Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 02-10-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't employment policy a success, PM says

[02] FM discusses Kaliningrad issue with Russian envoy

[03] Greek and Luxembourg defense ministers agree on Iraq

[04] Greek and Cyprus DMs discuss defense cooperation

[05] Greece has not been asked to facilitate attack on Iraq, MP told

[06] FM starts round of meetings in light of Greek EU presidency

[07] EU trade commissioner Lamy in Athens talks

[08] Alternate FM and Norwegian counterpart discuss EU enlargement, Balkans

[09] Greece reiterates support for Albania's EU convergence

[10] PM touches on local gov't elections during Cabinet meeting

[11] ND objects to proposal over election rolls

[12] Main opposition leader comments on terrorism, unemployment

[13] Reactions to firebomb attack on 'Apogevmatini' paper

[14] 'N17' probe the focus of Parliament question

[15] Minister files suit against radio station over tram route criticism

[16] Dora Bakoyianni says she will complete four-year mayorship

[17] Piraeus mayoral candidate reveals his ticket's program

[18] Greece ranks eighth in EU as oil producer

[19] Hellenic Petroleum wins Montenegro privatization tender

[20] Minister regrets non-ratification of Marco Polo program

[21] Greek mutual funds' assets decline in September

[22] British competition, markets minister in Athens

[23] Bourse chief says market slump due to global downturn

[24] Greek stocks plunge 2.38 percent on Thursday

[25] Matsushita welcomes progress in preparations for Athens Olympics

[26] Vartholomeos discusses inter-religious dialogue with EU Commission president

[27] Greece rates both ''good'' and ''poor'' in EU drug-agency report

[28] UN talks on Cyprus start

[29] Annan: UN will try hard for an agreement by end of year on core issues

[30] Denktash warns Cyprus will remain divided forever if it joins EU

[31] President meets British, US envoys

[32] Bush committed to supporting peace effort in Cyprus

[33] Turkish Cypriot journalists released

[01] Gov't employment policy a success, PM says

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

Expressing satisfaction with the success of government employment policies, Simitis said these were effective and had driven unemployment levels to single-digit figures (9.6 per cent in the second quarter of the year) for the first time since 1997, down from 10.2 per cent in 2001.

The premier said Thursday's cabinet meeting had focused on planning to create 5,000 work opportunities for women with three children and one-parent families, 5,000 work opportunities for young people aged 18 to 30, with preference for those who had not yet had a job, and 4,500 work placements for the long-term unemployed aged 45 to 60.

Turning to international developments, Simitis noted the continued uncertainty in the global economy, with a recovery for Europe now pushed back to the second half of 2003. Similarly, uncertainty in international markets could be expected to get worse due to the crisis in Iraq and the prospect of war, he said.

In spite of these developments, he added, the Greek economy had inner resilience that would allow it to withstand the pressure and continue its efforts for true convergence.

''We are working hard for the security and faith of Greeks that the moral and social injustice of unemployment will be fought,'' he said.

Gov't close to meeting job creation pledge: The government is approaching its goal of creating 300,000 jobs and as many training opportunities for the unemployed during its four-year term of office, Labor Minister Dimitris Reppas said on Thursday.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting on boosting employment, Reppas told a news conference that Greece was likely to near the European Union employment average before the end of the government's term in April 2004.

In 2003 and the remainder of 2002, slated for creation were 86,500 jobs or employment opportunities for the jobless.

In the second quarter of 2002, the jobless rate fell to 9.6 percent, dropping to a single digit for the first time in many years. At the same time, the government would not fall hostage to complacency, as the figure was still too high, Reppas said.

A breakdown of categories of joblessness showed that the rate for males was 6.2 percent, lower than the EU average, and 14 percent for women, which drove up the overall index.

Unemployment among youth had slipped to 18.7 percent, with the long-term unemployed falling to 4.7 percent. Of interest was a statistic that 18.3 percent of jobless recently offered a job turned it down, the minister said.

In 2002, employment overall rose by 0.8 percent, and salaried employment by 1.9 percent.

Finally, Reppas announced that unemployment benefit would rise by 7.7 percent from January 1, 2003.

Replying to a reporter's question, the minister noted that the possibility of introducing part-time work into local government had been discussed at the cabinet meeting.

Consensus between the government, employers and employees would be sought if the step were to be taken, he added.

[02] FM discusses Kaliningrad issue with Russian envoy

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

Earlier, foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis referred to the issue during a press briefing and referred to communication problems which will be created between Russia and this region, which is part of Russia, after the accession of Poland and Lithuania to the European Union.

Beglitis said the EU has examined the problem with the purpose of preserving good relations with Russia, as well as safeguarding acquis communautaire on circulation issues and the EU's common borders, pointing out that some proposals have been made by the EU which, however, have not been accepted by Russia.

He added that in light of the assumption of the EU's presidency (in the first half of 2003), Greece is particularly interested in contributing to a solution to the issue since it does not wish it to be a problem capable of causing a crisis in relations between the EU and Russia.

[03] Greek and Luxembourg defense ministers agree on Iraq

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

The two ministers asked that all options within the framework of the United Nations for avoiding military conflict be exhausted and that there be effective control of Iraq's armory.

They also discussed instability in Kosovo and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and called for the extension of the term of the military force stationed in the area and its replacement by a European force in 2003.

Regarding Cyprus, Papantoniou said that its accession to the EU had been ensured and would take place at the end of the year when the Community enlarged.

He noted that no progress had been made in negotiations for a solution to the political problem because of Turkish-Cypriot side's absolute intransigency, while expressing hope that Turkey would not react in such a way as to jeopardize its own chances of becoming an EU member.

Finally, an article allowing Greek residents of Luxembourg to serve in the Luxembourgian army was added to an existing cooperation memorandum between the two countries.

[04] Greek and Cyprus DMs discuss defense cooperation

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

Papantoniou said prospects for resolving the Cyprus issue were discussed ''following the deadlock ascertained in talks between (Cyprus President Glafcos) Clerides and (Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf) Denktash.''

He further said ''this has nothing to do with the accession of Cyprus to the EU, which is certain now, which, as it is known, is not linked to a political solution to the problem'', adding that ''we are certainly pursuing it (a political solution) but cooperation by the other side is also necessary for the issue to close which, as it appears, does not exist.''

[05] Greece has not been asked to facilitate attack on Iraq, MP told

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

In his question, Kolozoff quoted an article in the newspaper ''To Vima'', which claimed that the Souda naval base had already been mobilized in view of the US military operation and that this had been confirmed by top staffers at the National Defense ministry.

Papandreou reiterated that the only way to solve the crisis in Iraq was through international law and by exhausting the available diplomatic means. He also asked Iraq and all other parties involved to respect the decisions of the United Nations so as to avoid a military resolution. He stressed that the Greek government was "acting so as to protect the country's interests".

[06] FM starts round of meetings in light of Greek EU presidency

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

The foreign minister, as well as Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis, will participate in a Friday noon meeting between Prime Minister Coasts Simitis and his Danish counterpart President of the European Council Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who is touring the EU capitals in the light of the upcoming unofficial European Council meeting on 24 and 25 October in Brussels.

Papandreou on Monday will depart for Lausanne where he will meet with International Olympic Commission President Jacques Rogue to discuss issues related to the preparation of the Olympic Games, as well as initiatives for boosting the Olympic Truce idea.

In Lausanne, the foreign minister will also meet with the president of UEFA to discuss the Greek-Turkish initiative for a joint candidacy to organize the European Soccer Championship in 2008.

[07] EU trade commissioner Lamy in Athens talks

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

The talks will cover matters concerning Greece's preparations for its assumption of the EU presidency in the first half of 2003 that fall under his portfolio.

This will be Lamy's first visit to Greece as an EU Commissioner.

He is further scheduled to meet with environment, town planning and public works minister Vasso Papandreou, and deputy foreign minister Andreas Loverdos.

On Thursday evening, Lamy will speak on Europe's role in the international economic system, during an event at the Old Parliament building hosted by the Athens-based Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP).

