Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 03-11-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] ND leader calls for early elections

[02] Former FM Pangalos says Karamanlis non-existent until he became ND leader

[03] ND leader inspects damage caused by ecent forest fire in Crete

[04] ND leader attends events commemorating Arcadi holocaust

[05] ND leader visits 'Paremvasi' community in Rafina

[06] New election law to be tabled in Parliament this month

[07] Greek labor minister says Turkey must only blame itself for its deadlocks

[08] Labor minister discusses Cyprus issue with Cyprus president

[09] DM says 12 months service for all enlisting in armed forces as of January

[10] New F-16 Block 52 warplanes to be deployed in Hania by end of next summer

[11] Deputy FM Mangriotis ends visit to Cologne

[12] Development minister confident PASOK can win elections

[13] Ruling party secretary promotes government's social package

[14] Transport minister Christos Verelis to visit Cyprus on Monday

[15] Shimon Peres lays wreath at Jewish Holocaust memorial in Thessaloniki

[16] Police dismantle ring bringing women from abroad for sexual exploitation

[17] Anarchists stage protest in Athens district, briefly occupy train station

[18] Cyprus President: EU call on Turkey an important policy statement

[19] Cyprus President stresses need for peace

[01] ND leader calls for early elections

Athens, 10/11/2003 (ANA)

Addressing social partners from the prefecture of Hania at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Karamanlis promised a four-year term of lofty targets, ambitious planning, development everywhere and prosperity for all.

''We are calling for citizens' positive vote, but we are not relying on this alone. We are calling for something more. We are calling for the widest possible confidence of society, which is something much more than the vote,'' he said.

Karamanlis also criticized the government's taxation policy, saying it resulted in 400,000 businesses closing down.

The ND leader addressed a rally in the town of Souda later on Saturday evening, extending an invitation to the prime minister and to political parties for dialogue.

''We are the first to want all citizens to know all the truth about all issues. We are the first to want an open dialogue on everything concerning the citizen. We are the first to want no confusion to exist for any citizen. If they do not pretend, if they do not fear the truth let them come and discuss everything with us,'' he said.

Karamanlis then called on the prime minister and party leaders to agree to a public dialogue on all issues concerning the present and future of the country and the present and future of the citizen and added that elections make take place immediately without delay.

[02] Former FM Pangalos says Karamanlis non-existent until he became ND leader

Athens, 10/11/2003 (ANA)

Addressing an event organized by the PASOK party's youth wing, Pangalos commented on ND's slogan ''the time of Karamanlis has come'', saying ''where is it written that the time of the man lacking a profession has come?'', adding that ''such pre-dictions were only made by Nostradamus.''

Pangalos went on to say that over the 22 year-period he has been in Parliament, he never remembers today's ND leader taking the floor on a specific issue and stressed that renewal cannot take place just because Karamanlis is young in age.

''The people must know the views of the person who will rule them,'' he said.

Commenting on Pangalos' remarks, ND spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said ''instead of Mr. Pangalos attacking ND's President vulgarly, he should make sure first that he has the support of Mr. Simitis for the views he is expressing.''

[03] ND leader inspects damage caused by ecent forest fire in Crete

Athens, 10/11/2003 (ANA)

Karamanlis made a close inspection of the damage caused and was briefed by local authorities on what has to be done immediately.

''It is the government's self-evident obligation to immediately help and compensate sufferers and have all necessary flood-prevention work promoted immediately,'' he said.

Karamanlis also promised to pressure in every direction to enable necessary action to be carried out.

The ND leader was accompanied during his inspection by Central Committee Secretary Vangelis Meimarakis, ND Deputy Christos Markoyiannakis and local party officials.

[04] ND leader attends events commemorating Arcadi holocaust

Athens, 10/11/2003 (ANA)

''We are here for the celebration of the Arcadi holocaust. We are here to honor those who shed their blood and who sacrificed themselves to enable the motherland to be free. And it is a moment which gives us the opportunity to think how much the Greeks can achieve when they are united and when they believe in a cause,'' Karamanlis said.

The events began in the morning with a parade through the main streets of the city of Rethimno and heightened at Arcadi with a memorial service, the laying of wreaths and a representation of the sacrifice of the Arcadi fighters.

[05] ND leader visits 'Paremvasi' community in Rafina

Athens, 10/11/2003 (ANA)

Karamanlis discussed existing problems with members of the community but made no statements. It is reminded that the ND leader had shouldered the expenses for the creation of the soccer pitch.

[06] New election law to be tabled in Parliament this month

Athens, 10/11/2003 (ANA)

The report says the new election law includes the fragmentation of all the major election regions in the prefectures of Attica and Thessaloniki, a reallocation of main municipalities in the framework of the new election regions, an increase in proportionality nearing proportional representation and the election of candidates even if their party fails to poll the minimum three percent limit required on a nationwide scale for a party to enter Parliament.

In parallel, the first party in an election will have to garner 41 percent of the vote or more to have a majority of seats in the new Parliament.

Interior Minister Costas Skandalidis, referring to reports on the election law, said on Saturday "the plan on the election law publicised today is one of the initial proposals worked out by the interior ministry's relevant services and neither does it constitute the proposal to the cabinet nor, even more so, a decision by the government."

[07] Greek labor minister says Turkey must only blame itself for its deadlocks

NICOSIA, 10/11/2003 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

In a statement here while on an official visit, Reppas said the European Union will never accept in its ranks a country which does not honor principles of justice and keeps occupation troops in another of its member-states.

The Greek minister also reversed Erdogan's accusations, saying that instead of accepting his country's responsibilities, the prime minister of Turkey is trying to mislead with evasion due to the lack of arguments.

[08] Labor minister discusses Cyprus issue with Cyprus president

NICOSIA, 10/11/2003 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

Reppas said developments in the near future will be important and expressed certainty that the governments of Greece and Cyprus have taken precautions to handle every possible trick or disorientating move on the Turkish side, to enable discussion to take place on the essence of the Cyprus issue.

The minister also said he conveyed the appreciation of Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis to President Papadopoulos, a po-litical personality to which the Greek government looks forward to regarding the handling of major issues remaining open for a solution to the issue of Cyprus.

[09] DM says 12 months service for all enlisting in armed forces as of January

Athens, 10/11/2003 (ANA)

Until now, 12 months service applied for the army and, according to the decision taken recently by the Government Council of Foreign and Defense Affairs (KYSEA),it will be extended to the air force and the navy as well.

Papantoniou, referring to KYSEA's decisions on changes in the armed forces, said the aim of these decisions is to have them adjusted "to the new security environment shaped over the past 10 years."

The minister further indicated the only danger now comes from Turkey which is keeping open the "wound of the Cyprus issue" and is keeping up its "unilateral claims against our sovereign rights in the Aegean."

Papantoniou said the armed forces, with their new form, will also have the task of confronting "new threats in the form of international terrorism" and other dangers "linked to instability in Balkan countries regarding illegal immigration and organized crime."

Celebrations commemorating air force patron saint taking place at all airports: Three-day celebrations commemorating the air force's patron saint Michael began at all airports in the country on Friday.

An official ceremony was held at the Dekelia airbase on Saturday morning in the presence of President Kostis Stephanopoulos, the defense ministry's political and military leadership, representatives of opposition parties and other dignitaries.

At the end of a memorial service, Air Force chief Panayiotis Papanikolaou read the order of the day and underlined the struggles and sacrifices of the air force from the time it was established until today.

Defense Minister Yiannos Papantoniou in a statement praised the continuous readiness of Greek pilots in facing Turkish provocations in the Aegean.

During the ceremony, air force jets flew overhead in formation and at a low height.

[10] New F-16 Block 52 warplanes to be deployed in Hania by end of next summer

Athens, 10/11/2003 (ANA)

According to commander Antonis Atmatzakis, 35 of the 60 warplanes to be received have already arrived.

Necessary work has also taken place at the squadron to support the presence of the F-16s and the cost, according to reports, amounts to 1.5 million euros.

Work includes the extension of the runway and the construction of new hangars for the aircraft and of buildings to house technical services.

[11] Deputy FM Mangriotis ends visit to Cologne

Athens, 10/11/2003 (ANA)

The main aims of the conference, due to end on Sunday, is attracting German investors to Greece through expatriate businessmen who are active in Germany, carrying out joint investments in the Balkans and promoting Greek exports to Germany.

Mangriotis, who was the main speaker at the event, said Greek interest is focused primarily on the sectors of construction, new technologies, tourism, foodstuffs and beverages and exports.

The deputy foreign minister also indicated that the DHW association will participate in the expatriate businessmen's conference to be held in Thessaloniki, northern Greece, on December 10-11.

[12] Development minister confident PASOK can win elections

Athens, 10/11/2003 (ANA)

Appearing extremely confident, Tsohatzopoulos indicated that the lead the main opposition New Democracy party currently has in opinion polls will decrease in the coming months and predicted a "rapid turnaround."

The minister further predicted the election struggle (elections are normally due in the country in April) will take place primarily during the first four months of the New Year.

Tsohatzopoulos also believes a possible victory for ND in the next elections will be a "disaster for the people" because "we shall return to a period when society will be made up on the basis of individual interests."

[13] Ruling party secretary promotes government's social package

Athens, 10/11/2003 (ANA)

Among beneficiaries were farmers, whose pensions had risen; people on a minimum state pension, which had increased to 552 euros per month; industries and small and medium sized enterprises, which were paying 125 euros less per tone of fuel, bringing a 2-5 percent drop in product prices; and jobless women, through subsidies for employers' social insurance contributions, Chrysohoidis told a rally in Katerini.

The government's latest target was to strengthen the regions in 2004-2008 through an alignment charter due for release in January, he added.

[14] Transport minister Christos Verelis to visit Cyprus on Monday

Nicosia, 10/11/2003 (ANA)

Verelis will be addressing a conference on Monday evening titled "Society of Informatics, New Technologies, and Telecommunications."

[15] Shimon Peres lays wreath at Jewish Holocaust memorial in Thessaloniki

Athens, 10/11/2003 (ANA)

In a statement immediately after the ceremony, the Nobel peace award winning statesman expressed optimism for a solution to the Palestinian problem.

Peres said the precondition for peace and a solution to the problem to be achieved is an end to acts of terrorism.

He pointed out that he has the feeling that the Palestinians want to rid themselves of terrorism, adding that Israel is seeking an opportunity for peace and for a solution to the Palestinian issue.

Peres later visited the Jewish Museum in Thessaloniki, the Byzantine Museum and the offices of the Israelite Community.

[16] Police dismantle ring bringing women from abroad for sexual exploitation

Athens, 10/11/2003 (ANA)

Police arrested Kyriakos Vlassis, 43, and have launched legal proceedings against 15 other people who are still at large.

The case was discovered when police checked the identity of Vlassis and two women from the Ukraine he was carrying in his car, who lacked travel documents and did not even know where they would be staying.

An ensuing investigation revealed that Vlassis was a member of a ring bringing women into the country from Russia and the Ukraine with various obscure promises, keeping them in an apartment in the Athens district of Kallithea and then selling them to other people for 4,600 euros who would force them to work as prostitutes.

Police, who freed a Russian woman they found in the Kallithea apartment, are continuing investigations to detect other members of the ring, as well as other apartments used to keep women in.

[17] Anarchists stage protest in Athens district, briefly occupy train station

Athens, 10/11/2003 (ANA)

The anarchists briefly occupied the train station, daubed slogans on walls with spray and then gathered in Agioi Anargyroi square before dispersing later in the afternoon.

[18] Cyprus President: EU call on Turkey an important policy statement

President Tassos Papadopoulos described a call by the European Union to Turkey ''an important policy statement'' which should have a positive fallout on the efforts to find a negotiated settlement.

He also said that the EU has always maintained that it will not substitute the UN in its peace attempts to solve the question of Cyprus and said he believes that any pressure from Europe on Ankara should be related to the start of accession negotiations.

The president's comments come in the wake of a stern warning by Brussels to Turkey that ''the absence of a settlement could become a serious obstacle to Turkey's EU aspirations'' and following press reports that Commissioner Gunter Verheugen will act towards Ankara in this respect.

''I have always maintained in my contacts with the EU since March that pressure on Turkey should be exerted with regard to the start of membership talks and not to the country's accession,'' he said on Sunday, invited to comment on the EU positions as outlined in the Commission's strategy paper on Turkey.

He also said that the EU warning to Ankara is ''an important policy statement which could have a positive effect on the solution of the question of Cyprus.''

Asked about the EU's role in the effort to achieve a negotiated settlement, he said the Union has always said that it does not replace the UN Secretary General and the UN in their effort to find a solution.

The EU can contribute behind-the-scenes, he added.

''Political developments do not occur from one day to the next. The EU policy has been outlined and we hope it will have some effect on Turkish policy on Cyprus,'' he said.

Replying to other questions, he reiterated his readiness to return to the negotiating table any time the Secretary General asks him to do so, for talks under UN auspices.

On reports about a planned illegal visit to the island's Turkish occupied areas by Turkey's premier Tayyip Erdogan, he said ''this is an illegal visit which signifies support for Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Dentkash but we do not know if the visit will actually take place.''

[19] Cyprus President stresses need for peace

Nicosia, 10/11/2003 (CNA/ANA)

In his address to the ''Peace Conference'', organized by the Cyprus Peace Council during the weekend, he said peace and the solution of the Cyprus problem are linked and peace on the island signifies cooperation and coexistence between Greek and Turkish Cypriots in one state with a single personality where all citizens will be equal before the law.

The president noted that the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East in general has suffered and continues to suffer from the bitter experiences of war and referred to the situation in Cyprus, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Iraq.

''Peace is the right to life for every individual, it is life itself,'' he said, adding that international law and order form the foundation of all conventions that condemn violence, threats to use violence and war as methods to settle disputes or bilateral differences.

Referring to Cyprus, he said that the country, still suffering from the tragic repercussions of the 1974 Turkish invasion, is now facing the terrible danger of illegal settlement.

''Cyprus due to its geographical location and because of its ac-cession to the European Union can become a bridge for peace between East and West and can contribute to the consolidation of friendship and cooperation in the wider region of the Middle East as well as in Europe,'' the president said.

Papadopoulos reiterated his determination to work ''persistently and consistently'' for a solution that would reunite the country.

''To achieve this goal we are ready to cooperate with all those who wish to help and particularly with our compatriots the Tur-kish Cypriots so that through negotiations we can render the UN peace proposal on a settlement we have before us more functi-onal so that the solution will be the foundation for peaceful coexistence,'' he said.

The president said the Peace Council has worked for the past 54 years for peace, detente and disarmament and the peaceful resolution of disputes and this needs to be acknowledged.

In his speech to the meeting, House President Demetris Christofias said peace will reign on the island only when there is a just and viable political settlement.

He also said that the social causes that generate and maintain wars, such as poverty, exploitation and global hegemony, must be addressed if peace and security are to prevail.

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