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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-10-02

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

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

October 2, 2003

CONTENTS

  • [01] PM and FM discuss Greek positions on intergovernmental conference
  • [02] ND leader chairs party meeting on EU inter-governmental conference
  • [03] Parliamentary European Affairs Committee probes European Commission composition
  • [04] Joint defense doctrine stronger than ever, Papantoniou says
  • [05] US State Dept. spokesman on 2004 security, 'N17'
  • [06] Gov't confirms Papandreou received letter from US envoy
  • [07] Greek leadership receives deputy Albanian Premier here
  • [08] Alternate FM to visit Croatia on Thursday
  • [09] Foreign minister hosts dinner for PASOK MPs
  • [10] EU Commission proposes two major rail projects concerning Greece
  • [11] New 2004 state budget finalized
  • [12] Gov't rules out improvement to offered pay rises for public sector
  • [13] Govt, shop owners discuss sector issues
  • [14] Greek manufacturing sector grows for fifth consecutive month
  • [15] Greek civil servants plan strike action
  • [16] Photronics Inc sets up subsidiary in Greece
  • [17] Olive oil promotion centre opens on Crete
  • [18] Merchant marine minister seeks more funding for ports
  • [19] Business meeting seeks cooperation between Europe, Arab world
  • [20] Athens-quoted firms fined for manipulation of stock in Informatics
  • [21] Greek stocks end lower on very thin volume
  • [22] PM visits centre for the aged, outlines policy for pensioners
  • [23] Health minister says modern social state an absolute priority for government
  • [24] Attorney for alleged 'N17' top assassin concludes final statement
  • [25] Dutchman carrying 10,000 ecstasy pills intercepted on Crete
  • [26] Health minister calls on society to aid state's efforts in combating drug use
  • [27] Alexandros Onassis Foundation branch to present two exhibitions on Hellenism
  • [28] City of Athens announces stray animals program
  • [29] HAU seminar on performance appraisals
  • [30] Syntagma, Omonia Square to be upgraded
  • [31] 99 per cent of children's poisoning in Greece takes place at home
  • [32] International conference on public communications begins in Athens
  • [33] Cyprus president on political developments in Turkey
  • [34] Cyprus President fully satisfied with military parade marking 43rd anniversary of Cyprus' independence

  • [01] PM and FM discuss Greek positions on intergovernmental conference

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Wednesday discussed Greek positions, as well as those of other member-states, on the intergovernmental conference on the constitution of Europe, due to begin in Rome on October 4.

    At the end of the meeting, Papandreou said in a statement that Greece considers the new intergovernmental conference a ''great historic opportunity'' to enable it to move into its next stage as Europe of the 25 member-states, having taken important decisions regarding the way of decision-making, the way of functioning and the even greater democratic participation of citizens.

    Replying to a questioner, Papandreou reiterated that the Greek positions remain in general those also voiced in the framework of the constitutional assembly, declaring directly that Greece is positively disposed towards the draft European constitution presented at the Thessaloniki summit for the first time.

    The foreign minister also termed as a very positive element arrangements contained in the draft constitution on European security, which provide member-states with the possibility of cooperating closer in this sector.

    [02] ND leader chairs party meeting on EU inter-governmental conference

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday chaired a party meeting that focused with the upcoming European Union inter-governmental conference that will deal with the European Constitution which was recently drafted.

    Following the meeting, ND deputy Marietta Giannakou said ND considers the draft

    Constitution a base for the work of the conference and hopes that the conference will conclude its work before the Euro-elections in June 2004.

    She added that ND was steadfast on its opinion that each member state should have one commissioner in the European Commission.

    [03] Parliamentary European Affairs Committee probes European Commission composition

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    The Parliamentary European Affairs Committee convened on Wednesday, focusing primarily on the issue of the European Commission's composition and the special majority in decision-making.

    Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis presented the government's positions on the draft treaty for the enactment of a European constitution to be examined by the Intergovernmental Conference.

    Yiannitsis said the government insists on the position of ''one country, one commissioner.''

    The government also supports the minimum of five Eurodeputies for each country (instead of four proposed by the draft constitution) and desires the implementation of the special majority in decisions in the foreign policy sector as well, five years after the ratification of the constitution, on condition that if a member of the council declares that ''for serious national policy reasons he is opposed to the adoption of a policy with a special majority, the vote will not take place. The issue will be entered in the agenda of the next European council meeting and the decision will be taken with unanimity.''

    At the same time, it requests the withdrawal of article 59 on the voluntary withdrawal of a member-state from the Union, the improvement of public health to be included in the Union's targets and the institution of ombudsman should be upgraded.

    [04] Joint defense doctrine stronger than ever, Papantoniou says

    NICOSIA, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou on Wednesday denied that there was any decline in the joint defense doctrine between Greece and Cyprus, stressing that there was close and flawless cooperation between the Greek and Cypriot armed forces.

    Papantoniou made the statement in response to questions from reporters after his meeting in Nicosia with Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos, which covered Cyprus' defense and the Cyprus problem.

    The Greek minister also emphasized the weapons procurements programs initiated by the two sides, saying that these had greatly enhanced the credibility of the joint defense doctrine.

    Among these he listed the purchase by Greece of 70 F16 fighter jets that are to be delivered within 2003 and 2004.

    According to Papantoniou, these planes that were acquired at a high cost by the Greek State had the capability to provide full defense coverage for Cypriot areas, since they could visit and carry out operations over Cyprus and then return to Greece without refueling.

    ''These are important considerations that I am sure the other side is aware of and can take into account when making its assessments,'' the minister noted.

    Papantoniou also referred at length to the political situation within Turkey, following recent developments that might lead the country to early general elections, saying that these had a negative impact on efforts for a Cyprus solution.

    He added, however, that Cyprus' defense capability combined with the armed forces' upgrade by its ally Greece had greatly reinforced the Cyprus government's position in negotiations for solving the Cyprus problem.

    He also called on Turkey to realize that it must abide by the rules of international law, which was one of the conditions for it to begin accession negotiations with the EU.

    ''We hope that substantive dialogue based on the Annan plan will have begun by May 1, which could lead to the unification of Cyprus and the end of the Cyprus tragedy in time,'' he said.

    Papantoniou also stressed that Cyprus' accession to the EU had reinforced its political and defense position to the extent that ''the strengthening of European defense essentially covers all European territories''.

    He stressed that Cyprus was now part of this European territory and that this must be taken into account by all those with designs against the island republic's independence and sovereignty.

    Cyprus Defense Minister Kyriakos Mavroíécolas, who had been present during the meeting with Papadopoulos, said the two sides had ascertained an identity of views but also that there were plans ''with a long horizon in time that give us guarantees that, after the achievement of the first target of joining the EU to which Greece contributed to the utmost, we will progress to the second stage that is a desirable and swift solution to the Cyprus problem.''

    [05] US State Dept. spokesman on 2004 security, 'N17'

    WASHINGTON, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Security for the upcoming 2004 Olympics in Athens and the fight against terrorism were two issues touched on by the US State Department spokesman on Tuesday during his daily press briefing here, with the spokesman saying the US side is “working very well, very closely, with the Greek government so far.”

    “We think the Greeks have the will and the resources to hold a secure and successful Olympics and we have every confidence that they will,” spokesman Richard Boucher stressed.

    The press questions referring to Greece, sandwiched between queries about ethnic fighting in Afghanistan and US secretary of State Colin Powell’s meeting with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, were linked with a recent, mostly negative, front-page article in the “Washington Post” about security for the 2004 Olympics.

    Asked about cooperation with Athens over 2004 security, Boucher added:

    “... As you know, the Greek government's planning and preparations for Olympic security are already well underway. Greece is working with several countries, including the United

    States, to ensure the full safety of the Olympic Games. Almost a year in advance of the event now, the Greeks are assessing their situation, identifying needs and devoting resources to achieving a secure and successful Olympics. Exercises to highlight potential problems are undertaken with a view to solving the issues by the day the Games open, which is August 13th of next year.”

    Boucher said Washington is offering advice and resources to Greece in order to ensure Olympic security, while noting that the Bush administration’s coordinator for counter-terrorism, Amb. Cofer Black, is currently in Greece for that specific purpose.

    Moreover, he noted that Olympic security cooperation was discussed during a recent meeting between Powell and Greek Foreign Minister Papandreou.

    Conversely, he declined to comment on a report, again published in the “Post”, that the current US ambassador in Athens, Thomas Miller, will remain in Athens beyond the end of the 2004 Games. Boucher merely noted that any such announcements would emanate from the White House.

    Question about ‘N17: In yet another reference to the same “Washington Post” article and statements about whether or not the notorious “November 17” urban terror band has been thoroughly eradicated by Greek authorities, Boucher said:

    “I think I'd really refer you to the terrorism report for the exact detailed position. We have certainly welcomed the steps that Greece has taken against terrorism, particularly against November 17th. At the same time, our cooperation with Greece, our vigilance with Greece on all matters of terrorism must continue.

    “I don't know what the exact status of that particular organization is considered, but obviously issues of terrorism in Greece haven't gone away completely and it's something we continue to work with the Greek government about,” he concluded.

    [06] Gov't confirms Papandreou received letter from US envoy

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Wednesday confirmed reports that Foreign Minister George Papandreou had received a letter from United States Ambassador to Greece Thomas Miller regarding European security prospects.

    Protopapas said that similar letters were sent by US ambassadors to other European governments and noted that Greece has "a clear policy on issues of European security" that is related to EU decisions on this issue.

    [07] Greek leadership receives deputy Albanian Premier here

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Greece’s foreign ministry leadership received visiting Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Ermelinda Meksi here on Wednesday, with talks focusing squarely on the neighboring country’s European prospects and orientation.

    In addition, several bilateral issues, especially timetables for legalizing eligible Albanian workers in Greece, were brought up during separate talks between Meksi and Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou as well as Alternate FM Tassos Yiannitsis.

    Papandreou emphasized that the European Union’s initiative during the Greek EU presidency’s tenure in the first half of 2003 was a major step towards ensuring the entire western Balkans’ EU prospects.

    He emphasized that the Union’s commitment for the region’s EU prospects and related aid to meet this goal is based on specific conditions for reforms in countries in the area.

    On his part, Yiannitsis said Athens backs Tirana’s European prospects, while also saying Wednesday’s talks with Meksi revolved around issues such as immigration, re-entry, clamping down on drug trafficking, institutional cooperation at the EU-Albania level, investments, trade, an Adriatic road axis as well as the transit of citizens between the two countries.

    Yiannitsis, in particular, referred to the significance Athens places on Tirana’s commitments to fulfill the responsibilities it has assumed.

    Referring specifically to the issue of free transit in border areas, Yiannitsis said Greece cannot diverge from Schengen Pact provisions, although with necessary preparations such a prospect can be implemented some time in the future, as long as conditions are met.

    On her part, Meksi – who also holds the European integration portfolio in her government -- said Tirana was pleased with Athens’ backing of her country’s EU prospects, stressing that European integration is a major goal in Albania.

    She also said Tirana was fully committed to meeting obligations it has assumed in combating organized crime, among others.

    [08] Alternate FM to visit Croatia on Thursday

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis is to depart for an official visit to Croatia on Thursday, during which he will have talks on bilateral and European issues.

    Yiannitsis will head a delegation of foreign ministry officials and Greek business people.

    [09] Foreign minister hosts dinner for PASOK MPs

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Wednesday hosted a dinner for PASOK MPs in the 3rd Summer Session of Parliament.

    According to one of the MPs attending, there was extensive discussion on foreign policy issues during the meal and all the MPs departed satisfied with the results of the talks.

    [10] EU Commission proposes two major rail projects concerning Greece

    BRUSSELS, 02/10/2003 (ANA - B. Demiris)

    The European Commission on Wednesday announced the Inter-European Transport Networks plans, which include the joint funding to two projects in Greece or partly in Greece.

    The rail line connecting the Igoumenitsa port with Thessaloniki and Kalamata, via the Rio-Antirio Bridge will be funded in part by the EU and has a completion deadline the year 2014.

    The second project involves the construction of the Athens-Sofia rail line, which has a completion deadline within 2015.

    Also the Commission proposed to the EU member-states' leaders to increase funding for cross border projects from the current 10 per cent participation to 30 per cent, while it requested 50 billion euros in loans from the European Investment Bank for the funding of the 29 projects that are expected to cost some 220 billion euros and be completed by 2020.

    The final decisions will be made by the EU leader in the Brussels Summit on Oct. 16 and 17.

    [11] New 2004 state budget finalized

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    The new state budget was finalized on Wednesday evening during a meeting Prime Minister Costas Simitis had with Economy-my and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis.

    The new 2004 budget will be discussed at Thursday's Cabinet meeting in order for it to be approved.

    After the Cabinet meeting, Christodoulakis is expected to announce the criteria on which the new budget will be based on. The budget will be tabled to Parliament on Monday.

    The 2004 state budget provides for increased expenditures for salaries and pensions as the relevant allocations for salaries is expected to increase by 9 per cent.

    [12] Gov't rules out improvement to offered pay rises for public sector

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Greek government spokesman Christos Protopapas on Wednesday said that the government had given its final offer to public sector workers and once again ruled out any improvement on this offer.

    ''The government conducted dialogue with the bodies involved and arrived at final proposals. These proposals are final because there are no more margins within the economy and because they are good, since the offered pay rises exceed inflation and improve the income of the workforce,'' Protopapas stressed.

    ''These are our final decisions,'' he added.

    The spokesman was responding to questions about a wave of strikes threatened by disgruntled public sector workers.

    [13] Govt, shop owners discuss sector issues

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Greek Development Deputy Minister Kimon Koulouris on Wednesday met with representatives of the Commerce Club of Athens and discussed issues related with the operation of commercial enterprises in the capital ahead of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

    Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Mr Koulouris stressed that the two sides agreed to set up a permanent joint committee to examine all pending issues, pledged that he was determined to clash head-to-head with informal trade, and reiterated that the government would allow a change in shopping hours because of the Olympic Games next year.

    Panagis Karelas, the club's president, said that shop owners in Athens demanded to agree on a discount season to be held twice a year with a duration smaller than the current system and that special price offers to be allowed five times annually and for a period of no more than two weeks.

    Shop owners also stressed that commercial rent levels have risen significantly and unjustifiably around the city centre and that this development was rolling over cost to the consumer.

    [14] Greek manufacturing sector grows for fifth consecutive month

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Greece's Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 51.4 points in September from 52.3 in August, but remained steadily above the 50-point reading for the fifth consecutive month showing that activity in the Greek manufacturing sector improved in the month.

    The September figures showed that manufacturing production expanded for the sixth consecutive month, although the growth rate slowed slightly from August.

    The September PMI figures also showed that the manufacturing sector's workforce shrank in the month, although the rate of decline was marginal and that employment levels remained unchanged from the previous month.

    The monthly index, compiled by NTC Research of the UK with the Greek Procurements Institute, is designed to offer an overview of conditions in the manufacturing sector. Readings above 50 show growth, while below 50 slowdown.

    [15] Greek civil servants plan strike action

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    ADEDY, the Greek civil servants' trade union, on Wednesday agreed to hold a 24-hour Panhellenic strike in the public sector Thursday, 23 October, or Wednesday, 5 November, demanding a radical reform of the government's pay rise proposals.

    A final decision on the strike action was expected to be taken by ADEDY's executive commission within the next few days.

    Wave of taxi strikes ahead: The Panhellenic Federation of Taxi Owners and Country Taxis on Wednesday said they would stage a 48-hour strike starting on October 8.

    Athens and Attica taxi drivers, who have announced a 24-hour stoppage for Saturday, are likely to join the nationwide walkout.

    Hospital doctors stage three-day strike from October 6: The Federation of Hospital Doctors of Greece said on Wednesday that they would stage a three-day strike beginning on October 6.

    They said in a statement they were joining hospital doctors in Athens and Piraeus who had originally declared the strike.

    [16] Photronics Inc sets up subsidiary in Greece

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    The Greek Investment Centre (ELKE) on Wednesday announced the set up of Photronics Hellas SA, an international standards centre of data processing at the Lavrio Technological and Cultural Park.

    Photronics Hellas is a subsidiary of Photronics Inc, a US company listed in the NASDAQ market and a leader in sub-wavelength solutions and a manufacturer of photomasks for integrated circuits around the world.

    The Greek unit will service the needs of the company's customers in the European semiconductor industry.

    Professor Stratos Papadimitriou, ELKE's chairman, stressed that "Photronic is making a significant investment in the high-technology sector in the country, an investment that will be accompanied by know-how technology transfer in Greece. The investment is expected to act as a catalyst to further strengthen research and development in the sector."

    Photronics Inc was founded in 1969 by Constantinos Makrycostas. It was listed in the NASDAQ market in 1987 and its annual turnover soared from eight million US dollars to 386 million dollars currently.

    [17] Olive oil promotion centre opens on Crete

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    A promotion and show center for olive oil opened in Hania, Crete on Wednesday, inaugurated by Agriculture Minister George Drys.

    Drys told the ceremony the center was a paradigm for other regions in Greece.

    Addressing a conference on olives and the environment that began on the same day, Drys said that Mediterranean countries were in jeopardy of losing their leading role as olive producers to new competitors including Japan and the US.

    [18] Merchant marine minister seeks more funding for ports

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Merchant Marine Minister George Paschalidis said on Wednesday that he had sought an extra 200 million euros in funding for port projects around the country.

    Paschalidis told a news conference that he had made the request in writing to Deputy Finance Minister Christos Pachtas.

    "Port infrastructure is lacking and new modernization projects are needed," he said.

    [19] Business meeting seeks cooperation between Europe, Arab world

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    A business meeting will be held in Athens on November 28-December 4 to help forge cooperation between the Arab world and countries in Europe, the Balkans, and the Black Sea region.

    The Euro-Mediterranean meeting named ''Building New Bridges: Europe and the Arab World'', will be accompanied by a trade fair at the Piraeus Port Authority building.

    The event is to be held under the aegis of Foreign Minister George Papandreou and the general secretary of the Arab League, Amr Moussas; and arranged by the ministries of foreign affairs, transport and communications, development, agriculture, and merchant marine with the Institute for Mediterranean Cooperation.

    Beyond business topics, the meeting will also look at the Olympic truce called by Greece.

    [20] Athens-quoted firms fined for manipulation of stock in Informatics

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Main shareholders of Athens-quoted Sex Form SA and a barrage of listed companies were fined a total of 6.025 million euros on Wednesday for manipulation of stock in Informatics SA.

    The capital market commission said in a statement that beyond shareholders Antonis Papadopoulos, Christos Papadopoulos, Spyridona Vergetis, also fined were Thomas Lanaras and Sex Form, Naoussa Textile Mills, Violan, Rodopi Textile Mills, Lantec, Urban Investment Management, Aldemar, Hellas Finance and Olympiaki Textile Mills.

    Sex Form's stock rose sharply between August 13, 2002 and September 30, 2002 to 5.22 euros from 1.78 euros, a jump of 193.26 percent, accompanied by a surge in volume, the statement said.

    An investigation revealed that the rise was attributable to stock purchases and sales by the individuals and companies fined, using many stock brokerages to effect transactions, also trading among themselves in concerted action, the commission said.

    The move generated interest among the investing public, again fuelling volume.

    The individuals fined were all customers of Hellas Finance, the commission added.

    They said in a statement they were joining hospital doctors in Athens and Piraeus who had originally declared the strike.

    [21] Greek stocks end lower on very thin volume

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Greek stocks eased slightly in the Athens Stock Exchange on Wednesday reflecting lack of fresh buying interest in the market with turnover falling to its lowest levels in the last six months.

    The general index ended 0.38 percent lower at 2,012.14 points with turnover a low 81.2 million euros.

    The Cement and Telecommunications sectors were the only ones to score gains (1.95 percent and 0.06 percent, respectively), while the Textile (3.65 percent), Retail (2.62 percent) and IT Solutions (2.41 percent) sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day.

    The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.09 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index dropped 1.29 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index eased 1.23 percent.

    Broadly, decliners led advancers by 228 to 84 with another 44 issues unchanged.

    The most heavily traded stocks in value were Vodafone, Football Pools Organization, Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece, and Titan.

    Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 79.2 mln euros Wednesday

    Equity Index Futures:

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

  • Underlying Index: -0.09% percent

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

  • Underlying Index: -1.29 percent

    Stock Futures:

  • Most Active Contract (volume): Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (239)

  • Total turnover in derivatives market: 79.2 mln euros

    Bond Market Close: Buyers outstrip sellers on Wednesday

    Greek Benchmark 10-Year Bond

  • Yield: 4.14 pct

  • Spread over German bund: 15 bps

  • Most heavily traded paper: 10-yr, expiring May 2013 (1.0 bln euros)

  • Day's Total Market Turnover: 3.4 bln euros

    FOREIGN EXCHANGE

    Closing rates of October 1 2003

    Parities in euro

    Banknotes

    For. Exchange Buying Selling

    US Dollar 1,176 1,149

    [22] PM visits centre for the aged, outlines policy for pensioners

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Wednesday announced brave increases in pensions and a wider social support net for 'vulnerable social groups' during a visit to the Open Centre for the Protection of Old People in Agia Varvara to mark the International Old People's Day.

    He said the new measures would be carried out ''with a significant increase in social spending, since our aim is to create a 'social state'.''

    The prime minister noted that convergence with the European Union also meant convergence with the EU average in the area of social and welfare activities and said that Greece had already achieved convergence in terms of spending on social policy.

    In his speech, the premier referred extensively to the 'Help at Home' program introduced in 1996, noting that there were now 800 such units in operation and that the program was being extended to more and more areas throughout the country.

    He said their numbers will have reached 1,100 by the end of the year, and that they would receive an additional 123 special vehicles in addition to the present fleet of 505.

    In addition, the pilot program 'Telehelp at Home' was testing the use of 'smart phones' in the homes of old people that had difficulty taking care of themselves, he added.

    Simitis also listed other programs underway, such as a day-care centre for old people that was due to operate in Agia Varvara within a few months, or a program to provide shelter for aged homeless people.

    [23] Health minister says modern social state an absolute priority for government

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Health Minister Costas Stefanis, in a message on Wednesday on the occasion of World Day for the Elderly, said a modern social state has absolute priority for the government.

    Stefanis said his ministry is going ahead with new programs for the elderly, which will aim at their accessibility to health and social care services, the improvement of their health and the prevention of accidents.

    The minister further said elderly people live better in the country now than they did in the past and with the program ''Aid at Home'' the state helps them not to feel loneliness and alienation

    [24] Attorney for alleged 'N17' top assassin concludes final statement

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    The first of several defense attorneys for 19 “November 17” terrorist defendants on trial on numerous murders, bombings and robberies charges concluded her final argument on Wednesday, a day after she began.

    The chief counsel for alleged “N17” assassin Dimitris Koufodinas and the latter’s wife, Angeliki Sotiropoulou (the lone female defendant), concluded her statements by asking the three judges trying the case if they could “try this man (Koufodinas, aka ''Loukas'') based not on what should be done, but with what they thought and felt about him?”

    “November 17 is here, in front of you, try him”, were Athens-based attorney Ioanna Kourtovik’s words, a conclusion followed by a kiss from her client, Koufodinas, who is charged in a voluminous indictment as the suspect who planned and participated in many of the ultra-leftist terrorist band’s killings.

    Earlier, she again attempted to paint the group’s various assassinations, bombings, rocket attacks and robberies as “politically motivated”, while at one point she said the money taken by the gang “didn’t necessarily go to (N17) members or former members”, saying it could have gone to “third parties needing financial assistance”.

    At another point, she called members of the deadly terror group “a bunch of simple, working-class people” who wanted to send a message to (Greek) society.

    “N17’s motives were not ones of punishment, they were symbolic, as this was a message the organization wanted to send about dispensing popular justice. This type of action was cultivated following the restoration (of democracy in Greece) because people did not believe in social change,” Kourtovik opined before the three-justice court.

    Finally, she said Koufodinas’ rejoinder before the court was not a manifesto but an “answer to society and to all those he hurt with his acts.” Conversely, he will not request leniency by the court because he believes his actions were socially just, Kourtovik said.

    [25] Dutchman carrying 10,000 ecstasy pills intercepted on Crete

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Police in Iraklio, Crete on Wednesday announced the arrest of a Dutch national who was intercepted as he came off a car ferry with 10,000 ecstasy pills in his possession.

    Police searched the man's car acting on a tip-off that Dutch and British nationals were smuggling large quantities of drugs onto the island.

    The drugs were found concealed inside the two rear doors of the car by sniffer dogs, while the suspect has so far denied all knowledge of their existence.

    The drug haul has been described by local police as the biggest quantity of ecstasy pills ever found and confiscated on the island and one of the largest ever intercepted throughout the country.

    [26] Health minister calls on society to aid state's efforts in combating drug use

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    Health and Welfare Minister Costas Stephanis on Wednesday said that it is society's obligation to show elementary sensitivity in order to limit the use of narcotics, adding that without the activation of the social consciousness the problem can not be confronted.

    He underlined that services should be expanded to limit the phenomenon and society should play an active role with the contribution of hospitals and the National Health System.

    ''It is not enough for society to grant funds for the confrontation of the problem, when citizens and hospital employees are not cooperating in this effort,'' he said and called the employees of the ''Agios Pavlos'' hospital in Thessaloniki to show sensitivity toward drug users, the same they show to the rest of the patients.

    Stephanis underlined that this is imperative so as the state's organization for the confrontation of narcotics users (OKANA) unit may function properly in dispensing methadone, while at the same time he made clear to local residents in Thessaloniki that the building that was purchased to house the OKANA services will remain in the area.

    Recently locals have taken over the building demanding of the state not to use it for the rehabilitation of drug addicts.

    [27] Alexandros Onassis Foundation branch to present two exhibitions on Hellenism

    NEW YORK, 02/10/2003 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)

    The Alexandros Onassis Foundation's branch in New York will be presenting two important

    exhibitions on Hellenism.

    The first one will be titled ''From Istar to Aphrodite: 3200 Years of Cypriot Hellenism.'' It will be held under the auspices of Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and will be inaugurated on October 22.

    A total of 85 archaeological findings will be on display which will be brought from seven museums in Cyprus, from various other private museums and collections, as well as from the Metropolitan Art Museum of New York.

    The second exhibition will be inaugurated on January 20, 2004, and will be titled ''Childhood in Ancient Greece and the Olympic Spirit.''

    The exhibition is already being presented, in a somewhat different form, at the Hood Museum of Dartmouth College in Hanover in the state of New Hampshire.

    [28] City of Athens announces stray animals program

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    The municipality of Athens announced on Wednesday a new program for stray animals that will cost some 1.8 million euros and will be composed of a series of measures that will include the collection of animals, sterilization, inoculation, cleansing from parasites and general care.

    The second phase is that of an adoption program and if no one is found to claim such animals they will be reintroduced in their original environment, where they were found.

    The program includes the establishment of a databank with a capacity for 5,000 entries of animals treated and all animals will be tagged with electronically traceable number tags.

    This tagging will allow the authorities to monitor the animals and end possible hygiene fears citizens may have.

    The program will be funded by the state to the tune of 1 million euros, while the rest will be covered by municipality funds.

    [29] HAU seminar on performance appraisals

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    The Hellenic American Union (HEU) is organizing a 12-hour seminar this month on the topic of “Performance Appraisals: Link Performance Improvement to Enterprise Goals”.

    The seminar will take place from Oct. 14 to Oct. 17. For more information, call the HEU at (210)36.80.006, e-mail: gdede@hau.gr

    [30] Syntagma, Omonia Square to be upgraded

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    The Society for the Unification of the Archaeological Sites of Athens on Wednesday announced changes both of Athens' central Syntagma and Omonia Square, head of the Olympic Games.

    In eight or ten days construction work will be begin to ameliorate problems created to Omonia Square in an earlier effort to upgrade it, while part of central Philellinon Avenue will lose three of its seven lanes for the benefit of Syntagma Square.

    [31] 99 per cent of children's poisoning in Greece takes place at home

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    The poisoning treatment center of Greece on Wednesday released its statistics on the poisoning of children, showing that a chilling 99 percent of all children's poisoning cases take place at home.

    The data released on children between the ages of one and four years of age showed that 54 per cent of all cases take place in the Attica region and that a whapping 45.5 percent is caused by medicines, mainly downers and antibiotics, while detergents and other house cleaning materials account for some 23 per cent of all cases.

    The report also noted that 1,303 cases were attributed last to children eating tobacco and 718 cases were attributed to the drinking of mercury from thermometers.

    [32] International conference on public communications begins in Athens

    Athens, 02/10/2003 (ANA)

    The 77th Regular Conference of the International Public Communications Union's Metropolitan Railways sector, jointly organized by the Attiko Metro company and AMEL, began in Athens on Wednesday.

    The conference is attended by 70 representatives from 21 countries and 40 Metros, who are exchanging professional experience on issues concerning the planning, operation and automation of Metros on a worldwide scale.

    The holding of the conference in Athens is a good opportunity for urban transport, also in light of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, in whose framework the urban railway system and public communications in general will shoulder the entire weight of Olympic Games transport.

    [33] Cyprus president on political developments in Turkey

    NICOSIA, 02/10/2003 (CNA/ANA)

    Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos stressed on Wednesday that there is still enough time for substantive talks on the Cyprus issue, whatever the developments in Turkey may be.

    The president was invited to comment on the political instability in Turkey after a top Turkish court raised the prospect of an early

    general election by upholding fraud charges against a minor political party.

    ''Whatever happens, there is still enough time for substantive talks to start on the basis of the Annan peace plan for Cyprus, on the condition that there is political will for that,'' President Papadopoulos said.

    He said no-one can tell ''where the political developments in Turkey will lead, if they lead to new elections, to a redistribution of seats in the Turkish Parliament or even to nothing.''

    Regarding the meeting between EU Commissioner for enlargement Guenther Verheugen with Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, President Papadopoulos said that Verheugen ''has always supported a change of stance by Turkey as regards the Cyprus issue so that a peaceful solution will be reached as soon as possible.''

    Verheugen, who met on Tuesday with the Turkish FM had asked Turkey to urgently contribute to the settlement of the Cyprus problem and warned Ankara not to hope for a last minute bargain in order to get a date for the beginning of its EU accession negotiations.

    Asked to comment on information for the opening of the occupied town of Famagusta, President Papadopoulos said ''I have heard this fairy tale a lot of times. I do not wish to give it any validity or importance.''

    [34] Cyprus President fully satisfied with military parade marking 43rd anniversary of Cyprus' independence

    Nicosia, 02/10/2003 (CAN/ANA)

    Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos expressed here on Wednesday his full satisfaction for the professionalism and sense of responsibility shown by Cyprus' military forces that marched on Wednesday in Nicosia during a military parade as part of celebrations for the 43rd anniversary of Cyprus' independence.

    ''I would like to express my full satisfaction for the excellent military parade,'' the president said and thanked the Greek government for the ''very significant help'' it gives to Cyprus regarding its defenses within the framework of the Joint Defense Pact.

    In his remarks to the press after Wednesday's military parade, President Papadopoulos stressed that ''military hardware, discipline and perfect formations show the readiness and the ability of the National Guard and the island's defenses to fulfill their duty as a flexible and effective force as well as a deterrent.''

    Greek National Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, who was present at the parade on behalf of the Greek government, also expressed great satisfaction for the high level of operational readiness, the discipline and the excellent organization in Cyprus' armed forces.

    Papantoniou said that Greece is strengthening Cyprus' defense ability, which strengthens Cyprus' negotiating position for a political settlement.

    Cyprus Defense Minister Kyriakos Mavronikolas and National Guard Commander Lieutenant General Athanasios Nikolodemos said they were very pleased to witness the well-trained armed forces ready for battle, if the need arises.

    The National Guard Commander said that Wednesday's parade has shown the high level of training, morale and discipline of the armed forces and congratulated all those who have contributed to the parade.


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