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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 01-09-29Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>September 29, 2001CONTENTS
[01] Premier heads government meeting on ways to confront terrorismAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Friday chaired a meeting of ministers and officials, whose duties relate to issues surrounding terrorism and ways to combat it.According to sources Simitis stressed that the problem will last for some time and it demands cool-headedness in confronting the problem presented by terrorism, while it was agreed that the controls and checks of bank accounts would be intensified. They also decided that the process for the issuing of a new type of more secure passport would be sped up and several security institutions would be "woken up" from a state of "hypnosis" they are in at this time, the same sources said. Following the meeting, Deputy Press Minister Hytiris said that there were no thoughts for the establishment of a new agency, adding that the public order ministry undertook to specify and draft proposals for measures to other ministries. "From the very first moment the Greek government took care to ensure security and the safeguarding and strengthening of existing measures in the entire public sector, as well as at all those points considered dangerous. This occurred from the very first moment," he said. Hytiris further said that a decision was taken to further strengthen security measures, which always exist and added that new measures may be introduced to enable Greek citizens and Greek society to be protected. "I wish to tell you that there is no information about something specific and, consequently, there is no fear. Nothing is expected. Today's meeting had to take place precisely to have protection measures strengthened and which, one way or another, have to exist. Meaning to say it had no more specific topics and nor did it take place because there was some special warning from anywhere," he added. Those present at the meeting were: National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, Interior Minister Vasso Papandreou, Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Defense Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, Transport and Communications Minister Christos Verelis, Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, Public Order Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis, Deputy Press and Media Minister Telemachos Hytiris, Cabinet Secretary Socrates Kosmidis and National Intelligence Service (EYP) Chief P. Apostolidis. [02] Successive contacts by Greek FM in Russia, Germany, USAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)Foreign Minister George Papandreou is to pay successive visits to Moscow, Berlin and Washington for talks with his counterparts in those cities, government spokesman Dimitris Reppas said on Friday.The spokesman said that Papandreou would begin by visiting Moscow on Monday, where he would meet Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov, and immediately afterward head for Berlin and a meeting with his German counterpart Joschka Fischer. Following these meetings, he was then to fly to Washington for talks with US Secretary of State Colin Powell and other US officials. While in the United States, Reppas added, the Greek foreign minister would also meet with the Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America Dimitrios and representatives of the Greek-American community. He reiterated that Greece was adamant in opposing terrorism and would contribute its forces to the struggle against it. Asked to confirm a report in the newspaper 'Ta Nea', which said that 10 suspects of Arab descent were now under surveillance, the spokesman said that the Greek state was doing everything that should be done to protect the safety of citizens. According to an ANA dispatch from Berlin, meanwhile, the German capital has been a center of feverish diplomatic activity over the past few days, with a succession of visits by foreign heads of state and government. A spokesman for the German government said that Berlin sought to contribute as much as it could to establishing an international front against terrorism. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak have all visited the German capital so far, while Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev is due for an official visit on Monday. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder will also meet British Prime Minister Tony Blair on the sidelines of a Labor Party conference in Blackpool, UK on the same day to discuss coordinating the two countries' efforts in the fight against terrorism. Fischer, meanwhile, apart from his meeting with Papandreou, will also have talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and NATO Secretary-General George Robertson. [03] Minister says PASOK congress will speed up government workAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)Education Minister Petros Efthymiou, speaking at a press conference in Larissa on Friday, said that through its 6th congress the PASOK party will ratify unity, the clarity of its positions and the prevalence of Prime Minister Costas Simitis, adding that in parallel it will constitute a factor for speeding up the government's work.Commenting on the crisis taking on international dimensions following the terrorist attack in the U.S. on September 11, Efthymiou said Greece will face developments having secured its participation in international economic and political alliances. During his stay in the city, Efthymiou inaugurated the new building housing the 7th technical vocational senior high school, outlining government policy in the education sector, particularly technical education, and noting its improvement in Greece, while invoking a number of indicators contained in the OECD's report for 2000. [04] EU Parliament president completes official visit to GreeceAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)European Parliament president Nicole Fontaine met with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Friday, the last day of her official visit to Greece.Earlier on Friday, Fontaine had met with Prime Minister Costas Simitis and Alternate Foreign Minister Elisavet Papazoi. At a press conference at the European Parliament's offices in Athens, Fontaine said her talks with the prime minister had focused on the development and future of the European Union. "Greece will hold the EU presidency during a crucial six months for Europe in 2003," she added, and it was important to discuss how this strategically important period in Europe's future could be used to best advantage. She said there had been a convergence of views with the Greek side on the direction of the EU's development. Referring to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 in the United States, Fontaine said it had become imperative for the EU to make a qualitative leap to becoming a political organization, with a single policy on security and a role in international developments. She also stressed the importance of dialogue with the Arab world. In this context, Fontaine noted that the European Parliament supported upgrading the Barcelona process, through which Euro-Mediterranean cooperation could take a new form, while she called for balanced enlargement of the EU to the south, as well as to the east. She also reiterated the Europarliament's full support for Cyprus' accession to the EU after the completion of accession negotiations. Regarding Europe's role in international crises, the president of the EU assembly said that this could be developed and that the EU enjoyed a high degree of acceptance in the Middle East, where it could play an important role. She stressed that an understanding should be reached with the US on ways to handle terrorism. She also identified what she called a shift in US positions on this issue away from a unilateral approach, and a greater willingness to coordinate actions with European countries. Finally, Fontaine noted that the EU had to be particularly careful about matters relating to individual freedoms and protection of personal data, but without reducing its severity toward the phenomenon of terrorism. [05] Albanian FM on expected meetings with Greek leadersTIRANA, 29/09/2001 (ANA - I. Patso)Albanian Foreign Minister Arta Dade was quoted on Friday by a Tirana daily as saying meetings with Greek leadership will come in late October or early November, following the ruling PASOK party's congress in Athens."Both of these leaders (Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis and FM George Papandreou) are now actively working on preparations for the (PASOK) congress ... Despite this, however, contacts have been frequent over the recent period. I had numerous phone conversations with my Greek counterpart, Mr. Papandreou, over a series of matters that deal with both bilateral and regional issues," the Albanian foreign minister was quoted as saying. Dade also said she considers that no alterations have been made on a proposed project to build a natural gas pipeline connecting Burgas, on the Black Sea coast, with the Albanian port of Vlore, in the Adriatic. According to unconfirmed press reports here, the Bulgarian and Greek sides have agreed over an alternative route for the projected pipeline. "... we've discussed this issue during diplomatic contacts with representatives of these countries. However, I don't believe there is any change of its (route) direction, because these are mutual plans within the framework of the Stability Pact," she was quoted by the daily "Shqiptare" as saying. ISTAME institute examines European policy in Balkans: "The Strategic and Development Studies Institute (ISTAME) Andreas Papandreou" organized a discussion on "Political history and European policy in the Balkans" at the Robert Schuman European Parliament in Luxembourg on Thurs-day. The discussion, watched by a large number of employees from European Union agencies, included ISTAME President and Eurodeputy Yiannis Souladakis and Eurodeputy and former Luxembourg foreign minister Jacques Poos. Referring to the Europeans' stance in the Balkans, Poos said neither the European partners nor the Americans agreed with Germany's decision to unilaterally recognize Croatia and Slovenia. He also blamed Slobodan Milosevic as well who, in contrast to Tito who defused nationalist sentiments, stirred up Serb nationalism, facilitating centrifugal forces in this way. [06] Greek Embassy places sympathy ads in US newspapersWASHINGTON, 29/09/2001 (ANA - T. Ellis)The Greek Embassy in Washington placed extensive ads expressing the Greek people's support for the American people in the major newspapers "New York Times", "Los Angeles Times" and the "Boston Globe".Similar advertisements will be placed next week in the "Washington Post", "USA Today" and the "Washington Times". The text, which is accompanied by a photograph of the Acropolis with the Greek flag flying at half-mast next to the Parthenon, states that "Greece, the birthplace of democracy, grieves along with the American people during this difficult time. We side with the United States in the battle against terrorism. Our common values of freedom, democracy and humanity will prevail. We stand by your side." [07] Annual military exercise underway in Evros regionAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)The aeronautical portion of an inter-services military exercise - code-named "Parmenion 2001" - will conclude on Tues-day with landings by the armed forces' newly acquired "Zubr" hovercrafts on a northeastern Greece beach.Both the naval and the land portions of the exercise will be carried out in the Evros border prefecture, officials said on Friday. The exercise also marks the debut of the Ukrainian-made hovercraft troop carriers, which can carry up to 125 tones of armored vehicles, reports state. Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos, the defense ministry's leadership and the armed forces 'top brass' are expected to observe the last phase of the annual sea-land-air maneuvers. [08] Two-step budget for 2002 to parliament on MondayAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)The government on Monday will send to parliament the budget for 2002, which contains a contingency plan if the economy slumps on global repercussions from terrorism attacks in the US earlier this month.A parliamentary committee will take the budget for study after a cabinet meeting earlier in the day gives final approval to the two-step calculation. The final version of the budget to emerge from committee stage in November will be debated in the house before a vote, unless fresh changes are warranted by a deterioration in the global and Greek economies. The first scenario contains revenue and spending calculations based on a growth rate of 4.6 percent in 2002, an estimate made before the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington on September 11. The second is based on a lower growth rate that would emerge from a deeper recession in the global economy. Under the contingency plan, public sector spending would be lowered by a maximum of 80 billion drachmas to offset a decline in tax revenue, in turn stemming from a lower rate of growth, estimated at about 4.0 percent annually after 2002. The second scenario also aims to keep Greece within targets set in its 2002 economic stability plan for the European Union. In both cases, the general government budget surplus would be 1.3 percent of gross domestic product, up from 0.5 percent in 2001. [09] Schroder: No rise seen on Athens bourse, Greek tourism may slumpAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)A steady upward trend on the Athens Stock Exchange is unlikely to emerge in the near future due to low turnover and weak buying interest, Schroder Salomon Smith Barney (SSSB) said on Friday.A weekly market report by SSSB analyst Miranda Xafa reaffirmed an earlier forecast she had made that no rise was possible until the second half of October due to political uncertainty before a congress of the ruling PASOK party, Prime Minister Costas Simitis had brought the congress forward to the middle of October from spring 2002, when it was originally due to be held. She had also said that stocks on the Athens bourse were currently regarded as low in price compared with other eurozone markets due to a fresh decline, but this was probably not enough to counter the political effect. In addition, Xafa forecast on Friday that if uncertainty continued, Greek tourism and the overall economy could be hard hit by the repercussions of terrorist attacks in the US earlier this month that hurt the global economy. "A drop of 12 percent in revenue from tourism, representing 7.0 percent of gross domestic product and a third of Greek exports, could lower the rate of growth by one percentage point, with adverse repercussions on budget revenue," Xafa predicted. A slowdown in global growth rates rendered imperative the need for an acceleration of Greek structural reforms to the economy in order to attain steady growth rates that would be linked not only to European Union funding, the report added. In her last report, the analyst had forecast that Greek growth this year would be about 3.6 percent of gross domestic product, lower than an original estimate of 4.0 percent. SSSB is a member of Citigroup, the world's largest financial and banking corporation. [10] Labor ministry 'on alert' for repercussions from world economy slowdownAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)The Greek labor ministry was on alert for any repercussions in the job market due to the world economy slowdown, labor minister Tassos Giannitsis said Friday."The ministry is in a state of alert and sensitivity to see whether there will be repercussions on employment and unemployment issues; it is a matter we are monitoring closely," Giannitsis said on the sidelines of a conference on "Globalization and Labor Law: The prospects of the national labor law in the framework of EMU" that opened Friday at a central Athens hotel. Questioned by reporters with respect to dismissals due to the global economic slowdown and in the event that industrialists requested amendment of the existing law on dismissals, Giannitsis said that the present law had neither restricted nor benefited dismissals. Turning to the Conference, Giannitsis said that in an era when the production and growth models were changing rapidly, labor law plays an immense role in protecting and reinforcing the fundamental rights and authorities, through a change which should be adapted to reality, without eroding the values it should strengthen. "This is an exceptionally difficult and delicate procedure, made all the more difficult by the fact that developments today are moving at a very high speed, and consequently create uncertainty," the minister added. "What is sought today, in a period of rapid changes, is to secure the system of values that the socially developed countries have attained. It is the protection of the worker under the unequal conditions of negotiating ability, from abusive agreements, etc.", Giannitsis said. He said globalization had created new threats to social rights, but it had also reduced the degree of freedom for the autocratic, exploitation and barbarity frequently seen even today in authority-society relations on a world scale. Addressing the same conference, European Commissioner for social affairs, Anna Diamantopoulou, said that labor law today was a very important tool with regard to the EU and its application in the member countries. She said the areas covered by labor law in the EU today included issues concerning discrimination, "meaning that everyone should have equal access to work without discrimination on the basis of sex or nationality", and the free movement of working people, products and services in a safe and just sphere. On the possible repercussions of the economic slowdown, Diamantopoulou said that there would be repercussions on the European economy, and the Greek economy could remain untouched by them. "But for Greece the repercussions will not be so intense due to the increased growth rates of the economy in the preceding period," she explained. [11] Gov't okays award of 8 permits for electricity output, transmissionAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis on Friday approved the issue of eight licenses linked to electricity production, following a recommendation from the state's Energy Regulatory Authority.The following companies or groups were awarded a permit each to operate electricity transmission units totalling 1,100 megawatts: The following companies or groups were awarded a permit each for the production of electricity totalling 954 megawatts: [12] National Bank takes new step in conversion to euroAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)The National Bank of Greece, the country's largest credit institution, said on Friday that it would convert deposit accounts in eurozone currencies except the drachma into euros on October 28.Any customers who object to the move, which affects accounts in domestic branches, should inform the bank by October 18, National said in statement. Drachma accounts will be converted into euros on December 31, the statement added. The euro will be introduced as a physical currency on January 1, 2002 with the drachma used in parallel until February 28, when the national currency will be abolished. [13] PM to inaugurate two PPC projects on SaturdayAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis will inaugurate two projects for the Public Power Corporation (DEH) on Saturday. They are the Gratini Dam, worth 10 billion drachmas, and the Thermo-electric Natural Gas Plant for Combined Use in Komotini, northern Greece, worth 110 billion drachmas. The projects were completed by the AEGEK-Terna-Michaniki and Alstom-Ansaldo companies.The inauguration ceremony will be attended, among others, by Development Minister Nikos Christodoulakis, DEH's President D. Papoulias and DEH's managing director S. Nezis. [14] Agriculture minister approves subsidies for organic livestockAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)Agriculture Minister George Anomeritis on Friday approved new subsidies for Greek farmers using non-intensive, organic methods to breed livestock.According to an agriculture ministry announcement, the subsidies would be given to farmers participating in European Union organic livestock programs. Anomeritis said the goal of the programs was the production of organic livestock products, improved living conditions for farm animals and protection of the environment. He said subsidies would be available for farms raising sheep, goats, cattle and pigs. Organic farming differs from intensive agriculture in that it avoids the use of artificial chemicals to enhance production yields. [15] Athens bourse to retain later trading hours next weekAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)Athens bourse authorities announced on Friday that the market would retain its later trading times of 1200-1800 next week.The Athens Derivatives Exchange will operate from 1130 to 1815, the bourse said in a statement. [16] Stocks rise, boosted by markets abroadAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)The Athens bourse finished higher on Friday in brisk trade, fuelled by healthier sentiment in global markets.The general share index gained 2.47 percent to end at 2,226.05 points. Turnover was 168.3 million euros. Bulls drove the market throughout the session, with a last-minute round of buying taking the general index even higher. The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 2.38 percent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 3.37 percent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities 3.82 percent up. Advances led declines at 341 to 13 with 9 issues remaining unchanged. The most heavily traded shares were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, National Bank of Greece, Giannousis, Intracom and Sex Form. Athens derivatives market to offer futures on stocks: The Athens Derivatives Exchange said on Friday that it was preparing to offer equity futures on individual stocks quoted on the bourse's main market. Mock trading for brokers to familiarize themselves with the product will begin on October 8, the derivatives exchange said in a statement. The market currently offers futures on underlying equity indices. Investors wary despite stock rise: Players on the Athens Derivatives Exchange were cautious on Friday despite a sharp rise on the main market. The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips gained 2.38 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks ended 3.37 percent up. Changing hands were 5,497 contracts on turnover of 30.4 million euros, traders said. Bond prices rise in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Friday finished higher in heavy trade focusing on 20-year paper. The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.22 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 47 basis points. Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 1.1 billion euros. Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover. [17] Security, better cooperation also discussed between IOC, ATHOCAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)The IOC didn't minced its words on Friday in warning that several construction projects for the upcoming Athens 2004 Olympics are most definitely behind schedule.In his first visit to the Greek capital as the head of an all-important IOC coordinating commission supervising Athens organizers' (ATHOC) preparations, Swiss IOC executive Denis Oswald called for accelerated work on the under-construction sites and for better cooperation by all parties involved -- namely, ATHOC, various ministries and other state agencies. "Each and every delay has the potential to diminish the legacy these Games could provide for Greece and Olympic tradition," he warned. Conversely, he told reporters that the Lausanne-based International Olympic Committee (IOC) was pleased by ATHOC's results in the marketing and sponsorship sectors, while reiterating IOC chief Jacques Rogge's statement in Athens this week that "no one can guarantee security at the Olympics 100 percent." Oswald succeeded Rogge as the chairman of the coordinating committee after the latter was elected as the new IOC chief last July. Both men arrived in Greece this week at the head of a high-ranking IOC delegation of experts. "The IOC is focused on the fundamental needs of the athletes, so we cannot stress enough the importance of providing them with proper facilities and reasonable access to them. Experience has shown us: Great Olympic Games start with great fundamentals" Oswald said at a press conference held at a seaside resort southeast of the Greek capital. "The IOC's priority is to ensure that Athens organizers (ATHOC) and the Greek government provide the venues and services required to allow the athletes to compete at the level they expect. This is the bare minimum, but we should expect more from these Games on their return to their birthplace," Oswald stressed, while adding: "With even greater collaboration between the Greek government and ATHOC, we believe the Greek people can deliver as promised. We are here to help you succeed, but the national spirit must deliver." Angelopoulos-Daskalaki: On her part, the high-profile president of ATHOC, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, called for accelerated rates of progress by government-controlled ministries and agencies assigned the construction of several of delayed venues. "... we also need the government's support - not with words but with actions. The coordination commission has expressed its concern in matters relating to the construction of venues and sports facilities. It is clear: we need infrastructure, and cannot afford delays. In this partnership with ATHOC, it is the government that must construct the foundation for a great Olympic Games." Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, credited with overseeing Athens' successful campaign to win the 2004 Games and given ATHOC's mantle in the Spring of 2000 after sharp IOC criticism of organizers' progress up until that time, nevertheless emphasized that preparations are moving forward, despite delays. "Over the past three days, I believe that all of us heard the same message: we need stronger focus for greater progress. But make no mistake: progress is being made". She noted that construction on the residential zone of the Olympic Village has begun, while work at the rowing and canoeing venue is on schedule. In terms of security, the ATHOC chief said the government has taken "unprecedented actions to provide strong security measures for the Games. It signed tough anti-terrorism laws, budgeted more security funds, and struck new agreements with 37 nations, all before the tragic events of Sept. 11." "Following the tragedy, the government pledged to re-examine and strengthen every measure - I repeat: every measure - needed for a safe and secure Games. That kind of approach must be applied to each of our activities. From all parties involved, we need stronger focus for greater progress." [18] PM inaugurates first stage of Athens 'archaeological park'Athens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Friday inaugurated the newly pedestrian�s Dionysiou Areopagitou street beneath the Acropolis - the first phase of a project to unify archaeological sites in central Athens."Through these projects, we can relive the life of the city, connected to its history" the prime minister stressed during the ceremony, attended by Environment Minister Costas Laliotis, Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos and other officials. Simitis said three billion drachmas had been spent on transforming the area into a beautiful and peaceful space for walks. He said a further five billion drachmas had been secured from national and European Union funds for the rest of the project. When completed, he added, the project would recreate the routes that existed in ancient times and reconnect the ancient sites with the parts of modern Athens that surround them, as well as providing recreational and educational spaces for visitors. The project was now entering its second phase, the prime minister added, as archaeological digs at the spot where a new museum was to be built had been completed, while the culture minister said the museum would be ready before the Olympic Games began in 2004. Environment Minister Costas Laliotis, meanwhile, said numerous projects to improve the aspect of the capital would be carried out by 2005, costing a total of 85 billion drachmas. Transforming Dionysiou Aeropagitou street to a pedestrian walk was a first step towards realizing a project for unifying Athens' archaeological sites first envisioned by late culture minister Melina Mercouri. When it's completed, walkways will link the Athens Acropolis, Thisseion, the yet-to-be-built Acropolis Museum at Makriyanni and Hadrian's Arch into a single 'archaeological park', allowing visitors to walk from one to the other without traversing the traffic-laden streets of modern Athens. [19] European Alliance of Press Agencies re-elects Bureau at Athens general assemblyAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)The European Alliance of Press Agencies (EAPA) re-elected its entire Bureau for one year, during the organization�s annual meeting, held in Athens earlier this week, and EAPA press release said Friday.Re-elected were EAPA president Andreas Christodoulides, who is general director of the Athens News Agency (ANA); Tadej Labernik, director general and chief editor of the Slovenian news agency STA; Uffe Riis Sorensen, managing director and chief editor of the Danish news agency Ritzaus Bureau; Paul Tesselaar, managing director of the Dutch news agency ANP; and EAPA secretary general Erik Nylen. The annual general assembly decided to re-elect the entire Bureau, as it stands, for one year until a committee of member agencies presents revised Statutes for the organization. "A revision of statutes is one reform needed for professional operation in the 21st century," Christodoulides says. EAPA was founded in 1956, and its membership comprises of 28 European news agencies. In tandem with the 2001 annual meeting, a management seminar was held on "Copyright and Content Protection on the Internet". The first speaker at the seminar was Joerg Reinbothe, head of the European Commission's directorate for copyright and related rights. He and professor Thomas Dreier of the University of Karlsruhe commented on the new EU directive on harmonization of copyright laws in the Information Society. For more information, please contact: EAPA president Andreas Christodoulides at the Athens News Agency, tel: +30-1-6400560, e-mail: [email protected], or Secretary General Erik Nylen, EAPA, tel: +46-8-301324, mobile: +46-8-739 865272, e-mail: [email protected] [20] Vartholomeos to aid rebuilding of chapel felled by Twin Towers strikeISTANBUL, 29/09/2001 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos I announced on Friday that the Ecumenical Patriarchate would give US$ 50,000 toward rebuilding the chapel of St. Nicholas in New York, which was destroyed during the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11.During a conversation over the phone with Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America Dimitrios, the Patriarch said that this was a symbolic gesture, expressing the Patriarchate's deep concern and full support for the efforts being made to rebuild the chapel. [21] Smuggler transports illegal immigrants in car trunkAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)An Albanian national was arrested Friday in northern Greece after he was found to be transporting four illegal immigrants in his car, two of which in the trunk, police said.They said Ilir Rapi, 23, was arrested outside Oraiokastro, in Halkidiki, after a routine search of his car revealed that he was transporting four illegal immigrants. Police said Ilir had two undocumented Romanian men in the car with him, while a search revealed that two undocumented women from Kazakhstan were hidden in the trunk. The illegal immigrants told police they had paid a total 2,550 dollars to an unidentified Bulgarian to take them across the Greek-Bulgarian border, where they were turned over to an unnamed elderly man who in turn took them to a village in Serres, from where they were picked up by Rapi for transport to Thessaloniki. The four illegal immigrants were also detained. All five were due to be brought before a public prosecutor later in the day. [22] Greece honored country at Frankfurt book festivalAthens, 29/09/2001 (ANA)The "new political climate" prevailing in Greece in all sectors of politics is highlighted by the special edition of the political review Die Neue Gesellschaft/Frankfurter Hefte, to be presented at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation on October 1 on the occasion of Greece being the honored country at this year's Frankfurt book festival.The event is expected to be attended by Press General Secretary Yiannis Nikolaou, while on the part of the Social Democrat Party (SPD) an address will be made by the representative for foreign policy issues Gert Weiskirchen. [23] Cyprus' National Council condemns terrorist attacks in theUS NICOSIA, 29/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)Cyprus' National Council, comprising the eight parliamentary parties, unanimously condemned the terrorist attacks against the US, acting government spokesman Spyros Arotis announced here on Friday.The Council, which met under President Glafcos Clerides, discussed the repercussions on the Cyprus question, following the attacks in the US, he said. Arotis, in line with the Council's policy, refrained from any further comment on the contents of the discussions. All parliamentary parties were represented by two high-ranking officials at Friday's meeting, which lasted about three hours. [24] FM Kasoulides says Cyprus has no wish to get entangled in Afghanistan's internal affairsNICOSIA, 29/09/2001 (CNA/ANA)Cyprus has no wish to get entangled in the internal affairs of Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides stressed here on Friday, adding that press reports about a meeting next week on the island of Afghan factions are unfounded."Cyprus does not wish to host on its soil any attempt aiming at involvement in the internal civil dispute in Afghanistan and take the side of any of the factions," the minister said after Friday's meeting of the National Council, the top advisory body to the President on the handling of the Cyprus question. Kasoulides dismissed press reports that Cyprus will become a center where an Afghan government in exile will be set up. "This is simply not true," he underlined. Agency reports quoted former Afghan foreign minister Homayun Jarir as saying that he plans to visit Cyprus next week in a bid to convene and group Afghan factions in a coalition government against the ruling Taliban. Jarir was quoted as saying an effort was underway to set up a broad-based government to help the US and the international community. Replying to questions, Kasoulides said there have been no requests in the past several days for the convening of a meeting in Cyprus, adding that if any such request is put forward, the government will examine it before deciding on the matter. The minister said that Cyprus has hosted in the past meetings in the framework of an initiative, entitled "Cyprus Initiative", something that takes place in other European capitals. "Under the circumstances, Cyprus will not encourage any initiatives on its soil, because we are a small country with its own problems and part of our country is under Turkish occupation and we want to be particularly careful," Kasoulides pointed out. He said "meetings which aim at national reconciliation is one thing and meetings that might signify involvement in the internal civil disputes of Afghanistan is another thing." "At present, we see civil unrest in Afghanistan and we do not want Cyprus to have anything to do with it," the Cypriot foreign minister added. Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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