Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-09-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] Government discusses economic growth after Olympics

[02] Gov't is not aiming to sell Olympic properties to private sector, minister says

[03] PM meets with Meimarakis in preparation for the Thessaloniki International Fair

[04] Gov't again dismisses speculation over next year's presidential election

[05] Gov't on prospect of Cyprus-Turkey customs union

[06] PASOK party leader says growth and competitiveness must not take place at expense of social achievements

[07] Stepped up security measures announced for Wednesday's Greece-Turkey football match

[08] SYN accuses gov't of being passive to Saturday's episodes

[09] Anti-racist rally held in Thessaloniki

[10] Albanian Immigrants Forum holds press conference

[11] Development minister says government will follow policy of moderate adjustment in economy

[12] Athens Chamber optimistic over economic prospects

[13] Greece's net inflows from EU funds amounted to 3.37 billion euros in 2003

[14] Greece seeks balanced relation between govts and EU in farm sector

[15] Development minister addresses European Commission members, says SMEs require measures and programs

[16] Deputy FM discusses exports with Northern Greece Exporters Federation

[17] SETE concerned over decline in tourism

[18] OTE's new management focuses on commercial policy

[19] 40 Athens hospitals now use natural gas, company reports

[20] Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry organizing trade mission to Japan

[21] Athens bourse close: Stocks remain stable as trading rate recovers

[22] Greece to participate in the 26th Biennale of Sao Paolo

[23] Swimming federation president gives deposition regarding Kenteris-Thanou case

[24] Ring of car thieves broken up in Alexandroupolis

[25] Cypriot President says Verheugen expressing Commission's views

[01] Government discusses economic growth after Olympics

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, presenting his report, stressed that all effort should be made to ensure that the Olympic Games contributed effectively in the country's development. "The government's aim is to take advantage of a positive climate created in the country, particularly with the volunteer movement, tourist and know-how," Sioufas told reporters after the meeting.

Speaking to reporters, Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister George Souflias said that the Prime Minister would present the economic condition in a realistic way during his speech at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair and stressed that the government would proceed with courageous and prudent steps towards implementing its pre-election program. He reminded that the party's program has a four-year horizon. Souflias noted that the government would not back away from its program and stressed that "with the current economic condition strict measures are not necessary, but social benefits are not allowed also".

[02] Gov't is not aiming to sell Olympic properties to private sector, minister says

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

During the meeting, which was also attended by Hellenic Olympic Properties SA president Christos Hatziemmanouil, TEDKNA called for active cooperation to make use of Olympic facilities based on social and local community interests.

"The interests of local communities are our priority. United in our decisions we will win [the wager] of preserving and making use of the legacy of the Olympic installations and 60 training centers," Petralia said.

The minister has sent out a circular to municipalities in which she has asked them to take responsibility for guarding the equipment and other movable property within the installations, such as the surgeries and computers.

TEDKNA President Vassilis Philippou asked that TEDKNA to be allowed to participate in the bodies that will make decisions regarding Olympic properties, informing the minister that it was working on a plan for their development.

The two sides also discussed completion of work to redevelop and landscape the areas surrounding Olympic facilities, so as to induct them into the fabric of local communities.

The post-Olympic use of the facilities also occupied Tuesday's meeting of the inner Cabinet with a presentation on "development and Olympic gains" made by Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas.

According to government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, the government's goal was to make use of every area of experience in employment, environment, quality of life, volunteerism, tourism, the Olympic Village and sports.

He stressed that the proposals for the use of Olympic facilities had to include prospects of capitalizing on the progress made during the Olympics, so that the Athens Olympic Games became a starting point rather than a parenthesis.

[03] PM meets with Meimarakis in preparation for the Thessaloniki International Fair

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

No comments were made after the one-hour meeting, but sources say that ND will propose a political figure for the presidential post but will not agree to general elections in March 2005.

[04] Gov't again dismisses speculation over next year's presidential election

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

The president of the Hellenic Republic, the country's mostly ceremonial head of state, is elected by Parliament's 300 deputies -- with 180 MPs required to approve of any candidate.

In response to a volley of press questions during his regular daily briefing, government spokesman Theodoris Roussopoulos merely responded that the Greek constitution mandates the widest possible consent in the person of the president of the republic. The government has repeatedly stated over the past few days that speculation over the presidential election is premature.

Issue of election of President of the Republic is 'premature', ministers say: The issue of election of a new President of the Republic was "premature", according to the government, as stated by ministers after a meeting of the Inner Cabinet on Tuesday.

A new President of the Republic is due to be elected in March by the 300-member parliament, upon expiration of current President Costis Stephanopoulos' second term in office.

After the Inner Cabinet meeting, environment, town planning and public works minister George Souflias said in reply to press questions that "the issue is premature and complex".

Development minister Dimitris Sioufas also told reporters that it was not the time for discussion on the matter.

Education minister Marietta Yiannakou, too, said that any discussion on the matter was premature. She added, however, that Stephanopoulos' successor in the Presidency must be fully knowledgeable on the political affairs and capable of creating unity with his presence.

[05] Gov't on prospect of Cyprus-Turkey customs union

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

Spokesman Theodoris Roussopoulos made the comment when asked about the prospect of Turkey-Cyprus customs union agreement.

[06] PASOK party leader says growth and competitiveness must not take place at expense of social achievements

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

Papandreou said the city's economic bodies must be able to undertake collective initiatives to handle problems and "not to expect everything from a ministry."

On the question of contesting the holding of the "EXPO 2008" exhibition, Papandreou said the event must not be related to Thessaloniki's growth vision, but should constitute a lever for the implementation of the vision, adding that he and PASOK will assist the government to even go ahead with changes in the legislative framework to facilitate, as much as possible, the awarding of the event to Thessaloniki.

Papandreou also held a television conversation with Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos on Monday night, who briefed him on the recent incidents which were caused outside the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the Phanar by the "Grey Wolves" Turkish nationalist organization.

PASOK party leader George Papandreou and former PM Costas Simitis hold telephone conversation: Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou and former prime minister Costas Simitis held a telephone conversation on Tuesday, exchanging views on the current political situation and agreeing to meet during the week for a wider discussion.

Referring to speculation on the election of a new President of the Republic in spring, when the term of President Kostis Stephanopoulos expires, Papandreou assured Simitis that both he himself and PASOK will never involve themselves in talk about the president and about candidates' names.

[07] Stepped up security measures announced for Wednesday's Greece-Turkey football match

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

Some 1,000 police officers are expected to provide security inside, outside and near the Faliro district stadium. The same venue hosted the final of the women's 2004 Olympic soccer final last month.

Expectedly, fans will be prevented from bringing coins, lighters or other such objects inside the venue. Moreover, banners with derogatory or offensive language will also be prohibited, according to reports.

A number of officials from the Turkish football federation, VIPs, Turkish sportswriters and team members' friends and family will view the game from the stands, although Turkish fans have not been allocated tickets for the match up, following talks between the two countries' football federations.

Finally, police and federation officials urged fans to use mass transports to reach the stadium, as vehicles will be prohibited from the surrounding area.

Gov't on football-related disturbances following Albania-Greece match: The government on Tuesday again commented on the soccer-related hooliganism that erupted in a handful of Greek cities following the national team's loss 2-1 by Albania on Saturday evening.

"Greek police arrested the protagonists of the incidents," government spokesman Theodoris Roussopoulos reiterated during his regular press briefing.

Asked about a demarche by the Tirana government over the violence, which left one Albanian national dead on the island of Zakynthos and several others around the country with injuries, the spokesman said the goal is cooperation between the two peoples, "therefore, isolated incidents should not disrupt the good relations between the two countries."

A virulent anti-Greek atmosphere at the Tirana stadium where the game was played -- and with the impoverished west Balkan country's leadership prominently looking on -- caused local hooligans and youths to take to the streets when groups of mostly young Albanian workers began to noisily congregate in certain main town squares to celebrate.

[08] SYN accuses gov't of being passive to Saturday's episodes

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

"New Democracy's silence regarding the Olympic booing in the stadiums, was followed by the doping cover-up, followed by [the government's] speechlessness regarding the racist episodes which resulted in one death and dozens of injured," Voutsis said.

[09] Anti-racist rally held in Thessaloniki

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

Hundreds of people assembled in the Ancient Market Square at 7 p.m. and, shouting anti-racist slogans, marched to the city's centre and reached the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace, which was ringed with police vans, where they dispersed.

[10] Albanian Immigrants Forum holds press conference

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

Ervin Sehou, who spoke on behalf of the Forum, also claimed that most of the violence which took place at Omonia Square, occurred in the presence of policemen who in essence protected the right-wing extremists.

"We have been in Greece 10 to 15 years and we want to live with the Greeks. The issue is how will we live together. I think that if events such as these occur they will be a problem for Greeks as well," Sehou said.

P. Mezini, President of the Union of Albanian Immigrant Societies called on everyone to avoid a repeat of such events and called Albanians' insult-calling during the Greek anthem "wrong."

[11] Development minister says government will follow policy of moderate adjustment in economy

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

Sioufas added that such an issue was not raised in meetings between Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and social partners in which he had participated.

The minister announced the inclusion of 771 investments from small and very small enterprises in findings of the 3rd Community Support Framework's Business Competitiveness Program-me.

They are investments amounting to 163.1 million euros which will create 1,137 new jobs and which are part of the third cycle of the program for backing integrated business plans for small and very small businesses.

The business plans approved concern the achievement of specific business targets and include such activities as the introduction of new technologies in the production process, improving existing production equipment, developing quality check systems and developing informatics systems.

[12] Athens Chamber optimistic over economic prospects

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

In a memorandum sent to the Prime Minister and other political leaders ahead of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair, the president of the Athens Chamber for Trade and Industry (EBEA) Drakoulis Fountoukakos stressed that this optimism was based on the fact that the Greek government has at least 30 billion euros in national and community funds over the next five years, "a sum that with the right political choices could maintain, if not accelerate, economic growth rates in the country".

"If this money was effectively spent and the government implemented its pre-election program to support co-funded projects, then another 5-7 billion euros in private funds could be drained during this period," Fountoukakos said.

EBEA said that the mixture of economic policy should include: abolition of "creative" accounting and a commitment by the government for transparency in economic information, adopting a three-year program of fiscal adaptation envisaging a 5.0 percent annual reduction in public spending and a 10 percent drop in civil servants' workforce, in a move aimed to reduce deficits and debts. The three-year program should be accompanied by a drastic reduction of tax factors, introducing a new, simple and fair tax system, drafting a new development law, announcing an ambitious two-year privatization program and supporting mergers between state organizations and agencies. EBEA also urged for an efficient use of Olympic facilities, combatting state corruption and accelerating efforts to achieve the so-called Lisbon Targets. The Chamber also called for a full deregulation of energy and transport markets in the next two years and full deregulation of the education market.

[13] Greece's net inflows from EU funds amounted to 3.37 billion euros in 2003

BRUSSELS 8/9/2004 (ANA - M. Spinthourakis)

The amount equals 2.22 percent of Greece's GDP and in practice it means that every Greek citizen "received" 305.3 euros from EU funds in 2003.

The only EU member-state appearing relatively more benefited in 2003 from EU funds is Portugal, whose net inflows amounted to 3.48 billion euros, which corresponds to 2.66 percent of its GDP.

[14] Greece seeks balanced relation between govts and EU in farm sector

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

"In a Europe and a world rapidly changing, consumers have increasing demands for safe, high quality products, that are been produced through environment-friendly methods," Tsitouridis told the EU Council meeting.

In his address, the Greek minister urged for a rethinking and rearrangement of the role of cooperatives and producers groups in the agricultural sector in a way that their operation would enhance free competition regulations.

" It is certain that the food industry can meet the increasing demands of consumers for quality products, with the society, EU member-states and the EU maintaining their role as safeguards of consumers," Tsitouridis said adding that "the Greek government's aim is to make the most out of a recent reform of the Common Agricultural Policy by support Greek regions."

The Greek minister urged for less bureaucracy and lesser multiple inspections through an improved harmonization of farm regulation between the EU and national governments.

Tsitouridis also stressed that in an expanded EU, with several differences between member-states, "we cannot ignore traditional production and market systems. We should support them instead of trying to eradicate them," he noted.

Tsitouridis said that the European farm sector was well prepared to face the challenges of the new era.

[15] Development minister addresses European Commission members, says SMEs require measures and programs

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

"Small and medium-size enterprises not only need a satisfactory number of measures and programs to support them. In addition, they require measures and programs which will be effective with regard to the real repercussions they have for the establishment and development of enterprises, with the lowest management cost by the public sector and the implementation agencies. The National Competitiveness and Development Council, whose role and composition are being widened, will contribute in this direction," he said.

The European Charter for small enterprises was ratified by the European Union's heads of state in 2000 at the European Council in Feira and includes 10 priority axes for supporting small enterprises.

Such priorities include enterprise training, the cheaper and faster establishment of a business, better legislation and regulatory arrangements, the improvement of access to on line linkage with public sector services and more benefits from the domestic market.

[16] Deputy FM discusses exports with Northern Greece Exporters Federation

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

The Federation briefed Stylianidis on a series of issues of interest to exporters, such as defining an export strategy, supporting the 4th Panhellenic Exports Development Conference and activating the Economic and Trade Affairs office of northern Greece. It also briefed the deputy minister on the completion of this office's electronic information management program.

Stylianidis said on his part that the ministry desires to have the Federation as a strategic associate on exports issues and informed it of the reorganizing of the ministry's central service regarding the sectors of development cooperation and economic diplomacy.

[17] SETE concerned over decline in tourism

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

Andreadis said that the decline in tourist activity in the first half of 2004, continued during July and August, despite the Olympic Games, according to international arrivals data from major, national airports. He emphasized that the Tourism Ministry should be responsible for the collection and timely publication of comparative tourism information and indicated that the problem of monitoring the tourism economy with statistics and scientific methods must be resolved.

Additionally, Andreadis said that the decline in tourism activity also has other side effects, such as loss of jobs in the industry.

According to SETE's president, upgrading of specialized tourism infrastructure must be intensified, while utmost priority must be given to creating the appropriate investment framework, while the new development and tax laws should help promote entrepreneurship. Andreadis also referred to the need to create a conference and exhibit centre in Athens.

"The successful staging of the Olympic Games will not magically transform the Greek tourism sector," Andreadis said, and emphasized that the public and private sectors must cooperate in the near future.

On October 11 and 12, SETE will be holding its third conference on "Tourism and Development" which will focus on the post-Olympics strategy of the Greek tourism industry.

[18] OTE's new management focuses on commercial policy

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

Speaking of the experience OTE gained as a result of the Athens Olympics, Vourloumis said that "it gave us confidence and we know that when OTE wants to do something it has the ability to succeed." He emphasized that OTE's goal is to "capitalize on the momentum gained as a result of the Olympic Games, so that we can regain part of the market share OTE lost to the competition."

Vourloumis also spoke about fixed telephony, predicting that profitability in this market segment will continue to be weak for some time to come and said that recovery will be achieved through the restructuring OTE's new management plans to carry out. He added that "the restructuring is not innovative since other large fixed telephony operators have done it already." Provided that the restructuring of the organization begins immediately, Vourloumis estimates that it will take roughly one year before its effects become apparent in financial terms.

Asked about the new management's strategy regarding international ventures, Vourloumis referred to two collaborations which have proved problematic - Serbia where OTE holds a 20% share and Armenia where it holds a 90% share - emphasizing that the goal is to be able to come to an agreement with the two countries' governments in order to settle corporate differences. However, he seemed more optimistic that the situation in Serbia would be resolved and less so in the case of Armenia. For the latter, Vourloumis said that "one alternative would be for OTE to withdraw," but stressed that no decision has yet been made.

OTE's collaborations in Romania, Albania, Bulgaria and FYROM have been smoother.

[19] 40 Athens hospitals now use natural gas, company reports

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

Other hospitals that are or will soon become customers include the Onassio Cardiac Surgery Centre, the Errikos Dunant Hospital, the Athens EuroClinic, Athinaiki Kliniki, Polykliniki Paidon, IASO General, IASO Obstetrical Hospital, and two branches of the Mitera Hospital.

The company said it was now in the process of negotiating contracts with the defense ministry to supply natural gas to armed forces hospitals and clinics in Attica, while it would next open negotiations with the education ministry to supply natural gas to university hospitals, such as the Aeginiteo and Aretaio hospitals, or hospitals with special regimes, such as Pammakaristos and Andreas Syggros.

[20] Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry organizing trade mission to Japan

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

The mission will be organized in cooperation with the Economic and Trade Affairs Office of the Greek embassy in Tokyo and with support by the JETRO organization. The program includes meetings between Greek and Japanese businessmen.

The Japanese market is open to cooperation in all sectors, while special interest is shown in foodstuffs, beverages, gifts, furniture, cosmetics, furs, leather products, jewellery, carpets, software for electronic computers and raw materials.

[21] Athens bourse close: Stocks remain stable as trading rate recovers

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,335.32 points, showing a marginal decline of just 0.01 percent. Turnover was 66.7 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.19 percent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.13 percent higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.76 percent up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 154 to 123 with 76 remaining unchanged.

On a weekly basis, the general share index gained 0.58 percent.

[22] Greece to participate in the 26th Biennale of Sao Paolo

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

Kondosphyris collaborated with Greek musician Vassilis Kokkas, Greek-American poet Panayiotis Bosnakis and Greek-Austrian biologist Orestis Davias to create the interactive work "Athens-Beijing," which will be on display in a 180 sq.meter exhibit space.

The theme of the 26th Biennale is Territorio Livre (Free Territory) and according to the organizers, "involves various dimensions: it has a physical-geographical, a socio-political as well as an aesthetic dimension..."

Greece's participation is being organized by the Ministry of Culture with historian and art critic Irini Savvini as national commissioner.

A total of 135 artists from 55 countries will be participating in this year's biennale which will run until December 19.

[23] Swimming federation president gives deposition regarding Kenteris-Thanou case

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

Diathesopoulos' statements are considered important in the case since shortly after the events of August 12 he had told the press that he had seen the two athletes and their coach leave the Olympic Village after 5:30 p.m., not 4:30 p.m. as Kenteris, Thanou and Tzekou claim.

Upon exiting the courthouse, Diathesopoulos refused to refer to the content of his statements, but said that he is not one of those people who says something in public only to retract it later.

[24] Ring of car thieves broken up in Alexandroupolis

Athens, 8/9/2004 (ANA)

The six ring members from Georgia stole luxury cars only and were caught as they were trying to smuggle six Mercedes into Turkey.

Policemen at the border check-point discovered that the six cars with Dutch plate numbers, had been reported stolen: three were being sought by French authorities, two by Belgian authorities and one by Spanish authorities.

Although the case is still under investigation, police believe that the six arrested are members of a ring which smuggles luxury cars from Europe into countries of the former Soviet Union.

The arrested suspects will be sent to the public prosecutor in Alexandroupolis.

[25] Cypriot President says Verheugen expressing Commission's views

NICOSIA 8/9/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Invited to comment on statements made by Enlargement Com-missioner Gunter Verheugen dissociating Turkey's accession course with the invasion and occupation by Turkey of Cyprus' northern third, President Papadopoulos said Verheugen ''is speaking in his capacity as Enlargement Commissioner.''

He added that Verheugen ''is stressing the Commission's position, which is to dissociate the solution of the Cyprus issue with the island's accession and now with the start of accession negotiations with Turkey.''

''We are in communication with EU member states, the decision will be taken by the (EU) Council of heads of state and government,'' the Cypriot president said after signing the book of condolences at the Russian Embassy in Nicosia for the North Ossetia victims.

Meanwhile, acting Government Spokesman Marios Karoyan said the government would make its position known on Turkey's accession course at the right time.

Karoyan said it was Verheugen's prerogative as Commissioner for Enlargement to express his views and positions.

''The Cyprus government is in understanding with other EU partners and will express its position when it receives knowledge of the Commission's report on Turkey's accession course,'' he added.

House President cautions EU diplomat over Verheugen's statements: House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias pointed out to Head of the European Commission Representation in Nicosia Adriaan van der Meer that statements made by Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen on Cyprus and Turkey's accession course intensify the Cypriots' reaction and skepticism against the EU.

Christofias told reporters after a lengthy meeting with van der Meer on Tuesday that they reviewed Cyprus' course following its accession to the EU, and issues concerning various programs, the Cypriots' reactions to them, as well as the Green Line regulation for trade with the Turkish Cypriot side.

The Enlargement Commissioner had dissociated the Turkish invasion and occupation of Cyprus' northern third with Turkey's accession course.

''All these things that Mr. Verheugen said do not help put aside the Cypriots' skepticism against the EU,'' Christofias noted. On the contrary, he added, they increase uncertainty.

The House president said van der Meer asked for Cyprus' assistance in issues concerning ''our perception of the EU and the rights of European citizens in Cyprus.''

''Certainly, he will have our help on this,'' Christofias concluded.

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