Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-06-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Spanish PM hopes for quick solution to European army issue

[02] ND leader and Cheney discuss terrorism and European army

[03] Brief Bush-Karamanlis talks touch on Olympic preparations

[04] Gov't spokesman: EU failure to agree on agricultural policy

[05] President Stephanopoulos makes stopover in Singapore

[06] Alternate FM Giannitsis meets British PM's advisor on Euro-affairs

[07] Avramopoulos announces suspension of his KEP party operation

[08] Greek and Cypriot Parliamentary committees meet in Athens

[09] Hard work is needed to absorb EU funds, gov�t says

[10] Greece presents proposals for Common Fishing Policy

[11] Budget revenues up 6.0 pct in Jan-May

[12] Tsohatzopoulos: Greece-China air link imperative

[13] Verelis reports on progress in HSAP restructuring project

[14] Minister of Macedonia and Thrace holds talks with Turkish envoy

[15] Future central bank chief sees no need to revise growth forecast

[16] International labor conference underway in Geneva

[17] Builders' union calls strike at Olympic Village site after worker dies

[18] ASE presents primary dealer operation in Greek bourse

[19] Greek stocks end Tuesday's session flat

[20] ATHOC details set of tax breaks, measures its wants prior to Games

[21] International Badminton Federation general director visits Athens

[22] Culture minister praises Proclamation of Venice

[23] Press ministry awards for best expatriate mass media

[24] Kaklamanis presents 7th Youth Parliament program

[25] Kokkalis Foundation to organize Athens Forum

[26] Athens Academy honors Edmund Keeley

[27] Exhibition to be held in New York on 'Greek ships from antiquity to the present'

[28] Exhibition on 'The Jewish Community of Rhodes' opens June 20

[29] Greek-Australian is first Aussie MP to be sentenced for bribery

[30] Concert for Palestinian children in Piraeus

[31] Clerides and Denktash continue discussions on security

[32] British envoy wraps up visit to Cyprus

[33] Cyprus strongly protests increase in Turkish forces in occupied areas

[34] Four more chapters in EU talks officially closed - Two still open

[35] Anastassiades hands Bush letter from Clerides

[01] Spanish PM hopes for quick solution to European army issue

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after his talks with Simitis at the Maximos Mansion, Aznar said they hoped a solution would be found soon, adding jokingly that ''since we are going through a World Cup period we hope to score a goal.''

He further said it is very important to ''take into consideration the sensitivities of all'', while in Simitis' view ''there is no problem which cannot be solved when there is goodwill, and because there is goodwill the problem will be solved in some reasonable period of time.''

Aznar referred to the Seville summit on June 20-21 and its agenda. In his view, the most important issue is the adoption of a common European policy on immigration and asylum.

''It is a great problem which each country cannot solve alone,'' Aznar said, while Simitis said on the issue that Greece has made proposals on the issue in the past since it is the ''most exposed country'' to the relevant problem.

Simitis said he hopes the Spanish presidency's initiative will lead to specific decisions and timetables and said in particular that Athens wants answers in Seville to questions concerning the funding of this common European policy, the allocation of burdens and the accession status of immigrants already in hosting countries.

''We request the adoption of an applicable policy,'' Simitis said.

Aznar further said that in Seville discussions will include the presidency's proposal on the reforming of the European Council's functions for it to become more effective, EU enlargement, ''with the hope'', as he said, that the timetable will be observed, the Convention's work which is to be presented by its president Valery Giscard d'Estaing and the orientations of economic policy in the spirit of decisions taken in Barcelona.

Government holds preparation meeting: Foreign Minister George Papandreou, Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Giannitsis and other foreign ministry officials attended a meeting with Prime Minister Costas Simitis on Tuesday to prepare for Aznar's talks in Athens.

Aznar is head of the European Union's rotating presidency and is visiting Athens during his tour of European capitals ahead of the EU summit in Seville on June 21-22.

The meeting focused on immigration and asylum issues and EU enlargement, which are expected to dominate the EU Summit.

Another issue on the agenda was EU-NATO relations, the outstanding issue of the European force and possible changes to EU institutions.

As he left the meeting, Papandreou said that Athens would present its positions during the meeting between Aznar and the Greek prime minister later on Tuesday.

Regarding the planned European military force and the so-called 'Ankara document' vetoed by Greece, Papandreou said that tough negotiations were underway and there were constant contacts with the EU presidency, EU foreign and defense policy chief Javier Solana and other EU member-states.

