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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-10-25

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

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

October 25, 2003

CONTENTS

  • [01] IOC gives Athens 'thumbs up' for Olympics preparations
  • [02] European defense, int'l developments top agenda of Greek, French DMs meeting
  • [03] SE Europe deputy DMs discuss peace, security and cooperation in the region
  • [04] ND leader Karamanlis accuses government of 'opportunism' ahead of elections
  • [05] Greece to receive its 9th S-type frigate in March 2004
  • [06] EU calls on Ankara not to sanction customs union agreement with pseudo-state
  • [07] Loverdos represents Greece in Italian presidency's meeting
  • [08] Greek-Turkish moratorium concerned two military exercises, gov't spokesman says
  • [09] Garbage cleaning crews continue strike, gov't reacts
  • [10] Greek economic climate index up in September, IOBE report
  • [11] Greek gov’t seeks new tourism policy
  • [12] Greek closed-end investment firms' assets down in September
  • [13] Public Power Corp. stock offer oversold at home and abroad
  • [14] Privatization revenues 2.6 bln euros, Greek FinMin says
  • [15] Part-time employment in public sector to begin by early December
  • [16] Striking taxi drivers forge pact with government
  • [17] Greek stocks rebound on Friday
  • [18] "Hellenikon Park" takes center stage in mini-cabinet meeting
  • [19] Int. minister to announce additional measures for immigrants, minorities Monday
  • [20] Environment minister calls for designation of 'environmental' prosecutors
  • [21] EU social affairs commissioner provides data on cancer in EU countries
  • [22] Debate on 'the implementation of citizens' diplomacy to the Cypriot challenge'
  • [23] Vice squad breaks up ring that forced foreign women into prostitution
  • [24] N17 trial judge defends the press
  • [25] Greece road death toll drops by 24 pct
  • [26] Weston convinced that NGO observers will examine illegal elections in north
  • [27] EU Commissioner Barnier concludes working visit
  • [28] Britain supports implementation of ECHR judgment on Loizidou

  • [01] IOC gives Athens 'thumbs up' for Olympics preparations

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    The IOC on Friday again gave Athens the “thumbs up” for its intensely watched Olympics preparations, citing progress in every aspect while at the same time reiterating that deadlines are severely pressing, especially regarding a trio of significant projects.

    Top IOC inspector Denis Oswald began a press conference in the Greek capital on Friday by stressing that “things are getting serious, very close”, before saying that the Lausanne-based organization is pleased with the answers it got this week in Athens regarding a handful of concerns.

    With high-profile 2004 Organizing Committee (ATHOC) President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki at his side, Oswald stressed that “no slippage in venue deadlines” was discerned since the last IOC inspection two months ago. He also said the seven Olympic “test events” that took place in August were “successfully conducted” despite a smattering of “minor problems”, as he noted.

    “We will be ready for the Games’ historic homecoming … We have 10 months and 34 sports (test) events before us. Our goal is the gold,” Angelopoulos-Daskalaki stressed in beginning her comments at the customary press conference held after every IOC inspection.

    Completion of a state-of-the-art dome over the main Olympic stadium as well as two major transportation projects, a new tram line in southern Athens and suburban rail network further north, dominated the spotlight this week, with both the IOC and ATHOC reportedly pressing the government, which in turn offered a latest round of firm promises that everything will be ready before the Games begin on Aug. 13, 2004.

    “Time is, of course, the most important factor, especially in your last lap of competition. I think that ATHOC, the government and the IOC will have the stamina to cross the finish line successfully,” Oswald, the powerful chairman of the IOC coordination committee for 2004 Games, said

    “It was really a shock to see how much work has been done in the three or four months … the Games for us begin much, much earlier,” he added.

    Just as importantly, Oswald said Greek leadership -- including Premier Costas Simitis -- assured him that a general election next spring would in no way affect preparations for the Games.

    Besides the Greek premier, main opposition leader Costas Karamanlis also received Oswald on Thursday.

    In other statements, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said 1.7 million tickets have so far been sold, with revenue totaling 126 million euros, “we welcome this concrete expression of support from sports fans in Greece and around the globe.”

    Additionally, she said four more venues will soon be ready, namely, the Main Press Center and facilities for table tennis, gymnastics, judo and wrestling. The International Broadcast Center, a doping control laboratory, a residential zone surrounding the Olympic Village and the weightlifting hall in the Nikaia district are among the new venues recently completed.

    In reaction to the latest reports about new performance-enhancing substances that can be detected by new specialized urine tests, as well as efforts to combat the problem next year, Oswald said anti-doping measures are a top priority for the IOC while the latest state-of-the-art technology is imperative.

