Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-09-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek PM: Security our No. 1 priority for Olympics

[02] President meets with Icelander counterpart, discusses terrorism

[03] Greece should show solidarity to US gov't, people, Greek FM says

[04] US, Greek FMs discuss developments following terrorist attacks on

[05] Solemn ceremony held at US embassy for terror victims

[06] PM and Skandalidis discuss PASOK congress, world events

[07] SYN, KKE call on FM for non-Greek involvement in possible war operations

[08] Problem in relations between Greek Church and Patriarchate

[09] Three Greek commercial banks slash interest rates

[10] Greece enjoys limited foreign direct investment, UN report says

[11] National Bank has 334 branches abroad

[12] Eureko completes bid for Interamerican

[13] Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline again on discussion table

[14] Capital Markets' Committee imposes heavy fines

[15] Int'l petrol station owners' conference in Athens

[16] Athens bourse general index 0.08 per cent lower

[17] Cultural Olympiad to feature operas, ballet by Theodorakis

[18] Olympic Airways flights to go ahead as normal on Wednesday

[19] US ambassador says Cyprus, US share 'common determination' against terrorism

[20] Cyprus Central Bank refutes Former CIA chief's allegations

[01] Greek PM: Security our No. 1 priority for Olympics

Athens, 19/09/2001 (ANA)

�We will do everything in our power for the country�s security,� Prime Minister Costas Simitis stressed to members of a high-ranking inter-ministerial committee assigned with smoothing over bureaucracy and delays for 2004 preparations. The leadership of the Athens 2004 organizing committee (ATHOC) also attended the meeting.

He also said it was obvious that an Olympics security master plan will be constantly improved during the run-up to the Athens Games.

In other 2004 Olympics-related items, Simitis cited what he called �delays and problems in the course of certain projects,� which however, he termed as �justified�.

His comment was apparently aimed at the International Olympic Committee, whereas he followed by promising that �all of the projects will be delivered on time within the prescribed deadlines�.

Newly elected IOC President Jacques Rogge and the newly appointed president of the all-important IOC coordinating committee for the Athens Games, Dennis Oswald, arrive on Sept. 25 at the head of a high-ranking delegation to gauge progress for the Games.

Reppas comments on terrorism issues, Olympics security: Dealing with and wiping out terrorism within Greece was an issue that concerned Greece, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas stressed on Tuesday.

Reppas was responding to questions regarding the notorious terrorist group November 17, which has been active in Greece for over 25 years without a single member having been arrested or brought to trial. The questions referred to statements by United States officials saying that November 17 was also included in the war against terrorism.

"November 17 is everyone's enemy and terrorism in our country is something that causes us grave concern," the spokesman said.

Regarding Greece's stance at an extraordinary EU Summit to be held on Friday in Brussels, Reppas said it would align itself with the text released by 20 European leaders and prominent political personalities last Friday.

Asked about the prospects of a visit to Athens by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, he said that Athens had been proposed as a venue for an Israeli-Palestinian summit during a meeting between Arafat and Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Sunday.

The spokesman reiterated Greece's interest and readiness to assist in communication between the two sides.

Reppas also responded to statements made earlier on Tuesday on nationwide TV by main opposition New Democracy's honorary president, Constantine Mitsotakis, who had said that Greece might lose the Olympics unless it could sort out its act on terrorism.

Greece was preparing to host flawless Olympic Games, he told reporters, and the last thing the country needed was 'Cassadras' (a legendary female prophet cursed so that she could only predict catastrophes).

Reppas also denied an ND request for a meeting of party leaders on recent events, saying that it would serve no purpose in this case.

The government was at the disposal of the parties to brief them on all the issues, he added.

ND discusses impact of attacks in US on Olympics, economy: The impact on Greece of recent events, following last week's terrorist strikes in the United States, was discussed by main opposition New Democracy on Tuesday, during a meeting of ND section coordinators chaired by ND leader Costas Karamanlis.

The meeting focused mainly on the economic repercussions of the attacks and implications for the security of the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004.

It was agreed during the meeting that the Olympics now had to be viewed under a different light and the question of security was now the number one priority. ND coordinator Fani Palli-Petralia, in charge of the relevant sector, pointed out that much needed to be done and that the issue of security had been far from solved before the September 11 attacks.

Meanwhile, speaking on a nationwide broadcast by Mega television, former prime minister and honorary ND president Constantine Mitsotakis warned that Greece might lose the Games unless it could get its house in order where terrorism was concerned.

"The Olympic Games will not take place in Athens if we don't put things in order and deal with terrorism, which is linked to our foreign policy and also damages our country's foreign relations," he said.

He reiterated claims that a large number of November 17 members had been caught during his government (1990-1993) but had been allowed to get off due to changes to laws introduced under PASOK, which "allowed suspects to be tried by juries that were certain to acquit them."

ND distanced itself from Mitsotakis in its official line, however, with ND spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos saying that the Games would be held in Athens and that the government had to ensure that they were carried out with the greatest possible safety.

[02] President meets with Icelander counterpart, discusses terrorism

Athens, 19/09/2001 (ANA)

"There is a need for new forms of cooperation to put a final end to terrorist actions, as well as cool headed investigation on the reasons that cause such horrible acts," Stephanopoulos said.

"We do not know the answers to the grand questions that caused these acts and we are taken by well reasoned concern over its consequences. There is no doubt that the realization - in such a tragic way - of how vulnerable modern societies of the western world are, will oblige everyone to come up with new thoughts and to look together for the means to confront a harsh reality," Stephanopoulos added.

Grimsson met with Stephanopoulos earlier in the day as well, while later in the day he met with all Parliament party leaders, while on Wednesday he is expected to meet with Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

During their meeting and later during the dinner, Stephanopoulos and Grimsson underlined the close ties between the two countries and noted the political will to further strengthen them.

Stephanopoulos stressed that Greece has every reason to improve and strengthen its ties with Iceland, a NATO ally and a member of the European Economic Space.

On his part, Grimsson said that both countries promote security and cooperation within NATO's framework, aiming at peace in Europe.

"Unfortunately, however, we witnessed the tragic events in the United States, which remind us, one more time, the importance of cooperation between us, so as to ensure that all people around the world co-exist in peace," he added.

Grimsson � Karamanlis: Grimsson also met with main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis and a delegation of the ND's foreign and defense affairs on Tuesday afternoon in a central Athens hotel.

Karamanlis stated ND's positions in light of the recent international developments, while the two men discussed the effects of the recent terrorist attacks on the Common European Policy on Security and Defense.

Meeting with Kaklamanis: The president of Iceland, Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, met with Greek Parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis on Tuesday as part of his official contacts in the east Mediterranean country.

In statements afterwards, Grimsson referred to what�s shaping up to be an international anti-terrorism campaign, saying that �it is very important to establish the international community�s framework of cooperation against terrorism, based on a respect of human rights and humanistic ideals�.

In the wake of last week�s unprecedented and large-scale terrorist strikes in the United States, Kaklamanis emphasized that �nothing can justify barbaric and terrorist actions, which are a scourge for contemporary representative democracy and open democratic societies.�

[03] Greece should show solidarity to US gov't, people, Greek FM says

Athens, 19/09/2001 (ANA)

He also said that the European Union should play a more "cool headed role", averting the blind strikes and added that the way conditions have been formulated, they present some new capabilities for the "co-management of international problems on a new basis".

Papandreou noted that military means are only one option of response to the terrorist attack, while there is a manifested need "to look at the reasons on which international terrorism is based".

He stressed that measures against terrorism should be strengthened both in Greece and in the European Union, adding that any such measures should not have a negative impact on democratic rights and democratic institutions and undermine the open societies of Europe.

Commenting on statements by former premier and main opposition honorary president Constantine Mitsotakis about the shadowy terrorist group 17 November, Papandreou said that such statements "create a huge problem for the country's international image", as they are used by some people abroad who aim to cultivate a negative climate about Greece.

[04] US, Greek FMs discuss developments following terrorist attacks on

US WASINGTON, 19/09/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Powell himself in a press conference he gave at the State Department confirmed the telephone contact.

[05] Solemn ceremony held at US embassy for terror victims

Athens, 19/09/2001 (ANA)

�I just want to say on behalf of the American embassy that we�re very touched by the great deal of support that we�re getting from groups all over Greece, and we�re especially delighted that this group that has joined us today are very prominent Greeks that represent large constituencies all over the country,� US charge d' affaires J. Michael Cleverley afterwards.

On his part, former New Democracy minister and Liberals Party founder Stephanos Manos noted that �we came here to express our solidarity to the American people for the thousands of victims of the terrorist attack, as well as our unreserved cooperation with our allies, the forces of freedom and democracy, in the struggle against terrorism and the battle to defend the open society and the Western way of life.�

Manos was joined by former PASOK minister Stavros Benos, former ND minister Andreas Andrianopoulos, PASOK Euro-MP Myrsini Zorba, Nikos Bistis, a co-founder of the Coalition of the Left off-shoot �Forum for a Modernized and Pro-Environment Left�, and Movement of Free Citizens (KEP) spokeswoman Eliza Vozenberg, among others. Many of the participants at the brief ceremony have announced that they are joining forces to promote a local initiative for peace, as well.

"This is the least we can do, short of the compassion and solidarity vis-a-vis this blind terror attack. We came here to express our feelings and those of the vast majority of the Greek people ... and to express a hope for no more blind violence," Benos said.

Cleverley told reporters that preliminary reports show that nationals from roughly 40 countries around the world were killed in the World Trade Center attacks, including between 200 to 300 Colombians.

�This was not an attack against just the United States, this was an attack against the world, really -- 40 countries, one-third of the United Nations, had victims.

�So, being able to stand together is the right thing, and it's the right thing here in Greece. We know from our experience that we have many friends and allies here in Greece. Greeks are great friends and allies and we�re standing together on this...� he concluded.

Niotis receives US charge d' affaires: Deputy Foreign Minister Gregoris Niotis on Tuesday received US charge d' affaires J. Michael Cleverley to whom he reiterated the Greek government's condolences for the victims of last week's terrorist attacks in the US.

Niotis also referred to Greece's support and solidarity with the US, both on a bilateral level as well as within NATO and the EU, in the fight against terrorism. International terrorism, the minister said, is an act against democracy and peace and responsibilities should be placed on those who were really involved in it and on those who aided it.

Cleverley, on his part, thanked the Greek people for the many letters of solidarity addressed to the US embassy and expressed his country's satisfaction over the recent initiatives by Foreign Minister George Papandreou in the Middle East. Papandreou had on Sunday separate talks with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat in Gaza and Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres in Jerusalem.

[06] PM and Skandalidis discuss PASOK congress, world events

Athens, 19/09/2001 (ANA)

Preparations for the congress would take place normally, he said, beginning with an Executive Bureau meeting on October 3 to prepare a pre-Congress report for the Central Committee meeting on October 6. A second Executive Bureau meeting on October 9, two days before the congress started, would deal mainly with procedural issues, he added.

Skandalidis said that he and the prime minister had discussed details of the congress to be held in October, as well as recent world developments and the terrorist attacks on the US.

A large part of the PASOK congress would also be devoted to discussing recent developments, he announced.

The PASOK party, Skandalidis added, believed in cooperation to fight terrorism, which if left unchecked could result in "global anarchy".

[07] SYN, KKE call on FM for non-Greek involvement in possible war operations

Athens, 19/09/2001 (ANA)

SYN leader Nikos Constantopoulos and KKE secretary Aleka Papariga, in separate meetings with foreign minister George Papandreou, set out their parties' opposition to Greece becoming involved in NATO war operations, and expressed concern over the prospect of repercussions on the democratic and individual rights of citizens.

Papandreou had consecutive meetings with the two party leaders, which focused on the developments in the European Union and NATO on tackling the problem of terrorism after the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C. last week.

Speaking to the press after his meeting with the foreign minister, Constantopoulos said that "no ideology, religion or political viewpoint justifies terrorism", adding that there was no such thing as a "holy war or humanitarian bombing".

It was humanity's desire that the culprits give account before the International Court, he said.

"But the law of war and reprisals should not prevail, nor should democracy be placed in question inside the countries," under the umbrella of an anti-terrorism campaign, Constantopoulos added.

Recognizing the active role the UN and the EU were called on to play, he said, however, that Greece should "not give 'carte blanche' authorization for any actions taken in the future".

Constantopoulos further said that a meeting of party leaders would be useful.

Papariga told reporters after her meeting with Papandreou that it was in Greece's interests to "refuse to become a pawn in the aggressive plans", and expressed opposition to any involvement of Greece in military action.

She further expressed opposition to "every attempt at suppressing the democratic freedoms" and called for "intervention by the peoples against the 'war-mongering rationale' of the US".

Papariga warned that Greece would become a "target for reprisals" in the event it became militarily involved, but also because of the base in Souda, Crete, which she said had a "purely aggressive mission".

The KKE leader also accused the EU of "giving its consent for the declaration of a war situation without an evidence" and of "planning new mechanisms of suppression".

Papariga also put before the foreign minister the question whether NATO has undertaken the operational control in the Aegean, due to the terrorism crisis, saying she expected an official reply.

[08] Problem in relations between Greek Church and Patriarchate

ISTANBUL, 19/09/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

The letters arrived at the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate last week and referred, among other things, to changes concerning the administration of the Patriarchate's metropolitans in the prefectures of northern Greece.

The Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which met on Tuesday, decided not to give a speedy answer to Christodoulos as it views that the seriousness of the matter requires the utmost attention.

[09] Three Greek commercial banks slash interest rates

Athens, 19/09/2001 (ANA)

Alpha Bank, Commercial Bank of Greece and Bank of Attica cut deposit interest rates and loan interest rates in a move expected to be taken by the rest of Greece's banks.

The average interest rate cut for deposits was 2 percentage points, while interest rates for home-loans dropped to 6.5 per cent by Alpha and Commercial Bank cut by half a percentage point, while Bank of Attica's home-loans dropped to 7 per cent.

This development makes all deposit account yields unprofitable at best, as the low balance accounts accrue 2 per cent interest, while the best yield for higher balance deposit accounts reaches to 3.25 percent.

As inflation in Greece run at 3.8 per cent in August and interest payments for deposit accounts is taxed, depositors are loosing at least a percentage point of buying power from their capital every year.

Meanwhile, mutual funds, both domestic and international, are loosing up to 50 per cent in value, leaving long-term investors at a loss of venues to protect their savings.

The real winners of this development are borrowers as they can increase their buying power as they can service their loans with less money.

[10] Greece enjoys limited foreign direct investment, UN report says

Athens, 19/09/2001 (ANA)

International direct investment in 2000 stood at 1.3 trillion dollars, invested by 63,000 transnational companies and their 800,000 subsidiaries, which were responsible for two thirds of international trade.

Greece did not claim a grand portion of this economic pie as bureaucratic problems hindered economic activities, the report said, adding, however, that over the past few years there was an upward trend in direct investment in Greece.

The report noted that there was an inflow of 1.1 billion dollars in 2000, compared to 600 million dollars in 1999, while there was an outflow of 2.1 billion dollars compared to 600 million dollars in 1999.

The increased outflow of capital was directed to neighboring countries for local investment, with Bulgaria and Romania being the major beneficiaries, while a substantial amount was directed in Western Europe, where Greek companies appear to be successfully competitive against their western European counterparts.

The report predicted that direct investment in 2001 would not be as bullish as the 18 per cent increase markets witnessed in 2000, mostly because of the general international economic slowdown.

[11] National Bank has 334 branches abroad

Athens, 19/09/2001 (ANA)

This was stated at a meeting of the bank's coordinating council of international branches, chaired by National Bank of Greece Governor Theodoros Karatzas.

The meeting noted that the total capital of the bank's branches abroad was in excess of 11 billion euros.

[12] Eureko completes bid for Interamerican

Athens, 19/09/2001 (ANA)

In a letter to the Athens Stock Exchange, Eureko said it had successfully completed the bid and that all Interamerican's shareholders have responded positively to the offer of 20.74 euros per share (around 7,067 drachmas).

Interamerican's private shareholders accounted for 14,752,644 of the company's outstanding shares. Eureko bought another 2,206,653 shares through the stock market.

Following the transaction, Eureko will hold 88,978,394 shares, or 98.07 percent in Interamerican's equity capital.

The out-of-the-market transaction is expected to have been completed in the next six days. Eureko plans to ask an Interamerican's general shareholders' meeting to approve a plan to scrap Interamerican's shares from the Athens Stock Exchange.

[13] Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline again on discussion table

SOFIA, 19/09/2001 (ANA � B. Borisov)

During his contacts with Saxe-Coburgotski, the country�s former child monarch for a brief period at the end of WWII, Christodoulakis conveyed the Greek government�s commitment for a further strengthening of Greek-Bulgarian ties as well as regional stability. The Greek minister also conveyed a message to the Bulgarian premier from Greek PM Costas Simitis.

Among the issues discussed was the long-delayed Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipeline.

Russian, Bulgarian and Greek officials are expected to meet in Sofia in two weeks to focus directly on the pipeline project, which has been in the preliminary design and financing stages for more than six years.

[14] Capital Markets' Committee imposes heavy fines

Athens, 19/09/2001 (ANA)

The committee said after its regular meeting it was imposing a fine of 57 million drachmas to Axon Holdings SA, Mytilineos SA, Cooper Invest Limited Ltd, F.G. Europe SA and Agricultural Bank because they did not informed both the market and investors over changes in their shareholding structure.

The committee also approved an initial public offering for Dias Acquaculture ABEE to list its shares in the parallel market for smaller capitalization stocks and an operation license to Commercial Asset Management Co.

[15] Int'l petrol station owners' conference in Athens

Athens, 19/09/2001 (ANA)

The conference is organized by the country's petrol station owners' union (OBE) in cooperation with the European union EPRASS.

Analysts from Greece and the European Union will present current conditions in the market, EU directives against monopolies and prospects for the market in the wake of its deregulation.

Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis will represent the Greek government.

[16] Athens bourse general index 0.08 per cent lower

Athens, 19/09/2001 (ANA)

The general index at the Athens bourse on Tuesday ended 0.08 per cent lower at 2,206.24 points.

Turnover was 142.28 million euros or 48.48 billion drachmas.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended at 1,241.67 points, off 0.47 per cent, the FTSE/40 index was up 1.88 per cent to 225.41 points, and the Small Cap index ended at 657.32 points, up 2.65 per cent.

The parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks ended at 265.10 points, up 0.83 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 287 to 52 with another 19 issues unchanged.

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

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 0.47 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks ended 1.88 percent up.

Changing hands were 11,080 contracts on turnover of 62 million euros, traders said.

Mixed results in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday 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 totaled 1.2 billion euros.

Buy and Sell orders were balanced.

[17] Cultural Olympiad to feature operas, ballet by Theodorakis

Athens, 19/09/2001 (ANA)

The works in question are lesser-known operas by the composer, entitled "Medea", "Electra", "Antigone" and "Lysistrate", and a ballet entitled "Zorbas". The first three will be performed in the summer before the Olympic Games in 2004. "Lysistrate" was commissioned by the Athens Concert Hall and will be performed by the National Opera in April 2002.

The ballet, lastly, will tour all five continents over the next few years.

Another of the composer's works to be presented in the summer of 2004 is the epic "Canto General", a piece of music with worldwide impact that has been performed throughout the world.

In statements after the meeting, Theodorakis also referred to the heinous terrorist strikes against the United States last week and said that terrorism was "an act of cowards."

"Civilization is the answer to terrorist actions, to the cowardice of terrorists, to a new world filled with feelings of uncertainty about the future," he added.

The Cultural Olympiad, which kicked off on January 27 this year with musical spectacle directed by American director Robert Wilson, is a series of artistic events that will lead up to the Olympics in 2004.

It was one of the �draw cards� in Athens� candidacy for the Games.

The Greek culture ministry has established a societe anonyme to organize events, providing a budget of roughly 40 billion drachmas (One euro equals 340.75 drachmas). This is now headed by poet Titos Patrikios after film director Michael Cacoyannis resigned from the post of president last year.

[18] Olympic Airways flights to go ahead as normal on Wednesday

Athens, 19/09/2001 (ANA)

The strike was intended to express opposition to the sale of OA to the consortium, which seems to be the favorite in the sale procedure.

[19] US ambassador says Cyprus, US share 'common determination' against terrorism

NICOSIA, 19/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after a "long and good" meeting with President Glafcos Clerides, Bandler said that he also discussed the Cyprus question with the president.

"I restated our support to the UN Secretary General's good offices mission and to carry on with our well known policy and view that we would like and need to have a solution to the Cyprus problem," he said.

Bandler said that with President Clerides he discussed the challenges that the US and the international community face with the scourge of terrorism, noting that both countries are determined to face up to that and prevail.

He described the Islam as one of the great religions in the world and clarified that "this is not a campaign against Islam, it is a campaign against violence, fanaticism and terrorism".

"We have to defend the values which we all cherish and defend our people and our societies against these threats," the US Ambassador said.

Spokesman: Administering justice and eliminating terrorism should be the reaction to the recent terrorist attacks in the US, government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said here Tuesday, pointing out that Nicosia believes that terrorism must be dealt with in a general manner, including the search for and the uprooting of the causes that breed terrorism.

"The reaction to the terrorist attacks in the US should be calm and revenge should not be sought", Papapetrou said, adding that justice must be administered and terrorism eradicated.

For political as well as for moral reasons "Cyprus will stand against the criminal terrorists, who killed thousands of innocent people at their workplace in New York and Washington," he told his daily press briefing.

Asked whether it is right and useful for Nicosia to express readiness to provide help to the US in its response to the attacks, Papapetrou said that if such an issue is raised, it would be examined taking into consideration Cyprus' obligations.

"So far we have not received any requests for any kind of assistance, nothing specific has been asked of us," the spokesman added.

Referring to possible repercussions on the UN peace effort in Cyprus, Papapetrou said the government is trying to move discreetly in a way that would bring to the foreground again the interest in Cyprus that prevailed prior to last Tuesday's devastating attacks on the US.

[20] Cyprus Central Bank refutes Former CIA chief's allegations

NICOSIA, 19/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)

Afxentiou said that there may be some confusion with the fact that bin Laden's brother, who is based in Switzerland, operates three offshore companies in Cyprus.

The US embassy spokesman, invited to comment on Woolsey's allegations, said "James Woolsey left government service in 1995."

"His personal views do not represent the policies of the US government," the spokesman said, without any further comment.

Woosley told "La Republica" in Italy that Cyprus is the worst tax haven, when referring to Osama bin Laden's funds. He said the US had told Brussels to tell Nicosia that it would not join the EU unless it hands over information about bin Laden's financial activities.

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