Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-06-02

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] French President Chirac sends letter to PM, stressing continued French commitment to EU

[02] Papoulias receives Orthodox Exarch of Canada Sotirios

[03] Gov't confirms interest in including Greek football matches in fixed odds betting game

[04] PASOK party criticizes government over policy regarding OTE, OPAP

[05] PASOK party leader visits Serres prefecture

[06] PASOK leader Papandreou addresses party prefects in Serres

[07] Court martial prosecutor presses charges over army helicopter crash that killed Alexandria Patriarch

[08] PM, ND secretary discuss current issues

[09] PM again briefed by ND deputies

[10] Diplomas awarded to Greek officers at ceremony at French Embassy

[11] Greek gov't to present "solution of principles" for banks' pension problem

[12] EU queries sustainability of Greek pension system

[13] PM Karamanlis meeting with OTE president Vourloumis

[14] Tourism Minister completes official visit to Egypt

[15] Greek tourism significantly up in first months of 2005

[16] Grant Thornton: Greek firms upbeat over economic outlook

[17] Temporary employment jumped 72 pct in 2004

[18] Draft law on monopoly control and protection of free competition ratified in principle

[19] Greece asks diplomats to help attract exhibitors to Thessaloniki trade fair

[20] Chinese business controls to be intensified

[21] Hellenic Stock Markets reports 22 pct rise in 1st quarter net profits

[22] Trade groups from countries with island regions release manifesto

[23] Stocks edge up on economy hopes

[24] Pilot recycling scheme to begin in City of Athens municipality

[25] Two defendants make pleas in trial of Revolutionary Popular Struggle group

[26] PM inaugurates Tsolozidis art collection exhibition

[27] State Orchestra of Greek Music to give concert for Theodorakis' 80th birthday

[28] Preliminary probe expected to recommend felony charges against Vavylis

[29] Mavrommatis to open presentation of Euro-Parliament's annual report on EU ombudsman

[30] Cypriot Spokesman says all should respect rules of conduct

[31] State Department: different US activity for Cyprus

[01] French President Chirac sends letter to PM, stressing continued French commitment to EU

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

Chirac stressed that France is a founding member of the EU and will continue to maintain this position with respect for all the obligations that arise from it and under his personal supervision.

The French president also noted that, even though nine member-states had so far ratified the Euro-Constitution, the remainder had still to express their will.

Chirac concluded by saying that it would best to devote the necessary time to analyze the repercussion of the French vote for the Union in depth and that this issue should also be addressed at the European Council on June 16-17.

Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis said he was satisfied with the results of a National Foreign Policy Council meeting held earlier on Wednesday, saying it had been "useful and interesting" and that it had revealed consensus regarding strategic foreign policy targets.

Representatives of all the political parties in Parliament, except the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), attended Wednesday's meeting chaired by Molyviatis.

"There are differences on various aspects, as well as criticism and reservations, but it is important in a country such as Greece for there to be consensus with regard to strategic targets," he said.

Also present was Sotiris Hatzigakis, Parliamentary vice-president in charge of European Affairs, who said there had been "substantive and productive discussion" on all current foreign policy issues, particularly the discussion on upgrading Greece's role in relation to the United States and the results of the French referendum for the European Constitutional Treaty.

Representing main opposition PASOK was the head of the party's Political Council for Foreign Policy, Security and Defense Christos Papoutsis, who stressed the importance of Greece's relations with the U.S.

The Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology party was represented by Panos Trigazis, in charge of foreign policy, defense and international relations for his party. He said the Coalition had asked the foreign ministry to provide prompt and in-depth briefings on foreign policy issues, especially in view of the European Council later in June.

He also argued that the Greek government should attend that summit with the view that the course of European unification should be re-examined after the French rejection of the Euro-Constitution.

The issues discussed during the meeting included the Cyprus problem, developments in the EU after the French referendum, Turkey's European accession course, bilateral relations with Turkey, events in the Balkans, especially the situation in Kosovo and the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and Greek-U.S. relations.

[02] Papoulias receives Orthodox Exarch of Canada Sotirios

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

Deputies Evangelos Haitidis and Grigoris Niotis also accompanied the high-ranking Orthodox cleric during his meeting with Papoulias.

[03] Gov't confirms interest in including Greek football matches in fixed odds betting game

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos emphasized that the gradual inclusion of Greek championship matches in the popular fixed odds game is one consideration, whereas another is for bourse-listed OPAP to assume the lucrative game once a contract with a private consortium expires in 2007.

The issue sprung into the limelight a day earlier following similar comments by Deputy Sports Minister George Orfanos, among others.

Currently, the "Let's Bet" game has a three- to four-match minimum for punters. According to press reports, any Greek matches would be included with at least another two from foreign leagues.

In response to press questions about ruling New Democracy party's previous opposition to Greek matches being included in the fixed odds game when it was the main opposition party, Roussopoulos reminded that this stance revolved around the issue of "certain conflicts of interests", an indirect reference to owners of first division football teams participating in the consortium holding the "Pame Stoihima" concession.

In pointing to the procedure for eventually including domestic matches in the game, Roussopoulos said a study would first have to prove that this would be profitable, and then only under the condition that OPAP would assume the fixed odds game. He said yesterday's "green light" by OPAP's general assembly was necessary to commence procedures for examining new business plans and prospects for the organization, a heavily traded blue-chip on the Athens Stock Exchange.

[04] PASOK party criticizes government over policy regarding OTE, OPAP

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

"The government, engrossed in the policy of talk of the past, passes over in silence true intentions on the sellout of OTE, the rehiring of thousands of pensioners and the real cost entailed by the agreement signed," said a party announcement.

"Structural change means better and cheaper services and new jobs, none of which are being promoted with the policy of New Democracy (the ruling party)," it was added.

In another announcement concerning the inclusion of Greek soccer division matches in the fixed odds betting game "Pame Stoihima" (Let's Bet), PASOK says the intention of selling 17 percent of OPAP and the effort to increase the price of its shares is not an adequate reason and will lead to a further dramatic decline in sport and culture, while reminding that "until lately and for many years the government and the prime minister himself considered such a thing a disaster for Greek sport."

[05] PASOK party leader visits Serres prefecture

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

Papandreou had the opportunity of being briefed on problems facing the region and said in his address that the government, despite its announcements, ''did not pay attention to the agricultural sector and did not support the farmer''.

"When we were in government we struggled and tomorrow when we shall be in government again we shall always stand by the farmers," the PASOK leader said.

Papandreou added that "what is necessary is great reform. PASOK achieved many things, but they were not enough" and stressed that the target of great reform is the transfer of power to the countryside to enable all to have equal possibilities and opportunities.

[06] PASOK leader Papandreou addresses party prefects in Serres

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

"If the New Democracy collapses, it cannot also drag Greece downhill. And our responsibility is to stop the downhill which strikes the interests of the Greek people," he said.

Papandreou described the prime minister as "a visitor who decided to visit various ministries," adding: "Unfortunately he spoke a lot about corruption. Quite rightly. There is a problem of corruption in the country, but he brought a law regarding a primary shareholder, which we warned would have problems, which we warned would not solve the problems of corruption."

[07] Court martial prosecutor presses charges over army helicopter crash that killed Alexandria Patriarch

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

Defense ministry sources said the move followed press reports that the judicial investigation in the accident had delayed. The charges against unknown officers of the Land Army and Air Force are for disrupting aircraft safety so as to endanger human life that resulted in death, repeated counts of exposing victims to lethal danger, violations of aircraft maintenance during times of peace that created risk for persons and loss of aircraft, repeated counts of manslaughter through negligence, failing to mount a search for an aircraft in times of peace and failing to follow military orders in times of peace.

The same sources said that the start of the main inquiry will also initiate the process of transferring the helicopter's wreckage to the United States for inspection by U.S. authorities and that the national defense minister will be briefing members of Parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on developments regarding this issue next Tuesday.

[08] PM, ND secretary discuss current issues

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

Meimarakis said an exhaustive dialogue is taking place on all issues with the interested agencies, but noted that dialogue is not taking place just for its sake and there has to be a conclusion.

Replying to a question by the press on the reactions of trade unions, the ND secretary said there are no reactions, there is dialogue.

[09] PM again briefed by ND deputies

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

Deputies included D. Tsadoulas, C. Tsiplakis, D. Tsiamakis and C. Karabinas, all of whom briefed the premier on problems faced in their particular election districts.

[10] Diplomas awarded to Greek officers at ceremony at French Embassy

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

This position was agreed by the deputy national defense minister and French Ambassador to Athens Bruno Delaye during the course of their speeches at Tuesday night's awarding at the French embassy of the diplomas to the 16 Greek officers graduates of the Greek Section of the Diplomatic and Strategic Studies Centre of Paris.

The Greek deputy defense minister also referred to the "No" in the referendum in Cyprus on UN Secretary Kofi Annan's plan for a solution of the Cyprus issue, stating that the citizens of the Republic of Cyprus want the reunification of the island but the reaching of a better and more viable solution.

"Like the French people are in favor of a better Europe, the citizens of the Republic of Cyprus also are in favor of a substantially better solution than that foreseen by the plan in question," he said.

[11] Greek gov't to present "solution of principles" for banks' pension problem

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, during a news conference, the Greek minister said that banks in the private sector could choose whether to accept or not the government solution, while he added that the government has not reached final decisions on Emporiki Bank.

Commenting on the government's policy on privatizations, Alogoskoufis said it was part of a wider plan to boost economic growth, employment and social cohesion in the country. Privatizations were also linked with structural reforms to maximize the positive results of privatizations, while commenting on Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, he said that the solution reached was the best possible to avoid any massive lay-offs in the organization.

The Greek minister said the government did not discuss offering Hellenic Telecoms' management to private investors and reiterated that the state would pay 290 million euros to the cost of OTE's early retirement plan, totalling 1.5 billion euros.

Alogoskoufis said OPAP, the state-owned soccer pool organization, would gradually introduce Greek soccer games to its betting game with the aim to take over the game after 2006. He announced that talks were currently underway to float the Athens International Airport in the Athens Stock Exchange, while a decision has been taken to list the Post Savings Bank in the Athens bourse.

[12] EU queries sustainability of Greek pension system

BRUSSELS 2/6/2005 (ANA/B Demiris)

In an annual report on fiscal finances in the bloc, the Commission estimated that the country's spending on pensions will rise to 22.6% of gross domestic product in 2050 from 12.3% in 2009, with the 2050 figure sharply higher than in other EU member states.

Also cited in terms of long term sustainability were Spain, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Cyprus and Malta.

The Commission noted that a considerable increase anticipated in age-related spending in Greece suggests that additional measures to control public pension expenditure is necessary, including the resolute implementation of reform measures enacted.

Gross debt-to-GDP is projected to fall, although remaining above 100% of gross domestic product throughout the program period.

Even if planned budgetary consolidation should materialize in Greece, a considerable sustainability gap emerges, pointing to the need for a broad-based approach to ensure the sustainability of the public finances, the report said.

Named as having a problem of long-term viability in public finances were Greece, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Italy, Cyprus, Hungary, Malta and Slovenia.

In addition, Greece and France were cited as risking increased fiscal imbalances in 2001-2004.

[13] PM Karamanlis meeting with OTE president Vourloumis

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

The meeting came a few days following an agreement reached between OTE trade unionists and the organization for the voluntary early retirement of OTE employees.

Vourloumis made no statements to the press after the half-hour meeting.

[14] Tourism Minister completes official visit to Egypt

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

The 45-minute meeting reaffirmed the very good level of relations between the two countries. Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Avramopoulos said both countries agreed to further promote bilateral relations to all sectors, particularly in tourism and stressed that the "two peoples can cooperate in tourism and economy".

The Greek minister said further cooperation would be discussed during his Egyptian counterpart's visit to Athens. He noted the common comparative advantages both countries have in tourism, advantages that could bring Greece and Egypt up to a leading position in the world tourism market.

Avramopoulos also met with representatives of the Greek community living in Cairo and Alexandria and stressed the clear will of the Greek state to support Greeks living in the Nile country.

"For all of us, the Greek community in Egypt, the community of Cairo and Alexandria, is known for its cultural and spiritual activity dating back to 200 years," the Greek minister said. He announced that a delegation of experts would visit Cairo soon to study the necessary legal status for supporting initiatives by the Greek communities in Cairo and Alexandria.

[15] Greek tourism significantly up in first months of 2005

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

Speaking in parliament, Liaskos said passenger traffic rose 13 percent during the Easter holidays period this year, compared with the same period in 2004. The Greek minister presented a ministry's ambitious program "We Stay in Greece", aimed to attract Greek tourists around the country and said that domestic passenger traffic was up 6.0 percent during the Easter period, totalling 265,715.

[16] Grant Thornton: Greek firms upbeat over economic outlook

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

The global researcher's IBOS report, which reveals expectations and plans for the coming year based on the views of the owners of medium-sized companies in 24 countries, was conducted in autumn 2004, a period of strong global economic activity and trade; although the eurozone was failing to join in global recovery, and the US dollar was under increasing pressure.

Concerning forecasts of investment in plant and machinery, Greece ranked fourth after Poland, Ireland and Turkey. The country took fifth place from the bottom over exports, following France, Taiwan, Japan and Russia.

On assessment of turnover, Greek companies ranked 13th, below the global average. The country came fifth in terms of bureaucracy acting as a stumbling block to growth plans.

[17] Temporary employment jumped 72 pct in 2004

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

An Adecco report, based on a sample of 6,060 men and women who worked in temporary jobs last year, showed that 67.75 percent were already working while 37.73 percent were previously unemployed.

The figures were in full contrast with 2003 figures, when unemployed people taking temporary jobs totalled 76.63 percent and working people totalled 23.37 percent.

The report also said that 66.23 percent of Greeks included in temporary job programs by Adecco aged 21-30 years, while temporary jobs among people aged more than 41 years old jumped from 4.44 percent in 2003 to 25 percent in 2004.

Foreign language teacher (20.36 pct), office clerk (16.50 pct), ticketing (14.96 pct) and telephone centre operator (8.6 pct) were the most successful temporary job positions.

[18] Draft law on monopoly control and protection of free competition ratified in principle

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

The bill was voted against by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) and the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology.

"Open markets and free competition does not mean unaccountability. When competition functions with strict control all benefit," said Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas.

"Strengthening competition for the consumer's benefit is the government's compass," he added.

[19] Greece asks diplomats to help attract exhibitors to Thessaloniki trade fair

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

"I can assure you that their presence (at the trade fair) will prove to be a first-class opportunity to promote their products in Greece and beyond," Stylianidis told the gathering arranged by the foreign ministry and the exhibition's operator, state-owned Helexpo.

He outlined Thessaloniki's advantages as a hub in Europe for major emerging markets in the Balkans, the Black Sea region, eastern Europe, and the eastern Mediterranean.

"The city is a maritime gateway to the whole Balkan peninsula, and, increasingly, a crossroads in the trans-European transport, trade and tourism networks," Stylianidis noted.

Helexpo's managing director, Aristotelis Thomopoulos, noted that the major international trade fair would celebrate its 70th birthday this year.

[20] Chinese business controls to be intensified

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

The activation of the state's auditing apparatuses and the taking of effective measures to tackle phenomena of unfair competition against Greek businesses through imports of Chinese products were examined during a meeting held at the finance ministry on Wednesday.

The finance ministry subsequently issued an announcement that the creation of joint crews was decided which will proceed immediately with systematic checks at 212 locations in the Attica prefecture where Chinese products are on sale to ascertain whether Greek legislation is being observed.

A finance ministry official said the target of this is not to create illicit obstacles for Chinese imports but to safeguard Greek businesses and working people from possible unfair or illegal practices and attitudes.

[21] Hellenic Stock Markets reports 22 pct rise in 1st quarter net profits

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

Consolidated turnover, however, eased to 17.380 million euros from 19.053 million euros over the same period, respectively, with net pre-tax profits falling to 10.352 million euros from 12.565 million euros, respectively. Turnover was down 9.0 percent due to lower revenues in the derivatives market.

Parent revenues rose to 1.169 million euros in the January-March period from 1.134 million euros last year. Net pre-tax profits jumped to 57.562 million euros from 27.273 million euros in 2004. Net after tax profits also jumped to 57.535 million euros in the first quarter this year from 23.901 million euros in 2004.

[22] Trade groups from countries with island regions release manifesto

BRUSSELS 2/6/2005 (ANA/M Spinthourakis)

The manifesto was presented at the European Parliament building in the Belgian capital, representing chambers from France, the United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Spain, Cyprus and Malta in an event arranged by ruling New Democracy party eurodeputy Rodis Kratsa and attended by Aegean and Island Policy Minister Aristotelis Pavlidis.

The manifesto outlines major structural problems in island regions, also suggesting measures to promote their economic and social growth.

Welcoming the initiative, Kratsa said that the European Union and its member states have a responsibility to boost economic, social and territorial cohesion in the islands, totalling 284 regions and more than 13 million permanent residents.

[23] Stocks edge up on economy hopes

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 2,969.20 points, marking a rise of 0.33%. Turnover was 147.8 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.35% up; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 1.63% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 0.64% up.

Of stocks traded, advances led declines at 152 to 105 with 74 remaining unchanged.

[24] Pilot recycling scheme to begin in City of Athens municipality

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

She said the scheme was originally being implemented as a pilot program in order to test for optimum methods and viability of the proposed solutions. Three companies will each implement the methods they propose for a period of four months, after which there will be an assessment of their relative merits and shortcomings.

The companies will cover their own costs for the four-month pilot phase and will undertake to inform the public and record the response they meet with in various neighborhoods.

Bakoyannis, noting that Athens was the last European capital without a recycling program, said the results of the pilot phase will be presented to the Municipal Council in September, after which a final proposal will be drafted for the program to be adopted for the entire municipality.

During the press conference, Bakoyannis also referred to the ongoing problems with the sludge generated by the Psytallia sewage treatment plant and the reactions to a proposal that the sludge be interred at the Ano Liosia landfill site.

She stressed that threats to shut down the dump, which is the main recipient of Athens' refuse and waste, were unacceptable.

"It's a matter of principle," the mayor noted, saying that no trade unionist had the right to close the dump for even five minutes, any more than a trade unionist would be justified in turning off the power to a hospital.

"It is inconceivable that some four million citizens should be held 'hostage' through the closure of the Ano Liosia dump," she stressed, pointing out that temperatures in the city had already reached some 30 degrees centigrade and that the tourist season was just beginning.

While noting her respect for the environmental concerns of surrounding residents and municipal authorities, Bakoyannis pointed out that the Psytallia sludge was already being deposited at the Ano Liosia landfill through a decision of the Council of State, while under the new decision it would be interred in dry form.

[25] Two defendants make pleas in trial of Revolutionary Popular Struggle group

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

Kassimis denied any involvement in the case and claimed that he was in court for reasons of revenge following the "murder" of his brother Christos Kassimis in 1977 and because "apparatuses intend to keep him a hostage permanently."

The defendant further said the fact that he was being tried now for explosions attributed to ELA was "unreasonable", while the previous trial had acquitted him after reaching the conclusion that he had never been a member of ELA.

Serifis said his prosecutors must make pleas and not he himself since for 30 years he has been in a state of permanent prosecution.

Concluding his testimony, Serifis said he does not intend to ''stop struggling'' despite the fact he is being dragged "from one terror trial to another."

The trial will continue with the public prosecutor making his proposal.

[26] PM inaugurates Tsolozidis art collection exhibition

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

"Culture is the privileged sector which can be useful as an example of coordination for the activities of the state and private citizens," Karamanlis said.

The 220 exhibits shed light on the day-to-day life of that period and on the expression of private and public worship of Byzantine and post-Byzantine years.

The exhibition will remain open until August 31.

[27] State Orchestra of Greek Music to give concert for Theodorakis' 80th birthday

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

[28] Preliminary probe expected to recommend felony charges against Vavylis

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

A copy of the investigation, delivered to the head of the first instance prosecutor's office on Wednesday, will be conveyed to Italian authorities as part of Athens' request for the extradition of the one-time fugitive that dominated local headlines and newscasts between February and April -- the height of press scrutiny into a series of alleged Church-related scandals.

Vavylis is currently being held in a Venice jail after Italian police apprehended him in Bologna in late April. He is serving a seven-year prison sentence for a drug smuggling conviction in the neighboring country.

[29] Mavrommatis to open presentation of Euro-Parliament's annual report on EU ombudsman

Athens, 2/6/2005 (ANA)

[30] Cypriot Spokesman says all should respect rules of conduct

NICOSIA 2/6/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking after a cabinet meeting, the spokesman said these visits also went against Cyprus' internal law, which foreigners, either residing or visiting the island, should respect, in compliance with international treaties.

Commenting on remarks by US State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher that there was no illegality in the US congressmen's visit, Chrysostomides said international treaties incorporated in US law have been violated.

The US congressmen arrived earlier this week, in the areas of Cyprus under Turkish occupation since the 1974 invasion of the island, on a flight that landed at an airport declared by the government as illegal.

[31] State Department: different US activity for Cyprus

WASHINGTON 2/6/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Responding to questions during his daily briefing, Boucher said last year there has been a different activity on part of the United States as regards the "isolation" of the Turkish Cypriots.

Comparing the period when he served in Cyprus as a US Ambassador and the presence of current Ambassador Michael Klosson in the occupied areas to accompany the US delegation, Boucher said: ''What's different is what we've talked about for the last year. I'll leave it at that. There's been a different environment. There's been a different activity on part of the United States to try to make sure that Turkish Cypriots did not feel as isolated as they have been in the past."

Asked if the trip violates the Chicago Convention of 1944, dealing with the international civil aviation, to which both the Cyprus Republic and the United States are signatories, he said it does not.

''We have looked at the situation, we've authorized travel by Americans on regular passports. We've had diplomats go through there. There's nothing that violates the conventions about it," he said. The trip he concluded ''doesn't violate US law''.

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