Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-05-14

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Simitis discusses forthcoming EU summit with Portuguese counterpart Barroso

[02] Stefanis briefs European Parliament plenum on SARS epidemic

[03] Turkish warplanes shadow Greek aircraft participating in aeronautical exercise

[04] Gov't terms T/C leader Denktash 'incorrigible'

[05] Gov't spokesman on election law

[06] EU Presidency condemns terrorist attacks in Riyadh

[07] A strong euro to benefit eurozone, global economy, Greek FinMin says

[08] Greek gov’t discusses economic policy

[09] Greek economic competitiveness falls in 2003, IMD report

[10] EU's agriculture ministers meet in Greece to discuss common farm policy

[11] ND meeting focuses on CAP

[12] EU needs social insurance overhaul, officials say

[13] EU Competitiveness Council discusses European defense equipment market

[14] Tourist arrivals to fall by 5.0 percent in 2003, report says

[15] OTE telecom in talks with Cypriot government

[16] Greek stocks end 1.62 pct higher on Tuesday

[17] ATHOC president comments on SARS danger for Olympic Games

[18] Parliament deputies tour 2004 sites, venues

[19] First suspected SARS case in Greece

[20] Psychiatrists testify on mental health of Savvas Xiros in N17 trial

[21] Greek minister stresses immigration, crime at Adriatic and Ionian Initiative

[22] Justice minister calls for broader global cooperation against people trafficking

[23] Christodoulos: Flawed European immigration policies spur human trafficking

[24] New seat on modern Greece at Georgetown University

[25] President Papadopoulos says measures not even a step to solution

[26] Government says Simitis' statement indicative of cooperation

[01] PM Simitis discusses forthcoming EU summit with Portuguese counterpart Barroso

Athens, 14/05/2003 (ANA)

Barroso congratulated Simitis ''for the exceptional work during these difficult months, during which the Greek Presidency stood capable of proving that in Europe, with the involvement of the heads of governments, during a specific period of time, significant progress is being achieved for our mutual vision which is a strong European Union.''

The Portuguese premier added that ''the European Union, during these months, benefited much from the experience, knowledge and intelligence of Prime Minister Costas Simitis, as well as by the capability of all his associates.''

With regard to the EU summit in Thessaloniki, Barroso said he viewed as the main issue the presentation of the conclusions of the Convention for the Future of Europe. ''We will also discuss certain matters relating to European expectations concerning defense and security,'' he added.

''Another important issue at the summit in Thessaloniki, which is included in the agenda following a proposal by the Greek Presidency, is the combatting of illegal immigration. At this point also, Portugal supports the efforts for a common EU rapprochement. Certain EU member-states experience this problem more, but it constitutes an issue on which we are all obliged to jointly work together,'' he concluded.

On his part, Prime Minister Simitis noted that it is the first time that 25 member-states will take part in the EU summit. ''The 10 states, though they are not yet full members, have the right to also present their views and there is agreement that they will participate in the decisions of the summit,'' he said.

Simitis further said that this EU summit, despite the fact that important decisions will not be taken in the sense that there will be a change in the EU, it is an important summit because the plan of the new EU Constitution will be presented by Convention for the Future of Europe President Valery Giscard d'Estaing.

The EU summit in Thessaloniki, Simitis said, will probably propose that the inter-governmental conference should start at the end of October or early November, so that the countries which have the need to discuss d'Estaing's proposals, so that the parliaments of the member-countries which want to discuss d'Estaing's proposals to have the necessary time.

''We believe that this discussion of the new Constitution should end before the European Parliament's elections on June 15, 2004, because European citizens should have knowledge of the constitution before they vote,'' Simitis concluded.

FM Papandreou meets with Arafat-Sharon to promote 'road map' RAMALLAH

14/05/2003 (ANA - D. Konstantakopoulos)

Papandreou is on a visit to the region in his capacity as European Union foreign ministers' council chairman, to promote the ''road map'' to peace.

''We agreed to promote the 'road map', so as to push the Israeli side to accept it,'' Arafat said, thanking the quartet for its work on the road map.

On his part, Papandreou stressed that there should be no more bloodshed and that peace should be achieved, giving hope to the Palestinian people, who want to live in a state that is prosperous and to lift the fear of the average Israeli citizen.

''I understand the caution, the skepticism even the cynicism, with which this peace initiative is faced from time-to-time after so many failures, but today there is a new opportunity, the 'road map' with very specific terms,'' Papandreou said.

