Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-06-09

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Measures for El. Venizelos int'l airport in view of Olympic Games unveiled

[02] Athens mayor Bakoyannis discusses Olympic security cooperation with US deputy secretary of state Armitage

[03] King Harald V of Norway convinced Athens will host 'very good' Olympic Games

[04] Party leaders outline party policies in televised debate

[05] Greece will fulfill all obligations to fight terrorism, minister assures EU counterparts

[06] Government notes satisfaction with Ecumenical Patriarchate-Church of Greece agreement on 'New Lands'

[07] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR air traffic regulations

[08] Gov't goals regarding 3rd CSF 'ambitious but realistic', Alogoskoufis says

[09] Greek inflation unchanged at 2.9 pct in May

[10] Greek producer price index up 4.4 pct in April, yr/yr

[11] Statistics service uses new method on measuring fiscal deficits

[12] Technical arrangements made on Greek-Turkish natural gas pipeline

[13] Stocks drop as all capitalization indicators slump

[14] The Olympic Flame visits Beijing

[15] J. Rogge to stay in Olympic Village during Athens Olympic Games

[16] Moby and Public Enemy create anti-war song for Athens Olympic Games

[17] US embassy closed on Friday in observance of National Day of Mourning in memory of late president Reagan

[18] Cyprus President Papadopoulos replies to Annan

[19] Greek Cypriots expect efforts to continue towards settlement

[20] UN Adviser says failed Cyprus effort produced achievements

[21] Cyprus positive on EU proposal for repetition of Euro-Elections

[01] Measures for El. Venizelos int'l airport in view of Olympic Games unveiled

Athens, 9/6/2004 (ANA)

According to airport authorities, the three days from August 12 to 14, as well as August 30, were expected to be the most difficult and have the heaviest air traffic, with one arrival or departure per minute, amounting to 60 airplane arrivals or departures per hour, compared with the current 40-42 arrivals or departures per hour. Airport authorities said they expected to carry out 789 aircraft movements a day on August 12-14 and up to 796 aircraft movements on August 30, with a throughput of 70,000-78,000 passengers.

A total of 20,600 airplanes were due to land at the Eleftherios Venizelos airport in August, compared with the current monthly average of 17,000. With respect to passenger movement, more than 2 million arrivals were anticipated in August against 1.5 million in August last year. The airport will also nearly double the number of parking spaces for aircraft in the airport, adding an extra 74 places to the existing 89.

Civil Aviation Authority chief Panagiotis Manoussos said that outlying airports in Attica, including two military airstrips in Elefsina and Tanagra, will also be on standby as a back-up to the main airport but would be used mainly for aircraft parking and occasionally for visiting VIPs.

The airport is working closely with Games organizers ATHOC and the organizing bodies of previous Olympics in a bid to cope with the extra traffic expected in August and has arranged for the general director of Sydney airport to be in Athens during that time.

Special plans have been made for the members of Olympic teams and the 2,500 VIPs expected to attend, which will include some 50 heads of state and government, as well as the 35,600 sponsors attending the Games and 21,400 members of the press and media. These will be processed by a Rapid Service centre and they will check in at the Olympic Village rather than at the airport.

The authorities said top emphasis has been placed on the issue of security, and more than 1,000 police officers and special forces men, and another 1,000 private security company guards will be patrolling all areas of the airport on a 24-hour basis.

After touring the air traffic control tower and other facilities at the airport, Liapis said it was ready to receive the great volumes of air traffic and passengers expected in August and that it could successfully cope with the challenge of carrying out safe and successful Olympics.

Public Order minister says Greece not a target for terrorists, Olympics will be secure: Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis on Tuesday reiterated that the Olympic Games in Athens will be secure, stressing that Greece was not the target of any terrorist group, either big or small. He was speaking in Thessaloniki before 2,000-plus officers who will be participating in the security operation for the Olympics in Athens.

The minister underlined, however, that Greece had an obligation to work on the basis of maximum threat, even though it was not a terrorist target. He also pointed out that no previous Olympics host-city had spent as much on security as Athens and challenged critics of Greek security preparations for the Games to point out some measure that Athens should have taken and didn't.

"If Greece cannot offer secure Olympic Games then no country can," Voulgarakis stressed and said that the 2004 Games were an opportunity for the international community to show that the Olympics could be safe.

Greek Police Chief Fotis Nasiakos confirmed that there was no intelligence to indicate the threat of a terrorist strike against Greece, while noting that a lack of intelligence did not mean that there was no danger.

Voulgarakis said that the whole of Greece will be treated as a single Olympic facility and that the Olympic security operation will span the period between July 1 and October 4, after the end of the Paralympic Games, and be extended to the entire country.

He said the Olympic bonus for police officers will range between 2,300 to 2,500 euros, while that for the European elections will be 750 euros.

Voulgarakis' Olympic Games security-related visit to Rhodes: "The Dodecanese islands will be transformed into impregnable fortresses during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. All forces will be on standby so that the chain of security remains strong through the end of the events," Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis said on Tuesday during his visit to Rhodes, where police authorities were briefed on security measures related to the Athens Olympics.

Voulgarakis emphasized that security measures will be strict on the islands and especially at ports, airports and anywhere else terrorist attacks may be possible.

According to the minister, the most extreme scenarios were applied during preparations and Greek policemen were trained for a scenario like the Madrid bombing before it occurred.

"Greece will do whatever is humanly possible for the successful staging of the Olympic Games," Voulgarakis said.

The minister will visit Ioannina on Wednesday and will meet with his Albanian counterpart Igli Toska at the Kakavia border checkpoint to discuss the implementation of the security measures the two countries have agreed on for the Olympic Games. Police Chief Lieutenant General Fotis Nasiakos and Olympic Games Security Division Director Major General Vassilis Konstantinidis will also attend the meeting.

[02] Athens mayor Bakoyannis discusses Olympic security cooperation with US deputy secretary of state Armitage

WASHINGTON, 9/6/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)

"The Deputy Secretary expressed appreciation for Greece's close cooperation with international efforts to make sure visitors enjoy a safe Olympic Games, Ereli said.

He added that "Greece has dedicated tremendous resources to securing the Games and through hard, determined effort, has made very good progress. We will continue to work with Greek security authorities now and throughout the Games".

Bakoyannis herself, speaking to reporters after the meeting with Armitage at the State Department, said Greece and the US agreed that preparations for the Athens Games were progressing very well and that the Games would take place in a secure environment.

"We discussed the issue of security of the Olympic Games and the city's preparation for the Games. We have the mutual view that the Olympic Games are being very well prepared and that all the conditions exist for them to be safe and successful," Bakoyannis said.

While at the State Department, Bakoyannis also signed the book of condolences over the death of former US president Ronald Reagan.

"I think that, today, it has been acknowledged throughout the world that the presidency of Ronald Reagan was the presidency of a great American President who, without a single gunshot being fired, managed to influence the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the change to democracy of many countries of Eastern Europe," Bakoyannis said.

She described Reagan, who died on the weekend at the age of 93, as a "warm person who will be remembered by the Americans for his kindness and humor".

Earlier, after a meeting with deputy assistant to President Bush and deputy national security advisor for combating terrorism, Frances Townsend, the Athens Mayor said she felt that the US government understood the effort being made by Greece, and was satisfied with the measures being taken for the Games' security.

"It was a good and useful meeting, and we discussed Greece's preparation for the Olympic Games. Things are going well. There is a close and effective cooperation, and we believe that Greece truly will have the ability to hold the best and safest Olympic Games, inside a very difficult international environment," Bakoyannis said.

US State Department says US willing to help Greece with Olympic Games: US state Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said on Tuesday the United States is willing to help Greece in its efforts to prepare the Olympic Games.

Ereli said the Olympic Games were the issue focused in the meeting held at the State Department on Monday between Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis and Assistant Secretary of State Richard Armitage.

He described the meeting as "positive" and said the two sides "discussed a series of bilateral issues, including the Athens Olympic Games."

Ereli further said "we expressed our support for the efforts being made by Greece and we reiterated our intention to provide every kind of assistance which might be useful to Greece, while it is preparing to host the Olympic Games."

Bakoyannis interview with Washington-area NBC network on Olympics: The Washington-area NBC television network on Tuesday transmitted an interview with Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis focusing on preparations for the Olympic Games in Athens in August.

In the introduction to the interview, footage from the city's Olympic preparations were shown and it was stressed that Athens was being transformed by the excellent infrastructure and improvements being carried out to receive an anticipated 500,000 visitors for the Games.

Bakoyannis described this transformation as a "major investment in the city that required many years of hard effort but was worth it, since Athens was now ready to host the Games".

The report also focused on the stringent security measures set up for these Olympics, noting that the budget was quadruple that spent in Sydney and five times that spent by Atlanta, as well as the backup surveillance being provided by NATO in the air and at sea.

"We are spending 1.2 billion dollars on security infrastructure and equipment and have trained 70,000 police and armed forces personnel. In an uncertain world, no one can definitely know what will happen but we can say that in August Athens will perhaps be the safest city," Bakoyannis stressed.

The Athens mayor went on to say that the next weeks will be dedicated to putting the last-minute touches to spruce up the city for the Games and stressed that Greece anticipated major trade-offs in increased tourism and direct investment as a result of hosting the Olympics.

The report ended by noting that Athens and the Games had not received any terrorist threat.

[03] King Harald V of Norway convinced Athens will host 'very good' Olympic Games

Athens, 9/6/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos, which was also attended by Greek foreign minister Petros Molyviatis, the Norwegian monarch wished every success to the Games, and stressed the friendly ties between his country and Greece.

Stephanopoulos described Norway as the "example of a peaceful and democratic country, with a tradition in love of culture".

King Harald -- who is accompanied by the Norwegian foreign minister Jan Petersen, minister of trade & industry Ansgar Gabrielsen, and minister of the environment, Borge Brende -- also met with parliament president Anna Psarouda-Benaki, and was due to host a luncheon in honor of President Stephanopoulos and members of the Greek shipping community.

He was also scheduled to meet separately on Wednesday with prime minister Costas Karamanlis, main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou, Coalition of the Left (SYN) leader Nikos Constantopoulos, and Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee (ATHOC) president Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki.

President refers to Cyprus issue at dinner in honor of Norwegian royals: President of the Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos, at an official dinner he gave on Tuesday evening in honor of King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway, who are currently on an official visit to Greece, referred to the Cyprus issue, stressing the need for there to be "certain basic clarifications and improvements" of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's plan on the Cyprus problem "which will be to the benefit of both the communities."

The president said "the negative outcome of the (April 24) referendum in Cyprus is due to the almost unanimous conviction of the Greek Cypriots that the plan placed to their judgment did not secure the balance between the two communities, neither did it offer the necessary guarantees for the future development of their relations."

Stephanopoulos assured that Cyprus and Greece always sincerely seek the reunification of the island with the achievement, as soon as possible, of a just and functional solution on the basis of the Annan plan and within the framework of the acquis communautaire and the fundamental principles of the European Union. He noted that Cyprus' accession to the EU already creates a new momentum for the hoped, as he said, settlement of the Cyprus issue.

The president further said that the region of southeast Europe is ranked in the first line of the priorities of Greek foreign policy, adding that "we are promoting the strengthening of relations with our neighboring countries, both on a bilateral and multilateral level, with the purpose of achieving and maintaining peace in this region."

Referring to relations between Athens and Ankara, Stephanopoulos noted that Greece is continuing initiatives and efforts for the improvement of these relations, through cooperation, on issues of mutual interest. "Our aim is to lead Greek-Turkish relations to a framework of good neighborliness, governed by the internationally valid rules of law. We hope that in this sincere intention of ours, our neighboring country will also respond equally sincerely. The recent visit to Athens by Turkish Prime Minister Mr. (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan strengthened these hopes of ours, as well as the will of the two countries to cooperate."

The president referred in his address to the good relations between Greece and Norway, stressing that there were margins for their further improvement.

Stephanopoulos also noted Greece's aim to host excellent Olympic Games, saying that "we are making all possible efforts and we are certain we will succeed."

Norwegian royals visit Greek Parliament: King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway on Tuesday paid a visit to the Greek Parliament, in the framework of their first official visit to Greece, where they were received by Parliament Speaker Anna Psarouda-Benaki.

Afterwards, Psarouda-Benaki announced the formation of a parliamentary group for Greek-Norwegian friendship and praised the good relations between the two countries on all levels, stressing her desire to intensify and promote relations between the Greek and Norwegian Parliaments.

She particularly stressed the important work done in Greece by the Norwegian Archaeological Society, which was involved with archaeological research and cultural events in the country.

King Harald expressed conviction that Greece will host impeccable Olympic Games and referred to the country's large shipping sector and the great love of Greek and Norwegian peoples for the sea, noting that this was a factor that united the two nations in spite of the great geographical distance between them.

Norway's pro-active int'l involvement a 'moral imperative', ambassador says: A three-day state visit here this week by King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway will be marked by a busy round of official meetings with Greek leadership as well as a series of events ranging from a sculpture exhibition to seminars on maritime finance to tours of Norwegian-supported environmental projects in the country.

Beyond the pomp and ceremony of the official itinerary, however, the Norwegian royal couple's visit also highlights the distinctive and constructive international role cultivated by the "country of fiords" over the past decade or so, especially in lending its trademark northern European impartiality to a handful of thorny conflict-resolution efforts.

Norway's ambassador to Athens, Finn. K. Fostervoll, nevertheless does mention an indirect link between Norway's bold decisions (twice) to forsake European Union membership with the Scandinavian country's prolific international involvement.

"The fact that we are not a member of the European Union compels us to have a profile and a level of activity which otherwise would have been channeled into the EU framework. And it's also a way for us to make us an interesting talking partner, internationally," the envoy said from his office in the top floor of Norway's embassy in the Greek capital.

"When we have a good relationship professionally, politically with the United States of America, I am not talking about Iraq or the controversial issues, but in general, it has to do with the fact that we are a partner and a facilitator for many other conflicts that are raging in the world today."

Norway's "honest broker" mediation, of facilitation as Fostervoll calls it, has been used to tackle the obstinate Mideast problem - the breakthrough Oslo agreements come to mind - and are currently employed for the civil war in Sudan, sectarian fighting in Sri Lanka and in the conflict between the government and rebels in Colombia.

Besides whatever political capital from Oslo's involvement in these efforts, Fostervoll cites a "moral imperative, we want to be part of the process of making the world a better place to live in."

He says the same idea inspires Norway's developmental assistance programs, "we are now on the very top of the list in terms of development assistance, percentage wise, we are very close to 1 percent".

Asked to outline the lessons gained so far from Norway's high-profile facilitation efforts and pro-active involvement, Fostervoll said:

"Well, unfortunately, the lessons are mixed. Of course the Oslo process from 1992 to 1993 has not proven to be a successful effort, we have to face that. That doesn't mean that we could have foreseen, or done it differently � But I think we have made a difference in Sri Lanka � We believe that it (the international mediation) is a worthwhile effort that demonstrates our preparedness to contribute�"

"The lessons learned are that unless the parties involved have a genuine interest to achieve, call it peace, call it armistice, then no external power or facilitator is in a position to make a significant difference, but it doesn't prevent us from trying," Fostervoll, who previously served as his country's envoy to Ankara, stressed.

Finally, the ambassador cites an essential difference, as he notes, between a mediating role and a facilitator's role, "we can only reason and be sure that the lines of communication are open, and that we can provide a framework but being very careful in not promoting our own agenda," he says, differentiating Norway's involvement from that of major powers, such as the United States or the European Union.

Olympics: Asked about upcoming Olympic Games of Athens, the Norwegian envoy cited an upsurge in interest by Norwegian fans and media, with the country's Prime Minister and sports minister definitely expected in the Greek capital this August.

Fostervoll called preparations for the Games "impressive and massive", while also reiterating that he feels "very safe" in Athens.

Beyond the close and decades-long relations between the Greek and Norwegian shipping sector and shipyards, the ambassador cited a significant potential for expanding trade and cooperation in the industrial services sector as well as in environmental technologies and maritime technologies.

Finally, the Norwegian ambassador also proudly touted the five Greece-based projects approved for assistance by Oslo -- to the tune of just more than 22 million euros -- including environmental upgrades and restoration works in the Amvrakikos Gulf and the Messolonghi lagoon; research grants to the Ormylia nunnery of northern Greece for the molecular early detection of certain forms of cancer; the "Poseidon II" project for monitoring and forecasting in the eastern Mediterranean, as well as the restoration and environmental interpretation of the riparian forest of the Nestos Delta, in extreme NE Greece.

[04] Party leaders outline party policies in televised debate

Athens, 9/6/2004 (ANA)

"The high cost of living touches citizens but it cannot be tackled from one day to another. The policy we are applying is healthy and we shall confront the problem by strengthening competition, activating checks and applying a policy which will decrease the cost of production with low tax rates and incentives through the new development law on investments," he said.

Karamanlis said asking for the problem to be tackled in three months is absurd and, indeed, at a time when there is an upward trend in oil prices which is a problem "which we cannot solve."

The prime minister stressed that the Competition Committee has already been strengthened which, as he said, was not functioning fully and added that consumers must also be kept informed.

Karamanlis, referring to the issue of contract workers, said the great number is covered by the arrangement promoted and the Council of State is expected to reply in connection with the handling of steadfast and continuous needs.

As regards the question of Olympic Games projects and their use in the ruling New Democracy party's television spots, Karamanlis said his government is not appropriating anything and that there must be continuity in the state and stressed that his government has given a great impetus to many of the projects which were being delayed and which, as he pointed out, will be completed in time.

Turning to foreign policy issues, the premier said that there had been correct handlings of matters such as the visit to Greece by Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, his trip to the United States and the struggle in the EU over Mediterranean products.

On the Cyprus issue, he said the Greek government stood by its obligations and underlined his respect for the Greek Cypriots' decision to reject the Annan plan saying that they refused the imposition of a solution. He further said that his government was making efforts to shape conditions for a new attempt on the Cyprus issue.

On his part, main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou said "the ministers are ruling and not the prime minister" and stressed that ND has not been renewed over the past 11 years.

He said he will go ahead with renewing PASOK because it constitutes the order of the one million citizens who voted for him and the mandate emanating from the outcome of the elections.

"We are keeping what is best from the past, we are learning from our mistakes and we are changing," Papandreou said and accused the ruling party of failing to receive the messages of the times.

Papandreou further said Karamanlis is being advertised as a powerful negotiator (in ND's television spots) "and I see him signing a piece of paper which is the taking of his oath. The only thing he negotiated is his taking of the oath, while at his ministry he is throwing out 5,000 employees."

The PASOK party leader accused the government of handling issues superficially and reiterated that in Lucerne (during talks on the Cyprus issue) the prime minister "went for tourism" and added "they are deceiving the Greek people. We would like to give them a period of grace but they are not ruling."

Papandreou urged citizens to participate in the upcoming Euroelections and stressed "we would also like to be the first party. Why not?".

Papariga and Constantopoulos: In the televised debate on Tuesday night between the four political party leaders ahead of the European Parliament elections this coming Sunday, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary General Aleka Papariga said that the people will decide when they will leave the European Union, stating that people's power is a lever in the hands of the citizens for development.

"For as long as we are in the EU, we will ask for support of the subsidies for the farmers who were 'hit' by the EU's policy," she said.

She further said that agricultural subsidies have been detached from production, that it is insulting for it to be said that the Greek people lived from EU subsidies and underlined that agricultural production in Greece has stuck at the levels of 1990, while 50 percent of foodstuffs are imported.

On his part, Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) leader Nicos Constantopoulos said that he insisted in the policy for dialogue and forms of cooperation in the Left to grow. He expressed regret that the cooperation which existed in the general elections did not continue, noting that three big knots must be loosened concerning cooperation of the Radical Left, the relation of the Coalition and the KKE and the relation of the Left with PASOK.

Constantopoulos said his party's European orientation was a given fact, but he stressed that the Stability Pact must change, which, as he said, Jacques Delors had described as a "political straightjacket."

"We are against the demolition of Europe, and this is why we ask for strength to struggle for a different Europe," he said.

Inflation and deficits were problems of the previous decades, while today's problems are employment and balanced development, Constantopoulos said.

[05] Greece will fulfill all obligations to fight terrorism, minister assures EU counterparts

BRUSSELS 9/6/2004 (ANA - V. Demiris)

The Council meeting stressed the determination of the 25 EU member-states to implement the declaration on combatting terrorism made by the European Council in March.

Addressing the meeting, Papaligouras countered criticism leveled against Greece regarding alleged delays in incorporating such European decision into Greek law and stressed that the new Greek government was giving due consideration to this issue.

He noted the need to find a best compromise between fighting terrorism and respect for human rights and the rule of law, noting that this target was achieved in recent legislation processed by the justice ministry.

[06] Government notes satisfaction with Ecumenical Patriarchate-Church of Greece agreement on 'New Lands'

Athens, 9/6/2004 (ANA)

Roussopoulos hailed the agreement as a "new era" in relations between the two Churches and said that the two "pillars of Orthodoxy have displayed a wise and moderate relationship for the benefit of Orthodoxy and Hellenism", while he underlined the successful mediatory role of Education and Religious Affairs Minister Marietta Yiannakou in achieving the reconciliation and preserving legal forms.

He stressed that the Church charter continued to be in force and that the government did not involve itself with the internal affairs of the Church, while noting that the recent development marked the end of 11 months of strained relations between the Greek Church and Phanar.

The dispute between the two Churches concerned the election of new metropolitans for the 'New Lands' sees, with the Patriarchate demanding strict enforcement of the Act of 1928 granting "stewardship" of these to the Greek Church and demanding the right to vet and propose additions to the lists of candidates. The Church of Greece objected to these demands as an infringement on its autocephalous status and said they clashed with the Greek Constitution and laws.

[07] Turkish warplanes infringe Athens FIR air traffic regulations

Athens, 9/6/2004 (ANA)

The 22 Turkish aircraft entered the Athens FIR without submitting flight plans while flying between Limnos and Lesvos and Lesvos and Chios.

In all cases, the Turkish warplanes were recognized and intercepted by Greek air force jets, while in two cases the interception process developed into an engagement.

Five of the Turkish warplanes were armed.

The Turkish armed forces are currently carrying out a regular exercise in the region of the eastern Aegean.

[08] Gov't goals regarding 3rd CSF 'ambitious but realistic', Alogoskoufis says

Athens, 9/6/2004 (ANA)

The finance minister stressed that 3rd CSF funds should be channeled toward investments in production that had permanent results and that the procedures for approval and funding of projects by the 3rd CSF had to be simplified to overcome current delays.

He noted that the midway point of the 2000-2006 program period had been passed with only 24 per cent absorption of the funds available and that this figure had to increase to 35-37 per cent by the end of the year.

The minister also stressed the need to use the funds for structural changes and improvements, such as an ambitious tax reform to encourage private enterprise and more effective developmental laws, as well as restriction of bureaucracy.

Addressing the 3rd CSF Monitoring Committee, Alogoskoufis said that substantial progress had to be made in a short space of time in order to avoid loss of available funds. The committee is meeting at the indoor Olympics stadium in Faliro and has decided to speed up the review process and negotiations with European Commission agencies for finalizing the text of the programs, so that they can be sent on to the European Commission for approval and funding on June 30.

[09] Greek inflation unchanged at 2.9 pct in May

Athens, 9/6/2004 (ANA)

Kontopyrakis stressed that there were no signs of a price surge in the first days of June. Commenting on May's annual inflation figures (unchanged at 2.9 percent from April), NSS's head said it reflected a balanced development between price rises resulting from higher fuel prices and lower prices of fresh fruit and vegetables. Kontopyrakis stressed that hoteliers also showed self-restraint and said he hoped that this trend would continue in the coming months.

The 2.9 percent annual increase in the consumer price index in May reflected: a 7.3 percent rise in alcohol and tobacco prices, a 5.1 percent increase in housing prices, a 5.5 percent rise in transportation prices, and rises of 4.4 percent in healthcare and education, 4.3 percent in coffee-restaurant and 3.7 percent in clothing-footwear. Prices fell in communication services (3.3 percent), food and beverages (1.0 percent) in May.

Greece's harmonized inflation rate slowed to 3.1 percent in May from 3.5 percent in the same month last year.

[10] Greek producer price index up 4.4 pct in April, yr/yr

Athens, 9/6/2004 (ANA)

NSS, in its monthly report, said that the index was up 1.1 percent from March, after an 1.2 percent decline in the same period last year (April to March).

For the domestic market, the index rose 4.1 percent in April from the same month in 2003, while for the external market, the index jumped 5.1 percent over the same period.

[11] Statistics service uses new method on measuring fiscal deficits

Athens, 9/6/2004 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Kontopyrakis said that Bank of Greece's figures on budget deficit did not include capital investments in fixed assets or securities. He stressed that the country's fiscal deficit would be different if measured according to a methodology used by NSS -the same as Eurostat- and noted that final figures could be lower.

The National Statistics Service is currently collecting financial data from public pension funds and hospitals, while municipal authorities were responding with delay to this effort, Kontopyrakis told reporters. NSS has also asked for detailed data from the Defense Ministry, covering armament programs. The statistics service expects to submit final figures with Eurostat in August.

[12] Technical arrangements made on Greek-Turkish natural gas pipeline

Athens, 9/6/2004 (ANA)

The presidents of the Turkish BOTAS Public Gas Corporation and the corresponding Greek DEPA corporation, M. Bilgic and R. Moisis, met in Istanbul on Saturday and made an evaluation of preparations made so far to build the pipeline and of its expected commercial utilization.

[13] Stocks drop as all capitalization indicators slump

Athens, 9/6/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,411.63 points, showing a 0.47 per cent decrease. Turnover was 108.6 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.76 per cent lower; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.22 per cent down; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.57 per cent lower.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 179 to 98 with 82 remaining unchanged.

[14] The Olympic Flame visits Beijing

Athens, 9/6/2004 (ANA)

The torch relay officially begins tomorrow when 148 torchbearers will carry the Olympic Torch throughout central areas of Beijing. Head of the Greek mission will be Athens 2004 Executive Director Marton Simitsek, while Tourism Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos will also be in attendance.

[15] J. Rogge to stay in Olympic Village during Athens Olympic Games

Athens, 9/6/2004 (ANA)

The IOC president decided to stay at the Olympic Village because he likes to be close to the athletes and enjoys "the atmosphere," the telegram read.

[16] Moby and Public Enemy create anti-war song for Athens Olympic Games

Athens, 9/6/2004 (ANA)

The song titled, "MKLVFKWR" will be released July 12. Other participating artists include: Chuck D, Flavor Flav, Alice Cooper, Xzibit, Destiny's Child, Will I Am, Macy Gray, Keziah Jones and many other singers from 15 countries.

[17] US embassy closed on Friday in observance of National Day of Mourning in memory of late president Reagan

Athens, 9/6/2004 (ANA)

According to an embassy announcement issued Tuesday, the US embassy in Athens and US consulate in Thessaloniki will be closed all day on Friday, except for previously scheduled non-immigrant visa appointments. For emergency services, call the embassy in Athens at 210-7294301 and 210-7204444.

People wishing to sign the condolence book for President Reagan may go to the embassy in Athens and consulate in Thessaloniki between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. from June 8-10.

[18] Cyprus President Papadopoulos replies to Annan

NICOSIA 9/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

The letter will circulate as an official UN document.

According to diplomatic sources, an annex of 13 pages is attached to the seven-page letter, by which Papadopoulos answers point by point to Annan's references on the stance of the Greek Cypriot side and President Papadopoulos.

In the letter Papadopoulos explains the reasons why the Greek Cypriot side could not accept the Annan plan for a Cyprus settlement as it did not cover its basic concerns but covered the basic Turkish positions.

The UN Security Council will be briefed on Tuesday on the UN Secretary General's report on the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and his report on his good offices mission.

A resolution for the renewal of the peacekeeping force's mandate will be adopted Friday while a Security Council presidential statement is expected to be issued regarding the report on the UN Secretary General's good offices mission.

[19] Greek Cypriots expect efforts to continue towards settlement

NICOSIA 9/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Asked what was expected from the UN Security Council discussion on the UN Secretary's report on his good offices mission in Cyprus, Chrysostomides said ''we want the Security Council to further open the window the Secretary-General left open.''

He added that the Security Council ''must definitely see to the compliance with resolutions 541 and 550'' and make sure that further efforts to financially upgrade the Turkish Cypriots do not contradict international law and the basis of previous UN resolutions.

The spokesman said the letter sent by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos to UN chief Kofi Annan, along with an annex that refers in detail to Annan's report, has already been submitted to the Security Council with the request that it circulates as a UN General Assembly document.

Chrysostomides did not reveal the content of the president's letter but said it thanked Annan for his efforts and stated the positions of the Greek Cypriot side regarding ''the incomplete picture in certain sectors of the report.''

''What we are trying to show is that there was an approach and description of all that happened, which does not respond to our approaches and our positions that had been submitted to the Secretary-General during the negotiations,'' Chrysostomides explained.

The spokesman noted that ''we do not agree with the approach that the solution was dismissed, in terms of a bizonal bicommunal federation, by the Greek Cypriot population of the Republic of Cyprus,'' adding that the Greek Cypriot community rejected the specific plan, not the solution.

Commenting on a statement by the UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto, that President Papadopoulos ''does not have any ideas about the future'', the spokesman said this was a ''one-sided view of Mr. de Soto.''

[20] UN Adviser says failed Cyprus effort produced achievements

UNITED NATIONS 9/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking before the presentation to the UN Security Council of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's report on his good offices mission to Cyprus, de Soto said that although the final opportunity to ensure that Cyprus should accede to the EU as a united country rather than divided has been missed, the achievements of the whole effort should be built upon and noted that the Security Council has a role to play in this direction.

He also said Annan received ''late yesterday afternoon, from the Greek Cypriot side, a letter outlining comments regarding the Secretary-General's report on his mission of good offices.''

''I believe it has been conveyed also to members of the Council pending its circulation as an official document. It goes without saying that given that it is a rather lengthy letter, we have not had time to study it. Obviously, we stand ready to respond to questions that members of the Council might have in that regard either here and now or in another form,'' de Soto added.

De Soto gave a brief history of the UN effort to reach a Cyprus settlement, leading up to the 24 April 2004 referenda on a UN solution plan finalized by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, which the Greek Cypriot side dismissed and the Turkish Cypriot side accepted.

''It was rejected on the Greek Cypriot side by a margin of three to one, and approved on the Turkish Cypriot side by a margin of two to one. The plan therefore did not enter into force,'' de Soto said.

He noted that ''the final opportunity to ensure that Cyprus should accede to the EU as a united country rather than divided has thus been missed.''

''While the ultimate outcome of the effort of the past four and a half years has not been a success, a great deal has nevertheless been achieved. Those achievements should be built upon, and a number of elements put in place, to keep alive the prospects of reconciliation and reunification in the future,'' de Soto pointed out.

He also said the Security Council has ''an important role to play in this regard.''

The Peruvian diplomat said that ''a broad and fundamental reassessment of the full range of UN peace activities in Cyprus, both good offices and peacemaking, is timely.''

Referring to Annan's report to the Security Council on his good offices mission, de Soto said the UN chief ''indicated his hope that Greek Cypriots will reflect on the outcome of this process in the coming months,'' noting that ''we need to better understand the reasons for their strong rejection of the plan.''

''We need to know if questions of security and implementation were, indeed, the main concern, and if so, what can be done by the Security Council to address them. The Secretary-General has encouraged the Council to stand ready to do so if those concerns can be articulated with clarity and finality,'' de Soto added.

On Annan's comment in his report that ''what was rejected was the solution itself rather than a mere blueprint,'' de Soto explained that ''the sole purpose of that sentence was to emphasize that what was rejected on April 24 was a comprehensive plan for a settlement, ready for implementation, with nothing further to be negotiated, rather than a mere framework or set of principles for future negotiations.''

Referring to the Turkish Cypriot acceptance of the plan, de Soto said Annan ''has welcomed the fact that the Turkish Cypriots, in approving the plan, have unequivocally signaled their commitment to reunification.''

''The Secretary-General has called on the Council to give a strong lead to all states to cooperate both bilaterally and in international bodies to eliminate unnecessary restrictions and barriers that have the effect of isolating the Turkish Cypriots and impeding their development,'' de Soto pointed out.

He clarified however that this is ''not meant to give state rights, state functions or state institutions to the so-called 'TRNC'. Its purpose would not be to afford recognition or assist secession, but rather to promote reunification and reconciliation.''

De Soto acknowledged the ''extensive and consistent'' efforts of many Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to reunify Cyprus, noting that these ''have to continue.''

[21] Cyprus positive on EU proposal for repetition of Euro-Elections

NICOSIA 9/6/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Government spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said on Tuesday the whole issue would be discussed at the EU Council of Ministers and noted that the aim is a correct and clear definition of the decision in order to avoid any complications.

The spokesman reminded that the joint decision of the Greek Cypriot political parties was that Turkish Cypriots should participate in the European elections and to this end Turkish Cypriots were able to register in the polling lists.

He added that all arrangements within the European Commission were being ''carried out in the knowledge and with the agreement of the Republic of Cyprus.''

Chrysostomides called on all Cypriot citizens to participate in the elections of June 13 for the six Cypriot EMPs, ''thus showing our excitement about the official accession of Cyprus to the EU and the importance given to the increasing role of the European Parliament for the progress of European matters.''

Responding to questions, Chrysostomides said the ballots would be in Greek and Turkish, noting that a translation into English may be posted at the polling stations for those who comprehend neither Greek nor Turkish.

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article