Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 04-03-16
HR-Net News Distribution Manager
CONTENTS
[01] FinMin to seek "credible" economic policy
[02] Three minutes of silence in honor of Madrid victims
[03] Deputy FM stresses need for viable solution to Cyprus issue
[04] UN-sponsored Greece-Turkey talks on Cyprus security, guarantees to open
Wednesday
[05] PM Karamanlis confers with former premier, ND hon. pres. Mitsotakis
[06] US ambassador visits defense minister; Olympics security discussed,
sources say
[07] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos meets Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
[08] PASOK party leader congratulates Spanish socialist party leader
[09] Government announces appointment of new secretary generals at ministries
[10] Public order minister receives US Sixth Fleet commander
[11] Greek Ambassador to U.S. hosts dinner in honor of Marc Grossman
[12] Gov't says EU funds' inflows, investments, top priority
[13] Gov't against state intervention in markets, Development minister
[14] FinMin, employers agree to closer cooperation
[15] GSEE asks for 8.0 pay increase, reduced working hours
[16] New agri-minister seeks cooperation with key farm group
[17] Greek retail sales index up 4.3 pct in Dec. 2003, yr/yr
[18] Greek pharmaceutical sector urges gov't measures to protect sector
[19] EU set to probe new Greek law on Olympic Airlines
[20] Public Power Corp to keep CEO, lose president under new gov't
[21] Stocks slump in sell-off
[22] June 15 named as deadline for work on Marathon course starting point
[23] ATHOC president and deputy sports minister discuss Olympic Games
preparations
[24] Capralos assumes culture ministry post for Olympics
[25] Bakoyianni and Orfanos discuss Olympic Games
[26] Opening of an Olympic Games-inspired children's' art exhibit
[27] Education minister announces changes to university-entrance exam system
[28] 'Revolutionary Struggle' group claims responsibility for intended
explosion
[29] PM-Culture minister Karamanlis meets with Mikis Theodorakis
[30] Pavlidis announces development law for the islands
[31] Illegal immigrants on Samos
[32] Public order minister visits fire brigade headquarters
[33] Interior minister pays courtesy visit to Ombudsman
[34] Publisher Mihalopoulos ordered to stand trial for extortion
[35] Oil painting of Athens in 1674 acquired by City of Athens Museum
[36] House speaker says new Cyprus process means things not going well
[37] Top UN envoy believes enlarged talks 'unavoidable'
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[01] FinMin to seek "credible" economic policy
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis on Monday said he would
seek consensus in the ministry's economic policy.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Alogoskoufis said he would meet with
representatives of commerce and small- and medium-sized enterprises on
Tuesday, in the framework of a series of meetings to discuss industry
problems ahead of presenting the government's policy statement in
parliament next week. Mr Alogoskoufis met with workers' and employers'
unions on Monday.
The Greek minister stressed he would follow consensus procedures and noted
the value of a credible economic policy.
He stressed that the ministry would not intervene in a current round of
talks between employers and trade unions over the signing of a new
collective agreement, although he noted the urgency of the matter.
Mr Alogoskoufis, commenting on a large gap between workers' demands and
employers' proposals over a pay increase rate, sounded optimistic saying
"there were always been divergence but also solutions".
[02] Three minutes of silence in honor of Madrid victims
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
The Athens News Agency (ANA), observed three minutes of silence on 2:00
p.m. in a tribute to the victims of last week's concerted terrorist attacks
in Madrid, in response to a call by the prime minister of Ireland, current
holder of the rotating EU presidency, and of government spokesman Theodoros
Rousopoulos.
The Irish prime minister called for an EU-wide observance of three-minutes
of silence, a call that was echoed by interior minister Prokopis
Pavlopoulos in memory of the "innocent victims of the March 11 terrorist
attack in Madrid", and in a symbolic act of "condemnation of terrorism as a
brutal criminal action against humanity".
[03] Deputy FM stresses need for viable solution to Cyprus issue
BRUSSELS 16/03/2004 (ANA/M. Spinthourakis)
Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis stressed the need here on Monday
for a viable solution to be found to the issue of Cyprus.
Valinakis, in his first visit abroad after assuming his duties, held talks
with European Union Enlargement Commissioner Guenter Verheugen and his
Belgian counterpart Frederique Ries.
Speaking to Greek reporters, Valinakis said he and the EU commissioner
discussed developments in consultations aimed at solving the issue of
Cyprus, adding that concern does exist over the fact satisfactory progress
has not been achieved so far but time still exists for a solution
satisfying all interested parties to be found.
The deputy foreign minister further said the Greek side has expressed its
devotion to the procedures followed by the UN and noted that in order to
handle the concern of Greek Cypriot public opinion on the Annan plan its
European dimension must be strengthened so as to prevent permanent
deviations from the acquis communautaire.
Valinakis said that the Greek side, ''just as any reasonable person'',
cannot accept the recent Turkish ideas on a special protocol being
concluded for Cyprus' accession to the EU.
He added that the Greek side will continue to work for a solution to be
found for the Cyprus issue, stressing that, after the accession of Cyprus
to the EU, the problem of Cyprus is the second most important priority for
Greek diplomacy.
Valinakis left Brussels for Paris on Monday for talks with his French
counterpart on Tuesday morning.
[04] UN-sponsored Greece-Turkey talks on Cyprus security, guarantees to
open Wednesday
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
UN-sponsored talks between Greece and Turkey on the issues of Cyprus
security and guarantees will commence on Wednesday at the Greek foreign
ministry in Athens, it was announced on Monday.
The Greek delegation will comprise foreign ministry director for political
affairs Elias Klis, Ambassador K. Tritaris, and National Defense General
Staff (GEETHA) senior officer Maj. Gen. Stylianos Panagopoulos. The Turkish
delegation will be headed by foreign ministry ambassador Bagi Ilkin. Also
participating will be a delegation of UN civilian and military officials.
[05] PM Karamanlis confers with former premier, ND hon. pres. Mitsotakis
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
Prime minister Costas Karamanlis on Monday met with his ruling New
Democracy party's honorary president and former premier Constantine
Mitsotakis and reviewed the Cyprus issue and the government's work.
Mitsotakis wished Karamanlis every success, and said in reply to press
questions that he would not be playing any role in the government, adding
that he cared about the country and intended to voice his opinions publicly
and inside the party.
Mitsotakis, who recently withdrew from active politics and did not seek
re-election to parliament in the general elections earlier this month, said
in reply to a press question on whether he was interested in seeking the
Presidency of the Republic: "Let's not repeat the same things". Mitsotakis
had recently announced that he would not be seeking the Presidency.
On last week's concerted terrorist attacks in Madrid, Mitsotakis said it
was a "worrisome sign" that influenced the internal developments in Spain,
adding "we are entering a new phase that justifies many concerns".
[06] US ambassador visits defense minister; Olympics security discussed,
sources say
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
United States Ambassador in Athens Thomas Miller on Monday visited National
Defense Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos, in accordance with the custom when
a new defense minister comes into office.
The meeting lasted roughly one hour, while according to sources it covered
matters of mutual interest and particularly issues concerning security for
the Olympic Games in August.
[07] Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos meets Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
NEW YORK 16/03/2004 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos met on Monday with Democratic Party
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton who reiterated her full support to the
Patriarchate's efforts for the reopening of the Halki School of Theology in
Turkey. The meeting was held at the offices of the Greek Orthodox
Archbishopric of America, in the presence of Archbishop of America
Demetrios.
In statements after the meeting, Clinton said she admired the Patriarch,
''not only as leader of 250 million Orthodox Christians through out the
world, but also for his action aimed at the protection of the
environment.''
Referring to the Cyprus issue, she expressed the hope that ''the
developments will lead to the accession of a united Cyprus in the European
Union.''
The Ecumenical Patriarch was due to meet later on Monday with UN
Secretary-General Kofi Annan at the UN headquarters and afterwards
inaugurate the exhibition ''Byzantium: Faith and Strength (1261-1557)'' at
New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exhibition will be open to the
public from March 23 to July 4. On exhibit will be 350 objects of Byzantine
art, including 43 icons and relics, from 30 countries.
On Thursday, Vartholomeos will give a speech at the museum's hall on the
theme: ''Byzantine icons: Heritage for Humanism''.
The Patriarch is on a week-long visit to the United States since Saturday.
It is his 5th visit to the Greek Orthodox Church of America.
[08] PASOK party leader congratulates Spanish socialist party leader
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou addressed a message of
congratulations to Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) Secretary General Jose
Luis Rodriguez Zapatero on Monday on the occasion of his party's victory in
Sunday's general elections in Spain.
''Your party's victory comes at an appropriate time in one of the most
crucial and difficult moments for your country, immediately after the
savage terrorist attacks in Madrid, whose target was the Spanish people and
democracy,'' Papandreou said.
''We would like to express our solidarity to you, to PSOE and to the
Spanish people and to commit ourselves to continuing to cooperate closely
together with the other European progressive forces for a Europe in which
security, social justice and the prosperity of peoples will predominate,''
he added.
[09] Government announces appointment of new secretary generals at
ministries
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
The government on Monday night announced the appointment of secretary
generals at six more ministries.
At the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Public Administration and
Decentralization, Eugenia Tsunami assumes the post of Secretary General for
the Equality of the Genders and Lambros Georgakopoulos as special secretary
of the Public Administration's Inspectors' Service.
Agricultural University rector Andreas Karamanos is secretary general at
the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs, Supreme Court public
prosecutor G. Zorbas at the National Defense Ministry, honorary ambassador
Leonidas Evangelidis at the Public Order Ministry, Athens University of
Economics professor Yiannis Tzoanos at the Merchant Marine Ministry and
Supreme Court lawyer Panagiotis Panouris at the Justice Ministry.
[10] Public order minister receives US Sixth Fleet commander
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
US Sixth fleet commander Vice-Admiral Harry Ulrich paid a courtesy call on
Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis on Monday. Ulrich was accompanied
by US ambassador to Athens Tomas Miller.
[11] Greek Ambassador to U.S. hosts dinner in honor of Marc Grossman
WASHINGTON 16/03/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis)
Greek Ambassador to Washington George Savvaides hosted a dinner in honor of
U.S. Undersecretary for Political Affairs Marc Grossman with whom he has a
friendship spanning 20 years.
The guests at the dinner included, among others, senior government
officials and the ambassadors of Cyprus, Turkey, Holland, Sweden and
Belgium.
In his address, Ambassador Savvaides referred to Grossman's interest in
developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the Middle East as well as
to his ''important role'' in the strengthening of Greek-U.S. relations,
which, he said, are of ''mutual trust and common objectives.''
On his part, Grossman said that bilateral relations were indeed ''on a very
good level.'' The senior State Department official further underlined that
the U.S. government, which cooperated closely with the previous Greek
government, will continue in the same direction with the new Greek
government, particularly on the Cyprus issue and on the Athens 2004 Olympic
Games
[12] Gov't says EU funds' inflows, investments, top priority
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
Greece's Economy and Finance Deputy Minister Christos Folias on Monday said
that absorbing funds from a Third Community Support Framework program and
supporting investments were top priority policy for the government.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Folias noted that "foreign investments in the
country were around zero".
The Greek minister said he was in favor of transparency, open doors and
positive cooperation and urged for a constructive criticism by the media.
Mr Folias said that Costas Mousouroulis would replace Costas Theos at the
post of the Economy ministry's secretary-general for investments and
development.
[13] Gov't against state intervention in markets, Development minister
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
Development Deputy Minister Yiannis Papathanasiou on Monday said he was
against state intervention in the domestic market, criticizing the previous
PASOK government for its handling of a wave of recent price increases in
the country.
He said a series of market-restraint decrees failed to help implement state
laws or activate regulatory mechanisms.
''In Greece, everything is left in chance and to the patriotism of
business people,'' Mr Papathanasiou said, adding that the new government
aimed to strengthen competition, combat price cartels, reduce production
costs, support consumer groups and to ensure the implementation of the
country's laws.
Nikos Constantopoulos, the leader of the Coalition of the Left party,
proposed that Greece become a genetically modified products (GMOs) ''free
zone''. He was addressing an event to celebrate the World Consumer Day.
Drakoulis Fountoukakos, president of the Athens Chamber of Commerce
and Industry, stressed that the power of television and other media, the
expansion of information technology and the use of Internet have created an
environment where consumers were ''bombarded'' by thousands of messages,
some of them dangerous. Mr Fountoukakos noted that the role of consumer
groups for the protection of consumers was very significant.
Haralambos Kouris, president of INKA, a Greek consumer group, said
that ''gentlemen's' agreements'' were not enough to prevent price increases
and urged for immediate measures to stabilize prices in the domestic
market. Mr Kouris said that measures should be taken during the Athens 2004
Olympic Games.
Mr Fountoukakos said if the government succeeded in strengthening
competition in the domestic market, ''this could lead to a price fall''.
Pantelis Panteliadis, president of Greek super-market union, said
there were no reasons for a big jump in prices and added that there always
been and always will be price up-and-downs, within logical levels. He said
that the sector supported every government's effort, within the sector's
ability.
[14] FinMin, employers agree to closer cooperation
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
Greek Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and Greek Industries
Union's president Odysseas Kyriakopoulos on Monday agreed to begin a
bilateral systematic cooperation aimed to discuss economic issues to seek
solutions.
Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Mr Kyriakopoulos said there were
several issues "open" that should be discussed between the ministry and
representatives of Greek industry. "Tax reform must be continued," Mr
Kyriakopoulos said adding there was room to improving a development law.
Commenting on a demand by GSEE - the country's largest trade union umbrella
- Mr Kyriakopoulos said that the Economy and Finance minister called for a
framework agreement that would satisfy workers' demands and at the same
time would not have any negative impact on the economy and its
competitiveness.
[15] GSEE asks for 8.0 pay increase, reduced working hours
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
GSEE, Greece's largest trade union umbrella, on Monday said it demanded an
8.0 percent pay increase this year and reduced working hours.
Speaking to reporters, after a meeting with Economy and Finance Minister
George Alogoskoufis, GSEE's president Christos Polyzogopoulos, said he
explained the union's demands to the new Economy minister and noted that a
pan-hellenic workers' strike scheduled for March 31 was announced before
the March 7 elections in protest for a 3.0 percent pay increase proposed by
employers.
Mr Polyzogopoulos said he asked for Mr Alogoskoufis' support in dealing
with pending adjustments in the country's social security system, but
within an existing framework.
Mr Alogoskoufis said that the government should have a word in wage talks
between GSEE and employers since a new collective wage agreement has not
been signed yet.
Earlier, the Greek Economy and Finance Minister met with Development
Minister Dimitris Sioufas to discuss ways of improving coordination between
ministries.
The two ministers agreed to set up a commission, comprising
secretary-generals of both ministries, to enhance coordination. Speaking to
reporters, after the meeting, Mr Sioufas sounded optimistic: "We will do
well. This message must be delivered to all Greek citizens".
[16] New agri-minister seeks cooperation with key farm group
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
The new minister for agricultural development and foods, Savvas
Tsitouridis, said on Monday that he wanted close cooperation with the
PASEGES farmers' union in order to resolve problems in the sector's
economy.
A meeting of the minister and his deputies with leaders of PASEGES, a trade
group for the country's agricultural cooperatives, focused on negotiations
for support levels that will be granted to Mediterranean products within
the European Union.
[17] Greek retail sales index up 4.3 pct in Dec. 2003, yr/yr
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
Greece's retail sales index rose 4.3 percent in December 2003, compared
with the same month in 2002, the National Statistics Service said on
Monday, reflecting increased sales in large food stores (+12.3 percent),
department stores (+10.6 percent) and food-beverage-tobacco stores (+5.8
percent) over the same period.
NSS said the average increase of the retail sales index was 7.8 percent in
2003, compared with the previous year, reflecting increases of 12.4 percent
in large food stores, 8.9 percent in department stores, 9.6 percent in
pharmaceutical products-cosmetics and 10.7 percent in paper and gifts.
[18] Greek pharmaceutical sector urges gov't measures to protect sector
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
State hospitals' debt to suppliers of pharmaceutical and healthcare
products has reached one billion euros, representatives of the Greek
pharmaceutical industry said on Monday urging the new government to find a
long-term solution to the problem.
Domestic pharmaceutical companies said they planned to meet with new Health
Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis and Development Deputy Minister Yiannis
Papathanasiou to discuss the issue. They said the local pharmaceutical
industry was steadily shrinking over the last few years, representing only
20 percent of the domestic market, compared with a 60-percent market share
a few years ago.
Companies are urging for government-sponsored incentives to improve
competitiveness and to abolish a current pricing policy favoring the import
of ready-made products, which are more expensive compared with domestic
ones.
[19] EU set to probe new Greek law on Olympic Airlines
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
The European Union's Commission is to begin examination of the legality in
terms of EU rules of a law that was passed in Greece's parliament on the
creation of Olympic Airlines from its predecessor, Olympic Airways.
The new government's transport and communications minister, Mihalis Liapis,
may fly to Brussels in coming days concerning the legal review, ministry
sources said on Monday.
The government stated in its election platform that it was eager to
privatize the airline but wanted the change in its form and status to meet
all legal requirements.
[20] Public Power Corp to keep CEO, lose president under new gov't
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
The managing director of Athens-quoted Public Power Corporation (PPC),
Stergios Nezis, will retain his post while the corporation's president is
to be replaced in the second half of April.
Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Finance Minister George
Alogoskoufis said that Nezis would remain in his position in order to
maintain continuity in operation of the PPC, which is heavily traded stock
on the bourse.
Sioufas, whose ministry supervises the PPC, on Monday accepted the
resignation of outgoing president Dimitris Papoulias.
It is a standard move for the heads of most state companies to resign after
a change of ruling party in government.
[21] Stocks slump in sell-off
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
The Athens bourse finished lower on Monday with investors dumping paper and
few buyers appearing, traders said.
The general share index shed 2.33 per cent to end at 2,363.66 points.
Turnover was 122.7 million euros.
The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 2.44
per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 2.31 per
cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities lost 3.17 per cent.
Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 299 to 33 with 26 issues
remaining unchanged.
FOREIGN EXCHANGE
Closing rates of March 15 2004
Parities in euro
For. Exchange Buying Selling
US Dollar 1,237 1,209
[22] June 15 named as deadline for work on Marathon course starting point
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
Work on the starting point of the Marathon course in the August Olympics
will be completed by June 15, according to estimates made by contractors,
surveyors and local authority officials involved in the project at a Monday
meeting chaired by Public Works Minister George Souflias.
The minister said that certain technical changes to the project had been
agreed during the meeting, which would not affect the quality or function
of the facilities, nor significantly alter their aspect.
Souflias also promised that anything not completed now would be completed
after the Games.
During the meeting, it was decided that there would be strict control of
the project's progress and its adherence to the schedule
every 10 days, while Souflias stressed that the delays were not the sole
responsibility of the contractor.
Finally, the minister asked the new consortium assigned the task of
widening 17 kilometers of the Marathon course near Pallini to proceed with
the work as quickly as possible.
[23] ATHOC president and deputy sports minister discuss Olympic Games
preparations
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
Athens 2004 Olympic Games Organizing Committee (ATHOC) President Gianna
Angelopoulos-Daskalaki discussed preparations for the Games with Deputy
Culture Minister for Sports George Orfanos on Monday, who said afterwards
the political sports leadership will do everything feasible to enable Greek
athletes to make their best possible performance at the Olympic Games.
Orfanos said ''we had a substantive discussion concerning Olympic sports
preparation," adding that ''we shall do what is necessary to enable our
athletes to achieve their best performance. It is what the Greek fans want
and we believe that this will also function as an incentive for stadiums to
be filled during those days.''
[24] Capralos assumes culture ministry post for Olympics
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
Spyros Capralos, until recently an executive director at the Athens 2004
Olympics Organizing Committee (ATHOC), on Monday assumed his new position
as the culture ministry's general secretary for Olympic preparations, a
crucial post vacated last week by Costas Kartalis.
Capralos was greeted by new Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia,
who presided over the Olympic Games sector prior to her New Democracy
party's ascent to power earlier this month.
Kartalis resigned in the wake of PASOK's election defeat on March 7 despite
calls by the new ND government to remain until the Games.
[25] Bakoyianni and Orfanos discuss Olympic Games
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni met with Deputy Culture Minister responsible
for Sports George Orfanos at the City Hall on Monday to discuss the
progress of Olympic Games projects and the mayor's related targets.
Orfanos said that he met with Bakoyianni to determine a common strategy,
first of all in terms of the Olympics, but also for the period after the
Games.
[26] Opening of an Olympic Games-inspired children's' art exhibit
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
The international exhibit ''Children Paint the Olympic Games,'' organized
by the Museum of Greek Children's Art and Atlanta-based Youth Art
Connection-International Paint Pals, opened on Monday at the Athens 2004
Conference Center.
The exhibit features the drawings/paintings of children between the ages of
5 and 14, from 29 countries with the central theme being the Olympic Games
and the return to their birthplace.
International Paint Pals, founded with the help of the Carter Presidential
Center in Atlanta in 1995 and now an on-going program of the Youth Art
Connection, aims to motivate children of different cultural backgrounds and
descent to participate in various international artistic and cultural
events.
''Through the productive collaboration between Athens 2004 and the Museum
of Greek Children's Art we are promoting the values of the 2004 Olympic
Games in a most creative, colorful and spontaneous way. Children can be
living symbols and capable ambassadors of the grand Olympic ideal: of
brotherhood, cooperation, and equality, as well as a source of optimism and
potential,'' Athens 2004 Executive Director Yannis Pyrgiotis said.
Also present at the opening was Museum of Greek Children's Art Director
Eleni-Faye Stamati, International Paint Pals Coordinator Linden Longino and
U.S. Ambassador's wife Bonnie Miller. The exhibit will take place through
March 31.
[27] Education minister announces changes to university-entrance exam
system
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
In her first-ever press conference as head of the education ministry,
Education Minister Marietta Yiannakou announced changes to the system for
university-entrance exams taken by school leavers.
She said the changes would only apply for those students that were now in
the first year of the three-year lyceum, or upper high school, and that
nationwide exams for second- and third-years would take place this year as
scheduled.
As of next year, formal examinations for second-years will be abolished,
while 3rd-year lyceum students will sit exams in nine subjects, as of now.
In the academic year 2005-2006, the number of exam subjects for third-years
will be reduced to six instead of nine, while the specific subjects will be
decided on in dialogue with teachers.
Commenting on the changes, Yiannakou said the government was not taking
anyone by surprise but simply implementing its program, seeking to change
policy for exams while at the same time preserving continuity.
She urged parents not to worry, reassuring them that the government will
''respect what is right and exert a major effort for better-quality
education''.
Yiannakou said that a bill for the changes in the education system will be
tabled in Parliament during May and that Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis
will be referring to further issues concerning education after he presents
his program.
[28] 'Revolutionary Struggle' group claims responsibility for intended
explosion
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
A group calling itself the Revolutionary Struggle early Monday claimed
responsibility for planting a home-made explosive device outside a Citibank
branch in an Athens suburb late Sunday that was neutralized by police bomb
disposal experts in a controlled explosion.
An unidentified caller phoned the 'Eleftherotypia' daily at 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, claiming that an explosive device was due to go off in 35 minutes
outside a Citibank branch in Neo Psychico.
Police immediately cordoned off the area, and a search of the bank premises
and surrounding area turned up a suspicious satchel next to the bank's
entrance on the corners of central Kifissias avenue and Palamas street.
Police bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion, and two
sticks of dynamite, a detonator, wire and a clock were found in the remains
of the satchel.
Two hours after the controlled explosion, an unidentified caller phoned
'Eleftherotypia' and claimed the makeshift bomb on behalf of the
Revolutionary Struggle group.
The group has made only one previous appearance, when it claimed
responsibility, by phone, for two bomb blasts in September 2004 at the
downtown Athens court complex on Evelpidon street within 20 minutes of each
other. A policeman, who was on the scene investigating the first explosion,
was slightly injured in the second blast.
[29] PM-Culture minister Karamanlis meets with Mikis Theodorakis
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
Prime minister Costas Karamanlis, who also holds the Culture ministry
portfolio, met Monday with internationally-renowned Greek composer Mikis
Theodorakis.
After the one-hour meeting, Theodorakis told reporters that they had a
general discussion on cultural matters, noting that Karamanlis was the
first Greek prime minister to place emphasis on cultural issues and was
interested in hearing the opinions of the people of the sector.
Asked if they had discussed the issue of the Presidency of the Republic,
given press speculation on prospective names being mulled for the
Presidential election in parliament next year, Theodorakis said that, at
79, his age was ''prohibitive of any discussions concerning the future''
[30] Pavlidis announces development law for the islands
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
Minister of the Aegean and Island Policy Aristotelis Pavlidis announced a
special development law which will incorporate old and new proposals
regarding island policies, while on the island of Rhodes on Monday.
Since last Saturday, the minister has visited several of the Dodecannese
islands and met with Dodecannese Prefect G. Maheridis, and Rhodes Mayor G.
Yiannopoulos, among others, who expressed their willingness to cooperate
with the ministry in order to deal with the islands' problems.
Pavlidis asked for the mayors' proposals regarding island policy which will
then be submitted to Parliament for review.
The minister said he would attend the upcoming conference of the
Prefectural Council to be held on March 27 on the island of Kos.
[31] Illegal immigrants on Samos
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
A group of 12 illegal immigrants, including one woman, swam to a shore on
Samos on Sunday after their boat took on water and started to sink, and
were spotted by local police who took them to hospital for precautionary
reasons.
One of the men was admitted to hospital for an appendectomy, while the rest
were taken to the local illegal immigrants reception center.
Six of the men were from the Ivory Coast, four were from Mauritania, one
was from Afghanistan, and the only woman in the group was from Somalia.
It was as yet unclear whether the illegal immigrants were accompanied by a
people-smuggler from the opposite coast.
[32] Public order minister visits fire brigade headquarters
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis visited the headquarters of the
fire brigade for an inspection on Monday, accompanied by Deputy Public
Order Minister Christos Markoyiannakis and senior officers from the Greek
Police.
Addressing fire brigade officers, he praised their daring and determination
in dealing with the emergencies that arose in the line of duty, after which
he had a working meeting with the leadership of the force to discuss
security and safety arrangements during the Athens Olympics in August,
which the Greek fire brigade will be part of.
According to Markoyiannakis, several members of the force will attend
special seminars on providing assistance in the case of a terrorist attack
before the summer.
[33] Interior minister pays courtesy visit to Ombudsman
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
Interior, Public Administration and Decentralization Minister Prokopis
Pavlopoulos on Monday paid a courtesy visit to Greek Ombudsman George
Kaminis, accompanied by Deputy Interior Minister in charge of public
administration Apostolos Andreoulakos.
Afterwards, Pavlopoulos said his visit was primarily symbolic, indicating
that the Ombudsman was a truly independent administrative authority of
crucial importance for reforming the civil service and re-establishing the
state.
[34] Publisher Mihalopoulos ordered to stand trial for extortion
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
Newspaper publisher Grigoris Mihalopoulos was ordered to stand trial on
criminal charges of extortion and attempted forgery by the Misdemeanors'
Justices Council on Monday.
According to the ruling, Mihalopoulos is accused of threatening specific
individuals with a hit by terrorists "November 17" between 1998 and 2002
for illegal financial gain.
His alleged victims were former Vouliagmeni Mayor Grigoris Kasidokostas,
businessman Theodoros Aggelopoulos, businessman Argyris Saliarelis,
shipowner Yiannis Latsis and members of his family and Zakynthos
Metropolitan Chrysostomos.
Mihalopoulos has already appealed against the order and the case will
finally be decided by order of the Appeals Council.
[35] Oil painting of Athens in 1674 acquired by City of Athens Museum
Athens, 16/03/2004 (ANA)
A unique oil painting showing a panoramic view of Athens in 1674, including
the Parthenon when it was still intact prior to its bombing 13 years later,
has been acquired by the City of Athens Museum and will be put on show in
the Museum's exhibition "Great Travelers of Athens, 15th to 19th Centuries"
that begins on March 17.
It shows Louis IV's ambassador to Istanbul and his entourage on top of
Lycabettus Hill in the foreground, with Athens as it was under Turkish
occupation in the background.
The painting is the largest ever painted of Athens, measuring a monumental
250cmX520cm. It was the work of professional painter Jacques Carrey and is
a permanent loan to the museum from the Athens National Gallery.
It came to the National Gallery as a permanent loan 30 years earlier but
has never been put on show.
According to the museum's curator Stelios Lydakis, the painting is
particularly important from a historical point of view because it is
topographically accurate, unlike previous views of the city that were
imaginary with the exception of a sketch by an anonymous artist from Bonn
done in 1670.
[36] House speaker says new Cyprus process means things not going well
NICOSIA 16/03/2004 (CNA/ANA)
Cypriot House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias said on
Monday that the new process of separate meetings on the Cyprus problem,
launched on Monday by the UN, was directly related to the intransigence of
Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash and indicated it was a message that
things were not going well.
Commenting on the same issue, Foreign Minister George Iacovou said the UN
Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus Alvaro de Soto ''deemed that
this new process would be more effective,'' adding that the Greek Cypriot
side's fundamental principle was to cooperate with the UN and would ''thus
try this new process out.''
Both Christofias and Iacovou were speaking after signing the condolences
book opened at the Spanish Embassy in Nicosia for the victims of last
week's bomb attacks in Madrid.
Christofias said the separate meetings of Cypriot President Tassos
Papadopoulos and Denktash with the UN were a message from the UN that
''things are not going well.''
''With the separate meetings the UN are trying to achieve what they have
not achieved so far, that is a give-and-take dialogue. If they are to
achieve it, this will depend exclusively on the stance of the Turkish
side,'' Christofias said.
Commenting on the time lost so far in the talks, Christofias said it was
making things more crucial, noting that if things got to the stage when the
UN chief would step in to give a solution, ''this would make acceptance
even more difficult.''
Referring to the positive response of the Greek Cypriot side to the
proposal of the technical committee dealing with the flag of the federal
state, Christofias said the matter of the flag was of secondary importance
and that the main issue was a Cyprus settlement.
Christofias said that although the settlement would be a painful
compromise, it would have to be functional and create the conditions for
the next generations to be united and enjoy freedoms and human rights.
He reiterated that the Greek Cypriot side was showing goodwill to reach a
viable and functional settlement.
Iacovou said the Greek Cypriot side responded positively to the proposal of
the technical committee dealing with the flag of the federal state, adding
that the Turkish Cypriot side had not yet replied. He noted however that
this was an issue that could wait.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its
northern third. Talks between the two sides began under UN auspices last
month and were switched to separate meetings with the UN on Monday. The aim
is to reach an agreement that would be put to referenda, the positive
outcome of which would enable a reunited Cyprus to join the EU in May this
year.
[37] Top UN envoy believes enlarged talks 'unavoidable'
NICOSIA 16/03/2004 (CNA/ANA)
Alvaro de Soto, UN Secretary-General's special advisor on Cyprus, believes
that enlarged talks with the participation of Greece and Turkey, in
addition to the current participants of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot
sides, are inevitable to help move the peace process forward.
Speaking after his first separate meeting with Cyprus President Tassos
Papadopoulos on Monday, following three weeks of direct talks with Turkish
Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash, de Soto said he hoped that this procedure
would help solve pending issues the two leaders are discussing.
The UN envoy said Sir Kieran Prendergast, UN Under Secretary for Political
Affairs, arrives on the island on Tuesday but his program of work has not
actually been discussed.
Papadopoulos is due to have another meeting on Tuesday with de Soto.
The UN envoy was due to see Denktash on Monday afternoon.
Responding to questions, de Soto said his meeting was ''useful'' but also
noted that he considered the direct talks useful as well.
''They were useful but this one was a useful meeting and I think we may be
able to get some more progress in this procedure,'' he added.
He said the give and take process had not yet quite begun because, as he
explained, this was his first meeting with Papadopoulos and a first meeting
of this kind with Denktash was to follow on Monday afternoon.
Asked what he hoped to achieve by the end of this new process of separate
meetings, he replied ''what we would hope to be able to achieve is further
moves towards solving the issues that they have before them, as many as
possible, before the next stage.''
The UN official said the next stage of the talks, that includes Greece and
Turkey was inevitable.
''At this stage yes (it is inevitable), I would say there is a lot of
progress being made but I think it is unavoidable that issues would be
still pending by March 22 and that we will have to go on to the other
one,'' he said.
De Soto said that preparations are in fact being made for the next stage of
the negotiations and he had been in consultations with Greece and Turkey
about the question of their involvement.
''So we are moving in that direction,'' he added.
De Soto refrained from any comment on the venue of the enlarged talks but
confirmed that the UN would like to move off the island in the next week.
''I do not want to say anything definite until formal proposals or
invitations are put to the parties,'' he pointed out.
Papadopoulos and Denktash have been engaged in direct talks since February
19 with a view at reaching agreement on a UN proposal for a comprehensive
settlement by March 22. If they fail, Greece and Turkey would join in the
talks to help conclude a deal but should that attempt fail as well, Kofi
Annan would step in to finalize the proposal under discussion, which will
then be put to a referendum for the people of Cyprus to decide.