Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-05-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek FM addresses Washington Council of Foreign Relations

[02] State Department denies policing of Greek territory by U.S. services

[03] Communist party leader calls Greece an employee of the U.S. in Balkans

[04] Greek, Croatian presidents agree on ways to confront Balkan problems

[05] Defense minister defends decision to hire professional troops

[06] European Parliaments asked to move on release of Turkish prisoners

[07] Turkish FM reiterates threats against Cyprus's EU accession

[08] Gov't: Memorandum in legal battle with ex-royal family submitted

[09] PM meets with defense and finance ministers

[10] Stathopoulos disavows civil marriage issue after meeting with PM

[11] Simitis has two-hour meeting with Interior minister

[12] PASOK central committee meeting next month to focus on social security issue

[13] Coalition of the Left leader says democracy being 'desensitized'

[14] Cyprus parliament delegation received by Patriarch in Istanbul

[15] Athens mayor receives visiting Patriarch of Alexandria

[16] Trade unions reiterate conditions not good for dialogue on social security reform

[17] Greece the only EU country with growth rate accelerating, minister says

[18] OTE Consulting founds Bulgarian subsidiary AB&TS

[19] Lone bidder pulls out of tender for state trade fair organizer

[20] EU agriculture ministers discuss reshaping sugar status and 'mad cow' issues

[21] Greek-Canadian Congress assembly to focus on 'Building Canada-Economic relations with Greece'

[22] Athens bourse wants to attract more investment cash

[23] Blue chips push ASE to a higher close

[24] Commission issues directive simplifying regulations of internal immigration

[25] Second chance for green cards to undocumented immigrants set to begin on June 2

[26] Parliament deputies table bill to draw distinction between soft and hard narcotics

[27] Laliotis and Papantoniou discuss 2004 Olympics budget, public investments

[28] Culture ministry to bring Greek people closer to lesser known sports

[29] British disaster, emergency medicine expert to meet with ATHOC officials

[30] Spokesman says ECHR rulings must be respected

[01] Greek FM addresses Washington Council of Foreign Relations

WASHINGTON, 24/05/2001 (ANA - M. Savva)

Papandreou, who is in the US for a five-day visit that began on Monday, delivered his "Greece's foreign policy: goals and strategy" speech on Tuesday, before an audience of US government officials, academics and representatives of US think tanks.

Outlining the problems of the surrounding region, Papandreou focused on Greece as a member of the European Union and answered questions on how Greece could help lead the Balkans out of the current crisis.

The Greek minister found himself facing an audience containing several prestigious figures, such as Stephen Larrabee of the Rand Corporation, Helmut Sonnenfeldt of The Brookings Institution and others, while a lively discussion ensued that covered most topics concerning Greek-US bilateral relations, relations between the US and Europe, the future of NATO and the prospects of the EU.

The talks also gave Papandreou an opportunity to answer questions on the progress of Greek-Turkish rapprochement and to identify those issues that Athens considers 'non-negotiable'.

Papandreou particularly noted Greek investments in Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), stressing the need for further development in those areas.

During his speech, the minister reiterated standing Greek positions regarding respect for existing borders, democratic institutions and human rights and referred to collaboration between Balkan countries to combat organized crime and implement the Balkan Stability Pact.

AHEPA dinner: During a dinner given later on Tuesday for Papandreou and the Greek delegation by the American Hellenic Educational and Progressive Association (AHEPA), US Ambassador to Athens Nicholas Burns spoke warmly about the Greek government and Prime Minister Costas Simitis and welcomed the presence of the Greek foreign minister.

Burns, who is shortly to be transferred from Athens to a new post in Brussels, described Papandreou's visit to Washington as 'very successful' and said it reinforced the already close ties between Greece and the US even further.

"I feel respect for Prime Minister Costas Simitis and his government, with whom I have had excellent cooperation until now," he added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Papandreou had the opportunity to meet editors of major US newspapers and brief them on regional issues.

He is due to speak at the Woodrow Wilson Center on Wednesday.

Papandreou denies reports claiming US requests over anti-terrorism operations: Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Wednesday denied press reports that US officials have requested that American agencies conduct anti-terrorism investigations on Greek soil.

He said such reports were baseless, stressing that Greece, as a democratic country with democratic institutions, has every reason to make the combating of terrorism a priority.

"This decision (to combat terrorism) by the Greek government has been understood by the Greek people. Greece has outgrown its complex of dependence with other countries. Greece discusses all issues of cooperation with other countries, including with the United States," Papandreou said.

Additionally, he said Greek authorities are sincerely discussing the issue with their American counterparts in order to resolve a "very real problem".

"Without (psychological) complexes we have a substantial and positive cooperation," the Greek FM said, stressing that during his visit in the United States a variety of important issues were discussed, while stressing that saying that terrorism was the most important issue discussed would be a mistake.

He also said US officials outlined their positions regarding terrorism in Greece as well as Athens' efforts to combat the problem in the recent US State Department report covering the east Mediterranean country. The report praised Greece's anti-terrorism efforts and bilateral cooperation on the matter.

Gov't: Meanwhile, in Athens, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said that no such request was made for a more active role of US agencies in Greek anti-terrorism operations.

Reppas said the issue was on the agenda of Papandreou's talks in the United States, while he emphasized that Athens does not accept the notion that anyone can replace "our own agencies on issues relating to criminal activities in our country".

"The result, of course, lags behind the aims of the Greek government, and we should say that we are not happy with the progress of investigations. Our position is well known and so is our will to combat terrorism," he said.

"For this reason we cooperate with other countries so as to have results sooner," Reppas noted, adding that Greece is confident the 2004 Olympic Games will be conducted amid a climate of total safety and security.

[02] State Department denies policing of Greek territory by U.S. services

WASHINGTON, 24/05/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

"Much of what I understand was published in the Greek press today (Wednesday) is wrong," Ricker said, adding that relations between the two countries were "excellent".

"Mr. Powell and Mr. Papandreou had a useful and constructive dinner in their third meeting. Greece is a decisive partner of ours in the region and they discussed the Balkans, as well as bilateral issues, including the issue of terrorism which we consider very important but, as Mr. Powell also stated after the meeting, they discussed the positive steps taken by the Greek government to combat terrorism and the Secretary pointed out that although these steps are encouraging they cannot, of course, replace specific results such as arrests and indictments. So, we shall continue to work with the Greek government. Our meetings were not at all antagonistic. We meet with our Greek allies in an atmosphere of respect and we discuss those issues which create mutual concern for us," Ricker added.

Urged once again to comment on the reports, Ricker said relevant information was "flat out wrong."

[03] Communist party leader calls Greece an employee of the U.S. in Balkans

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

"The sight we saw on television, that is the foreign minister of Greece and the U.S. Secretary of State formulating and announcing that they are in cooperation and accord on all issues concerning the region was a provocation for the conscience, experience and feelings of the Greek people," Papariga said during her tour of the Renti area.

She said one of the issues concerns the "terrorism law", meaning measures aimed at disciplining and coercing peoples and crushing the popular movement.

Papariga said the reply should be given with popular reaction against the terrorism law through mass mobilizations and rallies all over the country, adding that this should be the response to Papandreou and U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell.

[04] Greek, Croatian presidents agree on ways to confront Balkan problems

ZAGREB, 24/05/2001 (ANA - N. Megadoukas)

Stephanopoulos, accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Grigoris Niotis and Deputy National Economy Minister Yiannis Zaphiropoulos, arrived in Zagreb on Wednesday afternoon for an official visit.

"We agreed that Greece and Croatia, both poles of stability in the region, should attempt to implement international law, condemn violence where ever it may stem from, resolve the problems of the region through dialogue and to express their opposition to changes in borders, which can only cause damage," Stephanopoulos said after the talks.

On his part, Mesic said that there was an identity of views with Stephanopoulos both on political issues and a mutual wish for continued cooperation in all sectors between the two countries.

Stephanopoulos expressed the belief that extremist-nationalist elements active in the Balkans are autonomous, stressing that "no force in the Balkans supported them, rather everyone expressed condemnation for them".

Mesic said that there is no possibility for a border change in the Balkans, adding that whoever attempts such a move should be denied such an opportunity.

The Greek president, on his part, reiterated Greece's support for Croatia's entry to the European and Atlantic institutions.

The two men also underlined the mutual will of Athens and Zagreb for closer economic cooperation to much their political cooperation.

Following talks between the two presidents a shipping agreement was signed to improve communications, support trade relations and create jobs, while they discussed the need for improvements of highway access way 10 connecting the Balkans with central Europe.

During a dinner in honor of Stephanopoulos and the Greek delegation held by Mesic, the Greek president focused on the "fragile balance" existing in several areas of the Balkans.

He added that the Balkans is a region where cultures, religions and ethnic groups co-exist, but still a place of conflict and confrontation.

He stressed that the way out of this cycle of insecurity toward stability and development is adherence to "international law, international agreements and international bodies of justice," which "should become an inseparable part of every policy and a compass of our future action".

He also spoke of the need for a just and viable solution to the Cyprus problem based on the UN resolutions.

Mesic, in his address, thanked Greece for its support to Croatia's efforts to enter the Euro-Atlantic institutions, he agreed with Stephanopoulos that peace in the unstable region of the Balkans is fragile, noting the examples of Kosovo, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Southern Serbia.

[05] Defense minister defends decision to hire professional troops

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

Addressing the Parliament's foreign and defense affairs, which is debating a relevant bill, in response to opposition to the institution of the professional soldier, he said that "the conscript soldier serving his tour of duty remains the basic element of our military force. We remain steadfast and unwavering to the fact that our Armed Forces are based on the right and obligation of Greek citizens, to serve the motherland through this tour of duty".

He said that the 25,000 professional soldiers to man posts at any given time in the Greek army will constitute the highest number of such troops that can be hired over the next 25 years.

Tsohatzopoulos stressed that there is not intention to create an army of professional soldiers or a mercenary force, rather he noted that these professional troops will be used by the country's Armed Forces to supplement the functions of officers and to man high-tech equipment.

He said that the total funding needed for the hiring of the first 5,000 professional soldiers will be 22 billion drachmas per year, which however will be discounted by 50 per cent as the decrease in the numbers of conscripts will provide for that discount.

[06] European Parliaments asked to move on release of Turkish prisoners

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

The deputies include Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga, Coalition of the Left and Progress leader Nikos Constantopoulos, PASOK deputies Gerasimos Arsenis and Theodoros Pangalos and New Democracy deputies Ioannis Varvitsiotis and Anna Psarouda-Benaki.

"It is known that political prisoners who are on hunger strike are continuing to die and indeed at higher rates," the deputies say pointing out that the Turkish government is continuing its intransigent stance, ignoring deaths and insisting on torture and, from now, isolating political prisoners in top security "white cells."

The deputies further said "we should intervene immediately, clearly and decisively and pursue an end to crude treatment and torture of all kinds and ultimately the release of political prisoners in Turkey."

[07] Turkish FM reiterates threats against Cyprus's EU accession

ISTANBUL, 24/05/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

Speaking at the Turkish Economic Development Foundation, he said "if 'southern Cyprus' is considered the representative of all the island and joins the EU a serious crisis will be created."

"We, Turkey and the 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus', will do everything we can for a compromise to be found...a solution to the Cyprus issue is difficult but not impossible," Cem added.

Meanwhile, deputies of the Motherland Party (ANAP), which participates in the government, called on Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to return to proximity talks under UN sponsorship.

"The 'Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus' should return to the negotiations," Bulent Akarzali said and added that "Turkey should be open to dialogue."

The Turkish deputy said Turkey will face great difficulties due to the Cyprus issue and that the Turkish Cypriots should stop giving the impression that they are distancing themselves from the negotiations.

Akarzali also accused Cem of not briefing the Turkish National Assembly adequately on developments concerning the Cyprus issue.

[08] Gov't: Memorandum in legal battle with ex-royal family submitted

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

The ECHR issued a 15-2 ruling last November finding Greece in violation of Article 1 of the first protocol of the European Convention of Human Rights, which guarantees the right of property. However, the court said it would examine the issue of compensation for the members of the ex-royal family at a later date, whereas the Greek government has warned that Constantine is liable for taxes on the seized properties if the ECHR grants compensation.

During a regular press briefing on Wednesday, a Greek government spokesman said that while Athens has submitted a relevant memorandum to the court, attorneys for the plaintiffs have not.

"Today, it (the memorandum) is in the hands of the court's services. The other side's memorandum is pending. The procedure that will be followed is: The memorandums will be exchanged in order to allow each side the opportunity to comment on the other's, before the court evaluates the evidence and issues a ruling in the next few months. At present, we have nothing more to add," spokesman Dimitris Reppas said.

The ex-monarch, his sister Irene and his aunt Ekaterini (Catherine), had taken their case before a European human rights tribunal in Strasbourg in 1994, claiming that the Greek state had violated their rights to "family life, dignified treatment, access to the courts and their property".

Constantine has demanded US$1.4 billion in compensation for the contested properties, namely, the Tatoi country estate outside northern Athens, the Mon Repos summer palace on the Ionian holiday island of Corfu and the Polidendri forest estate in the foothills south of Mount Olympus in central Greece.

The Greek government confiscated the three properties on the premise that they were obtained under "dubious circumstances" by Constantine's ancestors and had never really been private property, but public property set aside for use by the royal family.

The properties were first seized a military junta ruling Greece between 1967-73, while the monarchy was permanently abolished in a referendum following the fall of the military regime.

In 1979 the expropriation of the land was overturned by a Greek court and then confiscated again in 1994 by the then newly elected PASOK government.

Additionally, the Greek government has repeatedly stressed that it will not negotiate "with those that turn against it," a reference to Constantine.

In comments from London last November, the former Greek king -- who fled the country in December 1967 after a botched attempt to overthrow a military dictatorship instituted a few months earlier -- emphasized that he recognizes Greece's form of government - a presidential republic.

[09] PM meets with defense and finance ministers

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

Tsohatzopoulos said later issues concerning the armed forces' armaments programs and their reconstruction were discussed during the meeting.

According to reports, it was agreed that the amount of one trillion drachmas would be saved from defense expenditures to meet other fiscal needs of the government.

The reports also said the amount in question will be allocated to defense ministry budgets in the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 and that armaments programs put on hold will be implemented with the 2005, 2006 and 2007 budgets.

Tsohatzopoulos also said an analytical briefing will be made on Thursday which will include the Eurofighter warplanes.

[10] Stathopoulos disavows civil marriage issue after meeting with PM

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

According to Stathopoulos, his talks with Simitis had focused on fine-tuning a justice ministry bill on organized crime and terrorism and other justice ministry issues.

Civil marriages, he added, were not discussed since these were not on the government's policy agenda, nor on that of the justice ministry or his own.

Despite persistent press questions, he refused to name those who he claimed were behind the civil marriages furor.

Asked about the record of a holder's religion on state-issued identity cards, which the government scrapped in spite of strenuous objections from the dominant Orthodox Church of Greece, Stathopoulos said only that "the identity card issue was opened and closed, and therefore does not exist."

[11] Simitis has two-hour meeting with Interior minister

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

The minister made no statements as she emerged from the meeting, which is believed to have focused on the government's program in general.

[12] PASOK central committee meeting next month to focus on social security issue

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

Afterwards, Skandalidis told reporters that the ruling party would schedule an emergency session of PASOK's central committee on June 1-2 to focus on the contentious social security reform issue.

Wide-spread and heated opposition by trade unions, the opposition and even many PASOK deputies last month led to a "freezing" of a set of labor ministry's measures to reform the country's bloated social security and pensions sector.

A regular central committee meeting is scheduled for June 6-7.

[13] Coalition of the Left leader says democracy being 'desensitized'

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

Constantopoulos was speaking at an event organized by the Citizens' Union on "The citizens' society and democracy in the 21st century."

He said the "public sector of politics is being limited and new mechanisms of information, mediation and legalization are imposing new stereotypes for organizing society and the state, the functioning of the economy and of politics as compulsory choices".

Constantopoulos further said the new economy of "the global market and of competitiveness without principles is leading to a democracy of vested interests and of modified institutions to finally affect the society of citizens and to impose the commercialization of everything".

[14] Cyprus parliament delegation received by Patriarch in Istanbul

ISTANBUL, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

[15] Athens mayor receives visiting Patriarch of Alexandria

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

Avramopoulos lauded the work of the Patriarch in Alexandria and Africa and also called Archbishop Christodoulos "a symbol and a guide for our country".

Petros called on Avramopoulos to cultivate the positive spirit of the Olympic Games and bestowed on him the medal of Evangelist Mark, the highest honor of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.

[16] Trade unions reiterate conditions not good for dialogue on social security reform

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

The decision was taken following a meeting by GSEE's executive committee.

GSEE's chairman, Christos Polyzogopoulos, said the union would attend a meeting with Labor Minister to present workers' positions, to demand solutions and to hear the government's answers on the issue.

"In no way this meeting means that GSEE was participating in any kind of a social dialogue since preconditions set by trade unions have not been met," Polyzogopoulos said.

GSEE's executive committee also announced a general assembly of the union's board on May 31 to evaluate the situation in the social security system and to set meetings with all political parties on the issue.

The committee also called for a national union congress next September and stressed the need for workers to remain alerted in order to fight any surprise moves by the government.

The Supreme Administrative Council of Civil Servants (ADEDY) also adopted the same policy.

[17] Greece the only EU country with growth rate accelerating, minister says

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

Referring to the course of this year's budget, Drys said first stage expenditures increased by 5.5 percent during the first four months of the year compared to an annual target of 7.9 percent, while the increase rate for expenditures on interest reached -0.6 percent as against a target of -2.6 percent.

Deputy Finance Minister Apostolos Fotiadis said the revenues sector increased by 10.7 percent compared to the corresponding period in 2000, which means an increase greater than the target set for all of 2001, which is 8.2 percent.

He added that the highest increase rates are due to revenues from income tax and value added tax.

[18] OTE Consulting founds Bulgarian subsidiary AB&TS

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

The new company is wholly owned by OTE Consulting and has already entered into negotiations with Bulgarian firms of consultants to conclude strategic deals.

OTE Consulting is currently carrying out an analysis of the local telecoms market within Bulgaria, while it is also carrying out a market analysis and penetration strategy study in Romania for the Greek branch of a multinational company.

[19] Lone bidder pulls out of tender for state trade fair organizer

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

The consortium comprised Marc-Brooks Exhibitions Ltd and Damco Energy SA, the only group to be short-listed in the privatization of the Thessaloniki-based company, said National Investment Bank for Industrial Development, the state's consultant in the sale.

[20] EU agriculture ministers discuss reshaping sugar status and 'mad cow' issues

BRUSSELS, 24/05/2001 (ANA - V. Demiris)

Agriculture Minister George Anomeritis represented Greece.

Regarding sugar production, the council agreed to a five-year extension of the main points contained in the present status due to expire at the end of June.

The European Commission also presented a new revised list of preventive checks conducted in member-states for the "mad cows" disease, which reveals that no outbreak of the disease was found in Greece, Austria, Luxembourg, Sweden and Finland.

The discussion on foot-and-mouth disease noted that the murrain is receding in the wake of recent positive developments in Britain, France, the Netherlands and Ireland, where cases have decreased considerably.

Anomeritis met on the sidelines of the meeting with Health Commissioner David Burn, whom he assured that Greece would soon adjust to EU decisions concerning veterinary and fishery health checks.

[21] Greek-Canadian Congress assembly to focus on 'Building Canada-Economic relations with Greece'

MONTREAL, 24/05/2001 (ANA - I. Frangouli)

The main issue preceding the elections will be "Building Canada-Economic relations with Greece" and will concern Greek-Canadian trade and economic relations, which have been developing in past years with more favorable prospects for the future.

The Greek-Canadian Congress was established in 1982 and constitutes a federation organization including all Greek community organizations in Canada.

[22] Athens bourse wants to attract more investment cash

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

Likely to make the bourse more attractive to investors at home and abroad were its new status as a mature market at the end of May from that of emerging; and the introduction shortly of market making that would boost the trade ability of smaller capitalization stocks, Alexakis said.

"The bourse will not be sidelined by funds from developed markets,"

Alexakis told a presentation of the Athens bourse and its outlook.

He forecast that the bourse would become more mature and stable, with higher turnover. When the value of transactions rose, trading hours would be extended.

A "two-speed" image presented by the bourse shortly before the transition to mature status had appeared in other markets abroad undergoing the same shift, Alexakis added.

Finally, he said the main objectives of bourse authorities were the restoration of investor confidence in the ailing market; expansion in southeastern Europe through alliances with local exchanges; and the development of links with stock markets and trade associations in the European Union.

[23] Blue chips push ASE to a higher close

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

Traders said turnover was support by trading in National Bank, Hellenic Telecoms, Piraeus Bank, Alpha Bank and Cosmote, while the wider market ended lower.

The general index ended 0.58 percent higher at 3,165.52 points, off the day's highs of 3,196.85 points and the day's lows of 3,147.89 points. Turnover was a low 175.77 million euros, or 59.89 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.06 percent higher at 1,872.69 points, while the FTSE/ASE 40 index dropped 1.04 percent to 352.58 points.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 300.77 points, off 1.23 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 289 to 68 with another 30 issues unchanged.

Kego, Fanco, ANEK Lines, Cosmote, Interamerican Life, Athina, Douros, Moda Bagno, Vioter and Agricultural Insurance scored the biggest percentage gains, while Etma, Barba Stathis, Viosol, Hellenic Investments, Aspis Life, VIS, Hellenic Sugar, Electra and Delta Holdings suffered the heaviest losses.

National Bank, Alpha Bank, Hellenic Telecoms, Piraeus Bank and Commercial Bank were the most heavily traded stocks.

Equity futures mixed, tracking Athens bourse: Equity futures traded on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished mixed on Wednesday, with a rise seen in FTSE/ASE-20 deals and decline in FTSE-ASE-40 contracts.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index closed 1.06 percent down, and the FTSE/ASE 40 ended 1.04 percent lower.

Traded were 7,671 contracts on turnover of 65.4 million euros.

Bond prices rise in brisk trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Wednesday finished higher in heavy trade with players focusing on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.17 percent from 5.09 percent a trading day earlier.

The yield spread over German bunds was 44 basis points from 45 basis points in the previous session.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.2 billion euros (437.8 billion drachmas) from 1.65 billion euros (562.3 drachmas) in the trading day before.

Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[24] Commission issues directive simplifying regulations of internal immigration

BRUSSELS, 24/05/2001 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

This new directive cancels two earlier directives and suggests that EU citizens of any nationality can become residents of any member-state simply by registering with the local municipality.

The new directive abolishes the need for a green card for all EU citizens in all member-states, but maintains the need for proof of ability to support one's self in the place of their new residence albeit with the signing of simple personal declaration.

[25] Second chance for green cards to undocumented immigrants set to begin on June 2

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

The law allows for two phases, one for the registration of all undocumented immigrants, which is expected to conclude by August 2 and the second phase which will begin early next year and will demand of those registered to supply the necessary paperwork to back up their requests for permanent residency.

The bill provides a second chance for legalization for immigrants who have not received either a "white" or "green" card.

[26] Parliament deputies table bill to draw distinction between soft and hard narcotics

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

According to a press release, PASOK deputies Spyros Vougias and Stavros Benos, ND deputy Petros Tatoulis and Synaspismos deputies Maria Damanaki and Fotis Kouvelis, proposed with the bill to combat drug trafficking and to confront the drug user as a citizen in need of care.

Reacting against the bill, Healthcare Deputy Minister Christina Spyraki said that "there is no distinction between hard and soft narcotics, since tobacco and alcohol can be considered addiction forming substances as well".

[27] Laliotis and Papantoniou discuss 2004 Olympics budget, public investments

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

After the one-hour meeting, Laliotis noted that the Environment ministry absorbs 40 per cent of the public investment program in response to questions, while he said that an operational program for the environment that has not yet been formally approved by the European Union was nevertheless going ahead.

Regarding the Land Registry, where the EU has raised objections in certain areas, the minister said that this was now proceeding with the funds remaining from the 2nd Community Support Framework.

[28] Culture ministry to bring Greek people closer to lesser known sports

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

Venizelos was speaking during the presentation of the participation of the ministry and a big group of federations in organizing the special "SPORTEXPO" exhibition, taking place in Thessaloniki, northern Greece.

He presented eight such sports, including hockey, baseball, softball, archery and badminton.

"They need federations, they have them. They need officials for a sport, they have them. They need money from the Sports General Secretariat they have it and indeed increased to a considerable degree compared to last year," he said.

Referring to the SPORTEXPO exhibition, Deputy Sports Minister George Floridis said "SPORTEXPO in Thessaloniki is a first class opportunity for us to present this initial acquaintance material on these sports to its thousands of visitors and for which there was a great response at the Sydney Olympic Games."

[29] British disaster, emergency medicine expert to meet with ATHOC officials

Athens, 24/05/2001 (ANA)

Dr. Judith Fisher is an honorary secretary to the World Association of Disaster and Emergency Medicine and a veteran medical officer at major UK sporting events. She also was the keynote speaker at a disaster management seminar in Athens last January, which was organized by the British embassy.

Dr. Fisher will be a guest of the British embassy during her stay.

[30] Spokesman says ECHR rulings must be respected

NICOSIA, 24/05/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Papapetrou said on Wednesday, referring to a decision taken the same day, on the basis of which Cyprus has been found guilty for ill-treating Turkish Cypriot citizens and expelling them to the Turkish occupied areas.

According to an official statement by the spokesman, "the government respects this decision fully, undertakes its responsibilities completely, and will work in a systematic and effective way to safeguard that similar events and behaviors, which are in contrast with the civilization and the morality of the Cypriot people, will not be repeated".

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

Attorney General: Cyprus will comply fully with the European Court ruling which found the Republic guilty of human rights violations in a case brought by nine Turkish Cypriots against the Cypriot police, Attorney General Alecos Markides said on Wednesday, stressing that the government will move to take all necessary measures to try and limit to the minimum human rights violations.

Expressing regret about Wednesday's ruling, Markides pointed out the case concerned an isolated incident of ill treatment of Turkish Cypriots by the police, stressing also that the Court decision safeguards the right of free movement throughout Cyprus and notes that the Republic of Cyprus is the sole legitimate government of Cyprus.

He said this ruling is no obstacle to Cyprus' accession course to the European Union and has nothing to do with an earlier judgment by the same Court in the Fourth Interstate Application of Cyprus against Turkey, in which Ankara was found guilty of continuous gross human rights violations in Cyprus, as a result of the occupation by some 30.000 Turkish troops of the island's northern part, since Turkey invaded it in 1974.

"The Republic of Cyprus will fully respect the decision of the Court, will pay the damages to the full, and at the same time will introduce all the necessary steps to prevent a repetition of similar acts," Attorney General said at a press conference.

He said this "regretful" decision was due to the "totally unacceptable attitude of police officers" that were found guilty of ill-treating the Turkish Cypriot they detained.

"We have an obligation to instill in all government services the right principles, as these arise from our international obligations and the modern perception for respect of human rights, something that Law officers are already doing at the Police Academy," Markides said.

The European Court of Human Rights of the Council of Europe found Cyprus guilty of violating the right to liberty and security by way of unlawful detention and the right to freedom of movement because of the very close monitoring the applicants were subjected to by the Cyprus police. The Court also said the police subjected the Turkish Cypriots to ill treatment of varying degrees of severity but this did not qualify as torture, as the prosecution claimed.

The Court ordered the government of Cyprus to pay each applicant 20.000 Cyprus pounds for non pecuniary damage and to all the applicants 25.000 pounds for legal costs and expenses, less some 600 pounds received in advance in legal aid by the Council of Europe (one Cyprus pound is trading at about 1,5 US dollars). Replying to questions, the Attorney General said the government will reexamine the way the security forces behave, noting that any restriction of movement of citizens should be carried out on the basis of a legal framework.

He said next week President Glafcos Clerides would chair a meeting of competent authorities to look into this matter.

The Court rejected claims by the prosecution relating to violation of the right to life and the right to property.

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