Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-02-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek EU presidency plans two new initiatives vis-a-vis the Iraq crisis

[02] Leftist parties make joint declaration on Iraq crisis

[03] PM and Giscard d'Estaing discuss draft EU Constitution

[04] European Convention President d'Estaing calls for creation of citizens' Europe

[05] Archbishop Christodoulos meets Valery Giscard d'Estaing

[06] CORRECTION: French ambassador says UN resolution provides solutions to avert war

[07] EU Commissioner: Cyprus solution within Feb. still possible

[08] Greece and Turkey to begin talks on Cyprus security issues on Friday

[09] Papandreou to attend 7th European Forum in Austria

[10] Deputy FM Loverdos departs for Middle East tour on Friday evening

[11] Russian envoy slams 'unsanctioned' US bombings in Iraq

[12] EU condemns acts of violence in Bolivia: statement

[13] Gov't: Foreign ministry mobilized at once over Greek professor's arrest

[14] EU welcomes accession of Afghanistan to ICC

[15] EU Commission adopts employment report on candidate countries

[16] EU bodies discuss 2004 budget in Athens

[17] Govt expects a 3.3 pct inflation rate in February

[18] Simitis, Christodoulakis discuss price hikes due to high oil prices, bad weather

[19] Agriculture minister briefs EU commissioner on natural disaster damage

[20] EIB expects this year's loans to Greece to reach 1.4-1.5 billion euros

[21] Manpower Organization says 2003 year of combatting unemployment

[22] Gov't approves shortlist in gas company privatization tender

[23] Forum to promote business links between Greece, Turkey

[24] President Stephanopoulos in Ioannina to attend liberation celebrations

[25] Women's Rights delegation, headed by Eurodeputy Karamanou, to visit Turkey

[26] Minister says justice will continue investigation in prison drug case

[27] Ministry activates community service option for offenders

[28] U.S. ambassador to Athens organizes awards for Greek police

[29] Greece most popular travel destination for Slovaks

[30] Photography exhibition by Greek artists in London

[31] Australian envoy describes next few days 'critically important'

[32] Bush, Putin congratulate Papadopoulos on election 21 February 2003

[01] Greek EU presidency plans two new initiatives vis-a-vis the Iraq crisis

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

The first was based on a proposal by Foreign Minister George Papandreou to the UN Security Council calling for specific issues to act as indicators measuring Iraq's cooperation with UN weapons inspectors, and the second involved approaching the Arab League.

In response to press inquiries, Protopapas said that any pressure on Saddam Hussein should be carried out through the UN and not by individual states, also noting that the joint statement of the EU's ''15'' and the threatened use of force against Iraq in the statement were ''accepted by the entire European Press''.

''The decision restored Europe's unified stance, it opened a window to peace and now it is time for Iraq to fully meet its obligations'', he added.

A special EU summit held in Brussels on the Iraq crisis last Monday ended with a joint statement issued by the 15 EU leaders stressing that the use of force would be the last resort, at the same time urging Baghdad's regime to come to immediate and full compliance with UNSCR 1441.

Asked about the possibility of a second Security Council resolution on Iraq, Protopapas said ''if the Council considers that a second resolution is necessary, it can issue it. A resolution requires broad consent; in practice, we would have a decision that would be binding for everyone''.

Asked about the likelihood of the sanctions against Iraq being lifted, he stressed ''what matters now is that Saddam Hussein fully cooperates with the UN weapons inspectors.''

''Based on our priorities and those of the Security Council, we will plan on our next action'', the government spokesman concluded.

[02] Leftist parties make joint declaration on Iraq crisis

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

The parties are the Coalition of the Left and Progress of Greece, the Democratic Socialism Party of Germany, the French Communist Party, the Leftist Party of Sweden, the Leftist Socialist Party of Norway and the Iraqi Communist Party.

Their positions are against any decision or resolution paving the way to war against Iraq and for the effective strengthening of the UN inspections process in Iraq for weapons of mass destruction, based on resolution 1441, and at the same time providing inspectors with the means and time they need.

Moreover, the struggle of the people of Iraq and the forces of the democratic opposition to overthrow Saddam Hussein's dictatorship and install a federal democratic Iraq should be supported.

An international conference on Iraq under the auspices of the UN, with the participation of Iraqi opposition forces, should be convened for effective measures to be taken to assist the people of Iraq to abolish the dictatorship, establish a genuine democracy and avert the risk of war, the declaration further said.

[03] PM and Giscard d'Estaing discuss draft EU Constitution

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

In a joint press conference held after his meeting in Athens with Valery Giscard D'Estaing, the chairman of the Conference on the Future of Europe, Simitis also praised the veteran French politician for the 'significant progress' made by the forum so far.

He noted, however, that Athens wanted an EU Constitution that enhanced the Union's democratic foundations, brought it closer to European citizens, simplified procedures and made Europe more transparent, while at the same time preserving the Community's effectiveness so that it was capable of formulating policy and taking decisions when it enlarged to 25 member-states.

The Greek premier also stressed that Greece would like to see the EU's community aspects and redistributive policies reinforced with new goals such as full employment.

In addition, he called for strengthening the union as a factor of peace and stability and ''providing more content'' in the areas of foreign policy and defense policy.

Giscard d'Estaing stressed that the goal of the ongoing forum to draft an EU constitution, which over the next few days will add another seven articles, was to make Europe simpler, more effective and democratic on all levels.

He underlined emphatically, however, that Europeans would need a strong political will to strengthen the EU and its institutions.

Asked to comment on the ''Gang of Eight'' letter on Iraq, in which five EU member-states and three EU candidate-countries expressed their support for United States positions on the crisis, Giscard D'Estaing did not hide his disapproval.

He pointed out that member-states had made a commitment to work together on a common foreign policy framework with the signature of the Maastricht Treaty 10 years previously, and that this treaty called on them to arrive at common positions in a spirit of cooperation.

Another question that had to be taken into account, the veteran politician added, was whom this letter was addressed to. As it was addressed outside the EU, it did not accord with community practice, which provides for prior consultation and cooperation within the EU, in accordance with the Maastricht Treaty.

Simitis referred to his earlier statements about the letter and noted that this form of expressing viewpoints did not help in formulating a common foreign policy.

Giscard d'Estaing, a former president of France who played a decisive role in bringing Greece into the then European Economic Community of 1981, previously had a meeting with President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos.

Convention on Future of Europe chief D'Estaing, ND leader discuss EU unification

Visiting French statesman Valery Giscard d�Estaing, current chairman of the Convention on the Future of Europe, met Thursday with main opposition New Democracy party (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis, who briefed him on ND's positions on European unification.

Speaking to reporters after the one-hour meeting, Karamanlis described d'Estaing as a ''friend of Greece'' and a ''champion of the European Idea'' who was working, as chairman of the Convention on the Future of Europe, for furthering European integration.

Karamanlis briefed d'Estaing on ND's positions regarding the need for speeding up the process of European unification and rendering the EU more efficient, without, however, reducing the role of the medium-size and smaller member states.

The ND leader further stressed the need for a uniform foreign and defense policy and security policy, which he said was a prerequisite so that Europe would not be left at the tail-end of developments.

D'Estaing, who arrived in Athens on Wednesday and was expected to depart on Friday, is scheduled present the first conclusions from the Convention on the Future of Europe to delegates representing 25 European countries at a conference in Athens on Thursday organized by the International European Movement.

Greece�s political leadership is expected to attend the event at the Athens Commercial and Industrial Chamber of Commerce in downtown Athens.

The international conference will focus on the theme of �Building a European Conscience � Which Europe Do We Want?�

[04] European Convention President d'Estaing calls for creation of citizens' Europe

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

D'Estaing, who was inaugurating the European Movement's two-day conference, referred to the rift recently created in the European Union due to the Iraq crisis and ascertained ''the lack of political will for the creation of a common position concerning defense and foreign policy.''

He noted that this rift has already created a problem for those who believe that Europe is an open and free community.

''Member-states must have a common position on defense and foreign policy and if we detect a technical deficit somewhere we should correct it. But we must not be pessimistic. When the political will exists, crises provide solutions. I believe that the text we shall reach will pose an orientation system permitting convergence,'' he said.

D'Estaing further said ''there are many things which must be simplified in the framework of Europe and for this to happen we must make sure that there is an open field of work where tomorrow's Europe of citizens will be prepared. I would like the constitution of Europe to concern all, be understood by all and be readable by all.''

The event was attended by main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis and Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis.

Karamanlis expressed the wish, in his address, that the EU will not develop into a traditional union of countries which will be ruled by a few powerful and will isolate the weaker.

Yiannitsis said ''the Greek presidency will support the processes required to enable the enlarged EU to constitute a democratically organized system based on the principles of justice and equality and equipped with those means which will allow it to take decisions so that it may solve the problems of its citizens and maintain its cohesion.''

[05] Archbishop Christodoulos meets Valery Giscard d'Estaing

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

During the meeting, Christodoulos underlined that the Greek Orthodox Church was observing with particular interest d'Estaing's work in the context of the Convention which is processing the draft of the European Union's constitution, and that the issues being discussed are particularly important.

The archbishop said he wished that the correct expression be found which will correspond, as he said, to the spiritual and cultural tradition of Europe, that is, the Christian roots of its peoples.

Christodoulos handed a letter to d'Estaing which included, among other things, the official specific positions of the Greek Orthodox Church on the Constitution Treaty being formulated and which are contained in the text of the statement of May 30, 2002, regarding the future of Europe.

Christodoulos extended at invitation to d'Estaing to attend the international conference on the theme ''Principles and values for the building of Europe'' which will be organized by the Greek Orthodox Church in Athens early May.

D'Estaing thanked the archbishop for the invitation and said that he viewed ''correct, just and historically accurate the existence in the Constitution Treaty, the reference to religious tradition in our continent,'' adding that ''Europeans of Christian faith constitute the overwhelming majority of the European population.''

[06] CORRECTION: French ambassador says UN resolution provides solutions to avert war

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

A corrected repetition follows.

French Ambassador to Athens Jean-Maurice Ripert said on Wednesday the UN Security Council's resolution 1441 allows weapons inspectors to continue their investigations and provides solutions for war to be averted.

Ripert, who was speaking at an event titled ''Franco-German cooperation and its repercussions in the Middle East'', organized by the ''Constantine Tsatsos'' Politics Institute in cooperation with the French Diplomatic and Strategic Studies Centre, said France claims the right to have a different view from the United States.

''Iraq is a threat to peace, and the disarmament of this country must be completed as soon as possible. France desires peace because it has experienced what war and occupation means. I am not anti-American but we have different interests. All peaceful means must be exhausted,'' he added.

Ripert also referred to the considerable role played by the Greek EU Presidency in Brussels and its dynamic position, while stressing the significance of a united Europe which shall preserve its cultural identity at the same time.

[07] EU Commissioner: Cyprus solution within Feb. still possible

NICOSIA, 21/02/2003 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

He said the European Commission urged all the sides involved to seize this unique opportunity to reach a solution in the coming week.

In statements before a NATO Parliamentary assembly, the EU official reminded those present of the European Commission's strong support for continuing final efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem until February 28.

He also welcomed a visit by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan to the island republic.

"A solution by that date is still possible and will allow a united Cyprus to sign the Accession Treaty," Verheugen said.

He also stressed that the Commission and EU member-states had repeatedly given assurances that Europe's acquis communautaire would not be an obstacle to a solution and that they were ready to incorporate the terms of a solution in the accession treaty based on the principles on which the EU was founded.

[08] Greece and Turkey to begin talks on Cyprus security issues on Friday

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

The Greek delegation will be led by Ambassador Alexandros Filon, while the Turkish side will be led by the political director of the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Baki Ilkin.

Military experts from the National Defense Ministries of both countries will also participate in the delegations.

[09] Papandreou to attend 7th European Forum in Austria

VIENNA, 21/02/2003 (ANA-D.Dimitrakoudis)

The traditional annual meeting bringing together some of Europe�s leading politicians at the famous winter resort in the Austrian Alps, is also to be attended, among others, by European Commission President Romano Prodi, European Parliament President Pat Cox and Slovenian Prime Minister Anton Rop.

On Saturday, the forum will look, behind closed doors, into a number of European current affairs, including the Convention on the Future of Europe, EU enlargement and developments following last Friday�s Brussels EU Council on Iraq, called by the Greek EU Presidency.

Austria, to be represented at the meeting also by Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner, is expected to raise the issue of environmental harm caused by foreign trucks passing through the country.

[10] Deputy FM Loverdos departs for Middle East tour on Friday evening

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

The minister's first stop will be Damascus, followed by visits to Beirut, Amman and Doha.

Loverdos on Thursday presented the foreign ministry's future initiatives with regard to the formulation of a law for economic and trade attaches as a branch of the ministry, and developments in the Greek Balkan Economic Reconstruction Plan and the corresponding programs for the countries of the South Caucasus and the Middle East.

At the same time, he announced the setting up of a new General Secretariat for monitoring the relevant development project, headed by Mr Theodorakis.

Loverdos said that following a dialogue, ''we are in the final stage'' of formulating a bill, rapporteur of which will be Theodoros Pangalos, for the economic and trade attaches as a branch of the foreign ministry.

Regarding the Greek Balkan Economic Reconstruction Plan, Loverdos said that 24 applications have already been submitted by the Balkan countries for productive investments and are being examined. He said they concern projects which fully respect the terms of the agreements and have to do with energy and the road network.

The minister added that ''we are not stopping in the Balkans, but our action is extended to the countries of the South Caucasus where we are promoting development programs in Armenia, Ukraine and Georgia, amounting to 1.5 million euros.''

Furthermore, Loverdos said, ''our aim is to rekindle our trade and economic relations with the countries of the Middle East, introducing development aid programs.''

[11] Russian envoy slams 'unsanctioned' US bombings in Iraq

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

In a press conference held on Thursday, the Russian Federation's envoy said that these attacks had not been sanctioned by the United Nations and he stressed that Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity should be respected.

Responding to questions, Botcharnikov said that Russia would not become involved in the event that Saddam Hussein or any other leader sought asylum in a foreign country. He also announced that Moscow did not believe that a second Security Council resolution for Iraq was necessary.

''UNSCR 1441 is sufficiently satisfactory to ensure the continuation of international inspections and Iraq's disarmament. We do not see the need for a (second) decision,'' he said.

The Russian envoy underlined that the entire process relative to Iraq had to stay within the framework of international law, with the United Nations as the centre of international peace and security that should on no account be sidestepped.

Russia's position on the Iraq crisis was quite close to that adopted by the European Union on Monday, he added.

Finally, Botcharnikov briefed reporters on a referendum that will be held in Chechnya on March 23 for a draft Constitution and draft bills for the election of a president and parliament of Chechnya.

He said that ''healthy forces'' in Chechnyan society had linked the start of a constitutional process with hopes for a return to peace and a normal life. The referendum had been rejected by Chechen rebels, however, ''out of fear that it will not only undermine their positions but also pose a true threat to their existence,'' he added.

Another issue raised by the Russian envoy was that of visas for Russians traveling to the EU and vice-versa. He said that Moscow did not consider that EU enlargement should lead to deteriorating relations between Russian and the new members of the Union, several of whom had rushed to abolish terms in pre-existing bilateral agreements with Russia.

He specifically mentioned Cyprus as an example, noting that the tens of thousands of Russian tourists that currently visited the country would find it difficult to continue if a visa between Russia and Cyprus was re-introduced.

[12] EU condemns acts of violence in Bolivia: statement

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

In a declaration issued in Athens by the Greek EU presidency, the EU also expressed its condolences and solidarity to the Bolivian people.

The full text of the declaration follows below:

"The EU has followed with deep concern the events in Bolivia of 12 and 13 of February and condemns the acts of violence that occurred.

The EU laments the loss of lives and expresses its condolences and solidarity to the Bolivian people.

"The Union reaffirms its determination to continue its cooperation with Bolivia to promote respect and trust for democratic principles, assist with economic recovery and to support Bolivia�s efforts to alleviate poverty.

"The EU emphasizes the importance of solving all outstanding issues through dialogue and urges political parties and civil society to commit themselves to seek solutions through a broad national consensus with the legitimate Government of Bolivia, in full respect of the rule of law and state institutions.

"The EU reiterates the importance in this process of safeguarding the institutions of Democracy in the framework of the rule of law.

"The Acceding Countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, the Associated Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area align themselves with this declaration.

[13] Gov't: Foreign ministry mobilized at once over Greek professor's arrest

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

''The Greek side had already intervened since Saturday. As soon as Aggelopoulos' arrest became known, instructions were issued by the foreign ministry to undertake all necessary action to provide consular support,'' Protopapas said. ''The Consul intervened, lodging the necessary demarches in order to protect the rights of this Greek citizen. This is the answer that any responsible Greek government would give,'' the spokesman added.

Protopapas said he was unaware if US authorities had given Greece any evidence concerning Aggelopoulos in the framework of the investigation into terrorism or if the Athens polytechnic professor had been brought in for questioning by the anti-terrorism squad.

[14] EU welcomes accession of Afghanistan to ICC

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

�The Presidency of the EU welcomes the accession of Afghanistan to the statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which took place on 10 February, following the deposition of its accession instrument to the UN Secretary-General.

''In light of the above, the Presidency would like to commend the transitional administration of the country, as well as to reiterate the importance that the EU attaches to the widest possible ratification of the Rome statute, since the broad jurisdiction of the court is considered by the Union essential for the universal implementation of international humanitarian law. ''The Presidency hopes that other countries in the region will soon follow the example of Afghanistan, which is now the eighty-ninth state party of the ICC.�

[15] EU Commission adopts employment report on candidate countries

BRUSSELS 21/02/2003 (ANA-B.Demiris)

The report, prepared by EU Employment Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou, reviews the labor market conditions in 12 candidate countries (report on Turkey in preparation) and the employment policy challenges which they face in the run-up to enlargement starting in 2004.

According to the report, candidate countries have made progress in transforming their labor markets and in adjusting policy design towards the objectives of the European Employment Strategy and the Lisbon process.

However, the report makes clear that there are significant differences between candidate countries' performances and that there is an urgent need to increase employment rates, to increase employment in services, to reduce reliance on agriculture and traditional industrial sectors and to increase skill levels.

The most recently available data show that, if enlargement happened today, the employment rate of EU-25 would be 62.6%, and of EU-27 62.4%. The employment rate of EU-15 is 63.8%.

The Lisbon strategy sets an intermediate target for the EU employment rate of 67% in 2005. Average GDP per capita in the EU would, on present data, fall by 13% in EU-25 or by 18% in EU-27. This report will guide candidate countries in shaping their 'national development plans' setting out employment and human resource policies, including use of the European Social Fund, which are to be submitted to the Commission in the first half of this year.

Commenting on the conclusions of the report Diamantopoulou said that ''progress has been made by the candidate countries towards the objectives of more and better jobs but there are large performance gaps between individual countries and, in general, reforms need to be accelerated now. Not all current EU Member States are good examples for the candidate countries to follow, but this should not stop them from speeding up the necessary reforms. The contribution of the candidate countries does matter in our struggle to reach the Lisbon goals''.

The Commission will present a further progress report on candidate countries' labour markets in autumn 2003.

[16] EU bodies discuss 2004 budget in Athens

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

The meeting was chaired by Finance Deputy Minister George Floridis and was attended by EU Budget Commissioner Michaele Schreyer and European Parliament's Budget Commission chairman Mr Wynn.

The meeting focused on setting a fiscal framework for the period 2004-2006 to fund the EU's expansion and also debated the EU's 2004 budget's priorities.

Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Mr Floridis stressed that the EU plan fully ensured all expected funding in programs included in Structural Funds along with all subsidies to the farm sector.

Under the plan, the sum of 40.8 billion euros will be spend to finance the needs of the 10 new member-states in the period 2004-2006, of which around 600 million euros are earmarked for Cyprus.

Under a European Commission's proposal the plan also envisages spending, worth 273 million euros, for the occupied sector of Cyprus. The money will be available if a political settlement to the Cyprus problem was found.

The Greek minister stressed the significance of the 2004 EU budget in supporting specific EU policies and programmes, related with border security and immigration. He also noted that the 2004 budget should emphasize in promoting the Lisbon Summit's strategy plan for employment, competitiveness and sustainable growth.

The next meeting of the tri-party council will be held March 27 in Brussels.

[17] Govt expects a 3.3 pct inflation rate in February

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

The issue was discussed on Thursday in a meeting chaired by Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis with Finance Deputy Minister Apostolos Fotiadis, Development Deputy Minister Christos Theodorou and National Statistics Service's Secretary General Nikos Karavitis.

The government expects February's inflation to accelerate to 3.3 percent from 3.1 percent the previous month.

[18] Simitis, Christodoulakis discuss price hikes due to high oil prices, bad weather

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

At the same time, the government's economic staff will attempt to check prices through the import of fruit and vegetables, while the government has already requested funds from the European Union to restore the damage caused throughout the country by the extremely harsh weather.

After the meeting, Christodoulakis told reporters that he was concerned by the severe damage caused to plant and animal production, which he said disturbed the economy and social life in almost all regions, thus creating inflationary pressure due to lower production.

[19] Agriculture minister briefs EU commissioner on natural disaster damage

BRUSSELS, 21/02/2003 (ANA - V. Demiris)

Speaking at the end of the Council of Agriculture Ministers held here, Drys said damage caused by recent floods and frost amount to 250 billion drachmas, while the regions primarily hit were Thrace, the Cyclades, Argolida, Corinthia, Lakonia and Arta. He added that when the extent of damage had been determined, Greek authorities will submit a file to the Commission's services for approval for subsidies the Greek government intends to give to producers affected.

According to Drys, the EU commissioner said he intends to instruct EU services to examine the Greek authorities' claim with the greatest possible speed to enable compensation to be given to producers as soon as possible.

On the question of the discussion held at the Council on the revision of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Drys said the aim is to have the examination of the technical aspect of proposals completed by the next Council on March 17-18 so that the political examination of the issue can begin.

[20] EIB expects this year's loans to Greece to reach 1.4-1.5 billion euros

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

EIB said the infrastructure, transport, energy, environmental and audio-visual media sectors to be given priority in its lending activity in Greece.

Mr Kouvarakis said that EIB's focused on eight or 10 large projects, including an expanding Athens metro and a Thessaloniki metro, tourism projects (mainly in Attica), Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises, and wind energy power in Central Greece.

The European Investment bank plans to promote cooperation with Greek-based commercial banks, after initializing cooperation with ETEBAbank and BNP Paribas.

EIB said loans to Greece totalled 13.1 billion euros from 1981 to 2002, with Northern Greece accounting for around 25 percent of the money.

The bank's loan portfolio last year totalled 39.6 billion euros, up from 36.8 billion euros in 2001, of which 33.4 billion euros were earmarked for EU member-states and the remaining 6.2 billion euros to non-EU members.

[21] Manpower Organization says 2003 year of combatting unemployment

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

Mr Nikolaou stressed that a reduction in unemployment recorded in the last two year would continue, with slow, but steady trend.

OAED's governor visited Thessaloniki and discussed employment issues with regional authorities. Speaking to reporters, after the meetings, Mr Nikolaou reiterated that the Organization would create 15,426 new jobs in Northern Greece this year. The Manpower Employment Organization's plan envisages creating 6.183 new jobs in Thessaloniki, worth 16 billion drachmas and operating three new Employment Promotion Centers in the city by the end of the year.

[22] Gov't approves shortlist in gas company privatization tender

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

The committee comprises the ministers of finance, development and labor, it added.

[23] Forum to promote business links between Greece, Turkey

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

The forum includes a seminar and opportunities for executives of businesses to meet in preparation for this year's Partenariat, which is to be held in Istanbul in May.

The event is arranged by the Association of Northern Greek Industry, the Thessaloniki Chamber of Trade and Industry, and Greece's consulate in Istanbul.

In January-November 2002, Greek exports to Turkey rose by 17.93 percent to total 286.2 million US dollars. Turkish exports to Greece in the same period increased by 15.47 percent to 509.5 million dollars, the Greek economic and trade attache in Istanbul, Haralambos Kounalakis, told the meeting.

According to Abdurahman Ariman, general secretary of the Union of Foreign Investors of Turkey, there is a lack of domestic capital in Turkey, and investors are needed from abroad.

[24] President Stephanopoulos in Ioannina to attend liberation celebrations

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

The president later attended an event at the municipality's Cultural Centre, addressed by the rector of the Ioannina University Christos Massalas, and inaugurated a bookbinding exhibition afterwards.

President Stephanopoulos will address an official dinner given in his honor by the municipality at a downtown hotel later in the evening.

Celebrations will heighten on Friday with a parade by pupils, students and the armed and security forces.

[25] Women's Rights delegation, headed by Eurodeputy Karamanou, to visit Turkey

BRUSSELS, 21/02/2003 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

On Monday, the Eurodeputies will be received by Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos who will brief them on the Orthodox Church's position on equality of the genders issues.

In Istanbul, they will also meet with representatives on non-governmental organizations, such as Turkey's National Women's Council.

On Tuesday, the delegation will visit Ankara where according to the agenda, they will meet with Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Abdullah Gul and political party leaders. On Wednesday, the Eurodeputies will meet with members of the Turkish government and at noon the same day give a press conference in Ankara.

[26] Minister says justice will continue investigation in prison drug case

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

''We shall not issue the court rulings. The investigation on the part of justice will continue. However, our steadfast view, and prosecuting authorities are aware of this, is for each matter and case to be investigated in depth, ample light to be shed and, provided responsibilities are ascertained, it is clear that there will be corresponding sanctions,'' he said.

On the question of whether the prison employees will be suspended from duty, Petsalnikos said ''what is anticipated by the civil employee code, in specific cases and under specific preconditions, is reference to the relevant disciplinary service council to enable it to decide what should be done.''

[27] Ministry activates community service option for offenders

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

Under the law, those serving sentences of over one month that were convertible to a fine or those serving sentences between two and three years could ask or agree to do community service instead.

According to Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos, the laws in question could not previously be put into effect because the necessary support systems to ensure their proper implementation, such as trained social support staff, were not in place.

He said the ministry had now hired sixty probation officers to activate this alternative method of serving time, which seeks to keep those convicted for minor transgressions out of jail.

There are at present some 650 prison inmates that are eligible for the scheme, under which they do unpaid voluntary work outside the prison.

[28] U.S. ambassador to Athens organizes awards for Greek police

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

The policemen were honored for contributing to the struggle against offences related to visa falsification, the forged passport trade and the trafficking of human beings.

It is the second time over a period of two years that the United States gives awards to the Greek police for its excellent performance in the sector of combatting illegal immigration.

[29] Greece most popular travel destination for Slovaks

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

The poll was held during the international tourist trade exhibition ITF Slovakiatour 2003, held in Bratislava February 16-19.

The exhibition included 350 exhibitors (235 from Slovakia and 113 foreigners) of which 19 were official tourist authorities.

Greece's National Tourist Organization's pavilion was visited by Slovakia's President Rudolf Suster.

GNTO also participated in a Holiday World exhibition in Prague (February 13-16). The Greek tourist organization seeks to expand in new tourist markets in Central and Eastern Europe.

[30] Photography exhibition by Greek artists in London

Athens, 21/02/2003 (ANA)

The exhibition includes approximately 30 color photographs of night-time urban landscapes from Mouzakiti's 'Metropolis' series and Petsini's 'Dark Light' series.

The exhibition is taking place in the framework of the "Greece in Britain 2003" series that is taking place during the Greek presidensy of the European Union. It is sponsored by the National Bank of Greece and easyJet.

[31] Australian envoy describes next few days 'critically important'

NICOSIA, 21/02/2003 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after a meeting with President Glafcos Clerides on Thursday, Short said there are still important issues to be sorted out and added that depending on the outcome of discussions taking place, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan may decide to put forward a new peace plan.

On the election victory of Tassos Papadopoulos, who takes over from Clerides next week, Short said he is confident that his election will not change the momentum in the Cyprus question.

''I come at a critically important time, the situation is very fluid,

I have informed the President about my discussions in Turkey, Athens and London,'' he said.

He said he has conveyed the hopes of the Australian government that the next few days and weeks will progress the situation so that the wishes of the UN Secretary General and the European Union, to have if possible a united Cyprus sign the Treaty of Accession on April 16, will be successful.

Invited to give his assessment of his meetings in Turkey, he said his impression is that ''there are some important issues to be dealt with before that (an agreement) is likely to happen, so the events at the negotiations over the next few days are going to be critically important.''

Asked if it is still feasible to have a solution by February 28, he said this was a matter for the UN to judge, noting that ''the UN are still hopeful for that, the visit of the Secretary General to Cyprus next week will be a very important determinant of that.''

''It will be a difficult time table to meet but the next few days will determine that one way or the other,'' he added.

Replying to questions, he said there are obviously important areas which have to be agreed, which are not agreed but whether it is possible for that to happen by the 28th is an open question at the moment.

''I am not over optimistic or pessimistic, the next few days will

tell,'' he said. On information that Annan intends to present the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot sides with a new peace plan, Short said ''it has been suggested in discussions, including Annan's discussions, that it is a possibility that he may wish to see advantage and opportunity, depending on the discussions taking place, to present a revised plan on some of the key issues on which there is disagreement.''

Replying to other questions, he said Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash had not agreed yet to see him but he would be meeting with Annan's special adviser Alvaro de Soto, who has been conducting peace talks with the two sides.

Asked to comment on Papadopoulos' election to the presidency, he replied ''we hope and confidently expect that his election will not change the momentum that President Clerides has built in working towards a settlement.''

Short, who was accompanied to the meeting by Australian High Commissioner Frank Ingruber, leaves Saturday.

[32] Bush, Putin congratulate Papadopoulos on election

NICOSIA, 21/02/2003 (CNA/ANA)

Bush said he hopes that efforts to combat terrorism and solve the Cyprus problem will be enhanced by the new government in Cyprus under Papadopoulos.

In a message congratulating Papadopoulos on his election, Bush says ''the US has enjoyed strong cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus in the war on terrorism and on efforts to foster a Cyprus settlement, which we hope to strengthen with your new government.''

Putin expressed his country's ''invariable support'' for achieving a just, viable and comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem, based on the UN Security Council resolutions.

In a congratulatory telegram to Papadopoulos, which was conveyed here Thursday by Russian Ambassador to Cyprus, Vladimir Pavlinov, Putin also said he was ''confident that the friendly relations, traditionally existing between our countries, will further constructively develop in various fields in the interests of the peoples of Russia and Cyprus, peace, security and cooperation in Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.''

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