''These negotiations were being carried out in a constructive way and we have stressed that we aim to protect our national interests and the principles that we believe will support wider stability in the region,'' he added.

If these things were ensured, the Greek government was prepared to lift its veto, otherwise negotiations would continue under the Danish presidency, he said.

Greece objects to the Ankara document drafted by US and Britain in order to overcome Turkey's objections to the sharing of NATO assets with the planned European force. Turkey has cited concerns that these might be used contrary to its interests in the Aegean and Cyprus.

Regarding Monday's unsuccessful EU foreign ministers meeting over a common agricultural policy (CAP), Papandreou said that some EU countries did not want direct subsidies to form part of the common policy.

The lack of a common position regarding agricultural policy might delay the community's expansion, he added.

Commenting on reports claiming a 'de facto' division of Cyprus, ostensibly based on a foreign ministry report, Papandreou denied that Cyprus might enter the EU on this basis.

''Cyprus will join as it is, if there is no solution to the political problem. Its representation will essentially be as the recognized government of the whole island,'' he stressed.

[02] ND leader and Cheney discuss terrorism and European army

WASHINGTON, 12/06/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Karamanlis said the discussion, attended by national security adviser Condoleezza Rice, was ''very useful'' and described the level of bilateral relations as being ''good.'' However, he added that it could become even better.

He said he conveyed to his interlocutors his party's disagreement over the Ankara text on the European army, noting that ND supports cooperation between NATO and the European Union but necessary amendments should be made for it to accept the text in question.

This position did not meet with agreement from the side of the United States. A White House official told the Athens News Agency (ANA) that Cheney reiterated the known American position on the need for the issue to be resolved as soon as possible on the basis of the Ankara text which the American side characterized as being ''very good.''

Cheney and Rice repeated that the issue is of interest to Washington but it should be solved in the ranks of the EU.

On the question of terrorism, Cheney said it is and will continue to be a priority for Washington throughout the entire tenure of the Bush administration.

According to the White House official, Cheney referred to the experience of the U.S. with the winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City and stressed the need for more to be done by Greece for the safe holding of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

Karamanlis reminded that ND members have been victims of terrorism and committed himself that cracking down on it will be a priority for his government.

The American side appeared to be well informed on ND's position during the process of the anti-terrorism bill's ratification in the Greek Parliament and expressed its satisfaction for it.

The Cyprus issue was also discussed, primarily with Rice, who according to the American official, stressed the need for the sides involved to take advantage of the time remaining until the Copenhagen summit to solve the problem, assuring Karamanlis that the U.S. will make every effort to achieve this target.

Karamanlis reiterated the Greek preference for a solution to the political problem but stressed that if the intransigence of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash continues, Cyprus will join the EU in the first wave of enlargement even if a solution is not found.

The situation prevailing in the Balkans was also discussed and Karamanlis said human rights and the inviolability of borders should be respected for permanent stability to be achieved and the prospect of all countries in the region joining both the EU and NATO should be strengthened.

[03] Brief Bush-Karamanlis talks touch on Olympic preparations

WASHINGTON, 12/06/2002 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Karamanlis voiced his certainty that the upcoming Athens 2004 Olympics will "very good and safe", during his talk with the US leader, and following Bush's inquiry over the ongoing preparations for the Games.

"We are preparing, and we are also expecting you to visit..." was Karamanlis' reply.

The US president reportedly promised to do just that, namely, arrive in Athens in August 2004 for the Olympics.

In others contacts in the US capital, Karamanlis spoke at length with Condoleezza Rice, the president's assistant for National Security Affairs, primarily about developments in the Middle East.

Later on Tuesday (local time), Karamanlis is scheduled to meet with US Vice-President Dick Cheney at the White House, followed by US Secretary of State Colin Powell at the State Department.

[04] Gov't spokesman: EU failure to agree on agricultural policy

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

Commenting on Monday's fruitless meeting between EU agriculture ministers in Luxembourg, Greek government spokes-man Christos Protopapas warned against rushing to conclusions, however.

"There is a long road ahead of us and we hope that the problems can be overcome soon," he added.

[05] President Stephanopoulos makes stopover in Singapore

SINGAPORE, 12/06/2002 (ANA - N. Megadoukas)

Stephanopoulos, who had also made an official visit to the Southeast Asian island state on his way out, arrived in Singapore at 7:00 in the evening local time. He is due back in Greece on Wednesday evening.

[06] Alternate FM Giannitsis meets British PM's advisor on Euro-affairs

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

The discussion touched on al issues, including the European rapid reaction force, the issue of the future of social democracy in Europe, and other topics, according to reliable sources.

Also attending the meeting were British ambassador in Athens Dave Madden, and the Greek foreign ministry's secretary general for European Affairs Elias Plaskovitis.

[07] Avramopoulos announces suspension of his KEP party operation

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

Avramopoulos announced the official creation of his party in March 2001 and was elected party leader at the KEP Founding Congress in Thessaloniki, in November 2001.

''The party suspends its operation but our political proposal still remains autonomous and will continue its contribution to our political life, far away from behind the scenes procedures and haggling,'' Avramopoulos told an emergency press conference in the evening.

He gave as reasons for his decision what he called ''the suffocating frame of polarization'' and financial difficulties.

Avramopoulos avoided elaborating on his future plans.

Asked by reporters to comment on Avramopoulos' decision, main opposition New Democracy (ND) party spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, who is accompanying ND leader Costas Karamanlis on an official visit to the United States, said in Washington that ''it is a development which comes as no surprise to us. Avramopoulos will determine his next moves on the political scene himself. The New Democracy will evaluate and assess the whole issue in due course.''

A Coalition of the Left and Progress (Synaspismos) spokesman said of Avramopoulos' decision that ''it is regrettable for the country's political life for parties to be born and dissolved on the basis of opinion polls and personal political strategies.''

[08] Greek and Cypriot Parliamentary committees meet in Athens

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

According to a Greek Parliament announcement, Vrettos said ''the political situation in Europe and the change in political balances can cause problems in the course of enlargement, as well as deviations from the agreed timetable for new members to join the EU'', adding that ''for this reason we must be in a state of constant vigilance.''

The official visit by the Cypriot Parliamentary delegation will come to an end on Thursday. The Cypriot Parliamentarians will be visiting Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis, Foreign Minister George Papandreou and Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Giannitsis, while they have also had contacts with party representatives.

[09] Hard work is needed to absorb EU funds, gov�t says

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with EU Regional Policy Commissioner, Michel Barnier, Mr. Pahtas said a Third Community Support Framework was "not a gift to be given for free" and noted that it would need hard work from all parties to fully absorb EU funds.

Pahtas acknowledged that there were difficulties, related with Greece's cultural heritage and archaeological monuments, tunnels and mountains, although he stressed that projects were progressing satisfactorily.

He said that the Greek government would soon submit payment applications with the European Commission for a sum totalling 500 billion drachmas, or 8.0 percent, remaining in a Second Community Support Framework.

Pahtas said that the economy and finance ministry would meet with representatives from the Greek Banks' Union on Wednesday to discuss a plan to offer financial support, worth 90 billion drachmas, to small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The program envisages offering financial support worth 220 billion drachmas.

[10] Greece presents proposals for Common Fishing Policy

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

European Commission's proposals are expected to negatively affect Greek fisheries industry, such as the imposition of new - multi-year - limitations to fishing volumes, and new regulations in infrastructure (funding, renewal and modernization of fishing fleet).

Mr. Drys said that Greece does not disagree with the Commission's proposals in general, although it has reservations in certain issues.

He urged that a new Common Fishing Policy would deal as a significant economic and social activity the aquaculture industry and called for a package of measures to support the sector.

Greece called for extending a current access status in coastal fishing fleet and urged for special measures to maintain a balance in the Mediterranean. "It is not fair to announce measures for five Mediterranean EU member-states, leaving the rest 18 other countries in the region to operate freely in the Mediterranean," Drys told the meeting.

EU Farm Commissioner, Franz Fischler, agreed to submit new proposals covering fishing activity in the Mediterranean.

[11] Budget revenues up 6.0 pct in Jan-May

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

Value added tax revenues rose 12.8 percent in the January-May period, compared with the same period last year, income tax revenues increased 6.1 percent, while securities' transaction revenues dropped 49.4 percent over the same period.

Other revenues rose 5.1 percent, while special categories of revenues eased by 15 percent in the first five months of 2002.

[12] Tsohatzopoulos: Greece-China air link imperative

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

The event comes only days after Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, at the head of a large government and business delegation, completed a week-long official tour of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

In his address, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos called on China's state-run airline to inaugurate Athens-Beijing, Athens-Shanghai and Athens-Canton routes, while noting that the Greek national air carrier Olympic Airways is unable to assume such a role.

In touching on the overall Greek-Chinese trade picture, Tsohatzopoulos stressed that "we're not interested in quick results, we're interested in a continuous, responsible and long-term cooperation."

The current trade balance leans heavily in favor of the Chinese side.

On his part, the president of the Athens-based Greece-China Chamber of Commerce, Costas Yiannidis, said the enormous Chinese market offers Greece-based entrepreneurs opportunities in the shipping, agriculture and tourism sectors.

The one-day seminar, co-organized by the chamber and the Chinese embassy in Athens, was entitled "Athens-Beijing: A Business Meeting," part of events marking the 30th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

[13] Verelis reports on progress in HSAP restructuring project

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, presenting the progress of works to upgrade HSAP's network, Verelis said that all stations were renovated, while the company was acquiring new modern trains. He announced completion of works at Omonia station by the end of the year and said that around 150,000 passengers, or 37.4 percent of total passengers, were using the station.

Verelis said that a project to renovate HSAP stations totalled 19.2 billion drachmas and that it was co-funded by the European Union.

HSAP announced delivery of eight new trains, specially designed to reduce shock and noise, out of a total 20 trains in an order worth 57 billion drachmas.

Verelis presented a survey by Focus research company that revealed that the majority of citizens in Athens used the mass transportation systems for the travel around the city. The survey, conducted on the answers of 1,000 people in the last week of May, showed that 44.6 percent of Athenians used buses, yellow-bus, HSAP and Attiko Metro, (up 6.5 percent from the same survey in September), while 39.8 percent said they use their cars.

[14] Minister of Macedonia and Thrace holds talks with Turkish envoy

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

Paschalidis said in a statement that they discussed the activation of the ''Orient Express'' railway line between Thessaloniki and Istanbul and the air link between the two cities, which has been discontinued, adding that the fact that a cruise ship will link Thessaloniki with the Turkish coast in the summer is a positive step.

Alpogan said his visit to Paschalidis is part of his informative visits. On the question of the minister's trip to Turkey, he said that in contacts he will be having economic issues will be discussed, as well as the better linking of Thessaloniki with Turkey.

Referring to Turkey's European vocation, Alpogan said ''Turkey's course is towards Europe and for this reason Greece is playing a very important role in the targets of our foreign policy.''

[15] Future central bank chief sees no need to revise growth forecast

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

''Although we had a favorable development in the first quarter of the year for the rate of growth (4.3 percent), it would be premature to go ahead with a revision of our forecasts,'' he said.

Garganas was speaking to a parliamentary committee, which endorsed his nomination to the post.

Asked to comment on a rise in borrowing by households, Garganas noted the rate had risen from 5.0 percent of GDP in 1994 to 18 percent today, against a European Union average of 50 percent of GDP.

''Eighteen percent does not necessarily mean over-indebtedness,'' he said.

[16] International labor conference underway in Geneva

GENEVA, 12/06/2002 (ANA - N. Robin)

Greece is represented by Deputy Labor Minister Eleftherios Tziolas and Cyprus by Labor Minister Andreas Mousioutas.

One of the most important issues to be discussed at the conference is the situation in occupied Palestinian territory and providing aid for the Palestinians, while Arab and Moslem countries will insist on a decision being taken by the International Labor Organization.

According to a special mission by the International Labor Bureau, social and economic collapse in occupied territories has caused a deep humanitarian crisis. Unemployment amounts to 43 percent, while 62 percent of the population in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip live under the poverty line.

Tziolas said in his address ''the report of the Director-General is a document of high importance, since it provides a detailed analysis of the ILO work during the last two years. Moreover, I would like to express my thanks to the ILO services for the drawing-up of the global-follow up report to the ILO Declaration on a future without child labor, where all forms of child labor with information from all over the world are contained and analyzed.

''The results of the fruitful collaboration of the social partners are obvious at both national and international level. The ILO has performed important legislative work, while, at the same time, it has undertaken significant action with a view to combating inequalities in the labor market, improving the quality of work and fighting poverty.''

Tziolas further said that ''in autumn 2000, the Greek government reformed the legal framework governing the labor market, aiming at increasing full and part-time employment jobs, rationalizing employment relations and improving competitiveness of the Greek economy. I would like to emphasize that we are making special efforts in order that the policies we implement and the decisions we make illustrate agreements included with the active involvement of the social partners.''

[17] Builders' union calls strike at Olympic Village site after worker dies

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

In an announcement on Tuesday, the union pointed out that 45-year-old Vaggeli Imeri, father of two, was the third person to lose his life working on the Olympic Village within a year.

The union said he had fallen victim of ''employers' greed, which put profit before the lives of the workers.''

Apart from the three deaths, the union also reported dozens of minor and more serious injuries.

It is unclear what effect the strike will have, if any, on the pace of preparations for the Athens Summer Olympics in 2004. International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials have repeatedly warned Athens that it is on a very tight schedule, while several projects are dogged by delay.

But IOC officials that visited the city in January to oversee progress in accommodation, transportation and construction had then said that the Olympic Village was running ahead of schedule.

[18] ASE presents primary dealer operation in Greek bourse

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

The primary dealer institution is a mechanism designed to boost trade in listed companies' shares through bigger offer and demand.

The primary dealer will monitor a share's course and will systematically put forward buy and sell orders in the market. The biggest benefit for a listed company will be that the operation of primary dealers will improve its share behavior in a legal and transparent way.

More specifically, the introduction of primary dealers in the market will improve a stock share's liquidity, or depth, its trade, it will limit its volatility, enhance a stock share's credibility, and offering easier access to institutional investors, fund managers and small investors to the market.

The new measure will also benefit stock market members by offering a new field of business activity, new fees and possible capital gains and promoting the company's name in the domestic and foreign markets.

ASE said that the minimum value of transactions through a primary dealer would be set at 50,000 euros per share, per session.

[19] Greek stocks end Tuesday's session flat

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

The general index fell 0.06 percent to 2,304.51 points, with turnover a low 68.3 million euros.

The Insurance, Food-Beverage and Textile sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (1.75 percent, 1.50 percent and 1.28 percent, respectively), while the Cement, Holding and Industrial sectors suffered the heaviest losses (1.41 percent, 1.18 percent and 0.38 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks eased 0.10 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 0.33 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 0.40 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 170 to 128 with another 58 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded shares in value were Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece, Vioter, Coca Cola HBC, and Hellenic Telecoms.

Equity index futures at discount: Equity index futures on the Athens Derivatives Exchange on Tuesday ended mixed with contracts on the high capitalization index narrowing their discount and on the medium cap index holding a discount of 0.7 percent to 1.0 percent.

Turnover was 61.8 million euros.

The underlying FTSE/ASE-20 index for heavily traded stocks and blue chips shed 0.09 percent; and the underlying FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization stocks rose 0.33 percent.

In individual stock contracts, players focused on Alpha Bank.

Bond Prices nose down in brisk trade: Bond prices in the domestic secondary market on Tuesday finished slightly lower in active trade focusing on 10-year paper.

The Greek benchmark 10-year bond showed a yield of 5.45 percent, and the spread over the corresponding German bund was 29 basis points.

Turnover through the central bank's electronic system totalled 2.1 billion euros.

Buy orders accounted for just under half of trade.

[20] ATHOC details set of tax breaks, measures its wants prior to Games

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

Speaking before Parliament's cultural affairs committee, ATHOC executives called for a provision allowing free use of certain sites and buildings belonging to state-run or state-affiliated enterprises (i.e. Piraeus Port Authority, the Helexpo exhibition center in Maroussi etc.), with expenditures for the renovation and upgrading of such sites exempted from increased assessment taxes or being considered revenue for their respective owners.

ATHOC's proposals come in light of the expected tabling of a highly anticipated bill regarding Olympic preparations by the culture ministry in the coming period.

Other measures cited by ATHOC legal adviser Dimitris Filis in his appearance before the committee include the abeyance of value added tax (18%) for goods and equipment to be purchased by the Athens 2004 organizing committee; tax deductions applied to local sponsors' gross revenues; a reduced 4-percent VAT on ticket prices, as well as reduced bureaucracy in the issuance of building permits for 2004-related projects -- especially in the hospitality sector -- and a tax abatement for individuals leasing lodgings to visitors during the Games.

[21] International Badminton Federation general director visits Athens

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

Cameron was briefed on progress achieved in organizing the Badminton tournament, particularly in the sectors of hospitality, translation services, sports equipment, food supply services, television broadcasts, doping control and trial tournaments.

The IBF general director said the federation is very pleased with the progress achieved. He congratulated the members of the Organizing Committee and expressed certainty that the Olympic facility at Goudi will be excellent.

[22] Culture minister praises Proclamation of Venice

VENICE, 12/06/2002 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

''The signing of the Proclamation of Venice, on new ecological ethics, is an extremely important, a historic moment from an ecclesiastical point of view as well, because the Roman Catholic Church recognizes the role and significance and representative power of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,'' Venizelos said.

He added that it is a message from Venice, at the initiative of the Ecumenical Patriarch, which is received by all the governments of the world, particularly now that the World Conference is starting in Johannesburg.

''It is important that we realize the magnitude of this initiative by the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the acceptance it had both in all the countries of the Adriatic and in Italy itself and the Vatican, as well as worldwide,'' Venizelos added.

The Ecumenical Patriarch, from Venice's Palazzo Ducale, and Pope John Paul II from the Vatican on Monday signed simultaneously, through a special television circuit, the ''Proclamation of Venice��, which anticipates ''environmental ethics.''

Ecumenical Patriarch celebrates name day, opens exhibition in Venice: Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos I on Tuesday celebrated his name day with a service at Venice's Orthodox St. George Church, along with a number of Italy's Orthodox community, clergy and prelates from throughout Europe.

He officiated the mass alongside Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana and All Albania.

Among the congregation was Greek Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, a number of Catholic clergy and Venetian officials.

After the service, Vartholomeos inaugurated an exhibition of Byzantine artifacts at Venice's Hellenic Institute.

Metropolitan Ieremias awarded medal of the Knight of the Legion of Honor

PARIS 12/06/2002 (ANA - D. Konstantakopoulos)

On behalf of the French president and according to established practice, the medal was presented to Metropolitan Ieremias by University of Europe rector Eleni Glykatzi- Ahrweiler who was also honored in the past with this medal.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Ahrweiler stressed the role of the Orthodox Church in the cooperation between the East and the West from the Byzantine era to the present.

Speaking on behalf of the Council of Orthodox Bishops of France, Metropolitan Gabriel of the Patriarchate of Antiochia thanked the president and the government of France for the bestowal of the medal and through this the official recognition of the presence of Orthodoxy.

The ceremony took place on Monday, day of celebration of the name day of the Ecumenical Patriarch under whose jurisdiction the Metropolis of France is.

Present at the award ceremony were, among others, Greek Ambassador Dimitris Karaitidis and Press Attache Vassilis Karavassilis, Cyprus Ambassador Mavrogiannis, Unesco Ambassador Vassilis Vassilikos, diplomats and representatives of the Greek and Cypriot community.

[23] Press ministry awards for best expatriate mass media

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

The four prize categories include best expatriate mass media in 2001, best 2001 news report, best press article in 2001 and the best website of the year.

The press ministry's prize for the best expatriate Greek media will be shared by 'Argo TV' in Germany, the Australian radio station 'Echo FM' and the newspaper "Elliniki Diaspora" in Georgia. The prize comes with a 23,478 euro cash award.

The prize for best news report, with an 8,805 euro cash award, was shared by US-based journalist Athina Krikeli and German-based journalist Efthymios Babanatsas.

The prize for best press article went to UK journalist Titos Christodoulou, working for the London Greek paper 'Paroikiaki', while the best website prize was shared by www.griego.cl site built by the Greek community in Santiago, Chile, and the www.tganews.com site developed by the Australian expatriate Greek news service TGA News. These all come with a 5,870 euro cash award.

Honorary distinctions were given to the Argentina-based radio program "Desde Grecia", the Zimbabwe magazine 'I Elliniki mas Gonia', the French radio program IDFM-Radio Enghien/ Antenne Grecque and Ukraine journalist Anatoli Baltzi.

The winners were chosen among 67 applicants from 18 countries. The prizes will be awarded by President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos on Wednesday, June 19 in Athens.

[24] Kaklamanis presents 7th Youth Parliament program

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

Organizers said the response to the Youth Parliament program was rising each year, with 5,000 more students and 119 new schools taking part this year.

Under the program, 350 16- and 17-year-olds will have an opportunity to outline their views and opinions and debate in Parliament while the real MPs are on holiday. They are chosen on the basis of written essays.

This year's Youth Parliament attracted applicants from 1,708 schools in Greece, Cyprus and in overseas Greek communities, including for the first time students at the OAED vocational training schools. The 350 chosen (300 from Greece, 25 from Cyprus and 25 from abroad) will meet for the 7th Youth Parliament assembly in Athens on September 14-18.

[25] Kokkalis Foundation to organize Athens Forum

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

The Athens Forum aims at reuniting Kokkalis Foundation holders of scholarships, who are currently 105 and are from all countries in southeastern Europe, including Greece and Turkey.

An announcement by the Kokkalis Foundation said that over the past five years, Kokkalis Program scholars have become senior members of big businesses in the region, while many have reached top government posts and are offering their services for the modernization of their countries' public administration.

This year's Athens Forum 2002, due to last three days, will be attended by 82 students, professors from Harvard University, members of the American political analyses company RAND and other personalities from the academic sector.

The Athens Forum 2002 will come to an end on the night of Tuesday June 18 during a special event at the Concert Hall with distinguished international relations professor Samuel Huntington being the main speaker.

[26] Athens Academy honors Edmund Keeley

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

Modern-day Greek poets became known to English-speaking readers for the first time thanks to Keeley. He now shares his time between Greece and the United States, writing works inspired by Greece.

Keeley thanked the Academy for the honor bestowed upon him and then referred to the issue of the cultural heritage of poet Constantine Cavafy in the United States.

[27] Exhibition to be held in New York on 'Greek ships from antiquity to the present'

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

Replicas of Greek ships from all periods of history will be on display at the exhibition, which will be open until September 30.

The exhibition is being held in cooperation with the Maritime Museum of Greece, which is granting replicas of ships, paintings and maps.

[28] Exhibition on 'The Jewish Community of Rhodes' opens June 20

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

The exhibition is organized by the Jewish Museum of Greece within the framework of events held by the Jewish community of

Rhodes in memory of the Jews of Rhodes who lost their lives during World War Two.

[29] Greek-Australian is first Aussie MP to be sentenced for bribery

MELBOURNE 12/06/2002 (ANA - S. Hatzimanolis)

Victoria County Court Judge Graeme Crossley convicted former federal MP Andrew Theophanous to up to six years in prison on Tuesday after he was found guilty last month on four charges of bribery, conspiracy and defrauding the country. He had been accused of accepting thousands of dollars in cash bribes from Chinese nationals seeking visas. The prosecution also presented evidence that he had sought sexual favors and lied to help immigrants enter Australia.

He will only be eligible for parole after he has served at least three and a half years of his sentence.

The 56-year-old former MP had been remanded in custody on May 22 and has only been allowed out of jail in handcuffs to attend the funeral of his mother, Marika, who died on the day he was found guilty.

An MP in the Australian Parliament for 21 years, Theophanous has pleaded innocent and intends to lodge an appeal, while his wife has demanded an investigation into the way the law enforcement agencies handled her husband's case, asserting that he was framed.

[30] Concert for Palestinian children in Piraeus

Athens, 12/06/2002 (ANA)

The concert is being organized by the Greek chapter of the "Medecins sans Frontieres" and other local groups, with proceeds going towards the purchase of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment, among others, to cover urgent needs in the Palestinian areas. Several noted Greek performers, including Giorgos Dalaras, as well as the "Mikis Theodorakis orchestra" will participate at the concert, held at the Katrakeio theatre.

[31] Clerides and Denktash continue discussions on security

NICOSIA 12/06/2002 (CNA/ANA)

CNA sources said that the leaders of the two communities continued discussions on the issue of security, without any developments.

President Clerides is accompanied at the talks by Attorney General Alecos Markides, government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou, and Undersecretary to the President Pantelis Kouros.

The UN-led direct talks began in January with a view to find a settlement of the problem of Cyprus, divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[32] British envoy wraps up visit to Cyprus

LARNACA 12/06/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Lord Hannay, who made no comments on his departure at Larnaca Airport, earlier issued a statement saying that he believed some progress has been achieved in the UN-led peace talks between President Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, which began in mid January.

He noted that a lot needs to be done if the Greek and Turkish Cypriot sides are to reach an agreement and said the core issues need to be addressed in a spirit of give and take.

Lord Hannay added that Britain encourages the two leaders to find a settlement that will enable Cyprus, reunited, to be invited in December to join the European Union.

Speaking after his meeting with Lord Hannay, Christofias said he asked the British envoy to contribute towards not moving the June deadline for a solution to December.

Christofias said Turkey could easily exploit the situation if the deadline was moved to December, in order to remain intransigent and promote its positions in relation to the forthcoming enlargement of the European Union.

Government spokesman Michalis Papapetrou said that President Clerides and Lord Hannay, who had a working breakfast on Tuesday morning, believe time is running out for the Cyprus peace effort and there is now an urgent need to make progress towards a negotiated settlement.

[33] Cyprus strongly protests increase in Turkish forces in occupied areas

NICOSIA 12/06/2002 (CNA/ANA)

The Cypriot minister appealed to those states involved in the peace effort to exert pressure on Turkey to withdraw its occupation troops from the areas it occupies since 1974.

''The government believes that this move is a deliberate attempt on the part of Ankara to create tension in Cyprus. Turkey no longer restricts itself in words, it has actually moved on to deeds,'' he said.

The illegal arrival of the occupation troops is the latest move by Ankara in the recent past, aimed at creating an atmosphere of tension in the area. Some time ago, a Turkish research vessel was dispatched to Cyprus and military jets have violated Greek air space.

The minister said it was obvious that Turkey wishes to appear and be convincing about its intentions, which translate into blocking Cyprus' entry into the European Union.

Ankara has repeatedly told the EU not to accept Cyprus in its ranks, without a prior solution to the Cyprus problem and warned of unrestraint response if this occurs.

''The government has made all the necessary moves towards those countries which are making an effort to solve the Cyprus question and hope that they are in a position to exert pressure on Turkey to withdraw its troops,'' Hasikos said.

He said the government is monitoring the situation and does not underestimate the Turkish moves.

''Turkey is attempting to wage a war of nerves against us and the EU aiming at averting Cyprus accession,'' he said.

Referring to cooperation between Cyprus and Greece on defense matters, he said Nicosia is keeping Athens informed about the latest developments and Turkey's attempts to create tension.

Cyprus and Greece agreed in November 1993 on a joint defense pact providing for air, sea and land cover for Cyprus by the Greek military in the event of a fresh Turkish offensive.

[34] Four more chapters in EU talks officially closed - Two still open

LUXEMBOURG 12/06/2002 (CNA/ANA)

Gunter Verheugen, EU Commissioner for enlargement, said Cyprus has made more progress in its membership talks than any other applicant country and welcomed the closing of four "politically sensitive and technically difficult chapters" during the current Spanish EU presidency.

Spain's Foreign Minister Josep Pique, speaking on Monday at the ninth Intergovernmental Conference between Cyprus and the EU, expressed hope that the Cyprus question is settled speedily, a position Verheugen advocated as well.

The chapter on Competition, which closed Monday, was one of the most difficult to negotiate in that Cypriot legislation had to be amended to meet EU law. Arrangements agreed are considered particularly positive for Cyprus as the country's offshore sector will continue to enjoy tax incentives and other advantages until 2005.

Cyprus has closed 28 chapters out of 31. Latvia has also closed 28 chapters, with Slovenia and Lithuania in second place with 27, followed by Estonia.

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides, who represented the Republic at Monday's meeting in Luxembourg, thanked Spain for the transitional provision with regard to the offshore sector.

He also said that the valuable assistance and cooperation of all member states and EU institutions had helped Cyprus to move ahead in its membership talks. Referring to the latest UN-led effort to find a negotiated settlement, he said the Greek Cypriot side will continue its constructive approach to help resolve the problem on the basis of UN decisions and stressed the need to have one Cyprus, speaking with one voice to the EU after a solution.

[35] Anastassiades hands Bush letter from Clerides

NICOSIA 12/06/2002 (CNA/ANA)

During the meeting, Anastassiades handed Bush a letter from Cyprus President Glafcos Clerides on the Cyprus problem.

A Democratic Rally announcement reads that ''Bush showed special interest about the Cyprus problem, stressing the support he and his country give to the UN Secretary General's good offices''.

During the banquet, Anastassiades had the opportunity to talk to the US President's National Security Affairs Adviser, Condoleezza Rice.

He also met with the presidents of the foreign affairs committees of the two US legislative bodies, as well as with British Conservative Party chief Ian Duncan Smith.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

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