Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-01-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM: European Human Rights Charter should become part of EU Constitution

[02] FM visits Pristina, meets with UN, local leaders

[03] Foreign Minister at EUPM inauguration in Bosnia

[04] Athens keeps cards closed on Franco-German proposal for EU dual presidency

[05] Yiannitsis: Greece favors single external policy head

[06] European ombudsman outlines his role and work

[07] Simitis & Cox call on Denktash to show constructive stance

[08] Yiannitsis says Cyprus will become full member of EU on May 1, 2004

[09] Gov't spokesman on Turkish Cypriot rally

[10] Turkish spokesman on Cyprus issue, Denktash

[11] Minister says education top EU Greek presidency priority

[12] KKE MPs ask gov't to clarify initiatives necessary to avert Iraq war

[13] Visiting IOC chief meets with ND leader Karamanlis

[14] Karamanlis meets with Weston in Athens

[15] Greek-American leaders discuss Cyprus settlement efforts with U.S. coordinators

[16] Political Committee of CoE's Parliamentary Assembly adopts Greek deputy's report

[17] Gov't cites positive Barnier remarks on land registry issue

[18] Draft bill for speeding up administration of justice presented

[19] Yiannitsis addresses Europarliament on Afghanistan

[20] Deputy FM meets new Czech Ambassador

[21] Christodoulakis defends gov�t economic policy achievements

[22] Greek exports show signs of recovery in 2002

[23] Greek EU presidency on cap markets, financial services reform

[24] Denmark & Germany challenge EU Commission's Feta cheese decision in Euro-Court

[25] Minister addresses press conference on labor council

[26] Greek stocks end moderately higher on Wednesday

[27] 2004 organizers unveil winning Olympic Torch design

[28] Athens mayor outlines her program until Olympic Games

[29] New bus routes for Athens 2004 Olympics

[30] Businessman testifies on blackmail case related to ''N17''

[31] Justice minister addresses committee on drug problem

[32] Merchant marine minister meets U.S. Coast Guard chief

[33] Clerides and Denktash resume their UN-led direct talks

[34] Papapetrou says Annan gives 'stigma' of developments

[35] FM Kasoulides welcomes Annan's and Boucher's statements

[01] PM: European Human Rights Charter should become part of EU Constitution

STRASBOURG 16/01/2003 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

The Greek premier was received by the court president Luzius Wildhaber and Greek European Court judge Christos Rozakis, who briefed him on the activities and operation of the ECHR.

As he departed, Simitis said his visit was a demonstration of the importance attached to the protection of human and civil rights by Greece and the Greek EU presidency.

Incorporating the European Human Rights Charter in the constitution would give the union an additional weapon against oppressive policies and those that do not pay give due attention to human and civil rights, he added.

Responding to questions about the abolition of the death penalty by Turkey, the Greek premier said this was a positive development and noted that Turkey had taken a number of steps toward democratic rule of law in recent years.

He also stressed, however, that Turkey needed to make yet more steps in that direction and that the country's democratization showed that the European Commission was pushing Turkey and other countries to adopt the rules that generally applied in the EU.

[02] FM visits Pristina, meets with UN, local leaders

PRISTINA 16/01/2003 (ANA - E. Boukaouri)

Papandreou met with the head of the UN operation in Kosovo Michael Steiner who later said that the arrival of Papandreou expressed the commitment of the European Union for the region's European course.

Papandreou confirmed Steiner's comment, saying that he arrived in Pristina as the minister presiding over the EU, as well as a representative of a neighboring country.

He stressed that ethnic conflicts should become a part of the past, ''we should live together, cooperate and share the same values, which are democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights and minorities''.

Later in the day, Papandreou met with Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova, to whom he stressed that "we should build a common future as citizens of the European Union, within a European Union, because we are Europeans and we want to live in democratic and tolerant societies."

On his part, Rugova welcomed Papandreou and said that the Kosovo government's priorities are economic development, privatizations, incorporation of ethnic minorities and promotion of cooperation with Greece toward a European prospect.

Papandreou also met with other Kosovo government officials, Serb deputies and with Kosovo Democratic Party leader Hasim Thaci.

Papandreou's message to Kosovo was that the Greek presidency of the EU will fully support the region's European prospect, while the promotion of the Association and Stability Agreement should be implemented within the framework of the UN Security Council resolutions of 1999 and within the parameters of the principle ''European criteria come first and then local regime''.

Papandreou, before leaving Sarajevo for Pristina, met with EU defense and security high commissioner Javier Solana, who is due to arrive in Athens on Thursday, and Sarajevo's International Community high representative Paddy Ashdown.

[03] Foreign Minister at EUPM inauguration in Bosnia

SARAJEVO 16/01/2003 (ANA - E. Boukaouri)

The 900-strong European force, which includes Greeks and Cypriots, replaces a UN peacekeeping force in the war-battered republic and its term ends in 2005. Thirty-three states are participating in the force, of which 18 are non-EU members.

In his address, Solana said that the establishment of the EUPM in Bosnia, in full cooperation with the EU, proved European commitment to the region.

He called on all sides to assist in setting up a common course so that law and order prevailed in Bosnia and it could take on its responsibilities with the assistance of the EU.

Papandreou similarly stressed that the EUPM was the strongest demonstration of EU commitment to the western Balkans, a region that was a key priority for the union and a particular commitment of Greece.

The Greek minister stressed that Bosnia-Herzegovina, like the rest of the region, was a fundamental part of Europe and the issue at stake was what kind of European state Bosnia would become.

''In joining the stabilization and association process, Bosnia has indicated its desire to be a full participant in the integrated Europe. Through the EUPM, you are making a further step to building a state that can be a full participant in an integrated Europe, a state founded on the democratic rule of law,'' he said.

The rule of law was fundamentally important for the prosperity and confidence of the Bosnian people, attracting foreign investments and participate in vitally important regional cooperation to tackle phenomena of terrorism, organized crime, drugs and human trafficking, he added.

He named these as the most serious threats to common and individual development and said that part of the EUPM's mandate was to assist Bosnia in developing its own police force and regional police cooperation, which was one of the EU presidency's priorities.

Apart from Solana and Papandreou, the ceremony was also addressed by the international community's High Representative for Bosnia Paddy Ashdown and a representative for EU External Affairs Commissioner Chris Patten, as well as local officials.

Earlier on Wednesday, Papandreou and Solana had talks with the Serb chairman of Bosnia's collective presidency Mirko Sarovic. In statements afterwards, Papandreou noted that this was a historic moment for Europe.

''We are here with Mr Solana and Mr Ashdown for the official inauguration of the EUPM. This event has a weighty significance because we are prepared to help in the institutional reconstruction of Bosnia-Herzegovina, while it also contains a wider message about the EU's political will to undertake more responsibility in the region,'' Papandreou said.

The Greek minister said there were four points that would have to be emphasized that would help establish the stabilization process. These were enhancing the independence of the police, fighting organized crime, supporting information services and the unified tax and tariffs system.

Statements were also made by Solana, who similarly noted the EU's desire to help and undertake responsibilities in the region.

Solana stressed the importance of harmonizing Bosnia's various tax systems with the installation of a central system in February by Ashdown and also ruled out any further changes to borders.

The Greek foreign minister is due to travel to Pristina on Wednesday afternoon for talks with Kosovo politicians before returning to Athens late on Wednesday night.

[04] Athens keeps cards closed on Franco-German proposal for EU dual presidency

Athens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)

As current head of the EU presidency, Protopapas noted, Greece "will undertake those initiatives that can lead to decisions".

The spokesman also pointed to a visit by German Foreign Minister Joshka Fischer to Athens on Saturday at the invitation of EU council chief George Papandreou in an effort to arrive at "solutions through consensus".

[05] Yiannitsis: Greece favors single external policy head

STRASBOURG 16/01/2003 (ANA-O. Tsipira)

In his capacity as Greece�s Alternate Foreign Minister, not as EU Presidency, Yiannitsis told reporters that Greece would carefully examine the recent Franco-German proposal, which he described as containing �many interesting points.�

He added that Greece �agreed on integrating the two positions in external policy and believed that it will significantly help towards a more effective operation of the European system and would contribute to the promotion of the common external policy.� He further noted that such a person should be vice-chairman of the Commission and report to the EU Council.

Yiannitsis also said that Greece was in favor of the EU Commission President being elected by the Euro-Parliament with ''increased majorities'', so as to have elevated prestige and ability in handling Commission issues.

�We are also concerned over how the EU Council would be able to boost the effectiveness of its operation under a membership of 25 or more, later on.�

As EU Presidency, Yiannitsis said that Greece looked forward to the tabling of proposals by the Convention before June.

Greek leadership congratulates Diamantouros on his election as Euro-ombudsman STRASBOURG 16/01/2003 (O. Tsipira)

Greek professor Nikiforos Diamantouros on Wednesday was elected as the European Ombudsman during a second round of voting by the European Parliament�s deputies, gaining a total of 293 votes.

British academic Roy Perry came in second with 205 votes.

Diamantouros, who currently is Greece�s ombudsman director, will serve for a two-year term, taking over from retiring Jacob Soderman.

Three candidates were eliminated in Tuesday�s voting.

Simitis: In statements from Strasbourg following Diamantouros� election, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis expressed his satisfaction over the development, noting that the final tally was recognition of Greece�s upgraded standing on the international political scene.

Speaking to reporters prior to his meeting with European Parliament President Pat Cox, Simitis said Diamantouros has all the qualifications, knowledge and experience to meet the challenge of the European ombudsman�s post.

He also stressed that the ombudsman�s institution has posted noteworthy success over the past few years in Greece, gaining in turn added respect in the eyes of Greek citizens.

Karamanlis: On his part, main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis also sent congratulations towards Diamantouros, noting that the latter's election acknowledges the his scholarly achievements, his successful tenure as Greece�s ombudsman and his personality.

Finally, Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis from Strasbourg also conveyed his congratulations to Diamantouros.

Nikiforos Diamantouros, European Union Ombudsman- short CV: Nikiforos Diamantouros, Ombudsman of Greece was elected to the same post of the European Union by the Europarliament on Wednesday.

Diamantouros served on the post of Ombudsman of Greece since 1998 and he is a professor of political science at the University of Athens. From 1995 to 1998 he served as Director and Chairman of the National Center for Social Studies (EKKE).

He received his education in the University of Indiana, in the United States, where he received his Ph.D. in 1972.

[06] European ombudsman outlines his role and work

STRASBOURG 16/01/2003 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

Diamantouros said the role of ombudsman is to function as a ''mediation mechanic capable of promoting the consolidation of a state of law in all of the EU's width and breadth, and to respond to the justified concerns of the new countries regarding the defense of human rights.''

In relation to the Convention for the Future of Europe, Diamantouros said the ombudsman's main priority will be the provision of attaching the Fundamental Rights Charter to the final text.

Another equally important target will be creating and changing the administrative behavior code into a binding text to avoid overlapping.

[07] Simitis & Cox call on Denktash to show constructive stance

STRASBOURG 16/01/2003 (ANA- M. Spinthourakis)

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, on departing from the Europarliament building with Cox, Simitis said that ''today is a significant day for the course of the resolution of the Cyprus issue, since talks between UN General Secretary representative Alvaro de Soto and (Cyprus President) Glafcos Clerides and Denktash are starting again''.

The Greek premier also said that the possibility of reaching a solution for the Cyprus problem exists, adding that Clerides has held a constructive stance and has shown positive points, whereas it is up to Denktash to do the same.

On his part, Cox called on Denktash to make the necessary effort for a solution to the Cyprus problem, so that ''a reconciled Cyprus (may enter) a reconciled Europe''.

[08] Yiannitsis says Cyprus will become full member of EU on May 1, 2004

STRASBOURG 16/01/2003 (ANA/O. Tsipira)

Speaking in his capacity as Council president, Yiannitsis said: ''The accession negotiations with Cyprus were concluded at the European Council summit in Copenhagen on December 13. Cyprus will become a full member of the EU on May 1, 2004. The European Union has expressed its preference for the accession of a reunited Cyprus, on the basis of the UN Secretary-General's proposal. If we reach this result, then the Council will decide readjustments with regard to the Turkish Cypriot community. If not, Cyprus will enter the EU and there will be a freeze in the implementation of the acquis communautaire for the (Turkish) occupied part.''

Concluding, Yiannitsis expressed the hope that the momentum of events and developments in the island, such as the demonstrations which Turkish Cypriots began on Tuesday, will help for a solution to be found.

[09] Gov't spokesman on Turkish Cypriot rally

Athens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)

Replying to press questions, Protopapas said that "the voice of the people drowns out everything else, and expresses a clear-cut demand for solution of the Cyprus issue and Cyprus' accession to the EU".

The Turkish Cypriot people condemned the intransigence, and yesterday (Tuesday) they sent a message to the Turkish Cypriot leadership and Turkey, Protopapas said, adding that the voice of the people gave a decisive impetus to a cause which concerned first of all the peoples of Cyprus, but also the peoples of the region.

[10] Turkish spokesman on Cyprus issue, Denktash

ANKARA 16/01/2003 (ANA � A. Abatzis)

The spokesman also underlined that Turkey backs talks to find a Cyprus solution and the efforts by Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Moreover, the spokesman said Tuesday�s massive demonstration in the Turkish-occupied sector of Nicosia against Denktash�s policy was something �normal� for democratic regimes, where public opinion is freely expressed.

�The conclusions from these protests is the duty and responsibility of the �Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus�,� Yussuf Boluc said in reference to the Turkish Cypriot pseudo-state in the island�s north, a breakaway entity recognized only by Ankara.

�There is no change in our goal for the establishment of a new partnership, one that will ensure the continuation of the current climate of peace and the active and real guarantees of Turkey as well as acceptance of the sovereign equality of the two sides, one based on compromise,� he said.

[11] Minister says education top EU Greek presidency priority

Athens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)

''Given that the main targets set at the Lisbon summit are the economy and employment, there is the risk of education becoming a contractor either of the targets of the economy or of employment. This would be a mistake,'' Efthymiou said and referred to the ''need for a Lisbon number two for education.''

Efthymiou said the Greek government has already moved in this direction and contacts have been made with European Commission President Romano Prodi and relevant commissioner Viviane Reding by Prime Minister Costas Simitis and himself.

The second main target of the Greek presidency is determining joint policies ''to enable Europe to develop and keep its potential in higher education'' and avoiding leaks to the United States.

[12] KKE MPs ask gov't to clarify initiatives necessary to avert Iraq war

Athens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)

MPs Orestis Kolozov and Liana Kanelli, in the letter addressed to Committee chairman Karolos Papoulias, pointed out that preparations by the US and Britain were currently intensifying for operations against Iraq, charging that the ''obvious goal'' of the war operation was ''control of the oil in the region and the region itself''.

They warned that such a war ''threatens the stability of the region'', adding that ''Greece is involved, with the use of the foreign bases and the possible participation, in a variety of ways, of the country's Armed Forces''.

[13] Visiting IOC chief meets with ND leader Karamanlis

Athens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)

In statements to the press after the 45-minute meeting, which was also attended by Athens 2004 Organization Committee (ATHOC) chief Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, Karamanlis said that Greece was entering the "final and decisive stretch" to the Games, since much was at stake in 2003, including the country's credibility vis-a-vis the commitments it had undertaken towards the IOC, the quality of the Games it would organize, and the legacy to be left by Greece in Games hosting.

Karamanlis further noted that the delays were "well-known", and expressed concern over ballooning costs.

The ND leader said that the organization of the Athens Olympics was a national cause that concerned all Greeks, and that was why his party, as the main opposition party, was monitoring progress in the preparations so that "not another day will be lost nor the already high cost increase further".

As the "next government" of Greece, he added, ND pledged to organize "the best Olympic Games since their revival". The next general elections are slated for April 2004, four months before the Athens Olympics.

According to sources, Karamanlis told Rogge that ND would not allow the Olympic Games to become a part of any political party's election campaign. The same sources said that the IOC chief expressed his wish that the Olympic Games remain outside any campaign clashes, as was the case in other countries in the past. Rogge made no statement after his meeting with Karamanlis.

[14] Karamanlis meets with Weston in Athens

Athens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)

On his part, Weston said that the U.S. is glad over the fact that a large number of Turkish Cypriots protested in favor of a political solution, the reunification of the island and its accession to the European Union.

[15] Greek-American leaders discuss Cyprus settlement efforts with U.S. coordinators

Greek-American leaders from across the U.S.A. held an in-depth, off-the-record conference call with the top two people in the U.S. government who handle Cyprus settlement efforts on a daily basis � Special Cyprus Coordinator Thomas Weston and U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus Michael Klosson, a press release issued by the National Coordinated Efforts of Hellenes Abroad said on Tuesday.

The meeting took place on Jan. 8 and was hosted by the Coordinated Effort of Hellenes Abroad.

�We felt it was crucial that this week�s flurry of settlement activities � tomorrow�s (Wednesday) start of face-to-face talks between President Clerides and (Turkish Cypriot leader) Denktash, as well as visits to Turkey, Greece and Cyprus by Tom Weston and the UN Secretary General�s Special Advisor on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto � were preceded by this important discussion. It brought us up-to-the-minute on developments and behind-the-scenes details, and provided important input from our community�s leaders to our country�s top people for Cyprus,� the press release said.

Conference call participants included leaders from all over the U.S., from California and Washington (state), to Michigan and Illinois, to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, to Washington, D.C. and Virginia, to North Carolina and Florida.

In addition, most of the major Greek-American organizations were represented by their board members including: PSEKA; the Pancyprian Association of America; the Cyprus Federation of America; the Cyprus-U.S. Chamber of Commerce; the World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE); SAE North and South America; the Coordinated Effort of Hellenes (CEH); the United Hellenic American Congress (UHAC); AHEPA; the American Hellenic Institute (AHI); the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Leadership 100; the American Hellenic Council of California; and American Hellenic Congress of Michigan.

[16] Political Committee of CoE's Parliamentary Assembly adopts Greek deputy's report

PARIS 16/01/2003 (ANA)

The report will be discussed at the plenum of the Parliamentary Assembly which will be held in Strasbourg on January 29, 2003.

With this report, the EU member-states are called upon to incorporate the European Fundamental Rights Charter and the European Human Rights Pact in their new Charter, to enable it to acquire binding legal validity.

The Parliamentary Assembly's Political Committee also adopted a draft plan supporting Cyprus' accession to the EU and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's efforts for the reunification of Cyprus.

[17] Gov't cites positive Barnier remarks on land registry issue

Athens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)

Specifically, government spokesman Christos Protopapas cited Barnier�s comments, namely, Greece was on the �right track� in terms of establishing a land registry, while adding that local officials� determination of late should soon lead to positive results.

The European Commission last month referred to ''dysfunctions'' in the drafting of the almost 10-year-old land registry project, ordering a stricter regime for meeting deadlines by the town planning ministry and the state-owned subsidiary assigned the nationwide project.

In response to a question by a Greek Eurodeputy in Strasbourg, the EU Commissioner said the establishment of an independent regulatory authority within the new Community Support Framework package and Greek officials� �determination� is "correctly" dealing with the matter.

[18] Draft bill for speeding up administration of justice presented

Athens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)

Under the bill, it will become harder to press charges where there is insufficient evidence to substantiate them, while it reduces the margins for delaying a trial through the means available to defendants for seeking postponements - which are frequently abused in order to delay or obstruct justice.

The bill also introduces changes to the preliminary investigation and examination processes, limiting these to six months and four months respectively, and scraps the main examination for misdemeanors.

[19] Yiannitsis addresses Europarliament on Afghanistan

STRASBOURG 16/01/2003 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

He stressed that the Bonn Agreement set the foundations for the establishment of a modern Afghan state.

Yiannitsis noted that following the installation of the temporary authority in Afghanistan, the national traditional assembly was called, which elected Hamid Karzai to the post of president.

Following Karzai's election, measures were taken to rebuild the country's state infrastructure, ranging from the establishment of a national regulatory central bank to the issuing of a currency and the adaptation of national development plan.

He stressed that challenges are still many and their resolution depends to a great degree on foreign aid, funneled via the transitional government now in power.

[20] Deputy FM meets new Czech Ambassador

Athens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)

The overall state of the Czech economy in the sectors of employment, production, agriculture and services was also looked into, with special emphasis on Balkan region affairs and on potential mechanisms to further activate a Greece-Czech Republic cooperation memorandum within the context of the Reconstruction Plan for the Balkans.

Bulenova thanked the Greek government for providing assistance to her country�s European course, while she also referred to the increasing numbers of Czech tourists coming to Greece during the summer months.

[21] Christodoulakis defends gov�t economic policy achievements

Athens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)

Commenting on an EU Commission's report on competitiveness, Mr Christodoulakis stressed that it included several "advices" towards all EU member-states, including Greece.

The report, Mr Christodoulakis said, stressed that member-states lagging behind the average EU growth rate should speed-up growth.

The Greek minister, however, did not agree with all "advices" offered by the Commission on the Greek economy.

He said that Greece has achieved the highest growth rates and that the country has worked hard to lift imbalances in the country's regions.

Mr Christodoulakis also said that Greek inflation was not the highest but the third or fourth highest in the EU-15.

Greek productivity is currently equal with Spain's, he said. Greek workers' productivity rose by 12 percent in the last six years, while other EU member-states recorded even declines over the same period, while the government has recorded one of the biggest percentage gains in reducing unemployment in the last three years.

Mr Christodoulakis defended the Greek economy saying that a poverty rate in Greece, issued by the Commission, did not fully reflect the conditions in the country as it was based on workers' income alone.

The Greek minister said that electricity prices in Greece were one of the cheapest in EU and less that half compared with Italy and Ireland, while public spending on education rose 13 percent in the last few years.

Mr Christodoulakis said that the government has achieved a significant work so far on the economy and stressed the need to continue with the same policy to achieve real convergence by 2015.

He dismissed recent Bank of Greece's estimates that real convergence would be achieved by 2030.

Christodoulakis comments on EU funds' absorption rate: The absorption rate of EU funds was accelerating and spending in a Third Community Support Framework program exceeded four billion euros, Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis said on Wednesday.

The Greek minister reiterated that a Second Community Support Framework program has been completed and noted that the Greek government would have sent all paperwork to the European Commission by March 31, 2003, to collect the remaining funds of the program (around 500 billion drachmas).

Mr Christodoulakis said that it would invite private investors to participate in the implementation of a Third Community Support Framework program.

The Greek minister said that other member-states also had funds to collect from a Second CSF and stressed that he planned to meet with his counterparts in the EU to discuss the issue during the six-month Greek EU presidency.

Referring to the European Commission's monitoring systems, Mr Christodoulakis said that these systems should follow four principles: all inspections should be equal, they should not have retroactive validity, to be relative to the size of a project and to be effective.

[22] Greek exports show signs of recovery in 2002

Athens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)

The union said that hopes were based on a relatively improved picture of Greek exports towards the industrialized world, with a previous decline almost eradicated with the help of an increased euro/dollar rate.

Greek exports fell 1.4 percent in the January-September period (compared with a decline of 2.7 percent in the January-August period), while exports to industrialized countries fell by 0.6 percent. Exports to the EU eased by 1.2 percent from 3.4 percent in the first eight months of 2002, while imports rose 6.1 percent and 5.2 percent, respectively.

Greek exports in euros were down 4.4 percent in the first nine months of 2002, while imports were up 2.8 percent over the same period.

Exports to the US rose faster, while exports to Turkey recovered (up 13.1 percent) after a sharp drop in 2001 due to a financial crisis in the neighboring country.

The Panhellenic Exporters' Union said that exports to Turkey would be significantly lower from a peak of 580 million US dollars, recorded in 2000.

Greek exports also recovered towards former Soviet Union republics. Exports to Russia rose 4 percent, while exports to Ukraine more than doubled in the first nine months of 2002 compared with the same period in 2001. The report said, however, that the value of exports in 2002 would not reach previous years' levels.

Greek exports were increasingly falling towards the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), -14.5 percent, while exports to Albania were stable and a decline in exports towards Bulgaria and Romania was slowing down, as it was the case of exports to Central and Eastern European states (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary).

Greek exports, however, were gradually improving towards Middle East and Northern Africa states, particularly Libya, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

The Panhellenic Exporters' Union said a spectacular increase in exports to India and China was raising hopes of better days ahead for Greek exports.

Greek exports to the 10 new members of an expanded European Union, totalled 688 million US dollars in the January-September period last year, down 2.7 percent the same period in 2001, while imports from these countries totalled 456 million dollars, up 15 percent.

Exports to India and China jumped 127 percent and 56 percent, respectively, and the union hopes that their value would total 100 million and 80 million US dollars, respectively in 2002.

The Bank of Greece said that Greek exports' value eased 12.3 percent in the first nine months of 2002, showing a very big divergence with National Statistics Service's figures.

[23] Greek EU presidency on cap markets, financial services reform

Athens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)

�Greece assumes the EU presidency at a crucial period for the common European market, which is characterized by the need for substantive progress in legislation for financial services, as well as by the pessimistic climate on international markets,� Greek Capital Markets Commission President Stavros Thomadakis said at a news conference.

He also emphasized the need to protect investors and the Union�s markets in the wake of several high-profile corporate accounting scandals in 2002.

On his part, Economy Ministry general secretary G. Zannias said Greece has already taken initiatives on several issues dealing with the institutional framework and transparency of markets, citing among others, and implementation of International Accounting Standards (IAS).

EU Directives concerning the financial markets and services sector include a new framework on investment services, including pre-listing informational procedures, measures for stepped up transparency and ones covering take-overs and mergers.

[24] Denmark & Germany challenge EU Commission's Feta cheese decision in Euro-Court

BRUSSELS 16/01/2003 (ANA - B. Demiris)

Denmark and Germany have long protested against Greece's efforts to gain appellation of origin for Feta, now claiming that the decision of the Commission was legally baseless.

French dairies also took legal action together with Denmark and Germany.

[25] Minister addresses press conference on labor council

Athens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)

Reppas visited Nafplio, accompanied by deputy ministers Rovertos Spyropoulos and Eleftherios Tziolas, to finalize details with local agencies for the first council of EU labor ministers.

He said the opportunity for this is historic since, apart from the council, visitors numbering about 150 and dozens of journalists will have the opportunity of becoming acquainted with the region's history and culture.

Issues the council will be examining are employment and labor and the target will be revising new guidelines on full employment with more and better jobs and social policy.

Health policy and the issue of pensions will be secondary issues, while the aim will be to link social life with employment and to improve the quality of the European citizen's daily life.

[26] Greek stocks end moderately higher on Wednesday

Athens, 16/01/2003 (ANA)

The index ended 0.28 percent up at 1,720.79 points, with turnover a low 83.8 million euros.

The Retail, Holding and IT Solution sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (6.97 percent, 1.98 percent and 1.41 percent, respectively), while the Publication, IT and Telecommunications sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (1.77 percent, 0.77 percent and 0.63 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 0.43 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.44 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 0.43 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 0.43 percent up.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 188 to 103 with another 65 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 60.0 mln euros Wednesday

Equity Index Futures: