Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-09-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Attack on US a 'crime against ideals of free and open society' PM says

[02] "All scenarios are open" as for the culprits of terrorist attack, Greek FM says

[03] "Hotline" set up at Greek Consulate in New York

[04] Greek Commissioner expresses EU's support to the

[05] Findings of securities probe cite minister, deputy ministers

[06] Greek PM receives Cyprus' KISOS party leader

[07] Greek justice minister to attend conference of European law professional

[08] KKE leader tours 66th TIF

[09] President Stephanopoulos to pay official visit to Spain

[10] Deputy finance minister presents bill establishing the euro as Greece's currency

[11] Economy minister speaks on prospects of growth in Thrace

[12] Survey sees private sector pay rises at 6.4-8.5 pct in 2002

[13] Bourse to resume normal trading hours Thursday

[14] Stocks plunge in panic selling on US mayhem

[15] Athens bourse building evacuated due to bomb scare; stocks tumble

[16] Conference on town planning in the cities and prefectures

[17] International Festival of Art and Technology "MEDIATERRA"

[18] Film festival dedicated to Thessaloniki

[19] Cyprus President sends condolences to US president

[01] Attack on US a 'crime against ideals of free and open society' PM says

Athens, 13/09/2001 (ANA)

Reiterating Greece's support for the families of the victims, Simitis said the attacks in New York and Washington D.C. were a "heinous crime" regardless of the "banner raised by those who committed them".

"They are also a crime against the ideals of a free and open society," the premier said.

"Such terrorist actions do not solve problems, but create new, different ones...They establish a new form of war that must not be accepted by any of us, because the victims are citizens who cannot defend themselves," he added.

Simitis and Stephanopoulos called for calm and 'coordinated confrontation' of the situation that has arisen from the attacks.

Stephanopoulos expressed "consternation" over the strikes and the unanswered questions they gave rise to, and also his "concern" over the potential repercussions.

Simitis added that the attacks represented a "new form of war, which we must not accept. It could lead to strong, uncontrollable reactions".

The President said that "coordinated repulsion of all such actions" was necessary, and "means for confronting such problems" needed to be sought, noting the "international indignation" over the attack.

Simitis said his meeting with the President was part of regular briefings between the two men, adding that the most part of Wednesday's discussion had naturally focused on the attacks in the US.

Gov't: Athens committed to combating terrorism: Greece stressed on Wednesday that will back efforts to combat and eradicate terrorism �with all the means at our disposal�, one day after the devastating �air-terror attacks� in New York and Washington shocked international public opinion and the world�s political leadership.

A government spokesman reiterated that the unprecedented terrorist strikes concern all of the world's peoples, as the attacks are aimed at the heart of democracy, civil rights and peace.

Spokesman Dimitris Reppas again expressed Athens' abhorrence and anger over the suicide hijackings, while urging restraint on the part of Washington along with reactions based on an objective appraisal of the situation, as he said.

According to the spokesman, participants at Wednesday's three-hour Cabinet meeting in Athens agreed that it is too early to gauge the repercussions following the attacks.

In terms of an international event expected to dominate the government's attention in the near future, Reppas said Greece is planning to closely work with its allies on anti-terrorism preparations in the run-up to the 2004 Athens Olympics, while adding that Greek leadership believes the basis for combating terrorism revolves around the principles of an open society, democracy, peace and economic stability.

Asked repeatedly by reporters how Greece will contribute to efforts at combating terrorism, Reppas said Athens would be present at all world conferences on the subject. He added that Athens considers peace and stability in its region -- namely, the Balkans and southeast Europe - along with stability of the Greek economy and national currency as its primary duty.

In terms of beefed up security measures in the country, the spokesman said they were taken for the protection of possible US and other targets, without elaborating. He also clarified that Greece's armed forces have not been placed on a higher state of alert.

Finally, Reppas mentioned that Athens has offered to send the country's emergency search and rescue teams across the Atlantic to assist in efforts for locating survivors in the rubble of the World Trade Centers and Pentagon.

[02] "All scenarios are open" as for the culprits of terrorist attack, Greek FM says

BRUSSELS, 13/09/2001 (ANA)

Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou said that "all scenarios are open" at this time regarding the culprits of this heinous crime, recommending that the witch hunt of people or states without evidence should be avoided.

He added that the best possible coordination within the European Union and on the part of the international community against terrorism should be promoted.

"A reaction with police measures is the easy reaction, but we should not be led astray and into a miserable and simplistic logic of discriminating the good from the bad, nor to let the simple citizens of the USA to feel alone against such a threat," the Greek minister said.

Papandreou noted that Europe should express its solidarity and not let the USA bear the burden of decision making in combating terrorism.

He also spoke of the "profound effect" this terrorist attack will have on international relations and the political effects in the relations of the USA with Europe, which will begin manifesting later on.

At this time the council of EU's foreign ministers expressed its solidarity with the American people and its commitment to struggle with all means at its disposal against terrorism.

They decided that the European Union troika - the foreign ministers of the member-states that hold the Union's presidency this six-month period, the one of the state that held it the previous and the one of the state that will hold it during the next six-month period - should visit the USA.

The also proposed that the state leaders of the Union should adopt a common communique on Friday, which was declared a day of mourning for those lost in the terrorist attacks expected to be several thousands.

They also decided that preventative measures against terrorism should be taken and that European high commissioner on foreign and defense Javier Solana should coordinate them, while the Union's internal and justice ministers will work on specifying the necessary measures.

Papandreou noted that such a complex phenomenon - with police, military, economic, social and political parameters - should be confronted effectively on an international level, with the greatest possible consent and guided by the ideal of increased support for the democratic institutions.

He also noted that the fight against terrorism should not place in the backburner problems in the Balkans or the Middle East, to the contrary, he said, it should contribute toward the protection of borders and the peaceful resolution of differences.

[03] "Hotline" set up at Greek Consulate in New York

NEW YORK, 13/09/2001 (ANA - M. Georgiadou)

Greek citizens or members of the Greek community who have relatives or friends who are missing, can phone 212/988 55 00, ext. line 222 or 244.

Greek-American Fran Michalopoulou, who was working on the 103rd floor of Tower 2 of the World Trade Center, told NBC that she had managed, along with her husband and colleagues, to abandon the building a few minutes before the tower collapsed.

[04] Greek Commissioner expresses EU's support to the

US BRUSSELS, 13/09/2001 (ANA - V. Demiris)

"The United States is living a national tragedy and the whole planet is living a tragic historic event. For the first time in the history of the US, following the civil war, has there been such a magnitude of people killed in an attack on its soil," Diamantopoulou said in a written statement.

She said the terrorist attack was the greatest in the history of humanity, which happened in the heart of the greatest military power in the world.

Diamantopoulou said that the terrorist attack should not deter-mine developments in the world, adding that even the most extreme act of terrorism should not and cannot beat democracy.

"The European Union is called upon today, more than at any time before, to constitute a bridge for understanding, a bridge for peace and peaceful co-existence among the different peoples and different cultures. Its history, its economic power and the political influence of its members shows that it is the only power to-day in the world which can achieve this objective," the Greek commissioner concluded.

Greece expresses readiness to aid US with the results of terrorist attack: The Greek government has expressed, through diplomatic channels, its readiness to aid in any way possible the US authorities in confronting the situation following the heinous terrorist attacks in the USA Tuesday, the foreign ministry said.

According to the foreign ministry four companies of Greek interests had their offices in the twin towers of the World Trade Center, which collapsed killing a yet unknown number of people.

At this point the ministry was not able to provide a clear picture regarding existence of Greek citizens or Greek expatriates among those killed in the attacks.

Parliament President sends condolences over attacks in US: Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis on Wednesday sent telegrams of condolences to US House of Representatives President J. Dennis Hastert and to Senate President Robert Byrd over the terrorist attacks in the US the day before.

Kaklamanis termed the attacks in the US as a "national tragedy, which shook humanity."

He expressed the grief and solidarity of the Greek people to-wards the American people and to the families of the victims.

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos, speaking at a press conference in Thessaloniki, said that terrorism must be tackled decisively so that no more tragedies like that in New York will occur.

He noted that conditions must change in order for international terrorism to be dealt with.

Official ND statement over heinous terrorist attacks in US: Main opposition New Democracy issued an official statement on Wednesday that joined the chorus of condemnation, both in Greece and internationally, for the heinous terrorist "air attacks" in the United States one day earlier.

Following a party meeting that included several high-ranking ND deputies, an announcement was issued, which read:

"New Democracy condemns, in the most direct and unabashed manner, this abhorrent terrorist action, and expresses its support and solidarity towards the American people and American government.

"What arises from the specific action is that terrorism is an enemy of international peace, democracy and the rights of man and peoples ... New Democracy will contribute in any effort to-wards combating terrorism and in developing an international cooperation towards this direction."

Finally, the main opposition party called on the Greek government to take all necessary measures to safeguard the country from this specific act, as well as terrorism in general.

On Tuesday, ND leader Costas Karamanlis vilified the unprecedented terrorist acts on US soil in statements from Boston.

Karamanlis, who arrived in New England to inaugurate a "Constantine Karamanlis" academic chair in honor of his name-sake uncle and late Greek statesman at the renowned Fletcher School of Diplomacy, was originally scheduled to fly from Boston to New York City at around 9:15 a.m. local time - a half hour after the first plane crashed into a WTC tower.

The ND leader was heading to New York City for a scheduled meeting with Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides.

Other top ND cadres issued stern condemnations in the afternoon and evening following the tragic events in Manhattan and Washington.

Archbishop Demetrios condemns attack on US: Greek Orthodox Archbishop Demetrios of America condemned the terrorist attack in the US on Tuesday, which would have incalculable consequences.

The Archbishop, who was informed of the attacks in New York and Boston, as he was en route from Boston to New York, said "it is a tragedy of immense dimensions with unforeseeable dramatic repercussions for the entire world".

"The terrorist acts that took place today (Tuesday) cause the just indignation of all people who respect human life, liberty and justice. In this difficult time, together with all the members of the Greek Orthodox Church, I express my deep grief and support for the families touched by this unprecedented tragedy", he said.

Hania airport, Souda Bay step up security measures: Additional security measures have been taken at the Hania airport on the western part of Crete, the nearest passenger airport to a US Navy anchorage at the nearby Souda Bay base.

According to local civil aviation authorities, the unspecified measures were taken following Tuesday's shocking terrorist attacks on US soil.

Meanwhile, the US naval command's public relations office at Souda Bay also issued an announcement on Wednesday, emphasizing that US forces in the European operational theater have implemented stepped up security measures. Additionally, US military facilities are on a "Delta" alert status, the press release notes.

OA flights to New York, Montreal-Toronto cancelled: Olympic Airways flights OA 411 to New York and OA 423 to Montreal-Toronto will be cancelled on Thursday due to the continuing security measures, which are being taken at the airports there following the terrorist, attacks in the US on Tuesday

[05] Findings of securities probe cite minister, deputy ministers

Athens, 13/09/2001 (ANA)

The government members named are National Economy and Finance Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, former deputy finance minister Nikos Christodoulakis (now development minister), and Deputy Finance Minister George Drys.

The three were responsible for approving the decisions of DEKA's board during spring 2000, the period under investigation, the report said.

The prosecutor said the evidence also supported charges of breach of duty and breach of faith involving members of DEKA's board and of the Capital Markets Commission.

Since the three government officials are members of the present government and Parliament, therefore enjoying parliamentary immunity from prosecution, the prosecutor's report urged the House "to decide to exercise its constitutional and legal functions" and vote on whether immunity should be lifted.

Commenting on the report, Papantoniou accused main opposition New Democracy of playing political games at the expense of the stock market, aided and abetted by a handful of judicial officials.

The investigation focused on DEKA's activities from March 21 to April 10 2000, before Greek general elections on April 9 that year, during which the company bought stock in Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Hellenic Petroleum, National Bank of Greece and Commercial Bank, representing an outlay of 250 billion drachmas in state funds.

Parliament speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis said that public prosecutor Dimitris Asprogerakas had forwarded the document, dated August 27, "containing the material collected during his preliminary investigation into the activities and financial management" of DEKA.

The report claimed that "stock market fraud can be discerned" in that share prices were disrupted by non-market factors unrelated to supply and demand, and were subject to pressures from monopolies and artificial effects.

This ultimately led to "misleading the market, and long-term losses for retail investors, who had based their expectations on false prices on the bourse."

In his report, the prosecutor also extended responsibility to the Capital Markets Commission for failing to "exercise its regulatory function".

The investigation was ordered following charges of malpractice by DEKA filed by main opposition New Democracy deputy Miltiades Evert last year.

He had accused the state-owned investment agency of bulling up the market through bulk buying in state-owned firms before the elections, and being responsible for losses suffered by retail investors in the subsequent artificial slide.

Commenting on the report, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas expressed the government's strong displeasure and said it was "obviously politically motivated".

The spokesman said the report went far beyond forwarding charges and evidence, venturing into unacceptable assessments of publicly debated issues related to DEKA's operation.

He also complained that the report was selective - concentrating on the period just before and after the elections - and distorted the facts to "reach blatantly groundless, libelous conclusions," while ignoring DEKA's positive performance overall.

DEKA had acted legally and legitimately to protect the price of listed public enterprises from profit taking and boost market liquidity, which it had often done in the past, and not just in 2000, the spokesman said.

He claimed that the repercussions on retail investors and public coffers would have been worse if DEKA had acted otherwise.

Reppas attacked New Democracy for "once again involving the judiciary in its political games".

Responding to the government, ND spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said Reppas was making a "crass and desperate attempt to cover up the grave and generally admitted responsibility of the government for the stock exchange scandal," and that ND would do all in its power to "prevent this cover-up".

[06] Greek PM receives Cyprus' KISOS party leader

Athens, 13/09/2001 (ANA)

They also discussed Cyprus' EU accession course, as well as other international developments.

There were no comments after the meeting.

Parliament President meets Cyprus' KISOS party leader: Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and visiting Cypriot leader of the Movement of Social Democrats (KISOS), Yiannakis Omirou, on Wednesday expressed their abhorrence and grief over the terrorist attacks in the US the day before. They also voiced concern about the likely repercussions the attacks will have in the sphere of politics, the economy and of individual rights throughout the world.

The two men also discussed Cyprus' European Union accession course and underlined that Cyprus fully met all the prerequisites and criteria in order for it to be the first among the candidate countries to join the EU.

[07] Greek justice minister to attend conference of European law professional

Athens, 13/09/2001 (ANA)

The participants of the conference include representatives of unions of court justices, law schools and lawyer's unions from European countries.

The Greek minister will present his positions on the unification of European legal systems and the role of the law profession in this effort, during his address to the conference on Saturday.

[08] KKE leader tours 66th TIF

Athens, 13/09/2001 (ANA)

Papariga was briefed on the participation at this year's exhibition, traditionally the largest trade and commerce fair in Greece.

Commenting on Tuesday's devastating terrorist strikes in the United States, Papariga said:

"The Greek people's compassion for the American people is one thing, a wave of sympathy towards the US leadership is quite another," she said, while noting that the Americans are victims, much the same as the Palestinians and Yugoslavs

[09] President Stephanopoulos to pay official visit to Spain

Athens, 13/09/2001 (ANA)

The president will be accompanied by Alternate Foreign Minister Elisabeth Papazoi and National Economy Deputy Minister Ioannis Zaphiropoulos.

[10] Deputy finance minister presents bill establishing the euro as Greece's currency

Athens, 13/09/2001 (ANA)

"There is full readiness in the financial sector, in the state sector there has been very significant progress, while in the ministry the changeover is complete," Drys said.

In the private sector, "the big and medium businesses have already progressed toward the changeover to the new currency, while the ministry of national economy and finance is providing assistance for the small businesses to speed up the process," he added.

He reassured Parliament that there will not be any burden on the citizens from increased taxation with the changeover to the euro.

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) deputies expressed their support for the bill, but also expressed reservation over the "vagueness" of the accounting report attached to the bill, saying that the bill does not specify that there will not be increased taxation levied.

Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) expressed their full disagreement with an article of the bill decreasing taxation for profits of construction companies.

[11] Economy minister speaks on prospects of growth in Thrace

Athens, 13/09/2001 (ANA)

Speaking at an event at the municipal theatre of Alexandroupoli on Wednesday night on the theme "The prospects for development in Thrace - Its dynamics in the Balkans and the Black Sea zone", Papantoniou mentioned the benefits, which arose from the 2nd Community Support Framework, noting that Thrace was allotted 1,300 billion drachmas for various projects.

He added that apart from the Egnatia motorway, the ports, natural gas, the railway network and the major dams, at least 200 projects are being financed or will be financed by the 3rd Community Support Framework.

[12] Survey sees private sector pay rises at 6.4-8.5 pct in 2002

Athens, 13/09/2001 (ANA)

Real wage rises came from benefits or perks including share option schemes for employees, the survey said.

It was carried out in March-July 2001 on a sample of 107 companies with an average 260 workers per firm. Researched were 136 different jobs among 20,386 employees.

The careers with the best prospects were in information techno-logy and the internet, finance, marketing and customer service.

Fairly large demand was seen in telecoms and construction for engineering graduates. Demand was low for first-degree holders in management who lacked a specialization or work experience.

[13] Bourse to resume normal trading hours Thursday

Athens, 13/09/2001 (ANA)

In addition, normal volatility limits on shares will be restored, the bourse said in a statement on Wednesday.

The stock exchange's operation was changed for a single session due to fears of a collapse sparked by terrorist attacks in the US on Tuesday that had severely disrupted European markets.

[14] Stocks plunge in panic selling on US mayhem

Athens, 13/09/2001 (ANA)

The general share index shed 7.74 percent to end at 2,358.05 points.

Turnover was higher at 259.3 million euros.

The market opened with players dumping paper, driving down the market by 5.61 percent. After the first 15 minutes of trade and shift in the 6.0 percent volatility limit to 12.0 percent, losses rose to more than 7.0 percent.

In a fresh wave of selling later in the session, investors tried to cut their losses by emptying portfolios, taking the market more than 9.4 percent lower.

Several institutional investors were seen making selective, small-scale placements at low price levels, traders said.

Also depressing sentiment was the outcome of a prosecutor's preliminary enquiry into allegations of share manipulation by the Public Securities Company that found the finance minister and his deputy may be guilty of breach of trust and duty.

The session was held later than usual, at 1200 to 1630. Trade was conducted normally from brokerage terminals despite a bomb scare.

Along with other European markets, the bourse held a minute of silence for the dead in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and Pentagon in Washington.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 7.71 percent lower; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 8.95 percent down; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities lost 9.77 percent.

Decliners led advancers at 357 to 2 with one issue remaining unchanged.

Redemption on mutual funds with US assets suspended: Greece's Capital Markets' Commission on Wednesday announced it has suspended the redemption of mutual funds with more of 10 percent of their assets invested in US-traded stock shares.

The commission said the decision was taken because US markets remained closed on Tuesday and Wednesday following an unprecedented terrorist attack on US soil.

Equity futures outperform main market: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Wednesday finished lower but outperformed the main market, which slumped over 7.5 percent on fears of a global recession triggered by terrorist attacks in the US.

Changing hands were 8,928 contracts on turnover of 56.2 million euros, traders said.

Prices drop in moderate trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Wednesday finished lower in moderate to heavy trade.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.31 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 51 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 735 million euros.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[15] Athens bourse building evacuated due to bomb scare; stocks tumble

Athens, 13/09/2001 (ANA)

Transactions, which are conducted by traders from brokerage offices over the phone since earlier this year, continued normally while the building was searched.

The general index continued to plunge to ever-lower levels, down 8.6 per cent at 2,336.03 points at 1:10 p.m., while turnover was 95 million euros.

All individual sector indices were tumbling, with the heaviest losses for infotech solutions, down 11.71 per cent, and publishing, down 11.7 per cent.

Of the stocks moved, none were up, 349 were down and two were unchanged.

[16] Conference on town planning in the cities and prefectures

Athens, 13/09/2001 (ANA)

The conference is organized by the Ministry of the Environment, Town Planning and Public Works, the National Economy Ministry, The National Polytechnic University and the Paris X University.

Twenty Greek and foreign special scientists will discuss the development of Greek cities and regions within the European framework.

[17] International Festival of Art and Technology "MEDIATERRA"

Athens, 13/09/2001 (ANA)

Venizelos said that as of this year the "MEDIATERRA" is incorporated in the programs of the Cultural Olympiad and will be one of the Cultural Olympiad's activities until 2004.

The minister said that the festival this year is based on the idea of an "electronic micro-museum." He said the "micro-museum" would travel in the future to Sofia and Belgrade and conclude in Frankfurt at the international book exhibition, where Greece is the honored country.

[18] Film festival dedicated to Thessaloniki

Athens, 13/09/2001 (ANA)

The event, organized by the Constantine Karamanlis Institute of Democracy and by the ND's Cultural Affairs Committee, will be held at the Center of the National Bank Cultural Institute.

A total of 25 films will be screened.

Cyprus strengthens security after terrorist attacks in US NICOSIA,

13/09/2001 (CNA)

In Cyprus itself, security measures have been taken to prevent any possible terrorist attacks against American or Israeli interests.

Speaking to CNA, Foreign Ministry Permanent Secretary Michalis Attalides said Cypriot diplomatic services in New York and Washington were seeking information about Cypriot nationals living in the two cities, by contacting American authorities and Cypriot organizations active in the US. There are a few thousand Cypriots residing in New York and Washington.

Attalides added that Cyprus Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, who flew to New York from Brussels on Monday, was in contact with the Cyprus Consulate in New York in order to follow up on any information about Cypriot citizens.

Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, who was on a Swissair flight to New York on Tuesday when the terrorist attacks occurred, has ended up in Montreal where the flight was diverted and remains in contact both with Kasoulides and officials in Nicosia.

Justice and Public Order Minister Nicos Koshis told CNA that extra security measures had been taken at airports, ports, foreign embassies and particularly areas of American and Israeli interests in Cyprus as well as other high-risk areas in the government-controlled territory.

Defense ministry spokesman Andreas Yorkas told CNA that the National Guard (army) had increased security measures. He did not elaborate.

[19] Cyprus President sends condolences to US president

NICOSIA, 13/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

According to an official press release issued on Wednesday, in his message President Clerides states "I have learned of the abhorrent terrorist attacks on innocent civilian targets in New York City and Washington, D.C. upon my arrival in Montreal where my airplane, on the way to New York, was diverted."

The Cyprus president strongly condemned, "in the most unequivocal manner, these cowardly, horrific acts against the American people and extend to the families of the victims my heartfelt condolences on behalf of the government and the people of Cyprus."

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