Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-04-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Barroso praises Greece for devotion to European ideal, integration; backs gov't over measures to meet stability pact target

[02] European Commission president stresses need for Europe to be protagonist in new globalized environment

[03] European Commission ready to support compromise solution on FYROM name issue, Commission president says

[04] Main opposition leader focuses on issues of Greek concern in talks with European Commission President

[05] European Commission President did not violate regulations by accepting Greek businessman's invitation, Commission spokeswoman says

[06] Commission President Barroso visits 'Technology on Land, Sea' exhibition in Athens

[07] PM unfazed by latest opinion poll results

[08] Sunday's poll shows that citizens continue to trust New Democracy gov't, Roussopoulos says

[09] PASOK party spokesman criticizes PM's statement about government at war, gov't spokesman responds

[10] President Papoulias receives head of Armenian Church of Cilicia

[11] Greek and Italian DMs sign mutual understanding memorandum

[12] PM discusses immigration policy draft law with interior and public order ministers

[13] Australian PM to visit Greece

[14] Foreign ministry on Sunday's voting in Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus

[15] Church will oppose privatization of religion and of morality, Archbishop Christodoulos says

[16] Coalition party leader up in arms over junta emblem on Famar internal regulations

[17] Greek inflation eases to 2.9 pct in March, Eurostat says

[18] Gov't promotes draft bill on joint cooperation between public-private sectors

[19] Improving EU competitiveness needs teamwork, Deputy FinMin says

[20] Public works minister signs contracts for projects worth 500 million euros

[21] Gov't setting up farm growth centers around the country

[22] Greek gov't supports research and technology

[23] New hospital supply system will reduce spending by 25 pct, minister says

[24] FYROM sees influx of Greek shoppers and gamblers

[25] Athens to offer 30 trolleys to Belgrade free of charge

[26] Athens municipality to launch new volunteer program

[27] President Papadopoulos hopes for resumption of UN talks

[28] Cyprus wishes EU's more active role, says President Papadopoulos

[29] Cyprus hopes Turkish Cypriots to contribute to settlement

[01] Barroso praises Greece for devotion to European ideal, integration; backs gov't over measures to meet stability pact target

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

In statements afterwards, the Portuguese Commission president said the expected ratification by Parliament on Tuesday demonstrates Greece's devotion to the European ideal, European principles and values as well as the east Mediterranean country's contribution to development, progress and European integration.

Both major parties of the 300-MP Parliament, ruling New Democracy and main opposition PASOK, have publicly expressed their support for the European Constitution, with the latter, however, also requesting a referendum. Conversely, Parliament's two smaller parties, the Communist Party (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) oppose the draft treaty and have demanded a referendum.

"Greece has contributed to Europe just as Europe has contributed to Greece," Barroso underlined.

Moreover, the Commission president praised Greece and the Karamanlis government for a series of recent cost-cutting and tax measures aimed at bringing the country back below the stability pact ceiling for budget deficits.

Barroso nevertheless dismissed a press question hinting that only Greece must submit reports to the EU on finances, as he reminded that all EU members -- not just 'euro-zone' member-states -- must submit such reports, before again praising Athens' recent measures.

On his part, Karamanlis said talks touched on the Union's fiscal prospects for the 2007-2013 period, as he reiterated that Greece will back a Commission proposal on allocation of CSF funds. Karamanlis called the proposal "balanced" and said it could successfully solve problems related to the different levels of development amongst member-states.

Furthermore, the Greek premier reminded that Greece, Spain and Portugal are spearheading a common front of 17 member-states to back the proposal.

Turkey's EU prospects: Both leaders also commented on Turkey's closely watched European prospects, less than a week after Ankara's military caused another round of tension in the Aegean with repeated airspace violations by warplanes and even violation of Greek territorial waters near the sensitive Imia rock islets. One disquieting aspect of last week's incidents was the fact that they coincided with a working visit by the Greek foreign minister to Turkey for talks with the neighboring country's top leadership.

Karamanlis, in fact, stressed that "now is the time for Turkey to prove that it wants to comply with Europe's acquis communautaire and European values, and that it wants to meet criteria as set out at EU Summits."