He underlined the support of the road map offered by the U.S., the EU, Russia and the United Nations, adding that ''we are determined to do everything to realize it. Finally, of course, that will be judged by the on the side protagonists, who I call to move on,'' Papandreou stressed.

''The issue is not my life,'' Arafat said, ''but the lives of my people and that which they suffer on this holy land of peace''.

''Every day our infrastructure is destroyed, attacks are taking place,'' he added, calling for the return to the ''peace of the brave'' which he signed with murdered Israeli Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin.

Referring to EU initiatives in the Middle East, Papandreou said that ''they say that Europe is divided, but concerning the Middle East problem we are united, all 25 of us are united''.

On his part, Arafat said that obstacles were never placed on meetings between Palestinians and Israelis of all levels and expressed his satisfaction over the work of the Palestinian group charged with the reforms.

Papandreou also commented on the new government, saying that the European Union supported the relevant statements of Prime Minister Abu Mazen.

Papandreou met with Mazen whom he reassured that the Union is fully ready to support the ''road map'' and expressed the belief that Mazen is determined to promote reforms and the creation of a strong state structure that will enforce the rule of law and order. Papandreou noted that all these actions will need reciprocal action from Israel, as the ''road map'' prescribes.

FM: Roadmap a peace opportunity that shouldn't be allowed to fail: Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Tuesday told Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon here that the long-anticipated ''roadmap'', a peace plan aimed at finding a solution for the Palestinian issue sponsored by the ''Quartet'', was a fresh opportunity for peace that should not be allowed to fail.

The Greek minister, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency, said the Union was prepared to contribute to the peace process and stressed the EU's increasingly important role in the region, especially following its enlargement with the accession of Cyprus and a Turkish candidacy, saying these developments have brought it closer to the Middle East.

During talks that also included regional issues, Papandreou said he expected Israel to assist the new Palestinian leadership under Prime Minister Abu Mazen.

''This is an opportunity for Israel to cooperate with Abu Mazen for its security, he said.

Papandreou, who earlier met with Patriarch of Jerusalem Irineos and a number of Israeli politicians, at press time was meeting with Israeli President Moshe Katzav. Later in the day he will travel to the autonomous Palestinian territories to meet with President Yasser Arafat, Prime Minister Mazen and other members of the Palestinian leadership.

Mideast peace process's success prospect based on decisiveness, Greek FM

says ALBIRA 14/05/2003 (ANA - D. Konstantakopoulos)

Papandreou made the statement, following his meeting with Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Saath, adding that the Palestinian side was determined to reach the final success despite the obstacles placed by the Israelis, having received the U.S. assurances.

''I am here as the presiding minister of the EU council of ministers, to support the 'road map','' Papandreou stressed, issuing a call for the opportunity not to be missed.

Papandreou reiterated the insistence on the necessity for a secure Israel and for a viable Palestinian state, while responding to a relevant question, he underlined that "we are working very closely with U.S. Secretary of State Collin Powell," in reference to a telephone conversation the two men had after Powell's recent talks with the Palestinian leadership.

[02] Stefanis briefs European Parliament plenum on SARS epidemic

STRASBOURG 14/05/2003 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

The minister explained that there is not as yet significant progress as to the way the virus is transmitted, nor visible prospects for inoculation or medicines for therapy.

In view of this, isolation was necessary and urgency for the creation in the countries of Europe of special Negative Pressure Isolation Chambers, he said.

Stefanis, who briefed the plenum on the results of the emergency meeting of the EU Council of Health Ministers which took place on May 6, was required to give details on the ''suspect'' case in Athens on Monday. He explained that the term ''suspect'' is used when a person who has traveled to countries which have been infected shows the clinical picture of the disease. He noted that for the time being the incident in Greece is termed as ''suspect'', as the results of the identity of the virus are awaited.

The specific person in question in Greece has been placed in isolation and is under close observation, the minister said, noting that Greece, in contrast to other European countries, possesses quite a number of negative pressure isolation chambers in Athens as well as in many provincial cities.

During the discussion at the plenum, the Eurodeputies expressed many differing views concerning preventive control, isolation and ''quarantine.''

Many asked for the restriction of air travel and for health control not only on entry but also on departure from a country. Others showed sensitivity regarding the respect of human rights.

Stefanis stressed that the aim of the Greek EU presidency is for the issue of public health to be one of the main priorities of the Convention for the Future of Europe and expressed the hope that the regular meeting of the ministers on June 2 will give the necessary impetus towards this direction.

[03] Turkish warplanes shadow Greek aircraft participating in aeronautical exercise

Athens, 14/05/2003 (ANA)

According to reports, two armed Turkish F-16 warplanes, which had previously been intercepted twice by Greek F-16 and Mirage-2000 jets, shadowed the Greek F-4 warplanes from a distance of 1,000 feet during two assaults and left the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) afterwards.

Greek Air Force General Staff members wondered what the neighboring country's next move would be to escalate provocations and hailed calmness shown by Greek pilots.

They added that the Turkish aircraft had been previously intercepted twice by Greek aircraft, meaning in the language of the air force that they would have been shot down under other conditions.

They further stressed that the risk of an accident is greater when Greek jets intercept Turkish aircraft during an engagement and when Turkish warplanes buzz a Greek P-3 ORION nautical cooperation plane carrying out a training flight at a low altitude.

A defense ministry spokesman revealed that the foreign ministry was notified of the new provocative act, which delivered a strong protest to Turkey.

In addition, NATO was notified through the National Defense General Staff. ICAO was also notified through the Civil Aviation Service since the incident concerns a blatant violation of air traffic rules.

Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR, violate Greek airspace: Fourteen formations, 34 aircraft, of Turkish warplanes made an equal number of infringements of air traffic regulations in the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) on Tuesday which developed into 44 violations of national airspace, press reports said.

They were recognized and intercepted by Greek warplanes, while in nine cases the interception process developed into an engagement.

[04] Gov't terms T/C leader Denktash 'incorrigible'

Athens, 14/05/2003 (ANA)

“We’ve abandoned the hope that Mr. Denktash will contribute to finding a solution,” government spokesman Christos Protopapas said during his normal press briefing on Tuesday.

He also expressed the Greek government’s satisfaction with a recent decision by European Parliament to demand the removal of Turkish occupation forces from the island republic’s northern third.

Some 200,000 Greek Cypriot refugees were displaced from one-third of Cyprus following a 1974 Turkish invasion of the east Mediterranean island. Efforts over the years to hold Turkey, as occupying force, responsible for not finding a solution to the problem have met with increased success over the years.

The Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers has already accused Turkey of demonstrating ''manifest disregard for its international obligations'' and ''strongly insisted'' that Turkey fully comply with a July 1998 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) calling on Ankara to compensate a Greek Cypriot for the continuous violation of her human rights on the island republic.

In a decision issued on July 28, 1998, the ECHR ordered Turkey to pay pecuniary damages of 300,000 CYP pounds to Titina Loizidou from the Turkish-occupied town of Kyrenia, a further 20,000 in non-pecuniary damages, and 137,084 for her costs and expenses, in the case of ''Loizidou vs Turkey''.

The CoE's Committee of Ministers, has stressed, among others:

''The Committee of Ministers, acting under the terms of Article 54 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (hereinafter referred to as 'the Convention'),

''Deeply deploring the fact that, to date, Turkey has still not complied with its obligations under the judgment delivered by the European Court of Human Rights on July 28, 1998 in the case of Loizidou against Turkey...”

[05] Gov't spokesman on election law

Athens, 14/05/2003 (ANA)

Asked about possible changes in the election law, long a demand by smaller political parties wanting a more simple representational system, Protopapas merely noted that the issue must be discussed with the premier and then by the relevant government bodies.

[06] EU Presidency condemns terrorist attacks in Riyadh

Athens, 14/05/2003 (ANA)

''The Presidency strongly condemns the terrorist attack that took place in Riyadh yesterday, causing a large number of casualties among civilians of various nationalities. It expresses its deepest sympathy to all Governments and peoples and condolences to the families of the victims who suffered as a consequence of this attack. Those responsible for this horrible and barbaric act of terrorism should be prosecuted and brought to justice. The EU Presidency reiterates its strong and unequivocal condemnation of all forms and acts of terrorism, independently of origin, cause or motive and its unwavering commitment to the fight against terrorism,'' the statement read.

[07] A strong euro to benefit eurozone, global economy, Greek FinMin says

Athens, 14/05/2003 (ANA)

Mr Christodoulakis, whose country currently holds the rotating European Union presidency, in a joint press conference in Brussels late on Monday along with European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Pedro Solbes at the end of a Eurogroup finance ministers meeting, said they expected a recovery of the European economy following the ebb in geopolitical uncertainty and a drop in oil prices.

The Greek minister also referred to the macroeconomic dialogue where representatives of the Council (Troika), the Commission, the European Central Bank and the Social Partners exchanged views on employment, social consent and structural changes in the European economy.

Within the framework of the Convention for constitutional reforms in the EU, the ''12'' discussed the institutionalization of the eurogroup and a possible extension to the EU presidency term beyond the current six-month mandate.

Finally, with regard to fiscal developments, the group reviewed the updated stability program of Austria and stressed the need for adhering to commitments on reducing deficit from Germany and Portugal, emphasizing an expedition in structural reforms and the promotion of a dialogue on modernization.

[08] Greek gov’t discusses economic policy

Athens, 14/05/2003 (ANA)

Ministry officials said that the government would seek to create an effective monitoring mechanism to reduce spending in government ministries and the public sector in general. The finance ministry is expected to submit a draft bill to parliament on Thursday, envisaging a new way of evaluating and monitoring government spending. Under the plan, the government will create five audit agencies that will monitor spending in the country's regions, prefects, municipalities, public sector enterprises and government ministries.

The finance ministry also plans to speed-up privatizations, with the flotation of a new tranche of OPAP's equity capital in the Athens Stock Exchange in June, and a new tranche of PPC's equity capital by fall. The ministry expects to raise 1.2-1.3 billion euros from the two sales.

The government will also seek to finalize its decisions over implementing a new payroll system in the public sector by January 1, 2004.

The two remaining keystones of the government's economic policy for the coming months is supporting low-income pensioners and funding of Olympic Games projects without burdening the country's public debt. The finance ministry is considering letting public sector enterprises to fund these projects by allowing them to take over their commercial use after the Games.

[09] Greek economic competitiveness falls in 2003, IMD report

Athens, 14/05/2003 (ANA)

The report by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) measured a country's competitiveness based on its economic performance, government and business efficiency and infrastructure.

The report was presented by the Northern Greece Industries' Union (SBBE), the official representative of IMD in Greece.

The report said that a continuous decline in Greek competitiveness (its fell by six places in 2002 from a total of 49 countries in the annual table), reflected significant losses in all four categories of evaluation.

Greece's government efficiency fell to the 28th place in 2003 from 22 in 2002, business efficiency dropped to the 23rd place from 19th, respectively, economic performance fell from the 18th to the 24th position in 2002 and 2003, respectively, while its infrastructure dropped to the 24th place in 2003 from 19 in the previous year.

It should be noted, however, that despite worsened sector performances, Greece's total marks improved to 34.1 in 2003 from 31.7 in 2002.

The accession of 10 new economies in the European Union was expected to increase competition in the region, the report said. The most significant competitive impact of the EU's expansion, with a direct impact on the Greek economy, was the attractiveness of most new-coming economies based on their low labor cost, a factor expected to lead to an intensified migration of business towards these countries, IMD report's said.

The report predicts a massive migration of manufacturing units, particularly from Scandinavia and Germany, towards countries in the Baltic region and the Mediterranean, while countries, such as Portugal and Ireland, were expected to suffer heavily from a transfer of foreign investments towards the new EU member-states.

IMD said that Greece lagged all other eurozone countries in this year's competitiveness report, while the Netherlands suffered the biggest annual fall (losing seven places) because of the political uncertainty in the country.

Finland and the US were the most powerful and competitive economies in the world, the report said.

[10] EU's agriculture ministers meet in Greece to discuss common farm policy

Athens, 14/05/2003 (ANA)

European Commissioner for agriculture and rural development Franz Fischler, who addressed the meeting said that ''quality has its price'' and that this is confronted by the new Common Agricultural Policy, by the granting of state funded support that will aid quality farming in conjunction with the development of rural areas.

Fischler also said that the EU was on its way to striking an agreement on the reform of the common agricultural policy, adding that next week a high ranking group would discuss the issue.

On his part, European Commissioner for health and consumer protection David Byrne, who also addressed the meeting, stressed that new legislation for genetically modified farming products will be ready in July, detailing regulations for the labeling and detection of such.

Byrne also noted that it is up to scientists to prove any problem causing genetically altered products and stressed the necessity for the labeling of such products for the benefit of the consumer.

''I carry out the orders of the EU's member-states, mandated by a legislation that informs in an exact way and clearly the consumer. It is he that decides. For this reason I deem 'impressive' the action of our trade partner (USA),'' Byrne said, commenting on the U.S. appeal to the World Trade Organization concerning freedom of trade for genetically altered foods.

Greece, via the address of Deputy Agriculture Minister Evangelos Argyris, stood for the support of quality farming with foods of high nutritional value.

Meanwhile, outside the conference room, some 3,000 farmers from around the country protested the reform of the common agricultural policy in a rally organized by farmers' unions and federations.

Representatives of farmers' unions from around Europe also participated in the rally and protest.

[11] ND meeting focuses on CAP

Athens, 14/05/2003 (ANA)

Party spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos said one in five Greek households depends on income derived from the farm sector, while noting that the government should include issues dealing with Mediterranean products in any CAP negotiations.

“...Otherwise, as negotiations continue, the more unfavorable the conditions for discussions will become,” he said.

Finally, in an unrelated development, ND deputy Nikitas Kaklamanis briefed the meeting’s participants over measures taken vis-s-vis the so-called SARS epidemic.

[12] EU needs social insurance overhaul, officials say

BRUSSELS 14/05/2003 (ANA – M. Spinthourakis)

Greek Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and EU Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Pedro Solbes were addressing a news conference after an economic and monetary affairs council meeting in the Belgian capital. Greece is rotating president of the EU.

Christodoulakis underlined that problems stemming from an aging population must be addressed to meet the Lisbon Council target of making Europe the world’s most dynamic economy.

The Spanish Commissioner said reforms were necessary if European governments wished to ensure fiscal viability.

The Council also approved the economic policy directions of member states.

Christodoulakis told the Athens News Agency he was satisfied at the outcome of talks, and that recommendations regarding Greece were in line with economic policy implemented by the government.

[13] EU Competitiveness Council discusses European defense equipment market

BRUSSELS 14/05/2003 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

The EU presidency's conclusions plan on aspects of the European defense industry's competitiveness adopted by the Council recognizes the importance of enacting arrangements capable of leading to a better economic performance, greater harmonization of models, more effective planning and procurement of defense equipment and research and technological development.

The Council praised the contribution of the European Commission in its relevant report ''towards an EU policy on armaments'', calling on it to submit a new announcement by the end of the year in which it will provide a fuller account of its planned preparatory action regarding research and security and progress achieved in this sector.

The ministers also exchanged views on the future development of European space policy and its incorporation in the EU's duties which raises a series of complicated and sensitive questions, as Tsohatzopoulos said, which are included in the European Commission's green papers.

[14] Tourist arrivals to fall by 5.0 percent in 2003, report says

Athens, 14/05/2003 (ANA)

ITEP said that based on the experience of the Gulf War in 1991, when Greece reported a 9.4 percent drop in tourist arrivals, 2003 should be a bad year for Greek tourism. The institute, however, stressed that a rapid completion of a war in Iraq and the fact that the current year was following a two-year period of negative growth rates in tourist arrivals in the country, should limit an expected fall in tourist arrivals to Greece to around 5.0 percent in 2003.

On the other hand, however, ITEP noted that uncertainty over the SARS epidemic was making it extremely difficult to make any safe predictions over this year's tourist season, expect to forecast a decline in tourist arrivals.

ITEP said that tourist arrivals fell 1.5 percent last year, although overnight stays dropped 8.0 percent in the country over the same period.

ITEP's chairman, Mrs Marie Daskalantonaki, stressed that a crisis in the tourism sector would raise unemployment.

Mrs Daskalantonaki, however, said she was confident over prospects for hotels in the Attica region after the 2004 Athens Olympic Games despite weaknesses in tourist promotion.

ITEP predicts that Greek economy will grow by 2.5 percent this year (a figure sharply lower from a government forecast of a growth rate of 3.8 percent) and an average inflation rate of between 2.6-3.0 percent.

[15] OTE telecom in talks with Cypriot government

Athens, 14/05/2003 (ANA)

The island republic's Communications and Works Minister, Kyriacos Kazamias, also told OTE's vice president, George Skarpelis, that the government was keen to see completion of the Cyprus Electricity Authority's participation in Hellas Sat, a joint satellite, due for launch on Wednesday.

Skarpelis, who is also managing director of OTE International, said the satellite operation would aid job creation in both countries, along with technological advances including telemedicine and distance learning.

[16] Greek stocks end 1.62 pct higher on Tuesday

Athens, 14/05/2003 (ANA)

The general index rose 1.62 percent to end at 1,732.44 points, with turnover an improved 109.6 million euros.

The Textile, Insurance, Holding and Wholesale sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (6.98 percent, 4.09 percent, 3.72 percent and 3.22 percent, respectively), while National Bank (+4.09 percent), Alpha Bank (+3.04 percent), ETBAbank (+4.35 percent) and Piraeus Bank (+2.86 percent) led the list of advancers.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 1.85 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 1.50 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index jumped 3.16 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 1.93 percent up.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 296 to 33 with another 30 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 78.2 mln euros Tuesday

Equity Index Futures: