Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-09-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] Athens lauds resumption of peace plan debate in FYROM

[02] Papandreou to arrive in Cyprus on Tuesday for two-day visit

[03] Reppas calls Eurodeputy Poos' draft resolution one of special importance

[04] Laliotis announces candidacy for PASOK secretary in newspaper interview

[05] 27th anniversary of the founding of PASOK

[06] Government not concerned about ex-king's intention to move to Greece

[07] Jospin arrives in Athens on Sunday

[08] German president warns of danger to Greek-German relations by Distomo court case

[09] Statue of PASOK founder A. Papandreou unveiled in Kalamaria

[10] Thessaloniki Trade Fair opens its doors Friday

[11] GSEE awaits Simitis address at TIF before setting strategy

[12] Simitis meets Association of Greek Industries president

[13] Thessaloniki ND deputies will not attend inauguration of TIF

[14] Greek PMI falls to 28-month lows

[15] Industrialists, gov't to liaise over job-geared education

[16] Conference on Greece in US trade fair

[17] No rise seen on Athens bourse before ruling party congress

[18] Greek stocks end sharply lower on ASE

[19] Prices end mixed in scant trade

[20] ANA to organize EAPA seminar on copyright, Internet content

[21] Skull believed linked to murdered American woman

[22] Another large group of Afghani migrants located on Kos

[23] Rod Steiger to play the role of Socrates

[24] President Clerides receives UN envoy Alvaro de Soto

[01] Athens lauds resumption of peace plan debate in FYROM

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

A Greek foreign ministry spokesman expressed Athens� support towards all the political forces in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) for completion of the ratification procedure in that country�s parliament, something he said will allow the neighboring state to proceed with necessary reforms and to re-establish stability.

Western diplomats expect FYROM�s parliament to vote on Tuesday or Wednesday over whether to initiate the process of changing the constitution to make it compatible with the peace pact.

Parliament had been silenced for two days by its speaker Stojan Andov, who charged that Albanian guerrillas were intimidating civilians from returning to their homes in rebel-held areas.

Meanwhile, spokesman Panos Beglitis also commented on the �name issue�, the sole remaining �thorn� in the otherwise excellent relations between Greece and the land-locked country to its north.

In reference to recent statements by FYROM�s leadership, the Greek spokesman reiterated that no commitment has been voiced, either by the European Union or Washington, to recognize FYROM as the �Republic of Macedonia�.

He also called on FYROM�s Slavic-speaking majority and its leadership to �overcome obstructions from the past, demonstrating a spirit of realism � and for FYROM, along with Greece, to proceed towards a completion of negotiations for a mutually acceptable (name) solution.�

Finally, Beglitis noted that the main priority for relations with the Skopje government is Greece�s contribution to stability, something he said was undermined by the actions of Albanian rebels.

Athens has been at odds with FYROM for years over the issue of the Balkan state's name, insisting that the word "Macedonia" should not be included in the name of the former Yugoslav republic, as it implies expansionist designs against Greece�s own large northern province known by that same name � Macedonia -- since antiquity, as well as being a historical misrepresentation.

However, relations between Greece and FYROM have improved dramatically since the two countries signed an interim agreement in New York under the UN�s auspices, six years ago this month. Under the terms of that agreement, Athens and Skopje are to proceed with discussions to find a mutually acceptable solution for the name issue.

[02] Papandreou to arrive in Cyprus on Tuesday for two-day visit

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

The visit coincides with intensifying efforts of the United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan to restart the stalled proximity talks, in efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem and end the 27-year long occupation of the republic's north by Turkish armed forces.

[03] Reppas calls Eurodeputy Poos' draft resolution one of special importance

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

The draft resolution tabled in the Europarliament is of special importance, Reppas said, adding that "it sends a message to Turkey as well, which it calls to abide by the framework defined by the international community and calls it to make use of it."

"The resolution, also, notes that its stance toward the Cyprus issue will be taken into account in the framework of Turkey's own candidacy, in the future, toward the EU. I believe this should not escape the attention of Turkey," Reppas said.

[04] Laliotis announces candidacy for PASOK secretary in newspaper interview

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

Laliotis, a founding member of the Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK), said in an interview with TA NEA newspaper that he would "assume my historic responsibility" and submit his candidacy for the post.

Laliotis said those 27 years after the founding of PASOK, there was an "imperative need" for "renewal with conditions of re-establishment of the Movement", adding that any government reshuffle arising after the party's 6th Congress next month should be from a "zero basis".

The high-profile party official said backing of Prime Minister Costas Simitis at the Congress was "imperative", adding that a 'yes' to Simitis corresponded with the Greek peoples 'yes' to the premier.

The new party Secretary will be elected at the first meeting of the new Central Committee to arise from the Congress, and Laliotis' candidacy is due to be announced by Simitis himself during his address to the Congress.

Laliotis' candidacy lauded and welcomed by premier, national economy minister

Prime Minister Costas Simitis is satisfied with the intention of Environment, Town Planning and Public Works minister Costas Laliotis to seek the position of Secretary of the ruling PASOK party, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said on Monday.

The government spokesman also said that Laliotis is a "historic cadre of the Movement" and has achieved successfully important projects during his tenure.

Meanwhile, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou welcomed Laliotis' candidacy, when asked to comment on it during his tour in south-central Greece.

Defense minister supports Laliotis' claim to party secretariat: Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos on Monday called Environment, Town Planning and Public Works minister Costas Laliotis decision to seek the position of Secretary of the ruling PASOK party a "positive step".

He added that he hoped that the congress would appreciate the fact that successful cadres of the party request to be elected in such a position.

[05] 27th anniversary of the founding of PASOK

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

Prime Minister Costas Simitis in a message said that through the inspired guidance of its founder Andreas Papandreou and by the collective efforts and contributions by the party's cadres, PASOK brought about political change in Greece and continues to be the main political force.

Simitis added that the PASOK congress in October would be one of unity and prospects, which will herald a new era for the party and the country.

[06] Government not concerned about ex-king's intention to move to Greece

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

Reppas said: "What concerns us is what he is thinking or what his actions are with regard the defense of our country's democratic order. The country's constitution is strong and secure. Every individual makes his own choices. We, on our part, parties and democratic citizens will defend democratic legality."

The spokesman added that the passport, which a European citizen possesses, should be harmonized and be in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the country which welcomes the owner of the passport. "All other things are on a theoretical level," he said.

[07] Jospin arrives in Athens on Sunday

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

Both men will hold talks on Monday over various EU issues and the latest developments in the Balkan region.

Jospin will arrive in the Greek capital for a working visit.

[08] German president warns of danger to Greek-German relations by Distomo court case

BERLIN , 04/09/2001 (ANA - P. Stangos)

A court in Livadia, central Greece had found in favor of 214 Distomo villagers murdered by German occupation forces during World War II, ordering Germany to pay 9.4 billion drachmas in compensation or for German state property to be seized and auctioned. The Athens Supreme Court upheld the decision last April.

During his meeting with visiting Greek youths from the town of Kalavryta, Greece, Rau warned that Greek-German relations might be in danger from the continued non-resolution of the case.

"In that event we will have a political crisis ante portas," Rau said, commenting on the event that German property in Greece may be seized and sold to compensate the victims.

Germany froze a Greek court decision to seize German state property in Greece by filing a petition that will delay the process of appraisal by court bailiffs until September 1, while the ruling is expected on Tuesday.

Appraisals of the properties by court bailiffs, which included the Goethe Institute in Athens, the German Archaeological School and a German high school, were when the attorneys representing Germany, filed a petition in an Athens court against the Viotia local government and the 296 relatives of the slain victims who had filed the suit.

Rau visited the village of Kalavryta last year and expressed his "sense of sorrow and shame" for the barbarism of German occupation forces there.

[09] Statue of PASOK founder A. Papandreou unveiled in Kalamaria

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

The statue was erected opposite the Ntalipi military camp.

Tsohatzopoulos described the founder of PASOK as a man who personified the hopes and visions of the Greek people for freedom, democracy and equality.

The minister said that honoring the vision of Andreas Papandreou, "PASOK will go to the (party's) congress (in October) with stable values and with the objective of a new leap of prosperity."

During the unveiling ceremony a message by Foreign Minister George Papandreou was read out. On behalf of his family, he expressed the wish of (his father) Andreas Papandreou for PASOK to remain united and strong. In his message, George Papandreou also underlined that respect in memory of the party's founder required responsibility and seriousness.

In statements on the sidelines of the ceremony, the widow of PASOK's founder, Dimitra Liani-Papandreou thanked Kalamaria Mayor Christodoulos Ikonomidis "for honoring the great leader at this important day, the day that PASOK was born."

[10] Thessaloniki Trade Fair opens its doors Friday

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

Both the number of this year's exhibitors and state participations, however, is reduced compared with 1,300 and 17 in 2000, respectively.

There will be no featured country in this year's Thessaloniki International Trade Fair (DETH) after a decision to activate this event bi-annually.

Official state participations include: Russia, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Turkey, Libya, Tunisia, Iran, France, Italy, Cyprus, Indonesia, South Africa and the US.

The 66th DETH has two main characteristics: the presentation of high-technology products and services under the title "e-EXPO: Modern services to the citizen" and a special exhibition under the title "Euro: a currency for Europe".

Helexpo SA's chairman, Vassilios Kourtesis, attributed the decline in the number of exhibitors to negative global economic conditions and a slump in the Athens Stock Exchange.

The Thessaloniki International Trade Fair is a major economic and political event for Greece, with the prime minister expected to deliver the government's main policies for the next year, followed by news conferences with all political party leaders.

[11] GSEE awaits Simitis address at TIF before setting strategy

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

In statements after the meeting, the president of the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) referred to a �fruitful cooperation� during the meeting. He also said trade unionists briefed Simitis on their demands for the coming period.

Polyzogopoulos said the issues that were discussed with the premier dealt with the redistribution of income; tax cuts for wage earners and the need to link tax reform with the contentious social security issue.

Regarding GSEE�s position over social security reform, Greece�s largest umbrella trade group will organize a conference late this month, an event expected to be attended by Labor and Social Insurances Minister Tassos Yiannitsis and other top government officials.

Finally, in an unrelated development, Polyzogopoulos said a decision by Public Works Minister Costas Laliotis to vie for the post of PASOK secretary was a �correct choice�.

[12] Simitis meets Association of Greek Industries president

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

Following his meeting with the prime minister at the Maximos Mansion, Antonakopoulos said that SEB's role was to support the government's work in order for the objectives concerning development to be achieved.

Antonakopoulos said that Simitis had assured him that economic policy would not change, at the same time putting forward ideas on how to improve productivity both in the public sector and the business sector.

[13] Thessaloniki ND deputies will not attend inauguration of TIF

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

The decision was reached by the ND leadership "so as to honor and support the institution" and to respect the decision of the local deputies not to attend the inauguration.

The ND explained that the Thessaloniki deputies, through their absence, wished to express their disapproval over "the downgrading of Thessaloniki by PASOK's policy."

[14] Greek PMI falls to 28-month lows

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

The PMI fell to 49.8 in September, reflecting cut-backs in companies' purchases, for the first time in the last 28 months.

Readings below 50 show that the sector is shrinking.

The index is compiled with data from 300 Greek manufacturing companies. All companies cited a global economic slowdown as the reason for their cutback decisions.

[15] Industrialists, gov't to liaise over job-geared education

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

At a meeting in Thessaloniki with the Association of Northern Greek Industrialists, Petsalnikos also agreed to work with the trade group in arranging a conference in the northern port city on improving the links between education, training and the needs of the labor market.

[16] Conference on Greece in US trade fair

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

In addition, Greek companies taking part in the fair will hold presentations of their products.

[17] No rise seen on Athens bourse before ruling party congress

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

The report by SSSB analyst Miranda Xafa also said that the government was a hostage to powerful trade unions that controlled about a fifth of the vote in the October congress; and that the unions were against the sale of majority holdings in state firms. Prime Minister Costas Simitis brought the congress forward from spring 2002, when it was originally due to be held.

Furthermore, it was unlikely that the government would speed up structural changes to the economy after the party congress as local elections were due in October 2002, Xafa added.

Finally, the analyst forecast that Greek inflation would slip to 3.7-3.8 percent in August from 3.9 percent in July.

SSSB is a member of Citigroup, the world's largest financial and banking corporation.

[18] Greek stocks end sharply lower on ASE

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

Analysts said the market reaffirmed its short-term support level of 2,720 points.

Shares in the Insurance, Food & Beverage and Telecoms sectors resisted pressures to end with only small losses.

The general index ended 1.05 percent lower at 2,733.24 points, off the day's lows of 2,713.87 points, with turnover a disappointing 106.98 million euros, or 36.45 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 1,536.36 points, off 0.96 percent, the FTSE/ASE 40 index dropped 2.20 percent to 301,52 points, and the FTSE/ASE SMALLCAP 80 index ended at 889.96 points, off 2.40 percent.

Equity futures keep pace with bourse: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Monday ended at a discount, matching their underlying indices on the main market.

Changing hands were 4,167 contracts on turnover of 28.8 million euros, traders said.

[19] Prices end mixed in scant trade

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.25 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 47 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 423 million euros.

Buy orders accounted for just under half of turnover.

[20] ANA to organize EAPA seminar on copyright, Internet content

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

The seminar, organized under the exclusive sponsorship of the National Bank of Greece, will take place between Sept. 24-25 at the Astir Hotel in Athens� seaside suburb of Vouliagmeni.

The seminar session will be held in English (the exclusive language of AEPA) and be attended by the presidents, general directors and other senior executives from 26 of EAPA�s 28 member-news agencies.

The opening address will be delivered by the director of the European Union's 5th Directorate, Joerg Reinbothe, while the main speakers will be Dr. Thomas Dreier, a professor at the University of Karlsruhe (Germany); two legal consultants on copyright issues, Joris van Manen (Netherlands) and Louise Cole (Britain), as well as Rachel Boothroyd and Peter McBride from the copyright division of the London-based Nicholson, Graham and Jones office.

Other speakers include the director of Factiva�s (a Reuters-Dow Jones joint company) European, Middle East and Africa operations, as well as presidents of the German, Austrian and Polish news agencies, and the general directors of the Spanish, Hungarian and Greek news agencies. Finally, Prof. George Koumandos, a well-known expert on intellectual property and a former Greek minister, will also address the event.

[21] Skull believed linked to murdered American woman

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

Scully, 30, was murdered in early January 1999 by her then fianc�, Georgios Skiadopoulos, 26. The junior cruise ship officer was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life in prison by a northern Greece court in December 1999, the harshest punishment allowed under Greek law.

Based on Skiadopoulos� testimony to police, the one-time model�s headless corpse was discovered in a suitcase at the bottom of a muddy agricultural reservoir along a northern Greece roadway. The woman�s skull, though, remained missing, with the culprit saying he wrapped it in a plastic bag and threw it into the sea region of Kalamitsa, west of the port of Kavala. Days of searching by a team of divers at the time failed to turn up the remains.

Skiadopoulos had strangled the woman during an apparent fit of jealousy, before cutting her body up into pieces to conceal the crime. The two had reportedly met on a cruise.

[22] Another large group of Afghani migrants located on Kos

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

The arrests mark the latest incident over the past month involving migrant trafficking in the eastern Aegean, where several major Greek islands, including Kos, lie only a few kilometers west of the Turkish coast.

According to police, the 41 Afghanis � 22 men, seven women and 12 children � were located on the island's Akrotiri Psalidi site, near the grounded vessel, identified as the �Nasir I�.

The illegals are being held at Kos� port authority, while a search for the trawler�s Turkish skipper was underway at press time.

[23] Rod Steiger to play the role of Socrates

Athens, 04/09/2001 (ANA)

It is a Greek-German production, organized by the Hellenic-American Union under the aegis of UNESCO.

The Oscar-winning American actor, who has played the part of historic personalities such as Napoleon and Rasputin on the cinema, said on Monday that he viewed the role of Socrates as a great challenge.

[24] President Clerides receives UN envoy Alvaro de Soto

NICOSIA 04/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

De Soto was due to meet later in the day with Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, in the Turkish-occupied part of Cyprus.

Alvaro de Soto, who is holding, during his eight-day visit on the island (August 29 - September 5), separate consultations with

Clerides and Denktash, aiming at the resumption of UN-led talks on the Cyprus question, refrained from making any statements after the 45-minute meeting at the Presidential palace.

He will give a press conference before his departure on Wednesday.

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