[08] Alternate FM and Norwegian counterpart discuss EU enlargement, Balkans

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

A foreign ministry announcement said Thursday that Yiannitsis outlined the upcoming Greek EU presidency's priorities and Greece's views on the fundamental aspects of EU enlargement, as discussed at the EU Council of Ministers' General Affairs meeting earlier this week concerning the fiscal and institutional repercussions, Cyprus course to EU accession, and the European prospects of Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania.

During the exchange of views that followed, the situation in the Balkans was examined and both sides placed priority on stability in the region and its European prospect, as well as on the provision of the necessary bilateral and multilateral assistance, the announcement said.

Also discussed were the future of the European Economic Space and the EU policy on fishing, issues of particular interest to Norway, and the immigration issue.

The two sides further examined specific ways of advancing their cooperation in view of the Greek EU presidency in the first half of 2003.

[09] Greece reiterates support for Albania's EU convergence

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

During the meeting, the Greek minister reaffirmed Athens' support for Albania's convergence with the EU and reiterated Greece's will to assist Albania with the completion of relative legislative and administrative changes.

The joint Greek-Albanian Commission also had a meeting on Thursday within the framework of the Albanian government official's visit, focusing on the provision of know-how to the Albanian side on issues pertaining to the adjustment of the country to the acquis communautaires.

[10] PM touches on local gov't elections during Cabinet meeting

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

He also criticized the main opposition for what he called its tactics of “danger-mongering and promoting discord”.

The prime minister told his ministers that they should mobilize on the side of ruling PASOK’s candidates and the country’s citizenry

[11] ND objects to proposal over election rolls

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

According to Interior and Public Administration Minister Costas Skandalidis, who spoke to reporters shortly before he attended a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, the government proposed allowing such individuals the right to vote if they presented their police ID card or passport during the upcoming Oct. 13 and second round Oct. 20 local government elections.

The government’s proposal had been made late Wednesday evening to the non-partisan committee supervising the elections. A projected amendment would have provided for criminal charges in case election fraud was committed.

Meanwhile, Skandalidis dismissed charges by the municipality of Athens’ leadership that he was to blame for the omission of citizens’ names from election rolls.

ND comment: "For two years now, New Democracy has continuously tabled the issue of election rolls. Mr. Skandalidis, until yesterday, was telling us that there is no problem, whereas today he discovered that chaos reigns and that he can't find a solution. This admission, coming after the fact, does not acquit him of his responsibilities," ND secretary Vangelis Meimarakis said.

[12] Main opposition leader comments on terrorism, unemployment

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

He was commenting on Tuesday's demonstration against 'state terrorism' in Athens and Wednesday's firebomb attack on the Athens newspaper ''Apogevmatini''.

The main opposition leader also attacked the government, accusing it of ''initiating dialogue with terrorists'' and being dangerously irresponsible.

Karamanlis noted that terrorism was a perversion of all political thought and should not be able to find anyone to converse with in a democratic state. He stressed that, out of respect for the memories of the victims, the country had to be strictly dedicated to the effort to fully break up terrorism in Greece.

In other statements on Thursday, meanwhile, the ND leader strongly criticized the government's policies against unemployment.

Emerging from a meeting of ND's labor sector, Karamanlis said the government figures for unemployment were unreliable - pointing to past experience with public debt - and he stressed that the government wanted to hide the truth.

According to Karamanlis, the present government held the record for unemployment levels in Greece, which was the only EU country where joblessness was rising, while percentage unemployment among young people, women and the long-term unemployed was nearly double the equivalent percentages in Europe.

Twenty-three years after joining the EEC, social indicators in Greece were behind those in countries outside the EU, such as the Czech Republic of Estonia, he added.

Unemployment affected every home, since one in 10 Greeks was unable to find work and one in two young people were unable to find work. Greeks could not feel safe when they did not have the fundamental right to work.

He said a new economic policy was needed that focused on competitiveness, development and employment because this was the only way to create new jobs that would ensure a society with cohesion, solidarity and justice.

[13] Reactions to firebomb attack on 'Apogevmatini' paper

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

''We must all stand united against actions that target the free movement of ideas,'' government spokesman Christos Protopapas said and stressed that the government would seek the arrest and punishment of those involved.

Asked to comment on rumors regarding 'precautionary' arrests, Protopapas said that the government respected the constitutional rights of Greeks and would not accept a climate that put the democratic rights of citizens into question so as to provide justification for those that questioned democracy.

He ruled out so-called ''precautionary arrests'', which he said would reduce the democratic rights of citizens and would cast a shadow over the government's successes against terrorism.

The spokesman also answered earlier statements by main opposition New Democracy, urging it not to make irresponsible and populist statements.

Commenting on the attack earlier, ND leader Costas Karamanlis had accused the government of ''initiating dialogue with terrorists'' and being dangerously irresponsible.

Karamanlis had noted that terrorism was a perversion of political thought and should not be able to find anyone to converse with in a democratic state. He also stressed that, out of respect for the memories of the victims, the country had to be strictly dedicated to the effort to fully break up terrorism in Greece.

In a message to the general public, meanwhile, the main opposition leader had said that defending Greece's hard won democracy in accordance with the Constitution demanded the constant and dynamic presence of every Greek citizen.

The attack on Apogevmatini was also condemned on Thursday by the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE), the country's largest umbrella trade union organization, and the Athens bar.

The attack on Apogevmatini occurred on Wednesday evening, when a group of 30 masked assailants stormed the entrance of the building and began vandalizing the interior and cars parked outside. They then lobbed three firebombs into the paper's offices, causing even more damage, and ran off down side streets leading off Panepistimiou Avenue in busy downtown Athens.

[14] 'N17' probe the focus of Parliament question

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

In reply to a question by Piraeus district MP and former minister Yiannis Kapsis, Justice Minister Philippos Petsalnikos said there is absolutely “no invisible hand” impeding investigations into the “N17” case.

“Any such claims are pure fantasy,” he stressed.

Additionally, he said judicial authorities will, if deemed necessary, subpoena anyone with information into the affair, something that does not preclude the assistance of third countries through bilateral protocols.

On his part, Kapsis derided a rally in downtown Athens on Wednesday of around 900 demonstrators ostensibly protesting local media coverage of the “N17” investigation.

Chants in support of the ultra-leftist terror band, the 17 jailed “N17” suspects and even derogatory slogans against several victims of terrorism were aired at the closely policed march. He also condemned the firebombing of an Athens daily’s (Apogevmatini) main entrance late Thursday by a group of hooded youths authorities described as self-styled anarchists.

Suspect 'N17' booty discovered: In a related development on Thursday, a box filled with almost 20,000 euros was discovered near the island villa frequented by the reputed leader of the terrorist group, Alexandros Giotopoulos.

Speculation by authorities centers on whether the money is related to a string of bank robberies blamed on the elusive terrorist group.

Giotopoulos has denied any involvement with the group in repeated testimony to investigating magistrates. He has been jailed since July on several felony counts relying on statements of other suspects and physical evidence, court documents state.

According to reports, the anti-terrorism squad located the euro cache on the small Dodecannese island of Leipsoi from information supplied by another suspect. Police only announced that the person supplying the information is being held at Korydallos prison, where all 17 “N17” suspects are jailed.

The summer home on the island, owned by the man’s long-time French companion, had repeated been searched by authorities since the 59-year-old Paris-born Giotopoulos was arrested on the island. The box was found hidden among the rocks just above the house.

[15] Minister files suit against radio station over tram route criticism

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos, in fact, raised the stakes on Thursday by filing a more than two-million-euro lawsuit against a popular Athens news radio for he called a “defamation of his character”.

Venizelos, a noted constitutional scholar, also charged that while SKAI radio was lambasting him along with the government for the route change and the two million euros of incurred costs, an Athens daily (Kathimerini) belonging to the same publishing group as the radio station has vociferously criticized the government over the construction of an Olympic rowing center at the Schinias site.

Kathimerini has vigorously voiced its criticism over Olympics-related construction near the site where the battle of Marathon took place in antiquity, especially after three Bronze Age settlements were unearthed during excavation works last month.

Venizelos said that although the radio station and newspaper were taking him to task for requesting that tram cars avoid passing in front of Hadrian’s Arch, they nevertheless pressed for a cancellation of the Schinias Olympic center, which he said would tack on some 150 million euros in extra costs.

Conversely, a main opposition New Democracy spokesman on Thursday later accused the culture minister of initially promising the use of special shock-proof materials to build the tram line in front of the monument only reverse himself several months later and request a route change from the consortium building Athens’ new tram network.

“Mr. Venizelos, instead of pretending that he does not comprehend the obvious, should accept reality. And in the case of the tram the Simitis government is accountable for mistakes and omissions that have a very high cost for Greek taxpayers,” ND spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos said.

[16] Dora Bakoyianni says she will complete four-year mayorship

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

Bakoyianni, a deputy for the main opposition New Democracy party and daughter of former ND Prime Minister Constantine Mitsotakis, said contesting the Athens mayorship is a great personal and political challenge.

''For me, the case of Athens is a great personal and political challenge. However, I believe that for the political world in its entirety, for Greek society, Athens at this conjuncture is one of the major political challenges of the years to come,'' she said.

[17] Piraeus mayoral candidate reveals his ticket's program

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

Launching strong criticism against the incumbent mayor and calling his time in office ''the four years of opportunity lost'', Beteniotis said that his own aim was to turn Piraeus into an international cultural center, develop the ''assistance at home'' program and take measures for the elderly and the disabled.

[18] Greece ranks eighth in EU as oil producer

BRUSSELS 04/10/2002 (ANA/M.Spinthourakis)

EU Energy Commissioner Loyola de Palacio was replying to a question submitted by Eurodeputy George Marinos of the main opposition New Democracy (ND) Party.

In a statement, ND quoted Loyola as saying that Greece currently ranked eighth in the 15-member bloc with daily output of 5,600 barrels a day.

Greece's Prinos deposit covered 1.4 percent of the country's consumption, the statement said.

[19] Hellenic Petroleum wins Montenegro privatization tender

BELGRADE 04/10/2002 (ANA/N.Pelpa)

Final negotiations for completion of the acquisition are to begin on October 5.

Government officials said on Thursday that Hellenic had offered 65 million euros for the stake, also committing itself to investments in the near future totalling 35 million euros.

The company had also offered 4.0 million euros to fund social programs in Jugopetrol, with another 1.5 million euros to be given to local government.

The second best bid in the tender was from Lukoil of Russia at 35 million euros for the same stake, and 22 million euros in investments.

Other bidders were OMV of Austria, INA of Croatia, and Petrol of Slovenia, the officials added.

[20] Minister regrets non-ratification of Marco Polo program

Merchant Marine Minister George Anomeritis, speaking in Luxembourg on Thursday, expressed disagreement over the non-ratification of the European Union's Marco Polo program on the transportation of ships' cargoes by the Council of Transport Ministers.

Anomeritis said Greece's position favored the generous funding of the Marco Polo program which constitutes an important program friendly for the environment which should be supported by all member-states.

He added that it is strange that the European Commission and the European Parliament support the programs funding with 110 million euros, without contributions being sought from member-states, and certain northern countries request the programs funding with an amount ranging between 30-60 million euros.

Despite compromise proposals submitted by the Danish presidency, the Council failed to reach an agreement. Anomeritis said these proposals were neither accepted by the European Commission nor Greece. Consequently, the issue is expected to be resolved during the Greek presidency (during the first half of 2003).

[21] Greek mutual funds' assets decline in September

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

The mutual funds market has lost 16.98 percent of its assets so far this year, the Union of Institutional Investors said in a report.

Domestic bond mutual funds are showing a return of 3.64 percent in 2002, with 22 out of a total 32 funds in the category recording returns of more than 3.0 percent. In the foreign bond mutual funds category, five out of a total 14 funds were registering returns of more than 3.0 percent, while the average return of the category was 1.14 percent so far this year. In the international bond funds category, six out of a total 17 funds showed returns of more than 3.0 percent with the average return of the category at 0.26 percent.

Domestic money market funds' assets rose 1.93 percent in September, while international money market funds' assets jumped 10.13 percent over the same period.

Domestic equity funds saw their assets drop by 13.12 percent, while returning -23.93 percent so far this year compared with a 29.1 percent drop in the general index of the Athens Stock Exchange.

Domestic bond mutual funds' assets totalled 4.17 billion euros, off 0.30 percent from August, with Alpha Bond recording the highest return so far this year at 6.31 percent.

Foreign bond funds' assets rose 0.50 percent to 503.07 million euros, with the average return of the category at 1.14 percent in September from 0.56 percent in August. Alpha European State Bonds ranked first with a return of 6.80 percent.

International bond funds' assets eased 0.21 percent at 297.49 million euros. The average return of the category was 0.26 percent in September from -0.24 percent in August and Interamerican F&C Euro State Bonds ranked first with a return of 4.71 percent.

Domestic money market funds' assets rose 1.93 percent to 9.08 billion euros with the average return of the category at 1.75 percent in September from 1.60 percent the previous month. Interamerican ranked first with a return of 2.53 percent.

Foreign bond funds' assets increased 0.05 percent in September to 6.42 million euros. The average return of the category rose to 2.05 percent in September from 1.83 percent in August.

International bond funds' assets jumped 10.13 percent to 38.52 million euros. The average return of the category was -1.86 percent in September from -1.83 percent in August, with Interamerican MM Euro returning 2.07 percent.

Domestic bond funds' assets dropped 13.12 percent to 3.61 percent with the average return at -23.93 percent in September from -14.01 percent in August. Egnatia Athina ranked first with a return of -8.75 percent this year.

Foreign equity funds' assets fell 8.07 percent to 254.70 million euros, with the average return at -30.36 percent in September from -22.24 percent in August. Alpha Trust Emerging Europe ranked first with a return of -1.44 percent in 2002.

International equity funds' assets fell 29.65 percent to 53.71 million euros with the average return at -32.67 percent in September from -25.54 percent in August. ETBAbank P&K Capital PanEuropean Growth ranked first with a return of -7.68 percent this year.

Domestic combined funds' assets fell 3.43 percent to 4.06 billion euros and an average return of -12.21 percent in September from -7.11 percent in August. Eurobank Rock ranked first with a return of 2.17 percent.

Foreign combined funds' assets eased 6.74 percent to 3.12 million euros with an average return of -20.92 percent in September from -14.78 percent the previous month. Alpha Combined ranked first (-20.38 percent).

International combined funds' assets fell 4.41 percent to 155.08 million euros. Average return was -11.46 percent in September from -8.68 percent in August. Delos PET was first (-3.67 percent).

Mutual Funds Market Shares:

30/9/02 30/8/02 Change(%)

BONDS 22.36 21.84 0.52

MONEY MARKET 41.04 39.23 1.81

EQUITY 17.63 19.77 -2.14

COMBINED 18.97 19.15 -0.18

[22] British competition, markets minister in Athens

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

[23] Bourse chief says market slump due to global downturn

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

Short selling on the derivatives market bore no blame for the slumping main market, which was tracking exchanges abroad, Alexakis added.

[24] Greek stocks plunge 2.38 percent on Thursday

Athens, 04/10/2002 (ANA)

The general index ended 2.38 percent lower at 1,771.78 points, easily breaking the 1,800 support level, with turnover a low 69.4 million euros.

The Holding, Retail, Bank and Wholesale sector suffered the heaviest percentage losses of the day (4.46 percent, 3.91 percent, 3.76 percent and 3.28 percent, respectively), while the Telecommunications and Insurance sectors suffered less (1.55 percent and 1.33 percent respectively).

The FTSE/ASE 20 index for blue chip and heavy traded stocks ended 2.96 percent lower, the FTSE/ASE MID 40 index dropped 2.48 percent and the FTSE/ASE SmallCap 80 index ended 2.53 percent lower.

Broadly, decliners led advancers by 300 to 31 with another 23 issues unchanged.

The most heavily traded stocks in value were Hellenic Telecommunications Organization, Football Pools Organization, Sex Form, Alfa Alfa, and National Bank of Greece.

Derivatives Market Close: Turnover at 106.7 mln euros Thursday

Equity Index Futures: