Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-11-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] EU Council of Foreign Ministers examines Commission's recent reports on Turkey

[02] 30th anniversary of Polytechnic uprising celebrated in Athens,

[03] PM Simitis to send letter to PASOK MPs on candidacy intentions

[04] Foreign minister slams incidents during Albanian elections

[05] ND watching election process in Himarra with concern, party spokesman says

[06] U.S. freezes Albanian National Army assets, calling it dangerous for peace

[07] NATO Parliamentary assembly concludes in Orlando, USA

[08] EU defense ministers call for independent operational capabilities

[09] PM Simitis to meet visiting Croatian president this week

[10] Deputy FM participates in Development Cooperation Ministers' meeting in Brussels

[11] Papathemelis' departure from PASOK officially announced on Monday

[12] PASOK deputy Kremastinos will not run for reelection

[13] Trade union group criticizes US envoy's statement on Theodorakis

[14] Greek 2004 budget to focus on growth, social policies, FinMin says

[15] Greek current account deficit widens in Jan-Sept

[16] Commission comments on Greek fiscal deficit projections

[17] EU report on unemployment rates in EU-25

[18] FinMin to announce decision on Post Savings Bank this week

[19] Greece rejects full decoupling of EU tobacco subsidies, output

[20] Geopolotical worries push Greek stocks 1.43 pct lower

[21] Greeks wary of globalization, Eurobarometer survey shows

[22] New president analyses Greek Canadian Congress' policies

[23] Archbishop of Canterbury arrives in Istanbul, meets with Vartholomeos

[24] Defense for Giotopoulos plays down N17's impact on Greek society

[25] FM Iacovou tells EU Erdogan aligns himself with Denktash

[26] Spokesman says Erdogan's visit a provocation

[27] Christofias: Erdogan's visit consists open support to Denktash

[28] Turkish Cypriot side responsible for collapse of Hague talks, UN official says

[29] Spokesman says UN report not exactly reflecting reality

[30] President Papadopoulos to pay official visit to Greece

[31] Spokesman says no information yet on US envoy's tour of region

[01] EU Council of Foreign Ministers examines Commission's recent reports on Turkey

BRUSSELS, 18/11/2003 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)

Referring to Turkey's European prospects, Foreign Minister George Papandreou reiterated the Greek government's steadfast support for Turkey's candidacy, but underlined that everything depends on Turkey itself.

Papandreou conceded that recently Turkey has taken considerable steps in the direction of democratization, but stressed that the European Commission acknowledges in its report that a deficit exists regarding implementation.

The foreign minister referred to specific examples related to difficulties faced by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul, pointing out that the Turkish candidacy will also be judged on the basis of respect for religious minorities existing in Turkey.

On the question of Cyprus, Papandreou reiterated that 2004 is a crucial year since the EU's political will is to have the Cyprus issue resolved by May 1 when the Republic of Cyprus will officially join united Europe.

Commenting on the same issue, Cyprus Foreign Minister George Iakovou, who addressed Monday's session, said the EU's reports and texts have had an effect in Turkey and among the Turkish Cypriot community to a greater degree than UN Security Council resolutions have.

Regarding the EU's relations with Balkan countries, Papandreou said the target of Bulgaria and Romania joining the EU by 2007 is feasible, while also having a positive approach to Croatia's claim to enter a process of EU accession.

Commenting on Albania in particular, the foreign minister underlined problems created during the election process in Himarra, stressing that the existence of problems is confirmed by the delegations of the OSCE and the United States which monitored the election process.

Papandreou stressed the importance of respect for democratic freedoms in Albania, saying that a similar view was voiced by the relevant foreign affairs commissioner Chris Patten.

As regards developments in the Middle East, the foreign minister opposed the ''embargo on meetings'' imposed by the authorities of Israel on international personalities meeting with Yasser Arafat, stressing the need for the phenomenon of terrorism being handled by the relevant Palestinian authorities.

