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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-06-19

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

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

June 19, 2004

CONTENTS

  • [01] EU leaders agree on new European constitution, Karamanlis expresses satisfaction
  • [02] EU decision for Turkey-Cyprus customs union a major success, Dep. minister Stylianidis says in interview with ANA
  • [03] Greece has not been asked to send troops to Iraq, deputy defense minister says
  • [04] Parliament Committee passes justice ministry bill for Euro-warrant, anti-terror law
  • [05] Coalition leader briefed on the work of the Personal Data Protection Agency
  • [06] Alternate State Department spokesman says no change in US policy on recognition of Cyprus
  • [07] Current U.S. ambassador in Greece not to leave before Olympics, State Department says
  • [08] Stocks drop in blue chip selling
  • [09] The Olympic Flame visits St. Louis
  • [10] Health ministry tables bill for nurses union, emergency first-aid units for Olympics
  • [11] Children's art exhibit focuses on Olympics
  • [12] Athens 2004 teams up with UNICEF
  • [13] 'Olympic Games and Antiquity' comics exhibition opens in Brussels
  • [14] Aspropyrgos camp to serve as temporary lockup for foreigners, justice minister repeats
  • [15] Authorities discover 42 illegal immigrants after bus catches fire
  • [16] Education ministry bill abolishes nationwide exams in 2nd year of lyceum
  • [17] Cyprus President's Intervention at IGC

  • [01] EU leaders agree on new European constitution, Karamanlis expresses satisfaction

    BRUSSELS 19/4/2004 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

    Leaders of the 25-nation European Union finally agreed on Europe's new constitution on Friday night at the end of marathon negotiations.

    Speaking shortly after the end of the EU summit, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said it was a great day for Europe and expressed his satisfaction over the fact united Europe has obtained its first constitution.

    "With the adoption of the constitution of Europe, the European Union is evolving and strengthening both its democratic and social image, while it improves it's functioning and strengthens its presence on the international political scene," he said.

    Karamanlis went on to say the adoption of the European constitution was the result of a long process and of an extremely rich dialogue.

    At this point, the prime minister felt obliged to thank former French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing for efforts he made over the past two years to prepare the European constitution, as well as the EU's Irish presidency for all that it has done over the past six months.

    "With today's decision, the European Union proved that it has the strength to meet the challenges of the times and it took an important step to regain the confidence of European citizens," he said, adding that Greece stands steadfastly by the idea of the creation of a federal Europe.

    Referring to the basic elements contained in the European constitution, Karamanlis said the simplification of EU treaties was extremely important, saying it will facilitate the taking of decisions by the EU.

    The prime minister pointed out that instead of complicated processes in force until now, from now on a series of EU decisions will be adopted provided that 55 percent of EU member-states agree, on condition that they represent over 65 percent of the EU's population and on condition that these countries will be over 15.

    As regards Greece in particular, Karamanlis said it was an extremely important fact that, according to the European constitution, the development of tourism in member-states and insular regions will be strengthened to enable greater economic and social cohesion in united Europe.

    Referring to economic issues, Karamanlis underlined that social solidarity is strengthened which constitutes a target contained in united Europe's charter.

    Focusing on the stability pact governing euro member-states, he expressed satisfaction over the compromise solution achieved and by which the Commission will determine the directions of economic policy. In parallel, however, member-states will have the ability of flexibility regarding the implementation of the Commission's proposals.

    Karamanlis also said the development concerning the creation of the post of EU foreign minister was extremely important, who will represent it on the international political scene, as well as the fact that the constitution will contain the clause of mutual assistance between EU member-states in the event that one of them is attacked from outside.

    The prime minister lastly expressed satisfaction over the fact that "the so-called right of popular initiative in the EU's legislative process is established by which when a legislative settlement is proposed, which is countersigned by at least one million citizens from the European Union's member-states, then the European Commission will have to undertake the necessary initiatives.

    On the question of the European Commission's new president, on which the "25" failed to reach an agreement, Karamanlis said the discussion which took place on this issue was somewhat limited since the dominant issue preoccupying leaders was basically the ratification of the European constitution.

    [02] EU decision for Turkey-Cyprus customs union a major success, Dep. minister Stylianidis says in interview with ANA

    Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

    Friday's decision by the European Council that called on Turkey to extend customs union with the 10 new member-states of the European Union, among them the Cyprus Republic, was a major success of Greek foreign policy, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis said during an interview with the ANA. He said this was tantamount to recognition of the Cyprus Republic by Turkey as a single state.

    Asked to respond to opposition criticism that the government had abandoned key negotiating advantages in its handling of Greek-Turkish issues and the Cyprus problem, Stylianidis countered by saying that the government had adopted the same overall policies as its predecessor but was simply doing them better, making it difficult for the opposition to mount an effective argument.

    "Our policy culminates with pressure from the European Union on Turkey to recognize Cyprus as a single state and with the prospects that the Halki School of Theology will reopen...Today's decision by the European Union once again proves that the European umbrella is the most effective national protection that a small country such as Greece can have. It proves that the Greek government is effective, because in just three months it succeeded in navigating through so many dangers and bringing the country out stronger and unharmed," he said.

    Despite having its hands "tied" by the New York agreement, he added, the present government had succeeded in softening the impact of the Greek-Cypriot side's 'no' in the Cyprus referendum for reunification, had avoided the de facto or de jure recognition of the occupied territories on Cyprus and had managed to keep the issue open so that talks could continue on reunification and on financial support for the Turkish-Cypriots to bring them out of their present isolation.

    Stylianidis also vehemently denied recent claims by Turkish officials regarding the alleged violation of international treaties in Thrace regarding Greek Moslems in the region, saying that Thrace was a model example of an open democratic society.

    He attributed the statements to "conservative" forces within Turkey that were still in competition with the new regime and stressed that Athens was satisfied with the stance so far adopted by Turkey's political leadership and supported every moderate voice seeking to establish a European orientation for neighboring Turkey.

    Asked whether there was a risk that Greek-Turkish relations would deteriorate if Turkey failed to get a firm date for the start of accession negotiations from the EU in December, Stylianidis expressed confidence that this would be avoided, stressing the good personal chemistry between Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as well as the fact that they were both strong leaders that had only recently received the mandate to rule.

    "This allows them to plan two to three years ahead and win the trust of their people, even when they are making difficult decisions. These conditions allow the two governments to come to an understanding, to raise and solve important problems," he stressed.

    While stressing that Greece supported Turkey's efforts for rapprochement with Europe more than any other EU member-state, he also pointed out that Turkey will be judged on whether it succeeds with carrying out reforms.

    "I believe that some step in the direction that Turkey desires will be made but I don't know how big it will be...What's important is that Turkey's reform effort not be interrupted because in reality it is a one-way road," Stylianidis added.

    The minister leveled intense criticism at the previous government's handling of the Greek Plan for Balkan Reconstruction, saying that it had been highly publicized but ill organized so that it failed to ensure Greece's development policies in the Balkans and lacked the necessary support structures, leading to delays and other problems.

    The most fundamental problem of all, according to Stylianidis, was a basic lack of money for the program, which was due to end in 2006 - years in which Greece had said much and done little and thus compromised its international standing.

    He said that it was now too late to deal with these problems through legislation and that these would have to be handled through direct negotiations and 'gentlemen's agreements' in order to protect the country's prestige.

    The minister said that the premier had given orders to revitalize the program and that the government will have completed its assessment of the situation by the end of the year and would seek to carry out the pledges made in connection with the Greece's Balkan reconstruction plan.

    He stressed the present government's support for the European prospects of Balkan countries and the important role that Greece's northern city Thessaloniki could play in this framework.

    Regarding government plans for economic diplomacy, Stylianidis said this would first focus on separating economic diplomacy from developmental cooperation.

    "Our goal is that every opening in a new market is properly prepared so that we achieve the corresponding economic result, which means profits for both the business but also the country," he stressed. He said the ministry was introducing measurable targets within fixed deadlines, with a system of bonuses for employees and departments that brought the desired results.

    Finally, regarding the NGOs and the 'Society of Citizens' program, Stylianidis again stressed the significant problems in the framework inherited from the previous government for this sector and said his ministry would strive to reverse the image of untransparency and opportunism by introducing ad hoc inspections and regular accounts from organizations supported by the state.

    [03] Greece has not been asked to send troops to Iraq, deputy defense minister says

    Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

    Deputy Defense Minister Ioannis Lambropoulos on Friday stressed that Greece had at no time been asked to have any form of military involvement in Iraq, in response to questions put by a Communist Party of Greece (KKE) MP in Parliament.

    He referred to the recent statements made by White House security advisor Condoleeza Rice that additional troops in Iraq were not needed and the fact that the NATO Secretary-General had not asked Greece to contribute during his recent visit.

    [04] Parliament Committee passes justice ministry bill for Euro-warrant, anti-terror law

    Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

    Parliament's Justice Committee on Friday voted in favor of a draft bill submitted by the justice ministry that introduces legislation governing European arrest warrants and supplementary measures to existing anti-terror and organized crime law.

    [05] Coalition leader briefed on the work of the Personal Data Protection Agency

    Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

    Coalition of the Left leader Nikos Constantopoulos on Friday visited the independent Personal Data Protection Authority in order to be briefed on the organization's goals and operation. After the meeting, Constantopoulos said the agency played a vital and critically important role in broadening democracy and the need that protection of citizens become incorporated in the institutions and political life of the country.

    [06] Alternate State Department spokesman says no change in US policy on recognition of Cyprus

    WASHINGTON 19/4/2004 (ANA - T. Ellis)

    US Alternate State Department spokesman Adam Ereli said on Friday "there has been no change in our policy regarding the recognition of Cyprus."

    He further said "we are taking steps with which we are recognizing the assisting role of northern Cyprus in favor of the secretary general's draft plan to limit its isolation. But in no way does this question or change our longstanding policy on recognition."

    Replying to a questioner, Ereli also said US Ambassador to Athens Tom Miller will be at his post during the Olympic Games and will stay there until his term is completed.

    [07] Current U.S. ambassador in Greece not to leave before Olympics, State Department says

    WASHINGTON 19/4/2004 (ANA - A. Ellis)

    The current United States Ambassador to Athens, Thomas Miller, will not be departing from his position before the Olympic Games in August, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher confirmed on Friday.

    Asked to comment on Miller's replacement by Charles Reis one day after the latter testified before the Senate, Boucher announced that Miller did not intend to continue his career with the U.S. diplomatic corps.

    "I think Ambassador Miller has also announced that at the end of the year he intends to switch to the private sector," Boucher said.

    The spokesman also reiterated the U.S. position that described the recent report by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan on the Cyprus issue as "very good".

    [08] Stocks drop in blue chip selling

    Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

    Stocks finished lower on the bourse with players selling high capitalization paper, traders said.

    The Athens general share index closed at 2,360.34 points, showing a 0.66 per cent decline. Turnover was 108.7 million euros.

    The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.96 per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.43 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.06 per cent up.

    Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 158 to 119 with 79 remaining unchanged.

    [09] The Olympic Flame visits St. Louis

    Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

    The Olympic Flame arrived in St. Louis on Friday, Missouri's largest city and host of the 1904 Olympic Games. The relay started from what is the city's symbol, the great Gateway Arch. The first torchbearer, comedian Joe Torry, received the Olympic Torch from Olympic champion Nadia Comaneci, who will be in Athens to attend what she predicts to be "a highly successful Games."

    The Olympic flame passed by the great landmarks of St. Louis, stopping at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, in the hands of third-generation Greek-American torchbearer Costas Catsavis. The Greek community welcomed the flame with their national anthem. The occasion was made all the more moving when the torch passed to Louis Zamberini, who had taken part in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games. Today he is in a wheelchair, but he was still able to raise the Torch and greet the cheering crowd. The last Torchbearer was Olympic winner Jackie Joyner-Kersee, who kindled the altar in the City Park under a hail of fireworks.

    "Athens should be very grateful to St. Louis," said ATHENS 2004 Ambassador Spiros Lambridis in his opening address. "The choice of Torchbearers stands for our message that accompanies the International Torch Relay. We have seen many athletes, people confined to wheelchairs, and children with disabilities. We are waiting for you all in Athens, at the best Venues ever, at the best Games ever".

    The Olympic flame will be lit on Friday at Atlanta, where the Greek delegation will be headed by ATHENS 2004 President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki. The USA Torch Relay and its program of events ends in New York on Saturday. Mayor Bloomberg called on all citizens of New York to take part in the events at the various points on the course of the Flame. "As the Olympic flame goes through the neighborhoods of New York, it will be passing through the whole world. I call on people to celebrate this route".

    [10] Health ministry tables bill for nurses union, emergency first-aid units for Olympics

    Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

    A draft bill for the creation of a national nurses' union and the establishment of pre-fab first-aid units at Athens hospitals to cover healthcare emergencies during the period of the Olympics and Paralympics was tabled in Parliament by the health ministry on Friday.

    Under the bill, the first-aid units will operate from July 1 until October 10 and will then be handed over for use by local authorities.

    In addition, the bill ends the term of service of regional health authority directors, board chairmen, managers and national health service hospital governors and other non-elected members of healthcare services and agencies.

    [11] Children's art exhibit focuses on Olympics

    Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

    Secretary General for the Olympic Games Spyros Kapralos inaugurated the 11th International Children's Art Exhibit "Olympic & Paralympic Games, Greece 2004," at the National Research Institute in Athens on Thursday evening.

    The exhibit, as its title implies, deals with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, civilization and peace. Children aged 8-15 years old from 21 countries participate in the exhibit with works of art which convey their view of these major international events.

    "Many views and opinions have been expressed in light of this major cultural and sport event; experts, intellectuals, politicians, journalists and citizens have all offered their own perspectives. Yet, the view which gives a clearer and more accurate picture of the Olympic Games, is that of children," Kapralos said. "Children, being unbiased by motives, prejudices and stereotypes, can discern and express the ideas of sport and Olympism vividly through their innocence," he added.

    Additionally, Kapralos congratulated the International Children's Art Centre in Greece and its President, Anna Laoutari-Gritzala for her initiative in organizing an international art contest focusing on the Athens 2004 Games. "I hope the children's images become reality during the Athens Olympic Games," Kapralos said in closing.

    The exhibit will run from June 17-30, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free of charge.

    [12] Athens 2004 teams up with UNICEF

    Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

    Athens 2004 has partnered with UNICEF as part of its effort to spread the principles and ideals of the Olympic Games and peace to children worldwide.

    UNICEF will help run the Olympic Youth Camp, with the participation of 450 young children who will have the chance to enjoy cultural events, visit archaeological sites, watch the Olympic Games and participate in meetings organized by UNICEF. The aim is that the 450 young athletes will become UNICEF "Child Champions," who will support sports as a means of young people's development. The meetings will help them cultivate leadership and communication skills and will encourage them to act as young sports ambassadors in their country in issues related to children.

    As part of this cooperation, Athens 2004 is giving UNICEF two hospitality spots. The two UNICEF ambassadors will be chosen by the Sports for Development/Office of Public Partnerships directorate.

    The scholarship will include:

  • Return air ticket to Athens

  • 16 days' accommodation at the OYC

  • Participation in all OYC activities

  • A ticket for four Olympic sports

  • Or a ticket for the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony

    [13] 'Olympic Games and Antiquity' comics exhibition opens in Brussels

    BRUSSELS 19/4/2004 (ANA)

    The Greek embassy in the Belgian capital is the host of an exhibition of comics focusing on the theme of "Olympic Games and Antiquity", with the works of prominent Belgian artist Jacques Martin on display.

    The works hail from Martin's album on the Olympic Games, which is published in Dutch, French and English.

    The exhibition will last until June 30.

    [14] Aspropyrgos camp to serve as temporary lockup for foreigners, justice minister repeats

    Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

    Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras on Friday reiterated that an old army camp in Aspropyrgos that was currently being refurbished and modified to serve as a detention centre would be used as a temporary lock up for foreigners destined to be deported, in response to questions put to his by Attica MP Theodoros Pangalos in Parliament.

    He also noted that if local authorities refused to accept the new facilities, the government had alternative solutions.

    The minister categorically denied press reports that the camp was destined as "warehouse space" for undesirables such as beggars, homeless people, illegal immigrants and drug addicts during the Olympic Games in August.

    "The truth is that more than one million tourists, here specifically for the Olympic Games, will visit our country in August. Statistically, based on the figures from previous Olympics, it is certain that some of them will break the law. We need somewhere to hold these people temporarily, especially those that are arrested on the spot and are due to be deported in the next few days or weeks. This is what the specific camp in Aspropyrgos is destined for," Papaligouras underlined.

    He said the government had been forced to resort to this solution because Greek jails were massively overcrowded, while stressing that the site at least five kilometers from inhabited areas, hidden among hills and did not affect the daily life of the residents.

    Responding to the MP's questions, Papaligouras again stressed that the facilities were temporary and that no one was designed to stay there after October.

    [15] Authorities discover 42 illegal immigrants after bus catches fire

    Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

    Authorities had discovered 42 illegal immigrants by late afternoon on Friday after a fire broke out on a bus carrying them on a provincial road in southern Greece at 4:00 o'clock in the morning.

    The bus, traveling along the Corinth-Epidavros road, had been abandoned in time by the illegal immigrants who scattered in the surrounding region, while no injuries were reported.

    According to the Corinth prefecture's police chief, 42 people from Pakistan and Bangladesh have been arrested. They are 39 men, two women and a child. All were initially taken to Corinth hospital for necessary medical tests and then they were led to the Corinth Police Headquarters.

    Police are focusing their efforts on ascertaining the identity of the bus's owner, but they are being hindered by the fact the vehicle was completely destroyed by the blaze.

    [16] Education ministry bill abolishes nationwide exams in 2nd year of lyceum

    Athens, 19/4/2004 (ANA)

    A draft bill tabled in Parliament on Friday by the education ministry abolishes the nationwide university entrance exams taken by second years in Greek lyceums or upper high schools and reduces the number of subjects taken by third years from nine to six.

    The subjects will be decided by the Paedagogical Institute and will be submitted to the Education ministry next week.

    Other measures included in the bill concern the hiring of teachers, with 60 per cent selected through the ASEP civil service exams system and the other 40 percent from the unified substitutes list, while permanent posts will be given in the year 2007-2008 school year to substitute teachers that on June 30 have completed at least 30 months actual service as a substitute teacher.

    Finally, the bill extends the Olympic Education program by one year and legally establishes the tutoring program, providing the funds required.

    [17] Cyprus President's Intervention at IGC

    BRUSSELS 19/4/2004 (CNA/ANA)

    Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos told the Intergovernmental Conference working session on Thursday that Cyprus is in favor of a modest increase of seats in the European Parliament.

    President Papadopoulos made the statement during his intervention at the IGC session, which examined the pending issues in the draft Constitutional Treaty prepared by the Irish Presidency. The Cypriot president referred to provisions of the proposed treaty and submitted Cyprus' views.

    Referring to the composition of the European Commission, President Papadopoulos said Cyprus insists on the system one Commissioner for each member state to be maintained.

    He also stressed that the provision that after ten years two thirds of the countries will be represented at the Commission so that every 15 years each country will participate in two Commission terms, does not satisfy the Cyprus government.

    Regarding the issue that to secure a consensus, a solution must be based on the principle of double majority, President Papadopoulos said that the fundamental principle to determine the special majority must be equality among member states.

    On the provision that as part of an overall balanced outcome on the institutions, the population threshold should be set at 65% and the member state threshold should not be set lower than 55%, President Papadopoulos said Cyprus does not agree with this since it maintains a great gap between the two parameters.

    In his intervention, President Papadopoulos said that EU member states expect and are entitled to an agreement with member states on the proposed constitution, which would be in a simple and clear language.

    He said the Constitution should include a full policy for human rights and must comprise the new rights which arise from new perceptions, technological and scientific developments, and convey the message that the EU is not a distant bureaucratic institution but aims to bring the citizen closer to the Union and that the Union provides for solutions to the social, political and economic problems that touch upon the lives of citizens and the operation of a democratic society.

    The Cypriot president said that by rule, citizens are not interested in the details of the Constitution's provisions but are more interested in the provisions, which directly affect their lives. He provided the example of the citizen's participation in EU organs such as the European Parliament and the Commission.

    President Papadopoulos expressed his appreciation to the Irish Presidency for its efforts and smart handling allowing member states to have before them complete proposals on the draft Constitutional Treaty.

    Regarding the distribution of seats at the European Parliament, President Papadopoulos expressed ''satisfaction over the new Irish proposals, which took into consideration the concerns of small EU states.''

    The Cypriot President said that the proposal that the minimum number of seats per member state should be six ''allows small states like mine not to lose but possibly increase their representation by one representative at the European Parliament.''

    At the same time, it provides for more political forces to be represented at the European Parliament and facilitates their participation in EP committees, he noted.

    ''The recent European elections in Cyprus have clearly indicated that the people have collectively chosen their Cypriot EU Parliamentarians from different political areas,'' Papadopoulos added.

    He stressed that ''Cyprus supports a moderate increase of the overall seats in the European Parliament, a position which is supported by the European Parliament.''

    Regarding the Charter of Fundamental Rights, President Papadopoulos said that Cyprus disagrees with the proposal of the presidency, noting that these provisions are more than limiting.

    ''We support the third alternative proposal on the issue which is included in the presidency document number 80/04,'' President Papadopoulos concluded.


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