Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-04-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier says Greece a factor of peace, cooperation and stability in the Balkans

[02] Yugoslav and Serbian PMs give interview on sidelines of Economist conference

[03] Primakov warns that Kosovo crisis could engulf the Balkans

[04] Greek main opposition leader receives Serbian premier

[05] Lack of Western policies in the Balkans at the root of conflicts, ND deputy says

[06] US Secretary of State and Balkan FMs to discuss FYROM crisis on April 12

[07] Israelis, Palestinians agree to begin military-level talks

[08] Greek FM stresses Greece's readiness to help Middle East peace process

[09] Defense minister and Israeli foreign minister discuss peace in Middle East

[10] Simitis comments on defense cuts; Papandreou statements prior to Ankara visit

[11] Greek foreign minister's statements "positive", Turkish foreign ministry says

[12] Prime minister to announce measures to protect low income classes

[13] Gov't spokesman: PM retains mandate to 'assume necessary initiatives'

[14] Parliament president rejects ND request for postponement of Constitutional amendments vote

[15] Culture minister says agreement on Cultural Olympiad to be signed with IOC by end of April

[16] Commissioner calls attention to disrespect for culture in Turkish occupied northern Cyprus

[17] PASOK to mobilize abroad, aiming to strengthen country's international initiatives

[18] Meeting between ND leader and Souflias set for Friday

[19] ND leader says PM has lost control of government

[20] Papantoniou slams 'third-world' opposition

[21] Mundell says Greece to achieve full convergence in eurozone next decade

[22] Central Bank governor: Greece must speed up structural changes

[23] Greece ranks last among EU members in organic food production

[24] Listed firms call on gov't to lower tax, release EU funds

[25] Anomeritis presents fisheries program

[26] Greece to cut state equity stake in OTE to 36 percent

[27] Greek stocks end roller-coaster session higher

[28] World Council of Churches calls for respect of human rights in Cyprus

[01] Premier says Greece a factor of peace, cooperation and stability in the Balkans

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

Later in the day, Simitis said these meetings have shown that Greece lies at the center of developments in the Balkans and constitutes a factor of peace, cooperation and stability in the region.

He said the main issue discussed with the foreign officials was developments in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and all agreed, as he said, that extremist action does not benefit, all condemned the use of force and agreed that there should be no change in borders and international law should be applied to resolve whatever differences.

Simitis also referred to the signing of an association and stability agreement between the EU and FYROM on April 9 and said that in light of the signing a group will be created to examine political and social reforms, which should take place in the neighboring country. He reiterated the need for respect for human and minority rights, adding that dialogue and political understanding are essential elements in handling the crisis.

Simitis also reiterated that Athens fully supports the efforts of the government of FYROM to control the situation and end the crisis.

Commenting on his talks with Meta, Simitis said issues concerning the region were discussed, as well as bilateral relations and progress was ascertained in certain sectors such as on the issue of Greek investments in the port of Durres.

Regarding the situation in Montenegro and developments in its relations with Serbia, Simitis said "the peoples of Yugoslavia themselves will decide what the future of the federation will be", adding that "whatever developments should occur in such a way as to guarantee stability in the region and not create new turmoil."

Commenting on his talks with Djindjic, Simitis said efforts to reunite Serbia with international organizations were examined which Greece will continue to support in every way, believing that such participation will contribute to peace and stability in the region.

On the question of bilateral Greek-Serbian relations, the discussion focused on economic cooperation and the building of the motorway linking Belgrade and Athens.

Yugoslav premier meets Parliament speaker in Athens: Yugoslav Prime Minister Zoran Zizic met with Greek Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis in Athens on Wednesday, who told him that Yugoslavia would always have a friend in NATO and the European Union through Greece.

Zizic is currently in Athens to attend a three-day conference organized by the 'Economist' magazine on "Leadership Strategies at the Dawn of the 21st Century."

Kaklamanis assured Zizic that Greece was firmly opposed to any change in existing borders in the Balkans, and to all extremist terrorist actions by groups in south Serbia or neighboring Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

He was also sharply critical of the international community's failure to impose UN Security Council resolution 1244, which calls for the disarmament of the armed groups in Kosovo, while he spoke strongly against outside interference in Balkan affairs, claiming that the crisis in southern Serbia and FYROM were the result of plans that served outside interests.

On his part, Zizic thanked Kaklamanis for Greece's support of Federal Yugoslavia's territorial integrity and for its cooperation in international fora, while also noting the good relations between Parliaments in the two countries and the steadfast support of Greek Euro-MPs in the European Parliament.

He conveyed the thanks of the Yugoslav Parliament for financial assistance sent by Greece to restore damages incurred during the October 5, 2000 insurgency.

Finally, commenting on the trial of former Serb strongman Slobodan Milosevic, Zizic said that "terms and blackmail are unnecessary."

"Every person, just as every nation, should have the power to face itself and attribute responsibility...Yugoslavia's courts have the power and the pride to restore the country's dignity," he said.

[02] Yugoslav and Serbian PMs give interview on sidelines of Economist conference

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

Zizic was speaking at a joint press conference with Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic on the sidelines of a conference organized by the Economist magazine.

They focused on the situation prevailing in their country and the process to be applied in bringing former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic before justice.

Zizic said a common development framework should be created for Balkan countries and be based on their rapprochement with the European Union. He added that Montenegro's possible secession would deal a very strong blow to stability in the region.

On his part, Djindjic referred at length to the issue of Milosevic's arrest and placed special emphasis on its domestic aspect, adding that his arrest was a demand by the Serbian people for cleanup reasons.

Djindjic said this was delayed in happening since evidence had to be found proving his guilt, which was not easy due to the corrosion of the state apparatus by the previous regime.

Djindjic predicted that Milosevic will be brought before justice with the charge of moral complicity in the murders or attempted murders of political opponents.

He mentioned, as examples, the attempted murder of Vuk Draskovic, the disappearance of former president Stabolic and the murder of journalist Sourovia.

On the question of Milosevic's accounts and possible ramifications in Greece and Cyprus, Djindjic said his government expects Greece's support to resolve these cases.

[03] Primakov warns that Kosovo crisis could engulf the Balkans

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

Describing the situation in Kosovo as a "cancer" that could "invade neighboring countries," Primakov noted that while there was much talk about the integrity of borders within the former Yugoslavia, very little was done in practice.

Regarding events in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), which recently became the focal point of violent conflict after attacks by Albanian extremists around the northwestern town of Tetovo, he said these were not a domestic matter but a clash between a sovereign state and extremist terrorists.

When asked to comment on NATO's role in the area, Primakov said the international forces deployed in the region were inadequate to prevent the activities of Albanian extremists.

He also said that it was against the interests of the US and Europe to create a strong, Moslem state in the heart of Europe.

The former Russian premier also noted that his country was opposed to NATO enlargement and to a US anti-ballistic missile shield, which he said would damage bilateral relations and talks on reducing arms.

Primakov was also pessimistic about developments in the Middle East, predicting a series of conflicts that would sabotage dialogue.

[04] Greek main opposition leader receives Serbian premier

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

Speaking on the future of former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic, Djindjic said that Milosevic is subject to the legal procedures of Belgrade, adding the possibility that the former president could be charged with war crimes, if enough evidence was collected to point in that direction.

He stressed that Yugoslavia should be given the chance to clear up this case and the opportunity to inform its citizens on Milosevic's past actions and behavior.

As far as the future is concerned "we will see what we will do," he said.

On his part, Karamanlis spoke of the economic reconstruction of Yugoslavia, noting that stability in the region was everyone's demand, based on the inviolability of borders and respect for human rights.

[05] Lack of Western policies in the Balkans at the root of conflicts, ND deputy says

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

"This vacuum resulted in the awakening of the nationalism and the conflicts we witnessed during the last decade," she said.

Bakoyianni outlined a series of eight key policies on which, she said, Western policy for the Balkans should be based on.

Those policies should include the maintenance of borders, protection of minorities, regional reconstruction programs, support for the common European defense policy, non-intervention by neighboring counties in local crises, and the maintenance of contacts between the West and the region.

She also called for the support of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) in a way that would guarantee the rights of the Albanian minority.

Archbishop receives Yugoslav premier: Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos on Wednesday received Yugoslav Prime Minister Zoran Zizic and discussed developments in Yugoslavia and relations between the two countries.

Zizic underlined the positive role of the Greek Orthodox Church during the crisis in his country and thanked the Archbishop for the aid provided by the Church to the Serbian people.

[06] US Secretary of State and Balkan FMs to discuss FYROM crisis on April 12

WASHINGTON, 05/04/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the opportunity would be given to the participants to express support for the FYROM government's policy for an easing of tension and the starting of a dialogue with the country's Albanian minority. The meeting will be taking place at FYROM's initiative.

On April 11, Powell will be participating in a meeting of Contact Group foreign ministers (the US, Russia, France, Germany, Britain and Italy) in Paris for an examination of developments in the Balkans and the situation in Kosovo.

Powell will also be visiting Bosnia, while he might also be going to Kosovo.

The agenda of talks at the two meetings (Paris and Skopje) includes the arrest of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic and the possibility of him being referred to the international court at The Hague.

In the event Belgrade does not cooperate in this direction, Washington has threatened to freeze economic aid to the new Yugoslav government.

[07] Israelis, Palestinians agree to begin military-level talks

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

The meeting between two high-ranking Israeli and Palestinian delegations in a downtown Athens hotel had been set up by visiting EU High Representative Javier Solana, Europe's foreign policy and defense chief, who is here to attend a three-day conference organized by the 'Economist' magazine.

Papandreou later praised the agreement reached in Athens, while also lauding the EU's role as a mediator. Additionally, the Greek FM noted that both sides called for a resumption of the so-called "Athens round" of dialogue.

"I have a well-founded hope that the meeting will normalize the situation in the Middle East," the former NATO secretary general had said in brief comments to reporters after a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis at the latter's office.

Solana also said he briefed Simitis over his recent talks in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) as well as covering EU-related issues and the situation in the Balkans.

The Spanish high commissioner, responsible for the 15-member bloc's common foreign and security policy, said he met separately with a Palestinian delegation on Tuesday evening before holding talks with Peres early Wednesday morning.

Milosevic: Asked about Yugoslav President Vojislav Kostunica's recent statements dismissing the possibility of incarcerated one-time Yugoslav strongman Slobodan Milosevic being handed over to the UN criminal tribunal in The Hague, Solana repeated previous statements, namely, that the Belgrade government is doing a "good job", before noting: "we trust they will do what they have to do".

[08] Greek FM stresses Greece's readiness to help Middle East peace process

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

Papandreou thanked Peres for the opportunity to have an in-depth discussion on the situation with him and on prospects of the Middle East issue and expressed the hope that peace will return to the region.

Papandreou also said the meeting held on Wednesday on the sidelines of the conference organized by the Economist magazine between Peres and the Palestinian Authority's International Cooperation and Development Minister Nabil Saat, in the presence of European Union High Commissioner Javier Solana, was a very positive element.

Referring to bilateral Greek-Israeli relations, Papandreou said they are very good and said the strategic relationship between Europe and the Middle East is very important.

On his part, Peres said views exchanged in Athens on Wednesday were very important and added that Papandreou is a friend both at personal and political level.

"We want to bring peace to the Middle East, starting probably from Athens," Peres said and pointed out that the situation in the Middle East is very difficult, as it is in the Balkans, and that Europe can constitute a very important model for overcoming crises in these regions.

"It can serve for the 'Europeanization' of the Balkans instead of the 'Balkanization' of Europe," Peres said.

Peres also said Wednesday's meeting with the Palestinians is a ray of light, adding that one cannot yet speak of an achievement but of an indication that "this situation could be overcome, which is horrific both for us and the Palestinians."

He further said that the new Israeli government does not wish to impose peace with force, but bring peace with peaceful means.

Referring on his part to bilateral Greek-Israeli relations, Peres said they are very good and expressed the hope they will continue at the same level in the future.

[09] Defense minister and Israeli foreign minister discuss peace in Middle East

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

Peres praised Tsohatzopoulos' work for the creation of an atmosphere of mutual understanding at Mediterranean level, adding that "it is in Israel's interest to maintain close and warmer relations with the Greek people and Greece as a country."

Tsohatzopoulos explained the security and peace policy being promoted by Greece in the framework of the European Union and said the fact that prospects exist for a peace dialogue to open "is good news".

[10] Simitis comments on defense cuts; Papandreou statements prior to Ankara visit

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

In statements to reporters in Athens, Greek FM George Papandreou prefaced his comments by saying that trade between the two neighboring countries has doubled over the past year, while noting that a "national action plan" unveiled by Ankara recently "is but a first step in its course towards the European Union."

Simitis: In a related development, when asked on Wednesday if the Greek government's decision last week to slash defense spending prior to 2004 is a "message" towards Ankara in light of Papandreou's visit, Prime Minister Costas Simitis stressed:

"The decision by the Greek government is a result of developments taken at the political level as well ... which allow us to readjust our priorities."

Simitis added that Greek-Turkish cooperation could also be based on a reduction of defense spending, while reiterating that there is absolutely no issue of a "confederation" solution being considered by Athens, "we've said this repeatedly."

The Cabinet last week approved defense cutbacks of nearly 1.3 trillion drachmas in order to boost social spending. (one euro equals 340.75 drachmas)

On his part, Papandreou -- who along with his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem -- has received numerous kudos for the more than yearlong rapprochement between the two often rival nations, added that the Union would continually monitor Ankara's implementation of the Copenhagen criteria.

"I hope that my visits to Ankara as well as Turkey's foreign minister to Athens will become the rule that certifies a normalization of our bilateral relations," he stressed.

Papandreou also dismissed recent Turkish press reports alleging that Ankara has made "minority claims" within Greece, saying that the Lausanne Treaty of 1923 categorically stipulates that only one minority exists in Greece, namely, a religious one.

"The game centering on minorities is a thing of the past. Democratic procedures are the ideal framework for every citizen's protection, regardless of his descent. In Greece we don't have minority problems because human rights are safeguarded not just legally, but in practice as well," he said.

Papandreou will meet the leaders of the Turkish government coalition and Cem during his one-day visit.

Balkan stability: Earlier, while speaking at a three-day "Economist"-sponsored "leadership roundtable" being hosted in the Greek capital, Papandreou emphasized that there are no ethnically pure states in the Balkans, nor would such entities rate as solutions to any regional problem.

"A precondition for the region's security and stability is a clear European orientation as offered by the Stability Pact," Papandreou told an audience at a downtown Athens hotel that included several Balkan leaders.

Meta, Djindjic: The Greek minister also participated on a discussion panel with Albanian Prime Minister Ilir Meta and Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, both official guests at the conference, while the two Balkan leaders addressed delegates as well.

On his part, Meta reiterated that Tirana is "categorically against" any changes in Balkan borders and wants the entire region's integration into the EU.

"We're not cultivating the idea of a Greater Albania. On the contrary, we desire the integration of Albanians in the countries where they live, and the comprehensive integration of all those countries in Europe," he emphasized.

The Serbian republic's premier, meanwhile, noted that regional priorities must now take precedence over national priorities. "The prospects for continuing peace in the region exist," he added after a hardy handshake with Albania's Meta.

Papandreou also repeated Athens' standing position against a change in regional borders, calling on Balkan countries to instead rely on what he called an "European model" which over the space of time diminishes the significance of national borders amongst member-states.

Finally, he called implementation of a "Euro-centered" policy for the strife-plagued Balkans "historically significant duty".

[11] Greek foreign minister's statements "positive", Turkish foreign ministry says

ISTANBUL, 05/04/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"The statements by Mr. Papandreou were in a positive direction," a spokesman of the Turkish foreign ministry said, commenting on statements the Greek foreign minister made in Athens to Turkish journalists, ahead of his Friday working visit to Ankara.

Commenting on Ankara's armaments procurement program, the spokesman said that "the basic cause for that spending is not Greece", stressing that Turkey's defense spending is imposed on the country by its geographic location, "a geographic location that is not the same with Greece's".

Discussing the Cyprus problem and the proposal for the demilitarization of the island republic he said that the security system and the system of guarantees, as well as the number of troops to be deployed in Cyprus are parts of the final resolution of the problem.

He stressed that Ankara is against Cyprus' accession to the European Union, calling illegal the application that was submitted by the government of Cyprus.

"The good relations between Turkey and Greece, could affect in a positive way the Cyprus problem, but the Cyprus problem is not an issue dealt with by Greece and Turkey on a bilateral level," he concluded.

Meanwhile conservative circles in Turkey view Papandreou's statements with distrust, calling them "a continuation of the Byzantine-devious policy, who knows in advance that the proposals he makes will not be accepted by the Turkish side".

This statement appeared in the Turkish Daily News, published in Ankara in the English language, along with the judgment that "Papandreou is a cunning and daring politician".

[12] Prime minister to announce measures to protect low income classes

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

The cabinet meeting will ratify the measures after Labor and Social Insurances Minister Tassos Giannitsis makes a presentation of his motion.

In order to be able to fund the measures as well as fund projects concerning the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, the inner cabinet decided last week to save four trillion drachmas through expenditure cutbacks, particularly cutbacks regarding the armed forces' armaments program.

[13] Gov't spokesman: PM retains mandate to 'assume necessary initiatives'

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

Spokesman Dimitris Reppas added that the prime minister retains the mandate to "assume necessary initiatives for the promotion of the government's efforts".

In response to press question, Reppas said recent statements by National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou - who referred earlier in the day to "being alone" (along with PM Simitis) within the government in terms of promoting the country's development - are not aimed at other ministers or members of ruling PASOK, but instead touch politicians from the opposition that espouse "populist" views.

Finally, asked about a recent published article by close prime ministerial media adviser Giorgos Pantagias regarding the issue of a "confederation" solution for Cyprus, Reppas said the aide expressed his personal views. He emphasized that a specific set of positions on the Cyprus issue has long been enunciated by the premier and the government - namely, insistence on UN security council resolutions calling for a bizonal and bicommunal federation on the island republic.

[14] Parliament president rejects ND request for postponement of Constitutional amendments vote

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

ND requested the postponement arguing that not enough time was allocated for deputies to study the printed material handed to them in relation to the vote, thus requesting that the vote be postponed for after the Easter holidays.

[15] Culture minister says agreement on Cultural Olympiad to be signed with IOC by end of April

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

Speaking at a press conference, Venizelos announced that the operation of the SA company on cultural heritage has started and will focus on organizing and managing the Cultural Olympiad and promoting Greece's cultural heritage.

In addition, company officials have met with all foreign ambassadors with the purpose of promoting the Cultural Olympiad abroad, while all overseas cultural bureaus and the press offices of Greek embassies have been briefed accordingly.

[16] Commissioner calls attention to disrespect for culture in Turkish occupied northern Cyprus

STRASBOURG, 05/04/2001 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

She made the statement during the presentation of an exhibition on the destruction of cultural monuments in Turkish occupied northern Cyprus, which was organized at the initiative of Greek Eurodeputy Yiannis Marinos in cooperation with the permanent delegation of the Republic of Cyprus at the European Union.

[17] PASOK to mobilize abroad, aiming to strengthen country's international initiatives

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

The announcement was made by the party's Central Committee secretary Costas Skandalidis and the Executive Bureau's official responsible for the party's international relations Paraskevas Avgerinos.

Skandalidis said PASOK wishes to upgrade its international relations and is taking advantage of the favorable conjuncture since, as Avgerinos said, it is a period during which all progressive parties are seeking relations with PASOK.

PASOK's campaign abroad will start over the weekend and Britain will be the first country to be visited by a party delegation, which will be meeting the British government's deputy prime minister, the mayor of London and other political figures.

[18] Meeting between ND leader and Souflias set for Friday

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

Karamanlis is due to leave Greece for Sofia on Thursday to attend the European People's Party congress and returns on Friday morning to participate in the vote for revising the Constitution in Parliament.

During the meeting, Karamanlis and Souflias are expected to discuss what role the former minister will play in the party following his return after three years, when Karamanlis had expelled him.

Karamanlis had publicly called for Souflias' return while addressing the ND party congress last weekend, while simultaneously apologizing for "difficult decisions" taken in the past.

[19] ND leader says PM has lost control of government

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

Karamanlis said his party's target is to win the next elections and form a self-sufficient, strong, stable and effective government and ruled out the possibility of cooperation with the party of Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos after the elections.

He said Avramopoulos' party, the Movement of Free Citizens, has no prospects, it is a rival party and that he "sees nothing new in program and positions."

Karamanlis also praised Stefanos Manos, leader of the Liberals Party, which is cooperating with ND.

[20] Papantoniou slams 'third-world' opposition

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

Papantoniou made the statements while addressing the prestigious 'Economist' conference on "Leadership Strategy at the Dawn of the 21st century" in Athens.

He said the main opposition was guilty of "black propaganda," particularly in a recent campaign that claimed problems in public sector finances and a creaky budget.

"This recent, intense criticism regarding black holes in the economy shows ignorance, bad faith and makes the critics look ridiculous," he said.

With regard to the government's decision to reallocate funds within the budget in favor of social policy, Papantoniou stressed that this would take place with complete fiscal discipline and that defense spending needs would be fully secured.

Finally, he said that Greece ranked high among EU economies because of the "mixture that makes it up", including 5 per cent growth rates, 2.5 per cent inflation and budgetary surpluses.

He also referred to the significant benefits that would accrue as Greece tapped into the funds of the 3rd Community Support Framework, most of which would be directed to the regions, and expressed confidence that full convergence with EU economies will have been completed by 2010.

[21] Mundell says Greece to achieve full convergence in eurozone next decade

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

Speaking at an Economist conference held in Athens, professor Mundell, who won the Nobel award for Economics in 1999, applauded Greece's economic performance but urged for measures to become more competitive and to promote business activity.

Mundell also referred to the advantages of the country's geopolitical position and possible benefits of hosting the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

Citigroup Europe's chairman, sir Winfried Franz Wilhelm Bishoff, called for the need of speedier privatizations in Greece: Commenting on international economic developments, sir Winfried predicted the US Federal Reserve would decide a 75 basis points cut in interest rates in the next three months, although he did not exclude an even bigger cut if stock prices remained weak.

He also predicted that the European Central Bank would cut its interest rates by 25-50 basis points in the next few months and said the US dollar would ease slightly against the euro currency.

[22] Central Bank governor: Greece must speed up structural changes

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

Papademos noted that, despite recent improvements, Greece had to be more effective in making necessary structural changes than other countries in the EU, in order to have even higher growth rates and achieve convergence with the average among its EU partners.

The fall of euro-zone inflation below 2 per cent as pressure from rising international oil prices subsides, coupled with a lower rate of growth projected for the coming year, would contribute toward this, he added.

Regarding the prospects of the US economy, Papademos forecast that the sudden slowdown would be reversed relatively quickly by the innate resilience and flexibility of the US economy and its fairly broad margins for exercising macro-economic policy.

For within the eurozone, Papademos said that a policy of active support for competitiveness was needed and one that ensured the stability of prices in the medium term.

[23] Greece ranks last among EU members in organic food production

BRUSSELS, 05/04/2001 (ANA - B. Demiris)

Austria ranks first with 8.4 per cent of its arable land dedicated to organic food production, while Greece's 0.4 per cent is well below the European Union's total of 1.8 per cent of arable land.

[24] Listed firms call on gov't to lower tax, release EU funds

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

"If the government follows a policy of reducing tax brackets for listed firms to levels below 25 percent by the end of 2002 to 2003, it will bring a new, spectacular rise in private investment, mergers and acquisitions, dividend returns, demand for shares etc with immediate positive effects on efforts to combat unemployment in Greece," said the association's president, Ion Steriotis in a statement.

The statement was released after a seminar held by the association entitled 2001 Update.

[25] Anomeritis presents fisheries program

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

The fisheries operational program has received the EU's approval.

Beyond higher funding, the program contains two new moves - early retirement and financing for new fisheries, Anomeritis added.

[26] Greece to cut state equity stake in OTE to 36 percent

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

The decision was taken in a meeting between National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis, National Economy Ministry secretary general Spyros Travlos, OTE's chairman Nikos Manassis and the government's advisers Credit Suisse First Boston and UBS Warburg.

A press release after the meeting said that Hellenic Republic would reduce its participation in the equity capital of OTE by approximately 15 percent, with the objective of enhancing the flexibility and competitiveness of the organization and facilitating its swift transition to a deregulated environment.

This development should benefit OTE's customers and shareholders, it said.

OTE also remains open to a strategic alliance that would increase its competitiveness in the context of a continuing consolidation in the international telecommunications market.

Under the proposals made by the government's advisers, the disposal of the 15 percent equity stake would be made through a combination of an exchangeable bond, a structured disposal to certain banking institutions to place shares with investors in the medium-term, given satisfactory market conditions.

This combination will also lead to a proportionate reduction in the Hellenic Republic's representation in OTE's general assembly.

Hellenic Telecoms will continue its announced share repurchase program, for a stake of up to 10 percent of its equity capital.

[27] Greek stocks end roller-coaster session higher

Athens, 05/04/2001 (ANA)

Traders said the market managed to recover from its day's lows helped by strong buying interest in National Bank and other blue chip stocks, and an improvement in international markets' climate.

Analysts welcomed Wednesday's recovery but said it would need several more sessions to draw any safe conclusions for the market's short-term course.

Technical analysis of the market showed that the general index would find support at the 2,800-2,850 level, the highest level of the index in 1998.

The general index ended 0.03 percent higher at 2,967.58 points, off the day's lows of 2,910.93 points. Turnover was a low 149.1 million euros, or 50.4 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.20 percent higher at 1,720.69 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index rose 0.42 percent to 358.84 points.

Sector indices ended as follows: Banks: 6,367.10

+0.45% Telecoms: 968.46 -0.25% Insurance: 1,375.40 -1.37% Investment: 1,104.21 -2.10% Construction: 1,433.91 +0.05% Industrials: 1,805.13 -0.10% Holding: 3,461.69 +0.20% Base metals: 945.02 -0.03% Minerals: 987.21 -0.17% Publishing: 948.06 -0.16% Textiles: 1,143.43 +4.75% Retailing: 1,072.60 -0.99% IT: 1,031.26 -0.24% IT solutions: 88.41 -0.78% Wholesale: 905.44 +1.32% Food and Beverage: 843.39 -0.49%

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 320.13 points, up 0.57 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 221 to 111 with another 23 issues unchanged.

Kekrops, Atemke, Athenian Holdings, Agrinio Metalplastics, Intersat, Mouriadis, Naoussa Spinning, Sigalas, Micromedia and Maxim scored the biggest percentage gains, while Multirama, Despec, ErgoInvest, Desmos, Michaniki, ANEK Lines, Interamerican Life, Akritas, Boutaris and Attica Publications suffered the heaviest losses.

Hellenic Telecoms, Naoussa Spinning, Alpha Bank and Commercial Bank were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in euros): National Bank: 38.28 Alpha Bank: 29.16 Commercial Bank: 50.32 Eurobank: 17.24 Piraeus Bank: 12.56 Lambrakis Press: 12.60 Altec: 6.96 Intrasoft: 11.04 Titan Cement (c): 37.50 Hellenic Telecoms: 14.90 Panafon: 5.90 Hellenic Petroleum: 8.66 Attica Enterprises: 7.84 Intracom: 18.54 Mytilineos: 7.56 Minoan Lines: 4.80 Viohalco: 10.56 Coca Cola HBC: 14.72

Bond prices nose down in brisk trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Wednesday finished slightly lower in heavy trade.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.30 percent from 5.29 percent a day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 58 basis points from 56 basis points in the session before.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.3 billion euros (446 billion drachmas) from 645 million euros (220 billion drachmas) in the trading day before.

Sell orders accounted for 825 million euros of turnover.

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

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.20 percent up, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.42 percent higher.

Turnover was 59.3 million euros on 10,333 contracts traded, the dealers said.

[28] World Council of Churches calls for respect of human rights in Cyprus

NICOSIA, 05/04/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking before the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, Rumbiak said the Council "has repeatedly expressed its belief that the continuation of the status quo in Cyprus that dates back to the invasion and occupation of 37 percent of the island by Turkish armed forces, is unacceptable".

He added that the Turkish invasion and occupation violate "not only the sovereignty and unity of Cyprus but also the fundamental human rights of its people, including the right to more than two hundred thousand refugees to return to their homes and the rights of all Cypriots to freedom of movement and settlement and to hold property".

Rumbiak said the World Council of Churches would place special focus on country-specific human rights situations addressed by the recent meeting of its Central Committee, which includes Cyprus.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded the island. They continue to occupy its northern areas, in violation of repeated UN resolutions calling for their withdrawal.

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