Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-06-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] Combatting unemployment "top policy priority", Prime Minister says

[02] PASOK party leader says government lacks vision and strategy

[03] President Stephanopoulos to visit Normandy for 60th D-day anniversary

[04] PM to speak in Thessaloniki, Wachau 2004 forum in Austria

[05] Supreme Court rejects DHKKI appeal against its exclusion from Euro-polls

[06] Party-leader debate to take place next Tuesday, hosted by state TV

[07] Cypriot foreign minister in Athens to discuss UN report on the Cyprus issue

[08] PM Karamanlis meets Cyprus' DHSY leader Anastassiades

[09] KKE leader says government and political parties should reject Annan report on Cyprus

[10] Stocks rise as high cap shares dominate market

[11] Olympic Flame receives warm welcome in Sydney

[12] Bakoyiannis in NY: Greece will surprise the world with the Olympic Games

[13] Karamanlis briefed by ATHOC chief over preparations; organizers rule out prospect of foreign armed guards

[14] Alternate Culture Minister comments on Olympic Games following meeting with PM

[15] Eastern arc of Calatrava Roof in place

[16] ATHOC chief receives US ambassador

[17] Cultural Olympiad: Philip Glass' Orion makes its world premiere in Athens

[18] Gov't unveils environmental protection plan

[19] Environment minister urges all to 'pitch in' for success of environmental policies

[20] US embassy to begin new Biometric Process for visas on June 14

[21] Ecumenical Patriarchate restores communion with Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos

[22] Concert to celebrate Cyprus' EU accession at Athens Concert Hall

[23] Police taking special measures to prevent distribution of counterfeit banknotes

[24] Cyprus President Papadopoulos says no way same plan in new referendum

[25] Britain: Annan's report an accurate summary of negotiations

[01] Combatting unemployment "top policy priority", Prime Minister says

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

"Our economic policy goal is to create more new and stable job positions, especially for the young people," Karamanlis said in a speech during a visit to the Workforce Employment Organization (OAED) offices in Alimos, adding that the government would give "more emphasis on training, education, new technologies and a more efficient management of EU funds to boost employment".

The Prime Minister noted that OAED did not meet its role and that "today" it faced the challenge of playing a significant role in promoting employment policies. "The government will stand by the organization in this effort".

Speaking to reporters, later, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos repeated that unemployment was the top priority for the government. Roussopoulos underlined that the "goal of a new development policy is to create new and more opportunities for Greek citizens, especially young people, for stable and well-paid job positions".

[02] PASOK party leader says government lacks vision and strategy

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

"The ND government has no vision. It has no strategy. This is already obvious, although they are trying to conceal it. They are postponing everything until autumn. They are using the Olympic Games as an excuse to postpone. In a few months, in September in Thessaloniki, we will be faced with a tough austerity program. Because the New Democracy party has no solutions for the country's problems," he said.

Papandreou went on to say that ND "has no political will and no courage. How did it go to the elections? It gave promises to all. It gave promises which it is impossible for it to keep. It gave conflicting promises. An overall strategy is lacking."

Referring to the cable bridge project, Papandreou underlined the efforts made by PASOK governments for the project to be carried out with consistency, responsibility and patience.

The PASOK leader was accompanied on his visit by former Prime Minister Costas Simitis and former ministers Costas Laliotis and Vasso Papandreou.

[03] President Stephanopoulos to visit Normandy for 60th D-day anniversary

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

[04] PM to speak in Thessaloniki, Wachau 2004 forum in Austria

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

Immediately afterward, the prime minister will travel to Vienna at the invitation of Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel to attend the European Forum Wachau 2004 on Sunday morning, where he will be the central speaker on the theme "Europe is the future".

This prestigious forum for European dialogue will take place at the Göttweig Monastery, while Karamanlis will be addressing an international audience of leading figures in politics, finance, arts and the media in central and eastern Europe.

The visit will also provide an opportunity to reaffirm traditionally close and friendly ties between Greece and Austria, which date back to the Byzantine era. The previous meeting between Karamanlis and Schuessel was in May 2003, when Karamanlis had visited Austria as head of Greece's main opposition party for talks on European issues on the eve of the Thessaloniki EU Summit.

[05] Supreme Court rejects DHKKI appeal against its exclusion from Euro-polls

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

The other parties were the Greek Hunters' party, the White party and the Political Greek-European Animal Lovers Party.

The court found that the act of proclaiming the parties participating in the elections was not open to appeal since it was not an administrative act but a court decision that was final and irrevocable. As such, it said that none of the four parties involved would be able to take part in the election nor could they have recourse to any other court in Greece.

The 23 parties that will participate in the upcoming elections were proclaimed by the Supreme Court on May 30, which excluded nine of the 32 parties that had originally declared their intention to field candidates on various grounds, mostly for missing the deadlines for submitting documents.

In DHKKI's case, the court found that the list of candidates proposed was faulty since they had not been selected by the proper organ within the party, which was its central committee. The party had formed a pre-electoral alliance with the Democratic Alternative Movement and the candidates had been proposed by a governing committee, which the court said was not provided for under DHKKI's charter.

Protesting against the court's latest decision, DHKKI said in an announcement on Friday that it will continue its "uncompromising struggle" and leveled charges of "pre-meditated election-rigging" in the European polls, since "in order for a political party to participate in the political life of the country and have full rights of political action it must be approved beforehand by the appointed courts of the neoliberal two-party system".

[06] Party-leader debate to take place next Tuesday, hosted by state TV

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

The rules of the debate have been set by the Cross-party Committee, in terms of length, topics and the time allowed for questions and answers. Mega TV talk-show host Yiannis Pretederis will be the debate coordinator after he was chosen by lottery from among the journalists proposed by the main nationwide media networks in the country.

Questions will be put by the journalists Elli Stai (Antenna), Stavros Theodorakis (Star), Nikos Evangelatos (Alter), Pavlos Tsimas (ERT) and Manolis Kapsis (Alpha).

[07] Cypriot foreign minister in Athens to discuss UN report on the Cyprus issue

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

The two sides said that Athens and Nicosia had identical views on how to handle the developments and that the foreign ministries of the two governments were working together extremely closely on this issue.

In a press conference after the meeting, the two ministers said that some time will have to elapse before conditions are ripe to resume negotiations, during which the events will have to be carefully studied and reviewed.

Iacovou thanked the Greek government and the foreign ministry for its unequivocal support of Cyprus and said that a number of challenges lay before the Cyprus Republic, such as the discussion that will very likely take place within the UN Security Council next week.

"There are no instant solutions. After the dual referendum on Cyprus some parties have undergone a crisis and it is certain that we will need time to sit down and look at things again from a new angle and analyze the situation in the future, so that afterward, at some stage, we will have specific proposals," Iacovou said.

On his part, Molyviatis reiterated that the goal of the Greek side has always been the reunification of Cyprus on the basis of the Annan plan, so that Turkish Cypriots can also enjoy the benefits of Cyprus' accession to the EU.

[08] PM Karamanlis meets Cyprus' DHSY leader Anastassiades

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

Anastassiades stated that there was a discussion on the ways which they could, through the European People's Party, utilize the potential of European party leaders for there to be encouragement for a possible initiative which will again create mobility in the Cyprus issue.

He further stressed that the political leadership of Cyprus should make clear what it wants and the government along with the political parties to determine common objectives for them to be able and united to give the battle and to create the prerequisites for a new opportunity to Cypriot Hellenism.

The DYSY leader, commenting on UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's report, said that it was unpleasant that for the first time in 30 years responsibility was attributed to the Greek Cypriot side. He assesses that this will have adverse consequences as Turkey will attempt to use this to the full and the Turkish Cypriots will ask for an upgrading of the regime, as also indicated by the UN Secretary-General.

However, Anastassiades evaluated that the content of the report was neither prohibitive nor negative for possible renegotiations on the issue of guarantees and security. Security, he said, is an issue which can be discussed and secured by the other side, without a new referendum needed.

[09] KKE leader says government and political parties should reject Annan report on Cyprus

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

She said Annan's report "showed he is taking orders from the United States" and objected to his reference to equal political rights from the point of view of the existence of two sovereign states.

Papariga stressed that KKE had always supported equality of political rights of the two communities but only within the framework of a bizonal, bi-communal federation and not two sovereign states.

[10] Stocks rise as high cap shares dominate market

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,442.41 points, showing a 1.10 per cent increase. Turnover was 171.8 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 1.50 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.04 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.04 per cent down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 186 to 114 with 56 remaining unchanged.

[11] Olympic Flame receives warm welcome in Sydney

MELBOURNE 5/6/2004 (ANA/S. Hatzimanolis)

Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson was there to receive it, representing Australia's Prime Minister John Howard who was traveling abroad.

"This Flame will travel around the globe to unite all peoples in the Olympic ideals of peace, fair play, friendship and cooperation. To us here in Sydney, it brings back unforgettable moments from the year 2000," Anderson said, wishing Athens every success in staging the Games. He emphasized that it was also the wish of all Australia.

The Flame was then taken to the Sydney Opera House for a special ceremony. Premier of South New Wales Bob Carr, also present at the ceremony, once again expressed his confidence that the Athens Games will be a success.

"The world is a different place than it was four years ago," Carr said, referring to the threat of terrorism felt throughout the world, something that was not the case for Sydney in 2000. "This is why it's mandatory that we adapt Olympic ideals," he added.

Sydney gold medalist Kathy Freeman was the first torchbearer. In a circle of olive branches, Freeman lit the first of the torches with the Flame and the Torch Relay started off on its journey. "I am especially proud that I was given the chance once again to be a torchbearer," Freeman said.

The Torch Relay passed through Sydney, including Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Greek district, to finish at the Olympic Stadium where tens of thousands of sports fans gathered to watch a rugby match welcomed it.

The Olympic Flame will arrive in Melbourne on Saturday morning.

[12] Bakoyiannis in NY: Greece will surprise the world with the Olympic Games

NEW YORK 5/6/2004 (ANA/P. Panayiotou)

"I can't change the past, but I can change the future," Bakoyiannis said referring to delays and mistakes of the past, while at the same time emphasizing that everything will be ready and all obstacles will be overcome.

"I realize the difference between the vision and the reality of politics. Obviously, we are not perfect, but we are certain we have done a great job. We are confident and we will manage to surprise the world by staging successful and safe Olympic Games," she said.

The Athens mayor also provided some figures regarding the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. Specifically, she noted that 11,000 athletes from 202 countries will be participating and 21,000 journalists and technicians will be covering the event. As for Games security, $1.2 billion will be spent and 70,000 policemen and military personnel will be employed.

Pressed on issues such as completion of works and the threat of a terrorist attack, Bakoyiannis referred to the fact that Greece is cooperating with the US and six other countries as well as with NATO on Games security, reminding journalists that, "the Athens Games are the first Olympics to be held after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and the attacks in Istanbul and Madrid."

She also placed emphasis on the message of the Olympics, saying that despite the world's sad state of affairs of violence and war "the Athens Olympic Games will promote in the best possible way the Games' eternal spirit for peace and understanding among peoples." Bakoyiannis invited Americans to visit Greece and admire what the country has to offer.

Bakoyiannis also referred to the issue of "domestic terrorism" saying that after the dismantling of the "November 17" terrorist group there are no significant threats. She noted that the efforts made and the billions spent target international terrorism - a problem which "concerns practically the entire world."

[13] Karamanlis briefed by ATHOC chief over preparations; organizers rule out prospect of foreign armed guards

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

"I met the Prime Minister, I briefed him on the progress of preparations, and we agreed that what is needed right now is for all of us to intensify our efforts. Our Flame has set out on its journey around the world. This is the biggest communications campaign ever undertaken by a country, because it is as through Greece itself is making this journey ... On our part, we must intensify our efforts and move ahead with optimism during the lead up to the Games. These must be uplifting Games, not Games of ill feelings and grumbling, and of course we agree with the prime minister that any issues which are pending must have been resolved by the day on which the first accredited visitor is due to arrive, whether this is a media representative or a dignitary," the ATHOC chief told reporters afterwards.

Asked about the crucial issue of security, and whether there has been any request by the US for armed guards, she replied:

"What we are saying is that all the countries that have hosted Games in the past had agreed to the presence also of guards as delegation escorts. However, the role of armed guards, together with the overall responsibility for Olympic security, is assumed by our country, because we are in Greece and we are holding the Games in our country.

"The minister for public order has stated this to all foreign parties, as we also have done on many occasions. We will hold the Games doing everything humanly possible to manage all the visitors who will be arriving; we have taken all necessary measures. Greece has done what no other host country has ever done before in terms of strategy, preparations, advisers, high budget - but we are in Greece and the responsibility for all those people that we will be welcoming here is ours," she added.

[14] Alternate Culture Minister comments on Olympic Games following meeting with PM

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

Asked whether armed guards would be escorting US athletes, Palli-Petralia replied "Public Order Minister Mr. [George] Voulgarakis has repeatedly addressed this issue. It is out of the question and we insist on this statement."

[15] Eastern arc of Calatrava Roof in place

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

Works at the Olympic Stadium, such as the installation of seats, landscaping and the planting of thousands of plants and trees, are expected to be completed by the end of June, the deadline to which the Greek government has committed itself.

[16] ATHOC chief receives US ambassador

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

Afterwards, Miller said he congratulated organizers over progress to complete the massive roof over the main Olympic Stadium (OAKA), among others.

Asked about the crucial issue of Olympic security, the US ambassador said it was also discussed in detail, before noting that the world is a much different place than it was four years ago.

He nevertheless reiterated that security is the domain of Greek authorities, whereas the United States is merely offering any assistance it can. He also said Washington backs the Greek government on the issue of security.

[17] Cultural Olympiad: Philip Glass' Orion makes its world premiere in Athens

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

The famous composer brought together the following composers and performers: Mark Atkins (didgeridoo) from Australia, Wu Man (pipa) from China, Foday Musa Suso (kora) from Africa, Ravi Shankar (sitar) from India, Gaurav Mazumdar (sitar) from India, Ashley MacIsaac (violin) from Canada, and the Uakti ensemble from Brazil.

Philip Glass and the Philip Glass Ensemble accompanied Greek singer Eleftheria Arvanitaki in the song Tzivaeri.

Orion will be performed again in Athens on Friday, and in Thessaloniki on June 7 and 8.

[18] Gov't unveils environmental protection plan

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Souflias said that the Greece could face problems in its relations with the European Union unless measures were taken to deal with the issue of illegal landfills in the country. The Greek minister stressed that the ministry was currently drafting a national town planning strategy, based on EU directives, aimed to achieve economic and social cohesion, protecting natural resources and cultural heritage and a balanced development of all of the country's regions.

"Our priority is to protect the environment, improving efficiency and function of the national economy and the society, preconditions for achieving high-level living standards for the population," the minister said.

Souflias said that the government was nearing completion of a project to register all biological cleaning systems and waste processing facilities in the country. He said that Greece was obliged to close all illegal landfills by 2007.

[19] Environment minister urges all to 'pitch in' for success of environmental policies

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

Souflias underlined that Greek seas were currently the cleanest in the Mediterranean and in all of Europe and stressed that keeping them safe and beautiful was the responsibility of both the political leadership and the public.

The minister also noted that despite large EU inflows for environmental projects in past years, most environmental problems remained largely unsolved, while spending had been inordinately large relative to the results achieved in this area, with many environmental works either half-finished or faulty due to bad workmanship.

He said the government's policy in this area was centered on the principle of protection and prevention and of making polluters pay, while rewarding those who did not pollute, as well as that of cost-benefit efficiency.

[20] US embassy to begin new Biometric Process for visas on June 14

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

The "finger-scan" requirement affects all visas for travel to the US, including visas for tourism, business, education, work and immigration. The new fraud prevention measure is being implemented worldwide at US embassies and consulates in all countries, including those in the European Union, by October 26, 2004, an embassy announcement said.

Odorless, inkless and easy to do, the finger-scan is done by the applicant during the visa interview in Athens and is then printed onto the actual visa, along with the applicant's photo. Once at the border, US officials will compare the finger-scans on the visa with those done at the port of entry to verity the identity of the traveler, the announcement said.

The finger-scan process is already underway for most visa-holders between the ages of 14 and 79 at more than 125 US embassies and consulates, such as Vancouver, London, Brussels, Frankfurt, Ankara and Bern. Following the September 11 tragedies, US lawmakers mandated the new visa procedures to bolster security at all US air and seaports. As a result, the use of stolen and counterfeit visas for entry into the US has declined while security for legitimate travelers to the United States has increased, the embassy said.

All existing visas that were issues prior to June 14, 2004, will remain valid until their expiration date. Because the finger scan will add time to the visa application process, the Embassy strongly recommends that individuals schedule an appointment for their visa interview well before their planned travel to the US and that they build in ample time for the new finger-scan process and interview at the Embassy, the announcement continued.

Visitors should also plan well ahead for travel during holidays. Applicants may quickly schedule visa interview appointments on the Embassy's website:

http://www.usembassy.gr/consular/appointment.htm. Applicants also may schedule interviews by calling 210-7202442 Monday through Friday, between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., the announcement said.

[21] Ecumenical Patriarchate restores communion with Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos

ISTANBUL 5/6/2004 (ANA)

The Ecumenical Patriarchate "accepted and assessed with satisfaction the decision taken on May 28 by the Hierarchy of the Church of Greece on honoring and observing the Patriarchal and Synod Volume of 1850 and all the clauses contained in the Patriarchal and Synod Act of 1928," the announcement said.

"As a result it restored operational and administrative communion with his eminence Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Mr. Christodoulos," it added.

[22] Concert to celebrate Cyprus' EU accession at Athens Concert Hall

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

Also participating will be popular Greek singers Giorgos Dalaras, Tzeni Drivala and Aliki Kagialoglou, accompanied by the ERT Contemporary Music Orchestra directed by Andreas Pylarinos and the Kifissia municipality Arts Centre youth choir.

[23] Police taking special measures to prevent distribution of counterfeit banknotes

Athens, 5/6/2004 (ANA)

The measures are being taken after customs officials at the Promahonas border checkpoint detected members of three different gangs dealing in counterfeit banknotes of the above denominations.

Such banknotes are of very good quality and very often special machines used for detecting counterfeit banknotes fail to recognize their fakeness.

Consequently, a number of shop owners in northern Greece only realized they had been cheated when they went to deposit such banknotes in banks.

According to police assessments, counterfeit banknotes are mainly brought from Bulgaria where 17 printing offices producing counterfeit banknotes have been detected recently.

[24] Cyprus President Papadopoulos says no way same plan in new referendum

NEW YORK 5/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Addressing a gathering of overseas Cypriots and Greek Americans at Astoria, New York, on Thursday, President Papadopoulos noted that the Greek Cypriot side wishes for a solution and negotiations in the framework of a new initiative based on the European law and human rights.

He called upon the Greek American Community to help the Cyprus voice to be loudly heard during the US electoral campaign not only for a Cyprus solution but also for the Cyprus people not to be punished because they freely expressed there will during the 24 April referendum.

President Papadopoulos thanked the overseas Cypriots and their leaders who agreed that the ''plan which was offered to us was not satisfactory and could not answer to the concerns of the Greek Cypriots and therefore the Greek Cypriots and every Greek could not but vote 'no'''.

Referring to the reasons for which he asked the Greek Cypriots to reject the Annan Plan, the Cypriot president said some real difficulties begin now because big interests are at stake, adding the United States and Britain play a leading role in helping Turkey.

As regards to the Greek Cypriot "no" vote in the referendum, the Cypriot president explained that in the event of a mistake there would be no return back, noting that his generation has an obligation towards all the next generations.

''When you must decide for the dissolution of your state you can not rely only on Turkey's good will. Nobody has the right to erase the land of our fathers. No one can imagine the loneliness of the weight of the decision to sign the 'yes' or 'no' for the future of your country", he said.

Concluding, President Papadopoulos expressed his gratitude to the overseas Cypriots and their leaders for their support.

Referring to his meeting with the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan he said he had the opportunity to exchange views and letting the UN Secretary-General know the reasons why the Greek Cypriots rejected the plan.

[25] Britain: Annan's report an accurate summary of negotiations

LONDON 5/6/2004 (ANA/CNA)

''The immediate need is the agreement on measures to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots,'' he noted, adding that the British government looks forward to the discussion of the report at the UN Security Council.

The spokesman expressed hope that the Cyprus government would cooperate on the measures to be taken in favor of the Turkish Cypriots.

He added that the British government welcomed the statement by the Cyprus government expressing support for a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

''Our aim is a united Cyprus within the EU and the UK will do what is possible to realize it,'' the spokesman said.

He added that the British government's position on the UN SG's report ''is an accurate summary of the negotiations."

The comments came following the release of the Annan report which criticized the Greek Cypriots for rejecting Annan's proposed solution and praised the Turkish Cypriots for approving it.

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