Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-05-23

CONTENTS

[01] Premier accuses Turkish side of intransigence in Cyprus direct talks

[02] European Parliament draft resolution hails Cyprus' EU accession course

[03] Simitis reiterates Athens' opposition to 'Ankara text'

[04] Two Palestinian exiles arrive in Athens

[05] Gov't comments on Turkish exploration vessel

[06] EU issues dominate Giannitsis-Antonione talks

[07] Gov't raps US report's criticism of Greek justice system

[08] PASOK aims for 4th election victory united and strong, premier tells party MPs

[09] 160 countries freeze $120 million in suspected terrorist assets, says Miller

[10] Greek military may order Centaur tanks in 2002

[11] Bill for the protection of cultural heritage introduced in Parliament

[12] Greece concludes Adriatic & Ionian Seas Initiative presidency

[13] Christodoulakis announces new head at Hellenic Investment Center

[14] Media minister on control of TV ownership by offshore companies

[15] Trade unions give gov't proposals on pension reform

[16] Increase in trade transactions between Greece and Australia

[17] Intracom in contract with Raytheon on Maveric missile production

[18] Greek tourist enterprises urge Greece-China air link

[19] Profit taking ends six-day rally in ASE

[20] Greek journalists from around the world to meet in Athens

[21] Exhibition on ancient Greece at European Parliament

[01] Premier accuses Turkish side of intransigence in Cyprus direct talks

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

Addressing journalists after talks with visiting Cyprus President Clerides, Simitis said ''we analyzed all developments as they have been shaped from the beginning of the direct dialogue until today. We have ascertained that during these talks, despite the particularly constructive stance of the Greek Cypriot side in all the parameters of the problem, the Turkish Cypriot side remained steadfast to intransigent positions and primarily insists on the creation of two sovereign states.''

Simitis and Clerides discussed the course of the intercommunal talks and the outcome of UN secretary general Kofi Annan's recent visit to Cyprus.

The two countries' foreign ministers, George Papandreou and Ioannis Kasoulides, Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Giannitsis, Cyprus attorney general Alekos Markidis and Cyprus' government spokesman Mihalis Papapetrou participated in the Athens talks.

Simitis said afterwards that full accord between the two governments and the mutual desire for the coordination of actions to conclude efforts to resolve the political problem, as well as Cyprus' accession to the European Union, was confirmed.

He added that the results of this course were examined, as well as those regarding Annan's intervention, through his visit to Cyprus, reiterating that timetables must be observed.

Simitis further said that both Greece and Cyprus support the finding of a solution based on UN Security Council resolutions, international agreements, decisions taken by the European Human Rights Court and the acquis communautaire.

''We want a solution based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation, with one international identity and one sovereignty,'' Simitis said and placed emphasis on the need for observance of the timetable for an end to the talks.

Simitis also said a solution to the political problem should safeguard the workability of the Republic of Cyprus and its possibility to take decisions, within the EU, and once again expressed the Greek government's undivided support for President Clerides.

The second major issue discussed was the course of Cyprus' EU accession negotiations which, as Simitis said, is reaching its end and Cyprus is steadfastly among the group of the first countries to join the EU, creating ''conditions of security for all Cypriots.''

Simitis reassured that the Cyprus issue remained the top national issue for Greece and that the country would make every possible effort for both the ultimate accession of Cyprus and a solution to its political problem. He also thanked Clerides for his full briefing on latest developments on the Cyprus issue.

On his part, Clerides said the meeting was part of regular consultations between the two governments and termed the talks as being of ''extreme importance'' due to the assessment of the course of direct talks so far, as well as the UN secretary general's visit to Cyprus.

Clerides said the aim of these talks was ''for us to see where we stand today and what actions we should take'' and thanked the Greek prime minister and the Greek government for the support and help they are offering to Cyprus.

Simitis further said responsibilities are not attributed to the government of Cyprus, by any side, that it is not doing what is necessary for a solution to the Cyprus issue while, on the contrary, there is the view that the one not helping in achieving progress is Turkey.

''All this make us optimistic,'' Simitis said and reminded that in 1994 Greece proposed the accession of Cyprus and since then has worked hard for this effort to meet with success.

Simitis said the crucial hour has now arrived and that ''we must be ready so that if there is an attempt for obstruction by anyone we shall react and achieve accession.''

Asked by the press whether there is information that the UN secretary general will place responsibility on the Turkish Cypriot side in his report to the Security Council, Clerides said the issue is premature and added that Annan will summon his special adviser Alvaro de Soto in early June and will ask him if progress has been achieved in the course of the talks since his visit and until then and afterwards he will prepare his good offices report for the Security Council.

President Stephanopoulos receives visiting Cyprus counterpart: President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Wednesday received visiting Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides, who is in Athens to discuss the latest developments in talks for a solution to the Cyprus issue with Greece's leadership.

The two men discussed both the Cyprus issue and the island republic's progress in accession to the European Union.

Greek FM, Cyprus' KISOS party leader discuss Cyprus problem, EU accession: Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Wednesday met with Cyprus' Socialdemocrat Movement (KISOS) party leader Yiannakis Omirou and discussed developments concerning the Cyprus problem and the island republic's European Union course.

In statements to the press, Papandreou said that PASOK's Parliamentary Group unanimously supports the framework of the policy designed by the government for the island republic's accession to the EU and the resolution of the Cyprus problem.

''We are still in a phase that discussions have not been completed, but it is a significant moment,'' Papandreou said.

On his part, Omirou called discussions with Papandreou creative and productive and stressed that the ''great moment is approaching'' for Cyprus' incorporation in the EU.

He added that this aim was first set at the end of the 1980s with the decisive support and the political and diplomatic initiatives of the PASOK governments.

Omirou expressed the hope that in June, which was set as a deadline, United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan will record with clarity the responsibility of the Turkish side for non-progress in the ongoing intercommunal talks in Nicosia in the event that there will be no positive developments.

He added that in no event can those talks be connected with Cyprus' EU course.

Responding to questions, Papandreou said that the Cyprus problem and the Euroforce issue are two different issues and the issue of the Euroforce with NATO is one under discussion, which, however, is not directly connected to the Cyprus problem.

He added that the Cyprus problem is a different problem and the fact that the negotiations for the two issues coincide does not mean that they coincide politically and no one has connected the two issues.

''The accession of Cyprus and the Cyprus problem, is an issue we have decided in Helsinki,'' he said.

''If the Cyprus problem is not resolved, (the) Helsinki (decision) says that Cyprus must 'enter' the European Union. I want to stress that the decisions of Copenhagen are not decisions for Cyprus alone. They are decisions for enlargement in general. These are decisions of the European Union. Thus whatever maneuvers cannot stop decisions that where taken by the European Union and this is, I believe, the message which should clearly be understood by the Turkish-Cypriots and especially by Rauf Denktash,'' Papandreou concluded.

Parliament Speaker receives visiting Cyprus president: The Greek Parliament will not ratify any treaty for European Union enlargement in which Cyprus is not among the countries joining the Community, Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis reiterated on Wednesday, after receiving visiting Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides in Parliament.

Clerides thanked Kaklamanis for the efforts made by him personally and the Greek Parliament in support of the Greek-Cypriot cause, saying that the Greek Parliament's refusal to ratify any treaty that excluded Cyprus had brought the desired results and ''been a huge help in finding a solution to the Cyprus problem''.

Clerides is in Athens to discuss the latest developments in talks for a solution to the Cyprus problem with Greece's leadership.

Clerides visits Cyprus archbishop at Athens hospital: Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides on Wednesday visited Archbishop of Cyprus Chrysostomos at Athens' Evangelismos Hospital where he is undergoing treatment and wished him a speedy recovery.

Clerides said to reporters that doctors told him that the prelate's health was improving.

Chrysostomos has been hospitalized in Athens for 12 days.

[02] European Parliament draft resolution hails Cyprus' EU accession course

BRUSSELS, 23/05/2002 (ANA - V. Demiris)

A draft resolution accompanying the report and which is expected to be adopted by the plenary of the European Parliament in June, hails the ongoing direct talks between President Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and calls on the two sides to continue negotiations in good faith and with a spirit of compromise and flexibility on the basis of the relevant UN resolutions.

It further notes that Cyprus' EU accession prospects has created a new impetus for a settlement of the Cyprus issue, emphasizing accession is possible for only one sovereign state within the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

It said that the Cyprus-EU accession talks are expected to be concluded by the end of 2002, reiterating the position that the conclusions of the European Council in Helsinki will be implemented in their entirety if an agreement is not reached within the prescribed time framework.

The draft resolution also reiterates the European Parliament's support of the bicommunal talks, which it deems a necessary factor for the creation of trust and expressed its regret over Denktash's refusal to participate in such contacts.

The Turkish Cypriot leader is also called on to stop obstructing the work of EU representatives and to allow them to enter the Turkish-occupied territory so as to perform their duties and contribute decisively in the development of community plans.

On the course of the EU accession talks, it notes that 24 chapters have already provisionally closed, a fact, which brings Cyprus among the first in the first group of candidate countries.

Finally, it expressed satisfaction over the improvement of the macroeconomic climate in the past 18 months and the reduction of the fiscal deficit.

[03] Simitis reiterates Athens' opposition to 'Ankara text'

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to members of ruling PASOK party's central committee, Prime Minister Costas Simitis said Athens backs the EU's autonomy in decision-making, as well as equality between the EU and NATO, "and not preferential treatments".

The Greek prime minister also warned that nary a solution appears on the horizon to overcome the impasse, while adding that Athens will stand by its positions.

Regarding Cyprus' European Union accession course, Simitis appeared optimistic, although he didn't rule out the possibility of "other forces" attempting to link the island republic's membership with a prior solution to the long-standing Cyprus problem.

Moreover, the Greek premier criticized the Turkish Cypriot side -- currently involved in ongoing UN-sponsored talks with the internationally recognized government in Nicosia - for employing various diplomatic maneuvers to either press its "unacceptable positions" or to impede the island republic's EU accession prospects. Simitis said he considers the second prospect as more likely.

Cyprus is among the front-runners for European Union accession at present, sporting the best economic indexes among candidate-states and having harmonized a considerable portion of its public administration and legislation with the Union's acquis communautaire. Conversely, a T/C pseudo-state illegally established in 1983 on the portions of the island republic occupied by the Turkish military lacks any international recognition or trade relations, excluding Ankara, the occupying power.

Regarding domestic reactions in Turkey itself to warming relations between Athens and Ankara, as well as towards the Cyprus issue, Simitis referred to "forces in Turkey that do not want commitments entailed in Turkey's European vocation to be met."

Finally, the Greek premier noted that as far as major foreign policy issues and the country's EU course are concerned, the upcoming months would be decisive.

"Caution, determination and nerve are necessary, as efforts by some quarters to create even greater difficulties shouldn't be ruled out," he said.

[04] Two Palestinian exiles arrive in Athens

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

Cars from the Palestinian embassy in Athens and diplomatic vehicles were on the runway at the Eleftherios Venizelos international airport when the plane arrived at 11:50 a.m. from Cyprus.

The destination of the exiles was not revealed for security reasons.

No statements were made at the time by the officials on hand from the public order ministry, the foreign ministry, and the Palestinian embassy.

Later in the day, however, government spokesman Christos Protopapas revealed that the two men were staying at the "Karea" hotel and would reside in Greece with full freedom but also strictly guarded.

For obvious reasons, he added, the two Palestinians would have to inform the authorities of their movements, while their stay in Athens was the result of consultations both within the EU and between Greece and Palestinian authorities.

The spokesman also stressed that all decisions regarding the two Palestinians would be made in common by the 15 EU member-states.

Protopapas referred reporters to the public order ministry for more details on this issue, while he said arrangements for the two men to be visited by their families would have to wait, since their stay was only temporary under the decision made by the EU.

Just how temporary their stay would be was a matter linked to developments in the Palestinian crisis and would depend on the course of events in the Middle East, the spokesman concluded.

[05] Gov't comments on Turkish exploration vessel

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

In answer to reporters' questions during his regular press briefing, government spokesman Christos Protopapas initially stressed that Athens' reactions should not be consumed over "secondary issues."

"We must remain devoted to our major foreign policy goals and not be drawn into unjustified moves," he said.

From Thessaloniki, Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou echoed the government's comments, saying that no specific problems have been recorded recently with the vessel's movements.

The last time the "Sismik" surfaced in press reports was in July 1996, whereas the Turkish oceanographic vessel ''Piri Reis'' piqued Athens' attention exactly one year ago when it ventured into the Aegean's international waters.

The Greek government at the time requested clarifications over the scope and research the "Piri Reis" would conduct in either the Aegean or another sea region, calling inquiries a simple precaution.

The Greek foreign ministry had also requested clarifications over the exact geographical co-ordinates the vessel was to cover, explaining that standard international practice dictates that countries announce the co-ordinates of missions -- as had been done.

The issue was considered closed after Ankara's explanations satisfied Athens.

[06] EU issues dominate Giannitsis-Antonione talks

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

The talks come in light of Italy's succession of a Greek EU presidency in the first half of 2003.

According to reports, the two sides agreed on positions related to the EU accession process for both Romania and Bulgaria, while Athens' interest in stepped up ties between the western Balkans and the European Union was also discussed.

In terms of the Mideast developments, according to sources, Antonione cited Rome's satisfaction over the Greek government's assistance in defusing the Nativity Church crisis and in helping efforts to evacuate 13 Palestinians out of the dozens held up in the cathedral.

Finally, press reports noted that the Italian side also expressed its hope that Cyprus' EU accession is completed smoothly.

[07] Gov't raps US report's criticism of Greek justice system

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

The spokesman also welcomed the report's recognition of progress made by Greece in dealing with terrorism issues.

[08] PASOK aims for 4th election victory united and strong, premier tells party MPs

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

Referring to reports of problems in cooperation between the government and the ruling party's MPs, Simitis said those that those hoping PASOK MPs might become the cause of destabilization or irregular political developments would once again be disappointed.

The prime minister also stressed that criticism within the party was not tantamount to a crisis and he attacked main opposition New Democracy over its accusations of corruption and 'Establishment' mentalities in the government.

On the contrary, he noted, New Democracy was the party that opened its arms to those nostalgic for the past and the days of the Establishment and was supported en masse by them.

''It is the only party in Europe that does not dare to speak its name. Greece deserves a better main opposition,'' he added.

He also launched criticism, however, against members of his own party whose stance, he said, had allowed ND to think that its time had finally come. PASOK MPs should not remain silent in response to the main opposition's attacks, populist rhetoric and demagoguery, Simitis stressed.

On the government's policy in general, the prime minister said there was satisfactory progress in economic growth, the reduction of unemployment, which should reach single-digit figures by the end of the year, and reforms to education, public administration and the national health system.

''We are closing all sorts of gaps,'' Simitis emphasized, and predicted that Greece was very near the day when its image as ''backward'' would no longer apply.

Regarding the local government elections in 2003, Simitis once again reiterated that their results had political significance on a local level only and could not be interpreted as some sort of national referendum of government policy.

According to Simitis, this line had been adopted by ND to deflect attention from the fact that its own candidates in local authorities had failed over the past four years.

On ND overtures to Leftist personalities, he said these were a cynical attempt to create the impression of a left-wing swing that did not exist in order to win over left-wing voters.

Getting down to the nuts and bolts, meanwhile, the prime minister instructed ministers never to introduce any bill in Parliament before it had first been discussed with PASOK parliamentary group organs and to allow MPs easy access to their ministries at all times.

Parliamentary group organs, he added, should convene regularly so that ministers could discuss their ministry's policies with MPs.

Deputies would also be central to the coordinated efforts of the government and party to deal with local and regional problems, he concluded.

We can turn the climate around, PM assures PASOK MPs: Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Wednesday expressed conviction that the government would be able to reverse the current political climate in its favor, provided it steadfastly implemented its program and maintained a united front, in his reply to MPs during a meeting of ruling PASOK's parliamentary group.

The negative climate for the ruling party had figured strongly in the speeches made by deputies, as well as strong criticism on various aspects of foreign and domestic policy.

MP Vassilis Kontoyiannopoulos said the government had failed to display the reformative zeal required after Greece joined the eurozone and called for measures to fight corruption, control political funding and bring about reforms and privatizations.

Former minister Yiannis Kapsis, meanwhile, was scathing about top party echelons that put their personal ambitions first, saying the party should recruit older, tried-and-tested members.

''Let the 'tired lads' have a rest so they can think, meditate, repent and believe,'' he said.

He also underlined that the period after the local elections would be crucial, while much would depend on the prime minister's stance on the Euroforce issue, the Cyprus problem and the island republic's accession to the EU.

''Seven Greek governments have been brought down by mistakes related to the Cyprus issue,'' he emphasized.

Also critical of the government's handling of the Euroforce issue was former foreign minister Elisavet Papazoi, who said it should have been brought out into the open much sooner, giving Greece room to maneuver.

In his response, Simitis said the government's central goal was economic and social convergence with the other EU countries, something that required systematic effort and fast growth rates. He stressed the need to keep within the budget and the convergence program, noting that not all requests for money could be satisfied, and said that Greece should not be one of the countries that diverged within the framework of the EU.

He also admitted that there were delays in some areas but said the party should learn to resist unreasonable requests, such as demands for universities to be established in every town in Greece.

The government should also ensure that it was not blamed by the public for problems created by local government - such as the Kouroupitos dump or the closure of the cafes in Athens Dexameni Square, the prime minister emphasized.

Ending his speech, he underlined that the local government elections were not politically neutral and that local authorities were mainly being run by opposition parties, while he called on ruling PASOK to stand united in the first round of the local polls and to field a progressive candidate in each post in the second round.

ND spokesman criticizes PM's Parliamentary Group address: Main opposition New Democracy party spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos criticized the address made by Prime Minister Costas Simitis at his PASOK party's Parliamentary Group meeting on Wednesday.

''The prime minister who chose to serve the few, turning his back on the many, the prime minister who had relied and relies on vested interests is in vain seeking an alibi, accusing the opposition for all that are burdening and characterizing himself and his government,'' Roussopoulos said.

Responding to this statement, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said ''it is clear that the Greeks deserve a great deal. They are aware of this in any case. For this reason they vote for PASOK and Costas Simitis. Anyway, the meanings of 'change and progress', 'modernization and transparency' were, are and will always be incompatible with the policy of the Right.''

[09] 160 countries freeze $120 million in suspected terrorist assets, says Miller

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

Speaking during a one-day conference in Thessaloniki organized by the national defense ministry, the ministry of Macedonia-Thrace, the embassies of the United States and Britain and the Hellenic-American Chamber of Commerce, Miller said that the U.S. was not willing to start a war on terrorism on its own, but that it counted on the cooperation of all countries.

He added that there was a response to this call, noting that 161 countries took measures to combat the illegal funding of terrorist organizations, while in 60 countries - most of them European - there were arrests of Al Qaeda members.

Miller connected the activities of organized crime with those of terrorism and stressed the necessity for a common front in combatting it in Southeastern Europe, adding that this region should not become a safe haven for terrorists.

He also said that he knew that in Bosnia a number of Mujaheddin fighters remained and called progress the recent arrests in Sarajevo.

British Ambassador David Madden called organized crime a threat in Southeastern Europe, noting it's economic and political consequences.

He said that his country was willing to offer 8 million pounds to combat organized crime in the Balkans, adding that the European Union provided 460 million euros in support of the S.E. European justice institutions.

On his part, Greek Justice Minister Michalis Chrysohoidis, speaking on the combatting of the illegal trafficking of people, said that over the past few years Greece deports some 250,000 illegal immigrants every year.

He added that the illegal passage of people in Greece's northern frontier has dropped to zero, following the deployment of some 5,000 border guards, but he admitted that the problem was still acute on the eastern and the sea borders of Greece, stressing that Turkey should aid in resolving this issue.

He noted that a relevant meeting of interested countries will take place in Rome on May 30.

National Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou said that the major cause of Balkan instability were the asymmetrical threats and called illegal immigration a major problem.

Macedonia-Thrace Minister George Paschalidis stressed that the forces ''of blind violence is not the response to the forces that allocate wealth and knowledge unjustly, but the response to all this can only come from politics''.

The Vice-President of the Yugoslav Federal Republic Zarko Korac stressed that the major threat for the Balkans today is not national conflicts, but organized crime.

[10] Greek military may order Centaur tanks in 2002

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

''We are expecting a proposal from the company to see if we can accept it for production,'' Papantoniou told reporters on a visit to ELBO's northern plant.

''The (defense) ministry has already signed a 2.5 billion drachma research and technology program on construction of the Centaur,'' he added.

The president of the private sector Mytilineos Group, which owns 48 percent of ELBO, said that the proposal would be submitted to the ministry by July 15.

The proposal, which contains improvements requested by the armed forces, is for the supply of 140 tanks, budgeted at 140 billion drachmas in the government's medium-term investment plan. The deal also contains an option for a further 140 vehicles.

The remaining 52 percent of ELBO is owned by the state.

The Centaur's construction by ELVO has involved cooperation with industries in Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden.

The vehicle weighs 20 tons, has a 90 mm gun and a 7.62 mm double action machine gun both mounted on a tower.

It is able to carry eight soldiers in addition to a crew of three, and can be transported in a C-130 plane.

[11] Bill for the protection of cultural heritage introduced in Parliament

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

The basic element of the bill is the incorporation of regulations and principles of international law in the handling of cultural goods.

The bill codifies very harsh penalties for the protection of cultural goods, but it also protects citizens from problems that may arise with the public administration, such as land expropriation, land rights etc.

A new element this bill introduces in Greek legislation is the protection of non-material cultural goods and the obligation of the state to care for such goods, while all cultural goods of the ancient, Byzantine and modern eras will have the same status of protection.

The bill deems all real estate dated before 1830 as monuments, while even newer buildings and architectural creations will be protected by the law if they are deemed of special value. All real estate dated until 1453 will belong to the state and will not be subject to transactions or ownership by the rights of long-term use.

[12] Greece concludes Adriatic & Ionian Seas Initiative presidency

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

This meeting of ministers from the seven countries comprising the Initiative was the last of the Greek presidency of the organization, during which the participants adopted the Declaration of Athens, listing the common priorities and future goals of the Initiative.

The Greek minister summarized the work accomplished during the Greek presidency in the sectors of culture, the economy, tourism, small and medium businesses, education and intra-university cooperation, environmental protection, development, transport, maritime cooperation, as well as combatting organized crime.

Magriotis also noted the cooperation that was developed in the European Union, via the European Commission for the further use of the potential of the Initiative's members.

[13] Christodoulakis announces new head at Hellenic Investment Center

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

''Foreign investments are not attracted with expensive events, nor with expensive travels abroad, but with hard work and persistence,'' he noted. Christodoulakis said that attracting foreign investments would need a head-to-head attack, in a battle in which there is no room for personal strategies, nor personal and party interests.

Christodoulakis noted that Greece offered significant business opportunities and that the country had to offer the right information. ''When describing the Greek economy we do not need to be over-optimistic nor pessimistic. The real picture of the Greek economy and the picture of great achievements,'' he said.

The economy and finance minister also referred to Greece's competitive advantages compared with other regional countries in the European Union, such as a Third Community Support Framework, the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and an ambitious plan for economic, social security and tax system reform.

Addressing the conference, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said that the country ''needed high growth rates through successful macro-economic and micro-economic strategies.''

Tsohatzopoulos noted that in economically strong countries 35-40 percent of their gross domestic product was based on direct foreign investments, compared with rates of 2-10 percent in small regional countries in the EU. ''In Greece, as you know, unfortunately the rate is 2.0 percent,'' he noted.

Tsohatzopoulos stressed that the only way to strengthen the country's competitiveness was through increasing productivity and said that Greece was currently offering the highest investment prospects ever in its history.

''Never before Greece was so strong, so favorable as a main factor for stability, peace and cooperation with other countries in the region,'' Tsohatzopoulos said.

ND's deputy, responsible for economic affairs, George Alogoskoufis, addressing the conference said the Elk�s operation so far has not lived up to expectations and noted that Greece is at the bottom of the EU list of countries in attracting foreign investments.

[14] Media minister on control of TV ownership by offshore companies

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

He noted that the problem arising with offshore companies was that their real owners remained hidden.

Protopapas reported that the National Radio and Television Council (ESR) had already rejected a number of applications from offshore companies for licenses to operate local television stations, after a background check and analysis of their owners means and assets statements were found not to cover the necessary expenditure.

The same process would be followed by the new ESR in checking the new applications, the minister concluded.

[15] Trade unions give gov't proposals on pension reform

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

On Thursday, the GSEE is scheduled to meet the Association of Greek Industry and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis for talks on the reform, which may lead to agreement.

Among the GSEE's proposals is that a pension should be awarded at the age of 65 to people who lack the required number of national insurance stamps, with the level of the pension to be in proportion to the number of stamps they have earned.

Another proposal is that a current legal requirement should be abolished under which workers in jobs that pose a hazard to health have to provide 1,000 stamps in the final 10 ten years before retirement.

[16] Increase in trade transactions between Greece and Australia

MELBOURNE, 23/05/2002 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

This was stressed during the first official meeting between Greece's new ambassador in Australia with New South Wales Prime Minister Bob Carr.

Carr said the Athens Olympic Games provide a unique opportunity for economic relations between the two countries to be strengthened even more.

''The building of certain sports projects has already been assigned to Australian companies, while the export of meat, coal and other products from New South Wales to Greece has also increased,'' he added.

[17] Intracom in contract with Raytheon on Maveric missile production

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

The 3.91 million US dollar contract envisages the production of electronic parts at Intracom's facilities.

The contract is expected to be completed in 12 months and signals the expansion of an existing cooperation between the two companies in the defense sector. Intracom and Raytheon are successfully cooperating in production programs of the Greek Arm Forces, such as the Patriot anti-aircraft long-range system, upgrading Hawk anti-aircraft systems and producing the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile system.

[18] Greek tourist enterprises urge Greece-China air link

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

SETE, however, noted that to succeed in an effort to attract Chinese tourists, the move would have to be linked with a plan to link Greece and China by air and with Hellenic Tourism Organization opening offices in Beijing and Sanghai.

SETE also urged that a forthcoming visit by Prime Minister Costas Simitis to China, leading a business delegation, would also have to include tourist businessmen.

[19] Profit taking ends six-day rally in ASE

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

The general index fell 1.60 percent to end at 2,367.07 points, with turnover a steady 123.3 million euros.

The Metals, Publication, Holdings, Construction and Wholesale sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (4.13 percent, 3.35 percent, 3.13 percent, 2.90 percent and 2.55 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks dropped 1.61 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index fell 1.89 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 1.94 percent lower.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 320 to 31 with another 10 issues unchanged.

Among the most heavily traded shares in value were Intracom, National Bank of Greece, Public Power Corporation, Coca Cola HBC and Hellenic Telecommunications Organization.

Equity index futures drop: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Wednesday ended at a discount, with contracts on the high capitalization index down 1.50 percent, traders said.

Turnover was 76.8 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 1.61 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks fell 1.89 percent.

Bond prices nose up in heavy trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Wednesday finished higher in heavy trade focusing on five-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.44 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 30 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system was 3.4 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for the bulk of trade.

Strong earthquake rocks Crete: A strong twin earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale rocked the island of Crete shortly before midnight Tuesday, causing panic but no injuries and only minor damage. It was felt as far away as Athens, the Cyclades islands, and in the Peloponnese.

The first quake, which was recorded at 11:54 p.m. and caused concern among residents, was immediately followed by a strong 5.8 magnitude trembler that sent residents out into the streets in panic.

The earthquake struck at a distance of 170 kilometers southeast of Athens, with its epicenter in the sea northeast of Crete and south of Mylos island, according to the Athens Observatory's Geodynamic Institute, which gave magnitude as 5.8 Richter.

The Thessaloniki University's Geophysics Laboratory gave a magnitude of 6.1 Richter for the quake.

The earthquake was accompanied by a rumbling noise. The quake had an intermediate epicenter depth of 35-40 kilometers.

No injuries had been reported by Wednesday morning, and the only damage was recorded in two supermarkets in Aghia Pelagia on Crete, and minor cracks in old buildings, according to Iraklion prefect Yannis Garefalakis. A minor fire that broke out at a DEH public power corporation sub-station at Daskaloyanni Square was attributed to a short-circuit and was immediately extinguished.

A limited power black-out was also reported in the center of Iraklion.

All regional emergency services were immediately placed on alert.

According to director of the Geodynamic Institute, George Stavrakakis, no strong after-shock has been recorded.

Seismologists were reassuring on Wednesday morning, saying that there was no cause for concern since the trembler was apparently the main quake.

Seismologist Gerassimos Papadopoulos told ANA that the earthquake struck in the sea area south of Mylos, 160 kilometers from Iraklion, at an epicenter depth of 36 kilometers.

Thessaloniki's Aristotelion University seismology professor Constantine Papazachos said there was no cause for alarm since the earthquake emanated from an intermediate epicenter depth, and explained that 99 percent of such quakes were isolated incidents, without post-quake activity. He said a similar earthquake had been recorded on January 22 off Karpathos.

''Such earthquakes are usually strongly felt on Crete and on the Dodecannese islands, depending on which is closer to the epicenter, but have no post-quake activity,'' Papazachos said.

[20] Greek journalists from around the world to meet in Athens

Athens, 23/05/2002 (ANA)

This year journalists from 10 European countries, three Latin American countries, the U.S., Hong Kong, Canada, Australia and New Zealand will take part in the meeting.

The agenda of the meeting will include issues of Greek foreign policy, the economy, the security and the preparation of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

The journalists will meet with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and with Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis and then they will depart for Cyprus.

Press and Mass Media Minister Christos Protopapas will inaugurate the meeting on Monday.

[21] Exhibition on ancient Greece at European Parliament

BRUSSELS, 23/05/2002 (ANA - B. Demiris)

The exhibition, taking place at the initiative of PASOK Eurodeputies Myrsini Zorba and Alexandros Baltas, with the support of the Greek culture ministry and the Greek department of the International Council of Museums (ICOMOS), focuses on the presentation of educational material created by the Service for the Preservation of Acropolis Monuments.

The official inauguration was carried out by the European Parliament's Culture, Youth, Mass Media and Sports Committee President Michel Rocard.

He underlined the significance of promoting European cultural heritage, as well as the young people of Europe's familiarization with the most important achievements of European culture.

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