Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-09-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece stresses commitment to meeting NATO obligations

[02] FM Papandreou to brief political leaders this week

[03] Athens: Discussions underway over anti-terrorism proposals

[04] ND calls for party leader meeting on terror attacks in US

[05] Athens comments on FYROM developments

[06] Greece and France sign agreement on civil service reform

[07] German ambassador certain security at Olympiad will be tight

[08] Israeli gov't absent from Patriarch's enthronement due to Sabbath observance

[09] Supreme court opens discussion on appeal of seizure of German state properties

[10] Omonia sends condolences to expatriate Greeks in US

[11] 66th TIF closes its doors marking a slightly increased number of visitors

[12] Economy minister announces funding for projects on the island of Crete

[13] Industrial production index falls 0.4 percent in June

[14] Greek mutual funds' losses total 50 pct in 2001

[15] UK tourist arrivals up 7.0 percent in Greece

[16] Papantoniou urges markets to remain calm

[17] Merchant marine minister meets with ship owners' committee of London

[18] General index at Athens bourse ends 1.80 per cent lower, following rough ride

[19] Royaumont Initiative chief receives Austrian "Globe Art" award

[20] Defense, Development ministry inaugurate maritime research program

[21] Parthenon Marbles issue to be put forward to Blair at Commonwealth summit

[22] Education Minister visits Ioannina

[23] President inaugurates 30th Book Festival

[24] Olympic resumes North American flights

[25] Draft law for "viable development of Attica"

[26] Recording of damage after Sunday's earthquake in Messinia

[27] President Clerides pledges to cooperate with the US against terrorism

[28] Cyprus' record in terrorism 'absolutely blank', spokesman says

[29] Israeli, Egyptian foreign ministers have secret meeting in Cyprus

[01] Greece stresses commitment to meeting NATO obligations

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

In a related development, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos briefed Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Monday over the latest international developments and measures taken by the Greek armed forces.

"When a military-type attack is recorded you must answer accordingly, while at the same time raising the issue of democracy, international law and internationally recognized democratic rights in seeking 'the right formula'," Tsohatzopoulos said. He also stressed that NATO and the European Union are organizations which can delineate the conditions of such an 'answer'.

In separate comments, foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis added that no specific request has as yet been forwarded by Washington via NATO channels. He also said that whatever decision is taken will be the product of discussions among the alliance�s members.

Finally, he stated that a meeting between Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his Turkish counterpart Ismail Cem on the sidelines of a UN 56th General Assembly meeting in New York, set for the third week of September, would be postponed, as the assembly itself was postponed.

No new meeting date was scheduled, although Papandreou and Cem spoke over the phone about the terrorist attack, the spokesman said.

[02] FM Papandreou to brief political leaders this week

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos and Communist Party of Greece (KKE) general secretary Aleka Papariga will meet separately with Papandreou at the latter's office on Tuesday. Afterwards, the Greek FM will brief a group of ruling PASOK deputies participating in Parliament's third summer session.

On Wednesday, Papandreou will meet with main opposition New Democracy leader Costas Karamanlis at ND's headquarters.

[03] Athens: Discussions underway over anti-terrorism proposals

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

"On Thursday the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) will convene ... to discuss, besides issues on its regular agenda, the new situation that has been created following the terrorist attack in the United States," he said.

He added that Foreign Minister George Papandreou would submit various proposals at the meeting.

Finally, the spokesman said an inter-ministerial committee meeting for the Athens 2004 Games will convene on Tuesday with the participation of Papandreou.

[04] ND calls for party leader meeting on terror attacks in US

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

No decision was made at the meeting on whether Greece should contribute military forces, since it was not known what operations would be undertaken, Roussopoulos said.

[05] Athens comments on FYROM developments

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

A foreign ministry spokesman referred to Athens' diplomatic missions in FYROM as well as information via NATO channels to base his view.

"We've already passed into the second phase of implementation of the political agreement along a two-fold direction of continuing to collect firearms by the (NATO) peace force, as well as the promotion of deliberations by Skopje's parliament regarding constitutional revisions," spokesman Panos Beglitis told reporters at a briefing in Athens.

He also noted that the possibility of a referendum in the land-locked country is "an internal issue" for FYROM and its political forces.

"We don't believe that an intervention is necessary on this issue, but additionally, we would like to believe that the process that may be chosen by Skopje's political forces doesn't block the normal course towards completing the political agreement," Beglitis said.

Finally, he reiterated Athens' standing position favoring the inviolability of the region's borders.

[06] Greece and France sign agreement on civil service reform

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

The agreement was based on an action plan adopted by EU member-states for improving public administration for private citizens and businesses.

In a joint press conference afterward, Papandreou told reporters that Greece had high hopes for the results of Greek-French collaboration in this sector, while both sides believed that civil service issues should be discussed on a European level and would jointly propose a meeting of relevant EU ministers during the Spanish and Greek EU presidencies.

Also on the agenda for Greek-French cooperation in this sector are joint programs in Balkan and Mediterranean countries.

In his statements, Sapin stressed the importance of introducing efficiency indicators as a tool for making comparisons between EU member-states and to pinpoint deficiencies.

Interior minister, France's Sapin comment on terror attacks in US: Support for the United States and a united front against terrorism but not at the expense of civil rights or through a conflict of cultures - this was the response given by Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou on Monday to questions regarding last week's terrorist strikes against the US.

The minister was speaking during a joint press conference with French Civil Service and State Reform Minister Michel Sapin, following a meeting in Athens to discuss civil service reform.

A conflict of cultures would be very dangerous, Papandreou added, while she stressed that the European Union and the West had to both quash terrorism and to reduce or eradicate its causes.

"I think the EU will play a decisive role in this," the Greek minister added, "and that closer cooperation between EU member-states will bring results."

Sapin largely agreed with the views put forward by Papandreou, both in terms of the solidarity due to the American people and the concerns about possible reactions to the strikes.

The US reply, he stressed, should be fair and effective, hitting the right target in the right position but not creating more injustice among peoples.

"It seems to me," Sapin concluded, "that the reactions of European countries are converging, and that the statements of the US leadership agree with this approach. The US president is preparing his people for long-term action, indicating that he gives priority to effectiveness and justice over a dramatic response."

[07] German ambassador certain security at Olympiad will be tight

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

Speaking in Thessaloniki, Kuhna said that his country was willing to offer any help Greece may seek for the better and safer holding of the Olympiad.

Kuhna, who himself came under attack in his home in Athens by the elusive November 17 terrorist organization, stated that he and his family felt completely safe in Greece and often traveled to the prefectures without a guard.

[08] Israeli gov't absent from Patriarch's enthronement due to Sabbath observance

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

The embassy issued Monday a press release "in response to certain presentations in the media which referred to the absence of Israeli state officials at the coronation (enthronement) ceremony for the new Patriarch of Jerusalem, Mr. Irineos" on Saturday.

"The coronation ceremony for the new Patriarch of Jerusalem was held on Saturday in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, with the full knowledge that it would be impossible for Israeli officials to attend given that it is the day of the national Holy Sabbath of the Jewish religion. An important number of religious parties are currently part of the Israeli government coalition, and therefore the government is bound to strictly uphold the Sabbath," the embassy announcement said.

"Explanations about this fact were given at the highest level and complete understanding was expressed both from the Office of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr. Stephanopoulos, and the Greek foreign ministry," the announcement added.

"It is worth noting that the Greek foreign minister, Mr. George Papandreou, extended his visit to Israel for one day and his meeting with his Israeli counterpart and former Prime Minister, Mr. Shimon Peres, was held on schedule," the announcement continued.

[09] Supreme court opens discussion on appeal of seizure of German state properties

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

AED is a special judicial body composed of justices of Arios Pagos - Greece's supreme court - and by justices of the Council of State - Greece's highest administrative court. AED is called to session when the two judicial bodies issue conflicting decisions over the same case, as it happened in this instance.

This was one of the very rare instances that AED has been called upon to decide a case.

At stake, in this complex legal battle, are the buildings housing the Goethe Institute and the German Archaeological Society in Athens.

Lawyers for the families of the victims argued that Berlin showed bad faith in its continual efforts to sidetrack the whole process with back-to-back appeals.

Berlin's lawyers argued that no legal interest exists in additional legal action on the part of the families of the victims.

Earlier in the day, an appeals court froze the execution of a court order of confiscation and auctioning of the German state properties, accepting the arguments put forward by lawyers representing Berlin.

In its decision, the appellate court said it had accepted arguments by the German side that the ruling was invalid because the consent of the Greek justice minister was required for the seizure of foreign state assets and this had not been obtained.

The relatives filing the class-action suit against Germany said they would apply to have the ruling revoked by the Supreme Court.

German Ambassador: German Ambassador to Greece Karl Heinz Kuhna called the decision of the appellate court a self-evident development for a state ruled by laws.

The Archaeological Society building in Athens had originally been granted by a lower court in central Greece as compensation for relatives of the Distomo massacre victims, killed by Nazi occupation troops in June 1944.

During statements in Thessaloniki, Kuhna said that it was very hard for him to always appear before the Greek public apologizing for the actions of Germans during World War II, adding that what had happened was of course reproachable, but more than four decades have passed since then.

He reminded those present of the aid provided to Greeks resisting the 1967-1974 military dictatorship in Greece by the Goethe Institute.

Greek Foreign Ministry: On his part, commenting on the affair, foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said the government would wait until the judicial process had run its course before deciding to grant diplomatic protection to the two buildings, which he said had played a very important role in Greek-German bilateral ties.

Greek Justice Minister Michalis Stathopoulos last Friday said that he would not authorize the confiscation and auctioning of the two properties, even if the appellate court upheld the original ruling.

Meanwhile, a High Special Court (AED) is due to convene on Wednesday over the case, though sources said that the meeting would most likely be postponed because a report on the highly sensitive issue was not ready.

One of the points raised in the German side's appeal is that of exterritoriality, i.e. whether Greek lower courts retain jurisdiction to hear cases involving foreign states.

The Livadia ruling had initially found in favor of the relatives of 214 Distomo villagers shot dead by German occupation forces, ordering Germany to pay 9.4 billion drachmas in compensation.

Berlin has consistently refused to entertain the possibility of more compensation payments, saying that no private citizen can sue a state and that Germany has already paid blanket compensation under post-war reparations to Greece.

In 1960, West Germany paid a total of 115 million German marks to Greek victims of Nazi oppression. The relevant treaty signed between Germany and Greece did not, however, bar other Greek citizens with claims from coming forward and seeking compensation.

[10] Omonia sends condolences to expatriate Greeks in US

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

"For the umpteenth time, international public opinion has been shocked by brutal violence," the group's statement said, adding that the attack was one more mote in the "vicious circle of blood".

[11] 66th TIF closes its doors marking a slightly increased number of visitors

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

The first statistics that became public regarding the success of the TIF showed increases in both visitors numbers and ticket sales. Specifically, 295,950 people visited the exhibition this year, compared to 285,561 people last year. Ticket sales rose to 225,950 this year, compared to 219,583 during the TIF of 2000.

TIF served 1,210 exhibitors, of which 581 were directly and 629 were indirectly exhibiting their products and services, among them 45 state agencies and enterprises, including the national economy ministry, which co-organized with the culture and Macedonia-Thrace ministries, with the support of the National Bank of Greece and the European Commission an exhibit on the euro, the Union's common currency.

Businesses from nineteen different countries participated in this year's event. Companies from Egypt, Albania, Bulgaria, France, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Cyprus, Libya, South Africa, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Turkey, Tunisia and the Czech Republic exhibited their products and services on 43,000 sq. meters of space, along with a large number of Greek companies.

[12] Economy minister announces funding for projects on the island of Crete

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

These studies aim at securing funds from the European Union third community support framework fund (CSF).

Papantoniou said that Crete would receive at total of 600 to 700 billion drachmas from the CFS during the period that ends in 2006. He called the CSF Greece's last development effort and lauded Cretans for their work as they managed to secure a record amount of funds from the CSF.

[13] Industrial production index falls 0.4 percent in June

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

The National Statistics Service said the mining production index rose 0.5 percent in June, the manufacturing index eased 0.6 percent and the electricity-natural gas-water index fell 0.2 percent.

[14] Greek mutual funds' losses total 50 pct in 2001

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

A sharp drop in share prices on the Athens Stock Exchange has pushed mutual funds' returns (both domestic equity and combined) to negative territory, exceeding even the most pessimistic forecasts.

Sharp falls were also recorded in other sectors of the market, like the international equity and combined mutual funds that invest assets to the world's largest stock markets.

Domestic equity mutual funds show a negative return of 45 percent in the first nine months of the year, while domestic combined funds' losses total almost 30 percent this year. International equity mutual funds' losses total 50 percent, while international combined funds' reach 20 percent.

Fund managers said that the Greek economy's fundamentals were still strong and stressed that its participation in the eurozone offered it a strong shield against external pressures.

[15] UK tourist arrivals up 7.0 percent in Greece

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

GTO said figures were retrieved in the UK market covering the first eight months of the year.

The organization attributed the increase in tourist arrivals to a certified significant improvement of tourism services in Greece, mainly infrastructure.

UK tourists accounted for 18.5 percent of total tourist arrivals in Greece, up from 12.3 percent in 1996 (an accumulated increase of 73 percent in the six year period). Figures showed that UK tourists were leaving Spain and turned towards Greece as a preferred travel destination.

Cephalonia (22%), Skiathos (18%), Halkidiki (15%), Kos (12%), Rhodes (12%), Crete (11%) and Lefkas (10%) recorded the biggest percentage increases in UK tourist arrivals. Corfu remained the most attractive destination for Britons accounting for 3.4 percent of the UK market, despite a relatively small increase in arrivals this year (4.0%).

UK tour operators expect the rising trend in UK tourist arrivals to Greece to continue next year, surpassing the three million tourists barrier.

[16] Papantoniou urges markets to remain calm

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Papantoniou said "developments were directly connected with the stability and security climate that the US will create both in an economic and a political level."

He noted that Greece now acknowledged better the benefits from its timely participation in the eurozone, "our strongest shield against forthcoming developments."

[17] Merchant marine minister meets with ship owners' committee of London

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

In a press release issued by the Committee, its Chairman Epaminontas Empeirikos thanked the Greek government for a package of measures, aimed at supporting the competitiveness of Greek merchant shipping.

During the meeting they also discussed proposals in drafting Greece's positions in international organizations for the protection of Greek merchant shipping, as well as other issues regarding maritime transport.

[18] General index at Athens bourse ends 1.80 per cent lower, following rough ride

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

The general index at the Athens bourse on Monday ended 1.80 per cent lower at 2,207.94 points, off the day's lows of 2,046.77 points.

Monday's session at the bourse was unprecedented as trade was conducted in two stages. The first stage started as normal at 10 a.m. and stopped at 11.57 a.m. due to the unjustified drop in shares. It recommenced at 2.15 p.m. and ended at 6 p.m.

From Tuesday until Friday the Athens Stock Exchange will open at noon and end at 6 p.m.

Turnover was 232.7 million euros, or 79.3 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 1,247.55 points, off 1.67 per cent, the FTSE/40 index fell 4.44 per cent to 221.25 points, and the Small Cap index ended at 640.36 points, losing 4.19 per cent.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 197.89 points, off 4.76 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 328 to 28 with another one issue unchanged.

Equity futures down, tracking main market: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Monday finished at a discount, tracking the main market in heavy trade.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 1.67 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks ended 4.44 percent down.

Changing hands were 19,916 contracts on turnover of 114.1 million euros, traders said.

Prices fall in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Monday finished lower in heavy trade focusing on 10-year paper, with buying restricted to short-term securities.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.29 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 51 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.4 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

[19] Royaumont Initiative chief receives Austrian "Globe Art" award

VIENNA, 18/09/2001 (ANA - D. Dimitrakoudis)

Roumeliotis headed the EU's Royaumont Initiative that aimed at achieving cooperation between countries in southeastern Europe, the development of relations of good neighborliness and the consolidation of stability in the region, shaken by the Bosnian crisis. The initiative completed its cycle five years after its creation last May and it was incorporated in the Balkan Stability Pact.

[20] Defense, Development ministry inaugurate maritime research program

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos and Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis jointly inaugurated the program, which would allow the defense ministry to use the "Poseidon" system for research in sea-surface, below surface and measurement research that is conducted by the research vessel "Aegean" and the bathyscaph "Thetis".

The Internet support system for used by the EKTHE will also be available for the defense ministry studies. This system was funded by the European Union with four billion drachmas and was conducting environmental and earthquake research, among others.

[21] Parthenon Marbles issue to be put forward to Blair at Commonwealth summit

MELBOURNE, 18/09/2001 (ANA - S. Hatzi-manolis)

Draconian security measures will be taken at the summit which will be attended by tens of leaders from Commonwealth countries, including Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides. Queen Elizabeth will open the sessions.

According to the Australian news agency AAP, Australian Prime Minister John Howard, with the backing of the country's former prime ministers, has agreed to put forward the demand for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to the British premier.

[22] Education Minister visits Ioannina

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

Efthymiou arrived in the northwestern Greek city at the head of a delegation of officials from state organizations to discuss educational issues with local bodies and authorities.

[23] President inaugurates 30th Book Festival

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

The president urged youths to read books because they are both a source of vast knowledge and great pleasure.

On his part, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos said that "everyone can survive in the international market when they know their role," noting that the major problem faced by publishers in storing the surplus of their books could be solved through the new digital technology.

The inauguration of the book festival was also greeted by Athens Mayor Dimitris Avramopoulos, Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos and representatives of the main opposition New Democracy (ND) party and the Communist Party of Greece (KKE).

[24] Olympic resumes North American flights

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

The state-run airline's management has cautioned passengers to arrive at Greek airports at least four hours before departure as draconian security measures have been implemented.

Passengers whose flights to North American destinations were cancelled over the past days are also kindly requested to contact OA at 96.666.66 and 81.444.44.

[25] Draft law for "viable development of Attica"

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

The ministers said 106 billion drachmas would be allotted for the improvement of the environment and for enterprises to assume initiatives for the protection of the environment.

They noted that the demand for an ecological readjustment of production was imperative.

[26] Recording of damage after Sunday's earthquake in Messinia

Athens, 18/09/2001 (ANA)

A 5.2 Richter earthquake jolted Messinia prefecture in southwestern Greece early Sunday morning, with an epicenter some 180 kilometers southwest of Athens, and 30 kilometers north of the Peloponnese port city of Kalamata, near Meligala. The tremor caused damage to mostly older, stone-built homes and buildings in several villages.

Kalamata was hit in 1986 by a major earthquake in which 20 people were killed and hundreds were left homeless.

[27] President Clerides pledges to cooperate with the US against terrorism

NICOSIA, 18/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after signing a book of condolences opened at the US Embassy in Nicosia, for those killed during the attacks, President Clerides said "the government of the Republic of Cyprus and the people of Cyprus condemn unreservedly the barbaric terrorist attack against the United States, which caused thousands of American citizens and others to be dead or missing."

He said the government and the people of Cyprus express "sympathy with the victims and the relatives of the missing persons and pledges to cooperate with the government of the United States and all the other governments engaged in the battle against terrorism."

US Ambassador to Cyprus Donald Bandler expressed gratitude for the sympathy and support received from the Cyprus government and people and expressed his condolences "to Cypriots who have lost members of their family and friends in this tragic and senseless attack."

Bandler read a passage written by Pericles in 429 B.C. in ancient Greece, on freedom and democracy, pointing out that his words are as valid today as they were then.

Concluding, Bandler said "it is a moment of profound sadness but also a moment in which the American people, following a sense of shock, have a sense of common purpose and dedication to making the world a livable place" as well as "a strong sense of unity" in the nation.

"This is not a problem for Americans but a problem for the civilized world", the US diplomat added.

[28] Cyprus' record in terrorism 'absolutely blank', spokesman says

NICOSIA, 18/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Papapetrou denied allegations that Saudi Arabian Osama bin Laden is connected to Cyprus either directly or indirectly and said allegations that Cyprus is involved with terrorism are completely unfounded.

Invited to comment on information that terrorist organizations act in the occupied by Turkish troops areas of Cyprus, Papapetrou noted that Cyprus' competent authorities receive from time to time such information, which are under evaluation.

He also noted no country and especially the US has ever brought up an issue of terrorism activities taking place in Cyprus.

Invited to comment on reports in British newspapers that the British Bases in Cyprus would contribute to an American military operation against Afghanistan, the spokesman said it is up to the British government to decide how they would facilitate such an operation, since the Bases are sovereign.

Britain has retained two military bases on the island, since Cyprus obtained its independency in 1960.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

[29] Israeli, Egyptian foreign ministers have secret meeting in Cyprus

NICOSIA, 18/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

The source said the meeting of Simon Peres and Ahmed Maher was an initiative of the Israeli minister. The Cyprus government had responded to a request to provide security and arrange the meeting away from the press.

The Cyprus government has repeatedly stated that Cyprus could be a venue for meetings between Israelis and Palestinians as well as other key factors for a settlement to the Middle East problem.

The same diplomatic source told CNA that the Peres-Maher meeting, which lasted four hours, took place in a "very constructive spirit".

Both ministers expressed the desire for new meetings between the Israelis and the Palestinians in the search for a solution to the Middle East question.

The Cyprus state radio, CyBC, reported Monday night that Peres and Maher had arrived secretly at Larnaca International Airport by private jets and under strict security measures they were taken to their meeting place, near Limassol town.

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