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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-12-17

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

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

December 17, 2002

CONTENTS

  • [01] Solving the Cyprus problem the next step after Copenhagen, PM tells President
  • [02] EU candidates' accession agreement to be signed on April 16
  • [03] Turkish FM Yakis: 'Walls have been erected around Turkey', now on a narrow path
  • [04] EU, NATO sign permanent cooperation agreement
  • [05] Alternate FM in Berlin for Greek EU presidency
  • [06] Macedonia-Thrace minister announces Greek EU presidency's Balkan priorities
  • [07] FM and Red Cross Committee president discuss EU presidency
  • [08] Deputy DM concludes two-day visit in Bosnia
  • [09] Coalition party leader discusses Turkey's EU accession
  • [10] Kaklamanis congratulates Cypriot counterpart, invites him to Athens
  • [11] Gov't spokesman denies rumors of cabinet reshuffle
  • [12] Minister outlines Greek presidency's environmental priorities
  • [13] Increase in 'Euro-skepticism' by the ten new EU candidate countries, survey
  • [14] Papandreou-Yiannitsis press conference on Tuesday
  • [15] FM to meet with Cyprus Speaker of the House of Representatives
  • [16] Gov't to set priority on combatting inflation in 2003
  • [17] Karamanlis sharply criticizes 2003 state budget as yet another fraud
  • [18] Labor leaders, top industry rep address ND deputies
  • [19] Gov't says suburban railway project on schedule
  • [20] Stocks slip in flaccid trade
  • [21] Deputy minister and Italian Eurodeputy discuss Olympic Games
  • [22] EU Commissioner Reding signs Olympic Truce declaration
  • [23] Bakoyianni's attacker taken to Korydallos psychiatric ward
  • [24] Court ruling OKs female 'N17' suspect's request to meet with son
  • [25] Ninety per cent of minors using website at chat rooms touch on sex
  • [26] Justice minister inaugurates conference on Eurojust, EU's new institution
  • [27] Fish come to fishermen in a real life 'tale' in Kavala, N. Greece
  • [28] Greece, Cyprus sign sports agreement
  • [29] Spokesman says outcome of reactions to determine solution
  • [30] FM Kasoulides says Annan plan can be improved
  • [31] Van der Meer says February 28 second window of opportunity

  • [01] Solving the Cyprus problem the next step after Copenhagen, PM tells President

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    The next step after Copenhagen and the decision for Cyprus' accession to the European Union should be a solution to the Cyprus problem, preferably within the deadlines, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said on Monday as he emerged from a meeting with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

    During the one-hour meeting, Simitis briefed the president on the events at the EU summit and also thanked Stephanopoulos for the part he played in achieving a good result in Copenhagen through his international contacts.

    The government would work in order to bring about an end to the division on Cyprus and would seek a solution that was just, viable and functional, the prime minister added.

    On the premier's arrival, Stephanopoulos expressed satisfaction at the summit's results and Cyprus entry into the Community, stressing that this was the first active recognition that right was on Cyprus' side. He also congratulated the government and Simitis in person for his success in a very difficult mission and the leader of main opposition New Democracy for his role in bringing about the desired result.

    Gov't spokesman welcomes Cyprus' EU accession: Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Monday welcomed the decision taken by European Union leaders in Copenhagen to allow Cyprus' accession to the Community without "asterisks and footnotes".

    He described the decision as a "national success" that was the result of "correct and effective tactics" and congratulated the Cyprus government for its efforts to meet accession criteria and for its handling of the Cyprus issue.

    Another important factor that contributed to the successful outcome in Copenhagen was the "broad national unity" on this issue, the spokesman added.

    Protopapas stressed the need to continue efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem and pointed out that Turkey had received a number of messages in Copenhagen but also from the spontaneous protests staged by Turkish-Cypriots in northern Cyprus.

    Regarding Cyprus exclusion from the European rapid reaction force, Protopapas pointed out that Cyprus would not have any army if the Cyprus solution were implemented.

    Furthermore, the EU force was designed for peace-keeping missions outside EU borders, whereas Cyprus would now be a member of the EU, while this development was both known and accepted.

    Karamanlis congratulates Cyprus over its accession to EU: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis on Monday congratulated the people of Cyprus and the island republic’s leadership following a historic EU decision late last week to invite the country to join the Union.

    Karamanlis noted that Cyprus fulfilled all the criteria for EU accession despite the “unfavorable conditions” created by the ongoing occupation of 37 percent of the island republic’s territory by Turkish troops.

