Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-12-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou: Papoulias nomination a 'safe choice' for Karamanlis

[02] Two bills tabled in parliament

[03] Public Order Minister Voulgarakis to visit China in January

[04] Defense minister receives delegation from ESHEA's Executive Board

[05] Christmas messages by Orthodox Church leaders

[06] Annan not planning new initiative on Cyprus issue but awaits green light from involved sides

[07] Creation of independent authority to tackle bureaucracy decided

[08] Ex-king, family allowed to tour presidential mansion

[09] Greek travel agencies satisfied with country's promotional campaign

[10] Sioufas announces reorganization of Development Ministry

[11] Balkan chambers of commerce strengthen cooperation

[12] ASE closing report: share prices ease

[13] Fire at OTE local headquarters leaves most of Argolis without telecoms services

[14] GSEE fires press office journalist allegedly involved in internet child porn scandal - Charges pressed (updated throughout)

[15] D. Nanopoulos ranks fourth as most-cited theoretical physicist

[16] Education Minister visits children of "Kivotos" organization

[01] Papandreou: Papoulias nomination a 'safe choice' for Karamanlis

Athens, 24/12/2004 (ANA)

Regarding Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis' nomination of former PASOK foreign minister Karolos Papoulias for the post of president, Papandreou said Papoulias was the premier's "safe solution".

Asked about the prospects of early elections in spite of the Papoulias choice -- 180 deputies must approve of the new head of state, whereas ruling New Democracy retains 164, along with an affiliated independent, in Parliament -- Papandreou merely noted that he doesn't know what PM Karamanlis "is thinking".

Main opposition PASOK can still cause early elections in the spring if it chooses not to vote for Papoulias.

Asked about the controversial "primary shareholder" legislation that the government has tabled in a bid to toughen restrictions on major public sector contractors holding controlling shares of broadcast media outlets, Papandreou said his party's stance will depend on the manner in which the entire issue is handled, as well as on whether the government is willing to accept PASOK's proposals.

Finally, Papandreou said respect of the Greek Cypriot community's "no" to the Annan peace plan earlier in the year by the international community should be the primary concern vis-a-vis any new initiative for the Cyprus problem.

In a related issue, he attributed a particularly scathing comment by Minister of State Thodoris Roussopoulos in Parliament on Tuesday to the "government's panic" and to an "effort at diversion".

[02] Two bills tabled in parliament

Athens, 24/12/2004 (ANA)

The provisions of the bill re-determine the legal framework governing matters of assignment and execution of public contracts for the conduction of studies and provision of services.

Also tabled on Thursday was an economy and finance ministry bill on "the mutual contribution of EU member states in the sector of direct taxation, taxation of interest and other regulations".

[03] Public Order Minister Voulgarakis to visit China in January

Athens, 24/12/2004 (ANA)

Voulgarakis met on Thursday with Chinese Ambassador to Athens Xuejun Tian who conveyed to him an invitation to visit Beijing which he accepted.

The purpose of the meeting was the briefing of the Chinese side and the close cooperation which Greece and China will develop within the framework of the Olympic Games of 2008.

The cooperation will include an exchange of views on security issues as well as the transfer of technical know-how which Greece acquired from hosting the 2004 Olympic Games.

Ambassador Xuejun Tian stressed that Greece's help will be valuable and asked of Voulgarakis for there to be cooperation between experts from both sides on Olympic Games issues.

Present at the meeting were Greek Police Chief George Angelakos and the National Information Service (EYP) Director Ioannis Korantis.

The Greek Police chief will accompany Voulgarakis to Beijing.

[04] Defense minister receives delegation from ESHEA's Executive Board

Athens, 24/12/2004 (ANA)

According to a ministry announcement, discussed at the meeting were issues concerning the better and more effective operation of the briefing procedure of the journalists accredited to the ministry.

It is the first time that a delegation from ESHEA's Executive Board visits the National Defense Ministry.

[05] Christmas messages by Orthodox Church leaders

Athens, 24/12/2004 (ANA)

"Turbulence and disorder, murder and ruins surround us; the vision of peace appears undesirable and hounded. Amid this situation comes the Birth of Christ, whose example teaches us about the saving power of humility..." Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos noted.

Newly elected Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa Theodoros II pointed to the problems of terrorism, hunger, poverty, war and discord in relations between individuals, before issuing a message of ecumenical love and peace.

On his part, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos cited the "confusion" that exists in our time due to various cults, sects and denominations' liturgies.

Nevertheless, he said it was man's desire to "lean upon his faith" that is being expressed with a return to the Church.

Finally, Archbishop of Tirana and All Albania Anastasios stressed that "Christian love far exceeds mere platitudes and generalizations", echoing the Apostle Paul's words about the concept.

[06] Annan not planning new initiative on Cyprus issue but awaits green light from involved sides

NEW YORK 24/12/2004 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)

Annan's spokesman, during a press briefing on Thursday, reiterated the position which the UN Secretary-General had expressed during his visit to Brussels on December 17 on the sidelines of the EU Summit that for the time being there are no plans for the undertaking of an initiative. The spokesman added that if the involved sides ask for Annan's help, then he would be willing to again work within the framework of his good services, thus leaving it to be understood that he is awaiting the green light from the interested parties.

However, there is a possibility that in the first two weeks of 2005, Annan may send to the region for exploratory contacts UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Sir Kieran Prendergast who at present is the person handling the Cyprus issue on the part of the UN General Secretariat.

[07] Creation of independent authority to tackle bureaucracy decided

Athens, 24/12/2004 (ANA)

Pavlopoulos announced the decision to set up the independent authority after a meeting with prime minister Costas Karamanlis, which was also attended by Finance minister George Alogoskoufis and professors/committee members.

Pavlopoulos said the committee would comprise respected individuals knowledgeable in matters of public administration and the economic dimension, adding that it would have full independence and would not be an auxiliary body of the government. He explained that the committee's administrative work would be supported by the ministry.

The committee will submit proposals on eliminating bureaucracy, on decentralization, and on the efficient operation of public administration, Pavlopoulos said, adding that it would also be able to submit criticism.

Alogoskoufis said that the committee would assist the effort for the simplification of procedures with respect to business investments, as well as the daily dealings of the citizens.

[08] Ex-king, family allowed to tour presidential mansion

Athens, 24/12/2004 (ANA)

The visit followed a request by the ex king.

Constantine served as a constitutional monarch in the early and mid-60s, fleeing the country a few months after a military junta took power in Greece (1967), and finally losing his position when the monarchy was abolished following a December 1975 referendum.

KKE criticizes President's move to receive ex-king: The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) on Thursday said, in a statement, that the President of the Republic ''is not obliged to meet everyone. His move to receive the family of the ex-king is, at the least, unfortunate.''

At the same time, George Karatzaferis, leader of the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party, expressed his satisfaction saying that ''we have foreseen this outcome.''

[09] Greek travel agencies satisfied with country's promotional campaign

Athens, 24/12/2004 (ANA)

HATTA believes that the advertising campaign was launched promptly this year , and emphasized that the early announcement of the advertising campaign and the coordinating efforts to be carried out in the provinces, are all moves in the right direction.

The Association also considers that the advertising campaign's broader philosophy - which aims at capitalizing on the momentum created by the Athens Olympics - the promotion of alternative forms of tourism, extension of the tourism period, attracting a higher-income clientele and differentiating Greek tourism from the traditional model of "sun and sea", are all steps in the right direction.

However, HATTA notes that it is necessary to finally implement measures so as to evaluate the effectiveness of allocated funds.

[10] Sioufas announces reorganization of Development Ministry

Athens, 24/12/2004 (ANA)

Speaking at the ministry's Christmas party, Sioufas said that new employees will be hired to cover the ministry's needs. He also said that four different administrative and financial divisions under one roof is not the most effective model. "We will review everything from the beginning so that the sector we are responsible for can meet the demands of national competition," he said.

He asked for employees' cooperation in the reorganization and promised that changes will be made soon.

[11] Balkan chambers of commerce strengthen cooperation

Athens, 24/12/2004 (ANA)

Among the decisions taken during the meeting are:

Expanding the dialogue to include regional government and chambers which represent the business community, in order to improve the business environment both nationally and regionally;

� Attracting foreign direct investment in Balkan countries offering appropriate conditions;

� Participating in joint programs and encouraging the creation of programs in developing sectors, such as transport and communications;

� Using uniform intra-border documents;

� Providing entrepreneurs in the region with appropriate training in order to raise awareness of EU standards and demands.

Cyprus' recent EU accession, the upcoming accession of Bulgaria and Romania, and Turkey's EU accession talks expected to begin in 2005, were discussed during the meeting and it was generally agreed that these developments foreshadow the new development trends in the region as well as the new priorities of ABC members.

Dimitris Goudopoulos, Vice President of the Central Union of Greek Chambers and Dimitris Pavlis, President of the Arcadia Chamber, represented Greece at the meeting. Greece will serve as ABC's President in 2005.

[12] ASE closing report: share prices ease

Athens, 24/12/2004 (ANA)

The general index eased 0.12 percent to close at 2,712.72 points.

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip stocks fell 0.04 percent, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index eased 0.31 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index dropped 1.54 percent.

The Insurance sector suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (-3.39 pct), followed by the Textile and Publications sectors (off 2.29 pct and 1.09 pct, respectively).

Banks, Investments and the Base Metal sectors scored the biggest percentage gains of the day (0.52, 0.39 and 0.05 pct, respectively).

Turnover totaled 127.8 million euros, of which 50 million euros were pre-arranged transactions. Broadly, decliners led advancers

[13] Fire at OTE local headquarters leaves most of Argolis without telecoms services

Athens, 24/12/2004 (ANA)

Nafplio, Tolo, Aghia Triada, Tyrinth, Iria, Ligourio, Trachia, and Old and New Epidaurus were without telephone and internet services, and all telecoms services in general, since Wednesday night.

OTE regional director A. Karagiorgos was on the spot, coordinating technicians and repair crews who were trying to repair the outage.

OTE technicians, who were trying to restore telecoms services since Wednesday night, told ANA they believed that some connections could be restored as early as Thursday, while restoration of the telecoms services in the region would take place gradually.

In an announcement, OTE apologized to customers for the inconvenience caused by the problem, and assured that all was being done to repair the damage as quickly as possible.

The police department was investigating the cause of the fire, assisted by OTE experts, who have also compiled an assessment of the extent of the damage.

The most likely cause of the fire, according to sources, was a short-circuit.

[14] GSEE fires press office journalist allegedly involved in internet child porn scandal - Charges pressed (updated throughout)

Athens, 24/12/2004 (ANA)

Journalist Yannis Haronikolaou, 44, was arrested Wednesday after police vice squad officers specially-trained in internet crimes traced a web page containing child pornography to the journalist, who is single and lives in the upscale Athens northern suburb of Aghia Paraskevi.

In a search of Haronikolaou's home, police found two PCS on which he uploaded child pornography on his personal web page. Visitors could enter the site either by code or via SMS messages 24 hours a day. Police also found and confiscated eight credit cards from various banks, and a plethora of classified ads (personals) by mainly underage girls, as well as a CD and diskettes containing pornographic material and personal ads.

The detainee was taken before a public prosecutor on Thursday, and felony charges were brought against him on multiple counts of child pornography and pimping.

According to sources, the accused admitted to the prosecutor that he had created a subscriber website, but denied any knowledge that sexual encounters were set up via the site.

The case has been referred to an examining magistrate, before whom Haronikolaou will give testimony.

A GSEE announcement said that the Confederation's executive committee met Thursday and "unanimously condemned the shameful actions allegedly carried out by journalist Yannis Haronikolaou, employed at the GSEE press office for 20 years, on his personal website on the internet, outside the GSEE premises".

The executive committee ascertained that GSEE's repute was harmed by these illegal activities, and therefore further cooperation with the journalist in question was impossible, the announcement said, adding that the committee had therefore decided to terminate the employment relationship after charges were brought against Haronikolaou.

The Union of Athens Journalists (ESIEA) board of directors, in an announcement Thursday, clarified that Haronikolaou has never been a member of the Union.

[15] D. Nanopoulos ranks fourth as most-cited theoretical physicist

Athens, 24/12/2004 (ANA)

Specifically, Nanopoulos' work is cited 27,545 times, while the famous physicist S.W. Hawking ranks 20th with 16,394 citations.

[16] Education Minister visits children of "Kivotos" organization

Athens, 24/12/2004 (ANA)

Athens students gathered at the Education Ministry around noon on Thursday to protest about school conditions, demanding that more funds be allocated towards education. The students also sang Christmas carols.

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