Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-06-26

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] President Bush and Greek PM emphasize need for Europe-U.S. cooperation

[02] Joint EU-US Summit Statement on Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

[03] Joint EU-US Summit Statement on Hydrogen Economy

[04] Joint U.S.-EU statement on Transatlantic Aviation Negotiations

[05] PM Simitis briefs Greek, foreign reporters on agenda of US.-EU summit

[06] EU, US officials hold open discussion ahead of annual summit

[07] Gov't: No provision for Greek parliament ratification of EU-US judicial deal

[08] Turkish foreign ministry says efforts to continue for solution to Aegean issues

[09] Greek and Croatian deputy defense ministers discuss security in Balkans

[10] Greek and French general staff chiefs discuss European Rapid Reaction Force

[11] EU close to political decision on farm policy reform

[12] Gov't plans 6.5 pct pay increase to civil workers

[13] Greece to host ministerial meeting on research and technology

[14] ND leader Karamanlis accuses government of lack of courage on ASE issue

[15] Greek gov't meets resistance in plans to extend shop hours

[16] Comoros authorities say 'Baltic Sky' not on ship registry

[17] Greek stocks rebound strongly on Wednesday

[18] ATHOC president says Athens will be ready for the 2004 Olympic Games

[19] City managers for four 2004 'Olympic cities' selected

[20] SARS test results on Chinese businessman negative

[21] Judge rejects Russian demand for temporary freeze of European Games Ltd assets

[22] Afghan migrants intercepted on Samos

[23] Defense witnesses rule out Psaradellis' membership of N17

[24] President Papadopoulos says Cyprus will join the EU with or without solution

[01] President Bush and Greek PM emphasize need for Europe-U.S. cooperation

WASHINGTON 26/06/2003 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Simitis characterized the transatlantic relation and interdependence between the U.S. and the EU as being of ''fundamental importance.''

He also referred to constructive talks and placed emphasis on the fact that both the U.S. and Europe support freedom, democracy and human rights.

President Bush noted that since World War Two and throughout the entire postwar period the U.S. had strongly supported European unity, adding that both sides of the Atlantic are being called on now to cooperate to confront the ''common threat'' which is international terrorism.

He said that agreements were signed and joint statements were made on Wednesday concerning the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, as well as many trade issues such as negotiations on the deregulation of air transport, which are expected to lead to more and cheaper flights between the U.S. and Europe and within Europe.

The U.S. president also referred to the two agreements signed by Justice Ministers Philippos Petsalnikos and John Ashcroft on mutual judicial assistance and the extradition of criminals.

The Greek prime minister referred to the necessity of the EU's cooperation in the Middle East and the promotion of the ''Road Map'' and underlined the agreements signed by the two justice ministers, saying they are the first the EU is signing with a third country.

On the question of differences separating the two sides of the Atlantic, Simitis said ''we will not always have the same positions'' but friendship presupposes the handling of problems in a disciplined manner.

''What unites us is more than what separates us,'' the Greek prime minister said and pointed to European activation in the security sector with the deployment of peacekeeping forces in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Bosnia.

He explained that it would be a mistake to interpret Europe's strong defense, which contributes to promoting security for the U.S. and all countries in the region, as a conflict with NATO.

Simitis said that all should respect international law and mentioned in this framework that Greece has publicly proposed the method of the International Court at The Hague to resolve the difference with Turkey regarding the delineation of the continental shelf.

President Bush placed particular emphasis on the need for characterizing and handling Hamas as a ''terrorist organization'', while in connection with Iran he insisted that ''the free world'' expects Tehran to comply with the demands of the international community.

European Commission President Romano Prodi, also present at the joint press conference, referred to the known statement by the U.S. defense secretary on an ''old and new'' Europe, said the United States are too ''young'' to solve all the problems by themselves.

[02] Joint EU-US Summit Statement on Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction

Athens, 26/06/2003 (ANA)

''1. Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems constitutes a major threat to international peace and security. The threat is compounded by the interest of terrorists in acquiring WMD. This would undermine the foundations of international order. We pledge to use all means available to avert WMD proliferation and the calamities that would follow.

