Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-09-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM holds talks with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder

[02] U.S. Senate votes on resolution regarding success of Athens Olympics

[03] President Stephanopoulos visits Rimini on occasion of Battle of Rimini anniversary

[04] Italian Army General Staff chief Giulio Fratticelli to visit Greece between September 26-28

[05] PASOK Deputy and former minister Evangelos Venizelos says government 'lacks the reflexes of a government'

[06] PASOK party delegation on two-day tour of Evros prefecture

[07] Coalition party leader blames both mainstream parties for situation created lately

[08] ND statement on 15 years after P. Bakoyannis' assassination

[09] Political leadership congratulates Greek Paralympians

[10] PASOK leader accuses gov't, Roussopoulos responds regarding incorrect budget data

[11] German Greens against Greece's punishment for recording incorrect budget data

[12] Deputy finance minister says simplifying EU legislation key to increasing competitiveness

[13] Insurers from Balkans, Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean hold conference in Hydra

[14] False alarm on Olympic Airways flight

[15] PM requests information from interior minister on dangerous weather phenomena

[16] Education minister attends university rectors' conference in Veroia

[17] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos hails memory of deceased writer Dido Sotiriou

[18] Liz McComb fills Athens' Herod Atticus Odeon with sheer energy

[19] Man kills girlfriend with stones during quarrel

[20] Earth tremor jolts Attica and Evoia

[21] Wildfire in Evoia partially under control

[22] Police dismantle burglars' ring

[23] Police dismantle drug trafficking ring, seize 29 kg of heroin

[24] Coast guard vessel, helicopters sent to rescue illegal immigrants in distress

[25] Grossman: There will be another chance to consider a unified Cyprus

[01] PM holds talks with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

According to diplomatic sources, issues discussed by the two leaders included the fiscal situation in the European Union and Turkey's European prospects.

It is reminded that on October 3, the anniversary of the reunification of Germany in 1990, Schroeder will be receiving Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Berlin.

Karamanlis and Schroeder examined the course towards the European constitution's ratification and agreed that the process should be completed soon to enable the European constitution to be implemented. International developments, such as developments in Iran, Afghanistan and Iraq, was another issue discussed and the need was ascertained for stabilising the political system in Iraq, while identical assessments were also made by them.

Lastly, the two leaders discussed developments concerning the Stability Pact and agreed on the principle of its relatively flexible implementation, meaning respect for the rules and singularities of every country.

Karamanlis also held consecutive meetings with the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Stanslav Gross and Hungarian Prime Minister-designate Ferenc Gurkcani.

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder holds talks with PASOK leader, former PM Costas Simitis: Visiting German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder held talks with main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou and former prime minister Costas Simitis at the German ambassador's residence in Athens on Saturday.

"I told Mr. Schroeder that the issue of Cyprus and Greek-Turkish relations are an issue of top priority, and that in principle we are positively disposed towards the European prospects of Turkey," Papandreou said afterwards, adding that he requested Schroeder's support for the candidacy of the northern city of Thessaloniki to host the EXPO 2008 exhibition.

On his part, Simitis referred to the European issues raised during his meeting with Schroeder.

"Europe is at a crossroads and it is seeking its course. We agreed with Mr. Schroeder that a strong Europe is necessary which will play a considerable role in world developments," Simitis said.

Schroeder is on a one-day visit to Athens on the occasion of the ongoing Paralympic Games.

[02] U.S. Senate votes on resolution regarding success of Athens Olympics

WASHINGTON 27/9/2004 (ANA/T.Ellis)

In his address to the Senate, Sarbanes emphasised that the Athens Olympic Games added a memorable chapter to Olympic history. Aside from the success of the Games on a sports level, the senator from Maryland said that the Games proved that even in an uncertain and troubled world, it is possible, with the appropriate planning and dedication, for people from all over the world to get together to participate in such a grand-scale event, a fact that constitutes a source of inspiration for everyone.

The resolution underlines that the Greek government, responsible for the safety of athletes, judges and spectators rose to the challenge, while the high-quality Olympic venues set new standards for future Games.

Through this resolution, the U.S. Senate congratulates the volunteers, Greek citizens, the Athens 2004 Organising Committee, the Greek government - and particularly the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of the Environment, Town Planning and Public Works - and Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyanni on the exceptional staging of the 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

[03] President Stephanopoulos visits Rimini on occasion of Battle of Rimini anniversary

ROME 27/9/2004 (ANA)

On his arrival at Rimini airport, President Stephanopoulos was welcomed by Greece's Ambassador to Rome Anastasios Mitsialis, Italian Deputy Defence Minister F. Barselli and Rimini Prefect Bruno D'Alfonso.

The president then visited the memorial built to commemorate the war dead, where he was welcomed by Major General G. Kousoulis and laid a wreath.

Referring to the survivors of the Battle of Rimini, President Stephanopoulos said "thanks to your sacrifices, Greece is the homeland of united Europe today, the motherland which organised the Olympic Games. You are the living glory of Greece."

[04] Italian Army General Staff chief Giulio Fratticelli to visit Greece between September 26-28

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

His official welcoming will take place at the Army General Staff, at the "Papagou" army camp, at 10 a.m. on September 27.

Earlier in the day, Fratticelli will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and then he will hold talks on issues of mutual military interest with the leadership of the Army General Staff.

[05] PASOK Deputy and former minister Evangelos Venizelos says government 'lacks the reflexes of a government'

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

Venizelos said the government "thinks it is still in the opposition and it criticises the opposition because it believes the country is being ruled by the memory of the previous PASOK government."

When asked whether PASOK benefits from revelations concerning the issue of student transcriptions, Venizelos said "I do not think that one can judge these issues on the basis of the cost or the benefit for one or the other party. These are issues having a deep social meaning. Society wants to feel that there is transparency and equality of rights."

The former minister also criticised the government for the assessment made of the economic situation prevailing in the country, terming it a political mistake.

"The notorious assessment by (prime minister) Mr. Karamanlis and (finance and economy minister) Mr. Alogoskoufis, the political decision they took in cold blood to exaggerate the country's fiscal problems and to insist in Brussels and have Greece registered as a country which lies and alters data is a very big and I would say a historic mistake," he said.

[06] PASOK party delegation on two-day tour of Evros prefecture

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

The delegation is composed of Stavros Benos, Argyris Giannopoulos, Maria Kardimi, Paraskevas Paraskevopoulos and Vasso Tsimbida.

The delegation met on Saturday with members of PASOK's Evros Prefectural Council, while a similar event was also held later in the city of Alexandroupoli and was followed by a visit to Didimotiho on Sunday.

[07] Coalition party leader blames both mainstream parties for situation created lately

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

Commenting on the current political scene, Constantopoulos said he discerned a situation which "is knocking about in the quicksand of an organic crisis", adding that the causes were "political and institutional, social and economic" which "are not being handled by government policies and the country's political system."

Constantopoulos further said instead of the bipartisan system of governance giving a different meaning to politics for the 21st century on a democratic social vision for the times to come, it is highlighting the dispute on domestic degenerating distortions which it is causing itself.

The Coalition party leader said the government of the New Democracy party cannot handle the existing situation and the problems the country is facing since it is not in a position to make the reforms it had promised when it was in the opposition.

Referring to the leadership of the main opposition PASOK party, Constantopoulos said it was aware of everything but it is pretending now that it did not know and had heard nothing and predicted that the opposition tactics of PASOK leader George Papandreou will move in the known framework of bipartisan confrontation.

[08] ND statement on 15 years after P. Bakoyannis' assassination

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

"Those who wished to disrupt the vision of the man who fought against the dictatorship and who was a leading figure of our party, of a Greece far-removed from discord and dividing lines, failed. Greece and its citizens are moving into the 21st Century more united than ever," the announcement continued.

New Democracy went on to denounce terrorism saying that it joins forces with all those fighting "this present-day scourge" which threatens the values of democracy, humanity and freedom.

[09] Political leadership congratulates Greek Paralympians

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

"Maria Kalpakidou, through her great victory, proved the force of her willpower and made us all proud," Karamanlis stated, speaking of Maria Kalpakidou who won the silver in the women's 50m freestyle S2 final.

Referring to Constantine Fykas who won the silver in the men's 50m freestyle S8 final, and his second medal at these Games, Karamanlis said: "Constantine Fykas has gotten us accustomed to great distinctions. For a second time during these Games he made Greeks proud."

Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki expressed her congratulations to Haralambos Taiganidis who won the gold in the men's 100m backstroke S13 final. "We, along with every Greek, celebrated a spectacular race," Psarouda Benaki stated, adding that the winning of a second gold medal filled Greeks with joy, emotion and pride.

Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) President George Papandreou congratulated Sunday's three medallists with the following statement: "Your major distinctions and achievements make us all proud and fill us with emotion and joy. They constitute the greatest proof of the force of willpower and effort. For all this we thank you."

[10] PASOK leader accuses gov't, Roussopoulos responds regarding incorrect budget data

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

Former PASOK Prime Minister Costas Simitis also commented on the issue, saying: "A government must uphold its country's reputation and promote it abroad; it should not be discrediting it just because it's interested in partisan benefits. Greece achieved a lot and everyone - if they love their country - supports that."

Government spokesman Theodore Roussopoulos responded to PASOK comments with the following statement: "The government believes that the country's credibility is ensured only through truth and transparency. The economic alchemists are those who discredited the country by hiding expenditures and burdening tomorrow's generations with hidden debt."

Finance ministry circles blame former PM and FM for existing problems: Finance and economy ministry circles, replying to criticism directed at the fiscal inventory by former prime minister Costas Simitis and former foreign minister and current main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou, said on Saturday problems existing at present were their fault.

"Mr. Simitis and Mr. Papandreou were late in remembering the country's reliability. The problems we are facing today are due to their actions and omissions. The government is restoring our lost reliability with its policy," the circles said.

[11] German Greens against Greece's punishment for recording incorrect budget data

BERLIN 27/9/2004 (ANA/P.Stangos)

In an interview Scheel gave to the Sunday newspaper Tagesspiegel she said that punishing Greece with a financial penalty now, when the country already carries a heavy debt would only make matters worse. Instead, she suggested that Eurostat take on more responsibilities and jurisdiction in reviewing the data of EU member states. According to Scheel, the priority is to implement a standard method of measuring indices and national deficit.

Spokesperson for the Finance Ministry Joerg Mueller also opposed Stoiber's suggestions saying that it is premature to be talking about sanctions.

German Chancellor German Schroeder who was in Athens on Saturday and met with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis as well as main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) President George Papandreou and former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis refrained from discussing the issue, saying that the European Commission should be the one to decide.

[12] Deputy finance minister says simplifying EU legislation key to increasing competitiveness

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

"Only through total harmonization of the 25 EU member states' national legislation with EU legislation regarding businesses, will the EU be able to compete on an equal basis with countries such as the US. We must concentrate all our efforts in that direction in order to make European products and services more attractive to international markets," he said.

According to the Lisbon Strategy, the EU should have the most competitive economy in the world by 2010.

[13] Insurers from Balkans, Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean hold conference in Hydra

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

Kotsalos said the extent of the increase in insurance premiums will be shaped when the balance sheets of insurance companies will have been closed, but trends for excessive increases, meaning increases exceeding the inflation rate, are not discernible.

Deputy Development Minister Yiannis Papathanasiou also addressed the conference, saying that intensive checks will be taking place in the insurance market soon, beginning from companies facing the most problems.

[14] False alarm on Olympic Airways flight

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

Specifically, at around 3:15 p.m. an unidentified individual called the Greek daily Ethnos saying that there was a bomb on the plane. The newspaper's management then contacted the police, who in turn asked the airport's control tower to communicate with the pilot. The closest airport at the time was Stansted airport, where the plane with its 293 passengers and 14-member crew landed at 5:34 p.m. (Greek time). British authorities had taken draconian security measures and the passengers and crew evacuated the plane.

British Special Forces did not find a bomb after a meticulous search of the plane.

Newest reports said that the search was still going on Sunday evening.

Olympic Airways issued an announcement on Sunday afternoon, stating that all security measures had been adhered to, before the flight boarded in Athens. Specifically:

� All baggage had been scanned. In the event, that a piece of luggage seems suspect it is scanned through another machine, specifically-designed to detect explosives;

� The airplane was guarded throughout the boarding process and had been checked prior to boarding by specially-trained police dogs; and

� All carry-on baggage had also been scanned.

Officials of Olympic Airways and Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" believe that it is a tasteless prank.

Transport and Communications Minister Michalis Liapis was immediately informed of the situation. According to a Public Order Ministry announcement, Minister George Voulgarakis and Greek Police Chief Fotios Nasiakos had been informed on the matter.

[15] PM requests information from interior minister on dangerous weather phenomena

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

Karamanlis called on the relevant officials to ensure that the state apparatus will be in a state of full readiness to deal with the situation.

[16] Education minister attends university rectors' conference in Veroia

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

The new draft law will be submitted next week and as she said "it will be a system with clear, measurable and restrictive criteria so that nobody will have the feeling that there are some who are more equal than others."

Yiannakou added that "the rectors agree absolutely and want the criteria to be as restrictive as possible to enable them to rid themselves of responsibilities for the possible mistaken or unequal handing of appeals by students for transcriptions."

The rectors' conference, due to end on Sunday with a resolution being issued, will also focus on the issue of an increase of 15 percent in the regular financing of universities.

[17] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos hails memory of deceased writer Dido Sotiriou

ISTANBUL 27/9/2004 (ANA)

He said that all with which she had been born and raised in neighboring Aidini, where Sotiriou had been born, have left this world and now her turn had come.

The Ecumenical Patriarch said the region was a "crossroads of cultures", but also a place of conflict, bloodshed and fratricidal confrontations."

Vartholomeos also officiated at a Church service held in Ephesos on Sunday, together with the Metropolitans of Panama and Halkida, while the congregation included pilgrims from Nea Ephesos, headed by the mayor of Pieria.

[18] Liz McComb fills Athens' Herod Atticus Odeon with sheer energy

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

The open-air theatre seemed an appropriate venue, since it could not confine McComb's booming voice. But, it wasn't just her voice that flooded one's senses, it was also her piano-playing, her ability to project her voice without a microphone, and her soul that went into the performance.

The Reverend Harold T. Johnson on the church organ embellished the show's gospel sound, while the audience also got a taste of his smooth, melodic voice in a couple of solos.

Titus Williams on the bass guitar was amazing, while Larry Crocket on the drums and Armand Acheron on the tambour gwo-ka were addictive and had the audience stomping their feet in a brief jam session shortly before intermission.

The second half of the show included Vangelis Zografos on the double bass for a couple of songs which were more blues than gospel and Susan Helen Scott on the cello.

The audience was very receptive, clapping along without being asked, giving the Athens theatre the feel of a Baptist Church.

For the final part of the show, the Thessaloniki Choir accompanied McComb, but was unfortunately no match for her voice or skill.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, McComb currently lives in Paris. She began singing at a very young age at her community church and began writing her own songs at the age of 12. She has sung with the legendary Bessie Griffin, Luther Johnson Jr. and Koko Taylor, among others, and has also been an opening act for Ray Charles and James Brown.

[19] Man kills girlfriend with stones during quarrel

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

The crime took place in the city's centre and near the Katerini police station, while police believe the man, who has not yet been identified, bashed his 36-year-old girlfriend over the head with stones and wounded her fatally during their quarrel.

Police believe the cause of the killing was rivalry for the love of the ill-fated woman.

[20] Earth tremor jolts Attica and Evoia

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

According to an announcement by the Geodynamic Institute, the earthquake's epicenter was located in the South Evoikos Sea, 50 kilometers northeast of Athens.

Seismologists said the tremor occurred near the surface of the earth and similar ones occurred every day, while it was also located in an area having such seismic activity.

An earthquake measuring 5.9 points on the Richter scale had taken place in the greater Athens area in September, 1999 and had killed 143 people.

[21] Wildfire in Evoia partially under control

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

The blaze is being tackled by 150 firemen, 50 fire engines and a force of another 185 firefighters, with backing from 11 firefighting aircraft and four helicopters.

According to initial assessments, the wildfire has destroyed about 750 acres of forestland.

[22] Police dismantle burglars' ring

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

The two arrested men were identified as Astrit Asani and Kacan Bani who had created the gang together with Ektor Girtazo and a youth known as Fatmir, who are still at large.

Police found and confiscated a number of radio cassette recorders, electronic items, mobile telephones and tools used for burglaries.

[23] Police dismantle drug trafficking ring, seize 29 kg of heroin

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

Drug squad police had ascertained 10 days ago that a suspect by the name of Anestis had been using two safe houses for his activities, one in Patissia and the other in Keramikos.

On Friday night, police surrounded the Keramikos safe house and when the suspect emerged they arrested him and found the 29 kilos of heroin in a suitcase he was carrying.

Police investigations revealed that the man was named Katali Baskini, 22. Another suspect was also arrested by police, while at least six others are still at large.

The Attica Police chief said the ring dismantled had been the biggest heroin-trafficking ring in the Balkans since, according to police estimates, it used to sell 30 kilos of heroin every fortnight, in Athens alone.

[24] Coast guard vessel, helicopters sent to rescue illegal immigrants in distress

Athens 27/9/2004 (ANA)

Port authorities in the region were immediately alerted and a coast guard vessel and two Super Puma rescue helicopters were sent to the area to offer help to the illegal immigrants in distress.

[25] Grossman: There will be another chance to consider a unified Cyprus

NEW YORK 27/9/2004 (CNA/ANA)

Grossman said he and Elizabeth Jones, U.S. Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, had a 90-minute meeting with the president, which he described as "friendly and useful".

Observing that he found President Papadopoulos to be �as always, a very serious and thoughtful person", one of the things that "really struck me about the conversation was that on a number of occasions he wanted to convey to us that he was not a believer in the division of the island and he hopes that someday and someday soon, all Cypriots can live together".

Grossman said "I think that's exactly our sentiment", adding that the reason they visited the president "was to say to him that the United States of America still remains interested and committed and if we can, get actively involved in finding some fair solution to this problem".

Asked if the Annan Plan is the only plan on the table, Grossman replied "it is not for us to come to the President and say this, this and this".

He explained "there was a democratic vote in Cyprus. The people voted against the Annan Plan and what the President was trying to convey to us tonight, was that he is interested in a solution, he is interested in a unified island and therefore from his perspective the requirement that we convince those people on Cyprus who voted no, then the next time they should vote 'yes'".

Asked if he believed there would be a new referendum, Grossman said, "I do not mean that there is going to be another exactly the same way we did it the last time. But do I think there is going to be another chance over the next period for people again to think about a unified Cyprus and debate a unified Cyprus and consider a unified Cyprus, absolutely".

Asked if shuttle diplomacy will take place, the American official said he did not think so, stressing that the president's "point here was right which was that we went through a period of intense effort. There were votes on both sides of the island and now people need to reflect a little bit about. I think he said it very well. He said you had a certain number, 40,000 Turkish Cypriots who voted yes, you had 90,000 Greek Cypriots who voted yes but you had a very large number of Greek Cypriots who voted no, so the question is, if you're interested as he is and I think we are, in a unified island, what does it take to make the majority of both sides to vote 'yes'? And people have to think that through. That's a big question and a fair one".

To a question if relations between the U.S. and the Cypriot president have been restored, bearing in mind that the feeling was that there was intention to penalize Greek Cypriots for their vote, Grossman said he really disagree with that.

The U.S. diplomat said he told President Papadopoulos that "among the things that we have never done, never intended to do, nor our policy, was to punish anybody. And I actually challenge anyone to show me anything that we have done, which is a punishment to anyone and so, with respect, I do not accept that, we have never been in the business of punishing. We are in the business of trying to move forward here and trying to do that in a fair and equitable way", Grossman said.

Referring to Turkey's EU course, Grossman replied that the U.S. has always maintained that "Turkey, that has got a date to begin negotiations, is then a Turkey with a European perspective and a Turkey with a European perspective should, it seems to me, be good for Cyprus and be good for Greece and be good for Turkey and be good for the United States".

Papadopoulos addresses Council of Foreign Relations: Meanwhile, speaking before the Council on Foreign Relations, President Papadopoulos explained the reasons the Greek Cypriot side rejected the Annan Plan in the 24th April referendum, noting it did not respond to the minimum requirements and expectations.

The president answered a number of questions, which included Cyprus' position as EU member, regarding Turkey's accession course, specific aspects of the Annan Plan, the settlers' issue and their relations with the Turkish Cypriot community as well as the repercussions of accession in a future settlement.

President Papadopoulos concluded his visit to New York on Saturday with a speech at a gathering of the Cyprus Federation of America and was to depart Sunday for Brussels, where he will hold an official working visit on September 28, at the invitation of Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt.

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