Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-03-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't unveils controversial anti-terrorism bill

[02] Papandreou, Clerides discuss Cyprus' EU accession course

[03] FM Papandreou discusses Cyprus issue and EU accession with Cypriot party leaders

[04] FM Papandreou visits 'Andreas Papandreou' air base in Paphos

[05] The Cyprus issue will determine Greek-Turkish relations, Greek foreign minister says

[06] Stoyanov: Latest regional crisis threatens entire area's European future

[07] Gov't: No new information available on alleged Milosevic accounts

[08] National defense minister tells Parliament Greece, Italy and Germany insist on ban on depleted uranium shells

[09] Interior ministry agrees to assist ATHOC in volunteer program

[10] PM Simitis tells party deputies PASOK's strategic option is the slogan 'all together'

[11] Karamanlis launches scathing criticism of government at ND parliamentary group

[12] Issue of cooperation between Coalition of the Left and Democratic Social Movement remains open

[13] EU approves information society program for Greece

[14] Papantoniou names priorities for EU funds

[15] EU okays competitiveness program for Greece

[16] Greece's labor cost the second lowest in the EU

[17] Nine firms express interest in buying Skaramangas shipyard

[18] Spanish agriculture minister visits Athens

[19] Operating license for new Athens airport signed

[20] Gov't unveils national policy on transport and communications

[21] Northern Greek business wants Olympics tender info desk

[22] Greek tourism authorities to tender advert campaign

[23] Passenger shipping owners submit proposals

[24] Consumer Protection Center reports 10,000 complaints in 2000

[25] Investors flock to Athens bourse's new help desk

[26] Greek stocks resist pressures, end mixed

[27] Court freezes fund-raising account contested by cancer-child's parents

[28] Exaggeration and arrogance some of the unfavorable characteristics of Greek journalism

[29] Moody's report describes Cyprus' economy as stable

[01] Gov't unveils controversial anti-terrorism bill

Athens, 13/03/2001 (ANA)

One of the key provisions in the draft bill allows for DNA testing of individuals when well-founded suspicions exist that felonies have been committed. A magistrate would have to order the mandatory DNA testing, while any genetic material gathered and tested would subsequently be destroyed, according to the proposed bill.

Collection of personal data, including phone conversations and videotaping of individuals identified as suspects is also included in provisions, along with the legal framework for Greeces first-ever witness protection program and amnesty for members of terrorist or organized crime gangs who turn states evidence.

The bill comes on the heels of growing pressure to track down and convict members of the notorious November 17 terrorist group, blamed for more than two dozen assassinations and bomb attacks dating back to the mid-70s. The elusive groups last victim was Britains defense attache in Athens, Brig. Stephen Saunders, who was gunned down in his car while driving to his embassy office in central Athens last June.

The DNA clause could be utilized for investigations into at least one November 17, a rocket attack against the German ambassadors residence in May 1999. Bloodstains probably belonging to one of the terrorists were discovered inside a stolen vehicle used in the attack along with a woolen cap.

Critics have lambasted the law as infringing on civil liberties, while others say provisions - such as judicially approved wiretaps and police surveillance -- are already governed by current legislation. Additionally, while streamlining judicial procedures suspects must still be apprehended.

Justice Minister Mihalis Stathopoulos unveiled the legislation, dubbed as a bill "for the protection of citizens from punishable acts by criminal organizations."

In later statements, Stathopoulos denied that the legislation was the product of foreign pressure or that it primarily targeted terrorism, saying that financial crimes and corruption were main targets.

Communist party, Coalition of the left react strongly to anti-terrorism bill: The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) reacted strongly to the new anti-terrorism legislation, which was unveiled on Monday by the government, also aimed at better persecuting organized drug trafficking and laundering.

KKE called the bill "one more weapon against the people's rights and freedoms, saying that the existing legislation for confronting organized crime was more than sufficient.

It claimed that the terrorist organization are connected to the secret services and for this reason they have not yet been brought before the law, adding that the government drafted the "anti-terrorist" law on demand from the United States.

On its part, the Coalition for the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) accused the government of backtracking to authoritarianism regarding the justice system and holds hostage the totality of the society's achievements regarding legal protection and democratic rights and freedoms.

The new anti-terrorism bill should be discussed within the Greek political system, US ambassador says: The new anti-terrorism bill unveiled on Monday by the government should be discussed by the Greek political system, the Ambassador of the United States in Greece Nicolas Burns said on the same day during a visit in the northern Greek city of Kavala.

Responding to questions in the eastern Macedonian city, Burns said "it is not an issue I can comment on, especially before it becomes public. It is an issue that should be discussed by the Greek political system. In any case we are satisfied as a country by the cooperation with the Greek government".

"Regarding the combating drug smuggling and trafficking in this framework, last January 530 kilos of heroin were confiscated and the cooperation that has developed between the US, Greece and Turkey yields results," he added.

When asked about the policies of the US in the region, regarding the latest development in the near by Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), he said that "the military forces of the US, with their presence, at the northern borders of the former Yugoslav republic aim to secure the territorial integrity of that region and peace".

On a different note he said that Kavala can host the development of business activities and investment, "there are many possibilities ... the aim of our visit here is to find out whether we can further increase the economic relations between us."

[02] Papandreou, Clerides discuss Cyprus' EU accession course

NICOSIA, 13/03/2001 (ANA - I. Afendouli)

Papandreou, who arrived in Cyprus Sunday on a three-day official visit, told reporters after the meeting that "we have entered a new stage following the Nice decisions", adding that "the road was opening for the completion of the negotiations within the next two years".

The Greek foreign minister reiterated that, on the basis of the EU decisions at the EU Helsinki summit in December 1999, Cyprus would be able to join the EU even if a solution to Cyprus' political problem has not been resolved in the meantime.

He stressed the "close cooperation" between the governments of Greece and Cyprus, adding that Clerides would soon visit Athens.

Replying to press questions, Papandreou said he had conveyed "warm messages" to Clerides from Greece's President Costis Stephanopoulos and Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

Papandreou said the European Commission had begun drafting the legal framework for the accession of all of Cyprus into the EU, in accordance with the German precedent.

Turning to Turkey's stance, Papandreou said the neighboring country must choose between Cyprus' EU accession with or without the participation of the Turkish Cypriots.

[03] FM Papandreou discusses Cyprus issue and EU accession with Cypriot party leaders

NICOSIA, 13/03/2001 (ANA)

Papandreou had already met with Democratic Rally (DHSY) party leader Nicos Anastassiades on Sunday.

Apart from the Cyprus issue, Papandreou and Christofias discussed Cyprus's accession course to the European Union and efforts being made to create bridges of communication between the two communities.

Papandreou said he considers Abels views and ideas on the creation of these bridges very useful since, as he said, the issue of the Turkish Cypriots is very important.

Christofias warned that Cyprus should prepare itself for possible reactions, both from Turkey and other European countries, in the event Cyprus joins the EU before a solution to the Cyprus issue is found.

The meeting between Papandreou and Vassiliou focused on a discussion of technical details concerning accession negotiations and efforts being made were coordinated.

Papandreou said efforts on the accession course of Cyprus have been crowned with success and thanked Vassiliou for his contribution to this great issue of Hellenism.

Vassiliou said that during the meeting the party's positions concerning Cyprus's accession course and its policy on the Cyprus issue were outlined for Papandreou.

Papandreou said he discussed the Cyprus issue with Archbishop Chrysostomos, as he always does when he is in Cyprus.

Archbishop Chrysostomos said that although Cyprus has experienced occupations many times, the current issue of settlers is making the situation very dangerous and called on politicians to insist on the withdrawal of settlers and foreign troops.

Papandreou, who is also accompanied by Greek athletes who are Olympic medallists, visited the Cypriot Olympic Committee for an exchange of views on the participation of Cyprus in cultural events to be organized during the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

[04] FM Papandreou visits 'Andreas Papandreou' air base in Paphos

NICOSIA, 13/03/2001 (ANA - I. Afentouli)

Particular emphasis was placed during Papandreou's briefing on the way with which Cyprus will participate in the European army to be created.

In a statement later, Papandreou spoke of the effective implementation of the unified defense doctrine and of the air base's excellent operational capacity.

"We hope the day will come when we will be able to speak of a demilitarized Cyprus. However, this cannot happen before a solution to the problem of Cyprus is reached," he said.

Papandreou said the island's defensive shielding is essential and said the possibility of Cyprus participating in European defense is a very important development.

He reiterated that the positive course of Cyprus and the prospect of its accession to the European Union is not creating any security problem for the Turkish Cypriots, on the contrary it is strengthening and increasing their rights.

[05] The Cyprus issue will determine Greek-Turkish relations, Greek foreign minister says

ISTANBUL, 13/03/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Papandreou, who is on an official visit to Cyprus, said "Cyprus will either unite us or divide us. We wish that it unites us and to cooperate with Ankara".

He added that if the Cyprus issue is not resolved until 2002 the decisions of the Helsinki Summit will apply and the Republic of Cyprus will enter the European Union, noting his wish that the Turkish Cypriots take part in the negotiation process.

Papandreou also said that he hoped that the accession of Cyprus to the European Union would not create problems with Turkey, adding that the accession of Cyprus to the Union would "unburden Turkey from the weight of Cyprus and will open the way for further Greek-Turkish rapprochement".

[06] Stoyanov: Latest regional crisis threatens entire area's European future

SOFIA, 13/03/2001 (ANA - B. Borisov)

Bulgarian President Petar Stoyanov referred to "unforeseen consequences for all of the Balkans from any intensification" of the crisis on the borders of Yugoslavia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), adding that continuing destabilization could "deprive the entire region of its European future."

Stoyanov spoke to reporters after chairing a meeting of the country's national security coordinating council, attended by Bulgaria's political and military leadership.

Incursions by Kosovo-based armed Albanian separatists into FYROM's territory sparked concerns over an escalation of warfare last week, following months of similar forays into southern Serbian lands by the same rebels.

Meanwhile, in a related development, a delegation from the Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) will travel on Tuesday to the neighboring state.

The Synaspismos delegation, led by its president Nikos Constantopoulos, is expected to meet with FYROM's leadership in Skopje for talks over the latest regional developments.

[07] Gov't: No new information available on alleged Milosevic accounts

Athens, 13/03/2001 (ANA)

A government spokesman clarified that an investigation is focusing on a specific area and isn't dealing normal business dealing between firms and entrepreneurs of the two countries or with Serbian state enterprises.

Spokesman Dimitris Reppas also commented on a relevant article recently in the "Washington Post" -- which listed the name of a local businessman -- saying nothing incriminating was published to implicate any individual.

The same official told reporters last week that the Bank of Greece, the country's central bank, along with other financial institutions, had frozen several hundred "suspect" accounts, although none were listed in Milosevic's name.

Reppas noted at the time that Athens has made the information collected by the Bank of Greece available to relevant international agencies, while also briefing the Yugoslav central bank.

[08] National defense minister tells Parliament Greece, Italy and Germany insist on ban on depleted uranium shells

Athens, 13/03/2001 (ANA)

Tsohatzopoulos said no problem exists in the country since all enquiries, which have been made, show that there are no indications of radioactive pollution.

He said that the results of enquiries by the International Health Committee and the International Atomic Energy Committee are expected within the month for a clear picture to be provided and stressed the view that these answers will also be negative.

Tsohatzopoulos also said "it was ultimately proved that NATO's intervention in Kosovo caused greater harm and delayed a diplomatic and political solution to the problem, the only possible one, which Greece had supported from the beginning."

[09] Interior ministry agrees to assist ATHOC in volunteer program

Athens, 13/03/2001 (ANA)

The agreement signed by Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou and ATHOC President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, provides for assistance to ATHOC on all public sector levels, both in central government, regional government and by local authorities, and outlines special programs targeting the quality of services related to the Olympic Games and the planning and implementation of special development and infrastructure pro-grams for the Olympics.

A special work group has already begun work on coordinating a program to be followed by the ministry, in collaboration with ATHOC, in relation to the volunteer program.

A final agreement with a detailed breakdown of the operational plan, a detailed time schedule for the programs involved and their funding terms is to be signed between the ministry and ATHOC at a later date.

[10] PM Simitis tells party deputies PASOK's strategic option is the slogan 'all together'

Athens, 13/03/2001 (ANA)

Simitis said this slogan "necessarily contains the concept of renewal, both in ideas and persons", adding that "renewal constitutes an element of PASOK's very existence" and that "renewal does not mean the removal of some."

Simitis further said PASOK's policy remains the same as it was during the early years of its presence and is summed up in the triptych "continuation, renewal and enlargement."

Parliament speaker plays down reports of problems in PASOK: The many articles and interviews about PASOK's internal problems, both real and imagined, were described by Parliament speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis on Monday as 'not related to politics' and more closely linked with the need for spicy news stories, aided and abetted by publicity seekers.

Regarding the most vociferous of the government's internal critics, twice-ousted former minister Theodoros Pangalos, Kaklamanis said that he disagreed with many of the former's positions but did not agree with expelling him from PASOK's Executive Committee.

He admitted, however, that the party might well benefit from a renewal of policies and faces but said that no one within the party questioned or contested the leadership of Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

He refused to confirm news reports, which claimed that a Parliamentary committee investigating pre-election spending by MPs had uncovered violations by 30 members of the House and said that he would not announce their names himself.

According to Kaklamanis, the names and fines imposed would be made public through the government gazette.

PM Simitis hosts reception for personalities from the world of arts: Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Monday night hosted a reception in honor of distinguished personalities from the world of arts.

The guests were from the Cinema and Theatre sector and artists.

[11] Karamanlis launches scathing criticism of government at ND parliamentary group

Athens, 13/03/2001 (ANA)

In a scathing criticism of the government and Simitis personally while addressing the ND parliamentary group, Karamanlis said there was an internal crisis in the ruling party, while the government was showing signs of "disintegration" and was being "brought to its needs under the weight of the problems it has itself created".

Karamanlis outlined the daily problems faced by the Greek citizens, the regional inequalities and rise in unemployment, and accused the government of following a policy of "fraud and virtual reality" based on "propaganda via television".

He further criticized the government over the way it assigned public works projects and also the state of those projects themselves, saying "never before has a government managed so much to produce so little".

Turning to the upcoming ND Congress, Karamanlis said there were no "previously decided or manufactured decisions", adding that the Congress would provide solutions to the problems and the deficits existing in the organization of the main opposition party.

New Democracy, he said, was the "sole force of confidence, which will form tomorrow's strong and honest government".

[12] Issue of cooperation between Coalition of the Left and Democratic Social Movement remains open

Athens, 13/03/2001 (ANA)

The two leaders agreed to the imperative need for the proportional election system to be established and for "substantive democratic changes in the constitution."

Tsovolas said in a statement "meetings of such a kind and coincidences of views contribute substantively to the shaping of an anti-neoliberal social front which will be effective in the future in constituting a means of resisting the marginalization of citizens and of the Greek people."

Constantopoulos said "the people expect answers to problems and not witticisms in front of television cameras", adding that government policy constitutes "a greenhouse for all those actions which, from power centers lying outside institutions, want to manipulate political developments."

[13] EU approves information society program for Greece

B. Demiris)

The European Union's executive Commission on Monday approved a 2.8 billion euro development program for Greece in 2000-2006 to spur the information society.

The operational program, which represents about 8.0 percent of total Community Support Framework (CSF) funding for Greece, is to help regions that are lagging in development. The EU's contribution is about 1.7 billion euros, the Commission said in a statement.

The operational program is an innovative, horizontal program that cuts across government departments, along the lines of the e-Europe initiative and conclusions of the Lisbon summit in March 2000, the statement said.

It aims to promote the information society in a coherent and integrated manner by covering every economic and social aspect such as the public sector, businesses, communications, education, culture, health and research. It also tackles human resources by reducing the skills gap in the information society.

"This is the moment to congratulate the Greek authorities on the effort they have made to establish a solid basis for implementation - a new law governing the structural funds adopted by the Greek parliament," Regional Policy Commissioner Michel Barnier said.

The principal aims of the information society program are adapting education to the new economy's needs, creating content for education and culture, improving the quality of service that is offered to citizens by the public sector including health and welfare, supporting e-business, aiding business start-ups, strengthening the competitiveness of small and medium sized enterprises, enhancing the skills of human resources, promoting employment in the new economy, enabling low-priced internet access, and offering public access to digital services.

"This is an excellent development strategy detailed in good quality operational programs and 26 new management structures set up and operational in line with EU regulations," Barnier said.

This has taken a little time, but the result is well worth the effort," he added.

[14] Papantoniou names priorities for EU funds

BRUSSELS, 13/03/2001 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

The European Union's executive Commission on Monday approved the operational program, which represents about 8.0 percent of total Community Support Framework (CSF) funding for Greece, to help regions that are lagging in development. The EU's contribution is about 1.7 billion euros, the Commission said in a statement.

[15] EU okays competitiveness program for Greece

BRUSSELS, 13/03/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

The competitiveness operational program, which represents about 9.0 percent of total Community Support Framework (CSF) funding for Greece, is to help regions that are lagging in development, the Commission said in a statement.

The operational program, which falls under the CSF's category of enhancing competitiveness for sustainable development, is expected to spur total investments of more than 6.0 billion euros, including public and private sector funding, the statement said.

The sectors covered by the EU funding include industry, manufacturing, small and medium sized enterprises, research, technology, tourism and energy.

"This is the moment to congratulate the Greek authorities on the effort they have made to establish a solid basis for implementation - a new law governing the structural funds adopted by the Greek parliament," Regional Policy Commissioner Michel Barnier said.

The principal aims of the program are creating new businesses, strengthening the quality-oriented sustainable competitiveness of businesses and their participation in the changing global market integrating them into the new economy, and improving services for the small and medium sized business sector.

"This is an excellent development strategy detailed in good quality operational programs and 26 new management structures set up and operational in line with EU regulations," Barnier said.

This has taken a little time, but the result is well worth the effort," he added.

The detailed objectives of the program are as follows: