Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-09-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] PASOK party leader addresses event on 31st anniversary of party's founding

[02] PASOK's National Council Secretary says party 'has adjusted and enriched its policies'

[03] PASOK deputy stresses need for substantive reforms leading to high growth rates

[04] ND secretary stresses need for bold moves and structural changes in public utilities

[05] SYN rejects PASOK leader Papandreou's proposal; slams remarks by ND Secretary Meimarakis

[06] Deepening of Greek-Chinese cooperation in the defense industry sector discussed

[07] 2006 will have fewer uncertainties than 2005, finance minister says

[08] Former president Kostis Stephanopoulos honored by Achaia Prefectural Administration

[09] Team of Belgian police officers visit Trikala to brief citizens on issues of people with special needs

[10] 'Youth Parliament' expresses concerns and puts forward proposals

[11] Olympic Airlines flight to New York delayed after passenger suffers heart attack

[12] Prominent Greek film director Grigoris Grigoriou dies at the age of 86

[13] Former Greek Police chief Nikon Arkoudeas dies

[14] Memorial service held in Cairo on anniversary of Alexandria Patriarch Petros' death

[15] 'Anti-Nazi Initiative' on Nazi gathering

[16] Greece's Polymeros wins gold medal at World Rowing Championships in Japan

[17] Greek national soccer team leaves for Kazakhstan, optimism over Wednesday's match

[18] Greek First Division soccer results and standings

[19] FM: Cyprus positions regarding Turkey supported by EU

[20] Tsolakis: Commission has enough information on air crash cause

[01] PASOK party leader addresses event on 31st anniversary of party's founding

Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

The government, he added, is displaying an authoritarian neo-liberal attitude combined with clientele state control and is implementing a policy whose main characteristics are the lack of meritocracy, corruption and partisanship at the citizen's expense.

Papandreou further accused the government of undermining popular achievements, placing justice under its control and of having no other plan than power for the sake of power.

The PASOK party leader, referring to international developments affecting Greece, said that in the globalized society his party is an ally of forces placing the human being above the market. He also called on the United States to begin democratization by decreasing their own influence over international organizations.

Focusing on Europe, Papandreou said deeper democratization is necessary and that PASOK aligns itself in Europe with forces seeking radical neo-liberalism as regards citizens' rights. At this point he also accused the government of allowing the far-rightists of Europe to use Greece as a symbol, with events scheduled in the southern region of Messinia, while stressing that Greece is a symbol of democracy.

Referring to relations between Europe and Turkey and to Greece's stance, Papandreou said the ruling New Democracy party and Karamanlis are leading the country to isolation and dependence. He further said that ND is moving on a pendulum wavering between tension and retreat.

Papandreou also directed his fire at those members of the government who claim that if Greece does not say "yes" to Turkey tension will follow, adding that as a result of its policy the government will be faced with this dilemma on a daily basis.

Lastly, the PASOK party leader appealed to the parties of the Left in his address, calling on them to agree to an open and sincere dialogue to join their forces with the purpose of tackling the country's major problems.

Government showing defeatism in light of municipal and prefectural elections, PASOK party leader says: Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou, addressing party members on Sunday, said the government is showing defeatism in light of municipal and prefectural elections (due in 2006) by raising the issue of changing the electoral system, adding that it is seeking ways of avoiding popular disapproval which is coming up.

Papandreou further termed the discussions taking place on vote percentages with which candidates can be elected mayors "tricks" and stressed that "we have not yet understood what electoral law they want to prepare."

Referring to PASOK's aims in the municipal and prefectural elections, Papandreou said "our target is to promote local leader-ships capable of shouldering the weight of the major reforms when we shall be coming to power after the next elections."

The PASOK party leader further noted that the ruling New Democracy party "is moving with panic as regards local administration issues and wants to downgrade the image of dissatisfaction the Greek people have of it in every way."

PASOK leader calls for dialogue and cooperation with 'forces of socialism': Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou has called on "all the political forces of the progressive and democratic field" for a dialogue," on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the founding of PASOK.

In a statement, which was published in the Saturday edition of the "Eleftherotypia" newspaper, Papandreou called "for a dialogue, joint action and cooperation of the forces of socialism, the renewed Left, ecology and progress."

He said that the purpose of the proposal "is the unity of the Greek social movement, so as to overturn the ideology of neo-conservatism" and of "the new authoritarianism."

He also called for dialogue with the other forces of the Left "without bias, on the basis of the principles and values we share."

He posed the question:" Shall will we allow the ideology of conservatism and of authoritarianism to prevail?"

Papandreou speaks of 'pioneering changes' in PASOK 'on a world level': Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou, speaking on Sunday during a meeting in Athens of the party's secretaries and alternate secretaries of the regional and prefectural committees as well as of the municipal organizations, described the changes which are taking place within PASOK as "pioneering changes on a world level."

Papandreou added that "this effort by PASOK has been recognized on an international level as well as by newspaper articles and by invitations directed to the Movement's party cadres by other parties, so as to convey their experiences and contribute to changes that these parties desire to make."

The PASOK leader reiterated his conviction that PASOK will return to power in the next general elections, whenever they take place, and that "it will govern better than the New Democracy party, to the benefit of public interest and of the Greek people."

Papandreou stressed that PASOK will utilize its time as main opposition party "in the best possible way" and called on the party cadres to use this time to plan the country's future.

"We will invest in you, not simply for you to achieve your goals, but also for you to give the new breath for our Movement and for the country," Papandreou said. He added that over and above our positions and philosophy, what the citizen will judge will be practice."

PASOK leader Papandreou says he wants to 'replan the country's course and lead it ahead': Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou, on the occasion of Saturday's 31st anniversary of the founding of the Movement, expressed his ambition to replan the country's course and to lead it ahead.

In an interview he gave to Saturday's edition of "TA NEA" newspaper, Papandreou said "I want PASOK's contribution to-day to be the replanning of the country's course, adding that "we want and I want to lead the country forward."

The PASOK leader also stressed that "the basic principles and objectives of the Greek people which the Movement expressed with its founding are the same today, within which, however, in a different environment." He said, characteristically, that "the slogan, Greece for the Greeks, is always at the forefront."

Papandreou answered to all those who criticize him and his party that it has not prepared itself and has no grogram. He termed as groundless this criticism and promised that PASOK will respond to the popular sentiment "which asks for its own alternative proposal."

He promised that "once PASOK comes to power," it will "guarantee greater capability, coordination, transparency and meritocracy" and will proceed in "radical changes through democratic consultation."

Papandreou accused the New Democracy (ND) government and Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis of being "insincere" when it promised before the March 2004 general elections that there would be different ethics and another form of governance."

He accused Karamanlis that he ""resigned" (from his promises) and supported "a conservative logic which controls power with bargaining." He added that Karamanlis "is only interested in power for the sake of power," while the ND "wants to control everything and above all the state" and that the government's decisions "are in favor of a few."

ND's Roussopoulos lashes out against PASOK leader Papandreou: Minister of State and Government Spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, commenting on Saturday on main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou's interview to the "TA NEA" newspaper, accused Papandreou that "while for 20 whole years as major cadre and PASOK minister he did not say a word about 'phenomena of arbitrariness, arrogance and unjustified wealth', now, as leader of the main opposition, he declares that he 'must' clash."

Roussopoulos added:" For twenty years he knew, saw and kept quiet. He compromised for twenty years. He compromised with the interests of the few and the powerful with political expediencies against principles and values, with policies which led to isolation from society."

The minister of state and government spokesman went on to say:" Now, as leader of the main opposition, he declares that he 'must' clash. We fully agree. However, why did he not do so for twenty years? He must answer this. More so when he dares to dispute the credibility and sincerity of a prime minister and of a government which in 18 months of governance has already made daring effective work for the confrontation of untransparency and vested interests, for the service of public interest."

[02] PASOK's National Council Secretary says party 'has adjusted and enriched its policies'

Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

She added that the people of PASOK "demand unity, political consistency and effective action."

In reply to a question regarding what is said about the setting up of a political directive, she stressed that "the PASOK organs are elected through democratic procedures, while regarding the "personal strategies" of certain cadres, she answered that "personal ambitions are desirable to the degree that they are incorporated into a collective political effort."

To a question whether PASOK has changed in the past 31 years, she said that it has adjusted and enriched its policies, firmly maintaining, however, its stable values and its basic objectives." She added that PASOK is developing but not changing."

Regarding opinion polls that the ruling New Democracy (ND) party is dwindling and that PASOK is unable to take advantage of this, Xenoogiannakopoulou observed that "despite all this, the political climate is changing." She said that PASOK does not want the ND to simply dwindle but for the opposition party to "daily convince the citizens of its own proposal."

The PASOK Secretary said that the policies of the government and of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis "have exposed their neo-right and autocratic face."

[03] PASOK deputy stresses need for substantive reforms leading to high growth rates

Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

"There is a need for a different model, for substantive reforms leading to high growth rates, to the creation of jobs and to a fairer system of distributing wealth produced," she said.

Diamantopoulou added that the country needs a new national target, stressing that shaping such a target necessitates ideological clarity based on the principles of social justice, solidarity, participation, freedom of the individual, tackling every kind of exclusion and the right to equal opportunities.

[04] ND secretary stresses need for bold moves and structural changes in public utilities

Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

Giving an example of such a change, Meimarakis said that permanent status should be lifted for all newly appointed employees at public utilities, adding that this should have taken place during the previous decade to enable Greece to be more competitive. However, he noted that each public utility has its own particularities which must be taken into consideration.

Referring to next year's local elections, he left open the possibility of ND supporting candidates from the Left who enjoy wider social acceptance.

[05] SYN rejects PASOK leader Papandreou's proposal; slams remarks by ND Secretary Meimarakis

Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

"The policy and positions of Synaspismos on the country's major problems were and still are different from the policy of the PASOK leadership. PASOK's consensus today with the conservative policies of the (ruling) New Democracy party and the projected volition for dialogue and cooperation with the forces of the Left are not compatible and mainly serve expediencies of communication," Hountis said.

Hountis also referred to an interview given by New Democracy (ND) party Secretary Vangelis Meimarakis regarding cooperation in local government.

"Meimarakis in essence proposes that which Synaspismos has already rejected. As you are aware of, by decision of the Central Political Committee, we have excluded central agreements and cooperation with the forces of bipartisanship in the local government elections of October 2006," Hountis said.

Regarding Meimarakis' statement for the lifting of the job permanency of newly employed people in public utilities (DEKO), Hountis commented:"The government's unacceptable agreement with PASOK's trade unionists in the Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) has opened, as we had announced, the road for the general attack against the rights of the working people to be stepped up."

[06] Deepening of Greek-Chinese cooperation in the defense industry sector discussed

Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

At the same time, the Greek Armed Forces offered to convey to the Chinese officials their experience and technical know-how in the security sector from the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, in light of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Decision was also reached for consultations between the General Staffs of the two countries to be held frequently with the purpose of implementing what was agreed on and for the broadening of the cooperation sectors.

The Greek National Defense Minister expressed in his discussions with the Chinese officials the gratitude of the Greek side for China's support in the Cyprus issue and expounded on the Greek positions on national matters.

The visit was regarded as contributing to the strengthening of Greek-Chinese relations, opening new horizons in bilateral co-operation also beyond the defense sector.

[07] 2006 will have fewer uncertainties than 2005, finance minister says

Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

"2006 will have fewer uncertainties than 2005. It will be a continuation of the year we are going through as regards the reforms we have scheduled. They are changes concerning the public sector, there were the most 'liabilities' are," he said.

Alogoskoufis said the government's policy places priority on those in need, adding that in difficult years such as 2005 and 2006 moves have been carried out and will be carried out and mentioned, as an example, increases in tax-free income and in farmers' pensions.

The minister also indicated that changes will be made in the public sector and noted that public utilities operating in a competitive way towards private businesses must "play" the game with the same terms.

[08] Former president Kostis Stephanopoulos honored by Achaia Prefectural Administration

Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

Stephanopoulos said it is one of the last times he will be speaking in public and stressed that "I have no role and reason to do this" and added that he greatly appreciates the present President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias.

The former president also said that more honors are being bestowed upon him than he deserves and pointed out that he could have done more.

The event was attended by local Parliamentary deputies, Patra Mayor Andreas Karavolas and Prefect Dimitris Katsikopoulos who offered Stephanopoulos gravure of the region of the Peloponnese in the 17th century.

[09] Team of Belgian police officers visit Trikala to brief citizens on issues of people with special needs

Trikala, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

The Belgians were welcomed by local government officials and police officers who said that they would support this worthy effort.

It is worth noting that the briefing campaign of the International Police Union on issues of people with special needs is taking place in 23 countries of the world.

Specifically, at Trikala's main square, two retired Belgian police officers arrived, who have started since August 10, with a special vehicle, a tour of 22 European countries, having traveled a distance of 10,000 kilometers.

Their activities are named "European 'Dakar' for philanthropic purposes".

[10] 'Youth Parliament' expresses concerns and puts forward proposals

Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

Taking part in the Greek Parliament's educational program are 300 students from Greece and Cyprus and Greeks and Cypriots abroad.

The 17-year-old students expressed the need for the protection of the Greek language and for an improvement in the educational system.

The massive rise in the price of oil was combined with the need for the protection of the environment and quite a few students proposed alternate sources of energy.

The students further expressed concern over the abandonment of citizens from the prefectures to urban cities. What is needed, they said, is motivation for people to remain in the prefectures and continue farming.

The "Youth Parliament" sessions were visited by Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki as well as former parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis.

[11] Olympic Airlines flight to New York delayed after passenger suffers heart attack

Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

The flight, originally scheduled for 12.30 p.m., is expected to take place at about 5 p.m. on Sunday since the aircraft scheduled to carry out the flight arrived with a considerable delay. During the flight OA 412 from New York to Athens, the aircraft was obliged to make an emergency landing at Shannon airport in Ireland when the passenger suffered a heart attack.

The passenger died in the ambulance rushing him to hospital. His identity and nationality are not yet known.

[12] Prominent Greek film director Grigoris Grigoriou dies at the age of 86

Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

Grigoriou, who had directed 30 long films, was born in Athens in 1919, first son of a prominent family, son of lawyer Michalis Grigoriou.

He studied law and foreign languages and took lessons in the theatrical department of the University Club and was won over by film directing in which he was self-taught.

During the occupation, he took part in the Battle of Crete.

He directed his first film "Kokkinos Vrahos" (Red Rock) in 1949.

In 1964 he won the award for film directing with his film "Diogmos" (Persecution) at the Thessaloniki Festival and in 1966 with his film "Ohi Kyrie Johnson" (No Mr. Johnson).

Condolences over the death of Grigoris Grigoriou were sent by Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia and by Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis.

[13] Former Greek Police chief Nikon Arkoudeas dies

Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

[14] Memorial service held in Cairo on anniversary of Alexandria Patriarch Petros' death

CAIRO, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

The memorial service was held at the late Patriarch's tomb at Saint George's Monastery, where all the Patriarchs of the Church of Saint Mark are buried.

The event was attended by relatives of the Patriarch, the Ambassador of Cyprus to Egypt Phaedonas Anastasiou, the Greek Embassy's charge d'affaires Evangelos Tsaousis and Greece's General Consul in Cairo Ekaterini Ghini. Similar memorial services will be held in Alexandria and Nicosia next Sunday.

[15] 'Anti-Nazi Initiative' on Nazi gathering

Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

The announcement said that "such freedoms are not recognized to Nazis in any European country," adding that "in accordance to the law, the Constitution and international treaties, the right of open Hitler supporters to gather and express their 'opinions' is not allowed."

Concluding, the announcement by the "Anti-Nazi Initiative" said:"The support of Nazism automatically means a call for racist violence and anti-Jewish genocide. It is characteristic that the Nazis themselves call their gathering a 'festival of hate'."

[16] Greece's Polymeros wins gold medal at World Rowing Championships in Japan

Kaizu, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

The 29-year-old champion from Volos, central Greece, became the first Greek rower to win a gold medal in a world champion-ship.

He had won a bronze medal, along with Nikos Skiathitis, at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

[17] Greek national soccer team leaves for Kazakhstan, optimism over Wednesday's match

Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

In other matches played for the same group Georgia and Ukraine drew 1-1, with the latter qualifying for the World Cup finals for the first time in its history, and Albania edged Kazakhstan 2-1.

Greece will be playing with Kazakhstan on Wednesday afternoon and has two more matches with Denmark away on October 8 and Georgia at home on October 12 before the qualifying round ends.

"Turkey's 2-2 result with Denmark is an extremely positive result. We were pleased with it and it fills us with optimism. We have many hopes of qualifying and now we are going for 'three out of three'," said Greek striker Angelos Charisteas, adding that "if we beat Kazakhstan we will be taking a step towards winning second place."

Standings in group 2 after 10 matches played:Ukraine 24, Turkey 17, Greece (nine matches) 15, Denmark (nine matches) 13, Albania 12, Georgia (nine matches) 9 and Kazakhstan (nine matches) 0.

[18] Greek First Division soccer results and standings

Athens, 05/09/2005 (ANA)

Kallithea Athens-Egaleo Athens 1-1

Xanthi-PAOK Thessaloniki 1-0

Akratitos Athens-Iraklis Thessaloniki 3-1

Apollon Thessaloniki-OFI Crete 2-1

Panathinaikos Athens-Olympiakos Piraeus 0-2

Panionios Athens-Larissa 1-1

Atromitos Athens-AEK Athens 0-0

Levadiakos-Ionikos Piraeus 1-1