Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-05-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek, Polish premiers focus on June EU Summit during meeting in Warsaw

[02] FM to visit Israel for talks with Israeli gov't, Palestinian Authority

[03] EU's defense chiefs discuss European CFSP

[04] Verheugen cites 'other options' if Cyprus not reunified by May 2004

[05] Foreign ministry denies reports of divergence of views between Athens-Nicosia

[06] Thessaloniki prepares for June EU summit

[07] Ideas for gov't reform 'a strictly personal viewpoint', Kosmidis says

[08] Alternate FM issues statement on Friday's EU Day

[09] ND leader to hold talks with Austrian Chancellor on future of Europe

[10] Labor minister addresses event on social cohesion in Europe

[11] Vartholomeos calls for Turkey's speedy accession to

[12] Deputy FM meets with Japanese ambassador

[13] Greece ranks first in software piracy in Western Europe, BSA says

[14] Hellas Sat ready for launch at Cape Canaveral

[15] Main opposition tables draft bill for transparency in politics

[16] Main opposition backs bill on international accounting standards

[17] EU to tackle consumer fraud

[18] Industry says jobless may rise to 20 pct in absence of gov't action

[19] Profit taking ends six-day rally on ASE

[20] Suburban railline progress examined

[21] British Olympic Committee satisfied with Athens Olympic Games installations

[22] Distinction between economic dimension of sport and commercialization underlined

[23] SARS quarantine facility created at Athens' Eleftherios Venizelos int'l airport

[24] Chrysohoidis chairs EU Justice and Home Affairs Council

[25] Minister says agreement reached on mutual recognition of fines

[26] Vassilis Xiros recognized by witness to N17 murder of Peratikos

[27] The EU's 25 declare determination to crack down on doping in sports

[28] Deputy sports minister Lianis meets with EU Commissioner Redding

[29] President Papadopoulos warns against untimely initiatives

[30] US Ambassador: Annan plan open for changes but not drastic

[31] European Commission says pseudo state stamps not accepted

[01] Greek, Polish premiers focus on June EU Summit during meeting in Warsaw

Athens, 09/05/2003 (ANA)

The two premiers� talks lasted for more than an hour and ware followed by a press conference.

Miller said that during the meeting he had the opportunity to express his opinion concerning the preparation of the Summit's agenda, recognizing that the issues to be discussed in Thessaloniki in June will be very important.

''We, also, discussed Greece's experiences in its course toward the European Union and all those elements that certify that Greece, within the EU, was able to hasten reforms and its modernization,'' Miller said, adding that ''this is very important for us, since during this period we are preparing for the Polish referendum (for the ratification of accession)''.

On his part, Simitis congratulated Poland's leadership and people for the successful accession bid and reassured the country's voters that the positive aspects of accession outweighed the negative in Greece's experience.

He spoke of the benefits of EU funding for infrastructure projects and underlined that ''the second very positive results is that the accession to the EU aids, as it happened with Greece, to the European integration and the position of every country in the international economy''.

''No state, at this time, in Europe - and I believe anywhere in the world - can solve its problems without the cooperation with other states,'' Simitis said, adding that ''a specific example, we discussed with Mr. Miller today, is the issue of illegal immigration. There are hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants that cross the borders of the EU, thus this problem should be handled through coordination among countries''.

Responding to a journalist's question on the EU's stance concerning North Korea, he said that the EU was very clearly against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, adding that for that reason there should be a dialogue with North Korea and a close cooperation with the USA and the UN, aiming to end production and use of such arms.

Miller, on his part, commenting on a question on Euro-Atlantic relations following the enlargement, said that Poland is interested in having as best EU-USA relations as possible, adding that in his view the accession of new member-states would not be a problem in the quality of those relations.

Concluding the press conference, Simitis responded to a question on the EU presidency's position concerning Poland's participation in the occupation of Iraq, saying that ''Poland is a member of the coalition, as are other European states, for example Britain, Denmark, that sent military troops to Iraq''.

''In my opinion, those that participated in the war, should deal with the logistics of security and peace in Iraq. They should, also, prepare the conditions for the rebuilding of that country,'' Simitis said.

''Our view is that on the issue of Iraq's reconstruction the central role should be played by the United Nations, since that can secure, in the best way possible, peace in the wider Middle East,'' Simitis concluded.

[02] FM to visit Israel for talks with Israeli gov't, Palestinian Authority

Athens, 09/05/2003 (ANA)

Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said that Papandreou hoped to meet Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, with confirmation of that meeting still pending, Palestinian president Yasser Arafat and the new Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas.

The spokesman said that Papandreou, as head of the EU foreign ministers' council, would insist on the implementation of the road map for the Middle East, while stressing that this was not connected to any other terms or conditions.

''Implementation of the road map is a priority,'' Beglitis said, while expressing hope that the negotiations would be relaunched as the only avenue for creating two separate states.

While in the region, Papandreou will also meet Jerusalem's Orthodox Patriarch Irineos, he said.

Asked about an alleged plot to murder the Patriarch that recently hit the headlines, Beglitis expressed concern and respect for the ''autonomy of the Patriarchate'' and hope that unity would prevail for the good of the Patriarchate and the wider region.

He also announced that representatives of Israel and the Palestinian Authority had been invited to attend the Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation foreign ministers' conference that will take play on Crete on May 26-27.

[03] EU's defense chiefs discuss European CFSP

Athens, 09/05/2003 (ANA)

Greek Chief of Defense Army General Georgios Antonakopoulos briefed the Committee on the progress of current issues advanced by the Greek presidency such as the EU's military capacity, ability for rapid response, capability for space applications for military purposes and common European military training, the bulletin said.

There was unanimous consent among the EU's defense chiefs regarding the Union's military capability for carrying out a full range of conflict prevention and crisis management tasks, known as the Petersberg tasks. Participants at the committee agreed that the Union had all the necessary means for rapid response in case of emergency, which enables the materialization of the demand for rapid action forces.

The military assessments made at the meeting are expected to be included in the conclusions of the defense ministers� council that will be held on 19 May in Brussels.

The Committee was also briefed on progress of the CONCORDIA operation carried out by the EU at the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) since 1 April 2003, following a request submitted to the EU by the local government, and NATO consent and provision of administration facilities.

The Athens meeting provided the forum for the maiden participation of Cyprus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Poland, Malta, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and the Czech Republic in the Committee, all of whom signed Accession Treaties with the EU on 16 April 2003.

The EU's defense chiefs issued a joint directive that included the meeting's conclusions and a road map for the steps to be taken before their next meeting.

[04] Verheugen cites 'other options' if Cyprus not reunified by May 2004

NICOSIA 09/05/2003 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

Speaking to Turkish journalists in Berlin, Verheugen reiterated that a resumption of talks on the Cyprus issue is an issue falling under the United Nations' aegis.

However, the Commissioner expressed hope for a solution in cooperation with the UN and with the support of both Greece and Turkey, all before the date of Cyprus' full EU membership.

Regarding Turkey's European course, Verheugen said it was very important that the country meet criteria set forth by the EU, adding that this would be in the interests of both Ankara and the Union.

He also hailed steps taken by the Turkish government toward democratization, saying such steps represented progress that had not taken place in Turkey for the past 80 years.

[05] Foreign ministry denies reports of divergence of views between Athens-Nicosia

Athens, 09/05/2003 (ANA)

Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis told reporters the issue is being discussed with the leadership of Cyprus on a regular basis and Foreign Minister George Papandreou and his Cyprus counterpart George Iakovou have frequent direct contact on all developments.

Regarding the intentions of the Cyprus government on the possibility of sending a letter to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan aimed at the resumption of the talks process, the spokesman said all options are being discussed with the leadership of Cyprus which will evaluate facts.

He added that all this will also be discussed during the meeting Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos will be having with Prime Minister Costas Simitis on May 26.

Beglitis praised the free movement of citizens in Cyprus, but added that the issue is not being resolved since the main problem of Cyprus is the political one.

In this context, Papandreou raised the issue with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul on the island of Kastellorizo last weekend, on the sidelines of the European Union's informal Council of Foreign Ministers, stressing that discussions must take place in the framework defined by Annan's plan.

Beglitis further said that following the signing of the Accession Agreement, and in light of new developments and facts in Cyprus, we must view the aspects and provisions of the Annan plan again in cooperation with the secretary general and the EU, which is now playing a very important role on this issue.

On the question of ''exploratory contacts'' between Turkey's Assistant Deputy Foreign Minister Ugur Ziyal and Greek Foreign Ministry Secretary General Anastasios Skopelitis, focusing on the issue of defining the continental shelf, the spokesman said they were held in a warm climate and in a constructive way, adding that the next meeting will take place in Ankara in June.

[06] Thessaloniki prepares for June EU summit

Athens, 09/05/2003 (ANA)

According to Paschalidis, the municipalities have allocated space for organized forms of protest, in conjunction with all the necessary infrastructures that will be needed to serve the hundreds of protestors that will descend on the city.

They also decided that local city transport will be increased and it will be free of charge, with the use of a special card that will be subsidized by the ministry.

Also, he said that a special office will be set up along with the press and media ministry's press center to aid the citizens and the visitors in getting to know about the parallel events.

''In cooperation with the 3rd channel of Greek Television (based in Thessaloniki), the Macedonian News Agency and the Athens News Agency we are formulating the terms for better briefings and information provision,'' the minister said.

[07] Ideas for gov't reform 'a strictly personal viewpoint', Kosmidis says

Athens, 09/05/2003 (ANA)

The Kosmidis proposals, ranging from a reduction in ministries and civil servants to the redistribution of prefectures, were received by some sections of the press as a ''preview'' of a radical cabinet reshuffle planned by Prime Minister Costas Simitis.

Speaking on Wednesday, Kosmidis said that government ministries should be reduced to 12, each with just one deputy minister and general secretary, that the civil service should be pared down with limited hiring for management positions, while he called for a redistribution of prefectures, reduction in regional authorities, a drastic reduction in legal entities 'attached' to the state sector and a visible differentiation between legislative and executive power, so that the government was primarily made up of ministers that were not members of Parliament.

He noted, however, that these were views he had held since 1995 and that the proposals could only be implemented in the framework of a more general overhaul of state and government that might only be carried out by the government that would arise after the next elections.

This was echoed by Deputy Press Minister Telemahos Hytiris in Warsaw, where he is accompanying Simitis on a tour of new European Union member-states, who said that the proposals made by Kosmidis were ''old and in no way refer to the present time'' and that they ''in no way concerned the initiatives that the prime minister will take after the end of the Greek EU presidency.''

Government spokesman Christos Protopapas also pointed out that Kosmidis had clearly stated from the start that the proposals he made were his personal viewpoint and his way of contributing to the general public debate on this issue.

Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou greeted the Kosmidis proposals as a ''positive contribution to a debate that must begin for a modernized and healthy political system'' that he said should include issues such as electoral law and public administration.

He made the statement immediately after his speech at a working meeting organized by the Greek EU presidency and the European Commission on the challenges facing the EU in terms of defense and security in space.

The minister said the proposal for a smaller cabinet was a ''positive contribution'' while stressing that the final decision would be made by the prime minister alone.

[08] Alternate FM issues statement on Friday's EU Day

Athens, 09/05/2003 (ANA)

''Today, the citizens of the enlarged European Union face new prospects with many new possibilities, but also with many uncertainties. No one can influence the developments and the landscape more than organized societies and political forces. The forces that believe that the European structure secures options and prospects for greater trust, certainty and humanity,'' he said.

''In the times to come we will have many battles to wage in Europe. It is worth it. In any case the great aims and the important values are not an issue concerning only governments. Whatever is worthwhile in real life should be part of an everyday personal and collective vigilance and conquest,'' he concluded.

Karamanlis issues message on occasion of 'EU Day': In light of Friday's celebration of the Day of Europe, main opposition New Democracy (ND) party leader Costas Karamanlis in a statement on Thursday said that ''the recent accession of the ten new states to the European Union still constitutes yet another reconfirmation of the strength of European values.''

He added that ''the Europe of six is today the Europe of 25. And this renders the European Union, despite differences which exist at times, the most successful political achievement in history.''

''This is why May 9 is a day of pride. It is also however a day of recollection. Because the challenges we have to confront for a really strong Europe, as well as for a Greece which will achieve the substantial economic and social convergence with the other European peoples, are great,'' the ND leader said.

''In view of the decisions for its future, we support the vision of a Europe for all, in which all the citizens will share the same sense of security and prosperity,'' Karamanlis added.

''Cyprus is also celebrating with us today. The accession of Cyprus to the European Union constitutes a historic vindication of the struggles of the Cypriot people, but also significantly enriches our Union. This is why we believe that the European Union can and must impose its historically justified model for a European solution to the political problem of Cyprus to be given,'' Karamanlis concluded.

[09] ND leader to hold talks with Austrian Chancellor on future of Europe

VIENNA 09/05/2003 (ANA - A. Panagopoulos)

Karamanlis is expected to reiterate his positions for strengthened cooperation in the security sector and the need for a balance to be found between the big and small European Union countries in order for the new Europe of 25 states to function more effectively.

The ND leader will also brief Chancellor Schuessel on his firm positions on the Cyprus issue and also on Turkey's European prospects.

Karamanlis is due to return to Athens on Friday afternoon.

[10] Labor minister addresses event on social cohesion in Europe

Athens, 09/05/2003 (ANA)

Addressing an event in Athens on Thursday on the theme ''For a social Europe, force of peace and solidarity'', organized by the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) in cooperation with ATTAC Greece, newspaper Eleftherotypia and Le Monde Diplomatique, the minister underlined that there was a need for rules in order for citizens to be able to express themselves genuinely on a political, social and economic level.

On his part, GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos underlined the distance between the citizens and the European institutions, as manifested in the recent war in Iraq.

[11] Vartholomeos calls for Turkey's speedy accession to

EU ISTANBUL 09/05/2003 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

''Wish with me for Turkey to enter the European Union soon, something that will be for the good of the country in general, as well as for the specific benefit of Turkey's minorities and even more so for the benefit of the holy center of Orthodoxy,'' Vartholomeos said.

''I am hopeful that this day will come soon, even though some agencies and persons would not wish for such a positive development and they state it clearly that they do not favor such a prospect,'' he added.

[12] Deputy FM meets with Japanese ambassador

Athens, 09/05/2003 (ANA)

Loverdos, on his part, briefed the ambassador on Greece's Balkan Program and Mochizuki expressed the interest of his country's businesses in cooperating with Greek businesses in that framework.

The two men also discussed issues concerning investment between the two countries and cooperation in sectors of construction, technology and energy.

[13] Greece ranks first in software piracy in Western Europe, BSA says

Athens, 09/05/2003 (ANA)

A BSA announcement expressed its satisfaction over efforts made to combat software piracy in Greece by policy authorities with the support of the Hellenic Company for Audio-Visual Projects' Protection.

Greek police recently arrested three people with charges of alleged trafficking and distribution of illegal software and other products through the Internet (mostly business application software, PC games, video and audio CDS) in Greece.

Police authorities confiscated a wide range of computer products, CD and DVD recorders used for reproduction, printers and a total of 19,500 CDs, of which 2,500 included software products and multimedia.

It was the fifth big success for the Greek police in its battle against illegal software use since June 2002.

Denmark and the UK were the countries with the lowest business software piracy rates in Western Europe (26 percent and 25 percent, respectively), while the western Europe's average rate was 37 percent in 2001, BSA said in its report.

BSA said that the average piracy rates in Eastern Europe were 67 percent, 51 percent in the Middle East and only 25 percent in North America.

[14] Hellas Sat ready for launch at Cape Canaveral

Athens, 09/05/2003 (ANA)

Hellas Sat is scheduled to be launched on Monday, 12 May from Cape Canaveral, in Florida USA and is expected to take its position 39 degrees east in about a week later.

Hellas Sat is one of the most updated satellites in the world equipped with two steady beams with 18 transmitters to cover Europe and two mobile beams with 12 transmitters to cover the Middle East, Africa and Southeastern Asia.

Each transmitter has a band width of 36MHz and can offer a wide range of telecommunication and television services, such as satellite Internet, audio and visual services, and digital satellite television.

Hellenic Telecommunications Organization�s chief executive Lefteris Antonakopoulos said that the project was a significant step taken jointly by Greece and Cyprus. He added that the satellite would open the space horizon by including Greece among countries with presence into space programs, and it would significantly contribute in broadcasting the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

[15] Main opposition tables draft bill for transparency in politics

Athens, 09/05/2003 (ANA)

ND said the government had failed to install sufficient safeguards for ensuring such transparency, particularly through the "incomplete implementation" of the 'statement of means' declaration that "cast long shadows" on the "financial transparency of individuals manning the political system, particularly members of the government".

The bill calls for changes to the 'statement of means' declaration for political figures and parties, articles for reducing the "negative impact" of the main shareholder clause and for combatting oligopolies in public works and proposes that breach of trust while in office once again be made a crime instead of a misdemeanor.

[16] Main opposition backs bill on international accounting standards

Athens, 09/05/2003 (ANA)

''We want to show that there must be intensified checks and greater credibility in company balance sheets,'' ND economics spokesman, George Alogoskoufis, told parliament during debate on the bill.

Misleading data in financial reports was more to be found in the accounts of state firms than in private sector companies, Alogoskoufis added.

He also said that legislation in the field existed in the past but was never implemented.

[17] EU to tackle consumer fraud

Athens, 09/05/2003 (ANA)

Chairing the meeting in Eretria, Greek Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said that a dynamic presence was required by the consumer movement in the bloc, as well as guarantees of participation by consumer unions in policy development to safeguard the financial interests of the public.

Among the EU's plans are the creation of a data base on European sector legislation, the creation of a state body in each member state to implement laws, and the formulation of a single framework to tackle unfair business practices, Byrne said.

[18] Industry says jobless may rise to 20 pct in absence of gov't action

Athens, 09/05/2003 (ANA)

Referring to the planned closure of an underwear manufacturing plant in Athens by Schiesser of Switzerland, the trade group's president, Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, told reporters that new shutdowns were likely as Greece no longer had low labor costs.

The phenomenon had already occurred in other European countries and in the United States of America, Kyriakopoulos said.

The government needed to promote business activity through creation of the right infrastructure and a climate favoring the establishment of new firms, which would bring new jobs, he added.

[19] Profit taking ends six-day rally on ASE

Athens, 09/05/2003 (ANA)

The general index fell 1.80 percent end at 1,749.95 points, with turnover at 101.4 million euros.

All sector indices ended lower with the Publication, IT Solutions, Textile, Insurance and Wholesale suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day (4.14 percent, 3.63 percent, 3.56 percent, 3.31 percent and 3.14 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 1.83 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 1.83 percent, the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index dropped 2.44 percent and the wider FTSE/ASE 140 index fell 1.89 percent.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 305 to 33 with another 19 issues unchanged.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 112.3 mln euros Thursday

Equity Index Futures: