Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-03-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece condemns Albanian guerrilla attacks on FYROM border, stresses solidarity

[02] FYROM to request from UN security zone in Kosovo

[03] FM Papandreou to arrive in Skopje on Tuesday due to tension in the area

[04] US in contact with Greece on FYROM situation

[05] FM Papandreou arrives for talks in Vienna, cites increasing polarization in FYROM

[06] Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly president discusses human rights with prime minister and alternate foreign minister

[07] Papandreou to meet foreign ministers of Iran and Armenia

[08] Main opposition leader to meet European Commission President

[09] ND leader pledges women will play more active role in politics and social life

[10] International Olympic Organizing Committee president expresses conviction 2004 Olympiad will be an absolute success

[11] Ex-monarch reiterates recognition of Republic, calls for negotiation over properties

[12] Meeting held in Athens on Security of Athens 2004 Olympic Games

[13] National economy minister and British finance minister discuss evaluation of public expenditures

[14] Greek stocks post positive debut in the week

[15] The Economist magazine to host international conference in Athens on April 2-4

[16] GMC Group expands activities in FYROM

[17] Sales of passenger vehicles and taxis decrease 22.6 percent in February compared to January 2001

[18] IRNA delegation meets Press minister and ESHEA leadership

[19] Politician and journalist Takis Lambrias buried in Athens

[20] Balkan ecologists agree to constant cooperation between environmentalist organizations

[21] Minister says no case of foot and mouth disease in Cyprus

[22] Cyprus, Qatar to establish diplomatic relations

[01] Greece condemns Albanian guerrilla attacks on FYROM border, stresses solidarity

Athens, 06/03/2001 (ANA)

"We will contribute in every way and wish to give every kind of assistance to the neighboring country (FYROM)," Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis told reporters only hours after the latest border skirmish between Albanian guerrillas and FYROM soldiers, as well as Bulgarias offer to its western neighbor of technical support.

The foreign ministrys statement came as Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou began a visit to Vienna, where the issue of growing Balkan instability due to Kosovo-based violence initially dominated talks.

Officials reports out of Skopje noted that FYROMs security forces exchanged fire with ethnic Albanian gunmen occupying a village on the border with Kosovo, while shelling could be heard coming from near the predominately Albanian remote mountain hamlet of Tanusevci.

Later wire reports stated that Albanian guerrillas had retreated from the area back into Kosovo before ditching their weapons and distinctive black uniforms.

On his part, Greek government spokesman Dimitris Reppas echoed the foreign ministry, reiterating its condemnation of what he called "the terrorist activity" by the Albanian guerrillas in the region, while saying Athens was ready back FYROM's efforts for peace in the region.

Reppas added that Athens would also bring the matter before various international organizations and demand that International Law is applied.

Amid the growing concern about guerrilla activity on FYROM's northern border, Reppas mentioned that the "name issue" - the last outstanding difference preventing a full normalization of already excellent relations between Athens and Skopje - does not affect current developments, although they may delineate the issue within "its proper dimensions", on the part of Skopje.

Foreign ministry: Beglitis, meanwhile, said Papandreou was in constant contact with officials in FYROM and with the EU's Swedish presidency.

Stressing Greece's support for territorial integrity and security in the region, the foreign ministry spokesman said the international community should accord the matter the due seriousness and should send a clear message that uncontrollable situations would not be tolerated.

The government in Skopje, he added, had been in touch with Athens and asked for assistance in dealing with the actions of Albanian extremists. Skopje had also asked for the UN Security Council to be convened.

The spokesman said that Athens was in favor of the full implementation of resolution 1244, because instability in the region undermined territorial integrity and affected Greece's interests as well.

In addition, he said Greece was adamant in its support for FYROM's borders during talks with EU and NATO officials. According to Beglitis, this was also one of the key issues discussed by Papandreou in his recent meeting with new US Secretary of State Colin Powell on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers' meeting.

Bulgaria: Sofia condemned the activities of Albanian guerrillas for a second straight day on Monday although the defense ministry clarified that the idea of dispatching troops to neighboring FYROM is not planned, an ANA dispatch from the Bulgarian capital reported.

In a telephone conversion, Bulgarian Prime Minister Ivan Kostov reportedly conveyed Sofia's "complete solidarity" to his FYROM counterpart Ljubco Georgievski as regards the territorial integrity of the latter's state.

Bulgarian Defense Minister Boyko Noev clarified that no military assistance has been requested by FYROM, which he said is able to protect its borders. He also said Bulgarian forces had not been placed on a higher alert due to the skirmish.

[02] FYROM to request from UN security zone in Kosovo

SKOPJE, 06/03/2001 (ANA - M. Vichou)

Georgievski openly criticized the international peacekeeping force (KFOR), saying that "such events would have been avoided if KFOR had been active in the region."

He said he had telephone conversations with the prime ministers of neighboring countries who promised him technical aid to resolve the crisis.

Referring in particular to Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, he said "Greece is undertaking a strong diplomatic initiative for a solution to be found to the crisis which has broken out on his country's northern borders."

Meanwhile, the defense ministry's spokesman conceded that a partial mobilization of security forces reserves has taken place.

The borders between Kosovo and FYROM have remained closed as of 1 p.m. on Sunday and only citizens of FYROM are allowed to return to their country.

Tsohatzopoulos calls for UN Security Council convening on FYROM incidents: National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos on Monday requested that the United Nations Security Council convenes "immediately" to examine the situation in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) after attacks by Kosovo Albanian guerrillas against FYROM soldiers.

Tsohatzopoulos also requested the creation of a security zone between FYROM and Kosovo.

Reiterating Greek positions for the inviolability of borders in the Balkan peninsula, Tsohatzopoulos also called on the international community to insist on the 1244 UN resolution, so that "extremism coming from certain circles of the Albanian side be answered by clear policies".

The defense minister was speaking during an event in central Athens.

[03] FM Papandreou to arrive in Skopje on Tuesday due to tension in the area

VIENNA, 06/03/2001 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

Speaking to the Athens News Agency (ANA) in Vienna, Papandreou said he will convey to FYROM's leadership the discussions he had with the Austrian political and state leadership and recently in the framework of other international organizations, as well as those he had in Vienna on Monday with the OSCE's "troika." Namely, the leaders of the permanent delegations of Austria, Romania and Portugal, at the organizations headquarters in the Austrian capital, to examine the possibilities of the contribution of all to defusing the crisis.

Papandreou said problems in the Balkans couldnt be resolved with force, adding that solutions will come through dialogue, through respect for international law and through the joint cooperation of all countries and communities.

Greece's Balkan policy and the crisis in the Balkans, particularly in southern Serbia and FYROM, were discussed in Papandreou's meeting with Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel.

Papandreou said his "very useful and constructive" talks with Schuessel focused on the accession course of European Union candidate countries, the problem of Cyprus and relations between Turkey and Europe.

Austria's particular interest in cooperation in light of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and its support for Greece's idea for an Olympic Truce and a Cultural Olympiad were also discussed.

Chancellor Schuessel asked Papandreou to convey to Prime Minister Costas Simitis his invitation for a visit to Austria.

Talks Papandreou had with Austrian Parliament President Heinz Fischer and main opposition Socialdemocrat Party leader Alfred Gusenbauer focused on the Cyprus issue, Cyprus's EU accession course and problems in the Balkans.

FM Papandreou contacts Colin Powell on FYROM incidents: Foreign Minister George Papandreou will make an emergency visit to Skopje, in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), from Vienna on Tuesday for consultations with FYROM President Boris Trajkovski and Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski on the tense situation created on the country's northern border with Kosovo, following attacks by Albanian extremists.

Late in the afternoon on Monday, Papandreou telephoned to US Secretary of State Colin Powell, whom he briefed on his visit to Skopje and on the positions of Athens on the crisis in the region.

According to diplomatic sources at the foreign ministry, Powell said he agrees absolutely with the Greek approach on the need for the international community to send a strong message on the inviolability of borders and FYROM's territorial integrity, as well as on the immediate strengthening of KFOR's role in checking Kosovo's borders both with FYROM and southern Serbia.

Government sources also disclosed that FYROM Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski telephoned to Prime Minister Costas Simitis and called for the activation of Athens in handling the tense situation created in the region.

Papandreou is in contact with NATO secretary general Lord George Robertson and with his Swedish counterpart and European Union Council of Ministers President Anna Lint with the purpose of securing measures as soon as possible to defuse the crisis.

[04] US in contact with Greece on FYROM situation

WASHINGTON, 06/03/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Replying to a questioner, Boucher said: "We are discussing constantly with the Greek government on this situation. When he met his Greek counterpart Mr. Papandreou a week ago, the secretary (Colin Powell) also discussed the situation in 'Macedonia.' As you are aware, we also discussed the issue with other NATO members and have taken certain decisions. Now, I do not know whether we had further discussions (with Greece) that is to say if we had communication through our embassy. I do not think the secretary himself spoke with the Greek foreign minister. However, I am aware that he spoke with the foreign minister of 'Macedonia' once or twice in the past week, as well as with the president of 'Macedonia.' However, I trust that we are in contact with the Greek government in NATO, just as in Athens."

[05] FM Papandreou arrives for talks in Vienna, cites increasing polarization in FYROM

VIENNA, 06/03/2001 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

Papandreou arrived in the Austrian capital for a three-day visit amid the latest skirmishes between Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) forces and ethnic Albanian guerillas on the Kosovo-FYROM frontier and ever-growing concerns about the fragile state of stability in the southern Balkans.

Among others, the Greek FM reiterated that Balkan leaders as well as NATO, EU and OECD member-states have categorically warned that they will not allow a proliferation of violence, whereas any problems should be resolved through peaceful means.

Papandreou also pointed to what he called the increasing polarization between the Slavic-speaking and Albanian-speaking residents of FYROM and southern Serbia, stressing that this type of polarization aims at destabilizing the entire region.

Besides Kosovo and FYROM, Austrian FM Benita-Maria Ferrero-Waldner expressed Vienna's desire to host a new round of UN-sponsored proximity talks between the two communities of Cyprus, while reiterating that every effort should be made for find a political solution for the island republic's division prior to its EU accession, "in order for a united Cyprus to be included (into the Union)."

In terms of Turkey's EU accession prospects, Ferrero-Waldner said a necessary prerequisite lies in the application of Copenhagen criteria, especially in the fields of human rights, democratization and the protection of minorities.

[06] Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly president discusses human rights with prime minister and alternate foreign minister

Athens, 06/03/2001 (ANA)

It was underlined during the meeting with Papazoi that full respect by all member-states for decisions taken by the European Human Rights Court constitutes a condition of fundamental importance for maintaining the Council of Europe's prestige and reliability.

In her meeting with Johnston, Papazoi referred to the Parliamentary Assembly's contribution towards the implementation of the Council of Europe's three main aims. Namely, the state of justice, democratic institutions and human rights.

On his part, Johnston focused on the need to strengthen the Council of Europe's budget to enable it to be in a position to meet the increased needs being created with the accession of new member-states, as well as by the adoption of important programs also concerning Yugoslavia.

Johnston also held talks with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis who referred to "Greece's expressed political will for the finding of a mutually acceptable solution for the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) which will safeguard the stability of borders and will avert the danger of future territorial claims."

Kaklamanis and Johnston discussed the work and function of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly, as well as the role of the European Human Rights Court.

[07] Papandreou to meet foreign ministers of Iran and Armenia

Athens, 06/03/2001 (ANA)

A trilateral meeting between Papandreou, Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharazi and Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan is scheduled for Thursday and will chiefly deal with economic cooperation.

On Wednesday, meanwhile, Papandreou will have one-on-one talks with Kharazi to discuss bilateral relations, foreign policy and education, Iran's relations with the European Union, the Cyprus problem, the situation in the Balkans and the Middle East and developments in the Caucasus.

[08] Main opposition leader to meet European Commission President

Athens, 06/03/2001 (ANA)

Karamanlis, who is Vice-President of the European Peoples' Party (EPP), will raise ND's vision for the prospects of institutional changes in the European Union following the EU Nice summit and the course for the EU's enlargement.

Karamanlis will also discuss with Prodi the course of the proposal for the creation of a unified European service for the confrontation of natural disasters, the recent developments in the western Balkans and the consequences of Turkey's economic crisis.

Karamanlis will also speak at the European Parliament, at the conference of the EPP's Parliamentary Group, on the 20th anniversary of Greece's accession to the then European Economic Community.

[09] ND leader pledges women will play more active role in politics and social life

Athens, 06/03/2001 (ANA)

Speaking on the theme "The participation of women in the centers of economic and political decisions," Karamanlis promised the creation of nurseries and schools for creative employment.

He said that his "contract" will safeguard women from exploitation and will give them new opportunities for participation in the new economy.

Karamanlis promised that the ND Congress would institutionalize the increased participation of women in the party's various bodies.

He noted that there was an imbalance in the participation of women in common activities but also in the possibility for a carrier.

He said that while women represented 52 per cent of the population, only six per cent were represented in Parliament. He noted that the first ever women minister was under an ND government and that more women are represented in his party than in any other party.

[10] International Olympic Organizing Committee president expresses conviction 2004 Olympiad will be an absolute success

BRUSSELS, 06/03/2001 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, Athens 2004 Organizing Committee President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos and other officials attended the conference, as well as the dinner given on Sunday night. The weekly newspaper "New Europe" had taken the initiative on the event.

Referring to Olympic projects at Schinias in the Marathon area, Rogge said they will not harm historic locations, invoking a relevant study by the Belgian Royal Academy which said that since 490 B.C., the time when the battle of Marathon took place, the location where rowing facilities will be created was sea.

He said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) prefers small constructions which will be in harmony with the environment and local needs and which the city and the country will be using after the Olympiad.

Rogge further expressed certain reservations over public means of transport in Athens, noting that slight train construction might be necessary since the linking of the Olympic stadium with the Metro is not feasible.

[11] Ex-monarch reiterates recognition of Republic, calls for negotiation over properties

ROME, 06/03/2001 (ANA - L. Hatzikyriakos)

In an interview published by "Corriere Della Sera", deposed king Constantine claimed, however, that there is no decision barring his entry into Greece, although he noted that he doesn't plan any upcoming visits, as he "does not want to create problems."

Certain local press speculation of late has focused on the issue of whether Constantine, in his capacity as an IOC lifetime member, will visit Greece during the 2004 summer Olympic Games in Athens.

Regarding the contentious issue of confiscated one-time royal property in Greece, Constantine said he's willing to "negotiate" with the Athens government over a compromise.

Additionally, the former monarch said he would not add on a surname, as Athens has long demanded. Finally, he again recounted that during the first months of a military dictatorship in Greece (1967-74) he attempted to instigate a "counter-coup" with certain generals at the time, although adding that he's convinced today that "regents and generals don't know how to organize a coup d'etat".

The Greek government last referred to the controversy related to claims by Constantine over ownership of three valuable properties in Greece in late November 2000, following a ruling on the case by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

At the time, a government spokesman said Greece will not negotiate "with those that turn against it," a reference to Constantine.

The former Greek king fled the country in December 1967 after a botched attempt to overthrow the military dictatorship that had taken power a few months earlier in April.

[12] Meeting held in Athens on Security of Athens 2004 Olympic Games

Athens, 06/03/2001 (ANA)

The meeting, held under the chairmanship of Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis, was attended by the advisory committee comprised of officials from Greece, Australia, France, Germany, Israel, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

The purpose of the meeting was purely advisory where priorities were outlined for the best possible cooperation and functioning of the Advisory Group.

[13] National economy minister and British finance minister discuss evaluation of public expenditures

LONDON, 06/03/2001 (ANA - D. Stamboglis)

Papantoniou said later the system of the overall evaluation of public expenditures and their control would be promoted in Greece in cooperation with the British who will provide the relevant know-how.

He further said the issue of the fiscal system's supervision was also discussed since it requires more effective supervision, particularly in banks and the Stock Exchange.

Papantoniou said a committee would be created in Greece to examine the issue in its entirety, adding that it will cooperate with Britons, French and Germans on a more effective exchange of know-how on the issue.

On the question of the evaluation of public expenditures, Papantoniou said an effective system would be implemented in Greece in three years' time.

Papantoniou and Brown further discussed Britain's relations with the eurozone, since when Greece will be assuming the presidency of the Eurozone Council (as of July 1, 2002 and for a year) Britain is expected to hold a referendum on whether or not to join the eurozone.

Papantoniou addresses international conference in London: The beginning of a new century combined with Greece's entry in the eurozone signaled favorable economic prospects for the country and the beginning of a new era to attracting foreign investments, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou told an international conference in London on Monday.

Addressing an audience of business leaders and investors at a conference organized by "International Herald Tribune" in the UK capital, Papantoniou unveiled the country's new economic prospects following its participation in the eurozone and its role as a gateway to the Balkans.

He presented the framework under which foreign investors could move in the country, he stressed the growth prospects offered through a Third Community Support Framework and foreign investors' participation in projects ahead of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

Papantoniou also stressed efforts to restructure the country's banking system through a wave of takeovers and merger deals, completion of a privatization program, deregulation of domestic markets and abolishing administrative obstacles to facilitate business activity.

Papantoniou said the government has successfully completed 21 privatizations in a total of 30 envisaged in the privatization program and said that Public Power Corporation was preparing for its listing on the Athens Stock Exchange, and that Hellenic Telecoms and Olympic Airways were seeking strategic partners.

He stressed that Greece's telecommunications market was fully deregulated, paving the way for new investments in alternative networks and the development of a third generation mobile telephony in the country.

[14] Greek stocks post positive debut in the week

Athens, 06/03/2001 (ANA)

The general index ended at 3,172.35 points, up 0.56 percent, off the day's highs, with turnover an improved 323.04 million euros, or 110.076 billion drachmas.

Traders said the market easily absorbed a round of profit-taking at mid-session.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.42 percent to 1,813.07 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index rose 0.88 percent to 374.37 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 6,763.84 +0.53% Telecommunications: 1,026.19 -0.55% Insurance: 1,371.29 +1.41% Investment: 1,250.16

-0.54% Construction: 1,433.91 +0.05% Industrials: 1,971.35 +0.62% Holding: 3,526.01 +0.83% Miscellaneous: 2,375.42 +0.43% Base Metals: 1,048.31 +1.25% Non-metal minerals: 1,021.34 +0.79% Publishing: 1,035.17 +0.90% Textiles: 1,089.27 +2.84% Retail: 1,061.56 +2.22% IT: 1,084.58 +4.03% IT Solutions: 1,102.19 +4.43%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks jumped 2.69 percent to 342.66 points.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 233 to 30 with another 105 issues unchanged.

Viohalco, ETEBAbank, National Real Estate and National Bank were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in euros): National Bank: 38.82 Alpha Bank: 30.70 Commercial Bank: 49.24 Eurobank: 20.50 Piraeus Bank: 14.46 Lambrakis Press: 13.62 Altec: 7.58 Intrasoft: 12.30 Titan Cement (c): 39.08 Hellenic Telecoms: 15.20 Panafon: 6.82 Hellenic Petroleum: 9.28 Attica Enterprises: 7.36 Intracom: 20.72 Mytilineos: 9.34 Minoan Lines: 4.92 Viohalco: 10.36 Coca Cola Hellas: 18.18

New ASE indices: The Athens Stock Exchange on Monday launched a new series of market indices in a move aimed to lower the general index' dependence on the bank sector offering a bigger weighting to other important sectors.

Market sources said the new index could have a positive impact in the market.

Banks' weighting on the new general index fell to 33.51 percent from 43.82 percent, telecommunications' rose from 11.36 to 20.71 percent and IT companies will have a 2.02 percent weighting in the new index. Publications will also have an improved weighting at 2.70 percent from 1.61 percent.

The construction sector's participation will fall from 4.03 percent to 2.63 percent, but the decline will be counterbalanced with the addition of real estate (at 0.23 percent) and hotels (at 0.36 percent) indices.

The general index has been reviewed by 50 percent, with 27 new shares entering and 28 shares leaving the index.

Hyatt, Technical Olympic, Themeliodomi, Maillis, Elval, Halcor, Sidenor, Tegopoulos, Naoussa Spinning, Doudos, Esha, Alpha Real Estate, Sanyo, Intrasoft, Delta Informatics, Singular, Athens Water, National Real Estate, Minoan Lines, Cosmote, Astir Palace, Altec, Duty Free, Germanos, Mytilineos, Elmec Sport and Interamerican, entered the new index, while ETBA Leasing, Michaniki, Progressive, Alpha Finance, Alpha Leasing, Chipita, Fourlis, Hellas Can, Silver & Baryte, Altec, Atticat, Vassilopoulos, GEK, Strintzis, General Bank, Delta Holdings, ETEBAbank, Edrasi, Mouzakis, Elais, ETEM, Hellenic Biscuits, Hellenic Investment Fund, Epilektos, Klonatex, Parnassos and Proodos have left the index.

The ASE also announced the creation of 16 sector indices to provide investors with a better reflection of the market's performance, the upgrading of the parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks (with the participation of 40 companies from six currently) and the creation of Total Return Index both for the main and the small caps markets, based on share price yields and dividend payment.

All new indices were based on 1,000 points with a starting date of March 1, 2001.

Equity futures end up, tracking Athens bourse: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished higher on Monday, in line with the bourse indices on which they are based, traders said.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.42 percent up, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.88 percent higher.

Turnover was 20.241 million euros on contracts traded, the dealers said.

Bond prices drop in sell-off: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Monday finished lower in heavy trade with players again focusing on 20-year paper, dealers said.

The new Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.33 percent from 5.31 percent a trading day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 58 basis points, down from the session before, when it closed at 59 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totaled 687.5 million euros (about 234 billion drachmas) from 1.060 billion euros (around 361.1 billion drachmas) a day earlier.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

Euro/dollar reference rate set at 93.05 cents: The European Central Bank on Monday set its euro/dollar reference rate at 93.05 cents, slightly down from 93.63 cents on Friday, pushing the US dollar/drachma rate to 366.201 drachmas.

Negative yields in February for share and mixed mutual funds: Shareholders of mixed and share mutual funds, both domestic and overseas, should feel disappointed following publication of yields for February, since they are losing a considerable part of capital they had invested initially.

Those who decided to buy stakes in domestic share capital at the beginning of the year are losing on average 8.1 percent of their capital, while losses in certain mutual funds in the category are reaching 13 percent.

The average losses for mixed domestic mutual funds total 4.83 percent. On the other hand, the yields for available domestic mutual funds are positive and have not exceeded 0.62 percent on average from the beginning of the year.

[15] The Economist magazine to host international conference in Athens on April 2-4

Athens, 06/03/2001 (ANA)

Invited to take part at the conference are former US president George Bush, former president of the former Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat, former Israeli prime minister Shimon Peres, former Russian prime minister Yevgeny Primakov Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, Albanian Prime Minister Ilir Meta, Secretary General of the Council of the European Union and High Representative for Common Foreign Policy and Security Policy (CFCP), Brussels, Javier Solana, and others.

Also attending will be Greece's, Foreign Minister George Papandreou, National Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis, ND Honorary President Constantine Mitsotakis and Bank of Greece Governor Loukas Papademos.

[16] GMC Group expands activities in FYROM

Athens, 06/03/2001 (ANA)

The group is currently implementing a deal, worth 2.0 million DMarks, for the supply of machinery to Syrian cement companies, Tartous, Hama and Al Chamba.

GMC Group includes five industrial units (GMC and GMS in Xanthi, BTME in Volos, Volos Steel and Piraeus Steel).

The company said orders in the first two months of 2001 totalled 4.8 billion drachmas, accounting for 70 percent of last year's turnover.

GMC Group is seeking listing of its shares on the Athens Stock Exchange.

[17] Sales of passenger vehicles and taxis decrease 22.6 percent in February compared to January 2001

Athens, 06/03/2001 (ANA)

In February a total of 22,780 sales were recorded, decreasing by 22.6 percent compared to January when they had totalled 29,440.

Opel held first place among automobile companies with 2,585 sales, followed by Toyota and Fiat each with 2,031. Hyundai came third with 1,830.

[18] IRNA delegation meets Press minister and ESHEA leadership

Athens, 06/03/2001 (ANA)

The delegation headed by IRNA President Fereydoun Verdinejad also includes General International News and Cooperation Director Shapour Jomeh-Farsangi and the Director of International Relations Touraj Shiralilou.

The IRNA delegation met with ESHEA President Nikos Kiaos, Vice-President N. Karantinos and General Secretary M. Mathioudakis and later with Reppas.

Reppas, during the meeting, underlined the importance of relations between Greece and Iran, one of the largest countries in the region, the particular relations which are developing in the economic sector between Greece, Iran and Armenia and the necessity for these relations to be extended to the sector of the exchange of news and information.

Reppas referred to Greece's interest, but also that of the European Union, in Iran, and stressed that the cooperation between IRNA and the ANA will help in the better understanding of developments in Iran and to the mutual briefing of both countries.

During the IRNA-ESHEA meeting, decision was reached for strengthening relations between the journalists of the two countries, the exchange of delegations and the organization of events for the promotion of common professional objectives.

The IRNA president referred to the persecutions faced by members of the news agency by the judicial authorities and underlined the will of the journalists to continue their efforts for the objective briefing of the people of Iran.

IRNA is discussing with the ANA the development of their relations for the exchange of views and photographs, as well as technical know-how.

[19] Politician and journalist Takis Lambrias buried in Athens

Athens, 06/03/2001 (ANA)

The funeral, apart from relatives and associates, was attended by many politicians who included main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, ND Honorary President Constantine Mitsotakis and Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, while the government was represented by Press and Mass Media Minister Dimitris Reppas.

An announcement on Lambrias' death by the ruling PASOK party said "the death of Takis Lambrias is a loss for our country's public life. His contribution both to the country's political life and journalism was considerable."

[20] Balkan ecologists agree to constant cooperation between environmentalist organizations

Athens, 06/03/2001 (ANA)

All speakers reached the conclusion that the ecological crisis has exceeded its limits, particularly in the Balkans, and it was assessed that a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding was necessary to enable all problems to be handled radically and for viable development to be secured in Balkan countries.

Greece, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, FYROM, Montenegro, Romania, Slovenia, Turkey and Serbia attended the Balkan conference.

[21] Minister says no case of foot and mouth disease in Cyprus

NICOSIA, 06/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The minister said no case of foot and mouth disease has been reported in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974 and the import of animals from Turkey in this part of the country has been banned, according to information given to the authorities by the UN Office for special projects (UNOPS).

Themistocleous made the announcement after a meeting held to discuss various measures aiming at setting up a "protective shield" along the ceasefire line, after concerns were raised because foot and mouth disease cases were traced in Turkey.

The minister said all measures will be taken in cooperation with the UN and all persons affected, like employees at diplomatic missions who cross into the occupied areas, will be informed officially.

The disinfections of shoes and car tires at 10 different points has immediate effect.

Themistocleous also said all stock-farmers will be informed about the disease and will be issued special directives regarding the movement of animals, while there will be an increased alert regarding the illegal movement of animals from areas not controlled by the authorities.

[22] Cyprus, Qatar to establish diplomatic relations

NICOSIA, 06/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The document was signed for the Republic of Cyprus by the island's Permanent Representative to the UN Sotos Zakhaeos and on behalf of Qatar by Ambassador Nassir Abdulaziz Al-Nasser, an official press release issued here said.

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