Greek PM Karamanlis says Cyprus' EU entry is a 'double joy' DUBLIN, 03/05/2004 (ANA/H. Poulidou)
Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said late Saturday night that "the European Union today celebrates the greatest enlargement in its history. It is the most important landmark in the course of Europe."
The Greek prime minister made the statement after the ceremony in Dublin marking the entry of the ten new countries into the European Union which makes it 25 countries.
Karamanlis said "we are in Dublin to welcome the new members and to honor the efforts they made to cover a long and persistent path. Of course for us Greeks it is a day of double joy given that Cyprus is incorporated in the big European family."
Referring to the pending issues on the European agenda, the Greek prime minister underlined the need for "the immediate adoption of the European constitution," stressing that "our aim is a strong Europe with common principles and values, a Europe which will offer to all citizens the same level of security and prosperity which will proceed with great decisiveness in the direction of its completion."  
Greek PM calls on int'l community to listen to the voice of Greek Cypriots: Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, who was participating at the working luncheon of the European Popular Peoples' Party, gave a briefing on developments in the Cyprus issue after the referenda.
The Greek prime minister stressed that it was important that international interest remained focused on the Cyprus problem and momentum sustained, explaining that the basic objective is the reunification of Cyprus so that all Cypriots, benefit from the participation of Cyprus in the European Union.
He also referred to the need for the adoption of a European Constitution and to the enlargement of the European Union.

Cyprus president says joy over EU accession overshadowed by grief NICOSIA, 03/05/2004 (ANA/G. Leonidas/CNA)
Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos expressed great joy for the island's accession to the European Union but noted that at the same time this joy is overshadowed by grief because the moment cannot be celebrated with Turkish Cypriot compatriots due to the absence of a solution to the island’s division.
In an address on Cyprus' accession to the European Union, President Papadopoulos said that Greek Cypriots want to enjoy and share the benefits of accession with the Turkish Cypriots as they are entitled to them as legitimate citizens of the Republic of Cyprus.
He stressed that the fate of the Turkish Cypriots is with the Greek Cypriots and called on them to embark on the new course commencing today in the interest of all for the benefit of a reunited homeland.
President Papadopoulos thanked Greece and the EU for their contribution to Cyprus' accession and paid tribute to the contribution of his predecessors, the House of Representatives, the civil service and the people of Cyprus who, despite the enormous pain for the occupation of their land, found the courage, strength and stamina to toil and make the necessary sacrifices so as to realize the goal of accession.
In his address, the President notes, ''This moment signals a momentous milestone in Cyprus' history. It is the second most important historic landmark after the proclamation of the Republic of Cyprus 44 years ago.''
He added that ''this moment marks the successful conclusion of a long effort and the hopeful beginning of a new course and a new era for Cyprus.''
''As from this moment, the Republic of Cyprus formally becomes a member of the European Union. It becomes a full, integral and inseparable member of the great European family,'' he said, noting that ''just an moment ago we were Cypriot citizens, from now and forever we are officially European citizens, without, at the same time, forfeiting our national identity.''
President Papadopoulos said, ''Our people are justly celebrating the great historic event of accession. For they see their sacrifices being vindicated, their vision materialize, their goal being attained and their dream come true.''
''Our great joy for our accession to the European Union is over-shadowed by our grief because we could not celebrate this moment together with our Turkish Cypriot compatriots and our great disappointment for the absence of a solution to our national problem,'' President Papadopoulos stressed.
He noted that, ''We do not want to enjoy the benefits of accession on our own. We want to share them with the Turkish Cypriots. They too are entitled to these benefits and this joy as legitimate citizens of the Republic of Cyprus. We are expecting them. Their place is here with us, so that we can embark, hand in hand, on the new course commencing today in the interest of all of us, for the benefit of our common country. A reunited homeland.''
President Papadopoulos pledged ''to continue to work and endeavor for the reunification of our people and our country and for a functional and viable solution,'' noting that ''the rejection of one particular plan does not amount to the end of our efforts and our mission.''
''The end will come only through the proper solution which will ensure and guarantee permanent peace, prosperity for everyone and a better European future for all the citizens of Cyprus,'' he said.
President Papadopoulos added that ''accession to the European Union does not create rights only, it entails also obligations and responsibilities.''
''We will claim and we will enjoy those rights. At the same time we will fulfill our obligations and undertake our responsibilities. Our aim and ambition is not to be a recalcitrant member of the Union but a constructive and creative partner,'' he said.  President Papadopoulos expressed his gratitude to Greece, the European countries and the European Union for their contribution to Cyprus' accession.
He also extolled the contribution of his predecessors, the House of Representatives, the civil service and the many eponymous and anonymous, who ''worked hard, judiciously and constantly in order to translate the dream of Europe into reality.''
''But over and above everyone else, the praise and honor should go to our people, our industrious and creative people, who despite the enormous pain for the occupation of their land, found the courage, the strength and stamina to toil and make the necessary sacrifices so as to realize the dream of accession,'' he said.
''Now that this dream has come true, there are new horizons and new perspectives both for our people and our land,'' President Papadopoulos said, adding that ''EU enlargement entails the expansion of the role and the potential of the united Europe, this historic continent, which is being revitalized through the union of its members and the pooling of its resources, this eternal continent, whose name is not a simple geographical term but a common ground of universal principles and culture.''
As far as the enlarged European Union is concerned, ''today comes the beginning of a new historic journey, a historic leap from a turbulent past to today's reality and tomorrow's hope,'' he said.
''Twenty-five European countries line up today, on an equal basis, at the starting point of this new course. Among them Cyprus, as well, ready to welcome and deal with new challenges, ready to move forward towards a better future. Cyprus deserves and she will have a better future,'' the president concluded.  
Cyprus President Papadopoulos says 'we will be a constructive EU member': Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said on Saturday that Cyprus would play a constructive role as a member state of the European Union, which it joined formally on Saturday along with another nine countries from central and eastern Europe.
Papadopoulos was speaking at a special welcome ceremony in the coastal city of Bray, designated host town for Cyprus, attended by Irish minister for European Affairs Dick Roche, the local authorities and a lot of people.
President Papadopoulos, in Ireland for the official enlargement ceremony to welcome the ten new members, thanked Bray for its warm welcome and referred to the common elements that link between Cyprus and Ireland.
Cyprus, he said, within the EU framework will contribute to the enlarged Union and will be ''constructive and not a troublesome partner''.
Papadopoulos was welcomed by deputy mayor of Bray Brid Collins. He was accompanied by Foreign Minister George Iacovou, the Director of his Diplomatic Office Tasos Tzionis and Cyprus' Ambassador here Andreas Kakouris. 

Cypriots celebrate EU accession NICOSIA, 03/05/2004 (CNA/ANA)
Events marking the island's accession to the EU along with nine other countries continued on Saturday in Cyprus.
The epicenter was Eleftheria (Freedom) Square which was thronged on Friday night with a cheering crowd who welcomed well-known Cypriot singer Anna Vissi, in the presence of President Tassos Papadopoulos.
This morning was dedicated to children who staged their own celebrations with pavilions, banners and choirs along the Freedom Square and Makarios Avenue.
Two hundred children of various nationalities depicted their own feelings on Cyprus EU accession by painting on long white cloth which extended along Ledra Street. They later released white balloons during an event at Freedom Square.
Celebrations continue with street festivals representing various scenes from the history of Cyprus. The festival will cover the main city centre streets. EU countries will present examples from their cultures at   Constantinos Spiridakis Square in Nicosia and later on Friday evening an exhibition entitled '' Bodyworks'' opened at the Nicosia Municipal Arts Center with exhibits from Malta, the Czech Republic, France, Britain, Greece, Belgium, Poland, Denmark, Hungary, the Netherlands, Finland, Slovenia, Estonia, Spain and Cyprus.
The Cyprus State Orchestra under Maciej Zoltowski gave a concert at Eleftheria Square with soloists who live in Cyprus and overseas.
Similar events to celebrate entry to the EU were held in all other towns of the free areas of the Republic.  

Romano Prodi says May 1st historic day for Europe NICOSIA, 03/05/2004 (ANA G. Leonidas/CNA)
European Commission President Romano Prodi said on Friday that May 1st is an historic day for Europe, since ''five decades after our great project of European integration began, the divisions of the Cold War are gone, once and for all, and we now live in a united Europe.''
In a statement on the occasion of the EU's enlargement, Prodi said that the Union's biggest enlargement took courage, determination and considerable effort from the peoples and political forces in the new member states to get this far as well as the vision and generosity from the peoples and leaders in the current EU.
The Commission President added that the ten new members and their fellow citizens bring to the Union the cultures and diversity of 10 countries with distinct historical roots stretching back through the centuries.
Prodi also added that as enlargement becomes reality, the peoples of Europe will celebrate in a series of cultural events from the west coast of Ireland to the eastern border of Poland, and from Valletta in the south to the northernmost tip of Finland, adding that ''on this day, Europeans are celebrating the fact that they are no longer kept apart by artificial ideological barriers''.
He also added that the Commission is here to serve the citizens of Europe.
''Our job is to ensure that the European Union works for its citizens, to ensure more and better jobs, a more competitive economy, a cleaner environment, even better quality food and an area of freedom and justice free from the twin threats of crime and terrorism'', Prodi noted.
He pointed out that ''while I rejoice and take pride in the enormity of our achievement in reuniting a once-divided continent, I realize that this is only the beginning''.
''Each and every one of us in the new European Union of 455 million citizens must now work together to build on the foundations we have all helped to lay. We should take nothing for granted. What we have achieved is not irreversible. Our cooperation will face constant obstacles and challenges'', Prodi added.
''But united in diversity we will be stronger and better equipped to find solutions to common problems. United in diversity, we can work more effectively for safety and prosperity for all'', Prodi said.

EU stresses need to respect outcome of Cyprus referendum DUBLIN, 03/05/2004 (ANA/A. Panagopoulos/CNA)
The European Union on Saturday pointed to the need to respect the outcome of the democratic process in Cyprus with regard to last week's referendum on a UN proposed solution plan and said that the Union will see to it that the Turkish Cypriots who approved the UN plan receive the assistance earmarked for their economic development.
This was set out here on Saturday at a press conference before the enlargement ceremony to welcome the ten new members, by Commission President Romano Prodi, European Parliament President Pat Cox and current European Council President Irish Premier Bertie Ahern.
Greek Cypriots rejected by an overwhelming majority (76 per cent) the Annan plan for a comprehensive settlement, saying they wished to have guarantees with regard to security and the implementation of the plan. Turkish Cypriots voted in favor by 65 per cent.
Replying to questions about economic support to Turkish Cypriots, Cox said the referendum last week was ''a once in a generation opportunity, in thirty years, it had never happened before, the conditions of the context have changed dramatically, the year 2004 was not 1974 or 1964.''
''The rejection by one of the communities in an overwhelming way suggests to me that we should not approach (the situation) with a sense of breathlessness only several days later,'' he added. On the possibility of a second referendum, he had this to say ''let us calm down, reflect and in the meantime let us do the decent thing for those Turkish Cypriots who gave leadership and whose isolation deserves to be lifted.''
Asked if the result of the referendum would affect Turkey's application to join the EU, Prodi said ''the referendum will not directly affect Turkey's interests.''
On human rights issues in Turkey, the Commission President said the EU had ''a clear task to present our recommendation and this must come under the Copenhagen criteria, human rights must be seen not only in the legislation but also if they apply to daily life in Turkey, we are working on that.''
The Council, he added, would decide on that in December and pointed out that ''Cyprus has no direct influence on that because clearly our task is the Copenhagen criteria.''
Replying to questions about the absence of Turkish Cypriots here today because of the Greek Cypriot rejection of the solution plan, Cox explained that the Accession Treaty approved by the European Parliament, the national parliaments of 15 member states and the parliaments of the ten new members all accepted the terms and conditions with respect to Cyprus and that, he pointed out,  ''included what will happen today that Cyprus joins in the form we know as a full member of the EU.''
''Whatever our preferences, we have to respect the democratic process that happened in Cyprus but we also have to recognize a special European duty of care to the community and leaders of Turkish Cyprus who were prepared to show leadership and appetite for reconciliation,'' he said.
Cox said that the Parliament within its next mandate with certainty will insist that ''the money earmarked for northern Cyprus would be allocated, that the Commission would be there to supervise its expenditure and that whatever the various legal elements are will need to be looked at but rendered compliant to deliver a political and economic results.''
Replying to the same question Ahern referred to the decisions taken by EU Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg last Monday who agreed on the need to end the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community who expressed their desire of a future within the EU.
''We want to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community and those resources, 259 million euro that would go to the northern part of Cyprus in the event of a settlement, should now be used for the economic development and we will continue to engage as best we can.''
Replying to questions on accession negotiations with Turkey, Prodi reiterated that the Council shall decide on that in December having had the recommendation of the Commission.
''We are working with Turkey, we recognize that great progress has been done, we have some questions concerning the application of legislation approved and we shall present with deep attention these chapters (of concern),'' he concluded.
On the adoption of the proposed constitution for Europe, Ahern said there was a need to make changes to the existing system of decision making, a position echoed by Prodi who said if unanimity continued, there would be no decisions taken within the EU.

US President telephones Turkish Premier about Cyprus WASHINGTON, 03/05/2004 (ANA/T. Ellis/CNA)
White House spokesman Scott McClellan has said US President Bush telephoned Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and ''welcomed his strong leadership in helping secure Turkish Cypriot approval of the fair and balanced Cyprus settlement outlined by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.''
''The two leaders recognize the sovereign right of the Greek Cypriots to reject the settlement but share disappointment that a historic opportunity for a united Cyprus to enter the European Union on May 1 has been missed,'' McClellan said.
''They also expressed hope for the future reunification of Cyprus as outlined by Secretary-General Annan's settlement plan,'' he noted.
''The two leaders noted their support for efforts by the European Union and others to lessen the economic isolation of Turkish Cypriots by strengthening economic ties with Greek Cypriots and the outside world,'' McClellan added.  

PM sees EU entry for new members on May 1 as landmark Athens, 03/05/2004 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis said on Friday that the formal entry into the European Union on May 1 of 10 countries including Cyprus stood as a historic landmark in the bloc's unification.
The advantages of Cyprus' EU membership for both Greek- and Turkish Cypriots were clear, Karamanlis said in a statement.
The prime minister welcomed an initiative by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos and his government to provide support measures for the Turkish Cypriots, and to help them receive assistance from the EU they would receive if a political solution to the Cyprus problem were agreed.
"The objective remains preparation and facilitation of their reunification with the Greek Cypriot community," Karamanlis added. 
Main opposition leader welcomes Cyprus' formal entry into EU: The leader of the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) on Friday welcomed the formal entry into the European Union of Cyprus on May 1.
''This is a historic day for Europe and for the Greek world,'' PASOK leader George Papandreou said in a statement.
''A major strategic goal has become reality. After lengthy, difficult endeavors and negotiations, the republic of Cyprus finds itself at the forefront of countries to join the EU,'' Papandreou added.

PM Karamanlis confers with UN special Cyprus envoy De Soto Athens, 03/05/2004 (ANA)
Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Friday received UN secretary general Kofi Annan's special envoy on the Cyprus issue, Alvaro de Soto, for talks that were also attended by foreign minister Petros Molyviatis.
The developments in the Cyprus issue following the April 24 referenda in Cyprus on the Annan plan were the focus of the talks, after which no statements were made to the press.
De Soto was slated to meet with main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou later in the day.
UN special envoy on Cyprus issue de Soto meets with PASOK leader Papandreou: UN secretary general Kofi Annan's special envoy on the Cyprus issue Alvaro de Soto paid a courtesy call on main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou on Friday.
The meeting with Papandreou, which followed an earlier meeting by de Soto with prime minister Costas Karamanlis and foreign minister Petros Molyviatis, is part of a series of farewell contacts by the diplomat with all the sides participating in the efforts for a Cyprus solution.
De Soto made no comments after both meetings, while Papandreou told reporters that their discussion had focused on an ''assessment of the situation''.
Papandreou said de Soto had outlined his evaluation of the situation, adding that they also discussed 'the day after' (the April 24 referenda in Cyprus on the Annan plan).
He noted that Saturday, May 1, was a ''big day for Cyprus'', as it would formally become a full member, together with 9 other countries, of the European Union, adding that ''we are proud to have contributed to its accession into the European family, with all the positive effects that will have''.
''Cyprus' EU accession unites all the Greeks,'' Papandreou said.

PM's message for Saturday May Day holiday Athens, 03/05/2004 (ANA)
In his message for this year's May Day, also celebrated as Labor Day in Greece, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Friday said that Greece was on the verge of a new era that brought with it new challenges, new opportunities, new demands and also coincided with a historic moment, the enlargement of the European Union with the accession of 10 new members that included Cyprus.
Karamanlis noted that Europe was growing, changing and both wanted and could surge forward.
''Greece dynamically declares its presence and active participation in the Union's course at this time, with a vision and goal of a 'Europe for All','' the premier added, listing employment, equal opportunities and social solidarity as the attributes of this 'new' Europe.
''We want Europe to be more democratic and effective, more political and more social,'' he stressed.
Reiterating ruling New Democracy's decision ''to work hard to carry out our commitments to the workforce'', Karamanlis said his party would marshal all its forces in the battle against unemployment, the spread of poverty, marginalization and exclusion.
He said the party would work to build a ''truly powerful economy with strong and balanced growth that generated greater numbers of more secure and better paid jobs'', as well as ensuring a strong society marked by justice, solidarity, prosperity and cohesion.
He also promised to build an effective social state and keep open the avenues of honest dialogue with all, seeking synthesis and consensus and the broad common ground to achieve ''our common goals''.    

Opinion poll shows ruling ND party well ahead of PASOK in Euro-elections Athens, 03/05/2004 (ANA)
The first Euro-barometer conducted by the VPRC company on behalf of the Kathimerini newspaper showed that the ruling New Democracy (ND) party is well ahead of the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) in the upcoming European parliamentary elections in June.
On the question of who is most suitable for prime minister, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis received 53 percent against 25 percent for PASOK leader George Papandreou. Eleven percent said none of them were worthy of the post while another 11 percent said they did not know or refused to answer.
In terms of popularity of political figures, Karamanlis led with a wide margin of 78 percent against Papandreou with 59 percent, Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) leader Nikos Constantopoulos 55 percent, Democratic Social Movement leader Dimitris Tsovolas 49 percent, former prime minister Costas Simitis 45 percent, Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Secretary Aleka Papariga 42 percent and Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) leader George Karatzaferis 24 percent.
To the question of which party will win the Euro-elections, 68 percent said that the ND would win against 11 percent for PASOK. Twenty one percent said none of the major parties or another party.
Finally, on the question regarding the results of the referendum in Cyprus on UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's plan for a settlement of the Cyprus problem, 44 percent declared they were satisfied, 36 percent displeased and 20 percent did not know or refused to answer.

Ecumenical church leaders punish Greek archbishop in jurisdiction rift ISTANBUL, 03/05/2004 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)
A synod meeting of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul on Friday barred Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece from receiving holy communion after he arranged new ecclesiastical appointments without the religious authority's consent.
The synod led by Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos imposed the penalty after Christodoulos held internal elections in Greece for the appointment of metropolitan bishops to head dioceses dubbed ''the new lands'' that fall under the Istanbul-based religious authority's jurisdiction.   
Vartholomeos and forty one senior clerics from around the world who attended the enlarged synod meeting voted unanimously to impose the ban on the archbishop.
The clerics are to sign a text of the decision, which considers the elections held in Athens to be null and void.
The synod also agreed that the ban, which it terms ''functional and administrative'', should remain in place until Christodoulos complies with church law.
In addition, it stated that the ban on receiving holy communion applies solely to Christodoulos.  

Unprecedented rift between Ecumenical Patriarchate and Church of Greece ISTANBUL, 03/05/2004 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos on Saturday night said that he had no choice but to stop communication with Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos.
''We are in favor of unity, friendship, love and cooperation,'' said Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos, but added: ''Despite our desire and support for friendship and cooperation, we reached a unanimous decision yesterday (Friday), more than forty clerics of the Ecumenical throne from America, Europe, Crete, the Dodecanese and Korea to cut off communication with the Archbishop of Athens.''
Vartholomeos said that although Archbishop Christodoulos had talent, was clever and educated, he nevertheless was ''over ambitious'' and harmed the unity of Orthodoxy.
The Greek state is keeping its distance from the clerical clash and hopes that the present unprecedented and shocking rift will be overcome. 
 
Patriarch Vartholomeos says 'we have no intention of dividing Greece' ISTANBUL, 03/05/2004 (ANA/A. Kourkoulas)
''The metropolis' which we come from were, are and will remain metropolis' of the Ecumenical Throne and which are registered in the Constitution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and will never cease to be its provinces,'' Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos told a group of Orthodox faithful from northern Greece on Sunday.
The Patriarch said that Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos ''from the very moment he became Archbishop'' used the term ''new countries.''
''We did not use the term 'New Countries, we found it and we are using it like the State and the Church of Greece. I say this because sometimes they say that the Patriarchate wants to divide Greece, its state. Of course Greece is one, from Komotini to Crete and nobody disputes this.''

Gov’t to submit draft law on penalty rates in coming weeks Athens, 03/05/2004 (ANA)
The Greek government will be ready to submit a draft legislation in parliament in the next few weeks aimed to resolve a long-lasting problem with penalty rates imposed by banks on unpaid debt.
The issue was discussed during a meeting between Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis with representatives of the Greek Banks Union. The meeting also discussed issues relating with the banking system and the economy.
Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Mr. Alogoskoufis said that the government was consulting with all interested parties on the issue of penalty rates, although he stressed that drafting of the law was fully a government responsibility.
The Greek minister also noted that the government would put a ceiling on accumulated debt sums which would be more than triple the initial debt sum.

Greek trade confederation defends pricing policy Athens, 03/05/2004 (ANA)
The head of Greece's National Trade Confederation (ESEE) on Friday defended the sector's pricing policy and accused certain both domestic and foreign media of a slandering war against the country in an effort to create a climate of insecurity ahead of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
"During the last few weeks the country seems to be self-flagellating over a possible wave of prices increases during the Olympic Games. These concerns are re-produced by certain foreign media with the aim to slander the country and to create a climate of insecurity to visitors of the Olympic Games", Dimitris Armenakis told reporters.
Armenakis stressed that ESEE was particularly concerned over the developing atmosphere and the picture of the country abroad. He underlined that the Greek market and the trade sector were functioning under full competition rules, while he noted that the Olympic Games would coincide with the summer sales period in August.
Armenakis urged for all parties to stop their doom talking and to promote the good side of both the market and the society in Greece.

Stocks drop but hold 2,500 pts Athens, 03/05/2004 (ANA)
The Athens bourse finished lower but the general index managed to hold support at 2,500 points, traders said.
The general share index shed 1.02 per cent to end at 2,517.62 points. Turnover was 147.8 million euros.
The FTSE/ASE-20 index for blue chip and heavily traded stocks ended 1.08 per cent down; the FTSE/ASE-40 for medium capitalization paper 0.99 per cent lower; and the FTSE/ASE-80 for small cap equities lost 0.38 per cent.
Of stocks traded, declines led advances at 188 to 115 with 61 issues remaining unchanged. 
FOREIGN EXCHANGE Closing rates of April 30 2004 Parities in euros
For. Exchange Buying Selling
US Dollar 1,204 1,176

Coordination, Athens' appearance during Games discussed by gov't, organizers Athens, 03/05/2004 (ANA)
Coordination amongst the various agencies and between the roughly 140,000 people that will work directly for the Olympic Games this August was the focus of a high-ranking inter-ministerial meeting on Friday.
Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis chaired the meeting, as participants again included top ministers and the leadership of the Athens 2004 Olympic Organizing Committee (ATHOC).
Organizers outlined their planning for every sector of the city’s operation and appearance during the 2004 Olympic Games, which begin on Aug. 13.
On his part, ATHOC executive director Marton Simitsek said that out the 324 problems recorded during 38 sports events so far, only 13 instances necessitated the intervention of a relevant minister.
Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni, meanwhile, stressed that local residents will not face problems in their daily activities during the Games.
ATHOC chief Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki noted that the operational plan was unveiled 105 days before the Games, or 75 days before the first Olympic delegations are set to arrive.
Asked about who will supervise the greater Athens area’s Olympic coordination and operation during the Olympics, Angelopoulos-Daskalaki said:
“The current government has promised the international community that the Games will be perfect, and will prove to the world that this is a unique opportunity for all to experience excellent Games in a secure environment. We are preparing the entire organization for the Games; what must be done before and during the Games by all of us,” she said.

Greek public order minister in the U.S. to discuss Olympic Games security NEW YORK, 03/05/2004 (ANA/P. Panagiotou)
Greece's Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis will meet New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Greek Orthodox Archbishop of America Demetrios on Tuesday.
Voulgarakis is currently on an official visit to the United States until May 8, accompanied, among others, by Greek Police chief Fotis Nasiakos.
During his stay, the Greek public order minister will have talks in Washington with senior government officials and Congress members on issues related to the security of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games in the summer, the combating of terrorism and organized crime, as well as matters concerning bilateral relations.
Voulgarakis will return to New York on Friday afternoon and in the evening will address a Greek-American gathering in Astoria organized by the Federation of Greek Societies of New York. 

Athens mayor in Paris to brief mass media on Olympic Games preparations Athens, 03/05/2004 (ANA)
Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni is of Sunday until Wednesday, May 5, in Paris to present to the representatives of the French mass media and to the international foreign correspondents Athens' preparations ahead of the Olympic Games this summer.
On the agenda of Bakoyianni's program is a press conference at the International Press Centre with the presence of French journalists and foreign correspondents based in the French capital.
The mayor of Athens will also give interviews with the Herald Tribune, the French News Agency (AFP), the satellite TV network LCI which is the news channel of TFI, CNBC Europe, Radio France International, the magazine Le Point and a number of French newspapers and magazines.
The Athens mayor will also greet an event organized by the French Olympic Committee on the occasion of the count-down of 100 days before the start of the Olympic Games in Athens. Present at the event will be French President Jacques Chirac.
Bakoyianni will also hold talks with French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier and Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe.
Furthermore, Bakoyianni will take part in the founding conference of the international organization ''United Cities and Local Governments'', which will be attended by 3,000 local government representatives from 80 countries.  

Olympic Games in Athens will be costliest policing operation in history Athens, 03/05/2004 (ANA)
The cost of security for the Olympic Games in Athens this summer will reach a staggering one billion Euros (650 million pound sterling), making it the most expensive policing operation for any event in history, according to Britain's The Independent on Sunday newspaper.
The cost will include round-the-clock armed protection for British athletes, who have been placed in a high-risk group together with the United States and Israel because of the situation in Iraq.
But no country, including Britain, will be allowed to bring their own armed security personnel to protect athletes.
"It is out of the question," the minister in charge of security for the Games told The Independent on Sunday.
"They may ask but the answer will be no. Security is our responsibility. We cannot have a situation where you have private security forces walking around with guns under their arms. They could end up shooting each other."

Australian PM Howard convinced Athens Olympics will be secure MELBOURNE, 03/05/2004 (ANA/S. Hatzimanolis)
Australian prime minister John Howard said Thursday he was ''convinced that the Olympic Games of Athens will be absolutely secure'', responding to questions during an interview with Melbourne's 3AW radio station.
Asked whether he was worried about the prospect of a terrorist attack, given reports in the Australian press that ''Australians are a target of Al Qaeda'', Howard replied: ''From the information I have, it arises that there is no reason for concern.''    ''The entire situation will remain under scrutiny'' as the Games approach, Howard added.
Questioned whether the Australian government intended to issue a travel directive (warning) for Athens in the event the situation becomes worrisome, Howard said ''we always issue travel directives to inform our citizens''.
It is noted that Australia has issued travel directives for more than 140 countries.  

Every British athlete will have a round--the-clock armed guard at Olympic Games Athens, 03/05/2004 (ANA)
Every British athlete is to have 24-hour armed guards to protect against terrorist attacks during the Olympic Games in Athens this summer, according to The Sunday Telegraph newspaper.
The Greek guards have been ordered as part of the world's biggest anti-terrorism operation, which is intended to safeguard competitors from the threat of violence by al-Qaeda or other groups.
A spokesman for the Greek Public Order Ministry told the British newspaper ''we are talking about armed guards for every official and non-official activity, including shopping and sightseeing.''
The protection will cover all ''off duty'' trips outside the heavily fortified Olympic Village, with athletes given the kind of security reserved for visiting heads of state.
Their buses will have armed guards and be accompanied by armored vehicles and police helicopters.
Greek officials denied, according to the Sunday Telegraph newspaper, that the measure was in response to British and American requests to use their own armed guards. This, they said, would have been ''a recipe for anarchy.''
Instead, security planners have divided the competing nations into three levels of risk. All countries that fall into the high or medium-risk categories will be afforded the same 24-hour armed protection.
Britain, which will send more than 900 athletes to the Games, the United States and Israel have been given top-priority status.

EuroParliament honors makers of documentary on ancient Olympics BRUSSELS, 03/05/2004 (ANA)
The European Parliament held a special event in the past week to honor the makers of the award-winning documentary "The Olympic Games in Ancient Greece" directed by Markos Holevas.
This took place on April 27, during a three-day visit to the European Parliament by experts in the arts.
The documentary was a co-production of the Institute of Greater Hellenism (IME) and the film companies Zeus and 7 Stars. 

February road accident death toll down from Feb. 2003 Athens, 03/05/2004 (ANA)
Road accident deaths declined by 11.1 percent in February 2004 against February the previous year, according to data released Friday by the National Statistics Service (ESYE) of Greece. During the same period, there was an increase of 0.7 percent, however, in serious injuries and a 0.7 percent increase in light injuries occurring in road accidents.
More specifically, in a total of 1,008 road accidents throughout the country in February, 104 people were killed, against 117 in February 2003.
Also, 148 people were seriously injured in road accidents in February 2004, against 147 in the same month the preceding year, while 1,088 people sustained light injuries in road accidents in February 2004 against 1,029 in February 2003.

'Minoans and Mycenaeans: Science and Taste' exhibition in Geneva GENEVA, 03/05/2004 (ANA/N. Robin)
An interesting exhibition titled ''Minoans and Mycenaeans: Science and Taste'' is currently on display at the Museum of Natural History of the Township of Geneva, organized in the framework of the Cultural Olympiad events for the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
Tuesday's opening of the exhibition, which will run through July 4, was attended by Greece's ambassador in Bern Eleftherios Danellis, the country's permanent representative to the UN ambassador Tasos Kriekoukis, a number of Swiss federal and local officials, museum directors, university rectors, academics and personalities of the art world, as well as prominent Greek and Swiss businessmen.
The exhibition, the result of cooperation among Greek, British, American and Italian scientists and researchers contributes to a deeper knowledge of the pre-historic past in an innovative and scientifically documented way, focusing on the environment, technology and daily life, and the dietary habits in two of the most important civilizations of the Bronze Age in the Aegean.
Similar exhibitions have already been staged in Birmingham, Chicago, Stockholm and Naples.
The exhibition is part of a wider program to project Greece ahead of this summer's Olympic Games in Athens, and is the fourth stage of a series of cultural events in the Olympic city of Lausanne, seat of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in cooperation with the Greek General Consulate in Geneva.  

 
ΕΠΙΣΚΟΠΗΣΗ ΤΥΠΟΥ ΤΗΣ 03/05/2004

Η σύγκρουση Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου - Ελληνικής Εκκλησίας για τις λεγόμενες μητροπόλεις των Νέων Χωρών, η διεύρυνση της Ευρωπαϊκής Ενωσης και η κυβερνητική πολιτική είναι από τα βασικά θέματα της ειδησεογραφίας του σημερινού Τύπου.

Τίτλοι Εφημερίδων
ΑΔΕΣΜΕΥΤΟΣ ΤΥΠΟΣ (Μήτσης): Τα ''μπόνους'' για μεταθέσεις, μετατάξεις γιατρών. Νέα κίνητρα θεσπίζει το υπουργείο Υγείας.
ΑΔΕΣΜΕΥΤΟΣ ΤΥΠΟΣ (Ρίζος): 78% η δημοτικότητα του Κ. Καραμανλή. Καλπάζουν κυβέρνηση -πρωθυπουργός.
ΑΠΟΓΕΥΜΑΤΙΝΗ: Πτυχία Λονδίνου με μαθήματα στην Ελλάδα. Σπάει το μονοπώλιο των κρατικών ΑΕΙ.
Η ΑΠΟΦΑΣΗ: Αυθαίρετα. Ποιες νέες περιοχές μπαίνουν στο σχέδιο. Ο Σουφλιάς αποφασισμένος να βάλει τέλος στο χωροταξικό χάος.
ΑΥΡΙΑΝΗ: Μαφιόζικη επίθεση εμπόρων όπλων κατά του υπουργού Εθν. Αμυνας. Ποιοι δεν θέλουν να προχωρήσει η έρευνα για τις ύποπτες προμήθειες;
Η ΒΡΑΔΥΝΗ: Πανωτόκια τέλος και με αναδρομική ισχύ. Εως το τέλος Μαΐου η λύση.
ΕΘΝΟΣ: Επιστροφή χρημάτων από ''έξοδα'' δανείων. Τράπεζες: Δικαστική απόφαση-σταθμός για τους δανειολήπτες.
ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΗ ΩΡΑ: Με...δαδί τις Νέες Χώρες το Φανάρι ανάβει πυρκαγιά! Βαρθολομαίος: Η Αυτοκέφαλος είναι μέχρι την Λάρισα. Χριστόδουλος: Εξαντλήσαμε κάθε φιλειρηνικό μέσον.
ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ: Εκτός ελέγχου η κρίση στην Εκκλησία. Συγκρούσεις μέχρι εσχάτων Οικουμενικού Πατριάρχου- Αρχιεπισκόπου.
ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ ΤΥΠΟΣ: Οικοδομές. Παγώνουν τα πρόστιμα, αλλάζουν οι άδειες. ΥΠΕΧΩΔΕ: Ρύθμιση-ανάσα για χιλιάδες ιδιοκτήτες.
ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΤΥΠΙΑ: Μπους.Φρίκη: Βασανιστήρια Ιρακινών ξεσηκώνουν παγκόσμια θύελλα.
ΕΣΤΙΑ: Η θέσις της Ελλάδος. Στην διηυρυμένη Ευρώπη των 25 κρατών-μελών.
Espresso: Θα σώσω την κόρη μου από την κατάρα των Ωνάση. Αρχίζει η σύγκρουση με Αθηνά και Αλβάρο.
ΤΑ ΝΕΑ: Ανοιξαν πόρτα στο ιερό φρενοκομείο. Φόβοι για εμφύλιο σε 33 Μητροπόλεις.
Traffic News: Μεγάλο παζάρι για το χρυσό ζευγάρι. ΜΕτά το στενό μαρκάρισμα του MEGA, τους πολιορκεί και ο ΑΝΤ1.
Η ΧΩΡΑ: Πώς θα γλιτώσετε εφέτος φόρους. Οδηγός: Τα μυστικά για τη συμπλήρωση της φορολογικής δήλωσης.
City Press: Επεσαν τα σύνορα στην Ευρώπη. Γεγονός η Ευρωπαϊκή Ενωση των ''25''.
MetroRAMA: ΕΚΑΣ για πιο πολλούς. Επεκτείνεται το όριο εισοδήματος για τη χορήγηση του επιδόματος.
ΑΓΓΕΛΙΟΦΟΡΟΣ: Το τιμολόγιο της δωρεάν παιδείας. Αποκαλυπτική έρευνα σε πάνω από 3.000 πρωτοετείς.
ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ: Θα τα βρούν οι ιεράρχες μόνο αν ...Τρόποι συνεννόησης αναζητώντας στην εκκλησιαστική κρίση.

Ελληνική Εκκλησία – Οικ. Πατριαρχείο
Τα ΝΕΑ εκτιμούν ότι "την πόρτα του... ιερού φρενοκομείου ανοίγει η κλιμάκωση της διαμάχης Φαναρίου-Εκκλησίας της Ελλάδος μετά τις εκκλησιαστικές ποινές που επιβλήθηκαν στον κ. Χριστόδουλο. Ο κ. Βαρθολομαίος εμφανίζεται αποφασισμένος να σκληρύνει κι άλλο τη στάση του, ενώ από την πλευρά του ο κ. Χριστόδουλος ποντάρει στη στήριξη της κυβέρνησης".
Η ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΤΥΠΙΑ επισημαίνει ότι "με εκκλησιαστική απομόνωση, που θα περιορίσει την εξουσία του στη μισή περίπου Ελλάδα, κινδυνεύει ο αρχιεπίσκοπος Χριστόδουλος. Η διευρυμένη Σύνοδος του Πατριαρχείου διέκοψε τις σχέσεις μαζί του και απειλεί πλέον με άρση της Πράξης του 1928, αναλαμβάνοντας, εκτός από την πνευματική, και τη διοικητική μέριμνα των μητροπόλεων των Νέων Χωρών. Η κυβέρνηση φέρεται αποφασισμένη να εκδώσει τα προεδρικά διατάγματα για τους 4 νέους μητροπολίτες".
Ο ΑΔΕΣΜΕΥΤΟΣ ΤΥΠΟΣ (Μήτση) υποστηρίζει ότι "αμήχανοι οι πιστοί παρακολουθούν τη σύγκρουση κορυφής στους κόλπους της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας, η οποία βρίσκεται στην εξώθυρα του σχίσματος. Οι συνέπειες της παρούσας κατάστασης, αν αυτή δεν αναστραφεί, μπορεί να οδηγήσουν μακροπρόθεσμα τον Ελληνισμό σε δεινά".
Η ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΗ ΩΡΑ προσθέτει ότι "αντιπαράθεση, σύγκρουση μέχρις εσχάτων, θα λέγαμε, προμηνύει η απόφαση του Φαναρίου να μην επιτρέψει στον αρχιεπίσκοπο Αθηνών Χριστόδουλο να επιβάλει την δική του κυριαρχία σε μητροπόλεις που ανήκουν στη δικαιοδοσία του πατριαρχικού θρόνου. Μια σύγκρουση που, σύμφωνα με τις πρώτες εκτιμήσεις, θα είναι μακροχρόνια, με επιπτώσεις στις ισορροπίες των ορθοδόξων εκκλησιών, αλλά και με πολιτικές παρενέργειες. Μια σύγκρουση της οποίας ουδείς γνωρίζει το τέλος".
Ο ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ αναφέρει ότι "λύπη για την απόφαση του Φαναρίου και ελπίδα ότι ο μητραλοίας Αρχιεπίσκοπος θα μετανοήσει και θα σεβασθεί τα απαράγραπτα δικαιώματα του Πατριαρχείου για να αποκατασταθεί η επικοινωνία των δύο Εκκλησιών εξέφρασε ο Πατριάρχης. Χαμηλοί τόνοι από τον Αρχιεπίσκοπο που μιλάει για αγάπη και σεβασμό προς τη μητέρα Εκκλησία και "αποθεώθηκε" από πιστούς στη μητρόπολη".

Μή κρατικά Πανεπιστήμια
Η ΑΠΟΓΕΥΜΑΤΙΝΗ γράφει ότι "τελικό χτύπημα στο κρατικό μονοπώλιο της Τριτοβάθμιας Εκπαίδευσης στη χώρα μας θα αποτελέσει το "άνοιγμα" του London School of Economics στη χώρα μας από τον ερχόμενο Οκτώβριο. Η εξέλιξη αυτή τελεί εν γνώσει του υπουργείου Παιδείας, ενώ οι πανεπιστημιακοί αντιδρούν".

ΕΚΑΣ
Το Metrorama σημειώνει ότι "την επέκταση έως και 1.000 ευρώ του ορίου εισοδήματος για τη χορήγηση του Επιδόματος Κοινωνικής Αλληλεγγύης μελετά η κυβέρνηση, στο πλαίσιο της κοινωνικής της πολιτικής. Σύμφωνα με πληροφορίες από το υπουργείο Απασχόλησης και Κοινωνικής Προστασίας, το μέτρο αυτό θα ανακοινωθεί μέσα στις επόμενες ημέρες, με στόχο να διευρυνθεί ο αριθμός των ασφαλισμένων δικαιούχων του εν λόγω επιδόματος".

Διεύρυνση ΕΕ
Η ΕΣΤΑ ισχυρίζεται ότι "η επιτυχία της Κυβερνήσεως Καραμανλή θα εξαρτηθή κυρίως από την βούλησή της να προχωρήση στις αναγκαίες διαρθρωτικές μεταβολές. Η ελληνική οικονομία ασφαλώς έχει την δυνατότητα να καλύψη τον χαμένο χρόνο. Αν όμως συνεχισθή η πολιτική του παρελθόντος, η Ελλάς μοιραίως θα καταλήξη ουραγός και της Ευρώπης των 25".
Η City Press τονίζει ότι "σε πανηγυρικό κλίμα επισημοποιήθηκε στο Δουβλίνο η διεύρυνση της Ευρωπαϊκής Ενωσης από τους "15" στους "25". Οκτώ πρώην κομμουνιστικές χώρες, η Μάλτα και η Κύπρος αποτελούν το νέο ευρωπαϊκό "αίμα". Με τιμές έγινε δεκτή η Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία και προσωπικά ο Πρόεδρος Τάσσος Παπαδόπουλος".

Σπηλιωτόπουλος - Απειλητικά μηνύματα
Η ΑΥΡΙΑΝΗ υποστηρίζει ότι ''την ώρα που κορυφώνεται η έρευνα της ελληνικής Δικαιοσύνης για όλες τις αμαρτωλές συμβάσεις που αφορούν τα εξοπλιστικά προγράμματα των Ενόπλων Δυνάμεων -και το υπουργείο Αμυνας επιχειρεί να βάλει το μαχαίρι εως το κόκαλο για να υπάρξει επιτέλους διαφάνεια-κάποιοι χρησιμοποιούν μαφιόζικες μεθόδους για να τρομοκρατήσουν όσους ερευνούν και να αποτρέψουν την κάθαρση...Πρόσφατα άγνωστοι έστειλαν φάκελο στο γραφείου του υπουργού Αμυνας Σπήλιου Σπηλιωτόπουλου που περιείχε ένα χαρτονόμισμα των 100 ευρώ πάνω στο οποίο υπήρχαν σταγόνες αίματος!
Η ΧΩΡΑ προσθέτει ότι ''απειλητικά μηνύματα και περίεργες διαρρήξεις σε βάρος του υπουργού Εθνικής Αμυνας και στενών συνεργατών του την ώρα που εξελίσσεται με γοργούς ρυθμούς η μεγάλη έρευνα για τις σπατάλες και την κακοδιαχείριση στα εξοπλιστικά προγράμματα''.

Πανωτόκια
Η ΒΡΑΔΥΝΗ αναφέρει ότι ''με νομοθετική ρύθμιση εντός των επόμενων εβδομάδων θα κλείσει το πρόβλημα των πανωτοκίων, σύμφωνα με τον υπουργό Οικονομίας και Οικονομικών Γ. Αλογοσκούφη. Ειδικότερα, ο υπουργός ξεκαθάρισε ότι η κυβέρνηση θα προχωρήσει σε οριστική ρύθμιση, στη συνάντηση που είχε την Παρασκευή με αντιπροσωπεία της Ενωσης Ελληνικών Τραπεζών''.

Χρηματιστήριο-Ερευνα
Η TRAFFIC NEWS γράφει ότι '' η κυβέρνηση και ο πρωθυπουργός Κ. Καραμανλής φέρονται αποφασισμένοι να πέσει ''άπλετο φως '' στις εκκρεμείς υποθέσεις της Σοφοκλέους όπως άλλωστε έχει υποσχεθεί η ΝΔ προεκλογικά. Σύμφωνα με πληροφορίες ο πρωθυπουργός ζήτησε από τον υπουργό Δικαιοσύνης να επισπεύσει τις διαδικασίες για να φτάσουν στις αίθουσες των δικαστηρίων όλες οι υποθέσεις που αφορούν στη χρηματιστηριακή αγορά''.

Δημοσκόπηση
Ο ΑΔΕΣΜΕΥΤΟΣ ΤΥΠΟΣ (Ρίζος) ισχυρίζεται ότι ''την ενίσχυση της εικόνας του πρωθυπουργού κ. Κώστα Καραμανλή και της κυβέρνησής του και από την άλλη την περαιτέρω φθορά του ΠΑΣΟΚ που δεν ικανοποιεί τους ψηφοφόρους του ακόμα και στην αντιπολίτευση αποκάλυψε η πρώτη δημοσκόπηση της VPR-C''.
Η ESPRESSO εκτιμά ότι ''δυο δημοσκοπήσεις που πραγματοποιήθηκαν στο διάστημα των τελευταίων είκοσι ημερών και δημοσιεύτηκαν την προηγούμενη εβδομάδα ήλθαν να ταράξουν για άλλη μια φορά τον καθ΄όλα ήρεμο πρόεδρο του ΠΑΣΟΚ Γιώργο Παπανδρέου. Τα γκάλοπ δείχνουν πέραν πάσης αμφιβολίας ότι η ΝΔ πηγαίνει ολοταχώς για έναν υγιεινό περίπατο στις επόμενες ευρωεκλογές ενώ ο Κώστας Καραμανλής είναι πλέον ο απόλυτος κυρίαρχος του πολιτικού παιχνιδιού''.

Αυθαίρετα-Οικοδομές
Η ΑΠΟΦΑΣΗ υποστηρίζει ότι ''τουλάχιστον 300.000 αυθαίρετα σπίτια θα νομιμοποιηθούν μέσα στο 2005 με τις εντάξεις πολλών περιοχών (σε όλη την Ελλάδα ) στο Σχέδιο Πόλεως. Ο υπουργός Περιβάλλοντος - Χωροταξίας Γ. Σουφλιάς φέρεται αποφασισμένος να ξεκαθαρίσει το χωροταξικό χάος. Μεγάλες παγίδες και προβλήματα αντιμετωπίζουν - εν τω μεταξύ- όσοι έκαναν αιτήσεις για ρεύμα και νερό βάσει των ρυθμίσεων της Β. Παπανδρέου''.
Ο ΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΟΣ ΤΥΠΟΣ αναφέρει ότι ''μια τροπολογία που καταθέτει το ΥΠΕΧΩΔΕ στο πρώτο νομοσχέδιο της κυβέρνησης της ΝΔ δίνει ανάσα σε χιλιάδες ιδιοκτήτες που καλούνται να πληρώσουν πρόστιμα για τις προσόψεις των οικοδομών τους, ενώ αναστέλλει τον τρόπο έκδοσης των αδειών''.

Επίσκεψη Ερντογάν
ΤΟ ΕΘΝΟΣ επισημαίνει ότι ''θεαματική'' εμφάνιση - περιοδεία στη Θράκη προγραμματίζει ο Τούρκος πρωθυπουργός Τ. Ερντογάν με στόχο να δημιουργήσει μειονοτικό θέμα το οποίο θα ενταχθεί στην ατζέντα των ελληνοτουρκικών σχέσεων προκαλώντας προβληματισμό και ανησυχία στην ελληνική κυβέρνηση, η οποία δείχνει να έχει αιφνιδιαστεί...Η Αθήνα υπό το άγχος του αποτελέσματος του δημοψηφίσματος στην Κύπρο, έσπευσε να συμφωνήσει με την πραγματοποίηση της περιοδείας του Ερντογάν στη Θράκη''.

Source: Athens News Agency

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