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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-11-07Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>November 7, 2003CONTENTS
[01] Finmin backs sale of non-sporting Olympics works after the gamesAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)National economy and finance minister Nikos Christodoulakis on Thursday called for full privatization of the non-sport infrastructures constructed for the 2004 Athens Olympics after the Games.Addressing a conference on ''The Greek Economy after the Olympic Games of 2004'', Christodoulakis explained that the cost of maintenance of many of the infrastructure projects would be immense and put a severe strain on State budget, and consequently the option of their full privatization should be examined as a solution. Christodoulakis was also categorical that the high growth rates would be continued after the 2004 Games. He said that the main benefits for the Greek economy would start becoming apparent after the Games, and would concern the attraction of foreign investments and a rise in tourism, while financing of more infrastructure projects would continue, thus accelerating the growth rates. The overall cost of construction of Olympics installations and other infrastructures over the two-year period 2003-2004 was estimated to reach 6.5 billion euro and would be covered by the State budget and the Athens 2004 budget, he continued. Speaking after Christodoulakis, main opposition New Democracy (ND) MP George Alogoskoufis sharply criticized the government's economic policy as having huge weaknesses, of not ensuring either growth or employment, or social cohesion, but of undermining the future. The State is not in a position to carry out even its most elementary functions, Alogoskoufis said. He further said that the present rate of growth could not be maintained, since conditions of endogenous development involving many sectors of the Greek economy had not been created. Alogoskoufis warned of a prospective slump in the Greek economy in the post-Olympics period. [02] Fight against poverty connected with efforts for democracy, FM saysAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Thursday said that the fight against poverty is fully connected with the effort to secure democracy and development, while he spoke of threats existing within the new international reality.Speaking at a conference organized by the International Herald Tribune on the course of the Greek economy following the 2004 Games, Papandreou spoke of the asymmetrical development of some countries, illegal immigration, and intensification of economic problems, fundamentalism, and deficits in the democratic process and security problems. He, however, referred to the opportunities for peace, stability, economic and social progress in the era of globalization, stressing that often the deeper reasons of the threats are poverty, social disenfranchising and oppression. ''The opportunities and threats co-exist in our geographic region, which is a miniature of the international environment, in which Greece has a significant strategic position. These are the sub-regions of Southeastern Europe, of the Black Sea, the Middle East and the Mediterranean,'' Papandreou said. He added that regional stability is in concert with the Greek political and economic interests and has been promoted as a central aim of the Greek foreign policy. ''It is not accidental that we host in Thessaloniki the headquarters of the European Organization for the Reconstruction of the Balkans and that of the Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact for the Balkans,'' he said, also noting Greece's participation in the EU Economic and Monetary Union, making Greece a credible party in discussions of developments in the region. Papandreou also spoke in detail of Greece's participation in the Initiative of the Adriatic and the Ionian, which aims mainly at combatting organized crime. He also mentioned, what he called, a newer means of exercising foreign policy, the provision of humanitarian and developmental aid, which is not limited to a bilateral operation between states, but also entangles societal agencies and non-governmental organizations. Regional security and stability, he said, does not only have positive effects on the upgrade of Greece's international credibility and role, but also offers services in the formulation of a more positive investment and developmental framework, which will maintain the high rates of development of the Greek economy after the Olympic Games of 2004. [03] Foreign ministry spokesman says no new contacts on Aegean air corridor issueAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis, referring on Thursday to the issue of air corridors in the Aegean, said there have been no new contacts, but added that ''we are open to the resumption of bilateral negotiating between Greece and Turkey for the signing of the Letter of Agreement, namely the technical agreement on arrangements on the issue of cooperation between the FIR of Athens and Constantinople (Istanbul).''Beglitis expressed the hope that a new meeting will be held in Paris in November, with the contribution of ICAO and its president, to enable us to complete this bilateral technical agreement which is necessary for the operational functioning of the new air corridors. Replying to a questioner whether the air corridor issue and the agreement with ICAO are included in Greek-Turkish dialogue issues, the spokesman gave a negative answer and explained that it is a regional agreement which includes more countries and international organizations and, consequently, it is an issue which is not linked to bilateral Greek-Turkish relations. He added that in order to become operational the regional agreement must be accompanied by bilateral agreements between the participating countries. [04] Karamanlis promises no changes in 2004 preparations following electionsAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis on Thursday called the upcoming 2004 Olympic Games a “major challenge” for the country, while offering his personal assurance that absolutely nothing will change in terms of preparations following general elections should his party win.General elections in Greece are scheduled for the Spring of 2004. Speaking at a conference organized by the International Herald Tribune on the course of the Greek economy following the 2004 Games, Karamanlis also called the Olympic Games a “crucial point” in the course of the Greek economy, whose roughly 4-percent growth rate in a recession-plagued EU is among the highest. Karamanlis said current GDP growth in Greece emanates from high consumer spending, Olympics-related projects and what he called “unprecedented” financial assistance from the European Union’s structural support funds. “Unfortunately, the up till now delays, an explosion in costs and the lack of any strategic planning will be sorely paid in the pre-Olympic and post-Olympic periods,” he warned. Moreover, Karamanlis stressed that the 2004 Olympics must be utilized as a catalyst to jumpstart the prominent but stagnant Greek tourism sector, citing the goals of lengthening the tourism season, quality control, new marketing strategies, linking tourism with culture, improving infrastructure and dynamically promoting alternative forms of tourism, such as agro-tourism and winter sports and destinations in the predominately mountainous eastern Mediterranean country. [05] Main opposition outlines election policy platformAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Main opposition New Democracy will seek to modernize public administration, curb corruption, and tackle fiscal revitalization through restraint in state spending and redesign of the public investments program, the party's leader, Costas Karamanlis, said on Thursday.''We would proceed with deregulation to attract new investment initiatives and the adoption of structural initiatives. We are preparing a radically different tax regime characterized by simplicity, stability, constancy, codification, lower tax brackets, powerful investment incentives, and electronic cross-checking to quash tax evasion,'' Karamanlis said. ''In our first six months in office, we would set in motion an integrated action plan against corruption,'' he told a conference on the Greek economy after the Athens 2004 Olympics arranged in Athens by the International Herald Tribune newspaper. General elections are due in April 2004, with the Olympics following in August of the same year. Karamanlis also said that the government's financial crimes squad would be abolished in its present form. [06] Opinion poll narrows gap between ND and PASOK ahead of next year's electionsAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)The gap between the main opposition New Democracy party and ruling PASOK narrowed by 0.3 percent compared to last September and by 2.2 percent compared to last June, according to the latest opinion poll prepared by the Metron Analysis company and presented on Thursday night by the Antenna television channel.With general elections normally expected in April, the opinion poll gives ND 38.5 percent of the vote, PASOK 31.7, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) 5.8, the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology 3.6, the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) 2.7 and the Democratic Social Movement (DHKKI) 1.9, while the undecided vote amounts to 15.8. On the question of which party will win the next elections, 55.5 percent of respondents said ND will win and 25.7 PASOK. As regards who is most suitable for Prime Minister, Prime Minister and PASOK leader Costas Simitis leads with 38.1 percent as against 36 for ND leader Costas Karamanlis. The ongoing dispute between Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos and Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos has harmed both, according to the opinion poll, since their popularity has decreased by over 10 percentage points since last June. Regarding the question who is in the right, Christodoulos received 27.7 percent and Vartholomeos 17.5, 6.8 of respondents said both and 14.4 neither of them, while 33.6 have no opinion. [07] Floridis reiterates Athens' confidence over 2004 security planningAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Public Order Minister George Floridis emphasized on Thursday that closely watch security planning for next year’s 2004 Athens Olympics includes the concept of focusing on the factor of international instability rather than the internal situation, reiterating that Greece is among the most stable and safest countries in the world.Floridis’ comments come during a week that witnesses the mostly inconspicuous official visit here of FBI Director Robert Mueller amid press reports that security for the 2004 Games will dominate his talks with the Greek side. Mueller will be in Athens on Thursday and Friday. The public order minister’s comments to the ANA follow in the wake of a veritable barrage of international press coverage on Olympic security, a sector being overseen by the government and not Athens organizers (ATHOC). “Our approach, methodology and actions are designed on the notion that the multitude of people that will arrive in our country from every corner of the world must be certain they are going to a celebration whose essence will not be ruined by a foreseen or unforeseen event,” Floridis said. He added that the recent eradication of the domestic urban terrorist group “November 17” and “ELA” will undoubtedly improve internal security conditions for the Games. Floridis, who previously served in a handful of other ministerial posts, isn’t just for Greece to be secure during the Games but to remain secure in the long run. “I consider it utopist for us to believe that we can deal with security issues in a globalized environment alone,” he said. Asked about the level of spending for Games security, Floridis said it will reach the 650-million-euro mark, an unprecedented figure by past Olympic standards. [08] Justice and labor ministers present bill against racismAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos and Labor Minister Dimitris Reppas presented a bill against racism on Thursday, titled ''implementation of equal treatment regardless of racial or national origin, religion or other convictions, disability, age or sexual orientation.''The bill covers both the public and private sectors, while offenders are subject to penal and administrative sanctions. Petsalnikos said the ''equal treatment of all persons and their protection from illicit discriminations constitutes a fundamental right and achievement of our modern legal culture.'' The selection of categories of illicit discriminations was based on the European Union directives 2000/43 and 2000/78 and Greek legislation is being adjusted to comply with them. [09] Holy Synod decides to send list of candidates to Ecumenical PatriarchateAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Greece's Holy Synod on Thursday concluded an extraordinary three-day session by approving a measure to send a list of candidates for the election of bishops in northern Greece to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which will be able to add names.The agenda included four main issues: the continuation of the dialogue with the Ecumenical Patriarchate; a commitment that the Patriarch's name will be noted in the bishoprics of northern Greece; recognition of the Patriarchate's spiritual jurisdiction over the bishoprics of northern Greece and the possibility of sending a list of candidates for vacant seats in northern Greece. The Holy Synod, which includes all 75 bishops of the Church of Greece, voted on two motions, approving both, namely: - ''The Church of Greece respects, recognizes and adheres to the status quo of the 1928 (canonical) Act, which is in force to this day, with full respect to the articles of the Charter'' - ''The list of eligible candidates will be sent to the Ecumenical Patriarchate so that it can exercise its rights concerning the list, which are to recommend the inclusion of candidates, only in cases of the holy bishoprics of the 'new territories' (i.e. northern Greece and the eastern Aegean), abiding by the mandates of Articles 17 to 22 of the Charter''. It should be noted that articles 17 to 22 allow the Ecumenical Patriarch to both add and delete names from the list of candidates submitted by the Church of Greece. Part of the conflict is the demand of the Church of Greece to approve the final list when that returns from the Patriarchate and before the vote. According to a press release, 63 out of 75 bishops were present, of whom 51 voted for the first motion and 10 against, while 50 approved the second motion and 12 voted against. Three absent bishops authorized Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos to act on their behalf, while another nine departed before the vote in protest. Two of those nine are bishops that hold seats in the so-called ''New Territories''. The Metropolitans of Gortinia, Maronia and Neapoli provided authorization to the Archbishop, while the Metropolitans of Thebes, Nikopolis, Ioannina, Megara, Peristeri, Zakynthos, Igoumenitsa, Philippi and Lesvos departed before the vote. Following the vote, Holy Synod spokesman Efstathios, the Metropolitan of Sparta, stressed that the leadership of the powerful Church of Greece has taken a responsible stance toward the ecclesiastical issue that arose unexpectedly over the summer in the wake of the Thessaloniki Metropolitan's death. He added that the majority Holy Synod decision aims to resolve the dispute with the Patriarchate with respect to the legal and operational status of the ''New Territories''. He also expressed his optimism over a resolution of the crisis, while responding to a question concerning the Patriarchate's reaction, saying the Archbishop has the right to again convene either the standing Holy Synod or a plenum of the Greek Church's leadership. As for the election for the seat of the vacant Thessaloniki bishopric, he said ''we have time, we are not rushing''. [10] Foreign ministry spokesman comments on European Commission EU candidate reportAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis, referring on Thursday to the European Commission's report on candidate countries and Turkey, said the course of all candidate countries, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey, as well as of all 10 countries having already signed the accession treaty and soon becoming, on May 1 2004, formal members of the EU, is depicted in the most explicit and objective way.Referring to Turkey, the spokesman said the Commission’s report depicts the state of Euro-Turkish relations at the present stage, depicts and expresses in an objective and explicit way the considerable progress achieved by the candidate country Turkey and, at the same time, the considerable shortcomings in the sector of implementing these reforms. Beglitis said we always remain steadfast in supporting Turkey's European prospect. He added that at a bilateral level we shall continue cooperation on issues concerning the provision of EU know-how for the implementation of the acquis communautaire and we hope Turkey will continue and will intensify its effort to complete reform work and the materialization of legislative reforms. On the question of Cyprus, the spokesman said the European Commission's report confirms the EU's policy on a solution to the political problem based on the Annan plan and underlines the policy of Turkey and the Turkish Cypriots in the non solution of the political problem to date. Beglitis further said that for the first time a European Commission document, an assessment report document, stresses in the most explicit way the linking of the European ambitions and the European course of Turkey with a solution to the political problem of Cyprus. Referring to the same issue, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said the indication by the European Commission that a solution to the Cyprus issue will facilitate the Euro-Turkish course is a ''resounding bell for Turkey.'' ''The government of Cyprus expressed its satisfaction over this indication and I shall do the same,'' Protopapas said and underlined the value of the message directed to Ankara. [11] Greek Parliament ratifies protocol admitting new states into NATOAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)The Greek Parliament on Thursday passed a foreign ministry bill ratifying protocols for a NATO Treaty admitting new member-states Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia into the Alliance.Present during the discussion and vote on the bill was visiting Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov. MPs later voted on and passed a foreign ministry bill on "The organization of foreign ministry services for international financial relations and developmental cooperation and other articles". [12] Bulgarian president meets Parliament speaker in AthensAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Visiting Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov on Thursday paid a visit to Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis, who congratulated him on Bulgaria's entry into NATO and expressed hope that it would succeed in joining the European Union in 2007.Kaklamanis also asked for Bulgaria's active participation in the next stages of an initiative to promote inter-Balkan cooperation, which would evolve into an Organization for Regional Coope-ration in Southeast Europe. Parvanov asked for the assistance of the Greek Parliament in harmonizing Bulgarian legislation with that of the Community and said that Bulgaria understood and contributed to the idea of a common European defense, not as an alternative to NATO but as a possibility and prospect for Europe to solve its problems on its own. Bulgarian president meets Athens mayor, Greek Church prelate: Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni on Thursday met with Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov, who is in Greece on an official visit, and presented him with the Gold Medal of Value of the City of Athens. Bakoyianni spoke of the strong bonds connecting the two countries, saying ''our history calls us, at the dawn of the new millennium, to state in every way possible our decision to be taught by history, to promote all those many things that unite us and to write together new pages of history concerning development, co-existence, democracy and prosperity both in the Balkans and Europe''. Parvanov also met with Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, who expressed his joy over Parvanov's visit which, as he said, contributes to the further tightening of the Greek and Bulgarian peoples' relations. Christodoulos also spoke of the close ties between the Greek and Bulgarian Orthodox Churches, as well as of the necessity for the laying of solid foundations in relations between the two nations on the basis of love, justice, truth and freedom. On his part, Parvanov said that the two peoples owe their existence to their churches, underlining the great contribution Orthodoxy can make to the eradication of many and difficult problems society is confronting in the modern era. Parvanov addresses University of Athens: Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov on Thursday addressed the University of Athens, in an open event, on the ''Present and Future of Southeastern Europe'', stressing that the future course of the Balkans in the foreseeable future is great and focuses on their ''Europeanization''. He added that this ''Europeanization'' has the basic precondition of a one-way course to political development and the common aims and values of all Balkan countries, adding that historical and other problems that were inherited or appear in the Balkans can be resolved within the wide framework of the European and Atlantic integration. ''In the case of Southeastern Europe the experience of Greece as a member of the European Union and of those countries in the region that are a step ahead in the process of integration, can be especially useful for the rest of the countries in their course toward the European Union,'' Parvanov said. He also spoke of the dangers and risks for the Balkans, threats such as terrorism, poverty and unemployment, but spoke of a good future for the region, which as he said demands a more complex approach and prioritizing of issues for resolution in the long term. [13] Foreign Ministry hails peace initiatives in Middle EastAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)The foreign ministry, in statements by its spokesman Panos Beglitis on Thursday, hailed initiatives being developed by important political personalities which express the feeling of the societies and peoples of Israel and Palestine for peace in the region.Beglitis referred to the recent meeting in Geneva in which important personalities from both sides participated and spoke of a ''meeting of hope.'' The spokesman said such initiatives must be encouraged and hailed, adding that it is a meeting providing an exit to the deadlock of the Middle East and of the peace process and its results are absolutely compatible with the policy of the international community and the road map and that they are results creating a new dynamic for peace in the region. [14] KYSEA meeting approves proposals for reorganizing armed forcesAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)The Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) on Thursday unanimously approved proposals presented by Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou for reorganizing the structure of the armed forces.According to sources, Prime Minister Costas Simitis stressed the need for the changes so that the Greek military was able to carry out its mission in the new geopolitical environment. Foreign Minister George Papandreou, meanwhile, noted that military might was essential in the exercise of Greek diplomacy. The meeting also decided that Gen. Georgios Antonakopoulos would stay on for another year as the chief of the Greek Armed Forces General Staff. Papantoniou said the changes would include a redeployment of troops toward Evros and the Aegean, since the threat from the east continued to exist, and a move toward more flexible forces and fewer personnel. He said the 1st Army will be abolished, the 3rd Army Corps converted to an allied command and the 1st Army Corps to an enlisted men's corps, while eight divisions, nine brigades and four regiments in the Special Forces will be abolished, leading to the loss of three positions for lieutenant generals, eight major-generals and 25 brigadiers. The 2nd Army Corps will continue to be the main defense force in the event of hostilities of any kind, Papantoniou said. The changes also foresee a reduction in personnel by 26,5 thousand men and the gradual withdrawal of old weapons systems, making the Greek armed forces more efficient and less costly. The defense ministry's aim is to reduce defense spending to 3 per cent of GDP from 2008 through a drastic reduction in operating costs and contained spending for procurements with the purchase of ''smart'' weapons, he said. According to Papantoniou, the changes were prompted by the disappearance of the threat from the north coupled with continued problems from Turkey to the east, where despite a general improvement in the climate Ankara continued to display an intransigent stance over both the Cyprus issue and its illegal claims in the Aegean. They also sought to ensure the credibility of the Joint Defense Doctrine with Cyprus and to cope with asymmetric threats arising from instability on Greece's northern borders, international terrorism and organized crime and, finally, enable Greek to take part in international peacekeeping missions, he said. [15] Top FBI delegation in Athens this weekAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)A high-ranking FBI delegation led by its director Robert Mueller is set to arrive here on Thursday for two days of talks with Greek officials, especially over closely watched security preparations for the 2004 Olympic Games.Besides 2004 security, common efforts to fight organized crime, terrorism, drug smuggling and illegal immigration are also on the agenda. On the sidelines of the talks with the public order ministry’s leadership and top police officials, the FBI director will bestow awards on Greek police chief Fotis Nassiakos, the head of the anti-terrorism squad, Stelios Syros, and special prosecutor Ioannis Diotis for their efforts to fight terrorism, particularly the break-up of the notorious 'November 17' terror band. According to reports, former public order minister and current PASOK secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis will also be honored by the visiting FBI delegation. No itinerary has been announced, however, as draconian security measures are in force for the delegation’s visit here. [16] Athens Olympics key opportunity for investment, growthAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)EU Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou said on Thursday that the Athens 2004 Olympics presented a key opportunity for growth and investment.''Firms have a responsibility to seize this chance, to be innovative, to invest and to create infrastructure and systems for a Greece that has the whole world as its horizon,'' Diamantopoulou told a conference on the Greek economy after the Olympics arranged by the International Herald Tribune. Hosting the event would benefit areas including employment and tourism, as well as Greece's image abroad, she said. ''Accelerating the (Olympic) projects entails cost, but we can amortize the cost,'' the commissioner added. [17] Greek businesses pessimistic over economic prospects after 2004Athens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Greek businesses are pessimistic over the prospects of the Greek economy after the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, a Kappa-Research survey said on Thursday.The survey, presented during a conference organized by International Herald Tribune on the Greek economy after the Games, was based on a poll of 638 businessmen and executives. The poll showed that 25.9 percent of respondents believed that the economy would face a crisis after the Games, while a 25.1 percent believed that there would be no significant changes from the past. An equal share (25.1 percent) believed that economic conditions would worsen, while a 21.5 percent of respondents said conditions would be better after 2004. Tourism (74.7 percent), services (28.7 percent) and commerce (25.1 percent) were presenting the greatest growth prospects after the Olympic Games, followed by constructions, shipping, financial services and transport. A 62.3 percent of businessmen said economic policy in the last few years was heading in the wrong direction and should change, while a 37.3 percent said the current economic policy should be maintained. A 68.5 percent of respondents said that the country's position in Europe and the world would improve after the Games, while 20.6 percent said its position would remain unchanged and 6.9 percent would worsen. A 40.3 percent of Greek businessmen and executives said that Greece would have cover its distance from other developed European Union countries after the Games, while a 21.4 percent said that Greece would be a weakened country, unable to follow developments in other European countries. Another 43.3 percent of businessmen said there was not significant change in their companies over the last four years because of preparations for the Olympic Games, a 22.3 percent said things worsened and a 32 percent said their results were better. A 66.3 percent of respondents said job positions would remain unchanged after the Games, a 19 percent said that job positions would increase and a 12.2 percent said job positions would decline. The survey was conducted around the country during the October 30-November 4 period. [18] Greece, Bulgaria want to update technical study for oil pipelineAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Greece and Bulgaria agreed on Thursday that a plan to build a pipeline from Burgas to Alexandroupolis carrying Russian oil needed accelerating through an update to its technical study and consultations with companies involved in the construction consortium.Following talks in Athens, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Bulgarian Regional Development and Public Works Minister B. Tserovski told a news conference that progress in implementing the project would be discernible within two years. [19] Themeliodomi signs 33.8-mln-euro contract with KEDAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Themeliodomi Group SA and Ktistor ATE - a member of the group - on Thursday announced the signing of a contract worth 33.8 million euros with KED, the State Real Estate Agency, for the construction of an office building of a building area of 30,000 square meters.The building will be used to house the services of the Crime Labs Department of the Greek Police. The building is expected to be delivered in two years from now. [20] Athens' Mass Transport System to be fully automated by 2007Athens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Athens' Mass Transport System on Thursday announced plan, worth 20 million euros, for the supply and installation of a specialized software and other communications equipment to create a telemetric system linking the network's 1,350 buses, with the network's bus-stops and surveillance centers around the city by 2007.The plan was officially included in a Business Program for Information Society, sponsored by the government. The project will begin on April 30, 2004 and will be completed on April 30, 2007. A staff training program will end on April 30, 2006. [21] Greek car sales jump 52 percent in OctoberAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Greek car sales jumped 52 percent in October from the previous month funning hopes of a recovery in the domestic market after several months of declines, official figures showed on Thursday.A monthly report by the Union of Car Importers-Dealers said that domestic sales soared to 23,499 units in October, up 11.6 percent compared with the same month in 2002. Despite the spectacular increase October was not the most productive month of the year. Car sales were up 5.7 percent in the first 10 months of 2003. Japanese and South Korean models continued the fight for supremacy in the Greek market, with Toyota remaining at the top with sales of 2,510 units (up 19.8 percent from last year), followed by Hyundai with 1,780 sales (up 26 percent), and Opel with 1,689 sales (up 22.9 percent). The report said that government measures to reduce duties on new car registrations were finally bearing fruit and stressed that the next two months of the year would be crucial for the market. Meanwhile, the 5th International Car Show will open its gates to the public Saturday, 8 November, until Sunday, 16 November. This year's show will be held at the facilities of the former east airport Hellinikon and will cover an area of 40,000 square meters, the largest commercial and exhibition event in Greece. [22] EFG Eurobank Ergasias Group posts Q3 earnings riseAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)EFG Eurobank Ergasias, which is quoted on the Athens bourse, on Thursday reported that consolidated third-quarter earnings before tax and after minorities rose by 26.0 percent to 271 million euros from the same period a year ago.Net earnings after tax and minorities increased by 23.5 percent to 194 million euros against the third quarter of 2002, the private bank said in a statement. [23] NovaBank to finance Attica natgas consumers with loansAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)NovaBank SA has forged an agreement with EKO Natural Gas to provide loans to consumers who wish to switch to natural gas in southern and western Attica, the private bank's managing director, George Tanaskidis, told a news conference on Thursday.The bank is offering loans starting from 1,000 euros for the purchase of meters and other equipment, building works and labor costs. The ceiling for the loans, which are repayable over 12 to 36 months at 6.22 percent, is 10,000 euros, Tanaskidis said. EKO will arrange documentation, which will be given to consumers for signature, he added. [24] Gov't slaps price ceiling on coffee in leisure venuesAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)The government has set a price ceiling of 1.5 euros per cup of Greek coffee and 2.5 euros on other coffees for customers of leisure venues who buy take-aways, opt for stand-up cafes, or purchase in self-service cafeterias.The measure is contained in development ministry circular released on Thursday. [25] ASE follows other European market higher on ThursdayAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Greek stocks ended higher on Thursday helped by a wave of buying interest in the last couple of hours of trading in the Athens Stock Exchange, following a trend in other European markets.The general index rose 0.88 percent to end at 2,177.14 points, with turnover a heavy 148.1 million euros. All sector indices ended higher with the Base Metals, Holding and Food-Beverage sectors scoring the biggest percentage gains of the day (2.86 percent, 2.67 percent and 2.52 percent, respectively). The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.80 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index jumped 1.11 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index was 1.43 percent up. Broadly, advancers led decliners by 255 to 57 with another 49 issues unchanged. The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation, National Bank of Greece, Public Power Corporation, Football Pools Organization and Alpha Bank. Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 89.2 mln euros Thursday Equity Index Futures: Stock Futures: Bond Market Close: Buyers lag sellers on Thursday Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond FOREIGN EXCHANGE Closing rates of November 6 2003 Parities in euro Banknotes Foreign Exchange Buying Selling US Dollar 1,154 1,127 [26] FIFA officials satisfied with progress of work at Olympic tournament stadiumsAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Officials of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) visiting cities where soccer matches will take place in 2004 expressed their absolute satisfaction over the progress of work both at stadiums where Olympic tournament matches will be held and at facilities to be used as training grounds.''We visited all the soccer stadiums under construction in Thessaloniki, Volos, Athens, Patra and Irakleio, as well as certain training facilities which we did not have the opportunity of seeing during our previous visit, such as of Kalamaria and of Thyella Patra. We are absolutely satisfied both with the progress of work and with the standard of training facilities,'' said FIFA Vice President and President of the Olympic Tournaments' Organizing Committee Isha Hayatou. FIFA's delegation will visit Greece again in March and Hayatou expressed hope that the organizers' commitments will have been materialized and all stadiums will be delivered within the existing timetables. The officials visited Irakleio, on the island of Crete, on Thursday and inspected the stadium under construction there. In the evening they were due to visit Nea Smyrni stadium to watch the UEFA Cup second round tie between Panionios Athens and Barcelona of Spain. [27] Cultural Olympiad event to take place in MoscowAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos on Thursday met with Moscow's Vice-Mayor Sanchev, ahead of the scheduled performance of the ''Hercules' Labors'' at one of the city's central stadiums, according to a press release issued by the culture ministry.Following the meeting Venizelos said that the ''grand event of the Cultural Olympiad in Moscow, which is performed for the citizens of Moscow is organized in cooperation with the municipality or better with the government of Moscow''. [28] Greek gov't to award N. Mandela's Greek lawyerAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA) JOHANNESBURG (ANA/N. Melisova)Expatriate Greeks' General Secretary Pavlos Geroulanos on Thursday met with young Greek businessmen, in light of his visit here for the presentation of the Greek government's award to Nelson Mandela's lawyer George Bizos, who is of Greek origin. The young Greek businessmen of South Africa ''are the key generation, with which, if we keep the contact alive, we will be successful at doing so also with its children,'' Geroulanos said. The award ceremony will take place in the SAHETI Greek school which Bizos co-founded in 1974, a school that educated children of all nationalities, even during the days of apartheid. [29] Inspector gives deposition on Roubini Stathea caseAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Finance ministry inspector Yiannis Agiasofitis was called before a public prosecutor on Thursday to give a deposition regarding the results of his investigation into orders issued by East Attica Real Estate Service official Roubini Stathea, postponing the demolition of illegally constructed beachfront walls.Agiasofitis was kept by First-instance Prosecutor Elena Raiou for 3.5 hours, while he had earlier presented her with a copy of his report on the case. Stathea had issued orders halting the execution of demolition orders for beachfront walls surrounding luxury villas in the well-to-do Anavyssos district. She later committed suicide after her actions attracted the attention of the media. According to Agiasofitis' report, which was made public on Wednesday, Stathea had acted illegally in attempting to postpone the demolitions. At the same time, he also found that there was considerable confusion within the public services regarding the precise interpretation of the laws involved. [30] N17 trial attorneys say Serifis, Sotiropoulou should be acquittedAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Attorneys representing Yiannis Serifis and Aggeliki Sotiropoulou on Thursday said their clients should be acquitted of all charges, while presenting the final arguments for their defense in the ongoing ''November 17'' trial.Nineteen people are on trial here before the Three-Member Criminal Appeals Court on a host of terrorism-related charges. Finishing up an address begun the previous day, attorney Yiannis Fytrakis questioned the testimony given before the start of the trial by Pavlos Serifis, on the basis of which his client had been arrested and charged. Fytrakis, who is also defending Nikos Papanastasiou, said the latter should be acquitted due to reasonable doubts. A second lawyer on the Serifis defense team, Philippos Kotteas, said the case against his client was political and that he had been presented as co-founder of N17 to lend credibility to the state's case. He said the charges against Serifis had not been proved and that the best course for the court would be to acquit him. Last to address the court on Thursday was the lawyer for Sotiropoulou, Daphne Vagianou, who said there was inadequate evidence to prove that her client was an active member of N17. The only evidence implicating Sotiropoulou was a portion of a fingerprint at the Damareos St safehouse and the testimony of two witnesses that did not prove her guilt for specific acts, the lawyer noted. Vagianou claimed that Sotiropoulou had ''represented the myth of Dimitris Koufodinas'' since she was his partner and the person closest to him. She will complete her address to the court on Friday. [31] Transport minister says motorbikes and motorcycles subject to technical controlAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)All motorbikes and motorcycles will be subject to technical control and this will start with motorbikes of a small cubism, between 50 and 120, as a relevant study has shown that motorcycles of a bigger cubism have better maintenance since their drivers also make big trips.This was announced by Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis on Thursday on the occasion of motorcycle day in the framework of which various events will be held all over the country. Technical control will also apply to all second-hand motorcycles which are imported, regardless of age and cubism. A ''Motorcycle Day'' event will be held at the Zappeion Mansion on Saturday in the framework of which an exhibition of photographic material and works of art concerning motorbikes and motorcycles will be held, as well an exhibition of new models and a concert. Similar events will take place in other cities as well. [32] Premier, healthcare minister discuss addicted persons' center issuesAthens, 7/11/2003 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Healthcare Minister Costas Stephanis on Thursday discussed the issue that arose from a bill mandating the appointment of two non-elected members to the Center for Persons with Addictions board of directors.Stephanis told Simitis that the center should not have reacted negatively to the draft legislation mandating the appointments, but rather it should have reacted positively since, according to the new conditions that will develop, the center will be connected to the healthcare sector of the state. On his part, Simitis agreed with the minister that the reactions are unjust. [33] MEPs ask EU to intervene for return of dying Greek prisoner in EgyptBRUSSELS, 7/11/2003 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)Two New Democracy MEPs on Thursday asked the European Union to intervene so that a dying Greek held in Egyptian jails could return home.In a question put to the European Commission, MEPs Christos Zaharakis and Kostis Hatzidakis said that the transfer of dying Greek seaman Konstantinos Kastanias to Greece was an issue of democracy and protecting human rights. Kastanias is the last surviving member of a three-man Greek crew on the ship "Thanassis", who were arrested by Egyptian authorities in Suez in 1989 on charges of illegal trade. The three were originally condemned to death but the sentence was converted to life imprisonment as a result of pressure from Europe. The other two men have since died in Egyptian prisons, while Kastanias is now gravely ill. The two MEPs noted that the charges against the three had never been satisfactorily proved and that the case, as well as the very poor conditions in which the seamen were being held, had repeatedly occupied the Greek media. [34] Irish PM: more determined effort needed for Cyprus settlementNICOSIA, 7/11/2003 (CNA/ANA)Ireland's Prime Minister Bertie Ahern has called for a ''more determined effort'' to help find a negotiated settlement in Cyprus to allow a united country to join the European Union.Ahern, whose country assumes the EU presidency in January, commended President Tassos Papadopoulos for the successful progress Cyprus has made in its bid to join the Union and described a Commission report on Cyprus ''very important achievement''. Speaking after talks here on Thursday with Papadopoulos, he said a UN peace proposal on a comprehensive settlement in Cyprus is the way to ''unlock the difficulties'' on the island and make headway towards a settlement. President Papadopoulos thanked the Irish premier for the steady, consistent and long support Dublin has afforded Cyprus and said he was very pleased with the ''excellent relations'' between the two countries, wishing Ahern a successful presidency during which Cyprus will formally join the Union on 1 May. In his statement to the press, Ahern underscored some of the important items on the Irish presidency agenda and said he discussed with President Papadopoulos enlargement, international issues, Iraq and the Middle East. ''Most importantly we had a very useful discussion on the UN efforts to reach an agreed settlement on the Cyprus question, I want to thank the President for his insight on the current position and his views on this matter are going forward in the months and particularly into our presidency,'' he said. ''It is our view that there should be a determined effort to agree a settlement in time so that a unified and united Cyprus will join the EU on 1 May, 2004, this would be a historic development and an important achievement for everybody concerned,'' he said, adding that he looks forward to assisting the Commission and working through it and around the Annan plan to achieve this. He said the central event of the Irish presidency would be the historic enlargement which is also critical for Cyprus, adding that Ireland is looking forward to welcoming Cyprus as a full member in the EU. ''I want to commend to the President on the successful progress yesterday (Wednesday) in the Commission report which is a very important step for you, very important progress, very important achievement for you,'' he said. Invited to outline EU's role in the Cyprus peace effort, following Wednesday's publication of the progress reports on the ten acceding countries and the three candidate states, Ahern said ''the accession of a united Cyprus would not be possible without agreement on a comprehensive settlement based on the proposals of the UN Secretary General.'' ''Our approach as presidency is to offer full support to Kofi Annan's efforts and to continue to encourage all sides to engage with commitment and determination on the UN proposals,'' he remarked. A settlement based on the Annan plan, he said, is in the interests of everybody, the island's two communities, Greece, Turkey, the entire EU. Asked to comment on an EU warning to Turkey that the absence of a solution could become a serious obstacle to its EU aspirations, he said the Commission pointed out that the Copenhagen criteria is the basis on which countries are judged and people have to fulfill that criteria. ''Commissioner Verheugen said there is an issue around the united Cyprus that still has to be resolved, as everybody would like to see that, it is not a link, not a legal link, not a procedure link but a note to reality,'' he said of this reference to the question of Cyprus in the Strategy paper on Turkey. He noted that everybody wants to see a united Cyprus join the 1 May and stressed that the Commission's recommendation in December 2004 on the start of accession negotiations with Turkey would be made on the basis of compliance with the Copenhagen criteria. Asked what message he is sending to Turkey, with regard to Cyprus, he said he pointed out to his Turkish counterpart that the Copenhagen criteria is the basis for the decisions for the EU to make an assessment whether a country is ready to move or not. ''In the case of Turkey whether negotiations will commence formally after the December 2004 summit and I added that the conclusion of the difficulties and the outstanding issues around Cyprus would be extremely helpful and I urged him that I would like to see these issues resolved,'' the Irish premier added. Invited to identify the main obstacle which prevents the Cyprus peace effort to make headway towards a settlement, he said ''there is a plan, a framework, if you want an analogy with Northern Ireland we can refer to Good Friday Agreement and that there should be full implementation of the Agreement, that would resolve the issues so that we can move forward.'' ''In the case of Cyprus, the EU believe there is the Annan plan, we support it, to allow the negotiations to take place in an open minded way so that we can get to the implementation of that plan, that seems to me to be the way to unlock the difficulties,'' Ahern added. In his remarks to the press, President Papadopoulos described his talks as ''useful and very interesting'' saying that he thanked Ahern for the ''steady, consistent and long-standing support Cyprus has had from Ireland with regard to the political issue.'' Ireland, he said, participates in the UN peace-keeping force. He said Ahern briefed him on the priorities of the presidency, which has a special significance for Cyprus since on May 1 it will join formally as a full member. Papadopoulos said various issues relating to bilateral ties were discussed, as well as international concerns affecting the region, such as Iraq and Middle East. ''We spent a lot of time discussing the Cyprus issue, I briefed Ahern on the current state of affairs, the prospects for the resumption of the talks and the role the EU could play in promoting a settlement,'' the president said. He expressed satisfaction with the excellent bilateral ties and wished Ahern a successful presidency. Ahern left Cyprus for Bratislava. Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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