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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-04-07

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

April 7, 2001

CONTENTS

  • [01] Papandreou and Cem reaffirm commitment to rapprochement
  • [02] Turkish FM says Turkey realizes significance of Greece's move to reduce armaments
  • [03] Ankara seeks Greek intercession for EU backing for int'l aid in wake of Turkish economy crisis
  • [04] Greek FM Papandreou meets Turkish PM Bulent Ecevit
  • [05] Greece supports Turkey's European prospect, FM reaffirms at Task Force meeting
  • [06] Gov't denies claim that Athens has nixed Greek-American envoys
  • [07] Parliament ratifies all but three proposed amendments to the Constitution
  • [08] FYROM's stabilization and association agreement with EU to be signed on Monday
  • [09] EU defense ministers discuss European security and defense policy
  • [10] Yugoslav government and economic officials satisfied with visit to Greece
  • [11] Tunisia seeks Greek backing for EU association pact
  • [12] Van believed used by terrorists in British diplomat's killing being examined by Scotland Yard
  • [13] Premier receives NBC's sports chairman, discusses preparation for Olympics Coverage
  • [14] China's state television delegation visits Athens 2004 offices
  • [15] Depleted uranium traced in water sample in Bosnia
  • [16] Former minister Souflias to coordinate policies for main opposition
  • [17] Growth in Greece to drop less than in euro-zone, Solbes says
  • [18] Greek firms among best prepared to greet euro, Solbes says
  • [19] Papantoniou: Govt's poverty plan in line with state cash
  • [20] New Athens airport reports 3,200 flights in first six days
  • [21] Gov't extends OA sale tender until end-April, sources say
  • [22] Bank of Cyprus unveils ambitious expansion plan
  • [23] Eurobank, Telesis boards agree on share swap
  • [24] Panafon Vodafone says customer base up 32 percent
  • [25] Intrasoft buys stake in Lambrakis firm
  • [26] Attica Enterprises to launch new vessel in Adriatic Sea
  • [27] Royal Olympic Cruises says reservations up 35 percent in 2001
  • [28] Chipita to buy out main rival in Romania
  • [29] Maillis reports 37 percent rise in 1st quarter sales
  • [30] Greek stocks end volatile session lower
  • [31] Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished higher in heavy trade.
  • [32] Equity futures end down, tracking Athens bourse
  • [33] Greek president signs International Psychological Health Day Declaration
  • [34] State counselor proposes rejection of appeal by Brazilian national wanted by US
  • [35] Serres conference on controlling mosquito populations and malaria
  • [36] Prosecutor to charge ICU doctors, nurses for newborn deaths
  • [37] Cyprus Foreign Minister speaks at Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington
  • [38] European Parliament calls for Greek Cypriot's immediate release

  • [01] Papandreou and Cem reaffirm commitment to rapprochement

    Istabul, 07/04/2001 (ANA - E. Aretaios)

    Visiting Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem on Friday reaffirmed their continued commitment to the process of Greek-Turkish rapprochement, during a joint press conference at the Turkish foreign ministry in Ankara.

    The two ministers held the press conference after talks between Turkish officials and a Greek delegation, during which they also agreed to work together to remove minefields lining the Greek-Turkish border in Evros, and make both countries signatories of the Ottawa Treaty that bans the use of anti-personnel mines.

    Despite abiding differences over the handling of the Cyprus problem, which they were careful not to over-stress, the two sides pledged to keep up the momentum in rapprochement efforts and underlined that they were working together in the handling of the crisis in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) - which they said would increase stability in the region.

    With regard to Cyprus, Cem said that Ankara was in favor of the UN Secretary General continuing his "good services" for a solution to the Cyprus problem but wanted "additional parameters added."

    Cem also noted that the two countries would continue to cooperate in matters related to the European Union and in the transfer of fuel from the Caspian Sea and central Asia to Europe, while Papandreou talked about extending the Egnatia Highway to Istanbul.

    The two foreign ministers discussed joint investments in tourism, in view of the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, and the joint organization of the European soccer championships in 2008. Finally, they agreed to promote cooperation in dealing with natural disasters.

    With regard to two agreements on double taxation and the protection of investments, which have yet to be ratified, the two ministers said that discussion over these was continuing and that these problems would soon be resolved.

    Papandreou invited Cem to visit Athens in the Autumn.

    [02] Turkish FM says Turkey realizes significance of Greece's move to reduce armaments

    ISTANBUL 07/04/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

    Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, speaking at a joint press conference with his Greek counterpart George Papandreou on Friday, said Turkey realizes the significance of Greece's move to reduce armaments.

    However, Cem clarified that Turkish defense expenditures are not connected to Greece alone but are dictated by other defense obligations as well, primarily to the south and east, namely Syria, Iran, Iraq and the Caucasus.

    He said that response to an important message, such as a reduction in defense expenditures, is an important issue and cannot be explained in a single press conference.

    "It is a very important confidence-building measure and it shows the way with which we view the future of the two countries," Cem said.

    On his part, Papandreou reiterated that the Greek government had decided to reduce defense expenditures regardless of Turkey's moves, but it also took into consideration the new atmosphere prevailing in relations between the two countries in taking its decision.

    Papandreou said the decisions shows that the two countries can proceed with confidence-building measures even in the sensitive defense sector.

    [03] Ankara seeks Greek intercession for EU backing for int'l aid in wake of Turkish economy crisis

    Ankara, 07/04/2001 (ANA - A. Podimata)

    Turkey asked Greece to intercede with the European Union to back Ankara's request for 12 billion dollars in financial aid from international organizations to help tackle its crippling economic crisis, at an unscheduled meeting Thursday morning between Turkish economy minister Kemal Dervis and visiting Greek foreign minister George Papandreou.

    Dervis, who late Wednesday requested an urgent meeting with Papandreou, called on the Greek minister at his hotel Thursday morning and briefed him on the ongoing crisis in the Turkish economy, which Greek diplomatic sources said Dervis described as dire.

    The sources said Dervis asked Papandreou to bring the Turkish economic crisis up at the next general affairs meeting of the EU Council of Ministers in a bid for political backing by the EU for Turkey's request for 12 billion dollars in economic aid from international organizations. Papandreou agreed to put the issue to the EU jointly with Greece's national economy minister Yiannos Papantoniou. Papandreou arrived in Ankara on Thursday for talks with Turkish officials, and met later with his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem. He also met Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and deputy prime ministers Devlet Bahceli and Mesut Yilmaz on Friday before returning to Greece.

    [04] Greek FM Papandreou meets Turkish PM Bulent Ecevit

    Ankara, 07/04/2001 (ANA - A. Podimata)

    Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Friday held consecutive meetings with Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and his two Deputy Prime Ministers Bahceli and Yilmaz, apart from talks with his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem. According to sources, the discussion between Papandreou and Ecevit focused on efforts concerning Greek-Turkish rapprochement, for which the Turkish prime minister once again promised his continued support.

    On his part, Papandreou reiterated that these efforts and the creation of an improved climate between the two countries will in turn contribute to efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, as well as to a new rapprochement on bilateral problems facing the two countries.

    Bahceli was also positive towards the effort for Greek-Turkish rapprochement and used enthusiastic words in speaking of the "friend and allied country of Greece."

    Bahceli also told Papandreou that he understands that a solution to the Cyprus issue and to Turkey's bilateral problems with Greece will help his country's course towards the European union.

    Yilmaz and Papandreou held a lengthy discussion on Turkey's national adjustment program to European acquis communautaire and pointed out to him that he has raised the issue of defense expenditures publicly in his country.

    During his contacts with Turkish officials, Papandreou also referred to the Greek Orthodox minority in Turkey, as well as to the Moslems in Thrace and stressed, as his Turkish interlocutors did, that they should be considered a bridge of friendship between the two countries.

    [05] Greece supports Turkey's European prospect, FM reaffirms at Task Force meeting

    Ankara, 07/04/2001 (ANA - A. Podimata)

    Greece continues to strongly support Turkey's European prospect, foreign minister George Papandreou said Friday during a meeting in Ankara of the Greek-Turkish Task Force, set up one year ago and comprising a joint delegation of the two foreign ministries aimed at cooperation in the European framework and Greeces contribution to Turkey's adaptation to the EU standards.

    Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem congratulated the members of the two delegations, headed by Greece's European affairs secretary general Elias Plaskovitis and Turkish foreign ministry director for European affairs Akan Aktuna, for their "exemplary work", which Cem said could serve as a model for other EU candidate countries.

    Papandreou said that when the establishment of the Task Force was decided a year ago "as a natural result" of the beginning of a new era in Greek-Turkish relations, "we had not imagined the dynamic and the great prospects for cooperation" such a move entailed.

    He assured the members of the Turkish delegation and Cem that Greece would continue to support in every way Turkey's European prospect.

    Plaskovitis described the Task Force's work as "truly open, honest and constructive", which he said was influenced by the example of "enthusiastic cooperation" provided by the two foreign ministers.

    Aktuna described the Task Force's work as "extremely crucial", adding that some 400 Turkish officials and state functionaries had taken part in the Task Force's meetings and seminars to date.

    He said he was impressed by the high level of specialization of the Greek specialists, and warmly thanked Plaskovitis and the Greek delegation members for their contribution.

    [06] Gov't denies claim that Athens has nixed Greek-American envoys

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis denied a report appearing in the Greek-language New York newspaper "Proini" on Friday, which claimed that Athens did not want a Greek-American ambassador.

    "This article does not reflect reality and is devoid of all truth," Beglitis said. "The foreign ministry has never expressed any such objection to the US State Department."

