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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-11-13Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>November 13, 2003CONTENTS
[01] DM Papantoniou cites intention to cut defense spending; continued Turkish demandsAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou on Wednesday reiterated that the government’s goal is to trim annual defense spending to 3 percent of the budget over the next four years, mainly through drastic cuts in operational expenses.Speaking at a luncheon hosted by the Foreign Press Association (FPA) of Greece, Papantoniou cited Athens’ long-standing position of being forced to continue high defense spending – unique amongst all EU members -- in the face of Turkish intransigence. “This need arises from the fact that, despite an improvement in the climate between Greece and Turkey, substantive problems have not been addressed. Greece has favored Turkey’s European course as long as there is a solution to the Cyprus problem based on the Annan peace plan, and as long as Turkey lifts its unilateral demands over our sovereign rights in the Aegean. Such a development would mark a crucial milestone for Greek-Turkish relations,” he said. Papantoniou, the one-time national economy minister, also noted that Greece’s still high defense spending as a percentage of the state budget comes in the face of its adaptation to a new security environment in the world from “asymmetrical risks”, an indirect reference to terrorism. He also said his ministry is continuing to reorganize military units, with a view to concentrating them in the Aegean and Thrace, as well as upgrading the operational capability of rapid deployment units. Finally, Papantoniou cited the armed forces’ contribution to security for next year’s 2004 Olympic Games, including the deployment of troops, volunteers and public health support. Some 10,000 troops will be deployed next August for the Games. Defense Minister briefs Parliament on future armed forces organization: While briefing Parliament's Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee on the future organizational structure of the Armed Forces on Wednesday, Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou noted that there was no longer any military threat from the north. At the same time, he agreed that there was an element of unpredictability in the western Balkans and that for this reason the northern borders would not be disarmed. "We are proceeding to a redeployment of our forces and will always maintain the 2nd Army Corps in Veria, which covers Macedonia and Thrace and is always fully equipped," he said. According to the minister, the new armed forces structure would still be geared toward handling the threat posed by Turkey in the East, since that country was in an unstable phase and the current good climate in bilateral relations might easily be reversed, given that there had been no progress on the Cyprus problem or on the issue of the Aegean continental shelf. [02] PM receives Archbishop of America, discusses expatriate Greeks' issuesAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Wednesday received visiting Archbishop of America Dimitrios and discussed issues concerning expatriate Greeks, while the Archbishop thanked the premier for Greece's $500,000 contribution towards rebuilding the St. Nicolas Chapel that was destroyed during the Sept. 11 attack in New York.Dimitrios lauded Greece's successes during the Greek EU presidency, as well as the success of the Greek government in dealing with Cyprus' accession to the European Union. On his part, Simitis congratulated Dimitrios for his work in America and requested of him to give his thanks to the Greek expatriate community of North America for supporting the Greek national issues. The Archbishop also met with Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and, following their meeting, responded to questions concerning the recent problems between the Church of Greece and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He stressed that ''there are no unsolvable problems. The problem seems to be unsolvable, because it was stated in an incorrect way''. Speaking of the international credibility of the Patriarchate, he said that ''this credibility and capability of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to have access to every venue, both in American and in Europe, and in general everywhere, should in no manner be decreased''. ''On the other hand'', he said, ''we have Greece, a country with a huge cultural tradition, with a long existence and a church here in Greece, a dynamic church. And in no way should we have such a church on the international scene being seen in any friction of any kind''. He also called on all to exert effort and prayer for the Patriarchate to emerge from this situation stronger and not weakened. On his part, Papandreou said that he discussed with Dimitrios issues concerning the developments in Orthodoxy and underlined that ''I would like to stress that we exchanged views on the issue and that concerning our side, that of the Greek government, we observe and of course we have regular contacts with both the Patriarchate and the Church of Greece''. The foreign minister also spoke of the international credibility of the Patriarchate and the importance for both Orthodoxy and Greece of maintaining its significant international credibility. He also said, however, that the Church of Greece is full of dynamism, ''it is a source of a living Orthodox Church and has contributed internationally through this dynamism toward the declaration of Orthodox values and the needs of Orthodoxy''. Dimitrios, during his stay in Athens, also met with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Magriotis. [03] PM and interior minister discuss regional issues, electoral lawAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Wednesday met Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis for talks on regional structuring and the electoral law.Afterward, Skandalidis said that decisions were made during the meeting on the final form of proposals on these issues, which are to be discussed by PASOK party organs and the cabinet this week. [04] FM condemns killing of Italian soldiers in NassiriyaAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Wednesday condemned ''in the most categorical way the terrorist act in Nassiriya'', Iraq, which resulted in the death of 14 Italian soldiers.Papandreou extended on behalf of the Greek government ''solidarity, sympathy and condolences to the government, the Italian people and the families of the victims''. [05] Gov't confirms transfer of those arrested at June Summit protests to AthensAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Wednesday confirmed the transfer of remand prisoners arrested during Thessaloniki Summit protest marches in June to Korydallos prison in Athens.He said the transfer aimed to protect the prisoners' health, since they have been on a hunger strike for some time. The spokesman noted that the decision to remand the rioters in custody was not taken by the government and that the incidents in Thessaloniki "did scant justice to the concept of demonstration". Justice minister: Transfer of '5' done for health reasons: The government on Wednesday said five out of the seven protesters arrested during the often-raucous demonstrations against a EU summit in northern Greece last June were transferred from a Thessaloniki jail to the country’s main penitentiary in Athens. Justice Minister Filippos Petsalnikos said the five were transferred for reasons related to their “own protection”, as they are in the midst of a lengthy hunger strike. The other two suspects in custody are being held at another prison just north of Athens, in Avlona. Meanwhile, attorneys for the five hunger strikers requested their release on Wednesday, citing health reasons. [06] Gov't denies plans for reshuffleAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Wednesday denied press reports claiming that Prime Minister Costas Simitis had received proposals calling for a government reshuffle. The spokesman stressed that there was no such issue.[07] Alternate FM comments on issue of Loizidou's compensation by TurkeyAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis, commenting on Wednesday on the decision taken by the Council of Europe's Council of Ministers to give Turkey a time limit until November 19, 2003, to have fair compensation paid to Titina Loizidou, praised the role of the Human Rights Court.''The Human Rights Court is an institution which protects and safeguards paramount achievements in the human rights sector. ''I believe that today's decision reflects in the best possible way the respect of the Council of Europe's countries for this paramount institution. ''I want to believe that Turkey will carry out the court's decision, showing in practice its self-commitment for respect for its decisions,'' he said. (See also Cyprus Affairs) [08] Education Minister speaks of Council of Europe's conferenceAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Education Minister Petros Efthymiou on Wednesday held a press conference to announce the results of the 21st meeting of the Permanent Conference of the European Education Ministers of countries participating in the Council of Europe.Efthymiou said that the focus of the meeting was the participation and address to the conference delivered by the Arab Conference's Culture representative, fulfilling a wish of the Council of Europe for a regular Euro-Arabic dialogue. The minister also spoke of Europe's opening to immigrants over the next 30 years and the Council's discussion on the issue, which focused on the educational aspect of such a new multi-cultural reality. [09] Finmin to give ministry 'special accounts' details to Parl't, gov't confirmsAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Wednesday confirmed that Finance Minister Christos Protopapas intended to release details about all special accounts belonging to ministries in Parliament.The spokesman was responding to questions and clarified that the accounts in question were unrelated to deficits. [10] Christodoulos to meet with emissaries to the PatriarchateAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos on Wednesday will meet with Metropolitans of Sparta Efstathios and of Xanti Panteleimon to hand them a letter for Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos.The two metropolitans will depart for Istanbul on Thursday to meet with the Patriarch and provide him with the decisions of the Church of Greece Holy Synod that met last week and focused on the issue of elections for vacant bishopric seats in northern Greece. [11] Gov't spokesman says gov't does not share Mikis Theodorakis' views about JewsAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Government spokesman Christos Protopapas said on Wednesday the government does not share views expressed recently by composer Mikis Theodorakis concerning the Jews.''The government does not share and does not agree with views expressed about the Jews during an event by Mr. Mikis Theodorakis. ''The Greek people, during their historical course, have defended the Jewish Community in Greece, which Mr. Theodorakis himself has honored with his musical work Mauthausen. ''Of course, apart from our disagreement for this position, Mikis Theodorakis always remains high in our esteem for the work he has offered and for his great contribution to our culture and our country,'' the spokesman said. It is reminded that Theodorakis' statements were made in the framework of his wider stance voiced at an event regarding the circulation of three books of his on music, ideas, art and culture titled ''Where can I find my soul.'' The composer referred there to the fact that the Greek people are a people who, according to the terminology of former President Christos Sartzetakis, are ''brotherless.'' ''We are alone, but without the self-awareness and fanaticism the Jews have. We and the Jews are two peoples who are brotherless in the world. However, they have fanaticism and succeed in imposing themselves. We can say today that this small people is at the root of evil, not of good, which means that too much self-awareness and too much insistence cause harm,'' Theodorakis said. In another development, Theodorakis issued a statement on Wednesday, expressing surprise over the reactions caused by his recent statement about the Jews and saying ''my opinion regarding the Israeli people has been known for a long time, as is the case with any views on any other issue.'' The composer went on to say ''I have always supported the weak, those people who have fought for their rights, including the Israeli people'', adding that ''it is precisely for these reasons that I am totally against Sharon's policy and I have repeatedly stressed it. I have also repeatedly condemned the role played by eminent American-Jewish politicians and intellectuals in designing the present aggressive so-called 'policy' of George W. Bush.'' Theodorakis further stressed in his statement that ''only on purpose could somebody confuse the Israeli people, whom I admire and whom I have repeatedly honored, in deed, with these negative, condemnable phenomena. Because it is THESE PHENOMENA that blot the image of Israel, that constitute anti-Semitism, that are on the side of Evil, at the root of Evil, as I recently said.'' Meanwhile, Greek foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said in a statement to the Athens News Agency (ANA) on Wednesday night ''there is no official or unofficial demarche on recent statements by Mikis Theodorakis about the Jews, neither at our embassy in Israel nor at the Greek foreign ministry.'' [12] Deutsche Bank says EFG move part of wider dissinvestment planAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Deutsche Bank, Germany's largest bank, on Wednesday said its decision to sell its 9.3 percent equity stake in EFG Eurobank Ergasias was part of a wider strategy of selling its minority stakes in listed companies in Germany and abroad.In a letter sent to Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, Deutsche Bank stressed that the decision was not related with the bank's confidence in Greek economic prospects, the country's financial system and in EFG Eurobank Ergasias. ''I wanted to explain to you that this transaction does not mean that Deutsche Bank has lost confidence in Greece or in the Greek economy. Quite to the contrary, we believe that your government is doing well and, in particular, that the privatization process is moving ahead in a highly satisfactory way and at an impressive speed,'' the latter signed by Michael Cohrs, head of corporate finance, member of the group executive committee, said. The German bank stressed that its decision to withdraw from EFG Eurobank's equity capital was not expected to affect both banks' cooperation, particularly in the real estate sector. ''EFG Eurobank is, in our view, one of the most successful banks in Greece and, as your know, we have enjoyed over the last four years excellent relationships with them. I believe you would agree that between us we have served your government well, never having failed in any transactions with which you have been kind enough to entrust us,'' the letter said. EFG Eurobank officials said that after completion of the sale (expected to be completed on Thursday) Eurobank's shareholders' base would rise, along with its free float in the market, while its profitability and dividend policy would remain intact. The offering of Eurobank's 29.2 million shares, owned by Deutsche Bank, began on Wednesday through an accelerated book building. The German bank is expected to benefit significantly from the liquidation of its equity stake in Eurobank. Deutsche Bank acquired Eurobank's 9.3 percent stake at 10 euros per share in 1998, while the sale price is expected to be set between 13-14 euros per share. [13] Gov’t unveils draft bill on monitoring of public spendingAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)The Greek government on Wednesday unveiled a draft legislation aimed to provide a more efficient monitoring of public spending and to save money to promote the government's economic policy.Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, presenting the draft bill, said it envisaged creation of a five fiscal monitoring centers and setting-up of a special commission to evaluate fiscal monitoring with the aim to monitor the integrity of staff working at the economy and finance ministry. The draft legislation also envisages that each public agency with a budget of more than 5.0 million euros will be equipped with an internal spending monitoring department. The draft bill also calls that all state, local authorities and pension funds should draft balanced budgets. [14] FinMin urges tight pricing, hiring policies by DEKO in 2004Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Greek Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis on Wednesday urged public utilities and corporations' (DEKO) governors to adhere to a tight rates pricing policy in 2004 and avoid new hiring during the pre-election period.In a meeting with DEKO governors, Mr Christodoulakis urged them to avoid any rate increases that could burden domestic inflation and demanded that any price increases would be contained below the expected inflation rate for 2004. The Greek minister also called for a freezing in borrowing needs for 2004 to this year's levels and urged DEKO governors to avoid any pension adjustments that could lead to higher labor cost. Mr Christodoulakis is scheduled to meet with DEKO governors again this month to discuss public utilities and corporations' real estate assets. [15] Germanos Group unveils ambitious expansion strategy in SEEAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Germanos Group on Wednesday unveiled an ambitious expansion strategy plan in foreign markets, with the aim of raising foreign activities' participation in annual sales to 30 percent by 2005 from 17-18 percent currently.Mr Yiannis Karayiannis, chief executive of the group, speaking to reporters during a news conference, said that the company plans to raise its retail network in Poland to more than 350 through takeovers planned for this year, along with expanding its activities in Serbia and Ukraine. Germanos Group operates a retail network of 580 units in six countries (290 in Greece, 146 in Poland, 66 in Romania, 46 in Bulgaria, 18 in Cyprus and 20 in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), making it the largest network of telecommunication product and services in the Europe and the second largest in retail unit numbers. Mr Karayiannis also referred to the group's 24.6 percent strategic equity participation in Duty Free Shops, and to the operation of Sunlight, an industrial complex based in Xanthi, northern Greece, a manufacturer and distributor of energy batteries with a sales network around 25 countries in Europe, Middle East and Africa. [16] Hellenic Petroleum unveils expansion strategyAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Hellenic Petroleum on Wednesday reported a spectacular 115.4 percent rise in its nine-month profits to 252.8 million euros from 117.4 million euros in the same period last year.Speaking to reporters, during a news conference, Hellenic Petroleum's president George Moraitis expressed his optimism over a further improvement in the company's results in the fourth quarter of 2003. "We have fully exploited favorable developments in international refinery margins by raising both our production and sales. We also showed significant achievements in implementing our strategic targets, strengthening the group's position in Greece and abroad and ensuring the group's profitability in the coming years," Mr Moraitis said. Athanasios Karahalios, Hellenic Petroleum's chief executive, stressed that the group would seek expansion of its downstream business (EKO petrol stations) to Southeastern Europe by merging its subsidiary in Cyprus and Montenegro and expanding its retail network in Serbia, Bulgaria, Albania and Georgia. Mr Karahalios also said that the group's strategic goals included developing its hydro-carbon research activities in Montenegro, Albania and Libya, while Hellenic Petroleum was participating in the privatization of Petrom oil-products company, in Romania. [17] Goal of 20.3 mln tourists by 2010 is feasible, trade group saysAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)A goal of 20.3 million tourist arrivals by 2010 and 15 billion US dollars in revenue is feasible but requires effort, according to a report by the Association of Greek Tourism Enterprises released on Wednesday.At the same time, meeting the targets would depend on the provision of auxiliary tourism infrastructure to favor special tourism and attract tourists outside the traditional summer holiday season, the report said. The numerical targets have been set by the development ministry, which handles tourism. By 2010, Greece could aim to have 46 golf clubs, 15 conference and trade fair centers, 24 spa centers, and 42 marinas, the association said. "The targets are ambitious but not unattainable," it added. [18] Farm minister to review fishermen's licensesAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Agriculture Minister George Drys said on Wednesday that he would order a review all operating licenses issued to fishermen as about 15-20 percent of permits were estimated to be illegal.In addition, the ministry would use studies that have been conducted to help devise a revitalization plan aimed at attaining sustainable growth in the sector, Drys said. The fisheries sector currently provides work for 35,000 people employed in around 18,000 vessels, he added. [19] Merchant marine minister to brief parliament on action planAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Merchant Marine Minister George Paschalidis said on Wednesday that he would brief parliament on November 18 on the government's action plan for shipping in 2004-2008, and on policy for the sector.The briefing will be given to parliament's trade committee. [20] Greek stocks weather Deutsche Bank's move, end off lowsAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)A decision by Deutsche Bank to sell its 9.3 percent equity stake in EFG Eurobank Ergasias, as part of its wider strategy to sell minorities stakes in listed companies, surprised investors and undermined sentiment in the Athens Stock Exchange on Wednesday. The Greek bank's share price dropped 7.27 percent, although the wider market managed to recovery from earlier lows helped by a wave of buying interest in other blue chip banks, such as Alpha Bank and National Bank late at the session.The general index ended 0.60 percent lower at 2,160.12 points, off the day's lows of 2,143 points. Turnover was a moderate 125.1 million euros. The Publication and Insurance sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (1.53 percent and 0.84 percent, respectively), while the Banks and Telecommunications sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (1.44 percent and 1.05 percent, respectively). The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and other heavy traded stocks fell 0.85 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.10 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.24 percent lower. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 167 to 124 with another 71 issues unchanged. The most heavily traded stocks in value were National Bank of Greece, Public Power Corporation, Football Pools Organization and Alpha Bank. Derivatives Market Close: Turnover 85.1 mln euros on Wednesday Equity Index Futures: Stock Futures: Bond Market Close: Buyers lag sellers on Wednesday Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond FOREIGN EXCHANGE Closing rates of November 12 2003 Parities in euro Banknotes Foreign Exchange Buying Selling US Dollar 1,169 1,142 [21] Culture Minister gives honorary medals to two British Olympic Games medalistsAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos on Wednesday gave honorary medals to the two British Olympic Games medalists Allan Wells and Steve Smith, who are visiting Greece as representatives of an 11-member group of British Olympic Games medalists, to declare their support for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to the new Acropolis Museum.The culture minister said ''the campaign for the return is taking place in the name of the monument'' and praised the two medalists' position. Wells expressed optimism over the outcome of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, while Smith expressed the hope that logic will prevail regarding the request for the Marbles' return. [22] Teenage newlyweds hang themselves after pressured by relatives to separateAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)A teenage couple who married a month and a half ago and went missing from their home late on Tuesday afternoon were found hanging from a tree by workers going to work in a street in Komotini, northern Greece, on Wednesday morning.The love story of M.M., 17, and his sweetheart P. X, 13, was known to people living in the city's region of ''Ifestos.'' After getting married, the teenagers were staying temporarily at the groom's home, but recently their relatives began pressuring them to separate since they were both minors and lacked employment. Police sources and local residents reported that the boy quarreled often with his parents, reacting to their suggestions for them to separate. Other reports mentioned that the young couple had decided to leave the city. When the youngsters went missing, relatives thought they had carried out their threat to quit the city, but the finding of their lifeless bodies hanging from a tree revealed the tragic end of a teenage love. A medical examiner who inspected the bodies said the time of death was about 10 p.m. on Tuesday, while a post-mortem carried out at Komotini hospital shortly afterwards confirmed that the cause of their deaths was hanging. News of the teenagers' death shocked the local community. The police chief of eastern Macedonia and Thrace indicated it has not yet been clarified whether a quarrel or some other development occurred before the suicides which prompted the tragic teenagers to end their lives. [23] Last section of Attica Highway to open to traffic on Dec. 2Athens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)The last section of the Attica Highway, from the Metamorphosi junction with the Athens-Lamia national highway to the toll posts at Elefsina, will be opened for traffic on December 2.This 26-kilometre section of highway will run through Menidi, Zefyri, Ano Liosia, Aspropyrgos and Mandra, and will create a direct link from the Athens-Corinth national highway to the new Athens international airport at Spata. [24] Bill on forest protection and forestry register tabled in ParliamentAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)A bill on the protection of forest ecosystems and the preparation of the forest register has been tabled in Parliament.Among other things, the bill re-determines the definitions of a forest and of forested land, it settles issues concerning the granting of forest land and provides the possibility of exchanging land belonging to private persons or cooperatives which cannot be populated with others available for this purpose. It also regulates issues regarding the preparation