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

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

CONTENTS

[01] 'Window of opportunity' still open for Iraq, Papandreou says after Paris talks

[02] EU, US stress need for Iraq to comply with UNSCR 1441, and for Cyprus solution

[03] Qatar next stop on Greek deputy FM's Mideast tour

[04] DM heads for London on Sunday for meetings on EU security and defense

[05] Gov't confirms UN plans for joint statement on Cyprus referenda

[06] Cyprus President Papadopoulos to visit Athens on Thursday

[07] Romanian president meets Greek leadership in Athens

[08] US 'regrets' US Athens embassy official's resignation in protest to Iraq policy

[09] Defense minister meets Mitsotakis, discusses Cyprus, Iraq

[10] Main opposition says Greece has entered 'pre-election' period

[11] Simitis chairs ruling PASOK communications body meeting

[12] Main opposition to table 'anti-graft' bill

[13] EU Council of Justice Ministers postpones EU-U.S. judicial cooperation decision

[14] Presiding judge visits N17 courtroom; gov't comments on trial

[15] Gov't charges opposition with unfair attack on the economy

[16] Athens mayor addresses EU conference on social inclusion

[17] Hellenic Stock Exchanges shows loss in 2002

[18] Greek stocks end the week 3.95 pct lower

[19] FIBA, ITU delegations the latest to inspect 2004 facilities

[20] Health minister inaugurates advisory centre for teenage drug users

[21] Education minister and EU education commissioner visit school

[22] Papadopoulos says Cyprus settlement to be a compromise

[23] Annan stresses need for referenda on March 30

[01] 'Window of opportunity' still open for Iraq, Papandreou says after Paris talks

PARIS 01/03/2003 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

Papandreou also stressed that the Greek EU presidency requested of the United States the convening of an U.S.-EU summit in June to discuss international security, adding that the request met with a positive response and so U.S. President George Bush and the European Union leadership will meet to discuss the issue.

The Greek minister arrived in Paris on his way to Europe from the U.S. capital to meet with his French counterpart Dominique de Villepin.

Papandreou conceded that in his meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell and other top U.S. officials he experienced a climate of preparations toward a possible intervention in Iraq.

He underlined that despite the different approaches to the issue, Powell said that ''the war is not inevitable'', while Papandreou said that he aimed at taking that message to the Arab League summit in Egypt on Saturday, where he will participate as the representative of the European Union's presidency.

''I will try to pass on the message in the hope that it will be taken to Saddam Hussein. The opportunity still exists, if his moves are in accordance with the demands of the United Nations, so that no doubt may be left to anyone concerning his disarmament,'' Papandreou said.

Speaking of the European Union's stance on the issue, he said that the only thing that he can say as president of the foreign ministers' council is that the EU provides support for the inspectors in means and time.

Papandreou added that the issue of mass destruction weapons is of immediate importance for the EU, which also has its attention focused on North Korea as a priority.

He stressed that the Iraq crisis was an opportunity for Europe's voice to be heard louder, despite differences of opinion on the EU's domestic front, adding that the citizens of Europe have played an important role.

Papandreou also underlined the importance of a more intensive exchange of views in the immediate future between the U.S. and the EU on issues of security all over the world, saying that his proposal was confronted in a positive way by Washington.

He added that the Greek presidency will organize a summit between U.S. President George W. Bush and the EU. ''We do not know what may transpire in the meantime, we, however, aim at placing it on the agenda. Our aim is to understand which are the most effective methods for the resolution of crises by peaceful and diplomatic means and to find better ways of cooperation and dialogue with the United States,'' he said.

Speaking of Bush's statements on efforts to introduce democracy in Iraq, he said ''of course we are for democracy in the world. The question is, however, how that can be achieved. I believe that we should respect our Arab neighbors and cooperate with them. Democracy cannot be imposed with force, but should be implemented in a natural way. And so I believe that the EU should cooperate with the Arabs if we want to progress''.

On his part, Villepin welcomed the work of the Greek EU presidency ''in an epoch that times are hard and Europe is divided''.

He stressed that Papandreou briefed him on discussions he had in Washington and on the two different opinions that dominate there, the opinion that wants a military intervention and the opinion for peace, based on the success of the UN inspectors.

Based on this data, Villepin said, France takes into serious consideration the decision of Iraq to destroy the missiles Al Samud, without delay beginning on March 1st.

''It is a significant step for the peaceful disarmament of Iraq, through which it is reaffirmed that inspections yield results, despite the fact that much remains to be done, concerning chemical and biological weapons. The ballistic weapons, however, could become an example''.

The French minister stressed that in this way the choice of France is strengthened, as well as that of the majority of the international community in support of the work of the UN inspectors.

He refrained from commenting on scenarios in the case Iraq does not comply with the demand for the destruction of the missiles, reiterating that the UN resolution 1441 on Iraq is sufficient at this time. He also refrained from responding on the possibility for the use of France's veto in the UN Security Council.

[02] EU, US stress need for Iraq to comply with UNSCR 1441, and for Cyprus solution

WASHINGTON 01/03/2003 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Replying to questions after the meeting, Papandreou attributed the differencing approaches on the issue within the EU as the natural consequence of the democratic functioning of free countries.

Questioned on the role that the EU and the Arab World could play, Powell encouraged both groups to send Saddam Hussein a ''clear message'' that he must comply with Resolution 1441 immediately because the time margins were running out.

On the Cyprus issue, Papandreou and his US counterpart said UN secretary general Kofi Annan's initiative and draft plan recently submitted presented an excellent opportunity for resolving the problem, while Powell added that he was willing to intercede with the sides concerned so as to pave the way for acceptance of the plan.

Importance was further placed on progress in implementation of the ''roadmap'' for a solution to the Middle East problem and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state by 2005, and Papandreou said this issue was one of the EU�s priorities.

Powell, in turn, said that Washington was determined to press for materialization of the stalled roadmap, but made it clear that this would occur after the ''successful development'' of the Iraq issue.

The Iraq crisis, the Cyprus issue and the Middle East problem, as well as North Korea, were also discussed during an EU-US ministerial meeting, held in the context of established twice-yearly consultations between the European Union and the United States.

Papandreou and Powell again addressed the issues at joint conference after the meeting.

On Iraq, Powell said that the common target was Baghdad's disarmament on the basis of UNSCR 1441, adding that ''some differences'' between the US and ''some of our European friends...with regard to the next steps that should be taken'' were being explored ''in an open, honest and candid fashion''.

Expressing satisfaction with the EU summit resolution of February 17, which he said had strengthened the need for Saddam's compliance and disarmament, Powell opined that the US and EU hoped for a peaceful solution, but at the same time acknowledged that Resolution 1441 provided for serious consequences in the event that Saddam failed to comply with the resolution's requirements.

Papandreou, in turn, said that Iraq ''is on our minds, and we stand united in purpose'' for Sadam Hussein's full compliance with UNSCR 1441 and Iraq's full disarmament. ''We are very concerned on the issue of weapons of mass destruction and their proliferation, not only in Iraq but all over the world. That is why we are also prepared to help in every possible way also on the issue of North Korea''.

He said that the EU officials had the opportunity to again convey the consultations they had had with their EU colleagues and with heads of states and governments, and had stressed that ''we have the same goal''.

Without ruling out the use of violence, ''we must exhaust all the diplomatic means, every window of opportunity, in our effort to resolve this crisis peacefully, even at the last minute. And, of course, we stressed the importance of the UN's role in this process,'' Papandreou said.

On the Cyprus issue, Powell said that a unique opportunity presented itself for ''a historic settlement'' in the days ahead, in the hope that a united Cyprus would join the EU. He said he had assured Annan -- who was currently in Cyprus -- during a telephone conversation Wednesday evening that the US continued to support the UN chief's efforts, adding that he would be in contact with Annan again in the coming days so as to find a way ''to encourage both sides to be willing to yield somewhat in their positions in order to achieve an agreement that has been long coming and is very badly needed''.

Papandreou noted the close cooperation between the EU and US on the Cyprus issue, adding that Annan ''who is in Cyprus today, gives us big hopes for a possible solution after many decades of impasses and failed efforts''.

''I believe that this will be a big moment both for the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots. It will also be a big moment for Greek-Turkish relations as well as Turkey-EU relations. A great opportunity presents itself for Cyprus to become a model of multiculturalism, where Moslems and Christians, Greeks and Turks, can live peacefully side-by-side,'' the Greek foreign minister said.

On the Middle East, Powell stressed the common commitment for speedy advancement of a roadmap for Mideast peace and establishment of an independent Palestinian state by 2005, while regarding North Korea he expressed deep concern over the violation of that country's international obligations, stressing the need for weapons limitation and suspension of its nuclear program.

Papandreou said the two sides had a "very constructive discussion" on the Middle East and would continue their close cooperation.

"In our discussions in the EU, we consider this issue very important for wider stability in the region of the Middle East. Europe, with the EU's enlargement, finds itself increasingly closer to the Middle East," Papandreou said.

In a separate joint press conference at the EU diplomatic representation's headquarters in Washington, Papandreou and EU foreign affairs Commissioner Chris Patten briefed European and American reporters on their talks with Powell and US national security advisor Condoleeza Rice.

Papandreou stressed the importance of the twice-yearly EU-US consultations which, he said, provided the opportunity for an exchange of views on issues of common interest. He added that the Washington talks had covered a wide range of issues, including Iraq, North Korea, the Middle East, and Cyprus.

On Iraq, Papandreou said that the EU and US were in agreement that Saddam Hussein was not in compliance in UNSCR 1441 and were concerned about the weapons of mass destruction that needed to be destroyed, adding, however, that a peaceful solution to the problem could still be achieved.

In the same light, the two sides were also concerned on the North Korea issue, which he said had been one of the main topics of discussion, and agreed on the urgency of the issue of weapons of mass destruction being solved there, also.

Talks further focused on the Middle East and the joint efforts of the US, EU, UN and Russia to advance the peace process, Papandreou continued.

On the Cyprus issue, Papandreou said that "we are ahead of significant developments", noting that the UN chief was currently in Cyprus to press ahead his peace plan.

Patten, in turn, referred at length to EU humanitarian aid to many parts of the world, and particularly to Palestine, adding that the role of EU humanitarian aid would becoming even greater in the event of war in Iraq.

[03] Qatar next stop on Greek deputy FM's Mideast tour

DOHA 01/03/2003 (ANA)

Protection of mutual investments, tourism sector cooperation, maritime shipping as well as a pact on avoidance of double taxation are expected to top Loverdos� agenda. The Greek deputy FM is currently on a tour of several Middle Eastern countries, having already visited Syria and Lebanon.

Another issue expected to be discussed is the prospect of Athens opening an embassy in Doha, Qatar�s capital city, something decided in 1998 but never implemented.

Loverdos� visit here comes ahead of an EU-Gulf States council meeting on Monday in Doha, where Greek FM George Papandreou will represent the EU Troika. On Wednesday, a World Islamic Summit convenes here as well to discuss the Iraq crisis.

The Greek official leaves on Friday evening for Kuwait.

[04] DM heads for London on Sunday for meetings on EU security and defense

Athens, 01/03/2003 (ANA)

Papantoniou, who currently chairs meetings on European security and defense policy, on Monday, will meet with his British counterpart Geoffrey Hoon to present the Greek presidency's priority focusing on the development of cooperation in the defense industry sector through the establishment of a Joint European Organization for Armaments. The two men will also discuss the Iraq crisis, the bulletin said.

During his visit, Papantoniou will also meet with UK finance minister Gordon Brown for an exchange of views on the European and international economy in light of new developments associated with the Iraq crisis. He will also meet with British reporters and will grant interviews to CNN and BBC.

[05] Gov't confirms UN plans for joint statement on Cyprus referenda

Athens, 01/03/2003 (ANA)

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas said the signature of the statement did not also constitute a commitment regarding the third, revised plan presented by Annan.

Responding to questions, he stressed that any agreement from the Greek side would be given on condition that the other side also agreed.

Protopapas reiterated that the Greek side wanted ''constructive dialogue and a solution of the Cyprus problem'' while noting that further developments were dependent on the will of Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash for honest discussion.

Athens refused to comment on the revised plan presented by the UN chief, saying only that it agreed with any remarks made by newly elected Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos.

He said that Annan had also invited Greece to sign the joint statement on holding referenda because it was involved in an agreement for security guarantees for Cyprus and had to make a commitment to accept the results of the referendums as a guarantor power.

He said the referenda would solely concern the Annan plan and did not also contain any second questions about Cyprus' accession to the European Union.

The spokesman said he had no further information regarding Denktash's stance to the UN proposal.

''Should Rauf Denktash refuse to go the The Hague, in other words refuse to respond to the demands of his people, the referendum will not take place unless there are other developments within the Turkish-Cypriot community,'' Proto-papas said, adding that such a stance by Denktash would indicate the Turkish-Cypriot leader was trying to undermine the prospects of a solution.

[06] Cyprus President Papadopoulos to visit Athens on Thursday

Athens, 01/03/2003 (ANA)

The new visit to Athens by Papadopoulos aims at coordination between Greece and Cyprus, in light of the invitation extended by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan to the new Cyprus president and Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash to meet him at The Hague on March 30 to tell him whether or not they would sign a commitment to submit a peace plan for approval with referendums on March 30.

Earlier this week, Papadopoulos, then president-elect, visited Athens for talks with Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

[07] Romanian president meets Greek leadership in Athens

Athens, 01/03/2003 (ANA)

President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos and Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

No statements were made after the meeting with Simitis.

Iliescu meets Kaklamanis: In a meeting in Athens on Friday morning, Greek Parliament Speaker Apostolos Kaklamanis and Romanian President Ion Iliescu found that they shared a ''common vision for Europe'', an announcement from the Greek Parliament's press office said.

Kaklamanis expressed satisfaction over the identity of views regarding Europe's future ascertained during the meeting, ''with equality of all its peoples and a common effort for a democratic, social and progressive Union that will reflect its citizens' vision for justice, progress, democracy and peace,'' he said.

Iliescu underlined the ability shown by the Greek presidency of the European Union in handling the crisis that arose within the EU over the prospect of a military operation against Iraq and expressed his full support for the results of the informal summit in Brussels and for the efforts to avoid a division of forces within Europe.

He thanked the Greek Parliament for supporting Romania's course toward EU accession and for the acceleration of the relevant procedures under the Greek presidency.

Athens mayor meets Romanian President Iliescu: Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni met Romanian President Ion Iliescu at the town hall on Friday and said a coincidence of views exists between Greece and Romania on issues concerning the wider Balkan region.

Referring to the economic sector, she said there is a continuous positive course and Greek investments in Romania have reached two billion euros.

Iliescu said he came to Athens for the presentation of a book of his which was published in Greek, while mentioning his friendly relation with former Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis and the Olympic Games, for which he wished their success.

The Romanian president also pointed out that Greece is one of Romania's supporters for its accession to the European Union and NATO.

Romanian president presents monograph on ''Romania's Vision'' in Athens: Romanian President Ion Iliescu on Friday presented his monograph ''Romanian Vision'' in Athens at the foreign Ministry's auditorium, in the presence of Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos, who represented the Greek government, following an invitation to come to Greece for that propose by the International Center for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS).

Romanian Ambassador Caius Traian Dragomir was also present in the event that was hosted by Foreign Minister George Papandreou and was moderated by International Center for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS) General Director Yannis Papanikolaou.

''It was said that Hadrian was the most Greek of all Roman Emperors, it can be said that President Iliescu is the most Greek of all Romanian presidents,'' Romanian Ambassador Caius Traian Dragomir said in presenting Iliescu to the event.

''One can say that the ancient Greek civilization provided us with the first example of globalization ... since then this has happened several times,'' Iliescu said in presenting his view of today's globalization processes, while responding to a question he stressed that ''globalization is not Americanization to the extend that the European Union can promote its social model to the rest of the world''.

The Romanian president underlined that colonial efforts toward globalization in the 18th and 19th centuries failed mainly because ''the colonial powers failed to integrate the colonies, creating discontent that eventually brought down the system,'' stressing that integration is the key to future success of globalization.

Iliescu noted that the question of North-South has reemerged now and answers are necessary for progress, adding that a response may come with the second wave of globalization.

''We are witnessing the transformation of the globalization from the nation-state actors to the supra-state organizations actors, such are the European Union and NAFTA,'' he said

Speaking to the crowded auditorium, Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos greeted Iliescu saying that ''it is a personal joy for me to be here today, that President Iliescu is presenting his book on the 'Romanian Vision' ... during this historic moment for his country''.

''Society, citizens, peoples are the ones that must cooperate for the correct development of globalization,'' Tsohatzopoulos said adding that ''Greece's support for Romania's accession to NATO and the European Union is a given as is for all peoples of the region.

Publisher G. Doudoumis, who was instrumental in the translation and publication of the book also addressed the event.

[08] US 'regrets' US Athens embassy official's resignation in protest to Iraq policy

WASHINGTON 01/03/2003 (ANA - T. Ellis)

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher confirmed to reporters press reports that John Brady Kiesling, a 45-year-old career diplomat who has served in several diplomatic posts over the past 20 years, had sent a letter of resignation to secretary of state Colin Powell in protest of the US government's policy on Iraq.

"I don't think I can say much on the issue, beyond that naturally we read the letter," Boucher said, adding that people had "different ways of expressing their views".

"It is said that the gentleman felt that he could not continue in the diplomatic service, given his views. But these things happen," the State Department spokesman said.

Kiesling informed both Powell and the US ambassador in Athens, Thomas Miller, on the reasons for his decision to leave the diplomatic service.

[09] Defense minister meets Mitsotakis, discusses Cyprus, Iraq

Athens, 01/03/2003 (ANA)

After the meeting, Mitsotakis was optimistic that the Cyprus issue would finally be resolved since the entire international community was putting pressure on Turkey for a just and viable solution.

He praised the maneuver by United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan to go direct to a referendum on the issue and urged Greek Cypriots to vote in favor of Annan's plan, saying it would open the way for a united Cyprus within Europe, which would be a safe refuge.

Commenting on Iraq, meanwhile, Papantoniou noted that the climate was deteriorating with each passing day and said that Greece, as presidency of the European Union, would do everything in its power to achieve a peaceful resolution.

"We are not the ones who can avert unpleasant developments, however," he stressed.

[10] Main opposition says Greece has entered 'pre-election' period

Athens, 01/03/2003 (ANA)

He said the country had essentially entered a pre-electoral period and that members of government and ruling party officials were ''jostling for position'' in the line for succession.

At the same time, he warned that PASOK would not fall like a ''ripe fruit'' and that ND would have to work hard and stand united in order to carry the day come election time.

Elsewhere in his address, Karamanlis referred to the impact of the Iraq crisis on the economy and on international politics and called for a peaceful resolution of the problem that respected international laws and the prestige of the United Nations.

He also stressed the need for a united stance and cohesion within Europe.

On Cyprus, he attacked the Turkish-Cypriot side and Ankara for intransigency that warned that Turkey could not expect to come closer to the EU as long as it maintained occupation troops in a third country.

The Greek side had proved its good will, he added, and he reiterated that ND supported the newly-elected Cyprus president and Greek Cypriots.

The central committee's meeting ended with a speech by ND Central Committee Secretary Vaggelis Meimarakis, in which he outlined ND's action program in the coming months.

Meimarakis predicted that general elections would take place in October this year or May 2004 at the latest but did not rule out the possibility of elections immediately after the end of the Greek presidency of the European Union and called on the party to prepare for a victorious electoral race.

On Saturday morning, meanwhile, ND is to elect a new political council at its headquarters in Rigillis Street.

Responding to Karamanlis' comments during the meeting, government spokesman Christos Protopapas accused him on Friday of "being stuck in the past and not thinking forward" and of hurting the economy by creating "an extended climate of a so-called pre-election period".

[11] Simitis chairs ruling PASOK communications body meeting

Athens, 01/03/2003 (ANA)

The Cyprus issue, the possibility of war in Iraq, the stance of PASOK towards the main opposition New Democracy (ND) party and the press coverage of the upcoming November 17 terrorist group trial were the main issues examined during the meeting.

[12] Main opposition to table 'anti-graft' bill

Athens, 01/03/2003 (ANA)

He said the bill would propose the abolition of articles that constituted an "institutional hatching ground for non-transparency and the pervasion of the state by vested interests".

Pavlopoulos said the bill would test the resolve of the government and the prime minister to truly stamp out corruption and the influence of powerful vested interests. If the bill was not passed, he added, ND would table it again once it was in government.

[13] EU Council of Justice Ministers postpones EU-U.S. judicial cooperation decision

BRUSSELS 01/03/2003 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

Speaking at a press conference, Petsalnikos said contributions have been made to the finalized proposals he presented by previous presidencies (Belgium, Spain and Denmark) and the European Commission, while the Greek presidency concluded relevant negotiations with the United states over the past two months.

The justice ministers also reached a draft agreement on attacks on informatics systems.

''It is a very important decision which handles various cases of criminality which harm the informatics society,'' Petsalnikos said.

In addition, the Council achieved considerable progress in two more draft agreements. The plan on combatting racism and xenophobia and the plan on the mutual recognition of decisions imposing fines.

[14] Presiding judge visits N17 courtroom; gov't comments on trial

Athens, 01/03/2003 (ANA)

According to sources, the two justices appeared satisfied with the courtroom, while Paxinos again expressed concerns over conditions in a chamber next door shared by lawyers and the press and called for measures to cover the needs of both.

Commenting on the impact of the trial, meanwhile, government spokesman Christos Protopapas said during Friday's regular press briefing that it would provide ''catharsis from the drama of terrorism'' for Greece and would prove to Greek society that terrorism could be both uncovered and given a fair trial.

''Through this trial, Greece will give violence and fanaticism an answer couched in terms of democracy, dispel the myth surrounding terrorism and be fully informed about what happened,'' he said.

Regarding the coverage of the trial by the media, where journalists' groups have reacted to stringent restrictions on the use of cameras and tape-recorders, he said the press and media ministry was in constant communication with the journalists' union ESHEA.

He announced that a private company would record the proceedings on tape and supply a steady flow of recordings roughly every three hours through the Athens News Agency.

Finally, he noted that the use of tape recorders had not been banned by the government but lay at the discretion of the court, and that each journalists covering the trial would receive a phone card worth 25 euros each month.

In a meeting at ESHEA on Friday morning, however, union president Panos Sobolos told reporters covering the trial that the government did not appear willing to substantially improve working conditions for journalists and that ESHEA would issue an announcement indicating its reaction later that day.

An announcement was also issued by the National Radio and Television Council (ESR), Greece's independent broadcasting regulator, calling on all TV and radio stations to ''rise to the occasion and realize that the trial was exclusively outside all forms of commercialization''.

Urging them to cooperation with the ESR to ensure the ''quality and objectivity'' of coverage, it issued a five-point directive to all stations calling on them to respect the presumption of innocence for the accused and the memories of the victims and their families.

Athens Journalists' Union on 'N17' trial coverage: The Athens Journalists� Union�s board of directors (ESHEA) met on Friday with many of the reporters expected to cover the much-anticipated �November 17� trial, in the wake of an ongoing furor regarding media coverage of the proceedings and the general set-up of the courtroom.

Acting ESHEA President Panos Sobolos said the journalists� union has not ascertained any attitude on the part of judicial officials to improve conditions in the specially modified jailhouse courtroom.

Two developments, however, that arose during the meeting was news that Press and Mass Media Minister Christos Protopapas had informed Sobolos that the government would not oppose the use of reporters� tape recorders inside the courtroom as long as the judges allowed them.

Of lesser importance was an announcement that state services would issue reporters covering the trial a phone card worth 25 euros.

[15] Gov't charges opposition with unfair attack on the economy

Athens, 01/03/2003 (ANA)

''At a critical time for the Greek economy, which has been hit by adverse weather as well as instability on the global economic scene, New Democracy is following an irresponsible tactic, making denigrating criticism that does not correspond to reality,'' Christodoulakis said.

''This tactic of denigrating achievements in the economy is not the mark of a party with a sense of responsibility...We are continuing to show high growth rates...and inflation is under control despite the pressure from bad weather,'' he added.

[16] Athens mayor addresses EU conference on social inclusion

Athens, 01/03/2003 (ANA)

The event is organized in Athens by the European Anti-Poverty Network and Eurocities in partnership with the City of Athens, under the patronage and with the participation of EU Employment and Social Affairs Commissioner Anna Diamantopoulou.

Bakoyianni referred to the annoying phenomena in modern European communities, such as poverty, social exclusion and xenophobia. She proposed that more powers be given to the local government to deal with such challenges.

In her address to the gathering, EU Commissioner Diamantopoulou presented data according to which one in six citizens in the EU survives on less than 60% of the average national income, and one in ten faces the danger of poverty, a rate that would climb to 25% should social security was put aside.

Diamantopoulou also referred to the target of the EU Lisbon Council, that a social inclusion strategy involving common targets and action plans for all EU member-states be adopted by 2010. She added that the conference was taking place at crucial time for the development of that strategy, at a time when European governments have been asked to produce their second round of National Action Plans on social inclusion by July 2003.

The Conference, taking place in the context of the Greek EU Presidency, was also addressed by Health and Social Affairs Deputy Minister Dimitris Thanos on behalf of the Greek government.

The conference brings together more than 100 representatives of key stakeholders - the local authorities of the major cities and NGOs from across the EU member-states and candidate countries - who are directly involved in working to tackle poverty and social exclusion at local level.

[17] Hellenic Stock Exchanges shows loss in 2002

Athens, 01/03/2003 (ANA)

Consolidated turnover totalled 51.0 million euros, down 35 percent on 2001, the company said in a statement.

The reason for Hellenic's losses and decline in turnover was a drop in market trade, with the value of transactions declining by 42 percent and average market capitalization falling by 19 percent, the statement said.

Consolidated earnings before interest, tax and amortization (EBITDA) were 14.8 million euros in 2002, down from 36.7 million euros.

The parent company showed losses of 131.5 million euros against profits of 49.0 million euros, Hellenic Stock Exchanges added.

[18] Greek stocks end the week 3.95 pct lower

Athens, 01/03/2003 (ANA)

The general index rose 0.03 percent to end at 1,614.06 points, remaining near its five-year lows, with turnover a low 89.3 million euros.

The Metals and Construction sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (3.72 percent and 1.53 percent, respectively), while the parallel market index for smaller capitalization stocks rose 1.23 percent.

The Textile, Telecommunications and Cement sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses (1.68 percent, 1.41 percent and 1.35 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.23 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index rose 1.01 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index rose 0.52 percent. The wider FTSE/ASE 140 index ended 0.05 percent higher.

Broadly, advancers led decliners by 175 to 121 with another 60 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 58.5 mln euros Friday

Equity Index Futures: