputy PM appeals to int'l community from Rhodes

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

A year after the terrorist attack on September 11 tragic fate is continuing to burden the people and primarily the women of Afghanistan. The fundamentalists' regime has the same philosophy as the Taliban and as a result 90 percent of women wear the burga, while parents sending their daughters to school and husbands permitting their wives to work are prosecuted.

After a short term in the government she was ousted and does not have the right to run in elections.

Samar said there is money for weapons but not for education, health and justice, while all efforts made by the West have failed.

[14] Greek EU commissioner speaks to pupils about EU

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

The event was attended by pupils from 17 schools in Thessaloniki and another 10 from cities in northern Greece.

Diamantopoulou explained to the pupils the EU's functions, stressing that the decision taken by the 15 countries for unification constitutes a unique experiment in the world, while a dialogue has already got underway on the new model of governance in Europe after enlargement.

Commenting on the issue of whether or not the lesson of religion should be abolished, Diamantopoulou said ''it is the EU's principle that every pupil should have the possibility of choosing whether he wants to attend the lesson of religion. From then on a decision is taken with democratic procedures in each country if or not the lesson will be abolished.''

[15] Intergovernmental forum on justice to be created

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

Speaking at the opening of the 2nd Inter-Balkan Jurists Conference on ''The role of jurists in consolidating peace, friendship and cooperation among Balkan peoples'' in Kastoria, northern Greece, Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos said justice ministers from Balkan countries will meet on Saturday morning as part of the forum.

Petsalnikos also said the Balkan Jurists Federation, whose charter will be signed on Saturday, will be called on to constitute a place for the creation of new ideas on the role of justice and its bodies in modern-day Balkan countries.

[16] Greek households' debt rise slightly in June

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

In its monthly report on the domestic credit market, the central bank said that the annual growth rate of housing loans was 43.9 percent in June from 43.8 percent in May. Bankers expect that the growth rate will accelerate in the next few months up to the end of 2002 as many borrowers will probably try to benefit from a currently favorable tax environment, before it is reform from January 1, 2003.

Consumer loans' growth rate eased to 31.9 percent in June from 34.6 percent in May to a total of 8.678 billion euros. Credit cards' debt also fell to 45.4 percent in June from 50.8 percent the previous month, to a total of 4.201 billion euros.

Personal loans, however, grew an annual 15.6 percent in June from 13.7 percent in May, to a total debt of 2.34 billion euros.

[17] Business meeting opens in Irakleio

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

Also present at the meeting were the Finance and Economy Minister of Cyprus Takis Klerides, as well as the Labor and Social Insurance Minister of Cyprus Andreas Mousioutas, who supported the joint efforts of Greek and Cypriot businesses in this way.

The purpose of the meeting is to highlight sectors in which interest exists for business cooperation between Greek businesses or between Greek and Cypriot ones targeting markets in the Balkans, the Middle East or north African countries.

It also aims at proposing solutions to problems being faced so far by businesses in their efforts to achieve cooperation with businesses in the Balkans, Middle East or north African countries.

[18] Greek weekly economic review

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

In other headline news in the week: the government announced changes in the taxation of farmers combined with offering of incentives and drafting a list of prices with the country's petrol stations, in an effort to promote transparency and to contain prices in the domestic market.

Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said that the government was discussing a proposal - with other European states - to print one and two euro banknotes in the eurozone.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Costas Simitis urged for a more efficient absorption of funds from a Third Community Support Framework and said that an international turmoil could not leave Greece unaffected.

Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis briefed Greek industrialists over the government's plans in drafting next year's budget. He said that public consumer spending would remain unchanged at this year's levels, while the 2003 budget would envisage a significant reduction of the public debt.

Mr. Christodoulakis, in a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, expressed his worry over a protracted uncertainty in international economy and financial markets and noted that the government was taking urgent measures to support business activity, speed-up deregulation of markets and infrastructural changes in the economy.

The majority of passengers (44.6 percent) in the Attica region used public transport means for their daily moves in the city, another 39.8 percent used their cars, while 11 percent were using motorcycles, a survey by the Greek transport ministry revealed in the week. Transport Minister Christos Verelis said the ministry's target was to increase the number of passengers in public transport means to 3.3 million in 2004 from 2.5 million currently. Verelis said that the ministry has approved plans to buy 600 buses by 2004.

Greek annual inflation rose to 3.8 percent in August from 3.6 percent in July, remaining among the four highest rates in the EU-15, Eurostat said. Ireland (4.5 percent), Portugal (3.9 percent), Greece and the Netherlands (3.8 percent respectively), recorded the highest inflation rates in August, while Germany, the UK and Belgium (1.0 percent, 1.0 percent and 1.3 percent) the lowest rates.

Bank of Greece governor Nikos Garganas warned commercial banks to be more transparent in their contracts with borrowers after a court decision a few weeks ago describing several terms included in bank loan contracts as illegal and abusive.

[19] Greek stocks end six-day sharp decline on Friday

Athens, 21/09/2002 (ANA)

Traders said a recovery in other European bourse helped the Greek market to a late rebound that pushed the general index 0.96 percent higher to end at 1,886.67 points.

The IT Solution, Telecommunications and Textile sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (2.78 percent, 2.60 percent and 2.90 percent, respectively), while the Cement, Metals and Insurance sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (1.06 percent, 0.91 percent and 0.58 percent).

Turnover was a low 93.9 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.76 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.56 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index jumped 1.52 percent higher.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 229 to 88 with another 43 issues unchanged.

The general index ended the week with a net loss of 4.07 percent.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Commercial Bank of Greece, Football Pools Organization, Intralot and Informatics.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 146.2 mln euros Friday

Equity Index Futures: