Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 00-07-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] Full normalization of Greek-Turkish relations depends on Cyprus solution, Simitis says

[02] President Stephanopoulos arrives in Dublin on three-day official visit

[03] Burns says US artists need not fear coming to Greece

[04] Government to handle issue of German reparations, spokesman says

[05] Prime Minister Costas Simitis will not attend US Independence reception

[06] PM Simitis will receive widow of slain British military attache Saunders

[07] Papandreou to brief opposition party leaders on foreign policy issues

[08] Stournaras appointed new governor of Commercial Bank

[09] Papantoniou unveils government policy's main targets

[10] EGG Eurobank holds conference on transition to euro

[11] Greek stocks end lower in record-low turnover

[12] US ambassador to Athens says investment climate in Greece is favorable

[13] Thessaloniki University opts for Microsoft

[14] Board of Athens 2004 Organizing Committee convenes for the first time

[15] Greek and Turkish news agencies sign agreement for cooperation and exchange of know-how

[16] Tourist arrivals fall slightly in May

[17] Road accident statistics released

[18] National Guard, UNFICYP will discuss construction of illegal Turkish military checkpoint

[01] Full normalization of Greek-Turkish relations depends on Cyprus solution, Simitis says

Athens, 04/07/2000 (ANA)

The aim of the meeting, Simitis told reporters in a press conference afterwards, was to exchange views on the latest developments in the Cyprus problem and review the positions of Greece and Cyprus in view of the third round of Cyprus proximity talks that begin in Geneva on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister underlined that relations between Greece and Turkey would never be fully normalized unless there is a solution to the Cyprus problem. He also said that the next round of talks on Cyprus aimed to make real progress toward a solution, while noting that previous talks had failed to do this.

President Clerides, the Prime Minister added, had the full support of the Greek government. The next steps that needed to be taken, he continued, were determined by a series of UN Security Council resolutions that referred to a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with a single sovereignty, a single international identity, one nationality and without the presence of foreign troops on its soil.

He also expressed the hope that the other side, in spite of the intransigence it has displayed so far, will wish to take a step in this direction, noting that it owes this to the international community and to Europe.

Referring to Cyprus's course toward EU accession, which was also discussed during the meeting, Simitis said that this was satisfactory and noted that Cyprus had progressed further than any of the other candidate-countries.

He also said that Clerides had agreed with a positive assessment of the decisions taken by the EU summit in Helsinki, noting that they paved the way for Cyprus' peaceful course.

Another subject discussed with the Cypriot president, the Prime Minister said, were bilateral relations. He said they had reaffirmed their stable cooperation in defense issues within the framework of the joint defense doctrine.

Commenting on a unilateral move by the Turkish Cypriots to push forward their frontier in the no-man's zone in the Strovilia area, Simitis said that the action unfortunately confirmed the intransigence of the Turkish-Cypriot side and their active contempt for UN decisions regarding Cyprus.

Simitis said that Athens condemned the action and requested a return to the status quo ante in the area.

On his part, the Cypriot president said he was leaving Athens with a distinct impression that Athens was monitoring and studying the Cyprus problem, which not only preoccupied the Greek government but also was its priority.

Asked to comment on the unilateral measures imposed last week by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash against UNFICYP, the Cypriot President said that these put the Turkish Cypriot side into conflict with the international community and expressed the opinion that "he will not be able to maintain these for long."

He pointed out, also, that the measures did not create any particular problems for the Greek Cypriot side, while they disrupted Denktash's relations with others.

Also present at the meeting were the foreign ministers of Greece and Cyprus, George Papandreou and Ioannis Kasoulides, respectively, the Cyprus Public Attorney General Alekos Markides, Cyprus government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou, Deputy Media Minister Telemachos Hytiris and other Greek and Cypriot officials.

Joint communique: Greece and Cyprus said on Monday that the solution to the island-republic's political problem lied in a string of United Nations resolutions, and occasional attempts by the organization to placate the Turkish Cypriot side were certain to boost its intransigence.

"We have again confirmed that all the elements for a solution of the Cypriot tragedy lie in a series of United Nations Security Council resolutions, which provide for the creation of a bizonal-bicommunal federation with a single sovereignty and a single international personality, one citizenship, guaranteed independence and territorial integrity, without the presence of illegal foreign troops," said a joint communique issued after the two-hour meeting between Prime Minister Simitis and President Clerides.

"We found that some points of the Secretary General's latest report to the Security Council lacked objectivity ... Certain occasional attempts to satisfy the intransigent demands of the Turkish Cypriot leader (Rauf Denktash) are certain to result in a strengthening of his intransigence," the communique said.

Simitis and Clerides met to review the two countries' positions and the latest developments, ahead of the scheduled third round of Cyprus proximity talks in Geneva on Wednesday.

Turkish occupation forces on Cyprus on Friday advanced to a new checkpoint in the buffer zone in the southeast of the island, creating new tension only days before the talks.

The communique noted that Greece closely follows any developments on the issue and expresses its deep concern, asking for the restoration of the status quo in the area.

It adds that both Athens and Nicosia are awaiting for the UN response.

"This incident reiterates, one more time, the need for finding a solution to the Cyprus question as soon as possible as well as the need for the withdrawal of occupation troops from Cyprus", the joint communique said.

The move of the illegal regime in the areas occupied by Turkey since 1974 is accompanied by measures against UNFICYP, including the forcing of its soldiers to enter these areas only through a single point in the capital Nicosia, to insure their vehicles with Turkish Cypriot insurance companies and pay the illegal regime for the water and electricity they use. The measures have been decided in retaliation to the non-inclusion of an addendum to the UN Secretary-General's latest report for the renewal of the UNFICYP mandate, with a Turkish Cypriot demand for separate consultations with the Force.

Clerides also met with Greek counterpart Kostis Stephanopoulos for 45 minutes at the presidential mansion after the talks with Simitis.

Greece condemns construction of new Turkish checkpoint on Cyprus: Greece on Monday described as illegal and unacceptable the construction of a Turkish military checkpoint in the buffer zone on Cyprus.

Government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said the relevant decision of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash constituted disregard for the United Nations and a violation of past agreements.

"Greece condemns this sort of action. The United Nations must insist Denktash complies with older agreements on the issue," he said.

The illegal checkpoint has been built near Strovilia, in the southeastern part of the island.

Reppas said the act was, furthermore, a trick to divert the attention of the international community from the substance of discussions on the Cyprus issue.

[02] President Stephanopoulos arrives in Dublin on three-day official visit

DUBLIN, 04/07/2000 (ANA - N. Megadoukas)

Alternate Foreign Minister Elizabeth Papazoi and Deputy National Economy Minister Yiannis Zaphiropoulos accompany him.

President Stephanopoulos will hold talks with Irish President Mary McAllis and Prime Minister Berty Ahern on Tuesday and address a Greek-Irish economic forum in Dublin.

On arrival in Dublin, President Stephanopoulos met with the Archbishop of Thyateira and Great Britain Grigorios and the directorate of the Greek community in Ireland.

In an interview with the newspaper "Irish Times", the Greek president said relations between Greece and Ireland are excellent, both at bilateral level and in the framework of the European Union. He added that at political level these relations are developing in a very satisfactory way and that his visit to Ireland constitutes an explicit manifestation of the existing cordial climate.

President Stephanopoulos said Greece supports Turkey's European vocation and its effort to achieve European standards, sharing with it its experiences in many sectors.

He said Greece sincerely desires to establish relations of good neighborliness, as well as peaceful ones, with Turkey, similar to those it is enjoying with its other neighbors, based on international law and relevant treaties.

[03] Burns says US artists need not fear coming to Greece

Athens, 04/07/2000 (ANA)

The press conference was for America's participation as the 'country of honor' in the 65th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), Greece's largest trade exhibition that is held annually in the northern Greek city. The fair will be held on September 2-11. Reporters asked Burns about a visit that he made with his wife Elizabeth to the archaeological site at Dion, Pieria, wondering whether he felt safe visiting public places in Greece and whether the American artists invited to participate in events at TIF could feel equally safe.

The US diplomat said that American officials, including US President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and himself, had supported Greece over the issue of terrorism. "We very much support the efforts of the Prime Minister and the public order minister," he said.

While noting that American citizens also carried out terrorist attacks in America, he reminded reporters that five Americans had been killed in Greece in the past five years, and others had been injured.

He concluded by saying that there was no concern, that there was encouragement of efforts to combat terrorism and cooperation, "as well as a warm climate of welcome for Americans coming to Greece."

"In this sense," he added, "we encourage American artists to come to Greece."

With regard to his own public appearances, such as his visit to Dion, Burns replied that there was a problem in Greece, as in the United States, and for this reason precautions had to be taken in both countries. Personally, however, he claimed to feel welcome wherever he went, whether to museums, restaurants or other venues.

[04] Government to handle issue of German reparations, spokesman says

Athens, 04/07/2000 (ANA)

Reppas said the issue of German reparations is important and that it is being handled by the Greek government to achieve the best possible results. He added that the statements that were made were premature and should be avoided.

He said that at noon on Tuesday Prime Minister Costas Simitis will chair a meeting attended by Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Justice Minister Michalis Stathopoulos, officials and aides on the issue of the so-called German reparations.

[05] Prime Minister Costas Simitis will not attend US Independence reception

Athens, 04/07/2000 (ANA)

The issue had preoccupied the press because Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos is also invited.

The government spokesman declined to comment on the Archbishop's latest statements, saying that he is setting forth his positions as he has a right to do.

"We are consistent, sincere and straightforward in what we say. We do not contradict ourselves. Our statements contribute to understanding and synthesis and not to confrontation and friction," he said.

[06] PM Simitis will receive widow of slain British military attache Saunders

Athens, 04/07/2000 (ANA)

Saunders was murdered by the elusive November 17 terrorist group early last month.

The meeting will take place at the Mrs. Saunders request.

On Monday morning, Simitis received former French President Valery Giscard d' Estaing for talks on developments in Europe.

[07] Papandreou to brief opposition party leaders on foreign policy issues

Athens, 04/07/2000 (ANA)

In a series of separate meetings, Papandreou will first have talks with main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis, followed by meetings with Communist Party of Greece General Secretary Aleka Papariga, and Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos in the afternoon.

According to diplomatic sources, the foreign minister's goal is to fully brief the opposition parties on all aspects of Greek foreign policy (Greek and Turkish relations, Cyprus problem, European developments and the situation in the Balkans).

On Thursday, meanwhile, the foreign minister will receive a delegation from the US State Department that is visiting Athens, headed by the US Assistant Secretary of State for southeast Europe, that will be accompanied by the official in charge of Greek and Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem in the White House's National Security Council.

Finally, on July 30, Papandreou will meet with the State Department's special coordinator for the Cyprus problem.

[08] Stournaras appointed new governor of Commercial Bank

Athens, 04/07/2000 (ANA)

Stournaras replaces Kostas Georgoutsakos, who resigned from the post. Appointed to replace Stournaras, as chief ministry advisor is Vassilis Rapanos, a former chairman of state Hellenic Telecommunications Organization.

The new governor takes the helm a month after a strategic alliance was signed by the bank and Credit Agricole of France, which acquires a 6.7 percent stake in listed Commercial Bank of Greece.

[09] Papantoniou unveils government policy's main targets

Athens, 04/07/2000 (ANA)

In his speech "From the drachma to the euro", Papantoniou unveiled the government's main economic targets for the new few years. These included a drastic cut in the country's public debt, achieving growth rates of at least 5.0 percent, economic restructuring and creating a society of tolerance and fraternity.

"Achieving these ambitious targets is the biggest challenge of the decade and will need systematic efforts, perseverance and resistance to interests and union pressures as happened in the previous six years," he said.

"Greece cannot stay on the road of strong economic growth burdened with the huge debt inherited by wrong choices in the past," Papantoniou said.

He noted that the United States of America were implementing a program to eliminate its domestic debt by 2015, while Greece aims to reduce its public debt to 60 percent of the country's gross domestic product in the next few years.

The public sector was gradually being disconnected from business activities and was focusing on improving services in the education, health, employment, welfare, culture and the environment sectors. "Of course, defense and public security have remained under state control," Papantoniou stressed.

Referring to changes in the labor market, he said that workers would be offered labor rights based on European standards.

"Participating in EMU opens new horizons for the economy, the society and the country's international relations. The European Union is currently undergoing major changes with our active participation. The introduction of the euro currency, the Amsterdam Pact, implementing a financial program for the period 2000-2006, building a common defense and a common stance on the big economic and social challenges during the Lisbon summit, all are very important steps in the course towards integration," Papantoniou said.

He said that a single currency, price stability and fiscal discipline, envisaged in a Stability and Growth Pact, were creating a strong growth base.

"Inflation and interest rates are low, the public sector's deficits are significantly reduced and the balance of payments is healthy. The euro currency has already been established offering the expected benefits to the European economy," Papantoniou noted.

He said that the Lisbon summit decided to promote the European Union as the more competitive and dynamic economy in the world.

[10] EGG Eurobank holds conference on transition to euro

Athens, 04/07/2000 (ANA)

Speaking in his first public appearance in Greece at a conference entitled "From the drachma to the euro," and sponsored by the Association for the Monetary Union of Europe (AMUE), European Financial Group (Eurobank) president Spyros Latsis also laid emphasis on the need for labor reforms and the deregulation of the energy, telecommunications and transport markets.

In his contribution to the event, Bank of Greece governor Lukas Papademos said the Greek economy's real convergence with the rest of the European Union required market deregulation, the promotion of technological research and innovation, modernization of public administration, support to entrepreneurial initiatives and the more efficient operation of the labor market and the financial sector.

National Bank of Greece governor Theodoros Karatzas said the securing of equal terms of competition for the Greek economy in the new European environment required greater transparency in company affairs, the effective dissemination of information in the market and efficient internal control mechanisms.

The conference was followed by an official dinner, where former French president Valery Giscard d' Estaing was the official speaker.

[11] Greek stocks end lower in record-low turnover

Athens, 04/07/2000 (ANA)

Dealers said the market resisted renewed efforts to push the general index below the 4,000 support level. Smaller capitalization stocks suffered the heaviest losses.

The general index ended at 4,020.29 points, off 0.84 percent with turnover at 62 billion drachmas. The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.60 percent lower at 2,222.14 points and the FTSE/ASE 40 index dropped 1.15 percent to 573.54 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 7,491.33

-0.43% Leasing: 751.97 -2.13% Insurance: 2,686.77

-0.02% Investment: 1,612.01 -1.51% Construction: 2,174.81 -2.05% Industrials: 2,486.65 -1.19% Miscellaneous: 4,098.46 -2.27% Holding: 4,553.81

-1.60%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 734.84 points, off 2.28 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 284 to 45 with another 12 issues unchanged. Fanco, Naoussa Spinning, Seafarm Ionian and Aspis were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in Drs): National Bank: 13,830 Alpha Bank: 13,905 Commercial Bank: 15,200 Ergobank: 6,700 Eurobank: 9,250 Lambrakis Press: 10,045 Heracles Cement: 7,540 Titan Cement (c): 13,490 Hellenic Telecoms: 8,660 Panafon: 3,990

Hellenic Petroleum: 3,910 Intracom: 12,770 Minoan Lines: 3,610 Hellenic Bottling: 5,605

Derivatives down in line with stock market: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished lower on Monday, roughly tracking the two indices on which they are based.

The FTSE/ASE 20 closed 0.60 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 1.15 percent lower.

Turnover was 9.25 billion drachmas from 11.2 billion drachmas a day earlier.

A total of 1,262 contracts were traded on the FTSE/ASE 20 index with turnover at 5.57 billion drachmas.

Changing hands on the FTSE/ASE 40 were 1,678 futures on turnover of 3.68 billion drachmas.

Technical breakdown shortens bond trade: A breakdown in the central bank's bond trading system that lasted for most of session on Monday meant that few transactions took place.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 6.13 percent from 6.087 percent for two straight sessions; and the yield on the equivalent German bund was roughly 5.20 percent.

The Greek paper's yield spread over German bunds was 87 basis points from 88 basis points a day earlier.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 6.0 billion drachmas from 52 billion drachmas in the previous session.

Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

Drachma rises vs. euro, drops vs. dollar: The drachma on Monday edged up against the euro and dropped versus the US dollar in the domestic foreign exchange market.

At the central bank's daily fixing, the euro was set at 336.770 drachmas from 336.800 drachmas in the previous session.

Also at the fixing, the US dollar was set at 354.850 drachmas from 351.780 drachmas a day earlier.

[12] US ambassador to Athens says investment climate in Greece is favorable

Athens, 04/07/2000 (ANA)

"The present time is very good for American businessmen to come to invest in Greece, and in northern Greece in particular," he said.

Burns referred to efforts by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and the government's economic leadership, and to the Greek economy in general, crowned with the success of the country's accession to Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). He let it be understood that the US's participation in the 65th TIF is part of this overall good climate which he said will be bigger than any other time both regarding the number of companies and interest.

He spoke of close relations between the two countries and called for interest to focus on the positive nature of these relations. Asked what is the negative nature of these relations, he said one often forgets humanitarian bridges uniting the peoples and for this reason the participation of the US, as an honored country at the trade fair, is an opportunity for all to focus their interest on culture and not politics.

Burns said the aim of the US Embassy and of Greek agencies is to enable the people of Thessaloniki and the hundreds of thousands of visitors of the fair to become acquainted with the other image of the US, the one outlined by the arts, music and traditions - everything constituting American day-to-day life.

[13] Thessaloniki University opts for Microsoft

Athens, 04/07/2000 (ANA)

The university has concluded an agreement with the software manufacturer to have its needs met under the Microsoft Education Select package.

[14] Board of Athens 2004 Organizing Committee convenes for the first time

Athens, 04/07/2000 (ANA)

Among others, the board decided to ratify and finalize the draft agreement between the Union of Athens Hoteliers and the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee and determine a new communication strategy.

[15] Greek and Turkish news agencies sign agreement for cooperation and exchange of know-how

Athens, 04/07/2000 (ANA)

ANA general director Andreas Christodoulides and AA general director Mehmet Guler signed the agreement in Athens. The agreement calls for the daily exchange of news items and photographs, the exchange of know-how and experiences and joint study of professional problems, joint activities etc.

Guler and Christodoulides expressed their satisfaction at the first, real step toward closer relations between their two news agencies, which they said would give the Greek and Turkish peoples more direct and fuller information regarding developments and prospects in their two countries.

Finally, the two general directors stressed that, to the extent that their professional principles and the code of conduct for journalism allowed, they would help improve relations between Greece and Turkey and promote a peaceful approach in dealing with the outstanding problems that continue to exist between them.

[16] Tourist arrivals fall slightly in May

Athens, 04/07/2000 (ANA)

The NSS said that overnight stays also fell by 2.95 percent to 1,865,418 in May from 1,922,145 the corresponding month in 1999.

Figures were based on tourist arrivals in Greece's main airports (Hellinikon Athens, Corfu, Heraclio Crete and Thessaloniki) which account for 60 percent of tourist traffic in the country.

[17] Road accident statistics released

Athens, 04/07/2000 (ANA)

Traffic police said 178 people died and 2,458 were injured, 330 of them seriously, in 1,870 road accidents throughout the country in April, against 141 deaths, 358 serious injuries and 1,898 lighter injuries in March.

The figures for April 1999 were 193 deaths, 372 serious injuries and 2,322 lighter injuries.

In the period January to April 2000, road deaths fell to 594 from 622 in the corresponding period in 1999 and 627 in the same period in 1998.

[18] National Guard, UNFICYP will discuss construction of illegal Turkish military checkpoint

NICOSIA, 04/07/2000 (CNA/ANA)

Turkish troops invaded and occupied the island's northern areas in 1974.

At the same time, the UN, responsible for maintaining the status quo, are trying to arrange a meeting with the Commander of the Turkish forces in occupied Cyprus as soon as possible and they are having contacts at all levels on the issue.

Well informed sources have told CNA that after the meeting, the problem, which occurred near Strovilia village, bordering one of the two British military bases on the island, will be raised again with the Turkish occupation forces.

The same sources said that this problem should not affect the UN-sponsored talks, which begin on Wednesday in Geneva, and pointed to the need to bring the situation on the island to its previous status.

Last Friday, the Turkish military constructed a new check point, in Strovilia on the south eastern part of Cyprus, violating the status quo in the area with a view to restrict the movement of UNFICYP soldiers.

A UN soldier, serving in the post near Strovilia village inhabited by Greek Cypriots, was replaced Sunday by one of his colleagues, after being stuck there for a couple of days.

"We are continuing to work to get the check point removed, we protested about it on Friday and we are in contact with the military," Sarah Russell, spokesperson of UNFICYP told CNA on Monday.

The issue, she added, was raised "with all relevant people" and the UN request, filed on Friday, to the occupation regime "was registered" but there was no real indication as to when a reply would be forthcoming.

Replying to questions, she said no deadline was given on the removal of the checkpoint but "we indicated we regard this as a serious violation and we want it moved as soon as possible."

She said more talks would take place again on Monday and UN military are also meeting to discuss the situation.

A spokesman for the British Bases, Britain has retained since Cyprus independence in 1960, told CNA that "from the Bases point of view the Turkish move has not affected the way we conduct our business" but acknowledged that there has been a change in the status quo because "they moved the check point."

Asked if the authorities of the Bases protested, the spokesman Robert Need said that was "obviously done at a low level", adding that the Bases would not protest over something that they have no control since what happened was not in their area.

He said the Turks assured the Bases that there would be no infringement of people going through in the area, except the UN.

"The Turkish check point is now right on the edge of the sovereign base area (SBA)," Need said.

Replying to questions, he said before Friday the Turkish military was some 300-400 meters further back, than the positions they currently hold.

He also said the SBA has a police point in the vicinity to advice people that things have changed and warn them not to be alarmed.

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