Asked about the recent provocations, Barroso repeated that the Union has burdened Turkey with clear-cut conditions on respect of European values and principles as well as the Union's acquis communautaire, which he said are prerequisites for that country's full membership in the European Union.

Along those lines, he emphasized that "good-neighborly" relations with EU member-states and candidate-states is one of those conditions.

"We appreciate the stance shown by the Greek government," Barroso added, while noting that it was in the interests of both Greece and the wider region to have a democratic Turkey in the European family.

Beyond Turkey, Karamanlis reiterated that Athens is in favor of all Balkan states' European prospects as long as they meet European criteria.

He also told reporters that he personally briefed Barroso over a recent proposal by UN special representative Matthew Nimetz towards Athens and Skopje for resolving the thorny "name issue" still plaguing bilateral relations between the two Balkan neighbors.

'Primary shareholder' issue: Both men, meanwhile, were queried by reporters over the government's high-profile campaign to boost transparency in the broadcast sector and to prevent media owners from bidding on state contracts, an initiative that has generated official reservations by the Commission vis-a-vis the issue of compatibility with EU laws.

PM Karamanlis said the issue was discussed with Barroso and that the government's goal is to find "common ground" so the issue of compatibility "is resolved, while the target of transparency is served."

The Karamanlis government has made its "primary shareholder" law and defense of Constitutional Article 14.9 a veritable "standard" in its quest to fulfill a pre-election promise to fight corruption and vested interests in the country. Conversely, opposition PASOK -- which previously held the government's reins -- charges that relevant legislation will lead to a legal clash with the EU and possible losses of CSF funds.

On his part, Barroso said the entire issue is an "object of legal evaluation", adding that he does not want to make political statements on the matter. None-the-less, the former prime minister of Portugal said the first assessment showed that the Greek law does not fully comply with European law. He added that a response by the Commission, in reply to a previous letter by the Greek government, is being prepared.

"I hope that the problem will be solved and that we will not need to take recourse to the European Court," he said.

Earlier, the EU Commission president toured an exhibition in central Athens focusing on research, development and technology.

On Monday he also met with President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias and main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou.

[02] European Commission president stresses need for Europe to be protagonist in new globalized environment

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

The dinner was attended by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, many cabinet members and representatives of the business world.

Barroso expressed satisfaction over the development of the accession course of Romania and Bulgaria, while in referring to Turkey's candidacy he said this process will prove to be beneficial for overall stability in the region.

Focusing on the targets of the European Union, the European Commission president spoke of the need for the creation of an attractive investment environment to enable the creation of more jobs.

"Whatever environment if friendly for businesses and investments is friendly for working people as well," Barroso said and noted the need for Europe to play a leading role in efforts to achieve prosperity and peace on the planet.

"We are or we should all be on the same side. And just like every successful team, we shall achieve more if we play according to the rules," the European Commission president added.

Referring to Greece, Barroso recalled the success of the Greek national soccer team (winning the European soccer championship) in Portugal last summer, as well as the successful holding of the Olympic Games in Athens and stressed that "the Greeks are well aware of team work."

[03] European Commission ready to support compromise solution on FYROM name issue, Commission president says

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

Barroso was addressing the members of the Parliamentary Committees of National Defense and Foreign Affairs, Economy, Production and Trade, and of European Affairs, as well as the Greek Eurodeputies.

He added that "they must be flexible so that a solution can be found earlier and not later", adding that the Commission cannot replace the international mediator whose efforts "we support."

Replying to questions by deputies during his address on the issue of "The Odyssey of Europe: Seeking reform and the role of Greece", Barroso also referred to the protocol of Ankara.

"When the member-states decided to open the doors of negotiations with Turkey it was clear to Turkey that signing the protocol of Ankara constituted a precondition," he said.

On the question of the main shareholder law, Barroso said "its rationale, the basis of the (relevant) law, is correct", adding that the law "the way it is formulated now does not coincide absolutely with European legislation."

Commenting on fiscal measures implemented by the government recently, the Commission president said "the government is adopting bold measures to remedy the excessive deficit" and that "the evaluation made at the ECOFIN so far was positive for the efforts made by Greece to remedy the deficit."

[04] Main opposition leader focuses on issues of Greek concern in talks with European Commission President

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

On the issue of Greece's fiscal future in relation to the Fourth Community Support Framework, Papandreou said that Greece must aim for a significant share of available funds.

He also touched on Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue, emphasizing that Europe must play an active role in Turkey's EU accession course. Papandreou linked Turkey's EU bid with resolving the problems existing in Greek-Turkish relations.

PASOK's leader also linked the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's (FYROM) EU course to how constructive a stance it adopts in negotiations regarding its name. Papandreou requested the EU's support in negotiations currently under way between FYROM and Greece.

Furthermore, Papandreou said that the EU accession of Balkan countries was a priority for Greece.

Asked to comment on the media ownership law, Papandreou accused the government of diminishing the country's stature abroad and within the EU.

He offered to help the government make the law compatible with EU legislation by working within the framework of the Greek Parliament and the Greek Constitution.

Papandreou and Barroso also discussed European developments, particularly ratification of the European Constitution and anticipated outcomes in France and other EU member states.

[05] European Commission President did not violate regulations by accepting Greek businessman's invitation, Commission spokeswoman says

Brussels, 19/4/2005 (ANA/B.Demiris)

According to Barroso, accepting an act of hospitality outside the context of one's official capacity, concerns one's private life and does not in any way pose a conflict of interest.

Barroso accepted an invitation from Latsis, with whom he went to university and whom he's known for 25 years, to spend part of his vacation with his family on Latsis' yacht in August 2004.

The issue came to the forefront when British MEP Nigel Farage raised the question in European Parliament of how many EU commissioners have accepted invitations since assuming their EU posts.

[06] Commission President Barroso visits 'Technology on Land, Sea' exhibition in Athens

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

Barroso, who was greeted at the entrance to the exhibition by a small robot in English, expressed enthusiasm over Greece's substantial investments in research and technology.

The Commission president noted that the Lisbon Strategy placed great emphasis on science, technology, research and innovation, factors which he said contributed to the growth of the economies of the EU member states, and expressed pleasure that Greece was headed in that direction.

Barroso explained that most of the entrepreneurial projects were financed by the European Union and the Greek authorities, adding that such an investment in the future was a good destination for the taxpaying citizens' money.

"You have had good proof that the Community funding is being put to good use, Sioufas told Barroso.

He added, to waiting reporters, that the Commission president had had the opportunity to visit Greece's research centers and the enterprises that were collaborating with them, their performance, and how many things research and technology could today offer the country, and the entire world.

Also accompanying Barroso on the tour were development deputy ministers George Salagoudis and Yannis Papathanasiou, development secretary general Nikos Stefanou, secretary general for research and development Prof. Yannis Tsoukalas, and special secretary for competitiveness Spyros Efstathopoulos.

The exhibition is organized by the development ministry (General Secretariat for Research and Technology and the Special Secretariat for Competitiveness) within the framework of events marking the "Year of Competiveness 2005".

The event includes exhibits by the country's research and technology centers, which fall under the supervision of the General Secretariat for Research and Technology, as well as centers overseen by the agricultural development and foodstuffs ministry, and the Hellenic Meteorology Institute, which is supervised by the development ministry, in addition to private sector companies.

On display at the entrance to the Zappeion is the National Centre for Marine Research's bathyscaphe 'Thetis' (with its robot), the first neutrino telescope in the world, and the pontoon of the 'Poseidon' system -- a network of oceanographic observation buoys/sensors.

The exhibits are the results of research and technology programs materialized in the framework of the Third Community Support Framework's (CSF) 'Competitiveness' and 'Information Society' operational programs, and were co-financed by Community and national resources.

Barroso will also meet later in the day with main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou at a downtown Athens hotel, according to party press release on Sunday evening.

[07] PM unfazed by latest opinion poll results

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

"We've chosen a difficult path. It is not one battle, but a war we must win," the premier said in answer to press questions.

The opinion poll, published in the "Ethnos" daily, apparently shows ND leading PASOK by 1.4 percentage points, a figure down from past survey results.

Moreover, several ND officials over the weekend also unequivocally downplayed the specific results, stressing that the poll was conducted at the same time that a package of tax hikes -- aimed at slashing a massive deficit (6.1 percent) inherited from the previous PASOK government, they said -- was announced.

[08] Sunday's poll shows that citizens continue to trust New Democracy gov't, Roussopoulos says

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

The spokesman stressed that the government was "waging a war on the public's daily problems" and that it would "successfully tackle the many problems accumulated during PASOK's governance".

Commenting on the opinion poll appearing in the "Sunday Ethnos" newspaper the previous day, in which ND's lead over PASOK was seen reduced to 1.4 per cent, he said this had come at a time when the government had taken unpopular measures. He also noted that opinion polls carried out in the midst of PASOK's term when in government had shown the then ruling party trailing far behind ND.

Among the present government's successes, Roussopoulos listed the successful hosting of the Olympic Games and the measures taken to resolve issues like the LAFKA pension levy, the status of temporary contract workers in the public sector, penalty interest rates, compensation for crops, the new tax bill, reduction of state spending, reverting breach of faith back into a felony, scrapping the 'mathematical formula' for public works tenders and creating a framework for combatting bureaucracy.

In response to questions, the spokesman admitted that the government had not yet solved the problem of high prices but stressed that a great deal had been done to ensure conditions of unobstructed competition, including the fines recently announced by the Competition Commission, and that this should result in reduced prices.

Finally, he reiterated the government's commitment to fully investigate incidents of suspected stock-market manipulation by the Public Company for Transferable Securities (DEKA SA), the state-owned securities firm, and bring them to justice.

Responding to questions about government efforts to arrive at a "common ground" with the European Commission regarding the controversial "primary media shareholder" bill, which seeks to ensure transparency and prevent media involvement in the awarding of state contracts, Roussopoulos said that talks were currently underway to arrive at an acceptable solution that would allow Greece to uphold its Constitution and ensure transparency in state contracts.

He said the government was currently awaiting for the European Commission's reply to a letter outlining Greek arguments for the necessity and legality of the bill, before it announced its position.

[09] PASOK party spokesman criticizes PM's statement about government at war, gov't spokesman responds

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

Athanassakis termed the statements "warlike".

Athanassakis raised the question "against whom are they waging war?" and gave the reply "they are waging war, and indeed an aggressive one, against the economy, development, society, citizens, low-salary and low-pension earners, low- and middle-income earners and farmers."

Asked whether PASOK wants early elections, Athanassakis said that early elections take place when they are decided by the government and that "it is not up to us to call for elections at the moment."

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, replying to Athanassakis, said "when they were in government they became distinguished as fellow travelers of vested interests. Being in the opposition, they are continuing steadily on the same path. They are proving that, apart from big words, they either can't or don't want to change."

[10] President Papoulias receives head of Armenian Church of Cilicia

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

This is the fourth visit by the Armenian Church leader to Athens, where he will take part in the Interparliamentary Assembly of Orthodoxy taking place in Athens on the theme: "Nation, Religions and the new European Reality".

Catholicos Aram I, who is also president of the World Council of Churches, celebrated his 10th anniversary as head of the Armenian Church of Cilicia in Athens last Saturday, as well as the 75th anniversary since the foundation of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon and serving the needs of the Armenian diaspora.

[11] Greek and Italian DMs sign mutual understanding memorandum

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

Greece has created the Multinational Strategic Sea Transport Coordination Centre, headquartered in Athens, for this purpose and has placed 161 freighters and passenger ships at the disposal of the EU, NATO and the UN to implement needs of theirs. All action falls under the auspices of the UN.

The Center's administration is composed of 15 officers, non-commissioned officers and recruits.

According to defense ministry sources, seven administration posts will be taken up by officers from allied countries. The post of deputy commander, in accordance with the Mutual Understanding Memorandum, will be taken by an Italian officer. Five countries have shown interest so far in participating in the manning of the Centre.

[12] PM discusses immigration policy draft law with interior and public order ministers

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

The law will be examined during an inner cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Pavlopoulos said unanimity was reached between the two ministries jointly responsible for the issue.

Earlier, Voulgarakis held a half-hour meeting with the prime minister, whom he briefed on results of his recent visit to the United States.

The public order minister termed his visit good and very productive, adding that it will facilitate and upgrade Greece's role in the Balkans.

Replying to a question on a possible government reshuffle and on whether he will be assuming the post of government spokesman, Voulgarakis said "there is no issue of a reshuffle."

[13] Australian PM to visit Greece

Melbourne 19/4/2005 (ANA)

Howard is expected to meet with Greek Premier Costas Karamanlis, whereas he will also visit the Gallipoli battlefield and cemeteries.

[14] Foreign ministry on Sunday's voting in Turkish-occupied north of Cyprus

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

Specifically, the ministry announcement said:

"We hope that the result of yesterday's voting procedure in the Turkish-occupied northern part of Cyprus will mark the start of a new era with the adoption of a new policy by the Turkish Cypriot leadership. A policy [that is] in favor of a constructive dialogue, in favor of a new effort for the reunification of Cyprus. A reunification which will come as a result of a viable and functional solution, with negotiations based on the (UN Secretary-General Kofi) Annan plan, in accordance with United Nations resolutions and European principles and values.

"Every new effort must be well adapted so that it will lead to a successful result, acceptable to the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

[15] Church will oppose privatization of religion and of morality, Archbishop Christodoulos says

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

"The Church will certainly oppose the privatization of religion and of morality since it is a community of the faithful. It is not a group of people having the same views on certain issues, but a community of the faithful between themselves and a community of the body of the faithful with Christ at its head. The Church will not resist with demonstrations and insubordination; it will resist through its existence alone. It will resist and it is certain that it shall win," he said.

Archbishop Christodoulos also referred to globalization, calling on Parliamentarians not to accept the impoverishment of peoples with the excuse of "the so-called historically unavoidable."

He further wondered whether globalization indeed means "the consolidation of human rights or maybe the marginalization of religion and of morality in the private sphere and the imposition of the secular state even with war."

The conference was organized by the Interparliamentary Assembly of Orthodoxy, the European Parliament and the European Commission.

[16] Coalition party leader up in arms over junta emblem on Famar internal regulations

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

Alavanos visited on Monday visited the facilities of the pharmaceutical firm Rilken, to which Famar is being transferred.

[17] Greek inflation eases to 2.9 pct in March, Eurostat says

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

The EU executive's statistics agency said Eurozone inflation was unchanged at 2.1 percent in March from the previous month, but up from 1.7 percent in March 2004.

The inflation rate was unchanged in the EU-25 (2.1 percent), up from 1.7 percent in March 2004.

Sweden (0.5 pct), Finland (0.9 pct) and the Czech Republic (1.2 pct) recorded the lowest inflation rates in March, while Latvia (6.6 pct), Estonia (4.8 pct), Luxembourg (3.5 pct) and Spain (3.4 pct), recorded the highest inflation rates in the EU.

Consumer price inflation fell in eight EU member-states; it rose in 15 and was unchanged in Cyprus (2.4 pct) and the Netherlands.

[18] Gov't promotes draft bill on joint cooperation between public-private sectors

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

Addressing a seminar held in Athens, on the occasion of a visit by a delegation of European Investment Bank's officials, Mergos said the draft legislation was part of a wider effort by the ministry aimed to create the necessary climate to attract investors.

"The private sector can offer capital, expertise and good management," Mergos said, adding "that joint projects offer the advantage of ensuring more money, distributing risk, higher quality and distribution of maintenance costs".

EIB's vice-president Gerlando Genuardi told the seminar that joint projects by public and private sector companies were successful and urged the adoption of long-term policies on the issue. In the rest of Europe, the transport sector was the dominant sector in joint projects, with other sectors, such as education, culture, defense, etc, expected to follow through in the future, Genuardi said.

EIB has offered 18 billion euros to finance joint projects in Europe, with Greece absorbing 2.1 billion euros (around 14 percent of total funds).

[19] Improving EU competitiveness needs teamwork, Deputy FinMin says

Brussels, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

"Creating an attractive business environment within the EU is necessary not just to improve the performance of EU businesses, but also to attract new Europeans to entrepreneurship," Folias, who represented Greece at the meeting, added.

Folias also hailed the council's decision to look into creating lasting European tourism. Folias emphasized that Greece had supported the creation of a common EU tourism policy from the beginning of its EU membership. He also stressed the economic and social importance of tourism since it contributes to economic growth and is a weapon against unemployment.

The council focused on the Lisbon Strategy as it relates to strengthening EU competitiveness as well as on amending EU legislation in order to ensure the smooth operation of the internal market.

Greece will work towards realizing the Lisbon Strategy through national programs which will be formulated with the participation of social authorities. The programs' objectives entail balanced distribution of resources - using both Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund, adapting to fiscal goals and promoting structural changes in order to boost competitiveness.

As for the European Community's seventh framework program in the fields of technological research and development (2007-2013), which was presented on Monday, Greece supported prompt adoption of the program and doubling of its budget.

[20] Public works minister signs contracts for projects worth 500 million euros

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

The projects were tendered on January 31, 2005 under the government's new public works bill.

In March, contracts for projects worth 189.7 million euros were tendered, and more works are due for approval on Friday, the statement said.

Among the latest round of projects endorsed are a bridge and access roads that form part of the northwest-northeast Egnatia Way; and stretches of the Egnatia Way itself.

By the end of the year, the ministry will have tendered total projects worth 5.0 billion euros, excluding concession arrangements, the statement added.

[21] Gov't setting up farm growth centers around the country

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

Agricultural Development and Food Minister Evangelos Basiakos told a news conference on Monday that one centre would open in each prefecture, employing a nationwide total of 325 farming specialists.

The centers, which are to fall under the jurisdiction of central regional authorities, will provide scientific, professional and technological support for farmers, the minister said.

One of many services will be information about type, variety and quality of crop, he added.

[22] Greek gov't supports research and technology

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

Addressing an international conference, organized by the Enabling Grids for eScience in Europe (EGEE), Sioufas said the ministry was supporting EDET's operations and its expansion in the country's regions, promoting new grid infrastructure seeking scale economies, spreading the use of technology and IT and communications standards in the business sector, and seeking an inter-connection of academic networks in Southeastern Europe with high-speed and low cost communication lines with the aim to lower the region's digital gap.

The conference brought together academics, professors and researchers from around the world and particularly from the European Union.

[23] New hospital supply system will reduce spending by 25 pct, minister says

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting to discuss health ministry's programs, Kaklamanis said savings would result from cutbacks in cardiac, orthopedics and other hospital equipment.

The two ministers discussed progress in a new hospital operational program, higher pay to doctors and hiring of 2,000 staff for hospitals.

[24] FYROM sees influx of Greek shoppers and gamblers

Skopje, 19/4/2005 (ANA/N Frangopoulos)

According to a feature in the daily Dnevnik newspaper published on Monday, five casinos just across the border operate exclusively on their Greek clientele, mostly from the north. The area has been dubbed the "Las Vegas of the Balkans."

In addition, some Greek customers head for restaurants and retail stores to buy food including vegetables, meat and cheese at much lower prices than in their homeland; and others opt for southern FYROM's dentists, who offer their services at lower rates.

The contact has helped to spur trade between Greece's north and FYROM's south, also aided by a recent reduction in FYROM's import tariffs for Greek goods ordained by the World Trade Organization, Dnevnik said.

[25] Athens to offer 30 trolleys to Belgrade free of charge

Athens, 19/4/2005 (ANA)

The relevant protocol was signed on Friday, while the relevant initiative for the specific agreement was undertaken by the Transport and Communications Ministry.

The 30 Russian-built ZIU-682BI-YG trolleys to be delivered to Belgrade include spare parts.

The 30 trolleys have been withdrawn from circulation and replaced by new modern ones, within the framework of upgrading the Greek capital's transport system.

Stocks drop in heavy selling

Stocks finished lower with players selling heavily mainly in high- and medium-capitalization paper, influenced by a downturn in markets abroad, traders said.

The Athens general share index closed at 2,889.10 points, marking a decline of 2.08%. Turnover was 147.5 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 2.11% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 2.33% lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.87% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 247 to 40 with 41 remaining unchanged.