In Brief
Greece and Spain consider CAP reform proposals Spain and Greece strongly support the European Commission’s gradual incorporation of the farming sectors of the candidate member states into the acquis communautaire of the European Union, but have reservations regarding the interim reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), particularly with reference to wheat and rice, the two countries’ agriculture ministers Miguel Arias Canete and Giorgos Drys said after meeting in Athens yesterday. According to a press release, the two countries are concerned over the likelihood of across-the-board cuts in subsidies and a transfer of resources from the first to the second CAP pillar without social and economic cohesion criteria. «The new CAP must take into account the peculiarities of the countries of the South, particularly of those areas where farmers’ income is lower than in other Community regions,» said the press release. Canete said Spain is sympathetic to Greece’s request for national support to cotton growers but noted that his country has taken drastic measures to cut cotton production and has thus avoided fines, which reduce farmers’ income. The two ministers also said they do not favor a change in the existing regime for cotton. Drys is due to consider CAP reform proposals with Foreign Minister George Papandreou today. Meanwhile, cotton farmers in Larisa said they are gearing for mobilizations in September, after last season’s «catastrophic result and the government’s proven cheating.» Bids unsealed in marina privatization tender Hellenic Tourism Properties (ETA) yesterday unsealed the economic bids for the privatization of three marinas in the Attica area. According to a statement, the total bids discounted for 40 years at current prices range from 40 to 85 million euros for Alimos marina, from 15 to 65 million euros for Flisvos marina and from 10 to 16 million euros for Zea marina. ETA estimates it will realize total revenues of 10 million euros a year, while the winners will invest more than 60 million euros in the three marinas. Bids will be assessed before recommendations are made to ministers. Tunnel loan Turkey has signed a deal with Japan for a 12.464-billion-yen ($104 million) loan to finance construction of a 13.3 km tunnel under the Bosphorus strait, the Turkish Transport Ministry said yesterday. Turkey plans to open the tunnel under the strait separating the European and Asian sides of Istanbul in 2007. The Japan Bank of International Cooperation has agreed on the loan for the project and Turkey will make an announcement inviting bids for the project on Friday, the ministry said. In return for the financing, Japanese firms are to be involved in consultancy and construction. (Reuters) IT bank project Listed IT firm Informer has won a 4.5-million-euro contract to supply and install an array of operating systems in First Business Bank, including hardware and software, maintenance and personnel training. The project will be implemented within 2002. New name Listed firm Athenian Capital Holdings has been renamed Euroholdings Capital & Investment Corporation.
