Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-04-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis sends letters to U.S., NATO and EU leadership over FYROM name issue

[02] Greek foreign minister concludes meetings with Turkish officials in Ankara

[03] FM Petros Molyviatis visits Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos

[04] Gov't: Latest Turkish provocations in Imia region do not help bilateral ties

[05] Turkish craft exits Greek territorial waters in late morning

[06] Turkish National Assembly president says no deviation from national foreign policy

[07] 'Casus belli' Turkey's reaction to Greek parliamentary decision, Turkish General Staff Deputy Chief says

[08] Serbia will not recognize independent Kosovo - ANA exclusive interview with FM Draskovic ahead of Athens visit

[09] Foreign minister to meet Serbia and Montenegro counterpart on Thursday

[10] Greek Deputy FM Valinakis discusses FYROM name issue with Schmit and Solana

[11] Gov't handling FYROM name issue responsibly, Macedonia-Thrace Minister says

[12] EU supports mutually-acceptable solution on FYROM name issue

[13] PASOK party leader criticizes FM's stance during Ankara visit

[14] Foreign Policy Council must convene on Balkans, Turkey, SYN urges

[15] Voulgarakis discusses bilateral cooperation, passport issue with top US officials

[16] Deputy FM Panayiotis Skandalakis concludes contacts with Israeli and Palestinian Authority FMs

[17] Greek minister and Palestinian Authority officials discuss Jerusalem Patriarchate

[18] Gov't tables bill in Parliament for faster justice

[19] Open discussion on disputed 1915 slaughter of Armenians held on sidelines of European Parliament

[20] Prosecutor shelves probe into tank purchase tender

[21] New ambassador of Cyprus to Athens announced

[22] Govt initiative for dialogue on social security system

[23] Greek Deputy FinMin presents economic policy in Washington speech

[24] State trade fair organizer eyes US market

[25] Tourism minister seeks support of private sector, opposition

[26] Social security contribution evasion totals 4.0 bln euros annually, report

[27] Indian newspaper welcomes Greek minister's input

[28] Merchant marine minister concluding successful visit to UAE

[29] Alternate Culture Minister continues briefing local gov't on Olympic venues bill

[30] Aegean Airlines bids in Olympic Airlines sale tender

[31] ASE head visits Romania

[32] Stocks nose up in bid to consolidate

[33] Convicted cartoonist wins appeal

[34] Attica bishop Panteleimon charged with money-laundering

[35] Blomberg to become EU Commission special adviser on Cyprus

[36] Britain expects positive ideas from President Papadopoulos

[01] PM Karamanlis sends letters to U.S., NATO and EU leadership over FYROM name issue

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

The first letters were sent to U.S. President George Bush and the current president of the European Council Jean-Claude Juncker last Friday, while on Monday letters were sent out to European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.

In the letters, Karamanlis states that he is "personally ready to support an agreement at this time" and that Greece is therefore "ready to enter this final stage of negotiations with a positive and constructive stance, in order to arrive at a mutually acceptable solution".

"For the first time since the signing of the Interim Agreement by the two sides on 13 September 1995, the U.N. Secretary General's Special Representative Matthew Nimetz has submitted a proposal in the form of a comprehensive draft Security Council resolution concerning a final settlement of this outstanding issue. Specifically, the name proposed by the Special Representative is 'Republika Makedonija-Skopje', untranslated. This name will be used officially in the framework of the U.N. system. In addition, the proposal recommends that the name be adopted by other international organizations, as well as States, for official international use."

"The constitutional name 'Republika Makedonija' will continue to be used in the interior of FYROM, which means that no constitutional change is required that might have negative repercussions on the Ochrid Agreement of 2001. This proposal does not fully satisfy our positions but we are prepared to accept it as a basis for a solution. For fifteen years, various factors prevented a solution between the two countries. Personally, I am ready to support an agreement now," Karamanlis wrote.

He also stressed that a solution will contribute to the stability of the entire region and lift a major obstacle in FYROM's course toward integration with Euro-Atlantic structures, describing the proposal as a "unique window of opportunity" for both sides.

Greece objects to the use of the name 'Macedonia' by its neighbor on the grounds that it might encourage expansionist policies against Greece, whose northern province is called Macedonia since ancient times.

[02] Greek foreign minister concludes meetings with Turkish officials in Ankara

ANKARA 14/4/2005 (ANA - M. Savva)

Commenting on incidents during his visit involving a Turkish patrol boat that entered Greek territorial waters near the Imia islets - over which Greece and Turkey have in the past come to the brink of open conflict - Molyviatis said his visit to Ankara had "provided the opportunity to use all the means that exist for preventing incidents in the Aegean from developing into a crisis."

The Greek foreign minister said his visit to Turkey had been good and satisfactory and that the two sides had reaffirmed their continued efforts for improving cooperation.

"We were also given the opportunity to have talks with the entire Turkish leadership on individual issues, such as cooperation in tourism, transport, energy and trade," he added.

On Wednesday afternoon, Molyviatis had met Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who extended an invitation to Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to visit Turkey.

According to Molyviatis, the visit will take place very soon.

Earlier, Molyviatis had met the chairman of the Turkish Parliament's Foreign Affairs Commission Mehmet Dulger and the General Secretary of the National Security Board Yigit Alpogan.

[03] FM Petros Molyviatis visits Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos

ISTANBUL 14/4/2005 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"It is a great honor and joy to be here at the Phanar," Molyviatis said. "We discussed with the Ecumenical Patriarch issues concerning the Patriarchate and expatriate Greeks," he said, adding that "we once again expressed to the Ecumenical Patriarch our determination to be of help."

The Ecumenical Patriarch said on his part that "we discussed Orthodoxy, the nation and the promotion of Greek-Turkish relations. (...) We, as an ecclesiastical institution and I personally, as a human being, are always in favor of good relations and of love," Vartholomeos said.

He also noted that relations between Greece and Turkey have a direct impact on the Ecumenical Patriarchate and on expatriate Greeks.

[04] Gov't: Latest Turkish provocations in Imia region do not help bilateral ties

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

Moreover, alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros noted that "diplomacy is not conducted in public" when queried by reporters on Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis' reactions to the latest provocations a day earlier, and during his working visit to Ankara for talks with Turkish leadership.

Asked about the government's assessment of Tuesday's provocations in the Imia region, Antonaros said "such actions do not help in the improvement of bilateral relations", while he reiterated that Athens steadfastly considers the Imia islets and surrounding territorial waters as under Greek sovereignty.

Additionally, he noted that Turkey's overall behavior will be judged by the European Union until October, adding that the Union is constantly being updated about the regional situation.

He also said no date has been set for a possible visit to Ankara by Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

Finally, in response to a press question, Antonaros categorically dismissed any notion of decreasing national airspace boundaries to six miles from the present 10.

[05] Turkish craft exits Greek territorial waters in late morning

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

The latest incursion by a Turkish patrol vessel into Greek waters on Tuesday coincided with a high-profile working visit to Ankara by Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis.

Meanwhile, an ANA dispatch from Istanbul quotes a Turkish foreign ministry spokesman as claiming that the Turkish patrol boat stayed in the area because, "based on information we had from authorities a Greek fishing vessel entered Turkish territorial waters," a reference to the Imia region and the neighboring state's insistence on disputing the status of the specific islets and surrounding waters.

National Defense General Staff spokesman says Turkish coast guard vessel left Imia islets at 11.08 a.m.: A spokesman of the National Defense General Staff, speaking during a regular press briefing on Wednesday, said the Turkish coast guard vessel and the Greek harbor corps boat left the islets of Imia simultaneously at 11.08 in the morning.

He also revealed that illegal activity took place in the region of Imia by the Turkish air force which was handled by the Greek air force, according to steadfast policy.

Illegal activity and its handling came to an end, he added, when the Turkish coast guard vessel and the Greek harbor corps boat left the region.

Asked whether these moves are the result of the agreement reached between Greece and Turkey, during the Imia crisis in 1996, the spokesman said he did not know.

[06] Turkish National Assembly president says no deviation from national foreign policy

ISTANBUL 14/4/2005 (ANA - A. Kourkoulas)

"There is no deviation from national foreign policy. We are all serving the interests of our country," he said in reply to questions on the issue of the lifting of casus belli which he had created with statements last week.

Arinc stressed that no government official or party leader can be in contradiction with Turkish national policy.

"If Greece insists on the expansion of its territorial waters to 12 miles then, of course, Turkey must be opposed," Arinc said, adding that "however, Turkey cannot follow a static foreign policy based on slogans."

Arinc was speaking in an interview he gave in Istanbul on his return from his official visit to Luxembourg.

[07] 'Casus belli' Turkey's reaction to Greek parliamentary decision, Turkish General Staff Deputy Chief says

ANKARA 14/4/2005 (ANA/A.Abatzis)

The 'cause for war' threat, which came to the forefront on Friday following the suggestion of Turkish National Assembly Speaker Bulent Arinc that it be lifted, was decided by Turkey on June 8, 1995. On May 31, 1995, Greek parliament had ratified the Law of the Sea Convention, which gives all littoral countries the right to extend their territorial waters to an outer limit of up to 12 nautical miles from their coastline, including their islands.

The 'casus belli' is an expression of government policy that is still in effect, Basbug said, adding that the main objective of this policy is to prevent war between the two sides, not to provoke it.

[08] Serbia will not recognize independent Kosovo - ANA exclusive interview with FM Draskovic ahead of Athens visit

BELGRADE 14/4/2005 (ANA/N. Pelpas)

"If the leaders of the Albanians go against the will of Belgrade, the EU and the UN, then no one in the world will recognize such independence. On the contrary, the only thing they will manage is to render more difficult the climate in the search for a definitive solution," Draskovic warned.

Draskovic said that Serbia's proposal could be summed up with the phrase "something more than autonomy, and less than independence", adding that he considered the continued presence of the international administration in Kosovo necessary for many more years.

Commenting on the EU position that there should not be a return to the situation prevailing before 1999, Draskovic said it found him in agreement, but explained that it should also be taken into consideration the fact that: "In the past, in tandem with the Milosevic regime's extremist position of 'full sovereignty or death', there was also the extremism of the Albanians who stood for 'independence or death'. Consequently, non-return to the old regime means rejection of both those extremist positions."

Draskovic reiterated Serbia's insistence on keeping the present borders intact, explaining that "the borders with Albania and FYROM must not be renamed, and those countries must border with the same country they border today".

Asked when he anticipated the dialogue to commence on the final status of Kosovo, Draskovic said that this was not possible in 2005, adding that the negotiations for the new status of Kosovo could not begin before the implementation of the democratic criteria and the decentralization policy, something which had yet to be done.

He said the condition of the Serbs at this time was "not better than that of slaves...they have no right to life, they cannot move freely, 220,000 Serbs who abandoned Kosovo cannot return, 40,000 homes an 150 churches and monasteries that were destroyed over the last five years remain in ruins".

Draskovic revealed to ANA that, at the UN, "the prospect of UN secretary general Kofi Annan appointing two special representatives to Kosovo is being seriously examined". One of the special representatives would deal with the assessment of the criteria, since it would be illogical for Kosovo's UN governor Soren Jessen-Petersen to assess his own work, while the second special representative would deal with the procedures for the final status, Draskovic explained.

Draskovic, who was due to arrive in Athens on Thursday on an official visit to Greece, said that during his meeting with Greek foreign minister Petros Molyviatis the two men would "assess the current situation in Kosovo" and that he would brief his Greek counterpart on Serbia's strategy regarding the future status quo in the region.

"Greece can contribute substantially to resolving the matter of Kosovo," Draskovic added.

[09] Foreign minister to meet Serbia and Montenegro counterpart on Thursday

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

[10] Greek Deputy FM Valinakis discusses FYROM name issue with Schmit and Solana

BRUSSELS 14/4/2005 (ANA/V. Demiris)

At the Greek minister's meetings, discussion centered on current European issues and the latest developments regarding the matter of the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). Valinakis reiterated the position of the Greek government for the need of finding a mutually acceptable solution within the framework of the negotiations which are being held under the auspices of the United Nations.

Well informed diplomatic sources noted that the Greek minister pointed out to his interlocutors that the impetus that exists on the issue should not be diminished and that the window of opportunity for a final settlement of the problem should not remain unexploited.

FYROM name issue dominates talks between Greek deputy FM and German counterpart, sources say: Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valinakis and his German counterpart Klaus Scharioth focused exclusively on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) name issue during their hour-long meeting here on Wednesday, sources said.

According to the same sources, European Union finances which were also on the agenda, were not discussed.

Neither Valinakis nor Scharioth made any statements after the meeting, which was officially termed a 'working visit'.

Asked to comment on developments regarding the FYROM name issue - FYROM rejected a proposal put forth by UN Special Envoy Matthew Nimetz - German diplomatic sources reiterated that Germany supports a solution within a UN negotiation framework and expressed support for Nimetz's initiatives and proposals.

An unofficial statement on the matter came from a German diplomat on the sidelines of a meeting held on Wednesday between German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer and Serbian President Boris Tadic. Asked by a reporter to comment on the fact that FYROM's political leadership did not recognize Nimetz' proposal as an official one for negotiations, the German diplomat said that FYROM's leadership is not responding to the seriousness of the problem nor to the pressing need to solve the issue as soon as possible.

Nimetz had proposed the composite name 'Republika Makedonja-Skopje' which was rejected by FYROM as "not acceptable." FYROM would prefer to use its constitutional name "Republic of Macedonia."

Greece objects to the use of the name 'Macedonia' by its northern neighbor on the grounds that it might encourage expansionist policies against Greece.

Valinakis also met with Luxembourg's Delegate Minister for Foreign Affairs and Immigration Nicolas Schmit in Strasbourg and would also be meeting with EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana in Brussels later on Wednesday.

[11] Gov't handling FYROM name issue responsibly, Macedonia-Thrace Minister says

NEW YORK 14/4/2005 (ANA/P.Panayiotou)

"We don't want our history usurped, but history is not just what we've lived, but also that which is being shaped. We expect to leave our children a peaceful region," he said.

Asked to comment on the Pan-Macedonian Association of America's position which rejects any solution containing the term 'Macedonia', Tsiartsionis replied: "The Pan-Macedonian Association, as well as all the Greek organizations abroad, are doing all they can motivated by their patriotism and the love for their homeland. Sometimes, however, there are extreme [reactions]." He emphasized the need for better coordination.

Tsiartsionis was in New York on the occasion of the Greek Independence Day parade which was held here on Sunday. He will also be representing Greece at the funeral of former Archbishop of America Iakovos, who died on Monday at the age of 94.

[12] EU supports mutually-acceptable solution on FYROM name issue

STRASBOURG 14/4/2005 (ANA/O.Tsipira)

Asked to comment on the issue by Eurodeputies during the European Parliament's plenary session, Rehn referred to proposals made by UN Special Envoy Matthew Nimetz, expressing hope that they will help in solving this bilateral issue.

Resolving the 12-year old dispute would contribute to stabilization in the West Balkans in coming years, Rehn concluded.

Nimetz had proposed the composite name 'Republika Makedonija-Skopje', which FYROM rejected as "not acceptable." FYROM would prefer to use its constitutional name "Republic of Macedonia."

Greece objects to the use of the name 'Macedonia' by its northern neighbor on the grounds that it might encourage expansionist policies against Greece.

[13] PASOK party leader criticizes FM's stance during Ankara visit

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

Papandreou made this statement when asked about all that his party's Deputy and former foreign minister Theodoros Pangalos had said in Parliament about Molyviatis pulling out of the Greek-Turkish talks.

Asked whether he sees a change in the government's stance in Greek-Turkish relations, as a result of what is being heard about "a change on the issue of interceptions and violations in national air space", Papandreou avoided going into details.

The PASOK leader said, however, that Greece, through the Helsinki summit, had secured guarantees of another kind, adding that the government, with its moves at last December's summit, did not secure the necessary guarantees and the results are obvious.

PASOK party leader criticizes gov't on handling of FYROM name issue: Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou criticized the government on Wednesday over its handling of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) name issue, saying that instead of discussing the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), "we have reached the point of discussing whether Greece can use the term 'Macedonia.'"

Papandreou, who was speaking on arrival at the Norwegian ambassador's residence, was asked whether he approves or disapproves of the government's intention to accept the proposal by UN special envoy Matthew Nimetz, who had proposed the composite name "Republika Makedonija-Skopje."

"The essence of the matter is that one wonders how from discussing the name of the neighboring country, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, on an international level, we are now discussing whether we can use the term 'Macedonia'. I think that this says it all," the PASOK leader said.

[14] Foreign Policy Council must convene on Balkans, Turkey, SYN urges

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

In his statement, Alavanos expressed his intense concern regarding Greece's foreign policy, referring to discussions between Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul and emphasizing "Turkey's provocative military presence around Imia islet and Andros' firing range."

Alavanos also voiced concerns on the issue of UN negotiations between Greece and FYROM over the latter's use of the name 'Macedonia,' saying that UN Special Envoy Matthew Nimetz's letter on the issue contains points that need to be discussed.

SYN has called on the government to take necessary initiatives.

Specifically, the party supports the solution of a composite name, estimating that if a compromise is not met, use of FYROM's constitutional name - 'Republic of Macedonia' - will be adopted.

Nimetz had recently proposed the composite name 'Republika Makedonija-Skopje', which FYROM rejected as "not acceptable." FYROM would prefer to use its constitutional name.

[15] Voulgarakis discusses bilateral cooperation, passport issue with top US officials

WASHINGTON 14/4/2005 (ANA - T. Ellis)

Afterwards, Voulgarakis again referred to a Greek proposal for establishing a Balkan security education and training centre in the country revolving around Athens' regional geo-strategic role.

The Greek minister said the issue was discussed with US officials, along with other bilateral training and exchange programs. He referred to combating human trafficking as one area that Greece seeks out US experience and know-how, while reminding that the collapse of communist regimes along the country's northern borders in the early 1990s caused a wave of migration. Additionally, he termed bilateral cooperation in drug interdiction as excellent.

Another issue on the agenda was that of new "forge-proof" passports, to be ready by the end of this year -- a long-time request by Washington expected to help facilitate the lifting of a visa requirement for Greek nationals wishing to enter America -- as well as hi-tech cross-border checks on cargo, luggage etc.

"Several issues are entering a new phase. I want to say that the experience of the Olympic Games and our performance during the Games has, in some sense, created a new image of the country," he added.

[16] Deputy FM Panayiotis Skandalakis concludes contacts with Israeli and Palestinian Authority FMs

TEL AVIV 14/4/2005 (ANA - P. Haritos)

Talks focused on the situation created at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, while Skandalakis was briefed by his Palestinian counterpart on progress achieved by the Palestinian Authority's experts committee, which is reportedly in the last stage of issuing its report. He was also briefed on the recent meeting between the Palestinian prime minister and the Greek Patriarch.

Later on, the deputy minister examined the overall situation prevailing at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem with Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom. The meeting lasted for over an hour. Both sides evaluated developments on the basis of the new circumstances following the crisis.

Skandalakis will be meeting Jordan's new Interior Minister Aouni Yervass on Thursday and afterwards he will be briefing the media on the content of his contacts.

Meanwhile, the senior clerics Timotheos Amvrosios and Chrysostomos, who were guests of the new interior minister and with whom they discussed the Patriarchate issue, returned from Amman, Jordan, in the afternoon. It is the first time that the Jordanian government invited the disagreeing senior clergymen who had signed a statement against Patriarch Irineos.

[17] Greek minister and Palestinian Authority officials discuss Jerusalem Patriarchate

RAMALLAH 14/4/2005 (ANA - P. Haritos)

Skandalakis will be briefed on the progress made by a Palestinian Authority expert committee investigating the Jerusalem Patriarchate, which is expected to conclude its work and possibly issue its report by this weekend.

After talks with Palestinian officials, Skandalakis will visit Tel-Aviv for talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom and then to Amman in Jordan, for talks with the Jordanian government.

Skandalakis is visiting the Holy Lands in the wake of a scandal surrounding Jerusalem Patriarch Irineos, who has been accused of selling off real estate owned by the Christian Patriarchate in Arab East Jerusalem to Israeli interests. The affair has inciting Arab anger against the Greek Patriarch, who was enthroned in 2001, and vociferous demands for his resignation.

The Greek government has stated that it does not wish to interfere in the internal affairs of the Patriarchate and that its main priority is to preserve the Patriarchate's prestige as an institution, as well as its Greek character and heritage.

[18] Gov't tables bill in Parliament for faster justice

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

"Speeding up judicial procedures and upgrading the judiciary are priorities for the government," Papaligouras said.

"The time has indeed come for us to make changes in the Greek judicial system which for years has remained stagnant. With this bill, we promote changes that will certainly be felt and which will provide relief for citizens hassled by the system," he added.

The bill comprises 24 measures. Some of these measures include:

• Setting a maximum time limit for cases and appeals to be heard in a civil court

• Penal court cases can only be postponed twice

• Transfer of directors, supervisors and employees of independent court offices or prosecutors' offices is mandatory after three years

• The divorce process is accelerated

• A prosecutor can intervene by implementing immediate measures in cases related to protection of minors

• The maximum penalty for those causing accidents involving numerous fatalities is increased from five to 10 years

[19] Open discussion on disputed 1915 slaughter of Armenians held on sidelines of European Parliament

STRASBOURG 14/4/2005 (ANA - O. Tsipira)

Entitled "The Future of the Past: Armenians in Turkey", the discussion did not make any direct reference to an Armenian genocide as such, but the entire discussion revolved around this issue.

The discussion was an initiative of the Green group and was led by the German Green party MEP Cem Ozdemir, who is of Turkish descent.

Guest speakers included Turkish intellectuals of Armenian descent, such as Dr. Taner Akcam from Minnesota University, who presented evidence from the study of Ottoman records that he claimed supported the view of genocide.

Other speakers were journalist Etyen Mahcupyan, a columnist for the Istanbul daily 'Zaman', and Hrant Dink, chief editor of the bi-lingual Turkish-Armenian Istanbul weekly 'Agos'.

Armenian expatriates throughout the world are campaigning to make it a condition of Turkey's accession to the European Union that it first recognize the Armenian genocide of 1915.

Organisers were criticized, particularly by Turkish journalists that attended the discussion, for failing to present the counter-arguments to the Armenian side and promised to arrange a new discussion that would present the views of both sides.

[20] Prosecutor shelves probe into tank purchase tender

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

According to reports, no evidence of wrong-doing in the tendering process was discovered, although charges against the legal representatives of an off-shore firm, "Evanston", for violating laws on "middlemen's commissions" have been filed.

To date, the agents or owners of the firm, based in the Virgin Islands, have not been identified.

[21] New ambassador of Cyprus to Athens announced

NICOSIA 14/4/2005 (ANA - G. Leonidas)

The decision was taken by the cabinet council and was announced on Wednesday afternoon, following the ratification of the appointment by the Greek government.

Commenting on his appointment, Georgis expressed the hope that he will be worthy of the mission assigned to him, adding that he will do his best to live up to his duties.

Georgis had served as a cultural attache in Greece and had also made a considerable contribution to the establishment of the Home of Cyprus in Athens, which he had managed since its establishment until December 1993.

[22] Govt initiative for dialogue on social security system

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

Speaking to reporters, Alogoskoufis said he sent a letter to Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki asking for these issues to be discussed by the parliament's Economic Affairs Commission.

The Greek minister said he expressed his support on January 24 on the beginning of a dialogue with political parties and social agencies over the social security system and added that the government, political parties and social agencies should agree on an agenda to be discussed in the dialogue. Alogoskoufis said he would meet with GSEE, Greece's largest trade union umbrella, on Thursday to discuss the issue. Commenting on GSEE's position on the social security system, he said it was positive and stressed the dialogue would have many stages.

The Greek minister said it was rather immature to reach a solution of the pension system in a very short period of time, noting there were many steps in social and political level to be made, while on labor relations Alogoskoufis said there also many issues to be discussed, such as working time.

The state fully supports the Social Security Fund (IKA), offering 1.0 percent of GDP in financial support, Alogoskoufis said, adding that the government was expecting a new legislation on real estate taxation to be voted in parliament this summer.

Alogoskoufis earlier met with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis. He briefed the Greek PM over the results of an ECOFIN meeting in Luxembourg earlier this week.

Communist Party criticizes finance minister's statement on social security and labor issues dialogue: The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) on Wednesday criticized statements by Finance and Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis on the beginning of dialogue on social security and labor issues.

"No tolerance, no consent and no dialogue with the parties of plutocracy and the representatives of capital," an announcement by the party said.

"The dialogue being prepared by the parties of plutocracy is the means for imposing new tough, anti-labor measures. Working people must give an immediate and decisive reply," the announcement added.

[23] Greek Deputy FinMin presents economic policy in Washington speech

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

In his speech, Doukas said the government's top priority was to reduce its fiscal deficit below 3.0 percent of GDP, to strengthen Greek enterprises' competitiveness, to attract foreign investments, creating new jobs and supporting low income families. The Greek minister underlined progress made in efforts to reduce deficits and expressed his optimism that a fiscal discipline program adopted by the government, combined with an ambitious privatization program -totalling 1.6 billion euros- would soon bear fruit creating a particularly attractive environment for foreign investors in Greece.

Doukas said the energy, tourism, shipping, IT and banking sectors were showing particular dynamism and that there were attracting foreign investors' interest. The Greek real estate sector was also dynamic while investment interest was expressed for infrastructure projects, Doukas added.

[24] State trade fair organizer eyes US market

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

The Thessaloniki-based company is to participate in Hermes Expo on April 16-17 in New Jersey on the US eastern seaboard.

Among its other trade fairs, Helexpo will publicize the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair scheduled for September 10-18 in the northern port city.

[25] Tourism minister seeks support of private sector, opposition

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

"Tourism is valuable capital for the country's growth, and it is a national affair," Avramopoulos told an event arranged by the Democracy Institute.

The minister added that recruitment would be ordered shortly for 25 positions in the Greek National Tourism Organization.

[26] Social security contribution evasion totals 4.0 bln euros annually, report

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

Presenting a report on contribution evasion in Greece, Koutroumanis said contribution evasion accounted for 20 percent of total compared with 17 percent three years ago. He noted that the state owed one billion euros to the system and another 2.0 billion euros to Social Security Fund's (IKA) supplementary pension system.

The report showed that minimum pensions by IKA rose 24 percent in the period 1980-2005, minimum pensions by TEBE increased by 66 percent and minimum pensions to farmers jumped 104 percent over the same period.

Koutroumanis said wages of unskilled workers rose by 16.9 percent during this period. Two-fifths of workers in Greece were not registered with any of the country's social security systems, while one in three workers were not entitled to a supplementary pension, the report said.

[27] Indian newspaper welcomes Greek minister's input

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

The newspaper carried a lengthy report on contacts Avramopoulos held during his recent visit to India, and his input on how to optimize its tourism.

Cited was the minister's experience of Greece hosting the Athens 2004 Olympics.

[28] Merchant marine minister concluding successful visit to UAE

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

Kefaloyiannis met with the Emir of Dubai Hamdan Bin Rashid Ai Maktoum, the directorate of the country's Chamber of Industry Abdul Rahman Jaif Al Ghurarir and Abdul Rahman G. Al Musaiwee and with Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, president and managing director of the Port and Customs Authority and of the free zone "Jebel Ali."

The minister also met with businessmen whom he briefed on Greece's investment prospects and examined with them the possibility of making investments in Greece in the shipping, trade and tourism sectors.

[29] Alternate Culture Minister continues briefing local gov't on Olympic venues bill

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

Palli-Petralia had met with numerous mayors in the Attica region last week and had received positive feedback on the bill.

Visiting the Pankritio Stadium in Iraklio, she said that the government is paying particular attention to capitalizing on the stadium's facilities, but also on upgrading Iraklio's coastal zone.

The bill, which will be tabled in Parliament by Friday at the latest, also contains a clause entitling local government authorities to 2% of total revenues generated by the commercial use of Olympic facilities.

Finally, Palli-Petralia reiterated the objectives of the bill, which are to create new job opportunities, to improve quality of life for those living near Olympic facilities and ensuring citizens' access to the venues.

[30] Aegean Airlines bids in Olympic Airlines sale tender

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

In a statement, Aegean's management said that due to chronic problems in the state-owned airline, major legal and operational difficulties were involved in the privatization attempt. As a result, if acquisition negotiations were to begin, an agreement could only be made if a viable solution was found to provision of quality services and competitive retail prices.

No announcement was made by the finance ministry as to whether any other binding offers accompanied by letters of guarantee had been received on Wednesday, the deadline in the tender's second stage. The government's consultant in the sale is London-based Lazard, a global investment bank

Beyond Aegean Airlines, groups that expressed interest in the tender's first phase were Olympic Investors (Greek-American); Sure Estates (the Netherlands); Intra (owner of Deutsche British Airways); and Klesch (UK), according to sources.

Also on Wednesday, the Federation of Civil Aviation Unions (OSPA) said it opposed the privatization process for Olympic as lacking transparency.

The union also accused the government of opening talks on sale of profitable segments of the company, including handling, while the tender was still in progress.

It also announced a work stoppage on April 19 from 10:00 to 13:00, timed to coincide with a European action day against liberalization of air transportation arranged by the European Air Transport Federation.

[31] ASE head visits Romania

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

During his visit, Kapralos declared the opening of the session in the Bucharest Stock Exchange and discussed ways of closer cooperation between the two markets. He also met with Communications Minister Zsolt Nagy and the Romanian Capital Markets' Commission.

The visit was part of a strategy by the Greek market to forge cooperation agreements with other markets in Southeastern Europe.

[32] Stocks nose up in bid to consolidate

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

The Athens general share index closed at 3,023.67 points, marking a rise of 0.10%. Turnover was 160.4 million euros.

The FTSE/ASE-20 index for high capitalization shares ended 0.15% down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium cap stocks closed 0.09% higher; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap shares finished 1.09% down.

Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 183 to 84 with 72 remaining unchanged.

[33] Convicted cartoonist wins appeal

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

The Austrian cartoonist had been convicted to six months in prison by a Greek court on January 17. His sentence was suspended but the book had been banned in Greece.

Following the appellate court decision, the book, which was translated in Greek in November 2002, will again be available in bookstores.

[34] Attica bishop Panteleimon charged with money-laundering

Athens, 14/4/2005 (ANA)

The charges filed against Panteleimon were based on a report by a committee investigating money-laundering and are linked to the sum of 100 million drachmas that he allegedly embezzled from the St. Ephraim Monastery in Nea Makri.

He also faces a charge of embezzlement in connection with the same case.

The case file against the metropolitan will now be assigned to an examining magistrate.

[35] Blomberg to become EU Commission special adviser on Cyprus

BRUSSELS 14/4/2005 (CNA/ANA)

A Commission official in Brussels who spoke on condition of anonymity told CNA that although the Commission continues to accept that the Cyprus problem remains within the UN framework and supports the initiatives of the international organization, it wants to play an upgraded role in a renewed effort for a solution.

The activity of a special Commission adviser falls within this framework and will investigate in a fine way, the current trends among the parties and inform the Commission, in anticipation of the Secretary-General's moves.

The same official said that in case of a new initiative for a Cyprus settlement, the Commission would like to have a more active involvement, including the examination of various issues which will be included in the text of an agreement making sure that they comply with European legislation.

The Commission official avoided determining the date of the start of the Finnish diplomat's mission who will be in Brussels to discuss his mission soon with relevant community officials, the CNA has learnt.

Commenting on the rejection of the Annan Plan by the Greek Cypriot community in April 2004, the same source said that the UN had possibly made mistakes which led to the plan's failure and referred to the Secretary-General's mediatory role.

The source said that this role contained many dangers and for this reason it was not successful, therefore it is now acknowledged that if there is no agreement by the parties there is no reason to place it before a referendum.

Referring to the protocol expanding Turkey's customs union agreement with the ten new member-states including the Republic of Cyprus, the same official said that nationalist forces in Turkey do not want this protocol to signal recognition of the Republic of Cyprus. For this reason Turkey will issue a relevant declaration addressed to Brussels, for political reasons, at the same time with the signing of the protocol.

This statement, the official added, does not affect the start of the accession negotiations with Turkey on October 3, 2005, nor the possible non-implementation of the protocol's expansion.

However, there will be obstacles in achieving progress under such circumstances.

The official said that the Commission hopes that in the event the Turkish side makes a statement concerning non-recognition, there will be some space for future progress and that the statement will have an element of encouraging the process.

We have received assurances from the Turkish government that it will sign the protocol and place it before the Turkish National Assembly for ratification for its immediate implementation, the official said, adding that the Commission expects Turkey to implement the protocol.

[36] Britain expects positive ideas from President Papadopoulos

LONDON 14/4/2005 (CNA/ANA)

Speaking to the press at an election meeting in London on Wednesday, Hain also said that he hopes President Papadopoulos' official visit to London, following an invitation by Blair, would help clear the air between the two governments after some criticism of British policies from Nicosia.

''É cannot pre-empt the agenda. It is important that the President of Cyprus lays out his own concerns, his own ideas. I am sure he will have some positive, constructive suggestions, we will have to take them forward,'' he said.

Hain said that the important point with regard to this visit is that after a period in which there was some criticism of the position taken by the British government there will be a common meeting point and a common way forward.

He noted that through the diplomatic channels there would be discussions to agree an agenda for the meeting,

Hain said that he looked forward to ''a new era in which we can overcome recent misunderstandings and go back to building friendship and a common alliance which will see a resolution of the dispute and a bizonal, bicommunal Cyprus taking its place with the European acquis established right across the island and the interests of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots protected.''

No date has yet been fixed for the visit but it is expected to take place before the summer.

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