. We will work together to strengthen the international system of treaties and regimes against the spread of WMD. This implies the development of new regimes, as appropriate, and reinforcement of existing regimes. We will pursue the goal of universal membership of relevant multilateral treaties and agreements.

. We will seek to ensure strict implementation and compliance. We are willing to work with all those who respect international non-proliferation norms; we are committed to dealing effectively with those who ignore them or cheat.

. We will support, when necessary, non-routine inspections.

. We recognize that, if necessary, other measures in accordance with international law may be needed to combat proliferation.

. We will work together to deploy our combined political and diplomatic influence most effectively in support of our non-proliferation objectives.

. We will work together to develop further a common assessment of global proliferation threats.

2. We welcome the statement on non-proliferation by European Union Heads of State and Government at Thessaloniki and the G8 Declaration of the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. We reaffirm our joint commitment to relevant treaties and agreements, in particular the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. We will work together in all areas to stop and reverse proliferation.

In particular:

. We will explore ways to make the International Atomic Energy Agency's Safeguards Agreements and Additional Protocols a standard for nuclear cooperation and non-proliferation. We urge all States with nuclear facilities or activities to ratify and implement these Agreements and Protocols without delay. Furthermore, on an urgent and exceptional basis, taking account of the increase in the Agency's workload in this area, we will support an adequate increase in the IAEA safeguards budget to ensure the credibility of the IAEA's verification system.

. We will strengthen both export controls on materials and technologies related to WMD and their delivery systems as well as their enforcement and implementation. We believe that national controls should include criminal penalties for the illegal export, transshipment or brokering of weapons of mass destruction, missile delivery systems, and materials or technology for use in WMD or missile programs. We will work together with like-minded partners to tighten export controls, where necessary providing assistance to create and improve effective, enforceable national export control systems. We agree to introduce catch-all provisions, where appropriate. We will share information so as to identify new patterns of procurement by State and non-State actors. We will seek new methods to stop the proliferation trade to and from countries and entities of proliferation concern.

. We will work together in the framework of the BTWC to strengthen national control over pathogenic micro-organisms and toxins and, in the framework of the CWC, to foster the elimination of all chemical weapons.

. We will strengthen identification, control and interdiction of illegal shipments, including national criminal sanctions against those who contribute to illicit procurement efforts.

. We emphasize the importance of cooperative threat reduction programs with third countries.

3. We will cooperate actively to address specific proliferation challenges. In particular:

. We condemn North Korea's nuclear weapons program and its failure to comply with the IAEA safeguards agreement, which undermine the non-proliferation regime. We call on North Korea to refrain from any action that would further aggravate the problem. We strongly urge North Korea to visibly, verifiably and irreversibly dismantle that program and to come into full compliance with international non-proliferation obligations, as a fundamental step to facilitate a comprehensive and peaceful solution.

. We express our continuing serious concern at Iran's nuclear program in particular as regards the pursuit of a full nuclear fuel cycle, as announced by President Khatami. We are troubled by the information in the IAEA's report detailing Iran's failures to meet its safeguards obligations and we fully support ongoing investigation by the IAEA to answer the unresolved questions and concerns identified in that report. Iran must cooperate fully with the IAEA, remedy all failures and answer all questions. It must also sign and implement an Additional Protocol, without delay or conditions, as a significant first step towards addressing those concerns.

. We remain concerned at the pursuit of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, and missiles for their delivery by a number of other States. We will continue to monitor these closely and to exchange information, including with other concerned States.

4. Proliferation is a threat not only to our security, but also to the wider international system. We call for a halt to proliferation activities in a way that is demonstrable and verifiable.

Non-proliferation is a global challenge which requires a multifaceted solution. We need to tackle it individually and collectively - working together and with other partners, including through relevant international institutions, in particular those of the United Nations system.''

[03] Joint EU-US Summit Statement on Hydrogen Economy

Athens, 26/06/2003 (ANA)

''We affirm our commitment, on behalf of the United States and the European Union, to collaborate on accelerating the development of the hydrogen economy as part of our broadening cooperation on energy. We aim to enhance the security of energy supply, increase diversity of energy sources, and improve local and global environmental quality. Our cooperation will lay the technical, legal, and commercial basis needed to accelerate the commercial penetration and trade of emissions-free hydrogen technology world-wide, in cars, buildings and power generation, to secure to our citizens and our posterity the abundant, secure, and clean energy required to sustain growth, ensure security, and protect the environment.

In this context we see the potential of the hydrogen economy in establishing a secure energy supply through clean and environ-mentally sound systems. We will seek to build on complementarities in our research efforts in exploring actively all technology options, including a major focus on renewable energy sources, for boosting the development of hydrogen energy.

We agree to:

further the goals of sustained economic growth;

strengthen our cooperation to work for universally compatible codes, standards, and regulations;

strengthen our cooperation on research and development; and work together to foster public-private collaboration.

This effort will enable us to leverage resources; bring to bear the expertise of the public and private sector to solve the complex challenges surrounding the hydrogen economy; establish sound, universally compatible codes, standards, and regulations for hydrogen fuel utilization; and provide a strong and broad foundation for the International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy and other partnerships in support of the hydrogen economy.''

[04] Joint U.S.-EU statement on Transatlantic Aviation Negotiations

Athens, 26/06/2003 (ANA)

''We are pleased to announce our agreement to begin comprehensive air service negotiations between the European Union and the United States in early Autumn, following the early June decision of the Council of the European Union to approve a negotiating mandate for the Commission. This is an historic opportunity to build upon the framework of existing agreements with the goal of opening access to markets and maximizing benefits for consumers, airlines, and communities on both sides of the Atlantic. The European Union and the United States will work together in a spirit of cooperation to develop a mutually beneficial approach to this crucial economic sector in a globalized economy.''

[05] PM Simitis briefs Greek, foreign reporters on agenda of US.-EU summit

WASHINGTON 26/06/2003 (ANA - T. Ellis)

The prime minister said the agenda included transatlantic relations, the Middle East and the role of Hamas, the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the combatting of terrorism, the signing of two judicial agreements, the Galileo system, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Balkans, Africa, Cyprus, financial developments, steel, the agreement for the exploitation of hydrogen, Iran, North Korea, genetically modified products, ''open skies'' and the EU's new strategy and relations with NATO.

Simitis said he presented to the U.S. president the results of the recent EU summit in Halkidiki and offered Bush a copy of the European Constitution.

Referring to the weapons of mass destruction, Simitis stressed that technology henceforth allows to a few people to terrorize entire populations as had occurred in the anthrax case, and for this reason ''we are obliged to anticipate (any such moves).'' The Greek prime minister also said that he brought to the attention of Bush the Cyprus issue, stating that the negotiations have stopped and should resume on the basis of the Annan plan which however needs necessary amendments for it to be operational within the European Union.

Regarding the matter of Iran, the prime minister said that the EU has opted for a ''peaceful path'', and in this context, he said, he had a recent telephone discussion with Iranian President Hatami who assured him that Iran wished total transparency on the issue of the construction of a nuclear energy plant which has provoked strong reaction on the part of the U.S.

He added that President Bush did not refer to any use of violence against Iran during their talks.

Simitis underlined that the philosophy governing the U.S. approach to terrorism could not be adopted by Europe, but this did not mean that there would not be close cooperation to the benefit of all.

[06] EU, US officials hold open discussion ahead of annual summit

WASHINGTON DC 26/06/2003 (ANA - T. Ellis)

During an open discussion on transatlantic relations organized by the German Marshall Fund, Papandreou presented the conclusions of last week's EU summit held in Halkidiki, northern Greece, and noted Europe's desire for a relationship with the US on an equal footing, since both sides of the Atlantic, despite any difference, generally held the same goals.

''We want you to see us as equals'', Papandreou said, and the position was reiterated by Cox.

Grossman said that Washington has for decades been a staunch supporter of the EU, and also of its enlargement, and described as a ''positive development'' the recent ''strategy for the security of Europe'' presented to the EU leaders by EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, saying it indicated that the EU had the political will to confront international terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Grossman congratulated the Greek EU presidency for earnestly supporting the need for transatlantic dialogue and for advancing the discussion of the "real issues" of concern to humanity today, which he said were the problems of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. He added, however, that the pronouncements needed to be followed by actions.

