Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-05-11

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier calls for open, sincere dialogue on social security reform

[02] Defense minister defends Greece's right to fortify Dodecannese islands

[03] Greek Orthodox prelate visits Greek expatriates in St. Petersburg

[04] New Zealand PM Helen Clark to visit Greece, attend Battle of Crete commemorations

[05] Tunisian President to pay state visit to Greece next week

[06] Opinion poll puts New Democracy in lead, Simitis-Karamanlis tied for best choice for PM

[07] ND deputy disputes fine imposed for election finance misconduct

[08] Greek hospital workers strike over social insurance, conditions

[09] Olympic Airways pilots stage work stoppages on Friday, Monday

[10] Athens attorneys back to work on Monday

[11] Greece to begin auction of 3G licenses in July

[12] Intracom, Intrasoft unveil merger plan

[13] Greek farm exports rise, minister says

[14] Northern Greek business delegation to Japan

[15] Bill to deregulate domestic passenger shipping is tabled in Parliament

[16] Greece's Capital Markets' Commission reviews plan on margin account

[17] Lavipharm Laboratories sign cooperation deal with GlaxoSmithKline

[18] Greek stocks end mixed to lower in thin trade

[19] New research results utilization program enacts incentives for young scientists

[20] Education minister expresses certainty that bill will be passed

[21] The future of the European Union discussed in conference in Greece

[22] Prince of Wales departs from Mount Athos on Thursday

[23] EU police force to be comprised of 5,000 men and should be ready by 2003

[24] International conference focuses on digital technology and its repercussions

[25] Patriarchate's "Lords and Officials" arrive in Istanbul on annual pilgrimage

[26] All museums and archaeological sites free on May 18

[27] European court convicts Turkey for human rights violations in Cyprus

[01] Premier calls for open, sincere dialogue on social security reform

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

In first addressing the 300-deputy Parliament, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said he would take "personal responsibility" for a just reform of the country's ailing social security and pension system, while at the same time ensuring "the public character of and state support for" the social insurance system.

Additionally, he said "solidarity among the generations" was mandatory so that economic growth isn�t undermined.

"I call on all agencies and organizations to an open and sincere dialogue on all issues without prerequisites and without evasions," Simitis said, adding that "the vast majority of our society demands of us all such a process".

Simitis called for agreement amongst political parties, trade unions as well as labor and employers' organizations, before accusing the main opposition New Democracy party (ND) of maintaining a "timid and hypocritical silence".

He cited as an example of New Democracy's stance a document presented by the party on the Internet regarding the social security system and the economy, which he said "proposed reduction of pensions and increase of the retirement age" and painted the 1960-1980 period as the most robust for the Greek economy.

"You disown the policy of the (Constantine) Mitsotakis government (1990-93), and consider correct the 20-year period of royal governments and the colonels (the 1967-74 military junta)," Simitis said.

He noted that the ND web page mentioning the social security system had already been withdrawn and predicted that by tomorrow (Friday), the same Internet site on the economy would follow suit.

Simitis further said his PASOK government was credited with Greece's entry into European Monetary Union, although warning that this was not enough, "because the government's target is to materialize a plan for social progress, humanity and solidarity". The premier also said that the dialogue over the social security problem should be bound by a framework that includes the demographic problem, social justice, securing the rights of those that have approached the pension age now, solidarity among generations and securing that development would not be hindered because of this problem and state funding.

Karamanlis: Taking the podium after Simitis, main opposition ND leader Costas Karamanlis said the premier's speech included "fanaticism as the last plank of salvation to tidy up things that can't be fixed."

As far as the social security system is concerned, Karamanlis said a lasting solution would be found from economic growth, which leads to more job openings, an increased number of insured wage earners and the inclusion of undocumented foreign workers into the system.

Additionally, he proposed a return to the social security reforms enacted during a ND government between 1990-92, the operational restructuring of pension funds, as well as the unification of related funds after a previous dialogue on the matter is held. In touching on what he called Greece's economic and social conditions, Karamanlis referred to a "profound crisis, massive structural weaknesses, dependencies and inflexibility that reveal a last placed economy in Europe."

The ND leader pointed to reports by the OECD and IMF disputing government projections of 5 percent growth for the Greek economy, while citing a significant loss of tax revenue in the process.

He also called the surplus envisioned for the state budget as existing only on paper and criticized the government for what he called legislative provisions turning budget liabilities into a "hidden debt."

Papariga, Constantopoulos: Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga, meanwhile, said her party will not participate in what she called a "dialogue of pretences", while charging that both ruling PASOK and main opposition ND are promoting "anti-popular proposals that favor big capital".

"We won't accept any proposal that erodes working people's interests," she said, adding that the problems with the pension funds stems from mismanagement.

Papariga said ruling PASOK cannot criticized ND because there is no difference between the two parties, adding that it was saddening to hear arguments from the past used today against the main opposition. Along those lines, she said ND was also not entitled to criticize PASOK because it favors the same policy vis-a-vis working people.

In focusing directly on the social security system, the Communist party leader proposed more contribution by the state and employers, abolition of various state-enacted cuts for contributions, an increase in the corporate and business tax rate, reimbursement of funds lost by the state-run funds on the Athens bourse, inclusion into the system of some two million uninsured individuals as well as a reduction of defense spending allocated towards NATO needs.

Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) president Nikos Constantopoulos also charged that the prime minister reacted to the main opposition's criticism in a "bygone manner".

"You should respond, not to ND's criticism, but that of working people, society, the trade unions and the left," he said.

Constantopoulos added that for dialogue to have any meaning the government must first commit to a permanent funding of social security from the state budget.

"We won't support a discussion that links social security with the government's 'bogus' economic indicators," he charged.

In response to the opposition's charges, Simitis charged that ND leader Karamanlis played the role of a "Cassandra, with danger-mongering arguments". He also said the OECD has over the past few years certified that Greek economic figures are satisfactory and that no "hidden debts" exist.

Greece's bloated social security system and a set of announced government measures to reform the system came under heavy scrutiny late last month, sparking a firestorm of criticism by labor groups, the opposition as well as PASOK cadres.

After the labor minister announced that the government was "freezing" the proposals - which included raising the retirement age and lower certain future pensions -- Simitis called on the opposition, trade unions and other social partners to table their proposals on reforms.

In an address to his ruling party's Parliamentary group one week later, Simitis referred to an "across-the-board" dialogue "without any preconditions".

He had also forecast that expenditures for pensions would increase by seven trillion drachmas between 2010 and 2020; as much as 40 trillion between 2020 and 2030. (One euro equals 340.75 drachmas)

"If we left the system as is today, someone that began working in the '90s would face a dismal reality when they retired, and that is something we must prevent," he said at the time.

National economy minister: National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, while addressing the Parliament, accused ND for a systematic effort to worsen the economic climate of the country, aiming to drive away investors, cause a drop of the Athens Stock Exchange index and drop the government.

He said that data used by ND were false and empty of content, reiterating that 2001 is the best year regarding the performance of the Greek economy for the past 30 years.

He stressed that the government budgeted more than a trillion drachmas for the social security funds of the country, with the lion's share given to the farmers� security and pension fund (OGA) totaling 795 billion drachmas.

[02] Defense minister defends Greece's right to fortify Dodecannese islands

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

The Greek defense minister also said that the explanation for the Turkish refusal was outdated and baseless as with the "Treaty of Paris of 1947 Greece annexed the Dodecannese Islands from Italy as a victorious force of World War II. Turkey was not a co-signer of the Treaty nor is there an article in that treaty prescribing rights toward the interests of third parties, thus (Turkey) does not have the right to react".

He added that Italy and Greece are the only countries that are involved in the Paris Treaty for the Dodecannese, and they never accepted the status of demilitarization prescribed by the treaty for northern Italian borders or the Dodecannese.

For this reason, Tsohatzopoulos said, these countries have a sufficient military presence one in northern Italy and the other in Dodecannese, based on their right to defend themselves.

Communists demonstrate during US envoy visit: US Ambassador to Greece Nicholas Burns, visiting the island of Rhodes on the occasion of the arrival of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier "Harry Truman", was confronted by a group of Communist Party of Greece (KKE) members who raised a banner and shouted anti-American slogans as he emerged from a tavern on Wednesday.

Burns walked calmly into the street without any further incident.

The demonstrators then headed for the port, where members of the aircraft carrier's crew were disembarking, and hoisted the banner with the anti-American slogans again.

Earlier, Burns had visited Lindos and the medieval town. He called at the Synagogue in the medieval town, the Ibrahim Mosque and the Castle of the Knights and left for Athens later in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, a statement Burns reportedly made during a reception on the aircraft carrier on Wednesday night drew reaction from KKE and the Coalition of the Left and Progress.

In an announcement by the Dodecannese prefecture on the event, Burns reportedly said "the Marshall Plan contributed to the relegation of communists from Greece."

Later, the prefecture withdrew the announcement, while the interpreter at the event did not refer to "talk about communists" while translating Burns's address and none of the Greek guests reacted.

Both KKE and the Coalition party issued a protest for what Burns reportedly said.

Turkish air force violates Greek national airspace on seven occasions: The Turkish air force made new violations of Greek national airspace on Thursday, according to press reports.

A total of 10 Turkish aircraft made five infringements of air traffic rules in the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR), which developed into seven violations of national airspace in the regions of the islands of Lesvos and Kastelorizo. Greek aircraft took off immediately and intercepted the Turkish aircraft in all cases.

The reports said the Turkish aircraft were unarmed, while no engagements took place during their interception.

[03] Greek Orthodox prelate visits Greek expatriates in St. Petersburg

MOSCOW, 11/05/2001 (ANA - M. Papoutsaki)

"Greece is at a very good level, higher than that of Russia and for good reason it attracts immigrants," he said.

He congratulated the Greek expatriates living in Russia for maintaining the customs they inherited from their forefathers, adding that "the person that forgets his roots has no future".

"Greeks are ecumenical peoples, they never had any chauvinist attitudes. The Greeks always had and continue to have open horizons. The Church was always a very important in saving the elements of our identity. The same it true now and will continue to be so in the future," Christodoulos said.

Greek Consul in St. Petersburg Dimitris Yiannoulis welcomed the Greek prelate in the consulate and also discussed the issue of immigration from Russia to Greece.

Earlier in the day the Archbishop visited the Academy of Theology, which has been active for the past 275 years and was attended by many Greek students.

He also visited the Cathedral of Mary the Virgin of Khazan, which was a museum until 1996, but regained its initial function.

Ecumenical Patriarch always welcome in Greece, says Reppas: Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos is a spiritual leader who enjoys worldwide respect and is always welcome in Greece, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said on Thursday.

The spokesman was responding to questions on an article that quotes Lesvos Prefect Dimitris Vounatsos as saying that Vartholomeos was "persona non grate" in the Lesvos capital Mytilene.

[04] New Zealand PM Helen Clark to visit Greece, attend Battle of Crete commemorations

MELBOURNE, 11/05/2001 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

Clark is due to arrive on May 17, accompanied by a large delegation of New Zealand businessmen and New Zealand veterans who fought in the Battle of Crete during World War II.

Clark and the New Zealand business delegation will hold meetings with Greek government officials to discuss commercial and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Australia's minister for veterans, Bruce Scott, will also be coming to Greece to attend the Battle of Crete commemorations, accompanied by Australian officials and 22 veterans, aged 78-85, who fought in the Battle of Crete, in Cyprus and elsewhere in Greece during WWII.

The Battle of Crete took place in May 1941 when Australian, New Zealand, British and Greek forces that had retreated to the island of Crete fought alongside the local population against the invading Nazi forces. Crete was the last part of Greece to come under German occupation, and losses were heavy on both sides during the famous battle, in which Germany deployed the largest number of paratroopers in World War II.

It is considered the most crucial battle of World War II, as it delayed the German attack on Russia long enough for the Wehrmacht to be caught in the Russian winter.

[05] Tunisian President to pay state visit to Greece next week

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

[06] Opinion poll puts New Democracy in lead, Simitis-Karamanlis tied for best choice for PM

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

The poll, conducted by phone on a nationwide sampling of 1,300 people, showed ND leading with 34.4 percent against 25.3 percent for PASOK.

At the same time, premier Simitis and ND leader Karamanlis were tied in first place, with 46.8 percent each, as being the "most appropriate for prime minister".

According to the poll results, which were released Wednesday night on NET state television channel, 46.8 percent of respondents felt that PASOK had the most prospects for winning general elections with its present leader (Simitis), against 41 percent who felt it had the most prospects with a different leader.

Also, 49.3 percent of respondents were dissatisfied with the government and 25.3 percent were rather dissatisfied, while 70 percent felt PASOK had shown itself at its worst over the last year and 57.2 percent felt that the ruling party's senior officials were not helping the premier as much as they should.

In addition, 71 percent of respondents felt criticism against the government on its proposed social security reforms was justified, while 47.5 percent felt that things would have been the same if New Democracy was in government.

The poll further showed that 29 percent of respondents believed the premier should go ahead with a Cabinet reshuffle, 14.5 percent felt he should convene an extraordinary PASOK Congress, and 27.4 percent felt he should call early general elections.

As for the prime minister's profile, 64.6 percent of respondents believed that Simitis is aware of the problems, 56.9 percent that he is modern, 51.4 percent that he has a vision for the country, and 52.8 percent that he is moderate while, on the negative side, 52.2 percent felt he is uncompromising, 50.5 percent ineffective, and an overwhelming 78.5 percent that he is distanced from the problems faced by the people, a percentage obviously influenced by the social security reforms turmoil.

Gov't spokesman comments: The most recent nationwide poll gauging citizens' political preferences was unveiled this week, followed by statements from the government spokesman.

Reppas emphasized that polls are something very different than elections, whose result lasts for four years.

"A vote isn't taken back, while one's opinion from poll to poll can easily change", he said, adding that falling numbers for ruling PASOK, as ostensibly recorded by the latest poll, emanate from an "unfavorable juncture".

[07] ND deputy disputes fine imposed for election finance misconduct

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

Kaklamanis, who is listed among deputies fined for an excess in their election expenditures, is protesting because, as he says, the relevant Parliament committee did not ask him to produce the revenues and expenditures receipts missing from his statement.

"My mistake was evidently that I had the honesty to declare the amount of four million without receipts. I am indifferent about the fine, but I am not indifferent at all about my personal credibility," Kaklamanis says.

In a related development, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said on Thursday the decision on the election expenditures of parties and candidates with which stiff fines are imposed on offenders proves that the law is functioning.

He said the functioning of the law "should satisfy all", adding that this "constitutes the best reply to those who are grumbling."

[08] Greek hospital workers strike over social insurance, conditions

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

Their main demands were linked to the government's proposals for the social insurance system, and for better working conditions at Greece's public hospitals.

In the rest of the country, meanwhile, unions had called a 24-hour strike and hospitals were again manned with skeleton staff.

Health-sector workers in Athens met for a protest rally in Mavilis Square and a march to the Finance and Health ministries, flanked by 20 EKAB ambulances, while doctors at a twin march in Thessaloniki sported black balloons.

Meanwhile, officials from the health ministry were attempting to reach a compromise with the unions and the president of Athens' Laiko Hospital, where staff have been receiving only emergency cases since Monday in protest over poor conditions.

Attica Health Council head Lykourgos Liaropoulos met with the director of Laiko Hospital Ioannis Papadopoulos on Thursday morning. After the meeting, he said that the way the duty roster for Athens hospitals was drawn up would be changed, in order to deal with the "camp-bed" phenomenon - where hospitals were forced to deal with greater numbers of patients than they had room for.

Regarding the staff shortages at Laiko, he said that these would be partly dealt with through new staff to be taken on by the health ministry in the coming months.

Papadopoulos, even though he criticized the staff's labor action as illegal, admitted that there were staff shortages, especially of nursing staff, and that the hospital's CAT scanner was under-operating because they did not have a doctor on a 24-hour basis.

He also assured staff that back pay due to them was being processed by the Finance ministry and that they would have their money by Monday.

Health care unions in Thessaloniki, meanwhile, reported a good turnout for the work stoppage called on Thursday, despite the poor showing at the Wednesday night rally, where wet weather discouraged a higher attendance.

Among the demands made by workers at public hospitals is a 100,000 drachmas monthly bonus for support and cleaning staff at hospitals and a 70,000 drachma bonus for administrative, technical and other staff. They also want the percentage of additional pay for holidays and night work doubled through the collective agreement.

In addition, they demand that an additional 5,000 people be hired in the health and welfare sector and an extra 1,000 to the ambulance service by 2002, as well as another 5,000 staff to fill permanent positions over the next four years.

[09] Olympic Airways pilots stage work stoppages on Friday, Monday

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

Representatives of the national carrier, which is currently being privatized, failed to attend an arbitration meeting, instead resorting to the courts in a bid to have the strikes declared illegal.

[10] Athens attorneys back to work on Monday

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

The same Bar Association voted to participate in a nationwide strike called for May 17 by the country's trade and civil servants' unions.

[11] Greece to begin auction of 3G licenses in July

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

The auction will include four third generation licenses and a second-generation license.

Starting price for each license was set at 50 billion drachmas, while for the second-generation license the price was set at five billion drachmas (the price could fall to one billion if a bidder was a new company).

Third generation (3G) services will be available to the public from 2002, the commission said.

Users of 3G mobile phones will have worldwide communication access with full voice and data services, of low cost and high quality and with fast transmission speed.

From available services the most popular were expected to be data file transmission services, such as video-clips. Analysts expect that by the year 2010 around 1.7 billion people will use third generation telephony around the world.

The Greek market is responding positively to new technologies when the necessary conditions to develop such services are ensured. The transition to the 3G technology is expected to be gradual, with the majority of mobile telephone users (around eight million) expected to use the second generation (GSM) infrastructure technology by up to 2005, with the necessary 3G infrastructure developing in parallel.

Wireless connections are currently exceeding fixed-telephony connections in Greece.

Licensing procedures: Each candidate will have to submit sealed bids to participate in the auction. The 3G and GSM auctions will be held separately. The National Telecommunications and Posts Commission aims to create a four-company market in 3G mobile telephony, with alternative scenarios for the creation of a three- or a two-company market in Greece.

Payment terms envisages full payment in three installments, with the first within 20 days following completion of the auction covering 40 percent of the bid price (in case of a four-company market), 70 percent (in case of a three-company market) and 100 percent (in case of a two-company market).

The second installment envisages annual interest-free payments starting 2005 and covering 60 percent of the bid price (under the first scenario), or 30 percent under the second scenario.

The third installment envisages payment of an annual sum accounting to 2.0 percent of turnover starting from 2005.

The GSM license auction will be paid in full within 20 days from completion of licensing procedures.

[12] Intracom, Intrasoft unveil merger plan

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

In a letter to the Athens Stock Exchange on Thursday, the two companies said their market valuation, based on Ernst & Young's estimates, could be set at 4.8 to 1.

A final approval of the merger terms is expected by end June by the two companies' boards.

[13] Greek farm exports rise, minister says

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

The minister attributed the rise to growing demand from countries in the European Union and Eastern Europe.

Apple exports have risen by 100 percent against the same period of last year, marking the steepest rise, he told reporters.

[14] Northern Greek business delegation to Japan

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

The Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Jetro, Japan�s trade promotion group organize the trip. It falls under the Greek national economy ministry's Hermes action plan for the two countries.

In 1999, Greek exports to Japan totalled 12.6 billion yen, up 29.7 percent from a year earlier. The value of imports from Japan fell by 3.8 percent in 1999 to total 118 billion yen, according to the Greek embassy in Tokyo.

[15] Bill to deregulate domestic passenger shipping is tabled in Parliament

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

According to the bill all domestic passenger shipping will be deregulated by November 1, 2001 and all European Union ship-owners will have the right to provide such services in Greece.

The bill provides that all ships entering passenger transport services will have carry a Greek or an EU member-state flag, while only in the event that there are not enough ships available to serve routes that carry the aforementioned flags then and only then could ships that carry flags of third country enter service.

[16] Greece's Capital Markets' Commission reviews plan on margin account

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

Under the amended terms, the Commission accepts that uncovered buying positions were offset with stock selling within a three day deadline and withdraws a 90-day ban on transaction in cases when an investor has not repaid his loan in due time.

The controversial clause has led to confusion among investors in recent weeks because it envisaged, among others, that a securities firm could sell off non-repaid stock shares.

Market sources said the issue likely to be resolved following the implementation of a margin account system on the Athens bourse was investors' debtor accounts to securities firms, estimated around 40-42 billion drachmas.

[17] Lavipharm Laboratories sign cooperation deal with GlaxoSmithKline

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

Under the terms of the agreement, Lavipharm will develop and supply its patented patch for youth skins to GSK. The product will be included in GSK's OXY line of products for sale in the UK market under the name OXY Dots.

Thanassis Lavidas, Lavipharm Group chairman and chief executive, said the agreement was the beginning of a wider cooperation between the two groups.

[18] Greek stocks end mixed to lower in thin trade

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

Traders said selling of blue chip stocks by foreign institutional investors reversed an initial recovery trend in the market, although the telecommunications sector was strong. Investors remained on the sidelines awaiting developments on the implementation of a margin account trading system, while the Greek bourse closed slightly before a decision by the European Central Bank to cut eurozone interest rates by 25 basis points.

The general index ended 0.05 percent lower at 3,112.90 points, off the day's highs of 3,154.93 points, with turnover a low 157.28 million euros, or 53.59 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 0.41 percent lower at 1,820.84 points, and the FTSE/ASE 40 index rose 0.20 percent to 357.01 points.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 306.26 points, off 0.03 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 173 to 136 with another 47 issues unchanged.

Korfil, Axon Holdings, Naftemporiki, Stabilton, Plias, Aloumil, Kathimerini, Xifias, Pairis and Mevaco scored the biggest percentage gains, while Unibrain, Viosol, Desmos, Athenian Holdings, Mosholios, Benroubi, Sound & Vision and Spider suffered the heaviest losses.

Doudos, National Bank, Alpha Bank, Commercial Bank and Coca Cola HBC were the most heavily traded stocks.

Leading shares' closing prices (in euros): National Bank: 41.82 Alpha Bank: 30.58 Commercial Bank: 52.14 Egnatia Bank: 5.46 Eurobank: 16.72 Piraeus Bank: 13.92 Lambrakis Press: 12.38 Altec: 6.18 Intrasoft: 9.50 Technodomiki: 7.32 Titan Cement: 40.02 Hellenic Telecoms: 15.92 Panafon: 7.10 Hellenic Petroleum: 9.06 Attica Enterprises: 8.40 Intracom: 19.80 Mytilineos: 7.74 Minoan Lines: 4.80 Viohalco: 11.18 Coca Cola HBC: 15.72

Equity futures pick up steam: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange mostly finished higher on Thursday, roughly in line with the bourse indices on which they are based, traders said.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 0.41 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 0.20 percent higher.

Traded were 8,313 contracts on turnover of 64.5 million euros.

Bond prices rise in record-breaking volume: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Thursday finished higher in record-breaking trade with a drop in European Central Bank rates spurring buying and then selling in short-term profit-taking.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.44 percent from 5.45 percent a day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 51 basis points, the same as in the previous three sessions.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 2.470 billion euros (841 billion drachmas) from 1.1 billion euros (375 billion drachmas) in the trading day before.

Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[19] New research results utilization program enacts incentives for young scientists

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, speaking at a conference at the National Research Foundation on Thursday on "New technologies-Strengthening technologies", where the program's main points were presented, said the new program's ambition is to provide incentives and means to the country's young talented researcher and scientist to enable him to test his possibilities in the business sector, far from university laboratories and research centers.

He added that in this way the country's scientific and research potential will turn in the direction of its transformation into an economic force, which will change the country's prospects of economic development for the better.

The purpose of the program is the creation and development of new business activities in Greece, aimed at exploiting knowledge produced in research laboratories by people of a high level of scientific and technical training.

[20] Education minister expresses certainty that bill will be passed

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

Protests over the bill have come to a head in the past few days, as the bill will soon be voted on in Parliament.

Efthymiou said he was certain the bill would be passed, and warned TEI administrators that they would then have to rush to implement the measures it introduced.

Talking about the reactions of the academic community - which included the resignation of the prestigious Athens Polytechnic's dean on Wednesday and threatened closures of universities and TEIs - the minister claimed that the protests were not universal but "carried out by a certain section" of the academic community.

Efthymiou then went on the attack, noting that universities had failed to fill vacant teaching positions. He said that of the 300 new jobs approved by his predecessor Gerassimos Arsenis, only 35 had been filled by last December. He called on TEIs to "surpass" themselves in this area and absorb all the positions made available.

Reactions to the government's new education bill snowballed on Wednesday as the debate on upgrading TEIs to the same rank as universities began in Parliament.

Under the provisions of the bill, the qualifications awarded by TEIs would be considered equivalent to a first degree from university and allow their holders to apply for post-graduate courses.

Themistocles Xanthopoulos, dean of the Metsovian Polytechnic in Athens, submitted his resignation in protest, closely followed by the vice-dean in charge of the Metsovian's economic planning and development, Simos Simopoulos.

Speaking in Parliament, meanwhile, Efthymiou had claimed that the upgrade was a "mature right" of TEI schools, in line with the practice in all other EU countries.

An important amendment submitted the minister on Wednesday organized one that would allow TEI departments to participate in the running of post-graduate courses by domestic or equivalent foreign universities, where the university awards the degrees.

One of the key objections of TEI teaching staff to the bill is the fact that it forbids TEIs from offering or running such courses.

Protests: Teaching staff at TEIs said they would stay away from classes starting from Wednesday, while TEI administrations have decided to close the schools down on Thursday and Friday. TEI teachers and students marched to Parliament earlier on Wednesday, to protest the bill.

Universities will join the fray on May 16 and 17 with a 48-hour strike, demanding that each of the TEI schools be individually assessed before they are upgraded.

Regarding the assessment of the country's higher educational institutes, he said that this would be completed by 2005, beginning with TEIs and new university departments.

In Thessaloniki, meanwhile, there was a large turnout for a protest rally by university teachers and students ordered by the faculty of the city's Aristotelian University in Chimiou Square at noon. The rally was followed by a march to the Macedonia-Thrace ministry. The university has also decided to suspend the operation of the university from Thursday until May 16.

Reactions to the bill from the academic community have been constant since it was first announced in February. Universities closed down for three days in April when the bill was again being debated in Parliament. One of the key demands made by academics is that each institute be individually assessed before being upgraded, to ensure that minimum standards are maintained.

The most recent backlash to the bill was the resignation, en masse, of the Thessaloniki TEI administrative council last week.

[21] The future of the European Union discussed in conference in Greece

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

Speakers focused on the Union's need for a new European-wide social contract and a common political identity, as the economic integration efforts have yielded results.

The conference will discuss the concern of youths for the future of the Union, especially in light of the Nice summit conclusions.

[22] Prince of Wales departs from Mount Athos on Thursday

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

Bad weather on the Athos peninsula prevented Britain's Prince Charles from visiting the surrounding monasteries as he had planned, nor to oversee the work for the maintenance and opening of footpaths by the UK group 'Friends of Mount Athos', of which he is a patron.

The prince spent the day reading within the quarters set aside for him and his entourage in the monastery, and confined himself to a few short walks within the monastery itself.

[23] EU police force to be comprised of 5,000 men and should be ready by 2003

BRUSSELS, 11/05/2001 (ANA - Y. Zitouniati)

As already determined at the Feira summit in June, 2000, the force will be composed of 5,000 men, 1,000 of whom will be able to be deployed over a period of 30 days, while it will have to be in a state of readiness in its entirety by 2003.

Greece, represented at the meeting by Greek Police (ELAS) Chief George Georgakopoulos, will participate in the European police force with 150 men.

Solana expressed satisfaction over the rate of preparation and, referring to the situation in Kosovo, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and the Balkans in general, said the creation of the force is a necessity and not a "theoretical exercise."

He further said a special unit would be created to safeguard the police force's effective operation and coordination between the political and military aspects of crises.

Issues concerning the specialization of policemen who will participate in the European force, and logistical support to be required, will be determined at a special meeting to be held in autumn.

The creation of a European police force has many more difficulties than a corresponding military one, according to diplomatic sources, due to differences in the model of police organization in member-states.

[24] International conference focuses on digital technology and its repercussions

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

Individual issues to be examined range from the Internet's philosophical and moral dimensions, from its utopias and realities to the influence of television.

University professors and scientists from many parts of the world will try to provide answers for such issues in the framework of the conference, as well as for other questions such as how predictable can the future be in the informatics society and what can be the future, content and function of democracy and institutions.

Outlining dangers entailed by new technologies with the easy creation of truths or the manipulation of concepts, government spokesman and Press Minister Dimitris Reppas said the creation of an informatics society, which will be democratic, and which will focus on man is necessary.

[25] Patriarchate's "Lords and Officials" arrive in Istanbul on annual pilgrimage

ISTANBUL, 11/05/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

They will participate in the Vespers service in the Holy Trinity Monastery on Halki Island, Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos officiating in the ceremony.

On Sunday, the Patriarch will lead a liturgy service for the Lords and Officials and then will inaugurate a painting exhibition by Aliki Tomprou, where he will attend a concert performed by the minor Hellenic Radio and Television musical group.

[26] All museums and archaeological sites free on May 18

Athens, 11/05/2001 (ANA)

According to the International Council of Museums (ICOM), this year's focus will be on the role of museums and their manifold contributions to contemporary society.

The main celebration for 2001 will be held at the Institute of Peloponnesian Folklore in Nafplion, which will also feature a round-table discussion by museum representatives and speeches by Culture Ministry General Secretary Lina Mendoni, Euro-MP Myrsini Zorba and the president of the Greek branch of ICOM, Nikos Zias.

[27] European court convicts Turkey for human rights violations in Cyprus

STRASBOURG, 11/05/2001 (ANA - V. Demiris)

An overwhelming majority arrived at the Court�s ruling, as 16 judges voted for conviction and only one was against.

The case was brought before the Court by the Cyprus government, which argued that the 27-year-old Turkish occupation of the northern part of the island violated most of the rights enshrined in the European Human Rights Convention.

In its case, Cyprus argued that Turkey has violated several articles of the European Human Rights Convention involving the living conditions of the Greek Cypriots enclaved in the occupied part of the island, rights of displaced Greek Cypriots and missing persons since the invasion.

The Court held a public hearing to deliver its judgment, attended by Cyprus Attorney General Alecos Markides.

Markides later described the European Court of Human Rights decision as a "triumph" and said "it constitutes Cyprus' biggest legal battle against Turkey since 1974", when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37 percent of the island's territory.

Speaking to reporters, Markides said "it is binding for all Council of Europe member states and is the biggest and most serious case ever to have been tried by a European court, since the establishment of the Council of Europe (CoE) in 1950".

Referring to the Court's decision, Markides said Turkey was found guilty, among other charges, for violation of the rights of Greek Cypriot refugees to their property and the right to return to their homes in the occupied north.

He said the Court also ruled that Turkey has violated the right to life and the right for personal freedom of the persons missing since the Turkish invasion and for persistently denying an adequate investigation into their fate.

The Attorney General said Ankara was found guilty of violating the rights of the relatives of missing persons because its refusal to inform them of their fate violates article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights.

He added that Turkey was also found guilty of violating the rights of some 500 Greek Cypriots enclaved in the Turkish occupied north.

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article