of the forest register, lumbering and the planting of trees. [25] Ministerial decisions finalize framework for pets, straysAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)The agriculture ministry on Wednesday unveiled several long-awaited decisions in the wake of a recent bill regarding the protection of household pets, a precursor for modernizing the country’s legal and administrative framework vis-a-vis the sensitive issue of stray animals.The draft bill comes several months ahead of the 2004 Athens Games, a milestone event that has drawn attention to the problem of strays on the country’s streets, especially in the congested greater Athens area. Although the issue of strays falls beyond the jurisdiction of the Athens 2004 Olympic Organizing Committee’s (ATHOC) competence, organizers have nevertheless pressed all parties concerned to solve the problem ahead of the Games. One of the major provisions of the draft bill includes the tagging, registration and sterilization of animals prior to their adoption or return to their natural setting -- i.e. back to the location, roughly, from where they were first picked up. Tagging and registration of pet dogs is also included. Another provision in the draft bill mentions financial support for the establishment and modernization of animal shelters, particularly for local government entities (municipalities, rural communities, prefectures etc.) as well as outlining operating regulations for such shelters. Finally, the bill also includes the first-ever regulations for pet shops, a continuously growing sector in the country. According to Deputy Agriculture Minister Fotis Hatzimihalis on Wednesday, the ministerial framework is among the most progressive of its kind in the European Union and an “answer” to allegations by various animal rights groups over the recent period charging “mass killings of strays”. [26] Giotopoulos' lawyer alleges weaknesses in state's case at N17 trialAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)The lawyer for Alexandros Giotopoulos, who stands accused as the leader of the terrorist group ''November 17'', on Wednesday claimed there were major weaknesses in the state's case against his client, as well as in the proceedings as a whole.Costas Chrysikopoulos, who had begun to address final arguments to the court on Tuesday, particularly stressed the complete lack of witnesses for the prosecution for the period between 1975-1980, saying this was a ''deficit in the proceedings''. He attributed this ''gap'' to a desire on the part of the authorities not to let awkward information about this era get out. Referring to accusations that Giotopoulos had written N17's proclamations and the comparisons made between these and the proclamations of the anti-dictatorship group LEA to which Giotopoulos had belonged, Chrysikopoulos said that the opinion that these had the same author was an arbitrary conclusion drawn by journalists. Chrysikopoulos also noted that the prosecution had failed to show that Giotopoulos was in any way involved with the recruiting of the seven new members that joined the organization after 1980. At another point, he stressed that his client had steadfastly denied the charges from the very first, while he also referred to Dimitris Koufodinas, saying the alleged operations' chief of the terror group ''neither has nor had any need for a spiritual father''. Chrysikopoulos then moved on to refer individually to each of the 900-odd charges against Giotopoulos. He is expected to conclude his final arguments next Monday, while the court will not convene on Thursday and Friday due to a strike called by the Athens Bar Association on those two days. Giotopoulos of one of 19 suspects standing trial before the Three-Member Criminal Appeals Court for charges related to the activities of the terrorist group ''November 17''. The court is now hearing final arguments by the defense teams of the defendants. [27] Government launches ''Culture Card'' discount programAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos on Wednesday presented the ministry's new ''Culture Card'' discount program, which aims to provide equal access to culture, arts and entertainment, even in the private sector, to all social groups.The new program is taking place within the framework of the government's 'Convergence Charter' and will provide discounts or free entry into cinemas, theatres, dance performances, exhibitions and concerts organized by organizations having contracts with the culture ministry. It will be valid from Monday to Friday and will also give free entry to Sunday matinees at the Athens and Thessaloniki Concert Halls, discounts on the purchase of books and free entry into events organized by the culture ministry and affiliated organizations. Those eligible for the 'Culture Card' are holders of OAED unemployment cards, persons up to age 30, large families, members of KAPH old people's centers, people with special needs and escorts for the blind and those in wheelchairs, fighters in the National Resistance and special groups, such as those participating in detox program etc. From November until the end of March, entry to museums throughout the country will be free for all Greeks. Those eligible for the card can submit applications and the necessary documents at Citizens' Service Centers and will receive the card by post, while Thessaloniki residents can write or go directly to the Culture Card Secretariat at Gorgous 11, Ano Poli. [28] 'Monuments & Environment' conferenceAthens, 13/11/2003 (ANA)Greece has the most comprehensive legislation in the European Union on protection of antiquities, supplemented by stricter judicial supervision, at a time when an immense program of public works projects were underway, culture minister Evangelos Venizelos said Wednesday, addressing a conference on "Monuments and Environment".The conference, held under the aegis of the culture ministry and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, with the support of the Press and Media ministry, was organized by the European Communications and Information Network (Euronem). Venizelos pointed out the significance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's participation in the conference, adding that the government was following and supported the Patriarchate's "environmental sensitivities" and its ecological seminars which were met with great interest by the international community. Greece, he said, supported the principle of sustainable development, and had, in the constitutional revision in 2001, reinforced its fundamental legislation with that principle, thus rendering the Greek constitution the first among the European constitutions to treat the natural and cultural environment on an equal basis and contained a specific article on long-term protection of monuments. [29] Turkey given one week to comply with Court judgmentNICOSIA, 13/11/2003 (CNA/ANA)The Council of Europe has warned Turkey that it will take measures against it if by November 19 Ankara does not comply with a European Court of Human Rights judgment relating to human rights violations in Cyprus.Foreign Minister George Iacovou has welcomed the Council move, outlined in a resolution adopted on Wednesday by the Committee of Ministers, and said it was particularly important that the resolution stresses the obligation to comply with the Court rulings unconditionally. Titina Loizidou, the Greek Cypriot who won the case against Turkey, said she was pleased with Wednesday's developments and added ''it seems the principles of the system aimed at protecting human rights have prevailed''. ''This is a very important interim resolution,'' the minister told CNA, adding that it was adopted during a vote that is considered by the Committee unanimous. Thirty-four Council members voted in favor, two abstained and nine did not participate in the vote. Turkey does not vote. The minister explained that Nicosia maintained a very firm position at Wednesday's proceedings and at the end of the day in spite of some initial misgivings by certain countries the majority of the member-states adopted this position as well. The Committee of Ministers, having regard to the judgment of the Court of 28 July 1998 in the case of Loizidou against Turkey and transmitted the same date to the Committee for supervision of execution, recalled that in that judgment, the Court held that Turkey was to pay to the applicant as just satisfaction specific sums for damages and for costs and expenses (over one million US dollars), the resolution said. The Committee recalled its three earlier Interim Resolutions and the fact that on 19 June 2003, before the Committee of Ministers, the Turkish authorities declared unambiguously that they had initiated the measures necessary to enable the Committee to take note of payment of the just satisfaction award and approve a draft final resolution at the meeting on 7 and 8 October 2003. It also recalls that it was clear that this payment had to intervene before the examination of the draft final resolution. The Committee said it was ''very deeply deploring the fact that Turkey did not honor its undertaking and has thus still not complied with its obligation under Article 46 of the Convention to abide by this judgment.'' It stressed anew that the obligation to comply with the Court's judgments is unconditional and strongly ''urges Turkey to reconsider its position and to pay without any conditions whatsoever the just satisfaction awarded to the applicant by the Court, within one week, i.e. 19 November 2003 at the latest''. The Committee declares the Committee's resolve to ''take all adequate measures against Turkey if Turkey fails once more to pay the just satisfaction awarded by the Court to the applicant,'' the resolution adds. The Court found Turkey guilty of violating Loizidou's right to peaceful enjoyment of her property in the Turkish occupied north of Cyprus and ordered Ankara to allow her unhindered access to it and pay compensation for loss of use of that property. [30] EU and Turkey explore ways to solve Cyprus problemROME, 13/11/2003 (CNA/ANA)Ways to resolve the Cyprus question were explored during a meeting between the EU Troika, led by Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Franco Frattini, and a Turkish delegation under Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gul, setting May next year as a possible deadline.The meeting, held on Tuesday, noted that ties between the EU and Turkey are increasingly solid and important but that the question of Cyprus remains a serious obstacle to Turkey's future entry into the bloc, according to an ANSA report. Frattini said the problem must be resolved before Cyprus formally enters the EU bloc on May 1, 2004. Gul expressed the Turkish government's determination to do everything possible to meet this commitment. The Italian minister reiterated that his country, as EU president, ''completely supports Turkey's entry into the EU''. 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