Papandreou, who currently chairs the EU Council of Ministers, said that the EU did not rule out the use of violence, but maintained that such action must have authorization from the UN, and added that the European countries were determined to exhaust all diplomatic and economic means before being obliged to resort to the use of the 'extreme solution' of violence.

Grossman spoke of "necessary flexibility" in order that a multilateral approach was followed wherever possible, but added there must in tandem be preparedness for the use of violence when that was deemed necessary.

He further noted the importance of the common values that united the US and Europe.

Cox, in turn, maintained that the two sides of the Atlantic needed to cooperate more, and called on the US to accept Europe as an equal partner. He proposed close parliamentary cooperation so as to achieve common confrontation of issues arising and avoid the complicated procedures and distortions that follow the adoption of laws, which frequently lead to clashes.

Cox said that the US was the most powerful war machine the planet has ever known, adding that this was a reality that would not change, but he warned that despite its strength, the US "cannot do everything on its own".

"You are perfect in war, but when you enter a country you need others in order to preserve the domestic balance and be able to leave in a short time and efficiently," Cox said.

The four officials condemned the "extremist voices" on both sides the Atlantic. Bereuter, speaking on behalf of Congress, endorsed a more substantive EU role in the Middle East.

Noting that he came from a farming state, Bereuter also urged Europe to accept GM (genetically modified) products, while on the multilateral confrontation of crises, he said that the majority of US legislators of both parties did not see the UN as a necessary organization for the preservation of peace and security, "and this is a reality that the Europeans must realize and take into consideration".

[07] Gov't: No provision for Greek parliament ratification of EU-US judicial deal

Athens, 26/06/2003 (ANA)

Spokesman Christos Protopapas said the US-EU judicial assistance agreement referred to relations between the Union and the US, and he cited a relative statement made on the issue by Greek Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos. He said a bilateral agreement signed between Greece and the US in 1931, whereby Greece has the right to refuse the extradition of people to the US where they could face the death penalty, remained in force under the terms of the EU-US agreement.

Finally, Protopapas said that, in his opinion, the EU-US judicial assistance agreement ''was a good agreement'' and that it would not change anything with regard to Greek citizens.

At a Summit hosted on Wednesday by US President George Bush in Washington, US and European leaders will sign a number of agreements, including a number of measures relating to mutual judicial assistance between the competent authorities of the US and of the bloc's member states in the common fight against international terrorism.

[08] Turkish foreign ministry says efforts to continue for solution to Aegean issues

ISTANBUL 26/06/2003 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Hussein Dirioz, who made the remark, was evidently referring to a relevant proposal by Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul.

Dirioz maintained that accusations made by Greece of violations and harassment of civil aviation ''have nothing to do with reality.''

He further claimed that Turkish military flights take place in international airspace in the Aegean, always with IFF recognition codes activated, while to a great extent flights take place without weaponry.

[09] Greek and Croatian deputy defense ministers discuss security in Balkans

Athens, 26/06/2003 (ANA)

According to reports, the Croatian deputy defense minister praised the work of the European Union's Greek presidency.

[10] Greek and French general staff chiefs discuss European Rapid Reaction Force

Athens, 26/06/2003 (ANA)

Greece and France are participating in the first mission of the European Rapid Reaction Force, titled ''Omonoia'', in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

The French general staff chief also visited Deputy Defense Minister Loukas Apostolidis, while on Thursday he will be visiting the Special Forces Training Centre and the fleet headquarters.

[11] EU close to political decision on farm policy reform

LUXEMBOURG 26/06/2003 (ANA/M. Kourmousis)

At the opening of the session dealing with the EU's common agricultural policy (CAP) and proposed reform, Drys said that the time had come for a decision, as for the past year technical issues had been discussed and only a political decision now remained to be taken.

The minister said the aim of the group was to convey a clear message to all farmers, consumers, taxpayers and trade partners that Europe now had a new CAP which supported the European farming model.

According to sources, the concessions granted by the Commission included a drop in grain prices by 1.5-2 percent from 2.5 percent that was recommended in the executive body's last compromise proposal; the offer of an annual beef slaughtering bonus to Italy; and grant of a milk quota to Greece of 120-150 thousand tones.

[12] Gov't plans 6.5 pct pay increase to civil workers

Athens, 26/06/2003 (ANA)

The plan is expected to be presented by Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis during a meeting with civil workers' union ADEDY on Thursday.

The new payroll system plan will also envisage a gradual integration of a performance incentive to the basic salary of civil workers.

[13] Greece to host ministerial meeting on research and technology

Athens, 26/06/2003 (ANA)

The meeting, chaired by Greek Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, will include all research and technology ministers from the EU, the 10 accessing states and Balkan states, along with observers from the European Investment Bank, the Stability Pact for Southeastern Europe and UNESCO.

The ministerial meeting aims to adopt an action plan to enhance scientific and technological cooperation between the European Union and Balkan states. The action plan will set priorities in research cooperation for the next three years and examine all possible funding resources.

Mr Tsohatzopoulos will sign on Thursday, 26 June, two scientific and technological cooperation deals between the European Union, Tunisia and Morocco.

[14] ND leader Karamanlis accuses government of lack of courage on ASE issue

Athens, 26/06/2003 (ANA)

Karamanlis was referring to ruling PASOK executive bureau member Michalis Neonakis who resigned on June 18 for ''reasons of sensitivity'' following the disclosure in Parliament that he had carried out stock transactions on the Athens Stock Exchange during the 1998-2000 period.

Karamanlis added that ''the ball of irresponsibility cannot be tossed from one person to another as they are all equally responsible for the corrupt system of power.''

Speaking at a party meeting in the Athens district of Aghia Paraskevi, Karamanlis questioned whether ''the billions of drachmas transacted by government members at the stock exchange were theirs or were given to them by some people for whatever reasons.''

At the same time he criticized the government for lacking courage as it did not vote in favor of the setting up of an investigating committee to clear the matter.

The ND leader said the economic policy of modernization, and the methods planned, aimed at ''the representatives of the establishment becoming rich and putting the ordinary people on the sidelines.''

[15] Greek gov't meets resistance in plans to extend shop hours

Athens, 26/06/2003 (ANA)

The issue was discussed on Wednesday during a meeting between Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, Labor Minister Dimitris Reppas, and representatives of Greece's largest trade union umbrella GSEE, shop owners and employees.

The meeting agreed to meet again next month after examining both parties' latest proposals.

The economy ministry seeks to extend the working hours of retail shops by one afternoon per week and by two hours every Saturday, with shops closing at 20.00 from 18.00 currently.

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Mr Christodoulakis said that the plan aimed to offer more opportunities to retain businesses, to better service consumers and to increase job positions.

The Greek minister stressed that there was no plan of letting shops open on Sundays.

Labor Minister Dimitris Reppas said the government was trying to deal with a readjustment of working hours in the country, based on the European experience and stressed that any changes would refer only to tourist areas.

Trade union and employers' representatives both stressed that a current legal framework was adequate to deal with any problems and rejected the government's reform plans.

[16] Comoros authorities say 'Baltic Sky' not on ship registry

Athens, 26/06/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, the Ukrainian skipper of the Comoros-flagged "Baltic Sky" claimed he was ordered to enter Greek territorial waters by the vessel's owner in order to unload the dangerous cargo - 680 tons of explosive and 145,000 detonators - at the small harbor of Astakos, on Greece's Ionian coast, west of Athens.

Meanwhile, the merchant marine ministry announced that authorities on the Comoros islands reported that the "Baltic Sky" is not legally registered on the island republic's ship register, while its documentation is also invalid.

Finally, army units on Wednesday completed the transport of the explosives - mostly ammonium nitrate - and detonators.

[17] Greek stocks rebound strongly on Wednesday

Athens, 26/06/2003 (ANA)

The general index rose 1.34 percent to end at 1,906.51 points, with turnover an improved 192.4 million euros.

The Publication, Bank and Industrial sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (10.47 percent, 1.98 percent and 1.30 percent, respectively), while the Textile, IT Solution and Insurance sectors suffered the heaviest losses (3.06 percent, 2.33 percent and 1.42 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 1.61 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 1.14 percent higher, while the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index eased 0.24 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 161 to 152 with another 46 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 77.8 mln euros Wednesday

Equity Index Futures: