Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-05-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek economic growth exceeds target in 1st quarter

[02] Future of Europe, migration policy discussed by Greek, Estonian PMs

[03] Patriarch, Greek FM comment on latest Cyprus developments

[04] Erdogan will not announce gradual withdrawal of troops from Cyprus during visit

[05] Head of EU delegation in Cyprus denies press reports over Famagusta port

[06] FM says water resources management and environment issues political ones

[07] Greek EU presidency - informal ministerial council meetings

[08] COSAC meeting concludes in Athens

[09] Croatia's EU prospects discussed

[10] Acting gov't spokesman again points to spring for elections

[11] EU disappointed over upholding of conviction of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

[12] Main parties avoid reaction to book claiming ND links to big business

[13] Neonakis slams Kouris for 'conscious lies' in 'Avriani' report

[14] Government in talks with Schiesser over Athens factory closure

[15] Evert revives allegations of stock market fraud prior to 2000 polls

[16] OTE leads Greek stocks higher on Tuesday

[17] EU conference lays foundations for common tourism policy

[18] Philip Morris Holland buys 75 pct in Papastratos

[19] Environment rules hamper mining firms, trade group says

[20] Palacio warning over new toll rates cited

[21] EU Council of Health Ministers hold emergency meeting on SARS

[22] N17 trial continues with Saunders case, Vyronas police station raid

[23] Suspected terrorists present plea to additional charges

[24] Archbishop of Greece closes conference on Europe's values in Athens

[25] EU Council of Culture Ministers proclaims Patra Cultural Capital of Europe 2006

[26] EU sports ministers to meet in Athens on Thursday, Friday

[27] Advancement in EU-U.S. negotiations over judicial cooperation detected

[28] Greek aid convoy attacked in Iraq safely reaches Baghdad, no injuries

[29] Greek Church affiliated NGO distributes humanitarian aid in Iraq

[30] EU culture ministers express concern over destruction of Iraqi monuments

[31] Trans-European rail networks the focus of conference in Brussels

[32] Athens mayor declares May 7 'AIDS Orphans Day'

[33] Commission says developments not substitute for settlement

[34] President Papadopoulos says developments not even near solution

[35] Relatives urge Greece to place issue of missing before EU

[01] Greek economic growth exceeds target in 1st quarter

Athens, 07/05/2003 (ANA)

The Greek minister said he expected the inflation rate to fall in April and in the months ahead and stressed that "the economy will be the country's strong point".

Mr Christodoulakis predicted a smoother implementation of the state budget in the next months, with reduced spending, although he did not exclude more spending hikes. Ordinary budget revenues were growing 11.5 percent in the first quarter of the year, two-and-a-half times more than a 5.0 percent growth rate envisaged by the state budget, he noted.

Mr Christodoulakis said that the government would promote initiatives to ensure that a Schiesser - a Swiss company - underwear manufacturing factory would continue its operations despite a decision by the Swiss owners to close down the factory. He added that the government was examining its policies in the textile industry, a sector hit after the deregulation of the global market in 1999.

Mr Christodoulakis said that the government would begin payment of its 2003 incomes policy to civil servants and pensioners on May 25.

Finance ministry sources said that the government would proceed with a new issue of so-called "popular" state bonds aimed for small depositors, offering a 3.6 percent interest rate.

The Greek minister said that global and Greek economic prospects were positive after the end of a war in Iraq helped lift any geopolitical uncertainties. He stressed, however, that the Greek government would not be contend with the situation and that it would seek speedier implementation of its economic policy.

He announced changes in funding procedures for local governments, a new regulatory framework covering tax inspections and submitting to parliament a new draft bill envisaging a more efficient control of state spending.

Commenting on a series of tax inspections, currently held on listed companies, Mr Christodoulakis said that ASE chairman, Panagiotis Alexakis has asked for a complete tax inspection of 77 listed Greek companies.

[02] Future of Europe, migration policy discussed by Greek, Estonian PMs

Tallinn 07/05/2003 (ANA)

Estonia is the fifth stop on the Greek prime minister’s tour of all 24 EU member-states and acceding-states’ capitals following last month’s informal Athens summit, and in light of next month’s official EU summit in Thessaloniki.

In a joint press conference afterwards, Parts said the results of the Convention for the Future of Europe as well as the development of a common European migration policy along with efforts to stem the tide of illegal immigration. Additionally, he said a common EU security and foreign policy, slowly dominating the Union’s agenda of late, was also discussed.

“Moreover, other issues that we will deal with are those of international policy in tandem with the European Union’s foreign policy, the issue of Iraq, the Middle East and if steps have been made towards the implementation of a road map, because we believe it is necessary to have peace in the Mideast,” Simitis said in his comments to reporters.

The Greek prime minister said French statesman Giscard d’ Estaing will present the draft for a new European convention at the Summit, and “we will make a decision on how this will be discussed by the member-states, when this will start and when such a discussion will end.”

Finally, in response to a question, Simitis said tended to favor a one-year EU presidential term instead of the current six-month term, saying that continuity is lost by only a half-year presidency, although he cautioned against a lengthier term.

“We will consider these issues at the Intergovernmental Conference. However, the current system does not aid in dealing with modern and major problems,” he added.

[03] Patriarch, Greek FM comment on latest Cyprus developments

Athens, 07/05/2003 (ANA)

Entitled “Viable Development for a Continuing Peace: Common water resources; a common future and a common knowledge”, both men touched on the “common aspect” to cite the recent developments on Cyprus following the free movement peoples on both sides of Europe’s only remaining divided line.

“The citizens of Cyprus turned into action what for years was not occurring, and I hope Mr. (T/C leader Rauf) Denktash gets the message from the dynamic that is being developed so that a solution to the Cyprus problem can be found,” Papandreou said on the sidelines of the conference at a seaside resort southeast of Athens.

“The differences, the walls, the green lines, whatever you choose to call them, bring only despair and impasses,” he added.

On his part, Vartholomeos, whose Ecumenical Patriarchical throne is located in Istanbul, Turkey, noted that his past efforts at Greek-Turkish rapprochement were often misconstrued in the past.

“However, these developments vindicate us. Every rational person welcomes these unexpected developments, which did not expect, even though we understood that something was pending… The Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots lived together for many years, and the large-scale movement of peoples and the feelings that were exhibited demonstrated that they want and can live together peacefully,” the Patriarch said.

Regarding the actual conference, Papandreou said the paramount issue of how to manage water resources and protecting the environment tops the agenda, saying that both aspects are also political and tied to security and stability on all levels.

[04] Erdogan will not announce gradual withdrawal of troops from Cyprus during visit

ANKARA 07/05/2003 (ANA - A, Kourkoulas)

Erdogan will depart from Ankara on Friday morning. Taking part in the meeting which Erdogan will have with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash will be Dervis Eroglu and Serdar Denktash.

The Turkish prime minister will also meet with the ''heads of the political parties'' and give a press conference prior to his departure for Ankara, according to Anadolu.

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul stated on Tuesday that the Turkish premier's forthcoming visit to Cyprus is taking place ''so as to encourage the moves which the Turkish Cypriot side has already made.''

Gul dismissed Greek Cypriot press reports that Erdogan would announce the gradual withdrawal of the Turkish occupation troops from the island. ''Such a thing is not true,'' he said, commenting on the Greek Cypriot press reports.

[05] Head of EU delegation in Cyprus denies press reports over Famagusta port

Athens, 07/05/2003 (ANA)

''The future of Famagusta is not included in the issues concerning the European Union,'' Van der Meer said.

With regard to the measures implemented in recent weeks for the free movement of the island's residents, he said they were ''welcome'', but stressed they could never substitute for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

He said current positive developments should lead to a re-assumption of talks under the aegis of the United Nations, adding that this was also the wish of the European Union, which would play a supportive role in the efforts of the international organization.

Van der Meer also said EU support measures for the northern part of the island for bring it closer to the Union were still under development in consultation with the government of Cyprus. The measures are expected to be announced on 21 May.

The Republic of Cyprus on 16 April signed an Accession Treaty with the EU. The European Council has decided that, in the absence of a settlement, the application of the acquis to the occupied northern part of the island shall be suspended, until the Council decides unanimously otherwise, on the basis of a proposal by the Commission.

[06] FM says water resources management and environment issues political ones

Athens, 07/05/2003 (ANA)

Papandreou made his statement while inaugurating the two-day conference on ''Sustainable growth and permanent peace: Common waters, common future, common knowledge.''

The foreign minister said the main question which must be answered is how the environment and common natural resources in bordering countries can constitute objects of moderate political approach and form the basis for the creation of wider cooperation and the smoothing out of whatever tensions.

Papandreou also referred to a new form of diplomacy, the environmental or ''Green Diplomacy'' which is being developed and can form an implement for promoting cooperation on environmental issues and easing a crisis in a region.

He further said many ''globalizations'' are taking place in the world simultaneously, the main ones being the globalization of the economy and of ecology, but added that from these two forms of globalization result incommensurate costs and benefits because they are not accompanied by a global governance, which is not synonymous to a global government, but is understood as an agreement with specific terms and commitments between various countries.

[07] Greek EU presidency - informal ministerial council meetings

Athens, 07/05/2003 (ANA)

Moreover, the Union's transportation and merchant marine ministers will also hold an informal meeting in Greece, aboard a yacht, from 15 through 19 May, to discuss shipping-related issues.

[08] COSAC meeting concludes in Athens

Athens, 07/05/2003 (ANA)

Two important decisions were taken during the COSAC meeting, one relating to modifications of the Conference rules of operation, which would allow the Conference to take decisions through an increased majority. The specific measure is expected to provide for the body’s greater effectiveness and solid work.

The second decision regards the setting up of a secretariat to the Conference, securing continuity and cohesion in the body’s work.

The Athens COSAC meeting approved a recommendation text to EU organs and the European Convention on the Future of Europe, which refers to the successful completion of the European block’s enlargement, as well as to the need for EU cooperation with the United Nations in Iraq’s reconstruction and to the progress achieved in the work of the Convention.

The text also refers to necessity of the specific plan to be presented to June’s Thessaloniki EU Council, and to the fact that the Intergovernmental Conference should conclude its work in time to allow for the new European Constitution to be endorsed before the 2004 Euro-elections.

During the two days of meeting’s sessions, speeches on the above topics were delivered by Greek Prime Minister and European Council President-in-office Costas Simitis, Greek Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis, Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Public Order Minister Mihalis Chrysohoidis.

[09] Croatia's EU prospects discussed

Athens, 07/05/2003 (ANA)

Simovic, in fact, pointed to the second day of an EU Summit in Thessaloniki next month, where the session will be devoted to the countries in the western Balkans. He also said a road map for EU accession for such countries is more-or-less expected.

Cooperation in the tourism sector as well as in transports, especially ferry boat links, was also discussed.

[10] Acting gov't spokesman again points to spring for elections

Athens, 07/05/2003 (ANA)

The matter often pops up from time to time when asked by reporters during the government spokesman’s regular daily press briefings.

Press ministry general secretary Dimitris Gerou also clarified that prime minister had referred to certain six-month goals in a letter to Cabinet members last January, “these targets will be re-examined after the end of the (Greek EU) presidency,” he said.

[11] EU disappointed over upholding of conviction of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim

Athens, 07/05/2003 (ANA)

In a statement issued in Athens by the Greek EU presidency, the European Union further voiced deep concern over the fairness of the legal proceedings.

The full text of the EU Presidency declaration is as follows:

Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the Outcome of the Appeal by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim against his conviction on 8 August 2000

"The European Union, which has continued to monitor closely the case, notes the decision of the Malaysian Court of Appeal to uphold the conviction and sentence on 8th August 2000 against Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.

"The European Union recalls its earlier statements voicing deep concern about the fairness of the legal proceedings and expresses its disappointment that the verdict has been upheld."

[12] Main parties avoid reaction to book claiming ND links to big business

Athens, 07/05/2003 (ANA)

According to sources, ND has issued instructions to its MPs and party members to ignore the allegations made by the book and avoid public controversy, believing it is an effort to counteract the latest round of alleged scandals surrounding PASOK by creating the impression that ''everyone is just the same''.

In his book entitled ''The Secret War of Powers'', Kyrtsos blames the loss of his job as head of ''Eleftheros Typos'' on his dispute with ND headquarters over these ''interests'' and said that ND leader Costas Karamanlis had ''ceded part of his power in the party'' to business.

According to the former editor, Karamanlis was not corrupt and had not sold out but was easily trapped, since his staff was full of people making proposals to serve the goals of these business interests rather than promoting the goals of the party.

On the government's side, meanwhile, media ministry general secretary Dimitris Gerou, who is standing in as government spokesman, said the government was not concerned with the issue.

[13] Neonakis slams Kouris for 'conscious lies' in 'Avriani' report

Athens, 07/05/2003 (ANA)

"Mr. Kouris continues spewing mud from his sewer. The so-called winnings that he refers to in today's article are conscious lies and slander and will make his position before Greek justice that much more difficult," Neonakis said.

"Mr. Kouris need have no doubts. He will fully shoulder the cost and consequences of his vileness. Tricks and word play will not save him," he added.

[14] Government in talks with Schiesser over Athens factory closure

Athens, 07/05/2003 (ANA)

Labor Minister Dimitris Reppas said in a statement later in the day that Scheisser appeared resolved to go ahead with closure on May 30, leading to about 500 redundancies.

Also involved in talks with management were representatives of the General Confederation of Labor of Greece, a trade union umbrella group that represents nearly a million workers.

Opposition expresses solidarity for redundant Schiesser workers: The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) on Tuesday urged workers to show solidarity for 500 people slated for redundancy at the end of the month when Schiesser, a Swiss multinational, closes its Athens factory.

The Schiesser Group, which produces Palco brand underwear, announced on Monday that the Athens-based operation had shown the lowest level of competitiveness among the Group's plants in Europe, coupled with high operational costs. The result was that the firm, 70 percent of whose output was ordered by Scheisser AG, was no longer viable.

The KKE said in a statement that the right to work had been severely eroded following endorsement of Europe's Maastricht Treaty by the ruling PASOK party and main opposition New Democracy Party.

In a separate statement, the Coalition of the Left and Progress called on the government to make a last-ditch effort to persuade the Schiesser Group to reverse its closure decision.

''This multinational company is halting operations and relocating to Bulgaria. The government is following these dramatic developments as a spectator - the de-industrialization of the country - in a cowardly and spineless fashion, with no industrial policy for the key sector of apparel,'' the Coalition's leader, Nikos Constantopoulos, said.

''The government has left the economy to run on automatic pilot, dictated by the market, and it has left society exposed to competition,'' Constantopoulos added.

The Schiesser Group has said it is undertaking a restructuring in order to meet a worldwide recession and fierce competition from countries undercutting the market. The company plans to shift plants to Balkan and Asian countries.

Another Greek plant owned by Scheisser - in Komotini, northern Greece - is competitive and is destined for expansion and job creation.

[15] Evert revives allegations of stock market fraud prior to 2000 polls

Athens, 07/05/2003 (ANA)

According to Evert, contained in the dossier sent to Parliament by the public prosecutor investigating the affair after he uncovered evidence implicating members of the government was evidence that the stock brokerage P&K had carried out the transactions on behalf of two of the 10 largest stock market players of that period.

One month after receiving the prosecutor's report, in November 2001, Parliament voted against lifting immunity from prosecution for the three ministers involved and effectively blocked further investigation into the issue.

Evert said that P&K had carried out share purchases worth 3,616,319,650 drachmas and sold stock worth 7,550,199,845 drachmas in six sessions between March 21, 2000 and April 5, 2000 under the client code 11986.

These included the purchase of OTE shares worth 2,458,924,250 drachmas and their sale for 3,030,038,500 drachmas, meaning that the specific client earned 428 million drachmas from OTE shares alone.

The second client with a code of 19339 had bought shares worth 1,745,301,200 drachmas and sold shares worth 8,144,097,150 in seven sessions between March 23, 2000 and April 7, 2000.

According to Evert, these were clear signs of 'insider trading' and indicated that the two specific clients had known about the government's pre-election games on the stock market and were able to take advantage of them at the expense of the ordinary public.

The former ND leader also asked whether the government would continue to refuse a Parliamentary investigation into the stock market scandal involving members of the government and ruling party.

According to newspaper ''Avriani'', PASOK Executive Bureau member Mihalis Neonakis had a share in P & K but this was denied by both the minister and the brokerage.

The 2001 judicial investigation had focused on DEKA's activities from March 21 to April 10 2000, before Greek general elections on April 9 that year, during which the company bought stock in Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Hellenic Petroleum, National Bank of Greece and Commercial Bank, representing an outlay of 250 billion drachmas in state funds.

The prosecutor's report said that share prices had been disrupted by non-market factors unrelated to supply and demand that had misled the market.

The investigation was begun after Evert accused the state-owned Public Securities Company of bulling up the market through bulk buying in state-owned firms before the elections, and being responsible for losses suffered by investors in the subsequent artificial slide.

Commenting on Evert's announcement, press ministry general secretary Dimitris Gerou said that those attempting to revive or create a stock market issue were ''creating a murkiness'' that was harmful to Greek society.

''The government will give a definitive and absolute answer to all these issues in the Greek Parliament,'' he said.

Gerou is standing in as government spokesman.

[16] OTE leads Greek stocks higher on Tuesday

Athens, 07/05/2003 (ANA)

The general index rose 0.94 percent to end at 1,768.27 points, with turnover a stable 130.7 million euros.

The Telecommunications sector led the market's advance ending 2.78 percent higher, reflecting a 5.71 percent jump in OTE's share price. The Food-Beverage (2.73 percent), Publications (2.71 percent) and Insurance (2.37 percent) sectors followed with big percentage gains. The Holding, Investment and Retail sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (0.28 percent, 0.21 percent and 0.18 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.24 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 0.58 percent, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 1.19 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 1.12 percent up.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 164 to 137 with another 57 issues unchanged.

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