Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-03-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis sends message to FYROM premier, reiterates support for the countrys territorial integrity

[02] Greece will defend FYROMs territorial integrity, Greek foreign minister says

[03] Powell expresses support for Greek FM's efforts in Skopje

[04] Skopje government denies offensive against extremists

[05] Greek premier calls on citizens to dialogue over modernization of society

[06] London metro police chief meets Greek ministers, discusses terrorism issues

[07] Council of Europe president continues contacts with Greek politicians

[08] Lesvos cancer child's death prompts questions in Parliament

[09] Albanian armed forces general staff chief to make three-day official visit to Greece

[10] Greek gov't expresses condolences over accident on Douro River bridge

[11] Greek EU Commissioner expresses European Commission's strong concern over upsurge in racist violence

[12] Interior minister announces extension of validity of 'green cards' until June 30, 2002

[13] Austrian FM pays tribute to Greek community in Austria

[14] Simitis meets Venizelos, Floridis about new sports bill

[15] Greek main opposition leader to meet with European Commission president

[16] Avramopoulos officially announces creation of party

[17] European Commission calls for speedup in structural changes in Greek economy

[18] Greek national economy minister announces cooperation agreement with British finance ministry

[19] EU Council of Labor Ministers discusses measures safeguarding future viability of pensions

[20] One in four Greeks "not interested at all" for euro currency

[21] Consumer complaints over banks' loan policy increase

[22] Greek closed-end investment funds' assets falls in February

[23] Greece officially bids as base for European Maritime Safety Agency

[24] Shipping registry posts net gain in February

[25] ND section-heads discuss increased assessment rates

[26] Bank workers to strike March 12-13 nationwide

[27] Greek stocks move cautiously higher

[28] Memorial service marking 7 years since Melina Mercouri's death

[29] WWF International says Greek forests facing the greatest dangers

[30] British Minister of State to visit Cyprus next week

[31] US Congresspersons urge their administration to help reunify Cyprus

[32] Clerides addresses annual General Assembly of the Hellenic-Canadian Solidarity Committee for Cyprus

[01] Simitis sends message to FYROM premier, reiterates support for the countrys territorial integrity

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

The message delivered on Tuesday by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou, who arrived in Skopje for talks with the government of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia regarding the tide of violence that has spilled over the borders of Kosovo into FYROM's northern regions, said:

I Deplore the act of terrorism perpetrated yesterday (Monday) against members of your countrys armed forces and I wish to convey my condolences to you as well as to their families.

Greece considers the sovereignty and territorial integrity of FYROM within its internationally recognized borders essential for stability in our region and unequivocally condemns all violent actions aiming at its destabilization.

The Greek government is in close cooperation with its partners in NATO and the EU. It calls on the international community to urgently take appropriate and concrete measures in order to avoid further escalation.

Government sources, earlier, said that Georgievski, had been in touch with Simitis over the phone on Monday night, asking for Athens' help in containing the tense situation that has arisen in the region.

[02] Greece will defend FYROMs territorial integrity, Greek foreign minister says

SKOPJE, 07/03/2001 (ANA M. Vihou, S. Tzimas)

Papandreou arrived in Skopje for talks with the government of FYROM regarding the tide of violence that has spilled over the borders of Kosovo into FYROM's northern regions. He arrived here following his visit in Vienna, where he held talks with representatives of the Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) on the problem.

Speaking during a press conference after his meetings with the leadership of FYROM, he expressed his optimism that the new measures to be announced by NATO will stem any further destabilization of the region, caused by extremist Albanian groups.

"The Albanian problems (within FYROM) exist, and they compose a problem of a minority. There is a European way to resolve them," Papandreou said.

He added that for the first time in the history of the Balkans, countries of the region are cooperating so closely toward the resolution of a problem.

The Greek foreign minister stressed that there is strong support among his counterparts of the neighboring countries for the respect of the territorial integrity, the inviolability of borders, respect for international law, the non-use of violence and the condemnation of terrorist actions.

He added that there is agreement for the use of peaceful means and dialogue for the handling of the problem and "this will aid the defusing of the crisis".

Specifically, he lauded the clear cut statement of Albanian Prime Minister Ilir Meta, who condemned the violent actions, and commended the positions of FYROM's Albanian minority parties, that are in support of the country's territorial integrity and against the use of violence.

Speaking on the establishment of a five-kilometer security zone at the Yugoslav-FYROM border, he said that FYROM did not request additional NATO troops, rather the more effective and stronger presence of the KFOR peacekeeping force in the frontiers.

He said that the proposals he received on that issue from FYROM's Democratic Party of the Albanians Menduh Tatsi, regarding the security zone, will be examined within the framework of NATO and the United Nations.

Tatsi had proposed the use of the Kosovo security force that was created after the disbanding of the "Kosovo Liberation Army", in addition to NATO troops for the protection of the security zone.

On his part, FYROM Prime Minister Ljubco Georgievski said "I would like to thank the Greek government for its support on a diplomatic level within the European Union, NATO, other Balkan countries and other organizations.

He said that his government would be happy, if Greece was to participate in a multi-national force aiming to protect FYROM.

[03] Powell expresses support for Greek FM's efforts in Skopje

WASHINGTON, 07/03/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

"I spoke with Mr. Papandreou and I supported his efforts to go there (FYROM) and help in this problematic situation," Powell told reporters after meeting Swedish Foreign Minister Anna Lindh whose country currently holds the European Union presidency.

Expressing his concern over tension in FYROM's northern border, Powell called on the two sides to show self-control.

"We are examining ways to start a gradual transfer of a security zone in the Yugoslav authorities' responsibility, beginning with the most difficult region in the south" Powell added.

[04] Skopje government denies offensive against extremists

SKOPJE, 07/03/2001 (ANA - M. Vihou)

A spokesman for FYROM President Boris Trajkovski denied that troops had attacked Albanian extremists holed up in the village of Tanusevci, on the borders with Kosovo, for the past 19 days. He said the night had passed relatively calmly, with only sporadic gunfire.

The foreign ministry in Skopje, meanwhile, reported that 177 people, mainly women and children, had abandoned a village in the Kumanovo area and headed toward Skopje, claiming that they feared bomb attacks on their village by FYROM security forces. The village in question in mainly Albanian and is near the border with Serbia.

[05] Greek premier calls on citizens to dialogue over modernization of society

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

"The modernization of society is not an affair of the State. The vision of an open society ... is stated and specified by the citizens themselves ... it becomes an every day affair by the society itself," the premier said.

Simitis called on society to set aside the attachments to the past and move forward without fear, calling the present era "special due to the speed and radical form of the changes" that are taking place in a globalized environment.

"These changes are coming on all levels, ranging from the level of international relations to everyday life, from communications to social relations, from the political system to the economy," he said adding that this new reality is complex and "one of many dangers, but rich in challenges and possibilities".

He said that Greece is currently at the center of developments, having made "great steps of progress", causing changes that cannot be negated.

These changes include the increased per capita income of the country, compared to the 1950s, the fact that Greece is at the heart of the international system, also the fact that the country for the first time in its history is a net importer of human resources and finally the fact that democracy has grown deep roots in the country, the premier outlined.

Through these changes "a new individual and collective self-confidence for our prospects and the future of the generation that is coming is being built," the premier said.

He added that society should not consider those in need as passive recipients of aid, rather it should contribute toward the creation of conditions that would resolve the problem and not prolong it.

He stressed that society and the state should support those who do not have the ability to follow the mainstream or do not feel they can follow, but should not yield to those who do not want to follow because they lose their privileges.

The Greek premier called for a positive outlook toward globalization and stood against a blind "return to the past", saying that "the Greece of the 21st century does not need to return to the vision of fear, insecurity and inertia".

"This vision is not fitting for a modern country, is not fitting for the dignity of the Greek citizen," he added.

Speaking on the quality of Greek democracy, he said that it is in "immediate correlation with the degree to which the state takes care to establish within itself control and accountability mechanisms for the executive branch, as well as for every branch of the state".

The premier closed his address by calling on the left to embrace modernization and globalization and enter the international dialogue with self-assurance, stressing that "this dimension of globalization, the dimension of universality, is one that humanism and the democratic left have made their standard".

Five left-of-center and leftist citizen groups that have supported the efforts of ruling PASOK to implement policies toward Greeces modernization organized the event. Those groups are: the Think-Tank for the Modernization of Society (OPEK), the Movement of Citizens for an Open Society, the Union of Citizens for Interventions, the group "Politia", the Initiative of Citizens for the Left Renewal and Ecology.

[06] London metro police chief meets Greek ministers, discusses terrorism issues

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

Stevens, who concluded a two-day visit in Athens on Tuesday, met with Greek Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis, Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou and Greek Police (EL.AS.) Chief Georgakopoulos, called the murder of Saunders an appalling crime.

Saunders was shot and fatally injured on the morning of June 8, 2000, by two gunmen on a motorcycle as he was driving alone from his home in the Nea Erythrea Athens suburb to the British embassy in downtown Athens. The notorious "November 17" terrorist organization claimed the attack in a proclamation sent to an Athens daily.

The chief of London metro police, which was once known as "Scotland Yard", held a press conference on Tuesday, following his meetings with Greek officials.

He began his statements by noting the excellent Greek-British cooperation, especially regarding the murder of Saunders.

He stressed that his experience from events in Northern Ireland proved that a considerable amount of time is needed for terrorism related investigations, as in the Saunders case, to yield substantial results.

He added that help by the citizens in uncovering such cases is essential and substantial, noting that the British authorities dealing with the issue were impressed by the response of the Greek public in this case.

During the press conference, Stevens reiterated several times that the role of British officials in the Saunders case in Greece was advisory, stressing that the investigation was the work of the Greek public order authorities.

Speaking on the cooperation of Britain and Greece for the security of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, Stevens said that, Britain appreciated Greece's proposal that many countries cooperate to provide security for the Games.

He said that Australia, France, the United States of America, France, Britain and Spain make up the team of countries to cooperate in providing security for the Games, adding, however, that Greece is responsible for the security of the Games as the role of the aforementioned countries is advisory only.

[07] Council of Europe president continues contacts with Greek politicians

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

According to reports, Russell exchanged views on developments in the Balkans, the Middle East and the Caucasus and expressed his concern, while also referring to the Council of Europe's current work.

Russell attended a luncheon given in his honor at noon by Greek deputies participating in the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly.

[08] Lesvos cancer child's death prompts questions in Parliament

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

Commenting on the tragic event, Health Minister Alekos Papadopoulos fully backed up Deputy Health Minister Christina Spyraki, who had pleaded ignorance regarding the child's case on national television, and attracted much criticism.

Papadopoulos said that Spyraki had been involved in an issue that she had no connection with, and said reports of her statements were exaggerated.

He also said that Parliament had passed an amendment circum-venting the 1931 law on illegal collections that had blocked the release of funds from the bank to the boy's parents.

The bank's management had claimed it was unable to release the funds to the family because of a 1930s law that forbids giving money raised through a collection to private individuals. Since the family had not been put in touch with a charity or other institution to act as mediator, the money had been left in the account for several months as the child's condition deteriorated.

Main opposition New Democracy deputy Miltiadis Evert, commenting on his response, accused the government of being "unfeeling" and spoke about "provocative and criminal indifference by authorities toward little Panagiotis Vasilellis."

"Not only did they not take initiatives, as it behooved and behooves them to do for every citizen of this country, but instead they used bureaucratic procedures to prevent the wishes of the Greeks who donated money to help from being carried out," he said.

He also slammed Spyraki's professed ignorance of the case, noting that it had dominated news headlines for several days. "This shows how much the problems of ordinary citizens concern the members of this government," he added.

Earlier on Tuesday, PASOK deputy for Piraeus Panagiotis Kritikos had blamed the National Bank's management for failing to release the funds donated by private citizens in time to send the child to the US hospitals that may have been able to save his life.

ND deputy for Pella Parthena Foundoukidou had urged the government's health, welfare and social insurance ministers to resign as "politically and morally responsible."

In a question put to the prime minister, meanwhile, ND deputy Prokopis Pavlopoulos spoke about the "disintegration of the state machinery", citing the death of the Lesvos cancer child "crushed between the millstones of bureaucracy" as a symptom of this. Similar symptoms, he added, were the recent escape of a dangerous criminal and the murder of two policemen escorting him, or the lines of pensioners outside banks, waiting to collect their pensions while those in authority passed the buck between themselves.

[09] Albanian armed forces general staff chief to make three-day official visit to Greece

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

Qazimi will be received by the national defense ministry's civil and military leadership and will be given a briefing by national defense general staff officers on issues of mutual military interest.

He will also be visiting the Army Cadets Academy, the Headquarters of the Fleet and the Acropolis.

[10] Greek gov't expresses condolences over accident on Douro River bridge

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

"On behalf of the government, and personally as well, I express the feelings of solidarity for the serious accident on Douro River, as well as my condolences to the great number of victims of that tragic event," Prime Minister Costas Simitis said in his message to his Portuguese counterpart Antonio Guterres.

[11] Greek EU Commissioner expresses European Commission's strong concern over upsurge in racist violence

BRUSSELS, 07/03/2001 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

Diamantopoulou was replying to a question by PASOK Eurodeputy Anna Karamanou who had pointed out that a recent report by the Racism and Xenophobia Watch ascertained a considerable increase in racism in the EU.

Karamanou requested a briefing by the European Commission on the effectiveness of measures being taken to combat such phenomena, which, as she said, "threaten the democratic societies and fundamental values of the EU."

Diamantopoulou, in her reply, expresses her strong concern over acts of violence which have taken place in many EU member-states, adding that such phenomena are unacceptable in the framework of the EU, which is based on the principles of freedom, democracy and respect for the rights of man, fundamental freedoms and a state of law.

Diamantopoulou also said the Council has ratified joint action aimed at combatting racism and xenophobia, setting the securing of effective judicial cooperation between member-states to combat such phenomena as a main target.

[12] Interior minister announces extension of validity of 'green cards' until June 30, 2002

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

The extension is due to the fact that, as a result of the bill's clauses giving illegal immigrants a "second chance" for legalization, relevant state services will be unable to cope with hundreds of thousands of applications over a short period of time since people staying illegally in the country will rush to benefit from the clauses.

According to Papandreou, the bill provides a second chance for legalization for immigrants who have not received either a "white" or "green" card, adding that 700,000 immigrants are currently living in the country, half of whom have obtained a white or green card.

[13] Austrian FM pays tribute to Greek community in Austria

VIENNA, 07/03/2001 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

On his part, Papandreou, who was on a three-day official visit to Austria, referred to the particular reference made in his talks with the Austrian leadership, with President Thomas Klestil, Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel, and Ferrero-Waldner on the work and contribution of the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Austria Mikhail.

In February, Ferrero-Waldner met with Patriarch Vartholomeos at the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul.

[14] Simitis meets Venizelos, Floridis about new sports bill

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

As he emerged from the meeting, Venizelos said the Culture ministry would submit the bill after Easter.

[15] Greek main opposition leader to meet with European Commission president

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

According to a press release issued by ND, Karamanlis' discussions with Prodi, on Wednesday, will focus on proposals for the European Union's integration and will also discuss developments over an earlier proposal for the establishment of a Union service for the confrontation of natural disasters.

He is also expected to participate in the regular EPP presidium meetings.

[16] Avramopoulos officially announces creation of party

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

Avramopoulos, who was speaking at a press conference, said his party aimed at "freeing the active forces of Hellenism and being a factor of change and renewal."

The Athens mayor, who stems from the ranks of the main opposition New Democracy (ND) party, announced his intention to establish a new party late last year.

He said that the new party's emblem will consist of two yellow circles and that the party's Congress will be held next autumn in Thessaloniki.

Avramopoulos said the party's philosophy was that of cooperation but that he would not enter a procedure of bargaining and how cooperations are built in the course.

Asked when he would depart from the Athens Municipality, he said that what is paramount is the completion of his work.

He reiterated his position that he will not accept in his party an active politician who does not previously give up the parliamentary seat in the party, which he belongs to.

"The new era requires a new architectural vision of a society of citizens based on the values of equality, freedom, democracy and individual responsibility. Greece is called upon to leave behind the pretext of great historical contradictions of absolute ideologies, populism and dogmatism," Avramopoulos said.

The Movement of Free Citizens proposes a new Greek state with a democracy which functions and produces through the institutions of transparency and the management of public money, with autonomy of the judicial functionaries, he said. He added that there should be reconciliation between the Church and the state through distinct roles.

On the economy, he called for the reorganization of the production infrastructure, an end to the inflexibility of bureaucracy "which strangles enterprise", the support of small and medium-size enterprises, and the liberalization of the market. He also spoke of just society of solidarity and for support to be given to groups needing particular help and protection.

In the founding declaration, mention is made for a model governing of the country with an effective state and the development of local societies.

[17] European Commission calls for speedup in structural changes in Greek economy

BRUSSELS, 07/03/2001 (ANA - V. Demiris)

Among others, the report says the fiscal situation in Greece has shown an improvement in past years, adding that efforts should be intensified at speedier rates than those anticipated by the Greek economy's stability program for the 2000-2004 period to enable the public debt to achieve a further decrease.

The simplification of administrative processes for the creation of businesses is also requested, as well as a decrease in tax burdens for labor.

The European Commission's report further says that efforts to achieve increased flexibility in labor markets in Greece should be continued with even stronger rates, adding that the strengthening of efforts to promote equality of the genders in labor markets is necessary in Italy and Greece.

Regarding the use of the Internet in Greece, the European Commission ascertains the progress achieved in past years and notes, however, that the expansion of the Internet in the country is still at a low level.

[18] Greek national economy minister announces cooperation agreement with British finance ministry

LONDON, 07/03/2001 (ANA - L. Tsirigotakis / D. Stamboglis)

Papantoniou, who ended a two-day visit to London, said the purpose is to avoid extravagance in the public sector and to protect the Greek shareholder, investor, depositor and insured citizen.

"Our cooperation with the American IRS tax authority, which lasted four years, ended recently and certainly it contributed decisively to the upgrading of the finance ministry's services. The Greek government is now opening a new cycle of cooperations with European finance ministries, the first being the finance ministry of England," he said.

Papantoniou said cooperation with it would help in upgrading Greek administrative services, utilizing new technology, training employees and implementing effective measures of controlling tax evasion.

"Another very important issue I discussed with my British counterpart Gordon Brown, and there will be cooperation on this issue, is the evaluation of public expenditures, which is an issue seriously preoccupying the EU's governments. Namely, how we will strengthen social cohesion by increasing funds for education, health and low pensions, which is the great anxiety of socialist governments, without upsetting fiscal balances and without increasing taxation," he added.

Papantoniou said the problem is how this result will be achieved with expenditures increasing in the aforesaid sectors, taxation decreasing and fiscal balances being maintained. He added that there is a double answer. Firstly, strong growth and, secondly, strict qualitative evaluation of public expenditures.

Papantoniou attended a working luncheon at the Greek ambassador's residence, where he met the heads of British newspapers' economic and diplomatic reportage who showed interest in the course of the Greek economy's growth, the Athens 2004 Olympiad and Greece's role in the Balkans.

Greece to battle inflation, avert overheating: Greece is to focus on lowering inflation in order to avoid overheating of the economy, National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said on Tuesday.

The country's partners in the European Union had discounted a high rate of growth in Greece, the euro zone's latest member, sparking fears of overheating, Papantoniou told a news conference in the UK capital.

Any risk to the economy stemmed from overheating, and not recession, he emphasized.

Beyond tackling inflation, the key to a successful domestic economy lay in attaining fiscal surpluses, which, coupled with a strong rate of growth, was a condition for Greece's survival in the euro zone, Papantoniou added.

[19] EU Council of Labor Ministers discusses measures safeguarding future viability of pensions

BRUSSELS, 07/03/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

On the question of the viability of pensioning systems, Yiannitsis said it is a national policy sector, adding that cooperation between member-states will lead to an exchange of experiences and the probing of common targets.

Giannitsis said that over the past 10 years, one or two insurance reforms have taken place in several member-states. He further said this shows that two basic problems in the insurance system have not yet been resolved: A guarantee for the future of pensioning and its adequacy to secure a standard of living.

[20] One in four Greeks "not interested at all" for euro currency

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

The survey revealed that a 26.1 percent of Greek consumers said they were very interested in the euro currency, a 46.5 percent was adequately interested, a 24.1 percent was not interested at all while another 3.2 percent did not answer.

Presenting the survey's results, Ioannis Sidiropoulos, the centers director, said that 68 percent of those who they were not interested at all in the single European currency were between 16-49 years old.

A total of 79.3 percent of Greeks said they have noticed a double pricing of goods - in drachmas and euros - since the beginning of the year, while a 19.2 percent showed ignorance of the fact.

Greek consumers are divided on the information over the new currency, with a 48.4 percent saying they felt very well, or well informed, while a 49 percent said they knew nothing about the euro currency.

Only a 13.4 percent of those asked, however, said they knew the euro/drachma rate and one it two knew when the new currency would officially circulate.

Half of Greek consumers believe that the country's EMU entry would benefit them, 31.4 percent said they did not know and only 18.7 percent said that Greek consumers would not benefit from it.

The survey was conducted between December 23, 2000 and January 18, 2001 in households in Athens, Thessaloniki, Serres, Komotini, Drama, Patras, Edessa, Mytilene and Preveza.

[21] Consumer complaints over banks' loan policy increase

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters during a press conference to celebrate the agency's first two years of operation, Panagiotopoulos expressed his concern over the increasing rate of growth in consumer and mortgage loans in the country.

"The state must contribute in the creation of agencies to inform borrowers over their contract obligations and products offered in the market," he stressed.

Panagiotopoulos said that telephone complaints rose to 3,420 last year from 1,622 in 1999, while written complaints increased by 102 percent to 346 and covered all banking services (from credit cards, cheques, ATMs, loans, savings products, etc).

He announced that from February 1, 2001 and following an initiative by the European Union a cooperation network began operating in the EU including institutions seeking out-of-court solutions between consumers and financial sector companies.

Panagiotopoulos noted, however, the Greek banks did not seem to pay much interest on an increasing number of complaints.

[22] Greek closed-end investment funds' assets falls in February

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

The investment index fell by 2.8 percent over the same period, compared with a drop of 2.4 percent of the general index on the Athens Stock Exchange.

Alpha Investments topped the list of companies, based on assets, followed by Hellenic Investment Fund, Ergo Invest, National Invest and Piraeus Invest.

[23] Greece officially bids as base for European Maritime Safety Agency

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

Merchant Marine Minister Christos Papoutsis, in a letter to Loyola de Palacios, vice-president in the European Commission, stressed Greece's strong interest in the creation of EMSA, an agency "whose operation could benefit both the European Commission and the EU member-states."

Papoutsis said Greece's bid was based on the view that Piraeus, being one of the most significant maritime centers in the world, having a long history in shipping and the combination of the port's current infrastructure and know-how, was established as an important economic development center in southeast Europe and the wider Mediterranean region.

The European Commission expects EMSA to monitor the implementation of community law on shipping and to evaluate its efficiency. The agency will employ 50 experts from the state and the private sectors.

Papoutsis stressed that the Greek bid was part of the government's policy priorities and highlighted its commitment to play a bigger role in shipping safety and to protecting the sea environment.

[24] Shipping registry posts net gain in February

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

Eleven vessels totalling 329,178 GRT opted for the Greek flag in February while six ships totalling 108,507 GRT left the registry, the statement said.

The average age of the vessels that joined the Greek fleet last month is 14 years, and of those that left, 28 years, the ministry added.

Among the ships to enter the registry was the Superfast VI, a hi-tech fast ferry owned by Athens quoted Attica Enterprises.

[25] ND section-heads discuss increased assessment rates

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

After the meeting, ND economy spokesman George Alogoskoufis said that the recent increases in the assessment values highlighted the unplanned and dead-end policies of the government.

According to Alogoskoufis, the government is attempting to raise revenue to cover its profligate policies, while he claimed that tax offices did not know on Tuesday, which assessment values were in force and were not carrying out property transfers.

The opposition's economy spokesman urged the government to withdraw the increased rates until the end of the year in order to allow the market to reach a balance and to look into the matter once more.

He added, finally, that the increases in assessment values should have been made last year, but that the government had avoided doing this in the run-up to elections.

[26] Bank workers to strike March 12-13 nationwide

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

The decision to go ahead with the stoppage, which had already been announced, was taken after a failure to make progress in establishment of the fund, the OTOE union said in a statement.

[27] Greek stocks move cautiously higher

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

The general index ended 0.31 percent higher at 3,182.34 points, off the day's highs of 3,204.60, with turnover at 216.16 million euros, or 73.656 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.06 percent to 1,814.16 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index ended at 357.37 points, up 0.27 percent.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 6.764,58 +0.01% Telecoms: 1.038,13 +1.16% Insurance: 1.371,65 +0.03% Investment: 1.250,34 +0.01% Construction: 1.468,54 +2.42% Industrials: 1.976,64 +0.27% Holding: 3.540,89 +0.42% Miscellaneous: 2.374,42 +0.43% Base metals: 1.053,54 +0.50% Non-metal minerals: 1.015,20 -0.60% Publishing: 1.036,99 +1.08% Textiles: 1.116,67 +2.52% Retail: 1.102,61 +3.87% IT: 1.101,57 +1.57% IT solutions: 1.095,34 -0.62%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 347.31 points, up 1.36 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 230 to 109 with another 23 issues unchanged.

Hellenic Telecoms, National Real Estate, Naoussa Spinning, Panafon and Kambas were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in euros): National Bank: 38.86 Alpha Bank: 30.84 Commercial Bank: 48.96 Eurobank: 20.54 Piraeus Bank: 14.36 Lambrakis Press: 13.68 Altec: 7.42 Intrasoft: 12.44 Titan Cement (c): 38.72 Hellenic Telecoms: 15.34 Panafon: 6.90 Hellenic Petroleum: 9.22 Attica Enterprises: 7.28 Intracom: 20.64 Mytilineos: 9.16 Minoan Lines: 4.90 Viohalco: 10.58 Coca Cola Hellas: 18.20

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

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.06 percent up, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.27 percent higher.

Turnover was 43.2 million euros on 8,192 contracts traded, the dealers said.

Bond prices nose down in selling: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished lower in thin trade with players focusing on new three-year paper, dealers said.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.35 percent. The yield spread over German bunds was 53 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 420 million euros (143.1 billion drachmas).

Sell orders accounted for about 65 percent of turnover.

[28] Memorial service marking 7 years since Melina Mercouri's death

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

Through unforgettable roles in films such as 'Stella' and 'Never on Sunday,' Mercouri helped Greece make its mark on the international film scene of the time. Several years later, as culture minister for PASOK, she earned Greece international attention once again when she first raised the issue of the return of the Parthenon Marbles.

[29] WWF International says Greek forests facing the greatest dangers

Athens, 07/03/2001 (ANA)

According to the study, Greece is considered a country with an excellent variety of forests but, at the same time, these unique forests are faced with the greatest dangers.

In addition, Greece is facing management and protection problems in such areas and studies and management plans are not being applied, which have been completed in most regions. The consolidation of protection for regions in the framework of the Natura 2000 network is also going ahead with extremely slow paces.

[30] British Minister of State to visit Cyprus next week

LONDON, 07/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Vaz, who will visit Cyprus next week accompanied by Britain's representative for Cyprus Sir David Hannay, also said that this is the time for everybody to engage in talks under the UN to reach a settlement.

Speaking at a meeting of London Cypriots in north London, he said "that is why Robin Cook's call to all those involved, Mr. Denktash (Turkish Cypriot leader) and everybody else who feels that this is not the time to engage - this is the time to engage."

"We have not a better time, we know it has taken a long time but what is essential is to seize this moment at this time under the auspices of (UN Secretary-General) Kofi Annan to ensure that we have a settlement that is required," Vaz said.

The minister said that "only in engaging in these negotiations, we will be able to fulfill our historic pledge to be a part of a solution that would be in the interest of the people of Cyprus."

Vaz reaffirmed the position of his government that the political solution is not a precondition for the accession of Cyprus to the European Union.

He also said that during his visit to Cyprus on Tuesday and Wednesday, he would raise the case of Panicos Tziakourmas, a Greek Cypriot held illegally by the occupation regime in the areas of Cyprus occupied by Turkey since 1974. He is "on trial" for alleged drug possession.

Turkish agents abducted Tziakourmas on 13 December 2000 within the territory of one of the two military bases (Dhekelia) Britain has retained since Cyprus became an independent state in 1960.

[31] US Congresspersons urge their administration to help reunify Cyprus

WASHINGTON, 07/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Bilirakis and Maloney were joined by 60 members of the Congress in signing a letter to US President George W. Bush, in which they express their concerns and request the "immediate appointment of a Presidential Emissary to add momentum to the reunification effort".

In their letter, the Congresspersons note that "Cyprus' upcoming accession to the European Union introduces new political and economic factors that could help achieve a settlement of this 27-year-old debate and demand greater US involvement".

They stress that "as the world's only remaining superpower, America is in a unique position to help move this process forward" and that "to advance this goal, we would urge that your administration continues US support for the UN framework for negotiations between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities".

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

UN-led proximity talks, separate meetings of the UN with President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, began in December 1999. Five rounds of proximity talks have taken place so far, but Denktash is refusing to participate in another round of separate meetings with the UN officials unless the illegal regime in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus is recognized and there is a change in the procedure of the talks and their basis.

[32] Clerides addresses annual General Assembly of the Hellenic-Canadian Solidarity Committee for Cyprus

NICOSIA, 07/03/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The General Assembly, which took place on Sunday in Toronto, adopted a resolution calling on the Canadian government to exert pressure on Turkey, so that Ankara may abandon its negative and anachronistic policy regarding a settlement in Cyprus, divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

In his address, which was read out at the General Assembly, President Clerides noted the contribution of Greeks living in Canada to meet the aims of the Cypriot government, adding that "your solidarity gives us strength".

He said "we are struggling to achieve, through peaceful means, a Cyprus settlement, which will comply with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, the two high level agreements of Makarios-Denktash and Kyprianou-Denktash (1977 and 1979), human rights conventions, international law and the acquis communautaire, as this is in effect in the European Union, with which were are negotiating to become a member".

President Clerides noted that the efforts of overseas Greeks should point in this direction.

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