    In statements before deputies belonging to party’s parliamentary group, Karamanlis added that a ND government in 1990 decided, in close cooperation with the government of Cyprus, for an accession course by the island republic, noting that another positive development lies in the fact that every government that followed promoted this goal until its fruition on Friday.

    Moreover, he called for a unified Greek foreign policy strategy to be formulated, in light of tough negotiations expected to focus over the coming months on a Cyprus solution.

    Finally, in a reference to Prime Minister Costas Simitis, Karamanlis said the former should now be certain that “everyone wants to and can contribute to national efforts”, before calling on Simitis to immediately promote legislation establishing a political party leaders’ council for foreign policy.

    Greeks & Greek Cypriots to work for Cyprus problem resolution, FM spokesman says: Foreign Ministry spokesman Panagiotis Beglitis on Monday said that the target of the Greek and Greek Cypriot side, following Copenhagen, is to maintain the momentum for the continuation of negotiations for the resolution of the Cyprus issue.

    He said that Cyprus' accession to the European Union has had a positive effect on the efforts to resolve the long-standing political problem of the island republic, adding that the efforts of the Greek side are not limited to the Copenhagen Summit, rather it will go through other stages during the upcoming period, since Athens and Nicosia will cooperate in the co-formulation and the completion of the financial package, concerning the social fabric of the occupied part of Cyprus.

    Beglitis stressed that the framework of negotiations for the resolution of the Cyprus problem remains the same, as was set by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, adding, however, that this does not mean that effort should not be made to make changes or amendments to the text.

    [02] EU candidates' accession agreement to be signed on April 16

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    The accession agreement for 10 European Union candidate countries will be signed in Athens on April 16, 2003, while a draft constitution (European constitution) to be prepared by the Assembly will be delivered in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, in June of the same year.

    In parallel, the new European Commission to result from the election of its president by the European Parliament in June, 2004, will receive its mandate in November of the same year.

    Referring to developments in the wake of last week's EU Copenhagen summit, the European Commission's Press and Communication general director Panos Karvounis said the conclusions of the European Council in Copenhagen are the outcome of a 10-year process which had begun again in the Danish capital.

    The positive result stemmed from a strong political will both from EU member-states and candidate countries themselves.

    Karvounis added that candidate countries have not received ''free passports'' and their adjustment efforts should continue.

    The EU, in order to help candidate countries to adjust, will provide them with 40.8 billion euros in the years to come.

    On the question of discussions concerning changes in the EU, Karvounis said the European Commission’s president has summarized his views in light of the Intergovernmental Conference in a ''red book'' named Penelope.

    [03] Turkish FM Yakis: 'Walls have been erected around Turkey', now on a narrow path

    ISTANBUL 17/12/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

    ''Walls have been erected around Turkey which now finds itself on a narrow path, while the negotiating position of the Cypriots is now much greater,'' Turkish Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis told Turkish television on Monday, commenting on the results of the European Union summit in Copenhagen.

    Yakis, speaking at a discussion in the TV program ''Political Coffee shop'', explained that ''if Turkey refuses to sign a settlement of the Cyprus problem by February 28, 2003, the EU will claim that the Turkish armed forces occupy a part of the EU.'' ''If we reach a solution on February 28, Cyprus, which domestically will comprise of two parts, will become a single member of the EU, as provided by the Annan plan,'' the Turkish foreign minister said.

    ''If the sides do not manage to reach a solution, the Greek Cypriot side will become an EU member, representing the whole of Cyprus,'' Yakis said, adding that ''if this happens, the EU will be receiving in its ranks a sick child.''

    The Turkish minister explained that the tactic which was followed in Copenhagen secured time for negotiating a settlement of the Cyprus problem.

    If Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides ''had signed the Annan plan in Copenhagen, we would have had to decide on the issue immediately within half an hour, however, we now have 48 days,'' Yakis concluded.

    Meanwhile, Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal termed as ''pitiful'', Yakis' statement that ''the Turkish armed forces will be occupying a part of the EU.''

    [04] EU, NATO sign permanent cooperation agreement

    BRUSSELS 17/12/2002 (ANA - B. Demiris)

    The European Union and NATO on Monday signed a permanent cooperation agreement that was initially reached during the Copenhagen Summit last week.

    The Union and NATO issued a declaration stating that their relations will be governed by respect for the Charter of the United Nations and the peaceful settlement of differences, in the framework of the idea that ''no country should terrorize another with the use or threat of use of violence''.

    The agreement was signed by the Union's high representative for defense and security affairs Javier Solana and NATO's General Secretary Lord George Robertson.

    The declaration also noted that the two signatory parties would complement each other in operations that they will undertake, recognizing, however, the equality between them as well as their autonomy in decision making.

    The text also stressed that the interests of the Union's member-states should be respected as well as those of NATO, while securing the greatest possible participation of NATO member-states that are not members of the Union in the European Policy of Security and Defense.

    With this agreement the European forces will enjoy access to NATO's planning capabilities.

    [05] Alternate FM in Berlin for Greek EU presidency

    BERLIN 17/12/2002 (ANA - P. Stangos)

    The work Greece will shoulder as the European Union's presiding country in the first half of 2003 will began being promoted by Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis here on Monday, a day before the official presentation of the Greek presidency's program and priorities in Athens.

    Yiannitsis, who arrived in the German capital on Saturday, was due to address an event on Monday night titled ''The Greek Presidency-New challenges for Europe.''

    Speaking to Greek reporters here on Sunday night, Yiannitsis disclosed that the Greek presidency will not be at all easy due to a double negative conjuncture.

    On the one hand it will be due to the expected invasion of Iraq and its repercussions, both within the EU and in its relations with third countries, and to the unfavorable economic climate prevailing, on the other.

    Outlining the Greek presidency's priorities to Greek reporters, Yiannitsis referred to the signing of the 10 EU candidate countries' accession agreement in Athens on April 16 and to the policy of support which should be followed for Bulgaria and Romania, as well as for the so-called western Balkan countries, meaning the countries of former Yugoslavia and Albania.

    On the question of Cyprus, the Greek minister said that following the positive outcome regarding accession in Copenhagen and the relevant decision included in the EU summit's conclusions, the sector concerning a solution to the political problem is not part of the Greek presidency's jurisdiction but is part of the framework of processes moving under the auspices of the UN.

    [06] Macedonia-Thrace minister announces Greek EU presidency's Balkan priorities

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    Macedonia and Thrace Minister George Paschalidis on Monday announced the priorities of the Greek EU presidency for southeastern Europe, following an agreement with Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

    Speaking in Thessaloniki during a press conference as part of a Stability Pact meeting, Paschalidis stressed that the Greek EU presidency will pay special attention to the conditions and prospects of southeastern Europe.

    These priorities, he said, include support for peace, stability and democratic development, promotion of the stabilization process and the joint confrontation of crime.

    [07] FM and Red Cross Committee president discuss EU presidency

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    Foreign Minister George Papandreou discussed the upcoming Greek European Union presidency with International Red Cross Committee President Jakob Kellenberger on Monday.

    Papandreou said they also discussed contributing to the promotion, through cooperation, of human values and humanitarian law at international level.

    ''I thank him in particular for his support of the idea of the Olympic Truce as well which, to a great degree, is in the same spirit, the same roots and the same tradition of humanitarian law,'' Papandreou said.

    Kellenberger said it is a tradition of the International Red Cross Committee to meet representatives of the new presidency every six months and to discuss common activities.

    He added that his discussion with Papandreou also concerned the activities of both the International Committee and the European Union, since both bodies are preoccupied with respect for international humanitarian law.

    [08] Deputy DM concludes two-day visit in Bosnia

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    Deputy Defense Minister Lazaros Lotidis on Monday concluded a two-day official visit to Bosnia where he met with the country's political and military leadership and held talks, stressing the necessity for the strengthening of the structures and institutions of the country's central government in accordance with the demands of the international community.

    During his stay in the country, the minister met with the Greek troops of the international peacekeeping force and celebrated with them the 7th anniversary of their presence in the country.

    [09] Coalition party leader discusses Turkey's EU accession

    ISTANBUL 17/12/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

    Coalition of the Left and Progress party leader Nikos Constantopoulos, speaking to reporters after meeting Turkey's ruling Justice and Development party leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday, said his party supports a speedup in the process of Turkey's accession to the European Union.

    Constantopoulos said his party wants to work for a further rapprochement between Greece and Turkey during the EU's Greek presidency (in the first half of 2003), adding that a solution to the Cyprus issue will bring Turkey closer to the EU.

    Speaking at a joint press conference with Erdogan's adviser Saban Disli, Constantopoulos said obstacles in the path for a solution to the Cyprus issue will be against Turkey, Greece and Cyprus and added that substantive and practical discussions should take place by February 28.

    Earlier, Constantopoulos and his party's delegation members visited Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis and discussed relations between the two countries and the role of political parties in shaping a climate of friendship, cooperation and good neighborliness between the peoples of the two countries.

    Constantopoulos also held a similar meeting with Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party leader Deniz Baykal, who said later ''we are ascertaining with great pleasure that Greek-Turkish relations are developing smoothly. There is a considerable contribution by the two governments and, at the same time, by political parties and social organizations in both countries in this direction.''

    [10] Kaklamanis congratulates Cypriot counterpart, invites him to Athens

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    Greek Parliament President, Apostolos Kaklamanis, conveyed on Monday to his Cypriot counterpart his congratulations and deep satisfaction over Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

    At the same time, Kaklamanis invited House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias to visit Athens for a joint review of the developments. The Cypriot House leader accepted the invitation and will depart for the Greek capital on Tuesday.

    In a letter to Christofias, Kaklamanis praised the genial and effective cooperation developed between the two parliaments during Cyprus' EU course.

    In the same letter, Kaklamanis invited his counterpart to visit Athens to jointly review the developments and evaluate the obligations of the two parliaments during the Greek EU presidency and Cyprus' accession to the EU.

    For this reason, Christofias will depart on Tuesday for Athens where he will attend a Greek Parliament debate on the Cyprus problem.

    [11] Gov't spokesman denies rumors of cabinet reshuffle

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Monday denied rumors that a major government reshuffle was planned after the EU summit in Copenhagen.

    The focus would remain on the program for creating a 'strong Greece', with emphasis on building up a strong economy and a strong and united society, he said.

    Over the coming period, the government would primarily occupy itself with major foreign policy issues in conjunction with the government on Cyprus, he added.

    Protopapas also noted that the priorities of the imminent Greek EU presidency would be ratified on Tuesday.

    Another priority would be major economic issues, such as improving Greek competitiveness and the income of Greeks, while another major goal was to speed up efforts to reduce everyday problems faced by the public.

    [12] Minister outlines Greek presidency's environmental priorities

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    Establishing agreement for a strong Community-wide system for the environment based on the principle that polluters should pay will be among the top priorities of the Greek EU presidency, Environment Minister Vasso Papandreou said on Monday.

    Addressing a meeting of academics and NGOs involved in environmental issues, Papandreou said that the first goal would be to carry out the commitments made by the EU at the Johannesburg Earth Summit for promoting sustainable development within and outside the Community. She said this would be achieved by enhancing the environmental aspects of the Lisbon process and boosting the Cardiff process.

    The summer council of EU environment ministers in 2003 would issue clear instructions for implementing these decisions, she added.

    [13] Increase in 'Euro-skepticism' by the ten new EU candidate countries, survey

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    The wave of ''Euro-skepticism'' in the ten new EU candidate countries is increasing, according to a study conducted by the Foreign Relations department of the European Economic and Social Committee, entitled ''the economic and social repercussions of the enlargement in candidate countries.''

    The results of the survey were presented on Monday by the committee's president and representative of the National Confederation of Greek Commerce, Dimitris Dimitriadis.

    The highest percentage of ''Euro-skepticism'' was recorded in Malta as 35 per cent of the citizens appeared not to trust the European Union. It was followed by Slovenia, Estonia and Latvia with 29 percent, Cyprus with 26 per cent, Poland with 21 per cent, the Czech Republic and Lithuania with 20 per cent, Slovakia with 18 per cent and Hungary with 13 per cent.

    [14] Papandreou-Yiannitsis press conference on Tuesday

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Alternate FM Tassos Yiannitsis will give a press conference on Tuesday at the foreign ministry building, with the focus on the recently concluded EU Summit in Copenhagen as well as Athens' priorities vis-a-vis its upcoming presidency of the Union.

    [15] FM to meet with Cyprus Speaker of the House of Representatives

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Tuesday will meet with the Cyprus' Speaker of the House of Representatives Dimitris Christofias and then the two men will hold a press conference.

    [16] Gov't to set priority on combatting inflation in 2003

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said on Monday that the government's main priority in 2003 would be to lower inflation.

    After a meeting with the prime minister, Christodoulakis told reporters that the problem of inflation remained, having an unfavorable impact on competitiveness.

    He called on companies and consumers to contribute to reducing prices.

    The minister also said that the government would seek to tone up the exports sector in 2003, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and work to attain economic regional alignment.

    Finally, Christodoulakis said that inflation was having a negative impact on returns from accounts held by small depositors.

    As a result, banks had agreed earlier in the day to increase the number of longer-term government bonds they sell to the public, which offer a yield above inflation.

