Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-05-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek tourism to improve in 2005, minister says

[02] Bilateral Greek-U.S. relations at 'excellent level', PM says in newspaper interview

[03] Greek-US relations entering stage of maturation, foreign ministry spokesman Koumoutsakos says

[04] U.S. terms Greece as a 'partner' and 'ally' ahead of PM Karamanlis' visit

[05] President Papoulias arrives in Varna to attend SE Europe cultural forum

[06] PM satisfied with healthcare policy progress

[07] PM meets with ND secretary Meimarakis

[08] Greek public order minister begins visit to Bulgaria

[09] PASOK leader arriving in Tel Aviv on Sunday for Socialist International Council meeting

[10] Deputy FM addresses opening of 'Russia and Mediterranean' conference

[11] Athens monitoring developments in Uzbekistan with great concern, foreign ministry says

[12] Austrian chancellor refers to Turkey's obligation to extend Customs Union to Cyprus

[13] Greece and Hungary agree to extend existing military cooperation agreement

[14] President of Republic receives visiting Chinese government official

[15] Messages marking the 86th anniversary of the genocide of the Black Sea Greeks

[16] Statements by SYN leader in Larissa

[17] FYROM submits formal proposal on 'double name' solution to name issue

[18] Parliament backs away from jobless benefits for eligible ex-deputies

[19] No Turkish violations of Aegean air space on Thursday as events were held in memory of Ataturk

[20] Gov't announces conservation initiative to prevent power outages; comments on firing of minister's aide

[21] Greek, Japanese farm ministers in talks

[22] Competition Commission postpones decision on supermarkets price fixing case

[23] Greek inflation rose to 3.3 pct in April

[24] Hellenic Aerospace, Idra Espacio forge alliance

[25] Deputy Development Minister Salagoudis inaugurates THRAKI 2005 trade exhibition

[26] Greek shipowners brief EU commissioners

[27] Civilian use of Megara-area airbase announced

[28] Japanese scholarships for Greek researchers

[29] Int'l meeting in Rhodes for prevention of installation of new nuclear reactors

[30] Anti-fascist rally in Athens erupts in violence

[31] ERS board votes to continue to issue 'transparency certificates'

[32] Sports secretariat to investigate existence of 'bogus' sports clubs in Greece

[33] Sprinter Kenteris given additional time to prepare testimony

[34] Chinese delegation meets with EOE president Kyriakou

[35] Cyprus President: economy must be unified in a solution

[36] Commissioner Almunia in Cyprus for Euro preparations

[37] UN Under Secretary General, involved in Cyprus, to retire

[01] Greek tourism to improve in 2005, minister says

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters during a news conference, Avramopoulos said the ministry has already achieved a stabilization of the tourism sector and said that the first results of a new tourism policy would be visible in 2006.

The Greek minister said that according to estimates by National Tourism Organization's offices abroad, tourist arrivals would increase by an average 7.0 percent this year, with arrivals from the US expected to rise by 40 percent compared with 2004, followed by a 25-28 percent increase from Spain, 18 pct from Canada and 25 percent from Australia.

Charter flights are projected to increase by 40 percent this year, with sea cruises likely to double.

Avramopoulos also referred to increased passenger traffic numbers released recently by the Eleftherios Venizelos international airport in Athens.

The Greek minister sent a warning to all businessmen related with the tourism sector, saying all enterprises breaking the law would close down, while he announced a round of strict inspections in tourist regions.

He said that National Tourism Organization would increase its offices abroad to 49 from 23 currently and noted that the ministry has already spent 26 million euros for its advertising campaign.

Avramopoulos said the ministry would publish a tender next week for next year's advertising campaign and stressed that a Tourist Development Enterprise was on the right track after completing its business plan for the period 2005-06. He said that three investment projects, worth 200 million euros each, were currently underway in the country and announced the start of direct flights between Athens and Qatar next week.

The Institute for Tourism Research and Forecasts (ITEP) on Thursday said it expected tourist arrivals to rise by 5-6 percent this year compared with 2004.

A report on tourism and economy also said a slowdown in tourism foreign exchange revenues was also possible this year. The report said that Greek tourist product was suffering a dramatic decline in its international competitiveness due to an appreciating European currency.

ITEP said prospects for 2005 have improved due to a successful advertising campaign abroad, a renewed profile of Athens and an inability of Turkey to meet more tourist arrivals.

[02] Bilateral Greek-U.S. relations at 'excellent level', PM says in newspaper interview

NEW YORK, 20/5/2005 (ANA/P. Panayiotou)

Karamanlis gave the interview on the occasion of his meeting with U.S. President George W. Bush at the White house on Friday and his awarding of an honorary laureate by Tufts University in Boston on Sunday.

The prime minister, with his interview with the newspaper, defined the agenda of his talks with the U.S. president, stressing that one of the main issues will be the struggle against international terrorism in which, as he said, "Greece declares herself steadfastly present."

Other important issues to be examined will be developments in the Balkans and Kosovo, the issue of Cyprus and the future of the Annan plan, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and the "batch of ideas" by UN mediator Matthew Nimetz which Greece has already accepted as a "negotiating basis" and relations between Turkey and the European Union, as well as its relations with Greece.

Karamanlis further said "Greece, following the absolutely successful holding of the Olympic Games in the summer of 2004, where it showed its great potential and the Greeks proved their capabilities, is proceeding with the consolidation of its international prestige."

[03] Greek-US relations entering stage of maturation, foreign ministry spokesman Koumoutsakos says

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

Koumoutsakos referred to the long-term prospects for bilateral relations between the two countries, adding however that the form of that cooperation had not been determined. He noted, however, thoughts of the holding of an international conference on the Middle East, which he said was one of the items on the table of discussions between the two sides.

The discussions, he added, always advanced ideas for the consolidation of stability and peace in the wider region.

Replying to questions on the situations in Iraq and Kosovo, Koumoutsakos said the goal continued to be stability and, in that context, Greece was called on to play the role corresponding to the country, utilizing its comparative advantages from its capacity as a member of NATO and the EU, as a partner in the region, and as a non-permament member of the UN Security Council.

On the course of Greek-Turkish relations, the spokesman said that Greece bases its positions on the conviction that the international rules and international treaties must be respected, and, based on that principle, the efforts for rapprochement were continuing.

Regarding the course of the Cyprus issue, Koumoutsakos said the matter was at a specific procedural stage and, following cooperation between Athens and Nicosia, a specific approach has been adopted and was currently underway, which concerned the contacts taking place at the UN headquarters in New York.

He noted that the talks at the UN have been described as 'investigative and preliminary' for a procedure that could prospectively be commenced.

Questioned on the possibility of specific proposals on the Cyprus issue being submitted in the framework of Karamanlis' meeting with US president George Bush in Washington on Friday, Koumoutsakos said that the agenda items had already been formally announced, adding that the Cyprus issue was at a specific procedural stage, and that there was no issue of proposals being put forward on the part of the Greek foreign ministry.

To a question on the anniversary of the genocide of the Pontian (Black Sea) Greeks, Koumoutsakos said that the Hellenic parliament has established May 19 as the Day of Memory of the Genocide of the Greeks of Pontos.

Today, he said, we honor the memory of the victims and stress that Greece, with particular sensitivity, always contributes with all its power to every effort by the international community for the effective prevention, deep-rooted confrontation and elimination of every practice aimed against the values of freedom, human life and dignity.

Replying to other questions, Koumoutsakos said that the foreign ministry had asked the authorities of Georgia for increased security measures for the citizens of Tsalka, adding that the security level in the region was not the desired one, and that international organizations, such as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), in its relevant report, had stipulated suggestions and urgings in favor of the security of the citizens to the Georgian authorities.

Koumoutsakos further announced that ambassador D. Kypraios had assumed the post of Special Coordinator for the Greek Presidency of the Inter-Balkan Cooperation and that of National Coordinator for the Stability Pact.

[04] U.S. terms Greece as a 'partner' and 'ally' ahead of PM Karamanlis' visit

WASHINGTON, 20/5/2005 (ANA/T. Ellis)

His comments came one day before Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will have talks with U.S. President George W. Bush at the White House.

In reply to a question, Boucher said that the United States looks forward "to the opportunity which we will have tomorrow to discuss these issues with the Greek leadership."

Asked whether at the meeting at the White House on Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will also be present, Boucher said that he was not aware of her program on Friday. At the same time, Boucher said that Rice "usually is present in such types of meetings," adding that "she looks forward to her discussions with the Greek government in these meetings."

[05] President Papoulias arrives in Varna to attend SE Europe cultural forum

VARNA, 20/5/2005 (ANA/N. Megadoukas)

The cultural corridors is a system of cultural values which includes, sites, monuments, historical installations, natural resources but also relations, communication and historic roads, which reflect common historic, social, cultural and other characteristics.

The cultural corridors in Southeast Europe aim at showing the region's cultural heritage to the rest of Europe and the world and the meeting in Varna is within the framework of the dialogue of cultures and the strengthening of regional cooperation, two sectors to which UNESCO gives importance.

On the sidelines of the Varna meeting, Papoulias will have talks with Croatian President Stipe Mesic, Montenegran President Filip Vujanovic and UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuura.

[06] PM satisfied with healthcare policy progress

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, after a two-and-a-half hour meeting with Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis, Karamanlis said conditions in state hospitals would improve substantially if a doctors' duty roster program was strictly introduced. The Greek PM said that a duty roster program has already helped significantly in the proper function of hospitals and announced it would be introduced -on a pilot base- in Thessaloniki.

Karamanlis also said the government would earmark more funds to hire new staff in hospitals and noted that the government was obliged to offer the best healthcare services possible to its citizens.

[07] PM meets with ND secretary Meimarakis

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

According to reports, the premier's tour of the Peloponnese region, tentatively scheduled in June, was also discussed.

[08] Greek public order minister begins visit to Bulgaria

SOFIA, 20/5/2005 (ANA - M. Borisov)

In a joint press conference after the meeting, Voulgarakis said relations between Greece and Bulgaria were a model of cooperation and stressed that the staff of both public order ministries were working together to promote stability in the region.

Petkanov thanked Voulgarakis for Greece's support of Bulgaria's NATO entry and the recent signature of the Treaty for Bulgaria's accession to the European Union.

The two ministers discussed joint measures to combat cross-border organized crime.

Voulgarakis has been accompanied on his visit by Greek Police (ELAS) Chief Lieut. General George Aggelakos, Northern Greece General Inspector Lieut. General Efstratios Kyriakakis and public order ministry staff.

Men of the security services of Bulgaria will be trained at the Interbalkan Security and Training Centre in Greece, of which the initiative for its founding had been undertaken by Athens.

This agreement between the two countries was announced by Voulgarakis and Petkanov.

During the meeting of the two ministers, discussion included joint measures for the combatting of cross-border organized crime. Voulgarakis clarified that the measures for the combatting of modern threats in the international security environment included the trafficking of people and drugs, the forging of money and passports, illegal immigration and other forms of organized crime.

Voulgarakis noted that the problems of cross-border organized crime is confronted effectively only through bilateral and international cooperation and added that "I wish to assure you that we are cooperating effectively and with consistency, so that the citizens of both our countries live in a secure environment."

The Greek public order minister further said that Bulgaria's forthcoming accession into the European Union "will open new prospects in bilateral cooperation which will not have an expiring date."

[09] PASOK leader arriving in Tel Aviv on Sunday for Socialist International Council meeting

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

The meeting will focus on "a peaceful Middle East with political and social democracy-the socialist vision."

Delegations of Israelis and Palestinians will be participating in the meeting.

Papandreou will leave Tel Aviv for Brussels where the European Socialist Party will be convening on Wednesday in light of the summer summit.

Meanwhile, PASOK's Political Council will be convening on Friday, under the chairmanship of Papandreou, to examine the political framework of the party's reconstruction.

The PASOK leader will also be visiting the Ionian island of Cephalonia on Saturday to attend events marking the 141st anniversary of the Eptanisa islands' reunification with Greece.

[10] Deputy FM addresses opening of 'Russia and Mediterranean' conference

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

Skandalakis referred to multiple ties existing between Hellenism and the populations of Russia and the wider region from ancient times and noted that "today, Greece's relations with Russia and the other countries in the wider region are at an excellent level and are developing continuously."

Russian Federation Ambassador to Greece Andrei Vdovin said in his address that "the issue of 'Russia and the Mediterranean' leaves no one indifferent", adding that "relations between Russia and Greece are unique and scientists will examine how they have been created."

[11] Athens monitoring developments in Uzbekistan with great concern, foreign ministry says

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

He said the great number of victims of the outburst of violence in the region caused great concern and sorrow, while he expressed the sympathy of the Greek government for all those affected.

Excessive and abusive use of violence, whenever and wherever this occurs, is always to be absolutely condemned, he added.

He called on the authorities in Uzbekistan to display the necessary respect for human rights and the need for self-control in order to avoid further exacerbating the situation.

All sides must work for the peaceful resolution of the crisis in the framework of democracy and law, he said.

[12] Austrian chancellor refers to Turkey's obligation to extend Customs Union to Cyprus

VIENNA, 20/5/2005 (ANA/D. Dimitrakoudis)

The Austrian chancellor said that apart from Customs Union with Cyprus, Turkey must also fulfill the other preconditions set by the European Council on December 17, 2004 to enable the beginning of accession negotiations on October 3.

Schuessel reiterated that at the end of accession negotiations, and if their outcome anticipates Turkey's full accession to the EU, this result will be raised for a referendum in Austria, as he has already announced at the end of the European Council last December.

He said he believes that the outcome of accession negotiations with Turkey will not anticipate its full accession but only a "special relation" with Ankara, which he had supported at the European Council and which he continues to support since he believes a "special relation" to be the best solution.

According to all the opinion polls carried out in Austria on this issue in the past, the overwhelming majority of the population, as much as 70 percent, opposes Turkey's full accession to the EU.

[13] Greece and Hungary agree to extend existing military cooperation agreement

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

The extension of the agreement will be signed before the end of the year and concerns security and the exchange of security-rated information, the exchange of know-how in programs run by the geographical service and the exchange of officers in peace-keeping mission training centers.

The two deputy ministers expressed their support for Turkey's European prospects on condition that Turkey fully adapted to European rules and principles before it joined the EU.

They also reiterated the need for the constant and substantial presence of international organizations in southeast Europe until conditions of security and stability in the region have been fully restored.

[14] President of Republic receives visiting Chinese government official

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

Later, the president also received New Democracy MEP Ioannis Varvitsiotis.

[15] Messages marking the 86th anniversary of the genocide of the Black Sea Greeks

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

On his part, Deputy Foreign Minister Panagiotis Skandalidis, responsible for overseas Hellenism, in his statement on the 86th anniversary of the genocide of the Black Sea Greeks, said:" This day constitutes a milestone for Greek history. The genocide of the Pontians is a stigma in the history of civilized humanity. However, it brings to our memory the ideals of the Pontians, as their struggle was based on values, principles and the ideals for which they were uprooted."

He added:"Pontian Hellenism today continues to struggle. It preserves alive the memories and its expectations. It struggles and distinguishes itself. And we are all obliged to be close to them and remember."

[16] Statements by SYN leader in Larissa

20/5/2005 (ANA)

Speaking from Larissa, central Greece, Alavanos commented that "phenomena such as the specific one is particularly regrettable," when, as he said, "they appear in a government which took power 14 months earlier and as it claims, has declared war against corruption."

[17] FYROM submits formal proposal on 'double name' solution to name issue

SKOPJE, 20/5/2005 (ANA/F. Frangopoulos)

Nimetz met with FYROM President Branko Crvenkovski, Prime Minister Vlado Buchkovski and Foreign Minister Ilinka Mitreva, in the presence of FYROM's Ambassador to Washington and representative at talks being held at the UN, Nikola Dimitrov.

"I received a proposal during the meeting which contains the steadfast position of the government of the country for the finding of a solution to the issue of the name, on the basis of the double name formula. This proposal will also be brought to the attention of the other side (the Greek side) and we shall see how the whole procedure will proceed," Nimetz said after the meeting.

"I believe that a discussion at the Security Council on the issue of the name would not be of any help. The purpose is to find a satisfactory and dignified solution to this issue, which will constitute a positive indication for the region and not to find a solution that would create difficulties. This is the purpose of the consultations and we shall see what can be achieved in the coming weeks," Nimetz added.

[18] Parliament backs away from jobless benefits for eligible ex-deputies

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

The entire matter caused a mini political furor last week, with the government and opposition, among others, severely criticizing the proposal.

According to reports, the entire issue is expected to be examined comprehensively in the future.

[19] No Turkish violations of Aegean air space on Thursday as events were held in memory of Ataturk

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

Until press time, no Turkish warplanes entered the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR).

On Thursday, in the neighboring country, events were held in memory of the founder of the modern Turkish state, Kemal Ataturk.

[20] Gov't announces conservation initiative to prevent power outages; comments on firing of minister's aide

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos made the announcement at the start of his daily press briefing, adding that such systems will be installed by the end of June, as July looms as the most crucial month for power consumption in the country.

Moreover, he said the development ministry and PPC will begin contacts with energy-dependent industries to propose incentives for cutting back on their power consumption during peak hours over the summer.

Roussopoulos said only long-term measures will alleviate whatever energy shortages appear in the usually hot summers of Greece, reminding that no major investment has been made by PPC in the power generation sector since 1998 -- an indirect criticism of previous governments.

Power supply was one of the concerns during last August's 2004 Olympic Games, although nary a problem was reported during their holding.

In an unrelated development, Roussopoulos announced that the government has already forwarded a draft bill to Parliament incorporating all relevant Community directives for internal market competition.

Moreover, he said intensified inspections by development ministry teams are continuing in the foodstuffs sector, namely, on pricing, quality and foodstuffs' place of origin.

Press focus on resignation of minister's aide: Meanwhile, the Q&A portion of Roussopoulos' briefing on Thursday was entirely dominated by queries over Wednesday's resignation of Interior and Public Administration Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos' press office director.

Roussopoulos reiterated, on a handful of occasions, that the resignation by Thanassis Houpis followed a "morally inexcusable action". According to reports, the latter -- a permanent employee with the state-run ET-3 television channel (Thessaloniki) transferred to the interior ministry -- served as a consultant to a private firm hired by the Post Office to advise it on employment and hiring issues.

"... as soon as Mr. Pavlopoulos was informed about this (consultancy) he asked for his associate's resignation," Roussopoulos underlined, adding that the significance of the matter lies in the fact that the government has demonstrated that "when problems arise it solves them and does not cover them up."

He also repeated that there is no issue of Pavlopoulos' resignation being demanded by the premier, stressing that the issue was immediately resolved by the minister when it became known.

PASOK party criticizes government on electric power conservation measures being considered: Main opposition PASOK party development sector rapporteur Dimitris Pipergias, commenting on measures being considered by the development ministry to conserve electric power, said on Thursday they had "an extinguishing nature and were fragmental".

"The government, under the weight of a possible blackout which might happen, at the system's peak operation during the summer months, announced a series of extinguishing and fragmental measures, which include scheduled power cuts for consumers and even for farming cultivations," he said.

Pipergias further said the government is "being obliged to proceed with fragmental measures which shall have social and economic repercussions and constitute a confession of failure to cover the country's needs in electric power."

[21] Greek, Japanese farm ministers in talks

Tokyo, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

The two officials discussed regionally designated products, and the distribution of Greek organic and quality products in Japan.

Basiakos invited Shimamura to pay an official visit to Greece.

[22] Competition Commission postpones decision on supermarkets price fixing case

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

The Appeals Court is expected to deliver its decision by May 30. The Competition Commission was scheduled to meet on Thursday to discuss the issue.

[23] Greek inflation rose to 3.3 pct in April,

Eurostat 20/5/2005 (ANA)

The EU executive's statistical agency said Eurozone's inflation was unchanged at 2.1 percent in April, slightly up from 2.0 percent in the same month last year. Inflation in the EU 25 was also unchanged at 2.1 percent in April, from 2.0 percent in the same month in 2004.

Sweden (0.4 pct), Finland (1.1 pct), Holland (1.3 pct), Czech Republic and Germany (1.4 pct each) recorded the lowest inflation rates in the European Union, while Latvia (7.1 pct), Estonia (4.7 pct), Hungary (3.8 pct) and Luxembourg (3.7 pct) recorded the highest inflation rates in April.

The inflation rate rose in 12 EU member states in April, in fell in 12 and was unchanged in the UK.

[24] Hellenic Aerospace, Idra Espacio forge alliance

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

Under the five-year contract, HAI will receive 50 million euros for upgrading electronic systems, evolving monitoring systems for regular and strategic networks, and designing simulators, the Greek state firm said in a statement.

[25] Deputy Development Minister Salagoudis inaugurates THRAKI 2005 trade exhibition

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

"I am inaugurating this year's 'THRAKI' exhibition in the region where all the eyes of Greece, for many years, are turned to," stressed Salagoudis, characterizing as a happy coincidence that during the same period the political memorandum for the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline has been signed.

He added that the pipeline constitutes a project "with a world dimension" and particularly because it has its Balkan importance as the first great inter-state agreement which "gives the message for the cooperation of the peoples of the Balkans, a cooperation which our country works for and promotes."

[26] Greek shipowners brief EU commissioners

BRUSSELS, 20/5/2005 (ANA/M Spinthourakis)

During two days of talks, the UGS officials asked that greater attention should be paid to the sector as it played a key part in EU imports and exports, the trade group's president, Nikos Efthymiou, told reporters in the Belgian capital.

"Shipping is the most globalized sector," Efthymiou noted.

The Greek fleet holds the lion's share of the EU market at 55%, representing 3,103 ships. Greek-flag vessels rank fourth worldwide, and top in the EU.

[27] Civilian use of Megara-area airbase announced

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

The airbase, located near the town of Megara, will reportedly serve civilian aviation needs beginning in late June.

The meeting at the airbase was jointly chaired by the defense and transport ministers.

Works at the airbase scheduled for completion before any civilian uses commence include runway upgrades and maintenance; paving auxiliary roadways at the airstrip; cordoning off a parachute landing site and installing equipment to download meteorological data.

[28] Japanese scholarships for Greek researchers

20/5/2005 (ANA)

The deadline for the submission of applications is May 30, 2005. The embassy clarified that the applications must have been received by the deadline, and that applications reaching the embassy by mail after the deadline will not be accepted.

Information on the scholarships program and applications are available at the embassy's cultural/educational department, 46 Ethnikis Antistaseos street, Halandri, tel: 210-6709901/2, e-mail: [email protected], and website: http://www.gr.emb-japan.go.ip

[29] Int'l meeting in Rhodes for prevention of installation of new nuclear reactors

20/5/2005 (ANA)

The meeting is organized by the Mediterranean Anti-Nuclear Observatory (which was set up recently in Rhodes), the prefectural local government of the Dodecanese, the Local Union of Municipalities and Communities and the Technical Chamber of Greece.

[30] Anti-fascist rally in Athens erupts in violence

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

The rally began at Victoria Square, near Patission Avenue, at 6 p.m. and about 2,000 demonstrators headed for Acadimias avenue, while the main bulk of them reached the Athens University campus and then arrived at downtown Omonia Square where they dispersed.

However, about 200 demonstrators headed for Exarchia Square and at the crossroads of Ippokratous and Solonos streets they hurled firebombs at a branch office of the National Bank of Greece. Riot police deployed in the area chased the demonstrators who scattered in many sidestreets, setting fire to garbage cans and damaging parked cars, shop windows and entrances to buildings.

Some of the demonstrators reached Patission and Alexandras avenues, while others approached Strefi hill, constantly starting fires and causing damage along their way.

At about 9.30 p.m. the situation appeared to be easing, but tension still reigned in the region. An account of damage caused has not been made yet, while police are questioning a number of suspects without it being clear whether some of them will be detained.

[31] ERS board votes to continue to issue 'transparency certificates'

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

Only ERS vice-president Dimitris Haralambis, who proposed the measure, voted in favor of stopping the practice of issuing such certificates.

[32] Sports secretariat to investigate existence of 'bogus' sports clubs in Greece

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

According to Koukodimos, an estimated 60 per cent of the 6,500 non-football amateur clubs in Greece fit that description, while he was personally aware of at least one club that received regular funding even though it operated out of a single apartment, was run by three members of a family and did not even have a contact phone.

Koukodimos said the process of cleaning up amateur sports will begin in September so as not to interfere with the summer sports season, while a dossier on irregularities found will be sent to the public prosecutor.

The general secretary also answered questions concerning doping, asserting that the phenomenon was not as widespread among Greek sports as it had been made to appear the previous summer. According to Koukodimos, the affair had been deliberately blown out of proportion by sections of the media involved with particular sports, such as football or basketball, who wanted to muddy the image of other rival sports.

He defended the privileges accorded to champions and Olympic medalists, saying that these incentives should be preserved, though noting that athletes should also hold up their end of the bargain when they were given armed forces and security force wages by participating in military games.

[33] Sprinter Kenteris given additional time to prepare testimony

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

No date has yet been set for Kenteris to appear before the magistrate, while the request for an extension was made over the phone by Kenteris' lawyer.

Kenteris has been charged with obstructing doping tests and with morally instigating others to carry out breaches of duty and issue false attestations. The charges against Kenteris are also faced by his training partner Katerina Thanou and relate to his failure to appear for scheduled doping tests in Tel Aviv, Chicago and Athens, as well the events linked to an alleged road accident in Glyfada that sent the two athletes to hospital on the eve of the Athens Olympics.

Thanou is scheduled to appear before the examining magistrate next Wednesday, while the two athletes' former coach Christos Tzekos faces charges linked to controlled substance violations.

[34] Chinese delegation meets with EOE president Kyriakou

Athens, 20/5/2005 (ANA)

[35] Cyprus President: economy must be unified in a solution

NICOSIA, 20/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Opening the 30th Cyprus International Fair, President Papadopoulos addressing the Turkish Cypriots assured them that the G/C side remains firmly committed to a bizonal, bicommunal federation, to a solution that will reunify the country and ''will ensure the gradual rapprochement between the two communities in Cyprus and the social and economic reunification''.

''These are the basic positions that we put forward in the ongoing consultations with the U.N. Secretariat, promoting a new initiative on the part of the Secretary General for the resumption of talks that will guarantee a viable and workable solution to the Cyprus problem'', he added.

The Cypriot President said ''we are working systematically and quietly to create the right conditions that would ensure the conduct of substantive and constructive negotiations that will lead to an agreed solution of the Cyprus problem, in the new conditions created by the accession of the Cyprus Republic to the European Union. Arbitration and strict timeframes have proved ineffectual for free and equitable

negotiations capable of leading to an agreed and viable solution''.

Welcoming T/C businessmen who for the first time in 30 years are participating in the Cyprus International Fair, he expressed the hope ''that their participation in this top commercial and economic event, in combination with a more effective implementation of the Green Line Regulation, will contribute significantly to the further development of trade and economic relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots and also to the creation of the necessary conditions that will reunify in practice our country and our people''.

Referring to the demand for the implementation of the EU regulation on the so-called direct trade, he said it is clearly a political demand aiming for political upgrading.

''The Republic of Cyprus has as from October 6, 2004 accepted that an amount of 259 million euros be made available to our Turkish Cypriot

compatriots. The responsibility for the withholding of this assistance falls squarely on the shoulders of those who, without justification, but purely for political reasons, are linking this Regulation to the so called direct trade'', President Papadopoulos said.

In his speech, the president also noted that last year's opening took place just a few days after the great historic landmark of the island's EU accession and this year's Fair is taking place ''a few days after a second landmark, that is the fact that the Republic of Cyprus joined the ERM II - the Exchange Range Mechanism II- of the European Union''.

Referring to the Cyprus International Fair he said it was a reflection of the outcomes of Government policy that follows a strategy of implementing radical institutional and structural changes in the economy and in commerce.

In his address Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism George Lillikas expressed his satisfaction as the Cyprus International Fair celebrates this year its 30th birthday, ''thirty years of fruitful and creative contribution to the development of trade and economy of our country''.

Welcoming Turkish Cypriot entrepreneurs he noted they are participating for the first time dynamically in the Cyprus International Fair in an exhibit space of 1000 square meters and congratulated the President of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry Salih Tunar and the members of the Chamber for the initiative they have taken.

He added that Cyprus economy's basic axis is its services, which make up approximately 75% of Gross Domestic Product, noting that ''the level of competitiveness of our services can be positively compared even with that of the most progressed economies''.

He also said that in the following few weeks the Council of Ministers will examine important policy proposals concerning substantial aspects of our tourism with the aim of enriching and upgrading the quality of our tourist product.

''The proposals include the establishment of a modern Conference Centre in Limassol and of the Academy of Tourism which will aim at the continuous education and professional training of all who are directly related with tourism. Through the implementation of the Strategic Tourist Development Plan we seek to relocate our country on the tourism map as a quality destination, to address the problem of seasonality and to increase our income'', he said.

Greek Minister of Justice Anastasis Papaligouras, representing the Greek Government at the opening of the 30th Cyprus International State Fair said Cyprus' accession to the EU creates a positive framework, facilitating efforts to reach a Cyprus settlement.

''The Greek Government and people are close to you, and we are together in this big effort to make dreams a reality on the island'', he said.

Concluding, he stressed that the Cyprus Republic has a strong economy and a geographical position that give the island the opportunity to play an important role between Europe and the Middle East.

[36] Commissioner Almunia in Cyprus for Euro preparations

NICOSIA, 20/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Almunia is currently in Cyprus to discuss with Cypriot officials practical preparations for the introduction of the Euro. Earlier Thursday he was

received by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and later on he had a meeting with Cyprus Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos.

''The economic results of Cyprus are going in the good direction. Public finances are going well. It is very important to go towards further consolidation of public finances in order to create better conditions for joining the Euro as soon as possible'', Almunia said after his meeting with the Cypriot finance minister.

On his part Keravnos said that he received reassurances from Almunia that the European Commission would offer Cyprus the necessary technical assistance. He said he informed Almunia on the government's preparations to join the Euro noting these preparations will continue in the next two years.

Commissioner Almunia expressed hope that the preparations would allow the introduction of the Euro without creating tension in the inflation rate or allowing abuses of prices when the change over takes place.

He also underlined that a correct preparation would allow the creation of conditions for low interest rates, low prices, economic stability, better conditions for growth and creation of jobs. ''We will provide the Cyprus authorities with all our experience and help, for the technical preparations for the introduction of Euro, the distribution of coins and notes and for the information of the public'', he concluded.

[37] UN Under Secretary General, involved in Cyprus, to retire

NICOSIA, 20/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Prendergast is currently engaged in consultations at the UN with a Cypriot delegation, led by presidential envoy Ambassador Tasos Tzionis, on the prospects of resuming negotiations for a political settlement.

Prendergast, who is expected to visit the region for talks on Cyprus at the beginning of June, after taking accumulated leave due to him during the summer he will, at the Secretary General's request, spend the fall semester as a Goodman Fellow at Harvard University, where he will write a report drawing on his experience at DPA and recommending how the United Nations can best fulfill its responsibilities in the areas of mediation support and conflict resolution.

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