Papandreou further noted that Israel has begun to realize the substantive role which the EU is playing and will ultimately play in the finding of a peaceful solution to the Middle East issue.

[02] 30th anniversary of Polytechnic uprising celebrated in Athens,

Athens, 18/11/2003 (ANA)

Political parties, workers' unions, non-governmental organizations and non-organized citizens attended the rally that became a march through the streets of the city of Athens.

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas said that the government honors those people that gave their lives for the restoration of democracy, adding that the memories of yesterday ''inspire us and teach us'' to continue the struggle of today for a better tomorrow.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos, academics and unionists addressed the rally.

Early in the evening, celebrations ended with the conclusion of the march organized by political parties, workers' unions and other organizations to the American embassy.

The march ended about 7:30 p.m. and cleaning crews of the Athens Municipality began cleaning the streets and buildings from graffiti.

A similar march and celebrations were also organized in Thessaloniki, where police had taken measures to avert problems.

As every year, problems were not absent from the celebrations, as police arrested 20 people before the march started, on charges of possession of stones and wood, which they could use to upset the peaceful march.

Later in the day as the march started, police faced of with a small number of self-styled anarchists, in front of the police headquarters, throwing stones and sticks to the police, which responded with tear gas.

Also small groups of the extreme right wing ''Golden Down'' followed the march exchanging hostile remarks with those taking part in the march.

PM briefs president, comments on Polytechnic uprising anniversary: Emerging from a meeting with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Monday, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said their talks had covered the full range of foreign and domestic affairs, though with greater emphasis on major foreign policy issues such as the Cyprus problem, Greek-Turkish relations and the European Union.

Simitis and Stephanopoulos met at noon at the presidential mansion for the regular president's briefing, which lasted about an hour and a quarter.

In statements for the 30th anniversary since the Polytechnic uprising, meanwhile, Simitis noted that the message of the Polytechnic today was one of ''constant struggle for essential change, progress, modernization, changing attitudes and practices''.

According to the premier, this was a timeless and perennially living message that urged us to deal positively with what was new, take responsibility in the face of developments, not to be afraid and to work for a society that would be open for all and give all Greek citizens more opportunities.

Parliament remembers the Polytechnic University uprising: The Parliament on Monday held one minute's silence in memory of the 30th anniversary since the uprising of students at the Polytechnic University of Athens in November 1973.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis stressed that ''30 years later the uprising of the Polytechnic remains a fully alive symbol of the struggle and pride of the Greek people, while the message of resistance against totalitarianism is kept alive''.

Ruling PASOK deputy Floros Konstantinou said that ''all those that attempt to draw static conclusions and insert new slogans either did not understand the message of the Polytechnic or they are adopting a conservative way of approach''.

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) deputy Anastasis Papaligouras stressed that ''democracy today is threatened by widespread corruption, the huge increase in vested interest control and petty party tricks and there is a field for resistance and struggle against all that threaten to nullify popular sovereignty''.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) deputy Antonis Skylakos said that ''all the demands of the Polytechnic not only remain unfulfilled, not only are they still current, but also demand their satisfaction more so now''.

Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos criticized Public Order Minister George Floridis of choosing this day ''to show the equalization of the government logic with the theories which call for the use of the pretext of combatting terrorism and are leading to the combatting of democracy''.

[03] PM Simitis to send letter to PASOK MPs on candidacy intentions

Athens, 18/11/2003 (ANA)

The letter is being sent to the MPS in view of next Friday's PASOK central committee meeting being called for the purpose of drafting the party's candidate lists.

Commenting on the letter, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said the letter and the November 20 deadline set by the premier aimed to ensure that there was enough information to begin drafting PASOK election tickets at the upcoming meetings of PASOK's Executive Bureau and Central Committee.

He said the full text of the prime minister's letter was the following:

"PASOK's Central Committee will convene on November 21 to decide who PASOK's candidates will be in the next elections. I would like to ask all fellow MPs to inform me in writing by Thursday, November 20, whether they wish to be a candidate in the next elections. As you know, certain colleagues have said that they do not wish to continue their Parliamentary activity. I would like to report clearly to the Executive Bureau and the Central Committee which of the current MPs want to be candidates."

[04] Foreign minister slams incidents during Albanian elections

Athens, 18/11/2003 (ANA)

According to a foreign ministry announcement, Papandreou made the statements while addressing an EU Council of Ministers' meeting focusing on the western Balkans in Brussels. The Greek minister called on the EU to take a tough stance over the incidents when assessing Albania's behavior in the framework of negotiations for the Stability and Association pact with Tirana, so as to send a clear message to the Albanian side.

Papandreou pointed out that serious incidents had been reported both in the first round and during last Sunday's polls by an Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) delegation and observers from the United States.

''The behavior of the Nano government and of Albanian authorities creates concern about its true goals and proves there is a significant deficit in democratic standards in a country that wishes for rapprochement with the European Union''.

Both Greece and the EU continued their policy of supporting Albania's European prospects, but this policy was based on principles, criteria and conditions that Albania had to respect, he added.

[05] ND watching election process in Himarra with concern, party spokesman says

Athens, 18/11/2003 (ANA)

''Every attempt to intimidate and oppress democratic sentiment is directed against the essence of democracy. It reveals mentalities and attitudes which are absolutely alien to the European concept of democratic values and processes,'' he said.

Roussopoulos added that ''we are certain that the international observers have registered these phenomena, as well as every other effort to alter the will of the inhabitants of Himarra. We are also certain that the European Union will also draw the necessary conclusions.''

The spokesman further called on the Greek government ''to take the necessary action and to condemn everything unacceptable taking place in Himarra.''

[06] U.S. freezes Albanian National Army assets, calling it dangerous for peace

WASHINGTON, 18/11/2003 (ANA/A. Ellis)

The State Department response stressed that despite the fact that the Albanian National Army was not designated a foreign terrorist organization, it does pose a danger for stability and peace in the Balkans and measures were undertaken to bar its funding, at least as far as American sources are concerned.

''No, the Albanian National Army (ANA) has not been designated a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended. In May 2003, however, President Bush issued Executive Order 13304 to take additional steps with respect to the continuing, widespread, and illicit actions in the Western Balkans,'' the written statement read.

''The Albanian National Army, which poses a threat to peace and stability in the Western Balkans, was designated in the Annex to that Executive Order. Executive Order 13304 blocks the assets of the Albanian National Army in the United States, or in the possession or control of U.S. persons. It further prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in most transactions or dealings with individuals and entities, including the Albanian National Army, designated in or pursuant to the Order,'' it added

In response to the question concerning, ''what kind of organization is the Albanian National Army?'', the statement stressed that ''the Albanian National Army is a loosely organized criminal extremist group that has claimed responsibility for a handful of acts of violence in Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) and elsewhere in the Western Balkans in the past year. Its purported violent goals pose a threat to peace and stability in the region. This organization, however, does not have popular support, because its goals are recognizably antithetical to the true interests of the region's ethnic Albanians''.

[07] NATO Parliamentary assembly concludes in Orlando, USA

Athens, 18/11/2003 (ANA)

The end of the session found the US and Europe divided on issues such as defense spending, with the American side pushing for increased spending by European countries, and the creation of a European military force that Americans feel will unnecessarily duplicate existing NATO resources.

The assembly also discussed developments on the front in Iraq and agreed that US forces should remain in the area and that the EU, United Nations and NATO should contribute to efforts for reconstruction in that country.

The six-member delegation of MPs representing Greece again called for a solution via political means for Iraq, while it also initiated proceedings to update a report concerning terrorism with the addition of a section noting that "November 17" had ceased to be the main source of terrorism within Greece and that its members had been arrested and brought to trial.

[08] EU defense ministers call for independent operational capabilities

BRUSSELS, 18/11/2003 (ANA/G. Zitouniati)

Greek Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said that Greece ''is an ardent supporter of the European integration, which presupposes the European defense, for which we will continue to fight''.

The defense ministers placed special emphasis on the promotion of the processes for the establishment of a European Defense Organization, as was decided during the Thessaloniki Summit, and as it was a priority of the Greek EU presidency.

Papantoniou also stressed that Greece, which possesses a defense industry, is especially interested in the harmonization of standards for all European made defense systems, which in turn will boost competitiveness and employment.

The defense ministers also focused on the strengthening of the protection mechanisms for the population from threats and attacks that may employ biochemical weapons, making a list of countries which possess them and have such specialized personnel.

Papantoniou stressed that Greece is very interested in relevant know-how, in light of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, adding that the defense ministry has already assembled a team of 200 persons to confront just such problems.

[09] PM Simitis to meet visiting Croatian president this week

Athens, 18/11/2003 (ANA)

Earlier on Monday, meanwhile, the premier had meetings with Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis and Bank of Greece governor Nikos Garganas, while at noon he visited President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

At 14:00 on Monday, Simitis had a meeting with Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, Press and Media Minister Christos Protopapas, Deputy Press Minister Tilemahos Hytiris, and PASOK Central Committee Secretary Mihalis Chrysohoidis on mainly communications aspects related to the 2004 Olympics.

On Tuesday, meanwhile, the premier is to chair a meeting of the cabinet beginning at noon and to attend the tabling of the 2004 budget in Parliament, after which he will meet Education Minister Petros Efthymiou.

Simitis is to meet Chrysohoidis once again on Wednesday at 19:00, while on Thursday morning at 10:00 he will chair a meeting of PASOK's Executive Bureau where he will seek its approval for the framework of policy directions for PASOK from 2004-2008 that he will present immediately afterward at an event at Zappeion.

At 18:30 on Thursday, Simitis will once more reconvene the Executive Bureau to discuss preparations for a PASOK Central Committee meeting on Friday morning at 11:00, where the premier is to deliver the central address.

[10] Deputy FM participates in Development Cooperation Ministers' meeting in Brussels

Athens, 18/11/2003 (ANA)

Issues discussed during the meeting were the Conclusions Plan on the relation between moral governance and development cooperation, the creation of a financial peace facility for Africa and the French delegation's proposal for the support of sub-Saharan African cotton producing countries.

Regarding the creation of the financial peace facility for Africa in particular, a proposal by the European Commission was discussed to allow in principle the use of undistributed funds coming from the European Development Fund, amounting to about 250 million euros, to finance peacekeeping activities in Africa.

[11] Papathemelis' departure from PASOK officially announced on Monday

Athens, 18/11/2003 (ANA)

Kaklamanis read the letter to the plenum and as of Monday evening Papathemelis is an independent deputy.

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas stressed, in response, that Papathemelis' decision was his right, but political ethics demand of Papathemelis, who was elected with ruling PASOK party, to also resign from his seat at the Parliament.

On his part, Papathemelis responded saying ''Mr. Protopapas, obviously forgets that, in all things that concern me personally, I was not elected by actions of the leadership (of PASOK), but as everyone knows I was elected despite its will and despite the strong reaction of mechanisms''.

[12] PASOK deputy Kremastinos will not run for reelection

Athens, 18/11/2003 (ANA)

The well-known heart surgeon had already announced his intention not to run for reelection in September.

On his part, in response, Prime Minister Costas Simitis, in a letter to Kremastinos, thanked him for his political presence and underlined the decision of the doctor to accept the appointment to the post of director of cardiology in the new University Hospital of Attica.

[13] Trade union group criticizes US envoy's statement on Theodorakis

Athens, 18/11/2003 (ANA)

''Instead of attacking the artistic leaders of our country, we would ask you to do everything possible to change the policies of the government of [Israeli Prime Minister Ariel] Sharon, so that a just and peaceful solution can be found that will respect both the Palestinians and the Israelis as having a right to their own country,'' the letter said.

GSEE also expressed the strong displeasure of Greek workers toward the Israeli government in a letter to Israeli Ambassador to Athens Ram Aviram, regarding Israel's ''unacceptable response'' to the same comments by Theodorakis.

In a statement that he later clarified had referred exclusively to the Sharon government and aggressive US-Israeli policies rather than the people of Israel, Theodorakis had spoken of a ''fanatical'' attitude on Israel's part and described it as being ''at the root of evil''.

Miller responded last week, saying the composer's statements were ''regrettable'' and said they couched his objections to Israel's policy in ethnic terms.

[14] Greek 2004 budget to focus on growth, social policies, FinMin says

Athens, 18/11/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Bank of Greece governor Nikos Garganas, Mr Christodoulakis stressed that next year's budget would focus on higher economic growth, while it would also stabilize the economy and promote social policies.

"I believe that the Greek economy is currently in a stage where it should have a clear priority of fiscal stability to reduce debts and contain deficits," the Greek minister said.

Mr Christodoulakis noted that the government, after submitting its draft budget plan to parliament, would submit its updated stability and growth program to the European Commission. The three-year program (2004-2006) will reflect the government's estimated figures of economic goals.

Economy ministry officials said that the Greek government was in constant talks with the European Commission and that submission of next year's budget would resolve several of the problems related with doubts over Greek budget figures.

[15] Greek current account deficit widens in Jan-Sept

Athens, 18/11/2003 (ANA)

In its monthly report on the trade figures, the central bank said that a slight increase was recorded in the transfers surplus, which offset the small growth of the income account deficit.

A rise in non-oil export receipts was fully offset by the increase in the non-oil import bill, while a small decrease in the services surplus mainly stemmed from reduced net travel receipts, the bank said.

Net transport (notably sea transport) receipts grew, as gross receipts increased considerably, while gross payments rose moderately. The small increase in the income account deficit came mainly as a result of a decline in fees and wages receipts, while the small rise in the transfers surplus mostly reflects the fact that net EU transfers to general government grew.

The January-September 2003 period saw an improvement in both the non-oil trade deficit, which fell, and the services surplus, which grew in comparison with the same period in 2002. However, as a result of a widening of the oil trade deficit and the income account deficit and a narrowing of the transfers surplus, the current account deficit eventually grew by 475 million euros over the same period in 2002, reaching 5.019 billion euros.

The non-oil trade deficit decreased by 435 million euros in the January-September period over the same period in 2002, as export receipts grew by 289 million euros and the import bill declined by 145 million euros. The services surplus grew, as the increase in net transport receipts more than offset the decrease in net travel receipts. The income account deficit widened by 518 million euros, mainly owing to increased net interest payments on Greek government bonds, which are associated with a commensurate rise in non-residents’ holdings of such securities since the beginning of 2003.

Finally, underlying the narrowing (by 348 million euros) of the transfers surplus was a reduction in net transfers from the EU to general government, which more than offset the growth of net transfers to the other sectors.

Financial account balance: Direct investment flows were low in September 2003. The net inflow was small (7.6 million euros). As regards ''other investment'', the net inflow of 530 million euros was mainly connected with an increase in non-residents’ deposits and repos holdings in Greece.

In January-September 2003, a net outflow of 671 million euros was observed under direct investment, which is mainly accounted for by residents’ direct investment abroad. Over the same period, a substantial net inflow of 11.320 billion euros was recorded under portfolio investment. This development is mainly associated with an inflow of foreign investors’ funds for the purchase of Greek government bonds, which increased considerably year-on-year.

At end-August 2003, Greece’s reserve assets stood at 5.0 billion euros.

[16] Commission comments on Greek fiscal deficit projections

Athens, 18/11/2003 (ANA)

A spokesman for Monetary Affairs Commissioner Pedro Solbes, answering to journalists' questions over the issue, stressed that Greece needed to adhere to a fiscal discipline program.

The spokesman said that a representation group of the Commission's general directorate on economic and monetary affairs had visited Athens last week in the framework of regular contacts between community agencies with Greek authorities. The visit, the second this autumn, was aimed to collect additional data for next year's budget and Greece's updated stability and growth program.

The spokesman stressed that preliminary data received from Greek authorities confirmed the EU executive's forecasts over the country's fiscal condition. He hinted, however, that the Commission's autumn predictions might be excessive and stressed that the country should focus on its structural deficit, which the Commission said that it worsened this year, exceeding 2.0 percent of Greek GDP from 1.5 percent in 2001.

The Commission spokesman also noted Greece, helped by its high growth rates, should focus on reducing its public deficits and seek balanced budgets according to an EU stability and growth pact.

He noted that the EU Commission would publish its opinion over the Greek stability and growth program in the first quarter of 2004.

[17] EU report on unemployment rates in EU-25

Athens, 18/11/2003 (ANA)

In its annual report on unemployment in the EU-25 in 2002, the EU's executive stressed that the Peloponnese (7.3 percent), Crete (7.7 percent) and Ionian islands (9.0 percent) were the regions with the lowest unemployment rate in the country.

Eurostat said that Reunion (France) with 29.3 percent, Ale (Denmark) with 27.1 percent, Lubuski and Dolno Slaski (Poland) with 26.3 percent and 26.1 percent, respectively, Guadelupe (26 percent), Calabria (Italy) with 24.6 percent and Vihode Slovesko (Slovakia) with 22.2 percent were the regions with the highest unemployment rates in the EU-25.

On the other hand, Tirol (Austria) with 2.0 percent, Utrecht (Holland) with 2.2 percent, Zeeland (Holland) with 2.3 percent, Azores islands (Portugal) with 2.5 percent, Cyprus with 3.3 percent and Prague with 3.6 percent, were the regions with the lowest unemployment rates in 2002.

[18] FinMin to announce decision on Post Savings Bank this week

Athens, 18/11/2003 (ANA)

Mr Christodoulakis is scheduled to meet with the bank's board before reaching his final decisions.

The Greek government has said it was seeking to sell a minority stake in Post Savings Bank as part of its privatization program this year.

[19] Greece rejects full decoupling of EU tobacco subsidies, output

BRUSSELS, 18/11/2003 (ANA/B.Demiris)

Speaking after an EU farm ministers meeting in the Belgian capital, Agriculture Minister George Drys told reporters the government would accept a partial decoupling if the move was implemented cautiously in order to avoid destabilizing output and protect areas and varieties of tobacco where alternatives were unavailable.

Greek tobacco producers join demo against EU overhaul: Greek tobacco producers took part in a demonstration in the Belgian capital on Monday to protest against reform of the sector by the European Union's executive Commission.

Around 5,000 producers in the protest called by Unitab, the sector's European umbrella union.

The reform plan aims to phase out subsidies.

[20] Geopolotical worries push Greek stocks 1.43 pct lower

Athens, 18/11/2003 (ANA)

The general index fell 1.43 percent to end at 2,132.57 points, off the day's lows of 2,127 points. Turnover was a moderate 93.5 million euros.

All sector indices ended lower with the Textile, Publications and Base Metals sectors suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day (5.26 percent, 2.95 percent and 2.87 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 1.53 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 1.56 percent lower and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index plunged 2.76 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 302 to 30 with another 19 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Public Power Corporation, Football Pools Organization, National Bank of Greece and Alpha Bank.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover 82.8 mln euros on Friday

Equity Index Futures: