Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-01-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Russia calls for Security Council unity over Iraq; EU eyes 'peaceful resolution'

[02] EU external relations commissioner has hope for peaceful settlement on Iraq

[03] Employment strategy reviewed at EU Labor Ministers Council

[04] Reppas calls for adjustments to European Employment Strategy

[05] Two separate protest marches take place in Nafplion

[06] PM and Norwegian premier discuss Cyprus, EU and bilateral issues

[07] Greece, Russia renew support for UN's Cyprus peace efforts

[08] FM, main opposition leader meet with Lord Hannay

[09] Education minister meets PM, discusses ministry priorities

[10] Greek economic weekly review

[11] Development minister Tsohatzopoulos meets with Russian energy minister Yusufov

[12] EU farm ministers to meet in Brussels next week

[13] ND spokesman sharply criticizes gov't over IKA

[14] Gov't on Olympic security contract

[15] Greek government to play active role in Agrotica 2003

[16] Public works minister satisfied with works at Egnatia motorway

[17] Gov't vows to press ahead with metro for Thessaloniki

[18] OTE telecom expects contract next week for buyout of RomTelecom

[19] Attica won't receive EU structural funds from 2007

[20] Greek stocks continue recovering on Friday

[21] Greek EU Presidency expresses grief over Mexico tremor

[22] Movement for return of Parthenon Marbles gaining ground

[23] Prosecutor recommends that latest N17 suspect be released on bail

[24] Police intercept members of European car-theft gang

[25] Gov't mulling shorter prison terms for drug addicts, justice

[26] Clerides and Denktash meet anew in settlement effort

[27] Cyprus cannot bear the entire economic burden of a solution, spokesman says

[28] US supports EU donors' conference for Cyprus

[01] Russia calls for Security Council unity over Iraq; EU eyes 'peaceful resolution'

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

As expected, the situation with Iraq dominated a good part of discussions, with Ivanov later saying that UN weapons inspectors should be left to carry on their work even after Jan. 27.

�It is imperative that unity be maintained within the Security Council,� he said, adding that the international community must be given as much and as objective information as possible concerning Iraq�s ability to manufacture weapons of mass destruction. �If it does (have that ability), then we must act. If not, then the process for lifting sanctions against it (Iraq) must begin,� he stressed.

On his part, Papandreou reiterated the Union�s devotion to implementing all provisions listed in Resolution 1441, while again voicing the EU�s volition for seeking a peaceful resolution to the problem.

Asked about his upcoming tour of the Middle East, Papandreou said the situation will be re-evaluated after general elections in Israel so that a �road map� agreement developed during the recent Danish EU presidency can be better applied.

Finally, Solana said the possibility of clashing views between Washington and the Union over Iraqi would cause a �rift� between the two sides and make matters �more difficult�. He added, however, that Resolution 1441 nevertheless records, in practice, the international community�s acquiescence on the matter.

�We are allies, and we will make every effort so that this relationship is not endangered�� he said in answer to a press question citing this week�s French-German position on Iraq.

EU-Russia relations: Both Papandreou and Ivanov also praised the level of EU-Russia relations, with the former calling them of �strategic importance�. The Greek minister added that closer cooperation is needed to ensure stability and peace, not just in Europe but also around the world.

Ivanov echoed Papandreou�s comments, expressing his satisfaction with progress in Euro-Russia relations �due to joint efforts, first on the theoretical and now on the practical level.� He cited the energy sector and combating international terrorism, among others, as demonstrating close ties.

The latest Troika contacts with Moscow come amid preparations for this summer�s EU-Russia Summit in St. Petersburg, with Ivanov saying his government will submit a proposal there to further strengthen its ties with the bloc.

In other issues, Ivanov briefed the Troika on a visit by the Russian deputy FM to North Korea and other regional countries recently, as the international furor over that country�s nuclear ambitious continues unabated.

Ivanov called for �productive dialogue�, primarily between Pyongyang and Washington, adding that Moscow is willing to assist any diplomatic initiative.

Asked about the Kaliningrad enclave -- Russian territory on the Baltic sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania -- Ivanov said Moscow is committed to the Brussels agreement worked out a few months ago, before noting that certain differences with Lithuania, particularly over the length of a transitional period, will be solved through talks.

Cyprus: Earlier, Ivanov was briefed here on the latest developments regarding the timely Cyprus issue by the UN chief�s special envoy for Cyprus Alvaro De Soto.

Afterwards, the Russian foreign minister reiterated Moscow�s support for the United Nations general secretary�s efforts to solve the long-standing Cyprus issue, while precluding the possibility of a new UN Security Council resolution on the subject.

�Something like that would complicate the process for finding a solution to the problem, which must continue on the basis of the current (Annan peace) plan,� he stressed.

According to diplomatic sources, meanwhile, De Soto�s meeting with Ivanov was scheduled at the last minute, part of an apparent UN effort to allay Russia�s displeasure at being excluded from the process of finding a Cyprus solution.

De Soto, who was also received here by Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, will next travel to Turkey.

[02] EU external relations commissioner has hope for peaceful settlement on Iraq

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters on his arrival in Athens for Friday's EU Troika-Russia ministerial meeting, Patten referred at length to the importance that a common EU position on the Iraq issue would have for the EU, expressing the conviction that ''with the great esteem that (Greek) foreign minister George Papandreou enjoys among his counterparts, the Greek (EU) presidency will do all that is possible toward that direction''.

He added, nevertheless, that the Greek presidency would not be to blame if this could not be accomplished.

Outlining in depth the Commission's position on the Iraq issue, Patten described in detail the adverse consequences that would be entailed if a military operation was launched without broad international consent, saying that this would send particularly negative messages to the Arab and Muslim world.

Replying to reporters' inquiry about his position on the settlement of the Iraq issue, Patten caustically jested that the European Commission had ''neither tanks nor soldiers''. He stressed that he had ''not abandoned hope'' for a peaceful settlement of the crisis through ensuring Iraq's disarmament via the UN inspections.

''The inspectors must be given time to do their job'', he stressed.

Replying to reporters' questions regarding the different US and EU geopolitical interests in the region, Patten emphasized that as far as the EU was concerned, what mattered the most was the correct and smooth operation of the international organizations.

[03] Employment strategy reviewed at EU Labor Ministers Council

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

The EES, to be mapped out during the Greek Presidency of the union, is to be implemented in the next three years, with the Greek Presidency focus being on issues such as the need for simpler and more effective guidelines on the basis of Barcelona Council conclusions in coordination with EU policies; assessment of the EES and contribution to creating new job positions; the impeding expansion of the EU; the current economic and international developments (recession, war on Iraq); and, the need for a more ambitious employment strategy that can quickly respond to economic changes, demographic considerations and EU expansion.

The Greek EU Presidency priorities, discussed during Thursday�s sessions with social partners, centre primarily on three major areas: full employment (more jobs), quality of employment and productivity, and labor markets that promote social integration.

�Employment should be considered as a cornerstone in the EU�s competitiveness and prosperity challenges�, Greek Labor and Social Security Minister Dimitris Reppas told participants of the meeting, stressing that social partners (employers, trade unions, etc.) be more substantially involved in mapping out and implementing the new European Employment Strategy.

The Greek minister also referred to social integration of immigrants, attracting more women in the labor market and creation of more job opportunities for mature citizens � an issue linked to active ageing policies.

Employment Commissioner Diamantopoulou noted that meeting Lisbon targets would mean the creation of 15 million new job positions by 2010. She said more emphasis should be placed on conclusions, tools should be integrated and rationalized to avoid bureaucracy and ensure better governing and full participation by all factors. Diamantopoulou also outlined an EU employment direction that would seek to achieve measurable targets and greater involvement of social partners on a European, national and regional level.

[04] Reppas calls for adjustments to European Employment Strategy

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

In his opening speech, Greece's labor minister Dimitris Reppas, who chaired the meeting, stressed that the Greek presidency's priorities reflected the big EU objective which was employment for everyone that wanted it, including full and sustainable employment, quality and productivity at work, as well as labor market cohesion, the announcement said.

Reppas said that adjustments to the European Employment Strategy were necessary in order to achieve those targets and that the role of the social partners and the citizens' society should be reinforced.

''The social partners should have a louder voice and more substantial involvement in the planning, as well as in the materialization process, he said.

Reppas stressed that competitiveness in Europe could be achieved only by relying on the people of Europe and that investments in ''human assets'' should be improved and increased.

He said that the utilization of labor reserves within the EU societies was undoubtedly a necessary precondition for the smooth operation of the labor market, the restriction of less attractive aspects of employment, for a real increase in opportunities at employment and prosperity for every member in the society.

''The incorporation of economic immigrants, attracting more women to employment and the accessibility of employment opportunities to individuals at a mature age, who have a lot to offer, are very important'', he said.

''The accomplishment of a balance in regulating work has a dual direction. On one hand, workers should feel safer, having a wider range of opportunities available to them so that they can constantly develop their ability and get satisfaction from their work. On the other hand, enterprises should become more flexible, employing a highly skilled workforce, better prepared to take initiatives and confront changes without any losses in competitiveness.

Discussions at the meeting led to a common consent on the necessity of all the points that were raised by the Greek labor minister.

Minister praises EU's informal labor ministers meeting: Labor Minister Dimitris Reppas, speaking at a press conference at the end of the European Union's informal Council of Labor Ministers meeting in the city of Nafplio on Friday, praised it as being very productive and summed up two days of discussions.

He said the orientation the EU Greek presidency is providing rests on the axes of full employment, social cohesion and the citizen in the front line.

Regarding the issue of employment, the six-month period of the Greek presidency coincides with the need to revise the European Employment Strategy (EES).

Reppas also spoke of an advanced agreement on issues concerning targets and priorities (achieving a balance between flexibility and security, modernization of the EES, macroeconomic policies, etc).

EU Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou said consent was reached during the discussion on employment. On the other hand, on the issue of sensitizing social security policies a considerable number of countries agreed but the decision was referred to ''somewhere deep in the future.''

She also said the issue of health expenditures is ''red'' and predicted an upsurge soon which she attributes to the demographic issue.

[05] Two separate protest marches take place in Nafplion

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

The Communist party of Greece (KKE) affiliated trade union faction PAME turned down a proposal for a single march from the Social Forum and so the latter marched along with the Civil Servants' Union (ADEDY) and the informal presence of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE).

Scores of buses came into the city from around the country bringing protestors.

PAME speakers stressed the need for cohesion of the popular movement to confront the anti-popular policies of the EU, while they also expressed their opposition to the possibility of war in Iraq.

The Social Forum speakers condemned what they called plans worked out by the EU concerning labor relations, noting that their aim is to increase age limits for pensioning.

Earlier in the day, commenting on the protests, government spokesman Christos Protopapas reiterated that the government did not see protestors as opponents.

The government had taken the measures necessary to protect the informal labor ministers' meeting and had entered into dialogue with social bodies in order to include their concerns in the council's discussion and perhaps even its conclusions, the minister noted.

''Everyone wants more jobs and a better system for social protection,'' Protopapas underlined.

Those who wanted to protest over Iraq or any other issue had every right, ''though I hope that this will be done peacefully,'' he added.

Meanwhile, the EU ministers taking part in the council visited the islet of Bourtzi, formerly used as a prison under Ottoman Turkish rule, in Nafplio harbor on Friday morning.

KKE leader criticizes EU labor ministers' policy: Communist Party of Greece (KKE) leader Aleka Papariga on Friday strongly criticized the government, as well as the European Union on the issue of unemployment and generally on EU social policies.

Speaking during a press conference in Nafplio, where the EU council of labor ministers has convened, Papariga called the EU ministers "masters of manipulation", stressing that the Greek Minister of Labor Dimitris Reppas, who is chairing the meeting, is lying to the workers.

Papariga also said that no decisions will be taken in Nafplion as they have been already taken and include sweeping measures against the workers with the increase of the pensioning age limit to 71 years of age.

[06] PM and Norwegian premier discuss Cyprus, EU and bilateral issues

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

Emerging from the meeting, Simitis also referred to his talks with UN envoy for Cyprus Alvaro de Soto and stressed that he had not discussed the tactics that the UN planned to follow on the Cyprus issue.

''It is my personal opinion, however, that pressures on the two sides to accept the Annan plan with marginal modifications will increase as the days go by,'' he said.

In any event, Greece had to be ready to show the international community that it steadily supported a functional, viable solution to the Cyprus problem, Simitis added.

The premier described his meeting with Bondevik as ''good and friendly'' and said it had mainly focused on bilateral issues and matters pertaining to the EU, on account of Greece holding the EU presidency.

Economic and political relations with Norway were very good and the two countries had two of the largest commercial fleets in the world, Simitis said, while they also shared concerns over the protection of the marine environment and over organizing world transportation in the framework of international organizations.

The Greek premier clarified that Norway had a unique relationship with the EU since it was not an EU-member but participated in the economic sector. He said that Norway had proposed the signing of an agreement between the members of the European Economic Forum and the European Union on April 16 in Athens.

Bondevik said that this was his first visit to Greece and noting the close cooperation between Greece and Norway, while describing his talks and contacts on European issues as useful.

[07] Greece, Russia renew support for UN's Cyprus peace efforts

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

UN special representative on the Cyprus issue Alvaro de Soto held separate meetings Friday in Athens with Greek prime minister Costas Simitis and visiting Russian foreign minister Igor Ivanov, and briefed them on the ongoing Cyprus peace talks.

Greek foreign minister George Papandreou, who was present at the UN envoy's meeting with Simitis, told reporters after the half-hour talks that de Soto ''has our full support'', adding that de Soto had ''the volition to continue all efforts for achievement of the goal within the time frame the European Union and secretary general Annan have set out, by February 28''.

De Soto is also scheduled to visit Turkey, while British foreign office special representative for Cyprus, Lord David Hannay, who was also in Athens and would meet with Papandreou later Friday, was due to visit Nicosia after his Athens talks for consultations with Cyprus president Glafcos Clerides and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash.

Papandreou, who held talks with Ivanov on Thursday evening, said that Russia's role was an important one, both as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and as a firm supporter of the efforts for a Cyprus solution.

[08] FM, main opposition leader meet with Lord Hannay

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

Hannay also met with main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis to discuss the same issue.

Karamanlis reiterated that the end result of the efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem is to conclude with a viable and functional solution, in accordance with the European Union's acquis communautaire.

[09] Education minister meets PM, discusses ministry priorities

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

He said another 800 nurseries and primary schools would be added to the existing "all-day" schools in September 2003, raising the total to 5,200 throughout the country.

During his meeting with the premier, Efthymiou discussed the Greek EU presidency's priorities in education. He said the target was for Greece's policies and the ministry's planned activities until 2004 to become European also.

Efthymiou stressed that he received the prime minister's support on all issues and repeated that education was a top priority for the government.

[10] Greek economic weekly review

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

The Greek minister also stressed that a war would discourage investors and increase worries over geopolitical developments even in a case of a "good" scenario - oil prices remaining high for a short period of time between one and two months.

In other headline news this week:

An ECOFIN meeting on Tuesday approved Greece's updated stability and growth program for the period 2002-2006. Mr Christodoulakis, who chaired the meeting, said that other EU members acknowledged the Greek economy's very significant progress, and particularly its high growth rates. Main opposition ND political party criticized the government over the state of the economy and stressed that an updated stability program was a responsibility of the next government.

Mr Christodoulakis defended a government decision to change the way retail prices were publicly shown and said there was no justification for price increases in the domestic market. The Greek minister reiterated his call for a collective battle against inflation and said he expected consumer prices to ease in January.

Mr Christodoulakis said that an ECOFIN decision to tax non-residents' savings in the EU could lead to a repatriation of Greek capital from foreign banks.

Credit condition worsened significantly in 2002, compared with the previous year, official figures showed during the week. The value of unpaid bills and bounced cheques totalled 787.8 million euros, up 19.05 percent from 2001.

Greek households are increasing using the latest technologies, a survey said. Around 68 percent of Greek households owned a mobile telephone, 98 percent owned a television set, 23.8 percent owned a computer, 4.0 percent had satellite TV and 1.5 percent portable computers. The survey showed that 37 percent of Greek households were using their computer at least once every day, while 29.7 percent had Internet access.

Greek households' lending slowed in the first 11 months of 2002 compared with the same period in 2001, with total household debt reaching 21.4 percent of the country's gross domestic product.

Tellas SA, a consortium by Public Power Corporation and Italy's Wind, officially announced it was beginning operations next month aiming to attract 17 percent of the domestic market's fixed-telephony users and 15 percent of the domestic Internet market users by 2006.

[11] Development minister Tsohatzopoulos meets with Russian energy minister Yusufov

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

''We had a very substantive and pleasant talk with my Russian counterpart. We discussed the EU-Russia relations, as well as issues of bilateral interest in the energy market. We agreed to continue our discussion soon in Moscow, in light of the EU-Russia Summit in St. Petersburg in May'', Tsohatzopoulos said after the meeting, the announcement said.

''I would like to emphasize our common interest in supporting the energy market on a European level, regarding oil, as well as natural gas and electrical power. Both on a bilateral as well as on an EU level, we are interested in advancing cooperation to that end'', Tsohatzopoulos said.

Yusufov said that Russia, through Greece's guidance, looked forward to the advancement of an EU-Russia dialogue on energy, the announcement said.

''We talked about new issues, new directions that we should take, particularly with regard to Renewable Energy Sources (RES). In my opinion, during the Greek (EU) presidency term we will be able to give substance to our cooperation through the materialization of specific plans'', Yusufov said.

[12] EU farm ministers to meet in Brussels next week

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

Drys, in Brussels on Thursday, had the opportunity to discuss with agriculture, rural development and fisheries commissioner Franz Fischler the European Commission's proposals on the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Interim Revision, which will be presented at the Council's opening session on Monday, the announcement said.

Replying to reporters' questions after the meeting, Drys said that the ''European Commission unanimously adopted the proposals of Commissioner Fischler on the revision of CAP'', the announcement added.

[13] ND spokesman sharply criticizes gov't over IKA

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

A spokesman for ND called IKA the country�s greatest �sick man�, while charging that it treats pensioners and beneficiaries in need of medical care and pharmaceuticals �without respect�.

Moreover, spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos pointed to what he called shameful queues at the fund�s health care facility and evasion on a massive scale of social security contributions, reaching the 1.32-billion-euro mark as he claimed, due to a lack of modern data processing and a fully computerized records system.

Finally, he said IKA medical staff members� work-related problems are not dealt with, a primary reason behind industrial actions at the state-run foundation.

Roussopoulos spoke after a same-day meeting of ND�s top cadres, a session chaired by main opposition leader Costas Karamanlis.

Gov't reaction: In reaction to Roussopoulos� statements, the government spokesman later countered that ND is �insulting the Greek people�s intelligence in attempting to pose as the protector of wage-earners and IKA�, while also charging that �ND was an oppressor of social security�.

Spokesman Christos Protopapas, who also holds the press and mass media portfolio, also said the length of time now needed for beneficiaries to begin receiving a pension, from the moment they table their request, has been cut to two months.

[14] Gov't on Olympic security contract

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas dismissed reports that the government was �pressured� in any way, while stressing that that the tender was declared void because offers by the only two consortia remaining the running were higher that expected. He again cited �protection of public interest� concerns in his response, echoing statements from Wednesday, when the decision was announced.

On Wednesday, Protopapas said conditions and prerequisites were not met during the tender�s final phase.

Two international consortia, the �SAIC� and �TRS� groups, were in the bidding for multi-million dollar contract, the centerpiece of government�s and Athens 2004 organizers� (ATHOC) commitment to ensure absolutely safe and problem-free Olympic Games in 2004.

[15] Greek government to play active role in Agrotica 2003

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, during a news conference, Mr Argyris said the agriculture ministry would focus on competition of farm production, quality and certification of farm products, a model of developing farming and ensuring a sustainable growth of the countryside with respect of the human and the natural habitat, in its talks with agriculture unions during the trade fair.

The Greek minister stressed the ministry's multiple presence in this year's Agrotica, which was linked with the Greek EU presidency's priorities to promote the agriculture industry by 2013 in the EU.

Mr Argyris stressed the significance of the presence of farm ministers and high-ranking bureaucrats from all Balkan states in events to be held on the sidelines of the Agrotica trade fair. "Our objective is to examine issues related to the future of agriculture in our region and a strategy for integrating Balkan farming in a wider Europe," Mr Argyris said.

The Greek minister said Agrotica was a forum of communication for farmers and said a decision by the union of importers and manufacturers of farm machinery products to abstain from this year's trade fair, protesting against delays in implementing a Third Community Support Framework program, was "untimely".

Helexpo chairman, Vasilios Kourtesis, said that a total of 657 direct and indirect exhibitors participated in this year's Agrotica Trade Fair, of which 281 were Greek and 376 foreign from a total of 31 countries.

Mr Kourtesis said that there three official state participations: Albania, Bulgaria and Italy. He regretted the decision of importers-manufacturers of farm machinery not to take part in this year's fair and stressed that their absence did not undermine Agrotica's credibility and significance as an international trade fair. Helexpo's chief executive, Chrysostomos Geroukis, said that their absence would mean 60-70 exhibitors less for the fair and a loss of 35 percent in Agrotica's revenues.

[16] Public works minister satisfied with works at Egnatia motorway

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

Papandreou, accompanied by officials of the ''Egnatia Motorway'' company, began a tour of worksites on the western Egnatia motorway to inspect work being done.

Earlier, she visited the section of the motorway between Veroia and Polymylos and said it will be ready by the end of 2003. The section is 25 kilometers long, it will have 15 tunnels and the budget will amount to 50 million euros.

The longest tunnel out of the 15 will be 2.3 kilometers long and the shortest 800 meters, while brief parking and telephone facilities will be built for all of them.

[17] Gov't vows to press ahead with metro for Thessaloniki

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

''If all goes well, preliminary work for construction will begin in the autumn,'' Papandreou said during a visit to northern Greece.

''We are awaiting approval from the European Union's Commission,'' she added.

A day earlier, a European Court ruling vindicated termination by the government of negotiations with a consortium that was the frontrunner in a tender for the long-delayed project.

Under the court ruling, national legislation may bar a change in the composition of a consortium after bids are submitted in a public works tender.

The ruling was issued in response to a pre-trial question submitted by an Athens appeal court in a case brought by the Macedonia Metro consortium against the Greek state seeking compensation for the termination of negotiations.

Since then, the state has begun talks with another bidder in the metro building tender, a group named Thessaloniki Metro.

[18] OTE telecom expects contract next week for buyout of RomTelecom

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

Under the terms of the arrangement finalized this week, OTE would fund a 243 million dollar share capital increase by RomTelecom, granting it the majority 54 percent stake.

Final endorsement is expected at a Romanian cabinet meeting on Thursday next week, with signature of a sale contract likely on Friday.

[19] Attica won't receive EU structural funds from 2007

BRUSSELS 25/01/2003 (ANA/B.Demiris)

Other regions that will not receive cash under the funding program are central mainland Greece, the southern Aegean and, probably, central Macedonia, the sources said.

The reason for the anticipated denial of funds is based on new criteria for eligibility, they added.

The EU's executive Commission is to release an interim report next Thursday on cohesion in the 15-nation bloc after 2006 when the measure is likely to be outlined.

[20] Greek stocks continue recovering on Friday

Athens, 25/01/2003 (ANA)

The general index jumped 1.41 percent surpassing the 1,700 level to end at 1,720.99 points.

Turnover was an improved 98.5 million euros.

The Telecommunication, Banks and Investment sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (2.29 percent, 2.08 percent and 1.41 percent, while the IT, Insurance and Food-Beverage sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (0.64 percent, 0.59 percent and 0.36 percent).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks rose 1.86 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index ended 0.71 percent higher, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 0.69 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index jumped 1.55 percent.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 202 to 87 with another 71 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 70.8 mln euros Friday

Equity Index Futures: