Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-01-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] FM Papandreou calls on Turkish Cypriots to show political will for solution

[02] US will pressure all sides for Cyprus solution before May 1, Powell says

[03] Papandreou, Karamanlis continue tour of provinces

[04] FM Papandreou visits gypsy settlement, addresses rally in Langada

[05] Simitis-Chrysohoidis meeting

[06] KKE criticizes Ankara's ban on Turkish communist party

[07] Gov�t tables amendment to repeal controversial legislation

[08] ND rejects 3-month extension for cap market commission's leadership

[09] Pratt & Whitney, Hellenic Aerospace set up joint venture in Greece

[10] Unions seek 8.0 pct pay rise, 39-hour working week

[11] Greece, Czech Republic to promote farm cooperation

[12] Greek sea cruise industry near extinction, union says

[13] Coalition of Radical Left presents positions on working people's problems

[14] Selling sends ASE below 2,400-point level on Thursday

[15] Commission refers Greece to Euro-court over environmental issues

[16] No ratification of agreement if Greek jailed in Egypt not transferred to Greece

[17] Man arrested for uploading child porn on Internet

[18] Two illegal immigrants dead, 17 missing after smuggler-boat sinks

[19] American Agricultural School awarded on occasion of centennial anniversary

[20] President Papadopoulos appeals to Annan to call Cyprus talks immediately

[21] Annan underlines talks must be based on his Cyprus peace plan

[22] FM Iacovou to discuss Cyprus question with Irish counterpart

[01] FM Papandreou calls on Turkish Cypriots to show political will for solution

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

Speaking in Thessaloniki, Papandreou said that Greek foreign policy had succeeded in placing the Cyprus problem at the top of the list of priorities of the European Union, the United States and international organizations.

Developments were on the horizon on the Cyprus issue, he said, adding that ''we see (Turkish prime minister Tayyip) Erdogan saying that Turkey wants the Cyprus problem resolved''.

''We welcome this statement, but we want to see it in action. We welcome the new mobility on the Turkish side. We are awaiting substantial volition also on the part of the Turkish Cypriot side. Finally, there must be a just solution for Cyprus, so as to leave this wound behind us,'' Papandreou said.

Meanwhile, a US White House official said Wednesday that US secretary of state Colin Powell was willing to become personally involved in the effort for finding a Cyprus solution.

The White House official, speaking to the ANA after Erdogan's meeting with US president George Bush at the White House, added that Powell was prepared to do everything that he deemed necessary, including telephone contacts as well as visits to the region.

The official further said the Bush government was satisfied with Erdogan's positions on the Cyprus issue, which it saw as an acceptance of the Annan plan, although it conceded that the Turkish premier's stance was not completely in line with the conditions set out by UN secretary general Kofi Annan for resumption of the negotiations.

The White House official said that the Bush government endorsed an immediate resumption of the Cyprus talks, under Annan's aegis, adding that the relevant decision lay with Annan himself, who was due to meet with Cyprus president Tassos Papadopoulos on Thursday.

Gov't: On his part, the government spokesman noted that successive Cyprus government have made enormous progress towards solving the island�s long-time problem.

�We�re always ready, and we are not responsible for the delays. The Cypriot government always declares its readiness to solve the Cyprus problem,� spokesman Christos Protopapas said.

[02] US will pressure all sides for Cyprus solution before May 1, Powell says

WASHINGTON 30/01/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

Powell said he thanked Gul, as well as Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, ''for some of the steps they recently took to align themselves with the efforts of Kofi Annan and his plan.''

Replying to a remark by the Athens News Agency (ANA) that the Greek side considers it unfair that pressure be exerted on it after the positive position it has observed, Powell said ''It is time for all of us to pressure all sides to enable a solution in this difficult situation which is being perpetuated over an excessively long period. I think we are approaching a solution. To the degree we can help the secretary general in his efforts and help both sides to approach each other on the basis of the secretary general's plan, we shall do so.''

The secretary of state said he is in contact with both sides and was due to have a telephone conversation with Annan in a few hours' time, adding that ''of course, I will also talk with my Greek colleagues.''

Powell also promised to become involved personally and said ''I assured the minister (Gul) that the US will make every effort to help this task and I will become involved personally as much as is necessary and I will work with the secretary general and the sides'' for a solution to be promoted.

He termed the Annan plan ''good'', adding that the two sides are now responding to the secretary general who has asked for clear positions.

''Prime Minister Erdogan made an important announcement last weekend and the US supports both sides. I am not the mediator,'' Powell said, and went on ''a lot of work remains to be done, but a moment of opportunity is appearing here which we hope to seize to have referenda and to solve the remaining issues and I hope we shall have finished them all by May 1.''

On his part, Gul avoided once again to describe the Annan plan as a basis for a solution.

''We shall take it as a point of reference and we shall work on it. Negotiations will start and the Annan plan will be a point of reference,'' Gul said.

[03] Papandreou, Karamanlis continue tour of provinces

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

Speaking from Thessaloniki, Foreign Minister George Papandreou � the only candidate to succeed PM Costas Simitis as the helm of ruling PASOK after the latter announced he was stepping down after the elections � said both major parties should agree on national priorities, no matter which party is in government or the main opposition after March 7.

In comments to a local radio station, Papandreou also criticized main opposition New Democracy, saying the latter didn�t back a policy of political compromise when he headed the education ministry.

Continuing on the education front, Papandreou said he backed a system allowing college students to enter universities without stating their major, something they will decide in their freshman or sophomore year.

On his part, ND leader Costas Karamanlis spoke with farmers and professional fishermen in Fthiotida prefecture, stressing that current agriculture ministry will be renamed and given a new direction as the �agricultural development and products ministry�.

He also pointed to a clash with red tape and bureaucracy, as he said, noting the farm extension agents and agronomists should better assist farm professionals in the field and not from offices and ministry corridors.

Moreover, he charged that the government has been lax in promoting the Greek farm sector�s interests in Brussels. Finally, he promised that his government would work to pay farm subsidies more quickly.

[04] FM Papandreou visits gypsy settlement, addresses rally in Langada

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

''Gypsies not only should not feel excluded in our country but are useful and necessary,'' said Papandreou during his visit to the

''Aghia Sofia'' gypsy settlement, located at the former ''Gonou'' army camp at Diavata, Thessaloniki. About 2,500 gypsies live at the settlement.

The minister also visited the medical and social care center of the settlement and the home of its president, Athanasios Frangoulis.

In his discussion with the foreign minister, Frangoulis referred to problems faced by gypsies, which he said are related to their presence in street markets, the use of cash registers and the imposition of Value Added Tax. Referring to the problems at the settlement, he mainly noted the lack of a drainage system.

On his part, Papandreou said that the hope for economic growth, which, as he said, has been created, will continue. He noted that ''it is our commitment to continue in this course so that the gypsy feels, and is, equal in our country.''

Earlier in the day, Papandreou addressed a rally in Langada, Thessaloniki. He let it be understood that the changes he has announced for the party do not include that of the name of PASOK, about which, he said, ''we are proud of.''

The foreign minister committed himself that the four-year period following the March 7 general elections will be one where farmers will be further supported, assuring that being in government after March 7, he will secure, through negotiations, the price of their produce.

''The farmer will be able to feel that he has a guaranteed income, regardless of prices and weather conditions,'' he concluded.

Papandreou will conclude his tour of northern Greece on Sunday with a visit to Halkidiki.

[05] Simitis-Chrysohoidis meeting

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

Simitis has announced he will step down as premier after the upcoming March 7 elections, while FM George Papandreou will, by all accounts, be elected as the new party leader on Feb. 8. He is the only candidate so far to succeed Simitis.

[06] KKE criticizes Ankara's ban on Turkish communist party

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

KKE, with 11 deputies in the 300-member Parliament, said the ban opens the way for new authoritarian measures against the Communist Party of Turkey.

[07] Gov�t tables amendment to repeal controversial legislation

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

The approved amendment, signed by nine MPs and the minister, was criticized by the media and opposition parties as shady and environmentally detrimental.

The new amendment was included in a draft bill on the readjustment of pensions in the public sector, tabled by Economy and Finance Minister Nikos Christodoulakis.

The amendment also envisages the extension of up to three months of the term of Capital Markets' Commission's current board. The board's term was scheduled to end on February 3.

[08] ND rejects 3-month extension for cap market commission's leadership

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

Two relevant ND deputies, Alogoskoufis and Kostopoulos, said the current administration is liable for its acts and omissions vis-a-vis the Athens Stock Exchange, especially during the previous pre-election period, April 2000.

The main opposition proposal is for the appointment of a transitional administration until the March 7 election.

[09] Pratt & Whitney, Hellenic Aerospace set up joint venture in Greece

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

The new firm is to operate on HAI's premises at the beginning of 2005 with a start-up capital of 15 million US dollars, rising to 30 million dollars by the end of investment, the parent companies said in a statement.

Initially, the project will bring 50 new jobs, eventually increasing to 100 posts, the statement said.

The firm will handle both civil and military contracts, according to HAI's chairman and managing director, Dionysios Xenos.

[10] Unions seek 8.0 pct pay rise, 39-hour working week

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

The talks ended in deadlock after negotiators for the Association of Greek Industry, led by its president, Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, offered wage increases of 3.2 per cent for a probable one-year labor pact, based on an anticipated inflation rate of 2.9-3.0 per cent.

In addition, the association refused to discuss any reduction in the working week.

[11] Greece, Czech Republic to promote farm cooperation

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, during a news conference in the framework of the 20th Agrotica trade fair in Thessaloniki, Mr Drys stressed the current good relations between the two countries in the agriculture sector and announced that both sides agreed to promote new channels of communication and cooperation.

The commission will operate under the supervision of Agriculture Ministry' secretary-general for International Financial Relations, Mr Andreas Korakas, and his Czech counterpart.

The commission's first task will be to prepare an exchange of visits by business delegations between the two countries in the first half of 2004.

[12] Greek sea cruise industry near extinction, union says

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

SETE warned of the danger that no Greek or foreign flag cruise ship starting regular cruises from the port of Piraeus, but only sporadic visits. "Piraeus has ceased to be the center losing out to Venice and Istanbul, while at the same time sea cruises in the Caribbean have risen by 20 times, at least," SETE said in a statement.

The union reminded that Greece was the world champion in the sea cruise industry in the past with more than 30 cruise vessels under the Greek flag and a significant cruise fleet under foreign flags.

SETE stressed that protectionism policy was disastrous for the Greek sea cruise industry, that has gradually abolishing the so-called "cabotage" status. Greek sea cruise companies were unable to exploit their comparative advantages not to create larger entities to survive in a competitive international market, the union said.

SETE said that a series of negative developments (September 11, 2001, Iraq war) in the last three years has led the industry to collapse.

[13] Coalition of Radical Left presents positions on working people's problems

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

The targets set by the movement to improve the state of working people, the unemployed and pensioners include a radical redistribution of income to benefit working people with substantive salary and pension increases.

Moreover, full and stable employment must be enjoyed by all and forms of flexible labor must be resisted, while the 35-hour working week, without a decrease in income, must receive immediate legislative implementation.

[14] Selling sends ASE below 2,400-point level on Thursday

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

The general index ended 0.95 percent down at 2,391.73 points, off the day's lows of 2,374.33 points helped by the reappearance of buyers in the last hour of trading.

Turnover fell further to 158.1 million euros.

The IT Solutions was the only sector to score gains (up 0.74 percent), while the Retail, Base Metals and Investment sectors suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (1.52 percent, 1.37 percent and 1.32 percent, respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks fell 0.94 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.36 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 0.63 percent lower.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 213 to 91 with another 54 issues unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of January 29 2004

Parities in euro

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,256 1,228

[15] Commission refers Greece to Euro-court over environmental issues

BRUSSELS 30/01/2004 (ANA)

Besides Greece, other members cited by the Commission as not ensuring �sufficient protection of wild birds, habitats and species protected under the EU's Habitats and Wild Birds Directives� include Luxembourg, Belgium, Italy, Austria, Spain, Ireland and Britain.

''Member-states have committed themselves to halting the loss of bio-diversity in the EU by 2010. If this objective is to be achieved, they must reinforce their national legislation and upgrade their nature conservation practices. The biggest threat to biodiversity is mankind. Through our activities we contribute to the loss of habitats and species. Our major nature protection directives are there to stop this trend. But only if they are fully and correctly implemented by all member-states,� Environment Commissioner Margot Wallstrom said.

The Commission said it would refer Greece to the European Court of Justice for failing to properly protect the lagoon in Messolonghi-Aitoliko (western Greece), a wetland that is internationally recognized as an important habitat for wild birds.

According to a press release, the Commission has also sent Athens a final written warning for failing to properly protect another internationally recognized wetland, Lake Koronia, in Thessaloniki prefecture. The lake is mostly affected by heavy water abstraction for irrigation purposes. It is also affected by discharges of nutrients, heavy metals and other pollutants from industries in the surrounding area. The Commission considers that Greece has not established an appropriate legal protection framework and has not taken adequate measures to avoid the degradation of the lake. Greece has an obligation to do this under the Wild Birds, the Habitats Directive and the Dangerous Substances in Water Directive.

Finally, Greece also received a final written warning for failing to adequately protect a rare species of snake, the Vipera Schweizeri, on the island of Milos.

[16] No ratification of agreement if Greek jailed in Egypt not transferred to Greece

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

Kastanias has been serving 15 years of hard labor in Egyptian prisons under harsh conditions.

The Greek Parliament president has repeatedly raised the issue with his Egyptian counterpart.

The association agreement was brought up for discussion at the Parliament's Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee and was ratified with a majority by the ruling PASOK and main opposition New Democracy (ND) party. The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology voted against it.

[17] Man arrested for uploading child porn on Internet

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

Police said that the man, whose name was not immediately made known, had uploaded on the Internet photographs of minors aged 3-15 in "various sexual poses among them, and with the participation of adults".

The man was arrested at his home in Thessaloniki following an extensive investigation on the web by specially-trained police officers that was made difficult by the detainee's use of a variety of technical means aimed at obstructing the decoding of his identity.

Police found in the man's house pornographic material involving minors, videotapes, and a hand-written note listing the accounts of private individuals visiting his web-site.

The man was taken before the Thessaloniki public prosecutor, who referred him for questioning by the Athens prosecutor's office.

[18] Two illegal immigrants dead, 17 missing after smuggler-boat sinks

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

According to the ministry, a sailboat which has not been identified sank as it was sailing near the Petalia rocky islet between Rafina and Karystos in turbulent waters and high winds of up to 9 Beaufort velocity.

A nearby merchant ship that witnessed the sinking immediately informed the ministry's search and rescue center, which dispatched two Super Puma all-weather helicopters and a team of frogmen.

Rescuers located 26 survivors who had managed to swim to the rocky islet, while search operations were continuing, hampered by heavy rainfall and strong winds.

The helicopters later spotted the bodies of two of the illegal immigrants in the gulf of Vasilika, Evia, while the search was continuing for 17 illegal immigrants still missing.

[19] American Agricultural School awarded on occasion of centennial anniversary

Athens 30/01/2004 (ANA)

At a special ceremony held at the Philosophical faculty of Thessaloniki University, Agriculture Minister George Drys said ''the ministry today awards the American Agricultural School for its contribution to agricultural training and for its contribution to the development of the countryside.''

[20] President Papadopoulos appeals to Annan to call Cyprus talks immediately

BRUSSELS 30/01/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after a meeting with Annan in Brussels, President Papadopoulos said a lot of time was lost waiting for developments in the Turkish Cypriot side, and thus the aim should be at result-oriented talks for a solution before the 1st of May, when Cyprus will officially be joining the EU.

President Papadopoulos said he had a very good meeting with the Secretary-General and noted that ''we appealed to the Secretary-General that he might immediately call the talks."

''I repeated that we are ready to take part in these talks for reaching a comprehensive executive agreement the soonest possible," he added.

The president noted ''we also think it is about time we start substantive talks, leave aside efforts to have public relations benefits," adding that ''we lost quite a considerable time trying to wait for developments in the Turkish Cypriot side and time is really short, so we must aim at talks, which are result-oriented and not repeat the previous exercises where no progress was made and no serious negotiating process took place."

''I repeat once more our readiness to engage in such a type of talks and our willingness to show all necessary goodwill and if possible to be able to reach an agreement before the 1st of May. I repeat once more that our main aim is to see a reunited Cyprus joining the EU by the 1st of May," he said.

Invited to say what he thought about the Turkish suggestion to appoint US Secretary of State Colin Powell as a mediator in the talks, President Papadopoulos said ''we had better leave this to be decided by the Secretary-General," noting that Annan ''gave us his initial reaction to that and I think it is really a side issue."

''The main issue is not to waste any more time, to start immediately talks, hopefully to complete them in time so that a reunited Cyprus joins the EU," he added.

Asked if they discussed the Secretary-General's conditions for resuming talks under his auspices, the president said, ''Of course.

The Secretary-General repeated his conditions. We said some ideas. We hope he will consider them so that a way will be found to move forward."

Invited to say if Annan gave any hint of when the talks would begin, President Papadopoulos said, ''No, the Secretary-General did not touch upon the subject. He repeated his conditions. We gave him our ideas as to how we can overcome whatever reservations there might be, which he will consider."

Asked if he accepted Annan's conditions, President Papadopoulos pointed out that ''we never refused to have a referendum when talks commence and we see they progress well and both sides show the spirit necessary, and as I said we gave some ideas to the Secretary-General as to how he might consider that we meet his conditions."

Replying to other questions, he said ''unfortunately, I cannot tell you that the Secretary-General is either going to call immediately the talks or will be satisfied with the ideas we gave him."

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.

[21] Annan underlines talks must be based on his Cyprus peace plan

BRUSSELS 30/01/2004 (CNA/ANA)

At the same time Annan indicated he would not want to change a negotiator if talks were to resume soon for a Cyprus settlement.

Speaking in Brussels during a press conference with European Parliament President Pat Cox at the European Parliament, Annan also said the UN will accept assistance from governments of good will and who have influence and capacity to help get the negotiations completed.

He stressed, however, that this would only be possible if the parties show a will and determination to engage seriously in a sustained manner and reach results in the very short time.

Invited to comment on information that Turkey has asked for a strong negotiator, such as US Secretary of State Colin Powell, to take an active role in the UN process, Annan replied that Powell ''already has a job and he has his hands full.''

''Let me say I have been engaged with the Cyprus process for quite a while, I have had a very good negotiator, which most of you already know, Alvaro de Soto, who knows the issues inside out. In the process we were helped by representatives of several friendly countries and I think if we were to resume the process, because of the time factor, I would want to have somebody in charge who knows the issues,'' the UN Secretary-General said.

Annan noted ''we will accept assistance from governments of good will and who have influence and capacity to help us and try and get these negotiations completed as soon as possible, but that will only be possible if the parties show a will and determination to engage seriously in a sustained manner and reach results in the very short time that we would have.''

Asked what were the proposals Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan had given him in Davos and whether Annan would envisage talks beginning on any other document than that of his plan, the Secretary-General replied that the ''parties in the discussions that we have had in the past know that if we are going to proceed and that we will become engaged, it has to be on the basis of the plan.''

He said he had ''very good discussions with Prime Minister Erdogan,'' noting ''we did not exchange documents, if that's what you have in mind.''

Annan said ''what is important is that Turkey has indicated clearly its desire and willingness to see talks resume, negotiations resume, they will support and actively play a role in the negotiations the effort will be strictly sustained until we come to a conclusion and we are also aware that it has to be done before the 1st of May and they accept that.''

[22] FM Iacovou to discuss Cyprus question with Irish counterpart

DUBLIN 30/01/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Iacovou will be visiting Dublin for discussions on current issues on the EU agenda, including the IGC, the future financing of the EU and the Lisbon Strategy. The ministers are also expected to exchange views on a number of international issues, including the situation in the Middle East, Iraq and UN Reform. The meeting will be followed by a brief press conference.

During his visit to Ireland on February 2 and 3, Iacovou will also pay a courtesy call on the Taoiseach and will meet with the Ceann Comhairle and the Cathaoirleach of the Seanad. He will also meet with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs.

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