    On her part, the ATHOC president said Greek organizers definitely want “clean Games”.

    “We are doing whatever has been asked of us by WADA and the IOC. We want the Athens Games to shine,” she said.

    Finally, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said more than 121,000 applications by would-be volunteers have been received by ATHOC.

    IOC team completes inspection of 2004 preparations, meeting with PM Simitis: Prime minister Costas Simitis met Friday with top IOC inspector Denis Oswald, following the completion of an inspection by an IOC team in Athens on the course of preparations for the 2004 Olympic Games.

    During the meeting, which was also attended by Athens 2004 organizing committee (ATHOC) chief Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and culture minister Evangelos Venizelos, the entire spectrum of preparations was examined, while special attention was given to three high-profile projects on which deadlines are pressing: completion of a state-of-the-art dome over the main Olympic stadium (OAKA) as well as two major transportation projects, a new tram line in southern Athens and suburban rail network further north.

    Oswald, the chairman of the IOC coordination committee for the 2004 Games, was given reassurances by all the government officials and the ATHOC chief that the three projects would be ready on time, which Oswald found 'satisfactory', according to sources.

    Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Venizelos said that all problems had been eliminated, while the OAKA, tram and suburban rail network would be delivered on time.

    He said that Oswald had further been briefed by the premier on a bill slated to be tabled on November that ties up all loose ends concerning 2004 preparations, adding that immediately after national elections in May a bill would be tabled regulating the operation of the city of Athens for the duration of the Games.

    Questioned on the issue of the elections, Venizelos said that Oswald was very much aware that the national polls would not obstruct the Olympics preparations, since the government saw the Games as not only a national issue but also as a unique opportunity to display modern-day Greece to the entire world.

    "We shall not rest until the Games have ended," Venizelos said.

    [02] European defense, int'l developments top agenda of Greek, French DMs meeting

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou on Friday met with his French counterpart Michele Alliot-Marie and discussed an array of issues concerning the development of the European defense, EU-NATO relations, the European armaments organization, developments in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the cooperation of Greece and France in the defense industry sector.

    Papantoniou briefed his counterpart regarding developments in the Cyprus problem and Greek-Turkish relations, calling 2004 a critical year for Greece's national issues.

    He stressed that the resolution of the Cyprus problem on a just and viable basis is necessary, adding that this resolution should be based on the Annan plan and should be completed before Cyprus' entry into the European Union on May 1st.

    He also said that Turkey should fulfill the Helsinki criteria, concerning its European prospects, observing that the climate between Greece and Turkey may have improved, the neighboring country, however, remains yielding to its intransigent positions on the Cyprus problem and the continental shelf issue.

    ''We are looking forward to a change of Turkey's,'' he said.

    The two ministers agreed on strengthening European defense, through the immediate activation of a work-team, which was created during the informal meeting of the defense ministers in Rome, on the establishment of an operational center and on the future structure of the European rapid reaction force.

    Both ministers also supported the autonomous operational action of this European force, which will operate either in a complementary fashion to NATO or on its own, but never in competition to NATO.

    Papantoniou and Alliot-Marie also decided to propose to the military industrial complexes of their countries, as well as those of the other European states to create a common front against their competitors, including those of Southeast Asia.

    The two ministers spoke of conditions in Iraq and expressed their concern over the climate of insecurity in that country.

    Papantoniou also briefed Alliot-Marie of the decision of Greece not to send attack helicopters to Afghanistan, on NATO's request, in light of the cost of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

    ND leader meets with French defense minister in Athens: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) Costas Karamanlis on Friday met with French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie, at the French Embassy in Athens and discussed with her bilateral relations and issues of European Union interest, focusing on the European Constitution draft.

    They also discussed issues concerning European defense and security, the future of the European military forces and the prospects of a common European defense industry.

    [03] SE Europe deputy DMs discuss peace, security and cooperation in the region

    TIRANA 25/10/2003 (ANA/I. Paco)

    The deputy defense ministers of countries of southeastern Europe held talks here on Friday, focusing on peace, security and cooperation in the region, as well as on issues concerning the accession of southeastern European countries to Euro- Atlantic institutions.

    The enlargement of the SEDM Initiative with the participation of Serbia-Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina was the main issue discussed at the meeting and, according to reports, the Initiative's deputy defense ministers have a positive view on this prospect.

    The deputy ministers also expressed satisfaction for the contribution of the countries of southeastern Europe to the struggle against international terrorism.

    Greece was represented at the meeting by Deputy Defense Minister Theodoros Kotsonis.

    Kotsonis said in his address Serbia-Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina must be encouraged and supported to fulfill necessary preconditions for their accession to SEDM.

    He also requested the two countries' participation, for the time being, in the annual sessions of the Initiative member-states' defense ministers as observers.

    The minister reiterated the need for intensifying the international community's actions in the Balkans to facilitate a final solution to differences and, at the same time, for economic development which is essential for the prosperity of the peoples of the region.

    ''Our vision is the creation of a healthy and stable Balkan environment, steadfastly attached to Europe and Euro-Atlantic institutions,'' he said.

    Moreover, bilateral military cooperation between Greece and Albania was examined during a meeting between Kotsonis and Albanian Defense Minister Pandeli Majko.

    The deputy defense minister notified the Albanian minister that the agreement on the naval base at Durres will be tabled for ratification in Greece's Parliament soon, while the implementation of the agreement on the military hospital at Gjirokaster is in its final stage with the purchase of necessary medical equipment.

    [04] ND leader Karamanlis accuses government of 'opportunism' ahead of elections

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis on Friday accused the government of ''opportunism'', stating that the measures which the government was processing for special groups of the population were of an electoral character, at the same time stressing that '' many of the measures being planned should have already become a reality.''

    ''Just yesterday the government decided to deal with matters concerning special groups of the population, such as our repatriated brothers, the Moslem minority, Gypsies and the economic refugees. It is apparent that it is a move of an electoral character,'' Karamanlis said.

    The ND leader said that ''never in the past three and a half years has such a similar meeting been held, with the objective being all the matters which concern the special groups of the population. Therefore, are they or are they not within the framework of the policy of handouts and populism which have been recruited for the elections. Are they or are they not moves of party opportunism.''

    Karamanlis was speaking to representatives of social partners in the municipality of Evosmos, northern Greece.

    [05] Greece to receive its 9th S-type frigate in March 2004

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    The Greek flag was hoisted on its 9th S-type frigate which Greece acquired from The Netherlands during a special ceremony held in Den Helder on Friday.

    It concerns the ''Themistoklis'' frigate, which will sail into Salamina naval base in March 2004, once the necessary inspections are made and its crew is trained.

    The total cost of the frigate amounts to 34.5 million euros, and this includes the acquisition of two more main engines.

    Present at the ceremony were maritime and diplomatic representatives from both countries.

    [06] EU calls on Ankara not to sanction customs union agreement with pseudo-state

    NICOSIA 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    The European Union has called on Ankara not to sanction or implement the so-called agreement between Turkey and the pseudo-state in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus on customs union.

    The EU's Italian presidency considers the agreement uncompromising with EU legislation, contrary to the spirit of the Annan plan and damaging for efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue.

    Replying to a written question by Greek Eurodeputy Alekos Alavanos, Italian Foreign Minister and Council of Ministers President Franco Frattini also called on Ankara, before the European Parliament plenum, to withdraw existing so-called trade agreements with the Turkish-occupied territory in Cyprus.

    The Greek Eurodeputy termed the reply a positive but inadequate step in his address.

    Alavanos called for the EU's intervention to have the agreement ''fully annulled'' ''which constitutes a provocation for Turkey's regime, as a candidate country for accession, as well as for the EU-Turkey customs union.''

    [07] Loverdos represents Greece in Italian presidency's meeting

    TRIESTE 25/10/2003 (ANA - S. Aravopoulou)

    Deputy Foreign Minister Andreas Loverdos on Friday attended the Italian EU presidency's informal meeting on developmental cooperation of the European Union, that took place here.

    The basic issues on the agenda included the incorporation of the European Development Fund to the European budget, which will mean changes to the allocation of funds, as well as to the funding by member-states.

    Loverdos noted during the meeting that Greece would not be opposed to the plans if that would not mean decrease of spending in Africa or increase of payments to the fund by Greece.

    On the issue of cooperation for development intentionally, especially after the Cancun meetings failure to achieve results, Loverdos said that Greece is very careful due to its own agricultural issues.

    [08] Greek-Turkish moratorium concerned two military exercises, gov't spokesman says

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    The agreement for the cancellation of military exercises of Greece and Turkey Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul signed included just two major military maneuvers, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said on Friday.

    Responding to a question over a new Turkish military exercise in Cyprus despite the moratorium, Protopapas said that the ''agreement of Antalya regarded two specific exercises and from that point on we will assess Turkey's stance''.

    [09] Garbage cleaning crews continue strike, gov't reacts

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    Striking municipal workers came center stage on Friday as garbage continued to pile up in the streets, as workers blocked the entrances to landfills, prompting the government and the municipalities of Athens and Thessaloniki to call for legal and police action.

    The ministry of interior, thus, requested the intervention of the ministry of public order in reopening a main landfill near Athens, in line with Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni who submitted a law suit against any and all responsible for keeping the landfill blocked, not allowing non-striking personnel to work.

    This action at the Athens landfill opened the doors for the first 150 garbage trucks, but police will remain at the site to ensure access to the landfill.

    A main landfill near Thessaloniki has been opened forcefully, following the intervention of the city's district attorney and police officers, who used chemical agents to disperse the employees from the gate of the landfill.

    The Thessaloniki district attorney ordered the police forces to arrest if necessary anyone blocking the entrance to the landfill, opening the way for mounting piles of garbage to be collected from the city streets.

    Earlier in the day, Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis responded to the municipal workers noting the dangers to public health created by the garbage and called on cleaning crew employees to return to work.

    ''They are playing with fire and for demands that are not worth such forms of struggle,'' he said, adding that the striking employees have overstepped bounds and that they can not be above the law.

    He committed that the government will discuss with the municipal employees beginning Wednesday issues concerning special privileges regarding work conditions and pension benefits of the workers.

    ''We are at their disposal to discuss any institutional issues, not financial illogical demands,'' Skandalidis said, underlining that the newly called strike by the municipal employees is overstepping bounds.

    ''There is a court decision, one of condemnation. Since it does not only rule their strike illegal, but also notes that it is dangerous for the health of citizens and its continuation is fully unacceptable,'' he said.

    ''There are no workers, who are more equal before the law than others, the laws are the same for all citizens. Since the court ruled they are obliged to return to work, otherwise there will be legal procedures,'' Skandalidis stressed, noting that on Saturday the district attorney will seek their punishment on charges of endangering public health.

    Skandalidis circulated to mayors the court decision on the strike, which also ruled that worker unions representatives would be fined 2,000 euros each for non compliance.

    Workers responded that the court decision can not be implemented as they called for a new 24-hour strike with different demands and a separate 48-hour strike for the weekend.

    [10] Greek economic climate index up in September, IOBE report

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    Greece's economic climate index rose to 98.3 points in September from 97.8 points in July, IOBE (the Institute for Economic and Industrial Research) said on Friday.

    The rise reflected an improved climate in the construction sector and better conditions in the retail sector, while the manufacturing and services sectors showed fractional improvement, IOBE said in its report.

    The index of business expectations in the manufacturing sector rose to 102.9 points in September, it’s highest since November 2002, while in the construction sector, the business climate in Greece improved markedly in contrast with a declining sentiment in the rest of the European Union. Around 50 percent of Greek businesses expect improved activity compared with the previous quarter, while prospects for employment were significantly better.

    The business expectations' index in the retail sector rose significantly to 116.7 points, reaching the highest levels this year, while in the services sector the index soared to new 2003 highs in September reflecting renewed optimism over the prospects of the sector in the months ahead.

    [11] Greek gov’t seeks new tourism policy

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    The Greek government's aim is for a new political proposition on tourism economy to emerge in the next few years, a policy based on improving Greek tourism's competitiveness, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said on Friday.

    Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Mr Tsohatzopoulos stressed that the country should promote new tourist products to achieve an extension of the tourist season in Greece.

    A cabinet meeting, scheduled for next week, will discuss ways to promote tourism, while Greece's National Tourism Organization would remain the exclusive agent for the promotion and marketing of Greek tourism abroad, Mr Tsohatzopoulos said.

    The Greek minister reiterated that Greece aims to attract 20 million tourists in 2008 and to raise the contribution of tourism in the country's Gross Domestic Product by another three percentage points by that period.

    [12] Greek closed-end investment firms' assets down in September

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    Greece's 25 listed closed-end portfolio investment firms' net assets totalled 1.7 billion euros at the end of September, from 1.8 billion euros the previous month, official figures showed on Friday.

    A monthly report by the Union of Institutional Investors attributed the fall to an 8.63 percent drop in the general index of the Athens Stock Exchange over the same period.

    The sector showed an average return over 4.84 percent at the end of September sharply up from -24.10 percent in the same month last year.

    The average discount of the sector rose to 16.43 percent in September from 13.63 percent the previous month, while discounts varied between 5.95 percent and 29.25 percent.

    [13] Public Power Corp. stock offer oversold at home and abroad

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    An offer of stock in Public Power Corporation, a heavily traded stock on the Athens bourse, was approximately 3.5 times oversold at home and abroad, underwriters said on Friday.

    On sale to be 36.5 million quoted shares, representing 15.7 percent of existing share capital in the company.

    Completion of the latest share sale means that 49.9 percent of the electricity utility will be listed.

    [14] Privatization revenues 2.6 bln euros, Greek FinMin says

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    Privatization revenues total 2.6 billion euros so far, or 1.7 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product, Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said on Friday.

    Speaking to reporters, Mr Christodoulakis stressed that all proceeds from the sale of an 11 percent equity stake in National Banks were exclusively earmarked for reducing the public debt.

    Commenting on the management of past privatizations' revenues, the Greek minister said that in certain cases money was used to cover pension funds' deficits.

    "The state is obliged to ensure pension payment and to cover deficit in pension funds. We will never leave people with social security to face problems with their pensions," Mr Christodoulakis stressed.

    He also said that money could also be used for the development of a company and cited the example of Athens Water, a company that will use part of its privatization revenues to finance its expansion.

    Referring to the Post Savings Bank, Mr Christodoulakis said that the bank would have to reduce its equity capital. The government plans to sell a 35 percent stake in Post Savings Bank through an open tender and to pension funds, while another equity stake will be offered to the public as part of a plan for the bank to maintain its autonomous course of another five years. Mr Christodoulakis stressed that the management team would be jointly approved and noted that all workers' rights would be ensured.

    The Greek minister said there was intense interest from new investors for Public Power Corporation's latest flotation and announced that DEPA (Public Natural Gas Enterprise) was expected to begin negotiations with the Spanish company that has expressed firm interest in becoming its strategic partner.

    [15] Part-time employment in public sector to begin by early December

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    Application of the law on part-time employment on public sector social services will begin at the latest by early December, Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization minister Kostas Skandalidis announced on Friday.

    Addressing a day-seminar in Thessaloniki on the theme 'Part-time employment and social services', Skandalidis further said that public sector agencies should submit their operational plans for part-time hiring by the end of the month.

    Skandalidis assured prefects, mayors and public sector agencies' representatives taking part in the meeting that the funds for the hiring of 20,000-25,000 part-time employees had already been secured.

    He said that implementation of the law on part-time employment in the public sector was a top priority of the government.

    [16] Striking taxi drivers forge pact with government

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    Taxi owners are due to end their strike following an agreement forged with the government during talks on Friday.

    Although the SATA union made no announcement of an end to the stoppage, which was originally due at 5am on Saturday, taxis in Athens and the provinces began reappearing on the streets.

    Under the terms of the agreement made with Deputy Finance Minister Apostolos Fotiadis, taxis will carry electronic cash registers starting on January 1, 2004; and all cab drivers and owners will pay income tax under the regular system beginning on January 1, 2005.

    [17] Greek stocks rebound on Friday

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    A 2.9 percent rise in Public Power Corporation's share price helped Greek stocks to a moderate recovery in the Athens Stock Exchange on Friday, reversing a two-day sharp fall.

    Demand for PPC's shares rose significantly as the market discounted a positive outcome in a third flotation by the company.

    The general index rose 0.47 percent to end at 2,102.10 points, with turnover a moderate 98.1 million euros. The index ended the week with a net loss of 1.06 percent.

    The Holding and Industrial sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (0.74 percent and 0.72 percent, respectively), while the Investment and Bank sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (0.67 percent and 0.58 percent, respectively). The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.19 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.20 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.12 percent up.

    Broadly, decliners led advancers by 163 to 130 with another 68 issues unchanged.

    Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 59.8 mln euros Friday

    Equity Index Futures:

  • FTSE/ASE-20 (high cap): At discount

  • Underlying Index: +0.19% percent

  • FTSE/ASE-40 (medium cap): At premium

  • Underlying Index: +0.20 percent

    Stock Futures:

  • Most Active Contract (volume): Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (554)

  • Total turnover in derivatives market: 59.8 mln euros

    Bond Market Close: Buyers outpace sellers on Friday

    Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond

  • Yield: 4.38 pct

  • Spread over German bund: 12 bps

  • Most heavily traded paper: 10-yr, expiring May 2013 (805 mln euros)

  • Day's Total Market Turnover: 3.8 bln euros

    FOREIGN EXCHANGE

    Closing rates of October 24 2003

    Parities in euro

    For. Exchange Buying Selling

    US Dollar 1,187 1,160

    [18] "Hellenikon Park" takes center stage in mini-cabinet meeting

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Friday chaired a meeting for the future of the proclaimed "Hellenikon Park", a large plot of land, replacing the old airport that used to operate there before the opening of the new Athens Airport Eleftherios Venizelos.

    Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister Vasso Papandreou and National Economy Minister Nikos Christodoulakis were present for the meeting the decisions of which include an international tender for the creation of a park on 400 hectares of the old airport land, while another 100 hectares will be provided for housing developments.

    Later in the day, Press Deputy Minister Telemachos Hytiris clarified that the international tender will lead to ideas for the new park and how that will be established and build.

    As has been announced in the past, the existing infrastructures of the old airport will remain as is to be used as conference centers, as will remain some athletic installations.

    [19] Int. minister to announce additional measures for immigrants, minorities Monday

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    Interior, public administration and decentralization minister Kostas Skandalidis will announce the government's additional measures for returning Greeks following a meeting earlier in the day of the relevant inter-ministerial committee, it was made known on Friday.

    Skandalidis, speaking in Thessaloniki, said he had been authorized by prime minister Costas Simitis to call the meeting of the inter-ministerial committee, which would discuss the conclusions reached at a conference chaired by the premier on Thursday on matters concerning minorities, Greece's Roma and returning Greeks, and would decide on the additional measures that needed to be taken by the government with respect to those population groups.

    [20] Environment minister calls for designation of 'environmental' prosecutors

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    Environment, town planning and public works minister Vasso Papandreou on Friday called for the designation of a special prosecutor to manage "environmental" in every district, in a letter to justice minister Philippos Petsalnikos.

    In her letter, Papandreou said that such prosecutors would supervise the preliminary procedures of all related cases and see to their speedy execution.

    She further said it would be useful that specific time limits for the completion of relevant trials be established, as well as a limitation of the number of times such trials may be postponed and the number of acceptable reasons for such postponements.

    The issues to be included in the special prosecutors' portfolios should be unlicensed construction, outdoor advertisement and other environmental issues on which specific legislative provisions have been instituted.

    She requested of Petsalnikos that, in the event that he was in agreement with her proposal, that measures be examined that could be taken at administrative or institutional level to tackle the problem. If it was deemed necessary to introduce legislative provisions on this matter, she added, they could be included in the environment ministry's omnibus bill on construction permits which was due to be tabled soon in parliament.

    [21] EU social affairs commissioner provides data on cancer in EU countries

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    Over one and a half million cases of cancer appear in the European Union every year and almost a million people die of the disease, while in Greece more than 350,000 cases of cancer are recorded every year.

    The data was provided by Anna Diamantopoulou, European Commissioner responsible for employment and social affairs, addressing an event on ''Social Europe and Volunteerism'' organized by the board of the society ''Friends of the Macedonia-Thrace Branch of the Greek Anti-Cancer Society.''

    Diamantopoulou said the most frequent cases concern cancer of the lungs and of the chest.

    ''The former is responsible for 28 percent of all deaths from cancer among men and for 11 percent among women and the latter is increasing at an alarming rate. In Greece in particular, it is the form with the most cases (6,000 every year) and with the highest death rate (5,400).''

    As regards smoking and its share of responsibility in cases, Diamantopoulou said in the framework of her duties for the health and safety of working people she is in a process of discussions on its possible banning in workplaces.

    Speaking on cancer of the breast, she said that at present one in 10 European women is in danger of getting cancer of the breast, which is responsible for 20 percent of all cancer deaths, while every year cancer of the breast is diagnosed in about 200,000 women in the EU (in Greece 4,350) and in most countries this figure is increasing.

    The European Commission is keeping the issue of preventing and curing cancer among its priorities with huge investments as part of various public health programs.

    [22] Debate on 'the implementation of citizens' diplomacy to the Cypriot challenge'

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    ''The implementation of citizens' diplomacy to the Cypriot challenge'' was the theme of a debate held in Athens on Friday, within the framework of the sessions of the international conference on ''Human Safety, the UN, the Olympic Truce and the Society of Citizens''.

    The debate was organized by the ''The Movement for Peace, Human Rights, Communication and Development (KEADEA) in cooperation with the International Peace Bureau (IPB).

    The rapporteurs referred to the possibilities for the development of Citizens' Diplomacy as a lever to exert pressure on governments and the prospects of the activation of societies.

    Athens News Agency (ANA) General Director Andreas Christodoulides referred to ''the political, and not only the philanthropic role of non-governmental organizations'' but also to social action, which in Cyprus ''has currently slipped the boundaries of certain elitist groups and has passed to the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot society,'' resulting in the ever increasing exertion of pressure in the direction of finding a viable solution to the political problem of Cyprus.

    Referring to the progress which has been achieved regarding the manner with which the Cyprus issue has been handled by the interested parties, Christodoulides said:''the gaps which existed in the Zurich agreement led to the guns in 1974. The same threat reappeared in 1977, when again the eventuality appeared for an inconclusive solution. However, I have the feeling that if we finally reach an agreement which in the course of time proves inadequate, the guns no longer exist as an option.''

    [23] Vice squad breaks up ring that forced foreign women into prostitution

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    Three persons were arrested and one was wanted by police after the Athens security police's vice squad broke up an organized ring that smuggled young women from Russia and Romania into the country, held them against their will and forced them into prostitution.

    The arrests came after a complaint was lodged with the police by a young Romanian woman.

    The ring had its headquarters on the holiday island of Kos, and the mastermind of the operation was said to be 49-year-old bar owner Grigoris Serafis, aided by his Ukrainian wife Vera and their 25-year-old twin sons Constantine and Stergios. The couple and son Constantine have been arrested, while the other son, Stergios, was wanted.

    Police files were drawn up on Stergios, two employees of the bar, a Romanian national identified as Ionel Victorianu, and two Greeks known only as 'Elias' and 'Costas'.

    Police said that Victorianu, 'Elias' and 'Costas' would seek out young girls in Romania and Russia with serious financial problems and bring them to Greece on the promise of finding honest, high-paying jobs for them.

    Once in Greece, they would sell the girls for 4,000 euro each to Grigoris Serafis, who with the rest of his family and the bar employees held them captive in a house on Kos and forced them to serve as waitresses at the bar and prostitute for bar customers, and kept the largest part of the girls' "earnings" for themselves.

    A team of Athens vice squad officers that went to Kos found and freed four Russian women and a Romanian women.

    The arrestees were taken before a Kos prosecutor.

    [24] N17 trial judge defends the press

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    "I take the responsibility of all that I say. Leave the press alone to do its work," Judge Margaritis said, in response to statements one of the defense lawyers in the November 17 trial, who defended the judge in the face of recent criticism.

    "The press is the 'guard dog' of democracy and if a see a nip, it doesn't bother me. I said something. I undertake the responsibility of my words. The judge will do his work, as will do the press".

    [25] Greece road death toll drops by 24 pct

    Athens, 25/10/2003 (ANA)

    Greece's road death toll has dropped by 24 percent since 2000 due to a policy introduced a year earlier, Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis said on Friday.

    The road safety policy adopted in June 2001 aimed to reduce deaths by 20 percent by 2005, Verelis told an informal meeting of EU transport ministers in Verona.

    The 24 percent decline in deaths on the road represents 500 fewer lost lives per year, the minister added.

    [26] Weston convinced that NGO observers will examine illegal elections in north

    NICOSIA 25/10/2003 (CNA/ANA)

    US State Department Special Coordinator on Cyprus Thomas Weston stated on Friday that he is confident that European non-governmental organizations (NGO) will be monitoring the so-called elections scheduled for December 14 in the Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus.

    ''I am convinced that there will be some NGO's who will be examining, studying the 'elections' in the north," Weston said.

    Weston who wrapped up his official contacts on the island on Friday, told a press conference that he does not expect the restart of the UN-led negotiations before the so called elections in the occupied areas.

    The US envoy referred to his contacts in Ankara, Athens and Cyprus with a view to resume the UN-led talks for the solution of the Cyprus question, pointing out that in all three places, ''there is an understanding on the necessity to solve the Cyprus problem and a wish to do so."

    However, he noted ''the problem is that there remain very significant, very large differences of views on how best to do that."

    Weston reiterated that ''the US remains very committed and willing to devote the attention and the resources necessary to achieve a settlement on the island of Cyprus."

    Regarding his meetings on both sides of the divide, Weston said that he had talks with the Greek Cypriot leadership ''about the continued common view that is important to get back to negotiations very rapidly'."

    Referring to his contacts with the Turkish Cypriot political leadership, Weston assessed that the "attention is now focused on the 'elections'."

    Replying to a question whether he has received assurances from Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash's aide Ergun Olgun that Denktash would return to the negotiating table, Weston said ''no one has given me such an indication."

    Asked whether he would have a new agenda after the December 'elections' in the occupied areas, Weston replied negatively, adding ''our view is that the only chance for a solution lies in the UN process."

    Replying to question whether the two sides could discuss a Cyprus settlement based on a plan other the Annan plan, Weston said ''its very hard to conceive of another plan leading to a solution with a view of success."

    Invited to comment on the fact that he did not meet with Denktash, Weston said that he is sorry that he didn't meet him, because he always enjoys meeting him.

    ''When I requested a meeting the answer was that he needed a rest, so I take that he needed to rest," Weston added, noting that he has no hard feelings.

    Asked if UN Secretary General Kofi Annan would change his demands so that he would continue to offer his good offices mission to Cyprus, Weston said that Annan has taken a ''a very strong position'' in his report to the Security Council which has been unanimously endorsed by 15 member countries including the US.

    ''It is very explicit," he said, that what is required by Annan is "the necessary demonstration of political will for the recommencement of the good offices mission, an agreement from the Turkish Cypriot negotiator, from the Greek Cypriot negotiator as well from a high political level of Greece and Turkey to finalization of the Annan plan by a date certain and agreement to putting that finalized plan to simultaneous referenda shortly thereafter."

    Invited to say if he is confident that the ''elections'' in the occupied areas would be democratic, Weston said that the Turkish Cypriots should have the ability to express their will "freely and fairly."

    However, he added that ''there have been concerns raised about certain practices going on. We hope that there is nothing going on which will be undemocratic in terms of those 'elections'."

    ''Am I confident that they will be free and fair? I can answer that until we see how the process goes," he added.

    To a question whether changes can be made to provisions in the Annan plan, Weston said these would require mutual agreement during negotiations.

    [27] EU Commissioner Barnier concludes working visit

    NICOSIA 25/10/2003 (CNA/ANA)

    EU Commissioner for Regional Policy and Institutional Reform, Michel Barnier, on the island for a two-day working visit, met here on Friday with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, House President Demetris Christofias and Foreign Minister George Iacovou.

    In statements after meeting Iacovou, Barnier said during his meeting with President Papadopoulos they discussed the possibilities of finding a political solution to the Cyprus problem, ''so that the whole island we hope could join the EU as of May 1st 2004 and enjoy as a whole the benefits and support of EU policies.''

    No statements were made after the meeting with House President Demetris Christofias. CNA has learned that Barnier told the House President that the message of his visit here is that Cyprus' accession to the EU will be for the benefit of both the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots.

    On Thursday, Barnier met in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus with representatives of Turkish Cypriot political parties, whom he explained the benefits of a political solution and stressed that if the island as a whole can join the EU, then an extra amount of 240 million Euros will be available to Cyprus via the structural funds.

    ''In addition to the 101 million euros already made available, an extra amount of 240 million euros, 206 of which will be spent for economic development in the northern part of the Republic, will be available if the island joins the EU as a whole,'' Barnier said, speaking through an interpreter.

    Iacovou told the press that during the meeting they mainly focused on the Intergovernmental Conference for a new European constitution as well as on the possibilities for a solution of the Cyprus problem and how EU mechanisms can work prior and after a solution.

    The EU Commissioner noted that unless the EU makes the fundamental institutional reforms, the decision-making process would be very difficult in the enlarged Union of 25.

    Barnier expressed hope that the current Italian presidency will come forward with some constructive proposals so that a successful conclusion could be reached by the end of the year.

    [28] Britain supports implementation of ECHR judgment on Loizidou

    LONDON 25/10/2003 (CNA/ANA)

    British Minister for Europe Denis MacShane said his government supports the implementation of the relevant judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the efforts currently underway in Strasbourg to achieve this.

    Asked by Labor MP Andrew Dismore if Britain will make a statement about the current position in the case of Greek Cypriot Titina Loizidou at the ECHR, MacShane said an ''outcome which would satisfy the Committee of Ministers that the judgments of the Court had been properly respected is within our grasp.''

    ''We urge all concerned to spare no effort to achieve this within the next few days for the good of the plaintiff, of Turkey's good name in the Council of Europe, of Cyprus and of the region as a whole,'' MacShane said.

    ''Such an outcome,'' he added would be fully in the spirit of the proposals for a comprehensive settlement put forward by the UN Secretary-General.''

    Agreement on the basis of the Annan Plan, MacShane said, ''would provide for the shortest route to compensation for Greek and Turkish Cypriots who, like Mrs. Loizidou, have been deprived of the use of their property and other rights.''

    The European Court ordered Turkey in 1998 to pay some 900,000 dollars in compensation to Greek Cypriot Loizidou for loss of use of her property, occupied by Turkish troops since 1974, and told Ankara to allow Greek Cypriot Loizidou access to her property for peaceful enjoyment.

    Turkey has said it is ready to pay the money to Loizidou but it is not willing to allow Loizidou access to her property, an obligation Turkey has to meet as part of the ruling.


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