Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-06-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM to confer with EU counterparts on shape of Europe's future

[02] Premier and Swedish counterpart discuss EU summit agenda

[03] Greek FM briefs cabinet on Greek EU presidency, 'Piri Reis' and Chamz issue

[04] Gov't spokesman downplays statements by UCK for so called Tsamouria

[05] Foreign ministry says 'Piri Reis' issue is now considered closed

[06] Spokesman denies FT article claiming Turkish association with EU defence

[07] Papandreou in contact with EU counterparts in bid to jump start dialogue in FYROM

[08] NATO army chiefs to examine developments in Balkans

[09] DM on plans for military facilities at Araxos base

[10] Greek deputy defence minister receives Hungarian counterpart

[11] Israeli envoy calls on Greece, EU to aid negotiations on Mideast problem

[12] Greek Parliament committee approves anti-terrorism bill

[13] Ecumenical Patriarch receives Roman Catholic Cardinal

[14] Greece still paying fine for Kouroupitos, EU Commission says

[15] Eurodeputy calls on Commission to "protect human dignity" from "Big Brother"

[16] Palestinian Authority figure dies in Kuwait

[17] Foreign ministry diplomatic staff escalate mobilisation

[18] Expert report says Athens area can support up to 39 radio stations

[19] Skouras publicly withdraws from KEP, makes overtures to ND

[20] Solidarity group for Turkish political prisoners stage protest in Athens

[21] Athens bourse makes debut as mature market on Friday

[22] Relations with China an important aspect of Greek foreign policy, Reppas tells seminar

[23] Greece requests special status for small insurance firms on solvency margins

[24] Bulgaria to sell 250MW of electric power to Greece during summer

[25] GSEE offers government time to respond to its demands

[26] Greece 15th most popular tourist destination in the world

[27] Budget revenue from stock deals slumps ;in Jan-May

[28] Gov't releases new bill on fuel market

[29] Greek government to present plan on poverty before July

[30] Athens all-share index to go real time

[31] Late selling spoils ASE's upgrading party

[32] Bond prices rise in brisk trade

[33] Harley Davidson clubs congregate for annual meet in Igoumenitsa

[34] Japanese hang-glider rescued after fall, leg injuries

[35] OA New York bound flight hit by lightning, all passengers safe

[36] Turkish drug trafficker arrested in Alexandroupolis

[37] Man arrested, wife sought on drug charges

[38] UN report not expected to include addendum requested by Denktash

[39] President Clerides receives US ambassador

[40] EU officials discuss Cyprus accession course

[01] PM to confer with EU counterparts on shape of Europe's future

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

He said he would be meeting his EU counterparts to discuss the various proposals regarding Europe's future and would be ready to make his own proposals on this issue in July.

Simitis is scheduled to meet with Swedish premier Goran Persson later on Thursday and with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in Berlin next week, after which he will attend the EU Summit in Goteberg, Sweden at the end of the Swedish presidency.

According to the prime minister, he personally leans toward a community model with strong federal elements, which combines the proposals made by Schroeder and French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.

Simitis agreed with the German Chancellor on strengthening the federal aspects of united Europe but believed that certain aspects of the European community should be retained, such as the common agricultural policy and regional policies. Schroeder believes both of these should devolve to a national level, which Greece opposes.

On the future of Europe in general, Simitis said that the issue was how to overcome the problems that exist today and once again give Europeans a vision that was not limited to economic affairs.

"We want to consolidate the necessary redistributive policies and policies of cohesion and solidarity," Simitis said, adding that the community budget should help give Europe a social face, reinforce the European community model and counteract regional and social inequalities.

Greece, the prime minister said, is particularly interested in the need to establish a common foreign and defence policy and also in the issue of community funds, where changes must be made and a new European policy worked out.

He noted, also, that the Greek presidency would coincide with some important developments within the EU, such as the first wave of enlargement with the group of countries including Cyprus and the decision to create a European army.

During the cabinet meeting, ideas were put forward on which issues should be highlighted and promoted by the Greek presidency. Among these were security, small and medium-sized businesses, the rights of European citizens, identity within the framework of the EU and the globalised economy, social cohesion, social solidarity and education.

The EU Summit during the Greek presidency will take place on June 19-21, 2003 in Thessaloniki, while the informal summit will be held in Brussels as was decided at the Nice Summit for all member-states.

The prime minister said that there had been a suggestion to hold a second informal summit on the future of Europe in Greece.

Greece's presidency of the EU in the first half of 2003 has been estimated to cost the country some 10-15 billion drachma. Greece is slated to take over the rotating six-month EU presidency in the first half of 2003, in its fourth EU presidency since the country joined the now 15-member Union 20 years ago. The Greek presidency will culminate with a summit meeting in Thessaloniki planned for June 19-21, 2003, while an extraor-dinary summit is likely to be held in March 2003 to discuss the major social issues of concern to the United Europe.

The Greek presidency will further organise the discussion that has already commenced on the future of Europe.

The foreign ministry's goal, foreign ministry spokesaman Panagiotis Beglitis said, was the widest possible participation of scientists and experts, the various agencies and political parties, since the cause of the Greek EU presidency "concerns the country's international position in Europe".

Beglitis said the initial budget for the six-month EU presidency has been estimated at 10-15 billion drachma.

He added that a speical bureau would be set up to deal with the organisational matters concerning the Greek presidency, and which would set up a specific timetable for preparations that would be monitored on a monthly basis.

[02] Premier and Swedish counterpart discuss EU summit agenda

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

Persson was speaking during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Costas Simitis after talks on the agenda of the European Union's summit in Goteborg on June 14-16.

Simitis said the Greek government agrees with the agenda presented by Persson, who is touring European capitals to pave the way for the summit.

The Swedish prime minister referred to what he said is the difficult issue of the free movement of people, services and goods, saying that if an agreement is reached on this "we shall be in a position to state that accession negotiations with countries included in the first wave will be completed before 2002."

Speaking on climatic changes, Persson said the issue will also be examined at the EU-U.S. summit during which "we shall also discuss the different views we have regarding the Kyoto Protocol."

Developments in the Middle East issue and the situation in the Balkans will also be discussed, he said.

On the question of the dinner EU heads of state and government will be having with U.S. President George W. Bush on June 14, Persson said the agenda is open and will be shaped at the last moment depending on developments.

"The dominant issue might be the Balkans, it might be the Middle East issue, it might be climatic changes or something else which will arise by then," he said.

Referring once again to European Council discussions, Persson said common foreign security and defence policy will be examined and the issue of military structures in particular.

On his part, Simitis said Athens considers the issue of enlargement very important and desires a speedup in the relevant process "so that relevant protocols will have been signed at the end of 2002 and later, during the Greek presidency, to have the official signing take place."

Simitis said the position announced by Spain on Wednesday, dissociating the issue of structural funds' prospects from the issues of the free movement of people and goods was a "pleasant development."

Simitis further stressed the importance of discussions to take place in Goteborg on the Middle East issue and the Balkans where "we should overcome nationalism."

Asked whether the European Council in Goteborg will reconfirm the decision taken at the EU Helsinki summit on the completion of Cyprus's accession course regardless of a solution being found to its political proglem, Persson said "we have already decided this at Helsinki", adding that "given that accession negotiations are developing successfully, we shall adhere to our decisions and there is no danger of us moving away from them."

Simitis said on the issue that "it is unnecessary for us to seek confirmation of previous decisions at every summit" because "it is as if we ourselves are sowing doubts on these decisions."

Replying to a questioner on whether the European Council will set a specific date for the start of new countries joining the EU, Persson said various proposals on the issue are being discussed, reminding that the European Council in Nice has already decided that the best prepared countries will be able to participate in Euroelections in 2004.

"For this to happen, accession negotiations should be completed before 2002," he said.

He further said the issue remains open, but both the Swedish presidency and Athens would be positive to 2002 being set as the date for the start to enlargement.

Commenting on whether he will raise the issue created "with the doubting of sovereign rights by Turkey through the sailing of the oceanographic vessel Piri Reis" at European bodies, Simitis wondered "how such a danger was ascertained and what development is there to justify the question."

Simitis said there was a message from a coastal station in Turkey and then the Greek government, Foreign Minister George Papandreou communicated with his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem who assured him that there will be no research on the continental shelf.

"Some issues like that might arise. The issue of the continental shelf is open, which we are also aware of, and we have stressed that it should be settled through the international court at The Hague. This issue is not an issue for EU bodies," Simitis said.

[03] Greek FM briefs cabinet on Greek EU presidency, 'Piri Reis' and Chamz issue

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

On the first issue, the foreign minister presented estimates placing the cost of the Greek EU presidency at 10 to 13 billion drachmas.

The Greek presidency will further organise the discussion that has already commenced on the future of Europe.

Regarding the "Piri Reis" research expedition, sources relayed that Papandreou claimed to have received Turkey's express assurances that there would be no research involving the continental shelf and that the ship's movements would not create problems between the two countries.

Finally, regarding the reported creation of an Albanian terrorist organisation called the "Tsamouria Liberation Army" in north-western Greece, Papandreou briefed the cabinet on the issue..

According to press reports on Wednesday, a self-styled repre-sentative of the group who identified himself as Mehmeti an-nounced its establishment and activation in northwestern Greece, while speaking on a radio broadcast aired in Australia. He said he was representing the so-called "Liberation Army" active in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), itself related to the UCK in Kosovo.

The Tsami Albanians allied with the fascist Italian and German forces during World War II. Following the liberation of Greece from the Axis forces in 1944 this small group of Albanians were forced out of the country.

[04] Gov't spokesman downplays statements by UCK for so called Tsamouria

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

The issue was on the agenda of Thursday's cabinet meeting, which focused on Greece's EU presidency scheduled for the first half of 2003, and conditions in the region. Reppas noted that the presence of International Organizations in the neighboring Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) was satisfactory, as far as the results it has succeeded in producing, adding, however, that "we should be careful, we should follow the development of conditions in the neighboring country".

"This so called UCK has been characterized by everyone as a group with terrorist activities. The Albanian government itself has condemned the actions of its members," Reppas said.

"We are a country which should confront in a sober way everything. And one confronts issues in a sober way when one confronts them in their correct dimensions," Reppas noted.

[05] Foreign ministry says 'Piri Reis' issue is now considered closed

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

The issue hit the headlines following an article published by the Athens newspaper "Kathimerini" on Wednesday, which claimed that a crisis was developing in Greek-Turkish relations after Ankara informed Athens that the "Piri Reis" would be carrying out research in the Aegean on June 4. The article also said that the Piri Reis' exploration would coincide with a Turkish air and sea manoeuvre in international waters in the Aegean, and that the government was trying to settle the issue through diplomatic consultations between Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem.

Beglitis said that a lack of composure in handling such issues in the past had led to crises and that "it was necessary to avoid misunderstandings and for the necessary clarifications to be given."

He said that the Greek side had asked for these clarifications based on the geographical coordinates the ship would cover, explaining that standard international practice dictates that countries announce the coordinates of missions - as had been done. The Turkish side's explanations satisfied Athens, Beglitis added, which was continuing to monitor the situation closely.

In response to further questions, the spokesman said that Izmir University, to which the 'Piri Reis' belongs, had a right to carry out the research it had planned provided the ship's movements did not encroach on the Greek continental shelf.

Scientific research, he went on, could not be construed as violating the 1997 Madrid agreement on Greek and Turkish bilateral relations.

He admitted that Papandreou and Cem had discussed the 'Piri Reis' expedition during the meeting in Budapest, on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers' meeting, but said that the matter was now closed.

Beglitis said the matter had also figures in talks between Papandreou and Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos a few days ago, soon after the foreign minister returned from his US trip.

He noted, however, that it had by no means dominated the meeting and that several other issues had been discussed, including Turkey's request to take part in decision-making for Europe's safety and defence and confidence-building measures between Greece and Turkey, which are being negotiated by the two countries NATO ambassadors in Brussels.

[06] Spokesman denies FT article claiming Turkish association with EU defence

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

The spokesman said that decisions on the issue referred to by the FT on Wednesday were recorded in the results of the NATO foreign ministers' summit, specifically in paragraph 49 of the final joint communique.

Discussion on this issue would continue within the framework of the EU, he added.

[07] Papandreou in contact with EU counterparts in bid to jump start dialogue in FYROM

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

He said Papandreou had an "open line of communication" with foreign ministers Joschka Fischer of Germany, Hubert Vedrine of France and Robin Cook of Britain aiming at boosting efforts to reopen dialogue among the various sides in FYROM.

Papandreou was also in close contact with EU.... Xavier Solana on the same issue, in order to advance an initiative for reopening a political dialogue in FYROM that would result in clearcut and specific commitments and policy changes, Beglitis said.

He said the latest developments were discussed by Papandreou during his visit to Budapest earlier this week for a meeting of the foreign ministers of NATO member countries and candidate states, on the sidelines of which he met with FYROM foreign minister Ilinka Mitreva.

Beglitis also said that negotiations on the FYROM name issue would continue.

[08] NATO army chiefs to examine developments in Balkans

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

The meeting will be attended by army chiefs from Spain, Italy, Hungary, Turkey and the United States. Greece will be repre-sented by Army General Staff Chief George Antonakopoulos.

[09] DM on plans for military facilities at Araxos base

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

He was replying in parliament to a question tabled by Commu-nist Party of Greece (KKE) MP Panayotis Kossionis "regarding information concerning the removal of the Americans from the military base at Araxos".

The Araxos base, which hosts a NATO command and has been in operation since 1978, also had US troops stationed at the site in addition to some 70 Greek civilian employees. According to sources, the NATO command was due to be shut down and all personnel removed by the end of the month, at which time the installations will revert to the Hellenic Air Force.

Tsohatzopoulos said utilisation of the Araxos infrastructures would be to the benefit of the Hellenic Navy and any Alliance (NATO) needs that may arise.

The minister also recalled that approval had been given for dual use of the military airport at Araxos for both military and civilian flights, but added that final clearance was up to the Civil Avia-tion Authority (YPA).

Kossionis disputed the minister's affirmation that there were no nuclear warheads stockpiled at Araxos, citing "information" that upgrading of the weaponry and personnel at the Araxos base was being advanced and that underground storage facilities had recently been constructed. Tsohatzopoulos said that there were no longer any nuclear weapons in Greece, "neither ready for use, nor stored". He also said that there was "no NATO or allied country's base in Greece in which Greek national legislation and sovereignty do not apply".

[10] Greek deputy defence minister receives Hungarian counterpart

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

Apostolakis said that the major aim in Europe was the creation of conditions of cooperation and security, by wiping out hotbeds of tension and conditions of conflict that exist today.

He stressed that the Balkan Stability Pact provides the means for a final response to the demands for stability of the Balkans both political and economic.

The Greek deputy defence minister also discussed the course of Greek-Turkish relations, noting the unilateral expansionist Turkish claims that place in doubt the existing status quo in the region and so they undermine the necessary security and stability.

"The key to relations with that country will be the respect for existing Treaties and Agreements and the no-contest of the national sovereignty of anyone," Apostolakis said.

[11] Israeli envoy calls on Greece, EU to aid negotiations on Mideast problem

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

"The message that should be conveyed to the Palestinians is that terrorism should not be accepted as a way to negotiate the resolution of a confrontation. I believe that this is the only way through which we can reach a peace agreement, which will create a better future for our two peoples," Curiel said.

Speaking of Greek-Israeli relations, he said that they have "defrosted" over the past three years and clear improvements were made in the political, economic and cultural sector.

He announced that "many Israeli companies are interested in creating joint ventures with Greek companies, which will be active during the Athens 2004 Olympic Games".

[12] Greek Parliament committee approves anti-terrorism bill

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

The bill, which was approved by the committee by a wide mar-gin, as it was supported by both ruling PASOK and main oppo-sition New Democracy, will now be tabled in the plenum for ratification.

"This is one of the few cases - of the past few years- of support for a bill by such a wide majority of the two major parties of Parliament," Justice Minister Michalis Stathopoulos said in a press release.

"This bill aims to combat criminal organizations, both those who aim at profit with their activities and terrorist criminal organiza-tions," the minister said.

"During discussions in the Parliament's plenum further improve-ments may occure, as it did happen in the committee," Statho-poulos said.

[13] Ecumenical Patriarch receives Roman Catholic Cardinal

ISTANBUL, 01/06/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

The Cardinal expressed Pope John Paul II's warm greetings and reiterated the Vatican's continued interest in the dialogue between the Churches.

Casper replaced Cardinal Edward Kassidy in the post of chair-man to the aforementioned council.

According to sources, the issue of statements on Cyprus during the Pontiff's visit to Greece was discussed, as during that time press reports in Athens noted that Casper had said that the pope did not visit Cyprus in order to avoid creating problems to the relations of Ecumenical Patriarchate with the Turkish govern-ment, because of the political conditions on the island republic.

At the time the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate reacted noting that the Vatican as a member-state of the United Nations can and should take a stance on all political issues, noting that any statements of the Vatican "have no influence and no effect on the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which contrary to the Vatican, is a religious institution.

[14] Greece still paying fine for Kouroupitos, EU Commission says

BRUSSELS, 01/06/2001 (ANA - V. Demiris)

According to an announcement by main opposition New Demo-cracy, the Commission's representative said that the daily fine of 20,000 euro would only stop being imposed when the EU's executive branch was sure that Greece had fully complied with the court's decision.

In other words, the European Commission must be certain that the site has stopped being used as a dump and that refuse and toxic wastes are being properly disposed of.

According to ND Euro-MP Antonis Trakatellis, the European court's ruling as the result of extreme negligence shown by the Greek government on environmental and public health issues.

He also claimed that those responsible "instead of trying to conform to community legislation, insist on their positions, handing over the money of the Greek public and blaming Brus-sels when this is all due to their inadequacy, incompetence and negligence."

In July 2000 the Eurocourt had imposed a daily fine of 20,000 euros on Greece for its failure to comply with a 1992 European Court decision to stop dumping toxic wastes at the Kouroupitos dump near Hania.

This was the first time the Eurocourt passed a ruling against an EU member-state for failing to implement one of its previous decisions. The daily fine was to be tacked on from the day of the second ruling -- July 4, 2000 -- and until the time the Greek government complied with the previous 1992 decision.

[15] Eurodeputy calls on Commission to "protect human dignity" from "Big Brother"

BRUSSELS, 01/06/2001 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

"The public humiliation of young people on the shrine of television ratings and profit should not be tolerated," Eurodeputy Myrsini Zorba said in her statement to the European Commis-sion.

Zorba called on the Commission to propose - as soon as possible - regulations and a code of ethics for television programs, in light of discussions for the amendment of the directive entitled "Television without borders".

[16] Palestinian Authority figure dies in Kuwait

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

According to a press release issued by the Diplomatic Represen-tation of Palestine in Athens, Husseini died in Kuwait and will be buried in Jerusalem tomorrow, where his body will be tran-sported via Aman, Jordan.

Husseini was the Palestinian Authority's minister responsible for the negotiations on Jerusalem, with Israel.

The office of the Diplomatic Representation of Palestine in Athens will accept visitors on Tuesday and Wednesday, wish to express their condolences.

[17] Foreign ministry diplomatic staff escalate mobilisation

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

Representatives of the Diplomatic Employees' Union told re-porters on Thursday that they have received a negative reply to the claim for salary adjustment.

They said the finance ministry rejected the proposal for the foreign ministry's budget to be burdened with 665 million dollars annually.

Diplomatic employees will be holding a general assembly on June 5 to decide on further steps to be taken. Foreign ministry spokesman Panayiotis Beglitis said the foreign minister has undertaken to raise the issue with the prime minister.