    [07] Parliament ratifies all but three proposed amendments to the Constitution

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    The Greek Parliament on Friday ratified all but three amendments to the Constitution, while rejecting almost all amendments proposed by main opposition New Democracy.

    Friday's vote completed a process that began last year. On Friday's vote, however, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) deputies walked out of the session, following the debate.

    The Parliament ratified the amendment proposing the abolition of the death penalty, which was not, however, exercised in Greece since the advent of democracy in 1974, even in the case of those convicted of crimes committed during the seven year dictatorship (1967-1974).

    Ruling PASOK and main opposition New Democracy (ND) deputies voted for and approved all but three amendments.

    The amendment to the article 28, which would have eliminated the principle of reciprocity of the use of international law and international treaties regarding foreign nationals, was rejected.

    Parliament also rejected the amendments to article 36, which would have permitted the ratification of international agreements by presidential decree and would have abolished the mandatory approval of such agreements by the Parliament.

    The Parliament rejected an amendment to article 32 that proposed the election of the president of the republic by the legislative body on consecutive attempts without limiting them to three.

    The ratification of amendments by the 300-member legislature requires 181 votes, thus bipartisan support was necessary, as ruling PASOK has 167 seats in Parliament.

    Earlier in the day party leaders debated for the final time before the vote on Constitutional amendments.

    In this last debate, Prime Minister Costas Simitis accused both main opposition New Democracy (ND) and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) for excessive opposition practices, which demean the whole political system. "Excessive reactions dominated and continue to dominate Greek politics. Personal attacks, the cultivation of confrontational attitudes and the demeaning of those who have a different opinion is considered an obligatory tactic," the premier said.

    "With the amendments to the Constitution, we aimed firstly to widen the scope and increase the protection for fundamental rights, we aimed to support the credibility of the functions of the political system, the reform of democracy and the modernizing of institutions," Simitis said. In response, ND leader Costas Karamanlis said that "we hope Mr. Simitis will remember all this, when he is in the opposition and PASOK will not exercise opposition practices as it did in the past".

    His party's Parliamentary spokesman Prokopis Pavlopoulos announced that ND deputies will not be requested to vote along party lines, but will be allowed to vote as they see fit. KKE leader called the amendments unacceptable and a "grand turn to the right", adding that the Constitution was often violated by those who call for its support. She announced that KKE will walkout of Parliament in protest to the content of the amendments and will not participate in the vote.

    The Coalition for the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos announced that his party would also walkout of Parliament in protest of the process with which the amendments were formulated, as well as their content.

    [08] FYROM's stabilization and association agreement with EU to be signed on Monday

    Brussels, 07/04/2001 (ANA - G. Daratos)

    The European Union will be signing its first stabilization and association agreement with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) on Monday on the sidelines of the Council of Foreign Ministers' session in Luxembourg.

    The agreement was the result of negotiations between Brussels and FYROM that lasted two years. It will be accompanied by another document regulating commercial relations between the two sides, which will also be signed on Monday.

    According to an announcement by the European Commission, "the signing of the agreement constitutes a major political, symbolic, economic and practical event, being an important step in the process of concluding closer relations between the EU and countries in the region of the western Balkans."

    "The agreement is a basic element of the European Union's multifaceted strategy aimed at the progressive and gradual incorporation of these Balkan countries in the EU," it added. Croatia is the other Balkan country, which has already started negotiations for the signing of a similar agreement with the EU. The agreement with FYROM anticipates the country's full linkage with the EU following a transitional period of 10 years. It also includes all necessary references to FYROM's commitments regarding relations of good neighborliness, the implementation of democratic principles of governance, a commitment on respect for international law and the holding of a political dialogue between the EU and FYROM.

    The EU expects that FYROM Prime Minister Ljupco Georgievski and Foreign Minister Kerim will not be alone in Luxembourg on Monday, but that representatives of all parties will also be present, including the Albanians who are represented in the country's Parliament.

    [09] EU defense ministers discuss European security and defense policy

    Brussels, 07/04/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

    European Union defense ministers held an informal meeting here on Friday and discussed the effective implementation of European security and defense policy, obstacles placed by Ankara for the deployment of a European task force, the possibility of military cooperation with Russia and developments in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

    "The main issue is the need to strengthen European security and defense policy, using both the means provided by all the EU countries, as well as by third countries -either candidate countries or those which do not belong to the EU- to ensure the utilization of the EU's military and administrative capacity by 2003 to intervene in defense and security issues," Greek National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said in a statement later.

    "It is of great importance for us, particularly in this period, to realize why the EU's role is necessary in handling existing crises in our region. We are experiencing it in Skopje (FYROM), we are experiencing it in Kosovo and we are experiencing it in the Middle East," he added.

    Tsohatzopoulos also referred to cooperation between the EU and NATO, saying that it is a question of "two sides of the same coin, since the European defense and security policy is supplementary for the defense capacity which NATO secures for all its members."

    On the question of Turkish reactions on the creation of a joint European defense, Tsohatzopoulos said "there can be no distrust and no grumbling towards this effort by the EU and no third party can prevent NATO's cooperation with the EU". He said Greece supports the utilization of the capabilities of NATO countries which are not EU members "on condition that the new forms of cooperation to be agreed can in no case constitute a process for annulling the initial and historical relation of EU members towards a third party."

    The EU defense ministers agreed that their primary target is the completion of the EU's military structure, while Swedish Chairman Bjorn Von Sydow assured that the EU's military entity will be in full readiness by June. Another common position was that each country should contribute to the achievement of the target set by the EU Helsinki summit, namely the functioning of the EU's operational force, amounting to 60,000 soldiers, by 2003 both at national and collective level.

    Tsohatzopoulos also mentioned the need for a "clarification" of the EU's alliances with countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

    [10] Yugoslav government and economic officials satisfied with visit to Greece

    Belgrade, 07/04/2001 (ANA - M. Mouratidis)

    Government and economic officials from Yugoslavia and Serbia, who held talks in Athens with Greek officials and had many contacts in the framework of the economic conference organized in the Greek capital by the "Economist" magazine, as well as in the framework of the Balkan economic forum organized in Thessaloniki, returned home feeling satisfied with their visit to Greece.

    Yugoslav Prime Minister Zoran Zizic said he agreed with Greek officials that the inviolability of borders is a basic condition for stability in the Balkans and assessed, as his Greek interlocutors did, that the creation of new states in the region will cause destabilization.

    Zizic said Greece believes that the secession of Montenegro will cause destabilization in the Balkans, adding that it was agreed in Athens that a political framework should be created for cooperation among Balkan countries.

    He said regional cooperation is the best way for Balkan countries to approach the European Union and stressed that Greece promised to help Yugoslavia on its course towards the EU. Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic said his visit to Athens was successful and that his talks with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis were very important and focused on big plans concerning economic cooperation. In another development, Greek National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos was due to arrive in Belgrade on Friday to attend a round table discussion on the economy on Saturday, organized by the "European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity" in cooperation with the European Socialist Party and Greece's ISTAME foundation, as well as the Westminster and Renner foundations. Tsohatzopoulos will be speaking on the issue of "Economic stability: The guarantee for security in the region."

    Greece can play significant part in Balkans' stabilization process, Romanian PM

    Romania is convinced of the significant part Greece can take in the stabilization and cooperation process in the Balkans and can also serve as an example to Balkan states' ambitions to participate in European Union, Romanian Prime Minister Adrian Nastase, told audience at the inaugurating ceremony of a seminar on "Greek experiences from the accession to the EU and their development for Romania".

    The seminar was organized by the Hellenic-Romanian Business Council and the national economy ministry.

    "The business cooperation has always been a driving force for economic and political relations. Commercial, labor and capital flows created a wide framework with positive impact on stability and development. In this respect, the Greek business and economy today is in the privileged position of supporting the process of adaptation, reconstruction and stabilization of other Balkan countries and of deriving benefit from a long-term interdependence with them," the Romanian premier said.

    "Romania and Greece had a strong historical, cultural, religious and economic linkage, which reflect a close cooperation, exemplary in the Balkan region. Romanian is convinced of the significant part Greece can take in the stabilization and cooperation process in the Balkans. We know that Greece vigorously supports the accession of Romanian to the European Union and NATO membership. We also know that Greece was the first EU country to ratify the association agreement with Romania," Mr. Nastase said.

    The Romanian prime minister stressed that "long accustomed to a bridge-building role within Europe, in our view, Greece serves as an effective impulse for candidate states in this ongoing process of European integration. The role of Greece can be further emphasized as the country where the birth of democracy occurred to become the keynote for the future of the entire Europe."

    Commenting on his government's efforts to move closer to EU, the Romanian premier said "it is our high priority to increase investor confidence and attract foreign private capital into our country as the engine for the small and medium-sized enterprises as the vehicle to attain real economic growth. Solving economic problems will consequently facilitate solutions for all other soft security related problems, such as corruption, organized crime, illegal migration, unemployment and many others."

    Speakers at the seminar, to end on Saturday, 7 April, will also include scholars and political and business officials from both countries.

    [11] Tunisia seeks Greek backing for EU association pact

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    Tunisian Foreign Minister Sadok Fayala on Friday sought Greece's backing for an association agreement between his country and the European Union.

    The move would be part of European cooperation with Mediterranean countries, Fayala said.

    He was speaking during a meeting in Athens with Deputy Development Minister Alexandros Kalafatis on tightening relations between Greece and Tunisia by boosting bilateral trade and economic ties.

    [12] Van believed used by terrorists in British diplomat's killing being examined by Scotland Yard

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    A closed van believed to have been used by terrorist group "November 17" assassins in the killing of a British diplomat last year was being examined by Scotland Yard in Britain, police sources said Thursday, confirming a report appearing in Thursday's issue of TO ETHNOS Athens daily.

    According to the report, the van was found shortly after the June 8, 2000 shooting death of British embassy defense attaché Brig. Stephen Saunders by two gunmen on a motorcycle as he was driving alone on central Kifissias Ave. from his home in the Nea Erythrea Athens suburb to the British embassy in downtown Athens. The notorious "November 17" terrorist organization claimed the attack in a proclamation sent to an Athens daily.

    It said the Mitsubishi van was found abandoned behind Hygeia Hospital -- located across the thoroughfare from the site of the killing -- about one kilometer from the site.

    The van was transferred to London where it was being examined by electronic precision equipment that only Scotland Yard has, the report said.

    British authorities declined comment on the fact that the finding of the van had not been made public, referring questions to the Greek police, which in turn also declined comment, signaling a new attitude towards publicity on terrorist investigations, the newspaper said.

    Police sources, on condition of anonymity, said the van had been stolen from the Vyronas residential district of Athens and bore license plates stolen from a similar vehicle from the Kallithea residential district.

    [13] Premier receives NBC's sports chairman, discusses preparation for Olympics Coverage

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Friday received NBC sports chairman Dick Ebersol, who is visiting Greece in light of preparations for the television coverage of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

    Ebersol, who was accompanied by ATHOC President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, briefed the premier on his assessment of current conditions regarding the coverage of the games.

    The two men also discussed the general progress of the preparations of the Games, while Ebersol briefed Simitis on how the United States dealt with organizational aspects of the Games.

    [14] China's state television delegation visits Athens 2004 offices

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    A delegation of the People's Republic of China state television headed by chairman Xiao Huayong visited the offices of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee. Huayong thanked ATHOC for the opportunity to visit some of the installations where the Games will take place and stressed that China's citizens will impatiently wait to watch the Games.

    [15] Depleted uranium traced in water sample in Bosnia

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    Contamination from depleted uranium has been traced in a sample of water for general use taken from Bosnia in the framework of checks conducted by the Greek Atomic Energy Committee (EEAE).

    The official results of checks carried out for air, soil and water, both in Bosnia and Kosovo, were announced on Friday and, according to the Committee, uranium was only traced in the water from Bosnia and in a quantity which is no cause for concern.

    The quantity of uranium detected is 4.5 mg per liter of water, of which 2.5 mg is depleted uranium. The usual readings for natural uranium detected in drinking water in the world range from less than 1 mg per liter to 100 mg per liter.

    EEAE pointed out that pollution detected in the sample from Bosnia entails no risk for the pollution of waters in Greece, both underground and on land.

    [16] Former minister Souflias to coordinate policies for main opposition

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    Former national economy minister George Souflias will coordinate the main opposition New Democracy (ND) policies, a party press release said on Friday.

    Souflias, who was expelled from ND 38-months ago, met with ND leader Costas Karamanlis at the party offices, less than a week after his return to the party.

    [17] Growth in Greece to drop less than in euro-zone, Solbes says

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    Greece's rate of growth this year will fall slightly below a forecast by the European Union's executive Commission but the decline will be less than that in the rest of the euro zone, EU Monetary Affairs Commissioner Pedro Solbes told reporters on Friday The national economy ministry has forecast growth of 5.0 percent in 2001 against the EU average of 3.0 percent.

    Speaking in Athens after a meeting with National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Solbes added that Greece was one of the countries that would feel the least impact from a slowdown in the US economy.

    Papantoniou stressed that economic targets set by Greece would be met, although vigilance was required.

    He said he agreed with Solbes that Europe was handling fluctuations in the global economy well.

    Solbes also met Bank of Greece governor Lucas Papademos and the central bank's two deputy governors during his visit.

    [18] Greek firms among best prepared to greet euro, Solbes says

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    European Union Monetary Affairs Commissioner Pedro Solbes said on Friday that Greek companies were among the best prepared for introduction of the euro as a currency in circulation on January 1, 2002.

    At the same time, the pace of structural change to the economy needed to increase ahead of the euro's introduction, especially in the sectors of products, services and labor, Solbes told a seminar on readiness for the euro held in Athens by the Association of Greek Industry.

    In addition, fiscal discipline needed to remain tight especially due to the loss of an independent currency, the commissioner added.

    [19] Papantoniou: Govt's poverty plan in line with state cash

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said on Friday that a newly announced plan by the government to combat poverty and social exclusion was in line with state finances.

    In addition, a strong rate of growth of about 5.0 percent this year, coupled with the government's policies to boost employment, would lead to a major reduction in joblessness, Papantoniou told a seminar held by the Association of Greek Industry.

    He added that the government had carried out 22 privatizations in the last three years, enriching state coffers by more than 3.1 trillion drachmas, or about 3.0 percent of gross domestic product on an annual basis.

    [20] New Athens airport reports 3,200 flights in first six days

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    A new Athens airport at Spata on Friday reported a total of 3,200 flights in its first six days of operation, handling 280,000 passengers and 304,000 pieces of baggage.

    A company statement said that there were no delays in flight times on April 3,4, and that a total of 700,000 people have visited the airport in its first week.

    [21] Gov't extends OA sale tender until end-April, sources say

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    The government has extended until April 30 the deadline for bids in an international tender to privatize Olympic Airways, the national carrier, industry sources said on Friday. The move will give the four bidders more time to study the airline's dossier and prepare their offers, the sources said. The original deadline was April 20.

    [22] Bank of Cyprus unveils ambitious expansion plan

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    Bank of Cyprus, a bank listed both in the Nicosia and the Athens Stock Exchanges, on Friday unveiled an ambitious expansion plan envisaging the opening of 36 new branches around Greece, raising its total network to 68 units by the end of the year.

    A bank statement said the new branches would open simultaneously around the country, with five branches in Attica, two more branches in Thessaloniki, and new branches in Veria, Serres, Alexandroupolis, Kavala, Xanthi, Kozani, Myconos, Corfu, Ioannina, Trikala and Crete. Bank of Cyprus also plans to expand its network of micro banks, a technologically-advanced ATMs combining video and sound and offering a wide range of banking services. The bank's expansion plan will be based on opening new small, flexible branches using the latest technological applications to cut operating costs and achieve higher profits. Bank of Cyprus seeks to raise its share in the Greek banking market.

    [23] Eurobank, Telesis boards agree on share swap

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    The boards of EFG Eurobank Ergasias and Telesis Investment Bank on Friday agreed to a share swap deal in EFG's merger with Telesis.

    In the coming months, shareholders will be asked to endorse a ratio of 2.2 stocks in Telesis for each share in EFG Eurobank Ergasias.

    The merger, in which Latsis-owned EFG is to absorb Telesis, is subject to approval by regulatory authorities.

    [24] Panafon Vodafone says customer base up 32 percent

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    Panafon Vodafone, a listed mobile telephony operator, on Friday announced that its customer base increased by 32 percent to 2,340,020 subscribers on March 31, 2001, compared with the corresponding period last year.

    The company said non-contract subscribers totaled 1,598,709, or 68 percent of its customer base, while contract subscribers totaled 741,311, or 32 percent.

    Panafon Vodafone reported 567,146 new subscriptions in the year which ended on March 31, while disconnection rate fell to 22.7 percent, from 28.7 percent last year.

    The company said improved results were achieved despite the fact that Panafon Vodafone reduced significantly special subscription offers to new non-contract customers.

    Panafon Vodafone was at the final stage of implementing a restructuring plan for its retail network, based on absorbing its commercial partners, Panafon Commercial and Unifon, under a new company named Vodafone Shops. Panafon has recently acquired a license to offer fixed wireless telephony services in Greece.

    [25] Intrasoft buys stake in Lambrakis firm

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    The Lambrakis Media Organization (DOL) informed the Athens bourse that a subsidiary, DOL Digital, on Friday transferred to Intrasoft 50 percent of its stock in courier Winged Hermes, in which it formerly owned a 75 percent stake. Intrasoft, which is also listed on the Athens Stock Exchange, is a member of the Intracom Group.

    Lambrakis said in a letter to the bourse that the new share composition of Winged Hermes was as follows:

  • DOL Digital, 42.49 percent

  • National Bank of Greece, 15.02 percent

  • Intrasoft 42.49 percent

    [26] Attica Enterprises to launch new vessel in Adriatic Sea

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    Attica Enterprises, a listed Greek passenger shipping company, on Friday said it would launch its newest vessel, Superfast V, to the Greece-Italy line in the Adriatic Sea.

    Attica Enterprises said the new vessel would operate in the Patras - Ancona and Patras -Igoumenitsa - Ancona sea lines along with Superfast III and Superfast IV and its brother vessel Superfast VI which was delivered in February 6.

    The new vessels will have a capacity of 1,600 passengers, 200 vehicles and 140 heavy trucks, offering all luxury services of a cruise ship.

    Attica Enterprises expects delivery of four more vessels from German shipyards HDW in May 2001 and early 2002.

    The company is currently building two new Superfast ferries at the Lubeck, Flender Werft AG shipyard, to be put in operation at the Scotland-continental Europe sea line.

    Attica Enterprises also said it would soon begin operating on the Piraeus-Hania and Piraeus - Kos - Rhodes sea lines.

    [27] Royal Olympic Cruises says reservations up 35 percent in 2001

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    Royal Olympic Cruises on Friday said reservations were up 35 percent this year, compared with 2000, and noted it was ready to face this increased tourism trend in Greece.

    ROC is the biggest cruise company in eastern Mediterranean with a total vessel capacity of 6,900 beds.

    The official start of the season was marked with the first cruise by Stella Solaris, which departed from Piraeus Port on Friday. A company representative said reservations were up 53 percent in Stella Solaris and 28 percent in Odysseus.

    ROC said its newest cruise ship, Olympic Explorer, would arrive at the Piraeus port on May 12.

    [28] Chipita to buy out main rival in Romania

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    Chipita International, a listed snacks manufacturer, has signed a preliminary agreement to wholly acquire Best Foods Romania, its main competitor in the neighboring country's market.

    If the deal is completed, then Athens-quoted Chipita will gain an 80 percent stake in the growing Romanian croissant and bakery products segment of the market, the Greek firm said in a statement on Friday.

    [29] Maillis reports 37 percent rise in 1st quarter sales

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    Maillis Group on Friday reported that its consolidated sales rose 37 percent in the first three months of 2001 to 20 billion drachmas (58 million euros), compared with the same period last year. M. I. Maillis, the group's chief executive and chairman, told a meeting with Greek institutional investors, that profitability was rising at the same rates, reflecting increased shares in European markets and reaffirmed a target for annual growth of 30 percent this year. Maillis Group's distribution network around Europe services around 40,000 customers.

    [30] Greek stocks end volatile session lower

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    Equity prices ended Friday's volatile session lower on the Athens Stock Exchange, following European markets' lead. The general index broke the 3,100 level during the session to end slightly above the technical support level of 3,050 points. Traders said a wave of profit taking in all European bourses late at the session reversed an initial rally. The general index ended 0.17 percent lower at 3,059.73 points, after surging to 3,116.36 points initially. Turnover was an improved 210.21 million euros, or 71.63 billion drachmas. The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.12 percent higher at 1,764.10 points, while the FTSE/ASE 40 index eased 0.33 percent to 370.77 points. The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 327.65 points, off 1.37 percent.

    Broadly, decliners led advancers by 237 to 99 with another 22 issues unchanged.

    Viosol, Despec, National Insurance, Kekrops, Korfil, Lamda Development, Elval, Stabilton and Xylemporia scored the biggest percentage gains, while Mesohorities, Alco, Sex Form, Keranis, Tzirakian, Mathios, Sigalas, Eskimo and Fieratex suffered the heaviest losses.

    Eurobank, Naoussa Spinning, Hellenic Telecoms, Intracom and National Bank were the most heavily traded stocks.

    [31] Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished higher in heavy trade.

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.29 percent from 5.32 percent a day earlier.

    The yield spread over German bunds was 57 basis points, the same as in the session before.

    Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totaled 1.4 billion euros (482 billion drachmas) from 710 million euros (105.6 billion drachmas) in the trading day before. Buy orders accounted for 919 million euros of turnover.

    [32] Equity futures end down, tracking Athens bourse

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished lower on Friday, roughly in line with the bourse indices on which they are based, traders said.

    The Athens general index ended 0.17 percent lower at 3,059.73 points. The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.12 percent up, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.33 percent lower.

    [33] Greek president signs International Psychological Health Day Declaration

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Friday signed the International Psychological Health Day Declaration, during an event at the Old Parliament Building. Health and Welfare Minister Alekos Papadopoulos, who is in charge of the effort to support those mentally ill and aid their reintroduction in society, was present at the event. Prime Minister Costas Simitis' wife Daphne and Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos were among those present at the event.

    [34] State counselor proposes rejection of appeal by Brazilian national wanted by US

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    State Councilor Dimitris Gratsias on Friday proposed to the Council of State to reject an appeal by Brazilian national Sergio Valadares, who is wanted by US authorities to stand trial in the eastern region of Louisiana for creating a gang involved in trafficking the drug ecstasy. Valadares had taken his case to the Council of State and had requested the annulment of a decision taken by the justice minister on February 13, 2001, ratifying the proposal by the Athens Appeals Court Council on his extradition to the US.

    Valadares had claimed in his appeal that the Brazilian authorities wanted him for the same reason and to have him tried for the same offence in Rio de Janeiro. He added that the justice minister had omitted to send the appeal by the Brazilian authorities to the relevant Greek judicial authorities.

    On his part, Gratsias proposed the rejection of the appeal, not accepting any of the allegations made by Valadares. He pointed out that the decision taken by the justice minister does not have the character of justice being applied, since he issues decisions constituting a precondition for the extradition of a wanted person to a foreign country.

    [35] Serres conference on controlling mosquito populations and malaria

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    A Balkan conference on malaria with European-wide participation began on Friday at Lithotopos in Serres and is due to end on Saturday evening.

    Expert scientists and researchers in the field noted that malaria was still a serious problem that affected the health of millions around the world, while science had proved unable to eradicate mosquitoes, which were the main source of the disease.

    According to the first presentations, mosquitoes are still a serious problems in many European countries in the summer months, particularly in the Balkans. During the conference, academics will present data from Bulgaria, Turkey, Romania, Albania, Yugoslavia, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, Germany, Italy, Greece, Israel, France and other countries, while proposals will be made for low-cost mosquito control. The conference is being organized by the Center for Mosquito Eradication and Civil Protection and the Health ministry.

    [36] Prosecutor to charge ICU doctors, nurses for newborn deaths

    Athens, 07/04/2001 (ANA)

    The Public Prosecutors' Office in Thessaloniki said it would be charging doctors and nurses at the city's Ippokration hospital on Friday, in connection with the deaths of four newborns who had contracted a fatal intestinal tract infection while in its intensive care unit last February.

    All four babies died on the same day, February 18, while a later autopsy showed they had been infected by intestinal tract bacteria of the gram negative group.

    Another 40 infants within the same ward did not contract the disease and were transferred to another ward so that it could be disinfected.

    Following the completion of an investigation to discover if staff actions or negligence were in any way responsible for the deaths, the public prosecutor in charge of the case has brought criminal charges against all responsible for "repeated endangerment resulting in death."

    The case has now been passed on to the Examining Magistrate so that charges can be brought against specific people.

    [37] Cyprus Foreign Minister speaks at Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington

    WASHINGTON D.C., 07/04/2001 (CNA/ANA)

    Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides has said that the message Cyprus' accession to the European Union is imminent and inevitable with or without a settlement on the island, could be the only existing realistic, positive leverage that can be applied in order to bend the intransigent policy followed by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and Turkey in the Cyprus peace effort.

    Speaking Thursday at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington on "Cyprus: Reunification and membership in the EU" Kasoulides also said that once Cyprus joins the EU "its problem will be under EU influence

    and its angles would be less acute ... and it would be less of a potential to create new problems of instability in the region or between Greece and Turkey."

    Replying to a question on his meeting Monday with US Secretary of State Collin Powell and other high-ranking American officials, the Foreign Minister said he will stress why the EU would feel more comfortable if the US also supported Cyprus' membership "not as an alternative to the efforts to solve the problem of Cyprus, but as being subsumed to the efforts of reuniting Cyprus."

    Kasoulides also briefed his audience on recent developments in the Cyprus problem, focusing on Denktash's refusal to participate in a new round of UN-led proximity talks.

    In December 1999 the UN opened talks aiming at reaching a settlement, but after five rounds of meetings Denktash, with Ankara's backing, described them as "a waste of time" and demanded a change of format and recognition of the illegal regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974 in order to participate in the peace effort.

    However, Kasoulides said that two positive developments have occurred in the last few years.

    The first and most important for Cyprus, he said, was the European Council decision taken in Helsinki in 1999 stipulating that a settlement on the island is not a precondition for its accession even though it would be more desirable to have a reunited Cyprus join its ranks.

    "The second important decision for our region, was the decision to accept Turkey as a candidate country for membership to the EU," Kasoulides added referring to a decision also taken in Helsinki.

    The foreign minister said the EU accession negotiations, which opened in 1998, are expected to be concluded by the year 2002, underlining that "we want to see our country reunited preferably before the next enlargement so that we can join as a united country."

    He said that the Turkish side may stop being intransigent if it realizes that it is inevitable for Cyprus to join the EU with or without a settlement, adding however that "the doors for reunification will be open after membership."

    Kasoulides also expressed the view that if a settlement was reached before accession it would not be difficult within a reasonable and short period of time to be able to present a united economy ready for the whole island ready to compete in the international market.

    [38] European Parliament calls for Greek Cypriot's immediate release

    Nicosia, 07/04/2001 (CNA/ANA)

    A resolution calling for the immediate release of Greek Cypriot Panicos Tziakourmas, who was abducted on 13 December 2000 by Turkish occupation troops and has been illegally detained since, was approved on Thursday by the European Parliament.

    The resolution "condemns the abduction and subsequent arrest" of Tziakourmas "which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law" and holds Turkey responsible for the abduction and illegal detention of the Greek Cypriot. It adds that Tziakourmas was abducted by Turkish Cypriots with the apparent support of the Turkish occupation forces and is being detained "in the area occupied by the Turkish army".

    The European Parliament "demands that the local administration in the occupied area of Cyprus releases Tziakourmas immediately and without precondition" and "urges the government of Turkey to make all efforts to ensure that this case can come to a positive conclusion".

    It says "proceedings have commenced in the illegal courts in the area occupied by the Turkish army on trumped up charges".

    The resolution takes into consideration "the fact that the authorities of the British Base have publicly affirmed that Tziakourmas was violently and arbitrarily abducted" and expresses deep concern about the Greek Cypriot's health condition. Britain has retained two sovereign military bases in Cyprus since granting the island independence from colonial rule in 1960. Tziakourmas, a building constructor who is a diabetic, was kidnapped by Turkish agents in the British Bases while on his way to pick up Turkish Cypriot workers and is illegally being charged for "drug smuggling".

    Referring to the situation in Cyprus the resolution "calls on all parties concerned to continue to seek a peaceful solution to the Cyprus problem along the lines of relevant UN Security Council resolutions".


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