Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-04-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis: Joint effort on Cyprus does not end with the referenda

[02] Cypriot 'no' won't mar Greek-Turkish ties, officials on both sides say

[03] Foreign minister meets British, US ambassadors, Cyprus discussed

[04] Former FM says there were no 'behind-the-scene' agreements with the EU on Cyprus

[05] US believes no further Cyprus negotiations should be expected after May 1

[06] EU Council of Ministers to convene in Luxembourg on April 26-27

[07] Deputy FM has acquaintance meeting with US ambassadorial adviser

[08] PASOK leader attends European Socialists' conference

[09] Deputy culture minister meets Lambrakis over Athens Concert Hall

[10] President Stephanopoulos attends Infantry event in Halkida

[11] Parliament president receives courtesy call from Ukrainian FM

[12] PM attends memorial service for former president Karamanlis

[13] Karamanlis: 'Wrong policies' plagued budget, economy in past years

[14] Greek economic weekly review

[15] Greek Farm Minister presents EU Council's decision on subsidies

[16] Farm trade group to study EU Mediterranean pact

[17] Gov�t, SMEs discuss sector's problems

[18] Greek tourist packages cheaper in 2004

[19] Capital Markets' Commission's new board approved

[20] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise, profit takers move in

[21] Gov't promises Marathon route completion by July 10

[22] Petralia briefs Israeli ambassador on Olympic preparations

[23] Hellenic Olympic Committee meets with Pavlopoulos

[24] Kappa Research poll shows almost half of Athenians will not change vacation plans

[25] Italy-bound ferry continues journey after bomb scare

[01] PM Karamanlis: Joint effort on Cyprus does not end with the referenda

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

Karamanlis explained that if the outcome of the separate, simultaneous referenda in the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities was affirmative, Greece would encourage and contribute with all its power to help the new state "stand on its feet", while if the Annan plan was rejected, the popular will expressed by the Cypriots would be respected and efforts would be made to keep open the prospect of a resolution of the Cyprus problem.

The prime minister said that the positive aspects of the plan could prove to outweigh its negative aspects, inside the European Union, but stressed that the final responsibility rested with the citizens of Cyprus and pledged that Greece would respect and support whatever decision the Cypriots took.

"In any eventuality, we will all be at Cyprus' side the next day," he said.

Karamanlis reiterated his respect for the firm principle that "Cyprus decides and Greece supports", noting that on the next day (after the referenda) there will be national unanimity.

The premier also defended his tactic of announcing the government's position on the Annan plan after the Cypriot political parties had taken their decisions and made their stands public, noting that the opposite would have been an irresponsible move that could have potentially given rise to disagreements and rifts, or could have been construed as exertion of pressure to influence the judgment of the Cypriot citizens.

Turning to Greek-Turkish relations, Karamanlis said he insisted on the strategy of improving and reinforcing those relations, noting that he had told his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan at their recent meeting in Sarajevo on the sidelines of the SE Europe cooperation process conference that his government will support Turkey's European prospect and that Greece will back Ankara in every effort it makes for convergence with the EU.

The central committee was briefed on the developments in the Cyprus issue by foreign minister Petros Molyviatis, who reviewed events from the New York agreement up to and including the negotiations in Buergenstock, as well as the situation in Cyprus.

Molyviatis said that, in reality, no negotiations of substance took place in Buergenstock, but rather "parallel monologues" took place, with the UN filling in the gaps.

The foreign minister reiterated the government's firm position that the final decision belonged to the people of Cyprus, and that everyone, without exception, must respect the outcome of the referendum, and reaffirmed that Greece would be at the side of the Republic of Cyprus regardless of what decision would make.

He further stressed that, regardless of the outcome of the referenda, the improvement in Greek-Turkish relations would continue, and firmly rejected criticism that the ND government has "shelved" the Cyprus issue, underscoring that "the Cyprus problem is and will continue to be at the crux of our foreign policy", noting that the Cyprus government agreed with Athens' position.

Molyviatis noted that the Greek government's position had been positively met in the EU, Cyprus, the UN, the US and Turkey, as well as among the Greek people.

He further said that Greece, in cooperation with the Republic of Cyprus, will try to minimize any adverse repercussions in the event of a rejection of the Annan plan, adding that the prospect for resolving the Cyprus issue must remain open.

[02] Cypriot 'no' won't mar Greek-Turkish ties, officials on both sides say

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

Visiting Turkish State Minister Kursad Tuzmen, currently in Thessaloniki, stressed that Greek-Turkish bilateral ties were built on a "very good and reliable basis" and estimated that they would not be rocked by a 'no' vote in the referendum.

He also stressed that all sides would have to respect the decision made by the Cypriot people.

Greek government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, speaking at the regular press briefing in Athens, additionally noted the Greek government's standing support for Turkey's European prospects and that this position was also supported by Cyprus.

Commenting on the contrast with past Greek positions that Turkey's accession to Europe "passes through Cyprus", Roussopoulos said that the issue will be up for discussion in December, at which time Turkey will be expecting a firm date for the start of accession negotiations.

"I have already outlined the framework of the government's position," he added.

Asked if the government intended to raise the Cyprus issue again in the event that Cypriots rejected the Annan plan, the spokesman said that the government's moves after the referenda will be decided in collaboration with the government on Cyprus.

He called on the Cypriot people taking part in Saturday's referendum to display "wisdom, foresight and a sense of responsibility in deciding how they want to live the following day".

Tuzmen, who holds the portfolio for foreign trade was in Thessaloniki for a meeting with the city's Chamber of Trade and Industry (EBETH) and predicted that trade between the two countries will continue to increase.

He said the Chamber had asked for Turkey's support in its bid to host the EXPO 2008 world fair and that he had promised Turkish activity on this issue "because we want to make the Aegean and the Mediterranean a free trade zone".

EBETH chairman Dimitris Bakatselos noted the potential in such cooperation and said that the Chamber was interested in achieving balanced development, where imports and exports on both sides rose.

[03] Foreign minister meets British, US ambassadors, Cyprus discussed

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

British Ambassador Sir David Madden afterwards stressed that it was ''absolutely clear that the Cyprus Republic will join the European Union on May 1'' but avoided commenting on the possible consequences of a failure to solve the Cyprus problem before that date.

''The people of Cyprus have an opportunity to vote, let's wait and see what they decide,'' he said.

US Ambassador Thomas Miller similar avoided comment on the ''day after'' the dual referendum, noting that the US government had taken a clear stand in favor of the island's reunification.

Asked what will happen if the Cypriots reject the Annan plan, Miller said that the present momentum for a solution should be maintained and that the Turkish-Cypriots in the northern part of the island ''should not be left at a disadvantage".

Commenting on Athens' positions, Miller said that the Greek government had adopted a position, had weighed the positive and negative aspects and had judged that the positive points tipped the scales.

In another meeting on Friday, Deputy Foreign Minister Euripides Stylianidis in charge of economic relations had an introductory meeting with U.S. diplomat Jacob Wells to discuss bilateral economic relations and cooperation in developmental aid within international organizations that both Greek and the U.S. are part of.

[04] Former FM says there were no 'behind-the-scene' agreements with the EU on Cyprus

Brussels 24/04/2004 (ANA/G. Zitouniati)

The PASOK leader made the statement here on the sidelines of the European Socialist Party (PES) conference.

Responding to reporters' questions on statements made by European Union Commissioner responsible for enlargement Gunter Verheugen that he had felt ''personally cheated'' by the Greek Cypriot side regarding acceptance of a political settlement, Papandreou stressed that ''with all these scenarios some individuals are attempting to blacken our policy for which we are proud of.'' Verheugen, in an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, had said:� What (Cyprus President Tassos) Mr. Papadopoulos said after the negotiations in Switzerland is

a rejection of that notion. And I must draw the conclusion from his words that the government of the Republic of Cyprus opposes the international settlement, proposes the rejection of the international settlement and I will be very undiplomatic now in saying that I personally feel that I have been cheated by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.''

Referring specifically to the policy adopted by PASOK when it was in power prior to its defeat in the March 7 general elections, Papandreou said that it was ''clear and transparent'' and was exhausted in the institutional bodies of the EU.

''We managed 'with our sword', for Cyprus to enter the EU without any footnote and safeguarded the right which the Greek Cypriots are exercising tomorrow to decide without pressure.''

The Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities are called on in separate and simultaneous referenda in Cyprus on Saturday to accept or not UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's fifth and final plan for a comprehensive political settlement of the Cyprus problem.

Speaking on the Euro-elections which are on the agenda of the PES conference which got underway on Friday, the PASOK leader said the question is:� What Europe we want', that is with a social and multi-cultural character, respect to the voice of the citizen and a strong international role, while what is at stake for Greece is 'a strong Greece in a strong Europe'''

[05] US believes no further Cyprus negotiations should be expected after May 1

Washington 24/04/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

In reply to questions on whether a new vote on the Annan Plan, or further negotiations, were expected after May 1, in the event that the UN chief's plan for Cyprus was rejected in Saturday's referenda on the island, Boucher told a regular press briefing Thursday: "Everything has been negotiated. Everything that could be worked out has been worked out".

"There's no plan B; there's no option to go back to the table; there's no thought of, 'Oh, well, let's try again'. It's all been worked out. It's been worked out in greater detail than ever before. It's been worked out with specific achievements for each side. It's been worked out in a balance that meets the needs of both sides. It's been worked out in a way that the people of each side can look at it and say, 'This gets me a better life. This gets me what I want'," Boucher said.

"So the idea that you could suddenly go back to the table and say, 'Let's go through every single issue one more time', and come up differently, I think that's just not realistic. And, no, there is nothing planned and nothing expected of that sort," he added.

Asked what the US expected after May 1st, Boucher said that "if things go well, if people make the right decision, after May 1st a united Cyprus -- Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots -- can go into the European Union together", but declined to speculate on the prospect of a 'no' vote to the Annan Plan and what would happen in such an eventually, saying only "if the answer is no, we'll just have to see".

Asked if the division of Cyprus would be rendered permanent in the event of a 'no' vote, and given that there was no 'plan B', if the US was prepared to support an open-ended UN mission on Cyprus, Boucher replied: "Our goal is not to speculate on what might come if people vote 'no'. Our goal is to try to encourage people to look at this carefully, to look at the benefits for themselves, to look at the benefits for their community and their futures, and to vote 'yes'. There will be plenty of time afterwards to talk about what happens if that doesn't happen."

To questions on Russia's veto Wednesday of a UN resolution on Cyprus being passed by the Security Council ahead of the referenda, Boucher said that US secretary of state Colin Powell "talked to several of his counterparts at the United Nations before the vote yesterday (Wednesday)", as well as with UN secretary general Kofi Annan.

"We felt it was very important for the UN Security Council to go on record to make very clear that we were -- that the Council itself was going to support the full implementation of the agreement; that the Council itself was going to support the Secretary General; and that the Council itself would take action to establish the settlement commission, the arms embargo and the other things that are specifically called for in the agreement that was worked out," Boucher explained.

Boucher also noted that Powell had also spoken, ahead of the Security Council vote, to Russian foreign minister Lavrov, who voiced Russia's intention to veto the resolution, but explained that it was felt that getting a 14 to 1 vote in favor of the resolution would still put on record the fact that the Security Council was prepared to provide assurances on the security aspect and full implementation of the Annan plan.

"It was clear that there was very, very substantial support in the Council and the Russians did tell us in advance that they would veto for procedural reasons. And we felt that the message could still be clear, despite the Russian veto, the regrettable veto by the Russians. But we think the message still is clear that the Council is prepared to stand up and support the full implementation of this agreement, and that's what people need to see," Boucher said.

"Getting the 14 to 1 vote was better than not having a vote at all. Getting the 14 to 1 when the 1 is understood to be procedural and makes clear that it will pass, it's still on the table and it will pass if there's a positive vote on the referendum. And therefore, it does signal to the Cypriots that we're all behind this and we'll all work in the Council as well as individually to make sure that the agreements are all fully implemented," he continued.

"Obviously, we regret that one member of the Security Council was not prepared to support the Secretary General's request to pass the resolution before the referenda in order to provide assurances to Greek Cypriots that the security structures pro-vided for in the settlement would be in place before the vote (referenda) on April 24th. Fourteen members of the Council, however, took a very different view and felt it was appropriate to directly support the Secretary General and the agreement that he had worked out. It is very clear, however, that if the settlement is approved by all Cypriots in the referendum on Saturday, there would be very rapid action in the Security Council to establish the UN Settlement Implementation Commission in Cyprus and the arms embargo," Boucher explained.

"We think this vote does demonstrate the obvious and strong support of the international community for implementing all aspects of the UN settlement, which provides for the return of over 120,000 Greek Cypriot refugees to their former homes. It provides a comprehensive property compensation and restitution system, and provides for the withdrawal of almost all Turkish troops from the island. So we think the vote is there to do this. We had hoped to get it before; but for the veto, we would have had that," he continued.

Boucher warned that the importance of the referendum should not be underestimated. "This is a historic opportunity. This is the first time the people of Cyprus have had before them a plan that would solve the problem that they've been grappling with their whole lives. It's the first time they have before them solutions to problems of people who have been unable to return to their homes in the north. It's the first time they've had before them a substantial withdrawal of troops. It's the first time they've have before them a common future together, of the Turkish Cypriots and the Greek Cypriots together on the island in being able to move to the EU."

To press questions claiming limitation of free expression by some Cypriot media, Boucher said that the US was "rather concerned by reports that, in fact, the people on the island are not getting the full range of views, that they're not getting all the information about the plan because Cyprus Broadcasting's Board of Directors has been limiting press coverage, has been limiting coverage of all foreigners' statements on the UN settlements and on Saturday's referendum...and so there are a lot of facts and a lot of pieces of information that may not be getting through, and that really calls into the question the operation of the free media on Cyprus and the ability of the Cypriot voters to have full and accurate information, because ultimately, it's their choice. They need to know all the views. They need to know about the plan. They need to be able to analyze it in all its aspects".

Boucher said he believed that EU enlargement commissioner G�nter Verheugen's statements had not been shown, and pinpointed the problem as the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation, but added that statements by American officials, however, were broadcast in the Greek Cypriot sector.

[06] EU Council of Ministers to convene in Luxembourg on April 26-27

Brussels 24/04/2004 (ANA)

Greece will be represented at the Council by Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis.

The ministry's spokesman George Koumoutsakos said on Fri-day the inclusion of a special paragraph on Cyprus in conclusions to be endorsed by the Council cannot be ruled out.

According to information at the disposal of the Greek side, the content of the address to be made by EU Commissioner Guenter Verheugen will be restricted to the technical dimension arising from the results of the referenda in Cyprus.

The Council's meeting will constitute the first recording of reactions following the referenda and the Greek side, as the representative said, is prepared to help to avoid the dramatization of the climate during the discussion.

An analysis of the results of the referenda will also take place on Monday morning at the Council of Permanent Representatives in Brussels.

In the event the Annan plan is accepted, the Council of Permanent Representatives will discuss adjustment issues, while in the event it is rejected there is the regulation to be applied in the northern part of the Green Line, a region where the implementation of the acquis communautaire will be suspended for the time being.

Koumoutsakos said that the Greek government will follow a double-axis policy during the discussion concerning issues resulting from Protocol 10 of Cyprus' accession pact with the EU.

First of all, it will attempt to maintain the momentum existing towards the finding of a solution, for which the EU has declared its political will.

Secondly, the Greek government will try to adequately handle whatever possible negative impact will result in the event the Annan plan is rejected by the people of Cyprus.

The spokesman said the aim is to have a rational continuation without dramatic tones.

[07] Deputy FM has acquaintance meeting with US ambassadorial adviser

Nicosia 24/04/2004 (ANA)

Stylianidis and the American diplomat discussed the continuation of bilateral economic relations, as well as cooperation between the two sides on issues concerning development aid, in the framework of international organizations in which both countries are participating.

According to an announcement by the foreign ministry, Stylianidis stressed the Greek government's great interest in the continuation of the Greek Balkan Economic Reconstruction Plan and made special reference to the intention of handling the problem of illegal human trafficking.

[08] PASOK leader attends European Socialists' conference

Brussels 24/04/2004 (ANA - G. Zitouniati)

The conference is largely focused on strategy for the upcoming European elections in June.

European socialists will also be electing their new leadership for the next five years, with former Greek ministers Vasso Papandreou and Akis Tsohatzopoulos both running for a vice-presidential office.

In his speech to the conference, Papandreou referred to the EU's role as a "gentle force" that could help resolve international crises, such as that in Yugoslavia or the Cyprus issue, and which acted as a model for regional cooperation.

Earlier in the day, Papandreou attended an event organized by the European Socialist youth sections (ECOSY).

[09] Deputy culture minister meets Lambrakis over Athens Concert Hall

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

Tatoulis said there would be a further meeting with Lambrakis in the next few days, when they would announce how projects underway at the Athens Concert Hall will be completed.

[10] President Stephanopoulos attends Infantry event in Halkida

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

He was accompanied by Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos.

[11] Parliament president receives courtesy call from Ukrainian FM

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

Talks between the two sides focused on good relations between Greece and Ukraine, while the need was stressed for strengthening Parliamentary cooperation.

The Ukrainian foreign minister invited Benaki to visit Kiev.

[12] PM attends memorial service for former president Karamanlis

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said the memorial was held at the 'Constantine Karamanlis' Institute in Filothei and that attendance was restricted to a narrow family circle.

[13] Karamanlis: 'Wrong policies' plagued budget, economy in past years

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

�We will responsibly implement our program, without aiming for perfection, and without appearing as saviors; but we are determined to succeed,� he told the party�s top cadres and deputies.

Karamanlis, Greece�s youngest post-war leader, noted that the current period is extremely difficult, especially in light of the situation his government inherited from the previous PASOK government. In reference to the economy, he directly cited what he called �wrong policies� of the past years, especially over the budget.

Without mincing his words, Karamanlis said the budget was plagued by �false fiscal deficit figures� and by very low 3rd Community Support Framework absorption rates.

Moreover, Karamanlis again criticized what he called a wasteful and counter-productive state, while cautioning, however, that reforms will take place without �surprises and conflicts�.

�There are no magic solutions, but the fact is that our country has found a different pace after the elections and has not wasted even an hour or day,� he said.

Regarding the closely watched preparations for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Karamanlis said a significant portion of the delay has been overcome, whereas measures for a maximum level of security have been taken.

On his part, ND Secretary Vangelis Meimarakis said the extent of the party�s election victory on March 7 defines the level of responsibility for the ruling party. As far as the upcoming June European Parliament elections are concerned, he said the campaign was not an easy proposition and that no election result is guaranteed, a reason why the party�s grass roots must remain vigilant.

[14] Greek economic weekly review

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

In other headline news this week, Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis downgraded the government's forecasts for economic growth this year to 3.7 percent and cut 2003's growth rate to 4.2 percent from a provisional forecast of 5.0 percent.

Mr Alogoskoufis also announced that the government would not approve any increases in bills and rates by state-controlled enterprises and agencies without his approval.

Transport and Communications Minister Mihalis Liapis announced the beginning of a procedure for the retiring of motorcycles - a move aimed at reducing traffic accidents in the country - and said that the Suburban Rail Line - linking Piraeus with the Athens international airport at Spata - would be fully operational in July. Mr Liapis also said that a procedure to privatize Olympic Airways was at its last stage and that developments were expected in May.

Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis criticized the previous government's policies that led to the "extinction" of the Greek sea cruise fleet because of the sector's huge financial debt. Mr Kefaloyiannis urged for an effort to find a "golden solution" to ensure the survival of the industry "one of the biggest foreign-exchange earners of Greek shipping". The Greek minister also criticized the role played by banks in confiscating at least 10 Greek cruise vessels, saying that bank officials could have offered more time to Greek sea cruise companies for the repayment of their debts.

Greek hoteliers said that Greek tourism was facing very serious problems and stressed that the country has lost the advantage of benefiting from the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. The hoteliers' union said that overnight stays in hotels in Athens, Halkidiki, Rhodes and Crete were down 10 percent, 30 percent, 15 percent and 20 percent, respectively, compared with the same period last year.

Development Deputy Minister George Salagoudis attributed rising domestic fuel prices to an increase in oil prices in inter-national markets and warned that a Competition Commission would intervene in cases of excessive price rises. The Greek minister also predicted that fuel prices would begin stabilizing from May.

National Bank's board plans to offer free shares to its share-holders and to seek approval for a share capital increase scheme.

[15] Greek Farm Minister presents EU Council's decision on subsidies

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, presenting the Council's results, Mr Tsitouridis said that the Luxembourg marathon meeting agreed that a new Common Agricultural Policy on tobacco, olive oil and cotton would be implemented from January 1, 2006 and that any new regulations would cover farmers with subsidies exceeding 5,000 euros annually.

Greece has achieved a fiscal neutrality, Tsitouridis said, adding that the country would continue receiving around 1.517 billion euros in subsidies annually for its tobacco, olive oil and cotton production.

The Greek minister said that disconnection rates for cotton, tobacco and olive oil were agreed at 65 percent, 40 percent and 60 percent, respectively, with the country offered the flexibility of setting its own disconnection rates based on production and subsidy figures in the period 2000-2002.

Tsitouridis stressed that the Council also agreed that there might be a reform of the subsidy status of tobacco and some other pro-ducts in 2009-2010, but noted that Greece would begin negotiations on better terms.

Replying to questions, the Greek minister stressed it would be easy to adopt a full disconnection between subsidies and production, as demanded by several farmers, but noted that the government was primarily interested in maintaining the country's productive web and said that the government would proceed with disconnection rates through a dialogue with interested parties.

[16] Farm trade group to study EU Mediterranean pact

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

The final outcome for implementation of the agreement on olive oil, cotton and tobacco would depend on the level of under-standing to be reached in the near future by the farm development and foodstuffs ministry and trade bodies, PASEGES said in a statement.

The trade group will take a stand on the pact in coming days after studying the final compromise adopted, the statement said.

[17] Gov�t, SMEs discuss sector's problems

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

GSEBE's board met with Development ministry's secretary-generals to discuss small- and medium-sized enterprises' biggest problems (licensing, informal trade, retail sales and offers, funding from a Third Community Support Framework program-me, shopping hours, the operation of department stores, a government-sponsored guarantee fund for SMEs and creating a commerce register).

Both sides agreed to maintain an open channel of communication.

[18] Greek tourist packages cheaper in 2004

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

The figures were presented during a news conference held by the Hotel Chamber of Greece ahead of the Athens Olympic Games and the official start of this year's tourist season.

Representatives of Greek hotel groups once again expressed their disappointment over current trends and criticized the lack of any major PR advantage from the 2004 Olympic Games.

The Chamber said a rise in the cost of living in Greece (the country is included among the most expensive European states) was undermining tourist arrivals from abroad, while they urged for self-restraint to avoid cases of profiteering.

[19] Capital Markets' Commission's new board approved

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

The new board includes: Alexios Pilavios (chairman), Giagkos Charalambous (1st vice-chairman), Anastasios Gavrielidis (2nd vice-chairman), Ioannis Gousios, Nikolaos Pantelakis, Nikolaos Travlos, Christos Gortsos, Panayiotis Kavouropoulos, Panayiotis Alexakis (members).

The new board has a five-year mandate.

[20] Athens Bourse Close: Stocks rise, profit takers move in

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

The general share index gained 0.23 per cent to end at 2,522.25 points. Turnover was 182.3 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 0.40 per cent up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.28 per cent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities dropped 0.03 per cent.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 153 to 131 with 81 issues remaining unchanged.

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Closing rates of April 23 2004

Parities in euro

Banknotes

For. Exchange Buying Selling

US Dollar 1,198 1,170

[21] Gov't promises Marathon route completion by July 10

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

The roadway, from the eponymous township in north-east Attica to Athens� northeast city limits, began more than two years ago, with the low point coming in early 2004 with the suspension of works by the main contractor, Evropaiki Techniki.

Marathon runners will use much of the route � along Marathons Boulevard and a handful of east Attica communities -- during the upcoming Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

The project was also at the centre of a recent squabble between the new government and the previous PASOK government, with Souflias, among others, charging that his predecessors in the Simitis government were responsible for the lack of progress on the crucial roadway.

[22] Petralia briefs Israeli ambassador on Olympic preparations

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

Petralia informed Aviram on the progress of all Olympic projects as well as on the issue of Games security - a program for which Greece will have spent more than 700 million euros.

Israel, one of the seven countries serving on the Advisory Group for Olympic Security, has expressed satisfaction with the security measures the Athens 2004 Organizing Committee and the Greek government are taking, which Aviram reiterated to Petralia during their meeting.

On Friday evening, the Alternate Culture Minister will also brief France's Sports Minister Jean-Francois Lamour on Olympic Games preparations.

[23] Hellenic Olympic Committee meets with Pavlopoulos

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

''This primarily concerns baseball and softball athletes and to a lesser extent members of the handball team,'' Papadoyiannakis said.

Pavlopoulos informed the HOC delegates that he has already sent the relevant circular to be published in the Government Gazette.

''We expect procedures to be in place this coming week so that we can see whether all the cases that concern us are included in the circular,'' Pavlopoulos said.

[24] Kappa Research poll shows almost half of Athenians will not change vacation plans

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

Replying to the question on whether they are thinking of leaving or staying in Athens during the Games, 45.1 percent of respondents said they will leave, compared to 41.5 who said they will stay and 10.6 who have not yet decided what to do.

August continues to be the most popular month for vacations with 56.3 per cent, followed by July with 27 and September with 7.7.

The poll also shows that the average amount of expenditures during vacations is 1,400 euros (100 euros a day), while an upward trend in the budget necessary for vacations is observed.

[25] Italy-bound ferry continues journey after bomb scare

Athens 24/04/2004 (ANA)

The ''Super Fast 12'' ferry, carrying 284 passengers, including dozens of pupils heading for school trips in western Europe, had returned to port at 14.40 local time.

Special mission coast guard officers and sniffer dogs subsequently boarded the vessel to check for explosives, but nothing out of the ordinary turned up. Passengers had also been escorted off the ship until the check had been completed.

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