[18] Expert report says Athens area can support up to 39 radio stations

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

According to one of the scientists that helped write the report, Thessaloniki University Prof. Ioannis Sahalos, there are three possible options:

If all radio stations broadcast from Parnitha there can be up to 37, if all radio stations broadcast from Hymettus there can be only 35 and if they are divided between the two mountains, 33 can broadcast from Parnitha and a further six from Hymettus.

The report also points out the need for all antennae to be certified and to redraw the frequencies map for the prefectures around Attica.

In the worst possible case, Sahalos added, the number of antenna will be reduced by one.

The report also made recommendations regarding the strength of signals and the frequency gap between private and state radio stations.

[19] Skouras publicly withdraws from KEP, makes overtures to ND

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

One of the first people to come out in support of the new party and a long-time personal friend of Avramopoulos, Skouras writes in an open letter that he "committed a serious political misstep" and that he now wanted to "completely distance myself from KEP."

"I feel that I have never really joined the new party and for me it is a matter of principle and honesty to withdraw my statement in December (that he was joining KEP), which ended up being very painful for me - in short, to have my photograph in KEP and my heart in New Democracy."

He concludes by saying that his statement of support for the new party in December "was wrong, I admit and correct this."

[20] Solidarity group for Turkish political prisoners stage protest in Athens

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

Scores of the committee's members rallied in a central Athens square and marched to the foreign ministry, where they set the coffins requesting once again the support of the Greek government and that of Foreign Minister George Papandreou.

[21] Athens bourse makes debut as mature market on Friday

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

The Athens Stock Exchange will enter the MSCI Developed Market Index Series on the basis of Thursday's market close. Its weighting is 0.42 percent on the MSCI-EAFE index, and 0.22 percent on the MSCI-World index.

The change coincides with a new bourse rule that widens the daily volatility limit for stocks to 18 percent from 12 percent, starting on Friday. For an individual stock to show an 18 percent fluctuation, it will first have to show unmet supply or demand for 10 minutes.

The shift to mature status will help the stock exchange in the longer term to attract more capital from institutional investors and fund managers abroad, with signs of an inflow already apparent, analysts said on Thursday.

According to brokers, the equivalent of around 500 million US dollars has entered the bourse in the recent past with a fresh surge seen on Thursday.

Under the bourse's new status, the amount of buying passive funds is likely to total 1.3 billion US dollars, and active investors will invest 5.7 billion US dollars if they take a neutral position, leading to a net inflow of 4.8 billion US dollars, one analyst said.

When Greece was classified as an emerging market, an estimated 2.2 billion US dollars tracked Greece through the MSCI EMF index.

Morgan Stanley Dean Witter said in market report that it expected net inflows from passive funds (institutions making placements on the basis of Morgan Stanley Capital International's index series) will total 290 billion drachmas.

According to UBS, inflows from passive funds will come to 1.3 billion US dollars.

In a more conservative estimate, Deutsche Bank sees net inflows in the same category totaling 410 million US dollars.

Finally, Goldman Sachs forecast net inflows from passive funds of 250.4 million euros, around 60 percent of which will be channeled into National Bank of Greece, Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Alpha Bank and Commercial Bank of Greece.

Finally, margin trading may be introduced at the Athens bourse on an unspecified date next week, market sources said.

[22] Relations with China an important aspect of Greek foreign policy, Reppas tells seminar

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

Addressing the opening of a one-day seminar in Athens on "The economic development of China in the world economy after its entry into the WTO (World Trade Organization)", Reppas said that Greece was closely following developments in China concerning efforts to liberalize its economy and join the WTO.

Developing bilateral economic relations with China was important to Greece, Reppas told the seminar, which was jointly organized at a downtown Athens hotel by the Greek-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Embassy of China in Athens.

He announced that Prime Minister Costas Simitis would be going to China for an official visit on June 23-30, accompanied by a large business delegation, and it was hoped the visit would serve as a "springboard" for further improvement of Greek-Chinese relations.

Other speakers at the seminar included Chinese Ambassador to Athens Zhen Jianguo, who said he hoped to act as a bridge between the two countries, and Chinese Deputy Development Minister Sun Xiaoyu.

According to information presented during the seminar, China entrance into the WTO, after 15 years of negotiations with the organization, should help usher it into globalization era and act as an important lever for its economic development.

Chinese officials noted the major progress of the Chinese economy in recent years, with its GDP rising by an average of 10 per cent a year for the past 20 years, total foreign trade reaching 474 billion dollars and foreign investment in Chinese businesses reaching 359 billion dollars.

According to Xiaoyu, the next five years will be crucial for achieving China's economic targets, with yearly growth rates projected at 7 per cent, a projected GDP of 1,500 billion dollars by 2005 and total trade at 680 billion dollars annually.

Regarding trade relations with Greece, the balance of trade is negative for Greece with a ratio of 22:1 and constantly increasing.

Specifically, Greek exports to China came to 30.6 million dollars in 2001 and represented 0.51 per cent of Greek exports to third countries. Greek imports from China, on the other hand, came to 671.1 million dollars and represented 5.7 per cent of total imports.

According to China's Deputy Information Technology Minister Qu Weizhi, a promising sector for Greek businesses activity in China is that of telecommunications, which is showing clear signs of strong growth. Greek Deputy Communications Minister Alekos Voulgaris concurred, saying that Greece was a leader in telecommunications in southeast Europe and could create the right conditions for further cooperation with China.

[23] Greece requests special status for small insurance firms on solvency margins

BRUSSELS, 01/06/2001 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

Apostolaki, in her request, stressed that while it is important to better protect insurance contract holders, through high margins of solvency, such fiscal pressures could drive the majority of small and medium insurance companies out of the market. She added that small and medium insurance companies account for 20 per cent of the domestic market, while in the European Union small and medium insurance firms control 40 per cent of the market.

In the event that the Greek request is accepted, such small and medium insurance firms would be allowed to survive, limiting their presence in the domestic market and to specific sectors of damage compensation, while they would be unable to market their products in the rest of the Union.

[24] Bulgaria to sell 250MW of electric power to Greece during summer

SOFIA, 01/06/2001 (ANA - B. Borisov)

[25] GSEE offers government time to respond to its demands

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

GSEE's chairman, Christos Polyzogopoulos, said it had rejected a proposal by KKE-affiliated union leaders for a new 24-hour panhellenic strike in June, and a demand for a general condemnation of a social dialogue with the government.

Polyzogopoulos stressed that trade unions remained alerted for future actions. "A crucial criterion (for our actions) will be the government's proposals in next year's budget to fund the country's social security system," he said.

Until then, trade unions will continue talks with political parties, regional conferences, while a decision for a new 24-hour strike was still valid if the government planned any surprise moves.

Polyzogopoulos criticized Greek Industries' Union (SEB) positions, saying it was "an ideological attack of the capital" exerting pressure on the government not to accept trade unions' demands for a redistribution of wealth.

Polyzogopoulos said that the initial government's measures on the reform of the country's social security system have been definitely withdrawn, while he noted that a rise in the inflation rate, above official targets, could lead to new pay rise demands by trade unions before the end of the year.

[26] Greece 15th most popular tourist destination in the world

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

The United States, Spain, France, Italy, UK, Germany, China, Austria and Canada were the top most profitable tourist markets in the world last year.

Greek tourist revenues totaled 9.3 billion drachmas in 2000, from 8.8 billion the previous year, an increase of 5.8 percent, ITO said in its annual report.

The country's average tourist revenue was 743 US dollars in 2000 from 722 dollars in 1999, a figure substantially higher com-pared with Spain's 643 dollars, Italy's 666 dollars and Portugal's 432 dollars.

Greek Tourism Organization's secretary-general, Evgenios Giannakopoulos, commenting on ITO's report said that "it proves once more that Greece has a strong and steady presence in the international tourist market, constantly improving its performance".

[27] Budget revenue from stock deals slumps in Jan-May

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)

In January to May, revenue from the transactions tax totaled 19.3 billion drachmas from 123.6 billion drachmas in the same period of 2000, the sources said.

[28] Gov't releases new bill on fuel market

Athens, 01/06/2001 (ANA)