Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-01-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece's priorities for 2002 outlined by PM before departure for US

[02] Main opposition leader calls for unity to achieve national goals

[03] Gov't again criticizes '60 Minutes' segment as biased

[04] Greek defense minister Papantoniou to visit Cyprus

[05] Stephanopoulos briefed by interior minister

[06] PA representation denies envoy's involvement with arm smuggling ship

[07] Paschalidis pledges one billion drachmas for programs to teach Greek

[08] Trial of OA employees over Falcon jet accident postponed

[09] ND begins preparations for local government elections

[10] Thessaloniki prepares for EU summit in 2003

[11] Crop damage in eastern Macedonia and Thrace

[12] 543-million-euro rural, agricultural development plan announced by ministry

[13] Merchant marine minister holds talks with Chinese ambassador

[14] Telecommunications organisation outlines priorities for 2002

[15] European Commission promoting airline passengers' rights

[16] Intralot expands in Latin America

[17] Sarantis S.A. buys out Polish packaging firm

[18] New Labor Employment Organisation governor takes office

[19] Greek stocks fall sharply on Tuesday

[20] Police hold suspects in connection with Zonas kidnapping

[21] Cyprus says it will join EU as a whole

[22] Government certain Greek PM will promote Cyprus question in US

[01] Greece's priorities for 2002 outlined by PM before departure for US

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

In an airport statement before departing for an official visit to the United States, Simitis told reporters that his government's plan and initiatives for Greece's constructive presence in the EU and the international scene was commencing in 2002 with his visit to the US, adding that Greece had proved it was a country that participated on an equal footing in the European Union and was actively involved in forming the developments.

"Greece is dynamically standing out as a country of stability. From our privileged position, we are able to contribute to peace and prosperity in our neighborhood and more broadly, indeed in an area that is faced with crises and conflicts," Simitis said.

"Our effort must be directed particularly towards wiping out friction spots at the regional level and in the comprehensive reinforcement of the country at international level. Greece has a special responsibility towards the peoples and countries of the region to consolidate the principles of peace, international law and cooperation and advance them in every direction," the premier continued.

He added that the immediate priorities of his government were EU enlargement, the "deepening' of European cooperation, and the decisions concerning Europe's future.

"We must prepare intensively for an efficient EU presidency in the first half of 2003, to apply the policy we forged in Helsinki now that it's positive results for our national interests are becoming visible," he said.

Simitis said the focus of his talks in the US with President Bush and other American administration officials would be on strengthening bilateral political and economic relations between the two countries, reviewing international developments, and the need for developing a modern security system following the September 11 events, as well as the ongoing crisis spots in our geopolitical field, such as the Cyprus issue.

Asked to comment on referrals to the issue of terrorism by US television networks and whether he expected to be put pressured with respect to stamping out terrorism, Simitis replied that it went without saying that "we do not accept pressure", while the US "know that we will not accept pressure".

He said there were "circles and interests" in the US "which want to put forward some problems because they believe that they serve their own purposes by doing so.

However, "we have very convincing replies, we have our policy, which has rendered us champions of peace and stability in the region", and thus "we have no need to feel anxiety", Simitis said, adding that the purpose of his visit to the US was to "exchange views and advance bilateral cooperation".

He said that the times when a prime minister of Greece went to other countries to have certain policies recommended to him "are a thing of the past...this is no longer so...The prime minister of Greece goes to the United States or anywhere else to present the country's policy and directions, to discuss, and to cooperate for peace and cooperation".

Spokesman comments on PM's trip to US: Relations between Greece and the United States were very good, government spokesman Telemachos Chytiris said on Tuesday and he rejected suggestions of pressures on Greece from the American side.

The US trip by Prime Minister Costas Simitis, for which he departed on Tuesday, was very important and would help cement bilateral ties even further, Chytiris said.

He criticized sections of the press who claimed there were pressures on Greece, accusing them of creating a climate of insecurity around the prime minister's visit.

Chytiris stressed that Greece had clear positions that it supported at all times and in all places, as it would do now.

The government, he told reporters, expected positive results from the prime minister's trip to Washington, though all sides would have to wait for the outcome of the talks and meetings to see whether American positions on crucial issues, such as the Cyprus problem, the European army and Greek-Turkish relations, would shift closer to those of Greece.

He also noted the new role opening up for Greece in the area, pointing out that Simitis' trip came just one month after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Greece.

Finally, the spokesman strongly attacked the US TV network CBS for a broadcast about Greek attitudes to terrorism, saying it was the product of bad journalism, prejudice and bias and that hindered the fight against terrorism.

[02] Main opposition leader calls for unity to achieve national goals

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

In light of Prime Minister Costas Simitis' visit to the United States, Karamanlis stressed that 2002 will be a particularly critical year for Greece's national interests and especially in light of the meeting between Simitis and U.S. President George Bush.

"Developments in the region are to a great extent dependent on the U.S.A.," he added.

"There should be caution and decisiveness toward every threat, provocation and effort to establish fait accomplis against Greece. In a monotonous way we advise the government for Greece to have a complete strategy and clear voice, calling things with their name," Karamanlis stressed.

"We Greeks have no more margin for concessions and more things to give up. Threats do not scare us and pressures do not make us yield," he added.

The ND leader underlined the "increased and increasing Turkish acts of provocation lately", adding that ND believes that the accession of Cyprus to the European Union must take place during the first half of 2003, during the Greek EU presidency.

He added that this accession should take place in the form of one country entering the Union, with the demilitarization of the island republic and the deployment of a multi-national force.

"This will create a new dynamic, which will influence the full spectrum of the Greek-Turkish relations. The return of the Turkish Cypriot side to the talks is an important development. If, however, it is a maneuver by Ankara or extremist elements in an effort to create tension, then the upcoming period will bear grave dangers," Karamanlis said.

Regarding the Euro-Force, Karamanlis stressed that Greece should secure itself.

"As all European citizens, we have the right to feel safe concerning our external borders. We are the only country facing a real external threat. We cannot be a second rate country," he underlined.

He added that he addressed a relevant letter to the EU presiding Spanish prime minister, through that country's embassy in Athens.

His statements, did, however, include criticism over the government's handling of the country's foreign affairs, which he said were fraught with "mistakes and negligence (which) aggravated the problems".

He concluded by saying that "the claims of Ankara on the Euro-Force issue, is to threaten Greece and blackmail its partners and allies".

Commenting on Karamanlis' statements, Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou, who was also present in Parliament, called them a particularly positive intervention, which highlight Greece's standing national positions and proves that those positions are those of every Greek.

He added that those statements prove that the Greek Parliament stood in support of Simitis' efforts to promote Greece's national issues, noting that "Mr. Simitis should do well", while he spoke of difficult negotiations in 2002.

[03] Gov't again criticizes '60 Minutes' segment as biased

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

Acting government spokesman Telemachos Chytiris emphasized that Greece's standing position regarding the fight against inter-national terrorism is well known, whereas he stressed that CBS does not represent the Bush administration - a statement that echoed similar comments by official US quarters.

Chytiris nevertheless sharply criticized CBS and the particular "60 Minutes" segment, charging bias and a slanderous presentation of statements by interviewed individuals.

Greek Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, who was interviewed last May for the specific segment and portrayed in a particularly negative light, charged on Monday that only "Sound-Bits" of his lengthy interview was aired, while his statements were taken out of context.

The acclaimed investigative news program aired the segment on the notorious "November 17" terrorist group during its Sunday program.

Among others, the segment's host -- "60 Minutes" veteran journalist Ed Bradley -- reiterated that no arrests of suspected "November 17" members have been made in the 26 years since the elusive group first surfaced and after more than 100 attacks.

"60 Minutes", the longest-running and highest-rated weekly investigative news program in the United States, also described the US embassy in Athens as a veritable "fortress", while adding that the US State Department spends more money on the safety of US diplomats in Greece than it does for any other country in the world.

Bradley noted that the issue of terrorism in Greece concerns Washington in light of the 2004 Games in Athens, while he said that although no link has been uncovered tying "November 17" -- a small but lethal Marxist urban terrorist cell -- with the religious fanatics of "al Qaida", the inability of Greek authorities to hunt down the group's members may "attract" other terrorist organizations to Athens in 2004.

New Democracy: On its part, main opposition New Democracy party also expressed disdain for the "60 Minutes" segment, with a ND spokesman on Tuesday focusing on the broadcast's timing -- days before the Greek PM lands on US soil for an official visit.

Theodoros Roussopoulos, a television journalist and columnist before he assumed the post of ND spokesman, also noted that the allegations aired on the segment should have been backed up with proof in order to be taken seriously.

Additionally, he said it was "unacceptable" for the president of Parliament to be insulted in such a manner.

Finally, Roussopoulos called on the government to expand its efforts at stamping out terrorism in the country.

[04] Greek defense minister Papantoniou to visit Cyprus

NICOSIA, 09/01/2002 (ANA / G. Leonidas)

Papantoniou, will arrive in Cyprus on January 30 and during his stay he will be received by President Glafcos Clerides and by Archbishop Chrysostomos.

Apart from his talks with Hasikos, he will meet the leaders of the parliamentary parties. Papantoniou will leave on January 31.

[05] Stephanopoulos briefed by interior minister

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

Skandalidis said a problem with interruptions in power supply still exists in certain parts of the country, while iced over roads in many residential areas of northern Athens also pose difficulties.

Finally, he said the issue of election law changes was not brought up in his talks with the Greek president, saying the government will bring up the matter at a later time.

[06] PA representation denies envoy's involvement with arm smuggling ship

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

In a press release distributed to local media, the Palestinian diplomatic representation said DPA dispatches citing the involvement of ambassador Abdullah Abdullah in the case are "fallacious and groundless."

In echoing earlier statements by the PA's information minister in Ramallah, the press release reiterated that the charges of arms smuggling launched by Israel are "false" and part of a smear campaign against the Palestinian Authority.

The PA representation adds that the "Israeli government should act with seriousness in order to promote the peace process; to lift the blockade of Palestinian cities and towns; to stop the terrorism it exercises against the Palestinian people; and to abide by a cease fire that (PA) President (Yasser) Arafat announced on Dec. 16, 2001."

"... the Israeli security services have accustomed us to such frame-ups that soon collapse," the press release concludes.

According to wire service reports on Tuesday, the Palestinian Authority ordered the formation of a high-level, four-member committee to investigate Israeli allegations that it was responsible for a weapons smuggling ship caught off the Saudi Arabia coast on Thursday.

Israeli forces intercepted the "Karine A" as it was reportedly carrying 50 tons of weapons.

On Tuesday, the PA's information minister, Abed Rabbo, accused Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon of creating obstacles in the way of a regional peace mission undertaken by US special envoy Anthony Zinni.

Rabbo also described the ship incident as "an Israeli theatrical play" used to justify military action against the PA and "to undermine the Zinni mission.

A man described as the ship's skipper, Omar Akawi, told Israeli television Monday from an Israeli prison that the weapons were destined for the Gaza Strip and that he received instructions from a PA representative in Greece named "Adel Awadallah", as he claimed.

[07] Paschalidis pledges one billion drachmas for programs to teach Greek

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

[08] Trial of OA employees over Falcon jet accident postponed

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

Then alternate foreign minister Yiannos Kranidiotis lost his life as the plane spun out of control in heavy turbulence, as did seven people accompanying him on an official visit to Romania.

The case was postponed because the defense counsel was unable to come to the court due to the recent bad weather.

Olympic Airways, meanwhile, intends to argue that the accident was not due to human error but to construction defects for which the plane's manufacturer is responsible.

[09] ND begins preparations for local government elections

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

ND has already commissioned a number of opinion polls in crucial districts that are due to begin in the coming days and will be for the larger municipalities and prefectures.

In Athens, the questionnaire will include all the names mentioned as mayoral candidates so far, including Dora Bakoyianni, George Voulgarakis, Vyron Polydoras and Theodoros Anagnosto-poulos.

Within the week, Karamanlis will meet with Tzannis Tzannetakis to gather the names of those interested in standing as candidates.

[10] Thessaloniki prepares for EU summit in 2003

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

He added that the necessary infrastructures are being prepared at the installations of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, where the summit will be taking place.

Paschalidis also said that all preparations for the summit are underway and in a good state of progress, adding that the rest of the city is also being prepared with renovations of hotel facilities and projects aimed at the city's beautification.

[11] Crop damage in eastern Macedonia and Thrace

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

A similar cold snap in 1963 had caused untold damage to fruits and vegetables throughout northeast Greece, they said.

Farmers also reported over 300 small animals killed by packs of wolves that came down to the plains in search of food.

Massive damage was also suffered by fisheries in Lake Vistonida in Rodopi, where hundreds of tones of fish worth some 800 million drachmas were killed by the low temperatures.

[12] 543-million-euro rural, agricultural development plan announced by ministry

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

The new program includes a series of actions for the complete development of the country's rural areas.

[13] Merchant marine minister holds talks with Chinese ambassador

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

The Chinese ambassador expressed satisfaction over the great number of orders for the building of Greek-owned ships in Chinese shipyards (at this moment 26 ocean-going ships of a total capacity of 1,300,000 DWT are being built) and stated that China will continue its historic obligation but also its tradition of chartering Greek ships for its transport.

Zhen Jianguo also conveyed an invitation by Anomeritis' Chinese counterpart to pay an official two-day visit to China. The ambassador also announced China's participation at "POSIDONIA 2002" as well as the selection of Piraeus as the headquarters of the Chinese Shipping Register for the whole of the Mediterranean.

Anomeritis also discussed the increase of cargo by Chinese companies through the ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki.

Both sides agreed to organize a symposium with Chinese ship owners and transport companies in Piraeus.

[14] Telecommunications organisation outlines priorities for 2002

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

OTE's policy lines at administrative level will be strengthening the Partnership Governance Committee, to enable it to be more effective in its task of coordinating, controlling and monitoring the group's companies, and decentralization.

At economic level, operational costs will be reduced through the stricter implementation of measures taken and measures required to decrease deposits and bad debts.

On the international scene, the group will strengthen its presence in the telecommunications market of southeastern Europe. This sector includes taking measures to achieve a better performance of existing investments, and their selective extension to new productive markets, as well as the continuation of priority for mobile telephony companies.

The group will also aim at developing national infrastructures and backing systems to improve the quality of products and services provided and decreasing staff with voluntary departure programs.

[15] European Commission promoting airline passengers' rights

BRUSSELS, 09/01/2002 (ANA - B. Demiris)

The aim of the European Commission's proposals is to combat overbooking and sudden cancellations, as well as considerable flight delays.

It has been estimated that about 250,000 passengers using airports in European Union member-states become victims of overbooking every year.

In cases where airline companies bar the bearers of tickets from boarding flights due to overbooking they will have to pay passengers compensation amounting to 750 euros for flights of less than 3,500 kilometers, from 150 euros which is the case at present. Compensation will decrease to 375 euros if delays do not exceed two hours.

They will also have to pay passengers compensation amounting to 1,500 euros for flights over 3,500 kilometers, from 300 at present. Compensation will decrease to 750 euros if delays do not exceed four hours.

After the measures are ratified by the council of ministers, they will be applied on all flights, meaning both regular and charter flights.

Commenting on the decision, European Commission Transport Deputy President Loyola de Palacio said "a big number of Europeans are faced with unpleasant surprises when they present themselves for ticket checks at airports. We wish to reduce the number of passengers falling victims of embarkation barring and our proposals aim at rendering this practice much more difficult for airline companies. We also wish to strengthen the protection of passengers from sudden flight delays. We believe the strengthening of passengers' rights will contribute to the restoration of confidence in airline flights."

[16] Intralot expands in Latin America

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

The contract envisages the creation of a modern gaming and lottery organisation with the supply, installment and support of an integrated on-line lottery network along with the supply of all the necessary commercial and organizing management services.

The contract has a 10-year duration with the option to be extended, while the operation of the lottery organisation in Peru is expected to begin in 2003. Various investment and business agencies, domestic and abroad, will participate in the completion and financing of the project.

The network will use 1,000 sales points around the country. Peru has a population of 27 million people and analysts said the gaming and lottery market's annual turnover exceeded 300 million US dollars.

Intralot has already signed a contract with Chile.

[17] Sarantis S.A. buys out Polish packaging firm

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

Sarantis purchased 70 per cent of Pack Plast through its subsidiary Sarantis Poland S.A. and aims at expanding its business activities in Poland and the neighboring countries.

[18] New Labor Employment Organisation governor takes office

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

He succeeds Telemahos Palaiologos at the post.

Reppas stressed the need for upgrading OAED's services, noting that "if, in parallel, it is an organisation of dignity, sensitivity and transparency the effort to increase employment will succeed".

He further said that the process of the organization�s economic restructuring, manning with staff and expanding of Employment Promotion Centers has been scheduled.

Reppas also said that the government's employment policies will focus in particular on women, young people and the long-term unemployed.

[19] Greek stocks fall sharply on Tuesday

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

The general index ended 1.39 percent down at 2,601.51 points, with turnover a low Dr 28.6 billion, or 84 million euros.

The Textile, Publication, Wholesale and Construction sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (3.36 percent, 3.33 percent, 2.87 percent and 1.84 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.26 percent lower, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 1.73 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index dropped 2.27 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 309 to 23 with another 20 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares were Euroconsultants, Panafon, Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation, National Bank of Greece and the Public Power Corporation.

Bond Market Close: Prices drop in increased trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished lower in slightly higher trade than in the previous session focusing on ten-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.17 percent, and the yield spread over German bunds was 35 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totaled almost 1.62 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for the bulk of turnover.

Derivatives Market Close: Equity futures lose ground: Equity futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Tuesday ended the session with lower in trading day that was marked by much higher volume than the pervious sessions, traders said.

Changing hands were 4,196 contracts almost double than the previous session. Turnover was 26.2 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips dropped 1.26 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks dropped 1.73 percent.

[20] Police hold suspects in connection with Zonas kidnapping

Athens, 09/01/2002 (ANA)

The 32-year-old businessman was kidnapped on October 2 and released 63 days later in December, after his family paid a ransom of one million dollars.

Police believe the man who masterminded the kidnapping is currently being held in Korydallos prison in Athens, while a total of five people, four men and one woman were implicated in the case.

Due to testify at Attica police headquarters in connection with the case on Tuesday is businessman Theodoros Kalogeridis, whose business in based in Perama.

Kalogeridis claims that he is going to testify after hearing his name mentioned in connection with the kidnapping, while police sources say that he is the prime suspect.

Also connected with the case is one Christoforos Lasithiotakis, who has been placed under arrest and has already admitted his involvement in the kidnapping.

According to police sources, an important part in solving the case was played by a police psychiatrist who monitored the calls from the kidnappers and helped Yiannis Zonas provide a description of his captors.

Zonas has been at police headquarters since Monday night attempting to identify the suspects brought in or to recognize their voices.

[21] Cyprus says it will join EU as a whole

NICOSIA, 09/01/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Meanwhile, government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou stressed on Tuesday that Cyprus' EU accession course was never linked to Turkey's approval, adding that there was no possibility of only part of Cyprus joining the EU, nor had such a matter ever been raised.

Vassiliou, who was speaking after a meeting with President Glafcos Clerides, said there was no real danger of Turkey materializing its threats when Cyprus entered the EU, noting that Turkey would not dare annex the part of Cyprus it occupies since 1974, when it invaded the island, as such a move would exclude Turkey from the EU.

He added that Cyprus' EU accession course would contribute towards a solution of the Cyprus problem, either before or after the Republic becomes a member of the bloc.

Cyprus opened accession negotiations with the EU in 1998 and has so far provisionally closed 24 out of 29 chapters of the acquis communautaire under negotiation.

[22] Government certain Greek PM will promote Cyprus question in US

NICOSIA, 09/01/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said on Tuesday that "the Cyprus government has no doubt that the Prime Minister of Greece will reiterate the well-known positions of the Greek government on the principles of a Cyprus settlement", adding that these positions are backed by Nicosia, which is in constant contact with Athens at various levels.

Asked if the Cyprus government expected Simitis to make any request on the UN and the US, Papapetrou said they would be asked to "play their role as superpowers towards a solution complying with that which the US voted for at the Security Council".

Meanwhile, Simitis departed on Tuesday for the States, saying that he would discuss Cyprus' EU accession course, the strengthening of initiatives for a Cyprus settlement, the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations, and stability in southeastern Europe, during his meetings.

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