    ''As interest rates are declining, it's natural for depositors to seek more attractive placements for their money. These long-term bonds usually have yields quite a bit above inflation,'' Christodoulakis said.

    [17] Karamanlis sharply criticizes 2003 state budget as yet another fraud

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis sharply attacked the government’s economic policies on Monday, in an address to ND’s parliamentary group in light of pending debate on the 2003 state budget.

    Karamanlis stressed that the 2003 budget will simply comprise another “link” in a chain of “bogus and unreliable budgets by the last few governments ... yet more evidence of the impasses created by the preservative financial management of the past few years.”

    In citing recent figures supplied by the “Eurostat” agency, the ND leader charged that the current government never submitted a truly surplus budget, whereas a decrease in public debt and fiscal reforms are no more than a “myth” that has collapsed and revealed a “major political fraud”.

    Referring to what he called “so-called modernization” of state-run enterprises and utilities, Karamanlis said lofty words remained only on paper, stressing that “every enterprise is a scandal, every public utility is a bankruptcy.” Among others, he pointed to Olympic Airways, Agriculture Bank of Greece, accumulated debts by the state-run railway, public transports as well as the state telecoms utility’s (OTE) overseas investments.

    Moreover, Karamanlis charged that the government’s promises regarding economic and social convergence bare absolutely no reality to the true state of the economy, as Greece’s economy remains the poorest in the ‘euro zone’, while he said claims of a ‘social state’ and social policy rank as only a provocation for citizens.

    In terms of corruption in the public sector, the ND leader said the state’s and individual services’ modernization has become synonymous with impunity and citizens’ hardships, “as the kickback has become a regime with a specific rate.”

    Finally, he cited what he called an attempt to deceive Greek citizens regarding the absorption rate for community funds, which he said does not surpass the 11-percent mark.

    [18] Labor leaders, top industry rep address ND deputies

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party’s parliamentary group on Monday mostly focused on the upcoming debate over the 2003 budget, although several deputies and labor leaders also expressed their sympathy for Athens mayor-elect Dora Bakoyianni, the target of an assassination attempt on Friday.

    The group’s secretary, Dimitris Sioufas, cited what he called a cowardly attack, echoing statements by other deputies and scheduled speakers. Bakoyianni narrowly escaped the attempt against her life when she apparently tried to retrieve an address book from the backseat floor of a car she was riding in at precisely the moment a would-be assassin – identified as a former mental ward patient – fired once with a shotgun at the vehicle.

    Meanwhile, in terms of the budget, GSEE trade union leader Christos Polyzogopoulos told ND deputies that the country’s economy faces a highly competitive international environment that may lead to “painful repercussions”. He also cited “internal difficulties” as hampering the economy.

    However, he also said regional economic and social inequalities must be overcome via the upcoming state budget, while referring to a lack of volition, on the government’s part, to proceed with reform and in-depth dialogue over the budget.

    On his part, the vice-president of the country’s largest civil servants’ union, ADEDY, expressed his dissatisfaction over what he called a stereotyped view of public sector corruption, stressing that a majority of civil servants are “honest people”.

    Among others, ADEDY vice-president Mr. Papantoniou also claimed that Greek civil servants’ salaries are 20 percent below the EU’s real convergence levels.

    Finally, Federation of Greek Industries (SEB) president Odysseas Kyriakopoulos called for stricter and more disciplined fiscal policy, without adverse repercussions on economic development. He also expressed concern over the fact that inflation is greater than the country’s growth rate, as he claimed.

    [19] Gov't says suburban railway project on schedule

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis said on Monday that a project to build a suburban railway network to include Athens international airport was proceeding on schedule.

    In 2004, the railway would carry 120,000 passengers daily, doubling to 250,000 in 2010 and 340,000 in 2020, Verelis told reporters during a tour of construction sites.

    [20] Stocks slip in flaccid trade

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    The Athens bourse finished lower on Monday in lackluster trade with downward pressure seen in most of the session.

    The general share index shed 0.17 percent to end at 1,817.35 points. Turnover was 71.2 million euros.

    The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.03 percent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.32 percent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities finished 0.53 percent down.

    Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 178 to 102 with 76 issues remaining unchanged.

    The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Terna, Kardasilaris, LogicDis and Public Power Corporation.

    Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 66.1 mln euros Monday

    Equity Index Futures:

  • FTSE/ASE-20 (high cap): At discount

  • Underlying Index: -0.03 percent

  • FTSE/ASE-40 (medium cap): At discount

  • Underlying Index: -0.32 percent

    Stock Futures:

  • Most Active Contract (volume): Intracom (255)

    Day's Market Turnover: 66.1 mln euros

    Bond Market Close: Buyers match sellers on Monday

    Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond

  • Yield: 4.54 pct

  • Spread over German bund: 23 bps

  • Day's Market Turnover: 1.7 bln euros

  • Most Active Bond: 5-year, expiring May 2007 (255 mln euros)

    [21] Deputy minister and Italian Eurodeputy discuss Olympic Games

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    Deputy Sports Minister George Lianis and visiting Italian Eurodeputy and 200 meters world champion Pietro Menea discussed the Olympic Games on Monday.

    ''The 2004 Olympic Games are a new starting point for the institution, solidarity for peoples, aided by major countries for small ones and with a program not offending history,'' Menea said.

    He further said ''we tried a great deal to have the Olympic Games held here and this was a debt to Greece. I believe that the holding of the Games in Athens constitutes an advantage for the country and above all for the Olympic movement. The eyes of the entire world will be turned on Greece and this gives it the possibility of showing through the Games that it is a great country.''

    Lianis said ''we agree absolutely on the issue of the philosophy surrounding the Olympic Games on the issue of principles and with all that has to be done to upgrade sport.''

    Lianis also said Menea told him he will help Greece to hold great Olympic Games in Athens and on other important issues, while the museum of Ancient Olympia will be considered a heritage of humanity through UNESCO at his suggestion.

    [22] EU Commissioner Reding signs Olympic Truce declaration

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    European Commissioner Viviane Reding signed the Olympic Truce declaration in Athens on Monday in the presence of Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Deputy Sports Minister George Lianis.

    ''It is fitting that the Commissioner is supporting, with her signature, the idea of the Olympic Truce as she has responsibilities on issues of athletics, education and culture,'' Papandreou said.

    ''We are looking forward to cooperating with her but today, especially, we thank her for her support for this idea and for her cooperation in light of the Olympic Games, during which volunteers from Europe will be used here in Athens,'' he added.

    ''It is not just an honor for me to sign the documents of the Olympic Truce, it is also a fundamental necessity to place this signature as in Europe we are preparing the European dimension of athletics now, which is connected directly to human rights and the harmonic co-existence of peoples in a large family,'' Reding said.

    ''On Dec.19 the European Parliament will vote to name 2003 as the year of education through athletics,'' she added.

    [23] Bakoyianni's attacker taken to Korydallos psychiatric ward

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    An examining magistrate on Monday ordered that the gunman accused of firing against newly-elected Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni be incarcerated in the psychiatric ward at Korydallos prison in Athens, after hearing his testimony about his attack on Bakoyianni on Friday.

    George Sandalis, 35, was called to answer to charges of attempted manslaughter, illegally carrying a weapon, illegal weapons use and illegal weapons possession.

    Bakoyianni was fired upon while riding in her car at the junction of Syngrou and Dionysiou Areopagitou Avenue and escaped with only minor cuts because she happened to bend down when the shot went off. Her driver Giorgos Lymberios sustained slightly more serious injuries that required hospitalization.

    According to sources, Sandalis told the examining magistrate that he was being tracked through his DNA and radio waves and had not intended to kill Bakoyianni. He claims that he wanted her to hear the sound of the shot so that the prime minister would order the surveillance on him to stop.

    Sandalis was known to have psychological problems, for which he had been admitted to mental institutions four times in the past. The magistrate ordered that the suspect undergo a psychiatric evaluation by a neurologist and psychiatrist.

    [24] Court ruling OKs female 'N17' suspect's request to meet with son

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    A first instance council of judges on Monday granted a request by the only female suspect jailed so far in the “November 17” case to meet with her 12-year-old without the presence of prison guards and a glass partition.

    The decision allows Angeliki Sotiropoulou the right to meet with her son once a week for 30 minutes.

    Sotiropoulou married her long-time companion Dimitris Koufodinas, who is also jailed on numerous “N17”-related felonies, last week in a jailhouse civil ceremony. Both Sotiropoulou and Koufodinas are being held in one-person cells in separate sections of the Korydallos prison.

    The decision reverses a previous ruling by the prison council.

    A previous decision last week rejected Sotiropoulou’s demands regarding mostly conditions of incarceration.

    [25] Ninety per cent of minors using website at chat rooms touch on sex

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    Sixty per cent of minors who use the website visit the chat rooms and 90 per cent of them admit that they have taken part in discussions with a sexual contention.

    The data is contained in a survey conducted by the Greek Consumer Organization (E.KAT.O) within the framework of the European program ''Safe navigation on the website''.

    It concerns a comparative survey conducted at the same time in Greece (sample of 386 children up the age of 17), Great Britain (sample of 1,400 children) and Ireland (sample of 481 children).

    According to the survey, only 5 per cent of Greeks said they used the website under the supervision of their parents, while 70 per cent said they have received invitations by other users for a personal meeting, when the corresponding percentage in Great Britain and Ireland came to 15 per cent and 5 per cent respectively.

    It arises that Greek users aged between 13-15 have quadruple possibilities of being asked to meet face to face with other users than British and Irish users of the same age.

    The survey also notes that in Greece youngsters aged between 13-15 face three times more danger of harassment in chat rooms, but it is 15 times more probable that their Irish peers will report a case of harassment.

    [26] Justice minister inaugurates conference on Eurojust, EU's new institution

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    Eurojust, the new European Union institution, will lead to a unified judicial space and coordinate the fight against organized crime, Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos said on Monday in Thessaloniki, inaugurating a one-day conference.

    The conference, organized by the Center for International and European Economy Law and the National Academy of Justices, focused on the establishment of Eurojust, which began operating experimentally in March 2001.

    The institution is composed of 15 members one from each EU member state that is either a police officer or justice, aiming to facilitate the coordination between the national prosecutorial authorities.

    [27] Fish come to fishermen in a real life 'tale' in Kavala, N. Greece

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    The northern Greek port city of Kavala witnessed a bizarre, but rather tasty, event on Sunday when a large number of fish suddenly began to jump out of the sea and into fishermen's boats and onto the rocks.

    Apparently, a school of fish was passing by the coast when, as fishermen speculated, dolphins attacked it and the fish literally jumped out of the water to avoid the unexpected danger only to land in frying pans.

    Of course, the fishermen did not lose the opportunity to collect this effortless gain that comes once in a lifetime and makes up for the honest-to-goodness fishermen's tale.

    [28] Greece, Cyprus sign sports agreement

    Athens, 17/12/2002 (ANA)

    Deputy Sports Minister George Lianis and Cypriot Sports Federation President Andreas Papaharalambous signed a sports cooperation agreement in Athens on Monday.

    The agreement includes joint action in reviving the Olympic Truce spirit, implementation of the volunteerism program in Cyprus for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, cooperation in sports issues, a protocol for sports exchanges and joint coaching centers.

    At the same time, the two delegations agreed to examine the proposal by the Greek side for holding, in principle and later on a permanent basis, a Regatta rally which will start in Piraeus and end in Larnaca, Cyprus.

    [29] Spokesman says outcome of reactions to determine solution

    NICOSIA 17/12/2002 (CNA/ANA)

    Government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said on Monday the conflict between the two schools of thought in Turkey and the Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus has entered a new era and the outcome will determine whether there will be a solution or not to the Cyprus problem.

    Replying to questions on the reaction in the occupied areas following the Copenhagen European Council's decision for Cyprus to enter the EU, and the failure to achieve a solution to the Cyprus problem, thus a reunited Cyprus entering the EU, Kasoulides pointed out that it is a fact that there is ''a clear and understandable reaction against Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and especially of the way he handled the UN Secretary General's plan for a Cyprus settlement.''

    The spokesman pointed out the way in which this criticism is being applied, noting that it is not merely criticism ''when the opposition parties directly accuse Mr. Denktash of treason.''

    ''You realize we are entering a new era, a conflict between two schools of thought, in the occupied areas and Turkey, the outcome of which will make clear whether we will have a solution to the Cyprus problem or not,'' he added.

    He said the Greek Cypriot side was not concerned with who will represent the Turkish Cypriot community, stressing however that with Denktash at the negotiating table, ''a solution seems far-fetched.''

    However, Papapetrou reiterated the government's commitment to enter an intensive effort to find a solution to the Cyprus problem. He said ''we have pledged that we are ready to enter an intensive effort to venture finding a solution to the Cyprus problem by February 28 on the basis of the Annan plan.''

    ''This is the commitment before the EU and we will do so,' Papapetrou said.

    Regarding the efforts of the UN on Cyprus, the spokesman expressed the view that ''the UN Security Council will try to maintain the dynamic for a solution to the problem, as it was created after the submission of the Annan plan.''

    ''There is a dynamic which has been strengthened in a specific way by the EU and the UN for February 28. My view is that if this effort fails, this momentum will be undermined and for a certain period, which might be long, efforts will be undermined,'' he added.

    Papapetrou said he believes ''there is enough time for negotiations and surely every possible effort will be made.''

    ''What we need is convergence of views and the two sides to come together on an agreement course,'' he added.

    The European Council on Friday confirmed its strong preference for accession to the European Union by a united Cyprus and welcomed the commitment of the two sides on the island to continue to negotiate to reach a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem by 28 February 2003 on the basis of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's proposals.

    [30] FM Kasoulides says Annan plan can be improved

    NICOSIA 17/12/2002 (CNA/ANA)

    Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said here on Monday that the plan, submitted by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan for a Cyprus settlement, could be improved for the benefit of both communities.

    In statements to the press, Kasoulides said that negotiations could continue with the other side, adding that ''this negotiation should lead to a conclusion, and the conclusion will be the product of free negotiation between the two sides, without abolishing the philosophy of the plan.''

    At the same time, he added, ''we should make the best possible choice so that a solution can function and Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots can feel it is the solution of their choice.''

    Kasoulides further said he expects tonight an update from Cyprus' Permanent Representative at the UN, Ambassador Sotos Zakhaios, on the initial intentions of the Security Council after it will be informed by the UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto on the latest Cyprus developments.

    The minister said the government received assurances by the Copenhagen European Council that the number of Turkish settlers who will remain in Cyprus after a solution will be reduced, noting that ''the assurances we have received make the issue less unpleasant.''

    Referring to the package of measures for Turkish Cypriots, which the government has said it will announce, Kasoulides said it was already decided a long time ago.

    ''The decision to proceed with a series of measures, after receiving a positive decision for the island's accession to the EU, was taken a long time ago'', he said, adding that his ministry has been working on the measures for over a year now.

    Regarding the Turkish Cypriots' uprising against the policy of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, Kasoulides said ''I think the Cyprus problem will be a lot different than what we have known it to be if Mr. Denktash has really started losing the support he had from Ankara, and our Turkish Cypriot compatriots rebel against the policy that drives them only into isolation.''

    The minister said he was certain ''the Greek Cypriot side would respond to the call and work for a united Cyprus that will belong to all Cypriots.''

    Kasoulides said the Greek Cypriot side still considers Denktash the representative of the Turkish Cypriot side but the question is whether the Turkish Cypriot community still wants to be represented by him.

    He also referred to the new political leadership in Turkey, which was ''democratically elected by the Turkish people,'' adding that ''since its aim is for Turkey to accede to the EU, it should therefore act to end the Cyprus problem.''

    [31] Van der Meer says February 28 second window of opportunity

    NICOSIA 17/12/2002 (CNA/ANA)

    The Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Cyprus, Adriaan van der Meer, said on Monday there is a second opportunity for a solution to the Cyprus problem by February 28. Speaking to CNA after he informed the leadership of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE) on the Copenhagen European Council decision on Cyprus, van der Meer also stressed the importance of a reunited island entering the European Union.

    The Commission diplomat said he ''congratulated the Chamber for all the work they have done in the previous years to support the European course of Cyprus'' and the vision they had on the future of the island.

    He expressed the view that ''they will be among the first to see the importance of EU membership for Cyprus."

    Noting he was ''very happy for what has happened in Copenhagen," van der Meer said ''on the other hand, we all realize that another important issue still needs to be resolved," that of the Cyprus problem.

    Van der Meer said he was ''heartened'' by the statement made by President of the Republic Glafcos Clerides that he is willing to start negotiations on the UN plan the soonest possible.

    He remarked that during the meeting with KEVE he ''stressed the importance of a reunited island'' entering the EU. ''This is a second window of opportunity, the 28th of February," he added.

    Van der Meer further expressed ''solidarity with the Turkish Cypriots on the island," adding that he did not know what the package of measures the government intends to announce to support the Turkish Cypriots would contain.

    Earlier, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides urged the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Turkish Cypriot chamber ''to decide how best a liberalized situation of exchanging goods and services could take place."

    Kasoulides made the statement after he informed KEVE on the latest developments regarding the island's accession to the EU and the Cyprus problem.

    KEVE chairman Vassilis Rologis told CNA that he was anticipating the views of the Turkish Cypriot chamber on the package of measures that are to be announced by the Cyprus government for the Turkish Cypriot community. He also said there is a continued dialogue with the Turkish Cypriot chamber.


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