Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-11-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis details progress of ongoing 550mln-euro Balkan reconstruction plan

[02] Balkan chambers urge for free trade zone pact in SEE

[03] Romania's EU prospects dominate alternate FM's talks in Bucharest

[04] Gov't dismisses reports of foreign military presence during 2004 Games

[05] Scotland Yard's assistant commissioner discusses Olympic Games security

[06] Cyprus President speaks to ANA ahead of Athens visit on Tuesday

[07] PM to meet visiting Iceland counterpart this week

[08] PM says Greek government will support compromise on German sanctions issue

[09] Interior minister says PASOK party shall win elections again

[10] Coalition leader launches twin attack on two Mitsotakis seen taking softer stance on return of Samaras to ND

[11] Parliament rejects ND's proposal for transparency in party finances

[12] 'Salonica 7' soon to be brought to trial or released, gov't says

[13] Return of political stability in Georgia of primary importance

[14] Finance minister says Olympic Games will have positive repercussions on economy

[15] FinMin to attend Eurogroup, ECOFIN meetings

[16] Big pocket money buys alcohol, tobacco for Greek youths

[17] Tourist bus owners announce three-day strike from Wednesday

[18] Flight Stewards Union calls two 48-hour strikes

[19] Greek stocks end Monday's session 0.84 pct higher

[20] Police arrest suspected killer of motorcycle cop

[21] Verdict in N17 trial to be announced on Dec. 8

[22] PASOK Eurodeputy issues message in light of Int'l day for battered women

[23] Egyptian embassy to host event for Mt. Sinai monastery in Athens

[24] Quake measuring 5.2 points on the Richter scale jolts Crete

[25] Stephanopoulos participates in event of ''Hope-Elpida'' Club

[26] Physics dept. at Thessaloniki Univ. reports widespread vandalism

[27] Fees for US visas payable at Piraeus Bank from Dec. 1

[28] Security Council extends UNFICYP mandate

[01] Simitis details progress of ongoing 550mln-euro Balkan reconstruction plan

Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

“Peace and stability in the Balkans cannot exist without their European vocation,” Simitis said, before focusing on the plan’s implementation over the past year and a half in six countries: Serbia/Montenegro, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Romania, Bulgaria, Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The Greek premier reiterated that Athens’ plan is based on three initiatives, including private investments, which will absorb 20 percent of the total package. The second initiative deals with low-cost projects being overseen by the Greek diplomatic missions in each of the aforementioned countries (1 percent of the total), while a third initiative – which comprises the lion’s share of the program – deals with the financing of major projects.

“Today we’re in the plan’s 18th month (of existence) with 29 private investments and 29 small projects already being implemented, while out of the 23 major infrastructure projects proposed by the Balkan countries and approved by Greece, six are in the process of implementation,” Simitis said during an address at Thessaloniki’s Commercial and Industrial Chamber of Commerce.

Regarding the fund for smaller projects, Simitis estimated that funding will be absorbed well ahead of 2006, when the plan is set for completion. As far as the major projects (79 percent of the total) he said that the government’s monitoring committee has already approved 23 proposals, citing roadworks included in the Pan-European road network, the renovation of a government building in Sarajevo and the modernization of the Danube River port of Lom, Bulgaria. Financing for the latter will begin in late 2003 or early 2004, he said.

[02] Balkan chambers urge for free trade zone pact in SEE

Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

This was the conclusion of a general assembly of the Union of Balkan Chambers (ABC), held in Podgorica, Montenegro.

Greece was represented by the Central Union of Greek Chambers (KEEE), headed by its secretary-general Nikolaos Voulgarakis.

The assembly urged for closer regional cooperation in the Balkans, through signing free trade pacts, monitoring the implementation of such deals and creating a free trade zone in Southeastern Europe aiming to achieve a wider European integration and probably the accession of these countries in the European Union.

The assembly also agreed that ABC members should harmonize the role of duties of national chambers with the EU standards, to restructure their activities and enhance training and consultancy operations.

The ABC assembly agreed to call on national governments to offer incentives for raising levels of cooperation, to speed up free trade pacts, to remove technical barriers and to adopt EU regulations.

[03] Romania's EU prospects dominate alternate FM's talks in Bucharest

BUCHAREST, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

The latter stressed that his talks with Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Dan Geoana covered bilateral cooperation “so that accession negotiations are completed by the end of 2004 so that membership comes in 2007.”

On his part, Geonna said afterwards that Yiannitsis’ visit comes in the wake of a recently published Commission report on Romania and Bulgaria’s progress towards EU accession ahead of the upcoming Summit in Brussels.

Both sides, meanwhile, reportedly agreed to form a work group at the foreign ministers’ level and diplomatic delegations to Brussels to promote Bucharest’s accession course, with the Romanian minister citing a desire for a “step beyond those of the Thessaloniki (EU) Summit”.

Bilateral relations, among the closest and most economically robust in the Balkans, were also discussed by the two men.

Yiannitsis earlier spoke to the European Institute of Bucharest on the topic of “Globalization and the Future of the EU”.

Yiannitsis was later honored by Romanian Prime Minister Adrian Nastase with the country's Grand Order of Honor medal for the Greek government's support for Romania's EU accession course. European Integration Minister Vasile Puscas stressed, meanwhile, that his country will proceed as rapidly as possible with reforms in order to join the Union in 2007.

Yiannitsis was due back in Athens later in the evening.

[04] Gov't dismisses reports of foreign military presence during 2004 Games

Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

Speaking from the northwest Greek town of Grevena, National Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou denied press reports, some citing a “NATO presence”, in fact. Conversely, he noted that foreign law enforcement agencies are currently participating in security planning and intelligence-sharing ahead of the Games.

A government spokesman, in response to press questions during a regular briefing the same day, mostly echoed the defense minister’s statements, reiterating that Greek authorities are working with a seven-nation advisory group convened by Athens to cover Olympic security planning and preparations.

Papantoniou was in the mountainous town of Grevena to inaugurate a new recruit-training centre, a project funded to the tune of four million euros by the western Macedonia regional authority.

[05] Scotland Yard's assistant commissioner discusses Olympic Games security

Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

According to reports, the assistant commissioner will have another meeting with Floridis and Nasiakos on December 8, while the reports also said the ministry's plans will not be changed because measures decided have taken all possible risks into consideration and their amendment is unnecessary.

The meeting had been scheduled 35 days ago and was held as part of the Greek Police's cooperation with the seven-member Olympic advisory group headed by Britain.

[06] Cyprus President speaks to ANA ahead of Athens visit on Tuesday

NICOSIA, 25/11/2003 (ANA/G. Leonidas)

In a statement to the Athens News Agency (ANA) on the occasion of his visit to Greece, President Papadopoulos said ''I express my great pleasure over my official visit to Greece, at the invitation of the President of the Greek Republic Mr. Constantine Stephanopoulos.''

''I attribute very great importance to the talks I will be having this time as well, both with the President of the Hellenic Republic and the Prime Minister of Greece Mr. Costas Simitis,'' Papadopoulos added. President Papadopoulos also stressed that ''as it is natural, the Cyprus issue and possible developments, the course of Cyprus in the European Union and the further strengthening and development of the bilateral relations of our two countries will be the focal point of our talks.''

Meanwhile, an announcement by the Greek foreign ministry in Athens said that President Papadopoulos, in the framework of his official visit to Greece, will sign the Proclamation of Personalities for support for the concept of the Olympic Truce at noon on Tuesday in the presence of President Stephanopoulos.

[07] PM to meet visiting Iceland counterpart this week

Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

At 13:30 on Tuesday, the prime minister will head a meeting with Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, while in the evening he will attend a dinner being given by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos in honor of Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos.

On Wednesday at 11:00, Simitis will meet Papandreou to pre-pare for a meeting with the Cypriot delegation at noon, which will be led by Papadopoulos.

On Thursday, the premier will take part in an off-the-agenda debate in Parliament on the economy and on Friday he will begin a visit to Thiva to inaugurate the city's new hospital.

[08] PM says Greek government will support compromise on German sanctions issue

Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

''Germany also has its arguments. The Greek government believes that we must not go ahead with confrontations, but with a kind of compromise,'' Simitis said in an address to an audience of businessmen and diplomats on the Greek Balkan Reconstruction Plan.

[09] Interior minister says PASOK party shall win elections again

Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

Focusing on the country's ''strong foundations'' in its course towards 2008, Skandalidis referred to the strong and competitive economy, the rates of development and foreign and security policy.

The minister further said that after the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, the prefecture of Attica will be a metropolitan centre and western Athens a strong prefectural area.

In addition, with the Attiko hospital, the Metro, the Attiki motorway, expanses of greenery and other projects to be carried out the citizens' quality of life will be upgraded.

Skandalidis also underlined that the next four-year period belongs to the party by right because this is primarily in the interests of the country.

[10] Coalition leader launches twin attack on two Mitsotakis seen taking softer stance on return of Samaras to ND

Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

This is the first time that Mitsotakis has not categorically ruled out the return of Political Spring party leader Samaras, whom he holds responsible for bringing down his government in 1993 by robbing ND of its slim one-seat majority. Mitsotakis had earlier fired Samaras as foreign minister because of his handling of the Macedonia issue.

On Monday, the former premier said his position on Samaras' return was not binding for the party and ''has as much weight as my own opinion and position''.

Mitsotakis' associates stressed, however, that his position had not changed, while Mitsotakis himself accused Samaras of ''changing the flow of events'', hinted that financial interests were behind the move and said that this was something he could not forgive.

So far, there has been no response from ND headquarters and Samaras himself has avoided statements on the issue.

According to sources, there are mixed feelings within ND to the prospect of Samaras' return. Other sources, meanwhile, claim that Samaras has been approached by the ruling PASOK party but has refused.

[11] Parliament rejects ND's proposal for transparency in party finances

Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

ND leader Costas Karamanlis addressed Parliament in support of his party's draft law.

The proposal was also voted by PASOK's Thessaloniki Deputy Kyriakos Spyriounis, as well as by the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology, while the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) voted against.

Karamanlis spoke of ''a course of dangerous decline for the country'', based on reports by ''International Transparency'', the European Bank, the European Commission and the Auditing Council, resulting in the ''huge plundering of the state and of the taxpayers' money.''

The ND leader further said the government ratified conditions which provide support for untransparency: At the Stock Exchange, the media and the selling of public property.

Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis conceded that the problem of corruption and transparency is indeed serious, but ND's proposal is far from tackling it.

On the question of control for the compliance of parties and deputies with election legislation, a committee already exists which includes judicial functionaries, he added.

Later in the evening, government spokesman Christos Protopapas announced that by decision of Prime Minister Costas Simitis Kyriakos Spyriounis was expelled from the PASOK party's Parliamentary Group.

[12] 'Salonica 7' soon to be brought to trial or released, gov't says

Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

The seven were arrested and remanded in custody during incidents at anti-globalization protests taking place in the city of Thessaloniki during the EU summit last June.

Several of the prisoners went on a hunger strike while in prison to protest against their detention.

The spokesman noted that the seven were very far from exceeding the maximum period of detention allowed before sentencing, which was 18 months.

[13] Return of political stability in Georgia of primary importance

Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

Asked to comment on the recent developments in Georgia, Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said that at this time it was of ''primary importance for Georgia to return soon to the road of political stability.''

He added that Greece and the European Union backed the territorial integrity of Georgia and were in close contact, monitoring the developments.

The preservation of territorial integrity, particularly in regions that influence the more general balances, was the EU's firm policy and principle, Beglitis added.

[14] Finance minister says Olympic Games will have positive repercussions on economy

BRUSSELS, 25/11/2003 (ANA - V. Demiris)

Replying to a questioner on the repercussions on the Greek economy from the Olympic Games' cost, the minister said the Games, an event of great importance according to the size of the Greek economy, will play a catalytic role in the country's development and will not constitute a factor creating ''fiscal headaches.''

Christodoulakis said the cost of Olympic Games projects, amounting to 4.6 billion euros and exceeding three percent of Greece's GDP on an annual basis, has been decided to be funded by the budgets of 2003 and 2004, assessing that there will be no repercussions for the budget of 2005.

The finance minister expressed support for the Stability and Development Pact to strengthen the coordination of economic policies and the credibility of monetary union.

Christodoulakis further said emphasis must be given in the eurozone to the quality of public finances with the reorganization of public expenditures and the modernization of labor markets with the purpose of improving the competitiveness of the European economy.

[15] FinMin to attend Eurogroup, ECOFIN meetings

Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

The Eurogroup council, including finance ministers from the eurozone countries, was expected to discuss economic developments and macro-economic policies by member-states and procedures against France and Germany over their excessive fiscal deficits.

The ECOFIN meeting on Tuesday will discuss a draft directive on the harmonization of transparency demands related with publishers' listed shares in regulated markets, a code of ethics on taxation in the 10 East European countries accessing the EU, reduced VAT factors in the European Union, amendments in list of indices to be used in the European Commission's spring economic report, a implementation of an EU stability and growth pact.

The ECOFIN meeting will also discuss preparations over a forthcoming European Summit in Brussels in December.

[16] Big pocket money buys alcohol, tobacco for Greek youths

Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

In its report, INKA stressed that Greek youths ranked 1st in consumption of tobacco and alcohol in Europe, while the relation between alcohol consumption and tobacco consumption was linked at a rate exceeding 70 percent.

The report showed that frequent visits to cafeterias and bars was directly linked with the maximizing of adopting these health-hazardous habits by Greek youths.

INKA also said that young people with systematic athletic activities were smoking less, although consumption of alcohol remained high.

[17] Tourist bus owners announce three-day strike from Wednesday

Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

Representatives of the sector, speaking to reporters, said that a meeting with Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Transport Minister Christos Verelis on Tuesday was crucial for the future of the union's mobilizations.

[18] Flight Stewards Union calls two 48-hour strikes

Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

The stewards, who have decided to exercise the right of disagreement and not go to the Olympic Airlines company being established, are protesting ''the ultimatum by OA's flight exploitation general director, who is calling on the stewards to go to the new company and sign individual labor contracts'', as they said in an announcement.

The Flight Stewards Union's board is speaking of a ''state of terrorism'' by OA's management concerning the taking to court of all participating in incidents taking place at the OA's board meeting on October 20, while the process of pensioning off pilots is termed ''selective handling.''

[19] Greek stocks end Monday's session 0.84 pct higher

Athens, 25/11/2003 (ANA)

The general index rose 0.84 percent to end at 2,1235.27 points, with turnover a moderate 98.4 million euros.

The Cement and Food-Beverage sectors were the only ones to suffer losses (1.32 percent and 0.53 percent, respectively), while the Base Metals (2.35 percent), Construction (1.89 percent) and Publications (1.80 percent) scored the biggest percentage gains of the day.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.88 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.66 percent higher and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 1.16 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 200 to 94 with another 57 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were EFG Eurobank Ergasias, Alpha Bank, Public Power Corporation, National Bank of Greece and Football Pools Organization.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover 61 mln euros on Monday

Equity Index Futures: