Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-04-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Mideast explosive situation dominates first day of Economist conference

[02] Security threats from a ''darker side'' of globalization cited by NATO's Robertson

[03] Russian envoy opposed to Balkan border changes

[04] Defense minister comments on Greek-Turkish affairs, ''Euroforce'' issue

[05] Turkish defense minister on candidacy of Romania, Bulgaria to join NATO

[06] PM holds talks with FYROM and Albanian counterparts

[07] FM meets with Ukrainian counterpart, discusses bilateral, regional issues

[08] FM Papandreou says Greece's foreign policy based on 'patriotism and reality'

[09] Athens deplores Jenin attacks, calls for peace talks in Mideast

[10] Athens mayor believes authorities will break up '17 November' before 2004

[11] FYROM premier Georgievski advocates return of Parthenon Marbles to Greece

[12] PM inaugurates new administrative court buildings

[13] Cyprus minister says EU's external borders a top priority

[14] Parliament President meets Archbishop of America Demetrios

[15] Civil protection bill ratified in Parliament

[16] New representative of Greece to UN presents credentials

[17] New secretariat to coordinate gov't action against social exclusion

[18] Social exclusion not a 'necessary evil' PM says after gov't meeting

[19] Christodoulakis inaugurates dialogue on tax reform

[20] Greek March inflation second highest in the EU

[21] Macedonia-Thrace minister talks of Thessaloniki's prospects

[22] Greece announces shipping fare increases up to 38 percent

[23] Greek stocks rebound strongly on ASE

[24] Two indoor gyms provided for ATHOC 2004

[25] Another round of hotel rooms offered for 2004 Olympics

[26] Clerides and Denktash discuss the Cyprus problem

[27] Chief negotiator welcomes EU Commissioner's remarks

[28] Christofias discusses Cyprus problem with US officials

[01] Mideast explosive situation dominates first day of Economist conference

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

Greeting Barak at the 6th Economist group�s �Government Roundtable� conference in the SE Athens seaside resort of Vouliagmeni, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou reiterated that there can be no permanent security for Israel without the establishment of a Palestinian state, seconds before stressing: "There cannot be peace either if Israel doesn�t feel secure within its borders".

Papandreou also praised the recently unveiled Saudi peace plan for the Mideast, saying it opens �a positive prospect�, before again expressing Athens' stern condemnation for the taking of innocent lives.

The Greek FM also referred to "historical opportunities" that should not be missed, citing the Cyprus problem and Greek-Turkish rapprochement, among others, "that�s why I, myself, and Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem want to work together on this (Mideast) issue ... Some consider us (Greece and Turkey) as ancient enemies, we chose a different path".

Barak called the high-profile Saudi plan a "significant move in the right direction" before listing three "elements" he said were missing, namely, recognition of Israel as a "Jewish state" by the Arab world; allowing Palestinian refugees the right of return only to Palestinian areas and not to Israel proper, except for humanitarian reasons, and finally, a recognition of "secure borders" for all sides, and not necessarily strictly on 1967 borders.

Without any reference in his address to current Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Barak called on Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to "put an end to terror; go aboard the Tenet-Mitchell Plan immediately and go back to the Camp David positions".

"We will never yield to suicide bombings as a diplomatic tool. There is no reward to terror," he stressed.

On his part, Amb. Hisham Badr, the chief of cabinet of the Arab League's secretary general, countered that the "original sin" was the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, warning that "as long as occupation continues, resistance will continue".

Badr told an audience of Greek and foreign dignitaries, including EU defense and security policy chief Javier Solana, that there can be no military solution to the crisis and that "Israel's security cannot come at the expense of others' security".

"Clearly, Israel has crossed all the red lines ... Only resolutions 242, 338 and 'land-for-peace' will solve the problem, not Israeli war crimes," he said, before also condemning the killing of civilians on both sides.

Finally, Badr repeated the League of Arab State's offer for "normal relations" and a promise to "live in peace" in exchange for Israel's withdrawal to the 1967 borders.

U.S. envoy in Athens focuses on Mideast, in ''Economist'' conference: US. Ambassador to Athens Thomas Miller on Wednesday addressed the delegates of an international conference in Athens, referring to ''The New Agenda for Global Recovery: The new alliance and its significance'', which was the theme of the conference.

The U.S. ambassador delivered the speech at the Economist group's 6th "Government Roundtable" in Athens, where he was a keynote speaker.

Miller focused on the problem of the Middle East, speaking of ''the abiding U.S. partnership with Europe,'' in this problem and adding that the challenge before our eyes is the tragedy that is still unfolding between Israelis and Palestinians''. \

''Secretary Powell left the Middle East today, having made some progress. A process is underway, but where it will lead I cannot speculate here. Events are moving quickly, speculating about the future is not a worthwhile exercise. You know and share our vision of Israel and Palestine as two states living side by side in peace and security. You know too how difficult that task is,'' he added.

"As I stand here, the United States is continuing a phase of consultation with our friends, looking for ideas as much as presenting our own. I agreed to speak tonight out of a sense of obligation to this distinguished audience. My hope is to present some views about leadership in the world ... on the need to keep up a vigorous, united coalition of the whole civilized world,'' he noted.

Speaking of the security issue in the troubled region he said ''I am well aware of how daunting the challenges are. Over a long process since Oslo, Madrid and Washington there has been an agreement among Americans, Europeans, Palestinians and Israelis on the various plans, the road maps of how to bring about a Palestinian state living at peace with Israel. The vision exists, but how do we persuade the leaders and people of Israel and Palestine to implement it? The European Union is important in this process''.

''Foreign Minister Papandreou, along with his Turkey colleague Foreign Minister Cem are bringing their influence to bear, in close coordination with Brussels and Secretary Powell,'' he stressed.

''But any hope for the people of the region depends on Chairman Arafat and the Palestinians living up to their responsibilities and on Prime Minister Sharon and the Israelis living up to theirs,'' Miller underlined.

Speaking of Afghanistan and the recent international intervention there he said that ''you can say we did this to meet our own security needs. That is true, but we did not stop there. We have a tradition of helping others in need and we also know that an unstable Afghanistan breeds instability everywhere''.

''The U.S. and the rest of the international community have come in with generous assistance, to build up a new government representing all major groups in Afghanistan,'' he added.

Concluding, he praised the Greek Foreign Ministry's archival service for the compiling and publishing of documents regarding the Marshall Plan in Greece.

[02] Security threats from a ''darker side'' of globalization cited by NATO's Robertson

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

The NATO chief made the comments at the Economist group's 6th "Government Roundtable" in Greece, where he was a keynote speaker on the issue of "The New Agenda for Global Recovery: The New Alliance and its Significance".

Beginning his address, Lord Robertson, whose schedule includes several meetings with Greece's top leadership, praised what he called Athens' five decades as a NATO member, noting that the east Mediterranean country has "always helped to bring fresh ideas and innovative thinking on many challenges we have faced together."

Turning to the high-profile threat of terrorism, he said that although networked financial systems, information systems, trade and travel have generated enormous benefits, they also introduced a "qualitative new menace to the international community".

"Al-Qaida offers the most obvious illustration. First, it proved conclusively that terrorism has gone global. Al-Qaida was based in Central Asia, led by a Saudi, trained personnel in Europe, and carried out operations from Africa to the United States. It used the Internet, and powerful new encryption software to communicate freely anywhere in the world," the former British defense minister stressed.

In terms of NATO expansion, Lord Robertson said that by encouraging candidate-states to "meet our political and military standards, the Alliance helps promote democratic reform, resolution of border disputes and minority issues."

Among others, he cited NATO's cooperation with the European Union in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) as a "perfect illustration of the potential for cooperation".

ND leader Karamanlis holds talks with NATO chief Lord Robertson: Main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis met on Wednesday with NATO Secretary-General Lord George Robertson who is currently visiting Athens.

During their talks, which lasted 80 minutes, they exchanged views on the situation in the Balkans, NATO-EU relations and the situation in the Middle East.

No statements were made after their meeting.

Lord Robertson will meet Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Thursday.

[03] Russian envoy opposed to Balkan border changes

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

''Russia is an active participant in multilateral efforts at halting the Israeli-Palestinian confrontation and reopening peace negotiations. Current events in the region show that violence in any form, whether acts of terror or inadequate measures for its suppression, only exacerbate the situation, hinder solution of security problems, and delay prospects for political settlement between Israelis and Palestinians,'' he said.

Lukov added that ''Russia is calling for immediate implementation by both sides of the UNSC Resolution 1402. This would pave the way to further steps towards detente and normalization envisaged in the Tenet-Mitchell plan.''

On the question of the situation prevailing in the Balkans, Lukov said ''the goal of the Russian policy here is normalizing the situation and ensuring lasting peace and security for all states of the region. A comprehensive approach to Balkan problems is required, aimed at preventing border changes here, and at putting down flames of extremism, terrorism and separatism.''

He further said ''these motives lie at the heart of the Russian proposal of convening a Balkan conference for establishing legal grounds of regional stability. Such a conference, attended by extra-regional partners, could help introduce in the region legally binding agreements, committing governments to observing universally recognized norms of relations between states. Such agreements could be guaranteed by the UN Security Council.''

In addition, he said ''the top priority today is the full implementation of the UNSC Resolution 1244. The international community must live up to the obligations assumed under this document concerning return of all refugees to this region, protection of minority rights and formation of a multiethnic democratic society.''

Lukov also referred to the problem of Cyprus and underlined ''the Russian principled position in support of the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus.''

[04] Defense minister comments on Greek-Turkish affairs, ''Euroforce'' issue

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

Papantoniou reiterated that Greece follows a policy of peace and friendship with Turkey and encourages those elements in Turkish political life that look forward to a good relationship with Greece.

He added that the improvement in Greek-Turkish relations would allow the government to allocate more funds to the educational and healthcare systems, as well as to social security.

He stressed, however, that the problems with Turkey persisted, that the national issues were in a sensitive phase and that his presence on the island comes to underline the great importance the government places on the readiness of the state to protect the islands in the Aegean.

Papantoniou also commented on the issue of the ''Euroforce'' in light of NATO Secretary General Pat Robertson's arrival in Greece on Wednesday, during which he will address the ''Economist'' conference in Athens, saying the issue of the ''Euroforce'' is an internal European Union affair to be resolved through its institutional processes.

''The European Union is a field of constant negotiations and we are exerting pressure and pressures are exerted up us,'' the minister said, adding that Greece wants a solution that would lead to the substantial benefit of the political and defense integration of the EU.

[05] Turkish defense minister on candidacy of Romania, Bulgaria to join NATO

ISTANBUL, 18/04/2002 (ANA - Kourkoulas)

Cakmakoglu, who arrives in Greece at the invitation of his Greek counterpart Yiannos Papantoniou, said that apart from stability and security, discussion at the conference will also include Europe's security issues and the NATO summit in Prague in November.

[06] PM holds talks with FYROM and Albanian counterparts

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

His scheduled meeting with the Romanian prime minister on Wednesday was not held since the two leaders agreed to meet during the visit to Bucharest Simitis will be starting on Thursday.

[07] FM meets with Ukrainian counterpart, discusses bilateral, regional issues

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

The two men also discussed the efforts of the Ukraine to enter the Euro-Atlantic structures, efforts, which Greece supports.

Papandreou said that they discussed with Zlenko the major regional issues, Black Sea cooperation issues, conditions in the Balkans and developments in the Middle East, which as the Greek minister said ''is very current and a subject we both have concerns and common positions''.

The two ministers also discussed Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus problem.

Zlenko invited Prime Minister Costas Simitis to visit the Ukraine, a visit that will take place between July 2-3, while he announced that the Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma will visit Athens in September.

Papandreou and Zlenko also discussed the issue of the social protection of the Ukrainians that live and work in Greece. ''We look forward to the inclusion of the Ukrainian immigrants in Greek society, as a significant contribution to the enrichment of our society and of course we appreciate their contribution to the Greek economy,'' Papandreou said.

Speaking on the Palestinian problem, the Greek minister stressed that ''we support the immediate implementation of the Security Council decision 1402, as well as the Madrid text of the 'four', that is of the United Nations, the European Union, the United States and Russia, and within this framework we consider necessary the immediate withdrawal of the Israeli military forces, from the Palestinian regions, the conclusion of a truce, the end of suicide bombings and the formulation of an immediate framework of security between the two sides, based on the Tenet and Mitchell proposals''.

''We support the necessity for a clear political prospect for the establishment of a Palestinian state and we support Colin Powell's efforts this moment, within the framework of our decisions in Madrid,'' Papandreou added.

He also announced that there was cooperation between Greek NGOs and Palestinians regarding a proposal to ''twin'' hospitals in Greece and the Palestinian territories, aiming to reconstitute the first aid and hospital care in the region.

[08] FM Papandreou says Greece's foreign policy based on 'patriotism and reality'

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

Speaking at the event organized by the ruling PASOK's Prefectural Committee of the Athens 1st Constituency, Papandreou said ''it is a Greek foreign policy which safeguards the country's vital interests.''

With regard Cyprus' EU accession course, he said that "one is more and more aware that Cyprus will join the EU".

Papandreou noted that issues concerning Cyprus' EU accession and Greek-Turkish relations have been transferred to the level of the European Union.

On the Middle East crisis, Papandreou said Greek foreign policy is that there should be a Palestinian state and for Israel to be safe.

[09] Athens deplores Jenin attacks, calls for peace talks in Mideast

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

He said the Greek government continued to insist on the immediate implementation of United Nations decisions for the Middle East and the start of peaceful negotiations for the creation of a Palestinian State.

Protopapas said that Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou had spoken with his Israeli counterpart Shimon Peres over the phone on Tuesday regarding arrangements for a joint visit by Papandreou and Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem to Ramallah, but that no firm date for the visit had yet been set.

He told reporters that transport ministry general secretary G. Constantinidis would be representing the Greek government at an Israeli Embassy reception on Wednesday night to celebrate the anniversary of the declaration of the Israeli state.

The spokesman also condemned the recent acts of vandalism targeting Jewish cemeteries in Greece.

[10] Athens mayor believes authorities will break up '17 November' before 2004

WASHINGTON, 18/04/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Addressing an international conference on ''the security of the citizen��, which was dedicated to the combatting of terrorism and to the promotion of tourism, Avramopoulos said that Greece continues to face some phenomena of local terrorism. He referred to the efforts being made in the sector of security by the Greek authorities in close cooperation with the corresponding American and European authorities, concluding that ''there is the hope, if not the certainty, that these phenomena will have been eradicated long before the Olympic Games.''

He also told the conference, organized by the cities of Washington and New York and by the U.S. State Department, that tourism was of enormous importance to Greece. ''Our history does not only belong to us, but belongs to all,'' he said.

[11] FYROM premier Georgievski advocates return of Parthenon Marbles to Greece

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Georgievski spoke of the investments made during Venizelos' term in the development ministry, adding that the procedures for the construction of an oil pipeline between the FYROM capital Skopje and the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki would commence in June.

On the culture sector, Georgievski said that collaboration between the two countries in view of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens was intensifying at a rapid pace.

Venizelos said that the oil refinery in Skopje as well as the Thessaloniki-Skopje pipeline were two major plans in full development, adding that the pipeline was a "true axis of stability and peace, not only between the two countries but also on a broader level".

On the Athens 2004 Olympics and the Cultural Olympiad, Venizelos said they were not just Greek activities, but also European and Balkan affairs.

[12] PM inaugurates new administrative court buildings

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

Present at the ceremony were a host of government officials, justices, judicial functionaries and trade unionists, while Arch-bishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece led a special inauguration service.

During his speech, the prime minister said the government's aim was not only to provide justice but also swift justice. It had thus initiated a program to improve court facilities, with seven new courthouses due to be completed within 2002.

Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos said the government's program for the justice system aimed to cover both present and future needs and create an environment worthy of its task.

[13] Cyprus minister says EU's external borders a top priority

NICOSIA, 18/04/2002 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

Justice and Public Order Minister Nicos Koshis, in an interview with the Athens News Agency (ANA), said his ministry will be ready to implement the EU's acquis communautaire with Cyprus's accession to the EU.

He said it is already at the last stage of legislation harmonization with the help of the corresponding Greek ministry and is proceeding speedily with staff training and the securing of necessary equipment.

The Cypriot minister further said that considerable investments are being made in equipment to enable full implementation of the Schengen Treaty.

Koshis also said that statistics show a 17 percent decrease in serious crime over the first quarter of the year. However, he added that the problem of drugs is very serious and he considers it to be the second most important one after the national problem.

[14] Parliament President meets Archbishop of America Demetrios

WASHINGTON, 18/04/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Kaklamanis stressed the need for the American public to be better briefed on Greek issues and called on the Greek-American community to support Cyprus' EU accession course if problems arise within the next crucial period.

They also discussed matters regarding the education of the children of the Greek community.

On his part, Archbishop Demetrios referred to the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11 of last year and thanked Kaklamanis for the donation of 300,000 dollars, which the Archbishopric of America received, by the Greek Parliament in January.

[15] Civil protection bill ratified in Parliament

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

Deputy Interior Minister Lambros Papadimas presented a series of amendments during the discussion on the bill, which were also accepted with a majority vote.

Among others, the amendments note that temporary residence permits expiring on December 31 this year will be provided for aliens having submitted a relevant application, which is pending, or whose previous permit will expire during the year.

In the event when residence permits exceeding 10 years have been issued in the past, by decision of the interior minister residence permits of an indeterminable duration will be issued.

[16] New representative of Greece to UN presents credentials

NEW YORK, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

Prior to his current assignment, from 1999, Mr. Vassilakis served as Director General for European Affairs and Director of the Center for Analysis and Planning in Greece's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Those assignments followed his promotion, in 1998, to Minister Plenipotentiary (1st class).

[17] New secretariat to coordinate gov't action against social exclusion

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

The minister said that the government would be sticking with the specific measures against poverty proposed by his predecessor Tassos Giannitsis last year, while Tinios' secretariat would be in charge of coordinating the activities of the ministries involved.

The Giannitsis measures would go into effect from January 1, 2002 and the benefits would be sent to those entitled to them from tax offices as a lump sum for the entire year, rather than as a payment linked with tax rebates.

Among these is a 600 euro annual payment to households earning less than 1,500 euros a year, or 300 euros to households earning up to 2,200 euros a year. Other benefits include a 300-euro 'school' benefit for under-16s in households earning up to 3,000 euros a year and a 150-euro monthly benefit for the long-term jobless that no longer qualify for unemployment benefit and earn less than 3,000 euros annually.

Referring to statements by Simitis, meanwhile, Reppas noted that the key words in government policy on this issue were coordination, decentralization and combined effort.

He also announced an initiative for a forum against social exclusion and poverty with the participation of non-govern-mental organizations, the Church, trade unions and employers that would help fine-tune the central government measures in specific districts.

Reppas was speaking after a meeting on social exclusion chaired by Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Wednesday morning, which was also attended by Education Minister Petros Efthymiou and deputy ministers from the health and welfare and labor ministries. The minister quoted Eurostat figures showing that Greek spending on social policy had risen sharply. He said the country would devote 26.5 per cent of GDP to social policy spending in 2002 and would have achieved full convergence with the average for Europe in 2003, while social spending in Greece was already the highest among the countries in southern Europe, apart from Italy.

Reppas also pointed out, however, that 17 per cent of Greeks were living below the poverty line according to the criteria used by the EU or up to 10 per cent according to the criteria used by the OECD.

[18] Social exclusion not a 'necessary evil' PM says after gov't meeting

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

The prime minister also underlined the role of the European Union, and noted that relations between Greece and the EU could not be confined solely to economic affairs, without reference to social issues.

Regarding local authorities and the Church of Greece, he said these could help better coordinate action initiated by central government, assist in decentralizing the application of social policy and lend their resources to the battle against social exclusion.

Present at the meeting on Wednesday morning were Labor and Social Security Minister Dimitris Reppas, Education and Religious Affairs Minister Petros Efthymiou, Deputy Health and Welfare Minister Dimitris Thanou and Deputy Labor and Social Security Minister Rovertos Spyropoulos.

Simitis said the country was currently devoting one quarter of its funds to social policy actions and that this appeared to be yielding results, with Greece having improved its position on social issues within Europe.

He also noted that the reasons for social exclusion were not purely financial and that the government had initiated actions and programs for pensioners, education for old people, the integration of repatriated Greeks and gypsies.

[19] Christodoulakis inaugurates dialogue on tax reform

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

Inaugurating a dialogue between the government and social agencies on tax reform, Christodoulakis noted that the tax system needed a drastic reform to become fairer and more effective.

He noted, however, that a dialogue will be held with no preconditions and that the government would evaluate all proposals before finalizing its own proposal on tax reform.

Although Mr. Christodoulakis made it clear that the final responsibility for tax reform lied with the government, he stressed that reforming and upgrading a system dating back to the 1950s was not a political party nor just a government matter.

He urged social agencies to submit honest and bold proposals and added that the government's intention was to adopt policies that could face the test of time.

Christodoulakis said that the proposals included in a report by an independent commission were not binding.

The dialogue is expected to be completed in the first half of June. Union representatives from the ND and the KKE communist parties abstained from the first meeting.

Two opposition parties oppose govern-ment's tax reform plan: The Communist Party of Greece said on Wednesday that it would refuse to take part in a social dialogue held by the government on an overhaul for the tax system as it opposed the reform plan as well as the existing arrangement.

"The tax reform proposals are deeply hostile to the public and form part of a neo-liberal restructuring of the Greek economy," said Aleka Papariga, the party's secretary general, in a letter to the government.

"It's main characteristic is a reduction in taxation on profits in the name of competitiveness for Greek enterprises," the letter said.

The Coalition of the Left and Progress said in a separate statement that the social dialogue lacked a concrete base, and its credibility had been damaged by the government, especially the finance ministry.

The party is to submit its own proposals on tax reform, the statement said.

[20] Greek March inflation second highest in the EU

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

In its monthly report on inflation, the EU's executive statistics agency said that the Netherlands recorded the third highest inflation rate in March (4.3 percent).

Annual inflation rose to 2.5 percent in March in the eurozone from 2.4 percent in February, unchanged from March 2001. The inflation rate was unchanged in the EU-15 to 2.3 percent in March, from 2.2 percent in the same month in 2001.

The UK (1.5 percent), Austria and Luxembourg (1.7 percent respectively), recorded the lowest inflation rates in March.

Sweden (from 1.7% to 3.0%), UK (from 1.0% to 1.5%) and France (from 1.4% to 2.2%) recorded the biggest annual increases, while Luxembourg (from 3.0% to 1.7%), Portugal (from 5.1% to 3.3%) and Germany (from 2.5% to 1.9%) recorded the biggest annual declines in March.

Annual inflation fell to 0.5 percent from 0.7 percent in Switzerland but rose to 1.5 percent from 1.1 percent in the US in March.

[21] Macedonia-Thrace minister talks of Thessaloniki's prospects

BERLIN, 18/04/2002 (ANA - P. Stangos)

Speaking to Greek reporters on Wednesday, Paschalidis spoke of his vision regarding the role of European Union regions in the EU's integration process and Thessaloniki's key role in the economic reconstruction of the Balkans.

He also focused on the role of the city as a host to the 2003 European Union summit of the Greek presidency, which will take place in the northern Greek capital, as well as the activities that will take place there during the 2004 Olympic Games and maybe the 2008 EXPO organizing if the bid to bring the international exhibition to the city is successful.

[22] Greece announces shipping fare increases up to 38 percent

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

Merchant Marine and Economy and Finance Ministries announced the new shipping fares, which was based on calculating passenger, vehicle and cargo fares on a distance factor for the first time in Greece.

More analytically, an average-weighed 5.3 percent increase from May 15 reflected fare rises ranging from zero to 6.0 percent in all main and local shipping lines.

Shipping companies are free to offer discounts up to 50 percent and also raising fares by up to 20 percent for passengers and 10 percent for vehicles traveling with ships aged less than 10 years, and up to 20 percent for cars traveling with fast ferries.

Under the new plan, shipping companies will also offer a single annual fare for passengers traveling in economy class.

The second tranche fare increase includes a 12.7 percent increase with vessels aged less than 10 years raising their fares up to 20 percent more, for a total of 32.7 percent increase.

Ship engineers and Stephenson union will participate in Thursday's general strike.

[23] Greek stocks rebound strongly on ASE

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

The general index jumped 1.50 percent to 2,202.11 points, reflecting gains in international markets. Turnover was an improved 93 million euros.

The IT sector was the only one to suffer losses (down 0.55 percent), while the Holding, Wholesale and Bank sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (3.74 percent, 2.32 percent and 2.19 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 1.81 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 1.01 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 1.44 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 276 to 51 with another 34 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares in value were Hellenic Telecoms, Panafon, Neorio Syros, Commercial Bank, Alpha Bank, and National Bank.

Equity index futures mixed: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange finished mixed on Wednesday, with contracts on the high capitalization index ending at a discount of up to 1.0 percent, and on the medium cap index at a premium of about 0.5 percent.

Turnover was 73.0 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips gained 1.81 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks rose 1.00 percent.

Prices mixed in slim trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Wednesday finished mixed in light trade focusing on 20-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.49 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 31 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system was 1.3 billion euros.

Sell orders accounted for around half of turnover.

[24] Two indoor gyms provided for ATHOC 2004

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

The gyms will be used as Olympic training facilities for table tennis.

Kapralos said ''the installations, which are located in a very nice environment, and after necessary improvement and modernization work to be carried out, will remain a legacy for both the school and Greek sport.''

[25] Another round of hotel rooms offered for 2004 Olympics

Athens, 18/04/2002 (ANA)

The new additions brought the total to a surplus of 1,400 rooms from a shortage, until recently, of 2,800 rooms, Tsohatzopoulos told a news conference.

The reason for the sharp increase was that hoteliers had upped their contribution to 90 percent of capacity from 80 percent, he added.

[26] Clerides and Denktash discuss the Cyprus problem

NICOSIA, 18/04/2002 (CNA/ANA)

The one-and-a-half-hour meeting was attended, as usual, by UN Secretary General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto.

Attorney General Alecos Markides, Undersecretary to the President Pantelis Kouros and government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou accompanied President Clerides to the talks held near the Nicosia airport, in the UN-controlled buffer zone.

President Clerides and Denktash began face-to-face talks on January16, 2002.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its northern third.

[27] Chief negotiator welcomes EU Commissioner's remarks

LARNACA, 18/04/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking on departure for Belgium, Vassiliou said two more chapters in the accession negotiations, taxation and regional policy, will close provisionally on Friday at the 16th meeting of the Intergovernmental Conference, leaving two the chapters of agriculture and competition to be closed.

''Commissioner Gunter Verheugen has sent a message to Turkey and I hope it is properly understood by the Turkish side and it is high time they change their views with regard to the peace effort to allow progress by June,'' Vassiliou said.

Verheugen has warned that Turkish Cypriots are running the risk of further political and economic isolation if there is no settlement in Cyprus prior to accession.

It is important, Vassiliou said, that the Turkish people are informed about their government's policies, which are leading the country to a dead end.

Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash insists on two separate sovereign states in Cyprus. The EU has said Cyprus must join the EU as one state and speak with one voice.

Direct talks between Denktash and President Glafcos Clerides, which started in mid January this year, continue but there is increasing concern about their prospects.

Commenting on the Brussels meeting, Vassiliou said that no other candidate country has closed the chapter of regional policy and explained that the closing of taxation is very important for Cyprus because of the island's offshore business.

''If all goes well, we will have completed 95 per cent of our job in the accession negotiations,'' he said.

Vassiliou said EU officials understand Cypriot concerns about agriculture but seem unwilling to give special treatment to Cyprus as this could set a precedent.

Later on Wednesday, the chief negotiator was due to give a lecture at the College of Europe, the first Cypriot politician to have been invited to speak there.

Earlier on Wednesday Vassiliou met President Glafcos Clerides to exchange views about the remaining chapters still under discussion.

From Brussels, Vassiliou will go to London before returning home.

[28] Christofias discusses Cyprus problem with US officials

WASHINGTON, 18/04/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking to CNA afterwards Christofias expressed satisfaction with his talks with Rice Hadley, noting that the American senior officials showed understanding for the positions he outlined and pledged to continue more intensively their contacts with Turkish officials "to indicate that it is time for a solution to the Cyprus problem, for Cyprus' reunification and its accession to the European Union."

Earlier on Tuesday the House President met State Department's Special Coordinator for Cyprus Thomas Weston. Christofias said Weston pledged that "efforts towards every direction and certainly towards Turkey will continue."

"Of course, Americans consider Turkey as a very friendly country to them, that plays a strategic role in the region and I think that we have to convince that a settlement of the Cyprus problem providing for a bizonal, bicommunal federation and Cyprus' accession to the EU do not contradict Turkey's best interests," Christofias added.

He noted that his interlocutors "recommended us to continue to be patient and devoted to the search for a peaceful settlement."

The Cypriot official underlined that "we and Turkey must not lose the opportunity being offered to us through the impetus given by Cyprus' accession to the EU."

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