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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-03-22

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

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

March 22, 2004

CONTENTS

  • [01] PM vows to keep election pledges
  • [02] New government vows to curb joblessness, boost productivity
  • [03] Opposition raps new government's policy statement
  • [04] New PM gets 79 pct popularity rating in opinion poll
  • [05] Parliament speaker meets head of European house
  • [06] Trade union election shows slight shift in party political balance
  • [07] Democratic Social Movement may disband
  • [08] Communist Party of Greece wants to see new farm policy
  • [09] Thousands stage peace march to US embassy
  • [10] Archbishop Christodoulos expresses grief over bloodshed in Kosovo
  • [11] Government, Olympics organizers scrap plan for swimming pool roof
  • [12] Greek-Australians briefed on Athens 2004 Olympics
  • [13] Cyprus President to meet T/C leader on Monday

  • [01] PM vows to keep election pledges

    Athens, 22/03/2004 (ANA)

    Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis opened his policy statement at the Parliament on Saturday by stating that he is "not asking for a grace period" and offered assurances that he is going to seek a "productive dialogue" with the political forces and society.

    The new prime minister thanked Greek voters for electing a new government and elaborated on the ruling New Democracy (ND) party's election pledge for "policy change".

    "We are retaining everything positive that has been done and we are dashing forward with necessary improvements and adjustments", he stated.

    Cyprus issue: In referring to the "exceptionally crucial months" that follow, Karamanlis stressed "all Greeks are standing by the Cypriot Hellenism" toward the accession of a reunited Cyprus to the EU.

    "We support, with all of our strength, the efforts of the (Cyprus) President, the political leadership and the Cypriot Hellenism toward a viable and sustainable solution on the basis of the (United Nations Secretary General Kofi) Annan plan, in compliance with the decisions of the UN and the acquis communautaire", the prime minister said.

    "The accession of a reunited Cyprus to the EU is our firm and unshakable objective, so that all the residents of the island (Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots alike) may enjoy the fruits of a new European reality, in conditions of security and stability", he added.

    "The course of the Cyprus issue is based today on the agreement made in New York on February 13 at the initiative of the UN secretary-general, which was accepted by both sides and is, therefore, binding. The talks that began in Nicosia between the Greek-Cypriot and the Turkish-Cypriot sides based on that agreement, will continue in Switzerland next week", he went on.

    "At any event", he stressed, "all Greeks are standing by the Cypriot Hellenism. We are close to them, we are with them".

    In continuation, the prime minister referred to the European enlargement, emphasizing that the EU accession of Cyprus had been set into motion by an ND government in the past, however, recognizing the contribution made by subsequent governments.

    Olympic Games

    With regard to progress on Olympic preparations, Karamanlis affirmed that "there are still certain pending issues with construction projects, as well as with legal and financial arrangements".

    He stressed that he was true to election pledges given by the ND to retain at their posts not only the officials, but also the persons holding the position of general secretaries at ministries.

    "We proved that we mean everything that we say and that we in-deed serve the national consensus", he said.

    "We are taking all necessary measures for organizing the Games in maximum security conditions and in spite of undoubted delays existing with the preparations, we can, with everyone's contribution, hold completely successful Games".

    The policy statement will be put to a parliamentary vote on Monday in the form of a vote of confidence in the government.

    Foreign and Defense policy: Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis opened his government’s foreign and defense policy statement by expressing grief for the March 11 terrorist attacks in Madrid and said that global efforts, initiatives and collaboration was required to tackle inter-national terrorism.

    ‘’The world has entered a new era’’, Karamanlis said, stressing that it was the duty of all free people to go against what he called the new ‘’scourge’’ of international terrorism.

    ‘’We opt for a strong participation, for a strong Europe. We believe in the federal evolution of the EU, which will be based on solidarity among its members, will promote their unity and safeguard their individual interests. We insist on a strong and reliable European Security and Defense policy and we back the idea of the ‘’defense eurozone’’, at the same time seeking an effective clause of solidarity and mutual assistance. We (Greeks) want to feel as secure as the rest of the European citizens; we want a Europe that is more democratic, more socially-oriented, more political’’, he stressed.

    “Furthermore, we set as our strategic goal the participation of our country in the fundamental changes taking place in the Balkans. We define our policy in the light of the landscape to come, not on the landscape that is passing’’, he added.

    Karamanlis said Greece sought cooperation with all neighboring countries and worked toward smoother relations with Turkey.

    ‘’We support the European prospect of Turkey. We want a really European Turkey free of territory claims or violations, with respect toward the international legal order and human rights. And, naturally, with a solution to the Cyprus problem’’, he stressed.

    ‘’We want arms reduction and investment in the social welfare State’’, he added.

    The prime minister said his government was going to put into implementation a comprehensive Armed Forces reform program, including the gradual reduction of military duty to 6 months, the use of reserve forces comprising permanent residents across all border areas and the upgrade of the state defense industry.

    He furthermore vowed to support the domestic defense industry toward participation in European and alliance programs.

    ‘’We are carrying out the defense programs with maximum participation of our domestic defense industry’’, he stressed.

    Administration: In his policy statement on government administration Karamanlis stressed that the ''New Democracy government will be for all Greeks''.

    ''We are not talking about a New Democracy government, we are talking about a Greek democracy government'', he told parliament.

    He said the new government also sought a change in policy, emphasizing once more that necessary improvements and adjustments would be made, while everything positive done in the past would be retained.

    New policy - new prospect: The prime minister said that his government was moving forward with strategic focus on ''Greece of 2010'' based on three policy axes: investing in culture and education, an overhaul of the public sector and the implementation of a new economic policy ''guaranteeing the acceleration of growth, as well as a fair distribution of the wealth to all citizens''.

    Culture and Education: Karamanlis said that his decision to personally head the culture ministry signaled the significance placed by the government on the Olympic Games and the cultural reserves of Greece.

    He pledged a gradual increase of public spending to 5 percent, the creation of the schools and universities of the future and a new legal frame that will do away with the plethora of ''bureaucratic webs'' that ''frustrate and impede the course of creative minds.''

    Overhaul of the public sector: He pledged a smaller but better and more effective state, focusing on citizen service and functioning without ''partisan banners'', adding that transparency and overall monitoring, the combat of bureaucracy and the organization of local governments were required to achieve that goal.

    He announced the establishment of three public offices, i.e. the Health Service Ombudsman, the Municipality Ombudsman and an Independent Body for reviewing contracts, as well as an upgrade to the civil service exams system (ASEP).

    Welfare State: Karamanlis referred to a ''truly welfare state'', and said his government's key priorities would be to combat high prices and reduce unemployment.

    His also said the new government aimed at upgrading health services, restructuring the social insurance system, providing financial support to weak social groups, and also assist large families and working mothers.

    [02] New government vows to curb joblessness, boost productivity

    Athens, 22/03/2004 (ANA)

    The country's new government on Saturday pledged to lower unemployment, boost productivity, overhaul taxation and improve the economy's competitiveness.

    Outlining his policy platform for the government's four-year term in office, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis told parliament that joblessness should drop by three percentage points by spring 2008.

    The government would try to attain growth topping 5.0 per cent; and, over the next eight years, align wages and pensions to the European Union average, said Karamanlis, whose New Democracy (ND) party won national elections on March 7.

    In addition, a priority had been set on improving the quality of life for the public by raising the standard of social services and transportation, aided by new technology.

    Drawing applause from ND deputies, the premier repeated his vow to begin a detailed review of state finances working with the EU in order to identify deviation from budgetary goals and eliminate abuse, including what he called the ''often provocative'' wages of public sector executives.

    Furthermore, the government would replace the state's financial crimes squad, which currently belongs to the finance ministry; establish a protection mechanism for the public from arbitral treatment by tax authorities; and simplify requirements for state tenders.

    Another election pledge for implementation was to ensure that compensation after natural disasters was delivered promptly, and interest given if payment was delayed, Karamanlis said.

    ''The basis is a stable macroeconomic policy that contains transparency, a revitalization of public finances, and a reduction in the public debt,'' he underlined.

    ''At the start of this new course, it is necessary to restore transparency to state accounts; halt an unbridled increase in state consumer spending; lower servicing expenditure on the public debt; cut defense spending; clamp down on tax evasion; and curb state wastefulness,'' the prime minister said.

    Moves to attract investment included an effective privatization policy, liberalization of markets, a new development law, and investment in new technology.

    Key to the plan was an overhaul of the taxation system by the autumn based on simplification, stability, reliability and lower tax brackets, Karamanlis said.

    Among moves were a cut in corporate tax to 25 per cent for SA companies, and a reduction by half of advance taxes paid by newly created firms.

    Finally, emphasis would be placed on boosting growth in the regions, including integrated policies for the islands, agriculture and tourism, the prime minister noted.

    [03] Opposition raps new government's policy statement

    Athens, 22/03/2004 (ANA)

    The leader of the main opposition PASOK party, George Papandreou, on Sunday charged the government with pledging itself to vague policies at the start of a four-year term in office.

    ''We have heard one more interesting election speech, generalized statements and announcements, references to pre-election commitments, good intentions, worthy precepts,'' Papandreou told parliament in response to the prime minister's policy speech a day earlier.

    ''But three basic questions have remained unanswered. How, when and how much. We are seeking the minimum requirement that a policy statement should meet. The means, the timescale and the cost of policies,'' he noted.

    As examples, the main opposition leader cited that no statement had been made of how incomes would be increased; how and when unemployment would be reduced and at what cost; how growth would be boosted; and how foreign investors would be drawn to Greece.

    Also absent were a basic direction for agricultural development, any mention of social insurance and the future of the national health system, and no definition of what Karamanlis called an overhaul for the workings of the state, Papandreou said.

    Finally, references to the Cyprus issue were minor; no mention was made of a dispute with Turkey over the continental shelf between the two countries, or of immigration policy; no policy direction was given for the education sector; and no mention was made of combatting hunger as a weapon against terrorism, he claimed.

    Papandreou also accused Karamanlis of failing to take any initiative in the wake of an outbreak of violence in Kosovo, such as sending a ministerial delegation to four Balkan capitals.

    Communists: Two main parties are birds of a feather

    The country's ruling New Democracy party and main opposition PASOK have opted for the same policies, the leader of the Communist Party of Greece, Aleka Papariga, told parliament.

    ''The Karamanlis government will do the same as PASOK governments, it will not overturn anything,'' Papariga said.

    The government's economic policy aimed to increase wealth for big business; and a pledge to cut joblessness by three percentage points was unsubstantiated, unless part-time seasonal work was increased and output lowered in order to justify the figure.

    Papariga also deplored a government decision to work with NATO for security of the Athens 2004 Olympics, claiming that the Alliance ''would be here to stay.''

    Coalition sees no policy change since 1990: The head of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology, Nikos Constantopoulos, told parliament that his party saw no change in policy since 1990 under governments of both parties.

    The social state had suffered steady erosion from government policy that had created inequality and recycled structural weaknesses and deficits, Constantopoulos said.

    He also condemned the government's plan to employ NATO troops to assist in security for the Olympics; and said Greece should refuse to send troops to Iraq.

    [04] New PM gets 79 pct popularity rating in opinion poll

    Athens, 22/03/2004 (ANA)

    New Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis scored a popularity rating of 79 per cent in the first opinion poll conducted since national elections on March 7.

    In the survey commissioned by the Sunday Kathimerini news-paper, the leader of the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), George Papandreou, ranked second at 68 per cent.

    Of respondents polled, 57 per cent were satisfied with the outcome of the elections, won by the New Democracy party led by Karamanlis, according to the poll conducted by VPRC.

    Seventy three per cent of respondents said that they had gained a fairly favorable initial impression of the new government with PASOK scoring 40 per cent.

    [05] Parliament speaker meets head of European house

    Athens, 22/03/2004 (ANA)

    Parliament speaker Anna Psarouda-Benaki on Sunday met the president of the European parliament, Pax Cox, ahead of a Euro-Mediterranean parliamentary assembly that takes place in Athens early this week.

    It was the first time the two officials met since Psarouda-Benaki assumed her post last week.

    [06] Trade union election shows slight shift in party political balance

    Athens, 22/03/2004 (ANA)

    The General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE), the country's largest trade union umbrella group, held board elections on Saturday that showed a slight shift in party political balance.

    The outcome of balloting for the five tendencies in the GSEE, which represents around 800,000 workers in the public and private sectors, was as follows:

  • PASKE (aligned with the main opposition PASOK party) won 211 votes and 21 seats on the board (vs 22 seats in the previous election)

  • DAKE (aligned with the ruling New Democracy party) won 116 votes and 11 seats (vs nine seats previously)

  • DAS/PAME (aligned with the Communist Party of Greece) won 106 votes and 10 seats (same as previously)

  • Independent Intervention (aligned with the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology and associates) won 29 votes and two seats (vs three seats previously)

  • ASKE (private sector bank trade unionists) won 11 votes and one seat.

    Observers said that no tendency had won an outright majority, which would lead to a need to forge alliances.

    [07] Democratic Social Movement may disband

    Athens, 22/03/2004 (ANA)

    The Democratic Social Movement's central committee may approve on March 27 a decision by its leader, Dimitris Tsovolas, for dissolution of the party.

    The party's press spokesman, George Papasimos, said in a statement on Saturday that Tsovolos' decision was ''a difficult but brave political act'' in response to a repeated failure in national elections to win parliamentary seats.

    Tsovolas announced his intention on Friday at a meeting of the party's political secretariat with five members backing the move and four voting against.

    The secretariat members against dissolution of the party are expected to try to keep it afloat.

    [08] Communist Party of Greece wants to see new farm policy

    Athens, 22/03/2004 (ANA)

    The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) on Sunday vowed to challenge the country's new government if it retained the agriculture policy of its predecessor in office.

    ''Our message to the New Democracy government is that will do all we can to block any continuation of the anti-farm policy applied by PASOK party governments,'' KKE eurodeputy Yiannis Patakis told a rally to mark the Kileler rural uprising in 1910.

    ''The new government should know that we will continually be one step ahead, ready to defend the interests and rights of farmers,'' Patakis said in Larissa.

    [09] Thousands stage peace march to US embassy

    Athens, 22/03/2004 (ANA)

    Thousands of demonstrators staged a peace march to the US embassy in Athens on Saturday in worldwide anti-war protests a year after the US-led bombing of Iraq.

    Marchers condemned the continuing presence of troops in Iraq in a day of action arranged by the global and European Social Forum and coordinated by local groups.

    Protesters also called for closure of a NATO base in Souda, Crete and asked the government to keep Greek troops on home soil.

    Another demand of marchers was to keep NATO out of security arrangements for the Athens 2004 Olympics in August.

    Security was tight around the US embassy and on the route of the march from the city center. No incidents were reported, police said.

    Taking part in the march, the youth wing of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology demanded the withdrawal of US and British troops from Iraq.

    Demonstrators adopted a resolution that condemned terrorism, racism, fear of Islam, interventionist US foreign policy, the G-8 group of nations, the World Trade Organization, the International Monetary Fund and NATO. It also deplored what it called illegitimate intervention in Iraq by the US and UK.

    Helping to arrange the rally were the General Confederation of Employees of Greece and the ADEDY civil servants' union.

    [10] Archbishop Christodoulos expresses grief over bloodshed in Kosovo

    Athens, 22/03/2004 (ANA)

    Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece on Sunday expressed grief at violence in Kosovo and the suffering of inhabitants of the region.

    Speaking from the pulpit, Christodoulos told a congregation at the Aghios Artemissios Church in Pangrati that the only solution was for people to obey the will of God.

    Forces in the area including Greek troops were powerless to bring peace as ''evil is stronger than the force of arms,'' Christodoulos said.

    He deplored the loss of life and destruction of places of worship, both churches and mosques, in the cradle of Serbian Orthodoxy.

    ''Every human soul is shaken at the sight of innocent people killed by both sides,'' the archbishop said.

    [11] Government, Olympics organizers scrap plan for swimming pool roof

    Athens, 22/03/2004 (ANA)

    The government and national organizers of the Athens 2004 Olympics have decided to scrap an existing plan for construction of a roof for the swimming pool in the main stadium's aquatic center.

    ''Unfortunately, delays in design of the project are such that major qualms have emerged as to whether the roof can be completed in time, and safely,'' the alternate culture minister, Fanny Palli-Petralia, said in a statement on Saturday.

    ''After the (new) government came to power and at the request of the IOC, the government and the Athens 2004 organizing committee reviewed the situation in detail, concluding that the draft contract and (preliminary) design lack needed guarantees,'' Palli-Petralia said.

    Under the terms of the contract, the work would have been ready on July 30, when swimmers competing in the August Olympics are to begin training for events.

    ''Consequently, any unexpected event or delay would result in an inability to stage the swimming competitions,'' Palli-Petralia added.

    In a separate statement, the national Olympics organizers said that due to delays in design, timely completion of the roof could not be guaranteed, jeopardizing the swimming events.

    The IOC had asked the government and organizers to work on contingency plans with no roof for the pool to ensure that there would be no adverse effects for athletes, for the sport or for broadcasting, the statement added.

    [12] Greek-Australians briefed on Athens 2004 Olympics

    MELBOURNE 22/03/2004 (ANA/S.Hatzimanolis)

    Demetra Egan, head of the Athens 2004 Olympics international torch relay division, on Sunday briefed Greek-Australians on the uniqueness of the Games to be hosted in their country of birth.

    Egan, who has also served as volunteer recruitment and retention manager, outlined the success of the national organizers' volunteer recruitment campaign for the Athens Olympics with a total of 165,000 applications received.

    Talking to members of the Greek community in Melbourne, Egan explained the meaning of the Olympic Flame, primary symbol of the Olympic ideal, noble competition, friendship and peaceful coexistence.

    The flame is to visit Sidney on June 4 and Melbourne a day later after a lighting ceremony in Ancient Olympia on March 25.

    The Athens 2004 Olympic torch relay will be the first to travel the globe and return to the country that gave birth to the Games and the city of their revival.

    In a journey that will last some 78 days, the Olympic flame is to cover a distance of more than 78,000 kilometers throughout the world, also lighting every prefecture in Greece.

    Beyond Greece the flame, in the hands of 3,600 torchbearers, will travel to Africa and Latin America for the first time, then visiting all previous Olympic cities.

    [13] Cyprus President to meet T/C leader on Monday

    NICOSIA 22/03/2004 (CNA/ANA)

    Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said on Saturday the Greek Cypriot side hoped it would find a reliable negotiator during the UN-sponsored talks that will begin in Switzerland this week with the participation of Greece, Turkey and the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides.

    Prior to his departure to Burgenstock, Lucerne, President Papadopoulos will meet on Monday Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash within the framework of the UN-led direct talks, his spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides has confirmed.

    The Cypriot president will also attend the European Council which will take place in Brussels between 25-26 March.|

    Asked if the so-called prime minister Mehmet Ali Talat was authorized to take part in the negotiations, President Papadopoulos replied ''the statement issued by the National Council (top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus problem) outlines it clearly.

    We anticipate to find a reliable negotiator'', he added.

    ''It is a matter of the Turkish Cypriot side to determine a reliable negotiator'', the Cyprus president added.

    Speaking during the official departure ceremony of Hungary's President Ferenc Madl, at the Presidential Palace, President Papadopoulos said ''we are responding fully to the obligations we have undertaken by the UN Secretary-General and we expect the Turkish side to do the same''.

    Meanwhile, Government Spokesman Chrysostomides told CNA that President Papadopoulos will meet Denktash on Monday at the venue of the direct talks, in the UN-controlled buffer zone in Nicosia, prior to his departure to Switzerland.

    The meeting will take place at the presence of UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto.

    The government spokesman also said Papadopoulos will attend the European Council in Brussels from 25-26 March.

    He said President Papadopoulos will be accompanied by Foreign Minister George Iacovou. At the end of the Council, the Cypriot president will return to Switzerland for the Cyprus talks.


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